Away by Micah Deverger
ACT ONE
SCENE 1
(Nate and his girlfriend Tashe' are in the dressing room backstage.
The room has a mirror on top of the counter on one side with a chair
and on the other side is a couch)
Nate: (Fixing himself while looking in the mirror) Ok how do I look?
(Nate turns to Tashe' that's sitting on the couch and she shows
approval)
Tashe`: You're looking close to perfection as usual…wait your
missing something! (She walks towards him)
Nate: What!? What is it?!
Tashe: This- (They hug and embrace each other) there now you're all
set!
Nate: Thanks. Gosh you had me thinking I left something at home.
Tashe`: Nope- I did grab your phone that you left on your table before
you left.
Nate: I Forgot my phone?!... of course I would…three years of barley
being on the radar and I'm acting as if I were at my county's talent
show with my first “masterpiece” (Goes to the couch and sits) damn it
why am I so jittery its just a fifteen minute discussion and then I
leave.
Tashe`: Yeah but these fifteen minutes are going to let the world know
what Nate has been up to, what he's doing now and planning to do. You
are going to bring closure to all of the speculation and rumors. It's
all about Nate so just be Nate. Nothing more or less… that's why I
love you.
Nate: (Flattered) Thanks Tash you're right I'm here to let everyone
know what I'm about from my own mouth.
Tashe': Mm-hmm…you should probably head to the stage they're about
to be on the air for your segment in a few minutes.
Nate: Yeah…(Gets up and goes to the door) thanks again Tash I'm glad
you'll be watching.
Tashe': Duh…do you see that TV those aren't suppose to be on sell
until next year. That Drew is always out doing himself. (They laugh)
Nate: See you in fifteen. (They quickly kiss and Nate exits)
(The dressing room clears and turns into a bright lit up stage with
two comfy chairs and a big rug in front of the chairs with “Drew
Saller” on it and a projection in the back with a never ending slide
show of Drew's face.)
Production Assistant: In five, four, three, two…
(Loud cheers and applauds)
(Drew standing in the center of the rug pepping the crowd up and
finally blowing a air horn happily)
(The cheering slowly ends)
Drew: Welcome back to the Drew Saller Show where you can really loud
and really honest really quick!
(More applauding)
Drew: We have a special guest with us right now. Welcome to the stage
NATE VALAR!
(The audience starts to cheer as Nate enters from the side ecstatic
waving and greeting the audience and Nate makes it to the center and
shakes Drew's hand before they take a seat)
(The crowd gradually calms down)
Drew: How are you feeling today Nate?
Nate: I'm feeling wonderful hope you are too.
Drew: I am aren't we all feeling wonderful?!
(Audience cheers in agreement and then settles down afterwards)
Drew: Well everyone's glad to see your face again especially since
this is your second time on my show.
Nate: Glad to be back wouldn't want to miss this.
Drew: Now Nate- you know we get really loud and really honest really
quick so lets get to it- where have you been for these past few years?
you haven't publicized any of your new art yet and you've been dodging
the spot light for so long. what's caused you to lay low for three
years?
Nate: I wouldn't say I've been dodging the spot light I just didn't
feel like walking into it for a little while.
(Some pictures of Nate with his dad a few months before he died are
shown in the projection in the back)
Drew: Some people say that after your fathers passing you went into a
deep depression and even checked into a rehab center for a couple of
weeks. Are the comments true?
Nate: I was stunned by my dad's death he was healthy he ate right so,
when I got the information and went to the funeral I did have sorrow
for a few weeks but, I still did the things I wanted and needed to do
I just wasn't happy during that month. My dad would want me to still
live my life even though his ended so, I didn't need to go to rehab I
just came to a realization after a while that the best way to make
myself feel better was to do what my dad wants me to do and that's to
live life well and with ease. That's when I took a step back from
creating art piece after art piece and going to interview after
interview and really started to live with ease and do cool things I
never thought I would do. These few years were needed so that, I could
get back to me and really discover who I was once again.
(Audience cheers with joy after Nate is done)
Drew: Thanks for letting us know you know I remember texting you my
condolences and we really got into a conversation about going through
the death of a parent since, my mom died two years before your dad did
and this goes to show that people are very fortunate to have loving
parents and it doesn't matter how old or young anyone is we still need
and want our parents and when their gone its hard to grip to that
reality but, anyone that has had to experience the death of a parent
has to know that they just have to continue doing the good things that
their parents were proud of and that's what we did and look at us
now!
(Audience cheers in rejoice for Nate and Drew)
Drew: So you weren't dealing with art pieces for a while- what were
you doing in the meantime?
Nate: I was working on a coloring book for children and I named it
after my last masterpiece I made ” Pristine: The Coloring Book” the
book is 80 pages and ranges from everything like animals, vehicles,
random designs and etc. This took me about a year and 4 months to make
and I finally got it published and I had a release party back in the
summer and everyone enjoyed it even, some adults didn't mind coloring
in it.
Drew: well I'm glad your book is doing well and that's great that some
adults wanted to draw in it cause everyone in the audience gets to go
home with “Pristine: The Coloring Book”! (Drew holds up a copy of the
book.)
(Audience yells in great excitement)
Nate: Thanks I hope you all like it!
(Applause)
Drew: Now Nate I just have to bring this up. your rival Mark Gead has
been in a little twitter war with you recently and has had a lot of
stuff he feels like telling his fans and the press about you saying
that you were scared of becoming a failure even though you've already
failed and that he could publish a 5 paged coloring book and make
three times more money than you.
(audience reacts in surprise from the comments)
Nate: (laughs) Twitter War? He spends his time keeping my name in his
mouth while, I'm still doing what I love and making even more money
than before but, it's hilarious when people think they know more about
you than you do about yourself. Only thing I'll say is one of the few
comments I made in my defense- I don't fight with children.
(Audience hypes up his comment)
Nate: Now I do give life advice to children but- I don't fight with
them and my life advice is to continue doing what makes your life
great and don't get distracted by other people doing great things
during your time of building yourself up cause that will just slow you
down and that will not be beneficial cause you will never go far in
life if you don't focus on yourself.
(Audience applauds in agreement)
Drew: I don't think you could've said it any better. I totally agree
with you on that you know people see others around them doing amazing
things such as yourself and feel threaten by their accomplishments
like “oh everyone's going to focus on them and I'll be yesterday's new
so, I have to bring the attention back to me by bringing them down!”
and that's not the case and going back on what you said not only
should people focus on themselves but, they should actually help build
one another up cause If everyone did that while they put effort
towards their career, everyone would be on top of their game!
(Audience claps eagerly)
Drew: But thank you for letting everyone know the truth on your
thoughts on everything and that's why I bring people on the show cause
we get really loud and really honest really quick!
(Audience claps in agreement)
Drew: Ok back to what you've been doing on your off time is their any
secret art projects you worked on or are you just teasing fans that
are wanting more or…
Nate: Nope- besides the black and white outlines for the coloring book
I haven't picked up my colors in exactly three years but, I will be
the first to tell you and everyone else that I'm going to blow the
dust off of them cause I will be getting back to making art pieces
starting today.
(Audience bursts into the loudest cheer than ever before and takes a
little longer before the crowd ceases)
Drew: That's fantastic to hear! Have you gotten any inspiration for
what your next masterpiece will be?
Nate: Not yet but hey if it's from everything from today I'll let you
know.
(Audience claps)
Nate: But I have been working to start a service project with a few
others that are supporting me and the official name is Art For All.
This foundation aids with many things involved with art such as
maintaining art programs in schools across the country and giving a
few free art classes for those who are wanting to really go into the
depths of art and even starting a scholarship that will award three
art students in college with 1,500 dollars towards their college
expenses so there's a lot of other great aspects about the foundation
but that's pretty much the core and everyone will be able to see the
unveiling of it next year there's just a few more steps that need to
be done before revealing the final product.
Drew: Wow that's incredible! so you invested money into this and other
people have decided to make donations to this project?
Nate: Yes. Art For All is a non-profit foundation. All Proceeds go
directly to the materials needed to improve Art For All because I
don't only want the U.S to have access to this service I want the
whole globe to have Art For All and even in space If it could get that
big!
(Audience laughs)
Drew: Well you are definitely ambitious but I love it and it sounds
like it will help many people so I can't wait to see how it turns out
I hope everything goes well.
(Audience claps)
Nate: Thank you Drew.
Drew: How's your family taking all of this I'm sure they're all happy
for you.
Nate: My mom is definitely glad to see everything that I've been able
to do and what I have in store for the future. There's a lot of people
in my family that I haven't really gotten the chance to see or contact
that much so I'll be catching a flight later to see them kind of like
a small family reunion so I'll be able to see and talk to everyone.
Drew: That's great to hear and you know people should always have room
in their lives for their families cause they are the people that
should be around to love and care from birth to death so I'm glad to
hear that you make time for your family just like we all do cause my
mom and dad had five children and when I tell you I dreaded them I
mean I dreaded them but I still love them and keep in touch and hang
out with them here and there cause that's just what families do.
(Audience claps)
Drew: Nate I really love having you on the show you stay true to
yourself and what you believe in which is what everyone should do.
Anything else you would like to say?
Nate: All I want to say is thank you Drew for having me here today.
Thank you to all of my supporting family members, friends and the
fans. To the viewers, continue increasing in life and don't be afraid
to take risk that will be in good favor for you. Plus I can't forget
about the greatest audience I've been in front!
(Audience erupts in large roaring cheers)
Drew: Thank you Nate and I will say you are one of my
favorites…actually no you are my favorite and we should have you
back on the show later on!
Nate: Wouldn't have to ask me twice I would totally come back.
Drew: Well lets give it up for Nate he kept it really loud and really
honest really quick.
(Audience applauds)
Drew: Coming up next we have Orange Hallway performing their award
winning song Before &After. Catch it right after the commercial
break stay tuned!
(Audience cheers)
Production Assistant: back on in three minutes.
(Nate and Drew stand and walk to the side on the left)
Drew: That was good Nate I meant it when I said you were my favorite
by the way not many people come across individuals who are just them
and act like themselves so It's nice to be around people like you.
Nate: Thanks. I wish there were more people like that.
(Drew spots Tashe' walking up behind Nate)
Drew: By the way I knew you and your girl have been dating for a while
she seems nice hopefully next time you're here we'll be discussing a
wedding perhaps.
Nate: Anything's possible.
Drew: Well I better go get ready to introduce the band. Half of them
have colds so I'll be tolerating flat notes and yelling at everyone to
disinfect their dressing room so my guest for tomorrow don't get sick.
(Nate and Tashe' exit and are back at Nate's dressing room)
Tashe': So… do you think you said everything you wanted and needed
to say?
Nate: Yeah… I think so…. I'm just glad he didn't really hound me
with his critical questions and give me his multiple versions of death
stares. I can tell I'm his favorite alright.
(Nate and Tashe' give a little laughter)
Tashe': I really like what you two talked about when the topic of your
dad came up. You're doing exactly what your dad hoped for and more!
Nate: Thanks. I just hope I continue to do so and do it right. At
least I didn't have to go into detail about the rest of family…
specifically my brother ... or even my grandma… very thankful for
that.
Tashe': Hey- at least you know who your family is… My adoptive
family is the closest thing I have to a real family. I call my
adoptive parents mom and dad especially since I've known them since I
can remember but…but I know that my real mom and dad wanted to put
me in the system for some reason. I don't know why and I may never
know but I just appreciate everything and everyone I know cause as
long as you have a close bond and unbreakable hope….you will never
let go of the people and things in your life that you cherish…sorry.
Now it sounds like you're in another interview again.
Nate: No it's fine Tash. I needed to hear that. That's why I'm going
to visit them tomorrow cause the bonds are far from close and I
wouldn't want to let go of even the most hopeless people in my
family…my dad would do the same.
Tashe': You're doing the right thing this will lead to a breakthrough
for you and your family. By the way I also enjoyed how you responded
to Mark Gead's comments. You know- you don't always have to be the
bigger person cause If I had that chance I would've dragged his name
through the dirt just like he would've with mine.
Nate: Yeah well you should always try to take the mature approach.
Besides I have to save my energy for battling my family and besides no
one needs to drag his name in the dirt. He does that perfectly every
time he opens his mouth.
Tashe': (laughing a little) Lets get something to eat on the way so,
you can pack and rest at home before the big trip.
(Nate and Tashe' begin to walk out.)
Nate: Oh and Tash?
Tashe: yeah?
Nate: lets eat anything but Thai…you remember what happened last
time you know with all the-
Tashe': YES! OK! I don't want to be reminded of that.
(Nate and Tashe' exit)
Scene 2
(Nate and Tashe' arrive at Nate's luxury loft. There's a couch in the
center with a coffee table in front of it with a chair on the side a
big window in the back and a plant on the side)
(Tashe' sits on the coach as Nate runs to his room and comes back with
a armful of clothes and a suit case that's half packed)
(Nate proceeds to fold his clothes and puts them in his bag)
Nate: I can't believe I'm actually going back home to see my family
it's been three years but it's felt like thirty years.
Tashe': I know they miss you a lot and they'll be overjoyed to see you
after so long.
Nate: Some of them…
Tashe': Nate- I know you don't see eye to eye with a lot of people in
your family…especially your brother but, this trip is really going
to mean a lot and probably do a lot of good for your relationship with
him.
Nate: Tashe' I know you think things might get better with my family
but I doubt it. My brother continues to get more worse as the days go
by and it'll take a miracle If anything gets better with him. I've
told you just some of the things that he's done that's hurt me and my
family but this has been going on since I was a little kid so, you
have to understand everything that I'm going to be dealing with once I
leave.
Tashe': I do understand…just promise me that you'll keep a open mind
to any good that'll come out of this ok. This trip will not be a waste
you're bound to get something you wanted and needed out of it. Ok?
Nate: ... Ok… at least I'll see my mom and my aunt oh and can't
forget my sister-in-law and my niece and nephew. They bring joy to me
no matter how far away I am.
Tashe': What about your grandma and your uncle? He's been married to
your aunt for seven years so, you've had a lot of time to bond with
him,
Nate: Yeah my grandma gives me a lot of joy but she's always
criticizing my mom and she just talks too much and you know she must
talk a lot If I'm complaining about that since, everyone in my family
including me talks a lot. As for that lush he's my second source of
aggravation next to my brother.
Tashe': Oh well I see your point.
Nate: I also hate packing If you haven't noticed. I started packing a
few days ago then I just let my bags sit in the corner collecting dust
and now here I am rushing to pack the day before even though this
could've been done a few days ago.
Tashe': You're not the only procrastinator in the world. Only reason
why I get something done on time is because I really want to do it
and as for something I don't really care about… it'll get done at
the last minute. That's probably why you're finishing your packing
now.
Nate: You took the words right out of my mouth.
(Nate looks into his suitcase and notices he forgot something)
Nate: Almost forgot my favorite pants.
(Nate gets up and begins to head to his room off in the side)
Nate: You know I call them my lucky pants.
Tashe': And why is that?
Nate: (Off stage) Every time I wear them something great always
happens to me.
Tashe': Oh really? And you actually believe that when you wear them?
Nate: (Off stage) I've never been wrong. That's why I intend to wear
them on the trip on one of the days. I'm going to need everything and
anything that's good to help me while I'm gone.
Tashe': You don't need luck to make it through the days with your
family. You're going to be fine but, I'll tell you now that a pair of
pants won't alleviate your problems.
Nate:(Offstage) Yeah well you'll see. Expect me to call you on the day
I have them on just so you can hear me say I told you so.
Tashe': I'll be expecting you to call me to say that I was right and
you were wrong.
(doorbell rings)
Tashe': Hey Nate someone's at the door do you want me to get it?
Nate: (Offstage) Yeah you can I'll be out in a minute.
Tashe': Ok.
(Tashe' heads to the door and recognizes who it is and lets him in)
Zack: Hey Tashe'! Nate's here right?
Tashe': Yeah he's just back in his room right now but he'll be coming
out right now to greet you.
Zack: Cool.
(Tashe' and Zack walk towards the center)
(Zack notices Nate's suit case and is confused)
Zack: ...Why is there a suit case out?
Tashe': Nate didn't tell you? Well he's going-
(Nate walks out and greets Zack)
Nate: Zack? Hey! What are you doing here?
Zack: Hey! Oh you know I was stopping by and seeing how you were
doing. What's with the suitcase? Are you going on a vacation or a?...