Peggy: Come on, Jen, you mean you’re actually not going to the party? I mean everyone who’s anyone is going to be there, even Ray. (At this point, Peggy elbows Jen with a wink and a smile, knowing Jen Likes Ray) You know you want to go, come on, don’t be a party pooper!
Jen: Of course I’d love to go, but my parents already told me no and I gotta respect them. Maybe next time, all right? (Feeling a little frustrated because Peggy keeps asking) Besides, you know what goes on at those kinds of parties; I’m just not in to that.
Peggy: I know you say you’re not into that, but aren’t you “in to” talking to Ray? I told you he’s going to be there, and if you don’t show up, what’s he gonna think, huh? You may miss your chance if you skip out on tonight. And then you can’t say that I didn’t warn you! It’ll be your loss, girl!
Jen: Come on, don’t make me feel bad; you know you’re my best friend and hanging out with you is so much fun and all that but…*(hesitating, taking a breath)* I just can’t go. If I keep bothering my parents about it, they’ll just get upset with me, and there’s just been too much going on at home, that I don’t want to make matters worse, Pegs. You know what I mean; we’ve talked about this before.
Peggy: Well, what if you don’t tell your parents. What if you like, sneak out? The party starts at 10 o’clock so your parents will probably be sleeping already, right?
Jen: Oh I could never do that.
Peggy: Ok, that’s all you ever say, “I could never do that!” (Mocking Jen) Well, it’s time for you to start “Doing that” and start living. Girl, you gotta stand up for yourself. You’re 18 and an adult on your way to college in a few months. And you won’t know what you’re missing unless you go. And the party won’t be the same without you. Who would I have to talk to? I won’t know too many people there anyway. Please, just come for me, for like a half hour. If you don’t like it, we’ll both leave together and go get a late night pizza, okay? What do you say, huh? You gonna let me down again or you gonna be a friend? I won’t take no for an answer.
Jen: (Thinking about it, she hesitates)…Well…I don’t know…Maybe I’ll go. (She emphasizes the maybe)
Peggy: Maybe?
Jen: Yeah, Maybe.
Peggy: Jen, you can’t let me know, the party is tonight, miss thing, I need to know now, so I know if we’re going together or not. And like I said, if you don’t go, I’ll have nobody so, come on, Jen, let’s hang out tonight and do the “girl thing.” You need some chillaxin anyway, tell me you don’t.
Jen: Oh, all right, all right, stop bugging me, I’ll go; but only for 30 minutes and no more, deal?
Peggy: You know it! (Peggy and Jen High five each other) So, I’ll catch ya tonight then! Just wait and see, girlfriend, you’re gonna have a blast! And maybe Ray may even ask you out. (As she giggles, she gives Jen a quick hug and walks away.) Later, girl.
Scene 2:
(Jen thinks she’ll ask her parents one more time if it’s okay to go to the party, in a meek, little voice)
(Her parents are on the couch. They rarely seem to have any time for Jen lately, but she figured she’d give it one more try. Her Dad is reading and her Mom is catching up on missed episodes of her favorite soap on the soap cable network)
Jen: Hi, Umm, Mom, Dad, can I talk to you for a minute?
Mom: Sure, honey, but make it quick! I gotta know what happens with Jack and Amy on Barnegat County. I missed this show today and thank goodness they replay the episodes at night on cable. (Mom raises her hand up) There is a God! (Mom’s eyes are still glued to the TV; she doesn’t even look at Jen)
Dad: What is it, Jen? Mom and I are just beat, that’s all, we’ve had a heck of a day, sweetheart. (*Dad doesn’t even look at Jen either or lower his book*)
Jen: I’m sorry to bother you. It’s just that…Well…See…Umm…*(she hesitates, looking at the floor)*
Dad: Just ask whatever you’re going to ask, Jen, we don’t have all night now.
Jen: (*sighing begins) Well, okay, umm…Remember that party by Fran’s house that I asked you if I could go to? Well, Peggy keeps asking me if I want to go and says she’ll have no one to talk to if I don’t, so…
(Mom finally looks at Jen, but only quick enough to interrupt her by saying)
Mom: Absolutely not! Your Father and I already told you no! Didn’t you hear us the first time? When we say no, we mean just that, “No!” So don’t ask again, cuz you’ll get the same answer.
Jen: But why, Mom? I just turned 18 and you already know you can trust me! How can I learn how to be independent for college in the fall if I don’t start now, huh?
Dad: (He too quickly glances at Jen) Jen, don’t argue with your Mom, come on, now; we were having a quiet evening before you came in, and we really would like it to continue to be just that, quiet and relaxing. If your Mom said No, it’s No. End of story. (He looks back in his book)
Jen: But Dad!
Dad: No butts, Jen! This conversation is over.
Jen: But can’t you even tell me why I can’t go?
Mom: It’s simple Jenny. It’s because we said so. (Swatting her hand in the air towards Jen now) Now, go watch TV in your room or call Peggy on the phone, I don’t want to miss any more of my soap than I have to. And thanks to this little conversation I’ve already missed enough.
Jen: Oh Fine, Whatever! Thanks for your undivided attention, wardens! (Jen walks of, salutes them with an angry attitude and slams to the door to her room behind her.)
(Jen now in her room, puts on the radio, looks in the mirror and starts putting on makeup)
Jen (to herself): Maybe Peggy’s right. Maybe I need to stand up for myself and start to live my own life. I’m going to that party. (Frustrated, she starts brushing her hair as scene goes blank.)
Scene 3:
*(Jen realizes it’s 10PM, stuffs pillows under her blanket and sneaks quietly out of the house’s back door while everyone is asleep).
*(Jen then is startled by a familiar face, unexpectedly there, behind a tree in the backyard waiting for her) *(Jen gasps!)
Peggy: *(In a loud whisper Peggy begins): Psst, over here, Jen! (Waves to Jen, motioning her over to her.)
Jen: Pegs, is that you? You startled me half to death! (She touches her heart and pants, catching her breath)
Peggy: Sorry, but I wasn’t gonna let you ditch me this time. Besides, I know how much Ray means to you, and as your friend I was not about to let you miss out on what could be the biggest night of your life.
Jen: All right, thanks, but let’s just go, I have a bad feeling about sneaking out, I’ve never done this before, ever!
Peggy: yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, let’s go!
(Peggy grabs Jen’s hand as they, on tippy-toes run off towards Fran’s House)
Scene 4:
*(Halfway down Fran’s block, Peggy and Jen already hear the loud music jamming from the house. They look at each other and start to giggle.)
*(Peggy rings the doorbell)
*(Their other friend, Josh, Fran’s brother, answers the door)
Josh: hey, Pegs, Jen, it’s about time you got here! This party just started about a half hour ago, and already it’s the social event of the season. (He motions them in) Go get yourselves a drink.
Peggy: Don’t mind if we do, J.
(Jen and Peggy see some other friends they know)
Jen: (Jen waves high in the air calling) Hey, Adam, Liz, I didn’t know you two would be here! This is my friend, Peggy. (Jen goes towards them and gives them a big, tight hug) Oh man, I can’t believe it; I haven’t seen you guys in like, years!
Adam and Liz: (almost in unison) We know! (They look at each other and laugh)
Adam: man it seems like ages ago!
Liz: Hey well with this friendship reunion underway, what do you say we go celebrate with a drink or two?
Adam: Sounds good to me, Lizzy.
Jen: (As she’s walking, she kind of hesitates and says) Don’t laugh at me for asking, but, is there only alcohol to drink or is there soda too? Cuz I really don’t drink. I actually never have. I’ve heard too many stories.
Adam: Oh those stories, they’re still going around? Look, those stories are just a false doctrine that parents make up just to scare us out of having a good time. They know when they were young they did the same thing, and maybe even worse, so it’s no big deal.
Liz: Yeah, Jen, just try one. You might like it. No one says you have to get drunk or anything.
Peggy: Yeah, don’t be silly, Jen. Loosen up, have a good time. *(Peggy whispers in Jen’s ear): Besides, I hear Ray will be here any minute, so, a nice, ice cold drink will make you feel better okay chica?
Jen: (Hesitating, getting almost stiff in her walking now) Well, okay. One is probably okay.
Do they have something sweet?
Liz: They sure do! Fran sure knows how to throw a bash!
Peggy: (looking around) (They all suddenly stop with Peggy) Hey, where is Fran anyway, isn’t this like her party and she’s nowhere to be found! What’s up with that?
Josh: Oh well, we were running out of brewskies all too soon, what with extra people showing up and all, bringing friends with them, so she jumped in the beamer and said she’d be back in like ten minutes, or so.
Jen: Oh cool! I’ve missed her. Ever since she moved to Calverton High last fall, she hasn’t been around too much.
Peggy: Tell me about it. That girl’s been so scarce; I was ready to send out an APB on her. (She laughs)
Jen: (She touches Peggy’s arm) Give her some slack there, Pegs, I mean she and Josh just lost both their parents in an airplane crash. She probably just needed some time alone to sort her feelings out, you know?
Adam: Ok, ok, enough with the sad feelings, I came here to party and that’s what I’m going to do.
(Adam grabs Peggy’s arm himself, and she trips as they all re-begin their trip to the drink station)
**(Door bell rings like three times)** // **(Liz goes to answer it)**
Liz: I’ll get it. Just hold my seat for me.
**(Suddenly Jen feels her face heat up like a furnace as she sees who’s behind the door. It’s Ray and he’s smiling from ear to ear)**
Peggy: (Peggy whispers to Jen): Hey Juliet, Romeo’s here…
Jen: *(She loudly whispers): Shhhhhhhh! *(Then whispers quieter as she says): I don’t want anyone to know about…well you know…you promised you’d shush about me liking him.
Peggy: Ok, don’t get all nutty on me. Let’s go say hello. (She giggles)
Jen: No! I’m not ready!
Peggy: *(Peggy pulls her arm and Jen trips again). Well, make yourself ready cuz here we go, Princess!
Peggy, Liz and Jen: Hello *(in perfect unison)
Ray: Hey girls, how you doing? It’s so nice to see you all here. *(He looks around and continues to say) I don’t see anyone else here I know all that well besides you three. Oh and I know Fran of course. We can hang out together, that is, if you don’t mind.
Peggy: Of course we don’t mind right Jen? *(Peggy looks at Jen)
Jen: Right, right, we don’t mind, Ray. It’ll be fun.
*(Jen whispers in Peggy’s ear)
Jen: I’m gonna get you for this Peggy.
Peggy: *(She whispers back with a smile): Nah, you’re gonna thank me, Jen. Just wait and see. Tonight is your night.
**(All three girls, along with Ray, quickly walk back to the bar area together to rejoin Adam.)
Liz: This is Adam, Ray. Ray, this is Adam. Have a drink yet?
Adam: No, I was waiting for you guys.
Peggy: Ok then, let’s start the party. Guys ready?
Liz: Pegs, we were born ready.
Ray: I hope you don’t mind, but I’m just gonna have a cherry coke, I’m really not in to drinking.
Adam: Oh come on, Ray, it’s a party, dontcha wanna have fun?
Ray: Well, yeah, of course I do, but I don’t need to drink liquor to have a good time. The stuff’s not good for ya anyway. I just came here because I heard from Fran that you guys were going to be here. *(He points to Liz, Peggy and Jen).
Jen: Yeah, I agree.
Peggy: Oh Jen, I thought you were going to have a good time and start living and doing your own thing? This is your night to start, girl, no limitations. It’s now or never.
Jen: All right, fine, I know I promised. I’ll just have one drink…Maybe a…. a…Oh Peggy you suggest something, I’ve never had a drink in my life and don’t even know what most of them are called.
Peggy: You know I’ll hook you up girl!
Ray: *(Ray whispers to Jen): You sure about this?
Jen: *(Whispers back) Well, no not really, but what have I got to loose, I’m just gonna have one. I don’t think I’m even gonna like it.
Ray: Okay, well I hope you know what you’re doing.
Jen: So do I, Ray. So do I.
*(Peggy looks over the drink table and picks up a hard lemonade for Jen)
Peggy: Here, try this. It’s the sweet you’re looking for with just enough zing to make you feel good. You’re gonna love it.
Jen: *(She stares at the bottle, as she stiffly takes it from Peggy’s hand): Okay well, here goes nothing.
(She unscrews the top and smells the contents)
Peggy: (laughing and rolling her eyes): It’s not gonna bite you, it’s just a drink, crazy girl. Just taste it, I’m telling you, you’ll love it. Will you trust me? I’ve never steered you wrong, before have I?
Jen: All right. (She pauses and then slowly lifts the bottle to her lips and closes her eyes tightly, taking a small sip, pausing again as she tastes it)
Peggy: (Staring at Jen, waiting anxiously for a reply says): Well, Saint Jenny, what do you think of your first cocktail?
Jen: I never knew these things tasted this good! (Jen feels a little smile coming on as she gazes at the bottle and says): Cheers? (She quickly gazes at Ray, knowing what he’s thinking then looks back at Peggy, who of course is smiling proudly.)
(All except Ray, lift their glasses and bottles for a toast of friendship/cheering)
(Ray just looks on, with a sad, distraught look on his face, especially looking at Jen, who he knows is not being herself)
Scene 5:
**(About an hour passes. At least it sure feels like an hour. Some people have left, while others still remain, including Liz, Adam, Josh, Ray, and Peggy.)
**(The music is blasting and drinks are still being drunk. Among the drinkers, way passed her 30 minute promised stay was Jen, totally drunk and dancing on the couch, occasionally falling off, laughing with the gang)
*(Ray looks on from his seat across the room, almost wanting to leave, periodically looking at the door, but feels, for some reason he should stay and watch out for Jen).
Peggy: Girl, did I tell you you’d have fun or what? *(She’s now laughing uncontrollably).
Jen: *(She trips over her own foot, grabbing Peggy laughing and says): Yeah, I don’t know what I was thinking. (She pauses, hardly able to stand straight and says): Hey, (laughing) where’s Fran? It’s been over an hour and she’s still not here. And this is her party! (Continues to laugh) Oh well, never mind, there’s just more drinks for us then. (Giggles) She probably just found herself a boyfriend. (She takes a big gulp of her drink and says): But yet I just have one more question? *(Still giggling)
Peggy: What’s that?
Jen: Got another one?
Peggy: Another what? *(Stops and smiles smugly) Oh, I know, I know, I gotcha! *(She grabs another hard lemonade from the table and says): Is this what you’re looking for? *(Still giggling, waving the bottle in front of Jen’s eyes).
Jen: *(Also Giggling): You know me so well… Woo-Hoo! *(She almost misses from her mis-coordination from being drunk, but manages to grab a hold of the bottle. She and Peggy then join Liz, Adam and Josh dancing to a favorite dance tune).
Ray: *(Says to himself still watching, slowly shaking his head): Oh God, please help them realize what they’re doing to themselves. I know I’m here for a reason, Lord. I can’t let Jen die like my Mother. Please show me what to do, or what to say, Father, that would make a difference for Your Glory. I beg you, in Jesus’ Name. (Pauses): Amen. (He then covers his eyes with his hands and rubs them, wishing he were just seeing things and that when he opened his eyes it would all be just a bad dream).
*(Ray, being a Pastor’s Son, didn’t know why God had led him to such a party like this. He just decided to trust God and wait for an answer, a move of the Spirit, telling him what to do).
(Another while passes on; maybe another half hour or so)
(Ray had fallen asleep while praying in his chair, but was awoken by a loud noise!)
(Ray awakens suddenly, and sees Jen on the floor, another bottle in her hand, now broken from her fall. Her hand that was holding the bottle is now bleeding from it cracking in her hand as she held it. Peggy stood watching, too drunk to comprehend anything going on around her, as were Liz, Josh, and Adam. Ray now knew why he was there; to help God save her life).
(Ray grabbed his cell phone out of his jeans pocket and dialed 911)!
Ray: (Sounding frantic, unable to catch his breath): Somebody, please help, please! I need an ambulance at: 45 Berkshire Avenue, in Centerville, it’s a house! Hurry, please! (He hung up without even giving the 9-1-1 operator a chance to talk and quickly runs over to where Jen lay on the floor)
Peggy: Oh leave her alone, she’s just sleeping, R-R-R, Ray, R-Ronald, R-R-Rick, whatever your name is… (She can’t even stand now and just sits down, dazed, smiling to herself, looking sideways.)
(Ray checks Jen’s vital signs and sees she’s not breathing. He was thankfully licensed in CPR and even though some parts he wasn’t sure of, he started doing everything he could to save her)
(Ray administers CPR. In five minutes or less, the ambulance sirens can be heard through the closed windows. He runs to open the door, and they rush in)
Naomi: (Naomi, the EMT, rushes in to the house and energetically asks): Is she breathing? Did you have to administer CPR? Tell me what happened. (As she starts to examine Jen)
Ray: I was asleep and heard a loud noise. I woke up when I heard it and saw Jen on the floor, with her bloody hand. She wasn’t moving or breathing, but I started what I could remember of my CPR training classes.
Naomi: Good. It’s always better to do something than nothing. You’re a hero, (She says as she notices Jen starting to breath)
(Naomi’s EMT partner Ronny then assists Naomi lift Jen on to a gurney and rush her in to the ambulance to bring her to the hospital)
Ronny: (Ronny places a gentle arm around Ray and says calmly): She’s gonna be okay, man, you just wait and see.
Ray: But, but what if she’s not?
Ronny: We’ve seen this so many times. Trust me, she’s a lucky one, she started breathing again only after a few minutes. So, she should be okay. All right?
Ray: Should?
Ronny: Have faith, my friend. She’s going to make it, just trust me, ok? You follow us.
Ray: Oh I planned on it. Let’s go!
(Ray gives Ronny a pat on his arm and follows the ambulance to Trinity Hospital)
Scene 6:
*(Back at Fran’s house, the doorbell rings. It startles Peggy as she tries her best to walk clumsily to answer the door. It was a police officer)
Peggy: *(Immediately manages to stammer out a few jumbled words): Oh I’m sorry officer; I’ll turn the music down. *(She attempts to turn around towards the stereo, when Officer Frank stops her).
Officer Frank: No, no, Ma’am that’s not why I’m here. But thanks. (He looks quickly in to Peggy’s drunk face then looks at his paper): I’m Officer Frank Cardoon. Do you know a…*(He looks again at the paper for correct pronunciation): a…Francine Elizabeth Studamyer?
Peggy: (Stammering to find words again): Of course we do, who doesn’t copper? *(She let’s out a slight giggle now, hardly able to keep standing, falling in to a chair).
Officer Frank: (Looking dismal, hesitating to announce the news): Well, umm, I don’t know how to tell you this but…*(He hesitates again)*: We found her car like two blocks from here, totally dismantled and crushed. Her body wasn’t in good condition at all when I found her. The ambulance had to get her body out with the Jaws of Life. Seems like she went out to get more alcohol at the store, as there were cases and cases in the front seat with her. Ma’am, I think Francine was driving drunk, because uh…I always hate having to tell people this kind of news but…Francine is gone, she uh…it looks like she died automatically when her car flipped over and then slammed in to a wall. I’m so, so sorry. (He takes off his hat)
Peggy: Oh man, you know this is a cruel joke. Franny ain’t dead; you don’t know what you’re gabbing about. She’ll be back in a few. Why don’t’ you just sit down, pull yourself a chair to sit on and have a drink with me, Franky.
(Officer Frank now is concerned as he gets a better look at Peggy’s face, and the faces of the others, now just as drunk as she is)
Officer Frank: Umm, Miss, Can I see some ID? None of you look like you’re 21-the legal age to drink.
Peggy: Oh don’t worry; I ain’t driving, chill ax, Pop.
Officer Frank: Ma’am, what’s your name? How old are you…*(Peggy doesn’t respond, as she starts to fall hunched over a reclining chair, falling asleep*): Ma’am…? Ma’am? (Officer Frank then searches her pockets for a wallet with an ID. Sure enough he finds a wallet with a newly issued driver’s license stating the facts. He reads them quietly to himself, making sense of it all): Peggy Lindstrom, 216 Orange Avenue, Centerville. Age: 18. (He shakes his head, then finds a small phone book in her other pocket, skims through it, finds her Mom’s cell number and calls her.)
(As Dr. George Reiner finishes examining Jen, now slightly awake, he goes over to the waiting room and motions Ray towards him)
Ray: (Relieved to be called he tries to sound calm pushing his hair off his forehead, sighing): Uh, how is she, Doctor? Is she gonna be okay?
(Both Ray and Dr. George go in to the office together)
Dr George: Yes, she’s going to be just fine. Thank God, you started CPR when you did, because otherwise, I don’t think she would have made it. She has alcohol poisoning.
Ray: So, uh, what do I do for her?
Dr. George: Well, we’re going to keep her here a few days just to keep an eye on her. Then, if all goes well, she can go home.
Ray: Ok, Doctor, thank you so much. (He wipes a small tear running down his cheek): Is it, is it okay if I go see her now?
Dr. George: Sure, it’s okay, but only for a little while; she really needs her rest to get her strength back. She’s been through a lot and is very weak.
Ray: No problem. (He starts to walk towards Jen’s room, then turns around calling): Doctor George?
Dr. George: (He stops and turns back towards Ray): Yes?
Ray: Thank you. Thank you so much for saving my friend.
Dr. George: Don’t thank me, young man; thank a Higher Power who gave your friend a second chance at life. She sure was one of the lucky ones. (He smiles and then walks away)
(Ray enters Jen’s Room)
Ray: (He walks in silent with his head down at first, and his hands in his pockets. He silently begins to cry) Jen, how could you do this? I mean you scared me half to death. Why?
Jen: (A tear begins to shed down her cheek): I’m sorry, Ray, I…I didn’t know you cared so much.
Ray: Of course I care, we’ve been friends a long time, haven’t we? (He wipes his nose on his shirt)
Jen: I know, I…I have no excuses, or anything to say in my defense, except for the fact that I’m so, so sorry. I don’t know if you can ever forgive me, but…
Ray: (Ray interrupts): Of course I forgive you, that’s not the point. (He looks down again, shaking his head, as his voice goes very quiet), I just don’t know what I would have done if I lost you. I mean, that was a really stupid thing you did. You could have died, do you realize that, Jen? Alcohol Poisoning, that’s not something to mess around with. Is your life worth risking for becoming popular? Don’t you know how much more you’re worth than that? (He turns away from her and looks out the window, and sobs)
Jen: Yeah right, if I’m worth all that you say I am then how come my parents never show me any kind of love whatsoever, huh? (Her voice a little louder): How come they have no time for me, not even to say a few words, or look in to my eyes. I feel like an orphan. I figured I should just join the only “family” I felt I had, no matter what they did. I couldn’t lose them too, I just couldn’t. But now, I almost lost myself. I really messed up. (She sits up a bit and looks towards Ray) I promise, I make a vow to you and everyone in my life, that, I will never, ever, ever make this mistake again. It’s not worth risking my life to get in with the crowd. I don’t want my so cold “crowd of friends” to gather at a final goodbye at my early funeral. Just the thought of that freaks me out. I, don’t know what else to say. I just hope our friendship isn’t over.
Ray: (He shakes his head as he turns around to look at Jen, with a small smile forming on his lips): If our friendship were over, I wouldn’t be here, now would I? (He sits in the chair now next to her bed)
(Suddenly Jen’s parents rush in to the room)
Jen’s Mom: (Panting): Oh my God, Oh my God, Jen, are you okay, honey? (She strokes Jen’s hair)
Jen: I’m okay Mom, I just feel a little sick, but I have no one to blame but myself, now, do I? (She pauses and then tears start falling):
Ray: You know what, I’m gonna leave. I don’t want to get in the way of private family moments.
Jen’s Mom: No, No, No, you can stay, Ray.
Ray: No, I’d feel better if I just left you guys to talk in private. (He takes Jen’s Hand) (He sighs) So, uh, all right, Jen, I’ll come and see you tomorrow. Hopefully they’ll letcha outta here in a few days. I’m praying for ya. (He smiles while looking directly in her eyes for a few seconds)
Jen: Bye Ray. And…uh, thanks for everything…thanks for saving my life.
Ray: You owe me one, girl. (He says as he giggles to make her laugh) (They wave at each other)
Jen’s Dad: (As Ray turns to go, Jen’s Dad grabs a hold of his arm and says): Hey Ray…uh, thanks for saving our little girl. You don’t know what it…
Ray: (Interrupting): No, Mr. Fleming, don’t thank me. Thank God. He is the reason I was even at that party tonight. (Ray turns, and silently leaves the room)
Jen’s Dad: (He goes over and hugs Jen’s neck, starting to cry) Thank God you’re all right. I…I just don’t know what else to say except, I’m, so, so sorry. We’ve been ignoring you, fully engulfed in our own selfish desires, forgetting that your needs and showing you how much we love you are more important than anything. This is all our fault. (He bows his head and cries in his hand)
Jen: No, Daddy, it’s my fault.
Jen’s Mom: Honey, let’s not put the blame on anyone, it’s over now…
Jen: No, Mom. You guys didn’t force me to sneak out or put those drinks in my mouth, did you? No. I did that myself. There are other ways to handle a situation than taking the drastic, almost fatal route with a so called, “temporary fix.”. I’m the one who’s sorry. I mean, I know it’s no excuse, I just felt like those friends were my only remaining family and that I was in this world alone, left to fend for myself. But, I can promise you one thing, and I hope you can trust me again enough someday to believe it, but…you can both rest assured this will never, never happen again. Not many people who gamble with death come out of it alive. I just, I just love you both so much. Please forgive me. I’m, so, so sorry. (She starts to cry harder and Her Mom and Dad both embrace her as the scene goes dark.)
(Early morning, three days later, Jen is sitting on her porch at home, after being released from the hospital, just thinking and taking in the warm sunshine)
(Peggy suddenly comes walking down the street towards Jen) (Jen pushes her hair back behind her ears and stands)
Jen: Peggy. I was worried about you. I’m so glad you’re okay.
(As Peggy gets closer, they both embrace in a warm, teary-eyed embrace)
Peggy: Oh Jen, I’m so, so sorry (She’s still crying): I can’t believe I did this to you. I can’t believe I made you sneak out and helped you get drunk and then almost killed to top it off…
Jen: Peggy…
Peggy: And I can understand totally if you never want to speak to me again…
Jen: Peggy…
(She shakes Peggy to get her attention)
Peggy: I must be the worst friend in the whole entire world. I…I’m just so glad you’re alive. (She starts crying harder again and embraces Jen)
Jen: It’s okay, you know, Pegs. It’s not your fault. Like I told my parents, I’m the one who put those drinks in my mouth, not anyone else. You didn’t shove them down my throat. I was just as much to blame as anyone else, in fact even more so. And why would I not want to be your friend anymore? Haven’t we been through the world and back together? For good times and bad, isn’t that what good friends are for?
Peggy: (Sniffling): yeah but what kind of so called “friend” am I?
Jen: A really good one. I mean look. Here you are on my porch just three days later, apologizing, taking the blame. Standing up for what’s right takes a really big person, and I don’t know if I would be strong enough to do it myself.
Peggy: I just want you to know that this will never ever happen again. I…am just glad that the same thing that happened to Fran didn’t…
(She stops, and closes her eyes holding her mouth)
Jen: What? What happened to Fran?
Peggy: Well, it’s the reason she was out so long the other night. I guess it was after the ambulance had rushed you to the hospital, a cop came to the door to tell me…to tell me…Fran was killed in a drunk driving accident. (Crying again) She lost control of the car. It flipped over and crashed in to a wall. She…she never had a chance. The cop said she died on impact. I’m just so glad the same thing didn’t happen to you. (She’s now sobbing)
Jen: Tell me that’s not true…I just saw her last week.
Peggy: I wish I could say it wasn’t true. I’d never have the heart to make up something like that, I mean that’s nothing to joke about.
Jen: (Immediately starts tearing up and grabs Peggy) (They just sit together on the porch and hold each other sobbing, rocking back and forth as Jen’s Mom looks on from behind the screen door): It’s all right, Peggy. We’re going to get through this together. Shhh, it’s going to be okay. Shhh…
(After awhile of just grieving and healing together, Peggy begins to stand up)
Peggy: I…uh, I gotta get going. Officer Frank called my Mom’s cell that night because we were underage drinking, so I’m scheduled for community service in like an hour. And I’m pretty sure Adam, Liz and Josh will meet me there.
Jen: I’m just glad they’re okay.
Peggy: I’m glad we’re all okay. (They hug again)
Peggy: Can I call you later?
Jen: Of course; after all, you are my best friend, aren’t you?
Peggy: Forever, girl. Forever…
(They hug real quickly again and Peggy begins to walk off, when she sees Ray coming towards her.)
Peggy: Hey Ray. I’m so sorry about all this… (*Ray interrupts her)
Ray: Listen, it’s over with. It’s a new day, a time to start over. (Ray leans in to give Peggy a hug)
But, if you ever do this again I’ll come after you…*(He laughs and hugs her again before she turns to leave)*
Peggy: Thanks Ray. And thanks for saving my girl. Jen is really lucky to have an angel like you watching over her. (She smiles and looks down, ashamed) I’ll see ya.
(Peggy walks away and waves at Jen)
(Ray walks up the stairs towards Jen)
Jen: Hey Ray…*(She pauses)*: Listen, I just wanna say that…
Ray: (Ray interrupts): Jen, stop, please, no more apologies. I told you I’ve already forgiven you. We can’t change the past no matter how much we wish we could. We can just start over and strive to do better than we’ve done before. We all make stupid mistakes and we’ve all done things we wish we could take back.
Jen: Yeah, I know but I almost…
Ray: (Interrupts again): Almost, Jen. Almost. God saved you.
Jen: Oh why would God waste time with a nobody like me who almost killed herself? I’m not worth His time or yours.
Ray: If you weren’t worth His time, He wouldn’t have sent Jesus to die on a cross for us. He wouldn’t have sacrificed the life of His only Son. He did it for me and for you, because He loves us.
Jen: God loves me? Why?
Ray: Just because you’re Jen, that’s why. Because He made you, Because He knew who you were when He formed you in your Mother’s belly. You are a special, beautiful person that I am so privileged and blessed to have been given a second chance to get to know even better.
(Ray pauses and starts again)
Ray: See, even when we feel alone in this world, He is the friend, the Father, the Mother, the “anyone we need Him to be” and He’s always right here, holding us, waiting for us to call on His name and talk to Him. He, who will never leave us nor forsake us, is with us here, right now.
Jen: (shaking her head, tears start falling silently, and she starts to wipe them away)*: I just don’t see why I’m so worth it all.
Ray: Even if God had to send Jesus to die for only one of us, He still would have sent Him. That’s how special we are to Him. And we may never understand that on earth, but we sure can receive the free gift of His salvation, love and mercy, that’s here waiting for you, right now, because you “are” worth it all. All you have to do is accept His invitation.
Jen: How do I do that, Ray? Isn’t it already too late for me?
Ray: (He puts his arm around her): It’s only too late when we’re dead, when there is no more breath in our lungs. If it were too late, God would have taken you the night of the party.
Jen: Oh yeah, thank you for saving me…for bringing me back to life that night.
Ray: No, Jen. Thank God, who put me there at the right time to help Him save your life. I was just the vessel He used to bring you back to Himself. And accepting Him in to your heart and in to your life forever more will be the perfect gift to Him today to say “thank you” in the most awesome way.
Jen: (sniffling): Will you help me?
Ray: I sure will, my friend. You ready?
Jen: (She closes her eyes): I’m as ready as I’ve ever been in my whole life.
Ray: (He takes her hands and closes his eyes too): Repeat after me, Jen…
Dear Heavenly Father, (Jen repeats his words)
We thank you for a new day, Lord; a new day to breath in your love and the beauty around us that you have made.
We thank you for saving our dear friend, and your daughter, Jen, and giving her a second chance at life.
(Tears start streaming down both their faces)
(Ray continues):
We thank you for the new life that we have in your Son, Jesus, who died on the cross to save us from our sins, so that we would live in Heaven with you forever.
We come before you today, knowing we are sinners, knowing that we don’t deserve Your love.
And we ask you, to come in to our hearts today. Make us holy before Your throne.
Make us new, and whole creations in You.
Fill us up with Your Holy Spirit and show us how to live for You.
We are Yours, Lord, for now and always. Beyond this moment, may we never be the same again!
We thank you and praise You, in Your Son, Jesus’ Most Precious and Holy Name…Amen.
(They pause a minute)
(They open their eyes)
Jen: Thank you, so much. It’s amazing, but suddenly I feel kind of, refreshed, like a fresh, cool breeze has washed over me.
Ray: That’s the blanket of God’s mercy and love, which never runs out.
(Jen just grabs Ray’s neck and hugs him) (After a long pause)
Jen: Oh man, after all this, you know what I’m thinking?
Ray: (Smiling at her): What’s that, little lady?
Jen: I’m thinking I want a pizza. How about you?
Ray: (He laughs and takes her hand and says): You know, I was just thinking the same thing. (He giggles): Only, now I have a question…
Jen: What’s that? (As she smiles inquisitively)
Ray: What are you going to have to drink with it? (He’s still smiling at her, waiting for the right answer)
Jen: (She smiles, shakes her head, and smacks his arm gently): You know what? I think from now on, I’m sticking with a Cherry Coke, how about you?
Ray: (His smile gets wider now): You know, Jen, that’s just what I was going to suggest. (They look at each other and laugh)
(Both Ray and Jen get up from the porch, take each other’s hand, and walk down the street towards the pizzeria, as both of Jen’s parents watch with a smile.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~END~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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