----------*~*~*~*~*Scene 1 :: Prologue*~*~*~*~*----------
Narrator: Cold and cruel winds of the Yule tide season kicked up in a certain Mistletoe Street. A young woman appeared out from the mist, walking slowly on the sidewalks with a little bundle held closely on her hands. It was very cold and she was shivering like wild. But despite that, she proceeded to her destination. Upon reaching a certain house, she stopped in front of the door and placed the bundle on the doorsteps. She pulled out a necklace and a letter from her pocket and placed it inside.
(baby wails)
Katherine: (picks up the bundle and hugs it tightly) Shhhh… Don’t worry, I’m not going to say good bye… (looks at the baby) I’m just gonna leave you to my friend for a while until I can save enough for me to raise you myself! Hush now… I promise you, I will return to you. (A tear rolls down. She wipes it and returns the baby on the door step. She rings the door bell/knocks on the door and runs towards the bushes/trees to hide there.
Milany: (opens the door and calls out) Hello! Wel—who’s there? Hello? Anyone? (She looks around and accidentally kicks on something. She looks down to see a baby. The baby starts to cry. Her eyes widened and calls for her husband) Oh, oh Adrian! Co-come here! Quick! Hurry up! (Picks up the crying baby carefully)
Adrian: What!? I’m in the middle of the—(stops walking and talking all of a sudden at the sight of his wife with the baby). What the heck, Milany!? Where on earth did that baby came from!?
Milany: (Didn’t notice Adrian cause she’s reading a letter. Suddenly looks up only hearing the last sentence) Hm? What? (Wears a confused look)
Milany: (sighs) I said, where did that baby came from?
Milany: (doesn’t answer but hands the letter to her husband) there. I think this will answer your question…
Adrian: (reads and understands after a while) Ohhh… so, so he’s…
Milany: SHE
Adrian: (Ignores her correction) She’s your friend’s… daughter…
(The two cuddles with the baby near the doorstep then enters the house)
Katherine: (watches the scene from a distance and smiles to herself) Dear God, Please keep my daughter safe. And… I hope that the two of us will meet again… someday… I’m counting on you, my friend. I love you, Pia… Merry Christmas.
---------*~*~*~*~*End of Scene 1*~*~*~*~*----------
----------*~*~*~*~*Scene 2 :: 12 years later*~*~*~*~*----------
Narrator: From that day forward, Katherine worked hard to earn enough for herself and her child to make a living. So, 12 years later, Katherine came back to her friend’s house to get Pia back, as she had promised and also to pay for their kindness to her daughter… So, upon arriving Mistletoe Street, Katherine’s excitement was evident.
Katherine: (knocks on the door of the house where she left her child and waits patiently for an answer)
_________ (extra char.): (opens the door and looks at Katherine) Hello… Can I help you?
Katherine: (looks a bit shocked)Oh, uh… I was wondering if Mr. and Mrs. Thistle are there…
_________ (extra char.): The Thistles? Oh, I’m so sorry, miss, but they’re not here anymore.
Katherine: Wha-what do you mean? (Starts to feel nervous)
_________ (extra char.): I mean, they already moved out… you know, lived somewhere else.
Katherine: (looks shocked at the revelation)Oh…uh… I…I… uhhh… Thank you, sir. Erm… goodbye!
_________ (extra char.): Uhhh, no problem miss. (Goes back in the house and closes the door)
Katherine: (suddenly sits down on the door steps) Oh my goodness… (Mumbles to self) Dear God, please don’t do this to me… (Moans, then closes her eyes)
Narrator: Katherine was stuck there. She had no idea on what to do… or where to find her daughter… Dazed and troubled, this year’s Christmas was NOT how she had planned.
----------*~*~*~*~*End of Scene 2*~*~*~*~*---------
----------*~*~*~*~*Scene 3 :: 2 or 3 years later*~*~*~*~*----------
Narrator: After that day, Katherine searched far and wide for the address of her friend so she can take back her daughter… but to no avail… In the meantime, on Katakataka Street, yells from a certain house could be heard…
Zayla and Sharisse: (running around the house while looking around. Stops then looks at each other with angry looks. Both shouts) PIAAAAAA!
Pia: (rushes to the room with a broom and a dustpan) Ye-yes?
Zayla and Sharisse: (overlapping orders) Iron the clothes cause–wash the dishes and – those bed sheets on my room are – the windows in the Sala – those dirty stairs (etc, etc!) (After 5 seconds)(Together)DO IT!
Pia: (winces and takes a step back) (mumbles)yeah, yeah, yeah… (Sighs)
Milany and Adrian: (enters the room, laughing with each other. Stops, still smiling and looks at the trio)
Pia, Zayla, and Sharisse: (stops making any sounds)
Adrian: Kids! Guess what!
Milany: Your dad and I have a special surprise for each of you three!
Zayla and Sharisse: (looks at each other excitedly) what!? Really!? (Hauls over to their parents)
Pia: (sneaks out of the room and stays behind the door, sighing) (continues cleaning the area)
…pssst! ...
Pia: (looks up and searches for the source of the sound) what the—(sigh) Oh well… (Continues cleaning)
…pssst! …
Pia: (gets irritated) all right, Jovito! Game’s up! Where are you!? (Looks around)
Jovito: (sneaks up behind Pia then…) BOO!
Pia: (swirls around and accidentally whacks Jovito in the face with the broom)
Jovito: Ouch! HEY! Whad’ya do that for!? (Rubs forehead)
Pia: (low harsh voice) Shhh! Quiet down, you! (Drags Jovito outside of the house) All right, “Einstein”, how’d you get in the house!?
Jovito: (still rubbing forehead then smirks at Pia) That’s something for me to keep and something for you to find out! Ha, ha, ha!
Pia: (raises broom as if threatening him that she will hit him again)
Jovito: (backs away a little) Ok! Ok! The window was open! Are you happy now!?
Pia: (looks suspiciously at Jovito) I know you’re up to something. Spit it out!
Jovito: (raises hands in defeat) Oh, alright! You just know me too well! (Glares at Pia) I just came by to remind you of the Simbang Gabi tomorrow morning!
Pia: (places hands in the hips and pokes Jovito’s forehead with her forefinger) I know that, idiot! I just hope you won’t forget about it! (Laughs sarcastically)
Jovito: (laughs a little) Ha! As if I could!
----------*~*~*~*~*End of Scene 3*~*~*~*~*----------
----------*~*~*~*~*Scene 4 :: The next day, First day of the Simbang Gabi*~*~*~*~*----------
Narrator: The next day, December 16, at four in the morning…
(Milany, Adrian, Zayla, Sharisse, and Jovito’s parents walks ahead. Pia and Jovito stays a little behind)
Jovito: Ah-choo! Brrrr…. (shivers) Meh, it’s cold out here!
Pia: It’s December!
Jovito: I know, I know… But even so… (shrugs)
(They all walk through the street until they reached the town. Extra characters walk around here and there. Some of them are selling candles to the group.)
Narrator: After a while, the reached the town and proceeded to the Church.
(Almost all enters the church and take seats.)
Narrator: Pia and her “family” would always do this every year with Jovito’s family. And doing what she does every year, she would pray to God and wish for the same thing…
Pia: (kneels down) Dear God, thank you for all of the blessings that you gave to me… to us. I pray for Your forgiveness for all the short-comings that I’ve committed. I also pray for Your pardon on Zayla and Sharisse.
Lord, I ask you again. Please let me meet my real parents. Even… even for just a single moment that I can be with them. I—
Zayla: pssst! Pia!
Pia: (looks at Zayla) Huh? What?
Zayla: (whispers) Don’t forget to do those things that I told you to do! (looks away)
Pia: (sigh) right…
----------*~*~*~*~*End of Scene 4*~*~*~*~*----------
----------*~*~*~*~*Scene 5 :: A few hours later, an accidental meeting*~*~*~*~*----------
Narrator: A few hours later, in the marketplace…
(“vendors” and “buyers” doing the usual stuff in the marketplace. E.g. buying/selling stuff)
Pia: (holds a basket while humming)...
(Kat and Pia accidentally bumps into each other)
Pia: (stumbles down, letting go of the basket) Ouch!
Kat: Ah! I’m sorry! Here, let me help you! (offers a hand)
Pia: (takes hand) Thank you…
Kat: (stares at Pia’s necklace with a shocked expression)
Pia: (looks at Kat) Yes?
Kat: (shakes head) Uhhh… nothing! Nothing! (picks up Pia’s basket)
Pia: (Quickly gets it and looks inside the basket. Then she sighs) It’s ruined… -.-“
Kat: Oh… uhhh… hey! Why don’t you come with me to my shop and replace those items that were… erm… ruined… I’ll give you a 50% discount since it’s my fault… hehehe…
Pia: (suddenly looks up at Kat) Really!? Thank you, Miss… miss… uhhh…
Kat: (smiles) Mrs. Katherine Jhoves.
Pia: Opppsss… hehehe… Nice to meet you! I’m Pia Thistle!
(Kat and Pia shakes hands. Then, both walks together to Kat’s shop and Pia buys some items. After paying for that…)
Pia: Thank you so much, Mrs. Katherine!
Kat: (laughs) No problem! Come over to my shop anytime you need to buy something!
Pia: (smiles) Thank you, again! (starts to leave but suddenly stops and looks back at Kat) Have I met you before?
Kat: (simply smiles) I guess… but perhaps we can’t remember?
Pia: Ohhh… OK! Bye! (waves goodbye and leaves)
Kat: Bye! (whispers) Pia…
----------*~*~*~*~*End of Scene 5*~*~*~*~*----------
----------*~*~*~*~*Scene 6 :: Suki*~*~*~*~*----------
Narrator: Several days passed and Pia became a “suki” of Katherine. Sometimes, when Pia would shop there, she would stay for a while and chat with her. Getting to know each other and the lot… One time…
Kat: You know, I also have a daughter. And I think she’s just about your age, too!
Pia: Really? Where is she? (looks around)
Kat: Well… (hesitates a little) I—I lost her… (looks down)
Pia: Oh…I’m uhhh… I’m sorry to… to hear that… (looks down too)
Kat: (laughs a little) hehe… Don’t worry! I know she’s alive! I think I’ve even seen her somewhere!
Pia: (lightens up) Really? I’m so glad for you!
Kat: (laughs a little) yeah, well, I’m not so sure actually. But I did give her something before we… got… separated…
Pia: (takes Kat’s hand) I wish you the BEST of luck!
Kat: (smiles) wanna know what that thing is?
Pia: If you don’t mind…
Kat: It was nothing special… just a simple ________ necklace…
Pia: (suddenly stops for a while. After some time) Ohhh… well… I –
Kat: (looks at her watch) Goodness me! It’s getting late, Pia! I think it’s best that you go home already!
Pia: (looks at Kat’s watch) Oh my – I really have to go home now! (Picks up her basket and stands up) Thanks a LOT for reminding me! See ‘ya! (waves then runs off)
Kat: (waves) See you, too! Bye!
Narrator: But at the back of Pia’s mind, as she walked homeward…
Pia: (mumbles) Could it be? (shakes head) Nah! She can’t be! (stops walking) But it is possible… (shakes head) What am I thinking!? (laughs)
----------*~*~*~*~*End of Scene 6*~*~*~*~*----------
----------*~*~*~*~*Scene 7 :: It is time!*~*~*~*~*----------
Narrator: The next day…
Kat: You attend the Simbang Gabi everyday, don’t you?
Pia: (nods) Yup! You see, I’ve heard that if you complete the 9 days of it, any wish you ask will come true…
Kat: (smiles) Good luck, Pia! Only 2 days to go!
Pia: (laughs a little) hehehe…
Kat: Oh, by the way, I just remembered! I remembered you said you’re a “Thistle”. I was wondering if you know anyone named “Milany Thistle” ?
Pia: Oh, of course I do! (laughs) She’s my mother!
Kat: (shocked) You’re… you’re mother?
Narrator: It was really a surprise for Katherine. The name Thistle was a common one but to find the one she’s looking for this… this easily? God, thank you!
Kat: Really? Wow, I never thought – this is – wow…
Pia: (looks at Kat with curiosity) Is something wrong?
Kat: (shakes head while smiling) None at all! In fact, you just helped me find her!
Pia: (tilts head to the side with a look of curiosity) What?
Kat: (takes in a deep breath) You see, your mother, Milany Thistle, was a really good friend of mine! But I haven’t heard any news from her for several years already…
Pia: Ohhh… (Thinks up of something) Hey! If you don’t mind, I can give our address to you!
Kat: (looks at Pia) Really? Is that all right for you? After all, I am just a stranger!
Pia: (laughs) We’re not strangers anymore! We’ve met! (takes out a piece of paper and a pen then gives it to Kat)
Kat: Th-thank you, Pia. (smiles at her)
Pia: No problem! (grins)
----------*~*~*~*~*End of Scene 7*~*~*~*~*----------
----------*~*~*~*~*Scene 8 :: Phase 1, Fail*~*~*~*~*----------
Narrator: The next day, in the afternoon, Katherine stood in front of a house. She looked at a piece of paper, the one that Pia gave, and smiled a little.
Kat: (knocks on the door)
Sharisse: (from inside) I’ll get it! (opens the door) Hello! Can I help you?
Kat: Good afternoon! I’m looking for Mrs. Milany.
Sharisse: Oh, I’m sorry… She and father are out today… By the way, can I ask who you are?
Kat: Oh, I’m sorry… I’m Katherine Jhoves…ummm… can you tell your mother that I came by today and will come by tomorrow to… uhhh… “take back something I left?”
Sharisse: I guess so… (shrugs)
Kat: Thank you! Good bye!
Sharisse: Yes… goodbye! (closes the door)
Kat: (walks away from the house then sighs) Well. There’s always tomorrow…
----------*~*~*~*~*End of Scene 8*~*~*~*~*----------
----------*~*~*~*~* Scene 9 :: Last day of Simbang Gabi*~*~*~*~*----------
Narrator: Early the next morning, Pia attended the Simbang Gabi alone. But despite that, she was really happy! After this mass, she would have completed the 9 days! Upon arriving and being seated in the Church, she prayed to God.
Pia: Lord, I hope that I’ll meet my mother or father very soon! Please help me fine them! All my life, this is what I’ve always wished for. Thank you so much!
----------*~*~*~*~*End of Scene 9*~*~*~*~*----------
----------*~*~*~*~* Scene 10 :: THIS IS REALLY IS IT TO THE MAX*~*~*~*~*----------
Narrator: Later, Milany was cooking in the kitchen together with her three daughters, Zayla, Sharisse, and Pia.
Kat: (knocks on the door)
Milany: Mm, Zayla, watch the soup while I get the door.
Zayla: K, Mom.
Milany: (walks over to the door and opens it) Hello! Can I – (suddenly stops)
Kat: Surprise? (grins)
Milany: Katherine!? Is that you!? Is that REALLY you!? (hugs Kat)
Kat: (hugs back) You bet it’s me! (laughs)
(breaks the hug)
Milany: I haven’s seen you for YEARS! I missed you!
Kat: Me too!
Milany: Come on in! Come on in!
Kat: Thank you!
(both enters the room to the Sala, where Adrian was reading some newspapers)
Milany: (Taps Adrian on the shoulders) Hey! We have a visitor!
Adrian: (puts down the newspaper and looks) Whoa! Is that you, Kat!?
Kat: (laughs) The one and only!
(all laughs and settles down on seats)
Narrator: The trio talked with each other about almost anything about their lives! But even so, it was kind of evident that the couple were trying to avoid a certain topic… Katherine noticed this so…
Kat: Ummm… Milany, Adrian… Thank you for EVERYTHING! Especially…
Adrian: Especially what?
Kat: Especially for accepting my daughter to your family and being very nice to her.
(Adrian and Milany looks at each other)
Kat: I… I know it’s rude but… I’ve come to take her back… (looks down)
(Silence… after a while)
Adrian: No.
(Milany and Kat looks at him)
Kat: What? But I—
Milany: I’m sorry Katherine, but… we just don’t think that… that… she’ll be…
Kat: (kneels down on the floor and grabs on Milany’s clothes) Please! I’ve worked hard for 12 years so I can create a living! I searched for you and your family for 3 years!
Narrator: Milany and Adrian won’t give in, even though Katherine was already begging. Until…
Adrian: (shouts) NO! WE WILL NOT GIVE HER TO YOU!
Narrator: A really big quarrel broke out. They made such a ruckus that it lured the three girls to eavesdrop on them.
Sharisse: Hey, hey, what’s going on?
Zayla: I dunno but I think its… its…
Pia: Shhh! I can’t hear—
Kat: BUT I’M STILL PIA’S REAL MOTHER! NO MATTER WHAT I’VE DONE IN THE PAST, NO MATTER HOW MANY MISTAKES I’VE COMMITTED, I AM STILL HER MOTHER! AND NOTHING, NOTHING, CAN CHANGE THAT! NOT EVEN BY YOU TWO!
(The three “adults” continues fighting)
Sharisse: OMG, Zayla! Did you hear that!?
Zayla: You bet I did! Pia, you’re…
Pia: (sighs) Yes… I’m just adopted… (looks down)
(Zayla and Sharisse both gasp)
Zayla: you… you knew all along?
Sharisse: Since when!?
Pia: Since 7 years ago… I didn’t mean to but I found a letter in the storage room. I was only 8, but I understood it… then a year later, I asked them. But they told me to keep it a secret from everyone else…
Milany: THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! 15 YEARS LATER, YOU COME BACK JUST TO TAKE HER BACK!?
Sharisse: This is getting annoying… -.-“
Pia: What should we do?
Zayla: Obviously, we have to stop their stupid fight! Pia! For once, as in ONCE, we’re going to help you!
Sharisse: (nods) Yup! Cause that noise is getting into my nerves!
Pia: (smiles)Thank you…
Adrian: I SAID IT ONCE AND I’LL SAY IT AGAIN! WE WILL NOT GIVE HER TO YOU!
(Pia, Zayla, and Sharisse walks in to the room)
Pia: WAIT!
Zayla and Sharisse: STOP!
(the three “adults” stops talking and looks at the girls)
Pia: (goes near to Adrian and Milany and then faces them) Father, Mother, you two are really good parents! Being able to take care of us, and giving us the right morals! And just for simply that, I – no, WE are very thankful! And we can NEVER repay it… But…
(Pia walks over to Katherine)
Pia: My real mother needs me. 9 days ago, I accidentally met her in the marketplace and since that day, I started to know more about her! I’ve learned that… that she’s… she’s been yearning for her daughter. She had traveled far just to look for her. And now, she found her. She found me…
(pause)
Milany: But –
(Zayla and Sharisse hugs Milany and Adrian)
Zayla: Don’t worry Mom and Dad!
Sharisse: You still have the two us!
Zayla: And besides, we understand Pia!
Sharisse: So please let her go!
(Milany and Adrian looks at Zayla and Sharisse, then at each other. They then looked at Katherine and Pia, who were looking back at them.)
Adrian: (sighs) Katherine, I’m – we’re sorry… It’s just that…
Milany: We’re really attached to her… to our daughters…
Adrian and Milany: We’re sorry… (both looks down on the floor)
Kat: (walks over to the two and then smiles warmly at them) Apology accepted.
(The trio hugs [sorry na lang sayo Adrian!!!])
(the three girls joins in [sorry talaga Adrian!!! Kailangan eh!!!])
Narrator:
And that concludes III-St. Gregory’s Christmas Story:
Simbang Gabi
----------*~*~*~*~*The End*~*~*~*~*----------
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