Morpheus - Scene 2 by Ben Garry

Here's the second scene of my Greek-style tragedy, Morpheus. If you haven't read the first scene yet, you can find it here: http://writersandlitlovers.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/morpheus-scene-1-by-ben-garry.html

JANE BLACK sits on a pile of small pebbles, facing out to sea. The sound of the waves breaking on the shore is clearly audible, and in the background, the faint sounds of people shouting and laughing in the city can just about be heard. An unopened guitar case is lying next to her at a skewed angle, with the handle facing towards her. JANE BLACK sighs but otherwise remains silent, lost in thoughts or dreams. She is wearing a short, black jacket that falls to her lower ribs, unzipped over a moderately low cut white vest top which is untucked from blue skinny jeans that give way at her ankles to bare feet. Strappy, high heeled shoes have been discarded about a metre away. Her hair is long, glossy and very dark brown. It falls to her shoulder blades in waves, not as tight as curls, but definitely not straight. Wisps of it continually fall across her faces, so she lifts her left hand absent-mindedly to brush them away while her right arm hugs her legs which she has brought up to her chest.

 MORPHEUS appears (wearing the same clothes as in Scene 1) just as JANE BLACK begins to talk, but it is unclear as to whether she is talking to him or to herself at first.

JANE BLACK – It’s so beautiful. The waves lap against the shore, yet not a murmur of their sound is lost to the noisy, dirty traffic of the day. (She sighs) I wonder what Earth was like in a time before machines left their mark on the world, when you could sit by the sea in summer and not think about anything other than the endless blue expanse in front of you. (Her gaze flicks up to the dim stars scattered across the cloudless sky) What was it like when the stars’ radiance could be seen clearly, without having to peer through a haze of smog and pollution?

She falls silent, still not acknowledging the presence of MORPHEUS. The god of dreams remains silent, watching her hair flutter softly in the wind, listening to the waves rolling against the shore. It is at times like these that the best dreams are woven.

JANE BLACK – I wish I could live out here, on the beach, without worrying about what life back in the city is going to be like. (She peers into her watch; the hands show her that it is 2:10 am). Ah, what’s wrong with me? (She shakes her head and smiles ruefully as she talks) I’m sitting alone on the beach at 2 o’clock in the morning, with work in a few hours. What sort of life is this? What’s the point?

MORPHEUS steps towards JANE BLACK, crouching down beside her. She finally looks over at him, but doesn’t seem particularly surprised to see him.

MORPHEUS – I think there’s more to your life than you realise, Jane. Your hopes and dreams do not have to be distant, untouchable things. Trust me, I’ve seen a lot of people who believe that their life is worth nothing, but no matter how dreary things are, you can always dream of something more, and those dreams can keep you going.

JANE BLACK – (Looking quizzically at MORPHEUS) Right. Um, who are you? How do you know my name?

MORPHEUS – I’m observant.

JANE BLACK – (Pushing herself away from MORPHEUS uncomfortably) Have you been stalking me? I could call the police, you know.

MORPHEUS – (Smiling and sitting down) You’re not afraid of me. I’m not threat to you, or anyone else.

JANE BLACK – (She purses her lips, but nods eventually) You’re right. I’m not afraid of you. I should be, but I’m not. I don’t know why I’m not. Who are you?

MORPHEUS – (Still smiling, as if Jane has said something amusing) Jane, how long has it been since you had a full night’s sleep?

JANE BLACK – I don’t see what that’s got to do with anything.

MORPHEUS – No, I suppose there’s no reason why you would.

JANE BLACK – Anyway, you never answered my question: who are you?

MORPHEUS gazes into the distance for a few seconds, a thoughtful expression on his face. Before he speaks, he hesitates, unsure of how much to say.

MORPHEUS – My name is Morpheus. I don’t live round here, but I was visiting...family.

JANE BLACK – Morpheus? I don’t think I’ve heard that name before.

MORPHEUS – Ah, it’s an old Greek name. My parents were into that sort of thing.

He trails off, running his hands through his hair and scratching the side of his head. His gaze continually switches between JANE BLACK’s face and the ocean.

JANE BLACK – (Laughing) Well I like it. It’s different. I know people with all sorts of names round here; I’m not gonna judge you on something like that. So you’re just visiting?

MORPHEUS – (Smiling) Thank you. Yes, I move around a lot. My job means that I’m meeting people all over the place. I was in the area, so I couldn’t avoid seeing my brother, even though we don’t always see eye to eye. Anyway, you don’t need to know all that stuff! What are you doing out here?

JANE BLACK – I – (She hesitates) – I don’t really know...I guess I don’t sleep well and I like it out here on nights like this. It’s calm. For a couple of hours, I can almost imagine that I don’t live in a city, that the never ending mayhem of day to day life doesn’t exist. I’m a bit strange that way.

MORPHEUS – I don’t find it strange.

JANE BLACK – Well you’re in the minority, I’m afraid. That’s my excuse, what’s yours? Normally I’m the only one around here at this time of night.

MORPHEUS – Is it not enough that I saw you looking lonely and wanted to come over to talk?

JANE BLACK – Well, it’s a little bit creepy, but nice enough, I suppose. I thought you were visiting your family. Aren’t you staying with them?

MORPHEUS – I was. We, ah, we didn’t leave on the best of terms. I guess I came out here to clear my head.

JANE BLACK – Mm, the sea air is good for that.

MORPHEUS – You really aren’t bothered that I’m here, are you?

JANE BLACK appears startled for a moment, but she calms her expression before replying.

JANE BLACK – Should I be? I’m not afraid, but you already know that...

MORPHEUS – Not many people would have stuck around to talk to a strange guy in the small hours of the morning.

JANE BLACK – I did threaten to call the police.

MORPHEUS – (Laughing) So you did! But your hand didn’t even move to your pocket, did it?

JANE BLACK – No, it didn’t. Maybe I’m just too tired to care.

MORPHEUS – Well, yes, there is that.

They laugh together, sitting side by side and looking out over the ocean. They stay that way for some time, before JANE BLACK stands to leave.

JANE BLACK – I should be getting back to my apartment now; I have work tomorrow and I should probably at least pretend to get some sleep tonight.

MORPHEUS – (Standing up after her) No problem, I’ll see you around, Jane.

JANE BLACK – Thank you, Morpheus. It was nice spending this time with you. Though I must say, I’m still a little disturbed that you knew my name.

MORPHEUS – (Completely ignores that final comment) Maybe I’ll come down to the beach next time I 

visit.

JANE BLACK – I’d like that. (As she leaves, she calls over her shoulder) I hope you make up with your brother!

JANE BLACK walks back up onto the road, leaving MORPHEUS standing alone on the beach. He watches her walk away for a while, motionless. A small gust of wind whips across his shirt. MORPHEUS starts, turning to his left to see THANATOS standing there. The other god is still wearing the clothes that he wore in the kebab shop, but there is no pretence at friendliness in his expression.

THANATOS – So quick to ignore my warning, Morpheus?

MORPHEUS – (Scowling) You have no business following me here. Leave me be.

THANATOS – I have a duty to Lord Zeus. Do I need to explain myself again? I think not. You, Dreamer, are the one who will be required to explain yourself.

MORPHEUS – (Clenching his jaw) Leave me alone, Thanatos. Go back to terrorising mortals and leave me to my fate.

THANATOS – Fate is a strong word, Morpheus, I wouldn’t play around with it. I will leave you, for now, but until Lord Zeus orders otherwise, I will be watching you and that mortal. Remember Prometheus, brother. Not even gods are safe.

THANATOS fades away into the air, leaving MORPHEUS alone once more, but more troubled than he has been all night. MORPHEUS shivers. The scene ends with him sitting once more on the sand, legs crossed, gazing down at the ground. A single tear rolls down his cheek before falling noiselessly onto the beach. Nothing else stirs as the sea rolls on in endless motion.