Mary Worth 3376

I have a strange foreboding about this conversation. It's as if something ominous, like a worldwide pandemic, is about to happen.

Mary Worth 3375

Actors Theatre of Greater Metropolitan Santa Royale

Presents

Love is a Song that Never Ends

Act I

SCENE: Mary's condo. Dawn and Mary eat muffins.

Dawn: I saw Hugo in New York and made my choice.

Mary: Who did you choose?

Dawn: I’m with Jared. Choosing him was the right thing to do. Hugo and I agreed to be friends.

Mary: Did your young Frenchman take the news well? No resistance on his part?

Dawn: Hugo has feelings for someone else too… Someone he works with in Paris.

Mary: Long-distance romance is a precarious thing.

Dawn: I was relieved, Mary.

Mary: No feelings were hurt at the news?

Dawn: I admit… for a moment, I was surprised when Hugo told me he’s interested in someone else! But no feelings were hurt! Jut my ego, a little bit!

Mary: I’m glad it worked out and that there was minimal damage!

Dawn: When I got back, Jared met me at the airport and we’ve been seeing each other every day since!

Mary: That’s great, Dawn! I’m glad you’re happy with your decision.

Dawn: I am. Jared’s a good friend. And we just clicked along the way. We get along well and laugh at the same things.

Mary: Friends who become something more make for the best relationships!

Dawn: I respect Jared and the work he does at the hospital. He helps people in varied and difficult situations.

Mary: We think alike, Dawn. I respect people in the medical field too.

Dawn: He’s a bit nerdy, but I find that endearing.

Mary: When loves involved, quirks are viewed as charm.

Dawn: When I saw Jared waiting for me at the airport, I can’t explain it… I really felt like I was home!

Mary: I noticed your easy rapport with each other at the hospital.

Dawn: He’s a gem. I love him.

Mary: I’m happy for you, Dawn. At the next opportunity, introduce us. I’d like to meet him.

Joseph Campbell: Love is friendship set to music.

Dawn: He has strong feelings for me too… So it’s definitely mutual! I chose Jared because he makes me laugh and I feel good when I’m with him. We just clicked from the very beginning and before I knew it, I fell for him. It happened in an organic way. It’s just as well that Hugo’s interested in his French co-worker. Our love was not meant to be long-term. We’re still friends. My friendship with Jared, however, turned into something much more…

[Music Up] Wilbur, Estelle, and Libby singing offstage: “So I’ll be your friend, and I’ll be your lover… We don’t have to be one or the other.”

Black out.

Curtains open on:

Act II

Mary Worth 3374

There is something absolutely pathological about Dawn's love life. Wow. Just, wow. Good luck, Jared. I hope you are meant to be. Probably not.

Mary Worth 3373

Mary and Dawn have an understanding. And soon, Jeff and Jared will have an understanding, too.

Mary Worth 3372

I am wondering what great literary tradition requires that serial comics conclude each story arc with a recap of everything that happened. Those who are reading on a once-in-a-while basis don't need it, aren't interested, and can't get hooked into a story that's already over. And those of us who compulsively read the strip every single stinking day for 13 years, already know the information. Also, it causes us to question our loyalty. And sanity.

Mary Worth 3371

"I was surprised. I always thought he was trustworthy and loyal. I didn't think he was a lying creep. Like me."

Mary Worth 3370

You know what else is precarious? Eating muffins in the living room, and yet Mary and her friends do it all the time. Can you imagine the crumbs under her couch cushions??

Mary Worth 3369

Fraulein Maria was never fond of the French Resistance.

Mary Worth 3368

What does Mary Worth think a relationship on fire looks like?

Our two daughters graduated this weekend (the oldest with her masters, and the youngest with her associates), so we had a little family commencement ceremony on the front porch. Just had to share:

Mary Worth 3367

Ah, yes, the old familiar. I look forward to spending more time with Jeff and Mary.