Post by ser on Sept 21, 2013 18:10:27 GMT -5
My Daughter Veera
News footage plays of bullying and an image of Veera appears on screen…. Cathy enters and notices her picture… she speaks to picture….
Cathy: I miss you so much, so very much. I wish someone had stood up for Veera.
Turns and knows audience is there / Speaking directly to them
There’s a sick, sick idea, that it’s ok, for 1 person; to pick on, to make fun of, and to hurt another. It happens in schools. In parks. At parties. It happens on line. Over the internet. It may be happening in this very room, at this very moment. You’ve heard of it. It’s called bullying. Using superior strength or influence to intimidate or force someone to do what you want.
Aren’t you fed up about hearing about bullying? Your teachers, parents, keep raming it down your throat that it has to stop. You can’t do it. Yet it still goes on - and if you ever needed a reason to truly accept the inalienable truth that Bullying has to end, I’m that reason.
So what can I tell you that you haven’t heard of already?
I am a mother of a child who was killed because of bullies. Because they took it too far. So I can tell you how far it can go, when it gets to a point you can’t turn back. And I can tell what you can do to stop it.
But not yet.
First, I want to share my daughter’s story. And as I do I want you to keep this mind, what I am telling, even the most horrific parts, all happened. I am here because they can’t happen again.
Veera…. Maybe you can identify with her, maybe, just maybe, you can relate to her.
She was a beautiful girl, kind and gentle, and had the most contagious laugh.
She had a future full of potential as all grade 7 students do. Her hair was something that I remember most. It was long and soft and whenever we’d go to the beach, she’d roll around in the sand with her sister and sand would get caught in her braids and I’d spend the better part of the afternoon brusing out the sand and tiny sea shells. I loved her. With all my heart. She was my first born. And will be my baby girl.
It was sometime in grade 7 when things went wrong. Small things. You may have heard of small things, things you just brush aside, things you don’t speak up about. I know it’s terrifying to speak up, to talk about your fears, your pain, doing what is right, is not easy, but it is still right. And therefore we must do it! I wish the kids in Veera’s class knew that.
CLASSROOM
Teacher- Good morning class.
Class- Good morning miss.
Teacher- How was your weekend?
Class- Good.
Teacher- What happened Saturday? Hmmm? Yeah, I know about the party. Veera was there. I know she was there. I am sure you have noticed Veera is not here today. I would like to know if any of you know where she is, because she has been missing for three days. Now I have been asked to question you, to find out if you know anything, if you heard what happened to Veera? Does anyone know?
Whose gonna stand up and tell me what happened?
Cathy No one did. Not one of them spoke up. Not one student said anything. And it makes me so angry - I replay that memory over and over - I blamed the teacher for not doing a good enough job to make them talk! I blame the principal for not disciplining the students. I blame the parents for not raising honest kids. I blame the students for being cowards! If I could only go back to that day… I know I could have made them talk!
Cathy Hello class….. I got your names from the detective, is there a Jessica?
Teacher Right there
Cathy Jessica. Please. It was your party wasn`t? Well you must have seen something or heard something? Sweetie what`s your name?
Rebecca Rebecca….
Cathy Rebecca, I know this is scary. Please. If you know anything can you please speak up! Don’t you care what happened to her? How would like it if this was you? Please! Any of you! Speak up. Why won’t you stand up! LOOK AT ME!
Back to present..
Only to realize it didn’t matter, not I or the teacher or anyone, could have made a difference at that point. It was fear in those students that kept them from doing what is right. That is why I am here - to tell you - in the end… it`s up to you.
For you to stand up and do what`s right. You have to know you can and must speak up. And you have the power to end bullying! Fear can`t ever stop you from doing what`s right. And as for me.. as a mother, I should have paid closer attention to the signs.
----------------------BOOTY SCENE------------------------
Cathy: Veera! Lets go! Get down here, and clean up after yourself, your killing me.
Veera comes in, kicks school bag,
Cathy: Vera! How many times am I going to tell you that your school bag is not a soccer ball. - oh my gosh! Where did you find these!
Veera: They were in a box in the attic.
Cathy: They’re so cute – the attic, your father hasn’t finished renovating up there I hope you were careful-
Veera: I found these too. They have your name on them.
Cathy: God, these are mine. Look how tiny my feet were.
Veera: Why are they brown?
Cathy: They’re bronzed and that’s exactly what we’re gonna do with yours.
Veera: Bronze them?
Cathy: Yes. You got to preserve them right. Where’s that project outline (takes her assignment page) The Innocent Project…let’s see….blablablabla….here… yeah, see… you have to find something representing preserved innocence that can be carried around for a year.
Veera: A year mom, I really don’t want to have to be carrying a pair of baby shoes in my purse for a year Mom. Why can’t I just use a picture-
Cathy: First of all they’re booties not shoes. And secondly, why can’t you be different. What’s wrong with being different. If everyone jumped off a bridge would you?
Veera I would dance! (Veera turns on music, run over, turn music off “is this what they teach you… “ sequence)
Cathy: Turn it off! Why do teens need to listen to everything so loudly! Vera you need to take this opportunity to remember how cute you used to be?
Veera: “Use to be.” Wow. Thanks mom.
Cathy: You know what I mean - Wow you need to relax.
Veera: Grade 7s a lot different!
Tayor: Vera, can I borrow this?
Veera: No, get out of my room (goes after Taylor)
Cathy: Ok, I`ve got an idea; I’m going to give you these.
Veera: …awesome
Cathy: And when this project`s over, I’m going to keep yours.
Veera: Why?
Cathy: So we can be BFF.(turns on music and starts dancing)
Veera: Mom! (rushes over to stereo and turns off music) Don’t ever dance like that again.
Cathy: What? Like this! Can you handle this?
Veera: Mom! You’re so embarrassing.
Cathy: And when you have little girls of your own and I’m old and have wrinkles, and you’re comforting me because I have no teeth, you can take these out and say.. look mom…. Remember these…. You were young, and innocent once, and sooooo beautiful.
Veera: You’re lame.
Cathy: Lame, really? Well how is this for lame? (hands Vera bracelet)
Veera: That’s grandma’s…
Cathy: Not anymore. She gave it to me, and now I am giving it to you. And you wear it, a part of me will always be with you. And one day, you will give it to your daughter and say the same thing… So…. do you like it?
Veera: I love it, it’s beautiful thanks Mom!
Cathy: Yolo are we besties now?
Veera: No.
Cathy: Yo gee (making fun in a teen voice) Ok? So like I’m so sorry your highness, but you like totally gotta still do your like homework lol lol. It`s not all dancing! (check it, check it check my twerk)
Veera MOM!
Cathy Word!
Veera Mother, you ‘re so lame! We should just bronze this doll instead-
Cathy: You don’t bronze dolls. You bronze booties.
Veera: sorry
Cathy: You know what else you don’t bronze?
Veera: What?
Cathy: Teen age daughters who take themselves too seriously. (mom pushes her on the bed to tickle her).
Veera: (between laughing) Mom! Mom! No. Please. Stop. Stop. Dad! Dad! (enter Paul)
Paul: What’s going on- sounds like someone’s dying in here.
Veera: (still laughing) Dad! Help! Please….
Cathy: (Making fun of Veera while tickling her) I’m a cool teenager, I am too cool for school. I am too cool for the pool-(Veera laughing at being tickled and how dumb her mom sounds)
Veera: DAD! Help me! Stop….
Paul: Cathy –(helps Veera but still holds her)
Veera: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Dad!
Father: Stop. Cathy! Listen. Holding her like that could hurt her.
Veera: Thanks Dad!
Paul: So it’s better to pin her and expose the arm pits like this! (Paul and Cathy tickle Veera on bed. All laugh. Veera especially. As they tickle Veera gets out, and Paul starts on Cathy. Then Paul starts to kiss her and picks her up and this is all a bit too much for Veera).
Veera: God! Get a room!
Cathy Is this happening
Paul Oh this is happening. It’s tickle time baby! (they raise out chasing each other)
Veera: Eh Wait. What about my project? Dad!!
(Paul and Veera exit)
Cathy: And she left….
I suppose if I had been paying more attention I would have seen signs. I remember, going over every moment we shard, every picture, her baby pictures, her birthday pictures – every single moment, smile, we ever shared and missing her and hating myself for not using every waking moment in my life to love her. You know why people take pictures? To remember moments of time. Good moments. Beautiful ones. Because when someone you love is gone, all you have left are the pictures and the videos…
I hate myself for not paying more attention. I take responsibility for that. But I want you to know something, to anyone sitting out there who may feel alone or isolated, and feels no one cares: “Don’t give up on trying to talk to us!” Make us listen to you if you need to tell us something. You are not alone! Talk to an adult, a parent a teacher, someone! We will help! I know as a parent I should have listened deeper and not gotten distracted with what to wear on a first date
--------------DATE SCENE--------------------
Taylor and Veera fight over laptop
Cathy: Enough. Respect your sister`s things.
Taylor No one ever respects me.
Veera Because you’re a loser!
Cathy VEERA! Don`t bully your sister!
Veera Everyone bullies me-
Cathy Stop making excuses! Now, what is the plan for tonight?
Veera I am meeting him at the mall.
Cathy Are you excited?
Veera nervous
Cathy Don`t be, when your father first asked me, you see we were-
Veera Should I wear this one or this one
Cathy How about this (shows baggy sweater)
Veera mom!
Cathy I can`t believe your father is letting you go – well you know the rules –
Veera Yes, mom don`t worry ok, everything will be fine!
Cathy Ok.
Cathy: What I didn’t know was that “date” was a set up. A boy in her class, David, thought it would be fun to lie. Make her believe she was going on actual date. Veera stood waiting for him for hours. He obviously never showed. What he did do, he stayed in his brother’s car, across the street, and filmed her with his phone. He posted that on You Tube. People thought it was funny. I only found this out in court when I was forced to listen to David’s testimony.
---------------LAWYER SCENE----------------PROSECUTION (LAWYER 1)
Lawyer 1- Besides setting Veera up on fake dates, making fun of her in the hallways, pushing and taking her homework. What else did you do? (pause) What else did you do David?
Defense- Objection badgering!
Judge- Overruled-
Lawyer 1_- What else did you do David?
David- Facebook.
Lawyer 1 - What was that?
David- Facebook.
Lawyer 1 - What did you say? I want the whole court to hear.
David- Facebook!
Lawyer 1 - Facebook, can you please explain to the court what Facebook is?
David- It's a site where people post things for everyone to see..
Lawyer 1- So you used Facebook to bully Veera.
David- Yes.
Law 1- Did you know Cyber-bullying is a criminal offense, that you can be arrested for, do you understand that?
David - I do now.
Law 1- Give us an example of a time when you bullied Veera over Facebook.
David: I was hanging out with my girlfriend Kaylee. I was online and she was talking about some dumb movie.
NEW SCENE
Kaylee: So we should go see that new Brad Pitt movie I hear it's a very... David are you even listening to me
David: oh sorry I'm just on Facebook
Kaylee: well fill me in what’s new?
David: not too much Sydney put up some pictures of squirrels sleeping, Angelica is liking everything and a ton of people are talking about that new girl Veera
Kaylee: Veera? I hate her!
David- Why do you hate her?
Kaylee- I don't know. Why does it matter? I just do. What are people saying about her?
David- Nothing really just that she is weird and ugly.
Kaylee: well let's start adding to the conversation then
David: What are you talking about?
Kaylee: Why don't we start a little rumour? Sign me in
David: why you care so much (typing on computer)
Kaylee: I don't. It's Fun
David- People are going to believe it.
Kaylee- that's the point. Wait no you can't use that address she'll know it's me here I'll sign in I'll use my fake e-mail
David: Fake acount?
Kaylee- debra.xo..
David- Debra? Like, Debra Johnson who goes to St.Anne`s? i could have sworn she was real! let me guess you just use that account to make fun of Veera with?
Kaylee- She's such an idiot, plus i need to keep tabs on you somehow.
--------(back to lawyer)---------------
Lawyer 1: So she didn't even have the guts to use her real name. How many people saw the post?
David: My circle of friends – Just my circle of friend!
Lawyer 1: Really! How many would that be-
David 9 of us!
Lawyer 1: 9! You think only 9 saw it– just your circle of friends! Come on! How many people really saw the post David?
Defense- Objection your honor my client is not an expert in this field and therefore cannot be expected to give a valid answer
Judge- Sustained! rephrase the question
Lawyer 1- Ok. How many friends do you have on Facebook?
David- Two, three hundred?
Lawyer 1- Let's say 200. And each of those 200 friends, how many friends do they have –
Defense Objection, your honor, my client is not an expert in this field and cannot answer-
Judge Sustained – councilor where are you going with this.
Lawyer 1- To demonstrate your honor, that if each of David`s 200 facebook friends had 200 friends of their own…, Then 40,000 people, could have seen these posts about Veera. 40,000 people would have either laughed commented, agreed, liked, what they were reading, 40,000 could have reached out and done something and put a stop to it, and David is responsible for exposing those terrible words, to all those people by the push of a button!
Judge Proceed councilor
Lawyer 1- Thank you your honor. David, how about text messages, were they just to 9 people? Could any of those 9 copy and send them to other people of their own. It’s a yes / no question David.
David Yes
Lawyer 1 Yes! Of course! What about twitter, tumblr, ask FM, did you use any of those sites?
David yes
Lawyer 1 Yes you did. But here is what boggles my mind. How you used the site ASK FM.
David could you explain to the court the function of ASK FM …
Defense Objection-
Judge Over ruled, the defendant will answer
Lawyer 1 David, the court is waiting-
David It’s a site people go on to post – to write and messages to people.. anonymously.
Lawyer 1 Anonymously. People send messages anonymously. In your experience, are most of these anonymous messages kind, uplifting, supportive positive messages of hope and love?
David Some are-
Lawyer 1 Are the majority!
David no – well, no one writes mean things and signs their name to it! They don’t want anyone to know it was them – they don't want to get -
Lawyer 1 Get what David? Why do they sign nice things - But choose to write mean things anonymously! I asked you a question!
David Because they don`t want it traced back to them-
Lawyer 1 Right. And big mistake – because these (holds papers) of posts made to AskFM, from your IP address. Are the ones you wrote KindDavid? Do you really think this stuff is untraceable? Nothing is private online. There is no such thing as secrecy or privacy with the internet! Or Texting! Big mistake! These transcripts, your honor, are all the messages sent to Veera over several sites including; Instagram, Twitter, facebook, several videos on Youtube and a multitude on AkFM, All of them your honor, are filled with cruel things – things I cannot read aloud in this court room!
How many of them did you send to how many people?
David- I don't know
Lawyer 1 How many!
David- I don`t know! There`s was too many! You can’t control -
Lawyer 1 That's my point! The transcripts show that at 8pm, there were 4 messages about Veera posted from your IP address to ASK FM – by 10pm – just 2 hours later – 2thousand likes and replies, to those messages were made all inspired by your mean words. David. Come one! You make a tweet. Someone re-tweets it. Or Quote tweets it, and hash tags a crude comment, and favorites it, all to spread to your cruel words! From your fignertips, it goes viral to the world by a push of a button… so can we safely say "yes", your thoughts do go beyond just your circle of 9 friends don't they David.
David yes
Lawyer No further questions your honor-
Cathy: I don’t think you really understand how much it hurts! If you’re someone who posts mean things on line or send cruel texts, you need to know how much it really hurts to read something posted about you. These internet sites should not be used to make someone feel bad. STOP HIDING BEHIND A COMPUTER It hurts. It’s wrong. Face me instead! I am begging you. Use these social networks sites to make people feel better, compliment them, give them a reason to smile. I promise they will pay it forward. When you do, you could be saving a life. But when you don`t, you could destroy one.
CHORUS PLAYS OUT FACEBOOK READING / Veera looking at reading it.
Veera Stop! What have I ever done to you. Why can`t you just leave me alone?
Chorus laughs
Kaylee So you think she`s reading them?
David Every one!
Kaylee Good!
Cathy: Kids can’t imagine how much it hurts, to read mean things posted about you.
It hurts so much. They read this. They react at home. I didn’t know what was going on. I just saw my daughter fade away. She lost her smile. Her energy.
If I knew what she was dealing with at school, I would have reached out. I would have stopped it! Those kids, posting those things, and making fun of her. It made school a prison, a place of pain and hurt and isolation.
Cathy, Tylor and Veera get out of my room scene
Taylor Why can`t I borrow this?
Veera Get out
Taylor Mom!
Mom What`s going on in here
Taylor I don`t want it anyway, it`s ugly –
Veera Get out taylor!
Cathy Veera
Veera What
Cathy Whats going on? What are you looking at
Veera None of your business - Don’t touch that mom
Cathy Veera, listen - I don`t
Veera You wouldn't understand
Cathy I think if you explained-
Veera I`ve been trying to tell you for weeks but you too busy!
You don`t get it.
Cathy I`ve been through rough times – I understand
Veera You have no idea what I am going through at school.
Cathy at school?
Veera Your too pretty – you don`t know what it`s like for me – to be pushed to be mocked all the time, I hate it, I want to die. I just want to die. SO get out - I want to be alone
Cathy I can`t imagine what a day was like for her at school…
MAD WORLD SCENE
Cathy I had no idea who hard it was for her. I wish I was there for her.
SONG CONTINUES
Cathy: Stop! If only one person stood up for her. One person had helped her up. One person! All this would have been different.
BYSTANDER STEPS IN
Cathy: But that never happened.
BACK TO SONG
Veera Kaylee please leave me alone. Kaylee, please I need that, that`s my work…
no… please… What have I done?
Kaylee Nothing. I just hate you.
Teacher Is everything ok?
Kaylee Oh hi Miss. Yes. Absolutely. Veera, get off the floor –
Teacher veera-
Kaylee She’s fine miss-
Teacher Get to class…. (exits)
Kaylee Get out of here Veera.
David You`re harsh…
Kaylee: I have an idea. We are going to invite her to Jessica’s party. Make her believe she’s cool.
David: Why? What if she shows up?
Kaylee: Then will teach her a lesson that she shouldn’t think she’s cool.
Veera Sorry I`m late sir.-
Sir Try harder to get here on time – where`s your project?
Veera I lost it
Sir Try to be more responsible Veera. I am getting sick of your lack of focus lately! I don’t want you in my class if you’re not going to make an effort- Is that clear-
Cathy: I don’t think all people are mean. I think many have forgotten to listen. And the rest would rather follow others. There’s a leader. And the rest feel pressured to go along with what that leader is saying or doing. They know it’s wrong deep down. But are too scared to stand up. No one wants to be the next target.
Hero: Kaylee you need to stop.
Kaylee Get out of here or your next.
Cathy But you can`t be afraid. It`s the fear that stops you from doing what`s right. What you know is right. But you have to know there are more of you then there are Kaylee in the world. And the Kaylees, they depend on the fact that you ignore that fact! They thrive on your fear! And they forget about how any one else feels but them. I know it can be scary. I got to know just how mean Kaylee was at court.
KAYLEE’S COURT SCENE
Lawyer 2: (to Kaylee) Did you murder Veera James?
Defense: Objection!
Judge: Sustained. Rephrase.
Lawyer 2: Did you participate in the beating of Veera James?
Kaylee: Yes I did. And I’m sorry, it was a mistake –
Lawyer 2: You keep mentioning that except this mistake proved fatal - Did you return with your boyfriend after the group had left?
Kaylee: Yes.
Lawyer 2: Why?
Kaylee: To see if she was ok.
Lawyer 2: And was she?
Kaylee: Was she what?
Lawyer 2: Was she ok?
Kaylee: Yes.
Lawyer 2: She was ok?
Kaylee: Well, no, she was in pain, but she wanted to go home –
Lawyer 2: Did you take her home ?
Kaylee: I- no – I
Lawyer 2: You left her there?
Kaylee: yes.
Lawyer 2: Why?
Kaylee: I was confused -
Lawyer 2: What did your boyfriend do?
Kaylee: You have to ask him.
Lawyer 2: I will. So let’s try this question another way; Why didn’t you stay and help her?
Kaylee: I was confused.
Lawyer 2: See we’re confused too Kaylee because we have your footprints and hair in the exact spot where Veera was thrown over the bridge and I have testimony from 7 of your friends, 7 of the girls who admitted participating, in the swarming and beating of Veera, they say, you returned to see Veera because you, “wanted to finish what you started”
Kaylee: Bull!
Judge: Order!
Lawyer 2: They`re saying you and your boyfriend, dragged her to the bridge and killed her-
Kaylee: They’re lying! They don`t know! They weren`t there! (sounding rehearsed) I`m innocent! I would never kill anyone. I said that out of anger. Yes, I admit, it was a mistake to join them, in that beating. But it was peer pressure. Veera was a sweet girl and we all liked her… It just got out of hand.. It went too far –
Cathy: LIAR!
Lawyer 2: No further questions your honour.
Kaylee: David – my boyfriend…. he beats me. And got jealous that I was spending time with Veera – Veera's mother is really to blame! Not me! She kicked her out – she hit her!
Cathy: You liar. You liar. I’m gonna kill you! I swear.I’m gonna kill you!
“I don’t mean that, sometimes we say the wrong things, but you can understand how hard that is for me. To have to listen to the girl who murdered my daughter. I wanted her suffer as much as she made my daughter suffer. I know that’s wrong. As hard as it is, I have to, and so must you, learn to understand people, never, hurt them. I must find peace with this, I must find a way to understand, to let go…Teachers, teach your students about Restorative Practices it has helped me. But first, I need to forgive myself. Because the last words my daughter said to me were, I hate you.”
Veera: So I can go to the party tonight Dad?
Paul: I guess so just don’t tell your-
Cathy: What’s going on Paul?
Veera: Dad’s letting me go tonight-
Paul: Well I wasn`t–
Cathy: She`s not going anywhere Paul. We discussed this.
Veera: Dad said-
Paul: Veera.. Cathy -
Cathy: No Paul! (to Veera) What makes you think, you can go running to your father after I specifically said no.
Veera: What’s your problem?
Cathy: For 5 months I’ve been after you to clean up this room, do your work, practice your piano. Look at you. Your grades are dropping, you dress like every other grungy teenager! You don`t respect any of the rules of this house. You come and go as you please. Like this is some kind of hotel! I`m tired of being your maid!
Veera: Ok, I promise I`ll clean up-
Cathy: It’s not just about cleaning your room anymore Veera!
Veera: Mom please! I`m sorry-
Cathy: It’s not about being sorry! You can’t even do simple things – like carrying around a pair of baby shoes
Veera: There here look!
Cathy: No Veera, they’re right here..
Veera: I told you – it’s tough at school right now-
Cathy: “It’s tough at school” Stop whinning Veera. You’re not the only one who has some challenges to face, so suck it up and stop making excuses! Going out tonight is not going to make it any better-
Veear: Mom please you don't understand. Kaylee’s going to be there and she’s the most popular girl in school and if I could just-
Cathy: I’m sorry Veera my answer is no
Paul: Cathy, why don’t we just-
Cathy No Paul
Veera: I’ve never been invited to anything before.
Paul: Veera, listen. We know so little about this party and the type of kids that are gonna be there-it matters to us-
Cathy: Paul! It doesn’t matter! She doesn’t deserve to go!
Veera: It’s bad enough I get treated like a freak! I get pushed all the time at school – then I come and have to listen to you nag every night!
Paul: What`s going on at school?
Veera: I’ve tried talking to you about it, but you’re all too busy!
Cathy: Maybe if you finished what you started-
Veera: See, you just nag and nag all day. You don’t listen to me!
Cathy: Watch your mouth!
Paul: Veera!
Cathy: You’re staying here and cleaning out this pig sty of a room for starters!
Veera: I`m sick of this stupid room. Always staying in this stupid room!
Cathy: Clean it up!
Veera: I hate it here!
Cathy: Then leave and don’t come back!
Paul: Cathy!
Cathy: No Paul! Maybe then, she’ll realize why it’s necessary to have rules! Instead of always going to these parties all the time where drugs and sex and God knows what else happens -
Veera: This is the first party I’ve ever been invited to! And I`ll smoke all I want there!
Cathy: Where did you get that!
Veera: School! Kaylee asked me-
Cathy: You keep that in this room?
Veera: Why does it matter where I keep it? You don`t care! All you do is yell! You never listen.
Cathy: I don`t believe this!
Veera: It’s hard at school! And this helps, I can fit in-
Paul: Veera, ok, let`s sit down please. You don`t need to do this-
Cathy: Paul! Stop defending her! This is it! You bring that filth into my home! I didn’t raise you like this! You have no respect at all! Get out!
Paul Cathy!
Cathy I’ve had it with her!
Veera: I don’t want to play with dolls all my life. I’m not your little girl anymore. Accept that!
Cathy: I’ll accept that you act like a spoiled rotten selfish little brat who thinks the world revolves around her! Well you can pack your bags and go!
Paul: Cathy!
Cathy: You want to destroy your life! You want to hurt you father and I, then do it out on the street.
Veera: You hurt me too!
Cathy: Go live with your friends!
Veera: I’ve got no friends! No one likes me I keep telling you that, I’ve got nothing at school -
Cathy: Because you`re a failure!
Veera: I hate you!
Cathy slaps Veera hard
Cathy: Get out! (Veera leaves)
Veera Mom please…
Cathy I said get out. And don`t you dare come back!
Veera Everyone treats me like this… you`re not suppose to. You’re my mom… (she leaves)
Paul: Cathy. She’s just a kid… Go talk to her -
Cathy I will…. in the morning. … she needs to learn her lesson…
Cathy But that morning never came. They killed her that night. I play that moment over every day of my life. Veera! Come back! I talked again and again about that moment court.
--------------------------
Lawyer 2: Exhibit 7-C, your honor, a sweater (takes Sweater out of hand of mother) found on the side of the road in the exact area Veera Lynn was murderer. The hair, found on the sweater, matched that of the defendants; David Gareth and Kaylee Marie.
Defense: Objection your honor, we have not had an adequate opportunity to examine the exhibit – as it was only just presented to us this morning-
Lawyer 2: Your honor the defense was provided with the list of all exhibits and all witnesses-
Defense: We require more time-
Judge: Overruled. You may call your first witness council
Lawyer 2: None at this time your honor.
Judge: Lead council for the defense. You may call your first witness.
Defense: I would like to call Mrs. Cathy James to the stand please.
Judge: Would Cathy E. James please approach the bench.
Clerk: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Cathy: I do.
Cathy All this… courtrooms, judges, lawyers, all because someone went too far.
Clerk: Please state your name for the court.
Cathy: Cathy E. James.
Defense: You are the mother of the diseased; Miss Veera Lynn James, are you not?
Cathy: Yes, I am her mother. The mother of my murdered daughter.
Defense: What was that?
Judge: The witness will kindly respond to the question at hand and nothing more.
Defense: According to this report, you had an argument and you “kicked” your daughter out of your house. Is that correct?
Cathy: yes, but it was –
Defense: Answer the question I ask Mrs. James, and nothing more. Did you kick her out?
Cathy: Yes-
Defense: Did you hit your daughter?
Cathy What
Defense Did you hit your daughter
Cathy: I didn`t hit her- I just-
Defense: Why would you hit your daughter?
Lawyer 2: Objection! Badgering!
Judge: Overruled. This is a cross examination Councilor, she may ask the questions she likes the witness must respond.
Cathy: Look we had an argument. I was very upset. I told her to leave - I was just upset-
Defense: So you admit you kicked your own daughter of her house.
Cathy: She wanted to go to a party and I felt she shouldn`t-
Defense: A party hosted by a group of girls who did not like your daughter Mrs.James-
Cathy: I didn`t know that at the time-
Defense: So why didn’t you want her to go?
Cathy: I didn’t want her to go because she had broken rules and I felt she needed to be-
Defense: Then why did you kick her out?
Cathy: I was upset.
Defense: So you admit you made the wrong decision!
Cathy: Yes but I-
Defense: Did you hit your daughter to Mrs. James?
Cathy: No, I-
Defense: Did you hit your daughter Mrs. James?
Cathy: please-you don`t understand -
Defense: Exhibit 6-T. Section 4. A transcript of the police report made during the interview Detective Hamond had with Mrs. James on the night she called to inform the police her daughter was missing. Please read this line for me, right here Mrs. James. (pause) Outloud.
Cathy: (reading) No officer, I have no idea what happened. I had just….
Defense: Keep reading.
Cathy: Slapped her…
Defense: You slapped her. You did hit her! You physically abused your own daughter and now you’re attacking my clients!
Cathy: Yes, I slapped her! I slapped her and I live with that every single day- and I’m so sorry Veera!
Defense: Well Mrs. James, perhaps the trauma your daughter experienced being kicked out of her own house and being hit by her own mother was enough motivation for her to want to lash out against these innocent children. And your daughter’s anger. Forced my clients to defend themselves –
Cathy: Those girls beat my daughter within an inch of her life!
Defense: In self defense! But perhaps you are responsible for placing Veera in the situation she found herself in!
Cathy: How can you say that?
Defense: Perhaps, you Mrs. James, are the one to blame, not my clients!
Cathy: I shouldn’t have slapped her! I shouldn’t of kicked her out! I would do anything to take that back! But that does not justify what those monsters did to my little girl.
Judge: Order! Order!
Cathy Veera! I am so sorry. To every kid out there remember that parents make mistakes too. No matter what keep talking to them. And to anyone out there who has hurt someone. And things it`sonly 1 person.. Know that you are not just hurting that one person, it affects everything about them. It effects the school, communities, families…everyone else... For me it was my marriage” When Veera died, I couldn’t go into her room without crying and missing her. I couldn’t let go. Everything reminded me of her. I kept her room the same say she left it, for 6 years….
Paul: Cathy its just a room
Cathy: No it’s Veera’s –
Paul: Ok, but it’s still just a room. Just a room like in any other house
Cathy: Why is she so empty?
Paul: We’ve gone over this Cathy. Cops, lawyers, people - I don’t know, everyone emptied it out and took everything they needed for the trial- they only left what wasn’t useful-
Cathy: I saw all the boxes Paul-
Paul: There were only two boxes
Cathy: So where are they?
Paul: I told you. In here. I brought everything in here-
Cathy: You put all her things back?
Paul: Yes. No. What do you mean back?
Cathy: Where they belong?
Paul: Ok no. I didn’t know where they belonged -
Cathy: See thats the problem Paul, you don’t know
Paul: Not now Cathy! You told me not to touch anything! So I didn’t organize a thing-
Cathy: I can see that.
Paul: There’s nothing left anyway-
Cathy: There’s enough! See! (holding shoes)
Paul: Ok! Let’s calm down. I’m sorry for not knowing where to place things ok? Can we just start now? I’ve been looking forward to this for 2 years-let`s start over here with these (motion towards envelopes)
Cathy: You didn’t keep your promise
Paul: What? Ah no! I kept all my promises. We’re both in here together just as I promised. We’re doing this together, just as I promised. And it’s happening today, just as you promised. So we can start by packing what’s there first-
Cathy: No Paul
Paul: There just old letters-
Cathy: No there not just old just letters. Look, I don’t think I can put anything away just now.
Paul: What?
Cathy: Leave it.
Paul: There just letters –
Cathy: I’m not ready Paul!
Paul: What do you mean?
Cathy: I’m not ready.
Paul: You’re not ready?
Cathy: That’s right.
Paul: Ok when then Cathy?
Cathy: I don’t know.
Paul: What do you mean you don’t know!
Cathy: I mean I just don’t know, why does it matter?
Paul: Then when?
Cathy: Why does it matter?
Paul: Why does it matter? That’s a good one.
Cathy: Why? Why does there always have to be a timelines and deadlines with you?
Paul: There wasn’t the first year! But after 6 years, it kinda gets a little bit necessary to move things along! Especially after being told at least twice a week for months on end, you’re not ready, you can’t now, it’s too soon, it still hurts. – I mean let’s face it, you’ve broken every promise you’ve made with me for the past 6 years and every time we try this - you get me in here, and get my hopes up, and then you pull this Orange!
Cathy: You have no idea how hard-
Paul: I’ve been patient, supportive, understanding and fair, and you haven’t! Heck, you`ve never kept a single promise you ever made so forgive me if I feel the need to know a definitive WHEN!
Cathy: I just can’t now.
Paul: I just can’t now. How much more time are you gonna need !?!
Cathy: I don’t know!
Paul: It’s been 6 Watermelon years!
Cathy: There’s no Watermelon clock Paul that I can set a timer too for this kind of thing! This isn’t one of your fuckin’ deadlines you give your students for one of your Cantelope assignments. I-do-not-know!
Paul: I can’t wait for you anymore Cathy
Cathy: You can’t wait. You’re not ready! You need more time. Why is everything about you?
Paul: Me? Me! Where here because of you!
Cathy: You’re so goddamn selfish.
Paul: No you are!
Cathy: You are!
Paul: God! We can’t go on like this!
Cathy: I know. I hate this!
Paul: Well do something about it then.
Cathy: It’s not that simple-
Paul: It never is with you-
Cathy: Stop pushing me!
Paul: You promised me Cathy.
Cathy: How is it so easy for you?
Paul: Pardon?
Cathy: You heard me!
Paul: Don’t do this.
Cathy: How?!?
Paul: Cathy.
Cathy: Answer me!
Paul: Here we go again.
Cathy: How is this so easy for you? It’s not fair!
Paul: Stop it Cathy!
Cathy: You walk in here and come and go as you please, like it's any other room in the house, and never, never, not ever, does any of this affect you like it does me. It’s not fair! I’m hurting! I hate this!How is it so easy for you?
Paul: You think this is easy for me? You can’t be serious!
Cathy: I am serious. You rush in here with your boxes and want to pack-
Paul: I rush in here so I can try and move on! Cathy there isnt a day that goes by that I don't think of her. I miss her. I have grieved more than any father, but for her, for our family, I have to move on because we have to create some semblance of a normal life-
Cathy: You think you have tried hard? That’s not trying paul... that's forgetting. You are forgetting, forgetting everything-
Paul: Cathy please, just calm down. Listen. I love you. I love you so much. So much. I swear to God I love you. But I need you to come back to me. You’re stuck in here. Trapped in here with these things in this... holding room! I need you to be with me out there. Veera’s not here anymore Cathy.
Cathy: PAUL! Please listen Paul. When I see these things, things she owned, things she wore, things she touched, I feel close to her! I feel she’s still here….my baby girl is still with me… and not dead Paul. I`m so sorry. I just want her back Paul! Veera! Please come back to mommy-
Paul: Cathy-
Cathy: I miss her so much.
Paul: I know you do. We all do. Leaving it like this won’t bring her back. These things… they’re just opportunities to be sad. We have to let go…you have to let go – for your own sake, we have to pack-please Cathy…. (she looks as though she is about to understand. For a moment. She picks up shoes…but then looks at it and…)
Cathy: No!!! Stop forcing me! I’m not letting you. How dare you. You want her dead! You want these things gone so you don’t have to be reminded of your guilt!
Paul: Cathy-
Cathy: Because you were never close to her were you Paul! You wanted her to leave that night! You told her to go! You hit her. You kicked her out.
Paul: Don`t do this. I can`t take this from you anymore!
Cathy: You missed all the signs –when she was reaching out, you ignored her! Your own daughter. You killed her Paul! You killed my baby and I hate you for it. Iwill never stop-
Paul: CATHY! No. It was you. You did it. Don’t you dare blame me. You yelled at her. You got mad at her. And you kicked her out. Not me, and you know that. And you that was the last exchange you had before she was murdered, look at me Cathy. Before those girls took her and dragged her, and beat her, and killed her! DO YOU HEAR ME! You told her she was a failure! You pushed her out of this room! You slapped her! Not me! And that’s what you’re going to have to live with every day for the rest of your life because you refuse to admit it and let go so don’t you ever Watermelon blame me again!
Cathy: Get out! Get out!
Paul: I`m taking Taylor, and leaving. You destroyed everything we had.
Cathy: I said get out!
Cathy is left alone in the room
Cathy: Veera!
Yes... I did it! I pushed her into those girls! No parent wants to know that their child is hurting. You need to know the best thing we can hope for is that you look out for each other so we don’t get a phone call like the one I had.
Taylor: Mom… it’s for you, detective Hammond is on the line… he-
Cathy: Thank you Taylor, I’ll take it.
Hello. Yes it’s Cathy. Hi Detective. It’s been a few days so naturally I was getting anxious, have you found anything- pardon. Pardon? Could you – I don’t understand – what, no. Are you sure, how are you sure, what makes you sure. But. I. Detective. No. No.. no..no.. please please please please! Verra!
HALLEELUYAH SONG: A whirlwind of action takes place as we revisit the crime scene, the police investigation and the reporters and the passage of time. Paul emerges again. Cathy of the present is looking at him, reaching out. Trying to make sense of the past. This is one is the memory she wanted….to remember what happened, how they split up after her daughter’s death. She remembers….
Cathy: Come back please….
Cathy I will never forget what was said about her murder in court
Lawyer 1: Your honour motion to move to article 4356 as presented to you earlier today your honor, we have agreed to enter into a plea bargain with the defendant David Gareth-
Judge: A plea bargain? And you’re ok with this counsilor?
Defense: Yes your honour, it is this client’s wish.
Judge: alright, proceed.
Lawyer 1: David. You have sworn to tell the whole truth. You are under oath – do you understand that?
David: (nods)
Lawyer 1. And failure to tell this courtroom the truth is considered perjury and is in itself a crime for which you can be placed in jail for a long time-
David: yeah-
Lawyer 1: Why did you kill her?
Defense: Objection!
Judge: Sustained. Council will re-phrase the question.
Lawyer 1: David, in your own words, tell the court what happened the night Veera was killed - the night of the party at Jessica Battly’s house on 46 Runo Drive.
Defense: Permission to approach the bench your honour.
Judge : On what grounds?
Defense: I am aware of what my client may or may not be describing and i would prefer to talk to you first.
Judge: Granted, but the prosecution must assist.
Defense : Of course.
Lawyer 2: Yes your honor (all 3 lawyers go to see Judge)
Cathy : How could you kill her, how could you kill my baby?
Judge: I`ve been made aware of the graphic nature of what is about to be described and i would like to warn anyone who is sensitive to explicit descriptions of violence, this will be hard to listen to, so you may leave now.
Mrs. James, are you sure you want to hear this?
Cathy : nods
Lawyer 1 : Once again David, give us a very precise description of exactly what happened that night.
David: (as he talks the scene shapes and eventually the actors take over) Jessica threw a party – she did it whenever her dad took off for the weekend for work. Invited everyone.
Lawyer 1: What do you mean “everyone”
David: Everyone. All my group -
Lawyer 1: You mean all the kids who you consider cool-
David: yeah-
Lawyer 1: Did Jessica invite Veera ?
David: no.
Lawyer 1: Why?
David: She wasn’t considered…..she was weird.
Lawyer 1: So how did you react when Veera showed up?
David: Surprised, we never expected her. It was all Kaylee.
Lawyer 1: Kaylee invited her?
David: Yes.
Lawyer 1: In your own words. Tell us what happened that night-
David: Well, we were all drinking and having a good time- everyone enjoying the party – then my girlfr – Kaylee –she came, and told us all…(David comes off of stand and moves directly into scene)
Scene within a scene plays out (Kaylee comes through door)
Kaylee: Veera’s coming (girls laugh)
David: Why? Why did you invite her?
Kaylee: Teach her a lesson. She wants to fit in so badly, now is her chance to finally understand she can’t–
David: What are you going to do? – Come on Kaylee, it’s a party.
Kaylee: Everyone knows I have to. It`s the rules David. Look around! Everyone hates her anyway.
David: Kaylee, everyone’s drunk –
Kaylee: Attention everyone. Does anyone care if Veera comes and I beat the crap out of her? Speak now, or forever shut up!
Others laugh, ignore, light change and music note, scene freezes.
Kaylee: See. Relax honey. She could of said no. So she made a choice! It’s her problem now. What would make her think she suddenly cool enough to come here – she’s practically begging for a beating. When you have a choice and you choose wrong, you get screwed!
Veera enters. Moves around party. People having good time. Ignore her. Kaylee seizes the moment.
Girl Veera`s here
Kaylee: Speak of the devil!
Jessica: Kaylee`s guest of honour has arrived everyone.
Veera: Thanks for inviting me-
Jamie: What are you wearing?
Veera: Actually, I think I’ll go home..
Jessica: What the Heck are these?
Veera: Shoes, for a project-pleas my mom
Jordan : What’s on your eyes?
Kaylee: You’re not going anywhere. You want to hit on my boyfriend, you’re gonna pay.
Lucas : OK, let’s do this.
Kaylee: No, you’ve gotta pin her down first.
They beat Veera on the bed
Cathy : STOP! Why aren’t any of you stopping this. None of you, not one of you is standing up for her. Why? You.. what did she ever do to you?
Lawyer 2 Wait. Everyone in the room started to beat her.
David Yes.
Lawyer 2 And no one yelled out to stop.
David no - I tried… but….
Lawyer..2 What happened next
David Alright, that`s enough, let her go. Get lost Veera!
Kaylee Did I say stop?
Veera Please Kaylee
Kaylee Did anyone hear me say stop
Veera I want to go home
Kaylee You want to go home Veera?
Veera I want to go home please Kaylee-
Kaylee Well that`s too bad. You`re not going home. You have somewhere to go! Monica Take her outside. David. We’re going to the bridge, we need to finish this.
Veera please help , I want to go home..
She is taken off stage by scrim and the stomps begin
Kaylee: Does any one want me to stop?
Jordynn: Uh Kaylee...
Kaylee: Shut up. Again David!
Kaylee picks up baby shoes and drops them on the floor in front of Veera as she crawls in pain towards them. Kaylee grabs her head and puts out her cigarette on her forehead.
Lawyer 1 So what did you do next.
David: She was weak, she couldn’t fight back anymore.
Lawyer 1: What did you do when you went back!
David: Picked her up and moved her to the bridge.
Lawyer 1: I have a forensic report, stating that you dragged her across crushed stone, 3 yards to the railing of a bridge. Is that more accurate?
David: yes
Lawyer 1: Then what did you do?
David: I placed her against the rail.
Lawyer 1: “Moved her”, “Placed her”. Are you describing a work of art here, or a girl you just finished beating half to death-
Defense: Objection-
Judge: Overruled
David : Why are you attacking me?
Lawyer 1: I`m sorry you feel attacked David, but we’re just trying to get the facts. What happened next?
David: I opened her mouth on the bottom rail of the bridge!
Lawyer 1 : What was that?
David : I opened her mouth and placed it on the bottom rail of the bridge and kicked her 3 times in the head…
Lawyer 1 How many times
David 3…
Lawyer 1 What
David 3 times.. times.
Veera Please no… David… no..
Kaylee Do it again David –
David Kaylee
Kaylee 1 more time! Do it!
Veera Mommy… please… I want to go home…
David : I’m so sorry Mrs. James
Veera : I want my mommy!
Kaylee: You want your mommy..
Veera yes…
Kaylee Well you’re mommy’s not coming! (final stomp crushes her head)
original gurney scene
Lawyer 2 She died in that moment your honor. David… what did you do next…
David I don`t know…
Lawyer 2: Maybe this will help refresh your memory. I have a transcript your honour, made by the Anderdone police after David was arrested for connections to the murder, in his interrogation Detective McLean offered to work out a plea bargain if he explained in detail what actually took place. You forgot about this didn`t you David. Shall I read this whole thing out loud or are you going to answer the question?
David: Don’t make me say it.
Lawyer 2: Say it!
David: I can’t.
Lawyer 2 : Say it !
David : Please
Cathy&Lawyer 2 : Say it David!
David I dragged her body to the water and left her there…
Lawyer 2 for what purpose
David To die! Ok! To die! I killed her! We killed her…. I am so sorry. I am so sorry Mrs. James. I should have stopped., I should have never sent that message….
Cathy 3 days later, after looking everywhere for her, after going to her school and asking her classmates what happened, no one said a word. A code of silence Kaylee called it…. Finally the police called me. Her body had washed up on the sand of the east side of the river…. I had to get the sand out her hair…
Why can’t you see! She’s my girl. I love her. You don’t see the girl I see. I can’t bear it, I can’t stand it, thinking of her alone, sitting alone in a cafeteria, no one playing with her. Her being laughed at as she eats by herself. No one talking to her at recess. No one saying kind things to her. And having you hurt her. What has she done to you?
I'll never be able to brush her hair, to hold her when she cries, to celebrate another birthday, to see her walk down the aisle. To hold her children. And her daughter to wear this…..
I'll never see her grow up, because a group of people didn't like her, thought she was different?!
When will you understand how wrong it is to hurt someone else? What will it take? When they lay motionless?
They may smile at you at school, and laugh when you tease, but deep down you don't know how much they are hurting.
When you laugh at their clothes, make fun of how poor they are, how ugly you think they are, how fat, how skinny, how they can’t read, or are weak in math, criticize the things they wear because of religious beliefs, or the colour of their hair, their teeth, their skin, It's not fair, it's not her fault, because they didn’t ask to be made this way, HURT ME! I created her!! It’s not her fault. Leave her alone.
“All I think about, all that consumes me is wondering what would have happened if one person had stoop up for her that night, it could have been any one of you that stood up for her. What would have been different?
FIX YOU COLD PLAY SONG -REWIND SCENE
Hero Stop this Kaylee
Kaylee Shut up
Hero No you shut up! Let`s go Veera
Cathy “It didn’t even have to go that far, if someone reached out, shown some kindness, all this could have been different. It doesn’t take that much to be kind.
Jamie: (sitting in a chair with a computer in front of her with her boyfriend standing behind her) oh my God I can't believe they said that about her that's so rude
Joey: we should call her let her know that this isn't what everyone thinks
Jamie (calls Veera)
Veera: hello
Jamie: hi vera? Its Jamie from Bio
Veera: oh hi Jamie whats up?
Jamie: I'm just calling to say to ignore what they're saying online not everyone thinks that
Veera: thanks that means a lot
Jamie: and I was wondering if you might want to have lunch tomorrow
Veera: really? That’d be great
Jamie: great see you tomorrow
Veera: bye
Pros: but that's not what happened is it David
David: I’m so sorry Mrs. James! Kaylee lied to you, it wasn’t your fault. It was me and Kaylee, we did it, not you.
Cathy : None of you, not one of you did anything. You’re just as guilty.
Lawyer 1 : No further questions your honour.
Cathy: When the trial had ended. Life began all over again for me. This effects everyone…
LINDA Mrs.James…
Cathy Yes-
LINDA I’m sorry to bother you, I was watching you in court –
I can`t describe to you how sorry I am about what happened to your daughter. I just wanted to let you know I am sorry…
Cathy Thank you-
LINDA You see I have a daughter too…
Cathy Did she also go to Anderdon Public?
LINDA Yes
Cathy She might have known Veera then
LINDA Yes.
Cathy They may have been friends, you tell your daughter that Veera-
LINDA No. No, they weren’t friends. My daughter.. well.I’m Kaylee’s mother –
Cathy How dare you come here-
LINDA Mrs.James, I don`t expect you to forgive her, or me. But I wanted you to know I didn`t raise her like that. I just want you to know I am sorry for what she did. What she did was so wrong and I pray she learns that….I pray all the kids learn from this-
Cathy Thank you…
I know you will not be able to change everyone – bullies will be bullies,
The Kaylee in this world will always continue to be themselves, refuse to give them an audience – When you refuse to follow, because when you follow people like Kaylee, you will always end up right here…
Kaylee She deserved it, it wasn’t my fault.
Judge: By the power invested in me, from the people of the province of British Columbia, I hereby find you Kaylee Marie Edmund, having been tried as an adult, in the death of Veera Lynn James, guilty of Murder in the 2nd degree. You will spend no less than 25 years serving out this sentence. May God of Mercy on your soul.
Cathy And standing up begins in the classroom.
Teacher You are at a party… someone new comes in and someone else makes fun of her… what do you do? (kid someone up)
Cathy All I have left are the memories the countless articles written about my daughter and thousands of cases just like it – they cover the walls of my mind… , but life it isn’t black and white, it doesn’t have to be headlines, it can all end differently. Right now! If we refuse to be scared. If we stand up. It can all change for the better. But it is up to you to make that difference, and you can only do that by standing up today. So will you stand up? Will you stand up to end this today… Will you stand up for Veera.
News footage plays of bullying and an image of Veera appears on screen…. Cathy enters and notices her picture… she speaks to picture….
Cathy: I miss you so much, so very much. I wish someone had stood up for Veera.
Turns and knows audience is there / Speaking directly to them
There’s a sick, sick idea, that it’s ok, for 1 person; to pick on, to make fun of, and to hurt another. It happens in schools. In parks. At parties. It happens on line. Over the internet. It may be happening in this very room, at this very moment. You’ve heard of it. It’s called bullying. Using superior strength or influence to intimidate or force someone to do what you want.
Aren’t you fed up about hearing about bullying? Your teachers, parents, keep raming it down your throat that it has to stop. You can’t do it. Yet it still goes on - and if you ever needed a reason to truly accept the inalienable truth that Bullying has to end, I’m that reason.
So what can I tell you that you haven’t heard of already?
I am a mother of a child who was killed because of bullies. Because they took it too far. So I can tell you how far it can go, when it gets to a point you can’t turn back. And I can tell what you can do to stop it.
But not yet.
First, I want to share my daughter’s story. And as I do I want you to keep this mind, what I am telling, even the most horrific parts, all happened. I am here because they can’t happen again.
Veera…. Maybe you can identify with her, maybe, just maybe, you can relate to her.
She was a beautiful girl, kind and gentle, and had the most contagious laugh.
She had a future full of potential as all grade 7 students do. Her hair was something that I remember most. It was long and soft and whenever we’d go to the beach, she’d roll around in the sand with her sister and sand would get caught in her braids and I’d spend the better part of the afternoon brusing out the sand and tiny sea shells. I loved her. With all my heart. She was my first born. And will be my baby girl.
It was sometime in grade 7 when things went wrong. Small things. You may have heard of small things, things you just brush aside, things you don’t speak up about. I know it’s terrifying to speak up, to talk about your fears, your pain, doing what is right, is not easy, but it is still right. And therefore we must do it! I wish the kids in Veera’s class knew that.
CLASSROOM
Teacher- Good morning class.
Class- Good morning miss.
Teacher- How was your weekend?
Class- Good.
Teacher- What happened Saturday? Hmmm? Yeah, I know about the party. Veera was there. I know she was there. I am sure you have noticed Veera is not here today. I would like to know if any of you know where she is, because she has been missing for three days. Now I have been asked to question you, to find out if you know anything, if you heard what happened to Veera? Does anyone know?
Whose gonna stand up and tell me what happened?
Cathy No one did. Not one of them spoke up. Not one student said anything. And it makes me so angry - I replay that memory over and over - I blamed the teacher for not doing a good enough job to make them talk! I blame the principal for not disciplining the students. I blame the parents for not raising honest kids. I blame the students for being cowards! If I could only go back to that day… I know I could have made them talk!
Cathy Hello class….. I got your names from the detective, is there a Jessica?
Teacher Right there
Cathy Jessica. Please. It was your party wasn`t? Well you must have seen something or heard something? Sweetie what`s your name?
Rebecca Rebecca….
Cathy Rebecca, I know this is scary. Please. If you know anything can you please speak up! Don’t you care what happened to her? How would like it if this was you? Please! Any of you! Speak up. Why won’t you stand up! LOOK AT ME!
Back to present..
Only to realize it didn’t matter, not I or the teacher or anyone, could have made a difference at that point. It was fear in those students that kept them from doing what is right. That is why I am here - to tell you - in the end… it`s up to you.
For you to stand up and do what`s right. You have to know you can and must speak up. And you have the power to end bullying! Fear can`t ever stop you from doing what`s right. And as for me.. as a mother, I should have paid closer attention to the signs.
----------------------BOOTY SCENE------------------------
Cathy: Veera! Lets go! Get down here, and clean up after yourself, your killing me.
Veera comes in, kicks school bag,
Cathy: Vera! How many times am I going to tell you that your school bag is not a soccer ball. - oh my gosh! Where did you find these!
Veera: They were in a box in the attic.
Cathy: They’re so cute – the attic, your father hasn’t finished renovating up there I hope you were careful-
Veera: I found these too. They have your name on them.
Cathy: God, these are mine. Look how tiny my feet were.
Veera: Why are they brown?
Cathy: They’re bronzed and that’s exactly what we’re gonna do with yours.
Veera: Bronze them?
Cathy: Yes. You got to preserve them right. Where’s that project outline (takes her assignment page) The Innocent Project…let’s see….blablablabla….here… yeah, see… you have to find something representing preserved innocence that can be carried around for a year.
Veera: A year mom, I really don’t want to have to be carrying a pair of baby shoes in my purse for a year Mom. Why can’t I just use a picture-
Cathy: First of all they’re booties not shoes. And secondly, why can’t you be different. What’s wrong with being different. If everyone jumped off a bridge would you?
Veera I would dance! (Veera turns on music, run over, turn music off “is this what they teach you… “ sequence)
Cathy: Turn it off! Why do teens need to listen to everything so loudly! Vera you need to take this opportunity to remember how cute you used to be?
Veera: “Use to be.” Wow. Thanks mom.
Cathy: You know what I mean - Wow you need to relax.
Veera: Grade 7s a lot different!
Tayor: Vera, can I borrow this?
Veera: No, get out of my room (goes after Taylor)
Cathy: Ok, I`ve got an idea; I’m going to give you these.
Veera: …awesome
Cathy: And when this project`s over, I’m going to keep yours.
Veera: Why?
Cathy: So we can be BFF.(turns on music and starts dancing)
Veera: Mom! (rushes over to stereo and turns off music) Don’t ever dance like that again.
Cathy: What? Like this! Can you handle this?
Veera: Mom! You’re so embarrassing.
Cathy: And when you have little girls of your own and I’m old and have wrinkles, and you’re comforting me because I have no teeth, you can take these out and say.. look mom…. Remember these…. You were young, and innocent once, and sooooo beautiful.
Veera: You’re lame.
Cathy: Lame, really? Well how is this for lame? (hands Vera bracelet)
Veera: That’s grandma’s…
Cathy: Not anymore. She gave it to me, and now I am giving it to you. And you wear it, a part of me will always be with you. And one day, you will give it to your daughter and say the same thing… So…. do you like it?
Veera: I love it, it’s beautiful thanks Mom!
Cathy: Yolo are we besties now?
Veera: No.
Cathy: Yo gee (making fun in a teen voice) Ok? So like I’m so sorry your highness, but you like totally gotta still do your like homework lol lol. It`s not all dancing! (check it, check it check my twerk)
Veera MOM!
Cathy Word!
Veera Mother, you ‘re so lame! We should just bronze this doll instead-
Cathy: You don’t bronze dolls. You bronze booties.
Veera: sorry
Cathy: You know what else you don’t bronze?
Veera: What?
Cathy: Teen age daughters who take themselves too seriously. (mom pushes her on the bed to tickle her).
Veera: (between laughing) Mom! Mom! No. Please. Stop. Stop. Dad! Dad! (enter Paul)
Paul: What’s going on- sounds like someone’s dying in here.
Veera: (still laughing) Dad! Help! Please….
Cathy: (Making fun of Veera while tickling her) I’m a cool teenager, I am too cool for school. I am too cool for the pool-(Veera laughing at being tickled and how dumb her mom sounds)
Veera: DAD! Help me! Stop….
Paul: Cathy –(helps Veera but still holds her)
Veera: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Dad!
Father: Stop. Cathy! Listen. Holding her like that could hurt her.
Veera: Thanks Dad!
Paul: So it’s better to pin her and expose the arm pits like this! (Paul and Cathy tickle Veera on bed. All laugh. Veera especially. As they tickle Veera gets out, and Paul starts on Cathy. Then Paul starts to kiss her and picks her up and this is all a bit too much for Veera).
Veera: God! Get a room!
Cathy Is this happening
Paul Oh this is happening. It’s tickle time baby! (they raise out chasing each other)
Veera: Eh Wait. What about my project? Dad!!
(Paul and Veera exit)
Cathy: And she left….
I suppose if I had been paying more attention I would have seen signs. I remember, going over every moment we shard, every picture, her baby pictures, her birthday pictures – every single moment, smile, we ever shared and missing her and hating myself for not using every waking moment in my life to love her. You know why people take pictures? To remember moments of time. Good moments. Beautiful ones. Because when someone you love is gone, all you have left are the pictures and the videos…
I hate myself for not paying more attention. I take responsibility for that. But I want you to know something, to anyone sitting out there who may feel alone or isolated, and feels no one cares: “Don’t give up on trying to talk to us!” Make us listen to you if you need to tell us something. You are not alone! Talk to an adult, a parent a teacher, someone! We will help! I know as a parent I should have listened deeper and not gotten distracted with what to wear on a first date
--------------DATE SCENE--------------------
Taylor and Veera fight over laptop
Cathy: Enough. Respect your sister`s things.
Taylor No one ever respects me.
Veera Because you’re a loser!
Cathy VEERA! Don`t bully your sister!
Veera Everyone bullies me-
Cathy Stop making excuses! Now, what is the plan for tonight?
Veera I am meeting him at the mall.
Cathy Are you excited?
Veera nervous
Cathy Don`t be, when your father first asked me, you see we were-
Veera Should I wear this one or this one
Cathy How about this (shows baggy sweater)
Veera mom!
Cathy I can`t believe your father is letting you go – well you know the rules –
Veera Yes, mom don`t worry ok, everything will be fine!
Cathy Ok.
Cathy: What I didn’t know was that “date” was a set up. A boy in her class, David, thought it would be fun to lie. Make her believe she was going on actual date. Veera stood waiting for him for hours. He obviously never showed. What he did do, he stayed in his brother’s car, across the street, and filmed her with his phone. He posted that on You Tube. People thought it was funny. I only found this out in court when I was forced to listen to David’s testimony.
---------------LAWYER SCENE----------------PROSECUTION (LAWYER 1)
Lawyer 1- Besides setting Veera up on fake dates, making fun of her in the hallways, pushing and taking her homework. What else did you do? (pause) What else did you do David?
Defense- Objection badgering!
Judge- Overruled-
Lawyer 1_- What else did you do David?
David- Facebook.
Lawyer 1 - What was that?
David- Facebook.
Lawyer 1 - What did you say? I want the whole court to hear.
David- Facebook!
Lawyer 1 - Facebook, can you please explain to the court what Facebook is?
David- It's a site where people post things for everyone to see..
Lawyer 1- So you used Facebook to bully Veera.
David- Yes.
Law 1- Did you know Cyber-bullying is a criminal offense, that you can be arrested for, do you understand that?
David - I do now.
Law 1- Give us an example of a time when you bullied Veera over Facebook.
David: I was hanging out with my girlfriend Kaylee. I was online and she was talking about some dumb movie.
NEW SCENE
Kaylee: So we should go see that new Brad Pitt movie I hear it's a very... David are you even listening to me
David: oh sorry I'm just on Facebook
Kaylee: well fill me in what’s new?
David: not too much Sydney put up some pictures of squirrels sleeping, Angelica is liking everything and a ton of people are talking about that new girl Veera
Kaylee: Veera? I hate her!
David- Why do you hate her?
Kaylee- I don't know. Why does it matter? I just do. What are people saying about her?
David- Nothing really just that she is weird and ugly.
Kaylee: well let's start adding to the conversation then
David: What are you talking about?
Kaylee: Why don't we start a little rumour? Sign me in
David: why you care so much (typing on computer)
Kaylee: I don't. It's Fun
David- People are going to believe it.
Kaylee- that's the point. Wait no you can't use that address she'll know it's me here I'll sign in I'll use my fake e-mail
David: Fake acount?
Kaylee- debra.xo..
David- Debra? Like, Debra Johnson who goes to St.Anne`s? i could have sworn she was real! let me guess you just use that account to make fun of Veera with?
Kaylee- She's such an idiot, plus i need to keep tabs on you somehow.
--------(back to lawyer)---------------
Lawyer 1: So she didn't even have the guts to use her real name. How many people saw the post?
David: My circle of friends – Just my circle of friend!
Lawyer 1: Really! How many would that be-
David 9 of us!
Lawyer 1: 9! You think only 9 saw it– just your circle of friends! Come on! How many people really saw the post David?
Defense- Objection your honor my client is not an expert in this field and therefore cannot be expected to give a valid answer
Judge- Sustained! rephrase the question
Lawyer 1- Ok. How many friends do you have on Facebook?
David- Two, three hundred?
Lawyer 1- Let's say 200. And each of those 200 friends, how many friends do they have –
Defense Objection, your honor, my client is not an expert in this field and cannot answer-
Judge Sustained – councilor where are you going with this.
Lawyer 1- To demonstrate your honor, that if each of David`s 200 facebook friends had 200 friends of their own…, Then 40,000 people, could have seen these posts about Veera. 40,000 people would have either laughed commented, agreed, liked, what they were reading, 40,000 could have reached out and done something and put a stop to it, and David is responsible for exposing those terrible words, to all those people by the push of a button!
Judge Proceed councilor
Lawyer 1- Thank you your honor. David, how about text messages, were they just to 9 people? Could any of those 9 copy and send them to other people of their own. It’s a yes / no question David.
David Yes
Lawyer 1 Yes! Of course! What about twitter, tumblr, ask FM, did you use any of those sites?
David yes
Lawyer 1 Yes you did. But here is what boggles my mind. How you used the site ASK FM.
David could you explain to the court the function of ASK FM …
Defense Objection-
Judge Over ruled, the defendant will answer
Lawyer 1 David, the court is waiting-
David It’s a site people go on to post – to write and messages to people.. anonymously.
Lawyer 1 Anonymously. People send messages anonymously. In your experience, are most of these anonymous messages kind, uplifting, supportive positive messages of hope and love?
David Some are-
Lawyer 1 Are the majority!
David no – well, no one writes mean things and signs their name to it! They don’t want anyone to know it was them – they don't want to get -
Lawyer 1 Get what David? Why do they sign nice things - But choose to write mean things anonymously! I asked you a question!
David Because they don`t want it traced back to them-
Lawyer 1 Right. And big mistake – because these (holds papers) of posts made to AskFM, from your IP address. Are the ones you wrote KindDavid? Do you really think this stuff is untraceable? Nothing is private online. There is no such thing as secrecy or privacy with the internet! Or Texting! Big mistake! These transcripts, your honor, are all the messages sent to Veera over several sites including; Instagram, Twitter, facebook, several videos on Youtube and a multitude on AkFM, All of them your honor, are filled with cruel things – things I cannot read aloud in this court room!
How many of them did you send to how many people?
David- I don't know
Lawyer 1 How many!
David- I don`t know! There`s was too many! You can’t control -
Lawyer 1 That's my point! The transcripts show that at 8pm, there were 4 messages about Veera posted from your IP address to ASK FM – by 10pm – just 2 hours later – 2thousand likes and replies, to those messages were made all inspired by your mean words. David. Come one! You make a tweet. Someone re-tweets it. Or Quote tweets it, and hash tags a crude comment, and favorites it, all to spread to your cruel words! From your fignertips, it goes viral to the world by a push of a button… so can we safely say "yes", your thoughts do go beyond just your circle of 9 friends don't they David.
David yes
Lawyer No further questions your honor-
Cathy: I don’t think you really understand how much it hurts! If you’re someone who posts mean things on line or send cruel texts, you need to know how much it really hurts to read something posted about you. These internet sites should not be used to make someone feel bad. STOP HIDING BEHIND A COMPUTER It hurts. It’s wrong. Face me instead! I am begging you. Use these social networks sites to make people feel better, compliment them, give them a reason to smile. I promise they will pay it forward. When you do, you could be saving a life. But when you don`t, you could destroy one.
CHORUS PLAYS OUT FACEBOOK READING / Veera looking at reading it.
Veera Stop! What have I ever done to you. Why can`t you just leave me alone?
Chorus laughs
Kaylee So you think she`s reading them?
David Every one!
Kaylee Good!
Cathy: Kids can’t imagine how much it hurts, to read mean things posted about you.
It hurts so much. They read this. They react at home. I didn’t know what was going on. I just saw my daughter fade away. She lost her smile. Her energy.
If I knew what she was dealing with at school, I would have reached out. I would have stopped it! Those kids, posting those things, and making fun of her. It made school a prison, a place of pain and hurt and isolation.
Cathy, Tylor and Veera get out of my room scene
Taylor Why can`t I borrow this?
Veera Get out
Taylor Mom!
Mom What`s going on in here
Taylor I don`t want it anyway, it`s ugly –
Veera Get out taylor!
Cathy Veera
Veera What
Cathy Whats going on? What are you looking at
Veera None of your business - Don’t touch that mom
Cathy Veera, listen - I don`t
Veera You wouldn't understand
Cathy I think if you explained-
Veera I`ve been trying to tell you for weeks but you too busy!
You don`t get it.
Cathy I`ve been through rough times – I understand
Veera You have no idea what I am going through at school.
Cathy at school?
Veera Your too pretty – you don`t know what it`s like for me – to be pushed to be mocked all the time, I hate it, I want to die. I just want to die. SO get out - I want to be alone
Cathy I can`t imagine what a day was like for her at school…
MAD WORLD SCENE
Cathy I had no idea who hard it was for her. I wish I was there for her.
SONG CONTINUES
Cathy: Stop! If only one person stood up for her. One person had helped her up. One person! All this would have been different.
BYSTANDER STEPS IN
Cathy: But that never happened.
BACK TO SONG
Veera Kaylee please leave me alone. Kaylee, please I need that, that`s my work…
no… please… What have I done?
Kaylee Nothing. I just hate you.
Teacher Is everything ok?
Kaylee Oh hi Miss. Yes. Absolutely. Veera, get off the floor –
Teacher veera-
Kaylee She’s fine miss-
Teacher Get to class…. (exits)
Kaylee Get out of here Veera.
David You`re harsh…
Kaylee: I have an idea. We are going to invite her to Jessica’s party. Make her believe she’s cool.
David: Why? What if she shows up?
Kaylee: Then will teach her a lesson that she shouldn’t think she’s cool.
Veera Sorry I`m late sir.-
Sir Try harder to get here on time – where`s your project?
Veera I lost it
Sir Try to be more responsible Veera. I am getting sick of your lack of focus lately! I don’t want you in my class if you’re not going to make an effort- Is that clear-
Cathy: I don’t think all people are mean. I think many have forgotten to listen. And the rest would rather follow others. There’s a leader. And the rest feel pressured to go along with what that leader is saying or doing. They know it’s wrong deep down. But are too scared to stand up. No one wants to be the next target.
Hero: Kaylee you need to stop.
Kaylee Get out of here or your next.
Cathy But you can`t be afraid. It`s the fear that stops you from doing what`s right. What you know is right. But you have to know there are more of you then there are Kaylee in the world. And the Kaylees, they depend on the fact that you ignore that fact! They thrive on your fear! And they forget about how any one else feels but them. I know it can be scary. I got to know just how mean Kaylee was at court.
KAYLEE’S COURT SCENE
Lawyer 2: (to Kaylee) Did you murder Veera James?
Defense: Objection!
Judge: Sustained. Rephrase.
Lawyer 2: Did you participate in the beating of Veera James?
Kaylee: Yes I did. And I’m sorry, it was a mistake –
Lawyer 2: You keep mentioning that except this mistake proved fatal - Did you return with your boyfriend after the group had left?
Kaylee: Yes.
Lawyer 2: Why?
Kaylee: To see if she was ok.
Lawyer 2: And was she?
Kaylee: Was she what?
Lawyer 2: Was she ok?
Kaylee: Yes.
Lawyer 2: She was ok?
Kaylee: Well, no, she was in pain, but she wanted to go home –
Lawyer 2: Did you take her home ?
Kaylee: I- no – I
Lawyer 2: You left her there?
Kaylee: yes.
Lawyer 2: Why?
Kaylee: I was confused -
Lawyer 2: What did your boyfriend do?
Kaylee: You have to ask him.
Lawyer 2: I will. So let’s try this question another way; Why didn’t you stay and help her?
Kaylee: I was confused.
Lawyer 2: See we’re confused too Kaylee because we have your footprints and hair in the exact spot where Veera was thrown over the bridge and I have testimony from 7 of your friends, 7 of the girls who admitted participating, in the swarming and beating of Veera, they say, you returned to see Veera because you, “wanted to finish what you started”
Kaylee: Bull!
Judge: Order!
Lawyer 2: They`re saying you and your boyfriend, dragged her to the bridge and killed her-
Kaylee: They’re lying! They don`t know! They weren`t there! (sounding rehearsed) I`m innocent! I would never kill anyone. I said that out of anger. Yes, I admit, it was a mistake to join them, in that beating. But it was peer pressure. Veera was a sweet girl and we all liked her… It just got out of hand.. It went too far –
Cathy: LIAR!
Lawyer 2: No further questions your honour.
Kaylee: David – my boyfriend…. he beats me. And got jealous that I was spending time with Veera – Veera's mother is really to blame! Not me! She kicked her out – she hit her!
Cathy: You liar. You liar. I’m gonna kill you! I swear.I’m gonna kill you!
“I don’t mean that, sometimes we say the wrong things, but you can understand how hard that is for me. To have to listen to the girl who murdered my daughter. I wanted her suffer as much as she made my daughter suffer. I know that’s wrong. As hard as it is, I have to, and so must you, learn to understand people, never, hurt them. I must find peace with this, I must find a way to understand, to let go…Teachers, teach your students about Restorative Practices it has helped me. But first, I need to forgive myself. Because the last words my daughter said to me were, I hate you.”
Veera: So I can go to the party tonight Dad?
Paul: I guess so just don’t tell your-
Cathy: What’s going on Paul?
Veera: Dad’s letting me go tonight-
Paul: Well I wasn`t–
Cathy: She`s not going anywhere Paul. We discussed this.
Veera: Dad said-
Paul: Veera.. Cathy -
Cathy: No Paul! (to Veera) What makes you think, you can go running to your father after I specifically said no.
Veera: What’s your problem?
Cathy: For 5 months I’ve been after you to clean up this room, do your work, practice your piano. Look at you. Your grades are dropping, you dress like every other grungy teenager! You don`t respect any of the rules of this house. You come and go as you please. Like this is some kind of hotel! I`m tired of being your maid!
Veera: Ok, I promise I`ll clean up-
Cathy: It’s not just about cleaning your room anymore Veera!
Veera: Mom please! I`m sorry-
Cathy: It’s not about being sorry! You can’t even do simple things – like carrying around a pair of baby shoes
Veera: There here look!
Cathy: No Veera, they’re right here..
Veera: I told you – it’s tough at school right now-
Cathy: “It’s tough at school” Stop whinning Veera. You’re not the only one who has some challenges to face, so suck it up and stop making excuses! Going out tonight is not going to make it any better-
Veear: Mom please you don't understand. Kaylee’s going to be there and she’s the most popular girl in school and if I could just-
Cathy: I’m sorry Veera my answer is no
Paul: Cathy, why don’t we just-
Cathy No Paul
Veera: I’ve never been invited to anything before.
Paul: Veera, listen. We know so little about this party and the type of kids that are gonna be there-it matters to us-
Cathy: Paul! It doesn’t matter! She doesn’t deserve to go!
Veera: It’s bad enough I get treated like a freak! I get pushed all the time at school – then I come and have to listen to you nag every night!
Paul: What`s going on at school?
Veera: I’ve tried talking to you about it, but you’re all too busy!
Cathy: Maybe if you finished what you started-
Veera: See, you just nag and nag all day. You don’t listen to me!
Cathy: Watch your mouth!
Paul: Veera!
Cathy: You’re staying here and cleaning out this pig sty of a room for starters!
Veera: I`m sick of this stupid room. Always staying in this stupid room!
Cathy: Clean it up!
Veera: I hate it here!
Cathy: Then leave and don’t come back!
Paul: Cathy!
Cathy: No Paul! Maybe then, she’ll realize why it’s necessary to have rules! Instead of always going to these parties all the time where drugs and sex and God knows what else happens -
Veera: This is the first party I’ve ever been invited to! And I`ll smoke all I want there!
Cathy: Where did you get that!
Veera: School! Kaylee asked me-
Cathy: You keep that in this room?
Veera: Why does it matter where I keep it? You don`t care! All you do is yell! You never listen.
Cathy: I don`t believe this!
Veera: It’s hard at school! And this helps, I can fit in-
Paul: Veera, ok, let`s sit down please. You don`t need to do this-
Cathy: Paul! Stop defending her! This is it! You bring that filth into my home! I didn’t raise you like this! You have no respect at all! Get out!
Paul Cathy!
Cathy I’ve had it with her!
Veera: I don’t want to play with dolls all my life. I’m not your little girl anymore. Accept that!
Cathy: I’ll accept that you act like a spoiled rotten selfish little brat who thinks the world revolves around her! Well you can pack your bags and go!
Paul: Cathy!
Cathy: You want to destroy your life! You want to hurt you father and I, then do it out on the street.
Veera: You hurt me too!
Cathy: Go live with your friends!
Veera: I’ve got no friends! No one likes me I keep telling you that, I’ve got nothing at school -
Cathy: Because you`re a failure!
Veera: I hate you!
Cathy slaps Veera hard
Cathy: Get out! (Veera leaves)
Veera Mom please…
Cathy I said get out. And don`t you dare come back!
Veera Everyone treats me like this… you`re not suppose to. You’re my mom… (she leaves)
Paul: Cathy. She’s just a kid… Go talk to her -
Cathy I will…. in the morning. … she needs to learn her lesson…
Cathy But that morning never came. They killed her that night. I play that moment over every day of my life. Veera! Come back! I talked again and again about that moment court.
--------------------------
Lawyer 2: Exhibit 7-C, your honor, a sweater (takes Sweater out of hand of mother) found on the side of the road in the exact area Veera Lynn was murderer. The hair, found on the sweater, matched that of the defendants; David Gareth and Kaylee Marie.
Defense: Objection your honor, we have not had an adequate opportunity to examine the exhibit – as it was only just presented to us this morning-
Lawyer 2: Your honor the defense was provided with the list of all exhibits and all witnesses-
Defense: We require more time-
Judge: Overruled. You may call your first witness council
Lawyer 2: None at this time your honor.
Judge: Lead council for the defense. You may call your first witness.
Defense: I would like to call Mrs. Cathy James to the stand please.
Judge: Would Cathy E. James please approach the bench.
Clerk: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Cathy: I do.
Cathy All this… courtrooms, judges, lawyers, all because someone went too far.
Clerk: Please state your name for the court.
Cathy: Cathy E. James.
Defense: You are the mother of the diseased; Miss Veera Lynn James, are you not?
Cathy: Yes, I am her mother. The mother of my murdered daughter.
Defense: What was that?
Judge: The witness will kindly respond to the question at hand and nothing more.
Defense: According to this report, you had an argument and you “kicked” your daughter out of your house. Is that correct?
Cathy: yes, but it was –
Defense: Answer the question I ask Mrs. James, and nothing more. Did you kick her out?
Cathy: Yes-
Defense: Did you hit your daughter?
Cathy What
Defense Did you hit your daughter
Cathy: I didn`t hit her- I just-
Defense: Why would you hit your daughter?
Lawyer 2: Objection! Badgering!
Judge: Overruled. This is a cross examination Councilor, she may ask the questions she likes the witness must respond.
Cathy: Look we had an argument. I was very upset. I told her to leave - I was just upset-
Defense: So you admit you kicked your own daughter of her house.
Cathy: She wanted to go to a party and I felt she shouldn`t-
Defense: A party hosted by a group of girls who did not like your daughter Mrs.James-
Cathy: I didn`t know that at the time-
Defense: So why didn’t you want her to go?
Cathy: I didn’t want her to go because she had broken rules and I felt she needed to be-
Defense: Then why did you kick her out?
Cathy: I was upset.
Defense: So you admit you made the wrong decision!
Cathy: Yes but I-
Defense: Did you hit your daughter to Mrs. James?
Cathy: No, I-
Defense: Did you hit your daughter Mrs. James?
Cathy: please-you don`t understand -
Defense: Exhibit 6-T. Section 4. A transcript of the police report made during the interview Detective Hamond had with Mrs. James on the night she called to inform the police her daughter was missing. Please read this line for me, right here Mrs. James. (pause) Outloud.
Cathy: (reading) No officer, I have no idea what happened. I had just….
Defense: Keep reading.
Cathy: Slapped her…
Defense: You slapped her. You did hit her! You physically abused your own daughter and now you’re attacking my clients!
Cathy: Yes, I slapped her! I slapped her and I live with that every single day- and I’m so sorry Veera!
Defense: Well Mrs. James, perhaps the trauma your daughter experienced being kicked out of her own house and being hit by her own mother was enough motivation for her to want to lash out against these innocent children. And your daughter’s anger. Forced my clients to defend themselves –
Cathy: Those girls beat my daughter within an inch of her life!
Defense: In self defense! But perhaps you are responsible for placing Veera in the situation she found herself in!
Cathy: How can you say that?
Defense: Perhaps, you Mrs. James, are the one to blame, not my clients!
Cathy: I shouldn’t have slapped her! I shouldn’t of kicked her out! I would do anything to take that back! But that does not justify what those monsters did to my little girl.
Judge: Order! Order!
Cathy Veera! I am so sorry. To every kid out there remember that parents make mistakes too. No matter what keep talking to them. And to anyone out there who has hurt someone. And things it`sonly 1 person.. Know that you are not just hurting that one person, it affects everything about them. It effects the school, communities, families…everyone else... For me it was my marriage” When Veera died, I couldn’t go into her room without crying and missing her. I couldn’t let go. Everything reminded me of her. I kept her room the same say she left it, for 6 years….
Paul: Cathy its just a room
Cathy: No it’s Veera’s –
Paul: Ok, but it’s still just a room. Just a room like in any other house
Cathy: Why is she so empty?
Paul: We’ve gone over this Cathy. Cops, lawyers, people - I don’t know, everyone emptied it out and took everything they needed for the trial- they only left what wasn’t useful-
Cathy: I saw all the boxes Paul-
Paul: There were only two boxes
Cathy: So where are they?
Paul: I told you. In here. I brought everything in here-
Cathy: You put all her things back?
Paul: Yes. No. What do you mean back?
Cathy: Where they belong?
Paul: Ok no. I didn’t know where they belonged -
Cathy: See thats the problem Paul, you don’t know
Paul: Not now Cathy! You told me not to touch anything! So I didn’t organize a thing-
Cathy: I can see that.
Paul: There’s nothing left anyway-
Cathy: There’s enough! See! (holding shoes)
Paul: Ok! Let’s calm down. I’m sorry for not knowing where to place things ok? Can we just start now? I’ve been looking forward to this for 2 years-let`s start over here with these (motion towards envelopes)
Cathy: You didn’t keep your promise
Paul: What? Ah no! I kept all my promises. We’re both in here together just as I promised. We’re doing this together, just as I promised. And it’s happening today, just as you promised. So we can start by packing what’s there first-
Cathy: No Paul
Paul: There just old letters-
Cathy: No there not just old just letters. Look, I don’t think I can put anything away just now.
Paul: What?
Cathy: Leave it.
Paul: There just letters –
Cathy: I’m not ready Paul!
Paul: What do you mean?
Cathy: I’m not ready.
Paul: You’re not ready?
Cathy: That’s right.
Paul: Ok when then Cathy?
Cathy: I don’t know.
Paul: What do you mean you don’t know!
Cathy: I mean I just don’t know, why does it matter?
Paul: Then when?
Cathy: Why does it matter?
Paul: Why does it matter? That’s a good one.
Cathy: Why? Why does there always have to be a timelines and deadlines with you?
Paul: There wasn’t the first year! But after 6 years, it kinda gets a little bit necessary to move things along! Especially after being told at least twice a week for months on end, you’re not ready, you can’t now, it’s too soon, it still hurts. – I mean let’s face it, you’ve broken every promise you’ve made with me for the past 6 years and every time we try this - you get me in here, and get my hopes up, and then you pull this Orange!
Cathy: You have no idea how hard-
Paul: I’ve been patient, supportive, understanding and fair, and you haven’t! Heck, you`ve never kept a single promise you ever made so forgive me if I feel the need to know a definitive WHEN!
Cathy: I just can’t now.
Paul: I just can’t now. How much more time are you gonna need !?!
Cathy: I don’t know!
Paul: It’s been 6 Watermelon years!
Cathy: There’s no Watermelon clock Paul that I can set a timer too for this kind of thing! This isn’t one of your fuckin’ deadlines you give your students for one of your Cantelope assignments. I-do-not-know!
Paul: I can’t wait for you anymore Cathy
Cathy: You can’t wait. You’re not ready! You need more time. Why is everything about you?
Paul: Me? Me! Where here because of you!
Cathy: You’re so goddamn selfish.
Paul: No you are!
Cathy: You are!
Paul: God! We can’t go on like this!
Cathy: I know. I hate this!
Paul: Well do something about it then.
Cathy: It’s not that simple-
Paul: It never is with you-
Cathy: Stop pushing me!
Paul: You promised me Cathy.
Cathy: How is it so easy for you?
Paul: Pardon?
Cathy: You heard me!
Paul: Don’t do this.
Cathy: How?!?
Paul: Cathy.
Cathy: Answer me!
Paul: Here we go again.
Cathy: How is this so easy for you? It’s not fair!
Paul: Stop it Cathy!
Cathy: You walk in here and come and go as you please, like it's any other room in the house, and never, never, not ever, does any of this affect you like it does me. It’s not fair! I’m hurting! I hate this!How is it so easy for you?
Paul: You think this is easy for me? You can’t be serious!
Cathy: I am serious. You rush in here with your boxes and want to pack-
Paul: I rush in here so I can try and move on! Cathy there isnt a day that goes by that I don't think of her. I miss her. I have grieved more than any father, but for her, for our family, I have to move on because we have to create some semblance of a normal life-
Cathy: You think you have tried hard? That’s not trying paul... that's forgetting. You are forgetting, forgetting everything-
Paul: Cathy please, just calm down. Listen. I love you. I love you so much. So much. I swear to God I love you. But I need you to come back to me. You’re stuck in here. Trapped in here with these things in this... holding room! I need you to be with me out there. Veera’s not here anymore Cathy.
Cathy: PAUL! Please listen Paul. When I see these things, things she owned, things she wore, things she touched, I feel close to her! I feel she’s still here….my baby girl is still with me… and not dead Paul. I`m so sorry. I just want her back Paul! Veera! Please come back to mommy-
Paul: Cathy-
Cathy: I miss her so much.
Paul: I know you do. We all do. Leaving it like this won’t bring her back. These things… they’re just opportunities to be sad. We have to let go…you have to let go – for your own sake, we have to pack-please Cathy…. (she looks as though she is about to understand. For a moment. She picks up shoes…but then looks at it and…)
Cathy: No!!! Stop forcing me! I’m not letting you. How dare you. You want her dead! You want these things gone so you don’t have to be reminded of your guilt!
Paul: Cathy-
Cathy: Because you were never close to her were you Paul! You wanted her to leave that night! You told her to go! You hit her. You kicked her out.
Paul: Don`t do this. I can`t take this from you anymore!
Cathy: You missed all the signs –when she was reaching out, you ignored her! Your own daughter. You killed her Paul! You killed my baby and I hate you for it. Iwill never stop-
Paul: CATHY! No. It was you. You did it. Don’t you dare blame me. You yelled at her. You got mad at her. And you kicked her out. Not me, and you know that. And you that was the last exchange you had before she was murdered, look at me Cathy. Before those girls took her and dragged her, and beat her, and killed her! DO YOU HEAR ME! You told her she was a failure! You pushed her out of this room! You slapped her! Not me! And that’s what you’re going to have to live with every day for the rest of your life because you refuse to admit it and let go so don’t you ever Watermelon blame me again!
Cathy: Get out! Get out!
Paul: I`m taking Taylor, and leaving. You destroyed everything we had.
Cathy: I said get out!
Cathy is left alone in the room
Cathy: Veera!
Yes... I did it! I pushed her into those girls! No parent wants to know that their child is hurting. You need to know the best thing we can hope for is that you look out for each other so we don’t get a phone call like the one I had.
Taylor: Mom… it’s for you, detective Hammond is on the line… he-
Cathy: Thank you Taylor, I’ll take it.
Hello. Yes it’s Cathy. Hi Detective. It’s been a few days so naturally I was getting anxious, have you found anything- pardon. Pardon? Could you – I don’t understand – what, no. Are you sure, how are you sure, what makes you sure. But. I. Detective. No. No.. no..no.. please please please please! Verra!
HALLEELUYAH SONG: A whirlwind of action takes place as we revisit the crime scene, the police investigation and the reporters and the passage of time. Paul emerges again. Cathy of the present is looking at him, reaching out. Trying to make sense of the past. This is one is the memory she wanted….to remember what happened, how they split up after her daughter’s death. She remembers….
Cathy: Come back please….
Cathy I will never forget what was said about her murder in court
Lawyer 1: Your honour motion to move to article 4356 as presented to you earlier today your honor, we have agreed to enter into a plea bargain with the defendant David Gareth-
Judge: A plea bargain? And you’re ok with this counsilor?
Defense: Yes your honour, it is this client’s wish.
Judge: alright, proceed.
Lawyer 1: David. You have sworn to tell the whole truth. You are under oath – do you understand that?
David: (nods)
Lawyer 1. And failure to tell this courtroom the truth is considered perjury and is in itself a crime for which you can be placed in jail for a long time-
David: yeah-
Lawyer 1: Why did you kill her?
Defense: Objection!
Judge: Sustained. Council will re-phrase the question.
Lawyer 1: David, in your own words, tell the court what happened the night Veera was killed - the night of the party at Jessica Battly’s house on 46 Runo Drive.
Defense: Permission to approach the bench your honour.
Judge : On what grounds?
Defense: I am aware of what my client may or may not be describing and i would prefer to talk to you first.
Judge: Granted, but the prosecution must assist.
Defense : Of course.
Lawyer 2: Yes your honor (all 3 lawyers go to see Judge)
Cathy : How could you kill her, how could you kill my baby?
Judge: I`ve been made aware of the graphic nature of what is about to be described and i would like to warn anyone who is sensitive to explicit descriptions of violence, this will be hard to listen to, so you may leave now.
Mrs. James, are you sure you want to hear this?
Cathy : nods
Lawyer 1 : Once again David, give us a very precise description of exactly what happened that night.
David: (as he talks the scene shapes and eventually the actors take over) Jessica threw a party – she did it whenever her dad took off for the weekend for work. Invited everyone.
Lawyer 1: What do you mean “everyone”
David: Everyone. All my group -
Lawyer 1: You mean all the kids who you consider cool-
David: yeah-
Lawyer 1: Did Jessica invite Veera ?
David: no.
Lawyer 1: Why?
David: She wasn’t considered…..she was weird.
Lawyer 1: So how did you react when Veera showed up?
David: Surprised, we never expected her. It was all Kaylee.
Lawyer 1: Kaylee invited her?
David: Yes.
Lawyer 1: In your own words. Tell us what happened that night-
David: Well, we were all drinking and having a good time- everyone enjoying the party – then my girlfr – Kaylee –she came, and told us all…(David comes off of stand and moves directly into scene)
Scene within a scene plays out (Kaylee comes through door)
Kaylee: Veera’s coming (girls laugh)
David: Why? Why did you invite her?
Kaylee: Teach her a lesson. She wants to fit in so badly, now is her chance to finally understand she can’t–
David: What are you going to do? – Come on Kaylee, it’s a party.
Kaylee: Everyone knows I have to. It`s the rules David. Look around! Everyone hates her anyway.
David: Kaylee, everyone’s drunk –
Kaylee: Attention everyone. Does anyone care if Veera comes and I beat the crap out of her? Speak now, or forever shut up!
Others laugh, ignore, light change and music note, scene freezes.
Kaylee: See. Relax honey. She could of said no. So she made a choice! It’s her problem now. What would make her think she suddenly cool enough to come here – she’s practically begging for a beating. When you have a choice and you choose wrong, you get screwed!
Veera enters. Moves around party. People having good time. Ignore her. Kaylee seizes the moment.
Girl Veera`s here
Kaylee: Speak of the devil!
Jessica: Kaylee`s guest of honour has arrived everyone.
Veera: Thanks for inviting me-
Jamie: What are you wearing?
Veera: Actually, I think I’ll go home..
Jessica: What the Heck are these?
Veera: Shoes, for a project-pleas my mom
Jordan : What’s on your eyes?
Kaylee: You’re not going anywhere. You want to hit on my boyfriend, you’re gonna pay.
Lucas : OK, let’s do this.
Kaylee: No, you’ve gotta pin her down first.
They beat Veera on the bed
Cathy : STOP! Why aren’t any of you stopping this. None of you, not one of you is standing up for her. Why? You.. what did she ever do to you?
Lawyer 2 Wait. Everyone in the room started to beat her.
David Yes.
Lawyer 2 And no one yelled out to stop.
David no - I tried… but….
Lawyer..2 What happened next
David Alright, that`s enough, let her go. Get lost Veera!
Kaylee Did I say stop?
Veera Please Kaylee
Kaylee Did anyone hear me say stop
Veera I want to go home
Kaylee You want to go home Veera?
Veera I want to go home please Kaylee-
Kaylee Well that`s too bad. You`re not going home. You have somewhere to go! Monica Take her outside. David. We’re going to the bridge, we need to finish this.
Veera please help , I want to go home..
She is taken off stage by scrim and the stomps begin
Kaylee: Does any one want me to stop?
Jordynn: Uh Kaylee...
Kaylee: Shut up. Again David!
Kaylee picks up baby shoes and drops them on the floor in front of Veera as she crawls in pain towards them. Kaylee grabs her head and puts out her cigarette on her forehead.
Lawyer 1 So what did you do next.
David: She was weak, she couldn’t fight back anymore.
Lawyer 1: What did you do when you went back!
David: Picked her up and moved her to the bridge.
Lawyer 1: I have a forensic report, stating that you dragged her across crushed stone, 3 yards to the railing of a bridge. Is that more accurate?
David: yes
Lawyer 1: Then what did you do?
David: I placed her against the rail.
Lawyer 1: “Moved her”, “Placed her”. Are you describing a work of art here, or a girl you just finished beating half to death-
Defense: Objection-
Judge: Overruled
David : Why are you attacking me?
Lawyer 1: I`m sorry you feel attacked David, but we’re just trying to get the facts. What happened next?
David: I opened her mouth on the bottom rail of the bridge!
Lawyer 1 : What was that?
David : I opened her mouth and placed it on the bottom rail of the bridge and kicked her 3 times in the head…
Lawyer 1 How many times
David 3…
Lawyer 1 What
David 3 times.. times.
Veera Please no… David… no..
Kaylee Do it again David –
David Kaylee
Kaylee 1 more time! Do it!
Veera Mommy… please… I want to go home…
David : I’m so sorry Mrs. James
Veera : I want my mommy!
Kaylee: You want your mommy..
Veera yes…
Kaylee Well you’re mommy’s not coming! (final stomp crushes her head)
original gurney scene
Lawyer 2 She died in that moment your honor. David… what did you do next…
David I don`t know…
Lawyer 2: Maybe this will help refresh your memory. I have a transcript your honour, made by the Anderdone police after David was arrested for connections to the murder, in his interrogation Detective McLean offered to work out a plea bargain if he explained in detail what actually took place. You forgot about this didn`t you David. Shall I read this whole thing out loud or are you going to answer the question?
David: Don’t make me say it.
Lawyer 2: Say it!
David: I can’t.
Lawyer 2 : Say it !
David : Please
Cathy&Lawyer 2 : Say it David!
David I dragged her body to the water and left her there…
Lawyer 2 for what purpose
David To die! Ok! To die! I killed her! We killed her…. I am so sorry. I am so sorry Mrs. James. I should have stopped., I should have never sent that message….
Cathy 3 days later, after looking everywhere for her, after going to her school and asking her classmates what happened, no one said a word. A code of silence Kaylee called it…. Finally the police called me. Her body had washed up on the sand of the east side of the river…. I had to get the sand out her hair…
Why can’t you see! She’s my girl. I love her. You don’t see the girl I see. I can’t bear it, I can’t stand it, thinking of her alone, sitting alone in a cafeteria, no one playing with her. Her being laughed at as she eats by herself. No one talking to her at recess. No one saying kind things to her. And having you hurt her. What has she done to you?
I'll never be able to brush her hair, to hold her when she cries, to celebrate another birthday, to see her walk down the aisle. To hold her children. And her daughter to wear this…..
I'll never see her grow up, because a group of people didn't like her, thought she was different?!
When will you understand how wrong it is to hurt someone else? What will it take? When they lay motionless?
They may smile at you at school, and laugh when you tease, but deep down you don't know how much they are hurting.
When you laugh at their clothes, make fun of how poor they are, how ugly you think they are, how fat, how skinny, how they can’t read, or are weak in math, criticize the things they wear because of religious beliefs, or the colour of their hair, their teeth, their skin, It's not fair, it's not her fault, because they didn’t ask to be made this way, HURT ME! I created her!! It’s not her fault. Leave her alone.
“All I think about, all that consumes me is wondering what would have happened if one person had stoop up for her that night, it could have been any one of you that stood up for her. What would have been different?
FIX YOU COLD PLAY SONG -REWIND SCENE
Hero Stop this Kaylee
Kaylee Shut up
Hero No you shut up! Let`s go Veera
Cathy “It didn’t even have to go that far, if someone reached out, shown some kindness, all this could have been different. It doesn’t take that much to be kind.
Jamie: (sitting in a chair with a computer in front of her with her boyfriend standing behind her) oh my God I can't believe they said that about her that's so rude
Joey: we should call her let her know that this isn't what everyone thinks
Jamie (calls Veera)
Veera: hello
Jamie: hi vera? Its Jamie from Bio
Veera: oh hi Jamie whats up?
Jamie: I'm just calling to say to ignore what they're saying online not everyone thinks that
Veera: thanks that means a lot
Jamie: and I was wondering if you might want to have lunch tomorrow
Veera: really? That’d be great
Jamie: great see you tomorrow
Veera: bye
Pros: but that's not what happened is it David
David: I’m so sorry Mrs. James! Kaylee lied to you, it wasn’t your fault. It was me and Kaylee, we did it, not you.
Cathy : None of you, not one of you did anything. You’re just as guilty.
Lawyer 1 : No further questions your honour.
Cathy: When the trial had ended. Life began all over again for me. This effects everyone…
LINDA Mrs.James…
Cathy Yes-
LINDA I’m sorry to bother you, I was watching you in court –
I can`t describe to you how sorry I am about what happened to your daughter. I just wanted to let you know I am sorry…
Cathy Thank you-
LINDA You see I have a daughter too…
Cathy Did she also go to Anderdon Public?
LINDA Yes
Cathy She might have known Veera then
LINDA Yes.
Cathy They may have been friends, you tell your daughter that Veera-
LINDA No. No, they weren’t friends. My daughter.. well.I’m Kaylee’s mother –
Cathy How dare you come here-
LINDA Mrs.James, I don`t expect you to forgive her, or me. But I wanted you to know I didn`t raise her like that. I just want you to know I am sorry for what she did. What she did was so wrong and I pray she learns that….I pray all the kids learn from this-
Cathy Thank you…
I know you will not be able to change everyone – bullies will be bullies,
The Kaylee in this world will always continue to be themselves, refuse to give them an audience – When you refuse to follow, because when you follow people like Kaylee, you will always end up right here…
Kaylee She deserved it, it wasn’t my fault.
Judge: By the power invested in me, from the people of the province of British Columbia, I hereby find you Kaylee Marie Edmund, having been tried as an adult, in the death of Veera Lynn James, guilty of Murder in the 2nd degree. You will spend no less than 25 years serving out this sentence. May God of Mercy on your soul.
Cathy And standing up begins in the classroom.
Teacher You are at a party… someone new comes in and someone else makes fun of her… what do you do? (kid someone up)
Cathy All I have left are the memories the countless articles written about my daughter and thousands of cases just like it – they cover the walls of my mind… , but life it isn’t black and white, it doesn’t have to be headlines, it can all end differently. Right now! If we refuse to be scared. If we stand up. It can all change for the better. But it is up to you to make that difference, and you can only do that by standing up today. So will you stand up? Will you stand up to end this today… Will you stand up for Veera.