A CHRISTMAS CAROL

(based on the novella by Charles Dickens)

By Tom Smith

SCROOGE

(Scarcely able to speak.) 

Spirit, take me home.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

There is more to see.

SCROOGE

I cannot bear more! Why can't we let the past remain dead and buried?

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

The past never dies. Like a shadow, it follows you throughout your days. Come, Ebenezer, and observe.

(The lights rise on a desk with EBENEZER working in a ledger.)

A young man, hunched over a desk. His body already shows signs of age, yet he is only 22. His fingers clutch his pen so tightly they're starting to gnarl. And you can see the faintest signs of a hunch forming in his back. He's the only one still working. Everyone else has left to enjoy the first day of spring. 

(BELLE enters. SHE is upset.)

They seem to be in the middle of an argument.

SCROOGE

No! I know what is to come and I cannot bear it! Spirit, take me back! 

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

Soon…

BELLE

It matters little to you, does it not, that the attentions you once placed on me you now place on your wealth?

EBENEZER

I attend my money, because there is nothing so hard in life as poverty. I work to spare you that.

BELLE

So you spare my affection instead? You’ve changed, Ebenezer Scrooge. Your dreams, your hopes, your aspirations have changed.Now only greed and financial gain engross you!

EBENEZER

I have changed, but not toward you, Belle.Never toward you!

BELLE

Ebenezer, our contract is an old one. It was made when we were both poor and content to be so.When it was made, you were another man.

EBENEZER

I was a foolish boy.

BELLE

A boy with a full heart and a passion for living. I would not call that foolish. And now…? Ebenezer, if you were free today, would you still seek out a girl with so small a dowry?If we had never had our past, would you seek me out and try to win me now?

EBENEZER

You seem to think I would not.

BELLE

I would think otherwise if I could. 

(SHE slowly takes off her engagement ring and presses it into EBENEZER’s

hand.)

I release you. With a full heart for the love of the boy you once were. May you be happy in the life you have chosen.

(SHE rushes off. EBENEZER rises, but does not move.)

SCROOGE

Go to her, you fool! 

(EBENEZER remains still.) 

Go or she'll never return! Go!

(EBENEZER starts to call out "Belle!" but stops at the "B" sound. HE takes the

ring, and places it in his desk.)

EBENEZER

Bah!

(EBENEZER goes back to his books. The lights fade on the scene.)