Delia Apologizes to the Ryans
For All of Her Lies (June 1978)(Frank, Pat, and Mary are in the Ryan living room when the doorbell rings. Pat answers it to Delia.)
DELIA: (awkwardly) Hi, can I come in? I promise you I'm not gonna stay that long.
(He reluctantly motions her to come in. She sees Mary and Frank.)
DELIA: Hi.
MARY: Hello, Delia.
FRANK: Dee. How are you feeling?
DELIA: (nods) I'm feeling a lot better. You know, I've been going to see Dr. Pagano almost every day.
PAT: I'm glad to hear that. I hope he's helping you.
DELIA: Yeah, I'm not so confused sometimes. I mean, sometimes I am. Uh, any news from Maeve and Johnny yet?
MARY: Well, they're probably still traveling. The actual cruise doesn't start until tomorrow.
DELIA: Oh, yeah, that's right. I forgot. Ah, look, I have to tell you, that was a really nice thing that you did. I know that you probably don't believe that I saying that, but it's true, because I feel that they really deserve it. The unfortunate thing is that I wanted to talk to them. I guess most of what I say is to you (points to Pat)...I don't know, maybe I should wait until Maeve and Johnny come back.
MARY: (caustic) We'll give them your message, Dee.
DELIA: Look, Mary, don't make this any harder for me than it actually is, okay? Because it's very hard.
MARY: What is?
FRANK: Mary! Dee, if you have something to say...
DELIA: Say it, and then go? That's what I plan to do. I just have to come up with the right words. Uh, Paddy, maybe I should talk to you alone. It's so strange to see the three of you, just lined up there in a formation. (pause) Okay, what I want to say is that I'm sorry. I know you've heard that before and I've said that I'm sorry and then I've caused a lot of trouble. Now, I know that I've done a lot of bad things, but I had some very important reasons. And I know I've lied and I know I've caused a lot of trouble. But you have to believe me, I had to. I mean, the more I lied, the more I felt I had to lie. See, I realize that...I know where the problems are coming from. They're coming from me, and they're not coming from anybody else. I know that this is a little bit late for me to be saying that I'm sorry. I know that, and I accept that. I'm not going to fight you on the annulment. (shakes her head) I'm not gonna fight you.
(Pat nods, in shock.)
FRANK: Dee, you understand what that means, legally?
DELIA: (nods) Yes, it means that it's like Paddy and I were never married. I mean, I don't quite believe that, but if that's the way he wants it, I mean, that is the way you want it, isn't it?
PAT: Yes, it is.
DELIA: Oh, one more thing, I want you to tell Maeve and Johnny that I'm not gonna bother them anymore. I'm not gonna bother you either. I'm gonna try to take care of myself, and I would appreciate it if you would tell them that for me.
PAT: Well, I know Mother and Da will be grateful that there isn't going to be a fight.
DELIA: There won't be a fight because there's really nothing to fight about. I think you all hate me enough without my doing anything else. Um, Frank, you know, when you get the legal stuff together, you can call me. (nods)
FRANK: I will. Dee, you're making this a lot easier for everybody.
DELIA: Good.
PAT: Dee, thank you.
DELIA: Uh, be happy, okay?
MARY: (stands up) Delia? Don't worry, I won't bite you. I just wanted to say thank you too. I know that had to take a lot of courage and a lot of strength.
DELIA: I don't feel that strong, now. I don't really feel anything right now. I don't know what I want and I don't know what I want to be. I think I've spent so many years trying to be a Ryan that I haven't been able to think about anything else. Roger said that I have to try to take care of myself. I wonder what I'll be? (on the brink of tears) Excuse me.
(She hurries out.)
MARY: (stunned) Was that a mirage or did you see it too?
PAT: It's real. She meant it.
FRANK: I'll be damned!