TEEN ANGEL by D. M. Larson Copyright © 2003 All Rights Reserved* Cast of Characters PEGGY: A teen who has found herself on a mission after her death. GABRIELLA: The guide upon the stairway to heaven. ALICE: Manager of a 50’s diner. KATE: Shy teen who is in love with RICK. DAVID: A mysterious man who offers to help PEGGY in her mission. RICK: A teen who has lost his girlfriend in a car accident. HEATHER: An obnoxious teen who continually picks on KATE. Heather’s friends – one or more girls play Heather’s friend but don’t have any lines. Time and Place Early 1950’s at a diner. [Note: Music is used throughout the show. The play can be done with recorded music or more ambitious productions can be done with live music and actors singing the songs. Depending on your type of production, please observe copyright restrictions when using songs] (MUSIC: “Last Kiss” by J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers. Music slowly fades as cars racing are heard. Honking is heard and then a crash. Screams. Music builds and then fades) (Lights come up on PEGGY, a young teenage girl who is in white, sparkling robes. She is standing before a white, sparkling staircase leading to a passage through a cloudy background. GABRIELLA, a woman in white steps forward from the passage and is at the top of the stairs. Her clothing looks similar to PEGGY but GABRIELLA has wings) GABRIELLA I see you’ve arrived. I almost thought you weren't going to make it. Modern medicine certainly creates a lot of uncertainty in my work these days. PEGGY Where am I? GABRIELLA You’re climbing the stairway to heaven. PEGGY You mean that… GABRIELLA You’ve crossed over… PEGGY I’m dead? GABRIELLA You could say that. PEGGY But what happened? I don’t remember… anything. GABRIELLA Souls are made to forget the pain and sorrows of life, especially the end. It’s better that way. PEGGY But I remember so little about my life. I remember that my name is Peggy and that I like vanilla ice cream… (Pauses and struggles to remember. GABRIELLA comes down the stairs) GABRIELLA Your memories are selected carefully. Too many earthly memories really mess with eternal bliss. PEGGY But it seems like I’m forgetting something. I hate that feeling. You know, like you know you have to do something but you can’t remember what and you know you’ll get in big trouble if you don’t do it… GABRIELLA Peace, Peggy dear. There’s nothing to worry about now. PEGGY I suppose not... (Something still seems to bother her) GABRIELLA (Studying PEGGY) I see what they mean… PEGGY What who mean? GABRIELLA I was sent to help guide you. PEGGY Guide me? Into heaven? (Points to stairs) The way looks pretty clear. GABRIELLA It appears so, but nothing is ever as simple as it seems. (Motions to stairs) Perhaps I should illustrate. Try going up the stairs. PEGGY (Looks at GABRIELLA funny, shrugs, and heads to stairs. PEGGY stops at the bottom step and can’t seem to go any further) I want to… but can’t. GABRIELLA You’re not ready yet. PEGGY That doesn’t mean that I’m going to… you know where… GABRIELLA (Smiles) Fortunately, no. You lived a good life and have few blotches on your record. You shouldn’t fear going anywhere but heaven. But… (Pauses) …there’s always a “but” isn’t there? (PEGGY looks worried) You will need to earn your wings. PEGGY Earn my wings? GABRIELLA You can’t enter heaven without wings. So each soul must earn them. Now some people earn them in life with good works and good deeds… Mother Teresa for example. Her soul had the most amazing wings when she arrived… PEGGY So I didn’t do anything good in my life? GABRIELLA You were a good person or you wouldn’t be here. But wingless souls are often wingless for a reason. Even good people make mistakes in life. So good people are given a chance to earn their wings despite problems in life. PEGGY Sounds fair. I only wish I knew I knew what I’d done. GABRIELLA It’s better not to know anything about your past life. It will only make earning your wings more difficult. Let me give you a warning… your memories are there, but don’t go seeking them. They will only lead you down the wrong path and will keep you from earning your wings. PEGGY What happens if I don’t earn my wings? GABRIELLA You will earn them. I know you will. PEGGY Why? Can you see the future? GABRIELLA No, but I can see your heart and I have faith that you will succeed. PEGGY (Suddenly determined) So what do I need to do to earn my wings? GABRIELLA There is some unfinished business in your past life that must be resolved. You will be without memory and will appear as a stranger to those who once knew you. Discover the problem and help to fix it. That will earn you your wings. PEGGY I have a feeling this isn’t going to be as easy as you are making it sound. GABRIELLA Actually it is quite dangerous. PEGGY Then why send me? GABRIELLA Because we know that you are the only one that can fix the problem. PEGGY And what is the problem? GABRIELLA Unfortunately, we’re not sure. PEGGY This isn’t going to be easy. GABRIELLA I need to leave you with a warning as well. PEGGY Leave me? You’re leaving me? But we just met. GABRIELLA Don’t worry, Peggy. I won’t be far away. PEGGY I feel so overwhelmed… no memory… trying to solve a problem I know nothing about… And you mentioned a warning? GABRIELLA You must be careful. Keep your memories buried. If one tries to seek the past, she can become trapped in it and become a lost soul. PEGGY A lost soul? GABRIELLA A lost soul is a person whom some people know as ghosts. PEGGY I could become a ghost? GABRIELLA (GABRIELLA goes up stairs) Only if you are not careful. Remember, you are someone else now. No one will remember you. No one will recognize you. But if they do… then you could be lost. PEGGY How will I know what to do? GABRIELLA You will know. Only you know the way. (Reaches to of stairs) Good luck, Peggy. (Exits and lights fade to a spotlight. PEGGY steps into the spotlight and now is in common street clothes [which actress wore under white robe]. PEGGY looks around into the darkness and sounds can be heard. Faint and unrecognizable at first. Then the sounds grow stronger. Lights come up across the stage on a 50’s style diner. 50’s music is heard now. Waitresses, bus boys, cooks, customers are in the diner. PEGGY watches from her spotlighted area) ALICE (Older waitress who managers the diner) Clean up on table 7. (Looks around) Where is that girl? KATE (Rushes in. KATE is a teen about PEGGY’s age) Sorry. I’m on it. (Lights slowly fade on PEGGY) ALICE Where were you anyway? HEATHER (Snotty teen who is a customer sitting with friends) Watching Rick no doubt. (Her friends laugh) ALICE Rick? Who is Rick? KATE Nobody. HEATHER Nobody? He’s only the man of Kate’s dreams. KATE He is not. HEATHER You should see Kate when she’s around him. Serious puppy love. ALICE Hurry with that cleanup, Kate. I need you to go get a jar of pickles out of the pantry. HEATHER (As KATE comes near she drops something on the floor in front of her so she steps in it) Ooops. Better clean that up too, Kate. (Friends laugh and Kate looks upset and slowly bends down to clean it) PEGGY (Enters and helps KATE) Here, let me help you. KATE Thank you. PEGGY No problem. (They clean it up and stand) Hi, I’m… (Realizes she needs another name) Pamela. KATE: I’m Kate. HEATHER: And we’re hungry. Where’s the food, Kate? ALICE: Hurry up with the pickles, Kate. KATE: Okay. (KATE rushes off) HEATHER: (Gets up and looks at PEGGY) So who are you? I haven’t seen you around before. PEGGY: I’m new in town. I sort of dropped in. HEATHER: Well, you better learn quickly who are the right people to hang out with and who are the wrong people. (KATE enters with jar and gives it to ALICE) That girl over there is the wrong people. (Points to friends) We, on the other hand, are the right people. (KATE comes with food for HEATHER and friends. HEATHER sits and looks at meal. ALICE exits) PEGGY: So what makes someone the right people? HEATHER: You know, the people with the right families, the right cars, the right friends… (Looks at food) Kate, what is this? I ordered Cheddar cheese not Swiss. I swear this place is run by a bunch of retards. (HEATHER eats it anyway) PEGGY: Obviously, not the right personality. KATE: I’m sorry, Heather. I’ll get you another one. HEATHER:Look, I’ve been waiting here long enough. Now you’ve gone and ruined it. I’m not paying for it. KATE: But Alice will take it out of my paycheck. HEATHER: That’s what happens when you get the order wrong. PEGGY: (Picks up ticket) Says here on the ticket that you ordered Swiss. KATE: I swore you said Swiss. HEATHER: (To friends) Girls? Did I say Swiss? (Friends shake heads no) See. I have witnesses. KATE: Fine, Heather. Okay… (KATE exits upset. PEGGY gives HEATHER a dirty look and follows. Lights fade on diner and come up on KATE who is crying) PEGGY: Kate? Are you okay? KATE: I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so upset. I should be used to it by now. PEGGY: Used to what? Being abused? I don’t think anyone should get used to it. KATE: Every week she comes in here and does that. She orders something, says I get it wrong and then it comes out of my paycheck. PEGGY: That’s not fair. Doesn’t your boss do anything about it? She’s right there. KATE: Alice doesn’t want to make Heather mad either. Heather’s family is very powerful and no one wants to cross her. PEGGY: MThat girl needs to be put in her place. She’s a spoiled brat who… (KATE is staring with an exciting/scared expression) KATE: Oh, my gosh. PEGGY: What is it? KATE: It’s Rick. PEGGY: Who is Rick? KATE: He’s only the cutest guy in school. PEGGY: You like him? KATE Of course. Every girl does. PEGGY So he’s not your boyfriend? KATE (Laughs) No, he doesn’t even know I exist. (Saddens) He’s more Heather’s type anyway. He’s the right kind of people. I’m not. PEGGY From what I can tell, you’re the right kind of people. KATE Well, you’re the only one who thinks so. I’m the wrong kind of people, from the wrong side of town, with no car and no father. I’m a big loser. PEGGY I’ve only known you for a few minutes, but I can tell you are a good person, who is a hard worker, and you care about others. That makes you the right kind of people in my book. KATE Thanks… what did you say your name was again. PEGGY (Struggles to remember the name she said) Uh… Paula. KATE Nice to meet you, Paula. I better get back to work. (KATE exits) PEGGY (Looks off stage where Rick would be) He is cute. (Frowns) He looks so sad though. DAVID (voice) That’s because he lost someone recently. PEGGY (Turns) Who are you? DAVID (DAVID enters and is wearing a nice black outfit. He’s close to PEGGY’s age) I’m David. I’m here to… guide you. PEGGY You were sent to help me? DAVID You could say that. These missions can be hard, especially when you are new. A helping hand is often appreciated. PEGGY It will be for sure. I have no clue what is going on. I only know I’m supposed to help someone, but how or who is a mystery. DAVID That’s why I’m here now. We would never want to leave you alone to flounder. For example, the whole name thing. Pamela? Paula? You really need to settle on one. PEGGY I used two different names didn’t I? Shoot. I couldn’t remember what I said the first time. (Frustrated) My brain feels like scrambled eggs. Why can’t we be allowed to remember anything? DAVID I see the forgetfulness is really bothering you. Perhaps you should be allowed to remember. PEGGY But I thought… DAVID The most important thing is that you succeed. If having your memory will help you succeed, then I think it might be better that you know everything. PEGGY (Looks back toward Rick) That guy, Rick, looks so sad. Who did he lose? DAVID His girlfriend. She was in a car accident. He was driving. PEGGY How horrible. How did it happen? Was he drinking? DAVID It’s so easy to blame it on alcohol, isn’t it? This time, no. He was drag racing. PEGGY Racing… some other guy. They were only playing around. Racing for fun. DAVID Then a truck pulled out in front of them. A Mac truck to be exact and smack. Good-bye, girlfriend. (Smiles at PEGGY) You look as if you remember it somehow. PEGGY (Staring. A bit stunned) Poor guy. He still hasn’t recovered from the loss, has he? DAVID He’s the best looking guy in school. He won’t be lonely for long. PEGGY So who am I here to help? Kate or Rick? DAVID What about Heather? Maybe you’re here to help her. PEGGY Heather is beyond my help. DAVID I would have to agree. PEGGY So you don’t know who I’m helping either? Doesn’t anybody know anything up there? DAVID Completely and totally annoying, isn’t it? But don’t worry. I’ll help you figure it out. PEGGY Thank you so much. DAVID You better get back in the diner. I have a feeling you’ll be needed. PEGGY Thanks. (PEGGY exits) DAVID (Pulls out notebook) Subjects appears receptive and open to suggestions. Memories near surface. (Closes notebook) This will be an easy one. (Exits and lights go black. Lights come up on diner. HEATHER calls over KATE) SONG: “The Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley HEATHER Kate, you didn’t take the burger off my bill. I’m not paying for any of this now. KATE Heather, you have to pay your bill. You can’t keep coming in here and getting free meals. HEATHER What’s this? Have a little backbone now do we? Sorry, Kate, but I’m not paying! ALICE (Enters) What’s going on out here? (PEGGY enters too as KATE and HEATHER get into a shouting match) KATE Heather won’t pay her bill. HEATHER She got my order wrong. KATE She keeps saying that so she doesn’t have to pay. HEATHER If this retard would ever get it right, then I would pay. KATE I always get it right. You’re trying to cheat me. PEGGY (Shouts and waves arms) Everyone stop yelling! (Everyone freezes except PEGGY) Oh, my gosh. What happened? (Looks at everyone who still aren’t moving) I can freeze people? But how do I get them back? (Thinks) How about… start! (Everyone is yelling again) HEATHER I want this girl fired. KATE I want her arrested. PEGGY Stop! (Everyone freezes again and PEGGY smiles) I’m going to like this. (Looks at everyone) Now, how do I stop this? (Grabs a cracker off table and puts it in HEATHER’s mouth) Start! HEATHER (Tries to speak but can’t because of the cracker. Spits out cracker) What the… how did that happen? ALICE Heather. Why don’t you and your friends go ahead and go. Lunch is on me. HEATHER There, now, someone’s being reasonable. (Motions to friends who get up) Let’s go, girls. (HEATHER and girls exit) KATE Alice, I… ALICE I’ve never seen you like that before. Yelling at Heather like that. KATE I’m sorry. I sort of lost it. ALICE You don’t know how many times I’ve wanted to yell at that girl myself. KATE What? ALICE Someone needs to take that girl out in the alley and slap her around. KATE So you’re not mad? You’re not going to fire me? ALICE You’re the best worker I’ve got, Kate. And I know you weren’t wrong. But unfortunately, we have a business to run and we can’t go around telling off customers… especially ones with powerful parents. KATE It’s so unfair. ALICE Welcome to adulthood. (ALICE exits. KATE sighs and sits) PEGGY (Goes up to KATE) That was brave of you, Kate. That was great how you stood up to Heather. KATE If it was so great, then how come I feel like someone punched me in the stomach. (DAVID enters. He sits at a table behind them and watches) PEGGY It’s not easy standing up to people. But sometimes we need to draw a line in the sand and refuse to budge anymore. KATE Thanks. Pamela right? Or was it Paula? PEGGY Or call me Peggy. Whatever you want? KATE Peggy? Hey, that was Rick’s girlfriend’s name. PEGGY Rick’s girlfriend? KATE Yeah, she was killed in a car accident. Rick was driving. He feels so horrible about it. I wish I could do something for him. PEGGY (Distant) Me too. KATE Can I get you something? I assume that’s why you’re at the diner. PEGGY (Checks her pockets) Actually, I… uh… seem to have forgotten my money. DAVID I’ll get it. (They both turn and notice DAVID now) Give us two specials. KATE Coming right up. (KATE exits and shouts order) Two hunks of cow and make then oink. PEGGY Two hunks of cow and make them oink? DAVID Bacon burgers. I speak diner-esse. PEGGY I can’t believe I wasn’t given any money. Lucky you were here. DAVID I live to serve. PEGGY Something is bothering me. DAVID Rick? PEGGY Yes, and the whole thing with his girlfriend. Her name was Peggy, just like me. DAVID Amazing coincidence isn’t it? PEGGY I’m not sure it is. What if I was that girl? What if Rick was my boyfriend? DAVID It would make your task more challenging for sure. PEGGY Why can’t I remember anything? This is so frustrating. DAVID Relax. Your memories will return in time. I think they will definitely help in this situation. PEGGY But no one will recognize me will they? DAVID No, you look totally different to them. (Pauses) But you’re still very beautiful… PEGGY (Coyly) David? Are you flirting with me? Is that allowed? DAVID Probably not… so back to business. I can tell something else is on your mind… do share. PEGGY It doesn’t seem fair… DAVID What’s that? PEGGY Why did I die so young? DAVID I’m new at this too, but this is my understanding. People are taken for three reasons: either they have accomplished what they were made to do, or they are so bad that they can’t be fixed and they need to start over… or they simply need more angels. PEGGY I guess I fall into that last category, because I obviously didn’t accomplish what I needed to do. That’s why I’m here now. (Still distant) DAVID What else is on your mind? PEGGY If Rick was my boyfriend, then I must be here to help him. But instead I seem drawn to Kate. DAVID It does seem odd. PEGGY Then you think I’m barking up the wrong tree? DAVID (Gets up) Try talking to Rick. I think a guy who lost his girlfriend in a car accident needs you a lot more than some girl who is being picked on by bullies. (Tosses a $20 on the table) Keep the change. (He exits as KATE enters with food) KATE Your friend had to go? PEGGY Yeah. Want to have his burger? KATE Alice would yell at me for eating with a customer. I’ve been in enough trouble today. PEGGY Heather is quite the trouble maker. I’m glad you didn’t get fired over it. KATE Alice was a good friend of my mom. Actually kind of raised me, because mom was always so sick. PEGGY Your mother passed away. KATE Three years ago. I’m doing alright now, but it was sure hard at first. Alice really pulled me through. PEGGY You’re lucky to have her. KATE I am… (Smiles) So was that guy your boyfriend? PEGGY Who? David? No, he’s… (Thinks to herself) A friend. He’s here to help me. KATE Help you? PEGGY Uh… help me get settled in. KATE He’s cute… but not as cute as Rick. PEGGY You really like Rick don’t you? KATE He’s not like the other guys at school. He has always been so nice to me. I really got to know him at the hospital when my mother was sick. He volunteers there… PEGGY (Thinks) Because he wants to be a doctor. KATE Yeah, how’d you know? PEGGY (Frowns) Lucky guess. KATE After his girlfriend died in the car crash, he’s been so sad. I wish I could cheer him up like he did me in the hospital with my mom. PEGGY Maybe you can. KATE But I don’t know how. I can’t even cheer myself up. PEGGY I’ll help you. We’ll make it our mission to help Rick be happy again. KATE Okay, let’s do it. PEGGY But first, I need to eat my burger. I’m starving. KATE And I need to do some dishes. But I get off soon. We can start planning Operating Help Rick. PEGGY Roger that. KATE (Laughs) Thanks. (Exits. Lights go black) PEGGY What happened to the lights? (Lights come up on stairway to heaven. GABRIELLA appears at the top) GABRIELLA Peggy, we need to talk. PEGGY Is something wrong? GABRIELLA You must be careful. You memories are coming back to you. You must bury them or be lost. PEGGY But David said… GABRIELLA David… that is the other problem. PEGGY What’s wrong with David? GABRIELLA He is not one of us. He has been sent to lead you astray. PEGGY You mean he’s… a bad guy. GABRIELLA More like a bad spirit. You must not listen to him. He is trying to trap your soul. You must be careful. Good luck, Peggy. (Starts to go) PEGGY Wait! That’s it. That’s all you’re going to tell me. This is too hard and now I have a bad spirit after me. You’ve got to help me. (GABRIELLA is gone and lights fade to black. A spotlight comes up on PEGGY alone. DAVID appears in the shadows behind her) I can’t do this alone. DAVID You’re not alone, Peggy. PEGGY Stay away from me. DAVID I don’t mean you any harm, Peggy. PEGGY I don’t believe you. Go away. DAVID I’ll leave you for now. But I will be close. If you need help, don’t hesitate to call. (DAVID fades into the shadows) PEGGY Is this what a lost soul feels like, because I’ve never felt so lost before… (Lights fade on PEGGY and come up on diner) SONG: “Angel Baby” by Rosie Hamlin (Lights come up on KATE in diner with ALICE) KATE Goodnight, Alice. ALICE You sure you’re okay closing up alone? KATE It’s not a problem. (Smiles) You have a date tonight. ALICE (A little embarrassed) Nosey, aren’t we? KATE Sorry. Have fun with… whatever you’re doing? ALICE Thanks. Goodnight. (Exits and KATE is alone cleaning up) HEATHER (Enters with friends) So girls, who is our conquest for this week? (Looks outside) What about Rick? (Looks at KATE) Oh, but that’s right. Kate loves Rick doesn’t she? KATE Can I get you something, Heather? We’re closing soon. HEATHER (Looks around) Hey, did Alice leave you here all alone? Just you and Ricky boy out there all alone. Why is he always sitting out there anyway? KATE This is the last place he was before he was in that car accident. It was the last time he saw his girlfriend alive. HEATHER (Sarcastic) How tragic. Poor Ricky boy all dark and brooding about his loss. Maybe he could use someone like me to cheer him up. That okay with you, Kate? KATE (Trying not to get angry) Do you want some sodas? HEATHER I know you’ve got it bad for him. I see you out there giving him free sodas and fries. (Knocks some cups on the floor) KATE I just cleaned the floor. HEATHER Oh, dear. Clumsy me. (Knocks some straws on the floor. Her friends laugh and do the same) KATE Please stop. HEATHER (Starts tossing napkins) What are you going to do? Get your boyfriend to stop me? (HEATHER and friends start trashing the place) KATE No, don’t. HEATHER Oh, look. Special order for Kate. (Throws some food on KATE) Want some ketchup with that? (Squirts KATE with ketchup. KATE stands there and starts to cry) Night, Heather. Been fun. (HEATHER and her friends laugh and exit) RICK (Enters) Kate? (Sees her) Are you okay? What happened? KATE (Crying) Nothing. RICK I could see Heather and her friends messing up the place from my car. Did they hurt you? KATE No. RICK I’ll help you clean up. KATE No, it’s okay. RICK Do you want to call the police? I’m a witness. KATE No, we can’t. Heather’s parents will really let us have it if we do that. RICK I’m not afraid of her parents. KATE But Alice is. They could have Alice shut down. RICK I guess they could. It’s not fair is it? KATE No… RICK Some people have all the power and the rest of us have to suffer so they can have it. I guess that’s why we suffer. We’re meant to suffer. We’re the bungled and they botched. KATE The what? RICK (Helps KATE clean up) I’ve been reading Nietzsche. He says most people are the bungled and the botched, going through life suffering. Heather and her family are the Uberminche. The super race. KATE That sounds like Hitler. RICK Hitler studied Nietzsche too. KATE Well, Hitler wouldn’t be in here helping me clean up. RICK I never said I liked it or agreed with it. (Smiles and helps her with cleaning up food off her face) Beside, us bungled and botched need to stick together. KATE Thanks, Rick… for helping. RICK Any time. (Pause. They look at each other a moment) I like to help out nice people and you’re nice people. KATE Thanks, Rick. RICK Can I get you anything else? KATE No, that’s fine. I can get the rest. RICK See ya, Kate. (KATE smiles and goes back to cleaning as lights fade on diner. Lights come up on PEGGY) PEGGY Poor, Kate. I wish I could do something about those girls. DAVID (Enters) I think it is more important to help Kate and Rick. PEGGY What are you doing back here? DAVID Have you noticed that you’re stuck? PEGGY What do you mean? DAVID You’re stuck… stuck between realities. Neither on heaven or earth… only watching. PEGGY (Scared) How did I get stuck? DAVID The minute you felt lost, you were stuck. It’s like the afterlife’s flypaper. PEGGY Why are you helping me, David? Are you here to stop me? Aren’t you the bad guy? DAVID It’s strange, but I want to help you. PEGGY But you’re not supposed to, are you? DAVID I don’t know. I don’t seem to be bound by any rules that I know of. PEGGY I can’t trust you, David. Anything you say could be a lie. DAVID Look. I’m about as clueless as you in all this. I’ve been sent here too for some reason but I’m not quite sure why. I thought maybe it was to help you. I do want to help you. PEGGY I want to trust you, but I’ve been warned not to. (Sighs) Beside, I don’t even know what I’m doing here anyway. DAVID I think you’re here to get Rick and Kate together. PEGGY Rick and Kate? DAVID Can’t you see it? Kate is madly in love with Rick. Rick needs someone… PEGGY I guess… DAVID You still love Rick, don’t you? PEGGY I do… I’m trying to bury the feelings but I can’t. DAVID It’s okay to love Rick. But you have to decide if it’s okay to let him love someone else. PEGGY That’s not up to me. DAVID Maybe it is. PEGGY What do you mean? DAVID Maybe he can’t love someone else until you release him. PEGGY You don’t think he can love someone else until I let him. DAVID He is bound to your spirit until you release him. PEGGY I hate to admit it, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about. DAVID I read a lot of philosophy… Plato, Socrates… PEGGY (Remembering) Rick read stuff like that too. DAVID Release him, Peggy. PEGGY I don’t know if I can. (Lights fade and come up on KATE in diner. PEGGY enters) PEGGY Hi, Kate. How are you? KATE (Cleans) I had a hard night. Heather and her friends trashed the place. PEGGY How come you’re not upset? I’d be furious at them. KATE Because something good happened. PEGGY What? KATE Rick helped me clean up. PEGGY He did, huh? KATE He is so nice. (Pauses) Do you think he… (Stops. Embarrassed) …never mind. PEGGY (Kindly) What? Tell me. (KATE shakes her head no) Do you think Rick could like you? KATE But I know he can’t. He still loves Peggy. PEGGY Peggy is dead. He needs to move on. KATE He loved Peggy so much. He still has all these pictures of her on his dashboard. It’s like a little shine. I don’t think he’ll ever get over it. PEGGY (Encouraging) Let me help you, Kate. I’ll help you get Rick. KATE You’d help me? PEGGY Sure. KATE How? PEGGY I knew a guy exactly like him once. I know how to get his attention. You up for it? KATE Yes. PEGGY Then let’s get to work. (Lights fade to black) SONG: “Earth Angel” by the Crew Cuts (Lights come up on DAVID alone and lost in thought. PEGGY enters) PEGGY David? DAVID I think I’ve made a big mistake. PEGGY What do you mean? DAVID I’m afraid memories are as much my enemy as they are yours. PEGGY Are you remembering something about your life? DAVID I think so. PEGGY What are you remembering? DAVID I was in a car accident… PEGGY Anything else? DAVID I was drag racing. Right out there. (Pause. PEGGY is silent) We came up on a curve. I cut the other guy off. There was this truck. Both of us swerved into each other and then the truck hit us… (Upset. He stops. PEGGY doesn’t know what to say. DAVID turns angry) I shouldn’t remember… I can’t. I must stop remembering. PEGGY You were the guy that crashed into Rick. I remember now. DAVID (Upset) No, don’t remember, please. We can’t or we’ll be trapped here. PEGGY That must be why you decided to help me. You feel guilty. DAVID Guilty is a form of memory. Why do I have to feel this way? Make it stop. PEGGY I think it’s too late for me. I remember too much. (Turns back to diner) But that’s not going to stop me from doing what I’m meant to do. (Lights come up on diner with KATE getting ready. KATE’s in a nice dress and sets up a booth with food and candles during the following) DAVID I wish I could help… I don’t seem to be able to do anything. My memories are like a weight on my whole body. (Crouches down as if in pain) KATE You have helped me, David. More than you know. You were sent on a mission to stop me, but you ended up helping me instead. Thank you for your kindness. (Pats DAVID on shoulder) Wait here. I’ll be back. I won’t leave you alone. (Lights fade on DAVID. PEGGY enters diner) SONG: “Sea of Love” by Phil Phillips with the Twilights KATE (KATE sees PEGGY) Hey, Peggy. How does everything look? PEGGY Wonderful. You look great too? KATE I wore pink like you said. PEGGY I heard that Rick loves pink. KATE I’ve got his favorite food. And you thought he’d like this perfume. PEGGY He’ll love it. KATE Here he comes. PEGGY Good luck, Kate. (PEGGY exits and RICK enters) RICK Hey, Kate. (Looks at table all set up for him) What’s this? KATE That was so nice of you to help me clean up the diner, I wanted to return the favor. RICK It was no big deal. KATE And you bought me lunch at school yesterday. RICK You forgot your lunch money. KATE And you helped me study for my history test. RICK I’m good at history. KATE I wanted to do something for you. RICK (Starts to cry) Nobody does anything nice for me. KATE Oh, Rick. I didn’t mean to upset you. RICK I’m such a baby. KATE It’s okay to cry. RICK Not for a guy. We always have to be tough. But when you hurt inside… KATE I think it’s brave to cry. Most guys wouldn’t dare cry. It takes a lot of courage. RICK I try to hold it back, but the tears hit me all of the sudden. I guess it’s the pink dress, the perfume, the music. Peggy would have done something like this for me. KATE I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. RICK No, it’s fine, Kate. Thank you. (Dries his tears) Peggy and I loved this song. We dreamed of going to the sea together. We said we’d get a boat, maybe even a house boat and live off the sea. (Smiles at KATE) Thank you for all this, Kate. You’re sweet. (Gives her a kiss on the cheek. KATE is thrilled) I shouldn’t have done that. Sorry. KATE It’s okay. I didn’t mind. RICK But Peggy… I still love her. KATE It’s okay to love her still. RICK It’s been almost a year since the accident and I can’t stop thinking about her. Will the pain ever stop? KATE I lost my mom. It hurt for the longest time. I didn’t think I’d be able to stand it… I didn’t think I’d be able to go on without her. When you lose somebody you love, it’s like you lose a part of yourself. RICK Yeah. It’s so hard. Does it ever get better? KATE A little… RICK Sorry to be a wet blanket. KATE No, you’re fine. I don’t mind. I like talking like this. (They smile) I’ve got dessert too. Chocolate malts. RICK Once again… my favorite. It’s like you can read my mind. KATE I’ll be right back. PEGGY (Enters. Watches RICK a moment as he picks at his food) Stop. (Time freezes along with RICK. PEGGY goes up to him) Rick… this is so hard, but I have to let you go. (Goes up to him) I love you so much and I know you love me, but there isn’t a more perfect girl than Kate for you. Take good care of her. (Touches his cheek) I release you, Rick. You are free. (Backs away. Struggles with tears) Start. (RICK goes back into motion. Gets a strange look on his face and touches his cheek where PEGGY had touched it) KATE (Enters) Here’s a chocolate malt, extra thick. (Music plays. Blueberry Hill) RICK Do you want to dance? KATE Now? RICK Sure. Why not? KATE Okay. (She goes up to him shyly. He takes her in his arms and they dance. Lights come up on PEGGY and she watches a moment. Lights fade on diner. DAVID enters) DAVID You did it. PEGGY I did. (Turns to DAVID and takes his hand) How are you? DAVID It was weird. I was overwhelmed at first by all the memories and then suddenly I was okay. PEGGY The same thing happened to me. DAVID The only problem is that I don’t know how to leave here now. I can’t find the doorways to the other side. PEGGY I think we’re trapped, David. We’re lost souls now. DAVID Looks like we both accomplished our missions. You helped Rick and Kate and I made you into a lost soul. But we’re still stuck here. PEGGY At least we’re not stuck here alone. DAVID I can’t think of a nicer person to be stuck with. PEGGY So what do ghosts do for fun anyway? DAVID Haunt things I think. PEGGY You think we could find a nice ship to haunt. I’ve always wanted to go on a sea cruise. DAVID Then let’s find you a boat. (Hear SONG: “Teen Angel” by Mark Dinning) Oh, I love this song. PEGGY Me too. DAVID Want to dance? PEGGY I’d love to. (Lights fade as they dance) GABRIELLA (Appears on Stairway to Heaven and watches PEGGY and DAVID dance. She smiles at them as DAVID dips PEGGY and they laugh. After a moment she speaks:) I hate to interrupt you but… PEGGY You’re back? But I thought I become a lost soul. I broke the rules. I have me memories. GABRIELLA Yes, you did break the rules. And David, they’re not too happy with you down below either. DAVID Are they ever happy down there? GABRIELLA Hardly ever. DAVID Did you come tell us that we’ve become lost souls? Because I think it is obvious. PEGGY I can’t think of a better person to be lost with though. GABRIELLA I’ve come to tell you that you’ve found a loop hole in the rules. PEGGY A loop hole? GABRIELLA Lost souls are trapped by their memories, but they also have unfinished business. The two of you took care of your unfinished business. You, Peggy, not only let Rick go, but you helped him to find happiness in the process. And you, David, helped resolve a problem you caused for Rick… taking his true love away. DAVID It’s the least I could do. GABRIELLA The people downstairs aren’t too happy about it. (Rumbling from below) Quiet you. (Rumbling stops) But you’ve made the people upstairs very happy. DAVID That would be a first. GABRIELLA I call it just in time redemption. DAVID Redemption. Me? GABRIELLA And both of you have found something that always tugs at our heart strings up here… DAVID Killer dance moves? (Does a little spin) GABRIELLA No, you’ve found love. PEGGY (Takes DAVID’s hands) I know I have. DAVID Me too. GABRIELLA So, Peggy. You have accomplished your mission. You have earned your wings. (Heavenly lights and sounds. GABRIELLA or other ANGELS can put wings on PEGGY) DAVID (Smiles at PEGGY) So how many of you can fit on the head of a needle? GABRIELLA And for you David… DAVID No pitchfork in my future huh? GABRIELLA No, I’m afraid you have a second chance. DAVID I was afraid of that. GABRIELLA I have a mission for you now. DAVID Another mission? GABRIELLA And Peggy will be your guide. DAVID Now I’m liking this. GABRIELLA You two are a good team. DAVID So… before I go, do I get a little peak upstairs? GABRIELLA It is against the rules. PEGGY Perhaps you can find a loop hole? GABRIELLA Perhaps I can. Come on. (PEGGY takes DAVID’s arm and they follow GABRIELLA up to heaven).