Memoirs of a Queen and a Fallen Soldier
Scene 1
(The year was 1985. The weather was boiling
hot, it was the hottest day of the year in New York. The children filled the
play ground, screaming and laughter could be heard. Some children played by the
fire hydrant while some of the boys played hockey at the end of the playground.
The adults watched and laughed as the some of the boys chased the girls
with water guns. The girls squealed as they turned the corner. Richard came into
the playground with his new bicycle. He got it for his 11th birthday.
It had big red wheels. The handle bars were bright yellow, it seemed to
glisten in the sunlight. His mother kissed him on the cheek and waved goodbye
to him. As he rode his bicycle he beamed as all the kids in the playground
came running towards him in awe.)
Richard: Thanks I got it for my birthday yesterday!
Mark: Argh man! All I got was this stupid hat!
Richard: Next year you will get something nice!
Mark: Everything I have is a hand me down from my brother and
he wrecks everything!
Richard: You can have a turn later If you want to!
Mark: Mannn! Look at those gears! We have to ride through
the forest one day!
(Richard looks up and sees more people through the crowd ahead. From the corner of his eyes he can see Jennifer. He had a crush on her
for as long as he could remember.)
Jennifer: Woah Richard! That bike is so cool!
(Richard blushes bright red from embarrassment.)
Richard: Thank you Jennifer, you can have a ride if you want
to on the field.
(Mark coughs loudly and elbows Richard in his ribs.)
Mark: Yeah Jennifer go for a ride, you know Richard is the main
man!
Richard: Stop playin Mark.
(Mark giggles and walks away to the other side of the
playground. The small crowd begins to disappear till eventually Jennifer and Richard are left alone.)
Jennifer: So when you taking me for a ride Richard?
(Richard was entranced by Jennifer’s freckles and green eyes.
Jennifer always had her hair in a straight pony tail with a pink ribbon at the
end. Richard could feel his stomach doing stomach flips inside. His palms were
sweaty.)
Richard: You look cute today Jennifer. Well you always look
cute, I mean my mama told me I should be like my dad and show appreciation for
a good lady. I think you’re a real good lady with pretty hair.
Jennifer: Your so adorable! After this you want to come to my
street and we can ride then have ice cream after.
(Richard began to sweat more, he was forming the words inside
his throat but he couldn’t get them out. Suddenly some excitement came from the
other side of the play ground. Tommy had cycled into the playground on his
brand new red BMX bike. Richard’s heart sank, he was immediately overcome with
jealousy. He went over to the crowd where they all stared in awe and
admiration. He looked around to talk to Jennifer. To his absolute disgust he
saw her by Tommy’s side smiling at everybody. He was still mesmerized by her
soft features, her hair glowed in the sunlight. She held Tommy’s hand whilst
everybody was cooing over his bike.)
Tommy: My big brother got this for me. He works in the
city, it wasn’t even my birthday he just came home to surprise me with it.
Jennifer: Your are so cute Tommy! Do you want to be my
boyfriend?
Tommy: Hell yeah!
(Richard’s stomach dropped again. He wanted to vomit. Mark
appeared by his side and noticed Richard’s worried expression.)
Mark: Hey man, don’t trip, she’s a stupid girl, all girls
are stupid anyway. She only likes him because of that bike, your bike is still
just as good.
Richard: Lets go man
End Scene
Scene
2
(The year is 2007, winter was coming but New York is still very humid.
Most of the windows in the office windows were left wide open to allow some fresh
air to come inside. Financial anaylsts had their eyes glued to the screen,
every computer had graphs and bar charts across the screen. Phones were ringing
and people called out to each other across the room. Shouting out numbers and
different instructions. Richard walked into the room confidently. He went
straight to his computer and began his work immediately. He worked diligently
every single day of his working life. He was naturally bright and way ahead of
everyone else in his team. He was confident in his ability to deliver. He saved
the company from going bust several occasions, he often delegated different
roles to people.)
Harry: Richie Rich!
Richard: Hey man! How’s your
numbers?
Harry: Very volatile, yours?
Richard: Could be better meh.
Harry: Damn! Your always hitting
the high notes!
Richard: It looks sweet for now
but I need to push it, were on the brink of something great I can feel
it in my
bones!
(After a few hours Richard ordered everybody to log off their systems
and come into his office for a meeting. As they filtered into the room he had
his back facing them. He stared outside looking at the people walking across
Wall Street.)
Richard: We have hit new heights
people! We are getting stronger, I just wanted to say thank you for all your
hard work, it would have been impossible without you.
Harry: Thank you boss! 3 cheers
for Richie Rich the man of the century!
(The whole office erupted in
shouting and praise or their boss. Everybody was in absolute awe of him!)
Richard: I have a few proposals
for the progression of this company, but I won’t bore you with tha right now,
first we have to drink!
(Everybody cheered again. The team
slowly filtered out of the building. By 8 o clock the bar was filled with
traders and analysts. It was filled with laughter. Different bosses had their
V.I.P sections drinking champagne from the bottle. The young men who had just
completed their grad schemes were trying to impress the ladies with small
talk.)
Richard: Guys I have to leave! My
wife will have a fit if I came in late again this week!
Jamal: Ight! You the man boss!
(Richard slipped out and hopped in
his black Escalade parked outside. He was grinning from ear to ear as he had a
small surprise for his wife and son. He parked up and went into his boot and pulled out a Chanel carrier bag and another black bag. He opened the front door
and almost stumbled back.)
Richard: Woah! Your too strong for
your daddy!
Junior: Hi Daddy!
Richard: Hey! Hey! Hey! I got
something for you! Close your eyes!
(Junior covers his face. Richard
pulls out a pair of Reebox Basketball shoes and a basketball out of the black
bag. Junior screams with excitement. He leaps on his father embracing him.
Ruth appears from the kitchen.)
Ruth: What is all this noise in my
house?
Richard: Here you go hunny.
(He hands over the Chanel bag.)
Ruth: Hmmm! What is all this? It’s
not my birthday, it’s not Valentines day, not our anniversary either.
Richard: My love for you guys isn’t
on specific calender dates, it’s all your year round!
(Ruth embraces him and whispers in
his ears that he might get some ‘good loving’ later on that evening.)
Juniour: Mum! After dinner can I
go to the back and shoot some hoops with Daniel! Pleaseeeee!?
Ruth: Yes hunny.
(They all walk to the table and
sit down. Ruth brings out a range of food. She brings out mac and cheese,
followed by meatloaf, and some chicken. They sit around the table laughing and
joking. Richard felt warm inside every time he looked at Ruth’s face. Anytime
she laughed his heart would melt. He was the luckiest man alive. He looked over
to Junior and grinned. He had the exact same blue eyes as him. Junior was as
passionate as his father about playing basketball.)
Junior: Daddy I’m so happy they
picked me for the team!
Ruth: Well you better keep
studying otherwise I will take you off that team.
Junior: Yes mum, I’ll keep
studying!
Richard: I need to come down and
see your coach, I want to know he is treating my super star properly!
Junior: Coach is great, if we get
to the finals he said we get to watch Miami Heat!
Richard: That’s it son! If not for
the injury I got I would be playing for the Metz!
Junior: The Metz suck dad! Haha
Richard: I would have led them to
glory!
(He points to all his old trophies from high school on the wall)
Richard: But the
point I also want to make is, I got injured but I still managed to get a job
and raise a family because I carried on studying. You always need a plan B
never forget! Now go and play quickly before it gets too dark.
(Junior scurries out the room and
grabs his basketball. Ruth stares across the table at Richard lovingly.)
Ruth: You OK Mr?
Richard: Yes baby I’m good.
Yourself?
Ruth: I’m always good as you’re
here sweetheart.
Richard: I love you so much.
Ruth: Stop playing and come and
get some of this sugar.
End Scene
Scene
3
(The following week Richard was in the living room watching the news.
He was straightening his shirt and adjusting his tie.)
News Reporter: The president has
announced that the recession has hit Wall Street! This is breaking news! At
at least 70% of offices have plunged straight into administration! This is an
economic disaster! Many stocks rates have fallen or have been written off
completely! Wall Street is in complete turmoil!
Richard: Ruth! What the hell is
this?
Ruth: Don’t worry baby you will be
fine! Go into work and see what is happening!
(Panic sets in and Richard begins
to sweat heavily and breathe heavily. He rushes out to his car.)
Ruth: Baby! Look at me, you will
be fine, I know you will be alright.
(She kisses him on the cheek and
speeds off. He arrives in Wall street and the scenes are chaotic. Many people
were protesting through the streets. Banners read “Get Bush out” could be read.
He heads to his building and catches a glimpse of a familiar face.)
Jamal: Richard!?
Richard: I saw the news I came as
fast I could. What is happening?
Jamal: What? You don’t know? We are
out of a job man! The director sent the company an email saying that because of
the hit we all got taken out!
Richard: What?
Jamal: Mannnn! We were doing so
good all them hours! I blame Bush, the guy is an ass hole!
Richard: Where is the team?
Jamal: What team? They all split!
They after your head! Especially Harry! They think you knew this was going to happen!
Richard: What? I couldn’t predict
this! We were riding high!
Jamal: Now were lower than the
rats in the sewers beneath Wall street. Look man this place is getting out of
control, it’s everyman for themselves. If you want my advice get out of here.
The hit has people acting wild! We will talk soon brother!
(Richard glances at his phone and
sees 7 missed calls from Ruth. He hops back into his car to avoid the noise and
calls her back.)
Ruth: Richard! Come home now! They
want to take the house!
Richard: What? Who?
Ruth: Don’t touch that! That
belongs to us!
(Richard could hear Junior crying
in the background.)
Richard: I’m on my way!
(Richard weaves through traffic
and crosses a few red lights. He eventually pulls up to his house but
two big
vans were parked in his drive.)
Richard: What is going on?!
Martin: Are you Mr Johnson?
Richard: Yes!
Martin: We were sent here to repossess some of your items!
Richard: I paid for all of this!
This is all mine!
Martin: Sir you used a credit card
to pay or these correct? As of this morning the state has declared it invalid.
Have you got any cash in the bank?
Richard: My money is tied up in my
shares. Please give me time!
Martin: Shares? Haha For a smart
man you need to watch the news more. It’s unfortunate but you have no claim to
this. You need to prove you can pay for your house as well, we will be back for
it in a month. All the best sir!
Ruth: Richard come!
Ruth: Look at the news!
News Reporter: More and more Americans
losing their homes. Banks are going bust because they cannot wait for home
owners to pay of their properties. It’s like a domino effect!
(The TV suddenly switches off. One
of the workers removes all the leads from the wall and lifts the TV off
its stand. Richard watches in shock as his house is being emptied out by the
men. He had never felt so powerless in his entire life.)
End Scene
Scene
4
(Two weeks later…)
Radio: Bush has re assured the
people of America that all will be restored. People must not panic and worry.
(Ruth comes down the stairs and
sees Richard slumped next to the radio. He sat there in his shorts and T-Shirt,
he was unshaven and rough. He had dark circles around his eyes.)
Ruth: Switch that thing off and come
to bed! Its 4am! Your going to wake up Junior! He’s got practice at 8!
Richard: Sorry.
Ruth: Don’t say sorry you don’t
need to be sorry for anything.
Richard: I’ll take him to
practice.
Ruth: I’ll be driving past there
on the way to work so I can take him.
Richard: Ok I’ll pick him up.
Ruth: Deal! You see were still a
team! Look at me, it will all be ok! Stop listening to the radio and the news,
it is all hopeless talk, you need to listen to something positive if you want a
positive outcome. We have hope, I know you don’t see it but it’s there believe
me!
(Later that day Richard hops on the bus towards Junior's school. He
gets off and approaches the basketball courts.)
Junior: Dad!
Richard: Hey player!
(He embraces Junior.)
Coach: Hey! I heard you used to be
quite the player!
Richard: Yeah but got injured
unfortunately.
Coach: Happens to the best of us! Junior doing alright! He will get better as well! Alright J! See you next week!
(Richard can hear some of the kids
giggling. They look over to him and Junior and began to laugh out loudly. He
ignores this and escorts Junior to the bus stop. Junior walks silently whilst
bouncing his basketball.)
Richard: You ok son?
Junior: Um Dad, those kids heard
about the people taking our stuff from our house. Jamie's dad said that it was about
time people like you took a loss because you make so much money. And that-
Richard: You don’t believe that do
you?
Junior: Nah I don’t.
Richard: Don’t listen to them
(They arrive at home and Ruth is
in the kitchen.)
Ruth: Ok its not that much but its
better than nothing.
Richard: It looks alright!
(Ruth serves out sausages, beans
along with cheese and bread. Junior grimaces at the sight of the food. He
shakes his head and goes upstairs.)
Ruth: That boy needs to eat if he
wants to play in the NBA!
Richard: (Sighs) He will come
around soon.
Ruth: Look I’ve got an idea. I’ve
been working over time. I got paid earlier than expected so I’m giving you a
cheque.
Richard: What? No! I’m the man of
this house I can’t take it!
Ruth: Don’t be silly, this is so
you can start a short course, remember you wanted to start a business? Well it’s
not too late. The course is 3 weeks and you will be able to work towards
something after!
Richard: It’s too risky in this
economic climate.
Ruth: The Richard I married didn’t
shy away from taking risks. Remember what you told me, no risk, no reward.
(Richard smiled. Every time he felt
dead inside she somehow stirred courage.)
Scene
5
Richard: Thank you maam!
(Richard put the money in his
pocket. It was folded neatly in a brown envelope. He stepped out of the bank
and headed towards the college. He had to walks through the mall to get to the
college. It was a long walk but he had got accustomed to walking as his car had been taken away from him. As he was strolling something caught his
attention and he frooze with excitement. He hadn’t felt this thrill since he had
been laid off from his job. He could see bright red lights, the sign read ‘Lucky
Lucy Casino’. Richard took one glance over his shoulder and walked inside.)
Betty: Hey baby! You feeling lucky
today? You could leave here a rich man.
Richard: Yes maam I feel lucky
today!
Betty: Take a seat, I’ll be your
dealer today.
(Richard sat patiently as he
watched he deal the cards. He heard a cry out from the table opposite. A man
exclaimed “I won! I won!” He looked across to the other table and he could see
people cheering. A middle aged latino lady exclaimed “Haha! I was lucky today”)
Richard: Deal me!
Betty: Ok.
Richard: Hit me!
Betty: Two jokers sir!
Richard: hit me damn it!
Betty: Ok, you’ve lost the King
and now you’ve lost the queen, you sure you can take any more hits?
Richard: I said hit me!
Betty: Sorry sir your out of luck.
You need more money to continue.
Richard: What!? You bitch! That
was all I had! I want my money back!
Betty: Security!
(Security came over swiftly and
escorted Richard of the premises.)
Security Guard: If I see you here
again I’m going to kick your ass!
(Richard jumped on the bus and sat
at the back. He sunk into his seat, he covered his face with his hood and sobbed
silently. He looked at the time and realised that he had to go and collect his
son. Luckily he wasn’t too late. He hopped off the bus and jogged to the
courts. He couldn’t see Junior. He started to call out his name. He climbed
the gate to go across the fields. He started to panic as he could not see
anybody. He ran into an old lady walking her dog. He described Junior to her
but she was of no help. He sprinted across the park until he saw a small crowd
of people. There was a bit of commotion and he could sense trouble lingering in
the air.)
Richard: Junior! Hey! What’s
going on here?
Junior: Dad help me!
(A man held Junior to the floor
by his neck.)
Richard: Get off my son!
Junior: Help!
Jason: Your son hit my boy! You
need to control him!
Junior: He called my dad some
rude names so I had to!
Jason: Is that the morals you
teach your kids! I knew you were the snob o the neighbourhood! But I didn’t
know you were raising thugs!
(Richard picked up Junior from
the floor. Jamie sobbed in the corner holding his busted nose.)
Jason: Hey you punk!
Richard: Look I’m sorry my son hit
your boy, I’m sure he didn’t mean it, I’ll talk to him at home. I’m sorry.
Juniour: I did Mean it!
Jason: You think your so slick
because you got all that money! Not so slick are you Mr Richie Rich!
Richard: Look I’m sorry, I will sort
this out. We can go our separate ways!
Coach: Richard! What is this
madness?
(Richard was relieved to see the
coach, he turned around to explain to him the scenario.)
Coach: Everything ok? Oh my God!
Richard watch out!
(Whilst Richard was off guard Jason
took the opportunity to punch him. He fell down to his feet completely knocked
out. His head was spinning and he was seeing stars.)
(Richard woke up and could see a
bright light above his head. He could hear people speaking in hushed voices.)
Ruth: Thank you so much coach for
bringing him home. He just needs some rest he will be fine. He probably needed hospital treatment but we can't afford that right now.
Coach: Junior is a good boy maam,
I don’t agree with violence but go easy on the boy, the kid he hit had it
coming. He has been tormenting Junior for a while now.
Ruth: Thanks coach! See you later!
Coach: Goodnight (Coach exits the
house.)
(
Richard stirs and groans on the
sofa.)
Ruth: Mike Tyson! Haha!
Richard: huh?
Ruth: Your so silly, hold the ice
pack properly or the swelling won’t go down.
Richard: Ah man, What time is it?
Where is Junior?
Ruth: Ssshh! You relax everything
is ok, Junior is grounded until further notice, well until we can both decide
what to do with him. How you feeling?
Richard: I’ve got a headache.
Ruth: You will be alright. Here
take some soup, get your strength up and rest properly.
Richard: Thank you baby! Oh the
money! Ruth! Ah man I didn’t mean to get into this mess, but before I knew it-
Ruth: Don’t worry about the money
its fine. Coach already explained to me what happened you just relax, have your
soup and when your ready come up to bed. Goodnight.
(She kisses him on his forehead.)
End Scene.
Scene
6
(2 weeks later…)
Junior: Daddy your going to work
at this time?
Richard: I don’t want to go to
work now either but I need to pay the bills somehow. Being a taxi driver sucks
but it will have to do. It’s called sacrifice.
Junior: Goodnight dad! Have fun
at work or try to!
(Junior heads upstairs.)
Ruth: Don’t be back too late
soldier.
(Richard heads out to the office.
They call him inside and he waits or a call for a job. He wasn’t used to
waiting on people because he usually calls the shots. But he knew this was
going to have to do until he could somehow get back on his feet.)
Boss: Richard! Get your sorry ass
over here! You got a nice job all the way in Times Square. Take in the scenery,
all the bright lights and pretty women.
Richard: Yes boss.
(Richard drove quickly to his
destination, he learned quickly that customers were very impatient. Especially
at night time. He slowly pulled up to 34th avenue outside a club.
Two young women dressed in tight dresses came to the car. He got out to open
the door for them, they were both drunk or high, he couldn’t tell. He sat back
in the driving seat and put the key in the ignition. He heard a voice cry out
outside the window. A man was banging on the window. He got out of the car to
see what the problem was.)
Richard: Sorry sir what’s the
problem.
(The man wore dark shades and a
hood. He could barely see his face.)
Richard: Excuse me, did you order
a taxi as well?
(The man took off his glasses, to
his horror he recognized the face immediately, it was Harry from the company.
He flinched at the sight of his eyes. His eyes were blood shot red, he reeked
of alcohol, cigarettes stained his once pearly white teeth. He looked 20 years
older than when he saw him last, he looked awful.)
Richard: Harry..
Harry: Look sir, I want to take
these two women home and show them a good time, just get in and-
Richard: Harry its me Richard!
Harry: Richard? Richard!
(Richard smiled at Harry.)
Harry: You! You? You destroyed my
life, you are a son of a-
Richard: I wasn’t my fault harry,
just listen-
(Before he could get out his
sentence, Harry struck him. Richard doubled backwards, Harry took his key and
pushed him to the side. He hopped into the taxi and sped off. Richard recovered
quickly and called out for help but everybody around him didn’t seem to notice
what happened. Everybody was either too drunk or busy to pay attention. He
swayed back and forth holding the side of his head. He walked through times
square alone. The rain started to beat down and the wind began to blow. As he
crossed the road a motor cycle sped past, inches away from hitting him. But he
didn’t care, he didn’t care about anything anymore. He didn’t feel like a man,
he lost his car, his dignity and his pride. He headed towards to bridge and
wanted to finish the pain once and for all. He sobbed heavily, he fell to his
knees and banged his fists on the floor in anger and frustration. He looked
over the railings and looked at the water crashing against the rocks. He put
one leg over the railing then heard his phone. He stepped back and took out his
phone, but it wasn’t his work phone buzzing it was his personal phone line. He
opened the message it was from Ruth. “Hey, were up watching movies, were
thinking about you. Love you so much come home quickly xxx”.)
Police Officer: Excuse sir? Are
you ok? You’re a bit too close to the railings, it’s a long fall.
Richard: No I’m fine, I’m
absolutely fine. Everything is perfect. What is the night bus across the
city?
Police: It’s that one straight
ahead sir
Richard: Thank you!
End Scene
Scene
7
(The next day…)
Richard: Haha! Your daddy still
got them moves!
Junior: You got lucky!
Ruth: Daddy came out of retirement.
Junior: I will take his title!
(They family laughed heartily as
they played basketball in the back garden. Ruth’s phone rings and she steps
back inside the house.)
Ruth: Ok, yeah, ok, ok, uh huh,
yes he is. Thank you so much!
(The door bell rings.)
Ruth: Richard! You got a visitor!
Richard: Huh? I haven’t got any
friends.
(Jamal walks into the house
stroking his beard and taking in the surroundings.)
Jamal: So I ain’t ya homie?
Richard: Woah! Jamal! Where you
been?
(They shake hands.)
Jamal: Hey man, I heard what
happened to your place, how they came to take stuff and all that. But your wife
got in touch with me. I’m here to out you back in the game!
Richard: Wall street is burned to
the ground, there is nothing there for me.
Jamal: Really?
(He smiles across the room to Junior)
Jamal: Hey lil man tell your
father that basketball isn’t for him anymore, he needs to get his suit and tie
and get back in the office.
(He reaches into his inside pocket
and hands Richard a piece of folded paper.)
Jamal: Here is your contract, you
start Monday, and please for the love of God get a haircut! Have a nice day
people!
Richard: Thanks Jamal, you are a
good friend.
Jamal: Don’t thank me, thank your
wife, she tracked down everybody that you used to work with, she’s got some
real detective skills.
(Jamal exits the house and hops into
his BMW. Richard embraces his wife and his son. They all laugh and cheer,
celebrating the good news. He pulls Ruth in close and kisses her softly on the
lips.)
Richard: Your amazing!
Ruth: Your my hero, you will
always be my soldier.
End Scene
