Someone like Me

Someone like Me
Death-Teen Drama

Characters
Greer
Dr. Neilson
Young Greer
Young Marie



*Singular spotlight on Greer sitting in a chair*

Greer

Her absence seems to still swallow me whole. It seems like I am stuck in this void that---- that no matter what I do or how hard I fight, I can’t escape. (stares off for a second) but--- I also have the feeling that I need to move on, Marie would hate to see me like this (looks herself up and down). (Off track) Oh god I’m a mess… (Back on track) But anyways, at the same time the thought of moving on scares me. It is like trying to breathe but having no air to do so. (Getting worked up) She was the one who kept me wanting to live! She would want me to move on and be happy (calms down, sighs and puts her head in her hands for 4 beats and looks up at Dr. Neilson) But what doesn’t make sense to me is that people expect me to be okay! (Angry) How am I supposed to be okay if the one person who actually cared about me and helped me overcome everything fighting against me, just died from a stupid accident that wasn’t even her fault! How would you feel! (sits in silence) I’m sure---well---you wouldn’t understand.

*Lights on stage turn on revealing that she is sitting in her psychologist’s (Dr.Neilson's) office with Neilson sitting in their chair*

Dr. Neilson

Greer (pause). I understand, your best friend has just passed away and you are holding onto what she left behind. This is is fantastic for your first session (Greer glares at her). Now--- lets see--- Lets start from the beginning, when did you and Marie meet?

*As the set changes to a small classroom, Greer and Neilson get up and walk to the front corner and the spotlight is single on them*

Greer

Well--- I remember that it was the first day of second grade. She was the “new kid” (does air quotations). She was really quirky and fun. (Set is ready and the lights turn on showing a classroom of kids chattering) I remember walking into a room full of kids (Young Greer walks in, she is very shy and quiet). I went to go find my seat and I sat down quietly while the other kids were talking and giggling. (pause) (Young Marie, sitting at her desk, looks up as Greer says this and looks around. She makes her way over to Young Greer) And this girl got out of her seat and made her way over to me. I noticed she was very small with blonde wavy hair and hazel eyes,oh! (laughs) And some pretty dorky glasses.

*Light focuses on stage*

Young Marie

Hi! I’m Marie, and you are? (Greer sits in silence with her head down) And you are?

Young Greer

Oh--- sorry. I’m Greer.

Young Maria

I’m new here! I just saw you sitting here-- alone-- and that you don’t have many friends. Sooooo, I came to save the day! (Greer glares)

*Light singles back on Greer and Neilson while set changes back to office*

Greer

She was just being nice, trying to help my shy ass out. I honestly don’t think I liked her at first. I think she just came off a little--- well-- strong (laughs). She always came off that way, so people would think she’s just plain rude. (Stage is set. Greer comes and sits back in her chair. Neilson follows shortly after to sit back in their chair) Ever since that day we were inseparable.

Neilson

And did you grow up being close with anyone else? Did you ever have anyone to ever---lets see-- fall back on? Because having only one frie--.

Greer

(Interrupting; Agitated) I’ve had this talk so many times! (Mocking) If you don’t have anyone else to fall back on once they are gone then… or! What happens if you guys stop being friends?---I’ve heard it all--trust me. But to answer your question (snotty), yes I had Ann. She was sweet, but I don’t think she understood me like Marie did. I tried getting closer to Ann, but it was impossible.

Neilson

And why is that?

Greer

Well--- she liked to party-- she still does. I didn’t and I still don’t. Back then it was like a battleground of anxiety, peer pressure, and everything there is to a party. I don’t like it… and neither did Marie (looks down and picks her fingernails)

Neilson

Wait.. I’m not implying anything but didn’t Marie die after leaving one of those parties?

Greer

-----Yes...It was.. (angry) But it was all Ann’s idea! We didn’t even want to go! (furious) If we never went… God! If we never went to that party this whole goddamn thing would have never happened! I wouldn’t be here! I would still be happy! I would be living me life! MY best friend wouldn’t be dead because of a drunk driver! (screaming) Why couldn’t it have been me? We didn’t even drink! So why us? Why her? Neilson! Why did it have to happen to her and not me? You know everything don’t you! Sure seems like you have you shit figured out Neilson! Right? I’m sure you’re married and have kids of your own! I’m sure you and your best friend still are able to get together and have your kids play together! Why am I even here! You don’t even understand! (Neilson sits in silence this entire time looking down at the floor)---Well? Aren’t you going to give me your (mocking) “Words of Wisdom”-- Or! Oh wait how about your “Inspiring Observations”--- Hm? Or maybe!---

Neilson

(Cuts Greer off. Neilson is calm but sharp) Now, how do you know that

Greer

(Defensively) How would you know? People like you seem to have the perfect lives.

Neilson

(Chuckles) Well, see now that is what psychologists like me call stereotypes. Even though I have a good job, and a good life overall, I still go through things like a normal person. My life isn’t really a perfect fairytale like you think.---(repositions in a long silence)-- When I was about 10 years old, my best friend passed away. Not only was she my best friend but she was also my mom. She ended up not being able to talk being a single mom of two kids and ended up taking her own life. For the longest time I thought I was at fault for it all, but now after becoming a psychologist to help people like her, I have noticed I wasn’t the problem. She was just fighting her own demons, like you are now.

Greer

Dr. Neilson-- I’m sorry-- I’m really sorry, I had no id---.

Neilson

(Interrupting) Don’t worry about it Greer, I was the was the same way when my mother had passed. I felt alone and vulnerable to feeling pain, but this is the point where you just have to let the pain in. Then let it leave overtime. It hurts in the meantime but it makes up in the long run because you have learned to let it all go.

Greer

You know, you’re better than I thought Neilson. Thank you. I’m sorry I was so inconsiderate…

Neilson

It’s really okay. (looks at clock and stands up) Oh my gosh! It’s already the end of our session!---- Well… Will I see you next week?

Greer

(Stands up and walks to Neilson) Definitely, thank you Neilson.

*Lights on stage fade*