Rotten Apple: The Final Chapter

                                                                    Scene 1

(Nicki screamed as Alex held the pistol. Everything was a blur, everything went into slow motion. Some people came out of their houses to see the commotion. His palms were sweaty, sweat dripped from his forehead, his arm trembled. She screamed coweringon the floor. "Please! Please!! Please don't!! I'm sorry Alex!" The same man he caught her with in his house stood in front of her. This angered him even more. The face of the man that stole his world from him, who left him depressed and led him to this stage. If he killed him or her it wouldn't matter he had almost lost everything already. If he killed her he would lose Nicki and feel the same pain he felt. If he killed him Nicki would feel the same pain he felt. He gripped the gun tighter. At this point 25 to life didn't seem too bad.)

Nicki- Please! Alex! Im pregnant! This isn't you! You are a good person! Mark tell him!

Mark- Please Sir, I know you don't-

Alex- Stop talking!

Nicki- Please!

Mark- Alex-

Alex- You son of a bitch do not say my name! You don't know me-

(Alex's hand tensed up he could feel his finger about to squeeze the trigger. He could see the horror in Mark's eyes and Nicki continued to shriek. He lowered his gun and shuffled backwards. He turned around and saw people in the streets looking at him. He scuttled into his car and sped off. His head was spinning as he drove. He passed one red light, then another red light, as he swerved onto the next road he almost hit a motor bike. In a panic he swerved onto the immidiate turning on the left but he was on the wrong side of the road. He faced an on coming lorry. His stomach dropped,  he could feel his eyes closing, just awaiting the impact. At the last second the lorry swerved around his car. He opened his eyes and could hear cars beeping, he shook his head and pushed down on the gas. He continued to drive straight for miles, he didn't know where he was going he just drove until his petrol alert sounded. He pulled into a station and sat in his car. He could see a man holding his daughter, she looked about 4 years old. He held her close as he approached his car. He strapped her into the car seat, he kissed his parter on the cheek. Alex turned off the ignition and began to cry. He sobbed and sobbed.)

End Scene

 Scene 2

(Alex lay asleep on his steering wheel. Somebody knocked at his window. Once, then twice. He didn't move. He was knocked out cold. It was one of the men that worked at the petrol station. He saw that Alex wasn't moving. He went into the store and called his manager. A hispanic man. He looked alomost 60 years old. He hobbled over with his walking stick and began to tap the window loudly. Alex sat up stunned.)

Sandro- Get up amigo! This is a gas station not a hotel! Antele!

Alex- What?

(Alex squinted hard and blinked in confusion)

Sandro- Leave before I call the cops!

(The mention of the cops alarmed Alex but he wasn't entirely sure why. He got some gas, hopped back into his car and sped home. As he pulled up he slowly remembered the events of the night before. He remembered that he had a pistol in his car, hence why he was startled in the station earlier. He took himself inside and sat on his sofa. He plugged his phone in his charger and looked at the ceiling. He could hear his phone vibrating but he didn't care. He kept falling in and out of sleep. He went to his cupboard and saw all of his liquor had been finished. He sat back down and napped. He woke up an hour later and saw over 15 missed calls from Jamal, he saw several voicemails from Nicki and a few from Sally. He looked at his phone and was about to doze off again until he heard a banging on the door. He sat upbright. "Ah damn it's the feds". He shuffled around looking for the gun but it was in his car. He couldn't see police cars through the door. He could hear a familiar voice calling out. To his relief is was Jamal.)

Jamal: Ayyyy! FOOL! Open your damn door, I swear to God!

(Alex scrambled to the door and swung it open. Jamal dived at him and grabbed him by the throat. He shoved him against the wall with force.)

Jamal: Have...you...lost..your...damn...mind! You crazy ass son of a bitch!

Alex: (Gasps) Get off...me!

Jamal: You ass hole! Nicki called me to say what you did! You want to throw your life away because of what happened? You told me you didn't care?!

(He loosens his grip and stands back. Alex hunches over and gasps for breath.)

Jamal: Oh and by the way they Mr. Snipes, ain't calling the feds . So you don't need to worry about that. I had to beg her not to call them. Mark, the dude well, yeah of course he was going to call the feds but Nicki talked him out of it. You acting like the bone heads from Queens Papi! You live a good life, don't ruin-

Alex: It is ruined! All of it! Its finished! I was the perfect guy! I was an honest stand up guy, I did everything to keep her happy, I worked so hard to get us in a good position to have a strong future. I busted my ass to leave Queens! And this is the thanks I get? I don't deserve this man! Why should I care about her? What does it even matter? Because when I got hurt nobody cared-

Jamal: Alex-

Alex: Jamal you don't understand how much I loved Nicki! You Don't understand, you move from chick to chick, I've never been that guy, I was happy with just her.

Jamal: Yo relax, I went through my own turmoil with Whitney-

Alex: She was my world and I will never have that again. I feel sick, when I see Sally or speak to her I feel sick  All I can think about is what happened between me and Nicki. You don't understand!

Jamal: Papi, we are going to work through this man. Honestly, I will get you help I didn't know this is how you felt ok. But you can't pull out a gat on a pregnant woman in broad day. You must think this is New Jack City.

Alex: I know I messed up, you know I didn't mean that. I guess I have been bottling things up and it boiled over. I wish I never met her. I hate her. It wasn't mean't be like this. I wish I saw the signs early about who she really was, I wouldn't have had to go through this crap.

Jamal: Man I know it sucks bro, but it's life man. We gotta stay strong and move forward, but you need to learn how to speak to people when you have problems because you will drive yourself mad. You could have been doing 25 to life all because you didn't tell anybody. I know we were taught to be tough in Queens, in our homes we were taught to be tough or pretend to be tough when things go bad but bro it messes you up. I'm sure there is some kind of research that proves this no? Well I haven't got all the answers all I know is that you need to talk about your problems bro! There is church, counselling, family and friends you can go and talk to brother.

Alex; Thanks man, you're my bro but man even thinking about it makes me sick, talking about it makes it feel like I am re living it.

(A tear rolled down his face)

Alex: I need to get myself together man.

Jamal: You got time off work?

Alex: I have a lot of holiday left to take.

Jamal: Bro, you need to take time off.

Alex: All I do when I'm not at work is drink or do extra work I don't need to do just to keep me busy.

Jamal: But I thought...

Alex: What? Because I got a promotion? You thought thats why I did insane hours? I'm sure George Bush doesn't do as much hours as me.

Jamal: I'm sorry.

Alex: No, I'm sorry, I didn't deal with it corectly and I could have screwed up my whole life including others.

(They embrace and Alex sheds another tear)

End Scene

Scene 3

(Over the next 2 months Jamal took Alex to the alchoholics anonymous group twice a week. . In that time he went down to see his mother and sisters and explained what had been happening but he left out the bit about the gun incident. . She cried when he told her about his struggles with alchohol. She had an uncle who also had issues with alchohol and depression. She got her Pastor to pray for him and he occassionally emailed him from time to time to let him now he was coping. Alex didn't get much time to go and see his mother and siblings but he made moore effort. He told Sally about what he was going through and told her he needed time to focus on himself. He knew he couldn't give her what she wanted and he wanted to be focused on his new goals. She didn't take it too badly but at that moment in time he had to think about himself. It felt like a relief to offload all of the struggles he was going through. He felt like a new man, suffering in silence didn't do him any favours. )

Steve: Ok guys, this was the last hurdle and I'm proud to say you guys made it. You are all compleletly sober! Give yourselves a clap.

(The whole room erupted in cheers and applause. Steve gave Alex a big embrace, Jessica came from behind him and embraced him. Alex was sandwiched in between the two of them.)

Alex: Ok guys I can't breathe here!

Jessica: Sorry!

Alex: It's all good!

Steve: I'm so proud and inspired, you guys went from zero to hero, its not easy to admit you have a dark cloud over your head but you have to face challenges head on and get a solution.

Alex: We can all agree on that! I will see you guys later!

(Jamal pulled up just as Alex was leaving the building. As he was walking over to the car Jessica came from behind him. She had dark skin complexion, she wore braids and sported bangle earings. She had an immense smile, pearly white teeth. Alex always knew she was beautiful or at least had the potential to be. At the beginning of the programme she was rough and ragged. She was just coming out of a very violent relationship. He respected her for her strength to battle out of a tight corner. He never asked her too many questions because he remembered how he hated people asking him personal questions. It was only then when she stood staring in his face he realised that he hadn't spoken to her much at all. He had his own issues to deal with. And as attractive as she was he wasn't interested in giving her any time of day. He had no interest in courting women.)

Jessica: Umm hey.

Alex: Umm, hey, I wish you all the best for the future Jessica. You have done well, we all have-

Jessica: You are so cute!

(She kissed him on both cheeks and smiled at him. Alex was still taken aback by her beauty. He had to compose himself to get his words out correctly without stuttering.)

Alex: Thanks, anyway I'm out-

Jessica: Well, you better not be a stranger let me take your number and we will talk. We can just check on each other's progress and maybe hang out some time.

Alex: Umm I guess..

(She snatched his phone and put her number in and called her phone on the spot.)

Jessica: See you around!

(Alex couldn't help but stare at her as she walked away. He hopped into Jamal's car.)

Jamal: BROOOOOOOOOOOOO! WHO WAS THAT?? Shorty looking like one of the ladies in Michael Jackson's remember the time video DAMNNN SONN!

Alex: Relax, she is just a friend. She's not even my friend, she was a memeber of the group.

Jamal: Na b, you don't need anymore more friends. You need her to hold you down bro. You need to come back out of the jungle!

Alex: My bro, how long are you staying in the jungle? I know you and Whitney been split for a while but you need to settle down. What about that girl you been talking to any potential or is it the same script?

Jamal: Which one? HAHAHAHAHA!

(Alex rolls his eyes.)

Jamal: Alison is cool bro, so far so good. Even though she ain't given it up yet. But if she keeps playing I might need to move on.

Alex: Dude? are you ok?

Jamal: Bro, I gotta have that honey-

Alex: Yo pull up.

Jamal: Pull up?

Alex: Pull up on the curb now.

(Jamal slows down and pulls up outside the grocery store.)

Alex: You need to grow up.

Jamal: What?

Alex: You have helped me go through all of this. The divorce, depression, the alchohol and through all this you haven't learn't anything? Her guard is up always, not forever, but for a while.

Jamal: But-

Alex: Look man I'm not your father you can do as you please you have been the same way growing up and I love you for that but at the end of the day you can't be 'Jamal the playa' forever bro. 

Jamal: I don't know if I'm ready, my situation with Whitney was messy and I don't know if I could go through it again. I don't know if I can bring somebody into my daughter's life as well. Marie is only 4 but she ain't know sucker, she is sharp, kids these days know everything.

Alex: You can create a bright future or dismal one, it's your choice. When Whitney left your sorry ass you were broke and on your face but you managed to turn it around. Shift your mindset and you will see some changes but you need to look in the mirror. Running through these women don't make you happy. I did it for a bit but its not satisfying.

Jamal: I hear what you are saying papi but it's not easy, this Alison chick seems to be on a vibe one day and then another she seems distant.

Alex: You have to find a way to get her to open up to you but don't do it unless you have good intentions. She had a messy time you don't want to add to that mess.

End Scene

Scene 4

(Alex jogged through his neighbourhood. His mind was clearer, he had no burdens or worries, he felt carefree and happy. He had forgotton about the horrific time he had, he was done with suffering in silence. His bond with his family had improved a lot more as well. He was approaching the large bend before finishing his run. School kids were being dropped off in the neighbourhood. He did his best to dodge some of the straggling kids in the streets. He saw a garbage truck pull up, he ran around it before joining the pavement again. Suddenly a car was honking right behind him. He leaned forward and squinted. He couldn't see who it was so he carried on jogging, picking up the pace. The car honked again and sped towards him screetching. Suddenly Alex's senses heightened and rememebred that not long ago he was going to shoot at Nicki and her partner. Maybe it was him looking for revenge. If he was then he wouldn't blame him. He stood frozen on the spot. The car was a red lexus and tinted out. The driver door swung out and Jessica hopped out. She wore shades and a grey fitted tracksuit. Perfectly hugging her curvy figure. Alex was shuffling. He wanted to turn and run away.)

Jessica: Hey boo! Imagine seeing you out here.

Alex: umm..Hi..

Jessica: How come you haven't called me?

Alex: I was meaning to but I've been so busy.

Jessica: Well you don't look busy to me. 

Alex: Well I worked from home today so I thought I would go for a run but every other day I've been working my butt off. How is everything going? You still clean?

Jessica: What are you doing now?

Alex: Umm? What? ..I'm running.

Jessica: (She looks at him up and down) You look like you've done enough. Hop in.

Alex: I just live down the block I'm fine, but thanks anyway-

Jessica: Boy you so goofy you better hop on in. We going on a trip.

Alex: What?

Jessica: You heard me, we are going on a trip, now hop in, I'm gonna take you to your place and you will wash and get changed and we will go.

(Alex reluctactly hopped in and she sped off. She parked outside his place and he hopped out.)

Alex: You not coming in?

Jessica: Naww, I will wait in hear, I need to call a client. Go and freshen up baby I'll be waiting.

(She winked at him. Alex was astounded by her confidence. The car was clean, she looked hot, she had grace and confidence. It was crazy that months ago she was a mess. He got ready quickly and came back.)

Jessica: We are going on a mini road trip and we will have a pamper down town.

Alex: Pamper?

Jessica: (She giggled) You have to look after yourself boo. One of my girls has a massage spot downtown, I got your back. We deserve it right?

Alex: I guess, well nobody has ever done anything like this for me before.

Jessica: Haha!

(They went across the freeway to  Manhattan. Alex wasn't even counting the hours they had been in the car. He was engrossed in the long conversation he had with her. He was no longer stiff, he was relaxed and at peace. Jessica spoke about her past freely. Her ex boyfriend used to come home drunk and beat her down. She in turn used alchohol to make her feel better. This in turn prompted Alex to open up on all of his struggles.After thier massage, they got some chic fillet to take away. Jessica took them to a beach and they both sat on the hood of her car eating. Alex was overwhelmed, this was the first time he was happy since Nicki.)

Jessica: As cliche as it sounds, we go through things for a reason. We obviously couldn't see it at the time but eventually it made sense.

Alex: I felt so many emotions in such a short time. It was crazy. 

Jessica: Yeah we all went through it. Hank's ass is in jail, he won't have any alchohol up in there so he should clean up quick.

Alex: If he gets clean, you think you guys could work things out?

Jessica: Naww, why?

Alex: I was just asking (He turned away from her and scratched his head.)

Jessica: Hmmm, I can't risk opening that can of worms. That chapter is closed.

Alex: Well at least you can focus on yourself and build on your success.

Jessica: Aww, you are so sweet but can you please stop talking like Steve for one sec, its not cute.

(She stroked his face and looked into his eyes. Alex couldn't avoid his gaze as much as he tried. She kissed his cheek and they held each other.)

End Scene

Scene 5

(Another day, another leaving party in the company. Alison had seen so many people come and go, it had become  a normality, round and round like a ferris wheel. She knew she wouldn't stay long as she was seeing Jamal at 7pm. He made reservations for them at a Japanese restaurant downtown.)

Alison: I'm off guys, I have plans.

Kat: Hmmm, so you guys are getting serious huh?

Alison: Well we will see I won't hold my breath.

Kat: You haven't been so cold blooded with him compared to how you were before.

Alison: Well he is a nice guy. Well he seems nice so we shall see.

Kat: Hmm.

Alison: Bye doll. Mwah 

(Alison power walked down the block and waited outside Macy's where Jamal was. He was already waiting for her in his car. He came out and opened the door for her and gave her a long kiss holding her tight.)

Jamal: I missed you baby.

Alison: You are a trip.

Jamal: You don't believe me?

Alison: No. haha

Jamal: Look.

(He pulled out a big bunch of flowers and presented them to her. Her face turned bright red and she smiled.)

Alison:Oh my gosh. Thanks baby. Erm, why may I ask are you being so nice?

Jamal: I'm always nice to you baby, I just wanted to show my appreciation for you in my life.

(She leant over and kissed him again.)

Jamal: Come on lets go. We need to talk.

(Alison's stomach dropped. Throughout the car journey he was silent. He didn't look at her once. They pulled up to the restaurant. He held her hand and they walked inside the restaurant. He still wasn't speaking. The waiter escorted them to their table and brought over some cocktail jugs. They both began to drink. Jamal still hadn't said a word.)

Alison: Ok, what is the problem?

Jamal: (He held her hand and kissed it) What do you mean?

Alison: Well you said we need to talk and you haven't spoken...

Jamal: Oh sorry baby, you know I was coming to that, you ain't got nothing to worry about nothing today is about you.

Alison: You a trip Mr!

Jamal: Haha

(They waiter dropped the starters on the table.)

Jamal: Look Alison we have been speaking for a while now and I care about you so much. I really adore and respect you. You are different and I know you are going to say you have heard it all before but just hear me out. When I met you, I was doing well for myself already. I feel like I've been a stand up guy, I look after my daughter and give her everything she needs. I support my friends and family but there was always a gap . Something was always missing but in this case it was someone. It was you Alison. I know you have been through it all, and at times I can still see your pain to this day. Sometimes you seem distant and other times you seem close and I understand that, I can't force anything. But I just want to tell you that I want us to work. I want you to be mine. For the long term, I want you to be mine.

(Alison's eyes were open wide. She gulped down more of the cocktail and sat back trying her best to avoid his gaze.)

Jamal: You just gonna leave me hanging ma? I know I had, well still have a reputation for being a scum bag but honestly I'm not interested in chasing women. I just want you and nobody else.

Alison; Wow.. I didn't expect this J. I know that I have been distant from you at times, I didn't realise it was frustrating you. You should have said something earlier.

Jamal: I know but I didn't want to bother you or stress you. I have a friend that went through a divorce and people deal with the experience in different ways.

Alison: I'm sorry about my behaviour. But as you said I went through a tough time. I really didn't anticpiate that happening but trust me, I am over it. And I do care about you alot as well. I just didn't want to rush into things, and your reputation didn't help either Mr...

Jamal: (His face dropped)  Well I guess I can't remove that stain. So if you are not interested then I will not blame you.

(Alison smiled softly.)

Alison: Look I can't judge you by your past, I can only judge you by how you have been to me and I am over the whole divorce, I guess it wouldn't be so bad being yours.

Jamal: You kidding me? 

Alison: Haha. you are so adorable J.

(He grinned and pulled her in close and kissed her forehead.)

End Scene

Scene 6

A year later...

(Alex has the windows rolled down and was cruising through the neighbourhood, it was a typical blazing hot summer's day. Kids played baseball on the corner and the sprinklers were on. the speakers were booming, Nore's- I love my life was bumping out of the car.) 

Nore: Yoo there's rules to the game and there are people to blame!


(He pulled up to the grocery store, he went to pick up some ice and colaid for Jessica, she was having a mini BBQ at her apartment. He saw an elderly lady was struggling to hold her groceries so he helped her take them to her car. She waved and said "Godbless you young man". He went straight to the frozen food aisle and grabbed 6 large bags of ice. He hurried to get the colaid and to his horror he saw Nicki and Mark pushing a buggy. They all stood frozen as the baby playfully gurgled.)

Nicki: Alex please we don't want no trouble.

Mark: Nicki we should just call the cops if he-

(Alex stood unmoved staring at all of them.)

Nicki: Alex...we...do...not..want...any...trouble...

Alex: You know what, neither do I. Can I speak to you and don't worry sir. (He glanced at Mark) You can call the cops now if you don't trust me.

Mark: Whatever you want to say to her you can see in front of me.

Alex: Listen I already said I don't want no problems, I just need to speak to her quickly and I will be off. 

(Nicki signalled Mark to relax and she led Alex around the corner. He hadn't seen her since the incident. She still looked good, she looked a bit tired but she was still pretty.)

Alex: Look, you were the last person I expected to see or wanted to see. I will be honest I never wanted to see you again.

Nicki: I don't blame you, I was the worst wife in history, I was wrong.

Alex: I don't want an apology from you. I wanted to say sorry myself. Bad things happen all the time and I didn't deal with it properly. Yes, you did me wrong but I need to take control of my own behaviour. I wasn't thinking and I was reckless and I will have to own that. Please forgive me.

(Nicki stood in shock. A tear rolled down her cheek.)  

Nicki: Wow. I wasn't expecting that.

(Alex stood unmoved as she sobbed.)

Nicki: I didn't want it to go down like this, you are a good guy. Please is there anything that I can do to make it up to you? Do you need money? Shall I call your mom?-

Alex: No forget that I am blessed, goign backwards won't help any of us. Right now you are healthy and have a healthy baby. Just focus on that and lets forget the past. I will see you around and take care. 

(He walked past Mark and nodded at Mark. Alex paid for his items and hopped into his car. He felt like he had given birth, he felt so much relief. He was pregnant with malice and anger and had fully released it. After 20 minutes he pulled up to Jessica's crib. She came out in an apron and jeans. The sun beamed on her dark skin. She greeted him with a kiss and led him inside. Alison was sat on Jamal's lap feeding him chips.)

Jamal: Yoo! My nigga!

Alex: I know you gotta hit the gym soon Alison been feeding you too good!

(Jamal got up and gave him a high five.)

Jamal: Haha! We living good bro! 

End Scene