Linking Different Continuous Consonants Because the air flows continuously during continuous consonants (unlike stops and affricates, where the air is briefly completely blocked), linking from one continuous consonant to another different continuous consonant requires briefly blending the consonant sounds while the vocal tract changes from the position of the first sound into the position of the second sound. Blending from one word into another uses the same pronunciation process as transitioning from one consonant sound into another within a word. For example, blending from /s/ to the /m/ in the word "assessment" "assessment" is the same blending as from the word "promise" into the word "me". Compare:
assessment promise me Practice linking the different different continuous consonants:
1. both lists
Please make sure both lists are accurate.
2.
more money
She really turned down more money?
3.
twin sisters
Marissa and Kiley are twin sisters.
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urban families Urban families tend to have fewer children.
5.
in fact
In fact, she never showed up.
6.
school nurse
The school nurse called and said my son has a fever. f ever.
7.
he's married
I can't believe he's married now!
8.
over there
Do you see that woman over there?
9.
some things
Some things never change.
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10. still sleeping The baby's still sleeping. ‿
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Linking Continuous Consonants and Vowels At its simplest, linking vowel sounds and continuous consonant sounds requires only blending from one sound into into the next. Therefore, the linked words my seat and seat and mice eat could both be transcribed as /mɑɪsit/. my seat /mɑɪsit/ ‿
mice eat /mɑɪsit/ ‿
For the beginner English learner, that is enough to know. However, intermediate and advanced learners may want a more complete understanding, and that understanding requires exploring the differences between broad and broad and narrow transcriptions.
Broad transcription is the version of the International Phonetic Alphabet used to discern one sound from another. It is the version most dictionaries use (if they use the International Phonteic Alphabet at all). Broad transcription doesn't provide precise details about how a specific sound alters based on the contenxt of its use, i.e. it doesn't convey allophones of a sound. Despite their identical broad transcription, of my of my seat and seat and mice eat , there are slight differences in the pronunciations of these linked words. To show the small, allophonic variations of the sounds's pronunciation, we'll use narrow transcriptions, transcriptions, which are noted by using the [ ] symbols. Continuous consonant sounds at the beginning of a word are pronounced for slightly more time than the same continuous consonant sound at the beginning of a word. The /s/ in the word seat word seat is is said for more time than the /s/ in the word mice. mice. The longer /s/ can
be noted in narrow transcription by using using the ː symbol. Therefore, a lengthened /s/ will be transcribed as as [sː] seat [sːit] mice [mɑɪs] Vowel sound length also changes based on location within words. A vowel sound at the end of a word is pronounced for more time than the same vowel sound occurring midword; the long i sound of the word my is pronounced for more time than the long i sound in the word mice. mice.
[mɑɪː] mice [mɑɪs] my
Because of these changes in sound duration, a careful listener can perceive differences between "my seat" and "mice eat," even when the words are fully linked. my seat [mɑɪːsːit] ‿
mice eat [mɑɪsit] ‿
Practice linking from continuous consonants into vowel sounds:
1.
an exception Can't you make an exception?
2.
give up
Alex will (Alex'll) never give up.
3.
leave after
He said he'd leave after the reception.
4.
laugh at
It's healthy to be able to laugh at yourself.
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5. because of ‿
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School was cancelled because of all the snow. ‿
those answers Those answers won't solve the problem. ‿
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7. press enter
Type your password, then press enter.
8.
dress up
Is it the kind of restaurant you dress up for?
9.
fix it
Pam tried to fix it, but it was too late.
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10. his uncle
His uncle is an opera singer.
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Practice linking from a vowel sound into a continuous consonant:
1.
money from
Luke inherited the money from his father.
2.
issue with
There's never been an issue with it.
3.
know very much
I don't know very much about it.
4.
extra help
Thanks for all the extra help.
5.
simplify their
They're trying to simplify their lives.
6.
a look
Could you take a look at this?
7.
he never
He never finished his degree.
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8. busy man
Walter's a very busy man.
9.
They've diversified through multiple revenue streams.
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10. agree with/idea that I agree with the idea that simpler is better. ‿
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Linking Same and Similar Blocked Consonants Stops and affricates are types of blocked consonants. When linking to or from these consonants, all three parts of the sounds are important to understand. The three elements of blocked consonants are: 1. the vocal tract shape as it moves into the sound 2. the blocking, or stopping of air 3. the release, or aspiration of the sound Additionally, it is important to understand that stops and affricates occur in voiced/unvoiced pairs. In these pairs, the artic ulation of the sound is the same except for the vibration of the vocal cords (voiced sound) or lack of vibration (unvoiced sound). To link from a stop sound into the same sound, the sounds merge. It is pronounced as a single sound except that the stopped portion of the sound is held longer than if the sound is representing only one sound. Practice linking to and from the same stop sounds:
1.
keep pressure
Keep pressure on a bleeding wound.
2.
wait time
The wait time for getting a seat is 35 minutes.
3.
flat tire
She was late because she had a flat tire.
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4. bird died
Her pet bird died.
5.
There is a limit to Matt's patience.
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limit to ‿
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6. black car
That black car just drove past again.
7.
hope people
We hope people aren't late today.
8.
scrub bare
You can scrub bare wood with vinegar.
9.
antique clocks
Nellie repairs antique clocks.
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10. hundred dollars/big gift A hundred dollars is a big gift. ‿
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If linking to and from the same affricate, the sound will be produced twice. 1. orange juice I'll have some orange juice, please. ‿
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2. which chair Which chair would you like to sit in? ‿
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When linking between stops that are voiced/unvoiced pairs, the sounds are also both articulated as a single sound with an extended hold. The release of the air, or aspirat ion, will be that of the second sound. Therefore, if the second sound is unvoiced, the combined sound is released with great aspiration than if the second sound is unvoiced. Practice linking to and from voiced and unvoiced pairs of stops:
1.
limited to
You're limited to five items.
2.
dog catcher
The dog catcher got bit on the ankle.
3.
help button
Press the red help button to ask for assistance.
4.
majestic gardens Many castles have majestic gardens.
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5. job posting
You can find a lot of job posting sites on the Internet.
6.
antique glass
Antique glass shatters easily.
7.
foot doctors
Foot doctors are called podiatrists.
8.
lip balm
Don't eat lip balm.
9.
date do
What date do you want the report submitted by?
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10. tulip bulbs ‿
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Plant tulip bulbs in the fall before the ground freezes. ‿
Linking Fricative Pairs Fricatives are a type of continuous consonants that have voiced and unvoiced pairs. Each pair is created with the same vocal tract shape; the difference between the sounds is whether the vocal cords vibrate during the sound or not. To transition from an unvoiced fricative into its voiced counterpart, the unvoiced sound transitions into the voiced sound simply by activating the vocal cords. The tongue and lips hold a constant shape and there should be no break between sounds. When linking from a voiced sound into its unvoiced counterpart, it is acceptable to use only the unvoiced sound. The single unvoiced sound represents both sounds.
Practice linking from an unvoiced into a voiced fricative:
1. beneath the ‿
Submersible vehicles travel deep beneath the surface of the ocean. ‿
2. wife vacation He and his wife vacation in Mexico. ‿
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3. enough votes There weren't enough votes to pass the regulation. ‿
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Practice linking from a voiced into an unvoiced fricative:
1. was sitting
The dog was sitting on the porch.
2. incentive for
They offered the participants a financial incentive for their participation.
3. have forgotten
Louise may have forgotten to bring her medication.
4. native flowers
The volunteers planted native flowers in the undergrowth.
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5. massage shouldn't A massage shouldn't leave a bruise. ‿
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6. these scissors
These scissors are dull.
7. is sick
Kristen is sick again today.
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Linking Different Blocked Consonants
When linking from one blocked consonant into another blocked consonant, the first of the linked sounds has little aspiration (or puff of air) when the stopped portion of the sound is released. The first sound of the second word, however, is given full aspiration.
The narrow transcription symbol [ ] represents a bloced consonant with no audible release, while [h] represents a fully aspirated sound. A sound with full aspiration is more prominent than a sound with no audible release. Therefore, the first sound of the second word is easier for a listener to distinguish.
Practice linking the following words:
1.
snack time
Snack time is at 3:45.
2.
should be
Tim should be here any minute.
3.
old building
It's a beautiful, old building.
4.
stop crying
The baby won't stop crying.
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5. big deal
It's not such a big deal.
6.
talk to
Jessica's going to talk to Sherry.
7.
like to
I'd like to go along, too.
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8. black dress ‿
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Tammy wants to borrow your sister's black dress. ‿
work together It takes time to learn to work together. ‿
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10. awake during How do nurses stay awake during night shifts? ‿
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Linking Continuous into Blocked Consonants When linking from a continuous consonant into a blocked consonant, the continuous consonant sound is maintained through approach of the blocked consonant. Then, the air is stopped and released as the blocked consonant. This is the same effect as transitioning from a continuous consonant into a blocked consonant within a word. Practice linking continuous consonants into blocked consonants:
1.
for days
Doug's cat was missing for days before it came home.
2.
we'll continue
We'll continue the meeting after lunch.
3.
one person
One person can make a difference.
4.
come by
You should come by the office some time.
5.
still plenty
There's still plenty of dessert left.
6.
leave town
They're planning to leave town for the weekend.
7.
national parks
Croatia has beautiful national parks.
8.
million dollars
The damage was estimated to be a million dollars.
9.
service dog
Don't disturb the service dog while it's doing its job.
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10. gave birth/little boy She gave birth to a little boy. ‿
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Linking Vowels and Blocked Consonants Stop sounds, the most common type of blocked consonant, are most aspirated at the beginning of a word and the least aspirated at the end of a word. This means that the "puff" of air that can be felt during the release of a blocked consonant is much greater
when that type of sounds begins a word than when the same sound ends a word. This difference is important when practicing linking to and from stops. To link from a vowel sound into a blocked consonant, the vowel sound continues until the the "stopped" portion of the consonant forces a break. To link from blocked consonants into vowels, the puff of the consonant sound blends into the vowel sound that begins the next word. Compare the phrase my car with Mike are. The /k/ in my car is more aspirated than the /k/ in Mike are. Compare:
my car
My car is over there.
Mike are
Sharon and Mike are over there.
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Practice linking from vowels into blocked consonants:
1.
many people
I can't believe how many people are sick right now.
2.
you consider
Would you consider it?
3.
try giving
Beth should try giving John a call.
4.
also benefit
You might also benefit from taking vitamins.
5.
they brought
They brought their daughter along.
6.
early bus
Catch the early bus and you'll have plenty of time.
7.
agree to
Will they agree to those guidelines?
8.
continue going Frank will continue going to swimming lessons.
9.
follow children The study will follow children at risk of diabetes.
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10. very quickly ‿
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The puppy seemed to be learning the rules very quickly. ‿
Practice linking from blocked consonants into vowels:
1.
good evening ‿
2. bad impression ‿
Are you having a good evening? ‿
Unfortunately, he left a bad impression. ‿
3.
seemed impossible It seemed impossible to meet the deadline.
4.
rid of
I'd really like to get rid of this old phone.
5.
made up
Kevin already made up his mind.
6.
think about
What do you think about changing departments?
7.
take advantage
You should take advantage of the offer.
8.
help others
The foundation exists to help others in the same situation.
9.
could imagine
Steve could imagine either outcome.
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10. look at ‿
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Did you get a chance to look at the graphics, yet? ‿
Deletion: Linking the Dropped /d/
The /d/ is often deleted (or dropped) when a word ending in /nd/ links into a word that begins with a consonant sound. When the /d/ is deleted, the /n/ must link smoothly to the beginning consonant sound of the following word.
Practice dropping the /d/, then linking the words:
1.
and said
Joan called and said she was running late.
2.
send some
We're going to send some leftovers home with you.
3.
hand me
Could you hand me that pen?
4.
stand back
Please stand back from the yellow line.
5.
husband runs
Her husband runs a pet shop.
6.
second person
Jill was the second person to ask him about it.
7.
sound familiar
That does sound familiar.
8.
weekend project
We're planning a big weekend project.
9.
demand for
In some countries, demand for water is growing exponentially.
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10. surround themselves ‿
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It's important for the elderly to surround themselves with friends and family. ‿
Deletion: Linking the Dropped /t/ There are two common places that a final /t/ is deleted, or dropped, from the pronunciation of a word. Note that when the /t/ is dropped, the sound before the /t/ must link smoothly into the following word.
1. Deleting /t/ Between Consonants
When a word ending in consonant +/t/ links into a word beginning with a consonant, the final /t/ of the first word is often deleted. Practice dropping the /t/ (between consonants), then linking the words:
1.
first day
Sam's first day of school is tomorrow.
2.
must be
It's after 3:00, you must be starving!
3.
left my
I left my keys in the restaurant.
4.
most popular
Chocolate is the most popular ice cream flavor.
5.
gift certificates They gave gift certificates to everyone who helped.
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6. best friends ‿
The twins are best friends. ‿
7.
scientist from He's an acclaimed scientist from Argentina.
8.
interest rates
Interest rates have remained low.
9.
suggest that
The lab results suggest that the food was tainted.
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10. rest during ‿
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Try to get some rest during the flight. ‿
1. Deleting /t/ Between /nt/ and a Vowel Sound
When a word ending in /nt/ links into a word beginning with a vowel sound, the final /t/ is often deleted.
Practice dropping the /t/ (between /nt/ and vowel), then linking the words:
1. percent of
A percent of the profits are given to charity.
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2. president announced Our company president announced her retirement. ‿
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3. patient asked
The patient asked for another pillow.
4.
treatment of
Penicillin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections.
5.
account in
Keep a bank account in your own name.
6.
apartment in
She moved into an apartment in the city.
7.
accident occurred
The accident occurred early in the morning.
8.
restaurant is
Running a restaurant is an awful lot of work!
9.
department oversees That department oversees all three of these departments.
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10. significant amount of Painting a ceiling is a significant amount of work. ‿
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Assimilation: Linking /t/ as Alveolar Stop
When a /t/ at the end of a word follows a vowel sound or /r/ and the next word begins with a vowel sound, the /t/ is pronounced as an alveolar stop and is transcribed as /t /. The alveolar stop is a voiced /t/ that sounds similar to a very quick /d/.
1.
out of ‿
They ran out of cash already? ‿
2.
admit it
Do you think she'll admit it?
3.
about an
Jason left about an hour ago.
4.
it easy
Go home and take it easy for a while.
5.
it up
I'll pick it up after work.
6.
start over
Let's start over after lunch.
7.
heart attack
Moderate exercise reduces the risk of heart attack.
8.
eat another/bite of
I can't eat another bite of it.
9.
wrote a/about it
She wrote a book about it.
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10. not easy/get up/that early It's not easy to get up that early. ‿
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Linking the Word the The word 'the' is the fourth most frequent word in spoken English. In addition to the troubles many languages have with the voiced th sound at the beginning of the word, the vowel at the end of the word the has three different pronunciations depending on the first sound of the word that follows it: 1. the + consonant 2. the + vowel (except long e) 3. the + long e Rule# 1: the + consonant
Linking the to a word that begins with a consonant sound requires saying the vowel as a very quick schwa (an unstressed vowel sound which sounds like a short u sound) and linking it with the next word. Say the word the with almost no vowel sound at all. Listen to the following examples: the_dog the_biscuit The_dog ate the_biscuit. Rule# 2: the + vowel
Linking the to a word that begins with a vowel sound (except long e) requires pronouncing the final sound of the word the as a long e (the vowel sound in the word keep), then linking it with a y sound to the following word. Listen to the following examples: the_ y _afternoon The_ y _optometrist took the_ y _afternoon off. Rule# 3: the + long e
Linking the to a word that begins with a long e requires pronouncing the final sound in the word the as a schwa, then linking it smoothly to the following word. This is very similar to linking the + consonant. Listen to the following examples: the_emotions The_emotions of the_enormous catastrophe were strong.
Linking /d/+/l/: L ater al Aspir ation
Smoothly link from a word ending in /d/ into a word beginning with /l/ by using a technique called lateral aspiration. This allows the two sounds to merge. To create a lateral aspiration, /d/ is approaced and stopped normally, but then, instead of releasing the entire tip of the tongue from the tooth ridge, produce an /l/ by releasing only the sides of the tongue. It can be thought of as stopping the air like /d/, but releasing it as /l/. The International Phonetic Symbol (in narrow transcription) for /d/ w ithout an audible
]. The narrow transcription of the lateral aspiration is [d l]. release is [d Practice linking the following by using the lateral aspiration:
1.
good luck ‿
Good luck on the test. ‿
2. paid less
The job paid less than Kevin was expecting.
3.
made lots
I've made lots of progress.
4.
I'd love
I'd love to go with you.
5.
charmed life Patsy led a charmed life.
6.
had locked
She had locked the door.
7.
tasted like
The tofu tasted like chicken.
8.
crowd let
The crowd let out a cheer.
9.
seemed like It seemed like it would work.
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10. stayed late ‿
Karen and Jim stayed late at the par ‿
Linking /d+n/: Nasal Aspir ation Smoothly link from a word ending in /d/ into a word beginning with an /b/ by using a technique called nasal aspiration. This allows the two sounds to merge. To learn the nasal aspiration, the function of the velum must be understood. The velum is the flap in the back of the mouth that either allows air to pass through the nose or blocks it. The velum is closed (blocking air) for all of the sounds of English except the
three nasal consonants (the /n/, /m/, and /ŋ/). A nasal aspiration begins with the velum closed during the approach of the /d/, and then opens at the same time as the air is stopped for the /d/. With the velum open, the tongue can stay in place for the /n/. The only change in the vocal tract is the velum opening. The tongue stays in the exact position of the stopped /d/ as when producing the /n/. Practice linking the following by using the nasal aspiration:
1.
did nothing
The boy did nothing.
2.
heard noises
We heard noises coming from outside.
3.
had nightmares The girl had nightmares after the crash.
4.
decided not
We decided not to go.
5.
good night
Have a good night.
6.
third national
It was their third national conference.
7.
guide normally The guide normally conducts the tours.
8.
could neither
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9. bird nest ‿
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They could neither go nor stay. ‿
The bird nest fell out of the tree. ‿
10. could negotiate He could negotiate for better working conditions. ‿
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Dangerous Angels A Play in 1 Act by Scott C. Sickles. Cast of Characters BEN: 50s, the deceased MIRANDA: 40s, Ben's widow KAREN: 20s, Ben's daughter RANDY: 20s, Karen's fiance TY: late 30s, Ben's brother in law HELEN: Ben's sister and Ty's late wife, played by the actress portraying KAREN, with minimal costume change
Scene Ben's funeral, the reception, and after. Time Autumn. SETTING: The stage is bare. Scene changes depend upon lighting and movement. AT RISE: A light comes up gradually on Ben's face as he lies dead on the stage. Eventually the light reveals his entire body prepared for the burial. (Lights come up to reveal MIRANDA dressed in black. KAREN and RANDY enter the light holding hands awkwardly. TY joins them, placing a hand on Miranda's shoulder. KAREN leans toward BEN, looks him over pensively and smiles slightly. The light on BEN fades out. TY exits the light, followed shortly by RANDY and KAREN, leaving MIRANDA alone. The light fades on MIRANDA.) (Spotlight comes up, elsewhere. KAREN enters it.) KAREN (aside) My father left me with so many memories. But, the best came to me when I saw him lying in all that white. (Spotlight rises elsewhere. RANDY enters the spotlight.) RANDY (aside) Ben and I never actually met. We spoke on the telephone. He reminded me of my own father. He's passed on as well. (Another spotlight rises. TY enters it. KAREN crosses to RANDY.) TY (aside) He took it hard when Helen died. I think he grieved more than I did. He
often pointed out she was his sister before she was my wife. Ben loved his family. If anything, he loved them too much. KAREN (to RANDY:) I'm worried about Mom. She's hardly touched food in days. RANDY Are you sure? We haven't been with her constantly. (MIRANDA enters Karen's abandoned spot light.) KAREN You're right. Maybe she still sneaks into the refrigerator like she did when he was at work. (KAREN crosses to TY.) MIRANDA (aside) Well, Ben was a fanatical historian. Sometimes, I'm amazed at the number of photographs we have. He's in so many of them too. In fact, I don't think we have three that he's not. He was a wonderful provider, too. We had a lovely home, a beautiful daughter. Doesn't she look radiant? She bears an amazing resemblance to her Aunt Helen - God rest her soul.. I worried, when Helen passed on, Ty wouldn't stay in touch. He and Ben never really hit it off. You know how some brothers are with their baby sisters. No boy is ever good enough. My brother was like that, too. I swear, sometimes they're worse than fathers. I certainly am going to miss him. (RANDY crosses to MIRANDA.) KAREN (To TY) I'm surprised what a void his passing leaves in me, after living away for so long. I thought when it happened, Randy and I'd have grandchildren for him. We would have bridged the distance with them. KAREN I can't believe talking to my Daddy isn't just a decision anymore. Excuse me, Uncle Ty. I think I'm needed in the kitchen. (KAREN exits the spotlight.) RANDY Karen and I panic whenever we have to do something about the wedding. We're thinking about eloping. It's a romantic notion. (KAREN enters Miranda and Randy's spotlight, trying not to appear upset. She whispers in his ear and smiles at her mother.) RANDY If you'll excuse me. (RANDY exits while KAREN stands still in the third spot light with her back
top TY. TY addresses MIRANDA from his spot.) TY It was like a deja vu, Miranda. When I came in, I thought I saw Helen. (Crosses toward KAREN) She looked young and vibrant as she did when we were dating. I was about to call out her name. Then she faced me and said-KAREN (When TY is halfway between his and her spot lights, she turns and opens her arms.) Uncle Ty. (Karen and Ty's spots fade out. KAREN exits. TY joins MIRANDA in her spot light. He speaks as he crosses to her in the shadows.) TY Karen has her father's eyes. Deep, dark eyes that penetrate. I don't mean to be morbid. What are you going to do now? MIRANDA What is there to do? I'll clean the house, learn to cook and shop for one, and mourn my husband. I'll pray for him a lot. TY Not that he needs it. MIRANDA He spent enough time with God. I was relieved when he stopped talking about it so much: religion, that is. All that talk about penance and retribution and purity of the soul - it gets on a person's nerves. In fact, the last time I was in a church was not that long ago. Karen and I were looking at a couple for her wedding. Isn't Randy precious? He's such a dear boy. Ben wasn't too crazy about him, but you know how it is. TY I recall. MIRANDA I wonder if they're still planning a church wedding. It's so expensive! Ben and I both love church weddings, but we also want something practical. We can't afford to give them a big wedding anyway. Listen to me. I keep talking like he’s I’m sorry, Ty. I'm tired suddenly. (TY helps MIRANDA exit the spotlight. It fades out.) (Lights rise on KAREN in a chair. MIRANDA enters the light in a bathrobe.) KAREN How was your nap? Did you sleep at all? MIRANDA
I must have. I woke up. KAREN I'm sure things are bound to get better. MIRANDA What do you mean by that? KAREN Nothing. Just, you know sleep and food. Those sorts of things. What did you think I meant? ,
MIRANDA I don't know. I can't forget how angry you are at your father. KAREN I'm not angry anymore; just a little frustrated. We touched on as much as we could. What doesn't get done, doesn't. But, I've been wanting to tell you all evening. I've been wracking my brain, and finally it happened. I thought of something. MIRANDA Something good? About your father? KAREN Surprised? One winter day when I was - I don't even know - I guess I came up to his waist. He took me outside into the back yard. We didn't have a dog then, so I must have been about six or seven. Anyway, he plopped down in the snow and started waving his arms and legs. Then, he got me to do it, too. When I was done, he got up, and helped me to my feet and told me to look at what we made. And on the ground in the snow were two angels. One big and one little. I was so impressed at this new artistic skill he'd given me, I made KAREN (cont'd) about a dozen more. Then, we came inside and he made us hot chocolate with real marshmallows. No little ones. No marshmallow fluff. The real thing. MIRANDA Your father did this with you? KAREN Isn't it unbelievable? Makes you wonder what went wrong. What could have happened to the man who taught me the fine art of hot cocoa and snow angels? MIRANDA That's a very sweet memory. KAREN It's the precious part of my inheritance. The kitchen's all cleaned up. Uncle Ty saw the guests out. Everyone was very nice. Randy cleaned up the
living room and the dining room. He cleans, he cooks, he makes julienne fries. What more could I ask for? MIRANDA That's a very important question. Don't pass over it lightly. KAREN Was there ever more you wanted from Daddy? Everybody knows he was "a good provider." About a hundred people reminded me of that today. But, that's not everything. Sometimes I wonder if Daddy ever realized that. MIRANDA He did. You probably don't believe me. He knew happiness and love had a place in people's lives. He just couldn't find room for it in ours. I never told you this. I couldn't even bear thinking about it. (Spotlight up on BEN.) We came home after Helen and Ty's reception. I did my usual hustle and bustle around the house. Later on, I found him in that chair of his. Remember, the one we had to throw away after the house flooded in that horrible storm. He was just staring down at the floor. I had to ask him, "Are you alright?" BEN I'm sorry. MIRANDA For what? BEN I know people don't always fall in love with the right one. MIRANDA I think Helen and Ty will be fine together. I know you have doubts, but-BEN I know they'll have problems. If he still married her after how stubborn I've been, I suppose he must love her. MIRANDA And she loves him. BEN What I was saying is that we're not always able to marry who we truly love. And I'm sorry. MIRANDA I don't know what you're saying, Ben. BEN Just that we settled for each other. I know there's probably someone out there that you wanted, but you ended up with me. You've been so gracious. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I ho pe we can still make the best
of it. How about this? We go out, find a nice, new car and trade in your old one. It's got almost seventy thousand miles on it anyway. Then, we'll take the new car someplace nice and have a big dinner. You won't have to worry about a thing tonight. What do you say? (Spot fades on BEN.) MIRANDA What could I say? I was in shock. I laugh thinking the number of times you yelled at me for loving him too much. Every time I shrugged and made some joke about you reading Cosmopolitan too much. But his apology reminded me every "I love you" that escaped his lips was a lie. Or at least it didn't mean what it was supposed to. But I thought you should know, you were right. KAREN I didn't want to be. MIRANDA Once the shock wore off I realized: If he doesn't love me, then who does he love? Who did he? I thought of everyone we knew, but you know how that goes? First no one seems logical, then everybody does. Did he ever say anything about it to you? KAREN Dad said love wasn't a suitable topic for children. (Lights cross fade to TY and RANDY who is seated.) TY So, are you still doing the photography thing full time? RANDY Yes, I am. In fact, I'm working at home now. I got a loan to build my darkroom. Now I develop and process film for friends and they refer me to people they know. It's working out rather well. How've you been keeping yourself busy? TY I haven't. I've become a couch potato. I've put on about twenty pounds from all the takeout food. I sit at home, watch our favorite movies. I cry sometimes. RANDY Would Ben have approved? TY Probably not. What did he care? To him, I was just his "sister's husband." I hadn't seen much of him since Helen. He never thought I was RANDY Good enough?
(Spotlight up on BEN.) TY Proper. He was hung up on propriety, like he'd cornered the market. There wasn't a thing he could find right with me. I was irresponsible because I travelled before finishing school. Then I was "superior" when I did graduate. I was a boxer in college, so I'd beat her. I was latently a failure because I wrote poetry. Thing is, I didn't even write poetry. I'd just jot down little observations here and there. Thoughts and ideas. Interesting things people said. BEN You haven't written down anything I said. TY No. BEN You better not. TY No problem. I don't think you'll ever say anything interesting enough for me to write down. BEN You think I care if you don't find me interesting? Or do you? Are you stupid, Ty? TY If I say yes, are you going to beat me up or what? BEN It doesn't make a difference, when you're not-TY Not what? engaged? Didn't Helen tell you? I thought you two were close. She said she could tell you anything. Has that changed? BEN You're not right for her. TY Are my feet too big or did someone tell you I picked my nose as a child? BEN You think you can love anybody you want. But you can't! It doesn't work
that way. TY How does it work? Enlighten me. BEN Each of us has a partner in this life. Sometimes we think we've found that person, but it's not true. Sometimes we never find them or it's too late. You think it's crazy, but I believe this. TY Good for you. BEN She believes it, too. She knows in her heart she belongs to someone, and someone belongs to her; and she knows as well as you or I, that person sure as hell isn't you. TY And how do we all know this? BEN Because It's obvious. TY Ben. You've got a problem. Several, in fact. Let me make this clear. I am not some boyfriend you can wave a baseball bat at and scare off. I'll stick that bat up your neck first. BEN Are you threatening me? TY Do you feel threatened? Look, Ben. I love Helen. She loves me. If we're wrong about this, I hope to God it doesn't work out and we go our separate ways before we become as bitter and angry as you. But if we're right and you can't accept that she's happy with me, tough. I think you and I should just stay clear of each other. BEN Or else what? TY I'm not what's threatening you, Ben. I'll be damned if I know what is. I hope you get over it.
