Andy: Come in.
Paul: Hi, Andy. What’s up?
Andy: Julie told me to move this couch so we could set up this stereo equipment. She said it should probably go on that wall. (Points to opposite wall from couch.)
Paul: Here, let me give you a hand.
Andy: No, no. I’ve got it. (Obviously he’s straining to move the couch. He goes from one end to the other to move it a few inches at a time.)
Paul: I got those tickets to the game this weekend.
Andy: You did? (Working as he speaks.) That’s great! Where are the seats?
Paul: Right down the first base line 5 rows up. (Change to Football, soccer etc. seats if desired.)
Andy: Wow, good seats! (Takes towel and wipes sweat off of face.) How were you able to get those?
Paul: You met my buddy Steve, didn’t you?
Andy: Yeah, at the last game.
Paul: Well, he’s got a friend who works in the box office. The guy always saves a few seats for Steve and his friends.
Andy: That’s great! We all need a little help from our friends now and then. (Starts to move couch again.)
Paul: Yes, we do. Are you sure you don’t want me to help with that couch?
Andy: No, no. That’s ok. I’ve got it. (Straining again) There. That should do it.
Paul: What are you going to do? Put the stereo equipment where the couch was?
Andy: That’s the idea, I guess. I suggested we leave the couch and put the stereo equipment where the couch is now but Julie didn’t like that idea.
Paul: Of course not. That would be too easy! Let me give you a hand with that shelving.
Andy: Naw, I can get it. (He picks up a piece of shelving, turns and nearly knocks Paul down in the process.)
Paul: Hey, watch it.
Andy: Sorry. I forgot how long it is. Oh, man! I forgot to put the blocks in place first.
Paul: I can do that.
Andy: No, no. It’s ok; I can get them. (He holds shelf with one hand and tries to put cement blocks in place with other hand and feet. Meanwhile Paul looks on in frustration.)
Paul: You know, Andy, I’d be glad to give you a hand.
Andy: Don’t want to bother you, pal. I’ve got it all under control. (Scene looks totally out of control.)
Paul: Anyway, do you want me to drive to the game? I could pick you up around noon.
Andy: No, I’ll pick you up.
Paul: Andy, you always drive. Why don’t you let me drive this time?
Andy: It’s ok. I like to drive. Besides you’re good at riding shotgun.
Paul: But you don’t need a shotgun. You know how to get there as well as I do.
Andy: Yeah, well, maybe you can drive next time.
Paul: That’s what you say every time. I’m beginning to think you don’t want my help for anything.
Andy: There. (Finally has the shelf in place. Begins to set stereo equipment on it.) That’s not true. I’m really glad you’re here. You’ve made this job go a lot smoother.
Paul: But you haven’t let me do anything.
Andy: Just the fact that you’re here is enough for me. You’re a good friend, Paul.
Paul: Thanks, Andy. Well, it looks like you don’t need me here so I guess I’ll take off. I’m going over to Larry’s. He’s refinishing his basement and he needs a hand.
Andy: Oh, yeah? Seems like he’s always asking you to help him.
Paul: I don’t mind. I like helping my friends.
Andy: Well, thanks for stopping by, Paul. I’ll see you on Saturday at noon.
Paul: Great. See you then.
Andy: (Talks to himself) I hate to admit it but Julie was right. The stereo equipment looks great there and the couch fits just perfectly on that wall. Whew! It was a lot of work though!
(Phone rings.)
Andy: Hello. Oh, hi Julie. What? You changed your mind? You want me to leave the couch where it is? But I already moved it! Move it back? But it looks great just the way it is. I’ll tell you what - why don’t I just leave it like it is and when you get home you can see if you like it. No, huh? Yeah, yeah, ok. Bye. (Hangs up phone) (Looks toward heaven) God, it sure would be nice if I were Larry and had someone to help me with this kind of stuff!
Lights out.
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Copyright John & Joanne Miller, all rights reserved.
This script may be performed free of charge, provided no charge is
made for entrance or for programmes. In return, the authors would like
to be notified of any performance. For further information regarding performance
rights, they may be contacted at: NIJWMiller@aol.com.