A script by Leroy Fick.
COMMUNITY THEATRE by Roy Fick
FADE IN:
EXT. LEFT PARK, NEW YORK - NIGHT
WILLA (22F), walks arm in arm with GEORGIA (21F), down a scenic park nestled within the skyscrapers of New York.
WILLA (V.O.)
Springtime has a certain smell. That of romance. Of a new chapter. That was the smell in the air, on this cold December night.
GEORGIA
Did you have a good time honey?
WILLA
ANY time I’m with you is a good time. I missed you so much.
GEORGIA
I know.
The two walk together in a contented silence.
WILLA
Once you’re done with college, where do you wanna live?
GEORGIA
I’m not sure.
WILLA
We could move to Hawaii!
Willa tries to perform a Hula dance. She tries her best, but if you knew anything about Hawaiian dance, you’d be a little offended.
WILLA
Or, if you want somewhere less pricey, there’s always…
Willa starts performing a southern line dance. It’s horrible.
WILLA
(southern accent)
A good small town in rural America. Sweet Home…
Willa stops dancing.
WILLA
(no accent)
I’m not moving to Alabama.
Willa laughs and elbows Georgia, who doesn’t respond.
WILLA
Small towns would probably be homophobic anyways. How about… PPPPHHHT. There’s always the city of romance…
Willa spins Georgia around, and dips her down, holding her head in her hand.
WILLA
(french accent)
París.
Georgia sighs, looking awkward and uncomfortable. Willa picks her back up.
WILLA
Okay, so none of those. I’m here in New York. You could move here?
GEORGIA
Look.. Willa. I love what we’ve been these last couple of years. But I think… I’m just ready to move on.
Willa stares at Georgia without comprehension.
WILLA
What?
GEORGIA
Look I’m sorry I’m just. We need different–
WILLA
You came all the way from Tuscon to break up with me? And then what, you walked me around like I’m a dog you’re about to put down.
GEORGIA
Willa, no, I—
WILLA
I spent a year of my life alone, waiting for you. You just, fly away. Like you do every time.
Willa’s crying. Georgia tries to comfort her, but Willa pushes her off, and runs off through the trees.
GEORGIA
(fading)
Willa!
Willa pushes through trees and bushes. Tears and snot running down her face.
WILLA (V.O.)
Georgia was my one and only. I put my everything into her. Without her, I had nothing left.
CRACK! Her heel breaks off. She’s sent tumbling down a hill. Through branches and brambles, her dress is ripped to shreds. She comes to a stop at the bottom of the hill. She’s got scratches all over her. She stares at the night sky for a moment.
WILLA (V.O.)
I was worthless. Meaningless. At that moment, I truly thought it was my time.
She hears singing. The sound of an Angel descending. Incomprehensible, yet beautiful. Willa holds her arms out, ready to be taken. The singing stops. She was still there. She opens her eyes, and looks around. On the other side of the clearing was a small crowd, no more than 10 people, surrounding an improvised outdoor stage. An elderly man, JOE (70M) held center stage, and he belted out again.
JOE
(falsetto)
HAAAA DE SHECK LA FIOOO, ORE DE LA NIIII.
Willa slowly picks herself up, and approaches the stage.
JOE
PAI DO KEI LOREI SO REI. FAAAaAaAaAaAAAAA!
The elderly man bows, and the ragtag audience claps. Willa is confused, but sits down to watch. Out on the stage walks FRANNIE (26F). She’s dressed in an old 1900s suit and tie, and wears a large powdered wig, and she carries a laser-tag rifle.
FRANNIE
To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing end them. To die–to sleep.
To be, or not to be.
Frannie points her rifle at a member of the audience.
FRANNIE
Or to be-come a god. To be forever
Frannie fires her rifle. BEEUM. It’s a laser-tag gun. Willa turns to see TURNER (15M) lying on the ground pretending to be dead.
FRANNIE
I have murdered our God. I am become death.
Willa tries to hide her laughs. REGGIE (23M) hops out onto the stage. He’s dressed in a crude recreation of a space suit.
REGGIE
Hamlet! You vile villain! You may have become God, but you have not quelled the might of the people. The democratic revolution shall—
Frannie uses the force, and chokes the life out of Reggie. He crumples onto the stage.
FRANNIE
The revolution has been quelled.
JENNY (24F) enters the stage. She wears a funeral gown.
JENNY
My dearest Hamlet. Today we mourn, for humanity. We may have won, but what is the cost upon our souls?
TURNER (O.S.)
A cost you can only begin to imagine.
Above them is Turner. Reggie and Joe struggle hold him from a tall ladder. Turner blasts his hands at Frannie and Jenny, and they crumple to the ground. Turner is slowly lowered to the ground, with a rope attached to his jacket.
TURNER
To be, or not to be, that is the question: That is the only question. The only answer is to be. While you can, until you cannot.
From behind him, Reggie slowly stands up, and picks up Frannie’s laser-tag gun. He fires it at Turner. BEEUM. Turner falls to the ground.
REGGIE
Democracy always prevails!
The curtains close slowly, with great struggle. The entire audience claps, but Willa cannot contain her laughter anymore. From behind her, a member of the audience, LUNA (28F), turns Willa around.
LUNA
Excuse me, why are you laughing?
Willa continues to laugh, as the curtains fail to close the entire way, leaving a gap in the middle where Reggie stands in a makeshift space-suit.
WILLA
(still giggling)
I’m so sorry! What was the space suit about?
LUNA
He was a Martian. And he had a very emotional arc, so a little respect would go a long way.
Willa finally manages to quell her laughter.
WILLA
I’m sorry. Who are these people?
LUNA
My friends. So step off.
Luna stomps away to the stage. She gives the whole cast double high-fives.
WILLA (V.O.)
That’s when I decided to be. And decided who I wanted to be: with.
Willa catches Frannie’s eye, and her smile. Willa hops over to the group, excited to introduce herself.
WILLA
Smells like Spring-time!
INT. DRAMA CLUBHOUSE - AFTERNOON
Frannie, Luna, Reggie, Turner, Joe, and Jenny hang out in a wooden clubhouse built into around a central tree. Luna and Jenny are playing a game of Backgammon while Reggie stands over them. Joe is in the corner, reading an old acting book for the fourth time. Turner sits next to him, ripping pages out of an even older book and making paper cranes. Frannie has climbed in the central tree and is hanging off a small branch, examining her nails.
LUNA
We are not letting her in.
JENNY
Oh shut it Luna, we said we’d talk about it.
LUNA
This is me talking about not letting her in.
JOE
The acquiescence of knowledge should be sheltered from no Man.
FRANNIE
Joe honey, we’re talking about a woman.
Turner stays focused on his paper cranes, laying out what seems to be a domino esque trail of them. Jenny cheers as she rolls two 6’s.
JENNY
BOOM! Take that.
Luna rolls her eyes.
REGGIE
Jenny, what do you think we should do?
JENNY
Oh, I don’t know. Shouldn’t be all on me.
LUNA
Listen, this club is only special because of its size. We aren’t like other drama clubs. We’re a family. Besides, she laughed at the play.
JENNY
Which part? The Martian Musical or when Hamlet reincarnated Al Capone.
LUNA
The ending.
REGGIE
That was the saddest part!
FRANNIE
I thought it was funny too. Turner, what’d you think?
Turner is deep in focus on his project, but spares an annoyed glance at Frannie.
TURNER
Life is nothing but a series of Tragedies.
JOE
Art is owned by the audience. Their interpretation can inherently never be wrong.
Luna waves dismissively at them.
JENNY
Let’s just put it to a vote. All in favor of letting her in?
Joe is the first to resolutely raise his hand. His other hand still supports the old book he reads. Luna rolls her eyes at him. Turner raises his hand next. Luna arcs her eyebrow at him.
TURNER
She’s hot.
LUNA
(laughing)
You’re 15 you freak.
TURNER
Love has no age. Only an expiration date.
Luna looks around the room at the other voters.
FRANNIE
I’m a no. Don’t need the competition.
LUNA
We all know where I stand. It’s up to you two.
She nods at Jenny and Reggie. They look at each other in confusion.
JENNY
Don’t make me decide.
REGGIE
I’m good with whatever you want Jen.
Reggie smiles at her, and squeezes her shoulder in affirmation. All eyes turn to Jenny. She squirms under the pressure.
JENNY
I guess–
Turner strikes a match and lights a paper crane on fire. It spreads from one paper crane to the next, and on in a domino like fashion.
REGGIE
FIRE!
FRANNIE
PUT IT OUT PUT IT OUT
Joe and Luna work together to put out the fire, while everyone else screams in the background.
INT. WILLA’S APARTMENT
Willa blasts music throughout the entirety of her apartment from a 2000s boombox so loud the walls themselves bounce along with the song.
WILLA (V.O.)
Ancient humans have practiced this ritual dance: The breakup jig.
Willa is near to breaking out in tears, but she keeps on dancing.
WILLA (V.O.)
Especially effective for when your whole room becomes a minefield of emotional bombs.
Tears start streaming down Willa’s face, as her eyes dart around her room to pictures of her and Georgia, and gifts she gave her. When LILY (22F), one of Willa’s roommates, enters Willa’s room, Willa is breaking down sobbing.
WILLA (V.O.)
There’s no position more compromising than a pity session getting walked in on.
LILY
Oh, baby. Come here.
WILLA
(sobbing)
I want to call her and beg her to take me back.
LILY
Oh Willa. How about we turn down the music just a smudge.
Lily walks over to the boombox and turns it down.
WILLA
(crying)
I can’t live without her.
Lily walks over to hug Willa.
LILY
Honey, what about that club you were going to join?
Willa’s sobs momentarily quiet.
WILLA
They haven’t gotten back to me yet.
LILY
I’m sure they will soon Willa.
WILLA
Lily. Do you think its possible to be so rejected that you die of heartbreak?
LILY
Well, yeah probably.
Willa breaks out sobbing again.
LILY
That won’t happen to you though! You’re great!
WILLA
(crying)
NO I’M NOT!
Willa’s phone rings, and she jumps away from it.
WILLA
Answer it! I can’t talk to her.
LILY
Uh, uh okay.
Lily picks up the phone, and puts it to her ear.
WILLA
What did she say, did she take me back?
Lily puts her hand up, and nods.
LILY
Uh huh, uh huh.
WILLA
Tell her I’ll do the Pedro Pascal role-play she wanted. She’ll know what it means.
Lily nods and turns away from Willa.
LILY
Okay, thank you, I’ll tell her.
Lily puts down the phone, and turns to Willa.
LILY
That was the acting group, they let you in!
WILLA
Oh, cool. So she hasn’t called? Or answered my texts?
Lily shakes her head. Willa sighs.
WILLA (V.O.)
Deciding to move on is one thing. Actually doing it is something altogether different.
Lily holds Willa in a hug.
LILY
I think this new thing could be cool.
WILLA
Yeah, me too. But, I’m just–
LILY
Yeah I know.
Willa lies there, thinking about her next steps.
INT. SUBWAY CAR - MORNING
Reggie is clonked out on the train, which slowly comes to a stop. Reggie slowly begins to come out of it, and open his blurry eyes. The doors are about to close! Reggie jumps forward, placing his arm in between the doors.
REGGIE
OWWW!
The doors open, and Reggie scrambles to pick up his backpack from where he was sitting, and leave the train.
EXT. STREET - MOMENTS LATER
Reggie sprints out of the subway, checking his watch frantically.
EXT. HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE - MOMENTS LATER
Reggie sprints into Hostos Community College.
INT. CLASSROOM - AFTERNOON
Reggie diligently writes notes as the INSTRUCTOR (40F) drones on.
INSTRUCTOR
The only thing that matters in Accounting is Credits and Debits. You can Credit a Debit, but you can’t Debit a Credit, not without paying Credit-Debit Tax. Now a Credit Card is a Credit, but a Debit Card is also a Credit, that’s an important note.
Reggie is lost. His foot taps nervously.
INT. SUBWAY PLATFORM - EVENING
The subway train begins moving, just as Reggie enters the Subway Platform. It leaves without him. Reggie stamps his foot and sighs. He walks out of the platform.
EXT. STREET - MOMENTS LATER
Reggie walks down the street, toward home.
EXT. STREET NEXT TO PARK - LATE EVENING
Reggie walks alongside a Park. A white dot drops on his jacket. He looks at it, confused for a moment. He looks up to see a Pigeon above him. It’s too much, Reggie loses his cool.
REGGIE
SCREW YOU!
A flock of pigeons descend from the buildings above him. It’s a trap! Reggie tries to run, but he can’t outrun them. He’s swarmed in pigeons. Feathers and blood escape from the group of them. The Pigeons leave, having sent their message. Reggie lies on the ground, stunned. On his jacket, there’s more white than not. There are scratches all over his face.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
Reggie arrives at his apartment building. He walks inside.
INT. APARTMENT BUIDLING - CONTINUOUS
Reggie passes by many normal apartment units, until he reaches a door smaller than the rest. He stoops over, entering his apartment. The ceilings are 5 feet tall. His ROOMMATE has his feet in the air, clipping his toenails. Reggie sets down his things, and looks at the small electric scooter next to his bed.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Reggie rides his scooter down the block, stopping as he’s arrived at his destination. He looks at his phone, the Uber Eats app tells him where to go. He knocks on the door of his customer, a bag of food in hand. CUSTOMER (30M) answers the door. Reggie hands him the bag.
REGGIE
Here you go sir.
The customer does not respond. He nods, and takes the bag. He slowly looks through it while Reggie stands there watching.
CUSTOMER
You forgot my fries quatro queso dos fritos.
REGGIE
Are you missing some-
CUSTOMER
Yeah, you ate my fries quatro queso dos fritos.
REGGIE
If the restaurant did not include one of your items, you can always-
The door slams shut in his face.
CUSTOMER (O.S.)
ONE STAR!
Reggie nods his head, and his breathing accelerates. He sits on the curb as he starts to hyperventilate. DING! A message on his phone.
From Jenny: “U guys free tonight? Let’s hang out!” From Luna: “Downnn am bord” From Jenny: “Reggie???”
Reggie smiles for the first time today. His eyes tear up.
INT. DINER - NIGHT
Luna and Jenny sit across from each other on the Diner booth. Reggie walks in the door.
JENNY
Reggie! Good to see you.
Reggie smiles, and sits next to Jenny.
LUNA
Damnit. You just crushed my dreams of you not showing up.
REGGIE
Sorry Luna.
LUNA
I was hoping your little scooter-tire popped and you fell off a bridge.
JENNY
(to Reggie)
How was your day?
Reggie nods.
REGGIE
You know, the usual.
The WAITER (45F) comes over to their table.
WAITER
Hey kid. You want anything?
REGGIE
Ummmm…
Reggie looks at the menu in front of him. His eyes widen.
REGGIE
I’ll just have a water.
WAITER
Sure thing.
The waiter picks up his menu and walks away.
LUNA
You trying to make us look fat?
REGGIE
N-no no I’m just-
LUNA
I’m kidding.
(to Jenny)
I can’t believe you let that girl in. She’s such a weirdo.
JENNY
I don’t know, I thought the more the merrier!
REGGIE
Having more help couldn’t hurt.
LUNA
EW! She’s gonna be there tomorrow. I actually CAN’T.
JENNY
I’m excited to meet her. We should bring some welcome presents.
Reggie smiles warmly at Jenny.
REGGIE
That’s a nice idea.
LUNA
We’ve been friends for years. What if she upsets the equilibrium?
REGGIE
I think new blood will help. But the 3 of us-
Reggie looks at both of them.
REGGIE
We’ll stay tight no matter what. This-
Reggie points at the three of them around the table.
REGGIE
This is what I live for.
Jenny smiles.
JENNY
That’s sweet Reggie.
Luna looks between the two of them.
EXT. DRAMA CLUBHOUSE - AFTERNOON
Willa walks toward the Drama Clubhouse entrance.
WILLA (V.O.)
Sometimes, you know you’re just moments away from deciding your future. A future of happiness, acceptance. Or, a future of sadness, rejection.
Willa approaches the door. She takes a deep breath, and knocks. Luna swings the door open.
LUNA
Hey! Willa, right? Wait right outside, we are not ready yet.
The door slams shut.
WILLA (V.O.)
And other times, that moment’s a few more moments out.
Willa sighs, and sits on the ground outside the clubhouse. She takes out her phone, and opens Tinder. She swipes right on every woman she sees. She checks her Matches page. There’s only one. The profile picture is a grandma, with children. She shakes her head, and continues swiping. That’s when she sees her. Frannie. A picture of her in full “Hamlet” attire. Willa’s eyes widen. She reads her profile.
“Frannie: 26” “.1 miles away” “Looking for: Still figuring it out”
Willow taps through her photos. The next one shows Frannie playing laser tag. The next shows her fly-fishing in the tundra. The next shows her partying in a club. The last one shows Frannie at the beach, in a bikini. Willow swallows.
WILLOW (V.O.)
She’s so cool.
Willow’s finger hovers over the heart.
WILLA (V.O.)
I mean, there’s no way for her to know. Unless she liked me too.
Willow chuckles, and shakes her head. She taps the Like button.
“MATCH FOUND: You have matched with Frannie”
Willow gasps. Luna opens the clubhouse door.
LUNA
Willow! Come in, come in.
Willow hesitantly walks forward, and Luna pulls her in.
INT. DRAMA CLUBHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Inside the Drama Clubhouse, the whole gang sits at a central table. Luna drags a resistant Willow into the clubhouse, and pushes her into her seat at the head of the table. Frannie gets up from her seat at the table, and places a conical birthday hat on Willow’s head. As she does so, Willow stares at her, mouth open. They all find a seat, and begin to sing.
THEATRE GROUP
(singing)
Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to…
Everyone slowly trails off.
JENNY
Willow!
THEATRE GROUP
(singing)
Happy birthday to you!
They all clap, cheering Willa on, who sits there completely on edge, still stealing glances at Frannie.
JENNY
We wanted to give you a good welcome.
WILLOW
Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. It’s not my birthday!
FRANNIE
(giggles)
Honey, it’s metaphorical. Your first day at the club.
Willow blushes, and looks away from Frannie.
WILLOW
Oh, that makes so much sense.
Joe sips on an actual glass of beer.
JOE
Young lady. Do you have any formal education in the performing arts?
WILLOW
No, I’m so sorry. I just thought this would be… fun.
Joe sternly nods his head.
JENNY
That’s why I joined!
JOE
Our next performance is in three months. You will learn before then.
He picks up a book, and starts reading. He sips on his beer.
WILLOW
Are any of you really good at acting?
Willow, directs the question at the group, but looks at Frannie.
FRANNIE
I am.
LUNA
She’s the best.
REGGIE
It’s true.
WILLOW
So sorry, what’s your names again?
Willow takes out her phone, and opens her match on Tinder with “Frannie”.
JOE
Joe.
JENNY
Jenny.
LUNA
Luna.
REGGIE
Reggie.
FRANNIE
Frannie.
Willow’s looks at the name on the screen, not believing they’re a match.
TURNER (O.S.)
My name is Turner.
Willow jumps, and spins around. Turner has bowed his head.
TURNER
Delighted to make your acquaintance.
Turner gets up, and smiles. Smiling is clearly not something Turner has much practice at.
TURNER
I’d be glad to show you around the place! I just love meeting new people.
FRANNIE
Turner honey…
Turner shrugs at her. What’s wrong? Frannie stares daggers at him. Turner returns to normal.
TURNER
Sorry. I’m deeply anxious about the future of society and my place in it. To deal with that I blame and otherize women for not liking me, so I can justify pathetic attempts at manipulating them… into liking me. When in actuality I’m the problem, but the complete realization of that would only push me further down my path of misdeeds, knowing I have no way of ever receiving affection or success from real, genuine places.
Willa stares at Turner in shock. Joe gets up from the table, and approaches Turner. He places his arm over Turner’s shoulder.
JOE
(to Willa)
Apologies madam. He’s a tortured soul.
TURNER
At least I know it.
Joe takes Turner to a corner of the clubhouse to talk alone.
FRANNIE
You’ll be alright Turner honey.
Willa turns back around to the table, still shell-shocked.
JENNY
He’s a good kid at the end of the day.
REGGIE
Yeah… he’s one of us.
LUNA
He’s a freak.
Jenny glares at Luna.
LUNA
But a cool freak.
Willa smiles.
FRANNIE
Willa.
Willa’s head snaps to attention.
FRANNIE
Our next play is Romeo and Juliet. What role do you want?
WILLOW
Oh, I’m not sure. Whatever guys–
FRANNIE
(to Reggie)
EH!
(to Willow)
You should try out for Juliet.
WILLOW
What?
REGGIE
But Fran-
FRANNIE
You should throw your hat in the ring, never know what might happen.
(giggles)
WILLA
Okay, yeah sure.
(giggles)
Willa blushes.
INT. WILLA’S APARTMENT
Willa pirouettes into her apartment. Lily is in the kitchen, being made dinner by BELINDA (22F), their third roommate. Lily holds wine glass, and laughs at Willa’s entrance.
LILY
What happened to you today?
Willa blushes, but she can’t stop her feet from shuffling.
WILLA
Nothiiiiing.
BELINDA
Our girl’s in loveee.
WILLA (V.O.)
She wasn’t wrong, but it was a little obnoxious how easily she pegged it.
LILY
Who’s the lucky girl?
WILLA
Just someone I met at Theatre Club.
(giggles)
Willa skips around the apartment. She bends down to get a huge stuffed rainbow from below the kitchen sink. She takes it out, and jumps back and forth over it. Belinda and Lily laugh at her, both clearly wine-drunk.
WILLA
I think I’m in love.
LILY
How long have you known each other?
Willow looks longingly in the distance.
WILLOW
6 hours. The best 6 hours of my life. She has a huge crush on me too.
(giggles)
BELINDA
You’re too good for this world Willow.
LILY
That’s so cute. So does this mean you’ve gotten over…?
Willa’s face darkens for a moment as she thinks.
WILLA
Not entirely but… enough.
Lily smiles proudly at her.
WILLOW
Also, I’m gonna try out for Juliet in our play.
BELINDA
That’s a good idea Willow. Don’t put all your hopes in this girl you barely know. Spread your wings.
Willow’s face crunches up a bit.
LILY
I think it’ll work out with her. You deserve the world Willow.
WILLOW
(sighs with content)
I think it can work out too.
WILLOW (V.O.)
As long as I don’t screw it up.
Willow exits the main room of the apartment. Celebratory pop music plays from her room.
BELINDA
She could get hurt Lily, she’s still raw.
LILY
She needs a little hope.
Belinda shakes her head, and continues stirring on the stove.
EXT. LEFT PARK, NEW YORK - AFTERNOON
Reggie frantically looks behind him as he creeps through the undergrowth of Left Park. Reggie crawls out from the bushes, entering a small clearing in Left Park. He slowly crawls toward the back of a bench. He sits behind the bench, still covered by tall grass all around him, and lets out a bird call.
REGGIE
CRAWWWWWWW!
Luna jumps away from her seat on the bench.
LUNA
What the hell! Reggie?
REGGIE
SIT DOWN! Face the other way.
LUNA
I’m not doing that.
Reggie’s face crunches up.
REGGIE
Just… keep your voice down. Thanks for meeting me. You weren’t followed were you?
LUNA
(laughs)
Reggie shut up. What is it.
REGGIE
I need some advice. You know how important this theater group is to me. Before you guys, I had no-one.
LUNA
I remember, you were a lonely freak loser. When was that, last week?
Reggie sighs.
LUNA
Sorry. Yeah, no I know. What is it?
REGGIE
I just don’t want to do anything that jeopardizes that.
(sighs)
Do you promise to keep this on the down low?
Luna sits down on the bench.
LUNA
Yeah, of course. Scouts honor.
REGGIE
I have a bit of a crush on Jenny.
LUNA
Nooooooo!
REGGIE
I’ve been trying to ignore it, but recently, I just can’t.
Luna’s hand is over her mouth in shock.
LUNA
That’s crazy! You total freak.
REGGIE
Chill out. What should I do?
LUNA
I don’t know.
REGGIE
If I ask her out, and she says no… Would we still be friends?
LUNA
Us? Yeahhh, of course.
REGGIE
Wouldn’t it be awkward?
LUNA
It’d be SOOO awkward.
Reggie looks down at the ground in sadness.
LUNA
B-but yeah we’d still hang out.
Luna smiles as big as she can. It’s not that reassuring. Reggie puts his head and his hands and groans in pain.
REGGIE
Okay, just let me think on it. You promise you won’t tell her?
LUNA
I promise.
INT. BOWLING ALLEY - NIGHT
Luna sits on a bowling bench next to Jenny. Frannie polishes a bowling ball next to them.
LUNA
(to Jenny)
He totally has a crush on you.
JENNY
What? No. I’m sorry but no way.
Frannie picks up her ball, and rolls a perfect strike.
LUNA
He literally told me.
JENNY
(to Frannie)
What do you think I should do?
FRANNIE
Sorry honey, I don’t got any advice. I don’t swing that way.
Jenny stews in thought.
INT. BOWLING ALLEY BATHROOM - NIGHT
Willow stands in front of the bathroom mirror, carefully applying lipstick. An elderly woman stands behind her, slowly washing her hands.
WILLOW (V.O.)
It’s Girl’s Night Out. Which means… IT’S MY FIRST DATE WITH FRANNIE!
Willow’s lipstick slips, and paints a smudge of red on her skin. She wipes it all off, and restarts.
WILLOW (V.O.)
It’s been 1 Night and 1 Day since we matched, let me read you our messages.
Willow’s smile breaks through.
WILLOW (V.O.)
“Willow: So… this is awkward Frannie: I have noooo idea what you’re talking about. Willow: You’re right. We’re just a couple of friends, swiping right on each other. Frannie: Any benefits to this friendship?”
Willow bursts out laughing. The elderly woman glares at Willow.
WILLOW (V.O.)
“Willow: Maybeeeee Frannie: We’re having a Girls Night Out tomorrow, you should come.”
Willow smiles so wide, she can’t put on lipstick anymore.
WILLOW (V.O.)
I can’t believe how lucky I am.
Willow finishes with her lipstick. She gives herself one final look over, and exits the bathroom.
EXT. BOWLING ALLEY - NIGHT
Jenny, Luna, and Frannie chow on some nachos.
JENNY
I mean, he’s a really good friend. I’m not sure I wanna jeopardize that.
LUNA
He said the same thing, but that kid’s head over heels for you.
Frannie waves over Willow, who nervously settles down next to the group.
JENNY
But what if he stops liking me? That’d be so cringe.
Willow looks at them, confused.
FRANNIE
(to Willow)
You remember Reggie? Quiet guy at the meeting. He’s got a crush on Jenny here.
WILLOW
Oh no! What’s the policy on inter-club romance?
FRANNIE
(giggling)
We don’t have policy honey. Anything’s allowed.
Willow blushes, and literally twiddles her thumbs.
JENNY
We’re just such good friends. I do like him but…
LUNA
Not in that way? I totally get it.
JENNY
I don’t know, it’s just a shock.
Frannie taps Willow on the shoulder, and nods her head in the direction of the bowling balls.
FRANNIE
It’s your turn.
Willow gulps, and steps up to the line.
WILLOW
Any way you could give me a few pointers?
FRANNIE
Yeah, sure.
Frannie steps up behind Willow, and grabs her hand. Willow blushes.
FRANNIE
You want to put your thumb in this hole. And your middle and index in these two.
Frannie’s hand guides Willow across the bowling ball.
WILLOW
(shaky)
Sounds good.
Willow smiles so, so wide. Her face is beet red. She goes to throw the bowling ball, but doesn’t let go. Time slows. As the bowling ball climbs up, so does Willa. Willa and the bowling ball float up toward the ceiling. A white fog seems to appear around her.
EXT. GRASSY HILL - DAY
Through the fog, a small Grassy Hill comes into view. She sees herself and Frannie on a picnic. Frannie leans in to kiss her when the fog suddenly gets more intense.
EXT. BEACH - DAY
The fog lessens once again to reveal a beach, and a small wedding ceremony. Frannie and Willa are at the altar in sparkling, colorful dresses. This time, Willa leans in to kiss Frannie. The fog closes in.
INT. STAGE - CONTINUOUS
The fog lessens, and Frannie stands on a stage, diligently caring for 9 children. She brushes their hair, kisses their foreheads. She lines them up in an orderly triangle, and makes sure everything is in order before placing herself at the tip of the triangle. Willa and the bowling ball are on a collision course with Frannie. Frannie reaches her hand out. Willa reaches hers out. BLAM! The bowling ball makes contact with Frannie. She falls down like a bowling pin, knocking down all the children in a chain reaction.
INT. BOWLING ALLEY
Frannie shakes Willow back to reality.
FRANNIE
Good job loser.
Frannie walks back to Jenny and Luna. Willow looks around, and sees that all the pins are knocked over. The bowling TV plays an animation of a pixelated 3D goblin character in chains, mining away at a purple substance. The goblin looks to his left and right, to see other goblins chained up, doing the same. The goblin throws down his pickaxe. The other goblins see it, and are inspired. One by one, all the pickaxes fall to the ground. All the goblins cheer! “Strike!” Willow steps away from the bowling line, and returns to Jenny, Luna, and Frannie.
JENNY
I don’t know, I’ll think on it. I’m not sure if I’m looking to date right now.
LUNA
I think he’ll understand.
Willow sits down next to them, trying to play it cool. She catches Frannie’s eye, and blushes.
WILLOW (V.O.)
That’s the moment I knew, she was the one for me.
Willow smile grows and grows.
EXT. LEFT PARK - STAGE - AFTERNOON
Willa and the whole gang shiver on the stage of Left Park as Joe addresses them. Luna reads a script on the ground, and Turner looks aimlessly across the meadow.
WILLA (V.O.)
I was in love. The type of love that only comes around once in a lifetime... This was my second chance at that.
JOE
Romeo and Juliet is a story about Love. About rancorous overpowering love in the face of horrendous obstacles.
Willa glances at Frannie next to her and giggles. At the other end of the group, Jenny and Reggie awkwardly stand next to each other, looking forward at Joe very intently.
JOE
We have Romeo: impulsive, idealistic, passionate. And we have Juliet: beautiful.
FRANNIE
That’s it for Juliet?
Luna reads a printout of the Romeo and Juliet script, and scoffs at what she sees.
LUNA
She’s 13 in this?
Turner perks up.
TURNER
Can I play Romeo then?
Luna scoffs and glares at Turner.
LUNA
Are you intentionally trying to be a freak?
TURNER
If the world sees me as one, who am I to argue?
Turner sighs, and continues gazing across the meadow. Luna scribbles and writes in the margin of her printout.
LUNA
I’m changing her to be a 35 year old single mother.
Joe sighs, and nods his head.
LUNA
(to Jenny and Reggie)
What do you guys think?
JENNY
Um yeah…
REGGIE
Weird that she’s 13.
JENNY
Strange, even!
REGGIE
Good choice I think.
Luna sighs, and goes back to writing on her page. Willa glances at Frannie again.
FRANNIE
Juliet should be fearless, competitive, independent woman. That’s what I like in women anyways.
Willa blushes and her eyes go wide.
INT. WILLA’S ROOM - MORNING
Willa holds an Xbox controller and sits in front of a large TV. Her eyes are wide. She’s playing a Sims-like game on the TV, where a crude recreation of the stage and every member of the club exists in the game. She pauses the game, and goes to the character creation menu. Her character: Willa. She looks at Willa’s character. Traits: Dependent, Fearful, Pushover. She deletes all the traits of her in game character, and replaces them with… Traits: Independent, Fearless, Competitive. Willa smiles and nods her head at the change.
EXT. LEFT PARK - STAGE - AFTERNOON
Willa still looks in a stage of shock.
JOE
Let’s discuss casting. Who’d like to be Juliet again?
Frannie raises her hand. Willa looks at her, and tentatively raises her hand as well. The whole group murmurs slightly. Frannie smiles at her.
FRANNIE
Hey I’ll gladly welcome a little bit of competition.
Frannie squeezes Willa’s shoulder. Willa faints on the spot.
EXT. LEFT PARK - STAGE - 5 SECONDS AGO
Frannie squeezes Willa’s shoulder. Willa blushes and gulps down her fear.
JOE
Alright, we’ll do auditions for Juliet. How about Romeo?
Turner raises his hand impulsively.
JOE
Er… no. Anyone else?
Nobody raises their hand.
REGGIE
I’m more of a bit player?
JENNY
I want Juliet’s Mom.
Joe sighs.
JOE
Jenny, I’ll sign you up for that. Reggie…
REGGIE
I’ll just play all the side characters.
JOE
Okay, so Turner you’re Romeo.
Turner pumps his fist. He runs up to Frannie and Willa.
TURNER
So ladies… which one of you…
Turner runs out of steam. He meekly looks to the ground.
TURNER
Sorry, never mind.
Joe walks up to Turner and places a proud hand on his shoulder.
JOE
Good job kid, that’s progress.
Joe leads Turner away from the group to talk in private. Frannie and Willa look at each other in shock.
FRANNIE
My Turner honey’s growing up!
WILLA
I’m so proud of him.
Frannie and Willa laugh together.
WILLA
So… good luck in the auditions.
FRANNIE
You too rockstar.
WILLA
You’ve done so many of these, this would be my first time acting.
Willa glances at the floor momentarily. Frannie physically picks up her chin, getting Willa to meet her eyes.
FRANNIE
Keep your head up honey. I’m looking forward to beating you.
Willa smiles at her, and melts into Frannie’s hand.
WILLA
Not a chance in hell!
Willa and Frannie laugh once again.
EXT. LEFT PARK - STAGE - EVENING
“5 Hours Later”
Jenny and Reggie awkwardly sit on the edge of the stage together. Luna is in the corner, still scribbling on the screenplay.
“Everyone Else Has Left”
WILLA (V.O.)
While I was busy daydreaming about Frannie,
(clears throat)
To be clear, this is about when I was playing that game. Around that time, Jenny and Reggie were playing their own game.
Reggie looks at Jenny intently.
REGGIE
So… Juliet’s Mom? That’s cool.
JENNY
Yeah, totally. You’re playing, what again?
REGGIE
All of the side characters.
JENNY
Oh yeah. That’s cool!
An awkward silence falls over them. Jenny and Reggie both squirm, looking for a way out of it. Jenny suddenly gets up.
JENNY
I’m gonna go to the bathroom! I’ll be right back.
Jenny quickly walks off the stage. Luna and Reggie are left alone. Luna looks up from her screenplay.
LUNA
Listen, a little update on your situation.
REGGIE
Oh, yeah? What is it!?
LUNA
So, I haven’t told her anything, but I’ve been feeling her out.
REGGIE
Really? Thank you that means so much.
Luna nods and gestures for Reggie to come closer. He does.
LUNA
Listen, I asked her if she was really wanting to date anyone right now… and she said no.
Reggie’s face falls a little bit.
LUNA
I even asked her about you, and she said she wasn’t interested.
REGGIE
Oh, damn. That sucks.
LUNA
Yeah I’m sorry. I don’t think it’s specifically you, I think she just doesn’t want to date right now.
REGGIE
Yeah, I see that. Well thank you so much for asking.
LUNA
Of course Reg.
REGGIE
I didn’t really expect you to do all that, so thanks.
Reggie somberly climbs back to his seat on the stage. He dangles his feet in the air for a momennt, watching them indifferently. Then, in a flash, he gets up and starts walking away.
REGGIE
(calling back)
I’m gonna go now Luna! Thanks again.
LUNA
(yelling)
See you later!
Reggie’s walk accelerates into a jog, and then into a sprint. He closes his eyes as his legs take him away. Reggie falls down a steep hill. BOM BOM BOM. He tumbles down the cliff, through trees and bushes. His clothes are torn to shreds. His face scratched and bloody. He rolls over and over and over. And then he comes to a stop. Next to him, quite bewildered, is Jenny. She’s similarly bloody and her clothes are similarly torn to shreds. They look at each other in confusion.
EXT. LEFT PARK - STAGE - 5 MINUTES AGO
5 Minutes Ago
Jenny quickly walks away from Reggie and Luna. She breathes heavily, nearly hyperventilating. Her walk accelerates into a jog, and then into a sprint. She closes her eyes, and her feet take her where they will. Jenny falls down a steep hill. She tumbles down the cliff, running into trees and small rodent creatures. Her face is scratched with blood. She comes to a stop, and sighs.
EXT. LEFT PARK - FOREST - EVENING
Jenny and Reggie look at each other in bewilderment.
JENNY
How did you get here?
REGGIE
I fell? Why are you here?
JENNY
I fell.
They laugh at each other. They come to a quiet, comfortable silence.
REGGIE
You ready to get up yet?
JENNY
Nope.
REGGIE
Me neither.
JENNY
Did you notice that Willa-
REGGIE
Is in love with Frannie?
JENNY
YES!
REGGIE
They’re cute together.
JENNY
I wish there were 2 Juliet’s.
REGGIE
Yes! Juliet-Juliet.
They lay on the grass together, looking up at the ever-darkening evening sky.
REGGIE
Thanks for being my friend these last few years. It really means a lot, more than you know. This whole club is like the only thing I look forward to you know?
Jenny nods, tearing up a little.
JENNY
I know.
REGGIE
And you’re like a good person that I’m proud to call my friend. And I really wish the best for you.
JENNY
Thank you Reggie. You mean so much to me.
Jenny reaches out a little to hold Reggie’s hand. She suddenly pulls him close, and kisses him. Reggie’s shocked, and pulls back.
REGGIE
Jen?
JENNY
Sorry.
Jenny lays back down, breathing heavily.
JENNY
Sorry I thought you liked me-
REGGIE
I do.
JENNY
Oh, okay.
Reggie scoots a little closer to Jenny.
REGGIE
I thought you didn’t, you know.
JENNY
I think I do.
REGGIE
Oh, okay.
Reggie leans in to kiss Jenny.
EXT. STREET - EVENING
Willa and Frannie walk side by side down the street on their way home.
WILLA (V.O.)
While Jenny had just made her move, I was working up the courage to make mine.
Willa nervously glances over at Frannie.
WILLA
So what are you doing later?
FRANNIE
I got a date later, super cute guy.
Willa’s head snaps over, her eyes wide. Frannie smiles and elbows Willa.
FRANNIE
Just kidding Willie.
Willa blushes and looks toward the ground.
FRANNIE
I’m probably gonna study. I’m in vet school.
WILLA
Really? That’s so cool.
FRANNIE
Yeah. Did you know female veterinarians are four times as likely to die by suicide as the general population?
WILLA
Oh. No.
Frannie bursts out laughing.
FRANNIE
What do you wanna do?
Willa stares forward at the street ahead for a moment.
WILLA
It’s stupid. Not as cool as being a Vet.
FRANNIE
C’mon. Everyone’s dream is cool to them.
Willa kicks a rock at her feet as she’s walking.
WILLA
Okay… What I really want to be is… a shadow puppeteer.
Frannie doubles over laughing.
WILLA
I know, I know. It’s stupid.
FRANNIE
No, no, that’s cool. To be a shadow puppeteer you gotta be good with your hands.
Willa blushes, and Frannie snickers at her.
FRANNIE
I’m sorry! No, that’s cool.
WILLA
Thanks, being a Vet is cool too.
The two walk in silence for a few moments. They enter into a scaffolding tunnel. Willa glances at Frannie, trying to read her expression.
FRANNIE
Alright, this is me.
Frannie stops in front of a door, and Willa stops too. They were alone in a tunnel of scaffolding.
WILLA
(slowly)
Frannie, would you want to…
Frannie raises her eyebrow. Willa swallows, and her eyes widen with panic. She reaches for the door to Frannie’s place.
WILLA
(in a British accent)
Would you want me to open this door for you, lady Frannie?
Frannie chuckles at Willa.
FRANNIE
(in a British accent)
Why thank you, Madam Willa.
Frannie enters into the door.
FRANNIE
See you soon!
WILLA
Y-yeah!
Frannie enters her apartment building. Willa collapses against the door as she closes it.
WILLA
Idiot idiot idiot idiot idiot idiot idiot
Willa’s idiot’s continue as she slides down the door.
INT. WILLA’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Willa somberly steps into her apartment.