Watching Lucas

Ok, this is our first post of a play in progress. As you will see each play or screenplay will be different regarding target audience, format (short film, feature film, short play, sketch or full length play) and number of drafts. This first one is working titled "Watching Lucas". Any feedback you give me will be appreciated. However, suggestions for direction story might go from here, moments or dialogue you hate or love (I can take it - I'm on medication) or any other constructed comment is greatly appreciated. I am working on an idea to reward participants for taking their valuable time to read and comment. If you have any suggestions regarding our reward program please forward those suggestions, as well.

Watching Lucas (working title)
By
Ken Bailey
© KenBailey 2009



Setting: The bedroom of 7 year old Lucas.

Time: Present

At Rise: Kay Triplett is on her phone while 7 year old Lucas plays on the floor with a
firetruck




ACT I

Scene 1


KAY
(on phone)
-oh Shelia I am so sorry. I will be right over. What? Oh no, Roger can stay with Lucas. Lucas is ready for bed anyway. See you soon.

(KAY hangs up and dials)

KAY (cont.)
I need you to come in here and help put Lucas to bed. Shelia and her Mother-in-law are at it again. They need a counsular, a prayer partner and referee. Because I have to. Come on in here.

LUCAS
MS. KAY? You’re not leaving are you?

KAY
Oh Lucas, just for a little while but Pastor Roger is going to be here.

LUCAS
But my Mom said you would be with me the whole time till my baby brother came home.

KAY
Lucas, I never dreamed I would..but.. Now you like Pastor Roger don’t you?

LUCAS
He’s okay during the daytime but it’s night and I get a little-

(Roger enters unhappily)

KAY
Roger! Look, Lucas, it’s Pastor Roger.

ROGER
(under his breath)
ta-daa.

(Roger pulls KAY aside)

ROGER (cont.)
(to KAY)
You know I’m not comfortable around children.

KAY
OH please. Lucas is a wonderful boy. And besides he’ll be a sleep in no time.

(KAY picks up purse to exit)
KAY
You two fellas have fun and don’t stay up all night talking about the old days.

(KAY turns to exit)
LUCAS
Ms.Kay?

(LUCAS crooks his finger to motion for KAY to join him. KAY crosses to LUCAS.
LUCAS beacons her to lean over.)

He smells like salami.

KAY
Roger.. Did you get into the refrigerator?

ROGER
I got hungry- and the game was on- Do you think they expected us to stay here and not raid the fridge?

KAY
See, you two will get along fine. Roger tell Lucas a Bible story to help him sleep.

(KAY exits)

ROGER
So you like Bible stories?

LUCAS
Sometimes, I guess.

ROGER
Well I am working on a interesting story about the situation behind John the Baptist loosing his…a.. car keys.

LUCAS
Car Keys? They didn’t have cars in Bible days.

ROGER
Well I’m just starting my research-

(phone rings. Lucas answers it)
LUCAS
Fontino residence. Hi, Daddy! (sits up) Can you see me? What am I doing now? Right. Is Mom okay? How about my brother, have you seen him yet? How long’s it gonna be? Okay. (to Roger) He wants to talk to you.

ROGER
Hi Brad, how’s Melissa doing? Good. We prayed earlier and we’ll pray here in a minute before Lucas gets into bed. You saw the changing of the guard? Yeah, Shelia Morganson needed Kay’s shoulder, ear and probably last nerve so she went over there so I’m here with Lucas. Aw, don’t mention it. That’s what neighbors are for. I know your Dad wishes he were here instead of me. How is your Mom? (listens) Well, we’ll keep praying for her too. Sure. (to Lucas) Your Dad wants to tell you good night.

(LUCAS takes phone)

LUCAS
Night Dad-. Dad? Is it too baby if I blow you a kiss. Good.

(LUCAS blows kiss)
LUCAS
(to camera)
NIGHT DAD! NIGHT MOM! NIGHT BROTHER! Hope you are not a B.R.A.T. (to Roger) It’s okay. Baby’s can’t spell.

ROGER

Well now. That was better than a story. Bet you are ready for bed.
LUCAS
Okay.

(LUCAS gets under covers. Roger crosses to doorway)

ROGER
You usually sleep with the light on or off?

LUCAS
Mostly off. But I want my Dad to see how big I am. So, let’s leave it on.

ROGER
On it is. Goodnight Lucas.

LUCAS
Pastor Roger?

ROGER
Yes?

LUCAS
You told my Dad we would pray.

(ROGER embarrassed)

ROGER
Thank you for reminding me.

(LUCAS jumps out of bed and kneels beside it. The getting-older ROGER looks at the distance to the floor and then struggles to get his footballed knees down beside LUCAS)

ROGER (cont.)
Okay, whose it gonna be? You or me?

LUCAS
Daddy says you get paid to.

ROGER
(does take to Nanny cam)
Okay then. Father God. Thank you for this home and the Light of you that is in it. Thank you for watching over us just as his Mom and Dad watch over Lucas here. We pray that Lucas’ new baby brother be healthy and strong and learn early to lean on You and praise you for your love in sending Your Son Jesus to us and it is in his name we pray. Amen. Oh and please send Ms. Kay back here as soon possible.

LUCAS
Amen!

ROGER
(smiling to camera)
Hope we all got our money’s worth. Good night, Lucas

(Roger struggles a bit to get up off floor and exit)

LUCAS
Pastor Roger? Could to tell me the story about the guy who lost his car keys?

ROGER
Let me think of another one that might be more your speed.

(Suddenly Roger looks out his window to see his next door house on fire. He grabs his cell to call 911)