The Three Deadly L’s
Lies, Love, and Loss
PROLOGUE
(Play starts out with lighting on ASHLEY and CALVIN on center stage at a table about to finish eating dinner at a restaurant on their date.)
CALVIN: How’d you like the food?
ASHLEY: It was amazing! Thank you for taking me out tonight. It was nice.
(grabs CALVIN’S hand)
CALVIN: Yeah it was, we should do this again.
ASHLEY: If this is your way of asking me on another date, then yes. We should do this again.
CALVIN: Well then, we should go to Julian’s party. (ASHLEY looks at CALVIN like he’s crazy) Everyone in our class is going to be there. We should go.
ASHLEY: No let’s not.
CALVIN: (removes his hand from ASHLEY’S, and starts to whine) Aww, why not?
ASHLEY: (disgusted) Because it’s Julian’s party. You know there’s gonna be booze there.
CALVIN: Well, we don’t have to drink to have fun at the party. We can dance, hang out with friends, we should make a bet too. I bet you (pause, thinking) Leslie Southerland will be the first one to get drunk.
ASHLEY: (laughs) Yeah right, I bet (pauses) Zach Fulton.
CALVIN: Get out of here.
ASHLEY: No, I’m serious. Zach Fulton is going to be the first one.
CALVIN: (laughs) To get drunk? No, no, no. I doubt that.
ASHLEY: Then it’s a bet. (holds out hand for CALVIN to shake)
CALVIN: (slowly reaches for ASHLEY’S hand) We have to go to find out.
ASHLEY: (drops hand, serious) Calvin I’m not going to that party. I don’t wanna be surrounded by alcohol and I don’t want to watch our friends act stupid. Besides, my mom would kill me if she found out I was even close to a party with underage drinking. (turns body towards audience and looks down) Ever since my dad’s accident.
CALVIN: (reaches over to hold her arm) It’s okay. We don’t have to go, if you don’t want to. It’s not that important. (pause) Hey, do you remember when Tyler’s family invited us to go on their trip to Vegas and me, you, and Tyler snuck out of our hotel rooms and went to the casino?
ASHLEY: (laughs then looks at CALVIN) Yes! The look on that security guards face when he noticed a couple of kids at the BlackJack table! Priceless!
CALVIN: (laughs) I know! And then we were in a high speed chase between us and two security guards.
ASHLEY: (laughs) Oh my god yes! We were like 11 right?
CALVIN: (smiling) Yes we were. (pause)
ASHLEY: Ahh, I miss the old times, Calvin. We were such good friends. What happened to that?
CALVIN: Well, you and I got together and Tyler went his own way. (pause) It’s just the way things happen. Plus, he hates me now. (sad expression)
ASHLEY: No he doesn’t he’s just (pause) distant. (pause) what time is it?
CALVIN: 8:30 why?
ASHLEY: (surprised) My curfew is at 9:00 remember?
CALVIN: Oh yeah, I’m sorry, I’ll take you home.
ASHLEY: Thanks, I’m just going to use the restroom first.
CALVIN: Okay I’ll pay the check.
ASHLEY: I’ll be right out. (exits stage right as TYLER enters stage right)
CALVIN: (looks down at bill. He notices TYLER) Hey Tyler. (stands up)
TYLER: (TYLER looks over and rolls his eyes) What do you want?
CALVIN:(starts chuckling a bit) I just got done with my date with Ashley… (in a cocky/conceited way) You jealous yet?
TYLER: (looks over again annoyed) Just stop. It’s bad enough I don’t have her, don’t rub it in my face, okay.
CALVIN: (ignoring his remark) You know what the best part is? She thinks I’m getting bullied by you. Which is highly believable based on your status, (fingering air quotes) Mr. Jock man.
TYLER: (walks up and looks at CALVIN) Cut it out Calvin I’m not looking for trouble. (walks past CALVIN)
CALVIN: You don’t have to look for it when it wants to find you. (turns around and grabs TYLER. CALVIN punches TYLER in stomach, TYLER grunts and doubles over) Hit me back. (TYLER just tries to regain his balance) Wimp. (TYLER gets up and turns him around punching CALVIN in the eye, causing him to fall on to the table just as ASHLEY walks back on stage from stage right)
ASHLEY:(shocked) TYLER!!
CALVIN: (looking at audience, smirking) What was that for?
TYLER: (confused and panicked to CALVIN) What are you talking about? (To ASHLEY) Ashley I swear it’s not what it looks like, he hit me first.
CALVIN: No I didn’t! I didn’t touch you! (to ASHLEY) See Ashley! I told you he hates me!
ASHLEY: (angry at TYLER) Why would you do that Tyler? What has he ever done to you? (comforts CALVIN and picks him up) C’mon Calvin let’s go. (ASHLEY and CALVIN start to leave stage left)
CALVIN: Wait I forgot to pay the bill, you should go wait in the car, (ASHLEY is hesitant) I’ll be fine.
ASHLEY: (ASHLEY death glares TYLER, to CALVIN) Don’t take too long. (walks off stage right).
CALVIN: (looks back to see ASHLEY leaving, drops his hand from his face walks over to TYLER) Good swing dude, really made her sympathize for me. (TYLER is furious)
TYLER: You know what-
CASHIER: (enters from stage left) Tyler your order is ready.
TYLER: Whatever! (TYLER quickly grabs the plastic bag of food and walks off stage right)
CALVIN: (Yells after Tyler) See ya later loser. (CALVIN finishes paying the bill and lights go off.)
PARADOS
(Lights go on. Setting is school grounds, chorus enters looking like a different stereotype from a traditional high school )
CHORUS #1:
Rumor has it...
The truth always comes out
time ticking closer
with every false sentence and doubt
CHORUS #2:
When it catches up, everything will splinter
And there is no talking your way around
ALL CHORUS:
Time doesn’t slow down
CHORUS #3:
When you are caught, you can try to save yourself
Trying to rebuild what will stay broken
CHORUS #4:
Rumor has it…
The joke is on you,
We have spoken, don’t lie, or you will see
Yourself falling on your face,
ALL CHORUS:
Too heavy with all of your deceit
(chorus exits the opposite ways they entered, lights go off)
SCENE 1
( The lights come on, scene starts on the school grounds of Rosewood high school with a bench set on center stage angled away from stage left, ASHTON sitting on it with phone in hand and his back to left stage. TYLER enters from stage left, walking behind the bench ASHTON is sitting on, to stage right furiously saying...)
TYLER: I can not stand Calvin man!
ASHTON: Dude what happened yesterday?
TYLER:(still furious) Calvin happened!
ASHTON: (stands up and puts phone away) Yeah, very descriptive, dimwit. Tell me what happened.
TYLER: Okay, you know that Italian Restaurant Montello’s?
ASHTON: (smiles) Yeah, man. That’s where-
TYLER: I don’t care. So anyways, (walks to upstage right) my mom called in an order for us there, because she didn’t want to cook. And then she made me go and get it. When I got there Calvin came up to me and told me that him and Ashley were just finishing their date.
ASHTON: (to the audience) No!
TYLER: (doesn’t notice ASHTON) Yeah, and I was like, Calvin I don’t want any trouble, I’m just picking up food for my mom and I.
ASHTON: (to the audience) Mmhmm.
TYLER: (doesn’t notice ASHTON) So as if out of no where, Calvin punched me in the gut.
ASHTON: (to the audience) No, he didn’t.
TYLER: (doesn’t notice ASHTON) Yeah, so as I was hunched over, and he started to walk away so I punched him in the eye, and that’s when Ashley came back so she got mad at me ‘cause that’s all she saw.
ASHTON: (to the audience) Oh no she don’t be knowin’.
TYLER: (doesn’t notice ASHTON) I know. And then he was like I didn’t even touch you, and she bought it.
ASHTON: (to the audience) No!
TYLER: (this time noticing ASHTON) Ashton this is serious man!
ASHTON: (small little laugh) Okay you’re right I’m sorry.
TYLER: (stops, looks at ASHTON sadly) I just don’t know what to do.
ASHTON: Well maybe you can-
TYLER: (interrupts ASHTON, walks over to upstage left) I love her so much, but all she cares about is, (pause, in disgust) Calvin.
ASHTON: (a little annoyed, but still trying to be helpful) I know man, but you can’t just-
TYLER: (interrupts ASHTON again) I mean seriously what does he have that I don’t?
ASHTON: (annoyed, throws his hands) Whatever.
(TYLER continues to contemplate reasons, ASHTON sit back down on the bench, taking out his phone, not paying TYLER any attention. Occasionally saying yes and nodding his head as if to appear like he’s listening.)
TYLER: Not to be conceited or anything but I’m the total package, (counts on fingers while he’s listing the qualities) Amazing physique, I’m nice to her, I’m honest and smart.
ASHTON: (still on his phone not paying attention) Yep.
TYLER: I mean what is he? Deceitful, doesn’t even care about her. You know, I think he’s only with her because it makes me mad and because it means I can’t have her.
ASHTON: (still on his phone not paying attention) Yeah, I know right?
TYLER: I mean it’s just not fair (stops in center stage body facing the audience. He looks toward ASHTON breathing a little hard, with his hands on his hips, pause) What the- (slaps ASHTON in the back of the head)
ASHTON: (looks at TYLER like what the heck) The hell’s your problem man?
TYLER: (takes phone out of ASHTON’S hand. ASHTON stands up, TYLER checks the phone and gets mad) You’re my problem! Seriously? You’re checking Instagram while I’m pouring my heart out to you? Are you for real? (throws phone at ASHTON, ASHTON catches it).
ASHTON: (mad) Well I wouldn’t have to find something better to do if you weren’t acting like such a wimp. I mean if you love her, and seriously would do anything for her then show it. Do something about it. Don’t let Calvin run all over you.
CALVIN: (enters from stage left with his backpack on, taunting TYLER) Yeah, Tyler don’t let big bad Cal man run all over you. (ASHTON is pissed) Oh wait it’s too late because I already am running all over you. I’m doing laps all across your face. (walks up to TYLER’S face, pause) I own you, Ty. And there isn’t anything you can do about it. She loves me, and she thinks you’re just a big dumb jock that has anger problems and beats on everyone he thinks is under him.
TYLER: (acting tough, but deep down really scared) You’re lying. She doesn’t think that.
CALVIN: (laughs and steps out of his face) Believe whatever you want Tyler, but she’s mine, not yours. (walks towards off stage right but before he steps off) Oh and good luck trying to put me in my place, because I’d rather die than let Ashley get with you. (walks back off stage)
ASHTON: (pause, turns to TYLER, joking) Well, If dying is the only way Calvin will give you Ashley, then he’ll have to die. (ASHTON chuckles. Then realizes TYLER is seriously thinking about it) I’m joking. (TYLER fake laughs and ASHTON checks phone) Hey my mom says I gotta get home. I’ll see you later (ASHTON exits stage left)
TYLER: (feeling worn out) Ugh what do I do. (exits stage left. Lights go off)
CHORUS 1
(chorus enters and lights go on)
CHORUS #4:
Rumor has it…
Flaws are hard to resist
especially when they’re easy to see
CHORUS #1:
Acting upon anger is never the way
Just calm down and breathe
CHORUS #2:
Don’t ignore the brain by following the heart.
With emotions running deep, regretful actions may start
ALL CHORUS:
Don’t look down
CHORUS #3:
For your answers on the ground (pause)
Rumor has it…
emotions like to come out to play
don’t let them control you, find your own way
‘cause in the end you’ll find yourself
ALL CHORUS:
Drifting in a sea of vengeance
(chorus exits the opposite way they entered, lights go off)
SCENE 2
(lights turn on, scene starts on school grounds at Rosewood High school, bench in stage left,. ASHLEY is sitting on the side closest to stage right. She is reading. TYLER walks on from stage right with his backpack on, he sees ASHLEY and fixes himself up a bit. He shyly walks over to ASHLEY.)
TYLER: (shyly) Hey Ashley.
ASHLEY: (still looking at her book, flipping the page) What do you want Tyler?
TYLER: Can I talk to you?
ASHLEY: (closes her book, looks at TYLER) You’re already talking so what do you want?
TYLER: I just want to apologize for what happened at the restaurant. I let it get too far, but you gotta hear me out. (ASHLEY nods her head) Okay, So I-I, It-t, um… Okay so you know Calvin right?
ASHLEY: (sarcastic) No, I’ve never heard of the guy.
TYLER: Right, okay. Sorry, I wanted to apologize for what happened at the restaurant.
ASHLEY: You already said that.
TYLER: Wow, this is harder than I thought.
ASHLEY: (stands up grasps his arm, sincere) Why, whats wrong?
TYLER: (takes a deep breath) I’m sorry, I’ve been really childish and I shouldn’t have let it get out of hand. I had a chance to stop and I just kept going. I truly am sorry putting you through that. I should’ve been the bigger man.
ASHLEY: (lets go of TYLER’S arm) What do you mean the bigger man?
(CALVIN walks in from stage right but neither ASHLEY or TYLER see him)
TYLER: He hit me first.
ASHLEY: Give me a break Tyler. Calvin wouldn’t hurt anyone. It’s pretty pathetic that you’re trying to blame him for everything. If you’re truly sorry just be sorry don’t try and make excuses.
(CALVIN approaches the conversation and gently puts his arms around Ashley lovingly and glares at Tyler )
CALVIN: What’s going on Tyler? What wouldn’t Calvin do?
ASHLEY: Calvin wouldn’t punch Tyler right? (Sarcastically)
CALVIN: What?! Calvin definitely wouldn’t hit Tyler.
TYLER: Yes you would, you already did. And why are you talking in third person?
CALVIN: (Takes arms off of Ashley and gets in Tyler’s face) ‘Cause I want to, and what do you mean? I never touched you.
TYLER: (In Calvin’s face)Yes you did. That night when you two were out on a date at the restaurant. You punched me in the gut and called me a wimp so I punched you in the face and….
CALVIN: (cuts him off) Ash, that’s so not what went down. Can you believe this guy? (steps close to Tyler) What a jerk trying to make me look bad….
TYLER: (steps in) You're the jerk…
(Tyler and Calvin are both heated and pushing up on each other)
ASHLEY:(steps between both of them) Enough! Guys what has happened to us? We all use to be such good friends.
CALVIN: Things have changed.
ASHLEY: Well, we can change them back. Tyler, you said you were sorry. You said you want to make things right. Let’s do something together like old times. Why don’t we all go to the movies this Saturday?
CALVIN: (in disbelief) What? I thought we, you and me, were going out on Saturday.
ASHLEY: It’s okay Calvin, you and I will have plenty of time together, this is a chance for all of us to hang out. You know, like you said, just like the old times. Tyler, Ashley,and Calvin.
TYLER: Sorry Ashley but I can’t.
ASHLEY: Why?
TYLER: Ash, (Pause) Calvin and I don’t get along. The old days are gone, it’s never going to be the same.
ASHLEY: But we can change the past! You just have to give it a shot
TYLER: (angry) No Ashley! Nothing is going to be the same! Too much crap has happened between then and now!
ASHLEY: Why can’t you just give it a chance?
TYLER: (yelling) Because Ashley!
CALVIN: (yelling) Who the hell do you think you are! You can’t yell at her!
TYLER: Stay out of it Calvin!
ASHLEY: Tyler what gives? Why do you hate Calvin so much? Why are you so angry?
TYLER: Ugh, Ash you wouldn’t understand!
ASHLEY: Try me!
TYLER: (yelling, really mad.) Fine! I am sick of Calvin! He’s been harassing me and ridiculing me ever since you started dating
CALVIN: Here we go again with the false accusations
TYLER: I’m not lying and you know it. You’ve been making me look bad just so you can look good in front of Ashley.
CALVIN: Nuh-uh
TYLER: YES-
ASHLEY: Ugh! You’re so immature! Tyler, in order for me to forgive you, you have to accept Calvin. If you can’t do that than we don’t have anything more to talk about.
(ASHLEY Storms off )
CALVIN: Good job Tyler
(CALVIN follows ASHLEY and exits stage right and TYLER angrily exits stage left)
TYLER: Ugh!! (walks off stage, lights go off)
CHORUS 2
(chorus enters and lights go on)
CHORUS #3:
Rumor has is...
not everything is as it seems
what they say isn’t always what they mean
CHORUS #4:
You listen to one not the other
one is sincere, one is playing undercover
CHORUS #1:
Known both forever,
but do you know for sure,
the one with the intentions pure
ALL CHORUS:
It’s almost too late
CHORUS #2:
To set things straight.
But why give out the truth,
if they tell their side and take you into a dispute
You need to ask why,
or else you risk seeing them
ALL CHORUS:
for the last time
(chorus exits, lights go off)
SCENE 3
(lights come on to a locker room set up. The lockers are put upstage right and a bench is put center stage. ASHTON is sitting on the bench playing with a ball while JULIAN is upstage at his locker checking himself out in the mirror attached to the door. 2 gym bags are set up, one next to JULIAN and the locker, and the other next to ASHTON and the bench. TYLER enters from stage left angrily with his gym bag walking all the way to downstage right. throwing the gym bag down and rummaging through it.)
ASHTON: Dude what’s up?
TYLER: (angry, still going through bag) I don’t wanna talk about it.
JULIAN: Well, you’re gonna. (arms crossed)
TYLER: (barely looks over his shoulder, still messing with his bag talking to JULIAN) Not now Julian!
(ASHTON stands up and JULIAN grabs TYLER and sits him down on the bench)
ASHTON: (arms crossed) Talk.
TYLER: (angered) So I went to go apologize to Ashley (JULIAN and ASHTON both roll their eyes, JULIAN goes back to checking himself out in his locker mirror) about punching Calvin, then he walked up and totally lied.
ASHTON: (angry) You need to take care of Calvin! You and Ashley belong together. And you need to man up and make her see him for what he is.
TYLER: (sad) I know but (stands up from bench and walks past ASHTON to upstage left) she doesn’t see. She’s blinded.
ASHTON: Well, you need to be her glasses.
JULIAN: (laughs) Nice metaphor dude.
ASHTON: Thanks I used it in a-
TYLER: Ugh, can you guys be serious for more than two seconds. Calvin has seriously ruined my life. It was bad enough when Ashley and I were just friends, but now I don’t even have that.
ASHTON: You gotta do something about him then.
JULIAN: Yeah, (jumps on bench) put him in his place.
TYLER: But how? (throws hands in the air, sits on the bench) Ashley loves him and if I hurt him she’d never forgive me, let alone be my friend. (runs fingers through hair)
ASHTON: Who said you had to hurt him. All you have to do is get him to screw up right? It shouldn’t be that hard to make him look bad.
JULIAN: Yeah! (jumps off bench) Tell them to come to my party this weekend.
ASHTON:You know what, (little pause) that’s not a bad idea at all. (looks at audience) Call Ashley and say you’re sorry, tell her you’ll give Calvin a chance then convince her to go.
TYLER: Yeah right guys. (walks back to gym bag) You and I both know she’ll never go to a high school party. Those things are packed with alcohol.
ASHTON: (walks to TYLER) She’ll go just ‘cause she thinks you’re making an effort. She does like you. Even if it’s as a friend.
TYLER: But, (looks back at ASHTON) I’m not actually making an effort, (focus back on bag, JULIAN places foot on bench and ties his shoe)
ASHTON: She thinks you are. (gets closer to ASHTON) That’s all that matters. (pause) She’ll go, you just gotta convince her. (to audience) Once you get them there, we can-we can get Calvin drunk. Hella drunk… (Sarcastically) and we all know how much Ashley loves that.
TYLER: (Tyler thinks about it) I’ll try, but even if I do convince her, (turns away from bag facing ASHTON and TYLER) how are we going to get Calvin drunk? We can’t just give him shots, he doesn’t drink either. He never touches the stuff.
JULIAN: Dude, whats up with teens these days. People are supposed to start drinking at like thirteen! (ASHTON and TYLER glance at each other. ASHTON facepalms and TYLER looks down shaking his head.)
TYLER: (under his breath) Idiot.
ASHTON: (looks like he has an idea) We can spike his drink. He won’t have a clue of what’s happening until its too late.
JULIAN: Since he’s never drank he’s probably gonna get wasted super quick.
ASHTON: And who knows what he’d do.
JULIAN: And Ashley would get seriously pissed. That’d kill him.
TYLER: I don’t want to kill him.
JULIAN: That’s not what I meant. Jeez and you thought I was dumb.
TYLER: I don’t think you’re dumb, I know it.
JULIAN: Hey I’m trying to help you, I don’t have to be doing this right now.
TYLER: I know. It’s just stressful. (sits on bench)
JULIAN: (angry) How is it stressful? This is just taking care of business.
TYLER: ‘Cause I don’t want to do this. There has to be a better way.
ASHTON: I hate to break it to you, but there isn’t.
TYLER: (deep breath) I don’t know. It just doesn’t seem right.
ASHTON: (a little angry) Okay so letting Ashley stay with a guy that you know is a total jerk is right?
TYLER: (angry) Well, (stands up and walks to upstage left) she doesn’t believe anything I say about him. (more calm) Plus she’s happy, (small pause) That should be all that matters, right?
ASHTON: (calm, but angry) Okay, but while her life is all dandelions and daffodils your life has been turned into a living hell! Now if I were you, I wouldn’t take his crap any more. I mean aren’t you tired?
TYLER: I am, but that doesn’t mean that we have to hurt him. Aren’t we better than that?
JULIAN: We are better that’s why we gotta show him that we can beat him at his own game.
TYLER: (annoyed) That’s not what being better than him means.
ASHTON: Whether we’re better than Calvin or not doesn’t matter. He’s pushed you to the last straw. You have to do something to show Ashley she was wrong, and you’re right.
TYLER: (takes deep breath and walks downstage center) Okay, fine. I’m in,
JULIAN: Yes!
ASHTON: Okay, looks like it’s a plan. Make sure you do everything in your power to get her to go.
TYLER: I’ll call her later,
JULIAN: Ashton, (walks to ASHTON) when am I gonna get my football back? Can I stop by your place and grab it on the way home?
ASHTON: Oh yeah, let me get my-
TYLER: Holy crap guys!
JULIAN: What’s wrong?
TYLER: Today’s Friday! We’re late for practice!
ASHTON: Oh god Coach is gonna kill us!
(All three hurriedly grab their gym bags and run off stage right, lights go off)
CHORUS 3
(chorus enters and lights go on)
CHORUS #2:
Rumor has it…
closed minds only encourage bad decisions.
CHORUS #3:
Fooling yourself into thinking they’re right
Their words making you give into the fight
But fighting fire with fire doesn’t mean you are strong
CHORUS #4:
It just adds to the corruption and ultimate destruction
Of your judgement turning from good to wrong
ALL CHORUS:
Don’t make rash decisions
CHORUS #1:
Because, rumor has it...
Having feelings make it hard
to think, when they tear you apart.
Where is this plan coming from?
ALL CHORUS:
Think about the outcome
(chorus exits the opposite way they entered, lights go off)
SCENE 4
(lights come on, Setting is ASHLEY’s living room. A couch is set in center stage with Ashley sitting on far stage right side of it. Her cell phone is lying next to her. TYLER is in the stage right corner of downstage)
TYLER: (stands up) Ok, I’m gonna call her.
(TYLER types in ASHLEY’S phone number. A ringing sound starts as ASHLEY puts down her book to look at her phone. She looks annoyed)
ASHLEY: (sounds angry) Why is he calling me? (ASHLEY lets the phone go to voicemail)
TYLER: Oh c’mon Ashley pick up! (calls again puts the phone to his ear)
ASHLEY: Alright already! Why won’t he give it a rest? (ASHLEY throws her book on the couch and picks up the phone) What do you want Tyler?
TYLER: I just wanted to apologize for being such a jerk to you and Calvin the other day, so… I’m sorry. I really do want us all to go out and have some fun like old times. Whad’ya say?
ASHLEY: No (hangs up).
TYLER: My god this girl is work. (dials her number again)
ASHLEY: (phone rings again, answers) Tyler, I obviously don’t want to talk to you! Stop calling me!
TYLER: Oh come on Ash! I really am sorry, and I-I just miss you, and I’d hate to admit it but (Tyler sighs) I miss Calvin too. (TYLER covers his face trying to hide the hatred) But don’t tell him I said that! I guess I’m just lonely and I felt like a third wheel when you and Calvin started dating so I became a little bitter. But I’m trying to change.We should all hang out again. (pause) Please?
ASHLEY: (ASHLEY sighs) I miss you too Ty, but-
TYLER: Hear me out.
ASHLEY: (sighs) Ok, what do you have in mind.
TYLER: (smiles widely) Well, I’m sure you heard that Julian is having a party at his house this Saturday. It would be great if you and Calvin would come! We could all hang out.
ASHLEY: No, I already told Calvin. I’m not going to that party!
TYLER: Look Ash I know you’re totally against alcohol, but you don’t have to drink to be at a party. Lots of people won’t be drinking.
ASHLEY: That’s what Calvin said.
TYLER: Yeah see? Great minds think a like.
ASHLEY: I mean you both are great, but I don’t think your minds are 100% there. (laughs)
TYLER: (laughs) Oh, whatever! So what do you say?
ASHLEY: (smiles) You know what, maybe you’re right. I really do want us all to hang out. To stop arguing and be friends.
TYLER: Exactly! (pauses) I’m really looking forward to seeing you there
ASHLEY: Same!
TYLER: Awesome! See you then.
ASHLEY: Okay
TYLER: Bye! (They both hang up, TYLER exits stage right. ASHLEY throws her phone back where she got it and starts to study again. Pause, knock on ASHLEY’s door.)
ASHLEY: Come in!
CALVIN: (enters stage right) Hey Ashley. (slowly walks behind ASHLEY’S couch) How’s the studying going?
ASHLEY: Not bad. Guess who just called me...
CALVIN: Who?
ASHLEY: Tyler. He called to apologize and to talk about going to Julian’s party. I think we should go.
CALVIN: (looks out to audience on stage left) Really? What’d he say that made you change your mind?
ASHLEY: I don’t know. He just seemed sincere, like he really wants us all to hang out. I know there will be alcohol there. But like you said….we don’t have to drink to go to a party. Besides this is a chance for us all to get back together. A chance for you and Tyler to make up. (smiles)
CALVIN: But Ash, there’s gonna be alcohol there. Everyone will be drunk, acting stupid. Are you going to be ok with that?
ASHLEY: As long as we’re all together, I’ll be good. I won’t be drunk, you won’t be and neither will Tyler. That’s all that matters to me. (grabs CALVIN’S shoulders )Why are you questioning this so much? I thought you wanted to go.
CALVIN: I do. (turns towards audience looking down, sighs and rolls eyes) Ok, (pause, turns back to ASHLEY) let’s go.
ASHLEY: Thank you. (grabs CALVIN’S hands. Acting cute) Promise you’ll try to make up with Ty? (hugs CALVIN)
CALVIN: I promise. (Calvin’s face is toward audience, ASHLEY’S back is to the audience. He rolls his eyes and looks annoyed. Lights go down)
CHORUS 4
(chorus enters and lights go on)
CHORUS #1:
Rumor has it...
hope leads to mistrust
which is easily disguised as something real
CHORUS #2:
When actually they’re just waiting
waiting for you to seal the deal
don’t get closer, don’t look back
CHORUS #3:
Because they’re not the person you thought
not the person who would give you all they’ve got
ALL CHORUS:
Read between the lies
CHORUS #4:
and when you figure it out one day
you’ll see
they’re not the person you thought to be
because now...
ALL CHORUS:
all they know is jealousy
(chorus exits opposite ways they came in, lights go off)
SCENE 5
(lights go on, party music going on in the background. Setting is in JULIAN’S living room, same setup as ASHLEY’S living room. Two girls are behind the couch in upstage center talking, a boy is upstage left sitting on a cooler at the edge of the stage getting drunk. Another boy is standing just in front of the entrance on stage left drinking as well. There is a small desk downstage right with a white table cloth and red cups, some drinks and other party foods. A cooler is set up upstage left. JULIAN is at the drink table grooving to the music pouring and mixing drinks. ASHTON and TYLER are center. TYLER is freaking out.)
TYLER: Shouldn’t she be here by now? Do you think Calvin and Ash got lost or something? I should text her. (pulls out phone)
ASHTON: Dude, chillax, (takes phone out of TYLER’S hand, puts it in his pocket) You don’t want to seem overly desperate.
JULIAN: Yeah dude, you’re too tense (pours liquid from bottle into an empty cup and hands it to TYLER) Take a sip of this it’ll calm you down.
TYLER: Dude no. If this plan is going to work I need to stay completely sober. (tries to give it back)
JULIAN: (insisting) Trust me, it’ll help. (Pushes drink back to TYLER)
(TYLER somewhat reluctantly takes swig from cup)
JULIAN: (not said as a question) That’s the good stuff, right?
TYLER: Oh, god. That’s super strong. Guys I don’t want to kill him, I just wanted to get him drunk enough
ASHTON: That’s ‘cause you drank it straight. As soon as you mix it with something you won’t be able to taste it.
TYLER: No I don’t believe you. It’s not going to work, it’s going to backfire, Oh god-
JULIAN: Look dude. Calm down. Let’s go outside, you need fresh air.
(JULIAN pulls TYLER and they exit stage right. ASHLEY and CALVIN enter from stage left walking towards ASHTON)
ASHTON: Hey Ash! You made it! (ASHTON smiles. CALVIN looks around the place disgusted)
ASHLEY: Yeah, it doesn’t hurt to party, plus Tyler was pretty persistent in getting us to come. Is he here yet?
ASHTON: You just missed him, they went outside to get some air. Can I get you guys a drink?
ASHLEY: Oh I-we don’t-
ASHTON: I know, I meant like a soda or something
CALVIN: If were gonna be stuck at this party I guess...
ASHLEY: (gives glare at CALVIN) A soda would be great Ashton.
(ASHTON nods and walks off stage right)
ASHLEY: (annoyed) What was that all about?
CALVIN: (annoyed) What? I just don’t think this is a good place for us to be. Ash, we should go I don’t want to be around Tyler all night.
ASHLEY: (comforts CALVIN) Calvin, Tyler is trying to reach out. Give him a chance.
CALVIN: Okay if you can give this a chance, I can too.
ASHLEY: Thank you.
(TYLER and JULIAN come back on stage right)
JULIAN: (smiles huge) Haha, hey guys! Are we interrupting something?
(ASHLEY turns around, TYLER smiles big)
ASHLEY: Oh my gosh you’re here! (hugs TYLER)
CALVIN: Hey Ty
TYLER: What up man?
JULIAN: Hey do you know where Ashton went?
ASHLEY: Yeah! He went to get us drinks. Let’s go find him. (ASHLEY and JULIAN start walking out stage right)
TYLER: Can you get me a coke or something?
JULIAN: Sure.
(JULIAN and ASHLEY exit stage right completely)
CALVIN: Look I don’t know what kind of crap you’re trying to pull but cut it out.
TYLER: Why don’t you believe that I actually want to be friends again.
CALVIN: Because you’re full of shit.
TYLER: Does it look like I care? (deep breath, pause) Look, I am actually willing to try if you are.
CALVIN: Yeah whatever I don’t care. Bye! (Walks off stage right till he meets ASHTON and JULIAN entering stage right carrying red cups. ASHTON carrying two cups, one in one hand, with the names ASHLEY and CALVIN on them. JULIAN is carrying a cup for TYLER. CALVIN doesn’t notice the cups)
CALVIN: Have you guys seen Ashley?
ASHTON: Yeah, she was with us then she asked for the bathroom.
CALVIN: (under his breath) Useless (walks all the way past them off stage right, ASHTON shakes his head and he and JULIAN walk over to TYLER)
ASHTON: We put names just to keep them apart from the other drinks.
(JULIAN hands TYLER his cup.)
JULIAN: If we are going to do this, we need to do it now.
TYLER: (whispers) Wait. I don’t think we should do this anymore.
ASHTON: Dude you can’t back out now
TYLER: I just don’t think it’ll work. Calvin is a smart guy. I’m pretty sure he’d be able to taste it. I mean that stuff was really strong. I just don’t want-
JULIAN: You know what. (JULIAN stretches his arm to the drinks table grabs the flask and pours contents in the cup in TYLER’S hands) You need to calm the hell down.
TYLER: I can’t-
JULIAN: Shut up and drink the damn drink. Jeez it’s too late to back out man.
TYLER: (Looks at the drink and drinks it) I just think he’d be able to taste it.
JULIAN: Don’t worry Tyler that’s why I have Plan B (TYLER takes another sip of drink. JULIAN pulls out contents in pocket)
TYLER: (looks down at drink) What’s Plan B? (looks up at little pouch in JULIAN’S hand, eyes go wide) Why do you have that? Is that a Roofie?
JULIAN: (satisfied.) Already ground up and ready to go,
TYLER: (looks at JULIAN and ASHTON, pause, deep breath) I don’t know guys...this is getting out of hand. We could get into a lot of trouble. ( JULIAN pours contents in pouch in cup marked CALVIN in ASHTON’S hand, ASHTON shakes it a bit)
JULIAN: There….its done. Now all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
TYLER: (takes one last sip of his drink) Ok… (goes to the cooler and drops his cup inside and grabs a water bottle)
ASHTON: (CALVIN walks in stage right looking around for Ashley) Look, he’s coming. (CALVIN walks to them) What up dude! I got that drink you-
CALVIN: (grabbing drink) Shut up, have you seen Ashley anywhere? She went to the bathroom and now I can’t find her
JULIAN: Looks like you need to control your girl (TYLER, ASHTON, JULIAN all chuckle)
CALVIN: Asshole (Takes big gulp from drink. Stares at TYLER intently for a moment) I don’t understand how Ashley thinks we can be friends again
JULIAN: No one would want to be friends with your sorry ass...
CALVIN: (cocky) Well it looks like Ashley does (drinks some of his cup) right Tyler? (drinks the rest of the cup) Thanks for the drink. I need to find Ashley.(CALVIN sets his cup on drink table and exits stage right. Moment of glances of satisfaction and shock between the three)
ASHTON: Duuuuuudddeee…
JULIAN: I can’t believe that just happened…
TYLER: Dude, I have to admit, I’m kinda stoked right now.
ASHTON: How soon do you think were gonna start to see some results?
JULIAN: We’ll just have to wait and find out (ASHLEY enters from stage right,walks to them)
ASHLEY: Hey guys, have you seen Calvin? I can’t find him anywhere. (CALVIN enters from stage right and stumbles onto upstage table with stuff on it. ASHLEY turns around shocked, TYLER, JULIAN, and ASHTON try to control their laughter.)
ASHLEY: (shocked, to CALVIN) Where have you been?
CALVIN: Whaddup baby!
ASHLEY: (disgusted) Oh my god! What’s wrong with you? Have you been drinking?
CALVIN: Whattt me? (shakes head) Naaawww!
ASHLEY: (with disgust) I can’t believe you're even trying to lie about this! Calvin you’re obviously drunk!
CALVIN: (laughs) Haha. Then why’d you ask!? (ASHLEY is disgusted, CALVIN goes to grabs ASHLEY but she pushes him away)
ASHLEY: (furious) Get away from me!
(CALVIN falls down. ASHTON and JULIAN walk up to him, they both grab an arm and pick him up)
ASHTON: C’mon man, you can crash in the guest room.
JULIAN: You’re gonna help clean this room in the morning anyway. (JULIAN, ASHTON and CALVIN exit stage left, ASHLEY sits on couch in disappointment)
ASHLEY: Can you believe Calvin? I’ve never seen him so much as touch alcohol let alone get himself wasted at a party, I should have known that coming here would be a bad idea. I don’t even know what to think of him.
TYLER: (walks to ASHLEY, looks at audience with satisfaction) Well, people change Ash… (sits on the couch, drinks from water bottle, sets it down on the floor next to the couch)
ASHLEY: I wish everything can go back to the way it was, like back in middle school.
TYLER: I know.
ASHLEY: Well, thanks for trying Tyler. (ASHTON walks in from stage right and over hears the last on the conversation) But, I really just want to get out of here, can you take me home?
TYLER: (hesitant) Um, yeah sure.
ASHLEY: Okay let me go grab my jacket.
TYLER: I’ll be here.
(ASHLEY walks past ASHTON off stage right, ASHTON walks up to TYLER)
ASHTON: Dude, what the hell? You’ve had a lot to drink you think you’re gonna be okay?
TYLER: Hell yeah! Her house isn’t even that far from here.
ASHTON: It’s like three freeways over
TYLER: That’s nothing
ASHTON: Dude.
TYLER: (annoyed) What? It’s not that far. I didn’t have that much anyway.
ASHTON: You had everything in the flask. That stuff was strong.
TYLER: Ashton I’m fine!
ASHTON: It’s a bad idea man
TYLER: I got this.
ASHTON: No you don’t. Look, I’ll drive her home. I haven’t been-
TYLER: No! That won’t work. I need to drive her home. I need to be the one to do this!
ASHTON: Ty...
TYLER: (cuts him off) Listen, this is my chance to show her that I’m the one she can depend on. That I’m the better choice. If I don’t do this, there would’ve been no point in making Calvin look bad. (pause) I have no other choice.
ASHTON: Okay, Okay….I get it. Just be careful.
TYLER: I will (small smile)
ASHLEY: (enters stage right) Okay, I’m ready.
(TYLER and ASHLEY exit stage left, ASHTON takes a deep breath lights go down)
CHORUS 5
(chorus enters and lights go on)
CHORUS #3:
Rumor has it...
time has run out
CHORUS #4:
You only thought of your own fears and doubts
The trees have lost their last leaf
it was you who was the thief
CHORUS #1:
You who could’ve stopped fate
you who did the deed
but now it’s too late
ALL CHORUS:
time didn’t slow down
CHORUS #2:
You didn’t see what was really in your way
too much into your fantasy
And now there aren’t anymore days
because of what has become of this tragic reality
ALL CHORUS:
of a mistake that will last an eternity
(every chorus member bows their head and makes their right hand into a fist and cover it with their left hand as the lights go off, car crash sound effect goes off in background. Chorus exits)
EXODUS
(lights come on, a podium is brought on to center stage. A picture of ASHLEY is brought in, stage left, on an easel surrounded by a wreath and flowers. Chorus members and extras from party, including CALVIN, sit down on chairs around stage left and right toward the podium, ASHLEY’S MOTHER is sitting right next to the picture of ASHLEY, CALVIN is right next to her. A handcuffed, jumpsuited TYLER stands upstage right with a police officer standing right behind him. TYLER’s head is down. A little while after PRINCIPAL, dressed formally walks on from stage right to the podium he takes a deep breath and clears his throat)
PRINCIPAL: Life, death, memories. Those are all things we’re going to think about when we talk about the death of Ashley Marin. Her life, was a beautiful one, one filled with happiness and love from everyone whose heart she touched. Her death, a tragic one, caused by a mistake an adolescent mind makes when intoxicated. (glances at TYLER. TYLER sighs) I would like to apologize to the family of Ms. Marin, (pause, looks at ASHLEY’S MOTHER) I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. No parent should ever have to say goodbye to their child under these circumstances. (pause) When losing someone to a drunk driving accident, it’s difficult to not want to point fingers and cast blame. (looks back to audience) No doubt, mistakes were made and the only thing we can do now is learn from them and hope that Ashley’s death instills in all of us a desire to make better choices and stop these types of careless acts from harming any more of our young people. (pause, he rubs his eyes to prevent from crying, looks up at audience) Thank you. (walks off stage right)
Lies, Love, and Loss
PROLOGUE
(Play starts out with lighting on ASHLEY and CALVIN on center stage at a table about to finish eating dinner at a restaurant on their date.)
CALVIN: How’d you like the food?
ASHLEY: It was amazing! Thank you for taking me out tonight. It was nice.
(grabs CALVIN’S hand)
CALVIN: Yeah it was, we should do this again.
ASHLEY: If this is your way of asking me on another date, then yes. We should do this again.
CALVIN: Well then, we should go to Julian’s party. (ASHLEY looks at CALVIN like he’s crazy) Everyone in our class is going to be there. We should go.
ASHLEY: No let’s not.
CALVIN: (removes his hand from ASHLEY’S, and starts to whine) Aww, why not?
ASHLEY: (disgusted) Because it’s Julian’s party. You know there’s gonna be booze there.
CALVIN: Well, we don’t have to drink to have fun at the party. We can dance, hang out with friends, we should make a bet too. I bet you (pause, thinking) Leslie Southerland will be the first one to get drunk.
ASHLEY: (laughs) Yeah right, I bet (pauses) Zach Fulton.
CALVIN: Get out of here.
ASHLEY: No, I’m serious. Zach Fulton is going to be the first one.
CALVIN: (laughs) To get drunk? No, no, no. I doubt that.
ASHLEY: Then it’s a bet. (holds out hand for CALVIN to shake)
CALVIN: (slowly reaches for ASHLEY’S hand) We have to go to find out.
ASHLEY: (drops hand, serious) Calvin I’m not going to that party. I don’t wanna be surrounded by alcohol and I don’t want to watch our friends act stupid. Besides, my mom would kill me if she found out I was even close to a party with underage drinking. (turns body towards audience and looks down) Ever since my dad’s accident.
CALVIN: (reaches over to hold her arm) It’s okay. We don’t have to go, if you don’t want to. It’s not that important. (pause) Hey, do you remember when Tyler’s family invited us to go on their trip to Vegas and me, you, and Tyler snuck out of our hotel rooms and went to the casino?
ASHLEY: (laughs then looks at CALVIN) Yes! The look on that security guards face when he noticed a couple of kids at the BlackJack table! Priceless!
CALVIN: (laughs) I know! And then we were in a high speed chase between us and two security guards.
ASHLEY: (laughs) Oh my god yes! We were like 11 right?
CALVIN: (smiling) Yes we were. (pause)
ASHLEY: Ahh, I miss the old times, Calvin. We were such good friends. What happened to that?
CALVIN: Well, you and I got together and Tyler went his own way. (pause) It’s just the way things happen. Plus, he hates me now. (sad expression)
ASHLEY: No he doesn’t he’s just (pause) distant. (pause) what time is it?
CALVIN: 8:30 why?
ASHLEY: (surprised) My curfew is at 9:00 remember?
CALVIN: Oh yeah, I’m sorry, I’ll take you home.
ASHLEY: Thanks, I’m just going to use the restroom first.
CALVIN: Okay I’ll pay the check.
ASHLEY: I’ll be right out. (exits stage right as TYLER enters stage right)
CALVIN: (looks down at bill. He notices TYLER) Hey Tyler. (stands up)
TYLER: (TYLER looks over and rolls his eyes) What do you want?
CALVIN:(starts chuckling a bit) I just got done with my date with Ashley… (in a cocky/conceited way) You jealous yet?
TYLER: (looks over again annoyed) Just stop. It’s bad enough I don’t have her, don’t rub it in my face, okay.
CALVIN: (ignoring his remark) You know what the best part is? She thinks I’m getting bullied by you. Which is highly believable based on your status, (fingering air quotes) Mr. Jock man.
TYLER: (walks up and looks at CALVIN) Cut it out Calvin I’m not looking for trouble. (walks past CALVIN)
CALVIN: You don’t have to look for it when it wants to find you. (turns around and grabs TYLER. CALVIN punches TYLER in stomach, TYLER grunts and doubles over) Hit me back. (TYLER just tries to regain his balance) Wimp. (TYLER gets up and turns him around punching CALVIN in the eye, causing him to fall on to the table just as ASHLEY walks back on stage from stage right)
ASHLEY:(shocked) TYLER!!
CALVIN: (looking at audience, smirking) What was that for?
TYLER: (confused and panicked to CALVIN) What are you talking about? (To ASHLEY) Ashley I swear it’s not what it looks like, he hit me first.
CALVIN: No I didn’t! I didn’t touch you! (to ASHLEY) See Ashley! I told you he hates me!
ASHLEY: (angry at TYLER) Why would you do that Tyler? What has he ever done to you? (comforts CALVIN and picks him up) C’mon Calvin let’s go. (ASHLEY and CALVIN start to leave stage left)
CALVIN: Wait I forgot to pay the bill, you should go wait in the car, (ASHLEY is hesitant) I’ll be fine.
ASHLEY: (ASHLEY death glares TYLER, to CALVIN) Don’t take too long. (walks off stage right).
CALVIN: (looks back to see ASHLEY leaving, drops his hand from his face walks over to TYLER) Good swing dude, really made her sympathize for me. (TYLER is furious)
TYLER: You know what-
CASHIER: (enters from stage left) Tyler your order is ready.
TYLER: Whatever! (TYLER quickly grabs the plastic bag of food and walks off stage right)
CALVIN: (Yells after Tyler) See ya later loser. (CALVIN finishes paying the bill and lights go off.)
PARADOS
(Lights go on. Setting is school grounds, chorus enters looking like a different stereotype from a traditional high school )
CHORUS #1:
Rumor has it...
The truth always comes out
time ticking closer
with every false sentence and doubt
CHORUS #2:
When it catches up, everything will splinter
And there is no talking your way around
ALL CHORUS:
Time doesn’t slow down
CHORUS #3:
When you are caught, you can try to save yourself
Trying to rebuild what will stay broken
CHORUS #4:
Rumor has it…
The joke is on you,
We have spoken, don’t lie, or you will see
Yourself falling on your face,
ALL CHORUS:
Too heavy with all of your deceit
(chorus exits the opposite ways they entered, lights go off)
SCENE 1
( The lights come on, scene starts on the school grounds of Rosewood high school with a bench set on center stage angled away from stage left, ASHTON sitting on it with phone in hand and his back to left stage. TYLER enters from stage left, walking behind the bench ASHTON is sitting on, to stage right furiously saying...)
TYLER: I can not stand Calvin man!
ASHTON: Dude what happened yesterday?
TYLER:(still furious) Calvin happened!
ASHTON: (stands up and puts phone away) Yeah, very descriptive, dimwit. Tell me what happened.
TYLER: Okay, you know that Italian Restaurant Montello’s?
ASHTON: (smiles) Yeah, man. That’s where-
TYLER: I don’t care. So anyways, (walks to upstage right) my mom called in an order for us there, because she didn’t want to cook. And then she made me go and get it. When I got there Calvin came up to me and told me that him and Ashley were just finishing their date.
ASHTON: (to the audience) No!
TYLER: (doesn’t notice ASHTON) Yeah, and I was like, Calvin I don’t want any trouble, I’m just picking up food for my mom and I.
ASHTON: (to the audience) Mmhmm.
TYLER: (doesn’t notice ASHTON) So as if out of no where, Calvin punched me in the gut.
ASHTON: (to the audience) No, he didn’t.
TYLER: (doesn’t notice ASHTON) Yeah, so as I was hunched over, and he started to walk away so I punched him in the eye, and that’s when Ashley came back so she got mad at me ‘cause that’s all she saw.
ASHTON: (to the audience) Oh no she don’t be knowin’.
TYLER: (doesn’t notice ASHTON) I know. And then he was like I didn’t even touch you, and she bought it.
ASHTON: (to the audience) No!
TYLER: (this time noticing ASHTON) Ashton this is serious man!
ASHTON: (small little laugh) Okay you’re right I’m sorry.
TYLER: (stops, looks at ASHTON sadly) I just don’t know what to do.
ASHTON: Well maybe you can-
TYLER: (interrupts ASHTON, walks over to upstage left) I love her so much, but all she cares about is, (pause, in disgust) Calvin.
ASHTON: (a little annoyed, but still trying to be helpful) I know man, but you can’t just-
TYLER: (interrupts ASHTON again) I mean seriously what does he have that I don’t?
ASHTON: (annoyed, throws his hands) Whatever.
(TYLER continues to contemplate reasons, ASHTON sit back down on the bench, taking out his phone, not paying TYLER any attention. Occasionally saying yes and nodding his head as if to appear like he’s listening.)
TYLER: Not to be conceited or anything but I’m the total package, (counts on fingers while he’s listing the qualities) Amazing physique, I’m nice to her, I’m honest and smart.
ASHTON: (still on his phone not paying attention) Yep.
TYLER: I mean what is he? Deceitful, doesn’t even care about her. You know, I think he’s only with her because it makes me mad and because it means I can’t have her.
ASHTON: (still on his phone not paying attention) Yeah, I know right?
TYLER: I mean it’s just not fair (stops in center stage body facing the audience. He looks toward ASHTON breathing a little hard, with his hands on his hips, pause) What the- (slaps ASHTON in the back of the head)
ASHTON: (looks at TYLER like what the heck) The hell’s your problem man?
TYLER: (takes phone out of ASHTON’S hand. ASHTON stands up, TYLER checks the phone and gets mad) You’re my problem! Seriously? You’re checking Instagram while I’m pouring my heart out to you? Are you for real? (throws phone at ASHTON, ASHTON catches it).
ASHTON: (mad) Well I wouldn’t have to find something better to do if you weren’t acting like such a wimp. I mean if you love her, and seriously would do anything for her then show it. Do something about it. Don’t let Calvin run all over you.
CALVIN: (enters from stage left with his backpack on, taunting TYLER) Yeah, Tyler don’t let big bad Cal man run all over you. (ASHTON is pissed) Oh wait it’s too late because I already am running all over you. I’m doing laps all across your face. (walks up to TYLER’S face, pause) I own you, Ty. And there isn’t anything you can do about it. She loves me, and she thinks you’re just a big dumb jock that has anger problems and beats on everyone he thinks is under him.
TYLER: (acting tough, but deep down really scared) You’re lying. She doesn’t think that.
CALVIN: (laughs and steps out of his face) Believe whatever you want Tyler, but she’s mine, not yours. (walks towards off stage right but before he steps off) Oh and good luck trying to put me in my place, because I’d rather die than let Ashley get with you. (walks back off stage)
ASHTON: (pause, turns to TYLER, joking) Well, If dying is the only way Calvin will give you Ashley, then he’ll have to die. (ASHTON chuckles. Then realizes TYLER is seriously thinking about it) I’m joking. (TYLER fake laughs and ASHTON checks phone) Hey my mom says I gotta get home. I’ll see you later (ASHTON exits stage left)
TYLER: (feeling worn out) Ugh what do I do. (exits stage left. Lights go off)
CHORUS 1
(chorus enters and lights go on)
CHORUS #4:
Rumor has it…
Flaws are hard to resist
especially when they’re easy to see
CHORUS #1:
Acting upon anger is never the way
Just calm down and breathe
CHORUS #2:
Don’t ignore the brain by following the heart.
With emotions running deep, regretful actions may start
ALL CHORUS:
Don’t look down
CHORUS #3:
For your answers on the ground (pause)
Rumor has it…
emotions like to come out to play
don’t let them control you, find your own way
‘cause in the end you’ll find yourself
ALL CHORUS:
Drifting in a sea of vengeance
(chorus exits the opposite way they entered, lights go off)
SCENE 2
(lights turn on, scene starts on school grounds at Rosewood High school, bench in stage left,. ASHLEY is sitting on the side closest to stage right. She is reading. TYLER walks on from stage right with his backpack on, he sees ASHLEY and fixes himself up a bit. He shyly walks over to ASHLEY.)
TYLER: (shyly) Hey Ashley.
ASHLEY: (still looking at her book, flipping the page) What do you want Tyler?
TYLER: Can I talk to you?
ASHLEY: (closes her book, looks at TYLER) You’re already talking so what do you want?
TYLER: I just want to apologize for what happened at the restaurant. I let it get too far, but you gotta hear me out. (ASHLEY nods her head) Okay, So I-I, It-t, um… Okay so you know Calvin right?
ASHLEY: (sarcastic) No, I’ve never heard of the guy.
TYLER: Right, okay. Sorry, I wanted to apologize for what happened at the restaurant.
ASHLEY: You already said that.
TYLER: Wow, this is harder than I thought.
ASHLEY: (stands up grasps his arm, sincere) Why, whats wrong?
TYLER: (takes a deep breath) I’m sorry, I’ve been really childish and I shouldn’t have let it get out of hand. I had a chance to stop and I just kept going. I truly am sorry putting you through that. I should’ve been the bigger man.
ASHLEY: (lets go of TYLER’S arm) What do you mean the bigger man?
(CALVIN walks in from stage right but neither ASHLEY or TYLER see him)
TYLER: He hit me first.
ASHLEY: Give me a break Tyler. Calvin wouldn’t hurt anyone. It’s pretty pathetic that you’re trying to blame him for everything. If you’re truly sorry just be sorry don’t try and make excuses.
(CALVIN approaches the conversation and gently puts his arms around Ashley lovingly and glares at Tyler )
CALVIN: What’s going on Tyler? What wouldn’t Calvin do?
ASHLEY: Calvin wouldn’t punch Tyler right? (Sarcastically)
CALVIN: What?! Calvin definitely wouldn’t hit Tyler.
TYLER: Yes you would, you already did. And why are you talking in third person?
CALVIN: (Takes arms off of Ashley and gets in Tyler’s face) ‘Cause I want to, and what do you mean? I never touched you.
TYLER: (In Calvin’s face)Yes you did. That night when you two were out on a date at the restaurant. You punched me in the gut and called me a wimp so I punched you in the face and….
CALVIN: (cuts him off) Ash, that’s so not what went down. Can you believe this guy? (steps close to Tyler) What a jerk trying to make me look bad….
TYLER: (steps in) You're the jerk…
(Tyler and Calvin are both heated and pushing up on each other)
ASHLEY:(steps between both of them) Enough! Guys what has happened to us? We all use to be such good friends.
CALVIN: Things have changed.
ASHLEY: Well, we can change them back. Tyler, you said you were sorry. You said you want to make things right. Let’s do something together like old times. Why don’t we all go to the movies this Saturday?
CALVIN: (in disbelief) What? I thought we, you and me, were going out on Saturday.
ASHLEY: It’s okay Calvin, you and I will have plenty of time together, this is a chance for all of us to hang out. You know, like you said, just like the old times. Tyler, Ashley,and Calvin.
TYLER: Sorry Ashley but I can’t.
ASHLEY: Why?
TYLER: Ash, (Pause) Calvin and I don’t get along. The old days are gone, it’s never going to be the same.
ASHLEY: But we can change the past! You just have to give it a shot
TYLER: (angry) No Ashley! Nothing is going to be the same! Too much crap has happened between then and now!
ASHLEY: Why can’t you just give it a chance?
TYLER: (yelling) Because Ashley!
CALVIN: (yelling) Who the hell do you think you are! You can’t yell at her!
TYLER: Stay out of it Calvin!
ASHLEY: Tyler what gives? Why do you hate Calvin so much? Why are you so angry?
TYLER: Ugh, Ash you wouldn’t understand!
ASHLEY: Try me!
TYLER: (yelling, really mad.) Fine! I am sick of Calvin! He’s been harassing me and ridiculing me ever since you started dating
CALVIN: Here we go again with the false accusations
TYLER: I’m not lying and you know it. You’ve been making me look bad just so you can look good in front of Ashley.
CALVIN: Nuh-uh
TYLER: YES-
ASHLEY: Ugh! You’re so immature! Tyler, in order for me to forgive you, you have to accept Calvin. If you can’t do that than we don’t have anything more to talk about.
(ASHLEY Storms off )
CALVIN: Good job Tyler
(CALVIN follows ASHLEY and exits stage right and TYLER angrily exits stage left)
TYLER: Ugh!! (walks off stage, lights go off)
CHORUS 2
(chorus enters and lights go on)
CHORUS #3:
Rumor has is...
not everything is as it seems
what they say isn’t always what they mean
CHORUS #4:
You listen to one not the other
one is sincere, one is playing undercover
CHORUS #1:
Known both forever,
but do you know for sure,
the one with the intentions pure
ALL CHORUS:
It’s almost too late
CHORUS #2:
To set things straight.
But why give out the truth,
if they tell their side and take you into a dispute
You need to ask why,
or else you risk seeing them
ALL CHORUS:
for the last time
(chorus exits, lights go off)
SCENE 3
(lights come on to a locker room set up. The lockers are put upstage right and a bench is put center stage. ASHTON is sitting on the bench playing with a ball while JULIAN is upstage at his locker checking himself out in the mirror attached to the door. 2 gym bags are set up, one next to JULIAN and the locker, and the other next to ASHTON and the bench. TYLER enters from stage left angrily with his gym bag walking all the way to downstage right. throwing the gym bag down and rummaging through it.)
ASHTON: Dude what’s up?
TYLER: (angry, still going through bag) I don’t wanna talk about it.
JULIAN: Well, you’re gonna. (arms crossed)
TYLER: (barely looks over his shoulder, still messing with his bag talking to JULIAN) Not now Julian!
(ASHTON stands up and JULIAN grabs TYLER and sits him down on the bench)
ASHTON: (arms crossed) Talk.
TYLER: (angered) So I went to go apologize to Ashley (JULIAN and ASHTON both roll their eyes, JULIAN goes back to checking himself out in his locker mirror) about punching Calvin, then he walked up and totally lied.
ASHTON: (angry) You need to take care of Calvin! You and Ashley belong together. And you need to man up and make her see him for what he is.
TYLER: (sad) I know but (stands up from bench and walks past ASHTON to upstage left) she doesn’t see. She’s blinded.
ASHTON: Well, you need to be her glasses.
JULIAN: (laughs) Nice metaphor dude.
ASHTON: Thanks I used it in a-
TYLER: Ugh, can you guys be serious for more than two seconds. Calvin has seriously ruined my life. It was bad enough when Ashley and I were just friends, but now I don’t even have that.
ASHTON: You gotta do something about him then.
JULIAN: Yeah, (jumps on bench) put him in his place.
TYLER: But how? (throws hands in the air, sits on the bench) Ashley loves him and if I hurt him she’d never forgive me, let alone be my friend. (runs fingers through hair)
ASHTON: Who said you had to hurt him. All you have to do is get him to screw up right? It shouldn’t be that hard to make him look bad.
JULIAN: Yeah! (jumps off bench) Tell them to come to my party this weekend.
ASHTON:You know what, (little pause) that’s not a bad idea at all. (looks at audience) Call Ashley and say you’re sorry, tell her you’ll give Calvin a chance then convince her to go.
TYLER: Yeah right guys. (walks back to gym bag) You and I both know she’ll never go to a high school party. Those things are packed with alcohol.
ASHTON: (walks to TYLER) She’ll go just ‘cause she thinks you’re making an effort. She does like you. Even if it’s as a friend.
TYLER: But, (looks back at ASHTON) I’m not actually making an effort, (focus back on bag, JULIAN places foot on bench and ties his shoe)
ASHTON: She thinks you are. (gets closer to ASHTON) That’s all that matters. (pause) She’ll go, you just gotta convince her. (to audience) Once you get them there, we can-we can get Calvin drunk. Hella drunk… (Sarcastically) and we all know how much Ashley loves that.
TYLER: (Tyler thinks about it) I’ll try, but even if I do convince her, (turns away from bag facing ASHTON and TYLER) how are we going to get Calvin drunk? We can’t just give him shots, he doesn’t drink either. He never touches the stuff.
JULIAN: Dude, whats up with teens these days. People are supposed to start drinking at like thirteen! (ASHTON and TYLER glance at each other. ASHTON facepalms and TYLER looks down shaking his head.)
TYLER: (under his breath) Idiot.
ASHTON: (looks like he has an idea) We can spike his drink. He won’t have a clue of what’s happening until its too late.
JULIAN: Since he’s never drank he’s probably gonna get wasted super quick.
ASHTON: And who knows what he’d do.
JULIAN: And Ashley would get seriously pissed. That’d kill him.
TYLER: I don’t want to kill him.
JULIAN: That’s not what I meant. Jeez and you thought I was dumb.
TYLER: I don’t think you’re dumb, I know it.
JULIAN: Hey I’m trying to help you, I don’t have to be doing this right now.
TYLER: I know. It’s just stressful. (sits on bench)
JULIAN: (angry) How is it stressful? This is just taking care of business.
TYLER: ‘Cause I don’t want to do this. There has to be a better way.
ASHTON: I hate to break it to you, but there isn’t.
TYLER: (deep breath) I don’t know. It just doesn’t seem right.
ASHTON: (a little angry) Okay so letting Ashley stay with a guy that you know is a total jerk is right?
TYLER: (angry) Well, (stands up and walks to upstage left) she doesn’t believe anything I say about him. (more calm) Plus she’s happy, (small pause) That should be all that matters, right?
ASHTON: (calm, but angry) Okay, but while her life is all dandelions and daffodils your life has been turned into a living hell! Now if I were you, I wouldn’t take his crap any more. I mean aren’t you tired?
TYLER: I am, but that doesn’t mean that we have to hurt him. Aren’t we better than that?
JULIAN: We are better that’s why we gotta show him that we can beat him at his own game.
TYLER: (annoyed) That’s not what being better than him means.
ASHTON: Whether we’re better than Calvin or not doesn’t matter. He’s pushed you to the last straw. You have to do something to show Ashley she was wrong, and you’re right.
TYLER: (takes deep breath and walks downstage center) Okay, fine. I’m in,
JULIAN: Yes!
ASHTON: Okay, looks like it’s a plan. Make sure you do everything in your power to get her to go.
TYLER: I’ll call her later,
JULIAN: Ashton, (walks to ASHTON) when am I gonna get my football back? Can I stop by your place and grab it on the way home?
ASHTON: Oh yeah, let me get my-
TYLER: Holy crap guys!
JULIAN: What’s wrong?
TYLER: Today’s Friday! We’re late for practice!
ASHTON: Oh god Coach is gonna kill us!
(All three hurriedly grab their gym bags and run off stage right, lights go off)
CHORUS 3
(chorus enters and lights go on)
CHORUS #2:
Rumor has it…
closed minds only encourage bad decisions.
CHORUS #3:
Fooling yourself into thinking they’re right
Their words making you give into the fight
But fighting fire with fire doesn’t mean you are strong
CHORUS #4:
It just adds to the corruption and ultimate destruction
Of your judgement turning from good to wrong
ALL CHORUS:
Don’t make rash decisions
CHORUS #1:
Because, rumor has it...
Having feelings make it hard
to think, when they tear you apart.
Where is this plan coming from?
ALL CHORUS:
Think about the outcome
(chorus exits the opposite way they entered, lights go off)
SCENE 4
(lights come on, Setting is ASHLEY’s living room. A couch is set in center stage with Ashley sitting on far stage right side of it. Her cell phone is lying next to her. TYLER is in the stage right corner of downstage)
TYLER: (stands up) Ok, I’m gonna call her.
(TYLER types in ASHLEY’S phone number. A ringing sound starts as ASHLEY puts down her book to look at her phone. She looks annoyed)
ASHLEY: (sounds angry) Why is he calling me? (ASHLEY lets the phone go to voicemail)
TYLER: Oh c’mon Ashley pick up! (calls again puts the phone to his ear)
ASHLEY: Alright already! Why won’t he give it a rest? (ASHLEY throws her book on the couch and picks up the phone) What do you want Tyler?
TYLER: I just wanted to apologize for being such a jerk to you and Calvin the other day, so… I’m sorry. I really do want us all to go out and have some fun like old times. Whad’ya say?
ASHLEY: No (hangs up).
TYLER: My god this girl is work. (dials her number again)
ASHLEY: (phone rings again, answers) Tyler, I obviously don’t want to talk to you! Stop calling me!
TYLER: Oh come on Ash! I really am sorry, and I-I just miss you, and I’d hate to admit it but (Tyler sighs) I miss Calvin too. (TYLER covers his face trying to hide the hatred) But don’t tell him I said that! I guess I’m just lonely and I felt like a third wheel when you and Calvin started dating so I became a little bitter. But I’m trying to change.We should all hang out again. (pause) Please?
ASHLEY: (ASHLEY sighs) I miss you too Ty, but-
TYLER: Hear me out.
ASHLEY: (sighs) Ok, what do you have in mind.
TYLER: (smiles widely) Well, I’m sure you heard that Julian is having a party at his house this Saturday. It would be great if you and Calvin would come! We could all hang out.
ASHLEY: No, I already told Calvin. I’m not going to that party!
TYLER: Look Ash I know you’re totally against alcohol, but you don’t have to drink to be at a party. Lots of people won’t be drinking.
ASHLEY: That’s what Calvin said.
TYLER: Yeah see? Great minds think a like.
ASHLEY: I mean you both are great, but I don’t think your minds are 100% there. (laughs)
TYLER: (laughs) Oh, whatever! So what do you say?
ASHLEY: (smiles) You know what, maybe you’re right. I really do want us all to hang out. To stop arguing and be friends.
TYLER: Exactly! (pauses) I’m really looking forward to seeing you there
ASHLEY: Same!
TYLER: Awesome! See you then.
ASHLEY: Okay
TYLER: Bye! (They both hang up, TYLER exits stage right. ASHLEY throws her phone back where she got it and starts to study again. Pause, knock on ASHLEY’s door.)
ASHLEY: Come in!
CALVIN: (enters stage right) Hey Ashley. (slowly walks behind ASHLEY’S couch) How’s the studying going?
ASHLEY: Not bad. Guess who just called me...
CALVIN: Who?
ASHLEY: Tyler. He called to apologize and to talk about going to Julian’s party. I think we should go.
CALVIN: (looks out to audience on stage left) Really? What’d he say that made you change your mind?
ASHLEY: I don’t know. He just seemed sincere, like he really wants us all to hang out. I know there will be alcohol there. But like you said….we don’t have to drink to go to a party. Besides this is a chance for us all to get back together. A chance for you and Tyler to make up. (smiles)
CALVIN: But Ash, there’s gonna be alcohol there. Everyone will be drunk, acting stupid. Are you going to be ok with that?
ASHLEY: As long as we’re all together, I’ll be good. I won’t be drunk, you won’t be and neither will Tyler. That’s all that matters to me. (grabs CALVIN’S shoulders )Why are you questioning this so much? I thought you wanted to go.
CALVIN: I do. (turns towards audience looking down, sighs and rolls eyes) Ok, (pause, turns back to ASHLEY) let’s go.
ASHLEY: Thank you. (grabs CALVIN’S hands. Acting cute) Promise you’ll try to make up with Ty? (hugs CALVIN)
CALVIN: I promise. (Calvin’s face is toward audience, ASHLEY’S back is to the audience. He rolls his eyes and looks annoyed. Lights go down)
CHORUS 4
(chorus enters and lights go on)
CHORUS #1:
Rumor has it...
hope leads to mistrust
which is easily disguised as something real
CHORUS #2:
When actually they’re just waiting
waiting for you to seal the deal
don’t get closer, don’t look back
CHORUS #3:
Because they’re not the person you thought
not the person who would give you all they’ve got
ALL CHORUS:
Read between the lies
CHORUS #4:
and when you figure it out one day
you’ll see
they’re not the person you thought to be
because now...
ALL CHORUS:
all they know is jealousy
(chorus exits opposite ways they came in, lights go off)
SCENE 5
(lights go on, party music going on in the background. Setting is in JULIAN’S living room, same setup as ASHLEY’S living room. Two girls are behind the couch in upstage center talking, a boy is upstage left sitting on a cooler at the edge of the stage getting drunk. Another boy is standing just in front of the entrance on stage left drinking as well. There is a small desk downstage right with a white table cloth and red cups, some drinks and other party foods. A cooler is set up upstage left. JULIAN is at the drink table grooving to the music pouring and mixing drinks. ASHTON and TYLER are center. TYLER is freaking out.)
TYLER: Shouldn’t she be here by now? Do you think Calvin and Ash got lost or something? I should text her. (pulls out phone)
ASHTON: Dude, chillax, (takes phone out of TYLER’S hand, puts it in his pocket) You don’t want to seem overly desperate.
JULIAN: Yeah dude, you’re too tense (pours liquid from bottle into an empty cup and hands it to TYLER) Take a sip of this it’ll calm you down.
TYLER: Dude no. If this plan is going to work I need to stay completely sober. (tries to give it back)
JULIAN: (insisting) Trust me, it’ll help. (Pushes drink back to TYLER)
(TYLER somewhat reluctantly takes swig from cup)
JULIAN: (not said as a question) That’s the good stuff, right?
TYLER: Oh, god. That’s super strong. Guys I don’t want to kill him, I just wanted to get him drunk enough
ASHTON: That’s ‘cause you drank it straight. As soon as you mix it with something you won’t be able to taste it.
TYLER: No I don’t believe you. It’s not going to work, it’s going to backfire, Oh god-
JULIAN: Look dude. Calm down. Let’s go outside, you need fresh air.
(JULIAN pulls TYLER and they exit stage right. ASHLEY and CALVIN enter from stage left walking towards ASHTON)
ASHTON: Hey Ash! You made it! (ASHTON smiles. CALVIN looks around the place disgusted)
ASHLEY: Yeah, it doesn’t hurt to party, plus Tyler was pretty persistent in getting us to come. Is he here yet?
ASHTON: You just missed him, they went outside to get some air. Can I get you guys a drink?
ASHLEY: Oh I-we don’t-
ASHTON: I know, I meant like a soda or something
CALVIN: If were gonna be stuck at this party I guess...
ASHLEY: (gives glare at CALVIN) A soda would be great Ashton.
(ASHTON nods and walks off stage right)
ASHLEY: (annoyed) What was that all about?
CALVIN: (annoyed) What? I just don’t think this is a good place for us to be. Ash, we should go I don’t want to be around Tyler all night.
ASHLEY: (comforts CALVIN) Calvin, Tyler is trying to reach out. Give him a chance.
CALVIN: Okay if you can give this a chance, I can too.
ASHLEY: Thank you.
(TYLER and JULIAN come back on stage right)
JULIAN: (smiles huge) Haha, hey guys! Are we interrupting something?
(ASHLEY turns around, TYLER smiles big)
ASHLEY: Oh my gosh you’re here! (hugs TYLER)
CALVIN: Hey Ty
TYLER: What up man?
JULIAN: Hey do you know where Ashton went?
ASHLEY: Yeah! He went to get us drinks. Let’s go find him. (ASHLEY and JULIAN start walking out stage right)
TYLER: Can you get me a coke or something?
JULIAN: Sure.
(JULIAN and ASHLEY exit stage right completely)
CALVIN: Look I don’t know what kind of crap you’re trying to pull but cut it out.
TYLER: Why don’t you believe that I actually want to be friends again.
CALVIN: Because you’re full of shit.
TYLER: Does it look like I care? (deep breath, pause) Look, I am actually willing to try if you are.
CALVIN: Yeah whatever I don’t care. Bye! (Walks off stage right till he meets ASHTON and JULIAN entering stage right carrying red cups. ASHTON carrying two cups, one in one hand, with the names ASHLEY and CALVIN on them. JULIAN is carrying a cup for TYLER. CALVIN doesn’t notice the cups)
CALVIN: Have you guys seen Ashley?
ASHTON: Yeah, she was with us then she asked for the bathroom.
CALVIN: (under his breath) Useless (walks all the way past them off stage right, ASHTON shakes his head and he and JULIAN walk over to TYLER)
ASHTON: We put names just to keep them apart from the other drinks.
(JULIAN hands TYLER his cup.)
JULIAN: If we are going to do this, we need to do it now.
TYLER: (whispers) Wait. I don’t think we should do this anymore.
ASHTON: Dude you can’t back out now
TYLER: I just don’t think it’ll work. Calvin is a smart guy. I’m pretty sure he’d be able to taste it. I mean that stuff was really strong. I just don’t want-
JULIAN: You know what. (JULIAN stretches his arm to the drinks table grabs the flask and pours contents in the cup in TYLER’S hands) You need to calm the hell down.
TYLER: I can’t-
JULIAN: Shut up and drink the damn drink. Jeez it’s too late to back out man.
TYLER: (Looks at the drink and drinks it) I just think he’d be able to taste it.
JULIAN: Don’t worry Tyler that’s why I have Plan B (TYLER takes another sip of drink. JULIAN pulls out contents in pocket)
TYLER: (looks down at drink) What’s Plan B? (looks up at little pouch in JULIAN’S hand, eyes go wide) Why do you have that? Is that a Roofie?
JULIAN: (satisfied.) Already ground up and ready to go,
TYLER: (looks at JULIAN and ASHTON, pause, deep breath) I don’t know guys...this is getting out of hand. We could get into a lot of trouble. ( JULIAN pours contents in pouch in cup marked CALVIN in ASHTON’S hand, ASHTON shakes it a bit)
JULIAN: There….its done. Now all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
TYLER: (takes one last sip of his drink) Ok… (goes to the cooler and drops his cup inside and grabs a water bottle)
ASHTON: (CALVIN walks in stage right looking around for Ashley) Look, he’s coming. (CALVIN walks to them) What up dude! I got that drink you-
CALVIN: (grabbing drink) Shut up, have you seen Ashley anywhere? She went to the bathroom and now I can’t find her
JULIAN: Looks like you need to control your girl (TYLER, ASHTON, JULIAN all chuckle)
CALVIN: Asshole (Takes big gulp from drink. Stares at TYLER intently for a moment) I don’t understand how Ashley thinks we can be friends again
JULIAN: No one would want to be friends with your sorry ass...
CALVIN: (cocky) Well it looks like Ashley does (drinks some of his cup) right Tyler? (drinks the rest of the cup) Thanks for the drink. I need to find Ashley.(CALVIN sets his cup on drink table and exits stage right. Moment of glances of satisfaction and shock between the three)
ASHTON: Duuuuuudddeee…
JULIAN: I can’t believe that just happened…
TYLER: Dude, I have to admit, I’m kinda stoked right now.
ASHTON: How soon do you think were gonna start to see some results?
JULIAN: We’ll just have to wait and find out (ASHLEY enters from stage right,walks to them)
ASHLEY: Hey guys, have you seen Calvin? I can’t find him anywhere. (CALVIN enters from stage right and stumbles onto upstage table with stuff on it. ASHLEY turns around shocked, TYLER, JULIAN, and ASHTON try to control their laughter.)
ASHLEY: (shocked, to CALVIN) Where have you been?
CALVIN: Whaddup baby!
ASHLEY: (disgusted) Oh my god! What’s wrong with you? Have you been drinking?
CALVIN: Whattt me? (shakes head) Naaawww!
ASHLEY: (with disgust) I can’t believe you're even trying to lie about this! Calvin you’re obviously drunk!
CALVIN: (laughs) Haha. Then why’d you ask!? (ASHLEY is disgusted, CALVIN goes to grabs ASHLEY but she pushes him away)
ASHLEY: (furious) Get away from me!
(CALVIN falls down. ASHTON and JULIAN walk up to him, they both grab an arm and pick him up)
ASHTON: C’mon man, you can crash in the guest room.
JULIAN: You’re gonna help clean this room in the morning anyway. (JULIAN, ASHTON and CALVIN exit stage left, ASHLEY sits on couch in disappointment)
ASHLEY: Can you believe Calvin? I’ve never seen him so much as touch alcohol let alone get himself wasted at a party, I should have known that coming here would be a bad idea. I don’t even know what to think of him.
TYLER: (walks to ASHLEY, looks at audience with satisfaction) Well, people change Ash… (sits on the couch, drinks from water bottle, sets it down on the floor next to the couch)
ASHLEY: I wish everything can go back to the way it was, like back in middle school.
TYLER: I know.
ASHLEY: Well, thanks for trying Tyler. (ASHTON walks in from stage right and over hears the last on the conversation) But, I really just want to get out of here, can you take me home?
TYLER: (hesitant) Um, yeah sure.
ASHLEY: Okay let me go grab my jacket.
TYLER: I’ll be here.
(ASHLEY walks past ASHTON off stage right, ASHTON walks up to TYLER)
ASHTON: Dude, what the hell? You’ve had a lot to drink you think you’re gonna be okay?
TYLER: Hell yeah! Her house isn’t even that far from here.
ASHTON: It’s like three freeways over
TYLER: That’s nothing
ASHTON: Dude.
TYLER: (annoyed) What? It’s not that far. I didn’t have that much anyway.
ASHTON: You had everything in the flask. That stuff was strong.
TYLER: Ashton I’m fine!
ASHTON: It’s a bad idea man
TYLER: I got this.
ASHTON: No you don’t. Look, I’ll drive her home. I haven’t been-
TYLER: No! That won’t work. I need to drive her home. I need to be the one to do this!
ASHTON: Ty...
TYLER: (cuts him off) Listen, this is my chance to show her that I’m the one she can depend on. That I’m the better choice. If I don’t do this, there would’ve been no point in making Calvin look bad. (pause) I have no other choice.
ASHTON: Okay, Okay….I get it. Just be careful.
TYLER: I will (small smile)
ASHLEY: (enters stage right) Okay, I’m ready.
(TYLER and ASHLEY exit stage left, ASHTON takes a deep breath lights go down)
CHORUS 5
(chorus enters and lights go on)
CHORUS #3:
Rumor has it...
time has run out
CHORUS #4:
You only thought of your own fears and doubts
The trees have lost their last leaf
it was you who was the thief
CHORUS #1:
You who could’ve stopped fate
you who did the deed
but now it’s too late
ALL CHORUS:
time didn’t slow down
CHORUS #2:
You didn’t see what was really in your way
too much into your fantasy
And now there aren’t anymore days
because of what has become of this tragic reality
ALL CHORUS:
of a mistake that will last an eternity
(every chorus member bows their head and makes their right hand into a fist and cover it with their left hand as the lights go off, car crash sound effect goes off in background. Chorus exits)
EXODUS
(lights come on, a podium is brought on to center stage. A picture of ASHLEY is brought in, stage left, on an easel surrounded by a wreath and flowers. Chorus members and extras from party, including CALVIN, sit down on chairs around stage left and right toward the podium, ASHLEY’S MOTHER is sitting right next to the picture of ASHLEY, CALVIN is right next to her. A handcuffed, jumpsuited TYLER stands upstage right with a police officer standing right behind him. TYLER’s head is down. A little while after PRINCIPAL, dressed formally walks on from stage right to the podium he takes a deep breath and clears his throat)
PRINCIPAL: Life, death, memories. Those are all things we’re going to think about when we talk about the death of Ashley Marin. Her life, was a beautiful one, one filled with happiness and love from everyone whose heart she touched. Her death, a tragic one, caused by a mistake an adolescent mind makes when intoxicated. (glances at TYLER. TYLER sighs) I would like to apologize to the family of Ms. Marin, (pause, looks at ASHLEY’S MOTHER) I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. No parent should ever have to say goodbye to their child under these circumstances. (pause) When losing someone to a drunk driving accident, it’s difficult to not want to point fingers and cast blame. (looks back to audience) No doubt, mistakes were made and the only thing we can do now is learn from them and hope that Ashley’s death instills in all of us a desire to make better choices and stop these types of careless acts from harming any more of our young people. (pause, he rubs his eyes to prevent from crying, looks up at audience) Thank you. (walks off stage right)