Question: How did Kate meet KJ?
(Note: Act III was rather long. So I cut it in half to share it on my blog.)
"Abby in happier days--she gets her stitches out this Tuesday"
photo by ldyck
Act IV
KATE: Aster. That's a unique name.
ASTER: My father is a botanist. He was enchanted by the late-blooming blue, purple and white flowers. Hence my name--Aster. I detest it. But your name is your name and you should wear it with pride no matter how repulsed you are.
KATE (trying to mask her anxiety by sounding casual but doing a poor job of it) Oh, we met through a...a...mutual friend.
ASTER: A mutual friend?
KATE: yes, that's right. That's how we met him.
ASTER: Whom?
KATE: Your husband.
ASTER: No, Kathleen. My question is who is the mutual friend through whom you made my husband's acquaintance?
KATE (miming rolling down a window): It's hot in here. Don't you feel hot? Or is it just me? I'm always telling my husband that menopause isn't for wimps. I get hot flashes at the strangest, most inconvenient times. And night sweats--don't even get me started. Then there's the grandma arms. You know, flap, flap, flap. I swear I could fly. But it's not all bad, being older, settles your mind. I'm finally figuring out who I am beyond being a wife and a mother. Do you have children?
ASTER: No. I have not given birth.
KATE: Thank goodness.
ASTER: Thank goodness? And what did you mean by that comment, Kathleen?
KATE: Oh, I just meant that I sometimes wish that I could have taken back those years I spent raising my three, not that I didn't enjoy my kids--because I did, I do. It's just that there never seemed to be any time for the things I wanted to do. But now finally, thankfully, all that has changed. Sure I have to be on call for the ferry. We work hard there but I've always liked being part of a team.
What do you do on the Mainland?
ASTER: I shaped young minds and thus prepared them to become contributing members of society.
KATE: Oh, that's nice. My husband's a retired teacher. Although, you wouldn't know he was retried by his schedule. He's always on the go--working for this organization or that one. Volunteers run Mayne Island. You should see the long list in The MayneLiner.
ASTER: Pardon me, to what are you referring?
KATE: The MayneLiner is our monthly news magazine. It keeps us all up-to-date on what's going on on the island. Most of the volunteer organizations do monthly write-ups. Shander writes for the library. The library is over there to your left. It's got a great view of Active Pass. It's worth taking a book out simply to admire the view.
ASTER: Shander sounds like a surname, Kathleen.
KATE: Shander was his mother's maiden name. His full name is Shander James Maebily.
ASTER: James is acceptable.
KATE: Yes, and I like Shander. So, I guess he's doubly blessed.
Would you like to drop by?
ASTER: Stop where?
KATE: At our house. We could just pop in for a cup of tea and something yummy. Shander makes the most delicious cakes and you must be hungry.
ASTER: What now?
KATE: We'd be your first connection--you know with Mayne Island. It helps to know people--especially when you're going through what you'll be going through. I mean, but your luggage it looks like you're planning on staying for a while, maybe the entire summer.
ASTER: Oh, no, it's a lengthier stay than that. I've vacated my house on the Mainland and will be residing on this island permanently.
KATE: Oh. Oh, that's...um...er...a...nice.
(Kate and Aster mime the car to a sudden stop)
ASTER: What's the matter? Why did you stop the car? Are you out of gas? Is something broken? Is there a mechanic on M--. (leans forward in her chair, peering)
KATE: No, I stopped because a--.
ASTER: What is that creature? Is it a moose? Is it going to attack the car?
KATE: That's a deer. It just wants to cross the road. And where there's one, there's often two. Oh, and babies. Aren't they adorable?
ASTER (to the audience): Adorable? Them? A nuisance. A hazard. But adorable? No. I prefer my venison well done with a glass of wine.
KATE: So, you're moving to Mayne Island. I'm sure you'll really like it here.
ASTER (to the audience): I'm glad she's certain.
KATE: I should have taken you around and shown you where everything is--post office and the gas station and the bakery and the Ag Hall and the church and the... You know everything. It's not too late. Why don't I just swing us back around?
ASTER: Let's focus on the goal at hand, shall we.
KATE: Sure. And so that's a no to the tea as well? We like having visitors.
ASTER: I'm afraid I must decline your invitation, Kathleen. I have more pressing matters at hand.
KATE: Oh, yes Kjar--. Sorry, I meant KJ.
ASTER (opens her mouth to say something)
KATE (rushing on) Marriage is tricky. A dance, really. Sometimes you dance together--sometimes separately. But... (brief pause)
My oldest got married last year. I told him, 'Don't worry, you'll have fights, discussions, differences of opinion--whatever, it doesn't matter. You can work it out, as long as love is there--in your home, as long as you can find it in each other's eyes. Love--that's all that matters.'
I told them, both of them--why not, I'm the mother-in-law. I can say whatever I like. I said, 'Don't look for a saint. You didn't marry one. You're both mortal. Forgive and look for love.'
I don't know if they heard me but that didn't stop me I said it anyway and something more, 'Dwell on happiness. Forget misery. It's too easy. You'll find id everywhere. Happiness--that's rare.'
'And one thing, more,' I said, giving them hope that I'd soon be quiet. 'Don't worry that your relationship doesn't make sense to anyone else. It just has to make sense to you. When it comes to your love that's all that matters, just the two of you.'
Then I stopped talking--which may have shocked them both.
Well, we're here. This is your new home.
ASTER: Are you certain, Kathleen? Exactly how do you know? There's absolutely no sign of habitation anywhere to be seen.
KATE: Sure there is. Don't you see the footpath?
ASTER: All I see is chest-high grass.
KATE: Don't worry I'll lead you. (Kate leads Aster off stage)
Next Sunday...
Lean on a Gulf Islander
Act V
Question: What will Aster think of her new home?
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Lean on a Gulf Islander
photo by ldyck
I just wish people would realize that anything's possible if you try; dreams are made possible if you try. -Terry Fox
