EDSA 2015 Drama

MEMENTO
VIVERE

By:
Alberta Natasia Adji
&
Widi Laksono

English Department
Faculty of Humanities
Universitas Airlangga
2015

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 LIST OF CHARACTERS

TATIANA : An intelligent young woman who is good with her career at the
office and loves her husband Levy so much. She has an alter-ego named Erin,
who always takes the opposite side when it comes to judging her marriage.
However, she loves Levy terribly and never actually wishes him harm. She
enrolled at the same high school as Levy, Benny, and Ocha. She is the one who
can only see and talk to Erin.

ERIN : Tatiana’s alter-ego. She behaves like a pompous and bitchy

woman towards Tatiana, always scrutinizing her to see Levy’s true self and urges
her to divorce him as soon as possible. She mostly follows Tatiana around all day.
She can speak through Tatiana and actually is mute and invisible to anyone but
Tatiana alone. She is overjoyed when Levy’s murdered in the end, but then gets
killed at the same time when Tatiana attempts suicide.

LEVY : A pathetic, highly temperamental man who only married Tatiana

for her fortune and intelligence to earn much money. He is the worst kind of bully
and thinks only about getting advantage from his loving wife. Later, he tries to kill
his wife, who is still in the form of Erin. He was at the same high school as Levy,
Benny, and Ocha.

BENNY : Levy’s the one and true loyal friend who hires him as his
assistant. He often accompanies Levy, and the only one who can stand to his
insults or harsh temperament. Later, he gives up his friendship with him when he
sees that Levy is no longer the friend he used to know. He likes to tease Ocha and
is seen having much patience with almost anything.

OCHA : Tatiana and Levy’s school friend. She is very cheerful and
carefree, always trying to bring her mood up. She works directly under Axel’s
command, becoming his most trusted subordinate. She is always able to see the
goodness in everything and never pays much attention to anyone’s bad behavior.
She is the one who picks Tatiana from the work interview.

AXEL : The other man in Levy and Tatiana’s marriage who starts out as
the editor-in-chief at the magazine. He is very handsome and smart, an important
figure for the magazine company. Later, he falls in love with “Tatiana” (Erin) and
decides to marry her as soon as she divorces Levy.

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 THE DRAMA CHRONOLOGY

SCENE 0:

Erin is having her monologue, lamenting her story to the world.

SCENE 1:

Tatiana and Erin are preparing for their work interview, with Erin suddenly being
insecure about herself and chooses to call Levy but went unanswered.

SCENE 2:

The two girls meet their old friend Ocha, their interviewer, and then Erin falls for
Axel at the first sight, instantly infatuated with him.

SCENE 3:

At home, Levy bullies Tatiana although technically she is the bread-winner of the
couple. He feels trapped and furious at her at the same time, but unable to do
anything since he still needs her money and big income from work. Erin,
however, stresses the fact that Levy is nothing but a trash to Tatiana, in which she
always denies.

SCENE 4:

Levy and Benny are playing cards in Benny’s home. They are engaged in a heated
argument that Levy hates his wife so much and wants nothing if not for her
money. Benny tries to reason with him and offers him a job as his assistant in the
magazine.

SCENE 5:

During a meeting, Benny introduces Levy to all his co-workers including Tatiana
and Ocha. Erin is furious to see him there, but on the contrary Tatiana is very glad
and grateful. She welcomes Levy warmly, but this threatens Levy’s pride as a
man and husband terribly, and he feels embarrassed. He shows that by responding
to her harshly.

SCENE 6:

Erin is having a dinner with Axel, who is obviously taken by her. He declares his
desire to marry her and wants her to divorce Levy as soon as possible.

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SCENE 7:

Levy lashes it out to Tatiana since he finds photos of her together with Axel shot
by Benny. He blames her all for the embarrassment he receives. He vows to make
his wife’s life suffer by taking all of her savings and leaving her forever. Tatiana,
in tears, realizes in horror that Erin is using her body when she is asleep to have
an affair with Axel.

SCENE 8:

Ocha and Benny are working when Tatiana suddenly bursts in to confront them
regarding Levy’s behavior, as well as suspecting them to be compromising with
him getting the photos. She also asks for Axel to meet, but he is out of town. She
also demands Benny if he knows where Levy is, if he’s hiding him in his house.
The two friends try to calm her, but she runs out and calls them all liars.

SCENE 9:

Erin is waiting for Axel to come, but she is not aware that it was Levy who texted
her. She is trapped and gets beaten up by him, but she is able to defend herself by
taking the knife from his trousers back pocket and stabs him with it, killing him in
an instant. Tatiana, arriving too late, mourns for her wretched husband and scolds
Erin for taking the only precious thing in her life. She kills herself by shooting
herself in the chest, also killing Erin at the same time.

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 SCENE 0

ERIN : [Monologue] The first thing about surviving in this whole mess
that you people call life is self-destruction. Consider your mind… not blown, but
demolished. We were born and taught to believe that we are meant to be great,
famous and invincible. But all of them are NOTHING. You will still be slaving
away like dogs to earn a scrape of money from a bunch of fat rich men with too
much belly! Don’t call this unfortunate. It’s just how the way things are.
Everything is falling apart and so are you. Still, some are luckier than others.
Imagine living two lives in one beat of breath. You give up all your worldly
possessions just to take that leap of life. But look outside the window. There’s a
bloody battle ahead. One that no one ever comes out alive. Because there are
twins, not in body or soul, but in mind.

[Blacks out]

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 SCENE I

Tatiana and Erin are preparing themselves for the job interview they have
always dreamed of. Erin is so sure of herself while Tatiana is not. They look
ready, but not quite. At least for Tatiana.

ERIN : [Adjusting her make-up with the pocket mirror, then inserts it into
her bag] Alright, we’re ready to go.

TATIANA : [Silent, looking lost in thought]

ERIN : [Pokes her shoulder] Hey, what’s the matter with you?

TATIANA : [Sighs] Nothing. It’s just that… Well, I had a terrible dream last
night. I don’t know if that was some kind of a warning. I forgot what it was about,
but it was all bloody and cruel. I couldn’t even sleep a wink after that.

ERIN : [Snorts] Oh my God! Not again. It’s all nonsense and you know
it! [Turning back exasperatedly with her arms thrown in the air] You know
you’ve been having insomnia since you were 10 and having all these nightmares
like you’re an asylum patient. How many years has it been? Fifteen? Ch! We’ve
always been doing this and it never fails! Why all of a sudden you’re running
scared? Are you now having… uh, what the hell is it? Organic brain dementia?

TATIANA : [Offended] I’m not! I’m just… I think I cannot do it anymore. I

have no pulse or fighting spirit or whatever it is people call it today. I have
nothing! Perhaps we can choose another job next time. [Walks away in defeat]

ERIN : [Grabs her arm] Whoa, come on! Your career is finally going
your direction! If something bad happens, we’ll just figure something out. We
always do. Well, we have to hurry. It is already time. Get your suitcase quickly.

TATIANA : [Takes out her cellphone from her bag] I need to call Levy first. I
have to hear his voice or I will blow my interview all over. Please just wait a
second. You don’t have any idea how miserable I am without him around.

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ERIN : [Rolls her eyes] This is the one thing that will ruin your biggest
chance. I’m telling you, he’s nothing but garbage. A man who lets his wife do all
the work to feed him deserves to be shot. End of story.

TATIANA : [Looks at her sharply] Don’t you dare say another word about
him. He’s the love of my life, and there’s nothing you can do about it. I’m not
asking you to like him, Rin, but at least respect him as a human being. Now hold
your tongue while I call him.

ERIN : [Scoffs, throwing herself on the sofa] For goodness sake, Tat,
deliver yourself from that moron!

TATIANA : [Worried, still tries to phone her husband] Oh, why isn’t he
picking it up? Where are you, baby? [Dials his number again]

ERIN : [Looks at her watch, surprised] Oh, gosh! We’re running late! No
time for messing around with your stupid husband. [Grabs Tatiana’s shoulder to
run with her] Come, we’re going to make some real money. Don’t worry. I’ve got
your back, honey! [Dashes away with a groaning Tatiana]

[Lights out]

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 SCENE II

Both women are anxiously waiting inside the office room. A senior worker
named Ocha is checking their resumes behind her desk. Ocha is an old friend of
Tatiana, and that’s why she looks pleased to receiver her as a future member of
the company.

OCHA : [Reading the resume papers and nodding in agreement] Tatiana, I

must say that I’m truly impressed. You have such a bright academic report and
that you have so many trained working experiences abroad, which are all famous
cities in America. You’ve been to New York, LA, Washington… oh and Ireland
and Japan too? Wow. [Grins broadly] Tell me girl, did they put the Loch Ness
monster in a bloody big aquarium like in Seaworld?

ERIN : [Bursts into laughter] You’re just joking, right? They are not real!

TATIANA : [Confused but laughing] Well, they are just in myths and legends.

OCHA : [Pretends to be disappointed] Ow. Too bad. [Her face lights up

again] But in Japan! Did they all dress crazy like that? You know Harajuku and
Ganguro style? They absolutely rock! And I love their sushi so much! Last week I
ate four plates of Ebi Furai Sushi and Tempura at some Japanese restaurant after
putting up with too many meetings! It was damn satisfying and now I’m addicted
to anything that is Japanese! And you know what? I’m going to ask Axel my boss
to promote me there. Isn’t it exciting? [Giggling] I can wear kimonos and yukatas
and going into those summer festivals with cute anime boys!

[Axel comes into the room and startles Erin as she is awestruck with his dashing
handsome appearance]

AXEL : Hi ladies, good afternoon. [Nods his head once] Ocha, I can hear
your chattering outside louder than the radio station! Are you having an interview
or planning a pajama party with these new candidates? It’s lucky that we only
have so few people to apply for this job. That will be quite easy to choose.

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OCHA : [Waves her hair away] Ah, don’t be so mean and too serious! I’m
only fooling around with them, since they have been everywhere internationally.
Unlike me, who’s trapped in this local office with piles of paperwork. [Looking at
her boss sarcastically] You know that I’ve been requesting for a promotion in
abroad office but you keep insisting I’m not ready!

AXEL : [Smiles, shaking head] Well, let’s not talk about it in front of
these ladies. But I promise you I will do something about it. If… [Holds up one
finger] you help me choose these new interns. Do we have a deal?

OCHA : [Ecstatic] Yes! YES! Thank you! That’s all I’m asking! Now,
where were we? Oh right, why do you consider yourself suitable as a creative
director? Why not, uhm, choosing manager position instead so you can learn
about this company for a bit before going up to take the throne? What makes you
so confident, Tatiana?

TATIANA : Uh, let’s just say that with all of my experiences, I’ve been to
many interesting places and have seen many things that are unthinkable and
insanely creative. I’ve always been interested in working for metropolitan
magazines that can give people a breath of fresh air, particularly for those who are
working hard in fashion industry! The foreign customs and cultures are
fascinating to begin with, and I want to shake things up for Sparkle magazine so
that eventually it can compete with the world-class Vogue or Cosmo.

AXEL : [Looks up from the resumes] Mm, impressive. It’s good to know
that someone has such passionate care for Sparkle. I haven’t heard anyone say
anything like that for five years. Perhaps you are just exactly what we are looking
for. Your abroad experiences are surely great. I have no doubt you could open up
a brand new demographic for the face of our magazine.

ERIN : [Joins the conversation excitedly] And I also dream of leading

such a colorful company with diversity and fun flowing into my veins! I want to
be a part of modern civilization that appraises diversity and multiculturalism

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everywhere. Of course, I also want to be surrounded by smart and creative people
to support many projects. It would be such a thrill to work for you, sir. [Shyly]

AXEL : Please just call me Axel. Well, I’m glad you’re already interested
with having me as your boss. We will have no trouble in working with each other
afterward. Now Ocha, are they the last candidates? We have a meeting with the
public relations people in 15 minutes.

OCHA : Oh, right. I almost forgot. Just one last question. [Staring at them
deeply] How far is your commitment to this job?

TATIANA : Could you please explain that to me in more detail?

AXEL : Well, do you mind if you often have to work overtime in very late
nights and attend shows outside of town for a few days? When any of that
happens, you will still have to do hurry doing your postponed daily work after
going home. Usually they include correspondence letters, brochures management
designs, and photoshoot arrangements. Don’t worry. Expenses spent out of town
will be reimbursed by the office. We have got all of them covered and secured.
The question is, are you strong enough to take that much challenge or not?

OCHA : Ck! Boss, you stole my line! That’s called speech plagiarism!

AXEL : Oh, be quiet, won’t you? Well, ladies? I’m waiting.

ERIN : [Firm tone] I’ll do it!

TATIANA : [Calm tone] I will take it.

OCHA : Oh! Fantastic! [Claps her hands happily]

AXEL : [Smiles briefly] Excellent. You are the answer to my prayers. We

will deliver your legal acceptance letter in one week. Now Ocha, shall we? Those
guys are so impatiently berserk like piranhas down there. I wonder if all
photographers are mentally cannibal toward spidery-legged models. They’re so
aggressive, just like assassins!

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OCHA : [Collects all the papers on the table] Well, your best subordinate
is one. Why don’t you just ask him? Don’t tell me you’re shy that you are getting
old now. Benny looks up to you as his mentor so much. He is a good journalist
and photographer. He could be your biggest rival someday. You should be
careful, boss. Jokesters always win over serious nerds. Aren’t they, girls?

AXEL : The problem is Benny never takes me seriously. He thinks I’m

too stiff to understand that photos are all about art. Well, he certainly is blind
because I’m the editor-in-chief here. Heh. Whatever. [Starts to walk away]

ERIN : Oh, wait! May I please know your number, sir? Uh, I won’t
terrorize you, I promise. It’s just in case if the letter gets sent to a wrong address
or something like that. [Laughs nervously] You know that those things always
happen, right?

AXEL : [Nods once] Okay. [Gives her his name card from his pocket] Is
this enough?

ERIN : [Smiles broadly to impress him] Yes, thank you very much. We
will be waiting for the good news.

AXEL : Sure. Good luck, girls! [Walks away]

OCHA : Yes, good luck, girls! Oh, Tatiana? You said you are married to
Levy, right? You must know that his best buddy Benny works here too under
Axel’s guidance. Please send him my best regards. Bye! [Walks away too]

TATIANA & ERIN: Bye! Thank you!

[Lights off]

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 SCENE III

At her home, Tatiana wants to tell Levy all about her interview. Levy, on
the other hand, is still sleeping on the sofa. He is not happy to be disturbed with
such ‘mere nonsense’.

TATIANA : [Carefully sticks around, wanting to wake him. She speaks in a

low voice while nudging him] Lev? Darling? It’s already four in the afternoon. I
have good news for you.

LEVY : [Groans grumpily, looking at her with annoyed eyes] What?

Can’t you see that I’m resting? You women never pity us. Didn’t you know that I
had to wash all those clothes and clean our house for hours? Repair all the leaking
water pipes? Just shut up and leave me alone. [Goes back to sleep again]

TATIANA : [Slightly panicked] I’m so sorry. But look dear, I have a job that I
have always dreamed of! It seems that they have agreed to take the position as
creative director of the company. It’s Sparkle, Lev! The best magazine in this
country! I can get us go international. It’s a dream come true! Oh, and Benny your
friend also works under my soon-to-be boss too!

LEVY : [Bored and really annoyed] Yeah, it’s a nightmare come true. Of
course I already know that. Benny is always more talkative and chirpy than one
hundred birds caged together. So what? Should I bow to kiss your feet now?

TATIANA : [Gasps in surprise at his tone] How could say something like
that? It’s a blessing, you know! Do you think how many people can work for that
kind of a famous magazine company? It’s a grand institution. Many girls would
die just to be accepted as their writers. Why do you have to ruin my happiness by
saying something so rude?

LEVY : [Curses something in rage] Look! If you expect some roundup

applause or a standing ovation, you should tell that to a bunch of orphan kids! I’ve
been looking out for a job for two years straight after that hotel manager fired me!

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And what for is that? To buy every stitches that stick to the back of your fancy
suit clothes and all that clown make-up. You’re just one of those women who
choose to starve and look pretty instead of filling your belly with food! Now go
away from here and let me be! Please just don’t let me want to scratch that wimpy
face of yours. If you love me, then you should agree to everything I want. [Shakes
his head sleepily] Really! How hard is it just to let your husband sleep in peace?
Just get lost somewhere for a while. I will wake up at dinner time.

TATIANA : [Muffles her mouth from gasped crying] Have you no heart at all?
I have sacrificed everything just so the two of us can live. Now you have crushed
it, letting it crumble to pieces! Do I really mean nothing to you? Don’t you
remember how sweet it was for us back then?

LEVY : Tch! [Scratches his head roughly, turning his head angrily at her]
Damn it, Tat. Why do you always so gullible and helplessly childish?

TATIANA : [Slowly stretches her hand to reach him] Lev… please. I only
want you to understand my hopes and dreams.

LEVY : [Coldly] Don’t touch me, woman. Now stop your crying and
occupy yourself to something useful, curse you. You are as weak and pathetic and
shaky as a scared rabbit. I want no part of this merry celebration of whatever it is
you’re glad at. I’m tired and hungry. I don’t want to hear any other trash about
work or job or promotion anymore. If you’re so wise as they all say, you should
realize that sooner or later it would all be for naught! You’ll open your eyes that
the real happy ending is to die when you hit the bottom ground. Just remember
that for the rest of your life if you don’t want to end up crazy and drunk with some
sappy, fake happiness. [Walks away and Erin enters the scene]

ERIN : [Surprised at looking at Tatiana crying] Oh, darling! [Embraces

her] I told you to stay clear of him, didn’t I? But of course, you have to play the
beggar all over again. You just don’t know when to stop, that’s the problem.
[Sighs] They say it’s a vain to talk to really stubborn people who are no different
than mules.

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TATIANA : [Draws her breath shortly in her cries] He was so gentle once. So
kind and so caring. It was because of his failed job. He was about to be promoted
to be the head manager, but his coworker did a trick and then managed to accuse
him of corrupting their money. He has never been the same ever since. It’s not his
fault, Rin. I am fully aware of that.

ERIN : [Not at all sympathetic] If you say so. But all I see is a broken
man who is mentally crippled beyond repair! If I were you, I would poison him
and leave a fake signed divorce paper on his dead body. We don’t need jerky men
in our lives. We should have successful ones just like that handsome boss today.
[Suddenly smiling dreamily all over]

TATIANA : [Has somewhat recovered and calmer] He is only having bad

times, Erin. Don’t mistake it. You’re a selfish creature if you judge every single
thing by its cover. I don’t know about our new boss, but I think he’s a nice person
that is very qualified in his job. It must be great to be able to work with him.

ERIN : [Grabs both Tatiana’s hands excitedly] Is he married? Did you

see him wearing a ring or not? I think he was not. Or was he? It was so lucky that
I have his number. He was insanely gorgeous and so elegant. I think he must be
attracted to me somehow. [Laughs happily]

TATIANA : [In a warning tone] Erin, you just met him for about fifteen
minutes. Love at first sight is wonderful, but if you look into it deeper, it is more
of lust at first sight. It can hardly survive for long.

ERIN : [Cynical] Oh, you mean like you and your dear husband? Aren’t
you a little bit too blind? Things are not working out between you guys, and it’s
only a matter of time that he will treat you with violence. Don’t worry, silly. I
won’t be making the same mistake that you do now. I will have my own little
romance with someone who is actually worth it. A real man with real qualities. I
won’t let go of Axel. I simply won’t let him out my sight. Just wait and see.

[Lights black out]

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 SCENE IV

Levy and Benny are playing cards and eating some snacks together. They
haven’t met in a long time. Benny’s cheerfulness can calm Levy’s temper, but
Levy is no longer the same person Benny has known back at school years ago.
Time and failure have made him bitter and wretched.

BENNY : [Slams one card on the table, smiling broadly] A-ha! You lost!
The King of Hearts takes all! Now you owe me five packs of potato chips! Come
on, give them to me now. Hehehe.

LEVY : [Shakes his head bored] I never understand how you have always
managed to beat me up in cards but suck at chess. I mean, you have had a lack of
practice since you’re so busy working for that stupid magazine company, right?
Sometimes I wonder what will happen if I had that kind of ability can get myself a
lot of money from casino machines. You know, most jobs today are so
meaningless that they don’t even worth the pay. Sometimes I’m just confused if
we should work at all. It’s no different than being a slave. Modernity is just
another fake mask of festering corruption.

BENNY : [Smiles unsure] Whoa, somebody’s turning sensitive. Are you

okay, Lev? Man, what the hell happened to you? You sounded very… dark. You
were much optimistic and spirited back then. I thought you were a real punch in
chasing after your dream to have your own hotel. You had the highest score in our
generation, buddy. That should have counted for something more. I thought you
were better than this.

LEVY : [Suddenly intense] Better than what? What do you mean by better
than this? Huh?! That I’m crazy and need to be put in therapy? That I’m as good
as dead now? Is that what you mean, Ben?

BENNY : [Raises his hands in cautious defeat] Hey, hey, chill out. I was
just only giving you some advice—

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LEVY : [Cuts Benny’s words short, voice rising in anger] You think this
is all my fault? You are trying to mock me now since you’re at the top position?
Really? Just because you haven’t heard from me for the past several years doesn’t
mean that you can just insult me whenever you want! You don’t even understand
half of my difficulties. You have no idea how hard it is to put up with such boring
whining and remarks from my wife! Day after day after day! She thinks she is so
much better than me, with all of her abroad training and her new found dream job
at your rotten company! [Smiles cruelly] How hypocrite of Tatiana, to think that I
would be all happy when she got accepted. A wife who was born with more luck
than her husband is nothing but a parasite. She can only make her husband look
stupid, making him a laughing stock.

BENNY : [Tries to reason with Levy] Geez, Levy. Don’t you think that is
overrated? Dude, Tatiana works for you without complaining at all. And since she
is crazily smart, she can earn double salary than the rest of ordinary men! You
should, uh, you should open your mind more and support her instead. Without her
hard work and sacrifice, you would have nothing to eat. Or spend. Trust me, Lev,
everyone has to hit bottom sometimes but you have to hold on if you want to win.

LEVY : [Crosses his arms] And now you’re going crazy, man, with that
larger-than-life nonsense advice. I’m not going to be married to any goddamn job.

BENNY : You listen to me, butt-head. Getting fired is the best thing that
could happen to any of us. You’re finally free from hell and free to do anything
that truly worth your time. Stop thinking that you’re destined for something big
and famous and secure like those Hollywood movie stars or rich Wall Street
bankers. Look around you, Lev. Everything is falling apart. Everything changes.
You have to stop playing crap before you can build something up.

LEVY : [Stares down at the table] You know what? This could go on and
on till morning and I will wake up tomorrow forgetting all words you have said.
Does it matter so much to you if I continue or quit?

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BENNY : [Sighs] You were such a nice person before, friend. Honestly, I
hardly know anything about running a household since I’m still a single bachelor.
I think that if your wife truly loves you, you should give her a second chance to
change. You guys could work it out.
LEVY : [Scratches his head, suddenly embarrassed] Sorry, Ben. I know
I’m all dirt and trash. I’m just frustrated. It’s been so long for me to roll myself
over and over in the deep. It seems… endless, it’s really hard to come out. What is
actually happening with this world, Ben? Why everything is so useless and out of
control? [Looks into the distance] What am I going to do with my life?

BENNY : [One hand tapping slowly at the table] Don’t shut this out. You
only have one shot in life. Throw your pride and embrace the scar. You have to
give up that ego to taste the sweet. That’s the only way. Bad stuff always happens,
okay? Open your eyes, bud. You still have to see the world as what it can become.
Don’t end it just yet.

LEVY : [Much calmer tone] You’ll help me out of this, right? Please?

BENNY : [Thinking] Do you want me to get you a job? A good one,

anywhere? You’re sure about this?

LEVY : [Nods once] Yeah.

BENNY : [Bites his lower lip in consideration] I’ll talk to Ocha about it. If
it is allowed, then you can be my assistant. You know that I’m not good at
managing my own schedule. Since I’m the second-in-command of the Sparkle’s
editor-in-chief, I have had bad issues with clients since I can never multiply
myself to finish my ever-growing tasks. That’s quite tough because not many
people are free to help me voluntarily. Look, I know perhaps this is no dream job
for you or it no heaven still and even the pay is small, but it could’ve been worse.

LEVY : [Waves it off] Nah, it’s okay. You have been very generous.
[Stands up, Benny too] I’m not good at words, but I really appreciate what you

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just did to me. Nobody has ever cared or paid me attention before. I think I can
finally sleep with a smile tonight. So thanks. [Shakes Benny’s hand with respect]

BENNY : [Shakes Levy’s hand and nods] Anytime.

[Lights out]

SCENE V

Tatiana, Erin, Ocha, and Axel are having a meeting together (seated
around a table), discussing about a project together. They were busily arguing
about something when Benny and Levy casually enter the room.

OCHA : [All bright, running to embrace him] LEVY!!! Long time no see!
What a nice surprise!

LEVY : [Shyly] Hey, Ocha. You look well.

BENNY : [Bows his body slightly] Sorry to interrupt, Axel, but this is my
new assistant that I was talking to you about. Folks, I think you already know
Levy. Please give him a warm welcome! [Gives an applause]

AXEL : Ah, perfect timing, Benny. [Stands up to shake hands with Levy]
Welcome to our little company, Levy! I’m Axel, and I’m the editor-in-chief here.
I hope that we can be a great team together. Oh, and do me a favor, will you?
Make sure that Benny Bear here always obeys his schedule on time so there will
no more models crying because they miss him. Right, Ben? Oh well, please have
a seat gentlemen.

ERIN : [Her face turns to hate, she leans her body toward Tatiana and
grabs her arm, demanding an explanation in furious whisper] What the hell is he
doing here?! Why Benny invited that bastard?! He’ll ruin everything.

TATIANA : [Completely ignores Erin’s protests, standing up happily] Levy,

darling. I didn’t know that you accepted the job here. I thought you dislike it.

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I’m—I’m so glad that you made it here. I don’t know what to say to you, Benny.
Oh, it’s perfect! [Smiles shyly]

LEVY : [Smiles uneasy, still clutching to his ego about being defeated by
his wife] I know. It’s amazing that Benny suddenly offered the assistant job here,
isn’t it? Well, let’s get back to work.

OCHA : [Claps her hands once] Marvellous! Now, shall we look at

celebrity issues that will be inserted in the new-coming Sparkle edition? I think
we have to include their memorable movies, too. Or perhaps we can talk about
their food choices, diet programs, funny habits, make-up endorsements, fashion
products, so and so…

AXEL : Good idea, Cha. But I think we can only mention the movies. We
don’t want Sparkle to turn into a movie magazine. We already have Cinemags and
Total Film in this town.

ERIN : [Jumps in the discussion excitedly] Yeah, never spark a war in

your own family. Why don’t we show the latest red carpet events like Golden
Globe and Oscar? I’m sure our readers will want every little tiny detail of it. Oh,
and we can include their backstage funny moments too. Wouldn’t it be great,
Axel?

AXEL : [Nods, then writes] Yeah. Okay, I’m writing it down.

BENNY : [Clears throat] Ehm, well. I know I’m in no position to mention

new ideas, but I’ve heard that the last Victoria Secret Show was a spectacular
bomb yesterday. The models were said to be wearing animal costume lingerie,
which is highly unusual for the brand. It has gone viral in social media, and I think
if we can cover it up in two days, we can be the first to throw the news. How great
is that, huh? I can contact my fellow journalist in LA to get the first insert, and
voila! The magic will work itself.

LEVY : I’ll help you choose the photos, Ben and prepare the demo
brochure. Perhaps I can print them first with the copywriter machine for trial.

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OCHA : [Frowns disapprovingly] Ben sweetheart, I think you have just
insulted my ideas and thrown them away. Let me remind you. Sparkle is a leading
fashion magazine, but certainly it never launches porn! Don’t you think all the
ladies in town will be furious that their beloved magazine has turned so obscene? I
mean, be serious!

BENNY : [Points Ocha with his finger, supressing his smile] Be careful,
Cha. Don’t complain too much or you’ll end up as a fat spinster forever.

OCHA : [Throws a lock of her hair] Huh? Really? Does this mean you
finally start having a crush on me? Eew…

BENNY : [Pretends to smell something bad, then frowns playfully] Have

you ever brushed your teeth yet? It smells bad even from here.

OCHA : Why you moron! [Slams the table]

TATIANA : Guys, come on. We don’t want to start fighting among ourselves,
right? How about—”

LEVY : [Cuts her off, his ego returns] Benny’s ideas are brilliant! What
kind of objections you have to hold against him? Don’t you see that he is the only
one with the business brain here? You should listen to him.

ERIN : [All annoyed] Oh? So you think Sparke is the same like Playboy,
is that it? [Laughs unkindly] I think that you’re the one who’s supposed to check
your brain cells, idiot! Who knows? Perhaps your brain’s dead and it’s infected by
an alien.

LEVY : [Furious] Now watch your mouth, woman! I’m telling you this
because Benny has always been my best friend since high school. I know his
qualities better than anyone, and that’s why his ideas deserve to be respected.
Who says that your female readers do not like that kind of show? In front of their
peers, maybe. But behind that, they must be watching them like some maniac
fans. Don’t be so hypocrite, okay? Just acknowledge it and shut up.

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AXEL : Now, now, Levy. You’re starting to cross the line. I’m really
sorry to say this, but somehow I must take side with Ocha. We are running a
women magazine that embraces feminist values, and somehow all these body-
flaunting exposure will oppose to that. There are some who love that, yes, but
there will be a lot more who are willing to fight it. We cannot risk our magazine to
that kind of loose ends. Now, I think that the celebrity thing is always a hit, and I
love that red carpet idea [Turns to Erin and she smiles flirtingly]. But it doesn’t
seem okay with the Victoria Secret show. Of course you may choose one model to
be interviewed, that Delevingne or Prinsloo girls, but I suggest you abandon the
show idea. Focus on one model and present her as a celebrity. I think that is the
best you can do. Well, so it’s all settled. Let’s get to work, people. The deadline is
three days from now. Thanks for your contribution. You’re coming for lunch,
Ben? Ocha?

OCHA : [Stands] Sure. Oh wait, I have to go to the bathroom.

BENNY : Yeah, boss. You’re coming, Lev? Tatiana, you too?

LEVY : Tatiana has to go to the bank, Ben. I think she will eat outside.
Bye, darling. Be safe on the street. [Leaves without looking at her]

TATIANA : [Bows her head in distress] Why did he do this to me?! I don’t
understand! Why didn’t he listen to me at all? How dare he?!

ERIN : Ck! Tatiana dear, please calm yourself. You look like the green
Hulk about to explode your body. Levy’s insane. What can you do it?

TATIANA : [Throws her papers in rage across the room] But he should have
known better! He is an employee, and he will get fired if he… [Chokes on before
crying bitterly. Erin hugs her calmly] He doesn’t love me, right? He never does.
He doesn’t regard me as his wife.

ERIN : [Pats her head softly] Yes, he never indeed. [Grabs Tatiana’s
shoulders] Now you know what he is. He is nothing but trash. Leave him, Tatiana.
Before it’s too late. You can still save yourself from this hell you’re living.

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TATIANA : [Desperate] But, I love him so much. I can’t bear the thought of
leaving him.

ERIN : Bollocks! Of course you can. This is the perfect time to send your
husband dearest to his grave.
TATIANA : [Looks at him in disbelief] Are you nuts?! He’s Levy, my
husband. The only man I’ve ever loved! He’s just in confusion because he’s not in
charge of the money and the household because practically my position is higher
than him. He is dominant by nature. You can’t blame him for that.

ERIN : [Raises her eyebrows in surprise] You don’t believe me? Me?
The one who always stands by you in good and bad times? Ouch. That hurts. Let
me tell you one thing, princess. Fairy tales are fabricated lies told to children that
monstrous and greedy men in this world are fated to lose. I’m telling you, they are
the ones who always win! So that’s why you can never trust your life to
somebody tyrant as Levy. I told you that from the day you married him.

TATIANA : [Looks at her pitifully] You’re just jealous that I cherish him so
much. You’re the childish part of me that always clings and hates everything that
divides my attention from you alone. It’s never going to be your turn to grow up.
You will always stay like this forever.

ERIN : [Laughs sarcastically] Well, then we’ll see who laughs at the end.

[Lights out]

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 SCENE VI

Erin is having a dinner with Axel. She looks overjoyed because she can
finally have her little romance with him, and not watching Tatiana berated by her
brute husband Levy. Axel, likewise, is enjoying too.

AXEL : [Put his arm over Erin’s shoulders] I’m so glad you could come
here. Are you sure your husband is not going to be mad with this? [Touches Erin’s
cheek tenderly with the back of his hand and she smiles longingly at him]

ERIN : [Rests her head on his shoulder] I bet he wouldn’t suspect

anything. Levy is a heartless man, an ignorant creature. I’m bored of being his
wife. Did you see how he bossed me around yesterday? Mocking me like I’m
such a waste of space?

AXEL : Mm… I think no one has regarded him for being intuitive enough
before. That’s why he tries to use his power over those whom he thinks
threatening.

ERIN : Meh! He’s always like that. Being Levy the Terminator. I’m tired
of slaving for his sake, while he does such harsh bullying to secure his position
above. I even plan to separate myself from him. I can’t even stand being in the
same room with him anymore. Good gracious, I don’t even remember why I fell
in love with him in the first place. It’s like a horrible curse that is finally lifted
from my eyes. [Looks at Axel regretfully] Look, I’m sorry if I said something that
bad. I made you uncomfortable with my excuses of my own marriage.

AXEL : [Shakes his head quickly] No, no! It’s okay. I understand how
difficult your position is. If I were you, I would have been really embarrassed by
the rude comments from my husband. Sorry if it makes you feel terrible, but some
colleagues at the office were actually talking about it this morning. They were
exaggerating the gossip that you were trying to leave Levy and he tried to show
his power over you by unleashing his anger in publicly so that everyone knows he
still holds his control over your marriage.

Alberta Natasia Adji & Widi Laksono | 23

ERIN : [Laughs] Hahaha! Well, a part of the gossip is right. Phew, I
never knew our office is so full of people with sharp intuitive and imagination!
Well, well, well. It’s all done now, and I refuse to be pigeonholed.

AXEL : [Teasingly] Do you mean you’re retiring of becoming Cinderella?

ERIN : Hah! Now you’re a real joker. And now you’ve come to save me
to live happily ever after? [Stands up, holding his hand playfully]

AXEL : [Still sitting but holding her hand] Well, would you allow me?

ERIN : [Pouts] Why did you pick me, editor-in-chief? I have nothing.
You have everything. You have so much, and yet you chose me, the new
employer, to be your secret lover. If the people in the company find out, they will
make us an easy target for protest. We will be marked with it. Aren’t you afraid it
is going to be bad for your position?

AXEL : [Sighs and pulls Erin close to his side again, sitting] You’re just
too paranoid. Of course I know the risk, but I’m willing to take it. You can gain
nothing without doing some small sacrifices. Somehow it’s okay to get beaten up
in the face sometimes. Everybody needs that to remind them that they still live.
That they are still human. Then again, job positions are always temporary but the
people in your life are not. That’s why I’m choosing the second now. I’m doing it
for you, my very smart and unbelievably pretty co-worker.

ERIN : [Hopeful eyes] Are you confessing your love to me?

AXEL : [Pretends to be thinking] More like proposing, I think. [Looks at

her seriously] I want you to be my wife, darling. When it comes to loving women,
I know the one as soon as I saw her. Please, say yes. Please? I can’t wait longer.

ERIN : [Smiles ecstatically, whispers] Yes. I want to.

AXEL : [Kisses her hand softly] Thank you. You are beautiful.

[Lights off]

Alberta Natasia Adji & Widi Laksono | 24

 SCENE VII

Levy and Tatiana are fighting again, this time it is because of he finds out
that “Tatiana” is having an affair with Axel. He found their photos of going
together in some restaurant. Although he claims that he no longer loves her, but he
still feels defeated all over again.

LEVY : [Holding the photos in his hand, his body is trembling with rage]
Why? Where did you do this to me?! [Rains them all in front of Tatiana’s nose]
Huh?! Answer me, Tat! What do you have to say for yourself? Benny took it
himself because he saw you accidentally with him! Axel, that big-headed boss of
yours!

TATIANA : [Gasping, confused at the same time] I didn’t do it. You… this
photos must be false, fabricated! How many times have I told you? I would never
betray my own husband. I always keep my promise! I would never break the
marriage vow.

LEVY : Do you honestly think Benny will lie to me, make up these photos
so the woman inside will look like you? Hah! [Takes a sharp breath] You enjoyed
it, didn’t you? Torturing me around like I’m an idiot while you get to show
yourself as the boss! You think you are much superior than me?! You like
watching me being the stupid dog, huh? You are Hitler in a dress!

TATIANA : [In disbelief] Why would I do that for? You’re my husband, and if
you want to see it from my point of view, I was actually saving you! Your home,
your food, your job, even your dream! So you can still have a career! I’m doing it
all, for you!

LEVY : [Throws his face away] Leave.

TATIANA : [Confused] What? What did you just say?

LEVY : [Turns to her, shouts directly] LEAVE ME ALONE, WOMAN!

Alberta Natasia Adji & Widi Laksono | 25

TATIANA : [Starts crying] Really? You’re doing this to me now? How dare
you? I’ve sacrificed all for you! You should be more grateful that I have always
stayed by your side. Now you’re bringing me all of these pictures just because
you want me to be out of your life, isn’t it? I know who you are, Lev. You’re just a
wounded man whose luck is running out down the drain. If you keep blaming it
all on me, Lev, I have no other choice but to—”

LEVY : [Laughs maniacally] But what, Tat? [Moves forward to threaten

her] Haven’t I warned you, sweetheart? You may be born twice as smart, but you
can never deny the fact that you’re very weak in front of me! And now look at all
of these evidences! You always show yourself as some old-fashioned,
conservative, innocent woman. Always playing the good wife! It’s a shame that
now I have to hire a lawyer and tell the judges that you’re the wolf in a lamb’s
skin. YOU’RE A DIRTY SLUT! [Pushes her shoulders down] I should have
known better than to marry someone like you. It turns out marrying a rich woman
doesn’t buy you the ticket to paradise. You want to marry that oh-so-handsome
Axel, don’t you? [Snorts] Well, okay. What’s the big deal? I have never loved you
anyway. This is all just a contract. Fine, if you want him that much. I will bring
the divorce papers very soon.

TATIANA : [Holds his feet, begging] Levy, Levy, I’m begging you. Please
don’t do this. You still remember how you promised to be always beside me.
Please just hold on a little longer. You broke my heart. I have always restrained
my anger and hurt feelings from destructing you. In my heart, I know that no one
deserves to be treated like this, especially with a bully like you. I’ve always
denied myself any pleasure, and this is how you pay me.

LEVY : Pay?! [Shakes his head] Tatiana, Tatiana, Tatiana. Always a

hypocrite. Didn’t you remember how you shouted at me at the last meeting? How
you flirt endlessly with Axel in front of everyone? How you always try to look
smart but actually there is nothing inside your pretty little head? Have you ever
taken yourself at the mirror lately—with that precious tears? You are a little smart

Alberta Natasia Adji & Widi Laksono | 26

liar. Really. Had. Me. Going. The curtains are finally closing up, dear. Wake up
and face the tragedy. I’m moving out of this cage. [Walks to take his passport, and
many cards and account bank books that he stole from Tatiana’s vault]

TATIANA : [Suddenly angry] YOU BASTARD! Don’t you dare turn your
back away from me now! I’m telling you, we are not finished yet! You can’t go!
You have no other place to stay, and you have absolutely no money! You’re
pathetic and penniless, just like a poor street beggar! Don’t you walk away from
me, moron! [Starts yanking him] What are you doing? YOU’RE TAKING ALL
MY SAVINGS! Damn it, Levy! Stop! It’s mine! You have no right to do that!

LEVY : SHUT IT!!! [Slaps her cheek hard] A husband can have the share
of his wife’s money from the marriage law. Or have you forgot that you have
written my name in your will as the one who inherits it? NOW GET OUT OF MY
WAY, OR I’LL MAKE SURE YOU DIE HERE THIS INSTANT! If you want to
write a complain letter, I suggest that you call a lawyer. It’ll save time and energy
to debate. [Smirks at the sight of her crying] What an eyesore. Just go get a life,
woman. [Walks away]

TATIANA : [Muffling her mouth with her hand] You won’t get away with this,
Levy! You will rue the day you married me! [Kicks everything that is near her and
crashes them to the floor, crying bitterly] Why? Why? I love you, Levy. I’ve
always have, but now you’ve crushed it mercilessly. [Reaps the photos while
crying] Why these photos are all about me? I didn’t have an affair with my own
boss. I never loved Axel! That would be ridiculous. I would never do such a thing.
And Benny will never do something so cruel to me. He and Ocha are our good
friends. But it is neither of us, then who is it? [A thought flashes on her mind]
Could it be? Could it be her? NO, NO, I have to find her! I have to find her!

[Lights out]

Alberta Natasia Adji & Widi Laksono | 27

 SCENE VIII

Ocha and Benny are still working when Tatiana suddenly bursts into their
room with angry tears. She demands an explanation from them, thinking that they
compromised to help Levy with the photos.

TATIANA : [Breaks into the office] BENNY! OCHA! YOU HAVE NO

RIGHT…!! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO FRAME ME LIKE THAT!!!

BENNY : [Stands up confusedly, catches up her shoulders] Whoa, whoa,

whoa. Hey, what’s the matter with you? Is everything okay?

OCHA : [Stands up too, joining him] Sweety, did Levy do something bad
to you again? Why are you crying so hard? [Strokes her cheek and hair]

TATIANA : [Controls her sobbing] He showed me photos that displayed me

having a secret affair with Axel! He called me a liar and wanted to divorce me!

OCHA : [Confused] What?! He must have fabricated them! How dare he?!

BENNY : Do you really think it is normal to be accused of having an affair

with someone you never even flirted at? Didn’t you think Levy was only… you
know, half-joking or pretending to fool you instead? Well, he loved doing pranks
back in high school.

TATIANA : [Her tone rising] You have something to do with it, right?! You
must be his partner-in-crime! Here they are! [Throws the photos on the floor]
Satisfied, now? Our marriage is finally ruined! Just admit it, you took part in it,
right?! Levy himself said so to me! Where is he now? Where is he?! He should be
hiding in your house! WHERE IS HE?!

BENNY : [Raises his hands in defeat] I don’t know, okay? I swear. Look, I
did snap some pictures of yours because Levy asked me to, but before that, I
didn’t know that you had something special going on between you and Axel. Still,
I cannot blame you if you did because Levy is now a vile creature. We may be

Alberta Natasia Adji & Widi Laksono | 28

best buddies in high school, but it was many years ago. He’s changed so much
that I barely recognize him anymore. But seriously, we have nothing to do with
this at all. We didn’t hide him anywhere, believe me.

OCHA : [Embraces her] Sweetheart, the last thing we ever wanted to do is

to see you suffering in your own marriage. We know that Levy is getting father
and farther away from us, but never in a million years we wanted you to defend it
yourself all alone like this. Why didn’t you tell us how bad it is between you two?

TATIANA : [Sits on the floor, muffles her crying] Then where is Axel
himself? I need to talk to him.

BENNY : Oh, unfortunately he’s out of town. He was called very suddenly
to direct a meeting between our competitor to make sure that we won’t use the
same theme as theirs. It’s a tough battle to win. I don’t know but Axel seems very
eager to do that. It is actually something he dislikes entirely.

TATIANA : [Surprised] What in the world—? [Determined] I have to go. I

have to go at once for this. I have no time to waste or she’ll come and crash it for
all of us. She’s that mad to do so. [Stands up, preparing to flee but stop at the
door to face her friends] You’re all liars. You promised we would always take
care of each other but you didn’t do anything when Levy asked you to track me
down. You didn’t even warn me about it. You two have broken my trust. You
only babied me because I was crying my eyes out like one. You never took me as
I am. [Nods with a bitter smile] Fine, so be it.

[Lights off]

Alberta Natasia Adji & Widi Laksono | 29

 SCENE IX

Erin is sitting on the bench, waiting for Axel to come. She got a message
from him, wanting to meet her but she didn’t realize that it was a false one sent by
Levy, until it’s too late. Levy is hiding near with a gun in hand and she is unaware
of it.

ERIN : [Toys with her hair, grumbling] OH! What is taking him so long?
It’s almost two hours! Perhaps I should just call him. [Takes out her cellphone]

LEVY : [Suddenly coming from behind, clutching the back of the bench
with both hands, staring down at her] SO! Who are you waiting for, wench?
[Mocking tone] Your future husband? [Laughs maniacally]

ERIN : [Stands up in surprise with a gasp] L-LEV-LEVY? Why are you

here?

LEVY : [Continues to corner her with his gun] I read your messages with
him! You’re planning to run away with Axel even though we haven’t been legally
divorced yet! You’ve been plotting to make me as a laughing stock, haven’t you?
You poisonous witch! You can never support yourself without the brain of a man!
YOU TEARY-EYED FAKE WOMAN! [Walking closer and closer, then
suddenly pushes her down] Now you have to pay the price for betraying your
husband! [Beats her down mercilessly while she’s screaming and trying to protect
herself with her arms] You think you’re so clever, huh?! Now let’s see if you still
have your luck with this! [Wants to shoot her and kicks her, but then he stumbles
on his feet and falls beside her instead]

ERIN : [Suddenly Tatiana’s hand reaches for the knife stuck in his
trousers’ back pocket, then with all her might, stabs that through his chest,
startling him altogether and bringing him down. She is gasping for air and still a
little shocked.] Who’s laughing now, bastard? It’s me who should be hitting you
like that! Coward! You’re no more precious than a dirty stray dog! [Staggers to
her feet when Tatiana suddenly appears from nowhere] Tatiana?!

Alberta Natasia Adji & Widi Laksono | 30

TATIANA : [Shouts in horror] WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! You killed my
husband! [Runs to his aid but he is already dead. She cries so loud and long and
bitterly] WHY DID YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE ONLY THING THAT IS
PRECIOUS TO ME?

ERIN : [Protest] I saved you from him! Now you are finally free to do
anything that you desire without being mentally tortured by this bully! You can at
last kiss that marriage days good bye!

TATIANA : You’re happy now, Erin? I have nothing to look forward to in life
anymore! Didn’t you ever realize why I took all those abroad training and getting
a job at Sparkle? It was because of Levy! It was his long dream to enter such
place and work there! He was losing so much confidence in himself, and I thought
that maybe if I have a position there, then he can join it eventually. Now it’s all
for naught! [Trembling in her cry] You don’t have any idea how I suffered! [Puts
the gun to her chest, closing her eyes to prepare themselves] Now I’m coming to
you, Levy. Just wait for me there.

ERIN : [Horrified] NO, NO, STOOOPPP!!! I AM YOU! [The gun blows

and both of them drop dead]

[Black out]

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