Skip to main content
Conversations in the Car

Overview

Show Type
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Genders
  • Female: 2
  • Male: 2
Playing Age
Adult, Late Teen, Early Teen
Style
Comedic
Length
Long
Time Period
Contemporary
Time/Place
A parking lot, 2015
Act/Scene
Act 1, Scene 6

Context

Text

KATHLEEN: Edward Johnson?

EDWARD: Yes.

KATHLEEN: Hi, I'm Kathleen. Pastor Ramirez told me you were selling your dad's car. I'm looking for something for my son.

CONOR: Holy smokes! This is the ultimate chick magnet.

KIMBERLY: Dear God, spare us.

KATHLEEN: My children: Conor and Kimberly.

EDWARD: Yes, it's a nice car. It's a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. It's got about hundred thousand miles on it, guzzles gas, but it's got a brand-new sound system and air conditioning.

CONOR: Wow! Mom, can we get it?

KATHLEEN: Well, let me talk to Mr. Johnson first.

EDWARD: Here, take the keys. You can take a look inside.

CONOR: Sweet!

KIMBERLY: Mom, Steven is playing basketball in the youth building. Can I go inside?

KATHLEEN: You'd better be out in ten minutes, and I better not catch you making out.

KIMBERLY: Mother, I can't help it if my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard.

KATHLEEN: Kimberly Ann Baker! I swear to God...!

KIMBERLY: I'm kidding mom! I'm going to go break up with him. He totally didn't text me back this whole week. Excuse me while I go break his sorry little heart.

KIMBERLY exits.

EDWARD: Well, she's a pistol.

KATHLEEN: You have no idea.

EDWARD: And the boy?

KATHLEEN: He's a good kid.

EDWARD: You sure his dad's gonna approve of him getting behind the wheel of a car like this?

KATHLEEN: His dad would have wanted him to have something nice. He passed. Afghanistan.

EDWARD: Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss.

KATHLEEN: Thank you. He's a straight "A" student. Never caused me any problems, and he's actually a good driver, just got his license.

EDWARD: That's wonderful.

KATHLEEN: How much are you selling it for?

EDWARD: Fifteen thousand if you want to do some financing with a bank. I can also work out some sort of owner financing. Twelve grand, if you pay cash.

KATHLEEN: I can give you a check for twelve. Can he take it for a test drive?

EDWARD: Sure thing. Hey Conor, you want to take it for a spin?

CONOR: Really? Mom, can I?

KATHLEEN: Of course. Go ahead. Go to the park and back. Don't go too fast.

CONOR: Yes, ma'am. Thank you.

CONOR takes a look at the keys, unsure how to start the car. Both KATHLEEN and EDWARD motion him to put the keys in the ignition. He has a moment of realization and starts the car.

CONOR: Listen to that baby purr! EDWARD and KATHLEEN laugh and walk away as CONOR drives.

EDWARD: It's odd that we go to the same church and have never met.

KATHLEEN: I usually come to the early service. I help with youth ministry a lot.

EDWARD: Oh, that makes sense.

KATHLEEN: So is your dad sad about losing his car?

EDWARD: More mad.

KATHLEEN: Makes sense. Why don't you keep it?

EDWARD: Well, I just got a divorce. I don't have the time or space for another car.

KATHLEEN: Oh I see...sorry about your divorce.

EDWARD: Thanks, but it was for the best.

Awkward silence.

KATHLEEN: You know the Friedmans?

EDWARD: Yeah, Connie and Joe?

KATHLEEN: Yeah, they're having a board game night tonight with some people from church. You should go. It's always fun to connect with other people there.

EDWARD: Yeah, that would be good.

KATHLEEN: Oh, let me write you the check for the car. Is a personal check, okay?

EDWARD: No problem.

She gets out her checkbook and drops her pen. They both reach for the pen and bump heads and laugh. EDWARD eventually gets the pen and gives it to her.

EDWARD: Sorry.

KATHLEEN: No, I'm sorry. I'm such a klutz. She writes the check.

EDWARD: I think it's cute.

KATHLEEN: Oh wow. Okay. I...

EDWARD: Sorry...I...

KATHLEEN: No...uh...thank you.

They walk back to the car as CONOR gets out.

CONOR: Mom, can we get it?! It's so perfect. It's freedom on wheels.

KATHLEEN: Check's already written.

CONOR: Oh wow! Thanks mom! (Hugs KATHLEEN.) I'm going to tell Kimmie. (Runs off.) Kimmie, guess who has the coolest older brother around?!

KATHLEEN: Here's the check. Um...my number's on it. In case...you know...for whatever.

EDWARD: Awesome...yeah...Thanks...See you tonight.

KATHLEEN: Yeah, see you.

They both back away to leave and wave awkwardly.

More Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners.

Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.