"Memoirs of a Queen and a Fallen Soldier..."

 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 34^th 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