How we cite our quotes: Cloud 9. Caryl Churchill. Routledge, 2000.
Quote #7
"I come here sometimes at night and pick somebody up. Sometimes I come here at night and don't pick anybody up." (2.3.130-132)
Edward's boyfriend Gerry isn't the monogamous type. In fact, he seems to have sex whenever and with whomever he can. But in these lines, he tells us that sometimes he goes out to the park and decides not to pick someone up because he just likes being alone. As a character, Gerry is defined mostly by his promiscuity in this novel. But that doesn't mean the guy doesn't also enjoy his alone time.
Quote #8
"I used to think Clive was the one who liked sex. But then I found I missed it. I used to touch myself when I was very little, I thought I'd invented something wonderful." (2.4.117-120)
Betty has spent her whole life concerned about how to make men happier. She's been so committed to this mission that she doesn't even realize that she enjoys sex until she's in her old age. But better late than never, as far as Churchill's concerned.
Quote #9
"I think Edward did try to tell me once but I didn't listen. So what I'm being told now is that Edward is 'gay' is that right?" (2.4.199-201)
For the first time, Betty accepts the fact that her son Edward is interested in having sex with other men. As Betty admits, she thinks Edward has tried to tell her before, but she hasn't listened. Now, though, she seems to be in a mental space where she can accept Edward for who he is. Moving away from her homophobic husband Clive no doubt has something to do with that.