Thursday, August 18, 2005
Scene 3
(Lights up. MIKE is organizing the store room. He moves boxes of bags from one spot to another. He is really working up a sweat. WENDY enters carrying a lone box.)
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
MIKE
WENDY
DEB
MIKE
DEB
MIKE
DEB
MIKE
Thanks. (DEB exits. Mike reads the message and throws it onto the desk. MIKE kneels to examines the newest delivery.)
Wait a minute. Wrong box, Wendy. You delivered the wrong... (A strange noise is heard from off-stage right.) Hello? Is anyone there? (Suddenly a few boxes tumble from their precarious position.) Who's there? (A faint whisper of a child's laughter is heard.) Hello? (No answer.)
WENDY
How goes it, Mike?
MIKE
Wendy.
WENDY
What are you doing?
MIKE
Trying to get things in order here. It's taken a few days but I think I almost have things organized.
WENDY
Good for you. I've got one here for you.
MIKE
Thanks. (WENDY places the box down and MIKE signs her clipboard.)
WENDY
You doing okay?
MIKE
Yeah, why?
WENDY
You just look run down. Tired.
MIKE
Didn't sleep too well last night. That's all.
WENDY
If you say so. See you when I see you.
MIKE
Hey, can I ask you a question?
WENDY
You just did. Go ahead.
MIKE
Has Deb ever told you about Bob?
WENDY
The ghost? Do you like ghost stories? I know this great one about a old woman and her dog.
MIKE
Forget it.
WENDY
Okay, sorry, I was just kidding. Yeah, so boss lady thinks this place is haunted. I told you she's nuts.
MIKE
You don't think it is?
WENDY
I don't believe in ghosts. There's an explanation for everything.
MIKE
But I could swear sometimes it feels like I'm being watched.
WENDY
Paranoia.
MIKE
But I keep losing things.
WENDY
Senility.
MIKE
I've been hearing these noises.
WENDY
Rats.
MIKE
Don't say that. I hate rats.
WENDY
You have to ask yourself one important question. Why would a ghost be haunting the storeroom of 'The House of Bags'? Hmm?
MIKE
Maybe he's a angry consumer. (Beat.) You're right. I'm being silly.
WENDY
Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.
MIKE
Thanks.
WENDY
You bet. (DEB enters from the salesroom. She stops short when she sees WENDY.)
DEB
Hello.
WENDY
Back at you. Well, back to the grindstone.
(To MIKE.)
Don't worry you secrets safe with me. (Exits.)
DEB
Secret?
MIKE
Don't pay any attention to her. She's just playing around. Did you need something?
DEB
Yes, you had a phone call. She claimed to be your wife. I didn't know you were married.
MIKE
Almost a year now.
DEB
Oh, well you wife left you a message. Here.
MIKE
Thanks. (DEB exits. Mike reads the message and throws it onto the desk. MIKE kneels to examines the newest delivery.)
Wait a minute. Wrong box, Wendy. You delivered the wrong... (A strange noise is heard from off-stage right.) Hello? Is anyone there? (Suddenly a few boxes tumble from their precarious position.) Who's there? (A faint whisper of a child's laughter is heard.) Hello? (No answer.)
Great. I'm cracking up.
(Lights Fade.)
// posted by T. Cobb @ 10:21 AM 
