CAST OF CHARACTERS
Russ Collins-Reese Map (Romeo Montague) Ashley Donovan-Martina Canker
Richard- Matthew (Mercutio) Corey Desmonds-Parrot (Paris)
Angel Blade-Lebeau-Terry (Tybalt) Tara Toynbee-Benny (Benvolio)
Kat Jacobs-Neptune (Nurse) Derek Senthesis-Father Lance(Fiar Lawrence)
Logan ?- Map (Montague/Romeo's father) Scott Summers-Lady Map (Romeo's mother)
Remy Lebeau- Canker (Capulet/Juliet's father) Rogue Lebeau- Lady Canker (Juliet's mother)
Tristan- Bathe (Balthasar/Romeo's servant) Natasha Creed-Emmajean (Chief of Police)
David Summers and Hank-Sam and George (Capulet Servants N/A)
St. John Allerdyce- Adam (Montague servant N/A)
ACT I, SCENE I
Setting: Downtown Vapdos in 'the slums'. We open out scene in an apartment where Reese Map and Martina Canker are sitting, watching the drama that has taken over their families. A bucket of popcorn and several bottles of alcohol rested on the table but neither seemed worried with them. The apartment isn't the best place in the world but it kept the two lovers safe with their forbidden love. The furniture was shabby and peeling while the paint is barely there and the carpet was an ugly blue color. Oh, sorry, too much information. Let us listen in on their conversation....
Reese paused the tape and gestured toward the screen. "See, Martina, this is our main problem. Your cousin, Terry; she hates me,"he said, motioning to the black and silver clad figure on the screen.
Martina hit him. "Terry hates everyone. It's nothing personal,"Martina told him, taking a handful of popcorn and tossing it into her mouth. Most of it missed. "I mean, here's our real problem..." She took the remote and restarted the tape, fast forwarding; she stopped on another scene and smacked him in the process. "Your parents."
"What's wrong with my parents?" He sat up then frowned slightly. On the screen Map and Lady Map were busy arguing with, of all people...Martina's nuse, Neptune. "Neptune's an idiot that causes problems!"
Another smack. "Okay maybe she is but it's not her fault! What about your friends...Matthew and Benny? They practically think I'm a hoe!"
Reese blinked. "And you aren't?"
"Reese!" She smacked him then stomped off, leaving him sitting alone.
"Ah. Martina!"
After a few more moments of watching, Reese ejected the tape, returned it to it's case, then made his way outside. He stared down, sadden at having upset his one true love. She probably wouldn't talk to him for four hours, like last time. Four hours was a long time when he thought too hard about it and with only his friends to talk to; they were idiots.
"Reese Map, you are under arrest!"the shout was announced from one side. His 'assassliant' arrived in the form of one of his oldest living friends.
He waved off the casual arm Matthew placed around his shoulders. "What is wrong, Reese? Trouble with the ladies, again?"
"Is Martina a tender thing?" He laughed here, bitterly. "No she's rough, rude, drunk, boisterous and stings like an electric eel."
"She likes it rough does she? How about trying bondage and whips. Whip her for whipping and you shall soon break her spirit!"Matthew swallowed, realizing his mistake too late then watched Reese run off, talking to himself. "Stupid boy! God is he gonna regret ever listening to me!"
[ John: Why can't the children just leave my play alone? There is not anything about whips and bondage! I swear, I'll kill them all during the process but my mates are starting to grow on me... *far away look* I fear that I will miss them once they're gone. I need time to process these thoughts, mate.]
ACT I, SCENE II
Setting: Map and Lady Map are sitting on their respective armchairs while trying to ignore one another. Lady Map has begun to polish 'her' fingernails, bright red, while her husband stares at the wrestling match on the television. Their home is a beautiful mansion with flowers everywhere and beautifully colored carpet.
Enter: Reese with electrified hair and a dazed expression.
"Son, has something happened?" Lady Map leapt up at 'her' son's appearance and ran forward, engulfing him in a hug.
He twitched within 'her' arms then pushed away. His hair tried to cling to 'her' velvety clothes but with no effect. "I'm fine."
"Are Matthew and Benny to blame? Off with their heads!" The words were screamed towards 'her' husband; he ignored them.
"No, Mom." Another twitch. "I'm going out tonight with my friends...is that alright or do I need permission?"
"You could at least pretend to ask permission so I could deny it,"Map said, flipping the channel and taking a long 'slurp' from his beer. "Then that THING would give you permission."
"Logan, this is our son!"
"Not mine."
Reese sighed. "Can I go out with my friends tonight?"
"No,"he answered without looking away but popping the lid on another beer. He placed it to his mouth and drank, ignoring them. Again.
Lady Map nodded and patted the top of his head. "Of course, Reese. I'd recommend taking a shower first since your hair is sticking up and it looks like you stuck a fork in a light socket..." 'She' returned to her throne, taking up the lighter colored nail on her left hand; the pinky. "Now go on, son."
He nodded then walked off, mumbling something about,"i'm going to kill Matthew for interfering,"followed by a sluew of curse words. He stalked upstairs and into his bedroom, slamming the door shut.
It only took about twenty minutes for him to shower, change clothes, and get into his 'clubbin' mode. He searched through his desktop drawer then withdrew the ring of keys that were hidden there; they dangled from his hand, making a tiny twinkling sound.
Reese left his bedroom, pulling the door shut and locking it from the outside with his key. It wouldn't do to have his parents fine his shrine to Martina; it was in the closet, underneathe a pile of clothes.
"I'm going out. I'll see you later!" He was almost outside when his father's voice stopped him.
Map's gaze no longer rested on the tv but on his son. "Reese, have you taken care of the Cankers yet...? Mainly Terry Canker; she's an abomination."
"Uh...I'm working on it. What do you think I plan to do tonight? I have a uh, meeting. Yeah, a meeting. See you, Dad." He left, hurriedly with only a brief glance at his 'mother' before hurrying out the door and over to his truck; bright purple with darker flames. His mind began to play out what he would do that night. Despite what he'd told his father, he'd meet Martina and only Martina tonight.
ACT I, SCENE III
Setting: A bar....THE SILVER LIZARD LOUNGE (don't you just love that name?). At a table in the back sit Martina accompanied by several of her cousins, including the infamous Terry Canker, who has become quiet interested in her glass of half-drunk liquor; no one had figured out where Terry got liquor from.
"What are you pouting about, Tina?"Terry asked, stirring her drink with a half straw then glancing at her cousin. She tipped the glass up and drank the last of it. "Is Uncle Canker being a jerk again?"
"It's nothing, Terry. I think I need to go and uh...get something to drink. I'll be back shortly." Martina gave her cousin a smile then stumbled up, making her way away from their table and across the lounge, ignoring the several rude comments made. She pulled back away when a hand caught her wrist and yanked her into one of the less often used hallways. "Let go of me! I know karate and CPR!"
"Baby, you can do CPR on me anytime." Reese's smirking face met her.
She smacked him. "Stop doing that to me!"
He blinked. "I've only done it once,"he said then leaned down, staring at her. He played with a strand of her hair, twisting it around one finger. "I'm sorry about the hoe comment before. Can I have a kiss?"
"Sure." She smiled and leaned up, placing her mouth close to his ear, wrapping her arms around his neck. She leaned up and whispered, somewhat lovingly, into his ear. "Your breathe smells horrible." She hesitated a moment then kissed on the cheek before releasing her arms.
"Please tell you're not here with Terry..." Reese leaned back against the wall, watching her.
"I'm not here with Terry,"she said, as usual then smiled at his irritated expression. She shook her head. "Who else do I go clubbin' with, Reese?"
"I don't know. Come on, I'll buy you a drink,"he said, starting to take her arm; she pulled away.
"No. Have you talked to your parents about us?"
"I can't, Martina. I'm the son of the most powerful mutant in the world! I can't just tell him that I'm in love with a human..." He regretted it, immediately when she stalked off. "Martina!"
She ignored him and stalked over to her cousin, sitting back down. She ordered another drink then sat, glaring across the room and gulping it down.
Terry watched her for a moment then raised a questioning eyebrow. "Is there something I should know about, Tina?"
"Nope. Some guy made a pass at me." She took another gulp from her drink and tapped her long, overly black painted, fingernails. Her eyes remained across the room where she'd last left Reese. He wasn't present.
"Need me to stage another suicide?"
"No!" Martina cleared her throat then gave a half smile. She played with her drink. "I mean, I'll just forget the entire incident. Would you go pay for our drinks while I finish mine? I'd rather just go home."
She nodded in the sympathetic way that made her look less theatening. It barely worked. "Alright, but remember, Tina darling, I'd kill for you. I already have."
"Yes, Terry." She didn't move until her cousin had gone then snatched one of the sheets of 'lottery numbers' from the table. She dug a pen out of one pocket then wrote down a message, standing to scan the club.
Reese was easy enough to find. He was standing with Matthew and Benny, the idiots. He was leaning against the table with a beer but hadn't look away from her yet. The scowl he wore was familiar enough.
Martina stood and made her way over to them, delibertly making a show of looking for something on the floor. She made a point to run into Reese and in the process, slipped her hand into his pocket, dropping the note she'd created.
He made a production of grabbing her arms and shoving her slightly against the wall. It was a put-on for his friends.
"Next time watch where you're going, homo sapien,"he sneered before pushing himself away and returning to his friends. Matthew gave him a slap on the back around laughter while Benny simply looked in her direction but shook her head. Benny made no move to join them or go to Martina's aid.
She scowled and mumbled, before stalking away. "Trust me. I will, mutie."
Reese waited until she was gone, listening to his friends recounts of the incident with Martina to others, then read the note under the table.
Meet me at the balcony. Time doesn't matter but don't make anymore comments like your previous ones. You're on thin ice, relationship wise. Love Always, Martina.
ACT I, SCENE IV
Setting: Outside Martina's apartment. In the alley way, Reese has made his way over and is standing there, tossing various 'purple glowing' rocks toward the window. They hit then fall off without an effect. The window came up and she looked down, scowling.
"Where were you?"
"My love! It is the sun and Martina is the moon. Others pale in comparison; she is more beautiful then they could hope to be! No more their shadow but their conqueror. I wish she knew how much I loved her."
"Shut up, Reese. Flattery isn't the key here. Do you really think I'm a hoe?"
Reese shook his head and held one hand toward her, climbing onto the ladder until he reached the landing just below her. He took one of her hands. "Of course not, love. I wish you would marry me; we could be happy."
"I can't anymore then you can ask me to."
"Then give yourself to me and forget that I'm a map!"
She laughed. "To be honest, and give myself to you again. I wish I could give what is not mine to give. My reputation is large as the oceans and my love is deeper; the more I give, the more I have for both are endless."
Neptune's voice rang out from inside. "Get in here, child!"
Martina sighed with impatience then waved him away. "There's voices and I'm not schizophrenic. I'll be there in a minute, nurse! My darling, stay. Wait for me, I will return,"she said before vanishing back into her apartment and shutting the window.
She reappared, although her expression was irritated and her face turned slightly reddish-green with what looked like tomate paste and gucamole. "Go to bed, Reese and good night. If you really love me send me a diamond ring and a marriage proposal the day after tomorrow, include the date and time. I will give up everything for you and follow my love where he leads."
"Get in here!" Neptune.
"Shut up a minute. I'm getting some fresh air!"
"Get in here!" Neptune again.
"Give me a minute! Leave me to my misery, Reese..." At this point, Martina burst into tears and fled through her window, slamming it shut, with a final shriek from Neptune.
Reese placed a dramatic hand against his heart. "I wish I could have my life, my Martina by my side. I love her and wish her only happiness...yet it could only be with me that she would be happy. Parrot could never make her happy as I have."
"Reese!"
"Reese, you are under arrest. Put your hands up and leave the apartment!"
He scowled and jumped down, coming out of the alley, hands up. He'd decided to humor his friends even through their stupidity; he waited until they'd come up.
"What would my crime be this time?"he asked, giving them a smirk and ignoring the guns they held on him. He was almost positive that they were empty but didn't feel like testing it. "I haven't done anything."
"Yet. You are under arrest for failing to get drunk with your friends and stumbled home in a drunken stupor to deal with your father's wraith.." Matthew threw one arm around him and yanked him forwards, beginning to walk.
"My father. I was suppoused to take care of someone today." He frowned then placed his hands over his face. He muttered several curses. "I have to go."
ACT II, SCENE I
Setting: A small 'drive-thru' wedding chapel in downtown Vapdos. Reese's black car pulled into a parking place then the two got out of the car; Neptune attempted to follow but became stuck in the car. Martina looked back at a shout.
"Help! I'm locked in the car!"
"Neptune, there's no roof to my car. You're not locked in."
"Help me! I can't get out!"
Martina walked over and open the door, pasting on a suprised expression. She placed one hand against her mouth with a gasp. "It opened."
Bathe rolled his eyes. "Are we quite through, Mr. Map? I have other duties besides dealing with the stupidity of this...woman." His expression was less then pleased.
"Of course. Martina, darling, shall we?"
She didn't look at him, more intent she was on the three-stoned, rather large diamond ring she wore. It winked at her and she smiled after accepting the arm Reese offered. He led her into the church, talked to the preacher, and set up everything for their weddings. In under twenty minutes, they were standing in front of the preacher.
Bathe and Neptune stood nearby, trying rather hard to ignore each other. She was crying and he kept glancing toward the door as if waiting for something. Nothing happened.
Their preacher cleared his throat and pointed to himself. "I am Father Lance. Are you two the happy couple?"
Martina looked at her wedding gown then gave him a dry smirk/smile. "Aren't you intelligent?"
"Martina, be nice to the man who will marry us."
And marry them he did. Within one hour, one hour of Neptune's sobbing and Bathe's glances at the door, they were married and could be together freely. Their kiss hadn't lasted very long but it was all the same.
"We're finally married."
"Yay. Don't mention this to your friends..."
He smiled. "I wouldn't."
"That didn't help any." Her reply was sarcastic.
"I'm sorry...?" Silence a moment. "Martina!"
ACT II, SCENE II
Setting: Downtown in a city square. Matthew and Benny are talking while wandering along one of the lower level beaches. They are into good natured rough treatement, complete with shoving and play fighting.
Enter Terry and several others of the Canker household. Her expression isn't pleased and turns worse at the sight of them; she strolled forward, scowling.
"Why James Brown and Micheal Jackson, here come the Cankers,"Benny pointed out, glancing at her friends in a warning gesture of silence. Both the look and she, herself, were ignored.
"Why Black Sabbath and ACDC, I don't care." Matthew waved them off with one hand.
For some reason unknown to anyone else, the Cankers all carried oversized black bags with Pixie Stixs embrodied into them.
"Come quickly, I will speak for us. You hicks, great day; let me talk to one of you..." Terry approached the two of them as she spoke.
Matthew laughed. "One word? Not at all...make it two. Talking and a punch to the jaw."
"Don't push me, player, you give me many occassions."
"Can you take without giving?"
"Matthew, you walk with Reese--"
"Walk! Does that make us a gang? Are we to shoot people up, sell drugs, and hold inititaitons? Yes, walk!"
Benny interrupted the conversation, stepping between the two and holding up one hand toward Matthew. "We talk like normal people. Move along to another, less public place and argue about your differences; or get lost. People are staring,"she said, waving her script around about her.
"Let them. I refuse to leave over a few staring morons."
Reese walked onto the set, whistling under his breathe and talking to himself. He was obviously still in his own personal bubble about being married to his love despite his father's irritation at his vanishment the previous night.
"Forget you, player. Here's my fellow now." Terry stepped around the two of them, shoving them aside and went straight to Reese. "You not-nice-person!!"
"What?" He showed a confused expression.
"Leave Reese alone. You want to fight then fight me..." Matthew stepped in-between them and drew his gun, leveling it with Terry She just stared before drawing her own. "I challenge you to a duel."
"On the beach?" There was obvious amusement in her voice.
"Where else?"
"Seven paces?" The other Cankers stepped back at a look from their 'leader', Terry. She nodded then tightened her gun hold.
Benny tried once more to stop them with failure, even Reese was useless between the two. Within a few moments the two had walked their paces and turned toward one another. On a last though, Benny stepped between them, facing Matthew. "Matthew, this would be a mistake. Don't do this."
Terry fired. The shot caught Benny in the back of the head and she collapsed; blood began to turn the sand around her head. Reese and Matthew both rushed to her side, kneeling.
"Benny..? Benny, are you okay? Say something."
Her eyes opened her eyes a moment and glared at first them then toward Terry's crew. "You will pay for killing me. I will have my revenge,"she said through clenched teeth before her eyes closed.
"No.." Reese looked up, just in time, to see the Cankers running. Anger hit him at their cowardice toward their friend. He stood and clenched his hands into fists, starting after them.
"Reese!" Matthew's voice was there, but he shook his head.
"Stay with her. I'll make Terry sorry." He ran until he came upon them in the park that was most commonly associated with their group. He entered, daring anyone to stop him; no one did. "Terry, you killed Benny."
"Uh...I think I should be going." Her expression showed real fear for the first time in a long time.
"No. You've killed one of my friends, you won't kill another." He moved before she or anyone else could react and caught one of her arms. It began to glow purple then he released her arm; nothing happened for a moment. The others relaxed but their relaxation was all the time it took for Terry to bring the gun up and shoot herself; Reese smiled. "That's for Benny."
Sirens echoed in the distance. He grimaced then shook his head. "I'm cursed!" He stayed only a moment longer then vanished into the night, running.
ACT II, SCENE III
Setting: Vapdos. Several members of the house of Map and Cankers are gathered, including the parents of the children. Emmajean, the chief of police, is at the scene.
"Reese is exiled. If he enters the city limits, he'll be shot on sight."
ACT II, SCENE IV
Setting: Martina's bedroom. The window is closed and bolted along with the door. Martina, herself, laid across her bed, staring at her ceiling. She was crying but it was obvious she had been at one point or another. Canker's voice and fist banging on the door are heard.
"Martina, open this door or you're grounded until sixty-seven!"
"Good! That's only another forty-three years!" She picked up her alarm clock and chunked it at the door, smiling when it shattered into pieces. It was Terry's fault that anything was wrong. It was always Terry's fault. Ever since they were children, it was her fault.
"As your father, I command you to open this door!"
"No!"
"Parrot is waiting to speak with you,"he said, quietly but she could sense the underlying threat. His patience was slowly fading out with her behavior but she didn't care. All she cared about then was Reese. "He's here to see you."
"Tell Parrot to go stuff a cracker down his throat!!"
Her mother's voice came next. "Martina, luv, open the door. You don't have to do anything you don't want.."
"You're lying to me again."
"Martina!" His fist hit the door again. She ignored it.
She had almost fallen asleep when the door was removed from it's hinges. She still didn't move to get up from her bed but laid there, staring at the ceiling. Neptune said something but was ignored for her efforts.
"You are coming downstairs to speak with Parrot if I have to drag you, Martina."
"Do it." Her voice was stone cold and her eyes even harder.
In the next instant, Martina found herself downstairs and in front of the waiting Parrot. He smiled and attempted to kiss her hand; she jerked away at the last moment. His mouth met empty air.
"You look beautiful, Martina."
"Right and the Easter Bunny did my hair." She gaze him a glare that could kill anyone. It didn't work on Parrot.
Parrot removed a box from one pocket and went on one knee before her, holding out the box, now open. The diamond ring glittered inside; she stared at it with boredem. Reese's ring rested around her neck on a chain, out of anyone's view sight; she only wore it when they were together, alone.
"Will you marry me, Martina Canker?"he asked, smiling.
She felt sick and shoved away from him, running off in the direction of her bedroom. She changed course but this time fled through the front door, ignoring Neptune's obvious curiousity. It was sick that her father expected her to marry when her real love was exiled. He couldn't return or he would be killed. Couldn't anyone see her pain?
Bathe met her outside her family's grounds. "Reese wishes your prescence."
"Take me to him." She took her ring from it's chain and slipped it on, glaring at him in pure hatred. At the moment, she hated everyone that was involved with either of them; she hated everyone. "Now."
ACT III, SCENE I
Setting: Father Lance's study. He is intent upon making something that sits before him. Martina is pacing the length of his study while playing with the lighter she held; every few moments there was a sharp in take of breathe as she burned herself.
"Stop, Martina. It's almost complete."
She froze in mid-step, facing away from him. "Will Matthew or Bathe be giving my message to Reese?"
He nodded. "Of course, child. He will know. Be careful of the time that you take it...it only lasts thirty-six hours,"he said, pouring the mixture into a vial and capping it. He stared a moment then held it toward her. "You two are meant for each other."
"Yeah, right. Tell that to our parents and the rest of the world." She took the vial, gave him a smile, then vanished from the study with her prize. She hurried home without a word to anyone except a brief greeting to Neptune.
ACT III, SCENE II
Setting: The dining room in the Canker household. Canker and Lady Canker are having dinner with their daughter, who is very somber, while several servants-Sam and George-serve dinner. Their conversation is light but apparantly forced.
"Parrot has asked for our daughter hand in marriage." Her father's boasting tone.
"Is this true, Martina?"
Martina nodded, stirring her food around. "Yes. I told him yes earlier today when we met,"she said then was forced into relating the entire conversation. It was true. She had agreed to marry him but it was to ensure she'd be left alone; there were things be done.
Bathe was taking care of Reese but that was already being finished.
Lady Canker touched her daughter's cheek and studied her. "Are you feeling alright, Martina?"
"Yes, mother. I'm fine...could I go upstairs and rest? It seems my wedding has been set for tomorrow." Her gaze slid, pointely, to her father. He feigned interest in his food.
"Of course."
She vanished from the room quickly and into her room. She debated whether to take the drug now or leave it alone. She decided to wait until morning.
ACT III, SCENE III
Setting: Canker household. Sirens are screeching while police officers and paramedics run around the house. Lady Canker has been sedated and sent to her room while her husband is furious; he has all but disowned his daughter at this point for her "cowardice way out".
Enter to the side Reese, in disguise, with Bathe. They prescence is ignored.
"It's a shame. Such a young, beautiful girl. Second incident like this in one week. I don't knwo how these people deal with it all..." One of the medics shook his head.
"What was her name again?"
"Martina Canker." The medics loaded her body into the ambulance then pulled away.
Reese made an anguished sound then fled the scene, ignoring Bathe's words to him. He couldn't believe she would do this to him; to them; to their love.
ACT III, SCENE IV
Setting: The mosoleum where the Canker ancestors and other deceased relatives are buried. Reese has gone to say his o anguished good-bye to Matina; he holds half-empty bottle of alcohol.
Enter Parrot with a large bouquet and stuffed bear.
"Awful Map, what are you doing at the grave of my beloved?" Parrot drew his gun and motionted it toward the other man, ignoring his emotionless response. The flowers and bear fell from his arms with a single look.
"You wanted to take her away and she didn't want you. You killed Martini!"
There came a voice, Martina's voice, within the tomb. "Martina, not Martini, you moron!"
Reese looked sorry a moment then shrugged. "Sorry, dear. I'll fix it. You killed Martina!"
Parrot shook his head. "Martina killed herself over grief for her cousin, Terry. A cousin you killed...her blood is on your hands." He pulled the trigger. The bullet had no effect except to enter his hand and lodge there; Reese approached, slowly without saying anything further.
He didn't speak until he'd reached Parrot and placed one hand against the stone mosoleum. His expression was empty as were his eyes. "You killed her. At least in death, we'll be together..." The stone mosoleum wall collapses, crushing the would-be suitor under it's weight.
Reese watched a moment then returned to his place by Martina. He sat there for a long time, talking to her lifeless body and drinking until the body was empty. It took several hours but he passed out, laying beside her on the ground.
Sometime within the dead of night, Martina awoke to her darkened tomb and sat up, rubbing at her eyes. She felt refreshed but it was short lived when her gaze fell on Reese. She scrambled from the coffin and knelt beside him, shaking him slightly.
"Reese? Reese...? Oh, he's dead." She shook him harder then bent down, kissing him lightly. Her expression turned thoughtful. It went somewhere between joy and irritation. "Not dead, only drunk and passed out."
Martina waited until sometime the next morning when he awoke, hungover and mumbling incoherently. She gave him a smile and straightened out his unruly hair then smacked him.
"Don't ever drink my alcohol again. You had me thinking you were dead!"
"Me? You were lying in a mosoleum, in your own tomb!"
"I love you."
"I love you, too. Wanna run off to Vegas?" Reese stood, stumbling slightly.
She placed one arm around his waist, wrapping on of his around her shoulders to steady him. She gave a shrug then began to walk almost dragging him behind her.
"Sure, why not? It's not like there's much to hold us here."
"Can we take Matthew...?"
"No."
"Please..?"
Martina shook her head. "No."
ACT III, SCENE V
Setting: Vegas. In a casino where Reese and Martina are playing slots; at a nearby table a familiar face is playing dealer to a group of tourists.
"Anyone ever heard of Romeo and Juliet?"the strange dealer questioned with each passing of the cards. He glanced past them toward the two young people.
Several of the players nodded while remaining intent upon their game.
"It's a fluke. The real story's about a good friend of mine, Reese Map and his lovely but a hoe wife, Martina..."
Something like a laugh came from Reese.
Martina smacked him then stalked off, scowling. "I'm not a hoe!"
END
UNREAL WORLD CAST: *comes forward and bows*
Kat: "You like me! You really like me!" *she burst into song about ' I Believe I can Fly' *
REST OF CAST: "Ahhhhhh!" *run from the house, screaming bloody murder*
John:*stood there then smiled, broadly* "The play wasn't so bad. Maybe I actually like them after all...I'm going to miss those kids. *shook his head then went to the computer, sitting down. He opened a new document and typed the title and sub title.* "The Unreal World. A series by St. John Allerdyce....."
Russ Collins-Reese Map (Romeo Montague) Ashley Donovan-Martina Canker
Richard- Matthew (Mercutio) Corey Desmonds-Parrot (Paris)
Angel Blade-Lebeau-Terry (Tybalt) Tara Toynbee-Benny (Benvolio)
Kat Jacobs-Neptune (Nurse) Derek Senthesis-Father Lance(Fiar Lawrence)
Logan ?- Map (Montague/Romeo's father) Scott Summers-Lady Map (Romeo's mother)
Remy Lebeau- Canker (Capulet/Juliet's father) Rogue Lebeau- Lady Canker (Juliet's mother)
Tristan- Bathe (Balthasar/Romeo's servant) Natasha Creed-Emmajean (Chief of Police)
David Summers and Hank-Sam and George (Capulet Servants N/A)
St. John Allerdyce- Adam (Montague servant N/A)
ACT I, SCENE I
Setting: Downtown Vapdos in 'the slums'. We open out scene in an apartment where Reese Map and Martina Canker are sitting, watching the drama that has taken over their families. A bucket of popcorn and several bottles of alcohol rested on the table but neither seemed worried with them. The apartment isn't the best place in the world but it kept the two lovers safe with their forbidden love. The furniture was shabby and peeling while the paint is barely there and the carpet was an ugly blue color. Oh, sorry, too much information. Let us listen in on their conversation....
Reese paused the tape and gestured toward the screen. "See, Martina, this is our main problem. Your cousin, Terry; she hates me,"he said, motioning to the black and silver clad figure on the screen.
Martina hit him. "Terry hates everyone. It's nothing personal,"Martina told him, taking a handful of popcorn and tossing it into her mouth. Most of it missed. "I mean, here's our real problem..." She took the remote and restarted the tape, fast forwarding; she stopped on another scene and smacked him in the process. "Your parents."
"What's wrong with my parents?" He sat up then frowned slightly. On the screen Map and Lady Map were busy arguing with, of all people...Martina's nuse, Neptune. "Neptune's an idiot that causes problems!"
Another smack. "Okay maybe she is but it's not her fault! What about your friends...Matthew and Benny? They practically think I'm a hoe!"
Reese blinked. "And you aren't?"
"Reese!" She smacked him then stomped off, leaving him sitting alone.
"Ah. Martina!"
After a few more moments of watching, Reese ejected the tape, returned it to it's case, then made his way outside. He stared down, sadden at having upset his one true love. She probably wouldn't talk to him for four hours, like last time. Four hours was a long time when he thought too hard about it and with only his friends to talk to; they were idiots.
"Reese Map, you are under arrest!"the shout was announced from one side. His 'assassliant' arrived in the form of one of his oldest living friends.
He waved off the casual arm Matthew placed around his shoulders. "What is wrong, Reese? Trouble with the ladies, again?"
"Is Martina a tender thing?" He laughed here, bitterly. "No she's rough, rude, drunk, boisterous and stings like an electric eel."
"She likes it rough does she? How about trying bondage and whips. Whip her for whipping and you shall soon break her spirit!"Matthew swallowed, realizing his mistake too late then watched Reese run off, talking to himself. "Stupid boy! God is he gonna regret ever listening to me!"
[ John: Why can't the children just leave my play alone? There is not anything about whips and bondage! I swear, I'll kill them all during the process but my mates are starting to grow on me... *far away look* I fear that I will miss them once they're gone. I need time to process these thoughts, mate.]
ACT I, SCENE II
Setting: Map and Lady Map are sitting on their respective armchairs while trying to ignore one another. Lady Map has begun to polish 'her' fingernails, bright red, while her husband stares at the wrestling match on the television. Their home is a beautiful mansion with flowers everywhere and beautifully colored carpet.
Enter: Reese with electrified hair and a dazed expression.
"Son, has something happened?" Lady Map leapt up at 'her' son's appearance and ran forward, engulfing him in a hug.
He twitched within 'her' arms then pushed away. His hair tried to cling to 'her' velvety clothes but with no effect. "I'm fine."
"Are Matthew and Benny to blame? Off with their heads!" The words were screamed towards 'her' husband; he ignored them.
"No, Mom." Another twitch. "I'm going out tonight with my friends...is that alright or do I need permission?"
"You could at least pretend to ask permission so I could deny it,"Map said, flipping the channel and taking a long 'slurp' from his beer. "Then that THING would give you permission."
"Logan, this is our son!"
"Not mine."
Reese sighed. "Can I go out with my friends tonight?"
"No,"he answered without looking away but popping the lid on another beer. He placed it to his mouth and drank, ignoring them. Again.
Lady Map nodded and patted the top of his head. "Of course, Reese. I'd recommend taking a shower first since your hair is sticking up and it looks like you stuck a fork in a light socket..." 'She' returned to her throne, taking up the lighter colored nail on her left hand; the pinky. "Now go on, son."
He nodded then walked off, mumbling something about,"i'm going to kill Matthew for interfering,"followed by a sluew of curse words. He stalked upstairs and into his bedroom, slamming the door shut.
It only took about twenty minutes for him to shower, change clothes, and get into his 'clubbin' mode. He searched through his desktop drawer then withdrew the ring of keys that were hidden there; they dangled from his hand, making a tiny twinkling sound.
Reese left his bedroom, pulling the door shut and locking it from the outside with his key. It wouldn't do to have his parents fine his shrine to Martina; it was in the closet, underneathe a pile of clothes.
"I'm going out. I'll see you later!" He was almost outside when his father's voice stopped him.
Map's gaze no longer rested on the tv but on his son. "Reese, have you taken care of the Cankers yet...? Mainly Terry Canker; she's an abomination."
"Uh...I'm working on it. What do you think I plan to do tonight? I have a uh, meeting. Yeah, a meeting. See you, Dad." He left, hurriedly with only a brief glance at his 'mother' before hurrying out the door and over to his truck; bright purple with darker flames. His mind began to play out what he would do that night. Despite what he'd told his father, he'd meet Martina and only Martina tonight.
ACT I, SCENE III
Setting: A bar....THE SILVER LIZARD LOUNGE (don't you just love that name?). At a table in the back sit Martina accompanied by several of her cousins, including the infamous Terry Canker, who has become quiet interested in her glass of half-drunk liquor; no one had figured out where Terry got liquor from.
"What are you pouting about, Tina?"Terry asked, stirring her drink with a half straw then glancing at her cousin. She tipped the glass up and drank the last of it. "Is Uncle Canker being a jerk again?"
"It's nothing, Terry. I think I need to go and uh...get something to drink. I'll be back shortly." Martina gave her cousin a smile then stumbled up, making her way away from their table and across the lounge, ignoring the several rude comments made. She pulled back away when a hand caught her wrist and yanked her into one of the less often used hallways. "Let go of me! I know karate and CPR!"
"Baby, you can do CPR on me anytime." Reese's smirking face met her.
She smacked him. "Stop doing that to me!"
He blinked. "I've only done it once,"he said then leaned down, staring at her. He played with a strand of her hair, twisting it around one finger. "I'm sorry about the hoe comment before. Can I have a kiss?"
"Sure." She smiled and leaned up, placing her mouth close to his ear, wrapping her arms around his neck. She leaned up and whispered, somewhat lovingly, into his ear. "Your breathe smells horrible." She hesitated a moment then kissed on the cheek before releasing her arms.
"Please tell you're not here with Terry..." Reese leaned back against the wall, watching her.
"I'm not here with Terry,"she said, as usual then smiled at his irritated expression. She shook her head. "Who else do I go clubbin' with, Reese?"
"I don't know. Come on, I'll buy you a drink,"he said, starting to take her arm; she pulled away.
"No. Have you talked to your parents about us?"
"I can't, Martina. I'm the son of the most powerful mutant in the world! I can't just tell him that I'm in love with a human..." He regretted it, immediately when she stalked off. "Martina!"
She ignored him and stalked over to her cousin, sitting back down. She ordered another drink then sat, glaring across the room and gulping it down.
Terry watched her for a moment then raised a questioning eyebrow. "Is there something I should know about, Tina?"
"Nope. Some guy made a pass at me." She took another gulp from her drink and tapped her long, overly black painted, fingernails. Her eyes remained across the room where she'd last left Reese. He wasn't present.
"Need me to stage another suicide?"
"No!" Martina cleared her throat then gave a half smile. She played with her drink. "I mean, I'll just forget the entire incident. Would you go pay for our drinks while I finish mine? I'd rather just go home."
She nodded in the sympathetic way that made her look less theatening. It barely worked. "Alright, but remember, Tina darling, I'd kill for you. I already have."
"Yes, Terry." She didn't move until her cousin had gone then snatched one of the sheets of 'lottery numbers' from the table. She dug a pen out of one pocket then wrote down a message, standing to scan the club.
Reese was easy enough to find. He was standing with Matthew and Benny, the idiots. He was leaning against the table with a beer but hadn't look away from her yet. The scowl he wore was familiar enough.
Martina stood and made her way over to them, delibertly making a show of looking for something on the floor. She made a point to run into Reese and in the process, slipped her hand into his pocket, dropping the note she'd created.
He made a production of grabbing her arms and shoving her slightly against the wall. It was a put-on for his friends.
"Next time watch where you're going, homo sapien,"he sneered before pushing himself away and returning to his friends. Matthew gave him a slap on the back around laughter while Benny simply looked in her direction but shook her head. Benny made no move to join them or go to Martina's aid.
She scowled and mumbled, before stalking away. "Trust me. I will, mutie."
Reese waited until she was gone, listening to his friends recounts of the incident with Martina to others, then read the note under the table.
Meet me at the balcony. Time doesn't matter but don't make anymore comments like your previous ones. You're on thin ice, relationship wise. Love Always, Martina.
ACT I, SCENE IV
Setting: Outside Martina's apartment. In the alley way, Reese has made his way over and is standing there, tossing various 'purple glowing' rocks toward the window. They hit then fall off without an effect. The window came up and she looked down, scowling.
"Where were you?"
"My love! It is the sun and Martina is the moon. Others pale in comparison; she is more beautiful then they could hope to be! No more their shadow but their conqueror. I wish she knew how much I loved her."
"Shut up, Reese. Flattery isn't the key here. Do you really think I'm a hoe?"
Reese shook his head and held one hand toward her, climbing onto the ladder until he reached the landing just below her. He took one of her hands. "Of course not, love. I wish you would marry me; we could be happy."
"I can't anymore then you can ask me to."
"Then give yourself to me and forget that I'm a map!"
She laughed. "To be honest, and give myself to you again. I wish I could give what is not mine to give. My reputation is large as the oceans and my love is deeper; the more I give, the more I have for both are endless."
Neptune's voice rang out from inside. "Get in here, child!"
Martina sighed with impatience then waved him away. "There's voices and I'm not schizophrenic. I'll be there in a minute, nurse! My darling, stay. Wait for me, I will return,"she said before vanishing back into her apartment and shutting the window.
She reappared, although her expression was irritated and her face turned slightly reddish-green with what looked like tomate paste and gucamole. "Go to bed, Reese and good night. If you really love me send me a diamond ring and a marriage proposal the day after tomorrow, include the date and time. I will give up everything for you and follow my love where he leads."
"Get in here!" Neptune.
"Shut up a minute. I'm getting some fresh air!"
"Get in here!" Neptune again.
"Give me a minute! Leave me to my misery, Reese..." At this point, Martina burst into tears and fled through her window, slamming it shut, with a final shriek from Neptune.
Reese placed a dramatic hand against his heart. "I wish I could have my life, my Martina by my side. I love her and wish her only happiness...yet it could only be with me that she would be happy. Parrot could never make her happy as I have."
"Reese!"
"Reese, you are under arrest. Put your hands up and leave the apartment!"
He scowled and jumped down, coming out of the alley, hands up. He'd decided to humor his friends even through their stupidity; he waited until they'd come up.
"What would my crime be this time?"he asked, giving them a smirk and ignoring the guns they held on him. He was almost positive that they were empty but didn't feel like testing it. "I haven't done anything."
"Yet. You are under arrest for failing to get drunk with your friends and stumbled home in a drunken stupor to deal with your father's wraith.." Matthew threw one arm around him and yanked him forwards, beginning to walk.
"My father. I was suppoused to take care of someone today." He frowned then placed his hands over his face. He muttered several curses. "I have to go."
ACT II, SCENE I
Setting: A small 'drive-thru' wedding chapel in downtown Vapdos. Reese's black car pulled into a parking place then the two got out of the car; Neptune attempted to follow but became stuck in the car. Martina looked back at a shout.
"Help! I'm locked in the car!"
"Neptune, there's no roof to my car. You're not locked in."
"Help me! I can't get out!"
Martina walked over and open the door, pasting on a suprised expression. She placed one hand against her mouth with a gasp. "It opened."
Bathe rolled his eyes. "Are we quite through, Mr. Map? I have other duties besides dealing with the stupidity of this...woman." His expression was less then pleased.
"Of course. Martina, darling, shall we?"
She didn't look at him, more intent she was on the three-stoned, rather large diamond ring she wore. It winked at her and she smiled after accepting the arm Reese offered. He led her into the church, talked to the preacher, and set up everything for their weddings. In under twenty minutes, they were standing in front of the preacher.
Bathe and Neptune stood nearby, trying rather hard to ignore each other. She was crying and he kept glancing toward the door as if waiting for something. Nothing happened.
Their preacher cleared his throat and pointed to himself. "I am Father Lance. Are you two the happy couple?"
Martina looked at her wedding gown then gave him a dry smirk/smile. "Aren't you intelligent?"
"Martina, be nice to the man who will marry us."
And marry them he did. Within one hour, one hour of Neptune's sobbing and Bathe's glances at the door, they were married and could be together freely. Their kiss hadn't lasted very long but it was all the same.
"We're finally married."
"Yay. Don't mention this to your friends..."
He smiled. "I wouldn't."
"That didn't help any." Her reply was sarcastic.
"I'm sorry...?" Silence a moment. "Martina!"
ACT II, SCENE II
Setting: Downtown in a city square. Matthew and Benny are talking while wandering along one of the lower level beaches. They are into good natured rough treatement, complete with shoving and play fighting.
Enter Terry and several others of the Canker household. Her expression isn't pleased and turns worse at the sight of them; she strolled forward, scowling.
"Why James Brown and Micheal Jackson, here come the Cankers,"Benny pointed out, glancing at her friends in a warning gesture of silence. Both the look and she, herself, were ignored.
"Why Black Sabbath and ACDC, I don't care." Matthew waved them off with one hand.
For some reason unknown to anyone else, the Cankers all carried oversized black bags with Pixie Stixs embrodied into them.
"Come quickly, I will speak for us. You hicks, great day; let me talk to one of you..." Terry approached the two of them as she spoke.
Matthew laughed. "One word? Not at all...make it two. Talking and a punch to the jaw."
"Don't push me, player, you give me many occassions."
"Can you take without giving?"
"Matthew, you walk with Reese--"
"Walk! Does that make us a gang? Are we to shoot people up, sell drugs, and hold inititaitons? Yes, walk!"
Benny interrupted the conversation, stepping between the two and holding up one hand toward Matthew. "We talk like normal people. Move along to another, less public place and argue about your differences; or get lost. People are staring,"she said, waving her script around about her.
"Let them. I refuse to leave over a few staring morons."
Reese walked onto the set, whistling under his breathe and talking to himself. He was obviously still in his own personal bubble about being married to his love despite his father's irritation at his vanishment the previous night.
"Forget you, player. Here's my fellow now." Terry stepped around the two of them, shoving them aside and went straight to Reese. "You not-nice-person!!"
"What?" He showed a confused expression.
"Leave Reese alone. You want to fight then fight me..." Matthew stepped in-between them and drew his gun, leveling it with Terry She just stared before drawing her own. "I challenge you to a duel."
"On the beach?" There was obvious amusement in her voice.
"Where else?"
"Seven paces?" The other Cankers stepped back at a look from their 'leader', Terry. She nodded then tightened her gun hold.
Benny tried once more to stop them with failure, even Reese was useless between the two. Within a few moments the two had walked their paces and turned toward one another. On a last though, Benny stepped between them, facing Matthew. "Matthew, this would be a mistake. Don't do this."
Terry fired. The shot caught Benny in the back of the head and she collapsed; blood began to turn the sand around her head. Reese and Matthew both rushed to her side, kneeling.
"Benny..? Benny, are you okay? Say something."
Her eyes opened her eyes a moment and glared at first them then toward Terry's crew. "You will pay for killing me. I will have my revenge,"she said through clenched teeth before her eyes closed.
"No.." Reese looked up, just in time, to see the Cankers running. Anger hit him at their cowardice toward their friend. He stood and clenched his hands into fists, starting after them.
"Reese!" Matthew's voice was there, but he shook his head.
"Stay with her. I'll make Terry sorry." He ran until he came upon them in the park that was most commonly associated with their group. He entered, daring anyone to stop him; no one did. "Terry, you killed Benny."
"Uh...I think I should be going." Her expression showed real fear for the first time in a long time.
"No. You've killed one of my friends, you won't kill another." He moved before she or anyone else could react and caught one of her arms. It began to glow purple then he released her arm; nothing happened for a moment. The others relaxed but their relaxation was all the time it took for Terry to bring the gun up and shoot herself; Reese smiled. "That's for Benny."
Sirens echoed in the distance. He grimaced then shook his head. "I'm cursed!" He stayed only a moment longer then vanished into the night, running.
ACT II, SCENE III
Setting: Vapdos. Several members of the house of Map and Cankers are gathered, including the parents of the children. Emmajean, the chief of police, is at the scene.
"Reese is exiled. If he enters the city limits, he'll be shot on sight."
ACT II, SCENE IV
Setting: Martina's bedroom. The window is closed and bolted along with the door. Martina, herself, laid across her bed, staring at her ceiling. She was crying but it was obvious she had been at one point or another. Canker's voice and fist banging on the door are heard.
"Martina, open this door or you're grounded until sixty-seven!"
"Good! That's only another forty-three years!" She picked up her alarm clock and chunked it at the door, smiling when it shattered into pieces. It was Terry's fault that anything was wrong. It was always Terry's fault. Ever since they were children, it was her fault.
"As your father, I command you to open this door!"
"No!"
"Parrot is waiting to speak with you,"he said, quietly but she could sense the underlying threat. His patience was slowly fading out with her behavior but she didn't care. All she cared about then was Reese. "He's here to see you."
"Tell Parrot to go stuff a cracker down his throat!!"
Her mother's voice came next. "Martina, luv, open the door. You don't have to do anything you don't want.."
"You're lying to me again."
"Martina!" His fist hit the door again. She ignored it.
She had almost fallen asleep when the door was removed from it's hinges. She still didn't move to get up from her bed but laid there, staring at the ceiling. Neptune said something but was ignored for her efforts.
"You are coming downstairs to speak with Parrot if I have to drag you, Martina."
"Do it." Her voice was stone cold and her eyes even harder.
In the next instant, Martina found herself downstairs and in front of the waiting Parrot. He smiled and attempted to kiss her hand; she jerked away at the last moment. His mouth met empty air.
"You look beautiful, Martina."
"Right and the Easter Bunny did my hair." She gaze him a glare that could kill anyone. It didn't work on Parrot.
Parrot removed a box from one pocket and went on one knee before her, holding out the box, now open. The diamond ring glittered inside; she stared at it with boredem. Reese's ring rested around her neck on a chain, out of anyone's view sight; she only wore it when they were together, alone.
"Will you marry me, Martina Canker?"he asked, smiling.
She felt sick and shoved away from him, running off in the direction of her bedroom. She changed course but this time fled through the front door, ignoring Neptune's obvious curiousity. It was sick that her father expected her to marry when her real love was exiled. He couldn't return or he would be killed. Couldn't anyone see her pain?
Bathe met her outside her family's grounds. "Reese wishes your prescence."
"Take me to him." She took her ring from it's chain and slipped it on, glaring at him in pure hatred. At the moment, she hated everyone that was involved with either of them; she hated everyone. "Now."
ACT III, SCENE I
Setting: Father Lance's study. He is intent upon making something that sits before him. Martina is pacing the length of his study while playing with the lighter she held; every few moments there was a sharp in take of breathe as she burned herself.
"Stop, Martina. It's almost complete."
She froze in mid-step, facing away from him. "Will Matthew or Bathe be giving my message to Reese?"
He nodded. "Of course, child. He will know. Be careful of the time that you take it...it only lasts thirty-six hours,"he said, pouring the mixture into a vial and capping it. He stared a moment then held it toward her. "You two are meant for each other."
"Yeah, right. Tell that to our parents and the rest of the world." She took the vial, gave him a smile, then vanished from the study with her prize. She hurried home without a word to anyone except a brief greeting to Neptune.
ACT III, SCENE II
Setting: The dining room in the Canker household. Canker and Lady Canker are having dinner with their daughter, who is very somber, while several servants-Sam and George-serve dinner. Their conversation is light but apparantly forced.
"Parrot has asked for our daughter hand in marriage." Her father's boasting tone.
"Is this true, Martina?"
Martina nodded, stirring her food around. "Yes. I told him yes earlier today when we met,"she said then was forced into relating the entire conversation. It was true. She had agreed to marry him but it was to ensure she'd be left alone; there were things be done.
Bathe was taking care of Reese but that was already being finished.
Lady Canker touched her daughter's cheek and studied her. "Are you feeling alright, Martina?"
"Yes, mother. I'm fine...could I go upstairs and rest? It seems my wedding has been set for tomorrow." Her gaze slid, pointely, to her father. He feigned interest in his food.
"Of course."
She vanished from the room quickly and into her room. She debated whether to take the drug now or leave it alone. She decided to wait until morning.
ACT III, SCENE III
Setting: Canker household. Sirens are screeching while police officers and paramedics run around the house. Lady Canker has been sedated and sent to her room while her husband is furious; he has all but disowned his daughter at this point for her "cowardice way out".
Enter to the side Reese, in disguise, with Bathe. They prescence is ignored.
"It's a shame. Such a young, beautiful girl. Second incident like this in one week. I don't knwo how these people deal with it all..." One of the medics shook his head.
"What was her name again?"
"Martina Canker." The medics loaded her body into the ambulance then pulled away.
Reese made an anguished sound then fled the scene, ignoring Bathe's words to him. He couldn't believe she would do this to him; to them; to their love.
ACT III, SCENE IV
Setting: The mosoleum where the Canker ancestors and other deceased relatives are buried. Reese has gone to say his o anguished good-bye to Matina; he holds half-empty bottle of alcohol.
Enter Parrot with a large bouquet and stuffed bear.
"Awful Map, what are you doing at the grave of my beloved?" Parrot drew his gun and motionted it toward the other man, ignoring his emotionless response. The flowers and bear fell from his arms with a single look.
"You wanted to take her away and she didn't want you. You killed Martini!"
There came a voice, Martina's voice, within the tomb. "Martina, not Martini, you moron!"
Reese looked sorry a moment then shrugged. "Sorry, dear. I'll fix it. You killed Martina!"
Parrot shook his head. "Martina killed herself over grief for her cousin, Terry. A cousin you killed...her blood is on your hands." He pulled the trigger. The bullet had no effect except to enter his hand and lodge there; Reese approached, slowly without saying anything further.
He didn't speak until he'd reached Parrot and placed one hand against the stone mosoleum. His expression was empty as were his eyes. "You killed her. At least in death, we'll be together..." The stone mosoleum wall collapses, crushing the would-be suitor under it's weight.
Reese watched a moment then returned to his place by Martina. He sat there for a long time, talking to her lifeless body and drinking until the body was empty. It took several hours but he passed out, laying beside her on the ground.
Sometime within the dead of night, Martina awoke to her darkened tomb and sat up, rubbing at her eyes. She felt refreshed but it was short lived when her gaze fell on Reese. She scrambled from the coffin and knelt beside him, shaking him slightly.
"Reese? Reese...? Oh, he's dead." She shook him harder then bent down, kissing him lightly. Her expression turned thoughtful. It went somewhere between joy and irritation. "Not dead, only drunk and passed out."
Martina waited until sometime the next morning when he awoke, hungover and mumbling incoherently. She gave him a smile and straightened out his unruly hair then smacked him.
"Don't ever drink my alcohol again. You had me thinking you were dead!"
"Me? You were lying in a mosoleum, in your own tomb!"
"I love you."
"I love you, too. Wanna run off to Vegas?" Reese stood, stumbling slightly.
She placed one arm around his waist, wrapping on of his around her shoulders to steady him. She gave a shrug then began to walk almost dragging him behind her.
"Sure, why not? It's not like there's much to hold us here."
"Can we take Matthew...?"
"No."
"Please..?"
Martina shook her head. "No."
ACT III, SCENE V
Setting: Vegas. In a casino where Reese and Martina are playing slots; at a nearby table a familiar face is playing dealer to a group of tourists.
"Anyone ever heard of Romeo and Juliet?"the strange dealer questioned with each passing of the cards. He glanced past them toward the two young people.
Several of the players nodded while remaining intent upon their game.
"It's a fluke. The real story's about a good friend of mine, Reese Map and his lovely but a hoe wife, Martina..."
Something like a laugh came from Reese.
Martina smacked him then stalked off, scowling. "I'm not a hoe!"
END
UNREAL WORLD CAST: *comes forward and bows*
Kat: "You like me! You really like me!" *she burst into song about ' I Believe I can Fly' *
REST OF CAST: "Ahhhhhh!" *run from the house, screaming bloody murder*
John:*stood there then smiled, broadly* "The play wasn't so bad. Maybe I actually like them after all...I'm going to miss those kids. *shook his head then went to the computer, sitting down. He opened a new document and typed the title and sub title.* "The Unreal World. A series by St. John Allerdyce....."