Full Course Divorce: Act Two

Here is the next act of my playette.  Again, the glass photos by Dale Gihuly represents the fragility of marriage.

In Over Her Head

This scene takes place in Mitch and Kate’s bedroom; the bedroom is totally dark with a small sliver of light shining from the bathroom. Kate is already in bed and Mitch is in the bathroom brushing his teeth. He is very obsessive about brushing and always takes longer than Kate. He shuts out the light and climbs into his side of the king-sized bed, as far to his side as possible.  About one minute goes by with neither saying anything. Then Mitch speaks softly.

Mitch

This isn’t working. I have to leave.

Kate

I know it’s not working and I’m sorry. Can’t we give it more time?

Mitch

No. I have to leave….tomorrow.

Kate

Tomorrow? I thought we agreed you’d stay until Bekka’s graduation. It’s only April.

Mitch

I’ll be there for her graduation. I’m only going back to the cabin. I will see her every day and take her on week-ends, if you like. There’s room for her in the cabin.

Kate

That’s not the point and you know it. We didn’t want to disrupt her life any more than necessary. Your moving back to the cabin before the school year ends will really upset her.

Mitch

Just Bekka? What about you? Aren’t you upset I’m leaving?

Kate

Actually, I’m relieved and scared at the same time. Relieved that I won’t hear you talking to old girlfriends on the phone when you think I’m not around and scared that I will fall apart.

Mitch

I just can’t do it anymore. I want my freedom.

Kate

So you can screw anyone you want?

Mitch
(Raising his voice)

That’s unfair! I haven’t been with anyone else since we got back. The women I talk to on the phone are just friends.

Kate

Right! They wouldn’t happen to be the same “friends” you slept with when we were separated, would they? The only other female friends are my girlfriends you tried to lay unsuccessfully. You’re already lining up dates and you haven’t even left!

Mitch

I’m not going to argue with you Kate. I’m finished arguing. I’ll leave after Bekka goes to her school overnight trip. I’ll pick her up on Sunday.

Kate

No, if you’re leaving, I’m going to take her to my sister’s in Jersey for the week-end. She’ll be with family and it will be easier. And I’ll go to Hope’s overnight while Bekka is away. I don’t want to be here when you pack up and leave.

Mitch

OK. Whatever you think best. When it comes to Bekka, you seem to have a better handle on what she needs.

Kate

If you were home more, so would you!

Mitch

I know you’re angry and so whatever you say now is exactly what I expected. I won’t fight with you anymore. I told you, I’m finished!

With that, Mitch takes his pillow and goes into the den to sleep. Kate goes to sleep crying.

End of Act Two: Next installment mid-week.