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THE FIRST STEP TO MOVING ON
by
LAURA CABOCHAN
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SCENE ONE: POBLACION HULING ILAW
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(KELLY arrives to POBLACION HULING ILAW
on her car. She is supposedly wearing a
backpack with a doll attached on it.
This doll represents SAMANTHA, her best
friend. The 'real' SAMANTHA appears
wearing the exact same clothes as the
doll. Everything appears cheery and
full of excitement.)
SONG: HAND IN HAND
SAMANTHA
I TASTE THE SUNSHINE
I REACH FOR THE MOON
I'M HEARING SPARKS FLY
IT SMELLS LIKE JUNEALL OF MY SENSES MIX UP AND EXPAND
WHEN WE WALK HAND IN HAND
(KELLY asks a random stranger about a
place on a map. She sits down on a park
bench and talks to the doll.)
KELLY
NIGHT'S NEVER LONELY
'CAUSE YOU'RE ALWAYS THERE
YOUR SHADOW FOLLOWS ME EVERYWHERE
I TELL YOU IT'S CRAZY
BUT YOU'LL SAY IT'S GRAND
THAT WE ARE HAND IN HAND
(Music underscores. KELLY addresses the
audience.)
KELLY
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JUST WHERE I WANT TO BE
(Music underscores. Scene break.)
KELLY
This is unexpected.
SAMANTHA
Why?
KELLY
Don't people become ghosts only if they have
unfinished business? I didn't think you were the
unfinished business type.
SAMANTHA
I guess. But aren't you forgetting something?
KELLY
What?
SAMANTHA
We made a deal, remember?
KELLY
But...
SAMANTHA
Sure.
CLOUDS ARE BELOW MEAND I'M IN THE SKY
KELLY
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LET ME STAND STILL
LET THE WORLD FLY BY
SAMANTHA
WE MADE A PROMISE
SO YOU UNDERSTAND...
KELLY
BUT YOU'RE NOT HERE. I DON'T KNOW IF I STIL CAN
SAMANTHA
OH WE'LL DO IT HAND IN HAND!
(Music underscores.)
KELLY
I don't know if I like the sound of that.
SAMANTHA
Do you want me gone?
KELLY
What? No. But not like this. This is... I don't know.
I've gone crazy.
MY HEART FLIPFLOPS
MY BREATH SHORTSTOPS INSIDE ME
NOW YOU'RE BESIDE ME
SAMANTHA
JUST WHERE I WANT TO BE
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We agreed we'd visit my hometown.
KELLY
But Sam, you're...
SAMANTHA
Dead. So?
CLOUDS ARE BELOW ME
AND I'M IN THE SKY
KELLY
LET ME STAND STILL
LET THE WORLD FLY BY
SAMANTHA
WE MADE A PROMISE
SO YOU UNDERSTAND...
I WON'T STOP UNTIL YOU SAY YOU CANWE'LL GO THERE HAND IN HAND.
KELLY
(Refusing to face SAMANTHA) Stop it! Stop it! You're
dead. You're dead. You're dead!
SAMANTHA
How can you be so sure? You didn't even go to my wake
or my funeral. (Pause)
LET'S GO...
(KELLY looks at SAMANTHA, stricken.
Scene break ends. KELLY addresses the
audience again.)
KELLY
So coerced by a ghost, I hopped into my car and drove
seven hours straight to this place: Poblacion Huling
Ilaw. It smells of farm.
SAMANTHA
It smells alive.
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SCENE TWO: HOW WE CAME TO BE BEST
FRIENDS
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(Beside the SAMANTHA doll, SAMANTHA
places a KELLY doll. She plays with the
KELLY doll while KELLY plays with the
SAMANTHA doll.)
KELLY
You really wouldn't think Kelly and Samantha would
have become best of friends.
SAMANTHA
During freshman year, Kelly maximized all her cuts in
all her classes.
KELLY
Sam was the beadle in all her classes.
KELLY AND SAMANTHA
They shared four classes.
SAMANTHA
Kelly thought people from the provinces had never gone
to a mall.
KELLY
Sam has never gone to a mall.
SAMANTHA
Kelly was loud.
KELLY
"Omigod, Sam, you've never gone to a mall, serious?!
"
SAMANTHA
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It was a classic case of City Mouse...
KELLY
And Country Mouse.
KELLY AND SAMANTHA
But one day in Lit 13...
KELLY
Their teacher, having a senior moment, was trying to
quote from "The Little Prince."
SAMANTHA
"What--what does the fox say?"
KELLY
The entire class was trying to hold back their
laughter.
SAMANTHA
But Kelly met Samantha's eyes and something just
clicked.
KELLY AND SAMANTHA
They both began singing:
RING-DING-DING-DING-DINGERINGEDING!
GERING-DING-DING-DING-DINGERINGEDING!
GERING-DING-DING-DING-DINGERINGEDING!
KELLYNeedless to say they were sent out. The only time Sam
has ever been sent out.
SAMANTHA
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The first time of many for Kelly.
KELLY AND SAMANTHA
They went straight to the cafeteria...
SAMANTHA
And talked for what seemed like hours.
KELLY
"What is essential is invisible to the eye."
SAMANTHA
"What is essential is invisible to the eye."
KELLY AND SAMANTHA
And that's how they became best friends.
SCENE FOUR: I WANTED TO, BUT
DIDN'T, COULDN'T
(Blackout. KELLY'S voice is heard,
"I'll drive you to the dorm." SAMANTHA
replies, "No. Rest for Philo orals!"
KELLY whines, "Yes, mom." Laughter. A
car crash. Then it repeats. "I'll drive
you to the dorm." Laughter. Then car
crash. "I'll drive you to the dorm."The sounds build up with an emphasis on
the car crash. This shouldn't be too
long. Lights slowly fade in on a
dismal-looking KELLY--think hikikomori.
She has shut herself in her room for
two days. KELLY'S MOM appears. This is
a movement piece for KELLY.)
SONG: I LOOK AROUND FOR YOU
KELLY'S MOM[Placard A] It's Sam's wake today. (KELLY doesn't
respond.) [Placard B] Shouldn't you go?
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(The lights dim again. KELLY's face is
illuminated by a computer screen.
Facebook sounds. "Hey Kelly, I'm so
sorry about Sam." "I miss Sam." "How
are you holding up?" "Condolences." "I
didn't see you at the wake." "Were you
there yesterday?" "I know how you
feel." KELLY has shut herself in her
room for about five days now.)
KELLY'S MOM
[Placard C] It's Sam's funeral. (KELLY doesn't
respond.) [Placard D] You're a horrible best friend.
(KELLY rips Placard D only to reveal
copies and copies of Placard D
underneath her mother's grasp. She rips
and rips, every piece until KELLY isknee-deep in guilt.)
SCENE FOUR: SAILING IN A DARK SEA
(KELLY is in a boat, exploring a cave.
It's a popular tourist spot. There's
the sound of waves.)
KELLY
To float. To remain suspended on the surface. To not
sink. Comforted by darkness, I try to walk on water.
Dragged down by your undercurrent, buoyed by your
memory. (Beat) It stinks here.
(SAMANTHA is playing tour guide and is
representing various rock formations.
Feel free to play. She is moving from
rock to rock, just following the boat.)
SAMANTHA
This rock formation is called 'Bats,' in honor of the
majority of the inhabitants that reside and defecate
inside this cave.
KELLY
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Oh great.
SAMANTHA
This beauty over here is called 'Dining Table.'
Reminiscent of Gonzaga Cafeteria--over hundreds and
hundreds of plates eaten from, thousands and thousands
utensils unreturned.
KELLY
What are you doing?
SAMANTHA
Giving you a tour. (Beat) This greenish rock is called
"Higad Tree." Behind which you and I caught my ex-
boyfriend He Who Does Not Deserve a Name jacking off
one night. You dutifully described him and his deed in
detail on Ateneo Secret Files.
KELLY
Sam.
SAMANTHA
This piece is, 'Overlooking a Valley.' We got so drunk
behind the dorm, we woke up to sunrise and mosquito
bites.
KELLY
Sam!
SAMANTHA
Have you noticed how this looks like people bowing?
It's called 'Curtain Call.' We staged The Little
Prince for Lit and the Fox was played by this girl who
got sent out the previous semester for saying what the
fox said.
KELLY
Quit it.
SAMANTHA
This is my favorite: 'Kelly.' The star of the play. Mybest friend. The liveliest, the most irrepressible,
most vivacious bottle of sunshine.
KELLY
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Let me be! (Beat) To drown. To go through the surface.
To sink. Surrounded by darkness, I try to walk on
water. Buoyed by your memory, dragged down by your
undercurrent.
SCENE FIVE: THE IMAGINARY EULOGY
(KELLY, more confident and vibrant, is
by a podium, delivering the eulogy she
never gave in the funeral she never
attended.)
KELLY
I love 'Love Actually,' so I was thinking of doing
something like what Liam Neeson did, with the photo
slideshow and favorite song. But instead of just
playing the song from a CD, we'll do it like how 'AllYou Need is Love' was done in the movie. Live music
and all. But Sam would most probably just roll her
eyes and tell me to quit the theatrics. Keep. It.
Simple. So although I believe she'll be secretly
thrilled by my plan, I'll give her what she wants and
keep this eulogy short and sweet: NONE OF YOU
UNDERSTAND SAMANTHA THE WAY I DO. NONE OF YOU KNOW HER
AS WELL AS I DO. MY SORROW IS FAR DEEPER THAN YOURS,
MY TEARS FAR MORE ABUNDANT. ME AND SAM, OUR CONNECTION
IS DIFFERENT, SPECIAL, AND NONE OF YOU, NONE OF YOU,
WILL EVER, AT ALL, UNDERSTAND SAMANTHA BETTER THAN IDO.
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SCENE SIX: FREEDOM
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(KELLY and SAMANTHA are in KELLY's room
reviewing for their PH103 orals. KELLY
is carrying two slices of cake and two
glasses of milk.)
KELLY
It's official. Cake at midnight? My mom wants to adopt
you. Or to be more specific, she wishes you were her
daughter and I was the friend.
SAMANTHA
That's not true.
KELLY
It is! She talks about you every single time and keeps
asking me why I'm not in the top 10 like you. I toldher I was in the top 10...from the bottom, but she
didn't find it very funny.
SAMANTHA
You don't sound like you feel bad about it.
KELLY
I still get cake.
(KELLY looks at the incredibly tall
pile of readings to review. Suggestion:
the real focus here is KELLY and
SAMANTHA's relationship. I recommend
not playing this realistically and
instead finding substitute activities
that emphasize friendship. I recommend
some kind of children's clapping game,
for instance. I leave it to your
imagination.)
KELLY
Do you think if I put all of these under my mattress
it's going to sink in by tomorrow?
SAMANTHA
No. Come on, let's review the fourth thesis statement.
KELLY
I can't believe you're writing an essay for each
thesis statement. Who does that?
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SAMANTHA
I do. It helps. Kel, focus. You're the one who needs
this. Remember, you--
KELLY
I failed my midterms, I know, I know. And if I fail
Philo, I won't graduate on time. You sound like my
mother.
SAMANTHA
Maybe she wants me to adopt you.
KELLY
Mama!
SAMANTHA
Yuck! (Beat) Ready?
KELLY
Fine.
SAMANTHA
Thesis number four...The unum argumentum found in St.
Anselms Proslogion shows the dynamism between desire,
faith, reason, and understanding. The id quo majus
cogitari nequit is not only the summum bonum, but
quiddam majus quam cogitari possit as well...
(KELLY begins to snigger uncontrollably
and pretends to be a wizard.)
KELLY
SUMMUM BONUM!
SAMANTHA
KELLY.
KELLY
I'm going to fail, aren't I?
SAMANTHA
You'll do great as long as you apply yourself.
KELLY
My brain is fried. I can't take it anymore. It's 2AM.
SAMANTHA
Yes, you can!
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KELLY
So I don't graduate, what's the big deal?
SAMANTHA
Your mom's not going to like it.
KELLY
She's never liked anything I've done. That's nothing
new.
SAMANTHA
But you're this close to being done with it all. Why
waste it?
KELLY
Miss Samantha Casimiro, are you telling me to just
finish college for the sake of finishing college? I
thought you valued meaningful education!
SAMANTHA
I'm not saying you just "finish!" I'm just concerned.
I'm...
KELLY
It's 2AM and you still talk like some teacher's
watching. Come on, Sam, loosen up. We're done
reviewing!
SAMANTHA
You never know when the extra review might help!
KELLY
This is the last exam of my entire college life. I
don't care anymore.
SAMANTHA
You're not sure of that!
SONG: FREEDOM
KELLY
Hey, I've got a great idea! After orals, let's go on a
road trip!
LETS GO.
THE HIGHWAYS CALLING.
THE SUN IS SHINING.
LETS GET IN THE CAR AND JUST REMEMBER.
LETS GO.
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SAMANTHA
Where will we go?
KELLY DROVE ON ALL OF OUR ROADTRIPS.
SHE BELIEVED IN LISTNING TO THE HIGHWAY.
YOU START DRIVING,
AND KEEP DRIVING.
THERES NO STOPPING TIL KELLY SAYS YOUVE ARRIVED.
KELLY
How about Tagaytay? Or maybe we can go to Pampanga.
How about Palawan? We'll use the SuperCat.
FEELING THE WIND BLOWING YOUR HAIR.
PICKING A ROAD AND GOING ANYWHERE.
WERE HEADING SOUTH.
OR MAYBE WEST.
WE DONT KNOW MUCH.
WERE MAKING UP THE REST.
TEAR UP THE ATLAS.DONT READ THE ROAD SIGNS.
DRIVING FOR THE SAKE OF DRIVING ANYWHERE.
THATS FREEDOM.
SAMANTHA
FREEDOM.
Is that freedom or is that escaping? Can aimless
wandering be called freedom?
KELLY
Sam, can you just shut off your brain for a minute?
SAMANTHA
I'll die.
KELLY
You know what I--hey, did you just try to crack a
joke? (Beat) How about this: I pass Philo, you tour me
around your hometown.
SAMANTHA
(Surprised, but excited) Are you sure? It's a long
drive.
KELLY
Well? Well?
SAMANTHA
(After a moment) You have to pass Philo first.
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KELLY
Yes! You know, Sam, you have to bribe irresponsible
people like me. Now I feel all fired up for the orals
tomorrow! I'm so excited for our road trip.
DRIVING FAST, THE RADIO BLARING.
WINDOWS OPEN, SINGING LIKE WERE ROCKSTARS.
SAMANTHA
COUNTING THE MILES AS WE GO PAST.
KELLY
THE TANK IS FULL. THE SUN IS HIGH.
SAMANTHA
KNOWING THAT EVERY MILE COULD BE OUR LAST.
KELLY
JUST WATCHING THE DAY GO BY.
KELLY AND SAMANTHA
WE WONT LOOK BACK.
WE NEVER WILL.
SAMANTHA
WEVE COME TOO FAR.
KELLY
WELL DRIVE TIL WE'VE HAD OUR FILL
KELLY AND SAMANTHA
FREEDOM.
FREEDOM.
FREEDOM.
SAMANTHA
I've always wanted to ask you to visit...
KELLY
Throughout our four years of friendship, I've been
waiting for you to ask me! I still had to invitemyself in the end!
SAMANTHA
I'm sorry.
KELLY
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What are you apologizing for?! You've got to learn to
be more aggressive, Sam! I'm just so happy you didn't
shoot my idea down.
SAMANTHA
Of course not!
KELLY
You've got to bring me to the best places!
SAMANTHA
AND IM ALMOST STARTING TO LEARN IT.
HOW YOU TAKE A DAY AND MAKE IT SPECIAL.
KELLY
FREEDOM.
SAMANTHATHE LONG HIGHWAYS.
THE CHEAP REST STOPS.
KELLY
FREEDOM.
SAMANTHA
THE LAST MINUTE GET IN THE CAR AND LETS GO.
KELLY
OH, LETS GO.
LETS GO.PICK A ROAD. PICK A HIGHWAY.
ANY ROAD IS GOING MY WAY.
LETS GO.
LIVE IT UP WITH NO COMPLICATED PHILOSOPHIES.
NO COLLEGE, NO CAREER,
NO KIDS, NO FANCY HOUSE, NO.
LETS GO.
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ANY ROAD BUT THE ONE WERE ON.
KELLY AND SAMANTHA
NO COLLEGE, NO CAREER,
NO SCREAMING KIDS, NO MORTGAGE.
DRIVING ANYWHERE.
KELLY
JUST DRIVING STRAIGHT INTO THE DAWN.
THATS FREEDOM.
SAMANTHA (KELLY)
KELLY DRIVING. ME RIDING SHOTGUN.
JUST A COUPLE GIRLS OUT ON THE HIGHWAY
WITH NO ROAD MAP
AND NO CURFEW.
JUST TWO GIRLS WITH NOWHERE WE HAVE TO BE. (FREEDOM.)
NOW SHES LAUGHING.AND I START LAUGHING. (FREEDOM.)
ITS SO REAL AND SO LIKE A MEMORY. (FREEDOM.)
AND THE SUN IS SO BRIGHT THAT IM SQUINTING.
AND IT FEELS LIKE I FOUND FREEDOM.
KELLY AND SAMANTHA
FREEDOM.
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KELLY
YEAH.
SAMANTHA (KELLY)
DRIVING FAST, THE RADIO BLARING. (YEAH)
WINDOWS OPEN, SINGING LIKE WERE ROCK STARS.
KELLY
OH YEAH.
SAMANTHA
YEAH.
KELLY
YEAH.
SAMANTHA
YEAH.
KELLY
YEAH.
SAMANTHA
YEAH.
KELLY
YEAH.
SAM
YEAH.
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KELLY
YEAH.
SAM
YEAH.
KELLY
YEAH.
SAM AND KELLY
FREEDOM.
FREEDOM.
FREEDOM.
FREEDOM.
KELLY
It's a promise then. I'll pass Philo then we'll go to
your place. Motivation!
SAMANTHA
I'd like that a lot.
(A motorcycle screech.
SAMANTHA looks at her watch.)
SAMANTHA
It's late. I better go back.
KELLY
I'll drive you to the dorm.
SAMANTHA
No! Rest for Philo orals!
KELLY
Yes, mom!
(They laugh and KELLY accompanies
SAMANTHA out of her house.)
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SCENE SEVEN: UNDERWATER
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(KELLY is underwater in underwater
gear. SAMANTHA can be swimming along
with fish, if so inclined.)
KELLY
Underwater, you're enveloped by silence and given no
other choice but to deal with the noise inside your
head. (Beat) It's a promise then. I'll pass Philo then
we'll go to your place. Motivation!
SAMANTHA
I'd like that a lot. (Beat) It's late. I better go
back.
KELLY
I'll drive you to the dorm.
SAMANTHANo! Rest for Philo orals!
KELLY
Yes, mom! (Beat) Stop. Rewind.
SAMANTHA
It's late. I better go back.
KELLY
I'll drive you to the dorm.
SAMANTHANo! Rest for Philo orals!
KELLY
No! I insist. (Beat) Stop. Rewind.
SAMANTHA
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It's late. I better go back.
KELLY
Why don't you sleep over? (Beat) Stop. Rewind.
SAMANTHA
It's late. I better go back.
KELLY
I'll drive you to the dorm.
SAMANTHA
No! Rest for Philo orals!
KELLY
I'm from the future. If you leave now, you'll die in a
car crash. So stay. (Beat) Stop. Rewind.
SAMANTHA
It's late. I better go back.
KELLY
Don't go. Don't leave me. (Beat) What ifs. What ifs.
What ifs.
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SCENE EIGHT: HOW I CAME TO KNOW
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(KELLY is found reviewing for her
philosophy finals in a hallway full of
people. Her movements are timed to a
nervous heartbeat, mirroring her fear.
She checks her phone alternately with
her notes while talking to people she
knows.)
KELLY
You done? How was it? Was it hard? Did he ask
questions? Shit, is he in a bad mood? As long as I
don't get thesis four, haha. Oh my god, good luck. Did
you see Sam?
RANDOM VOICE
A senior died today, for real?
KELLY
I'm not until later. I'm just excited. Hey, have you
seen Sam? No?
RANDOM VOICE
These taxis think they're king of the road.
(KELLY tries calling SAMANTHA but fails
to connect to SAM's phone. The beat
goes faster as the voices enter more
rapidly.)
RANDOM VOICE
She's a senior?
KELLY
You done?
RANDOM VOICE BARRAGE
I heard it from the radio. She's part of the top ten?
What time did it happen? Two AM?! She was a dormer?
That's so sad. Yeah, saw it in television. How did youknow? She's my boyfriend's blockmate. What's her name?
Her name's--
(KELLY's phone gets a message from a
mutual friend: "Sam has left us. :(")
KELLY
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What?
RANDOM VOICE
I won't believe it until I check her Facebook.
(KELLY logs on to SAMANTHA's Facebook
page. It is flooding with condolence
messages. The hallway sounds transform
to static.)
RANDOM VOICE
Kelly, it's your turn.
(KELLY enters the consultation room and
sits a bit stiffly. She draws thesis
number four. She looks straight at the
professor and begins answering.
Although Kelly is saying 'bla,' sheshould speak as if she's speaking
words. At this point, she doesn't know
what she's thinking.)
KELLY
Thesis number four. The unum argumentum found in St.
Anselms Proslogion shows . . . bla bla bla bla bla
bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla
bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla Bla bla bla bla
bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla
bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla Bla bla bla
bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla
bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla Bla bla
bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla
bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla Bla
bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla
bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla
bla . . .
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SCENE NINE: STAYING ASLEEP
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(KELLY and SAMANTHA are in a church.
The stained glass lights them gently.
It looks like KELLY's having
confession.)
SAMANTHA
How's Tita Nancy?
(KELLY shrugs.)
SAMANTHA
You should call. (Beat) I had my first communion here.
(KELLY doesn't react.)
SAMANTHA
I don't like funeral masses. The choir's usually bad
and it all feels rushed. (Beat) I wish you were therethough.
(KELLY stiffens.)
KELLY
Would it have made a difference?
(SAMANTHA is quiet.)
KELLY
None of it felt real. That day. The day after that.
The day after that day. I was waiting to wake up.(Beat) I'm still waiting to wake up.
SAMANTHA
Would waking be so bad? (Beat) I could haunt you
forever, you want? (Beat) You could try praying.
KELLY
Don't go there.
SAMANTHA
There's nothing wrong with talking to God, Kelly.
You've got to talk to someone.
(KELLY glares at SAMANTHA then stalks
off.)
SCENE TEN: THE REALITY OF EVIL
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KELLY
WHEN THE STARS GO PITCH BLACK,
WHEN YOUR FEET DRY AND CRACK,
WHEN YOUR MIND AND YOUR SOUL AND YOUR HARD HARD HEART
ATTACK.
WHEN YOU CANT REMEMBER WHAT YOURE RUNNING TO
WHEN YOU CROSS THE DESERT, SEEING TIMBUKTU
WITH YOUR HANDS FULL OF SAND,
LET THE SAND RUN THROUGH
AND THEN YOU
KELLY'S MOM
(Overlapping with below) Put your faith in Him and
trust He will guide you.
KELLY
COME BACK. COME BACK.Sam...
COME BACK. COME BACK.
HE MIGHT COME BACK AGAIN.
(KELLY struggles for control.)
KELLY'S MOM
(Overlapping with below) Samantha was an amazing girl.
She's done so much at such a young age. She must have
finished whatever it was God needed her to do.
KELLY
ONE. TWO. THREE. FOUR.
FIVE. SIX. SEVEN. EIGHT.
OH, NINE.
OH, OH
TEN.
(KELLY loses it and unleashes her rage,
internally, on her mother.)
NO ONE HERE TO SAVE ME, NO ONE HERE TO BREAK ME,BREAK US FROM THIS REPETITION, BAD TRADITION,
BREAK US FROM THE PRECONDITION.
BABY GIRL IS BORN. BABY GONNA DIE.
MAYBE BABY GIRL DONT WANNA LIVE AND DIE BEFORE SHE
FLY.
SHE WANNA RUN. RUN.
RUN DADDY.
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35.
RUN DADDY.
RUN!
THE FATHER'S.
THE FATHER'S RAN AWAY.
THE FATHER'S.
THE FATHER'S RAN AWAY.
DONT YOU KNOW YOU RUN WHEN YOURE ANGRY,
WHEN THERES NOWHERE TO GO.
YOU RUN AWAY ONE DAY. HISTORY SAY IT SO.
KELLY'S MOM
God will never abandon us, Kelly. He's here for us,
always.
KELLY
HISTORY SAY IT SO.AND THE FATHER'S RAN AWAY.
(KELLY closes her room's door.)
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36.
SCENE ELEVEN: THERE'S A MALL
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37.
(KELLY is walking out with a McDonald's
cup in hand. She ate from a mall and is
looking abashed.)
KELLY
I always knew there was a mall here. I was only saying
that to annoy you.
SAMANTHA
Whatever.
KELLY
I'm sorry for suddenly leaving.
SAMANTHA
I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to be pushy.
KELLYIt's been hard.
SAMANTHA
I know.
KELLY
So where to?
SAMANTHA
I've brought you to the tourist spots, so...(She finds
herself in a familiar area.) Where are we?
KELLY
You tell me. You're the one who lives here.
SAMANTHA
Just because it's your province doesn't mean you know
everything about it! (Beat) Ask someone!
KELLY
I can't. We'll figure it out.
SAMANTHA
We need to know where we are first. My town isn't that
small, you know. Go ask. (Beat) You haven't had a
conversation with anyone since forever.
KELLY
So?
SAMANTHA
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38.
You can't keep shutting people out.
SONG: HOLDING ON
KELLY
I WAKE UP EVERY MORNING,
SURPRISED TO SEE THE SUN.
SURPRISED THE WORLD AND I
CONTINUE ON OUR FRANTIC RUN.
DAYS BECOME WEEKS.
WEEKS BECOME MONTHS.
MONTHS BECOME WAY BACK WHEN.
SAMANTHA
THE EARTH KEEPS TURNING.
THE LIGHT KEEPS SHIFTING.
YOU MUST KEEP HOLDING ON
KELLY
I WISH THE WORLD WOULD NOTICE,
AND PAUSE A BREATH FOR YOU.
I WISH THAT I COULD TELL THE WORLD TO STOP.
I WANT TO.
DAYS BECOME WEEKS.
WEEKS BECOME MONTHS.
MONTHS BECOME WAY BACK WHEN.
WAY BACK WHEN.You asked me before if I wanted you gone. I don't.
This way is fine.
SAMANTHA
You'd rather talk to a ghost?
(Silence.)
KELLY
Why are you here?
SAMANTHAAt first I thought it was to tour you around. But now,
I'm not so sure.
KELLY
Unos Street. Sounds familiar?
SAMANTHA
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39.
You could ask that woman. Two months ago you would
have charmed that lola's pants off. Not only would he
have given you directions, she would have given you a
coke and a sandwich too.
KELLY
Things change, Sam.
SAMANTHA
Yeah, you've become a ghost.
KELLY
What did you say?
SAMANTHA
I said you're the one who's the ghost. You've been
living like a hermit for three months. You won't talk
to anyone, even your own mother.
KELLY
Shouldn't you be flattered?
SAMANTHA
Do you think I'm happy you've become like this?
KELLY
Why can't you just let me mourn?
SAMANTHA
Not like this.
KELLY
People grieve at their own pace.
SAMANTHA
If you think it's all just suddenly going to be okay
one day, you're wrong.
KELLY
That's what I'm saying.
SAMANTHA
No! You're not getting me. If you think you can stay
in this dark place and then suddenly be in the light,
without making any effort--you're wrong.
KELLY
Just don't rush me.
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40.
SAMANTHA
Moving on involves an attempt in movement, Kelly. You
would have stayed in your room forever if I hadn't
shown up.
KELLY
That's my choice to make. (Beat) Maybe it would have
been better that way. At least we wouldn't be lost now.
SAMANTHA
We? You're the one who's lost. This is my town,
remember?
(SAMANTHA leaves KELLY.)
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42.
SCENE THIRTEEN: SPEAKING
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43.
(Just an hour has passed without
SAMANTHA but it feels like days for
KELLY. She is wandering the streets.
The lights of Poblacion Huling Ilaw are
unusually bright. It's almost as if
she's being examined. She's on a busy
market street.)
KELLY
Sam?
(SAMANTHA doesn't appear.)
KELLY
Sam?
(SAMANTHA still doesn't appear.)
KELLY
She's really gone.
(KELLY has no choice but to deal with
people.)
KELLY
Ex...excuse me.
(No one hears her. KELLY's voice is too
soft. She withdraws and tries to study
a useless map on display. She's tired,afraid, and lonely.)
KELLY
Sir!
(Her voice is still too soft. She is
jostled by a crowd that passes by. It's
almost becoming night and the lights
are dimming. If she doesn't overcome
this, she will get lost in the
darkness.)
KELLY
Hi!
(Louder, but not loud enough. KELLY is
stressed out by what she has to do. She
approaches a WOMAN and strikes a
conversation.)
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44.
KELLY
Good evening!
WOMAN
Good evening!
KELLY
I was hoping you could help me. Would you happen to
know where this address is? (She shows a small sheet
of paper.) The Casimiros live there.
WOMAN
Oh, two lefts from down that corner. (Beat) Their only
daughter died a few months ago.
KELLY
(After some panic) Yes. She...she was my best friend.
WOMAN
You're from Manila?
KELLY
Yes, ma'am.
WOMAN
Terrible drivers there.
KELLY
Yes, ma'am.
WOMAN
I've got to go. (Beat) Hang in there.
(KELLY visibly relaxes once the WOMAN
leaves.)
KELLY
Now. That wasn't so hard was it?
(KELLY's stomach growls. She's hungry.
She sees a taho vendor and buys with
still some difficulty.)
KELLY
Sir, how much for a small cup?
(While walking towards her destination,
KELLY begins practicing her lines.)
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45.
KELLY
Good evening, Mrs. Casimiro. I'm Kelly Carpio. Thank
you for always calling. I'm sorry I wasn't able to
return any of them. I'm sorry for a lot of things.
(She takes a deep breath) Good evening, Mrs. Casimiro.
I'm Kelly Carpio. Samantha was...
(KELLY arrives at the house. She rings
the doorbell and waits for someone to
answer. SAMANTHA's MOM anwsers.)
KELLY
Good evening, Mrs. Casimiro. I'm Kelly Carpio.
Samantha was my best friend. I'm ready to see her now.
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46.
SCENE FOURTEEN: MOTHERS
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47.
(KELLY is inside SAMANTHA'S room but
her back is to the audience, talking to
a figure outside the door. The SAM doll
is settled on a chair.)
KELLY
Thank you, tita. (She turns to the doll.) It was nice
of your mom to let me in. I'm glad she doesn't hate me.
(KELLY looks around the room. It's
quiet.)
KELLY
I'm not the same as before, Sam. I don't know if I
still have my words. (Beat) What happens to your
panties when you die? Do they get passed on? (Beat) Idon't think that was funny either.
(KELLY notices the book shelf.)
KELLY
Everything in alphabetical order. Second hand books.
Books with history, you called them. (She glances
again at SAMANTHA.)
SONG 2: HOW TO RETURN HOME
KELLYYOUR BARE FEET SLIDING ON THE OLD WOODEN FLOORBOARDS
HOME JUST AS YOU LEFT IT BUT STILL YOU'RE SHAKEN
LIKE WALKING INTO A MUSEUM SOMEHOW OUT OF TIME
IT'S ALL THE SAME EXCEPT THE GIRL IN THE HALLWAY
WHERE SHE'S BEEN AND WHO SHE WILL RIPEN INTO
YOUR CHILDHOOD'S ON THE OTHER SIDE OF A SPRAWLING
DIVIDE...TOO WIDE
(Scene break. We see the shadow of
KELLY's mom. She's on the telephone.)
KELLY'S MOM
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48.
Mrs. Casimiro, thank you for always being concerned
about Kelly. She's...Kelly still isn't well. Yes, I'll
tell her to call you as soon as she can. (The phone
conversation ends and she shifts her attention to
KELLY.) When are you going to pull yourself together?
You haven't spoken to anyone for two months. You're
making everyone worry.
KELLY
TAKE A SILENT BREATH
HOLD IN THE CHANGE
TELL YOURSELF YOU STILL LIVE HERE
KELLY'S MOM
And Mrs. Casimiro, she's been calling everyday since
the accident.
KELLYDON'T REVEAL YOU CARE
IT'S THE ONLY WAY YOU'LL GET THROUGH TODAY
COUNT THE HOURS
TAKE A SHOWER
WASH YOURSELF AWAY
KELLY'S MOM
Kelly, locking yourself in like this won't bring
Samantha back.
KELLY
THE HOUSE IS PULSING WITH AN ALIEN HEARTBEAT
WAS IT ALWAYS HERE BUT YOU NEVER LISTENED?
IT'S CALLING YOU TO BE THE GIRL THAT YOU WERE WAY BACK
THEN...AGAIN
TAKE A SILENT BREATH
HOLD IN THE CHANGE
TELL YOURSELF YOU STILL LIVE HERE
DON'T REVEAL YOU CARE
PUT THE WORLD ON HOLD
JUST TAKE IT NICE AND SLOW
BE HER DAUGHTER
NOTHING'S HARDER
WHEN NOBODY KNOWS
HOW TO RETURN HOME
HOW TO RETURN HOME
KELLY'S MOM
Kelly, I'm here.
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49.
KELLY
AND HOW TO SURVIVE
THERES NO WRITTEN GUIDELINES
HOW TO GO BACK
HOW TO SHOW UP AND UNPACK
HOW TO SHOW UP
HOW TO GROW UP
HOW TO TAKE A BREATH
TAKE A SILENT BREATH
HOLD IN THE CHANGE
TELL YOURSELF YOU STILL LIVE HERE
DON'T REVEAL YOU CARE
YOU STILL SHARE A NAME
BUT YOURE NOT THE SAME
YOU DONT FIGHT IT
YOU DONT HIDE IT
ITS A WHOLE NEW GAME OF HOW TO RETURN HOME
HOW TO RETURN HOME
HOW TO RETURN HOME
KELLY'S MOM
Please talk to me.
KELLY
HOW TO RETURN HOME
(Scene break ends. After a long look at
the doll, KELLY takes out her cellphoneand turns it on. She calls her mother.)
KELLY
Hello, mom? I switched it off. I'm at...at Samantha's.
No. Not at the dorm. Yes, the province. Mom, calm
down. I'm all right. I just need to do something. I'll
be home soon. (Beat) And we'll talk, okay?
YOUR BARE FEET SLIDING ON THE OLD WOODEN FLOORBOARDS
HOME JUST AS YOU LEFT IT BUT STILL YOURE SHAKEN
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50.
SCENE FIFTEEN: I'LL BE OKAY
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51.
(KELLY arrives to SAMANTHA'S graveside.
SAMANTHA is there, watching from afar.)
KELLY
I passed Philo. I got a C. At least, right? (Beat) I'm
sorry it took me so long. It was hard. Really hard.
(Beat) I called my mom. She was really angry, but more
relieved than angry. (Beat) I like your town. It's
just like how you said it was. But I didn't imagine
this trip to be like this...Ah, you didn't tell me it
was going to be this hot. (She pours a bottle of water
over herself. At first it appears like she's crying,
but she ends up laughing.) That was stupid. (Beat) I'm
going to be okay, Sam. I promise.
SONG: FREEDOM (REPRISE)
SAMANTHA
AND NOW SHE'S LAUGHING
KELLY
AND I START LAUGHING
KELLY AND SAMANTHA
IT'S SO REAL AND SO LIKE A MEMORY
KELLY
AND THE SUN IS SO BRIGHT THAT I'M SQUINTING
AND IT FEELS LIKE I FOUND FREEDOM
KELLY AND SAMANTHA
FREEDOM
FREEDOM
FREEDOM
SAMANTHA
FREEDOM
(The music swells. KELLY sits by Sam's
gravestone, leaving the doll there, and
begins to talk, endlessly. She is
finally able to let it all out.)