Something old, Something new

This was a short story we built into a short stage play! The layout has been changed from its script :)

Characters:

• JESSICA – Late 20s. Maid of Honour. Witty, guarded, emotionally conflicted.
• CLARA – Late 20s. Bride. Warm, chaotic, affectionate.
• RILEY – Late 20s. Jessica and Clara friend and Jessica’s first love. Confident but nervous beneath it.
• PETER (Clara’s partner) – Late 20s, tall, nerdy, reserved but happy.
• Katie – Early 20s. Clara’s bridesmaid. Lively, friendly, often sarcastic.
• LIZ (Clara’s mum) - Late 50s, outgoing, excitable.
• Wedding Co-ordinator – Woman, early forties, formal, approachable.
• Numerous wedding guests.

 

Scene One – The Beach, Seamill Hydro, Ardrossan. Mid-Afternoon.

 

(Lights rise slowly on a stretch of sand outside the Seamill Hydro. The Isle of Aaran sits clear in the background, and the sound of gentle waves roll in. A warm, light breeze moves across the stage.)

 

(JESSICA and CLARA enter from stage left, arm in arm, walking slowly taking in the view both with overnight bags on their shoulders. CLARA holds a pair of sunglasses she has taken off.)

 

CLARA:         Look at that view. I can’t believe it’s my wedding weekend, Jess. Genuinely lost track of the number of breakdowns that’s happened along the way.

 

JESSICA:        (laughs, nudging her) Mine or yours?

 

CLARA:         Both! But look… we survived. Peter still has most of his hair.

 

JESSICA:        (lifts her hand to CLARA, grinning) And you can barely see your grey hairs.

 

(CLARA gasps dramatically and swats at JESSICA’s hand with her sunglasses.)

 

CLARA:         Y’know, miss Maid of Honour, tradition says you’re not meant to annoy the bride so close to her wedding.           

 

(They reach a soft, dry patch of sand, CLARA drops down with a relieved sigh. JESSICA joins her. They sit in comfortable silence enjoying the peaceful, quiet moment under the beating sun. JESSICA draws her initials into the sand and then CLARA’s.)

 

CLARA:         (rummaging in her bag) Oh! I Forgot to tell you… Riley Nixon? Well, she RSVP’d last minute. Like, on deadline day last minute. She’s coming. I was a bit shocked she said yes but would be fab to see her, eh?

 

(JESSICA freezes, her finger stops in the sand. A faint dip in the light isolates her for a beat. She doesn’t make eye contact with CLARA, focusing out towards Aaran.)

 

JESSICA:        (too quickly, cautious) Sure! Absolutely! It’s been a minute, can’t wait to see her and catch up.

 

CLARA:         (studying JESSICA) Jess… you okay?

(Brushing the sand from her hands, JESSICA forces a smile, turning to her friend.)

 

JESSICA:        Yeah, of course. It’s your wedding. Everyone should be here. I guess I just don’t remember you mentioning inviting her.

 

CLARA:         Honestly, it was a spur of the moment decision. Me and Peter were going through the guestlist, and when we got to our uni friends, I realised Riley wasn’t on the list. I’m sorry, I know things were…complicated, between you two but it’s been five years.

 

(JESSICA, who was letting sand run through her hands like an hourglass, freezes instantly. She leans her head on CLARA’s shoulder, for comfort and to avoid keeping eye contact.)

 

JESSICA:        They weren’t complicated. It was just… a long time ago. Ancient history. It’s fine. Really. I’m happy she’s coming.

 

CLARA:         (gently rests her head against JESSICA’s) If you say so.

 

(The waves grow louder for a moment, filling the silence between them. Lights begin to fade as they continue to sit on the beach. JESSICA still leaning on CLARA, her eyes fixed on the horizon.)

 

Scene Two – The Glen Ashdale Bridal Suite, Mid-Morning.

 

(Bright, warm lighting erupts on an immaculate bridal suite. A beige and silver couch covered in blankets and a dress rack nearby with only hangars on now. A dressing table sits in the corner with a mirror framed in soft lights. A small coffee table holds champagne flutes, half-finished teas and coffees and a bundle of tissues.)

(CLARA is standing centre stage in her wedding dress as LIZ crouches at her feet, adjusting the hem of her dress. JESSICA and KATIE are sitting on the couch, looking on with excitement and nerves, filling the room.)

 

JESSICA:        (softly) Clara... You look absolutely stunning.

 

(CLARA’s eyes widen, shimmering. LIZ pops up and immediately grabs a tissue from her bag, handing it to her daughter.)

 

CLARA:         (fanning her hand to her face) No crying! If you cry, I cry and I go about looking like a panda in my wedding photos. Then we’re all doomed.

 

(KATIE snorts as JESSICA hides a smile behind her hand. The distant sound of wedding guests shuffling through the hotel making their way to the ceremony room.)

 

LIZ:                 Well, the hem is perfect. The bride is absolutely perfect. The only thing not perfect is the chaos you three are about to bring on your poor photographer.

 

KATIE:           (laughing) Oh please! We’re the fun table and I bet we will get some great shots throughout the day. Pictures too, obviously.

 

(CLARA rolls her eyes affectionately, stepping towards her friends and her mum. She gathers them into a careful, delicate hug, mindful of the makeup, hair and dresses all in place.)

 

CLARA:         Right! Let’s get me married.

(She pulls back, steadying her breath. JESSICA watches her closely, her smile breaking out and holding back tears.)

 

(The light dims slightly as they move towards the door. LIZ grabs the bouquets and hands JESSICA and KATIE one each. She hands CLARA’s to her, who clutches at it like a security blanket. They exit into the corridor and the faint sound of bagpipes drifts in.)

 

(CLARA hesitates, gripping her bouquet tighter. JESSICA draws up next to her.)

 

JESSICA:        (smiling) You ready?

 

CLARA:         As I’ll ever be. Jess… Thank you, for everything. I don’t think I could get through today without you.

 

(JESSICA nods, gripping CLARA’s free hand, hesitant to let go. JESSICA turns and her eyes gaze down the long, empty corridor, as if expecting someone. KATIE raises an eyebrow but turns her head towards CLARA.)

 

KATIE:           Come on, ladies. Peter will start to think you’ve done a runner if we don’t move it.

 

CLARA:         (laughs nervously) Right! Let’s not give him any ideas.

 

(They begin walking down the corridor, the bagpipes growing louder. CLARA’s dress swishing with every step. As they reach the corner, they are standing just outside the ceremony room, the muffled sounds of guests settling and the occasional laugh. Lights begin to fade to black.)

 

 

Scene Three – The Ceremony

 

(Lights rise softly as JESSICA stands in front of the ceremony room with the doors closed. KATIE runs her hand over CLARA’s dress. A wedding co-ordinator enters from stage right, clipboard in hand, smiling brightly.)

 

COORDINATOR:      Okay, bridesmaids. We’re ready for you. You all look beautiful.

 

(JESSICA and KATIE nod, moving into position in front of CLARA and LIZ. KATIE gives CLARA a quick reassuring nudge.)

 

KATIE:           Deep breaths. It’s just a room full of people. Focus on the tall, handsome groom at the end of the aisle.

 

(The COORDINATOR opens the doors. The lights shift to a golden, euphoric glow. The bridesmaids enter in a slow procession to a piano version of the Avengers theme song.)

 

(The music changes to At last I see the light from Tangled, smiles widening over CLARA and LIZ. They walk in tandem down the aisle as CLARA’s eyes find PETER. They beam at each other as they take each other’s hand and turn towards their celebrant.)

 

(The light shifts focus onto JESSICA as she watches them, her expression softening. She blinks rapidly, holding back the tears. She tries not to scan the audience. A hopeful flicker here and there, searching, wondering. The ceremony continues, in silence for the audience, as the focus remains on JESSICA.)

 

(A gentle flow of music begins as the ceremony continues.)

(The celebrant gestures as CLARA and PETER kiss. The room erupts into applause, whooping and joyful tears. JESSICA claps, smiling. Then her eyes catch someone in the crowd.)

 

(Time begins to slow as a soft spotlight picks out RILEY in the room. Her eyes watching JESSICA as she continues to applaud. JESSICA catches breathe and her bouquet lowers slightly. Neither of them looks away as PETER and CLARA exit the room, cheering continuing.)

 

(The lights begin to fade to black.)

 

Scene Four – The Garden Gazebo

 

(Lights rise slowly on a peaceful, warm evening on a garden area behind the hotel. A small wooden gazebo sits centre stage, wrapped in fairy lights glowing against the setting sun. The faint drums of music from the wedding reception fills the air. A bench sits inside the gazebo.)

 

(JESSICA enters stage left, slightly limping as her heels dangle from her fingers. She grimaces as her feet touch the cool pathway.)

 

JESSICA:        (grumbles under her breath) Bloody heels!

 

(She drops to the bench, sighing as she tosses the heels beside her. She brings her legs up to sit in a basket rubbing them, letting out a long exhale. Leaning back, she closes her eyes for a moment, drinking in the long exhausting but exhilarating day.)

 

(Soft, approaching footsteps grab JESSICA’s attention as she continues to enjoy her peaceful moment. RILEY enters, hands in pockets, hesitant. She steps forward; eyes fixated on JESSICA.)

RILEY:            Beautiful view, eh? Can’t remember the last time I visited Aaran.

 

(JESSICA’s eyes abruptly open. She stiffens, determined not to turn and look at RILEY. She drops her legs back to the ground, her shoulders rising.)

 

JESSICA:        (unimpressed, dry) Five years and that’s your big opening line? Nice to see you too Riley.

 

RILEY:            I wasn’t sure a simple hi would cut it. I forgot how much you hate small talk.

 

(RILEY steps towards the bench, offering an awkward smile. JESSICA folds her arms staring straight ahead now. RILEY moves to sit on the bench now. The silence fills the night with everything that’s remaining unsaid.)

 

JESSICA:        (abruptly) I was shocked to hear you’d be here. You moved, disappeared to the States. Never been back, not even for family.

 

(RILEY, exhaling, leans forward, placing her elbows on her knees.)

 

RILEY:            First time since graduation. (shrugs slightly) My parents visit me in New York though - less chance of Scottish rain.

 

(She attempts a smile, but JESSICA doesn’t return it. She shifts away, widening the distance already between them.)

 

RILEY:            But when I got Clara’s invite… (searches for the right words) it finally felt like the right time to visit. See some friendly faces.

 

JESSICA:        (laughs sarcastically) Friendly faces. Right.

 

RILEY:            Jess, I’m not here to fight. I just wanted to talk to you alone for a minute, catch up.

 

JESSICA:        Unbelievable. I’m going to go back inside now.

 

(JESSICA stands defiantly, needing distance. She walks to the edge of the pathway, looking out towards the sea. The light shifts to a cooler blue.)

 

JESSICA:        (controlled) It’s my best friend’s wedding. I don’t have the time or energy to have whatever conversation you wanted. Enjoy the rest of your night, Riley.

 

RILEY:            Jess - (stops herself) I didn’t expect you to give me a massive hug. I guess I just thought or hoped we could –

 

JESSICA:        (cutting her off) Hope’s a funny thing, runs out eventually. You left, Riley. You left everything, including me.

 

(RILEY opens her mouth, but nothing comes out. She stares at the ground, deflated. JESSICA softens slightly, takes her a breath and steadies herself.)

 

JESSICA:        (to herself) what could have been, eh?

 

(She picks her up heels, holding them loosely between her fingers. Without saying anything else, she exits slowly into the shadows.)

 

(RILEY stares at her as she goes, unmoved. She continues to sit on the bench, lost in thought, only illuminated by the faint fairy lights. Lights begin to fade to a dim, lonely glow, before cutting to black.)

 

Scene Five – The Reception

 

(Light rises on a vibrant reception room. Warm, amber tones are glowing across the scene as fairy lights drop from the ceiling. A DJ booth sits upstage right, soft pop music playing in the background. Guests are mingling, laughing and clinking glasses. The energy is absorbing, chaotic and loud.)

 

(Downstage left, JESSICA enters, observing the room. She’s barefoot now, heels attached to her fingers. Her hair is slightly wind-swept from her time spent in the gazebo garden, despite a warm night. She looks more upbeat than before but still carrying the weight of the past.)

 

(CLARA bursts into view from the crowd, throwing her arms around her best friend. She’s now in her night outfit – a simple but elegant white jumpsuit and a pair of soft, white flip-flops.)

 

CLARA:         Finally! Stranger! I thought the maid of honour stays put. It’s supposed to be the bride who does a runner, you know?

 

JESSICA:        Sorry. My feet were killing me, had a wee seat outside at the gazebo. Bumped into Riley.

 

(CLARA raises her eyebrows. She links her arm with JESSICA as they begin to walk around the edge of the LED lit dancefloor. She leans in, concerned.)

 

CLARA:         How is she? Haven’t had a chance to speak to her properly except the obligatory congrats. She got an American accent now? (jokingly) Couldn’t quite tell earlier.

 

JESSICA:        (distracted) Nope. Same East Coast voice. Some things never change.

 

(CLARA opens her mouth to pry further, but a crowd of relatives begin to descend towards her. Offering their congratulations, pulling her in for hugs and every other direction. She gets swept away into the crowd.)

 

(JESSICA, slightly amused, watches her go as she heads back towards her seat and a huge glass of Prosecco.)

 

(The DJ changes up the music as a lively dance song sparks the guests to fill the dancefloor. CLARA reappears briefly, before being dragged onto the dancefloor by two tipsy cousins. She dances arms flailing around as PETER joins her, matching his beautiful new bride’s energy. JESSICA laugh and rushes forward, joining them.)

 

CLARA:         Fireball shots! You promised!

 

JESSICA:        (chuckles) Water first, you beautiful, slightly drunk menace.

 

(CLARA sticks her tongue out, which PETER joins in on. Truly a match made in heaven, both as equally drunk and immature as each other. They both stumble back towards the middle of the dancefloor.)

 

(JESSICA turns catching her breath as she moves towards the bar. She places her phone on the counter, rubbing her temples and soaking in the atmosphere taking over the room.)

(At the opposite end of the bar, RILEY appears. She remains hesitant, her hands still tucked into her pockets. She looks slightly uncomfortable, out of place. They lock eyes and RILEY’s expression softens. She slowly approaches JESSICA.)

 

RILEY:            I didn’t get a chance to say it earlier. But you looked beautiful today.

 

JESSICA:        (playfully) Oh? Don’t I still?

 

(RILEY exhales, a slightly exasperated laugh. She steps closer, but not too close, determined to continue this conversation at a more friendly pace. Before RILEY can speak, JESSICA turns towards her.)

 

JESSICA:        Look Riley, I’m not going to apologise for how I was earlier. I  guess I still hold some resentment towards you and a little bit of hurt. (exhales) But you did make the effort to come for Clara, and it is really nice to see you. So, let’s start again. Would you like a drink?

 

(RILEY, taken aback by JESSICA’s change towards her, simply smiles. Closing the gap between them, she gently places her hand on JESSICA’s arm.)

 

RILEY:            (smiling) I’d love one.

 

(They make their way back towards the top table as most of the bridal party are dancing or getting some fresh air. JESSICA looks out onto the dancefloor, smiling and swaying on her seat. RILEY glances towards her, emotions bursting out of her.)

 

RILEY:            I regret everything, you know? Not… leaving Scotland. (hesitantly) Leaving you. We were young and you were so sure of everything. Your future, our future. I’m not proud of it but I saw a chance to run and I took it… I ran as fast as I could, putting an ocean between us.

 

(JESSICA sits silently, taking in RILEY’s out of the blue confession. She doesn’t flinch or soften. She simply stands, letting the words settle over them like dust.)

 

(The music shifts again into a slow romantic ballad. The dancefloor lights dim to a soft gold as couples begin to pair together.)

 

(JESSICA finally turns and speaks.)

 

JESSICA:        Clara doesn’t know the whole story of us by the way. You guys are still friends, and I just didn’t want to ruin that for you.

 

(A small genuine smile grows on JESSICA’s face. She extends her hand, cautiously offering peace, a chance of rekindling.)

 

JESSICA:        One dance?

 

(RILEY, slightly surprised, stares at JESSICA’s hand for a minute then she takes it.)

 

(They move to centre stage. The lighting focuses on a soft circle around them. Swaying gently, not too close or too distant. Like two friendly strangers navigating old wounds.)

 

(RILEY occasionally glances at JESSICA, searching for long-lost answers. JESSICA ensures that her gaze is maintained forward and resolute.)

(The song continues as the room is filled with other couples’ laughing, dancing and whispering around them. As if the world is moving on while they remain in their long overdue moment. As the song reaches its end, JESSICA takes the first step back. She lets go of RILEY’s hand slowly, carefully and lets her hand drop by her side.)

 

JESSICA:        It really was good to see you, Riley.

 

(She turns towards the dancefloor, spotting CLARA attempting to do one of her famous spins although nearly falls over. JESSICA laughs and catches CLARA in her arms, bringing her into a reassuring hug.)

 

CLARA:         And that, my dear best friend, is why I love you. You always seem to be exactly where I need you. Now, to the bar (points towards the bar).

 

(RILEY watches them go, not yearning anymore but accepting. A soft, bitter-sweet smile forms.)

 

(JESSICA pauses mid-way to the bar, holding CLARA against her. She glances back over her shoulder, allowing herself to meet RILEY’s gaze. She returns the smile, a goodbye and a thank you all wrapped into the unspoken years between them.)

 

(She turns back to CLARA, who decides to pull into her the chaos of the dancefloor once more and JESSICA laughs, refusing to be the one who tells the bride no. She looks around the room, towards the guests, feeling free and lighter than she did before. The light shifts to a brightening purple focusing on JESSICA.)

 

JESSICA:        Maybe that old wedding saying is right… Something old, something new… (shrugs) or however it goes.

(Lights slowly begin to fade to black as the music lingers in the background and the wedding reception continues into the night.)

 

 

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