Saving Me ©

Scene 1
Josiah: I would get a beating every night for no reason at all. One night it went overboard and I actually fought back. He hit me hard and gave me a black eye. My mom sat there and didn’t do anything. I looked at her from the ground as tears streamed down her face because she couldn’t do anything to stop him. I crawled in my room as he lies there on the sofa holding his groin. I closed the door, locked it and got up, started packing my clothes and the small things that I wanted with me like my PSP. I opened my window, threw my stuff out, and then I followed. I started walking and soon gained speed. I saw a police officer up ahead I stopped before I got to the car and prayed for the officer to understand why I need to ask for a ride or ask to use his cell phone. I hope he doesn’t ask why I, a ten year old kid, would be walking around the neighborhood at midnight. I finally walked up to the car and as he rolled down the window I asked, “Can you take me to my aunt’s house?” He looked at me and I knew he saw the black eye.

Luke: Sure, hop in.

Josiah: I got in the passenger seat and he started to drive. I told him where and who my aunt was. We made small talk and one of the questions was…

Luke: How did you get that black eye?

Josiah: I looked down and said I got in a fight. The rest of the ride was quiet, which was short. When the officer stopped at the apartment we got out and he walked me to the door. I rang the door bell. She didn’t answer through the intercom she came to the door and opened it. My tears started to fall as she wrapped her arms around me.

Dani: You should have called.

Josiah: She held me longer before she let the officer in and we talked and took pictures of the black eye and the bruises. And that’s where my life changes.

Scene 2
(Dani’s Apartment after taking the last picture of the black eye)

Dani: One more picture and this is over. Ok, Joe we’re done. (Kisses his forehead) You need sleep, take my bed and we’ll talk about school in the morning.

Josiah: No, I’ll take the couch.

Dani: Josiah Michael Hamilton, I need to finish up with the paper work. Go on to bed and we’ll talk in the morning. (He nods and leaves) Love you.

Luke: Is that all I need to know?

Dani: I think so. Thank you. Oh and you probably want the pictures of Josiah.

Luke: Yeah, that would be good. (Pause) You taught him how to fight?

Dani: If I didn’t, Joe would be dead and we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I’m proud of him though, he finally fought back.

Luke: He never did before?

Dani: No, he never did Officer…

Luke: Luke. Luke is fine.

Dani: Luke, I’m Dani or Danielle. Anyway, here the pictures are printed out. I hope you get him.

Luke: If I don’t, then someone else will.

Dani: Question… is it kidnapping if Joe came to me and can Joe stay here for as long as he can?

Luke: (Sigh) since I brought him here and he is safe, you didn’t kidnap him and I can’t answer the other question.

Dani: Thanks, I needed to know.

Luke: (nods) I better go and put this in a report.

Dani: Right, well thank you for bringing Joe here and everything you’ve done.

Luke: You’re welcome.

Dani: If you need a laugh Josiah and I are around.

Luke: I’ll keep that in mind. Good night Dani.

Dani: Night Luke.

Scene 3
(Next morning

Dani is in the kitchen making breakfast. Josiah groans after waking up and entering the kitchen.)

Dani: Good Morning Josiah, how did you sleep?

Josiah: I slept like a baby.

Dani: Good, here is your breakfast.

Josiah: Thanks Dani.

Dani: You’re welcome. (Phone rings) I’ll get it. (Answers the phone) Hello...hey… yeah he is here, question; what happened last night that you couldn’t even save your son…Yeah sure…You know what he needs to stay here for a while...and so should you….I’m not kidding… (Looks at Josiah and then moves away) You know he might even kill you…Jess…Jess! (Hangs up the phone) Joe, how are we getting you to school?

Josiah: Sadly I was thinking the same thing.

Dani: (laughs) now I know that you’re not my nephew. Seriously though, I can take you to school, pick you up and then take you to the theatre where you can do homework and learn a little bit of acting or techie work. How’s that sound?

Josiah: That sounds great! I would love that.

Dani: But you have to have all of your homework done first.

Josiah: I will I promise. (Eats his breakfast a little bit) What did mom want?

Dani: To see if you were here and to make sure you were ok.

Josiah: Really?

Dani: (sad smile) really, are you done? We need to get you to school.

Josiah: Ok, I’m going to go change. (Stands and about to walk away)

Dani: Josiah, (he looks back) I love you.

Josiah: I love you too. (Walks back to the other room.)

(Phone rings again.)

Dani: Hello…hi Officer Luke Parker how is the case going…Ok…yeah, I can understand that, you guys are busy…don’t worry about it…Oh I’m taking him to school and then we have plans to go to the theatre why…oh really….well I think I can talk to him and see if he wants to go to dinner tomorrow night....I work on odd nights...ok well, call me later and let me know about the case… Ok Officer…Luke… Bye.

Josiah: (Comes back in to the room) who was that?

Dani: That was Officer Luke Parker; he wants to have dinner with us tomorrow night. I told him it was up to you.

Josiah: Sure why not? You need to go on a date anyway. I hear you haven’t been out much.

Dani: Hey, that’s none of your business; let’s go to your school.

Josiah: Not looking like that you’re not.

(Dani looks at what she is wearing and it was still her pajamas.)

Dani: Yeah, I’ll be right back.

Josiah: (laughing) what would you do without me? And you still need a date!

Dani: (yells from the other room) don’t go there, kid. I’m hurrying.

Scene 4

Josiah: My aunt Danielle has been helping me a lot and of course I’ve been getting to hang out at the theatre and get to learn about acting and technical work. I have also been getting free meals from an Officer Parker who has been eyeing Dani. He has been around a lot and I’m starting to get scared that he is going to take me away from Dani. It’s been a week and I’m not getting hurt and I’m happy. I’m getting better grades than I did when I was at home. Dani is more like a mom…but I can’t help but think when the day will come when my mom and dad tries to come and take me back home. I pray that my mom will get help and my dad, but no matter how much I pray…sometimes I feel that they won’t change. It’s been just 7 days and nothing has happened yet…Dani always said that thinking is dangerous, jokingly of course, it still makes you think.

Dani?

(Sitting on the sofa reading a book)
Dani: Yeah, hon.

Josiah: I’m scared.

Dani: (puts down the book) Come here, why are you scared?

Josiah: I’m scared that someone will come and take me away from you.

Dani: (wraps her arms around him) Joe, if something like that did happen, you know I would fight for you. I would fight until I knew you are going to be with me.

Josiah: What if mom and dad wants me back?

Dani: They probably would want you back, but I wouldn’t want you to go back to them…

Josiah: Is it bad if I miss them?

Dani: No, it’s not bad that you miss them. Do you want to go see them?

Josiah: If that’s ok with you?

Dani: Joe, it would be fine, but we should bring Luke with us. Just so you know, they would want you back and I don’t have custody of you, so that means that you would have to stay with them…

Josiah: No, then I don’t want to see them. Not until I know that I will be safe.

Dani: Do you want to see your mom?

Josiah: Yeah, I do.

Dani: I’ll see what I can do, ok.

Josiah: Ok…Dani?

Dani: Yes?

Josiah: Are you ever going to see Luke without me?

Dani: (laughs) you know what? (Starts tickling him) You are a pain and you’re not even a teenager yet.

Josiah: (laughs) Stop, I give…I give.

Dani: but I love you just the same.

Josiah: I love you too Dani.

Scene 5

Josiah: Dani is finally going out on a date with Luke. This has been an interesting night with Dani actually putting on different dresses and figuring out what to wear.
(Dani walks out and turns around in a dress.)
Hey she’s my aunt what do you expect, I gotta look out for her right?

Dani: How about this Joe?

Josiah: Wow, you know I bet any officer saw you they would want to date you.

Dani: You’re not funny, but thank you.

(Door knocks)

Josiah: I’ll get it.

Dani: Joe…

(Door opens and Cora comes in.)

Josiah: Cora! You’re going to stay until Dani comes back!

Cora: Duh, you silly kid.

Dani: Thanks for coming, Cora. I owe you.

Cora: No you don’t, just because I lost an audition for watching my best friend’s favorite nephew and my favorite kid. What more could I ask for?

Dani: You can guilt me even more, and kick my butt later. How does that sound?

Cora: Perfect! You look good, hopefully you’re date will look the same.

Dani: We are not going to go there.

Josiah: He’s a cop.

Dani: Josiah…

Cora: A cop huh? (Josiah nods) So what’s he like, Joe?

Josiah: He is a nice guy, been after Dani ever since he’s met her.

Dani: Joe, stop that. He was not, more concerned about you than me.

(Door knocks)

Josiah: Can I get it?

Dani: Might as well.

(He answers the door and Luke walks in. Both girls jaws drop, Luke is in a tux)

Luke: How are you Josiah?

Josiah: I’m good and you?

Luke: I’m good too; do you think Dani is ready?

Josiah: Yeah as soon as she gets her jaw off the floor.

Dani: (snaps out of it) Remember that I love you Joe and you will get you’re butt kicked later.

Josiah: Yeah I know, I love you too now go.

Cora: Yeah go ahead we’ll be fine.

Dani: You both have my cell so call me if anything happens…that is bad, like…

Cora: Dani, breathe. Go have fun.

Dani: Ok, I love you Joe. (Kisses his cheek)

Josiah: I love you, just go already?

(Dani and Luke leave)

Josiah: Do you think that she will be ok and actually have fun?

Cora: I guess we’ll find out later.

Scene 6

(Date is over and they are outside of the apartment)

Dani: Luke, I have a question.

Luke: You always have questions.

Dani: Ha, ha. I was wondering if there is a good custody attorney.

Luke: You want Josiah?

Dani: Yeah, I do. I want him to be safe and he is safe with me. I can’t stand the fact that he is going to get hurt when he goes back to his parents.

Luke: I know, I was thinking about it too and I think that you should adopt him and have supervised visits with the parents.

Dani: Do you think my sister would flip her lid when I ask this of her?

Luke: She might think of it as a blessing.

Dani: I care about her too, but she won’t do anything about it.

Luke: I know, I know. Truthfully you can’t do anything other than try to get her to leave him and get a divorce.

Dani: Joe wants to see her. I really want her to see him. I just don’t know how that will work.

Luke: How about you three meeting for lunch? Would that work?

Dani: It might, she calls and talks to me but not Josiah. Why?

Luke: She doesn’t want to let him know that she is weak.

Dani: I should have known that. She does that to me all the time.

Luke: I’m sorry.

Dani: Yeah, well, I better go inside so I can make sure that Joe is in bed and thank you for dinner.

Luke: You’re welcome and thank you for being you.

Dani: You’re sucking up and you’re not good at it.

Luke: I know.

(Dani kisses his cheek)

Dani: Goodnight Luke.

Luke: Goodnight Dani. (He kisses her lips.)

Dani: I have to go. Night Luke.

(Dani leaves him; Luke just stands there as the lights fade)

Scene 7
(Dani in the kitchen making breakfast and Josiah comes into the kitchen)

Josiah: How was the date?

Dani: It was nice.

Josiah: Did he kiss you? Because if he did, am I allowed to kick his butt?

Dani: (laughs) No you can’t kick his butt and yes he did kiss me.

Josiah: You’re happy?

Dani: Yes, I am. Here’s your breakfast and this time I’m changing before I take you to school.

Josiah: Good thinking. Do you think you’ll go out on another date with him? (Dani leaves)

Dani: Maybe…why are you asking?

Josiah: Just wondering. (Phone rings) Can I get it?

Dani: Sure.

Josiah: Hello, Collins residents…hi mom…I’m ok how are you…uh she’ll be here in a minute she went to change…school is good. I’m working hard…learning a lot…mom, don’t cry…please…why don’t you want to see me…I do love you mom…mom…I love you…Dani, it’s mom.

(Dani gets the phone)

Dani: Jess…he wanted to answer the phone…Jess…come on, he loves you…what…are you sure? (Looks at Josiah and walks away again) Jess, I would like to have Josiah in my custody and I was wondering if it would be ok with you…Jess…I wouldn’t keep him away from you, just Rick…I want you to leave him…Jess…JESS! (Hangs up the phone, Dani mumbles) I hate when she hangs up on me.

Josiah: She sounded like she was hurt.

Dani: Josiah, we need to get you to school.

(Josiah stands)

Josiah: Dani? When can I see her?

Dani: Oh baby, I don’t know… (They hug) I just don’t know.

Josiah: Thank you.

Dani: For what?

Josiah: for everything.

Dani: (smiles) go get ready for school. And we’ll talk on the way there.

(Josiah leaves the kitchen as Dani sits there. She picks up the phone and calls Cora)

Dani: Cora…Hey we need to talk…it’s about Joe and his mom…I need advice, (she looks to make sure Joe isn’t around) Jess doesn’t want to see him…yeah; lunch sounds good…see you then Cora. (Hangs up the phone)

Josiah: Hey are you ready to go?

Dani: Yeah, let’s go.

Josiah: Are you ok?

Dani: I’m not going to lie, no I’m not. I’m meeting Cora for lunch and we are going to talk.

Josiah: have fun.

Scene 8

Dani: I don’t know what to do.

Cora: Well, I don’t know what else to tell you. Other than you need to keep Joe.

Dani: No kidding. Hey look who’s coming our way.

Cora: Jess has changed a lot.

Dani: Yeah she has. (Dani stands) Hey Jess, what are you doing here?

Jess: (sighs) I want Josiah back and so does Rick.

Dani: Are you two getting any help?

Jess: Just give me my son.

Dani: Answer my question.

Jess: (pauses) Yes we are.

Dani: Where are you getting it?

Jess: Damn it Danielle, just give me my son and everything will be ok.

Dani: Unless I know that you two are getting help, then I would be happy to give you back Joe.

Jess: Rick is getting better, Dani. He wants Joe back as much as I do.

Dani: (exams her clothes) Let me see your arms.

Jess: No!

(Dani grabs Jess’s hands and pushes up her sleeves)

Dani: Jessica…he is burning you with cigarettes.

Jess: No he’s not.

Dani: You’re telling me that Rick didn’t touch you and burn you, but Josiah is willing to tell…

(Jess slaps Dani and there is silence)

Dani: (sigh) you’re willing to stand up to me but not your husband.

Cora: Come on Dani. Let’s go.

Dani: Good idea, Cora.

Jess: I…I…

Dani: Let me guess, it never will happen again. (She leaves)

Jess: Danielle! Please…let me have Joe.

Cora: Jess, first you need to leave Rick and start making something of your self. Josiah needs a mother who can stand up for herself and he needs to learn that he doesn’t need to be hitting girls or women.

Jess: Cora, I need him.

Cora: Which one Rick or Josiah? Think about it Jess, a son who needs his mother or a husband who needs another punching bag. Think about it.

(Cora leaves)

Scene 9

Dani: It was nothing.

Luke: Nothing my foot. Your face is red from that slap.

Cora: Jess really wants Joe back.

Dani: I know she does, but she is not going to change until she leaves Rick. (Looks at her watch) I gotta get Josiah.

Luke: Are you going to let Joe see your face?

Dani: How am I going to hide it from him? With make up? I don’t wear any and he knows it. He knows me better than I know myself.

Cora: It’s true. He does, and he loves you too.

Dani: Yeah, I know.

Cora: You’re a good aunt. He trusts you.

Dani: I don’t want to lose him.

Luke: I hate to break it to you but you might have to send him back. (Dani and Cora shocking looks) I’m one of the men in law and I know it like the back of my hand, so I’m telling you the truth.

Dani: I hate that you’re right…

Cora: At the moment I don’t like you.

Luke: Sorry but it’s the truth.

Dani: I need to go get Josiah and tell him what’s going on.

Luke: Dani, trust your heart on this and trust me…please.

Dani: I will.

(Dani and Cora leaves)

Scene 10

Josiah: (sitting on the floor and sad almost at tears) I’m going back. Dani’s face was red from a hand print and her eyes were blotchy. She told me that mom wants me back. It’s been three weeks of happiness. I’m scared that the pain will come back, the bad grades will come back, and everything that has hurt me. My birthday is tomorrow…and I know that Dani didn’t want this to be my present from her. She said that she would come for my birthday and that she will take me to lunch with Luke and Cora. Tonight will be the first night I’ll be with my mom and dad and I’m scared out of my mind. At least I know what to do if I need to get out of the house….call Luke. I’m glad I met him and I’m glad that he likes Dani. Sometimes I wish that Dani was my mom and Luke was my dad.

Rick: It’s about time you came back. Did you have a good couple of weeks?

Josiah: Yes, sir I did.

Rick: Excuse me?

Josiah: Uh…I mean no sir. I didn’t.

Rick: That’s what I thought.

Jess: Josiah, why don’t you go to bed?

Rick: No, we’re talking.

Jess: He has school in the morning Rick.

(Rick slaps her)

Rick: Don’t even go there, woman.

Josiah: Don’t hit her! (He fights with Rick, Jess gets the phone this time and calls Dani.)

Rick: You think you can come and fight me? Go ahead! You’ve tried it before.

Jess: Come and get us, Dani.

Rick: You bitch! You think you can call someone and get them to come here!

(Josiah stands wobbly and then jumps on Rick’s back before he hits Jess)

Josiah: Don’t touch her!

Rick: You’re never going to learn are you kid. (Rick flips Joe off and he hits the floor hard) Nice try but I don’t think you’re going to get up after that.

(Luke barges in with gun in hand with his partner beside him.)

Luke: Down on the ground! NOW!

(Dani runs in and goes to Josiah as Luke handcuffs Rick)

Dani: Josiah, can you hear me baby. Josiah! Josiah!

Jess: I’m sorry Dani…he was trying to…

Dani: Save you. I know. Josiah Michael please answer me. (Dani holds Josiah)

Luke: Someone call a bus, now!

Dani: Josiah, please wake up. (Jess stands there watching Dani holding Josiah)

Scene 11

Jess: I should have listened to you Dani…I’m sorry. (Dani doesn’t say anything just sits there looking down) Did you hear me? I’m sorry.

(Dani looks at her finally)

Dani: I heard you. Shockingly I have nothing to say. (Dani gets up and walks away)

(Cora enters)

Cora: Dani! How is Joe? Are you ok? (They hug)

Dani: Joe is in a comma and Rick is in jail. Go see Jess; she probably wants to talk to you more than me.

(Cora lets go of Dani)

Cora: You sure? (Dani nods) Ok. (Walks over to Jess) Jess, are you ok?

Jess: Dani won’t talk to me and my son is in a comma…what do you think?

Cora: Probably as crappy as Dani does.

Jess: Thanks for talking to me though. I guess hearing the same old thing from Dani got old and I needed to hear it form someone else.

Cora: Yeah, I figured. Let’s get some coffee. (They walk to the other side of the stage)

Luke: Dani, Josiah is going to be fine.

Dani: I know, but when is he going to wake up?

Luke: You are always asking questions that I can’t really answer.

Dani: I’m sorry. I just want Josiah to wake up. (Looks at her watch) Its 12:15 am it’s his birthday and he has bruises all over him and other black eye. (Her emotions take over and she cries on his shoulder.)

Luke: Oh Dani, you know he’s going to make it. You know he will.

Dani: You can’t promise that. It’s in God’s hands and I’m praying that God will let him stay here.

Luke: Keep praying Dani…Keep praying, you know God is listening.

Dani: What would I have done without you?

Luke: Who knows, sweetie? Who knows?

(The doctor comes in.)

Doctor Northern: Mrs. Hamilton?

Jess: (stands) Yes, is Josiah ok?

Doc. Northern: He’s fine. He woke up and he went back to sleep.

Jess: Thank you…can I stay here with him.

Doc. Northern: Yeah, you can do that.

(Doc. Northern walks to Dani)

Dani: Thank you Denise. I know it had to be hard on you.

Doc. Northern: You’re welcome and yes it was hard, but you trusted me with him. And that tells me that I’m a pretty damn good doctor for a friend to come and ask for help.

Dani: Thank you.

Doc. Northern: Again, you’re welcome and Danielle thanks for trusting me.

(Doc Northern walks away)

Dani: She’s the best and that’s what Josiah needs. Thank you God!

Luke: You need just as much rest as he does.

Dani: I know. I want to stay here with him.

Luke: Jess is with him. Why don’t we go home?

Dani: (looks at him weird) we go home? Did I miss something here?

Luke: You know what I mean. Why don’t I take you home?

Cora: I think I’m going to go ahead home. And Dani let the boy take you home. Night (Cora leaves)

Dani: (jaw drops) Night Cora. Well, I guess you are the next person to take me home, but I’m not leaving.

Luke: Ok, fine…where are you sleeping?

Dani: Right there in that chair. (She sits down and leans back.)

Luke: Fine… (He sits next to her)

Dani: What are you doing?

Luke: Staying here with you.

Dani: DO you have to work tomorrow?

Luke: I work the night shift tomorrow.

Dani: Just checking.

(Dani and Luke started to go to sleep)

Scene 12

(Josiah wakes up)

Josiah: Dani…where are you?

Jess: (wakes up) Sh, shh, you’re ok.

Josiah: Where’s Dani?

Dani: (walks in) I’m right here, Josiah. (Takes his hand in hers)

Josiah: I fought back…

Dani: That’s my boy.

Josiah: It felt good.

Dani: (sadly laughs) I’m glad it did.

Josiah: Mom, are you ok?

Jess: Yes, baby…I’m ok. Dani came before he even hit me…again.

Josiah: Where is dad?

Luke: In jail, you don’t have to worry about him. The only thing you need to worry about is this… (He hands Josiah a medium size box) Happy Birthday Joe!

Josiah: Thanks Luke. (He opens the box and a picture of Great Dane) It’s a dog picture. Thanks Luke.

Luke: Actually Dani and I thought about it.

Dani: You’re old enough to have one.

Josiah: What? I’m confused.

Dani: He’s waiting for you at my place.

Josiah: What’s his name?

Dani: Whatever you want it to be.

Josiah: Really?

Dani: Yes really.

Jess: Can I talk to Joe…alone?

Dani: yeah, we’ll wait outside.

(Dani and Luke leave the room)

Jess: I’ve been thinking.

Josiah: Dani always says that’s dangerous.

Jess: (laughs) yeah she’s right it is, but this is a good one.

Josiah: What is it mom?

Jess: I was thinking that you should live with Danielle for awhile until I can handle being a mom again.

Josiah: Is Dani going to have custody of me?

Jess: Maybe… right now I’m not good enough…

Josiah: Mom, you are a good mother. You just need to work on getting someone like Luke.

Jess: I do love you Joe. That’s why I would like to do this.

Josiah: I know that you’re going to do whatever you want, but will you come visit me and check on me.

Jess: I will do that. (She kisses his forehead)

Scene 13

Josiah: My 11th birthday was an interesting one. Dani has custody of me with Luke by her side. Did I mention that they are getting married and I’m going with them to Hawaii? My mom is working hard and got a divorce. She started to date Luke’s partner, Jarod and she is really happy. My dad is in prison and he is going to be in there without parole. That’s what happens when you attempt to kill your wife and child. Danielle saved me and I’m glad that she was there for me. If I didn’t have her, I don’t know where I would have gone or what to do. I might even be dead. I can’t help but thank Dani for all that she has done for me.

The End

Abuse happens everyday in the world, different kinds happening everyday. I just hope that with my story people would seek for help and not become abusers themselves.

For the kids who can’t seek help. For the ones who are hurting everyday because they don’t know how to stand up for themselves yet or they are too scared to. This is for the ones that can recover from the abuse, from the pain. This is for you, my kid.