Post by EarlyBird on Feb 21, 2008 8:48:41 GMT 9.5
This is characters from the designated mourner, my first attempt at this so hope you will like them.
Judy and Jack are husband and wife. Judy is Miranda's character.
Judy: I always pictured us being together for a long time. Not that my dad wouldn't try his hardest to make me think differently. They just didn't seem to get on no matter how hard I tried to get them to communicate with one another. I remember one time when we were first together...I was sitting in the lounge of the house watching the news. It was about the killings again and I started crying. (Gives a small laugh even through sadness). And you know Jack...he just looked at me like I was out of my mind. Until of course when he noticed our friends were amongst those slain.
Jack: Judy always wanted everything perfect. Perfect house, perfect husband perfect life. She knew I was not in any sense perfect...though that didn't seem to bother her. Anyway...one afternoon we were sitting together and she looked at me as if I was a stranger. I was so close to just shouting 'what are you looking at'. But instead I just stared into her eyes; she seemed so helpless like a china doll. One of those ones that's broken and chipped. Not that she was having a breakdown or anything (waves his hands in front of him gesturing). But...it got to the point where I felt I was stuck at a traffic light. And I had no way out. So I was determined to leave.
Judy: He said he wanted to leave but that he still cared about me. He hardly ever said love because it was such a hard word for him to say. Almost like a language he didn't fully understand. (Sighs) Then I just told him to go, if that was what would make him truly happy...just go.
Jack: But of course I couldn't go, she started to tear up and I was like here we go. So I put my arms around her and held her tried to comfort her. Next thing you know we're taking our clothes off and...Well you know what happened after that.
Judy: The next morning I half expected to see an empty space in the bed beside me. But instead I woke to Jack's laud snoring. I tapped him awake asked how he was and he responded with a smile. Then...he kissed me. It seemed maybe for once everything was as it should be.
Jack: I still wanted to leave the house though. Don't get me wrong I really didn't want to leave Judy. (Sighs deeply) So I told her I had got a place she could live with me or stay with her dad.
Well if you know Judy you would know this was a huge mistake.
Judy: I told Jack I didn't want to leave my father alone in his old age. But Jack assured me he could take care of himself. Which in my heart I knew was true.
Jack: So after so long what seemed like years we got our own place. But then her father couldn't help but worm his way in again. He said he was sick so sick that he could still lift a ton a fire wood up and down a driveway. (Raises his eyebrows).
Years later
Jack: When I look back I realise that no matter how much Judy sometimes ticked me off. Or how ever much her father would hate me. (Looks up tears in his eyes) I missed them. Judy was gone and it felt like the huge weight I had lifted had fallen from the sky landing directly on top of me.
But I knew Judy would always be with me, she always had a habit of following me wherever I went. Judy was my wife...my friend...and my soul mate. I should have realised this when she was here but now she's not. But I'll never forget her. Ever.
This is more of before what happened to Judy.
Jack: Howard was one of those fathers that wanted you dead. You'd go round with a bunch of flowers for Judy and he'd respond with a sarcastic comment at the reason you brought them in the first place. So I gave up on bringing flowers. Judy liked them though so if I ever brought her anything I'd give it to her someplace else never ever in front of her father.
I remember one time I came over to the house (touches his chin in thought). I was holding a bunch of flowers waiting at the door I came in gave them to Judy. Then a deathly silence entered the room. Judy sensed this and asked her father what was wrong. He simply said 'I think his intentions aren't honourable'. (Rolls his eyes) My intentions weren't honourable...I had brought her flowers not a pregnancy test. So continues the craziness.
Judy: Jack was not exactly a romantic. He was more of the type that took one to the cinema in a hope of making out in the back row. (Sighs and shakes her head). It seemed to me that me and Jack were not soul mates exactly. I mean we were so different, like two people who should never ever be in the same room together. (Pauses sighing deeply) One night he took me back to his place and it was past ten. My father came racing over in his car banging on the door. I blushed looked out the window and saw him standing there. And without a single word (pauses, quieter) I left. Guess that shows what kind of power he had over his own daughter. He was the man of the house. Abide by his rules or live on your own. (Back to full speaking voice) But at that moment I was not ready to live on my own, so as quiet as a mouse I scurried off with my father. And vanished into the night. (Lights go off, so she is sitting in darkness).
Jack: Judy and I always had fights as does every couple (plainly). And it would be over stupid little things like leaving stuff around the house. Or giving her father a reason to complain. (Pauses) I found it so utterly hilarious when one day she came to me and accused me of having an affair. And before you say anything I did not have an affair. I did not cheat on Judy. So it went on for about three hours, her accusing me. Me sticking up for myself yarda yarda yarda. Until finally I snapped, I said you know what if you think I'm cheating I am. Good day and goodnight.
Judy: I looked at him in total shock for what seemed like an hour. But must have only been a minute or so. (Presses her lips together). Was he saying he had been unfaithful or was he just trying to shut me up? (Sighs taking a long pause). I asked him again much calmer then the times before. 'Have you cheated?' and he said no. He claimed he shouted that at me to keep me quiet, because I was like every other woman he's known. A nag, a nagging wife so he called it. Why did we stay together is a question I always asked myself. Why put yourself through this if you cannot trust him. The simple reason was love. I loved him and I was not letting him go without a fight. Plus I didn't want a divorce on my shoulders, not if I could help it.
Howard: I never much liked Jack. He was too hands on if you know what I mean. Then he decided he was going to take her away from me. I knew what she had come to say the moment she laid eyes on me. She looked down at the floor and muttered the words 'we're leaving'. Turns out he got them a new place (leans forward). A place where he could be alone with Judy no doubt. He knew as long as he lived under my roof I'd protect her. She is my daughter after all. Since her mother died I was all she had, and I was not about to let some rat steal her away from her home.
(Pauses) Weeks past and I started feeling ill; I still did work of course. I'm a working man and I'll die a working man. I told Judy and she offered to come stay with me. On condition that Jack was to move in with us. Well I didn't much like Jack coming back into my life but realising he was making her somewhat happy I chose to swallow my pride.
Judy: How are you feeling today father? (Sitting beside him she smiles).
Howard: Better (to her, then looks back at the camera). I was better, my daughter was home and peace of mind was restored.
Years later
Judy: (silent looking down at her hands). I was asleep...it was a night like any other. The gentle breeze not coming from the window as father insisted we kept them locked. I heard a loud bang from downstairs. Ran to the window and saw men outside the house. (Looks up) I realised then why father wanted the windows locked. (Silent) I walked downstairs and stayed still, calm almost. Knowing if I stalled them long enough father could escape somewhere. (Shakes her head) Father made his way to the back door just as I answered the front. (Tearing up) Then I heard another noise...the sound of my father being beaten. I looked at the men before rushing over to try to stop them. One man grabbed me and pulled me away. I remember the feel of his leather gloves on my bare arms. (Shivers) Then I heard the last words escape his lips 'let her live' he said. Without any other warning the man made the final blow. I found myself clutching onto this stranger as I did not want to look upon these vile actions. (Wipes her eyes). I tried so hard to be stronger, but I was weak. A trait my father said he wished I could be rid of. So now...I refuse to be weak. I rang my husband and told him I needed a place to stay. He told me he'd pick me up. At the sight of me he must have known what had happened. From the tone of my voice I had.
(Pauses as she bites her bottom lip). We got to Jack's house and I just sat staring...staring straight ahead of me as if nothing else mattered.
Jack: So I sat with her. Told her how much I loved her, she gave a faint smile at me held me close and didn't let go.
I sat with her all night. Wondering how this would change her. If now she'd want to try to sort things out with me. I kissed Judy awake the next day joined my hand with hers and smiled the best I could. 'It's a new day' I whispered to her, her face looked up at mine and she put back on her wedding ring. Howard was a good man, despite us not getting along. I knew Judy also needed time to adjust, and I had to allow for that time. Or they'd be hell to pay.
Judy: (gives a slight smile) He made me breakfast and he danced around the kitchen with me. Even after what had happened the night before I still managed to give him a smile. Showing him how much it meant that for once in our lives he was showing me how he felt. Me and Jack stayed together after that. While it lasted.
Judy and Jack are husband and wife. Judy is Miranda's character.
Judy: I always pictured us being together for a long time. Not that my dad wouldn't try his hardest to make me think differently. They just didn't seem to get on no matter how hard I tried to get them to communicate with one another. I remember one time when we were first together...I was sitting in the lounge of the house watching the news. It was about the killings again and I started crying. (Gives a small laugh even through sadness). And you know Jack...he just looked at me like I was out of my mind. Until of course when he noticed our friends were amongst those slain.
Jack: Judy always wanted everything perfect. Perfect house, perfect husband perfect life. She knew I was not in any sense perfect...though that didn't seem to bother her. Anyway...one afternoon we were sitting together and she looked at me as if I was a stranger. I was so close to just shouting 'what are you looking at'. But instead I just stared into her eyes; she seemed so helpless like a china doll. One of those ones that's broken and chipped. Not that she was having a breakdown or anything (waves his hands in front of him gesturing). But...it got to the point where I felt I was stuck at a traffic light. And I had no way out. So I was determined to leave.
Judy: He said he wanted to leave but that he still cared about me. He hardly ever said love because it was such a hard word for him to say. Almost like a language he didn't fully understand. (Sighs) Then I just told him to go, if that was what would make him truly happy...just go.
Jack: But of course I couldn't go, she started to tear up and I was like here we go. So I put my arms around her and held her tried to comfort her. Next thing you know we're taking our clothes off and...Well you know what happened after that.
Judy: The next morning I half expected to see an empty space in the bed beside me. But instead I woke to Jack's laud snoring. I tapped him awake asked how he was and he responded with a smile. Then...he kissed me. It seemed maybe for once everything was as it should be.
Jack: I still wanted to leave the house though. Don't get me wrong I really didn't want to leave Judy. (Sighs deeply) So I told her I had got a place she could live with me or stay with her dad.
Well if you know Judy you would know this was a huge mistake.
Judy: I told Jack I didn't want to leave my father alone in his old age. But Jack assured me he could take care of himself. Which in my heart I knew was true.
Jack: So after so long what seemed like years we got our own place. But then her father couldn't help but worm his way in again. He said he was sick so sick that he could still lift a ton a fire wood up and down a driveway. (Raises his eyebrows).
Years later
Jack: When I look back I realise that no matter how much Judy sometimes ticked me off. Or how ever much her father would hate me. (Looks up tears in his eyes) I missed them. Judy was gone and it felt like the huge weight I had lifted had fallen from the sky landing directly on top of me.
But I knew Judy would always be with me, she always had a habit of following me wherever I went. Judy was my wife...my friend...and my soul mate. I should have realised this when she was here but now she's not. But I'll never forget her. Ever.
This is more of before what happened to Judy.
Jack: Howard was one of those fathers that wanted you dead. You'd go round with a bunch of flowers for Judy and he'd respond with a sarcastic comment at the reason you brought them in the first place. So I gave up on bringing flowers. Judy liked them though so if I ever brought her anything I'd give it to her someplace else never ever in front of her father.
I remember one time I came over to the house (touches his chin in thought). I was holding a bunch of flowers waiting at the door I came in gave them to Judy. Then a deathly silence entered the room. Judy sensed this and asked her father what was wrong. He simply said 'I think his intentions aren't honourable'. (Rolls his eyes) My intentions weren't honourable...I had brought her flowers not a pregnancy test. So continues the craziness.
Judy: Jack was not exactly a romantic. He was more of the type that took one to the cinema in a hope of making out in the back row. (Sighs and shakes her head). It seemed to me that me and Jack were not soul mates exactly. I mean we were so different, like two people who should never ever be in the same room together. (Pauses sighing deeply) One night he took me back to his place and it was past ten. My father came racing over in his car banging on the door. I blushed looked out the window and saw him standing there. And without a single word (pauses, quieter) I left. Guess that shows what kind of power he had over his own daughter. He was the man of the house. Abide by his rules or live on your own. (Back to full speaking voice) But at that moment I was not ready to live on my own, so as quiet as a mouse I scurried off with my father. And vanished into the night. (Lights go off, so she is sitting in darkness).
Jack: Judy and I always had fights as does every couple (plainly). And it would be over stupid little things like leaving stuff around the house. Or giving her father a reason to complain. (Pauses) I found it so utterly hilarious when one day she came to me and accused me of having an affair. And before you say anything I did not have an affair. I did not cheat on Judy. So it went on for about three hours, her accusing me. Me sticking up for myself yarda yarda yarda. Until finally I snapped, I said you know what if you think I'm cheating I am. Good day and goodnight.
Judy: I looked at him in total shock for what seemed like an hour. But must have only been a minute or so. (Presses her lips together). Was he saying he had been unfaithful or was he just trying to shut me up? (Sighs taking a long pause). I asked him again much calmer then the times before. 'Have you cheated?' and he said no. He claimed he shouted that at me to keep me quiet, because I was like every other woman he's known. A nag, a nagging wife so he called it. Why did we stay together is a question I always asked myself. Why put yourself through this if you cannot trust him. The simple reason was love. I loved him and I was not letting him go without a fight. Plus I didn't want a divorce on my shoulders, not if I could help it.
Howard: I never much liked Jack. He was too hands on if you know what I mean. Then he decided he was going to take her away from me. I knew what she had come to say the moment she laid eyes on me. She looked down at the floor and muttered the words 'we're leaving'. Turns out he got them a new place (leans forward). A place where he could be alone with Judy no doubt. He knew as long as he lived under my roof I'd protect her. She is my daughter after all. Since her mother died I was all she had, and I was not about to let some rat steal her away from her home.
(Pauses) Weeks past and I started feeling ill; I still did work of course. I'm a working man and I'll die a working man. I told Judy and she offered to come stay with me. On condition that Jack was to move in with us. Well I didn't much like Jack coming back into my life but realising he was making her somewhat happy I chose to swallow my pride.
Judy: How are you feeling today father? (Sitting beside him she smiles).
Howard: Better (to her, then looks back at the camera). I was better, my daughter was home and peace of mind was restored.
Years later
Judy: (silent looking down at her hands). I was asleep...it was a night like any other. The gentle breeze not coming from the window as father insisted we kept them locked. I heard a loud bang from downstairs. Ran to the window and saw men outside the house. (Looks up) I realised then why father wanted the windows locked. (Silent) I walked downstairs and stayed still, calm almost. Knowing if I stalled them long enough father could escape somewhere. (Shakes her head) Father made his way to the back door just as I answered the front. (Tearing up) Then I heard another noise...the sound of my father being beaten. I looked at the men before rushing over to try to stop them. One man grabbed me and pulled me away. I remember the feel of his leather gloves on my bare arms. (Shivers) Then I heard the last words escape his lips 'let her live' he said. Without any other warning the man made the final blow. I found myself clutching onto this stranger as I did not want to look upon these vile actions. (Wipes her eyes). I tried so hard to be stronger, but I was weak. A trait my father said he wished I could be rid of. So now...I refuse to be weak. I rang my husband and told him I needed a place to stay. He told me he'd pick me up. At the sight of me he must have known what had happened. From the tone of my voice I had.
(Pauses as she bites her bottom lip). We got to Jack's house and I just sat staring...staring straight ahead of me as if nothing else mattered.
Jack: So I sat with her. Told her how much I loved her, she gave a faint smile at me held me close and didn't let go.
I sat with her all night. Wondering how this would change her. If now she'd want to try to sort things out with me. I kissed Judy awake the next day joined my hand with hers and smiled the best I could. 'It's a new day' I whispered to her, her face looked up at mine and she put back on her wedding ring. Howard was a good man, despite us not getting along. I knew Judy also needed time to adjust, and I had to allow for that time. Or they'd be hell to pay.
Judy: (gives a slight smile) He made me breakfast and he danced around the kitchen with me. Even after what had happened the night before I still managed to give him a smile. Showing him how much it meant that for once in our lives he was showing me how he felt. Me and Jack stayed together after that. While it lasted.