The Affair
By Jessica Belizario
A play in two acts
This piece depicts gun violence
Characters
Juliana: a twenty-five year old female
Cassidy: twenty five year old kind hearted male basketball player
Aliyah: a twenty-four year old mean spirited female, Cassidy’s fiance
AT RISE: JULIANA and CASSIDY arrive at JULIANA’s house following a Thanksgiving dinner with JULIANA’s entire family. The house is quiet, dimmed lights and soft music is playing in the background. JULIANA and CASSIDY have been friends for years and become very close throughout the years. CASSIDY is dating someone else, however he is emotionally attached to JULIANA and she is attached to him. CASSIDY’s girlfriend, ALIYAH, is a spoiled rich girl who doesn’t treat CASSIDYas nice as she should, but CASSIDY puts up with her because it is the wishes ofALIYAH’s father, a rich NBA mogul who hopes to assist in the draft of CASSIDY into the NBA. CASSIDY and JULIANA have had quite a bit to drink and while they are not drunk, they are slightly buzzed, inhibitions lowered. They are both nicely dressed, causing them to desire each other more.
CASSIDY
I didn’t even tell you that you looked beautiful tonight. My bad for real, because you deserve all the compliments.
JULIANA
You looking aight yourself, ya know?
(laughs)
You know, I’m glad you came over for dinner tonight. My family has been dying to see you. It’s good that you were finally able to step away from everything and see them. They really missed you. I was getting sick of them checking for you more than they checked for me!
(chuckles)
CASSIDY
I’m glad I came too. Your family is nothing but jokes! I laughed so hard I had cranberry sauce coming out of my nose!
(laughs)
Dang, that hurt so bad I’m having flashbacks.
(rubs nose)
JULIANA
Aww! Poor baby. I’m glad you had a good time. I guess that means you’ll be coming to more and more events then?
CASSIDY
Absolutely! You know your family is like my family. I honestly had a great time tonight. It felt good being around genuine love, I almost forgot what that feels like…
(CASSIDY trails off, taking his eyes off JULIANA, looking at nothing in particular. CASSIDY takes a deep breath in and shakes his head before he continues.)
I definitely want to take your cousin up on his offer for the basketball game, though.
JULIANA
Well, maybe we can set something up this weekend? Do you have plans?
CASSIDY
Nah, no plans. I think that’ll work. You’re going to come right? I’ll pick you up and we can drive down together.
JULIANA
Yeah, that’s cool. Let’s see if we can go around noon. I want to start Christmas shopping so after we watch you lose your game, we can hit the mall.
CASSIDY
(laughs)
Now this! Yo, do you remember the night you came to my basketball game over the summer and got so drunk that you cried every time I made a shot?
JULIANA
Oh, please do not remind me! That was definitely the liquor taking over, I was completely blacked out the next morning!
CASSIDY
Nah, you remember. You was running around the court telling everyone you was my recruiter and that you were going to sign me to the NBA!
(laughs)
JULIANA
I mean, it was a good game and all, but I might have gassed it with the whole NBA thing.
(BOTH laugh)
CASSIDY
Yeah, okay. By the end of the game you were sitting quietly on the bench, with a big ass cup of Ciroc and pineapple, telling me how proud you were that I won my game.
(grins big)
JULIANA
I was proud of you. How many times do I need to tell you? I am your biggest fan.
CASSIDY
The feeling is mutual, Juju.
(BOTH laugh. CASSIDY pauses for a few seconds while JULIANA walks over to her window and idly peeks through the blinds. CASSIDY watches her for a few seconds, but says nothing. A few more seconds passes by and JULIANA turns from the blinds and faces CASSIDY, who looks away quickly, slightly embarrassed to be caught staring.)
JULIANA
So, tell me. How are things going with the She-Devil?
CASSIDY
Oh man. I honestly don’t know what I’m doing anymore. You know the only reason I even asked her out was because her father insisted on it. I mean she’s beautiful and everything, but her attitude is disgusting.
JULIANA
Yeah, I’m aware. Do you remember the first time you introduced her to everyone? She rolled her eyes and sucked her teeth the entire night.
CASSIDY
You think that’s bad? Let me tell you about this one time we went out on date. It was a spur of the moment kind of thing, nothing planned she just wanted to run out and get sushi. I came out with only my cell phone, no wallet, no keys, nothing at all, just my phone. We ended up getting into a little argument over… damn. I don’t even remember what the disagreement was about. Whatever it was though, was enough for her to decide that she wasn’t going to cover my meal. So here we are, the two of us at a Sushi bar, her having a full on buffet and me, watching her. “Next time, bring your own money,” She said to me. Now you know me, I have my own money, but that day she rushed me out the house. It was the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever experienced. The waitress kept coming over with the most pitiful look in her face. Every time she'd asked if I wanted anything Aliyah would tell her that I didn’t have any money on me so I couldn’t eat.
JULIANA
And you stuck around?! Why the hell didn’t you leave?
CASSIDY
I don’t have Uber and we rode in her car. I was stuck. It was so degrading, Juju.
JULIANA
Well, why didn’t you call me?
CASSIDY
Aside from the embarrassment? Honestly, I would have to call you at least once a week. That’s not even the worse she’s done.
JULIANA
There’s worse? How can there be worse, what else could she possibly do?
CASSIDY
The time after that, we went out to the movies and I made sure I had my wallet and all that good stuff, but we still took her car. We get to the movies and she sees some of her siddity friends from her country club. She’s clearly embarrassed to be seen with me and starts getting fidgety and kind of ducking down so they don’t see her. She told me to get the snacks and drinks from the concession stand and that she needed to go to the restroom, so she’d meet me back at the seats. “Cool,” I thought. I get in line, pay for everything and head to find the seats. I sit through the previews and the lights dim and I’m wondering if she fell into the toilet or something! So, I call her and she tells me she ran into her friends in the bathroom and they were leaving out so she tagged along with them. She got in her car and left me there.
JULIANA
You’re kidding. How’d you get home?
CASSIDY
I learned from the last time. I had Uber downloaded and ready to go.
JULIANA
Cassidy, that’s terrible. So, if she’s embarrassed to be seen with you, what is she doing with you?
CASSIDY
Well, her father has really high connections in the NBA. So while I have “potential,” I’m not “there yet,” as she puts it. I want nothing more than to cut ties with her, but she threatens to tell her father every time she thinks I’ll break it off.
JUILIANA
Yeah, I get that. But you can’t tolerate that forever. What, are you going to bide your time until you're stuck in an unhappy marriage where she can take half of everything you own once you make it to the NBA?
CASSIDY
Nah. I need to find an out soon though. One that won’t get me black listed in the NBA before I even try out. Sometimes I wish things would have turned out differently with us, that way she wouldn’t even be a factor in my life.
(CASSIDY stares blankly into space for a few seconds, and then continues)
Hey, is it okay if I stay by you tonight? By the time I get home it’s going to be about 1 a.m.
(CASSIDY checks his watch and looks at JULIANA, waiting for her response)
JULIANA
Yeah, sure. I’ll run and grab you some pillows and some sheets. Do you want a big comforter too?
CASSIDY
Yeah, that's perfect.
(JULIANA walks off stage to gather the items while CASSIDY relaxes into the couch, completely comfortable with his eyes closed and begins to doze off. JULIANA does not take long and is back within a few minutes. JULIANA smiles when she hears CASSIDY’s very light snores. JULIANA takes a step toward CASSIDY and places her hand on his lap gently and his eyes shoot open.)
JULIANA
Hey, here you go. Towel, pillows, and a blanket.
(JULIANA passes him the items, their hands touch. BOTH smile at each other.)
You know where everything is so you know, help yourself. I’ll let you get some sleep. If you leave before I wake up just lock the doors and shoot me a quick text.
CASSIDY
Thank you Juju, but I’m good.
(CASSIDY grabs JULIANA’s hand, pulling her down to sit next to him.)
Watch a movie with me. I’m not tired yet.
JULIANA
(laughs)
Boy you were just two seconds away from being knocked out!
CASSIDY
Alright, but I’m up now. C’mon watch a movie with me, please. We can make some popcorn and pick something scary.
(CASSIDY looks at JULIANA with bright, hopeful eyes.)
JULIANA
Honestly, it’s late and I’m tired. Plus, you just ate, how hungry can you possibly be? Maybe tomorrow we can watch a movie, nothing scary though, I’ll have nightmares.
(JULIANA chuckles slightly and rises from the couch. She takes about two steps)
CASSIDY
Juliana, please just watch one movie. What’s the problem? What, are you scared of the movie? ‘Cause you know I’ll protect you.
(CASSIDY says jokingly as he feels the tension building and trying to keep the mood friendly and carefree.)
JULIANA
No, Cassidy. Honestly, it’s not just about watching a scary movie. I just can't help but think about your situation. Like I understand why you’re still with her, but like why are you still with her? I wish I could help. Talk to her maybe? Tell her that she needs to change her attitude because you are by far the sweetest person in the world and she should worship the ground you walk on!
CASSIDY
Is that what you’d do?
JULIANA
Without question… Alright, I’ll let you sleep then.
CASSIDY
So, that’s a no on the movie then?
JULIANA
(sighs)
What are we doing here? It’s past midnight and you want to snuggle up on the couch and watch movies, just us two? I mean yeah it sounds innocent enough, you know, if you ignore the fact that you’re in the world's most devastating situation-ship. You know Satan’s Spawn would not like this set up one bit.
CASSIDY
Juju, you know that's not even anywhere near what I was intending.
JULIANA
Cassidy, you and I have had plenty of close calls before she was even in the picture. But having these close calls while that’s your girlfriend feels wrong, no matter how cruel she is. Remember the night that I was sick with the flu and you came and bought me soup? Do you remember how I laid my head on your lap while you rubbed my back and then one commercial break later we’re making out like two high school kids?
CASSIDY
Ju-
JULIANA
Yeah, I know that wasn’t your intention, but it still happened though! How about the time we had a lunch date and we held hands all the way back to my front door. C’mon, you remember don’t you? When you ‘unintentionally’ kissed me goodbye on the front porch.
CASSIDY
Julianna! I get it! We’ve always stopped ourselves from doing something that would cross that line. I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable here, I just miss hanging out with my best friend, that’s all.
(CASSIDY takes a beat, waiting for JULIANA’s response, but she does not offer one. After a few seconds, CASSIDY continues)
Listen, I’m not trying to overstep my boundaries here, I’m sorry. I’m going to just go.
(JULIANA watches CASSIDY collect his things and head to the front door. JULIANA walks to the kitchen without saying a word. JULIANA walks to the refrigerator and grabs an opened bottle of wine and a glass cup and begins drinking. JULIANA realizes that she never heard her front door open or close, and she turns to find CASSIDY standing in the doorway.)
CASSIDY
Juju, stop this. Please?
(CASSIDY walks toward her. JULIANA tries to walk past him but he stops her in her tracks by softly, yet firmly holding on to her elbow.)
Tell me what to do, I don’t know what to do or how to make this right.
JULIANA
There’s nothing wrong, nothing to fix. Weren’t you leaving?
CASSIDY
C’mon Juliana, don’t do that.
JULIANA
Don’t do what?
(JULIANA snaps, as she has become more agitated with their situation. Anger gets the best of her and single tears fall from either eye.)
CASSIDY
I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Please stop crying. Please Juliana. I don’t know what to do. Tell me what to do.
(CASSIDY bends his head to JULIANA’s so they are now forehead to forehead. JULIANA is quiet.)
It’s getting harder and harder trying to stay platonic with you. It’s torture having to fight every urge inside of me that’s telling me to hold your hands, kiss you when you’re sad, shit, kiss you when you’re happy! I wish we would have tried this sooner. But, that wasn’t in the cards for us, so I’m taking what I can now, ya know? I really want us to be friends. I promise, I’ll behave.
JULIANA
Yeah, unfortunately, that doesn’t work for me.
(JULIANA breaks free of CASSIDY’s gentle embrace and walks back over to the front door. CASSIDY follows, intently listening)
(bitterly, sarcastically)
I think the innocence in our friendship dissolved a long time ago, and it’s left nothing but desire and urge in its place. I want you. It’s very obvious that you want me, too. And if i’m being honest, there will come a day where we won’t be able to stop ourselves. You can lie to yourself, but I know that our connection is too strong to keep trying to hide it. Anyone with eyes can literally see the sparks that fly when we’re in close proximity to each other. So how about we end this friendship, you go home to your girlfriend and I, I don’t know, go find one of my own boyfriend, maybe?
CASSIDY
Honestly, what are you mad about here? You never wanted anything deeper than what we have now before. What’s the real problem here?
JULIANA
Was that a serious question? Is it really so hard to see that I’m in love with you, Cassidy?
CASSIDY
Please, don’t be. The only way I can have you is as a friend; I really don’t want to hurt you but we both know we can’t be more than friends. I-
(CASSIDY almost continues but realizes he is remorseful, and heartbroken himself as he looks at the love of his life, crying for the love he so desperately wants to return. CASSIDY stands in front of JULIANA and their eyes meet. BOTH are silent. Only JULIANA’s quiet sobs and sniffles are heard. CASSIDY stares into JULIANA’s eyes and with his right hand wipes away her tears and cups her face. JULIANA takes a step forward and CASSIDY hugs her tightly. Moments pass and CASSIDY pulls away from JULIANA. JULIANA holds CASSIDY’s hand as his back is turned to her. CASSIDY wipes his face. JULIANA steps closer to CASSIDY and hugs him from behind, burying her face into his back.)
CASSIDY
I can’t keep hurting you Juju. We gotta let go. Juju, please let go.
JULIANA
Cassidy, I love you.
CASSIDY
Juju, you know I love you. That’s why I gotta go. Please just let me go.
(CASSIDY places his hands on top of JULIANA’s and softly pulls them apart. CASSIDY walks towards the door and never looks back. JULIANA drops to the floor sobbing like a child, out of breath and out of her mind. JULIANA runs to the door, hoping that CASSIDY is still there. JULIANA swings open the door to find no one outside. JULIANA puts her back to the door, and makes her way to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. CASSIDY is gone. CASSIDY is not coming back. JULIANA is alone.)
(END OF ACT ONE)
ACT II
AT RISE: Minutes pass and JULIANA has not moved from the floor. JULIANA’s sobs have subsided and have otherwise been controlled as she sat there thinking. JULIANA’s once beautifully done makeup is now a smudgy mess and her hair is wild from running her hands through her hair to keep it out of her face.
(JULIANA finally gets up, walks over to her purse and grabs her makeup wipes and begins removing her makeup. There is a knock at JULIANA’s door and she jumps up, hopeful that CASSIDY returned. JULIANA wipes her face quickly and throws her hair into a quick bun. JULIANA inhales deeply and opens the door. JULIANA is surprised to see ALIYAH is at the door.)
ALIYAH
Where is Cassidy?
(ALIYAH rudely enters the apartment, looking around.)
Did he leave already?
(ALIYAH looks JULIANA up and down.)
Why do you look like that?
JULIANA
Yeah, sure, come on in. Umm, no, he’s not here.
ALIYAH
Oh, really. I’m honestly surprised. I have to admit, getting him away from you is harder than I thought. I mean look, he spent Thanksgiving with your family, instead of mine.
JULIANA
I mean, he has known us longer. So if you think about it, he spent Thanksgiving with his family. Besides, didn’t your rich ass daddy say that Cassidy was only good enough to be the help?
ALIYAH
Hmm, family, huh? That’s a strange family. How many other family members have you tried to fuck, Juliana?
JULIANA
Excuse me?
(JULIANA is clearly offended and she walks closer to ALIYAH who is clearly insulted by JULIANA’s jab.)
Who the hell told you I was trying to be anything more than friends with Cassidy.
ALIYAH
Girl please, okay? I am many things, but I am far from dumb. Why else would Cassidy want to spend every moment of his free time with you? So, tell me. How many times have y’all had sex?
JULIANA
Never! I am not that type of person and neither is Cassidy. You should know that about someone who you plan on marrying.
ALIYAH
Well then, I guess I can make this easy for you. Stop contacting him. He does not want you, nor does he need you. I’m here and I am all he needs. We actually just talked about how bad he feels because it’s clear you’re in love with him, he just doesn’t want to hurt your feelings given the history between you two.
(ALIYAH uncrosses her arms and looks at her left hand, flashing her huge engagement ring.)
JULIANA
I’m sure you think that, but who am I to tell you otherwise? But, you’re right, I should stop contacting him. We all make mistakes…
(JULIANA walks back to the front door)
I guess I just have to let Cassidy make his.
(JULIANA says this sarcastically. JULIANA opens the door to let ALIYAH out, and CASSIDY is standing there, right fist up, ready to knock. CASSIDY smiles slightly as he sees JULIANA, but the smile quickly fades when he notices ALIYAH. CASSIDY is confused)
CASSIDY
What’s going on here?”
(CASSIDY enters the home)
JULIANA
Sure, come right on in!
(JULIANA slams the door, leans against it and crosses her arms. CASSIDY gives her a reassuring look, but JULIANA does not return it. Instead CASSIDY is met with anger and annoyance.)
Can’t y’all do this at y’alls own house? I’m tired.
CASSIDY
Aliyah, what’s going on, is everything okay?
ALIYAH
That depends. You left, why are you back here?
CASSIDY
I came to check on my friend.
(CASSIDY signals at JULIANA who sarcastically smiles and waves.)
ALIYAH
Yeah, but for what? You just spent the last two days with her and her whole family. What could possibly be wrong with her, that you can’t even go home and even attempt to spend the holiday with me.
JULIANA
Nothing is wrong with me, thanks for stopping by. You can both go now.
(JULIANA is heard but no one acknowledges her.)
CASSIDY
I came to talk to my friend, as I said. We had a little bit of an argument and I wanted to make sure she was okay.
ALIYAH
What kind of argument?
CASSIDY
Aliyah.
ALIYAH
What? I would like to know what the argument was about. When I got here I could tell that she had been crying. Now you’re standing here telling me that the reason she was crying was because of something that had to do with you. I think my curiosity is warranted, don’t you?
JULIANA
It wasn’t important, Aliyah, I’m fine.
(JULIANA walks over to the couch and takes a seat.)
ALIYAH
Juliana, your well being is really not my focal point. What was the argument about?
CASSIDY
Aliyah, let’s go home and we can talk about it there.
(Quick back and forth banter, fast paced. JULIANA and ALIYAH begin to raise their voices)
ALIYAH
Why would we take the conversation away from her when clearly she’s involved?
JULIANA
I am not involved.
ALIYAH
Girl, I was not talking to you!
JULIANA
Then, like Cassidy said, take this shit to your house!
CASSIDY
Alright, we are not about to do this. Aliyah lets go, Juliana I’ll call you tomorrow.
ALIYAH
(ALIYAH makes her way to sit on the couch opposite of Juliana.)
The hell you will. I am tired of playing back seat to the two of you. I am not going anywhere until you tell me what the hell is going on between y’all!
(ALIYAH’s eyes shift back and forth between CASSIDY and JULIANA, waiting for someone to begin. JULIANA is silent, but is visibly uncomfortable as she looks at CASSIDY, waiting for him to speak.)
CASSIDY
(sighs)
Aliyah, there is nothing going on between Juliana and I.
(CASSIDY looks back at JULIANA, who is not tracing circles on her palms with her head down.)
I love her, Aliyah.
(JULIANA’s head shoots up and ALIYAH’s eyes widen as ALIYAH sinks into the couch a little.)
ALIYAH
I’m sorry; can you repeat that? You what?
CASSIDY
I love her. I am in love with her. I have always been in love with her. For one reason or another we never got the chance to be together. I know you don’t want to hear this, but you deserve the truth. I kissed her a few times, it’s never gone further than that because she’s always stopped me. We argued because I asked her to spend the night and watch a movie, I started to cross a line and she stopped me. One thing led to another and we were fighting about how much we want each other but can’t be together.
(ALIYAH is silent as she processes. CASSIDY looks back at JULIANA whose tears have resumed flowing. ALIYAH stands and removes her engagement ring.)
ALIYAH
My friends were right about you. You were just a charity case. I’m sure my father would be interested to know the kind of mutt you are.
CASSIDY
That’s fine. Great, actually. Tell him whatever you please. I’m tired of the way you treat me and the people around you. You think you’re better than everyone because you come from money and your face is pretty? What happens in ten, twenty years when Daddy’s money can no longer fix your face with plastic surgery? What will you rely on to find comfort? While I am glad that you came over tonight. You can go now. We’ll pray for you.
ALIYAH
You’ll regret that.
CASSIDY
I’ve been regretting you.
(ALIYAH leaves the apartment and slams the door behind her. CASSIDY and JULIANA walk up to each other and begin talking.)
CASSIDY
I’m sorry I got you caught up in all of that. Are you okay?
JULIANA
I’ve been worse. I can’t believe she left so willingly. I thought it’d be harder.
CASSIDY
Yeah, I did too. So, do you think you and I can finally give this a shot now? After all of these years of playing cat and mouse, do you think we can finally be together?
(CASSIDY laughs)
JULIANA
Yes. I think we can.
(CASSIDY places his hands on JULIANA’s face and kisses her passionately. This time, JULIANA does not stop CASSIDY. BOTH are finally free to do whatever they please. ALIYAH swings the door open, scaring both of them.)
ALIYAH
Before I go, Cassidy. Let me leave you with a small gift.
(ALIYAH takes out a pink glock 42. handgun and aims it at JULIANA. Before CASSIDY and JULIANA can react, ALIYAH fires three shots into JULIANA’s chest, killing her instantly)
CASSIDY
What did you do! Juju, wake up. Come on, you’re okay. Get up, please. I love you Juliana; come on, get up. I’m here baby; just open your eyes. Juliana… Juliana!
(FADES TO BLACK)
(END OF PLAY)
Jessica Belizario is a twenty-six year old mother of two who has always had a passion for writing. Being a mom put her writing goals on hold for a while, but now she is learning and growing in her technique with hopes of becoming a professional writer. She hopes you all enjoy her work.