Socialize the Losses; or Free, Base Scene A

Medical Exam Room

The removal of a cotton swab behind a privacy curtain. NURSE pulls away the curtain revealing the sitting Mayor Imogen “JENN” Arcaddy. (We know who this is supposed to be but DO NOT do the voice!) The Nurse wears scrubs in layers, Jenn wears an examination gown.

NURSE

And, with that, we're done.

I'm afraid you can't have your own clothes back;

they're evidence, right now.

We can give you scrubs

and you can raid the Lost and Found for something warmer.

We do offer a sponge bath, but most people prefer to do that at home.

They say it feels safer.

Luckily, you weren't injured.

JENN

(slight flash of panic)

Well, after four kids; and I've been doing Kegels—

A Beat.

JENN

Thank you for all this.

NURSE

Oh, there's no need.

It's almost like instinct, now.

Everything in this job runs together.

I almost forgot!

I'm supposed to offer you Plan B here.

Nurse goes to a cabinet and retrieves a sheet of pills and tears one out.

NURSE

(an instinctual recitation)

Now: this pill will release a synthetic hormone into your system

tricking your body into thinking it's already pregnant,

preventing egg release and/or fertilization.

This may cause a delay in your cycle.

Jenn takes the pill container.

NURSE

Don't open it unless you're sure

Women say they prefer to make that decision at home

and we let them

but, if you do decide to keep it, you have to get rid of the pill.

JENN

What would—?

NURSE

(sternly)

It could fuck up the baby, it could fuck up your organs, it could kill you.

All of which you can avoid if you take the pill as soon as possible.

JENN

I see.

Uh...does my plan cover this? Or—

NURSE

This is supplied by the government

Since, you know, the police are involved.

It's at the discretion of local governments

So, I guess as Mayor you're picking up the tab.

I think it's one of those things that should be Federally run, don't you?

JENN

Yeah.

The Mayor gets an idea. A Beat.

JENN

Just how many...of these incidents occur...annually...about?

Nurse looks at Jenn with a hint of scrutiny.

NURSE

...Too many.

JENN

I see, yes, of course.

A Beat.

JENN

Well, I have to carpool hockey practice tomorrow.

NURSE

I'm afraid there's one more thing.

JENN

But, it's the last game of the season.

NURSE

I hate to do this.

The Nurse finds a legal pad.

JENN

What?

NURSE

I need you to tell me everything that happened to you tonight.

JENN

But I already—

NURSE

I know.

That was mostly to see if you are alright

(gestures to her own head)

up there.

JENN

I see.

NURSE

This is the actual interview.

I know it's difficult but I need you to tell me the complete story of what happened

 

in as much detail as p—

JENN

I'm sorry, but are you the one who should be doing this?

NURSE

It isn't exactly protocol, but I'm the only person in the area who's qualified and awake right now,

but if you're really a stickler, I have the other guy's home number on speed dial...

Jenn's request is withdrawn with silence.

NURSE

Okay.

Take your time.

You are safe.

There is a counselor in the next room if you need her

She has coffee, tea and cocoa at the ready.

So: whenever you want to begin;

in as much detail as you can.

Jenn adjusts herself. A pause before Blackout.