The Spouse Centric Marriage – 3. Conflict Resolution

By Bill Hamilton

Summary

Part 3 of a series on marriage issues. A disagreement has been simmering for several weeks between Emma and Chuck, without resolution.

Characters

Emma
Chuck

Script

(Chuck is standing near the bed, tying his tie when Emma enters carrying a cup of coffee.)

Emma: Morning!

Chuck: Yeah, hi.

Emma: I’m not very good at making coffee, so I hope this is okay. (puts the coffee on the bedside table and tries to help him tie his tie) Here, let me help you with that.

Chuck: It’s fine. (sits down and puts on a shoe)

Emma: I’ve got bacon and eggs waiting for you in the kitchen.

Chuck: I won’t have time to eat. Got a big meeting first thing.

Emma: Oh. (pause) So how about we try out that new restaurant tonight? I’ll call and make the reservation for ……………..

Chuck: I’ll be working late again.

Emma: (She picks up his shoe) So you’re still mad, right?

Chuck: I’m not mad.

Emma: You seem mad.

Chuck: I said I’m not mad.

Emma: So maybe mad isn’t the right word. But you’re something, that’s for sure.

Chuck: When you figure it out you let me know okay? In the meantime, can I have my shoe?

Emma: (Hands him the shoe) It’s been nearly 2 weeks, Chuck. How long are you going to be like this?

Chuck: Like what? You know, I don’t have time for this.

Emma: Just what is it you don’t have time for? For me? Our marriage?

Chuck: (Finish putting on shoe) Why are you doing this when I’m leaving for work?

Emma: You’re absolutely right! So name the time and place and I’ll be there. We’ll talk about it then.

Chuck: Look, I’m not even sure I know what IT is.

Emma: Oh, I think you do.

Chuck: Well, why don’t you tell me so we’ll both know what you’re talking about.

Emma: You’re still mad about what I said to your sister.

Chuck: You’re right, I am still mad. There, you win! Happy?

Emma: Do I look happy? This isn’t a game, Chuck, and neither of us is winning. Not when we go more than a week without talking….or touching. Just a simple hug would be nice.

Chuck: Hey, it’s not my fault. I’m not the one who made our private life a matter of public record.

Emma: What I said was no big deal. Besides you make it sound like I told everyone. I only mentioned it to your sister.

Chuck: Telling my sister anything is just as good as making it public record. And it certainly is a big deal, to me anyway.

Emma: I know. I was wrong and I admit it. As harmless as I thought it was, I should have never have said it and you had every right to get mad.

Chuck: (Turns to leave) Good, now that we’ve settled that ….

Emma: (Pulls his arm to turn him back) That’s just it. Nothing ever gets settled. I’ve said I’m sorry until I’m blue in the face. I wished I’d never said it but I can’t take it back. All I can do is promise it’ll never happen again.

Chuck: What do you want from me Emma?

Emma: I want you to get over it.

Chuck: Just how do I do that? What you said hurt and embarrassed me. How do I get over it?

Emma: I’m not sure, but forgiveness is probably going to play a big part in it.

Chuck: (Long pause) Look, I’ve really got to get going.

(He begins to leave, returns and quickly kisses her and leaves. She sits as he exits.)

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© Bill Hamilton, all rights reserved. The script may not be reproduced, translated or copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of the author.
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed. He may be contacted at: hamilob@comcast.net