Author’s Note: This is an excerpt from a play written alongside two other student writers. It is meant to be comedy, a last “hurrah!” if you will, of high school theatre. As I was tasked with writing the third portion, or the ending bit, this snippet of script begins halfway through the second act.
Scene 13: A Hidden Love
Lights up on a lavish kitchen. At the counter in the center of the room, the Chef is chopping scallions with an iron knife. Several emotions seem to play across his face. His expression turns angry, and he chops faster, before sadness crosses his eyes, and his movements slow. He pauses, knife raised, and studies himself in the reflection. He puts the knife down and sighs, despondently.
Chef:
(to the empty room)
I miss the city.
Jane:
Me too.
The Chef jumps, terrified, clutching his chest.
Chef:
Jesus, Jane!
Jane laughs, studying him with a playful look.
Jane:
Sorry, (she pauses) Chef. (she grins and points at his hat)
Chef:
(sighing)
Don’t start.
Jane:
Yes, Chef.
Chef:
Jane.
Jane:
(holds up hands in surrender)
Okay, okay. Sorry.
I just never took you for a culinary sort of guy.
Remember those pancakes?
Chef:
(groans)
They were cookies.
Jane:
Best pancakes I ever had.
There’s a pause as the room descends into silence. The Chef looks at Jane, Jane looks at the Chef.
Jane:
How are you, Sam?
Chef:
I’m great.
Jane raises an eyebrow.
Chef:
(sighs)
What do you want me to say?
Jane:
The truth.
Chef:
(looking at her)
I’m horrible.
Jane:
I figured.
Chef:
I’m just…sad.
Jane:
Surrounded by all this steak?
Chef:
(exasperated)
Jane—
He is cut off as Jane crosses the threshold and swiftly pulls him into a hug. The Chef tenses at first, then relaxes into the embrace. He rests his head on her shoulder, exhausted. They break the hug, and Jane steps back, holding him at arm’s length.
Jane:
What’s wrong Sam, really?
Chef:
Am I that transparent?
Jane:
I’ve known you for long enough to tell when something’s bothering you.
Chef:
(massaging his temples)
Ugh, it’s just this house. These people. Everyone’s so miserable.
Jane:
Grief does that to people.
Chef:
No, it’s not that. I mean, I miss Rich loads. He really was such a good kid. Somehow, he was the one that kept everyone going, especially me. When I was down, he’d always visit me in the kitchens. Help me prep for meals and such. Nothing special. We’d just talk. I’m sure he thought nothing of it, but it meant the world to me—
His voice breaks. Jane is silent for a moment.
Jane:
Sam. You can’t stay here.
(beat)
Look at what this house is doing to you. Where’s the Sam I used to know? The one who sang while he worked, who smiled at all my ridiculous jokes?
Chef:
(softly)
I don’t know.
Jane:
(beat)
Come back to London with me.
Chef:
I can’t.
Jane:
Why?
Chef:
I just–can’t.
Silence.
Jane:
(hurt)
Okay.
(takes a step back)
Okay.
She goes to leave.
Chef:
(not looking up)
Wait.
Jane pauses, turning.
Chef:
(dead quiet)
To your grave, Jane. This goes to your grave.
There is a long pause. Jane watches him, afraid. But slowly, she nods.
Chef:
(whispers)
It was me.
Jane freezes.
Chef:
I did it.
They stare at each other for a long time.
Jane:
Tell me everything.
Scene 14: Always and forever
Lights up on an exquisite bedroom, with a four poster bed and bejeweled vanity with a towering silver mirror. Daniella sits at the mirror, brushing her hair, tears in her eyes. The audience can’t see anything except her reflection. She closes her eyes, inhaling sharply.
Rachel:
(softly)
Knock, knock.
Daniella:
(hastily wipes her face)
Rachel.
Rachel hesitates, then crosses the room, sitting next to Daniella in front of the mirror. They sit there together in silence for a moment. Rachel watches Daniella, who looks down at her lap, nose red from crying.
Daniella:
(voice breaking)
I’m sorry.
Rachel doesn’t respond, just watches her sister.
Daniella:
I just…I can’t even—
Rachel:
I know, Dani.
Rachel takes the brush from Dani and begins to brush her hair.
Daniella:
It’s him.
Rachel:
I know.
Daniella:
(whispers)
I feel so alone.
Rachel:
(pause)
I’m your sister.
(she scrunches her face up in mock exasperation)
I couldn’t leave you if I tried. And trust me, I’ve tried.
Dani rolls her eyes and risks a smile.
Daniella:
(softly)
Thank you.
Rachel smiles, putting the brush down and fixing Dani’s hair in the mirror.
Rachel:
So, (beat) what to do about dad?
Daniella:
(pauses thinking, then turns to Rachel)
You.
Rachel:
Sorry?
Daniella:
It has to be you.
Rachel:
Me?
(sighs)
You said I wasn’t fit to run the company. That I was selfish.
Daniella:
You know I didn’t mean that. I was angry at dad, not you.
Rachel:
But– what if you’re right?
(looking at herself in the mirror)
What if I’m just like him?
Daniella:
(takes Rachel by the shoulders, fiercely)
You’re nothing like him.
I know it, and Rich knew it too.
(beat)
Dad is willing to do what is good for the company, good for the family.
You’re willing to do what is right.
With that, Daniella holds out a manila file. It is the will from Rich.
Daniella:
I believe in you.
Rachel:
(wiping her eyes, laughing)
Ugh, Dani! My makeup.
(beat)
You don’t want the company?
Daniella:
(shrugs)
I always liked beads better anyways.
From the vanity drawer, Daniella takes out a small bracelet with golden beads. She takes Rachel’s hand and slips the bracelet around her wrist. She holds up her own hand, revealing a matching bracelet, but in silver.
Daniella:
By sheer luck, I was born before you. You never even had a chance. I noticed, you know. How Dad would always ignore you at dinner, hang your awards under mine, forget your birthday every year.
(she looks down)
I heard you crying that day, when dad came home from France, a gift for all of us except you. I remember his excuse that it got lost at the airport. You smiled and told him not to worry, but I could see you were hurting. So I made you a bracelet. I almost gave it to you.
Rachel:
(softly)
Why didn’t you?
Daniella:
Because.
(she takes a deep breath)
I knew you hated me. I hated myself. I’m your older sister, my job is to protect you. I should’ve protected you.
(beat)
But I was too scared.
A pause, then Rachel leans forward.
Rachel:
I’m leaving, Dani.
Daniella:
What? No!
Rachel:
I have to.
Daniella:
But what about the company? What about me?
Rachel:
The company can wait. I know you believe in me, but I have to find a way to believe in myself now. I need experience in the real world, to make mistakes beyond the bubble. I want to get my hands dirty, I want mud beneath my fingernails and caked on my palms.
(she holds up the file)
You’ll manage the company while I’m gone.
And when I’m done, it will be here, waiting for me.
Daniella:
(desperately)
I can’t do it alone.
Rachel:
(forcefully)
You won’t be alone.
Scene 15: The Storm
Lights up on the entire house, each section in different lighting. The servants are moving from room to room, but their actions are unnatural, eerie even. They look like shadows passing through walls.
In the living room, Nova and Wayne are speaking to each other in soft tones.
Nova:
I’m telling you, the vibrations…
(she waves a crystal in the air)
There’s trouble, a storm on the horizon.
Wayne:
(checks his phone)
Babe, that’s because there’s an actual storm.
He holds out his phone to show Nova, who wrinkles her nose and turns her head.
Nova:
(disdainfully)
You know nothing of the universe.
Wayne:
Maybe, but the weather channel sure does.
(he squints at Nova, who looks distraught)
Oh come on, you can’t really be upset. Check it out, this app can tell you the wind speed, uv index, lunar rotations…
Nova:
(interested)
Lunar rotations?
Alfred:
Oh yeah. For example, tonight will be a full moon.
Nova:
(scoffs)
Amateurs.
Lights swing to the bedroom, where Ryan, Dave, and Shawn are huddled together in a corner.
Ryan:
So?
(he looks between Dave and Shawn expectantly)
What do you think?
Shawn:
I think your mom’s losing it.
Dave:
What he said.
Ryan:
You’re just saying that because she put you on dish duty.
Shawn:
Damn straight.
Ryan:
Seriously, guys!
(beat)
Please.
Dave and Shawn are momentarily taken aback by the desperation in Ryan’s face.
Shawn:
(clears his throat, before awkwardly clapping a hand on Ryan’s shoulder)
Don’t worry, we got you.
Dave:
What he said.
Shawn gives him a sideways look. Dave smiles awkwardly.
Shawn:
(sighs)
So, you’re worried about your mom, yeah? What is it?
Ryan:
It’s just—
(hesitates, searching for words)
A feeling.
Shawn:
And it’s not because of Pep?
Dave:
Hey man. Feelings matter.
Shawn:
Feeling up Scarlett in your dreams doesn’t count.
Ryan:
(distantly)
No, not Pep.
(beat)
Although…she was the one who noticed my mom acting differently in the first place.
Shawn:
(nodding)
She would know. She was her second-in-command.
Ryan:
She worked so hard.
Shawn:
And then she got fired.
Dave:
Weird.
Ryan:
Exactly.
Dave:
(chuckling)
The look on your mom’s face when Pep started dusting Mr. Sinclair’s head.
(snorts in laughter)
Priceless.
Ryan:
(groans)
That was hard to watch.
Dave:
Yeah, almost as bad as when your mom got yelled at by Mrs. Sinclair in front of the whole house. Two times a maid has screwed up in front of Mr. Sinclair, both Ms. Esme’s fault. Not a good look, huh?
Shawn:
Seriously, David?
(makes a point to use Dave’s full name)
Dave:
What?
Ryan:
Wait, wait.
(beat)
Say that again, Dave?
Dave:
What?
Ryan:
No, what did you say before?
Dave:
Oh, just how Ms. Esme keeps messing up in front of Mr. Sinclair.
Ryan gives Shawn a “Dave actually has a point,” kind of look, to which Shawn responds with an,“Eh, I still think he hit his head at birth,” sort of grin.
Ryan:
(sighs)
Maybe I’m just being paranoid.
Shawn:
Maybe. But something has been kind of off lately.
Dave:
(dramatically)
Only time will tell.
The two men side eye Dave.
The lights pivot to the servant’s quarters, where Alfred is writing at a table, sipping from a cup of tea.
Outside, Esme paces nervously, debating whether or not to enter. She steps forward, then reconsiders, wringing her hands.
Alfred:
(not looking up)
For goodness sake, come in.
Esme hesitates, then comes in. She stands rigidly at the door.
Esme:
(bows her head)
Alfred. I’m terribly sorry to disturb you. It isn’t urgent, it can wait.
Alfred:
(sits forward)
Nonsense, Esme. Please, sit.
Esme sits, and Alfred pours her a cup of tea, sliding it towards her.
Esme:
(stares into the tea)
Am I bad person, Alfred?
Alfred:
(exhales, then shuts his book)
There are no bad people, my dear, as there are no good.
We are only human, nothing more.
Esme:
(drops her head)
I find that hard to believe.
Alfred:
It is hard, but you must believe it.
Esme:
(whispers)
I don’t know if I can.
Alfred:
Oh Esme, it is clear as day.
(leans forward and takes her hand)
The proof is in your son.
Esme freezes, then shuts her eyes tightly.
Esme:
Ryan.
She looks up at Alfred.
Esme:
But Alfred, would he ever forgive me?
Alfred is silent.
Esme:
(pleading)
Alfred, please. I need to know.
Alfred:
(sighing)
I am many things, my dear, but a seer is not one of them. I cannot tell you what will happen. Nor can I predict it myself. You’re at the edge now, Esme. It is your choice, and your choice alone. Only you can decide:
Will you fall, or will you jump?
Scene 16: Dead and Gone
Light up in the ballroom. It is a magnificent display of beauty and splendor. Golden champagne on ice. Silver trays of decadent bites. A glittering crystal chandelier. There is a large wooden chair in the back of the room, akin to a royal throne. The room is alive with music, dancing, and laughter. But there is an undercurrent, a sinister presence that lurks in the shadows. Secrets flying in the air, dangerously close to crashing down.
Esme is nowhere to be seen.
Scarlett, Ella, and Ryan circle the room with trays of food and offer them to the guests.
Dave and Shawn stand to the side, pouring champagne, whispering to each other.
Alfred is speaking to Daniella and Wayne.
Nova is walking around with incense.
Audrey is speaking to some guests. Everett, who breaks away from a different crowd, cuts in front of her, shaking everyone’s hands. Audrey shrinks back, on the outer edge of the circle, before leaving entirely. She catches Ryan by the shoulder.
Audrey:
Butler, a glass?
Ryan:
Certainly, Mrs. Sinclair.
Audrey:
Thank you.
Audrey dabs her forehead with a handkerchief. Ryan notices.
Ryan:
Everything okay, Mrs. Sinclair?
Audrey:
(snaps)
Yes, why wouldn’t it be?
Ryan nods, handing her the drink. Audrey takes the glass, but her hand shakes, and it tips, spilling. Ryan catches it quickly.
Audrey:
(flustered)
Oh, I-I apologize.
Ryan:
Not to worry.
(he straightens the glasses)
Enjoy your evening, Mrs. Sinclair.
Ryan walks away towards Dave and Shawn. He is intercepted by Ella.
Ella:
(flirtily)
Nice suit.
Ryan:
Not now, Ella.
Ryan pushes past Ella, who looks embarrassed. She turns to find Wayne staring at her.
Ella:
(rolling her eyes)
Hello, yourself.
Wayne:
(grinning)
And she’s got an attitude.
Ella:
Is that supposed to be a pickup line?
Wayne:
Did it work?
Ella pauses, looking at him.
Ella:
(scoffing)
Could’ve been a lawyer…
Ella walks away, looking back over her shoulder at Wayne, who raises his glass in a mock toast as she leaves.
Meanwhile, Ryan reaches Shawn and Dave. He holds out a tray of empty glasses, and Shawn begins to pour.
Shawn:
(bewildered)
You’re out already?
Dave:
(taking a glass)
Aristocrats, huh? They know how to party!
Scarlett happens to walk by at that moment. She scoffs and rolls her eyes. Dave blushes, embarrassed. He doesn’t see Scarlett blushing too, just as red as him.
Shawn:
(to Dave)
You need a mute button.
Dave:
(pats Shawn’s shoulder)
That’s not possible man.
(looks back and forth, lowering his voice)
At least, not yet.
Shawn:
(rolling his eyes, before handing the glass back)
So, some party, huh?
Ryan:
Eh, it gets old.
Shawn:
Truly.
There is a silence as the three of them watch the party.
Ryan:
(breaking the silence)
Have you guys seen my mother?
Shawn:
Not since this morning.
Dave:
Yeah, she like, disappeared.
Ryan goes to say something when Everett steps up, tapping his glass with a silver spoon for silence. A hush falls upon the party as Everett walks to the center of the room.
Everett:
Welcome, welcome. Thank you, everyone, for coming together for this pivotal evening. For tonight, I pass the mantle to my daughter, the lovely Miss Daniella Sinclair.
Applause echoes through the room, but Daniella doesn’t smile. Everett lances into her with a vicious stare, and Daniella immediately straightens and smiles, waving. Audrey looks distraught.
Everett:
After forty long years, it seems, time has finally caught up with me. I am no longer the spritely, ambitious man I was once. Now, all I want is to spend the rest of my days with my family, who I’ve missed each late night and early morning where work has stolen me away. A toast, everyone, to my wife, Audrey, the love of my life.
There is applause, and Audrey smiles weakly. When the applause dwindles, she turns and downs the rest of her glass in one gulp.
Everett:
And to my children, Daniella, Wayne, and Raquelle!
The audience claps again. Daniella scowls, Audrey looks sick, Alfred betrays a slight frown. Wayne whispers in Nova’s ear.
Nova:
(loudly)
Rachel.
Everett:
What?
Nova:
Her name is Rachel.
Everett:
Ah yes, another round of applause for my youngest daughter!
The audience, however, doesn’t clap, confused.
Oh, that’s right, she’s not here.
The audience laughs, and Everett raises his hand for silence once more.
Everett:
And finally, to my eldest son, Rich.
(his voice breaks, but it is fake)
Rich. I miss you more than you know. My son, life has taken you too soon.
(he pauses to wipe his eyes)
No father should live to see his son die. I will live with this hole in my heart forever. Rich, you were the light in every room. My only consolation is that I know—the sky will shine brighter with you there.
Rich:
I’ll drink to that.
The room goes utterly still. Nobody moves a muscle. Everett’s face is frozen. From behind him, Rich walks out, arms folded behind his back.
Rich:
Hi dad.
Nobody moves. Then, Audrey releases a bloodcurling scream.
Audrey:
(throat hoarse)
What kind of sick, twisted joke is this?
(she whips to Wayne, grabbing him by the lapel)
I swear to god, Wayne. I swear to god if you did this.
Rich:
Stop, mom. It’s me.
Audrey:
(beat)
But-
(she lets out a sob)
But-
Alfred steps in, pulling her into his side. Audrey leans her head on his shoulder, looking absolutely exhausted and spent. Her face is twisted in agony as she cries silently, mouthing the word “how, how, how?” over and over again.
Daniella:
(blankly)
Rich?
Rich:
(stepping forward)
Hi, Dani.
Daniella:
(holds out a hand)
Stop. Just–
(she searches for the right thing to say)
Stop.
Wayne:
Excuse me!
(he steps out from the crowd, a crazed look in his eye)
What the actual…(goes to curse, but remembers who is in the room with him). What is this?
(he runs his hands through his hair, distraught)
No, no, no, no. No! NO.
Nova:
Wayne—
Wayne:
No, just, everyone SHUT UP.
(whips to Rich)
Listen. I don’t know who the hell you are, but you better get out right now or I swear to god—
Rich:
Wayne, it’s me. It’s me, I swear.
Wayne:
My brother is dead!
(beat)
He’s dead—
Rich:
Kelsey.
Wayne:
What?
Rich:
The stray you took in, that I helped you hide from dad. Her name was Kelsey.
Wayne:
(tearfully)
Rich?
Rich nods, tears filling his eyes now too. He turns to Daniella, who stands rigidly, hardly daring to breathe.
Daniella:
Prove it.
Rich lowers his head, then slowly rolls up his sleeve to reveal another bracelet, this time, with bright blue beads.
Rich:
It’s me, Dani.
Daniella:
(at a loss for words)
I… I don’t understand.
Rich:
Long time no see?
Audrey has regained her voice.
Audrey:
(sloppily, as she is both drunk and overcome with emotion)
YOU DIED. You d-died…
Rich:
No, I almost died. For a moment, I believed I was going to.
(beat)
But I didn’t.
Daniella:
I don’t understand.
Wayne:
How could you do this to us?
Rich:
(beat)
I couldn’t come back.
Wayne:
(yelling)
Do you have any idea how hard this has been on us?
Rich:
I couldn’t come back! Not knowing that someone in this manor tried to kill me.
Wayne:
One of—one of us?
(he is angry now)
You think one of us did this to you?
Rich:
(whispers)
Yes.
Daniella:
You overdosed!
Rich:
That’s the story you bought?
Wayne:
What story? You died!
Rich:
Did you see a body?
Daniella:
Well no, but—
Rich:
Did you see a body?
Daniella:
No! But Dad said…He said…
Daniella’s voice trails off. Slowly, she turns to Everett who hasn’t said a word.
Daniella:
You said…
(she pauses, dangerously)
He died.
Everett doesn’t move.
Wayne:
(Wayne’s lip quivers)
Dad? Say something!
But Everett doesn’t move. He doesn’t even blink.
Wayne:
DAD!
Nothing.
Daniella:
Dad?
Still nothing. All at once, it is clear that something is very, very wrong.
Everett keels backwards, slowly, eyes rolling back into his skull.
He hits the ground hard.
Someone screams. Wayne, Audrey, and Daniella rush to his side. Audrey cradles his head. They all call his name, but there is no response. Then, Rich kneels down. Alfred steps in, gently bringing Audrey to her feet, gesturing for the maids and butlers to help the three siblings.
Everyone steps back, watching Rich and his father.
Rich:
Dad.
Everett’s eyes flutter.
Everett:
Son.
(he reaches a weak hand to Rich’s shoulder) .
His voice is thick and raspy.
Everett:
Rich.
Scene 16: Confessions
Alfred:
Someone get Esme, now!
Scarlett and Ella sprint off.
Alfred:
Shawn, Dave, first aid kit. Kitchens, now!
Shawn and Dave run off. Ryan follows, but Alfred calls him back.
Alfred:
Ryan, don’t move!
(he points at Nova, then at Audrey, who is crying into Wayne’s shoulder)
Nova, you and Wayne take Audrey to her room and stay there.
Nova:
(flustered)
A-audrey?
Alfred:
Ms. Sinclair, now go!
They run off. Now, it is only Ryan, Rich, Everett, Alfred, and Esme, who bursts into the room with medical equipment.
Alfred:
(shaking his head)
No need, Esme.
(looks at Rich and Ryan)
Lock the doors.
They hesitate, but at the look from Alfred, do it quickly, before running back to Alfred’s side.
The room is quiet now, as the four of them surround Everett, who is breathing heavily.
Suddenly, Alfred stands. He makes to leave, but before he goes, he looks deep in Esme’s eyes.
Alfred:
It’s time to jump.
And with that, he leaves, locking the door behind him.
Ryan:
What the hell is going on here?
Rich and Esme share a look.
Ryan:
Somebody, please tell me.
Silence.
Ryan:
Mom, tell me.
Everett:
(weakly)
No.
(his chest heaves)
It should be me.
Ryan stares at him.
Everett:
(smiling)
What an—incredible son, isn’t he, Esme?
Esme:
(stone faced, tears welling)
He is.
Ryan freezes.
Ryan:
I’m sorry?
Everett:
Ryan.
(beat)
You’re my son.
Ryan:
(blankly)
W… What?
Everett:
My son.
Ryan looks to Esme who smiles through the tears, and then to Rich, who nods, solemnly.
Ryan:
(hands shaking)
Okay… Um, okay..
(anger seizes his face)
WHAT?
Esme:
He’s your father, Ryan.
Ryan:
(to Esme)
That’s why you were so loyal to this place. That’s why we could never leave!
Esme:
Yes.
Ryan shakes his head, then looks at Rich.
Ryan:
And how do you figure into all of this?
Rich:
I knew the secret, didn’t I? I saw them together, in the study. Dad knew I saw. I became a liability, so he had me killed.
Everett coughs loudly.
Ryan:
But,,,you’re not dead.
Rich:
Nope. I have Sam to thank for that.
Ryan:
Sam?
Esme:
Chef Scouliuile.
Rich:
Everett made him do it. Slip poison in my evening tea. How’d you make him do it, dad?
Everett grunts.
Rich:
(turns from Everett, humorlessly)
But Sam couldn’t do it. He just couldn’t. He didn’t put the full amount, or else I wouldn’t be here.
(beat)
I drank the tea. Got real messed up. Crashed the car. Somehow, I climbed out, hobbled to a holiday inn. I don’t do drugs, so I knew right away someone had slipped me something. I also knew it had to be someone in the house. But I didn’t know exactly who. I couldn’t go back into the lion’s den blind. So I waited for a moment when I knew there would be strangers in the house, to ensure that the killer wouldn’t dare make a move. Pep helped me get in safely.
Ryan:
Goddamnit, Pep.
Rich:
Sure, I had no plan, but I was done hiding. It seemed like the best chance I would get, so I took it.
(beat)
And I caught you, dad. I caught you.
There is a long, painful silence. Everyone stares down at Everett. But even in the face of death, Everett does not flinch.
Everett:
You knew my secret.
I did what I had to do…
(his voice begins to fade)
For the good…
(his head rolls back)
Of the family.
Scene 17: Filet Mignon
Lights up on a park bench. A woman walks up to it, closing her umbrella and shaking it. Then a man strides past, straightening his lavish hat and sitting down next to her. A second man comes up behind the bench, clutching a newspaper. And finally, a fourth, blond girl joins them, perching on the end, nursing a cup of tea.
There is silence.
Rich:
(holds up a newspaper)
You guys see the news?
Wayne:
Ghosts can’t talk.
Rich:
Shut up.
Wayne:
(looking at Dani and Rachel)
Do you guys feel that?
(he holds his hands out, dramatically)
I think Richie’s tryna tell us something.
Rich:
(sarcastically)
Oh ha ha.
Daniella:
(to Rich)
Is this the one about Sam?
Rich:
(he nods, handing her the newspaper)
Yes.
Rachel:
Can’t believe they haven’t caught him yet.
Daniella:
Let’s hope they never do.
Wayne:
I gotta admit, he’s got style.
Rachel:
How is poisoning our father style?
Wayne:
(mockingly)
Oh Rachel, it’s for the good of the family.
Rachel:
He’s got style.
Wayne:
Of course he did. He ran off with Jane, and she was (he makes a fanning motion to his neck, as if caught in a hot summer’s day)
Rachel and Daniella:
Ugh.
Rich:
Well, whatever the case, Dad’s gone now.
Wayne:
(dramatically, in a ghost voice)
Doomed to haunt the empty halls of the manor, forever!
Everyone rolls their eyes.
Daniella:
Did you all hear about the wedding?
Rachel:
Oh yeah, Scarlett and Dave, right?
Wayne:
I knew it.
Rich:
And Ryan and Pep just had a kid.
Wayne:
A boy right? What’s his name?
Rich:
Alfred. Alfie, for short.
Rachel:
Adorable.
There is a pause.
Daniella:
Can you guys believe we have a half brother?
Wayne:
I gotta say…
(he points a finger, gesturing to Rich in his entirety)
The resemblance is striking.
Rich:
(shaking his head)
How’s NorthCo, Rach?
Rachel:
Busy as always. Still trying to pay off the debt Dad put us in.
Daniella:
He did like his filet mignon.
Wayne:
Remember how Sam used to say it?
Filet mignon.
(he pronounces it completely wrong)
Rachel:
No it’s, filet mignon
(pronounces it even worse)
Rich:
I’ll have the filet mignon.
(pronunciation is barely recognizable)
The siblings laugh and bicker as the lights begin to dim, and their voices are slowly drowned out by music, before fading away completely.
Photo Credits: Ryan Lum, Unsplash