WARD9ice | WAITING

We present a play titled WAITING, classified as STATE BLAST from the WARD9ice franchise.  “Waiting” is published and updated weekly on this blog for your reading pleasure.

SET

Rosie’s Room

Father’s Bedroom

Thomas’ Livingroom

CHARACTERS

Rosie, a college student

Michael Majek

Mother

Father

Thomas, a football coach

Mary, Rosie's girlfriend

Ben, Rosie's younger brother

WAITING

SYNOPSIS

ROSIE is just been informed that MICHAEL her fiancé is dead. She’s informed that he died in a bomb explosion in his living room. But Rosie refuses to believe the story despite all available evidence. Instead, she chooses to wait for a different report even if it means doing so forever. What then becomes of her under the circumstance as her father suddenly disowns and sends her packing from his house rather than show love and sympathy?

 

PROLOGUE

The actions here are partly in mime. Lights meet ROSIE returning to her room from lectures, drops her books and handbag on the reading table, and puts on the radio set, while a rap musical begins to play she prepares herself a glass of water, takes a sip, dances to the music in a manner showing she is in tune with the times. Now the phone (landline) rings, she stops dancing, lowers the volume of the music, and picks up the call.

ROSIE

(on the phone)

Rosie, speaking. Who’s on the line? … Oh, Michael, Darling … I’m fine. And you? (the voice on the other end seems in a hurry) Darling, what’s the hurry? I mean, your voice is shaky, and … where? … but-but why – Hello! (no response) Hello, Michael! (no response) Hello! (no response).

Seems confused for a moment,  she attempts to call a number from her mobile, hesitates, picks up her handbag, starts for the door, hesitates, attempts it again, enter MOTHER, weeping silently, tears welling up her eyes, stripping her cheeks.

MOTHER

(toneless)

Rosie!

ROSIE

(curious)

Yes, mother. What’s the problem? Why are you crying? (no response) Mother, please talk to me … what’s the problem?

MOTHER

Michael … Michael Majek is dead …

ROSIE

(confused)

Dead? No! No, mother. He couldn’t be dead. I mean, I have just spoken with him on the phone and he said he –

MOTHER

Rosie, he’s dead … Michael is dead …

ROSIE

But when? I mean, how? I mean, who told you he’s dead?

MOTHER

He died this evening in a bomb explosion in his living room. It was in the news … news flash a few minutes ago …

Rosie is suddenly blue, and sobs silently, mother consoles her. LIGHTS FADE SLOWLY INTO TOTAL BLACKOUT.

NIGHT. FATHER’S BEDROOM. Mother, asleep in bed, FATHER, awake,  worried, by the window, casually sneaking looks at his wristwatch, now begins to pace quietly,  wrapped up in thought.

NIGHT. ROSIE’S ROOM. Enter Rosie, Father hears the sound of the door, walks towards the door, LIGHTS FADE ON HIM. Rosie drops her handbag on the bed, enter Father.

ROSIE

Good evening, Father.

FATHER

(angrily)

And where do you think you are coming from at god damn it 11.45pm?

ROSIE

Father, I’m coming from Thomas’.  I’m sorry I kept late. I didn’t  want –

FATHER

Shut up!

ROSIE

But Father –

FATHER

Shut up, I say! How many more times do you want me to tell you to stop seeing that dirty pig?

ROSIE

Excuse me, Father! …

FATHER

(pulls  off his belt)

Just shut the fuck, young lady. Now I give you one minute to move your things out of this room and out of my house. Go and leave with that big fool and don’t you ever think about coming back. From today, you have ceased to be my daughter.

ROSIE

(shocked)

But Father – (whips her hard with the belt, she screams)

FATHER

(soft, deadly)

Get out! (frightened, begins to pack her things, sobbing)

Exit Rosie, carrying her luggage. Father drops remorsefully on the bed. Enter Mother, confused.

MOTHER

(to Father)

Darling, what’s the problem? What are you doing here? Where is Rosie?

FATHER

Gone …

MOTHER

Gone  … Gone where?

FATHER

I don’t know.

MOTHER

You don’t know? (dashes out to search for Rosie, returns in a jiffy) She’s gone! … Our daughter is gone, honey. What did you do to her? (spotting the belt in his hand) Did you scold her with the belt? (no response) But why? Why did you have to do that?(no response).

LIGHTS FADE SLOWLY INTO TOTAL BLACKOUT.

DAY. LIGHTS ON SET. THOMAS’LIVINGROOM. Rosie, trying to select a suitable television channel with the remote control. THOMAS, reading through the newspaper, is disturbed by her actions and somewhat wrapped up in thought.

THOMAS

(orders)

If you cannot find a suitable channel with the television please, put it off or simply slut in a video. Please! Okay?

ROSIE

I think I ‘d rather put it all off. (she does so, silently readin his emotions for a moment) You look worried, Thomas. So, what’s the problem now?

THOMAS

Where were you by 4pm yesterday?

ROSIE

I was at my aunt’s, of course.

THOMAS

So, when did you leave there?

ROSIE

7PM or there-about.

THOMAS

(assertively)

That’s it. I knew it. I just knew it …

ROSIE

What are you talking about, Thomas?

THOMAS

God damn it! Of course, you know what I’m talking about. You claim you left your aunt’s by 7pm. But listen, baby, while driving home at 4pm yesterday I saw you waiting by the city casino. Now what about that, baby, eh? What about that, I say?

ROSIE

Thomas, believe me, it must have been a mistaken identity. I mean, how could I have been at the city casino when I was still at my aunt’s then?

THOMAS

(soft, deadly)

God, I how I hate it when you lie …

ROSIE

But I’m not lying (slaps her hard on the cheek, starts away, in between sobs) But Thomas, you’re always suspecting of infidelity … why? … Why, Thomas? …

THOMAS

(walking away)

Every daughter of Eve is naturally deceitful. So don’t give me that shit about being innocent, please! Nonsense!

Thomas exits the room, and knocks on the door, Rosie stops sobbing, quickly wipes her tears, tries to conceal her emotions, opens the door to Mother who seems very sobber.

ROSIE

Oh, it’s you, Mother. Y-yo-you are welcome mother. (Surprisingly, Mother begins to weep gently) Oh, mother! Please, for God’s sake, stop this. Why are you crying now?

MOTHER

(slowly, stops weeping)

My daughter, to weep is not a pleasure act. I could not help it. The moment I sighted Thomas driving crazily into the corner, I knew something awful had happened. I walked in here and you try to conceal your tears and pain … You used to be an idol. Everyone loved you. But I ask, why are you glued to this man who knows next to nothing about love and sanity? Why are you betraying yourself?

ROSIE

Mother, your daughter knows what is good for her.

MOTHER

So it should be my Daughter. But even God knows that this daughter of mine is making a big mistake.

ROSIE

Mother, nothing good comes easy. I have a plan for my life. And I have chosen myself a live partner. But Mother, if my choice is such a wrong one, I have reasons for accepting my fate.

MOTHER

Oh, how I wish Michael had not passed on. The young man was just perfect for you. If he had survived the explosion this whole misty situation would not –

ROSIE

Mother, please let’s drop this subject. Please …

MOTHER

Drop this subject, you say? Listen, Rosie, it surprises me that you still don’t realize how much pain your attitude is inflicting on your father and I. What is it with you? Your father disowned you hopping that would make you change your mind about Thomas Thomas. But ‘to hell with a father’ you said. And the poor man came back confused and apologetic. Now look at yourself – God! You’re growing fast overdue for marriage, Rosie. People bother me each passing day … such an embarrassment, I never could have the guts to tell any of them that Rosaline, my only daughter is engaged to a drunkard … “drop the subject”, you still say?  

ROSIE

(between sobs)

Oh, Mother! I’m sorry for causing you and Daddy these troubles. But I want you and Daddy to believe I that I know what I’m doing. I’m not a fool, Mother.

MOTHER

(consoling)

Dry your tears, my daughter. We know you’re definitely not a fool, and you’ll never be. But we just can’t sit and watch you carrying on this way …

LIGHTS FADE INTO TOTAL BLACKOUT.

 

DAY.  THOMAS’LIVINGROOM. Thomas is preparing himself a glass of drink.

THOMAS

(sips his drink, and mutters)

Hmn … good brandy. (calls) Rosaline, please let me have a word with you when you’re done in the kitchen. Okay?

ROSIE

(from the kitchen)

Okay, Dear.

THOMAS

(light, soft laughter, soliloquy)

It’s so funny a thing, this my poor little life. I still find it hard to believe she’s madly in love with me. Me, a good for nothing drunkard of a foot-ball team manager. Nobody ever takes me serious. No-one except my boys who manage to cart away medals occasionally, of course, from local competitions. But despite the ugly shit of my life, Rosie still clings to my heart like a leech …

ROSIE

(from the kitchen)

Darling, I’ll join you in a minute. Okay?

THOMAS

Okay! (soliloquies) I love her very much. I have tried hard enough to prove my love for her. Bu-but my shortcomings wouldn’t allow me. I’m a drunkard … smoker … chronic womanizer… a terrible liar… silly habits I developed since my first day in high school. The other day, her mother came round, she said her daughter would not marry me. The message struck me like a dirty slap. But Rosaline has her life to live. She’s not influenced. She still clings to my heart …

ROSIE

(approaches)

You’ve been talking to yourself again, Darling?

THOMAS

No! No!

ROSIE

Good. That’s my Darling. (he pours himself more brandy) Darling, I hope you don’t get drunk again soon?

THOMAS

Just a drop, Rosie.   Just a drop. (clears his throat) Rosie, do you for any reason think I hate you?

ROSIE

No.

THOMAS

Even when we have a scuffle and I smack you?

ROSIE

No, my Darling. It takes two to tangle. Hurting me does not really prove that you hate me.

THOMAS

Thank you. (gives her a kiss, pours himself more drink) You care for some?

ROSIE

No, thanks Dear. But that should be it for you. You’re becoming drunk already.

She exits, knock on the door.

THOMAS

Who – is – that? Please, come - in. Hic!

ENTER BEN, Rosie’s younger brother.

BEN

Good day, Uncle Thomas.

THOMAS

Oh, Rosie’s brother. Hic! What – is – that yo- your sweet name ag – again? Hic!

BEN

Ben, Uncle.

THOMAS

Yes! Ben. I – I remember now. Little Ben, your sister is in the bedroom. Hic! (calls) Rosie, Ben is here!

ROSIE

(approaches, displeased with Thomas’ disposition)

Thomas, Dear, would you mind going into the inner room now, a – an – and have a drunken rest?

THOMAS

(doing so)

Sure, Dear. Hic! Sure.

BEN

(irritated)

Shouldn’t he just stop the booze, I mean like for ever?

ROSIE

And what’s your business about that, little brother, Ben?

BEN

Let’s forget that, Dear sis. How are you doing?

ROSIE

I am fine, and you?

BEN

I am cool. Sweet sis, do you realise you have made me wiser?

ROSIE

And how do you mean?

BEN

I mean, considering the controversies in your relationship with Uncle Thomas, I have come to realize that I must be very cautious when I am set for marriage.

ROSIE

I see.

BEN

I keep saying to myself, this lady, like everyone else deserves the leadership of her own life. So, why not just leave her alone and believe that she knows exactly what she is doing?

ROSIE

Tell you, what, you are a great little brother, Ben. You may be fifteen, but you certainly do have an old head on young shoulders. I really do wish everyone concerned could share your view. (gives him a peck) Food, drink or both?

BEN

Yes, please. But an orange drink would do.

ROSIE

Fine. (going about it) How was school today?

BEN

Fine.

Rosie returns with a glass of drink for two, gives one to Ben, they sip)

ROSIE

How is Mum, and Dad?

BEN

Hmn … I think they are fine.

ROSIE

You think they are fine? (curious) How do you mean?

BEN

Yes. I mean, something awful happened at the house. God! Since I grew up to know Mummy and Daddy, I have never witnessed the two quarrel so fiercely until last night.

ROSIE

(more curious)

Ben, what are you talking about? Mum and Dad, are they okay?

Lights fade on them but shines simultaneously on Mother, thoughtful, dressed in a night gown, seated on a sofa in the bedroom. Enter Father, returning from the office, gives her a peck.

MOTHER

Welcome, honey. (helps him with the briefcase and jacket)

FATHER

(notices her mood)

What’s the problem, darling?

MOTHER

(lieing)

Oh! Nothing. How was the office, today?

FATHER

Hectic as usual. In fact, I think I need a personal assistant. The work load is fast increasing every day (she’s absent-minded, he notices, changes the subject). Mary called at my office today. She arrived the country last week (considering her mood) Darling, now, don’t tell me you’re still worried about Rosie after all these years (she sobs silently). My God! Woman, will you please stop the tears? Haven’t you cried enough? Haven’t you shed tears enough?

MOTHER

And why won’t I shed tears for the rest of my life if I care? Darling, I’m a woman. I know how painful it is to bear a child. So, how do you expect me to feel when I suddenly wake up to realize that my only daughter is gone … just like that, eh?

FATHER

Mind you, dear, Rosie is not dead.

MOTHER

Yes, she’s only away. But what difference does that make? I can’t see her when I want to. She doesn’t visit us. She’s alive, yes. But I don’t feel her presence anywhere. So, tell me, what difference is there  - dead or alive? (sobs loud)

While she’s been talking Ben walks casually towards the door, stops short and eavesdrops on hearing voices.

FATHER

But what do you want me to do? I never meant asking her to leave. But she took it serious. Haven’t I done all I could to make her return to this house? Listen, darling, if there’s anything you feel I haven’t done to bring her back, please tell me and I will. I also want her back. I’m her father.

MOTHER

It’s too late now. You caused it. Damn it! You caused it all. You caused everything.

FATHER

I caused everything, you say? You’re stupid for making that statement.

MOTHER

And you’re also stupid for destroying the life of our only daughter (slaps her, she screams).

FATHER

Don’t you ever – ever talk to me like that again. If I sent her parking, did I ask her to go and leave with Thomas Thomas?

MOTHER

Where else did you expect her to find shelter – under the bridge? Where exactly did you expect her to go – heaven?

She continues to weep. He ignores her. Ben leaves quietly unnoticed as lights fade on the scene and shines back on the previous scene, as before.

BEN

That’s as much as I heard (she’s abashed). Sister Rosie, Mummy and Daddy really miss you. They really want you back (they stare sadly into each other’s eyes, her eyes welling in tears).

LIGHTS FADE SLOWLY INTO TOTAL BLACKOUT. 

DAY. SAME SCENE. Mary, Rose, chatting …

ROSIE

I’m really glad to see you again, Mary.

MARY

Same here, Rosie. Same here.

ROSIE

Now tell me, when did you arrive, and how is Los Angeles?

MARY

Oh! LA is fine. I arrived last week Friday. Rosie, you know what … I can’t believe you are still with this guy after all these years?

ROSIE

It’s my life, pal … It’s my life …

MARY

Now, I’m no longer surprised.

ROSIE

What at?

MARY

Our friends are making a topical issue out of the situation. I mean, that’s all I got from them since my arrival.

ROSIE

I see … Well, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.

MARY

But come to think of it, you and Thomas only have one thing in common, and that’s, you’re both human. He’s such a contrast to your person. Why couldn’t you just let go the drunkard, Rosie?

ROSIE

Mary, that drunkard of a man loves me truly.

MARY

(laughs)

Beauty and the beast, eh? He loves you truly?

ROSIE

Sure. Infact, he’s so scared he beats me at the slightest opportunity … claims I’m too good for him … believes I could be infatuating.

MARY

Sweet- stupid talk, pal. But I believe there’s more to it. So tell me everything. I’m still your best pal, remember? (a knock on the door)

ROSIE

Please, excuse me. (walks over, opens door to Thomas) Welcome, Dear.

THOMAS

Thank you, Darling. (a kiss) Hey, I see you have a guest?

ROSIE

Darling, you should remember her. Mary is my friend. She’s based in the U.S.

MARY

It’s a pleasure meeting you again, Thomas.

THOMAS

Same here. How is Mr. President of the white house doing (they laugh)

MARY

The president is fine, of course.

THOMAS

Good. (to Rosie) Now spruce up, darling, you and I are going shopping.

ROSIE

Now, Thomas?

THOMAS

Yes, Madam. Now! (leaves for the bedroom)

ROSIE

He’s always like that. Oh, I’m deeply sorry, Mary 

MARY

No qualms, Pal. But I think we should really find time to discuss this nonsense about your love life. Okay? 

ROSIE

I hear you, madam. (they laugh)

LIGHTS OUT.

DAY. SAME SCENE. Thomas, Rosie, dining

THOMAS

You cook great, darling. The meal is as delicious as always.

ROSIE

Thank you, dear.

THOMAS

Wao! I’m so full already. (drops his cutleries) I think I need a crane to stand me up. But while I wait for that to come, would you please, serve me two bottles of beer?

ROSIE

So sorry, Sir. But you can only have one for now.

THOMAS

Doctor in the house, aren’t you? (she fetches the beer and empties some content into his glass, he takes a sip) Rosaline,  do you really love me?

ROSIE

Yes, I do.

THOMAS

Are you sure?

ROSIE

Come on, of course, I am.

THOMAS

You complain about my drinking habit.  But if you really love me, don’t you think you should be drinking with me … I mean, matching off, … that kind of thing?

ROSIE

That does not mean, I don’t love you, Thomas. It’s what you love . I can only advise you to be moderate about it. And haven’t I been doing just that?

THOMAS

Alright. But since we really love each other I think we should get married immediately. We have waited long enough, haven’t we?

ROSIE

(shocked)

Yes, we have …

THOMAS

Now, why are you looking so shocked and suddenly blue all over?

ROSIE

(pretentiously)

Me? Shocked? Blue? No! I mean –

THOMAS

Listen, I know marriage is a big one. But  I really want you to think about it. Okay?

ROSIE

(sadly but tries hard not to show it)

Okay. ( he exits) God, I never thought it could come to this … No! This is not what I bargained for. No! Not marriage to Thomas, such a beast. I never thought as careless as he is he would ever talk marriage now … (knock on the door, she opens it to FATHER, MOTHER). Hi, Dad! Mum!

FATHER

Hi!

MOTHER

How’re you, my dear?

ROSIE

I’m fine, Mum. (they take seats)

FATHER

Where is Thomas?

ROSIE

He’s gone out, dad.

MOTHER

Thomas Thomas … He never stays in one place for a minute. You see the kind of son-in-law I’m going to have?

ROSIE

Dad, Mum, you’ll please, excuse me a minute to clean up the dining table. You care for a drink?

MOTHER

No, thanks, dear.

FATHER

A glass of water for me, please. (while she serves him, and begin to tidy up the table, Mother, Father whisper).

MOTHER

Did you notice that sadness and impending tears on her face?

FATHER

Yes.

MOTHER

That means she’s never happy in this house one bit.

FATHER

What else can we do? It really amazes me that a thirty year old graduate of English can descend so low as to lose her sense of reason. (Rosie approaches, takes a seat) Rosalene, I’m afraid, it’s quite obvious that you’re not happy here. But then, it’s what you asked for. So, there nothing your mother and I can do about it. How long have you been dating Thomas?

ROSIE

About five years, Father.

FATHER

Five consecutive years … Has he ever talked about you both been married?

ROSIE

Yes, Father.

FATHER

That’s good. You see, dear, we are sick and tired of asking you to wake up to your mistake. I mean, the world would vouch to the fact that your choice of a husband is absolutely wrong. But there doesn’t seem to be anything anyone including, your mother and I, can do about it any longer. So we have decided that if Thomas is your true choice for a husband then go ahead and marry him. Your mum and I should be sure that that will make you happy.

MOTHER

Rosalene, we are not growing any younger. I want to see and feel my grandchildren while I am alive. Now I don’t care any longer even if that has to come from Lucifer’s brother. (Rosie is very sad). Rosaline, what’s it with you? I thought you would jump up to high havens in joy and smile once again in six years, asking you to Marry Thomas? What’s it with you, lady? (Mother sobs gently). 

FATHER

(to Mother) Come on, hold yourself, woman. Haven’t you wept enough already? Rosalene, when will Thomas return to the house?

ROSIE

Possibly, late in the night, Father. 

FATHER

When he comes back, tell him I want both of you in my place soon for a talk. Okay?

ROSIE

Yes, Father.

LIGHTS OUT.

DAY. SAME SCENE. Ben, Rosie, chatting.

BEN

Big Sis, I know we live in a world of surprises. But this one surprise of you wanting to get married to Uncle Thomas is quite worrisome …

ROSIE

Surprise, you say? Aren’t you the same person that resolved a few weeks ago that I was entitled to leading my own life, that I knew precisely what I was doing?

BEN

Yes, I said so. But I didn’t mean marriage. I mean, marriage is something else entirely. A life-time thing.

ROSIE

Oh, stop being ridiculous, Ben. (knock on the door, she opens it to Mary) Hi, Mary!

MARY

Hi!

BEN

Hi!

MARY

Rosaline, what’s this I’m hearing? That you’re finally getting married to Thomas Thomas? (silence) Come on, girlfriend, say something.

ROSIE

Listen Mary, I’m not excited about this marriage thing one bit. In fact, I’m not interested. I’m not interested in marrying Thomas even in a thousand years.

MARY

Then why don’t you just say it to his face and end this stupid game for Christ’s sake?

ROSIE

(after some silence)

I have chosen to go out with Thomas because – because … because I should wait for Michael.

BEN/MARY

(shocked)

Michael?

ROSIE

Yes! Michael. Michael Majek … even a fool would know that I cannot be Thomas’ wedded wife. I never really bargained to marriage to him. I just didn’t want to remain unattached and fall into whatever form of prostitution and temptations. I have only … I have only been waiting for Michael.

BEN

But big Sis, Michael is been dead a long time …

ROSIE

(assertively)

He’s not dead. I know he’s not. On the sound of every car horn, I turn around thinking he could be the one … I’m still disappointed … but soon I know he would be the one …

MARY

Rosie, Ben is right. Michael died seven years ago.

ROSIE

(assertively)

But he’s alive, I say. Don’t you understand?

MARY

Alright. Alright. He’s alive. But if you must wait for him couldn’t you have at least chosen a more decent fellow, at least not a city drunkard?

ROSIE

Thomas has all the qualities to justify calling it quit between us. But that’s why I find it difficult  to let go off him. But for Christ sake, I didn’t bargain for marriage. I swear, if I marry him I will divorce him. To God, I will … (she sobs)

MARY

Listen, dear. I know you love Michael a lot. He was a star in a million. He had all a lady would desire in a guy. A brilliant smart lawyer, he was. Yes. But babe, you must remember that faithful night after the court session, the relatives of the convicted bank manager set him up with a bomb blast … right there in his residence. Although the perpetrators were arrested and hanged for their crime, b-bu-but pieces of Michael’s body were found here and there at the scene of the crime … Michael died, Rosie …

ROSIE

No! No! No! He’s not dead. I can swear he’s alive. Michael was my fiancé. I knew him better than even himself. He knew his life was in danger that night, so he sent me a call. He said he was leaving for some place that he would be back on a date he could not specify. Yes. I promised I would wait for him …

MARY

But Rosie, the blood stains … the body fragments … don’t you remember that?

ROSIE

The body fragments were mere dummies … They were not my Michael’s body. They were dummies. The police believed his assailants deposited the dummies and carted away Michael’s real body only to demoralize the case.

MARY

But what about the blood stains? Listen, Rosie –

ROSIE

(sternly)

No! You listen. Michael is alive somewhere. I can feel him, Mary. You’ve got to believe me. You were both close to him. Why wouldn’t you believe he will come back. I mean, he has never failed in his promises … no matter how unimportant …

BEN

So why couldn’t you tell mum and dad you’ve been waiting for Michael all these years, waiting for superman?

ROSIE

Ben, Mum and dad were not close to Michael as much as we were. If I told them I was waiting for him they would think I have gone insane.

BEN

Oh, you mean, just the same way we think you have gone crazy now, dear big sister, Rosie?

ROSIE

Y-yo-you still don’t believe me too? Oh God! Am I really crazy? (continues sobbing).

MARY

(consoling her)

You’re not crazy, Rosie. But someday, you’ll come to realize that Michael Majek never survived that bomb explosion  

ROSIE

Michael is not dead, Mary … I’m sure he is alive … He promised he would return…

MARY

It’s alright, babe. We’ve heard you. Okay?

SLOWLY. LIGHTS FADE OUT COMPLETELY.

DAY. SAME SCENE. Ambient sound from backstage proclaims a wedding mood, Rosie, moody, dressing up in her wedding gown, Father, Mother, stand beside.

MOTHER

(to Rosie)

Darling, where is Mary? I thought she was to assist you with the wedding gown?

ROSIE

She’s gone to the ladies, Mum.

MOTHER

Okay. Hey, let me help you with the backside. (noticing Rosie’s sadness, mutters words to complement her actions) Come on Dear, you’ve got to brighten up. It’s your wedding day, remember? (Mary approaches) Mary, dear, please, come and finish up this side.

MARY

Yes, Ma’am. (doing so) Hey, babe, cheer up. It’s your wedding day, you know.

MOTHER

That I have reminded her a countless times. (motherly) Just forget the past and focus on the present and look happy into the future.

FATHER

Take your mother’s advice, Rosie. That’s all you need. Your mother and I want to pick up a few things down the road. See you soon. Okay?

MOTHER

Take care, you two. (Exit Father, Mother)

MARY

You have such sweet parents, babe. So loving and caring.

ROSIE

Thank you.

MARY

Really, Rosie, you should have gone back to your family house for this wedding. I mean, it’s not very proper to commence a wedding with the bride still at the groom’s house.

ROSIE

It’s not very proper, you say? That means, it is proper all the same. (Ben springs in from outside, anxiously)

BEN

Hi, Big Sis?

MARY

Hi, Ben? Take it easy. And what’s driving you crazy?

BEN

A miracle, I think … where is Uncle Thomas?

ROSIE

At his friend’s. We are supposed to meet at the church. What’s the matter?

BEN

Michael is here, sister Rosie … He’s outside … He’s waiting by the entrance door.

ROSIE

(anxious, screams joyfully)

Oh, Michael! Lord, I thank you! (dashes to the door)

MARY

(surprised, dumbfounded)

Michael?! I can’t believe this!

ROSIE

(flings door open to Michael)

Oh, Michael, my love.

MICHAEL

Rosie, darling! (embrace, hugs, kisses)

ROSIE

God, I have really missed you my darling.

MICHAEL

Same hear, honey.

MARY

Michael, is it really you? No, this must be a dream …

MICHAEL

(laughs)

It’s not a dream, Mary. I promised I would return, and here I am in one whole piece, flesh and blood.

BEN

And very timely, too.

MARY

Very timely, indeed. Holy Moses!

MICHAEL

No. i would rather say ‘Holy Michael!’ (laughter) Rosie, honey, what would you have done if I hadn’t showed up today?

ROSIE

No comments, dear. Please, don’t ask me too many questions … you went away for too long.

MICHAEL

Yea. So very sorry, about that. I needed as much time to put things in order. Sure, you understand, my love, don’t you?

ROSIE

Of course, I do. But tell me, where have you been all these years 

MICHAEL

Switzerland. And that’s where we would be getting married tomorrow. Don’t worry, all necessary papers are in place. You know what, I have just settled the issue with your lovely parents. How about that, baby?

ROSIE

Terrific! Oh, I feel like I’m dead cold. Give me a real warm embrace, darling. (they hug like forever, others just watching happy and unbelievably).

MARY

(aside to Ben)

Ben, where did you find him?

BEN

He found me, instead. I mean, he found us. He came around the family house.

While Ben stares expressionlessly at his sister and Michael relating very romantically voices rise from the background as light dims on others on set and spots on him.

BEN’S VOICE

Uncle Michael, can I ask you a question?

MICHAEL’S VOICE

Yes, Ben.

BEN’S VOICE

After the explosion in your living room, body fragments and blood spills all over, did you die and resurrect?

MICHAEL’S VOICE

(laughter)

Not at all. I never died. Listen, Ben, I found out about the bomber’s plan on time. So I wanted them to believe that I actually died in the explosion. So I planted the body fragments and blood stains and then I just vanished into thin air. (they laugh pleasantly) I only hope your sister will understand.

LIGHTS SHINE ON ALL. SAME SCENE, as before

MARY

God! They look so sweet together … I’m indeed happy for my girlfriend … all that waiting … it paid off beautifully. But who can believe this story of Michael’s existence?

BEN

I do.

MARY

Well, I do too.

LIGHTS FADE OUT SLOWLY INTO TOTAL BLACKOUT.

 

 -- THE END -

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