Desperation

Desperation
Narration
Anna: Ok here goes nothing. Well I’m not really sure how to start this. (Nervously laughs). I’ll just get to the point, I’m ganna try to tell u the story of a dear friend of mine and I’m just ganna prey that u listen all the way through , cause you know what I’m tired of shutting up. This is something that everyone should acknowledge. (Starts tearing up) sorry, (whips tears then smiles) it’s just been so long.
Scene 1
2 girls at school, near lockers. Anna walks up to her friends. They hug one by one. Anna smiles, pulls glasses up then turns to look at clock.
Anna: Guys we’re ganna be late for class.
Elle: you’re the one that was late, and we have to wait for lea. Come on, it’s the first day of school everyone is late it’s not that big of a deal, they probably won’t even take attendance.
Phoebe: (laughs) guys give her a break, u know how she is. O god I missed u guys so much, come here n’ give me a hug.
Hug phoebe.
Phoebe: I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Lea starts walking up to them. Sees them hugging, then smiles.
Lea: What’s going on here? Did someone just die?
Bell rings
Phoebe: Lea.
Phoebe comes up to her and gives her a hug.
Lea: oh alright.
Lea hugs back.
Lea: you know I’m only ok with this cuz I haven’t seen u all summer.
Anna: OK ok now that we are all here can we please go, we are already late.
Lea: I missed u too Anna.
Elle: She’s got a point. This is our first day of high school after all.
( All shriek)
Phoebe: finally high school, we’ve been waiting for this day for like forever.
Lea: Yes we have now let’s rock it.
(All grab bags, and walk down the hallway into a room.)
Scene 2
Elle is in a room painting. The girls are looking for her, see her in the room. They stand at the door and look at her picture astonished.
Lea: Hey el, come on u can finish that later.
Elle turns around and sees them all waiting at the door, she has paint on her face and everywhere else.
Elle: k just a sec I’m almost done here. U guys go ahead ill catch up.
Phoebe: els, u forget how to tell time when ur painting, uh uh we’ll stay right here till ur done, we’re not taking chances.
Elle laughs, then turns around and continues drawing.
Elle: There, see I told u it wouldn’t take long.
Lea: sooo aren’t u ganna show us already?
Elle grabs her painting and hides it behind her back.
Elle: NO, you’re just going to have to wait like everyone else.
Lea and Phoebe together: Oh come on. We are your best friends shouldn’t we get the privileged of being the first to see it?
Elle: why should u? U were always rushing me and said it isn’t that important.
Phoebe: we were kidding cant u take a joke?
Elle: No means no and I won’t change my mind no matter what u say.
Lea: what if I sing( says in a sing song voice) OH please, please, don’t leave us hanging, we won’t keep on begging, Your killing us, Phoebe joins in) killing us. We might lose our trust. ( oh oh, and u don’t want to see us rust).
Lea: those are the worst lyrics I’ve ever heard.
Phoebe: Don’t blame me, blame my teacher.
Lea: yup, that person should never, (pauses to think) hey that’s me.
Anna, Elle and Phoebe start laughing.
They look at Elle with puppy dog eyes.
Elle: sorry but I still have to say no; come on u guys don’t make this hard on me. u’ll see it tomorrow now let’s go to celebrate.
Phoebe: Now that’s what I’m talking about. Where should we go?
Anna: I heard of this new vegetarian restaurant. They say it’s really good let’s go try it out.
Lea: where do u hear about these places?
Phoebe: ya when did we become a bunch of tree huggers?
Lea and phoebe start chuckling.
Anna: if u don’t think it’s a good idea then never mind.
Elle: No it’s a wonderful idea I love vegetarian food, come on Anna don’t listen to these jerks.
Lea says sarcastically: Jerks? Where just point them out and ill give them a piece of me.
Phoebe hits Lea on her head
Phoebe: they are talking about us u idiot.
Lea: Ahh us, no that’s impossible.( keeps on acting stupid)
Elle and Anna walk away.
Phoebe: hey where are u going, wait for us.
Takes Lea’s hand and drags her with her as she runs after Elle and Anna.
Lea: wait Elle ur going out like that?
Elle turns around and looks at the two quizzically.
Elle: could u just stop being so annoying, ur doing this because I didn’t show u the painting right?
Anna: Um el, u’ve got paint on your face.
Elle: really? Then I better go wash up. Why didn’t u two bozos tell, me earlier? See we are ganna be late now.
Phoebe and Lea look at each other. Anna starts to chuckle.
Phoebe: ya, it’s always our fault.
Elle: glad u finally understand. (Smiles then winks at them. She goes into the bath room.)
Scene 3
The girls are at an art exhibition. The final piece is covered. Elle is standing next to it and the girls are walking around looking at the other paintings.
Anna: Elle’s is so talented. She’s sure going to become a famous artist when she grows up.
Phoebe: ya I know, and she’s so modest about it. I wish I was half as talented as her.
Anna: Phoebes, you’re the best basket ball player I know. And you sure know how to make someone laugh.
Phoebe: ya your right, im awesome.
Anna starts to giggle. They heard someone knocking at the door, loudly,
Phoebe: Lea probably decided to show up, lets go let her in.
Anna: k, when is that girl going to learn to be on time?
Lea is at the door looking very irritated .She sees Anna and Phoebe.
Lea: Anns,Phoebe’s let me in.
Phoebe: Who are you?
Lea: oh please don’t start that phoebe. Look im sorry im late. Whatever Phoebes. Anna u let me in.
Anna: where is your pass? (She tried to keep a straight face)
Lea: oh come on not you too. Hahaha real funny now cut with the act and let me in.
Anna starts looking at Pheobe not knowing what to do next.
Phoebe: where is your VIP pass? If you don’t have one ull just have to wait till this gallery opens im sorry.
Lea rolls her eyes, then starts banging on the door again.
Lea: I lost it ok.
Elle eventually comes out after she heard the door.
Elle: what’s going on? Why’s she outside?
Pheobe: elle we are just having some fun here.
Elle opens the door and lets lea in.
Elle: This is my first gallery ever and u guys are just playing around. You don’t get how important this is. We all have to be at our best behavior.
Lea: don’t sweat it, im sure everything is ganna be great.
Phoebe: and hey even if it’s a total disaster and everyone hates ur work well then u can go back to being a talentless kid like the rest of us.
Lea and phoebe giggle.
Anna: Its not funny. You guys can’t you see she’s nervous. There’s already enough pressure on her as it is don’t make it worse.
Lea: look who just got her tongue.
Anna looks at her shallowly then says sarcastically: ha-ha I’m cracking up here but the time for jokes is over, can u guys just be serious for tonight? Please for elle.
Elle fold her arms and turn around: I don’t even know why I’m friends with you guys?
Pheobe: oh come one, ur friends with us because we are the best people on the face of this planet u know that, n listen for you we’ll be serious tonight.
Lea looks at Phoebe and gives her a look as if asking if she was serious. Phoebe nods. Lea frowns then sighs.
Lea : ya we’ll behave. We promise.
Elle: k then but u better not break this promise or I might not forgive you. This is really important to me.
Elle looks at them and sees them crossing their hearts she smiles.
Elle: kay now that we got that over with let me show u my prized painting.
Anna: Finally, I’ve been dying to see it since yesterday.
Elle: well u wont have to wait any longer.
Elle goes up to painting and takes white sheet off. She turns around and sees her friends stunned faces.
Elle: This is my dreamland. (She says with a huge smile on her face.)
Lea: wow
Phoebe: this is incredible.
Anna: beautiful, just beautiful.

Scene 4
Start narration as we show some of ells other paintings( Emma c) and the girls laughing together.then black out.
Anna: life was perfect; I had the best group of friends. Ya we went through some tough times together but we always overcame them. But then something happened, something none of us saw coming and it changed everything.
3 girls are in park waiting for Lea to come. Elle and Phoebe are on the swing while Anna is standing next to them.
Phoebe: wonder what Lea has to tell us.
Elle: she said it was really important.
Anna looks beyond swing and sees lea walking.
Anna: Guys she’s coming.
Elle and phoebe get off of the swings, then stare quizzically at each other
Elle: I’ve never seen her look so nervous.
Phoebe whispers: me neither. Then sighs.
Lea trys to put on a smile but everyone is able to see through it.
Lea: Hey guys.
Anna smiles: hey.
Phoebe: ya enough with the formalities wats up? Ur scaring me.
Lea: Pheobes just give me a sec.
Elle: Lea?? Is everything alright.
Lea looks down at the floor takes a deep breath then looks back up at her friends.
Lea: guy, theres something I gotta say but I don’t know how.
Lea starts tearing up but quickly wipes her tears away.
Anna: just go out and say it, don’t worry. (she gives her a genuine smile)
Pheobe: ya we are here for u.
Lea takes another deep breath, looks up at the blue sky then stares at her friends one by one.
Lea: k that’s wat ill do ill just go and say it(lea thought aloud.)
Everyone waited in silence while lea spent the time gathering her strength.
Elle: le ( lea interrupts and quickly blurts out)
Lea: ive got HIV
Everyone goes quite. Girls just stand there looking dumbfounded at Lea.
Pheobe begins to laugh.
Pheobe: good one Lea I actually believed u for awhile.
Lea turns to Pheobe then begins to cry.
Lea: im not kidding. I wish I was but im not.
Phoebe backs away and stares as lea covers her face and lets the tears flow. After a while Anna goes to her and hugs her then elle joins.
Elle: we are so sorry.
Lea looks up at her friend then smiles.
Lea: sorry for what? U haven’t done anything. Or are u implying that ur sorry for me?
Shame acclaimed ells face.
Elle: I didn’t mean it that way. Its just that…..( elle stutters for words then starts crying as well)
Lea: No, please don’t elle,im alright I promise please don’t feel bad.
Pheobe is still standing away from the group just observing.
Phoebe: u have got to be kidding me ( she finally manages to say)
They all look at her and see her eyes swelling up.
Lea: it’s the truth. (lea whispers)
Lea whips her tears yet again and starts walking up to phoebe.Phoebe begings crying as lea talks .
Lea: its alright.
Phobe: get away from me.
Pheobe stares Lea in the face for a while then starts wailing and runs away.
Lea: this is all my fault.
Anna: she’s just in shock.
Lea: aren’t u? aren’t we all. I shouldn’t have told u.
Elle: No Lea, u didn’t do anything wrong either.
Lea: I wasn’t planning on saying anything it’s just that, its…… I felt so alone. (she finally said.) I felt so alone.
Anna: im sorry.
Lea : stop saying that.
Lea screams, then sees them both start crying
Lea: just stop. (she practically whispers)
Scene 5
There is an awkward moment of silence as lea sits down and really starts crying. Elle and Anna come and sit next to her but don’t dare to say anything and they sit there waiting till she gets everything out.
Lea: I was in the hospital with my mom. ( she suddenly says)
Lea:I was having a regular check up when they told me I should lie down for a while. I didn’t know why, but I guess id looked tired, it was Friday after the big game we had and I was exhaughsted.
Lea looked up to find her friends there listening intensly. Elle nods, then lea continues looking at her and continues.
Lea: A nurse comes up to my mom and tells her that she wants to ask her something. I get a bit worried at that time, but I shrugged it off like I always do.
Lea turns to look at Anna
Lea: so I try to get some sleep but then I hear my mom whailing. I instinctively get out of bed and run down the corridor to find her.
Lea turns then looks back down at the ground
Lea says in a very soft voice.
Lea: she was in an office and she was crying I called out to her she looked up at me, but there was this look.
Lea looks up.
Lea: this look on her face u know, sorta like phoebe but it was worst, and it scared me. I stood there, I didn’t know what to do. I just could comprehend why she was looking at me like that, I didn’t even know what that look was. This was the first time I saw her like that.
[Lea sighs].
Lea:I finally go up to her, and call on her again. I ask her whats wrong, but she cant stop looking at me.i was scared to death at that point, so I look up at the nurse but she quickly looks away.i realize that im not wanted there so I storm out and go back to the bed I was in, I just couldn’t handle my mom looking at me anymore I felt like I was choking I needed to get away. I had to get away( she whispers)
Lea: so another nurse comes up to me then starts crying, and im so confused I just want to know what was happening. She starts with all the ‘im so sorry’ nonsense, then eventually spills it. She tells me, and then I get that look my mom was giving me it was fear and disgust she didn’t want me to go near her. I was shocked when I heard the news but I was devastated by my mom. I started to tear up and the nurse left.
[Lea looks at Anna then Elle].
Lea: my mom, my own mom.( she finally said)
[Lea stops and finds both of her friends crying; she starts to extend her hands to hug them then decides not to].
Lea: I didn’t see my mom for the rest of the day. ( she states plainly)
[Lea takes a deep breath and sees her friends’ desperately trying to stop their tears].
Lea : after a while I got bored so decided to roam the hospital, ever room I went into there was always someone there, someone standing beside the bed, telling the patient that it’s alright. Someone crying, someone screaming, someone looking totally bored but at least someone. (She says as she starts to tear up again). Except me. I was the only one that was alone…….
Lea took a deep breath then gave a crooked smile.
Lea: but hey im me after all. Since then ive been going home to nothing I feel like, like I just sit there broken inside u know. Like im not really there, like im in a house all by myself, and u know what I felt lost, lost, angry, sad, but most of all shocked. The thing I feared most was becoming a reality. I was alone or at least I felt that way.
Lea: God, I was afraid to tell anyone, I didn’t want to say a word but I couldn’t. I knew u guys would react this was so I wasn’t one bit surprised when Pheobe walked away I was expecting it actually.I don’t know why I had to tell you, I just did. Guys I just want to thank you for listening and don’t worry if u totally want to leave me I wont blame you.
Lea got up dusted herself off, looked back at her friends still sitting there hands in there palms, smiled than walked away.
Scene 6
Elle looked at Anna who was still crying.
Elle: sudden right?
Anna nods.
Elle: I still cant believe it.
Anna: I don’t think we ever will.
Elle pulls anna’s hair away from her face.
Anna turns to Elle eyes teary.
Anna: but we have to. This isn’t something we can ignore.
Elle: Ann, did u see her? Did u see lea?
Anna nods.
Elle: its just, why her?
Anna: Cause, this is her fate n we all have to deal with it.
Anna takes a deep breath than continues.
Anna: its so weird to see her like this. Shes always the one that is always strong n to see her cry like that, that’s wats so unbelievable.
Elle looks into Annas eyes for a while then nods.
Elle: that’s is isn’t it? But phoebes, why why did she do that?
Anna: she simply didn’t want to listen cuz she didn’t want to believe. She cant acknowledge the fact that her best friend is sick, phoebes is very sensitive even though she pretends to be though.
Anna says with a smile.
Elle: but its alright, everything is going to be fine right?
Elle asks in total desperation.
After a moments of silence she hesitates the states again
Elle: Everything is going to be alright?
Scene 7
The girls are at school. Each one is alone minding their own business. Each girl goes up to there locker and they meet there.
Anna: hi ( she finnaly manages to say)
Elle smiles takes her stuff and leaves
Pheobe slams her locker shut then just keep walking.
Elle: why isn’t she talking to us?
Anna shrugs.
Elle: we should leave before Lea gets here
Elle starts walking looks back and sees Anna still there.
Elle: are y coming?
Anna nods. Then walks behind her.
They walk into library. And elle takes out a book then sits on a table. Elle sits next to her. Anna starts reading, occasionally looking up at anna.
Anna looks at elle. With a single tear flowing down her cheek.
Anna: what are we ganna do?
Elle looks up from page.
Elle: Ann I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Anna nods and at that instant they hear noise.They both get up, cuz they recognize that voice and stand at the library door.
Ashlee: eww get away from me. Why are u even here ur like a living biobomb.
Lea: Ahh I see news spreads fast. ( she says sarcasticly)
Ashlee: why wouldn’t it, u didn’t really expect to come in here and ruin all our lives just like that did u? ur an abomination to human kind.
Lea rolls her eyes.
Lea: really? Is that what u think I am? Then what do u think u are?
Ashlee studders back and looks offended as if trying to say do u really want to go there?
Ashlee: as least im not putting everyone in danger. I cant believe u have the courage to even walk in here, even though nobody wants u here. Get that?
Lea: Oh u did not just say that. U cant be serious right? U do know who I am, or should I remind u?
Ashlee: oh I know, but ur not a person anymore are u? Wake up. Don’t u see that the odds are in my favor? U might have not have noticed yet but ur all alone.
Lea looks around and sees Anna and elle standing at the door then she turns around and sees phoebe but they all looked down to avoid eye contact. None of them even tries to come up to her.Lea sheds a tear.
Ashlee: awww is our little tough girl crying?
Lea: just stop it, stop it ,will u!
Lea screams as she dashes away bumping ashlee and making her fall on the floor.
Ashlee gets up and watches as lea stomps out the school.
Ashlee: poor girl.(she says sarcastically) well we’ll never have to worry bout her.( she says as she smiles and starts walking away.)
Ashlee sees Anna and elle. She sees Anna wanting to walk up to her.
Ashlee: you wana say anything, Darling? Or will ur imaginary friends do it for you?
Anna is about to say something but elle pulls her back into the library.
Ashlee: didn’t think so.( and continues walking).
Camera follows Ashlee as she unites with everyone, narration starts.
Anna: I stood there like a block of wood, too shy to say a word. I knew what was happening was wrong. Lea was always there for me. When Ashlee would stop at me she’d find lea then walk away. Lea was our stand, our wall. She’d always say “ all for one and one for all” and she lived by it. But when she needed us we just looked away. We are to blame for what happened, we humiliated her, we abandoned her, we left her to fend for herself when she always fended for us.I know what you are thinking, we are sad excuses for friends n im sorry to say I couldn’t agree more.

Scene 8
Its after school and anna and elle meet up with Phoebe.They are standing next to a tree n each have there school bags. Anna pokes Phoebe, forcing her to look at them.
Phoebe: why the heck did u do that?
Anna: why didn’t u say anything? Y did u let that happen to her?
Pheobe: its not like u did anything. SO Y are u accusing me?
Anna: cuz, cuz you’re the one that is always with her standing up for me and ells.
Elle: anna just stop, u cant really think that explains y we didn’t speak up.
Anna: I wanted to but u stopped me y did u stop me?
Elle: Because if I didn’t u would have humiliated urself. Anna ur too sensitive I didn’t want u to get hurt.
Anna: what about Lea.
Anna starts crying and shouting at the same time.
Anna: don’t u think she got hurt?
Phoebe: Lea’s strong she can handle it.
Anna: what so that’s ur excuse, she’s strong? Huh is that how u justify what you did? Is that it?
Elle: Anna just stop, whats done is done.
Elle went up to her to try to calm her down but anna just pushed her away.
Pheobe: get a hold of urself u idiot, don’t you see there was nothing we could have done. ( she screamed)
Anna: No your wrong, we could have stood next to her, we could have been there for her just like she was always there for us.
Pheobe: this isn’t the same, we aren’t , we aren’t like her.
Elle: like what? ( elle blurted out tears streaming down her face)
Anna laughed sadisticly then stared at Pheobe.
Anna: Monsters, right? We aren’t a menace to the world!
Pheobe nodded taking a deep breathe.
Pheobe: that’s exactly it. I don’t want to get it to, and she goes around so selfishly not caring that we could all get it. I thought long and hard last night then I finally saw it, all she cares about is her happiness, why should we sacrifice our lives for someone that doesn’t care? If she did do u think she would have put us in this situation anyway? Look what she’s done, shes made us all fight after putting us in that embarrassing situation, she could have never actually thought that we’d help her.
Elle: you’re a heartless witch, you know that! (elle screamed). At the first chance u turned on your best friend that has been with her since kindergarden u of all people should have stood by her.
Now tears ran down all of their faces as they stared at each other one by one.
Pheobe: im heartless?
Anna: ur not just heartless you’re the most selfish person ive ever met.
Phoebe: excuse me? What did u just say little miss four eyes?
Elle: Oh and now ur going after anna?
Anna: don’t , just don’t stand up for me cuz ur all the same, you could of shown us ur guts when it mattered.
Elle: well at least I don’t hide behind my books and pretend that everything that happens is pure fiction.At least I live in this world not in a fairy tale.
Pheobe: Wow, u guys are so loyal, im so proud to have friends like u.( she said sarcasticly)
Elle: we learnt from the best.
Phoebe: ya I should have seen that coming, its always my fault, well u know what im sick of always taking the blame, and even more I’m sick of u.
Phoebe yelled then stomped away.
Elle: good reddens.
Elle: n wat about you doll face don’t u have something to say, or did the cat catch ur tongue?
Anna: ells, ells, I hate u.( she finnaly screamed) I hate u all.
Elles: your welcome, come again soon.
She said as anna walked away.
Narriation starts.
Anna: what had happened? What had I done? Was this real? Did I just tell the only friends I had that I hated them? The world had turned around at that point, everything changed. We let this happen to us we let ourselves break apart. And once we were all alone, we became weak, we became high school bait, n we all took our own path.
Scene 9
Anna: Since then everything just kept getting worse.
Show anna at school again, holding her books walking towards classroom. Ashlee and Elle walk up. Ashlee pushes Anna. Anna falls , then looks at the two of them.
Elle: aww is our doll face ganna cry?
Elle and Ashlee start laughing then walk away.
Anna: We all went our own separate ways. It was like we were never frinds, like we’d never known each other.
Show Phoebe walk by look at Anna n her books on the floor , then kept walking.
Anna: Phoebes joined the ‘Jocks’ and spent all her time with them. Elle became good friends with Ashlee ( our old nemesis), I took part in the chess and book clubs. And well Lea took her place at the wall, no-one ever even talked to her.
Show lea coming by, see’s Anna on floor and holds out a hand. Anna looks up and see’s lea. Lea smiles. Anna pauses for a while then takes the hand and gets up.
Lea: don’t worry this is our little secret.
Lea says then quickly walks away as if nothing happened.
Anna : Everything changed except lea. After everything that happened to her she was still the same person I’ve always known. And that gave me hope, maybe just maybe everything will turn out alright after all.
Anna runs after lea. Calling
Anna: Lea.
Lea turn around and sees anna coming after her. She quickly turns to bathroom. Anna goes in shortly after.
Lea: what are you doing? Do you think what could have happened if someone saw u?
Anna: Lea (starts tearing up.) Lea I’m sorry, I’m truly sorry.
Lea: what for? U were just doing what anyone would. After all it’s the survival of the fittest right.
Anna shakes her head vigorously.
Anna: whats the use of surviving if we aren’t really living? Lea don’t say that please.
Lea half laughs.
Lea: Ann uve been reading to much books.
Anna: im always reading to many books.
Lea grabs anna by her hands.
Anna looks down at lea’s hands.
Lea: listen to me, im holding up just fine. This isn’t a fairy tale Ann. I know im not ganna get my happy ending, and im alright with that, u don’t have to play the hero here cause I know you cant. I don’t want you to get hurt.(she whispers)
Lea notices the way Anna is looking at her hands.
Lea lets go and quickly puts her hands in her pockets. Then looks down.
Lea whispers: sorry.
Bell rings.
Lea: I got to go ive got a class.
Lea walks out and leaves anna in bathroom.
Anna: All that has happened and all Lea cares about is protecting us. I didn’t get it, why? Why didn’t she hate us like we started to hate each other? Why didn’t she stop treating us like her friends even though we started treating her like a monster? Just goes to show you what a great person she is, unfortunately we lost her. After all this I couldn’t help feeling grossed out when she touched me, I was scared, I didn’t want to be but I was.
Anna is crying, stops then washes her hands and face. Elle walks into bathroom.
Anna quickly looks down and starts walks out of door.
Elle: Ya go away, ur not worthy of my presence.
Anna just keeps walking.
Anna: Now I have to live with my best friend picking on me, I hate it.