Change of Plans
By John Cosper
CHARACTERS
Mary-
The mother of Jesus
Lydia-
A friend
Beth-
Mary's cousin, six months pregnant
Gabriel-
An angel
The
setting is modern day, as are all the set pieces and costumes (except the angel
Gabriel). Beth sits on a couch, her belly stuffed to make her look pregnant.
Lydia paces the stage. She peers off stage or out a window on stage.
LYDIA:
She's here!
BETH:
Shh, all right. Calm down. We don't know anything until she tells us.
LYDIA:
I'm so excited. Do you think she'll do a summer wedding? Or spring?
BETH:
Let the girl get engaged first.
LYDIA:
But they are engaged! Right?
BETH:
Shhh! Let her talk when she gets in here.
Mary
enters. Her head is down, her hands behind her back. Lydia jumps onto the couch
next to Beth.
LYDIA:
Well, how did it go?
Mary
looks up, smiles, then holds out her hand - with an engagement ring. Lydia
screams, dances off the couch, and nearly tackles Mary in a hug.
LYDIA:
You're engaged! I'm so happy for you!!
BETH:
Is that thing real?
MARY:
Take a look.
BETH:
Wow. He must have saved up a year for that.
MARY:
It's too big.
LYDIA:
Honey, if he gets you a rock like this, he's a keeper.
BETH:
Oh, congratulations, sweetie.
Beth
hugs Mary.
LYDIA:
So when's the wedding?
MARY:
Wedding? I just got engaged an hour ago!
LYDIA:
And you haven't set a date yet?
MARY:
No, I have not set a date yet.
BETH:
Give her time. Will ya?
LYDIA:
Do you want a spring wedding? Or summer?
MARY:
Spring, probably. That gives us about a year to plan.
LYDIA:
That's hardly enough time! Do you want me to help? I can set some
appointments for you, check out some caterers, a few florists.
MARY:
Lydia, it's okay. It will all get done.
LYDIA:
I'm sorry, I'm just so excited.
MARY:
Well, I'm glad.
BETH:
Are you?
MARY:
Yes, I am. Very glad.
BETH:
Joe's a good man.
MARY:
He is. And he's going to be a great husband.
LYDIA:
And father!
MARY:
And father, yes.
BETH:
All right, Lydia, it's after midnight. Let's get out of the girl's hair
so she can sleep.
LYDIA:
(hugs Mary)
Congratulations again!
MARY:
Thank you.
Lydia
exits. Beth gives Mary a hug.
BETH:
You okay?
MARY:
Yeah. Just a little nervous.
BETH:
That's perfectly natural. I was scared to death when I got engaged.
MARY:
We both have to finish school.
BETH:
I know.
MARY:
I don't want to not get my degree because--
BETH:
You'll get it. And he'll get his.
MARY:
I mean he has his dad's shop to run, but still--
BETH:
Stop worrying. God brought you two together. Whatever happens, I know he has a
plan.
MARY:
Thank you.
Beth
hugs Mary.
MARY:
Thanks, Beth.
BETH:
Good night, Mary.
Beth
exits. Mary sits on the couch, staring at her ring. She takes off her shoes. As
she does, Gabriel enters.
GABRIEL:
Greetings!
Mary
jumps, startled.
GABRIEL:
Do not be afraid, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.
Mary
slips to her knees, shaking in fear.
MARY:
Who are you? How did you--
GABRIEL:
Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child
and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be
great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob
forever; his kingdom will never end.
MARY:
That's impossible. I'm still a virgin. I only got engaged tonight! How can I--
GABRIEL: The
Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow
you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. For nothing is
impossible with God.
MARY:
I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said.
Mary
bows low. Gabriel exits. Mary raises up. She places a hand on her stomach.
MARY:
Is it really possible? How can I-- (she stands, suddenly terrified) How am I going to explain this to
Joe? Why would the Lord choose me? I never-- How can I-- (takes a deep
breath) Beth said
the Lord has a plan. No matter what. I sure hope she's right about that.
Fade to
black.
Copyright 2009 by Righteous
Insanity