Bajo-Smith and Estrada 1

Lauren Bajo-Smith and Isabella Estrada

Storer

English 3 Honors Block 3

2 September 2019

My Life as Miranda

Act I Scene 1

It is the first day back from a long summer break at Moravia High School in Chicago, Illinois in
2004. It is the typical first day of school at Moravia with students searching for answers to the
20 page summer math packet, football players going over plays for the big game on Friday, ASB
members hanging up the new class schedules, and groups of juniors and seniors hanging out in
the parking lot until they hear the second bell. At 7:45, the first bell rings startling most of the
students. A resounding groan can be heard throughout the halls. With fifteen minutes left till the
first block begins, students continue to discuss the summer gossip.

With a coincidental yet fortunate beam of sunshine striking the front doors of the school,
Miranda George walks into her first day of junior year with a grand entrance. The chatter of the
students dies down and everyone turns to look at her. Dressed in a tight denim mini skirt paired
with a white tank top reading “Angel Baby” across the chest, she struts with her Chanel purse in
hand passing by groups of people to the open circle in the middle of the main hallway. A less
flashy dressed girl named Heather follows behind her. Heather, trying to keep up with Miranda
who is going surprisingly fast in her cheetah print heels.

Miranda has grown up in Chicago her entire life. She has lived in the same area with the same
people for about fifteen years. Growing up, Miranda always had a fascination with television and
movies and had dreamed of being a movie star her whole life. She believed that if she became
famous, everyone would like her and want to be her friend. Throughout her middle school
experience, Miranda was bullied for her mannerisms and fashion, so coming into high school,
she saw a chance to reinvent herself. Miranda began to focus more on her outer appearance and
trying to please others. When she was invited in the early spring of last year for a chance to be on
a reality show, she saw this as her opportunity to be famous and finally secure her fantasy life.

Miranda and Heather enter stage right, with Heather trailing Miranda who is screaming to
Miranda that she needs to talk.

HEATHER, straining her voice: I need to talk to you now Miranda. It’s about the show.

Heather Williamson has been friends with Miranda for as long as she could remember. They
were inseparable as kids. They would go on vacations and concerts together and spend everyday
after school at each other’s houses. When Heather was going through some hard times during
middle school, Miranda was always there for her. In the past few years, Heather has seen a
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change in Miranda but still believes in her friend. Heather has learned to value what is on the
inside of a person rather than the outside. She continues to stick with Miranda through thick and
thin and tries to do what is best for her.

MIRANDA, facing forward, not listening to her: About what Heather? I want to hear what
everyone has to say about My Life as Miranda!!!!!

In the 2000s, the age of television was booming, and reality television shows were the biggest
hits. Big network executives and producers grew fond of the idea of exploiting ordinary, normal
people's lives for the entertainment of their viewers. Not only was it an easier way and cheaper
way for the networks to provide audiences with more shows, but the audiences were in love with
this groundbreaking idea. Problems that arise from reality television shows include vanity,
superficiality, unattainable beauty standards, and crippling desire for fame and fortune. They did
not seem to see the consequences of these problems when exploiting and taping every moment in
a person’s life.

HEATHER: It’s about the show! Serious. I know you are so happy about your show and its
success, but have you even watched it yet?
MIRANDA: No why would I? I lived it. Shoots a condescending look at Heather. You know it’s
my show so I’m pretty sure I know what it’s about.
HEATHER, annoyed: I know. I’m just trying to warn you about-
MIRANDA, suddenly concerned: Wait warn me? About what? What did you do?
HEATHER: I didn’t do anything. I’m just talking about the reviews for the show.
MIRANDA, defensive: What do you mean? There are tons of reviews. I heard them talk about it
on the radio.
HEATHER, more annoyed: Can you just let me finish? Miranda, the reviews are terrible! They
are terrible. They all say that you’re a spoiled brat and a bully. The show makes you look like a
bitch to be honest. I just don’t want you to get mad when you talk to people today.
MIRANDA, utterly astonished at Heather at what she’s saying: Wow. pauses and then
explodes. I can’t believe you Heather!!! I can’t believe that you would make all this up to try and
take my fame away from me!
HEATHER, jaw drops, and rage fills her eyes: Excuse me!!??!?!
MIRANDA, rolls eyes and moves closer to her: I knew that you would be like this. You’re
jealous of me! And you think I’m going to leave you behind because of what I said about you!
You know what? I meant all of those things. Points fingers in Heather’s face. You dress tacky,
you’re not popular, and I don’t even know why I’m still friends with you. You’ve just been
dragging me down all last year and I’m not gonna have it this year. Say goodbye to the best thing
that ever happened to you. Good luck trying to have any sort of relevancy without me. Points to
herself. I can’t wait to see you...
HEATHER, cuts off Miranda with a strong yell: ARE YOU KIDDING ME MIRANDA? The
best thing that ever happened to me? More like the worst thing! You have treated me like crap
for years and I’m tired of it. I didn’t want to let you go because of who you used to be, but I can’t
even see a glimpse of that person anymore. You’re selfish, you’re mean and apparently, you’ve
been talking about me behind my back! I had no idea about that but honestly, pausing, I'm glad
that I found out now because I can finally see who you really are. A bitch. Heather storms from
the hallways out of the school doors and exits stage left.
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Miranda stands in the middle of the hallway speechless. She’s never heard Heather speak that
way. She stares at the floor briefly entering a daze, thinking about all that just happened until a
group of girls in matching bedazzled jackets and headbands enter the hallway with their Bugatti
car keys and cappuccinos in hand.

Allie, Taylor, Naia, and Ava make up the elite group at Moravia High School called The
Diamonds. They are the most social and popular girls in the entire school. They come from
wealthy and famous families so that is what they grew up believing is most important. Their
world revolves around having fun, fashion and style, and the approval of people from high-status
positions. Miranda is currently trying to get a spot in the group. They have been talking with
Miranda for about a year but have never formally invited her to the group.

ALLIE, TAYLOR, AND NAIA, excited and bubbly: What up girlie! Approach Miranda in the
hallway.
MIRANDA, exiting her daze: Oh, hey girls, didn’t see you there. How were your summers?
ALLIE, focuses on her nails: Got my license and my dad bought me this amazing gift for
passing. Waves her keys in Miranda’s face. And-
TAYLOR, interrupting Allie: Well I don’t need my license. My new boyfriend just drives me
around.
AVA, looking at Naia: Well, we spent most of my summer traveling with our dance team.
NAIA, turning towards Ava: Yea, we went on an international tour performing in all different
dance competitions in Tokyo, Paris, Sydney, and even New York where we got to perform for
Britney Spears and Usher at some benefit concert or whatever. It was awesome.
MIRANDA, silent for a second: Wow. I didn’t do much this summer. Switches conversation to
regain her confidence. Did you guys watch my reality show though?
GIRLS: Yea it was awesome!
MIRANDA, to herself: I knew it! Back to the group. Wasn’t it great? I still can’t believe that I
have my own show.
TAYLOR: It was so cool Miranda. Especially the last episode because we were in it. Looks at
the other “Diamonds.”
GIRLS, snobbish: Hahaha.

Bell rings

ALLIE: Anyway, do you want to go to class with us? The Diamonds exit stage right.
MIRANDA, excited: Of course. Walking behind The Diamonds. To herself. I knew Heather was
just jealous. If The Diamonds think it’s great it must be...right?

Act I Scene 2

Throughout the day, Miranda stays with The Diamonds as they continue to tell tales of their
expensive and lavish vacations throughout the summer. Miranda notices glances that she gets
from some students and presents her concerns to The Diamonds as they exit class into the
hallway.
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NAIA, supportive: They’re just jealous Miranda.

ALLIE: Yea don’t worry about what those losers think about you. You’re one of us now.
MIRANDA, eagerly forgetting all of her insecurities: OMG really?
TAYLOR: Of course girl! We love you and we always wanted a fifth “Diamond.” She laughs
and everyone joins in.

The last bell rings and hundreds of students race for the doors to go to the parking lot. The
parking is full of students running frantically trying to get into their cars. The parking spaces are
tightly packed and hundreds of teenagers are honking their horns trying to escape the afternoon
gridlock. All five girls exit school and The Diamonds, except for Miranda, head to Allie’s car.

ALLIE, looks at Miranda: Aren’t you coming with us?

MIRANDA, nervously: I would but I can’t. I have to walk home. My mom makes me. Ya know,
stupid moms, right? Nervously laughs
ALLIE, looks Miranda up and down: Alright but tomorrow you’re coming with us to my house
before the tailgate right? If you are going to be a “Diamond,” you have to hang with us.
MIRANDA: Yea for sure I'll be there. See you tomorrow. The Diamonds exit stage left in their
car.

The Diamonds drive away, almost hitting a parked car. As Miranda goes to walk home on her
normal route, she turns and sees a group of her classmates staring at her and whispering to each
other. She continues to brush it off, but she sees more and more people doing it. She continues to
walk out of the parking lot, pushing through groups of loud people, weaving through frantic
people in their cars, and turns the street to go home. As she walks home trying to catch her
breath from all the chaos she just encountered, she starts to remember what happened this
morning. All the emotions that she suppressed have been simmering inside of her and they decide
to burst out.

MIRANDA, to herself in her head: I can’t believe her! This is all Heather's fault. She must have
been talking bad about me to everyone. That’s why everyone has been looking at me. The nerve!
God she’s so jealous. I hope she’s happy. God I hate her! I hate her! Miranda exits stage left.

Act II

MIRANDA, enters through the front door of her house, slamming the door: I can’t believe
Heather would even say something like that! The nerve! Walks into the kitchen.
MRS. GEORGE, enters from the left into the kitchen: How was school today dear?
MIRANDA: My day was horrible! Heather accused me of the most awful things. She told me
not to read the comments online for My Life as Miranda.
MRS. GEORGE, supportive: They can’t be that bad. Why don’t you spend a little time watching
some of the footage?
MIRANDA: I guess. But only after I finish my English homework. Miranda exits to her room.

The walls are painted crystal white with splashes of pink around the rim of the ceiling. All the
furniture matches with this color scheme except the contents in her closet. They are some old
items of clothing, a rusty, emerald, necklace, and a pair of beat-up Converses spilling onto the
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floor in the corner of the room. Her desk is large and disorganized. Next to it is a full-size vanity
with lipsticks neatly stacked in colors cascading from the darkest red to the lightest pink. As
Miranda enters, she pushes the contents on the floor back into her closet, but they continue to
slowly fall out again.

MIRANDA, sitting down in her desk chair: Let’s see what the viewers have to say.

Harp music is playing in the background getting louder and louder until a loud, male voice can
be heard.

HOST: Welcome back to another episode of My Life as Miranda.

The title scene visual zooms in slowly blurring the picture in a spiraling motion until a girl can
be seen in a crowded classroom.

MIRANDA, sitting in her desk with a calculator and folder in hand: Ughhh! Throws down
folder on the desk. I had no time to do the homework last night! I was so busy with my physics
project. Maybe I can get help from someone. Looks towards Lewis Ginsburg sitting behind her.

Lewis a student known for his intelligence and generosity. He is your typical straight-A student
who works hard to be successful.

MIRANDA, turning around: Lewis, did you do the homework last night?
LEWIS: Yeah, I did. Hesitant. Why?
MIRANDA, smiling: I was sooo busy with the physics project last night that I completely forgot
to do the homework. Would you mind, pausing, I don’t know, sharing your answers?
LEWIS, looks down: I don’t know about that one, Miranda. Ms. Ramirez is crazy strict about not
copying, and I don’t want to get in trouble with her.
MIRANDA, putting her hands together in a prayer-like motion: Pleaseee Lewis? Come on,
we’re friends, right? Friends help friends out when they need it.
LEWIS, realizing he won’t win this argument and dejectedly sighs: I guess. But just this once
Okay? I don’t want to get detention for copying work.
MIRANDA, smiles: Thanks so much, Lewis. You’re the best. Grabs her paper and turns away.
LEWIS, sarcastically: Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.

The picture of Lewis at his desk zooms in, slowly blurring in a spiraling motion until a boy can
be seen standing in front of a teacher’s desk.

MS. RAMIREZ, confused: Lewis, may I speak with you for a second?
LEWIS, softly spoken: Sure, how can I help you.
MS. RAMIREZ, serious: I noticed you and Miranda missed the same question on the homework
today, the exact same way. In fact, a lot of her work was very similar to yours. Did she cheat off
of you?

Lewis wants to say no, but his honesty gets the best of him.
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LEWIS, sighs: Yes, I cheated off of Miranda.

MS. RAMIREZ, concerned: Did she give you the answers?
LEWIS, hesitates: No Ms. Ramirez, I cheated off of her work
MS. RAMIREZ, takes a deep breath and looks at the name on the paper: Now normally I won’t
tolerate cheating, but this is unlike you. I’m going to give you a zero for the assignment, but no
detention. Let this be a warning to you.
LEWIS: Thank you, Ms. Ramirez. Lewis exits Ms. Ramirez’s classroom.

Harp music is played in the background getting louder and louder until Miranda’s voice is heard
talking towards a computer screen.

MIRANDA, sits up straight: Wow, I didn’t know Lewis got in trouble for my cheating. I
wouldn’t have copied him if I had known this would have happened. Let’s see what else is in the
show. Faces computer screen again.

Harp music is played in the background getting louder and louder until a group of five girls at
small lunch table can be seen.

MIRANDA, looking around the cafeteria: Has anyone seen Heather? I wanted to ask her if she
saw the latest episode of “The Gilmore Girls”.
ALLIE: No, I haven’t seen her. She’s probably getting tutoring for the retake of the English test.
TAYLOR, chuckling.: She should be getting tutoring for her fashion choices if you know what I
mean. All the girls mildly chuckle
MIRANDA, her eyebrow raises: What do you mean?
AVA, tilts her head towards Heather: Have you seen what she’s been wearing lately? Like those
shoes she wore yesterday? Who wears neon green anymore?
NAIA: Yeah, and those bell-bottoms? That’s so last season.
MIRANDA, trying to understand: I guess her clothes are a little strange.
ALLIE: Come on Miranda, you know Heather’s clothes are totally wacko. Laughs.
MIRANDA, half smiles: I mean, does she really need to wear those hair-clips everyday? Those
are so babyish.

Lunch bell rings. The girls stand up and move away from the table. Heather enters stage right.

HEATHER, upbeat: Hi Miranda

MIRANDA: Where were you at lunch today?
HEATHER: I had to study for a test next block, no big deal. What did y’all talk about at lunch?
Eager to find out what she missed.

Miranda hesitates, as she doesn’t want to hurt Heathers feelings.

MIRANDA, avoids eye contact: Oh you know, just the regular stuff. Ava is getting another ear
piercing.
HEATHER: Really? That’s so cool. Miranda and Heather exit stage left.
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Harp music is played in the background getting louder and louder until Miranda’s voice is heard
talking towards a computer screen.

MIRANDA, frustrated: I should have stood up for Heather. Her clothes aren’t even that bad.
Why didn’t I tell her what they said? Let’s see what the comments have to say about the show.

Miranda scrolls down on her computer to view the shows comments.

MIRANDA, says out loud what she is reading: GamerGirl31 says “She’s such a bitch I love her
omg”, ResurrectedRose wrote “Tbh the only reason I watched this show is to see how horrible
Miranda really is”, HydrogenClam said “Miranda is an absolute snake. Tragic how she still
manages to have friends”. Pauses. Is this what the viewers really think of me? That I'm a selfish,
horrible brat? Gasps. Heather was right all along. I should have listened to her. I never realized
that I hurt so many people. What do I do now?

Act III

MIRANDA, shuts computer and stands up, pacing: I don’t know how to change. How do I
change the person I’ve always been? I thought I was a good friend and classmate, but I don’t
even know who I am anymore. Looks in the mirror. Who am I? Pauses. I have to be better. I
can’t keep hurting people like this. Looking in the mirror again and notices her disheveled
appearance. I should probably get some rest. I want to fully focus on being the all-new Miranda
tomorrow at school. Miranda falls on her bed and goes to sleep.

She wakes up with new energy. She gets out of bed and immediately goes to her closet looking
for the right outfit. She decides to wear the clothes on the floor: a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that
she used to wear a long time ago. Heather got it for Miranda two years ago when they went to
Lollapalooza together. She also put on the rusty, emerald necklace that she used to wear to
school every day but stopped because The Diamonds called it ugly. After getting dressed, she
walks up to her vanity starring at the different lipsticks on the counter. Opening up a drawer, she
decides to grab a Coca Cola Lip Smacker and races downstairs to eat breakfast with her family.
She hopes that they would notice her changed appearance, but they did not say anything.
Walking out the door in her reliable pair of Converses, Miranda went to school on her normal
route. Arriving at school, it was a normal Friday morning. The football players were in their
game day jerseys and the cheerleaders in their short and sparkly uniforms. Miranda walks
through the halls on her way to her Physics 2 classroom. Some people turn and notice her new
outfit and look confused but do not say anything. Once in the classroom, Miranda looks around
the room for Lewis and finds him sitting in the back left part of the classroom. She passes by a
group of cheerleaders and they say, “Hey nice shirt Miranda” and turn and laugh at their
boyfriends. Miranda is taken back for a second. She’s hasn’t had to deal with teasing since
middle school, but she doesn’t think much about it because she is solely focused on what Lewis
thinks about her.

MIRANDA, sits in the desk in front of Lewis: Hey Lewis, how are you?
LEWIS, sighs and looks at Miranda over the rim of his glasses: Don’t think about Miranda. I’m
not giving you the homework again. Go ask someone else.
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MIRANDA, slightly offended: No, it’s not that. I just wanted to come and apologize for what I
did to you last year. I had no idea that you got in trouble. I’m really sorry.
LEWIS, looks back down at his paper: Ok
MIRANDA: Ok?
LEWIS, slightly hostile: Yea what do you want me to say?
MIRANDA, perplexed: Well I thought you would like to accept my apology and we could be
friends.
LEWIS, looks Miranda in the eyes: I don’t think so. Look Miranda I don’t know if you’re doing
AA and you’re on Step 9 or something but just because you apologize for what you did doesn’t
mean I just automatically forgive you. You have treated me like crap for years. I just can’t forget
all that. He returns to work on his paper.
MS. RAMIREZ, demanding: Class take your seats.

Miranda, taken back from his response, she turns to walk away. Slightly dazed, she walks to the
front of the class and sits in the desk right by the door so when class is over, she can run out. She
keeps her head down throughout the whole class only to look around a couple of times to find
people throwing paper balls at her. As the bell rings, she runs out of the classroom into a
crowded hall full of people that seem to be completely unfamiliar to her. She wishes that she was
with Heather because she could always calm her down when she was anxious. Then, she decided
to convert Heather.

At lunchtime, Miranda grabs her lunch from her locker and rushes to the cafeteria so that she
could be at Heather’s lunch table before she gets there. As Heather approaches the table and
sees Miranda, she and her group of friends turn to go somewhere else, but Miranda calls out for
Heather.

MIRANDA, excited: Heather!

HEATHER, rolls her eyes and turns around taking in a deep breath so that she doesn't lose her
cool: What do you want Miranda.
MIRANDA, sincere: I want to talk to you
HEATHER: We have nothing to talk about alright? Turns to walk away.
MIRANDA: Wait, catches Heather’s arm, I’m sorry. I’m really sorry for everything. I watched
the show and you were right. I was a terrible person. I should have never said those things about
you. I should have never left you behind and forgotten about our friendship. And you were right.
I wasn’t the best thing that ever happened to you. You were the best thing that ever happened to
me. Points at her t-shirt. Look, do you remember this day? We were inseparable back then. I
want that again. I want to be best friends again. And I promise things we will go back to normal.
Just like they used to be.
HEATHER: That’s sweet Miranda. It is but I don’t want things to go back to the way they were.
Twists the end of her hair. I’m sorry but I’ve moved on. I wasn’t happy back then and now I am.
I’ve got a great group of friends and I’m happy. If you changed for me, I’m sorry. But I have to
do what’s best for me. And that means not being your best friend anymore. Sorry.

She walks away. Miranda stands there frozen just watching her leave. She walks to the bathroom
and stays there for the rest of the day until the bell rings. When she gets home, she walks
upstairs, shuts her door, and falls on her bed. She’s upset, sad, mad, confused, and anxious. She
 Bajo-Smith and Estrada 9

cries into her pillow. Once she can catch her breath, she stands up looking in the mirror and
tears run down her face because she is disgusted at what she sees.

MIRANDA, crying: I don’t understand. I tried. I really tried. I apologized and nothing! Everyone
still hates me. What's the point then?

Sitting there looking at herself. She remembers something that Allie said to her, “Don’t worry
about what those losers think about you.” She also remembers what Heather said to her today,
“I have to do what’s best for me.” Miranda continues to look at herself in the mirror and realizes
what she has been doing wrong this entire time. She looks at the clock in her room and it is 5:30
p.m. She still has time to make it to the football game. She puts on her favorite outfit: converses,
low rise jeans, a pink striped t-shirt, and the necklace she wore this morning. Before she walks
through the door to leave her room and walk to the football game, she looks in the mirror and
says.

MIRANDA: Don’t worry about what other people think about you. Do what's best for you.
You’ve changed. This is who you are and that’s enough.

Miranda arrives at the football game. She is nervous, unaware of who she can sit with now that
she has left The Diamonds in the dust. She spots Heather sitting with a few of their classmates,
and watches, fearing rejection from Heather as they have yet to reconcile. Miranda decides to sit
by herself, watching the Mustangs take on their rival school, the Bohemian Springs Bears. She
sits in a dark, small corner of the bleachers where she hopes no one can see and make fun of
her.

SPORTS BROADCASTER, stretching the beginnings of the sentences: And the Mustangs are
looking to get a touchdown on their 4th down, with quarterback Julius Karlsson on the 20 yard
line. The Bears lead by 6 as we enter the 4th quarter of this prep match between two Chicago
rivals.

Heather walks up to Miranda, who looks somewhat interested in the game, although it is
painfully obvious that she has no idea what is going on.

MIRANDA, muttering to herself: What even is a down? How does football even work?
HEATHER, slightly waves: Hi Miranda...

Miranda is startled, and flinches at Heather’s voice.

MIRANDA: Oh, hey Heather. Looks back at the game awkwardly.

HEATHER: I noticed you were sitting alone-
MIRANDA, interjecting, trying to make a joke: Yeah that tends to happen when you have no
friends. Nervously laughing
HEATHER: Well I was wondering if you wanted to sit with my friends and I for the rest of the
game?
MIRANDA: Sure, I guess. Stands and follows Heather’s lead slightly jogging behind her to
match her speed.
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Miranda and Heather come over to Heather’s new friends, who all smile at Miranda and make
space for her in the bleachers. They are sitting right next to the stadium lights so it’s a bright
right in the perfect spot to watch the game. Miranda continues to watch the game, as Heather
discusses a new video game coming out with her friends. Out of the corner of her eye, she makes
eye contact with Heather, who smiles knowingly at Miranda. Miranda hesitates at first but then
smiles back. The two former friends quietly share a connection that had been damaged but never
broken.

SPORTS BROADCASTER, screams into the microphone: And it’s Karlsson with the throw, 10
seconds remaining as he hurls the ball towards Coleman in the end zone. Will he make the
connection? And he does! Coleman scores! And the Mustangs have won the game! What a nail-
biter that was. Well, that’s all for the night. Take care folks!