Christmas Reunion 
By Shannon Le Grand

Summary
The mid-west town of Walden is preparing for its annual Christmas festival, when festivities are disrupted by a sudden snow storm. While sitting out the storm, a group of former friends who have returned for a high school reunion discover what has happened in the intervening years.

Characters
Uncle Joe-a man in his early sixties
Stanley Grigsby
Myra Grigsby
Mayor Riggs
Caroline Brinks
Sadie Benton
Babs Whitton
Sue Anne Cartwright
Michael Cartwright 
Jessy Hamilton
Young Sadie, Babs, Sue, Michael, and Jessy (age 12)
Young Sadie, Babs, Sue, Michael and Jessy (age 18)

Production Notes: Songs can be inserted in various places for the characters to sing.  Sadie returns from Church Choir practice, so it would be appropriate to open the play with a choir performance and then change the scene to the Diner.  

SCRIPT
Scene One - A Diner--Present Day

(Scene opens to a 50’s style diner.  There is frost on the windows and a bare Christmas tree sits in one of them.  A few boxes labeled “Christmas Decorations” are scattered about on the tables.  There is a long bar with bar stools and “Uncle Joe’s Café” is written on the menus and on the outside of the window.  The time is the present, but there is a feeling of nostalgia in the worn old café.  On one wall is a picture of Jesus and there is a juke box in one corner.)

(Uncle Joe comes in carrying a box of decorations, mumbling to himself.)

uncle joe (to himself):  4:00 already and still no sign of her.  Dinner crowd’ll be comin’ here before ya know it and I’ll be the one takin’ care of it all.  After 20 years, she oughta know to be here by 3:30.  

OFFICER STANLEY GRISBY (coming in from outside):  Hey, Uncle Joe.  

UNCLE JOE:  Stanley.  How are you doing this afternoon?

STANLEY:  (looking out the window as if expecting someone to be following him)  Doin’ fine.  I’m taking a break from all the Christmas activities.  My wife has had me hanging up lights all afternoon to get ready for the Christmas Carnival.  I hung up so many on main street, I’m sure the planes can see them from the air.  

UNCLE JOE:  Every year they seem to add more lights to the bunch.  It’s starting to look like Las Vegas, Nevada instead of Walden, Missouri.

STANLEY:  Everything was going pretty well until I went to put together that life-size nativity scene we have every year.  You know the one.

UNCLE JOE:  Yep, I know the one.  Wouldn’t be Christmas in Walden without it.

STANLEY:  Well, no matter what I tried I couldn’t get the baby Jesus to light up.  All he would do is blink off and on.  Then I discovered that one of the wise man’s heads had fallen off.  There I stood with a blinking baby Jesus in one hand and the wise man’s head in the other.  Of course right then, the church choir came out to start rehearsing and you woulda thought a natural disaster had hit!  They all started hollerin’ and old Mrs. Brinks was lecturing me on (mimicking her in a high-pitched snooty voice) “the importance of the nativity scene to the Christmas Carnival”.  Of course that nativity is about as old as this town and I don’t suppose anyone has ever considered getting a new one.

UNCLE JOE:  No, tradition is pretty much law in Walden.  You don’t go fixin’ what ain’t broke.  

OFFICER GRIGSBY:  And you don’t go fixin’ what is - even if it is a decapitated Wise Man!  Old Mrs. Brinks was hollerin’ at me, (mimicking)  “Stanley, you’ve got to glue the head back on.  And the baby Jesus is the whole focus of this carnival.  He can’t be blinking on and off.  Visitors might think he’s defective.  We can’t have a defective baby Jesus in the manger!”

UNCLE JOE:  (chuckling)  So what’d you do?

OFFICER GRIGSBY:  I rewired the whole thing. I spent the afternoon rewiring and gluing every single tiny piece.  Then when I finished, my wife and the Mayor came by with more lights for me to hang up.  While they were discussing where to hang those big tinsel Christmas Bells, I ducked in here.  You might say I’m hiding out.

UNCLE JOE:  (laughing) Sounds like you’ve had quite a day, son.  You on duty tonight?

OFFICER GRIGSBY:  Yep.  I’m on duty in half-an-hour.  If I can just hide out in here until then, I might just avoid those bells the size of boulders they hoist up there every year.  I told my Myra that somebody’s gonna be walkin’ along one of these days and one of those gold bells is gonna fall on ‘em.  Now what’s the good in Christmas tradition if there’s danger involved?

UNCLE JOE:  I don’t know, but it might liven up this town and give us a laugh.  Well, you’re welcome to stay as long as you want to.  I don’t expect too many folks’ll be comin’ in for dinner.  The carnival has everybody busy and that snowstorm might keep some of the tourists away.

OFFICER:  It’s snowin’ pretty good now--and the weather man says we’re due for a nasty night.

UNCLE JOE:  Well, it won’t stop the Christmas shindig.  Walden ain’t never cancelled that carnival yet.  I think it’d have to BE a natural disaster for that Christmas Pageant and carnival to get called off.  Can I get you some coffee?

STANLEY:  Sure.

SADIE (Rushing in and taking her coat off, still singing the last song the choir sang.  She is in her late 30’s and  has the energy of a teenager.):  I know, I know Uncle Joe.  I’m sorry!  I had choir practice and we had to get in one last rehearsal before the Christmas Pageant tonight.  I don’t think I’m going to be able to do those dance steps, but I’m trying! 

Hey, Stanley.  Your wife is looking for you.  She said something about the wise man’s head falling off again?  I thought she was joking, but Mrs. Brinks threatened to call 911 if you didn’t get back over there and fix it.

OFFICER:  (sighs)  Well, I guess we’ve got an emergency situation, don’t we?  Uncle Joe, I’ll have to take a rain check on that cup of coffee.  Good luck tonight, Sadie.  The choir sounds really good.
 
UNCLE JOE:  Well, they better after all those rehearsals they’ve had!  Sadie’s missed work almost every day this week.

SADIE:  I know Uncle Joe, but this year we’re adding fancy lights and dance moves.  I even have a solo.

OFFICER:  Give her a break, Uncle Joe.  It can’t be easy to work for you in this diner for 20 years!

SADIE:  (under her breath, but so she’s heard)  21.

UNCLE JOE:  Hmph.

MYRA (Stanley’s Wife):  Stanley Wayne Grisby, what are you doin’ in here?  You’re hiding aren’t you!  The wise man’s head fell off again, that baby Jesus is still blinking like a road sign, and now one of the shepherds won’t stand up straight.  Mrs. Brinks was having such a fit that they called the Sheriff’s office.  They sent John Higgins to try to fix it and he got his legs all wrapped up in the cords.  He’s layin’ there now waiting for you to come cut him loose.

STANLEY:  I just came in here to get out of the cold.  I’ll be there in a minute.

Mrs. BRINKS:  (storming into the diner as if she owns the place)  Myra, where is that husband of yours . . . (sees STANLEY) . . . oh, there you are.  You aren’t hiding are you?  You have work to do.  The Christmas festivities start in a few hours and we simply cannot begin until the nativity scene is fixed.  It is THE central attraction at the Christmas Carnival.  

STANLEY:  I know, Mrs. Brinks.

MRS. BRINKS:  As chairwoman of the Christmas Pageant and Carnival in Walden, I am responsible to see that everything is perfect.  What is going to happen when the little children come to see the sweet baby Jesus and he’s blinking like a traffic light?  Not to mention the wise man whose head keeps falling off.  I am putting my trust in you to fix this matter, Stanley Grisby.  

STANLEY:  Yes, Mrs. Brinks.  I’ll be right there.

MRS. BRINKS:  Time is of the essence!  (Turns and storms out the door.)

MYRA:  Stanley, after you’ve finished that, Mayor Riggs may need your help hanging the gold bells from the street lights.

STANLEY:  I go on duty in half and hour.

MAYOR RIGGS: (rushing in)  Grigsby, come quick!  I was hanging one of those gold bells and I lost my grip.  Mrs. Brinks happened to be walking under me and now she’s trapped under a giant gold bell!  

SADIE:  Is she hurt?

MAYOR:  No, but she’s hollering up a storm.  

STANLEY:  I guess I better go.  Sadie, Joe, have a good evening.  (The two leave with Myra still jabbering away at Stanley.)

SADIE:  I hope she’s all right.  

JOE:  I’m sure she is.  I’m convinced that woman is made of nails.  She’s always been so busy lookin’ down at other folks, I’m not surprised she didn’t see that bell coming at her.  Maybe it managed to knock her clean off her high horse.  I’ve known Caroline Brinks for nearly 65 years and every Christmas she gets a little worse.

SADIE:  Have you heard the weather report?  It’s really coming down out there.  I hope the snow doesn’t keep people from coming to the Christmas Carnival.  

UNCLE JOE: I don’t listen to those weather reports, but Stanley says we’re gonna get a bunch.  Every time I turn on the radio they’re changin’ what they just said ten minutes ago.  I got my own forecast system here in my bones.  That ache I get ‘n my bad knee is as reliable as all that fancy equipment.  And by the way it’s been grabbin’ at me today, I’d say we’re lookin’ at a couple a feet.

SADIE:  I do love a white Christmas.  Every year I get so excited-just like when I was a little girl!  Oh, Uncle Joe, there’s something magical about Christmas time-especially in Walden. 

UNCLE JOE:  I don’t know about magic, but I have to admit it is my favorite time of the year.  

SADIE (half listening as she begins to fill up the napkin holders and tidy up):  I need to get out of here early, remember?  I want to wash my hair before tonight.

UNCLE JOE:  The Lord don’t care none if you’re hair’s clean or dirty.

SADIE:  Uncle Joe, I know that.  Tonight after the pageant is when they’re going to dedicate the new gymnasium at the high school.  Everyone that ever went to Walden High has been invited back for the ceremony.  I don’t want to run into anyone with my hair lookin’ like a wet possum lyin’ across my head!

UNCLE JOE:  Well, I don’t ‘spect we’ll have much business today.  Folks is too busy getting’ ready for the shindig.

SADIE:  Uncle Joe, it isn’t a “shindig”.  It’s going to be very classy and fine.  First the children will perform the story of Jesus’ birth just like they do every year.  Then the choir will sing and the mayor is going to give a speech.  After that, all the alumni will be invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new gym. Then the actual carnival will start tomorrow.  I can’t wait to see if any of the old gang will come back.

UNCLE JOE:  I wouldn’t be gettin my hopes up, Sadie.  You know that once people leave Walden, Missouri they usually need more than a gym dedication to come back.  

SADIE:  I know.  But, wouldn’t it be great to see everyone again?  I know Babs can’t come.  She’s moved all the way to Chicago and has all those kids.  

UNCLE JOE:  How many kids has she got now?

SADIE:  Four or five the last time I talked to her.  Can you believe it?  Do you remember the year she won Miss Mistletoe?  I think every girl in town wanted to be just like her.

UNCLE JOE:  Hm, I do.  She always was a pretty little thing wasn’t she?

SADIE:  She was.  She was one of those girls that everybody likes.  She’s always been so GOOD and sweet to everyone.  

UNCLE JOE:  Hm.

SADIE:  Do you remember Sue Anne and Michael Cartwright.  We’d come in here after school almost every day.  Sue and I were always making jokes, Babs was always trying to smooth things over and old Michael was always getting mad at us.  I wonder whatever happened to them?  I know Sue Anne married some rich older man in Texas and Michael married a girl from around here, but I haven’t heard from either of them in years.  Their folks moved back here last year, though, so maybe they’ll come into town for the carnival.

UNCLE JOE:  What was that other girl that used to come in here all the time?

SADIE:  Jessica Hamilton.  Jessy, we always called her. I haven’t seen her since right after high school graduation.  Who knows what became of her.  She had such a poor childhood.  I never was very nice to her.  I think I was jealous because it was always pretty plain that Michael liked her the best of all of us.

UNCLE JOE:  Yep, I remember how you were as a girl Sadie Benton.  Mean as snot and sassy as a riled up hen.  

SADIE:  I know.  But I’ve changed now.

UNCLE JOE (softening):  You have, Sadie.  Singing a solo in the church Christmas Pageant this year.  Ever since you accepted the Lord, you’ve been getting nicer.

SADIE:  Thank God for that.  People used to get out of the way when I came down the street because they never knew what mean old thing would be comin’ out of my mouth next.  Well, that’s all in the past.  

UNCLE JOE:  Yes, ma’m it is.  I’m real proud of you.

SADIE:  If I ever get the chance to say I’m sorry to Jessy Hamilton, I will. (taking a breath and moving on)  I can’t believe it’s been twenty years since I saw the gang.  Do you remember the year when we were 12 and we were cast in the Christmas Pageant?  Babs was Mary, of course, and Michael was Joseph.  I wanted to be the angel, but Sue Anne got that part.  Jessy didn’t get to be in it at all because her family didn’t have the money.

(Fade into flashback)

Scene Two: The Diner-1975

(Michael runs in holding open the door.  He yells over his shoulder.)

MICHAEL:  Last one in is a rotten egg!
(Sadie and Babs are right behind him, giggling.)

BABS:  Get out of the way, Sadie!

SUE ANNE (in a nagging tone):  Michael Jeffrey Cartwright, mother told you knot to run.  Your asthma is going to set in again.  Come sit down and rest now.

SADIE (yelling out the door):  Hey, Messy Jessy, aren’t you comin’?  (to the group)  I guess we know who the rotten egg is, don’t we.  At least that explains the SMELL (holds her nose)  

(Jessy comes in and obviously has heard but pretends to ignore the comment.)

MICHAEL:  Sadie, lay off will you?  

SADIE (mocking his tone):  Lay off will you?  Yes, “Dad”, if you say so. (sticks out her tongue and he sticks his tongue out in response)

MICHAEL:  Hi Jessy.  There’s room over here to sit.
(Uncle Joe comes in from the back room.)

UNCLE JOE:  Hey kids.  It’s 3:30 already?  What do you kids want today?

SUE ANNE:  I will take a chocolate milkshake with whipped cream and two straws, please.

UNCLE JOE:  Okay.  Anybody else?
(The rest of the group answers no, but grab menus to look at.)

UNCLE JOE:  Okay.  I need to go get some more whipped cream.  I’ll be back in a jiff.

SADIE:  So, let’s talk about the Christmas Pageant.  Let’s see, we know Babs will be Mary because she’s the prettiest and she always gets the best part.  (Babs starts to protest, but Sadie continues.)  That means Michael will have to play Joseph.  I guess I’ll be the angel, and Sue can be a shepherd and Jessy . . . (pretending to think). . . what will Jessy be.  I know-one of the pigs in the stable (Sue Anne laughs and Babs looks embarrassed)!
(Jessy stands up and lays her menu down.)

JESSY (to Michael):  I have to go.  

MICHAEL:  Jessy, please don’t go.  Ignore her.  She’s just teasing.

BABS:  Sadie, be quiet.  Jessy, I think you should try out for the pageant.  They need extra people to be in the choir.

JESSY:  Oh, I don’t think so.  I don’t sing very well.

BABS:  Well, I think you would look really nice in one of those white choir robes with the silver trim.  I’ll bet my mom would make you one if you wanted.

JESSY (embarrassed):  Oh, I don’t think so.  That would be too much money.  I’m happy to just watch.

SADIE:  Well, I think we should practice before the audition tomorrow.  Come on everybody.  Babs, you be Mary.  Michael, you come over here and stand by Babs.  Sue Anne, you be the shepherd and I’ll be the angel . . . 

SUE ANNE:  Angel?  Sadie Cartwright, you are the last person that ought to play the angel.  Everybody knows I’ll get that part because I’m the smallest and I’m not afraid of heights.

SADIE:  I could too be the angel.

SUE ANNE:  Well, if you try out for the angel part, I’ll tell Mrs. Brinks that you’re the one who put the whoopee cushion on her chair the night of the pageant last year.

(Babs and Michael are laughing)

SADIE:  Oh yeah?

SUE ANNE:  Yeah.  (arms crossed)

SADIE:  Oh, all right.  I’ll be the shepherd.  Okay.  Let’s practice.  Let’s see.  I’ll get Uncle Joe’s bible to make sure we get this right.  (Gets a bible from behind the counter, opens it and begins scanning the page.  Meanwhile, Michael and Babs are getting ready.)  Babs, you’re supposed to be great with child.  Act like you’re great with child.

BABS:  What does that mean?

MICHAEL:  I think that means you’re doing a great job being pregnant.

SUE ANNE:  No, no, no.  It means you’re really big and about to have the baby any minute. (Babs begins to walk around with her stomach out acting like she’s huge.)

SADIE:  Okay.  You got that Mary?  Now Joseph, you need to act all concerned about her and put your arm around her and stuff.  (Babs and Michael exchange embarrassed glances.)  So, now you go to the Inn and knock on the door.

MICHAEL:  Do you have any room in the Inn?  She is great with child.

SADIE (as the Innkeeper):  NO!  Go find somewhere to have that baby.  We’re full.

SUE ANNE:  I think that’s mean that they wouldn’t let Mary have the baby inside.  Sadie, I think we should change it.  Let her have the baby inside the Inn.

SADIE:  Sue, that’s not how the story goes.  She has the baby in a barn.  Everybody knows that.  And she puts the baby in manager.

BABS:  What’s a Manager?

SADIE:  You know, it’s one of those cribs on wheels so you can manage the baby.  My cousin has one.

BABS:  Oh, I see.

MICHAEL:  No, no, no.  It’s a manger.

BABS:  Well, what’s that?

SADIE:  I don’t know.  I always thought it was weird that they had a fancy crib in the barn.

JESSY:  A manger is like a trough they used to feed the animals.

SADIE (under her breath):  You would know.

BABS:  Oh, come on, let’s back to the story.  (She and Michael sit down.)  Okay, so I’ve had the baby.  Wait, I don’t have a baby.

SUE ANNE:  Here, use my sweater-(looking around)-and this roll of sausage and pretend.

BABS:  So, I sit here and look at the beautiful baby when the angel appears to the Shepherd.

SADIE:  I am the shepherd.  I am tending my sheep.  

SUE ANNE (standing on a chair):  Glory be to God in the highest.  Today your saver is born.

SADIE:  Saver?  Like a Life Saver?

UNCLE JOE (coming in from the back):  Well, he is a life saver.  But, the bible says “SAVIOR”.  That means he came to save us from our sin.

SUE ANNE:  How could a baby do that?

UNCLE JOE:  Well, he grew up.  He was God’s son and when he was a man he died on the cross and saved mankind from sin.

BABS (Looking down at the imaginary baby):  Mary must have been so sad when he died.  I’ll bet he was a beautiful little baby.

SUE ANNE:  She must have been excited though, to have a new baby as a Christmas present.

UNCLE JOE:  Sue Anne, Christmas started with the birth of Christ.  There wasn’t Christmas before Christ.  There were winter holidays and celebrations, but we celebrate Christmas to celebrate Christ.  That’s what the Christmas Pageant and the Christmas Carnival in Walden is all about.  

BABS:  I’ll bet Mary sang to her baby too.  (Begins to sing Away in a Manger-or other appropriate song.  All the children join in.  Jessy watches, but doesn’t sing.  AT the end of the song she has tears in her eyes.)

UNCLE JOE:  Well, I better get back to work. Children, as you get ready for that play of yours, keep in mind that the first part of Christmas is Christ.

SADIE:  Of course Uncle Joe.  (he leaves)  I like the story of the baby Jesus and all that, but I don’t really get the part about him dying.

BABS:  Haven’t you ever been to Sunday School.

SADIE:  Heck, no!  

MICHAEL:  Sadie, don’t use the word heck. 

JESSY:  I gotta go.

MICHAEL:  You have to go now?  We haven’t got our milkshake yet.

JESSY:  I know.  My mom needs me to help her with the laundry.  I’ll see you at school tomorrow.

MICHAEL:  Jessy, wait . . . (Jessy leaves quickly)  I think she left because she doesn’t think we like her.  (looking at Sadie)  Or at least because SOME people don’t act like they like her.

SUE:  Michael, we like her.  She’s just fun to tease is all.  

MICHAEL:  But, you make fun of her too much.  And you always leave her out of stuff.  She always takes off like that.  How would you feel if someone made fun of you?

SADIE:  Well, I’m going to be a famous movie star and no one will make fun of me because they’ll be too busy asking for my autograph.

SUE ANNE:  And I’m going to have so much money that everyone will do whatever I want them to, when I want them to, in the way I want them to do it.

MICHAEL:  I’m going to see if I can catch up with her and make her feel better.  Come on Sue Anne.

SUE ANNE:  Oh, all right.  Tell Uncle Joe I’ll wait on that milkshake.  My saint of a brother has to make everything better for poor Miss Jessy.

SADIE:  See you tomorrow, Sue Anne.  (Sue Anne and Michael leave)

BABS:  Sadie, do you really think you’ll be a famous movie star someday?

SADIE:  Well, sure.  Why not?  I watch the movies and it’s not that hard.  I can see it now.  And the Oscar goes to . . . Miss Lucinda Lancaster.

BABS:  Who’s that?

SADIE:  Me!  That’s my stage name.  All great actresses change their name.  Look at Marilyn Monroe.  Do you really think people would look at her the same way if she went by the name Norma Jean Baker?

BABS:  I see.  Sadie, don’t you want to settle down and get married and have kids?

SADIE:  NO way.  As soon as I’m old enough, I’m leaving this dinky little town.  Our town isn’t even big enough to have a stoplight.  Nope, as soon as I turn 18 I’m headin’ out to Hollywood.  I don’t care if I have to sleep in a cardboard box, at least I’ll be out of Walden.  Someday, Babs, you’ll be going to the movies and you’ll see me up there, larger than life.  Lucinda Lancaster.

BABS:  Well, Sadie, if you say so.

SADIE:  What do you want to do, Babs?  

BABS:  I want a beautiful white wedding with pink roses and bridesmaids in pink dresses.  I want to marry a wonderfully kind man and live in a little white house with flower boxes and a picket fence.  We’ll have four children and a dog.

SADIE:  (sarcastically)  That sounds real nice.  I’m sorry, Babs, but don’t you think that’s kind of lame?  You’re so pretty and smart.  Don’t you want to do something successful?

BABS:  Maybe.  I don’t know yet.  (pause)  Oh, look at the time.  I gotta go.

SADIE:  Okay.  See you tomorrow.  (Babs leaves)

UNCLE JOE (comes in carrying the milk shake):  Sadie, where did everybody go?  Did you make them all mad?

SADIE:  No!  (pause) Well, maybe a couple of them.  Sue Anne said she’ll get a milk shake the next time.

UNCLE JOE:  We were outta whipped cream anyway.  What did you do to make them mad?

SADIE:  Oh, I don’t know.  That Jessy Hamilton just has everybody snowed.  Michael feels all sorry for her just because she’s poor.  

UNCLE JOE:  Sadie, you don’t know anything about her home life.  She’s got it rough and you would do well to bite your tongue and be a little nicer.

SADIE:  When I’m a famous movie star I won’t have to be nice to nobody.

UNCLE JOE:  Sadie Benton, you need to spend more time readin’ your bible and goin’ to church and less time watchin’ those movies of yours.

SADIE:  All right, Uncle Joe.  If you’re going to start in on church talk, I’m leaving.  (she leaves and the lights fade down)
Scene Three : The Diner--Present Day

SADIE is lost in thought when the door opens and someone comes in.  It takes her a minute to really look at the woman who has come in.  

SADIE:  May I help you?  

BABS:  Lucinda?

SADIE:  I think you have the wrong . . . 

BABS:  Is it the FAMOUS movie star, Lucinda Lancaster?

SADIE (takes her a minute to realize who it is):  Barbara Whitton?  Is that really you?

BABS (laughing) :  It’s me, in the flesh!

SADIE (screams and runs to her):  Babs!  I can’t believe it’s you!  You’re really here!  Let me get a look at you.

BABS:  Sadie, you are a sight for sore eyes.  How many years has it been?

SADIE:  Too many.  You look (hesitates a bit) beautiful.  Are you here for the carnival?

BABS:  What else?  I got that letter in the mail about the new gym and I almost didn’t come, but my husband said, “Honey, you never get a break from me and the kids, go home and spend some time in Walden.”  

SADIE:  How many kids do you have now?

BABS:  Five.  Well, five and one that’s on its way. (takes off her coat to reveal she is about 8 months pregnant)

SADIE:  You mean you’re . . . again? (Babs nods)  Well, this is a celebration.  

BABS:  Have you heard from anyone else in the gang?  Is anyone else coming back?

SADIE:  No, I haven’t heard from anyone.  

BABS:  I hope they get here soon if they’re coming.  It’s snowing so hard out there I could hardly see the diner from the road.

SADIE:  Wait, I have to get Uncle Joe.  (goes in the back room and comes back pulling Uncle Joe behind her)  Will you look who’s here, Uncle Joe?  Can you guess who that is?

UNCLE JOE:  I don’t never forget a pretty face. 
Hello, darlin’.  How are you?  (kisses her on the cheek)

BABS:  I’m good Uncle Joe.  It’s so good to see you.  And the diner.  It hasn’t changed at all.  I can hardly believe it!  It looks just like it did twenty years ago.

UNCLE JOE:  Well, people seem to like it.  They keep comin’ back for more of my cookin’.  Can I get you somethin’ to eat?  How ‘bout a nice hot cup of soup.

BABS:  Oh, that sounds wonderful.  Sadie, tell me what you’ve been up to.

SADIE (a bit embarrassed):  Oh, you know.  I keep workin’ here to help out Uncle Joe.  One of these days I’m going to move to a big city, but I haven’t been able to yet.  I sing in the church choir and I teach Sunday School once a month.  

BABS:  Wow, Sadie Benton teaching Sunday School.  I never thought I’d see that day come.  

SADIE:  Don’t act too surprised.  Uncle Joe’s been bangin’ me with his bible ever since I could toddle in here.  No, I went through a real rough time a few years back.  Me and my husband got a divorce and he left me for some young flight attendant he met on his way Atlanta.  I got real depressed for a time and Uncle Joe began talkin’ to me about how much the Lord loved me even though all I could see was the bad in myself.  Well, I started praying and one night I just felt such peace come into my life that I knew there had to be something to this.  The next Sunday I went to church and decided that the only one I wanted controlling my life was Jesus Christ and that day I became a changed person.

BABS:  That’s wonderful Sadie.  I’m so happy for you.
(Uncle Joe comes in carrying soup.)

BABS:  Thank you, Uncle Joe.  

SADIE:  So, tell me all about Chicago!  Is it wonderful?

BABS:  It’s nice.  We live in a suburb, so we’re not really in the city.  I stay home with the kids and I just love being a mom.

SADIE:  Is your husband as wonderful as you always hoped he would be?

BABS:  Well, he isn’t perfect.  I don’t think any man is perfect.  But, he’s a kind, loving husband and he adores the children.  I can’t ask for more than that.

SADIE: Wow.  I never thought you’d really end up as a mom with five kids.  Do you remember when you won Miss Mistletoe?

BABS:  Oh, I almost forgot about that!  What a fun memory.  I remember being so nervous.

SADIE:  Why?  Everyone knew you would win.  I remember being so jealous.  I thought you were going to go off and be this big star.

BABS:  Ah, Sadie, I never wanted that.  I was always embarrassed by things like that.  People always put too much value on my looks and not enough on who I am as a person.  It was flattering to win, but it was just a silly beauty contest.  We all lose our beauty someday, and then what are you left with?

(The door opens and Michael and Sue Anne burst into the diner.)

MICHAEL:  Ho, ho, ho.  

SADIE (looking for a minute):  Michael?  Michael Cartwright?  And Sue Anne?  Ah!
(All jump and hug as Michael and Sue Anne get out of their coats.)

SUE ANNE:  Barbara Witton!  Babs!  

MICHAEL:  Uncle Joe!
 
SUE ANNE:  Babs, how are you?  (Hugs her and notices her stomach for the first time)  Are you expecting?  (Babs nods yes.)

UNCLE JOE:  Kids, it’s so good to see all your faces together again.

SADIE:  The whole gang! I wish I’d known you all were coming.  I would’ve left choir practice early to wash my hair.

SUE ANNE:  Sadie, you’re hair looks fine!  You haven’t changed a bit.

SADIE:  I just can’t believe we’re all here.

MICHAEL:  Well, all of us except Jessy Hamilton.  Has anyone heard from her?

SADIE:  Not since graduation.  I doubt if she’ll ever come back in here after the way I treated her.

SUE ANNE:  None of us were very good friends to her, Sadie.

BABS:  So, Sue Anne, Michael, tell me all about your lives!

SUE ANNE:  Well, I live in Connecticut with my adorable husband.  Let’s just say, I got what I always wanted (flashes her sizable ring for the girls to see.)

SADIE:  Woa, is that real?

BABS:  Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a diamond that big.  

SUE ANNE:  Robert is one of the top lawyers in the country.  He will most likely be appointed judge this year.  I have to say that being a lawyer’s wife leaves little time for relaxing, but the benefits are fantastic.

MICHAEL:  Don’t get her started on how many bedrooms are in her “little cottage” in the country!  We’ll be here all day.

SUE ANNE:  Oh, you just wish you could be there with us more often.

MICHAEL:  Actually, that’s true.  I live in New York and have two daughters.  They just love their Auntie Sue.  Actually, Uncle Joe, I’ve been thinking lately about moving back here.  Mom and Dad miss seeing the girls and I miss being in a place where it’s actually quiet after eight o’clock at night.  It’s true what they say that New York NEVER goes to sleep.  Do you know of any property for sale?

UNCLE JOE:  Hmph.  It don’t seem to matter if it’s for sale or not.  Somebody keeps buyin’ it.

BABS:  What do you mean, Uncle Joe?

SADIE:  There’s some big development company that’s decided to take over Walden.  Can you believe it?  We’re out in the middle of nowhere.  I don’t know what they want with us. WE aren’t even near the interstate.  Kensington Development is the name of the company.  It started with the drug store on the corner, then the movie theater, and pretty soon that company had bought up all of main street and several surrounding properties.  

BABS:  Why would a big company like that want to buy up businesses in Walden?

UNCLE JOE:  Some people think it’s for a casino.  Others think it’s so that they can put in a shopping mall.  Who knows?  

SADIE:  It has everybody upset though.  Most folks around here are poor and old Kensington came in and offered them enough money to retire so they sold.  At least they don’t have the diner yet.  I couldn’t imagine this place being anything except Uncle Joe’s.

(Uncle Joe gets very quiet and clears his throat.)

SADIE:  Uncle Joe?  I know that look.  Did . . . did you sell them the diner?  You didn’t!  You wouldn’t!

UNCLE JOE:  Now Sadie, I haven’t yet, but they aren’t leaving me much choice.  They’re going to put in a fancy new restaurant on that lot next door and with the way taxes keep goin’ up on this place, I think I have to do somethin’.  I don’t know.  I think I have to sell now.  I don’t want to sell, but I’m getting on in years and I may have to.

SUE ANNE:  Well, if you need a loan to get you by, you know I’ll do anything to help, Uncle Joe. 
 
UNCLE JOE:  Thanks Sue Anne.  I appreciate the offer.  But, I think it may be time to throw in the towel.
(Sadie puts her arm around Uncle Joe. He gets a bit emotional and exits to the back room.)

SUE ANNE:  Poor Uncle Joe.

SADIE:  It makes me so angry.  If we just knew what these people wanted from Walden, we could either fight ‘em or go along.  But, it’s all a mystery and every week it seems someone else has sold their business.  Oh, my goodness.  Here I am workin’ as a waitress and I haven’t even asked you if you want anything!  Would you like some soup?

MICHAEL:  Yes, I would.  That sounds great.

SUE ANNE:  None for me, thanks.
(Sadie disappears into the back room.)

SUE ANNE:  Hey, Babs, do you remember that year we entered the Christmas Carnival Talent Contest?  We sang that song we used to sing when we were kids.

BABS:  (singing -should be an upbeat Christmas song-maybe from the 70’s)

SUE ANNE:  Can it really be twenty years ago?  

SADIE:  Yes, it was twenty years ago. I have the crow’s feet and gray hair to prove it.  

SUE ANNE:  Do you remember the Talent Contest?

SADIE:  Oh, yes.  We called ourselves the Holly Sisters and sang that song in front of the whole town.  And that was the year Babs won Miss Mistletoe.

SUE ANNE:  Oh, I had almost forgotten.

SUE ANNE:  I remember that Michael was our manager and Jessy wanted to be in the group, but she didn’t like to sing in front of people. . . 
Scene 4 : (Flashback--Diner-1981)

SUE ANNE:  Okay, girls, let’s try it one more time.  (Sadie, Sue Anne and Babs are trying to work out a dance routine.  Michael is sitting off to one side watching and Jessy is sewing Babs’ Miss Mistletoe banner.)
All three sing the Christmas song about one-fourth of the way through and then they tangled up in their footwork.

SADIE:  Well, we’re going to have to do better than that if we ever want to win.  

MICHAEL:  I think you look ridiculous.  You have to get together on the steps.  

SUE ANNE:  All right, all right.  Let’s try it again.
(Michael sits down next to Jessy.)

MICHAEL:  Hi, Jessy.  

JESSY:  Hi.  I’m almost finished with this.

MICHAEL:  It looks beautiful.  Jessy?  How come you aren’t going to be in the Talent Contest?

JESSY:  No way.  I don’t have any talent!  Besides, I like watching.  It’s more fun to dream I’m onstage than to actually be up there.

MICHAEL (obviously a bit starry-eyed):  Jessy, um, I wanted to, um, ask you something.  

JESSY (staring down at her sewing):  Yes?

MICHAEL:  Well, I wondered if, well, I mean, um, I wondered if you were going to the Christmas Carnival with anyone.  

JESSY:  No . . . 

MICHAEL:  Well, I, um, I wondered if you would go with me.

JESSY:  Oh, Michael, I don’t know what to say.  I don’t think that’s a very good idea.  

MICHAEL (embarrassed):  Oh.  Well, okay.  Maybe some other time.

JESSY:  We’ll see.  Thanks for asking though.  (pause) 
Babs, I finished your sash.  (she puts it on Babs)

SUE ANNE:  Oh, you look so beautiful.

SADIE:  Just like a movie star . . . 

Scene 5 : (Fade back to present)

SUE ANNE:  You did look just like a movie star.  You always did.  You always had that star quality.
(A woman enters the diner with a briefcase and purse.  She looks very official.  She doesn’t really look at the group.  She sits down at one of the tables and begins to write some notes on a notepad.)

SADIE (approaching):  Good afternoon.  May I take your order?

The Woman: Oh, hello (seems a bit surprised).  Just some hot water with a slice of lemon please.

SADIE (returning to the group):  Now, that’s what you call star quality.  She just smells rich.  She must be from New York or Los Angeles or something.

BABS:  How do you know she isn’t from Walden?

SADIE:  That kind of class and breeding doesn’t come from growing up in Walden.  Sue Anne may be all rich and proper now, but there’s still a bit of Walden in her.  That lady over there is the real deal.

SUE ANNE:  I resent that.  I’m every bit as classy as her.

MICHAEL:  Ladies, please.  Does it really matter?

SADIE:  I better get her hot water and lemon.  
(Officer Grisby comes into the diner.)

STANLEY:  Hey, Sadie.  Where’s Uncle Joe?

SADIE:  He’s in back.
(Michael exits to get Uncle Joe.)

STANLEY:  Uncle Joe.  I stopped by to let you know the roads are closed.  The wind chill is down to 10 below and it’s snowing faster than we can keep up.

SADIE (coming in from the back room):  They aren’t canceling the Christmas festivities are they?

STANLEY:  The Christmas Carnival and Pageant have been postponed.  Weatherman says the winds are picking up and they’re upgrading this storm to a blizzard.  We’ve been asked to advise everyone to stay put.  Looks like you folks’ll have to stay here and wait out the storm.

SADIE:  Oh no!  We’re going to have to stay HERE?  

MICHAEL:  I better call mom and dad and tell them where we are Sue Anne.  (pushes the button on his cell phone, but it doesn’t work)  This thing isn’t working, can I use your phone, Uncle Joe?  (Joe nods yes and Michael goes into the back room)

STANLEY:  Best thing you can do is keep warm and pray for it to stop.

UNCLE JOE:  Thank you, Stanley.  We’ll do that.  Would you like that cup of coffee now?

STANLEY:  No thank you.  I’m trying to get around to all the businesses that are still open. 

SADIE:  Did you ever get the nativity scene fixed?

STANLEY:  It’s a funny thing.  We had a taxi come into town to drop somebody off and the driver almost ran right over it.  He couldn’t see the road for the snow and if it hadn’t been for the blinking Jesus, he would have crashed into it for sure. Well, I’ve got some more stops to make.  I’ll be seeing you, Uncle Joe.  (Stanley leaves)

BABS:  Well, I guess we’ll just have to have our own reunion, won’t we!

SUE ANNE:  Actually, this might be kind of fun.  Kind of like one big party.

UNCLE JOE:  I’d better go look for some candles.  Just in case we lose power.

(The woman is listening intently to all of this, but has not stopped writing.)

SADIE:  Here’s your hot water and lemon.  Are you sure you don’t want something to eat?

The Woman:  No, thank you.  I’m fine.  

SADIE:  It looks like you’ll have to stay here until the storm lets up.  Are you from around here?

The Woman:  I’m just passing through on business.  

SADIE:  Well, let me know if I can get you anything else.

MICHAEL(returning from the back room):  The phone lines are down.  I guess we’ll have to wait to call.  I hope the girls don’t get scared.

BABS:  You have two girls, Michael?

MICHAEL:  Yes.  Marla is 12 and Mandy just turned 14.

SADIE:  Michael, I’ve been wanting to ask you, whatever happened to that pretty girl you married?  Did you get divorced or what?

(Sue Anne looks at Sadie with a warning look. Michael gets very quiet for a moment.)

MICHAEL:  No, we didn’t get divorced.  Sometimes I think that would be an easier thing to explain to people.  She died three years ago.  Cancer.  One day she seemed fine and healthy and the next day the doctor was calling to tell us she had cancer.
  
SADIE:  Oh, Michael, I’m so sorry.  I didn’t know.  

MICHAEL:  It was really hard at first, but we’re doing okay now.  I’m tired of living in the city, though.  I want my girls to experience living here in Walden.  I think it would help give us some peace.  They have both been through so much.

SUE ANNE:  We all loved Melanie.  She was always so thoughtful and fun to be around.  We all miss her, Michael.
(All are quiet for a minute.)

SADIE:  (Changing the subject)  Well, I want to hear more about Sue Anne’s rich life.  Come on Sue Anne, tell us what it’s like to have all the money in the world.  

SUE ANNE (forced enthusiasm):  It’s fun to go shopping in all of the best stores.  I love to travel all over the world and of course, the STUFF is pretty great too.

MICHAEL:  And she has plenty of stuff to last her a lifetime.  They had to buy another house just to have a place to put it all.
(Uncle Joe comes back in with candles.  He starts to wipe off all the tables.)

SADIE:  I have an idea.  Let’s decorate the tree.

SUE ANNE:  Oh, that sounds like fun.  I want to hear from Babs next. (Michael stays seated at the bar and Sadie, Sue Anne and Babs begin decorating the tree.)

BABS:  My life isn’t really all that exciting.  My weekly trips to Wal-Mart are about as close as I get to a shopping spree.

SADIE:  Tell us about your kids.

MICHAEL:  How many do you have?

BABS:  Five.  

SADIE:  And one on the way . . . 

BABS:  Jeremy is the oldest.  He’ll be fifteen next month.  He looks just like his dad and acts just like me!  Then there’s Amy, she’s my strong-headed one. She reminds me a bit of you when you were a girl, Sadie.

SADIE:  Oh, you poor thing!

BABS (laughing):  I adore her passion, though.  Then there are the twins, Rebecca and Rachel.  They just turned 7 and had a grand birthday party.  John is my youngest and he’s four.  I was looking forward to getting him off to Kindergarten when we discovered I was expecting again.  

SADIE:  Don’t you get tired of having so many kids?

BABS:  No, absolutely not.  I love my children and I love being a mom.  Sure, there are days I get tired and impatient, but there isn’t anything better than holding a sweet baby in your arms and watching her fall asleep as she wraps her little hand around your finger.  Or helping them with a science project you pretend you understand!  Or baking cookies for their school bake sale.  Sewing patches on their girl scout uniforms.  Driving them to the mall and then sneaking in to see what they’re really up to.  It’s all wonderful.  Even the times I begin to feel overwhelmed, I am thankful to have such a meaningful career.  God has entrusted me with these five lives.  It’s amazing to me that he thinks I can handle it!  And everyday I try to make Him proud.
(Sue Anne is obviously getting emotional, but is trying to act like nothing is wrong.)  

SADIE:  Well, I never had any kids cause I never wanted any.  I had two no-good husbands and I know that if I’d had kids they probably would have been just like their dads.  Some people are just meant to be moms and some aren’t.

BABS:  You might be surprised if you had a child of your own.  (Noticing Sue Anne)  Sue Anne, are you all right.

SUE ANNE:  I’m fine.  

SADIE:  What’s the matter?

SUE ANNE:  Nothing.  It’s just a rough time of year. . . (stops unable to go on)

MICHAEL:  It’s okay, sis.  She and Robert . . . 

SUE ANNE:  No, I’m all right, Michael.  I can tell them.  Robert and I have been trying to have a baby for several years, but so far, no luck.  

SADIE:  You’ve been trying for years?  Don’t they have fertility drugs and surgeries and . . . options now?

SUE ANNE:  They do.  We’ve tried everything money will buy.  In the beginning I thought maybe we just weren’t lucky.  Then they started doing tests and we found out there was more to it than that.  It’s such a humiliating experience to go through.  All the poking and prodding.  You feel so guilty and like there’s something wrong with you.  Every conversation seems to be about babies and children and every time the family sees you they ask, “Any news yet?”  I have this emptiness inside of me that will never go away.  Most of the women my age have children in their teens by now.  I have friends at our Country Club who sit around and complain about their children.  Then they look at me and tell me how lucky I am that I never had children.  It makes me want to scream.  But, I don’t say anything.  I couldn’t stand the thought of them feeling sorry for me.

BABS:  Can’t you adopt?

SUE ANNE:  We’re on several lists with different agencies.  I know it may seem selfish, but I want a baby that is my own.  I want the experience of watching a child grow from a baby into childhood with me as his mom.  If money could buy this for me, my own child, I would give away every penny I had.  

BABS:  How is Robert doing with this?

SUE ANNE:  Every year that passes there is more tension.  I think he gave up on having a baby of our own a long time ago, but I can’t seem to.  He works all the time and I almost never see him.  When he is home, he doesn’t want to talk about it anymore.  A few years ago, I spent the money to have a decorator turn one of the bedrooms into a nursery.  He keeps telling me to change it back, but I can’t.  I just can’t shut the door on this.  This year I’ll be 39 years old.  Time is my enemy.  I only have a few years left to even try.  Every Christmas the sorrow grows deeper and the pain gets so bad I can hardly breathe.  I hear stories of the baby Jesus and think, why would a God that is supposed to be good do this to me?

UNCLE JOE:  The Lord always has his reasons, Sue Anne. He doesn’t DO anything TO us.  He may not stop circumstances from coming into our lives, but he doesn’t cause them. Sometimes his answers just don’t make sense to us.

SUE ANNE:  Uncle Joe, please don’t start bringing up that mushy God talk right now.  I know you mean well, but I’m just not a superstitious person.

UNCLE JOE:  I’m not either.  Believing in God isn’t superstition. 

SUE ANNE:  Can we just drop it?  I don’t want to talk about this or think about it right now.  

SADIE:  Sue Anne, if you ever want to talk, let me know.  I know I haven’t always been the most tender shoulder to cry on, but I’m getting better in my old age.
(The Woman, who has been discreetly watching all of this interaction suddenly sighs, but says nothing.)

MICHAEL:  So, Sadie, tell us what’s new in Walden.  

SADIE:  Not much of anything, Michael.  I doubt if much has changed since you were here.  Do you remember the day we all graduated from High School.  

UNCLE JOE:  I do.  You all came in here after the ceremony with your caps and gowns.  I was so proud of all of you.  There were times when I didn’t know if you’d make it through high school.  Especially you, Sadie.

SADIE:  I know, Uncle Joe.  I hated school.  I was always trying to make it more exciting and getting in trouble for something.

UNCLE JOE:  Hey, kids, I just remembered something.  I have that old projector in back with some of the movies from your graduation.  Do you want to watch it?

BABS:  You still have that?  

UNCLE JOE:  Let me go see if I can find it.  (Leaves to the back room)

MICHAEL:  Speaking of graduation, what was it that happened with you and Jessica Hamilton?

SADIE:  Oh, I don’t want to talk about it.  That was a long time ago.  I just did something I didn’t mean to do.

WOMAN (under her breath):  Oh, you meant it all right.

SADIE (looking closely at the woman):  Excuse me?  Did you say something? 
 
WOMAN:  No, I’m just over here minding my own business, staying out of your way, the way you always liked it.

SADIE:  I’m sorry, do I know you?

WOMAN:  No, you don’t know me.  You never knew me.  You thought you did, but you didn’t.  You were too busy trying to impress everyone else all the time to really know ME.

MICHAEL:  (looking closer at the woman)  Jessy?  Jessy, is that you?

SUE ANNE and BABS:  Jessy?  Jessy Hamilton?  
(The woman rises and approaches the group, but not too close.)

JESSICA:  I go by Jessica now.  

SADIE:  Jessy?  You’re . . . but that’s impossible.

BABS:  Jessica, how have you been?  Did you come back to see all of us?

JESSICA:  No, I’m really here on business.  The taxi dropped me off and I planned to simply wait out the storm and leave.  I never expected to run into all of you.

SADIE:  I hoped I would run into you, I wanted to tell you I’m . . . 

JESSICA:  You’re sorry?  Is that what you’re going to say? Sorry for the way you always made fun of me?  Sorry for the names you called me?  Or maybe you’re sorry for the years you made jokes at my expense.  

What a sad person you turned out to be Sadie.  You always thought you were just a little bit smarter and a little bit prettier than everyone else.  You were going to be a big movie star.  And here you are exactly where I left you.  A waitress in a little diner in the middle of nowhere.  Who turned out to be the poor one?  

BABS:  Jessica!  

JESSICA:  Well, you know what, I went out and I made it.  On my own without any help from anybody.  I made it and I made enough money to do what I want with my life.  And no one is ever going to hurt me again.

UNCLE JOE (coming in from the back room carrying the projector):  I found it!  Okay, it’s movie time.  Let me get this set up here.  Sadie, go flip off the lights and everybody pull up a chair.

(VIDEO:  Of the five friends when they were about 18. All are obviously happy-Jessy is often left out.  ETC.  Nice place for some music about friendship.)

UNCLE JOE:  What wonderful memories.  You are so lucky to have each other as friends.  Life is too short to try to live it without friends by your side.

SADIE:  Jessica?

JESSICA:  I have nothing to say to you.  

SADIE:  I know, but I have something to say to you.  

(Jessica turns away, but listens.)

SADIE:  I know what I did was wrong.  You were right.  I was jealous of you.  I was jealous of everyone.  I felt so worthless and unimportant and everyone around me seemed to always have it all together.  Even you, Jessy.  There was something about you that everyone loved.  People weren’t nice to you because they felt sorry for you.  They were nice to you because they liked you and they wanted you to be their friend.  People didn’t like me, they were entertained by me, but they were also scared of me.  I used that as a weapon so that no one would ever get close enough to know just how much I was hurting inside.  I wasn’t the smart one, the pretty one, the likeable one;  I was the mean one.  The one who would make everyone laugh, but it was usually at someone else’s expense.  I lived most of my life looking to other people for my self worth.  I was miserable and I made everyone around me miserable.  I got married twice thinking that would make me happy, but I didn’t know how to be happy.  When I began to learn about the Lord, I knew I could never be good enough for Him to love me either.  All that stuff in the bible might work for other people, but not for me.  I had hurt too many people.  Then I started learning about Jesus and the kind of people he hung around with when he was here on the earth.  They were like me.  They were the people that nobody liked to be around.  I realized that I couldn’t change just because I wanted to.  I needed the Lord in my heart.  He not only saved me, he’s changed me.  Every day my heart grows a little softer.  

But, no matter what I do, I can’t change the past.  I was mean to you, Jessica.  Over and over again.  I hurt you and I did it on purpose.  Nobody ever heard from you again, but I looked for you.  I’ve waited 20 years to tell you how sorry I am.  Jessica, I want to ask for your forgiveness.  It  doesn’t excuse what I did.  It doesn’t make it better.  But, I promise you that I will do anything I can to make things better.

JESSICA:  I don’t know.  I don’t think I can. 

BABS:  Jessica, please.  WE all need you to forgive us.  We were never there for you like a true friend should be.  

SUE ANNE:  We never meant to hurt you, but we never really helped you.

UNCLE JOE:  Jessica, I know your parents would like to know you’re all right.  Twenty years is a long time to go without knowing where your daughter has been.  They looked all over the country for a Jessica Hamilton, but they never could track you down.

JESSICA:  Well, they wouldn’t.  I changed my name.  (pause)  I go by Jessica Kensington now.

SADIE (thinking about it):  Jessica Kensington?  Where do I know that from?

UNCLE JOE:  (suddenly realizes where he knows the name from)  You’re Kensington Development?

JESSICA:  Yes, as a matter of fact I am.  It’s one of many companies I own and operate.  

SADIE:  You’re the one buying up the town?  But, why Walden?  Why would you want to buy up Walden?

JESSICA:  Why not? What better way to prove my success than to invest in Walden.   

UNCLE JOE:  But, you aren’t investing.  You’re putting me and all my friends out of business.  Why would you want to do that?

JESSICA:  Oh, I wouldn’t put it that way.  You’re all being paid rather well for your businesses.

SADIE:  But why?  What are you going to do with them.

JESSICA:  I haven’t decided yet.   

MICHAEL:  Jessy, what’s happened to you.  You have such a bitter heart.  

JESSICA:  Oh, brother.  Look, I don’t need all of this.  I came in here to write up a final sale offer for the place.  (Hands a piece of paper to Uncle Joe)  Here it is.  Take it or leave it.  I’m going to go see if the phone lines are working yet so I can call a cab.  (Leaves for the back room)

BABS:  Wow, what are you going to do, Uncle Joe?

UNCLE JOE:  I guess if she wants it so bad, I’m going to sell.  I never woulda’ guessed it was her.

SADIE:  Uncle Joe, do you have to?

UNCLE JOE (signing):  It’s for the best.  It’s time I retire from this old place and enjoy my old age properly.  I just always thought I’d pass it on to someone who would really appreciate the diner.  Sadie, I always thought I’d pass it on to you.

SADIE:  Oh, Uncle Joe!

UNCLE JOE:  Of course, I didn’t know if you would want it.  I know you plan to head out west as soon as you get the money.

SADIE:  Uncle Joe, I think we both know that’s just a dream.  I used to need that dream to make it through another day in this place and in this town.  I used to feel trapped.  Now, (pause) I just feel like I’m home.  I don’t think I’ll ever leave Walden now; I don’t think I really want to anymore.

UNCLE JOE:  Sadie Benton, you know you’re the daughter I never had. (The two hug.)

SADIE:  I just wish there was something I could say or do to make things better. 

MICHAEL:  Hey, it’s stopped snowing.

BABS:  Well, I think we should shake off the gloom in this room and get to celebrating Christmas.  The tree is almost finished.

SUE ANNE:  Uncle Joe, do you have any cocoa?

UNCLE JOE:  Of course I do!   It wouldn’t be Christmas without my special recipe.  Cocoa for everyone?

(all nod in response)

SADIE:  Let’s finish up this tree.  Come on ladies, we need to get the party going.

(Michael sits down to one side of the stage.  He is obviously deep in thought.  Jessy walks in from the back and he grabs her arm as she goes by.)

MICHAEL:  Jessica, would you please sit down?

JESSY:  I don’t have time.  I found a cab and he’ll be here soon.  Please just leave me alone.

MICHAEL:  Even if he leaves now, it will take a while for him to get here.  Please sit for a minute.

JESSY:  (sits down.  There is a long pause.)  It’s good to see you again, Michael.

MICHAEL:  It’s good to see you too.  I’ve missed you over the years.  You were always one of my best friends. One of the things I always liked about you is the way you cared about other people.  What’s this business about buying up the town really about?

JESSY:  It’s just like I said.  I left here poor and the town joke.  Now who’s laughing?

MICHAEL:  Yes, who’s laughing?  You mean to tell me you’re happy?

JESSY:  Sure, why not?  I have everything I’ve always wanted.

MICHAEL:  But, are you happy?  Because you don’t seem to be.  Oh sure you look very fashionable in your fancy clothes, but you’ve changed.  You used to be so kind.

JESSY:  Yes, the KIND of person people would walk all over.  I don’t need anything or anybody.  I am completely self-sufficient and I like it that way.

MICHAEL:  Do you know what I see?  I see a bitter, angry woman who is so lonely and unhappy she doesn’t know which way to turn.  You’ve shut out your family, you’ve shut out your friends-all in an effort to shut out your past.  Sadie asked for your forgiveness and all you did was make her feel worse.  When will the revenge be enough for you?  When you have destroyed this town?  When you can finally look around you and realize that you are TRULY alone because you’ve destroyed everyone and everything that has ever cared about you?  I don’t know who you are Jessica Kensington, but I do know this.  Underneath this person you have created is Jessy Hamilton and she would tell you to stop being so self-centered and forgive.  I’m going to join the party.  Good luck with your life, Jessica.

(Michael goes to help with the tree.  Jessy is left sitting there, alone.)

STANLEY (coming in with snow on his shoulders):  The snow plow is on its way.  

(Myra, Mrs. Brinks-wearing a bandage, Mayor Riggs, and a few others come in behind him)

MYRA:  It’s warm in here!  We’ve all been in city hall waiting for the storm to clear so we could walk over here for something hot to drink.

(Uncle Joe comes in with Cocoa for everyone.)

SADIE:  Mrs. Brinks, are you all right?

MRS. BRINKS:  (has a bandage on her head)  Yes, yes.  I’m fine.  Just a little scratch.  

Mayor Riggs:  I’ve been saying it all night, but I’ll say it again:  I really am sorry!

MRS. BRINKS:  It’s fine. At least it took my mind off the cancelled Christmas program.

SADIE:  I know, I was so excited about singing my solo.

BABS:  Why don’t you sing it for us now Sadie?

SADIE:  Oh, I don’t know.

MICHAEL:  Come on, we want to hear it.

SADIE:  Oh, all right (Christmas song about forgiveness and finding the love of the Lord.  Jessica is obviously listening closely.)

BABS:  Sadie, that was beautiful.  

SUE ANNE:  I never really thought about the Lord loving me like that.  I guess I never really took the time to think about the Lord at all.  I always thought He was just up there in the sky somewhere and didn’t have time for me.  Even with all the money and stuff in the world, I still feel like something is missing.  I used to think it was having a baby of my own, but now I’m not so sure that’s all it is.

SADIE:  I think we all have an empty place when we don’t accept the love of the Lord.  I know that I never really knew who Sadie Benton was until I knew I was God’s child. He’s not just my father, he’s my daddy.  Now that I know that, my life is filled with joy-even here in a little diner in a little town in the middle of nowhere.  

JESSY:  May I say something?  (all turn to look at her)

JESSY:  I don’t think there’s anything I can really say for how I acted earlier.  Uncle Joe, (ripping up sale) I don’t want your diner.  I don’t want Walden anymore.  I don’t know why I’m the way I am.  I’ve been so angry for so long, I don’t know how to be any other way.  But, I want to try.  Sadie, I’m sorry for what I said to you, and if you’re willing, I’d like to start over.  In fact, I’d like to start over again with everyone.  I left Walden to make a home for myself somewhere else, but I’ve just been running away for the past 20 years.

SADIE:  It’s never too late to start over.  

MICHAEL:  (putting an arm around Jessica)  Jessy, you’re home now.  

UNCLE JOE:  I think it’s time for some celebration.  Our tree is just as pretty as that big fancy one in the new gym.

(More people come in the door from outside.  A party begins with small talk and various characters hugging, etc.  Then Sadie starts in singing the final song and all join in.)

.......................................................................

© Shannon Le Grand
All rights reserved. This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed. She may be contacted at: slegrand@sbcglobal.net