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Law of Love

The Law of Love written by Mau Kirkwood

Characters

Carl Richards— calm and brave. Slow in taking actions, thinks a lot, doesn’t like smoking, randomly hops around when bored or stressed, doesn’t like to swear or hear others swearing.

Kimberly Richards— cheerful and daring. Easily forgive others,

Loves to hug people or herself, laughs a lot. Doesn’t like chewing gum

Evan Richards— condescending and ungrateful. Ruthless, loves to argue, hates to be wrong, randomly scratches parts of his body.

Melanie Richards— sophisticated and determined. Protective of her family, bites her lip often, randomly sniffles, and doesn’t like to be poked

Mathew Brown— sensitive and passionate. Demanding, rambles often, loves to help others and pats on his legs a lot

Carmen Brown— energetic and helpful. Doesn’t like fast foods or loud noises, and loves to read things. Very supportive of her husband

Bethany Carter— violent and proud. Has several tattoos, likes to bully people, and dislikes people grabbing her things. Randomly spits 

Jacob Carter— bold and charming. Very blunt, randomly zones out, likes to chew straw, likes to talk fast

I decided that gender and ethnicity should not matter which is why I omitted them in the character description. I think so long as the actors/actresses have chemistry it will be fun to watch.

Scene 1

There’s a loud bang then silence for about five seconds then another bang happens and someone screaming in the back ground. The lights come up on Bethany as runs onto the stage from the left side. The set looks if she stopped in front of a liquor store.

BETHANY CARTER

(A little out of breath)

My god, those idiots almost got me killed!

(Wiping the sweat from her forehead and then holding up a package in her right hand)

Phew, at least I got away with the goods. 

            (Holds up the package victoriously) 

My husband would be so proud of me!  

            (Gives off a huge smile)

No one messes with Carl they need to recognize who has the power these days.

            (Looks around as if she is a bit paranoid)

Still, I can’t let them find me.  

            (Notices the liquor store door)

I think I can go inside for a bit, I need a drink anyway!

Bethany enters the door in the center of the stage. After a few moments of silence Jacob enters from the right side of the stage.

JACOB CARTER

            (Speaking angrily and fast)

I lost her; I knew it was a mistake trusting her to get this job done.  I told her to stay out of my business. That woman is too damn hot headed!

            (Looks around as if he’s looking Bethany)

I know she’s always trying to help but for crying out loud she’s my wife

            (Zones out for a moment make a dramatic pause)

And…

            (Zones back in still looking for Bethany)

She don’t need to run these streets like me. This is a dangerous way to live

           (Starts to yell)

BETHANY! BETHANY!

          (Let's out a large sigh)

Where are you?

BETHANY CARTER

(Comes out of the store with a drink and bumps into Jacob)

Baby! There you are! What are you doing here?

JACOB CARTER

Don't you baby me!

            (Growls at her and looks upset)

I should be asking you that!

            (Picks a straw out of his pocket and starts chewing it)

I knew something was suspicious the way you left the house this morning so I followed you…

            (Walks to Bethany and gives her a hug)

Stop scaring me woman!

            (Zones out for a moment make a dramatic pause)

I know I got you hooked on this life style...

            (Zones back in)

But I need you to calm down. If something happened to you I wouldn’t know what to do.

BETHANY CARTER

            (Hugs Jacob back)

Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to myself or allow anyone to harm me. 

            (Spits on the ground)

Besides I live for this high and it makes me happy to protect your reputation.

JACOB CARTER

            (Keeps chewing on the straw and backs away from Bethany)

Well, can I at least see what you managed to steal from the competition?

Would be nice to know what I’m up against.

BETHANY CARTER

            (Smiles at Jacob)

We can’t rush it, they are afraid because I have outsmarted them.  If I show you here it would be no fun!

            (Pats Jacob on the back)

I know you like to be speedy but this time I’m making you slow down.

JACOB CARTER

Aww… I just want a peek. 

            (Tries to grab the package from her)

Hey listen, you need to quit interfering with my work.

BETHANY CARTER

            (Puts the package in her pocket)

Not here, I promise I’ll show you later.

            (Walks away from the store front)

You know, this is what you married me for to begin with.

            (Spits on the ground)

Besides you cannot trust anyone else to do what I do for you. On the streets and everywhere else.

            (Pauses for a brief moment then kisses Jacob on the cheek)

We belong together, and you know it.

JACOB CARTER

One day you’re going to piss off the wrong person.

            (Looks at Bethany sadly)

I can’t keep you safe if you continue to risk your life like today. At least you could listen to me and take a break for a little bit.

BETHANY CARTER        

You worry too much sweetie.  You forget who you’re talking too

                        (Pulls up her shirt and points to her arm)

What does that tattoo say?

JACOB CARTER

            (Looks at Bethany’s tattoo and reluctantly reads it)

Fearless,

            (Gently pushes Bethany’s shirt down)

Okay you may be fearless but, sometimes you got to give me a chance to be your man. I think you need to lay off the bullying and stealing. Just lay low for a few days.

BETHANY CARTER

            (Looks at Jacob strangely)

You are my husband, and I’ve never been ashamed of that.  If you can’t take the way I do things maybe you’re not the man I married.

            (Gets a little upset)

I never asked you to protect me in the first place. If I wanted to be a house wife, you and I wouldn’t be together. Grow up, this isn’t the—

JACOB CARTER

            (Angrily interrupts her)

What’s so wrong with me wanting you safe? I have enough dangerous activities that keep me busy. I can’t do my job if I’m constantly worried about you.

            (Calms down)

You’re my wife I will always be concerned about your welfare, but you’re right I shouldn’t be on your case all the time.

(Spits out the straw, gets a new one from his pocket and chews on it)

Try to be more careful, can you do that for me?

BETHANY CARTER

Alright, alright I get it!

            (Kisses his cheek)

It’s really sweet you want me to be safe.

            (Turns towards Jacob and gives him a loving look)

I’m sorry we keep having this argument. In any case we need to get out of here before those men catch up to us.

            (Holds out her hand)

Are you coming?

JACOB CARTER

Yes,

            (Grabs her hand)

One-day Bethany, I won’t be able to help you. When it does come, I surely hope you have someone in your life that can.

BETHANY CARTER

It’s none of your concern if or when I am in an impossible situation; I know what to do to pull myself out. I have always been capable of preparing for the worse.

JACOB CARTER

            (Kisses her cheek)

Alright honey, whatever you say.

            (Zones out make a dramatic pause)

As long as you keep me in the loop and don’t harm anyone I support you. Now let’s go have lunch, I’m famished.

BETHANY CARTER

Okay, sounds good to me.

The lights go off as Jacob and Bethany exit the stage on the left.  The scene is being changed into a living room setting. Evan and Melanie are sitting on the couch when the lights come back on.

EVAN RICHARDS

            (Looking at his wife then pokes her)

You seem to be out of it right now.

MELANIE RICHARDS

            (Smacks his hand)

Do not poke me!

            (Scoots away from Evan)

Yes, I am out of sort, you recently dropped a bomb on me. Excuse me for not knowing how to react to this news.

EVAN RICHARDS

You and I both know this isn’t about the case itself, judging by your demeanor I can tell you’re still jealous of Bethany.         

MELANIE RICHARDS

            (Lets out a humph and slouches into the couch)

Me? Jealous of that two timing want to be. I do not think so, if I have any problems it would be the fact you decided to run against Mathew again.

            (Bites her lip)

Why is it you two cannot be on the same side?

EVAN RICHARDS

We’ve been over this more than once, he and I have nothing in common.  We are on different sides of the law.  I want to see criminals locked up, he wants to see them go free.

            (Scratches his arm)

Besides I love our battles in the court room. He’s a strong opponent; however he cannot beat me because I am always one step ahead of him.  

MELANIE RICHARDS

            (Sits closer to Evan and lays on his shoulder)

Luckily our children do not have to witness your behavior; when it comes to that man it brings out the worst in you.

            (Bites her lip)

As for Bethany I hope you understand even if she was your first love I am your wife. I have done everything in my power to help you succeed as a lawyer.

            (Wraps her arms around Evan)

Therefore, I have no intention of being petty because…

            (Sniffles)

 I know the moment you forget about our life together is a moment I will not tolerate.      

EVAN RICHARDS

            (Holds Bethany and kisses her forehead)

Well, well don’t you fret, much as I tried staying friends with that woman, it proved to be impossible! I will enjoy being a part of her downfall. So you have nothing to worry about. If I had a single ounce of romantic feelings for her I wouldn’t have married you to begin with.

            (Scratches his neck)

Besides I know I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without you by my side.

Trust me this case is about revenge, she ruined what used to be a good friendship and it’s about time someone taught her a lesson.

MELANIE RICHARDS

Than I have no choice…

            (Bites her lip)

If this is what you wish to happen I will support you.

EVAN RICHARDS

I’m sure I will make Mathew look like an idiot. He has no clue what’s in store for him. He’s definitely on the wrong side of this battle.

MELANIE RICHARDS

One day, you two will stay out of each other’s affairs.  

            (Imitates opening champagne)

When that happens…

            (Sniffles)

I’ll cheerfully crack open a bottle of our best champagne and celebrate the end of this seemingly ceaseless war between the two of you.

EVAN RICHARDS

When hell freezes over I’ll gladly join you until then you’re stuck dealing with it just as I am.

MELANIE RICHARDS

            (Bites her lip)

Tell me something dear, why is it so hard for you to forgive him?

EVAN RICHARDS

It isn’t, I simply find it much more fun to be his enemy rather than being his friend.

MELANIE RICHARDS

Seems childish to me the reason you two began fighting in the first place. 

            (Bites her lip)

When this case is over I hope you recognize that ruining Bethany won’t change the past.

EVAN RICHARDS

Even so, I can’t allow her to get away with these crimes she has committed.

MELANIE RICHARDS

            (Gets up off the couch)

On that note I am going to take a shower, if you’re planning to join me we should be quick about it. 

            (Sniffles)

 There is not much time before you head off to work.

Bethany starts laughing as she exits to the right side of the stage.

EVAN RICHARDS

What on earth got into her all of a sudden?

            (Looks at the clock on the wall)

Who cares, a shower sounds good!

Evan scurries off to the right as he exits the stage he is humming a song he enjoys.

The lights dim as two sides of the stage is being set up. Soft music is playing in the back ground as this takes place. Then lights rise on the left side of the stage and the scene is set where Carmen is sitting in what appears to be her kitchen. She is at the table reading a book and there is a tea kettle on the stove.

CARMEN BROWN

(Puts down the book and gazes at the audience as if she’s day dreaming)

That husband of mine!

            (Puts her elbows on the table and pouts)

All these years we’ve been married not once did I question my loyalty or my love for him, but lately…

(Picks up her book again and flips through it like she’s bored then sighs)

The way he rambles, the way he constantly pats his leg, and he is contradictory. To be demanding, and sensitive at the same time is a problem! Little by little my husband has become a nuisance. I am beginning to think our marriage is falling apart.

            (Stands up from her seat and imitates being a doctor in surgery)      

I had a different idea about my life when I was at Hopkins. 

            (Sighs loudly then she sits back down, she lays her head on the table)

I wanted to accomplish things, but I gave all my dreams up to help him achieve greatness. 

Suddenly the tea kettle goes off loudly

            (Covers her ears)

Damn, I almost forgot about that annoying sound.

(She runs over to the stove to turn it off, then grabs a cup and pours herself a glass.)

My parents disapproved of me settling for this ridiculously boring lifestyle.

            (Pauses dramatically and mimics her parents voices)

 It’s too safe, you won’t be happy in the long run, you have a bright future ahead of you.

            (Returns to her normal voice)

They warned me. They knew before I did how miserable I would be.

            (Takes her cup with her and sits back down at the table)

Look at me! I was wealthy as a child and highly educated; now…

I’m an average housewife staying at home with the children catering to my husband like he deserves special treatment. What happened to the powerful woman I was going to become? 

(Looks at the clock on the wall)

I suppose I should make some breakfast before he comes out. 

            (Walks over to the stove and imitates making hot cereal)

It can’t be helped!

Lights dim on Carmen as she continues to make breakfast for her husband. The music stops playing and the lights rise on the right side of the stage where Mathew is sitting on his bed preparing for work.

MATHEW BROWN

            (In a frustrated mood as he is fixing his tie on his shirt)

Today of all days, I have to face off with my enemy! 

(Pats his leg in an agitated manner)

Dammit! I won’t let him squirm his way out of this battle. That coward has no right to call himself a prosecutor. 

(Pauses dramatically)

He understands the law but he has destroyed the concept of freedom. Innocent until proven guilty is not his motto. Everyone is guilty until proven innocent, it is backwards!

(Finally finishes his tie then walks over to the closet to look for a jacket)

This is it my chance to blow him out of the water!

(Talks to himself while in the closet)

Stay calm, you can win today. You have the evidence and you know the motive.

(Starts to pat his leg again after he finds his jacket and walks towards the mirror)

Phew, I think I need to learn some restraint. Evan will not come out victorious today! I will win this case.

Mathew gathers all his paper work and heads into the kitchen the lights come up on his wife Carmen sitting down at the table with breakfast waiting for him.

MATHEW BROWN

(Talking to himself)

To think Bethany would bring such a huge opportunity my way. I had no idea she and Jacob were in such deep trouble.  My step brother should have—

CARMEN BROWN
            (Interrupts Mathew)               

Now, now dear you shouldn’t be so worked up this early in the morning.

            (Gestures to his food on the table)

I made you some breakfast have a seat.

            (Gestures to the seat next to her)

Let’s have a good breakfast, and you can tell me all about it.

MATHEW BROWN

            (Looks at his wife and the food)

Ah, thank you honey, it looks delicious.

(Takes a seat and prepares to eat)

I didn’t mean to be in my own world, it’s just this case has my mind boggled.

CARMEN BROWN

            (Gives him a strange look)

How so?

MATHEW BROWN

Do you remember Bethany?

CARMEN BROWN

            (Starts on her food)

Isn’t she married to your step brother?

MATHEW BROWN

Yes that’s her; you know I am the kind of guy who sticks to confidentiality.

            (Pauses)

However, I want you to hear this from me before it becomes news to the public.

CARMEN BROWN

I’m listening, before you finish that thought you might want to eat it is getting later.

MATHEW BROWN

            (Grabs some of his food and stuffs his mouth)

Your right,

            (Starts to choke)

CARMEN BROWN            

I didn’t say rush and eat like a pig!

(Hands him something to drink)

Take this before you choke on your food.

MATHEW BROWN

            (Drinks and swallows his food)

Much better, anyway I didn’t tell you this before, because I always felt it was irrelevant since you became my wife.

(Starts to ramble)

Back in college before Bethany married Jacob she and I dated.  Truth is I loved her she broke my heart by cheating on me. 

(Pauses and looks at Carmen for a reaction)

Surprisingly her habits stopped when she married my step brother.  In retrospect she gave up bad habits for worse habits.

(Pats his leg)

We have managed to stay friends, it’s why she came to me about this case she’s involved with.

(Eats more food)

Pretty soon everyone will be aware of it because it’s the mother of all scandals.

CARMEN BROWN

            (Shocking look)

Oh dear, I had no idea you had such a past with her.

(Grabs his hand loving)

I will be rooting for you today, I know whatever it is she’s done you will not let Evan win this time.

            (Eats her food)

Besides, the two of you have to end this charade at some point. It is exhausting to be a part of.

MATHEW BROWN

Look, she came to me for help;

            (Pats his leg)

I am in no position to turn her away because if I do hand her to some public defender, she will go to jail.

            (Drinks his tea, then return the hand grab)

I appreciate how much you have done for me, I know this is not what you pictured for yourself. If I don’t tell you often, I am telling you now you are the best wife any man could ask for.

CARMEN BROWN

            (Blushes, then looks at Mathew concerned)

I am a bit confused, what exactly did she do?

MATHEW BROWN

It isn’t my place to tell you, just know she needs my attention right now.

CARMEN BROWN

            (Looks at him strangely)

Quite some build up there, you are quite the sweet talker.

            (Let’s go of his hand)

I’ve no problem with your work; just don’t let things cloud your judgment.

            (Smiles at Mathew)

You’re a great husband, but you are extremely sensitive that is why you lose to Evan.

You over involve yourself with your clients, so I hope you know what you are doing.

Lights dim on Mathew and Carmen as they finish off their breakfast quietly. The lights rise on the right side of the stage where it is set as a living room. Kimberly and Carl are snuggled with each other.

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

            (Laughs as she looks at her husband)

I can’t believe it’s just us today!  I am happy your cousin was willing to baby sit for the weekend. 

            (Laughs again)

What do you think about having a nice romantic dinner later?

CARL RICHARDS

                        (Gently pushes her away)

You know, I’m not staying with you why are you acting like this is some getaway?

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

            (Pouts)

Is it so wrong of me to want to spend time with my husband?  Ever since your family drama, you’ve just ignored me.

CARL RICHARDS

            (Gives her a strange look)

I see you every day I haven’t been ignoring you. 

            (Stands up and hops around the room)

Besides I’ve told you more than once the issue is private and I have to deal with it this weekend.

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

            (Laughs and glares at Carl)

I’m your wife, and your best friend since childhood why after everything we’ve been through in the past 12 years you decide this is the time to keep secrets from me?

CARL RICHARDS

(Walks back towards the couch and kisses Kimberly’s forehead)

It’s for your own good, and I know you really want to help but I’m asking you please stay out of this.  When the time is right I will tell you everything I need you to trust me on this one.

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

You say that, but keeping me out isn’t helping the situation. 

(Laughs then gives Carl a hug)

We’ve always told each other everything no matter how dangerous or dark it may seem.

CARL RICHARDS

            (Gets upset)

That may be the case, but there are times where I need privacy! 

            (Hops around the room again)

This happens to be one of those moments where I can’t allow you to go with me.

            (Walks back to the couch and sits next to Kimberly)

It’s a personal matter so please drop it okay?

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

            (Pouts)

Dammit! Fine—

CARL RICHARDS

            (Interrupts Kimberly and glares at her)

Now why would you even say that?

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

            (Yells)

DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT!

CARL RICHARDS

If you choose to be childish,

            (Gets up as if he is about to exit the stage)

Then I will simply leave and talk to you when you have calmed down.

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

            (Sighs loudly then pulls him down onto the couch)

Alright, whatever but you know I will not be satisfied until you let go of this secret life you’ve been living the past four months.

            (Laughs)

If I wasn’t so trusting of you I’d think you had yourself a mistress.

CARL RICHARDS

If you have something to say, don’t hesitate and I shouldn’t have to prove myself to you.

(Gets angry)

We’ve known each other basically our whole lives, sometimes I think you need me a lot more than you care to say.     

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

            (Standing up as if she is about to exit)

You’re such a jerk! If you don’t want me to know what’s going on with your family, fine but don’t sit there and insult me with such an accusation.

            (Laughs then turns around and looks at Carl calmly)

I’ve always been straight forward with you about what I want and need. If you’re trying to turn the tables this isn’t your best work.

CARL RICHARDS

            (Looks at her strangely)

Let’s not argue about who’s right or who’s wrong, I will tell you when I am ready to, if you can’t accept that then there’s nothing else I can do.

(Gives her a hug)

I love you, and I don’t want to be with anyone else. There’s no mistress, or impending death sentence.

            (Kisses her softly)

I am asking you to allow me to fix things before opening up the can of worms.

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

            (Gets irritated while laughing)

I want to go with you, but I know that’s not happening. Here I thought we were doing better;

            (Rubs her stomach)

This secrecy is making me hungry.

            (Smiles at Carl)

Well, I love you too and I am sorry for pressing the issue, I just hate not knowing what is bothering you.

            (Gives Carl a hug)

At least can we have breakfast together?

(Softly taps his arm)

You owe me a decent meal since all we’ve been having is left overs and t.v. dinners for the last two weeks.

CARL RICHARDS

Sure, why not I could use a good breakfast myself

            (Walks towards the exit and holds out his hand)

Come; let’s have a decent morning for once.

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

(Blushes as she gets up and walks towards Carl grabbing his hand)

Finally, I knew you still existed in there somewhere. Let’s go eat, by the way do you want to invite your brother?

CARL RICHARDS

            (Looks at Kimberly irritatingly)

No, why would I want to do that?

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

            (Pauses dramatically then laughs)

Isn’t it past time for the two of you to make up? After all he lives in this building and works near you too.           

CARL RICHARDS

No thanks; I want nothing to do with that spoiled ungrateful brat.

KIMBERLY RICHARDS

I won’t push it any more after today, but you need to stop pretending you don’t care about him.

CARL RICHARDS

Let’s go eat and talk about this some other time.

Kimberly and Carl exit to the right of the stage.