Sometimes Gay Means Happy by Angela Theresa Egic (books like beach read txt) ๐
Excerpt from the book:
A screenplay about an estranged father and daughter, reuniting and learning to love unconditionally.
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it to that day.
TORI
I don't want to discuss this, I really don't. He left us. I can't ... no, I won't see him.
STEPHEN
You're the one who stopped visiting him, Tori. He didn't leave you.
TORI
He took a lover. How can anyone expect me to face this . . . lover . . .this other man.
STEPHEN
You haven't tried. You're strong. You could do it for the love of your father.
TORI
No, Steve, no...It's one thing to know he is a homosexual--but to actually see it?! I'm not strong enough to do that.
STEPHEN
Did you want him to be unhappy? Lying to your mother, you, Violet and to himself . . . for the rest of his life?
TORI
Yeah, I did. Because, you know what? If he had stayed, he wouldn't be dying of AIDS now.
STEPHEN
Darling, he could have contracted AIDS anyway. Staying in the marriage didn't guarantee his fidelity, you know this.
TORI
It's my heart. These last few hours I keep remembering that day . . . the day he told me.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK -- 1977
Horse and buggies line 59th Street near Central Park. Vendors sells their New York wares and tourists ask directions as they come from The Plaza Hotel.
Teen Tori and Young Vic are walking arm in arm on 59th Street.. Teen Tori is giggling as she happily chats with her beloved father.
TEEN TORI
I love New York City, Daddy! This is the best birthday I've ever had!
YOUNG VIC
My Princess Victoria, all grown up and 14-years-old!
They've stopped and Young Vic is looking at his daughter, proudly.
YOUNG VIC
You are a lovely young woman, Princess Victoria.
TEEN TORI
Stop it, Daddy! You're embarrassing me!
YOUNG VIC
What was your favorite part of tonight?
TEEN TORI
Being with you, Daddy, you're my best friend!
YOUNG VIC
And you're mine. Tell me one part that stands out as the best.
Teen Tori spins around in her lovely dress.
TEEN TORI
Hmmm, well, I love, love, love my new dress from Saks!
(takes playbill from her purse)
And the play was so fun . ..
YOUNG VIC
What about dinner?
TEEN TORI
Sardi's was so much fun, too.
(plopping down on bench)
But Daddy, I'm sorry -- I don't like caviar very much.
YOUNG VIC
(laughing)
Neither do I, Princess! It's all right. You enjoyed the steak, though?
TEEN TORI
Yeah, a lot!
EXT. LINCOLN CENTER --1988
We are back to Tori and Stephen, outside the Vivian Beaumont Theatre โ on the Lincoln Center compound.
TORI
He wore a tux and we both looked so beautiful! I felt like the most special person in the world that night.
There I was: Out with this Broadway star and he was my Daddy! I felt like the luckiest girl in the universe.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK -- 1977
Now, inside the park, Young Vic lovingly observes his daughter as Teen Tori walks on a bench, like a balance beam. She holds Young Vic's hand (to help her balance). When she reaches the edge of the bench she jumps off.
Young Vic sits down on the bench and motions for Teen Tori to sit, too. She does.
YOUNG VIC
You are my world, Princess Victoria.
Young Vic pushes her hair off her forehead.
TEEN TORI
Daddy, you're being silly.
YOUNG VIC
There's something really important I have to tell you.
TWO YOUNG WOMEN enter and spot Young Vic and squeal or laugh with delight and approach him and Teen Tori, with paper and pen in hands.
WOMAN ONE
(Actress: MacKenzie Phillips)
Oh my God, you're Victor Rothchild! I love you!!! I have seen every show you've ever done.
WOMAN TWO
(Actress: Bernadette Peters)
Can we get your autograph? A date?
The women laugh at their own joke.
WOMAN TWO
I am so embarrassed! An autograph would be fine.
YOUNG VIC
(stands and faces women)
Thank you, I'm honored. Tonight, though, is for Victoria here. She's the star in my life. No autographs tonight, unless it is hers.
WOMAN ONE
Wow, you're such a great person, too!
(to other woman)
See, Wilma. I told you he'd be charming and kind.
YOUNG VIC
Now, ladies, my beautiful daughter and I are celebrating.
WOMAN TWO
We understand! Sorry we interrupted. You're a lucky young lady, Victoria. You have a good evening. Come on, Linda, let's go.
The women exit with goodbyes.
YOUNG VIC
Thank you.
TEEN TORI
Maybe I'll go into acting, Daddy? That was fun!
YOUNG VIC
Well, sweet, sometimes it can be very annoying, as well.
EXT. LINCOLN CENTER --1988
We are back to Tori and Stephen, outside the Vivian Beaumont Theatre โ on the Lincoln Center compound.
TORI
It was a perfect night. He was trying to tell me something, I could tellโฆTo top off the night, he took me on a carriage ride through Central Park. I always wanted to take one and since he called me his princessโฆthe carriage ride made me feel like one.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK -- 1977
Inside the park on the benchโฆwhere we left them.
YOUNG VIC
(taking Teen Tori's hands)
I'm leaving your mother.
TEEN TORI
(shocked and upset)
No! No Daddy! You can't!
YOUNG VIC
Princess, please, calm down. We're getting divorced.
TEEN TORI
I won't let you! It's not right, Daddy. I'll be better, I won't argue so much. Daddy, please, don't!
YOUNG VIC
Victoria, sweet, you didn't cause this. You didn't. Please, try to understand. Your mother and I, we agreed, it's better this way.
TEEN TORI
It's not better, Daddy. It's awful and terrible. Vi will fall apart and what will everyone say at school?
Teen Tori is getting angry.
TEEN TORI
I want to go home now! You and Mom have to talk about this and explain it to Vi and me.
Young Victor puts his head in his hands and appears to be about to cry. Teen Toriโs anger eases and she goes to her father.
TEEN TORI
Daddy, are you crying?
YOUNG VIC
(pulling himself together)
No, I want to, though. It hurts to see you cry, my Princess.
TEEN TORI
Then, tell me it's not true. Tell me nothing will change and we can stay a family. Please...
YOUNG VIC
There's more, sweet. I don't know if you can understand.
TEEN TORI
I can, Daddy. I'm mature for my age, remember?
YOUNG VIC
(a little laugh)
You are, dear, you really are.
(beat)
Princess, I'm gay.
TEEN TORI
(shock)
Gay.
YOUNG VIC
I've fallen in love with another man. I cannot live a lie, anymore.
TEEN TORI
(pulling away)
No, it doesn't make sense, Daddy. Don't you love Mom?
YOUNG VIC
Yes, Victoria, very much. She knows. I just don't love her...How do I say this? In the way a man should love his wife.
TEEN TORI
What is that supposed to mean?
YOUNG VIC
I love her...as a woman, as the mother of my wonderful children and even as my best friend from college and all these years. It is not in a romantic way, though. I love a man in that way.
TEEN TORI
(tears fall)
Daddy, isn't it true, though? Sometimes gay means happy?
YOUNG VIC
(tears fall)
Yes, Princess Victoria, sometimes it does. I want to be happy and I'm in love with a man whom I want to be with.
They embrace and cry together.
EXT. LINCOLN CENTER --1988
We are back to Tori and Stephen, outside the Vivian Beaumont Theatre โ on the Lincoln Center compound.
TORI
(embracing Stephen)
Oh God, Steve, I don't want him to die! I have been angry and wished a lot of things...but not this! Not like this!
STEPHEN
I know, honey, I know. Your father would be happy to see you again. He misses you, too.
TORI
How could he even talk to me? He's never met his only grandchild because of me.
STEPHEN
Well, I don't know what I'd do if Crystal ever left me. I hope I never find out.
But, you know what, Tori; no matter how long my daughter didn't speak to me or visit me, I'd bless the day she came back!
I can't imagine being angry or resentful. I adore her too much. Nothing is stronger than that love, that bond. All other feelings do not even encompass how much we love our child. They say a mother will die for her child, Tori. So will a father.
They hold one another.
TORI
I'm really scared, Steve.
STEPHEN
I'm scared for you, too. (beat) You need to figure out your feelings about your father and his terminal illness, as well.
TORI
(pulling apart from Stephen)
Wait a minute...there's nothing wrong with me, Stephen. I can handle this just fine!
STEPHEN
I can't handle it, Tori! You scared the hell out of me today; running off with Crystal and not even a phone call. Yes, this sort of behavior concerns me a great deal!
TORI
(weakening)
Crystal is fine. Please, Steve, don't leave me now.
STEPHEN
Did I say I was leaving?
TORI
No, I'm sorry. I love you. I love our beautiful daughter and our life together. Don't ever think I don't.
STEPHEN
I love you, too. I don't think it, ever. I do want you to be...complete. You need to resolve this now. Mostly, for you and for Crystal and I. It's important.
INT. ST VINCENTS HOSPITAL โ HALLWAY -- TWO DAYS LATER
Itโs just outside of Victorโs private room. The door is open. Tori is walking down the hallway, slowly, a long walkโฆshe breathes hard, hyper-ventilating. Hearing voices echoing from inside the room, with the open doorโฆshe stops a door away from his room.
David comes out of the open door, looking into the room.
DAVID
(inside doorway)
I'll see you tomorrow, love!
David closes the door and walks toward Tori. Tori is holding a bag and gripping the flowers much too hard. David passes and glances at her. Tori stiffens up โ as if trying to disappear into the wall โ she doesnโt move.
David takes a couple more steps past her, thinks about it and turns slowly. He knows itโs Tori.
DAVID
You can go in . . .
Tori hasnโt turned to look at him, David behind her. David gently takes her shoulders and turns her toward him.
DAVID
Victoriaโฆhe's been waiting a long time.
TORI
How can . . . ? I didn't tell anyone I was coming here.
Frightened. Tori backs away from David. She slouches against the wall.
DAVID
Victor knew you would come.
TORI
I can't do this now. I think I need to sit downโฆaway from here.
DAVID
I can help you to the waiting area.
David offers his arm.
TORI
No, not from you! I can manage by myself.
Tori moves slowly and gets dizzy. David catches her before she falls to the ground and puts an arm around her to support her.
DAVID
I got you.
TORI
All right, I needed a little help. Thank you.
DAVID
You look pale, Victoriaโฆperhaps the cafeteria?
INT. ST VINCENTS HOSPITAL โ CAFETERIA โ SAME DAY
Tori sits with her purse on her lap, ready to leap at a moment's notice. David
TORI
I don't want to discuss this, I really don't. He left us. I can't ... no, I won't see him.
STEPHEN
You're the one who stopped visiting him, Tori. He didn't leave you.
TORI
He took a lover. How can anyone expect me to face this . . . lover . . .this other man.
STEPHEN
You haven't tried. You're strong. You could do it for the love of your father.
TORI
No, Steve, no...It's one thing to know he is a homosexual--but to actually see it?! I'm not strong enough to do that.
STEPHEN
Did you want him to be unhappy? Lying to your mother, you, Violet and to himself . . . for the rest of his life?
TORI
Yeah, I did. Because, you know what? If he had stayed, he wouldn't be dying of AIDS now.
STEPHEN
Darling, he could have contracted AIDS anyway. Staying in the marriage didn't guarantee his fidelity, you know this.
TORI
It's my heart. These last few hours I keep remembering that day . . . the day he told me.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK -- 1977
Horse and buggies line 59th Street near Central Park. Vendors sells their New York wares and tourists ask directions as they come from The Plaza Hotel.
Teen Tori and Young Vic are walking arm in arm on 59th Street.. Teen Tori is giggling as she happily chats with her beloved father.
TEEN TORI
I love New York City, Daddy! This is the best birthday I've ever had!
YOUNG VIC
My Princess Victoria, all grown up and 14-years-old!
They've stopped and Young Vic is looking at his daughter, proudly.
YOUNG VIC
You are a lovely young woman, Princess Victoria.
TEEN TORI
Stop it, Daddy! You're embarrassing me!
YOUNG VIC
What was your favorite part of tonight?
TEEN TORI
Being with you, Daddy, you're my best friend!
YOUNG VIC
And you're mine. Tell me one part that stands out as the best.
Teen Tori spins around in her lovely dress.
TEEN TORI
Hmmm, well, I love, love, love my new dress from Saks!
(takes playbill from her purse)
And the play was so fun . ..
YOUNG VIC
What about dinner?
TEEN TORI
Sardi's was so much fun, too.
(plopping down on bench)
But Daddy, I'm sorry -- I don't like caviar very much.
YOUNG VIC
(laughing)
Neither do I, Princess! It's all right. You enjoyed the steak, though?
TEEN TORI
Yeah, a lot!
EXT. LINCOLN CENTER --1988
We are back to Tori and Stephen, outside the Vivian Beaumont Theatre โ on the Lincoln Center compound.
TORI
He wore a tux and we both looked so beautiful! I felt like the most special person in the world that night.
There I was: Out with this Broadway star and he was my Daddy! I felt like the luckiest girl in the universe.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK -- 1977
Now, inside the park, Young Vic lovingly observes his daughter as Teen Tori walks on a bench, like a balance beam. She holds Young Vic's hand (to help her balance). When she reaches the edge of the bench she jumps off.
Young Vic sits down on the bench and motions for Teen Tori to sit, too. She does.
YOUNG VIC
You are my world, Princess Victoria.
Young Vic pushes her hair off her forehead.
TEEN TORI
Daddy, you're being silly.
YOUNG VIC
There's something really important I have to tell you.
TWO YOUNG WOMEN enter and spot Young Vic and squeal or laugh with delight and approach him and Teen Tori, with paper and pen in hands.
WOMAN ONE
(Actress: MacKenzie Phillips)
Oh my God, you're Victor Rothchild! I love you!!! I have seen every show you've ever done.
WOMAN TWO
(Actress: Bernadette Peters)
Can we get your autograph? A date?
The women laugh at their own joke.
WOMAN TWO
I am so embarrassed! An autograph would be fine.
YOUNG VIC
(stands and faces women)
Thank you, I'm honored. Tonight, though, is for Victoria here. She's the star in my life. No autographs tonight, unless it is hers.
WOMAN ONE
Wow, you're such a great person, too!
(to other woman)
See, Wilma. I told you he'd be charming and kind.
YOUNG VIC
Now, ladies, my beautiful daughter and I are celebrating.
WOMAN TWO
We understand! Sorry we interrupted. You're a lucky young lady, Victoria. You have a good evening. Come on, Linda, let's go.
The women exit with goodbyes.
YOUNG VIC
Thank you.
TEEN TORI
Maybe I'll go into acting, Daddy? That was fun!
YOUNG VIC
Well, sweet, sometimes it can be very annoying, as well.
EXT. LINCOLN CENTER --1988
We are back to Tori and Stephen, outside the Vivian Beaumont Theatre โ on the Lincoln Center compound.
TORI
It was a perfect night. He was trying to tell me something, I could tellโฆTo top off the night, he took me on a carriage ride through Central Park. I always wanted to take one and since he called me his princessโฆthe carriage ride made me feel like one.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK -- 1977
Inside the park on the benchโฆwhere we left them.
YOUNG VIC
(taking Teen Tori's hands)
I'm leaving your mother.
TEEN TORI
(shocked and upset)
No! No Daddy! You can't!
YOUNG VIC
Princess, please, calm down. We're getting divorced.
TEEN TORI
I won't let you! It's not right, Daddy. I'll be better, I won't argue so much. Daddy, please, don't!
YOUNG VIC
Victoria, sweet, you didn't cause this. You didn't. Please, try to understand. Your mother and I, we agreed, it's better this way.
TEEN TORI
It's not better, Daddy. It's awful and terrible. Vi will fall apart and what will everyone say at school?
Teen Tori is getting angry.
TEEN TORI
I want to go home now! You and Mom have to talk about this and explain it to Vi and me.
Young Victor puts his head in his hands and appears to be about to cry. Teen Toriโs anger eases and she goes to her father.
TEEN TORI
Daddy, are you crying?
YOUNG VIC
(pulling himself together)
No, I want to, though. It hurts to see you cry, my Princess.
TEEN TORI
Then, tell me it's not true. Tell me nothing will change and we can stay a family. Please...
YOUNG VIC
There's more, sweet. I don't know if you can understand.
TEEN TORI
I can, Daddy. I'm mature for my age, remember?
YOUNG VIC
(a little laugh)
You are, dear, you really are.
(beat)
Princess, I'm gay.
TEEN TORI
(shock)
Gay.
YOUNG VIC
I've fallen in love with another man. I cannot live a lie, anymore.
TEEN TORI
(pulling away)
No, it doesn't make sense, Daddy. Don't you love Mom?
YOUNG VIC
Yes, Victoria, very much. She knows. I just don't love her...How do I say this? In the way a man should love his wife.
TEEN TORI
What is that supposed to mean?
YOUNG VIC
I love her...as a woman, as the mother of my wonderful children and even as my best friend from college and all these years. It is not in a romantic way, though. I love a man in that way.
TEEN TORI
(tears fall)
Daddy, isn't it true, though? Sometimes gay means happy?
YOUNG VIC
(tears fall)
Yes, Princess Victoria, sometimes it does. I want to be happy and I'm in love with a man whom I want to be with.
They embrace and cry together.
EXT. LINCOLN CENTER --1988
We are back to Tori and Stephen, outside the Vivian Beaumont Theatre โ on the Lincoln Center compound.
TORI
(embracing Stephen)
Oh God, Steve, I don't want him to die! I have been angry and wished a lot of things...but not this! Not like this!
STEPHEN
I know, honey, I know. Your father would be happy to see you again. He misses you, too.
TORI
How could he even talk to me? He's never met his only grandchild because of me.
STEPHEN
Well, I don't know what I'd do if Crystal ever left me. I hope I never find out.
But, you know what, Tori; no matter how long my daughter didn't speak to me or visit me, I'd bless the day she came back!
I can't imagine being angry or resentful. I adore her too much. Nothing is stronger than that love, that bond. All other feelings do not even encompass how much we love our child. They say a mother will die for her child, Tori. So will a father.
They hold one another.
TORI
I'm really scared, Steve.
STEPHEN
I'm scared for you, too. (beat) You need to figure out your feelings about your father and his terminal illness, as well.
TORI
(pulling apart from Stephen)
Wait a minute...there's nothing wrong with me, Stephen. I can handle this just fine!
STEPHEN
I can't handle it, Tori! You scared the hell out of me today; running off with Crystal and not even a phone call. Yes, this sort of behavior concerns me a great deal!
TORI
(weakening)
Crystal is fine. Please, Steve, don't leave me now.
STEPHEN
Did I say I was leaving?
TORI
No, I'm sorry. I love you. I love our beautiful daughter and our life together. Don't ever think I don't.
STEPHEN
I love you, too. I don't think it, ever. I do want you to be...complete. You need to resolve this now. Mostly, for you and for Crystal and I. It's important.
INT. ST VINCENTS HOSPITAL โ HALLWAY -- TWO DAYS LATER
Itโs just outside of Victorโs private room. The door is open. Tori is walking down the hallway, slowly, a long walkโฆshe breathes hard, hyper-ventilating. Hearing voices echoing from inside the room, with the open doorโฆshe stops a door away from his room.
David comes out of the open door, looking into the room.
DAVID
(inside doorway)
I'll see you tomorrow, love!
David closes the door and walks toward Tori. Tori is holding a bag and gripping the flowers much too hard. David passes and glances at her. Tori stiffens up โ as if trying to disappear into the wall โ she doesnโt move.
David takes a couple more steps past her, thinks about it and turns slowly. He knows itโs Tori.
DAVID
You can go in . . .
Tori hasnโt turned to look at him, David behind her. David gently takes her shoulders and turns her toward him.
DAVID
Victoriaโฆhe's been waiting a long time.
TORI
How can . . . ? I didn't tell anyone I was coming here.
Frightened. Tori backs away from David. She slouches against the wall.
DAVID
Victor knew you would come.
TORI
I can't do this now. I think I need to sit downโฆaway from here.
DAVID
I can help you to the waiting area.
David offers his arm.
TORI
No, not from you! I can manage by myself.
Tori moves slowly and gets dizzy. David catches her before she falls to the ground and puts an arm around her to support her.
DAVID
I got you.
TORI
All right, I needed a little help. Thank you.
DAVID
You look pale, Victoriaโฆperhaps the cafeteria?
INT. ST VINCENTS HOSPITAL โ CAFETERIA โ SAME DAY
Tori sits with her purse on her lap, ready to leap at a moment's notice. David
Free e-book: ยซSometimes Gay Means Happy by Angela Theresa Egic (books like beach read txt) ๐ยป - read online now on website american library books (americanlibrarybooks.com)
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