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| IN SICKNESS BY TIMA |
CHAPTERS 26 - 30 |
PREVIOUSLY...
Todd: So, you did work it out then, right?
Tea: We never talked about it. We just talked about how I was feeling and shared memories from my childhood. We stayed clear of all that other stuff.
Todd: I'm sorry.
Tea: It wasn't your fault.
Todd: Because of me...
Tea (interrupting him): I made the choices I made. She made the choices she made. It wasn't your fault. We should probably be getting to the diner.
Todd (sincerely): I'm really sorry, Tea.
[Tea steps toward him and kisses him briefly before walking back into the house.]
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
chapter 26:
[Tea and Todd arrive at the diner. Carlotta immediately embraces Tea. There are several people in the diner who also hug Tea and tell her how sorry they are for her loss. Even though Tea doesn't particularly want to be touched or consoled at the moment she returns their embraces and listens to their words. As everyone begins telling stories of the memories they have of Tea's grandmother Todd gradually distances himself from the group and eventually takes a seat in a corner booth. After listening to their stories for awhile Tea excuses herself and joins Todd.]
Todd: Sorry, didn't mean to leave you like that but I'm not good at this kind of stuff.
Tea: I know. I'm just glad that you're here.
Todd: Are you okay? Do you feel okay? Do you want to go home?
Tea: I'm fine. (after Todd gives her a questioning look) Okay, I don't feel great but it's not that bad. I can handle it. I need to. I have to make arrangements.
Todd: Not this second you don't. You could go home and get some rest first. You need to take care of yourself.
Tea: I thought that was your job?
Todd: Tea...
Tea: I'll be okay, Todd. (she lays her head on his arm which is stretched out along the back of their booth) I'll just close my eyes for a minute and I'll be fine.
[Todd is uncomfortable at first that other people are watching but after a few minutes he forgets about everyone else as he watches her fall asleep.]
Almost an hour later...
[Viki arrives at the diner and immediately approaches Carlotta with a concerned look on her face.]
Viki: Carlotta, I just saw the sign outside about a death in the family. What happened?
Carlotta (gesturing toward the booth that Tea and Todd are in): Tea's grandmother died.
Viki: No. Was it sudden?
Carlotta: Quite.
Viki: This must be devastating for Tea.
Carlotta: She was having a hard enough time dealing with her own... Now this. I don't think she's feeling well today either, although she won't admit it.
[Viki approaches Tea and Todd. Tea is still sleeping. In her sleep she has cuddled up closer to Todd who has his eyes closed and is lightly running his hand across Tea's arm that she is encircling his stomach with.]
Viki (quietly): Todd?
Todd (opening his eyes): What are you doing here?
Viki: I came for lunch. Carlotta told me. How is Tea doing?
Todd: She's sleeping.
Viki: Maybe you should take her home.
Todd: She wouldn't let me. She wants to be here for some reason.
[Viki sits down in the booth opposite them.]
Viki: How are you?
Todd: My grandmother didn't just die.
Viki: This still must be difficult for you.
Todd: I barely knew her and like everybody else it turns out she hated me.
Viki: What makes you think that?
Todd: Tea told me. I was so out of it at our wedding, you know, the second one, that I didn't even think about why her grandmother and her brothers didn't bother to show up. She was hurting and I didn't even think about it. I should have. I should have helped her with the pain she felt but I was so busy feeling mine that I didn't even notice hers.
Viki: That's understandable.
Todd: Don't try to make this okay, Viki. Tea needed me and I wasn't there for her. There are so many times that I haven't been there for her.
Viki: But you're here for her now that's what really matters.
Todd (angrily): So, Tea should just forget about all of the stuff I've done in the past, is that it? Is that what you told her when I was gone? Or did you even bother to speak to her at all? You probably ignored her, right? Treated her like she didn't matter anymore because she wasn't with me?
Tea (sleepily): Calm down, Todd.
Todd: When did you wake up?
Tea: Around the time you started yelling.
Todd: I'm not yelling. (lowering his voice to a normal level) I was speaking with purpose.
Tea (looking around the diner): Where did everyone go?
Todd: I guess they don't like to watch you sleep as much as I do.
Tea: I wasn't sleeping. I just closed my eyes for a few minutes.
Todd: More like an hour.
Tea: You're kidding? They must have thought I was so rude.
Carlotta (approaching the booth): They understood that you weren't feeling well. Can I get you anything? Something to eat or drink?
Tea: Not unless Todd wants me to vomit in the car on the way home.
Todd: It's okay with me. We brought your car, remember?
Tea (smiling at Todd before looking serious again): Actually, I think even the smell of food right now would be enough to make me sick.
Carlotta (to Todd): You make sure she eats something when she gets home then.
Todd: I'll try but she's kind of stubborn sometimes.
Tea (to Carlotta): Could you sit for a minute?
Carlotta (sitting beside Viki): Of course.
Tea: I've been thinking about something and I think maybe both of you could help me.
Carlotta: Whatever I can do for you I will, you know that.
Viki: That goes for me too.
Tea: I have to make all of these arrangements for my grandmother...
Carlotta: I'll help you make the arrangements, you know that.
Tea: That's not it. (pausing to try to form the words and make herself speak them) When...when it's me...
Todd (quickly interrupting and pulling his arm away from Tea): I don't want to hear this.
Tea: I know you don't that's why other people should be involved. (looking at Carlotta and Viki) If that's okay with both of you?
Viki: What can we do?
Tea (looking at Todd briefly): Todd, obviously, will have a difficult time with this so I thought maybe I could talk to both of you, make my wishes known and if it's not too much trouble you could step in when...when...um...I'm gone...so that Todd doesn't have to make any of the arrangements himself.
Carlotta: What would you like?
Tea: Well, I don't know really. In terms of people gathering there really aren't that many people who care about me so it would be small. It certainly won't be at...(gesturing between Todd and herself)...our house. (to Carlotta) You could have it here or at your house. It would really be more for you than it would be for me so whatever you want to do with that is fine with me. Just as long as it's people that really care about me. I don't want any phony sympathy. I hate the idea of people who treated me like I was beneath them when I was alive pretending that my existence mattered to them after I'm gone. (looking toward Viki) I also don't want anyone trying to make Todd participate in anything related to this. If he wants to okay but I don't want him pushed into this. (looking at Todd who is noticeably uncomfortable) Would you rather not be here for this?
Todd: I don't know why you're discussing something that won't be happening for eighty years but go ahead.
Tea: Do you know how old I would be in eighty years?
Todd: Um, would that require me to know how old you are now?
Tea: You don't know?
Todd: I don't really pay attention to that kind of stuff.
Tea: Of course. Do you want to stay?
Todd: Do you want me to stay?
Tea: Even though I know you don't want to hear any of this some of it might affect you, it probably would be good if you knew about it.
Todd: Then hurry up.
Tea (to Carlotta): In terms of a service, I don't really have anything in mind. You can use your judgment on anything to do with that. I trust you. I want to be cremated. I don't like the idea of being put in the ground.
Todd: Do you want me to take you to Puerto Rico?
Tea: Now?
Todd: No, you know...later.
Tea: In eighty years?
Todd: Yeah, then. Do you?
Tea: I have thought about it. I never felt completely at home here, except with you, of course.
Todd: You could stay on the mountain if you wanted to.
Tea (referring to the place Todd took her to that overlooks the valley): That spot?
Todd: If you wanted.
Tea: I don't know. It's beautiful there and it is a special place. Puerto Rico sounds great too, though. I remember hearing stories when I was little and maybe it would be better if it wasn't some place close by.
Todd (staring at the paper napkin he's been ripping to shreds during this conversation): I can handle it.
Tea: But what if you couldn't? I wouldn't want you to leave. You have to stay for Starr. I know you wouldn't live in our house anymore but even if you moved into town every time you saw that mountain it would be a reminder.
Todd: It would be a reminder whether you're there or not.
Tea: Are you sure you even want to do that at all?
Todd: I'm your husband. If anyone is going to do something with you it's gonna be me.
Tea: Then do what feels right to you at the time.
Todd: You're not being much help if we have to make all the decisions.
Tea: Most of this doesn't really matter to me. I'll be gone. It won't affect me. All that I know is that I definitely don't want fake sympathy and I don't want you to be forced into anything, other than that I don't really care.
Todd: So, then are we done with this conversation?
Tea: I guess so. If I think of other things I'll let you know as I think of them.
Todd: Can we go home now?
Tea: Fine. I have to make some arrangements anyway.
Carlotta: Why don't you let me do that for you?
Tea: No. I feel like I owe her this.
Carlotta: There must be something I can do.
Tea: You haven't told Roseanne yet, have you?
Carlotta: I haven't been able to find her.
Tea: Well, I think you're the one who should tell her. It would probably be better if she hears it from you considering how she feels about me.
Todd: How does she feel?
Tea: I don't know. She's angry at me about something but she refuses to tell me what it is.
Todd (showing off): My niece loves me.
Tea (teasing him): That's because you're beautiful.
Todd (almost smiling): Shut up.
Tea: I'm still really tired. We probably should go home.
Todd: Good.
[Todd is so anxious to get away from the conversation he practically pushes Tea out of the booth as he helps her stand up.]
Later, at the Manning residence...
[Tea and Todd return home.]
Tea: I should start making some phone calls.
Todd: No. (as he pulls her toward the kitchen) You have to eat something first.
Tea: I'm not hungry right now.
Todd: You haven't eaten yet today.
Tea: I will later, okay?
Todd: Tea, if you don't eat something that surrogate mother of yours will blame me. You know she checks how much of her food we've eaten every time she comes. I see that look in her eyes she thinks I'm not taking care of you. You're making me look bad.
Tea: So, I should eat for you?
Todd: Yes. Besides, the doctor told you that you need to eat better, remember?
Tea: What's the point? None of it stays in me very long. Besides, everything tastes disgusting.
Todd: Don't let Carlotta hear you say that. She thinks she's a good cook.
Tea: I'll eat later, after I make a few phone calls, okay?
Todd: It's not okay. You're eating right now.
Tea: You're no fun anymore.
Todd: I was never any fun.
Tea: I don't know, I seem to recall a few seconds at the Bayberry Inn.
Todd: That was a long time ago and I don't recall it turning out too well.
Tea (looking at him as seductively as she can in her current state): It could have turned out very different, if you had let it.
Todd: Forget it, Tea. You're not going to distract me with that look. You're eating something.
Tea: I will...later.
Todd: Tea, I don't want to have an argument over this.
Tea: Then stop trying to make me eat.
Todd: Just eat something. Look in the fridge, pick whatever you want.
Tea: I'm going upstairs. I'll be in my office making phone calls.
[Tea walks out leaving Todd completely frustrated and with an intense desire to throw or smash something.]
Twenty minutes later...
[Tea is practically falling asleep while sitting at her desk looking over a list of things she has to do and people she has to call.]
Todd (passing by in the hallway): Come into the bedroom.
Tea: In awhile. I have to finish this.
Todd (with a demanding voice): Right now.
[As Tea stands up she feels rather dizzy but tries to ignore it and slowly walks toward the bedroom. When she gets to the doorway she sees Todd sitting on the bed leaning his back against the headboard.]
Todd (gesturing to the bed next to him): Come here.
Tea: What is this about? I still have more calls to make.
Todd: You can make them later. Just come here.
[Tea moves forward and sits down on the edge of the bed.]
Todd: Sit in front of me.
Tea: What?
Todd: I want you to sit in front of me and lean your back against me.
Tea: Why?
Todd: Because I want you to, Tea.
[Even though she finds the request odd she complies and crawls between his legs and positions herself so her back is against his chest.]
Tea (getting comfortable): Now what?
Todd (as his arm firmly encircles her waist and his legs lock over hers): Now we eat.
Tea: Todd, I already told you...
Todd (lifting up the cloth that was covering the plate of food on the bed next to him): I know what you told me but I also know that you won't get better if you don't eat.
Tea: You can't make me eat.
Todd: No, I can't but if you don't I'll call Carlotta and have her come over here and do that guilt thing she does. I'll also call your doctor and tell on you.
Tea: You're blackmailing me into eating?
Todd: It's not my fault, Tea. You need to eat. I'll do whatever I have to do to make it happen. Now, will you stop fighting and eat something?
Tea: I don't like you very much right now.
Todd: Will you eat?
Tea: Fine.
Todd: Do you want me to feed you?
Tea: I'm quite capable of feeding myself.
Todd: Then start.
Tea (looking at the plate that Todd is now holding in front of her): Are you going to eat some of this too?
Todd: Nope. It's all yours.
Tea: I can't eat this much food, Todd.
Todd: Eat as much as you can. Now, stop stalling and eat.
[Tea begins taking tentative bites as Todd nuzzles his head against hers.]
chapter 27:
[More time passes. Tea is still going through treatment. She's become more depressed and irritable. She's so belligerent that sometimes Todd has a hard time controlling his temper but he does. Todd can feel Tea withdrawing from him but doesn't know how to stop it.
Todd is spending the day with Starr. His cell phone rings.]
Todd (into his phone): What?
Carlotta: Tea's in the hospital.
Todd: What? Why? What happened?
Carlotta: She passed out. She came to and tried to insist that it was nothing. It took me awhile but I convinced her to let me bring her to the hospital.
Todd: Why didn't you call me right away?
Carlotta: I thought the most important thing was getting Tea here and she would only agree if I waited to call you. She didn't want to interrupt your time with your daughter.
Todd: Is she okay?
Tea: They're running tests but she is awake.
Todd: I'll be right there.
[Todd hangs up.]
Starr (scared by the look on his face): Daddy?
Todd: I have to take you home, okay?
Starr: Is it Tee? Is she okay?
Todd: She's going to be fine but I have to go and be with her right now, okay? I have to take you home.
Starr: Okay, just make sure that Tee's okay, daddy.
[Todd drops Starr off and quickly goes to the hospital. As he enters Tea's hospital room he finds Tea asleep and Carlotta sitting in a chair beside Tea's bed holding her hand. Carlotta senses Todd's presence and turns around. Although she's come to believe in Todd's love for Tea she's surprised to feel in her own heart sympathy for Todd Manning as she sees the relief on his face as he watches his wife sleep. Carlotta gets Todd's attention and motions for him to go out into the hall with her.]
Todd: Have the doctors said anything?
Carlotta: They still have other tests they want to run but they think Tea passed out because she hasn't been eating enough.
Todd: I've tried to get her to eat but it's so hard for her. Her mouth and throat are sore or she feels sick and she hates the way everything tastes. I have gotten her to eat sometimes, though.
Carlotta: The times that I've been with her, while you were with Starr, she would always tell me that she ate before I came or that she was going to eat with you after I left. Was she lying?
Todd: Probably. She's been telling me that she's been eating when she's with you.
[Todd turns away from Carlotta and watches Tea through the window by the door of her hospital room.]
Todd: She's so skinny. I've been telling her that she had to eat more. We've had so many arguments about it. I should have tried harder. I should have gotten her to eat more.
Carlotta: It isn't your fault.
Todd (looking toward Carlotta): They're going to feed her now, right? She won't have a choice about it? They'll make her better, won't they?
Carlotta: They'll do everything they can.
Todd (desperate to believe his wife will be all right): Okay.
[Carlotta touches Todd's arm gently and is surprised when he doesn't pull away.]
Carlotta: Why don't you go in and sit with her. I'm sure she'll be glad when she wakes up and sees you there. I'll go gets some coffee. Would you like me to get you anything?
Todd: No. (with sincerity) Thank you.
[Carlotta watches as Todd enters Tea's room and kisses her on the forehead before sitting down in the chair and taking her hand in his.]
The next day...
[Todd returns to Tea's hospital room after going home to pick up some things for Tea. As he walks into the room he finds Tea crying. She tries to stop when she sees him enter.]
Todd: What's wrong?
Tea: Nothing.
Todd: You just burst into tears for no reason? Oh, that's right, sometimes you do.
Tea: You know how emotional I've been.
Todd: Is that what this is? Just another mood swing?
Tea (trying to seem sincere): That's what it is.
Todd: So, there's nothing actually wrong?
Tea: Nothing.
Todd: Why are you lying to me?
Tea: What makes you think I'm lying?
Todd: I don't know. Maybe the fact that since I walked in here you've been looking me in the stomach instead of my eyes.
Tea: I like looking at your stomach. You have a nice stomach.
Todd: Tea?
Tea: It's nothing, Todd.
Todd: I'm going to go find your doctor.
Tea: Don't.
Todd: Then, tell me. Did the doctor come while I was gone?
[Unseen by both Tea and Todd, Viki and Carlotta enter the room.]
Tea (still not making eye contact): Yes.
Todd: How bad is it? I mean, it is bad, right? If it was good you could look at me. So, how bad?
Tea (quietly): Very bad.
Todd: The treatments aren't making it go away?
Tea: It's gotten worse.
Carlotta: Tea...no.
[Both Tea and Todd are startled by the sound of Carlotta's voice.]
Viki: We didn't mean to eavesdrop.
Tea: It's good that you're here. I wasn't really looking forward to having this conversation more than once.
Carlotta: What does this mean?
Tea (tears starting to form in her eyes again): Well, um, I think it means it's time to stop.
Todd: Stop what?
Tea: The chemotherapy.
Todd: Is that what the doctor said?
Tea: We have to face it...I'm dying.
Todd: Is that what the doctor said?
Tea: There's no point in trying anymore. Why should I spend what's left of my life doing a treatment that won't work and makes me feel horrible.
Todd (angrily): What the hell did the doctor say? (Tea is silent) Fine. (walking toward the door) I'll go find the doctor and find out for myself.
Tea: It doesn't matter. They can't force me to do this anymore. It's my choice.
Todd: So, you're choosing to quit?
Tea: I'm choosing to be realistic. I'm choosing to live the last moments of my life the way I want to not the way some doctor wants me to and not the way you want me to.
Todd: This isn't about me.
Tea: The hell it isn't.
Todd: Why are you yelling at me? I didn't do this, Tea.
Tea: But you expect me to keep doing this. I have tried. I went through hell so I could have time with you.
Todd: And now you're just going to give up?
Tea: I can't fight anymore. I don't have the strength.
Todd: I'll help you. I'll be with you the whole time.
Tea: And that's supposed to mean something?
Todd (hurt): Tea...
Viki: Maybe you should both calm down before you say anything you might regret.
Todd: Too late.
[Tea looks down at her hands in her lap as Todd begins pacing.]
Todd: What kind of odds.
Tea: Worse than before.
Todd: But there's a chance, right?
Tea: But there's a much greater chance that I will die.
Todd: Even if it's only a one percent chance I know that you'll be part of the one percent that makes it. I know you will.
Tea: I don't know that.
Todd: You don't have to know that, I do. Would you continue with the chemotherapy?
Tea: Surgery is out. Radiation hasn't been proven effective.
Todd: So, you'll keep doing the chemotherapy thing.
Tea: It would be worse than before. All of the symptoms I have now, not only would I continue to have them but they could get worse, much worse.
Todd: We could deal with it.
Tea: That's easy for you say. We don't have to feel like this every day. This isn't a we thing, Todd. This is me. I'm the one who has to feel like hell constantly. I'm the one who can't eat, can't sleep. I feel so weak I can barely move without help. I'm depressed. I'm tired. I'm through. I can't take anymore.
Todd: No. No, you can't do this. You can't.
Tea: It's my body, it's my life, I get to decide when it's time to stop. That time is right now.
Todd: No.
Tea: Todd...
Todd (yelling): No.
Tea: Todd, calm down. Listen to me...
Todd (agitated): No, I'm not going to listen to this. You can't do this. You can't.
Tea: This is the best thing for me.
Todd: Giving up? Letting yourself die? Leaving me?
Tea: I don't want to leave you.
Todd: But you are. You're leaving me. You're just like everyone else.
Tea: Todd...
Todd: All that garbage...all that garbage about how much you cared about me, about love.
Tea: I do love you.
Todd: No. If you did you would keep fighting. You wouldn't give up. You wouldn't choose to leave me.
Tea: I didn't choose for this to happen.
Todd (looking directly into her eyes): Tea, if you do this I'll never forgive you.
[Tea and Todd stare at each other for a long moment until Todd turns and storms out of the room.]
Viki: I'll go and...
Tea: No, don't. Give him a few minutes first. After he's punch a couple of walls he'll need you to make sure he gets his hand taken care of but right now he just needs to be alone.
[Viki stays in the room. Carlotta sits beside Tea.]
Carlotta: What can I do?
Tea: Can you make Todd understand?
Carlotta: I'm not sure that I completely understand.
Tea: So, you're going to try to convince me too?
Carlotta: I am concerned about you making a decision like this right now.
Tea: Well, this is the moment I have to make this decision. I can't control the timing just like I haven't been able to control anything lately.
Carlotta: Is that why you're doing this? So you'll be in control again?
Tea: This isn't about my needing to be in control. This is about knowing that continuing this battle is pointless. The cancer wins. I lose.
Carlotta: Are you worried about losing Todd?
Tea: He'll come back. I know he'll come back.
Carlotta: He looked like he was hurting a lot.
Tea (with tears in her eyes): He loves me. He actually loves me. He knows me better than anyone has ever known me (amazed at the concept) and he loves me. He's just angry right now. He's lucky. He gets to be angry at me. I don't get anyone to be angry at.
Viki: I think he's more angry at the situation than he is at you.
Tea: No, he's angry at me. Throughout all of this he's convinced himself that I would be fine. He wouldn't allow himself to really believe that I could die. He's angry at me that I'm not following his plan. He's angry that I brought him back into my life and now I'm going to leave him. He's angry that, in his view, I made him fall in love with me. He's angry at me but I still think that he'll be back. Maybe we're both delusional, him for believing that I would never die and me for believing that he'll stay but I do believe that he'll see me though this. I believe in him. I trust him. I know he'll come back.
chapter 28:
[Todd is standing in the hallway outside the hospital chapel with his back against the wall and his eyes closed. Andrew approaches.]
Andrew: Todd?
Todd (his eyes suddenly opening): What do you want?
Andrew (gesturing toward the chapel): Would you like to go inside?
Todd: No.
Andrew: You might find what your searching for in there.
Todd: I don't belong in there.
Andrew: Everyone belongs, everyone is welcome, in that chapel.
Todd: Not me. Not with the thoughts I'm having. Not with the feelings I have. (looking directly at Andrew for a moment before looking away again) I have feelings. Not that you'd believe it but I do.
Andrew: I never questioned your ability to feel.
Todd (not believing him): Right.
Andrew: I did question if you were the right person for Tea. Obviously, I was wrong. You are the perfect person for Tea.
Todd: What? Suddenly you hate her?
Andrew: I don't hate Tea.
Todd: Then why are you insulting her?
Andrew: I'm not. I've simply realized that what Tea needs you give her. I could never have given her what you do.
Todd: Is this a trick?
Andrew: No trick. I've spoken to Tea a few times since she's been sick, are you aware of that?
Todd: She can talk to whatever losers she wants to.
Andrew: She's told me how wonderful you've been with her. She's told me how content she is, for the first time in her life. How you fill an emptiness inside her that she feels she's carried for her entire life.
Todd: She told you that stuff?
Andrew: She's told me a lot.
Todd: And now you want to rub it in?
Andrew: My goal here is not to make you hurt, Todd. I just wanted you to see that what you've been doing is a good thing and it has helped her greatly. You've given her peace through a difficult period in her life. You should feel good about that.
Todd: She wants to die.
Andrew: What?
Todd: I'm not saying it again.
Andrew: I know she was hospitalized but I thought it was something that could be taken care of. Did something happen?
Todd: The cancer got worse.
Andrew: Oh.
Todd: She doesn't want to fight it anymore. (looking at Andrew) Maybe you could do something.
Andrew: Like what?
Todd: You could talk to her. Tell her it isn't her time. You know, that kind of junk.
Andrew: Todd, I don't have any special knowledge of whether it is Tea's time or not.
Todd: Then what good are you?
Andrew: Perhaps Tea senses something, some people do.
Todd: Do you think Tea is one of those people?
Andrew: I honestly don't know, Todd.
[Todd silently turns and walks away.]
In Tea's hospital room...
[Carlotta is sitting in a chair beside Tea's bed.]
Tea: He'll come back. He will. I know it.
Carlotta: I'm just saying that if he doesn't you could come and stay with me.
Tea: I have a home that I will be staying at and a husband who will be there with me.
Carlotta: And if he isn't there?
Tea: He will be. I appreciate your concern, I really do, but I know that Todd won't leave me, not right now.
[Tea and Carlotta sit in silence until Todd enters the room.]
Todd (to Carlotta): Could you leave?
Tea: Todd!
Carlotta (to Tea as she stand up): It's all right, Tea, I'll go. You both should talk. (leaning down and kissing Tea) You let me know if you need anything.
Tea: I will. Thank you.
[Carlotta leaves. Todd stands near the door and looks at Tea for a moment uncertain what to do.]
Tea (smiling): You came back.
Todd (nervously looking around): Why didn't they give you a room with a window?
Tea: Maybe they were afraid I would jump.
Todd: Don't joke about that.
Tea: Sorry.
Todd: So...do you want to go home?
Tea: I can't wait to get out of here.
Todd: Okay, let's go.
Tea: Right now?
Todd: Why stay here? If you've decided... If you want... If you're going to... There's no point in staying here, is there? You probably want to change clothes before we leave, right? I could help you if you need me to.
Tea: Are you serious?
Todd: I don't find this funny.
Tea: Are you saying that you accept my decision?
Todd: I don't have a choice, do I?
Tea: You were pretty angry when you left.
Todd: So?
Tea: Are you still angry?
Todd: It doesn't matter.
Tea: It does to me.
Todd: What difference does it make? You're not doing the treatment stuff anymore, you want to go home, so, let's go home.
Tea: Come here.
Todd: What? Why?
Tea: Just come here, Todd.
[Todd doesn't move.]
Tea: Do you have any idea how low my energy level is right now? I will get out of this bed and go to you, though, if I have to.
[Todd slowly walks toward Tea's bed. He starts to sit in the chair beside her bed.]
Tea: No.
Todd: What?
Tea: I don't want you to sit there.
Todd: Then where?
Tea: You could sit on the bed or, if you wanted, you could lay here with me.
Todd: What if someone came in?
Tea: They would see a husband and wife laying in bed together. I'm not suggesting you take your clothes off or anything, Todd. Besides, people have seen us in bed before.
Todd: That's different. That was just Carlotta and Viki.
Tea: Never mind.
Todd: Why do you want me to lay there with you anyway? There's not much room. It probably wouldn't be all that comfortable. If a nurse came in I'd probably get yelled at. Is that what you want? Are you trying to get me in trouble? (Tea remains silent) What's wrong?
Tea: What do you think is wrong?
Todd: Your haircut isn't that bad. (pause) Seriously, Tea, what is it?
Tea: I don't know.
Todd (touching her face): I hate it when you're sad, Tea.
Tea: It's kind of hard to be happy right now.
Todd: You won't be doing that treatment anymore so it won't make you feel bad anymore. That's good, isn't it?
Tea: What do you think death is like?
Todd: Well, for me, I think it will be hell but for you it will be, I don't know what but I don't think we're going to the same place, Tea. I think this is as far as we go together. I don't mean this moment but this life. (caressing her face) You're going to go some place special where it won't hurt anymore and you won't have to feel bad all the time.
Tea: You know, I just keep thinking that maybe I'll see my grandmother again or maybe even my mother. I can't imagine seeing her again. I was so little when she left. She probably wouldn't even be how I remember her. Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if you could have talked to your mother as an adult? Or, what kind of relationship you would have had if you had been lucky enough to have had all that time that you missed?
Todd: She probably would have been disappointed in me.
Tea: She would have seen how special you are. She must have seen it when you were a kid.
Todd: Yeah, I was so special that she ditched me and left me with that...my father.
Tea: Maybe she thought it was the best thing for you.
Todd: No, she knew what was going to happen. I don't blame her though. She had a chance to get out and she took it.
[Todd puts his arms under Tea's body and gently moves her over some on the bed and then lays down next to her on his side, facing her.]
Todd: Maybe when you get where you're going if you meet her you could, you know, say hi from me, or something.
Tea: You can do that yourself. What makes you so sure you're not going there too?
Todd (nuzzling his head next to hers on the pillow): After everything I've done. I know exactly where I'm going, Tea.
Tea: You've also done some good, Todd. You always seem to forget that.
[Todd takes Tea's hand in his. He can feel her try to squeeze his hand but her grip is extremely weak.]
Todd: Do you want me to take you home?
Tea: You'll stay with me?
Todd: Of course.
Tea: Even though you don't approve of my decision?
Todd: I told you that I wouldn't leave and I won't.
Tea: What about when I die? You don't have to be there for that, Todd. I know it would be hard on you.
Todd: Maybe it will happen when you're sleeping. Maybe it won't hurt.
Tea: There have been times that I've thought about that. I lay awake thinking that if I fall asleep I might never wake up again. Every morning I'm so glad when I open my eyes and I know that I get another day. Especially because I know I'll spend that day with you.
Todd: I kind of like it when you wake up too.
[Tea and Todd lay together in silence for several minutes.]
Tea: Todd, if you hadn't found out that I was sick, would you have come back eventually? Would I have ever seen you again?
Todd: I thought about it all the time. I came close so many times. Sometimes I would call you. I'd have all but the last number dialed and I would sit there trying to make myself push the last number.
Tea: Why didn't you?
Todd: Maybe you were better off without me. Maybe you could find someone who didn't make you cry all the time. I hated the idea of you being with anyone but me but it would have been okay with me as long as the creep made you happy.
Tea: No one could ever make me as happy as you do.
Todd: I don't get that. Why would you want to waste your life being with me?
Tea: Why are you with me?
Todd: That's completely different. You're a good person.
Tea: I'm not perfect. I've made some huge mistakes in my life. I've done things that hurt people.
Todd: Not like I have.
Tea: I wasn't trying to compete with you, Todd.
Todd: Good, because I would win.
Tea: I'm just trying to point out that we've both made mistakes but I think we both have done some good things in our lives too. There were times when I thought I didn't deserve to be happy, that I didn't deserve to be loved. It worked out because no one did love me, not really. At least I didn't feel like anyone did.
Todd: You feel it now, right?
Tea (looking in his eyes): I know you love me. Sometimes, though, I don't have any idea why.
Todd: Is this your way of trying to get me to say all that mushy stuff?
Tea: I really don't know what you see in me sometimes...(her eyes start to fill with tears)...but I'm so glad that you see it, whatever it is.
Todd (touching her face): Don't cry.
Tea: I don't want to leave you.
Todd: Then don't.
Tea: It isn't that easy.
Todd: You could fight.
Tea: And I could lose.
chapter 29:
Todd: What if this new treatment gives you more time. It would be more time for us, Tea, because I would be with you the entire time. I won't leave you.
Tea: What if I wasn't sick anymore?
Todd: That would be great.
Tea: But would you still be with me or would you get scared and leave again?
Todd: I don't know.
Tea: You only came back because I was sick and the only reason you've stayed so long is because I'm sick. What happens if I'm not sick anymore?
Todd: Get better and we'll find out.
Tea (turning her head away as more tears come): I already know.
Todd: You don't know that for sure. Maybe this time it will be different.
Tea: Or maybe you'll just leave again. I'll end up alone like I always do.
Todd: You don't know that.
Tea: Can you promise me that it won't happen again? That you won't leave me as soon as I'm better?
Todd: You know, none of this is even going to matter unless you do that treatment thing.
Tea: Why should I bother?
Todd: I can't believe you're saying that, Tea.
Tea (closing her eyes trying to stop the tears that are falling): I'm never going to be happy, I know that. I never get to be really happy. I come close and then something always happens and it goes away. Why should I fight for a life, for a future, that will be filled with misery and loneliness. I could die now. I feel like hell but at least I feel loved.
[Todd gets off the bed, lifts the blanket covering Tea's body and gets back in bed under the covers.]
Todd (putting his arm across her stomach as his body settles next to hers): Is this real or are you just trying to make me feel guilty?
Tea: Have you been happy with me?
Todd: What?
Tea: Has there been any time that we've been together that you would consider yourself to have been happy?
Todd: Sure. Why else would I be here, Tea? Why else would I be putting up with this stupid conversation?
Tea: Do you trust it? I mean, do you believe that you'll be happy in the future?
Todd: Of course not.
Tea: Why should I?
Todd: That's different.
Tea: If your life is miserable then mine will be too. Why should I keep fighting if all it will do is make me feel horrible. I'll feel horrible during the treatments and I still might die from this anyway but even if I don't you'll leave me and I'll still feel horrible. What's the point?
[Todd positions his hand under what Tea is wearing and places it on her bare stomach.]
Tea: What are you doing?
Todd (as he caresses her skin): How does that feel?
Tea: What's your point?
Todd: Just tell me how it feels.
Tea: It's...okay.
Todd: Does it feel good?
Tea (as Todd's hand moves up toward her chest): Um, yes.
Todd (as he massages her breast): You like it when I do this?
Tea: You know that I do.
Todd: See?
Tea: What?
Todd: You feel horrible, right? You feel weak and depressed and sick, right?
Tea: Yeah.
Todd: But I can make you feel good even when you feel horrible, right?
Tea: Yes.
Todd: See?
Tea (looking in his eyes): I don't have a clue.
Todd: If you do the treatment, okay, you'll feel horrible but I'll be there and I'll do everything I can so you feel as good as you possibly can.
Tea: And after that?
Todd: I don't know. I won't promise you that it'll work out because I don't know if it will and I don't want to lie to you but I do promise that I'll be with you as long as you're sick. I don't know why but my brain hasn't been messing with me as much since you've been sick so I think I can make it until you're better. After that I don't know what will happen.
Tea: Maybe we should talk about what's going on in your brain.
Todd (as he removes his hand from her chest and slides it slowly down her stomach): Do you want to do that right now?
Tea (stopping his hand as it reaches her lower stomach): Are you sure you want to do this?
Todd: Why else would I be doing it?
Tea: What if someone comes in?
Todd: They wouldn't be able to see what I'm doing.
Tea: No, but you would know what you're doing and it would make you uncomfortable.
Todd: Maybe I don't care about that.
Tea: Since when?
Todd (moving his hand slightly lower): Will you do the treatments?
Tea: Is that why you're doing this?
Todd: Even if you said that you're sticking to your decision to quit I would continue with what I'm doing if you wanted me to.
Tea: Would you?
Todd: Are you going to answer me?
Tea: You have to do something for me.
Todd: I'm about to.
Tea: Not that.
Todd: What?
Tea (as Todd moves his hand even lower): Uh, could you put your hand somewhere else for a minute.
Todd: You don't want me to?
Tea: I would love for you to continue but it's hard for me to think when you're moving your hand in that direction.
Todd (placing his hand further up her stomach): Okay. What?
Tea: I'll do the treatments if you promise me something.
Todd: What?
Tea: If it works...
Todd: When it works.
Tea: Whatever. You have to promise that after the doctor says that I'm okay you will give me one day.
Todd: For what?
Tea: To be happy.
Todd: That's it? Just one day? The rest of the time I can make you miserable but I have to give you one good day?
Tea: One great day.
Todd: And if I say yes then you'll do the treatments?
Tea: If you promise then I'll agree to keep trying.
Todd: You really only want a day?
Tea: I want a lifetime, Todd, but if you can't give me that then give me one day. One day when we're together, really together. One day when you won't get scared and walk away. One day when I can be happy and loved.
Todd (taking a deep breath): One day, huh? I think maybe I can handle that.
Tea: Do you promise?
Todd: I promise, unless my brain explodes from all the pressure of trying to hold itself together, I will give you one day. I'll give you a very special day, Tea. I'll even try to make it more than one day but I'm not promising on that.
Tea: Okay.
Todd: Okay? So, you'll do the treatment?
Tea: I suppose.
Todd: Great! I'll go tell the doctor.
Tea: Wait. Don't you have something to finish first?
Todd: What?
Tea: Your hand...
Todd (teasing her): Oh, that. You didn't really want me to do that, did you?
Tea: I will hurt you.
Todd (moving his hand downward again): Are you sure you feel up to it?
[Before Tea can respond the door to her hospital room opens and Viki and Carlotta enter.]
Viki: I hope we're not interrupting.
[Todd quickly gets out of bed almost falling to the floor in the process.]
Carlotta: We could come back later.
Tea (smiling as she watches Todd trying to look casual): That's okay. Todd was just about to get up anyway. (to Todd) Weren't you?
Todd: Uh, yeah, I guess I was.
Tea: Don't you have to go somewhere right now?
Todd: Uh, I do? Oh yeah, I do.
Viki: Where are you going?
Todd (as he walks to the door avoiding eye contact with Carlotta and Viki the entire time): I have to talk to the doctor.
Carlotta: Is something wrong?
Todd: Ask her.
[Todd quickly leaves the room.]
Carlotta (to Tea): He seemed embarrassed about something.
Tea (still smiling): We were just talking about our future.
Carlotta: Your future?
Tea: I decided to do the treatments.
Carlotta: That's wonderful.
Viki: I'm really glad, Tea. Todd must be thrilled.
Tea: I just hope he speaks to me again.
Viki: Why wouldn't he?
Tea: Um, I asked him to lay here with me. He's not really comfortable most of the time being affectionate with other people around.
Viki: He shouldn't be embarrassed about sharing a bed with his wife. I'll talk to him.
Tea: Please don't. It would be easier for him if you never mentioned this moment to him...ever...for the rest of his life.
Viki (not truly comprehending the situation): Okay, if you think that's best.
Tea: Trust me.
[Tea, Carlotta and Viki happily chatter as they await Todd's return. Tea still feels physically wiped out but her emotional state is substantially improved.]
Todd (returning to the room): Get out of bed.
Tea: Why?
Todd: We're going home.
Tea: Did you have a fight with the doctor? What did you do?
Todd: Why do you always think everything is my fault?
Tea: Todd?
Todd: I didn't do anything. I wouldn't mess up your chances, you know that.
Tea: Then what's this about?
Todd: I talked to the doctor about you starting the new treatment and he said that they'll start it tomorrow. I asked him if you had to stay here tonight and he said that it wasn't necessary. You can stay of course if you want to but you don't have to.
Tea: Let's go.
Carlotta: Is that wise?
Todd: They're done doing the stuff they were doing because she wasn't eating and they're not going to start the other stuff until tomorrow morning so it doesn't matter where she is tonight. And, the doctor thought that it might be good for Tea's state of mind if she went back home, even just for the night, before she has to spend more time in the hospital.
Tea: How long?
Todd: At least a few days. They'll do the treatment and monitor you and do tests and I don't know what else. The guy was babbling and I just wanted to get back here so I could get you out of this stupid place and get you home.
Tea: Let's stop talking about it and get out of here.
Carlotta: Maybe I should stay with you tonight.
Todd: I can handle it.
Carlotta: She's so weak.
Todd: I can take care of my wife.
Carlotta: I just thought...
Todd (angrily): I know what you thought. I'm not going to hurt her. I'm not going to let her hurt herself.
Carlotta: Then why are you taking her out of the hospital? She needs to be here until she's stronger.
Todd: She hates it here. It makes her feel worse.
Tea: Carlotta, I would feel better at home even if it's only for one night. Don't worry I'm back in the fight again. Todd convinced me that I have something worth fighting for.
Carlotta: I'm worried about you. You don't look well.
Tea: I'm sick. I'm not supposed to look good, am I? It's okay. Todd will take very good care of me like he has this entire time. You can come and see me here tomorrow, okay? Although, I may not be in a very good mood.
Carlotta: That doesn't matter. I'll be here. (to Todd) I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply that you would let any harm come to Tea. It's just that I love her too and I worry about her.
Todd (uncomfortable): Okay.
Viki (placing her arm around Carlotta's shoulder): Why don't we both leave you two now so you can get home. Have a good night. Good luck tomorrow, Tea.
Tea: Thank you.
Carlotta (leaning down and giving Tea a kiss): I'll see you tomorrow.
Tea: I'll be here.
[Carlotta and Viki leave.]
Todd: Are you upset with me?
Tea: About what?
Todd: I lost my temper.
Tea: You controlled yourself pretty well so I'm not upset. Let's go home.
Todd: I'll help you get dressed.
Tea: Forget that. Just put a robe on me, put me in that stupid wheelchair and let's get out of here.
Todd: I thought you hated using that chair?
Tea: I do but I doubt you want to carry me through the hospital and if I have to walk by the time I get to the car it'll be tomorrow and time for me to come back here again.
[Todd helps Tea sit up and put her robe on. Tea holds on to Todd as he helps her from the bed to the wheel chair. They leave the hospital...temporarily.]
chapter 30:
[Tea and Todd arrive home. Tea refused to bring a wheelchair home so Todd carries her into the house.]
Todd: Do you want to stay down here tonight?
Tea: Why?
Todd: It might be easier than me having to carry you up and down the stairs.
Tea: I'd rather spend the night in our room. I'll spend the whole night up there, okay? That way you'll only have to carry me down again in the morning. Maybe I'll even have enough energy to walk down the stairs by myself in the morning. As long as you schedule some extra time for it.
Todd: And several rest breaks along the way, right?
Tea: Maybe. Who knows though maybe I'll wake up and have tons of energy.
Todd: Well, I'm running out of energy so I have to put you down pretty soon. You're sure about upstairs?
Tea: Positive.
[Todd carries her up the stairs and to their bedroom. He gently places her on the bed and begins taking off her robe.]
Todd: Are you tired?
Tea: It's still early.
Todd: But if you're tired you should sleep.
Tea: I'm not tired.
Todd: Okay, I'll go get some food. Don't bother arguing with me. You're going to eat.
Tea: Of course I am.
Todd: Just like that?
Tea: I don't feel like arguing with you tonight.
Todd: Well, good. I'll be right back.
[Todd leaves the room. Tea lays back on the bed and closes her eyes. She awakes to find Todd beside her, watching her.]
Tea: I fell asleep, didn't I?
Todd: Yep. You know, right before I left you said you weren't tired. I come back maybe ten minutes later and you're asleep.
Tea: I got bored and fell asleep.
Todd: You were tired and you lied to me.
Tea: Well, now I've had a nap and I'm not tired anymore.
Todd: And I'm supposed to believe you?
Tea: I thought we were going to eat something?
Todd: You're changing the subject.
Tea: Do you want me to eat or not?
Todd: Fine.
[Todd reaches for the plate he left on the nightstand next to him as Tea slowly positions herself in front of him.]
Todd: What are you doing?
Tea: We ate like this before, remember?
Todd: That's because we had to. It was the only way I could get you to eat.
Tea: Well, it worked that time, so...
Todd: Fine, but we're not eating like this all the time, especially in public.
Tea: When we eat in public you can sit in my lap.
Todd: Hmmm.
Tea: It was a joke, Todd.
Todd: You know, that would really freak out those snobs at the country club.
Tea: Okay, maybe just once. Just to see the looks on their faces.
Todd: Hurry up and eat. I have an idea for after dinner.
Tea: What?
Todd: I'm not telling until you're done eating.
[Tea starts eating. Todd picks at and eats some of the food on her plate.]
Tea (with some food still on the plate): Okay, that's all that I can eat.
Todd: You did pretty good. Maybe we will have to eat like this more often if it will get you to eat like that. I think you deserve a special treat.
Tea: So do I.
[Todd puts the plate on the nightstand and crawls out from behind Tea.]
Todd (reaching his hand out to Tea): Come on.
Tea (taking his hand): Where are we going?
Todd (as he pulls her off the bed and holds her against his body): Well, I suggested this before and you rejected it but I thought maybe you would go for it this time.
Tea: What?
Todd: Would you like to take a bath with me?
Tea: Are you serious? Do you think you could handle that?
Todd: You know, right here in this bed we did something a lot more intimate and I survived. I think I can handle being in a bathtub with my wife. Do you want to?
Tea: I would love to. I just don't want you to do something that would make you uncomfortable.
Todd: If I don't like it I'll get out and you can soak by yourself.
Tea: Okay.
Todd: Okay.
[Tea holds onto Todd as they go into the bathroom together. She feels better than she did in the hospital but she still feels extremely weak. Todd seats Tea on the edge of the bathtub and starts filling the tub with water.]
Todd: Do you want that bubbly stuff?
Tea: Not if it would make you uncomfortable.
Todd: Are you sure?
Tea: We don't need it.
Todd: Okay.
[Todd kneels in front of Tea and removes the clothing from her upper body. Then standing up, he pulls her body up and removes the rest of her clothing.]
Tea (looking toward the tub): Um, Todd, the water.
Todd: Can you stand by yourself?
Tea: Sure.
[Todd turns off the water and checks the temperature of the water in the tub.]
Todd: It feels okay.
Tea: It's not really hot, is it?
Todd: No.
Tea: Okay.
[Todd helps Tea into the bathtub. As she settles in he stands there staring at her not making a move.]
Tea (looking up at him): You don't have to do this.
[Todd kneels down next to the tub and kisses Tea with a level of intensity that surprises her.]
Tea: Does that mean you'll be joining me or not?
Todd: It means that I've been wanting to do that since you went into the hospital. I don't like it though, you know, when there are a lot of people around.
Tea: That's okay. You can save it for when we're alone.
[Todd stands up and removes all of his clothing except his underwear. Tea can tell he's nervous about taking off this last piece of clothing.]
Tea: Maybe you should keep those on.
Todd: Really?
Tea: You know how difficult it is for me to control myself at times and we still have to be careful. Maybe it would be better if you were wearing those.
Todd: That makes sense.
[Todd gets into the tub and positions himself behind Tea so that she can lean her back against his chest.]
Todd: Is this okay? Are you comfortable?
Tea: This is perfect. Except...
Todd: What?
Tea: Maybe you could put your arms around me.
[Todd brings his arms in front of Tea and gently holds her.]
Tea: You could hold me a little tighter.
Todd: I don't want to hurt you.
Tea: You won't. I'm not that fragile.
Todd: Sometimes you look like you are.
Tea (with her arms on his encouraging him to hold her tighter): I may look that way but I'm not. I want you to hold me, really hold me.
[Todd tightens his hold on her a little bit. Tea closes her eyes and relaxes in his arms.]
Todd: How do you feel?
Tea: Better.
Todd: Does this make you uncomfortable?
Tea: What?
Todd: You don't have anything on and I do.
Tea: I don't care. I just want to be with you, Todd. It doesn't matter how we're dressed, where we are or what we're doing. I just want to be with you.
Todd: You're sure?
Tea: Quite positive.
Todd: Is this relaxing for you?
Tea: Very.
[Tea absentmindedly caresses Todd's arms. Todd nuzzles his face against Tea's cheek. They both enjoy the feeling of being next to each other for several minutes.]
Todd: Tea? Are you still awake?
Tea: Sort of.
Todd: Okay. Never mind.
Tea: What?
Todd: Go ahead and sleep.
Tea: What is it, Todd?
Todd: Sleep is more important.
Tea: Than what?
Todd: Than what I had in mind. It's okay just close your eyes and take a nap.
Tea: What did you have in mind?
Todd: You're not going to let this go, are you?
Tea: I'm curious and suddenly wide awake. What did you have in mind?
Todd: I don't think it would be a good idea.
Tea: Well, tell me what it is and I'll tell you if it's a good idea or not.
Todd: Remember in the hospital?
Tea: What?
Todd: Before we were interrupted?
Tea: Um...yeah...I...I remember.
Todd: Never mind.
Tea: Todd? Do you want to do that again?
Todd: It was a stupid idea. You're sick I shouldn't be thinking about stuff like that.
Tea: Why not? I think about it.
Todd: You do?
Tea: Of course. When you're with someone that you're attracted to, that you're in love with, it's natural to think about things like that.
Todd: Very little of this feels natural to me.
Tea: You don't have to do anything you don't want to but if you wanted to do that, what you were doing in the hospital, you could. I know I would enjoy it.
Todd: You feel okay for that?
Tea: It felt great earlier.
Todd: You're sure?
Tea: If you want to touch me, Todd, then touch me.
Todd: You don't think it's gross?
Tea: No. Right now we can't... I don't have the energy, you know, for...us to...uh...fully...well...express ourselves...the way we feel about each other...that way. Until I do we can do other things. We can hold each other. We can kiss. You can touch me. I can touch you.
Todd: I don't know about that.
Tea: I won't touch you if you don't want me to but you can definitely touch me, if you want.
Todd: You would tell me if it didn't feel okay, right?
Tea: Of course.
Todd: Right now is that what you want? Do you want me to touch you?
Tea: Touch me anyway you feel comfortable, Todd.
Todd: Comfortable? What is that?
Tea: It's how I feel right now here with you.
Todd: Really?
Tea: Really. Why don't you start slowly. Touch a part of my body that doesn't make you quite so nervous and work your way to whatever other parts of my body you want to touch.
Todd: Lean forward a little.
[While keeping one arm around Tea's stomach Todd lightly touches the side of her face with his other hand and slowly moves his fingers down her skin to her neck. When his lips join his hand in caressing her neck Tea moans slightly.]
Todd (whispering against her neck): Do you like that, Tea?
[Tea moans appreciatively as Todd's fingers slowly move down her bare back. Todd kisses her shoulder before returning his lips to her neck and then up to her ear.]
Todd: Does this feel good, Tea?
[Tea can't speak as she feels the hand that was previously on her stomach move up to caress her breast while Todd's other hand moves down her side and begins caressing her leg. For a few minutes Tea forgets that she's sick as her brain fully focuses on the sensual feelings Todd is drawing out of her body.]
Todd (whispering near her ear as the hand on her leg moves closer to its intended destination): Tea?
[Tea responds by pressing her back tight against his chest. She twists her body slightly and turns her head to face Todd. Without words, or warning, Tea's hand reaches behind his head and pulls him to her for a kiss that doesn't have a beginning as Tea's tongue enters his mouth before their lips even touch. Todd's hand pushes harder against her breast as Tea, suddenly energized, sucks his tongue into her mouth with such force he wonders if he'll get it back. As Todd's fingers begin to explore her he feels her mouth open wider against his as she lets go of his tongue and moans into his mouth. Tea drops the hand that had been firmly holding Todd's head, ensuring his mouth stayed attached to hers. Sensing that Todd is straining for a better position to more fully satisfy her Tea pulls away from their kiss and pulls Todd's hand away from her as she repositions herself on her side. Todd puts one arm behind her back and leans his own back against the side of the tub as he quickly pulls her body toward his and immediately begins kissing her again. His free hand moves up and down her side for several seconds before moving down between their bodies. As he begins caressing her intimately again he feels her body slightly shudder at his touch which also increases the intensity of Tea's kissing. Todd unconsciously begins to slowly lean forward forcing Tea onto her back. Todd momentarily removes his fingers to better position himself over Tea. When he returns his hand to her his fingers move faster wanting nothing more in that moment than to give Tea as much physical pleasure as he can. As Tea's climax nears she stops kissing him. He pulls his head back slightly and watches her face as Tea, with her eyes closed and a blissful smile upon her face, wordlessly expresses her satisfaction at his dedicated work. As he senses her beginning to descend from her climax he slows the movement of his fingers as he continues to gently caress her. When Tea's eyes finally open he studies her eyes for any sign of disapproval or discomfort but doesn't find any.]
Tea (smiling deliriously and speaking with complete satisfaction): Todd.
[Tea reaches her arms around Todd and pulls him down more heavily onto her body. Todd places both of his arms under Tea's body and holds her. After several moments Tea's thinking capability returns and she senses something in the way that Todd is holding her that scares her.]
Tea (as her hand moves up to caress his hair): Todd? Are you okay?
[Todd doesn't respond. He just continues to hold her tightly, his head buried in her neck.]
Tea: Tell me what's wrong. (pause) Please don't be upset about this. You didn't do anything wrong. You didn't hurt me. It felt great. (pause) I'm sorry if I lost control and went too far. I didn't mean to. (pause) Todd?
[Todd lets go of Tea's body and awkwardly climbs out of the tub without looking directly at her. Tea is left alone, stunned and emotionally hurt, in the bathtub as Todd wordlessly leaves the room.]
to be continued...
