The Grandparents, Scene #01
In the heart of suburbia, a storm is brewing, and it goes by the name of Lucy, a spirited 18-year-old skater girl with a wild streak as long as the highway. Picture this: Lucy, arms folded defiantly, wedged between her desperate father and a worn suitcase, finds herself in the prim and proper living room of Grandma Jean and Grandpa—a seemingly innocuous elderly couple with a secret. This isn't your average family gathering; it's a performance of pleasantries hiding a darker truth. Grandma Jean, all sweet smiles and warm welcomes, introduces herself, while Grandpa, stern and silent with a beard as gray as a winter sky, sits stoically beside her. They scrutinize Lucy, their new "guest," as her father, at his wit's end, sings their praises for taking her in. Lucy, you see, is a whirlwind of rebellion—parties, promiscuity, and a blatant disregard for rules have become her signature moves since her mother left. With nowhere else to turn, her father has sought refuge in the unusual 'homestyle' rehabilitation facility recommended by his pastor. Grandma Jean reassures him with promises of tender care, as if Lucy were their own grandchild. But Lucy, oh, she's not buying it. Not one bit. As her father is politely but firmly shown the door, leaving a startled Lucy alone with Grandpa, the air thickens with an awkward silence. Enter Grandma Jean, stage left, armed with cookies—a peace offering that Lucy scoffs at. But Grandma Jean is undeterred. She launches into a monologue, explaining the house rules with a sugar-coated tongue. Off comes Lucy's tomboyish baseball cap, symbolizing the stripping away of her former self. This is a performance of transformation, and Grandma Jean is the director. Lucy is to respect their 'personal' approach to behavior control, to become an active member of their happy blended family. She must address them as Grandma and Grandpa, be respectful, stay within the facility unless supervised, and be friendly but discreet with the other guests. And the pièce de résistance? No hanky panky! Grandpa remains silent, a stern sentinel watching the scene unfold. Enter Amy, a meek young woman dressed in a feminine babydoll dress. She's another guest, Grandma Jean explains, and she'll be sharing a room with Lucy. As they ascend the stairs, Lucy can't help but eye Amy's short dress, a smirk playing on her lips. Maybe this place won't be so bad after all. But as they settle into the nicely appointed bedroom, Lucy's shock is palpable. This isn't the facility she'd imagined when her father dragged her here. These old people, they're... weird! Amy, speaking softly, sings the praises of their grandparents, claiming they've transformed her from a spoiled brat into a respectable 18-year-old woman. Grandma Jean, she says, gives the best goodnight kisses. Lucy is weirded out, trying to get the real deal from Amy. What did she do to end up here? What's Grandpa's role in all this? Amy's expression changes, and she explains that Grandpa is a complicated man. Just as she says this, Grandma Jean enters with a beautifully wrapped box—a present for Lucy. Inside is a babydoll dress, identical to Amy's. Lucy feigns gratitude, but her discomfort is clear. She can't believe she has to wear such girly clothing. But Amy helps her undress, commenting on her attractive body, and the two girls begin to flirt... until Grandpa's stern voice booms up the stairs, calling them down. Cut to the living room, where a card table is set up. Both girls, dressed in their matching outfits, play cards with Grandma and Grandpa. Lucy tries to make small talk, asking about their history and why they chose to help troubled teens. Grandma Jean responds sweetly, as always, while Grandpa says nothing. He just stares at Lucy, his gaze unreadable. Amy discreetly passes Lucy a note. It reads: Be careful... Grandpa likes you!! Lucy makes a face, responding by playing footsie with Amy under the table. Amy, nervous, asks if they can be excused for the evening. Smiling, Grandma Jean dismisses them, promising to be right up to kiss them goodnight. Back in the bedroom, the girls change, still slightly flirty, when the grandparents enter. Grandma Jean guides them into bed, kissing them goodnight while Grandpa watches sternly. They turn out the light and leave. Once alone, Lucy turns the light back on, trying to get Amy to kiss her. But Amy is reluctant, fearful of being caught. She confesses that Grandpa comes into her room every night, that it's his rule. He warned her not to spoil Lucy before he could... otherwise, she won't be allowed to leave. Lucy can't believe her ears. An evil grin spreads across her face as she realizes just how twisted this place is. The reason there are so few houseguests left is because Grandpa is screwing them all in exchange for early release. That's why he limits visitations with the parents. That's why Grandma Jean is so sweet and naïve. She has no clue! Lucy can't believe her stupid father fell for this scam! She gives Amy a big kiss, the meek girl shrinking back nervously. "What should we do?" Amy asks, her voice barely a whisper. Lucy, bravely, declares that they need to get out of this facility. And the only way to do it is for Grandpa to get caught. She asks Amy about the normal routine, and Amy explains that Grandpa waits until 3 am every night before coming in... when Grandma is off in dreamland. "Perfect," Lucy exclaims. "So, if we can make him come into the room sooner and expose him for the pervert he is, Grandma Jean will surely hear us and help us!" Amy is reluctant, fearful of going against Grandpa. But Lucy is persuasive, her words a powerful soliloquy convincing Amy to join her in this daring performance of deception and revelation. Will they succeed in exposing Grandpa's true nature? Will Grandma Jean believe them, or will she remain blissfully unaware of the dark secrets hidden within her own home? The stage is set, the actors are in place, and the curtain is about to rise on a drama that will leave you on the edge of your seat, breathless with anticipation. Don't miss a single moment of this thrilling, chilling tale of deceit, desire, and the darker side of human nature. The grandparents are not what they seem... and neither is their 'homestyle' rehabilitation facility. Brace yourself for a wild ride, as Lucy and Amy take center stage in a performance you'll never forget!