The Ninth Life
The play starts with Brooke, in her late teens. She is lying on the bedroom floor with bruises all over her body and a split lip. She looks frightened and in pain. It is night.
I've given you too many chances. I have, haven't I? Be honest for once in your bloody life. You think that you can keep doing this and it will all be ok… everything will be fine. You think that I'm not strong enough to leave you – I'm too weak and defenceless - too afraid. I guess that it doesn't take much of a genius to figure out that this isn't right. But I can't go. I mean, I love you, and that's what's sad about this. I love you and I hate you. What kind of person does that make me? An idiot? Probably, because it's taken me this long to realise that… that you wouldn't care if I died. If you did. If you really cared about me or loved like you say you do then you wouldn't do this.
I can't live like this anymore Lucas! Look at me! Bruised and bleeding… hollow cheeks and sunken, blackened eyes. I'm going to leave – soon – that's a promise hun. I'll get whatever god-for-saken strength I have left in this… this empty shell of a body, and I'll go – I'll go to safety.
Pause
You know, people are suspicious. You think my friends are stupid babe! Do you really think make-up will cover this? They don't believe the excuses I've told them. I mean a liar can lie all they like, but no-one will believe them if their words don't connect to their eyes. People can lie until they're bloody blue in the face and it still wouldn't make the slightest bit of difference if you knew they were lying, if you sensed the lack of honesty. So… I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not being a brilliant bitch of a liar! Sorry that I'm a terrible actress and my eyes don't sell the story of a boyfriend who cares for me, loves me and that I love. I'm sorry for believing that I could grow old with you! I'm sorry that being me is not enough. Wearing a jumper in the summer to cover bruises or marks isn't normal! My friends know that…
GO TO BLACK
Come up on Brooke in the kitchen pouring a cup of coffee. It is morning. She stirs the coffee and stares out of the window as she talks.
The marks are still here – vivid reminders that will fade with time, but the memories won't. You think they're stupid just like you think I am, don't you? Well they're not. You're an idiot. An abusive, sadistic little worthless prick! I've told them everything babe. I've told them every single little detail. I've told them what a vile monster you really are – not this charming boyfriend that you sell yourself to be. And guess what...
She sits on one of the kitchen seats.
This is the end, don't you see?
A police siren is heard in the distance.
They're coming for you. So, remember this, remember me right now because this… Ha… this, was your ninth life.
FADE TO BLACK.
END.