Left Long

Closure (Developing)

CHARLIE

Nat … I can't do this anymore.

NATALIE

What?

CHARLIE

I don't know … this … everything. (A beat.) I don't like being around you and not knowing if we've got something or not. I don't like feeling like you're wasting my time. I don't like thinking we wouldn't be friends if I stopped putting in the effort. (A beat.) Say no. (A beat. SHE remains silent.) Say it! (A beat. SHE is on the verge of crying.) SAY IT! (A beat.) Say something! Anything!

NATALIE
(mumbled, staring at the floor)

Go home.

CHARLIE

Say no.

NATALIE

Just go.

CHARLIE

Just say it and I will. (A beat. SHE remains silent.) If I leave now I'm not coming back. (A beat.) Say no. Just fucking say it.

NATALIE

No.

CHARLIE

I don't believe you. Say it like you mean it. (A beat. SHE remains silent.) Why, Nat? What's so fucking hard about it? No. N-O. No. No no no no no no no. See? It's that easy. Say it. (A beat. SHE shakes her head) Not good enough, Nat. I need to hear it. (A beat.) I'm waiting. (A beat. SHE remains silent.) This is pointless.

(A beat as HE shifts his jacket up to leave.)

CHARLIE

(continuing)

You're a waste of a human being.

(HE EXITS. SHE begins to cry.)

Curtain