Short Stories

Perfect Little Town

This is the first play I have ever written so I decided to put it here.
    - Andy

Act I

Scene 1

(The story begins with Priscilla Lasalle standing center stage with a spotlight upon her. Fog swirls around her feet.)

Priscilla: Gator Gulch was founded in 1790 by the wealthy Frenchman Jacque LaPointe. It’s original name is unimportant. No one even knows it anymore. Its current name came about during the Civil War when a 25 foot alligator was found in the swamp. Gator’s aren’t the only thing we’re known for. With a population of 800, we are the epitome of a small town. We’re all happy here and no one ever leaves.

(The lights come up to show a man sitting on a couch going through his mail. )

Charles: Bills, bills, more bills. (He stops when he pulls out a light blue envelope.) Huh, Auntie  Bea sent me something. (He opens the letter and reads it aloud.) Dear Charles, as you know I have been very sick for quite a while. My doctor says that I do not have much time left, nine months, to be exact. I would really like for you to come stay with me for a while before you have to go back to school. (Charles looks up with a shocked face.) I didn’t know she was that sick… I’m gonna leave tonight. That’ll give me a couple months with her. (He grabs a suitcase and starts putting clothes into it.)

(Blackout. The scene opens with a bed upstage right. An older woman is laying in it. Charles enters downstage left.)

Charles: Auntie Bea? Are you awake?

Aunt Bea: Oh, yes, dear. Come on in. (The woman rises out of bed and grabs a cane. She crosses to Charles and hugs him.) You look good, honey. Handsome, just like your daddy.

Charles: Thank you, Auntie Bea. You do too.

Aunt Bea: For a dead woman walking, at least. (She chuckles. There is a knock at the door.) That must be Priscilla! Oh, you’ll love her! 

Priscilla: Can I come in? (She does.) Hello, Mrs. Bea! You are looking radiant as ever. 

Aunt Bea: Oh, thank you, honey.

Priscilla: Where do you want this casserole, Mrs. Bea? 

Aunt Bea: Honey, you didn’t have to make that for me. I-

Priscilla: Now, Mrs. Bea, you know how much I love to cook. This was no trouble at all.

Aunt Bea: Priscilla is my neighbor. Priscilla, this is my nephew, Charles.

Priscilla: Nice to meet you, Charles (She shakes his hand.) Can I call you Charlie?

Charles: Uh, sure?

Aunt Bea: Charles hasn’t been to visit here since he was a boy.

Priscilla: Really? Maybe I could show Charlie around town later? 

Aunt Bea: That’s a wonderful idea! What do you think, Charles?

Charles: (confused) Uh, sounds great.

Priscilla: I’ll stop by later, about three. How does that’s sound?

Charles: Great.

(Priscilla exits downstage left.)

Scene 2

(Blackout. The light come up as if it is a bright day to indicate they are outside. The is a park bench upstage right with a lamppost next to it and a few trees about. Priscilla and Charles enter downstage left.)