CHARACTERS:




TONY (ALI) A 20 year old Moroccan-American
OMAR: Tony’s father. He’s Moroccan
RACHEL: Tony’s mother. She’s American
DINA: Tony’s girl-friend and bride
HAJJA: Omar’s mother
HAJ BRAHIM: Omar’s father
AISHA: Tony’s nanny
JAMAL: Omar’s friend and colleague at work
CINDY: Dina’s friend
MARY: Dina’s friend
MATT: Dina’s classmate
SAID: Omar’s brother
RACHIDA: Omar’s sister
ANN: Tony’s classmate
























SCENE I

TONY and DINA are both in a restaurant, siting on differents tables …
TONY stands up and walks towards DINA.

TONY: (Smiling) Hi, can I join you?

DINA: I see you’ve already done it.

TONY: I think I’ve met you before!

DINA: May be! A lot of people tell me that.

TONY: But I’m sure, I don’t remember where, but I’m sure.
(Trying to remember) Where…? Where…? (Then suddenly)
Oh, yes! Now I remember. At the French flowers shop!! Yes, it’s there where I saw you!!

DINA: Oh yeah! I often buy flowers there. Do you work there?

TONY: No, I don’t. I’m only a customer.

DINA: Please, sit down! I see that you have a good memory for faces!

TONY: Yes, I never forget the face of a person I’ve met before; especially a beautiful face like yours!

DINA: Thanks for the compliment! (Looking at him) So!?

TONY: So what? Oh! Sorry… (Holding out his hand) My name’s TONY.

DINA: I’m DINA. (They shake hands)

TONY: Nice to meet you, Dina.

DINA: Nice meeting you, too. You’re not from here, I guess?

TONY: No, I’m from Morocco.

DINA: Cool!! I know a lot of Moroccans from some website of chat, but I’ve never met anyone of them.

TONY: Really!?

DINA: Yes, but wait! What about your name? You said TONY!

TONY: Yes!?

DINA: How’s that?

TONY: It’s a long story, I’ll tell you later, ok?

DINA: Ok! So, what are you doing in this big city?

TONY: I’m actually trying to have a new start. Life hasn’t been generous with me lately!

DINA: Oh! I’m sorry for that! I guess you feel lonely!

TONY: Not the least of the world! I’ve got friends everywhere thanks to the internet!. No, I don’t feel lonely at all!

DINA: That’s good! Tell me Tony! What do you do for a living?

TONY: I’m a university student and a song writer. I write lyrics.

DINA: Really! That’s very cool!! You’re an artist, then? I wish you the best of luck in your artistic career.
TONY: Thanks, Dina; I’m indeed lucky because I’m talking with the sweetest girl in the United States!!

DINA: (Blushing a little and smiling)…Oh! Thanks, Tony. (Then looking at her watch and standing up) Sorry, I have to go now. Time for my evening class. It was a pleasure talking to you, Tony!

TONY: Shall I see you again?

DINA: Yes, why not? Here is my phone number. (She writes the number on a piece of paper and hands it to Tony)

TONY: Thanks, Dina. If I need to talk to a friend, can I call you then!?

DINA: Sure, you can! Any time, please don’t hesitate!

TONY: Ok, I won’t. Thanks a lot, Dina.

DINA: Ok, Bye Tony.

TONY: Bye, Dina. It was a pleasure meeting you.





SCENE II

DINA’S home. DINA and two other girls are preparing the house for a party they’re organizing tonight to celebrate the end of the first semester of studies.

DINA : This corner of the room needs some flowers.

CINDY: Dina!!? The entire house is a mass of flowers now!! It looks like a public garden!!

MARY: You talk as if you don’t know DINA! She’s crazy about flowers!

DINA : Yes, you’re right! I love flowers, especially the red and the white roses; it’s a beautiful feeling when you see flower surrounding you! You see their different colours and you smell their fragrance and you immediately forget about all the day’s pressure and stress.

CINDY: Oh, I can’t agree with you more!!

Dina’s cell phone starts ringing. She picks it up from the table

DINA: Hello! DINA speaking. Who’s that?

TONY : This is me, TONY.

DINA : Tony?? (Then she remembers) Oh, hi TONY! How are you doing?
TONY : I’m good, what about you?
DINA : Fine, it’s amazing you’re calling me now!
TONY : Why? I told you that I’d call you, and I’m calling you now.
DINA : Ok, TONY. It’s nice to hear your voice.
TONY : …I wish I could meet you tonight…
DINA : …hm…em…!!?
TONY : …if you can, of course!
DINA : I’m very sorry, I wish I could!
TONY : Ok! It’s ok! I understand.
DINA : I’m very sorry TONY.
TONY : Please don’t! It’s ok. I’ll meet you another time, then.
DINA : Sure!
TONY : this is my new cell phone. You can keep the number, just in case.
DINA : Yes, that’s good.
TONY : Ok, see you. Bye.

DINA puts her phone on the table again.

MARY: Who’s that?
DINA : It’s the Moroccan guy I told you about yesterday.
MARY: What does he want?
DINA : He wanted to meet me tonight…but I told him I couldn’t.
You know? He said he was a composer. He writes lyrics.
CINDY: So, why don’t you invite him to the party? Just for a change!
MARY: Yes, that’s a good idea! I’m curious to know how Moroccans are in reality!
DINA : I really don’t know. He may be tied up or perhaps too busy!
CINDY: Ask him?
DINA : I’ll do this later.
CINDY: Now, or you’ll forget.
DINA : Ok, I’ll call him…

She dials the number on her mobile phone.

TONY : Is this you DINA?
DINA : Were you waiting for my call?
TONY : Honestly, no. But you’re the only person that has my new number.
DINA : Oh, I see!
TONY : So, did you change your mind?
DINA : No, but, I have a party tonight. It’s only for my closest friends, but of course you can come if you like.
TONY : Oh thanks. Where is it?
DINA : At my place. Take the address: 15, Garden Street.
TONY : Fine. It’s not far from where I am. It’ll take me only ten minutes to be there.
DINA : Ok. See you then. Oh! The party starts at 7:00 this evening.
TONY : Got it! Bye.
DINA : Bye.
CINDY: He accepts to come! Great!
MARY: I hope he’s more interesting than Matt and the others!
CINDY: I smell the beginning of a romantic story.
MARY: Yes, me too.
DINA : Stop being nasty both of you and come to help me put these things in the fridge!
MARY: Ok. (Looking at CINDY and blinking) We’ll see!!
CINDY: I guess Matt won’t be happy.
DINA : Who cares about him??!...Ok now! Stop it please and come to the kitchen with me!!
The two girls follow DINA into the kitchen while teasing her playfully






SCENE III


It’s the evening. DINA’S friends are dancing at Hip Hop music and having fun.

MARY: Cool! Everybody’s here! (She looks round her)Oh oh! Matt isn’t here yet!
CINDY: Look who’s here!! It’s Matt.
MARY: Speak of the devil!!! (She moves away to the other side of the room)
MATT: (Walking towards DINA, MARY, and CINDY) Hi girls, how are you doing?
CINDY: We’re good.
MATT: Hi, DINA! You look great! How’re you?
DINA : (Coldly) I’m fine.
MATT: (holding her by the arm) Come on baby, let’s dance.
DINA : Don’t call me baby, ok!?
MATT: Why? Aren’t you so?
(At this moment, TONY arrives)
MARY: DINA! Someone is asking about you.
DINA : Oh! It’s Tony! (Walks towards him, a large smile lights up her face) Hi TONY!
(They all need to raise their voices because the music is so loud)
MARY: So, you’re Tony!
TONY: Yes, I’m.
MARY: (holding out her hand) I’m Mary, Dina’s best friend.
TONY: Nice meeting you, Mary. (They shake hands)
DINA : Did you find the address easily?
TONY: Yeah! I know the area. Your place isn’t far away from where I live.
DINA : I wasn’t sure you’d come.
TONY: (Looking at Dina) well, who can refuse the invitation of a beautiful girl such as you, Dina? (Then talking to Mary) It’s always a good thing to break the routine and above all to meet new faces and make new friends.
DINA : Welcome to our party.
TONY: Thanks, Dina. (Looking round the room)Wow! I see that you’ve got too many friends!!!
DINA : Well, you can say I’m a very sociable person.
TONY: Oh, I see.
MARY: Care for a drink?
TONY: Oh yes, please. Coke.
DINA : See the girl in the pink skirt who’s dancing over there? She’s Cindy, my other best friend. Come! I’ll introduce you to her.
(They walk across the room towards Cindy)
DINA : Cindy, this is Tony, the Moroccan lyrics writer.
TONY : Hi Cindy.
CINDY: (Stops dancing) so it’s you, Tony? I’m so pleased to meet you.
(Then Tony produces a small colourful wrapping from his pocket and hands it to Dina)
TONY: It’s a small gift; symbol of our new friendship which I hope will last a long time.
DINA : Oh! Thanks a lot, Tony! You really shouldn’t bother yourself (She’s talking and tearing the wrapping at the same time) Oh! That’s so beautiful! Thank you so much, Tony. I really love it.
(At that time, Mary joins the group. Dina shows Tony’s present to both Cindy and Mary. It’s a fine chain with a pendant under the form of a bunch of glittering flowers)
DINA: Look at this! Isn’t it beautiful?
MARY and CINDY: Wow! You’ve got taste!!
TONY : I know Dina loves flowers. So I thought of offering her a bunch that can last as long as our friendship.
CINDY : Hum... Seems a great idea! (Nastily) What do you think, Mary?
MARY: I share your opinion.
(Both girls suppress their laughter).
DINA: Wonna dance, Tony?
TONY : I’d love to, but I need to go now.
DINA : Why? The party’s just started!!
TONY : Sorry! I have to go. I’m working. It’s a part time job I’ve just started and I don’t want to lose.
At the opposite side of the room, Matt is looking at Dina and Tony.
MATT: (Asking one of the guests) who is the guy with Dina? I’ve never seen him before. A new student?
THE GUEST: No idea!
He then walks towards them
MATT: Hi I’m Matt, Dina’s boy-friend. You don’t look American. Who are you?
DINA: (Irritated) Matt!!!
TONY: My name’s Tony, and I’m from Morocco.
MATT: Morocco? Never heard about it. Where’s that on the map of the world?
TONY: It’s a beautiful country up north of Africa, on the Atlantic
Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
MATT: Oh, I see. (Meaning to be hasty and unpleasant) If your country is that beautiful, why are you here, then?
DINA: (Furious) Matt! Stop it please! You’re a pain in the neck! You know!?
TONY: (Looking at his watch) I really have to go now, Dina. (Turning to Matt)Pleased to meet you, Matt.
MARY: (In a low voice) Matt’s jealous of Tony
MATT : (Addressing Dina) Ok, baby! I’ll see you later.
DINA : (While accompanying Tony outside) I’m so sorry Tony.
TONY : I understand why he was disagreeable to me. It’s ok.
DINA: Shall I see you again?
TONY: Sure! I’ll give you a call soon. Good bye.






SCENE IV

DINA and TONY are sitting on a bench in the park. It’s a calm and beautiful evening.

DINA : So, tell me. How come your name’s TONY?
TONY : Oh! That a long story.
DINA : I am all ears.
TONY : My father’s name’s Omar. He was a student here when he met Rachel, my mother. She was American. They fell in love with each other and then she moved to live with him. When my father got his degree, he decided to go back home in Morocco. Rachel accepted to marry him and live with him in Morocco.
A flashback:


DINA : Wow! So, you’re Moroccan-American.
TONY : Yes. My other name is ALI.
DINA : Cool! And what about your parents? Do they live here or in Morocco?
TONY : My Dad passed away a few months ago in Morocco. I’m here to study and at the same time try to find my mom.
DINA : Why? You don’t know where she is??
TONY : My mom left my dad when I was a little child. I don’t even remember her face. I see her only on photos.
DINA : Oh! What a sad thing! Poor Tony!
TONY : It’s ok. You know? I don’t blame my mom for going back to the States and leaving me to my dad.
He starts relating his story to her…..


Flashback
Omar and Rachel have just arrived from the USA. The family receives Omar warmly and accepts have Rachel as an American guest. They don’t know yet about their son’s relationship with that American girl.
Hajja: I can’t believe you’re back home after these four long years of studies! (Hugging him tightly) I missed you so much my darling!

OMAR: Me too, I missed you a lot, mom.

Hajja: Oh! I can’t believe you’ve come back with a high degree to honour me and your family! I’m so proud of you my son!!!

OMAR: This is thanks to you and to my dad. You supported and backed me up during all these years. I’ll never thank you enough! (Kissing her hands) I missed you so much, mom, and I missed your succulent dishes!

Hajja: Now that you’re here, I’ll prepare a special dish for you and your American guest every day. By the way, how long is she going to stay here in Morocco?

OMAR: As long as she’s happy with her life here.

Hajja: Frankly, I wonder how a young and beautiful girl can live alone in a foreign country far away from her family! Poor girl! I don’t think it’s a good idea bringing her with you. If she gets herself in trouble, they will blame you for it!

OMAR: Don’t worry about her, mom.

Hajja: Is she staying with us for a long time? No problem! We can host her if she likes. She can share the room with your sister.

OMAR: Mom, mom! Don’t rack you brain! Everything is going to be ok!

Hajja: Tell me, Omar! Is it normal for American families to let their daughters travel abroad with strangers?

Omar is about to speak when his father comes in

Haj Brahim: (He greets in Arabic) SALAM ALIKOUM (In English: PEACE UPON YOU
)
OMAR: SALAM, Haj.

(Hajja gets out of the room, leaving Omar with his father)

Haj Brahim: How nice to have you here, my son. Tell me my son! Who’s that girl who came with you?
OMAR : Who? Rachel? She’s a student with me at the university. (Pause) She’s a good person. I’m sure you’ll love her.
Haj Brahim: I wonder what sort of parents let young girls like her travel outside the country alone!
OMAR : She isn’t alone, Dad. Her parents know that she’s travelling with me. Besides, from where she comes, it’s a normal thing for girls her age to travel alone.
Haj Brahim: That’s no excuse! You’re a foreigner for her, and above all a boy!!! (Suddenly inquiring) Tell me, my son. What’s she for you?
OMAR : (confused) who? Rachel? Euh… hem … She’s… Oh! I’m so hungry. Is there anything to eat?
Haj Brahim: (Shouting) Hajja! Omar is hungry. Is lunch ready?
At that moment, the calling for the Noon Prayer is heard.
Haj Brahim: Ok, I’m going to the mosque. See you later, my son.
OMAR: (letting out a sigh of relief) Ouf!! Just in time!!!
While Haj Brahim is leaving the room, he bumped into Rachel.
Haj Brahim: welcome to Morocco and to our modest house, my daughter.
Rachel : (Trying to use the Arabic words she picked up while living with Omar) Shokran, Haj. (Shokran =Thank you)
Haj Brahim smiles at her and leaves the room. We can hear the voice of the mom calling: Come and eat! Lunch’s ready!




SCENE V


It’s 8:00 pm. All the family is around the table, eating dinner.


OMAR : I really miss the Moroccan food! It’s so delicious!
HAJJA : It’s the best food.
SAID: (Biting into a chicken’s leg) Yes, indeed it is! And using the fingers instead of the fork and the knife makes it even more delicious. (Everybody laughs)
RACHIDA: (Handing a piece of meat to Rachel) Have this Rachel! It’s so tender!
RACHEL: Thanks, Rachida. I’m done!
OMAR: No way! You can’t refuse Rachel. It’s considered disrespectful! Besides, Rachida will insist on you till you accept to eat that piece of meat! It’s the Moroccan generosity!!
SAID: I’m full up. I think I need a walk.
RACHEL: Me, too. I’ve eaten too much.
SAID: (Taking Rachel’s arm and going out with her) tell me, Rachel! How do you like Morocco so far?
RACHEL: (Going out with him) Oh! I love it! The people are generous, the weather is nice, and the food is delicious. Travel Companies are right when they describe it as the land of dreams.

They go out of the room
.
RACHIDA: (Clearing the table) tell me Omar! What sort of relationship do you have with Rachel?
OMAR: (uneasy) she studies with me in college and she is a friend.
HAJJA: That’s all?
OMAR: (Now feeling embarrassed) what do you want me to tell you?
Hajja: The truth! Listen, Omar! You’re my son and I know pretty well when you’re lying! I feel that your relationship with this girl isn’t innocent.
OMAR: (Giving in) Nothing can be hidden from you, mother! Ok, Rachel and I love each other. We live together in the USA and we plan to get married soon.
Hajja: (Shocked) What?? MARRY? Are you kidding??
OMAR: No, I’m not! I’m serious! We love each other and we’ll get married. Rachel supported me when I felt alone and lonely in that foreign country. She was my family when I needed one and she took care of me when I was sick. I can’t leave her now!
Hajja: How dare you say these things to me? We sent you abroad and paid for your studies to bring a diploma not a bride! Brides are not what lack here in our country!! (She drops on a chair) Oh my God! What shall I say to your father??
OMAR: Come on, mom. I’m not a child anymore. I can decide for myself and choose the person I want to spend the rest of my life with!
Hajja: Oh my God! I was so proud of you! You disappoint me! Why, Omar? Why? Why?
OMAR : But, mom……
Hajja : Get out of my sight!! I don’t want to hear any more of this nonsense!!
(She hides her face with her hands and starts to cry silently)









SCENE VI


…The next day…
The father and OMAR are alone.

Haj Brahim: I heard you want to marry. Is this true?
OMAR: (Blushing a little) Yes, I do.
Haj Brahim: That’s fine. My friend Haj RADI has two beautiful and well brought up daughters. You can choose one of them!
OMAR: (Stammering) I… I… I’ve already chosen m…m…my wife, dad!
Haj Brahim: Have you? The most important thing for me is her family! In our Moroccan tradition, we choose the in-laws before choosing the bride!
OMAR: I don’t care about her family. It’s her I’m going to marry, not her family!
Haj Brahim: Wrong, my son. You’re wrong. Wait a minute here! I see that I’m wasting my time with you! Who’s she?
OMAR : (Takes his courage in both hands) R… Rachel.
Haj Brahim: (Startling) What?? What did you say?? I didn’t’ get it!
OMAR : Rachel.
Haj Brahim: I was sure something was going on between you and that girl! Listen, the girl who travels with a boy all that way, far away from her family isn’t worth marrying. Believe me, my son. That girl isn’t the wife who will stand by you in times of difficulty. She has a different education and a different culture!

OMAR: Please, dad! Understand me! She loves me so much, to the extent of accepting to live with me in my country.

Haj Brahim: Her love to you is only a passing fancy! It’s temporary! She’ll wake up one morning and finds out that she doesn’t love you and that you’re only a big lie in her life. Then she’ll leave you!

OMAR: Listen, dad! This is my life and if any thing of the sort happens, I’ll take the consequences alone!

Haj Brahim: I’m your father and you have to respect my words!
OMAR: In this particular case, I’m sorry to say that Ican’t, dad!

Haj Brahim: (Losing his temper and raising hid voice) If you refuse to listen to me and you stick to that stranger who is not even a Moslem, you aren’t my son, and I’m not your father!

Hajja: (Comes hurriedly into the room) Do you want to cause your father a heart attack? Go to your room now! We’ll continue this discussion tomorrow.

Omar: We continue nothing!! It’s Rachel or no one! My decision is taken!

Haj Brahim: (Furious) mine, too! Take her and leave my house immediately!

Hajja: Oh! My God! What’s happening in my family? It’s the evil eye! I’m sure! (Addressing Omar) Go to your room, now!

(At this moment, Said and Rachel get in, talking loudly and laughing. But their laughter freezes on their lips)

SAID: (Surprised) what’s going on in here?

OMAR: Rachel! Go pack your things! We’re leaving now!

RACHEL: (Perplexed) Why? What happens here?

OMAR: Nothing! You’d better stop asking questions and go pack!!
(He takes her arm and drags her outside the room)

Hajja: Oh my God! Our family which has always bee united is falling apart!! I don’t want to lose my son, Haj! Please don’t let him go away!!
(She starts crying silently)
Haj Brahim: He has already chosen his path! (Angrily) Let him go away! I’m sure he’ll soon come back, regretting having disobeyed me! Then, it’ll be too late!

Hajja: Please, HAJ. Don’t let him go! (Crying)I don’t want to lose my son!

Haj Brahim: Stop wailing or I’ll send you with him!

(Omar and Rachel come in. They are carrying their bags)

Hajja: Where are you going, Omar?

OMAR: Back to U.S.A. Back to the place where young people have the freedom to choose for themselves!
Hajja: No, my son. Don’t do that! What are your uncles and aunts going to say when they know that you disobeyed your father and followed a stranger! Oh, my God! I’ll be the laughing stock of everyone! ?

Rachel: I’m so sorry, mom. I love your son and I followed him here because I want to be one of you. If I wanted to take him away from you, I would have done so when he was alone in my country. (Facing Haj Brahim) I can’t understand why you don’t like me and I don’t know why you refuse your son happiness when it’s so easy to wish him good luck!

Haj Brahim: I have nothing against you, Rachel. You say that you love Omar and you’re ready to stay here with him. Are you ready to change your religion and convert to Islam so as to be a good wife for him?

Rachel: Do you think religion can make a difference with me. I don’t care if Omar is a Moslem or a Christian or even a Jew!? I love him even if he’s irreligious! I’m not a practising Christian myself!

Haj Brahim: (To his wife) is this the wife you wish for your son?
(Then to Omar) Is this the woman who will carry and bring up your future children as Moslems?? Take her with you and go away!

OMAR: Sorry if you can’t understand me, dad. Sorry mom for causing you all this pain! I love you so much, but I can’t stay! My life is with Rachel! Good bye Rachida! Good bye Said!

Hajja: No, no Omar! Don’t leave your family and your home. You know how your father is! He’ll soon forgive you and…

Haj Brahim: Never! Unless he changes his mind about marriage and recognizes his mistake!

(Omar and Rachel walk away)

Hajja: Omar! Omar!

Haj Brahim: Let him go! and forget that you have a son called Omar! I don’t want to hear his name in my house as long as I’m alive!!











SCENE VII

After a year of living with Omar without marriage, Rachel gave birth to a little boy she named TONY. Omar wanted him to have an Arab name, so he named him ALI. TONY - ALI is now three years old.
Things are not working very well for Omar and Rachel. Their arguments are more and more frequent, especially after Omar has lost his job.
It’s 7:00 pm. Omar is back home. He looks so tired after a long and hard day of interviews in different companies hoping that one would take him. Tony is sleeping but Rachel isn’t at home. He goes around the house looking for her. There is on the chest in the bedroom. He opens the paper and reads:

Omar,
When you read these lines, I’ll be far away. I left because life has become unbearable for both of us. I love my little TONY so much, but there where I’m going; there is no place for him.
Don’t try to look for me. You won’t find me!
Take great care of TONY.
Farewell and Good luck.
Rachel


Omar takes Tony and travels to Morocco to try to forget Rachel and start a new life. He goes to his parents’ home.

HAJJA: Rachida! Someone is knocking at the door! Go and open it. May be it’s your father. I always tell him to take his keys with him when he goes to mosque!

OMAR: SALAM ALIKOM!

RACHIDA: Oh! My God! It’s OMAR!!

HAJJA: OMAR! My son! Thank you my God! My son is back!!

(She hugs him and starts crying)

OMAR: How are you, mom? You look great! I miss you a lot!

Hajja: Me too, my son! Why did you leave us without news all that time? You’ve become hard-hearted; four years and you’ve never asked about your poor mother or your father??! You know your father, he talks a lot, but he loves you.

OMAR: I’m sorry…I’m really sorry! I’ll try to make up for lost time. Where’s dad?

Hajja: He’ll be here in a few minutes. You know, his health has become very poor since you left us. He’s getting weaker every day! It’s only your bother Said who keeps the shop and helps him from time to time. Oh, I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you again!

OMAR: I hope so!

HAJJA: who’s this child, Omar?

OMAR: This is Tony, my son Tony. Tony! Come and say hi to grandma. Come on! Come and kiss her!

HAJJA: Your son?! What did you say his name was?

OMAR: He’s used to being called Tony because his mom insisted on calling him so. But of course he has another name on the papers beside TONY. It’s ALI.

HAJJA: So you married that American girl after all?

OMAR: Well, not exactly. We just lived together.

HAJJA: WHAT???! You had a child with her without marriage???! Oh God forbids!! Where is she now?

OMAR: Honestly, I don’t know. She left us and went away!

HAJJA: Do you still remember your father’s words? He was right!

OMAR: Look mom! She has her reasons for leaving us: I was jobless and she had to take care of everything. Life isn’t that easy in the USA.

Hajja: You defend her after all what she did to you? She was the cause of your quarrel with your father and your breaking off with your family. Tell me my son! Why didn’t you marry? You know that your son is the fruit of an illegal relationship?

They hear the door open. It’s Omar’s father.

Haj Brahim: HAJJA! HAJJA!

Hajja: I’m here! (To OMAR)…It’s your father! (She goes to meet him)

Haj Brahim: Is my tea ready?

Hajja: (ignoring his question) come here! Someone wants to see you.


Haj Brahim: Who’s that? (He recognizes Omar) What are you doing here? Why are you back again? Didn’t you make your choice four years ago?

OMAR: (Trying to hug him) I’m sorry dad! I was…

Haj Brahim: (Interrupting him, irritated) Get out of my house! I don’t know you.

Hajja: I beg of you not to be hard-hearted, Haj! He’s your son after all. You can’t deny him!! (She holds up Tony in her arms) Look at this innocent little boy! He’s your grandson!
Haj Brahim: Take your bastard and get out of my house immediately!!

OMAR: ( Deeply hurt, he snatches the child from his mother’s arms, picks up his bag and goes to the door) Let’s go Tony! This is not our home and this is not our family!

Haj Brahim: You’re not my son any more! (To his wife) If I should die, don’t let him see my face! He’s curse

Hajja: (Crying) No, Haj. That’s too much! God the Almighty forgives people’s sins and you can’t forgive your son? (Hurrying towards the door and Shouting after her son) OMAR! Please! Come back! I need you!

Haj Brahim: Let him go…

Hajja: What did you do? He’s your son. My heart is broken for ever!
Haj Brahim: (Angrily) Shut-up or go with him…I don’t want any tea. I’m going to sleep now.


















SCENE VIII




Omar is working with a multinational. He is frequently absent from home and Aisha, the servant, is there to take care of Tony. Although his name is Ali on the papers, everyone calls him Tony.
It’s September 8, 2000. It’s Tony’s nineteenth birthday. OMAR comes from work earlier than usual.

OMAR: SALAM ALIKOM.

TONY: Dad?! You didn’t work?

OMAR: Oh I did, but I got off earlier because it’s your birthday today and also because I’m travelling to the States this evening.

TONY: What!? This evening? But today is my birthday, dad!

OMAR: You know! My position in the company has changed. I’ve been promoted to the position of a sales manager and all sales managers work a lot and also travel a lot.

TONY: Congratulations! We need to celebrate, then!

OMAR : We ARE in fact celebrating both events today: Your birthday and my promotion! Let’s go and eat Chinese. I know you like Chinese food.

TONY: Sounds good to me!
OMAR: Aicha! Please prepare my suitcase. I’m travelling to the States this evening. My plane is due at 8:00pm.

AISHA: Ok, sir. You’ll find it ready when you come back from lunch.

OMAR: Thanks, Aicha. I wonder how our life would be without you!

Two days later, TONY and Aisha are watching the news on TV. All the channels talk about the September11 tragedy.

AISHA: It’s very sad! Two high buildings destroyed like that!

TONY: Yes. Look at these innocent people! What is their crime to be killed? They were only working!

AISHA: This is inhuman!
ALI : You’re right! It’s a crime against humanity!

AISHA: I’m not as educated as you are, but I can understand that no religion in the world approves what happened! Killing innocent people is an unpardonable sin!!

Suddenly, TONY remembers his dad.

TONY: Dad is there! I wonder what he is doing now.

AISHA: He must be very angry about what happened! He hates violence!

TONY: (reaches to his cell phone and dials his father’s number) He doesn’t answer! (He dials again and again, but he receives no answer) I start getting worried!

AISHA: You shouldn’t be! He’ll be fine, don’t worry!

The next day, TONY and AISHA are waiting for Omar’s call. They are both sitting next to the phone…TONY tries his mobile again, but there is no answer

TONY: I don’t know what to do, Aisha! I’m so worried about him!

AISHA: (Trying to sound calm) Don’t worry! He’ll be ok!

(Suddenly, the phone rings. It’s Jamal, Omar’s colleague at work. TONY picks up the receiver)

Jamal’s voice: Tony! This is Jamal, your father’s colleague at work. Sorry to announce you this bad news. Your father was on a business visit to the World Trade Center yesterday morning when.......

TONY (drops the receiver and moans): Oh, no! Not my dad!!


.


SCENE IX



Two month later, TONY, AISHA and JAMAL are in the living room, talking about Tony’s future.

JAMAL: Do you think you’re taking the right decision?

TONY: Yes, I’m sure! I want to go the States for three reasons: To study, to be able to visit my father’s grave in New York and to look for my mother!

AISHA: To look for your mother? Who put this idea in your head? What do you know about her?

TONY: Everything. My dad used to talk to me about her. I forgive her and I want to find her. At least for my dad’s sake!

JAMAL: I’m with you, and I’ll help you. The company is going to finance your studies. Whatever thing you need, don’t hesitate to contact me! You’ve got my details!

TONY: Thanks a lot, Jamal. You know? I love writing lyrics of song. I can make some money by selling them to singers there.

AISHA: So, you wonna travel and forget me!

TONY: No, don’t say that, you’re like a mother to me. It was you who took care of me and of my father when his family rejected us. I can’t forget you! But I must realize my dad’s wish. He wanted me to be an important person and I’ll work hard to achieve that!

AISHA: I wish you the best of luck, my son.

JAMAL: Me too, you’re like my son, you know?

TONY: Yes, of course. Thanks for everything.


End of the flashback


TONY: Three months later, I saw you in the flowers shop. This is my story.

DINA: What a story! It’s like watching a movie!

TONY: You think so?

DINA: Yes, I do. Listen! I can help you look for your mom if you want.

TONY: Thank you, Dina. Next time we meet, I’ll show you some pictures of hers.

DINA: Ok, It’s getting late. I need to go now.

TONY: Stay a little more!

DINA: No, really I have to go. I have a lot of homework and it’s already late!

TONY: Can we have dinner together tomorrow?

DINA: Yes, sure!

TONY: Ok, I’ll pick you up at 7:00. Is it ok with you?

DINA: Ok, See you tomorrow!

TONY: Until then, I’ll miss you, Dina.

DINA: I’ll miss you, too. (Standing up and walking away) good night, Tony.

TONY: Good night. Take care.


SCENE X

TONY and DINA have been seeing each other for quite a long time to be sure that they love each other. They are having a walk in a public park.

DINA: I like this variety of flowers. They look gorgeous
!
TONY: Yes, they’re beautiful…

A sexy girl walks toward TONY..

ANN: Hi TONY? How are you?

TONY: I’m good. Oh, DINA, this is ANN, a classmate. Ann, this is Dina, my girl-friend.

ANN: Nice meeting you, Dina.

DINA: (without enthusiasm) Nice to meet you.

ANN: So, TONY! I forgot something in your room last night and I’d like to get it back.

TONY: Ok, I’ll be there in an hour.


DINA is angry. She leaves him there and walks away…

TONY: DINA! DINA! Wait…Where are you going?

DINA is walking fast towards the park exit. TONY is behind her. He catches up with her and takes her hand.

TONY: Wait Dina, wait. What’s the matter? Why did you walk away?

DINA : I thought you were different from all the other guys; but I see that I was mistaken.

TONY: I’m not like the other guys! I’m better than them because I have you.

DINA: No, TONY. You’re a liar! Who’s that Ann and what was she doing in your room yesterday night? Hen? Tell me!

(TONY Starts laughing)

DINA: Why are you laughing?

TONY: You are Jealous! Dina! I’m the happiest man in the world because I have you in my life. Listen! Ann is only a classmate and yesterday night, most of my classmates were in my room doing a project for the physiques class.

DINA: I’m genuinely sorry, Tony. I was really stupid.

TONY: No, you weren’t. You are simply in love!

He passes his arm around her and walks with her outside the park



SCENE XI

Three years later, DINA and TONY are in MOROCCO. They’re preparing for their wedding ceremony. JAMAL and AISHA are helping them.

JAMAL: Ok, the wedding is going to be in hotel “FARAH”.

AISHA: Oh, great! It’s a nice hotel in the center of Casablanca.

JAMAL: These are the invitations; send them to all the people you want to invite to your marriage!

AISHA: I’m thinking of inviting Tony’s uncle Said and his aunt Rachida. They are the only family I know for Tony after his grandparents passed away!

JAMAL: Well. That’s a good idea! I’m sure Tony is going to be happy with it.


In another side of the house

TONY: I’m the happiest man in Morocco and the USA!

DINA: And I’m the happiest woman on the globe!

TONY: I feel that life is smiling at me at last!

DINA: We’ll always smile! Sadness won’t find its way to our life! I promise to make you the happiest man in the world, ALI

TONY: (Surprised) you called me ALI? No one has ever called me by my other name! Everybody uses Tony!

DINA: from now on, your name is ALI as long as you’re in Morocco. Once we go to the States, I’ll call you… ALI as well!

They start laughing.

TONY: I love you, Dina! You’re the light that illuminates my life!
DINA: I love you.

On the wedding day in hotel “FARAH”, the ceremony started with music, dancing, food and… happiness

AISHA: Congratulations ALI. Congratulations my son!

ALL: Thanks Mom. Yes, you are the mom that I lost many years ago and I couldn’t find! I’d have liked her to be with me and share with me my happiness, but….

AISHA: Don’t be sad! If she’s still alive, you’ll meet her one day! While there’s life, there’s hope.

AISHA turns to Dina

AISHA: Congratulations DINA.

DINA : Thanks, AISHA.

Suddenly a loud sound of bombing is heard in the hotel. Part of the building is in ruins. A lot of noise, shouting and chaos!

ALI: Oh my God! What’s happening here? No, AISHA! No, don’t die! DINA! DINA! Where are you?

DINA: (In a faint voice) I’m here…

DINA was lying on the floor, and covered with blood

ALI: Oh my God! Dina! (Starts shouting hysterically) An ambulance, quickly! An ambulance! My wife if bleeding! (Then to DINA) Don’t worry! I’m here with you. I love you!
DINA : (in a very weak voice) I love you, too.
ALI: Stop talking Dina, Don’t make any effort! The ambulance is coming!

DINA : I’m sorry TONY… (She closes her eyes)

ALI: Dina, open your eyes! Please Dina! Please don’t leave me! I can’t live without you….No, DINA, don’t go, I still need you… I love you DINA! I love you!! (Crying) Don’t die, please!

When the ambulances arrive DINA has been dead for some time. She was another innocent victim of blindness and ignorance!
Ali is mourning her.

ALI : No, don’t leave me, I’ve never harmed anyone!
SO WHY!? Why? I have just smiled!!!.....





THE END…