The Vail (Episode One: The Visitor)

I don't really like blogs. As a matter of fact if it wasn't for my good friend Seamus Sullivan I'd never be doing this. See, he started writing a series of short plays once a week called, "The New Adventures Of Horatio". It's about Horatio from Hamlet in a modern society travelling all over the world and having adventures. It's been going well and you are stupid if you don't give it a look. www.seamusektin.blogspot.com
And so Seamus gave me a challenge. He challenged me to write a like series once a week. And so I came up with a short series that will post once a week, each episode running under five minutes. The goal is to write something very short that is also concise and clever and just plain god. Obviously comments always help. So tell me what you think and maybe if you have any ideas or suggestions abiut what you would like to see happen then speak up.
So here is the first installment of, "The Vail". I hope you guys enjoy and keep coming back for more.

Joey Pettine

The Vail

by Joey Pettine

Episode One: The Visitor

(It is a late evening. ANDY VAIL sits in a dark office working diligently at his desk, a sole lamp his only illumination. He rubs his eyes, returns to the work, cranks the calculators, and then rubs his eyes once more, restarting the cycle. It is work time, it is always work time. A woman, NANCY VAIL, Andy's sister in law, enters from the shadows offstage. Her entire front is covered with blood, which does not seem to bother her. Her face is neutral but her eyes direct, she has a goal. She approaches Andy's desk, never taking her eyes off him. Andy only notices her when she is directly in front of him. He looks up quickly, does a bit of a double take, and looks surprised. He stops what he is doing, standing as if to come around and hug her.)

ANDY

Nan? I didn’t hear you come in.

NANCY

I have a limited amount of time, Andrew. You must listen.

(She sits as she says this, moving stiffly as if this conversation had been rehearsed and it was her cue to take a seat. Andy retakes his seat, concerned.)

ANDY

What’s wrong?

NANCY

Once, you saved my life. I feel inclined, as your friend, to try to do the same for you.

ANDY

Nancy, what are you talking about?

(Nancy seems minutely hurt.)

NANCY

You don’t recognize me yet. You will now.

ANDY

Excuse me?

NANCY

You haven’t noticed my clothing either.

(Only at that moment does Andy seem to notice the torrents of blood. His face becomes a tableau of shock and worry. He stands so quickly that he knocks his chair over.)

ANDY

Oh, my God! Nancy, we have to get you to the hospital.

NANCY

There is no need.

(He is so worried it borders on panic.)

ANDY

Jesus Christ, you’re bleeding everywhere! Did Mike do this? Is this about—

NANCY

I am unharmed. Conversely, your brother Michael, the man who would be my husband, is murdered.

(Every emotion Andy had turns suddenly to silent shock. When he speaks it is quiet and slow, as if trying to keep Nancy calm. His face is disbelieving yet somewhat understanding.)

ANDY

Murdered?

NANCY

His blood is on my hands.

ANDY

Nancy, what happened?

NANCY

In three minutes you will receive a phone call that will ruin your life forever. Allow it to ring.

ANDY

A call?

NANCY

From the police. But you already know your brother is deceased. There is nothing you can do.

ANDY

I—

NANCY

Let the phone ring. If you answer it, you will never be able to return to the existence you know now. I am giving you this choice.

ANDY

Is this some joke? This isn’t funny.

(Nancy stands.)

NANCY

I agree. This is not for amusement.

ANDY

Mike’s dead?

(Nancy seems sorry for Andy.)

NANCY

Yes. I apologize. I know your relationship was strained but this is not how it should have finished.

(Nancy turns to leave. Andy still seems in shock.)

ANDY

Where are you going?

(Nancy turns back just before she exits.)

NANCY

I know you better than you realize, Andrew. I know you will try to make this right. That is what pains me. To see your love be your undoing.

ANDY

Nancy.

NANCY

I suppose I knew my visit could not stop you. Perhaps it was only a veiled excuse to see you one final time. You will find me at the local train station when you need to. But I will be gone. Goodbye, friend.

(Nancy exits, leaving Andy puzzled. He looks around, as if looking for an audience secretly laughing at his confusion. He sets up his chair and returns to his seat, mystified. The phone rings. Andy stares at it as if finally understanding. The phone continues to ring as we fade to black.)