"Rotten Apple: Part 2"

Rotten Apple Part 2

Scene 1

(The theatre was jam packed. But Alison wasn’t bothered. She sat high up in V.I.P with Richard. The stage show was marvellous, it reminded her of her days in drama school. Richard got them the tickets through his connect at work. He was always getting hook ups from people at his company. He was always so smooth and slick, he pulled up at her work place with flowers and three dresses from Macys. He told her to pick one and they could go. He always made her melt, from the moment he met her he made her feel so happy. He ticked all the right boxes, he seemed to get more handsome with age. She was the envy of all her friends. She had always wanted to watch the the Bugsy Malone production. The decor was bright and elaborate. The curtains on stage were royal purple, the chandelier glistened from the ceiling. Richard sat confidently holding her hand. Whenever they were out he always held her hand, it seemed to keep him comforted. She felt warm and fuzzy every time he squeezed her hand he would never let go. He had dark brown hair, green eyes, his face was chiselled, his beard was thick. She secretly hated that she loved his rough look.)

Tullulah: You give a little love and it all comes back to you! La La la la la la! You gonna be remembered for the things that you say and do!

(The audience gave a rapturous applause. The cast got a standing ovation, the audience cheered them on. Richard stood and applauded like everybody else. Alison stared at him, another wave of joy swept through her. It was as if the room went silent, all she could see was her husband and thinking of getting him into bed.)

Richard: You enjoyed that honey?

Alison: Uh huh! Thank you Mr. Johnson! I am a lucky girl!

Richard: I’m starving!

Alison: You just ate...

Richard: So?

Alison: Your appetite is something else!

Richard: Ha! I need steak! Let’s go to that steak joint across the road. (He kissed her forehead.)

Alison: Let me call a cab sweetie-

Richard: No I want to walk! It’s a nice evening. (He smirked as he pulled her close. Alison was short and had a petite frame. Her black hair sat on her shoulder, her freckles were more profound in the cold and her teeth chattered. She couldn’t resist him. He was always in control.)

Alison: You’re the boss!

(They walked through times square. It was quite chilly and Richard pulled her in closer. After 10 minutes they entered the restaurant. Richard was quite popular, they knew what his usual order was and where he usually sat. Alison and Richard spoke and laughed the whole night. Their steak came quickly and they received a complimentary bottle of MOET. They finished the bottle and half a bottle of Rose. For all his strengths Richard had always been a lightweight whilst Alison had a very strong stomach. She was a bit tipsy whereas Richard was very drunk. They had been married for three years and it felt like the honeymoon period was never ending. They both stumbled out of the restaurant. She called a yellow taxi. When they got in Richard could not keep his hands off her. She giggled like a school girl, he stared at her ravenously, he looked wild with his unshaven beard. Butterfly wings flapped in her stomach. When they got to the front porch he hoisted her off her feet and carried her up the stairs.

End Scene

Scene 2

(The following morning Alison woke up and heard the T.V playing. It was on baseball. Richard was obsessed with sport, she sometimes questioned whether he loved sports more than her. His brothers were coaches of little league baseball teams, Richard would often volunteer to help them. He also set up an inter office basketball tournament every few weeks.)

Commentator: It’s a home run!!!

(Alison looked up and Richard was looking back down on her in adoration. He kissed her on the forehead and smacked her behind. He told her to and make breakfast. His phone vibrated on the table. He looked at it then switched it off.)

Alison: Hmm Wall street can’t rest on a Saturday morning? Are you serious? It’s Saturday and work are still emailing you? You better not go-

Richard- Nope I am relaxing with you boo!

(She put on her dressing gown and hurried down the stairs. As soon as Richard caught a smell of the breakfast he came down the stairs and hugged her from behind. She turned on the radio and a DJ called out ‘Another hit record for ya’ll!)

Ashanti- I’m always on time, I gave you my love-

Alison: Hey Mr, I got your favourite omeletee coming up.

(Door bell Rings)

Alison- Go and answer that-

(Phone rings)

Richard- Nawww.

Alison- You’re so silly-

(House phone rings)

Alison: You gonna answer that or-

(He buried his head in her neck and she laughed.)

(The door bell rings again followed by banging on the door)

Alison- Is that delivery?

(Richard calmy walks to the front door and closes the Kitchen door behind him.)

(Alison could hear muffled voices. She turns down the radio and could hear loud voices. She had never heard Richard sound so enraged. She ran through the living room and swung kitchen and swung the door open. A woman she had never seen before was stood on her porch. She wore a baggy hoody and scruffy jeans. She had jet black hair. Alison couldn’t help but notice the huge dark circles under her eyes, she looked a hot mess.)

Juliet- I love you! I can’t help it! You made me like this! Everything was fine until you messed it up!

Richard: Scram Juliet! This is disrespectful! Get off my property!  Alison get back in the house! Imma call the cops you bum! Leave now!

(Juliet turned to Alison and mouthed to Alison ‘I’m sorry')

Richard- Alison!

(People across the street started to come out their houses and watch the drama unfolding.)

Juliet- Please Richard! I have to- We have to keep it.

Alison- Huh?

Richard- Don’t listen to her. She works under my office I had to fire her, she is unstable-

(Juliet burst into tears and fell on her knees. She clutched her stomach.)

Juliet- Please, it’s yours, I’m sorry but it’s yours I told you, I took the test-

(Alison doubled backwards, her head was spinning. A car could be heard screeching down the street. It seemed to be getting closer and closer. A truck suddenly pulled up outside the driveway. A man hopped out wielding a baseball bat. He was short and chubby, he looked Indian.)

Juliet: Tommy!

Tommy- I followed you! I can’t trust you! So this is the home wrecker huh?!

(Alison burst into tears.)

Tommy: How could you do this to me? I trusted you! (Tears poured down his face.)

Juliet: Leave!

Richard: Get into the house Alison!

Tommy: You! You ruined everything!

(Tommy moved towards Richard wielding the bat.)

End Scene

Scene 3

(3 months had passed since Alison found out the shocking truth. She left her attorney and walked to the coffee shop with her sister across the street.)

Attorney: All will be well!

(Alison nodded and wiped the rears from her face. Her mascara was messed up, she snivelled, Jennifer passed her a tissue.)

Jennifer: Sweetie don’t cry. I hate when you cry.

Alison: Sorry, I just don’t know how to pretend I’m ok. He was my world, I can’t believe this.

Jennifer: I’m sorry, I really didn’t expect this.

Alison: I won’t stay with you for too long.

Jennifer: I like you being around. The girls love their auntie.

(Alison winced when she mentioned her twins. Having  kids was the next step to completing the perfect picture. This image was shattered into a thousand pieces. The man she thought was her Prince was whoring around Wall Street. Everything was too good to be true. She was a tad envious of her sister. Her husband didn’t have as much money as Richard. He was a construction worker. He worked hard for his family and made sure they went on holiday every year. Nothing like flying to Rome or London. But they would go camping and did a lot of road trips. Jennifer wasn’t academic or corporate, she worked in the library next to the twins’ school, she picked them up everyday.)

Jennifer: You coming with me to pick up the kids?

Alison: Yes of course!

(They left the coffee shop and ran for the bus. Within 20 minutes they were at the school. The bus pulled up just as the kids were coming out. They spotted Jennifer and Alison immediately. They both ran to Alison and embraced her.)

Alison: Hey Guys!

Jasmine: Auntie Jasmine!

Janet: Come and see my friends

Jasmine: No they are my friends!

Jennifer: Doesn’t mommy get a hug!?

Janet: Later mommy!

(They pulled Jennifer to a group of kids running around, they enclosed around her.)

(They left the grocery store and headed home. Rodger was sat on the front porch with a cold glass of lemonade. The girls ran towards him and clambered into his arms.)

Rodger: My girls!

(He tickled them and they laughed loudly. Rodger was the complete opposite of Richard. Richard was physically athletic and ripped. Rodger was quite big. He wasn’t ridiculously overweight but he had a big stomach.)

Rodger: Go inside and bath, ya’ll stink!

(Both kids giggled)

Janet: No! Haha!

Rodger: No? Ight, you can bath outside!

(He took out the water hose and sprayed it on both of them including Jennifer. Alison laughed out loudly.)

End Scene

Scene 4

(It was 7:30pm that evening, Rodger had an early start so he got the kids ready to go to sleep. They brushed their teeth and went to their room. He stood at the door and watched them lovingly as they knelt by the bed and prayed. He laughed, ‘Please Lord help Aunty Alison Help her to get better and be happy. Amen’. Alison and Jennifer sat downstairs in the living room watching Grease. It was their favourite movie.)

Alison: I feel like we have watched this movie so many times!

Jennifer: It’s Timeless!

Alison: Thank you for everything Jennifer. I love you. You have helped me so much. Must be embrassing seeing your big sister crying all the time.

Jennifer: Aww honey don’t say that, and its good just let it all out.

Alison: I guess.

Jennifer: Make sure you tell me of anything you need and I will help you.

Alison: Thanks! (She hugged her.)

Jennifer: It’s good you took time off work to clear your head a bit.

Alison: I know right, I guess I needed a break. I will be going back to work next week.

Jennifer: Really? Why don’t you stay in New Jersey for a bit longer-

Alison: Naw, I don’t want to risk my job, that’s the last thing I want.

Jennifer: There many HR roles in this state, stay longer-

Alison: Naw naw, I miss New York

(Jennifer winced)

Alison: Please not Richard. I mean I still love him but I’m not going looking for him, I work for a great company. There are a few cute apartments out there I will rent one out, I’ll be fine. My job pays well and my boss knows what I have been through. I will be fine. Worst case scenario I will see a counsellor.

Jennifer: I just know he hurt you so bad, I just don’t want anything to go wrong again.

Alison: I lost the love of my life but I can’t let that destroy me. If I start to take a bad turn I will burst through your doors crying! Haha

(They hugged again.)

End Scene

 Scene 5

(2 Weeks passed and Alison was back in New York. She missed the craziness of the city, everything was at such a fast pace.. Work was going well, her manager encouraged her to take things at her own pace and that if she needed extra time off she shouldn’t hesitate to ask. The support was overwhelming, she was thankful for it. She walked out of the subway and into the streets. She heard somebody call her name and she turned around slowly. She rolled her eyes.)

Jamal: Hey baby! Where you goinnnnnn ma? You're looking beautiful.

Alison: Hi Jamal. I’m in  a rush.

Jamal: You need a ride? It’s not exactly Mexico out here boo boo!

Alison: I’m ok.

Jamal: Look why you gotta act like that, I know you

are back  on the market.

(Alison glared at him.)

Jamal: Sorry I didn’t mean it like that, I’m sorry for what happened, but you too cute to be alone forever, I can change your life ma!

Alison: Haha. Jamal you are a loser. I will see you another time.

Jamal: You play too much. Have a nice day ma! (He hopped back in his car and peeled off.)

(Jamal worked in the same building as her but in a different department. They rarely saw each other but he would flirt with her at any opportunity. He seemed nice enough but he was a slime ball. He had a reputation for sleeping around. Alison had no interest in him at all, men for that matter were off the menu. We walked briskly to the office.)

Alison: What? This lady sent emails at 22:51? Extreme much?

Kat: Haha!

Alison: Crazy!

Kat: How are you today? It’s cold outside.

Alison: I’m alright.

Kat; Oh I have a message for you. (She reaches behind her key board and passes her a note.)

Alison: What is this?

Kat: Read it.

Alison: I see you everyday, you are hot. I thought maybe we could grab a cup of coffee. This is my number-

Kat: It was from Charles, he works in admin downstairs. He is cute don’t you think? A bit young but-

Alison: I’m not interested in men.

Kat: Women?

Alison: Huh? No way! Ha!

Kat: Then why not give the guy a chance? He is a sweet heart.

Alison: Naw, he is a nice guy, he is always so polite, I’ve always seen him offer to do the coffee run-

Kat: He’s handsome too which is a bonus!

Alison: Naw no interest.

(At Lunch time Alison went to the canteen, she usually brought in her own lunch but she was still arranging stuff in her apartment so time was limited. It was quiet today.  She stood with her tray in hand and Charles appeared from behind her and tapped her shoulder.)

Charles: Hey.

Alison: Hey Charles. Hows everything going?

Charles: I take it you didn’t get my messag-

Alison: Don’t take it personally, you are a nice guy but its not you it’s me. I’m sure you are a guy with good intentions, but you are young, I’m almost 30 something and divorced.

Charles: But I just wanted to maybe go for a cup of coffee or-

Alison: Aww that is so sweet, but like I said I’m not interested-

(Charles heart sank, he had always thought she was hot since she joined the team. He had been plucking up the courage to speak to her for a very long time. He had no difficulty getting female attention but he had his eyes fixed on Alison. His head sank. He was slim and had toffee coloured skin complexion. He was Cuban and Haitian.)

Alison: I’m sorry, there are so many girls out there hunny-

Charles: It’s fine, have a nice day, all the best.

(Charles left the canteen.)

End Scene

Scene 6

(A few months had passed and even though Alison was not completely happy, she was slowly getting over Richard. She spoke to Jennifer every other day. Her Mother had spent the week with her. It was refreshing to have people around her she could speak to. But she still felt a little bit of emptiness but couldn’t help but think about her age. She still felt desired by men but finding the correct suitor who she would settle down with and have children with was a whole other story.)

Kat: HAPPPY BIRTHDAYY TO YOUUUUUUU!

(Whole office cheers and whistles.)

Alison: Haha! Thanks guys!

Brian: Well make a wish Haha!

Alison: (She blew the candles and laughed) Honestly thank you guys for reminding me I’m getting old Haha!

(The office laughed and joked, the door swung open and Charles walked in holding a big bunch of flowers and a big box of chocolates. People clapped and whistled. Charles walked up to her with a big green on his face. Her eyes widened and she smiled awkwardly, she felt mortified, her stomach dropped. Her face went bright red and her palms were sweating. She received the gifts, hugged Charles and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She thanked him and placed everything beside her desk. There was a special birthday card which read ‘Happy birthday, can I date you?’ It was so sweet but equally cringe. She just wanted a black hole to swallow her up.)

Kat: Damn! You got the young guys buying you flowers? And I can’t even get a text back!

Alison: He just doesn’t understand, he is lovely but I just-

Kat- Hmmm nice guys don’t come so often you gotta take it-

Alison: I know but I can’t force myself to like him, I just can’t help it-

Kat: Hmm, I know you have been divorced but don’t go cold and deny yourself happiness.

Alison: I haven’t gone cold, I just don’t feel anything for him-

Kat: hmmmmmmmmmmmm, you see cold! Just give him a chance!

Alison: Kat!

(After a few hours of drinking Alison was tired, she wasn’t into the partying lifestyle. The bar was fairly busy, she sipped her cocktail. She heard the girls talking about going to a club after but she already knew that she wasn’t going. She felt somebody tap her shoulder. The speakers were booming. M.O.P- Cold as Ice pumped through the speakers.)

Gerald: Hey beautiful, can I buy you a drink?

Alison: This is my last drink, I’m going soon.

Gerald: My boy said you are the birthday girl, you look about 23, I’m sure you got the energy to hang much longer. Ha!

Alison: Id rather not, I’m tired, but thanks for the offer.

Gerald: Listen beautiful, whats your name, I didn’t even catch that-

Alison: Sorry it doesn’t matter what my name is.

Gerald: Oh,ok, have a nice evening ma’am.

(Kat sipped her drink and looked at Alison.)

Alison: Please don’t say a word (They both laughed)

(Hey guys come and dance! This DJ is crazy. Alison whispered that she is going. She left quietly. As she left she saw Charles with his team, she walked over to him and yanked him to the corner.)

Alison: Charles; I thought I explained to you, I don’t want you like that, we can be friends. Technically it is unprofessional.

Charles: But i just wanted-

Alison: No. Listen to me, I don’t want you, I know what you want, but I can’t ok? End of story. I appreciate the gesture but at the end of the day it is what it is-

Charles: Just one-

Alison: Just nothing. You embarrassed me in front of everybody, just quit it ok!

(She stormed out. She was livid; she hated being put on the spot in front of people.

 The queues for the taxis were long, all of a sudden she regretted not driving, all she wanted was to get into her bed. She walked down the street past the bars amd clubs to the other corner where she could get the night bus. She turned the corner and was startled at the commotion outside a club. Two security gaurds were escorting a man out of the club. She quickened her pace and walked around the people looking at the drama. She glanced over at the man being held, she stood in shock, it was Richard.)

Bouncer 1: You scum bag!

Bouncer 2: You are banned from here you douchebag! We warned you last week, if you want to Go to a club to fight go down to 40 street!

Richard: Get off meee! Somebody spiked my drink!

Bouncer 1: You Are a fool! Never come back here again or you gon get hit real bad.

Richard: Let’s go now tough guy, I’m trained in combat sports! (He began to shadow box drunkardly. He had a black eye and his lip was bleeding, one of his shoes were gone. Alison had never seen him like this. He had put on weight and his face looked dishevelled. He looked up and caught her eye, he began laughing.)

Richard: Haha So to everybody that came to watch the show, that is my ex wife! HAHA! This is the reason for this show. You must be so happy? If not...for her...this wouldn’t be possible. (He bowed as if he was bowing to an audience.)

Bouncer 1: Ma’am do you know this man.

(She nodded.)

Richard: I messed up! It’s all my fault, now look at me?

Alison: Richard go home.

Richard: what?

Alison: Go home!

Bouncer 1: Ma’am this guy is violent I wouldn’t say the wrong-

Richard: I would never do anything to hurt her, she was the love of my life, she let me go because I had a bit on the side..isn’t that true baby? (He moved towards her and the bouncers pounced on him again. Richard began yelling.)

Richard: THAT’S MY WIFEEE! THAT IS MY WIFEEEE! WHERES MY WALLET YOU ASSHOLE? YOU TOOK IT?? THAT’S MY WIFE! DON’T LEAVE ME WITH THEM ALISON!

(She took out a $20 note and dropped it at his head.)

Alison: Call a cab. Bye.

(Alison walked off, he could hear him crying and yelling out her name, but she was done. She had to leave that side of her life for good. She realised that she didn’t lose anything, she was the real winner and he was the loser.)

End Scene

Scene 7

(3 months later...

Alison woke up bright and early, she got into the habit of doing work outs before she went to work. She switched on her stereo and began her yoga routine. She felt far more calm and relaxed in the mornings. She was completely over Richard and making even more progress in work. She was the leader of her team. After an hour she got showered and left her house to go to work.)

Kat: Hey boss.

Alison: Eww, don’t call me that!

Kat: Can I have tomorrow off? My son has to go to the dentist, I know he is scared-

Alison: You don’t need to ask, take as many off as you like. Just log it and I will sort out cover.

Kat: Thanks baby!

(Charles, Jeffrey and a man in uniform walked into the office. There was an I.T issue. Alison had barely spoken to Charles since the night at the club. She avoided eye contact with him most of the time but today he caught her eye. She hadn’t noticed that he had got a bit bigger; he had definitely been hitting the gym. He also had a thin goatee which she hadn’t noticed before. After they had finished their task she winked at him as he left the room and he waved back.)

Kat: What?

Alison: Shut up!

Kat: Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle. Ms Alison entertaining a mans advances, better yet instigating his advances.

Alison: I always said he was cute but it wasn’t a good time for me, it wouldn’t have worked.

Kat: Well no time like the present! I’m happy your over that asshole, sorry I mean’t, wait I can call him that right?

Alison: HAHA!

Kat: I’ll take that as a yes then. That asshole is a bum and he is out of your life gurlllllll! 

Alison: Hmm.

(After work there was a gathering in the lobby. It was Martin’s leaving party. He wasn’t the partying type so there were just a few refreshments and wine. As it was Friday Alison had a few glasses. Charles spoke to Martin briefly and shook his hand. He slung his bag over him and left the room. Alison noticed this and took her opportunity and followed him out.)

Alison: Hey baby.

Charles: Umm hey Ali.

Alison: You not gonna ask me if I’m ok?

Charles: Umm it was my understanding that you didn’t want anything to do with me, so I wanted to honour that. I didn’t want to suffocate you. Sorry-

Alison: Why are you so nice?

Charles: I don’t know, how my momma raised me-

(Alison looked around and saw nobody was there, she began to stroke his goatee. Her heart was racing, she bit her lip and winked at her. Charles gazed into her eyes.)

Alison: I can teach you a thing or two as well.

Charles: Oh really? What do you mean-

Alison: You know what I mean-

(Charles jumped back and began to scratch his head.)

Charles: I have a girlfriend now I can’t I’m sorry Alison.

Alison: You have a what?

Charles: A month after you told me you weren’t interested I started dating this lady and things are going well and now we are a couple. I’m really sorry, You are a nice woman and all but I’m taken.

(His phone rang. ‘Yes baby I will be outside’.)

Charles: Sorry I gotta go now. Bye Alison.

(Alison stood there aghast, she was in shock, she couldn’t believe how stupid she was. She threw herself at him and he rejected her. She couldn’t remember getting turned down by a guy since high school. She was shocked and embarrassed. She went to the bathroom to freshen up. She told herself to stop being silly, she didn’t love him. She just thought he was cute, she wasn’t even sure if she wanted anything serious but she didn’t need this knock back after months of pushing away all the interest that came her way. She left the bathroom and snuck back into the lobby, she took her bag and coat and left. She was still a bit tipsy and had to catch her bearings as she left the building. As she turned the corner a car pulled up next to her, a large black escalade, she recognised it but wasn’t sure from where. The window rolled down and it was Jamal grinning.)

Jamal: Listen, how are we gonna do this Alison? I’vebeen thinking  about you.

Alison: Jamal-

Jamal: Listen, just give me a chance, what's the worst that can happen? You can't keep pushing people away, you might not find happiness. Please.)

(He opens the car door. Alison glances at the car seat and back at Jamal.)

End Scene