Written by Joe Janes
8/3/09
197 of 365
CAST
Chantrelle, 20s
Lamont, 20s
(Lights up on Chantrelle sitting on the edge of a bed. She wears short shorts with nylons and high heels, a tight top and a big red wig. She stares off into space. Offstage, we hear a man whistling. Lamont enters wearing a light purple suit, a purple felt hat and a cane.)
LAMONT
Oh, hi, Honey. I didn’t know you were home.CHANTRELLE
Oh, hi, Lamont.(She starts to take off her shoes and he starts to remove his hat and coat.)
LAMONT
How was your day?CHANTRELLE
Oh, the usual. On my feet or on my knees. Suck this, pull that. I’m exhausted.(She rubs her wrist.)
LAMONT
Your wrist bugging you, again? I told you to go see a doctor.CHANTRELLE
I will, I will. Just don’t have the time between work and the kids.(During their conversation, they are getting ready for bed, changing out of their work clothes and into some very plain sleepwear.)
LAMONT
I hear ya’, but you better take care of that. It’s an occupational hazard for you. You can’t use your wrists, that’s going to cut into your pay.CHANTRELLE
I know. I was thinking of taking some time off.LAMONT
Chantrelle, you know with the kids and the house, we need both our incomes. We can’t afford to take a vacation. That’s a lot of money going out and none coming in.CHANTRELLE
It could be a working vacation. Lie on the beach all day, do a little work at night to cover the expenses.LAMONT
You really need a break?CHANTRELLE
I’m tired and my mind is turning to mush. My English degree is totally going to waste.LAMONT
Well, I’ll think about it. Aren’t you going to ask me about my day?CHANTRELLE
I’m sorry, honey. How was your day?LAMONT
Oh, same old, same old. Although, I might be expanding into the east side a bit, which could bring in more money for us. CHANTRELLE
For a vacation?LAMONT
I was thinking a college fund for Danitra.CHANTRELLE
Oh, that reminds me. Tomorrow’s “Bring Your Daughter To Work Day.”(They get under the covers of the bed.)
LAMONT
Oh, that’ll be nice. Danitra will have a good time.CHANTRELLE
She’s excited about it. She’s already got a wig picked out. I’ll have her help me out, too. LAMONT
She’s such a good little helper.(They kiss.)
LAMONT
You know, I was thinking, it’s been awhile since-CHANTRELLE
My wrist is really killing me. LAMONT
Sure, Babe, sure. Good night.CHANTRELLE
Goodnight.(She sits for a moment as Lamont rolls over and goes to sleep. She sighs and turns off the light. Blackout.)
