ACT 1

SCENE 1

CURTAIN OPENS. RUBY AND HER COUSIN ARE STANDING AROUND THE KITCHEN. BEVERLY IS WASHING DISHES

RUBY

He gave me a poem.

BEVERLY

Who, Daniel?

RUBY

laugh No, his friend, Jeffery.

BEVERLY

Really? Was it bad?

RUBY

No, actually, it was very good…He compared me to sapphires and diamonds and said that they all came up short to the Ruby. laughs He must be crazy.

PAUSE

He said he loves me.

BEVERLY

Do you love him.

MUSIC BEGINS

RUBY

I like him

But that’s not the question is it?

I like him

There’s nothing I can do about it

I can’t change it

Make it stronger

Can’t quite take this

Any longer

I like him

That’s all

BEVERLY

SPEAKING

And what about Daniel?

RUBY

SINGING

I love him

But that’s not the question is it?

I want him

There’s nothing I can do about it

I can’t change it

It’s so real

I can’t change the was I feel

I love him

That’s all

SPEAKING

Look, I found a copy of the poem online

sits at computer to show BEVERLY

BEVERLY

Hmmm

sound of baby crying

Oh, coming Maddison!

to RUBY

I’ll be right back

leaves

RUBY

to computer screen

Why is it no matter what you do

I can’t bring myself to love you

Keep your heart

It’s to precious for the likes of me

Can’t you see?

Will any one care when they hear I’ve killed myself

Will anyone notice for hours or days

Don’t do it

Don’t be weak

There are other ways!

PAUSE

I like him

But that wasn’t the question, was it?

I want him!

There’s nothing I can do about it

I know I don’t deserve a man

Who loves me as much as him!

Cause I like him!

That’s all-!