By Simon and Sue Kingham
While waiting in what appears to be an airport departure lounge, three people just killed in an accident discuss their fate and likely destination.
Gerald - middle aged male. Has been a very successful businessman and made a lot of money. Knows lots of important people. A bit arrogant, but basically decent. Not a Christian
Diane - middle aged to old woman. Slightly scatty, spent a large part of her life looking after people. Kind, caring, pleasant. Goes to Church Christmas, Easter, weddings and funerals. Not a Christian.
Ben - mid 20s (could be female). Bit of a drop out. Bit scruffy. A new Christian.
Peter - the 'Flight' attendant (could be female)
Script
(Scene: There has just been a car crash and all 3 have died. Perhaps a news clip of a road accident [video or newspaper headline or sound effects of a crash]. The three are sitting. A sign says something along the lines of "Final Departures ".)
Peter: (walks on) Welcome to final departures. I'm Peter and I will shortly direct you to your correct destinations. As you will appreciate, it is vital to get this right, so I am just going to check a few last details and then I'll be back with you. Please make yourselves comfortable. For some of you, I'd enjoy this as it could be your last chance. (exits)
Gerald: I haven't got time for this. I have to be in Sydney by 1pm. (checks his watch and taps it) Excuse me, do either of you have the time? My watch seems to have stopped.
Ben: That'll be because we're out of time now.
Gerald: Out of time? What do you mean?
Ben: That crash - that was it. Finito.
Gerald: Oh... oh yes, I see (frantically checks his pockets and brings out his wallet. There is plenty of money in it).
Diane: It's very nice in here, isn't it? I do like the way they've co-ordinated the seats with the clouds. That's just the colour I've been looking for my sofa. (looks about her seat) I wonder - do you think we'll need any money. I seem to have left my bag behind?
Gerald: I've no fear on that account. I always carry a little spare cash.
Ben: Do you two not get it? We're dead. Time, money, all that stuff - it doesn't count now. Any minute we're going to find out where we are going to spend eternity.
Gerald: I wonder what's keeping that fellow? Doesn't he know who I am? I'm Gerald McKenzie, Vice president of the Bank of New Zealand. I know all the top bankers in the world. I think you'll find I'm on the right list. I've spent my life making sure I'm invited to all the right places. You know my father always said, "it's not what you know but who you know." I think he was probably right. I just wish he'd hurry up. I'm not used to being kept waiting. (to Ben) What about you, what do you do?
Ben: Not a lot, I started college, but dropped out, couldn't find the right course. Haven't really found the right career yet, I do the odd job here and there.
Gerald: (to Diane) What about you?
Diane: I love baking. I would have brought a cake if I'd known this was going to happen. I make jam as well. My husband says he's never tasted better. I wonder what fruit there'll be for jam making in heaven. Do you think they'll have apples? I make a wonderful apple pie? Do you like apple pie? (to Gerald) So what do you think they're looking for, for us to get to heaven?
Gerald: People who've lived a good life. I would hope someone like me. I mean, I've worked hard, been honest...well most of the time... paid all my taxes, never sponged off the state. I've been faithful to my wife for 30 years, put 3 kids through University. That's the sort of thing, I would have thought. What about you?
Diane: I think I've lived a good life as well. I try to help people whenever I can. I work, unpaid you know, at the hospice 2 afternoons a week. I've done Mrs Jackson across the road's shopping and cleaning for the last few years – oh I do hope she'll be alright without me.
Ben: I don't think that's what he'll be checking out somehow.
Gerald: What do you mean? What else is there to find out?
Ben: It's what you believe in. You know it's weird. I never thought about Heaven and God and all that stuff until my mate died last year. That really shook me up. He just went out swimming and never came back. That was when I started to wonder what happened next. I didn't know it would be like this but I knew there had to be something more. Anyway this guy at work started to tell me about Jesus and…
Peter: Sorry for the delay. I've checked the lists and if Gerald and Diane would like to wait here, I'll just see Ben onto his flight. I'll be back in a minute for you two. (Peter and Ben walk off)
Diane: I wonder how long it'll take him to get to hell?
Gerald: Poor chap, he seemed quite pleasant, but not a lot to show for himself. Hadn't really done a great deal, had he?
Peter: (returns) OK you two. We're all set now – I'm afraid it's hell.
Gerald: But that can't be right.
Diane: We've lived good lives.
Peter: I'm sorry, I know this'll be a bit of a shock to you both, but it's not what you know, it's who you know.
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© Copyright Simon & Sue Kingham. All rights reserved.
This script may be performed free of royalty, provided no charge is made for the performance. In return, the authors would appreciate being notified of any use. They may be contacted at simonkingham@paradise.net.nz