Forgotten Tales
I often forget to write stories.
I always have one to tell I just forget to tell it.
I always have one to tell I just forget to tell it.
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Story Slam
I went to a story slam tonight at World Cafe Live with Freda, Robbie, Christine, and Harrison. It was very nice. The stories started off kind of bad but then Christine went after much pressuring and encouragement. She did fantastic and everybody in the audience was laughing at her jokes. After Christine Ms. Weinrubb went and her story was really good as well. I really liked being there I felt so adult like. I kind of wish we could drink, not so we could get a buzz going on, but more so we can just look cooler with our wine glasses. I warned Harrison not to put a lemon in his water because lemons carry much bacteria and are pretty unsanitary. Don't believe me. Google it.
Vuelo A La Libertad
Primer Reflexion
- En el principio del libro se conoce a Yara y a su familia de cuantro. El libro esta escrito como si fuera un diario. Se trata sobre la vida de Yara en medio de los problemas politicos que están sucediendo en Cuba en estos tiempos. En el principio ella habla sobre como su familia se esta tratando de mudar para Miami, Florida con el resto de su familia. Su papa esta asiendo esto para que su familia no tengo que tener que vivir entre todo este trauma politico.
Segunda Reflexion
- En la segunda parte que a leído está Yara en la escuela del campo. Ella esta sufriendo porque es la primera vez que no esta con su familia por mucho tiempo, también esta su hermana mayor pero no la ve por la diferencia de edad. También en esta escuela que supuestamente esta para poder educar sobre las tierras de Cuba, pero ella pronto de da cuenta que solo los usan a ellos como labor gratis.
Tercer Reflexion
- En esta parte del libro Yara pierde a sú mejor amiga por los problemas del govierno, por que los padres de sus papa si los apoyan pero la familia de Yara va salir de Cuba a buscar refugio en un mejor pais, donde ahi van a poder ser mas libres, y muchos de sus vecinos no apoyan esta asi que tienen que tener mucho cuidado a quien le dicen y que tan intensa es.
Something Awesome I Did Today
I created my own audiobook!
Dresses
My mom went to check the store where we were looking to get my first option dress from. She found it along with others. I think I have a new love in a cream dress with gold flowers sewn in and the back laces up with gold ribbon. Cant wait to try it next week with my best friend :)
Reality, As Is
A selection dedicated to the ever-going Israeli-Palestinian Conflict that has plagued those nations for all too long. In a battle of territory, it somehow refrains from ever growing old; this is a daily issue. From people on the inside and out, these pieces are here to inform of the depth and reality that goes down behind these borders.
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Act I, Scene 1
Character:
Lael, a Jewish female reporter who questions the essence of the problem.
Prologue: A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and confused eyes sits on love seat watching television, wondering where did it all go wrong.
LAEL
Colors, sounds, texture; none have reached my eyes because it doesn’t matter. It never mattered. The television in front of me couldn’t even keep my attention. What was the use? Sitting here, doing absolutely nothing. Waiting for the next day to come, to wake up, go to work, come home, make dinner, and fall asleep on this love seat only to wake the next day and repeat the process. But, what was the use? It all amounts to nothing in the end. It’s not like I’m helping anyone but myself. I’m being selfish without having the intention to be.
I’m lucky. I’m on the other side of the border. The safer side, the richer side, the better side, the safer side. I’m married, I have kids, I have a job, I have a house - what more could any sane person ask for? But, people on the other side don’t have that. The luxury of sitting with nothing on their plate; without a care in the world. They don’t have that option. Instead, they wake up every morning and leave home - not knowing if the place they headed to is still there or their family will be there when they get back.
Palestinians are only miles from this house. What makes me better than them? Are their lives any less valuable than mine? I don’t understand. How can anyone, anyone allow others to live like that? To everyone else in the world, it doesn’t matter. The strikings, the destruction; we need change. I want it to change. People are blind, ignorant and just don’t care - it doesn’t affect them. Whether a child lives or dies in Gaza, won’t make a difference. Her death will just only spark more controversy, more tension and more death to those who don’t mean any harm. That little girl will just be another death, another causality, another number to add to the total death count.
It’s stupid, this whole ordeal. Officials argue or “have peace talks,” and accuse each other of wrongly accusing each other and so on and so forth. Militant groups return to violence as a way that appears to make a statement towards the government or in the Name of God, which I fall to recognize. The only thing they succeed in doing is killing innocent bystanders and getting blood on their hands because somehow, in their minds that gets there point across. And, we can’t forget the border crossing that is practically sealed shut to anyone getting in or out. Honestly, I find it funny. No one notices that it’s lives there playing with. The officials, the government, the U.N., the suicide bombers, the smugglers, and even the reporters, like me.
As easily as I flip through these channels and switch between shows, it reminds me of how lives are being treated. That world seems to be giving up on those who are faultless, turning off on their lives as easily as I turn off the T.V. I’ve seen things, but maybe, I haven’t seen enough. To make the right decisions, to actually look at all the facts, to take to take the time to choose a side.
But what can I do? I’m just lone person in a endless battlefield. Maybe, if I see enough blood, I won’t be as disturbed. Maybe, if I watched someone being killed, it won’t have as much as of an affect. And, maybe if leave my job, I’ll be free. But, not blind. I’m trying to tighten my grip on reality, but I can’t let go of what is in front of me here. I have to keep reporting. I can’t stop now. I’m not going to be just another reporter. Maybe, I’ll save a life. Or, maybe, I’ll be just another death, but I’m okay with that. Because at least then, I’ll make a difference. Because I’m not gonna tune them out - the tears, the screams, the blood. To me, life is worth more and I’m not going to turn off the T.V.
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Act I, Scene 2
Character:
Noor, a child who does not understand the depth of the problem.
Prologue: A young child sits in her room - lights off, silence eerie. She plays a trinket.
NOOR
(tracing the object)
Hey. I’m doing great. Mommy and Irfan are good, too. It’s kind of nice here. The shooting and the shells don’t come as often, which means everything must be getting better. I hope no more people will die because of them. I don’t want them to lose their biggest brother like I did.
I’m helping around the house now. Mom is kind of busy with work, so I have be a big girl and take charge and do what big girls do. Me and Irfan clean and dust and sweep and wash and dry and do all those things Mommy does. I feel like I’m helping a lot, so that way when she comes home, she won’t have much to do.
We go to school again now, me and Irfan. A different school. It’s a little farther because Mommy said we can’t go there anymore. I think it’s because it blew up but Irfan just shushed me. He said it didn’t matter, that it was ‘in the past,’ whatever that means. But, it’s nicer. I know some of the kids from our old school but a lot of them are new and I’ve never seen them before. But, I have some new friends now and that’s nice. I like them; they make me smile and I make them smile. There was this one girl. Her name was Raina. She was sitting alone. But, I went up to her and said hi. We became friends. Yesterday, she wasn’t there. The teacher said she would not be coming anymore. I asked why, but she didn’t say anything.
Irfan is changing now. He doesn’t talk to me as much but he’s just always there. He always in the room I’m in and if he’s somewhere else, he gets all sneaky-like and watches when he thinks I’m not watching, but I can see him because I’m sneaky-like, too. But, he’s always, always watching. It makes me feel like I have to be watched - that I can’t be trusted. me. He’s acting like he has to watch me, instead of liking to watch me, like he used to. I think he thinks that watching me is a chore and I don’t want to be chore. I want to be Irfan’s little sister, just that, only that.
(smiles) You know something, Sami. I still didn’t give it to Irfan. I wanted to, the day you died, but I couldn’t. I wanted it, I wanted something - anything - to remember you by. He had your clothes, your chores, the rest of your room, your everything but all I had was memories. Nothing real, memorable. I needed it. I needed to remember you. But, I am losing you. (voice breaks) Your voice, your face. I can’t remember you. This (clutches the object) is all have and I’m not going to give it. I won’t. I just won’t.
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Act I, Scene 3
Character:
Irfan, a twelve year old who is a both an older and younger sibling.
Prologue: Two young boys sit in an alleyway, side by side. The shadow rests upon them, making their figures indescribable. They are both silent, waiting for the other to start. In the distance, the bustling of a market can be heard.
IRFAN
Yup.
Mom’s good.
Rana’s fine.
School’s...
(pauses)
School. You?
Doing all of your homework?
That’s good.
So, Avi... It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
What happened? You just kinda disappeared for a few weeks there.
Your dad? Again?
I know. Your house isn’t that far from here and it’s not like we o anything but sit here and talk... Except for that one time.
(laughs)
What? You don’t remember?
But it was so funny.
How did you even manage to shoot the soccer ball that high? The third floor, how was that possible. Honestly, the managers of that building should have praised you instead of chasing us down.
Yeah, because I didn’t do it.
Fours years. But, your face when your dad stopped us from running all of town. (pauses) Priceless.
(grins and laughs. the boy sheds a fake tear, then pauses)
Life is life. Me and Noor are going back to school, so that doesn’t take up most of the time, then helping around the house will.
Oh, yeah. You don’t know. Mom got a job.
I know. I never thought she get one too, but she landed the job a few weeks ago. So, money isn’t that big of an issue now. It’s just that she’s not around as much, so I have to watch Noor. But, I don’t mind because she’s happy. And, she hasn’t been this happy since dad died. And, since she happy, I’m happy.
Yeah. But, some people don’t like her having a job.
Like the neighbors. The women used come around the house and talk about her. They say she needs to get married. That “a woman like her shouldn’t be trying to get a job.” That “she could get that she could get married easily.” But, Mom said she isn’t interested in getting married. She has a job now, so she doesn’t need anybody except us.
People keep saying that she should get married because she needs a man in her life.
I don’t know. But, they say she will have a hard time without a husband.
She doesn’t mind.
She said that she can deal with anything people throw at her. She believes in herself. And, I have to believe in her, too. You know, for support. Anyway, how’s your family?
Wow. Really?
I never pictured your mom as a reporter. But, I never picture my mom as a reporter either, so...
My mom is a reporter, now.
Yeah, maybe they’ll work together. And, search for stories together. And, report crime together. That would be cool.
(sigh)
(awkward silence)
Yup, today’s the day.
It’s okay. It’s been two years now, if I’m not over it by now, I never will be.
Yeah, it seems like just yesterday, he was teaching me how to play soccer. (sighs)
I told you it’s not your fault. It’s not your fault he died.
I know, okay. It’s just that I don’t like talking about him.
Because he’s dead.
Because he’s not.
Because he was killed.
Because he’s was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
(looking down)
Because the bag he was carrying looked suspicious and when they called him, he didn’t stop walking. Because he didn’t here them call his name. Because it was busy and the soldiers calling his name probably got mixed in the rest of the noises. Because it was late. Because he was a young teenage boy. Because he was a young Palestinian teenage boy. Because he wanted to get home to the rest of us. Because we were hungry and Mom had stay us and Sami was the only one who could get it. Because, we were young. Because Dad was working that night. Because, he went to the store across town to the best pick. Because he wanted the best for him and his family. Because the bag looked to be stuffed to the rim as the soldiers say. Because milk, bread and chick peas that were covered his blood could have been “carrying explosives” as the police put it.
Because it was my birthday. Because we were suppose to celebrate. Because it was suppose to be safe and fun and safe. Because nothing bad was should have happened.
(jumps to his feet, eyes moist with unshed tears) Because I know. Because I’m his brother. Because I still remember my father yelling and my mother crying and my confusion when I saw Sami, my big brother, my role model, my savior, my Sami laying on the living room, deathly still, bloody to bits, so pale I thought he was a ghost.
Because, Avi. Just because.
(walks off)
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Act I, Scene 4
Character:
Imad, a teenager who sells newspaper in the cit of Cairo, Egypt.
Prologue: An Egyptian teenager sells newspaper though he doesn’t see a need to buy one.
IMAD
(hands a paper away, smiling)
Thank you.
(turns, facing a crowd)
Paper! Paper! Get your paper! Only three pounds! The best news! The newest news! The only news! Only three pounds! Get your paper!
(crowd surrounds him, asking for the paper)
(the crowd slowly walks away, satisfied)
The news gets old quick. It’s the same thing everyday. Someone dies everyday. It’s a part of life - you’re born, you grow and you die. It’s simple. You can’t expect death. It’s a daily occurrence.
Something that I wonder why people even bother to read about.
“A suicidal bomber killed a man, and two children - one six, the other four. Hamas has taken responsibility for the bombing and the police begin to investigate. The U.N. says that it will not stand for such...” Or something of the like. The cover of the newspaper is always something depressing about how someone died. It’s obvious. If you already know that death, mayhem and destruction conclude what’s inside of those pages, why buy the paper in the first place?
Sure, I feel sorry for those individuals trapped in Gaza, but death happens. I know that they are stuck inside with the borders surrounding their country and I feel sorry for them. But, there is nothing I can do. I’ve excepted it and the people need to to Gaza need to as well.
But, what about us? The people of Egypt. Sure, the Palestinians have dealing with that issue for so long. But here we are, being portrayed as the bad guys? Because somehow, Israeli taking Gaza soil is my problem. Because apparently, those who are dying, there blood has written my name. And, there’s a way, just a way, that ties in all the world’s problems back to me.
The thing is, though, I never asked for any of this. Truth be told, I’d rather have the Palestinians have a way out. I’d rather not have their blood spilled for the cause of “all of” Egypt’s apparent stupidity. He doesn’t speak this government does not speak for me. Heck, this country doesn’t even speak for me anymore. The people don’t have a say. We’re stuck, too. We want change that will never come. Just like Palestinians, however, we’re seen as the bad guys. The people of Egypt are stuck in the in between. Our voice has no voice. So, why should theirs, the Palestinians, matter?
(turns)
Paper! Paper! Come get your paper!
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Act I, Scene 5
Character:
Harrison, a activist in his later years.
Prologue: A middle-aged man is paces his office, in search of his glasses.
HARRISON
(lifts a book)
Where did I put those blasted glasses?
When did Mitchell said?
(rubs temple)
At least, no later than 10.
(glances at clock, groans)
(sits down)
I need to finish this and soon. Eliza expects home before then.
(looks at computer in front of him, squints)
What is this? Ancient Greek? And, these pictures? Just how many pixels is this?
(sighs)
I work with amateurs.
(types, squints, and resumes typing)
I feel sorry for these people, the people of Gaza. They live with everything they need, but never can access their wants or desires. The want to get out of that hellish excuse for a country. For Pete’s sake, half the population is under the age of nineteen. It’s like this conflict is being waged with kids. Young, unlucky kids who are stuck inside those walls for some apparent reason that is bigger than the whole lot of us.
(hunches)
Sure, those people have water and food and medicine, but what about the things that matter even more. How about a stable home, a safe environment, an ideal education? What about those things are so deadly that people should deprived of?
(growls)
And, where are those damned glasses? I need them. I need to see to clearly. I need to see the shapes and figures, the symbols and the words. I need to see the poster before it begins to cover the lampposts and bulletins of the city. So, it informs and shows these people, the outsiders, those who don’t belong, what is really happening. That reminds them that the world isn’t perfect and that somehow, someway, if we band together in the justice and equality, then maybe, just maybe, my life, our world will be a brighter one for the years to come.
(scratches his neck, feels something against his chest)
(removes the object and smiles)
My glasses.
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Act I, Scene 6
Character:
James, a reporter who has not seen the affects of war.
Prologue: A man stares at himself in the mirror, his partner in the other room.
JAMES
Come on. Let’s go.
Josh, we haven’t have all day.
(waves hands, frantically)
Shots are being fired as we speak and we, as reporters, must well, report this. We have to get down before anyone else does.
(turns around)
We haven’t much time until word gets out.
Bloody hell, Josh.
(sighs)
Just leave it, then. I have a smaller camera. It’s not as advanced, but it’ll do.
(fixed cuffs)
Well, hurry on then.
(exits the room)
[James and his partner, Josh drive through rubble on what used to be a road.]
There’s blood. So much blood. I’ve been doing this for years, and yet... It still gets me every time. I can’t- My God. That building was just standing there three seconds ago. And, it’s now been torn to pieces.
That was a federal building?
People are probably still inside there. Dead and wishing they were dead. I would. If I were them. Being stuck underneath the rubble, rasping for another breath of air. I couldn’t do it. I don’t have the strength nor the soul to be able to survive a catastrophe such as this.
There were children?
To think that it is located next to a school for children. What were they thinking? They are innocent, naive and have no right to be put into a warped condition such as this one. They count for more than of population and it’s as though this whole conflict is being shoved into the hands of mere children. They have no right. To be stuck. To be under.
The building is silver?
Then, why is it so red?
Those people are terrorists?
Then, why are kids dying?
This isn’t a war?
Then what is it?
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Act I, Scene 7
Character:
Haniah, a woman who speaks on the behalf of Palestinians.
Prologue: A young women sits alone at a coffee shop.
HANIAH
This war; it's stupid really.
(stirs)
The fact that no one takes action against this conflict is disgusting, cruel and furthermore, inhumane. It's as if these people lives don't matter.
(opens and pours cream)
Look I'm not saying we shouldn't, however we cannot ignore that fact that this is a lost cause. No matter how hard we try and despite how much most of us want it to end, it won't, Both the Israelis and the Palestinians are too consumed in removing each other that they are blinded from the right of way.
(stirs; plays with spoon)
I'm am only here to give my thoughts as a women, reporter and civilian of the strip of Gaza. Whether my voice reaches your ears is up to you, but as long as I know I have had my voice heard... At least then I can sleep at night.
(lets go of spoon, hand gestures)
Ma'am, I understand that, and forgive for sounding reeducate, but this war, this conflict, their lives will not change just because we want it to be. The U.N. is powerful, but this is issue has been going on for more years than we have been alive. You nor I can fully comprehend the depth of it and surely we never will. However, going in and making it better with our hands won't solve anything.
(picks up spoon and continues to stir)
If anything it will make worse. How would you feel if a person, let's say, working at Starbucks decides to prance in here, telling us that everything we are doing is wrong, and that we need to be saved. I wouldn't accept that and neither would anyone else in this conflict.
(pauses)
The Israelis, the Palestinians, the surrounding countries, even the outsiders know. We all know that in this conflict, there are the evil doers and there are the victims, just like always. But, the question is who are the heros, who will swoop in and save the day. It certainly isn't the U.N., the U.S. or any other super power that feels the need shape the world to fit their imagination. We are in over heads; this is far bigger than the both of us.
(stirs)
The moral of the story of the story is that there is nothing that we can do. It needs to play out on its own, without any interference as to how to fix it. It doesn't to be fixed, only time. Just give it some time.
(sips)
Reality, As Is
Reality, As Is
A selection dedicated to the ever-going Israeli-Palestinian Conflict that has plagued those nations for all too long. In a battle of territory, it somehow refrains from ever growing old; this is a daily issue. From people on the inside and out, these pieces are here to inform of the depth and reality that goes down behind these borders.
Act I, Scene 1
Character:
Lael, a Jewish female reporter who questions the essence of the problem.
Prologue: A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and confused eyes sits on love seat watching television, wondering where did it all go wrong.
LAEL
Colors, sounds, texture; none have reached my eyes because it doesn’t matter. It never mattered. The television in front of me couldn’t even keep my attention. What was the use? Sitting here, doing absolutely nothing. Waiting for the next day to come, to wake up, go to work, come home, make dinner, and fall asleep on this love seat only to wake the next day and repeat the process. But, what was the use? It all amounts to nothing in the end. It’s not like I’m helping anyone but myself. I’m being selfish without having the intention to be.
I’m lucky. I’m on the other side of the border. The safer side, the richer side, the better side, the safer side. I’m married, I have kids, I have a job, I have a house - what more could any sane person ask for? But, people on the other side don’t have that. The luxury of sitting with nothing on their plate; without a care in the world. They don’t have that option. Instead, they wake up every morning and leave home - not knowing if the place they headed to is still there or their family will be there when they get back.
Palestinians are only miles from this house. What makes me better than them? Are their lives any less valuable than mine? I don’t understand. How can anyone, anyone allow others to live like that? To everyone else in the world, it doesn’t matter. The strikings, the destruction; we need change. I want it to change. People are blind, ignorant and just don’t care - it doesn’t affect them. Whether a child lives or dies in Gaza, won’t make a difference. Her death will just only spark more controversy, more tension and more death to those who don’t mean any harm. That little girl will just be another death, another causality, another number to add to the total death count.
It’s stupid, this whole ordeal. Officials argue or “have peace talks,” and accuse each other of wrongly accusing each other and so on and so forth. Militant groups return to violence as a way that appears to make a statement towards the government or in the Name of God, which I fall to recognize. The only thing they succeed in doing is killing innocent bystanders and getting blood on their hands because somehow, in their minds that gets there point across. And, we can’t forget the border crossing that is practically sealed shut to anyone getting in or out. Honestly, I find it funny. No one notices that it’s lives there playing with. The officials, the government, the U.N., the suicide bombers, the smugglers, and even the reporters, like me.
As easily as I flip through these channels and switch between shows, it reminds me of how lives are being treated. That world seems to be giving up on those who are faultless, turning off on their lives as easily as I turn off the T.V. I’ve seen things, but maybe, I haven’t seen enough. To make the right decisions, to actually look at all the facts, to take to take the time to choose a side.
But what can I do? I’m just lone person in a endless battlefield. Maybe, if I see enough blood, I won’t be as disturbed. Maybe, if I watched someone being killed, it won’t have as much as of an affect. And, maybe if leave my job, I’ll be free. But, not blind. I’m trying to tighten my grip on reality, but I can’t let go of what is in front of me here. I have to keep reporting. I can’t stop now. I’m not going to be just another reporter. Maybe, I’ll save a life. Or, maybe, I’ll be just another death, but I’m okay with that. Because at least then, I’ll make a difference. Because I’m not gonna tune them out - the tears, the screams, the blood. To me, life is worth more and I’m not going to turn off the T.V.
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Act I, Scene 2
Character:
Noor, a child who does not understand the depth of the problem.
Prologue: A young child sits in her room - lights off, silence eerie. She plays a trinket.
NOOR
(tracing the object)
Hey. I’m doing great. Mommy and Irfan are good, too. It’s kind of nice here. The shooting and the shells don’t come as often, which means everything must be getting better. I hope no more people will die because of them. I don’t want them to lose their biggest brother like I did.
I’m helping around the house now. Mom is kind of busy with work, so I have be a big girl and take charge and do what big girls do. Me and Irfan clean and dust and sweep and wash and dry and do all those things Mommy does. I feel like I’m helping a lot, so that way when she comes home, she won’t have much to do.
We go to school again now, me and Irfan. A different school. It’s a little farther because Mommy said we can’t go there anymore. I think it’s because it blew up but Irfan just shushed me. He said it didn’t matter, that it was ‘in the past,’ whatever that means. But, it’s nicer. I know some of the kids from our old school but a lot of them are new and I’ve never seen them before. But, I have some new friends now and that’s nice. I like them; they make me smile and I make them smile. There was this one girl. Her name was Raina. She was sitting alone. But, I went up to her and said hi. We became friends. Yesterday, she wasn’t there. The teacher said she would not be coming anymore. I asked why, but she didn’t say anything.
Irfan is changing now. He doesn’t talk to me as much but he’s just always there. He always in the room I’m in and if he’s somewhere else, he gets all sneaky-like and watches when he thinks I’m not watching, but I can see him because I’m sneaky-like, too. But, he’s always, always watching. It makes me feel like I have to be watched - that I can’t be trusted. me. He’s acting like he has to watch me, instead of liking to watch me, like he used to. I think he thinks that watching me is a chore and I don’t want to be chore. I want to be Irfan’s little sister, just that, only that.
(smiles) You know something, Sami. I still didn’t give it to Irfan. I wanted to, the day you died, but I couldn’t. I wanted it, I wanted something - anything - to remember you by. He had your clothes, your chores, the rest of your room, your everything but all I had was memories. Nothing real, memorable. I needed it. I needed to remember you. But, I am losing you. (voice breaks) Your voice, your face. I can’t remember you. This (clutches the object) is all have and I’m not going to give it. I won’t. I just won’t.
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Act I, Scene 3
Character:
Irfan, a twelve year old who is a both an older and younger sibling.
Prologue: Two young boys sit in an alleyway, side by side. The shadow rests upon them, making their figures indescribable. They are both silent, waiting for the other to start. In the distance, the bustling of a market can be heard.
IRFAN
Yup.
Mom’s good.
Rana’s fine.
School’s...
(pauses)
School. You?
Doing all of your homework?
That’s good.
So, Avi... It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
What happened? You just kinda disappeared for a few weeks there.
Your dad? Again?
I know. Your house isn’t that far from here and it’s not like we o anything but sit here and talk... Except for that one time.
(laughs)
What? You don’t remember?
But it was so funny.
How did you even manage to shoot the soccer ball that high? The third floor, how was that possible. Honestly, the managers of that building should have praised you instead of chasing us down.
Yeah, because I didn’t do it.
Fours years. But, your face when your dad stopped us from running all of town. (pauses) Priceless.
(grins and laughs. the boy sheds a fake tear, then pauses)
Life is life. Me and Noor are going back to school, so that doesn’t take up most of the time, then helping around the house will.
Oh, yeah. You don’t know. Mom got a job.
I know. I never thought she get one too, but she landed the job a few weeks ago. So, money isn’t that big of an issue now. It’s just that she’s not around as much, so I have to watch Noor. But, I don’t mind because she’s happy. And, she hasn’t been this happy since dad died. And, since she happy, I’m happy.
Yeah. But, some people don’t like her having a job.
Like the neighbors. The women used come around the house and talk about her. They say she needs to get married. That “a woman like her shouldn’t be trying to get a job.” That “she could get that she could get married easily.” But, Mom said she isn’t interested in getting married. She has a job now, so she doesn’t need anybody except us.
People keep saying that she should get married because she needs a man in her life.
I don’t know. But, they say she will have a hard time without a husband.
She doesn’t mind.
She said that she can deal with anything people throw at her. She believes in herself. And, I have to believe in her, too. You know, for support. Anyway, how’s your family?
Wow. Really?
I never pictured your mom as a reporter. But, I never picture my mom as a reporter either, so...
My mom is a reporter, now.
Yeah, maybe they’ll work together. And, search for stories together. And, report crime together. That would be cool.
(sigh)
(awkward silence)
Yup, today’s the day.
It’s okay. It’s been two years now, if I’m not over it by now, I never will be.
Yeah, it seems like just yesterday, he was teaching me how to play soccer. (sighs)
I told you it’s not your fault. It’s not your fault he died.
I know, okay. It’s just that I don’t like talking about him.
Because he’s dead.
Because he’s not.
Because he was killed.
Because he’s was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
(looking down)
Because the bag he was carrying looked suspicious and when they called him, he didn’t stop walking. Because he didn’t here them call his name. Because it was busy and the soldiers calling his name probably got mixed in the rest of the noises. Because it was late. Because he was a young teenage boy. Because he was a young Palestinian teenage boy. Because he wanted to get home to the rest of us. Because we were hungry and Mom had stay us and Sami was the only one who could get it. Because, we were young. Because Dad was working that night. Because, he went to the store across town to the best pick. Because he wanted the best for him and his family. Because the bag looked to be stuffed to the rim as the soldiers say. Because milk, bread and chick peas that were covered his blood could have been “carrying explosives” as the police put it.
Because it was my birthday. Because we were suppose to celebrate. Because it was suppose to be safe and fun and safe. Because nothing bad was should have happened.
(jumps to his feet, eyes moist with unshed tears) Because I know. Because I’m his brother. Because I still remember my father yelling and my mother crying and my confusion when I saw Sami, my big brother, my role model, my savior, my Sami laying on the living room, deathly still, bloody to bits, so pale I thought he was a ghost.
Because, Avi. Just because.
(walks off)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act I, Scene 4
Character:
Imad, a teenager who sells newspaper in the cit of Cairo, Egypt.
Prologue: An Egyptian teenager sells newspaper though he doesn’t see a need to buy one.
IMAD
(hands a paper away, smiling)
Thank you.
(turns, facing a crowd)
Paper! Paper! Get your paper! Only three pounds! The best news! The newest news! The only news! Only three pounds! Get your paper!
(crowd surrounds him, asking for the paper)
(the crowd slowly walks away, satisfied)
The news gets old quick. It’s the same thing everyday. Someone dies everyday. It’s a part of life - you’re born, you grow and you die. It’s simple. You can’t expect death. It’s a daily occurrence.
Something that I wonder why people even bother to read about.
“A suicidal bomber killed a man, and two children - one six, the other four. Hamas has taken responsibility for the bombing and the police begin to investigate. The U.N. says that it will not stand for such...” Or something of the like. The cover of the newspaper is always something depressing about how someone died. It’s obvious. If you already know that death, mayhem and destruction conclude what’s inside of those pages, why buy the paper in the first place?
Sure, I feel sorry for those individuals trapped in Gaza, but death happens. I know that they are stuck inside with the borders surrounding their country and I feel sorry for them. But, there is nothing I can do. I’ve excepted it and the people need to to Gaza need to as well.
But, what about us? The people of Egypt. Sure, the Palestinians have dealing with that issue for so long. But here we are, being portrayed as the bad guys? Because somehow, Israeli taking Gaza soil is my problem. Because apparently, those who are dying, there blood has written my name. And, there’s a way, just a way, that ties in all the world’s problems back to me.
The thing is, though, I never asked for any of this. Truth be told, I’d rather have the Palestinians have a way out. I’d rather not have their blood spilled for the cause of “all of” Egypt’s apparent stupidity. He doesn’t speak this government does not speak for me. Heck, this country doesn’t even speak for me anymore. The people don’t have a say. We’re stuck, too. We want change that will never come. Just like Palestinians, however, we’re seen as the bad guys. The people of Egypt are stuck in the in between. Our voice has no voice. So, why should theirs, the Palestinians, matter?
(turns)
Paper! Paper! Come get your paper!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act I, Scene 5
Character:
Harrison, a activist in his later years.
Prologue: A middle-aged man is paces his office, in search of his glasses.
HARRISON
(lifts a book)
Where did I put those blasted glasses?
When did Mitchell said?
(rubs temple)
At least, no later than 10.
(glances at clock, groans)
(sits down)
I need to finish this and soon. Eliza expects home before then.
(looks at computer in front of him, squints)
What is this? Ancient Greek? And, these pictures? Just how many pixels is this?
(sighs)
I work with amateurs.
(types, squints, and resumes typing)
I feel sorry for these people, the people of Gaza. They live with everything they need, but never can access their wants or desires. The want to get out of that hellish excuse for a country. For Pete’s sake, half the population is under the age of nineteen. It’s like this conflict is being waged with kids. Young, unlucky kids who are stuck inside those walls for some apparent reason that is bigger than the whole lot of us.
(hunches)
Sure, those people have water and food and medicine, but what about the things that matter even more. How about a stable home, a safe environment, an ideal education? What about those things are so deadly that people should deprived of?
(growls)
And, where are those damned glasses? I need them. I need to see to clearly. I need to see the shapes and figures, the symbols and the words. I need to see the poster before it begins to cover the lampposts and bulletins of the city. So, it informs and shows these people, the outsiders, those who don’t belong, what is really happening. That reminds them that the world isn’t perfect and that somehow, someway, if we band together in the justice and equality, then maybe, just maybe, my life, our world will be a brighter one for the years to come.
(scratches his neck, feels something against his chest)
(removes the object and smiles)
My glasses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act I, Scene 6
Character:
James, a reporter who has not seen the affects of war.
Prologue: A man stares at himself in the mirror, his partner in the other room.
JAMES
Come on. Let’s go.
Josh, we haven’t have all day.
(waves hands, frantically)
Shots are being fired as we speak and we, as reporters, must well, report this. We have to get down before anyone else does.
(turns around)
We haven’t much time until word gets out.
Bloody hell, Josh.
(sighs)
Just leave it, then. I have a smaller camera. It’s not as advanced, but it’ll do.
(fixed cuffs)
Well, hurry on then.
(exits the room)
[James and his partner, Josh drive through rubble on what used to be a road.]
There’s blood. So much blood. I’ve been doing this for years, and yet... It still gets me every time. I can’t- My God. That building was just standing there three seconds ago. And, it’s now been torn to pieces.
That was a federal building?
People are probably still inside there. Dead and wishing they were dead. I would. If I were them. Being stuck underneath the rubble, rasping for another breath of air. I couldn’t do it. I don’t have the strength nor the soul to be able to survive a catastrophe such as this.
There were children?
To think that it is located next to a school for children. What were they thinking? They are innocent, naive and have no right to be put into a warped condition such as this one. They count for more than of population and it’s as though this whole conflict is being shoved into the hands of mere children. They have no right. To be stuck. To be under.
The building is silver?
Then, why is it so red?
Those people are terrorists?
Then, why are kids dying?
This isn’t a war?
Then what is it?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act I, Scene 7
Character:
Haniah, a woman who speaks on the behalf of Palestinians.
Prologue: A young women sits alone at a coffee shop.
HANIAH
This war; it's stupid really.
(stirs)
The fact that no one takes action against this conflict is disgusting, cruel and furthermore, inhumane. It's as if these people lives don't matter.
(opens and pours cream)
Look I'm not saying we shouldn't, however we cannot ignore that fact that this is a lost cause. No matter how hard we try and despite how much most of us want it to end, it won't, Both the Israelis and the Palestinians are too consumed in removing each other that they are blinded from the right of way.
(stirs; plays with spoon)
I'm am only here to give my thoughts as a women, reporter and civilian of the strip of Gaza. Whether my voice reaches your ears is up to you, but as long as I know I have had my voice heard... At least then I can sleep at night.
(lets go of spoon, hand gestures)
Ma'am, I understand that, and forgive for sounding reeducate, but this war, this conflict, their lives will not change just because we want it to be. The U.N. is powerful, but this is issue has been going on for more years than we have been alive. You nor I can fully comprehend the depth of it and surely we never will. However, going in and making it better with our hands won't solve anything.
(picks up spoon and continues to stir)
If anything it will make worse. How would you feel if a person, let's say, working at Starbucks decides to prance in here, telling us that everything we are doing is wrong, and that we need to be saved. I wouldn't accept that and neither would anyone else in this conflict.
(pauses)
The Israelis, the Palestinians, the surrounding countries, even the outsiders know. We all know that in this conflict, there are the evil doers and there are the victims, just like always. But, the question is who are the heros, who will swoop in and save the day. It certainly isn't the U.N., the U.S. or any other super power that feels the need shape the world to fit their imagination. We are in over heads; this is far bigger than the both of us.
(stirs)
The moral of the story of the story is that there is nothing that we can do. It needs to play out on its own, without any interference as to how to fix it. It doesn't to be fixed, only time. Just give it some time.
(sips)
A selection dedicated to the ever-going Israeli-Palestinian Conflict that has plagued those nations for all too long. In a battle of territory, it somehow refrains from ever growing old; this is a daily issue. From people on the inside and out, these pieces are here to inform of the depth and reality that goes down behind these borders.
Act I, Scene 1
Character:
Lael, a Jewish female reporter who questions the essence of the problem.
Prologue: A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and confused eyes sits on love seat watching television, wondering where did it all go wrong.
LAEL
Colors, sounds, texture; none have reached my eyes because it doesn’t matter. It never mattered. The television in front of me couldn’t even keep my attention. What was the use? Sitting here, doing absolutely nothing. Waiting for the next day to come, to wake up, go to work, come home, make dinner, and fall asleep on this love seat only to wake the next day and repeat the process. But, what was the use? It all amounts to nothing in the end. It’s not like I’m helping anyone but myself. I’m being selfish without having the intention to be.
I’m lucky. I’m on the other side of the border. The safer side, the richer side, the better side, the safer side. I’m married, I have kids, I have a job, I have a house - what more could any sane person ask for? But, people on the other side don’t have that. The luxury of sitting with nothing on their plate; without a care in the world. They don’t have that option. Instead, they wake up every morning and leave home - not knowing if the place they headed to is still there or their family will be there when they get back.
Palestinians are only miles from this house. What makes me better than them? Are their lives any less valuable than mine? I don’t understand. How can anyone, anyone allow others to live like that? To everyone else in the world, it doesn’t matter. The strikings, the destruction; we need change. I want it to change. People are blind, ignorant and just don’t care - it doesn’t affect them. Whether a child lives or dies in Gaza, won’t make a difference. Her death will just only spark more controversy, more tension and more death to those who don’t mean any harm. That little girl will just be another death, another causality, another number to add to the total death count.
It’s stupid, this whole ordeal. Officials argue or “have peace talks,” and accuse each other of wrongly accusing each other and so on and so forth. Militant groups return to violence as a way that appears to make a statement towards the government or in the Name of God, which I fall to recognize. The only thing they succeed in doing is killing innocent bystanders and getting blood on their hands because somehow, in their minds that gets there point across. And, we can’t forget the border crossing that is practically sealed shut to anyone getting in or out. Honestly, I find it funny. No one notices that it’s lives there playing with. The officials, the government, the U.N., the suicide bombers, the smugglers, and even the reporters, like me.
As easily as I flip through these channels and switch between shows, it reminds me of how lives are being treated. That world seems to be giving up on those who are faultless, turning off on their lives as easily as I turn off the T.V. I’ve seen things, but maybe, I haven’t seen enough. To make the right decisions, to actually look at all the facts, to take to take the time to choose a side.
But what can I do? I’m just lone person in a endless battlefield. Maybe, if I see enough blood, I won’t be as disturbed. Maybe, if I watched someone being killed, it won’t have as much as of an affect. And, maybe if leave my job, I’ll be free. But, not blind. I’m trying to tighten my grip on reality, but I can’t let go of what is in front of me here. I have to keep reporting. I can’t stop now. I’m not going to be just another reporter. Maybe, I’ll save a life. Or, maybe, I’ll be just another death, but I’m okay with that. Because at least then, I’ll make a difference. Because I’m not gonna tune them out - the tears, the screams, the blood. To me, life is worth more and I’m not going to turn off the T.V.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act I, Scene 2
Character:
Noor, a child who does not understand the depth of the problem.
Prologue: A young child sits in her room - lights off, silence eerie. She plays a trinket.
NOOR
(tracing the object)
Hey. I’m doing great. Mommy and Irfan are good, too. It’s kind of nice here. The shooting and the shells don’t come as often, which means everything must be getting better. I hope no more people will die because of them. I don’t want them to lose their biggest brother like I did.
I’m helping around the house now. Mom is kind of busy with work, so I have be a big girl and take charge and do what big girls do. Me and Irfan clean and dust and sweep and wash and dry and do all those things Mommy does. I feel like I’m helping a lot, so that way when she comes home, she won’t have much to do.
We go to school again now, me and Irfan. A different school. It’s a little farther because Mommy said we can’t go there anymore. I think it’s because it blew up but Irfan just shushed me. He said it didn’t matter, that it was ‘in the past,’ whatever that means. But, it’s nicer. I know some of the kids from our old school but a lot of them are new and I’ve never seen them before. But, I have some new friends now and that’s nice. I like them; they make me smile and I make them smile. There was this one girl. Her name was Raina. She was sitting alone. But, I went up to her and said hi. We became friends. Yesterday, she wasn’t there. The teacher said she would not be coming anymore. I asked why, but she didn’t say anything.
Irfan is changing now. He doesn’t talk to me as much but he’s just always there. He always in the room I’m in and if he’s somewhere else, he gets all sneaky-like and watches when he thinks I’m not watching, but I can see him because I’m sneaky-like, too. But, he’s always, always watching. It makes me feel like I have to be watched - that I can’t be trusted. me. He’s acting like he has to watch me, instead of liking to watch me, like he used to. I think he thinks that watching me is a chore and I don’t want to be chore. I want to be Irfan’s little sister, just that, only that.
(smiles) You know something, Sami. I still didn’t give it to Irfan. I wanted to, the day you died, but I couldn’t. I wanted it, I wanted something - anything - to remember you by. He had your clothes, your chores, the rest of your room, your everything but all I had was memories. Nothing real, memorable. I needed it. I needed to remember you. But, I am losing you. (voice breaks) Your voice, your face. I can’t remember you. This (clutches the object) is all have and I’m not going to give it. I won’t. I just won’t.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act I, Scene 3
Character:
Irfan, a twelve year old who is a both an older and younger sibling.
Prologue: Two young boys sit in an alleyway, side by side. The shadow rests upon them, making their figures indescribable. They are both silent, waiting for the other to start. In the distance, the bustling of a market can be heard.
IRFAN
Yup.
Mom’s good.
Rana’s fine.
School’s...
(pauses)
School. You?
Doing all of your homework?
That’s good.
So, Avi... It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
What happened? You just kinda disappeared for a few weeks there.
Your dad? Again?
I know. Your house isn’t that far from here and it’s not like we o anything but sit here and talk... Except for that one time.
(laughs)
What? You don’t remember?
But it was so funny.
How did you even manage to shoot the soccer ball that high? The third floor, how was that possible. Honestly, the managers of that building should have praised you instead of chasing us down.
Yeah, because I didn’t do it.
Fours years. But, your face when your dad stopped us from running all of town. (pauses) Priceless.
(grins and laughs. the boy sheds a fake tear, then pauses)
Life is life. Me and Noor are going back to school, so that doesn’t take up most of the time, then helping around the house will.
Oh, yeah. You don’t know. Mom got a job.
I know. I never thought she get one too, but she landed the job a few weeks ago. So, money isn’t that big of an issue now. It’s just that she’s not around as much, so I have to watch Noor. But, I don’t mind because she’s happy. And, she hasn’t been this happy since dad died. And, since she happy, I’m happy.
Yeah. But, some people don’t like her having a job.
Like the neighbors. The women used come around the house and talk about her. They say she needs to get married. That “a woman like her shouldn’t be trying to get a job.” That “she could get that she could get married easily.” But, Mom said she isn’t interested in getting married. She has a job now, so she doesn’t need anybody except us.
People keep saying that she should get married because she needs a man in her life.
I don’t know. But, they say she will have a hard time without a husband.
She doesn’t mind.
She said that she can deal with anything people throw at her. She believes in herself. And, I have to believe in her, too. You know, for support. Anyway, how’s your family?
Wow. Really?
I never pictured your mom as a reporter. But, I never picture my mom as a reporter either, so...
My mom is a reporter, now.
Yeah, maybe they’ll work together. And, search for stories together. And, report crime together. That would be cool.
(sigh)
(awkward silence)
Yup, today’s the day.
It’s okay. It’s been two years now, if I’m not over it by now, I never will be.
Yeah, it seems like just yesterday, he was teaching me how to play soccer. (sighs)
I told you it’s not your fault. It’s not your fault he died.
I know, okay. It’s just that I don’t like talking about him.
Because he’s dead.
Because he’s not.
Because he was killed.
Because he’s was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
(looking down)
Because the bag he was carrying looked suspicious and when they called him, he didn’t stop walking. Because he didn’t here them call his name. Because it was busy and the soldiers calling his name probably got mixed in the rest of the noises. Because it was late. Because he was a young teenage boy. Because he was a young Palestinian teenage boy. Because he wanted to get home to the rest of us. Because we were hungry and Mom had stay us and Sami was the only one who could get it. Because, we were young. Because Dad was working that night. Because, he went to the store across town to the best pick. Because he wanted the best for him and his family. Because the bag looked to be stuffed to the rim as the soldiers say. Because milk, bread and chick peas that were covered his blood could have been “carrying explosives” as the police put it.
Because it was my birthday. Because we were suppose to celebrate. Because it was suppose to be safe and fun and safe. Because nothing bad was should have happened.
(jumps to his feet, eyes moist with unshed tears) Because I know. Because I’m his brother. Because I still remember my father yelling and my mother crying and my confusion when I saw Sami, my big brother, my role model, my savior, my Sami laying on the living room, deathly still, bloody to bits, so pale I thought he was a ghost.
Because, Avi. Just because.
(walks off)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act I, Scene 4
Character:
Imad, a teenager who sells newspaper in the cit of Cairo, Egypt.
Prologue: An Egyptian teenager sells newspaper though he doesn’t see a need to buy one.
IMAD
(hands a paper away, smiling)
Thank you.
(turns, facing a crowd)
Paper! Paper! Get your paper! Only three pounds! The best news! The newest news! The only news! Only three pounds! Get your paper!
(crowd surrounds him, asking for the paper)
(the crowd slowly walks away, satisfied)
The news gets old quick. It’s the same thing everyday. Someone dies everyday. It’s a part of life - you’re born, you grow and you die. It’s simple. You can’t expect death. It’s a daily occurrence.
Something that I wonder why people even bother to read about.
“A suicidal bomber killed a man, and two children - one six, the other four. Hamas has taken responsibility for the bombing and the police begin to investigate. The U.N. says that it will not stand for such...” Or something of the like. The cover of the newspaper is always something depressing about how someone died. It’s obvious. If you already know that death, mayhem and destruction conclude what’s inside of those pages, why buy the paper in the first place?
Sure, I feel sorry for those individuals trapped in Gaza, but death happens. I know that they are stuck inside with the borders surrounding their country and I feel sorry for them. But, there is nothing I can do. I’ve excepted it and the people need to to Gaza need to as well.
But, what about us? The people of Egypt. Sure, the Palestinians have dealing with that issue for so long. But here we are, being portrayed as the bad guys? Because somehow, Israeli taking Gaza soil is my problem. Because apparently, those who are dying, there blood has written my name. And, there’s a way, just a way, that ties in all the world’s problems back to me.
The thing is, though, I never asked for any of this. Truth be told, I’d rather have the Palestinians have a way out. I’d rather not have their blood spilled for the cause of “all of” Egypt’s apparent stupidity. He doesn’t speak this government does not speak for me. Heck, this country doesn’t even speak for me anymore. The people don’t have a say. We’re stuck, too. We want change that will never come. Just like Palestinians, however, we’re seen as the bad guys. The people of Egypt are stuck in the in between. Our voice has no voice. So, why should theirs, the Palestinians, matter?
(turns)
Paper! Paper! Come get your paper!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act I, Scene 5
Character:
Harrison, a activist in his later years.
Prologue: A middle-aged man is paces his office, in search of his glasses.
HARRISON
(lifts a book)
Where did I put those blasted glasses?
When did Mitchell said?
(rubs temple)
At least, no later than 10.
(glances at clock, groans)
(sits down)
I need to finish this and soon. Eliza expects home before then.
(looks at computer in front of him, squints)
What is this? Ancient Greek? And, these pictures? Just how many pixels is this?
(sighs)
I work with amateurs.
(types, squints, and resumes typing)
I feel sorry for these people, the people of Gaza. They live with everything they need, but never can access their wants or desires. The want to get out of that hellish excuse for a country. For Pete’s sake, half the population is under the age of nineteen. It’s like this conflict is being waged with kids. Young, unlucky kids who are stuck inside those walls for some apparent reason that is bigger than the whole lot of us.
(hunches)
Sure, those people have water and food and medicine, but what about the things that matter even more. How about a stable home, a safe environment, an ideal education? What about those things are so deadly that people should deprived of?
(growls)
And, where are those damned glasses? I need them. I need to see to clearly. I need to see the shapes and figures, the symbols and the words. I need to see the poster before it begins to cover the lampposts and bulletins of the city. So, it informs and shows these people, the outsiders, those who don’t belong, what is really happening. That reminds them that the world isn’t perfect and that somehow, someway, if we band together in the justice and equality, then maybe, just maybe, my life, our world will be a brighter one for the years to come.
(scratches his neck, feels something against his chest)
(removes the object and smiles)
My glasses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act I, Scene 6
Character:
James, a reporter who has not seen the affects of war.
Prologue: A man stares at himself in the mirror, his partner in the other room.
JAMES
Come on. Let’s go.
Josh, we haven’t have all day.
(waves hands, frantically)
Shots are being fired as we speak and we, as reporters, must well, report this. We have to get down before anyone else does.
(turns around)
We haven’t much time until word gets out.
Bloody hell, Josh.
(sighs)
Just leave it, then. I have a smaller camera. It’s not as advanced, but it’ll do.
(fixed cuffs)
Well, hurry on then.
(exits the room)
[James and his partner, Josh drive through rubble on what used to be a road.]
There’s blood. So much blood. I’ve been doing this for years, and yet... It still gets me every time. I can’t- My God. That building was just standing there three seconds ago. And, it’s now been torn to pieces.
That was a federal building?
People are probably still inside there. Dead and wishing they were dead. I would. If I were them. Being stuck underneath the rubble, rasping for another breath of air. I couldn’t do it. I don’t have the strength nor the soul to be able to survive a catastrophe such as this.
There were children?
To think that it is located next to a school for children. What were they thinking? They are innocent, naive and have no right to be put into a warped condition such as this one. They count for more than of population and it’s as though this whole conflict is being shoved into the hands of mere children. They have no right. To be stuck. To be under.
The building is silver?
Then, why is it so red?
Those people are terrorists?
Then, why are kids dying?
This isn’t a war?
Then what is it?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act I, Scene 7
Character:
Haniah, a woman who speaks on the behalf of Palestinians.
Prologue: A young women sits alone at a coffee shop.
HANIAH
This war; it's stupid really.
(stirs)
The fact that no one takes action against this conflict is disgusting, cruel and furthermore, inhumane. It's as if these people lives don't matter.
(opens and pours cream)
Look I'm not saying we shouldn't, however we cannot ignore that fact that this is a lost cause. No matter how hard we try and despite how much most of us want it to end, it won't, Both the Israelis and the Palestinians are too consumed in removing each other that they are blinded from the right of way.
(stirs; plays with spoon)
I'm am only here to give my thoughts as a women, reporter and civilian of the strip of Gaza. Whether my voice reaches your ears is up to you, but as long as I know I have had my voice heard... At least then I can sleep at night.
(lets go of spoon, hand gestures)
Ma'am, I understand that, and forgive for sounding reeducate, but this war, this conflict, their lives will not change just because we want it to be. The U.N. is powerful, but this is issue has been going on for more years than we have been alive. You nor I can fully comprehend the depth of it and surely we never will. However, going in and making it better with our hands won't solve anything.
(picks up spoon and continues to stir)
If anything it will make worse. How would you feel if a person, let's say, working at Starbucks decides to prance in here, telling us that everything we are doing is wrong, and that we need to be saved. I wouldn't accept that and neither would anyone else in this conflict.
(pauses)
The Israelis, the Palestinians, the surrounding countries, even the outsiders know. We all know that in this conflict, there are the evil doers and there are the victims, just like always. But, the question is who are the heros, who will swoop in and save the day. It certainly isn't the U.N., the U.S. or any other super power that feels the need shape the world to fit their imagination. We are in over heads; this is far bigger than the both of us.
(stirs)
The moral of the story of the story is that there is nothing that we can do. It needs to play out on its own, without any interference as to how to fix it. It doesn't to be fixed, only time. Just give it some time.
(sips)
Yay!
So I am staying in the honors dorm at Bennett and I'm so excited. My trip was amazing and I'm ready to come home. My train leaves a 4:00 in the morning so I'm dreading it. I really liked the campus and the people.
Confused
I think this pictures tells its story on it's own. Sorry if it's unclear, but basically, the trash men decided to ride in the back of the truck today.
Depressed Feet
Flats aren't supposed to hurt your feet. I feel mislead.
how to dress
Mom: "Is that what you're wearing?"
Me: "Yeah, why?"
Mom: "I don't know, just button your shirt up."
Me: "No. I don't want to."
Mom: "But it looks bad."
Me: "Good! Then that means I like the way I look."
Me: "Yeah, why?"
Mom: "I don't know, just button your shirt up."
Me: "No. I don't want to."
Mom: "But it looks bad."
Me: "Good! Then that means I like the way I look."
Job?
The manager at Yogurino remembered me when I came in to check on my application today. I think I'm getting that job!
Wagner College Here I Come...
Wagner College here I come I'm to to stooked for my visit on Wednesday. The hunter green the aroma of college shit is gonna be epic. I'm nervous what if I don't like the college I don't have a back up that's my one & only college I'll be willing to go to. Oh well we'll see
The Turn Around,of a Young Girl!
The Turn Around,of a Young Girl!
Characters:
Jennette (main): She is only 15 year2s old. She had a great life, but eventually moves and ends up living next to a sex worker. She does not know about it at all. She lives in Thailand in a little cot with her mom,dad,and sister Janice. Her family eventually starts to go down hill. Her dad becomes a heavy drinker,so the mom and sisters move out.The neighbor is always trying to communicate with her, but she keeps it to a short conversation and walks away. She eventually gets sold. Later in the years when she is 35 she meets back up with her father and mother not even remembering who they were because, her mom let her go at such a young age. The sex workers lives up in Thailand, he buys this girl name Jennette and he owns many other girls as well. He has sex with every girl he owns without a condom. Then Jennette get the idea that she could be HIV positive or suffering form hidden AIDS. Then her parents come to find her and tell her it will be okay.
Dad,(Joseph): This is the father of Jennette and Janice. Joseph is a very heavy drinker. He eventually one day lost control and realized his daughter needed his help.
Mom, (Elaine): This is the mother of Jennette and Janice and the spouse of Joseph. She is the kind of mother who did not are that her daughter sold her self to be a sex worker until her husband pointed everything out to her.
JENNETTE
I heard music blaring, guys yelling, and girls moaning. I being only 15 thought of one thing,sex. I was wrong. There were poles all around me, girls in very revealing clothes, and dances being passed around like free food. Then I looked down at myself, I was dressed like all the other girls, standing next to a pole, and getting ready to do a dance. I hoped it was a dream, but it was real. (sitting in thoughts,commotion all around) I remember it like it was just a day ago. Screams going throughout the house. My mom and dad were fighting. Me being the youngest child ran to my sister and cried. “Why has mommy and daddy been fighting constantly?” More tears came to my eyes “I understand that he has an illness.” (bottle cracks) “but don’t you think he can cure himself by only drinking one or two a day?” “Is anything going to help?” (walks out of sisters room,peeks down the stairs) I heard the words! “NO MOMMY!” “Daddy didn’t mean it.” “No mommy, we can’t just leave.” (sister approaching from room) “Janice, were moving out!” “I know mommy does not understand daddy did not mean anything intentionally!” (girls go off into room,pack their things) “Daddy,I'm gonna miss you” “you seem like you don’t care?” “do you not get that we are moving far away?” “I thought i was your baby girl?” Tears streamed down my face. “I hope to see you in a later life!” (moved,settled in, and adapted to new home) “Hello, Mr. Tang!” “It really is such a wonderful day, matter of fact didn’t i see you by the shopping centers the other day?” “I thought that was you, what were you doing around there?” “You didn’t just get food, you were looking in the window where they keep the girls.” “Whoa, what do you mean?” “you did not just say such a thing!” (conversation cut off by mother’s yell for dinner) “Mom, Mr. tang said a few things to me today.” “well he said he wants to see me in the window.” “how do you not see anything wrong with that!” (excused herself to her room, just sat there and thought) I was hurt, my mom just said she would put my body up for sale without saying it. Is that possible? (the next day) I put my body up, and nobody could stop me. (neighbor comes up to window) “You got what you wanted.” “You look pretty happy, so are you gonna buy me?” That was the day, the day my body was sold. It was sold to a man, a man who i once called my neighbor but is now my owner. (flashed back) I turned to the crowd and spotted Mr.Tang my owner. I walked over with the swag i was taught and asked him what he wanted next. He handed me $3. We went, and i gave him what three dollars bought.
DAD
I lost it, control of everything. My words, my feelings, and my actions. I didn’t mean anything intentionally. It just happened. The force of all my anger took over. My illness came out, and
unleashed the worst of me. My hand went flying it cracked her, right across the face. We were fighting about how we were falling apart and the blame was put all onto me. She must not understand me very well. (flashes forward to when they leave) “yeah ill miss you too!” “i care” “I understand your moving far away.” “you are, and always will be my baby girl.” (he finds out his daughter is being sold) she wasn't my baby anymore. I seen her that day in the window, taken a second glance hoping it wasn't her. It was. I made my way towards her village. (talking to the mother) “how could you do this to my baby.” “yes i understand i wasn't in her life!” “Keep talking go head, just remember she will always be my baby!” “Bullshit? That's why I'm here to find out what gave you the idea to sell our beautiful daughter”s body?” (Flashes back to the window) the men i see had their eyes on my daughter. just sitting there on the bench smoking. The tags mean a lot. Was my daughter really standing in this window with a pin in her breast. she was suppose to be my baby girl. I witnessed a man buying her. she glanced at me, realizing who i was. i looked straight in to her eyes and i whispered “i love you!” That last look i got made me think how the rest of her life was put into ruins.
JENNETTE
(sitting around, just thinking to herself) I'm the one who did this to myself. His last words, the words you are, and always will be my baby girl. Will i still be the baby girl he thinks i was when i left? I’m a different person now. I’m not who i was when i was 15. I am now 35. I’ve been working for Mr.Tang for quite a while now. I’m kept away from everyone. Its been like that ever since the day Mr.Tang bought me. I remember it like it was yesterday. (flashes back to the day) I put my body up the day before. The next day Mr.Tang came to the shopping center did his daily routine. When he passed the window, he noticed me. Stopped, stared, then walked away. I thought he would never come back. Hours later i was being commanded. He was my owner.(flashes back to just sitting round) To this day i still do not know how many girls have been through this. I have been doing what he wants me to do for years. He does it with girls of all ages, with no condom. Then he comes to me. well if i have a disease? Why are these things hitting me now. (another worker walks in) How do i know if I'm affected? you know like with an HIV. What do you mean i have a high chance? that's crazy, how did you know the HIV rates were rising? weren't you here since you were 15 like me? NO! that's unfair. You also heard what!? AIDS! Their here, but hidden are you sure? no please don't go we have to talk. oh okay. bye.(zoned back to herself) of all the girls hes been buying sex or actions from, I'm most likely affected with HIV and has the hidden AIDS!
DAD
(father at mothers door) Its child prostitution! you know, but did you know that your daughter can be suffering? i understand this wasn't your decision, but you made her go put her body up. speechless that's right because I'm right. Now all of a sudden you care. Hows she suffering. through pain, and diseases. How, well the HIV rates are going up. 40% of women are HIV positive. Yes that can include your daughter. Not only can she test HIV positive, she can have any kind of infection. Of course there are condoms around here. its just that no one uses them , but they are highly recommended. Yes this is very helpful, but i just tried helping you. Does this change your views on what you want to do for our baby girl. Yes i called her ours. That is exactly what she is, and she needs us. Now lets go get our daughter back.
MOM
(while getting dressed and ready) Is there any hope for her? I hope! All we need to do is hurry down to the bar where the girls dance every hour, go talk to Mr.Tang who i doubt will remember us, then we will have our daughter back. But well if its not that simple? were gonna have to go in and sort things out. Maybe we can just sneak her out! (yells from own the stairs) I'm coming. So Hun do you think there is hope for her. Just a little? Well not only do you have to have hope in her, you have to have hope in us. (arrive to the bar) We walk in the music is blaring out. This scene was horrible. When i was looking at the girls it was like i forgot what my own daughter looked liked. I spotted her. My young beautiful daughter. Does she remember me. Janette, its me your mother? YOUR MOTHER, the one who gave you birth, the one who was there for you all the times you needed me, the one who gave you advice wen you were little. But most important is, I’m here to take you home. Yes both me and daddy. Those sex workers are known as HIV positive. Don't be scared, it will be over no time. If anything you have me and your father.
Characters:
Jennette (main): She is only 15 year2s old. She had a great life, but eventually moves and ends up living next to a sex worker. She does not know about it at all. She lives in Thailand in a little cot with her mom,dad,and sister Janice. Her family eventually starts to go down hill. Her dad becomes a heavy drinker,so the mom and sisters move out.The neighbor is always trying to communicate with her, but she keeps it to a short conversation and walks away. She eventually gets sold. Later in the years when she is 35 she meets back up with her father and mother not even remembering who they were because, her mom let her go at such a young age. The sex workers lives up in Thailand, he buys this girl name Jennette and he owns many other girls as well. He has sex with every girl he owns without a condom. Then Jennette get the idea that she could be HIV positive or suffering form hidden AIDS. Then her parents come to find her and tell her it will be okay.
Dad,(Joseph): This is the father of Jennette and Janice. Joseph is a very heavy drinker. He eventually one day lost control and realized his daughter needed his help.
Mom, (Elaine): This is the mother of Jennette and Janice and the spouse of Joseph. She is the kind of mother who did not are that her daughter sold her self to be a sex worker until her husband pointed everything out to her.
JENNETTE
I heard music blaring, guys yelling, and girls moaning. I being only 15 thought of one thing,sex. I was wrong. There were poles all around me, girls in very revealing clothes, and dances being passed around like free food. Then I looked down at myself, I was dressed like all the other girls, standing next to a pole, and getting ready to do a dance. I hoped it was a dream, but it was real. (sitting in thoughts,commotion all around) I remember it like it was just a day ago. Screams going throughout the house. My mom and dad were fighting. Me being the youngest child ran to my sister and cried. “Why has mommy and daddy been fighting constantly?” More tears came to my eyes “I understand that he has an illness.” (bottle cracks) “but don’t you think he can cure himself by only drinking one or two a day?” “Is anything going to help?” (walks out of sisters room,peeks down the stairs) I heard the words! “NO MOMMY!” “Daddy didn’t mean it.” “No mommy, we can’t just leave.” (sister approaching from room) “Janice, were moving out!” “I know mommy does not understand daddy did not mean anything intentionally!” (girls go off into room,pack their things) “Daddy,I'm gonna miss you” “you seem like you don’t care?” “do you not get that we are moving far away?” “I thought i was your baby girl?” Tears streamed down my face. “I hope to see you in a later life!” (moved,settled in, and adapted to new home) “Hello, Mr. Tang!” “It really is such a wonderful day, matter of fact didn’t i see you by the shopping centers the other day?” “I thought that was you, what were you doing around there?” “You didn’t just get food, you were looking in the window where they keep the girls.” “Whoa, what do you mean?” “you did not just say such a thing!” (conversation cut off by mother’s yell for dinner) “Mom, Mr. tang said a few things to me today.” “well he said he wants to see me in the window.” “how do you not see anything wrong with that!” (excused herself to her room, just sat there and thought) I was hurt, my mom just said she would put my body up for sale without saying it. Is that possible? (the next day) I put my body up, and nobody could stop me. (neighbor comes up to window) “You got what you wanted.” “You look pretty happy, so are you gonna buy me?” That was the day, the day my body was sold. It was sold to a man, a man who i once called my neighbor but is now my owner. (flashed back) I turned to the crowd and spotted Mr.Tang my owner. I walked over with the swag i was taught and asked him what he wanted next. He handed me $3. We went, and i gave him what three dollars bought.
DAD
I lost it, control of everything. My words, my feelings, and my actions. I didn’t mean anything intentionally. It just happened. The force of all my anger took over. My illness came out, and
unleashed the worst of me. My hand went flying it cracked her, right across the face. We were fighting about how we were falling apart and the blame was put all onto me. She must not understand me very well. (flashes forward to when they leave) “yeah ill miss you too!” “i care” “I understand your moving far away.” “you are, and always will be my baby girl.” (he finds out his daughter is being sold) she wasn't my baby anymore. I seen her that day in the window, taken a second glance hoping it wasn't her. It was. I made my way towards her village. (talking to the mother) “how could you do this to my baby.” “yes i understand i wasn't in her life!” “Keep talking go head, just remember she will always be my baby!” “Bullshit? That's why I'm here to find out what gave you the idea to sell our beautiful daughter”s body?” (Flashes back to the window) the men i see had their eyes on my daughter. just sitting there on the bench smoking. The tags mean a lot. Was my daughter really standing in this window with a pin in her breast. she was suppose to be my baby girl. I witnessed a man buying her. she glanced at me, realizing who i was. i looked straight in to her eyes and i whispered “i love you!” That last look i got made me think how the rest of her life was put into ruins.
JENNETTE
(sitting around, just thinking to herself) I'm the one who did this to myself. His last words, the words you are, and always will be my baby girl. Will i still be the baby girl he thinks i was when i left? I’m a different person now. I’m not who i was when i was 15. I am now 35. I’ve been working for Mr.Tang for quite a while now. I’m kept away from everyone. Its been like that ever since the day Mr.Tang bought me. I remember it like it was yesterday. (flashes back to the day) I put my body up the day before. The next day Mr.Tang came to the shopping center did his daily routine. When he passed the window, he noticed me. Stopped, stared, then walked away. I thought he would never come back. Hours later i was being commanded. He was my owner.(flashes back to just sitting round) To this day i still do not know how many girls have been through this. I have been doing what he wants me to do for years. He does it with girls of all ages, with no condom. Then he comes to me. well if i have a disease? Why are these things hitting me now. (another worker walks in) How do i know if I'm affected? you know like with an HIV. What do you mean i have a high chance? that's crazy, how did you know the HIV rates were rising? weren't you here since you were 15 like me? NO! that's unfair. You also heard what!? AIDS! Their here, but hidden are you sure? no please don't go we have to talk. oh okay. bye.(zoned back to herself) of all the girls hes been buying sex or actions from, I'm most likely affected with HIV and has the hidden AIDS!
DAD
(father at mothers door) Its child prostitution! you know, but did you know that your daughter can be suffering? i understand this wasn't your decision, but you made her go put her body up. speechless that's right because I'm right. Now all of a sudden you care. Hows she suffering. through pain, and diseases. How, well the HIV rates are going up. 40% of women are HIV positive. Yes that can include your daughter. Not only can she test HIV positive, she can have any kind of infection. Of course there are condoms around here. its just that no one uses them , but they are highly recommended. Yes this is very helpful, but i just tried helping you. Does this change your views on what you want to do for our baby girl. Yes i called her ours. That is exactly what she is, and she needs us. Now lets go get our daughter back.
MOM
(while getting dressed and ready) Is there any hope for her? I hope! All we need to do is hurry down to the bar where the girls dance every hour, go talk to Mr.Tang who i doubt will remember us, then we will have our daughter back. But well if its not that simple? were gonna have to go in and sort things out. Maybe we can just sneak her out! (yells from own the stairs) I'm coming. So Hun do you think there is hope for her. Just a little? Well not only do you have to have hope in her, you have to have hope in us. (arrive to the bar) We walk in the music is blaring out. This scene was horrible. When i was looking at the girls it was like i forgot what my own daughter looked liked. I spotted her. My young beautiful daughter. Does she remember me. Janette, its me your mother? YOUR MOTHER, the one who gave you birth, the one who was there for you all the times you needed me, the one who gave you advice wen you were little. But most important is, I’m here to take you home. Yes both me and daddy. Those sex workers are known as HIV positive. Don't be scared, it will be over no time. If anything you have me and your father.
Describe a day in the life
For the average 12 yo (boy or girl, you pick) in your country that you focused on last week... what is the average day like.
Make a visualization of the day.. you can timeline it with pix, do something more creative.
But by the end of class on Tuesday you should have a representation of that day... with regard to education and health at a minimum... feel free to include more factors and indicators. Provide at least 5 CITED sources to your creation.
When you are done, link to it on SLA.org blogger - SLATE. Double check that your link works. In addition to the link, reflect on... how does this life compare that that of yours when you were 12? What was most surprising about your findings? What parts were expected? What do you think that 12yo's life will be like when they are 40? Describe it... what will have changed, what will have stayed the same?
Make a visualization of the day.. you can timeline it with pix, do something more creative.
But by the end of class on Tuesday you should have a representation of that day... with regard to education and health at a minimum... feel free to include more factors and indicators. Provide at least 5 CITED sources to your creation.
When you are done, link to it on SLA.org blogger - SLATE. Double check that your link works. In addition to the link, reflect on... how does this life compare that that of yours when you were 12? What was most surprising about your findings? What parts were expected? What do you think that 12yo's life will be like when they are 40? Describe it... what will have changed, what will have stayed the same?
Money vs Love
Cast
of characters:
Robert
Mugabe: Greedy President of Zimbabwe.
Gono: Head of Zimbabwe’s main bank that helps
Mugabe steal money.
Maid:
Works at Mugabe’s place just for work but.
Archbishop
of Canterbury: talks about Zimbabwe and how it is going under.
Act 1: Scene 1
The reason Why Zimbabwe is going under nowadays is because Mugabe
steals all this money while he pays people like me very little money. That
greedy little bastard. I’m thankful his wife is cheating is cheating on him.
Haha. I find it kind of funny that his (makes air quotes) “friend” slept with
his wife. (Points finger at interviewer) Just think what it would have been
like if he did not take all that money (puts finger down). Zimbabwe would have
been the best vacation getaway instead of this shithole of a plaace. Excuse my
language its just he makes me extremely mad. (Acts Cautious) He won’t see this
will he?
Act 1: Scene 2
(Trying
to avoid eye contact by picking up random things in the living room)
I just
wanted to let you know i am really happy to be your friend and business
partner. It isn't all for just the money but you are a really good listener. I
came here to discuss the future of our relationship. We have been cheating
Zimbabwe out of millions for a long time and I feel that I have grown really
close to you over the years. I think that any misunderstandings that we might
have in the future should be disregarded. I mean you being the president and me
being the head power of the bank we can take over this country
Act
1: Scene 3
(Pacing
across the floor slowly throughout the whole scene) do you believe this? I had
a life set. Why did he have to find out? We were going to live in my house,
rule this country and keep getting money. (Being cocky) I mean who wouldn’t
want to live in my house 47 bedrooms, a pool, a gym, and a mini movie theater.
NO but seriously I need to do something and quickly, I mean he is going
to kill me. (Talking to the voices in his head really fast) How do I know he is
going to kill me? For the fact that his bodyguard was suspiciously poisoned for
just knowing about this, that two other people she had an affair with were in
trouble, one died in a mysterious car accident and the other had to flee the
country. Wait a minute I have an idea what if I can go and try to win the
citizens over at the protest that they are having in a couple of days. If I win
them over I can become leader and not get killed by Mugabe. Ha its genius.
(Exits stage)
Act
1: Scene 4
Citizens
of Zimbabwe. Over the years you have come to think of me as a liar, a cheater
and a robber. I may be that entire list but I have come here today to seek your
forgiveness. I know most of you people are thinking, “Why would I forgive this
man” well let me give you some reasons. Sure I am scared for my life. But the
main reason is that I am willing to make a very large donation to Zimbabwe.
I promise that what I did will never happen again. Many are probably
wondering why I am even trying to convince all of you to come to my side, well
let me say this would you rather have a man who has basically ruined your lives
as president or someone who was a mere victim of that person. The next thing I…
Wait… what… (background voice) “sir we need you to come with us” … What are you
doing to these people… Taking them to jail. Why?
Act 1: Scene 5
Robert
Mugabe
(In
his room talking to himself reminding him of all the power he has)
(Starts
singing) Money, Money, Money. I love money (stops singing). With all of this
money I have (picks up a stack of money and counts it) I can basically
buy this country even though I already controlled it for 30 years. The best
thing is that I can manipulate anyone I want by just simply changing the way I
am around them or simply including violence. Though I am sad that my wife
cheated on me. But I don’t care that much because I(singing) I I I get money,
money I get (pauses) ( says it as if ending) and I will just kill him.
Act 1: Scene 6
ABC: I
think the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe is now at an appalling level. It's estimated
that perhaps half the population is now under threat of starvation; and the
deaths from cholera have been climbing in just the last couple of weeks from
3,000 towards 4,000. Everyone knows about the rate of inflation, but I think
the main thing is the sheer level at which people are at risk of starvation. I
mean if
Act 1: Scene 7
(Wife
walks into the room) Why would you cheat on me... Because im old... But why
with one of my close friends... Why do I care because Gono is the only person
that I thought I could really trust and not only are we good friends he is the
owner of the bank that got me and you a lot of money and having friends that
are in power too can help me out a lot, but you screwed everything up. Now I have
basically no friends. Everybody hates me and I don't even have a faithful wife.
How would you feel if I had a Heart attack. (Wife leaves)
In the Valley
"In the Valley" is about a young Sergeant named Johnathon Calloway. Sgt. Calloway has seen war before but nothing that can prepare him for the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan, one the deadliest places on earth (told by CNN). Sgt. Calloway changes from being an anxious soldier, to a gritty leader.
"In the Valley is also about a teenage Afghan boy named Mohammed. Mohammed struggles to stay neutral between the US and the Taliban. His friends join the Taliban and try to recruit him, yet Mohammed manege's to keep his points of view.
Characters
Sgt. Calloway- A well developed military soldier who has seen action in Iraq but not in Afghanistan.
Mohammed- a sixteen year old Afghan boy who is caught living in the Korengal valley.
Returning soldiers/Helicopter passengers- Returning to the Korengal valley for there second and third tours of duty.
Private Jackson- a new recruit who has never been in battle yet.
Macko- Hum-v Driver
Act 1 Scene 1
(Mohammed sits in a small tiled floor room with a large window to the left.)
Mohammed
To many of us are being taken. Promises of wealth and a magnificent after life. They took Deqhan today. Lured in by there false tellings. There numbers are growing, now it only may be a few thousand of the Taliban scattered through the hills, but there still unorganized and
(pauses as noise of helicopter flies over his house.)
They are unorganized and have no training. When was the last time a faction in history succeeded in overthrowing a country
(Pauses again to the sound of Humvees getting closer, Mohammad gets up and looks out side of the window a convoy of 5 hummers drives down the street, when the noise stops, mohammed still looking out the window sees five us troops kick down a door and raid a house, Mohammed backs from the window and continues writing.)
I have not been to school in over 4 months now, I am now almost to scared to leave the house, every time I’m approached sometime by Quadaff, sometimes by Gamal, but now by Deqhan. My only friend swept up by the Taliban. I warned him pushing him to stay with me, but he ran off with the largest group of goons on the earth. Who is next me, no, for to long have I watched
(Mohammed flips back a couple pages in his journal reading something, he then returns and begins writing again.)
Four and a half weeks ago I wrote that the Taliban teaching ten year olds in the school. Ten year olds being brain washed.
Act 1 Scene 2
(Sgt. Calloway is strapped in to a chair with 4 other men in the cargo bay of a chinook helicopter.)
So yall been here before?
(A blank stare came from the rest of the soldiers.)
Wer supposed to see some kick ass fighting up here. Can’t wait to see some action im pumped in Iraq I got me at least twenty kills, Dumb ass Taliban.
(Still nobody said anything, Awkward pause)
I heard this place is intense, surprised we have not been shoo-
(The helicopter dramatically pitches to the left)
What the f*** was that? An RPG?!?!?!?!?
(Two more dramatic movements, over the radio from the cockpit he hears airstrike commands, as the chinook pulls away from the cliff a massive bright explosion rips through the mountain.)
Yea thats what im talkin about kicken some ass
(The red light on the back of the Chinook lights the soldiers get ready, Calloway peers out the window)
Thats it what the hell is that its a bunch of sand bags?
(The crew turn to Calloway and stare at him)
What do you mean how dare I say that? The previous soldiers have been here for a year and this is what they've built”
(The back latch of the helicopter opens
Gun fire begins to ricochet on the out side of the Chinook)
Act 1 Scene 3
(Sergeant Calloway speaks in to a camera in a video diary in the Bunker, the noise of Artillery is being launched is in the background.)
First impressions, not what I hoped. Seeing 7 dead and 5 wounded carried to the Chinook. Looking at this piece of shit its not much. Just a couple dozen sand bags, a small building and a couple huts. Training.....What training, Nothing can prepare you for this. First day 1 wounded, saw Sergeant Ellsworth shot right in front of me. But what is this.... war.......no. I don’t know what this is. No amount of strength can prepare you for what I saw. I’ve been kneeling behind a sand bag for the past 15 hours. Shooting at what I can’t see.....but they can see me. I’ve been here not even for a day and i’m pissen my self. In the briefing commanders said we would be alone, stranded, no support.......we are the support defending the valley for what purpose, its a fucking desert. They watch us. The Taliban, stubborn as they are hate us, defending there land which we are invading, A land which is worthless to what we are fighting for. We should just leave. There is no reason we are here.
(The sound of gunfire and mortars erupt, Sgt. Calloway gets his gun and leaves the building.)
Act 1 Scene 4
Mohammed
Made it through another night. Ever since the Americans started to push down the hill the fighting has seemed to get tougher. Every day we are constantly being attacked. But I see the point, our village is full of Taliban, Dozens of them, if I did not live here with my family and friend, I would wish that that village gets flattened, well it basically already is.
(Mohammed glances out of the window)
I cower under my bed on an hourly basis, its the only place where I feel safe, kind of stupid huh, I am neutral in this war. Last night Deqhan came by with a bag, He shoved me aside and hid it in our closet, he told me not to look, and if I told anybody about it I would become the Taliban’s enemy. I had to see what was in the bag, but I’m to afraid, I can’t look,
(Mohammed throws down his pencil, and rubs his fists in his eyes as if he is crying. Mohammed gets up and walks over to the closet and picks up the bag, it was heavy and Mohammed struggled to lift it back to his table, he peered inside)
Weapons, its full of weapons, Im hiding the Taliban’s war machine. I am on of them.
Act 1 Scene 5
Have not done this in a while, No time. Constantly we are all doing work, either building, digging or shootin, no time for anything else. The only thing that changed was the wounded, 7, 3 dead. 3 dead!
(Rubs his eyes and face)
All stronger then me. Who’s to say I’m not next. Strength means shit out here. No amount of explosives or guns can stop these people, these, these animals. The Korengal Valley, the gates of death. Only Misery and pain is visible for miles around us, Tomorrow's we draw straws. Who goes down the hill for recon. I did not turn out so good for the last group, so I heard. Two died the driver wounded, they had to he evaced, with a heli, they said if we get picked we have to drive down the hill side and look for suspicious activity, Suspicious activity my ass, every body looks the same, I can’t tell who is the enemy and and who is neutral until its to late. But they want that, they like to be sneaky bastards. Hope I come back to make another one of these. Slams lid of computer closed.
Act 1 Scene 6
Sgt. Calloway
Of course I would get picked to do this.
(slams the door of the hum-v)
90% chance we get an IED shoved up our ass.I am so done with this shit. We are dead. WOW WOW Stop! play this CD it sets the mood.
(Gimme shelter by the rolling stones begins to play.)
So briefing said we should drive as far as we can, what does that mean. Well I know what it means, just does that mean we are guaranteed to get attacked, Shit!
(The hum-v drive for about an ten minuets through the valley when the driver stops.)
Why did u stop?
Bad feeling, psh I don’t give a shit, we are sitting ducks out here. Get a move on it Macko.
(The Hum-v drives slowly, gradually picking sup speed.)
Faster dude I don’t want to get Ambushed.
(A small IED explodes 30 yards in front of the hum-v damaging the vehicle.)
Ambush! Take Cover!
(They exit the vehicle)
Fire at will, Fire at will! Everybody just sit put we will get out of this. Jackson keep your head down! Jackson!
(Jackson is shot in the helmet the bullet penetrates his head killing him, Calloway talks on his radio)
Man down we have a man down requesting immediate EVAC we have man down.
(Gets off of radio)
Command says for an evac we need to secure the area. I have an idea
(Gets back on the radio)
Command, recon 1 we request an immediate air-strike. Ok latitude 34.5550 east
longitude 71.0519 north, Elevation 2997. Danger close. Repeat danger close.
(Puts down radio)
Every body heads down incoming.
(The sound of a jet breaking the sound barrier flies over head screeching as a sonic boom rips through the air, a 2000 pound explosive hits a bunker position.)
Damn!!!!!!! That’s how we do it. Whats Jackson’s condition, Dead,good soldier should have kept his head down.
(picks ups radio)
Area secure, what is the ETA on that heli......Rodger that.
(Puts radio down)
We are out of here in ten.
Act 1 Scene 7
Sgt. Calloway
It's my fault, all my fault. Yesterdays recon down the hill went terrible. It was the same shit that all of the other recons deal with. The guilt is just to much. Being in command when a soldier dies, just can't take it.
(Takes off hat and places it in lap dramatically)
I see these new kids commen in every week. There not ready for this shit. Private Johnson was not ready that's why he died. These new recruits there just to vulnerable. The don't watch there backs good enough. The don't no what to expect out here. There not trained enough It all my fault Johnson died I should have never have to him to come with us.
(Calloway stands up from the seat and leans on the wall with his hands and head)
Not to say that I just wasted 50 thousand dollars worth of explosives on the guys that killed him. God damn. This war is just a waste of money I mean 50 thousand dollars on a handful of guys. Johnson was 21, so young. And just to think I have to do this shit again in three days.
Act 1 Scene 8
Mohammed
The Americans keep pushing down through the valley. They know there are Taliban in my town and they will not leave until they are all dead. Over the past week more and more troops flood the city. Every day, two or three times a day.
(Sighs)
This is never going to end. Every time group of hum-v’s come down the hill the end up retreating. The Taliban have an endless supply of troops and weapons. Yet so do the americans, they come down the valley at random times and raid the Taliban’s shacks. Three days ago I was walking to get milk. When I heard a hum-v. I tried to run but they were raiding the house next door. I was caught in the cross fire as I tried to hide. There was sol..sol...soldier
(Begins to whimper)
right next to me, shooting. I was caught in combat. I looked up to the americans, and to see him get shot,
(Begins to cry)
Shot in the throat, and to struggle on the ground, The medic cam over but there was no hope. There is no hope. I can just remember name on his bloody uniform.
(Tries to pronounce the name)
Sa sar sergeant ca ca ca Calloway Sgt. Calloway.
The poor soldier who was shot in the neck, on the 11th of january 2011, for we should all respect him.
This is Act 1 Scene 3 presented by David Palidora
"In the Valley is also about a teenage Afghan boy named Mohammed. Mohammed struggles to stay neutral between the US and the Taliban. His friends join the Taliban and try to recruit him, yet Mohammed manege's to keep his points of view.
Characters
Sgt. Calloway- A well developed military soldier who has seen action in Iraq but not in Afghanistan.
Mohammed- a sixteen year old Afghan boy who is caught living in the Korengal valley.
Returning soldiers/Helicopter passengers- Returning to the Korengal valley for there second and third tours of duty.
Private Jackson- a new recruit who has never been in battle yet.
Macko- Hum-v Driver
Act 1 Scene 1
(Mohammed sits in a small tiled floor room with a large window to the left.)
Mohammed
To many of us are being taken. Promises of wealth and a magnificent after life. They took Deqhan today. Lured in by there false tellings. There numbers are growing, now it only may be a few thousand of the Taliban scattered through the hills, but there still unorganized and
(pauses as noise of helicopter flies over his house.)
They are unorganized and have no training. When was the last time a faction in history succeeded in overthrowing a country
(Pauses again to the sound of Humvees getting closer, Mohammad gets up and looks out side of the window a convoy of 5 hummers drives down the street, when the noise stops, mohammed still looking out the window sees five us troops kick down a door and raid a house, Mohammed backs from the window and continues writing.)
I have not been to school in over 4 months now, I am now almost to scared to leave the house, every time I’m approached sometime by Quadaff, sometimes by Gamal, but now by Deqhan. My only friend swept up by the Taliban. I warned him pushing him to stay with me, but he ran off with the largest group of goons on the earth. Who is next me, no, for to long have I watched
(Mohammed flips back a couple pages in his journal reading something, he then returns and begins writing again.)
Four and a half weeks ago I wrote that the Taliban teaching ten year olds in the school. Ten year olds being brain washed.
Act 1 Scene 2
(Sgt. Calloway is strapped in to a chair with 4 other men in the cargo bay of a chinook helicopter.)
So yall been here before?
(A blank stare came from the rest of the soldiers.)
Wer supposed to see some kick ass fighting up here. Can’t wait to see some action im pumped in Iraq I got me at least twenty kills, Dumb ass Taliban.
(Still nobody said anything, Awkward pause)
I heard this place is intense, surprised we have not been shoo-
(The helicopter dramatically pitches to the left)
What the f*** was that? An RPG?!?!?!?!?
(Two more dramatic movements, over the radio from the cockpit he hears airstrike commands, as the chinook pulls away from the cliff a massive bright explosion rips through the mountain.)
Yea thats what im talkin about kicken some ass
(The red light on the back of the Chinook lights the soldiers get ready, Calloway peers out the window)
Thats it what the hell is that its a bunch of sand bags?
(The crew turn to Calloway and stare at him)
What do you mean how dare I say that? The previous soldiers have been here for a year and this is what they've built”
(The back latch of the helicopter opens
Gun fire begins to ricochet on the out side of the Chinook)
Act 1 Scene 3
(Sergeant Calloway speaks in to a camera in a video diary in the Bunker, the noise of Artillery is being launched is in the background.)
First impressions, not what I hoped. Seeing 7 dead and 5 wounded carried to the Chinook. Looking at this piece of shit its not much. Just a couple dozen sand bags, a small building and a couple huts. Training.....What training, Nothing can prepare you for this. First day 1 wounded, saw Sergeant Ellsworth shot right in front of me. But what is this.... war.......no. I don’t know what this is. No amount of strength can prepare you for what I saw. I’ve been kneeling behind a sand bag for the past 15 hours. Shooting at what I can’t see.....but they can see me. I’ve been here not even for a day and i’m pissen my self. In the briefing commanders said we would be alone, stranded, no support.......we are the support defending the valley for what purpose, its a fucking desert. They watch us. The Taliban, stubborn as they are hate us, defending there land which we are invading, A land which is worthless to what we are fighting for. We should just leave. There is no reason we are here.
(The sound of gunfire and mortars erupt, Sgt. Calloway gets his gun and leaves the building.)
Act 1 Scene 4
Mohammed
Made it through another night. Ever since the Americans started to push down the hill the fighting has seemed to get tougher. Every day we are constantly being attacked. But I see the point, our village is full of Taliban, Dozens of them, if I did not live here with my family and friend, I would wish that that village gets flattened, well it basically already is.
(Mohammed glances out of the window)
I cower under my bed on an hourly basis, its the only place where I feel safe, kind of stupid huh, I am neutral in this war. Last night Deqhan came by with a bag, He shoved me aside and hid it in our closet, he told me not to look, and if I told anybody about it I would become the Taliban’s enemy. I had to see what was in the bag, but I’m to afraid, I can’t look,
(Mohammed throws down his pencil, and rubs his fists in his eyes as if he is crying. Mohammed gets up and walks over to the closet and picks up the bag, it was heavy and Mohammed struggled to lift it back to his table, he peered inside)
Weapons, its full of weapons, Im hiding the Taliban’s war machine. I am on of them.
Act 1 Scene 5
Have not done this in a while, No time. Constantly we are all doing work, either building, digging or shootin, no time for anything else. The only thing that changed was the wounded, 7, 3 dead. 3 dead!
(Rubs his eyes and face)
All stronger then me. Who’s to say I’m not next. Strength means shit out here. No amount of explosives or guns can stop these people, these, these animals. The Korengal Valley, the gates of death. Only Misery and pain is visible for miles around us, Tomorrow's we draw straws. Who goes down the hill for recon. I did not turn out so good for the last group, so I heard. Two died the driver wounded, they had to he evaced, with a heli, they said if we get picked we have to drive down the hill side and look for suspicious activity, Suspicious activity my ass, every body looks the same, I can’t tell who is the enemy and and who is neutral until its to late. But they want that, they like to be sneaky bastards. Hope I come back to make another one of these. Slams lid of computer closed.
Act 1 Scene 6
Sgt. Calloway
Of course I would get picked to do this.
(slams the door of the hum-v)
90% chance we get an IED shoved up our ass.I am so done with this shit. We are dead. WOW WOW Stop! play this CD it sets the mood.
(Gimme shelter by the rolling stones begins to play.)
So briefing said we should drive as far as we can, what does that mean. Well I know what it means, just does that mean we are guaranteed to get attacked, Shit!
(The hum-v drive for about an ten minuets through the valley when the driver stops.)
Why did u stop?
Bad feeling, psh I don’t give a shit, we are sitting ducks out here. Get a move on it Macko.
(The Hum-v drives slowly, gradually picking sup speed.)
Faster dude I don’t want to get Ambushed.
(A small IED explodes 30 yards in front of the hum-v damaging the vehicle.)
Ambush! Take Cover!
(They exit the vehicle)
Fire at will, Fire at will! Everybody just sit put we will get out of this. Jackson keep your head down! Jackson!
(Jackson is shot in the helmet the bullet penetrates his head killing him, Calloway talks on his radio)
Man down we have a man down requesting immediate EVAC we have man down.
(Gets off of radio)
Command says for an evac we need to secure the area. I have an idea
(Gets back on the radio)
Command, recon 1 we request an immediate air-strike. Ok latitude 34.5550 east
longitude 71.0519 north, Elevation 2997. Danger close. Repeat danger close.
(Puts down radio)
Every body heads down incoming.
(The sound of a jet breaking the sound barrier flies over head screeching as a sonic boom rips through the air, a 2000 pound explosive hits a bunker position.)
Damn!!!!!!! That’s how we do it. Whats Jackson’s condition, Dead,good soldier should have kept his head down.
(picks ups radio)
Area secure, what is the ETA on that heli......Rodger that.
(Puts radio down)
We are out of here in ten.
Act 1 Scene 7
Sgt. Calloway
It's my fault, all my fault. Yesterdays recon down the hill went terrible. It was the same shit that all of the other recons deal with. The guilt is just to much. Being in command when a soldier dies, just can't take it.
(Takes off hat and places it in lap dramatically)
I see these new kids commen in every week. There not ready for this shit. Private Johnson was not ready that's why he died. These new recruits there just to vulnerable. The don't watch there backs good enough. The don't no what to expect out here. There not trained enough It all my fault Johnson died I should have never have to him to come with us.
(Calloway stands up from the seat and leans on the wall with his hands and head)
Not to say that I just wasted 50 thousand dollars worth of explosives on the guys that killed him. God damn. This war is just a waste of money I mean 50 thousand dollars on a handful of guys. Johnson was 21, so young. And just to think I have to do this shit again in three days.
Act 1 Scene 8
Mohammed
The Americans keep pushing down through the valley. They know there are Taliban in my town and they will not leave until they are all dead. Over the past week more and more troops flood the city. Every day, two or three times a day.
(Sighs)
This is never going to end. Every time group of hum-v’s come down the hill the end up retreating. The Taliban have an endless supply of troops and weapons. Yet so do the americans, they come down the valley at random times and raid the Taliban’s shacks. Three days ago I was walking to get milk. When I heard a hum-v. I tried to run but they were raiding the house next door. I was caught in the cross fire as I tried to hide. There was sol..sol...soldier
(Begins to whimper)
right next to me, shooting. I was caught in combat. I looked up to the americans, and to see him get shot,
(Begins to cry)
Shot in the throat, and to struggle on the ground, The medic cam over but there was no hope. There is no hope. I can just remember name on his bloody uniform.
(Tries to pronounce the name)
Sa sar sergeant ca ca ca Calloway Sgt. Calloway.
The poor soldier who was shot in the neck, on the 11th of january 2011, for we should all respect him.
This is Act 1 Scene 3 presented by David Palidora
The moment that changed China
The moment that changed china. Page 1.
Characters
Chang, A new soldlier for the Chinese army. Tank man(idenity never found)
Act one, Scene one.
What is he doing? Does he want me to run him over? Does he really? He needs to be smart and let me pass. I’ll have to run him over. I’ll do it. Wait, No i’m not. I’ll try to go around him! That’s the smart thing to do. (The tank trying to get around this person). What is he doing? Stop! Get out of my way! You’ll be crushed! What is he doing? Does he think this is so wrong? For him to put his life on the line like that for his people. I need to praise him in a way. I don’t even know why i am doing this. I don’t know why we are doing this. Wait! I need to stop thinking about this. My wife is ill. I need the money from this to pay for her medical bills. I need to save the love of my life, i need to run him over. (Going to try to run him over) I can’t do it. (Stops the engine) I just can’t he is my fellow citizen we fight for the people, we don’t fight to hurt are people. What is he doing!( The man climbing on the tank) Is he cray there could be fighters around! He might be shot! His passon for his country is breath taking. He would stand up to a column of tanks for his country i admire his work and i admire him. ( The guy is pulled away by other people) Thank god that he was pulled away. Now i need to complete this mission(hesitantly beginning his mission again)
Characters
Tank man, just a bystandrd walking home from shopping.
Act 2, Scene one.
What is going on? Haven’t we suffered enough! From last night, people were killed, beaten, and threatened to lose there lives, homes, and family’s if they don’t leave the square. I wont let this happen again! My people keep dying from the “protectors of the land” But they’re hurting us! I wont let this happen! My wife could be next! My boy could be next! My daughter could be next! I wont let this happen again!( Runs in front of the tank) (Shouts) Don’t pass! I wont let this happen! You’ve hurt my people enough already and you are supposed to protect us not hurt us like you’ve been doing! Think about what you’re doing and think with your Conscience not with the money you’ll be getting from this massacre you will be bring upon us! How dare any of you to do this! (Tank trying to get around him) No you wont get past me! You wont get past me. I promise you with every breath i have you will not get past me without crushing me alive under your very heavy tank! ( The tank stops and shuts off its engine) You stopped! Is there a human being in there!( attempting to climb the tank) Is there? Is there a human being in there!(Slamming on the top of the tank) IS there come out here and show me your face you demon! ( people come and try to pull him away) No! I wont let them pass those demons aren’t going to pass me! No! Get away from me! Don’t touch me! I’m thinking about my country my people, my wife and my children. (they pull him away) This is not the last you’ll see of me!
Page 2
Characters
General Cho, Highly ranking member of the Chinese army, secrely opposing the milliarty
involment.
Act one, Scene two
I don’t understand why they’re doing this. They’re going to lose there lives, going to get hurt and suffer very critical injures and I frankly don’t think are hospitals can manage. They’re wrong and everyone knows it. i don’t get why they think they’re right and it honestly bothers me that people think that they can just protest things that that think is right? This is the law. The law that has been there for thousands of year here in are mother land of China. Are mother land the place that we grew up in the place that we eat, we pick food and we raiwwse are family’s. They are disrespecting are county are honor and disgracing china and how we live, breath and talk. This military movement is for THEM not us. This is to keep them safe from outside interference from those stupid Americans. They’re people who are taking pictures and shooting this on there camera’s and there letting them do it because of there ignorant behavore. Are lords are kings are saviors give us command we follow them They need to understand that without them we wouldn’t be here he is the reason why we are stong. He is the reason why we eat and live to fight another day!
Charcaters
John, American reporter, Good guy, Family man. Comes from Texas.
Act two, Scene two
This is someone on the hotel out side of the square on the night of the massacare
Wow. This is amazing. These people are protecting there home and there rights. People with tanks guns, grendades. These people could could get killed could die. I need to take pictures of this. I need to tell the world about this. (Hears gunshots) Woah! They’re shooting her too. They don’t want anyone to see this and it’s working. Some people were shot and i could hear the screams from the hotel and the square. These soliders whey are they doing this! They’re hurting there own people and they don’t even care. it bothers me what people will do for money people would kill there own people just for money
Characters
Yia, A mother that works at a pharmacy. Her son dies in protest while she watches.
Act three, Scene one.
These “people” try to help us. They say they’re the protectors of the people. Do the protectors of the people do this to me? Do this to my people? These people only do it for the money, they don’t have souls or lives. They don’t know how i feel! Having my son die and me very wounded by these men. They used real bullets, they hurt us. I don’t understand. What happened? What do you think happened?! Honestly can you not see the hole in my leg and my shoulder! My very son once told me he wanted to join the army, he wanted to fight for us! To fight those stupid americans! But now he is dead because of them, and he was shot right in front of me. My own son dead right in front of me. Him bleeding and telling me that he didn’t want to die. But he did. He’s future is ruined. My future is ruined. I wont be able to go to his wedding. Dress him, or tell him to go buy me eggs anymore. I wont be able to see him have his first born baby. I wont be a grandma. Because of the protectors of the people. My other brother walks in
Chelsea Janette Smith Play
Teenage Years Of An Adult
Characters:
Alma- pregnant girl in Africa
Nyaki- Alma’s friend
Sonya- the mother of a pregnant teen
Savannah- Sonya’s sister
Marge- Social Worker
Tasha- the girl the social worker is talking to; uneducated teen
Lisa- former single teenage pregnant mother
Dominique- soon to be teenage father
Chris- Dominique’s closest friend
Act 1, Scene 1
ALMA
“That’s it Nyaki I’m leaving and getting away from this place. Everyone has looked down on me. I didn’t want any of this or asked for any of it. I just can’t take it anymore.”
(Looks for things to put in a suitcase.)
SONYA
“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN NOT TO SNAP!!!! YOU MUST HAVE LOST YOUR MIND IF YOU THINK I’M NOT GOING TO SNAP!
(Sits down at the table with Savannah and tries to hold her composure)
¡Aye Dois Mio! Ella es un bebe tambien. How is she supposed to take care of another baby? Savannah you don’t understand she shouldn’t have to go through this. I had to and I know how hard it is with the help of family and friends. Hermana she has no one. I can’t raise another kid. I barely have money to keep our own family going.”
DOMINQUE
(Has his hands on his head and tries to let reality sit in.)
“Oh man. Chris I don’t know what to do I cant believe she ‘bout to have my kid. I don’t even know if she telling the truth or not. Bro Imma make her take a test right in front of me. Wait. I can’t do that, that would be to disrespectful and I know better than that. Chris I really don’t know what to do. What if it ain’t even mines?”
(Sits on the table and looks at the floor)
CHRIS
“Brov that has to be your kid. She was a virgin when yall got together. So stop playing you just scared and don’t know what to do.”
(Puts his hand on his friend)
MARGE
(At the desk typing and listening to Tasha talk)
“I’m sorry about all papers just been a busy week. Well Tasha I understand that you want to send your baby to America, lets just talk a little bit. So you want to send your first baby to be with a family in America? “ Guess you heard about all the good things in America.
(Gives a little chuckle)
TASHA
(Takes a deep breathe and begins to talk)
“Well I like for my baby to have a good life. I want my baby to be in good hands and safe the rest of their life. I want them to be safe.”
LISA
(Stands in front of the crowd and waits the audience becomes a little quieter. Looks around and starts to talk.)
“Hello ladies how is everybody doing tonight? I’m glad everyone is doing fine but their isn’t any point in holding off the conversation. I’m here to tell how I went from getting an abortion just to end up pregnant once again. Yea I know I should have been a little smarter, but hey I was in high school and met that guy.”
(Puts her hands and gives quotes while saying that guy)
“Yea lets just say from there I went on a rollercoaster. I was about to get kicked out of school because pregnancy isn’t tolerated. The thing that makes it even worst is that I was only a freshman.
(End of Scene 1, Act 1)
Act 2, Scene 2
ALMA
(Sitting next to Nyaki talking.)
“Nyaki he raped me. I tried to fight him off but he said if I struggled he would kill me. I tried to tell my mother but she just didn’t believe me. I went to the witch doctor and he told me I got aids from him. “
(Puts her head down and starts to cry in Nyaki’s arm.)
SONYA
(Wipes away her tears and fixes herself a little bit before talking.)
“Savannah, I’m really scared of what’s going to happen next. All I can think about is bad things. I don’t know this guy or anything he is about. What should I do hermana, estoy muy miedo.”
SAVANNAH
(Grabs her sister and holds her tight for comfort. She talks to her sister in her native language)
“Sonya calmate por favor. Ella es un adolescente. She’s going to be fine remember who raised her and taught her how to succeed in life even with a problem as big as this. If you can deal with it and taught her how to be strong I’m sure she can. I’m here for you mi amor. It’s going to be fine.”
(Whispers it’s going to be fine)
DOMINQUE
(Gives his friend a handshake and starts to thank him for being there for him)
“Yo man you a good friend. You helped me when I need u the most.
(Gives his friend a handshake and hug)
Chris
“No problem man.”
(Returns the hug and shake)
MARGE
(Starts typing on the computer and than stops and faces Tasha. Pulls out a stack of papers.)
“Well I’m going to need you to feel these papers out.
(Phone starts ringing)
“Hey. Yea I can talk now. You have to be kidding me. She didn’t have a miscarriage.
Well what am I suppose to tell the adoptive parents? Okay so please tell me
what happened.”
(Takes a sip of her coffee as she
listens to the story. She goes blank)
“She got
into a fight on purpose?! Are you freaking kidding me?! So how did she mange to
lose her baby?”
(Almost chokes on her coffee when she hears the truth.)
“The girl stabbed her in the stomach? Oh
my God. What did the police say? How did she get the hospital? When was the
baby pronounced dead? Okay so the girl is under custody? That’s good. Now I
want to know what the doctor said. Please telling me your just trying to play with
me and that really didn’t happen. She was really taking drugs and drinking. Wow
I can’t believe this little ignorant girl. Well when I finish up with my client
right know I’ll contact the adoptive parents and have them come in for a talk.
Make sure your here.”
(Hangs up the phone and rubs her face)
TASHA
“Wow sounds like your going to have a busy day. Hope I do the right thing with my baby.
(Rubs her stomach)
LISA
I went through my sophomore and junior year retaining abstinence. I had to get the abortion in order to stay in school. Bye the beginning of senior I was pregnant and decided to keep this baby. I didn’t know what to do the father of the baby was gone but had to pay child support and from the time the baby was born I had struggled. The one thing that kept me happy was the smile on my baby girl’s face. I couldn’t take anymore so I moved to the USA and had some of my friends from here help me raise Ami. I can’t say it was easy but ladies listen to me when I tell this is going to be the hardest thing in your life but its going to be one of the best things you’ll ever have to do and accomplish.
(The crowd begins to clap)
End of Act 2, Scene 2
ACT 3, SCENE 3
ALMA
“Nyaki I love you but I need to go. Be safe and remember me. Pray for me and me baby.”
(Hugs Nyaki and exits the scene)
SONYA
“Gracias por todo. You have helped me get through this. Te amor mi hermana.”
(Gives her sister a hug and leaves off the stage)
SAVANNAH
(Returns the hug and whispers)
“ I love you to mi amor.”
(Exits the stage)
The moment that changed China.
The moment that changed china. Page 1.
Characters
Chang, A new soldlier for the Chinese army. Tank man(idenity never found)
Act one, Scene one.
What is he doing? Does he want me to run him over? Does he really? He needs to be smart and let me pass. I’ll have to run him over. I’ll do it. Wait, No i’m not. I’ll try to go around him! That’s the smart thing to do. (The tank trying to get around this person). What is he doing? Stop! Get out of my way! You’ll be crushed! What is he doing? Does he think this is so wrong? For him to put his life on the line like that for his people. I need to praise him in a way. I don’t even know why i am doing this. I don’t know why we are doing this. Wait! I need to stop thinking about this. My wife is ill. I need the money from this to pay for her medical bills. I need to save the love of my life, i need to run him over. (Going to try to run him over) I can’t do it. (Stops the engine) I just can’t he is my fellow citizen we fight for the people, we don’t fight to hurt are people. What is he doing!( The man climbing on the tank) Is he cray there could be fighters around! He might be shot! His passon for his country is breath taking. He would stand up to a column of tanks for his country i admire his work and i admire him. ( The guy is pulled away by other people) Thank god that he was pulled away. Now i need to complete this mission(hesitantly beginning his mission again)
Characters
Tank man, just a bystandrd walking home from shopping.
Act 2, Scene one.
What is going on? Haven’t we suffered enough! From last night, people were killed, beaten, and threatened to lose there lives, homes, and family’s if they don’t leave the square. I wont let this happen again! My people keep dying from the “protectors of the land” But they’re hurting us! I wont let this happen! My wife could be next! My boy could be next! My daughter could be next! I wont let this happen again!( Runs in front of the tank) (Shouts) Don’t pass! I wont let this happen! You’ve hurt my people enough already and you are supposed to protect us not hurt us like you’ve been doing! Think about what you’re doing and think with your Conscience not with the money you’ll be getting from this massacre you will be bring upon us! How dare any of you to do this! (Tank trying to get around him) No you wont get past me! You wont get past me. I promise you with every breath i have you will not get past me without crushing me alive under your very heavy tank! ( The tank stops and shuts off its engine) You stopped! Is there a human being in there!( attempting to climb the tank) Is there? Is there a human being in there!(Slamming on the top of the tank) IS there come out here and show me your face you demon! ( people come and try to pull him away) No! I wont let them pass those demons aren’t going to pass me! No! Get away from me! Don’t touch me! I’m thinking about my country my people, my wife and my children. (they pull him away) This is not the last you’ll see of me!
Page 2
Characters
General Cho, Highly ranking member of the Chinese army, secrely opposing the milliarty
involment.
Act one, Scene two
I don’t understand why they’re doing this. They’re going to lose there lives, going to get hurt and suffer very critical injures and I frankly don’t think are hospitals can manage. They’re wrong and everyone knows it. i don’t get why they think they’re right and it honestly bothers me that people think that they can just protest things that that think is right? This is the law. The law that has been there for thousands of year here in are mother land of China. Are mother land the place that we grew up in the place that we eat, we pick food and we raiwwse are family’s. They are disrespecting are county are honor and disgracing china and how we live, breath and talk. This military movement is for THEM not us. This is to keep them safe from outside interference from those stupid Americans. They’re people who are taking pictures and shooting this on there camera’s and there letting them do it because of there ignorant behavore. Are lords are kings are saviors give us command we follow them They need to understand that without them we wouldn’t be here he is the reason why we are stong. He is the reason why we eat and live to fight another day!
Charcaters
John, American reporter, Good guy, Family man. Comes from Texas.
Act two, Scene two
This is someone on the hotel out side of the square on the night of the massacare
Wow. This is amazing. These people are protecting there home and there rights. People with tanks guns, grendades. These people could could get killed could die. I need to take pictures of this. I need to tell the world about this. (Hears gunshots) Woah! They’re shooting her too. They don’t want anyone to see this and it’s working. Some people were shot and i could hear the screams from the hotel and the square. These soliders whey are they doing this! They’re hurting there own people and they don’t even care. it bothers me what people will do for money people would kill there own people just for money
Characters
Yia, A mother that works at a pharmacy. Her son dies in protest while she watches.
Act three, Scene one.
These “people” try to help us. They say they’re the protectors of the people. Do the protectors of the people do this to me? Do this to my people? These people only do it for the money, they don’t have souls or lives. They don’t know how i feel! Having my son die and me very wounded by these men. They used real bullets, they hurt us. I don’t understand. What happened? What do you think happened?! Honestly can you not see the hole in my leg and my shoulder! My very son once told me he wanted to join the army, he wanted to fight for us! To fight those stupid americans! But now he is dead because of them, and he was shot right in front of me. My own son dead right in front of me. Him bleeding and telling me that he didn’t want to die. But he did. He’s future is ruined. My future is ruined. I wont be able to go to his wedding. Dress him, or tell him to go buy me eggs anymore. I wont be able to see him have his first born baby. I wont be a grandma. Because of the protectors of the people. My other brother walks in
The Final Script
Understood but Ignored
ACT I
Scene 1
(A young Somalia boy around 17 or 18 speaking to a crew of pirates on the way to a cargo ship.(Sounds of a motor in the background. nothing on stage just black. voices can be heard.))
Abdi
You want to know why I am a pirate at such a young age. My father decided that I should fight for my waters against the illegal fishers and the illegal dumping. He is a pirate and wants me to prove myself to him. I figured it sounded fun. I am young but I am ready. The ship isn’t far now. We are going to be boarding soon........... I know all about the new guy routine and I wanted that. I wanted the challenge but since my dad is top boss he insisted that I should do all the boss work here..........Yeah.......... Okay. Throw the grapple up so we can position the ladder. I am no longer going to be oppressed and put down by the people forcing the injustice of polluted waters in our land....... No. I am not scared. I am ready to do what is necessary. Ok. You informed them that we are boarding?........ Okay. Climb up. (They climb up onto the ship and see the crew.)
Scene 2
(The men walk at the crewmembers and point their guns forward. Abdi Stammers often from fear or being in over his head.)
ABDI
Get down! Y-You you heard me get d-down! This ship is our property now!...... What? D-Don’t hit you? Then get down when I tell you to. Listen to us and you won’t get hurt. Where is the captain? Tell me!........ In the cabin? Okay guys go get him. Come on you guys are coming up to the cabin too. (Fear in his voice.) Get moving, but not too fast. One foot out of line and you die! Is this everyone on the ship?........ No one is downstairs?..... How many people?.......Five?.......Then why would you tell me that there were no people? I will pretend this did not happen. K-Keep moving! I don’t want you p-pulling anything stupid on me.
Scene 3
(They are inside of the main cabin and everyone from the ship is tied up.)
ABDI
What are we suppose to do now that we have them tied up?...... Okay, then where is the walkie to their people?......... Okay crew! Where is your radio?........ Grab that! Hand me it!. What should I say?........ Okay I’ll... be the one to talk. Hello?......We have your crew and ship. We want money........ No they will not be killed, if you give us the money.......... 3,000,000 dollars in cash.........American money for an American ship!........ Good. We will be waiting for your arrival. That will show you people to keep illegally dumping and fishing in Somalia waters. Either way we win. We get paid a lot of money or we kill you all and teach the others a lesson.
Act 2
Scene 1
(The crewmen hear the call of the pirates. They announce that they are boarding the ship.)
Nicholas
What is that? It looks like a boat. It’s a speedboat. Oh no! The-They ave guns. What are they doing? Why would they be doing this?.......... They are boarding? Oh god elp us. I told them we ad to stop fishing ere. The peepal in the United States will never understand that we can not just send people out to steal other people’s resources. I really don’t want to die because of stupid Americans. Okay. RIng the bells! Alarm the ship! Tell everyone that we are being boarded! Urry!........ Oh god. They are on the ship!
Scene 2
(Nicholas tried to run back but fell as the men walked towards him. He scrambles and shouts in fear.)
NICHOLAS
.......Okay! Okay! I will get down! Please don't it me!........ I just don't want to die! Okay guys get up. Do what he tells us!........I understand. Not a word.
Scene 3
Nicholas
Inner thought (spot light on Nicholas): I ave to make it out of this! I will just do as they say and follow their orders. As long as I cooperate they might spare my life. I have to just ope that the U.S. cares enough about us to pay the ransom, so we can be saved. Ee said that ee will kill us if they do not pay.
Outer dialogue: ........The radio? Um... It is over there behind that thing under the cloth.
Inner thought (Spot light on Nicholas again): Ok. They are getting the money. will they really pay 3,000,000 dollars in cash for a few men on a ship? I ave to be with my family. Will I ever even see them again? I know that the Somalia’s have it really ard, but so do I. That is why I took this job. Do they realize that other people ave it bad in the world too? I ope they don’t overreact and do something crazy. Whether I live or die this is my final trip out ere in the Somali waters.
Act 3
Scene 1
(It has been 10 hours since the pirates boarded the ship and the coast guard has arrived along with some of the military. The coast guard sent over some food and a phone to the pirates and crew to keep them comfortable.)
ABDI
I am calling the shots here........ No you listen to me Steven! I am not sending over any hostages until I get the money and I get a safe way out of here.........No! I am not changing my mind. I will not give you one hostage now!........ Yeah! You better go get the damn money.
(Slams the phone closed and puts it in his pocket. Looks at his men and the crew.)
ABDI
They keep trying to get us to hand over one or two hostages before we get the money. I don't think I am ready to call shots on something this big. They like to play mind games........ Why would they try to snipe us? We just want the money.........They would rather just have the money and the hostages? That’s nonsense! Well... I guess you might be right. Then we will just have to be more careful. Put the crewmembers up in front of the windows. If they fire then they hit the hostages that they are trying to save! I just want the fishermen out of my waters. If they want to keep sending people here then they will pay the price until the day they learn from the error of their ways.
Inner thought (Spotlight on Abdi): Part of this is obviously just for the money. I would like to be rich and make money for my family. How many people care for the fishing and dumping. I still do because it is my people’s land but it is not my land. I do not own these waters. I am making money from this while fighting for a good cause. Is that right? No it isn’t is it. What am I talking about of course it is.
Outer dialogue: Okay this is where things get out of hand. We need to kill one of the hostages don’t we? I heard you all talking........ Of course there is something wrong with it. Isn’t there?......Maybe your right. They were illegally fishing. Yeah! Do it.......(They hand him a gun.) Me?......You want me to do it? ( He looks down and the floor in thought) Okay. I will do it. He pulled the captain down to his knees in front of him (The man is on his knees on the opposite side of the stage and the boy is pointing the gun at the crowd as if it was the man.) and dialed on the phone........ Hello. I am calling to let you know that we are going to kill the captain......No. I don’t have a choice. (He gives the phone to the captain.)......Hey! (He hit him hard and fired. He shoots at the crowd and the man falls on the other side of the stage.) He is dead but he told the damn coast how many of us there are and the weapons that we have...... Yeah you’re right. They have no way to get us.
Inner monologue (spotlight on Abdi): I am not so sure that we are very safe in here. I should try to be easier on them to get what I want instead of using force. I don’t think I should have killed that man. That was not good. I should have let him live.........No! He paid for his crimes. That was justice. Not murder. Or is there no difference? Of course there is!...Is there?
Act 4
Scene 1
(Group of military men with the coast guard trying to negotiate. American hostage negotiator talking through the cell phone to the pirates.)
OFFICER STEVEN WALSKEY
(He constantly stares out at the boat squinting or looks through Binoculars) Hello this is Officer Steven Wolsey. I just want these people safe........No you are not!........ This is absolutely ridiculous.....Just let them all go and we will let you go free....Fine! Give us the hostages and all the money is yours. I have it right here.....(whispers to the people next to him.) Go ahead and snipe them out. The room has tons of windows. (Back to the people on the phone.) Ah! You smart-ass! Take the hostages out of the window. We will stop dumping and fishing. Does that sound good? Just give us one hostage........No! No. No.No.No.No don’t do that! Take it easy and don’t kill anyone. Hey! Take it easy.......Calm down.....Just breath man and relax okay....(Draws out the word relax very long.) Relax........God dammit! He shot one of the damn hostages! I give up! Get the money or more are going to die!
Inner thoughts (Spotlight on Steve.): is 3,000,000 dollars really something that we could consider spending for a few lives. Are their lives really worth that kind of money?
Act 5
Scene 1
(Nicholas sits tied up thinking about what was going on. The men lie behind him all tied up as well. A few men sit in the full body sized windows. The crewmembers sit randomly across the room and Abdi paces.)
NICHOLAS
Inner thoughts (Spotlight on fisher): Oh god! Oh no no no! Ee killed im. Ee shot im in the ed. What am I going to do now? They are killers. They don’t need the money. What will appen to us? Okay! Breath. Breath. Inhale exhale. We are obeying them. They won’t urt us....All this for some fishes? This is too much. Please god I ave realized what I ave done wrong. I promise that I ave. Let me live and please let this all just end. Don’t make any more people die today.
Act 6
Scene 1
(Abdi is trying hard to keep the crew in line. They are in the cabin room still and the crew is sitting and still struggling against the ropes except for the silent Nicholas.)
ABDI
We need to give them the hostages. As simple as that................Forget about the money. We need to get out of here. We won’t win this we should get out while we can...............I know. I do want the money. I just can’t kill another person and I can’t do this because someone wants me to. It’s not right.
Inner Thought (Spotlight on Abdi): I won’t become a bad person. Not now. I have my whole life ahead of me. This has got to change. I have to put things right and let these people go. I killed that man. I can only pray that god will forgive me.( looks up at the ceiling of the cabin as if he could see the sky.) I will do what I can to make things right. I hope my father will understand. They shouldn’t dump in the water or fish and steal our resources but that is no reason for people to die.
ABDI
We are leaving. The prisoners are being freed. The chaos is over. (They start to walk to the door. The boy opens it and falls to the floor instantly after he hears one of his friends yell his name. “Abdi!”
Act 7
Scene 1
(Officer Steven Walskey is watching the cabin.)
OFFICER STEVEN WALSKEY
Wait! I see movement................ Yeah. Uh uh yeah get the snipers ready. Train their eyes on the prize............. Okay I see them. I see them moving. Ready to fire once in sight!.........The door is open. Its one of them! Fire! (Just before he screams fire her hears one of the pirates scream the name “Abdi!”) Abdi? What is that?...................... A name? Of who?............The boy? Boy?........ We shot a boy? (Gulps down sorrow).................... Oh god.
ACT I
Scene 1
(A young Somalia boy around 17 or 18 speaking to a crew of pirates on the way to a cargo ship.(Sounds of a motor in the background. nothing on stage just black. voices can be heard.))
Abdi
You want to know why I am a pirate at such a young age. My father decided that I should fight for my waters against the illegal fishers and the illegal dumping. He is a pirate and wants me to prove myself to him. I figured it sounded fun. I am young but I am ready. The ship isn’t far now. We are going to be boarding soon........... I know all about the new guy routine and I wanted that. I wanted the challenge but since my dad is top boss he insisted that I should do all the boss work here..........Yeah.......... Okay. Throw the grapple up so we can position the ladder. I am no longer going to be oppressed and put down by the people forcing the injustice of polluted waters in our land....... No. I am not scared. I am ready to do what is necessary. Ok. You informed them that we are boarding?........ Okay. Climb up. (They climb up onto the ship and see the crew.)
Scene 2
(The men walk at the crewmembers and point their guns forward. Abdi Stammers often from fear or being in over his head.)
ABDI
Get down! Y-You you heard me get d-down! This ship is our property now!...... What? D-Don’t hit you? Then get down when I tell you to. Listen to us and you won’t get hurt. Where is the captain? Tell me!........ In the cabin? Okay guys go get him. Come on you guys are coming up to the cabin too. (Fear in his voice.) Get moving, but not too fast. One foot out of line and you die! Is this everyone on the ship?........ No one is downstairs?..... How many people?.......Five?.......Then why would you tell me that there were no people? I will pretend this did not happen. K-Keep moving! I don’t want you p-pulling anything stupid on me.
Scene 3
(They are inside of the main cabin and everyone from the ship is tied up.)
ABDI
What are we suppose to do now that we have them tied up?...... Okay, then where is the walkie to their people?......... Okay crew! Where is your radio?........ Grab that! Hand me it!. What should I say?........ Okay I’ll... be the one to talk. Hello?......We have your crew and ship. We want money........ No they will not be killed, if you give us the money.......... 3,000,000 dollars in cash.........American money for an American ship!........ Good. We will be waiting for your arrival. That will show you people to keep illegally dumping and fishing in Somalia waters. Either way we win. We get paid a lot of money or we kill you all and teach the others a lesson.
Act 2
Scene 1
(The crewmen hear the call of the pirates. They announce that they are boarding the ship.)
Nicholas
What is that? It looks like a boat. It’s a speedboat. Oh no! The-They ave guns. What are they doing? Why would they be doing this?.......... They are boarding? Oh god elp us. I told them we ad to stop fishing ere. The peepal in the United States will never understand that we can not just send people out to steal other people’s resources. I really don’t want to die because of stupid Americans. Okay. RIng the bells! Alarm the ship! Tell everyone that we are being boarded! Urry!........ Oh god. They are on the ship!
Scene 2
(Nicholas tried to run back but fell as the men walked towards him. He scrambles and shouts in fear.)
NICHOLAS
.......Okay! Okay! I will get down! Please don't it me!........ I just don't want to die! Okay guys get up. Do what he tells us!........I understand. Not a word.
Scene 3
Nicholas
Inner thought (spot light on Nicholas): I ave to make it out of this! I will just do as they say and follow their orders. As long as I cooperate they might spare my life. I have to just ope that the U.S. cares enough about us to pay the ransom, so we can be saved. Ee said that ee will kill us if they do not pay.
Outer dialogue: ........The radio? Um... It is over there behind that thing under the cloth.
Inner thought (Spot light on Nicholas again): Ok. They are getting the money. will they really pay 3,000,000 dollars in cash for a few men on a ship? I ave to be with my family. Will I ever even see them again? I know that the Somalia’s have it really ard, but so do I. That is why I took this job. Do they realize that other people ave it bad in the world too? I ope they don’t overreact and do something crazy. Whether I live or die this is my final trip out ere in the Somali waters.
Act 3
Scene 1
(It has been 10 hours since the pirates boarded the ship and the coast guard has arrived along with some of the military. The coast guard sent over some food and a phone to the pirates and crew to keep them comfortable.)
ABDI
I am calling the shots here........ No you listen to me Steven! I am not sending over any hostages until I get the money and I get a safe way out of here.........No! I am not changing my mind. I will not give you one hostage now!........ Yeah! You better go get the damn money.
(Slams the phone closed and puts it in his pocket. Looks at his men and the crew.)
ABDI
They keep trying to get us to hand over one or two hostages before we get the money. I don't think I am ready to call shots on something this big. They like to play mind games........ Why would they try to snipe us? We just want the money.........They would rather just have the money and the hostages? That’s nonsense! Well... I guess you might be right. Then we will just have to be more careful. Put the crewmembers up in front of the windows. If they fire then they hit the hostages that they are trying to save! I just want the fishermen out of my waters. If they want to keep sending people here then they will pay the price until the day they learn from the error of their ways.
Inner thought (Spotlight on Abdi): Part of this is obviously just for the money. I would like to be rich and make money for my family. How many people care for the fishing and dumping. I still do because it is my people’s land but it is not my land. I do not own these waters. I am making money from this while fighting for a good cause. Is that right? No it isn’t is it. What am I talking about of course it is.
Outer dialogue: Okay this is where things get out of hand. We need to kill one of the hostages don’t we? I heard you all talking........ Of course there is something wrong with it. Isn’t there?......Maybe your right. They were illegally fishing. Yeah! Do it.......(They hand him a gun.) Me?......You want me to do it? ( He looks down and the floor in thought) Okay. I will do it. He pulled the captain down to his knees in front of him (The man is on his knees on the opposite side of the stage and the boy is pointing the gun at the crowd as if it was the man.) and dialed on the phone........ Hello. I am calling to let you know that we are going to kill the captain......No. I don’t have a choice. (He gives the phone to the captain.)......Hey! (He hit him hard and fired. He shoots at the crowd and the man falls on the other side of the stage.) He is dead but he told the damn coast how many of us there are and the weapons that we have...... Yeah you’re right. They have no way to get us.
Inner monologue (spotlight on Abdi): I am not so sure that we are very safe in here. I should try to be easier on them to get what I want instead of using force. I don’t think I should have killed that man. That was not good. I should have let him live.........No! He paid for his crimes. That was justice. Not murder. Or is there no difference? Of course there is!...Is there?
Act 4
Scene 1
(Group of military men with the coast guard trying to negotiate. American hostage negotiator talking through the cell phone to the pirates.)
OFFICER STEVEN WALSKEY
(He constantly stares out at the boat squinting or looks through Binoculars) Hello this is Officer Steven Wolsey. I just want these people safe........No you are not!........ This is absolutely ridiculous.....Just let them all go and we will let you go free....Fine! Give us the hostages and all the money is yours. I have it right here.....(whispers to the people next to him.) Go ahead and snipe them out. The room has tons of windows. (Back to the people on the phone.) Ah! You smart-ass! Take the hostages out of the window. We will stop dumping and fishing. Does that sound good? Just give us one hostage........No! No. No.No.No.No don’t do that! Take it easy and don’t kill anyone. Hey! Take it easy.......Calm down.....Just breath man and relax okay....(Draws out the word relax very long.) Relax........God dammit! He shot one of the damn hostages! I give up! Get the money or more are going to die!
Inner thoughts (Spotlight on Steve.): is 3,000,000 dollars really something that we could consider spending for a few lives. Are their lives really worth that kind of money?
Act 5
Scene 1
(Nicholas sits tied up thinking about what was going on. The men lie behind him all tied up as well. A few men sit in the full body sized windows. The crewmembers sit randomly across the room and Abdi paces.)
NICHOLAS
Inner thoughts (Spotlight on fisher): Oh god! Oh no no no! Ee killed im. Ee shot im in the ed. What am I going to do now? They are killers. They don’t need the money. What will appen to us? Okay! Breath. Breath. Inhale exhale. We are obeying them. They won’t urt us....All this for some fishes? This is too much. Please god I ave realized what I ave done wrong. I promise that I ave. Let me live and please let this all just end. Don’t make any more people die today.
Act 6
Scene 1
(Abdi is trying hard to keep the crew in line. They are in the cabin room still and the crew is sitting and still struggling against the ropes except for the silent Nicholas.)
ABDI
We need to give them the hostages. As simple as that................Forget about the money. We need to get out of here. We won’t win this we should get out while we can...............I know. I do want the money. I just can’t kill another person and I can’t do this because someone wants me to. It’s not right.
Inner Thought (Spotlight on Abdi): I won’t become a bad person. Not now. I have my whole life ahead of me. This has got to change. I have to put things right and let these people go. I killed that man. I can only pray that god will forgive me.( looks up at the ceiling of the cabin as if he could see the sky.) I will do what I can to make things right. I hope my father will understand. They shouldn’t dump in the water or fish and steal our resources but that is no reason for people to die.
ABDI
We are leaving. The prisoners are being freed. The chaos is over. (They start to walk to the door. The boy opens it and falls to the floor instantly after he hears one of his friends yell his name. “Abdi!”
Act 7
Scene 1
(Officer Steven Walskey is watching the cabin.)
OFFICER STEVEN WALSKEY
Wait! I see movement................ Yeah. Uh uh yeah get the snipers ready. Train their eyes on the prize............. Okay I see them. I see them moving. Ready to fire once in sight!.........The door is open. Its one of them! Fire! (Just before he screams fire her hears one of the pirates scream the name “Abdi!”) Abdi? What is that?...................... A name? Of who?............The boy? Boy?........ We shot a boy? (Gulps down sorrow).................... Oh god.
Missing Henry
Don Kim is a 38-year-old father who doesn’t care that
his son hasn’t come home for a couple of days. He makes no attempt to see if
his son is okay.
Tim is an American who hears about the protest.
Henry is the son of Don Kim. He participates in the protest.
Act 1 Scene 1
(Tim is 63 and he lives alone. He wife died 15 years
ago because she was robbed at gun pont and had a heart attack. Tim also
lives in the United States and he heard about the Tiananmen Square Protest. Tim
is sitting on his port rocking in his chair talking to his friend John a week after
the protest.)
You hear about that protest in China?… Wasn’t it crazy?... Makes
you proud to be an American… I feel bad for countries dat don’t have what we
have… All they wanted was democracy but the Chinese government wasn’t tryin to
hear all dat nonsense… Yup they sure did starve themselves… I hear dat I aint
starvin myself for nutin… Accordin to da paper dey let this protest go on for a
whole month before doin something…. I don’t know why dey let it go on dat long…
Yea dey prolli should have nipped it in the bud from da beginning… What you
mean dey shouldn’t have protested from da beginning… It’s what they
believe in, so you telling me you wouldn’t stand up for what you believe in…
Yea you right it was kinda pointless sense nutin changed… Yea da paper say dey
came in wit tanks and soldiers had guns. Some of dem didn’t move and dey
got run over by tanks… Yea yea soldiers was shootin and killin people… It
prolli wasn’t worth dyin for but people do crazy things for things dey want...
See dats why I love America, what I got to say get heard...
Act 1 Scene 2
(Henry goes to med school and is for democracy so he
participates in the Tienanmen Square protest.)
Alright guys we’ve been doing this for weeks now.We’ve starved
ourselves, made signs, and spread the word of what we were doing. I CAN FEEL IT
TODAY IS THE DAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT GIVES IN TO US. (Nearby people
cheering) It’s true we are going to get democracy for this country, it’s
time we get a say in what’s going on in our country. No mater what don’t move.
Let them know that we are serious about this. Okay guys here they come don’t
budge. Excuse me sir we aren’t bothering anybody... Public disturbance, I’m not
disturbing anybody... If we don’t disperse we’re getting arrested, you can’t
arrest all of us...We have the right to protest. Come On guys don’t let these
soldiers scare you, they not even armed. Look they’re going away. I guess we
won this round. Like I said TODAY IS THE DAY... Yeah I think they’ll come back,
but we just have to stay strong and not give up...There back already?...With
tanks...What do you mean you don’t know if it’s worth it now? We’ve made it
this far...Arrested after all this all can you can about is being arrested...
What about democracy... Come guys don’t leave... At least all of you didn’t
leave. Let’s stay strong...No there aren’t gonna shoot. What are you guys
doing... Protecting yourself against what?...The soldiers aren’t gonna shoot. (
Someone torches a bus) What the hell are you guys doing. This is suppose to
be a peaceful protest. STOP STOP... (Soldiers start shooting) Oh no, I
have to get out of here... What do you mean where am I going, this has turned
into a disaster. Buses are on fire and people are fleeing for their lives!
Democracy isn’t worth the lives of this many people. Can’t to my father’s house
that entire section is blocked off. What am I going to do?
Act 1 Scene 3
(Don Kim is 38 years old and his son is in college. He
lives 5 blocks from Tiananmen Square, he was home the day that the Chinese
military came to break up the protest)
Whoa! What was that? I think those are gunshots. I think I should
call the cops. (Dials the police) I here gunshots... What do you mean
there’s nothing that you can do?!... You’re the authority and I heard gunshots…
No I don’t want to be arrested… (Hangs up and Grabs the remote) Let
me see what’s on the news… OH MY GOD, THAT’S TIENANMEN SQUARE! (Phone rings,
walks over to it) Hello… Yes I’m watching the news... I know mom this is
barbaric… Yes mom I’m looking at the same thing as you… Look I don’t have time
for this; Henry is participating in that protest… He said it was for
democracy.… According to him there wasn’t going to be any violence… Yes I see
the soldiers in the tanks, are you listening to what I’m saying...I’m sure
Henry is fine he’s a man now he can handle himself… I’m not going out there,
why should I put my life on the line as well... I know that he’s my son but
some choices you have to live with…I know that I’m his father, Henry’s a good
boy he has a good head on his shoulders... If things got hairy I’m sure that he
would’ve left... Look mom I’ll call him tomorrow to see if he’s okay...Mom
please give me a break, I’m on vacation I just want to relax work has been
really stressful...Okay I’ll call him tomorrow...Bye talk to you later...I
swear all that lady does is nag
Act 1 Scene 4
(Don Kim is home sitting on the couch watching television
and enjoying his week off from work.)
Look at this a Golden Partners re-run. I haven’t watched
this show in the longest time. The last time I watched this was with...Henry.
Oh right I was suppose to call to make sure that he’s okay. I’m sure he’s fine,
if he’s in trouble he’ll call. Maybe I should call, no no I’m sure he’s fine;
Besides I haven’t seen the Golden Partners in a while and Wo cai Wo cai
Wo cai cai cai comes on next. (Phone rings) Hello...Who’s this...Hi
Michelle how have you been...I’m on vacation now, work has been kicking my
butt...Well it’s not easy being a real estate agent, I got a raise since I
became salesman of the quarter...How’s Jack... Congratulations I know that you
always wanted to have kids every since we were kids...You used to dress your
toys up and play house...Sometimes I wish I could go back to those days, I
remember when my biggest problem was eating vegetables...Henry? Umm he’s
good...Let me guess Mom told you that...Of course I care about Henry but he’s
my son, but he’s also a man now... I will never stop caring for him, but
a man must learn from his mistakes... Yeah I know about what happened last
night... Like I told mom, I’m not worried because he has a good head on his
shoulders...If you know then why are you pestering me about him... Well if
you’re worried about him then why won’t you talk to him about it...Oh you
tried?...You couldn't get in contact with him?...Well he’s probably crashing at
a friends house...I got to go, Wo cai Wo cai Wo cai cai cai is about to
come on...Michelle listen, Henry is fine, I raised him myself... Okay you and
mom raised him, but that’s only because I was focused on my career... You’re
not going to give me this, you took care and I thank you but don’t give me
grief about it...(Don hangs up the phone because he doesn’t want to listen
to Michelle talk about how she raised Henry) Who does she think she is. I
had to focus on my career. I did the right thing for the both of us. If I
would’ve taken care of Henry then we wouldn’t have this nice house or all these
nice things. I’m not worried, because what I did was right. Now I’m just gonna
enjoy my vacation.
Act 1 Scene 5
( Don is sleeping in his bed is is awaken by the sound of
the phone ringing.)
Why is the phone always ringing. I bet it’s Michelle calling back
to scold me, no worst I bet it’s my mother calling to nag me. I’ll just ignore
it, it can be that important. (Phone continues to ring) Why don’t people
understand that I just want to be left alone on my vacation. I don’t get very
many you know, but when I do get one I don’t want to be bothered. (Gets to
the phone and it stops ringing) Really you just stop ringing when I get to
you. You think this is a game, well I’m not up for it. (Don rips the phone
from the wall) See that game over, I win and you lose. (He sits on the
couch and turns on the television) I hope Golden Partners is on (Someone
knocks at the door and Don goes to answer it) Michelle what are you doing
here?... I didn’t answer my phone because it’s malfunctioning see? (points
over at the phone) No I haven’t heard from Henry yet!...I don’t have any
idea where he might be, I am not his keeper!... Is that all you and mom know
how to say is “He’s your son” I know that he my son I was there in the delivery
room when he was born... Why don’t I care, What makes you think that I don’t
care?... Just because I’m not running around frantically trying to find him
that doesn’t mean that I don’t care... You want to know why I haven’t tried to
look for him? I didn’t try to look for him because I’m afraid I might not find
him. I’m afraid of losing him just like I lost his mother. I did everything I
could to find her and you know what he was dead. I don’t what to find out the
same thing about Henry. You don’t know how it feels to lose your spouse...(Starts
to cry) I just want him to be okay, I want my boy.
Melody againist her ribcage
Descriptions of characters
Mabintu -teen girl from Hati after the Earthquake
Ana Caroline -A 22 year old girl. Died of a eating disorder. She was a Brazilian Model.
Lleana- a teen urban girl, who is a binge eater, and a slam poet.
Samantha- Ana Caroline sister, also her editor.
Act One Scene One
Mabintu
Our country is drowning in poverty and I hear that people in the united states have people who are stuffing things down their throats and making themselves throw up........ I think it’s, it’s so hard to know that our prices for food have risen so quickly and high we can’t afford to have food and people waste it on their sick problem.......no it’s not real they call it a disorder that is “sweeping the world.” Shortage of food and resource is sweeping the world but no one thinks about that. I am very upset I don’t have a choice if I want to see my ribcage in the morning or a gut. Americans disgust me! They have no regards to, what.... what are we human right? Human!.... they treat us like trash. (speaking very quickly while being distracted by the little boy picking through the rubbish) I seen the skinny people and fat people was in a magazine that was in a pile of trash I was digging through while looking for food.....Just like that kid over there....What do you feel when you seen him....Speechless I know... Just like a typical American..... But back to the point...When I seen it I couldn't help but sit there and just stare at it. I was confused at why the people chose to look like that. I read that those people eat full meals then throw them up or stuff it into their bellies until they cant take anymore. Here in Haiti we eat mud for a meal. Our parents get no more than two dollars a day. Who will eat for us when a whole culture and countries is swallowed by mother earth. I visited America once and the people seemed nice but crazy.....yes I meant to say crazy........I understand this will be in a magazine......I don’t care they are so stupid and they look ugly... What happened to natural beauty.... I know we live in a shit hole But it’s better than being in a rag doll country where everyone is manufactured the same way.... I know you want the interview to be over now.......Don’t say you’re afraid......No your not you are embarrassed to be you!
(Throws the journal the person recording has)
Scene Two Ana Carolina Reston
(Glances at the journal her editor is writing in )You wanna know something?......Well listen anyway....No seriously I need to say this. I could never figure out why I wasn’t made ya know..... thin enough to fit in the creases of perfection... isn’t that the saying “ thin enough to fit in the creases of perfection”.. you should so add that to my book. Write this.. no I don’t want you to edit what I say write it jsut like this.... I really wish you wouldn’t argue with me so much... if you weren't my sister I would fire you.....Women including myself go to extreme lengths to be beautiful,(in a exaggerated tone) there were many nights when I tried wrapping my waist into zeros in the mirror.......darn im good right?... no don’t write that part!......ugh! there was always a chunk of fat waiting to be scraped off . What I do isn’t wrong. I am an Entire Public service announcement for what little girls should idol. (begins flipping through her portfolio) Photo shop is what a person wants in a makeup kit. Modeling was my life, but keeping up with the latest trends and weight lost secrets was a full time job. It is dangerous to be as beautiful and perfect as me. Wow I sound so stuck up!........When I look in the mirror I see perfect angles and sculpted ligaments....is that too much.....no Don’t rush me I really want your opinion. you could Play a ultimate melody on my ribcage.....Dude that really not funny. stop laughing!..........(giggles while looking on the bookshelf for another one of her photo albums.) This is what beauty looks like. I would be the most beautiful disaster the world has ever seen. When people look at me I want them to see dedication stitched on my stomach and spine.
(Picks up the book, reads it. Fumbles with pages and drops it by mistakes.)
Scene three Ileana
(Picks up her book from off the floor while cleaning her room)
Today I Looked in the mirror and cried from my throat. I am not the average black teen. If I don’t have an ass that resembles “two monster truck tires” in my back pocket I won’t be considered beautiful. (turns around and rubbed on her butt) (in a very sarcastic tone)Men always stressed the fact that “their girl's skin should be darker than a solar eclipse. Nubia soaking their melanin, Kemet rushing through their thighs, Alodian Empires surging through their veins, Onyx type pupils, with rose quartz lips that smile diamonds.”I don’t own any of these traits that my friend Anwar described, I have an ass as flat as a cardboard box drenched in water. Skin like a dying sun. And my eyes are an unidentified color. Everyone looks at me as if I’m not black enough because I don’t have those qualities. My mom always said to “ you are beautiful no matter what people say.” As of today I don’t believe her. I’ve heard of women dying of eating disorders because they starve themselves. I have been shoving carbs down my throat so I can get that perfect guy. I normally maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle but I’ve been stuffing myself. I need a perfect body. I’ve been using bronze lotions as well so I can have a beautiful skin complexion. Keeping up with beauty tactics can be difficult. My mom has been making comments like “you’re sure eating like a black girl now.” I’ll laugh knowing that I find myself repulsive if I stuff myself and if I am not perfectly molded. I am in a lose lose situation. I just want guys to want me for how I am but until then I’ll stuff myself with regrets and acceptance of others. I want to be that Nubian queen that the sun looks forward to rising to....I need to run this poem about 4 more times and finish editing it. I have a long day ahead of me. Throws herself on the bed and tosses the book so she can memorize.
Ana Caroline
Scene four
(looking at images from a magazine)
I know my name will be carved in history regardless if I die a 22 year old, what they call anorexic girl. Or a 22 year old tragic story. I.....(pauses to think) I think I am pretty just the way I am. the editor and fashion designer said I am too fat. When I visited China for a modeling shoot the first thing the guy did was look at me with repulsive eyes and said “you’re fat.” So I concluded that if I die They’ll blame it on the media and the fashion designers. The News Papers would read “This isn’t what beauty looks like!” But nothing will change, people don’t change. I’m beautiful I am not looking for the acceptance of others, but the acceptance of myself because I Love the skin I am wrapped in. People always tell me I must know my limit, but that limit doesn’t exist. Who will remember the ordinary girl that was born to be nothing but fat and repulsive? After a while your soul becomes a cesspool. No one will watch you on the tabloids, only your obituary, at least you will be remembered for something risky and extreme. I never contradicted the idea that beauty can be dangerous. I know that I will die soon but at least I will be remembered and written about in magazines until another famous person dies. I am a service announcement. yeah that's What I am A public service announcement. I’ve been talking to a few girls who do the same stuff I do and I think they are beautiful. AnywayI hope this isn’t the death of me, but don’t all good things come to an end? I’m not expecting anything special when everyone realizes that my way of living is the righteous way. The media are too naive to understand the neglect of movement.
Ana Caroline sister Samantha
Scene five
(dies Her sister finds the last entry she wanted into her book.)
Let’s see if I have to edit this too... (Laughs to herself.)......I know she wouldn’t want me to, but for old time sake......Let’s see
“I never understood myself, until one night I had a dream that everyone malfunctions except women, We go on forever never knowing the possibilities of being accepted but god makes easy predicaments perfect for loving ourselves
No matter what shape or form we have been molded into we are created strategically,
placed in gods spine so he can keep the world shining with our light. We keep the world spinning when a eclipse occurs we are there to enlighten everyone else with our spirit. I I never let anyone tell me other wise
I’m are perfect.(sits there just staring at the paper hands shaking)....Wow I never knew my sister had such a problem until now. I would look at her and make jokes but nothing serious... (Begins to cry) I wonder why I didn’t help her, why didn’t I love her enough to help her get better. I need her.....I feel so horrible that I used to call her a twig and make jokes about her eating habits. I swear I love my sister, I couldn’t imagine life without her. I swept her off the earth just as quickly as she did it t herself....I wonder what my mother would think.
Scene six
Illeana
(going into a rehab center sitting in a group therapy session)
So my parents finally figured out what I’ve been doing to myself......They actually made jokes. I knew the wouldn’t understand. It was different when they seen me devouring food, and actually knew I had a problem. Everyone at the dinner table seemed to be staring at me, Was I some type of animal at a zoo?...... I think I’m talking too much someone else can go.....I don’t feel like I’m making progress!......Okay if you really want me to finish I don’t see the point of group therapy anyway!..... After about two days they decided to call this stupid place........ My parents asked stupid questions like “am I wasting my money? Is this even a real disorder?” They didn’t seem to like the response...... I feel so helpless and dumb having to say this out loud in front of everyone..... I know everyone here have similar issues.....can you just let me finish?? I’m beginning to have what yall therapist call (makes air quotes) “suicidal thoughts.” I’m very depressed this over stuffing thing isn’t worth it.......damn This rehab must really be kicking in. I hate that we have to write in these stupid journal entries everyday.......but whatever, I guess it’s helping.
Scene seven
Ileana
(gets out of hospital , walking through hallway with nurse)
You know I don’t need the wheel chair right?......who cares if it’s protocol....I want to walk....I feel fine and I think I look eh... okay I look okay. I haven’t said that in forever, Come to think about it I never really ever said it. …. life can only get better from here.. right?....I’m worried that I will fall into my old ways …. I don’t want to have to come back here.
Don't Judge Me - Loren Jenkins
Cast:
Rachael- Main Character
Malika- Sierra’s sister and Rachael’s enemy
Mrs.Smith: Mother of Rachael and Sean
Mr.Smith: Father of Rachael and Sean
Sean- Rachael’s brother and Sierra’s Girlfriend
David- Sean’s best friend
Aleasha- Davids older sister
Sierra- Seans girl friend
Jackie: The little sister of Sean and Rachael
Scene 1, Act 1
Rachael
(Rachael is just waking up from her bedroom turning her alarm clock off, and streach before she gets out the bed)
Beep! Beep! Beep! I could hear the alarm in my head going off. The last Beeeeeeeeeepppp! Got me up fo’sho. I had just realized that today was my big day to go for the casting call for American Apparel. I was so excited I hurried up and hit the dismiss button on my alarm clock and jumped out of the bed. I already knew what I was going to wear today, and I packed my modeling set clothes in the new purple Nike bag I just brought. Today I was feeling young and sexy since my birthday was coming up in a few months I though I must enjoy my youth years before the huge packet of responsibility come on me. I wore a soft quarter length cream flower patterning silk scope neck shirt, with my new sky blue Jeggings ,and my 4 inch clog heels. I thought I was looking bad! Well ya know I was.
(She starts to put on her outfit to leave for her casting call for a modeling audition. When she goes to check on her parents and little sister she looks happy and sad at the same time.)
As I got done putting my clothes on, I made myself a simple breakfast nothing to big though just something to keep my stomach from growling so roughly. I had 2 pieces of toast with some jelly and a glass of milk. It was good. After I was done I cleaned up the little mess that I had made in the kitchen, and went into my parents room to tell them that I will be leaving now. As I stepped in the room I could see my mother, father and my little sister who is 7 between them resting peacefully so I didn’t bother them. I closed the door with a smile on my face. As I walk down the hall I notice my big brother Sean is in the bathroom taking his early shower before he has to go to work. He hears me walk past and peeped out the bathroom door. I gave him the don’t mess with me look and he closed the bathroom door to continue what he was doing. Before I can hit the steps he comes out the bathroom. I was shocked to see that my brother is maturing. In my head I was thinking well about time. I took the offer by saying “Sure, that will be nice. I miss hanging out with my big bro sometimes.” He smiles back and throw me his car keys.” I knew he was lying, he is never on time.
(She gets in the car and turn it on and the radio. She puts her seat belt on and start to thinking about the old times)
Finally, I’m in the car and five minutes has already past. I’m jamming to some Lil Wayne and Drake as they just came on the radio station. Immedenilty after the song was done I could see Sean coming out of the house. He wore his new vans I just brought him for his birthday two weeks ago, some skinny jeans, and a North face hoodie with a North face hat. My brother was handsome all the ladies around my way would be on his top. He was the kind of guy every girl dreamed of. He was nice, sweet, smart, polite, and knew how to make money with out having to sell drugs on the corner of a street. Everywhere we went ladies would look him up and down and when it came to me the rolled their eyes. I’m guessing they thought I was his girl. “Ha-haaa” I laughed a little to myself. He got in the car with on the song Black and Yellow, which is rapped by Wiz Khilifa. He turned it up in his new BMW our parents just brought him for doing so well in college and managing to work at the same time.
( When talking about the old times she is cool until Sean hits her triger, she then startds to go off and have her taturems, Sean doesn’t argue with her trying to stay focus on the road)
When he put his foot on the gas, the engine roaring in heart start to beat faster of such excitement. On the ride to our destination we started to talking about the old days when we where younger, How we used cause so much trouble at school , nothing major just things kids get in trouble for, We compared out lives on how we changed and we both a better future. I started to laugh because I remember when we was done we got into more trouble. “No NO I got a better one,
remember when that little girl called me a Bitch because I took the last ice cream bar from the ice cream truck? I went crazy on her ass.” I laughed looking at Sean. “I could of just sworn you apologized to me in the house about this same subject. Yes, I have Conductive Disorder and I’m trying to control it, but it’s hard when people like you, like you, my own family who suppose to be there for me, but all you do is crack jokes and think it’s a game. It’s not a game okay so don’t smash in my face every time you think you can… Okay” I said screaming and crying. Sean drove with the music turned up loud trying to ignore whatever I was going to say next, even though I was done speaking to him.
(Just sitting there relaxing most of the ride to the place, cooling down from the temper she just had)
He drove me there safely. When I stepped out to the fresh air I thought well maybe I would be okay. I turned to the car and bend down to the window “ I love you big bro”. I walked away as he drove off. The casting was held at the Marriott Hotel on the first floor crystal ball room. It was nice and tons of females where there that got chosen from the photo contest online. When you came in you had to show them your information that you had to print out from the computer, get a number, and wait to be called in one of the sheeted spots to change into your first outfit and meet the panelist. About a good 45 minutes has passed before my number was called. I was so thrilled to hurry up and model down the runway. The first change was the black body suit, with sparkling tights, and black 4 inch pump heels. I thought I was looking sharp, and I kept a smile on my face. As I walked out of the changing area, most of the girls just stared and looked at me as if I was any different from them. When I took another glaze at everyone I did notice something. Most of the girls were taller then me, and skinner then me. I wasn’t fat just thick ya know. I was on my school track team, and took up kick boxing lessons to keep my anger in control.
( Here face lighted up because it was her time to shine, Girls all over was looking at her up and down as she made it to the interview room)
I heard my number being called to show my stuff. I walked on that run way thinking that I owned it turning, twisting, and swirling. I knew I was going to get picked. As I came to the end I meet the three panelists. There names where George, Lisa, and Cathy. I reply, “ Well my name is Rachel Smith and I’m from Southwest, Philadelphia. “ Thanks for having me here” I say with a smile on my face. “ Well I’m different from the rest because I’m have inspiration to become something big, and better then what is already out there. I want to take modeling to a different edge where it can’t be compared to Nicki Manij or Lady Gaga. I want to show that black American girls, thick girls, girls of all color that they can to become someone in the modeling industry where the rules are strict. I want to break that barrier where everyone won’t be subjected to who they really are. “ I said. They seemed to be very impressed of what I said and told me to model for them one more time. It was time to change into my off the shoulder dress that was a bright yellow with a bow in the back, and with my silver pumps from Steve Madden. Waling back to the runway. I notice to young black girls with long pretty hair and nice eyes laughing. I thought they where having a good time until I notice they where laughing at me. I didn’t notice at first until I started to walk and the sound of their laughter started to get louder, and louder and faster, and faster, As I take my last spin I was stun to hear my name and rude comment behind my back. One of the girls said it. But I ignored it and kept on walking because I knew if I let it come out it might ruin something good that can be coming my way. When I walked back to the changing spot I gathered my clothing, and put back on my clothes that I came in. As was walking out I got my information back and the lady who gave me the number told me I should be getting a call within 3 days to know if I made the cast or not. “Thank you”. I caught the bus back to my house; on the long ride back I couldn’t stop thinking how that girl disrespected me. I was happy that I kept my cool, but next time won’t be so smooth.
( Riding the bus with a smirk)
Scene 2, Act 2
Knife
( I scared dark scene, one person in the stage in the dark in the corner while saying this speak.)
I’m here underneath the bed hiding because I’m scared of where I can be used at next. I stay here waiting to see if she will ever put me back in the kitchen where she got me from. I’ve been under this bed for over 7 years now and I’m lucky she hasn’t killed herself. In this box she puts me in I’m shut out of the world that I belong to be in. I was created to be used to cut fruits and veggies. Not slice and puncture the skin of a human being. I get upset and if I wasn’t an object I would tell her how upset I am at her.
Once before Mrs. Smith took me out the box thinking that she was going to find any empty box to use. She put me back in the kitchen and when Rachel gets home she raise’s hell. She made her take all of her bracelets that she wore that day to show her wrist. Lucky, there was no marks because she didn’t use me yet; Ms. Smith whipped her until she clearly understood that you shouldn’t do those kinds of things. She was hard headed and went back in the kitchen to get me that night when everyone was in his or her beds sleeping.
She took me upstairs into her bedroom and played with me in her hands. I was scared of what she was going to do with me next. She made me go over her arms back and fourth gently. Then ever time she stroke back and fourth with me in her hands on her wrists she would get stronger, faster, and heavier. She was sweating and shaking as if she knew what could happen next. She cut herself; she screamed a little waking up her little baby sister. Having everyone rush into the room to see what was going on. When they got there she snucked down stairs cleaned me off, and before she put me away Mr. Smith caught her. She was crying pain and didn’t know what to do. She told him that she fall on it and her hand hit it. She was lying of course. Her mother came down with baby Jackie and told her to sit down and tell them why she did it. She mentions that People has been calling her names in school. She tried everything that she could not hurt them. Sometimes she do by punching them or slapping them in the face. She feel’s bad mommy and daddy every time she comes home from school. Something doesn’t feel right in my head. All I hear is the name-calling and laughter. It seems like it follows her home every night. Her parent’s has stunned at what they heard, and decided it was time for her to visit the doctor as soon as the morning hit. Baby Jackie has never slept in that room again after that night.
Scene 3, Act 3
Racheal
( Rachael is in her room relaxing on her bed on the phone through out this whole scene)
Ring, Ring, Ring…. Hello, who dis? O what’s up girl, did you get a new number? …O ard hold on let me put this in my phone before I forget. Hello? …Was up?... Who, who girl tell me who you saw again…. You saw Sean where and with who?.... Isn’t that music chick that’s always rapping and singing that was in the graduated class before us? …OMG! What where they doing? OOOwww he told me he had to go to work. Yeah maybe he did go to work you’re right, well after kissing that whore. Because I know. I know because she a hood rat I see her sometimes around this way and I’m guessing that’s how they met. …Well I really don’t know how they met ,but I’m sure gonna ask him about it. Why not? True, he might think that we spying on him or something…. He a grown man he can do whatever he please long as there ain’t no problems and he ain’t out there messing with no hoe…. I know I just called her a whore I was kidding I call a lot of people whore’s like you. hahaha hehehe…. Yes, it is funny. O it was fun but at the same time it was intimidating and I was starting to get angry. No I didn’t kill anyone what mad you ask me something like that. I know I’m crazy. Yeah, people ask me that all the time, but I just tell them no I don’t act out just to do it. I’ve been hurt when I was younger and you know that. I’m not gonna say what all I went through cuss we both know. And we both know that I went through hell in school and out. So they way I act is not based on some science fiction stuff the doctor tells me. Some woman wouldn’t even be able to be strong like I am and still be able to enjoy life at times. Yeah, but any who some girl that looks like whicha face was there with her friend or something. I knew her face with similar, but I just couldn’t make out who she was. She had on a gold shot dress with like sandel pump heels, long silky black hair I couldn’t tell if it was hers or night, and those bright hazel brown eyes. Yeah, she’s a jounior right. Yeah, I knew her face just couldn’t make out who she was. THAT”S HER SISTER!!! Are you kidding me. OOO no fuck this shit I’m going to raise hell Monday in school. Sean and I are going to have a nice long sis and bro talk tonight when he get in before he goes to work. I don’t gave a damn of how Sean feels about her. He never brung her home to meet the family so therefore she must not be that important to him! Look I don’t care that bitch called me out of my name. What did she say, She said look at the that crazy bitch with the big thighs rubbing on each other with her ugly self. Yes that’s why I was mad. Now I gotta go cuss I’m taking my sister to her friends sleepover. Ard call you lata.
Scene 4, Act 4
Rachel
(Rachel is now leaving her little sisters friends house to walk back to her home, then she see’s her brother driving up, and pulled over to her, and she gets in the car)
What’s up?... Where are you headed? …. Other side of town?.... Why you going over there for?... OO true, to see your boo?... Yeah, ya boo you know… Yeah, you know… I’m not arguing I’m just being sophisticated. Haha, yeah like I was saying., where ya headed too? … O yeah so are you looking for a place over there to near your hommies? .. O cool true. Hey, bro let me ask you something real quick?.. Do you a girl named Lyric, she used to go to my school, but her little sis and me is in the same grade? … O soooo you do know her?... I heard you, that more than knew her! . . . Stop raising my voice??, I ‘m not even yelling! .. Look whatever, you fucking that whore? .. Yeah I called her a whore because she is! I know her more then what you see in her. She’s nothing but a slut who used to sleep with in my guys in the school for money and weed, O yes, she did. I just told you how I know! Well anyway her little sister doesn’t like me… Yeah I’m sure. I saw the both of them today at the cast call. Yeah, she’s pretty , but her mouth is dirty. And the next time she says something to me nasty I will punch in her DAMN mouth! … Does she even know that me and you are sister and brother?.. O wow! I’m not surprised is that why you never brought her home to meet our family? … Yeah, well keep her where she is. I don’t think mom and dad would be to please to meet her anyway!
( They both get out the car at Sean’s best friends house. Sean best friend name is David who lives with his sister)
Scene5, Act 5
Rachael,Sean,David
( Sean and Rachael gets out the car while David meets them in the doorway of the house. They walk in greet everyone whose in the house then takes in the kitchen and starts to talk about their plans for their condo they plan on buying. While, Rachael is in the other room talking with David’s sister about fashion, her modeling dream , and going to school)
Hey, did you find any cool spots yet?.. Cool , cool so let me see what you got so far… Alright so this right here looks pretty cool. Umm how much are the prices raging from?.. Okay that’s not bad cuss if he split that half and half it be about 650 a month for the both of us… Yeah, I can work with that… So what about your girl is she still moving in with us?.. Okay, good cuss you know I was thinking this should be a guys joint for more then a girls. I know she can come chill because that’s your girl and all family and friends are welcome, it’s just the where old enough to be living on our own and we paying for most of the rent here so therefore we should be the ones to make up the rules.. Yeah, so when do you want to make this meeting set?.. Okay, cool that’s perfect just e-mail me all the info and I will set up the meeting and get at you asap. .. Yeah we cool, but my sista acting weird about it… No see she doesn’t know and forreal forreal I don’t want to tell her. Well you see her and her little sister was at this cast calling this morning for a modeling opportunity.. Yeah, so she told me that she was popping off at the mouth and that’s my sister I can’t having no girl disrespecting my family.. Yeah , you know we might have a little something going on but what she got between my sister she needs to stop it before I stop it and then they’ll both hate me… Yeah, so do you think that it’s a good time for them to meet?
( Rachael walks in when he says the last line, and gives the look as if she wants to know who she wants to meet? The convo now starts with Sean and Rachael )
Yeah Rachael, I said you , mom, dad, and Jackie is gonna meet her?.. You know who! .. I’m talking about Sierra, okay? … Look I know I know! ( Rachael just now left the house with Sean, David, and Aleasha, Davids sister walking after her out the house) Rachael, Rachael Wait! ( she stand near the car acting like a brat) … I know I lied. .. I can understand your mad. You want me to take you home?.. Fine.
( Sean tells David that he’ll be right back)
( The silent ride all the way home without any speaking)
Act 6, Scene 6
Rachael
(Rachael is running up the stairs to go handle her self. She walks back and forth trying to clear her mind. She then grabs her phone to call her Bestfriend)
Omg, you was right! It’s all true!... He does talk to her he really does! We where at David’s house when he was talking about it… I asked him in the car, but all he would say is no and trying to laugh it off and go to the next subject. .. I knew something was up cuss the way he was acting, but I didn’t want to give him the benefit of the doubt… I know he was acting smart about it saying that me and the fam would have to get over it. How long have yall been dating, and now you want to bring her home to the family ?? …
(Rachael come down sweetie where having a family meeting.- Her mother yells from the steps of there home)
Ugh, here it comes!.. I gotta go cuss where about to have a family meeting about you know who!.. Love ya 2 thanks girly.
( Rachael walks down the stairs towards the living room and takes a sit on the couch next to her little sister Jackie. Her mother and father is sitting together in the love sit. While Sean is in front of the TV about to make his statements.)
Act 7, Scene 7
Sean
I would like to say that I love you all , and that I care about all of you! I don’t want anything to come between our strong trusted family bonds. ( Rachael coughs saying you a ready did. Sean gives her the look.) There is something that I must tell you! That happens to be that I have been dating this girl for a while about 7 months now. Her name is .. and we do find are selfs in a deep relationship. Not focusing on love, but we do have strong feelings for us. I’m to years older then her, and she used to go to Rachael’s high school where I used to go. That’s how and where we met. She will be coming to join us for dinner on Wednesday, which is 4 days from now. I am also moving in a few weeks with David J we found a spot not to far in the city.
Act
( Rachael Mom seems impressed and so does his father. Jackie has a big smile on her face, while Rachael just looks and rolls her eyes)
These last two monologe are short for a reason because the next few scences are the conflict and i wanted to move to that slowly.
(The weekend is over and it’s now Monday the first day back to school. Later on she will get into a huge fight and is suspended from school for 2 days. During this time after school on Monday and in the afternoon of Wednesday she has kick box class. Jamila, Seans girlfriend comes over for dinner that same evening.)
( July- Drake is playing in the background while see gets dressed she already took her shower)
Act 8, Scene 8
Rachael
This is my jamm. I can’t wait to go to school today. I can’t wait to see the bitch so I can comfront her ass about what she had said to me. And if she play games with me imma have her playing.
( She turns the music off and go down stairs)
Hey family...
( Her Parents and siblings are sitting eating breakfast in the kitchen.)
Thank you God for the food we’re about to receive, in the nutriments of our body, in Christ sake, Amen...
Umm mom these eggs are soo cheesey , just like I like them.
( Recheal and her family where eating and talking about what they have planned fort he day)
O yeah, Sean your secret lover is coming over today for dinner… I might not be here to see her… I have some kick boxing lessons tonight remember today is Wednesday soo yeah…. You can come pick me up at 6, Please. Thanks dad… Well I gotta go see you guys later.
( Rachael walks off from the kitchen table and grabs her jacket and walk out the door to her bus stop)
( She is now at school and is walking to her first class)
Hey Girl, how was your weekend? .. Cool well you already know. Ow yes we got a sub today haha. ( Pulls out her i-pod, pencil, and notebook to finish the work on the board). So yeah if I see her then I will ask her about it… O well is she that coincided that she has to be late to school almost everyday. I guess it might be because she has to put her face on because of all the make up she wears ya know?.. The bathroom, hun? … Yeah, well lets go and see if she’s in there. ( the both ask to go the bathroom, the teacher shakes his head and they leave the classroom). Well she betta be in here girl.. Imma just start simple talk with her if she doesn’t get mart before I do. ( they walk into the bathroom , and there she was putting on her make up). O damn girl, don’t think that’s enough? ( she keeps butting her make up on smiling not noticing who was speaking to her)… No, haha well aren’t you like that junior girl that a model… Yeah, what’s your name again?.... O that’s right, did you have a cast call this weekend?.. Yeah, I was there do you remember me? ( She’s done putting her make up on and takes a good look at her with shock-ness) Yeah I thought you did, so about that little remark you made about me? Yes you did you little smut. Your just like your sister, aren’t you?... Yes, you know what the hell I’m talking about. ( Rachael starts to get madder and starts to sweat. She says to herself that this bitch is just playing dumb and scared because there two of us and on of her)… Im talking to you, duh? ( She tries to leave.).. Excuse you, where your going your already 35 minutes late to class, why bother going now?... Bitch who the fuck you think you talking to, now I’m not done with your ass!... Yeah, she can be here she not gonna touch you but if you touch me I will fuck you up… Anywho you small twig you said something very disrespectful to me ,and I don’t need to repeat it you for you to understand because I know that you know what I’m talking about!.. I m rising my voice at you cuss your acting like you don’t know( She smacks rachael , then try to run for the door, but rachaels best friend jumps in front of the door).. OOwwww BITCH YOUR GONNA GET IT!!!!!!!!!!! ( rachael pulls her by the hair and swings her back and punches her in the lip and eye before she could continue her best friend stops her.)
DON’T FUCK WITH ME BITCH, NOW GO RUN AND TELL WHO DID THIS TO YOU!!! BITCH I FUCKING HATE YOU AND YOUR FUCKING SISTER.
( She runs out the bathroom door to tell the teacher what happen, rachael and her best friend hurries back to the classroom as if nothing happened)
( Loud Speaker: Rachael Smith please come the Principals office immediately!)
( The class goes ooooooowwwww crazy girl)
Ugh, I know the smut was going to tell and I really don’t care!
( Rachael leaves the classroom making her way to the office.)
Hello… Well what happen was this was un finished business that occurred over the weekend. That’s all I’m saying. No I didn’t think it was okay for her to say what she said to me and I’m not gonna let no girl, boy, woman, or man talk to me any kind of way if there not my family! I’m sorry… Okay you can suspend me and call in hearing all you want, It doesn’t matter to me I ’m letting you know that now. Did she tell you that she hit me first… O I didn’t think she did, so what’s gonna happen to her nothing, right? .. . O well is she getting a 2 day suppension?.. Okay good! Well my last words before you send me home is that I’m a senior and I only have about three more months of school before I graduate and go to college. Exspelling me now would be pretty awful, and dumb because all my hard work would have be done for nothing. I didn’t work this hard to become nothing, and I’m going to reach my goals and dreams liked I always wished to. I will be a woman and I few days now, and I don’t have time for little chicks flocking in my way at the wrong time. That’s all.
( Rachael gets the rest of her homework from her teachers, and she stays down town for the rest of the day until it’s time for her kick boxing lessons start).
Act 9 , Scene 9
(Rachael is starting her session at her kickboxing practice, and Jackie, Sean’s girlfriend has just arrived to the house for dinner.)
Rachael:
Left Kick
(Sean and Mya just pull up in front of the house)
Rachael:
Right Kick
(Sean and Mya just walked in the house, as they walk to the door Sean parents welcomes then in.)
Rachael:
Upper cut(Right Punch)
(They all walk to the living room, and greeted each other with hugs, hand shakes, and kisses)
Rachael:
Left Hook
Mya:
You have such a beautiful house, and Mrs. Smith your very pretty… Well I try to look my best thank you. (She smiles)
Rachael:
Upper cut (Left Punch)
Mya:
Hey little cutie, how are you,and what’s your name? … Well Jackie you’re adorable.
Rachael:
Right Hook
Mya:
Yes please, I would love to see the rest of the house.
( They walk around the house looking and talking about the photos and little nick necks that are in there eyes.)… That’s your little sister?... So you have to sister’s and then it’s you the oldest?... She looks familiar like if I seen her a few times before!... O so she goes to the same school as we did ,and my little sister…. Has she been there since the 9th grade?... Well I can see why I wouldn’t know her, I’ve heard about her but you was out of school before the both of us shot, and we barely talked to each other in school…
(They walk upstairs then down back to the kitchen.)
Rachael:
Two Times Left Hook
Mya:
Hey Mrs. Smith, do you need any help with anything? … Sure thing. How do you want them cut up?... Okay. (She smiles and then gets the fruit out of the refrigerator and takes it to the counter and starts to cut it up in cube size pieces.)
Rachael:
Left Hook, Right Hook combo
Mya:
OOooww this food is going to too be soo good I can tell by the smell.
(She puts the fruit all together and mix it together, add nuts and caramel, and then puts in the refrigerator.)
Rachael:
Looks in the mirror at her self.
Mya:
Takes a sit at the kitchen table, and takes a pocket mirror out her pocketbook and looks at herself.
Rachael:
Grabs a sit still looking in the mirror,and takes a break drinking some Power Aid.
Mr.Smith:
Excuse, me Mya would you like to go with Sean and I to pick up Rachael?
Mya:
No thanks, I don’t want to ruin the surprise.
(Sean and Mr. Smith shook there heads ,and went on there way.)
Rachael:
Starts her own routine that she has made up.
(Mr. Smith and Sean is on their way to pick her up.)
…… 15 Minutes Later….
Racheal:
She walks to the back and gets dressed. Her phone rings, it’s her dad. .. Okay, dad I’m coming she says. She collects her things, and leave. Her dad greets her with a kiss and open and close the door for her. Hey, big bro she says.
Sean:
Hey lil sis, How was practice.
Rachael:
It has been well.
Sean and Mr.Smith say together:
Good
(They listened to the radio all the way home, and with little conversation. Back home Mrs.Smith sets the table with the help of Mya. The phone rings , but Mrs.Smith gets there to late so the answer machine comes on. It’s the consular from Rachael’s school calling to inform what happened in school today.)
Answering Machine:
Hello Mr. and Mrs. Smith, how are you? This is McWilliams from your daughter Rachael school Lead the Way. I’m calling on the behalf of the principal to inform you that Rachael has been suspended from school for 2 days. She won’t be able to come back to school in less one, or both of her parents are with her. She also has a hearing on the day she comes back. The reasoning for this was she was fighting a young lady named Malika who is a little younger then her.
(Mya hears the name and immediately knows it’s her sister, she comes over to comfort Mrs.Smith.)
She had gave her a black eye, and I swollen lip. Malika has also been suspended for 2 days and will be attending the meeting also with one or both of her parents. At this meeting we will discuss future goals and punishments. Sorry for the bad news.
(Sean, Rachael, and Mr.Smith come in through the back door which Is in the shield kitchen)
If you have any questions please call me ,or the Principal.
Mya:
I have to go I have to go I’m soo sorry!
Rachael:
Good we didn’t want you here in the first place.
Mrs.Smith:
Shut up!!!! You punched Malika in the eye and lip??
Sean and Mr.Smith:
( Look as if it was normal)
Sean
I thought you learned your lesson the first time?
Rachael
I learned but I ain’t no punk and if I feel as though I have a problem with someone I will confront them! Haven’t yall learned that lesson?
Mya
You could have killed her.
Rachael
Maybe I should’ve.
Mrs.Smith: (Smacks Rachael.)
Sean
Stop it mom Just Stop it, that won’t help!!
Rachael
Fuck you all, Fuck you, you, and you!
Mr.Smith
Watch your damn mouth!!!!!
Rachael
Yall take her side first before you hear me out. This smut that you don’t know nothing about. Who sean kept a secret for the past few mouths. Don’t get nasty with me when you have a chick who is fake and doesn’t respect your own daughter. Im out.
Ms.Smith
Come back here,NOW!
Rachael
No I rather not bye!
(She goes to stay at her aunts house for the 2 days to get away from everyone. On the day of the hearing she goes with her mom and dad.)
Narrator
Rachael has been off the hook, but she will have to serve 360 hours of community serves. She also has to see a doctor to make sure she is well off. As far Malika she has to do 154 hours of community serve , and it has to be done before she graduates when she gets in the 12 grade. At this meeting Mr.and Mrs. SMith learned that Malika was Mya’s little sister , and that Rachael was telling the truth all along. They had apologized to her.
Ms. Smith
( She’s talking to herself, God , and her husband while getting ready for bed.)
Thank you, Lord for helping my daughter change. I thought I would never see this day coming. It’s been a long hard rode for the family to travel down with her. She made it, they said that it would only get worse because she was getting older. The older you get with this condition, the harder it would come down on you. I’m just lucky that my baby is more then normal. She is a living miracle with great open doors full with opportunities. She is now working extra hard putting in college forms together. She wants to major in human resources instead of modeling. It seemed to me that, that was just a hobby for her. Seeing her work harder each day. Waking up with a smile on her face just warms me up inside. Seeing that her anger is forced towards kickboxing and not on her family and friends. Not that it ever was because she knew better then that. I just want say thank you Lord for watching over us everyday, and giving us a wonderful blessing. My daughter back!
… Amen
( She gets in the bed and pull the covers over her. She falls asleep with a smile on he face, next to her husband.)
Rachael
( Laying on her bed writing in her Diary before she starts her day)
She is still a spoiled brat, and I really don’t care what no one says. I love Sean and since I love him I would have to give her chance. Although I have learned that on my sisters and I part we did come off rude. I know that we can run our mouths to much at times. I agree that there is a change in both of them , and even in my self over the past 9 weeks. It has been almost 3 months since this whole problem occurred, I would have rather it be handled the way it was. I still don’t total agree with Rachael still being able to stay in school for the next 4 months or so. She could have killed my sister, then what. She goes to her little kickboxing, therapy, and community talk services during the week. I think that she deserves more then just getting her life together. In the past when I was in high school I used to talk so many trash about the different girls in the school. I talked about how they dressed, act, and if I liked you or not. Now looking at what a smart mouth can cause people to do to you, I’ve totally changed the way I act and talk to people. Sean and I are still going strong now, but during the beginning when everything started to blossom I thought we where going to end. But instead he moved out of his parent’s house to a little condo with one of his best friends. About a month later he came back around to chill with me and to go home to make sure things where all right.
( She close the book and put on her dresser, and leaves the room.)
Knief Diary
( Rachael is on the floor reaching for the box underneath her bed).
I can hear her footsteps coming closer to me, and I start to get nerves. It has been awhile since her, and I had any kind of contact. I can feel the heat from her body coming closer to mines as she comes to reach for the box that I am. When she opens the box, and I see those pretty eyes I knew that she has changed. I know it has been pretty rough for her having to deal with the consequences she had received. But I know that it changed her. (Rachael reaches down to pick up the knife and look at it smiling).
When she picks me up I can feel the sweet softness in her hands that comforts me like never before. I was never used comfort just to eat and cut at her raw skin. I felt something chilled on my skin. I notice she was crying tears of joy. I never once thought this day would come so soon. After all the praying and praying we have done for this child. I happy it’s over. It’s finally coming to an end.
( Rachael gets up and takes the knife downstairs to the kitchen).
Were leaving the room and walking past the bathroom and down the stairs , it has been a long time since we have ever walked together. My heart starts to jump with happiness and joy. It’s like I knew her every move that she was going to make next. (Rachael opens the eating materials draw and places the kneif in). I’M HOME! I never thought that I would ever come back here, but I was wrong she grew out of her CD and was able to look past it. I’m happy to know that she is getting better, and my wishes came true for the both of us.
(Rachael close’s the draw and walks away).
THE END!
Rachael- Main Character
Malika- Sierra’s sister and Rachael’s enemy
Mrs.Smith: Mother of Rachael and Sean
Mr.Smith: Father of Rachael and Sean
Sean- Rachael’s brother and Sierra’s Girlfriend
David- Sean’s best friend
Aleasha- Davids older sister
Sierra- Seans girl friend
Jackie: The little sister of Sean and Rachael
Scene 1, Act 1
Rachael
(Rachael is just waking up from her bedroom turning her alarm clock off, and streach before she gets out the bed)
Beep! Beep! Beep! I could hear the alarm in my head going off. The last Beeeeeeeeeepppp! Got me up fo’sho. I had just realized that today was my big day to go for the casting call for American Apparel. I was so excited I hurried up and hit the dismiss button on my alarm clock and jumped out of the bed. I already knew what I was going to wear today, and I packed my modeling set clothes in the new purple Nike bag I just brought. Today I was feeling young and sexy since my birthday was coming up in a few months I though I must enjoy my youth years before the huge packet of responsibility come on me. I wore a soft quarter length cream flower patterning silk scope neck shirt, with my new sky blue Jeggings ,and my 4 inch clog heels. I thought I was looking bad! Well ya know I was.
(She starts to put on her outfit to leave for her casting call for a modeling audition. When she goes to check on her parents and little sister she looks happy and sad at the same time.)
As I got done putting my clothes on, I made myself a simple breakfast nothing to big though just something to keep my stomach from growling so roughly. I had 2 pieces of toast with some jelly and a glass of milk. It was good. After I was done I cleaned up the little mess that I had made in the kitchen, and went into my parents room to tell them that I will be leaving now. As I stepped in the room I could see my mother, father and my little sister who is 7 between them resting peacefully so I didn’t bother them. I closed the door with a smile on my face. As I walk down the hall I notice my big brother Sean is in the bathroom taking his early shower before he has to go to work. He hears me walk past and peeped out the bathroom door. I gave him the don’t mess with me look and he closed the bathroom door to continue what he was doing. Before I can hit the steps he comes out the bathroom. I was shocked to see that my brother is maturing. In my head I was thinking well about time. I took the offer by saying “Sure, that will be nice. I miss hanging out with my big bro sometimes.” He smiles back and throw me his car keys.” I knew he was lying, he is never on time.
(She gets in the car and turn it on and the radio. She puts her seat belt on and start to thinking about the old times)
Finally, I’m in the car and five minutes has already past. I’m jamming to some Lil Wayne and Drake as they just came on the radio station. Immedenilty after the song was done I could see Sean coming out of the house. He wore his new vans I just brought him for his birthday two weeks ago, some skinny jeans, and a North face hoodie with a North face hat. My brother was handsome all the ladies around my way would be on his top. He was the kind of guy every girl dreamed of. He was nice, sweet, smart, polite, and knew how to make money with out having to sell drugs on the corner of a street. Everywhere we went ladies would look him up and down and when it came to me the rolled their eyes. I’m guessing they thought I was his girl. “Ha-haaa” I laughed a little to myself. He got in the car with on the song Black and Yellow, which is rapped by Wiz Khilifa. He turned it up in his new BMW our parents just brought him for doing so well in college and managing to work at the same time.
( When talking about the old times she is cool until Sean hits her triger, she then startds to go off and have her taturems, Sean doesn’t argue with her trying to stay focus on the road)
When he put his foot on the gas, the engine roaring in heart start to beat faster of such excitement. On the ride to our destination we started to talking about the old days when we where younger, How we used cause so much trouble at school , nothing major just things kids get in trouble for, We compared out lives on how we changed and we both a better future. I started to laugh because I remember when we was done we got into more trouble. “No NO I got a better one,
remember when that little girl called me a Bitch because I took the last ice cream bar from the ice cream truck? I went crazy on her ass.” I laughed looking at Sean. “I could of just sworn you apologized to me in the house about this same subject. Yes, I have Conductive Disorder and I’m trying to control it, but it’s hard when people like you, like you, my own family who suppose to be there for me, but all you do is crack jokes and think it’s a game. It’s not a game okay so don’t smash in my face every time you think you can… Okay” I said screaming and crying. Sean drove with the music turned up loud trying to ignore whatever I was going to say next, even though I was done speaking to him.
(Just sitting there relaxing most of the ride to the place, cooling down from the temper she just had)
He drove me there safely. When I stepped out to the fresh air I thought well maybe I would be okay. I turned to the car and bend down to the window “ I love you big bro”. I walked away as he drove off. The casting was held at the Marriott Hotel on the first floor crystal ball room. It was nice and tons of females where there that got chosen from the photo contest online. When you came in you had to show them your information that you had to print out from the computer, get a number, and wait to be called in one of the sheeted spots to change into your first outfit and meet the panelist. About a good 45 minutes has passed before my number was called. I was so thrilled to hurry up and model down the runway. The first change was the black body suit, with sparkling tights, and black 4 inch pump heels. I thought I was looking sharp, and I kept a smile on my face. As I walked out of the changing area, most of the girls just stared and looked at me as if I was any different from them. When I took another glaze at everyone I did notice something. Most of the girls were taller then me, and skinner then me. I wasn’t fat just thick ya know. I was on my school track team, and took up kick boxing lessons to keep my anger in control.
( Here face lighted up because it was her time to shine, Girls all over was looking at her up and down as she made it to the interview room)
I heard my number being called to show my stuff. I walked on that run way thinking that I owned it turning, twisting, and swirling. I knew I was going to get picked. As I came to the end I meet the three panelists. There names where George, Lisa, and Cathy. I reply, “ Well my name is Rachel Smith and I’m from Southwest, Philadelphia. “ Thanks for having me here” I say with a smile on my face. “ Well I’m different from the rest because I’m have inspiration to become something big, and better then what is already out there. I want to take modeling to a different edge where it can’t be compared to Nicki Manij or Lady Gaga. I want to show that black American girls, thick girls, girls of all color that they can to become someone in the modeling industry where the rules are strict. I want to break that barrier where everyone won’t be subjected to who they really are. “ I said. They seemed to be very impressed of what I said and told me to model for them one more time. It was time to change into my off the shoulder dress that was a bright yellow with a bow in the back, and with my silver pumps from Steve Madden. Waling back to the runway. I notice to young black girls with long pretty hair and nice eyes laughing. I thought they where having a good time until I notice they where laughing at me. I didn’t notice at first until I started to walk and the sound of their laughter started to get louder, and louder and faster, and faster, As I take my last spin I was stun to hear my name and rude comment behind my back. One of the girls said it. But I ignored it and kept on walking because I knew if I let it come out it might ruin something good that can be coming my way. When I walked back to the changing spot I gathered my clothing, and put back on my clothes that I came in. As was walking out I got my information back and the lady who gave me the number told me I should be getting a call within 3 days to know if I made the cast or not. “Thank you”. I caught the bus back to my house; on the long ride back I couldn’t stop thinking how that girl disrespected me. I was happy that I kept my cool, but next time won’t be so smooth.
( Riding the bus with a smirk)
Scene 2, Act 2
Knife
( I scared dark scene, one person in the stage in the dark in the corner while saying this speak.)
I’m here underneath the bed hiding because I’m scared of where I can be used at next. I stay here waiting to see if she will ever put me back in the kitchen where she got me from. I’ve been under this bed for over 7 years now and I’m lucky she hasn’t killed herself. In this box she puts me in I’m shut out of the world that I belong to be in. I was created to be used to cut fruits and veggies. Not slice and puncture the skin of a human being. I get upset and if I wasn’t an object I would tell her how upset I am at her.
Once before Mrs. Smith took me out the box thinking that she was going to find any empty box to use. She put me back in the kitchen and when Rachel gets home she raise’s hell. She made her take all of her bracelets that she wore that day to show her wrist. Lucky, there was no marks because she didn’t use me yet; Ms. Smith whipped her until she clearly understood that you shouldn’t do those kinds of things. She was hard headed and went back in the kitchen to get me that night when everyone was in his or her beds sleeping.
She took me upstairs into her bedroom and played with me in her hands. I was scared of what she was going to do with me next. She made me go over her arms back and fourth gently. Then ever time she stroke back and fourth with me in her hands on her wrists she would get stronger, faster, and heavier. She was sweating and shaking as if she knew what could happen next. She cut herself; she screamed a little waking up her little baby sister. Having everyone rush into the room to see what was going on. When they got there she snucked down stairs cleaned me off, and before she put me away Mr. Smith caught her. She was crying pain and didn’t know what to do. She told him that she fall on it and her hand hit it. She was lying of course. Her mother came down with baby Jackie and told her to sit down and tell them why she did it. She mentions that People has been calling her names in school. She tried everything that she could not hurt them. Sometimes she do by punching them or slapping them in the face. She feel’s bad mommy and daddy every time she comes home from school. Something doesn’t feel right in my head. All I hear is the name-calling and laughter. It seems like it follows her home every night. Her parent’s has stunned at what they heard, and decided it was time for her to visit the doctor as soon as the morning hit. Baby Jackie has never slept in that room again after that night.
Scene 3, Act 3
Racheal
( Rachael is in her room relaxing on her bed on the phone through out this whole scene)
Ring, Ring, Ring…. Hello, who dis? O what’s up girl, did you get a new number? …O ard hold on let me put this in my phone before I forget. Hello? …Was up?... Who, who girl tell me who you saw again…. You saw Sean where and with who?.... Isn’t that music chick that’s always rapping and singing that was in the graduated class before us? …OMG! What where they doing? OOOwww he told me he had to go to work. Yeah maybe he did go to work you’re right, well after kissing that whore. Because I know. I know because she a hood rat I see her sometimes around this way and I’m guessing that’s how they met. …Well I really don’t know how they met ,but I’m sure gonna ask him about it. Why not? True, he might think that we spying on him or something…. He a grown man he can do whatever he please long as there ain’t no problems and he ain’t out there messing with no hoe…. I know I just called her a whore I was kidding I call a lot of people whore’s like you. hahaha hehehe…. Yes, it is funny. O it was fun but at the same time it was intimidating and I was starting to get angry. No I didn’t kill anyone what mad you ask me something like that. I know I’m crazy. Yeah, people ask me that all the time, but I just tell them no I don’t act out just to do it. I’ve been hurt when I was younger and you know that. I’m not gonna say what all I went through cuss we both know. And we both know that I went through hell in school and out. So they way I act is not based on some science fiction stuff the doctor tells me. Some woman wouldn’t even be able to be strong like I am and still be able to enjoy life at times. Yeah, but any who some girl that looks like whicha face was there with her friend or something. I knew her face with similar, but I just couldn’t make out who she was. She had on a gold shot dress with like sandel pump heels, long silky black hair I couldn’t tell if it was hers or night, and those bright hazel brown eyes. Yeah, she’s a jounior right. Yeah, I knew her face just couldn’t make out who she was. THAT”S HER SISTER!!! Are you kidding me. OOO no fuck this shit I’m going to raise hell Monday in school. Sean and I are going to have a nice long sis and bro talk tonight when he get in before he goes to work. I don’t gave a damn of how Sean feels about her. He never brung her home to meet the family so therefore she must not be that important to him! Look I don’t care that bitch called me out of my name. What did she say, She said look at the that crazy bitch with the big thighs rubbing on each other with her ugly self. Yes that’s why I was mad. Now I gotta go cuss I’m taking my sister to her friends sleepover. Ard call you lata.
Scene 4, Act 4
Rachel
(Rachel is now leaving her little sisters friends house to walk back to her home, then she see’s her brother driving up, and pulled over to her, and she gets in the car)
What’s up?... Where are you headed? …. Other side of town?.... Why you going over there for?... OO true, to see your boo?... Yeah, ya boo you know… Yeah, you know… I’m not arguing I’m just being sophisticated. Haha, yeah like I was saying., where ya headed too? … O yeah so are you looking for a place over there to near your hommies? .. O cool true. Hey, bro let me ask you something real quick?.. Do you a girl named Lyric, she used to go to my school, but her little sis and me is in the same grade? … O soooo you do know her?... I heard you, that more than knew her! . . . Stop raising my voice??, I ‘m not even yelling! .. Look whatever, you fucking that whore? .. Yeah I called her a whore because she is! I know her more then what you see in her. She’s nothing but a slut who used to sleep with in my guys in the school for money and weed, O yes, she did. I just told you how I know! Well anyway her little sister doesn’t like me… Yeah I’m sure. I saw the both of them today at the cast call. Yeah, she’s pretty , but her mouth is dirty. And the next time she says something to me nasty I will punch in her DAMN mouth! … Does she even know that me and you are sister and brother?.. O wow! I’m not surprised is that why you never brought her home to meet our family? … Yeah, well keep her where she is. I don’t think mom and dad would be to please to meet her anyway!
( They both get out the car at Sean’s best friends house. Sean best friend name is David who lives with his sister)
Scene5, Act 5
Rachael,Sean,David
( Sean and Rachael gets out the car while David meets them in the doorway of the house. They walk in greet everyone whose in the house then takes in the kitchen and starts to talk about their plans for their condo they plan on buying. While, Rachael is in the other room talking with David’s sister about fashion, her modeling dream , and going to school)
Hey, did you find any cool spots yet?.. Cool , cool so let me see what you got so far… Alright so this right here looks pretty cool. Umm how much are the prices raging from?.. Okay that’s not bad cuss if he split that half and half it be about 650 a month for the both of us… Yeah, I can work with that… So what about your girl is she still moving in with us?.. Okay, good cuss you know I was thinking this should be a guys joint for more then a girls. I know she can come chill because that’s your girl and all family and friends are welcome, it’s just the where old enough to be living on our own and we paying for most of the rent here so therefore we should be the ones to make up the rules.. Yeah, so when do you want to make this meeting set?.. Okay, cool that’s perfect just e-mail me all the info and I will set up the meeting and get at you asap. .. Yeah we cool, but my sista acting weird about it… No see she doesn’t know and forreal forreal I don’t want to tell her. Well you see her and her little sister was at this cast calling this morning for a modeling opportunity.. Yeah, so she told me that she was popping off at the mouth and that’s my sister I can’t having no girl disrespecting my family.. Yeah , you know we might have a little something going on but what she got between my sister she needs to stop it before I stop it and then they’ll both hate me… Yeah, so do you think that it’s a good time for them to meet?
( Rachael walks in when he says the last line, and gives the look as if she wants to know who she wants to meet? The convo now starts with Sean and Rachael )
Yeah Rachael, I said you , mom, dad, and Jackie is gonna meet her?.. You know who! .. I’m talking about Sierra, okay? … Look I know I know! ( Rachael just now left the house with Sean, David, and Aleasha, Davids sister walking after her out the house) Rachael, Rachael Wait! ( she stand near the car acting like a brat) … I know I lied. .. I can understand your mad. You want me to take you home?.. Fine.
( Sean tells David that he’ll be right back)
( The silent ride all the way home without any speaking)
Act 6, Scene 6
Rachael
(Rachael is running up the stairs to go handle her self. She walks back and forth trying to clear her mind. She then grabs her phone to call her Bestfriend)
Omg, you was right! It’s all true!... He does talk to her he really does! We where at David’s house when he was talking about it… I asked him in the car, but all he would say is no and trying to laugh it off and go to the next subject. .. I knew something was up cuss the way he was acting, but I didn’t want to give him the benefit of the doubt… I know he was acting smart about it saying that me and the fam would have to get over it. How long have yall been dating, and now you want to bring her home to the family ?? …
(Rachael come down sweetie where having a family meeting.- Her mother yells from the steps of there home)
Ugh, here it comes!.. I gotta go cuss where about to have a family meeting about you know who!.. Love ya 2 thanks girly.
( Rachael walks down the stairs towards the living room and takes a sit on the couch next to her little sister Jackie. Her mother and father is sitting together in the love sit. While Sean is in front of the TV about to make his statements.)
Act 7, Scene 7
Sean
I would like to say that I love you all , and that I care about all of you! I don’t want anything to come between our strong trusted family bonds. ( Rachael coughs saying you a ready did. Sean gives her the look.) There is something that I must tell you! That happens to be that I have been dating this girl for a while about 7 months now. Her name is .. and we do find are selfs in a deep relationship. Not focusing on love, but we do have strong feelings for us. I’m to years older then her, and she used to go to Rachael’s high school where I used to go. That’s how and where we met. She will be coming to join us for dinner on Wednesday, which is 4 days from now. I am also moving in a few weeks with David J we found a spot not to far in the city.
Act
( Rachael Mom seems impressed and so does his father. Jackie has a big smile on her face, while Rachael just looks and rolls her eyes)
These last two monologe are short for a reason because the next few scences are the conflict and i wanted to move to that slowly.
(The weekend is over and it’s now Monday the first day back to school. Later on she will get into a huge fight and is suspended from school for 2 days. During this time after school on Monday and in the afternoon of Wednesday she has kick box class. Jamila, Seans girlfriend comes over for dinner that same evening.)
( July- Drake is playing in the background while see gets dressed she already took her shower)
Act 8, Scene 8
Rachael
This is my jamm. I can’t wait to go to school today. I can’t wait to see the bitch so I can comfront her ass about what she had said to me. And if she play games with me imma have her playing.
( She turns the music off and go down stairs)
Hey family...
( Her Parents and siblings are sitting eating breakfast in the kitchen.)
Thank you God for the food we’re about to receive, in the nutriments of our body, in Christ sake, Amen...
Umm mom these eggs are soo cheesey , just like I like them.
( Recheal and her family where eating and talking about what they have planned fort he day)
O yeah, Sean your secret lover is coming over today for dinner… I might not be here to see her… I have some kick boxing lessons tonight remember today is Wednesday soo yeah…. You can come pick me up at 6, Please. Thanks dad… Well I gotta go see you guys later.
( Rachael walks off from the kitchen table and grabs her jacket and walk out the door to her bus stop)
( She is now at school and is walking to her first class)
Hey Girl, how was your weekend? .. Cool well you already know. Ow yes we got a sub today haha. ( Pulls out her i-pod, pencil, and notebook to finish the work on the board). So yeah if I see her then I will ask her about it… O well is she that coincided that she has to be late to school almost everyday. I guess it might be because she has to put her face on because of all the make up she wears ya know?.. The bathroom, hun? … Yeah, well lets go and see if she’s in there. ( the both ask to go the bathroom, the teacher shakes his head and they leave the classroom). Well she betta be in here girl.. Imma just start simple talk with her if she doesn’t get mart before I do. ( they walk into the bathroom , and there she was putting on her make up). O damn girl, don’t think that’s enough? ( she keeps butting her make up on smiling not noticing who was speaking to her)… No, haha well aren’t you like that junior girl that a model… Yeah, what’s your name again?.... O that’s right, did you have a cast call this weekend?.. Yeah, I was there do you remember me? ( She’s done putting her make up on and takes a good look at her with shock-ness) Yeah I thought you did, so about that little remark you made about me? Yes you did you little smut. Your just like your sister, aren’t you?... Yes, you know what the hell I’m talking about. ( Rachael starts to get madder and starts to sweat. She says to herself that this bitch is just playing dumb and scared because there two of us and on of her)… Im talking to you, duh? ( She tries to leave.).. Excuse you, where your going your already 35 minutes late to class, why bother going now?... Bitch who the fuck you think you talking to, now I’m not done with your ass!... Yeah, she can be here she not gonna touch you but if you touch me I will fuck you up… Anywho you small twig you said something very disrespectful to me ,and I don’t need to repeat it you for you to understand because I know that you know what I’m talking about!.. I m rising my voice at you cuss your acting like you don’t know( She smacks rachael , then try to run for the door, but rachaels best friend jumps in front of the door).. OOwwww BITCH YOUR GONNA GET IT!!!!!!!!!!! ( rachael pulls her by the hair and swings her back and punches her in the lip and eye before she could continue her best friend stops her.)
DON’T FUCK WITH ME BITCH, NOW GO RUN AND TELL WHO DID THIS TO YOU!!! BITCH I FUCKING HATE YOU AND YOUR FUCKING SISTER.
( She runs out the bathroom door to tell the teacher what happen, rachael and her best friend hurries back to the classroom as if nothing happened)
( Loud Speaker: Rachael Smith please come the Principals office immediately!)
( The class goes ooooooowwwww crazy girl)
Ugh, I know the smut was going to tell and I really don’t care!
( Rachael leaves the classroom making her way to the office.)
Hello… Well what happen was this was un finished business that occurred over the weekend. That’s all I’m saying. No I didn’t think it was okay for her to say what she said to me and I’m not gonna let no girl, boy, woman, or man talk to me any kind of way if there not my family! I’m sorry… Okay you can suspend me and call in hearing all you want, It doesn’t matter to me I ’m letting you know that now. Did she tell you that she hit me first… O I didn’t think she did, so what’s gonna happen to her nothing, right? .. . O well is she getting a 2 day suppension?.. Okay good! Well my last words before you send me home is that I’m a senior and I only have about three more months of school before I graduate and go to college. Exspelling me now would be pretty awful, and dumb because all my hard work would have be done for nothing. I didn’t work this hard to become nothing, and I’m going to reach my goals and dreams liked I always wished to. I will be a woman and I few days now, and I don’t have time for little chicks flocking in my way at the wrong time. That’s all.
( Rachael gets the rest of her homework from her teachers, and she stays down town for the rest of the day until it’s time for her kick boxing lessons start).
Act 9 , Scene 9
(Rachael is starting her session at her kickboxing practice, and Jackie, Sean’s girlfriend has just arrived to the house for dinner.)
Rachael:
Left Kick
(Sean and Mya just pull up in front of the house)
Rachael:
Right Kick
(Sean and Mya just walked in the house, as they walk to the door Sean parents welcomes then in.)
Rachael:
Upper cut(Right Punch)
(They all walk to the living room, and greeted each other with hugs, hand shakes, and kisses)
Rachael:
Left Hook
Mya:
You have such a beautiful house, and Mrs. Smith your very pretty… Well I try to look my best thank you. (She smiles)
Rachael:
Upper cut (Left Punch)
Mya:
Hey little cutie, how are you,and what’s your name? … Well Jackie you’re adorable.
Rachael:
Right Hook
Mya:
Yes please, I would love to see the rest of the house.
( They walk around the house looking and talking about the photos and little nick necks that are in there eyes.)… That’s your little sister?... So you have to sister’s and then it’s you the oldest?... She looks familiar like if I seen her a few times before!... O so she goes to the same school as we did ,and my little sister…. Has she been there since the 9th grade?... Well I can see why I wouldn’t know her, I’ve heard about her but you was out of school before the both of us shot, and we barely talked to each other in school…
(They walk upstairs then down back to the kitchen.)
Rachael:
Two Times Left Hook
Mya:
Hey Mrs. Smith, do you need any help with anything? … Sure thing. How do you want them cut up?... Okay. (She smiles and then gets the fruit out of the refrigerator and takes it to the counter and starts to cut it up in cube size pieces.)
Rachael:
Left Hook, Right Hook combo
Mya:
OOooww this food is going to too be soo good I can tell by the smell.
(She puts the fruit all together and mix it together, add nuts and caramel, and then puts in the refrigerator.)
Rachael:
Looks in the mirror at her self.
Mya:
Takes a sit at the kitchen table, and takes a pocket mirror out her pocketbook and looks at herself.
Rachael:
Grabs a sit still looking in the mirror,and takes a break drinking some Power Aid.
Mr.Smith:
Excuse, me Mya would you like to go with Sean and I to pick up Rachael?
Mya:
No thanks, I don’t want to ruin the surprise.
(Sean and Mr. Smith shook there heads ,and went on there way.)
Rachael:
Starts her own routine that she has made up.
(Mr. Smith and Sean is on their way to pick her up.)
…… 15 Minutes Later….
Racheal:
She walks to the back and gets dressed. Her phone rings, it’s her dad. .. Okay, dad I’m coming she says. She collects her things, and leave. Her dad greets her with a kiss and open and close the door for her. Hey, big bro she says.
Sean:
Hey lil sis, How was practice.
Rachael:
It has been well.
Sean and Mr.Smith say together:
Good
(They listened to the radio all the way home, and with little conversation. Back home Mrs.Smith sets the table with the help of Mya. The phone rings , but Mrs.Smith gets there to late so the answer machine comes on. It’s the consular from Rachael’s school calling to inform what happened in school today.)
Answering Machine:
Hello Mr. and Mrs. Smith, how are you? This is McWilliams from your daughter Rachael school Lead the Way. I’m calling on the behalf of the principal to inform you that Rachael has been suspended from school for 2 days. She won’t be able to come back to school in less one, or both of her parents are with her. She also has a hearing on the day she comes back. The reasoning for this was she was fighting a young lady named Malika who is a little younger then her.
(Mya hears the name and immediately knows it’s her sister, she comes over to comfort Mrs.Smith.)
She had gave her a black eye, and I swollen lip. Malika has also been suspended for 2 days and will be attending the meeting also with one or both of her parents. At this meeting we will discuss future goals and punishments. Sorry for the bad news.
(Sean, Rachael, and Mr.Smith come in through the back door which Is in the shield kitchen)
If you have any questions please call me ,or the Principal.
Mya:
I have to go I have to go I’m soo sorry!
Rachael:
Good we didn’t want you here in the first place.
Mrs.Smith:
Shut up!!!! You punched Malika in the eye and lip??
Sean and Mr.Smith:
( Look as if it was normal)
Sean
I thought you learned your lesson the first time?
Rachael
I learned but I ain’t no punk and if I feel as though I have a problem with someone I will confront them! Haven’t yall learned that lesson?
Mya
You could have killed her.
Rachael
Maybe I should’ve.
Mrs.Smith: (Smacks Rachael.)
Sean
Stop it mom Just Stop it, that won’t help!!
Rachael
Fuck you all, Fuck you, you, and you!
Mr.Smith
Watch your damn mouth!!!!!
Rachael
Yall take her side first before you hear me out. This smut that you don’t know nothing about. Who sean kept a secret for the past few mouths. Don’t get nasty with me when you have a chick who is fake and doesn’t respect your own daughter. Im out.
Ms.Smith
Come back here,NOW!
Rachael
No I rather not bye!
(She goes to stay at her aunts house for the 2 days to get away from everyone. On the day of the hearing she goes with her mom and dad.)
Narrator
Rachael has been off the hook, but she will have to serve 360 hours of community serves. She also has to see a doctor to make sure she is well off. As far Malika she has to do 154 hours of community serve , and it has to be done before she graduates when she gets in the 12 grade. At this meeting Mr.and Mrs. SMith learned that Malika was Mya’s little sister , and that Rachael was telling the truth all along. They had apologized to her.
Ms. Smith
( She’s talking to herself, God , and her husband while getting ready for bed.)
Thank you, Lord for helping my daughter change. I thought I would never see this day coming. It’s been a long hard rode for the family to travel down with her. She made it, they said that it would only get worse because she was getting older. The older you get with this condition, the harder it would come down on you. I’m just lucky that my baby is more then normal. She is a living miracle with great open doors full with opportunities. She is now working extra hard putting in college forms together. She wants to major in human resources instead of modeling. It seemed to me that, that was just a hobby for her. Seeing her work harder each day. Waking up with a smile on her face just warms me up inside. Seeing that her anger is forced towards kickboxing and not on her family and friends. Not that it ever was because she knew better then that. I just want say thank you Lord for watching over us everyday, and giving us a wonderful blessing. My daughter back!
… Amen
( She gets in the bed and pull the covers over her. She falls asleep with a smile on he face, next to her husband.)
Rachael
( Laying on her bed writing in her Diary before she starts her day)
She is still a spoiled brat, and I really don’t care what no one says. I love Sean and since I love him I would have to give her chance. Although I have learned that on my sisters and I part we did come off rude. I know that we can run our mouths to much at times. I agree that there is a change in both of them , and even in my self over the past 9 weeks. It has been almost 3 months since this whole problem occurred, I would have rather it be handled the way it was. I still don’t total agree with Rachael still being able to stay in school for the next 4 months or so. She could have killed my sister, then what. She goes to her little kickboxing, therapy, and community talk services during the week. I think that she deserves more then just getting her life together. In the past when I was in high school I used to talk so many trash about the different girls in the school. I talked about how they dressed, act, and if I liked you or not. Now looking at what a smart mouth can cause people to do to you, I’ve totally changed the way I act and talk to people. Sean and I are still going strong now, but during the beginning when everything started to blossom I thought we where going to end. But instead he moved out of his parent’s house to a little condo with one of his best friends. About a month later he came back around to chill with me and to go home to make sure things where all right.
( She close the book and put on her dresser, and leaves the room.)
Knief Diary
( Rachael is on the floor reaching for the box underneath her bed).
I can hear her footsteps coming closer to me, and I start to get nerves. It has been awhile since her, and I had any kind of contact. I can feel the heat from her body coming closer to mines as she comes to reach for the box that I am. When she opens the box, and I see those pretty eyes I knew that she has changed. I know it has been pretty rough for her having to deal with the consequences she had received. But I know that it changed her. (Rachael reaches down to pick up the knife and look at it smiling).
When she picks me up I can feel the sweet softness in her hands that comforts me like never before. I was never used comfort just to eat and cut at her raw skin. I felt something chilled on my skin. I notice she was crying tears of joy. I never once thought this day would come so soon. After all the praying and praying we have done for this child. I happy it’s over. It’s finally coming to an end.
( Rachael gets up and takes the knife downstairs to the kitchen).
Were leaving the room and walking past the bathroom and down the stairs , it has been a long time since we have ever walked together. My heart starts to jump with happiness and joy. It’s like I knew her every move that she was going to make next. (Rachael opens the eating materials draw and places the kneif in). I’M HOME! I never thought that I would ever come back here, but I was wrong she grew out of her CD and was able to look past it. I’m happy to know that she is getting better, and my wishes came true for the both of us.
(Rachael close’s the draw and walks away).
THE END!
For The Moment
My project was about "Correctional Rape." And correctional rape is when guys rape females because they are lesbians and try to make them straight. So they beat, rape, burn, and molest them until they are straight. Sometimes this results in them dying or catching some type of disease.
For The Moment
Cast of characters:
Umee - Melinda’s girlfriend
Melinda - Victim
Melinda’s Mother
Doctor Suzie
Act 1, Scene 1
MELINDA
Hi my name is Melinda I’m 16, and I am a rape
victim. It all started one day after school when I was walking home with Umee.
Oh, she’s my girlfriend. Oh my god yes. I love her more than anything. Well
anyway we were on our way back to my house to ya know study and stuff. And we
always take this short cut and when we do she holds me really tight. Yes to
protect me from those people. So the people were back there that day. 3 of them
all dressed in huge T-shirts and chains and baggy, ugly, dirty jeans. They
smelled horrible. I can’t remember. But they saw us holding hands and started
yelling a bunch of evil hateful words. Once we started to walk faster they
yelled louder “Watch your back bitch, I will kill you” We didn’t know at that
point who they were talking to but we just ran. And once we finally reached my
house I dropped to the floor and she held me. I always felt safe in her arms.
She was strong. Because she played a lot of sports of course. She was more
manly than I. I wore dresses while she was more into baggy jeans. And the next
day she wasn’t coming to school I tried to avoid the ally way but I couldn’t I
walked really fast and hummed softly to myself hoping they wouldn’t be there
and once I reached the end I turned around and I see them sitting there just
watching me with their hateful eyes. Yes, I was terrified. Once school was over
I was hoping to see Umee but she never showed up. So there I was alone … once
again. I had to take that walk alone, praying so hard that they wouldn’t see
me. But I was wrong, they saw me. I tried to run, but they tackled me and
that’s when it all began. I begged and pleaded for them to stop but they kept
hitting me the more I begged so I shut up.
(Telling mom what happens as they sit down and have
a talk after she see’s Melinda)
Act 1, Scene 2
MELINDA
I said no. So many times that my throat was
pulsating. They told me that if I told anyone I was dead but I couldn’t keep
this a secret anymore mom! I couldn’t tell you any sooner because I know you
would judge me, like you are now. You told me so? What type of shit is that to
say to your daughter? No mom I can’t take being your slave anymore! You’ve
treated me this way since I was able to walk. I know you have. NO STOP TALKING
IT’S MY TURN! Ma you don’t ever let me finish, but now oh now it’s my turn!
I’ve waited on you hand and foot. But when I need you for comfort after I just
got gang raped and beat and all you can say is I told you so! No fuck that! I’M
LEAVING AND I’M NEVER COMING BACK! I’m moving in with Umee . Bye
(Packs her things and cries while her mom sits
downstairs with a straight face)
(Once she gets to Umee’s house)
Act 1, Scene 3
UMEE
(Once she gets to Umee’s house)
Baby. I. Am. so. Sorry! Please please please
forgive me! No no it’s not. It’s all my fault why the fuck would I make you go
out there by yourself knowing that those people are trying to get you. I’m
sorry, staying here? With me? I mean why? You have a home? I know you just got
raped and I’m sorry. Don’t even be like that you know I want you here. It’s
just that me and you living together will be trouble. A lot of trouble and I
can’t handle it Melinda. Stop pulling away from me. I understand you’re really
shaken up but if you stay here things won’t get any better. Only worst and you
know that. Stop Melinda come back!
(Melinda runs off with tears streaming down her
face and sleeps in a random cot the next morning she ends up in a hospital and
talks to the doctor. When she see’s him she doesn’t panic there is actually a
sigh of relief and she starts to talk to the doctor)
Act 1, Scene 4
MELINDA
Hey doc. Sorry I’m pacing I’m just sick and tired
of no one caring! Sorry for breaking that. Matter fact I’m not sorry. I’m tired
of being sorry all I did was say sorry as 3 huge men forced themselves inside
me. Pregnant? Well …. They didn’t use a condom I don’t think. Didn’t feel it. I
don’t remember what happened after a while. Why? Oh because they beat me until
I was passed out. Yes, That’s why I keep my hood on. Take it off you say?
*Starts shaking and take off hood* Yea, I thought I was going to die. I’m
helpless. Can someone help me? No I’ve never been tested. I wouldn’t mind
taking one. Well what happened was I have this girlfriend named Umee. Yes we’re
sexually active. (The doctor stops her and says “ I know why they raped you,
its called corrective rape and it only happens in South Africa” and she breaks
down) Correct me? I don’t need correcting! I’m a good girl I don’t bother
anyone and I’m nice to everyone even though everything around is falling apart
as we know it! My mother basically hates me and my girlfriend won’t even let me
live with her. When it’s her fault I’m in this mess right Oh yes it is her
fault. Because I said so! If she had never ever left me to walk home none of
this bullshit would have happened . … I’m so alone.
(They take Melinda to get a rapid AIDS, pregnancy
and STD testing and wait about 20 mins … then the doctor calls her back)
Act 1, Scene 5
MELINDA
Hi
doc. Sooooo what’s the results? (Long pause) AIDS? ….. And I’m pregnant? No no
no no this isn’t real! This can’t be happening to me. Can we take this test
again because maybe you mixed the results around with someone else. Wha … Wh …
What do I do? I’m so helpless. I could never tell my mom about this. She
already judges me about everything I do and this would just make her hate me even
more. Is there a cure !!!!???!!!?!?!?!?!?!
Act 1, Scene 6
DOCTOR
Please calm down
(Doctor talking to Melinda as she places her hand
on her knee)
