18 replies to this topic

[Prof. Caleb Rothwell]

 

Act 2, Scene 1
 
Setting:
 

Potato field, almost maine

 

It's around 8:50 to a bit after 9 P.M, on a cold, clear, moonless, slightly surreal Friday night
in the middle of the deepest part of a Northern Maine winter.

Characters:
Deena

Shelly
 

SCRIPT

Edited by Aymeric Mallard, 16 April 2023 - 09:10 AM.

[Alfie Miller]

[Kohl Saunders- Closed scene with Eva Whitlock (Aaria)]

 

Alfie had zero idea of what he was doing but all he knew was that it was so much fun. He loved playing Kohl who was this shady funny stoner kid who actually was the drug dealer for the school that the movie was based around. It was so funny since Kohl was nothing like Alfie but he found that was what he liked so much about it. He got to do bad things and act crazy and there were no consequences. Alfie got dressed up in his character outfit and soon found himself under the bleachers as they were about to do some acting for the movie. He didn't know the girl, Aaria but it didn't matter much as they'd be acting as their characters for most of the time unless they had to cut for whatever reason. 

 

The lunch bell rings and students are released to take their break. Students rush to find their friends and hangout spots. Under the bleachers hide a group of kids known as the 'stoners'. Most know they are there but don't bother to intervene as the kids get high between classes to let off a little steam.

 

Kohl sat under the bleachers in the dirt, one leg propped up over the other. He pulled a blunt out of his pocket, one he had been looking forward to using all day. He put the tip of it in his mouth as he reached into his backpack and pulled out a lighter. Thanks to the magic of Hogwarts and wonderful props the blunt wasn't real despite how it looked. He lit it as he covered the end to protect it from the wind and then took a deep breath in as it was lit, letting the smoke fill his lungs. Kohl dropped his head back and closed enjoying the instant relaxation it brought. But footsteps were heard and he opened his eyes to see Eva, a girl he often got high and were good friends. "Sup, Whitlock. Been a hot minute since I've seen you around," he smirked then held out his lighter, "Need a light?"

 

Needless to say Alfie felt the coolest he had ever felt in his entire life.

[India Upshaw]

{1; [jenna paul;; closed scene with wyatt brody; rpc #22. broke]}

 

The long blond hair was something Dia wasn't expecting, but the philtrum piercing? And don't get her started on the heavy makeup, especially the eyebrows. She didn't hate it to be honest, but at fourteen, it was a bit too much and she looked twenty or something, which was amusing considering her baby face. The wardrobe was cool though, and she got excited with every new outfit, pair of shoes and bags she was given. She had only recently started to be more feminine and while her favourite color was still black, she was more okay with wearing other colors. For one of her scenes with Ezra, she had been dressed up in a pink dress, her high heels, a designer bag and her long blond hair falling over her shoulders. She'd be seating at the bleachers and had been laying down onto them reading her lines under the sun, taking advantage of her time there to sunbathe. To be honest, Dia was a bit nervous about the scene, only because she had agreed to go out on a date with him and now suddenly felt all giddy around him when that had never happened before — at least not to this extent. But she was pretty much conflicted as well, though she tried to not show it. Ezra was seen approaching the bleachers and so they needed to go to their places. She sat up, fixed her dress and her hair and lit her fake cigarette that she had been practicing how to 'smoke' without coughing like crazy, it being a mixture of harmless herbs that didn't taste too badly. She took an initial puff and cough, laughing under her breath as she patted her chest and nodded when asked if she was okay. The second one was easier, and finally, they were ready to start.
 

The scene takes place during school hours, the juniors spreaded along the Arts class, Biology and Maths. It's the monday after the football game.

 

Jenna's leg shook incessantly as she took pull after pull of her cigarette. No matter how many times she had searched around of her little jewelry boxes containing the molly, she hadn't found them. She had been successfully dealing in secret for a couple years now, but it looked like someone had caught her and taken all of the merch. She did have the money to pay for it, but dealers didn't take this mistakes kindly, and she was beyond stressed out and anxious. Besides, paying for all of it meant she'd probably go broke as she wasn't the best at saving and she owed a strong sum of money in pills. With how strict her dad was, she wouldn't get more money until she was of age, which meant years from now. She could sell her car but her dad would make loads of questions and what would she do without it? It was a miracle she wasn't crying or having an attack, and was instead staring into nothingness with her leg shaking. The field wouldn't be occupied until later, and with no desire of being stuck in some stupid class right now, wasn't in a rush, though her mind definitely was.

Edited by India Upshaw, 08 July 2021 - 02:12 PM.

[Aina Keller]

1 - [Michelle Williams - aka "Mitch" - Closed Scene with Asher McClain and principal Edison Paul [will join later]

RPC#26. New Friend

 

This is probably a major thing for her character but for Aina, this is the least scene she wanted to do. Not because she didn’t like the story, it’s actually pretty interesting, what she didn’t like is vandalizing school’s properly. She was never a fan of vandalism and graffitis because they destroy a property which is important to some. But for this scene, she needs to deal with this the best way she can and control herself from cringing while doing Mitch’s crime. In her hand, she’s holding pencil and notepad while she’s sitting on the grass behind the school. Not far from her she got a good view of the bleachers. There are 3 cans of paint ready beside her bag. She was eyeing the wall in front of her where she’s going to do the little act.  As usual she’s wearing her character’s signature outfit. The hairstylist put her hair in a tight bun so as not to impede with her painting. For this scene, she discarded her cap but retained the headset. Aina looked at the other actor and grinned before they were signaled to start.

 

----

 

It was around 3 in the afternoon, it was an average day, majority of the students are in their respective classrooms, others have early practice by the outdoor field and the rest are streaming into the building. Average…. Save for the stream of students heading off somewhere, gathering in a crowd by the field. Mitch eyed them curiously for a second…before going about her business.

 

… shade here, dot here, arc here… hmmm..what else?!

 

Tapping her pencil on her notepad, she’s absentmindedly mouthing the lyrics of the song that was playing over her headset. She chewed contemplatively on the eraser of her pencil [which by the way made Aina cringed internally because she doesn’t do this] What now…what now…what am I missing..? Mitch looked up from her drawing and gazed silently at the empty dull wall before her. Suddenly, a detail jumped to her mind…She was quick to finish her masterpiece. Having completed her idea, Mitch set to work, grabbing the black spray paint for now. Raising her arm, she actively waved it as she layered the wall in a brand-new coat of paint. Everywhere the paint touched, it didn’t stay there, instead, it shifted, flowing across the stone wall, shifting into varying shapes and thickness. Colors flashed and dimmed, mixing with each other in myriad of ways. Truly spectacle for someone who’s so focused on her task.

 

[this is the outcome, but she just started, okay? :P]

 

----

 

As for Aina? Not cool! It’s official, you just vandalized a wall, shame on you Aina!

[Aaira Joseph]

[Eva Whitlock] [1]

 

Aaira had never thought she'd be playing a punk, emo child because she was anything but that. She was talented so the question wasn't whether she could play it... the question was how would the character influence her. And you could bet it was influencing her in a lot of ways. For starters, she was wishing they could actually get to try the stuff stoner kids did. The girl had no idea it existed, no one smoked in her house and if her sister did, she had never really done it in front of her. So when she was reading the script, she had bugged Ash wondering what in the world was all this, and later when she got dressed and did a few scenes, she wondered what it felt to get high. Did they really lose themselves? Forget their worries? Not that she had worries to forget about but you know? curious questions from a twelve-year-old. Dressing up in the cool outfit with heavy kajal smeared over her eyes, a pair of earrings she felt was way too much for her but the look was perfect. The scene was with Alfie Miller aka Kohl Saunders so since she didn't know him, she was a bit nervous. Most of her scenes were with people she knew so it had been easier but this one? Hopefully, it wasn't some intimidating senior dude who would keep correcting her every minute. Getting the green signal, Aaira started walking to the bleachers in the Eva Whitlock style as if she ruled the place and got into action, and noticed the boy not so far off, right under the bleachers.

 

 

Fixing her leather jacket, she ran her fingers through her hair and scowled at some of the preppy kids who were looking at her as if she had come out of Mars. She liked it when she was non-existent until Chad became this student council and everyone knew that the troublemaker kid was no one other than his sister and it took the mickey out of Eva. She was the older one so he was her brother... she wasn't his sister and people gotta stop knowing her from him. Anyway, she didn't care, she just walked as if she owned the place until she reached the bleachers where the rest of the gang had gathered to take a quick hit before the lunch break ended. The school was effed up and the pressure they put on them? If it hadn't been for her little smoking sessions, Eva couldn't have gone through it. Plus, she felt good here. Like she belonged somewhere in the school filled with rich, spoilt brats who knew nothing other than showing off their money. "Don't ask. They threatened to cut me out of the yearbook if I didn't get real about my studies." Eva rolled her eyes, pulling out her own woolie and held it out for him to light.

[Lars Svensson]

Asher McClain

When he read the script for the first time, Lars couldn't stop beaming. Apparently for that day's scene, he was going to do some vandalizing at the school alongside an artsy girl whose face probably he had seen around though unsure. No, he wasn't a fan of vandalism, but not really oppose to the idea either. Because sometimes it wasn't a mere painting on the wall, but could also have both extrinsic and intrinsic meaning which he thought was amazing. If it was his real life would he do that? Possibly. As much as it could lead to trouble, he always got money to fix things. His father had done a lot worse than him anyway, so why should he hold back for a simple 'art'? Lars was arrived at the scene alongside the actress who would be his partner for today. The costume team gave him another casual look, a bottle green long sleeves with a black ripped jeans with the signature chain necklace he wore for almost every scenes. He disliked rip jeans but there he goes, probably to show the rebellious side from the character, or just that. Lars looked at his scene partner, giving her a wink before proceeding.

-----

Asher just skipped the Chemistry class. Because nobody in their right mind would put the course after lunch when brain could barely function from drowsiness. It wasn't his first time doing that and he didn't feel bad for the slightest. There would be another warning for his father but Asher felt more delighted than displeased to see his angry look. He was going to find Bianca, perhaps she had finished with her class and was hanging out somewhere. Or already in her cheerleaders practice, which brings him to the bleachers. There's no sign of Bianca but something just as interesting caught his attention. A girl was standing by the wall, painting whatever art she was planning to make with the spray paint in her hand. Asher licked his lips, followed by making a lopsided grin and eyes gleaming from enthusiasm. Vandalism. It didn't took him another second to approach the girl, not wanting to waste any moment to cause trouble. "Need help?" He asked, leaning his elbow on her shoulder, eyes gazing at the line the black spray paint had created.

[Aina Keller]

2- Michelle Williams - aka "Mitch"

 

Aina prepared for this scene seriously. She even bothered the props team to lend her some spray paint so she could try it herself. Good thing the team also gave her some blank canvas to practice on. As mentioned before, she’s not really good at painting, as long as its abstract and nature landscape, then she’s safe and the one she’s going to do for this scene is something she can manage. It would be a hassle if she’ll have a lot of take just for this scene because she hates ruining her clothes. Seeing the wink sent her way, Aina gave a grin and a slight nod just to show Lars she’s ready.

 

-----

 

Mitch wasn’t disappointed the moment her hand started moving, as if on its own accord. She’s done this a hundred times, for as long as she can remember and every time, it gives her a certain kind of high, the feeling is intoxicating. It’s one of those moments when she appreciates her alone time for it means, she can do this. Some of the students will look her way, like she’s some kind of freak, others will be amazed but majority of the time, she’ll be ignored which is fine by her. It just gives her more time and more freedom to deface the school wall without having to worry about being caught or being sent to the principal’s office.  With spray paint can clutched in her hands, she actively waved her arm left and right, already picturing the outcome of her obra maestra. Sadly, as usual, all good things must come to an end…or so she thought…

 

She was too deep in thought when suddenly, something landed on her shoulder, followed by an unfamiliar words voice, asking her if she needs help. In her shock, Mitch lost hold of her spray can and she stepped back a little. “What the!!” It was a guy, probably same age or a year older than her. Yes she’d seen that face around the school, nobody missed anyone if they’re part of the famous groups and sports groups. But Mitch, being Mitch, her awareness is only limited to the familiar face, remembering names is one of her weaknesses. Rubbing her chest, she said, “You’ll be the death of me, you know that? Geez!” She removed her headset and started shaking her head, and then leaned forward to get the spray can again, and then looked at him suspiciously. “Do you even know how to paint?” She motioned to the notepad she left on the ground to show him her plan, wondering if it’s something he can do. For all she knows, he’s just trying to act cool, you know?! But there’s something about the guy which made her consider his offer. Maybe because he looked harmless? And he’s also wearing distressed jeans like her, someone who doesn’t care if he missed a class or sent on detention. “If you think you can, here…” She grabbed another spray can, green one, and gave it to him.

[Lars Svensson]

Asher McClain

 

Oops? He didn't mean to surprise her but somehow it just happened. Asher took a step back, looking at the spray can that fell on the ground, the real victim of their encounter. At least she didn't accidentally spray him with paint. He wouldn't mind looking a little messy but he could imagine Bianca giving him an unimpressed look and he just wanted to avoid that. Hearing the girl talked to him, he turned to look at her. The back of the painter finally had a face and he must admit she was a beauty. It was quite surprising how he never noticed her presence around the school before but then again he barely pay attention to anyone outside the jocks and the cheerleaders. "Well, you're not dead." He said matter-of-factly after she removed her headset, shrugging. "Yeah." He replied to her as she questioned his painting skill. There was a lot of confidence in his voice despite knowing he was more of an abstract and 'I'll paint what I want' type of painter whose skill was on par with just the beginner but good enough to win against the middle schooler who saw art as a waste of time. But who cares? To have a good result he just need to follow his sense. Or her sketch.. It seemed like she wasn't just randomly paint the wall like most vandals. He wanted to join the fun but not to the point he would beg her to let him be his partner and was ready to leave the place anytime but somehow, for a reason he didn't know, she ended up letting him join. Grinning as he took the spray can she gave her, Asher tilted his head at the notepad. "Let me take a look." He didn't wait for her answer and just straight grabbing the notepad, studying the sketch she had drawn beforehand. She was good. It really did look like an art than a random insults which often be found on the wall. He had the green one in his hand so.. "Cactus." For real? He raised an eyebrow. "Well, whatever." He shrugged, shaking the spray paint can in his hand. "Never thought I'll ever meet someone in the middle of vandalizing school property. What's your name again?"

 

-----

 

Asher might be just a beginner but Lars, however, had learnt how to paint for years. He was still sloppy but was confident his would turn out good, just like the sketch of Lilith she finished a few weeks before.

[Aina Keller]

3- Michelle Williams - aka "Mitch"

 

Thankfully, Mitch didn’t accidentally spray some paint to the guy or else both of them will be in a very humiliating situation now. Well, more for him than her, actually, but still, it will be her fault in the end. She gave a sighed of relief when she realized it’s that basketball guy, Bianca’s bodyguard slash boyfriend, or whatever his role in her life is. It’s somewhere along those roles if she will base it on what she’s seeing in classes, practices and even in games. Yes, she’d became a basketball fan because of his brother and that idiot Casper because even if she will not admit it, he’s starting to get on her nerves! Urgggg!! Just thinking about him made her want to punch him again you know? She rolled her eyes at Asher, “Thankfully I’m not, or else my brother, or my entire family will hunt you down.” And even though he assured her that he knows how to paint with that overconfident tone of his, Mitch isn’t impressed. She needed to see him first in action before she will believe him. “Let’s see what you got then. Hopefully, you will not ruin my masterpiece…” she motioned to her drawing pad as he checked it himself. “Although…” she smirked at him, “I didn’t say it has to be PERFECT. I will not take it against you if you will mess it a bit, give it a different style…or flavor, so they say.” After-all it’s the school’s property anyway, she shouldn’t be caring much about how the output would look like. Seeing his reaction about the cactus, Mitch laughed out loud, not caring if it had gotten reaction from other students around the area. Who cares? It’s funny! He’s funny! The reaction on his face is funny. “Like I said, I have to see it, to believe it first. So cactus first and then you’ll graduate to the red paint.” If you will check it out, the red paint comprises a huge part of her obra maestra. “Don’t worry…” she patted him on his shoulder as a way of teasing and assuring him, “You can do this!” And as for her name, “Mitch..just call me Mitch. Junior. And you better believe it because I’m one of a kind.” She’s probably the only one who has the nerve to vandalize the school property with this scale. Other girls will just vandalize the toilet wall and door and that’s it. Or someone’s shirt. But Mitch? School wall is her blank canvas. Turning her attention back to the wall, Mitch continued with the blank paint, creating a huge arc there to start her part. She's taking this very seriously.

 

-----

 

And Aina? Well, she’s not a fan of both, so long it’s all related to vandalism, it’s out of her vocabulary. So far their scene is going quite well, the next thing is something she’s looking forward to.

 

[Ready for Principal Edison]

[Alfie Miller]

[Kohl Saunders]

2

 

Kohl usually found these breaks the best part of his day. He was around people he could vibe well with. They understood him and his frustrations and they could all forget about the world for a second. It was very relaxing and so when he wasn't dozing off in class or making some joke this was where you could find him. Sure, it was dirty under the bleachers but Kohl had been in worse places than this. This was now a second home for him as well as a great place for business, if you know what I mean.

 

He smirked at Eva as she responded to him and said, "Oooh? Eva Whitlock getting real about her studies? Never thought I'd see the day!" He spoke sarcastically and snickered as he lit the lighter and held the flame close to her blunt to lit it. Once it was he leaned back and took another deep breath of his own before resting his hand on his knee and blowing the smoke in the opposite direction of Eva and then added, "They threatened me with that same bullshit last year. Said I couldn't play in the band anymore. Truth be told they like having kids in extracurriculars Thinks it keeps them out of trouble or something..." Kohl laughed ironically and then said, "So I got my grades up for a month or two and then they totally forgot about it." He laughed before taking another puff of air. He truly felt like the teachers didn't care about your well being. Only wanting to look good for the state and beyond that they just wanted the kids to graduate and get out of there. "So, did you get your grades up? You're going to turn into your brother if you're not careful." He teased her and laughed knowing she was nothing like him which made it funnier but he was in a similar situation with his foster sister so he supposed they had that to relate on. 

[Ariadne Gladstone]

The scene continues from the last one. We could see Valentina disappearing to go downstairs to the

basement and we see her appear on the other side of the stage where Tony was busy gathering his things.

The light focuses on them as the scene unfolds and the music swells.

[Ralph Jaxon Smith]

[1 – Ralph Jaxon Smith/Tony]

 

The end is almost here. Raph was watching the last scene from the side of the stage and he can’t help but be proud of everyone. The play is almost done and there’s only the final scene after this so he was really feeling it. He was feeling every emotion that Tony was going through and it is heavy. It was something that he wouldn’t want to feel in his young age. When the rehearsals started, he can’t imagine being Tony but now that he had let himself feel, it was too much. Now that the penultimate scene was upon them, he mustered all the hope Tony would be feeling right at that moment as he went to his mark before the curtains lift up. He took a deep breath and smiled.

 

 

-----

 

Despite everything that has happened, Tony felt hopeful. Maria loves him and she’s willing to run away with him and go someplace else where they could freely love each other. It was all that he hoped for since meeting her. Now that it was just within his reach, he was elated. He heard some commotion upstairs while he was packing his bags but Valentina gave him strict orders to stay downstairs just in case it was the police. It was really nice of her to help him and Maria out when she could easily just tell on him to the police. He walked from his closet to the open duffel bag on the bed to dump his clothes in. He heard footsteps descending the stairs again and when he looked back, it was Valentina.

 

­"What was that?" he asked, zipping the bag close. ­"You can never hear nothing from down here. Was it the cops?" He walked towards Valentina, curious about what happened upstairs. 

[Marley Malkin]

[1 - Marley Malkin/Valentina]

 

Marley didn't have a lot of scenes she appeared in, which was the way she preferred it to be honest. Marley didn't need to be in the centre of attention, she wasn't as passionate about acting as some of the other cast members, and Marley just enjoyed being a part of the group and making something together. At the end of the play, the scene where Marley was most prominent was due. She was still in her Valentina costume from the scene before. Marley hoped she could get the scene right, as she felt it was an important climax to the play, and she didn't want to let the other cast members down. 

 

--

 

Valentina couldn't believe what came to be with the rivalry the two group of kids had going on. She had hoped the two groups would put their issues to a rest eventually. She believed, she knew they were capable to do so. Tony might have had his issues in the past, but she knew the kid had a good heart and she would give anything for the boy to turn his life around and give him the start with Maria that he deserved. Val shook her head when Tony asked if the cops were in the store. "No, no that wasn't the cops." She said, her voice still calm as she reached in her bag to grab some cash from the pharmacy, handing it to Tony. 

[Lars Svensson]

TWELFTH NIGHT PLAY

 

In the middle of the city at noon, Sebastian reunited with Antonio who went looking for him. Antonio gave Sebastian his purse to let him borrow some money.

[Yasmine Bektaz]

[Yassy as Shelly] - outfit

 

This is it!!

 

Yassy took a long, deep breath as her scene was coming closer and closer. She kept checking the clock on the wall and taking a peek at where the play is now. Her next scene is with Claire. Act 2 will start in a few minutes having heard the last Scene from Act 1 just got finally done. Her heart was beating so loud she was afraid it would burst out of her chest in that moment. She could be seen wriggling her hands while walking back and forth, looking like a lost puppy. The only thing she could hear was the sound of her boots. Just then, Ava, the head of hair & makeup approached her and retouched the foundation someone from her team applied a while ago, commenting how she looked so tense and to try to relax. Yassy nodded her head as a light foundation was applied on her face again. She closed her eyes and inhaled and exhaled repeatedly. A lot of students were watching and Kai was even seated on the front row. As much as she’s happy that he was there to support her and Claire, it didn’t help that he was having a good laugh at their roles. Ava’s voice brought her out of her reverie, saying she’s good to go. “Thank you.” A cap was given to her next which she completely forgot from the dressing room. “Shoot I forgot, thank you, you're an angel.” She put it on and that completed her get up for their scene which includes checkered long sleeves, winter jacket, denim pants and winter boots.

There was a few minutes when the stage was flooded in darkness and that signaled Yassy and Claire to prepare for their scene. The backdrop changed to that of a potato field, with an old barn drawing at the back. Two chairs were situated beside each other and a case of beer (with juice inside) was left at the front. Being part of the props team has its perks, she was able to request cranberry juice as their beer. At least she’ll be able to enjoy the drinking session. The scene will happen at almost nine in the evening, with the stars above them which the sound and lighting team wonderfully arranged for them. Before being called on stage, she finally glanced at Claire who she’d been ignoring for the past several minutes ever since they were asked to prepare. She didn’t want to look at her best friend a while ago or else they’ll just make fun of each other and ruin their scene in the process. This time, she did, because she wanted to say her good luck. “Pssst! Break a leg, not literally okay?” She giggled since they have a lot of falling on the ground scene, which is insane in Yassy’s opinion. Leaving Claire a flying kiss and a wink, she stepped onto the stage to finally start their part.

 

===================
 

As the curtain was pulled up and the light was turned on, Deena and Shelly - the two best friends - could be seen seated on the two chairs, bottles of beer in hands. It was a cold winter night as the two were hanging out in a potato field in Almost, Maine. The music started to fade as the two continued their conversation….

 

 

Shelly is in a bad mood but so was her best friends. Before responding to her, she took a gulp of her beer and then said, “I believe you, Deen, I’m just sayin’---” But Deena cut her off, sounding exasperated now. Shelly wanted her to know that she fully understood her concerns, “I hear ya, but ---” she won’t let her finish what she’s saying every time which started to annoy her too. Frowning, she countered, “No, you’re not listenin’, cause...’' There she goes again, cutting her mid-sentence. In her annoyance, she stopped Deena and said loudly, irritation in her voice now, “I’m tryin’ to tell you that I had a pretty bad time myself!!!” Is she even listening to me?! Deena tried to explain again but this time, it was her who cut her off, “It was pretty bad, Deena…” She took another long gulp of her beer and sighed heavily albeit forlornly. “Yeah...” her response when asked if it’s really that bad…

 

Deena encouraged her to share, which isn't easy considering it's really an embarrassing experience. Shelly took a pause, her gaze stayed on the night sky, she had that blank look on her face which suddenly morphed into a painful one, not even the darkness or the stars could hide it. Her voice also conveyed her how hurt she was of what happened. “He---" She swallowed, "He said he didn’t like the way I smelled.” She bit her lip once hearing Deena’s reaction. She knew she would overreact, which makes this even more humiliating for her. “Todd told me he didn’t like the way I smelled. Never was.” Deena seemed to be in disbelief. “Yeah…” She explained when it happened, "When he picked me up. We were backin’ outta my backyard -- and all of a sudden, he starts breathin’ hard -- hyper-hyper…..” she stopped, trying to find the right word to best describe the reaction, but couldn't “...”

[Claire Castillon]

[Claire as Deena] - Outfit

 

The day had finally arrived - the day for everyone to witness the results of Yassy and Claire's anti-laughter practice. It would be an understatement to say that the two girls had moved heaven and earth to achieve even partial success, reciting the entire script without any unscripted laughter. It turned out that best friends acting like lovers was an impossibly funny thing to accomplish - who would have guessed? The dialogues were also pretty crazy, to say the least, sometimes sounding somewhat stupid, but Claire liked it. It felt like one of those old British comedy shows that her granny used to watch. Act 1 had just concluded, and it was now the two girls' turn. The short-haired girl was very nervous, even though she wouldn't admit it to anyone. It was her first large-scale play ever - the ones she used to do as a kid had barely a couple dozen people in the audience, and those were mostly the parents of the neighborhood kids. But here, it was entirely different! Almost the whole school was present at the large theatre to watch. She really hoped not to freeze on stage and let down her best friend, the entire cast, and crew of the play. The directors and stage managers were busy behind the stage, making sure everything worked as planned, and Claire was practically turning her red flannel shirt into a long thread, thanks to her nerves. The hair and makeup department had done their magic, but Deena, who was supposed to be a working-class woman, did not need a lot beyond the basics.

 

And finally, it was time for their scene to begin. The stage went dark, and the directors signaled the girls to be ready at their stations. Claire took a deep breath, watching the backdrop change to a potato field. Her best friend parked beside her before they could get on stage, having been out of Claire's sight since the play had begun. She could understand why, as the two girls had the potential to undo hours of anti-laughter practice in a matter of seconds. However, she would have appreciated some time with her friends to help with her nerves. Or maybe not? Claire had always portrayed herself as a confident person when it came to the subject of the arts, so she would not have wanted her friends to see her being unsure and uncertain. She had noticed earlier that Kai was in the first row, just as he had joked that he would be. Anyways, getting back to the moment, Yassy wished her good luck. "You too!" she smiled, not tuning in to her friend's intended pun. After a flying kiss and a wink, Yassy got on stage. Claire caught the kiss and with a smile, placed it in her pocket but waited a couple more seconds to take another deep breath and get into character before following the Ravenclaw girl to the center of the stage, where they were to be seated.

 

❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅❅

 

On a peaceful night after a tiring day, two best friends, Shelly and Deena, found themselves hanging out by a potato field. They cracked open some beers and were hoping to relax and unwind. However, it was evident that something was bothering them as they both had a sour look on their faces. "It was bad, Shell. Bad." Deena expressed her concerns. But Shelly appeared to be lost in her own mind, and not paying attention to Deena's comment. "But you're not listenin' Shelly: It was bad!" Despite Deena's attempts to convey her story, Shelly kept interrupting her, eagerly trying to share her own story. "Real bad - historical-bad!" Deena added, sipping on some beer, hoping to capture Shelly's attention. However, Shelly continued to talk over her. Finally, Shelly raised her voice, and Deena gave in, taking notice. "No. There's no way!" she exclaimed, tuning in to listen to what her best friend had to say. The tension between the two seemed to dissipate as they settled into their conversation. "Really?" she added in relative disbelief. Could hers really be worse than mine? "Okay, go. Let's hear it."

 

As Deena continued to nurse her beer, she lent a listening ear to Shelly, eager to hear what her friend had to say. However, the words that came out of Shelly's mouth made Deena pause mid-sip in confusion. "What?!" she exclaimed, trying to confirm if she had heard correctly. He didn't like the way she smelled? Deena was surprised by Shelly's confirmation and quickly interjected, "Todd Dunleavy told you that he didn't like the way--" Shelly reconfirmed, leaving Deena taken aback by the revelation. She couldn't help but ask, "When?" in an attempt to understand the context of the situation. Shelly seemed so stunned by the experience that she couldn't even find the right words to articulate her thoughts. "--ventilating," Deena suggested, as she tried to make sense of what had transpired.

Edited by Claire Castillon, 17 April 2023 - 10:22 PM.

[Yasmine Bektaz]

[Yassy as Shelly]

 

Shelly nodded, flicking her fingers in the air as the right term was supplied to her by Deena, “--ventilating, yeah, and he stops and says he’s sorry, but he can’t go out with me ‘cause he doesn’t like the way I smell, never has!” Hearing Deena’s exasperated voice had her shaking her head, “I don’t know, around town or whatever?” She sighed, eyes going to the bottle of beer she’s holding, staring at it for a few seconds before deciding to share what else happened that day. “Anyway….he said he thought he was gonna be able to overlook it -- the way that I smelled -- but that that wasn’t gonna be possible after all, because he couldn’t breath, somethin’ about allergic,” Deena clarified what the allergic is all about…she shrugged, and added in animated voice and indignant reaction on her face, “and he said it wasn’t me -- it wasn’t me! -- it was somethin’ about ‘the women’ and ‘the length’ we go to ---” she made a double quote in the air while saying those words to her friend and Deena mega reacted about the women, which caused her to nod dramatically, as if seeking for her agreement that it’s preposterous reason. “Yeah, and the ‘the length’ we go to to smell nice, and he said that whatever it is I used to smell nice just doesn’t smell nice ---” Deena supplied it’s called perfume. Shelly raised her index finger at her friend, “Yeah -- just doesn’t smell very nice to him, no offense, and he slammed the door on me and left me standin’ right there. He even left his broom he came on in my yard.” Shelly cannot believe it all happened in just a few minutes - the insult and the argument she had with Todd. The idiot! Deena repeated what she said, as if in disbelief so she nodded again, “yeah.” and was asked if she even used perfume, “No!” her voice softened a little, “No..” She didn’t know why her ears and her cheeks warmed up when Deena said she didn’t mind the way she smells… a little shyly, she replied, “Thanks…” why is her heart beating a little louder there?

 

===================
 

Yassy was flustered at the rate they’re going with the play so if Shelly was supposed to be embarrassed there, consider her feeling the same way too! The soft beat playing in the background is making her heart beats the same way.

[Claire Castillon]

[Claire as Deena]

 

Shelly nodded and continued to explain her situation with Todd, leaving Deena simultaneously seething with indignation and inwardly amused at his audacious belief that he could reject Shelly based on her scent. What an insufferable arse! "What, never has? When has he smelled you before?" Deena asked, her voice laced with incredulity. "Well, jeez!" Shelly She went on to explain that Todd claimed to be allergic to her fragrance. Wow! "Allergic?" The concept seemed utterly astounding to Deena, who struggled to comprehend or lieve the words coming out of Shelly's lips. But why would Shelly fabricate such a story to her best friend? Besides, Deena knew that Todd wasn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, lacking any semblance of brain with no occupancy on the upper floors. "What? The women?" Deena asked, flabbergasted at Shelly's further explanation. "The lengths we go to smell nice?!?" Shelly clarified that it was whatever fragrance she used that seemed to repel Todd. "Oh! Like perfume!" Deena interjected, supplying the missing word with a flicker of realization. Shelly then recounted how Todd had rudely slammed the door on her and left, even abandoning his broom in her yard, all because of her scent. Unbelievable! "'Cause he didn't like the way you smelled?!?" Deena exclaimed, seeking confirmation from Shelly. Shelly confirmed it. "Wait, you don't even use any kind of perfume, do you?" she inquired. Shelly replied with a no. "Well, what the...?" Deena voiced her frustration and disbelief, taking a swig of her drink. After a brief pause, she added, "I don't mind the way you smell," emphasizing her support with another gulp.

 

"Matter of fact, I think you smell great," she added. Shelly then mentioned that Todd would come back the next day to retrieve his broom. "Todd has issues!" she exclaimed, forcefully placing the empty bottle down and rising to her feet. With unwavering determination, she took purposeful steps away, piquing Shelly's curiosity. "Doin’ somethin’ to his broom," Deena replied, her voice laced with determination, before firmly grabbing Shelly's arm. "We’re doin’ somethin’ to his broom!" Deena had reached her breaking point. She was tired of merely listening to Shelly's words and was now ready to take action against Todd. Shelly appeared hesitant, her kind nature pulling her back. "You’re too nice! Time to get mean! We’re doin’ somethin’ to his broom!" Deena declared firmly. "We are!" she emphasized. "Jerk. He should be so lucky, gettin’ to go out with you." Shelly remained modest but seemed moved by Deena's words. "Yeah!" she exclaimed passionately.

 

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Claire had transcended the mere act of performing. The presence of the vast audience before her dissolved into insignificance as she basked in the profound comfort of sharing the stage with her dearest friend, Yassy. She initially thought she wouldn't be able to keep a straight face but how wrong was she. A profound sense of solace enveloped Claire as she stood alongside the Ravenclaw, their bond radiating with unbreakable affection and trust. With Yassy by her side, Claire found herself at ease, shielded from any lingering doubts or anxieties that the stage may have conjured. Their friendship mirrored the extraordinary connection between Deena and Shelly, yet held an ethereal quality, brimming with emotions that surpassed any mere portrayal. What Claire and Yassy possessed was something far more profound than anything shared between Deena and Shelly. The bond between the two witches was characterized by a pure and fresh friendship, a force that surpassed all others, even love.

Edited by Claire Castillon, 12 May 2023 - 01:41 AM.

[Yasmine Bektaz]

[Yassy as Shelly]

 

Yassy could hear chuckling from the audience. She can’t blame them for reacting that way, their topic sounded so ridiculous even to her. How can some idiot guy make someone’s smell be the basis of liking someone? She was smiling internally just imagining the expressions of the students from the audience since she cannot just look at them. 

 

Not only did Deena say she didn’t mind her smell, she also said she smells great, making her even more flustered but she pretended it’s no big deal and replied, “Thanks.” To completely ignore the awkward feeling, Shelly continued, “Anyway, he said he’d come back and pick his broom tomorrow and would I mind please rollin’ down the windows for him to air it out overnight?” The jerk! Deena overreacted, “I know!” The guy indeed has issues, “Yeah.” Seeing Deena trying to leave, Shelly was suddenly confused, “What are you doin’?” Her mouth fell, what did she just say? Doing something’ to his broom? The next thing she knew, Deena grabbed her arm, “Deen!!” She started protesting, not liking the idea that they’re going to do something to Todd’s broom. Before she can say anything, Deena told her she’s too nice, that it’s time to get mean and declared firmly that they’re going to do something with his broom. Again, she was mortified, “Deen..!” Her friend repeated, looking serious about what she wanted. Shelly sighed, “We’re not doin’ nothin’ to his broom! Relax!” Deena defended her that Todd should feel lucky he even got the chance to go out with her. Shelly didn’t know what to feel about that after what the guy told her recently. “Nah.” Deena countered her yet again. “Anyway…Pretty bad, huh?” She was told it was sad, she couldn’t agree more, looking down now. “Yeah.” 

 

Again, there was dead air which Shelly avoided by reacting, “So, I’m guessin’ that I’m the big winner tonight, huh? And so I get to pick tomorrow, and I pick bowlin’. We’ll go bowlin’, supper at the Snowmobile Club, couple of beers at the Moose Paddy, hang out.” Her friend contradicted what she said, “What? No, but - there’s no way you can beat bein’ told you smell bad --” Deena agreed her story was sad but she didn’t win. Shelly frowned, “What do you mean?” How can she beat that kind of story? “You can beat being told that you smelled bad?”

 

Another bout of laughter came from the audience. Yassy controlled the urge to grin herself and focused on her lines. 

 

“Really?” She was incredulous. “Well, then…” motioning toward the floor, as if giving Deena the chance to say her case.