One of Many Long Day’s Journeys into Night

by pinkagendist

The scene is set in the backseat of a chauffeur driven black Mercedes W116. Nancy Reagan was telling people my age to Just Say No, Margaret Thatcher was de-regulating British banks and a child somewhere was falling apart.

Jacqueline: Why do you speak that way?

Alan: What way?

Jacqueline: Always putting so much emphasis on the H. You say Hwy instead of why.

Alan: Why do speak with a French accent, Lili?

Jacqueline: Because I’m French.

Alan: I speak the way I speak because I’m me.

J: It’s like you’re trying to stand out from the other children.

A: I don’t need to try.

J: Look at your father, you should be more like him, everyone adores him.

A: I don’t.

J: Stop saying things like that.

A: I can’t stand him. He’s an idiot.

J: Don’t speak about him that way, he’s my son.

A: He’s your idiot son. You always defend him.

J: Your mother is manipulating you against him.

A: And what are you trying to do? Manipulate me in his favour?

J: The problem is addiction, it’s the alcohol, it’s not him, he’s a wonderful man.

A: He’s a selfish man.

J: It’s the alcohol, the drugs.

A: You’ve got it the wrong way around, he’s not a failure because of alcohol and drugs; He uses alcohol and drugs to disguise the fact that he’s a failure. It’s his excuse.

J: How can a young boy like you be so unkind, so bitter?

A: How can a woman your age be so foolish, Madam?

J: Please stop doing that, calling people Sir and Madam, and do stop calling your grandfather Doctor, he hates it. I know you do it just to upset him.

A: How about Professor? Would he prefer that?

J: We’re your family.

A: My what?

Alan laughs, Lili stares through the window.

J: We love you.

A: You what?

J: We love you and we want what’s best for you.

A:

    C           Cm7            Am7 
You always hurt the one you love 
    C        Cm7             Dm7    G7 
The one you shouldn't hurt at all; 
    Dm      A       Dm7      Dm6 
You always take the sweetest rose 
    Dm7                G          C      G7   
And crush it till the pet - als fall; 
    C       Cadd9       Cm7      Am7 
You always break the kindest heart 
       Dm         Dm7              G7 
With a hasty word you can't re-call;


J: Stop singing and listen to me.

A: It’s the Mills Brothers.

J: You never listen to what I’m saying.

A: I think it’s mutual.

J: Can’t you make a bit of an effort? For me?

A. Don’t worry, I’ve got a plan.

J: What plan?

A: I’m going to get on an air-plane one day and none of you will ever see me again.

J: Don’t be silly. We’re always going to be your family.

A: Technically, perhaps. But one day I’m going to control my own life, and there’s nothing any of you can do about it. It’s just a matter of time.

J: I don’t know what strange things are going on in that mind of yours but in this family we follow the rules your grandfather lays out.

A: I don’t intend to be around to know his rules.

J: And who do you think is going to be paying your bills?

A: I don’t care.

J: You say that now.

A: I suppose we’ll have to wait and see then.

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