Tommy scene from Rescue Me, practice script

SHEILA

Tommy?

TOMMY

Hey, Sheila. What’s up?

SHEILA

I am so dammed angry. It’s not easy raising a kid alone. Try it sometime and see how you like it.

SHEILA (cont’d)

I found this in Damian’s underwear drawer. Three hundred dollars, Tommy.

TOMMY

(caught)

Okay, listen- the thing is-

SHEILA

(tearing up)

I think he’s dealin’ drugs!

TOMMY

No- Sheel- Damian wouldn’t- He’s a good kid. Yeah, he’s got some issues- but he wouldn’t get involved in something like that.

SHEILA

Where else would he get this kind of money?

TOMMY

(a beat)

Probably drugs.

SHEILA

I’m gonna go home and beat his ass black and blue.

TOMMY

No! I’ll talk to him. Let me take care of it.

SHEILA

God, I wish Jimmy was here. You’ll talk to him?

TOMMY

Jimmy?

SHEILA

Damian.

TOMMY

Yeah- first thing tomorrow. Don’t worry- I’ll get to the bottom of it.

SHEILA

Is it just me, or does it feel like the whole world’s falling to pieces?

TOMMY

(wearily)

Yeah. I know what you’re saying. Nothing’s the same as it used to be.

SHEILA

How do you mean?

TOMMY

I don’t know. Me and Janet used to be together-that’s gone. Used to have a great time skating - Ryan’s making that a pain in the balls. Feels like everything good’s being taken away - (a tiny break) And I just keep sliding- down. And I can’t stop.

SHEILA

Jesus, Tommy. (beat) How big a pussy are you?

TOMMY

What?

SHEILA

I had something taken away from me- my husband. nothing I can do about that. But you’re here- you’re living and breathing. You can fight for the things that are being taken away. You can take them back if you really want them. Grow a pair why don’t you? (as she walks away...) And talk to Damian!