WAITING | 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 - MOTHER

 

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.

 

 

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BLACKOUT.