Jessica: What did you get on the midterm?

Ellen: B.

Jessica: Nice. I got a C-. I think I only got that because the professor likes me.

Ellen: C-? How’d you get a C-? You spent the entire week studying.

Jessica: I don’t know. I understand the material…or at least I thought I did. I guess I’ve just been distracted lately. Long week, you know.

Ellen: At least it’s Friday. What are you doing tonight?

Jessica: I don’t know. I really need to do work.

Ellen: On a Friday night?

Jessica: Yes, on a Friday night. I have a ton of work…

Ellen: That’s what you said last weekend. And the weekend before that. You just spent an entire week stressing yourself out over a test. You deserve a break. There’s a party tonight on Trent St. I’m going and you’re coming with me.

Jessica: I really shouldn’t. I can’t afford another C-.

Ellen: Come on. Alan will be there. And I’m sure after 40 oz. of social skills you won’t be so scared to talk to him. Who knows what could happen? It’s a night of possibilities.

Jessica: stop it, please.

Ellen: what?

Jessica: I don’t want to hook up with Alan. With or without 40 oz. of whatever you just said.

Ellen: But I thought you liked Alan.

Jessica: I do, but still…you know…I mean…I don’t know. (pause.) It’s 2:35.

Ellen: I didn’t ask what time it is. You’re trying to change the subject.

Jessica: No. I’m trying to tell you that you’re 5 minutes late for your next class.

Ellen: Dammit! I have to go. Where are you on your way to?

Jessica: Nowhere. Here. I’m going to find a spot to study for a couple hours.

Ellen: Alright. I’ll find you after class. Will you come to the party? Please, please, please.

Jessica: Maybe.

Ellen: I’ll take that “maybe” as a “yes.”

Jessica: Fine, I’ll go.

Ellen: Good. I’ll stop by your room later. We can pick out something for you to wear.

Ellen hurries off. Jessica has a slight smile on her as she makes her way down the hall in the opposite direction. She notices Tommy walking toward her. Her smile fades. She drops her head in an attempt to hide her face and avoid eye contact. She fails. They are both awkward.

Tommy: Hey Jessica.

Jessica: Oh…hi Tommy.

(they stop to talk)

Tommy: How are you?

Jessica: Fine. How about you?

Tommy: Good. I’m Good.

(Silence. Neither knows what to say or do.)

Tommy: It’s been a while. I haven’t seen you in a few weeks.

Jessica: I’ve been busy.

Tommy: Yeah. Me too.

(silence)

Tommy: So…what does your weekend look like?

Jessica: Umm, well tonight I’m going to…

(a girl walks up next to Tommy, kisses him on the cheek, and puts her arm around him. Tommy and Jessica are even more awkward. They make eye contact occasionally and quickly break it)

Girl: Hey Tommy.

Tommy: Lauren! Um…uh…hi. Jessica, this is Lauren. Lauren, this is my…uh…this is Jessica.

Girl: (to Jessica. Friendly.) Hi. Nice to meet you

Jessica: Hi.

(Tommy and Jessica avoid eye contact with each other)

Girl: Tommy, are you going to the party on Trent St. tonight?

Tommy: Yeah. I’m going.

Girl: Great! Want to get together before? Do a little pre-gaming?

Tommy: sure.

Girl: Are you going to the party Jessica?

Jessica: Uh…no. I have a ton of work to do tonight. I need to study.

Girl: that’s too bad. I know what you mean though. Tommy and I are about to find a table and study for a little while, if you want to join us.

Jessica: I’m on my way out, actually. I have somewhere to go. But thanks. Um…I’ll see you later, I guess.

Girl: Bye. It was nice to meet you.

Jessica: yeah…bye.

(Jessica and Tommy exchange glances but say nothing. Jessica leaves.)