Young Writers Society

WINSTON TOUSDALE

SCENE 1

(Lady Sunspoon and Papa Sunspoon are on the stage. Papa Sunspoon is sitting in his chair and reading the morning paper. Lady Sunspoon is walking around).

Lady Sunspoon: Tousdale! Hey! Tousdale! Come here anon! Tousdale! Can't you hear me? TOUSDALE!

Papa Sunspoon: Maybe from now on we should call that poor creature Tooslow. What a weird servant he is. TOUSDALE!

(Tousdale enters running.)

Servant Tousdale: Yes, ma'am? Sir? What would you like to have for breakfast today?

Lady Sunspoon: Forget about breakfast right now. We've been calling you for five minutes. What were you doing? Why didn't you hear us?

Servant Tousdale: I apologize, ma'am. It'll never happen again.

Lady Sunspoon: Shut up and answer me! What were you doing at this hour in the morning?

(Servant Tousdale opens his mouth to answer Lady Sunspoon. Sandy enters and interrupts Tousdale).

Sandy: He was helping me to shelve the books in my room upstairs. That's why he didn't hear you. (To Tousdale) Right, Tousdale?

Servant Tousdale: Yes, San... Miss Sunspoon.

Lady Sunspoon: What? You were about to call her Sandy? Who do you think you are? You are just a poor little servant; definitely not someone important. If you call my girl by her first name again, you will be fired!

Papa Sunspoon: People! Be quiet, will you? I'm trying to read the paper here.

Lady Sunspoon: (Speaking to Tousdale in a quiet tone) Go prepare some breakfast for us. (Tousdale exits.) So, this creature shelved your books? Come on, stop lying! Tell me what you two were doing together!

Sandy: You know what, mom? You're being ridiculous. I have no words to say to you. (Sandy exits).

Lady Sunspoon: (Yells behind Sandy) You'd better watch that tone, young lady. And don't ever get close to that cheap creature. (In a loud tone) TOUSDALE! Breakfast! Now!

Servant Tousdale: (Enters on the stage) Here you are, ma'am. Bon appétit. Would you like me tell Miss Sunspoon to come down for breakfast?

Lady Sunspoon: Yeah, do it now! (Tousdale exits. Sandy enters few seconds later. They eat.). Dear, please stay away from our servant. I demand this for your own good.

Sandy: Okay, mom. I will stay away from him. Just stop repeating the same thing again and again. (Stands up.) I'm going to my room. I'm done with my breakfast.

Lady Sunspoon: Me too. (Stands up. They exit.)

SCENE 2

(Sandy is on the stage with her friend, Gabrielle. They are sitting in Sandy's room, talking and having a cup of tea).

Gabrielle: So... Sandy, would you like to tell me about your life? Any special guys? Any hot, tall, giant fuckers?

Sandy: Of course not! I'm happy by myself. Money , money, money! I don't have to work. I don't even go to school anymore. I gave up on law school; life is much better without it. I just read books all day. Any special guys in your life?

Gabrielle: Well, there is a guy who lives right across my manor. He is so cute, and he is wealthy. He even got me a diamond ring for my birthday two weeks ago. And, the good thing is... HE ASKED ME OUT!

Sandy: Oh my God! Did you say "Yes"? I hope you did!

Gabrielle: Nah, I said I'll think about it. Whatever!

(There is a knock on the door. Servant Tousdale enters carrying a teapot)

Servant Tousdale: Hope you ladies are having a splendid day. Would you like to have some more tea?

Sandy: Sure! Will you please bring it here? (Tousdale pours tea in the cups) Thanks a lot. (Tousdale exits)

Gabrielle: Your behaviours are weird, Sandy.Aren't you being extremely nice to that guy? He is just a servant; a slave. He is not someone to be respected.

Sandy: I don't care if he is a servant. He grew up in our house. He has been living here since his mother kicked him out of home. He is so supportive and helpful.

Gabrielle: Bullshit! (In a sarcastic tone, making fun of what Sandy said)Oh, nice, supportive, helpful. (Gets serious) Sandy, think a little more logically. You come from an upper class family, and, I hope that I'm wrong, but it seems like you love him.

Sandy: Well, I will be honest with you. I lied to you when I said I don't have any special guys in my life. So yes, I do like him. He has the cutest smile and the most beautiful eyes that I've ever seen. Plus, he treats me like an angel.

Gabrielle: You can't be serious! Well, your choice. I have nothing to say to you. I have to leave now. My parents are probably expecting me home at this time of the day. (Stands up, goes beside the door). Bye, Sandy. Consider not loving that guy. Remember, you are rich but he is not.

Sandy: Don't even try to change my thoughts. Good-bye, Gabrielle. See you later. (Gabrielle exits). I had better go downstairs as well. (She exits).

SCENE 3

(Sandy and Lady Sunspoon are on the stage. They are having coffee and talking)

Lady Sunspoon: How was your day, Sandy? Did you have fun with Gabrielle? Please know that she is more than welcome to stay overnight at our place anytime.

Sandy: (Without looking at Lady Sunspoon) Thanks, I'll tell her.

Lady Sunspoon: TOUSDALE! (To herself) He is not hearing again. TOUSDALE! Maybe I should try another way. TOOSLOW! COME DOWN HERE ANON YOU DEAF MORON!

Servant Tousdale: (Enters) Yes ma'am?

Lady Sunspoon: What's your excuse for not hearing me now, Tooslow? Actually you know what, never mind. Bring me some more coffee.

(Servant Tousdale exits).

Sandy: Mom, aren't you being a little rude to Mr. Tousdale? He is just trying to help us get the housework done.

Lady Sunspoon: MISTER Tousdale? Hah ha hah, you're kidding right? Why would you call him Mister? And Tousdale? His name is Tooslow from now on!

Sandy: Mom, he is a nice person.

Lady Sunspoon: Stop defending that creature. Why would you defend him, anyway? That guy is just a cheap bastard. After his father died in a car crash, his mother littered him to our place. We raised him for many years. He has been living a luxurious life in this huge manor; a private room, break times, meal three times a day. But now, it's time to make a change. He is not a member of our family, he is just a little footboy.

Sandy: Enough of your horrific insults against that poor guy. I think that he is a really good person. He is always helping me.

Lady Sunspoon: Well of course he is, it's his job to help you. We pay him 300 dollars per month.

Sandy: (In a sarcastic tone) Oh, we pay him a lot of money. I'm sure he'll be as rich as Bill Gates in few weeks. (In a serious tone) Mom, seriously, why don't you be kind to him?

Lady Sunspoon: Why would I? Can't you understand? He is a servant. But you, Sandy, you are a member of one of the richest families in Demonshire, the biggest city of Oritano.

Sandy: Screw Demonshire, screw Oritano and screw all the money we have. I don't want money, mom. I want justice! I want equality! I don't want hierarchy. And I really don't like it when you look down on Mr. Tousdale and consider him as a lower class person.

Lady Sunspoon: Listen to me Sandy. One more time I hear you defending that Tooslow guy to me, I will kick you out of this place.

Sandy: (Stands up, moves toward the door) Why don't you do it now? (She exits).

Lady Sunspoon: (To herself) I have to do something to change her mind. (Stands up and exits).

SCENE 4

(Break time. Tousdale is walking outside of home with his friend, Johnny).

Servant Tousdale: Oh, fellow Johnny. You can't imagine how tired I am. I am tired of all the work I am doing at this place. I'm tired of the little amount of money I'm getting. I'm tired of being called Tooslow and of all other insults that all come from Lady Sunspoon.

Johnny: I understand. Don't worry about it, man. Remember that I'm always here if you need someone to talk to about your issues. You are not alone.

Servant Tousdale: Thanks a lot, my fellow friend. I also have another problem, but I don't really want to talk about it because I will sound stupid.

Johnny: What's the matter?

Servant Tousdale: Like Romeo said,out of her favour, where I'm in love. [1]

Johnny: Unrequited love issues? I see... Who is the girl?

Servant Tousdale: It sounds stupid, so never mind.

Johnny: C'mon, tell me.

Servant Tousdale: You know, I grew up in this place as my mother left me here when my father died. And in this place, I grew up with San... Miss Sunspoon. Recently I've been feeling special about her. She is always nice to me. She always defends me when her mother insults me. Basically, she treats me like a human. And I realized that I kind of like her.

(Silence for few seconds)

Johnny: Winston, I will be honest with you. She is one of the richest people in this city of Demonshire. Thus, I'm sure that she has higher expectations. I think you should just forget about her. Move on and find someone different. Someone who is not as wealthy as Miss Sunspoon.

Servant Tousdale: What if she likes me as well? I just told you, she treats me well.

Johnny: I think you should go to sleep and clear your mind. You sound ridiculous right now.

Servant Tousdale: Ah, Johnny. I thought you would support me with this issue. C'mon, man! We've been close friends since we were little kids. You've always been there for me. Now please help me. I'm planning on talking to her about my feelings. If you're not helping me, well, I guess I should find different friends. (He exits).

Johnny: Wait! Where are you going? Hold on, I'm coming with you. (He exits).

SCENE 5

(Sandy is in her room. There is a knock on the door).

Sandy: Come in!

Servant Tousdale: (Enters)Good afternoon, Miss Sunspoon. How are you doing today?

Sandy: I'm fine, and you? You look worried. What happened?

Servant Tousdale: Nothing, miss.

Sandy: It's my mom who makes you sad, right? I understand, Mr. Tousdale. You don't deserve to hear those words. You're a very nice and a helpful person. Let me talk to my mom about it.

Servant Tousdale: No, please don't do it, or I will get in trouble.

Sandy: Okay, I won`t do it, then. Anyway, why did you come here?

Servant Tousdale: Um... I just wanted to tell you that... that...

(Yelling sound is heard offstage)

Papa Sunspoon: Tousdale! Tooslow! Come down here right now!

(Servant Tousdale exits)

Sandy: (to herself)I wonder what he was going to tell me. Oh my God, what a cutie angel he is. I think I'm in love. (Sandy starts reading a book. Few seconds later, there is a knock on the door, and Servant Tousdale enters again).

Tousdale: Miss Sunspoon, I'm sorry to bother you again, but I have to tell you something, you know. I know I'm going to sound stupid, but I can't keep it inside me anymore.

Sandy: I'm listening. And please call me Sandy.

Tousdale: Miss Suns... Sandy, alright. Sandy, we grew up together in this house and I recently realized that I... I...

Sandy: (Stands up, goes near Tousdale, puts her index finger on his lips to make him stop talking, and she whispers).I love you, too, Tousdale. (She hugs him). I think that you're an angel.

Tousdale: I... I didn't know that. Thanks for those beautiful words.

Sandy: Now, I will go down to the living room and tell my parents that we love each other.

Tousdale: Wait, no! Sandy, they are going to kill me if you do it.

Sandy: I will protect you. (They exit holding each other's hands.)

SCENE 6

(Lady and Papa Sunspoon are talking.)

Papa Sunspoon: Darling, I think we should seriously think about what to do with this servant.

Lady Sunspoon: Let's just fire him. Hah ha hah.

Papa Sunspoon: Sure! Hah ha hah.

(Sandy comes in with Tousdale).

Sandy: Mom! Dad! We'll tell you something.

Papa Sunspoon: We?

Sandy: Yes, Tousdale and I. We love each other.

Papa Sunspoon: Excuse me? I don't think I heard you. Say that again?

Sandy: I'm sure you did hear me. But just in case, I will repeat myself. We love each other.

Lady Sunspoon: What?(Jumps from her seat, starts running towards the couple and slaps Sandy. To Papa Sunspoon) Darling, do something!

Papa Sunspoon: (To Servant Tousdale) I will kill you, Tousdale. You know, I will.

Sandy: Ifyou ever try that, I will be the one to kill you, father. I like him and he likes me. Nothing can separate us. (She holds Servant Tousdale's hand, takes him with her and they exit).

Lady Sunspoon: What are we going to do about this, dear?

Papa Sunspoon: (Speaking quietly) Don't worry about it, darling. I will handle it. Trust me, I will never let them love each other. I will definitely do something about it. Come on, let's go out to get some fresh air, and we can think about what to do. (They exit).

SCENE 7

(Sandy and Servant Tousdale enter).

Sandy: It is so awkward that we've been living here together for many years and I still don't know your first name.

Servant Tousdale: It's Winston, dear. My name is Winston Tousdale.

Sandy: What a beautiful name.

Servant Tousdale: Not as beautiful as you are. But unfortunately, we can't be together. You deserve someone much better than me. Like your parents say all the time, I'm just a poor servant. I will be serving the Sunspoon family until I die.

Sandy: I don't care about what my parents think about you. I only care about you. I love you, Winston. Let's run away from this place together. Let's go somewhere that my parents can't find us.

(Papa Sunspoon and Lady Sunspoon enter. Lady Sunspoon is smirking).

Papa Sunspoon: Too late, Sandy my dear. You're not going anywhere. Winston will be dead in few seconds and you'll be living here with us forever.

Sandy: No! If you want to kill Winston, you have to kill me first.

Papa Sunspoon: I decide who to kill, Sandy. Not you. (to Lady Sunspoon) I'm ready darling. Give me my pistol.

Sandy: (Yelling)No, stop it now! If you kill him, I will kill myself. (Moves in front of Tousdale).

Papa Sunspoon: Sandy, move out of my way. This has nothing to do with you.

Lady Sunspoon: (To Sandy)Listen to your father, my dear.

Sandy: (Yelling) You listen to me first. Why did you raise Winston here for so many years if you were going to treat him like a dog? I'm telling you, he is so nice to me. Don't you feel sympathetic for him for the death of his father? If you don't, well, then you don't have a heart! I'm ashamed of being your daughter! (Leaves the stage with Tousdale. Lady and Papa Sunspoon follow them).

SCENE 8

(Gabrielle and Lady Sunspoon are on the stage.)

Lady Sunspoon: Gabrielle, I hope you are having a good day. Would you please do me a favour? I need help to change Sandy's mind about Tousdale. Can you please convince her not to be together with him? You realize that Sandy's standards should be higher, don't you? But she seems obsessed with Tousdale. She likes him so much and she might even get married in the future.

Gabrielle: Oh, Mrs. Sunspoon, I already talked to Sandy about this. I told her everything you just told me to do. I told her that she comes from a wealthy family, but Tousdale doesn't. I may try to talk to her again, if you wish, but to be honest, I don't think it's going to work, as she is persistent about her love for the servant.

Lady Sunspoon: Please try again, Gabrielle. Right now she is upstairs reading a book. I will call her down and tell her that you're here to see her. Then I will leave you two alone to work it out. (In a loud voice)Sandy! Sandy! Your friend Gabrielle is here to see you. Sandy!

Sandy: (Offstage) I'm coming. (Enters. Speaks to Gabrielle) Hello Gabrielle. What's up? (Gabrielle makes an eye contact with Lady Sunspoon, and Lady Sunspoon leaves). I was reading William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet upstairs. It's a perfect example of a book that talks about the son and the daughter of two families who love each other, but cannot get married because of their parents. It's also similar to my case, as you can tell.

Gabrielle: Sandy, since you are a close friend of mine, I will be honest with you. The reason why I came here today was because your mother wanted me to talk to you to change your mind about loving the servant.

Sandy: Oh well, tell my mother to leave me alone, then. You didn't have to bother coming here to talk to me, for I will never change my mind. (In a sarcastic tone) And thanks for being honest with me.

Gabrielle: Okay then. I had better go now. Bye, Sandy. (She exits. Papa Sunspoon enters).Hello, father.

Papa Sunspoon: Hi my dear. I'm here to talk to you about Tousdale.

Sandy: You cannot change my mind, dad.

Papa Sunspoon: I'm not here to change your mind. I'm actually here to apologize from you. I realized that your mother and I did not respect your feelings. Also, you were right. We raised Tousdale here for all these years, so it wouldn't be appropriate to fire or... or murder him. Oh, how big a mistake we were about to do. I'm sorry, Sandy. Tousdale is a really nice person. Although he is our servant, he is your friend at the same time, because you grew up together in this house. Well, you see? I changed my own mind instead of yours. So, when is the wedding going to be? And where?

Sandy: (Runs towards Papa Sunspoon and hugs him) I love you dad. Thanks a lot. But no wedding is going to happen. My mother still hates Winston.

Papa Sunspoon: I will deal with it, don't worry. I will talk to her right now. (He exits).

Sandy: (In a loud voice) Winston! Where are you? I have to tell you something. Winston? Darling can you hear me? (Servant Tousdale enters)Oh finally. Guess what happened, Winston? My father has changed his mind. He now likes you and he has let me get married to you. Now the only obstacle is my mother. If we can convince her as well, we'll be an awesome couple.

Servant Tousdale: That's great news. I'm so glad to hear that.

Lady Sunspoon: (Yelling offstage) Tousdale! Tousdale! Come down here right now! Get me something to eat.

Sandy: Don't take her anything to eat. Let's go down together and talk to her. (They exit).

SCENE 9

(Lady Sunspoon and Papa Sunspoon are on the stage).

Lady Sunspoon: Are you kidding me? You changed your mind? Why would you do that? I trusted you. You told me that you were going to deal with the servant. But look what you did now. You know what, never mind. I will deal with him by myself.

Papa Sunspoon: Honey, Sandy is right. You should learn to treat him well. I actually regret for planning to kill him. I changed my mind, yes. Tousdale is a member of our family; you, darling, you raised him. He has nowhere else to go. Please let him stay here and marry our daughter.

Lady Sunspoon: I am not out of my mind! I will kill Tousdale if you won't. Now be quiet, I hear some footsteps. (Sandy and Servant Tousdale enter.)Oh! Wow, wow, wow! Look who is here. Our lovely daughter and our cheap servant. (To Servant Tousdale) Tooslow! Prepare the bath ready for me. I will be up there in fifteen minutes.

Sandy: No, Winston. Don't.

Lady Sunspoon: (Draws a pistol. To Sandy) You step back, young lady. (To Tousdale) Now, I got you Tooslow. You are a dead man from now on. I had warned you before; if you touch my daughter, I told you that I'd kill you.

Papa Sunspoon: They love each other, dear. They both grew up here like two siblings. We were wrong from the beginning for not letting them be friends. Come on, my lady. Let's give them a chance.

Lady Sunspoon: (Silent for few seconds. Then, puts the pistol down on the floor). Fine, do whatever you want. But know that I will definitely be back. (She exits).

Servant Tousdale: (To Papa Sunspoon) Thanks, Mr. Sunspoon.

Sandy: Thanks, dad!

(They exit in different directions; Sandy and Tousdale on one side and Papa Sunspoon on the other).

SCENE 10

(Lady Sunspoon, Papa Sunspoon, Gabrielle and Johnny are on the stage sitting on chairs).

Lady Sunspoon: (Speaking quietly so that only Papa Sunspoon can hear). I'm telling you, we shouldn't have let them get married.

Papa Sunspoon: We did the right thing, dear, trust me.

(Music is playing in the background).

Gabrielle: (To Johnny). So, what's your name, sir?

Johnny: My name is Johnny. Yours?

Gabrielle: I'm Gabrielle. (They shake hands. Silence for few seconds.) So would you like to dance with me?

Johnny: Um... S... Sure! (They stand up and dance.)

Lady Sunspoon: (To Papa Sunspoon) Oh, sweetie. Look at Gabrielle! She's dancing with our servant's friend.

Papa Sunspoon: Tousdale is not our servant anymore, he is our groom, he is our son.

(Music stops playing few seconds later. Gabrielle and Johnny take a seat. Sandy, Servant Tousdale and a priest enter.)

Priest: (To Tousdale) You may kiss the bride.

(They kiss).

Servant Tousdale: (To Sandy) I love you.

Sandy: I love you, too, Winston. (They kiss again).

- THE END -

[1] Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare 1.1.158)