ThePathLeastFollowed

WrittenBy:DominicT.Bialek

InspiredBy:TheWestWingTVSeries

SpecialThanks:ToSavannahHegyiforshowingmeanewwayofwritingandtooall
thosewhosupportedmeandcritiquedthiswhileitwasbeingwritten.

TimePeriod:2023

Act

PageSt.

PageEnd

CharacterBio

24

ANewView

25

37

BreakingPoint

38

49

Resolution

52

68

GameDay

NoMatterWhatStrugglesComeOurWay,AsLongAsWeStayStrongAndTrueTo
OurBelievesAndFightForWhatIsRight,TheWorldWillBecomeABetterPlace,But
OnlyIfWeLetit.

DominicBialek

CharacterBackgroundInformation
Name

Age

Sex

Position

Backround

AlexHarper

22

Male

DeputyWhite
House
Communication
Director

Acollege
dropoutwho
helpedthe
president
campaigninthe
2020election
andwas
instantlyoffered
ajobafterRiley
heardhimgive
hishighschool
graduation
speech.

JulieRose

21

Female

AlexsSenior
Assistant

Taggedalong
withAlex
volunteeringto
helpwiththe
campaignand
wasofferedthe
jobbyDominic.
AlexandJulie
mettheirsenior
yearofhigh
schoolandhad
aninstant
friendship.

RileyTacey

55

Female

PresidentofThe
UnitedStates

FormerSenator
ofCalifornia
whoranforthe
ovalofficein
2020.Shewas
inlastplace
duringthe
primaries,but
afterchanging
toAlexsnothing
butthetruth
politicsideashe
woninthelast
fewmonths.
1

RichardTacey

57

Male

FirstGentleman

Thepresidents
husband.Was
formerlya
sociology
teacherfor23
years.Hequit
afterhiswife
declaredthat
shewasrunning
forpresident.

EricStein

35

Male

PressSecretary

FormerNew
YorkTimes
journalist.
Joinedthe
campaignafter
thenothingbut
thetruthpolicy
campaignwas
launched.

KaiMaleky

32

Female

Communication
Director

Former
employeeof
Dominicwhen
hewasa
Democratic
Representative
forMichiganfor
12years.

DavidCasper

28

Male

DeputyChiefof
Staff

Apolitical
strategistwho
hasjumped
fromcandidate
tocandidate
lookingforone
thathadthefire
thathewas
lookingfor.
Joinedthe
presidents
campaignwithin
thefirstfew
monthsofthe
Republican
primaries.

RyanRivers

19

Male

Presidents
Assistant

Avolunteerthat
thepresident
tookalikingtoo.
Sheofferedhim
thejobaftershe
wonthe
election.

JosephTroy

68

Male

VicePresident
ofTheUnited
States

Wasleadingin
theRepublican
primarypollsfor
theentire
electionuntilthe
lastfewmonths
oftheprimary
whenRiley
changedtothe
newcampaign
strategy.

DominicSamuel

53

Male

RileysChiefof
Staff

Childhoodfriend
ofRiley.The
twowerefor
differentparties
theirentirelives
butafternot
agreeingwith
hispartiesjobin
theWhiteHouse
forfiveelections
straighthe
encourageRiley
toorunbecause
helikedher
honestyand
onlypassingof
policiesthat
wereforthe
commongood
andnotthe
goodofa
politicalparty.

SceneOne:PresidentTaceydeliversaspeechoutsideofanimpoverishedschoolin
WashingtonD.C.AlextheDeputyWhiteHouseCommunicationDirector,Kaithe
CommunicationsDirector,andDominictheChiefofstaffallwatchfrominsidetheschoolonthe
secondfloor.

Curtain

Kai:(Armsfolded,watchingPresidentTacey)BythelooksofthisIthinkwemighthave
reelectioninthebag.

Dominic:Dontcountyourchickensbeforetheyhatch.(Walkstowardsthecouchinthemiddle
oftheroomandtakesaseat)

Kai:(TurnsherheadtolookatDominic)Youdontthinkthiswillcreategoodpollnumbers?

Alex:(WatchingTaceywithhishandsinhiscoatpockets)It'snotaboutwhetherornotourpoll
numbersgoup.Itsaboutwhetherornottheseguyscomeoutandvoteforwhatwearedoing
forpublicschools.Ifyoulistenedcloselytothelastlinethatshejustread,shesaidwejust
createdcompetitioninthisarea.Itsgoodfortheschoolsnowbecausetheyhavetobeattheir
best,but...

Kai:(LooksoutthewindowbackatTacey)Itswhetherornotwecandothisformorethanone
state.

Dominic:(ApproachesKai,wrappinganarmaroundhershoulder)Bingo,kid.Nowwhetheror
notCongresswillpassthebillwesentisanotherstory.

Kai:TheDemocratshavetosignoffonthisbill.Iftheydontthenitwillhurttheirpresidential
nomineethiselection.

Dominic:(Shakeshishead)Notnecessarily.

Kai:(Confused)Whatdoyoumean?

Alex:(LookstowardsDominicandKai)Whataboutthosewithlearningdisabilities?

Dominic:Andthoseoflowincomewhocanbarelyaffordschoolsupplies.

Alex:Singleparentswhowontbeabletogettheirkidstothebus.

Dominic:Howaboutthosewithphysicaldisabilities?

Alex:Thenthosewhodonttakeschoolseriously.

Dominic:Thentheresgettingpeopletogointoteaching.

Alex:Thisbillwillgetthecompetitiongoingandmakeourschoolsmorevigorousandbringus
upintheworldineducationandgiveschoolsbetterratings,butthereisacatchthatyoushould
havepickedupbynow.

Kai:(Understanding)Thebilldoesntaccountforalltheroadblocksthatwillmakethisnot100%
foolproof.

Alex:Someonehitluckynumbersonthescratchcard.

Kai:SoweregoingtohavealotofbacklashfromtheDemocratsthiselectionyear.

Dominic:Yup,butweneedtostayfocusedandcontinuebeingpresidentfornow.Wevegot
anotheryearbeforewehavetostartworryingaboutthat.

DominictakeshisarmoffKaisshoulder.Thethreelookoutofthewindowtoseethatthe
speechisdone.Thereisnoresponse.Justapplause.DominiclooksoveratAlex.

Alex:(Takeshishandsoutofhispocketsandfoldsthem)Anotherbust.

Kai:Yeah.

Dominic:Itwasagoodspeech,Alex.

Alex:Itwasagoodspeech,butthatdoesntmeananythingunlessitwasgreat.Thisaudience
didntseemtoagreewithme.

Kai:Well,itlookslikeweregoingtohavetotryhardernexttime.

Alex:(Solemn)Yeah.

Dominic:(Checkshiswatch)Itstimetogo.Alex,President'sofficewhenwegetback.Were
goingtohavealottodiscuss.

Dominicexits.

Kai:(LooksoutthewindowonelasttimebeforeturningtoAlex)Letsseehowmuchtroublewe
getintothistime.

KaiexitsandAlexwatches,butdoesnotfollow.Whenshesgonehelooksoutthewindow
again,visiblydejected.Julie,Alexsassistant,entersandstandsbesideAlex.

Julie:Ithoughtitwasagreatspeech.

Alex:(Continuingtolookoutthewindow,recitesapassagefromthespeech)Wearecreating
anewrevolutionofcompetitioninoureducationthatwillleadustowardsaneweraofjob
stimulation,economicgrowth,andwillmakeeducationworthsomethingagain.Weareinatime
ofchangeforthebettermentofallmankindandIamproudtosaythatwiththesupportfromall
ofyouwehavemadeitpossibleforourchildrentofinallyreceivethehigheststandardof
educationpossible.MayGodguideusonthispathtogreatness,andmoreimportantlymayhe
guide,bless,andprotectallofourchildren.Thankyouandhappystudying.(Heturnshishead
andlooksatJulie)Howdoesthatnotscreamthatwearedoingtherightthing,notforpolitics,
butbecauseitistherightthingtodo?

Julie:Maybebecausethepersonwhowroteitwasnttheonewhoreadit.

Alex:No.(Shakeshishead,glancingoutthewindowonelasttimebeforelookingbacktoJulie)
Aslongasthemessageisthere,itdoesntmatterwhoreadsit.Itsthewordsthataresupposed
toliftthepeopleshearts.Notthespeaker.

Julie:Issomeonegettingallmelancholyoverthis?

Alex:No.(Sarcastically)Wejustneedtofindabetteraudiencewithpeoplewhounderstandart
andagooddeed.

AlexandJulieexit.

EndScene
6

SceneTwo:TwohourslaterinthePresidentsofficeattheWhiteHouse.Eric,presssecretary
forthePresident,sitsandwaitsforTacey.TaceyandDominicenter.

Eric:(Standingupfirmlywithhisarmstohisside)MadamPresident.

Tacey:(Walkingtowardsherdesk)Enjoythespeech,Eric?(Sitsinherchair,relaxing)Go
aheadandtellthesebuffoonsthatAlexdidawonderfuljob.

AlexentersandstandsbesideEric,armscrossed.

Alex:Thespeechwasgoodbutitwasinfrontofthewrongaudience.

Eric:HesrightMadamPresident.YougaveaRepublicanpolicyspeechinfrontofanaudience
thatwas85%Democrat.

Tacey:(Stands,walkingtothesideofherdesk.Sheplacesahandonthedesk)Whatmatters
isIgotthemessageacrossandnowthosestinkinDemocratsknowwhatsatstakehere.

Eric:(Sarcastically)Thatwedontknowhowtoorganizeaspeechaudiencethatknowshowto
throwahurah?

Tacey:(Glares)Doyoulikethisjob,Eric?

Eric:(Sternfaced)No,MadamPresident.IwouldratherbebackatBurgerKingwashing
dishes.

Tacey:Youknowyoucouldplayalongsometimes.

Eric:MaamthatisnotwhatImpaidtodo.

Tacey:(Foldsherarms)Sowhatareyoupaidtodo?

Eric:Itwasintheinterestofthecommongood.

Tacey:Wasitnot?

Eric:ThankyouMadamPresident.
7

Ericexits.TaceycastsalooktoDominic,whoissittingononeofthecouches.

Tacey:Sohowbaddiditlook?

Dominic:(LooksatAlex)Well...depends.Doyouwantonebarofgoldorastackofgold?

Alex:Meaning,doyouwantacrowdordoyouwantanaudience?Themediaisntgoingtolet
thisgo.

Tacey:Tohellwiththemedia!Whatwedidtodaywasagreatgoodandthisbillwillgetpassed.
Ihaveafeelinginmygut.Nowifyoutwoexcuseme,Ihavesomewhereimportanttobe.

Taceyexits,leavingAlexandDominic.Dominicstands.

Dominic:Myofficein15.

Alex:Wouldntmissitfortheworld.

Dominicexitsthroughthedoorleadingtohisoffice.Alexexitsthroughthedoorleadingtothe
Presidentssecretariesandassistants.

EndScene

SceneThree: AlexwalksintothehallwayandJulierushesupnexttohimandtheywalk
togethertooDominicsofficeintheWestWing.

Julie:Hey,guesswhat?

Alex:Idontcare.

Julie:YoudontevenknowwhatIwasgoingtosay!

Alex:IsitsomethingIwouldhavecaredabout?

Julie:Nope.

Alex:ThenwhywouldIwanttolistentoit?

Julie:BecauseIsaidso.

Alex:God,whycantIfireyou?ImeanIcan,butmentallyandphysicallyIcant.

Julie:Becauseyouknowyouwouldbehopelesslylostwithoutme.

Alex:Aintthatthetruth...Sowhatisit?

Julie:Idontknowwhatyouretalkingabout.

Alex:Youjustsaidyouhadsomethingyouwantedtotellme.

Julie:Youmeanthethingyoudontcareabout?

Alex:(Heglancesovertoherthenbackforward,shakinghishead)Youreluckythatyoure
pretty.

Julie:Iknow.

JulieleavesAlextositatherdeskinthemiddleoftheWestWing.Alexentershisofficetosee
RichardTacey,husbandofthePresident,sittingcomfortablyinoneofthechairs.

Alex:(Offhandedly)HeyRichard.

Richard:(NodshisheadtowardsAlex)Hey.

AlexsitsathisdeskthenreallylooksatRichard,hisfacebecomingblank.Hesshocked,
confused,andcompletelyunawarethathehadameetingplannedwiththeFirstGentleman.

Alex:(Yells)Julie!

Julie:(Peekingherheadintothedoorway)Yes?

Alex:(PointstoRichard)Isthistheimportantthingthatyouweretalkingabout?

Julie:(Smirks)No.CanIgetyouanythingMr.Tacey?

Richard:Nothankyoudear.

Julie:Suityourself.(Julieexits)

Alex:(Shouting)Julie!!

Julie:(Fromoffstage/screen)No!

Alex:(ToRichard)Onesecond.

AlexexitshurriedlyafterJulie.Richardwatcheshimleave,butmakesnoefforttomove.

Richard:(Passively)Takeyourtime.

AlexapproachesJuliesdesk.Juliesitsthere,readingthroughapileofpapers.

Alex:Whatareyoudoing?

Julie:Working.

Alex:(Foldshisarms)AndwhendidIhaveameetingplannedwiththePresidentshusband?

Julie:Sinceabout...oh...2minutesago.

Alex:Andyoudidnttellmebecause?

Julie:Alex.

Alex:Julie.

Julie:ThePresident'shusbandisinyouroffice.

Alex:God,youaresomethingelse.

Julie:Iknow.

Alexturnsaroundandheadsbacktowardshisoffice.Hestopsinthemiddleofthedoorway,
thenturnsandlooksatJuliewhoisbacktoreadingthepapers.

Alex:Sowhatwasthethingyouweregoingtotellme?

10

Julie:Whatthing?

Alex:Whatever.(Heturnstogobacktohisoffice)

Julie:(Blurts)Ihaveadatetonight.

Alex:(FacesJulieagain)(Sarcastically)Really?

Julie:Yesreally.(Equallyassarcastic)Ijustwantedyoutoknow.ThatwayIwouldntbreak
yourheart.

Alex:Idontthinkanimaginarymancountsasadate.

Julie:(Smirks)Jealous?

Alex:Nonotreally.Just...isitarichmomtypeofguy,orisitaguywhocalledyouprettyand
you'reinlovetypeofthing?

Julie:Screwoff.

Alex:(Teasing)Youcouldntgetmeoninthefirstplacetoevenscrewoff.(Walksintohisoffice)

Julie:(Callsafterhim)Alex!

Alex:(Walksbackoutofhisoffice)What?

Julie:Dominicsofficeinten.

Alex:Anythingelse?

Julie:Yes.

Alex:(Irritated)What?

Julie:(Grins)Thepresidentshusbandisinyouroffice.

Alexsfacegoesblankandhegoesbackintohisoffice.Juliesmilestoherself,returningto
readingthroughthepapersonherdesk.

11

Julie:Tooeasy.

Alex:(Sitsonthefrontofhisdesk,handsinhispockets)SowhatcanIdoforyou,sir?

Richard:(Cracksasmile)Yourassistantissomethingelse.

Alex:(Grins)You'retellingme.

Richard:(MovestositbesideAlex)Sowhenareyouaskingherout?

Alex:(Embarrassed)Excuseme?

Richard:(Nudgeshim)Comeon.DoyouthinkRileywasanicegirlthatIjusthappenedtofall
inlovewith?ShewasthemeanestthingIevermet,butsodetermined...Icanseethespark
betweenyoutwoAlex.

Alex:(Laughs)Okay.(Getsupandtakesaseatinhisdeskchair)Whateveryousaysir.

Richard:(TurnstofaceAlex.Hesmiles)Men.Socaughtupintheirpridethattheycantadmit
tothesimplestthings...

Alex:(Annoyed)Whatdoyouneed,sir?

Richard:(Teasing)IamstartingtothinkhersassisrubbingoffonyouAlex.(Returnstohis
seat)Doyouknowofthegreydistrict?

Alex:Yeah.Why?

Richard:Well,ImgoingonavisitthereandIwouldlikeforyoutoaccompanyme.

Alex:(Sitsupstraightandputshisarmsonhisdeskandputshishandstogether)Areyou
kidding?

Richard:DoesitsoundlikeImkidding?

Alex:YouknowthatsnotaRepublicanfriendlydistrict.

12

Richard:NeitherisitaDemocraticdistrict.TheonlyreasontheDemocratsareinpowerthereis
becausenoonevotesthere.OnlyafewdoandtheyhappentobeDemocrat.

Alex:Whatsyourpoint?

Richard:(Leansforwardandputshishandstogether)Thisbillisnotgoingtopass.

Alex:(Takenaback)Howdoyouknow?

Richard:Ihaveafeeling.

Alex:Feelingandfactsaretwodifferentthings.Wehavebeenworkingonthisbillforthree
yearswiththeDemocrats.Itwillpass.

Richard:Itwont.Ihaveafeelingthatsomethinginsaneisabouttohappen,butIcanttellyou
whatitis.

Alex:Whatareyougettingat?Weregoingtowin.Wesecuredthelastvoteweneeded.That
allowsthebilltopass.

Richard:IhopeyourerightAlex,butthatdoesntmeanwecantbesure.

Alex:Whatstheplan?

Richard:Meetwiththeirnewlyelectedrepresentative.Thatswherewehaveanextra
advantageupoursleeve.

Alex:Sincewhenhaveyoubeenintopolitics?

Richard:Eversincemywifetookoffice.Iwontletanymoneyhungrycrookedpoliticianstake
advantageofmywifeandourweakWhiteHouse,youhearme?

Alex:(Sarcastically)Anditismenlikeyouthatstickyournoseintobattlestheydontbelongin.

Richard:(Stands)Iheadoutinfiveminutes.Iexpecttoseeyoutheretomorrow.

Alex:(Sighs)Yessir.

13

Richard:Good.(Walkstowardsthedoorbutstops)Youknowyoushouldaskhertostopby
afterworktoseeherinherdress.Womenlikeitwhenyoumakelittlegestureslikethat.

Alex:Richard.

Richard:(Pointshisfinger)Somemenneedapush.Dontbechickenshit.

Richardexits.

Alex:WhyamIsurroundedbyidiots?

Julieenters.

Julie:MeetinginDominicsroom.

Alex:(Stands)Right.

AlexexitswithJuliefollowingbehindhim.ThetwobeginwalkingtowardsDominicsoffice.

Julie:SowhatdidRichardwant?

Alex:Youhavetobookmeaflighttothegreydistrict.

Julie:YouknowtherearepeopleinD.C.thatwilldothatforyou.Youmustlikethemcheap.

Alex:Whyareyoufollowingme?

Julie:(Smirks)Annoyingyouisthebestpartofthejob.

Alex:Justbookmeaflightplease.

Julie:Surething.(Sheturnsaroundandbeginstoleave)

Alex:(RightbeforeheentersDominicsofficeheturnsaround)Julie!

Julie:Iknow.

Alex:Good.Also...stopbymyofficebeforeyouheadoutonyourdate.

14

Julie:(Teasing)Youknowthatskindofweird.Whatkindofkinksareyouinto?

Alex:(Sarcastically)Wouldntyouliketoknow?

Julie:Whateverfloatsyourboat.

Julieexits.

Alex:(Mumbles)Wouldntyouliketoknow?Ijusttotallyadmittedtobeingapervert.Ineedto
workonmywordingbeforesomeonegetsthewrongideaoneday.Idiot!

AlexentersDominicsoffice.Dominicisathisdeskandonthephone.

Dominic:(Onthephone)Nowecannot.(Pauses)Thepresidentdoesnotmakestatements
unlesstheyhaveameaningbehindthem.Idontgethowyouguysthinkthisisanattackon
lowerclassAmericans.(Pauses)(Dominicisvisiblyirritated)

AlexseatshimselfinoneofthechairsinfrontofDominicsdesk.Thetwoexchangealook,and
Dominicputshishandoverthephonestransmitter.

Alex:Whoisit?

Dominic:ThechairoftheCommunityforMisfortunate.

Alex:Thatnameisstillsobad.Youwouldthinkaftersixyearstheywouldfinallychangethe
name.

Dominic:You'retellingme.PersonallyIdontgethowthepresidentsspeechisanattackon
thelowerclass.

Alex:Withalldorespectsir,justtellhimtoshoveit.

Dominic:OhyouknowIwishIcould.

Dominic:(Uncoversthephoneandinterruptsthechatter)ExcusemeGary,butImgoingto
havetocutthis,withsarcasm,importantcallonhypothesesthathavenofactualevidence.Now
ifyoullexcuseIhavemoreimportantthingstotakecareof.Likehowabunchofcollege
studentsfeeltheyhavetherighttowalkaroundcampusintheirbirthdaysuits.(Hangsup)
15

Alex:(Curiously)Thatisathing?

Dominic:(Sighs)Sadlyyes.

Alex:Nextthingyouknowwearegoingtomakeanamendmentthatallowspublicnudityand
freesallpeoplefromsexoffendercases.

Dominic:(GivesAlexalook)

Alex:Whydoesitnotsurprisemethatsomeonealreadydraftedabilllikethat.

Dominic:Wellwhenyourehighandmakealivingsellingpotteryflowersyouhavealotoffree
time.Butthatsbesidesthepoint.Haveyouseenthenewsreports?

Alex:LikeIhavetimeforCNNspropaganda.

Dominic:(GrabstheremoteandunmutestheTV)Payattentiontothis.

DominicandAlexbothturntowardsthetelevisionscreenandlistencarefullytothereporter
speaking.

Reporter:AtthePresidentsrallytoday,PresidentTaceyspokeonthebehalfofherpartysnew
educationreformbill.Thisbillwassaidtobethegatewaytocreatingcompetitionforschools
andtomakeeducationbetterforourstudents.Sheproposedmakingthecurriculummore
vigorous,whileprovidingthestudentswithamorerelaxedenvironment.Whatsheleftoutofthe
speechwasthelowerandmiddleclass.Inrecentstudies,lowerandmiddleclassdistrictsdo
nothavethefundingtosupportthesetypesofnewpoliciesand,letalonetheschoolsthatare
functioningthewaytheyarenow.Thisnewbillisaslapinthefaceforthemillionsofvoterswho
votedforPresidentTaceytobettertheirchildren'sfuturesandeducations.Thisbillistheworst
possibleoutcome,andfrommultiplesourcesthebillhassomemorerulesthatwillbediscussed
thisFridaybeforethebillispassed.Sountilwefindoutwhatisactuallygoingonwecanonly
assumethatthebillisyetagaintheRepublicanswayofkeepingtherichricher.Thishas
been(DominicmutestheTV)

Dominic:Whathappenedthatwedontknowabout?

16

Alex:Idontknow.Thebillsaidonpage37,Article3thatalldistrictsthatcannotaffordthe
standardsthatwehavesetoutwillreceivemorefinancialaidfromthetaxpayerdollars.More
fundingwillgotothoseschoolsthanthericherurbancommunities.Well,inabbreviatedterms.

Dominic:Thesenextthreedaysaregoingtobeafightfromhell.

Alex:Dominic,(Hunchesoverandputshishandstogether)thereisnopossiblewaythatthey
could'vefoundaloopholeinthetextofthebill.

Dominic:Idontknow,butiftheydidEricisgoingtohavehisworkcutoutforhim.

Alex:Sowhatdowedonow?

Dominic:WejusthavetowaitandseewhathappensFridaybeforeeightwhentheyreleasethe
billonlineanhourbeforetheyvoteatnine.

Alex:Damn.

Dominic:You'retellingme.(Standsupandwalkstowardsthedoor)Willtherebeanything
else?(Stopsatthedoor)

Alex:Yeah.(StandsandmovestoDominic)TheFirstGentlemanaskedmetogotoDetroitwith
him.

Dominic:Whatfor?

Alex:Idontknow.ShouldIgo?

Dominic:Go.Hewasateacherfor29years.Ithinkhemightbeouraceinthisifeverything
goesbad.Walkwithme.

Dominicexitsandbeginswalkingdownthehalltowardsthemainmeetingroom.Alexfollows.

Alex:Youthinkitcouldgiveusleverage?

Dominic:AtthispointIthinkanythingcould.DonttakeGodslittlegiftsforgranted.(Theystop
justoutsidethemeetingroom)Justbeintuitiveandmakesureifanythingissaidyouletme
know.
17

Alex:Surething.

Dominic:Anythingelse?

Alex:(Leansupagainstthewallandfoldshisarms)DoyouthinkitsweirdthatIaskedJulieto
cometomyofficebeforeshegoesonherdate?

Dominic:(Sighs)TobehonestIdontreallycare.ImaworkaholicandIvebeendivorcedtwice.
DoesitlooklikeIminterestedinloveanymore?

Alex:Right.

Dominic:Alex.

Alex:Takenotesanddontbelate.Gotit.(Headsbackdownthehallway)

Dominic:Alex.(AlexfacesDominic)Justdontbeajackass.

Alex:Dontbeajackass.Gotit.

Dominicexitsintothemeetingroom.

Alex:(Mumbles)Dontbeajackass.WellIamofftoagoodstart.

Alexwalksbacktohisoffice.Julieisatherdesk,gatheringherbelongings.Alexapproaches
her.

Alex:Whatareyoudoing?

Julie:Leavingearly.

Alex:Whosaidyoucoulddothat?

Julie:Idid.

Juliestartstoleave,headingtowardsthebuildingsmainexit.Alexfollows.

Alex:YouknowImyourboss,right?
18

Julie:Areyougoingtostopme?

Alex:Goodpoint.DidyougetmyplaneticketforDetroit?

Julie:No.

Alex:Whynot?

Julie:You'reabigboy.Youcandoit.

Alex:WhydoIpayyou?

Julie:Moreimportantly,whyareyouwalkingmeoutofthebuilding?

Alex:(Sarcastically)WellIvegottomakesureprincessdoesntgetmuggedonherwayout.

Julie:YouandIbothknowImstrongerthanyou.

Alex:Gentlemanlyduties?

Julie:(Smilesandshakesherhead)Youaresuchadork.Illseeyoulater.

Julieexits.Alexwatcheshergo.Unbeknownsttohim,Ericisstandingbehindhim.

Alex:(Sullen)Bye.

Eric:(Mocking)Byemysweetloveofmine.Ihopeyourpantiesstayonforanothernightmy
darling.

Alex:(ElbowsEric)Walkwithme.

AlexandEricbeginthewalkbacktoAlexsoffice.

Eric:Shewasright.Youdohitlikeagirl.

Alex:WellifIexercisedlikeRockyBalboaIwouldbethekingoftheworld.

19

Eric:Wellmaybeifyouhadswaggerlikethisguyyouwouldbeinhersheetstonightinsteadof
someotherguy.

Alex:Iseverythingaboutsextoyou?

Eric:Whenisntit?

Alex:Tothinkwomenadoreyou.

Eric:Womenlikeamanwhodisrespectstheirauthority.Itsachallengeforthem.Itgetsem
riledup.Theyloveit.

Alex:(Shakeshisheadandsighs)Lord,whydoyoupunishme?

Eric:Becausesomeoneneedstogetlovefromsomewhere,andyouaredefinitelynotgetting
any.

ThetwoenterAlexsoffice.EricleansupagainstthedoorandAlextakesaseatbehindhis
desk.Kaiissittinginoneofthechairsinfrontofhisdesk.

Alex:Ismyofficeopenfreelyorsomething?

Kai:Meetmeinmyofficebeforeyougoonyourdate?

Eric:Iknowright.

Alex:Howdoesthisallspreadsofast.

Kai:Youdorealizeallofourassistantsarefemales,right?Weliketogossip,andyoumyfriend
arethemanofthehour.

Alex:(Sighs)Dontyoutwohavesomethingimportanttodo.

Eric:Nothingismoreimportantthanyourlovelife.Justtellhershelookslikegarbagetonight
andthatsheneedstotakeashower.

Kai:WellthatwouldworkifshehadanIQof0,likemostofthebroadsyoupick.

20

Eric:WellIcantsaynotothat.

Alex:Areyoudoneyet?

Eric:Welltheladiesneveraskmethat.TheyaskmenottofinishifyouknowwhatImean.

Alex:(GlaresatEric)

Eric:Heyifyoueverneedanytipsonhowtomakethemstay,justgivemeacall.

Ericexits.

Alex:(Shakeshishead)Whatdowomenseeinhim.

Kai:(Stands)Iaskmyselfthatquestioneveryday.JustbeyourselfAlex.Shelikesyourboring
nerdypoliticalself,butshecantwaitforever.

Alex:(Sighs)Yeah.

Kai:Goodluckbud.

Kaiexits.Alexsitsathisdesk.

Alex:NowhowdoIbookaflight?

EndScene

SceneThree:ElevenPM.Alexisinhisoffice,stilltryingtofindaplanetickettoDetroit.Julie
walksinbutAlexdoesntnotice,sosheknockssoftlyonthedoor.Alexturnshischairtoseeher
standingtherepatientlyandhescramblestohisfeet.

Alex:SorryIdidntseeyouthere.(Stammers)Iwasjustumm...ummm.WellIwas

Julie:Itsokay.Iwouldntexpectyoutoknowhowtobookaflight.(Shepullsaticketoutofher
purse)Ibookedyoua7AMflightfortomorrow.YoushouldbeinDetroitby8:45.Firstclass.
Enjoy.(Shewalkstohimandholdstheticketout)Toldyathatyoudbelostwithoutme.

Alex:(Takestheticket)Youtellmeeveryday.Thankyou.
21

Julie:You'rewelcome.

Alex:Comeon.Illwalkyouout.Ihavenothingbettertodo.

Julie:(Sarcastically)Whatagentlemen.

Alex:(Holdsthedooropen)Ladiesfirst.

Julie:Whythankyou.

AlexandJuliebeginwalkingtowardstheexit.

Alex:Youlooknice.

Julie:Iknow.(Teasing)Igetthatoften.

Alex:SoIvegottoask...

Julie:What?

Alex:Ithoughtyouhatedthecolorred,butyouworeareddress.

Julie:Ivegottobeadventurous.Plus,studieshaveshownthatmenaremoreattractedto
womeninred.

Alex:Idontknowifthatstrue.

Julie:Sincewhenhaveyoubeentheloveexpert?

Alex:Idontmeantobrag.(Thetwoexchangealookandsmile)Thecolorofwhatagirlwears
meansnothing.

Julie:Thenwhatdoes?

Alex:Thepersonality,charm,andjustbeingabletolookintohereyesandseethebeautyfrom
inside.

22

Julie:Ew.

Alex:Toosappy?

Julie:No.

Alex:Thenwhat?

Julie:(Smirks)Wouldntyouliketoknow.

Alex:Alwaysamysterywithyou,huh?

Julie:(Dramatic)Imalivingmotionpicture.

Alex:Nice.

AlexandJuliewalkoutofthebuildingandstartheadingdownthesidewalk.

Alex:Didyouknowthecolorredismeantforexcitingandoutgoing?

Julie:Really?

Alex:Yup.Andthecolorblueisacalmingcolorandmorerelaxing.

Julie:Thatsinteresting.Whyareyoutellingmethis?

Alex:Conversation...andImsupposedtonotbeajackass.IthinkImdoingokayatthatsofar.

Julie:Youreadork.(Smiles)Butitscool.

Alex:Whateveryousay.

Julie:IthinkIcanwalktherestofthewaywithoutabodyguard.

Alex:Idontthinkyou'retheonewhoneedstheprotection.

Theybothlaugh.JuliestopsandAlexcopiesher.

23

Julie:(Withconcern)Becarefultomorrow.Youknowwhathappensinthoseareas.

Alex:Iknow.Illbefine.

Julie:Youbetterbe.Illseearound.(Shebeginstowalkaway)

Alex:(TheresapauseasAlexworksupthecouragetosaymore)Hey,Julie.

Julie:(Turnsaround)Yeah?

Alex:(Putshishandsinhispockets)Betweenyouandme...youdontneedtobewearingthe
colorredtobeattractive.Youmakeanycolorworkwell.

Julie:(Grinstoherself,turningaway)Goodlucktomorrow.

Julieexits.Alexwatchesherwalkawayandthenturnsaroundtoheadtheotherway.

Alex:(Mumbles)Youmakeanycolorworkwell.(Shakeshishead)Somuchfornotbeinga
jackass.

ThecamerapansslowlyfromAlexanduptowardsthenightsky.

EndScene

Curtain.

24

SceneOne:AlexarrivesattheDetroitairportthefollowingday.ItisApril23rd,2023.Alexexits
theplane.Hewandersaroundandfindshisbelongings.Itisjustabookbagfullofbooks,
folders,andpens.Hethenwalksoutoftheairportandseesthefirstgentlemenleaningagainst
hiscarwaitingforhim.HesmilesandwavesatAlex.

Curtain

Richard:(Waving)Hey!

Alex:(Wavesback)Hey!

AlexheadsovertoRichard.RichardputsouthishandforAlextoshakeit.Alexfollowspursuit.

Richard:Goodflight.

Alex:Couldvebeenbetter.(LetsgoofRichardshand)Iwillnevergetusetotheairplanefood
though.

Richard:Youseethatiswhyyoutakeaprivateplanetoyourdestinations.

Alex:SirIdonthaveaprivateplane.

Richard:(Smiles)Wellaren'tyououtofluck.Shallwegetgoing.

Alex:Yessir.

ThetwoenterthevehiclethatRichardwasleaningagainstandleavetheairport.Theyhead
overtowherethegreydistrictstarts.

EndScene

SceneTwo:RichardandAlexarenowinthegreydistrict.Alexislookingaroundatthepoor
andbrokendownhousesandisignoringRichardstalkaboutsomehistoricevent.

Alexlooksoveratoneofthesecretservicememberswhoisloadinghissidearmmagazinewith
ammunition.Thesecretservicememberthenloadshisweaponwiththefullyloadedmagazine.

25

AlexthenlooksovertoRichardwhohasnoticedthatAlexwasntpayingattentiontohis
rambling.

Alex:(Withconcern)Whyaretheymakingsuretheyareallstockedupandreadyincase
somethinghappens?

Richard:(Sighs)Therehavebeenthreeshootingsaroundthisareathispastweek.Thesecret
servicedontfeelliketakinganychances.

Alex:(gulps)

Richard:(SlapsAlexintheback)DontworryAlex.Wherewearegoingtherewillnotbeany
shootings.Idoubtanyonewillbewillingtopickagunfightwiththepresidentshusband.Iam
notthetarget.WellIam,butIamnot.TheywouldrathertakeyououtbeforemesoIamsafeat
least.(Laughs)

Alex:(GivingRichardalook)Thatdoesnotmakemefeelanybetter.

Richard:(Smiles)Itmakesmefeelgood.

Alex:(Looksoutthewindowandmumblesunderhisbreath)Jerk.

Richard:Wehavereachedourdestination.

Thetwogetoutofthecar.Theylookattheoldbeatupbuildingthattheyarestandinginfront
of.Alexwatchesthesecretservicesetupandbegintopatrolthearea.Hegulpsandlooksat
Richardwhoiseyeingthebuilding.

Richard:(Withpride)Youknowseeingtheseoldbuildingscreamscharacter.Wedontbuild
themlikeweuseto.Suchashame.

Alex:(LooksatRichard)Sirwithalldorespect.

Richard:Yes.

Alex:You'reinsane.

Richard:(Laughs)YousoundjustlikeRiley.
26

Amanwalksoutofthebuildingandwavesatthetwo.Heheadsdownthestepsandwalksover
tothem.HeputshishandoutandshakesRichardshand.

Richard:ItisnicetoseeyouJacob.

Jacob:(Withasmile)Thepleasureisallmine.(TurnshisheadandnoticesAlexthere)You
didntsayyouwerebringingAlexhimself.

JacobputshishandouttoshakesAlexshand.Alexshakeshishand.

Jacob:(Excited)ItisanhonorAlex.

Alex:ItisnicetomeetyouMr.Representative.

Jacob:YourspeechesarebeautifulandIhavelovedeverysingleoneAlex.IfIeverrunfor
presidentIwillbesuretogiveyouacall.

Alex:Thankyou.

Richard:(Cuttingin)AreyoureadytotellAlexwhatyoutoldmeoverthephoneJacob.

Jacob:(TurnshisheadtowardsRichard)Yessir.Pleasebothofyoucomeinside.

Thethreeheadinside.Itiswornoutinthere.Thepaintischippingandhasanoldandabandon
feel,butRichardappreciatestheoldfashionfeelthatisbrings.Theyenterthelivingroomand
theyalltakeaseat.AlexandRichardtakeaseatnexttoeachotheronthecouch,andJacob
takesaseatinanoldwornoutchair.

Jacob:(Leansforwardandputshishandstogether)Thisbillhasalooseattachmenttoit.

Alex:(LooksatJacobisdisbelief)

Richard:(Curious)Whatkindofattachment?

Jacob:Youknowthestandardsyousetfortheschoolstoberecognizedbythegovernment?

Alex:(Leansforward)Yeah?
27

Jacob:Itexcludespoordistricts.

Alex:(Defensively)Whatareyoutalkingabout?Thebillgivesfundingtothosedistrictswho
cantaffordit,sothenthehelpcomesfromthetaxpayerdollars.

Jacob:Thatistheproblem.

Alex:Youobviouslydontunderstandwhatyouaretalkingabout.Yourealizethattheone
percentisfinallygoingtobesupportingthelowercommunities.

Jacob:Notheywillnot.

Richard:Alex.

Alex:(TurnshisheadtolookatRichard)

Richard:(Calmly)Thinkaboutit.WhatdoRepublicansalwaysgetaccusedfor?

Alex:(Standsupandwalkstowardsthewindow.Hefoldshisarmsandturnsaroundandlooks
atbothofthem)Makingtherichricher.

Jacob:(Sitsupstraight)Youarecorrect.

Alexturnsaroundaroundandrubshishandsthroughhishair.Henowpacesaroundtheroom

Jacob:Ishegoingtobealright?

Richard:(WatchingAlexpace)Hewillbefine.(LooksbackatJacob)Justbeluckythatisnt
David.DavidwouldhaveameltdownworsethanAlex.(Laughs)

Jacob:ThisisnotalaughingmatterMr.Tacey.

Richard:(Slowlystopslaughing)Iknow,butthosetwoaresopassionate.HowIwishtobe
youngagain,butyesyouareright.(Yells)Alex!

AlexstopspacingandlooksatRichard.HeseestheexpressiononRichardsface.Hetakes3
deepbreathsandtakesaseatagainrightnexttohim.
28

Richard:Jacobwhatisgoingtohappen?

Jacob:WellbecauseofthischangeyourRepublicanvoteisgoingtogoupby12pointsandthe
Democratvoteisgoingupby25points.

Richard:(Confused)WhysomanyDemocrats?

Alex:(LooksatJacobwithascaredlookonhisface)TheDemocratsaregoingtoridethisthing
off.

Jacob:(Nodshishead)Goodeyekid.

Richard:(Lookingatbothofthem)Idontgetit.

Alex:(LooksatRichardandgetsaserioustone)Itmeanstheyaregoingtoclaimtheyhadno
ideaabouttherequirementrestrictions.TheyaregoingtoblametheRepublicanparty.Accusing
themofmakingthebillpropovertyandintentionallymakingtheschoolmoneysupportdirectly
fromthedistrict'staxpayers.Notthewholestate.

Richard:(Almostcatchingon)Sothatmeans?

Alex:(Indisbelief)ItmeansweloseNorthandSouthCarolina,Tennessee,Florida,California,
Iowa,Ohio,and.

AlexisinterruptedbyJacob.

Jacob:Michigan.

Alex:Yeah.(Pausesandnodshishead)Michigan.

Richard:(Shocked)Holyhell.

Alex:Itisgoingtobeatotallywipeout.

Jacob:Yesitwillbe.

Richard:LookingatJacob.YouareaDemocrat,whyareyoutellingusthis?
29

Jacob:ImightbeaDemocratbutIamnotamonster.Ilikethepresident.Ilikehowsheranher
campaignondoingwhatisrightandnotonyourtypicalpoliticaldrama.Shemadeamistake
andweareallhuman.Ifshewould'veknownbetterandwouldofpaidattentiontowhatthe
DemocratsinWashingtonweredoingthenshewouldntbeinthisproblem.Youguysstillhave
myvote,butyouhavetodotherightthinghereandproveyouguysarenotcorrupt.

Richard:(Sitsupstraightandcrosseshislegs)Youwanthertovetothebill.

Jacob:YesIdo.

Alex:(Standsup)Pleaseexcuseme.IhaveacallthatIneedtomake.

Alexwalksoutofthehouseandontothefrontporch.Hegrabshisphonefromhiscoatpocket
andcallsDavid.

Alex:(Anxiously)Comeon.Pickupthephone.

WearenowinDavidsbedroomwhereheisfastasleep.Alexsphonecallkeepsonringing
andDavidisnotwakingup.Itgoesintohisvoicemail.ThisisDavidCasper.Iamtryingtoget
somesleepatthemoment,butifyourmessageisimportantjustyellintothehomephone
messagethingandIwillberightwithyou.WithinamatterofsecondsyoucanhearAlex
scream,David!!TheloudvoicestartlesDavidcausinghimtofalloffthebed.Hefumbles
aroundandgrabshishomephone.

David:(Catchinghisbreathandisonthefloorleaningagainsthisbed)Yeah?

Wearenowscenechangingbackinforthbetweenthetwoeachtimetheytalk.

Alex:YouaregoingtohavetogettothegreydistrictinDetroitinabout3hours.

David:Youdorealizethatthisismylastdayoff.

Alex:ThisisimportantDavid.

David:(Standsupinaninstant)Whathappened?

Alexpausesanddoesntsayanythingforafewseconds.
30

David:Alex?

Alex:Themathjustgotawholelotmorecomplicated.

EndScene

SceneThree:DavidhasarrivedinDetroitandmetupwithAlex.Hegotcaughtuptospeedwith
whatisgoingonfromAlexandthetwoarenowontheirwaytoawornoutschoolintheareato
meetupwithRepresentativeAbbyLane.

AlexandDavidarewalkingdownthestreetheadingtowardsanoldwornoutschool.Secret
serviceisfollowingthemfromasafedistance,butfromacivilian'spointofviewtheyare
unsupervised.

David:Sowearegoingtohavetoworkourtailofftogetthismathallinorder.

Alex:(Shakeshishead)IdontknowaboutthisDavid.Theelectoralvotewillbeoutofourfavor
thistime.

David:WelltheDemocraticpartystillhastochooseanominee.Let'sjustwatchfromafarand
seewhotheypick.AslongasitisnotBannerwewonthaveaproblem.

Alex:Ifwegetthatlucky.

David:SowhyarewemeetingwithAbbyinsteadofcontactingDominicandlettinghimknow
whatisabouttohappen?

Alex:YouarehisdeputychiefofstaffDavid.IfIsendyouintherewithablindunderstanding
thiswillnotendwellatall.

David:Iguessyouhaveapoint.Sosincewearetalkingaboutthingsthatwontendwell.

Alex:(LooksatDavid)No.

David:Ohcomeon.Allyouhavetodoisgetherflowersandaskherout.

Alex:IswearifIdontquitthisjob,(pauses)itwillbeaholymiracle.
31

David:(Smiles)Youknowyouloveuswaytoomuchandyouwouldbelostwithoutus.

Alex:(Sarcastically)Somethinglikethat.

ThetworeachtheschoolandseeDemocratRepresentativeAbbysittingonthesteps.

Abby:Ittookyouboyslongenough.

AlexandDavidwalkupthestepsandshakeherhand.

David:Sorrythatwearealittlelatebutmyfriendoverherneededsomeromanticadvice.

Abby:Iknowallaboutthislittleofficeromance.Ifindittoobecute.

Alex:(Annoyed)Doeseveryoneknowaboutthis?

Abby:Alexwearewomen.Weknowanythingandeverythingbeforeyouevenknowit.Plus
thatistheonlythingourinternsandassistantsaregoodfor.Officedrama.

David:(Smiles)Thatissotrue.

Alex:(Sighs)Imgonnaquit.IamtellingyouImgonnaquit.

Abby:(PatsAlexontheback.)It'sokay.Youareonly22yearsold.Youstillgottime.(Looksat
thebothofthem)Areyoutwoready?

David:(Sarcastically)Readytofallinlove.

Alex:(LooksatDavidwithasternexpression.Thenheentersthebuildingleavingthetwo
outside)

David:(Smiles)WasitsomethingIsaid.

AbbyandDavidenterthebuilding.Thethreewalkaroundthehallwaysforawhileandthenstop
inaclassroomonthesecondfloor.DavidandAbbygrabaseatinoneofthemanydesksinthe

32

room.Alexwalkstowardsthewindowandlooksoutsideitobservingthestreetfullofchildren
playingtogether.

Abby:(Herlegscrossedandherhandstogether)Noneofthosekidswillbeabletobettertheir
futureshere.

Alex:(Stillwatchingthekidsplay)Itisashame.Itreallyis.

David:(Interrupting)SoIamstillconfusedhere.Howdidthisevenhappen?Wehadthebill
finalizedandallset.Wehadthisbillallnegotiatedanditwasthewaywewantedit.Howdoes
somethinglikethisevenhappen?

Alex:(Turnsaroundandgrabsadesknexttothetwo)Therewasaloopholewasntthere?

David:Butourstatementwasveryclear.Anydistrictthatcannotaffordfundingwillreceivehelp
andassistancefromthetaxpayerdollarsfromthestateofresidence.Thereisnowaythey
could'vecutthecornerliketheydid.

Abby:Buttherewas.

David:(LooksatAbby)Howso?

Abby:Youneverdistinguishedaprice.

David:(LooksatAlex)Weforgottheminimalcosttoreceiveassistance.

Alex:(Indisbelief)Thereisnowaywemissedthat.Itwasnotlabeledatallinthebill?

Abbypullsasheetofpaperfromhercoatinsidepocket.ShehandsittoAlex.

Abby:Havealookforyourself.

Alexgrabsthepaper.DavidgetsupandmovestobebehindAlexsohecanreadoverhis
shoulder.

David:(Disappointed)Weforgotthecostspendingrequirementtoreceiveaid.

33

Alex:(QuotingtheparagraphthatgavetheDemocratstheadvantage)Thisbillguaranteesthe
fundingtoschoolswhocannotmakethemandatoryrequirementsofanappropriatelearning
environmentestablishedbythestateofresidence.

Alextakesadeepbreath.DavidsitsinadeskbehindAlexandhunchesover.Heputshishands
togetherandherestshisheadonthem.

Abby:Youforgottosetafederalstandard.

Alex:(Sighs)Thisexplainswhytheywantedthebillpassedsoquickly.

David:(Inanger)Weforgotthefederalstandard(Slamshisfistonthedesk).

Alex:Abbyyoumightwanttoleavetheroomforaminute.

Abby:Why?

Alex:Weareabouttoblowoffsomesteamandwepreferthatyoudontgethurt.

Abby:HowwouldIgethurt?

OutoftheblueDavidkickedarandomdeskoutoffrustrationandanger.

Abby:Illbeinthehallway.

Abbygetsupandexits.Alexgetsupandheadstowardstheteacher'sdeskinthebackofthe
room.Herubshishandonitslowlyandthenroughlyandaggressivelyknocksalltheitemson
thedesktothefloor.Herubshishandsthroughhishairandkickstheteachersdesk.Heputs
hishandsonthedeskandbendsoverandhastorecollecthiscool.Davidgetsoutofdeskand
headstowardsthewindow.Helooksatthekidswhoarehappyandenjoyingeachothers
company.

David:Wedidthistothem,(pauses)theyarenevergoingtoleavethisplace.

Alex:Therehastobeawaytofixthis?

David:(Shakeshishead)Saygoodbyetoasecondterm.

34

Alex:(TakeshishandsoffthedeskandwalkstowardsDavid.Hefoldshisarms.)Thereisno
waywecanpossiblyfixthisbeforethevoteintwodays?

David:(Sighs)Nope.Wearestuckinacontractandwearetheidiotswhosignedthedevil's
deal.WebasicallyjustrecreatedtheArticlesofConfederation.Justthistimeeducationisthe
onegettingtheshortendofthestick.

Alex:Shecouldalwaysvetothebill.

David:(LooksatAlex)Areyouinsane.Wehavespentthepastthreeyearsgettingthisbill
ready.Ifwebacktracknowwewilllookincompetent.

Alex:Holdon.Thinkthisthrough.

David:(Curious)Shoot.

Alexmovesawayfromthewindowandwalkstowardsthecenteroftheclassroom.Davidgoes
theoppositewayandtakesachairthatissittinginthecorner.Heturnsitaroundandtakesa
seat.AlexturnsaroundandwalksslowlytowardsDavidandstartstomovehishands.

Alex:Ourcampaignwasaboutbettermentandmakingmistakes.Thewholetimewe
campaignedwetalkedabouthowweareonlyhumanandwewillmakemistakes.Wepromised
thatifanymistakesthatoccurredbecauseofuswewouldfixit.Wewouldtackleeverysituation
withfullpriority,admittoit,andwewouldsuckitupandgetitfixed.

David:(Inshock)Wecanplayoffourcampaignmessage.

Alex:(Excitingly)Yeswewecan.Wecansaythatthiswasarookiemistake.Thatwewere
workingonthebillforsolongthatwegotlazyanddidnotlookthroughitthoroughly.Wehadit
allplannedandfiguredout,butweforgottolookathowtoexecuteit.

David:Wontthatmakeussoundlikewedontknowwhatwearedoingthough?Wemessedup
andgotlazywithit.Thatwillshowwedontcare.

Alex:Notifweplaythiscorrectly.WewaituntilthebillispassedintheHouseandSenate.
Thenwevetothebill.Thenthefollowinghourshewillgiveaspeechsayinghowwewere
recklessandnotasintuitiveasweshouldofbeen,butthecatchiswereuseouroldslogan.We
35

acknowledgethatwetoldthepeoplebeforewewereelectedthatwewerenotgoingtobe
perfectandweweregoingtomakemistakes.Wewarnedthemfromthebeginning,butunlike
truepoliticianswewillnotabandonthemandwewillfighttogetitrightandrevised.

David:(Standsup)Thisiswillworkperfectly.(Excited)Alexyousmartbeautifulthing!!!!

Alex:Justthequestionis,(pauses)

David:What?

Alex:Willshevetothebill?

David:(Rubshisforehead)Whoknows,butitisworthashot.

Richardenterstheroom.

Richard:Soareyoutwodonekickingandscreaming?

David:Fornow.

Richard:Good.Nowcomeon.WeshouldbegettingbacktoD.C.Youtwoaregoingtohavea
lottotalkaboutwithDominic.

DavidandAlex:Yessir.

Richardexits

David:(LooksatAlex)Readytogetyourfeetwet?

Alex:(LooksatDavid)DoesntlooklikeIhavemuchofachoice.

David:Wesurediditthistime.Icantwaittoseeherreactiontothis.

Davidexits.Alexheadstothewindowandlooksoutitonelasttime.Heseesthekidsrunning
outofhisview.Hesmilesforasecondandthenhissmiledisappears.Helooksdownatthe
floorforamomentandthenlooksthroughthewindowupatthecloudswhichseemtobe
movingunusuallyslow.Imaginethecamerashotfromoutsidethewindowandbeingabletosee
Alex.Alexlooksathiswatch.
36

Alex:(Sighs)Eventhoughitisonlyone,(pauses)thisisgoingtobeaverylongday.

Alexleavesthewindowandnowitisjustashotofbeingabletoseeintotheclassroom.

EndScene

Curtain

37

SceneOne:WeareatDominicsoffice.AlexandDavidarehavingameetingwithDominic
aboutwhathappenedinthegreydistrict.

Curtain

Dominic:(Leansforward)Soyourtellingmetheonlyreasontheeducationreformbillisgoing
topassisbecauseofsomeloopholetheDemocratsfoundthatcanturnthefavorofwhatthis
billwasintendedfor?

David:Yessir.Weforgottoputafederalstandardonthebillfortaxpayerdollarsofthewhole
statetoactuallygotowardsaspecificarea.

Alex:Sothatmeansthattheycansetsuchalowstandardthatthepoorcommunitieswill
receivesomesupport,butnotenoughtokeepthequalitysufficient.

Dominic:Theyaregoingtoputallthemoneyintoprivateschoolsbecauseofthelackof
participantsovertheyears.

Dominicgetsupandtakesaseatbehindhisdesk.Heslamshisfistonthedesk.

Dominic:Howdowefixthis?

Alex:(Getsoutofhisseatandstands)Wehavethepresidentvetothebill.

Dominic:(Shakeshishead)No.Itistoorisky.

David:(StandsupandpositionshimselftoAlexsleftside)Withalldorespectsirthisistheonly
waythiswillwork.Thereisnootherescaperoute.

Alex:Icanhavethespeechdraftedandfinalizedinanhour.Ialreadyhavesomenoteswritten
fromtheplanerideback.

Dominic:(Nodshishead)Alright.Youtwogetitdone.Youllbothbestayinglatetonightand
havingachatwiththepresident.Isthatall?

David:Yessir.
38

Dominic:Thengettowork.

AlexandDavidexittheroomandDominicstandsupandwalkstowardsthedoorwaytotheoval
officethatisinhisoffice.Heopensthedoorandseesthepresidentinherchairbehindherdesk
andisgreetedwithasmile.

Tacey:Dominicperfecttiming.

Dominic:(Walkstothefrontofherdesk)GoodeveningmadamPresident.

Tacey:YouknowwhatIdontget.IshowChinacankeepontaxingourexportsandexpectus
tosupporttheminatimeofcrisis.Theircountryisunstableandtheyneedourhelp.(Shestands
upandwalkstothefrontofherdesk)Funnyhowthatworks.

Dominic:Theymadeanotherhike?

Tacey:No,buttheybetterloweritiftheywantmilitarysupportwithkeepingRussiaandJapan
fromstormingthemandtakingwhattheygot.Tothinkhowmuchofaroleweplay.Itsureis
something.Whydontwejustletitbehuh?

Dominic:Sowecanletanotherpowerhungrymaniactakepower.Youwouldthinkthechinese
populationwouldrealizethatanyonewhotakespowerbyforceandcausesthesecivilwars
wouldnoticethattheleadertheyworshipisthesameasthelast.

Tacey:Truemyfriend.Verytrue.

Thetwostarttowalkoutoftheovaloffice.Theytakethedoorsthatleadintothemainhallway
ofthewhitehousewestwingarea.

Tacey:IjusthaveafeelingthatyouarestillmadatRebeccaforbreakingyourheart.

Dominic:IwouldntminddeportingthatcheatingindividualbacktoChina.

Tacey:(LooksatDominicwithafaceofproudness)Ilovedthefilteryouusedrightthenand
there.

39

Dominic:Therehastobeatleastonepersoninthisworldthatdishonorswithsomedegreeof
respect.

Tacey:Someoneknowstherightthingstosay.SohowwasAlexandRichardstrip?

Dominic:YouaregoingtohaveameetingwithAlexandDavidlatertonight.

Tacey:(Concerninhervoice)Whathappened?

Dominic:Dontworryaboutit.

Tacey:WheneveryoutellmenotworryaboutitIworryaboutit.

Dominic:Thendontworryaboutit.

Tacey:Justmakesureitgetshandledcorrectly.Wedontneedarepeatofthelasttwotimes.

Dominic:Yesmaam.

Thetwobranchoffandheadtheirseparateways.ThroughanopendooryoucanseeAlexand
Davidwalkingtowardstheiroffice.Thespotlightisnowonthetwo.

David:Whatifweapologizeandsaythatwetrustedthestategovernmentstodotheright
thing?

Alex:Whatisthissomekindofworldpeaceclub.WearetheWhiteHouse.Wewillsoundlike
idiots.

David:Howdowenotsoundlikeidiotsalready?

Alex:Thatisaverygoodpoint.

ThetwowalkintoDavidsofficeandDavidgrabsaseatinhischairbehindhisdesk.Alexgrabs
aseatinoneofthechairsinfrontofDavidsdesk.

David:Yougotthespeechallfiguredout?

40

Alex:Yup.Igotitcoveredfromtheequalpayamendment,highwayandhospitalcleanupbill,
andunemploymentrate.

David:Thatsoundslikeanapologylettertoyourgirlfriendbecauseshehadadreamthatyou
cheatedonher.

Alex:Wellinthiscasewearetheoneswhogotcheatedon.

Alexstandsupandwalkstowardsthedoorandturnsaroundbeforeexitingtheroom

David:Onascalefromonetotenhowpisseddoyouthinkshewillbe?

Alex:Idsayfive.

David:Thinkso?

Alex:Hellno.(Confidently)Sheisgoingtoripourheadsoff.

AlexexitsDavidsoffice.Davidturnshischairaroundandstartstobitehisthumb.Wenowturn
toAlexsperspectivewalkingdownthehalltohisoffice.HeentershisofficeandseesJulie
standingtherewaitingforhimbytheentrance.

Julie:Funtrip?

Alex:Somethinglikethat.

AlexwalksintohisofficeandJuliefollowshimin.Alexsitsinhisdeskchairandstartstoopen
drawersinhisdesktofindpaperandapencil.Julietakesaseatinoneofthechairsinfrontof
hisdesk.

Julie:Alex.

Alex:(Whilestilllooking)Yeah?

Julie:Yournotebookisunderthestackofpapersandyouhaveapeninyourdressshirt
pocket.

41

Alexstopsandlooksatherforasecond.Helooksathisdressshirtpocketandthenunderthe
stackofpapers.Hetakesthenotebookoutandopensittoaclearpageandtakesthepenfrom
thepocket.Hesetsthepenontheblankpageandlooksather.

Alex:Thanks.

Julie:(Smiles)You'resuchadork.

Alex:(Sarcastically)Onlyforyou.(Hegrabsthepenandstartstowriteonthepaper)Sohow
wasthedatewithprincecharming?

Julie:(Sarcastically)Hewasjustwonderful.Hegotmearedsinglestemrose,tookmetoa
fancyrestaurant,andbraggedabouthowmuchofagoodDemocratheis.

Dominic:(Smilesandlooksup)(Sarcastically)Sonoseconddate?

Julie:(Laughs)Withhimno.Hekeptonstarring.Heseemedlikeheneededacarjacktolifthis
faceupjusttomakeeyecontact.

Dominic:(Laughsandlooksbackdownathispaperandbeginstowriteagain)Thatiswhatyou
getforbeingaDemocrat.

Julie:(Grins)Wanttoknowwhatisevenmorefunny?Youaregoingtoaccompanymetonight
withmyoldhighschoolfriends.

Dominic:(Stopsandlooksather)Why?

Julie:IdontfeellikehearingitthatIdonthaveanycompany.TheyareallsnootieandIneed
anexcusetoleaveifIgetbored.

Dominic:Thenwhyareyougoing?

Julie:IhaventhadanysocialinteractionssinceItookthisjob.Plusyouneedtogetoutmore.
Youareawkwardashell.

Dominic:IthinkIhavemoreimportantthingstodo.

42

JuliestandsupandwalkstowardsthedeskandputsherhandsonthedeskandlooksAlexin
theeye.

Julie:Tonightat10.

Alex:(Lookinginhereyesandgulps)Tonightatten.

Julie:(Smiles)Good.Seeyouthen.(Shetakesherhandsoffthedeskandbeginstowalk
towardsthedoor)

Dominic:Holdon.Whereisitevenat?

Julie:(Stopsatthedoorandgivesaresponsewithsass)Youareagovernmentalemploye.
Justuseyourtrackingdronestofindmeorwhatever.

Dominic:Canyoueversayanythingniceorhelpful?

Julie:YouspelledAmericanwrong.(Sheexitstheroom)

Dominic:Ididnot.(Looksdownathispaper)Iforgotther.

EricwalksbyandmakesawhippingsoundandgestureatAlex.Alextakeshispenandthrows
itatEric.AlexmissesandEricmakesonemorewhippingnoiseandwalksaway.Alexshakes
hisheadandputshishandinhisdressshirtpocketlookingforanotherpen.Hecantfeelone.
Helooksthroughhisdeskdrawers.Helooksupafterlookingatthelastdrawer.

Dominic:(Yells)JuliewheredoIkeeptheotherpens!(Getsupandheadstothedoor)Julie!

EndScene

SceneTwo:AlexandDavidarewaitingoutsidetheovalofficewherethepresidentsassistants
work.TheyarestandingandwaitingforDominictobringthemintheovaloffice.

David:(Leaningagainstoneofthedesks)Sohowdidtherestofyourdaygo?

Alex:(LeaningagainstthesamedeskasDavid)IthinkIamhavingdinnerwithJulieandsome
ofherfriendstonight.

43

David:(LooksatAlexindisbelief)Really?

Alex:Idontreallyknow.ShemoreorlessjusttoldmethatIwasgoing.

David:Wellatleastoneofyoutwohasthecouragetomakethefirstmove.

Alex.No,(pauses)IthinkIammoreofashield.

David:(Curious)Howso?

Alex:LetsjustsayIamtheescaperoute.

David:(Looksawayandlaughs)

Alex:(LooksatDavid)Whatssofunny?

David:(PatsAlexontheshoulder)Youhavebeenreducedtothefriendzonemygoodfriend.
Havefungettingoutofthat.

Alex:HeyDavid.Howaboutthefederalstandard?

David:Shutup.

Ryan,thepresidentsmainassistant,walksinandtakesaseatathisdesk.HelooksatDavid
andAlexandthenshakeshishead.

Ryan:Whatdidyoutwodototickoffthepresidentthisbad?

David:(Defensively)Inmydefenseitwasasmallerror.

Ryan:(LooksatDavidwithalook)Asmallerror?

David:Yesasmallerror.

Ryan:Thenhowdoesasmallerrorlikethiscauseyoutwoandthepresidenttogointoapanic.

David:Imeanwell.

Alexcutshimoff.
44

Alex:Hegotsnothing.

David:NoIgotsomething.Justnotatthemoment.

Ryan:(Laughs)Wellwhenyoucomeupwithsomethingletmeknow.

David:OhIllletyouknowalright.

Dominicwalksinfromtheovaloffice.Helooksatthethreeofthem.

Dominic:(ToRyan)Yougivingthemahardtime?

Ryan:(Sarcastically)ImeanifasmallmistakecauseshalfoftheDemocraticpartytohavea
fiestathenahardtimeisntjustquiteenoughforthesetwo.

Dominic:Good.(LooksatDavidandAlex)Wellitisshowtime.

Alex:(Mumbles)Itsureis.

Thethreeentertheovaloffice.AlexandDavidtakeastandinfrontofthepresidentsdeskwith
theirhandsbehindtheirbacks.Dominicgrabsaseatononeofthecouches.

David:(TurnshisbodyandlooksatDominic)Onascalefromonetotenhowmadisshe?

Dominic:Doyoureallywanttoknow?

David:Onasecondthoughtnonotreally.

Dominic:Alexisyourspeechready?

Alex:Yes.IleftacopyonRyansdesk.Itmightneedafewwordfixesortwo,butitissolidfor
anhourswork.

Dominic:Good,butinyourcaseyoubetterhopeitisoutstanding.

Alex:Yessir.

45

PresidentTaceywalksinfromthedoorthattakesyoutoanoutsidepath.Shewalksbehindher
deskandslamsherhandsonthedesk.

Tacey:(Verystern)Nowoneofyoutwobettertellmehowthehellwewereabletomessupthis
badly!

David:WellMadamPresident.

Tacey:(Stern)LookatmewhenIamtalkingtoyouDavid.

DavidlooksatTaceywhohasaveryseriousandsternlookonherface.Davidgulpsand
responds.

David:Weforgottomentionafederalstandard.

Tacey:(Furious)Andhowthehelldidwemissthat!!

David:Idontknow.

Tacey:(Slamsherhandsonthedesk)DamnitDavid!Howmanytimeshavewehadtodeal
withthis.MorethanonceIcantellyouthat.Ifthiswasanyotherpresidentyouwouldbeouton
thestreetslookingforanotherjob,butyetyou'restillhere.Stopscrewingthingsup!!

David:YesMaam.

Tacey:(ShelooksoveratAlex)AndIexpectedsomuchmoreoutofyou.Thisisthethirdtime
wehavehadtodealwithsomethinglikethis.

Alex:MadamPresident..

Taceycutshimoff.

Tacey:Thereisabsolutelynoexcuseforanyofthis.Thisadministrationhasdonenothingbut
getintroublewitheverybillthatwehavepassed.

Alex:MadamPresident

Taceycutshimoffagain.
46

Tacey:YouknowthelinesthatyounevercrosswiththePresidentAlex.Donotcrossthem.

Alex:(Withpassion)Wellthentakemyresignation,butIwillnotletussithereanddwellwhen
wedidnothingwrong.Itwasjustamistake.Wehavedoneeverythingthatwepromisedtodo.
Wegotequalpayforeveryindividualintheunitedstates,wehavedecreasedthe
unemploymentrate,andifyouaskmeifsomethingcomeseasythenitwasntdonecorrectly.
Whendidthisstarttobecomeaboutpolitics?

Tacey:(Shakesherheadandrespondswithbitterness)Ithasalwaysbeenaboutpolitics.

Alex:You'rewrong.Youknowthatthecampaignweranwasnotaboutpolitics.Itwasabout
doingwhatisright.

Tacey:(Slamsherhandonthedesk)ThatisquiteenoughAlex.

DavidbumpsAlextogivehimtheremindertostop.AlexlooksatDominicwhogiveshimthe
okaytocontinue.

Dominic:(Inhishead)Goonkid.Remindherofthereasonwhyshepickedyouinthefirst
place.

Alexlooksatthepresidentandjustletsitallout.

Alex:WearenotdoneMadampresident.

Tacey:Excuseme.

Alex:(Proudly)Wearenotdone.WehaveexactlyayearandalittleoverahalfleftintheWhite
House.Justbecausewehaveourflawlessdoesntmakeusfailures.Lookatwhatwehave
doneoverthepastthreeyears.Wehavedonemoreforthiscountrythanthelastthree
presidentsbeforeus.Wearethereasonthiscountryisstillsane.(Alexstartstousehishands
toreallysellhismessage)Wealldidthis.Wecreatedthismovementandinspiredpeopleto
knowthatyoudonthavetobeapoliticalincumbentoreldertowintheWhiteHouse.Wewent
frombeingattheverybottomofthepollstotheverytopwithinthelast2monthsofthe
primaries.Acomebackneverseenbefore.Ifyouthinkwecantdothisagainthenyouare
wrong.Wecanwin,butthisisaprocessandifyouaskmethismistakeisexactlywhatwe
47

needed.Itisthematchthatweneededtosetthefireforreelection.Itwillshowour
determinationtostriveforgreatnessandthatwewillneverabandontheAmericanpeople.We
arethesolereasonthepoliticalgamewaschanged.Nowlet'snotletthisgotowaste.

Theroomissilent.Taceyremainssilent.Shegrabsaseat.Dominicstandsupandputshisarm
onAlexsshoulder.HewalksDavidandAlexout.Hethenturnsaroundandstartslaughing
softlyashewalkstowardsthepresident.

Dominic:(Withasmileonhisfaceandproud)Thatboywillneverceasetosurpriseme.

Tacey:(Smilesalittle)Heisgoingtomakeanexcellentpresidentoneday.(Laughsandher
smilegetsbigger)Evenbetterthanme.

Dominic:(Putshishandsonherdesk)YouaregoingtohavetotellthemRiley.

TaceylooksatDominic.Shecanseetheseriousnessonhisface.Shestandsupandrestsone
ofherarmsagainstthewindowbehindherdeskandlooksatthenightsky.Sheturnsaround
andlooksatDominic.

Tacey:When?

DominictakeshishandsoffthedeskandwalksovertopresidentTacey.Heleansagainstthe
wallandfoldshisarms.

Dominic:Whendoyouthinkistherighttime?

PresidentTaceylooksathimandnodsherhead.

Tacey:Illgivehimanhourtocalmdown.

Dominic:Soundslikeagoodplantome.

Dominicheadsbacktowardshisoffice.Taceylooksoutthewindowagain.

Tacey:Dominic?

Dominicstopsrightbeforeheentersthedoor.Hewalksforwardalittlebitandthenstopsand
listens.
48

Tacey:YoudontthinkthiswillhurtTroyselectionbiddoyou?

Dominic:Idontknow.Iwouldhopenot.

Tacey:Yeah,(pauses)Ihopeso.

Dominicheadsbacktohisofficeandleavesthepresidentalone.Shemovesawayfromthe
windowandtakesaseatinthechairbehindherdesk.SheyellsforRyan.Ryanentersthe
office.

Ryan:Yesmaam?

Tacey:Getmethevicepresidentandtellhimtogetherenow.HimandIaregoingtohavealot
todiscuss.

EndScene

SceneThree:AlexandDavidarewalkingbacktotheiroffices.

David:Weneedtogetthisbillright.

Alex:You'retellingme.

David:Doyouthinksheisgoingtovetothebill.Shedidntseemveryenthusiasticinthere.

Alex:(Smiles)

David:(Confused)What?

Alex:Ithinkreelectionisgoingtobeacakewalk.

AlexlooksatDavidandgrins.DavidsenseshowoptimisticAlexisandcanthelpbutgrinback.
ThetwosplitoffwhentheypassDavidsoffice.Alexheadstohisofficeandwhenheentershe
seesthevicepresidentsittinginhisseat.

Alex:GoodeveningMr.VicePresident.

49

Troy:Sothisisthedeskwhereitallhappens.Youwouldthinkforyourskillofwritingthatthey
wouldgiveyouyourownbuilding.

HesmilesandgetsoutofAlexsseatandhandshimanotethatwasonAlexsdesk.Alextakes
itandlooksatit.ThevicepresidentgrabshisandAlexscoats.

Troy:Bythelooksofityouarealreadythreeminuteslate.Comeandwalkwithme.

AlextakeshisjacketfromthevicepresidentandthetwobegintowalktowardstheWhiteHouse
exit.

Troy:SoIheardwhathappenedwiththebill.Isthepresidentgoingtovetoit?

Alex:Youcouldsaysomethinglikethat.

Troy:Hidinginformationfrommenow?Weareonthesameteam.

Alex:No,butgivingyouinformationthatIhavenocluedoesntseemrighteither.

Troy:Smartboy.Nowlet'sgettowhatIreallywanttotalkabout.

Alex:Whatisthatsir?

Troy:Howwouldyouliketocomeworkformethiselectioncycle.

Thetwostopinthemainlobbyrightbeforeexitingthebuilding.Alexlooksatthevicepresident
whohasasmileonhisfaceandlooksserious.

Alex:Youarenotkiddingareyou?

Troy:(PutsonehandonAlexsshoulderandtriestopersuadehim.)AlexyouandIbothknow
presidentTaceystimeisdone.Thereisnopossiblewayforhertocomeoutofthis.Iknowyou
probablywroteaspeechthatwillgetyourratingsback.Thatiswhyshekeepsyouaround.Itis
timeyoustopplayingfortheunderdogs.Itistimetojointhewinningside.

Alex:You'regoingtoleaveusandrunforofficeagainstthepresident.

Troy:(TakeshishandoffAlexsshoulder)Soyouwillthinkaboutit?
50

Alex:(Offended)Iwillnotgiveyoueventhatbitofsatisfaction.Thepresidenthasdone
everythingshepossiblycanwithadonothingCongress,shewontheelectionfairandsquare,
anditispoliticaldogslikeyouthatmakemewanttovomitinmymouthdayinanddayout.Iwill
neverbetrayherandIwillstayloyaluntilthedayIdie.Sotakeyourofferandshoveityouknow
where.NowifyouexcusemesirIhavesomewheretobe.

Alexwalksawayfromthevicepresidentandexits.Thevicepresidentisleftthereallalone.He
scratcheshisheadandtakesadeepbreath.

Troy:Thatcould'vegonebetter.

OneofTroysassistantscomesuptoohimandtellshimthatthepresidentislookingforhim.

EndScene

SceneFour:Thevicepresidententerstheovalofficeandisgreetedbythepresident.They
shakehandsandtakeaseatonthecouchesintheroom.

Troy:IjustspokewithAlex.Thatboyhasafireinhimthatwillneverseemtobeextinguished.
Forhimnothavinganysortofdegreebesidesahighschooldiplomaheisaveryintelligent
man.NowIknowwhyyoupickedhim.

Tacey:(Smiles)Thatboysureissomethingelse.Hestepswayoverthelineallthetime,butI
respecthimforthat.HecantbetamedandhetellsmeexactlywhatIneedtoheareverytime.

Troy:Goodpickmadampresident.

Thetwoaresilentforamoment.Thepresidentleansforwardandputsherhandstogether.She
looksatthevicepresidentandchangeshertonefromalightedonetoaseriousone.

Tacey:Iknowyouaregoingtorunforpresident.Iwillbeendorsingyouthreemonthsintoyour
campaigncycle.AswellIknowyouwantAlex.Iwillconvincehimtojoinyou.Youllhavemyfull
undividedsupportthroughouttheelection.

Thevicepresidentisspeechless.Thetwositthereforamomentinsilence.Thepresident
standsupandwalkstowardsacartleftinthecorneroftheroom.

51

Tacey:WouldyoulikeadrinkTroy?IsureashellknowIneedone.

Troy:Nothankyou.

Tacey:Suityourself.

Taceypoursherselfadrinkandwalksbacktowhereshewasoriginallysitting.Shesetsiton
thetableinfrontofher.

Tacey:Theyjustdontmakeitliketheyuseto.

Troy:(Leansforwardandputshishandstogether)Why?

Thetwoaresilentforaminute.Thepresidentlooksatherdrinkandthenatthevicepresident.
Sheissilentforamoment.

Tacey:WhatIamabouttotellyouisveryprivate.Theonlytwopeoplewhoknowaremy
husbandandDominic.(Shelooksatthevicepresidentwithaseriousface)

Troy:Madampresident.

Tacey:TroyIhavepancreaticcancer.

EndScene

Curtain

52

Sceneone:Julieislookingatherwatch.Shemumblesunderherbreath20minuteslate.She
iscalledbackbyoneofherfriendswhoaskedheraquestion.

Curtain

Julie:Whatwasthat?

Holly:HowisitattheWhiteHouse.Wehavebeenalltalkingaboutus.Whataboutyou?

Carlee:SowhatdoesJuliedoattheWhiteHouse?

AlexenterstherestaurantandseesJulieandherfriends.Heletsthewaiterknowwhoheis
with.Hestandsfromadistancetowherehecanheartheconversationandisunnoticedbythe
table.

Julie:IamtheseniorassistanttothepresidentsDeputyWhiteHouseCommunications
Director.

Kara:Justanassistant?

Julie:(Offensively)Whatiswrongwiththat?

Carlee:Julieweareallgettingdegrees.IamgettingabachelorsinFinance.

Kara:Bachelorsincommunications.

Holly:MastersinMedicalTech.

Carlee:Whyareyouwastingyourtimethereifyouarejusttheassistant?

Julie:Youdorealizethatmyjobismorethanjustbeingsomeone'seringirl.

Holly:(Snickers)Please.YouareademocratworkingforaRepublicanestablishment.

Julie:Anestablishmentthatcaresforthepeopletheyserve.

Holly:Whatareyoutalkingabout.Theyhaventeventouchedmedicalcare.
53

Julie:Theyleftitalone.Theydidntrepealit.

Kara:Whataboutcollegedebt.Theydidntevenmakearesolutionforthat.

Julie:Theyneversaidtheywould.

Carlee:FaceitJulieyouareinajobwhereyouarejustaneringirlandyouhavenopurpose.

Kara:Ifyoureallycareaboutyourselfyouwillquityourjobandgobacktoschool.

Carlee:Holdongirlswecantbetojudgeful.Notallofushaveanofficeromancethatweneed
tokeepintact.

ThegirlsjuststartlaughingandJuliefeelsembarrassed.Sheisabouttosaysomethingand
thenfeelsahandtouchhershoulder.ShelooksupandseesAlexstandingrightthere.He
smilesandlooksatherandthenlooksattheladiesatthetable.

Kara:Whoareyousupposedtobe?

Holly:Itisprobablyaninternfling.

TheladieslaughandAlexjustsmiles.

Alex:(Confidently)SoyouladieshavenoideawhoIam?

Carlee:WellifyouareassociatedwithJulieyoucantbeanyonetooimportant.Julieneverliked
exciting.

Carleetakesherclassofwaterandtakesasip.Alexwaitsuntilshetakeshersip.

Alex:(Smiles)IamtheDeputyWhiteHouseCommunicationDirector.

Carleespitsthewateroutofhermouthandgetshollywetwhoissittingrightnexttoher.The
girlslookatthehimandhaveblankfaces.

Alex:Whatiswrong?Youladieslooklikeyouhaveseenaghost.(Hepausesandlaughs)Now
Iheardyourguysconversation.IfyouaskmeJuliehasoneofthemostimportantjobsatthe
54

WhiteHouse.MakingsureeverythingisallreadyformewhenIgetthere,remindingmetoget
thingsdone,andkeepingeverythingorganizedanduptostandard.Withoutourassistantsthe
WhiteHousewouldbeunorganizedandchaotic.Soyoucouldsaysheisthrowingawayherlife
workingforme,butsheisworkingforanadministrationthatcaresaboutherandwewillmake
suresheisoffontherightpath.Nowifyouwanttotalkaboutpointlesslet'stalkaboutyouHolly
andhowyourworkthecornereveryFridaynightjusttohavespendingmoney.Whataboutyou
KarawhohashadeverythinggiventoherbyDaddy.ThenCarleewhohasntworkedadayin
herlife.Youallthinkyouarebigandspecialbutnoneofyouhavedoneasinglethingtobetter
yourcommunity.Theonlypersonoutofallyouthathasdoneanythingworthyorimpressiveis
Julie.Sheismypartnerandsheisthereasonweareabletogetstuffdoneandtakencareofat
theWhiteHouse.Soifyouaskmesheistherealwinnerhere.

Alexpausesandthegirlsarespeechlessandhavenothingtosay.HelooksatJuliewhoisalso
inshock.Helooksattheladiesagain.

Alex:WellIwasjuststoppingbytograbJuliebecausewehavesomeimportantworktodo.
LikegivingLibyathefundingitneedstogetfilteredwatertothechildrenandgettingeducation
reformed.Nowyouladiesseemlikeyoucanhandleyourselves.Welljustleaveyouwiththebill.
ComeonJulie.Theworldisntgoingtowaitforus.

Alexwalksawayfromthetableandheadstowardstheexit.Juliegrabsherpurseandstands
up.Shelooksattheladiesandsmiles.

Julie:(Sarcastically)Itwasniceseeingyouallagain.GoodluckwiththecornerHollyand
CarleesendJarodmyregards.NowifyouexcusemeIhavetogohelpmaketheworldabetter
place.

Julieleavesthetableandexits.Thethreeladiesarejustsittingtherespeechlessandeveryone
intherestaurantisstaringatthem.

EndScene

SceneTwo:AlexiswaitingforJulietoowalkoutoftherestaurant.Hesmilesandnodshishead
forhertofollowhim.Thetwostartwalkingtogether.

Julie:(Curious)Howdidyouknowtheirnamesandtheirwholelifestories?Younevermetthem
beforeinyourlife.
55

Alex:Ihadoneofthesecretservicememberslookupthepeopleyouweremeetingwith.He
tracedthemthroughyourtextmessagesandgavemeafullreport.Itisscaryonwhattheycan
findinatotaloftwohours.

Julie:Why?

Alex:WellbasedonhowyouactIdidntthinktheywouldbeanysweeter.Nooffense.

Julie:Nooffensetaken.

Alex:SoIjusthadalittlebackgroundchecktoseewhoIwasgettinginvolvedwith.Thatsall.

Julie:Sodidyoujustdoitthisonetime,ordoyouknoweverythingabouteveryone?

Alex:WellwhenImeetwithrepresentativesIhavebackgroundsearchesdoneonthemtofind
outwhattheystandforandtogetanadvantage.WhichiswhatIdidbackthere.Simplepolitical
strategythatdateswayback.

Julie:That'snice.(Laughs)Youguysareliketheultimatestalkers.

Alex:Yeah.(Sighs)OnlyifEricwouldtakeadvantageofitwiththegirlshetakeshome.

Julie:Why?

Alex:Hesleptwiththemayorsdaughterlastnight.(Sighs)Wemightbelosingthisdistricton
electionday.

Julie:Wellthatiswhathappenswhenyouboyscantcontrolyourselves.

Alex:Ithinkkeepgreatcontrolofmyself.

Julie:Ya,butthatisdifferent.

Alex:Howso?

Julie:(Withasmile)You'rejustadork.

56

Thebothofthemlaugh.Alexstopsandlooksaround.Hescratcheshishead.Juliestopsand
turnsaround.Shewalksuptohimandgrabshishand.

Julie:Comeon.Iknowwherewearegoing.

JuliepullsAlexandthetwostartwalkingagain.Alexstaresatherhandforaquicksecondand
thenlooksbackupandstartsanewconversation.

Alex:Thevicepresidentofferedmeajob.

Julie:(Looksathim)Whatdidheoffer?

Alex:HewantedmetobehiscommunicationdirectorIamassuming.Heneversaidwhat.He
justsaidtocomeplayforthewinningside.

Julie:Heisrunningforpresident?

Alex:Bythelooksofitheis.

Julie:Wellhopefullyeverythingworksout.

Alex:Itwill.Hewontrun.Heknowsthathewillgetflushedoutandwewillwininalandslide.
Hemightoffinishedinsecondintheprimariesbuthewasnttheoneintheovalofficeforthree
years.

Julie:(Curious)Didyoutakethejob?

Alex:No.(Proudly)Itoldhimtoshoveityouknowwhere.

Julie:(Laughs)IthinkIamrubbingoffonyou.

Alex:Maybejustalittle.

Thetwolookateachotherandsmile.Theycontinuetowalkdownthestreet.

EndScene

57

SceneThree:AlexandJuliestopwalkingandareinfrontofAlexsapartment.Theywalkupthe
stepsandstopatthedoor.

Alex:(Pullinghiskeysouthispantpocket)Ialwaysthoughttheguywassupposedtowalkthe
girlhome.

Julie:Wellinmostcases,butinthiscasetheguyissupposedtoaskthegirlout.Thatdidnt
happen.(Shesmiles)Yousureyoucanhandlethat.

Alex:(Putsthekeyinthekeyhole)IthinkIcanhandleopeningadoor.

Alexthentriestoopenthedoor.Hewalksintothedoor.HestopsandlooksatJuliewhois
laughing.Hethenturnsthekeyandopensthedoor.Hethenfaceshers.

Alex:See.Pieceofcake.

Julie:(Sarcastically)ImeanifrunningintoyourdoorispartofopeningthedoorthenIguess
youareright.

Alex:Hahaha.Wouldyouliketocomeborrowacupofsugar.

Julie:AsamatteroffactIwould.

Alex:(Movesovertotheside)Vampiresfirst.

Julie:Whythankyoukindvillager.Imightspareyoursoultonight.

ThetwolaughandenterAlexsapartment.Alexclosesthedoorandtakesoffhisshoesand
putsthemontheshoerugtothesideofthedoor.Julieislookingaround.

Julie:Areyousurethisisyourapartment?Ialwaysthoughtguyswereslobs.Itissocleanin
here.Cleanerthanmineeven.

Alex:WellIwilltakethatasacompliment.Shoesgooverthere.

Julietakesoffhershoesandwalksthemovertotherug.Dominicwalksintothelivingroomand
turnsonthelamp.Heturnsaroundandseessomeoneinthechairthathehasisthecorner.He
getsspookedandletsoffalittlescream.JulierunsovertoAlex.
58

Julie:(Worried)Iseverythingokay?

Alex:Yeah.(Panting)Justthepresidentknowshowtoscarethehelloutofme.

Julie:Whatdoyoumean?

Alexpointsatthepresident.Julielooksovertowhereheispointing.

Tacey:(Smiles)HiJulie.

Julie:(Freakedout)Hitheremadampresident.

Tacey:YouknowAlexyoushouldntleaveyourdoorsunlocked.Astrangercouldcomewalk
intoyourhouseandstealallyourthings.ItisagoodthingthatIstoppedbyandtookcareofit
beforesomeoneelsedid.

Alex:Withalldorespectmadampresident,butwhatareyoudoinghere?

Tacey:Wellyouseethatisthething.Bothofyoutakeaseatonthecouch.Julieyoumight
wanttoholdAlexshandforthis.

AlexandJulietakeaseatonthecouch.

Alex:Whathappened?

Tacey:AsoftwomonthsagoIwasdiagnosedwithpancreaticcancer.

Alex:(Shocked)Ohmygod.

JuliethenrememberswhatthepresidentsaidandgrabsAlexshand.

Tacey:RichardandIdonotknowifitisseriousyet.Ihavehadafewcancerscaresinthepast.
WhenIwas14,thenwhenIwas22,anotheronewhenIwas30,andnowagainat55.Justthe
thingisthistime,(pauses)thereisnosignofitgoingaway.Igotluckythefirstcoupleoftimes,
butnotthistime.

59

TaceystopstalkingandlooksatAlex.Sheexpectedtoseeangerishiseyesbutshesees
nothingbuttearsrollingdownhisface.BothJulieandAlexlookveryconcernedandnotmadat
all.

Tacey:(Sighs)Wehavenoideayetifitisfatal.Only20%ofallthosediagnosedhaveaone
yearsurvivalrateand7%haveafiveyearsurvivalrate.IdontthinkIwillbemakingitthrough
thisone.

Alexlooksatthegroundandtakesadeepbreath.Helooksbackupandlooksherintheeyes.
Heseeshowseriousshelooksandhowunfrightenedsheis.Hedoesntunderstandhowshe
cannotbescared.

Tacey:SoIwillnotberunningforreelection.Troywillbetakingmyplace.Iwillbeendorsing
himthreemonthsintotheelectionandIwantyoutohelphimAlex.Iknowhetalkedtoyou
aboutit.Dontbestubborn.

Alex:MadampresidentifImay.

Tacey:Goon.

AlexlooksatJulieandletsherknowheisfine.Hestandsupandwalksovertowherethe
presidentisandstandsagooddistanceawayfromher.Heputshishandsinhispocketand
looksherintheeyes.

Alex:(Calmlyandproudly)WellIdontcarewhatdiseaseyouhave.MadampresidentIwill
standbyyoursidetotheveryend.Iwillshowyoutheexactsamelovethatyoushowedme
whenIfirststartedoutandwearegoingtomakethislastyearcountforeverything.This
countryisnevergoingtoforgetwhatweaccomplished.

TaceygetsupandgivesAlexahug.

Tacey:ThankyouAlex.

Alex:Dontmentionit.YoutookariskonmeandnowIwilldothesameforyou.

ThetwobreakitupandTaceylooksatJulie.

Tacey:Youtakegoodcareofhim.YouandIbothknowheisgoingtoneedit.
60

JuliestandsupandstandsrightbyAlexsside.

Julie:Yesmaam.

Taceylooksatthebothofthemandsmiles.Sheheadstowardstheexitandstopsinthe
hallway.Sheturnsaround.

Tacey:SaturdayIwillbevetoingthebillinthemorning.Itistherightthingtodo.

Alex:Letsgivethemhell.

Tacey:Damnright.(Shelooksatthetwoandsmiles)(Sarcastically)Youtwobehavenow.

PresidentTaceyexits.

Alextakesadeepbreathandwalkstowardsthewindowintheroom.Hewatchesthepresident
getescortedbythesecretserviceintohermotorcadeanddriveaway.Heclosestheshadeand
walksawayfromthewindow.

EndScene

Scenefour:ItisApril26,2023.WeareintheWhiteHousepressbriefingroom.Alex,David,
Eric,andKaiarealltheregetthingsreadyforthepresidentsspeechtodeclarethebillwillbe
vetoed.

EricwalksdownfromthepodiumandmeetsupwithDavid,Alex,andKaiwhoareallsitting
downandchatting.

Kai:Weallset?

Eric:Weareallgoodtogo.Theroomwillbefilledwithpressinabout15minutes.

David:Showtimeiscoming.Weareeithergoingtobustorsail.

Alex:Iamconfidentwearegoingtosail.

61

Kai:WellwiththespeechyouwroteallofAmericawillbejumpingupanddownandproudof
us.Goodjobkid.

Alex:ThankyouKai.

Kai:Justweallhavetoask.

Alex:What?

Kai,David,andEricalllookateachotherandsmile.TheyturntoAlexandallsayifthepeople,
bythepeople,forthepeople.

Alex:(Laughs)Whoops.Goodthingtherearepeoplewhorereadthosethings.

Theyallstartlaughing.Theyalllookateachotherandsmile.

Eric:Sothisisithuh?

David:Ourlasthurah.

Kai:Sureis.Iamgoingtomissyouboys.

Eric:WellIamgoingtomissthefreepizzainthemesshallthemost.

Alex:Ifiguredyouwouldmissthegirlsthemost.

Eric:Wellgirlsarenice,butnothingbeatsanicesliceofpizza.

Kai:Illsecondthat.WellifyouexcusemeIamgoingtogetmeone.Ialreadyknowhowthisis
goingtoturnout.Youguyscoming?

Alex:Imgood.Iamgoingtocherishthismomentwhileitlasts.

Eric:SuityourselfAlex.Let'sgo.

KaiandEricbothgetupandgiveAlexapatonthebackandcongratulatehimonthespeechhe
wroteforthepresident.TheyexitandthatleavesDavidandAlextherealone.

62

David:Sothisistrulyit.

Alex:You'retellingme.

David:Thiscancerthingissickening.Whyisitalwaysthegoodpeoplethathavetogo?

Alex:Yeah,butlookatthebrightside.Wedonthavetoworryaboutlosingyouanytimesoon.

David:(Smirks)Thanks.

Thetwolookateachotherandlaugh.

David:WellIamgoingtogogetmeasliceofpizza.SeeyouaroundAlex.

DavidgetsupandpatsAlexontheback.Davidexits.Alexstandsupandwalksovertothe
podium.Herubshishandsonitandremembersbacktowhenhegavehisgraduationspeech.
Helooksatalltheemptychairsandremembersthefeelingofspeakinginfrontofallthose
people.Hesmilesandlooksforthespeechtoreadittohimselfonemoretime.Helooks
throughthepapersandcantseemtofindit.Heisabouttopanicandthenhearsthepresidents
voice.

Tacey:Lookingforthis?(Sheholdsthespeechinherhand)

Alex:(Smiles)Yeah.

Tacey:WellAlexitisontheteleprompter.Goonandreaditforme.(Thepresidentgrabsaseat
inoneofthechairsinthefrontrow)Justforoldtimesake.

Alex:(Shy)Icantdothat.IthasbeenfouryearssinceIgaveaspeech.

Tacey:So.Let'sseethatpassionatesideofyoursthatattractedmetoyouinthefirstplace.
Justgrabtheremoteonthesecondshelfandhittheplaybutton.Thenhitstopwheneveryou
needtosoyoucanfocus.IhavethespeedonmediumbecauseIamslow,butyouarea
naturalsodowhatevermakesyoufeelmorecomfortable.AswellwiththeIs,saythem.Itwill
ruinthemessageifyoudontsayI.

Alex:(Smilesandgrabstheremote)

63

Tacey:(Smiles)Dontdisobeythepresidentnow.

Alextakesadeepbreathandhitstheplaybutton.Nowbeforethespeechstartspicturethe
imageofpresidentTaceywatchingAlex.Nowimaginetheroomchangingtothehighschool
footballfieldwhereshefirstsawAlex.Watchinghimgivinghisgraduationspeech.Thespeech
isnotalteredinthisflashback.ItisjustascenechangetorevealthebondbetweenAlexand
thepresident.Thespeechbeginsnowandremembertopicturethisfromthepresidentspointof
view.

Alex:

MyfellowAmericansIstandherebeforeyoutodaynotintheauraofconfidenceandgoodwill,
butinregretandinfullandsincereapologizes.Asoflastnighttheeducationreformbillwas
passedthroughtheHouseandSenate.Thisiswhatshouldbeatimeofcelebrationbecause
finallyafterthreeyearsofhardworkwereformededucationtobethebestthatitcanbe.Justin
allrealitythisbillwasamistake.

Thebillhasaloopholeinitthatwillallowthestategovernment'stodenyanydistrictwhocannot
affordthestandardofasafeandwellestablishedlearningfacilitywiththeirproperfunding.It
allowsthestatestosetthestandardoffunctionalandwherethetaxpayerdollarsflow.Thisisa
flawthatwasnotseenandhasjustbeenvotedforbyyourUnitedStatesCongress.

CongressknewaboutthisfromthebeginningandthisiswhytheDemocratsvotedinsucha
highfavorofthisbill.TheysawthisflawandweregoingtorideitoffandmockwhatthisWhite
Houseadministrationhasaccomplished.Wehaveestablishedtheequalpayamendment,
number29,andgotitpassed,wehaveloweredunemploymentfrom38%to22%,andbrought
backjobsfromoverseasandhaverebuiltourroadsandhospitalsallacrosstheUnitedStates!

ThisWhiteHousehasdonesomuchfortheAmericanpeopleaswepromisedwewouldandwe
havealwaysstrivedforgreatness.Everydaywehavefoughtforthebasiclibertiesandstrivedto
inspireoptimismandtheidealthattheUnitedStatesisthegreatestcountryintheworld!Aslong
asweoccupytheWhiteHousewewillneverabandontheAmericanpeopleandourinterestwill
stayandcontinuetobeforthepeople,ofthepeople,andbythepeople!

Thoughinthegrandschemeofthingsweareonlyhuman.Wearebuilttomakemistakesonthe
fundamentalprinciplethatwearenotperfectandwedonotknowitall.WhenIranforofficeI
64

madeitclearthatIwouldnotgetitallrightandIamnotperfect.ThatIwasnotyourbiblical
saviorandthatIcouldn'tleadusoutofthisinternalwarwithagoldenrodinhand,butwhatI
cantellyouisthatnopresidentwilleverbestrong,capable,andwholewithouthisorher
supporters.

YoutheAmericanpeoplearethereasonwecontinuetofighteverydayforthewhatisrightand
notwhatisrightbysomepartystandard!SohereatthismomentIwillbevetoingtheeducation
reformbillandIwillfightuntilitisreformedandhasthefullandundividedspiritofevery
Americanchildandnotjustthoseatthetopofthepeddlestool.Justbecausewehaveoneyear
leftdoesnotmeanwearedone.

WearegoingtotreateverysinglesecondthatweareintheWhiteHouseasourlastandweare
goingtostriveonthispoliticalbattlefieldtoinsurethateveryounceofunity,prosperity,and
principalofpatriotismandpursuitofhappinessisexcessableandachievable.Maygodbless
everysingleoneofyou,andmoreimportantlymaygodblesstheUnitedStatesofAmerica!!!
Thankyou!!

PresidentTaceystandsupandwalkstowardsAlexwithtearsrunningdownherface.Shegives
himahug.Shebreaksaway.

Tacey:IcannotbegintotellyouhowproudofyouIam.Soproudofyou.Youaregoingto
makeafinepresidentoneday.Iknowyouwill.

Alex:Thankyoumadampresident.

Tacey:IknewfrommomentIsawyouthatyouweregoingtobesomethinggreat.(Shetakes
anenvelopefromhercoatpocket.ShehandsittoAlex)TakethisAlexanddonotopenuntil
yougetelectedintooffice.IwillalwaysbewithyouandIwillguideyoufromtheheavenswhenI
getthere.Gomakemeproud.

Alex:(Takestheenvelopeandgivesherahug)Thankyouforeverything.

Tacey:(Hugshimback)NoAlex.Thankyou.

Thetwobreakawayandpressbegintofilltheroom.David,Kai,Eric,Dominic,andRichardall
returnandheadtothepodiumwhereTaceyandAlexare.

65

Tacey:Iknowwehaveallhadourdifferences,butwealldidcometogether.Wedidallthatwe
couldandwemadeamarkthatwillneverbeforgotten.Thankyouallandlet'sgivethese
Democratshell.

Dominic:Amentothat.

Theyallcometogetherforagrouphug.Thecameranowfreezesandtheimageoffthegroupis
thereforafewsecondsandslowdisappears.Nowimaginethatthescreenisnowdarkand
nothingcanbeseen.

EndScene

FinalScene:Wearenowsetin2041.ItisJanuary19thinsomecemeteryinFlorida.Alexis
sittingunderatreeandtalkingtoatombstone.

Alex:(Talkingslowlyandcalmly)Ididit.Iwon.Iamtheyoungestpresidenttoevertakeoffice
andthefirstthirdpartycandidatetoeverwinanelection.Thisisalottohandle.Inevercaved
in,andIneversoldout.Thesamewaythatwedidbackthen.Iknowyouhavewatchedover
methisentiretimeandIhopeyou'reproudofme.Iknowyouareproudofme.Richardtellsme
everydayhowyouwouldbeproudofme.Justitisnotthesame.Iwishyoucouldbeheretosee
this.Youwantedtoseethis,butthatwasntinyourcards.Igetinauguratedtomorrow.A
presidentattheageof39.(Smilesandshakeshishead)Whowould'veeverguessed.Wellyou
wouldof.Iwontbeabletocomebackforawhile.Withbeinginchargeandeverything,butI
promisethatIwillalwaysvisityouonyourbirthdaywhileIaminoffice.

Alexstandsupandlooksatthetombstoneonelasttime.HehearsJuliecallinghisnameand
sheiswalkingtowardshim.Shestandsrightnexttohim.Thetwolookatthetombstone
together.

Julie:(ShegrabsAlexshand)Shewouldbesoproudofyou.Youhavemadeadifferenceand
havedoneeverythingright.Nowcomeonlet'sgo.Wehaveaflighttocatch.

AlexletsgoofJulieshandandgetsdownononekneeanddoesthesignofthecross.Hegets
upandgrabsherhandagainandthetwobegintowalkaway.Thecameranowzoomsinonthe
frontofthetombstonewithfreshlyplacedflowersonit.ItreadsRileyR.Tacey.BornMarch5th,
1968anddiedonAugust11th,2027.Thecamerasitsthereforamomentandthenisinstantly
movedtotheinsideofthemotorcadebythesoundoftheslammingofadoor.Alex,Julie,and
66

Davidareinthecar.Davidsignalsthedrivertostartdriving.Thecarbeginstomove.Therestof
thisscenewilltakeplaceinthemovingvehicle.

David:(Nervous)YoureadyforthisAlex?

Julie:Ofcourseheis.Thisishisday.

David:(Beingsentimental)WearebackintheWhiteHouse.JustthistimeIamthechiefof
staff,heisthepresident,(Sarcastically)andwehaveasassyandmeanfirstlady.

Julie:(Sarcastically)Whythankyou.

DavidandJuliechatterwhileAlexislookingoutthewindow.Hepullsanenvelopethatwas
giventohimbyRiley18yearsago.Onthefrontitsaysuntilthen,inblueink.Alexopensitand
beginstothereadtheletter.Ashereadstheletterimaginethestartofitinhisvoiceandthen
quicklybutslowlyturnsintoRileyssoftvoice.

AlexandRiley:

NowthatyouarereadingthisIhavepassedawayandyouarethepresidentoftheUnited
States.HowIwishIcouldbetherebyyoursideandcherishthismomentwithyou.Youare
goingtomakeanexcellentpresidentAlex.Yourheartissopureandsofulloffirethatnomatter
whatcameinthewayduringmytimeintheovalofficeyounevergaveup.Youpushedyourself
toyourlimitsandyoufoughtforwhatwasrightandnotforthepolitics.Youdidn'tcareforwhat
othersthoughtofyou.Ialwaysadmiredthat.WheneverIwasfeelingdownyoualwaysknew
exactlytherightthingstosayandyoualwayssaidthemtherightway.Youaregoingtobethe
bestthingthateverhappenedtothiscountryandyouwerethebestthingthathappenedtome.
AsyouknowIhadnokids.RichardandItried,butitwasmewhocouldnotsupportthebirthof
achild.Sohavingyouinmylifefilledthatgapforme.YouwerethesonthatIneverhad.You
mademeproud,andIknowthefeelingthatIhadwastheexactfeelingamotherwouldhave.
YoufilledthegapinsidemethatIthoughtwouldneverbefilled.Iwillneverbeabletorepayyou
forwhatyouhavegivenme.AllIcansayisIamsoproudofyouandIknowyourparentsare
watchingyoufromheavenandarethinkingtheexactsamething.Nowgogetthemtigerandgo
showtheworldwhatAlexHarperismadeof.

67

Sincerely

RileyRoseTacey

TearsbegintorolldownAlexsface.JuliegrabsandholdsAlexslefthand.Sheleansup
againsthim.DavidtakesthepaperfromAlexandbeginstoreaditoutloud.Alexignoresthe
chatterandstaresoutthewindowattheclouds.Thecameranowfocusesonthecloudsandthe
birdsflyingintheair.Imaginethecamerapicturenowturningblackandwhitetextappearingon
thescreen.

NoMatterWhatStrugglesComeOurWay,AsLongAsWeStayStrongAndTrueTo
OurBelievesAndFightForWhatIsRight,TheWorldWillBecomeABetterPlace,But
OnlyIfWeLetit.

EndScene

Curtain

68