Amy and Maynard – An Old Fashioned Tale of Young Love

Below we present the complete text of Amy and Maynard – An Old Fashioned Tale of Young Love; episode 2  of Experimental Plays.

EXPERIMENTAL PLAYS

EPISODE #2 – AMY AND MAYNARD – AN OLD FASHIONED TALE OF YOUNG LOVE

by Philip Craig Robotham

Cover Illustration by Miyukiko

Unedited Draft

Copyright 2013 Philip Craig Robotham

Creative Commons Attritubution Non Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) Edition .

This play is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) International license. This play may not be commercially reproduced, performed, or sold.   Non-commercial production, performance, and reproduction is allowed under this license so long as attribution is maintained.  No derivative content or use is allowed.  It can be freely shared in its current form (without change) under this license.  If you would like to purchase one or more copies of this work (for your own personal non-commercial use, or to help financially support the author) then please return to https://www.weirdworlstudios.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Episode 2: Amy and Maynard – An Old Fashioned Tale of Young Love

Amy, Maynard, and Pam have been friends since they were small children, but this year Pam returns from her holiday abroad with a new determination – to keep Maynard for herself.  Can Amy weather her best friends ruthless determination and emerge triumphant?

EXPERIMENTAL TALES

CAST LIST

NARRATOR: The Narrator

NICKI: Maynard’s sister

AMY: Our heroine, deeply in love with Maynard.

PAM: Our antagonist, ready to steal Maynard away.

MAYNARD: Clueless local boy.

SFX ARTIST: Minimum one required

ACT 1

SCENE 1 :    EXT – CRICKET GROUND – LATE AFTERNOON (NICKI, AMY)

1. SOUND: RAIN AND WIND, AND THE MURMUR OF A SMALL CROWD WATCHING CRICKET – ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
2. NICKI: It’s horribly wet out here, Amy.
3. AMY: (GOOD NATURED) No one asked you to come, you little blister.
4. NICKI: I had to see it for myself.
5. AMY: See what?
6. NICKI: See you… here… in the rain… and the mud.
7. AMY: Seriously, Nicki?
8. NICKI:   When I heard you were coming out in this dreadful weather to watch Maynard play cricket I couldn’t believe it.
9. AMY: So you’re standing out here in the same weather because… why?
10. NICKI: Basically, because I’m insufferably nosey… and because he’s my big brother… so I’ve got a right.
11. SOUND: CROWD CHEERS – LET IT FINISH?
12. NICKI:   What just happened?
13. AMY: I’ve no idea.
14. NICKI: (BEAT) Weird game isn’t it? I’ve got no idea why people are so mad about it.
15. AMY: Me either.
16. NICKI: So, why did you come?
17. AMY: It’s 1953.  I can vote and hold a job and I’m allowed to stand in the rain and watch people play an incomprehensible sport if I want to.
18. NICKI: (MATTER OF FACT) You’re in love with him.
19. AMY: What???
20. NICKI: It’s alright.  I won’t tell anyone if you don’t want anyone to know.  But you’ve always been in love with him.  And I’ve always known.  But that’s not the reason you’re here.  (BEAT) Well it is, of course, but it’s not the only reason.  I want to know the rest of it as well.
21. AMY: You’re not going to leave me alone are you?
22. NICKI: We’re standing in the mud and rain in the heart of England’s rural middle class watching a game neither of us enjoys or understands.  You don’t honestly think I intend to brave the elements like this and then go home empty handed? I’m not leaving until I get what I came for.
23. AMY: And that is?
24. NICKI: The story of course.  Maynard came home with a bloodied nose after your trip out this morning.  You’ve got to admit, that’s fairly curious.  And then he rushes off and I find out you’ve agreed to come watch him play cricket.  (BEAT)  There’s a story here, I said to myself… and I want to get to the bottom of it.
25. AMY: Alright you wretched little busy-body… You know that Pam was coming back from the hols today and that Maynard and I went to wait for her at the train station this morning, right?  And you know how we’ve always spent our holidays together, since the three of us were little, yes?
26. NICKI: (SULLENLY) Yeah, and I also know you never let me tag along.
27. AMY: Oh, don’t be so bitter.  You were always a lot younger than the rest of us.
28. NICKI: Only by four years…
29. AMY: (CHANGING SUBJECT) Anyway…
30. MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 2:     (EXT) THE TRAIN STATION – MORNING
(NICKI, AMY)

31. SOUND: (WALLA) STEAM TRAIN SHUNTING TO A STOP – BUSTLING CROWD – ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
32. AMY: (EXCITED) Can you see her, Maynard?
33. MAYNARD: Keep your hair on. The train’s only just stopped.   What’s got you so wound up?.  It’s only been two weeks, hasn’t it?
34. AMY: I know, but Pam’s been hinting that she’s going to school abroad next term and this may be the last chance we’ll have to be together, all of us I mean, for a long time.  Besides, it’s only been two weeks for me, but you haven’t seen Pam for most of the year.
35. MAYNARD: Well, they’d hardly let the two of you come up and visit me at Swinton’s, would they? It’s a boys’ school after all.  Anyway, it’s not like I’m not happy to see her again… so long as the two of you don’t get too soppy on me.  I want to show you my new duck call down by the pond.
36. AMY: There she is!  Wow, look at her Maynard, she’s gorgeous… Maynard?
37. MAYNARD:   (ASTONISHED) When did she start dressing up like that?
38. PAM: (IGNORING AMY AND USING A COME HITHER VOICE) Hi Maynard.  It’s good to see you again.  My, but you’ve grown up, haven’t you?
39. AMY: (UNCERTAIN) Uh… hi Pam, you look beautiful in that dress.  And I love the new hairstyle.
40. PAM: (AS IF NOTICING HER FOR THE FIRST TIME) Oh, Amy?    It’s the latest thing. Cost scads of money, but daddy wanted to spoil me a little.  You’re looking… lovely… as ever.  Those are very nice… um… boots.
41. AMY: I’m so glad you’re here.  I thought we could all walk across the fields this morning… visit some of our old haunts?  And Maynard wants to visit the old pond.
42. PAM: That sounds wonderful.  But Maynard, dear, don’t you think it would be nice to have ourselves a little picnic.  I’ve brought some sandwiches.
43. MAYNARD: .. sure…that sounds great, doesn’t it Amy?
44. PAM: Hmm?  Oh yes. I suppose Amy can come too.  (BEAT) But let’s be off, I’ve so much to tell you about my holiday (FADE OUT)

SCENE 3:     (EXT) CRICKET GROUND AGAIN – LATE AFTERNOON
(NICKI, AMY)

45. SOUND: RAIN, MURMUR OF CRICKET CROWD IN BACKGROUND – ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
46. NICKI: What a cow!  I hope you scratched her eyes out!
47. AMY: Mostly I was just… shocked.  Pam always acts a bit superior around me, but never like this.  It was like she’d suddenly declared a silent war between us.
48. NICKI: Then what happened?
49. AMY: Well I tagged along after them and we headed towards the lower fields…
50. NICKI: Down beyond the creek? Did you  take the bridge or the stones?
51. AMY: We went down to the stepping stones…

SCENE 4:     (EXT) A FIELD NEAR A BROOK – MID MORNING
(PAM, MAYNARD, AMY)

52. SOUND: BREEZE, OCCASIONAL BIRDS, PERHAPS A COW – FADE IN, ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
53. PAM: (FADE UP)  … then dad went haring after them swinging his cane through the air like a sword.  I don’t think they knew quite how to react… besides running away of course.
54. MAYNARD: (LAUGHING) Oh, I wish I could have been there. That would have been a riot to see first hand. Don’t you think Amy?
55. PAM: Oh, I’m sure Amy would have found it all a bit too… energetic… for her tastes.
56. SOUND: BROOK (FADE IN ESTABLISH AND UNDER)
57. PAM: Isn’t that the stream, Maynard?
58. MAYNARD: .. and there are the stones.
59. PAM: Be a dear, Maynard, and help me get across.  I’d hate to slip in these shoes.
60. MAYNARD: Yes, of course, Pam.
61. AMY: Hold on a moment and I’ll just get my boots off.
62. MAYNARD: Sure, we’ll…
63. PAM:     Oh, you’ll catch up, won’t you Amy?  Come on, Maynard.
64. MAYNARD: .. sure… um.
65. PAM: This way.
66. MAYNARD: You’re sure you don’t need any help, Amy?
67. AMY: I’m fine. (UNDER BREATH) Like I’m going to pretend to be some helpless little doe…  oh, look at her!  How does she do it?  She manages to look helpless and inhumanly graceful all at the same time. (GRUNTS) Ugh.  That’s one boot.  Now for the other. (GRUNTS AGAIN) Urk! (PANTS A LITTLE). There.
68. SOUND: SOUND OF BROOK SWELLS – UP AND UNDER.
69. AMY: Oh no!  Whoah!  Whoah! (SCREAMS) Aaah!
70. SOUND: LOUD SPLASH – LET IT FINISH.
71. PAM AND MAYNARD : (LAUGHTER – GOOD NATURED FROM MAYNARD, CRUEL FROM PAM) Hahahaha (FADE OUT).

SCENE 5:     (EXT) AT THE CRICKET AGAIN – LATE AFTERNOON
(NICKI, AMY)

72. SOUND: RAIN, MURMUR OF CRICKET CROWD IN BACKGROUND – ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
73. NICKI: (EXCITED) You fell in!
74. AMY: You don’t have to sound so happy about it!
75. NICKI: Sorry, but it is a little funny.  What happened?
76. AMY: I slipped on some moss as I was using the stones.  I was so angry, and in such a hurry to catch up to them that I just wasn’t paying enough attention.  I climbed out of the water all covered in duckweed and algae.
77. NICKI: (REVOLTED) Ugh.  You must have looked and smelled dreadful.
78. AMY: You’re just like Maynard, no help at all.

SCENE 6:     (EXT) AT THE BROOK – MID MORNING
(AMY, MAYNARD, PAM)

79. SOUND: FADE IN BROOK – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
80. AMY: (SOBBING) Oh no!  My dress.
81. SOUND: SLOSHING AS SHE CLIMBS UP BANK – LET IT FINISH.
82. MAYNARD: (LAUGHING) Oh, come on Amy, it’s funny! You should see yourself.
83. PAM: (REVOLTED) Ugh, Amy, you smell terrible.  I think you’d better go home and change.
84. MAYNARD: (GENTLY) Never mind, Amy. We’ll be fine without you for a bit.
85. SOUND: PUNCH AND BODY DROP – LET IT FINISH.
86. AMY: You frightful little brute, Maynard. I might as well be invisible for all the attention you two have paid me today.  And I was so looking forward to today… and my dress is ruined.
87. PAM: (IRRITATED AND VICTORIOUS) Don’t be so dramatic, Amy.  You’ve gone and knocked Maynard down.  It’s not his fault you fell in.  Come  on, Maynard.  Let me help you up.  Are you hurt, darling?
88. AMY: (SOB) Oh!
89. SOUND: AMY RUNS AWAY –  FADE OUT.

SCENE 7:     (EXT) AT THE CRICKET AGAIN – LATE AFTERNOON
(NICKI, AMY)

90. SOUND: RAIN, MURMUR OF CRICKET CROWD IN BACKGROUND – ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
91. NICKI: What? You punched him in the nose and ran off?
92. AMY: (ASHAMED) Yes.
93. NICKI: Don’t be embarrassed.  If I flattened Maynard with one punch I’d be overjoyed.
94. AMY: Why am I not surprised?
95. NICKI: (BEAT) So…?
96. AMY: So? That’s it.  Story over.
97. NICKI: No it’s not.  It still doesn’t explain what you’re doing here.  Come on… spill!  What time was it when you clocked him?
98. AMY: I don’t know… about eleven thirty I should think.
99. NICKI:   Well he obviously didn’t end up going on the picnic.
100. AMY: Really?
101. NICKI: He came home with blood running down his face from where you hit him, grabbed a sandwich and disappeared into his room.  He wouldn’t tell me anything.  And then he left.  It was your mum who said you were heading off to watch him play Cricket.
102. AMY: You spoke to my mum?
103. NICKI: Yes, I telephoned. I told you I was nosey.
104. AMY: Good grief!
105. SOUND: A CHEER – LET IT FINISH.
106. NICKI: I think someone did something important again.
107. AMY: Looks like someone hit the ball.
108. NICKI: Does this game make any sense at all?
109. AMY: Probably, but not to me.
110. NICKI: Me either.  ..?  How did you end up here?
111. AMY: I was in my room crying like a dope.  I honestly thought our friendship was over… but Maynard came to the front door…

SCENE 8:     (EXT) AT AMY’S HOUSE – EARLY AFTERNOON
(AMY, MAYNARD)

112. SOUND: KNOCKING ON DOOR – LET IT FINISH.
113. SOUND: DOOR OPENS – LET IT FINISH.
114. AMY: Oh, it’s you.
115. SOUND: DOOR STARTS TO CLOSE – LET IT FINISH.
116. MAYNARD: No, wait… I just want to talk.
117. AMY: (COLDLY) Alright.
118. MAYNARD: The weather’s clouding over. I think it might be wet at the Cricket this afternoon.
119. AMY: What?  That’s all you want to say?
120. MAYNARD: No, it’s just…
121. AMY: (COLDLY) Did I hurt you?
122. MAYNARD: Huh? No, just my pride… (EXCITED) But it was a darn good shot… (SHEEPISH) I mean… um… (LONG BEAT) Pam’s leaving. (LONG SILENCE THEN RUSHING ON) I tried to tell her about being selected for the cricket but she said she couldn’t abide the sport. (FULL OF HURT) Can you imagine that? Someone being unable to abide cricket?
123. AMY: (UNDER BREATH) All to easily.
124. MAYNARD: Pardon?
125. AMY: What do you want Maynard?
126. MAYNARD: .. well, anyway… she’s leaving tomorrow, going away to school abroad. (PREGNANT PAUSE MET WITH STONY SILENCE).
127. MAYNARD: Anyway, I’m sorry. I know we were being brutes.  It’s just she was so… I don’t know… different.  If it’s any consolation, I think she probably did it on purpose.
128. AMY: (SURPRISED) What?
129. MAYNARD: She’s always been smart and a little conceited, but I never realised before today that she could be cruel. I think she knew she was going away and didn’t want to be the only one missing out. I think she did it just to see if she could separate us all… almost like an experiment…. and I walked right into it like an idiot.  I’m sorry… well, I’m sorry.  That’s all.
130. AMY: (QUIETLY, ALMOST TO SELF) Pam was right you know, you really have grown up. (DEEP BREATH) Alright.  We’re still friends.
131. MAYNARD: (WITH RELIEF) I’m glad. (EMBARRASSED) Because, um…
132. AMY: What?
133. MAYNARD: Well, I was wondering…?
134. AMY: Yes
135. MAYNARD: I was wondering…
136. AMY: Uh-huh?
137. MAYNARD: (BLURTING IT OUT) I was wondering if you’d like to come and watch me play cricket this afternoon?
138. SOUND: THUNDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 9:     (EXT) – AT THE CRICKET AGAIN – LATE AFTERNOON
(NICKI, AMY)

139. SOUND: RAIN, MURMUR OF CRICKET CROWD IN BACKGROUND – ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
140. NICKI:  You’re kidding?
141. AMY: What?
142. NICKI: He didn’t kiss you?
143. AMY: (SHOCKED) Nicki!
144. NICKI: Oh, don’t give me that.  You look like you’d find all heaven in a kiss.
145. AMY: (CONFUSED) Uh…
146. NICKI: What an idiot my brother is!  And you?  Here you are standing in the rain and you didn’t even get a kiss.
147. AMY: Well, what about you?  You’re standing here with me.  Besides, I don’t even know if he likes me that way.
148. NICKI:   Oh Amy, you’ve got nothing to worry about.  An invitation to the cricket from Maynard is like being offered half his kingdom.
149. AMY: (HESITANT) Really?
150. NICKI:   (BEAT) How long do we have to stand here for anyway?
151. AMY: I’ve no idea… but suddenly it feels like the sun is out again.
152. NICKI: Oh, please!
153. MUSIC: CLOSING THEME – LET IT FINISH.

CASTING SHEETS — MAJOR CHARACTERS

NARRATOR: Hello, I am your spooky voiced narrator. I introduce the cold stormy nights on which our stories take place, the dark alleys, and darker personalities who inhabit the lonely city. It is my job to set the scene and establish the serious tone of suspense and intrigue that will carry the story forwards. I do this with a creepy laugh and ghoulish enthusiasm for the misery that is about to be unleashed upon the characters.

NICKI: Everyone thinks of me as “Maynard’s kid sister”. They all ignore me, but I sometimes wonder if they have half a brain between them. I mean, I may not be as old as they are, but at least I can see what’s directly in front of my face. “You wouldn’t understand”, they say. Who are they kidding. I understand better than any of them.

AMY: I’m too nice. That’s what Pam is always telling me. If I want something, I should set out to take it. Maybe there are people in the world that can really live life that way. Pam seems to be one. But I’m not one of them. One day he’ll see me. If I’m patient. That’s what I really want. For him to see me the way that I’ve always seen him.

PAM: I hate coming home to this boring village with its boring people and boring ambitions. I mean really, two bake sales and a new stained glass window is hardly earth-shattering news. Amy’s a dear, but I can’t see us being friends for much longer. She’s just so… wet. No, I think it’s time I began cutting ties with this place once and for all. It won’t be long now, and I’ll never have to come back again.

MAYNARD: A blue sky, a packed lunch, and some cricket. That’s my definition of heaven. I’ve been selected for the village eleven this summer. It’s great. I’ve been practicing my bowling every day. My spin is getting good and I can bowl a passable googly and yorker at need. I can’t bat to save myself of course, but I still make four or five runs before I’m out. This is going to be the best summer ever!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Philip Craig Robotham grew up in a house full of books and has held numerous jobs as a teacher, computer programmer, graphic and web designer, e-learning consultant and, most recently, writer. He currently lives in Victoria, Australia with his wife and two sons. When he was younger and fitter he enjoyed martial arts, but in recent years his hobbies have tended towards more sedate fare (board games, movies, books, and role-playing games).

He is extremely grateful for the encouragement he receives from his biggest fans — his wife and two boys — all of whom read and enjoy his scripts and, in general, make his life worth living.

You can contact the author regarding performance rights (or simply to say hello) through his website: https://weirdworldstudios.com.

THE END

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This post and all its content is copyright © 2013 Philip Craig Robotham and has been released under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) license. This play cannot be reproduced, shared, or performed commercially without the written permission of the author.  The production of derivative content, merchandise, or creative works and materials is expressly forbidden under this agreement. However you may share, reproduce, and perform this play freely so long as authorship is acknowledged, no money changes hands, and the play is not modified in any way.

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