Tusk Tusk Read online

  Eliot Tell me why.

  Maggie You have crisps on your face.

  Eliot Fuck you.

  Maggie I wish you’d fuck something, then maybe you’d concentrate, even a tiny bit, on the enormous, gargantuan, motherfucking problem we’ve got on our hands.

  Beat.

  No pun intended.

  Eliot I am concentrating on it.

  Maggie We’re a mess, Eliot. Look at us.

  Eliot We’re OK.

  Maggie shakes her head.

  We are, we are …

  Maggie When I went to get her perfume. I stood in her clothes. I went and stood in her clothes. Just stood there, swaying with them.

  She grabs Eliot, turning him to face her, desperate now.

  Eliot Please don’t –

  Maggie Just to be close to something that hung on a clothes hanger like a body, the same shape as her body, and then I started to think of bodies hanging and then I …

  She lets go of him.

  It’s like a ghost story without a ghost.

  Eliot It’s your imagination. Rein it back. Rein it back.

  Finn peeks out cautiously.

  Maggie (echoes) Rein it back.

  Finn Just like a horse.

  Maggie Just like a horse.

  He sits in her lap.

  Eliot We just have to wait.

  Maggie I can’t wait any longer. Look at me, I can’t. We can’t.

  Eliot She’s done this before.

  Maggie Never like this and you know it.

  Finn She’s right.

  Eliot Come on, troops. This isn’t the spirit. Let’s take check. Finn Bar, slightly ruffled but still in fighting form,

  Maggie, could do with a proper night’s sleep, but otherwise we’re OK, aren’t we? We’ve still got some money –

  Maggie How much?

  Eliot Some. Enough.

  Maggie How much exactly?

  Eliot Thirty quid?

  Maggie Thirty quid? We had two hundred. I knew you’d do this. I knew it. I should have hidden it better. I should have –

  Eliot Well, we had those takeaways and the cider and we bought the strobe –

  Maggie What are you? Harry fucking Potter? You gonna magic some more? Thirty quid. That’s nothing. Nothing.

  Eliot It’s not nothing –

  Finn You spent our money?

  Maggie I bet you spent it on her, didn’t you? I bet you spent our money. Our food money on getting her pissed.

  Eliot Leave her out of it.

  Finn Stop it.

  Maggie I wish you’d leave her out of it. Acne Romeo. Sniffing around her. Sweating. Plying her with warm cider. Just have a wank. It’s cheaper.

  Eliot Don’t be disgusting.

  Maggie Disgusting? You’re the disgusting one. A spineless panting bag of hormones. Where’s my big brother? Who’s always been taller than me? Who’s always led the way? Remember when she left us in the car. By the supermarket. When she wandered off. And it was so hot and Finn started to cry. And the door was locked and she didn’t come back for hours. Remember that? How you made it into a game and made it go away and how it was you, always you … My brother, trapped in a hot car with a face like the sun. My brother. King of my childhood. Where the fuck are you? (A harsh whisper.) Are you gone too?

  Pause. Her words hang in the air. She has said the unspoken.

  Maggie We were always afraid of this. Always. All those nights. The time she actually tried.

  Eliot She got carried away, it was an accident, she didn’t really mean to –

  Maggie You believe that? You still believe that? She said that stuff to make you feel better, Ellie –

  Eliot It was the truth –

  Maggie All the banging we did with pots and pans to keep her awake until the ambulance came.

  Eliot That was years ago, she was getting better.

  Maggie Don’t you remember the sound?

  Finn bangs.

  Bang, bang. Bang. Throwing water on her. Are you conveniently forgetting that –?

  Eliot She was so much better. Things had changed –

  Finn Bang bang bang –

  Maggie Because it seems like you’re forgetting, it seems like you’re remembering someone different, it seems like we have different –

  Finn Bang bang bang.

  Eliot STOP IT! ALL OF YOU STOP IT!

  Finn runs to his den.

  Maggie You’re not listening to me. You stopped listening to me a long time ago.

  Eliot What are you saying we do? (Lowered voice.) We’ll get farmed off to some teenage care home, some practice flat, and they will put Finn in separate foster care before his feet touch the linoleum. She had one last chance –

  Maggie And she ruined it, Eliot.

  Eliot Not yet. I believe in her, OK? I believe in her.

  Maggie That’s not enough. Belief is not enough. It’s time to wake up.

  She stands up. He pushes her down roughly.

  Eliot (frightening) NO! We will wait here. Until we are starving. Until we can’t handle a moment more of it. Because if we give in, we are basically surrendering our little brother to strangers. He’ll grow up without us.

  Do you understand me?

  Maggie nods.

  We have no choice but to wait, we have no choice but to hope. Because that is what family is. Suffering for each other. Suffering each other.

  Maggie Jesus Christ.

  Eliot Exactly.

  A new mobile phone begins to ring. It is neither of theirs. The sound is coming from the den.

  Where is that coming from?

  More ringing.

  What the…

  Maggie and Eliot scan the room for the sound. They pounce on the den. Ripping it apart. They find Finn in the centre, hands over his head with a mobile phone flashing next to him.

  That’s her phone. Eliot! That’s her phone.

  Eliot snatches it. The ringing finishes. He holds it as if it is on fire.

  Where did you find this?

  Finn whimpers.

  WHERE?

  Maggie This is very important, Finny, tell us where you found it…

  Finn In a box.

  Maggie Why didn’t you tell us?

  Finn I thought it was a toy ’cause it didn’t work. Then I plugged it in.

  Eliot lays the phone down on the table. They all stand around it.

  Maggie Ring the number back. Do it.

  Eliot I am. I will. Just. Let’s think for a minute. If she left the phone, that would explain why she hasn’t called. Why it was off. Because she probably doesn’t know our numbers –

  Maggie I’m done with thinking. I’m done with it –

  She tries to snatch the phone. Eliot stops her.

  Finn Is it really Mummy’s phone?

  Maggie Look at it.

  Finn Well then, it can’t be her. Why would she call her own phone? Stupid.

  There is a beep. The number has left a message.

  Eliot is staring hard at the phone.

  Maggie They’ve left a message. Get the message. It could be news.

  Eliot calls.

  What is it?

  Eliot There’s a few from us. Wait.

  Maggie Put it on loudspeaker.

  He does. We hear the first few seconds of Finn’s last message to her. Eliot deletes it. Then we hear the message just left.

  Katie (voice-over) Claire darling, it’s Katie. Look, Roland and I feel terrible. We wanted to come round sooner but we’ve been stuck up with my parents. Mum had a hip replacement. Complete nightmare. We’ve only just got back to town. We’ve been trying you all week. Did you get our card? I put our number. Anyway, listen, we’re going to pop round in about half an hour, got something we want to drop off. I hope we catch you. And hon, I hope you’re feeling better. You were quite wobbly when you came round. Scared us a little if I’m honest. But I’m sure you’re fine. Moving is so stressful. Gets to the best of us. (Nervous laugh.) Anyway, darling. We’ll see you later. Lov
e to the kids. Bye.

  Eliot Shit.

  Maggie It’s over.

  Eliot No it’s not. Let me think.

  Maggie It is, Ellie. They’re coming round. They’ll smell something’s up in a second. You heard her. They’re obviously worried –

  Eliot Shut up. Let me think.

  Maggie You can’t stop them coming here. You can’t stop me telling them. It’s over, Eliot. It’s too serious now.

  Eliot We could pretend we’re not in. That’ll buy us some time.

  Maggie Do you not get it? I’m not doing this any more, Eliot. I’m telling them the truth.

  Eliot We can just turn off the lights. They’ll think we’re out.

  Maggie Would you listen to me? You can’t stop me.

  Beat.

  Why are you looking at me like that?

  Eliot I’m sorry.

  Maggie Why… Why, Eliot?

  Eliot Just know I’m sorry.

  Blackout.

  SCENE EIGHT

  The flat. Half an hour later. Finn is alone in the room. He is trying to get the last crumbs out of the empty crisp packets. Unsatisfied, he searches the cupboards, the fridge. There is only one tin of golden syrup. He cannot open it. There is a knock on the door.

  Another knock.

  Katie (offstage) Claire. CLAIRE? Hello?

  More knocking. Finn ignores it, still struggling with the tin.

  Roland (offstage) She must be out. We can leave it on the doorstep.

  Katie (offstage) In this area? Are you mad? Besides, the chocolate will melt.

  On the word ‘chocolate’ Finn runs to the door and opens it. Revealing Katie and Roland. A couple in their forties, they are expensively dressed, crisp smart casual. Roland is holding a gift hamper. A box of chocolates sits on the top.

  Katie Finn. Darling. We didn’t think you were in. We were just about to –

  Finn silently yanks at the hamper, dragging Roland into the room. Katie follows. They are shocked by the state of the room.

  Roland Jesus.

  Katie Finn, where is everyone?

  Finn ignores her, ripping at the chocolate.

  Roland Look at this place. The smell.

  Katie Darling, look at me? Are you here on your own?

  Finn shakes his head.

  Hello? Anyone at home? Claire?

  Where is everyone?

  Finn points to the floor.

  What do you mean? What does he mean?

  Suddenly Eliot pops out of the trapdoor covered in dust. He holds a roll of industrial tape. Panic flashes across his face. He quickly composes himself.

  Eliot Roland. Katie. What a wonderful surprise.

  Katie I could say the same. Just popping up like that. We were starting to think Finn was here on his own. Little mite.

  Eliot Of course not. I was just … doing some … work in the basement. Maggie and Mum are at the shops, aren’t they, Finn? So I… we thought we’d have some boy time. Finn was on a break, weren’t you? Tiring work.

  He is breathing hard.

  Roland Are you converting it? The basement.

  Eliot Yes sirree. How did you get in?

  Katie Finn let us in –

  Eliot I thought I told you never to answer the door to strangers, Finn? Didn’t I tell you that?

  Katie We’re not strangers, though, are we?

  Eliot No. You’re not. Well. Lovely of you to drop by –

  Katie I must say. We’re relieved to hear your mum is out and about. She was a bit wobbly when she came round. Wasn’t she, Roland?

  Roland A bit tearful.

  Eliot When was that?

  Katie The day after you moved. Poor thing. Moving just sucks the life out of you. And with three kids. I’m not surprised she’s having the odd cry. I mean. We’ve been redecorating and that’s more than enough, isn’t it, Roland?

  Roland Quite.

  Katie I mean, if you’re renovating as well. Poor woman. Are you sure she’s all right? We sent her that card and left a ton of messages. We just feel. You know. It can be lonely, this city, it can get you down, so –

  Eliot She’s on top form, really. Smashing. Tell them, Finn.

  Finn All cool, yeah.

  Katie Are you sure though? Look at this place.

  Roland Katie –

  Katie I’m sorry, Roland, but it’s a bit of a state, are you sure she’s coping –?

  Eliot No no. She is. This place. It’s a mess because. Well, we only moved in a week ago and…

  He spies a bit of wilting party décor and grabs it.

  We had a party, didn’t we, Finn?

  Finn Kinky, yeah.

  Roland What did he say?

  Eliot Ignore him. Yes. It was my birthday. It got a bit out of hand.

  Katie Teenagers. No wonder she’s gone out. You’d better get this place sorted before –

  Finn, having gorged on the chocolate, attacks the hamper, feral, thirsty.

  Darling, that’s a present, it’s all arranged, really. Stop it now.

  Finn JUICE!

  Katie What do you say?

  Finn Juice, please.

  Eliot Finn, behave.

  Katie rifles in the hamper.

  Katie No no. It’s fine. As it happens. We had some wine, didn’t we, Roland? And then, well, we thought. Soft drinks would probably be more. With your mum. You know. So we stopped at a petrol station. They didn’t have anything fresh so –

  She pulls out a Ribena.

  But there were just so many kinds. I didn’t know which one you would like so I thought. You only live once –

  She unloads every available type of Ribena onto the table.

  I got them all.

  Finn attacks a carton.

  Do you like the Ribena, sweetie? Is it tasty?

  Finn spits some onto the floor.

  Eliot You little fucking moron.

  Heavy reproach of his swearing can be heard in the air.

  Sorry. I’m just a bit. Stressed at the moment. With the move and cleaning up. You know. The party. We had a late night. Sorry, Finn.

  Katie Well you really should clear this up before she gets back –

  Eliot We will –

  Katie Not that we can talk. We just had the builders in and it was a complete nightmare. I mean you wouldn’t believe the mess people make. We had a skylight put in and –

  Eliot A skylight? That’s wonderful, but we really should be getting on, so thanks for –

  Katie You could do with a skylight in here. But there’s a flat above, isn’t there? We thought you had the whole house. But I suppose with the property market the way it is. Anyway. A bit of extra light can do wonders. For the mind, you know. It can really change the way a room feels –

  Roland Katie got into her Zen thing.

  Katie You mustn’t call it that.

  Roland She started going to these classes in Earl’s Court.

  Katie Hatha yoga.

  Roland And suddenly the house had to be –

  Katie He just wriggled and writhed, but we just had to make the change. We even have a gym because Roland’s heart –

  Roland My heart is fine.

  Katie You’ve got to watch the salt in your diet, even at your age, Eliot, it sneaks up on you –

  Roland Will you tell your mum we stopped by?

  Eliot Of course.

  Katie Tell her we’re here any time. Say goodbye, Finn. God, look. He’s got chocolate all over his face, I think I’ve got a tissue somewhere…

  She grabs tissues from her bag and starts daubing at Finn’s face. She spies the cut. It is now crusty and infected.

  Roland Look after yourself. Give us a call if you need a good builder. Although ours are complete pirates –

  She touches it lightly, Finn yelps.

  Katie How did he get this cut, Eliot –?

  Eliot Climbing frame –

  Katie It doesn’t look good. Keep still, darling. Let me see. I think it’s infected. Where does your mother keep the first
-aid kit?

  The boys stare at her blankly.

  Has Claire seen this? It looks old. I mean. I’m no nurse but this looks like it should have had stitches. Keep still, darling.

  Roland Isn’t there one in the –?

  Katie The boot. Yes. Come on, Finn. Let’s get a look at this in the light.

  They leave. Roland seems about to follow but hesitates at the doorway. He turns back round. Eliot stares at him. Hard. Roland closes the door a little.

  Roland Is she really all right, Eliot?

  Eliot What do you want?

  Roland You can tell me.

  Eliot Fuck off.

  Roland What?

  Eliot You heard me. Fuck. Off.

  Roland That’s no way to speak to –

  Eliot To what?

  Roland An adult.

  Eliot I prefer the term cuckolding-dick-fuck, but if we’re going to split hairs …

  Roland Eliot –

  Eliot Oh. I’m sorry. Does your wife not know you’ve been fucking my mother?

  Small pause.

  Of course not.

  Roland Look. I’m not going to lie to you, Eliot. There was something, yes. But it’s over. It finished over six months ago –

  Eliot Bullshit. You led her on. All those weekends. She came back smelling of you, for Christ sakes. Smelling of you and cheap hotels. Or were the hotels nice? Was she worth a champagne breakfast?

  Roland You’ve got this wrong –

  Eliot Skating a bit close to the bone, aren’t you? Coming here together? Very modern of you, though, very modern indeed –

  Roland She’s a family friend. We both know her. We both care.

  Eliot Don’t insult me, you never gave a fuck –

  Roland That’s not true.

  Eliot Just get out.

  Roland Listen to me. I did care. I do care. And I’ll be frank –

  Eliot You’ve got five seconds to get your scraggy white shitty –

  Roland LISTEN for Christ sake. When she came round. Look, she was as bad as I’d ever seen her, Eliot. And look at the state of Finn. So let’s cut the crap. Tell me the truth –

  Eliot For the love of God. She’s fine. Finn’s fine. It’s a cut, OK? Kids get cuts –

  Roland Then why hasn’t she returned our calls?

  Eliot Because she doesn’t want to see you? Because you broke her heart, because you made promise after promise then dumped her like a stray dog –

  Roland She was deluded. She believed what she wanted to believe. Eliot, she was depressed –

  Eliot GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT.

  Roland Oh Eliot. I want to help.