Week 29, Day 197 - "After Work, Before Bed"

“After Work, Before Bed”
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.)