Andra Allen, Hayden Parsley, and Sabelle OConnell Humanities - 29 November 2012 The Last Words Prologue Time:

: 2009. The lights come up. A young man and woman are sitting on a school at a bus stop. Their luggage is beside them. The young woman, is holding one of her bags tightly on her lap, but she looks relaxed and happy. Meanwhile Andrew is looking nervous, biting his lip and fidgeting with his hands. Rose: Andrew, I cant believe youre coming with me! Isnt it weird that just two months ago you were going to college and now here we are about to leave for bootcamp!? (Andrew smiles weakly. Rose reaches over and squeezes his arm) Andrew, why are you coming? Columbia was your dream school! You worked so hard all those years....Didnt you like it there? (Andrew looks at Rose again and a small, but reassuring smile crosses his face). Andrew: I did like Columbia. Rose: Then why did you enlist? Andrew: Rose, when I found out you were being sent to Afghanistan, I didn't even have to think about it for a second. I want to be wherever you are. Rose: (Nudges Andrew with her elbow and chuckles). This is why youre my best friend, Andrew. You're like a brother to me, you know that? (She smiles at him. Andrew tries to hide his disappointment from Rose and is successful.) Andrew: Yeah....I know. (Smiles, half heartedly) Well, Rose, this is definitely going to be our biggest adventure yet. (Takes a deep breath) Ill admit....Im a little nervous about all this. But you....this is what you have dreamed of ever since your dad died during middle school. I always knew youd enlist. And I knew that if you did, Id go too. (He pauses and smiles at her and says jokingly) I sort of hoped that you

would wait until we were out of college.(Laughs and then grows serious and says softly) I thought maybe the war would be over by then. (He pauses and sees that he has made her feel bad). But...hey...youre finally going to give the proper honor to your fathers life by enlisting. I wouldnt miss experiencing that with you for anything in the world. (Rose looks up at Andrew with tears in her eyes, puts her bag down on the ground and leans in for a hug. Andrew hugs her tighter). Rose: (Leans back and wipes her tears.) Sometimes, I feel like you know me better than I know myself you always know just what to say. (Andrew nods when Rose says this, but doesnt say a word. He just rubs Roses back in comfort). (Victor carrying a skateboard enters stage left. He has come to say goodbye to his older sister and his best friend.) Victor: (When they see him Andrew and Rose both stand up quickly as if they've been caught doing something bad). Whoa... I'm not interrupting anything, am I? Rose: No, Of course not! Hey, Victor. I'm so glad you came. (Hugs her brother). Victor: Awww, Sis, you knew Id be here. Hey...actually...I know that youre leaving and everything, but can I talk to Drew in private for just a sec...(Rose rolls her eyes. She wipes her eyes with her shirt sleeve while Andrew looks very uncomfortable and appears to focus on the ground.) Rose: Okay, make it fast. Andrew, I'm going to buy a bottle of water. Want one? (He nods. Rose smiles at him and leaves stage left. Andrew watches her leave and then sits down beside Victor). Victor: (Looks at Andrew with a smirk) Sheesh, Man. You've got it bad! Andrew: Its obvious, huh? Victor: (Sounds annoyed) Um...Yeah. Why cant you just tell her you like her? I mean, shes just like any other girl, even if she is my sister.

Andrew: (interrupting him in an irritated tone) But she isnt. She isn't like any other girl I've ever met. (Pauses, thinking.) Plus, if it's so obvious, why doesn't she see it? Maybe.....she doesn't want to see it. Maybe....(he looks upset) she just wants to be friends. Victor: Dont be such a wuss, man. (Andrew looks hurt) You're pathetic. (He sighs and shakes his head) Anyways....do whatever you want. It's your life. (Pauses. Victor becomes more serious). Listen, Andrew. Look after her, man. (Pauses, thinking.) I know you love her, but dont forget to look after her for me. And for my mom. (Pauses, thinking.) We cant lose her like we lost our father. It would be hard for me, but even more so for my mother. She's so upset, she couldn't even come say goodbye. She cant believe that Rose enlisted. (He pauses). But I understand. I really do. I'll be there next year. As soon as I turn 18, Ill be there too...(He looks off into the distance). Andrew: You know I will do everything in my power to keep her out of harm's way. Victor: I know. Thanks, man. (They hug. Fist bump. ) And take care of yourself too. Andrew: (grinning slightly) Thanks,Vic. I will. She will come home safe. Tell your mom not to worry. (Lights go down. The bench is taken off stage right. Andrew exits stage left. Victor stays on stage.) Parados Light comes up on Victor standing center stage. Victor: War is like a mystery that will never be solved Lives will be lost and we may never truly know why. People we all love may never return. Andrew has journeyed from a prestigious university to enlist in the United States Marines.

Most say he is crazy, to sacrifice it all, risking his life to defend our country in a senseless war on terror. (salute and pause) Andrew was like a firecracker- full of excitement and dreams that sizzle and pop under the starry sky. Aiming for a goal, high in the sky, he reaches for it, but like fireworks, dreams sometime explode. While his dreams meant a lot to him, they were nothing in comparison to his love for Rose. Like a blooming flower, she too, was preparing for her future. And once her mind was set There was no turning back, for either of them. Six months have passed since that fateful day at the bus stop. Andrew and Rose made it through the trials and tribulations of boot camp. Now they are soldiers. Soldiers on their way to war. Lights go down, Victor exits stage right. Scene 1 (Boulders and rocks are brought on stage. The lights come up and Andrew and Rose enter stage left behind other soldiers. They are all wearing uniforms and carrying guns. They walk very slowly, carefully surveying their surroundings). Andrew: Our first patrol in Afghanistan......did anyone bring champagne? Im feeling a meaningful toast coming on! (Soldiers chuckle).

Rose: (narrowing her eyes) Stop messing around, Andrew! This is dangerous, dont you realize that? Andrew: (Sarcastically). Really? You dont say. (Rose stomps ahead angrily. He yells ahead.) Well...this is what you wanted, right? Congratulations, Rose! Youve just won yourself an all expenses paid trip to the frontlines of Afghanistan! (Laughs). Rose: Youre so annoying, Andrew. (She seems jumpy). Andrew: Oh Rose...Im just messing with you. You need to relax. Everythings going to be fine. Just keep your head up and your eyes open... (As a few soldiers walk off stage left, there is a loud explosion. All soldiers on stage duck down instinctively and cover their heads. After a few seconds they stand up) Sergeant: What happened? Taylor: An explosion, sir! Just beyond the ridge! Rose: (Comes back on stage left. She is hyperventilating and is woozy) Oh god..... theres so much blood! Its Roberts...he...he...lost his leg. (She starts hyperventilating). What do we do? Oh God, what do we do? (She is shaking). Sergeant: (yelling) Whats wrong with you? Pull yourself together! You call yourself a marine?!? Youre pathetic. (Rose blacks out and almost faints.) God damn it! Someone get her out of here! (A soldier wakes Rose up and helps her walk off stage left.) Ryan: (Comes back on stage right with Andrew). Sir, Roberts lost his leg. Landmine. Reid, here, (motions to Andrew) applied a tourniquet, but he is still losing a lot of blood! Williams and Johnson stayed back with him. He needs a medic transport back to base.

Sergeant: Doc! (another soldier runs in from stage right) We have a soldier down. Landmine. A marine has applied a tourniquet to the wounded soldier.Two men are still with him.Corporal Thomas will take you to the victim (The two begin to exit and then he yells ) Hey...watch your asses, there might be more mines around this godforsaken place! (Lights briefly go down and come back up. Andrew and Ryan, covered with blood, walk back on stage left with the medic). Dr. Williams: Ill get him out of here as soon as transport arrives, great job guys. (Sergeant comes up to Andrew and Ryan) Sergeant: Mighty fine work boys, I wish my whole corp was like you two. Ryan: No problem sir, just helping a brother in arms. Sergeant: Say, What are your full names, boys? Im gonna recommend you two for commendations. Andrew: Andrew Reid. Ryan: And Im Ryan Clarke. Sergeant: Clark, Reid, Ill see you boys on base. (Salutes them) Andrew and Ryan: Yes sir! (Return salute) (Sergeant goes off stage left. Ryan and Andrew move down stage and share a drink of water from a canteen).

Ryan: Jesus, I hope Roberts is gonna be alright. Andrew: Well, hes definitely going to lose his leg. It was torn to shreds.We did make a good team though, huh? (He smiles) He would have bled out if we hadnt acted so quickly. Ryan: Yeah...you can cover for me anytime. (He laughs). Andrew: Of course...Ill always have your back. (The two shake hands.) Ryan: So... what was the deal with that girl you were talking to? Shes pretty hot, but damn, man, is she a little crazy or what? Andrew: Rose? (Ryan nods). Why, what happened? Ryan: She wigged out after seeing Roberts. Sarge sent her back to the base. Andrew: Shes having a hard time....I think all this (he motions around) is a lot more than she bargained for. Ryan: Sorry dude, didnt mean any disrespect. Is she your sister or something? Andrew: No.(A little sadly) No, shes just a friend. Ryan: Just a friend? (Sarcastic and knowingly)

Andrew: Yeah, man, thats it. Shes just a friend. Definitely just a friend. (Sounds sad). Weve known each other a long time..... Ryan: (standing up) Well...... If you ever need help with the ladies, Im your man. Dudes back home used to call me Eros because Im like the god of love. Andrew: Youre hilarious man! (Both laughing. Andrew gets up to leave). Ryan: Hey...where are you going, Man? Andrew: Im gonna go check on Rose. Make sure shes ok.. Ryan: And youre gonna try and tell me that you dont have feelings for her? Yeah right...(laughing. Andrew smiles sheepishly ). Just tell her, Drew. You know theres no guarantee that either of us will be here tomorrow. Just tell her.. Andrew: (Stops, thinking about what Ryan has said. Salutes him and exits stage left). (Lights go down.) Chorus 1 The lights comes up. Ryan is standing center stage. Ryan: The first time I saw her She was nervous and timid, A baby deer dressed in the guise of an avenging fox.

War is a spinning top, where a single touch makes chaos form. Rose pretended to stay in the pattern, the routine of her life. She pretended to be strong, quick, and fierce. However, she was like a shooting star, only seeing the path in front of her. Oblivious to everything else. Including what was right there beside her this whole time.. In war, nothing is certain. Everything can change in an instant: A misplaced bullet, an accidental step on a slippery ledge Can make someone fall off the edge of the map. In life, but especially in war, you shouldnt put anything off until tomorrow because, during war, tomorrow is never a guarantee. (Lights go down. Ryans leaves stage rights). Scene 2: (Table and chairs brought on stage right. Andrew walks on stage left. Lights come up.) Andrew: (He is pacing nervously). I know now how precious life is. My first day here, I watched a man come close to death only to return back to life moments later. (Pauses, thinking.) Since then, I have seen countless other men and women, bodies blown apart by hidden bombs..... Some live and some die. Ryans right...there are no guarantees here and no one knows when your luck will run out. (Pauses, thinking.) I cant stand the thought of dying without telling Rose how I feel.

(Pauses, thinking.) And maybe just maybe, she feels the same about me. Maybe knowing how I feel, will bring her some peace and will give her something to hold onto besides her dream of being a soldier. I have to tell her my feelings! I cant let this tear me up anymore. (Pauses, thinking.) Whatever happens...at least Ill know....(He pauses watching as soldiers enter stage right). (Soldiers enter with trays of food they sit down at the table and they are eating. Rose enters stage left looking scared and lost.) Andrew: Rose, I need to talk to you in private... Rose: Sure..... (She gets up, still appearing upset, and follows him downstage, away from other soldiers.) Andrew: Whats wrong? Rose: Andrew, I am so weak. When Roberts stepped on that bomb...... Oh god Andrew, I thought I was gonna faint! Since, then they havent let me out for patrol, its so embarrassing! Ive always wanted to be a marine...but Im such a coward. Im not cut out for this. Andrew: Thats alright...Everybodys different. Youre a beautiful person with so many talents, youll find what youre meant to do. Rose: I dont even think I should have joined the marines! And now youve followed me out here and we could die at any moment! You could die any moment and it would be my fault!. Andrew: Rose......

Rose:Andrew, please dont lie to make me feel better and tell me that you were scared too, dont tell me.(She starts hyperventilating) Andrew: Hey,are you ok? (She nods, regaining her composure) (Says jokingly) Can I get you anything...some water, a paper bag or something? Rose: (Annoyed) God, I cant take your sarcasm anymore, Andrew! Andrew: Well sooorrrry! I guess I just have to be serious all the time. (Pauses, thinking.) Look, Rose, maybe if you saw the humor in certain situations, and didnt take everything so seriously, you wouldnt freak out when youre needed. Rose: (Glares at him) Why are you being such a jerk right now!? Andrew: What? (Shocked by her hostility) Rose, dont you see, I came out here for you! I couldnt bear the thought of something happening to you while youre on this insane quest to fulfill this legacy. I couldnt handle being back there unable to do a damn thing to help you if you needed me, if you got hurt! Dont you get it, Rose? I want to be with you. Rose: What do you mean by that? Because were friends? Andrew: We are friends, Rose. Well always be friends. But for me.....being friends isnt enough...never has been.

Rose: What are you saying, Andrew? Do you think I came to Afghanistan to start a relationship with some boy from back home? Thats all I need right now... I cant even face the responsibilities that I signed up for! Andrew: (upset) Just some boy from back home? Is that all you see in me, Rose? Rose: (snaps at him) Right now? Yes. Thats all I see. (Andrew looks at her stunned and hurt. He walks off stage left. Rose stands there for a moment and then goes and sits back down at the table. Lights go down). Chorus 2 Rose: I didnt know what to thinkMy life was a gently rolling hill, and then it was all mountains. Ups and downs and sharp jagged thoughts. But why now? Why is he coming to me now? When Im feeling so scared, so shaken... a shadow of my former self? All of my dreams for my future are crumbling around me and he chooses now to tell me his feelings? A cliff edge forms at the tips of my toes and all I could do is hope for things to get better

and for no one to die -especially him, my best friend, my constant protector. Was he trying to say that he is in love me? Love complicates things that have always been so simple, so pure. I dont know what to do. Can a new pathway form in this relationship? Can I love him? Just like always when I dont know what to do, My feet start running and my head follows, Leaving me with the empty place that is my heart.

Scene 3:

The props. for the cafeteria come back on stage left including tables, chairs and a door. Soldiers enter stage left and take their places. The lights come back up. Ryan is talking to a couple of soldiers. Andrew enters stage left and walks towards Ryan in a depressed way. Ryan: (Sees Andrew) Hey Drew. Andrew: Hey. (Half heartedly) Ryan: You told her, huh? (Andrew doesnt say anything and just shrugs). Ryan: (shaking his head) Hey, man. Im your friend, alright? (Andrew looks up with no emotion) What happened? (His voice gets louder) I

know somethings going on. Weve been through a lot together in the past month so dont try to hide it. (Andrew looks at the ground and looks around the room while Ryan stands up with straight face. Andrew is about to speak when Sergeant and Corporal come up on stage with a clipboard). Sergeant: Listen up maggots! Weve got an announcement. (He waits for everyone to quiet down and nods when hes ready.) Corporal: Tonight we'll need at least three guys from these barracks for a night mission. We need a sniper and a couple guys who think they have what it takes to come with us for landmine patrol. Peters: Landmine patrol at night, Sir? Sergeant: You gotta problem with that, Princess? Peters: Its just...it sounds dangerous, Sir. Corporal: Youre damn straight its dangerous. Usually these night missions arent too bad. But we have reports of some insurgents sneaking around out there planting the bombs so they detonate just as our soldiers pass through. They act like friendly civilians, but theyre really the combatants in disguise, so you better watch your asses. Sergeant: (yelling, scanning the room) Volunteers? The room is quiet, no one says a word. The men and women all look around at each other. Ryan sits with his arms crossed. Andrew sits still

at first and then with a determined look, raises his hand. Ryan steps over with a surprised expression. Ryan: (hissing at Andrew) Drew, what the hell are you doing? Drew? Andrew: (hisses at Ryan) Shut it Ryan, this is my life. Let me make my own decisions for once. Corporal: Reid, youd be the perfect marine for this mission. Anyone else?(yelling) We dont have all night, ladies! Random soldier signs up. Ryan is staring at Andrew, but Andrew refuses to look at Ryan. Sergeant: (yelling) We have two now! Now one more. One more or Ill start picking myself, you bunch of Nancys! Ryan: (yells back to Soldier 2) Im in! (repeating again, quieter) Im in. (Andrew looks up at Ryan with shocked expression while Ryan walks up towards them. The two men glare at each other) Sergeant: Well, there we go. Okay men, grab your gear and report to the south gate at 1600 hours. For the rest of you sorry bunch of sissies, that is all. Well see you tomorrow for morning patrol. All soldiers: Sir, Yes, Sir! (The Sergeant and Corporal exit stage left and everyone continues what they are doing). Ryan: (whispering) Why did you volunteer for this Drew?

Andrew: What? (Irritated) Why did you? Ryan: I told you earlier that I have your back. If you go, I go. Andrew: I thought about what you said. (Ryan looks confused) About telling Rose how I feel about her? I decided to do it.... To tell her. So I did. I told her. Ryan: And?.. Andrew: (shakes his head). Lets just say, it didnt go over well. She doesnt want to speak to me now. Maybe never again. Ryan: And so youre just giving up? Youre so distraught over a girl that youre willing to get yourself killed in a suicide mission? Damn, man. (Gets angry) Youre pathetic! I can tell you love Rose. You should be by her side. But where are you? In the middle of nowhere feeling sorry for yourself. Andrew: Excuse me? Maybe you didnt get the memo, but she hates me! Im a joke to her. Just some boy from back home.... Ryan: How can you be so weak? Andrew: Do you have a point here? Or is your purpose in life to make me feel like shit? Ryan: My point is....is that if you dont do something about Rose....I will.

Andrew: What? What do you mean by that? Ryan: She needs a man. A man who isnt going to take no for an answer. A man who will fight for her. Andrew: (Realization dawning on him) You son of a bitch. This whole time, you knew I loved her, and youve been wanting her for yourself? Ryan: Damn it, Drew. (Begins pacing) Shes so.....beautiful. But I would never do that to you. The only reason I havent made a move on her is because no matter how much you denied it, I knew! I knew you loved her and so I stayed away. Andrew: (Stands up and looks at Ryan darkly). You need to watch your own back from now on. Were no longer friends. (Andrew walks off stage left as Ryan looks shocked by what he has just said. Lights go down. Ryan exits stage left). Chorus 3: (The lights come up. The Sergeant comes back on stage). Sergeant: I understand. I know the privates all think Im a cold-hearted bastard. But I understand. And I know whats going on...even though they dont think I do. The marines are no place for equal opportunity. When that girl, Rose, moved in, I knew she was going to bring trouble.

Looking like that, they always do. But Reid- hes a good soldier, good as they come. A natural. He should know you cant have love on a battlefield. Its like bringing an anchor with you when go for a swimItll wear you out and eventually drag you down to the bottom to drown. (He shakes his head). And Clarke- what a dumb ass! You never challenge a man before going into combat where anything could happen and no one would be the wiser! The young are not yet wise in the ways of world. This makes it easy to take their anger and mold it into something easy to channel, to shape and they become the perfect soldiers. Yet, their inexperience and their inability to control their emotions, also makes them a liability, a risk. (Lights go down and Sergeant exits stage left.) Scene 4: (During the daytime show, a black opaque tapestry is hoisted in front of the stage. Lights from behind the tapestry, shine showing shadows and silhouettes of all of the actors. All soldiers enter stage right behind the tapestry. Lights are attached to their guns. They move around slowly as they are on patrol for the enemy) Taylor: Sarge. I think I just saw something move to the West.

Sergeant: Alright people, stay frosty, we might be in for some action tonight! Ryan: Action? No one is gonna see any action if Private Reid is involved. (Taylor and Ryan laugh). Andrew: Shut up, Ryan. Ryan: Oooohh touchy. (Sarcastically) Did I say something to offend you? Andrew: You watching your back? (Pushes Ryan) Ryan: Yep. Are you watching yours? (Pushes back) (The conversation is interrupted by a loud explosion. All actors fall backwards. Smoke fills the room. As it clears, all living soldiers stand up. They are covered with dirt and soot). Ryan: Andrew? (Ryan coughs on smoke) Sarge? (More coughing) Taylor? Is everyone ok? (Radios for help).Clarke to base.(We hear moaning as if someone is in pain). Does anybody read me? Over. (Gasping, trying to speak) Dr. Williams: (off stage) Copy Private. What is your position, Clarke? Over. Ryan: Sector Bravo. We got at least one man down, IED went off, we need an evac. Over.

Dr. Williams: (enters stage right). Hang on. Were setting up the lights so we can access the situation. . (Lights come up revealing Andrew and other soldier dead. Sargent is alive, but is wounded). Ryan: Andrew...holy shit, Andrew. (He crouches beside Andrews body and puts his head down. Lights go down for set change. All actors exit the stage, but Ryan) (Barracks scene brought on. Lights come up. Ryan is sitting on a bunk. It is Andrews bed. Ryan: I cant believe what just happened. (He hunches over and runs his hands through his hair). Andrew is dead. Andrew is dead. (Gets up and starts pacing). What am I supposed to do now? Was it my fault? When we were arguing...he pushed me and I pushed him back. And then...and then....the explosion.....Oh damn...did I push him onto a landmine? (He sits back down and feels something beneath the covers. He reaches under the blanket and pulls out a journal, Andrews journal). Ryan: (Opens the journal) Drews journal.....(flips through it and reads from random pages.) Ryan reads silently and we can head Andrews voice reading the words). Andrew: April 21, 2007. I cant believe Ive never actually spent time actually looking at Rose. Shes always been here, but how did I not see her? Really see her. Shes more beautiful than any other girl Ive ever seen. I cant believe I havent noticed it before....

January 1, 2008. I kissed her! Well, she kissed me and I kissed her back. We were at a New Years Eve party and it was a masquerade. When she realized it was me, she freaked out. It was pretty funny...but still I wish I wouldve taken her in my arms, at that very moment, and told her everything.... June 10, 2009. Ive seen things. Things that Ill never be able to erase from my mind. Death, explosions, fear. I cant take it! I love her, I always have and she needs to know.Im going to tell her tonight. (Ryan is visibly shaken. Rose enters stage right) Ryan: (Quickly hides journal) Rose.... Rose: You guys are back already? (Looks past him)Wheres Andrew? I need to talk to him. Ryan: (He stands up and takes her hand and brings her to the bed). I have something to tell you, Rose. Something awful has happened. Rose: What is it, Ryan? Youre scaring me. Wait, wheres Andrew? (Ryan shakes his head sadly. She notices the soot and ashes on Ryan, realization dawns on her and she begins crying.) Rose: Nooooooooooooo! Ryan, Nooooooooooo! (she pounds his chest as he hugs her tightly as she cries) Ryan: Shhhhhhhh.....Its ok, Rose. He died quickly and there was no pain. (Both begin to cry)

Rose: No Ryan, you dont understand... I... I pushed him away, this is all my fault. Ryan: Rose, dont talk like that. Its no ones fault. Its war. (Lights go down. Ryan and Rose exit stage left. Barracks scene taken off stage right, bed put on). Chorus 4: (Andrew enters stage left. His face is pale and his uniform is bloody.The lights come up.) Andrew: I am dead, and now I'll never hold Rose Ill never know the feeling of her kiss, the smell of her hair after a shower, the softness of her cheek beneath my hand. I am drifting through a land I dont know. And all I can think of are... regrets. Ryan.....(He says with venom) He definitely played a role in my death. And now hes hiding my journal, the truth, all of my thoughts about her, from my love? Hiding it away, for his own selfish purpose My lovely Rose, My beautiful flower, left with an insidious creature as her source of comfort. She was so saddened by my death

She must have felt something more for me! But now....it doesnt matter My chance with her is gone. The thread that tied us together, is now floating on the wind, Abandoned, useless. For no one can love the dead (Lights go down. Andrews remains on stage). Scene 5: (A bed and a nightstand are brought on stage. Ryan is sleeping soundly until a noise wakes him up.) Ryan: (Sits up in bed. Hears the noise again.) What was that? (He sits up listening). I must be hearing things.. Andrew: Ryan! Ryan: (freaks out and jumps out of bed). Who said that? Whos there? Andrew: (quietly with his hands behind his back) Hello, Ryan. Did I wake you up? My apologies. Ryan: (In a shaky voice) Wait....Andrew, but youre dead. I saw you with my own eyes.Why is this happening? Are you a ghost? Or am I dreaming? Andrew: (chuckling, before settling with a serious expression) So many questions! (sarcastically) And the answers, my friend, are for me to know now and for you to find out later...(he pauses for dramatic effect).

Ryan: (lowers his hands down, sternly) What do you want? Andrew: (smiles sadly)You havent changed at all, have you, Ryan? (frowns) I can see that. So(pausing) when are you and Rose getting married? Ryans eyes go wide, so startled he trips and falls. He gets up, with his mouth wide open and looks at the ground). Andrew: (sarcastically) You didnt think I knew, huh? Just because you accidentally killed me . Your plan worked perfectly; youre getting married to the girl of my dreams.. Ryan: Andrew, it wasnt like that. I never wouldve.....it was....it was an .accident. Andrew: Congrats my friend. Congrats! (quietly, going really close to Ryan) You won. You get to sail off into the sunset with Rose. But you forgot one little thing. Just one little thing..... Ryan: You were gone, Andrew, and she needed me. Still does. Ive been there for her to help her through all of this. I love her and she loves me, its all that matters. Andrew: (shaking his head) You still dont get it. For someone so smart, you can be so stupid. Its the journal, Ryan. (shouting) You stole my journal that contains my last words...words that were meant for her. Rose was supposed to find that journal! Not you. You kept that journal for your own god damn selfish reasons, so she would not know that I loved her! I loved her with all my heart!

Ryan: (getting angry) I was protecting her! You know how she was acting. She didnt need to read it! It wouldve made her even more upset, more crazy. She was already sick from PTSD before you got killed! If she read that journal, it would have killed her too! Andrew: (taking a deep breath, serious tone) Still, it was the truth. And youve been keeping this secret from her for the longest time. Doesnt she have a right to know? I dont think keeping secrets from your wife isnt a great start to a marriage. No one says a word. And Ryan sits back on his bed with his hands on his face. Andrew lends against the nightstand waiting. Ryan: (quietly) Youre right. (Nowlouder) She has a right to know about your journal. And if I really love her, I wouldn't be keeping secrets from her. Ill tell her. (Ryan sees Andrew smiling) Ill tell her tomorrow. Andrew: (grinning) Good. Im glad to see that youre finally capable of doing the right thing. Ryan just nods and smiles sadly, gives a salute. Andrew salutes him back before leaving. The lights go off. Andrew exits stages left. Bedroom scene quickly changes to living room scene the next morning.). The lights come back on, Ryan is sitting at the table still in his pajamas. Rose enters from stage left). Rose: Good morning my future husband. Wait...Ryan, why arent you dressed? We need to get to the restaurant. Our engagement party begins in an hour and a half! (Seeing that Ryan isnt smiling, she begins to be

serious) Ryan, is something wrong? (looking nervous) Are you having second thoughts? Ryan: (frowning) No, no. Rose, this is not about the wedding. I promise. I would never be nervous about marrying you. Rose: Then what is it...whats going on? Ryan: Its about .Andrew. Rose: (stays quiet and takes a deep breath, trying to stay cool) Andrew? Andrew is dead. Why are we going to talk about Andrew? Ryan: (sternly, surprising Rose) Because I have to. We have to.. Its been three years. Over four years since he got killed. We already moved forward with our lives and you are doing so well. But.... I need to give you something. This is going to hard for you and for me, but we will make it through this like weve always done. Right, babe? Rose: Ryan, you are rambling. Youre making me nervous. Ryan: (taking the journal from his back pocket, without looking at Rose he places it on her lap) This was Andrews. (her eyes go wide with shock) It begins when you were in high school together and ends the day before his death. (pausing to look up at Rose who was staring at the journal) He would want you to have it. Its got some stuff in it you need to read before you marry me. (Rose releases her hands from Ryan and looks at the journal with shock. She holds the journal, looking at it like a museum piece. She opens the book. She reads the first page of the journal. She doesnt say a word, but

smiles. Then she flips through the journal, reading and tracing her fingers, lovingly across the words. When she gets to the end of the journal, her smile vanished and she gasping while reading and looks up.). Rose: (shaky voice, staring at Ryan who looks in pain to see Rose like this) Youve had this all along? Ever since his death? (Ryan nods). Why didnt you tell me? Ryan, he was in love with me. He loved me. Ryan: (shakes her head, reaching for Roses hand, but she pulls it away) He did love you. But Rose, he is dead. Rose, his love is the past and ours is in the present and in the future. I gave you the journal because I dont want to keep secrets from my future wife any longer. Rose: (bites her lip and looks at the journal, speaking quietly) Deep down I knew he loved me. He tried to tell me that day, but I wouldnt listen. He was my best friend.....and I chased him away.. (She says quietly) And I loved him too........Still do. Ryan: What? What are you saying, Rose? Rose: I ignored my feelings for him, but now, everything is coming together. Oh god... (whispering to herself) Ryan, its like I can feel him here. Is that crazy? I swear I can feel him in this room right now. And all my feelings for him are coming back once again... Ryan: (laughing angrily) Your feelings are coming back? You are having feelings for a dead man. Rose, I thought you were over all this. I thought you were better...

Rose: (snaps at Ryan) I am fine, in fact, I am better than ever.(pausing, realizing) Ryan (beginning to get up, speaking faintly) I need some time to clear my head. Ryan: (pulling down Rose by her wrist) Rose, no, where are you going? Im sorry... Rose, come on lets talk about this. Rose: (rolling her eyes, sneering at him) No, Id rather not... I need my space...Those last words, his last words...they will haunt me for the rest of my life. The lights go off, with Rose leaving off stage while Ryan sitting on the couch in shock. And the props are taken away. Ryan: (Sadly) Me too. His last words will haunt me too, Rose. Chorus 5: Ryan: In movies, many characters use their last words to convey an important message before their death. Sometimes, this message is a warning to other characters, or a statement of love, a revelation or an epiphany. Other times, the last words mean less, especially with characters who die suddenly. Andrews last words were swallowed by the deafening blast from the explosion. And there they should have remained, snuffed out by a landmine on the battlefield.

But then I found his journal and there they were, written in black in white, his last words, leaving me with a decision to make. Do I tell her and hurt her further? or Do I keep his words secret and be there for her? The choice was like two paths that split from a singular road and I chose the path of least resistance. A decision, that will haunt me forever. But Andrews last words are not the ones that replay over and over in my head. His words are not the last thing I hear when trying to go to sleep at night. The words I cannot erase from my mind belong to Rose, my love, my everything. And like Andrew, she too left me her last words in a suicide note. I will never find another to replace her. Rose- a starburst in a dark night sky, granting light wherever she went. My only wish for the past... is that I had shared his last words. (Lights go down. Ryan exits stage left.) The End.