Reckoning and Absolution

By Bill Greenley

 
Panoramic view of countryside of County Wicklow.
Shot of Ballykissangel bus coming down road.
Bus comes to stop in middle of nowhere and then starts again.
After it drives on we see a man with a backpack that had been let out of bus.
He begins walking down the road toward town.
Zoom in on man; it is Peter Clifford.

Cut to series theme music and intro.

Peter has reached town and stops on the bridge to peer at the stream below.
He sets his pack down and rests his head and arms on the stone bridge wall.

Zoom back as the uniformed Garda (Frankie) approaches.

 
Frankie:        Can I be of help?
 
Peter:           No, thanks, I’m fine.  (after a pause and a realization.) Where’s Ambrose Eagen…has he been transferred or something?
 
Frankie:        Or something.  He’s dead.  Fell from a cliff trying to help some hikers.  Two years now.
 
Peter:           Poor Ambrose. Poor Niamh and Kieran.  How are they?
 
Frankie:        Niamh remarried and has moved away.  Life goes on, as they say.
 
Peter:           I suppose it does.  Still, I’m surprised that Brian would let his grandson get too far from home.
 
Frankie:        Brian Quigley is also gone.  Disappeared -- and not heard from since.
 
Peter:            My God!  Brian, too.  I guess I’ve been gone a while.  Anybody else gone?  Anybody left?
 
Frankie:        Well, when were you here?  Shortly before I came the publican died.  Assumpta Fitzgerald.  Did you know her?
 
Peter:           Yes.  I did know her.  And yes, I did know that she died.  I was there.  (obviously saddened by the memory.)
 
Frankie:         I’m sorry. Right. Let’s change the conversation to happier topics then.  I’m Frankie Sullivan. (She extends her hand.) And you are?

Peter:           Peter Clifford. I’m pleased to meet you. Yes. Let’s talk about something else. (They begin to walk toward the village center.)
 
Frankie:        Peter Clifford.  You were the curate here for a time, right?
 
Peter:           That’s right.
 
Frankie:        Are you here for a visit or moving back.
 
Peter:           A visit. Just a visit. I’ve some “demons” left to fight. I thought I’d come back and fight them among old friends. What’s left of them, so it seems. As you say, “life goes on.” Death does, too, apparently. Oh, sorry. No more of that talk.
 

Cut to interior of Hendley’s.  Kathleen is at her counter making change for Avril.
Kathleen gasps as she sees Frankie and Peter walking past.
Peter glances in and notices Kathleen’s stare, but turns away in some embarrassment.

 
Avril:           Kathleen.  What’s wrong?  You look like you’ve seen a ghost.
 
Kathleen:      Indeed.  I think I have.
 
 
                                                                          Cut to interior of Fitzgerald’s.
                                                                Oonagh is behind the bar serving Brendan.
                                                                           In walks Frankie and Peter.
 
Brendan:       Peter.  Is that you or have I had too much stout?
 
Peter:           Brendan.  It is good to see you.  I was beginning to think I’d gotten out of the wrong Tardis or something.
 
Brendan:       Did you think everything would be just as you left it?
 
Peter:           I’m not sure what I was thinking.  (He looks behind the bar at Oonagh.)
 
Oonagh:        (extends her hand)  I’m Oonagh Dooley.  You used to live here, I take it?
 
Peter:           Yes.  For a time.  I was the priest.
 
Frankie:        Oonagh.  How about some drinks?
 
Brendan:       Frankie!   Drink on duty?
 
Frankie:        (looks at watch)  It’s late enough; just got off duty.  Peter, I’ll buy.  (Oonagh pours.)  Hungry Peter?
 
Peter:           Famished, actually.
 
Frankie:        Oonagh, we’ll have whatever it is you’re serving this evening.  I’d certainly prefer having a meal with you two gentleman than scavenging for something to eat in my kitchen.  Brendan?
 
Brendan:       Sure.  Me, too.
 
Peter:           (to Brendan)  How’s Siobhan?
 
Brendan:       Siobhan’s fine.  And, Aisling.  Wait until you see Aisling.
 
Peter:           Aisling?
 
Brendan:       Our daughter.
 
Peter:           Oh yes.  A daughter!  I’m happy for you Brendan.
 
                                                              The door opens and in walks Father Vincent.
 
Brendan:       Father Vincent. Come meet Peter Clifford. Perhaps he’s come to take back his old job. (Peter is visibly uneasy at the sight of the new priest as Father Vincent approaches and extends his hand.)
 
Peter:           Pleased to meet you.  Don’t worry.  Your job is safe from me.
 
                                                                   The door opens as Father Mac enters.
 
Fr. Mac:       Mister Clifford.  Kathleen was right.  She told me that she saw you in town.
 
Peter:           Father Mac.  Kathleen told you.  I guess some things never change.
 
Father Mac:   Oonagh. I’ll have my usual and so will Father Vincent. Peter, will you be staying long or is this a weekend holiday? Perhaps you’ll say goodbye this time? (Fr. Mac and Fr. Vincent excuse themselves to a table and begin a private conversation and Oonagh brings them their drinks. They gaze frequently toward Peter during their conversation.)
 
                                                      Cut to later.  Father Mac and Father Vincent have left.
                                               Only Frankie, Peter and Brendan remain at the bar with Oonagh.
 
                                                             Frankie and Brendan leave Peter and Oonagh.
                                                             Dermott and Grainne burst in from the kitchen.
 
Oonagh:        And just what are you two still doing up. Bed for both of you. Now! (both children obey their mother and leave quickly.) Peter, you’ll be staying here, then?
 
Peter:           I guess so.  Yes.  I will, if you have a room available?
 
Oonagh:        Oh, I think we’ve room at the inn.  (She hands him a room key.  Peter goes upstairs carrying his backpack.)
 
                                                                       Paul Dooley enters from kitchen.
                                                        He goes toward Oonagh to help her clean up the bar.

Paul:            Looks like I got back just a little too soon. You’re not finished cleaning up. Did I hear a guest going upstairs?  Tourist?
 
Oonagh:        No. Peter Clifford. He used to be the curate here. Before Father Aiden. You’ve heard the stories, haven’t you?
 
Paul:            Maybe they’ve brought him back to manage the church’s properties and investments. Maybe he’ll be the new publican?
 
Oonagh:        Be quiet and wash these glasses.
 

                                                       A short time later, the bar is now picked up and clean.
 
Paul:            I’m going to bed.  Don’t be long.
 
Oonagh:        I won’t. (Paul exits. Oonagh completes a few finishing wipes of the bar. Peter reappears on the stairs.) Mr. Clifford. Sorry, the bar is closed. Is everything ok?
 
Peter:           Please, call me Peter.  Couldn’t sleep.  Guess I’m not tired after all.  Mind if I sit here by the fire for a while.
 
Oonagh:        Sure.  Feel free.  Would you like something before I go to bed.  It’s been a long day here.
 
Peter:           No thanks.  I’ll be fine.  I just want to sit here for a while.
 
Oonagh:        Good night, then.
 
Peter:           Good night. (Oonagh exits. Peter sits and looks at empty bar. In the silence we hear the drip of stout from the tap.  He sits and remembers.)
 
                                     Cut to the scene from “The Reckoning”: the Chinese Food Fair at Fitzgerald’s.
                               The crowd is tasting the various dishes and Peter is gazing across the bar at Assumpta.
 
                                     Back to Peter staring in silence at the bar with just the noise of the tap dripping.
 
                  Back to “The Reckoning” when the lights flicker and Assumpta goes to the basement to check the fuses.
 
                                                                        Back to Peter staring at the bar.
 
             Back to “The Reckoning” with Peter at Assumpta’s side as Padraig descends the stairs and calls for Dr. Ryan.
 
                                            Back to Peter staring at the bar and the sound of a drip from the tap.
 
   Back to “The Reckoning” as Father Mac pressures Peter to administer last rites. Continue the scene until Peter has finished with the last rites.
 
                                Back to Peter staring at the bar.  A tear drips from his eyes and he continues to stare.
 
 Back to “The Reckoning”. The lights flicker. But, this time Brendan volunteers to go down to the basement. He fixes the fuse
and rejoins the others at the bar.
                                 In Peter’s “dream”, he imagines what would have happened had Assumpta not died.
 
 
Brendan:       Assumpta. Stay. I’ll take care of it this time. (Brendan goes down. The lights stabilize and he returns.)  There. That should hold them until tomorrow. Then for God’s sake Assumpta have Liam and Donal fix it permanently.
 
Assumpta:     For my sake you mean.  Thank you Brendan.
 
Peter:           Assumpta.  How are we going to tell everybody?  About us, I mean.
 
Assumpta:     We’re not telling anybody anything until you take that collar off!
 
             Later that evening.  Nearly everyone has gone.  Only Brendan, Siobhan, Padraig, Niamh and Ambrose remain.
 
Assumpta:     Not so fast.  Who is going to help me clean up this mess?
 
Padraig:        How about the priest?  Father Clifford, can’t you just pray or something and ask God to make all of this mess disappear?
 
Peter:           We made the mess ourselves Padraig.  I think God expects us to clean it up ourselves.
 
Assumpta:     (throws a towel to Peter and sets a tub on the bar into which she begins to place glasses, plates, etc.)  Well, you’re going to help, aren’t you Peter?
 
Peter:           (rolls up his sleeves and removes his collar) Now that I’ve taken this off, I’d - we’d like to make a little announcement.
 
Assumpta:     (obviously a little uneasy)  Peter.  Is this the right time?
 
Peter:           I’m not sure there will be a ‘right’ time. I’ve decided to leave the priesthood.  (putting arm around Assumpta)  We’ve decided to get married.  (absolute shocked looks from everyone.)
 
Niamh:         Assumpta. Can I talk to you privately? (Niamh goes into the kitchen waiting for Assumpta to follow.) (in the kitchen) Assumpta. Do you know what you’re doing? What about Father Clifford? Does he know what he’s doing?  Leo.  What about Leo? Assumpta you’re already married.
 
Assumpta:     Niamh.  Leo and I are through.
 
Niamh:         Did you ever give him a chance? I don’t know why you bothered to marry him in the first place. You weren’t being fair to him, Assumpta.
 
Assumpta:     Look, this is my life we’re talking about.  It’s none of your business. (after seeing that this has stung Niamh)  I thought it would work with Leo. We’d had good times at university. I wanted it to work with Leo. So I wouldn’t keep thinking of Peter. But, it was no use. (a pause) Do you know what torture it is to love something or someone that you cannot have?  The forbidden fruit. I couldn’t even tell Peter how I felt. (tears beginning)
 
Niamh:         Assumpta, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I said what I did. (a pause) You know what I think? I think Father Clifford must have felt exactly the same way about you.
 
Assumpta:     Yes, I know that now.  And, would you stop calling him Father Clifford.  He’s Peter; he’s not a priest anymore.
 
Niamh:         What did he do, phone Father Mac and say “I quit”?  Sorry. Look, I’d better go. Assumpta, I am happy for you -- if this is what you want, what you both want. (they leave the kitchen and return to the bar. Only Peter remains.)
 
Peter:           The others have left.
 
Niamh:         Wish you well did they?
 
Peter:           Something like that.  And you two?
 
Assumpta:     The same.
 
Peter:           Niamh, it’s what we want.
 
Niamh:         It’s going to take some getting used to, you know.  Some may not get used to it at all.
 
Assumpta:     That’s their problem.
 
Niamh:         Good night.  I guess I’ll soon find out if Ambrose thinks he can get used to it. (she leaves. Only Assumpta and Peter remain.)
 
Peter:           She’s right.  This is going to be quite an adjustment for people.
 
Assumpta:     Especially for you and me.
 
Peter:           Come here. (They embrace.)  I love you Assumpta. It is such a burden lifted from me to be able to tell you that.  To think it and to not feel guilty for thinking it.
 
Assumpta:     For me, too. (another embrace. After a brief moment of awkward silence.) Well, this mess won’t go away on its own.  How about starting to pull your weight around here?
 
                                                      Cut to Niamh entering her house with Ambrose waiting.
 
Ambrose:      Did you talk some sense into them?
 
Niamh:         What?  What do you mean?
 
Ambrose:      Assumpta and Father Clifford.  It’s disgraceful.
 
Niamh:         Ambrose, They’re in love. They’ve been in love and denied it and fought it all this time. Think how tortured they’ve felt. He’s leaving the priesthood, so where’s the shame?
 
Ambrose:      Is this how you want the village curate to behave?
 
Niamh:         Of course not.  Nor does he.  That’s why he’s not the village curate anymore.
 
Ambrose:      Still, it was sinful.
 
Niamh:         That’s why there are confession boxes.  Now I’m going to bed.  Are you coming or not?
 
                                                            Cut back to Fitzgerald’s.  Cleanup is complete.
 
Peter:           I’ll phone Father Mac in the morning and give official notice or whatever he needs to hear. That is unless he phones first and gives me the boot. I think he already knows how I feel.
 
Assumpta:     What then?  What comes next?
 
Peter:           I don’t know. I haven’t done this before. I imagine I’ll need to vacate the priest’s quarters pretty quickly or Brian Quigley will be wanting rent until the next curate arrives. What about you? You’ll have a bit of paperwork to attend to, don’t you?
 
Assumpta:     A divorce from Leo?  Yeah.  I’ve never done one of those, either.  Hope you’re worth all the bother.
 
Peter:           You’re just giving up a husband.  I’m giving up and entire congregation.  I hope you’re worth it.
 
Assumpta:     Ah, be quiet before I change my mind.
 
Peter:           I love you Assumpta.
 
Assumpta:     We’ll be happy together. (they embrace) I love you Peter. We’ll live happily ever after, won’t we? (they embrace.  Then, a noise in the kitchen startles them.)
 
                                     Cut to a startled Peter sitting in chair near the fire in Fitzgerald’s in the present.
                                                    The  previous scene had been his imagination - his fantasy.
                                                     In walks Oonagh.  She had made the noise in the kitchen.
 
Oonagh:        Oh sorry. You’re still awake? I hope I didn’t startle you Peter. I’d forgotten to take some things out of the freezer to thaw.
 
Peter:           I’m fine.  Really.  I’m just going up to bed now.
 
                                             Cut to Hendley’s the following day.  Kathleen is behind the counter.
                                                                              In walks Peter Clifford.
 
Peter:           Morning Kathleen.
 
Kathleen:      Fa.. (she starts to say Father, but catches herself)  Mr. Clifford.
 
Peter:           Kathleen.  You can certainly call me Peter.
 
Kathleen:      Aye. Do you mind me asking, what brings you to Ballykissangel after all this time? Surely you’re not still grieving, are you?
 
Peter:           Does anyone really ever stop grieving? No, Kathleen. I just felt it was time to come back for a visit. I have many memories here.
 
Kathleen:      And what do you hope to accomplish?
 
Peter:           I don’t know.  A chance to remember.  A chance to see old friends and familiar places.
 
Kathleen:      Life goes on.  Ballykissangel has gone on.  Things have changed.
 
Peter:           You mean Eamon, Ambrose, and Brian?
 
Kathleen:      Them.  Others.  It’s the way of things.  Haven’t you learned that?
 
Pater:           Life doesn’t go on for Assumpta.  Or the others.  Only for us.
 
Kathleen:      Then let’s make the best of it.  (referring to his purchase)  Anything else?
 
Peter:           No, that will be all.  Thank you, Kathleen.  (Peter leaves.)
 
                                                 As Peter exits Hendley’s, Brendan is riding past on his bicycle.
                                                                           Brendan approaches Peter.
 
Brendan:       I hoped I’d find you today.
 
Peter:           Brendan.
 
Brendan:       I didn’t want to ask last night at the bar.  Do you know what you’re doing here?
 
Peter:           I just got this lecture from Kathleen.  Is this how you treat someone here on holiday?
 
Brendan:       You’re not just someone.
 
Peter:           No.  Can you take me to see Ambrose?  Is he buried near Assumpta?
 
Brendan:       We can go. But, the past is not a wise place to live in for long. You might forget to come back to the present.  Might not want to go to the future.
 
Peter:           Enough philosophy.  Save it for the classroom.  Let’s just go.
 
                                                                 Cut to the cemetery at Ambrose’s grave.
 
Peter:           Must have been hard on Niamh.
 
Brendan:       It was. For more reasons than one. But, that doesn’t matter any more. At least Niamh has let go and moved on with her life. She remarried you know. Sean Dillon. Now they’re making a life and bringing up Kieran.
 
Peter:           It’s not a question of letting go, Brendan.
 
Brendan:       Whatever you say Peter. I’ll meet up with you later at Fitzgerald’s. (Peter winces and the name but nods yes.  Brendan leaves. Peter walks to Assumpta’s grave. He bends down and rubs his hand over her name engraved on the stone as tears appear in his eyes.)
 
                                   Cut to later at Fitzgerald’s.  Peter returns.  Father Mac is waiting alone at a table.
 
Father Mac:   Ah.  Peter.  You’re back from your outing.  I’d hoped we could have a chance to talk.  Won’t you join me?
 
Peter:           Please not a lecture from you, too.
 
Father Mac:   Just a drink then.  Oonagh, please bring a drink for Mr. Clifford.
 
Peter:           What is it that you want?
 
Father Mac:   I was going to ask you the same question.
 
Peter:           I used to live here, remember?
 
Father Mac:   How could I forget?  I had to cope with your sudden and traumatic departure.
 
Peter:           I’m sorry if I inconvenienced you.
 
Father Mac:   It’s not me. It’s the parishioners that were traumatized. They had to reconcile their faith in their church with the nature of your - how should I put it -- your change in vocation.
 
Peter:           I’ll be sure to not list you as a reference on any future job application.
 
Father Mac:   Oh enough of this. I didn’t ask you to sit down to reprimand you. You’re not my curate any more. Your behavior is no longer my worry.
 
Peter:           Then why did you ask me to sit here.
 
Father Mac:   Because I want to know how you’re getting along. To see if I can help. You’re not in my parish but I do care. You earned that. You were good to these people. You cared about them.
 
Peter:           Thank you. I’m fine. Really. Just because I’m here doesn’t mean I’m not coping or moving on with my life. I just wanted to spend some time here.
 
Father Mac:   Before Sean Dillon and Niamh were married, Sean came to me asking for my guidance. He thought he needed me to give him my approval for the marriage. He thought he needed absolution from me. He didn’t need me to absolve his past; he needed his own approval. He needed absolution from himself.
 
Pater:           And your point?
 
Father Mac:   If you’ve come here looking for absolution, perhaps you need to absolve yourself. (Fr. Mac stands to leave.)  I must be going now. I have to get back for confessions. Stop by if you need to chat.
 
Peter:           (remains seated, with a touch of sarcasm.)  Thanks for the counsel.  Goodbye.
 
                                Cut to Peter coming down the stairs from his room at Fitzgerald’s with his backpack.
                                                                  He is leaving.  He settles up with Oonagh.
 
Oonagh:        I hope you liked your stay with us. Sorry the village wasn’t more hospitable. When the past comes for a visit, some people become nervous.
 
Peter:           So I’ve noticed.  Still.  It was good to be back.  I may come again some day.  Never say never.
 
Oonagh:        You’ll stay here, I hope.
 
Peter:           I wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else.  (He leaves.)
 
                             Cut to Peter standing on the bridge leaning on the stone bridge wall looking at the stream.
                                                     Peter’s backpack is at his feet.  Frankie walks up to him.
 
Frankie:        (noticing the backpack) Leaving already?
 
Peter:           I think I’ve done enough damage for this visit.
 
Frankie:        I’m not sure if you stirred up painful memories for everybody or if they’re just concerned that you’re still grieving.
 
Peter:           I packed up my broken heart when I left and sorted it out all right. I didn’t come back to forget or get over the past.  I came back to remember.
 
Frankie:        How do you mean?
 
Peter:           Assumpta, all the others, the entire village still exists in here (pointing to his head) and in here (pointing to his chest). I came back to recharge the memories of Assumpta, not to get rid of them! (after a pause) And, to think of what might have been.Whatever afterlife Assumpta has, at the very least she lives in my memories. (after a longer pause) When Niamh married Sean, she didn’t have to give up her memories of the good times with Ambrose. It’s our privilege to keep those memories. It’s our duty. I think it’s what gives us the strength to get on with our lives. (another pause) If all of Ballykissangel were to vanish from County Wicklow, we’d still have the memories.
 
Frankie:        You know, I think you should have been a priest.
 
Peter:           I was.  Father Mac has the gray hairs to prove it.
 
Frankie:        (They see the bus that Peter is waiting for, coming down the road.) So you’re leaving us again?
 
Peter:           Only if you forget me.
 
                                                                           Cut to closing theme music.