Left Long

Closure (Amalgamated)

CHARLIE

We are not friends. I was friends with you. You just liked the attention. Friends don't stop calling. Friends don't string each other out for weeks on end. Friends don't only see each other because they're friends with the same people. (A beat.) No, friends is not a term for you and I.

NATALIE

That's not fair! We did things! I came to visit! I … I …

CHARLIE

Didn't know what the hell you were thinking? You still don't!

NATALIE

I do. It's just that —

CHARLIE

That what? You couldn't bear the thought of me not hanging on your every move? (A beat.) Fuck, you're selfish.

NATALIE

Jerk! I'm selfish? Who's making this whole thing about themself? Who thought everything should change because he finally decided to say something? Who was that, huh?

CHARLIE

Fuck off. You know what I meant. (A beat. Another.) God. Why is this so hard?

NATALIE

(A beat.) I don't know.

CHARLIE

I miss the shit out of you, you know that? (A beat. SHE nods.) I hate every fucking minute that I keep thinking of you and know I shouldn't be. I want you out of my head. Out!

NATALIE

What am I supposed to do?

CHARLIE

Go away. Say no. I don't know.

NATALIE

Then how should I?

CHARLIE

Because you do, damn it. You always have. You need to let me let you go. (A beat.) I need you to.

NATALIE

Excuse me?

CHARLIE

Eh?

NATALIE

What do you mean?

CHARLIE

What do you mean, 'What do I mean?'

NATALIE

Well, I can't always figure out what you're trying to say, so I thought I'd let you explain. (A beat.) I want to get it. I do.

CHARLIE

It's not that easy.

NATALIE

Why not?

CHARLIE

God! Because it isn't. If I could tell you what I was thinking all the time, we wouldn't have gotten to this point, don't ya think? (A beat.) Don't answer that.

NATALIE

(A beat.) I have to go.

CHARLIE

Don't. (A beat. SHE hesitates.) Say no and I'll let you go.

NATALIE

What?

CHARLIE

You heard me. Say no and you can leave.

NATALIE

No.

CHARLIE

'No,' 'No?' Or 'No,' 'I'm not saying that?'

NATALIE

No, I'm not saying that.

CHARLIE

What's so hard? It's just two letters — N. O. 'No.' (A beat.) Simple.

NATALIE

If I say it you'll leave?

CHARLIE

(A beat.) Yes.

NATALIE

Fine. (A beat.) No. Now move.

CHARLIE

Say it like you mean it. (A beat. Another.) Say it! (A beat. Is SHE crying?) SAY IT! Say something. Anything. (A beat.) You're about to lose me — doesn't that mean anything to you?

NATALIE
(mumbled?)

I don't know.

CHARLIE

I don't know?! (A beat.) Whoa, sister. Wow. I really hope you stumble over whateer the fuck it is you're looking for, because I don't think you know how to find it.

NATALIE

Please go.

CHARLIE

Fine. But this is it. I'm out that door and I'm gone. (A beat.) You understand that don't you?

NATALIE

(A beat.) Do you?

CHARLIE

(A beat.) Bitch.

(HE EXITS - collected?)

NATALIE
(softly)

(A beat. Another. A third.) Yes …

Curtain