SIDE F - Brian, Beverly 2

BEVERLY.   You're shaking.

 

BRIAN. I can't help it. I'm scared to death.

 

BEVERLY.  It's a lot to deal with.

 

BRIAN. No. Not really. It's a little thing. I mean, all this .  . this is easy. Pain discomfort ...

That’s all part of living. And I'm just as alive now as I ever was. And I will be alive right up to the last mo—  That's the hard part, that last fraction of a second--when you know that the next fraction of a second--I can't seem to fit that moment into my life. You’re absolutely alone facing an absolute unknown and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it except give in. (Pause.)

 

BEVERLY.  That's how I felt the first time I lost my virginity.

 

BRIAN. (Laughs.) How was it the second time?

 

BEVERLY.  Much easier

 

BRIAN. There. You see? The real trouble with dying is you only get to do it once. (BRIAN drifts into the thought.)

 

BEVERLY.  (Pulling him back.) I brought you some champagne.

 

BRIAN. I'm sorry. I must be the most tedious person alive.

 

BEVERLY.  As a matter of fact, you are. Thank God you won't be around much longer.

 

BRIAN.  (Looking at the champagne.) I hope you don't think I'm going to pass away drunk. I intend to he cold sober.

 

BEVERLY.  No. No. I thought we could break it on your ass and shove you off with a great bon voyage, confetti and streamers all over the grave.

 

BRIAN. (Laughing.) Perfect. Perfect. I've missed your foolishness.

 

BEVERLY.  You hated my foolishness.

 

BRIAN. I never understood it.

 

BEVERLY.  Neither did I. But it was the only way. The only way I knew.

 

BRIAN. Well, all these roads, they all go to Rome, as they say.

 

BEVERLY.  Yes. But why is it I always seem to end up in Naples?