Turn Right (Part 1/2)

Turn Right
Playright by: Cathlyn Dallo


Copyright © 2011 Cathlyn Dallo
All Rights Reserved.

Characters:
Nick Keith as Daren Walker
Cathlyn Dallo as Death/Francis Vane
Eddie Kang as Mr. Hillson/Boss Death
Idris Mohammed as Jordan (Best Friend)
Brittany McDonald as Sarah (Girlfriend of Daren)
Katy as Sandra Walker (Mother of Daren)
Matthew Clemente as Allan Walker (Father of Daren)
Peter Thompson as RDG (Random Dead Guy)
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Scene I

(at home)Allan: Sandra! Where's my tie?
Sandra: Where you put it last!
Allan: You touched it last!
Sandra: I did not!
Allan: You did! I saw you! You were looking through my drawer!
Sandra: That was my drawer! I was looking for the stuff I'm taking for WHEN I LEAVE YOU.
Allan: Well, where's your bags? How come you're not packed now?
Sandra: BECAUSE YOU KEEP INTERRUPTING ME!
Allan: Do not!
Sandra: Yes, and you always deny things! WHY DO YOU THINK WE'RE GETTING A DIVORCE?
Allan: Do not! AND BECAUSE I HATE YOUR GUTS!
Sandra: Stop being such a child and grow up!
Allan: I am too a grown up!
Sandra: Says who? THE GIRL YOU WERE WITH AT THE BAR?
Allan: She liked me!
Sandra: There's nothing to like about, maybe your height but that's it. But that's just an illusion, 'cause that's just your wallet you're sitting on!
Allan: What does that mean?
Sandra: YOU HAVE TO PAY PEOPLE TO LOVE YOU!
Allan/Sandra: (start bickering over each other)Daren: (comes running in from the front door) MOM! DAD! STOP! I was driving up the driveway and the whole neighbourhood can hear you! Really? Fighting already at SEVEN in the MORNING? Have some shame!
Sandra: We're sorry, sweetie..
Allan: It was just a small argument slugger..
Daren: Yeah, yeah. Here, sandra baked something. Told me to drop it off today.
Sandra: Oh, that sweetie. Tell her that we say thank you.
Daren: Will do. I gotta go now, running late for work! (beso for mom, and hug for dad)
Sandra: Alright, honey, be safe!
Allan: See ya son!
Daren: Yup! (exits out front door, phone rings) Hello? Good morning, babe! Uh, no, I don't think I have too much work at the pffice today, why? Really? Promise? Okay, it's date, see you at 7? Okay, I love you! (hangs up, sigh) -end scene-
Scene II
(at the office)Daren: (walking through office to cubicle)Francis: Hey Daren!
Daren: Morning Francis, what are you doing here?
Francis: I'm just going to job interview. It's in the same building. And I bumped into Jordan, he's been looking for you. Has something to tell you...?
Daren: Oh really? What you applying for? And do you know where I can find him?
Francis: Uh-
Jordan: No need, right behind you.
Francis: (checks watch) Oh hey, I'm gonna be late for my interview. I'll catch you two later. See ya.
Daren/Jordan: Later.
Daren: Good luck!
Francis: Thanks! (leaves)Daren: So what's up?
Jordan: So, there is this really cool party coming up later on today. I was wondering if you wanted to go, loads of people are going to be there! It's going to be awesome!
Daren: Ah, as much as I would love to go I can't, I got a date with sandra today.
Jordan: Awe, man. That bites.
Daren: Sorry.
Jordan: Nah, man, it's alright. (walks away, pauses) Your loss. (continues walking away)
Daren: (chuckle)
Jordan: Catch you later!
Daren: (nod, phone call) Hello? Hey, love! What? You're canceling again? (pause) Okay, bye. (sigh, calls someone else) Hey, Jordan, about that party, when is it? 'Cause sandra cancelled on me, and I'm up for it if it's still on. Oh, it's canceled? Ah. Nah, don't worry, it's alright. See you later. (sigh, grabs folder and leaves to see Mr. Hillson)-end scene two-
Scene III
Daren: (knocks on door)
Mr. Hillson: Come in!
Daren: (enters) Hello, Mr. Hillson. I hav the project you wanted me to work on.
Mr. Hillson: Good, good. Put it on the table and let's have a look.
Daren: Yes, sir. (puts folder on desk and walks away)Mr, Hillson: Oh, no. Hold on. Take a seat, and we'll discuss this.
Daren: (awkwardly sits down)
Mr. Hillson: (looks through folder) Uhu.. Hmm.. Yeah, yeah... Okay.. Good! Good... Interesting... Mr. Walker?
Daren: Yes sir? What do you think?
Mr. Hillson: This, is garbage.
Daren: What?
Mr. Hillson: I am very disappointed. I expected better than this.
Daren: I.. I am sorry, sir.
Mr. Hillson: (sigh) We'll talk more later, go. Dismissed.
Daren: .. Yes, sir.. (leaves)-end scene three-

Scene IV
(at the office cafe with Jordan already sitting down, and Daren enters)

(at DETH INC.)Boss Death: Where is that new employee? He is late!
Francis: Here! I am here, I'm here!
Boss Death: Woah, you're a girl?
Francis: Yeah..
Boss Death: What is your last name?
Francis: Vayne..?
Boss Death: Ian Vayne's.. Daughter?
Francis: Yes..?
Boss Death: (to himself: Hmm, didn't know he had a girl.. ) Anyways, tsktsk, first day and you're late already? Disappointing your father already, I see.
Francis: .. I'm sorry. I'm here now. So what do I do?
Boss Death: You're DEATH. What do you think you're supposed to do?!
Francis: W-what?
Boss Death: (whispers) Come here. (beat) GO MAKE SOMEONE DEAD!!
Francis: (backs up in surprise) O-Okay sir! (runs off stage)Boss Death: Idiot..

-end of scene five-
Scene VI
(At Daren's house)
Scene Nine

(back at DETH INC.)Daren: (sharp exhale) What the hell was that?
Francis: That's what your world's going to be like now. Now, that you killed yourself.
Daren: What? So, you're saying, I just made my mom's life miserable?
Francis: Not just her.
Daren: What?
Francis: (leans in to Daren's ear) Keep watching.

(lights dim on Francis and Daren, spotlight shines on middle stage)Jordan: (sitting on couch watching TV)
Sarah: (walks by wearing provacative clothing)Jordan: Babe? Where are you going?
Sarah: Uhh.. Girl's night out.
Jordan: Wearing that?
Sarah: .. Yes.
Jordan: What is this? Girl's night out as prostitutes?
Sarah: No!
Jordan: Tell me the truth. It's been "girl's night out" for the past couple weeks now. Where are you really going?
Sarah: To the movies.
Jordan: You answered that too quickly.
Sarah: What are you saying?
Jordan: It's like it was rehearsed.
Sarah: What are you implying?
Jordan: You're lying.
Sarah: Don't call me a liar!
Jordan: I KNOW you're lying!
Sarah: You have no proof--
Jordan: I FOLLOWED YOU THE BAR.
Sarah: What?
Jordan: Who did you see there?
Sarah: No one! I was taking a shortcut!
Jordan: Apfft! Through the bar? Yeah right! Who did you see there?
Sarah: No one!
Jordan: Tell me!
Sarah: I told you! NO ONE!
Jordan: TELL ME GOD DAMMIT!!
Sarah: Mr. Allan Walker!!
Jordan: Daren's DAD?!
Sarah: Yes, okay?! YES!!
Jordan: (slaps her, she falls over, lights go off)-end of scene nine-
Scene Ten

(back at DETH INC.)Daren: (taking off glasses) S-Sarah?
Francis: Yeah, your poor little girlfriend.
Daren: W-with.. My DAD?
Francis: Oh, yeah. Quite a charmer huh?
Daren: THAT WHORE!
Francis: Hey now, now. Language!
Daren: That's what she goes and does when I die? Wow.
Francis: Think it's bad?
Daren: It's horrible!
Francis: (walks around behind him, put glasses back on for him, whispers) It gets worse.

(lights dim)

Mr. Hillson: Took you long enough!
Sarah: We're sorry!
Allan: We ran into some trouble.
Mr. Hillson: So did you do it?
Sarah: Yeah, it just got a little messy though.
Allan: .. Some guys got in the way.
Mr. Hillson: At least you got the job done. I've got another job for you.
Allan: Okay, what's next?
Mr. Hillson: This one's for Sarah.
Sarah: .. Okay.
Mr. Hillson: Kill Jordan.
(lights go off)-end scene ten-

Scene Eleven
(back at DETH INC.)Daren: What the hell was that? Sarah's going to Kill Jordan? What?
Francis: What, you're the only one who can kill people?
Daren: Shut up.
Francis: Sarah, your girl friend, cheats behind your back, goes out with your best friend, cheats behind HIS back with YOUR DAD, then KILLS YOUR best friend, Jordan. What a plot line.
Daren: You're amused by this?
Francis: Why the fuck not? I'm death. The more miserable, the better.
Daren: So I'm just entertainment for you?
Francis: No, you're just a job.
Daren: Okay, if I'm just a job for you, what exactly is your job?
Francis: Well, by now, you're supposed to be sent either up or down.
Daren: So what's keeping me?
Francis: A spirit can't leave if it's still confused,
Daren: Damn yeah, I'm confused?
Francis: Awee, poor boy. Would you like me to explain?
Daren: Yes. Please!
Francis: Okay. So, when you died, you left mom and dad, and they becamse miserable. Poor old pop slipped into a state of depression, and stopped working. Old bat had to sustain both her and your dad. One day, there wasn't enough money. Daddy suddenly turned abussive. On your mommy's face and gut. The next morning, your dad saw what he'd done to your momma's face. He felt horrible. So he went out looking for a job. Daddy founds a job with Mr. Hillson. Now, Mr. Hillson, had been going broke. He need money for his company. So he got another job. An illegal job. Mr. Hillson is now an assasin. He hired Daddy. Sarah, on the other hand, now in love with Jordan, was going downhill fast. They'd moved in together, but soon Jordan got layed off. Mr. Hillson had to, to save his precious money. Sarah had to find a higher paying job fast. She heard about your dad's new job, and soon, was hired to. So, now, everyone close to you is as miserable as can be, and well, your dad and girlfriend are serial killers.
Daren: You say that so casually.
Francis: Is there another way you prefer that I say it?
Daren: You just seem so okay with all this.
Francis: You shouldn't be worrying about my reaction. I'm a little worried about your reaction.
Daren: What do you mean?
Francis: You seem more worried about where you're going to end rather than the struggles your family and friends are facing now.
Daren: Are you kidding me? I'm dying inside!
Francis: Ha. That's funny.
Daren: I'm serious. All of that is my fault.
Francis: Yup!
Daren: But it doesn't matter.
Francis: You just don't care do you? It may have fixed YOUR problems, but it made theirs bigger. (beat) ... You had so many good things going for you.
Daren: Ha! My life was crap! My girlfriend and best friend fucking lied to me! My parents were no longer happy with each other, and was going to lose my dream job. NOTHING was going right! No one cared about me anymore!
Francis: We were planning you a surprise birthday party. Not cheating or snearking around your back!
Daren: (beat) ... Birthday? (beat) I forgot about my birthday!
Francis: You've been so busy trying to figure out things that weren't even there that you missed it. You were the one who didn't care.
Daren: I made a mistake!
Francis: Well, too late now boyo!
Daren: BUT I DIDN'T KNOW!
Francis: (taken aback) Woah. Uh.. Well, look.. I'll give you one last chance.. To either make peace, or have it made for you.
Daren: (lifts up head) What?
Francis: Next! Look, I'm in a rush. But here's the deal, I'll bring you back to life, and it'll be like nothing happened.
Daren: .. What's the other half of the deal?
Francis: (leans in) Don't tell my boss.

-scene twelve end-
Scene Thirteen
(at Daren's house)
Scene Fourteen
(party)
Scene Eighteen

(party, everyone frozen except for Boss Death and Francis)Boss Death: You sure about this?
Francis: Yeah.

(Boss Death and Francis go into their original places during the party)Daren: Thanks guys, that was a great birthday.
Sandra: It was all Sarah's idea.
Daren: Awee, thanks love. (hugs Sarah)
Sarah: Hey, I just wanted to celebrate your birthday.
Mr. Hillson: And your promotion!
Daren: What?!
Mr. Hillson: Yeah! I re-read your proposal, it works!
Daren: (speechless) Jordan: Someone get this guy some water!
Allan: Already ahead of you!
Francis: I've got a better idea. (Comes up to Daren and hugs him) GROUP HUG!

(all join in for group hug, then let go)Mr. Hillson: You deffinitely deserved this.
Daren: Wow, thank you, Mr. Hillson!
Mr. Hillson: No problem!
Allan: I'm so proud of you, slugger.
Daren: Thanks dad.
Sandra: Awee, sweetie! (tries to come in for a kiss)Daren: Moooooommmm!
Sandra: Awee.. :')
Francis: Hey, man, can I talk to you?
Daren: Yeah, about what?
Francis: (drags him away) You know Sarah and Jordan?
Daren: Yeah... Listen, I've known you since were little kids, and you're like a sister to me!
Francis: Yeah.. Like a sister..
Daren: (gives a weird look) Listen, I need your opinion here. I think I'm gonna propose to her.
Francis: Oh.. Yeah, man. You should totally do that.
Daren: Really? You think she'd say yes?
Francis: To a guy like you?
Daren: Thanks. (hugs Francis, Francis hugs back but wipes a tear too) )I've got the ring right here! (shows it then leaves towards group again)Francis: (stands there looking helpess)-scene eighteen end-

Scene Nineteen

Daren: You guys, I have an announcement to make. (beat) You guys aren't the only ones with a surprise today. (pulls out ring box)

(all but Francis gasp)Daren: (slowly walks over to Sarah) I've loved you my whole life, and I can't believe I didn't realize sooner that this was the right decisions to make. Will you marry me?
Sarah: (screams with glee) Yes!!
Daren: (looks at Sarah) .. I wasn't talking to you...
Sarah: Huh? (Looks beside her and sees Francis. Runs out crying)Daren: Francis? What do you say?
Francis: Me? The girls who's like your sister?
Daren: Who else?
Francis: Why now? Why me?
Daren: It's been for a while. (beat) So....?
Francis: ... No.
Daren: What? Why not?
Francis: I'm a complete mess.
Daren: So am I. (Smiles)Francis: (slowly starts to smile)Daren: What?
Francis: (hugs Daren) Took you long enough.

(All but Sarah cheer)Sarah: (leans in to Jordan)Jordan: (tilts up her chin and wipes a tear away) Don't ruin that pretty face.
Sarah: (smiles)
Allan: So.. Who wants more cake?
All: ME!

-play end-

Daren: Thanks guys, that was a great birthday.
Sandra: It was all Sarah's idea.
Daren: Awee, thanks love. (hugs Sarah)
Sarah: Hey, I just wanted to celebrate your birthday.
Mr. Hillson: And your promotion!
Daren: What?!
Mr. Hillson: Yeah! I re-read your proposal, it works!
Daren: (speechless) Jordan: Someone get this guy some water!
Allan: Already ahead of you!
Francis: I've got a better idea. (walks up to Daren and stabs him)Everyone: (Scream in surprise, "Oh my god!" "Ahh!" "Daren!" "Shit!" "Fuck!" "Francis!" etc.)Francis: (tries to lunge in for another stab, but Mr. Hillson holds her back)
(everyone pushes past Francis and Mr. Hillson and crowds around Daren)Boss Death: Good job!
Francis: So, do I get mu job back?
Boss Death: You killed him with your own two hands?
Francis: Yeah, you saw me!
Boss Death: Good, good. You're re-hired. Now I gotta go pretend like I care. (leaves Francis to stare after him as he leaves to join the crowd) Get him to the doctors!

(everyone but Francis picks up Daren and carries him out the door)Francis: What a wonderful actor you are, Boss. (tries to fling some hair away, sees hands, and the blood on her hands) Oh no.. What have I done..

-scene fourteen end-

Scene Fifteen

(At DETH INC.)Boss Death: Look, this ocation is very rare. The protocol of our company is that if you do more than half your life with bad actions, you go to hell. If it's the other way around, you go to heaven. It's just the way our company works. But since you didnt do more than half of either... You're stuck in the In-Between.
Daren: So.. I'm just stuck here. Waiting. Forever?
Boss Death: No.. You just become an employee. You work for me now.
Daren: Oh.. Okay...
Boss Death: Yeah, and your first day is today.
Daren: ... You havenèt even told me what to do.
Boss Death: Find Francis, she'll tell you what to do.

-end of scene fifteen-

Scene Sixteen:

Daren: Hi. Ahem. Uh. I was told to find you.
Francis: Oh. Why? It's not my job to pass you on..
Daren: No, I'm a worker here now. I haven't done enough good. Or bad.
Francis: Oh, uh... Okay. Just help me file these folders. I'll be right back. (leaves to go to Boss Death's office; knocks)Boss Death: Come in Ms. Vane!
Francis: Why is he here?
Boss Death: Why, does it bother you? (mock smile) Does it bother you to see the person you killed yourself still talking to you, and knowing that they know, that you, killed them?
Francis: .. No.
Boss Death: Then get back to work, Francis. And while you're at it, take this folder of people I.m laying off, and send them letters please.
Francis: Okay.. But how do you lay off people you don't even pay?
Boss Death: Make them go to hell. (gives a knowing smile)Francis: (looks at him confused, then goes back to Daren)
Daren: What's that?
Francis: A list of people getting layed off.
Daren: Hmm. Who's getting layed off?
Francis: Let's see.. Thresh, Abby, Elly... Daren...
Daren: .. What? I'm getting layed off?
Francis: (saves herself) Uh, what?! No! I was just.. Uhh.. Going to tell you, to.. Get me some coffee.
Daren: Coffee? Really?
Francis: Yeah. Go!
Daren: (sigh, leaves)
Francis: .. I killed Daren.. Now I'm going to be the cause for him going to hell.. I have to do something.. Wait, no I don't! .. Yes, I do.. I have to... I-I.. I love him.

-scene sixteen end-


Scene Seventeen

(at Boss Death's office)

Francis: I saw the list.
Boss Death: Of what?
Francis: Of the people you're going to send to hell!
Boss Death: Yes, I asked you to.
Francis: He doesn't deserve to go to hell.
Boss Death: Who?
Francis: You know who!
Boss Death: Noooo.... Tell me.
Francis: DAREN!
Boss Death: Yes, he does. He killed himself.
Francis: No, he didn't! I did! I DID. I should go to hell! NOT HIM!
Boss Death: Well, too late to fix it not, honey.
Francis: ... I don't want this job then.
Boss Death: Excuse me?
Francis: Turn back time!
Boss Death: Don't raise your voice at me!
Francis: DO IT NOW!
Boss Death: Fine, but it's your loss.
Francis: No, it's really my gain.

-scene seventeen end-

Daren: (just about to open the door)All: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Daren: (overwhelmed with joy)
Allan: C'mon son! Cake's over here!
All: (a bunch of mixed voices join in saying, "I want cake! I want cake!" and then crowd over to the other side of the room where the cake is)

(lights dim; everyone but Mr. Hillson/Boss Death and Francis have left for the cakeBoss Death: FRAAANCIS!
Francis: Uh, yes sir?
Boss Death: We need to talk.
Francis: What about sir?
Boss Death: "Do not tell my boss"?
Francis: Oh..
Boss Death: Did you think I wouldn't find out?
Francis: I-I
Boss Death: What is your name?
Francis: .. Francis?
Boss Death: No, not your name. Your title name.
Francis: Death...?
Boss Death: No, that is MY title!
Francis: Then what--
Boss Death: YOUR TITLE IS DEATH!
Francis: That's what I just--
Boss Death: Your job is to kepp the dead, DEAD. Not bring them back to life! You're not living up to your name, your FATHER'S name!
Francis: I'm sorry!
Boss Death: You're fired!
Francis: NO! Please, there HAS to be a way I can keep this job! I don't want to disappoint my father!
Boss Death: Oho, but you already have sweetie.
Francis: Please!
Boss Death: Well, there is one way..
Francis: What, what is it? I'll do anything!
Boss Death: Kill someone.
Francis: Okay.. Easy enough. I'll just kill that random dead guy that always hands around.
RDG: (offstage) Hey! Don't talk about me behind my back!
Boss Death: No. No. Kill someone. With your bare hands.

-Scene fourteen end-

Daren: It's funny, how you can wake up one morning, and you're the wrong side up. Your whole world's upside down, and you no longer know your sense of direction. No longer know the distinction of the day as it passes by. But who cares? When you're at that point, who needs to know when it's daytime. It's dark everywhere you go anyway, It's night time all day. (beat) From where I'm standing right now.. I can't see a thing. In the dark, I'm so lost. So useless. It'd be fine if it was night time for me.. But I can't even be the moon for someone else. How can I expect to be the sun for myself? But screw everyone else! They don't deserve me! (beat) No.. I don't deserve them. I want the easy way out. (takes a bottle of sleeping pills, and keeps pouring pills) This, is for my parents, having fights 24/7. This, is for my cheating girlfriend. This, is for myself. For disappointing myself and my boss. For not getting a promotion, and for most likely getting fired! (stops pouring) This, (holds up pills in palm) is for never waking up.

(dim lights)sarah: Okay, shh, Jordan! (giggles) I don't know if Daren's home!
Jordan: I'm being quiet!
sarah: Okay, ready?
Jordan: Ready!
Jordan, Francis, sandra, Parents, and Mr. Hillson: SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Mom: Oh my god! Daren?!
Dad: Slugger!?
Jordon: Daren!
sarah: (drops cake, runs to Daren crying) BABY!!
Mr. Hillson: No.. He didn't..
Jordan: CALL 991!

-end scene six-

Scene VII

(at DETH INC.)Daren: (falls through door out of nowhere) Woah! What? Where am I? What's going on?
RDG: Yo! Could you BE any louder? Chiiiiillllll out!
Daren: Who the hell are you? Where am I? (chest jerks up, as if being revived by electric pads) What the hell? Who are you? Are you Death?
RDG: No, that's that guy over there. I'm just another lost soul, waiting for whatever it is I'm waiting for, like you!
Francis: Next!
RDG: Well, that's my cue to leave. Good luck, kid. (pats Daren on the back and walks away)
Francis: C'mon, hustle, hustle!
RDG: (walks faster, exits)Daren: Wait.. Francis?
Francis: The one and only.
Daren: What's going on? What happened?
Francis: (looks at list) Tsktsk, Daren. You obviously remember what happened right?
Daren: No.. Not really.. When did you become death?
Francis: I am just ONE death. There's more idiot, Anyway, I want you to fill out this form, for procedure's sake.
Daren: (takes form and scribbles on it) Ok.. But where am I?
Francis: The In-Between.
Daren: The WHAT?
Francis: It's a waiting room.
Daren: .. Why am I in here?
Francis: You killed yourself remember?
Daren: Uhm.. That doesn't answer my question..
Francis: The In-Between is. A. Waiting, Room.
Daren: (exhasperated sigh) To.....?
Francis: Heaven--
Daren: Oh, thank God--
Francis: Or hell.
Daren: (sharp intake of breath,sigh) Well, I guess it can't be any worse than what I had up there.. Or down there.. Wherever I was when I was alive.
Francis: Down the street.
Daren: What?
Francis: Nothing. But you're kidding me right?
Daren: I wish.
Francis: In hell, they skin you. Alive.
Daren: At least they give you forewarning and won't lie about it.
Francis: I'm lost. Who lied?
Daren: My girlfriend cheated on me.
Francis: Uh.. What?
Daren: Yeah, and my parents are going to get a divorce. Even though I already saw that happening!
Francis: Uhu.. Next!
RDG: Finally! (stands up)
Francis: Not you.
RDG: (sits down slowly..)
Daren: Oh, yeah, and I was going to get fired from the best job in my life! Just because of ONE little mistake.
Francis: What makes you think this stuff? ... Is this why you killed yourself?
Daren: I have proof, and yeah, pretty much.
Francis: Put this on. (throws him sunglasses)Daren: What's this? Sunglasses? Inside?
Francis: Just put it on, and watch.
Daren: Watch what?
Francis: The glasses.
Daren: What? How do I--
Francis: JUST. WATCH.

-end scene seven-

Scene VIII

(In alternate world, while Daren is off to stage right watching)

Allan: Sandra I need money! I'm going to the bar!
Sandra: But we need that money for our food this week..
Allan: Eh! Just go sell yourself again!
Sandra: .. You know I don't like doing that Allan..
Allan: Well, how else are you going to feed me?
Sandra: (sigh) But..
Allan: Don't argue with me!
Sandra: But Allan..
Allan: (slaps Sandra)Daren: (gasps)
Allan: DON'T ARGUE WITH ME!
Sandra: (breaks down) I'm sorry!
Allan: You better be! Now I'm late for the bar!
Sandra: Why do you even go there?
Allan: Because that's where I see girls remember?
Sandra: Why go to them..When you've got me?
Allan: Because theyre younger! You're just.. Beat up and broken.
Sandra: Because you hit me! You did this to me!
Allan: Are you complaining?
Sandra: Yes! I'm tired! Of this! Of you!
Allan: Well, let's just see how fast you get tired of this. (Starts beating up Sandra)
(lights dim)
Daren: MOM!!!!

-scene Eight End-

Turn Right (part 2/2)

Scene Nine

(back at DETH INC.)
Daren: (sharp exhale) What the hell was that?
Francis: That's what your world's going to be like now. Now, that you killed yourself.
Daren: What? So, you're saying, I just made my mom's life miserable?
Francis: Not just her.
Daren: What?
Francis: (leans in to Daren's ear) Keep watching.

(lights dim on Francis and Daren, spotlight shines on middle stage)
Jordan: (sitting on couch watching TV)
Sarah: (walks by wearing provacative clothing)Jordan: Babe? Where are you going?
Sarah: Uhh.. Girl's night out.
Jordan: Wearing that?
Sarah: .. Yes.
Jordan: What is this? Girl's night out as prostitutes?
Sarah: No!
Jordan: Tell me the truth. It's been "girl's night out" for the past couple weeks now. Where are you really going?
Sarah: To the movies.
Jordan: You answered that too quickly.
Sarah: What are you saying?
Jordan: It's like it was rehearsed.
Sarah: What are you implying?
Jordan: You're lying.
Sarah: Don't call me a liar!
Jordan: I KNOW you're lying!
Sarah: You have no proof--
Jordan: I FOLLOWED YOU THE BAR.
Sarah: What?
Jordan: Who did you see there?
Sarah: No one! I was taking a shortcut!
Jordan: Apfft! Through the bar? Yeah right! Who did you see there?
Sarah: No one!
Jordan: Tell me!
Sarah: I told you! NO ONE!
Jordan: TELL ME GOD DAMMIT!!
Sarah: Mr. Allan Walker!!
Jordan: Daren's DAD?!
Sarah: Yes, okay?! YES!!
Jordan: (slaps her, she falls over, lights go off)
-end of scene nine-
Scene Ten

(back at DETH INC.)
Daren: (taking off glasses) S-Sarah?
Francis: Yeah, your poor little girlfriend.
Daren: W-with.. My DAD?
Francis: Oh, yeah. Quite a charmer huh?
Daren: THAT WHORE!
Francis: Hey now, now. Language!
Daren: That's what she goes and does when I die? Wow.
Francis: Think it's bad?
Daren: It's horrible!
Francis: (walks around behind him, put glasses back on for him, whispers) It gets worse.

(lights dim)

Mr. Hillson: Took you long enough!
Sarah: We're sorry!
Allan: We ran into some trouble.
Mr. Hillson: So did you do it?
Sarah: Yeah, it just got a little messy though.
Allan: .. Some guys got in the way.
Mr. Hillson: At least you got the job done. I've got another job for you.
Allan: Okay, what's next?
Mr. Hillson: This one's for Sarah.
Sarah: .. Okay.
Mr. Hillson: Kill Jordan.
(lights go off)
-end scene ten-

Scene Eleven
(back at DETH INC.)Daren: What the hell was that? Sarah's going to Kill Jordan? What?
Francis: What, you're the only one who can kill people?
Daren: Shut up.
Francis: Sarah, your girl friend, cheats behind your back, goes out with your best friend, cheats behind HIS back with YOUR DAD, then KILLS YOUR best friend, Jordan. What a plot line.
Daren: You're amused by this?
Francis: Why the fuck not? I'm death. The more miserable, the better.
Daren: So I'm just entertainment for you?
Francis: No, you're just a job.
Daren: Okay, if I'm just a job for you, what exactly is your job?
Francis: Well, by now, you're supposed to be sent either up or down.
Daren: So what's keeping me?
Francis: A spirit can't leave if it's still confused,
Daren: Damn yeah, I'm confused?
Francis: Awee, poor boy. Would you like me to explain?
Daren: Yes. Please!
Francis: Okay. So, when you died, you left mom and dad, and they becamse miserable. Poor old pop slipped into a state of depression, and stopped working. Old bat had to sustain both her and your dad. One day, there wasn't enough money. Daddy suddenly turned abussive. On your mommy's face and gut. The next morning, your dad saw what he'd done to your momma's face. He felt horrible. So he went out looking for a job. Daddy founds a job with Mr. Hillson. Now, Mr. Hillson, had been going broke. He need money for his company. So he got another job. An illegal job. Mr. Hillson is now an assasin. He hired Daddy. Sarah, on the other hand, now in love with Jordan, was going downhill fast. They'd moved in together, but soon Jordan got layed off. Mr. Hillson had to, to save his precious money. Sarah had to find a higher paying job fast. She heard about your dad's new job, and soon, was hired to. So, now, everyone close to you is as miserable as can be, and well, your dad and girlfriend are serial killers.
Daren: You say that so casually.
Francis: Is there another way you prefer that I say it?
Daren: You just seem so okay with all this.
Francis: You shouldn't be worrying about my reaction. I'm a little worried about your reaction.
Daren: What do you mean?
Francis: You seem more worried about where you're going to end rather than the struggles your family and friends are facing now.
Daren: Are you kidding me? I'm dying inside!
Francis: Ha. That's funny.
Daren: I'm serious. All of that is my fault.
Francis: Yup!
Daren: But it doesn't matter.
Francis: You just don't care do you? It may have fixed YOUR problems, but it made theirs bigger. (beat) ... You had so many good things going for you.
Daren: Ha! My life was crap! My girlfriend and best friend fucking lied to me! My parents were no longer happy with each other, and was going to lose my dream job. NOTHING was going right! No one cared about me anymore!
Francis: We were planning you a surprise birthday party. Not cheating or snearking around your back!
Daren: (beat) ... Birthday? (beat) I forgot about my birthday!
Francis: You've been so busy trying to figure out things that weren't even there that you missed it. You were the one who didn't care.
Daren: I made a mistake!
Francis: Well, too late now boyo!
Daren: BUT I DIDN'T KNOW!
Francis: (taken aback) Woah. Uh.. Well, look.. I'll give you one last chance.. To either make peace, or have it made for you.
Daren: (lifts up head) What?
Francis: Next! Look, I'm in a rush. But here's the deal, I'll bring you back to life, and it'll be like nothing happened.
Daren: .. What's the other half of the deal?
Francis: (leans in) Don't tell my boss.

-scene twelve end-
Scene Thirteen
(at Daren's house)
Scene Fourteen
(party)
Scene Eighteen

(party, everyone frozen except for Boss Death and Francis)
Boss Death: You sure about this?
Francis: Yeah.

(Boss Death and Francis go into their original places during the party)
Daren: Thanks guys, that was a great birthday.
Sandra: It was all Sarah's idea.
Daren: Awee, thanks love. (hugs Sarah)
Sarah: Hey, I just wanted to celebrate your birthday.
Mr. Hillson: And your promotion!
Daren: What?!
Mr. Hillson: Yeah! I re-read your proposal, it works!
Daren: (speechless) Jordan: Someone get this guy some water!
Allan: Already ahead of you!
Francis: I've got a better idea. (Comes up to Daren and hugs him) GROUP HUG!

(all join in for group hug, then let go)
Mr. Hillson: You deffinitely deserved this.
Daren: Wow, thank you, Mr. Hillson!
Mr. Hillson: No problem!
Allan: I'm so proud of you, slugger.
Daren: Thanks dad.
Sandra: Awee, sweetie! (tries to come in for a kiss)Daren: Moooooommmm!
Sandra: Awee.. :')
Francis: Hey, man, can I talk to you?
Daren: Yeah, about what?
Francis: (drags him away) You know Sarah and Jordan?
Daren: Yeah... Listen, I've known you since were little kids, and you're like a sister to me!
Francis: Yeah.. Like a sister..
Daren: (gives a weird look) Listen, I need your opinion here. I think I'm gonna propose to her.
Francis: Oh.. Yeah, man. You should totally do that.
Daren: Really? You think she'd say yes?
Francis: To a guy like you?
Daren: Thanks. (hugs Francis, Francis hugs back but wipes a tear too) )I've got the ring right here! (shows it then leaves towards group again)Francis: (stands there looking helpess)
-scene eighteen end-

Scene Nineteen

Daren: You guys, I have an announcement to make. (beat) You guys aren't the only ones with a surprise today. (pulls out ring box)

(all but Francis gasp)
Daren: (slowly walks over to Sarah) I've loved you my whole life, and I can't believe I didn't realize sooner that this was the right decisions to make. Will you marry me?
Sarah: (screams with glee) Yes!!
Daren: (looks at Sarah) .. I wasn't talking to you...
Sarah: Huh? (Looks beside her and sees Francis. Runs out crying)Daren: Francis? What do you say?
Francis: Me? The girls who's like your sister?
Daren: Who else?
Francis: Why now? Why me?
Daren: It's been for a while. (beat) So....?
Francis: ... No.
Daren: What? Why not?
Francis: I'm a complete mess.
Daren: So am I. (Smiles)Francis: (slowly starts to smile)Daren: What?
Francis: (hugs Daren) Took you long enough.

(All but Sarah cheer)
Sarah: (leans in to Jordan)Jordan: (tilts up her chin and wipes a tear away) Don't ruin that pretty face.
Sarah: (smiles)
Allan: So.. Who wants more cake?
All: ME!

-play end-

Daren: Thanks guys, that was a great birthday.
Sandra: It was all Sarah's idea.
Daren: Awee, thanks love. (hugs Sarah)
Sarah: Hey, I just wanted to celebrate your birthday.
Mr. Hillson: And your promotion!
Daren: What?!
Mr. Hillson: Yeah! I re-read your proposal, it works!
Daren: (speechless) Jordan: Someone get this guy some water!
Allan: Already ahead of you!
Francis: I've got a better idea. (walks up to Daren and stabs him)Everyone: (Scream in surprise, "Oh my god!" "Ahh!" "Daren!" "Shit!" "Fuck!" "Francis!" etc.)Francis: (tries to lunge in for another stab, but Mr. Hillson holds her back)
(everyone pushes past Francis and Mr. Hillson and crowds around Daren)
Boss Death: Good job!
Francis: So, do I get mu job back?
Boss Death: You killed him with your own two hands?
Francis: Yeah, you saw me!
Boss Death: Good, good. You're re-hired. Now I gotta go pretend like I care. (leaves Francis to stare after him as he leaves to join the crowd) Get him to the doctors!

(everyone but Francis picks up Daren and carries him out the door)
Francis: What a wonderful actor you are, Boss. (tries to fling some hair away, sees hands, and the blood on her hands) Oh no.. What have I done..

-scene fourteen end-

Scene Fifteen

(At DETH INC.)
Boss Death: Look, this ocation is very rare. The protocol of our company is that if you do more than half your life with bad actions, you go to hell. If it's the other way around, you go to heaven. It's just the way our company works. But since you didnt do more than half of either... You're stuck in the In-Between.
Daren: So.. I'm just stuck here. Waiting. Forever?
Boss Death: No.. You just become an employee. You work for me now.
Daren: Oh.. Okay...
Boss Death: Yeah, and your first day is today.
Daren: ... You havenèt even told me what to do.
Boss Death: Find Francis, she'll tell you what to do.

-end of scene fifteen-

Scene Sixteen:

Daren: Hi. Ahem. Uh. I was told to find you.
Francis: Oh. Why? It's not my job to pass you on..
Daren: No, I'm a worker here now. I haven't done enough good. Or bad.
Francis: Oh, uh... Okay. Just help me file these folders. I'll be right back. (leaves to go to Boss Death's office; knocks)Boss Death: Come in Ms. Vane!
Francis: Why is he here?
Boss Death: Why, does it bother you? (mock smile) Does it bother you to see the person you killed yourself still talking to you, and knowing that they know, that you, killed them?
Francis: .. No.
Boss Death: Then get back to work, Francis. And while you're at it, take this folder of people I.m laying off, and send them letters please.
Francis: Okay.. But how do you lay off people you don't even pay?
Boss Death: Make them go to hell. (gives a knowing smile)Francis: (looks at him confused, then goes back to Daren)
Daren: What's that?
Francis: A list of people getting layed off.
Daren: Hmm. Who's getting layed off?
Francis: Let's see.. Thresh, Abby, Elly... Daren...
Daren: .. What? I'm getting layed off?
Francis: (saves herself) Uh, what?! No! I was just.. Uhh.. Going to tell you, to.. Get me some coffee.
Daren: Coffee? Really?
Francis: Yeah. Go!
Daren: (sigh, leaves)
Francis: .. I killed Daren.. Now I'm going to be the cause for him going to hell.. I have to do something.. Wait, no I don't! .. Yes, I do.. I have to... I-I.. I love him.

-scene sixteen end-


Scene Seventeen

(at Boss Death's office)

Francis: I saw the list.
Boss Death: Of what?
Francis: Of the people you're going to send to hell!
Boss Death: Yes, I asked you to.
Francis: He doesn't deserve to go to hell.
Boss Death: Who?
Francis: You know who!
Boss Death: Noooo.... Tell me.
Francis: DAREN!
Boss Death: Yes, he does. He killed himself.
Francis: No, he didn't! I did! I DID. I should go to hell! NOT HIM!
Boss Death: Well, too late to fix it not, honey.
Francis: ... I don't want this job then.
Boss Death: Excuse me?
Francis: Turn back time!
Boss Death: Don't raise your voice at me!
Francis: DO IT NOW!
Boss Death: Fine, but it's your loss.
Francis: No, it's really my gain.

-scene seventeen end-

Daren: (just about to open the door)All: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Daren: (overwhelmed with joy)
Allan: C'mon son! Cake's over here!
All: (a bunch of mixed voices join in saying, "I want cake! I want cake!" and then crowd over to the other side of the room where the cake is)

(lights dim; everyone but Mr. Hillson/Boss Death and Francis have left for the cake
Boss Death: FRAAANCIS!
Francis: Uh, yes sir?
Boss Death: We need to talk.
Francis: What about sir?
Boss Death: "Do not tell my boss"?
Francis: Oh..
Boss Death: Did you think I wouldn't find out?
Francis: I-I
Boss Death: What is your name?
Francis: .. Francis?
Boss Death: No, not your name. Your title name.
Francis: Death...?
Boss Death: No, that is MY title!
Francis: Then what--
Boss Death: YOUR TITLE IS DEATH!
Francis: That's what I just--
Boss Death: Your job is to kepp the dead, DEAD. Not bring them back to life! You're not living up to your name, your FATHER'S name!
Francis: I'm sorry!
Boss Death: You're fired!
Francis: NO! Please, there HAS to be a way I can keep this job! I don't want to disappoint my father!
Boss Death: Oho, but you already have sweetie.
Francis: Please!
Boss Death: Well, there is one way..
Francis: What, what is it? I'll do anything!
Boss Death: Kill someone.
Francis: Okay.. Easy enough. I'll just kill that random dead guy that always hands around.
RDG: (offstage) Hey! Don't talk about me behind my back!
Boss Death: No. No. Kill someone. With your bare hands.

-Scene fourteen end-

Valentine's Day Script

Grandpa: John Alexander Lanter
Grandma: Rose "Rosie" Lanter
Dad: Bob Lanter
Mom: Jen Lanter
Kids: Nathan & Riley Lanter

Riley's Friends : (First name depends on gender of actor playing character)
Alex/Alexander Goode
Sheniqua/Tyrone Reid
Football Player Crush: Erik Night
Childhood friend: Ivan Salvatore

_______________________________________________________________

SCENE ONE:

- at breakfast -

Jen: BREAKFAST !
John: Oh, goodness ! Just in time before my stomach started growling . What's for
breakfast ?
Jen: G'morning pops ! Bacon & egss ! Hey, the kids coming ?
John: Yeah, They're --
Nathan: -interjects- MORNING MOMMAAYYY ! (: -hug tackles her-
John: -- here..
Jen: Morning kiddo *kisses Nathan on the cheek*
Bob: Morning hon ! *kisses Jen on the cheek*
Jen: Hey, sweetie. C'mon have a seat. I made your favourite. Bacon (;
Bob: Yum.
Riley: -monotone- Morning.
Jen: Hey, love.
Riley: Mhmm. -starts reading a book-
Jen: Riley, please put the book away and eat your breakfast.
Riley: -rolls her eyes- Whatever .
Jen: -sigh- Here, eat. -Slides the plate of food in front of her -
Riley: -peers over her book, and looks at the food, scoffs- Seriously, Mom ? Bacon ?
Jen: What ? What's wrong with bacon ? You love bacon !
Riley: I'm a vegetarian, mother.
Jen: What ? Since when ?
Riley: -scoffs- Unbelievable.
Jen: -confused look-
Riley: Since FIVE years ago mom .
Jen: Huh ? -chuckles softly- I don't think so, hun ..
Riley: YES, MOM ! YOU NEVER NOTICE ANYTHING AROUND HERE. ALL YOU
CARE ABOUT YOUR USELESS JOB !
Jen: Don't use that tone of voice with me.
Riley: I'LL DO WHAT I WANT !
Jen: NO YOU WILL NOT.
Riley: YES, I WILL. AND LIKE USUAL, YOU WONT CARE.
Jen: RILEY, I CARE !
Riley: PROVE IT ! Come home early today. I want YOU to cook dinner. I dont want
another pizza delivery .
Jen: -facial expression softens- Riley .. Honey, you know I cant..
Riley: What'd I tell you ? Like, I said. You don't care.
Non: Honey, calm down. -tries to put a calming hand on her shoulder-
Riley: -shrugs it off- NO ! -walks out-
Jen: What has happened to our child ..
Bob: -looks at her and scowls - YOU tell ME . -leaves-
Jen: Bob ! -sigh, runs her hand through her hair- Pop, I'm gonna be late to work.
Can you take care of this ?
John: Don't I always ? -reassuring smile-
Jen: Thanks, pop. -leaves-

-scene end-

SCENE TWO:

- at school -

Tyron: YO GURL. What's with the long face ?
Riley: The usual .
Tyrone: Your mom ?
Riley: Yenno it.
Tyrone: Well, then I got something to cheer you up.
Riley: Pfft, aha, whatcha talking 'bout ?
Tyrone: Erik at 12 o'clock, Coming this way fast.
Riley: Oh my God, HIDE ME.
Tyrone Naw, girl. Strut your stuff up there !
Riley: Uhh ... w-what do I say ?
Tyrone: -sarcastic- I don't know.. Gee, how about.. "HELLO" ?
Riley: Right..
Tyrone: GO ! -pushes her towar Erik-
Riley: -squeaks:OMG, bumps into Erik, stammers- H-h-hello. -clears throat, deep voice-
Sup, dawg. -looks down in embarrasment-
Erik: Hey, Sam !
Riley: uh, it's, Riley.
Erik: Yeah, yeah, that's what I said.
Riley: Hm. Uh, how was the football game ?
Erik: Which one ?
Riley: ... the one last night.. ?
Erik: ... there wasn't a game last night.. Did you mean, the one for tonight ?
Riley: Oh.. Yeah..
Erik: -chuckles- you're cute. -ruffles Riley's hair- Listen, I gotta dash. Catch ya later !
-winks at Riley-
Riley: -left wide-eyed, and dumbfounded-
Tyrone: -hip bumps Riley-
Riley: -almost stumbles over-
Tyrone: Riley, snap out of it.
Riley:Huh ? Oh, oh.. kay.
Tyrone: Told ya you'd be happy .
Riley: -grins, sighs-
Tyrone: You're a little bit .. high right now. You know what, see you in English !
Riley: -out of it- Yeah, yeah ..

-scene end-

SCENE THREE:

- at home-

John: -wandering around the house, searching for something-
Nathan: Grandpa, whatcha looking for ?
John: Nathan, have you seen a necklace lying around?
Nathan: Did it have a red 'R' in the middle ?
John: YES ! That's the one !
Nathan: I saw mommy put it on the counter .
John: -sigh of relief- Thank God.
Nathan: Why were you looking for it, pop ?
John: -smiles- Come and sit on on old pop's lap.
Nathan: Okay !
John: You see, -ruffles Nathan's hair- there's a story behind that necklace.
Nathan: I like stories ! Will you tell me the story pop ?
John: - a little sad glint in his eye- Okay, sit tight. Get comfortable .
Nathan: -bounces up and down on John's lap- I'm comfortable !
John: Alright. There was one a young boy. Handsome, and naive. He had no care
in the world. He'd go to school, just come sprinting home, to climb his backyard tree.
He'd climb that tree, everyday. And, everyday, he'd climb higher than before. One day,
he got up so high, he could see his whoooole neighborhood. He was bewildered.
Nathan :Bewildered ? -confused look-
John: He was distracted by the beauty .
Nathan: Beauty ? The beauty of what pop ?
John: .. The beauty of a girl .
Nathan: EWEE .. girls have cooties !
John: -chuckles- Oh, no they don't, kiddo.
Nathan: Grandpa, I know what I'm talking about .
John: Alright then. Would you like to hear the rest of the story ?
Nathan: Yes, please .
John: Remember the necklace I asked you about ?
Nathan: Mhmm.
John:Well, I used to work back then. As a paper boy . I'd saved up my money. I was
gonna buy myself a new bike .
Nathan: What's the connection to the necklace ?
John: My boy, you see, I never bought the bike .
Nathan: Pop, I still don't get it.
John: I used the money to buy the necklace .
Nathan: WHAT !? YOU TRADED A BIKE FOR A NECKLACE !?
John: -laughs- Yes, I did .
Nathan: What was the point of that ?
John: Remember the beautiful girl ?
Nathan: ... yeah ..
John: I gave her that necklace
Nathan: Why, grandpa ?
John: Because, I loved her. -smiles-
Nathan: Love ? Like how I love Mommy, Daddy, Riley, and you ?
John: No, not exactly. There's a different kind of love .
Nathan: I thought it was all the same ..
John: No. Different ones give you different feelings, get you to different places.
Nathan: You mean, like .. flying ?
John: Yes, exactly like that !
 Nathan: .. I've always wanted to fly. Can it make me become like superman ?
John: Love can take you anywhere.
Nathan: .. can love save people ? Could love have saved Grandma ?
John: .... No, I don't think so.
Nathan: Then I think the love that you're talking about it pointless .
John: I'm gonna tell you a secret . Do you think you can keep it ?
Nathan: Yes
John: Remember the beautiful girl ?
Nathan: Yes
John: It was your grandma
Nathan: -gasp- ....... Grandpa ?
John: Yeah, kiddo ?
Nathan: Why did you love grandma ?
John: Because whenever she blushed, she turned to the color of a rose. Whenever she
smiled, everything else went out of focus. Whenever she said, I love you, she took my
breath away, and I could never say it back .
Nathan: How come you have the necklace now ?
John: Grandma can't take it with her ,
Nathan: Why ? Where is grandma now ?
John: Remember how I told you that love makes you fly ?
Nathan: mhmm.
John: Well, Grandma is in the clouds now. She's flying .

-scene end-

SCENE FOUR:

-back home-

Riley: -enter through door, and goes straight upstairs-
Jen: Hey Swe-- -sigh- Guess she's still got a little heat ..
John: She'll get over it soon, dont worry .
Nathan: Mommy, you want me to talk to her ?
Jen: No, sweetie it's okay .
Nathan: Okay .
Bob: You know, you really should be home more often . i miss seeing your face
around here . I miss your cooking. Now it always smells.. fresh in the house.
Jen: What are you trying to say ?
Bob: I prefer burnt meatloaf, then an empty house .
Jen: Awe, well I'll try honey .
Bob: -sigh- You always say that .
Jen: This time, I promise
Bob: I'm gonna hold you to that .
-doorbell rings-
Jen: -confused look- You guys expecting anyone ?
Bob & John: Nope
Jen: Hmm, maybe it's for Riley . -goes to open door-
Ivan: HI !!!!
Jen: OH MY GOSH, Bob, look who's here !
Bob: Ivan ! How long has it been ?
Ivan: Too long (:
Jen: Come in, come in .
Ivan: Thank you .
Nathan: Mommy, who's -- IVAN ! -tackles Ivan-
Ivan: Aha, hey Nathan !
Nathan: I'm gonna get Riley ! -runs off-
John: What made you guys come visit ?
Ivan: Oh, we're not visiting .
John: huh ? What do you mean ?
Ivan: -grins- We moved back (:
Jen: FOR GOOD ?
Ivan: Permenantly !
Bob: Oh, Riley's gonna be so happy !
Jen: Yeah, she's a little heated up right now. We got into an argument this morning..
Ivan: An argument? You and Riley? Not possible. You guys are practically best friends
Bob: alot of thing have changed since you left Ivan .
Ivan: I don't think so..
John: You'll figure it out soon. Riley's not the same anymore .
Jen: I'll get you a drink
Bob: Oh, I'll help
John: I'll get you some food
-John, Jen, & Bob leave the room-
Nathan: -comes down, dragging Riley along-
Riley: -groaning- what now ?!
Nathan: COME COME !
Riley: I'm coming ! -gasps- Ivan ?
Ivan: The one and only !
Riley: -screams, and hugs him-
Ivan: Guessing you missed me ?
Riley: WELL, you were gone long enough ! 3 years !
Ivan: I guess .
Riley: Are you staying for good ? Or are you gonna leave me again ):
Ivan: I'm staying. For good .
Riley: YESS .
Ivan: Hey, it's almost 5 ! I'll walk you .
Riley: Walk me ? Where we going ?
Ivan: .. It's almost five.. It's thursday.. don't you have dance lessons today ?
Riley: Oh.. Uhm, Ivan.. I quit dance .
Ivan: What ? You dont wanna be a dancer anymore ?
Riley: No, it's not that.. I just need to take care of Nathan.. now that Mom isn't around
that much anymore .
Ivan: Jen ? She's always around .
Riley: No. Not anymore. Alot of things have changed.
Ivan: So I've been told..
Riley: We got alot of catching up to do..
Riley: Tell me about it .

-scene end-


SCENE FIVE:

-at school-

Alex: DANG, who the boy be ?
Riley: My best friend. And NO, you may not hit on him ,
Alex: Why you gotta be like that .
Riley: I know how your mind works ..
Alex: Shh. Aha, Hi, I'm Alex Goode
Ivan: I'm Ivan
Alex: You new here ?
Ivan: Yeah, just moved back yesterday.?
Alex: Moved back.. ?
Ivan: Yes, brace face .
Alex: bra- brace face ? how do you know that ..
Ivan: Think hard.
Alex: Ivan.. IVAN SALVATORE !?
Ivan: You got it !
Alex: WOW, you've .. grown.
Ivan: Aha, and you've stayed the same
Alex: There must be something in the water that you're drinking .
Ivan: Aha, have I really changed that much ?
Alex: Hmm, let's go back to the old Ivan. Frizzy puffy hair, acne, a little cute baby fat,
short, no muscle, glasses, and retainer . Now to the new Ivan. -gestures to Ivan- I
must say, either you're in love, or... back to the water theory. 'Cause right now, DANG,
you're looking HO-
Riley: -clears throat-
Alex: I mean, not bad, Salvatore.
Ivan: thanks, lex .
Alex: I'm gonna catch up with you guys after school at the ice cream shop, I gotta go
meet up with Tyrone ..
Riley: Alright, cya !
Alex: Oh, and Riley ?
Riley: Yeaah ?
Alex: Erik at 6 o'clock -leaves-
Riley: Ivan, hide me now.
Ivan: Gladly.
Riley: What ?
Ivan: uhm, I said, why don't you go talk to him ?
Riley: 'Caues I'll freeze like usual .
Ivan: Then, c'mon, I'll take you away from here .
Erik: Hey Riley !
Riley: Hi Erik .
Erik: Hey, what're you getting in English ?
Ivan: She's in honors .
Erik: Oh, well, listen, Riley. Remember the football game last night ?
Riley: Yeah..
Erik: Well, you know coach makes us practice right after, right until the game, right ?
Riley: Yeah... ?
Erik: Well, you see, uhm, I didn't have to time to my english . Would you mind if I
copied off you ?
Riley: -face brightens up- Yeah ! No problem !
Erik: Great ! Thanks ! And you know, I heard you're pretty smart, I was wondering if
maybe you could.. tutor me ?
Riley: -surprised- Uhh, yeah ! Sure !
Erik: Great ! Uhm, are you free after school ?
Ivan: Riley, we have to go the ice crea-
Riley: -interjects- Yeah , see you after school .
Erik: Okay, ill see you around, Riley . -leaves-
Ivan: What the heck was that ?
Riley: What ?
Ivan: We were supposed to meet up with Alex and Tyrone at the ice cream shop after
school !
Riley: OH, I totally forgot ! .. you can do without me, right ?
Ivan: Yeah, whatever. -leaves-
Riley: Oh, great .

-scene end-

SCENE SIX:

-after school-

Riley: -waiting at a table for Erik to arrive-
Erik: -walks in-
Riley: -quickly fixes her hair- Hey, Erik !
Erik: -rushed, drops all his teaxtbooks, and homework on the table-
Hey, Uhm, listen, we got football practice. Can you do this by yourself ?
Riley: Uhm-
Erik: Great ! Thanks so much, Riley ! -hugs her-
Riley: -taken by surprise, her hands go up to hug him back, but he pulls away to soon-
Erik: I'll see you around !
Riley: Yeah, see you around (:

-scene end-

SCENE SEVEN:

- at the cemetary-

John: Hey, Rosie. It's been a while . Five years really . Guess what I found out today ?
I found my old journal. I want to read something to you . -opens the journal-
" I remember climbing that tree that day. I went all the way to the top . To the very tip of
that tree. I remember just sitting on that branch, 20 meters from the ground looking out
 over the whole neighborhood and thinking that nothing could as beautiful as the view
that I was seeing. And then, you came along. You, beautiful, brown-haired, white dress,
pony tail hopping all over the place as you skipped down the street . I wondered how
someone as beautiful as you could've gone so long living in my neighborhood, and I
never even noticed you . 20 meters off the ground, and I wasn't even thinking of how
I was gonna get down. All I was worrying about, was how I would come up to you and
introduce myself without looking like a complete idiot . "
Rose, you have no idea how much I miss you .
Rose: I miss you too, John . John, please read my letter.
John: Rose, I love you so much. You remember how you always used to scold me
for always having my face stuck in this journal ?
Rose: Well, sorry, I didn't want my husband becoming a bookface..
John: I always had this journal and a pen, 'cause every single second, I'd discover
something about you that I never knew before . Like, whenever you smile, the tiniest
hint of laugh lines formed near your eyes. How whenever you blushed, it wasn't just
your cheeks that turned red. Whenever you cried, it hurt me to see you  like that . It was
 equivalent of 10 children . I remember drawing sketches of you . Only to burn it up,
cause it looked no where near as perfect as you really were ... I found your letter today
stuck in my journal. that was very smart, Rosie. -chuckles- I didn't wanna read it.
Till I was in front of you . -opens the letter, start reading it-

-Rose reciting, John lip synching -

"Dear John,

By the time you read this, I'll no longer be able to hug you or kiss you . I know I
won't last long anymore. But please, promise me, when I leave, that you won't change.
Stay happy. But I won't really be gone, as long as you think of me, as long as you keep
my memory alive, I'll never truly leave you . I'll see you someday again. I promise.Keep
that gorgeuous smile going. I bet you, I'll be able to see your smile from up here .

I love you,
       Rose . "

John: -strarts crying- Rose ? You knew ? Why didn't you tell me you knew you were
gonna die ? I could've prepared myself .
Rose: -tries to reach out and touch John, but she cant, starts crying-
John: ROSE ! Don't you know how much I yearn for your kisses, and your hugs ?
That beautiful smile, that striking soft brunette hair. Rose, have you no idea how much
I missed you ? .. But, I'll see you someday again right ? Like you promised ?
Rose: Like I promised .
John: Do you remember what today is Rose ?
Rose: -whispers- Happy Anniversarry .
John: It's our anniversarry today Rose. Or did you forget again, as you always did,
just to give me a last minute gift ?
Rose: I never forgot John. I only said I forgot, because I kept switching the gifts
I'd give you. It seems none of them were good enough.
John: I never did understand why you did that every year .
Rose: You'll find out soon, Johnny .
John: -pulls a red rose out of his pocket- I love you, Rose.
Rose: I have to go now, John . I can't stay anymore. John, I'll see you soon.
I love you .
John: -crying- Rose, Rose, Rose...
Rose: -kisses his cheek, not really touching him- Bye, John.


-scene end-

SCENE EIGHT:

-at school-

Tyrone: YO GURL. How'd the "study date" go ? Ended so soon huh .
Riley: It never happened. He had to left as soon as he came . He said they had
football practice ?
Tyrone: Whhhaaaaat ?
Riley: He said. they. had. football. practice.
Alex: Are you sure ?
Riley: Yeah, guys I'm sure.
Tyrone & Alex: -low whistle, leaves-
Riley: What's with them ?
Ivan: Riley, are you sure he said he had football practice ?
Riley: Yes, for the last time, I'm sure.
Ivan: He lied to you .
Riley: Excuse me ?
Ivan: Riley, he's just using you. Stay away from him .
Riley: Who are you to tell me what to do ?
Ivan: Your best friend, the one you run to when need advice. The one you listen to .
Or has that changed too ?
Riley: Shut up .
ivan: No, Riley, listen to me.
Riley: No, I'm tired of listening to people ! I'm tired of always being the one who never
gets heard. For once, I'm gonna do what I wanna do .
Ivan: Ri-
Riley: NO. Don't even try to change my mind. I'm meeting up with him again tomorrow
morning, you can't change that .
Ivan: What if I told you I like you ? What if I said that I like you since I met you . I'd
never use you like he is Riley. You know that .
Riley: You're such a good liar . But I dont wanna hear it anymore . -leaves-
Ivan: -sigh, facepalm-

-scene end-

SCENE NINE:

-before school-

Erik: I don't know how to tell you this ..
Riley: -head down, writing- Hmm ?
Erik: I really like you, Riley ..
Riley: -head shoots up, wide-eyed- Excuse me what ? Can you repeat that ?
Erik: I said.. I like you. Alot .
Riley: -stunned-
Erik: Riley ? -snaps finger in front of her-
Riley: Oh. Uhm.
Erik: I'm probably taking a huge leap here.. But.. Will you be my girl ?
Riley: -grins- Y-y-yes !
Erik: YES! .. uhm, we should go to school now.. You do know the decision you've
made  means I'll be with you everyday now.
Riley: Good (:

-scene end-

SCENE TEN:

-at school-

Riley: -walking around beside Erik, carrying all his books and homework-
Ivan: Riley ? What- -looks at Erik- What are you doing to her ?
Erik: Woah, man. Back up. Chill. She offered to carry my stuff. right, Riley ? -elbows
Riley, books almost topped over, Ivan catches them-
Ivan: Is this how you treat your girlfriends ?
Erik: -glares- What's your beef ?
Ivan: My problem is that you're not treating my best friend right .
Erik: -scoffs- Look, it's obvious. You have a thing for my girl. But stay away from us.
She doesn't need a best friend anymore, when she has boyfriend. C'mon Riley .
-shoves past Ivan-
Riley: -looks at Ivan for awhile-
Erik: RILEY !
Ivan: Riley ..
Riley: I'm sorry. -leaves-

-scene end-

SCENE ELEVEN:

-after school-

Erik: Listen, I can't stay today . Family thing .
Riley: Again ?
Erik: Yeah.. Really sorry. -kisses her on the cheek, leaves-
Riley: -sigh, gathers up all her stuff- No point in staying here. Great, back to the old
dungeon home..

-walking home-

Riley: -spots Erik with another girl holding hands, struts up to him- Family thing, huh ?
Erik: Ri- uhh. This is my cousin. She just arrived from Chicago ..
Riley: -scoffs- Well, you're the first I know that holds hands with their cousin.Erik, you're
not a very good liar.
Erik: Babe, I'm not lying .
Riley: Don't even. -shoves Erik's books back on Erik- You can fail highschool on your
own. It's over .-leaves-

-scene end-

SCENE TWELVE:

-at home-

Riley: -runs straight into her room, crying, -
Jen: -knocks- Honey ? What's wrong ? Are you okay ?
Riley: I'm fine ! Go away, mom .
Jen: -opens the door- Honey, I know you're not okay. -sits on the bed-
Please, tell me what's wrong . . is it a boy ?
Riley: -cries louder-
Jen: Awe, honey .
Riley: Mom, it hurts .
Jen: -pulls her up and hugs her- I know honey . Cry it out. Just cry it out .
Riley: No.. -sniffles- I'm done crying. I'm being strong now.
Jen: You were never weak sweetie ,
Riley: Yes, I was mom . I distanced myself from you . I distanced myself from everyone
cause I didn't want you guys thinking that I couldnt do anything by myself . I quit dance
because Grandma wasn't there anymore to encourage me.
Jen: You were never weak Riley. I'd watch you fall down every time you dance,
and you'd get back up faster than I could blink . I was the weak one. I busied myself
with work so I'd never have to see your hurting face .
Riley: Mom, I'm so sorry . I'm going back into dance .
Jen: Yes, you do that ! I'm sorry too . I promise, less work.
Riley: -grins- I'll hold you to that
Jen: -sighs- Listen, I gotta go cook dinner now .
Riley: -raises eyebrow-
Jen: -laughs- Haven't heard that in a while huh ?
Riley: -laughs- No, I havent .
Jen: Well, I am . So while I cook, Ivan left a letter for you . I left it on your desk. -leaves-
Riley: What, a letter ? -goes to get the letter, opens it and reads it-

" Riley,

I wasn't lying when I said I like you . Please, just come talk to me .
Tomorrow, at the ice cream shop. Before school.
I'll wait .

- Ivan "

-scene end-

SCENE THIRTEEN:

-at the ice cream shop-

Ivan: -frantically, impatiently waiting for Riley-, sigh- She's not gonna come .
Riley: -Comes up behind him- I wouldn't be so sure about that .
Ivan: Riley !
Riley: I read your letter . I believe you . But what I'm about to say, you probably won't
believe.
Ivan: -confused look-
Riley: You were right. He didn't really like me at all. He just needed me to pass . When
I found out, I didn't know what to do, the only thing I could think of was you . I wanted to
run to you, I wanted to see you, I wanted to hear your advice . The whole time. you were
the only one on my mind .
Ivan: -smiles- You like me too huh ?
Riley: Don't ruin the moment !
Ivan: Alright,
Riley: -sigh- You ruined it. You already know. There's not point .
Ivan: I'd still like to hear you say it though .
Riley: -laughs, sigh- I .. like you .
Ivan: I'm sorry, what ?
Riley: I like you .
Ivan: No .. I didn't quite catch that..
Riley: -sigh- IVAN SALVATORE I LIKE YOU !
-everyone looks at her-
Ivan: You're adorable when you blush .
Riley: Shut up ..
Ivan: -laughs-
Riley: Happy Valentine's Day (:
Ivan: Happy Valentine's Day (:



- The End -