ATime to Move First Draft

Scene 1:

Mr. Chastain: Beth, come in here a minute, would you?

Beth: Of course, Mr. Chastain.

Mr C: I’m on the phone with Jerry Lynch, the owner of the Green Bay Best Western. I guess he’s heard about your work. I think he might want to offer you a job.

Beth: Okay

Mr. C: Before we even talk to him, Beth, I have to tell you – I mean, I know it’s going to sound all wine and roses. And you do good work for me. I’m just not sure you’re up to the challenge. Of course, we’ll listen to what he has to say. Being from a small town and all, I just didn’t know if you’d even be comfortable with a move like that.

Beth: I’d love to listen to what Mr. Lynch has to say, Sir.

Mr. C: Very well. (into phone) Go ahead, Jerry. Beth’s here.

Jerry: Beth, nice to talk to you again.

Beth: You, too, Mr. Lynch.

Jerry: Call me Jerry. Did Mike tell you anything about the job offer?

Beth: Mr. Chastain didn’t tell me very much. He said you wanted to talk to me.

Jerry: I was up there last month, Beth. I’m sure you remember. For that convention?

Beth: Yes sir.

Jerry: You did a hell of a job, Beth. I like a person who can think on their feet. And that’s you. It didn’t matter what could have gone wrong. You made it all work. The A/V equipment troubleshooting, the understaffed kitchen for the banquet. You took up all the slack. Heck, I even heard you were helping out at the front desk with some early check-ins during that whole deal. Thing is, Beth, things go wrong in this business. It doesn’t matter how well you plan. Things can go wrong, and you have to just be able to deal with it and not let anyone see anything other than a seamless, work-your-plan environment. And that’s what you did.

Beth: Thank you, Sir. I didn’t really think about it like that. I was just doing my job, Sir.

Jerry: Mike, I know you’ll be sad to lose this lady, but I’m going to come up and talk to her next Tuesday. I need a general manager in that place that knows his stuff. I think Beth’s great for the job. Will you be around next Tuesday, Beth?

Beth: I – of course, sir. Of course I’ll be here.

Jerry: Good. It’s a great opportunity, Beth. And I guess I don’t have to tell you it’s a hug pay raise.

Mr. C.: Okay, thanks, Jerry. We’ll see you Tuesday then. (punches button on phone)

(Beth is dismissed and walks into the outer office)

Beth: This would be such a great opportunity. Lexi and I have been struggling so much lately. It helps having mom living with us, sure. But I think we’d all be better off if we could just get out of here and have a fresh start. I could afford to send Lexi to any school she wanted to go to. I could give Mom the life she was used to when Dad was still alive. I think it’s time for all of us to get out of here anyway. I don’t even know what Mr. Lynch is going to offer me, but I do know it’s going to be better than $8 an hour. I don’t even know how to tell Lexi and Mom. Maybe I’ll wait. Maybe I won’t tell them until I talk to Mr. Lynch. No, they deserve to know. They need to know what I’m thinking and why. I’m worried about Lexi, though. I don’t want her to have to change schools in the middle of high school. But, if we don’t make the move now, what could our future really be like? Lexi will never go to college. Even if she just wants to be a beautician, she still needs schooling. I know she wants to be a fashion designer. That’ll take even more schooling. And her grades aren’t what they need to be for a scholarship. She’d be so much better off if I were better off. I hope she sees that. Mom’s been here all her life, and I know it would be hard for her to leave, but she’s a reasonable woman, if nothing else. She’ll understand. Won’t she?

(Lexi and Marie are waiting in the hallway outside Mr. Chastain’s office)

Marie: What has that girl done now? She’ll be lucky if she doesn’t lose her job. Getting called into the boss’ office right before quitting time is never, and I mean never, a good sign. She better not lose this job. I don’t know how we’ll live if she does. And she’s still got a daughter to raise. That girl is right on the edge of either walking the straight and narrow, or really going down the wrong road in life. It’s a hard age for young people these days. It was easier in my time. Where is Beth? What’s taking her so long? I have to get to the church before 6 o’clock tonight. That spaghetti dinner for the soldier’s wives is not going to plan itself! Lord knows I can’t leave it to Janice and Karen again. What a fiasco last year. I need to be at this planning committee party. Where is Beth? I can’t imagine what is taking her so long. I thought she was doing really well at this job. I’ve heard the ladies at the bridge club talking. I thought she was doing well. I guess I was wrong about that.

Lexi: Gawd, where’s mom? Gram said she got called into the boss’ office. That would suck. But, you know what? It’s not all about her. I have a job, too, you know. I have things I need to do. Why does mom’s stupid boss have to mess up my night. She’s been in there for like fifteen minutes. I have to be to work at five myself. It’s not like I don’t have anything to do. Gram said I should have brought my homework in with me. Ha! Can you imagine? Yeah, I’m going to sit in the hallway of my mom’s work and do my homework. Whatever. That’s just lame. Oh, call. Carrie finally text me back. Oh cool. We’re going to that late show after work tonight. I hoped her mom would let her go. Mom won’t even care. She’s “too tired” from work to even know if I’m out late half the time. No big deal. I’d rather not have her smothering me all the time anyway. Oh, that reminds me. I should ask her about the dance Saturday, though. I’m sure she’ll be fine with it. She has to be. Everyone knows I’m going to be there. It’s not like she can say no. It’s like, expected of me, to be at all the best dances and parties.

Beth: Come on, guys. I know you’ve both go things to do. Let’s get out of here and get home for dinner.

Marie: What happened in there? Did you go get yourself in trouble again?

Beth: Mom, you know I’ve never gotten in trouble at any job I’ve ever had.

Marie: Well, then, what’s going on?

Beth: I got a job offer. It’s a great opportunity. We’ll talk about it over dinner.

Lexi: New job? Hey, that’s cool, mom. Can we get out of here? I’ve got to work tonight.

Scene 2

Beth: Lexi. Could you put your phone down, please?

Lexi: Oh yeah. Sorry, mom. Just getting our plans together for after work tonight. I’m going to hook up with Tonya and Janet tonight after work. We’re just going to chill at Janet’s.

Beth: That’s fine, Honey. But, before we all go off our separate ways tonight, I want to talk to you about my job offer.

Marie: It does sound interesting, Dear. Here, let me start dinner and you can tell us all about it. It’s about time someone sees your worth.

Beth: The reason Mr. Chastain called me into his office was because Jerry Lynch wanted to talk to me.

Lexi: Who’s he?

Beth: He’s a franchisee. He owns a bunch of Best Westerns in Wisconsin.

Marie: What could he possibly want from you, Dear?

Beth: Well, Here let me help you peel those potatoes, Mom.

Marie: Nonsense. You sit down and tell us what you’re so excited about. I’m sure we’ll both be happy for you, too.

Beth: Well. Here’s the thing. I’m being offered a general manager position.

Lexi: GM? That Rocks, Mom!

Beth: Thanks, Honey. But, there’s a catch.

Marie: There’s always a catch. What did I tell you about big corporations? There’s always a catch.

Beth: Mom, you’re not making this any easier

Marie: I’m sorry, Dear. I won’t steal your thunder. Go ahead. I’ll just peel my potatoes quietly.

Beth: Well, the position would be more than twice what I’m making now – as in, a lot more. You both know how hard it’s been lately trying to make ends meet. Lexi, I never wanted you to have to work while you were still in high school. I mean, I wanted you to learn responsibility, but I didn’t want you to have to work to get anything and everything you wanted.

Lexi: It’s cool, Mom. Fashion Bug rocks. That job is the shit… oops, Bomb. Sorry.

Beth: I know, but it’s not what I envisioned for you. And Mom, I know you were used to a different lifestyle when Dad was still alive. I want you to live comfortably in retirement. I don’t want you to struggle, either.

Marie: I’m comfortable, Beth. I really am. Yes, I wish your dad were still alive, that’s true. But after 47 years of marriage, it’s hard to let go, even after all this time. True, my life was different, but it’s not bad now. I am happy to hear about your raise, though. I think you deserve it!

Beth: Well, that’s the thing. The job is in Green Bay.

Lexi: Green Bay? What are you talking about? Moving? You’re not talking about moving? That’s ridiculous. I’m in high school! These are the most important years of my life, like, ever!

Marie: You can’t just go and uproot your whole family, Beth! You can’t just move us halfway across the state!

Beth: I thought you might have some concerns…

Lexi: Concerns? I’m not moving! That blows!

Marie: Lexi! Watch you language. That’s no way to talk to your mother.

Lexi: She’s trying to ruin my life!

Marie: You life? It’s only just started. I’ve spent 63 years here!

Beth: Will both of you stop? Can we just talk about this like adults? It’s not like it’s the end of the world, for God’s sake.

Marie: Don’t take the Lord’s name in vein, Dear.

Lexi: Maybe for you it’s not, but for me it is. It’s the end of my world! This isn’t even fair!

Beth: Will you both just listen to me?

Lexi: No!

Marie: I don’t know what you’re thinking, Beth. You can’t just uproot us and move us across the state. It’s not just all about you. There are three of us here. I can’t just leave town, you know. I have responsibilities here.

Beth: I know that, Mom. I know. Please, will you just listen.

Lexi: I’m not listening. This isn’t happening!

Marie: I appreciate the fact that this is an opportunity for you….

Beth: You don’t appreciate anything! Neither one of you do! I break my back every day to keep a roof over your heads and food on the table, and you do nothing but take advantage of me. I finally get one break, one break in life, and neither one of you can even be happy for me!

(Beth storms out of the house. Lexi is crying and Marie gets up and walks to the opposite window)

Marie: Maybe she’s right. Maybe I am being selfish. I just wasn’t ready for this. I’m too old to move. Everything I know is in this one little town. It hit me like a lead weight when Beth said we would have to move for her to take this job. I know I don’t often show it, but I’m very proud of her. I shouldn’t have been so hard on her. It’s just that I’ve never thought of moving before. I’ve always had everything I needed right here. Then again, I’m not young anymore. I don’t have the ambition that I used to. I wish Lexi felt better about it. There’s no doubt, if she was more accepting to the move, that Green Bay would offer her so much more than Rhinelander ever could. I shouldn’t have been so harsh.

Lexi: How can Mom just expect me to move? My friends are here. My school is here. I know she works hard – too hard. I just don’t think I want to leave. Why can’t she just get a better job here in town? I know it’s not like she’s tried. She tries all the time. I wish she knew how much I get it. I get it that she does all this stuff for me. I just wish life was different. I wish it was all different. I hope she knows that I love her and I’m proud of her for everything she does. Really, she’s a really strong woman. I can’t imagine raising a kid all by myself and still doing as well as she does and stuff. I know I’m lucky to have a mom like her. I know some kids at school whose parents don’t even give a crap. They don’t care what happens. They just want to be left alone. Tonya’s mom and dad. Ugh. Now there’s pair. They think Tonya’s an inconvenience. That’s why she spent all of last summer with us. I’m really going to miss her, And Brad. I mean, I know Brad and I are going to go our separate ways after high school, but that seems like forever away. It seemed like we’d still have forever to hang out, go to the movies and spend our summers at the beach. Now it’s all changed. It’s all going to be different.

Marie: What are you doing, Sweetie?

Lexi: Just firing up my laptop. I thought I’d check out Green Bay. You know, just to see if there’s anything there that’s interesting.

Marie: Well, obviously, the Packers are there.

Lexi: Wouldn’t that be cool? To see Lambeau Field?

Marie: It sure would. Hey, what was that you just passed over? A dinner theatre? Wouldn’t that be sublime?

Lexi: Oh, Gram! You’re so old-fashioned.

Marie: Maybe because I’m old, Sweetie.

(the two continue to look at the computer, pointing at the screen and laughing as the lights go down)

Scene 3

(Beth is making breakfast and waiting for Lexi and Marie to come downstairs. She hasn’t seen either one of them since the blow-out the night before when she stormed out)

Beth: I just wish they’d understand. I wish they knew that I’m just thinking of them. I can see Mom not wanting to leave Rhinelander. It’s a great place to retire, I guess, other than the long winters. Then again, it’s not like the winters in Green Bay are that much different. But I know she likes being a part of this small community. I just wish she’d think about Green Bay at least. There are plenty of opportunities for her down there to continue to volunteer and get involved. And I know she’d find a new church and take over the planning of all of the various events that churches put on. She’s so dynamic and alive. People up here love her, and I know people down there would, too. I just wish she’d think about it. This opportunity isn’t just for me. It’s for all of us.

And Lexi. I knew that would be a problem. I’d feel terribly taking her out of school in her junior year. She’s got so much going on. She’s got her friends, and Brad. He seems like such a nice boy. She loves all the girls on her Varsity volleyball team, and she lives for her drama club. But I know she’d find so much more to do in a bigger city, if she’d just give it a chance. I guess it was all a pipe dream, though. I guess I’m being selfish, asking them to move to the other side of the state. I mean, it’s not really that far away, a 3 hour car ride, but maybe it’s not fair. We do okay here. Maybe we should just stay. I think we could stay here. At least until Lexi graduates. Then Mom and I can figure out what we want to do. Maybe Lexi will somehow get off to a good college and there will be good jobs close by. Maybe then Mom and I could move to be closer to her. I just wish she concentrated on school more. She’s such a smart girl, but, with these grades she’s been getting, any sort of scholarship is almost out of reach for her.

Lexi: Morning, Mom! (kisses Beth on the cheek and hugs her)

Beth: Good morning.

Marie: Is that breakfast I smell?

Beth: Good morning, Mom. Yeah. I’m just putting it on the table.

Lexi: Pancakes? Pancakes Rock! You haven’t made these since I was a kid.

Marie: I thought I smelled sausage? Seems as though you’re breaking that silly diet you always try to be on.

Beth: I thought maybe it was time for a smaller change. Maybe I just need to break out of a few small ruts.

Lexi: I’d say it’s time for a change, right, Gram?

Marie: I couldn’t have said it better myself, Sweetie.

Beth: About all this change…. I’ve decided not to take the job.

Lexi: What? Are you kidding me? That’s not even funny, Mom.

Beth: No, really. I really was only thinking of myself. I thought you two might be a bit upset, but I didn’t expect what I got last night. I don’t want to fight with either of you. Life’s too short. And, truly, you are both my life. I just want you to be happy.

Marie: So, you’re just going to wait until it’s convenient for everyone else in your life before you take your chance to shine? That’s so typical of you, Dear. You’ve always thought of everyone else over yourself. You’ve never given yourself the credit that you deserve.

Beth: Huh?

Marie: Don’t act so dazed, Child. You really are amazing at what you do. Lexi and I both know it. We see you stride through that door, shoulders high and a smile on your face, after a day that would bring the best person to their knees. You’re so confident and in control. There aren’t many people of your caliber out there, and if we need to move to support you, then that’s what we’ll do.

Beth: I couldn’t ask you to do that. Lexi, you only have a year and a half left of school. What would it do to Brad if you left now? I mean, to your relationship?

Lexi: Please, Mom. I like Brad. I like him a lot. But we both know that it’s only a high school thing. He’s going to get a football scholarship, probably at some stupid school. It’s not going to be a school where I’d go anyway. He’ll find his way and I’ll find mine.

Beth: Of course you will, Baby. You’ll be great at anything you attempt.

Lexi: That’s because I learned from the best. You took… what’s that saying? Something like you took tofu and made it taste like meat.

Marie: I think that’s lemons and lemonade, Honey.

Lexi: Whatever. Point is, Mom. You’re awesome at what you do. No, I don’t really want to change schools, but who does? I was talking to Janet last night. You know last year when she went down for that Solo Ensemble contest in Green Bay? She said their school is huge! Besides, did you know there is a dinner theatre down there? I could, like, actually, be in a play. I mean a real play. How cool is that?

Marie: And did you know that AmeriCorps has a division down there dealing with adult literacy issues? Beth, that would be right up my alley. What better place for a retires school teacher than an environment promoting literacy?

Beth: But… what about the church, Mom?

Marie: Oh, those old bitties will just have to find their own way. I would imagine there is a Lutheran Church in Green Bay that could use a hand, don’t you?

Beth: Well, I suppose, it’s just that….

(phone ringing)

Lexi: Mom, it’s a Mr. Lynch.

Beth: He probably decided against giving me the job. That will solve all the problems.

Marie: I’m sure he didn’t, Dear. You deserve this promotion! Lexi and I checked out the Green Bay area on that laptop of hers last night. There’s something there for all of us. You tell him you’ll be there with bells on, whenever he needs you. Good, dedicated people are hard enough to find. He found one with brains, too. He can’t pass you up.

Beth: Hello?
Oh, you can’t make it on Tuesday? I understand.
Well… well, yes sir. Of course.
I’m definitely still interested.
Fifty per year sounds more than fair, Sir.
Yes, Sir. I mean, Yes, Jerry.
We’d need a bit to get situated. I have a daughter in school for the next couple of weeks.
June 15th?

Lexi (whispering): Do, it Mom!

Beth: June 15th would be a great start date, Jerry. I’m really looking forward to it.
I have a lot of ideas that I think can really drive traffic.
8am on the 15th sounds great. I’ll meet with you then and start on the 16th.
Thank you very much!

(Beth hangs up the phone)

Marie (standing to hug Beth): My little girl has found her way, just like I’ve always known she would.

Lexi (hugging Beth): This is SO cool, Mom! I’m going to call Janet. We’re spending a week on Bay Beach this summer, for sure! This is going to so rock!