enter real life [csa cultural show 2013]

8/13/2019 Enter Real Life [CSA Cultural Show 2013]

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CSA Cultural Show 2013

By

Daniel Tan


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ACT I

Scene 1

Wednesday. Afternoon.

Center stage are VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR,

HALOTRONIC//YICHEN, CHEEREON//LINXIAO, andHOLLIX//JENNY, each with weapons out (but standingin relaxed poses), inside a brightly-lit,regal-looking hall. Off to the side, in the back,sits VICTOR in a desk in his bedroom, laptop open,clicking and pressing keys, playing the video gamein deep concentration.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORThis is it. Time to face the dragon.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENAlright! When we beat this thing, Ill finally be able

to level up!

CHEEREON//LINXIAOJust letting you two know, this is my last dungeon fornow. Need to get to the pool before dinner.

HOLLIX//JENNYIll get off after this dungeon too, then.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOROkay. (Brief pause.) So we all ready? Yi? Lin? Jenny?

CHEEREON//LINXIAO

Yep!

HALOTRONIC//YICHEN(Waves his sword around flippantly.) Do I really needto be ready? I can do this with my eyes closed.

HOLLIX//JENNYVictor, just start the boss already.

The other three get into their own readypositions. They stand together for a second,cautiously scanning their surroundings. Asummoning ritual noise sounds.

CHEEREON//LINXIAO(Points.) Look, there it is!

All three turn to face the directionCHEEREON//LINXIAOs pointing in and grip theirweapons harder.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 4.

VICTORBut it was! See, I have to take the integral of thesquare root of the glucose molecule so I can calculatethe dividend to invest....

VICTORS MOTHER

Okay, okay. Ill let you concentrate on your work now.

VICTORS MOTHER takes one last look at the screenand walks out of the room. VICTOR quickly returnshis attention to his laptop.

The spotlight returns center stage to the gamecharacters, just in time to see VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORfly backwards and die.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENVictor, no! Whyd you have to die? I lied; I need youin order to beat this guy! Come back!

HOLLIX//JENNY dies, followed by CHEEREON//LINXIAOand HALOTRONIC//YICHEN shortly thereafter.

Scene goes to black.

When the light returns, all four characters arenow standing around, weapons sheathed.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENBro, why did you have to die? You know I was this closeto leveling up! All we had to do was beat that dungeon!

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORSorry, guys. And so much for taking this with your eyesclosed, Yi.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENNow its going to take a whole other week for me tojust get back the exp that I lost when I died!

HALOTRONIC//YICHEN falls onto the ground in afetal position and cries, turning side to side.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORWell, my mom came into the room, and you know whathappens then.

CHEEREON//LINXIAODont be so hard on your parents. Theyre just lookingafter you, even if theyre a bit too tradionalist!

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 5.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR"Too traditionalist" is a bit of an understatementthere, Lin.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOIm just saying to try to look at it from a more

positive side! Whoops, Im late for swimming. Yi andJenny, dont forget, dinner at Commons at six. And youhave fun with dinner at home, Victor. Okay, have to go.Bye!

CHEEREON//LINXIAO leaves the stage.

HOLLIX//JENNYWell, todays dungeon was pointless.

HOLLIX//JENNY exits the stage.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR looks at HALOTRONIC//YICHEN,

who is still crying on the ground, and simplyshakes his head.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR(Sighs.) Hey Yi, should probably head out, too. Parentswant me to wash the car before dinner. Good luck tryingto level again, man.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR exits, leaving a cryingHALOTRONIC//YICHEN on the ground. He stays likethat for a while before he gets back up.

HALOTRONIC//YICHEN

(Looking around) Victor? Jenny? (Pause.) (Frustrated)Cant believe I have to make up that lost exp on myown. Well....

He raises his sword above his head and runs offthe stage while letting out a battle cry.

Scene 2

Wednesday. Evening.

VICTOR, VICTORS MOTHER, and VICTORS FATHER aresitting around a table eating dinner withchopsticks, Chinese family-style.

VICTORS MOTHERDid you finish your engineering homework?

VICTOR(Sighs.) Yes, Mom.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 6.

VICTORS FATHERI hope you are actually doing homework, Victor. Youknow how important good grades are, especially once youhave to look for a job for the summer. I didnt payfifty thousand a year just for you to sit at home andplay games every day.

VICTOR(Sighs.) I know, I know.

VICTORS MOTHERVictor, youre in your room all the time, and we justwant to know what youre doing in there.

VICTORTrust me, Im not doing any gaming.

VICTORS MOTHERAll we want is for you to finish your work first. Then

you can do whatever you want.

VICTOR doesnt respond. The three of them keep oneating dinner silently for a moment.

VICTOROkay, so I finished all of my homework for tonight. CanI stay on campus tomorrow then? Theres this show Iwant to see at seven-thirty.

VICTORS MOTHERWho are going with?

VICTOR(Sighs.) You know, the usual friends.

VICTORS MOTHERAnd when are you going to get back?

VICTORAround ten-thirty. The show will end at ten, and thenIll have to take the SEPTA back.

VICTORS FATHERHave you finished the homework due on Friday?

VICTORNot yet. I still have a little bit of it left.

VICTORS FATHERThen no.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 8.

VICTORYeah, he did. (Pause.) Okay, Im done. Ill get back tohomework.

VICTOR gets up and pushes himself away from thetable, bowl of finished rice and chopsticks in

hand and exits the stage.

Scene 3

Friday. Afternoon.

VICTOR, YICHEN, LINXIAO, and JENNY walk towardsCommons after classes.

YICHEN...Yeah, the Wu Tang Chan trio was hilarious lastnight.

JENNYNo, they were stupid.

LINXIAOWell, I think they added personality to the show!

VICTORMan, wish I couldve been there.

YICHENDont worry, bro, at least you can still see the WuTang Chan move! Here, let me try to do it for you....

Yichen attempts to do the "Wu Ting Chan" movewhile still walking, and everyone laughs.

LINXIAOYou shouldve seen Yi when they played that FinalFantasy song halfway through the show, Victor. He couldbarely stay in his seat.

JENNYOh my God, he was acting like a complete dork.

YICHENBut it was glorious! I love that song. Ive listened toit so many times already. That games entire soundtrackis amazing.

VICTOR goes in front of the other three and startsto walk backward.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 10.

YICHENLooks like that girl back there was cute, bro.

VICTORYeah.

YICHENYou get her number?

JENNYThats a stupid idea, Yi. "Oh, here, let me give mynumber to a random girl Ill probably never see again."

LINXIAOYou never know, though! Maybe youll see her aroundlater sometime.

VICTORRight, like that happens in real life.


That same Friday. Late night.

When the lights come back on, the scene opens withVTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR hacking at monsters in the gameworld. After a moment, WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYenters, slashing away at her own monsters. As theyfight, the two of them move closer, andeventually, they are both fighting the samemonsters.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYHey, stop killstealing!

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORDont blame me for being higher level than you. Youshould invest in one of these too, then.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYMore like youre a wimp who doesnt want to get yourhands dirty.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORWhats that supposed to mean? I also have a longswordthat I can bring out of storage, if you want to checkit out.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYWhat? No, you pervert! Keep your sword to yourself!

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 11.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORWait, wait, I didnt mean that!

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYIts probably more like a shortsword anyway.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOROkay, how about this: you get all of the monsters overthere and Ill only fight the ones over here?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYOkay.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY curtly turns her headaway from VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR. The two of themreturn to fighting monsters. VTOTHEMAX//VICTORquickly dispatches the monsters that spawn on hisside, while WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY grappleswith just one.

As WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY fights her monster,it slowly moves over to VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORS sideof the stage. Once it crosses the halfway point,VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR nonchalantly turns around,fires once, and kills it.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY storms up toVTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYWhy, you!....

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORSorry, couldnt resist! Look, Im sorry. Here, Illmake it up to you. How about this?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYWhat?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORYou here doing the new quest, Shatterers Tale, thatwas just added yesterday?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYYeah. Why?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORHow about I make it up to you by doing that questtogether? Youll have it easy since Ill be able tokill the boss much faster than you. Hell, I could solohim myself without you.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 12.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY(Still slightly hostile) And whats in it for you?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR(Shrugs.) Not much. I get to finish the quest, too.Besides, its not like I have anything better to do,

with all of my friends probably sleeping already.

He uncertaintly extends his hand out in ahandshake.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORWhat do you say?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY looks at the hand for abit, in thought. Brief pause.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYDeal.

She takes his hand and shakes it firmly.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYYoure still a wimp, you know.


Still that Friday (now technically Saturdaymorning). Even later at night.

When the lights come on again, VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORand WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY are in another part

of the virtual world, cautiously walking through aswamp. Off to the opposite side of the stage whereVICTOR usually sits while gaming, ASHLEY sits infront of her own computer.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYI didnt think this quest would be so creepy!

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORThe developers sure made one hell of a story for thisnew quest, thats for sure.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYShh.

She grabs VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORs arm, and the two ofthem.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYDid you hear that?

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 13.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR cocks his head, listeningintently.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORI think I hear something.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYVeetothemax, let me go in front; I think Ill be ableto notice whatevers up there before you do.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORSure, not gonna argue with that. Lead the way.

The two characters continue forward cautiously,this time with WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY leading.After a moment, she stops; VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR doesthe same.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR

Hear something else, Watercolor?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYYeah. Okay, lets stop talking so loudly so hopefullywe wont get noticed.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORAnd if we do?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYThen my trusty Starsaber will take care of it.

She taps her sword.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORYou named your sword?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY(Smiles mischeviously.) Why not?

They walk for a bit, withWATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY still leading.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYLook at that! (Points.) Isnt that the hut theShatterer described?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORDefinitely looks like it.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYBe careful now, the Shatterer said there wassomething!--

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 14.

In one fluid motion, she draws her sword and usesher sword arm to block VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR fromstepping forward into a magic force field trap.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYThe first trap, just like the Shatterer said! We must

be close.

She pauses for a moment, sword out in a readyposition in front of her, before she sheathes it.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORThanks, Watercolor.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYYou owe me one, you know.

They continue walking, even more cautiously.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR suddenly grabsWATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY and pulls her back,just as the ground collapses in front of her.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYThanks for saving me from that pit!

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORNo problem. Were even now, since weve both saved eachother once?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYYeah, I suppose.

A bit more cautious walking.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORThere! Look out, its the boss!

He pushes WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY out of theway from a fire blast from the boss and then isthrown back onto the ground.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYVeetothemax, are you okay?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR(Groans.) Im fine, Im fine!

He slowly pulls himself up. He andWATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY begin fighting theboss. After a while, VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR getsthrown onto the ground.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 15.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORI dont think Ill be able to help you for the rest ofthe battle, Watercolor!

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYDont worry, Ill save us, Mr.

Ill-Carry-You-During-the-Boss-Battle!

She continues to fight the boss, charging,dodging, slashing. During this time, dramaticbattle music plays in the background.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORWow.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY does one final slash,defeating the boss. She turns around triumphantlyand brushes herself off nonchalantly. Then shewalks over to VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR, who is still

lying on the ground, and stands over him.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY(Smiling) So about you finishing this quest withoutneeding my help?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOROkay, so I was wrong.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYHow was the ground?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR

A bit too hard for my liking.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYWas that the only thing that was hard?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR just stares at her, speechless.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY(Grins.) Two can play at the perverted game, you know.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR(Laughs.) I can see that.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYHey, so this was actually kind of fun. I wasthinking...since you didnt really help out at the endthere, maybe you need to help me with another quest tomake up for this one?

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 16.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORI dont really have any other choice, do I?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY(Smugly) Nope! Anyways, I have to go now.

She heads for the stage exit.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY(While exiting) Friend me so we can do quests later!

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORWill do.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY leaves the stage. Thespotlight shifts to ASHLEY, who stands up from herchair, stretches and yawns, and then also exitsthe stage.

The spotlight returns to VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR, whocontinues to lie on the ground.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORHey, Watercolor? You still there? Could use some helpgetting up. (Pause.) Watercolor?

Scene 4

Monday. Afternoon.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR and HALOTRONIC//YICHEN arefighting monsters.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENHey dude, where have you been? Ive noticed that youvebeen playing with this Watercolor...something theselast few days. Whats up with that?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR(Shrugs.) Its nothing. She just happens to be on afteryou guys have all gone off to bed, so Ive just beendoing dungeons and quests with her.

HALOTRONIC//YICHEN(Raises his eyebrows suggestively) Oh, so its a she.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR(Chuckles.) Contrary to popular belief, Im actuallynot a pervert, even though I did accidentally makeWatercolor think I am.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 18.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENWatercolor.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORRight. I dont know what else to say. Just wish thatthis was all happening in reality instead of in this

game, where nothing will happen out of this.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENYou never know, Victor, you never know. (Looks down athis watch.) Oh, looks like I should probably getstarted on engineering homework right now beforedinner. You know, gotta be the very best in class andall.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORLike no one ever was?

HALOTRONIC//YICHEN

Yes! (Singing dramatically) To catch them is my realtest, to train them is my cause!

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORGod, Lins Pokmon addiction is really infecting all ofus.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENKinda hard not to after knowing her for so long. Okay,bro, later.

YICHEN exits the stage, and the stage goes dark.

Later that Monday. Evening.

When the lights come back on, VICTOR, his MOTHER,and FATHER sit around a table, eating dinner.

VICTORS MOTHERVictor, were you talking to someone about a girl thisafternoon?

VICTORGirl? What are you talking about?

VICTORS MOTHERI heard something about a girl and online when I wasasking you if you wanted a snack this afternoon.

VICTORWell.... (Sighs.) There isnt any girl, Mom.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 19.

VICTORS FATHERI hope there isnt, Victor. Youre too young to be havea girlfriend; now is the time to be focusing on grades.You can start dating girls after junior year, oncethings have settled.

VICTORS MOTHER acts like shes about to speak,but ends not staying silent.

VICTORS FATHERBesides, if she is online like Mom says, then we haveanother problem, since that shows youve been playinggames too much.

VICTOR(Sighs.) There is no girl, I swear.

Scene 5

Tuesday. Night.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY is fighting offmonsters alone.

After a little while, VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR entersthe stage.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORWow, youre actually on before I am for once.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYYeah, I thought something had happened to you,

Veetothemax.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORThe aliens almost got to me today, but I managed toevade them once again.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY(Laughs.) Thank God.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORI know, whatever would you have done if I was takenaway? Go cry in a corner since your higher-level friendwont be there to help you anymore?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY playfully whacksVTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR on the arm.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYHey, you know I can take care of myself!

Stage goes dark.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 20.

Wednesday. Noon.

VICTOR, LINXIAO, and JENNY are sitting at a tablehaving lunch.

LINXIAO

(Sighs.) I still feel horrible for not being able tosee my dad last weekend, but there was just too muchgoing on, and.... (Brief pause.) I know that Taotaosbeen keeping him busy since Im not home and all, butits just not the same.

VICTOROh right, Taotao, your dog. Still the ball of energy healways is?

LINXIAOYep!

A fleeting smile appears on her face and quicklydisappears.

LINXIAOBut Im worried about my dad, since hes felt prettylonely since my mom...you know, and I want to be therefor him. And last weekend was the first weekend Iwasnt able to make it home.

JENNYHell be okay without you for a week, Lin. Didnt yourmom pass away almost a year ago?

LINXIAO simply nods. Brief pause in theconversation.

LINXIAOSo, Victor, Yi told me yesterday that youve beengaming with a Watercolor girl? Sorry about not being onDragonsaga so much lately; Ive just been really busywith swimming and Red Cross Club and CSA and homework.But thats exciting!

VICTORYeah; too bad shes not a real person. If she was, Iswear Id be falling for her right now.

JENNYHmm, where is Yi? Doesnt he have the same engineeringclass as you, Victor?

VICTOR(Suggestively) Dont *you* want to know.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 21.

LINXIAOJenny, when are you just going to ask him out already?

JENNY simply blushes.

JENNY

I want him to make the first move, though.

VICTORJust letting you know, Jenny, that hes definitely intoyou. But hes also kind of socially incompetent insituations like these, so it might be better if youactually do it yourself.

Sunday. Midnight.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR and WATERCOLORDREAMER12//ASHLEYare sitting beside one another on the shore of alake. Only VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR is holding a fishing

rod in his hand, fishing.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORJust wondering, what does your name mean, Watercolor12?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYIts named after the watercolor paintings I like tomake.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORThats cool. And the twelve?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY

Oh, thats how old I was when I first painted somethingI was really proud of.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR(Nods.) Wish I could do something like that; the onlything Im good at drawing are stick figures, and thatsquestionable at best.

A brief pause.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYOkay, so since you just asked a question about me, canI ask one about you?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORSure, go for it.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYWhats your name?

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 22.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR(Chuckles.) Oh, wow, just realize weve never told eachother. Im Victor. You?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYAshley.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORAlright.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYVictor, could you teach me how to fish? Ive never doneit before.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR turns and looks atWATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY in the eye.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR(In disbelief) Really? Not in the year and then some

youve been playing this game? Here, get up, Ashley.Ill show you.

He gets up from the ground into a standingposition, still holding his fishing rod.WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY follows suit.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOROkay, so you want to hold it like this.

He places the fishing rod intoWATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYs hands and keeps hishand there over hers.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORAnd now youre going to need to stand like this.

He moves his feet slightly apart until they are ashoulders width apart, his right food behind hisleft foot. WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY tries thesame, but doesnt move her legs as far apart.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYAm I doing it right?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORYoure going to need to spread those legs apart,Ashley; no use keeping them together like that.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY(Smiling) Victor, youve got to stop.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 24.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYYou were right, Victor; going fishing like this *is* anice change in pace from all the fighting.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORGlad you liked it.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYA good way to end the weekend, I suppose.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORWell, my weekends not over just yet. Still have to dothis stupid long writing assignment with these thingscalled "says/does" statements in them.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY"Says/does" statements?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR

Yeah. You heard of them before?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYI have, actually. Ive had to do them for my writingclass, too.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORAnd I thought mine was the only one that had those.What school do you go to?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYWell.... (Pause.) I go to Penn.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORWow, thats crazy. I go there, too. We should meet up!

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYYeah, definitely.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORHow about one oclock Tuesday for lunch? Im busytomorrow.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYThat works for me. Where?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORHow about the Compass? Then well figure out where togo from there.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYSounds good. By the way, Im so giving you speakinglessons when we meet!


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25.

ACT II

Scene 1

Tuesday. Just before lunch.

VICTOR and YICHEN walk out of class. VICTOR isdressed slightly better than usual.

YICHENAww yeah, aced that quiz!

VICTORNice, man. Dont think I did that badly myself.

YICHENBro, stop being so unsure of yourself. Well probablybe the ones setting the curve.

VICTORAs long as I dont end up getting a higher grade thanyou, right?

YICHENYou know Id have to stop being your best friend ifthat happens.

JENNY enters the stage from the same directionVICTOR and YICHEN entered from and falls into stepalongside YICHEN.

JENNY

Hey, so did you two end up failing your engineeringquiz?

YICHENCome on, it wouldnt kill you to be positive for once.

JENNYOkay, fine. (Exaggerated to the point where theoptimism feels forced) So did you two do wonderfully onthat quiz and pass it with flying colors?

YICHEN(Smugly.) Yeah, we did. See? That didnt kill you atall!

JENNYActually, I think I feel a little sick inside.

YICHEN(Smiling) You just need to stop being so pessimisticsometimes, Jenny.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 26.

She slaps him lightly on the arm.

JENNYAnd you just need to stop being so arrogant, Yi.

YICHEN

But you know you love it when Im like that.

YICHEN and JENNY look at each other for longerthan a normal gaze.

VICTORAnyways, Ill see you guys later. Have fun having lunchwithout me.

YICHENWhoa, bro, where you going?

VICTOR

You know how I was saying I wish she existed in reallife? She does.

VICTOR runs off the stage.

YICHEN and JENNY just look at each otherknowingly.

YICHENOh, so *thats* why he was dressed better than usual.

The stage goes dark.

When the lights come back on, ASHLEY is there,standing calmly, looking into her cell phone.

VICTOR enters the stage again, nervously walkingtowards ASHLEY.

VICTORHey, are you...Ashley?

ASHLEYYeah. And youre Victor?

VICTORWho else could it be, Watercolor?

ASHLEY(Laughs.) I suppose you couldnt have been anyone else.

VICTORCrazy to finally be meeting you in person, though.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 27.

ASHLEYYeah, definitely.

VICTORSo, uh, are we actually getting lunch, or are we justgonna stay here forever until gravestones drop over our

heads?

ASHLEY(Laughs.) Thats probably not the best idea, I suppose.

VICTORDo you have anywhere you want to go? I havent reallyeaten at any places around here yet.

ASHLEYI havent either, so were both in the same boat.

VICTOR

Well then thisll be exciting, wont it?

ASHLEYYeah, it will. Not as exciting as going somewhere newin Dragonsaga, but I suppose itll be just as fun. Howabout Greek Lady? Ive heard its pretty good.

VICTORWorks for me. Look at us, Veetothemax andWatercolordreamer, exploring a place never before seenby the likes of man...the Greek Lady!

ASHLEY laughs.

VICTORSo...you lead the way?

The two of them exit the stage together.

Scene 2

Friday. Night, though daytime in the game.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR and CHEEREON//LINXIAO are bothswinging pickaxes at the side of a cave wall.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOSo, Ashley.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORYeah?

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 28.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOThats it? "Yeah"? Tell me more about her! Whats shelike? What kinds of things does she like? What does shedo in her free time? You cant just leave it at a"yeah"! Its been more than a week since you met eachother! Have you done anything else since that date last

Thursday?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORNot yet. But I think I really like her, and shes evencooler in person than online. (Shrugs.) Dont reallyknow what else to say. Shes observant and doeswatercolor paintings and likes listening to Paramore.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOThats much better. Are you going to bring her aroundduring lunch sometime soon? We all want to meet her!

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR

Yeah, I will.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOYou better!

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOROr else what?

CHEEREON//LINXIAOOr else.... (Pauses.) Something!

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR(Laughs.) As long as you dont start singing the

Pokmon theme song over and over again. Anything butthat.

Thursday. Afternoon.

VICTOR and ASHLEY sit across from each other at atable, sipping on pearl milk teas.

ASHLEYSo you said youve never actually been to a partybefore, if I remember correctly?

VICTORSadly, I havent.

ASHLEYWell...would you like to go to one tomorrow? My friendClara wants me to go out with her tomorrow and she saidI could invite you along if I wanted to.

(CONTINUED)


30/55

CONTINUED: 29.

VICTORCool, thatd be great.

ASHLEYYay. (Blushes.) Oh, and Claras also been dying to meetyou, too.

Saturday. Dinnertime.

VICTOR, VICTORS MOTHER, and VICTORS FATHER aresitting around a table, just finishing up theirdinner (which is Chinese family-style again).

VICTORMom, Dad, Im heading out tonight.

VICTORS FATHERAnd where are you going?

VICTORPenn.

VICTORS FATHERTo do what?

VICTORA friend invited me to a party.

VICTORS MOTHERA friend? Was it Linxiao, Yichen, or Jenny?

VICTOR

No, it wasnt.

VICTORS MOTHERWho is it?

VICTORA new friend.

VICTORS FATHERYoure not going to a party, Victor.

VICTORBut Ive finished all of my homework thats due onMonday already! And its still Saturday today, forGods sake.

VICTORS MOTHERWe dont want you to be around bad influences, Victor.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 30.

VICTORWhat happened to the whole "once youre done withhomework, you can do whatever you want" thing?

VICTORS FATHERYou are not going tonight, Victor. End of discussion.

VICTORI didnt know this *was* a discussion.

VICTORS FATHERDont you use that tone of voice.

VICTOR(Becoming more belligerent) So thats it, then? "End ofdiscussion"? Youre not going to ever let me go out?Let me rot inside my room all day?

VICTORS MOTHER

(Trying to calm the situation down) You know that allwe want is the best for you--

VICTOR(Anger rising) And that means the only thing I can doright now is work hard so I can have a "successfulfuture"? Bullshit!

VICTORS FATHER(Stern) Victor....

VICTOR(Enraged) No, youre not going to shut me up this time!

You know why I never tell you anything? Because you seeeverything that I do as a distraction.

His FATHER opens his mouth to speak, but VICTORcuts him off.

VICTORAnd do you know why I play that game you guys hate somuch? Because I dont fucking have anything else to do!

VICTORS FATHER(Just as angry) How dare you talk to us like this! Wesacrificed so much so you could have a successfulfuture and this--?

VICTORTell me, how havent I been successful so far? I gotinto Penn. Im getting good grades now. What more doyou guys want? My firstborn son? You know what, fuckit. Fuck the future. Ive been working so hard for this"future" that Ive never lived in the now. And its

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 32.

ASHLEYEven more fun than hanging out with me?

VICTORBut I was with you at the party.

ASHLEY(Laughs.) (With sassiness) Thats right you were.

They sit down on the bench and ASHLEY leans herhead on VICTORs shoulder. Without reallythinking, VICTOR puts his arm around her. They sitsilently for a while.

VICTORSo tell me something you havent told me before.

ASHLEY

(A little confused) What?

VICTORCome on, itll be fun! We still have the whole nightahead of us.

ASHLEYWell.... (Pause.) Have I told you about Crystal?

VICTORI think you mentioned her briefly at some point. Isntshe one of your best friends from high school whosalso here?

ASHLEY(Nods.) She was.

VICTORWas? What happened?

ASHLEYWell, you know Clara?

VICTORThe friend that I just met?

ASHLEY(Nods again.) (Pause.) I met Clara at the beginning ofthis year and then Crystal just...stopped being myfriend anymore.

VICTOROh.

(CONTINUED)


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35/55

CONTINUED: 34.

VICTOR (contd)only kid, they wanted to hold on to me as tight as theycould.

ASHLEYThats reasonable.

VICTORBut maybe it wasnt such a bad thing after all. If ithadnt been for that, I would never have been onDragonsaga all day. And met you.

ASHLEY(Blushes.) Aww, thanks.

They sit together in silence for a while.

VICTORSo, how about something else your want to tell me?

ASHLEYOkay. Hmm, well.... (Pause.) There *is* something Iwant to tell you, but I dont know.

VICTORCome on, Ashley, say it! You know you want to.

ASHLEY simply blushes and shakes her head.

ASHLEYMaybe later, I suppose. (Pause.) Victor, isnt itgetting a bit late? I should probably get back to the

Quad.

VICTORYeah, lets do that.

They both get up, ASHLEY still supporting herselfa little on VICTOR, as they start walking again.After a moment, they reach ASHLEYs dorm and stop.

ASHLEYI would invite you into my room, but....

VICTORNo, its fine; I totally understand. Guys in the roomat night and all.

Silence as they look into each others eyes.

ASHLEYWell, thanks for coming with me tonight.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 35.

VICTORNo problem. Im glad you asked me to come along.

A brief pause. They still stand there in place,gazing into each others eyes. VICTOR gently putshis hands on the back of ASHLEYs head and kissesher for a brief moment.

After pulling away, ASHLEY opens her mouth, simplyspeechless.

VICTORThats for the great night tonight.

Another brief pause. ASHLEY shyly looks down ather feet.

ASHLEYSo does this mean....

VICTOR(Resolutely) Yeah, yeah it does.

ASHLEYAre you just saying that now because youre a littlebit drunk, Victor?

VICTORNo, not at all. I swear, I would have done that even ifI was sober.

Silence for another moment. As they look into eachothers eyes, a grin slowly grows on ASHLEYsface. VICTOR simply smiles in return.

VICTORYou really should get inside. Its getting late.

With a giant smile on her face, she quickly pecksVICTOR on the lips.

ASHLEYGet home safely, okay? Good night!

VICTOR

Yeah, good night, Ashley.

She cheerfully runs offstage. VICTOR simply standsthere, a stupid smile on his face, watching her gointo the building.

Only after she leaves the stage does he turnaround and exit the stage in the oppositedirection.


37/55

36.

Scene 4

Sunday (though still unofficially Saturday night).Almost three in the morning.

The front door slowly opens, and VICTOR tip-toesonstage. He looks around to check if anyonesstill up.

VICTORThats weird; they usually dont leave the front doorunlocked....

Upon seeing that the coast is clear, he quietlyheads to his own room.

Sunday. Noon.

VICTOR walks into the living room, where VICTORSMOTHER and VICTORS FATHER are sitting in front oftheir own computers.

VICTORYou guys wanted to talk to me about something?

VICTORS MOTHERWe want to talk to you about what happened last night.

VICTORS FATHERWhat you did last night was unacceptable, Victor. Youshould apologize to Mom, for making her worry so much

she couldnt sleep.

VICTOR stays silent.

VICTORS MOTHERVictor, you dont need to apologize. You werent theonly one who acted wrongly last night. Thats why wewant to talk.

VICTOROkay?

VICTORS MOTHERDad and I-- (Looks at VICTORs FATHER) --discussed thisfor a long time last night and we both agree we mayhave been too strict with you in the past.

VICTORRight.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 37.

VICTORS MOTHERBecause of that, weve decided that you are allowed tostay at Penn more often and be with your friends.

VICTOREven at night?

VICTORS MOTHERYes, but you shouldnt stay out too late.

VICTORS FATHERRemember, Victor, we are only letting you do thisbecause we trust you to keep your grades up. The momentthey start to drop, you will not be allowed to go outanymore.

Thursday. Noon.

On one side of the stage, YICHEN, LINXIAO andJENNY are sitting around a table, eating lunch.

VICTOR and ASHLEY enter from the other side of thestage, holding hands.

ASHLEYSo you finally told you parents about, you know, us?

VICTORYeah, I did. Yesterday, actually.

ASHLEYAnd howd they take it?

VICTORNot what I was expecting, especially since I thoughtthey were completely against relationships. My mom waspretty excited, though, asking about every little thingabout you.

ASHLEYAnd your dad?

VICTORDidnt say much aside from congrats and the usual. Youknow, dont let you distract me from school too much.

ASHLEYAnd are you actually going to listen to him?

VICTOR(Looks at ASHLEY suggestively) I dont know; are we?

Spotlight shift.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 38.

LINXIAOThat was a really cool song you showed me last night,Jenny! I ended up checking out the whole album andreally liked it.

JENNY

I like them, even though one of the girls in that bandisnt pretty at all.

LINXIAOWell, shes still pretty, though! Its k-pop, afterall; they all have to look really pretty.

VICTOR and ASHLEY approach the table where YICHEN,LINXIAO, and JENNY are sitting.

YICHENAbout time, bro!

VICTOR(Proudly) Hey, guys, this is Ashley. Ashley, this isLin, Yi, and Jenny.

ASHLEY(Waves.) Hey, everyone.

The two of them sit down at the table.

LINXIAOIts so great to finally meet you, Ashley! Its beenweird hearing all these good things about you latelybut never getting to see you.

VICTOR and ASHLEY blush and look at each other.LINXIAO strikes up conversation with ASHLEY.

YICHENSo what have you been up to?

VICTORWell....

He moves his head to indicate ASHLEY.

JENNYAs if we couldnt see that one coming.

VICTORIve also been running around and doing stuff all overthe place. Like for lunch yesterday, there was ameeting for this society for engineers that I couldntmiss.

(CONTINUED)


40/55

CONTINUED: 39.

YICHENSounds cool.

VICTOROh, and I also checked out this cool electric racingclub last night. They build solar-powered race cars for

a competition in May, which is pretty crazy.

YICHENBro, that sounds awesome. Really starting to getinvolved on campus, arent you? So you going to jointhem?

VICTOROf course I am. Finally put all of my days fiddlingwith my NXT robots to good use.

YICHENI cant believe so much has changed for you now that

your parents have let you go out of the house.

VICTORI know, right? Its pretty crazy.

ASHLEY and LINXIAO finish talking, and VICTORdraws ASHLEY into his side.

JENNYUgh. Can you not be so lovey-dovey all the time,please? You two are disgusting to watch.

Scene 5

The following Saturday. Early afternoon.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR and WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYare hacking away at monsters.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYSo how was yesterday, Victor?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORIt was really packed, between classes and clubs andeverything, like one of those Volkswagons stuffed withtwenty midgets inside of it.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYReally, that bad?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORWell, you probably couldve shoved a twenty-firstmidget in there if you really wanted to.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 40.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY laughs.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORHey Ashley, you know how I said that we could go toyour room and just watch a movie after electric racingtonight?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYYeah?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORSo Dylan, one of the guys in the club, invited me to aparty at his frat house. I was thinking we could gocheck it out.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYI...I dont know, Victor. Im not really feeling likegoing out tonight.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORCome on, itll be fun!

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYI think Ill stay inside. I actually could use somemore time to study for my bio test on Monday.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORAre you sure?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYYeah, dont worry about me. Go and have fun after wehave dinner! (Smiles.)

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORThanks, Ashley, youre the best.

Wednesday. Lunchtime.

VICTOR, YICHEN, and JENNY are walking out ofclasses, headed towards lunch. YICHEN and JENNYare walking so close that their bodies are almosttouching.

YICHENSo I was playing Dragonsaga last night and suddenly Ihad this great idea for a cool game that I want to makeonce I get my own game studio....

JENNYOh no, another one of your dumb ideas again?

(CONTINUED)


42/55

CONTINUED: 41.

YICHENHey, my idea is *not* dumb!

JENNY(Teasing) What if its not the idea who is?

YICHEN

Hey, just because youre in Wharton doesnt make youbetter than me.

YICHEN and JENNY look into each others eyes forlonger than a normal friendly gaze, both of themsmiling stupidly. JENNY sticks her tongue out atYICHEN.

YICHENHey, dont you-- (He sticks his tongue out back at her)--me!

JENNYWell, Im heading off to the vet now. Ill see you twolater.

YICHENOkay, later Jenny.

JENNY exits the stage.

VICTORCome on, Yi, you should just go for it.

YICHENBro, really? You think so?

VICTORCome on! Shes totally into you. Dont tell me haventnoticed this whole time.

YICHENWhat about Lin? How does she feel about this? Imafraid of a relationship like this splitting the fourof us up.

VICTOR

Dude, dont worry about it. She wants you guys to gettogether as much as I do.

Thursday (though technically Friday). One in themorning.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR and WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYare walking around through a city.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 42.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORAnd they even had a keg stand going! It was crazy!

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY(Smiles.) Sounds like you had a lot of fun.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORYeah, I definitely did. Have I told you how many peopleDylan knows? He was introducing me a whole bunch ofthem left and right.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYYouve mentioned that once or twice before, I suppose.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOROh, I have? Sorry; still a little drunk over here.

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEY(Laughs.) I can tell.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORDylan also invited me to another party this weekend.You sure you dont want to come along?

WATERCOLORDREAMR12//ASHLEYVictor, thats going to be the second party thisweekend. Dont go too crazy.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORHey, Ive finally been given the chance to go out andhave some fun after all this time, so I just want toenjoy myself right now.

Sunday. Night.

VICTOR stands casually with a red solo cup inhand. Music booms in the background.

VICTORDude, youre in my comp sci class, right? Nice to seeyou here. Howre you liking the party?


ASHLEYGood to know you had fun tonight!

YICHENYo man, you seriously went to two parties last weekend?

ASHLEYSure, Ill come with you some other night.

(CONTINUED)


44/55

CONTINUED: 43.

Wednesday. Night.

The lights come back on.

VICTOR walks around the stage. The music returns.

VICTORHey, where are the drinks?


ASHLEYAww...I really had a great movie picked out for ustonight.

ASHLEYNo, we cant watch it tomorrow night; you know I reallyneed Sundays to study.

ASHLEY(Sighs.) Yeah, I suppose its alright.

Friday. Night.


VICTOR stands at one end of a beer pong table witha red solo cup in his hand. Music again.

After carefully aiming his shot, VICTOR tosses aping pong ball and pumps his fist into the air invictory.

VICTORHell yeah, thats how you do it!

The stage goes dark again.

YICHENLin, Jenny, have you guys seen Victor on Dragonsaga atall in the last few days?

VICTORS MOTHERVictor, its three in the morning. Ive been worriedsick about you.

LINXIAONo, I havent. What else could he be doing on a weekdaynight, too?

JENNYHe better not be doing anything stupid.

(CONTINUED)


45/55

CONTINUED: 44.

Saturday. Almost midnight.

The lights come back on. Party music is booming inthe background. VICTOR, at the party alone,drunkenly stumbles into a table.

VICTORSorry!

He looks down and tries to figure out what he justbumped into. It takes him a while.

VICTOR(Laughs.) Wow, you arent a person at all. Sorry,table, for thinking you were one!

He keeps on staring down at the table.

VICTOR

Man, I am so shit-faced right now....


ASHLEY(Sighs.) Where is he? He still came on around this timeafter the last party.

YICHENVictor, you didnt do *any* of the Engineering homeworkdue today?

ASHLEY

I hope hes having fun, at least.


Monday (though technically Tuesday). Just aftertwo in the morning.

VICTOR sits on the edge of the stage, stillslightly drunk.

VICTORHoly shit, what am I doing? I have so much work I haveto do tonight....

Pause. He puts his head in his hands.

VICTORI cant do this, I cant.

More sitting there in silence. Frustrated, he runshis hands down his face.

(CONTINUED)


46/55

CONTINUED: 45.


YICHENBro, you missed it! I finally asked her out.

ASHLEYVictor, we still havent even watched the movie from

last weekend.

JENNY(Jokingly) Yi, just because Im your girlfriend nowwont stop me from hating everything about you.

ASHLEY(Sighs tiredly) Okay, just go and have fun tonightthen. Ill stay at home and do some painting orsomething.

Saturday. Night.


On one side of the stage, ASHLEY sits at a desk.On the other, under the spotlight, VICTOR is atthe party, who is surrounded by multiple red solocups. Music booms in the background, like usual.

VICTOR chugs the contents of the cup currently inhis hand and slams it down on the table.

VICTORHell yeah, whos the man? Come on, bring me anotherone! Im not finished yet!

Spotlight shift onto ASHLEY, who stares blankly atthe screen in front of her. Suddenly there is nomusic.

ASHLEYI cant believe he blew me off to go partying againtonight.

Spotlight shift. The music returns.

VICTOR

Whats four plus five, ten? Shit, I dont know how manyshots Ive drunk tonight.

Spotlight shift. No music again.

ASHLEYWhat happened? What happened to the days when we justdid quests and dungeons and fight monsters together?(Sighs.) I hope hes having fun, at least.

(CONTINUED)


47/55

CONTINUED: 46.

She rocks back and forth in her chair.

ASHLEY(Almost as if trying to reassure herself) Yeah, I hopehes having fun.

Alone, she sits for a bit longer in silence beforethe stage goes dark.

Scene 6

Monday. Just after two in the morning.

The front door slowly opens, and VICTOR tip-toesonstage. He stops in place and cocks his head tolisten when he hears muffled voices off-stage.

VICTORS FATHERI cant believe Victor still hasnt come back yet.

VICTORS MOTHERIm sure hell be back soon.

VICTORS FATHERIts two oclock on a Monday morning right now! He hasbeen coming home really late too many times this week.

VICTORS MOTHERHes a college student; let him have some fun.

VICTORS FATHERThats what you have been saying for the last week.

When I agreed to this, I never thought he would becoming home so late.

VICTORS MOTHERBelieve me, I didnt either.

VICTORS FATHERThis is unacceptable. (Pause.) I should have neverlistened to you.

VICTORS MOTHEROh, so its my fault he turned out this way?

VICTORS FATHERYes, it is; if it werent for you Victor would not havebeen allowed to go out at all.

VICTORS MOTHERSo what should we do?

(CONTINUED)


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51/55

CONTINUED: 50.

VICTORWell, it feels like you guys are attacking me rightnow. Cant I be allowed to go out in peace?

YICHENBro, youre becoming someone we dont know anymore.

JENNYYeah, youre a totally different Victor now.

VICTORIm the same person Ive always been. You guys are allstarting to sound like my parents.

LINXIAOVictor, thats the last thing were trying to do.

VICTORWell then, can you guys not be like youre turning

against me? (Freaking out) My grades are going to hellbecause I havent done homework in weeks and my parentsare all over my ass about going out and now Ashley justdumped me. The only thing thats keeping me going rightnow is being able to go party each night. Dont youguys turn against me, too.

LINXIAOCant you see, Victor? Your constant partying is thething creating all of these problems in the firstplace. Please, Victor, listen to us. Were trying tohelp.

VICTOR picks himself off the seat, as if hesabout to leave, but then sinks into his seat andputs his heads in his hands.

VICTORI cant do this anymore. Ive screwed everything up,and I dont know how to get out of this.

YICHEN, LINXIAO, and JENNY sit without a word,taken aback and VICTORs sudden change in emotion.

After a moment, LINXIAO puts her hand on VICTORsshoulder.

LINXIAO(Gently) Its okay, Victor. Youve still got us.


52/55

51.

ACT III

Scene 1

Two Saturdays later. Early afternoon.

Center stage are VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR,HALOTRONIC//YICHEN, CHEEREON//LINXIAO, andHOLLIX//JENNY, the four of them franticallyfighting off monsters inside a brightly-lit halltogether. Off to the side, in the back, sitsVICTOR in a desk in his bedroom, laptop open,playing the video game.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENHey Lin, I could use some healing spells over here!This boss is hitting me hard!

CHEEREON//LINXIAO

Yep, coming right up!

She points his staff at HALOTRONIC//YICHEN andheals him. The three of them fight for a whileuntil they take down the boss.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORGood job, everyone.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENAwesome, looks like its time to level up.

CHEEREON//LINXIAO

Way to almost beat him single-handedly, Victor!

HOLLIX//JENNYIts not hard when hes way higher level than the restof us.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORYou know it. (Pause.) By the way, I forgot to tell youguys this, but I randomly ran into Ashley yesterdayafter class.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENSo what happened?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORNot much, just a "hey, howre you doing."

CHEEREON//LINXIAOSo how *is* she doing?

(CONTINUED)


53/55

CONTINUED: 52.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORSounded like she was doing okay.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOThats good. Have you seen her at all aside fromyesterday?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORNope. She hasnt been on Dragonsaga, either; probablyblocked me.

HOLLIX//JENNYWell, I dont blame her.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORMaybe well be friends again some day, but for now,were not ready for that. (Pause.) Its crazy that Ihavent even accidentally run into her once this entiretime, since its been almost two weeks, after all.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOThats true; wow, how has it really been that long? Canyou believe its almost December already? This semesterflew by way too quickly.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENTell me about it.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTOR(Raising his eyebrows suggestively) Especially theselast few weeks, right, Yi?

HALOTRONIC//YICHEN blushes.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENSo any parties for you this weekend, bro?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORDont know. Not sure if Im ready to get back intoparties just yet. Maybe next weekend.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOIm quite surprised you havent gone to a single partysince that week.

HOLLIX//JENNYI didnt think you had it in you, Victor.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORIt wasnt that hard, actually, after I got my parentson board. My dads still kind of pissed at how much Iwas partying for those three weeks, but theres nothingI can do about that. God, I still feel so bad for whatI put all of you guys through.

(CONTINUED)


54/55

CONTINUED: 53.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOAt least everything turned out alright.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORYeah; thanks for that, guys. By the way, guess what?

HALOTRONIC//YICHENWhat?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORI might be able to live on campus next year. Think mymom talked my dad into letting me do it.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOYay!

HALOTRONIC//YICHENThatll be great, man; were definitely going to berooming together, right?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORWouldnt have it any other way.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOOh, the four of us can even get a suite or something!

HALOTRONIC//YICHENIm liking that idea already.

He and HOLLIX//JENNY share a quick glance.

CHEEREON//LINXIAO

So, lets do another dungeon?

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORActually, I need to head out to electric racing. Imsuper stoked about the car were designing this yearand cant wait to get started on actually building it.

HALOTRONIC//YICHENWe should probably head out now too, actually.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOOoh, you guys going to go "study together"?

HALOTRONIC//YICHENVery funny, Lin.

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORBy the way, were still on for dinner tonight, right?Commons?

(CONTINUED)


55/55

CONTINUED: 54.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOYep!

VTOTHEMAX5//VICTORCool. Ill see you guys then.

CHEEREON//LINXIAOOkay, bye!

HALOTRONIC//YICHENLater, man.

Spotlight shift. VICTOR pulls his face away fromthe screen and just sits there for a second,casually browsing the Internet. After a moment, hecloses the screen, grabs his backpack, and headsfor the door.

VICTOR

Mom, Dad, Im heading out. Ill be back after dinner!

He exits the stage, and it goes dark.

enter real life [csa cultural show 2013]

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