last draft of Apartment Life

 



One Act Play: Apartment Live



Central Character: Lilly:

A divorced mother of three that moved with her two sons to Florida



EZRA:

Ezra a man she met at work while she was married... After the divorce they were dating. He moved to FL to be with his daughters and mother..



Festus:

Retired 16 year Vet, loud drunk, Lilly's upstairs neighbor



Goober:

upstairs neighbors older room mate to Chester. He and Chester fight constantly



Patty:

management of the new apartments



Scene 1:

Lilly, Ezra, and boys tour the apartment. They are so pleased. Lilly documented every corner: Windows, carpet, sealing, blinds, everything in photos



         

.

Lilly



We begin a life together. I remember when we first met. I was married to a man who had left me four times for other women. Ezra was working at a restaurant across from the convenient store that I worked at. He too was married. She turned their bed room into a den. She only used it for cyber-sexing with other men. Ezra and his wife lost their children to the system. She had been abusing them while he was working long hours, and soon they were gone. Every night when he got off work, he would come over to the store with a special lunch that he had made for me at work. As I ate, he would tell me about his life. I felt for him. I just wanted his life to be better. I had given up on mine. I loved to hear him talk.



Then his wife calls my house and wants Ezra to live with me and my husband. I left the decision up to my ex husband. Hubby spent the rest of the night moving Ezra's things into our basement. After telling my cheating husband that if he weren't better to me I would turn to my best friend in the basement, and so I did.



Ezra's mother was able to obtain Ezra's children. Came to my house and took him with her to help raise his daughters, and I cried for so long. I thought that I would never see him again. My ex husband could see that I needed some one to love me as he was suspposed to. He would not, he seemed to want strange. Any strange woman would do. It was not long after that my husband found another, and I divorced him. That is how my visits to Florida started.



So, here I am after all those never-ending years longing to be here. I was so in love with Florida. Together. Yes, since I first met Ezra, I wanted to be with him. I thought that we would complete each other. It was so hard to leave him behind when I had to go back home. Now I wonder if I am able to adjust to this city life with two children. I think this is a beautiful place with a nice comfortable apartment here. It is better than anywhere we had lived in Kentucky. 



I will not wake up the a snowy morning again. I wont have my friends' shoulders to cry on when things aren't going my way. I give them up to live in the sun with my soul-mate.



Sometimes I think that I moved to follow a kiss. I know that I will be happy. In time, I will have the happy ever after that I have dreamed of since I was a child.



A new adventure without any family, friends, or churches that I know. What would I do if this doesn't work out?



Lilly:



Do you know who manages this complex?





Ezra:



No, why does it matter?



Lilly:



I just get nervous meeting people that I don't know anything about. I was wondering what their reputation was with tenant land lord relationships.





Eara sees Patty coming back into the room:

Ezra whispers:



You worry too much. Smile and be your self, you never have had problems with landlords before. It will work out fine.





Ezra



The way she listened to my sadness so long ago. My family falling apart, but she was there. I went so long in my own home without any affection. I could see she was hurting too. It was sad when we first went out. She kissed me, and would not allow me to touch her. She said that her marriage was over, but let all the wrong be on her.



When I lost my marriage, I turned to my best friend. She was always there for me. I know it was hard for her to have two men that she loved under the same roof. She was strong enough to fight for her husband for so long. She even told him that she would be with me if he did not love her. I respected this about her.



It was her idea for my mother to take the girls. Lilly did not want me to loose them, and the courts would not allow me to have them without my own place. She suggested that I call Mom.



I loved that she came to visit me in Florida. I hated when she went home. Why couldn't she trust that I would care for her? I could be her family.



Yes, another relationship appeared, and I had to let her go. I truly thought that we would never be together. I always thought of her. When I had a bad day, I called Kentucky to hear Lilly's voice. Finally I moved in with her for over a year, but I could not stand how people used her. She decided that it was too much to see me hurt from missing my children so she said that we were moving to Florida as a family



Well, I could not stay away from my children any longer. I needed to be here for them and to help mom. She raised the three of us, and now she has taken on raising my daughters. I know that she has had it hard while I lived in Kentucky with Lilly. I want to always to be there for my mom as she has always has been for me. She has been my parent, my nurse, and my best friend. I had to come back. I  am obligated to my mother, and could not stand her to battle parenthood again alone.



I hope that Lilly will be happy here. Her mom, family, friends, and her daughter all left behind. Did she move here for me? Will she think that this is too hard or leave back to Kentucky due to homesickness for where her life is that she left behind? Do I have to be prepared for when I am left alone again? We have been through so much together and apart. I hope that this is something that we can withstand. I know that she was close to her mom too, and it is going to be even harder to be away from her only daughter. Did I think about her as much as she did me?





Patty:



Well what do you think about the apartment?



Ezra:



What utilities are included in our rent? Do we have to come up with deposits for them?



Patty:



The only thing that is included is the garbage. All you have to do is take it to the trash compactor right past your apartment building. I think that the deposit for water is $250 I Think that you have to pay it up front before they will turn it on. I am not sure about the electric, and you have to find out what phone and television choices are.



Lilly:



What are the schools that the boys will attend?



Patty:



I will give you a booklet with the utilities' offices, schools, and other important information when you sign the lease.



Ezra brings out a wallet, and starts to get his money out, when Patty stops him.





Patty:



Sorry, but we are not permitted to take cash. You can pay by personal check or money order. You can go just a block down the road, they only charge $.29. 



Patty reaches out her hand. She shakes hands with both Ezra and Lilly as the turn to leave.



Ezra:



Sorry that it took a minute to get the money order. They were busy with the lunch crowd.



Patty:



That's o.k. We are here until 5. You had a lot of time.



Patty looks toward her assistant:



Patty:



Hand me the lease from the copier, please.



Lilly:



I love this location. We have access to anything we need. The drug store, Kmart, grocery store, anything we need is only steps way.



Ezra:



Do you mind if the boys play at the playground while we sign the lease?



Patty:



Not at all. That is what it is there for.  Here is your first page of the lease. Ezra signs first then hand it to Lilly. These three pages are the actual lease. It just says that the rent is due by the fifth of the month.



Lilly:



Will we have a late charge if the fifth is on a weekend or holiday? What happens if a family fails to pay the rent?



Patty:



You will have until the next working day without paying late charge.  Any day after this, you will be considered breaking the lease, and we will begin evictions. If your money is late or something make sure we know within the five days. These forms are the rules of the pool. No one under sixteen can be at the pool without an adult. The tenant is reasonable for any injuries.



Ezra:



That wont be a problem. Lilly is over protective. They will not get to do anything unsupervised. Now this summer we have my daughters. There is not a problem for them and family to use the pool.



Patty:



No. The only thing is that you are to keep the pool picked up after anyone who is your guest. There are not to be glass or drinking alcoholic beverages around or in the pool.



Lilly reaches the last of the signed forms to Patty. The lease signed.



Patty:



I hope that you enjoy living here. You'll find that people are pleasant and pretty much stay to themselves.



Lilly takes Ezra's hand as they walk out of the office. He could see the sparks of both love and fear.



Lilly:



I love you, Ezra. I know that we will do well here. We can do anything as long as we are together.



Ezra:



Right, Lilly. I know we can. We always have.



Scene 2: Overview



         In the apartment the family is playing video games with boys, helping her fix dinner, and meets the interesting neighbors up stairs.



Ezra:



Give me the large knife to chop the peppers.



Lilly:



Here, so we are home. You think that we can go to the pool tomorrow?



Ezra:



You might, but I think that I will be too tired from carrying all the stuff into the house. It might be nice if you take the boys out to the pool. They have never had excess to a pool when they want.



Boys:



Please, please, can we go to the pool tomorrow.





Lilly:



Maybe, we'll have to see how you behave. Go finish your game. Ezra, I need you to help me drain these noodles.



Lilly walks around the corner going into the living room. She nearly runs right into him. Being startled by his presence, she drops the pan and sprays his shirt with cooking spray.



Ezra:



I thought You needed help with the noodles?!



Lilly:



I did. I was coming to get you.



Ezra:



Then why do you have the spray in your hands? How do you use cooking spray for straining anything?



Lilly:



I needed you to do that while I put the cornmeal in this pan to bake. You did not answer me, so I thought that you didn't hear me.



Ezra:



Now you got to wait until I take a shower.



Lilly:



Anything to get out of work.



Lilly stands at the stove while Ezra goes to the shower.





Lilly:



I wonder if the boys will be happy here? They seem to like it so far, and this weekend we are going to the beach. I didn't see a beach until I was 34. I am glad that I am able to share this with them.



This oven is taking forever to heat up.



What was I thinking. I feel more comfortable and safer than I have since I was a child. I hope that the boys feel the same. All I want in this world is for them to have advantages that I never had. I wish that my daughter would have come with us. I hope that she will someday.



Lilly hears the boys fighting over the video games.



Lilly:



Do you want me to take the game from you?



Ezra:



I can't go to take a shower without you fighting over my game.



Ezra and Lilly go to the front porch while they wait for their dinner to finish up.



Lilly:



Is he coming this way.



Ezra:



I think so.



Festus reaches out his hand to Ezra.



Festus:



My name is Festus. Goober and me live in 204. Where you from?



Ezra:



I was born here, but just came back from KY. I think that the kids have met your roommate. He was yelling at them as they were playing this evening.



Festus:



Don't pay attention to Goober. He wakes up hateful. We are from KY?  What part you from, Momma?



Lilly:



I lived in eastern. All my family is there.



Festus:



She must love ya to leave her family.



Ezra:



I guess so. She was going to move here years ago. By the way I am Ezra and this is Lilly.



Festus: I am no good with names so I will just call you little momma.



Lilly feels uncomfortable. This man is nearly old enough to be her dad. She takes Ezra by the hand leading him inside.



Lilly:



I hear the boys fighting again over the game. Ezra could you come in and finish dinner while I take care of the them.



Ezra:



Ok, Well Festus it was nice to meet you, but there are a lot of things to do before we bed down.



Festus: Nice to meet you Erin. Can't you come up and drink some shine.



Festus is holding tight to Ezra's arm. He is pulling Ezra toward the steps.



Ezra laughs. After all, Ezra has had his time drunk:



My name is Ezra, and I can't go upstairs right now. Lilly needs help with cooking and unpacking.



Festus:



Momma don't mind if you go upstairs for a drink. Do you Momma?



Lilly:



The name is Lilly, only my son calls me momma and I am too young to be your momma. I do need Ezra to help . It has been a long day.



Lilly takes Ezra's other hand., and gently pulls him back to her side.



Festus:



I see who wears the paints in your relationship. So come up when Momma allows you to.



Ezra tries to laugh it off.



Ezra:



Man, it has been a rough week. Today is our first night here. We just have a lot to do. I will see you around.



Ezra follows Lilly into the house.





Scene 3 Setting:



         Lilly stands pouting in the kitchen. She is          crying while putting away leftover dinner.







Lilly:



How did you like your dinner?



Ezra:



The noodles were sticking together. The corn bread was a little burnt.



Lilly looked dissapointed:



Really, you didn't like it?



What was that sound?



Ezra:



Sound? It could have been the boys in their room.



Lilly:



No! They are asleep, and have been since about eight o'clock.



Ezra goes out the living room door.



Ezra:



I don't see anything.





Lilly:



You hear that?



Ezra mutes the television, and opens the back door.





Festus:



You knew that this was the weekend! You should have bought more beer!



Goober:



Why didn't ya go get some while I work? We could have plenty if you had. I am not the only person who lives here. You never do nothing round here.



Thump. Lilly and Ezra listen for a few minutes. Then the argument gets too heated.



Lilly:



Close the door. I don't want the boys to wake up and hear this kind of stuff.



Ezra:



They have to get used to it. This is not the country hills of Kentucky. They are going to hear this everywhere here.



The noises continue throughout the night.





Ezra:



Did you sleep well?



Lilly:



No. I was kept up by the fighting  from up stairs.



Ezra:



Their fight is over. It will be a while before we hear them again.



Lilly:



They had better hope so.



Lilly walks to the window to see her children looking up stairs talking. She walks out on to the front walk.



Goober:



Do you brats have to be so noisy? There are people who want quite. There is a park across the road.



Lilly starts to the stairs.







Lilly:



Boys go on over to the park.



Ezra calls for Lilly from inside the house.



Ezra:



Lilly, the beans are sticking.



Lilly, oh where did she go?



Ezra opens the front door expecting to see her talking to the boys. He sees that she isn't there, starts to shut the door when he hears her voice.



Lilly:



You can fight and yell all night long when the boys have school the next day, but they can not play in front of their own home at three in the afternoon.



Festus:



Who do you think you are? You just move in, and your children run wild. People try to sleep and the  children around here have no respect.





Lilly:



NO RESPECT? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Look! I am not even going there. If I hear you speak to my children as you did today, I will call the police. Then any noise that I hear upstairs will be reported to the them and the rental office.



Ezra:



Lilly, you need to tend to your supper.



Lilly doesn't hear him.



Festus:



You kidding. We have been here three years. Who do you think they will believe.



Goober is now standing behind Festus.



Goober:



Festus come inside. If the cow wants trouble, we will just call the police and let them deal with it.



Lilly:



Excuse me! What did you just call me?!



Lilly pushes Festus and enters the apartment.



Lilly:



Now that I am in the house? Do you have something to say to me?



I didn't think so!



Fustus slaps Lilly as she walks to the door. Lilly was now at the point of no return. She pulls out a pocket knife from her pocket.



Lilly:



No man, woman, or child slaps me in the face!



Ezra starts to run up the stairs.



Ezra:



What is going on?





Goober:



Your woman is gone nuts.



Ezra sees Lilly's demonic stare toward their neighbor.





Ezra:

Lilly, don't it isn't worth it. Look! Look! Down stairs. You are scaring the boys.



Lilly looks over the banister. She saw her two boys gazing at her as if they didn't know her. She pushes Festus. Goober catches as he nearly stumbles over the side.



Boys: Mom



Ezra:



Lilly come on, don't let them see this.



Ezra takes her by the hand and leads her down stairs. He looks back at his neighbors.



Eara:



You can do many things, but you don't mess with a hillbilly's family.



Ezra open the apartment door. The whole family walks in.



Lilly:



The jerks up stairs think that they can call my boys names for playing tag in front of our door.



Ezra:



Why?



Lilly:



Noise



Ezra:



After last night?



Lilly:



For real



Knock. Knock



Ezra:



What do you want?





Festus:



We came down to speak with Momma



Ezra:



I really don't think that you need to speak with her. Did you not say what you needed to my entire family.



Goober:



We thought that the children playing was the same children that has been knocking on doors and running away. We did not mean to offend.



Lilly is now by Ezra's side in the doorway.



Lilly:



I can understand that, but I stand by everything I said. Don't let it happen again.



Festus:



It wont. Matter of fact, we have some odd jobs for the boys. We will pay them.



Lilly:



We will see.



Ezra:



Well we have to get back to cooking.



Ezra and Lilly are getting ready for bed.



Ezra:



Dinner was tasty. The beans were as good as my mom used to make.



Lilly:



Thank you. I hoped that you would like it.



She smiles, pulls back the covers, and lays her head on his chest. They finally got some undisturbed sleep.