Hey There Delilah
A musical about female empowerment
by Jaden Jacoby-Cooper
CAST:
Child Jaylee Chester – Flashbacks
Child Delilah Keesh – Flashbacks
Teenage Jaylee Chester – Main character
Teenage Delilah Keesh – Bully/Main character
Frankie Keesh – Delilah’s mom
Sandy – Jaylee’s source for advice
Nicky Chester – Jaylee’s mom
Ensemble – Other students, random New Yorkers, etc.
Scene 1
School, New York City
(5 year old Jaylee stumbles into her pre-k classroom wearing her favorite fairy costume which she plans on wearing for Halloween. She takes a glance at the huge classroom that lies in front of her. There are many kids and teachers roaming about the classroom. Teachers are helping the little 5 year old kids find their cubbies and assigned seats. Jaylee takes a look in awe. Nicky follows Jaylee’s lead. Delilah is sitting on the other side of the room playing with toy blocks)
JAYLEE
Look ma this place has paint!!
NICKY
I knew you’d be thrilled about that. You are going to have such an amazing time here Jay! Look, they have easels for you to paint on, blocks for you to build with, a little play kitchen, and such cute little desks! Remember to be on your best behavior okay? These are people outside of our family so you can’t fool around too much.
JAYLEE
Okay okay. I just wanna finger paint. We did that at pre-school.
NICKY
Don’t get too messy! Try and make some friends too. There’s a girl by herself over there in the play kitchen if you want to go introduce yourself. I’m sure she’ll like your fairy costume. Maybe you two can be friends.
JAYLEE
Maybe I’ll go play with her but I really wanna paint like how we did Jackson Pollock paintings last year mama.
NICKY
I’m sure you do, you really enjoyed that. But this year is a step up from last year. You’re going to be doing other things in addition to painting.
JAYLEE
Hmmmm. I hope we get to watch TV. That’s something besides painting.
NICKY
Oh Jay. You’re too funny. How about while I talk and introduce myself to your teachers, you introduce yourself to the girl I was talking about just now. The one in the play kitchen who’s wearing a blue jacket. Does that sound like a plan?
JAYLEE
Erm I guess mommy. I just really can’t wait to get my chance to paint and nap and watch tv.
NICKY
I know sweetie I know. You will get your chance. I love you, Jay. You’re such a good kid you know that? What did I do to deserve you?
(Nicky exits. Jaylee turns towards the audience with a big smile on her face and starts singing.)
WHERE HAS TIME GO SONG – JAYLEE
(song and music starts)
I HAVE GROWN UP
WHERE HAS TIME GO
I REALLY WANNA PAINT SNOW ANGELS WITH SNOW
You heard that
LIFE IS SO SHORT
BUT SO AM I
FUN FACT I JUST LOVE TO PAINT, BUILD, AND FLY
Hopefully she likes that too
I WANT TO APPLE PICK IN TIMES SQUARE
MOM SAID IMPOSSIBLE, LIFE’S NOT FAIR
I DON’T KNOW WHAT MY FUTURE WILL HOLD
ALL I KNOW IS WHAT I’VE BEEN TOLD
WHERE HAS TIME GO
THAT GIRL OVER THERE IS PLAYING ALONE
MAYBE SHE’S AFRAID OF THE UNKNOWN
When it comes to having a friend
SHE COULD BE WHAT MY MOM CALLS A FRIEND
I MIGHT BE WITH HER UNTIL THE END
SHE COULD BE MY FRIEND
SHE COULD BE MY FRIEND
SHE COULD BE MY FRIEND
But what if she can’t be my friend?
What if there actually are no good vibes?
No, stop, don’t think that.
I HAVE GROWN UP
WHERE HAS TIME GO
I REALLY WANNA PAINT SNOW ANGELS WITH SNOW
You heard that
LIFE IS SO SHORT
BUT SO AM I
FUN FACT I JUST LOVE TO PAINT, BUILD, AND FLY
Hopefully she likes that too
(song and music end and Jaylee exits)
Scene 2
Teenage Jaylee’s Room
(10 years later, Jaylee is 15. She is in highschool and she comes home with a gruesome look in her eye and she’s scowling. Her shoulders are hunched as she walks towards her mother.)
JAELYEE
Once again, MOM, your girl had the worst day ever.
NICKY
You know the drill. Come sit.
(Jaylee plops herself down on a giant armchair)
JAYLEE
Here we go again.
I HAD GUTS SONG – NICKY & JAYLEE
(song and music start)
(NICKY)
I NEED TO MAKE ONE THING CLEAR
SOMETHING THAT I’VE BEEN SAYING FOR YEARS
But knowing you, you never listen like ever
MY DAUGHTER’S NAME IS JAYLEE
SHE HASN’T BEEN REMINDED LATELY
THAT YOU ARE SO LOVED BY ME
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT OTHERS SAY
BECAUSE YOU’LL LOOK BACK ON THIS ONE DAY
(Jaylee stands up)
JAYLEE
And say what?
(NICKY)
“WOW I HAD GUTS”
Who is this person might I ask?
JAYLEE
Hm?
(NICKY)
The person who has been making you feel like trash? What’s their name?
JAYLEE
HER NAME IS DELILAH.
NICKY
No but seriously sweetie who is it?
JAYLEE
HER NAME IS DELILAH.
NICKY
I’m not appreciating your behavior right now. Tell me the truth Jaylee.
JAYLEE
MOM YOU MUST LISTEN TO ME
SHE IS A GIRL WHO JUST LOVES TO TEASE
I’m talking about that nasty girl Delilah here
SPENDS HER TIME PUTTING ME DOWN
I FEEL LIKE I ALWAYS HAVE A FROWN
I REALLY REALLY, REALLY REALLY WANT TO LEAVE TOWN
SURE I’LL LOOK BACK ON THIS ONE DAY
AND I WILL HAVE NOTHING TO SAY
NICKY
Honey, you are not leaving town and Delilah would never do such a thing! Make you feel miserable for days?! Please.
JAYLEE
HER NAME IS DELILAH
MOM YOU MUST LISTEN TO ME
SHE IS A GIRL WHO JUST LOVES TO TEASE
SHE SPENDS HER TIME BEING MEAN TO OTHERS
Yet she always kisses up to all of the mothers
NICKY
EVEN IF THAT IS TRUE, DEAR
COME SIT WITH YOUR MAMA RIGHT HERE
EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT
YOU DON’T NEED TO PUT UP A FIGHT
IF IT’S TRUE THAT SHE’S GETTING YOU DOWN
REMEMBER YOUR WORTH AND DON’T YOU FROWN
‘CUZ EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT
YOU DON’T NEED TO PUT UP A FIGHT
We gotta go, now, dear.
JAYLEE
Where are we going?
NICKY
Context clues, Jay. Where do you think we’re going?
JAYLEE
I never know with you mom.
NICKY
We are sorting things out the old fashioned way by going to Delilah’s house and settling this like 5 year olds because clearly you two can’t handle this situation on your own like adults.
JAYLEE
Maybe that’s because we aren’t adults.
NICKY
I have high expectations for you so I expect you to act like one but you’ve let me down this time. Let’s get going. I don’t know how long we’ll be out for.
JAYLEE
(under her breath) Delilah spends all her time being mean to others yet she always kisses up to all of the mothers. (eyeroll)
(Nicky and Jaylee exit)
Scene 3
Delilah’s House
(Nicky rings the doorbell and waits impatiently in front of Jaylee for someone to answer the door. Delilah opens the door with a confused look on her face)
DELILAH
Hello Ms. Chester! Hi Jaylee?
NICKY
Hello dear, do you mind if Jaylee and I stepped in for just a minute to chat? So sorry to bother you and your mother. I sense that you two are making chicken pot pie for dinner!
DELILAH
Come in, make yourselves at home! My mother and I are almost done cooking so feel free to have some, we were going to have plenty of leftovers anyway.
(Delilah, Jaylee, and Nicky slowly make their way into Delilah’s house and into the kitchen)
NICKY
Wonderful! I see that you still have that old record player. Does it work?
DELILAH
It sure does. Play anything you’d like! My mother was able to find some more vintage labels. She’s very excited about them. Come with me she’s just in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the pie.
JAYLEE
(under her breath) What a fake. Although I’ll give you brownie points for the acting because my mom is totally buying it. Kudos to you.
NICKY
Frankie! It’s been forever since I’ve seen you. I believe the last time was at your wedding last year. How’s Landon?
(Nicky gives Frankie a big hug)
FRANKIE
Nicky, what a wonderful surprise! He’s just typical Landon off on another business trip in Maui, lucky him. His law firm wouldn’t let him take anyone else with him which worked out in my favor since I get to spend more time with Delilah. She’s always off at some party or gathering anyways. What a social butterfly I raised, isn’t that right Jaylee?
JAYLEE
(under her breath) I would have shipped her off to Maui as soon as I had the chance. (louder voice) Uh sure yeah that’s right I guess.
FRANKIE
Why don’t Nicky and I catch up while the girls find something to do. Does that sound good? Feel more than free to help yourselves to the pie. I also have my homemade apple banana pie baking in the oven right now.
NICKY
As nice as that sounds, Jaylee and I came here to talk to you both about something that seems to be of the utmost importance. But you already know I’m going to help myself to slices of both of those delicious pies.
FRANKIE
No worries dear! Delilah, pull out a chair for Jaylee please and serve her some pie. I guess we’re in for a chatty dinner. Any wine for you Nicky?
(they all sit down and Delilah willingly pulls out a chair for Jaylee)
NICKY
You already know my answer but I have to drive Jaylee home after this. Anyways, I came here to talk to you both about something Jaylee had mentioned to me this past afternoon.
NICKY
She said that her and Delilah were not on the best of terms for the past few months and that-
JAYLEE
Why are you sugar coating it?
FRANKIE
My apple banana pie is sugar coated!
JAYLEE
Mom, why are you sugar coating the truth?
NICKY
Excuse me?
JAYLEE
You wanna know what really happened? Well listen up because I’m quite tired of keeping my mouth shut.
(Jaylee furiously turns in her chair and slowly stands up and Delilah sits with perfect posture)
ILLUSION OF CONFUSION SONG – JAYLEE, NICKY, DELILAH, & FRANKIE
(song and music starts)
DELILAH
CONFUSION IS JUST AN ILLUSION
FOR HOW YOU REALLY FEEL
ONE DAY I MIGHT NOT BE FIGHTING
I’LL JUST BE LYING HERE
JAYLEE
DELILAH
DELILAH KEESH
SHE BRINGS ME THROUGH HELL AND BACK, WHAT A LEECH
SHE SPENDS ALL HER TIME PUTTING ME DOWN
SHE WALKS AROUND LIKE SHE HAS A CROWN
THAT I WANT TO SHRED INTO PIECES
SHE’S FULL OF DISEASES
MUST I SAY
The anxiety increases
DELILAH
OH JAYLEE YOU FEEL THIS WAY?
I’VE BEEN NOTHING BUT SUPPORTIVE DAY AFTER DAY
YOU ALWAYS GIVE ME WEIRD LOOKS IN THE HALLS
THE ANGER IS IMPRESSIVE FOR SOMEONE SO SMALL
JAYLEE
See?!
DELILAH
I WANT NOTHING MORE THAN TO BE FRIENDS WITH YOU
BUT FOR THAT YOU’LL JUST HAVE TO SAY ME TOO
What do you want Jaylee?
How have you been feeling lately?
DO YOU SEE ME AS A THREAT
WANNA MAKE A BET
That I won’t be so mean
AND YOU COULD BE SEEN?
JAYLEE & DELILAH
CONFUSION IS JUST AN ILLUSION
FOR HOW YOU REALLY FEEL
ONE DAY WE MIGHT NOT BE FIGHTING
WE’LL JUST BE LYING HERE
DA DA DADA DA DADA DADA DA DADA DA (2x)
NICKY
HAVEN’T YOU TWO ALWAYS BEEN FRIENDS?
YOU MIGHT BE WITH EACH OTHER UNTIL THE END?
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THAT?|
ALL YOU TWO REALLY NEED IS A CHAT
Take a deep breath and keep in mind
That all the time you need to be kind
You both just really want to be seen
Just don’t achieve it by being mean
FRANKIE
IT IS POSSIBLE THAT ONE IS CONFUSED
WHILE ALSO BEING QUITE AMUSED
ALL I EVER HEARD ABOUT WAS JAYLEE
AND HOW SHE WAS DOING LATELY
I think this is all a lie
Something that you’ll just need to pass by
Let’s just enjoy some pie and wine
And like we always do, have a good time
JAYLEE, DELILAH, NICKY & FRANKIE
CONFUSION IS JUST AN ILLUSION
FOR HOW YOU REALLY FEEL
JAYLEE & DELILAH
ONE DAY WE MIGHT NOT BE FIGHTING
WE’LL JUST BE LYING HERE
JAYLEE, DELILAH, NICKY, & FRANKIE
DA DA DADA DA DADA DADA DA DADA DA (2x)
JAYLEE
CONFUSION IS JUST AN ILLUSION FOR HOW YOU REALLY FEEL
ONE DAY I MIGHT NOT BE FIGHTING
I’LL JUST BE LYING HERE
(song and music ends and Jaylee and Delilah both plump down in their chairs)
(Nicky motions to Frankie for both of them to exit)
DELILAH
Jaylee, why don’t you take some pie and tell me what’s going on because clearly you’re going though some stuff-
JAYLEE
Quick question, D. What makes you think I’m going through anything? I’d like to see your proof, if you don’t mind.
DELILAH
I could ask the same question about your accusations, Jay. Except, I can sense that you have a lot of built up tension and anger in you that you’ve been exerting on me which I don’t blame you for because everyone knows you have issues. As your friend though, I’m suggesting that you um, get some help.
JAYLEE
Oh right because friends make you feel pathetic and make snide remarks at you 24/7. That’s Delilah talk for “go to therapy you psycho”. Quit the act. I know you Delilah Keesh so don’t try and act all dumb and innocent. I can tell exactly what you’re doing.
DELILAH
It’s not an act, it’s the truth. My innocence is because I’m innocent and you know it. I’m glad that you can tell that I’m trying to help you, Jay. Talk to your mom about it but I think it’s best if you leave right now because your hands are balling into fists and I don’t need money coming out of my allowance to pay for property damages because of your anger issues, ok? Get better hon.
JAYLEE
Oh you did not just call me hon. Someone seems to have been reading too many Dork Diary books because you’re pulling a MACKENZIE MACALLISTER MOVE RIGHT NOW YOU FILTHY LITTLE-
(Frankie and Nicky hear screaming and they quickly enter)
FRANKIE
Everything alright girls? Nicky and I just wanted to give you two some privacy to hash things out. I heard screaming and Delilah knows I don’t approve of that.
DELILAH
The truth is, Ms. Chester, I’m worried about Jaylee. She seems to have a lot of built up anger that she’s releasing on other people including me. I’m ok with that because I want to help her, but who knows if she’s making other people miserable. I say this with Jaylee’s well-being in mind; I think she needs some actual professional help. She started accusing me of such horrid things and made you drive all the way here so she could prove a point.
NICKY
It was my suggestion to come here but I see what you mean, D. Thank you for bringing my attention to this. You’ve always been such a terrific girl. To think that my daughter has accused you of making her feel horrible! That makes zero sense. Jaylee, we’ll need to have a talk when we get home because it’s not okay for you to go around throwing people, especially someone like Delilah under the bus because of your own issues.
JAYLEE
YOU THINK THAT’S WHAT’S GOING ON? DELILAH IS THE ISSUE. THE DEVIL. THE MOTHER TRUCKING MANIPULATOR.
NICKY
Lower your voice please and cut the tone.
JAYLEE
Are you seriously believing Delilah over your own daughter?
NICKY
I only believe her because what she’s saying makes sense. You’re doing things because of your own built up emotions and it’s obvious that you’re very emotional and angry right now and recently. You need to come to me about this stuff instead of throwing innocent people under the bus, or even just bringing anyone else into your own problems. Your business is not Delilah’s problem. I’m very disappointed in you, Jaylee.
JAYLEE
The funny thing is that I did come to you with an issue I was having and I fully regret doing so. I’m sorry you’re disappointed but I hate to break it to you, I’m not the person you should be disappointed in.
(Jaylee and Nicky exit on opposite sides. Delilah has a smug smirk yet worried look on her face. Frankie and Delilah exit.)
Scene 4
Jaylee’s Preschool
(Jaylee wobbles over to where Delilah is sitting and plops herself down with a little jar of paint in her hands. Delilah is sitting there with a play doctor set spread out in front of her on the rug. Jaylee looks at Delilah quizzically and is about to speak when Delilah cuts her off)
DELILAH
Painting sucks.
JAYLEE
What the h-e double hockey sticks did you just say?
DELILAH
Painting is poop and you just said a cuss word.
JAYLEE
A crust word? Uh I’m only here cuz my ma sent me to try and be what she calls, “A social butterfly” I think she just meant to say a talking butterfly which I didn’t realize existed!
DELILAH
You’re dumb. A social butterfly is someone who loves talking to their imaginary friends which is probably the only type of friend you have.
JAYLEE
Ignoring your meanieness, how would you know that?
DELILAH
Because my ma told me and she’s smart cuz she went to Yale.
JAYLEE
Your ma sucks but she’s a smartipants so I guess it’s fine with me. Do you like my fairy outfit? I wanna look like Louisa from my favorite book Louisa and the Mystical Fairies.
DELILAH
I think I would look better in it but I like Louisa and I dunno why but I like you, errr-
JAYLEE
Jaylee. Spelled with TWO Es. You best not get that wrong. I think we’re learning how to write our names this year anyways.
DELILAH
Well Jaylee ee, like I already said, you probably only have imaginary friends so I can be your first real one! I’m not willing to paint with you though because painting sucks.
JAYLEE
Fine but I’m not willing to play doctor with you which is what you’re doing right now. That’s because doctors suck.
DELILAH
FINE.
JAYLEE
FINE.
DELILAH
DEAL.
JAYLEE
DEAL.
DELILAH
No take backs.
JAYLEE
No take backs.
DELILAH
Hugs to seal the deal?
JAYLEE
Hugs!
(Jaylee and Delilah hug each other tightly)
(They come up with a simple handshake while giggling)
DELILAH
We’re going to be besties forever.
JAYLEE
You betcha. Forever is a long time from now, wow.
REPRISE AND CONTINUATION OF WHERE HAS TIME GO SONG – JAYLEE & DELILAH
(song and music starts)
(Jaylee and Delilah sing in unison facing opposite directions)
SHE COULD BE WHAT MY MOM CALLS A FRIEND
I MIGHT BE WITH HER UNTIL THE END
SHE COULD BE MY FRIEND
SHE COULD BE MY FRIEND
SHE COULD BE MY FRIEND
THIS GIRL IS WITH ME FOR LIFE
FOR THE RIDE WE BETTER HOLD ON TIGHT
BEST FRIENDS FOR FOREVER
IT’S NOW OR NEVER
(Jaylee and Delilah turn to face each other)
WHERE HAS TIME GO
Scene 5
School
(Jaylee walks into school minding her own business. She spots Delilah talking with some people near the lockers. Jaylee starts to walk in a different direction as Delilah but Delilah sees Jaylee before Jaylee was able to escape. Delilah walks her sassy walk to where Jaylee is)
JAYLEE
Are you sure you’re not obsessed with me because you seriously never leave me alone. I mean I get it, I’m quite a sight but no need to stare.
DELILAH
Jaylee, the girl who thinks she’s so clever and funny. I just came over here to thank you for your surprise visit yesterday! Now your mom is convinced I’m a perfect angel and she definitely loves me so much more than you. There’s nothing good about you. Nothing that makes you worthy of going to good school or even having a great mom like yours. Nothing that makes you worthy of being here. You are just a stupid and gross waste of space that no one likes.
JAYLEE
You’re so sweet Delilah!
DELILAH
Tell me something I don’t know.
JAYLEE
You know, D, you weren’t always like this. For the majority of my life, you were the girl who would build with me, run around flying kites with me, laugh with me, and most of all, be friends with me. Slowly but surely, you grew this hatred for me that I’ll never understand. You’re such a jerk, Delilah Keesh.
DELILAH
Oooo harsh much? You’ll never understand it because you’re slow and dumb. You’re actually so disgusting I can’t believe 5 year old me had the audacity to be friends with you. I’ll admit I was as dumb as you are now, back then. Now get out of my face you waste of space loser.
JAYLEE
You suck. You’re going to regret all of this one day and when you do, don’t come running back to me. You won’t know where I’ll be anyways. Oh and feel free to take my mom in the meantime too! If she loves you more than me then you deserve her in your life.
(Jaylee runs off and Delilah just stands there with a blank look on her face)
Scene 6
Delilah’s Home
(Delilah walks inside with an exhausted look on her face. She throws her bag off her shoulder and plops down on her couch)
FRANKIE
What are you doing Delilah? Your ballet teacher is coming over in 5 minutes for your lesson! You have a fencing class after! No time to sit. Please take the next few minutes to finish getting dinner ready for later.
DELILAH
Can’t I have a break mom? I’m exhausted.
FRANKIE
Did I not just tell you that you have no time to sit? Up dear you must get ready. After dinner tonight, remember to finish filing all the bills. They’re due by the end of the month.
DELILAH
(Delilah snaps)
You know, sometimes I wish I didn’t have a mom like you. It’s too much pressure. Too time consuming. I’m out of it, Frankie. Nicky is so much better. Boy is Jaylee, lucky.
FRANKIE
Be careful what you wish for. Is this what all the drama between you and Jaylee was about? Her mother and I? I can’t process anything right now. Get out of my face Delilah, now.(Delilah stands up and Frankie pushes Delilah in the direction of Delilah’s room. Frankie exits.)
DELILAH
(under her breath as she walks to her room)
I’m so sick of it. Sick of the guilt, of my mother, sick of life and the shame. It’s all too exhausting.
SHAMEFUL SONG – DELILAH
(song and music begin)
PRESSURE
SHAME
IT’S YOU WHO TAKES THE BLAME
(x2)
I FEEL IT IN MY STOMACH
I FEEL IT IN MY HEAD
HUNCHED BACK
LOOKING DOWN
I WANNA STAY IN BED
EVEN IF IT’S PERFECT IT’S NEVER ENOUGH
WHY DOES LIFE HAVE TO BE SO TOUGH?
Wait a minute.
I make Jaylee feel the exact same way
I’m over this stupidity
What have I done?
PRESSURE
SHAME
IT’S YOU WHO TAKES THE BLAME
(softly sings)
JAYLEE WHO TAKES THE BLAME
Scene 7
The middle of New York City
(Jaylee starts running. Away from her life, her problems, Delilah, her mother, her worries, and her fears. She needed to get away. Even though Jaylee is out of breath, she pushes herself to keep on going)
TAKE IT ALL AWAY SONG – JAYLEE
(Jaylee sits herself down on a random bench to collect her thoughts)
(song and music begin)
TAKE IT ALL AWAY
ANOTHER DAY
LET THE PAIN DRIP DOWN
DRAIN ALL WHAT’S LEFT OF ME
DECISIONS
DECISIONS
SO INDECISIVE
I FIGHT MYSELF JUST ABOUT EVERY DAY
UNTIL I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY
NO ONE BELIEVES IN ME
IN WHAT I COULD ACHIEVE
LET IT OUT
LET IT OUT
SOMEONE HAS OUTTA SCREAM AND SHOUT
I-
(song and music suddenly stops as this guy named Sandy sits himself down on the same bench as Jaylee)
SANDY
Hey!
JAYLEE
Um, hi?
SANDY
I heard you singing and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
JAYLEE
Oh sorry, I didn’t realize I was singing that loudly.
SANDY
(chuckles) Don’t apologize. I know it’s not my business but when I saw your face it seemed like you were in pain. Is everything ok?
JAYLEE
Yeah of course, I just sing with passion I guess.
SANDY
You know that if you’re honest with me there’s not going to be any harm done because I don’t know who you are or probably who anyone in your life is. So, feel free to say whatever is on your mind. I’m just a random guy, a stranger.
JAYLEE
May I ask what your name is?
SANDY
You can call me Sandy. What’s yours?
JAYLEE
Jaylee.
SANDY
Jaylee is a beautiful name, like you. you seem to have a lot of built up tension. Let it out and say what’s on your mind.
(a moment of silence)
JAYLEE
It’s just all exhausting.
SANDY
I agree.
JAYLEE
Not having my own mother believe me. Being bullied to the point where I don’t think I deserve anything. Being confused all the time. Getting called names. I don’t get it.
SANDY
Believe me, I’ve been there. We all have.
JAYLEE
So what did you do about it?
SANDY
I faced the issues head on. Running away from them won’t solve anything. You’ve probably heard that before but don’t listen to that piece of advice at the moment. Let me guess, you’re trying to run away from your problems aren’t you, Jaylee?
JAYLEE
Well, I guess you could say that. I didn’t want to go home because I didn’t want to deal with my mother and I didn’t want to be at school because that’s where the majority of my issues are. So, here I am.
SANDY
I think you know what I’m about to say.
JAYLEE
That I’m not making the best decision?
SANDY
Well that yes, but more importantly, the feeling of regret you’ll have however long from now if you keep pushing on like this. Maybe you wouldn’t feel regret today, but someday you would and it would make your heart and soul feel heavy. So trust me, just don’t.
JAYLEE
But what do I do when I face them though? All of my problems and issues?
SANDY
Every conversation has to start somewhere. So maybe just start with a hi and see where it goes.
(When Jaylee isn’t looking, Sandy quietly exits)
JAYLEE
I’ll try that. It’s better than nothing. Thank you so much, Sandy, right? I haven’t had someone to really talk to recently and I-
(Jaylee looks at where Sandy was supposedly sitting but he’s already gone)
That’s weird.
(Jaylee stands up and starts walking back home)
Scene 8
Jaylee’s Home
(Jaylee walks inside her home to Nicky staring at her with a worried look on her face)
JAYLEE
Mom!
NICKY
Jaylee!
(Jaylee and Nicky hug each other)
NICKY
I’m so sorry Jay.
JAYLEE
Sorry?
NICKY
For not listening to my own daughter. I’ve missed you, Jay. Even though I did see you this morning.
JAYLEE
Mom, please be honest with me.
NICKY
Of course, Jay. What is it?
JAYLEE
This might sound childish but do you love Delilah more than me?
NICKY
You know the answer to that.
JAYLEE
Maybe I don’t.
NICKY
Absolutely not, Jay.
JAYLEE
Why not?
NICKY
Are you serious? Jaylee, Delilah is a sweet girl but she’s not my daughter. She doesn’t make me proud everyday. She doesn’t make me smile like you do. And again, she’s not my daughter! I love you and only you Jay. You shouldn’t feel the need to be reminded of that.
JAYLEE
I love you mom.
NICKY
Oh and one more thing. I’m a mom so I know more than you realize. I don’t know if I ever told you this but Delilah has an unstable relationship with her mother. Please just try to be nice to her, okay? Frankie has told me some things a long time ago but I picked up some more hints earlier. They don’t see eye to eye on many things. Just keep that in mind, ok Jay?
JAYLEE
I should go talk to Delilah.
NICKY
That’s a good idea, Jay. I think Delilah is home now since school’s over.
JAYLEE
I love you mom.
NICKY
I love you too, Jaylee.
(Jaylee and Nicky exit on opposing sides)
Scene 9
Delilah’s Home
(Jaylee notices the front door is unlocked so she walks in. There Delilah was, sitting on the couch staring into space)
JAYLEE
Hi, Delilah.
DELILAH
Jaylee? What are you doing here?
JAYLEE
I’m so sorry, D.
DELILAH
Sorry for what?
JAYLEE
I assumed your hatred towards me was purely for your enjoyment. Not that you were going through something. You kept mentioning how good my mother is. And when I got home and spoke with my mom, she said you and your mother don’t have the best relationship. I never noticed or knew that.
DELILAH
That’s something I wasn’t planning on telling you. I was so angry with myself and so jealous that you and your mom had this loving relationship. I just didn’t get why I couldn’t have that. Also Jay, I owe you a way more massive apology. I put the blame on you. All of it. I thought that by being rude it would suppress my feelings and make things easier. I wouldn’t have to tell you anything because you wouldn’t be talking to me, and I could just get through this part of my life.
JAYLEE
The thing is, you can have that. You just have to face your problems head on. Avoidance won’t do anything. I learned that the hard way. Maybe if you had just talked to me, I could have helped you with it. Whatever you needed.
DELILAH
Since we’re being honest here, I guess I should tell you everything. I wanted your mom. I know that sounds weird but it’s true. Actually it was less about wanting Nicky and more about wanting the relationship you and Nicky have.
JAYLEE
But you saw for yourself. Mine and my mother’s relationship isn’t perfect. There are times where she wouldn’t believe me and I’d get angry. But with time and patience, things get worked out. Avoidance like I said, won’t solve anything.
DELILAH
I just don’t know what I should do now. I’ve been so incredibly mean to you, your mother thinks I’ve been so sweet, and my mother is beyond pissed with me.
JAYLEE
I’m not worried about any of that.
DEILAH
Wait, why not?
JAYLEE
Because, all of those things are solvable with some simple and forward conversations. I can invite my mother over later and we can chat. Once your mom comes down you both can talk. I can even join you if you’d like. I know it’s easier said than done but none of that is impossible.
DELILAH
You’re right Jay. Actually, you’re right a lot I just haven’t been admitting it. So what do we do now?
JAYLEE
Well, remember in pre-k when we made a deal that we would be best friends forever?
DELILAH
I’ll never forget that.
JAYLEE
Let’s seal the deal again for safe measure.
(Jaylee and Delilah hug and do the same handshake they did 10 years ago)
DELILAH
You remembered it!
MIX OF ILLUSION OF CONFUSION SONG AND WHERE HAS TIME GO SONG – JAYLEE & DELILAH
(music and song begins)
(Delilah and Jaylee face each other)
JAYLEE
SHE IS WHAT MY MOM CALLS A FRIEND
DELILAH
CONFUSION IS JUST AN ILLUSION FOR HOW YOU REALLY FEEL
JAYLEE
I KNOW I’LL BE WITH HER UNTIL THE END
DELILAH
TODAY WE’RE FINALLY NOT FIGHTING
JAYLEE & DELILAH
WE’RE JUST SINGING HERE
SHE IS MY GIRL
SHE IS MY FRIEND
WE’LL BE WITH EACH OTHER UNTIL THE END
WHERE HAS TIME GO
(song and music ends)
JAYLEE
Delilah?
DELILAH
Yeah?
JAYLEE
I have just one more thing to tell you.
DELILAH
Oh God what is it?
JAYLEE
On a city bench today I met this guy, and quite frankly, he caught my eye. Hey there Sandy!
(Jaylee gives a big smile and Delilah looks at her confused yet amused)
(Jaylee and Delilah exit with indistinct chatter)
SHOW ENDS
About the Playwright
I’m Jaden, I’m 14 years old and writing is my home, my safe place, and most of all, my passion. I love to write to inspire people, including myself, and make this world better one letter at a time. I also love to dance and volunteer, as well as share my voice and opinions on different matters and have productive conversations/debates with people.