SCENE 5 Love, War & Basketball
Joey’s apartment. Joey is watching women’s basketball on TV while eating dinner. Buzzer sounds. She ignores buzzer. She’s really into this game.
God, that’s amazing! I love you, Cheryl Swoops!Buzzer sounds again. She gets up from futon/couch, eyes still on TV and talks on intercom.
Who is it? Shit! (Ball didn’t go through)
It’s just me, Jason. No need to be obscene.Joey buzzes him in, still not taking her eyes off TV. Opens the door before Jason could even knock and goes back to her seat. Jason comes in.
Ohh! Did you see that assist?
(Sits beside Joey) What are you watching?
Shhh…
Oh, my God! That woman is hot! Who is she?
That’s Lisa Lesley, LA Sparks… I’m rooting for the other team—the Houston Comets…Oh-oh-oh…Nooooo! Damn, that would have been a great shot!Commercial break.
Gosh. That was intense.
So you’re still into this ha? I remember when you first came here. You were so mad that Chicago didn’t have a women’s basketball team…
I mean, of all places Mom had to choose this city…
We do have Michael Jordan…
True… that saved Chicago…But you didn’t come here to talk about basketball, did you?
Not really… I was in the neighborhood and thought maybe I should stop by. I—I wanted to ask you something…
What’s that?Joey’s attention is captivated by TV again .
Oh—hold that thought… It’s on again…
Ate, I just wanted to ask you… do you think it would be alright to ask Marina out on a date?
(Her eyes not leaving the TV) Shit! That was a stupid call!!! What was that again, Jays? Something about Marina?
Yeah, I was just wondering if…you know, I can take her out to Bistro Margot, the new place out on Michigan Avenue… I mean do you think she’ll like that? You see, my friend works there and he said he can—But, Marina, ahmmm… I was wondering if—you know… if you would like to talk about the plan and all…
I’m still not clear about
certain things…
What a move!!! What a move, Jason!
I’m glad you approve… Then I was wondering… she’s not seeing anyone right now, is she? I mean… if she were, then she would have asked that person instead, right?
What? No, no… She’s… (gets distracted by TV) Oh, beautiful!
I know…
God, did you see that, Jason? That was way behind the three-point arc…Buzzer sounds .
That must be Marina. Can you check, Jason? She’s still shy to use her keys to the house…Jason gets up and talks on intercom.
Who is it?
(Voice-over) Jason? (Surprised) It’s Marina.Jason fixes his hair, waits at the door with a smile on his face and opens it.
Hey, Jason... what are you doing here?
Oh, I was just in the neighborhood…
You got your father’s car already?
Oh, no… but the shop let me use another one…Ahmm, actually, I wanted to ask you…
Yes? Hey Joe—I mean Joy!
Hey Marina… Halika, ang ganda ng laro… Come watch with me, guys!!
You know, I really ought to get going, soon… But, Marina, ahmmm… I was wondering if—you know… if you would like to talk about the plan and all… I’m still not clear about certain things…
Right now? Sure…
No, I was thinking Friday…
(Thinks a moment) No problem… I have a day-off on Friday.
I’ll pick you up at 7:00 p.m. then? There’s this restaurant where my friend works at and he says that the food is really good…
Is it Filipino food?
No, it’s French Creole—something like that…Oh my God… I didn’t know they were televising it… but we do need
the exposure…
I’m only asking because I work at a Filipino restaurant and frankly, I’d rather cook it at home then pay for it outside… seven on Friday, you say? I’ll be here…
Shit, shit, shit!
Bye, Marina…
Bye!
Bye, Ate Joy! Oh, by the way, Ate, mom wants me to remind you of our cousin Chris’s 18th birthday party on Saturday… Maybe you can take Marina with you…Jason exits.
(Still watching) Bye, Jason!! (annoyed) I’ll see if I don’t have work on Saturday… (as Jason leaves. To Marina) Ay naku! She’s gonna force me to wear a stupid dress again…
You know you don’t have to…
(Eyes still on TV) Yeah, tell that to my mom…Joey flips the Channel to News. Marina closes the door. On the television there isa news report of a rally at the Philippine Consulate.
(VO)
We’re here at the Philippine Consulate where there’s a protest going on against the recent visit of Philippine president Joseph Estrada… Estrada has come to get support and aid for the ongoing military conflict in Mindanao between government forces and the Muslim rebels, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front…Sound of chanting.
What do we want? PEACE!!! When do we want it?? NOW!!! NO MORE WAR!!! NO MORE WAR!!!
Marina…. Is that you?Marina goes over to her and watches.
Oh my God… I didn’t know they were televising it… but we do need the exposure…Commercial break. Joey turns off TV.
Marina… you don’t even have papers and you’re going around marching and chanting anti-war slogans… what if you get arrested?
I won’t…
I’m not kidding… the CIA probably has dossier on you now… and they’ll share it with the INS…
Don’t be so paranoid, Joey… they don’t have that kind of budget… besides, this war is going on far too long… and we gotta make a stand…
We’re too far from it… it doesn’t affect us…I’m more concerned about the Comets losing than the state of politics in Mindanao… hello…
That’s what you think… everything is connected… you can’t just turn your head away when you know innocent people are getting killed everyday…
Hay naku, you are a true activist, Marina… and you know what, the INS has a special category for people like you… and it’s definitely not a visa for you to stay…
Joey… you’ve always been a… a pacifist---
I’m a lover not a fighter… corny as it may sound… I’m more concerned about the Comets losing than the state of politics in Mindanao… hello…
Whatever… Anyway, hey you know what? I told my boss about the plan.
What did he say?
Well, he said he can refer us to an immigration lawyer who doesn’t charge that much.
But my friend said you don’t need an attorney… That’s just additional cost…
I know… But my boss said it’s better to have a lawyer cause he’s gonna take care of all the paperwork…(she takes out her notebook and reads the list) I checked the fees I have to pay to the INS and it’s—ahmm, okay, $110 for the petition, $100 for the work permit, $220 to change status to a permanent resident from a tourist, $25 for fingerprinting… it’s about $455!! And that’s just for a conditional residency…
What does that mean?
It means, after two years, Jason and I should be able to prove that our marriage is real and apply to the INS to take the conditions off my residency… That’s the only time I can get a real green card… It costs $125 right now just to apply to take out the conditions… If we get a lawyer that’ll be another $2,000, I bet…
You think your brother might consider lowering his price, Joey?Marina goes to bathroom.
Well, why don’t you ask him?
Maybe I would… I’m gonna see him this Friday…Beat.
(Worried look on her face) Oh, yeah… what’s that about?(Offstage)
Oh… he just wants to talk about… you know… the fine print…Black out. Slide projection: RULE NUMBER FOUR: DO NOT FALL IN LOVE IN AMERICA UNLESS IT’S WITH A US CITIZEN OR A LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE OPPOSITE SEX.
SCENE 6 ‘Carrie’
Lights up to show Joey’s apartment. On the couch we see Marina and Oscar/Carrie sitting close to each other. Carrie is in casual drag.
You know, I’ve always had a crush on you ever since we were in high school…
Really? I bet it’s ‘cause I’m prettier than you…
But you were always with someone else… and I guess I’m just not your type… Oh, shit, Carrie, this is not working… I don’t think I’ll ever have the courage to tell her… We’ve been friends for a long time now… she’ll think that I’ve been lying to her all this time…Carrie hugs Marina to comfort her.
Well, you are kinda manipulative… But that’s what I like about you… You’re kinda—like me!Just then Joey comes in. She is startled to see the couple hugging. She doesn’t see Carrie’s face.
You think you might date me then, Joey? I’m still saving up for the final cut, you know….
Oops… I’m sorry… (she closes the door again)
Joey, nooo…Marina runs to open the door again and pulls Joey back inside but she wouldn’t come in.
Is she the one?
Don’t you know who that is?Carrie turns around exaggeratedly. She stands. Joey looks at Carrie warily at first. Then she recognizes her friend.
Oh my—is it you, Oscar?
Carrie.Joey rushes toward her. They embrace.
Gosh, you look gorgeous…
I know. And this is just the casual wear…(she turns around to show, catwalks like a ramp model) Wait til you see the evening gown and the swimsuit event…
Well, how have you been? Has it been that long?
What do you think?
Gosh even your voice has changed… What do I think? I think you look great.
Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself, Joey… I’m okay… I had the operation two weeks ago… The scars are still there, you wanna see?
No, it’s okay, Osc—I mean Carrie…
I love them, though (holds her breasts). What was that famous Jerry Mcguire line? They complete me. They feel so soft and cushy—I hope I’m not turning into a lesbo… You think you might date me then, Joey? I’m still saving up for the final cut, you know….
(Laughs uncomfortably) Oh… Well, you guys wanna have some wine… I think we still have some in the fridge… So Carrie, how’s that guy you’re dating? Is it Mark or Mike? I can never get it right…
Wine sounds good… you have anything German? It’s better than French you know… More—robust! It was Mike. We broke up… he said he couldn’t handle it… Stupid ass… He said he likes me with dick… said I should find me a nice straight guy, now…
Ooops… all we have is some California Zinfandel… I’m—I’m sorry to hear about the break-up…
That’s okay… I was just kidding, Joey… you still don’t know me… I’m so over him, it’s unbelievable… I mean, he was the longest, you know (holds the wine glass provocatively)… nine…
(Shocked) Nine???So??? Look at me… I think I’m starting to like butch dykes now… as date material you know… some of them are just sooo manly…
Months of relationship I’ve had, you perverts!Marina refuses the wine glass.
Oh, I forgot…. You don’t drink anymore…
Ow, c’mon angel… you’re among friends…
Yeah—female friends…. di ba Carrie? (she winks at Carrie, who raises her glass)
O sige na nga… (she gets the glass)
Well, let’s have a toast, why don’t we? To friendship!
To friendship! (toast)
And to queerness…
To queerness! (toast)They drink the wine.
So Marina, did you tell Carrie about Jason?
Yes… and I’m jealous… (to Marina) Bitch! (to Joey) you know I’ve had a crush on your baby brother ever since. How come she gets to marry him?
It’s just for papers, Carrie…
Uhummm… (winks at Marina, a plan is brewing in her head) you mean you guys never saw that movie “Green Card”?
Yeah, I remember that… it’s with that French guy, Gerard Depar-something…
Depardieu, mademoiselle…
Whatever…
In the movie, Gerard and Andie McDowell got married for convenience, so Gerard can have a green card… but they fell in love and… the rest is --- good, unadulterated, sweetly predictable Hollywood…
Carrie!!! You know I don’t go for—
So??? Look at me… I think I’m starting to like butch dykes now… as date material you know… some of them are just sooo manly… (sidles up to Joey)
(Leans on Carrie) You’re too feminine for me, Carrie…
Well, what do you think, Joey? Remember all those femmes you dated who dumped you for a man? It’s okay to play on the other team, Marina… especially with someone as cute as Joey’s baby brother…
Huh? Who dumped me? Anyway, that was in high school… femmes now have more sense… at least that’s what I believe… Atsaka si Jason pa! You know my brother, Carrie… he’s not the marrying kind… I mean, no offense, Marina…
Uhummm… I heard they’re going out to dinner…
Carina!!! It’s just a dinner….
Bistro Margot, is it? If that isn’t a date then I don’t know what is… Definitely Hollywood material… I’m telling you, Joey… Say hello to your new sister-in-law…A brief silence. Carrie looks at her watch.
Oh, look at that… time flies so fast when you’re having fun… I gotta go guys… Sorry to cut this reunion short.Marina gives Carrie a mean look. Joey gives Carrie a kiss and hug. Marina approaches Carrie and hugs her too. Joey and Marina are left onstage feeling awkward. Carrie exits.
Hey, you don’t really think me and your brother… I mean I know he’s your family’s baby… and I would never think of ---
Hey, he’s old enough… (looks at her watch) oops, I almost forgot… I’m meeting Jelly for coffee at Boys' Town…Joey leaves. Marina is left onstage, confused. Black out.
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