Lost and Found
by Eliana Gayle-Schneider
DIRECTOR:
Dan McCoy
CAST:
JENNIFER- Nazli
BETHANY- Kristin
DAVIS- Chris P.
(Scene opens to JENNIFER sitting at a desk typing on a computer)
JENNIFER
My name is Jen Rose. Well, that’s my pen name. My friends call me Jenny, but you can refer to me as Jennifer Rosenfeld because whoever reads this likely isn’t qualified to be considered my friend. (PAUSE) So let’s get one thing clear, this whole “blog thing” was not my idea. My best friend Savannah told me I should because she thinks it’s what’s best for me. But I think it’s really what’s best for her because she’s sick of hearing me complain. Savannah told me it’s like it’s like free therapy. So here I am, pouring my heart out to a bunch of creeps on the internet.
So basically I’ve been going out with Anthony and it was going really well except for the fact that he’s a total ass. But with that aside- he’s super hot and he’s the head of the debate team which makes him super smart and I guess that’s a good thing because I’m super smart and super hot and that makes us like 100% compatible. So Anthony and I were together for like a few months and then things got weird. Things were moving fast between us- like really fast. So like I was going with it because I don’t want people to think I’m a prude or something. Last year Tina Brown switched schools. She told me and my best friend Savannah that she left because her dad got a job in Colorado, but Savannah and I know it’s really just because people called her a prude. So letting Anthony call the shots was really my only choice- I mean it was either that or Colorado with Tina Brown. And my life was pretty damn fabulous, right? But I guess I wasn’t...I wasn’t happy. When I told him I wanted to some time to myself he threw one of his debate trophies. The huge one with the bronze gavel on the top. I still have a mark on my right forearm, but it’s fading. I haven’t shown anyone, not even my best friend Savannah. She told me that I should get back together with Anthony. When I said no she reassured me that I’ll find someone else. Someone better. But I doubt that’s true. I mean I’m still young I shouldn’t- I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking my problems are dumb and there are people starving in Africa- or something like that. Well to be frank, I don’t care what you think. You probably get a sick sense of satisfaction by reading other people’s problems on these stupid forums. But the thing is I’m probably far more accomplished than whoever you are, wherever you are. I’m the seventeen year-old founder and editor-in-chief for the “Let’s Talk Shoes” column in Just-4-Teenz magazine. I have straight As and am one day going to be the brain behind America’s number best selling fashion magazine. So you can read this and laugh at the terrible reality that is that your biggest accomplishment this week has been ordering mexican food while your mother teaches you how to use the dishwasher.
DAVIS
Jen!
JENNIFER
What?
DAVIS
Can you make sure Beth is in bed? I have to run to a meeting.
JENNIFER
A meeting? Daddy it’s almost 9:00.
(DAVIS takes his briefcase from the counter and walks away)
JENNIFER
Did you at least make dinner?
DAVIS
Shit I almost forgot to tell you- there’s Chinese in the fridge. Please remember to check on Beth.
JENNIFER
Do I have to?
DAVIS
Yes. When you’re done with dinner put the dishes in the sink. Don’t stay up too late. I should be home by eleven, 11:30 at latest.
(DAVIS exits in a rush. JENNIFER realizes he left his coat behind and hands DAVIS the coat as he rushes back in. DAVIS exits)
JENNIFER
Grandma, are you up?
BETHANY
Yes my dear. Is everything okay William?
JENNIFER
Grandma it’s me Jennifer, not William.
BETHANY
Oh my, I’m so very sorry. Where is William?
JENNIFER
I don’t..um… Grandma it’s late you’re supposed to be asleep.
BETHANY
I suppose you’re right. But it’s hard to sleep after such a wild day.
JENNIFER
You haven’t left your bed all day.
BETHANY
Nonsense! I remember it perfectly.
JENNIFER
Remember what?
BETHANY
I saw something the other day. It was in the afternoon and the sun was shining especially brightly. I love sunny days because then my eyes can trace my shadow. What was I saying? Oh right, I saw something.
JENNIFER
Oh God.
BETHANY
I was sitting by my favorite rock near the shore and the waves, oh the waves. They were frighteningly stunning. Like nothing I had seen before. Maybe it was the sunlight, maybe it was the way in which they crashed, but they appeared to be dancing. Yes, dancing. That’s what I saw.
I peered into the water and I saw a figure. A girl. She was small and had long jet-black hair that reached her waist, just like yours. But she didn’t have a face. She was nothing more than a silhouette, but the silhouette was crying out. She was dancing too- just like the waves. Her body moved with such...such grace. But it was uneasy grace, her movements were fluid and smooth but at the same time I felt her shouting. Shouting, to me. And I heard her plea- that’s the truth. But she was helpless and so was I. And then slowly her movement became smaller and smaller until I realized there was nothing to look at besides water. Dancing water- but still, water.
(the scene opens to DAVIS alone standing downstage center)
DAVIS
It’s been six weeks. It’s not my first time knocking at your door. If my numbers are correct it’s my 26th. Twenty six times, Will. Not one response. Nothing. It’s not that I want you to invite me over for tea, or something. I just want you to open the door. I just want to know you’re there Will. Because in case you didn’t realize, it’s been six weeks.
JENNIFER
So last week I hit a groundbreaking 31 views and seven comments. And let me tell you being called a self-absorbed skank was definitely not the biggest ego boost. So today I’m writing to remind you that you’re full of crap. You have a totally twisted idea of what it means to be a teenage girl in the 21st century. So I’m thrilled to answer all your bland anonymous questions but I can’t promise you’ll like the response.
Yes, I’m done with Anthony- for good this time. And yes, I’m being responsible and keeping up with schoolwork and being kind to my parents and staying away from parties. Is that what you wanted to hear? I’m through with my sleazy ex-boyfriend and I’m keeping up with schoolwork and being kind to my parents and staying away from parties. It’s almost prom season and I’m dateless but I’m keeping up with schoolwork and being kind to my parents and staying away parties. I went over my phone bill this week but I’m keeping up with schoolwork and being kind to my parents and staying away from parties. My uncle’s missing and my dad’s clinically depressed and I’m keeping up with schoolwork and being kind to my parents and staying from away from parties.
BETHANY
I felt something peculiar yesterday. I-I burned myself. And it didn’t feel the way it does when my tea is too hot and it scorches my tongue- no. (BETHANY closes her eyes and waves her arms) I remember so clearly. I was trapped. It was hot- it was very very hot. The walls of flames came closer and closer. But they weren’t dancing the way waves do. No, they were shouting. And I wanted to shout back but I was afraid no one would hear me. Where could I possibly shout. (louder) Where could I possibly shout if no one will listen?
I was at peace for a minute or two but that didn’t last very long. The ground beneath my feet turned to flames too. My toes curled, but I couldn’t resist. I surrendered to the fire and I let it consume every last inch of me. (BETHANY spins)
(Enter DAVIS)
DAVIS
Bethany- Bethany! Sit down, I’m dizzy just looking at you.
BETHANY
Oh, Davey! What a lovely surprise. It’s been years since you last paid me a visit.
DAVIS
I was here this morning.
BETHANY
Oh that’s right. (BETHANY continues spinning)
DAVIS
I have your 8 o’clock medication. If I leave it on the dresser can I trust you?
BETHANY
Oh hush! I’m feeling!
DAVIS
You’re what?
BETHANY
I’m feeling!
DAVIS
Of course you are.
BETHANY
You don’t feel the fire too?
DAVIS
The pills are on the dresser.
BETHANY
Are we both dead?
DAVIS
What?
BETHANY
Is this hell?
DAVIS
You’re just as much alive as you were yesterday and the day before.
BETHANY
I’m going to go take a nap-
DAVIS
The pills!
BETHANY
I’ll take them the second I wake up Davey dear. I promise! Goodnight William!
(Exit BETHANY)
DAVIS
Goodnight William. Goodbye William. I’ll see you in five weeks William, I’ll see you in six weeks, I’ll see you in seven weeks. Come on Will, you could have at least called and told me you decided to hike the Swiss Alps, or move to Kyrgyzstan or at the very least just told me you’re okay. You’ve got us all worried sick. We need you.
Everything here’s just...different. It’s cold and...and sad. It all just seems darker. You took a lot with you when you left- did you know that? And everyone keeps telling us that it’s all gonna be alright but the cops haven’t found anything and the cousins from Minneapolis won’t stop calling. Please, just come home.
JENNIFER
Dad!
DAVIS
Sh! You’ll wake your grandmother.
JENNIFER
You left your laptop in my room.
(JENNIFER hands DAVIS a laptop)
JENNIFER
Daddy have you eaten dinner yet?
DAVIS
I’ve been very busy
JENNIFER
But have you eaten?
DAVIS
You worry too much. Are you done with homework?
JENNIFER
No, but that can wait.
DAVIS
Then dinner can wait too.
JENNIFER
I’m just concerned. You don’t sleep anymore.
DAVIS (angry)
I already told you, I’m very busy. Just- just go to bed.
JENNIFER
Dad-
DAVIS (interrupting)
Go!
(JENNIFER begins to exit, and stands by the door. DAVIS begins to sob loudly)
DAVIS
It’s all my fault. All of it.
(DAVIS kicks a chair and notices JENNIFER)
DAVIS
What are you still doing here? I told you to go to bed. Why aren’t you in bed?
JENNIFER
Dad it’s not your fault. You didn’t do anything, right?
DAVIS
I wasn’t- I’m not- why aren’t you in bed?
JENNIFER
Don’t blame yourself. You didn’t drive him away. He drove himself away, right?
DAVIS
Of course I didn’t drive my own brother away. This investigation is between the police and William. We have no place. I wouldn’t drive my brother- my- my own brother...
JENNIFER
Dad?
DAVIS
What!?
JENNIFER
I saw the way you used to look at Riley, the way she looked at you.
DAVIS
Riley?
JENNIFER
William’s Riley.
DAVIS
Formally William’s Riley.
JENNIFER
So it’s true?
(DAVIS sighs. JENNIFER exits)
(the scene opens with JENNIFER typing on her computer)
JENNIFER
Just to clear my head, I sometimes remind myself that I never really liked Uncle William, and when he comes back I still probably won’t like him. As a matter of fact I’ll probably like him even less because of all this trouble. The stupid police car sirens prevent me from focusing and that’s why my grades are lower. Uncle William you’re the sole reason I’m failing Spanish. But maybe if I knew him better, I would have liked him more. Dad used to tell me he’s mentally ill. That’s why when Uncle William first left my Dad said it was okay because he’s prone to doing crazy stuff like that. This whole thing’s kinda, dark and messed up, right? (PAUSE) I probably won’t end up posting this, but I guess I just need someone to talk to. My best friend Savannah is in Guam with her family for the rest of spring break, I don’t really talk to Anthony anymore, and my dad...well my dad is a self-absorbed man-whore.
(the light shines on DAVIS)
DAVIS
Is it too late to say “I’m sorry”? If I do will you come home? Is that all you need, an apology? I’m sorry Will. I’m sorry because when I was ten I broke your race car and then lied about it. I’m sorry because when I was sixteen I stole forty bucks from that box you kept in your sock drawer. I’m sorry because when I was twenty I started selling your antidepressants on campus during finals and telling people it was adderall. I’m sorry because when I was forty-two I slept with your fiance and then two weeks later I let you run away to God knows where. I was stupid and selfish and I knew you...weren’t exactly in a good place so I took advantage of that. I didn’t mean to break up your marriage and if that’s why you left I don’t blame you. I guess If I had the chance, I’d run away too.
(the phone rings. JENNIFER runs to answer. DAVIS picks up the phone and holds it to his ear)
JENNIFER
Dad give me the phone, it’s Savannah calling from Guam! (PAUSE) Dad, do you know how expensive these international calls are? Give me the phone!
(JENNIFER reaches for the phone. DAVIS begins to cry)
JENNIFER
Dad?
(JENNIFER exits and walks to her desk. DAVIS continues to cry over the phone)
JENNIFER
Hello faithful followers. I’ve gone through a lot recently and tried to make sense of it but I just couldn’t. But then I realized it’s stupid that I couldn’t because it all boils down to simple facts. Facts, statistics, numbers. Fact: there are 800 channels on my cable T.V. Fact: there are over 12,995 published issues of Vogue. Fact: as of a few hours ago, the police finally found William Rosenfeld. Fact: if I get a least a B+ in chemistry I can maintain a 3.8 GPA. Fact: it took me eleven trials to perfect walking in stilettos. Fact: as of a few hours ago, William Rosenfeld was found with a six-week old bullet wound straight through his head. Fact: if I spend 25 minutes on the eliptical, I burn 115 calories. Fact: the first fashion magazine was published in Germany in the year 1568. Fact: as of a few hours ago, William Rosenfeld was found dead.