Murder8

Part Eight: The Dating Game


Fade In.
Interior:
Suzanne's bedroom - Morning
     (Suzanne is sleeping alone in bed. The clock on her bedside table strikes 6 and the alarm sounds. Suz wakes up instantly, jolting awake. She slams her hand down on the clock and the buzzing stops. Suz, groggy and confused, looks down at the empty side of the bed. She starts to cry.)

Suzanne- (to herself) It was all a dream. Hill never snuck into my window.

      (Suz dries her eyes and gets out of bed. She crosses over to the bedroom window. The morning's light shines brightly through the window. She looks out. Far, far in the distance, she sees her school.)

Suzanne- (thinking aloud) I'll never get to be with Hill. I have to get over him. He's a man. I'm only a child. Our love would be illegal in most states, and it's his job to uphold the law.

       (Outside, Wonderous and Imp pass, on their way to school. Suz sees them and smiles. She opens the window and sticks her head out.)

Suzanne- Wonderous! Hey, Imp!

Wonderous- (yelling up to the window) Good morning, Suz!

Imp- Hey Suz!

Suzanne- Wassup, guys?

Wonderous- Just been mentally preparing myself for tonight's big dance. You got a date yet?

Suzanne- No. I've been holding out for a certain someone, but I don't think it's going to work.

Imp- Suz! the dance is tonight! You better hurry up and get a date! I'd ask ya, but I'm already going with someone.

Wonderous- Me, too. But I'm sure Suz won't have any problem finding a man. She's cute.

Suzanne- Thanks, Wonderous.

Wonderous- No problem. You better hurry up and get ready for school.

Suzanne- I know. See you guys at school.

Wonderous and Imp- Bye Suz!

       (Imp and Wonderous start walking back to school. Suz closes the window. She rushes to her closet, trying to find something to wear.)

     Suzanne- (to herself) I have to look perfect today. I'm the most popular girl in school. I can't go to the dance without a date. I'll go with the first boy that asks me, even if he isn't popular. Just as long as he's cute.

       (Suz finds the perfect outfit, then heads for the bathroom for a quick shower. She stops in front of the bathroom mirror, and looks at herself.)

Suzanne- I have a feeling this will be a night that I'll never forget.

Fade Out.

Fade In.

Exterior:
School, behind the band hall.

      (Sweet One paces in front of the old oak tree, nervously awaiting Clot. She glances at her watch. It's 7:50, ten minutes before class starts.)

Male Voice- Waiting for me, Sugar?

      (Sweet One spins around. There stands Clot. He looks like hell. He looks like he hasn't slept in days.)

SweetOne- Clot! (Rushes into his arms) I didn't think you'd make it. You look like shit.

Clot- Been up all night thinking.

SweetOne- Thinking about what?

Clot- Thinking about us. Me and you.

SweetOne- Awww. (kisses him on the cheek) You're so sweet.

Clot- Well, I feel bad, ya know, since I can't take you to the dance. But I want to make it up to ya.

SweetOne- Baby, you don't have to do that...

Clot- But I do. I know you were looking forward to going to the dance. I want to take you out to dinner and a movie tonight.

SweetOne- But, sweetie...

Clot- Maybe we could get a hotel room and have our own private dance. How 'bout it, babe?

SweetOne- It sounds great. It really does...

Clot- But....

SweetOne- ...but I can't go out with you tonight. I'm going to the dance.

Clot- (becoming upset) What do you mean you're going to the dance?

SweetOne- Exactly that. Look, I know you may get upset, but I really want to go tonight. I've never been to a dance before. My mother bought me a new dress.

Clot- You can't go to the dance by yourself? It would look stupid.

SweetOne- No. I have a date.

Clot- (yelling) What! You have a date? With who?

SweetOne- It's not a real date. He's just a friend. I just asked him 'cause you can't go.

Clot- Who is it?

SweetOne- It doesn't matter. He's just a friend.

     (Clot slaps Sweet across the face, leaving a large red mark on her cheek. She starts to cry.)

Clot- Fine! Go out with another man! Damn slut! (Slaps sweet again) You can go straight to hell!

SweetOne- (bawling) Clot! Why are you doing this?

Clot- Stay away from me. All of you. Stay the hell away!

     (Clot storms off. Sweet falls to her knees, covering her face with her hands, sobbing.)