9 o'clock on a Saturday. We see Billy Joel sitting contemplatively opposite a leather chaise, scribbling on a yellow legal pad as a silent but bustling New York City moves beyond the large window behind him. Hurried footsteps outside the door signal the arrival of his 8:45 appointment, who is late.
Joel: Slow down, you crazy child!
Joel: For the longest time? No, I rather enjoy having a few moments to myself in between appointments. But we've got so much to do, and only so many hours in a day. Have a seat, Andy.
Andy: Thank you. Wow, it smells amazing in here! I didn't realize you were into candles.
Joel: I didn't start the fire. It was my secretary.
Andy: Oh, well, she has great taste. How was your trip? Where did you go again?
Joel: Vienna.
Andy: Oh, I've always wanted to go there! I hope it doesn't change before I get the chance to go.
Joel: It will wait for you. So, let's get to what we're here for, shall we?
Andy: Okay. So, I've been having problems with my mom. Recently we've been drifting apart, and no matter what I do it doesn't seem to be good enough for her. None of my accomplishments amount to anything in her eyes and I'm starting to think there must be something wrong with me.
Joel: Andy, you're perfect, just the way you are. Don't go changing, trying to please your mother. There must be something going on in her life that is clouding her interactions with you. Does she know how you feel?
Andy: No. I guess I've been too nervous to bring it up.
Joel: Well, tell her about it! Tell her everything you feel. Give her every reason to accept that you're for real.
Joel: Tell her all your crazy dreams? Let her know you need her. Let her know how much she means. To you.
Andy: Wow, that's really good advice. I think I'll do that. I'm just worried she'll start in and try to tell me how to live my life, since I'm pretty sure what I'm doing now doesn't meet her idea of success.
Joel: Well, if that happens, you need to look her straight in the eyes and say, "I don't care what you say anymore—this is my life. Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone." And if that doesn't work, tell her you're movin' out!
Andy: But then again, she may be right. I just...I just think I'm not taking enough chances in my life. I should take some risks, do something crazy! You know? I go to work, every day, 9 to 5, but I just can't help feeling that there's someplace where I'd rather be.
Joel: Only the good die young! You've been living in a white bread world, Andy. You don't want to have any regrets when you look back on your life. I see far too many people living with the effects of regret when I moonlight as the Piano Man on my days off.
Andy: I know. It's just, scary, you know? To put yourself out there. Especially in relationships. Could you...could you maybe introduce me to anyone you know?
Joel: John at the bar is a friend of mine. He gets me my drinks for free.
Andy: Hmm. I'll think about it. *pause* You know what else bothers me? Every time people call my name, they expect to see a man. And sometimes I wonder if my gender neutral name actually makes me look more manly to people. Like, is this mascara the only thing making me look feminine anymore? Do I look gross? Is that why people don't like me?! *sobs uncontrollably*
Joel: Andy, you're always a woman. To me. And to everyone else.
Andy: *looking up with tear filled eyes* Really? Even though I've lost my girlish charms?
Joel: Once I thought my innocence was gone. Now I know that happiness goes on. Here, take my handkerchief.
Andy: Thank you, Dr. Joel. I really needed to hear that.
Joel: I'll take the good times, I'll take the bad times, I'll take you just the way you are. Because I need clients. But so will everyone else, including your mother. You just need to be open with her, because I have a feeling that hasn't happened for the longest time.
Andy: It's true. It really is. I need to do that.
Joel: I don't want to see you let a good thing slip away.
Andy: Neither do I.
Joel: Well, I do apologize, but Davy from the Navy will be coming in soon for his appointment so we're going to have to cut our time short today.
Andy: That's totally fine. I'm the one who came in late, anyway! Well, thank you for your help. It's really going to help me turn over a new leaf.
Joel: Of course. Just slow down, you're doing fine.
Andy: By the way, how you do feel about Bon Jovi?
Joel: It's still Rock and Roll to me.
No comments:
Post a Comment