FALLING AWAY FROM YOU

by D. M. Larson
(short drama script for two actors - 1 male 1 female)

From the published play "When Mel Fell for Nell"

FALLING AWAY FROM YOU by D. M. Larson

Mel is alone in a busy street.  There are sounds of crowds of people.  There are cars honking.  Mel wants to cross the street but cars and rushing by.  He acts like invisible people are pushing him.  He gets in a panic.  Nell appears and the noises stop.  Mel sees her and runs to her.  She wants to hug him but can't because of some invisible barrier.

MEL

Every time I fly, I wonder why I'm flying.  Especially when I'm flying alone.  What's the point of going if I leave you behind?  What if you're not there when I get back?

NELL

Do you really worry about that?

MEL

I worry about everything.

NELL

Why now?  I thought you were better.

MEL

I am.  I was.  Most of the time...

NELL

Are you okay?

MEL

Not really.

NELL

Is it that hard for you?

MEL

Everything is hard for me... well, it was... you make it easier... I thought I would be okay on my own... but you're my anchor.  You keep me steady.

NELL

I want to.  Is it that hard without me?

MEL

I feel like I'm in a fog.  Slightly out of sync.  I'm here, on this crowded street but I don't really see anyone.  They don't see me either.

NELL

I see you.

MEL

You always do.

NELL

I see so much more than you see yourself.

MEL

I want to be that person you see.  I really do...

NELL

Then be that person.

MEL

I'm scared.

NELL

Of what?

MEL

I don't know.  Everything.  The world scares me. 

Sirens.

MEL (CONT.)

What is that?

NELL

What do you hear?

MEL

Sirens?  Strange sirens.

Sirens mix with cries.

MEL (CONT.)

Strange sounds.  Echoing through the city.  The empty city.  It like I don't see anyone but I know there are there.  I feel crowded but alone.

NELL

I'm here, Mel.  You don't have to be afraid.

The sirens stop.

MEL

How can you be here?  We said good-bye.  I hate saying good-bye.  Those tears... those tears in your beautiful eyes. 

NELL

Those tears are because I love you.  I don't cry for anyone else.  Tears aren't always bad... I cried when we first made love.

MEL

You did.  I was worried I'd hurt you. 

NELL

No, never.  It was so nice... I cried.

MEL

Tears...

NELL

Tears of love.

MEL

Have there been too many tears?  Have you cried too much?

NELL

I love the way you touch me inside.  I was frozen once.  The ice queen.  No one could penetrate.  But you did... somehow you did...

MEL

And now you have so much love... so much wonderful love to give.

NELL

Do I give you enough?

MEL

So much and more.  It's such a wonderful feeling... to really be loved.  I mean, people always say "I love you" but what does it mean?  There's so much more to it.

NELL

Is that our love?

MEL

It is.

NELL

Come home and I will give you love.

MEL

I want that love... so badly.  I never want to leave that love again.

Sirens again.

MEL (CONT.)

What is that?  What is going on?  Is someone hurt?

NELL

I don't hear them.

MEL

They're getting closer.

NELL

You'll be okay. 

MEL

I want to be with you.

Sirens echo in the city... mix with ghostly cries.

MEL (CONT.)

I'm so scared.  I wish I knew where they were going.

NELL

No where... they're going no where.

MEL

That's how I feel... no where... going no where... without you it's no where.

NELL

I felt that way before us. 

Sirens/cries fade.

MEL

I love being a part of you.

NELL

Like two halves...

MEL

...that become one.  You were made for me.  I really believe you were made for me. 

NELL

I am yours. 

MEL

A gift from above... now that's worth flying for... to reach up high enough to catch you... A spirit in the clouds... my angel.

NELL

You're so sweet to me.

MEL

I hope so.  You mean so much to me. 

NELL

I better go now.  Are you going to be okay?

MEL

I think so.  It helps to see you... to hear you.

NELL

Is it enough?

MEL

I never get enough.  The world is too demanding. 

The sirens again.

NELL

Don't let anything get in the way of us.

MEL

The world is screaming at me.  I don't want to listen anymore.

The sirens cry.

NELL

Then don't listen.  Shut it out.  Listen to my voice.  Listen to my words... I love you.

The sounds stop again.

MEL

Such sweet words.  I love you.

NELL

When you say them... yes.

MEL

I miss you... so bad.

Nell looks sad.  Sirens start and lights flash red as they get closer.  Mel looks at the lights and Nell tries to reach for him but can't.  She cries and leaves.

MEL (CONT.)

I always think I want to go somewhere but I am always sorry when I do.  I thought I had to take a journey to find happiness, when in reality, happiness is at home with you.  I guess the journeys make me appreciate you more.  I journeyed so far, but the best thing was right at my door.  Who would have thought that the best thing in the universe was only a walk away... no flying... no great voyage... just turn around and look... and ...  (sees she is gone) That's something good, right?  Just trying to find some good because I don't feel so good now.

Sirens mix with cries.

MEL (CONT.)

Alone.  I hate being alone.   The plane lifts me up but I feel like I am falling.  (He falls to his knees)  Falling away from you. 

He falls to the ground in a heap.  There are sirens, red flashing lights, cries for help. 

END OF SCENE