Title: My World: Parallel Lives
by Victoria from Scotland | in writing, fiction
EXT. SCHOOL GROUNDS - AFTERNOON
The school bell rings.
A moment of silence ensues then hundreds of children come pouring out of the doors, all eager to get home - it's the weekend.
From the crowds, we pick out a 16 year old boy surrounded by his friends, laughing and joking, glad to be out of school.
We then see a 16 year old girl, surrounded by a one or two people, who soon depart, leaving her alone. She is upset and distressed by matters other than school.
The boy (Sam) walks past the girl (Nina) and doesn't take any notice, a couple of his group give her a weird look, but they pass on with no comment.
Nina walks home by herself, with only one person smiling at her on the journey. She smiles back, although internally she is no happier. When she arrives home, she darts upstairs and remains there for the rest of the evening. No one notices or seems to care.
CUT TO:
EXT. SAM'S JOURNEY HOME - AFTERNOON
Sam enjoys his walk home, taking his time, mucking around with his mates and having a laugh. They sit down on a low wall to make plans for the rest of the evening.
SAM
What we doin' tonight then?
STEVE
This new bowling place opened up, it's supposed to be really good, it's got an arcade, restaurant and laser tag, I reckon we should test it out.
MATT
I heard about that place too, think it sounds decent Steve!
SAM
It's settled then, bowling we go! Round seven tonight, meet outside? K Jamie?
Jamie looks up from his mobile where he's busy texting his girlfriend and nods.
JAMIE
Fine with me.
CUT TO:
INT. NINA'S ROOM - LATER
Nina is sitting on her bed by herself, crying. She has red marks on her arms and is huddled in a corner. The TV is on, although the sound is on mute. A break in the programme occurs and the adverts appear.
Nina is just about to turn away, when a 'self help' advert is broadcast. Hopeful, she watches it and as the advert ends, she grabs a piece of paper and a pencil and scribbles down the phone number.
She reaches over to her school bag and takes out her mobile phone. She glances at the piece of paper, then back to her phone. She toys with the phone and plays with the idea of calling the number.
FADE OUT.
INT. NEW BOWLING ALLEY AROUND 1 PM
The boys are bowling on a lane, scrutinising the scores and drinking coke, as they watch each other take turns. Music blares and gradually more people fill the alley.
Expressions of enjoyment are plastered over all the boys faces, and they all shout enthusiastically as Sam hits his second strike.
The game ends and the boys finish their coke and return their shoes to the desk.
SAM
You guys comin' for a burger?
JAMIE
Defo, I'm starving.
STEVE
Then LaserTag?
The boys nod emphatically.
CUT TO:
INT./EXT. BUSY STREET WITH HELP CENTRE - DAY
Nina is sitting opposite a neat woman in a black suit, she is talking and almost smiling at what the woman is saying.
The speech cannot be heard, as the audience are behind the glass front of the building (i.e. On the street) However, the continual buzz of traffic and the hum of commuters can be perceived.
Nina steps out, hiding a shy smile.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL GROUNDS - MORNING
Pupils are beginning to fill the grounds, waiting for the morning bell to ring.
Sam, Jamie, Steve, and Matt filter through along with everyone else, laughing at some unknown joke.
They head towards a larger group of boys.
Nina is walking closely behind them, completely transformed. She is the same, but different, her clothes are neater and her hair is tidier. She is even wearing some makeup. Most importantly, she is smiling, and happy. Altogether, she actually looks attractive.
Seeing her friends, Nina approaches them beaming.
NINA
Shelly! Claire!
CLAIRE
NINA! You look so much better!
SHELLY
You look AMAZING! What have you been doing?
Nina blushes at the complements and moves forward to hug each girl in turn.
The school bell rings.
The hoards of pupils crush towards the doors in an attempt to get into the building. In the commotion, Sam and Nina are pushed together.
NINA
Oops...Sorry!
SAM
Hi!
NINA
Hi!
SAM
It's a bit of a crush here isn't it?
NINA
Yep.
FADE TO BLACK.
'Parallel Lives' is inspired by the diverse society the youth of today live in and the respect we have for each other. The story follows the weekends of two very different people, a boy and a girl to represent both sides, one happy and one sad, again to mirror two opposite extremes and balance the scale. Ultimately, both weekends end in happiness, providing a positive outlook on all ways of life.
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