1

Friday Night Star By Ricky Diaz

Characters:
Stacey- (female) Teenager. Loves football. Has a crush on Dex. Drew- (female) Teenager. Staceys best friend. Promiscuous. Fletch- (male) Teenager. Offensive linemen. Genuine. Dex- (male) Teenager. Star all-state quarterback. Arrogant.

3 SCENE 1: In darkness, the sounds of a high school football game (cheering crowd, refs blowing whistles, cheerleaders chanting, etc.) resonate throughout the theater. A scoreboard is hanging in the back of the set with a bright glowing star on it. The clock is set at forty-five minutes. It begins counting down. After a beat, the lights fade up to full. STACEY and DREW are leaning against the outside of a fence, watching the football game. Woo! Cmon! Lets go Predators! Theres no way were pulling this off. Its not over yet. There goes our shot at state. Dont be such a downer, Drew. Im not! Im just being real. We can still win. I doubt it. Two words Dexter McCurdy. I guess if anyone can do it, he can. DREW STACEY DREW STACEY DREW STACEY DREW STACEY DREW STACEY

STACEY Well, he is a three time all-state quarterback with two state records for passing and rushing yards in a single season! Hes definitely D-1 bound. I heard Notre Dame and Florida offered him a full ride. DREW Wow Stacey, crushing much?

No, I just love good football.

STACEY

DREW Whatever, I can see your lady-wood showing through your jeans. STACEY (Slapping Drew playfully)

Stop it! It is not!

The crowd moans loudly. STACEY and DREW react to an incomplete pass to a receiver. STACEY Oh cmon Dex! Hardy was wide open! Youre mans blowing it. DREW

STACEY Hes not my man! [Beat.] Cmon Predators! DREW (Aside) Id like to be blowing your man. STACEY What? DREW (Nervously) I said hes blowing it... man. He is not. STACEY

The crowd suddenly gets very excited. STACEY There he goes! McCurdy to the forty, the thirty, the twenty, the ten... Touchdown Predators! The crowd erupts in celebration. STACEY and DREW excitedly jump and cheer together.

5 STACEY DREW STACEY Predators advance to the semi-finals! I cant believe it! I told you! Yeah, your man pulled it off! DREW STACEY DREW

Oh my God! We won!

STACEY Im so happy right now, I dont even care you said he was my man! They scream and cheer along with the crowd. The crowd starts chanting "Dex" and the girls start chanting along with them. STACEY AND DREW Dex! Dex! Dex! Dex! Dex! Dex! Dex! Dex! They start cheering and applauding once again. What a game. The best Ive ever seen. Forget that, now the real fun starts. What are you talking about? DREW After every playoff win, the team bribes the groundskeeper for a key. Okay And they throw a huge party! STACEY DREW STACEY DREW STACEY

6 STACEY DREW STACEY Who told you that? DREW My older sister. She was here the last time we made the playoffs. Its tradition, and we are so going! I dont know. Oh cmon Stacey! Drew-Stacey, you never party! Drew, I dont even drink. DREW STACEY STACEY DREW STACEY

On the field? Yeah!

DREW Dont you want to meet your knight in shining... helmet? STACEY Weve met. DREW Staring at the back of his head during class doesnt count as meeting. Nows the perfect time to introduce yourself. Why? STACEY

DREW The man just scored the game winning home run. STACEY Its called a touchdown.

7 DREW (Ignoring her) Hes going to be looking to party, if you know what I mean. STACEY Yeah, I know what you mean. Maybe I could get an autograph or-No! [Beat.] I said talk, not stalk. Yeah... that would be weird. DREW Just try to act like a normal girl. A normal girl? Yes. What are normal girls like? DREW Well they dont talk about touchdowns, receivers, and the Baltimore Browns. STACEY Do you mean the Cleveland Browns or the Baltimore Ravens? Either way, thats wrong. The Ravens formed in 1996 when Art Modell, the owner of the Cleveland Browns, decided to relocate the team to Baltimore. Even then they were never called the Baltimore Browns, though. [Beat.] Oh... now I see what you mean. DREW Good. STACEY What am I supposed to talk to a football player about then? DREW Normal stuff. Like whats your favorite movie? STACEY "The Express". STACEY DREW STACEY DREW STACEY

DREW Oh I love that movie! I like the part when the kid gets on a train going to the North Pole and he-STACEY No, thats the Polar Express". I meant "The Express". [Beat.] What? The Ernie Davis Story. DREW Okay forget movies. Whats your favorite TV show? "Friday Night Lights". Book? Dan Marino: My Life in Football. Forget it! Youre hopeless! DREW STACEY DREW STACEY DREW STACEY

STACEY Im sorry! I love football. Whats wrong with that? Football is for guys. Wow... thats not sexist. DREW Just try to be someone else for one night. Please? Fine. Ill see what I can do. STACEY DREW STACEY

DREW Thank you. [Beat.] Tonights going to be the best night ever!

STACEY (Trying to reassure herself) Yeah, itll be great. DREW Just listen to me and it will all turn out fine. STACEY and DREW exit. Lights fade out. SCENE 2: Lights fade up on the same fence. Theres miscellaneous party garbage strewn about the stage. Current top 20 hits play in the background. The same playlist can be used in Scene 4. STACEY and DREW enter holding red plastic cups. They lean up against the inside of the fence. DREW is noticeably drunk. STACEY is sober. Great party right? Yeah, I guess. You guess? DREW STACEY DREW

STACEY Yeah. I just thought that with all the jocks here I might get to talk about football, but all theyre interested in is hitting on all the other girls here. DREW Oh cmon, youre not even giving them a chance. They arent even talking to me. STACEY

DREW Well, why dont you go talk to one of them? STACEY Um... no, I dont think so. DREW Why not? Girls can make the first move.

10 STACEY DREW

I dont-Oh, now look whos being a feminist.

STACEY No, feminists are for womens rights, I think you mean Im being sexist, and Im not. DREW Whatever! You should go talk to one of these hotties. STACEY They obviously dont want to talk to me. DREW Maybe thats because youre not partying! What do you have in that cup? Diet Coke. STACEY

DREW Diet Coke?! Stacey, you need to let loose. Get your swerve on! I dont drink, and I hate it when you-STACEY

DREW Yeah, yeah whatever. Drink your Diet Coke. Pause. STACEY Drew, Im sorry. Im just really uncomfortable around these people. They dont even talk to me during school. They dont want to talk to me here either. DREW How do you know if youve never tried talking to them? STACEY You said it yourself, if Im not talking about football Im hopeless. DREW Then fine! Talk about football, talk about soccer, talk about anything, but do it with someone else other than me!

11 STACEY I dont want to. Im just going to stand here all night, drink my Diet Coke, and remain unseen. Well see about that. Well see about what? DREW STACEY DREW (Running off-stage) Hey #62 come here! STACEY Drew! What are you doing?! A beat later, DREW reenters dragging FLETCH behind her. FLETCH Jesus, youre frikin strong. Drew! Stacey, this is Fitch. STACEY DREW

DREW gives STACEY a playful smile. STACEY shoots her an angry stare. Its Fletch actually. FLETCH

DREW Oh right. This is Fletch. [Beat.] Hes a defensive lineman. No, Im-FLETCH

STACEY Hes an offensive lineman. And a pretty good one too. One of the best in the conference. Thanks. FLETCH

12 DREW

Stacey knows a lot about football.

You know football? I know a thing or two.

FLETCH (Skeptically) STACEY

DREW She knows a lot of things. [Beat.] Discuss. Well... Cmon, lets hear what youve got. STACEY FLETCH

STACEY [Beat.] I know why youre having trouble pulling on strong side traps. (Amused) You do? Tell me. STACEY Galleckis too slow off the snap and you keep running into him. And what should I do about that? FLETCH FLETCH

STACEY I would try running a weak side trap instead. FLETCH

But then Im not the pulling guard.

STACEY Youre telling me you cant play on both sides? No, I can. FLETCH

13 STACEY Good. Then, you just need to flip sides on those plays and bring in Rodriguez to play the opposite guard. Rodriguez? He sucks. FLETCH

STACEY He may not be as good a blocker as Gallecki, but hes quicker off the snap. That fraction of a second is what you need to get a good release. It wont matter if Rodriguez gets blown up because Gibson will hopefully have turned the corner by then. [Beat.] Plus, the defense will probably stack the strong side, so running to the back side will lead the running back away from the majority of the defenders. An beat of silence follows. My work here is done. DREW

DREW exits with a large, smug smile on her face. STACEY takes an uncomfortable sip from her cup. At least thats my opinion. Damn. STACEY FLETCH STACEY (Slightly embarrassed)

Yeah...

FLETCH I didnt know girls knew that much about sports. STACEY Well... I do. Who taught you? My grandma mostly. Youre grandma liked football? FLETCH STACEY FLETCH

14

STACEY She didnt like football. She loved football! When my parents died, I moved in with my grandparents in Pittsburgh. I was really shy. The only way they could get me out of my room was with their NFL Sunday snacks. They had a watch party ever Sunday to watch the Steelers play. Eventually, I started watching the games with them... and I fell in love too. FLETCH Sounds pretty sweet-- the football stuff not your parents-- or I mean-- Im stupid. STACEY No, its fine. I was really young. I barely even remember them. FLETCH Still, Im really sorry. Awkward pause. FLETCH So... whos youre favorite team? STACEY Do you even have to ask? Steelers all the way. FLETCH (To the tune of "Black and Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa) Black and yellow, black and yellow. How about yours? I dont know if I should. Oh cmon! Youre gonna hate me. FLETCH STACEY (Flirtaciously) STACEY FLETCH STACEY

Doubt it.

15 FLETCH STACEY FLETCH The Ravens. STACEY [Beat.] Oh, you shouldnt have said that. See? FLETCH

No really, you wont like it. Who is it?!

STACEY You couldve said anybody but the Ravens. I told you. FLETCH

STACEY I dont know if I can even associate with you anymore. Just talking to you would give my grandma an anuerysm! Were sworn enemies. I know! I think I should leave. No, come to the dark side. Never! STACEY FLETCH (Extending his hand) FLETCH STACEY FLETCH

You know you want to.

STACEY Seriously, dont stand too close to me. I dont want to get Raven on me! FLETCH How do you think I feel?

16

STACEY and FLETCH realize theyre flirting. STACEY starts to become very nervous. She shifts away from FLETCH slightly. Are you okay? FLETCH

STACEY Yeah, Im just really thirsty all of the sudden. FLETCH What are you drinking? I can get you one. STACEY No thanks. I can get one. Its just Diet Coke. I dont drink. You dont? FLETCH

STACEY I know, crazy right? Drews always on my case about it. FLETCH No, I was just surprised because I dont drink either. Really? STACEY

FLETCH Nope. This is Ginger Ale. Do me a favor though, and dont tell any of the guys. They would give me so much shit. Youre secrets safe with me. STACEY

Pause. STACEY and FLETCH begin to slowly draw closer to one another. Just before their lips touch, DREW enters with DEX. What is going on here?! DREW

STACEY and FLETCH are startled by DREWs sudden intrusion. They pull away from each other. Stacey, look who I ran into.

17 STACEY is in awe of DEX. STACEY Youre Dex. No introductions needed. DEX STACEY

DEX Youre probably right. And your name is...? STACEY Im, Im, Im-DREW Stacey! This is Stacey. Shes a huge fan of yours. Yeah, I can see that. DEX

STACEY attempts to regain her composure. Fletcher! Hows it going, my man? DEX

FLETCH (Slightly annoyed) Fine. Everythings going just great. DEX Good to hear it! I gotta keep my best blocker happy. Seriously, Im nothing without you. Thanks Dex, I apprec-FLETCH

DEX Well maybe not nothing, but definitely slightly less amazing. DEX laughs obnoxiously. FLETCH Right. Good one.

18

STACEY (Like she had to force the words out) Great game today. It was, wasnt it? DEX

STACEY Your 67-yard run for the game-winning score was spectacular. When you broke that first tackle I almost had a heart attack. I bet you did. It was pretty epic. DEX

STACEY I was sure Reynolds had you. Hes leading the conference in tackles. DEX Aw, thats cute. You hear that, Fletchy boy? The lady thinks she knows a little about football. FLETCH Youd be surprised. Go ahead, Stacey. Let him have it. Actually I-STACEY

DREW clears her throat and signals STACEY to stop talking about football. Actually? DEX

STACEY Actually I dont know anything about football. I overheard some guys saying that earlier. STACEY looks over to DREW, who gives her a nod of approval. FLETCH What? Cmon Stacey, we were having a conversation about football like five-minutes ago. I mean you talked and I listened. STACEY

19 FLETCH Seriously? [Beat.] Maybe I could use a drink. I think youve had one too many. I havent even had one drink. DEX Then lets go get a few! [Beat.] Well be right back with some drinks. Do you ladies want anything? Vodka tonic! You got it. Stacey? Im fine, thanks. Oh cmon, anything you want. No thank you. Dex -DEX STACEY FLETCH DREW DEX STACEY DEX FLETCH

DEX What do you have there? Jack and Coke? Dex she doesnt-Ill get you another one of those. Look Dex I dont-DREW clears her throat again. FLETCH DEX STACEY

20 DEX You should really take some medicine for that. DREW (Indicating shes addressing STACEY) Youre right. I should listen to you. DEX Yeah, you should. So, a vodka tonic and a Jack and Coke? Beat. DREW stares at STACEY. Yeah, sounds great. What?! Stacey you dont have to-STACEY FLETCH

STACEY Thank you Dex, I would love a Jack and Coke. Alright! Girls wanna party tonight! DEX

High school is stupid. Lets go, man.

FLETCH (To himself) DEX

DEX pulls FLETCH aside. STACEY walks over to DREW. Dude, this chick is fine! Yeah, shes something. Ill bet shes amazing in bed. DEX FLETCH DEX FLETCH (Offended)

Maybe.

21 DEX Yeah, that slice of American pie is mine for the taking. Why do you say things like that? FLETCH

DEX You know, I dont really know, Fletch. Maybe Im overcompensating for a paralyzing insecurity I have that Im never going amount to anything and no matter what I try to do in life Ill fail. FLETCH (Genuinely) Really? Dex, Im sure youre going to be-DEX Man, I just messing with you! I saw that on an episode of Degrassi last night! FLETCH (Extremely irritated) Oh. DEX That stuff always works on the girls too. Not like Id need it. What makes you say that? FLETCH

DEX Do you know who I am? She was practically drooling over me. FLETCH Dex, this girls not your usual football groupie. Shes different. Dont care. I dont think shes really your type. DEX FLETCH

DEX My type is bangable. So shes definitely my type. [Beat.] And I need to get it done. FLETCH Im telling you, I dont think its going to happen like that.

22 DEX FLETCH DEX Whats wrong Fletchy? You jealous? No! I get it. Who wouldnt be? FLETCH DEX

Ill tell you whats going down. Please dont.

FLETCH Im your blocker, alright? Its my job to protect you. DEX Thats right! And dont ever forget your job. [Beat] Besides, her friend looks pretty gone. Easy pickings. I dont think so, Dex. FLETCH

DEX By the end of the night shell be so wasted even youll start to look good. FLETCH (Sarcastically) DEX

Thanks Dex,

Good, because I have just the thing.

DEX exits. FLETCH follows unenthusiastically. DREW What the hell do you think youre doing? STACEY What? You dont say no to Dexter McCurdy! DREW

23 STACEY

I dont--

DREW I know, so what?! Let him get you a drink! Maybe if you stop acting like such a prude hell give you something else later on. Wow. Do you want to get with Dex or not? STACEY (Hesitantly) I mean... Then you should listen to me. Okay, what should I do then? DREW STACEY STACEY DREW

DEX and FLETCH reenter with drinks. DEX (Handing her the drink) You should drink! Jack and Coke. (Handing the other drink to DREW) And a vodka tonic. DREW Thank God! I was running dry. Drink up ladies. DEX

DREW, DEX, and FLETCH drink. STACEY raises her cup up to her lips hesitantly, but doesnt take drink. She discretely lowers it without the others noticing. One by one, they each lower their cups. DEX

I knew you wanted a drink.

24 STACEY Yeah, I love Jack and Coke. Its my favorite drink. FLETCH looks at STACEY disapprovingly. STACEY shoots his a, butt out look. DEX Knew it. DREW Its like you already know each other so well! You two should get to know each other more. I think that sounds like a great idea. DEX

FLETCH Lets all get to know each other. Like did you know my middle name is Leopold? STACEY Really? FLETCH Yeah! It goes back to my great uncle Leopold-DEX Thats great Fletch. I bet that story has a great ending. Stacey, would you like to go somewhere more private? Or you could just hang out here. FLETCH

STACEY Sure, Id love to go somewhere more private with you. DEX Two for two. Im on fire today. STACEY hands her drink to DREW and exits with DEX. FLETCH Yeah, I guess Ill see you later, Stacey. I had fun talking... Beat.

25 DREW FLETCH

Whats your deal? What?

DREW I saw you and Stacey getting all cozy. So, whats your deal? FLETCH You dont know what youre talking about. Do you have a thing for her? DREW

FLETCH I just met her. [Beat.] Even if I did, shes caught Dexs eye. What Dex wants, he gets. DREW Okay good, because Im just saying Stacey wants the star, not some defensive lineman. Offensive lineman! FLETCH

DREW Who cares?! Its still not you. [Beat.] However, I dont have a problem with defensive linemen. (Sighs) FLETCH

Offensive...

DREW Its lucky that Im even using the right sport. [Beat.] And if Im getting lucky... maybe you could get lucky too. FLETCH Wow. You cannot be this gone already. DREW (Slurring her speech) I dont know what you mean. Im more think than you sober I am. FLETCH Youre not serious right now?

26

DREW (Playfully) What? You are kinda cute. You could do whatever you want with me. DREW grabs FLETCHs hand and flirtatiously caresses it. FLETCH (Reaching for DREWs drink) Okay, I think youve had enough. DREW (Pulling her drink away) No! You havent had enough. Cmon, anything you want... DREW leans in to give FLETCH a kiss. FLETCH stops her face with his hand. FLETCH As tempting as that sounds, Im going to have to pass. FLETCH exits wiping saliva off of his hand disgustedly. Oh cmon, take it to the hole! DREW

Thats basketball! Ugh, whatever.

FLETCH (From off-stage) DREW

DREW takes a big drink from her cup and follows FLETCH of stage. Lights fade to black. SCENE 3: Lights up. STACEY stands on the outside of the fence, staring happily over the football field. DREW enters. DREW There you are! Where have you been. You just disappeared after the party. Yeah, I was... busy STACEY

27 DREW STACEY

Doing what? You dont do anything. Yes I do.

DREW Watching football with your grandparents and their old-ass friends doesnt count. Why not? Because its lame! STACEY DREW

STACEY Its not lame, and besides I didnt even watch football this weekend! You didnt? No. Then what were you doing? I was hanging out with Dex. Dex? (Smugly) Yes. He took me out to dinner. DREW STACEY DREW STACEY DREW STACEY

DREW Dexter McCurdy, took you out to dinner? STACEY Italian. Which restaurant? DREW

28 STACEY DREW STACEY Fettuccine. What did he have? Manicotti. Stop interrogating me. Did anything... you know... happen? What do you mean? I mean dish bitch! Theres nothing to "dish". DREW STACEY DREW STACEY DREW STACEY

Marios Eatery. What did you order?

DREW Oh cmon! You expect me to believe that Dex The Knock-Out" McCurdy takes you out to dinner, makes you miss Sunday Night Football, and doesnt... [Beat.] STACEY gives DREW a noncommittal shrug. I knew it! STACEY It wasnt-What did you guys do? Nothing! Did you let him score a touchdown? DREW STACEY DREW

29 STACEY

No!

DREW Did he kiss you? On the cheek, or on the lips? Did he cop a feel? Wait, did you suck-STACEY Wow, stop! Thats disgusting! I was just asking if you sucked face. Oh no, we didnt. Beat. What about a blowjob? DREW DREW STACEY

STACEY What?! No, I didnt give him one of those! DREW Jeez, youre acting like youve never been one a first date before. You do that on the first date? Yeah. Thats gross. STACEY DREW STACEY

DREW How else am I supposed to get guys to like me? Have you tried not being slut? STACEY

DREW Yeah, like that will ever work. Besides, its only slutty if you get paid for it. STACEY That cant be right.

30 DREW STACEY

Whos more experienced, me or you? Definitely you.

DREW Thats right, I think I know what Im talking about. Something had to have happened. STACEY Nothing physical. We didnt kiss or anything, but he did ask me to be his date to that party this weekend. Seriously?! Yeah! This is crazy! I know! STACEY DREW STACEY DREW

DREW Now I dont even care that you bailed on me at the party. You told me to. STACEY

DREW I did? Shit, everythings all fuzzy about that night. So, what did you do after I left? STACEY

DREW I dont remember anything after you bailed. STACEY I didnt know you were that drunk. FLETCH enters.

31 DREW Me neither. I woke up the next day in my bed. I have no idea how I got home. I brought you home. You took her home after the party? FLETCH Yeah, she was about ready to pass out right here against the fence. I could tell she needed to go, so I took her home. I hope she wasnt a handful. STACEY FLETCH STACEY

FLETCH Well, first she kicked my car door, then she threw up in my car, and to finish the night, she licked my face. I dont remember any of that! DREW

FLETCH The smell of my backseat wont let me forget. Sounds pretty bad. STACEY

FLETCH Well, who doesnt love a face-lick and a car that smells like second-hand White Castle? DREW (Embarrassed) STACEY FLETCH It was just the right thing to do. STACEY and FLETCH have a brief moment of connection.

Oh my God!

That was pretty awesome of you.

32 DREW Well, thanks for giving me a ride home and stuff. Thats cool I guess. FLETCH Youre welcome Drew, but please dont make a habit out of it. I dont think my car or my stomach can take it. DREW (Sarcastically) Ha ha, youre so funny. Stacey, Im going inside. STACEY Okay, see you in class. DREW exits. STACEY Thank you so much. I know she can be a chore. Sometimes I forget that shes going to be a veterinarian. Youre kidding. FLETCH

STACEY No, shes gotten scholarships and everything. I fear for our future pets. FLETCH

STACEY laughs. FLETCH is visibly happy he made her laugh. STACEY Seriously, thanks for taking care of her. FLETCH Once you left with Dex, no one else was there for her. [Beat.] Dont tell her I told you this, but I think youre her only friend. Apparently she has you now. STACEY

FLETCH Yeah, but dont tell her that either. I would hate for her to know I like her. [Beat.] So listen, theres this party this weekend and I was wondering--

33 STACEY FLETCH STACEY Yeah, Ill be there. Dex is bringing me. FLETCH (Dejected) Oh, Dex is taking you. STACEY Yeah, so we can hang out and stuff. I promise, Ill take care of Drew this time. FLETCH Okay. [Beat.] So... you and Dex are like a thing now? STACEY I guess so. It all happened kind of fast. And you like him a lot? I mean hes Dex McCurdy. FLETCH STACEY

Yeah! Yeah?

FLETCH (Aside) What the hell is that supposed to mean? STACEY Are you planning on asking anyone to the party? FLETCH Me? STACEY Yeah, Im sure you can have your pick of any of the girls around school. Oh yeah, you know how it is. So? FLETCH STACEY

34 FLETCH Well, I was planning on asking this one girl... Really? Who is she? Do I know her? STACEY

Yeah, I think you do. Who is it? Its... Drew

FLETCH (Hesitantly) STACEY FLETCH STACEY (Surprised)

Drew?

FLETCH Yeah. We actually hit it off after you left. STACEY Really? FLETCH Oh yeah. In between vomiting and making me a human tongue depressor, we actually got to know each other pretty well. STACEY You didnt even know she was going to be a vet. FLETCH Well she didnt mention that, but we got to know each other well in other areas. How well? STACEY

FLETCH (Looking at his hand) Well, there was an exchange of saliva. Well look at you. STACEY

35 FLETCH Yeah, she didnt want you to know yet. Why? STACEY

FLETCH Who knows why Drew does anything? Good point. So, please dont tell her I told you yet. STACEY FLETCH

STACEY Your secrets safe with me. [Beat.] I really have to get to class, so I guess Ill see you later. FLETCH Yeah, Ill see ya. STACEY exits. FLETCH Great, now I get an even higher dose of Drew. I have a headache already. FLETCH exits. Lights fade to black. SCENE 4: Lights up. Once again standard party fare is scattered across the stage. STACEY enters with DEX. I cannot believe you did it again! Whats not to believe? Im me. STACEY DEX

STACEY I mean, how did you hit that window? It was only there for a split second! Talk about threading the needle. DEX It wasnt hard.

36 STACEY (Laughing) I love how you pretend to be so arrogant. Whos pretending? DEX STACEY (Laughing more)

Seriously stop it!

FLETCH enters with DREW. Whats so funny? Nothing, just Dex being himself. DREW STACEY

FLETCH Yeah, I can see how that would be laughable. Is that jealousy, Fletchy boy? No. DEX FLETCH

DEX Not everyone can be the star of Friday nights. There has to be a supporting cast too. DEX gives FLETCH a slap on the shoulder. DREW Yeah Fletch, nothing wrong with being a supporter. Some people arent suited for stardom. Why do you me hurt like that? Because I enjoy it. Arent you two a cute little couple? STACEY FLETCH DREW

37 DREW

A what?!

(Shocked)

FLETCH Oh, what she means to say is a couple of people who cant stand each other. Right Stacey? STACEY Right, its obvious you guys hate each other. DREW Im too sober for this. I need alcohol. DEX Im with you on that one. Jack and Coke? Thats my drink! Fletch? STACEY DEX

FLETCH Im sure Drew will bring me back a drink. Right Drew? DREW exits quickly before FLETCH says his line. He looks around for her and realizes she left him. DEX Alright. Be right back babe. Ill make this drink extra special. Okay honey, thanks. Funny dude. DEX exits. STACEY Im sorry about that. I forgot you told me not to say anything. Yeah, please dont. She will kill me. FLETCH FLETCH DEX

38 STACEY You guys seem to already have a close relationship. FLETCH So close it almost doesnt seem real. [Beat.] So, you and Dex have really hitting it off, huh? Yeah, hes great! And everythings good with you guys? Absolutely. Good, good... Awkward silence. Stacey, are you sure about this thing with Dex? STACEY Of course I am! Why would you ask me that? FLETCH Its just that Ive known Dex a long time and he never stays with any one girl for very long. Well, Im not just any girl. Youre not. Thats why Im saying this. Saying what? I want you to get away from Dex. What? Please, just listen-STACEY FLETCH STACEY FLETCH STACEY FLETCH STACEY FLETCH STACEY FLETCH

39 STACEY FLETCH

Listen to what? This is stupid! Hes not the guy you think he is.

STACEY How do you know what kind of guy I think he is? FLETCH Because if you knew what I think I know, you wouldnt be with him. Like what? Theres some stuff that I cant tell you. STACEY FLETCH

STACEY It sounds to me like youre making things up. FLETCH Are you serious?! I did not think you were this stupid! Im not stupid! This is just bullshit! Its not! STACEY You know what I think? I think youre jealous of his talent. FLETCH (Outraged) STACEY FLETCH

What?!

STACEY Yeah. Hes the star quarterback of a soon to be state champs team and youre just a no-name offensive linemen who no one will remember even played football in three years. FLETCH Thats what you think of me? You think Im that petty?

40 STACEY FLETCH STACEY Yeah. FLETCH Thats an interesting theory... too bad its complete bullshit! Then what is it? I cant tell you. STACEY FLETCH

Jealousy is ugly on a lot of people. Huh, jealousy?

STACEY Because theres nothing to tell. [Beat.] If you werent with Drew, I would think you liked me. Pause. FLETCH gives STACEY a look that says, "you got me." No, you-- Youre with Drew. FLETCH Are you kidding? I could never be with Drew. I cant stand her. You like me? Yes. I thought it was obvious. STACEY FLETCH

STACEY So, this whole trying to break Dex and I up is because you want me. I mean, it is, but it isnt. What does that mean? FLETCH STACEY

41 FLETCH I do like you and that is why I want to get you away from Dex, but not just because I want you. Its because I want to protect you. Protect me? From Dex? Yeah. STACEY FLETCH

STACEY Why would you need to protect me from Dex? Because hes not a good guy. FLETCH

STACEY What? Does he like take candy from babies and punt puppies or something? FLETCH Lets just say he gets a lot off girls. STACEY Everybody knows that. His nickname is The Knock-Out. FLETCH That name may be more fitting than it should be. STACEY Look, Ive had enough of beating around the bush. Just tell me whats going on or Im walking away. FLETCH Okay, but this is just between us. [Beat.] I think Dex might be drugging the girls he sleeps with. He what? STACEY

FLETCH I dont know for sure, but I think he slips roofies into their drinks at the end of the night. If he feeds them drinks all night, when they wake up the next morning, they just figure they got really drunk. STACEY Cant they tell the difference?

42 FLETCH

Apparently not.

STACEY If thats true, why havent you called the police? FLETCH I didnt know until last week. STACEY This cant be true. Those girls would be able to tell. FLETCH Well if you dont believe me, ask Drew. Drew? Yeah, he did it to her last week. Dex drugged Drew? Why do you-I saw him do it. What? When? FLETCH When we went to get you drinks. I saw him pour some powder in one of the cups. I didnt know what it was then. [Beat.] I think he meant to put it in your drink, but he accidentally put it in Drews. After you and Dex bailed, Drew started acting really weird. So, I took her home and I did some research on the Internet. I think he roofied her. And he tried to roofie you. Long pause. Please say something. I dont believe you. What? STACEY FLETCH STACEY FLETCH STACEY FLETCH STACEY

43

I dont believe you, Fletch.

STACEY

FLETCH Why? After everything I just told you, why dont you believe me? You said yourself, youre not sure. Why would you risk it? STACEY I mean, a future NFL MVP has to drug girls to sleep with them, but its never been reported because he gets them so drunk that they think nothing happened. And now hes trying to do it to me? Sounds like a hail mary to me, Fletch. Its true! I have a feeling-FLETCH STACEY FLETCH

STACEY One girl would have to have known! How could he get away with that? FLETCH Because all these girls look at him just like you do! When they wake up in the morning and see him in bed with them, they wont ask questions. Theyll think, "I got to sleep with Dex McCurdy." Thats every girl in this high schools dream. Im telling you-And Im telling you. I dont believe it. Long pause. FLETCH I thought you were better than this. I thought you were. DEX and DREW reenter. DEX Hey babe, got your drink! Its made with a special ingredient... Love. STACEY STACEY

44 FLETCH (Indicating he knows whats going on) I dont think love should go into drinks, Dex. DEX Then its good this drink isnt for you. [Beat.] Hey babe, this partys kind of lame, and I wanted to have so private time with you. So we can talk and stuff. What do you say? STACEY looks at FLETCH. He shakes his head. STACEY Yeah, Dex. Id love that. A look of despair comes across FLETCHs face. DEX (Putting his arm around STACEY) Alright! Well see you guys later! STACEY looks back at FLETCH as she exits with DEX. DREW Thats my girl, hookin up with Dex McCurdy. FLETCH Lets hope thats all it is. [Beat.] Look, Im not feeling too well, so can we go? But Im not done drinking yet! DREW

FLETCH Yeah, but I told your dad Id have you back home before midnight and it would really suck to get my ass kicked for a girl that I dont even like. DREW Youre such a charmer. Lets just go. FLETCH

FLETCH and DREW exit. Lights fade to black. The final second on the scoreboard counts down. When the clock hits zero the star flickers, then shuts off.

45 SCENE 5: Single spotlight up on STACEY. STACEY All in one moment, everything changed. He was no longer my idol. He was a monster. He forced himself on me, pinned me down, and tore off my clothes. I kept saying "please dont", but he just laughed. He looked me right in the eye and said-Spotlight up on DEX. DEX Whats the matter? Isnt this everything you wanted? STACEY I kept telling him "no", but he didnt stop. I wasnt strong enough. I couldnt stop him! [Beat.] He climbed on top of me and I could feel the jagged edges of the rocks under me dig into my bare back like tiny knives piercing my skin. (Breaking down) It hurt so bad. I couldnt keep from crying any longer. He slapped me and screamed-DEX Stop crying! Stop it! Your mine now! Your with me! This was what you dreamed of! Pause. STACEY It seemed like it lasted an eternity. I remember trying to count the number of stars in the sky and thinking which one would by my Friday night star now. I couldnt decide between a big bright blue one to the left and a small twinkling yellow one way off to the right I chose the yellow one. I needed something to hold on to. [Beat.] When he was finally through, he left me under the bleachers half-naked and shivering. It wasnt until morning that I finally found the strength to stand. I walked all the way home from the football field. [Beat.] My grandparents took me straight down to the hospital and the next twenty-four hours was non-stop poking and prodding from doctors, nurses, policemen, and psychiatrists, when I just wanted to be left alone! [Beat.] Dex was arrested the very next day. Then he got suspended for the duration of the investigation. So, he missed the state championship. We lost by forty-two points. Our team was nothing without him. After that I would walk down the hall at school and I would get looks of pure disgust from everyone, like they blamed me for the loss. Even Drew stopped talking to me. Spotlight up on DREW. I went up and asked her why she was acting like this. She said--

46 DREW Dex was the star of this town. Who are you to come here and wreck everything this town had to hope for? Youre nobody. [Beat.] Why did you have to say "no" to him? STACEY The whole town turn their back on me. Arent I the victim?! I did what I was supposed to do! I honestly didnt know if I could go on. It was fourth and long and I was backed up all the way to my own end zone and I could feel the pocket crashing in around me... I was all alone. The spotlight on DREW and DEX blackout. Pause. Then one person came to my defense. Spotlight up on FLETCH. Its been about a year and a half since... Ive been seeing a therapist and going to a support group every week. They all tell me things will get better... and they did, but it took a while. The pain never truly goes away though. Its always kind of there, but I can handle it now because Im not doing it alone. I have a blocker. FLETCH steps up and stands next to STACEY. They look at each other with loving affection. Weve been officially seeing each other for about two months and I know hell always be here to protect me and block anything that will try to hurt me. [Beat.] I finally found my true Friday night star. Lights fade to black. The star on the scoreboard flickers back on. END OF PLAY