Photograph of a Girl

PHOTO OF A GIRL

By Bob Morris

I tried so hard to stand as I stumbled

And fell to the ground

So hard to laugh as I fumbled

And reached for the love I found, knowing it was gone*

Characters

JAY THOMAS – Young photography enthusiast, high school senior on the staff of The Tilghman Bell the high school newspaper.  Around his neck hangs his valued Leica M-3 camera.  A gift from his grandfather.  He never goes anywhere without it. 

DR.  JAY THOMAS – 20 years after high school.  A cardiologist at Riverside Hospital. 

BOBBY BOWLAND – Jay’s best friend.

BETH McDaniel – The girl in the photograph

BETH RICHARDS – Formerly Beth McDaniel, recently divorced 20 years after high school

BO RICHARDS – Popular football player from wealthy family

LUCY HOBBS – Head nurse at Riverside Hospital

DILBERT RAWLINGS – Elderly heart patient at Riverside Hospital.  Beth McDaniel Richard’s grandfather. 

ACT I.  The Girl in the Photograph

 Paducah, KY.  Spring 1968

Setting:  Coleman’s Drug Store.  A popular hangout for kids.  A short walk from the high school.  Jay and Bobby are sitting at a table near the soda fountain.

JAY: (Staring at the photo) Look I just can’t get her out of my mind. 

BOBBY:  Well, what are you going to do?  Graduation is next week.  I hear she’s going up north to school. 

(Jay absently looks at the other kids in the photo.  It’s clear in his mind she’s different than all the others) 

JAY:  I don’t know Bobby, I just don’t think she’ll want to have anything to do with a cripple like me.

BOBBY; Ah Jay, it’s just your leg.  No one even notices.  Besides you’re not a cripple and a lot of kids had Polio.  We’ve been friends since the first grade and you’ve never let the Polio stop you before. What is it really Jay?

JAY:  I don’t know Bobby. I’ve never paid much attention to you know, girls before. I guess I’m just nervous because, oh I don’t know.  I’m just not very good at talking to girls.  I don’t know what to say and I try so hard I end up saying something stupid.  .

BOBBY:  You probably didn’t pay much attention to her because she transferred here at the beginning of the year. Her Dad’s some big shot out at Carbide. Here let me see the photo again.

(Jay hands Bobby the photo)

BOBBY: (Studies the photo closely) She is a pretty girl Jay. Maybe you just need to let your photography do the talking for you. 

JAY:  Maybe, but when I shot the photo, I was trying to get a shot of Mike and the Spirit Club for The Bell.  I really didn’t see her in the frame, but now I see her in the print and she’s just amazing. 

BOBBY:  Well what have you got to lose?  Just go up to her and show her the photo and ask her to join you here, for a soda or shake.  She looks like a cherry coke and extra crispy fries girl to me.

JAY:  I don’t know.  She’ll probably think I’m some creep with a limp who sneaks around taking photos of girls. 

BOBBY:  Well there are worse things to take photos of.  Hey, just be honest with her.  Tell her you were shooting Mike and the gang for the school paper and you noticed her in the photo and you were just wondering if she’d like to join you after school one day for a soda. 

JAY:  I bet she dates a football player.  Or somebody like Bo Richards. He’s got that neat car and wears expensive clothes.  And besides like you say, she’ll be gone at the end of the summer.  I’d never see her again, anyway. 

BOBBY:  Well then that’s all the reason to ask her out.  If you don’t, you’ll always wonder about the girl in the photo. 

JAY: (flipping the photo over and over and absentmindedly begins to rub his withered leg) 

JAY:  Ok, Bobby I’m going to ask her and if I don’t do it now I never will.

(JAY slides out of the booth, grabbing the photo and slings his camera over his shoulder.  As he limps toward the door he looks back over his shoulder at Bobby)

JAY:  Wish me luck.  I guess no matter what happens I’ll always have the photo. 

(Bobby flashes Jay a crooked smile, silently hoping the girl in the photo doesn’t reject Jay.  He’s had enough rejection to last a lifetime with his leg and all. He signals his approval to Jay with a thumbs-up and ignoring the sharp pain in his chest, orders another Cherry Coke)

ACT II:  The Ask

Setting:  High School Commons.  Quiet tree shaded courtyard in the quad, surrounded by classroom buildings.

(Beth is sitting on one of the concrete benches. Twirls the ends of her hair while reading her American History Since 1865 textbook)

(Jay limping silently enters the commons from the west end of the courtyard on his way to a Bell Staff meeting.  He pauses to catch his breath and notices Beth.  Gathering up his nerve he walks over to her). 

JAY: You look like you’re really into that book. 

BETH: (Startled, looks up quickly and smiles) Well, not really, but I’ve got a final coming up and there are just too many dates to remember.  I’m not good remembering dates. 

JAY: (Turns slightly hoping she won’t notice his leg and corrective shoe) What is it, American History?  I had that class last semester. 

BETH:  Yeah, Mrs. Howard, she’s big on dates.  It’s going to be a tough final. 

JAY:  Hey, I’m Jay Thomas.  I don’t think we’ve met. 

BETH:  Nice to meet you Jay Thomas.  I’m Beth.  Beth McDaniel.  What’s with the camera?

JAY:  Oh, ‘em, I’m the photographer for The Bell.  I get assignments but sometimes I just walk around looking for neat things to shoot.  You know stuff that’s interesting around school. 

BETH:  Oh, I see.  I know I’m not interesting so am I an assignment?  “Student studying in the Commons”, something like that? 

(Jay’s leg is beginning to ache as he shifts his weight).

JAY:  Mind if I sit down?  

BETH:  Sure, have a seat.

JAY:  Well you’re not an assignment but if you don’t mind me saying you are interesting. (Jay blushes) I mean this would make a great photo, you sitting here studying and getting ready for finals. 

BETH:  Well, Mr. Jay Thomas shoot away. 

(Beth flips her hair back and straightens up, smoothing her skirt and flashes Jay a smile as she holds up her history book)

(Jay jumps up, almost stumbling and begins shooting)

JAY: (In-between shots he reloads film into the camera) I kind of like dates by the way.  I always look at them as kind of a picture, you know a photograph. You might think of them like that.  Like photos of your birthday or holidays or special days like Valentine’s Day. That way they won’t be so hard to remember.

BETH:  I’ll try but I just don’t know if I can ever remember them all.  And what do you know about Valentine’s Day.  That day is for lovers.  Are you in love Jay Thomas?

JAY: (Blushes again) Well ah, I don’t think so, I mean no.  I do love my camera but that’s different!  But hey Beth, I was wondering if you would like to meet at Coleman’s one day after school for a soda?  I will have these photos back and we can look them over.

(Beth looks at Jay and smiles but before she can answer, she suddenly glances across the commons.  Enters Bo Richards)

BO:  Hey Beth, you ready.  My car’s out front.  We’ll run by the country club for a coke before we head back to my house. 

BO:  Hey kid, what’s up?  Sorry about the bum leg, that’s bad luck.  Let’s go Beth, I just picked up the new Led Zeppelin eight track.  My new sound system will blow you away. 

BETH:  Jay it was nice to meet you.  Good luck with finals. 

(Beth notices Jay’s leg for the first time.  She smiles again at Jay and lingers for a few seconds before getting up and taking Bo’s hand.  They walk across the Commons and Beth glances back at Jay just as the exit through the gate)

JAY:  Ah, okay Beth.  Good luck to you too. 

JAY: (Jay slumps down on the bench.  Dropping his camera on the ground he grabs his leg and begins rocking back and forth.  Jay picks up his camera and looking at it says)

JAY:  Well old friend, we will always have the photo.

ACT III.  The Answer

Paducah, KY.  Winter 1988

Setting:  Paducah’s Riverside Hospital.  Dilbert Rawlings hospital room. 

(Over the loudspeaker – Dr. Thomas extension 701. Dr. Jay Thomas extension 701)

JAY:  Yes, this is Dr. Thomas.

NURSE HOBBS:  Dr. Thomas, Dilbert Rawlings numbers have fallen.  When you get a chance can you check in on him.  I’m concerned he may have taken a turn for the worse.

JAY:  Sure, I’m heading your way now. 

(Jay taps on Dilbert Rawlings door before entering.  He knows time is not on Dilbert’s side)

JAY:  Good morning Dilbert.  How are you feeling today?

DILBERT:  Oh, not so good Doc.  I’m very tired and can’t catch my breath.  You know growing old is not for sissies. What year is it anyway, 1988?  I never thought I’d make it this long.  Talk to me a minute doc, keep me company. 

NURSE HOBBS:  He had a fitful night, fighting sleep so we gave him 0.5 mg of Lorazepam. 

JAY:  Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort?

DILBERT:  Not so much doc.  I don’t want anything for pain.  My granddaughter’s coming down from Chicago to see me today.  She’s a sweet girl doc.  She’s got a great job up there with a big advertising agency.  They say she practically runs the place. 

But she’s had a rough time though here lately, nasty divorce.  Hey doc, you’re single, aren’t you?  She needs a nice guy like you after being with that bum she was married to. 

JAY:  I’m married to my work, Dilbert.  You know that. We talked about it. 

DILBERT:  Hey, doc what made you want to get into medicine anyway?  Dealing with sick people and old guys like me, workin’ all the time. 

JAY:  Well Dilbert, my best friend Bobby Bowland died while we were in college.  He had congenital heart disease since birth. Didn’t know it and he just dropped dead one day.  When that happened, I just decided I wanted to help others.  Besides, I kind of like old guys like you.

DILBERT:  Were you ever in love doc?  You know I’m in love with Nurse Hobbs.

JAY:  I know Dilbert, we’re all in love with nurse Hobbs. 

(Nurse Hobbs shoots Jay a quick smile and quickly looks away continuing with her charting)

DILBERT:  No seriously doc.  I’m sure the girls were all over you.

JAY:  Well one time, I thought I had found the right girl. But we were just kids and it was just a brief fantasy.  She was dating a football star.  With my leg I didn’t have a chance.  Besides I never really got a chance to ask her out. 

(There’s a slight knock at the door and Dilbert’s granddaughter walks into the room.  Jay suddenly feels like he’s seen her before but can’t quite place her).

BETH:  Granddad, it’s so good to see you!  How are you?

DILBERT:  Oh sweetie, it is so good to see you. Come here and give me a hug. You know doc here says my old heart is about worn out. But see you I feel better already.

(Beth looks up and introduces herself)

BETH:  Hi, I’m Beth Richards.  Dilbert’s granddaughter. 

JAY:  I’m Jay Thomas, staff cardiologist and this is Nurse Hobbs. 

(Beth and Jay shake hands.  Jay holds her hand a few seconds longer than normal.  Nurse Hobbs notices their gesture and quickly smiles and walks out of Dilbert’s room)

BETH:  Doctor how is granddad?

JAY: (Holding Dilbert’s hand) Well there was damage to the heart muscle due to his attack.  He’s going to have a long recovery, but if he takes his meds and with proper care, he should be with us for a while.  Time will tell. 

DILBERT:  Now Beth, enough about me. Dr. Thomas here is single and about your age.  I told him he should ask you out on a date!  You two look like a perfect match. 

BETH:  Now you’ve embarrassed me granddad.  Besides we just met and I’m not ready to date, much less interested in a relationship.  I want to be here and take care of you.   

DILBERT:  Ok, ok but your free now.  Kicking Bo out of the house was the best thing you’ve done.  You need a nice man after what you’ve been through. 

(Jay shudders and his legs become weak.  Suddenly he remembers who she is, and all the memories all come rushing back)

JAY:  You’re Beth McDaniel?  You probably don’t remember me, but we’ve met. 

(Jay walks around the room to Beth’s side of the bed.  Beth notices his distinctive limp)

BETH:  Oh my God!  You’re the boy with the camera!  I do remember!

DILBERT:  Ok you two.  Tell me what’s going on?

BETH:  Granddad, we attended the same high school.  I met Jay just before we graduated.  He was taking photos for the school newspaper.  I thought you were kind of cute and I was kind of hoping you’d ask me out.

JAY:  Well, to tell you the truth.  I had taken your photo and hoped you would join me for a soda down at Colemans.  And I did ask but you never got the chance to answer.  Bo came in and swept you away to his fancy club and house. 

BETH:  Well, you’ve got your chance now, Jay Thomas. 

(Beth looks at your grandfather and winks.  Dilbert gives them the thumbs up reminding Jay of the way Bobby used to encourage him)

JAY:  Beth would you like to join me for a soda, ah maybe a cup of coffee in the hospital cafeteria?

BETH:  I thought you’d never ask. 

(Beth and Jay walk out of the room.  Jay looks up and whispers…)

I did it Bobby. I told you I’d ask her.  

Act IV:  Old photos and memories

Setting:  Riverside Hospital coffee shop.

(Beth absentmindedly looking down at her phone.  Jay enters the coffee shop and slides into the booth across from her.  Beth looks up and smiles)

BETH:  Thanks for taking such good care of granddad.  I’m glad to know you’re his doctor. It’s a comfort to know and old friend is looking after him.  Hey, speaking of old friends do you still have your camera, you know the one you had in high school.  I know you loved that old camera, you even told me so.

JAY:  Well I do as a matter of fact.  It was a film camera of course and I have since replaced it with digital, but I still have it.  It’s on a shelf in my office.  It reminds me of a special time in my life.  It took me places and I could hide behind it when things were tough.  I saw the world differently with that camera.

BETH:  Was it a special time Jay?  High school I mean.  I just remember feeling like I didn’t fit in.  High School was hard for me.  And Bo came along, and I thought I loved him.  Maybe I did even, once.  But I was running away from something and not to something.  That never works.  Listen to me now!  I feel selfish, talking about my problems. You had to deal with Polio after all. That must have been hard.

JAY:  Oh, it wasn’t so bad.  Timing is everything and I was lucky.  It was only my leg.  If I had been born a few years earlier I might have ended up in an iron lung, or worse.  Some kids didn’t live through it.  Besides I couldn’t play sports, so I had more time to study and take pictures.  And that helped me later when I went to medical school.

BETH:  I remember you were a good student Jay.  You told me to look at dates like they were a photograph.  That way I could picture them in my mind. Jay Thomas, you see the world differently than a lot of people.  You’re always positive and looking for the good in people.  I wish I would have seen things differently when we were in high school.  I wish I had seen you then, like I do now.

JAY:  I think sometimes I see the world as a photograph.  And I just try to compose life like I would a photo.  I just put the things in the frame that are important and don’t include the things that are not important. Speaking of photographs, look at this.

(Jay slides a black and white photo across the table. Crinkled by time and worn from handling. Beth picks it up and a tear rolls down her cheek.  It’s the photo Jay took of Beth in high school)

BETH:  You kept this photo all these years? 

JAY:  I did, and the memories too. Just a girl in a photograph.  But you, you were always special Beth.  When I raised my camera that day and looked through the viewfinder, my world changed.

(Jay reaches across the table and takes Beth’s hand)

JAY:  I used to think that I could never lose anyone if I photographed them enough.  I think I just may have been right.   

(Taking one others hands across the table, Jay and Beth smile at one another and the curtain drops)

*Expecting to Fly, a song written by Neil Young 1968