Baby Steps - a scene

A
Wow, sounds like you've been through a tough month, but beautiful to help out another as you did. What did it leave with you?
B
I only nicked myself in the shower.
A
I mean your friend...?
B
Him? I dunno. Less money in my pocket, I guess.
A
Aaron gave me money for your apartment. For the summer.
B
That's nice.
A
I'm sorry you had to deal with that guy. He musta really been desperate.
B
I don't need money. I'm with my mother.
A
And she takes great care of you.
B
She does.
A
What else? From the whole experience.
B
Something positive from all this? Well, let me think. I spazzed for months and almost died and now I'm stuck in my mother's house. Stuck in bed. Waiting for the smell of cookies at four o'clock. Can't read or write. Hardly move.
A
Your mom did your application for Social Security.
B
Really? Wow. I can't remember much at all.
A
Isn't that a blessing?
B
Isn't it nice to be ill. Did someone just screw me over? in my home? I don't understand or care. There's a Silver Lining!
A
Can we watch the History Channel?
B
I'm doing a lot of thinking.
A
Right.
B
I know. I got one. Knowing I'm not crazy. That was an interesting moment of clarity. The moment I recognized that I am really physically ill.
A
That's what the doctor said. Yes.
B
You don't live inside of me. You don't understand my mind. I can't explain why I can't get up. I'm not completely paralyzed. (puckers up for a kiss)
A
It's all in your mind.
B
I'm on Cloud Nine today, but then I know I'm just relieved that a major battle has been won.
A
You need more therapy.
B
I'm in treatment. My little magic pill.
A
I suppose you're resting now.
B
Yes! Do you know? It's working. The pill. I'm sticking with it. I will never forget. I will never be without it. I promise myself. Hope I don't forget.
A
You know that drug is very addictive.
B
I walked today.
A
It's narcotic. Might be why you forget things.
B
Don't be stupid. My mind is working overtime, fighting this battle.
A
You just have to put your mind to it.
B
I can. I did. Today. Bella and I... We used the long dresser and took some baby steps. Together. Slowly. I tightened my ass... And I watched her. She let herself wobble! Like a baby, right? Ha! And I knew it was alright and I let go and I wobbled and I fell... It was great! I fell on my ass just like in clown class with that Russian Guy - what's his name? Didn't speak any English. Best clown class ever. And just in time. I was great at dying in that class. I'm telling you. I was great. And watching the baby fall and try again, I remembered. Twist. Boom. Right on my ass. Just like he taught me. Oh... we laughed, Bella and I today. We'd climb up the dresser and keep on trying. Falling on our ass. It was beautiful. Her mommy came and....
A
You took the drug today?
B
Yes. Every four hours.
A
And you walked?
B
A few steps. Yeah!
A
And you say this disease is not in your head.
B
You tell me. You saw it.
A
The spasms, the falls, the itchies, the seizures. I saw it all.
B
Help me up. (He pulls her out of the chair/c. with stool/or bed.) Let's walk. I'm squeezing my butt muscles, you see.
A
Lift your head.
B
I'm trying. Baby steps. That's the key. That baby's a genius.
A
You DO seem better.
B
I am.
A
I mean, happy.
B
I told you that I walked unassisted today.
A
See, it's all in your mind. Every disease comes from your head.
B
Funny but when you repeat the hippie dogma, it somehow sounds infinitely more idiotic.
A
Nice.
B
I just think you'd know better.
A
Maybe you should try meditation.
B
No one ever criticizes a cancer victim for being sick.
A
You do see a brain doctor. Karl Jung was a neurologist.
B
Therefore I'm crazy.
A
Yes.
B
Fine by me.

[Kiss! B/O]