Ordinary People
written by Alvin Sargent & Nancy Dowd, from the novel by Judith Guest
(In the middle of the night, Beth discovers Calvin crying in the dining room.)
Beth: Calvin? (pause) Why are you crying? (no response) Can I, uh...can I get you something?
Calvin: (mumbling) I don't...
Beth: What did you say? (pause) Calvin, what did you say? (pause; Calvin exhales) Tell me!
Calvin: You are beautiful. And you are unpredictable. But you're so cautious. You're determined, Beth; but you know something? You're not strong. And I don't know if you're really giving. Tell me something. Do you love me? You really love me?
(A pause.)
Beth: I feel the way I've always felt about you.
(A long pause.)
Calvin: We would have been all right if there hadn't been any mess. But you can't handle mess. You need everything neat and easy. I don't know. Maybe you can't love anybody. It was so much Buck. When Buck died, it was like you buried all your love with him, and I don't understand that, I just don't know, I don't...maybe it wasn't even Buck; maybe it was just you. Maybe, finally, it was the best of you that you buried. But whatever it was...I don't know who you are. I don't know what we've been playing at. So I was crying. Because I don't know if I love you anymore. And I don't know what I'm going to do without that.
(Beth turns and walks away.)
Kudos and much thanks go to Benjamin for this monologue, it is very much appreciated.