JOURNAL

ULYSSES PETTY

1
 JOURNAL

Copyright © 2005 by Ulysses Petty

All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America by
Lulu Publishing, Inc.

2
 CAST

(IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)

ANDRE LEWIS SR.-------------------------writer of journal entries

ANDRE LEWIS JR.-------------------------son of Andre Sr. reads entries

NURSE/ MEDICAL STAFF-------------------------aid the sick Andre Sr.

MOMA LEWIS-------------------------Andre Sr.’s mother

DARNETTA JACKSON/LEWIS-------------------------Andre Sr.’s wife

LONNIE BROWN-------------------------Andre Sr.’s best friend

QUINIECE JACKSON----------------------Darnetta’s cousin and best friend

LEELA JACKSON-------------------------Darnetta’s mother

CHARLES JACKSON-------------------------Darnetta’s father

HAVEN LEWIS-------------------------Andre Sr.’s daughter

CELESTE DAVIS-------------------------Andre Jr.’s girlfriend

3
This play is set in Northern Alabama. There is no real attempt to write Southern slang or

dialect. It is to be understood that the characters in the play are Southerners.

ACT I
Scene One: 2003, a hospital in Birmingham.

ACT II
Scene One: 1985, the home of Mama Lewis and Andre Sr.
Scene Two: Seven months later, the home of Lonnie Brown.
Scene Three: 1987, the home of Andre Sr. and Darnetta.
Scene Four: 1988, the home of Andre Sr. and Darnetta.

ACT III
Scene One: 2003, the hospital in Birmingham.
Scene Two: Six months later, the gravesite of Andre Sr.

4
 ACT I

SCENE ONE

The time is 2003; the place is a hospital in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. Upstage is
a big window with blinds. Downstage is a television, which seems to be on. Center stage
is a hospital bed with a chair beside it. On the bed is ANDRE LEWIS, a sick man in his
late thirties. One can tell that at one time Andre was somewhat nice looking, but his
life’s hardships have become the soul possessor of his outward appearance. Noises can
be heard from the hallway. A mother is fussing at her wayward son.

ANDRE JR.: (From hallway) For what! I don’t even know why I—

DARNETTA: Because I asked you to! That’s why! Now please, just talk to him.

ANDRE JR.: (Sighs) Fine. (ENTER ANDRE JR. from hallway, stage Left)

ANDRE SR.: (Noticing ANDRE JR.) Hey, A.J., you made it. (ANDRE JR. walks

toward bed but keeps his distance)

ANDRE JR.: (Frowns) Hey, don’t call me that. You don’t know me like that.

ANDRE SR.: Okay, son. I—

ANDRE JR.: Hey, just call me Andre okay? Just keep it business-like.

ANDRE SR.: Okay, Andre, I’m in no position to argue with—

ANDRE JR.: (Very seriously) I know it.

ANDRE SR.: (Takes a deep breath and sighs) Look I know we’re not on good terms, but

but your mom had some concerns—

5
ANDRE JR.: (Upset) Like what?

ANDRE SR.: (Trying to recall everything) Well, she said you dropped out of school—

ANDRE JR.: So what!

ANDRE SR.: She said your girlfriend is pregnant. How are you planning to handle that

With no education?

ANDRE JR.: (Walks a little closer to Andre Sr.) Man, it’s none of your business really,

But while Celeste is doing all of that school stuff, I’m going to sell. That’s how

I’m going to handle that situation.

ANDRE SR.: What? Weed? (ANDRE JR. shakes his head yes, ANDRE SR laughs) That

Won’t get it, trust me.

ANDRE JR.: Man, whatever. What do you know?

ANDRE SR.: (Seriously) Plenty.

ANDRE JR.: Yeah right, I’m supposed to listen to you? At least I’m not running away!

ANDRE SR.: I know I deserved that—

ANDRE JR.: No, you deserve more!

ANDRE SR.: (Sighs) Look, Andre. I know we’re not on good terms, but that’s why I

Asked you here; so I could change that. And seeing as how it doesn’t look like I

Have much time… Well I thought we could squash all of this.

ANDRE JR.: (Looks at ANDRE SR. with disgust and hatred) So, you think that the time

Spent here today is going to squash everyth—

ANDRE SR.: It can.

ANDRE JR.: (Smirks) You think a little ‘heart to heart’ is going to set things right?

(Walks Up stage, toward big window) Clear up fourteen years of absence?

6
 (Smirks) Get the hell out of here with that—

ANDRE SR.: Hey, watch your mouth.

ANDRE JR.: (Faces ANDRE SR.) I am.

ANDRE SR.: Well—

ANDRE JR.: And even if this ‘little talk’ did help, I have so much that I want to ask you,

It would take more than a day to ask.

ANDRE SR.: That’s fine. (Looks around at medical equipment) I’ve got the rest of my

Life. So, what’s on your mind?

ANDRE JR.: Well, for starters, why’d you wait until now to try and get in touch with us?

We’re grown now! (Walks Down stage toward bed)

ANDRE SR.: I’ve been—

ANDRE JR.: And when you and mama were together, why weren’t you there for all the

Important stuff? Mama said that you were gone on Christmas and everything.

She said you weren’t there when Haven or me was born. (Getting angry at the

Thought) What’s up with that?

ANDRE SR.: (Surprised in a calm manner) Is that how Darnetta told it to you? That

Sounds more like your grand mother.

ANDRE JR.: So you’re saying you were there?

ANDRE SR.: No, but you misunderstand—

ANDRE JR.: What’s to understand. You weren’t there. She was. It’s simple as that.

ANDRE SR.: No, it’s not that simple.

ANDRE JR.: Well, please explain.

ANDRE SR.: Okay, I… (Yells out in pain, grabbing his heart)

7
ANDRE JR.: (Frowning up) What’s wrong with you? (Realizes that ANDRE SR. can’t

Talk, so he goes up to the bed and presses the ‘NURSE CALL’ button. He runs

To the door and yells out to the hallway) I need a nurse! (MEDICAL STAFF runs

In and tends to ANDRE SR., who was holding a book)

NURSE: (Handing the book to ANDRE JR.) Here you go sir. Now please, have a seat in

The waiting room. We’ll call you in when we are done.

ANDRE JR.: (Looks down at book and walks toward door) He kept a journal? (Begins

To open book and read contents) (EXIT ANDRE JR)

(LIGHTS FADE. END ACT I)

8
 ACT II

SCENE ONE

Lights are faded. Spotlight is on ANDRE JR., who is down stage Left. He is reading the
journal entries of his father and trying to imagine what it was like in those times. In the
background, the sounds of medical staff aiding ANDRE SR. can be heard.

ANDRE JR.: I wonder what is in this journal? (Hears the commotion in the room) Looks

Like they’ll be in there for a while, and I want to finish talking to him. Guess I

Can read this for a while. (Flips through the pages) Hey, this is the year I was

Born. Maybe he said something about why he left us in here. (Sits back in chair

And turns more pages) This right here must be when he met mama.

LIGHTS UP. The year is 1985. The place is the home of ANDRE SR. and his mom.
It’s a quaint little place, which one can obviously tell has been decorated with hand-me-
down furniture. Center stage is an old couch with a coffee table and a television. At left
is the front door with a study desk and coat rack next to it. At right is just the door to the
kitchen and bathroom; upstage is the hallway to the bedrooms. ANDRE SR. sits at desk,
writing in a journal entry.

ANDRE JR.: (Reading journal entry aloud while ANDRE SR. writes) Dear journal, I

Know it’s been a minute since I’ve written to you, I’ve been preoccupied for a

While; I’ve met someone new. (Spotlight on ANDRE JR. fades)

9
ENTER MAMA LEWIS from stage Right. She is a woman in her late thirties. She has a
humble mannerism, which one can tell is out of respect for her Christian beliefs)

MAMA LEWIS: (Walking towards ANDRE SR.) Boy, what are you doing? Isn’t your

Company going to be here soon?

ANDRE SR.: Yes ma’am.

MAMA LEWIS: Well, don’t you think you need to straighten up this front room a little?

Put all your junk up somewhere?

ANDRE SR.: I’m sorry mama. (Begins to pick up mess)

MAMA LEWIS: (Looking for something to straighten up) I still don’t see why she

Couldn’t come for dinner. She doesn’t like to eat or something?

ANDRE SR.: No mama it’s not—

MAMA LEWIS: Oh, she’s one of those little anorexic girls, isn’t she? Real poor and

Hungry-looking?

ANDRE SR.: No—

MAMA LEWIS: I told you to get a girl that’s going to feed you. Because however she

Looks, that’s how she cooks. If she doesn’t have any meat on her bones, keep on

And you won’t either.

ANDRE SR.: Mama! It’s not like that!

MAMA LEWIS: I’m just saying.

ANDRE SR.: Anyway, it’s not that deep yet.

MAMA LEWIS: (Sarcastically) Tell me anything.

ANDRE SR.: See mama, she takes night classes at the community college so she’ll have

Some college credits when we graduate in May that’s all.

10
MAMA LEWIS: Oh, she’s smart. Why aren’t you doing the same?

ANDRE SR.: Huh? Um… Um—

MAMA LEWIS: Save it. I don’t even want to know. (Knocking on door) Are you going

To answer the door? (ANDRE SR. answers door)

(ENTER DARNETTA, ANDRE SR.’s girlfriend. She is a pretty girl who looks like she
might be a cheerleader.)

ANDRE SR.: (Smiles) Hey. (Stares at DARNETTA)

DARNETTA: (Staring at ANDRE SR.) Hey Dre.

MAMA LEWIS: (Breaking up the staring) Uh-hem.

ANDRE SR.: Huh! Oh! Sorry mama, this is Darnetta. Darnetta, this is my mama.

DARNETTA: (Smiling) How are you doing Ms. Lewis?

MAMA LEWIS: Call me Mama, sugar. (Hugs DARNETTA)

DARNETTA: (Laughing) Yes ma’am.

MAMA LEWIS: I’ve heard so much about you; and you’re so pretty too.

DARNETTA: Thank you.

MAMA LEWIS: I’m so glad Andre found himself a nice girl for a change… Can you

Cook?

ANDRE SR: (Embarrassed) Mama!

MAMA LEWIS: I just want to know!

DARNETTA: (Laughs) Yes ma’am. My mother makes me cook dinner every other

Evening.

MAMA LEWIS: (Smiling) That’s good, because (Pointing at ANDRE SR.) this one here,

Can eat. (DARNETTA and MAMA LEWIS laugh while ANDRE SR. folds his

11
 Arms in embarrassment)

ANDRE SR.: Mama stop!

MAMA LEWIS: (Frowning up at ANDRE SR.) Boy, who are you yelling at! Don’t try

To show out!

DARNETTA: (Smiling) Yeah, don’t show out Dre.

ANDRE SR.: Why do you all have to gang up on me? (EVERYONE laughs)

MAMA LEWIS: Well, I’ll leave you two alone, I’m fixing to go to bed. Don’t forget to

Put up the food and wash the dishes before you go to bed.

ANDRE SR.: Yes ma’am, goodnight mama.

DARNETTA: Goodnight Mama Lewis.

MAMA LEWIS: Goodnight baby.

(EXIT MAMA LEWIS Up center stage to bedroom. DARNETTA and ANDRE SR. sit

on couch)

ANDRE SR.: You want to watch some T.V?

DARNETTA: Yeah, sure.

ANDRE SR.: I think the ‘Cosby Show’ is on.

(Turns on T.V and starts to manually change channels. He then walks back to couch, but

this time sits closer to DARNETTA. He begins to stare at DARNETTA, smiling while

she watches T.V)

DARNETTA: (Smiling) I thought you wanted to watch some T.V?

ANDRE SR.: No, I said did you want to watch some T.V; I just want to watch you.

(Smiles, kisses DARNETTA, then goes to cut off T.V He begins to walk back

To couch) So, what do you want to do now? (Leans forward for a kiss)

12
DARNETTA: (Pushing ANDRE SR away) Let’s talk about graduation.

ANDRE SR.: (Disappointed) Okay—

DARNETTA: (Exited) Ooh, no! Prom first! When are you picking up your tux? You

Know it’s only a couple of months away, and you don’t want the leftovers.

(Looking at ANDRE SR.’s facial _expression) Did you even put in for it?

ANDRE SR: (Hesitant) Well… I-I… You see, what had happened was—

DARNETTA: Uh oh, I know what that means; (Hitting ANDRE SR. in the arm) you

Forgot! Dre! Why? (Interrupts ANDRE SR. before he can answer) I don’t even

Want to know. Just promise me you’ll do it this weekend?

ANDRE SR.: I’m sorry Netta, I promise I’ll get it done.

DARNETTA: Did you hear from any colleges?

ANDRE SR.: Surprisingly enough, yeah.

DARNETTA: (Excited) You did? That’s good! From who?

ANDRE SR.: Believe it or not A&M, State, and Miles, thanks to you tutoring me. I

Could go to U.A.B, but only on an R.O.T.C scholarship.

DARNETTA: That’s great Dre! I’m proud of you.

ANDRE SR.: Well, I’m just surprised and happy. I got accepted to the best schools and I

Have the most beautiful girl.

DARNETTA: (Blushing) Oh whatever, that was so corny.

ANDRE SR.: That’s okay, it’s the content.

DARNETTA: (Laughing) Oh the content?

ANDRE SR.: Yep the content. (Tries to kiss DARNETTA on the lips)

DARNETTA: (Moving her face so that ANDRE SR’s kiss lands on her cheek) Well be

13
 Content with that. (Smiles)

ANDRE SR.: Oh that was smooth. And funny too… I just forgot to laugh.

DARNETTA: (Laughing, grabs ANDRE SR’s face) Aw, I’m sorry. I just have to go.

My mama is probably on the couch waiting for me. She’s worse than daddy is.

(Walks toward door, stage Left)

ANDRE SR.: Well, okay. Are we still going skating tomorrow?

DARNETTA: Yes Dre.

ANDRE SR.: (Looks around and starts to whisper) And then… To the airport to watch

The planes take off?

DARNETTA: (Whispering in a patronizing manner) Sure Dre, whatever you say.

(Laughs)

ANDRE SR.: (Smiling) Okay cool. (Opens door)

DARNETTA: Bye Dre. (EXIT DARNETTA stage Left)

ANDRE SR.: Bye Netta. (Closes door smiling. Walks toward his study desk. Sits down

And opens journal) Let me finish my entry for today. Uh; oh yeah! (Begins to

Write in journal)

(LIGHTS FADE. Spotlight is back on ANDRE JR. who reads aloud the journal entry)

ANDRE JR.: Ooh! If you had eyes, instantly you’d realize why my eyes have been on

That prize. She makes me want to stop acting my shoe size, and take down her

Ring size. I love her. I think she’s Ms. Right, and on that note I’ll say goodnight.

(Realizes gap in the entry dates) Hey, he went two months without putting an

Entry in. Well, whatever.

(LIGHTS UP. ANDRE JR. continues to read journal entry. The place is still the home of
ANDRE SR. and MAMA LEWIS. ANDRE SR. is at desk putting in journal entry)

14
ANDRE SR.: Hey journal. I apologize for the absence again, because I’ve been really

Needing to put an entry in. What do I do because I’m in love you see, and I’m

Thinking about getting down on one knee. I’ve never had someone who believes

So much in me, and I want that kind of support permanently. (Takes out small

Box and opens it. There is an engagement ring inside. He closes the box back up.

He begins to pace as he watches the door. There is a knocking on the door.

ANDRE SR. looks out the window and opens the door. ENTER DARNETTA)

ANDRE SR. and DARNETTA: Hey! (The both nervously smile)

ANDRE SR.: I’m sorry. Oh, have a seat. (DARNETTA sits down slowly)

DARNETTA: Okay. I’m actually glad you asked me over because I have something to

Tell you. (Looks at ANDRE SR. with serious but nervous eyes)

ANDRE SR.: That’s good because there’s something that I want to ask you, but you go

First.

DARNETTA: No, you go first, please.

ANDRE SR: Well Darnetta, it’s like this; I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Thinking

About this past year, and about the future.

DARNETTA: (Eyes bulge in frightening anticipation) What- what’s wrong?

ANDRE SR.: Nothing. That’s just it, everything is right, know what I mean?

DARNETTA: (Confused) No.

ANDRE SR.: What I’m saying is; for once it seems like my life is perfect. I don’t know

How my future will be, but I know that it might as well not even exist if you’re

Not in it.

15
DARNETTA: (Anxiously) What are you saying?

ANDRE SR.: (Pulls out ring box and kneels down) I know it’s kind of cheap, but will

You marry me?

DARNETTA: (Looking surprised) Are you sure?

ANDRE SR.: More than the Deodorant.

DARNETTA: (Smiling, excited) Yes! (Puts ring on DARNETTA’s finger. They begin to

Hug)

(LIGHTS FADE. Spotlight is on ANDRE JR., who reads next journal entry.)

ANDRE JR.: Guess what journal? I asked her and she said yes to me! Then she said that

She was two months along with my baby! Journal, I’m going to be a daddy!

(Reads date of next entry) November; he went seven months without an entry?

Well, I guess he was busy helping mama…

SPOTLIGHT FADES. END SCENE I

16
 SCENE II

The time is seven months later. The place is the apartment of LONNIE BROWN,
ANDRE SR’s best friend. By the looks of the upkeep of this apartment, one can gather
that LONNIE is a bachelor. It is early in the morning and a frustrated ANDRE SR. is
knocking on the door.

ANDRE SR.: (Impatiently knocking) Lonnie! Lonnie!

LONNIE: (ENTERING from stage Right. LONNIE is in his early twenties, if that old.

By his looks, one can gather that he is athletic) Man, I’m coming! (Opens door)

Oh, what’s the deal Dre? Knocking on the door like you’re Hawaii 5.0! (ENTER

ANDRE SR. from stage Left)

ANDRE SR.: Man we got into it again, can I crash?

LONNINE: I guess, but you two need to take a chill pill with all of that fussing and

Carrying on! How are you and her going to be when you two get married? I

Mean dang, this is just one of her mood swings. You need to learn to handle that

Man! (Sits in chair)

ANDRE SR.: I know. It started off as a small argument. You know what it was about?

(Paces the floor)

LONNIE: What?

ANDRE SR.: Pizza.

LONNIE: Pizza?

17
ANDRE SR.: Yeah, pizza. See I forgot that pizza has been giving her real bad heartburn

Since she’s been pregnant, and that was all I brought home to eat. Then she

Started talking about how I don’t care. She said (Sarcastically) ‘What if I was

Allergic to pizza?’ Then it went from there to caring for the baby to ‘Get out

Dre!’ She won’t even talk to me. I’ve been calling all night and all morning.

(Sits on couch)

LONNINE: If she kicked you out last night, where were you?

ANDRE SR.: I figured that you were still out partying since it was Friday night, so I got a

Motel room for the night. Then I came over here. She won’t even answer the

Phone.

LONNIE: Dang, she must be mad. (ANDRE SR. shakes his head yes) You might just

Need to go home. She’s pregnant man; she could be sick or something. Come to

Think about it, isn’t about time for the baby to come?

ANDRE SR.: (Eyes bulge as he sits up on couch) You know you’re right man! Let me

Go home! (Phone rings)

LONNIE: Hold on man, I’ll walk you out. (Answers the phone) Hello? Hey Quiniece,

What’s happening? Um, yeah, he’s actually right here. Oh for real!? When?!

Aw man! Okay, we’re on the way! Bye! (Hangs up the phone with force)

ANDRE SR.: What does Darnetta’s cousin want with you?

LONNIE: She was calling for you. She—

ANDRE SR.: Why was—

LONNIE: They’ve been looking for you all night! Darnetta had the baby last night.

(ANDRE SR’s mouth drops) They’re at the hospital. Come on, I’ll drive.

18
LIGHTS FADE. Spotlight is on down stage Left on ANDRE JR., who is reading journal
entry. ANDRE SR’s voice is being heard.

ANDRE SR.: I should’ve been the bigger one and just shut up when we argued, but I

Didn’t even try. Now I just wish I could rewind time to hear my baby’s first cry.

I understand that I messed up and missed his birth, but I won’t let it happen again,

I’ll catch all the rest of his firsts.

ANDRE JR.: (Sits back in chair stunned) Man…

LIGHTS FADE. END SCENE TWO

19
 SCENE III

The time is now 1987. The place is the apartment of ANDRE SR. and DARNETTA.
Spotlight is down stage Left on ANDRE JR., who reads the next journal entry.

ANDRE JR.: What’s up journal. It’s been a while and the baby is now two; but he’s got

A bad heart, so I got a full-time and let go school… (SPOTLIGHT FADES)

LIGHTS UP. The apartment of ANDRE SR and DARNETTA is very similar to that of
MAMA LEWIS; it is small and has some hand-me-down furniture in it. It has the look of
a family that is just starting out. Down stage Center is a broken-in couch, a coffee table
with magazines on it, a television, and a chair that look like it might be the favorite
resting spot of ANDRE SR. on his off days. At left, of course, is a study desk, and the
front door. Up stage is the hallway to the bedrooms. At Right is the bathroom and the
entrance to the kitchen where a pregnant DARNETTA ENTERS with a clothesbasket.
She sits on the couch and begins to fold the clothes.

DARNETTA: (ENTER ANDRE SR. from stage Left) Hey Dre.

ANDRE SR.: Hey baby.

DARNETTA: How was— (ANDRE SR. begins to sit on couch) Ooh, Dre, not with

Those nasty clothes on! Go sit in that chair right there (pointing at chair under the

Study desk. ANDRE SR. kisses DARNETTA as he crosses to chair) Now, how

Was work?

ANDRE SR.: It was okay. What about you, how was your day?

DARNETTA: It was fine. I went to the doctor this afternoon. He said the baby’s doing

20
 Fine. All her organs and limbs are fully developed.

ANDRE SR.: (Smiling) Oh yeah? That’s what I want to hear. Speaking of kids, where’s

Junior? Is he at your mom’s house?

DARNETTA: Nah, he’s sleep. I picked him up when I got off work and he’s been sleep

Almost the whole day. (Excited) Guess what he did today?

ANDRE SR.: What’s that?

DARNETTA: (Smiling) He used the potty on his own!

ANDRE SR.: (Happy) For real?

DARNETTA: I’m so proud of my little man! You know it’s been hard to teach him with

Him always being sick and us working like we do. (ANDRE SR. stands up and

Walks off toward stage Left) Dre, what’s wrong?

ANDRE SR.: Nothing.

DARNETTA: Who are you trying to fool Andre?

ANDRE SR.: (Turns toward DARNETTA) I’m just tired of missing out on everything.

DARNETTA: What do you mean?

ANDRE SR.: You know, with you and the baby; my family. Every time Junior does

Something, I’m gone. When he took his first steps, I was at work. When he said

His first words, I was at work. And today, where was I?

DARNETTA: (Walks to ANDRE SR.) Dre, it’s okay. (Puts arms around ANDRE SR’s

Waist)

ANDRE SR.: Not to me. I know it seems silly, but I made myself a promise. When we

Got into that argument the night A.J was born, I told myself that I would be there

For all of Junior’s important things. I haven’t been here for one.

21
DARNETTA: We know that you wanted to be there just by this conversation alone.

Don’t worry Dre, he knows his “Da- da” loves him. (ANDRE SR. faces

DARNETTA)

ANDRE SR.: (Smirks) Da- da. You know, it’s a miracle that da- da was his first words,

Every time I come home, he’s mostly sleep. We hardly have any time to play

‘Championship Wrestling’, in which he is the current champion by the way.

(DARNETTA laughs) I’m serious; you can’t tell him any different. I even had to

Make a championship belt out of cardboard for him to wear.

DARNETTA: Well, at least he’ll have a playmate in a little while. (ANDRE SR. hugs

DARNETTA from behind and puts his hands on DARNETTA’s stomach.

DARNETTA places her hands over ANDRE SR’s hands.) And she’ll love her

“Da- da” too.

ANDRE SR.: (Smiling) Is that right? (Stands in front of DARNETTA)

DARNETTA: (Shaking her head) Yes.

ANDRE SR.: (Leans in for a kiss) Well, I know who I love.

DARNETTA: (Leans back from ANDRE SR.) Well if you really love me, you’ll get out

Of those nasty clothes and take a bath so I can fix your plate.

ANDRE SR.: (Begins to quickly unbutton and remove his shirt) Well, if that’s the case—

DARNETTA: Dre! This is not the bathroom. (Points to bathroom. EXIT ANDRE SR.

Into bathroom, stage Right. DARNETTA laughs and begins to go into kitchen.

EXIT DARNETTA into kitchen, stage Right.)

(LIGHTS FADE. Spotlight is on ANDRE SR., who sits at desk, writing journal entry.)

ANDRE SR.: Dear journal, the wife’s working too. She also had to stop her collegiate

22
 Pursuit, with visits to the doctor’s office and stuff like to do. She said the baby

Used the potty on his own today. That’s another first I missed while being away;

Along with his first words, and first steps. Man there has got to be another way!

This work deal isn’t for me, I don’t ever have time for Junior and I to play! Well,

That’s been taken care of with a baby sister on the way…. (Spotlight fades)

Spotlight is now on ANDRE JR., who is sitting in chair, down stage Left, reading next
journal entry.

ANDRE JR.: Well journal, its Christmas Eve and I don’t have much to do! I’m on my

Break at work, writing this entry in you. Yeah that’s right, I said work! We’ve

Been working late like this for a while, so I told the wife to put the kids in bed

With her, and sleep with the gun and the big glass vile. All this O.T caused me to

Miss the birth of my second child… (Spotlight fades.)

LIGHTS UP. The place is the apartment of ANDRE SR. and DARNETTA. It is
Christmas Eve. DARNETTA is hanging up ornaments on the bottom half of their
Christmas tree. There is a knocking on the door.

DARNETTA: Who is it? (Knocking continues) Hold on! Here I come! (Looks through

Peephole, opens door.)

(ENTER QUINIECE JACKSON, DARNETTA’s cousin and best friend. QUINIECE is

a pretty outspoken girl in her early twenties.)

QUINIECE: Merry Christmas Netta! (Hugs DARNETTA)

DARNETTA: (Smiling) Merry Christmas girl! Thanks for coming.

23
QUINIECE: No problem. I’m glad you called, my mom and dad were going to Mobile

For Christmas, and I just didn’t want to go this year. Where’s my little cousins?

A.J! (Looking around) Your cousin Niecey is here!

DARNETTA: Ooh girl, don’t wake them, I just got them to bed. I told A.J that Santa

Won’t come until he goes to sleep.

QUINIECE: What about the baby?

DARNETTA: Girl, all that little thing does is sleep.

QUINIECE: (Laughs) Oh, so they’re (DARNETTA starts to decorate coffee table) pretty

Much down for the count, huh?

DARNETTA: Good thing too. I’ve been trying to finish up the decorations all day, but

A.J has been keeping me from that.

QUINIECE: (Laughs) Why are you just now getting the decorations put up? Its

Christmas Eve.

DARNETTA: Well, I’m just decorating the coffee table and the other things that A.J can

Reach, because he’d just get into them. That’s why only the top half of the tree is

Decorated.

QUINIECE: I was wondering about that.

DARNETTA: (Sits down on couch to take a break) Well, I’m going to wrap the gifts in a

Little while. It’s not many, but do you want to help?

QUINIECE: Sure, but do you mind if I take a good hot bath first?

DARNETTA: Yeah girl, go ahead. I’ll just take myself a little nap until you get out.

QUINIECE: Okay (EXIT QUINIECE into bathroom, stage Right)

DARNETTA: (Walks over to desk stage Left and turns on radio tape deck. There are

24
 Christmas songs being played. DARNETTA walks over to couch and sits down

To relax.) Finally; peace and quiet (DARNETTA’s relaxation is abruptly

Interrupted by a knocking on the door) Man! Hold on, here I come! (Looks

Through peephole, opens door. ENTER LEELA AND CHARLES JACKSON,

The parents of DARNETTA. By their looks one can tell that they live very

Comfortably. CHARLES JACKSON is carrying huge boxes of Christmas

Presents) Hey mama, merry Christmas! (Hugs LEELA)

LEELA: Merry Christmas baby.

DARNETTA: Hey daddy! Merry Christmas!

CHARLES: (Sits boxes down) Merry Christmas baby girl. (Hugs DARNETTA)

DARNETTA: (Looks down at boxes with a smile) Are all of those boxes for us?

CHARLES: (Shaking his head yes) And we’ve got more in the car. Let me go and get

Them. (EXIT CHARLES, stage Left)

LEELA: (Looking around) Where’s those grand babies of mine?

DARNETTA: Sleep. I told them that Santa wouldn’t come if they didn’t go to sleep.

LEELA: (Points at bathroom after noticing the light on and hearing the almost non-

Existent noises coming from it) Did Andre get the night off?

DARNETTA: (Shaking her head) That’s Quiniece, nosey Rosey. I asked her to stay over

Tonight because I didn’t want to be alone. (LEELA sits on couch after wiping the

Seat)

LEELA: Oh, so Bobby and Jackie decided to stay home for Christmas? (DARNETTA

Walks toward couch)

DARNETTA: Nah, they went on to Mobile. Niecy just stayed behind.

25
LEELA: Well that was sweet of her, seeing as how Andre works all night. (DARNETTA

Sits down) But Netta dear, couldn’t he at least taken Christmas Eve off to be with

His family?

DARNETTA: (Surprised) Mama stop! You know how those union jobs are! If you call

In once they let you go, unless you’re sick or someone dies.

LEELA: Well, what about your job? Didn’t they let you off?

DARNETTA: Now mama, you know I haven’t worked since we found out how serious

Junior’s heart condition is.

LEELA: So, if something happens with Andre then you’re broke, huh?

DARNETTA: (Hysterically) What?! (DARNETTA stands up)

LEELA: Well, how do you know he’s working?

DARNETTA: Mama, he calls us from work!

LEELA: Can you call him?

DARNETTA: I let him call me mostly because he can’t receive too many calls. You

Know how those union jobs are. Besides, we need the money. The light bill is

Due. (Walks off)

LEELA: You always say that. Every time something important is going on, you say that:

A.J’s first birthday party, Thanksgiving, when both of the kids were born. I—

DARNETTA: (Turns to LEELA in anger) But it’s the truth!

LEELA: (Stands up and faces DARNETTA) But do you really know that?!

DARNETTA: (Seriously) Mama what are you trying to say?

LEELA: Nothing… It’s just… Well, (Looking around) look around you! (Spreads out

Arms as if to make notice of all the possessions in the apartment. ENTER

26
 CHARLES from stage Left with gifts) If he does that much overtime—

CHARLES: (Putting down gifts) Leela! Stop! Can we come over here once without you

Starting up? Damn! (Sits down in chair, but quickly gets back up) You know

What, we’re just going to go baby girl, okay?

DARNETTA: (Feeling hurt from LEELA’S words) Okay daddy.

LEELA: But we just—

CHARLES: (Firmly) I said let’s go. Merry Christmas baby girl. (Hugs DARNETTA)

DARNETTA: Merry Christmas daddy, mama. I’ll see you for dinner tomorrow.

CHARLES: And tell Ms. Lewis and Quiniece that they’re invited too. (LEELA’S eyes

Bulge in displeasure as the walk out. EXIT LEELA and CHARLES.

DARNETTA closes door)

DARNETTA: (Sits on couch with arms folded) Every time, it never fails. (ENTER

QUINIECE from bathroom)

QUINIECE: Hey, was that your mother I heard?

DARNETTA: Yeah.

QUINIECE: Why’d they leave so quickly? Let me guess; your mama started that Andre

Stuff again, huh? (Walks toward DARNETTA)

DARNETTA: Does she ever talk about anything else? (Leans forward and covers up her

Face with her hands. Sighs) I’m so sick of her doing Andre like that!

QUINIECE: (Pats DARNETTA on the back as she sits down) I’m sorry girl. I know that

It’s been hard on the both of you.

DARNETTA: Andre works hard to take care of us. He’s the only one working, you

Know. It’s hard enough without mama talking down on him. He’s doing the best

27
 That he can.

QUINIECE: Well, as long as you know it, it really doesn’t matter what anyone else

Thinks.

DARNETTA: You’re right girl. Come on; let’s get to wrapping these gifts. (Hands

QUINIECE a gift) Here, and thanks.

QUINIECE: You’re welcome girl, anytime.

LIGHTS FADE. LIGHTS UP dimmed. It is early Christmas morning. ENTER ANDRE

SR. from front door stage Left. On center stage, DARNETTA lies asleep on couch.

ANDRE SR: (Walks over to DARNETTA and kisses her on the cheek. DARNETTA

Wakes up. ANDRE SR., talking softly) Oh, I’m sorry baby, I didn’t mean to

Wake you up.

DARNETTA: (Sits up on couch. Hugs ANDRE SR.) Nah, it’s okay. I call myself

Waiting up for you, so I could tell you merry Christmas.

ANDRE SR.: Oh, well merry Christmas to you Netta.

DARNETTA: So, how was work?

ANDRE SR.: It was work. I thought we were going to get that bonus check the

Supervisor said we might get, but we didn’t. So, I couldn’t buy those Christmas

Gifts. I can’t get them until after Christmas.

DARNETTA: You didn’t even look up under the tree, did you?

ANDRE SR.: (Looking at the gifts under the tree) How did you get all those gifts?

(Smiles) Did you put some money back to shop with? (DARNETTA shakes her

Head no) I know; Lonnie did this!

DARNETTA: No, mama and—

28
ANDRE SR.: (Unhappily) Oh that’s who. (Stands up and walks off) And what did your

Mother have to say this time? Did she say how I’m not really working; that I’m

Somewhere with another woman?

DARNETTA: Dre, I—

ANDRE SR.: (Hysterically) Or did she say how much (pointing at gifts) this only proves

That I’m not good enough for you?

DARNETTA: (Stands up) Andre!

ANDRE SR.: How you went from riches to rags?!

DARNETTA: Dre, she means well—

ANDRE SR.: (Sarcastically) She means well!

DARNETTA: She just doesn’t know how to word things, that’s all. (Walks behind

ANDRE SR. and massages his shoulders) She only wants what she thinks is best

For—

ANDRE SR.: (Insulted, snatches away from DARNETTA) And I don’t?! I know that

I’m not the richest, or the smartest man. I know that we don’t stay in the best

Apartment, or live in the safest area, or have the best things. I know this! You

Don’t think that it’s eating me up?! I work more hours than I do spending time at

Home and we’re still struggling to pay bills. When I come home, I’m too tired to

Play patty cake with Haven or even play ‘Championship wrestling’ with Junior…

(Smirks) Junior; (Voice trembles) I can’t even afford the surgery he needs. But if

Your mother thinks for one second that I’m doing anything less than spending

Every half of a second of the breath I have trying to provide for my family,

(Begins to swat at, pick up and throw, and even kick gifts) then she can have these

29
 Damn gifts! She can have them Netta! (ENTER QUINIECE from bedroom to see

What the commotion is about)

DARNETTA: Dre! Please!

ANDRE SR.: (Calms down, sits on couch. He covers his face in frustration. He sighs)

I’m sorry baby… I just get so frustrated… (Crying coming from the bedroom.

ANDRE SR. walks off. EXIT ANDRE SR. into kitchen, stage Right)

LIGHTS FADE. Spotlight on ANDRE JR.

ANDRE JR.: Dear journal, nothing went right this year, Christmas really crept up on us.

I didn’t save any money or get that expected Christmas bonus. This has got to be

The worst! Barely was able to keep the lights on in our apartment in Tarrant, let

Alone buy gifts, thank God for grandparents! But it really made me feel like less

Of a man. Man journal, I’ve got to come up with some kind of a plan.

SPOTLIGHT FADES. END SCENE THREE

30
 SCENE IV

LIGHTS UP. It’s 1988, the apartment of ANDRE SR. and DARNETTA. A worried
ANDRE SR. sits on couch with his face covered up.

ANDRE SR.: (Stands up and starts to pace. Noticing DARNETTA, he stops and turns to

Her. ENTER DARNETTA from bedroom, up stage Right) How is he?

DARNETTA: He’s sleep but his temp is still up. (With very worried look on her face)

Dre, what are we going to do? (Sits on couch)

ANDRE SR.: I don’t know, but I’ll figure something out. (Impatiently looks out

Window) Where is she? Quiniece did say she’d take you all to the doctor, right?

DARNETTA: Yes, baby. She’ll be here. (ANDRE SR. turns to DARNETTA)

ANDRE SR.: I don’t know what good its going to do. They’re not going to do anything

But look at him for two minutes, have you all waiting for two hours, and send him

Home with some medicine that won’t work past two days. (Crosses to couch)

DARNETTA: I know. (Sighs and turns toward ANDRE SR.) Just; pray that it works this

Time.

ANDRE SR.: (Frowning up) What for? That’s not going to do any good either. (Turns

Away from DARNETTA, walking upstage)

DARNETTA: (Surprised) How can you say that?!

ANDRE SR.: (Pointing at himself) Do I go to church? I mean, even on the few Sundays

That I don’t work I still don’t go, so why should prayer work for me? (Turns to

DARNETTA) A sinner.

DARNETTA: (Upset) Now, I know that you know better than that. God listens to and

31
 Loves all HIS children, and He does hear a sinner’s prayer.

ANDRE SR.: (Hysterically) Hell, baby everybody sins! But it’s those people in Christ,

Who slip up sometimes but try to do right, that God listens to. Not those of us

Who know better and don’t care to straighten up. So, I don’t pray; it’s not going

To help!

DARNETTA: (Mad) Is that how you feel! Is it really?! (ANDRE SR. shakes his head

Yes and begins to walk toward kitchen. DARNETTA pauses) Is that how you

Want our son to think?!

ANDRE SR.: (Facing kitchen door) It’s the truth. I want him to at least know that much.

Living for God isn’t that simple. (Turning to DARNETTA) You can’t just do

What you want, live how you want, and then expect God to bail you out when

There’s trouble in paradise! It doesn’t work like that!

DARNETTA: (Seriously) You know Dre, you’re right. But the doctor said that our son

Needs that surgery, so we’ve got to do something! What you said about not going

To church and all is true, but that’s on you! Mama Lewis didn’t raise you that

Way! Now, you obviously know the Word a little, so then I know you that you

Are the head of this family! (Walks toward ANDRE SR.) You control this

Family’s every move, or did you miss out on Paul’s letters to the churches at

Corinth (ANDRE SR’s eyes bulge, surprised) and Ephesus? I merely made a

Suggestion; if you feel like your prayers won’t be answered then change the

Situation! You said yourself that every blue moon you have a Sunday to go to

Church; go to church! Give HIM some worship time so He can change your

Situation! Do something! (Points toward bedroom as voice trembles) Our son is

32
 Going to die Dre! This family is depending upon (Presses index finger into the

Chest of ANDRE SR.) you; the head of the household. (Car horn blows) You

Know it’s eating me up Dre… (Walks toward bedroom) Time to go Junior! Time

To go Haven!

ANDRE SR.: (Stops DARNETTA, hugs her and kisses her) I love you Netta. I’ll figure

It out, I promise. (EXIT DARNETTA into bedroom)

LIGHTS FADE. Spotlight is on ANDRE SR., who is at Center stage. Spotlight also on
ANDRE JR., who sits in chair reading journal, down stage Left)

ANDRE SR.: Dear journal: Guess what?! I finally did it! I found a way to get us up out

Of this deficit! Keep food, bills paid, and possibly some new clothes. Buy wife a

Dress, Junior a ball, and baby girl some new bows. Because providing; that is the

Main goal, right? I’ve made it my number one provision, that’s why I made this

Very tough decision…

LIGHTS UP. ANDRE SR. begins to pick up bag and pack clothes and other things.
Down stage Left, ANDRE JR. reads rest of entry.

ANDRE JR.: (Stands up in shock) To leave… A decision I made while watching my

Wife grieve over our sick son. And very abrupt, did I realize that I was holding

Them up; from W.I.C, and Section 8 and food stamps. Welfare and other

Government programs, no more wieners and Van de Camp’s! Medicare will pay

For the surgery for my little champ. And with Darnetta’s new job at the lamp

Shop, pretty soon they’ll be on top. In the meantime, I’ll be selling thyme; get it?

I’ll be selling herb in the Huntsville district, because I really don’t want my kids

33
 Around any of it. And I’ll be sending them most of the money because I really

Won’t need any of it. I have a good friend named Shanice that stays up that way.

She said that she has a place for me to stay. (ANDRE SR. takes letter off desk and

Places it on coffee table) Looks like I finally got the upper hand; just pray for me

Because I just hope they understand. (ANDRE SR. walks toward front door. He

Takes one last glance back at apartment. EXIT ANDRE SR.)

LIGHTS FADE. END ACT II

34
 ACT III

SCENE ONE

LIGHTS ARE FADED. Spotlight is on ANDRE JR, down stage Left)

ANDRE JR.: Dear journal, I left quietly four months ago so I wouldn’t hear them weep.

Shanice and I got into an argument and she kicked me out, so I have to start

Earning my keep. And this weed selling isn’t working out too well, you see.

None of these guys up here want to buy from me. They think that I’m a fake,

Like I’m really selling celery leaves and seeds. Speaking of seeds, I think I

Planted another; Shanice and I got drunk one night and suddenly, we’re under

The covers. She came to me the other night and said her monthly friend didn’t

Come out of hiding… (Flips page to the next journal entry) Dear journal, I’m so

Confused! I don’t know what decision to choose! The love of my kids I don’t

Want to lose. (Begins to pace up and down stage Left) But if I hang around, I’ll

Only bring the financial blues. With two sons and a daughter that’s now two, I

Just wish I had some direction; I need some kind of a clue. (ENTER HAVEN

LEWIS, daughter of ANDRE SR. ANDRE JR. shows HAVEN the journal entry

As they read together) Until I can bring home some money, all I can do is leave.

It’s what I’ve got to do and it makes me very sad. I’ll be back when I can support

Them, I don’t want to end up a deadbeat dad.

35
LIGHTS UP. It’s 2003, the hospital in Birmingham. On stage Left, ANDRE SR. and
HAVEN stand looking at the journal entries of ANDRE SR. On center stage is ANDRE
SR., who lies in bed recovering from his previous episode.

ANDRE JR.: (Closes journal with confused look) Can you believe that? (HAVEN places

Hand on ANDRE JR’s shoulder) I don’t know what to say.

HAVEN: (Turns up stage Left) I know. I was so confused the first time I read it. I didn’t

Know who to be mad at; dad for leaving, or mama for lying.

ANDRE JR.: (Turning to HAVEN) Him. Mama only said that stuff to protect us and

Make us tough, but when did you read it? I thought I was the first one here

Today.

HAVEN: About a month ago. He’s been in here a while; when he went to sleep one day,

I went through his stuff and found it. (Walks down stage Left and sits in chair)

ANDRE JR.: You’ve been visiting him for that long? (HAVEN shakes her head yes) He

Was acting like he didn’t know how mama told everything to us.

HAVEN: He doesn’t. I didn’t tell him. I didn’t tell him I read it. When I found out that

He was being treated at U.A.B for his cancer I just went to see him. (Stands up,

Turns to ANDRE JR. ANDRE JR. walks down stage toward HAVEN) I don’t

Know; I thought I wanted to be mad, but I really just wanted to see him. I didn’t

Want any answers, I didn’t have any questions. I didn’t care— For once, I was

Getting a chance to be daddy’s girl… My prayers were answered.

ANDRE JR.: (Looks at HAVEN and laughs) You and that ‘God’ stuff. Praying and

Going to church doesn’t help. It doesn’t pay bills, it doesn’t buy clothes; it

Definitely didn’t bring him to you. He came to see (Pointing up stage Left) those

Doctors, not you.

36
HAVEN: (Walks closer to ANDRE JR.) You didn’t learn anything from those journal

Entries, did you? (ANDRE JR. gestures in a nonchalant manner) Okay, you can

Try to act tough, but I know you feel the same way. I mean, think about it Dre J,

You were like three or four when daddy left; so I know you remember him… I’m

Sure you miss him too. With the pictures we have of him with us, and now this

(Points at journal); it only proves that he did what he did because he loved us.

ANDRE JR.: (Frustrated) Yeah, but why did he have to leave?! Why did it have to be

Like that?!

HAVEN: (Pointing toward stage Right) He’s right in there. Ask him… While you have

A chance…

ANDRE SR.: (Hears knocking on door) Come on. (LIGHTS FADE on waiting

Room, stage Left. ENTER ANDRE JR. from stage Left. ANDRE JR. walks

Slowly toward hospital bed. ANDRE SR. notices journal) I see you’ve been

Reading my journal entries.

ANDRE JR.: Well, the nurse gave it to me; and I wasn’t done with you, so I got bored

And started reading it.

ANDRE SR.: Well, how far did you get?

ANDRE JR.: Far enough. I understand now. (Sarcastically)

ANDRE SR.: (Surprised and happy) Understand what?

ANDRE JR.: I understand that you are a coward who always runs away from his

Responsibilities. I mean, you could’ve at least stayed with that lady in Huntsville,

But no; you had to run from them too!

ANDRE SR.: Man your head is thick! Is that all you got from reading my journals?!

37
 (ANDRE JR. shakes his head yes and turns up stage) Okay, If you feel that way

About me, then why are you headed in the same direction as me?

ANDRE JR.: (Turns to ANDRE SR. with animosity) Man please! I’m nothing like you.

I’m no coward! I’m not leaving my responsibilities just because things aren’t the

Way I want them to be.

ANDRE SR.: Yeah, but you are complicating things for yourself. First off, you’re

Dropping out of school. Secondly, you’ve got a baby on the way, and you’re

Selling drugs—

ANDRE JR.: (Being smart-mouthed) Hold on man, let me cut you off. You dropped out

College and I’m dropping out of high school; that’s the only thing we have in

Common. And secondly, I’m not stupid enough to go of out town to sell.

Everybody here knows me; Big Dre J. (Turns to stage Left) This is my money-

Making city right here; you’re lucky you didn’t get smoked for doing something

That dumb. And as far as the kid goes, I’m going to handle my business. I’m

Going to give him everything he wants and needs. He’ll be able to see me

Whenever he wants, but I’m not going to marry Celeste. I can’t promise that I’ll

Always be there, so instead of getting him used to seeing us together and then

Something happening and I leave, I just won’t be there like that. (Sits in chair)

ANDRE SR.: (Smirks) So you’ve got it figured out, huh?

ANDRE JR.: (Sits back) Yeah. Just like (Snaps his finger) that.

ANDRE SR.: (Looks at ANDRE JR. with serious eyes) Just like that, Huh? (Shakes

His head in disappointment)

ANDRE JR.: (Pauses. Looks off) I have this picture of us back at home. We were

38
 Wrestling. I remember the day we took it. It was right before you left. I wanted

To be the good guy wrestler, so you were the bad guy. You used to pretend like I

Body slammed you, and you’d let me pin you… ‘One! Two! Three! Ding, ding

Ding! Here is your winner and new ‘World Wrestling champion’, Dre J!’ (Pauses

For a second) Yep. That’s what you said. You even made me a wrestling belt out

Of cardboard for me to wear and mama snapped a picture when I wasn’t looking.

I don’t know how, but I remember that. It was the most fun I ever had. I don’t

Want my son to remember me like that. I’d rather not be around than to risk him

Going through that kind of emotional stress. (Walks off toward window)

ANDRE SR.: I remember that. Like it was yesterday. That was the night you got real

Sick, and we had to rush you to the hospital. Your mom and I had an argument.

I looked at Haven, lying in the bed sound asleep. Then I looked at you, tossing

And turning because you didn’t feel good; that’s all I could think of. My little

Wrestling champ lying there sick, while I helplessly watched you suffer. I

Thought leaving would help the family. As much as I wanted to stay there and

Play with you guys and watch you grow up, I didn’t see any way I could stay

Without hurting you all in the pockets. So, I did what I thought was right. (Gets

Out of bed and walks up stage toward ANDRE JR.) But you are right about one

Thing, (ANDRE JR. turns toward ANDRE SR.) we are different. You have an

(Breathing hard) edge; you can learn from my mistakes. You want to know what

My first mistake was?

ANDRE JR.: What?

ANDRE SR.: Not putting the LORD first. (Smirks) It wasn’t the dropping out, or the

39
 Leaving that started it all; It was the fact that I should have put God first before I

Made any kind of move. Now I’m a sick old fool who wishes he could have

Another chance to make it right.

ANDRE JR.: (Frowning) I was with you until you said that church biz. You sound just

Like Haven with that nonsense.

ANDRE SR.: It’s not nonsense. If I had stayed in church, I would’ve been a better

Father.

ANDRE JR.: You don’t know that. Besides, the family man life is not what I want.

ANDRE SR.: (Coughing) Okay Andre. (Starts breathing hard)

ANDRE JR.: (Looking concerned) Man, shouldn’t you be in bed?

ANDRE SR.: (Breathing hard) Nah, I’m fine. Look, you’re a grown man; you can make

Your own decisions. Just know that I wanted us to be close. How do you want

Things to be with your son? You only get one chance Junior. Old fools used to

Be young fools; think about it. (Coughs and breaths hard. Places hand on

ANDRE JR’s shoulder and looks him in the eyes) I love you, Andre.

ANDRE JR.: (Looks at ANDRE SR. with confused eyes. Soon ANDRE SR. begins to

Lean on ANDRE JR with the hand that is placed on his shoulder. ANDRE JR.

Begins to show concern) Hey, are you alright?! You know what, you need to get

Back in bed. (Steps back to position himself to help ANDRE SR. back into

The bed, but ANDRE SR. falls forward. ANDRE JR. catches him as they both

Fall to the floor) That was close! Okay hold on, let me go and get a nurse!

ANDRE SR.: (Resting in ANDRE JR’s arms and breathing very hard) Hold on a second.

ANDRE JR.: (Unsure of granting the request) Okay. (Begins to look for a ‘Call’ button)

40
ANDRE SR.: Do you know that I have that cardboard wrestling belt?

ANDRE JR.: (Still searching for ‘Call’ button, looks confused at ANDRE SR’s

Statement.) No. I didn’t.

ANDRE SR.: Andre… (Dies)

ANDRE JR.: Call me A.J okay? (ANDRE JR., still looking for a ‘Call’ button, realizes

That ANDRE SR. is not responding. After noticing the flat line noise from the

Machine, he looks down) Hey… Hey! Hey! Help! No! Daddy! (Begins to sob

And hug ANDRE SR.) Daddy! Don’t go! I love you! (Continues to sob and cry.

Begins to rock back and forth while hugging ANDRE SR. HAVEN and

DARNETTA rush in.)

HAVEN: Daddy! No! (Begins to cry. DARNETTA stands in doorway crying as

NURSES rush in)

LIGHTS FADE. END SCENE ONE

41
 SCENE TWO

LIGHTS ARE FADED. Spotlight is on Center stage on a soloist, who is singing ‘Take
My Hand, Precious Lord’

SOLOIST: ‘When my way groweth drear, precious Lord, linger near. When my life is

Almost gone; hear my cry, hear my call, hold my hand lest I fall. Take my hand,

Precious Lord, lead me home. Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, let me

Stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; through the storm through the night.

Lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord. Lead me home…’

SPOLTLIGHT FADES. LIGHTS UP. It is six months later, and it is the gravesite of
ANDRE SR. At Center stage, ANDRE JR. is standing in front of ANDRE SR’s
tombstone. He is in a nice suit with a flower in his hand.

ANDRE JR.: Hey, how are you doing? I know I haven’t been out here since we buried

You. I’m sorry; six months just flew by. I got so much to tell you. First off, I

Went back to school. I got my G.E.D and hopefully I’ll be going to the technical

College for engineering in the fall. (Looking up to collect thoughts) Lets see; oh

Yeah! You have a three-month-old grandson named Andre Lewis the third.

(Smiling) He’s already trying to wrestle with me. (Emotionally) I miss you so

Much daddy. You taught me so much. I just wish we had more time

Together. I acted like such a jerk, and I’m sorry. But I’ll make up for it with

42
 Tre. (Smiling) That’s his nickname, Tre. You know, because he’s the third.

Well, Haven got a singing scholarship or something like that, to that college in

Huntsville, but knowing her she probably already told you. And, guess what else?

Celeste doesn’t know it but I’m paying for a ring so I can propose to her. Well,

I would already have the money but (Smiling) I quit selling weed. Can you

Believe it? Just like you said in one of your entries, I don’t want my kid around

It. Now, I work part-time at Uncle Mike’s garage doing tune-ups. (ENTER

CELESTE From stage Left with baby in her arms, wrapped in a blanket) Well, I

Think that’s about all. I love you Pop. (Falls to knees and places a hand on

Tombstone. He lowers his head in silence)

CELESTE: (Walks over to ANDRE JR. and on places a hand on his shoulder) Come on

Dre’, we’re going to be late for church.

(ANDRE JR. stands up and tosses his flower onto gravesite. He begins to smile

As CELESTE hands him the baby. They hold hands. ANDRE JR looks back

And smiles one more time. They walk toward stage Left as

LIGHTS FADE.

END

43
 PROPERTIES

Hospital equipment (blood pressure machine, etc)

Journal (two, identical)
Backpack w/ notebooks and other school accessories
Small box w/ ring inside
Telephone
Clothesbasket w/ clothes inside
Christmas tree w/decorations
Cassette player w/ cassette containing Christmas music
Bath towel
Gift boxes (wrapped and unwrapped)
Cardboard cut out of wrestling belt
Duffel bag w/ garments
Sheets of paper
Flower
Blankets
Toys
Bath robe
Pens/ paper

44
 JOURNAL

(Original poem that Inspired playwright)

DEAR JOURNAL:
I KNOW IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I’VE WRITTEN TO YOU,
I’VE BEEN PRE-OCCUPIED FOR A MINUTE, I MET SOMEONE NEW.
AND WE’VE BEEN GOING TOGETHER FOR A DAY OR TWO.
OOH! IF YOU HAD EYES, INSTANTLY YOU’D REALIZE,
WHY MY EYE’S BEEN ON THAT PRIZE.
SHE MAKES ME WANNA STOP ACTING MY SHOE SIZE,
AND GET HER RING SIZE.
I LOVE HER… I THINK SHE’S MS. ‘RIGHT’,
AND ON THAT NOTE, I’LL SAY GOODNIGHT…
HEY JOURNAL,
I APOLOGIZE FOR THE ABSENCE AGAIN,
BECAUSE I REALLY NEEDED TO PUT THIS ENTRY IN.
WHAT DO I DO? BECAUSE I’M IN LOVE, SEE,
AND I’M THINKING ABOUT GETTING DOWN ON ONE KEE.
I’VE NEVER HAD SOMEONE WHO BELIEVED SO MUCH IN ME,
AND I WANT THAT KIND OF SUPPORT PERMENANTLY…
GUESS WHAT JOURNAL?
I ASKED HER AND SHE SAID YES TO ME!
THEN SHE SAID SHE WAS TWO MONTHS ALONG WITH MY BABY!
JOURNAL, I’M GOING TO BE A DADDY!
DEAR JOURNAL,
IT’S 8 a.m. AND MY SON WAS BORN LAST NIGHT.
I WASN’T EVEN THERE BECAUSE RIGHT BEFORE HER WATER BROKE, WE
GOT INTO A FIGHT.
NOW I’M OVER MY FRIEND LONNIE’S HOUSE AND THIS JUST AINT RIGHT!

45
 I SHOULD’VE BEEN THE BIGGER ONE AND SHUT UP, BUT I DIDN’T TRY,
NOW I WISH I COULD REWIND TIME TO HEAR MY BABY’S FIRST CRY.
BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT I MESS UP AND MISSED HIS BIRTH,
I WON’T LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN, I’LL CATCH ALL THE REST OF HIS FIRSTS…
WHAT’S UP JOURNAL?
IT’S BEEN A WHILE AND THE BABY IS NOW TWO,
BUT HE’S GOT A BAD HEART, SO I GOT A FULL TIME AND LET GO SCHOOL.
THE WIFE’S WORKING TOO, SHE ALSO HAD TO STOP HER COLLEGIATE
PURSUIT.
YOU KNOW, WITH VISITS TO THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE AND STUFF LIKE THAT
TO DO.
SHE SAID THE BABY USED THE POTTY ON HIS OWN TODAY;
THAT’S ANOTHER FIRST I MISSED HAVING TO BE AWAY.
ALONG WITH HIS FIRST WORDS, AND HIS FIRST STEPS,
MAN THERE HAS GOT TO BE ANOTHER WAY!
THIS WORK JUNK AINT FOR ME! I DON’T EVER HAVE TIME FOR JUNIOR
AND I TO PLAY…
WELL THAT’S BEEN TAKEN CARE OF WITH A BABY SISTER ON THE WAY…
WELL JOURNAL,
IT’S CHRISTMAS EVE AND I AINT GOT NOTHIING TO DO,
I’M ON MY BREAK AT WORK WRITING THIS TO YOU.
YEAH, I SAID WORK!
WE’VE BEEN WORKING LATE LIKE THIS FOR A WHILE,
SO I TOLD THE WIFE TO PUT THE KIDS IN BED WITH HER AND SLEEP WITH
THE GUN AND THE BIG GLASS VILE.
ALL THIS O.T CAUSED ME TO MISS THE BIRTH OF MY SECOND CHILD.
MAN THIS IS JUST WILD! I CAN’T WIN FOR LOSING!
I’M SITTING HERE AT WORK WHILE MY RICH JERK BOSS CHOOSING…
WHAT GIFT TO OPEN FIRST… THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE WORST!
BARELY WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON IN OUR APARTMENT IN
TARRANT,

46
 LET ALONE BUY CHRISTMAS GIFTS, THANK God FOR GRAND PARENTS.
BUT IT MADE ME FEEL LIKE LESS OF A MAN,
MAN JOURNAL, I GOTTA COME UP WITH SOME KIND OF PLAN…
DEAR JOURNAL,
GUESS WHAT? I FINALLY DID IT!
I FOUND A WAY TO GET US UP OUTTA THIS DEFICIT!
KEEP FOOD, BILLS PAID, AND POSSIBLY SOME NEW CLOTHES,
BUY WIFE A DRESS, JUNIOR A BALL, AND BABY GIRL SOME NEW BOWS.
BECAUSE, PROVIDING; THAT IS THE MAIN GOAL? RIGHT?
I’VE MADE IT MY NUMBER ONE PROVISION,
THAT’S WHY I’M MAKING THIS VERY TOUGH DECISION…
TO LEAVE…
A DECISION I MADE WHILE WATCHING MY WIFE GRIEVE,
OVER OUR SICK SON. AND VERY ABRUPT,
DID I REALIZE THAT I WAS HOLDING THEM UP.
FROM W.I.C, AND SECTION 8, AND FOOD STAMPS,
WELFARE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS; NO MORE WEINERS AND
VAN DE CAMP’S.
MEDICARE WILL PAY FOR THE SURGERY FOR MY LITTLE CHAMP.
AND WITH MY WIFE’S JOB AT THE LAMP SHOP,
THE WIFE AND KIDS WILL BE ON TOP.
AND IN THE MEANTIME, I’LL BE SELLING THYME…
GET IT? I’LL BE SELLING HERB UP IN THE HUNTSVILLE DISTRICT,
BECAUSE I REALLY DON’T WANT MY KIDS AROUND IT.
AND I’LL BE SENDING MOST OF THE MONEY BECAUSE I WON’T REALLY
NEED IT.
I HAVE A GOOD FRIEND UP THAT WAY,
SHE SAID SHE’S GOT A PLACE FOR ME TO STAY.
LOOKS LIKE I FINALLY GOT THE UPPER HAND,
PRAY FOR ME JOURNAL, BECAUSE I JUST HOPE THEY UNDERSTAND…
WELL JOURNAL,

47
 I LEFT. I DID IT QUIETLY SO I WOULDN’T HEAR THEM WEAP,
IT’S BEEN FOUR MONTHS NOW AND I GOTTA START EARNING MY KEEP.
BECAUSE, YOU KNOW MY GOOD FRIEND WHO SAID I COULD STAY WITH
HER NO DOUBT?
WELL, WE HAD AN ARGUMENT AND SHE THREW MY BEHIND OUT.
AND THIS HERB DEAL, IT AINT WORKING OUT TO WELL YOU SEE,
BECAUSE NONE OF THESE CATS WANNA BUY FROM ME.
THEY LOOK AT ME AND SAY ‘MAN, I DON’T KNOW YOU G,
THAT COULD BE CELERY LEAVES AND SEEDS!’
AND SPEAKING OF SEEDS, I THINK I PLANTED ANOTHER,
MY FRIEND AND I GOT DRUNK, AND SUDDENLY WE UNDER COVERS.
SHE CAME TO ME THE OTHER NIGHT AND,
SAID HER MONTHLY FRIEND DIDN’T COME OUT OF HIDIING…
DEAR JOURNAL,
I’M SO CONFUSED,
I DON’T KNOW WHAT DECISION TO CHOOSE.
THE LOVE OF MY KIDS I DON’T WANNA LOSE,
BUT IF I HANG AROUND, I’LL ONLY BRING THE FINANCIAL BLUES.
WITH NOW, TWO SONS, AND A DAUGHTER THAT’S NOW TWO,
I WISH I HAD SOME DIRECTION, I NEED SOME KIND OF CLUE.
ALL I CAN DO NOW IS LEAVE,
JUST UNTIL I KNOW I CAN RELIEVE,
SOME FINANCIAL TENSION.
IT’S WHAT I’VE GOT TO DO FOR NOW AND IT MAKES ME VERY SAD.
I’LL BE BACK WHEN I CAN SUPPORT THEM, I DON’T WANNA END UP
A DEADBEAT DAD…

48