Athalia Ponsell II

Rhapsody In Blue by Glenn Miller plays.

“My father knew George Gershwin.” says Lacey Banks to Athalia Ponsell on a portico a bit like in the film Sabrina from 1954.

“Lacey!” says Athalia bending forward to rest her back as she smokes…

Lacey looks at her.

“Your father was friends with George Gershwin?” says Athalia smiling at her.

“Yes!” says Lacey.

Athalia smiles. “Oh!” She closes her eyes.

“My goodness you can’t think that!” says Lacey.

Athalia looks put out.

Lacey looks away sadly.

“Why are you here!??” asks Athalia.

“Where?” asks Lacey.

Athalia looks frustrated. Closes her eyes. “Here at the Kennedy’s!”

“No. This is only a house they’re renting!” says Lacey.

Athalia stares at her. “Oh. Right.” she says, finally.

Lacey looks around. “There are lots of people who own houses like this, you know.” says Lacey.

Athalia smokes. Looks angry.

Black Snake Blues by King Oliver And His Dixie Sycophants plays for us.

“Lacey! This is…hard to tell you…but I’ve gotta! Look! This is my big chance!” says Athalia.

“Oh! Marrying Joe?” says Lacey.

Athalia looks at her like she’s batty.

“What!?!?” says Lacey, confused.

As Time Goes By as sung by Billie Holiday plays for Athalia and Lacey and everyone else at the summer party at night in France in 1948. It’s on a phonograph but it’s lovely.

“Lacey…” says Athalia laughing. “Lacey…I can’t marry tons of men like Joe.”

Lacey thinks. “Does he love you?”

Athalia takes a drag of her cigarette and blows smoke into the air. Looks around.

Lacey waits.

Athalia takes another drag. Blows out the smoke. Thinks.

“Maybe?” she says, finally. “He likes to dance with me when I’m…indisposed.” She thinks. “And sometimes I think…he likes when I’m that vulnerable because it feels safer for him. And he needs me.”

Lacey rolls her eyes. Crosses her arms across her waist.

Midnight City M83 plays for us.

“Athalia just…take him off my hands!” says Lacey.

“Why!?” asks Athalia, laughing impishly.

“He’s exhausting!

I can’t keep up with him. And you’re not supposed to have to chase your husband around anyway. It’s perverse. I find it heartbreaking and obnoxious.” says Lacey.

“But you love Joe!” says Athalia.

“Yes! But he’s annoying.” says Lacey.

“How!??” asks Athalia, almost apologetically on his behalf.

“Why is he always fucking around Athalia? What’s so great about that? Is he dumb or useless? Or is it some kind of stupid childish game he plays?” asks Lacey.

Fickle Game by Amber Run plays for us.

She thinks. “It’s not real, Lacey!”

“It isn’t real when he puts his hard cock in a woman’s hot pussy, darling??” says Lacey.

Athalia laughs. Almost cries. Controls herself.

“He’s a stupid, boorish pig. I’m glad to get rid him. He’s worthless as a man. By choice. Absolutely worthless. …But if you want him that badly…it’s your funeral. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.” says Lacey.

“But he’s a man! You have to make allowances for them!” says Athalia.

“No. That’s not true!” says Lacey. “Look…did your father have mistresses?”

“No.” says Athalia.

“Mine did. Lots of them.

And I know from observing him as a daughter that it’s absolute bullshit. Absolute bullshit.” says Lacey.

“You sound so Victorian Lacey.” says Athalia.

“What of it!? …I’d rather die happy having loved someone than die a failure at life itself.” says Lacey.

“That’s not the meaning of life!” says Athalia.

“Yes. It is! It’s part of it! …And missing out on it is…a failure to live.” says Lacey.

Athalia cries.

“Oh goodness! You want to be filthy rich!” says Lacey lovingly.

Athalia smiles. Hides her embarrassment.

“How much do you love Joe?” asks Lacey.

“I love him.” says Athalia solemnly.

“Then he’s going to cheat. But…he might love you too. Some. …Thing is…if he marries you…you’ll have that. And Kennedys don’t get divorced. And if you had children you could count on him to be loving sometimes. …I don’t think…he’s ever going to be normal though. He’s like a sexual alcoholic.” says Lacey.

“Hmm! You think he’s addicted to sex?” says Athalia.

“Yes! But with people who allow him to hurt people. He’s an absolute asshole. You can’t let down your guard and trust him. He’s a worthless pig. You can’t be deeply in love with any Kennedy man. They’re all worthless pieces of shit as men.

But…they’re sweet. And they make nice company. And they’re extremely rich. So…if deep love isn’t your ideal and you’re fine with some dull, shallow life…filled with money and work…and some fame and glamour…then they’re a good bet. They offer stability. In a way. You have to get used to being alone and rich.

I’ve seen all of their lovers both male and female do it. They’re an annoying family. And yet…it’s life.” says Lacey, shrugging.

“What do you think my life will be like?” asks Athalia closing her eyes and thinking about it. She braces herself.

Fall In Love by Phantogram plays.

“Joe will pour you drinks of champagne. Whenever you want. Expensive champagne. …By a grand swimming pool. And you’ll sun. And swim. And have parties. And everyone will think you’re extraordinary.

And your hair will grow lighter and your skin will look…tan and cheerful. And you’ll wear coral lipsticks and bright, gleaming blues.

And somewhere…you’ll feel sad. Probably when he’s off with someone somewhere and you realize he’s really just a stupid ass. That’s all. And then you have to decide. Then and now. Is it worth it?

For me it’s not. They’re emotionally retarded. And if you’re a normal person you can’t find any companionship with them. It’s Hell. They’re…like pets, at best. Not friends or lovers. You can’t trust them with your heart.

But…maybe you don’t care. Maybe you feel…he can love you. Enough.

Look…there’s not much they can do if you can get them to marry you. If you’re shallow. Or you just don’t care.” says Lacey. “I can’t figure how their mistresses male and female manage. Gay marriage isn’t allowed. So…there’s no way.” says Lacey.

“Lacey. What are you talking about?” asks Athalia.

“Look! …Men have feelings too. So…it just doesn’t work.” says Lacey.

“What is it about marriage?” asks Athalia.

“They’re Catholic. So to them marriage is a sacrament. How about that? …I think they take it seriously somehow. And so…even if it’s a bad marriage they still emotionally show-up. They don’t treat anyone with love. They’re useless. Across the board. Absolutely worthless pigs.

But…poor sods try a bit harder when you get them to walk down the aisle. Something about the ceremony itself and the legality of it, I think. They have bouts of holiness.” says Lacey.

“Yeah.” says Athalia laughing, suddenly more happily. She begins giggling. Covers her mouth. “Oh Lacey. It’s good talking to you.”

“Why is that, darling?” asks Lacey.

Athalia smiles and sobers herself. “Have you ever read The Great Gatsby?”

“Yes!” says Lacey.

“You’re like the author.” says Athalia. “Yup. You think like a great mind.

But…not everyone is that blessed.” she says looking sad. “And I want success!”

Lacey smiles. Looks quizzical.

“I think marriage is fine. I could never be his mistress either. Nobody can stand that kind of extreme emotional deprivation for longer than a few years at most. It would make you want to kill yourself.

But thank God they still regard marriage with faith. Thank God they haven’t abandoned their Irish Catholicism entirely.” she says with great care and reverence. Perhaps she’s practicing to be a serious Irish Catholic wannabe. “But I can love him. If he’s a hood father, and he takes our anniversary with me…and he buys me pretty things…and wakes up with me at least with some regularity…and never leaves me…and makes me famous…and epic…and grand…Irish Catholic marriage is enough for me.” says Athalia.

“But he’s not capable of love beyond that.” says Lacey.

“Yeah. But…at least he takes marriage seriously enough to make me happy.” says Athalia.

Lacey steadies herself. “Do you think you’ll have lovers?”

Athalia looks cagey. She thinks. “Well.” She winces.

“You should be careful.” says Lacey. “It’s morally dangerous ground.”

“True.” says Athalia.

“Well…I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you at all. I’ll gladly get out of your way. Just be warned!” says Lacey. She walks off.

String Quartet No. 2, “Company” by Philip Glass plays.

Lacey walks into the party and grabs a drink of gin. Goes and sits down next to Lem Billings who’s avoided her out of respect for Joe and mostly because Jack has manipulated situations to keep them apart on instinct.

A Sparrow Alighted Upon Our Shoulder by Johann Jóhannsson plays.

“I’m getting drunk. And then I’m going to take a bath. And then I’m wearing a facial mask by Erno Laszlo. I bought it in Paris. Yesterday.

And then tomorrow…I’m going back to Paris.” says Lacey.

Lem looks to be in shock. Lacey looks at him to find his response.

He looks down at her with disturbed confusion and an odd, vague smile.

“Why!??” he asks, as if upset.

“Because I love you. And a million other more important things. And maybe a million other more likely men too. …I’m not going to say here.” feeling as if she has his attention she turns her head away, “Athalia wants him more than I do. She wants this life more than I do.”

Verses by Ólafur Arnalds & Alice Sara Ott play for Laceys soul. “If this song could be a perfume it’d be perfect for her.” says Luca Turin someday somewhere, sadly.

“It sounds a bit like The Lark Ascending.” says Ralph Vaughan Williams.

(Adult content below)

Lem rests his hand on her leg. She doesn’t even notice at first. But then suddenly she does. She looks up at him.

“Come with me to Paris!” says Lacey.

“Yeah.” he says in her ear. He kisses her ear. “Let’s go upstairs.”

“Come with me to Paris!” says Lacey.

“Alright.” says Lem, almost laughing.

Lacey in disbelief says, “I’m going to go take a bath. You should come with me. If you want. I have plenty of the formula from Mr. Lazslo.” says Lacey.

Lem looks hurt at first. Then he recovers. “But Lacey then I’ll see you undressed.”

She looks up at him. “I’m exhausted. Do you want to come with me or not?”

He looks around. Thinks. “What are you drinking?”

“I’ll just drink water. I’m tired.” says Lacey. “Come! Let’s go!”

“What other…men have seen you!?” asks Lem.

Lacey closes her eyes. Thinks. Furrows her brow. “Ronaldo. At the store in Hollywood. He’s an expert tailor!” says Lacey.

Lem thinks. Furrows his own brow.

“Fine. What exactly are you expecting me to do?” asks Lem.

“Just talk!” says Lacey. “You’re always so good at conversation!”

“Mm. Yeah.

I’ll give you a back massage.” says Lem.

“No. I’d rather just talk.” says Lacey. “I hate back massages.”

She stands. Extends her hand to him.

He stands and walks off with her but doesn’t take her hand. Instead he rests his hand at the small of her back.

“Goodness. Could you carry me?” says Lacey.

And at that he carries her into the bathroom upstairs. Shuts the door behind them and locks it.

Iris Apfel laughs. “You guys were so wrong about so many things.” She thinks. “Lem’s supposed sexual orientation is just one of them.” She’s done observing. She already knows what will happen although she doesn’t want to know the details.

After the door is shut Lacey is thrown gently onto the bed in the adjoining room.

“Mm. This is nice.” says Lacey.

He stares at her and smiles. “Mind if I join you?”

“Come here!” says Lacey, extending her arms out.

He rests on top of her.

“Mm. Oh!

It’s almost as if we’re going to make love.” says Lacey.

“Let’s take a bath and then…make love.” says Lem.

“Hold on!!!” yells JFK with Bobby trailing quickly behind him.

“Why?” asks Lem.

“Where’s your gay voice!?!” asks JFK in a panic.

“Oh! I’ll be my ‘gay self.’” says Lem. “Go away.”

“He’s going to be gay?!?” says Bobby to JFK in his spirit as if it’s a crisis averted.

“Yeah!” says JFK.

“Okay!” says Bobby calming down.

Both men leave assuming all is settled and fine.

“Do you know how to make love to a woman?” asks Lacey adjusting for the gay voice.

“Let me figure out how!” says Lem, starting to make love to her aggressively. Then he stops. “No. I can’t go on like this.”

Lacey smiles.

Jack’s residual energy charges back in the room.

“No!! You have to be gay!” he says, demandingly and seriously.

“Jack, I wasn’t gay!” says Lem.

“Hold on!” says Bobby Jr. charging into the room now too. “That’s not Lem!”

“Lem. I’m Lem.” says Lem.

“No. He’s Lem!” says Jack. “Lem! Why are you laying on a bed with a woman!!?”

Bobby starts awkwardly laughing and shaking his head.

“Go away!” says Lem.

“Go away Lacey?” says Bobby to Lem, like he’s talking to a dog.

“NO!!!!” yells Lem. “GO AWAY!” he yells at the Kennedys in a British accent.

“Just give me a chance!” says Jack.

And at that Lem pushes Jack out of the door.

“Who gave Jack a key!?!” yells Lem.

“I did, sir.” says a French maid.

Lem stares her in disbelief. He shuts and barricades the door.

“Once you’re dead we’re all done with him. But none of the Kennedys seem to understand that. And I mean us. Not everyone. You. Me. The kids. My family. Anyone who needs distance from him.” says Lem.

They reverse time.

“Are we in love?” asks Lacey.

“Let’s make love and find out.” says Lem.

“No. I can’t until-“ says Lacey.

“I’m in love with you.” he says. He looks off. “But you’re not- I doubt you’re in love with me.”

“Summer” by Vivaldi plays.

“No. I’m madly in love with you.” says Lacey.

“Then let’s take our time. No one knows we’re up here. Let’s spend the night here and then leave for Paris tomorrow.” says Lem.

“What about our things?” asks Lacey.

“I’ll bribe a maid to get them and keep her mouth shut.” says Lem.

“Alright.” says Lacey.

“And tomorrow we’ll leave early.” says Lem.

“Let’s take bath!” says Lacey.

He smiles at her mischievously. “I’ll go draw a bath!”

And so they take a bath together in the bathtub when Lem comes on to her. And they make love again in bed. And again in the morning. And then leave quickly. And are married.

(End of adult content above)

“Joe! Lacey’s GONE!” yells Athalia in the morning at breakfast. She makes a big scene about it.

“I went to be early last night. I hardly saw her! Where is she!?!” he asks a servant.

“We don’t know.” says the maid.

“Huh. How odd.” says Joe.

“Joe! Let’s just enjoy ourselves!

Your father will return soon. Let’s let ourselves have some real fun.” says Athalia.

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (Re-composition) by Max Richter plays.

“What sort of real fun?!” asks Joe, laughing.

Athalia thinks. She smiles. “I want a party!”

“Jack and Eunice are here for the weekend. Let’s have another party. But this time let’s make it big!” says Joe. He smiles suddenly. “I’ve got Pat Wilson coming down this weekend too. With her husband.”

“Oh! That British woman!” says Athalia. “Fine. I know she’s a friend of yours.

Why not have a huge, high-brow party!?” she says. “Have Pat bring with as many of her friends as she can. But only the ones who are top drawer. You know? Only the best!”

Joe looks upset then thinks. Furrow his brow. “Athalia…you’re trying to lure me in.”

“Joe! I’m getting old!

I need to get married!” says Athalia.

Organ Variation by Hans Zimmer plays.

“Well…” says Joe.

“Joe! Let me love you!!” pleads Athalia dramatically. “Please Joe!”

“It would be nice to have a wife.” says Joe.

“Joe! You’re an old man!” says Athalia. “You’ll be dying in 20 years…the way you smoke. You need to get married so you can meet your own grandchildren!”

“I only smoke as much as everyone else.

Fine!

You know…I wasn’t expecting Lacey to run off like that. Where was she last night?” asks Joe.

“Fine!??” says Athalia.

“Yes! Why keep arguing?” says Joe.

“Well alright. Say…she’s off with some boyfriend I’m sure.” says Athalia. “You know how women like that are! They’re vagrant.”

“But she’s got to settle down too one of these days.” says Joe.

“I think she’s a bit wilder and more daring than that.” says Athalia. “Say! Didn’t she date Harold Loeb once?”

“Who!?!?” says Joe.

“Oh darling. The Sun Also Rises.” says Athalia, unfolding her napkin on her lap.

“Oh! The Jew!?” says Joe. “From the story!?”

“Yes!! He’s a Guggenheim!” says Athalia.

“Oh. Right?

You know…he warned me once at a party. He told me to back off.” says Joe.

“When!?” asks Athalia, genuinely fascinated.

“So this was fun!” interrupts a man from the 21st Century. “Athalia gets slaughtered. Joe is blown-up. Lem possibly believes he’s gay when he wasn’t and ruins his life and it’s gross. Jack is possibly a sociopath, most likely a malignant narcissist and gets shot. …Harold writes a weird memoire when he was probably a far better writer and has his reputation somewhat ruined. And…Lacey is tortured.” he taps his fork on the table. “Yeah. Can I reorder this whole thing? Or are we stuck with this version of reality?” he ask God.