Our World, Part 2

Scene one—the park

Julie is sitting on a bench, waiting for Heather to meet her. She wipes her eyes. When Heather arrives, she sits down on the bench beside her half sister.

Heather: Well, I just skipped a very important meeting. I’ll probably be fired so—

Heather stops talking and looks worriedly at Julie. Her eyes are red, you can tell she’s been crying a lot.

Heather: (trying to sound more compassionate) Ok, so what’s up? Or in your case, down?

Julie: (looks solemnly at her sister) Heather, this is no laughing matter.

Heather: Then what? What did you bring me down here for? (looks closely at Julie)

Julie: (stands up) You know, I shouldn’t have.

Heather: (a little annoyed) You may as well tell me. You got me this far!

Julie: (turns around) I-I’m sorry. I should never have called you. This was a mistake.

Without looking back, Julie quickly leaves the park and walks out of sight.

Scene 2—the Agency

Nicole: So here are the pictures (hands Shari a large envelope)

Shari: Great. Thanks Nicole. By the way, I wanted to ask you about one of your models—Colleen Hughes?

Nicole: (nods) Uh-huh, yes, Colleen.

Shari: I’m very impressed with her work. I know Vogue is very happy with her modeling.

Nicole: (smiles) Thanks, I’ll be sure to pass that on to her.

Shari: In fact, I’m sure she’s capable of more than a model.

Nicole: (not quite catching on) What are you trying to say?

Shari: Nothing…nothing—look if you could just tell Colleen her work is great.

Nicole: (nods as Shari leaves the room) I will.

A few seconds after Shari leaves, Colleen walks into the conference room. There is a smug look on her face.

Colleen: Excuse me Nicole, but where is my make up artist?

Nicole: What make up artist? Natalie has the day off.

Colleen: (huffs) Yes, well, you’d better call Natalie and tell her to get down here. I’m scheduled for two. (smugly) And I have no one to do my make up!

Nicole: (looks at Colleen and smiles back at her) Do it yourself!

Colleen pouts as Nicole leaves the room.

Scene 3—Colleen’s dressing room

Colleen sits down in front of her mirror.

Colleen: (muttering to herself) Fine then. (she picks up a lipstick and sets the cap on the dresser; while putting on her lipstick) This is heaven (puckers her lips and stands up) Ahh…this is what I’ve dreamed of my whole life…Lots of money, everything…

All of a sudden the dressing room door is opened. Emily is standing in the doorway.

Emily: Hey—sis. (she walks into the room, looking around)

Colleen: What do you want? (turning around)

Emily: (smiles smugly; holds up some papers) Wouldn’t these just drive mom out of the nut house?

Scene 4—Sally’s

Sally: What’s wrong with your mom, Amber?

Amber: (breathing heavily) Nothing. Well, everything it just depends on how you look at it. I can’t live with her anymore.

Sally: Why?

Amber: (doesn’t answer right away)

Sally: Do you want to come in?

Amber: Yeah…ok (Amber follows her aunt into the house and sits down on the sofa)

Sally: So, tell me what’s bothering you.

Amber: There’s this guy I’ve been seeing—his name is Steve—well, you see, mom doesn’t like him, so she dumps him for me! She thinks he’s doing drugs and he’s not "good for me!" It just makes me so mad! She does! And now Steve isn’t talking to me! Ugh!

Sally: (trying to sound caring) Amber, I’m sure your mom is only looking out for what’s best for you.

Amber: Even if Steve was doing drugs, it’s not up to her to question that or interfere in our lives!

Sally: You’re still her daughter, sweetheart, and she loves you very much. She just doesn’t want you to get hurt.

Amber: Well, I won’t. (getting frustrated) You know, no one understands what I’m going through! No one! Steve loves me. He’s the only one who cares for me.

Sally: Well, if you believe so, it’s up to you to judge that. But if he’s into drugs, Amber, things can get dangerous.

Amber: I don’t need a lesson about drugs!

Sally: Maybe not, but you have to understand that if Steve is involved with drugs…You just don’t want to get caught up in something like that, honey. Drugs and dealing is an endless circle, you know?

Amber: You know, I didn’t come here for advice. (stands up and grabs her case) I’m going to see Steve.

Before Sally has a chance to object, Amber is out the door and on her way. Sally stands in the doorway and sighs, wishing she could help her niece.

Sally: (to herself) Oh, Amber…

Scene five—Beachport High

Lauren picked up her water bottle on the gym floor. Cheerleading practice had just ended and everyone was going into the locker room or out the back door.

Gina: (approaching Lauren) Hi, Lauren.

Lauren: (turns around) Oh, hey Gina!

Gina: You were great today.

Lauren: (smiles) Thanks. You too.

Gina: (a little embarrassed) Lauren, can I speak to you for a second? Alone, please?

Lauren: Sure. (moves over to talk to Gina) What is it?

Gina: I need to tell you something and you have to promise not to tell anyone.

Lauren: (confused) Well, what is it you’re going to tell me?

Gina: Please Lauren, just promise.

Lauren: O-Ok I promise.

Gina: (whispering, her eyes are showing a few tears) My dad…he—he beats me, Lauren.

Lauren: (a look of shock on her face) Oh my God, Gina, you have to—you have to tell someone.

Gina: (scared) No—no I can’t. My dad will kill me this time if I tell anyone…Please Lauren…promise me you won’t tell a soul. I’ll be in so much trouble if my dad ever found out. I told you because I trust you. Please Lauren you’re such a great friend.

Lauren: (not knowing what to say; then she nods) Ok, ok—if it’s the right thing to do…

Scene six—Our World caf�

Linda: Steph, have you seen Lauren today?

Steph: (taking a sip of her juice) Yeah, she was at school today. She had cheerleading practice after school, but she told me to meet her here. What time does her shift start?

Linda: Ten minutes ago, and it’s really busy.

Lauren opens the door and rushes in behind the counter and puts on her apron.

Lauren: Oh Linda, I’m so sorry I’m late.

Linda: (nodding) It’s ok. We’re just busy, so I need a lot of help.

Lauren: (turning to her friend) Hey Steph. Can I call you tonight?

Steph: (standing up) Sure. See ya!

Lauren forces a smile and gets back to work.