Sleepyjack

This is a short play which we had to write in year 12 (i was 16 at the time) my last year of high school.

Anyway, this was based on and inspired by one of the first girls i had a thing with, albiet it does have some ficitonal elements to add to the story and also some broader characterisations but for the most part, iot is true. Although has been dramatised for effect and pretension. It was rather nice for me to read again, cause it helped me realised what i used to be like back in high school, for the most part. And that most of my ideals have still sorta stayed in tact and i never was particulary nasty or judged anyone.
Basiaclly it was good for my own reflection, but i thought i'd post it here as well.

Excuse some of the cliches and other excessive melodrama, but such was my teenage emotion and angst. lol
Also, it's shorter to read than it looks

also, john is me

Stigma

CHARACTERS

John: 16 finishing off high school
Derek: 17 ,is John's friend, also at school, Johns better friend
Ben: 17, also at school, crude and gratuitous
Jenny: 16 private school girl, sheltered by father
Mr Hughes: 45, Jennifer's father, protective and strict
Mrs Hughes: 40, Jennifer's mother, more carefree than father
Alex: 17 ,John's and Derek's friend, mainly spends time with his girlfriend
Rebecca: 17 Alex's girlfriend
Julie: 17, goes to school with John and the others
Tim: 11, Jennifer's brother, likes sports

Setting: set in the year 2000 at various locations (multiple backdrops or revolving stage): mall, the movies, The local footy ground, Jennifer's house, out side John's house,




ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
A movie theatre in the local mall. It is Saturday night and John, Derek, Alex, Rebecca and Ben are sitting down waiting for the movie to start. Jenny and the rest of her family enter. Though no one knows her they all admire her presence
BEN: She's hot! [Jennifer sits in the seat next to John]
JENNY: [to John] Hi
JOHN: Hi
DEREK: [to John] Mind if we swap seats?
JOHN: I don't think so [smiles at Derek, then turns and smiles at Jenny]
ALEX: I wish this movie would hurry up
REBECCA: Calm down it starts at 8:30
JOHN: Alex, who are you playing on Sund.....[ The movie starts, Ben punches him] You didn't have to do that.
Time passes by the lights going off for 10 seconds
[Half an hour into the movie, Jenny leans over making contact with John. John sits there frozen with a smile on his face]
BEN: [To Derek] Johns getting some.
DEREK: That's gotta hurt [on the movie a man gets his arm cut off]
JOHN: [To Derek] We don't need the commentary you idiot
[Ben unzips his fly] What the hell are you doing? [Jenny laughs, Ben continues with his antics, Derek joins in] [To Jenny] I'm sorry about this.
JENNY: That's alright [throughout the movie Jenny and John continually change smiles, the movie finally ends]
BEN: What a joke, no nudity whatsoever
JOHN: Ben you idiot, if you actually paid attention you'd find that it wasn't bad. [To Jenny] Did you enjoy it?
JENNY: I thought it was.. [Jenny is interrupted by her dad]
MR HUGHES: Jennifer lets go [Jenny obediently follows, John is frozen with anxiety]
JOHN: [to Jenny] Wait, I don't even know your name. [Jenny leaves with the rest of her family, John is saddened but manages to smile at her as she leaves]
BEN: So did you get her number?
JOHN: Shutup.
ALEX: [unaware of John's situation] That wasn't bad
REBECCA: I got a little teary near the end
ALEX: Let's hit the road, have to get up early tomorrow for the big game. You all better be coming.

SCENE TWO

The local footy ground where Alex's team is playing for a spot in the finals.
DEREK: So they need to win to get in?
JOHN: [quietly] yeah
DEREK: Still pissed about last night?
JOHN: Yeah..... didn't get much sleep I could only think about her
DEREK: But you hardly knew her, what do you care for then?
JOHN: It's just the feeling I got when she sat down beside me and smiled.... [Ben comes back from the toilet] just the vibe I felt something for her right away
BEN: Yeah your dick go hard
JOHN: [sarcastically] That's real good Ben
BEN: She had a fair set for a private schoolgirl
DEREK: I reckon
JOHN: What? [puzzled] you thought she was from a private school.
DEREK: Yeah well she was out with her parents on a Saturday night, she's probably sheltered from guys like us. You saw how her dad just whisk her away [John contemplates the idea] You don't want to get involved with someone like that.
JOHN: Whys that?
DEREK: Well she'd be sheltered from society, she doesn't know how to do anything for herself, dads done it for her all her life.
JOHN: Perhaps she was out on a family dinner, [Mad at Derek] I don't like your assumptions about private schools anyway. Surely they're not all like that?
BEN: What about that party at your house next weekend?
JOHN: Yeah it's alright.... man I wish I had her number.
DEREK: Don't worry about it, there is plenty of other fish in the sea. You know that Julie wants you?
JOHN: [not caring] Yeah but I don't care for Julie, that's all just superficial anyway, I hardly know her.
DEREK: Just like you hardly know the girl, hell you don't even know her name.
JOHN: man I screwed up, should of done something.
BEN: Wasn't her name Penny or Jenny or something?
JOHN: [excited] yeah it was Jenny, there is something.
BEN: Alright enough chat lets watch the game [they sit down and the game starts, Ben gets out a cigarette]
JOHN: I'd appreciate it if you'd smoke that elsewhere [Derek knocks it out of his hand]
BEN: Hey!
DEREK: You know not to smoke that cancerstick crap around me
BEN: Sorry mum
JOHN: Alright cool down, lets watch the game [seems to have something else on his mind]

SCENE THREE
Monday, Outside the mall, Derek, John, Ben and Alex are hanging around outside after school.
ALEX: Man, I can't believe I got that goal. That was a biggie.
DEREK: It was like 60 metres, hey
BEN: I could of got it
DEREK AND ALEX: Bullshit, you stink at footy
DEREK: [to Alex] Who are you playing in the finals?
ALEX: Not sure, depends on the other games
DEREK: So John, how'd did you do on that test?
JOHN: I made it hurt, piss easy
DEREK: Yeah I couldn't get question 5. I thought it was more of an investigation than a test. [John not paying attention, looks out and sees someone]
BEN: Hey, Johnny boy isn't that your bitch?
[Jenny approaches them with some anxiety, whilst John is very excited to see her]
JOHN: [to the others] Hey can you give me a minute
BEN: [Ben chuckles, as Jenny is in a private school uniform] Told you it was a private school girl
JOHN:[Jenny looks puzzled] Hi, hows it going.
JENNY: Hi, do I know you?
JOHN: [excitedly]Yeah we meet at the movies the other night
JENNY: Oh yeah, Hi, I don't think I got your name
JOHN: John.
JENNY: oh, Hi John, I am really sorry about my dad.
JOHN: Yeah is he normally like that?
JENNY: [sadly] You know Daddy's little girl and everything.
JOHN: How old are you?
JENNY: 16, 17 at the end of the year.
JOHN: Yeah I turn 17 at the end of the year too. So which school do you go to?
JENNY: Perth Collage, you?
JOHN: Kalamunda High [a little break in the conversation]
JENNY: Well, I better get going, perhaps I'll see you around
JOHN: [she starts leaving], wait, how about a number [she contemplates the idea, then gets out a pen and writes it on his hand]
DEREK: You coming John?
JOHN: [to Derek] Yeah [To Jenny] I'll give you a call later in the week see what your doing.
JENNY: Alright, Bye
JOHN: See ya [Johns very pleased with himself]
BEN: Looks like you got some for the weekend, as long as she puts out [laughs at himself]
JOHN: Shut up you idiot.
DEREK: Get her to come to the party, tell her to bring her friends, maybe I'll hook up.
BEN: Yeah I might get a root too.
JOHN: Yeah, yeah I'll call her on Wednesday.
ALEX: Alright boys I gotta pick up Rebecca from work. Have a goodie
OTHERS: See ya

ACT TWO

SCENE ONE
John's House Saturday night. Most People from Kalamunda High School are there. Derek and John are talking outside the house.

DEREK: When did you call her?
JOHN: On Wednesday, talked for ages
DEREK: About what?
JOHN: Well talk about all you guys and other stuff
DEREK: Sounds like you really like her
JOHN: Yeah, well she seems so nice despite the stigma attached to private school girls
DEREK: So when is she coming?
JOHN: Alex and I are picking her up at the mall in 10 minutes.
DEREK: Why is that?
JOHN: Well she kinda lied to her Dad so she could get out, you know he's a bit protective.[Ben walks up to them]
BEN: Man you should see Julie. She has downed half a bottle in ten minutes and is asking for you Johnny boy.
JOHN: You know I don't care for her
DEREK: [To Ben jokingly ] Why don't you go Big boy
BEN: Yeah I could get some cheap action [Ben goes to walk off but is stopped by John]
JOHN: [Talking seriously to Ben] Despite the fact I don't care for her, you're not going to get rape her you dirty bastard. Derek, can you keep an eye on him.
DEREK: Yeah sure [Alex and Rebecca arrive]
BEN: I was only joking.
ALEX: You ready John
JOHN: Let's do it. [Alex and John leave]
REBECCA: Hi boys [Julie comes out stumbling, Rebecca sees her] Oh Julie, are you okay?
JULIE: Where's John?
BEN: He's gone out to get his girlfriend.
JULIE: WHAT!
DEREK: It is not his girlfriend....yet [Julie falls over]
JULIE: I think I'll just lye her for a minute or two
REBECCA: I think I better get her inside.
DEREK: Nah, just leave her here. It's not too cold and she might yak inside.
REBECCA: Well we better stay outside and watch her.
[There is a pause in the conversation Ben stares at Julie while Derek looks out miming words to a song, Rebecca waits for Alex to get back}
BEN: [breaking silence] well, perhaps I'll remove some clothes, you know she might yak on them.
REBECCA AND DEREK: BEN!
BEN: [Smiling at himself] Just a suggestion [John and Jenny come back]
REBECCA: Ah, they're back
BEN: [looking at Jenny] Dear me, it's like I have died and gone to heaven
DEREK: Shutup Ben
JOHN: [to Jenny] You remember everyone
JENNY: Yeah [to everyone] Hi all.
OTHERS: Hello [Alex comes back from the car with a carton of beer]
ALEX: Anyone want a beer? [Everyone is silenced by the car pulling up, Mr Hughes steps out]
MR HUGHES: Jennifer come here this instant. [Everyone is stunned, Jenny tries to hide behind Derek, John walks to the car j]
JENNY: [very worried] Christ it's my Dad.
JOHN: [Nervously walks up to Mr Hughes] G'day
MR HUGHES: I don't care for your kind, I just want my daughter back.
JOHN: [Angry at Mr Hughes] My kind... we're not aliens, why won't you let her stay here a while?
MR HUGHES: Under age drinking, drugs god knows what goes on. Jennifer come here!
JOHN: Perhaps if you didn't make so many assumptions and let your daughter live life for herself she'll appreciate life and yourself more.
MR HUGHES: [Mr Hughes walks over to the group and grabs Jenny] You think I'll take advice from a juvenile like yourself, I don't think so. [He drags Jenny over and they leave, John again frozen with despair]
JOHN: [Punches the ground] BULLSHIT!
ALEX: Man that sucks, you'd never figure she'd have a father like that. She was so carefree in the car [John is silent staring into nothingness]
DEREK: [to the others] I think we should leave him alone for a while. [The others walk off, Derek picks up Julie whilst John sits there silently]
REBECCA: Will he be all right?
DEREK: Yeah he'll just listen to some music for a while, [unsure] he'll be fine

SCENE TWO
Outside the mall on Tuesday before school. Derek, Ben and John are hanging out.
DEREK: [worried about the time] We better go soon.
JOHN: [still disheartened] I have to try to call her again though.
DEREK: [trying to be understanding] Doesn't she start late today?
JOHN: Yeah I'll try again in a few minutes, her Dad leaves at 8:30.
BEN: So I take it Julie is up for grabs
DEREK: [tired of Ben] Shutup Ben [John goes to call Jenny] Ben you should try to be more understanding, John obviously really likes Jenny so stop trying to piss him off.
BEN: Shut up, your a pretty boy just like John. You try to act all nice to girls but you really just want to score .
DEREK: [Really annoyed] That's for shit. You still haven't left your year 10 stage, I don't know why we still hang out with you. Your just an ignorant, bigot dickhead. And I wonder where Jenny's dad s gets all his crazy ideas. Piss off.[ Ben walks away whilst lighting a cigarette]
[John comes back smiling]
JOHN: Where is Ben?
DEREK: I told him to go away.. what are so happy about?
JOHN: [not caring about Ben] Jenny has talked to her mum and I am going over on Friday night for dinner to meet the family. [Derek smiles at him]
DEREK: Good for you.
JOHN: Thanks.

SCENE THREE

Jenny's House. Jenny isn't home yet but Mrs Hughes is preparing the dinner when John arrives. Mrs Hughes opens the door and lets him in.

MRS HUGHES: Oh, you must be John, I've heard a lot about you, come in.
JOHN: [John happily walks in] Thanks a lot
MRS HUGHES: Jenny is not home at the moment, she gets in soon though.
JOHN: oh [unsure] Do you want me to come back?
MRS HUGHES: Oh no, Tim is upstairs. I heard you both like basketball. He taped the game this morning, perhaps you'll like to watch it.
JOHN: Oh you have foxtell
MRS HUGHES: Yes
JOHN: [Jokingly] well I guess I better come here more often. [Mrs Hughes goes and retrieves Tim to watch the game]
TIM: Hello
JOHN: G'day, so which game did you tape.
TIM: Knicks vs Heat
JOHN: Oh your a Knicks fan too
TIM: You better believe it.
JOHN: Who's your favourite player?
TIM: Houstan or Sprewell [John smiles at him]
JOHN: Spree is my fav player
TIM: We'll lets do it, you don't know who wins?
JOHN: Nah [Tim puts the tape in the set and they start watching] That's one big TV
[Mr Hughes arrives home with Jenny they enter the room]
JOHN: Hi [smiles at Jenny]
JENNY: Hey [smiles back]
MR HUGHES: [Mr Hughes sees the game] Oh the game, you should of waited for me Tim.
TIM: Yeah but me and John wanted to watch [Jenny goes to her room to change]
MR HUGHES: Oh, you follow basketball too.
JOHN: [still a little angry at him]yeah
MR HUGHES: The Knicks?
JOHN: [more cheerful]yep
MR HUGHES: Oh we have something in common
JOHN: You want a seat [John moves over to accommodate Mr Hughes}
MR HUGHES: [Smiles at him] Cheers [Mrs Hughes enters the room]
MRS HUGHES: Dinner is ready.
TIM: But Mum it's got 3 and a half minutes left
MR HUGHES: [seeing Jenny entering the room dressed up] Oh I gotta get changed
JOHN: [admiring Jenny] You look great
JENNY: Thanks.
TIM: I am outta here, I think I am going to be sick. Hey Knicks won [starts jumping up and down, John is startled Jenny and they kiss, Mrs Hughes then kindly signals them for dinner]

SCENE FOUR
Still at Jennifer's house it is getting late and everyone is getting ready to go to bed and John to leave.
JOHN: [to Mrs Hughes] Thanks for everything, I better get going
TIM: Yeah I am stuffed, goodnight everyone [runs off to bed]
JENNY: I'll see John out [happy that everything has gone smoothly, Mrs Hughes goes off to bed]
MR HUGHES: [has been drinking since dinner and is a little tipsy] no wait, I want to see Johnny Boy. Jennifer you go off to bed now and you can talk to him tomorrow, everyone to bed.
JENNY: Dad..[interrupted]
MR HUGHES: [loud voice] now [Jenny runs upstairs, John is indecisive in what to do] have a seat. [he continually fills his glass as he drinks] Now would you like some music [John is confused in the change of mood, obviously the alcohol] Mozart, Beethoven, Bart, eh
JOHN: [quietly] I don't really care for that music.
MR HUGHES: [astounded, voice loudens] What?, They are classics [Jenny has come back into the room but hides around the corner eavesdropping on the conversation]
JOHN: Despite being classics, not everyone will like opera music.
MR HUGHES: [disapproved tone] Everything else is rubbish anyway
JOHN: That's the thing though, [a little mad at his comment] it is all in the eye of the beholder, for one to say one is better than the other is only opinion no fact what so ever.
MR HUGHES: Yeah and that's why the other music is rubbish and [changes tone] that's why I don't like you.
JOHN: [a little intimidated] Why don't you like me?
MR HUGHES: We are too different people, you are just bad news like all the other high school boys. Jennifer needs a nice organised Private school boy [sits down]
JOHN: [amazed, stands up to talk to him] The irony in that is the majority of Private school boys are worse than the stereotype you have put on me. Since they have never been around girls at school they develop extreme characteristics towards girls which are almost inhumane. Then by forcing Jenny into the private school loop hole your just putting more socially deprived people into the world. [Takes a pause, then turns back around to continue] Anyway don't you feel that it is the differences in life that make it interesting? sure too many doesn't work, but it is the subtle ones which cause conflicts which make life challenging and interesting. For two people to be the same life would be a boring place as they agree on everything and think alike.
MR HUGHES: [blown away somewhat by the onslaught, Jenny is smiling around the corner] Well you raise an interesting point, your lucky I am half gone otherwise I would crucify you
JOHN: [feeling confident talking now] See there's another thing, you were condoning drinking before and now you are doing it yourself. By restricting Jenny of such adventurous acts you're depriving her social needs. This is the period in her life were she can learn things on her own without dad to do everything for her.
MR HUGHES: You know..... [trying to find words]I forgot what I was going to say, want a beer.
JOHN: [aware of his acute drunkenness] yeah all right
MR HUGHES: [hands him a beer] You know I used to be like you, a nice guy of course, you don't seem to be all that bad, perhaps it's like that old saying..um
JOHN: Don't judge a books by it's cover?
MR HUGHES: Yeah something like that
JOHN: [has a drink] Yeah it is people like my old friend Ben who create that sort of image where the majority are decent people. [has another drink] I hope you remember this conversation in the morning, Oh well I better get going now.
MR HUGHES: It's been good, hope to see you round again soon.
JOHN: [playing with him] I wonder if you'll mean that next time [Jenny somewhat content with what has happened, moves back out of the room] Oh well, I'll come around tomorrow
MR HUGHES: Wait up[gets up out of seat, puts his hand out and shakes Johns hand, John pleased with himself, leaves happily]

THE END

sorry for the formatting, i gor this off of an old mac document so it kinda fucked up in the conversion process
I hope it's still ok to read and follow

vonstalhein

How long did it take you to write that?

__________________
No Win No Fee

Amarth

I thought it was pretty good. It was a little slow for my taste, but it has potential to be one of those that really touches people y'know? *chuckle* touches people... you see? My maturity is just not there.

J.R.V.A.

You have a lot of talent. This is really good, thanks for sharing

__________________
And as she plays,
her sweet song of laughter
floats through the air
and warms my heart