FOREVER

by Wilfredo M. Guerrero
CHARACTERS:
Maria Teresa
Ernesto
Ernesting
Consuelo
Oscar

The action takes place in Manila

Time: 9 in the evening

SCENE:

The living room of MARIA TERESA's house. At the rear center, a curtained
door, leading out to the corridor. Against the wall is a table vase with flowers.

The left of the corridor leads to CONSUELO's bedroom, the right to the
main entrance.
 At the left, a door leading to MARIA TERESA's bedroom. At the right, a
high open balcony covered with hanging plants.

At front left, a sofa, two chairs and floor lamp. A small rug beside the sofa.
At front right, a table lamp, and a chair.

As the curtain rises, the stage is dark. The only light is the soft moonlight
streaming in through the open balcony. Far away, in the distance, somebody is
playing Debussy's Clair de lune.

Presently, vigorous knocks are heard. Silence. Then further knocks. Slowly
the left door opens, the interior light flooding the stage. CONSUELO, carrying a
lighted candle, appears and closes the door again.

CONSUELO is about forty, clothed in dark saya and camisa, and wearing
chinelas. She has a panolon hastily thrown about her shoulders.

The knocks become more violent. Greatly puzzled, CONSUELO walks to

the balcony.

Consuelo: Is that you, Maria Teresa? I left the door unlocked.

Ernesto: (Offstage) Let me in, Consuelo!

(CONSUELO locks out and gasps. There is great fear in her

eyes, as she continues holding the candle. The knocks become
more persistent. She tries to go back to the bedroom.)
Consuelo: (Nervously) Everybody's asleep!

Ernesto: (Insistently) Let me in, Consuelo!

(As the knocks become louder, CONSUELO trembles with

fright.)

Consuelo: (After a pause) Push the door open. It is unlocked.

(Pulling herself together ,Consuelo goes out, rear. Presently,

Ernesto comes in, followed by Consuelo. She stares at
him questioningly. Ernesto is about thirty-two, tall, rather
slim, careless in his way of wearing clothes. His hair is a little
disarranged. There is an, intense expression about his face, revealing
inner turmoil. He looks tired.)

Ernesto: (Trying to make his laugh sound natural) Well, Con-

suelo, why do you keep staring at me? Didn't you recognize your
brother Ernesto?

Consuelo: (Quietly) I did. That's why—

Ernesto: What's the lighted candle for? No electric lights in this

house? (Lighting a cigarette and looking towards the balcony)
Ah, you obviously prefer the gentle, caressing radiance of the
moonlight. (Laughing bitterly) I like the electric light better.
It's less romantic.

(Consuelo blows the candle out and stands facing him.)

Consuelo: I was saying my prayer before the altar—

Ernesto: Ah, you were praying—for me, perhaps?

Consuelo: (Vehemently) Ernesto! Why did you come?

(ERNESTO turns on the table lamp.)

Ernesto: I hate darkness. I've lived so long in darkness. (He

sits down on a chair, all the while smiling mockingly)

Consuelo: (Gently) Why don't you answer me?

Ernesto: (Ignoring her question) Where's she—asleep already?

Consuelo: (Staring at him before answering) Maria Teresa is
not at home.

Ernesto: Where's she?

Consuelo: Why did you come?

Ernesto: I came—I had to—

Consuelo: You didn't have to!

Ernesto: (Irritatingly) Please, Consuelo—

Consuelo: (Going near him) You came—you came now—when

she—
Ernesto: (Staring at her) She?

Consuelo: You know whom I mean.

Ernesto: (Without looking at her) Yes, she died two weeks ago.

Consuelo: I heard about it.

Ernesto: When?
Consuelo : Does it matter now?

Ernesto: From whom?

Consuelo: I have forgotten,

Ernesto: And Maria Teresa--?

Consuelo: (Alarmed) No, Maria Teresa doesn’t know!

Ernesto: Why not? She might as well.

Consuelo: (Frightened) No, no, Ernesto! She must never know!

(Ernesto stands up quietly)

Ernesto: What difference does it make? (Cynically) Maria Teresa will get to know about it
eventually. (Spitefully) As if I didn’t know women! They can spread bad news faster than they
can breathe (Looking at Consuelo) Nothing personal, of couse, Consuelo. (Consuelo’s eyes
blazed with fury)
Consuelo: (Hoarsely) You haven’t changed. Ernesto—you haven’t changed at all. As usual you
still are callous and selfish. From childhood you have been this way. How well I remember when
Father and Mother were still alive—how they used to grant you all your whims, all your desires.
You never thought of anyone but yourself. And when—when you left Maria Teresa eight years
ago, I wasn’t surprised. No, not at all. I knew you were behaving true to your self-centered
nature (Smiling indifferently, Ernesto walks to the balcony)

Ernesto: (Turning) And you are through, my dear sister? What a splendid sermon. It seems to
me I’ve heard all this before.

Consuelo: You haven’t changed. (Hurt and helpless, Consuelo sits down and covering her face,
breaks into sobs. Ernesto goes to her and pats her shoulder gently)

Ernesto: I am sorry, Consuelo. You put all the blame on me, without knowing all the facts.
Please believe me.

Consuelo: You shouldn’t have come. Haven’t you made us all suffer enough?
Ernesto: Us?

Consuelo: Maria Teresa, Ernesting, myself—

Ernesto: Don’t you think that I also might be capable of suffering?

Consuelo: if you are, you’ve never shown it.

(Brother and sister stare at each other silently. Consuelo stands up)

Consuelo: Ernesto, won’t you please go before Maria Teresa comes?

Ernesto: (Ignoring her question) Tell me, frankly—does Maria Teresa—does she—still hate
me?
Consuelo: We haven't mentioned it, your name nor discussed the affair in this house in eight
years. Since that evening—

Ernesto: Yes, yes, but is she bitter?

Consuelo: Why shouldn't she he? She must be!

Ernesto: Has she told you?

Consuelo: Does she have to?

Ernesto: Then you aren't sure!

Consuelo: Maria Teresa has never told me anything, but I Can see her feelings in her eyes—
what she thinks of you—

Ernesto: (Playfully) Ah, but my dear sister, you’re just sup-

posing—

Consuelo: It doesn't seem decent, to say the least, your coming

to this house—when she—that woman—has been dead only two
weeks.

(Ernesto goes to a chair and sits quietly.)

Ernesto: I think I shall wait till Maria Teresa arrives.

Consuelo: You think she'll forgive you? You don't know Maria
Teresa, obviously.
Ernesto: Obviously. But you seem to know me.

Consuelo: I do.

Ernesto: You're mistaken, Consuelo. You don't.

Consuelo: (Going to him and gripping his arms, pleadingly) Ernesto—as your sister—I beg of
you—go!

Ernesto: I can't go back now.

Consuelo: You can. While there's still time—

Ernesto: (Taking off her hands) I'm afraid I can't please you now, Consuelo. I've a particular
purpose in coming here, and I'm not leaving until—

Consuelo: You came to ask for forgiveness—from Maria Teresa?

Ernesto: I'd rather not answer your question.

Consuelo: (Laughing contemptuously) Why? Is it because you're afraid you'll learn the truth?

Ernesto: Has it ever occurred to you that Maria Teresa is still my wife?

Consuelo: You still consider her your wife?

Ernesto: Isn't she? She didn't ask for a divorce, and our marriage was never annulled.

Consuelo: But abandoning her, with Ernesting three years old- and living with this other
woman—how can you be so callous as to think--?
Ernesto: Where's Maria Teresa?

Consuelo: I see you prefer to change the subject.

Ernesto: Is she coming back soon?

Consuelo: She went to a movie, with Ernesting.

Ernesto: (His eyes lit up) Oh, Ernesting. How's he?

Consuelo: He's eleven now.

Ernesto: Yes, yes, but how's he? Is he in good health?

Consuelo: He is well. His mother and I have taken good care of him.

Ernesto: My son.

Consuelo: Your son?

Ernesto: Why not?

Consuelo: He won't remember you.

Maria Teresa: (Offstage) Consuelo! Consuelo!

(Ernesto and Consuelo stare at each other nervously.

Consuelo runs to the balcony, leans out.)

Consuelo: I'll be down presently. (Turning back to Ernesto) Go through the kitchen door!
Ernesto: No, not now.
Maria Teresa: Consuelo (Ernesto has sunk into a chair. Consuelo makes a gesture of
hopelessness.)
Consuelo: (Leaning out of the balcony) The door is open, Maria Teresa.

(Consuelo stands by the balcony, while Ernesto remains hidden in the shadows. Presently,
Ernesting appears first, followed by Maria Teresa)

Ernesting: Tia Consuelo, here we are! Wow, what a movie!

Maria Teresa: (Fumbling with her bag) You left the door unlocked, Consuelo? And I can't find
my key.

(Maria Teresa is twenty-eight. rather tall, poised, holding her head up almost defiantly. Her eyes
are large and penetrating. She speaks in a soft, low voice. She wears an elegant dress. Around
her neck hangs a gold chain with a locket. Ernesting is dressed in white.)

Ernesting: (Noting Ernesto’s presence) Good evening. sir.

(Ernesto stands up abruptly. Maria Teresa stares at him resentfully. Shocked, she drops her bag
on the floor.)

Ernesto: Good evening, Ernesting.

(Maria Teresa stares at her husband, then at Ernesting. impulsively she grabs Ernesting by the
arm and pulls him beside her)

Consuelo: (Weakly) Maria Teresa—I wanted you to— (Maria Teresa looks at Consuelo
questioningly, then back at Ernesting.)

Maria Teresa: (Very quietly) Consuelo, kindly put Ernesting to bed. It's past nine.
(Consuelo picks up the bag and places it on the table.)

Consuelo: Come, Ernesting.

Ernesting: I am not tired Mama, and I am not sleepy!

Consuelo: You heard what mama said, Ernesting! (Consuelo forcibly drags Ernesting away)

Ernesting: (Whimpering) I am not sleepy, I tell you. I am not

sleepy!

(Consuelo and Ernesting go out, rear. Maria Teresa quietly goes to the table, right, and pretends
to look for something in her bag. Ernesto, nervously smoking, continues standing without moving
from his place)
Ernesto: I—I came—a few minutes ago—

Maria Teresa: (Without looking at him) Yes—?

Ernesto: I know—I mean, I realize—that my presence here—now--

Maria Teresa: (More coolly) Yes?

Ernesto: This must be quite a shock. to you—my being here. I mean.

Maria Teresa: You haven't given an explanation yet.

Ernesto: I wish—I could find words—to tell you—I don't know where and how to begin.
(Consuelo appears, rear, and stands on the threshold) I came—because—

Consuelo: (Corning forward) No, Ernesto! Don't!

Maria Teresa: (Puzzled) What is it?

Ernesto: Consuelo, please—I

Consuelo: (Going near Maria Teresa) He wants to tell you. Maria Teresa—he wants to tell
you—

Maria Teresa: Speak up, Consuelo!

Ernesto: (Corning forward) I wanted to tell you, Maria Teresa that she—
Consuelo: Don't listen to him, Maria Teresa, don't! He came to tell you that she's dead. (Maria
Teresa starts visibly and Ernesto looks at her.)

Ernesto: (Simply) Yes, she is dead. (Consuelo weeps as Maria Teresa holds her in her arms.)

Consuelo: I didn't want you to know! I didn’t want you to know!

Maria Teresa: I understand, Consuelo. Leave us alone, if you

don't mind. (Maria Teresa accompanies her to the door, rear.)

Consuelo: My own brother. my own brother!

(Consuelogoes out. Maria Teresa comes forward and goes to left table.)

Ernesto: Yes, that's what I came for. She died two weeks ago. I Consuelo knew it, but she
didn't—

Maria Teresa: Of course she wouldn't tell me. (Pause) I am sorry, of course. Is there anything
else you wanted to tell me?

Ernesto: Yes.
Maria Teresa: What? (Ernesto sits wearily on the sofa.)

Ernesto: I came—

Maria Teresa: Why did you come?

Ernesto: I—I don't know-

Maria Teresa: (Insistently) Tell me, frankly- -why did you come? Haven't you hurt me enough?
What other reason could you possibly have to be here now?

Ernesto: I—I wanted—to see you—again.

Maria Teresa: Is there really anything else you wanted to talk about? You say you came to see
me again. You have seen me. You came to say that she died. I know that now. (Going towards
the door) What else? I am tired. (Looking at her watch) And its past nine—(Ernesto stands up)

Ernesto: Not yet, Maria Teresa. don't go!

Maria Teresa: What else is there to talk about?

Ernesto: There is something.

Maria Teresa: (Near the door) Not now—

Ernesto: I wanted to show you—something.

Maria Teresa: (Indifferently) What is it?

Ernesto: A letter—
Maria Teresa: A letter?

Ernesto: Yes.

Maria Teresa: From whom? (Ernesto gets a letter from his pocket.)

Ernesto: Would you prefer me to read it? (Maria Teresa shrugged her shoulders)
"Maria Teresa: I have but a few days to live, and I wanted to settle my accounts before God and
before the world. Please forgive me. And please forgive Ernesto. The whole mess was my fault. I
took Ernesto away from you, in a disastrous moment of weakness. Weakness both on my part
and on his. But Ernesto never loved me—his caresses, his kisses were always for you. It was
only his deep pride which prevented him from going back to you. And because it was convenient
for me, I nursed that pride in him to stop him from seeing you. He has always loved you, he still
does. How well I know this. A dying woman implores your forgiveness, not only for herself but
also for Ernesto." (There is a long pause.) She signed it before the priest. (handing her the letter)
Would you care to—? (Maria Teresa takes the letter, reads it silently, and gives it back to him.)

Maria Teresa: That's—why—you—came.

Ernesto: That's why I came.

Maria Teresa: (Looking at him, straight for the first aim) Andnow?

Ernesto: (Evading her stare). I know too well the way I've treated you.

Maria Teresa: For eight long years.

Ernesto: Was I the only one to blame?

Maria Teresa: Was I then?

Ernesto: No, Maria Teresa, I’m not saying that. I only wish to say that if you had only
forgiven—had understood, rather—that mistake I made that night—
Maria Teresa: A mistake you made just a few months after our baby was less than 3 years old.
You expected me to overlook it?

Ernesto: I admit I was blind at the time. But you were so jealous —so suspicious—you
misunderstood everything—

Maria Teresa: Yes, I was jealous. That was because I loved you—then.

Ernesto: But that was the beginning, you must admit. The unreasonable jealousy, the
misunderstandings—they tore me apart—I was unhappy—

Maria Teresa: And you went to her.

Ernesto: I confess I was weak. but any man falls occasionally—

Maria Teresa: And his wife is expected to forgive his every fall?

Ernesto: I don't mean that. But if you hadn't made such a scene and told me to leave the house
and never come back—

Maria Teresa: Why do you remind me of all this now? Those past incidents are best forgotten.
Our lives have gone separate ways in the past eight years. You still haven't told—me why you
are here.

Ernesto: Because—that is—to ask—

Maria Teresa: Yes?

Ernesto: Can't you see?

Maria Teresa: You came to ask—my forgiveness?

Ernesto: I don't expect you to forgive completely and fully. All I ask is—

Maria Teresa: For another chance?

Ernesto: A last chance.

Maria Teresa: How little you know me, Ernesto. (This is the first time she mentions his name
tonight. So he looks at her, then looks away.)

Ernesto: (Simply) I only ask for your pity, Maria Teresa, nothing more.

Maria Teresa: Why do you disturb my peace, Ernesto?

Ernesto: Peace? Do you think I've known peace all these years? I've searched for it, like one
insane. I've searched everywhere—in drink, in gambling, in solitude—even in women. There
were nights when I stayed out in the streets, walking, just walking, without aim, going nowhere,
just dragging my weary feet and my wearier heart. Peace! Where could I find it? Often I'd pass
by this house and look up at the window. And I never saw you. Except once—that afternoon at
the Escolta. I made signs to you to stop the car—I wanted to say a few words—but, you vanished
out of sight. And that, night—lying on my bed, I wept like a frightened child who seeks his
mother in the darkness. And—she came in and asked me why. But I couldn't tell her. But she
knew. I know that she knew.

Maria Teresa: Why didn't you then—why didn't you?

Ernesto: Come back? I couldn't. The hopeless, despairing sense of guilt—

Maria Teresa: And pride.

Ernesto: And pride, true.

Maria Teresa: Ah, the things we destroy with our pride..

Ernesto: (Looking at her) And the things we could heal—if we didn't let pride interfere.

Maria Teresa: But now—

Ernesto: That's why I came, Maria Teresa, that's why I'm here. Don't you see?

(Suddenly, Maria Teresa drops on a chair and breaks into tears.)

Maria Teresa: Too late—too late.

Ernesto: It's never too late to make amends—

Maria Teresa: Too late. (Ernesto puts his hands on her shoulders)

Ernesto: Should we let pride interfere in the healing of our wounds?

Maria Teresa: As if an old wound could be healed with a few casual words of forgiveness.

Ernesto: I've been hurt, Maria Teresa—hurt deeply and bleedingly. (Slowly Maria Teresa stands
up defiantly).

Maria Teresa: No, my wound is beyond any healing now. (Bitterly) You hurt me to the very
depths of my heart and soul—all my sense of respect and decency was outraged!

Ernesto: I'll make it up from now on, Maria Teresa. Be merciful enough to give me a chance.
Maria Teresa: When you left me that night for that other woman—something in me died.
(Ernesto goes to her and puts his hands about her shoulders)

Ernesto: You loved me.

Maria Teresa: Once.

Ernesto: You love me still.

Maria Teresa: (Weakly) I don't, I don't.

Ernesto: You do, Maria Teresa. You haven't stopped loving me—as I haven't.

Maria Teresa: That was eight years ago—

Ernesto: (Pressing her closer to him) No, you love me still, as much as I love you now. I can
feel the beating of your heart. You still love me, Maria Teresa! Say you do. Say you do!

Maria Teresa: (Weakening) No, Ernesto. no. I don't love you—now. (Seeing the chain round
her neck, Ernesto picks it up in his hands.)

Ernesto: This was the locket! I gave you that night we became engaged. Remember? At that
dance at the Manila Hotel. We went to the garden, facing the Manila Bay—and I put this around
your neck. You still keep it through all these years, Then you haven't forgotten? You still love
me?

Maria Teresa: No, no.

Ernesto: Why do you wear it, then?

Maria Teresa: Certain memories—now dead.

Ernesto: Memories ever fresh, ever breathing—I still love you Maria Teresa, deeply, deeply—
(Maria Teresa breaks away front his arms and crumples on the sofa)

Maria Teresa: (Breaking) Why did you come, Ernesto? I was happy all these years. (Ernesto
kneels beside her.)

Ernesto: You're deceiving yourself. You were no happier than I was. (Holding one of her hands)
Maria Teresa, let me come back to you.

Maria Teresa: After eight years of loneliness and tears.

Ernesto: I was lonely, too, remember that. Let that be my punishment.

Maria Teresa: After eight years of humiliation and heartbreak.

Ernesto: Years of heartbreak for me too.

Maria Teresa: (Drawing away her hand) No. It can't be. (She stands up, with a hard expression
on her face) It mustn't be. (Ernesto also stands up and upon hearing her words his face also
hardens)

Ernesto: I hope you haven't forgotten that I'm still your husband.

Maria Teresa: In the eyes of the law. But in the eyes of God you broke the sacred contract that
bound us in marriage. I haven't, for since you went away I've lived alone with Consuelo and my
son Ernesting.

Ernesto: Our son!

Maria Teresa: I worked in order to survive.

Ernesto: You refused the pension I offered you.

Maria Teresa: I had to. It wasn't merely pride, the pride of a wife scorned. I wanted to prove to
the world that I could bring up my child alone. I know how people pitied me, with a pity mixed
with joyful scorn. But I didn't mind it. I got used to it after a while. At first, there were nights
when I wept—crushed by the unbearable loneliness. (She pauses and look at him.) And—a little
while ago. while you had me in your arms—I almost weakened—(Laughing briefly) I nearly
forgave you, I nearly received you back. But it was a passing weakness. Like the whiff of a
perfume it brought. memories, pleasant, beautiful, heartbreaking memories—but it faded away.
My heart momentarily blinded me—and I was a woman! Now I’m the wife again—the wife cast
aside, her rights trampled upon!
And I awoke just in time. I won't weaken again. I promise you. I won't.

Ernesto: How hard you've become.

Maria Teresa: I wasn't—eight years ago.

Ernesto: But our son Ernesting—

Maria Teresa: He's my son—my son, do you hear? I brought him up. He belongs to me and to
me alone. He has never known you.

Ernesto: He must remember me. He was nearly three years old when—

Maria Teresa: But I told him that his father—

Ernesto: (Looking at her) What did you tell him?

Maria Teresa: That his father was dead!

Ernesto: (Flaring up) You told him that!

Maria Teresa: You expected me to tell him that his own father—

Ernesto: (Angrily) But she is dead—the other woman's dead!

Maria Teresa: So is my husband dead to my son!

Ernesto: (After a pause). I don't believe it!

Maria Teresa: Don't believe what?

Ernesto: That Ernesting won't recognize me.

Maria Teresa: And if he doesn't?

Ernesto: If he doesn't—? (A long pause) If he doesn't then I shall go away and never come back.

Maria Teresa: And if Ernesting recognizes you?

Ernesto: If he does? Then I shall (Consuelo appears. rear)

Maria Teresa: Yes, Consuelo?

Consuelo: It's Oscar.

Maria Teresa: Oscar?

Consuelo: He says he brought some papers you left in the office this afternoon.
Maria Teresa: Oh, yes. Is he on the phone?

Consuelo: No. He's waiting downstairs.

Maria Teresa: Tell him—tell him—

Consuelo: He says those papers must be finished tonight.

Maria Teresa: Tell him I'll call him later. (Consuelo is about to go) Consuelo—

Consuelo: Yes?

Maria Teresa: Is Ernesting still awake?

Consuelo: He is. He's telling me all about the movie he saw.

Maria Teresa: Do you mind bringing him in later?

Consuelo: (Puzzled) Here? What for?

Maria Teresa: Just bring him in.

Consuelo: As you say. (Consuelo goes out)

Ernesto: Do you mind if I ask you who—

Maria Teresa: Who Oscar is? He works with me in the same office. A good friend of mine.
And Ernesting likes him very much.

Ernesto: You've known him long?

Maria Teresa: About three years.

Ernesto: And he's seeing you—now?

Maria Teresa: Yes. (Going to the door and calling) Come on in, Oscar.

Ernesto: Shall I come back tomorrow?

Maria Teresa: Please stay. (Ernesto shrugs his shoulders, lights a cigarette, and sits down.
OSCAR appears. He is a tall, presentable man of thirty-five. He carries a large envelope)

Oscar: (Not seeing Ernesto) Sorry to bother you at this late hour, Maria Teresa, but the boss
wants these papers ready by tomorrow.
Maria Teresa: I was in such a hurry to leave the office this afternoon I forgot all about them.
(Oscar turns and sees Ernesto who stands up and nods quietly)

Oscar: (Flustered) Oh. I didn't know you had a visitor.

Maria Teresa: I want you to meet Ernesto. Ernesto, this is Oscar Daza. (Ernesto approaches
Oscar and they shake hands.)

Oscar: How do you do? Er—I didn't quite catch the name.

Ernesto: Ernesto Velasco.

Oscar: Velasco (Suddenly realizing who he is) You mean? — (Oscar books at Maria Teresa
then at Ernesto but Maria Teresa evades his questioning glance)

Maria Teresa: Won't you sit down? (However, the three remain standing)
Oscar: (Trying to be lighthearted) The boss will be sore if you don't finish these papers by
tomorrow morning.

Maria Teresa: Yes, I'll type them tonight. I took Ernesting to the movie.

Oscar: Is Ernesting asleep already?

Maria Teresa: No, not yet.

Oscar: Can I see him? I promised to take him to the circus last week, but I forgot all about it.

Maria Teresa: I asked Consuelo to bring him in.

Oscar: I could go to his room— (As he proceeds to the rear door, Ernesto steps forward.)

Ernesto: Mr. Daza, I believe Ernesting is asleep.

Oscar: (Surprised) Asleep? But Maria Teresa said—

Ernesto: I don't want to scent rude, but it's quite late and the kid must be tired.
Maria Teresa: (Without looking at Ernesto). You may goin, Oscar.

Ernesto: Forgive my curiosity, Mr. Daza, but doesn't it seem rather strange—for a man to be in
a lady's house at this late hour?

Oscar: (a bit offended). You'll also pardon my curiosity, Mr.Velasco, if I take the liberty of
asking you the same question?

Ernesto: Really? Of course you know who I am. (Oscar looks at Maria Teresa, then at Ernesto)

Oscar: Yes, Mr. Velasco. I think—I do.

Ernesto: Then—?

Oscar: A moment ago you implied, by your question. Something which wasn't quite proper.

Ernesto: Did I? And what was that?

Oscar: What a poor memory you must have.

Ernesto: (Remembering). Oh that? But then I am Maria Teresa’s husband

Maria Teresa: It isn't true!

Oscar: I feel rather embarrassed by this intrusion, but--

Ernesto: I am still Maria Teresa's husband, and she is still my wife. Do we have to discuss this
in public? (He looks at his wife)

Maria Teresa: If you mean before Oscar, I don't mind. You brought the matter up yourself—

Ernesto: (To Oscar). May I remind you, Mr. Daza, that if I am in this house it this late hour it's
because Maria Teresa and I are still legally married?

Maria Teresa: And may I remind you. Ernesto, that you abandoned your wife eight years ago?
Ernesto: You have a perfect memory, Maria Teresa.

Oscar: And your tongue is rather biting

Ernesto: May I know what is your relationship with—

Oscar: Maria Teresa and I work in the same office. We are good friends. I come here often
because I enjoy Ernesting's company—and hers.

Ernesto: My son's company?

Oscar: And why not?

Ernesting: (Offstage) Momma! Momma!

Maria Teresa: Yes, Ernesting! (Consuelo and Ernesting appear, rear. Ernesting, upon seeing
Oscar rushes to him)

Ernesting: Oscar. Why didn't you take me to the circus last Sunday?

Oscar: I was very busy, Ernesting. Extra work in the office. Ask your mama—she'll tell you.
But I promise to take you tomorrow

Ernesting: Tomorrow? Good! It's Saturday—no class!

Oscar: How did you Iike the movie this afternoon?

Ernesting: Swell! Fourth chapter of Flash Gordon. He knocked out five criminals with one jab!

Oscar: Five criminals?

Ernesting: Yes! Later he jumped from the train into the river—wow, I was so scared I shouted!

Oscar: You did? And what happened?

Ernesting: He just got wet. Then he stopped the boat with his bare hands—
Oscar: What boat?

Ernesting: Why, the boat where the other criminals were. You see, they were carrying the map
they had stolen.

Oscar: What map?

Ernesting: The map with the diagram of the Gold City. Everything in that city is made of gold.
Even their food is solid gold. And then Flash Gordon—

Oscar: How did the people eat then?

Ernesting: Eat? Oh no, they had no time to eat! And then—

Maria Teresa: Oscar, wouldn't you like to have some ice-cream? Consuelo will take you to the
dining room. (Oscar looks at Maria Teresa and her glance tells him the real purpose)

Ernesting: Oscar, will you help me with my homework?

Oscar: Homework?

Ernesting: In geography. My teacher told us to draw a map of Mindanao. I can't do it!

Maria Teresa: Some other time, Ernesting. Oscar will eat some ice-cream in the dining room.

Ernesting: Ice cream? I want some!

Consuelo: You had three cups this evening. You'll get sick.

Oscar: (Going toward eh, rear door) I'll see you later, Ernesting.
Ernesting: About the map of Mindanao—why do we have to draw a map of Mindanao? It’s
already printed in our textbook.

Oscar: Printed in your textbook? Well. I'll tell you how to do it. Get a very thin transparent
paper, place it on top of the map, then get a pencil and trace the line. Get it?

Ernesting: I never thought of that! You're wonderful, Oscar!

Consuelo: But, Oscar, won't that be cheating?

Oscar: If it is, then all students cheat! (Consuelo and Oscar go out, rear)

Ernesting: Momma, why doesn't Oscar come more often? He comes only on Sundays and
sometimes he doesn't even stay for lunch.

Maria Teresa: He has a house of his own. I already told you. Somebody has to live with his
mother.

Ernesting: Why don't you marry again, mama? After all, papa is dead. (Maria Teresa and
Ernesto stare at each other, Ernesting notices Ernesto) Oh. you're still here.sir?

Maria Teresa: Look, Ernesting, I must go in and keep Oscar company. This is—er—a friend of
mine.

Ernesting: Hello! (He offers his hand which Ernesto shakes)

Ernesto: Hello.

Ernesting: You've never been here before, have you, sir?

Maria Teresa: He used to—long ago. You entertain him until I come back, won't you?
Ernesting: Sure! What's his name? (Maria Teresa ignores the question and goes out hurriedly.
Ernesto sits on the sofa.)

Ernesto: Come over here, Ernesting. (Without shyness Ernesting goes to the sofa)

Ernesting: What's your name, sir?

Ernesto: My name? Just call me—(Trying to think of a name)

Ernesting: You forget your name—sometimes?

Ernesto: Er—yes—sometimes. (They laugh)

Ernesting: I forget many things, too. This afternoon, for instance, I forgot my homework in
geography.

Ernesto: The map of Mindanao?

Ernesting: Ah no. That's for Friday. This afternoon we were supposed to bring a short
composition—

Ernesto: You mean—composition?

Ernesting: Yes, a short composition on the principal product of Mindanao.

Ernesto: You know where Agusan is?

Ernesting: I forget now, but it's somewhere on the map. Have you been to Agusan?

Ernesto: Well. not yet. But what happened to your composition?

Ernesting: I forgot it. sir.

Ernesto: Where?

Ernesting: I thought I !eft it in my grammar book.

Ernesto: So you found it later?

Ernesting: No, sir. When I came home this afternoon I remembered I made a plane out of it

Ernesto: A plane?

Ernesting: Yes, you know— (Making a gesture with his hand of a plane in flight) And last
week I forgot my pencil and eraser, and you know what my teacher did?

Ernesto: Did he punish you?

Ernesting: Yes. He told me to stay after class.

Ernesto: So you've a poor memory then?

Ernesting: Yes, sir. But Oscar never forgets. Oh, but he forgot to take me to the circus last
Sunday!

Ernesto: Who's Oscar?

Ernesting: Oscar? Why, he's eating ice cream in the dining room.

Ernesto: Ah, yes. I forgot.

Ernesting: (Laughing) Again?

Ernesto: What grade are you in, Ernesting?

Ernesting: Fifth grade. What grade are you in, sir?

Ernesto: (Laughing) Oh, I'm not studying any more.

Ernesting: How lucky you are. You never have to study.

Ernesto: Oh, but I did study—when I was younger. I am a lawyer.

Ernesting: A lawyer? Momma said papa was a lawyer. too.

Ernesto: Your papa? Is your papa—?

Ernesting: He died long ago in an automobile accident.

Ernesto: Do you remember how he looked?

Ernesting: Mama said he was very handsome.

Ernesto: But you recollect how his face was like?

Ernesting: Recollect?

Ernesto: It means to remember.

Ernesting: Oh, no, sir—not very well

Ernesto: Not very well?

Ernesting: Well. years ago, when I was very small, momma had a picture of papa on her table.
Then one day she tore it to pieces.

Ernesto: How old were you then?

Ernesting: Very small. (He holds his hand up one foot from the floor)

Ernesto: You must have been quite small.

Ernesting: Well. I was in the kindergarten then.

Ernesto: You miss your papa, my child?

Ernesting: Why do you say "my child"? My name is Ernesting.

Ernesto: (Laughing, embarrassed) Yes, of course, I forgot.

Ernesting: Well. I miss papa very much. I wish I had one. I am always telling momma to get
married.

Ernesto: Married—to whom?

Ernesting: I like Oscar. Why doesn't she marry Oscar?

Ernesto: You—like him?

Ernesting: Very much! He takes me to the movies, he buys me chocolates, and once he took me
to Plaza Hotel, and we had at strawberry sundae. Wow, he spent much that time. l saw him give
the waiter a twenty -peso bill!
Ernesto: Does he take mama, too?
Ernesting: Never!

Ernesto: Never?

Ernesting: Ah, yes, once they went to the Avenue Theatre.

Ernesto: You went with them?

Ernesting: Yes.

Ernesto: And your Tia Consuelo?

Ernesting: Tia Consuelo never goes to movies. She says they are a waste of time.

Ernesto: Tell me, Ernesting. If your papa were alive—

Ernesting: Papa alive?

Ernesto: No, no. Just suppose he were alive—

Ernesting: Yes?

Ernesto: Would you recognize him?

Ernesting: His face?

Ernesto: Yes. His face, everything about him. (Ernesting stops to think)

Ernesting: (After a pause) No, sir—I don't think I could recognize him. You see, I never knew
him. But his name was Ernesto. I am also Ernesto, but junior. What's your name, sir?
Ernesto: (Holding him by the shoulders and making him face him). Is my face—familiar to you,
Ernesting?

Ernesting: (Looking at him) Your face? You never came here

before, did you, sir?

Ernesto: I did—several times—

Ernesting: When?

Ernesto: Years ago.

Ernesting: You were a friend of papa

Ernesto: A friend of papa? (Hopelessly) Yes. A friend of papa. (Ernesto stands up and lights a
cigarette. There is a complete air of defeat about him. Ernesting, puzzled, stares at him. Quietly
he goes to Ernesto and shyly holds his hand)

Ernesting: What did I do, sir? Are you angry? (Ernesto looks down at the boy, then kneels
down, gels his wallet and extracts a bill)

Ernesto: No, I'm not angry son. Look, what's this?

Ernesting: That's a fifty -peso bill.

Ernesto: Take it. It's yours.

Ernesting: (Incredibly) For me! You mean—!

Ernesto: Yes. Ernesting, it's for you.

Ernesting: (Jumping) Oh boy! oh boy! oh boy! Wait till I tell momma

Ernesto: No, don't. You mustn’t show it to her

Ernesting: But she'll ask me where l got it!

Ernesto: You spend it tomorrow when Oscar takes you to thecircus.

Ernesting: He'll also ask me where I got it

Ernesto: Well, you can tell him I gave it to you.

Ernesting: Thank you, sir! Gee whiz! I never had a fifty-peso bill in my life! It's like winning
the sweepstakes, isn't it, sir?

Ernesto: Well, almost.

Ernesting: Why are you giving this to me?

Ernesto: Why? I don’t know.

Ernesting: You don't know!

Ernesto: Well, it's like this. I had a son—once. And he looked like you.

Ernesting: Where's he?

Ernesto: Somewhere.

Ernesting: How can I thank you, sir?

Ernesto: I don't know, Ernesting. Any suggestions? You wouldn't want to be kissed,
would you?

Ernesting: If you wish, sir, though I don't like to be kissed even by mama.

Ernesto: Naturally. You're old enough. Let's shake hands then. (Tiny shake hands. Impulsively
but briefly—Ernesto takes Ernesting in his arms, then stands up abruptly) Will you call mama,
son?

Ernesting: (Calling) Mama, Mama! What's your name, sir?

Ernesto: My name? Oh, it doesn't matter. I'm not coming back here.

Ernesting: Why not? (Maria Teresa comes in, and stops) Momma, is Oscar still taking ice-
cream?

Maria Teresa: No, Ernesting. Oscar left a while ago.

Ernesting: Left! But the circus—

Maria Teresa: He's coming back tomorrow at four to fetch you. Ernesting, Tia Consuelo left
some ice-cream for you.

Ernesting: Has she? (Ernesting, without bidding goodbye rushes out, Maria Teresa without
looking at Ernesto walks to the right)
Ernesto: (Very quietly) You have won, Maria Teresa. He didn't recognize his own father.

Maria Teresa: I'm afraid then—that nothing else can be said. (Ernesto goes near her)

Ernesto: You brought him up well. A very intelligent boy, too.

Maria Teresa: Yes, very intelligent. But his Tia Consuelo also helped in in his upbringing.
Ernesto: I'm proud of him. (He walks about briefly then turns) You—are you? I mean—you
haven't changed your mind? (Maria Teresa shakes her head. Ernesto looks about the room) You
are—happy—in this place? (Maria Teresa nods gently. With earnest vehemence Ernesto turns
again) Can't I do something? Why won't you forgive me? Even if I promised about the test with
Ernesting? So many women—

Maria Teresa: Yes, Ernesto, the average Filipino wife will easily forgive her erring, unfaithful
husband, because for centuries she has been used to remain in the background, to be the slave of
her husband.

Ernesto: Slave?

Maria Teresa: By leaving me and your son eight years ago, you treated me even less than a
slave. Well, Ernesto, I am different. When I married you, I resolved to be a good wife and I
expected to be treated as such. When you left me. I decided I was going to remain a mother to
Ernesting—but at the same time, an individual. I wanted to retain my self-respect even if my
husband didn't have any.

Ernesto: If we live together again, Maria Teresa, I promise to let you be what you are and what
you wish.

Maria Teresa: Never again, Ernesto.

Ernesto: But are you sure—that someday—?

Maria Teresa: Kindly remember that I didn't force this loneliness myself. You. did.

Ernesto: But are you sure—that someday—?

Maria Teresa: That I shall regret my step? Perhaps. But if I do shall have myself only to blame.
And I've my work. And no person can be lonely when he's working.
Ernesto: And my—loneliness?

Maria Teresa: That's Of your making, Ernesto. (Ernesto walks about wearily)

Ernesto: Won't you accept—a pension?

Maria Teresa: For myself, no. For Ernesting—if you wish.

Ernesto: I shall arrange it tomorrow with my lawyer. May l—that is—have you a picture of
Ernesting? (Maria Teresa looks at him briefly, then she takes her locket front round her neck.)

Maria Teresa: (Opening it) Here—in this locket—his—

Ernesto: And yours.

Maria Teresa: Keep the locket.

Ernesto: You want me to?

Maria Teresa: if you wish. (he takes the locket)

Ernesto: Thank you, Maria Teresa. And Consuelo?

Maria Teresa: (Calling softly) Consuelo!

Ernesto: it might interest you to know that I'm sailing for Mindanao next week.

Maria Teresa: Davao?

Ernesto: No, Agusan. A friend of mine has opened a lumber company there and offered me a
good job. I have been thinking it over. I think I shall take it.

Maria Teresa: I know you'll be a success, Ernesto. (Ernesto smiles wryly. He goes to the door.)

Ernesto: Take good care of Ernesting. (Maria Teresa nods silently) Goodbye then. (Turning at
the threshold) Forever.

Maria Teresa: (Very quietly) Forever. (Consuelo appears, Ernesto embraces her briefly)

Ernesto: You were right, my dear sister. I shouldn't have come. A woman in love is soft as
putty—but a woman out of love is hard as granite. (Ernesto rushes out. Consuelo runs after him).

(Maria Teresa goes to the balcony and looks out briefly. Ernesting comes in)

Ernesting: Momma, where's that man?

Maria Teresa: He—went away, Ernesting.

Ernesting: Who was he, mama? He was so kind. Who was he?

Maria Teresa: A friend of mine, Ernesting, an old friend of mine. Go to bed now, son. It's very
late. (Ernesting is now near the door)

Ernesting: (Turning) His name, mama? He never told me his name.

Maria Teresa: I've forgotten, my child, I've forgotten his name.

(Ernesting goes out. Maria Teresa dejectedly stands beside the sofa, trying hard to control her
feelings. Consuelo enters silently, and stops at the door. Suddenly Maria Teresa breaks down) I
need courage, Consuelo I need courage
(crying bitterly, desperately, Maria Teresa slowly sinks on the sofa)

Consuelo: (Inaudibly) He’s gone.

Maria Teresa: (Heartbreakingly) Forever... forever.

--------------------------------------------------------THE END-----------------------------------------------
----

From Manlavi, John Paul of Chiang Kai Shek College.

“Para sa mga naghahanap ng wala, best of luck kabayan!”