A Mellow Drama

(RABBIT O'HARE exits stage left as GERARD crosses to down-center. GERARD's clothes are tattered from RABBIT's torrent of "tearing down" discouragement. GERARD stands, sucking in air through his hands which cover his mouth. Slowly dropping to a kneel, he loses strength and falls back on his backside, simply sitting and sighing, a few thoughts before tears.)

GERARD: Why do you do this to me all the time? We are near antonymous in character, but we are one. I see the visions of my piteous melancholy from your eyes, but I know you witness your own malicious spite through mine. The pain you provide may not be physical, but it sinks deeper than most bullets can drive, you belittling bard! you minstrel of malignity!

RABBIT O'HARE: (enters with a cup of tea in one hand and matching saucer in the other) Would you cease this rather worthless parade of baroque vocabulary? Honestly, Who are you attempting to impress? It is only you and I, and I am you. (RABBIT kneels beside him, setting his tea and saucer aside on the floor and starts to pull make up out of his sleeves, much like a magician) Put your hands down.

(GERARD looks into RABBIT's eyes with that same spite before dropping his hands for the "necessary" makeover.)

RABBIT O'HARE: Very good... (RABBIT begins laying the foundation on GERARD. GERARD never smiles throughout the process. RABBIT starts to put on the blush. RABBIT pauses briefly for a sip of tea.)

GERARD: This isn't going to help. My facade is practically transparent.

(RABBIT drops his tea near instantly, spilling onto the floor much like the way his rage will soon manifest. He turns and slaps GERARD firmly across the face, slightly smudging GERARD's makeup. RABBIT starts to mend the error as GERARD sits in silence.)

RABBIT O'HARE: Don't say that about yourself. That's my job. But you are right. You will look terrible if you continue on with that attitude. The crowd can see through these things easily if you let them, and as long as you don't make foolish remarks like that, all will be well. Now for the lips...

(RABBIT starts to apply the lipstick where he wants GERARD's lips to be, not necessarily where they are. GERARD's lips remain frowned as RABBIT continues to draw a smile on his face. He finishes up the eyebrows, eyes, rather quickly as he is more worried about making GERARD's smile appear authentic than the rest of his face.)

RABBIT O'HARE: There... Now... Smile!

(GERARD sits still frowning, but his face gives the indication of happiness from RABBIT's excellent makeup work.)

RABBIT O'HARE: (smacks GERARD on the back of his head.) I know you are smiling already, you addlepate. But how about you smile as if I weren't around?

(GERARD remains briefly, then grins so that his face becomes a caricature of
ecstasy.)

RABBIT O'HARE: Fantastic! Now, go and make them wish for a little bit of that Heaven you found...

*BLACK OUT*