HOPE, DEAD LEAVES, AND A NECKLACE

“...hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast...”
Hebrews 6:19

Jerry Hawn

Copyright 1992 - Revised 2000

Cast notes:
12 parts - 3 male and 4 female; 5 parts that can be either one

Set notes:
6 scenes - 5 in a nicely furnished apartment and 1 in a bachelor’s more casual home. The second set could use many of the pieces of the first set with throws over them and put in a different arrangement.
The plant- we used a plastic plant that had leaves that snapped off and on.  We bought two plants - one for each set. But a third plant could be purchased so that on days of multiple performances you won’t have to take time to reassemble the plant between shows.
Poster of preborn child - we used an actual large photo, but a smaller photo in a frame could be used or if a good photo can’t be found - use a framed picture that is too small to be perceived by the audience. Local pro-life groups may be willing to provide a picture.
Scripture poster - same as above

Script notes:
Paper boy’s sports references - may be changed to reflect current heroes and your local teams.
Slavonia and the Alexis Necklace are fictitious names. 

Scene description to be included in program:
Scene 1 - Celia Stone’s condo
Scene 2 - Evening at Celia’s
Scene 3 - Evening at Roland Anderson’s home
Scene 4 - Evening at Celia’s - several days later
Scene 5 - Evening at Celia’s - 24 hours later
Scene 6 - Afternoon at Celia’s - several days later

Script Key:
M= Maggie
D= Denise
R= Roland
T= Taylor
A= Agnes
B= Arthur
Q= Roquefort
P= Policeman 1
L= Policeman 2
1= Thief 1
2= Thief 2
C= Aunt Celia

Royalty:
This script is copyrighted. 
Keep your conscience happy - pay the royalty fee when the play is performed.
2000-2001 fees for non-profit groups: $50 first performance, $25 each performance thereafter

Contact:
InSight Productions
1018 E Richardson
Farmer City, IL 61842
309-928-2109
jhawn@farmwagon.com                          Coming soon: www.farmercity.org/insight

      HOPE, DEAD LEAVES, AND A NECKLACE

Scene 1

Setting: Mother & daughter enter living room of nicely furnished condo. They are carrying suitcases and are just moving in.

M:	Well, Denise, what do you think of your new home?

D:	(Looks around) Aunt Celia s place is nicer than I imagined. I hope the rest of the condo is like this. (Opens door to rest of condo and steps off stage for a moment.)

M:	(Sets suitcase down and looks around. Picks up picture frame and stares at it.)

D:	(Returns on stage without suitcases.) Oh, the bathroom and bedrooms are pretty large, and nice.

M:	What you mean is that there is enough room in the bathroom for your cosmetics, curling irons, and hair spray. And the bedroom has a closet sufficient to accommodate your wardrobe.

D:(Smiling) You re right, Mom. And the bedroom I left for you isn t all that bad either.

M:	(shaking head) What an ornery daughter I have; sure didn t get that from me.

D:	What s that picture you ve got? (Goes over to M)

M:	It s a picture of you and me. Must be from a snapshot Aunt Celia took of us and had enlarged.

D:	Oh, gross! I was just a little twerp then. (pause) When was this taken?

M:	It must have been just after the accident - at the funeral I suppose. (M obviously feeling sorrow. Awkward pause. Puts picture down.) I d better unpack. (opens suitcase. Takes out liquor bottle.)

D:	No, Mom. We came here to get away from our past. Don t do this.

M:	Oh, what do you know? A little won t hurt. I can handle it.

D:	(indignant) Yeah, like you handled everything else!

M:	Now don t start with me. I came here to get away from pressure of things at home. Don t give me any trouble. Besides, you re a fine one to be telling someone how to run their life.
D:	So I made one mistake. Quit throwing it in my face. At least my problem has an easy answer.

(Front door was not completely closed as M & D entered carrying suitcases, -and only partially closed the door. A lady is seen in the doorway.

A:	Yoo Hoo! Anybody home?

(M & D are startled. M quickly puts bottle away. They move to door.)

M:	Hello. Are you looking for someone?
A:	Yes, I m Agnes Brown, the neighbor across the hall. Celia told me her niece and daughter would be coming for a visit while she was away. So, I wanted to say hello.

M:	That s very nice of you. I m Maggie (pauses) Martin. (D looks at M strangely) And this is my daughter, Denise.

A:	Well, Maggie and Denise, welcome to the neighborhood. Here I baked a plate of cookies for you.

D:	(taking them) Oh, how nice. I love cookies.

(Knock at door, which still isn t closed. Man sticks his head in.)

B:	Knock, knock.

(M & D look at each other confused.)

A:	Oh, Arthur, you and your ridiculous jokes.

B:	Knock, knock.

D:	Who s there?

B:	Ach.

D:	Ach who?

B:	No wonder you re sneezing. You left the door open!

A:	Maggie and Denise, this is my husband, Arthur.

B:	A pleasure to meet you. I'm sure Celia was sorry she couldn t be here while you are staying in our fair city,

A:	Such a shame that her sister took so seriously ill. Celia, being the kind person she is, felt she had to fly out and help her sister out,

D:	Yes, Aunt Celia always seems to have time for others. She s so nice.

A:	Well, if there is anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable, please don t hesitate to ask.

B:	My first word of warning is this: don t eat those hockey pucks that Agnes just forged. They d make a garbage disposal sick.

A:	Arthur Brown, how could you say such a thing? This recipe has been in my family for years.

B:	Yeah, and they re all dead now aren t they?

M:	(to A, smiling) I m sure they ll be just fine. Thank you for sharing them with us.

B:	Don t say I didn t warn you.

M:	Perhaps there is something you can help us with. I was noticing it is a bit cool in here. How do we turn up the heat?

B:	Well, the thermostat is right over here. (Walks over to it, Studies it for a moment.) Hmmm. This appears to be set right. Let me give you the building manager s number, you d better give him a call, (Takes out a pen and looks around.)

D:	(Picks up paper from table.) Here s some paper,

A:	(While B is writing) How long do you plan to stay here? If I m not being too nosey to ask.

M:	We plan to stay a month. We re sort of on vacation.

B:	Here s the number

M:	Thanks.

A:	Arthur, we d better go. I ve got another batch of cookies in the oven. You wouldn t want them to burn.

B:	Oh, I didn t know you cooked by time.., I thought you went by the smoke alarm.

A:	(Moving to door) Really, Arthur. What are these people going to think? I ought never to cook anything for you ever again.

B:	(Following her) Promises. Promises.

M:	Bye!

D:	Thanks for the cookies. (They wave)	

M:	(Waving paper) I ll make this call, Denise, would you go out and get the rest of our things?

D:	Sure, (Exits)

M:	(Makes call) Oh great, an answering machine. (Pause) Yes, this is 14C. Our heat is not working. We would appreciate it being fixed as soon as possible. (Hangs up) that was probably a wasted call. I hope Aunt Celia has plenty of blankets. (Goes toward bedroom, but Denise reenters before she exits)

D:	Mom!

M:	What is it?

D:	I just stepped outside, when I saw someone looking in our car!

M:	We should be able to see -the car from this window. (they look)

D:	See, there he is! He s getting in the trunk!

M:	(Going to phone) I ll c all the police. You keep watching. (dials) (pause) Yes, someone is trying to steal my car! My address? Uhhh. Oakridge Condominiums on Elm Street. We re in 14C.  You have a car in the neighborhood? Great! Yes, we ll wait inside. (Hangs up) I can t believe it! We come to this crummy town, and the first day someone tries to rip us off! (Goes back to window) What s going on now?
D:	He s taken all of  our stuff out of the trunk, and piled it on the ground.  Now he's taking out the spare tire!

M:	Did you see him break the lock to get into the trunk?

D:	(Reluctantly) He didn t have to,

M:	You mean you left the keys in the car?

D:	Well I thought we were going to going right back out there. How did I know someone was going to rip us off?

M:	You re so stupid sometimes.
 (D glare s back)

M:	Look! The police drove up quietly behind him while he was still digging around in the trunk.

D:	They got him!

M:	They re coming this way. (They go to door and open it, Three men enter — 2 are police.)

P:	(To M) Are you the lady that called in a car theft in progress?

M:	Yes, I am. And that s the thief. Good work, officer.

T:	I m not a thief!

L:	Take it easy, Taylor. Let us handle this.

D:	You know him? Must have quite a record.

L:	That he does. (Smiles at T)

P:	M am, did you know your left rear tire is flat?

M:	No, we just drove in. How could it be?

P:	Well, you may have picked up a nail somewhere - giving you a slow leak that didn t go down until after it set for a while.

M:	What does that have to do with someone stealing my car?

L:	You ve just helped us catch the Phantom Tire Changer,

D:	The what?

L:	The Phantom Tire Changer. We ve had several reports of people in this area who had flat tires, and when they would come out to change the tire -  they found it had already been done.

P:	I m not surprised it s Taylor. He is involved in a lot of community service projects and is our Youth Liaison for this neighborhood,

D:	(To T) You mean you were going to change our tire?

T:	(shrugs shoulders) That s right.

D:	For free?

T:	(Smiling) Yes.

D:	Why would you want to do that?

T:	A lot of the people that live in this area are single women or older people who would have trouble doing something like changing a tire. Besides, it s kind of like a game to me: to see how fast I can do it and not have anyone see me.

L:	Kind of crime in reverse. Trying to do a good deed without getting caught.

T:	I d have gotten away with it this time, if it hadn t been for all that junk in the trunk and the fact that the tire iron is missing.

D:	That junk, Mr. Taylor, are my clothes and my stuff. I d appreciate not having them dumped on the ground.

T:	Taylor is my first name. And you really ought to get yourself a tire iron.

D:	Is that the metal thingy with the funny  end?

T:	I suppose that s what you would call it.

D:	Well, I keep that under the front seat in case anyone gives me any trouble.

T:	That s a woman for you. Completely unorganized.

D:	Officer, take this man away before I go get my .

T:	Metal thingy.

D:	And lock him up for a long time.

L:	Well, young lady, I don t think we can do that. But for our report we would like you to verify that nothing is missing or damaged.

P:	Taylor, you really shouldn t be getting into other people s cars without their permission.

T:	What about when they leave the keys in the ignition. (holds them up)

D:	Just like a man to change the subject. (snatches keys)

L:	Now, If you two young people will step outside I think we can finish our report and be on our way.

(The 4 move to door)
P:	(To M) Good afternoon, m am.

M:	Good day, officer.

(They exit)

M:	Well, now maybe I can get to my unpacking.(She takes out bottle, looks at it for a while, starts to remove cap, doorbell rings) Who can that be? (Puts bottle down and answers door)

M:	Who is it?

H:	It s the building manager. (M opens door. He enters.)

R:	Hello, I m Roland Anderson. You must be Celia s niece.

M:	Yes, Mr. Anderson. I m Maggie (pauses) Martin.

H:	You look vaguely familiar...

M:	(Walks away) Well, Mr. Anderson, do you think you can get our heat turned back on right away?

H:	Let me have a look at the valve behind the service panel in the bathroom. Shouldn t take too long.

M:	Go right ahead. (Motions to door)
(She picks up bottle, pours drink, arid sits on couch. D enters.)

D:	That Taylor is so insolent! I should have wrapped that bar around his neck.

(Phone rings.) (M goes to phone, while her back is turned D pours drink into flower pot.)

M:    (Picks up phone.) Hello, Celia Stone residence. This is Maggie speaking. (pause) Hello. . Hello. (Pauses) Hello? (Hangs up) That s strange. Nobody said anything, but I could hear background noise. Maybe somebody wanting Celia, and was surprised to hear me answer.

D:	Maybe.

M:	Do you still think that someone followed us here?

D:	I don t know. I just kept seeing the same car behind us all the time.

M:	I don t know why anyone would follow us. We re no longer of interest to the press, arid we don t have anything of value.

D:	What s that noise? It s coming from the hallway!

M:	That s the building manager. He s fixing the heat.

® enters)

H:	That should do it. You just had a bad connection. It should be warm in here in no time.

M:	Thank you. What do I owe you?

B:	It s all part of the maintenance contract. No charge. I hope you enjoy your stay here. (Doorbell rings)

(D answers door)

M:	So far it hasn t been a very quiet beginning for our vacation.

(D comes back with Q)
B:	Hello, Roquefort.

Q:	Hello, Mr. A.

H:	(To M) Well, I m going to meet my son for dinner. If you have any other problems, just give me a ring.

M:	Good bye.

Q:	(to M) You must be Celia s niece. I understand you re going to be here for a month, and you ll no doubt want a newspaper. Being the leading entrepreneur in the neighborhood I m prepared to offer you an amazing one month special price that includes daily delivery to your doorstep.

M:	What is your paper like?

Q:	I just happen to have a complimentary copy right here.

M:	What s this?

Q:	Your receipt for the check you re going to make out to me.

M:	Sounds like an offer I can t refuse. (She makes out check)

Q:	Yes, m am. You re dealing with the best. Not some snot—nosed kid. A real winner like my man, Larry. Hey, I can really gun those hoops, too.

D:	Is your name really Roquefort?

Q:	You must be Denise. (Steps back) Taylor told me about you,

D:	That Taylor again!

M:	(Hands him check) There you are.

Q:	Thank you, Mrs. Decker. I ll be seeing you.(Walks to door.)

M:	That s not my name.

Q:	It is to me. A deck of cards has 52 cards, right? Your subscription starts today on the 5th of the month (holds up 5 fingers on right hand) and after 28 days ends on the 2nd (holds up 2 fingers on left hand). 52! See you, Mrs. Decker! (exits)

D:	Certainly are a lot of colorful characters in this neighborhood. (M picks up glass - surprised it is empty,) (D walks over to cookies on table) I m sure getting hungry. (picks up cookie) Mrs. Brown s cookies don t look so bad. (Takes bite) Ow! My tooth! (lights fade)

Scene 2

Setting: Same as first, but all torn up. Place has been ransacked. Lights are low. M & D enter darkened room talking.

D:	Nothing like a fancy dinner to cheer a person up.

M:	Perhaps Aunt Celia was right, the change of scenery will be good for both of us.

D:	I ll get the lights. (Lights come up.) Oh no, what happened!

M:	(Walks and looks around) Appears that someone was looking for something.

D:	I knew we were being followed! (pause) Do you ...think they may still be here? (looks to hallway) I hear footsteps! (Quiet. They both listen.)

(B steps in door unobserved) Knock, knock.
(They both jump. Denise screams. )(A enters.)

A:	See the effect your jokes have on people.

B:	Stop it, Agnes. Something terrible has happened.

A:	What s the matter?

M:	Someone broke in here and tore the place up. We just walked in and found it this way. We thought maybe they were still here when we heard your footsteps.

B:	I m sorry I frightened you.

A:	Would you like me to call the police from our place? You probably shouldn t touch anything in here.

M:	Yes, thank you.

B:	Call the building manager, too, I see a broken window in the hallway. (to M) I ll check the back rooms for you.
(They exit different doors)

D:	Why would someone do this?

M:	I don t know. Do you see anything missing? (They look around)

(B returns)
B:	Nothing back there but a mess like this one. Are you two OK?

M:	Yes, I think so, It s just been such a long day.,

B:	Well, one thing is certain - you can t stay here tonight. I ll have Agnes make up the guest room.

M:	Oh, we couldn t.

B:	I insist. There is no way you can stay here. This reminds me of the way things look after someone has thrashed around after eating Agnes  cooking.

M:	If you insist we accept your offer.

B:	Good! Come on over as soon as the police finish talking to you.  If you re smart you ll leave in the morning before breakfast. (As he opens door, policemen are there.)
Come in, officers. They re expecting you.

P:	Good evening, m am. I didn t think we d meet so soon,

M:	Nor I, officer. I hope you get the ones responsible for this.

P:	So do I, M am. We d like to look around some first, then we ll have some questions for you.

L:	It s a good thing you were wearing that necklace, M am. I m sure a thief would like to get his hands on that.

M:	You re probably right, officer, but it is only an imitation - it’s not real.

L:	Just the same, it s very pretty.

P:	We d like to start at the point of entry. How did they get in?

B:	We think they came in through a window in the hallway. Through there. (They exit)
The thieves wouldn t be after the necklace would they?

M:	In the first place, only an idiot would wear the real thing around or leave it lying about their house. Secondly, a jewel thief would recognize this distinctive setting as being from the crown jewels of Queen Alexis, and know that the real thing is safely at home in Europe with the rest of the collection.

B:	Perhaps you should take it off, before...

M:	Before I have to answer any questions that might give us away?

B:	You re the one who came up with the phony last name. Why can t we just be who we are? A fake necklace, a fake last name everything is phony in our lives.

M:	You re right, you know. Perhaps that s why this necklace wears so well on me, we re both as fake as you can get. (pause doorbell rings. D goes to door. M pours a drink.)

B:	I ll get it. (Opens door)

H:	Hello, I m the building manager. I had a call from Mrs. Brown to come over.

D:	Yes, please come in.

B:	Wow, this is quite a mess. Do you have somewhere to stay  tonight?

D:	Yes, the Browns are putting us up for the night.

H:	Can I do anything to help?

D:	(shrugs) I don t think so.

H:	Hey, I m making a batch of spaghetti tomorrow, Won t you come over for supper.

D:	Mmmm! I like spaghetti.

B:	Then it s settled. Here s my card with my address. Food will be ready at 6:30. (Hands it to M)

M:	I m too tired to argue. 6:30 will be fine.

(Police enter)
P:	Mr. Anderson, you can go ahead and secure the window. We ve finished examining it.

L:	Now, M am, we ve got some questions for you.  But first, will you come to the back rooms and see if anything is missing? (D pours the drink in the flower pot as they exit.)

Scene 3

Setting:	Anderson s house. Nicer than Celia s.

® on stage tidying up. Picks up mail and magazines. Doorbell rings - different than Celia s. Looks around trying to decide what to do with magazines - puts them under cushion of couch. ® lets them in.)

R:	Good evening, ladies.

M:	Good evening, Roland.

D:	Mr. Anderson, you have a very lovely home, especially for.

R:	For a building manager?

D:	I m sorry. I didn t mean anything..

R:	That s OK. You see I m also the developer and builder of the Oakridge Condos where you re staying. I m a general contractor by profession.

M:	Did you build this house too?

R:	Yes, we put this up about 6 years ago. Well, I m so glad you could join us tonight.

M:	I take it then, you have a wife and family?

R:	No, my wife died about 15 years ago. It s just my son and me. He should be home soon and eat with us.

M:	Celia has a plant like this. But some of the leaves are turning brown and falling off.

H:	The trick with that type of plant is to keep it well—watered.

M:	Every time I check it — the soil seems to be very moist. (D hides a smile.)

(T enters from front door.)

R:	Hi, son. glad you re home.

D:	It s you! I can t believe it! (to R) How could a nice man like you, have such a son as this?

R:	I take it you ve already met.

T:	Dad, you told me you d invited someone to dinner, you d didn t tell me you were going to ruin my evening.

M:	(to R) Taylor dropped by to “help” us the day we moved in. He left just before you got there, but we didn t realize he was your son.

(Doorbell rings)

T:	I ll get it.

(Q enters)
Q:	Hello, Mr. Abe. Hello, Mrs. Decker. (they respond)
Here s your paper. Wouldn t want it to get wet. I run a first-class operation. World champion like Scottie and Michael.
(He s wearing Bulls hat.)

D:	I thought You were a Celtics fan.

Q:	Naw, they lost last night. I only associate with winners. Well, I got to go. (He exits)

D:	(to R) Why does he call you Abe?

T:	Because he says Dad is the most honest man in town.

R:	And mostly because Lincoln was the 16th President, and he collects from us every month on the 16th.

M:	He s quite a character.

R:	How are things since the break-in?

M:	Well, the police finished up this morning. We got the place put back to normal late this afternoon. But I sure didn t feel like cooking tonight. I sure appreciate your invitation to eat with you.

R: Well, maybe you should save your thanks until you taste it. In fact, it should be almost ready, Let me go stir it and check on it.

M:	Do you think a second cook will spoil the broth?

R:	Not at all, I get all my recipes from Agnes Brown.

D:	My tooth is still sore.

R:	Just kidding. (to M) The kitchen is back this way.(R & M exit)

(D, feeling awkward with Taylor, walks away from him. Looks at  picture of preborn child.)

D:	What s this “Baby in Space?”

T:	No, that s an unborn child at 10 weeks from conception.

D:	10 weeks?

T:	Yes, that s part of why I was late tonight. I was picketing at the abortion clinic, and we were able to counsel with a couple about letting their baby live.

D:	Just like a man. Abortion is none of your business. It s a woman s right to make the choice.

T:	You said yourself: it s a baby. It has a heartbeat, fingerprints, and brain waves. Most women don t know. That s why we picket - to tell them the truth. About 80% will change their minds if they get the facts. I believe it s a woman s right not to be exploited and a baby s right to live.

D:	(Turns away. Hand on abdomen.) But what if a woman doesn t feel capable of raising a child  especially if the father has deserted her?

T:	There are thousands of organizations across this country that will help. From practical things like diapers, cribs, and baby clothes to financial help to adoption agencies that will place the baby in a loving family who may not be able to have their own children.

D: How do you know so much about this?

T: When I was a senior, Mary Jean, a classmate of mine, had an abortion. No one knew about it — not even her parents. She had complications. By the time she got to the hospital it was too late. Her death made a lot of us look into what is really going on. We discovered some pretty shocking things.

(D looks at picture again. In the silence T senses a problem.)

T: Denise, what s the matter? (Goes to her -- hand on shoulder.)

(D pulls away)
D:	Like you care.

T: Really, I d like to help.

D: That s what you all say. You don t even know me. Why would you help me?

T: I guess it s because I believe we re all put on this earth to help each other. If we re honest, there are times when we all need help.. I m here now for you, someone was there for me when my mom died, and someone else will be there when I need them later on.

(M & R enter.)
R:	Well, I see you two haven t killed each other. Spaghetti is ready. Hope everyone has a big appetite,

T:	Yeah, you always make a big batch. We ll probably have leftovers for a week.

(M notices wall-hanging)
M:	Roland, what does this mean? “The Mystery C-o-l-1-2-7”
B:	Well, Maggie, that means something very special to Taylor and me. It hangs there so every morning when we go out and every evening when we come home it serves as a reminder to us.

D:	A reminder of what?

T:	Something very special that someone did for us. (to R) Do you think they d believe us now if we told them?

® looks closely at M, T at D)
® & T face each other)
R & T: Naw! (Shake heads side to side)

M:	Denise, these two are quite incorrigible. But I m hungry.  Let s go eat their spaghetti.

D: I hope the cooking is better than the company.

(Both R & T offer their arms as escorts. With a shrug, M & D accept and they all exit.)

Scene 4

Setting:	Back at Celia s.
(No one on stage. Doorbell rings.
D dressed informally and looking ill comes out of bedroom and goes to door. A & B there with pie.)

D:	Hello, Mr & Mrs Brown.

A:	Hello. (Frowns) Denise, you don t look well.

B:	Have you been eating some of Agnes  cooking?

D:	No, just a little under the weather.

B:	Well, you could probably stand a little cheering up. Say, did you know  I grew up on a farm?  I had four brothers. Everyday we had to milk 50 cows. I guess you could say we all just pulled together.

A:	Really., Arthur, your jokes are pathetic. We d better go, and let the girl have some rest. Here s a pie I made for you and your Mom. I hope you enjoy it.

B:	Not likely.

(A slaps B on shoulder and pushes him toward door. They exit.)

D:	Thanks for the pie. (She sets pie on table, Notices drink. Pours it and part of bottle into pot just as M enters with bag)

M: You still don t look very good. I got something from the drugstore that may help you feel better.

D:	I hope so. This morning sickness has lasted all day,

M:	At least it s almost over, Tomorrow you go to your appointment at the clinic and get your problem taken care of.
D:	Mom, I.. I called the clinic and canceled the appointment.

M:	(Shocked) Are you feeling too sick to go tomorrow?

D:	I m not going to kill this baby.

M:	Are you crazy? You want to feel sick for 6 more months? And a baby? You can t have a baby!

D:	But, Mom, I already have one. We just haven t seen him yet.

M:	(M sits next to D) You re not thinking straight. Where did all this nonsense come from?

D:	Remember last week when we were at the Anderson’s? Taylor showed me a picture of an unborn baby. It s not just a blob of tissue! Then a few days later when we ran into them at the mall, Taylor bought me a book that had pictures and scientific information on a baby s development in the womb.

M:	Well it s easy for him. He s not having the baby. (M gets up) Hey, what did you tell him? Does he know?

D:	I didn t tell him anything. But I think he knows about the baby.

M:	Me, a grandmother? (M goes to get her drink - finds empty glass) Funny, these drinks sure seem to be evaporating awful fast lately. (Looks at D)

D:	Don t look at me. After what happened at that party 3 months ago, I promised myself I d stay away from the stuff.  Maybe you should too.

M:	Don t tell me what to do. I m not the crazy one that wants to have a baby.

D:	But, Mom, you had me.

M:	and what kind of life have you had? A fine mother I ve been.

D:	Don t blame yourself. I m not complaining.

(doorbell)
M:	You sit still. I ll get it. (Q enters)
Hello, Roquefort.

Q:	Hello, Mrs B. I heard Denise wasn t feeling too well. I thought I d show her my new hat, when I dropped off your paper.

B: Hi, Roq. The Bulls must have lost. What s the new team?

Q:	Naw, the Bulls are still solid. But I ve got this crazy customer on my paper route who is a die—hard Illini fan. He thought I should have one of their hats. As if I d jump from one team to another for some shallow reason like a hat. Oh, Mrs D, here s your  paper. (Reads front page) Mostly usual stuff:
President takes a trip, City council fighting over taxes, Russia buys more grain, and then there s this tongue twister — Alexis Necklace Missing.

M:	Let me see that,
Q:	Well, I ve got more eager readers to satisfy.  See you.

D:	Bye Roq. (Q exits)

M:	Oh my! (reads more) Oh my! (reads more) Oh my!

D: What is it?

M:	Remember how I told you I got the necklace? That it was a copy of the crown jewels of Queen Alexis of Slavonia. Several years ago after your father was elected to his second term in Congress, we visited Eastern Europe. An official of the Slavonian foreign ministry was quite taken with me. It was all very innocent, though your father never saw it that way — in fact that was one of the grounds he used in our divorce. But this little orphan girl from Hastings Corners, who was trying so hard to be a big  shot, was pretty flattered by his attention, Anyway he gave me the necklace as a gift, with official documents that named me as permanent legal custodian of the authorized reproduction. That meant I couldn t sell it or give it away without his permission, and it also allowed it to pass through customs.  As we parted, he advised me to keep the necklace in a safe place because someone might try to steal it - not knowing it was a copy.  Perhaps if his government collapsed, he might visit me sometime.
Well, it turned out his government did collapse. But he didn t get out. The last I heard he was serving a lengthy prison term.

D:    So what did the newspaper say about the necklace?

M:   In a routine cleaning of the crown jewels which occurs every 5 years, it was discovered that the necklace was a fake. There has been an investigation going on to find the real one.

D:	Do you think it s the one you have?

M:	I suppose it s possible.

D:	That would explain why we were followed. And the mysterious phone call, and the break-in!

M:	Now wait a minute we may be jumping to conclusions. There may have been many other copies made. We don t know for sure we were followed. Crank phone calls are not unusual, nor are break—ins. Besides, nothing has happened for several days now, and if their government doesn t know who has the necklace — how would some thieves?

D:	Well, what do you think we should do?

M:	First thing in the morning, we ll call their embassy in Washington and see what we can find out.

(Doorbell rings)
D:	Who could that be?

M:	(Takes hat off D) Probably Roquefort forgot his hat.

D:	What if its not?

(M hesitates. Doorbell rings again. Crash is heard off stage.)

D:	Someone just broke the hall window again!

M:	Then it must be Roquefort at the front door, if the thieves are coming in the back! Let s get out of here!

(They throw door open - then jump back, Thief enters with knife.) (Shuts door behind him. A second thief emerges from the hallway.)

1: Now if you ll just give us the necklace, no one will get hurt.

(M & D frightened — are speechless.)

2: Well, where is it?

1: We looked all over this place before. We were going to wait until you wore it again, but since the press got a hold of this story, we couldn t wait any longer.

2: Now you re going to tell us where it is!

M:	(Regaining some composure) You let my daughter go, and I ll give it to you.

1: No one leaves until we get the necklace.

M:	How do I know you ll let us go even if I give it to you?

1: You don t. But you don t have any choice. Give us the necklace now! Or she gets it! (Grabs D)

(Doorbell rings.)

1: Don t make a sound. Maybe they ll go away.(D bites him)

1: Ow! She bit me!(He lets her loose partially. D pies him. M pulls rug out. 1 &D fall. 1 starts to get up. M  hits 1 with bottle over head. 1 is down.)

R:	(offstage while scuffle is going on) Maggie, Denise, are you all right. I ve got my master key. I m coming in.

(2 sees all the confusion. And runs out back exit.)
(M notices D.)
M:	Denise is hurt bad!

R:	I ll call an ambulance!(Lights fade.)

Scene 5

Setting:	Celia s place

(M enters from back rooms obviously distraught, sets down bottle of pills, and removes liquor bottle from brown bag. Picks up pad of paper — paces and writes,

Voice over: Dear Aunt Celia, Thanks for trying to help. I hope you can understand. I didn t want it to be this way. I wasn t honest with you when I accepted your offer to stay at your place while you were gone. We didn t come here just for a vacation. Denise was pregnant. I didn t want her to have the abortion in our own city -  lest someone should find out and affect my social standing.  Now, I ve just come from the hospital. She s plugged into all those machines. She s in a coma. She s slipping away from me. I can t watch her die! I ve killed both my babies! There s nothing left. I m so sorry. Maggie

(Doorbell rings. She hesitates, Doorbell rings again. She answers it.)

M:	Roland! .. .what are you doing here?

R:	Maggie, may I come in?

M:	I don t know. I m really kind of busy right now.

R:	(enters anyway) (Takes M by shoulders) Maggie, what s wrong?

M:	(Pulls away and explodes) What s wrong? Denise has only hours to live. Her child, my grandson, is already dead by a miscarriage. And I killed them! Just like I killed Katy, years ago. My 2 precious daughters both dead! I wanted it to be so good - a happy family - socially prominent - the children having all the advantages of wealth and station - things I never dreamed of. But it all started coming apart. First the strained relationship between Edwin and me, then the car accident where Katy died and I was convicted of DWI; I kept trying to cover things up and put on the right face. The divorce, Denise getting pregnant - I just tried to fake my way through it - pretend it wasn t really happening. I couldn t face myself. I wanted so much for things to turn out right. Everything I ve touched has died. Now this. I can t pretend anymore. I m through ! It s over!

® notices pills and picks up note.)

R.:	Maggie, you can t kill yourself. Denise is still alive. There s still hope. She needs you.

M:	She doesn t even know me. She s in a coma. The doctors only give her a few hours. It s only those machines keeping her alive,

R:	Regardless of what happens to Denise, you can t just throw your life away. Life is such a wonderful gift.

M:	That s easy for you to say. Everything has worked out for you.

R:	Maggie, please come and sit down. (She sits,) Remember when you came over to our house for dinner, you asked about the word “mystery” we have hanging on our wall? Well, it s there because of some realizations I made after my wife died. You aren t the only one to lose a loved one from your family. Death makes you stop and think. To sort out what s really important. I became aware of three things: 1) There is too much design and order in the world around us — we re not here by chance — there is a God. 2) That God that made us  and cares for us  in the same way I care for Taylor and you care for Denise.  3) That we can chose to open our hearts to God and let Him bring meaning and order into our lives.

M: Well, that makes some sense, but how does that work?
 
R:  Now, I m a contractor by trade, so I went to God to make a deal — to set up a contract. I met His Son, Jesus Christ, and my life was totally changed. Not so much outwardly, but on the inside. Now, I m a sub—contractor to Him.  He’s the great developer and general contractor. I work for Him and He takes care of me. Sometimes things seem pretty messed up — but they always work out, My real job is not building houses, condos, and office buildings, but helping and building up people. That s where the mystery comes in. It s from a verse in the Bible that says that even though we may not be able to understand it God lives within His people. God, in me, enables me to help others and offer them hope for their lives.

M:	(slowly) Roland, you and Taylor sure have been a help to Denise and me. But, I don t think it will work for me. God can t be very interested in someone who has made such a mess of things.

B:	Maggie, tonight Taylor and I were going to the hospital to see Denise. I told him to go ahead, because I knew in my heart that I should come by here first. I didn t know why - I thought you d be at the hospital. Now, I believe God sent me here. He didn t want you to take your life. He cares about you. (pause) Maggie, will you think about what I ve told you?

M:	Yes, Roland. A lot of what you said makes sense. Killing myself - I suppose  would just be running away again. Maybe it s time I face reality and made some honest decisions.

B:	Well, I can t leave you like this. Would you like to go to the hospital with me?

(Phone rings.)

M:	Hello.... Oh, hello, Taylor. Do you want to talk with your Dad? ... Someone wants to talk with me? Is it about Denise? Has she. . . Has she........Hello. . .. Denise?!?!

(Lights fade.)

Scene 6

Setting:	Celia s place.

(M enters from back carrying dead plant humming gospel song. Looks around for D.

M:	Denise? Denise? Where are you? (D enters from front door.

D:	Did you call, Mom?

M:	Did you carry all our luggage out to the car?

D:	Yes, we re all loaded.

M:	Are you sure you should be doing all that?

D:	I feel great. It s like I told you that night at the hospital.    I heard Taylor sitting next to the bed praying for me -- there was a momentary tingling sensation in my body.   From that moment I began to feel better. Today, I feel as good or better than I’ve ever felt.

M:	(smiling) You sure surprised the doctor.

D:	You sounded a little surprised yourself when I called on the phone.

M:	(Mock indifference.) Me surprised? Whatever gave you that idea? (They smile and hug.)

D:	Mom, I can t believe our month here is over already. So much has happened! I wish we could stay longer.
M:	I know. In a lot of ways I do too. But we ve got some loose ends at home to go back and take care of.   After that,  who knows?

(Doorbell. D lets Q in. They greet him.)

Q:	Hi, Mrs B and Denise. Brought your last paper. Thought maybe you d stick around for a while and renew your subscription.

M:	Thank you, but we ve got to be leaving town.

Q:	There s an article on page 2 about your giving back the necklace, It says the 2 thieves you helped catch were jewelers who made the copy of the necklace,

M:	Yes, that s true,

Q: 	But how did they know who had it?

M:	An investigation had been quietly going on for some time before the press got wind of it. As jewelers who could have made the copy they were among the first questioned.  They denied any knowledge of it  hoping to locate the real necklace themselves.

Q:	Did they find out your name from the guy who gave it to you?

M:	No, Heinrich is still in prison in Slovonia. It would have been too suspicious to visit him — even if he agreed to tell them, They were counting on something else. Heinrich had left an envelope with them for safe-keeping in the jewelry store safe. When they found out the necklace was missing they opened it. It contained a key to a safe deposit box. After checking several banks and bribing a teller, they located and opened the box. It contained among other things, the only other copy of the document that I have. It was never filed with their government.
Q:	OK, so that explains how they knew you had it. But why would Hem. , . Hirick,

M:	Heinrich.

Q:	Yeah, why did he give you the real necklace in the first place?

M:	With all the unrest in Eastern Europe, he foresaw the possible collapse of his government, and probably thought that if the government went down, many leaders like himself would be imprisoned or executed. So he planned on fleeing before the collapse if it came. Then he would visit me, persuade me to give him back the necklace as a reminder of his dear homeland. He could then sell the necklace, change his identity, and comfortably retire in a country of his choosing.

Q:	Wow, what a plan!

M:	Probably would have worked, too. He overestimated his government. The collapse was very sudden. He was arrested only hours before he was to leave the country.

Q:	That s some story, Mrs D. I m going to miss you and Denise. I ve got to go. If you re ever back in town -  buy your paper from me.

M:	No one else. See you Roquefort.

D:	Bye, Roq. I like your hat!

Q:	Yeah, the Sox are the best. Bye.

(As Q leaves, A & B enter with pie.)

A:	Yoo hoo, Maggie, may we come in ?

M:	Sure, Agnes. How are you?

B:	Been feeling pretty good. (Aside) We ve been eating out a lot lately.

A:	I wanted to bring you this pie before you left, I heard you hit one of the thieves in the face with the last one.

B:	No wonder he was unconscious when the police arrived.

A:	Now, Arthur, I don t know why you always ridicule my cooking. My recipes are passed down from my ancestors who were of high-ranking English nobility.

B:	Probably advanced themselves by poisoning their competition.

A:	Here, Maggie, take this pie before I hit Arthur in the face with it.

M:	Thank you, Agnes. I m sure it will be delicious.

B: We have enjoyed having you ladies as neighbors for the month. Do stop by and see us next time you re in town.

M:	Thank you so much for all you have done.

A:	That s quite all right, dear. Now we must be going - I ve got more goodies baking in the oven.

(B covers his mouth as if nauseated. They exit.)

M:     Denise, is everything in the car?

B:	Everything except this book that Taylor gave me. I ll carry it out as we go.

M:     Perhaps I should write Aunt Celia a letter before we leave --thanking her for letting us stay here this past month. I wonder how her sister is getting along.

(Doorbell)

D:	I ll get it. Hi, come on in. ®  & T enter.)

R:	We had to stop by and see you before you left.

M:	I m very glad you did.

T:	(to D) I know you ve only been here a month, but we re going to miss you.

D:	Oh, Taylor, how can we ever thank you for all you two have done?
T:      Just seeing you healthy and in your usual ornery state is enough.

H:    (to M) and seeing a smile on your face.

T:    (to D) What book have you got there?

D:	It s the one you bought me in the mall that day. I came across it this morning while we were packing. I haven t told anybody this — not even you, Mom - but the morning after you prayed for me in the hospital,  I asked to see my baby that I had miscarried. It was a boy.   He looked just like the picture you showed me at your house. So tiny, but every bit a complete person. Even his little fingers and toes were perfectly formed. I hope you don t mind.  I named him Taylor.

(T goes to her and hugs her.

M:	To think I was insisting on aborting him.  Now, I ll never know my grandson.

R:	Maggie, don t be so hasty. When you two invited Jesus into your lives last week, you made heaven your home. You will see that grandson one day.

M:	(touches R s arm) There you again -- renewing my hope.

R:	(smiling and bowing slightly) All part of my job, ma’am.

D:  (to T) What s in the bag?

T:	Oh, I almost forgot. I was doing some packing and came across something that belongs to you.

D:     Packing? Where are you going?

T:	Dad, why don t you tell them?

R:      All right. Well, for about 6 months our church has been working on a plan to help some of our fellow Christians in Eastern Europe. Next week Taylor and I are going as contractors to build 2 churches in Slavonia - the country where the necklace was from.

M:    Yes, I remember hearing something said about that when we were in church, with you Sunday. I m glad for you. It sounds like there is much to be done over there.

R:	Yes, we re very excited about it.

M:	Answer something for me would you?

R:	Sure.

M:	When we first met, I told you my last name was Martin.  I wanted to hide some of the things that had been in the papers: my divorce, my ex-husband running off with one of his female staff members, and any other congressional sins that had become public. When did you know my last name ?

R:     Right away.

M:	How did you know? 
R:	 Celia  said,” My niece, Maggie Morris, and her daughter will be staying at my place for a month while I m gone.” That s the normal thing to tell the building manager.

M:	So you knew I wasn t being honest with you all along. And you still put up with my charade.

R:	Don t be too hard on yourself.  You did what a lot of people would do who haven t come to terms with the God who made them. It s kind of like the necklace - someone who is real is right there to help them, but they just don t realize it,

T:	Dad, if Mrs. Morris is  Celia s niece, then does that make Denise the daughter of ‘de niece ?
(The other three grimace at the bad pun.)

D: (to T) OK, wise guy, back to the bag. What s in it?

T: (pulls out tire iron) Your “metal thingy”, I believe.

D: (takes it from him) How did you get it?

T: The night the thieves broke in and hurt you, Dad and I were going by when we noticed a car with out of state plates. We looked closer and noticed the broken window, Dad went to the front door, and I remembered the tire iron you said was under the front seat of your car. By the time I got it, I heard someone crawling out the broken window. He didn t see me or the tire iron. He was resting quietly when the police arrived.

D:       See, I know it makes good sense to keep a metal thingy under the front .....
(Sound of front door knob rattling.)
T:	What s that sound? Someone is unlocking the front door!

D:	Who else would have a key?

(While they stand in suspense-   Celia enters.)

M:     Aunt Celia! (M & D hug her.)

D: It sure is good to see you!

(They exchange greetings for a few moments. Then Celia seems to notice something and studies them at arms length. Then a big smile spreads across her face.)
C:	Land’s sakes!  There’s something different about you two.

M:	Yes, I think you’ll like the changes.
 
C:	 Maybe an old lady s prayers do make a difference.

                            M:       I might have known you were praying for us, (smiles) and don t ever stop.

                            C:        You needn t worry about that. .

M:       Even though situations haven t improved, I have new hope and peace. Sometimes I feel giddy - almost drunk, but it s not artificial. It s real.
D:	(to C) I can hardly believe the changes in us.  It’s awesome!

M:	We ve been so busy talking about us, I haven t asked about your sister.

C:	She s doing much better. That s why I came home a few days early. Especially after I read about the necklace in the paper. Which reminds me - This official-looking letter for you was in the mailbox. 
(Hands it to her. M opens it.)

M:	It s about the necklace.  The new premier of Slavonia wants to fly Denise and me over there as soon as possible to spend some time touring the country and to be on hand for the reopening of the museum where the crown jewels are kept.

D:          You mean we ll be over there the same time as these two?

M: (to R) Maybe I can put in a good word for your building project, and get the government to help out.

R:         Any help cutting through the red tape would be appreciated. It s nice to have friends in high places.

M:	(looks up) Don t I know it.

C:	Let s all go out for lunch. You can all tell me what happened.   Sounds pretty exciting.

M:	And after lunch, let s stop at the florist - I owe you a new plant.
(They exit)

					-The End-