The Glass Menagerie: An Alternate Ending

Alternate Ending

Scene 7

[His hand slips slowly up her arm to her shoulders as the music swells tumultuously. He suddenly turns her about and kisses her on the lips. When he releases her, Laura's eyes glaze over, dazed. Jim continues to gaze at her.]

Jim: Stumblejohn!

[He suddenly lets go of her and turns away.]

Jim: Stumblejohn! I shouldn't have done that! Laura, I should treat you better. I shouldn't be kissing you like this.

[Laura gradually comes out of her reverie and looks up at Jim.]

Laura: What? What do you mean?

Jim: I mean you need to know how special you are. I can't go around kissing like you're just any girl. You are absolutely perfectly.

[Laura begins blushing again. "Can't Help Falling in Love With You" (Elvis Presley) begins.]

Jim: Laura, you aren't just any rose, you're Blue Roses. People don't just chance upon girls like you. I have to go.

[The music abruptly ends. Laura's eyes grow wide.]

Laura: You- you won't stay?

Jim: With how I've been treating you, I don't see how I could. Special girls - no - special ladies should be treated especially.

[Laura's eyes start to droop. Jim looks at Laura, a sense of guilt filling his face].

Laura: [whispering] I don't mind.

Jim: [forlorn] I must take my leave.

[Jim begins to leave. Laura darts in front of him. Morose music begins. She bites her trembling lip and then bravely smiles. She opens her hand again on the broken glass figure. Then she gently takes his hand and raises it level with her own. She carefully places the unicorn in the palm of his hand, then pushes his fingers closed upon it.]

Jim: What are you doing that for?

[Laura looks up at him and gently smiles.]

Laura: It's for you. A souvenir.

[At this moment Amanda rushes brightly back into the living room. She bears a pitcher of fruit punch in an old-fashioned cut-glass pitcher, and a plate of macaroons. The plate has a old border and poppies painted on it.]

Amanda: Well, well, well! Isn't the air delightful after the shower? I've made you children a little liquid refreshment.

Jim: Perhaps next time, I was actually just leaving.

[Jim leaves and shuts the door behind him.]

Amanda: What happened, Laura?

Laura: I don't think he is coming back.

Amanda: I thought you told me he was a good man! Tom! Why is he leaving?

Tom: I don't know! Stop pestering me! I did exactly what you asked me to!

[Tom walks out.]

Scene 8

It is the next morning. Tom is leaving for work. Amanda is cleaning the dishes. Laura sits away looking through her glass menagerie.

[The doorbell rings.]

Amanda: Laura! Can you get the door?

[Laura walks to the door and opens it. Her eyes quickly widen as she sees Jim. "Begin Again" - Taylor Swift starts.]

Jim: [grins] Hello, my name is James O'Connor, but I'd prefer if a lady as beautiful as you called me Jim.

Laura: Jim?

Jim: I'm starting all over again - introducing myself first.

Laura: [cautiously] My name is Laura, Laura Wingfield. Would you like to come inside for some lemonade? I could show you my glass collection. Mother calls it a glass menagerie.

Jim: You know, I have a glass unicorn. However, I'm afraid I may have broken it. I'm afraid she may never understand how special she is. You don't find them anymore, unicorns.

[Laura begins to stare at Jim in both wonderment and confusion. The music stops.]

Laura: I think she'll be just find.

[Jim suddenly breaks into a wide grin and envelops Laura into a hug.]

Jim: I sure hope so, Blue Roses.

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What do you guys think? I want your honest opinion. I don't mind if it's brutal as long as its helpful! Should I write more stories like this? Should I write more romance stories? Would you like to see this story develop more or see more one shots?

Thank you so much for reading! I would love to have votes and comments (feedback!).

-Anj_Pa