I brought the background music. I thought I'd bring something upbeat to keep us positive. Should we get started?

ASHLEY (CONT'D)

I just want to thank you all for coming to this meeting of Singles in Need of Love. We've been going strong for four weeks now. Tell your friends. The more the merrier. I just want to thank you for loving me for who I am, especially when I'm really needy. That's why I come here, because I need people to hold me and make me feel special. So, thanks! Pass.

LAUREN

I gained three inches around my waist in three months. I was so good about eating in the summer. I didn't eat sugar or junk food or meat. I made a lot of healthy food and ate a lot of fruit. And I ate less. And even though I didn't lose any weight I started to look better. People said so. But then the holidays came and I let myself eat. And I ate so much it was more of a chore than a pleasure, and the sugar wasn't making me happy, so I decided for Christmas I would abstain. And I made it through Christmas, but then I went to visit my parents, and younger brothers and sisters, and the house was full of sugar, and my favorite sugar, frosted cookies from Cub. Cookies that crumble in your mouth. I took one in my hand and broke it in half and felt how crumbly it was but I didn't eat it. After I came home I ate everything sweet in the house. There wasn't even any of those cookies there. The only thing I really wanted. And I couldn't stop. I felt like I was holding my breath for three months and I needed to be enveloped in comfort. That is what food means to me. Instantaneous comfort. And the fat that builds up around my waist is a symbol of that comfort which keeps me insulated. I could go back but I'm afraid that happiness will be something that I will experience a couple times a month instead of every night. Time takes so long when you're unhappy. Pass.

BRAD

(slams down his fist) I'm changing the music. How can you people bear your souls to the tune of "I'm a Slave for You!?" We shouldn't be listening to music like this. It's not love. It doesn't represent love in any form.

I don't want to need to be forgiven. People never forget what you do and I want them to. I try so hard not to offend people, or get in fights with them but sometimes they hurt me and I tell on them because I'm too afraid to ask them to stop myself. And then everyone hates me for getting the boss involved, and I want to leave but I'm afraid I can't because who will take me in after what I've done? How can I sell myself as the perfect employee when I know I'm not, even though that's what I wanted to be the whole time.

Love time. Anyone mind if we break?

Ashley and Kevin are caught in a hug.

KEVIN

I just come for the hugs. I love the hugs.

Lauren and Maxie stand talking.

MAXIE

I could be your sponsor. We could cook and run together. You could call me when you're unhappy.

Cassie and Brad sit on the floor talking.

CASSIE

We could get together and talk through some hypothetical work crisis. You can practice being assertive with me.

Ashley and Kevin pull apart.

ASHLEY

Who's up for coffee?

Everyone murmurs yes. They're all eager to leave the

tension filled room behind. They filter out.

FADE OUT.