The Identical Triplets

Act l Scene V – A Daughter Of The Church

Setting: Christ Victory Bible Church. The youth fellowship is in session. Chairs are arranged in a semi-circle. A few young people are chatting while others read their Bibles.

(At rise, Esther arranges hymn books on a table. The Youth Leader walks in.)

YOUTH LEADER: Esther, thank you for coming early as always.

ESTHER: It's my pleasure, sir. There's always something to do in the house of God.

YOUTH LEADER: If every member was as committed as you, my work would be much easier.

ESTHER: We all have different levels of growth. I'm sure they'll improve.

(A young lady, Ruth, walks in looking worried.)

RUTH: Esther... can I talk to you?

ESTHER: Of course.

(They move aside.)

RUTH: I've not been myself lately. I haven't even been praying the way I used to.

ESTHER: Is something bothering you?

RUTH: A lot.

ESTHER: Then don't run away from God. He's the first person you should run to.

RUTH: I know... I'm trying.

ESTHER: Trying isn't enough sometimes. You have to be intentional.

(Ruth nods slowly.)

RUTH: Thank you.

(Ruth leaves.)

Two young ladies, BISI and FUNMI, enter quietly.

BISI: Esther.

ESTHER: Good afternoon.

FUNMI: We saw your sister Just now.

(Esther pauses.)

ESTHER: Which one?

BISI: Bella.

FUNMI: She was at a restaurant with a man old enough to be her father.

(Esther lowers her eyes for a moment.)

ESTHER: People make choices... and those choices have consequences.

BISI: Have you ever tried talking to her?

ESTHER: More times than I can count.

FUNMI: I hope she changes.

ESTHER: So do I.

(The church pianist begins playing softly.)

YOUTH LEADER: Everyone, please take your seats. We'll begin shortly.

(The youths settle down.)

Esther opens her Bible, but her mind is elsewhere.

For the first time, her smile fades.

She whispers quietly to herself.

ESTHER: Lord... please don't let Bella destroy herself.

(She closes her eyes briefly as the fellowship begins.)

LIGHTS FADE.