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CHARACTERS

Alison, Female, 30-years-old, Engineer

Maura, Male, 28-years-old, Travel Blogger

Bruce, Male, 33-years-old, Lawyer

 

ACT

SCENE 

Curtains rise in an office at Lakwa, mid-morning. There’s a small window on the left. Alison sits at a table alone, typing on her laptop, surrounded by unfinished manuscripts, two cups and a flask. Alison picks a pen, scratching on the manuscripts unsure of what to write. A hum of traffic can be heard faintly from outside. The lighting is dim. Alison picks up a cup sipping coffee from one cup and milk from another.

                                                                            ALISON 

I admire to be like my late father, but I seem not to do what he did. He was an accomplished Civil Engineer with a record of well-constructed roads. He took me round the roads he supervised and introduced me to the female Engineers who inspired me to pursue Engineering. My father wanted the best for me.

Alison pulls the laptop next to her. A faint ding can be heard from the laptop signaling an email. She ignores it.

That’s a reminder that I have to submit my story today. This story is a reflection of breaking from expectations to passion. I’ll achieve recognition through this. The deadline is in two hours.

The sound of a clock ticking grows louder.

My father told me to work on what’s urgent and take coffee.

Alison sips from the coffee cup, staring at the window. Lights brighten.

So, this is the life I worked hard for? Half an office job, and half a dream. My father told me to pursue what I want. I wanted Engineering like him, but I’m not interested in it. I work for long, and hardly have time for myself. My friends quit this career, and they’re doing well in farming. I should just write, make a cup of milk every morning and call it a day.

Alison sips from the milk cup.

This tastes better than coffee. I’m the only person who can take coffee and milk at the same time.

                                                                   (bitterly)

My mother chose to mend clothes, but her costumers never appreciated her work. Some sneaked into our house when she went to town to get new stock and took their clothes without informing her. Others convinced her that she’ll visit their farms daily to pluck vegetables, but none had a farm.

                                                                  (Whispers to herself)

I’ll write tomorrow or today. I’ve been saying I’ll write for three years. I bought a new book and laptop for that, but none has happened yet.

Alison goes to take another sip but stops herself, staring at the cup.

                                                                               ALISON

                                                                    (Sarcastic)

I don’t know what path to follow. The cup of coffee says I should just drink it and stop complaining. The milk says I could have a better life if I stick to my plans. If my parents were here, they’d help me make a decision. I want to write about the fatal accident we were involved in, but I survived.

Alison sneezes, wiping her nose with a small cloth. She begins typing.

I’m not going to relax from today. I’ll try and write every day or let me say twice weekly.

Maura bursting in full of life. He stops, glaring at Alison. and walks toward her. Maura pulls Alison’s manuscript, and fans himself with it.

                                                                             MAURA 

                                                                    (Chuckling)

Look at you Alison, when did you go on a vacation? A young lady with sunken cheeks? Why can’t you enjoy?

Alison doesn’t look up.

                                                                            ALISON

Of course I know, you can go for that vacation. I’m focused on my story.

                                                                           MAURA

Come on, Son. I don’t like calling you Alison since you do more for yourself. I’m a travel blogger, and can take you with me in my next trip.

A faint ding can be heard from the laptop signaling an email. She opens it.

                                                                          ALISON

I’m trying to keep my eyes open long enough to type the prologue, but my brain is officially on strike. I don’t have a single character, but I must write today. I have received a book rejection email now. I don’t know what to do.

Maura checks the email looking through Alison’s eyes.

                                                                           MAURA

                                                                   (Bored)

What are you saying? You don’t have ideas to write about that’s why you haven’t begun the prologue. We can go out together and get some ideas from our travel. What did you write about to earn a rejection?

Alison diverts to another issue.

                                                                          ALISON

Never mind, it’s unnecessary to discuss about what’s past.

Maura notices two cups on the table. He takes the coffee cup and milk cup. They’re both warm.

                                                                         MAURA

Is this a coffee- milk beverage? You’re drinking your stress, and that’s why you can’t write.

                                                                         ALISON

                                                                   (Shrugs)

The universe gives me bitter coffee, so I add the milk to my dreams and hope it tastes like something more than disappointment.

Maura flops down beside Alison, peering at the manuscript.

                                                                         MAURA

                                                                   (Laughs)

What’s the deal? You’re still stuck here? I thought you’d be half-way something by now, at least by accident of that’s applicable. Why did you pursue Engineering? You’d better stay home and write than spend six years in school. I’m so depressed listening to you say that. I have a travel blog where people write about getting lost in airports. 

Bruce walks in carrying a briefcase. He looks in between Maura and Alison and drops the briefcase on the table hitting Alison’s laptop.

                                                                        ALISON

                                                                  (In rage)

Did you plan to take away my passion? See what you’ve caused to my laptop. Why couldn’t you wait to meet me after work?

                                                                        BRUCE

                                                                   (Apologetic)

I didn’t know it would hit the laptop, Alison.

The laptop shuts down. Alison pulls it close to her chest pressing the keys, her hands shaking.

                                                                       ALISON

                                                                  (In panic)

What have you done Bruce? My manuscripts have been stored here. You’ll have to write for me.

Bruce restarts the laptop, and shows her the manuscript.

                                                                       MAURA

Alison is so worried. Let’s help her. I escaped a rigid upbringing, and wouldn’t want to see my friend sink due to poor decisions. 

Bruce looks at Maura, confused.

                                                                        BRUCE

I’m sorry, am I interrupting something?

                                                                        MAURA

                                                                 (Playfully)

It’s not something big; you’re just in time. Alison is trying to write but it seems she’s unsettled. Her father influenced her choice of Engineering, but she seems to love writing.

                                                                         BRUCE

                                                                 (Glancing at Alison)

You’re late Alison, you should have done this in your 20’s. My mother guided me well that I should choose a career that I’m passionate about.

                                                                       ALISON

                                                                (Mocking Bruce)

I hear you perfectionist, well done for having everything in place from career to gym routine.

                                                                       BRUCE

You won’t understand Alison. That’s how the world works, I’m trying to tell you what to do. You follow the rules, you win.

                                                                       MAURA

                                                                (Agreeing)

I have been telling her that, but she keeps talking about her parents. We want you to be happy and quit this boring section of life.

                                                                       BRUCE

You can’t just throw your future all away for writing. You have to be wise.

                                                                      ALISON

                                                               (In a monologue)

Why does it feel like the rules are too tough for my free life? I thought the book project would be successful. I almost submitted my resignation letter to the company.

Bruce staring at Alison.

                                                                      BRUCE

What are you thinking about? Follow the rules and be like us.

                                                                      ALISON

I can’t make that decision fast. Writing is passion, and Engineering is career. What if I fail in both?

                                                                      MAURA

                                                               (Playfully)

Failing is the best at least you’ll have some good stories to tell.

Bruce glancing at Maura while Alison chuckles.

                                                                       BRUCE

This isn’t a joke! Life isn’t a travel blog.

                                                                       MAURA

That’s what life should be. Who says you can’t mix adventure with responsibility?

Alison looks between Bruce and Maura, standing up frustrated. Maura takes a cup. Alison rubbing her eyes. Lights dim.

                                                                       ALISON

I feel like I’m being pulled in two directions! I want to write, but I don’t want to let anyone down. I don’t know what’s holding me back. It feels like there’s a wall between me and my dreams. Maybe I’m not good enough.

                                                                       MAURA

                                                                  (Grinning)

Alison, you’re not just good enough, you’re a genius. A Civil engineer like your father. If the world isn’t ready for your script, that’s their problem, not yours.

                                                                        BRUCE

You won’t let anyone down. I prefer you pursue your career and gain stability. I love drawing but I couldn’t pursue that since I can do it anytime. It’s also not guaranteed that I’ll have clients to draw for pay.

                                                                        MAURA

You shouldn’t forget that she should be happy. What’s the point of living if you’re not following your dreams?

Alison and Maura begin to argue, voices rising.

                                                                        ALISON 

                                                                (Exasperated)

I’m not you Maura. I need to sit alone and make a decision. I don’t get to just drop everything and go live in a van for six months. I have bills and responsibilities.

                                                                        MAURA

I have Wi-Fi and a whole lot of free time. I agree with you, but this corporate thing is just a trap with benefits. It’s not far from a rat race, Alison.

                                                                        ALISON

                                                                (Frustrated)

You don’t get it. I need this job, and I want to write. What if I throw everything away for a dream that ends up being nothing but a collection of expositions without the rising actions?

                                                                       MAURA

You’ve got one life and you’re already failing if you don’t risk. Think about it. You’re sitting here, sipping your way into a corner while your stories are collecting dust. You think your future is going to be made of rejection emails?

                                                                       ALISON

What if the risk is just me falling flat on my face? I’m too old to take risks.

                                                                      MAURA

                                                               (Smirking)

You’re 30, Alison. You’ve got another decade to mess up before the society starts judging. You’ve not started a family yet, I’ve been to five continents in the past six months, and I haven’t even left the hotel lobby in style. What’s stopping you? Live and thrive, life doesn’t care about what you’re thinking about.

                                                                       ALISON

                                                               (Yelling)

I don’t want to choose. Why can’t I have both? I want to be responsible, but I also want to be free.

Suddenly, a coffee cup slips from the table, spilling all over Alison’s laptop and the manuscript on the table.

                                                                      MAURA

                                                                (In shock)

Ooh no! Your manuscript?

Alison gasps, looking at her ruined work. She takes her handkerchief, and begins to wipe the laptop.

                                                                      ALISON

                                                                (Panics)

Does it want good for me? This is a sign that I’ve been so focused on everyone’s else’s expectations that I forgot about my own desires.

                                                                (crying)

The universe is telling me that it’s time to face the reality, isn’t it?

                                                                      BRUCE

That’s the beginning. You’re yet to experience more. This is a chance to think again. Remember there’s pension in corporate jobs, Alison. Your job is secure, but your manuscript is in a mess.

                                                                     MAURA

There’s pension but are you sure you’ll work until retirement? Choose for yourself!

Alison takes a deep breath wiping the already wet manuscript.

                                                                      ALISON

                                                               (Resigned)

This was the end of me. I have been waiting for life to give me permission, but I’m supposed to have permitted myself.

Alison stares at the wet pages. Lightens brighten up gradually.

                                                               (Sighing)

I took my time writing this; I don’t remember any statement here. I get it now. It’s time to jump. I have to go for the thing I’ve wanted even if it’s messy.

                                                                       BRUCE

                                                                  (Softly)

That’s why I told you to focus on corporate jobs. They’re secure. I’ve visited your office, but I’m certain that I’ll be paid as per our agreement with my employer. Look at you, soiled manuscript, stressed the whole day.

                                                                       MAURA

Don’t mislead her into what she doesn’t want. Alison, take time and think about what’s best for you.

Bruce looks at Maura sharply.

                                                                           ALISON

You’re right, Maura. I’ve been at a crossroads too long. I need to take the risk and follow my passions. I’m going to write often and send for publication.

                                                                        BRUCE

You don’t have to think in that line. You’ll be respected by everyone once they know that you’re in a stable career.

Alison looks at Maura and Bruce, her voice trembling. Lights dim.

                                                                       ALISON

I want to write. I don’t want to look back and regret not trying. 

                                                                        BRUCE

                                                                (Voice softening)

I want you to have the best, Alison. But if this is what you really want, I’ll let you make a decision.

Pausing.

                                                                       BRUCE

I want you to be happy. I’m scared, but I’ll support you. 

Alison spills the remaining coffee on the manuscripts.

                                                                       ALISON

                                                                  (Firmly)

I’m beginning a new chapter today.

                                                                       MAURA

I’ll be your biggest fan.

                                                                       ALISON

I don’t want to sweep off my father’s efforts for he wanted me to be an Engineer like him.

Bruce, Maura and Alison move toward the entrance, laughing together.

                                                                       ALISON

I have realized that I can’t have it all but to chase what I want. I’ll do the corporate job during the day, and write when I’m off duty. I’ll also travel the world with Maura.

They clink coffee cups together. Alison holds a pen while smiling at Maura and Bruce.

LIGHTS GO DOWN