(Scene opens on an adolescent’s bedroom.
Center stage is a twin size bed. The foot of
the bed faces the audience. Stage right of
the bed is a window. Stage left is the door
to the room. Up stage from the door is a
stereo with some speakers. MATT sits on
the bed listening to music softly. The stereo
should be real so the actor has control of it.)
MATT
(to audience, almost angry)
“You need to get a job!” That’s all I hear. I’m sure that sounds familiar to a lot of people. Then, of course, I tell her for the tenth time that finding a job is difficult because of the play. Then she says don’t do the play and yada, yada, yada, it goes on.
(pause)
You see my mom isn’t the most reasonable or unreasonable person in the world. She’s just real
(pauses and thinks)
opinionated. But hey, let’s not dwell on that because tonight, I have a date. Natalie. Natalie is gorgeous. Natalie is the finish line in the bad race of dating. Natalie is also my best friend’s best friend. So the pressure’s on. Treat her right or have a mound of shit to deal with later. But that’s ok because we are going to dinner and play. That’s right a play. You see without the help of my parents, I have become cultured.
(The doorbell rings. MATT gives a big
smile.)
There she is now.
(MATT walks toward his bedroom door and
and pause with his hand on the door handle.
Lights fade on MATT’s bedroom and a
single light comes up, stage right, on
NATALIE. She speaks to the audience.
Remove MATT’s bedroom and set up a
Host’s podium center stage and a small
table and chairs stage left. )
NATALIE
So I’m going out with Matt. He’s the biggest outcast in our school. I don’t really know why I am doing it. I guess it’s to show my friends that I’m not as petty as they are.
(As if coming to a revelation)
Yeah, I am sick of trying to date the people in my clique. They’re stupid, boring, and always trying to cop a feel. Whereas Matt is a nice guy. He’s just so…weird.
(Lights go down and then come back up
with NATALIE standing at the host’s
podium. She is looking at her watch.
MATT comes running in and stops next
to NATALIE.)
NATALIE
(annoyed)
You’re late.
MATT
(smiles sheepishly)
Sorry. How was your day?
NATALIE
Fine. What was the hold-up?
MATT
Traffic was a bitch.
NATALIE
Oh.
(pauses and smiles)
Didn’t you walk here?
MATT
Yeah
(MATT quickly turns to the WAITER at
the podium. NATALIE looks perplexed.)
Hello.
WAITER
Good Evening Sir. How many.
MATT/ NATALIE
(speak simultaneously)
Two/Thirty
MATT
(pauses)
Apparently thirty-two
(smiles)
WAITER
(with a grimace look)
Smoking or non?
(MATT looks back at NATALIE. They both
survey the restaurant)
MATT
What exactly separates the two?
WAITER
(annoyed)
Sir, smoking or non?
MATT
(to NATALIE)
Do you smoke?
(she nods)
Cancer section, please.
NATALIE
(bursts out)
Oh thank God, I thought I would have to go the non-smoking route.
(MATT and NATALIE follow the WAITER
to the table and sit down.
MATT
(smiles)
A pack day keeps the doctor away.
NATALIE
(smiles)
Yeah right!
(WAITER sets down two menus. MATT and NATALIE both pick them up and start
reading. WAITER returns with a huge
ashtray. WAITER exits and then returns
with a big box of camping “strike
anywhere” matches. Then he exits.)
MATT
It’s seems our waiter isn’t much for jokes. Of course that just fuels this fire.
( NATALIE smiles. WAITER returns with
pad in hand.)
WAITER
May I take your order?
MATT
(smiles)
Well, that depends sir. Will you give it back?
(NATALIE holds back a giggle)
NATALIE
Yes, I think I will have a salad with light ranch dressing.
WAITER
Would you care for a beverage?
NATALIE
Will care for me in return?
MATT
(jumps in)
Nice!
(WAITER is visibly annoyed but stands
there waiting for NATALIE’s answer)
NATALIE
I will have a glass of milk, please.
WAITER
And for you sir?
MATT
Do you serve kids?
WAITER
(confused)
I’m sorry, what?
MATT
Ribs, do you have ribs?
WAITER
(visibly angry)
Yes, sir, we serve ribs.
MATT
Fantastic. I’ll have a burger, well done. And to drink, I will have a diet soda. Thank you so much.
(WAITER grabs both menus and exits stage
left. The lights go down on MATT leaning over to talk to NATALIE. MATT moves to
down stage center. NATALIE exits. Take
off the restaurant scene. Set-up NATALIE’s
room center stage. Like MATT’s room it is
a bed, a dresser. JERID should be lying on the bed. MATT speaks to the
audience with just a spotlight on him.
MATT
The date was awesome. No other word. We laughed. We got kicked out of the restaurant. I didn’t even need to pay. I gave the waiter such a hard time, I left a tip on my way out. So now the wondering begins. How will she behave around me at school on Monday? Her friends all think I was sent to haunt them or something.
(thinks for a second)
Ah, I’m not worried. I mean, what’s the worse that could happen?
(MATT exits stage right. NATALIE enters
the spotlight from stage left. She speaks to
the audience as well.)
Oh yeah, he’s strange. Strange sure, but funny. I definitely like him. So this means a real shit storm at school on Monday. But I am out to prove a point. And anything worth doing, is worth doing right. Right?
(Spotlight fades on NATALIE. Lights come
up on NATALIE’s room center stage.
JERID is lying on the bed and NATALIE
is sitting on the floor next to the bed.)
JERID
So it’s going well, huh?
NATALIE
Yeah. I haven’t had so much fun.
JERID
Really? So that means that Jerid scores some points? Hmm?
NATALIE
(smiles and thinks)
Yeah. You were right. It’s weird how you can not notice people who are in front you everyday.
JERID
Well, those other fools you hang out with have firm hold on that blindfold as well. Also, a wise man once said, I don’t know who first discovered that water was wet, but it probably wasn’t the fishes.
NATALIE
Thank you Captain Philosophy. My friends have learned the meaning of alienation, though.
JERID
True, but those aliens deserve it.
NATALIE
I mean me, dummy.
JERID
Don’t worry about it. I would take a thousand aliens coming down on me for a chance at love. Plus, he digs you.
NATALIE
(turns and grabs JERID’s shirt)
What did he say?
JERID
Who?
(smiles)
NATALIE
This is no time for games, funnyman. What did he say?
JERID
You aren’t getting me into a bros vs. ho’s situation. You find out how feels like I’m not a third wheel in all of this.
NATALIE
All right fine, but I’ll remember that.
JERID
Oh worry-not princess. You will find out how he feels soon enough.
(Natalie’s mom calls from off-stage that MATT is her. NATALIE calls back.)
NATALIE
Send him down, Mom!
(turns to JERID)
What did you do?
JERID
Let’s just say, I need to see if there is a spark.
NATALIE
I just told you there was.
JERID
From him, silly. From him.
NATALIE
Oh.
(She turns and sits back down on the floor.
MATT enters stage left.)
JERID
Hey Matt, what’s happening?
MATT
(apprehensive)
I was going to ask you the same thing.
(acknowledging NATALIE)
I’m sorry to just drop by, Natalie. He said I had to come over.
JERID
Ooh, a spark. He’s right. I did. And now that I have done that I am out.
(JERID stands and walks past NATALIE
stops just past MATT.)
NATALIE
You’re out? Jerid.
(JERID nudges MATT in the back and then exits.)
JERID
(from offstage)
Bye Natalie, love you. Love you too, Matt.
MATT
(smiles at NATALIE)
Well, if I wasn’t uncomfortable before, that just did it.
(NATALIE walks over to MATT and grabs his hand and pulls him to the floor next to
her bed.)
NATALIE
(after a bit of a silence)
I think I know why he told you to come over.
MATT
Yeah?
(NATALIE grabs the back of MATT’s neck
and kisses him. As they are kissing you hear
Natalie’s mom call from offstage that the phone is for him. They break their kiss and MATT sighs. MATT stands and exits stage left. The lights go down. A spot comes up
down stage center and MATT walks into it.)
MATT
I went upstairs and the phone call was my mom. I was expecting her to bitch about something I forgot to do. But that wasn’t the case at all. She called because something had happened. Something terrible. My father he just died of a heart attack. He died almost instantly.
(pause. holding in his sadness)
I didn’t think heart attacks did that anymore.
(pause)
I didn’t live with my father. Which made it worse because I didn’t get to say goodbye. Hell, I didn’t even get the phone call. I went back downstairs and got as far as Natalie’s arms and…
(MATT moves back around through her
bedroom door and the lights come up)
NATALIE
Was there a problem?
MATT
Yeah, and for once, it wasn’t me.
NATALIE
What was the problem?
(MATT does speak. He looks off)
Matt, what is it? Please talk to me.
MATT
My dad.
NATALIE
What’s the matter with your dad?
MATT
Nothing anymore.
NATALIE
I don’t understand.
MATT
(softly)
He died.
NATALIE
What? How?
MATT
Heart attack.
NATALIE
Oh Matt.
MATT
The weird thing is that I’m more sorry that he died than I am that he’s dead. I had so many things I was going to tell him. So many issues to clear. Now, he gets to go out thinking he was right. That son-of-a-bitch.
(NATALIE just wraps her arms around
MATT.)
I still loved him though. I guess I just want to say goodbye.
(NATALIE just continues to hold MATT
and the lights fade. MATT goes to the
spot waiting for him down stage center.
Bring out MATT’s bedroom center stage.)
Natalie and I started going out before my father died, but it took that incident to pull us closer. We became so close that it was almost like we were married. She would even sleep over sometimes. I loved her. What’s even better, she loved me.
(Lights fade out. Lights come up on
MATT lying in his bed and JERID sleeping
on the floor. MATT speaks to the
audience.)
That there
(he points to JERID)
is my best friend Jerid. He’s Natalie’s best friend too. We are one big happy family. So-to-speak. He slept over last night because were at a party and he got wasted. I am smiley because I don’t drink. It’s about 6 hours after we got home from that party. I think it’s time to wake him up.
(to JERID)
Hey man, wake up.
(JERID starts to wake up and then goes
back to sleep)
Come on Jerid, wake up.
(JERID starts to get up again, and then lays
back down.)
Come on. Get up.
JERID
Ok. Ok. Just stop yelling.
MATT
I wasn’t yelling. Now I’m yelling!
(JERID covers his ears and closes his eyes
he is in obvious pain.)
JERID
Ah. Ok, ok. Stop.
MATT
How’s that gettin’ drunk working out for you?
JERID
Right now? Not very well. Is Natalie here?
MATT
No, I took her home last night because she got drunk too.
(pauses)
That girl. I even love her when she’s a raging drunk.
JERID
Oh well, then you guys must be made for each other because she bothers the shit out of me when she’s drunk.
(JERID gets a look on his face like he’s
going to throw up)
I think I need to use the bathroom.
(JERID runs offstage and you can hear him
throwing up.
MATT
Hey Jerid.
JERID
(offstage)
What?
MATT
You know what I’m plannin’ on doing?
(JERID walks back in to MATT’s room
wiping off his mouth with a wash cloth)
JERID
No what?
MATT
I’m going to ask Natalie to marry me?
(JERID starts to laugh but the pain of the hangover takes hold and he stops and grabs
his forehead.)
Not right now. I work in fast food for crying out loud. But I am going to offer her a ring right now. I want to seal that deal before we go to college.
JERID
As both of you guy’s friend, I am suppose to say, no. Not right now. This is crazy, we’re still in high school. And all of that. But I know you both better than I know myself and I can’t really say that I can see either of you with anyone else.
( Lights dim on the bedroom. MATT steps
out to down stage center to the spot. Matt’s
room is removed from the stage and
Natalie’s is brought out stage left but not
lit. NATALIE is sleeping in her bed.)
MATT
I went to Natalie’s to ask her the question. I knew what her answer would be. I was still scared of how old we were. I mean if either if our parents were here, they’d say I was crazy. Good news is, they aren’t. So here goes nothing. Scratch that. Here goes everything.
(MATT moves to her door and knocks
lightly and then goes in. Lights come up
as he enters. NATALIE is still sleeping.
MATT bends over her and kisses her on
her lips and she opens her eyes.
MATT
Morning Baby.
NATALIE
(still groggy, she stretches)
Mmm, good morning. Did my mother let you in?
MATT
No, I slept here.
NATALIE
Did you?
MATT
No.
(pause)
I just got here and yes your mother let me in. You are very lucky she was sleeping when I brought you home last night. You were very, VERY drunk.
NATALIE
I can only imagine.
(pause)
Well thanks for covering for me. What brings you here so early?
MATT
Well, I have something I want to talk to you about. Well, something I want to ask you.
NATALIE
Really? Did I do something bad last night?
MATT
No, it’s nothing like that. I came because I wanted to ask you if…well, I wanted to know if…God, how do I put this?
NATALIE
(a little worried)
Just say it, Matt.
MATT
Ok, I’ll just say it.
(MATT grabs her hand)
Will you marry me?
(NATALIE snatches her hand away)
NATALIE
(not angry, but anxious)
What did you say?
MATT
I said will you marry-
NATALIE
(interrupting)
I know what you said, but why’d you say it?
MATT
Probably because I want to marry you.
(MATT stands and starts to put the ring back
into his pocket. NATALIE grabs his hand
and pulls it back toward her.)
NATALIE
Where are you going with that?
MATT
I just thought that-
NATALIE
What are you drunk? Of course I’ll marry you.
MATT
What?
(shocked)
Wait, you just said yes!
(MATT starts to put the ring on the wrong
finger and NATALIE corrects him.
NATALIE looks at it for a second and then
jumps up and hugs MATT.
NATALIE
Matt, it’s beautiful.
(While they embrace, MATT looks at his watch.)
MATT
Oh shit.
NATALIE
What is it?
MATT
(breaking the embrace)
I’m really late.
(NATALIE looks disappointed)
Tell you what. I will come back over here, right after it gets done.
NATALIE
(disappointed)
O.K.
( MATT stands there for a second as if he
doesn’t know what to do)
MATT
I really have to go. So I will see you later.
( MATT starts to run off stage left and then
he quickly goes back to NATALIE and
kisses her and then runs offstage left.
Lights fade. NATALIE comes out to down
stage right into a spotlight. She speaks to
the audience. )
NATALIE
(shocked)
He asked me to marry him. Do you believe it?
(pauses and thinks)
NATALIE (cont.)
What is he retarded? I mean I can’t do this. Jesus, am I retarded? I’m not ready to think about marriage.
(She holds the her hand out and stares at the
ring.)
But it is a beautiful ring and I do love him. Yeah, I can do this.
(NATALIE stares off right. The spotlight
on her fades out. MATT appears down stage left with a spotlight on him. He speaks to the audience. Set up a park scene center stage. There should be a bench and couple of trees. A strong light from one side represent the sun.)
MATT
So there you have it. She said yes. We went through the rest of the school year and didn’t tell anyone, but Jerid, that we were engaged. That’s a friggin hard secret to keep, too. The three of us enrolled at the same college. Jerid and I were roommates and Natalie lived in the same dorm, one floor down. We were one big happy family. College was great until about four months in. It was a lovely Wednesday afternoon, so Natalie and I decided to take a walk.
(Lights fade. Lights come up on the park
scene. NATALIE and MATT are walking in arm and arm, from stage right toward stage
left. )
NATALIE
It’s such a beautiful day. I wish I didn’t have this incredible headache.
MATT
It’s finals week. Everyone’s got headaches.
NATALIE
That’s true, but I have had this one for a week. Sometimes, I wake up and I can’t even stand, because the headache is so painful. And, I have been fainting a lot lately.
MATT
What? Have you gone to the doctor?
NATALIE
No, not yet. I have been studying my ass off. I don’t really have time for this but I feel like I have been ignoring you.
MATT
(smiles)
Well, you need to go to the doctor and soon. Here let’s sit down for a minute.
(They sit down on the bench. NATALIE
lays her head down on MATT’s lap. )
NATALIE
So Matt, when are you going to marry me?
MATT
Well, we should probably wait until one of us graduates from this damn college.
NATALIE
Matthew, I do believe you’re stalling.
(she smiles, sits up, and looks at him)
Do you love me?
MATT
(smiles)
Nope.
NATALIE
(knows he’s kidding)
No? You shit. Fine then, I guess we aren’t getting married then.
MATT
No, I guess not. That will save me from you taking half later. Wow, that’s a load off.
(NATALIE grabs MATT and kisses him.)
Man, I love you.
NATALIE
(stands to leave)
I love you too, but I have to go study. I will see you tonight, though, right?
MATT
I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
(MATT holds her hand for a second and
looks her in the eyes. NATALIE reluctantly pulls her hand back and starts to walk stage left. She takes a couple of steps and stops and grabs her forehead and then collapses.
She is on the ground before MATT even
notices she stopped. MATT jumps up and
runs over to her and kneels down beside
her. )
Natalie! What happened? Did you trip or something?
(MATT rolls her on to her back. Turns back behind him)
Help! Somebody help!
(MATT looks back down at NATALIE.)
Natalie please move a finger or something. Just give me some sign that you can hear me.)
(MATT turns back and yells again)
Somebody please!
(JOGGER runs up through the audience and
and on to the stage. JOGGER is in the most
ludicrous jogging outfit ever. JOGGER
stands just behind MATT and looking over
his shoulder. JOGGER always talks in an
overly loud voice.)
JOGGER
What happened?
MATT
(sadness and worry are setting in)
I don’t know. She just fell.
JOGGER
(looking over NATALIE)
How did she fall?
MATT
(slightly annoyed)
I don’t know. She was walking away and she just collapsed.
(JOGGER nudges MATT out of the way
and bends down so she is only an inch or so
from NATALIE’s face.
JOGGER
Are-you-O-K ?
(MATT lightly pushes the JOGGER away)
MATT
Please, please just run and get help.
( JOGGER stands and straightens her outfit
and then clicks her stop watch and runs off
stage right. MATT grabs NATALIE’s hand. )
Natalie, please. Please open your eyes.
( JOGGER comes running back in. Stops
behind MATT and clicks her stop watch
again. )
JOGGER
The paramedics are on their way. They said don’t move her-
(JOGGER then notices that MATT has
moved her hand. The JOGGER gets
frantic)
You moved her! How could you move her? Didn’t you learn that in first aid. They said one thing, if one suspects a head injury, do NOT move the victim. And what did you go and do?
( JOGGER gets so frantic she has to pull out
her inhaler. MATT just lowers his head to
NATALIE’s chest and starts sobbing. You
can hear sirens off stage start to get closer.
The lights fade to black and there is a
spotlight waiting for MATT downstage
right. Remove the park scene. Set two
chairs and a coffee table to represent a
hospital waiting room, stage left. )
MATT
(very distraught)
I rushed out with the paramedics. They almost didn’t let me ride along. It took for ever to convince them that she was my fiancé’. We got to the hospital and they rushed her into the emergency room and then into surgery. They just left me alone in the waiting room. I had to do something, so I got on the phone and called her mother. But her mother lives on the other side of the country. She wouldn’t get there until the next day. Next, I called Jerid. I needed some support and I needed it now. Jerid was at the hospital in ten minutes. If it wasn’t for Jerid, I–
(pause)
I don’t think I would have made it.
( Spotlight fades on MATT. The lights come
up on the waiting room. JERID and MATT
are both sitting down. )
I am glad you’re here. I don’t know what happened. She just walked away from, to go study, and she collapsed. Right there in the park. She-
(MATT starts to cry.)
She didn’t get up, man. She just wouldn’t get up.
(NATALIE walks in and stands behind
MATT. She is only seen by the audience.
MATT and JERID cannot see her or hear
her. )
NATALIE
(confused)
Matt, why are you crying?
(no response from MATT or JERID)
Matt? I’m here.
(NATALIE waves her hand in front of
MATT’s face. He does not react. )
He can’t see me?
JERID
What was the matter with her?
MATT
Nothing that I know of. She mentioned headaches that she’s been having but she hadn’t gone to the doctor yet.
NATALIE
(surprised)
Hey, I don’t have a headache anymore.
(to MATT)
Matt, I’m fine. Look. I’m right here. Matt, please look at me.
JERID
She’ll be OK. She’s in there having surgery. I’m sure she’ll be fine.
( NATALIE looks down at herself and she
is still wearing the same clothes from the
park.)
NATALIE
(confused)
Having surgery? Matt, what is going on here?
(pause)
Matt?
(louder)
Matt!
( MATT and JERID both pick up a magazine
and start paging through them. DOCTOR
enters stage right and stops between MATT
and JERID. MATT stands.)
MATT
(frantic)
How is she? Is she out of surgery. What happened to her-
(NATALIE stands and listens. DOCTOR
puts a hand on MATT’s shoulder and nudges
him to sit down. MATT sits down and looks
up at the DOCTOR. JERID sets down his
magazine. )
DOCTOR
We did absolutely everything we could.
MATT
No!
( JERID runs his fingers through his hair
and begins to cry. MATT stands and starts
pacing. )
DOCTOR
She died from internal bleeding caused by the impact on her head.
NATALIE
(perplexed)
I’ve what?
DOCTOR
What caused her to collapse, we don’t know yet.
MATT
No! We were going to get married!
(MATT turns and runs offstage left.)
JERID
(stands)
Matt wait! Don’t run out!
(sits back down slowly)
Be careful.
( NATALIE looks at her hands and then
to the sky)
NATALIE
I’m dead.
( NATALIE runs off stage left, after MATT )
Matt!
DOCTOR
Are you Natalie’s brother?
JERID
No. Friend.
DOCTOR
Well, could you answer a few questions for me?
( JERID nods and lights fade on the waiting
room. MATT comes downstage center into
a spotlight. Bring out MATT and JERID’s
room to stage right. It should consist of twin
size bunk beds and a couple of dressers.)
MATT
I ran for hours. Well, it seem like hours. I ran all the way back to the college which was five miles away. I went to her room and her roommate let me in. I told her what happened and she cried. It was all I could take. Then I saw Natalie’s picture on the wall. I went to my knees and I bawled. I cried until there were no tears left in my eyes. I can remember, that I was having a bad day before Natalie and I took our walk. And on the phone she said, “you must think of everyday as a walk in the park.”
(MATT looks toward the sky)
What kind of twisted irony is that!
(pause)
The funeral was held back in our home town. It seemed like our entire senior class was there.
(MATT sits down on the stage)
(reminiscing)
It was a great service.
(coming to)
I stayed with my mother for a week before I went back to school. I thought, I would be better once I got back to school and on with my life. But, that wasn’t the case at all.
(Spotlight on MATT fades. Bring up the
lights on MATT and JERID’s room. JERID
is laying on the bottom bunk and MATT
looks to be staring out a window. )
JERID
Matt, you need to study. You’re grades are slipping.
JERID (cont.)
(notices MATT isn’t listening)
The Dean isn’t going to give you another chance! Do you hear me? You’ll be kicked out of school.
MATT
So what? I can’t concentrate anyway. I sit in class and cry. I sit in here and cry. I keep thinking that I should have been paying more attention to her. I should have noticed she wasn’t feeling right.
JERID
That’s not fair. It was finals week and you couldn’t have known she had been fainting until she told you.
MATT
No, Jerid, what’s not fair is that my fiancé to die at the age of 19.
JERID
Look, it’s been a few months now. We are almost done with this year of school and then we can transfer somewhere else. Somewhere with less pain. Somewhere-
( JERID notices that MATT is not paying
attention. NATALIE enters stage left and
waves at MATT. MATT stares back,
shocked. JERID looks past MATT and then
at him. He sits and watches MATT. MATT
walks over to NATALIE.
MATT
(surprised)
You’re here?
NATALIE
You can see me? But how?
MATT
(awestruck)
Yeah, I can see you. I thought you died. I mean, we had a funeral.
NATALIE
(looks at the floor)
I did. But we promised each we wouldn’t leave. Matt, I miss you.
MATT
You miss me? But you’re here.
(JERID stands and walks over to MATT.
JERID turns MATT around so he’s facing
him. NATALIE starts to back offstage. )
NATALIE
I’m still with you, Matt. And Jerid. I love you both.
(NATALIE backs completely off stage.)
JERID
She’s not there, man.
MATT
(not comprehending and then frantic)
Yes she is I just saw her.
( MATT turns around to point at NATALIE
and she is gone. He quickly turns back
towards JERID. Still frantic. )
She was just there. I was talking to her.
JERID
(in a caring voice)
Matt, she died. She’s not coming back.
JERID (cont.)
( MATT is just staring at JERID.)
Are you understanding me. She’s gone. Come on, let’s go sit down.
MATT
(explodes)
You just don’t get it do you? This isn’t some flash in my past that I can just shake off me like a cold. I can’t even eat breakfast without thinking of her. I can’t even-
(a moment of indecision)
Sometimes, Jerid, I’ll be sitting somewhere, having a decent enough time and the slightest thing, the smallest little insignificant detail will bring her back, only…only it won’t bring her back. I know it’s been months. Time goes so slow now, I can’t help but notice. But, I can’t let her go. Why should I? She meant the world to me. I loved her so much. I still do. And now, I just saw her. I thought she was important to you. I thought you knew what she meant to me.
JERID
(a little upset)
Don’t you think I saw that? Don’t you think I know what she meant to you? I saw your face when you were with her. I was there, man. She’s the only sister I’ll ever have. Her death completely tore me up inside. But, my life isn’t over. And neither is yours. But I feel weak at times. I just have to keep reminding myself that it’s her life that’s over, not mine. I’ll miss her forever but-
MATT
(interrupting)
I know what you’re saying. I know you loved her too. I just wish…
(pause)
I wish I could have said goodbye. Why don’t I ever get to say goodbye?
(Lights fade on the two men thinking.)
END OF ACT I
ACT II
( MATT is sitting up in a bed with the
footboard facing the audience. There
should be other props to represent a
bedroom of a senior in college. After
a few seconds, JERID enters from stage
left. )
JERID
Hey Matt.
MATT
What?
JERID
You busy tonight?
MATT
(not even looking up from his book. sarcastic)
Let me check my schedule.
JERID
Seriously, we got invited to a party tonight.
MATT
Did WE get invited or did you get invited with guest?
JERID
We got invited. It’s freshmen type party being thrown by sophomores. Either way none of them were around when you-
(pauses)
Well, you know. They heard about you, of course. They think all sounds crazy but none of them care.
MATT
Damn it! Do you tell people that I am not crazy? Do you tell them that I am fine. That was three years ago. I made, a mistake. Why can’t people just forget it?
JERID
It’s not like you streaked the campus here. You blocked off the park and threatened your own life if anyone came in. You have to admit, Natalie dying hit you harder than the average bear.
(MATT sets down his book and stands.)
MATT
That’s just it. I did admit it. I went through treatment and I’m still seeing a psychiatrist. But I am better. Natalie is dead, buried, and gone. And, I still love her. But, I’m not a threat to myself or anyone else over her.
JERID
(smiles)
I know all this. Come out with me tonight and show them you’re fine. Can you handle the occasional question about it? Hell, you might even find a date or at least a little nookie. I, friggin better, or I may have to hijack a park.
MATT
(smiles)
Oh, you think that’s funny?
JERID
Just get ready. We leave in an hour. Well, maybe two. Don’t want to be the old squares who show up early.
(JERID exits left. Lights fade. MATT
walks down stage center to a spotlight.)
MATT
Let me explain that a little further. When Natalie died, I didn’t really handle it well. And by not handling it
(air quotes)
well, I mean I went batshit crazy. It was just before the summer break and I went into that park, where she died, for a walk. Well, and to grieve. Well, I saw Natalie again. And I don’t care what any shrink says, I saw her. I talked to her. She said she was scared they were going to take her way. I kept asking her who “they” were. She didn’t answer and again,
MATT (cont.)
(points at himself)
batshit crazy. I thought “they” were coming to get her through the gates of the park. So I blocked it off with every downed branch I could find. I wouldn’t let anyone in. I kept them at bay by holding my pocket knife to my throat. Well, these police are good and they snuck up on me and wrestled me to the ground. I got locked up but in treatment, I calmed down fairly quickly. They brought me my school work and I kept up. Now, years later, I haven’t shaken that rep. I haven’t dated anyone. This is because I am the campus psycho. I really hate it and I am glad that I am out of here, after this year.
(MATT exits stage right. Spot fades.
Lights come up on about 12 people standing
and/or sitting around at a party. All are
drinking. There has to be more women
then men. LAURA should be standing stage
right. MATT is sitting on the floor stage
left. JERID crosses from stage right to
MATT.)
JERID
Oh there you are. Hey you having fun?
MATT
That depends, do you considering counting the bubbles in your beer, fun?
JERID
Have you even tried to talk to people?
MATT
I probably haven’t put forth a valiant effort, no.
JERID
Yeah, no shit. It’s a wonder that girl over that has bothered to stare at you for the last half hour.
( MATT stands up and looks at JERID.
JERID points at LAURA.)
MATT
What girl? Where?
MATT (cont)
( MATT looks over his shoulder and sees
LAURA looking at him. She smiles and
takes a drink without removing her eyes
from MATT.)
Holy crap, she is staring.
JERID
You see? No get the hell away from me, I am still trying to find my piece.
(JERID looks offstage left.)
Ooh, look at him. See ya.
(JERID exits offstage. MATT check his
clothes to make sure they are straight. Then
he walks over to LAURA.)
MATT
Um, hello.
LAURA
Hi, yourself.
MATT
So, you’re mouth might have been drinking but your eyes told me to come over here. But now I am here and I really don’t know what to say.
LAURA
Say that it’s too hot and crowded in here and you want to go out on the deck.
MATT
Wouldn’t that be redundant now?
LAURA
Wow, you are bad at flirting. Just come on.
(LAURA grabs MATTS hand and leads him
offstage right. Lights fade. Everyone leaves
the stage and MATT and LAURA come
down stage center and sit on the edge in a
a spotlight. Stage left bring out a small table
and chairs to look like a restaurant.)
MATT
So, uh, what’s your name?
LAURA
Heaven.
MATT
Heaven? Really?
LAURA
(laughs)
No, it’s Laura. And you are Matthew W. Potransky.
(MATT looks at LAURA, stunned at what
she knows.)
MATT
You know my name? There is one reason that people know my name around here and that conversation is always awkward.
LAURA
(smiles)
What? That you went batshit crazy because your fiancé suddenly died.
(MATT looks at the audience in
amazement.)
MATT
Well, there’s that. You’re still hear so either you’ve done the same thing or you don’t believe it happened.
LAURA
Sorry, you’re actually wrong on both things. I’ve never done it and I saw it happen.
(MATT looks down, embarrassed.)
MATT
Hmmm. Well, yeah, happy times.
(smiles sheepishly)
LAURA
Go ahead and ask.
MATT
Ask what?
LAURA
Ask me why I am sitting here with you. Knowing what I know. Isn’t that what you downtrodden types wonder?
MATT
(laughs)
Downtrodden types? Good God, lady I’m over it now.
LAURA
Well, whatever, the reason is I need an ending to my story. You see, that day actually inspired a novel in me.
MATT
Really? A novel, about me? But you know nothing about me, except what happened that day.
LAURA
Yes, Matthew-
MATT
(interrupting)
Matt.
LAURA
Right. Well, it’s not about you per se. It’s more I am fictionalizing the events before and after the day the park. But what makes it good is the mix of fiction and non-fiction. But I actually want to get some details because I am having details linking the story together.
MATT
Wait a minute. So you don’t think I’m cute or something else fun like that?
LAURA
First, of all, I didn’t say that. The second thing is, the info that I want will require me spending time with you. So, this right here was to see if I could see myself spending time with you. Especially considering that I will pay you for your time. In return, I don’t have to put your name on it and I don’t have to share royalties.
(MATT stands and starts pacing.)
MATT
How in the hell did I end up in a business negotiation. You’re eyes sure make you slippery Lydia.
LAURA
(interrupting)
Laura.
MATT
Right, Laura. So, let me get this right. You will pay me for my time and my story. In return you don’t use my name and I can claim no rights to my own story.
LAURA
Right.
MATT
No and here’s why. You’re gorgeous. There is no way I can spend a bunch of time with you and not want more. So I’ll give you an interview once and you pay me or you go out to dinner with me and I pay. I can tell you I talk more when I am relaxed and interviews, well…they make me anxious.
(LAURA stands and looks MATT in the
and stares for a second. Then she puts out
her hand to shake his.)
LAURA
You got a deal.
(MATT smiles and shakes her hand.
LAURA turns and starts to walk off stage
right. MATT looks confused. )
MATT
Wait. Which one did we agree on?
(LAURA turns and comes back and pulls
a card out of her purse.)
LAURA
Call me because I am free next Saturday.
(LAURA turns and walks offstage. Lights
fade. Lights come up on MATT and
LAURA sitting at the restaurant table.
There is quiet piano music in the
background. LAURA is laughing.)
LAURA
You’re from New Hampshire? I didn’t think anyone lived there.
MATT
Not from there, I guess. But I lived there for high school. I’m actually from Minnesota. And yes, people live there.
LAURA
(still smiling)
Hmm, what else? What is your major?
MATT
I give you a free pass to laugh here. I’m a psychology major.
( LAURA is drink when he says that and she
almost spits out her water on him. She
swallows and laughs.)
LAURA
Wow. What if the old you could meet the new you?
MATT
He’d probably hate me for not brooding over Natalie anymore.
(LAURA leans forward. No longer
laughing.)
LAURA
Oh, Natalie is her name. That’s beautiful.
MATT
Laura, I would be lying if I didn’t say this was awkward.
LAURA
(serious now)
I know. I’m sorry. It was more of a reaction than a conscious thought. I love her name, it’s a shame I can’t use it.
( MATT looks to be introspective. He is
not looking at LAURA.)
MATT
Right. A shame.
LAURA
I’m sorry. I do that. I say whatever is on my head. Look, we don’t have to talk about her. In fact, I don’t want to. This is suppose to be a date, right?
MATT
(pause)
You’re just saying that so you don’t have to pay.
(smiles)
Seriously, Laura, I am fine. But, I was really hoping this was a date and somehow, talking about my dead fiancé seems inappropriate.
LAURA
You’re right. So tell me about New Hampshire.
(Lights fade. Clear table and chairs and
set park bench, center stage. MATT comes
down stage center into a spotlight.)
MATT
So, Laura and I, we dated. It always ended at the doorway though. I couldn’t bring myself to go into her place. I know she was starting to notice that the gentlemen tact, was actually just a stall. She called me and sounded concerned and said she wanted to meet me in the park where-
(pause)
well, where Natalie died. If I said no, it would drove a huge spike between us. So I decided to face this place for the first time in three and half years.
(Spot fades. Lights come up on MATT
sitting on the park bench.)
This place certainly stirs up a weird feeling. You can hold it together, Matt. I know you can.
This is no time to live in the past.
(The stage crew should be scattered in
different places back stage. They should
all start whispering “Matthew” loudly, at
different intervals.)
What? Who is that? Jesus, am I really hearing that?
(He stands and looks at the park bench
and behind it.)
Who is saying my name?
NATALIE
(not seen, only heard)
I can’t believe you, Matt. I love you. I never let you go.
MATT
Holy shit, it’s Natalie. What are you doing here? Let me see you.
(MATT starts pacing all around. He walks
stage right and then stage left. As he is
walking stage left a spotlight appears and
NATALIE is standing in it. MATT turns
around and freezes.)
NATALIE
Matt, you said you’d be mine forever. Who is she, Matt? Who is she?
(The stage crew starts repeating “Who is
she” at different intervals. MATT closes his his eyes.)
MATT
Ahhhh, I can’t tell you now. I’m not sure, ok?
(NATALIE backs out of the spotlight
off stage. LAURA walks up behind
MATT. )
LAURA
Matt? What aren’t you sure you about? Are you ok?
(MATT walks away from her a couple
steps.)
MATT
Yes. I am fine. Let’s just say this was probably a bad idea to meet you here.
(LAURA lowers her head.)
LAURA
I thought it a bit strange. But, I just figured you thought you had to prove something. Lucky for you, I don’t need you too. You would have just failed miserably at that.
MATT
Yeah, ok. Can we…can we just go somewhere else?
LAURA
(sarcastically)
No, please can we stay here in the park of joy.
(MATT goes over to LAURA and puts his
arms around her.)
MATT
Sarcasm? Really? Come on, let’s go.
(MATT and LAURA exit stage left. Lights
fade. Take out park bench and bring out a
couch and a recliner, stage right, to represent
JERID and MATT’s apartment. Lights
come up and MATT is on the couch, staring
off and JERID is in the chair.)
JERID
Is something bothering you?
(MATT turns and looks at JERID but
doesn’t speak right away.)
MATT
Please don’t think I’m crazy, but I went to the park today.
JERID
You mean, THE park? Wow. My man is making strides.
MATT
Jerid, listen to me. I swear to God I saw Natalie. She spoke to me. She was hurt that I was with Laura.
(JERID leans forward and looks at MATT.)
JERID
Well, you don’t have the crazy eyes going on? Matt, are you slipping?
MATT
I have never back down that I spoke to her after she died. Even to my shrink. I know that was real. Now I see her again. She basically accused me of cheating her.
JERID
First of all, did you tell anyone?
MATT
No.
JERID
Good. Because you are just about done her and the school won’t let that kind of thing go, a second time. Matt, I will ask you this once. Are you sure?
MATT
Yes, I am sure. Why is she doing this? She’s never talked to you. You knew her better than I did. Hell, you can’t even see her. I don’t know what to think. I thought I was cured. Now, I’m not even sure I had an ailment.
JERID
Well, stay away from that park. If you see her again, just explain to her-
(shakes his head)
Wait a minute, we are talking about someone who died almost four years ago. This is crazy.
MATT
Look, I don’t know what this was, but you’re the only person that never thought I was actually crazy. Please don’t change now. I am going out for a bit.
JERID
Ok. We’ll talk later. Have a good night.
(Lights fade. Stage left there should be a
a queen size bed to represent LAURA’s
room. MATT and LAURA are both sitting
on the bed, looking at a photo album.)
MATT
That’s you? Oh my God, you were cute when you were little.
LAURA
And now?
MATT
(smiles)
Well, I guess you still pass for cute.
(looks back at the pictures)
And look at the pigtails.
LAURA
Yeah, my parents had this terrible need to change my hair daily. Now my hair is just fried from all the crap they did.
MATT
(looks at her hair)
I think your hair looks great.
LAURA
You don’t have to flatter me. I am already enamored by you.
MATT
(stands)
No, I’m serious, if it wasn’t for the hair, I don’t think I’d like you at all.
LAURA
(sarcastically)
Wow. I didn’t know love could run so deep.
MATT
Don’t beat yourself up over it. There’s tons of shit you don’t know.
(LAURA stands and pushes MATT down
on to the bed. They begin kissing
passionately. The lights fade and then
come back up. Both are under the covers.
MATT is in his boxers. LAURA is in
a night shirt. MATT is just waking up
and LAURA is still sleeping. MATT stands
puts on his pants and his shirt. Grabs his
shoes and socks and starts to walk stage
right. He stops turns around and goes back
and kisses LAURA on the forehead. Then
he walks out stage right. Lights fade and
MATT comes down into the spotlight.
Bring out a bed center stage with JERID
sleeping in it.
Well, I guess I realized that this wasn’t going to be an interview. She was fantastic. I never honestly thought I would get to feel anything for a girl again. But she was…well, fantastic. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Natalie watched the whole thing. That she was all set to come out of the closet. Wait, that doesn’t sound right. Oh hell, you know what I mean. I could feel my mind starting to compete with itself. I shouldn’t have just left Laura though. I think I did it because if Natalie would have appeared, there, I would have…
(pauses)
Let’s just say I would have been at a loss for words.
(Spotlight fades. Lights come up on JERID sleeping in his bed. MATT enters
from stage left. )
MATT (cont.)
Jerid, I am a bleeping idiot.
JERID
Matt, come on, I’m sleeping.
(MATT pulls off the covers)
MATT
I don’t care about that. I am having a major issue here and you damn well, that I am not adequately equipped to handle those.
JERID
Oh, so now were playing “state the obvious” at
(looks at his watch)
7:30 in the morning.
MATT
I slept with her.
JERID
Was it bad?
MATT
No.
JERID
Did she tie you up?
MATT
No.
JERID
Is she pregnant?
MATT
Too soon to know for sure.
JERID
Good. I’m going back to sleep.
(JERID pulls the covers back up and rolls
away from MATT)
MATT
Hey, shithead, I left this morning without saying goodbye. I think inside I was freaking out a little bit.
JERID
(rolls back over. eyes still shut)
Freaking out over what?
MATT
I really think I am starting to love her.
JERID
(sarcastically)
I am sure she we’ll feel that love when she wakes up and you’re gone.
MATT
I am still a little scared that I saw Natalie the other day. I know you don’t fully believe that I did. But, if it was her and she finds out that I love another woman. Well, you know the piss and vinegar that woman had when she was alive.
JERID
Come on, Matt. I’ve moved on from her death and you seem to not want to. No matter what gifts life gives you. If you are such a glutton for punishment there is a hammer over there. Just grab it start beating yourself. Either way, I need my rest.
MATT
Look, I’m not really scared of her. I am more scared of her timing. I mean, what if I see her while I’m having sex. Do you really think that will end well?
JERID
Here’s what you do. And I can’t believe I am saying this. Go back to the park and call her out. Try not to let anyone see you. If and when she comes out, ask her to let you move on. Ask her to move on. And ask her if her mom has my suede hat.
MATT
You’re right. At least I could try it. But look, and on this I am serious. I am going to be there in one hour. I want you to show up in about an hour and half. If you see me start to go batshit crazy. I want you to smack me in the face.
JERID
Well, I definitely wouldn’t miss that for the world. All right fine, if you think you can have this last stand and be done with it. I will go to. But you go nutso and I will only be able to visit the home on some weekends. I got a real job now.
MATT
Yeah, whatever. Just be there.
(MATT exits stage left. Remove bed and
put the park bench center stage. Lights
come up and MATT is sitting on it.)
(calling out)
Natalie? I need to talk to you.
(MATT waits for a response. He starts to
pace.)
Look, Natalie. You have a place in my heart but I have found someone else. I need you to…
(pauses)
well, leave me alone. Do you understand?
(waits for an answer)
Wouldn’t you know it. Now she doesn’t show.
MATT (cont.)
(MATT is getting irate. MATT starts to
pace faster. He stops. He looks up at the
sky.)
Natalie! I can’t do this anymore! I won’t feel guilty about being with someone else. Damn it! It’s not fair.
(LAURA enters stage right. MATT doesn’t
see her.)
It’s not right-
LAURA
(interrupting)
Matt?
(MATT is startled)
Who are you yelling at?
MATT
Laura? What are you doing here?
LAURA
I got a call from Jerid. He called me from your cell phone. He said I should meet you here.
(MATT checks his pockets for his cell
phone. It’s not there.)
MATT
Damn.
LAURA
Look Matt, I definitely want some answers. This park makes you crazy and now your friend tells me to meet you both here. You’re yelling at nothing. You left me alone this morning. What the hell, is going on?
(MATT lowers his head. Then he sits down
on the ground.)
MATT
Laura, I am sorry about this morning. If you do forgive me, that will never happen again. As to why I am here. I don’t think you would understand.
LAURA
Don’t think I would understand? How, the hell, do you know what I’d-
MATT
(interrupting)
I love you. And this is where I was the last time I said those words to anyone.
(LAURA a little shocked, sits down on the
park bench.)
I don’t care if you believe it all but I want you to listen to me. I did see Natalie back when I went crazy and I did see her when we were here the other day. She came down on me for being with you.
LAURA
(a little shocked)
You mean, she’s a ghost or something?
(MATT sits down next to her.)
MATT
Yes…well, no. She’s not really a ghost. I mean, she looks normal to me but no one else can see her. That is why this whole thing drove me right out of my mind. I need you to believe me.
LAURA
Matt, I believe you. At least, as much as I can. But that doesn’t explain why you keep coming back here.
MATT
I wanted to tell her I was moving on without her. I wanted to tell her that I really loved you and that I am done mourning.
MATT (cont.)
(pause)
But she, never showed up.
LAURA
Whew, I can honestly say this is a first. Look at me.
(MATT looks into her eyes)
I love you too. Last night made me sure of that and then you left.
(Grabs MATT under his chin like a mom)
That felt like shit. Don’t ever do it again. Got it?
(MATT nods. LAURA kisses him.)
Now, I am very creeped out by this place and I want to go home. Will you please take me out of here.
MATT
Sure.
(They stand and walk off stage left. A
spotlight come up on NATALIE standing
upstage right. She is crying. She walks
down stage and the spotlight follows her.)
NATALIE
God? Are you listening? Why am I still here? Why do I have to watch this? You killed me. The least you could do is take me away from here.
(pauses)
What do I do? I wish I could talk to Jerid.
(Lights fade. NATALIE exits. Clear park
bench and bring out couch and chair for
MATT and JERID’s living room. Lights
come up on them talking.)
JERID
Did you see her?
MATT
Which her?
JERID
Natalie? That’s why you went to the park.
MATT
Oh, I thought you meant Laura since you called her and told her to go there. Thanks for that.
JERID
What can I say? I like to interfere.
MATT
I did see Laura. I did not see Natalie. But I wish I could, just one more time. I just think I could give us both some closure.
JERID
Yeah, you see, I am still working off the theory that she’s dead. I don’t get anymore closure than that.
MATT
Look, Laura wanted to leave there and I didn’t see her. Will you go there with me so you can see what I go through? I am hoping that you’ll finally see her so you can not wonder about me anymore.
JERID
Look, I will go but I’m always going to wonder about you.
MATT
Awesome, I have a meeting tomorrow and then I will meet you down there at 1.
(Lights fade. Remove couch and chair.
bring out park bench. Lights come up
JERID enters from stage right.
JERID
Ok. I am here. What time is it?
(looks at watch)
12:45, I guess I am early.
(JERID walks around and looks around)
So this is the place where she come out.
(JERID sits down on the bench)
Hey Natalie! Natalie, why don’t you come talk to me?
(pause)
Come on Nat, it’s Jerid. Why does Matt get all the face time?
(he laughs)
(NATALIE speaks from offstage)
NATALIE
Jerid?
(JERID just about falls off the bench)
JERID
Who’s that? Who’s here?
NATALIE
Jerid? You can hear me? It’s Natalie.
JERID
(a little on edge)
Natalie? Oh my God, he was right. This can’t be happening. Where are you, Sweetie. Show yourself.
JERID (cont.)
(NATALIE walks out from stage left.
JERID sees her and his eyes grow wide
with fear.)
Oh my God, it is you.
(NATALIE stops just before she gets to the
bench and looks at JERID.)
NATALIE
(smiles)
You should know that Matt wouldn’t lie to you.
JERID
Matt? Oh yes. Natalie you gotta know that he’s already rode the roller coaster for you darling. I think you are the best woman who ever lived but Laura is a good second. You gotta let Matt move on.
NATALIE
Jerid, honestly, I want to. I don’t even know why I am still here. I have been in this park pretty much since I died. I kept hoping that Matt was well and that he moved away. The last thing I wanted was to be able to see him with another woman. I am having a hard time letting him go.
JERID
I don’t know anything about the afterlife or anything, but I do know this. Matt will always love you. I will always love you. We won’t forget you. We haven’t burned your pictures. Sweetie, you’re my sister. And I am thankful, beyond belief that I get this chance to say goodbye. But once I do, I need you to move on.
(MATT enters stage right. He cannot
see NATALIE.)
MATT
Jerid, who are you talking too?
JERID
What do you mean? I am talking to Natalie. Can’t you see her? I am sorry I doubted you, my man.
MATT
You can see her? I seriously can’t.
JERID
Don’t mess with me. She right next to me. Natalie say something to him.
NATALIE
Matt, I am here.
MATT
I don’t see her. I don’t hear her. Is she really right there?
JERID
Hey Nat, how come he can’t see you anymore?
NATALIE
He can’t hear me either. Damn, I wanted to talk to him.
(MATT notices JERID is listening to
NATALIE.)
MATT
What is she saying?
JERID
She is bummed because she wanted to talk to you.
MATT
Well, I guess we’ll have to talk through you. Jerid Johnson, translator for the dead.
JERID
She’s says that’s not funny. And I concur.
(NATALIE stares at MATT with sadness in
her eyes.)
NATALIE
Tell Matt, that I will always love him.
JERID
She says she loves you and she will always love you.
MATT
Tell her-
JERID
(interrupting)
She can hear you.
MATT
(not really sure where to look)
Oh, well, Natalie, I love you too and a part of me is yours forever. I just have to move on now. I can’t be with you, do you understand?
NATALIE
Tell him, that I am letting him go. I will not bother him anymore. And I give my blessing to him and Laura.
JERID
Oh, Sweetie, I am sure it’s not a bother.
NATALIE
Jerid. Just tell him.
JERID
She says that she is letting you go. She won’t bother you anymore. She also says that you and Laura have her blessing.
MATT
Thank you, Natalie. That makes me feel so much better. I promise, I won’t forget you. I will visit your gra- er…you every time I am home. Anyway, Jerid and I will be there soon enough.
(NATALIE starts to cry.)
NATALIE
Right then. Not too soon. I need you two to conquer this world. Jerid, I love you like a brother. I will never forget all that you meant to me. All that you gave to me. Thank you.
JERID
I love you too. Just promise you won’t come haunt me if I ever find that special someone.
(MATT and NATALIE both chuckle)
NATALIE
I promise. And now Jerid, tell Matt that I will be with him forever. Protecting him and guiding him. Oh God! That sounds cheesy. Just tell him that I will always be his Natalie. I will always be his friend.
JERID
She said-
MATT
(interrupting. smiles)
I know what she said.
JERID
(confused)
You can hear her now?
MATT
No. I just know her. I will always be your friend to Natalie.
NATALIE
Well, that’s it then. Goodbye Jerid. Goodbye Matt. I love you both.
JERID
(starts tearing up)
Goodbye, Natalie.
MATT
How about I say, see ya later, instead?
NATALIE
Tell him yes, I will see you both later.
JERID
She’s fine with that. I just hope it’s not too soon, Nat.
(NATALIE smiles and walks offstage)
MATT
Well, should we go? Man, I feel good!
JERID
(stands)
Sure. Hey there was a few other things she said that you didn’t hear.
MATT
Like what?
JERID
She said you had a huge nose.
MATT
Oh yeah?
JERID
Yep. She also said you kind of smelled funny. I personally think you smell fabulous so I don’t really know what that was about.
MATT
She said that huh?
JERID
Why would I lie?
(MATT and JERID exit stage right. Lights
fade. Curtain.
The End
By Antony V. Plocido
copywrite: 1993
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