One Act Play

Fade In. Scene: Classroom. Five chairs are strewn about stage right. There is one long table, a desk upstage to it, and two people seated on either side of it. Dimply lit in blue there is a wall center stage with posters on it. This is meant to be the hallway. Three people sit on the floor in front of it. One woman and two males. They are frozen to their place. The woman sits in the center, middle finger up and legs crossed, SAM. Black haired young man CHRIS, sits, legs crossed as well head in his hands as if he’s laughing too hard. BRADLEY leans back on his elbows, legs crossed at the ankles and he sits with his back partial to the audience.

Lights up:
JOHN impatiently looks over JANIES unfinished
homework. JANIE looks into the audience
twirling a lock of her hair. JOHN will begin
to express frustration. JANIE will mime those
expressions.-

JOHN
-Still looking at the paper set before him-

You know, if you put as much energy into your academics as you do making fun of me, I am almost positive you and I would get along better.

-glances up as he scratches his face.
JANIE scratches her face.-

Really – I’m being serious. I mean - for example: you could do your own homework and… make some new friends! Right? Everyone likes having friends. And you could go to the mall even… and get something… hell, you could do anything!

-JANIE remains silent.-

And I! I could maybe… use the bathroom without your—

-scratches the inside of his nose. JANIE
immediately picks her nose.-

Aw, shit, Janie. I wasn’t—

-He wipes his finger off on his jeans and
JANIE follows.-

Look… can you just stop? For a bit. Please.

-JANIE looks backstage apparently fascinated
with something. Aggravated JOHN looks at the
audience rubbing his forehead.-

Dont fuckin' laugh. It's not funny... fuck. It was never funny...
-Breifly JOHN looks down at the homework as if it were a hard puzzle. She leans forward and he looks up, pauses becuase clevage is VERY apparent. He flushes and looks back at the audience. He looks flustered at first, and then smug. Like yeah, he got game sittin with such a hot chick.-

She cute aint she?
As dumb as they come...
but nonetheless cute.

-JOHN gives slight pause as he looks from JANIE
to the audience.-

When I was 8 years old I lost my younger brother to some disease I couldn’t pronounce. It hit my mother the way Hiroshima hit…

-Sheepishly-

...whichever Asian country that was…Vietnam or whatever. I however… wasn’t as severely affected, which was why when my mother told me her she wanted to adopt some girl two years younger than me I really didn't give a damn. As long as it made her happy.

-Shrugs-

It’s not like I thought it would affect my life. I figured a few smiles and a few words thrown the girls way, and once in a blue moon, watching a movie with her would be all I needed to do. Ya know? I was turning 16 in less than a month and football season was just starting to kick off -- and she was just some girl that needed a home.

A replacement for a dead Jeremy.

-Looks at JANIE who is now staring at her
nails suspiciously. She sniffs them. He looks at
her and motions to her as she pauses and sniffs
them once more.-

I don’t even think I can define what stage this is. Ya know? Like.. every girl has those stages. The Barbie’s stage, the dress up stage, the boys stage—I don’t even think she’ll have a boy stage! The only stage I’ve actually noted is her nail—

-JANIE begins to chew her nails. JOHN jerks with
impatience and looks from her to the audience.
He takes her hands pointedly giving her a look
before looking back at the audience.-

The nail biting stage. I mean.. if that can even be considered a stage. My mom's grown accustomed to blaming me for it because I tend to chew them when they get too long. I say that’s bullshit.

-JANIE leans over the table to chew her nails.
JOHN speaks to the audience as he notices this.-

Excuse me.

-JOHN tugs JANIES hands toward him
a mite more and focus’s his attention
back on her.-

No Janie.

-JOHN covers her hand with his. JANIE
covers his hand with her free hand.-

No.

-Removes his hand. JANIE covers it again.-
No. Janie—stop it.


-He chants stop it as the fight continues. He
removes his hand. JANIE grabs his hand. JOHN
looks increasingly angry and JANIE looks to
be enjoying herself.-

Damn it Janie!

-JANIE stops. JOHN takes back both of his hands.-

Fuck. Just.. Just stop! Okay! Stop and do your homework!

-Slides over her assignment. JANIE scoots back
her chair to stand up. JOHN reaches across the
table to hold her chair in place.-

Oh no you don’t.

-JOHN scoots her chair in all the way and squares
her homework directly in front of her.-

Do your homework.

-JANIE looks at the audience.-

Janie, that is not your homework. Janie…

-JOHN directs her back to her homework sheet.
JANIE glances at it dismissively before looking
back at the audience.-

Janie do your homework. Hey.

-Slaps the table.-

Pay attention!

-JANIE takes JOHNS pencil and places the
eraser into her mouth to absently chew it.
JOHN snatches it back.-

Aw… geeze, Janie.

-Wipes it off.-

How about you do just this last question for me? Okay?
This is the last one. I promise…

-JANIE stares at John.-

Okay. That’s good. Great.

-JANIE looks away.-

Ah, for Christ J! Is it really that hard to look at me? I mean really, am I that ugly?

-JANIE looks back to JOHN.-

Now tell me what 2x7 is and how it squares into the massive 13,832.

-JANIE opens her mouth to speak and traces
JOHNS bottom lip gently. She looks like she wants
to kiss him and JOHN is oblivious. He doesn’t move
away though because he’s too focused on getting
JANIE to do her homework.-

Janie. What is 2x7 and how does it square into 13,832?


-Another pause. JOHN turns his head to remove
her fingers and lick his lips.-

-JANIE waits a few seconds and then slowly picks
up her pencil. She takes it to her paper and writes
intently on it. JOHN looks relieved.-


Good girl. Now what’s the…

-JANIE shows JOHN a picture of a tree. JOHN
blinks at her amused expression and stutters
as he looks away from the paper.-

No, no, a, a tree—no, Janie, that—what’s the answer, Janie!

-JOHN visibly tenses with anger and grabs
his face. JANIE mimes it.-
-To himself-

Sonuvabitch.

-Runs his fingers through his hair and scratches
his scalp. JANIE mimes. JOHN looks at JANIE.
JANIE looks at JOHN. JOHN slouches in his
chair. Janie slouches in her chair. JOHN
scratches his chin. JANIE scratches her chin. JOHN
makes a show of scratching his balls. JANIE jerks.
JOHN barks a laugh . Pleased with his victory
JOHN leans forward, snatches the homework and
jots down the answer.-

Sucker.

-She makes a face at him.-

Now don’t you get all sour on me! You started it I might as well finish it.

-Cups her cheeks and makes her lips pucker up
like a fish. JANIE reaches up and messes his
hair. JOHN pulls back quickly and grumbles
as she straightens his hair.-

Fuckin’ hell… every time.

-Snatches up his leather Jacket and puts it
on, then pulls on his backpack. JANIE repeats
his actions though she has no coat or bag.
JOHN turns to leave.-

Alright then. I’ve had enough Janie for today.

-JANIE moves around the table upstage
to stand at his side.-

I’ve got things to do and hair to fix.
-To JANIE.-
No thanks to you…

-JANIE turns as he does. John laughs
without mirth.-

You just remember that we get on Bus 12 to go home, okay Janie? Bus 12.

-sets his hand on her head and looks her
in the face for emphesis.-

Bus 12 Janie. 12. Bus….. 12. Don’t miss it… Janie… just for my own sick pleasure, what Bus do we get on to go home?

JANIE
-Very softly-
Bus 12.

JOHN
Good.

-JOHN walks down stage right. JANIE follows.
He turns to wave goodbye
and nearly bumps into her. Scowls.-

Whoa, wait a second, Janie. You cant come.
Mom promised me a night off.
You just remember to get on Bus 12.

-JANIE follows as he walks away.-

Oh no you don’t. You are going to stay right here Janie. Seriously, stop following me.

-JOHN pauses and grins-

For the record, the answer is "It Doesn't". 2x7 is 14 and it doesnt square into 13,832.

-JOHN winks at her as he turns away. JANIE takes his
hand. JOHN removes her and points offstage right.-

Don’t move.

Fade out: Fade in: Scene: Center Stage-
Hallway. SAM, CHRIS, and BRADLEY
are no snickering and moving. Their
voices fade in as they all rise to their
feet. The classroom scene SR goes black.

-CHRIS is speaking to SAM as she
dusts off her pants. BRADLEY is laughing.-

CHRIS
You’re telling me you wouldn’t do him?

SAM
I’m telling you I wouldn’t do him.

CHRIS
Seriously!?

SAM
Not even if you paid me to.

CHRIS
I don’t see why not! He’s a great kisser and from what I hear—he has a very talented-
-Overlapping.-
BRADLEY
Oh god!

CHRIS
-stroke!

SAM
-Laughing while she speaks-
The fact that you even know that—it’s just—fucking wrong, okay? Ew. Besides! From what I gather his long stroke is bent like a pretzel and that aint right. Seriously Chris... not right.

-CHRIS shrugs as he slips up behind
BRADLEY to rub his shoulders nonchalantly.
His touch is a tad personal. More of a
caress. BRADLEYS laughter chokes.-

CHRIS
There’s really nothing wrong with having a bent penis.

-BRADLEY shrugs CHRIS’S hands off his
shoulders with a stony glare.-

SAM
Like hell there aint! I like’em long, tall, strong and dripping with that bad boy “I’ll fuck yo’ shit up” look. I have no room in my life for a salty pretzel.

CHRIS
-Looking offstage Stage Right-
Speaking of that bad boy, here he comes.

-BRADLEY grunts but they all wave at JOHN
makes his way onstage from SR. JANIE enters
behind him, four paces. The friends kind of
start at her appearance and begin to snicker
because it is blatantly obvious that JOHN doesn’t
know she is there. SAM shows an open distaste for
JANIES appearance. JOHN, stops short of the
group to make fun of himself. A vouge look. A
joking pose. It is obvious he really missed his
friends.-

BRADLEY
-Speaking to CHRIS.-
Shouldn’t someone tell him he has a shadow?

-CHRIS leans toward BRADLEY to kiss him-

SAM
When doesn’t have a fuckin’ shadow Brad?

-BRADLEY doesn’t reply as he struggles
against CHRIS who is clinging to him.
His hands have found their way around
BRADLEYS waist so BRADLEY is pushing
away from him my placing his hands on his
face and sternum. JOHN stops to watch his friends.-

BRADLEY
Dude—stop it! It’s-not-funny! Stop- stop- STOP!

-They’re struggling. The tussle takes them to
the ground and upstage until BRADLEY manages
to push CHRIS’S head over the stages edge.
CHRIS lips are puckered as he makes moaning
noises, wrapping his legs around BRADLEY’S waist.-

Stop it! You— you evil- stupid- ugly- fat- fat- stupid- fart- homo! Agh!

-CHRIS is laughing and BRADLEY is breathing
heavy as he tries to wiggle himself free. SAM
grunts and forces them apart.-

SAM
Keep it to yourself and keep apart! Fo' I fuck up both your faces!

-She raises a fist at a snicker CHRIS
who backs off. BRADLEY steady glares
at John as he smoothes down his wrinkled clothes.-

Good.
Anyway-

CHRIS
I did him!

-SAM and BRADLEY balk.-

SAM
You did who!?

CHRIS
Erin.

-BRADLEY makes a sound of disgust and
creates some distance between he and
CHRIS. More if possible.-

SAM
Oh Christ, keep that shit to yo’self. Why- why you always gotta say that! Man! Nasty!

CHRIS
It wasn’t that bad-

-Over his friends moans and complaints.
JOHN is searching his pants and coats
for something.-

And while it isnt shaped like a pretzel, Sam, he sure as hell can bend like-

SAM
No!

CHRIS
-one.

BRADLEY
I didn’t hear that—tell me I didn’t—you didn’t hear that did you?

-BRADLEY makes his way toward JOHN as
JOHN rekindles his stride toward them, looking relieved.-

JOHN
I thought I left my cell—

BRADLEY
Did you hear what he—thank god you didn’t hear what said!

-JANIE steps sideways to hide behind JOHN
and BRADLEY nudges JOHN aside with
his hand to stand as close to JANIE as possible.-

I bet you heard.

JANIE
-Very softly, and with hear chin down.-

I didn’t.

SAM
-snappily she steps forward-
You know he’s not yours to hide behind right?
John has always been my property. The moment he-

BRADLEY
What makes you think she’s even competition Sam!
Gross man—it’s his stepsister!

-JOHN looks back at JANIE slowly,
obviously angry.-

JOHN
Janie…

-BRADLEY turns to stand next to JANIE
and sets his elbow on her shoulder
comfortable. They are all now center stage.-

BRADLEY
Go easy on’er John. It’s not ever day you meet someone who speaks only to you… and me.

-Smugly grins at CHRIS.-

Doesn't that piss you off man? You try and you try and she wont say a word but I—I just walk right on up and what do I get? “I didn’t”. That’s right bitch. Who’s the—

-Interrupting.-

CHRIS
You know… I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bradley get so close to a girl before.
You two… (BRADLEY: Shut up.)Would make just the cutest little couple (BRADLEY: Shut up Chris!) That Leton High ever did see. I mean they’re both—

BRADLEY

-Stops leaning on JANIE to beat up CHRIS.--

I swear I'm going to strangle you.

JOHN
-ignoring the other two-
Why do you do this?

CHRIS
Quiet and stupid and-

SAM
Chris! Shut up!

-SAM wags her fist. CHRIS goes quiet-

-After a long silence where everyone
simply stares at each other. JOHNS
glaring at JANIE. CHRIS is looking at SAM
and BRADLEY who is looking at JANIE
rubbing the base of his neck.-

CHRIS
So uh… why ARE you bringin’ the retard?

-CHRIS looks innocent as BRADLEY
chokes and looks at CHRIS horrified.
SAM drops her head and raises her hand
to cover her mouth as she coughs,
trying not to laugh. JOHN looks away
from JANIE to his friends,
expressionless and monotone.-

JOHN
I’m not.

-He motions to JANIE as she moves
closer to his side.-

The damn thing wont leave me alone.

-More laughter as JANIES shoulders slump
slightly. JOHN looks at her briefly and an
unreadable look crosses his face. He
sets his hand on her head, a bit brotherly
and he looks back at his friends.-

I mean don’t you just hate that! When you’ve got somethin’ under your shoe and you cant peel it off!

CHRIS
Like a tick!

BRADLEY
That’s under your skin ya dumb fuck. Gum is what’s stuck under your shoe.

CHRIS
Fuck you, man, it’s the metaphore that counts!

BRADLEY
What!?

CHRIS
Never mind!

SAM
You two are starting to aggravate me.
-To JANIE.-
And you—you’ve always aggravated me. Why don’t you take your hands off my man so that we can get the hell out of here.

-JANIE tightens her grip with a bit of a
threatening look that comes only from the eyes.-

John
Be nice Sam. Now we can go soon enough, just let me try to get it through to Janie what bus she needs to be on.

Sam
If you hurry it up, I’ll make it worth your while.

John
-Chuckles.-
Yes ma’am.

-SAM makes a face at JANIE as JOHN turns
away. JANIE makes one back. JOHN catches
her chin and turns her to face him.-

Janie. Look at me. Focus. Okay? Good. Now what bus do you get on to go home? Janie—what bus?

-JANIE looks warily at his friends and
then back at him. She remains silent.-

Just remember what bus you’re on, okay?

-JANIE looks oblivious to his talking to her.
She is looking from BRADLEY to CHRIS to
SAM, uncertainly. JOHN leans forward and
tugs her chin a tad to gain her attention, then
he kisses her forehead.-

Go home. Or stay here. But there will be no following me.
Understood?

SAM
Why she gotta be so creepy? I mean.. we’ve heard her speak right? So why doesn’t she? Isnt that just a little bit drama queen to you?

-CHRIS murmurs his agreement. BRADLEY
remains silent and continues to watch them
though he does nod his head to avoid being
the butt of any jokes.-

JOHN
-To SAM.-
Ignore her if she creeps you out. It’s just her way. Janie’s quiet.

-To JANIE with a sudden idea.-

You know what Janie. I’ve changed my mind and not even Sam is going to change it back this time. I’m going to let you hang out with us tonight. Okay? You can hang out with us tonight—but only for tonight.

CHRIS
What?

JOHN
Since it’s theater night.

BRADLEY
What is he-

-SAM elbows BRADLEY and the three
look away from them both to whisper.
They walk away two paces Stage Left
to avoid being heard.-

JOHN
-to his friends-
Since the play we’re working on this time is that Helen Keller play with the Annie Sullivan lady I figure why not. She’s playing a deaf and blind character. And if there’s one thing I know, Janie’s a good actress.

-The friends nod absently as they
continue to talk in their huddle.-

So Janie, you can hang with us. Now Sam and I still have to go get the costumes and stuff. Normally I would leave Chris or Bradley to wait with you… but you don’t like them.

JANIE
I don’t mind if—
-Interupting-
JOHN
So you jut count to one hundred for me, because that’s how long it’s going to take me and the guys to get our supplies. But you have to stay here. If you want to play with us Janie, this one time, you have to stay here.

-JANIE stays as CHRIS, BRADLEY, SAM
and JOHN walk toward Stage Right offstage.
The scene dims.-

CHRIS
-Snickering.-
I cant believe you did that.

BRADLEY
What did ya say to make her stay?

JOHN
That I’d be back.

SAM
And…?

JOHN
When I don’t come back and the final bell rings she’ll take the hint and go home. Just like she was supposed to.

BRADLEY
Do you think that’s a good idea John?
I mean… Janie doesn’t seem that naïve.

CHRIS
See—they’re made for each other!

BRADLEY
Shut up man! I mean, I’m just saying, don’t you think that’s a just a mite mean, dude?

SAM
Quit complainin’ Bradley.

CHIRS
Yeah, quit complaining.

-The stage goes black. JANIE stays lit
though for a while in silence. A white
forlorn light is cast around her, it is dim.
JANIE slips a piece of paper from her pocket.-

-Stage right lights up in a variety
of warm oranges, purples and reds to
give the scene a very friendly, fun
appearance. SAM, CHRIS, BRADLEY, and
JOHN are all seated at a long table eating
Pizza and drinking soda from cans. JANIE
stands stage left surrounded by darkness
and the circle light around her.-

-JANIE looks down at the paper
and speaks softly to the audience.-

JANIE
I’m cold…

-Clears her throat seemingly afraid
to continue. She speaks to herself.-

Then again… I don’t ever remember being very warm.

-Quickly turns to the crowd in defense,
eyes glassy.-

It’s not as if I shiver or anything…
I just… tend to be numb.

-Laughing without humor she looks
toward the colorful scene. She pauses
in thought.-

You know… I’ve memorized their scorn and grown accustomed to their taunting. There’s been a lot in my life that I have endured… so they’re… they don’t even faze me. I can keep to myself. I’ve always kept to myself.
I’ve always been the odd one. The weird kid.
And of course, the freak.

-Turning back to the crowd she reopens
the folded paper and draws her fingers
over the lines. Sadly she sniffles and
looks up at the ceiling for answers before
looking back down to her feet.-

I’m not angry of course… I mean… I am sometimes, but it doesn’t last long. I’m just grateful I’m here and healthy, you know? I’m grateful for what counts. Not having friends in high school… is not the end of someone. Right?

-Twitches and drops her head nervously,
and anxiously scratching at her temple.
She’s visibly breaking.-

This… This is where I belong!

-To the audience JANIE points to her
temple violently jabbing at it.-

In this—this tiny desolute room-
Where I am bound till I die!

-She runs her hands her hands down her
face and shakes her head wildly for a second.
She’s speaking to herself.--

Not having friends is not the end of the world—
It’s not—it’s—but family—my—
I actually believed his lie!
I cant believe… I…
I hate being alone.
-To audience.-
I always end up alone.

-JANIE turns to the table where her step-
brother and his friends sits. She walks
over to it, purposely, and violently smacks
the top of the table. She screams into
JOHNS profile.-

All Because Of You And Your Friends John!

-JANIE throws a tantrum where she
stands, revealing obvious pent up anger.
She stands downstage to JOHN in the center
of the table and she slaps the table several
more times, swiping only the two closest cans
on the table to the floor.-

-JANIE then calms and walks back to
where her scene started. She’s calming
herself as she walks, brushing her hair
back, smoothing her shirt. She turns to
face the crowd completely and head
down she speaks softly again. Her breakdown
continues however as a few tears stream
down her face.-

-JOHN looks sadly frustrated as his
friends continue their conversations
unaware.-

All I ever wanted was someone like John… to care.
-JANIE looks at her hands.-
I can hear my heartbeat in my ears sometimes. That’s nothing new. But with no other sound what would someone expect me to do but lose my mind! How can I not lose my mind! I cant try not to breathe—I’ve tried that before… that’s not the point though is it?… No.

-JANIE freezes where she stands.
JOHNS scene lights up though his
friends remain completely oblivious
to JOHN and JANIE.-

JOHN

-To the audience as well as himself,
defensively-

I needed my freedom. I swear to god I have never been mean to anyone before, especially not Janie, but I… I really needed my freedom. It’s just for one night, she’d be fine on her own for just this one night. I know you don’t believe me—that I’m just a jerk—but—Janie is smart! And.. and she’s funny – well, when she wants to be and it’s usually at my expense, but she is! Janie is… awesome, but I just… fuck—I just… I love her to death. But I desperately needed some fucking space.
I just needed some space.
I couldn’t’…

-JANIE walks upstage in a daze.
Softly-

JANIE
I remember my mother.

JOHN
... breathe when I was around her. Janie… she's always clinging and mocking me. Origionally I just thought it was sibling rivalry or something like that but it’s not! I get in the shower, she sits outside the door. I take a bath. She waits outside the door and if I'm in there too long she joins me! Yeah! I lock the door- she picks it, walks in, sits on the floor near the tub and watches me. I have to remember to make my bath a bubble bath or I end up sharing all the goods!
-Unwillingly smiles-
Although… when I’m in the tub she tends to be at her most talkative. I think that’s the only time I’ve ever seen her just be a normal person. Joke, talk, converse… ya know. Anyway, before it wasn’t so bad. She hung out with my mom a bit, or dad, and that gave me a break… but now…
-Long pause. John looks perplexed.-
Now, I cant stop thinking about her.


-CHRIS rises to his feet and straddles BRADLEY who
sits right next to him and SAM pushes her chair
back to lean back on two legs and watch. BRADLEY
and CHRIS have a growing argument when CHRIS refuses
to get off.JOHN does not really notice this fight
too lost in thought until it is damn near completely
out of control. JOHN turns and slaps the table.-


Chris! Knock it off!


-CHRIS quickly gets off BRADLEY. BRADLEY looks about
ready to scream and cry and burst all at once. Waiter
approaches the ground and gives a straw to CHRIS. It
is a male, nerdy like, his uniform is yellow shirt and
black slacks. BRADLEY and CHRIS are handed a straw next.
JOHN sighs as he sees everything has calmed and turns
to look at the audience. In doing so he gets comfortable
and slouches extending his outer leg. The waiter trips
over JOHNS foot and crashes. Tray and empty soda cans
fall with him. JOHNS mouth falls open. His friends bust
out laughing and JOHN is mortified. He reaches to help
the waiter and the guy refuses the help. He takes a rag
and cleans the floor as JOHN rubs his forehead as his
friends tease. The light dims enough that it can be
told the scene for JOHN as shut down.
Focus is back on JANIE.-


JANIE
I can remember my mother as clear as day before the addictions… before the crash. I was a terrible daughter. Rude. Spoiled. Selfish. My mom used to tuck me in after I was asleep to avoid my tongue. She’d even kiss my forehead. Sometimes when I had a bad day I’d pretend to sleep so that she would, because it would make me feel better. Not that I’d ever tell her.
All that mattered was that I got what I needed.
-To the crowd.-
It wasn’t like that when I came here though. I met John and his family and they were so… happy to have me. That made me determined to be perfect… I didn’t want to disappoint any more parents.
-Sits down upstage.-
And I was perfect. I always said please and thank you. My new mom liked to do my hair in tails and I’d go with her to help shop. My new dad liked to bark at anyone who gave me a second glance and I enjoyed learning about his classic cars… and john… I… I just stayed out of his way. He didn’t want me to learn his hobbies or do things with him, he just wanted to life and that was fine. I did notice though… that he liked company. Silent, simple company so we were kind of... eachothers company if that made sense. We didn’t talk much. We walked together. Or we sat together and read… corny right… well… not for me really… it was actually very nice and it made being the perfect daughter… easier.

But one day my new mom had no time for me, she started her new job… and my dad wanted too much time with me.. alone… if you get my drift and John simply had better things to do and with my dad having what he had on the mind I kinda just caved in. What else was I supposed to do…?

-Gets up exasperated as the
light above her head dims.-

It’s dark in here. Why is it when something goes wrong, it gotta be dark and gloomy?

-JANIES voice gets weaker as
she looks around her, lost.-

Why cant it be bright and sunny and warm!… Why cant I be surrounded by love when I feel stupid and insignificant?... then again when havent I ever been... insignificant?

-Grumbles and rubs at her arm
subconsciously.-

You know…it really is cold...

-lights are dimming on both she
and the JOHN and his friends
who are now standing up and
preparing themselves to leave.
Hugging herself tightly, JANIES
voice cracks, barely audible to the audience.-

John…


-JANIES scene remains just a
smidgen lit to show her hugging
herself, pacing, looking around
and lost, and hungry too. The
whole lot. But make it so
she is barely seen. The voices
come from offstage.-

SAM
So what do you think she’s doing?

CHRIS
Does it really matter a damn?

BRADLEY
Chris! Man! What don’t you understand?
SPACE. Or PERSONAL!

JOHN
What’s up with that man? Why you always touching him like that?

CHRIS
Isnt it obvious?

SAM
Not really, no.

CHRIS
Oh…
-Long silence-
BRADLEY
Well?

CHRIS
I kinda… don’t… um… weren’t we discussing Janie?

JOHN
No. There will be no discussing my sister.
I have one night, and it hasn’t been bad yet.
So let’s just leave her name out of it
And go… Where are we going?

SAM
-In a sultry voice.-
It’ll be a surprise.

-SAM and CHRIS explode
with laughter.-

CHRIS
Like that wasn’t obvious enough!

Laughter Fades Out:

Fade in: Scene: Upstage right is a bedroom. The bed is angled toward center stage. A wall behind it. To the right of the bed is a supposed door. There is a bed stand to the left of the bed with a clock (digital), a cell phone, and a lamp. Shoes are randomly placed. Socks are as well. In the bed lay SAM and JOHN asleep. It is obvious they have had sex. Outside there is a thunderstorm though there will be no flashy shows of lightening. Just the sounds. It is also obvious that it is night time. Cell phone goes off. The digital clock next to the bed, angled so that the audience can see it reads 4:02am. The ring is loud and obnoxious. (singing or voice) JOHN groans and fidgets before he answers.-

JOHN
-groggily-
… Hi mom.

-JOHN looks around the room
smugly.-

Where am I? I am, uh..

-He touches SAM. She
responds with a sleepy moan.-

I’m at Kens house with the guys.

-Looks out the window and sits
up a bit glaring at the clock.-

What—mom. Why are you asking me the time, Im sure you know what time it is. Too early for you to be calling me. You—I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cop an attitude. Yes I realize it’s early. You have to work in a good… three hours, yes I know that. Look… mom can you just tell me what the problem is instead of trying to make me guess.
What? Yes, I was asleep. Mom—I realize it’s four am, yes. I’ve never had a cerfew so I don’t see what the problem is.

-She says something that makes
him very angry.-

What!?
-JOHN roars.-
What do you mean is Janie with me!
She’s supposed to be at home!

-Panicked, JOHN jumps up and
out of bed, phone cradled between
his shoulder and his ear. He drags
on his pants. SAM wakes up
slowly and sits up a tad to watch
him hobble about her room.-

No- mom—Im not yelling at you! But how can she not be home! She has to be home! Have you checked her room? My room? How about my closet?!

-Is accused of something and stop
to purposely make his point in the phone.-

No—how in the hell—she’s you’re daughter!

-From stage left a woman in her
late 40’s storms across the stage
in a tan suit, house phone to her
ear and her heels clicking across the stage.-

MOM
And she’s your sister goddamn it!

-Pauses for emphasis and
stomps her foot. Her neat hair
is looking a bit out of place as
she rubs her head.-

You two are supposed to take care of each other! She’s always with you!

-MOM appears insulted as
she picks back up her angry stride.-

I trusted you to take care of her just as you would have JEREMY, John! So don’t you dare!

-By now she has walked off
stage. JOHN has his shirt
on but it isn’t buttoned. He
sits back on the bed to pull
his socks on.-

I know—I know! I’m sorry! But—this is just like—yes—yes! I am listening to you!

-SAM moves behind JOHN to
rub his shoulders. JOHN
shrugs her off.-

No, no! Don’t call the police! They’ll only scare her. I’m going to go find her.

-SAM tries again and again
JOHN removes her.-

Yes. Yes, I’m going right now. Mmhmm.

-Covers the mouthpiece of the
phone as Sam attempts again.-

Stop it.

-Puts the phone back to his ear.-

Actually mom, check the police and train stations. She might have gotten lost or something. Yes. Yes, I know.

-(loud crack of thunder.) Looks
at the clock again. It is blinking.
Realizes the power has just gone
off. Nods his head again.-

Don’t worry. I’ll find her. Okay? Right, I’ll call you as soon as I do. Okay. Bye.

-JOHN hangs up his cell phone
and stashes it into his pocket.
SAM grabs his arm again.
JOHN frees his arm.-

Knock it off Sammy.

SAM
What happened?

JOHN
-Angrily-
Janie’s missing. It’s four in the fucking morning-- and Janie is missing.
-Tries to turn on the lights.-
AND the fucking powers out! So get up, all Chris, call Bradley, call Ken, Call every-fuckin-body-you-know and tell them to help me with the search. I’m going back to the school.

SAM
-amused-
You mean she never went home!?

JOHN
-furiously-
No Sam! She never went home—and it’s not funny! Goddamn it! This is not funny in the least! Get up. Call the guys and then you go check the local hospitals, okay? She could be hurt!

SAM
So what?
-JOHN starts angrily. SAM grunts and waves her hand as she speaks.-
Look. I don’t know if you realize this or not but I’m really not a fan of your stupid little sister. And in all truth I couldn’t give a damn if she disappeared or not. Truthfully it’d be a whole lot easier on us all if she would dissapear. I mean, you said yourself you cant get a break with her around. She’s ALWAYS there.
-JOHN looks enraged.-
I mean I thought—

-JOHN snatches her out of
bed, not to harm her
but to make a point.-

JOHN
You thought wrong, Sam. Get dressed. Make the calls.

-Angrily SAM obeys.-

Fade out:
Fade in: Scene: Lights up in Various places of the theater where SAM, BRADLEY, CHRIS, and JOHN appear calling out for Janie. There are other voices, but the lights don’t light up on them. JANIE remains downstage in the stage left corner. Her scene remains barely lit though the light does gain a bit for the audience to better focus on her. MOM walks across stage again on phone. She asks about JANIE to the police (improvised). JANIE looks so cold it hurts.


CHRIS
-Walking through the right
side seats, wiggling his way
through.-

Janie? Janie! Janie! Hello! Janie?
-To an audience member.-
Janie? Janie? You? No. You’re not-- now you know you're not Janie...
-Looking around the audience.-
Janie?

-Opposite side BRADLEY is
doing the same thing. They
meet in the center, main isle.-

BRADLEY
Any luck?

CHRIS
None.

BRADLEY
Lets try this way.

-They both run away from
stage toward the entrance
of the theater and blend
into the background.-

SAM
-In a balcony area.-
Janie!

JOHN

-Up in the second floor
seats in the very front row.-

Janie! Janie where are you?!

-Runs across the front row
looking for her.-

Janie!

-Stops and looks up at the
audience looking for her.
Searching.-

JANIE
-Looking down, her grip
tightens on her arms.-

I'm so cold…

JOHN
-More to himself than aloud.-
Janie where are you!?

-JOHN leaves balcony.
JANIE clinging to herself
drops to her knees and
hugs herself tighter.
Grimacing, grinding her
teeth, clenching. Her hair
falls over her face but the
center of her face is still seen.-

JANIE
-Cries softly-
John!

JOHN

-His voice echo’s all
over the theater.-

Janie? Janie!

-The theater goes black.
JANIES scene as well.-

JANIE

-Hurt and weakly this
is said in a manner that
allows the audience to know
that she really doesn’t
truly hate him, but wishes
she could she’s in so much pain.-

I hate you John.

-There is the sound of a
resounding thud. Janie
falling to the ground-

I wanna go home.