Drama - Skylar Neese

Scene #1 Shelia throws pebbles against Skylar’s window Shelia: [Whispering] Skylar! Skylar! Skylar opens the window and looks out to see Shelia and Rachel in her backyard. Skylar: What is it? It’s almost midnight. Shelia: [Smirking] I got booze. Rachel: Come with us! It’ll be fun. Skylar mulls over this offer by her window. She had a bad day. Skylar: [Hesitant] I don’t know about this, you guys. It’s kinda late. Shelia: Come on! It’ll be fun! I promise. Rachel: Yeah, Skylar, come on! Don’t be a blitz! Skylar turns around and looks at the clock. Maybe a night out for a few hours wouldn’t be so bad. Shelia: Yeah, don’t be a blitz! You already missed out on that party in Greg’s house. Skylar: Guys, it’s late. I need to go to bed. Rachel:

Go to bed?! That is so yesterday. Shelia: Come on, Skylar, it’s gonna be like old times. It’s gonna be you, me, and Rachel against the world. Skylar: [Reluctantly] Alright, alright, I’ll go. Happy? Shelia: That’s my girl! Skylar: So what kind of booze you got? Rachel: Vodka, baby. Skylar: Nice. Shelia: Hell, yeah, girl! The three girls walk off the stage. The stage goes dark.

Scene #2 Rachel is awoken by the loud knock on the door. She opens the door to find two policemen standing in front of her. Rachel: [She wipes the sleep off her eyes and grimaces from the light] Can I help you, officer? Officer #1: Yes. Are you Rachel Shoaf? Rachel: Yes… Is there a problem, officer? Officer #2: We want to ask a few questions. May we come in? Rachel: Of course. Please, come in. Officer #1: Are your parents home? Rachel: No, they just left for work. Officer #1: Okay. Rachel: Can I get you some coffee, officer? Officer #2: No, that’s fine. Rachel: Please, have a seat. Officer #1:

This is going to be hard, but...we just got a report that a friend of yours, Skylar Neese, is missing. No one has seen her since July. Rachel freezes. Rachel: Oh, my god… Officer #2: At this point, we’re doing everything we can to look for her. But for now, we got some questions for you. Rachel: Okay, sure. Officer #1: When was the last time you saw Skylar? Rachel: A few months ago, I guess? In this guy’s party. Officer #2: Do you think Skylar has a few problems with certain people? Rachel: No, I don’t think so. She’s always friendly with people. Officer #1: Are you sure? Rachel: Well, there was that one time when she was kinda angry with this chick about a guy or something? But I guess that wasn’t a big deal. Officer #2: How close are you with Skylar? Rachel: I knew her from a few years back. We were pretty close, but she had always been closer to Shelia. Officer #1:

Is this Shelia Eddy you’re talking about? Rachel: Yes. Officer #2: Well, I guess that’s it. We’ll update you if there is any progress. Thank you for your time. It’s best for us to leave now. Rachel walks the two officers to the door. Rachel: Officer, is she going to be all right? Officer #1: We don’t know. But we’re trying our best. Rachel: Okay, officer. Have a good day. Officer #2: You too, Miss. Rachel closes the door. She leans against the wall and sinks to the floor. She starts crying. She calls her boyfriend. Rachel: Where are you? Can you come here? Just come here, please. I need you. Then Mikinzy walks in and finds Rachel sobbing uncontrollably. Mikinzy: Babe, what’s wrong? Mikinzy lifts her up from the floor and puts her on a nearby chair. Mikinzy: Babe. Rachel. What’s wrong? Is everything all right?

Rachel wipes the tears. Rachel: It’s Skylar! Mikinzy: What’s with her? Rachel: She went missing! Mikinzy: What?! What happened?! Rachel: Two cops just came in and told me no one has seen her since July. Mikinzy: Look, don’t worry, babe. They’ll find her. Everything’s gonna be all right. Now why don’t you get some rest and I’ll draw you a bath.

Scene #3 Christmas dinner. The Neese has invited Shelia and Rachel for dinner. There is a knock on the door. Mrs Neese opens to find Shelia and Rachel. Mrs Neese: [Hugs them] Hi, girls! I’m so glad you can make it. Shelia: Hi, Mrs Neese. I brought wine from my mom. Mrs Neese: Thank you so much. Please, come in. Mrs Neese takes them to the living room. Mrs Neese: Make yourself at home. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes. Would you guys like some garlic bread? Rachel: Oh, no, it’s alright. We’ll wait until dinner. Mrs Neese: Oh, no, it’s okay, dear. I always make these anyway. Skylar loved it. Rachel notices Mrs Neese’s face darkens at the memory of Skylar. Rachel: Are you okay, Mrs Neese?

Mrs Neese: [She wipes the small tears from her eyes] Yes, I’m okay, dear. Mr Neese wobbles into the living room. He’s drunk.

Mr Neese: Hello, girls. It’s glad to have you here. It’s been very quiet here nowadays. Shelia: Hi, Mr Neese. How are you? Mr Neese: Oh, yeah, I’m fine, Sheila. Shelia: It’s Shelia, sir. Mr Neese: Okay, Shelly. By the way, have you girls tried the garlic bread? It’s pretty good. Mrs Neese walks into the living room carrying a plate of garlic bread. Mrs Neese: Here you go, girls. Rachel: So, how are you these days, Mrs Neese? Mrs Neese: [Sighs] I’m okay, I guess...But it’s been tough. Shelia: We know how you feel. It’s been hard for us too. Rachel: Yeah, she’s our best friend.

Shelia: We hope she’s okay out there. Rachel: [Stutters] I-I’m sure...I’m sure everything will be a-all right. Excuse me for a sec. Rachel goes behind the wall, and takes several deep breaths to calm herself down. Shelia follows Rachel. Shelia: [Angry] Hey. Pull your shit together. Rachel: I...I can’t do it! I can’t do this anymore! Shelia: You have to. You wanna go to jail for the rest of your life?? Rachel: This is wrong! It’s...it’s just not right. Shelia: Doesn’t matter! What’s done is done. The bitch deserved it anyway. Rachel: I still can’t do this, Shelia. Shelia: [Shelia caresses the side of Rachel’s face] Baby, I know it’s hard. But do it for us. Please. Rachel and Shelia comes back to the living room to find Mr Neese looking at pictures of Skylar with a bottle of Jack Daniel in one hand, while his wife comforts him. Mrs Neese: Honey, it’s okay. She’ll come back to us.

Mr Neese: She’s a good girl, Mary. She’s a damn good girl. Why did she have to go? Why her?! Mrs Neese: God works mysteriously, honey. He has a plan for all of us. Rachel: Oh my God...Mr Neese, I have something to tell you. Shelia: Don’t do this. Rachel: It’s the right thing to do, Shelia. Shelia: Think about what you’re doing. Rachel: Mr Neese, I Shelia slaps Rachel hard against her face. Rachel: [Shouts] I can’t do this anymore! Rachel experiences a mental breakdown. She hyperventilates, the world is spinning, she’s lost control of her thoughts and actions. Rachel: P-people c-can’t stop… Mrs Neese: Rachel. Rachel. Calm down. Please. Rachel: T-t-talking about it. Mrs Neese: About what, sweetheart?

Shelia takes her phone and starts calling Mikinzy. Shelia: Mikinzy? It’s Shelia. She’s gone mad. We’re at Skylar’s house. As Rachel goes through a breakdown, seconds later Mikinzy walks in. Mikinzy: Rachel. Rachel. Can you hear me? Rachel ignores Mikinzy, crying and panting. Mikinzy: It’s a bit late, anyway, why don’t we take you home and we can Netflix and chill. Mikinzy takes off his jacket and wraps it around Rachel’s trembling body. Mikinzy: Come here, babe. Everything’s okay. Everything’s okay. Let’s just go home. They slowly stand up and walk away from the scene.

Intermission Stage background changes. Costume, hair and makeup as well. Scene #4 Mikinzy walks into Rachel’s room in the psychiatry ward, holding a bouquet of flowers. He sees her laying in her bed, her back facing him. Mikinzy: Hi, Rachel. Rachel rolls to her other side and looks at Mikinzy wearily. Rachel: Hi. Mikinzy: I brought you flowers. They’re lilies. Your favorite. Rachel: That’s nice of you. Just put it on the table there. [She points to the bedside table] Mikinzy puts the bouquet on the table, and sits on the edge of her bed. Mikinzy:

So, um...what’s up? Rachel: Nothing much, I guess. You? Mikinzy: It gets pretty lonely without you. [Small laugh] People are missing you, you know. Rachel: Pfft...I doubt it. They don’t want me anymore. Rachel sits up and looks at Mikinzy with sad, teary eyes. Mikinzy: Hey, what’s wrong? Rachel: Nothing. Mikinzy: Come on, tell me. I know when something’s wrong. Rachel: Nothing, it’s just...I have something to tell you. And you might not like it. Mikinzy: What is it? Rachel: I did it. Mikinzy: What did you do? Rachel: It was me. Mikinzy: What do you mean?

Rachel starts to cry. Mikinzy: Babe, what’s going on? Rachel: I killed her, Mikinzy. Mikinzy: No. No, you’re lying. Rachel: I’m not. I swear to God, I’m not lying!

Mikinzy: This can’t be true. This is not you. This is not you talking. This is them trying to manipulate you. Rachel: But I did it. Mikinzy: [Disappointed] But...why? This is not the girl I once knew. She’s sweet and kind. What the fuck happened? Rachel: Her. Shelia. I...I loved...I loved her. Mikinzy: Loved? Rachel: Yes! Just like I loved you. Mikinzy takes a deep breath. Mikinzy: Okay. Let’s slow down here a bit. Tell me what the fuck is going on.

Rachel: I didn’t want to do it at first. But...but...she’s so charming. I couldn’t help it. Mikinzy: But why did you do it?? You didn’t have to! Rachel: I know, babe. I know. But...Shelia convinced me Skylar was a threat. She told me we wouldn’t be together, because she was on the way. Maybe now, I think, I was wrong. Which is why I’m doing the right thing tomorrow. Mikinzy: Wait. Hold on. You have to think how this will affect us. How this will affect your family. Rachel: I know, but I deserve it. I killed her. Mikinzy: You don’t have to do this. I still wanna be with you. In spite of everything, I don’t want them to take you away from me. Rachel holds Mikinzy’s hands. Rachel: Babe. It’s all right. Maybe this is God’s plan all along. Mikinzy: No! It’s not all right! Rachel: Why? It’s my life anyway, not yours! Mikinzy: Because...because...I love you. Silence for a few seconds. Rachel:

That’s the first time you’ve ever said that to me. Mikinzy: I love you, Rachel. From the moment we met until today, I love you. And I won’t stop loving you just because of this stupid thing. So don’t do this to me! Rachel: It’s not about you. It’s about doing the right thing. Mikinzy: The right thing is to not mess up your life.

Rachel: Well, I’m already here so...there’s nothing out there for me anymore. Mikinzy: I’m out there for you. Everyday I think about you. You may think that the world has abandoned you, but I haven’t. I’m here for you whether you like it or not. Rachel: Maybe this is it. I mean, have you seen Skylar’s dad? Have you seen her family? I took everything from them. If doing the right thing means ending this, then so be it. Because I deserve it. Mikinzy: So I mean nothing to you? Are you seriously gonna do this to me? Rachel: It’s not about you, Mick! Mikinzy: No, it’s about me. I thought we’re partners. I thought it’s us against the world? Rachel: No, Mick. No. Not this time.

Mikinzy kneels down on both knees and grabs Rachel’s hands tightly. Mikinzy: Don’t do this. If you still love me, don’t do this. Please. I’m begging you. [Mikinzy starts to cry.] Rachel kneels down, tightening the grip on Mikinzy’s hands. Rachel: I still love you, bu— Mikinzy: Then don’t do it! Why is it so hard? Rachel: But I can’t live with myself anymore. I have to do it. If you don’t want to do this with me… She walks to the door and opens it. Rachel: ...then go. Mikinzy looks at Rachel before dropping his eyes to the floor. He holds back his tears as he stands up and walks towards the door. Mikinzy: I just want you to know, whatever happens...I will always love you. Mikinzy goes through the door, and Rachel quietly shuts the door. She sits down on the edge of her bed, buries her face in her hands, and sobs.

Scene #5 Rachel enters the stage with a lawyer. Bailer: All present please arise. Judge enters the stage. Bailer: Please be seated. Judge: We are here this morning in the case of state West Virginia versus the defendant, Rachel Shoaf, in this case number 13FA8. This matter is set for sentencing. The record will reflect the presence of the state of West Virginia by Marsha Ashdown, prosecuting attorney, and the presence of the defendant. Rachel Shoaf in person, and by council John Angotti. Are all the parties ready to proceed? Ms Ashdown? Ashdown: Yes, Your Honor.

Judge: Mr. Angotti? Angotti: Yes, Your Honor. Judge: Thank you. Part of the hearing of the court has received various documents which I will outline at this time. First I have received and reviewed a precinct investigation submitted June 13th, 2013 under the probation office. Ms Ashdown, have you received a copy of the precinct investigation report and have the opportunity to review it? Ashdown: Yes, Your Honor.

Judge: Mr. Angotti, have you also received a copy of the precinct investigation report and have the opportunity to review it with Ms Shoaf? Angotti: Your Honor, on behalf of the defendant, yes. Judge: Thank you. In the process of reviewing that did you find anything that need to be corrected or otherwise modified? Angotti: There is no addition, revision, or correction. Judge: Okay. That report is going to be accepted and submitted. Mr Angotti, do you think that you wish to offer by way of testimony Proffer or statement in person stating this matter? Angotti: Rachel would like to speak to the court first, and I would like a follow up after she finished with her statement.

Judge: Very well. Ms Shoaf, I would like to advise you at this time. It is your right to allocution. Simply state that as your right to make any statement that you wish the court to consider before passing sentence in this matter. If you speak at this time, you can remain seated, if you want. Rachel stands up. Rachel: I’m so sorry. I don’t know there’s a proper way to make this apology, because there are not even words to describe the guilt and remorse that I feel everyday for what I’ve done. The person that did that wasn’t through me, not the person I am, not the person I’m made of, and not what I believe in. I don’t think I ever thought this would actually happen. I became scared and caught up in something I did not want to do. I never realized the gravity of my actions and how many people I’ve hurt. I hurt the Neese family and those who love Skylar. I hurt my parents and shamed my family. I hurt my extended family and all my friends who love me. I hurt my teachers and those who believed in me. I hurt my church family, my community and those who trust me. And I hurt my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May God bring eternal peace to Skylar and the entire Neese family. Again, I’m so sorry, and I pray each day for everyone involved. And I pray each day for forgiveness.

Scene #6 The police comes in with Shelia cuffed. Shelia sits down in front of Rachel. Silence. Shelia: Hi, Rachel. How are you? Rachel: [Pissed.] You have no right to ask that. Shelia: [Calm and unaffected] Well, I hope you’re doing fine. It’s been tough for me too, you know? Rachel: Really? It’s tough for you? Is that all you can say? [Shouting] Do you know how it feels to have everything you have taken away from you?! [Cries]

Shelia: I never meant it. I thought we could be together just like what we’ve always wanted. Rachel: No, you wanted it, Shelia. It was you! Shelia: But you said yes when I asked. Rachel: Don’t try to turn this on me! Shelia: I’m not blaming you. I thought you wanted us to be together? [Her eyes teary] I thought you love me? Rachel: Love? You call that love? We were just confused. I love Mikinzy, you...you were just Shelia: Just what? A mere distraction? I loved you! I would do anything for you! I even killed for you! Rachel: I didn’t want that to happen. You forced me to! Shelia: I only did it because of us. I thought we would be happier. That bitch was in the way. Rachel: [Screaming] That bitch was our friend! She loved you like a sister! What we did was wrong, Shelia. Guard: Whoa, calm down! Calm down, Shoaf. Sit down.

Shelia: Why can’t you understand what we did was good? Rachel: Good?! Good?! Look at Skylar’s mom and dad! They’re a mess because of us! Shelia: But look at us now, Rachel. We are together, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Rachel: Shelia, I know we had good times, but I don’t think we understand what we did. To be honest, I was just confused. I didn’t know who I am. Shelia: So all of that meant nothing to you? So I’m just nothing more but a tool for you?! Rachel: No. You were my best friend. Maybe I loved you, but not the way you love me. Shelia touches Rachel’s hand and starts to cry. Shelia: What do you mean? I thought we love each other, Rachel? What happened to that night when we laid together? Your skin is so soft. Your eyes were glowing. It felt like...heaven. You’re so pure. Rachel quickly pulls her hand away. Rachel: Don’t touch me. That was a long time ago. Rachel walks away. Shelia watches her leave. She looks down and wipes her tears. The light goes dark.

FIN