Flood Warning

Written by
Joseph Frost
written for the 2014 31 Plays in 31 Days Project
Play 10
Draft
8/10/14
Attic Scripts 2014
Joseph Frost
4550 Normandy Dr
Jackson, MS 39206
atticsripts@gmail.com
Two men and a woman in an interior. The sound of rain -
perhaps a projection of rain as well. They are slightly wet,
and out of breath.
VEN
I was supposed to pick up my kids.
LISA
I was on my way to a first date.
MARK
I was on my way home from work.
Rain sounds continue.
VEN
They arent supposed to stay at school after 3:45.
LISA
Boy and a girl.
VEN
Yeah.
LISA
They should be fine.
VEN
Youd think.
LISA
They can look out the window. See why youre late.
VEN
If I miss the cutoff again, theyre going to call my ex.
LISA
Oh.
MARK
Call her yourself. Better than being a no-show.
VEN
Not sure about that.
MARK
OK.
(to Lisa)
You should call your date.
Ven takes out a phone and dials.
LISA
I dont have his number.
VEN
Didnt he call you to make the date?
LISA
Online.
MARK
Thought I recognized you. Lisa.
LISA
Yes. Im sorry. I dont remember...
MARK
Mark. Dont worry about it. I deactivated a few weeks ago.
LISA
Why?
MARK
Started seeing someone.
LISA
From the site?
MARK
No, actually. IRL.
(beat)
In real life.
LISA
Yeah.
Ven hangs up.
2.
LISA (CONTD)
Couldnt get her?
VEN
Voicemail.
MARK
Leave a message.
VEN
Shell see that I called.
(beat)
Its really coming down out there.
MARK
Thats why we all pulled over. Right?
LISA
I skidded pretty bad. Almost spun out. Just made it here.
VEN
Flood warning.
LISA
Really?
MARK
This is a low-lying area.
LISA
Great. I gotta get out of here.
MARK
We should wait it out.
VEN
I have got to go. My kids...
MARK
Are safer in their school than in your car right now. Just calm down.
VEN
Easy for you to say.
3.
LISA
Im going to feel terrible if I dont meet Alistair.
VEN
Alistair?
LISA
Hes not from around here.
MARK
Id say he isnt.
LISA
Hes English. Came over for a job about 3 years ago.
VEN
OK.
LISA
I dont want him to think Im rude.
MARK
Even if its true?
VEN
Hey.
MARK
Meeting him for dinner. Out this way?
LISA
Thats right.
MARK
You meeting him at the truck stop or water treatment plant? Only things out this way.
VEN
She doesnt have to answer that.
MARK
Youre right.
LISA
Ill answer it. I was avoiding the dinner. Happy?
4.
MARK
Neither happy nor unhappy.
LISA
Then what is it to you?
MARK
Why do you feel you need to lie to us? You dont know us from anyone. Were not worth
lying to.
LISA
Youre right.
VEN
And you? You live out this way?
MARK
I do, in fact. Niehbur Circle.
VEN
Niehbur?
MARK
Yes.
VEN
Never heard of it.
MARK
Its not far. If I had a boat, I could row there.
LISA
(to Ven)
What school are your kids in? Is it near by?
VEN
Im not sure. Good day, maybe 10 minutes.
MARK
Gilliam? Or Charles?
VEN
Bingham.
5.
MARK
Thats 25 minutes at least. You were already late.
VEN
I was.
MARK
You wouldnt make it to Bingham by 3:45 in the sun.
VEN
My problems. Not yours.
LISA
Why do you think pointing out our faults makes you a good person?
MARK
Is that what I did? Point out your faults?
LISA
Well...
VEN
Listen...
MARK
Your wife has already picked up your kids.
VEN
What?
MARK
And your date? He didnt show up.
A moment.
VEN
Who do you think you are?
LISA
Yeah.
MARK
Im not anyone. Not anyone at all.
6.
Mark turns upstage. He exits.
Ven and Lisa look back out at the rain.
The rain slows. Then stops.
Silence.
Blackout.
7.