Drama : Mistake

Scene: The curtains open on the living room of Evelyn McCall’s home. It is ten o’clock in the evening. Evelyn’s youngest son had been kidnapped earlier in the day. It had been a long, traumatic day for the entire family. Although he had been found unharmed, Evelyn was still anxious and fretting. There is a quiet knock at the front door. She stands and goes to the door stage right.

Evelyn: Who is it?

Michelle: It’s Michelle.

Evelyn: (Opening the door) What in the world?

Michelle: Daniel and I have been frantic about all of you.

Evelyn: Come in Michelle, come in. Yes, he’s okay. Have a seat.

(Michelle steps into the living room and waits for Evelyn to close the door)

Michelle: Daniel was home with Ben when a police officer came by to ask questions after talking to the Sellers. He called me at the office.

Evelyn: (Moving toward the chair she was sitting in center stage) Please, have a seat. (The two women sit)

Michelle: How are you?

Evelyn: I’m okay I think. I’ve fallen apart a few times, but I’m okay. God was watching over Duncan-I-how much do you know Michelle.

Michelle: Enough; I’m afraid. Jimmy and Erica have talked throughout the day and Erica has kept her parents informed. Evelyn, I’m here to help if I can or if I’m needed.

Evelyn: (Smiling sadly) I was actually thinking of you once I got Duncan settled into bed. I’ve gone up to check on him so many times. The last time I checked, his bed was empty. He had gotten in bed with Elliott. (She looks at Michelle seriously) He seems to be okay. He wanted no fussing over him. He kept a level head during the entire thing. He has chastised himself several times for not calling me when he missed his bus. It was his teacher’s brother, did you know that?

Michelle: No.

Evelyn: Mr. Block’s brother is mentally unstable. I don’t know that entire story yet, but apparently he went to school to talk to Mr. Block today. Mr. Block told him he would talk to him after school and basically blew him off. The man, Avery, saw Duncan approach Mr. Block shortly after and apparently got it in his head that Duncan was “telling on him”. Avery panicked and watched the school the rest of the day and saw Duncan walking home after missing the bus.

Michelle: Oh, Evelyn.

Evelyn: (Leaning forward) The story is confusing, but Duncan managed to hide Avery’s cell phone and call home several times.

(Wringing her hands) He was so brave Michelle. I believe absolutely that God had to be with him. Duncan was afraid but he held up so well. Then he found what he thought was the body of a little girl.

Michelle: What?

Evelyn: (Shaking her head) It wasn’t but he was so frightened at seeing what he thought was a body, he didn’t see the real horror. What he saw was a doll; one of those tall ones. It was lying at the entrance to a small room. He couldn’t see the entire room however. In the far corner, in the dark, were three little bodies of other children. Two girls and a boy.

Michelle: Evelyn! Does Duncan know this?

Evelyn: (Shaking her head) No, not yet. With the police all over the neighborhood and school, the media has been calling non-stop. I have the phone turned off right now. I was sitting here wondering how I tell him such a thing.

Michelle: And the man who kidnapped him?

Evelyn: I don’t know much. I do know that once Duncan told the police who Avery was they went directly to Mr. Block’s home to question him. Mr. Block was nearly inconsolable when he realized what may have been happening. He lives in Tipp City and Avery lives in a house in a very poor part of town just east of here. The detectives drove Mr. Block to Avery’s home where several police cars were waiting. Avery was so happy to see his brother and when questioned about Duncan, had to stop and think for a long time before remembering Duncan was in the basement. The man was simply out of his mind.

Michelle: Evelyn, I know someone who is excellent with children. She’s helped so many for all sorts of reasons. I love Duncan but I’m not sure I’m the one he needs to talk to. (Michelle sits back) Elliott and Jimmy too Evelyn. This may weigh on all of you for awhile. In the mean time, I’m here for you, and any one else who might need me.

Evelyn: Michelle, I think Duncan would feel better if he talked to you. He’s had enough of strangers.

Michelle: (Nodding) I understand, but-

Evelyn: -Can’t we let Duncan make this decision? What I’m saying is; he pretty much got himself out of this terrible situation; might he not want to decide whom he talks to. He will tell me, I already know, that he doesn’t need anyone to talk to but he’ll listen to me also.

Michelle: You know I don’t mind being the one. If he wants to talk to me, then I’ll talk to him. I hope you don’t mind if I consult with this woman though,

just to make sure I’m taking him down the right path.

Evelyn: I don’t mind.

Michelle: What’s happening tomorrow?

Evelyn: The detectives will be here to talk to Duncan again. Hopefully that will be the last time. I’m keeping all the boys home tomorrow. Jimmy and Elliott were exhausted when I sent them all to bed. (Thoughtful) I was out of sorts this morning. I don’t know why. All the boys were running behind; so much so that James took them all to school for fear of missing the bus. Which Jimmy would have I should add. The girls were unusually fitful too. Should I have stopped and simply looked at the situation then? Should I have heard an alarm going off in my brain?

Michelle: Stop right there. You can’t do that Evelyn. Look at the entire day before Duncan missed the bus. There was nothing; not one thing, that could have happened to warn you about Avery Block. Do you understand? You’re not to blame here. Duncan will blame himself for not calling. Mr. Block will blame himself for not paying more attention to his brother’s situation. Knowing Jimmy and Elliott, they’re likely feeling guilty too. If you show Duncan your own doubts, he may produce his own. You were correct when you said he was brave. He did what he thought he should. Don’t make him second guess one minute of any of it.

Evelyn: You’re right. (Smiling again) Would you mind coming over for lunch tomorrow? The detectives should be gone then. Maybe you and Duncan can talk then.

(The lights begin to fade)

Michelle: When Daniel called and told me what was happening, I cleared my schedule so I could be here for you if I was needed. I’ll be here at noon.

Evelyn: I was so wound up before you arrived. I didn’t think I’d sleep at all tonight.

Michelle: And now?

Evelyn: I’m tired suddenly.

Michelle: (Standing) Then, I’m gone. Go to bed. I’ll call you in the morning. (She embraces Evelyn) I’ll lock the door on my way out. Turn off the lights and go to bed.

(Michelle exits stage right and through the door. Evelyn knows the door is locked but she checks it anyway. She leans against the door for a moment, sighs and moves stage left. The lights fade to black as she goes through the door)

Characters: Evelyn McCall, Michelle Massey.
Writer:sadie grey