Jack

SCENE 2

2. INT KITCHEN 18:15 NIGHT DAY 1

EVERYONE IS SEATED AROUND THE TABLE WITH HOT PLATES OF FOOD. JACK'S DAD IS NOT YET IN THE KITCHEN AND EVERYONE IS WAITING FOR HIM TO ENTER. MOLLY IS HUMMING TO HERSELF A LULLABY SONG AND DEREK IS STILL PLAYING ON HIS PHONE, WHILE JACK IS TAPPING HIS FINGERS ON THE SIDE OF HIS PLATE.

MUM:

(Looks over at Derek)

Derek put that away, We got you that phone for you to be safe and to call us in case of an emergency. Not for you to play games on it, especially around the dinner table.

DEREK:

Sorry mum, but this game I downloaded is great and it is an emergency. I need to protect my pod otherwise I die.

DEREK CONTINUES PLAYING.

DAD FINALLY WALKS INTO THE KITCHEN.

MUM:

Come on dear, we are just about to say grace.

DAD:

Sorry everyone. Derek please put that thing away.

DEREK:

But dad...

JACK'S DAD GIVES DEREK A SERIOUS LOOK.

Ok, ok I'll put it away.

DAD:

Shall we say grace?

THEY ALL BOW THEIR HEADS AND DAD PRAYS OVER THE FOOD.

AFTER DAD HAS PRAYED. JACK IS THE FIRST TO DIG IN.

MUM:

Hungry are we?

JACK WITH A MOUTHFUL OF FOOD IN HIS MOUTH SMILES AND NODS HIS HEAD.

MUM:

So what have you two been up to anyway, that I have to shout half way across the house for you both to come to the dinner table?

JACK:

Dad's working on a new invention, but its top secret.

MUM:

Oh really?

DEREK'S PHONE STARTS TO RING.

DAD:

Derek how many times do we have to tell you, no phones are allowed at the dinner table.

DEREK QUICKLY TURNS IT OFF.

DEREK:

Sorry dad.

JACK:

(Looks over at his dad)

Dad can I get a phone?

MUM:

What on earth do you need a phone for?

JACK:

So I can call my friends and you guys.

DEREK:

(Laughing)

What friends?

DAD:

Derek that's enough.

(Turns to Jack) Jack you are only eight, you don't need a phone, and the only reason why Derek has a phone is because he goes to boarding school and we thought it was a good idea for him to have it in case of emergency's.

JACK:

But dad that's not fair, I want a phone like you and Derek.

JACK SLUMPS INTO HIS CHAIR

DAD:

Anyway, enough about phones. Margaret what have you and Molly been up to today?

MUM:

Well we have been out in the garden watering the plants and paddling in the pool, haven't we sweetie?

MOLLY NODS HER HEAD

DAD:

That's my girl always having fun in the outdoors. Derek that's something I think you should start taking advantage of.

DEREK:

Why? You and Jack don't and mum likes it when I'm inside, because it means I'm not disturbing the peace outside.

DAD:

Yes but it's the peace inside that you always seem to be warring against.

MUM:

Steve, he has a point, you two spend far too much time in that room, you need to get out more. I know you like science and inventing things but take the time to smell the roses once in while.

DAD:

Why, when I have you, and you always smell of sweet roses.

JACK'S MUM CHUCKLES

MUM:

Yes well that might be so, but I do not want Jack getting cooped up in that room and unable to socialise with regular kids.

DEREK:

I think that's too late mum.

JACK POKES OUT HIS TONGUE AT DEREK AND THEY BEGIN MAKING WEIRD AND FUNNY FACES AT EACH OTHER ACROSS THE TABLE.

DAD:

Ok stop it you two. (Turns to Jack) Your mothers right, you need to spend some time outside and with your friends.

JACK:

So do you dad, I heard mum say you too.

DAD:

Jack why is it that whenever I tell you to do something you always include me in the equation.

JACK:

Because I'm a lot like you, I like science and inventing cool things, and if I need to get out more, so do you.

MUM:

Ok cheeky, I think your dad gets it. I suggest you take your science and investigating outside, you never know you just might learn something. (Turns to Molly) Eat your vegetables honey.