(posted to fill holes in history and the nodegel on behalf of the author, who reserves copyright)
LOVE IN THREE ACTS AND FOUR PARTS
By Simulacron3
(SCENE)
LOVER 1 and LOVER 2 stand center stage facing each other.
LOVER 3 stands on one side, slightly away from the couple, facing down and
away. LOVER 4 stands on the side opposite LOVER 3 and somewhat away from the
couple, facing down and away.
LOVER 1 takes LOVER 2 by the hand.
LOVER 1 (dreamily and adoringly)
I love you. You make my world complete.
LOVER 2 takes LOVER 1 by the other hand.
LOVER 2 (factually, with an academic air)
You are necessary and sufficient.
They draw very close to each other and look downstage, cheek
to cheek.
LOVER 3 turns to look toward LOVER 1.
LOVER 1 looks at LOVER 3, smiles, lifts hand towards LOVER
3, but then faces LOVER 2 again.
LOVER 1 (with passion)
Oh! I love you. I do! But I need something more!
LOVER 1 loosens one hand from LOVER 2’s hold and turns to
reach toward LOVER 3. LOVER 3 takes the offered hand and steps toward LOVER 1.
LOVER 2 (short pause)
Am I, then, necessary but not sufficient?
LOVER 4 turns toward LOVER 2 and reaches a hand out.
LOVER 2 notices LOVER 4, turns, smiles, and reaches with
free hand towards LOVER 4, but then turns to look at LOVER 1 again.
LOVER 2
You are sufficient, but not necessary.
LOVER 2, still looking at LOVER 1, loosens other hand from
LOVER 1’s hold, then turns toward LOVER 4 and takes the offered hand. LOVER 4
steps closer to LOVER 2.
LOVER 1 (sadly, almost tearfully, and with disappointment)
Would ... would you leave me then?
LOVER 2 looks back to LOVER 1.
LOVER 2 (flatly)
I don’t love you now.
LOVER 2 steps to the side of LOVER 4 yet continues to look
at LOVER 1. LOVER 1 drops the hand of LOVER 3.
LOVER 1 (with fury)
You! You are neither necessary nor sufficient!
LOVER 1 turns and drags LOVER 3 off stage in a huff.
LOVER 2 and LOVER 4 exchange looks and then turn to walk off
stage.
(END SCENE)