In a Different World I Loved You, Scene 8/9

Here is where it truly starts to fall apart...So, constructive criticism is welcome and encouraged at this point, please.

Scene eight: Same set as in scene six. Luis stays in his cell to watch the action. Boy's Choir is heard again singing before lights come up music fades as conversation begins. Angela is sitting across the desk from Gomez.

Alfonzo: You're telling me that Luis is crazy and yet refuses to plea insanity?

Angela: That's about the extent of it.

Alfonzo: And you want me to ask the court to find him insane against his wishes?

Angela: Exactly, there's precedence.

Alfonzo: So, with my help, you want to put him in some place where he can get out and do this again?

Angela: We both know you don't have enough evidence for the death penalty, or even a certain conviction. We go to trial he could be found innocent. Think about it. At Tippling they could help him. Give him the therapy he needs. Keep him away from society for a long time maybe forever.

In the cell we see Pedro enter and sit across the table from Luis. They begin a silent conversation. The solo pianist is again heard quietly in the background.

Alfonzo: As far as I'm concerned he's responsible for her death. Your client is now the prime suspect in the disappearance or murder of 114 children over the last five years. He confesses to 140 killings. I'm not going to help you set him free.

Angela: He wasn't even in the country when several of those children disappeared.

Alfonzo: You're telling me he didn't do it?

Angela: What I'm telling you is that he couldn't have killed all those children. (Pause) You started your investigation believing several people were involved. A cult of some kind. You're not going to hang all this on my client.

Pedro hands Luis a small package that Luis hides under his shirt.

Alfonzo: Hanging's too good for the likes of him.

Angela: You can't be certain he's guilty.

Alfonzo: I can't?

Angela: Just hear me out. When the boy in Tunja was killed Luis was in Quito, Ecuador. Three of the disappearances and murders in Villavicencio happened when I have documented proof that Luis was in Pasto, working. None of the 27 bodies found in Valle de Cauca have been definitively, forensically, linked to my client. In fact you had no confession from him on those cases until Gomez asked him about them.

Alfonzo: Angela.

Angela: Here, this is for you. It's a timeline I'm working on. I'll tell you one thing, he did not kill all of those children! Please, as a favor, look into it.

Alfonzo: The task force has been disbanded. As far as we were concerned it was a clean confession, why would he lie?

Angela: Your guess is as good as mine. I'm trying to get through to him. Look, there is no doubt he killed many, possibly most, of these children but not all. Don't you see? If he didn't kill them someone else did.

Alfonzo: O.K., I'll get Gomez to look into Velle de Cauca and Villavincencio some more. You still need to understand he is guilty and dangerous. This is a game to him.

Angela: The time for games is over. Have your Doctors talk to him, see whether they thing he's sane enough to stand trial.

Alfonzo: You're asking a lot.

Angela: It's important.

Lights slowly fade as a voice of a child is heard reciting the following:
Two plus One is Three. Nothing in life is free.
Two plus Two is Four. That's what God is for.
Two plus Three is Five. No one gets out alive.
Two plus Four is six. Nothing He can't fix.

Scene Nine:
Set from cell again. This time Luis is lying on the table as if it were his bed. Lights instantly come up as Luis bolts up from a nightmare and screams.

Luis:
Two plus One is Three. Nothing in life is free.
Two plus Tow is Four. That's what God is for.
Two plus Three is Five. No one gets out alive.
Two plus Four is six. Nothing He can't fix.
Two plus Five is Seven. Bad boys don't go to heaven.
I know the rest. Two plus Six is Eight. . .

(Pause) Almost done. Come on,

Maria: (Entering) Anything I can help you with little brother?

Luis: (looking around and not seeing Maria) Who's that? Where are you? (Pause) Maria?

Maria: Did you have a bad dream?

Luis: Help me!

Maria: With what little man?

Luis: Heaven, what comes after heaven?

Maria: Two plus six is eight. . .

Luis: Hurry don't be late!

Maria: Yes, yes, don't make us wait.

Luis: No, no, never.

Maria: Why did you do it Luis? Why did you hurt my boys?

Luis: Made you stop. I win this way. (Laugh) I got more than you did! I win! (Laugh)

Maria: You cheated! Cheaters never will! Brother will punish you!

Luis: Don't you see? The game is over and I won. I couldn't let you win, I couldn't let you hurt any more, no not you.

Maria: You broke the rules! Rules are important, brother said so, we are nothing without rules.

Luis: I don't believe in the rules any more Maria. When you don't believe anything is possible.

Maria: You're alone now, you cheater!

Luis: I win, you loose, now get out!

Maria: (slowly backs off stage while repeating this line) Two plus Seven is Nine. Two plus Seven is Nine. Two plus Seven is Nine. (Laughs as she gets off stage.)

Luis: Wait, I'm not finished with you. Maria!

Fast to Black

Dribble

“I remember nothing.”

That is a lie, one that makes her feel better in many ways, one that makes this new existence easier to continue to the next, and beyond. That is the lie that was once the truth. The lie that must continue if only to find where it leads. To remember and honestly see could, most definitely would, be far more difficult than the here and now. She remembers nothing. She thinks she hides her awakening from all, illusions are at times necessary for continued life.

In a Different World I Loved You, Scene 6/7

Scene Six: Set is a desk and three chairs placed so that the audience can still see the jail cell. Gomez is sitting at desk talking on the phone. Luis is in his cell. Children saying Patty Cake, Patty Cake etc. . . begins as soon as lights up when they get to "fast as you can" Gomez begins talking and rhyme slowly fades as Pedro enters while Gomez is midcnversation.

Gomez: Yes sir. I understand sir. I have children of my own. (pause) No, I can't imagine what you are going through. I understand. All of the. . . children, have not yet been identified, yet. It may take some time sir. Yes. Please tell your wife that you are in my prayers. Thank you. Try to get some rest. I'll keep in touch. (hangs up phone)

Pedro: May I? (pointing to chair)

Gomez: Be my guest. I've just finished your report. Startling. Can't imagine finding my children like that. No wonder she lost it. What else can you tell me about her?

Pedro: Not much. I'm not her doctor. They had her sedated at Tippling last I heard. Heavily sedated.

Gomez: What about him? This Luis character? Do you think he did it?

Pedro: Up to a jury. I can't talk about that.

Gomez: Guess Angela will be pleading insanity. Try to make the jury believe he didn't know what he did was wrong.

Pedro: He'll have his day in court.

Gomez: Can't blame me for trying? (pause) Why are you in my office? What do you want? I have work to do.

Pedro: Just a visit between friends, we are friends remember. I thought we could do lunch.

Gomez: Can't today. Things are still busy, matching victims to dental records and all that fun stuff.

Pedro: So, with Luis's arrest I suppose the Ritual Slayings with multiple perpetrators theory is debunked?

Gomez: We still have several other missing or murdered children to investigate. (pause) Honestly, with his confession, I don't know.

Pedro: How are the kids, your kids?

Gomez: They want to know when I'll be home for dinner.

Pedro: With Luis in jail you should take some time to be with them. You have your man in custody. His confession should have cleared most of your open cases. Over a hundred and forty, wasn't it?

Gomez: It's not that simple.

Pedro: Yes, it is. If you don't relax and smell the roses, as they say, you're no good to anyone, not your family, not the department, not even your friends. You got the bad guy, take some time for yourself.

Gomez: You just want someone else to beat ion the court.

Pedro: Now that you mention it, how about tomorrow afternoon? We could play, then I'll take the whole family out for a nice dinner. Kill two birds with one stone.

Gomez: Next week is possible, tomorrow is not.

Maria: (offstage) Get your news here! Hot off the presses! Paper sir? Columbian killer confesses! News here! Mothers across Ecuador and Columbia breath sigh of relief! EI Loco in jail! Get your news here! Hot off the presses!

Pedro: What do you know about nursery rhymes?

Gomez: Nursery rhymes? Like "Little Boy Blue"?

Pedro: You have kids, I need to know about nursery rhymes. Specifically, rhymes that teach addition. Do you know any?

Gomez: What? Do I look like Mother Fucking Goose?

Pedro: Mother Goose?

Gomez: (laughs) You're serious? My wife says that nursery rhymes were originally designed to frighten children into proper behavior. We don't do nursery rhymes.

Lights slowly fade as the voice of a child is heard reciting the following twice:
Two plus one is three. Nothing in life is free.
Two plus two is four. That's what God is for.
Two plus three is five. No one gets out alive.

Scene Seven: Jail room is placed as in scene three. When lights come up Margaret is seen sitting in one of the chairs staring out into nothingness. She is humming a simple tune to herself and is startled as Luis is lead in to the room. She stands and holds her arms out. Luis sits rather than hug her.

Luis: How nice of you to come and visit.

Margaret: I would have come sooner but they refused to let me.

Luis: I understand.

Margaret: Luis, what is going on? The papers are saying terrible things about you. I don't know what to do.

Luis: Get on with your life, forget me and all this.

Margaret: Forget? How am I supposed to forget? I love you. Am I supposed to forget that?

Luis: You don't love me.

Margaret: We can get you out of this. I'll hire the best lawyer money can buy. They don't have enough evidence for a conviction.

Luis: I have a lawyer. They have a confession.

Margaret: She's not the best. Please, just tell me you're innocent and I'll do anything to get you out this place.

Luis: (pause) I can't tell you that. (solo pianist begins to play)

Margaret: Yes you can!

Luis: Don't you see? I can't. That wouldn't help, not now.

Margaret: What?

Luis: Listen, I'm going to ask you to do me a favor. Can you do one thing for me?

Margaret: Anything.

Luis: I want you to go to Tippling and visit someone. Just tell them you're her sister in law.

Margaret: Who am I going to see?

Luis: Her name is Maria Alftedo, my sister. Give her a message. Make sure she understands the message is from me.

Margaret: Your sister?

Luis: Tell her to visit Mother. Tell her to go the same route, she can find her. Everything is taken care of

Margaret: I don't understand.

Luis: Pretty Margaret. (touches her face) She'll understand.

Margaret: And then what? Will you let me hire a lawyer?

Luis: No, my love, no lawyer needed.

Margaret: Luis!

Luis: Don't you see? It all ends here. Made sure of that. No more blood to ruin innocence. It's all over now. Or, will be soon.

Margaret: What's all over? You're confusing me.

Luis: Deliver the message, the sooner the better. (stands) Don't visit me again. Relax and smell the roses, as they say.

Margaret: You love me!?

Luis: In a different world, I loved you. (pause) But that wasn't me. Not really me. Now, go, get as far from here as you can. Nothing he can't fix.

Margaret: (as Luis moves her towards the door) We can still fix everything?
Luis: I'm working on that. (Margaret exits and Luis faces audience, music stops)

Fade to Black

Presidents Day!

So, what WOULD I do today IF I did not have to go to work?

Suggestions welcome...

In a Different World I loved You, NOTES

This is a play that I wrote several years ago....It is based on a short news article that I read online as part of a playwriting class that I was taking. That article was all the information that I had at the time and I was fascinated with the fact that this man, this terrible monster, could have lived a life that resembled normalcy in any way. He had a girl friend, he volunteered at schools and churches, he held down a job from time to time, he is the worlds most prolific serial killer, he was the guy next door, he may get out of prison....soon.

Since the time of its original conception this play has gone through countless changes and normally comes back to its present state. It needs work, it needs a workshop, it needs a staged reading, it needs help........for so many reasons.....yet, it is good, it is almost good enough.......I just don't seem able to get it there.....YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I thought that I could publish it here, I would somehow infuse new life into a tired, old animal.

In a Different World I Loved You, Scene 4/5

Scene Four: Two young boys are seen delivering newspapers at dawn they are throwing newspapers offstage playing and laughing with each other. Luis is seen entering putting on a monks robes.

Jose: Don't run so fast, I can't keep up.

Pablo: If we hurry I'll have time to meet Mary before Church. She has the prettiest eyes in all the world. I've almost saved up enough to get her a rosary for Christmas.

Jose: Mary Shamary! I want one of those bikes with big baskets in front and back. A red one. We could deliver papers just like (tries to snap fingers) that, with my new bike.

Pablo: We can deliver papers just like (mimics Jose snapping) by walking.

Jose: You know, real fast. (pause) Give you more time to look at Mary before Mass. I don't understand you. Are you ever going to talk to her?

Pablo: As soon as I save up enough money for that rosary. Now, lets get going. (Luis places himself in front of boys, causing Pablo to run into him and fall down) I'm sorry. Oh, hello Padre'. (boys begin picking up dropped papers) Will you be coming back to the school again this week?

Luis: I'm afraid not. What are the two of you doing out this early? Oh, I see, delivering the daily news are you? Would you do me a little favor? I have a few things in my room that need delivered to Ms. Mendex at the school Monday morning and was hoping you could be my delivery boy, or boys. I'm afraid I will be leaving town for a few days and will be unable to deliver them myself.

Jose: We deliver papers, sure, why not?

Luis: Are you sure your mother won't miss you if you're a few minutes late? I just live over the butcher shop down the road. Do you see it? Go up the stairs and knock on my door. I'll have the letter ready in a few minutes.

Pablo: Sure, we'll finish with these and stop there on our way home. Glad to be in the service of God, Padre'.

Pablo and Jose exit still throwing papers off stage as Luis watches them leave.

Scene five: Luis enters his apartment above the butcher shop. Margaret is standing beside the coffee pot watching it brew. She is dressed in a nurses uniform. She is humming to herself Luis enters throwing Monk's robes and walks toward Margaret.

Margaret: Oh, good morning darling. (they hug, she kisses Luis on cheek) How was the audition?

Luis: Well, there were three men and one woman (kisses her) all sitting behind the longest table ever known to man and after my monologue they all just stared at me as if they didn't even see me. I really thought I'd blown it when the woman suddenly comes to life and says: (imitating a woman's voice) "Do you think, Mr. Vi, that you could kill someone with a smile on your face? We're looking for someone who can lose his mind without losing control." Do you know what I told her?

Margaret: (playing with his hair) That you lost your mind when you were a little boy and have been looking for it ever since?

Luis: No, not exactly. What I told her was that I could do it, if it meant that I could get the woman of my dreams to finally agree to marry me and live happily ever after.

Margaret: Well, I hope you're audition was better than that line. (they hug) How long will you be gone if you get this job?

Luis: You didn't let me finish. So, then she handed me another monologue, really strange stuff. When I was finished and looked up all four of them, all four, were smiling so much I thought I was watching a toothpaste commercial.

Margaret: How long?

Luis: The shoot is supposed to be in Ecuador with a two-week schedule. I think they start shooting around the first ofthe month. So, if things go well, I should be home in plenty of time for Christmas.

Margaret: Then can we, you know, find someplace better to live with the New Year? (a more passionate kiss) I know you're attached to this little room, but I can hardly stand the smell anymore.
Luis: Yes, my dear, I was out looking just the other day. That "smell" is all your imagination. I'm telling you things are really looking up. Did John, from down stairs, ever pick up those rolls of plastic?

Margaret: Not unless he did it while I wasn't here. I think they're still in the hall closet. Why can't he store that junk in the shop? Sometimes I feel like I live in a butcher shop, not above one.

Luis: I promise, as soon as I get a few more jobs we are out of here. Don't you believe in me?

Margaret: Now (kissing him again) I really must go before I'm late for work. (Pours coffee into large cup with lid and begins to exit with a smile on her face. At the door she pauses and looks back at Luis) Have a wonderful day darling. I really do love you.

Luis: Off to work now, before you're late. I'll fix something special for dinner tonight. How does that sound? A pre-celebration feast.

Margaret: Pre-celebration?

Luis: I have a feeling I am on the fast track to stardom. One way or another. Get, you still need that job for a few more weeks.

Margaret: See you at dinner. (she closes the door and exits)

(Luis bolts the door and runs to the closet. When he returns he begins spreading sheets of plastic on the living room floor. All this time he is talking to himself)
Luis: Yes, darling. I know darling. Sure thing darling. As soon as you're rich I'll marry you. (Lifts couch and shoves end of plastic under when he stands something about his face has changed) Bad boy. Never do anything right. Don't make a mess on my floor. teach you to make a mess. (goes into kitchen area, rummaging through drawers) Two plus two is four, that's what God is for. (taking our several cutting and slicing devices and placing them on the counter.) Give me that, what do you think you're doing? Bad boy, very bad boy. Two plus two is four, that's what God is for. (taking knives into living area) Late, not good to be late, people get angry when little boys are late. (shoves knives under couch and sits down, beginning to rock) Can't do this anymore... two plus two is four, that's what God is for. Two plus two is four, that's what God is for.

A door slams offstage and we hear foot steps coming up the stairs. Luis gets up and searches for his robes. Finally finds them and frantically puts them on.
Luis: Two plus two is four, that's what God is for. Steady, nothing to worry about. Just a couple of little boys. Two little boys, just like the others.

The sound of the boys coming upstairs stops and we hear them giggle and wrestle for a moment.

Jose: Hey, stop that, give it back, it's mine. If you don't I'll tell Mary you're in love with her.
Luis jerks open door with a smile on his face.

Luis: Are you being bad little boys? Come in, I'll be ready for you in just a moment.

Fade to Black.

Road Trip!

We had to go somewhere, ol' brother of mine and I....................the timing was perfect: no kids, no money, no time....perfect for a spur of the moment road trip! Brings back memories of days gone by when we were all younger, just do it, go, life is too short, live everything to its fullest, get in the car and go baby, not a care in the world.

Where to go? We wanted someplace with history, old buildings, time honored traditions, something we could really sink our teeth into......many destinations were discussed and tossed, we needed something close, not too close, most of all we wanted history......Burnsville, North Carolina, where else? This little town holds some of our fondest memories of childhood.

Burnsville is where we learned about family, unconditional love, the power of laughter and so much more. Honestly, this is one of the first places I ever remember feeling truly safe, sheltered and wholly alive in a manner that can not truly be described and must be felt to be honored. There was a purity to our visits with family there, as if they said "This is life, it may not be a story book but, we, we are going to live it, we are going to cherish every passing moment, the hard work will be done and the laughter will always continue."

So we went. Threw some essentials into the back pack and left.

Yes, Hong Kong Dou Dou is an essential!

My favorite part about the spur of the moment road trip has to be the many unintended or unforeseen benefits that come from such adventures. When you have an idea of what is ahead and can still remain open to whatever may come, no matter what that may be:


Even if what may come just happens to be bears and boots, you just have to open your eyes to the possibilities and truly see. I had to be quick and stealthy with the camera at this gas station, for I had the feeling, the inner awareness, that the proprietors would not have appreciated my taking pictures, while giggling uncontrollably, of what, I can only assume, was something that just never struck them as strange or funny. Bears and boots my friends a nice combination if I have ever seen one, especially at a gas station!

So this next picture should come as no surprise to anyone, here is the art hanging on the ladies room wall:
I really wanted to see what was in the mens bathroom after taking this picture............the door was locked and I did not have the key.....leave it to your imagination.

More later, now I am tired.

Where the will is declining, the action stop.

Just three words....................

Instant attitude modification
The small increased
In value, at least...

Crying harder
Laughing louder
Loving completely
Singing, often.

In a Different World, I loved You, Scene 3

Scene Three: The set from scene one is now in full view with space left downstage for actors to stand. Luis has stayed on stage during the scene change. Pedro enters the cell with Luis and sits. There is no music or sound of any kind for 60 seconds after they sit down. They just stare at each other.

Luis: Where is she?

Pedro: Shouldn't I be the one asking the questions?

Luis: No, asshole, I'm the one asking you a question. Where is she? (begins rocking)

Pedro: My name is Pedro B_________. Call me Pedro if you like.

Luis: Two plus two is four. That's what God is for.

Pedro: May I call you Luis? Or, do you prefer Mr. Vi?

Luis: I go by many names. One is just as good as another.

Pedro: What do your friends call you?

Luis: (Stops rocking) You are not my friend.

Pedro: No, I suppose I'm not.

Luis: Why isn't she here yet? I'm not talking without my lawyer present.

Pedro: That's fine. Angela is running late. Nothing to be concerned about. (Pause) I can help you. Nothing you tell me will harm your case.

Luis: Nothing I tell you will harm my case? That's just wonderful! I'm not going to tell you anything.

Pedro: How old are you?

Luis: Older than my years.

Pedro: Where were you born?

Luis: I was very young. (laugh) I don't remember. (laugh)

Pedro: Mothers name?

Luis: Stupid question.

Pedro: Standard question.

Luis: She's dead.

Pedro stands as Angela enters the room. At exactly the time she enters a solo pianist is heard playing quietly in the background.

Angela: Sorry I'm late. (Shakes hands with Pedro and sits across the table from Luis)

Luis: What are you doing?

Angela: (without looking up) I have some paperwork here for Pedro to sign and a list of questions for you. Why?

Luis: Why? I asked you what you were doing and you answer me with questions. (laughs) You Are Late. (laughs)

Pedro: I was just beginning to ask Luis some of the background questions we discussed on the phone.

Luis: Are you two in love.

Angela: We are business associates. Now, we have a lot of ground to cover in very little time.

Luis: Would you like me to tell you a story?
Pedro: What kind of story Luis?

Luis: I think you'll like this one Quack. Very short and to the point. Let's say it will let you get to know me better.

Pedro: What's the story about?

Luis: A little boy and the end of the world.

Angela: What's the boys' name?

Luis: The details aren't important. Just listen. You can close your eyes if you want. (laugh) Once Upon A Time. In a land not so far away there lived a little boy with his loving family. (Luis walks downstage while Brother and Mother enter from opposite sides of the stage)

Mother: What is wrong with him?

Brother: (walks to and hugs Mother) Nothing to worry about. He'll be fine. Just fine.

Mother: Fine? He's bleeding. He's just a little boy.

Brother: He is fifteen. He was late.

Mother: Where is Pablo?

Brother: They were late.

Mother: Pablo?

Brother: We sent him to playa game with the other boys.

Mother: Luis, are you OK?

Brother: He is fine, we played a game, he was late.

Mother: That's no reason to . . .

Brother: To what mother? To punish him?

Mother: Punish? No, that is not punishment. (pointing to Luis who is sitting on the floor rocking)

Brother: He'll be fine. And, he'll remember to be on time from now on. Won't you little brother? (Luis nods) If you're late someone has to pay the price. Simple as that.

Mother: Look! There's too much blood. These need stitches, do some of these need stitches? (Sits down with Luis and begins to rock him like a small child)

Brother: You baby him too much. He'll be fine.

Luis: Brother's games hurt.

Mother: Sssssshhhhhhh. Mother is here now.

Luis: Mother's not always here.

Mother: Mother has to work.

Brother: That's right, Mother isn't always here.

Luis: Well maybe that wasn't the end of the world, not really. (Stands as Mother and Brother exit) I was never late after that. I learned my lesson. brother should have learned his lesson too. The end of the game. That's another story. Game, set and match, no more game. When Mother found out, well, she didn't know what to do. But, as I've aid, that is another story. (Sits in his chair) So, what shall we talk about?

Pedro: How did your mother die?

Luis: Killed her self.

Pedro: Brother, where is he now?

Luis: Stupid question.

Pedro: What do you do for a living Luis?

Luis: I'm an actor. (Music stops) Going to be famous one day, a household name.

Fast blackout for scene end.

Notes to the Teacher....

Below was a bit of "extra work" that I assigned to the Eldest this weekend!

Dear Mr. Algebra Teacher

I apologize for texting during class, it was rude and disrespectful, I now realize how stupid it was to text in the front row. I will not do it again. You had to take time out of your class to get onto me, and that should have not happened.

I accept any and all punishments that i get. I should have been paying attention to the class rather than texting and not paying attention. I promise not to text during your class time again, and I once again apolagize for taking time out of your class.

The Eldest

My own personal addition to the note.

Mr. Algebra Teacher,

Please send me an email, to confirm receipt of this letter.
Thanks,
Michelle
Mother of Eldest

Yep, made him take it to class today. His father even took his phone away for a week. Someday they will understand that WHATEVER they do between the two of us, the parents, we have done it, more than once. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, little education, and low paying job to show for it!

I have amazing children, they never fail to amuse me!

In a Different World, I loved You

Scene Two: The set from scene one is still seen by the audience (possibly pushed upstage) When lights come up we hear traffic, children playing and quietly a saxophone plays in the background. Offstage we hear Maria.

Maria: Get your news here! Hot off the presses! Paper sir? You look like a smart man in need of some daily news. News here! You boys finish delivering the rest of these. Be careful, cars never know to watch for little boys. Get your news here! Hot off the presses! (The sound of children playing increases and the stops suddenly)

Maria enters wearing a ragged dress and no shoes. Walks to center stage and stops.

Maria: Oh, sweet mother of God. (crosses herself) No, this can't be happening! Please make it not so. Oh, no, please no! (walks to side of stage) No, please Lord, make this not what I see. (pointing offstage) Make this a dream. (Kneels and begins silent prayers while rocking. Police blue lights are seen offstage. Gomez and Alfonzo enter)

Gomez: Is that her?

Alfonzo: We think she found them. A foot patrol noticed her exactly as she sits now.
Only pointing at the ravine. Screams if you try talking to her. Sorta feel for the woman. Got the shrink on his way.

Gomez: No witnesses? (stares offstage) How many?

Alfonzo: (moving Gomez away from Maria) Too early to tell. Fifteen at last count. They just finished with the photos. You can see fifteen, that may be just what's on top.

Upstage slowly Luis is escorted into the room from scene one. He sits and begins to watch the men already on stage. Music stops.

Gomez: I want everyone questioned. Especially the street people, vendors, bums, churches, schools, everyone. There's no way this could have gone unnoticed, no way. Shit! (Pause) What else?

Alfonzo: Coroner says it didn't happen in one day. The decay isn't consistent. Some have been here a long time, others, well.

Gomez: All children?

Alfonzo: Looks like it.

Maria: (whisper) Two plus three is five. No one gets out alive. (repeats this throughout the rest of the scene, even as she walks off stage. Saxophone begins playing again, quietly.)

Alfonzo: (Staring at Maria) She mumbles. Been doing it all night. Says God a lot. I think she's praying.

Gomez: Say one for us then, say one for us.

Pedro enters and walks directly to where Gomez and Alfonzo are standing. Pedro is dressed in a tuxedo.

Pedro: (Shaking hands with both men.) Gentlemen.

Gomez: Hope we didn't spoil your plans for the evening.

Pedro: Comes with the job. What do you know about the woman.

Gomez: Not much to tell. We think she found the bodies, refuses to talk to us, screams and prays most of the time. No name, no ID, nothing.

Pedro: If I'm not mistaken her name is Maria, peddles news papers on Loco. I think she has a regular route as well. Brings her boys to the clinic, I've seen them there.

Gomez: You wouldn't happen to know her last name?

Pedro: No, sorry.

Gomez: See what you can do for her. We'll talk later.

Pedro: You'll have a report from me in the morning. (Pedro walks over to Maria, holds his hand out and helps her stand. Then they walk off stage together.)

Alfonzo: Have the patrol check the grocery on Loco, they're bound to know who she is, it's a start.

Gomez: Do you remember that case in Armenia last year where they found young boys mutilated by some kind of cult?

Alfonzo: Satanic ritual killings, that's what they called it. Ring leader is doing multiple life sentences, tried to plea insanity, jury didn't buy it. Three others convicted along with him. You thinking Cult?

Maria: (from off stage) Get your news here! Hot off the presses! Seventeen bodies found in Ravine! All young boys between the ages of eight and eighteen! Do police have any clues? Who do they suspect? Find out in today's edition! Killer Cults run ramped in Pereira! Get your news here! Hot off the presses! My babies!

Gomez: Can't see one person doing all this.

Scene ends with saxophone playing.

Time

When I have more time...

The bedroom will be painted
Bathroom as well
Reading list completed
Dust bunnies blown to hell

3 days off...

Three movies
one, twice
Singing the blues
Quiet as mice

In a Different World, I loved You

Scene One: The sound of a boy's choir should be the first thing the audience senses as the play begins. This music will slowly get louder until it becomes distorted to the point that is no longer resembles music. When the lights come up Luis is sitting on a chair in a sparsely furnished room with no windows. This set should be placed on wheels so that the room can be pushed up stage while other action is happening down stage. We see him fidget and pace for a few seconds before Angela enters.

Angela: Good morning. My name is Angela Gonzalez (holds her hand out for Luis to shake) I'm your court appointed attorney. (pause) And you are Luis Vi? (Luis stares at her) Are they feeding you well enough? Is there anything I can get for you? (pause) Do you know why you're here?

Luis: Do you know why I'm here? Do I know why I'm here? (Rocking back and forth as if holding a small child) Are they feeding you well enough? (Smacks his forehead) Well enough?

Angela: (She mimes as if talking to a small child) I'm here to help you.

Luis: Don't patronize me. (stops rocking)

Angela: I'm sorry. (pause) How old are you Mr. Vi? May I call you Luis?

Luis: Will you stop with the questions? (Begins to rock again) Questions, questions, questions.

Angela: I'll make a deal with you. Answer one question for me and I'll ask no more today. Simple enough. Do you agree? (Luis nods his head) Do you know why you're here?

Luis: Do I know why I'm here?

Angela: Well, do you?

Luis: I'm frightened. (pause) When I get frightened people get hurt. Two plus two is four, that's what God is for. I know that one. Do you remember that one? (Laughs) My turn to ask the questions. (laughs)

Angela: Do you know why you're here?

Luis: Two plus two is four, that's what God is for. I can never remember the rest. Tell me how it ends.

Angela: How it ends?

Luis: What comes next? After God? I can't remember.

Angela: Do you know why you are here?

Luis: Yes.

Angela: Will you tell me? Why are you here?

Luis: Because men with hats and guns and those, what do you call them? Those black stick looking things, they hang on their belts. I don't know how, but they do, they hang there until someone needs a good bashing. That's what they call it "A good bashing."

Angela: A billy club?

Luis: Yes, a billy club. You win the prize! I'm afraid I don't have much to offer you. Limited funds and all. (Pause) O.K., so, they brought me in here. Lovely room, don't you think? Well, it may not be up to your standards but, compared to the rest of this hotel, this room is lovely, simple and lovely. Like you.

Angela: Not this room, this is a jail. Do you know why you're in jail? (packing up the contents of her briefcase) I'm not a therapist. (Luis begins rocking and humming again) I don't think I can help you. You need a psychiatrist not a lawyer.

Luis: Lawyers get psychiatrists.

Angela: (Stops packing and stares at Luis) I sent one. You refused to talk to him.

Luis: I like talking to you. Your psychiatrist is a quack.

Angela: Quack?

Luis: I like talking to you.

Angela: That is not the point. I am a lawyer not a psychiatrist. (Stares at Luis) You do know. Don't you? Why you're in jail.

Luis: Yes.

Angela: Tell me about it.

Luis: You're not a therapist.

Angela: No, I think we agree on that much, I'm not a therapist. (pause) I am, however, your lawyer and if I'm to come up with a defense for you I need to know what happened.

Luis: What are the charges?

Angela: You know what the charges are. (pause as they stare at each other) Why am I wasting my time?

Luis: You have something better to do?

Angela: I'm not sure. I mean, I do have other things to do. Will you talk to the psychiatrist if I send him back here?

Luis: Questions, questions. I suppose that is what lawyers are for. Yes, I will speak with your quack. Under one condition.

Angela: You still don't get it! This is not a game.

Luis: Oh, but it is a game. All of this. Just one big game. Just ask the Quack, Pedro, was that his name? Pedro the Quack. This is, we are, simply something to have fun with, something to make you laugh. Life, life is just a game. The more you enjoy it the more you do it, the more you do it the better your score. Are you ready for my condition? (Angela nods) You will be here. That's all. You will sit right here next to me while I talk to that man. Do we have a deal?

Angela: Deal. Now will you answer my question?

Luis: Question? Two plus two is four.

Angela: Why are you in jail.

Luis: Because, as your psychiatrist will inform you, I am insane. Nutty as a fruitcake. Nothing more, nothing less.

Angela: What happened?

Luis: You'll know. Soon enough, you'll know. Will you still love me?

Angela: Love has nothing to do with it. Listen, you are my client. (Pause) Nothing more, nothing less. (stands)

Luis: Good girl. You're learning. When will I see you again?

Angela: With the psychiatrist. Soon. Good day Mr. Vi. (exits)

Luis: Wrong again, my lovely friend, wrong again.

Black Out. The Boy's choir is heard again. This time with no distortion and so quiet the audience will almost have to strain to hear it.

A bit of Browning to brighten the mind a bit...

Never the Time and the Place

by Robert Browning
(1812-1889)

---

Never the time and the place
And the loved one all together!
This path--how soft to pace!
This May -- what magic weather!
Where is the loved one's face?
In a dream that loved one's face meets mine,
But the house is narrow, the place is bleak
Where, outside, rain and wind combine
With a furtive ear, if I strive to speak,
With a hostile eye at my flushing cheek,
With a malice that marks each word, each sign!
O enemy sly and serpentine,
Uncoil thee from the waking man!
Do I hold the Past
Thus firm and fast
Yet doubt if the Future hold I can?
This path so soft to pace shall lead
Thro' the magic of May to herself indeed!
Or narrow if needs the house must be,
Outside are the storms and strangers: we
Oh, close, safe, warm sleep I and she, --
I and she!

This has always been one of my very favorite poems, I would like to make a story either based upon or using these words, in this order, as a focus.

I shared this poem with a friend (one who had recently learned English as a second language) once, he asked me to explain it. "Don't you see"? I ask...

Why a rain and snow filled day put me in the mind of Mr. Browning? I can not say, perhaps it just is.

I answered all the questions honestly...

What type of partier are you? Your Result: The Socialite You like only the best liquors, the latest trendy martini's, or the finest single-malt scotch. You are not one for the 'dive bar', you prefer classy lounges filled with model-quality people. When intoxicated, you flirt, but are coy and unattainable, you make your suitors WORK for it.
The Lurker
Hardcore drunk
The designated driver
Bar Social Butterfly
Bar Slut
The rock-star party animal
What type of partier are you? Make Your Own Quiz

These things have no idea!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

The view from my office window!

It may not seem like much to those of you in the northern part of the world, but this little bit of white magic has had me singing for the last hour now!

It has been years since the small town Georgia in which I currently reside has seen any of the white stuff & and we are terribly excited. Not much work being done in this office at the moment....we are all in quiet reflection............perhaps I will make some inquiries as to what is being reflected upon!

Thought of the day . . .

Of course, it is very important to be sober when you take an exam. Many worthwhile careers in the street- cleansing, fruit-picking and subway-guitar-playing industries have been founded on a lack of understanding of this simple fact.

Terry Pratchett, Moving Pictures

Inspired by stuff!

Spelling words belong in the dishwasher

So, I was in the car with the youngest on Friday night on our way back from LaGrange, there we watched the eldest wrestle (what an amazing sport - I have much admiration for anyone who is involved in wrestling - not that crap on the television though). We were talking about education. I am doing the foot work to get the youngest into the local private school & praying for a scholarship, he had about 10,000 questions. It was a really nice, comfortable conversation, those are the best.

We ended up on the topic of "Spelling Words", we both hate spelling words.

Out of his mouth comes this statement: "I just suck at spelling."

What do I say? "Yes, son, you do suck at spelling??????????? No, no can't say that....think........think........think "Don't worry, this will be the last year for spelling." NO, then he will think that spelling is unimportant! MORE think, think, think: "Do you know why that is?" MUCH BETTER! The perfect "therapist" answer.

"No, I just do." UNCOOPERATIVE PATIENT!

Then I remembered back to a book I once read that has helped me a great deal, actually it was a series of books.

"It is just memorization, really not that hard, and you are a really smart kid (butter him up) why don't we try an experiment?"

"What" STILL UNCOOPERATIVE!

"First, you have to stop saying that you suck at spelling, or anything else derogative in reference to your spelling ability."

"Why, its true?" My psychology 101, ten years ago, is about to leave me hanging...

"Just promise to try and I will teach you a little secret about how to remember things." Manipulation 101 still with me!

"OK, I can try." PERFECTION!

We talked for a long time about the mind and different memorization tricks that the teachers are trying to get him to do, writing the words, sentence writing, word search etc... and how these things are designed to work. We decided that it didn't matter why they did not work for him, they just did not work.

Then I told him to decide what building he would like to build his mind into. At this point he thinks I am crazy yet still participates. We decided that, as a start, his mind would look exactly like our house. Then we picked rooms for every topic in school and a few things that he/we just like to learn about. Then HE decided that his spelling words would belong in the dishwasher...I didn't ask. I had him visualize placing the letters of a few words, individually and as a whole into a specific spot of the dishwasher. It seemed to work. Now he can close his eyes and visualize those words, spelling them to perfection every time.

Oh, the series of books........................Written by Thomas Harris, Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal & Hannibal Rising.....please don't tell the Youngest!

1/10/08 UPDATE: Spelling test tomorrow....................I still hate spelling words!

Same conversation, different point:

The Youngest wanted to know why I do not subscribe to the "virtual campus" that is offered at all county schools. My answer was simple: You should be the one to tell me how you are doing in school. I regularly email & receive communication from a great deal of your teachers as far as projects and behavior in class. I don't need to spy on your grades.

This is not to say that I don't think these ideas are wonderful, especially for students who are having a hard time academically. It can be a wonderful tool for students and parents to catch a problem and remedy the situation promptly. --thus ends my disclaimer!

Academics has not YET been a problem with the youngest. HERE IS THE POINT: I want to keep the lines of communication open with the youngest and teach him responsibility at the same time. It is his responsibility to inform me of how he is doing in school, if he needs help he knows how to ask, if he does well he knows that I will be there with many congratulatory statements. How can I expect him to be responsible for the work if I do not respect that responsibility enough to allow him the opportunity to stand up and say "I did ________", or "I need ______"? I do not punish for poor achievement! I will, however, punish if I am blindsided with poor grades, not because the grades were less than desired but because he did not live up to his end of the bargain and ask for help. The youngest tends to blossom when given responsibilities, goals and deadlines. I need to give him that space.