Looking for Completion - the Looking Movie!

Scene Eight

One week later, Christmas Eve, Patrick is sitting on the sofa with his laptop on his lap, skyping with Dana Murray.

Dana: It's not the same without you here, Patrick.

Patrick: I know mom, but it's our first Christmas together and we wanted to celebrate it alone. You know how it is.

Dana: Well, I always thought Christmas was a time for family, but I suppose there's always next year. And I must say, though I miss you, I'm enjoying the lack of fireworks that I'm sure we would have been subjected to if you had brought Kevin.

Patrick: Right. How is Megan these days?

Dana: Oh, you know. She's always watching me with that concerned look of hers, and I can tell she's walking on eggshells around your father, trying to make sure he's always got his favorite cigars, a drink in his hand. I've told her that I haven't decided anything and he's still none the wiser, but she can't seem to relax.

Patrick: Sounds like fun. Sorry I couldn't make it.

Dana: (chuckling) Maybe I should offer her a Xanax this time.

Patrick: I'm sure she'd love THAT. Has she said anything? About me?

Dana: Nothing dear. Not one word. I'm afraid it's as if you don't exist.

Patrick: No, I'm glad. I'd rather she ignore me than...preach at me, or start ranting again about how the 'gays have it so easy'.

Dana: Yes, that was rather unfortunate. I was hoping this breach would be healed between you, but I'm rather afraid she thinks she's being loyal to Gus.

Patrick: Whatever, mom. If she thinks hating me and Kevin will make Gus happy, then...good for her.

Dana: How about you, dear. And Kevin? Are you both well?

Patrick: Yes mom, we're both 'well'. We're heading out to meet friends at a bar in a minute so I'll have to go, but I just wanted to say Happy Christmas and see how you were holding up.

Dana: (lifting a glass of whisky up to the screen) I'm getting in the holiday spirit, love.

Patrick: Are you OK, mom?

Dana: I'm fine. I really am. I've given myself a little 'reprieve' to get through the holidays, and after that, when I've had some time to think, I'll call you for a nice long chat and we can talk about all those difficult things we don't want to talk about. How does that sound?

Patrick: Like the story of my life?

Dana: What do you mean, dear?

Patrick: Nothing mom. We'll talk after the holidays. Give my love to Dad, and Megan and Gus of course. We're heading out so I'll say bye, Ok?

Dana: Goodnight darling. Happy Christmas.

(Patrick shuts his laptop, and leans his head against the back of the sofa, sighing deeply. Kevin walks out of the bedroom, buttoning his shirt, sees Patrick)

Kevin: Trouble in the Murray family?

Patrick: My mom misses me.

Kevin: Wish you were there?

Patrick: Fuck no. With Megan and Gus? What a Happy Christmas that would be.

Kevin: Still. It's your first Christmas without them. Wouldn't be strange to feel a little blue.

Patrick: I guess. (Patrick sighs). What did you used to do for Christmas?

Kevin: (shrugs his shoulders) Not much. Just...you know...family stuff.