"Rotten Apple"

Rotten Apple

Scene 1

News Reporter- A few years after the Towers fell and the city is still grieving. The world is still in shock by this act of terror. The president is still under immense pressure to think of solution to this ‘declaration of war’. Behind me on the screen you can see the plane crashing into the towers. Earlier today Bush spoke at a U.S summit to discuss the ongoing effects of 9/11.

Bush- Every nation in every region now has a decision to make. Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists. I promise you-

(Alex flicked off the television. It was now 8.26am. His interview at Wall Street was 10.00am. Everybody in the office felt that he basically had the job. He had been at the company a few years but he was fast tracking up the company ladder at a rapid pace. Alex came out of Havard with top grades. His intelligence and quick thinking won over his superiors. But it was his charm and kind heart that won over everybody in the office. He was the kind of person you could not dislike. He put on the coffee machine and pressed the button, the machine began to whirr and whilstle. He lean’t over to press the radio.

Radio- Last night the Red Sox got the win! Lets hear from the manager!

Alex goes to the mirror and puts on his after shave. His skin complexion was light brown, his face was chiselled and defined. His hair was dark and curly, his eyes were a piercing green. He got his eyes from his mother. His mother was Puerto Rican and his father was African American. His phone vibrated, he almost did a small jig when he pulled his phone from the counter. It was Nicki.)

Nicki-Hey Baby! I’ve been thinking about you all shift. I had to cover at the other ward. By the time I get home you will be gone. I will make your favourite sweet potatoe pie with the BBQ wings ;) love you xxx (Oh and Good luck!)

Alex- Thank you baby! You mean the world to me! I’ve booked our anniversary trip as well!

Nicki: Thanks baby! I guess I have another excuse to buy some more cute outfits ;)

Alex- Hmm you are trouble ;)

Nicki- That is why you love me duh :/

(Alex was completely in love with Nicki. He had been with her from high school and married her a year ago. A few years ago he lost his brother in Iraq. Nicki stuck with him and pushed him through his depression. She played a big part in turning his life around. The only thing missing was having a child. They had been trying for a few months for  but to no avail. Alex saw it as a blessing in disguise because if he got the new role then they would be way more well off than they already were, he saw it as a blessing in disguise. He looked up at the picture they had taken on their wedding day. Nicki was stunning, dark brown skin, pearly white smile and dimples. Every time he saw her he couldn’t quite believe how he had managed to win her over.He stared at the picture in adoration. He looked at his watch and scurried to his Mustang parked outside. He turned on the ignition, the radio came on automatically. Petula Clark’s ‘Downtown’ blazed out of the speakers.)

Petula Clark- When your alone and life is making you lonely you can always go, Downtown! When you’ve got worries, all the noise and the hurries you can always go, Downtown!

He waved at Mr. Borris next door, he was an elderly man, he was happily pruning the leaves of the hedges. Alex pulled out of the drive way and off he went.

End Scene

Scene 2

(Alex waited in the lounge, his posture was calm and collected. He knew that everybody felt that he already had the job in the bag but Alex wasn’t no sucker, he remained focused. He blocked out any thoughts of complacency. He had always dreamed of being an Engineer for trading. As a kid it was always his goal. He worked hard against all odds to get out of Queens and he wasn’t about to get complacent now. A young blonde lady came out of the office. He recognised her immediately, she was an intern at the company. He had mentored her when she started. He wanted to crack a smile and begin conversating but he knew he couldn’t afford to be distracted, today was strictly business.)

Katie- Hey Alex. I saw that-

Alex- Are they calling me in?

Katie- (She stopped confused, her bright smiled vanished and she now wore a look of confusion) Urgh, um yeah, they are calling you inside. All the-

Alex- Thanks Katie. (He walks past her into the office).

(There is a panel of 4 men, all white and middle aged. Each of them wore a neutral expression on their face. The atmosphere was thick with tension. The room smells of the ruthless kill or be killed nature in the corporate world. A world that didn’t care about love, just money and results and Alex was not under any illusion.)

Mr. White- Katie could you close the door behind you.

(The Door closes softly)

End Scene

Scene 3

(The office is a mad house as all the offices in Wall Street. People were calling out across the office. “3,000 Dollars? Are you kidding me? Triple that and you got a deal? You son of a bitch!”

Alex walked into the office and everybody went quiet.Everybody  stared at him nervously. Alex’s face remained neutral.)

Tom- Did you-

(Alex signalled him to keep quiet. He cracked a smile and the office erupted with cheers.)

Alex- You guys are crazy! Thanks!

Hannah- Well done Alex! Please don’t become an asshole!

Alex- I will try my best!

Alex went back up to the office to speak to Mr. White as his role began with immediate effect. The role had more responsibility than he anticipated but he embraced the challenge.)

Mr. White- You are the man to take us forward. You have stabilized us tremendously especially since all of the ecomonic circus in the last few years.

Alex- Thank you sir, my first request is to use the phone to tell my wife and secondly I have been bursting to take a piss!

Mr. White- Ha! Get out of my face you son of a bitch! He slaps his back and gives him a firm handshake) Make sure you tell her we are going to celebrate tonight! Champagne and cigars, you’re in the big leagues now!

(Alex left the office and shuffled into the elevator. He called Nicki immediately)

Nicki- Good News or bad news?

Alex: Baby, I didn’t get it.

Nicki: What?

Alex: I didn’t get the job.

Nicki: I don’t believe you.

Alex: (Chokes up) I can’t believe they did this after all my hard work-

Nicki: Baby?

Alex: It must be a race thing, I know it is!

Nicki: What?

Alex: Haha! Of course I got it!

Nicki: Haha! You are a trip Mr! So what time is my baby coming home? I have your food ready for you in the oven, and we need to work on you putting something in my oven!

Alex: Hmm about that, the team are dragging me out to the plaza to celebrate so I won’t be home until late, you can come out with us! The team love you!

Nicki: I think I will sit this one out, we can have our own private celebration at home.

Alex: I will be home at 11. I will shake them off quickly.

(Mr. White waddled over to Alex. He looked out of breath from walking, his stomach was bursting through the seams.)

Mr. White- Alright Puppy dog, you’re breaking my heart! Get over here!

Alex: Gotta go baby!

End Scene

Scene 4

It was 8:30 at the plaza. The drinks with flowing. Mr. White was very drunk, he was wobbly and his mouth was running more than usual. Alex couldn’t understand him, he had a wife and a few kids in college. He always seemed to be chasing the life for somebody half his age. But at the same time he had been on the top of Wall Street almost 20 years so it can’t be all bad.)

Mr. White- Bush knocked down the Towers. Come on look how much America have gained- Hey baby, I’m old enough to be your father but I can be your daddy, come over to papa...

Alex- Somebody can’t handle their-

Mr. White- Finish that sentence and I will fire your ass!

Alex- Ha!

Hannah- Alex more drink? 1 more shot!

Alex- Ok one more! (Alex stares eye to eye with Hannah and they both down the shot in milli seconds.)

Alex turns to a group of young ladies. The corporate world was filled with ravenous young women ready to sink their claws into wealthy men like Mr. White. They all wanted a piece of the pie.

Alex- HEY LADIES! My which one of you lucky gals want to look after my boss? Alex opens the booth for the V.I.P and 5 women stream in. This was his queue to exit. He winked at Hannah and walked behind the bar. He was familiar with the staff so they let him walk directly through the back entrance. Valet brought his car within a minute, he hopped in it and sped off. He was impressed that his plan worked so well and it was just 9pm, he had enough time to collect champagne, roses and suprise Nicki. Within 30 minutes he arrived in the driveway. He stealthily entered the house he was sure not to make any noise. As he stepped through the front door he could smell the sweet potatoe pie wafting through the house. He set his jacket down and took the flowers with him up the stairs. He crept slowly, as he got to the door he could hear the T.V loud, he could hear she was watching American Idol, her favourite show. He chuckled. He swung the door open, his mouth dropped, the roses fell, he was rooted to the spot. The man who he had never seen before leapt up in shock, he wore nothing but boxers.

Nicki: I didn’t expect you to so early, I-I-I’m sorry.

End Scene

Scene 5

(The time was 7.30am. A month and a half had passed since Alex caught Nicki cheating. He took a few days off to sort himself out. He took shot of tequila and went over to the kitchen sink to wash his face. He reached over to the tequila bottle and poured himself another shot. He placed the bottle on top of the copy of divorce papers. All he had to do was sign one more section and it was over. But he held onto it, he felt like that was the only piece of Nicki he had left. He held off for a week, he ignored all the texts, phone calls and emails. He was holding on, still trying to escape this nightmare. A month ago he was intoxicated by the love of his life and got a huge promotion. He looked at his phone and saw several missed calls and texts from Nicki)

Nicki- Please could you be a man for once and step up? (11.04pm)

Nicki- Ok, that wasn’t nice of me, you are a nice guy, perfect, maybe too perfect, predictable- I mean please just call me, we need to finish this once and for all xxx 

 (11.15pm)

Nicki- Don’t you want me to be happy? Just send it to the attorney. (6.30am)

He had a few messages from his parents and some of his close friends, he managed to convince them he was fine. He continued to work as normal, he was bringing in more money than ever at the office. Alex called Jamal.)

Jamal: My man!

Alex: Where are you?

Jamal: Dropping my girl off to kindergarten then a bit of shopping then gym. You?

Alex: I’ll meet you at the gym.

(Alex hung up, his head was swirling. He ran up the stairs and threw up in the Bathroom. He had been drinking almost every morning after Nicki left the house. After he threw up he hopped in the shower. He set it to freezing cold to wake him up then gradually increased the temperature. He remained there for 45 minutes before hopping out to call his mother.)

Mom- Ally Boy!

Alex: hey Ma.

Mom- We’ve been worried sick. Nicki has been calling me, saying she hasn’t heard from you. Why don’t you try and work things out?

Alex- Keeping Busy.

Mom- Nicki sounded upset, you should talk to-

Alex- I’m fine Ma, no need to trip, it’s business as usual as pop says.

Mom- You spoken to your sisters?

Alex- They been calling me everyday. They tripping like you! Ha!

Mom- (Giggles) We love you too much thats why!

Alex- Ma I gotta go, I’m gonna come by when I get time off work.

Mom- I’ll pray for you boy! Make sure you are eating!

(Alex took a banana from the fruit bowl, he collected the divorce papers and stuffed it into an envelope. He went across the road and slipped it into the post box. He tucked his vest in and jogged to the gym. It was over but he couldn't do anything now.)

End Scene.

 Scene 6

(The gym was full despite it being mid day on a Friday. All that could be heard were grunts and shouts. The air was thick with testosterone.

Jamal: Come on! 120 is light! Push!

Alex: Argh!

Jamal:1...

Alex: URGH!

Jamal: 2!

Alex: ARGHHHHHHH!

Jamal: 3! COME ON!!!!

(Alex racks up the bar and sits up. He winces in anguish but smiles.)

Jamal: That was easy Papi! Personal best!

Alex: Damn!

Jamal: Man I will still whoop your ass!

Alex: Come on lets go to the mall to eat!

(Alex and Jamal head down to the Veitnamese buffet. They kept away from the Greasy stuff and stuck with the healthy options. Jamal talked at length about all the women he had on the go. Jamal loved to brag, he exaggerated a little bit but he never lied. Alex found it hard to relate as the only women he was with was Nicki, he dated a few women in high school but Nicki was the one who captured his heart.

Jamal: Papi, you hear me? You don’t believe me? Let me show you the texts- (He reaches for his phone.)

Alex: Bro, I believe you, you was the same in Queens, you the same now.

Jamal: But bro, are you sure your okay/ I’m surprised about this whole situation and how fast it happened. I mean Nicki was PERFECT! I guess you just never know, life is full of suprises. But you don’t mention her at all, like she never existed? Is that healthy?

Alex: You saw what I lifted today? I’m definitely healthy.

Jamal: I mean for your soul ? Maybe you should see a therapist or your uncle? The one that is a pastor.

Alex: Listen, Nicki hurt me, I can’t front but dwelling on it isn’t going to help me. I came this far I need to stay on my job.

Waitress: Hey guys, would you like a drink? It’s happy hour.

Jamal: Alex?

Alex: Nope, we are fine just left the gym, wouldn’t make sense to have alcohol after a work out. (He clenches his fist under the table. He wanted it so much bt he resisted the urge.)

Waitress: I can see you work out sweetie. (She winks and walks off.)

Jamal: Dive in bro-

Alex: Na man, chicks are a distraction.

Jamal: Man you ain’t ever gonna lose that work ethic overnight.

(Alex glanced over to her, she was smiling at him. She has short red hair and blue eyes. Her body was curvaceous, it was still visible through her baggy clothing. He got up and strode over to the till. She signalled the young man on the till to go to the back.)

Alex: Here you go.

Waitress: Thanks sugar.

(She hands him the receipt and she scribbles her number and winks at him again.)

End Scene

Scene 7

( Afew weeks had passed and work was getting heavier and heavier but Alex continued to keep his eyes on the prize. He had pushed up into a director’s position. It was early December, New York was freezing cold. Alex had called in sick but he still insisted on doing some work from home. The house was freezing. He had two monitors in front of him and some soccer playing in the back ground. All the pictures of Nicki were torn down and thrown into the garbage. He sat back and looked over at the bottle of brandy, he reached over and took a small swig. He licked his lips, his phone vibrated and he got a call from Jamal, he ignored it, he wanted to go to a club with Alex but tonight he was in no mood to party. He took another swig of the brandy. He scrolled through his contacts nad scrolled back up and saw a familiar number. ‘Sally’. He pondered over the name and it hit him. The cute red haired lady from the restaurant. He had completely forgotton her. Jamal called him again and he ignored it. He called Sally.)

Sally; Hey who is this?

Alex: It’s Alex

Sally: Hey Mr, I thought you had forgotten me.

Alex: I’ve been a bit busy, forgive me. Hey I was thinking maybe we could go out for dinner-

Sally: I’m kinda just at work right now. Maybe I can call you after. I’m finishing up here, so I can bring some food over and we can chill out.

Alex was taken aback by her forwardness, he gulped. He was sure she heard him gulp.)

Alex: Um sure , if that’s ok with you?

Sally: You are so cute! Send me your address I’ll come through.

(Alex’s heart was beating with fear and excitement. He was never the type to entertain women in this fashion, even before Nicki when women were throwing themselves at him. He was anxious but he thought to himself he could live a little, he wasn’t a husband anymore. He went upstairs to freshen up. 2 hours later an unfamiliar car pulled up to the house. Alex knew is was Sally. She rang the bell, he opened the door and was greeted by the same grin  she had at the restaurant. She wore tight jeans and wore long heels and a crop top.)

Sally: Hey handsome. (She walked in confidently and placed the food and a bottle of Rose on the counter.) This is some nice little bachelor pad you got here.

 
Alex: Thanks.

Sally: Can I use the rest room?

Alex: Sure!

(Alex went to the kitchen and starting arranging the food. He was happy for the company, he poured a glass of wine and his nerves started to go away. Sally joined him and they sat in the kitchen and just spoke for hours on end. Alex mostly nodded and laughed whilst Sally spoke. She was interesting, completely the opposite of him. She left home at 17 and dropped out of high school to chase her dream of dancing but it got derailed because of her ex boyfriend who dealt drugs.)

Sally: I’m sure you have a more interesting and better love life than me.

Alex: Ha! Na, no time really-

Sally- Thats what all you men say, you Wall Street guys must have women chasing you non-stop!

Alex- I wish-

Sally- So your last girl you were with, what happened?

Alex- It’s a long story-

Sally- I’m a good listener.

Alex- Another time I will explain.

Sally- Ok Mr. Mysterious-

Alex: Another glass? (Alex reached over to pur the glass, Sally took his hand and stared in his face. She lean’t over and kissed him.)

End Scene

Scene 8

(4 Months later...)

Jamal: Bro that was a nice run!

Alex: We gotta do this every week-end.

Jamal: I don’t know about every week-end.

(Alex’s phone rings he looks at his phone and sighs.)

Jamal: Haha! That chick won’t leave you alone man!

Alex; Man she’s crazy! She said her mom is in town and she wants me to meet her. I just endured two whole days with her, I'm not about to meet her mom, no way.

Jamal: That is the game b! You give them some sugar and they keep coming back.

Alex: Don't get me wrong she is lovely, Sally is sweet but I just don’t feel anything for her.

Jamal: Really? She’s perfect, she’s left that job and gone back to studying? You have obviously inspired her to push out of that restaurant. I think that is the kind of chick you need.

Alex: Ha! Perfect? Nobody is perfect. (He looks at his phone and texts her.)

Alex: Busy baby, we will talk later xxx

Jamal: We still going to the club tonight?

Alex: Damn you and your clubs bro! Haha!

Jamal: I’m picking you up at 8! It’s Austin’s birthday, you gotta make it , it will be a mini re-union.

(Later that evening Jamal and Alex walk into the club. Ludacris- Whats your fantasy is blaring through the speakers. The club was called candy factory, the crowd was ok, the women were beautiful but it just wasn’t Alex’s scene. It was perfect hunting ground for Jamal, he has an unending thirst for chasing women. He never got enough. Alex’s phone vibrated. He saw another long essay text message from Sally, he rolled his eyes.)

Sally: Please Alex I know you are always busy but I didn't htink I would fall this deep for you. It was a bit of fun and now-

Jamal: Papi stop looking at your phone we out tonight!

(Jamal led him to the V.I.P section. He greeted the other guys, some from Havard and some from high school it was a big re-union.  There were bottles on bottles on bottles. Alex had more than a few glasses of champagne. He stood behind the speakers and was about to text Sally until somebody tapped his shoulder. At first he was grateful that somebody had stopped hi sending a message he may have regretted. He turned around and his mouth dropped open.

Alex: Grace? Is that you?

Grace: ALEX! (She squeals in excitement. Grace is Chinese, she has a petite frame with a very pretty face. She was a former love interest of Alex when he was in high school.)

Alex: It’s great to see you. Last I heard you were in Oklahoma.

Grace: I’ve moved down here, more money here! Ha!

Alex: Just a little more!

Grace: We need to catch up! Hows Nicki?

Alex: We split.

Grace: Are you kidding?

(Alex shook his head)

Grace: I’m so sorry-

Alex- Don’t be sorry.

Grace- Come sit down, lets catch up.

(It was just like how it was in high school. Grace was such a confident woman, you could never fool or trick her with anything, but she was so warm. Alex felt so comfortable around her. He felt at peace, he hadn’t felt this way in a while. Although he was comfortable he didn’t mention Nicki at all. Grace felt that Alex was hiding something but out of respect she didn’t push it.)

Grace: Let’s go and dance, lets see if you got your moves Mr!

(They both drank and danced the night away. Jamal left early, Austin was throwing up so the bouncers escorted them out. Grace hopped in a cab and dragged Alex in. The taxi pulled up to Alex’s apartment. He hopped out, he pulled out his umbrella and they ran to his front door as the rain beat down on them both. As he patted down his body for his keys Grace pulled him closed and kissed him.)

End Scene

Scene 9

(A month later...)

Grace: That feels sooooo good. (She rolled off the sofa and stretched) You could easily be a masseuse. A man of many talents.

(Alex winks and her and smirks. He has been enjoying her company for the last few weeks. She wasn’t as clingy as Sally, Grace had her own business and was usually busy. It suited him perfectly .)

Grace: What is your plan for the rest of the day?

Alex: I have to chair a meeting and after that another conference call. Yourself?

Grace: I have a client this evening. We can have dinner later?

Alex: hmmm ms Grace the newest addition to Cash money huh? , fine by me. She giggled)

Grace: Hhmm, I have a question to ask?

Alex: Go ahead...

Grace: What happened with Nicki? She was like your childhood sweet heart...

Alex: It’s a long and boring story Grace. (His kisses her on the cheek.)

Grace: Hmm. I always wondered what it would be like to be with you. (She cuddles Him and kisses his chest. Alex’s stomach drops.)

Alex: What do you mean?

Grace: You know what I mean, we could be good together.

(Alex’s head is racing, why do they always want something serious? Things were fine as they were. Grace smiles at him and he smiles back awkwardly, she embraces him and leaves the house.)

End Scene

Scene 10

(After a few weeks he reduces his meetings with Grace. He kept using work as an excuse. Grace didn’t seem to take it to badly but she wasn’t stupid. Sooner or later the jig would be up. She would even turn up unannounced at his house but she was so stunning, she was almost impossible to resist. He sat reading the New York Times on his front porch Jamal was taking longer than usual to meet him for their morning jog. He was about to call him until he saw Jamal appear from the corner sombrely. His face looked down cast, he didn’t seem his usual self.)

Alex: Since when did you become Mr. Lazy?

Jamal: Man Alex...

Alex: let’s go!

Jamal: Alex, I saw her...

Alex: Who?

Jamal: Nicki, I saw her and she’s pregnant.

Alex: You tripping amigo.

Jamal: I know what I saw bro, I saw her downtown, she looks quite heavily pregnant, she saw me, but didn’t stop to say hi- I’m sorry man.

Alex: It’s fine, let’s go, we are wasting time.

Jamal: She was with some tall black dude-

Alex: Jamal!

(They both jogged on the side walk)

(Later that evening Alex sat in his living room staring at the T.V. He was in a state of confusion. How was it that she was pregnant?  They had several tests, the doctor said it was just a matter of time. But nothing was happening. He hated Jamal, he had forgotton about her,well at least he told himself he didn’t care, but deep down inside him there was a missing piece of him. Nicki was the missing piece and now she was gone forever.He grabbed the bottle of whisky and gulped it down like it was colaid. His head was swimming, his heart was mixed with anger, jealously and confusion. His phone was ringing, it was Grace. He threw it at the wall. He went downstairs into the basement. He wasn’t sure what he was looking for but something told him to go down there. There were some of the old high school prom pictures of him and Nicki. He threw them against the wall and the glass shattered. He trashed the whole basement. He was out of breath, his head was still swirling. He shuffled backwards onto the stairs and sat down. Beneath the stairs were more boxes of memories of him and Nicki. He reached behind him and saw all the documents of their wedding certificates, driving license attachments and high school grade certificates. He moved the box backwards and saw another box he hadn’t seen before. It had medical files, he took them out and opened them up. Tears streamed down his face, the documents were just over a year and a half old. They were from the hospital she worked at. Flyers labelled ‘Undetecable contraception’. His eyes widened as he sifted through the medical records. She had been going to the doctor regularly to get contraception. He placed the documents back into the box and slid it under the stairs.)

Scene 11

2 days later...

Alex was given the day off by Mr. White.

He opened his kitchen cabinet and took a swig of the vodka. He smacked his lips and walked to the front door. The sunlight hit his eyes hard, he squinted to block out the bright light. He hopped in his car and speed down to the traffic lights. He turned on the radio and 50 cent- Many Men blared out of the speakers.

50 cent- I’ll come and take your life away! Many men! MANY MANY MANY MANY MEN!

He drove down a few blocks and he parked outside an apartment building. This was it. He saw her holding some shopping. She was waddling, he held her close and took the shopping bags off her before they crossed the street. Alex waited until they crossed the street. He reached into the glove compartment and took out the pistol. 

He wound down the window, she turned around and her mouth was wide open.)

Nicki: Alex!