To Make a New Home.

A Stage Play by theKansasginger

A first attempt at playwriting... A young woman returns home to face her past and accept who she is. Her heritage, her losses, and her future.

The lights come up on MAGGIE sitting alone on a bench. A big fancy looking suitcase should sit next to the bench; a purse should be around MAGGIE’s shoulder, and a small bag on top of the big suitcase. An instrumental of “Sweet Home Chicago” is playing over a busted radio speaker at the station. MAGGIE is wearing a short dress, a tan trench coat over it, a scarf around her neck, and black high heels.

MAGGIE has come home to Willoughby, Illinois from recently graduating at NYU. Willoughby is near Chicago, but far enough to be considered “Small town”. MAGGIE does not want to come home, her boyfriend SAM convinced her to go home for the funeral of a high school teacher who helped her get into college, and to visit her parents. MAGGIE is uncomfortable in Pullsgap. She feels that since the passing of her best friend CALLIE a month before graduation she never returned.

MAGGIE taps her foot against the bench impatiently; she checks her phone for the time. Rolls her eyes, and lets out an agitated sigh. She decides to call SAM

SAM is on another side of the stage, lying down on a “bed”(which can be a slab with a sheet on top). The phone rings. Sam rolls over groaning loudly.

MAGGIE

Come on Sam… please pick up the phone… don’t make me sit here all awkward…

Sam picks up the phone.

SAM

Yeah?

MAGGIE

Hey… Are you awake yet?

SAM

Uhm… yeah… totally… I’ve been awake since I dropped you off at the airport this morning.

MAGGIE

(Sarcastically) Oh yeah… sure you were… (She smiles faintly)

SAM

Sam begrudgingly rolls over and gets up, straightening up the “Bed”.

(Doesn’t get she’s lonely) So… uhm … how… was the flight?

MAGGIE

Fine, Some dumb kid kicked the back of my seat. I saved my peanuts… I know you like them.

SAM

You’ll be there for two weeks do you really think I’m gonna want those?

MAGGIE

They’re highly processed… when the world ends, Twinkies, these peanuts, cockroaches, and Mountain Dew will survive.

SAM

(Chuckles slightly) OK I get it Mags. We’ll all live off highly processed foods when the world ends. We’ll be safe up here in the big city. Where are ya anyway? Shouldn’t you be shackin up with one of them Duke boys leavin my city Yankee boy a*s in the dust?

MAGGIE

(Sarcastically) Ha…Ha… No! I’m in Illinois… not that far south. Though I’m sure there are some cousins who could help you out with that if you had any questions about that. There are some people in Kentucky and Louisiana … anyway… My dad’s supposed to come get me… I took the bus from O’Hare to the station in town… I’m staying with them at their house. I get the feeling I’ll be sitting here for awhile longer… Hopefully my dad doesn’t show up in the Bluesmobile.

SAM

That’d be cool… I still think I should have come with you. You said you haven’t spoken to a lot of the people there…since you left. And I like your parents. Your mom’s grilled cheese is like a slice of heaven.

MAGGIE

I’ll tell her you said that. She and my dad like you. Yeah I don’t know… I mean… I miss everyone… but I’ve got a life now… I wanted out of Willoughby… and I got out. It’s just sad everyone else couldn’t get out too. At least anyone who wanted. And with Mr. Rogers passing away… And Callie… my mom said I should try and talk to Annie again, I mean I really haven’t…

SAM

Don’t worry about it… The two weeks will go by fast… then you’ll be back here. I promise I’ll stop teasin’ you

MAGGIE grins.

MAGGIE

Darlin’ your favorite thing to do is sing “Stand by your man” while I’m studying pre-law. If you stop teasing me for that I’ll know something’s up.

ANNIE comes in, from the right. MAGGIE’s jaw drops at the sight of her high school friend.

MAGGIE

I gotta go. Love you Sam…

Sam doesn’t say anything; Maggie hangs up before he can. The lights fade to black on him. Annie waves awkwardly at Maggie. Annie is wearing jean shorts, sneakers, and a red tank top. Annie looks just like she did when Maggie left for New York six years ago.

ANNIE

Yer mom asked me to come gitcha. Hope that’s OK?

The scene freezes. The music cuts out. The lights fade on Maggie and Annie. And come up on Callie. Her face is powdered white, lips bright red. Her hair is down; she is wearing a black dress, black stockings, and black ballet flats. She steps to the center of the spotlight. She chances a glance at Maggie and Annie and smiles softly.

CALLIE

I never meant to leave them. I miss them. We were all so excited… to leave this dumb little town. Maggie was going to NYU and she did. She made something of herself. She’s studying Law there. She has a boyfriend named Sam… Sam loves her…. I think. I check in on them from time to time. Sometimes it seems like Sam’s… not all there. She never did come to my funeral…I wish she would have. Our social studies teacher… Mr. Rogers died last week. Maggie came home for him… why didn’t she stay a week later for me?

Callie’s demeanor changes regarding Annie. From fond memory, to uncomfort.

CALLIE

Maggie’s gonna be in for quite a shock when she and Annie hang out at Annie’s place. See… Annie is in a relationship… with a woman. Which Maggie is cool with… but the woman happens to be a former popular girl who peaked…. Very early on in high school… she used to steal Maggie’s lunch money. But Edna Mae and Annie… they’re happy. So I guess I’m happy for them. I can’t exactly do anything from my end… I am dead… Slit my wrists in the bathroom…Annie struggled… a lot since Maggie left. Annie went to Cook County Community college… that is right down the street from the Cook County Jail. (Starts to chuckle innocently) we all used to joke… the only way out was on that highway… you go left to Jail… go right to one of the worst schools in the state… Annie… Annie lost two best friends that summer… I pop in on Maggie… but I spend more time watching out for Annie… She works at some dive in town… Same one I died in… dead end job, dead end salary… dead end life… This isn’t what she talked about doing with her life…(She turns to make eye contact with Annie. In attempt to get her attention. The lights come up as Callie moves between her two former friends) what happened Annie? You were gonna write for the Tribune! You were gonna live in Chicago! In downtown! You’re better than this!

MAGGIE

Uhm… hey Ann… yeah… sure that’s fine… Say did you… hear something?

ANNIE

Naw…. Well ya mighta heard the bus

CALLIE

YOU HEARD ME! I’M TRYING TO TALK TO YOU GUYS!

ANNIE

Christ ya got enough bags with ya?

MAGGIE

(Looks at her suitcases) Oh… yeah… I guess they’re a bit… excessive.

CALLIE

(To the Audience) She’s thinking about leaving Sam… You remember him right? Slacker in New York? Perfect Boyfriend she lives with? Sam who doesn’t get how Maggie’s introvert brain works? Sam’s currently making out with their other friend Jennifer… or as I like to call her “Madame… Push up bra”. Sam pushed her to come down here when she didn’t want to. Wanna know why? Maggie’s ashamed of this dump! Maggie tells people she moved to New York from Chicago. (Turns to Maggie) That’s it right? You’re ashamed of all of us? Here in cute little Willoughby. Illon-no-way!

MAGGIE

Did you walk here?

ANNIE

Nope… got ma ole’ man’s pickup… we can put these big ones in the bed… I got some rope… they’ll tie ‘em down so they don’t move.

MAGGIE

OK… Hey (Smiles genuinely)… it’s good to see you.

ANNIE

Yeah… I missed you… We’ll drop these off at your parents’ place… then we can go by the lake and… visit I guess?

Maggie stands up. She grabs the biggest suitcase. Annie grabs the smaller one. And they walk off stage. Callie stays.

CALLIE

(TO audience) Sometimes I’m glad I did it… I knew Maggie’s be on the first bus out of town … probably the day of graduation knowing her… Like in that one movie? With Seth Green and Melissa Joan what’s her face? She’s All that? Can’t hardly wait! When all of the seniors who graduated leave town literally the day of graduation… Mags couldn’t wait to put Willoughby in her rearview mirror. Annie’d … Annie wasn’t supposed to live like this… Annie’s go the Chicago and write for the newspaper… She’d review restaurants… Her mom was the best cook… Annie has had it rough… Two months after Maggie left… A drunk driver killed Annie’s parents… Our high school quarterback Dirk “I repeated 7^th grade four times” Jefferson Davis. Dirk Jefferson Davis is now serving time for manslaughter in Cook county jail. He sends Annie letters… Apologizing. But Annie lost both her parents and her two best friends in the span of three months… Annie shreds his letters. Maggie sent her a sympathy card… and Facebooked her… Maggie’s parents started to help Annie out… anyway they could… But they’re money’s tight… Life after high school made no sense to me. What were we supposed to do? Suddenly we turn eighteen and we must become fully functioning full-fledged adults. I didn’t know what to do… I remember that spring… right after prom everyone was… so excited so sure… of what they were going to do with their lives… I was lost. … Why was I lost?

The lights go black. END OF SCENE ONE. Scene two opens on Maggie and Annie, sitting on a piece of a wooden fence. Maggie is sitting on her trench coat; her high heels lean against a fence post. Annie’s feet dangle off the ground. There is a rusted sign behind them that read “WILLOUGHBY CITY PARK. PARK is crossed out with white spray paint and it reads “WILLOUGBY CITY SUCKS”. A blue spotlight on the ground in front of them signifies the lake.

Callie is standing in the background.

MAGGIE

My mom and dad have really been helping you out since your parents died?

ANNIE

I don’t like… talking ‘bout it… but yeah… yer mom and dad … they’ve been good people to me.

MAGGIE

I’m sorry I couldn’t come down.

ANNIE

Nah… it’s fine…ya just got ta New York… yer mom was talkin’ bout if ya just came home after two months ya’d never go back… She didn’t want ya to stay in this s**t hole.

‘ CALLIE

Neither did you! YOU BOTH WANTED TO LEAVE!

MAGGIE

I keep hearin’ somethin…

ANNIE

Yeah… yer twang’s comin back

MAGGIE

I think we all knew I’d never really lose it.

CALLIE

Then why did you wait so long to come home huh?

Awkward silence between the three fills time. Maggie glances around, Annie glances at Maggie, and Callie is getting more and more frustrated.

MAGGIE

When was the last time you were out here?

ANNIE

When you left town… day before Callie’s funeral.

MAGGIE (suddenly feels very guilty)

Oh… yeah… so… how was that?

CALLIE

You make it sound like my funeral was a f*****g party? What the hell’s wrong with you? You snob!

ANNIE

You know… I don’t remember… there were a lot of funerals that year.

CALLIE

(Points accusingly at Maggie) Where were you? Bernice and Willie were Annie’s parents! We loved them! They miss you!

MAGGIE

How’re Callie’s parents?

ANNIE

Every time I see Mrs. Flores at “Muller’s Grocery” she cries… I just quit going, I drive to that place on the edge of Chicago where you met that International student from Korea who thought you were some type of goddess… because you punched that drunken buffoon in the nose.

MAGGIE

I guess I always was a little social justice enforcer…What about her dad?

ANNIE

He killed himself… last year. He just… couldn’t take it…

MAGGIE (Genuinely hurt)

Why didn’t anyone tell me?

ANNIE

Cuz … this ain’t your home anymore.

CALLIE

Wow Ann… you have a backbone! That’s impressive!

MAGGIE

What’s that supposed to mean?

ANNIE

Look at you Maggie… you don’t belong here… not anymore…you got out. You got out and you never came back. You’re in New York. You’re dating a guy who’s crazy bout ya. You’re gonna be a high-powered lawyer in a big city… making a difference. You haven’t come back here for anything.

MAGGIE

It’s expensive to fly.

ANNIE and CALLIE at the same time

You could have taken the bus!

MAGGIE

And you could have called me! Or used Facebook or-

ANNIE

But it’s a two way street Maggie… You could have picked up the phone.

CALLIE

You both could have!

MAGGIE

I thought you were my best friend

ANNIE

Maggie… you haven’t made any effort to stay in touch with me since graduation. Member when we were out here before? The week fore you left? You came out here with me, said goodbye then went home. I thought we were gonna… talk bout Callie, or maybe you were gonna tell me you’re stayin’ to help out yer folks after yer dad’s heart attack… but you left.

The scene freezes again. Callie steps forward, at center.

CALLIE

Three days after I killed myself… Maggie’s dad had a heart attack. They had to air lift him to a hospital in Chicago… Maggie’s mom made her stay here… Annie stayed with her… they stayed up all night and talked about… (Sheepishly) me. They’re both so angry with me… Cuz I left them… Mr. Gale’s fine now. He and Mrs. Gale are happy. They’re both really proud of Maggie. When she and Annie dropped her bags off there earlier… Mrs. Gale gave her a big hug and said (Exaggerated twang) “MAH! MAH! LOOK AT YEW! MAH LIL MAHRGRET GAY-LE! ALL GROWN UP! ON HER WA-AY TA BEIN A HIGH CLAYASS LAWYA!”. (Normal voice). Mr. and Mrs. Gale fly into New York on Christmas every year to see her. They know why Maggie didn’t want to set foot in Willoughby. Mr. Gale told her boyfriend “SHE NEVER GREIVED… SHE”S ASHAMED A ALL OF US DOWN IN WILLOUGHBY. YEW… SHE LOVES YEW”. Sam loves her huh? Why didn’t Sam not listen to her and come down here with her? Of course I loved her too…She was my sister… now look where I am.

Callie steps back behind Maggie and Annie. The scene resumes. Maggie’s feelings are incredibly hurt and she’s near tears.

MAGGIE

Annie I’m sorry… I didn’t know… no one told me… you didn’t tell me… I had no idea you felt this way.

ANNIE

You’re embarrassed of us… all of us here in Willoughby… I get it. New York’s a great big city… full a all kinds’ a folks… and Willoughby’s just a bunch a white folks and the Willis family…and their cousins… But-

CALLIE (At this point in the play, Maggie can hear Callie. Although from Maggie’s perspective Annie is the one speaking. It is up to the director for Annie to be moving her mouth while Callie speaks or not. Annie doesn’t speak. Callie kneels down before Maggie. Gently putting her hands on her knees. Desperate for her former friend to understand.)

But It’s apart of who you are Maggie… You were born in Willoughby, Illinois your best friend from high school… killed herself two weeks before graduation because she was …(Tears forming) because I was afraid… I was afraid to grow up… I was afraid to lose you and Annie… and our great friendship but I… I ruined it… I ruined you two… (Callie is crying at this point. Maggie is staring into the lake the whole time) Annie’s dating Edna Mae… which is weird… but they’re in love… And they’re happy. And you’re dating a guy from upstate New York named Sam who did… something really stupid … but you’ll forgive him. Next year he’ll ask you to marry him, and you’ll say yes… (Smiling happily) And you’ll have your wedding here… Annie’ll be your maid of honor… your dad will give you away…and you’ll be a lawyer… in Chicago… Sam’ll be your husband… Annie and Edna will live near you and you’ll both be happy. YOU’LL BOTH BE HAPPY! You won’t hate me… for being selfish and leaving you! I’m sorry… I’m so sorry I…I left you.

MAGGIE

I guess… I should go call Sam… and tell him to get a bus ticket out here. It’s time he sees this place… He sees… my home. But on my way home… I want to stop by… Callie’s mom’s place.

ANNIE

She might not want to see us.

MAGGIE

Well… we’ll try… then you and I are gonna Skype call Sam… I want him to meet my best friend…

Maggie and Annie, hop off the fence, Maggie picks up her heels and carries them as the two exit. Callie moves forward, she stands center again. The lights all fade out but a spotlight on her.

CALLIE

Willoughby is a… horrible little town… it’s just outside of Chicago… but it’s far enough away… for it to be “Small town in the middle of bum-f**k no where”. On Saturday nights teenagers will go out to a deserted country road and drink beer, or see how far someone can walk along the train tracks… All to get out. Tomorrow Maggie will buy a ticket for Sam to catch a bus out here. He tells her he kissed Madame Push up bra… She forgives him. She shows him around, where she grew up, the field where we played touch football, the water tower us and some other kids used to sit up on during the summer and smuggle beers, and spray paint rude pictures and slogans. She shows him the high school; she introduces him to my mom. Sam and Annie take Maggie to my grave, a place underneath a willow tree, Sam holds her hand as she stands there… Maggie apologizes for not being at my funeral, for not reaching out to me before I died, for not trying to help me, for deserting me and Annie in Willoughby. She thinks I can’t hear her but I do. Mr. Gale takes Sam for a beer at the dive where Annie works and tells him “Maggie’s made peace now… she’s moved on… She’s got some choices ahead of her… bout her future… but she wants you in it… So does Mrs. Gale… and so do I” and Sam understands. Annie introduces them to Edna Mae… Maggie is shocked at first… but happy. She and Sam get married in a year from now. It’s at the big church in town, everyone is invited. Annie’s her maid of honor. They both leave a space for me in the wedding party, I stand beside Annie, smiling and clapping proudly. Maggie and Sam finish school in New York, they move to Chicago, Annie and Edna move near them. Four years after they get married, Maggie and Sam are pregnant, unlike many girls we went to high school with, this baby is not born when the mother is 14, the parents aren’t forced to marry, this baby… Callie Gale Anderson is born to parents who love her, who tried specifically for her…her mother and father are financially stable, who can afford her, and who genuinely wanted children. Annie is named godmother. Many children, and many years later, Maggie and Sam retire. They move into her parent’s old farm in Willoughby. A beautiful little farmhouse on the edge of town. Willoughby is bigger now… 16,000 people… as opposed to 8,000 when I was alive. Annie stays in the city but visits Willoughby frequently. They drink together, switching from beer to wine, to tea, as they get older. And the years go by. They talk, about kids, work, what I would be doing if I were still alive…I suppose life after high school does get better. But unfortunately not all of us make it, some of us get lost along the way. Some of us lose our way… but like my friends Maggie and Annie… some of us find our way back home. To people who love us. Or we find a new home. Maybe if you can’t go home again, you can make a new one.

Callie exits. Lights cut to black.

Author's Note

This was my midterm for my playwriting class... I have never done playwriting before and this was a big leap for me... so I don't feel to confident... So please don't crucify me. This is a highly exaggerated but somewhat personal experience of mine. High school classmates have passed away and for the longest time I was also very ashamed of where I'm from.