A meal for one

A Meal For One

Cast
Natasha - a smart, witty student
Ashley - a successful and funny girl and Natasha's friend


Scene 1
( In the middle of the airport, two friends stay standing holding hands.)

Ashley:(quietly and tearfully) So... (pause) You're leaving.
Natasha:(confused) Yes, I'm leaving?
Ashley: It means that I'm going to miss you like....A LOT! Please, don't go! You can
always stay and study in the local university over here; they'll gladly give you a
second chance. You know that. Do you have to leave?
Natasha: (stern and annoyed) Ashley, this is about my education and future career. I
chose to study at Kings College and I can't change it. Of course, not that I
would ever want to, but please try to understand. (sees tears roll down
Ashley's cheeks)You're my best friend and are supposed to be happy for
every decision that I make. Friends are supposed to look out for each other
and lift each other's spirits, not tear them down.
Ashley: (crying harder) I know... but this is different. You've been my friend since
Kindergarten and being separated from you is like MAJOR problem. You're
supposed to be there for me too, you know.
Natasha: Please, Ashley don't make things harder for me. You know this is very
tough for me but it is something you just have to accept it. I hope you
understa-
Ground: Passengers on flight Emirates Boeing 747 please leave to board Gate 3.
Staff Thank you.
Natasha: Well, I suppose I should leave for the gate now. Goodbye Ashley, (gives
her a warm hug) I'll miss you!
Ashley: (sniffling) Yeah, so will I! Don't forget me and remember to send emails. Or
you can call me or you can visit in your holidays. I'd be more than glad to
be with you. Goodbye, Natasha.
Natasha:(walking away) I won't forget you Ashley Burrow.
(Natasha gives her parents a hug and they exit the stage with Ashley. Natasha stares at them till she can see them no more and enters the Boarding Gate.)

(6 months later. Natasha enters the college and starts talking to fellow friends)

Natasha: So my birthday's coming up and I was planning to have a small party at my house. What do you guys think of it?
(Her friend, Cheryl nods her head)

Cheryl: I think it's a fabulous idea! Who do you have in mind for the invitation list?
Natasha: Well....you, Sarah, Leah, Kelly, Debbie, Esther, Zara, Connie, Melissa, a few girls and guys from the class and a
few people you guys would like to bring along. But just a few.....I don't want to have to clean up TOO much mess!
Sarah: What about that friend you told us about....back home in New York? I think her name was Allie or Ashie or
something like that? Oh yeah, Ashley....yeah, you said you would make sure she was there for your birthday.
Natasha: Well times change...she probably doesn't even remember me now. We were just high schoolers after all. I'll ring
her up and see, but I won't keep my hopes up.
Cheryl: Even if she does or doesn't come, we're going to have a fabulous time. So relax...I know, why don't we go shopping?
Natasha: Great! I don't even have a dress to wear for the party. We'll go after my lecture. See ya!

(Natasha walks towards college and her friends go into another building.)
(In the mall, with Natasha and her friends, Cheryl, Debbie and Kelly; they are trying to find the perfect dress for Natasha.)

Cheryl: OOOH! Look at this dress. It looks perfect on me! Do you think I should buy it, Nats?
Natasha: It looks great on you! Just to get an idea of the price range, how much does it cost?
Cheryl: Mmmm...30 pounds. Soo..have you got an