A Coming Out Story by Tiffany Simonton

Scene One

( Scene begins with a monologue of the main character, Jennifer. A single spotlight is on her at down stage right. )

Jennifer

When I was little, everyone called me strange, or a weirdo. In elementary school, I used to try to fit in with the “popular” group. I swear, even then it was like high school. But there was one thing… I always knew I was different. There were so many things about me that were different from the other girls. Interests and what-not. A mature kid from the start, not exactly stupid, but trusting. If you had a smile I'd go with you. You know I wasn't always like this. Some people find themselves in high school, and some find themselves in college…or so I've been told. I knew myself, always have… I knew who I was , but I didn't know who I was to become. The question was, would people accept it...or me, as it were.

( End monologue, dim lights.)

( Jr. high, talking to friends at a lunch table )

Scene Two

Jennifer

( Playing with her food )

Man, this is the longest day of my life. I can't wait to get home.

Alley

Why? You never want to get home.

Jennifer

Huh? Oh, just wanna go home. Relax and stuff, you know. It feels like this day has gone on forever.

Alley

I know you better than that, there's gotta be something.

Jennifer

There's someone.. a certain someone…a “special” someone waiting for me through a screen.

Alley

Waiting through screen? You missing some show or something?

Jennifer

There's no show… I met someone. Someone amazing in every way.

Alley

Oh? And uh.. who might this someone be?

Jennifer

No one you'd know.

Alley

Aaron maybe?

Jennifer

Oh get a grip, not in a million years.

Alley

Ok, then who?

Jennifer

No one, ok? Just get off it.

Alley

Ok, fine… wow, who lit the fuse on your tampon?

Jennifer

( sighs ) I don't know…just feels like there's a lot going on.

Alley

Oh? So…what's going on?

Jennifer

I don't know, just stuff I guess. Too much to actually draw out, ya know?

Alley

Ok, out with the details. Anything? Come on, Jen. I'm one of your best friends for what…five-six years? I've gone this far, I'm not goin' anywhere.

Jennifer

I don't know. I just kinda told my brother somethin' and it's really, kinda personal.

Alley

He's your brother, you're supposed to share those kinda things with each other. Besides, How come you can tell him this sorta thing but not me? You've been able to tell me anything and everything.

Jennifer

No, not this.

( Fade to black )

Scene Three

( Cafeteria scene )

Alley

What's the matter with you?

Jennifer

I pissed him off yesterday.

Alley

Who?

Jennifer

My brother.

Alley

Aren't you guys supposed to piss each other off? At least on occasion?

Jennifer

No way, not like I did. Remember me telling you about how I told him something kinda secret and personal?

Alley

Yeah. Ok, so exactly how serious is this thing you told him?

Jen

HUGE. I mean, detrimental. Something that can change my life and possibly my family's life as a whole.

Alley

Wow, sounds serious.

Jen

Totally.

Alley

So…you wanna tell me what's up now? Let's see what he's got on ya that is soooo big that it's life changing.

Jen

I don't think … you're gonna…

Alley

Oh God, will you come on?!

Jen

Alright, alright… So…you know when a guy and a girl like each other…

Alley

Oh God, you're pregnant.

Jen

No! God, No. Just, let me finish, will you?

Alley

I'm sorry.

Jen

Ok, so, when a guy and a girl like each other…well, take out the guy and insert another girl….( Raised eyebrow, sarcastic ) Right….. well... just forget it.

Alley

No, come on.. you're …?

Jen

I'm gay.

(Short and kind of awkward silence) I wouldn't blame you if you left me right here and now.

Alley

( Reaches out ) Jen…Jenny, I'm still here aren't I?

Jen

Yeah… you're not freaked out or anything?

Alley

Not in the least.

( fade to black )

Scene Four

(Cafeteria. Jen and Rachel are sitting at the lunch table when Alley approaches )

Jennifer

So… now you know.

Rachel

So…you like girls…I'm okay with it.

Jennifer

You're kidding…just like that? No problem? No, “just as long as you don't hit on me” type of thing?

Rachel

Jenn, we're friends. I accept you for who you are. So… what's she like?

Jennifer

Man, you should see this girl. She's gorgeous.

Rachel

How'd you meet her?

Jen

On the internet-

Rachel

you're such an idiot.

Alley

( sits next to Jen )

Well hello, Sunshine.

Jen

( paying hardly no mind )

Hey. ( Goes back to Rachel ) So, what?

Rachel

You never know who you're talking to. They could be some old, 40 year-old perv who's only getting off on your sexuality… gonna rape you and leave you in the bushes kinda deal .

Jen

Alley, please tell me you don't believe this.

Alley

( Looking kind of down ) What do I know? I'm the one no one listens to. Who cares what I think?

Jen

Yes we do, come on. Now what do you think?

Alley

And you met her how?

Jen

The internet.

Alley

I think you should leave her behind. Someone from the internet, what are the chances you're ever gonna see her?

Rachel

My thoughts exactly. Some psycho could be on the other end. Besides, Alley's got her point, when would you ever see her?

Jen

I don't know… ( giving a sarcastic look on her face ) Oh c'mon. I've talked to her for a while, we've talked over the phone. If there's anyone who could tell the difference between a 40 year-old, chunky guy from a gorgeous 17 year old girl, it's me.

Rachel

( sarcastically ) Ooo, the expert.

Alley

And anyways, what about Aaron ?

Jen

What about Aaron?

Alley

I thought he had some huge thing for you.

Jen

Maybe. I mean, he's a nice guy. I mean, the only reason why I'd even consider him would be a total cover up. No one would suspect anything about... anything. But he's just kind of.. a friend, not really someone I'm wanting to get involved with, ya know?

Alley

So, because you're with a guy means that no one's going to suspect that you like… fruits instead of veggies?

Jen

Yes…well... I don't know. Her and I, we just, connect. It's amazing. She's amazing.

Rachel

So what if your mom finds out about this chick?

Jen

She won't. How could she? I tell her she's someone else and she just plays along with it. ( romantic sigh ) she's so cooperative.

Alley

Gag me with a fork. Anything! Just gag me.

( All the girls laugh as lights dim .)

Scene Five

( Years later in high school. Girls at lunch again looking a bit older .)

Alley

So?

Jen

So what?

Alley

Did you tell your parents yet?

Jen

Hell no!

Rachel

Why not?

Jen

You don't know my mother. Tip-top, Christian and all American mother who'd absolutely die if ever she found out her daughter wasn't considered average or “normal”.

Rachel

Jen, no one's average and define normal. It's something that just isn't. Have you ever noticed that average isn't really average. It's a bunch of crap. Sometimes it works but sometimes it doesn't and kids aren't average. Ya ever noticed that? I don't think there is such a thing as being “normal”.

Jen

(short sarcastic pause as Jen looks at her in her sarcastic way )

Well…there's a thought. Good job.

Rachel

Dude!

Jen

Hey, I'm just jerkin' your chain. Hey, I was listening to that song,” where ever you go, whatever you do, I will be right here waiting for you”-

Alley

Let me guess, you were thinking of her, right?

Jen

Ah, you know me too well.

Alley

There was an intelligent thought.

Jen

( Chuckles ) No, but, I mean it's true. I mean every word of that song.

Rachel

So, you're some psycho stalker and where ever she goes, what ever she does, you'll be waiting and watching her every move?

Jen

Come on, you know what I mean. If she ever needs me, I'll be there.

Alley

Sure, you do that for me, just not with the same goals in mind, right?

Jen

In your dreams.

Alley

Shut up.

Jen

( Chuckles ) Right, it's okay, you don't have to admit on the outside. I understand.

Alley

Have I told you lately-

Jen

That you love me?

Alley

That I hate you.

Jen

Love you too.

Rachel

okay, so, you didn't tell your mom yet.

Jen

Yeah.

Rachel

She's gonna find out eventually.

Jen

oh yeah, eventually.

Alley

So why don't you tell her now instead of just, ehh?

Jen

Instead of living a lie?

Alley

Yeah.

Jen

Ah yes, the greatest role of my life: playing the role of a hetero-sexual for the past how many years.

Rachel

One hell of an actor, I must say.

Jen

Someday. Anywho, I was kinda thinking of telling both of my parents at graduation. It's a day of pride-

Alley

And you'll ruin it by telling them at that point and time.

Jen

No, if it's a day of pride, then how can they not be proud of me. Dude, it's my life. I'm finding out who I am, why wouldn't they be proud of me?

Alley

Now you're just being naïve. It's not too far away, I mean, what? Just a few more months and we're graduating. What are you gonna say?

Jen

I'm not completely sure, but I have to think about it. I mean, really think about it.

Alley

Yeah, thought about it…Stupid.

Jen

Well, I still think I might do it. When else can I tell them? I just want my parents to be proud of me. They've never told me that, honest to God.

Rachel

I don't know, it's up to you.

Jen

What? It's up to me to decide when to tell them?

Alley

Yeah. Of course. It's you. You decide what and when to tell them.

Jen

Alley, you can't just choose some random time and say,” Okay family, I'm gay”.

Alley

You wouldn't say it like that.

Jen

Uh…Duh.

Alley

Moron . You're hopeless.

Jen

Something will come up. It's scary though.

Alley

What do you think is gonna happen?

Jen

My Mom's gonna disown me and my Dad will beat the hell out of me.

Alley

Me personally... I think my parents are cool with it… or would be if that was the situation.

Rachel

You're Father wouldn't kill you. It'd be totally wrong in so many ways. He wouldn't.

Jen

I'd put my life on it.

( The girls shake hands on it. Lights dim.)

Scene Six

( Jennifer's room. On the phone with Aaron.)

Jen

Okay, so because my car is screwed up, my mom and I will pick you up and hopefully we'll catch something good, not a craw-dad like last time.

Aaron

Man, you should've seen your face when you pulled that thing out of the water! It was great. You had that disgusted look.

Jen

Yeah, because I was expecting a fish, not a lobster.

Aaron

Okay, anyways, I'm gonna get ready. How long will it take you?

Jen

(Hears a faint argument between her mother and brother.) Um, it shouldn't take us that long. I'll pack a lunch or something in a cooler.

Aaron

Cool, so I'll see you in a bit.

Jen

Sure.

Aaron

Okay, bye.

Jen

Bye.( Hangs up and talks to herself .) God, I hate to leave that guy hangin'. I swear, something's gotta give.( Hears the argument a bit louder, hears brother mostly. Opens door. ) Hey, what's goin' on?

Nate

Mom's whinin' about crap. It's nothing unusual.

( Jens goes downstairs to main floor. Nate walks away and down for a few steps and Mom has gone upstairs .)

Mother

He's gonna cost us a fortune by doin' stupid stuff to his car. He's gonna spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars for nothing. We're gonna get rid of that truck soon.

Nate

You are such a hypocrite! You spend money on your car! Hell, more than I do!

Mother

I'm not a hypocrite! You're an idiot, a fool if you go and screw up your car! Then you'l have to spend money just to have it fixed. And don't use that language around me or I'll wash your mouth out with soap.

( Mom exists stage right. A fosset is heard in the background but she's still a part of the conversation . )

Jen

Mom's right you know.

Nate

You stay outta this!

Jen

No!

Nate

Yeah, now go mind your own business!

Mother

Nate, leave your sister alone.

Nate

No, She needs to keep her nose out of my business!

Jen

You should keep your PDA'S to a minimum.

Nate

The hell did you just say?

Jen

You heard me.

Nate

Damn right I heard ya, now Mom's gonna hear this. Hey Mom, you know about your daughter?

Mother

No, know what?

Jen

Okay, let's just forget about it. Not another word. Ma, let's just go. We gotta pick up Aaron soon.

Nate

Now as for you, Jen ,all I'm sayin' is if you're not proud of it, don't be it.

Jen

Not proud of it? Not proud of it? You're right, I'm not proud of it.

Mother

Not proud of what?

(*This happens very rapidly* Jen's eyes fill up with tears and nearly faints.)

(In a sudden outburst) I KNOW YOU'RE A LESBIAN!!!

( Nate rushes over and catches her before she hits the ground. He gently and slowly begins to raise her up and turns her around to put her face on his chest as she cries. Her crying dies down.)

You knew about this?!

(Jen's cries get louder and heavier .)

Nate

Yes!

Mother

Then why didn't you tell me?!

Nate

Because I knew you'd act like this! Look at her, your daughter. You've got her crying so hard, she nearly fainted!

Mother

( Firmly )That's not my daughter. I just hope you know, you're going to tell your father tomorrow!

( Mother walks out and slams the door. Phone rings, it's Aaron. Jen picks up .)

Jen

Hello? Hey. .no ,today isn't gonna work. .I gotta go…bye.

Scene Seven

( Later that night, Nate comes into Jenn's room. Jen is in bed awake with a knife by her bed. Nate comes into Jen's room.)

Jen

( Rising quickly and picks up knife ) Who are you and what do you want?

( Nate approaches Jen slowly. Puts his hand on hers and lowers the knife ) Oh, thank god it's you.

Nate

Yeah, it's just me. ( Short pause ) what are you doing with this anyways?

Jen

I thought you were mom. I thought she was gonna come in here and kill me.

Nate

Mom wouldn't kill you.

Jen

You sure about that?

Nate

Come on, she wouldn't kill you. She's pissed , but she won't come in here and kill you.

Jen

( slight, uneasy laugh. Short pause ) So, why are you here?

Nate

I kinda wanted to give you a pep talk before you have to talk to dad. See, Mom was raised in a very Christian family where something like this doesn't happen, it doesn't belong. You know Mom's Christian back ground. It's her daughter, ya know? She's even ashamed of her own brother for being gay, and now her daughter's a bit off, ya know? I can kind of understand her beliefs, I'm Christian too.

Jen

No way, I thought you were atheist.

Nate

No ,I just said that to piss mom off. I believe in God and everything.

Jen

So, does that mean you think I'm gonna burn in hell?

Nate

No. I think you'll be fine. As long as you believe in God and everything, you're fine. It's gonna be hard on her, but she's gonna have to live with it.

Jen

How do you think dad's going react once I tell him? What should I do?

( Scene fades to black but comes back shortly )

Nate

So, no worries about dad tomorrow?

Jen

Yeah, a little.

Nate

God is with you and he will never leave you. He loves you for you are his child., and he will never desert you. Okay?

Jen

Sure, yeah, okay.

Nate

(gets up and walks to the door .) Hey, I love you too, and I'll be here for ya, okay?

Jen

I know, I love you too.

( Nate comes back and gives Jen a hug then leaves .)

Scene Eight

(The next day. Jen and her mother sit on a couch, silent until the doorbell rings. Mother gets it. Father walks in .)

Father

Okay, now what's the problem?

Mother

Just sit down and she'll tell ya.

( Father sits on couch.)

Jen

Dad, I uh...well, you know I've always been kinda different-

Father

Yeah.

Jen

So, I figured out why.

Father

Okay, so why are you so different?

( pause )

Mother

( eager,pushy ) Go ahead. Come on.

Jen

I'm getting' there… Dad, I'm...Gay .

( Long pause )

Father

You're what?

Jen

I'm gay... It's okay... right?

Father

Okay, now hold on. You're Gay?

Jen

Yeah.

Father

Gay as in, likes the same sex?

Jen

Yeah.

Father

( You can feel the tension, Father's anger starts to build up )

Well… I'm ashamed. I AM ASHAMED!

( Father moves toward Jen and throws her to the floor with his hand raised ready to hit her. Mother steps in his way .)

Mother

No, Mark, No! Leave her alone!!

Father

I'LL BE DAMNED IF I HAVE A FAGGOT FOR A DAUGHTER!! ( Breaks through mother and lights shut off immediately. Lights flash. )

Jen

NO! DADDY, NO!( Cries and screams are heard in the darkness .A door slams )

Scene Nine

( Jen is at Alley's home. They are in Alley's room as Alley comforts Jen and holds her .)

Jen

… And then he just came after me. God, I couldn't take it. I socked him so hard and ran out the door. All I could do was just... keep running.

Alley

And you did the right thing. God, I can't believe he just came after you like that.

Jen

I guess I won, huh?

Alley

Yeah, I guess. I wouldn't call it fighting fair since you knocked him in his “boys”.( Hears Jen start to cry) Hey, come on, you're okay. Jen, Jen?( Lifts her chin ) Hey, I'll take care of ya. Don't worry ..We'll make it…together. Okay?

Jen

I'm so scared… I can't go home ..I can't go to school like this…I can't go anywhere….

Alley

We'll do it.. you've always been able to depend on me. You always can, you always will. K?( Jen nods )

( Long pause )

Alley

Jen...you remember at lunch… when we were playin' around, making fun of each other and stuff ...ya know?

Jen

Yeah.

Alley

I wasn't exactly joking.

( Long Pause )

Jen

You mean-

Alley

Yeah.

Jen

( Surprised and slightly confused ) Oh…And you're parents?

Alley

They've known for sometime. It's ok…I have something for you..I never knew when I was gonna do this…but it seems like a good time now…

( Alley plays guitar and sings “Amazing Grace”, a song she wrote for Jen)

So… do you think that maybe…You and…I…?

Jen

Yeah… I think we can…( Takes Alley's hand )we'll be fine.

Alley

But what about the girl from the net?

Jen

Who needs her when I've got all I need right here…waiting for me all along?

( Lights dim as the two smile )

Scene Ten

( Jen steps out for a monologue with spotlight on her, center stage )

Jen

My name is Jennifer and I am gay. I told you I wasn't normal. It wasn't long ago that a Wyoming kid was killed because he was a homosexual. I don't know what's worse, being dead or disowned. It's not a choice, but it's what life gives you. I had no choice, I am who I am. Just because I'm gay, doesn't mean that I'm some sexual predator or a pervert. We're not bad people, if only people gave us a chance. I'm in love with a girl. Yes I said love, because just like everyone else, love is spelled with the same four letters, no matter who you are. And Alley...well, who needs fish when you've got lobster? My name is Jennifer, I'm a high school graduate. Healthy, educated, for the most part average, and I'm gay.

( The End )