FULL COURSE DIVORCE: Act Three: Scene Two

Act Three

Scene Two

Note: Again, winter pictures to reflect the mood, but a speck of sunlight may bring some changes.

Next Morning at Louise and Hank’s.

In this scene, Kate goes to Louise and Hank’s house for two days while Bekka is with Mitch. She cries a lot and they talk a lot and she sleeps on and off. But she asks the dr. for something to help her sleep, so at night she does not wake up terrified. She helsp Louise chop vegetables for the school fair and chops with a vengeance. It eases her anxiety…

Louise

Kate, do you feel up to helping chop veggies for the school fair?

Kate

Yes, I took the prescription the doctor gave me and slept really well. Hank’s bringing me over yesterday was really sweet of him. I really didn’t want to spend the night alone. Mitch will be bringing Bekka back after dinner tonite, so I can go home then.

Louise

Look, Kate, this is going to be a difficult time for you, so let people help you. I know you like to be independent, but learning how to accept help from people who care is important.

Kate

Yeah, I know. It’s just that I feel embarrassed about all of this. I never thought I’d be a statistic! I also feel angry and sad and confused.

Louise

Don’t you think that’s somewhat par for the course, considering what you’ve been through these last few months? Give yourself a break.

Kate

OK. You’re right. I guess I better make an appointment with my therapist. She’s been working with me all during the separation and I need to tell her what’s going on. She’s been very supportive.

Louise

Good! I believe that professional help is also important, because friends aren’t always objective and sometimes they give bad advice, even though they are well-meaning.

Kate

You’re right about that! I’ve been guilty of that myself, giving advice out of concern when I am not even sure what the person is feeling. Well, better give me the stuff to chop if we’re going to get the dishes ready for the fair.

Kate begins to chop quite vigorously. Louise says nothing. She figures it’s Kate’s way of getting rid of some of her hurt and anger. They work quietly for awhile.

Louise

(laughing)

You only have to chop the vegetables Kate, not massacre them!

Kate

(smiling)

Oh, right! I guess I was thinking how angry Mitch made me and I took it out on the vegetables.

Louise

Well, at least you’re smiling! For the last few weeks you’ve had a long face.

Kate

I know. These last few months have been my trial by fire. I thought I could work magic and put our marriage back together, but Mitch hasn’t really tried very hard. I feel as though I’ve been drowning and now I’m all the way under.

Louise

Kate, you have done everything to make your marriage work. I know you sent Mitch away the first time, but that was for your own survival. You’ve been to couples counseling, separate counseling, read a dozen books on relationships, and worked hard to help Mitch with the financial problems of the business. I think you have done as much as you could and if Mitch doesn’t make an effort, you’re just blowin’ in the wind.

Kate

You’re right. It’s just that I never even thought I’d be married and the idea of divorce is so scary. It feels hopeless. When you’re together, struggling, there’s still the element of hope. But divorce erases that hope.

Louise

But maybe your time together is over and you need to hope for a better future with or without a man.

Kate

Theoretically, I agree. But the ache in my heart doesn’t let me think rationally.

Louise

That’s why I’m glad you will be seeing your therapist. She’ll keep you on track.

Speaking of on track, I think we have enough vegetables for the stew, so let’s take a break and go out for a walk while the sun is still shining. The exercise will do us both good!

Kate

Good idea! I read in one of my books that exercise is a good way to ward off depression. Let’s go before I kill more vegetables.

Louise gives Kate a quick hug with one arm over Kate’s shoulder as they walk out the door with the stew cooking on the stove.

End of Act Three