The Reason Why

Characters
RAYMOND, a tall, smart and patient college student, who likes Renee
RENEE, a short, confident and crowd-pleasing college student who loves her friends and likes Raymond
JENNY, a smart and responsible college student who’s friends with Renee, Jay, and Melissa who will do anything to get what she wants
JAY, a quirky college student who values his friends a lot
MELISSA, a slightly insecure college student who always feels left behind
MR. JENKS, a witty, friendly, and dependable college professor

Setting
A promenade (with lockers and benches) in the university, noontime to around 4pm.





         


SCENE 1
(RAYMOND was going to buy food from the cafeteria when he saw RENEE sitting alone at the ledge, having lunch. RAYMOND walks up to RENEE.)

RAYMOND
Hey!
RENEE
(Looks up at RAYMOND)
Oh, hey! What’s up?
RAYMOND
I’m good. Got psyched in the mandatory psychology class. You?
RENEE
I’m feeling great. Well, a bit stressed. Have you eaten lunch?
RAYMOND
(Rubs his stomach and laughs)
No, actually not yet. I was gonna buy food but then I saw you so I decided to—
RENEE
(Moves bags to the side)
Come sit with me. Besides, we have to talk about our play. You know we haven’t really had a great rehearsal. So I was thinking—
RAYMOND
Oh, yeah. Our play.
(Looks disappointed and places his bag at the side, fakes a smile, and whispers)
RENEE
You were saying something a while ago.
RAYMOND
(Shakes his head and gives out a small smile)
It’s nothing.
RENEE
(Smiles)
You know, in one of my philosophy class sessions, we were told that nothing always means something.
RAYMOND
It’s really nothing.
(Laughs)
RAYMOND (cont’d)
I’m just gonna buy food.
RENEE
(Smiles at RAYMOND)
Alrightie.
RENEE (cont’d)
(After RAYMOND has left, she sighs and looks at his bag)
I thought you were gonna ask me if it can, even just for this time, be just about… us. I wonder when you’ll bring it up.

RENEE (cont’d)
(Turns her head to look at RAYMOND, who’s buying food from a nearby food kiosk)
But with how things are unfolding, you never might.
(RAYMOND pays for his food and walks back to the ledge. RENEE drinks and fixes her food. RAYMOND arrives and puts down his food. He sits down and prays)
RAYMOND
Amen.
RENEE
(Looks at RAYMOND and smiles)
So… Oh, I want to show you something.
(Takes out her phone and hands it to RAYMOND)
RAYMOND
(Takes the phone)
What’s this?
RENEE
(Proudly smiles)
I translated the play to English last night. If you scroll down, you’d find another translation. I found that one on the internet. It doesn’t make much sense so I decided to translate it myself.
RAYMOND
(Chuckles and hands RENEE her phone back)
I didn’t know that you’d be that interested in our play. I haven’t even memorized my lines.
RENEE
(Takes back her phone, keeps it, and her smile disappears)
Oh, I see. Just make sure that you’d have it memorized before the actual staging.
RAYMOND
Of course.
RENEE
(Sits up straight)
You really should. I don’t want us to look foolish before our audience.
RAYMOND
(Sees RENEE’s disappointment, swallows)
Hey, I’ve been wanting to tell you that—
RENEE
(Looks at watch, picks up her bags and talks without looking at RAYMOND)
Oh, I’m really sorry. I have to go now. I lost track of time. I have to preside a meeting, you see. Anyway, is it really important? Just text me whatever it is that you’re gonna tell me. And thanks for the company. I’ll see you later.
(Walks away quickly and exits on the other side of the stage)
RAYMOND
I guess it’s not yet the time for it.
(Stands up, picks up his bag, puts his unfinished food to the trash bin, and exits on the same side of the stage RENEE used)
(Blackout.)



SCENE 2
(Scene opens with JENNY, JAY, and MELISSA talking about the school’s dress code at the ledge. RENEE re-enters the stage, heads to her locker, looking disappointed, and ignores her friends. She hurries past them, mumbling her soliloquy and re-exits scene. The friends look at each other, in question of RENEE’s actions.)
JENNY
What happened to her? Wasn’t she giddy earlier?
JAY
(Shakes head)
I don’t know. She’s probably stressed because of the org she’s co-handling. Or, I don’t know…her thesis, probably.
MELISSA
She’s already done with her thesis. You guys, I think I heard her say his name. I know my sister. She wouldn’t be upset like that if it doesn’t involve her feelings.
(RAYMOND enters scene and sits down at the ledge a few meters away from JENNY, MELISSA, and JAY. His face, expressionless. The three all look at him)
JENNY
Sister? You’re not even related to each other.
MELISSA
I know. But we’re sisters by bond.


JAY
But seriously, think it’s because of him? Hmm… He seems rather indifferent today. I mean just look at his face. Could that be why she’s like that?
(Laughs with JENNY and does his signature hand gesture)
JENNY
Whatever, Jay! Wait, what time is it?
MELISSA
(Checks phone)
Twelve thirty-three. Why?
JENNY
(Stands up abruptly and wears her backpack)
Oh my shoelaces! I’m late for the meeting! See you guys later!
JAY
Ayt.
(JENNY exits scene and MELISSA sits down at the ledge. JAY raises a brow at her.)
MELISSA
I’m trying to think, okay?
JAY
Yeah, I know. But you’re not thinking hard enough. Why wonder when you can have the answer right away?
(Stands up and walks up to RAYMOND)
MELISSA
(Runs and follows JAY)
Jay!? Wait! I mean don’t!
(Blackout.)


SCENE 3
(Scene opens with RENEE and JENNY walking on the isle, back to the ledge, wondering where the other members are. RENEE’s phone rings as she receives a text message)
RENEE
(Takes out her phone to read the text)
Oh, great! Meeting cancelled.
(Texts but then her phone beeps)
RENEE (cont’d)
Wow. First, not-so-good lunch, then a cancelled meeting and now what?! I ran out of battery! Is this punishment? If it is, what wrong have I done?
JENNY
(Holds RENEE by the shoulder)
Sarcastic, much? Hey, you seem really pissed. You even ignored us earlier.
RENEE
(Looks confused)
I did?
(JENNY nods and RENEE seems shocked)
RENEE (cont’d)
I prolly didn’t see you guys.
JENNY
Is something wrong?
RENEE
Sort of. But don’t worry, I’m fine.
(Smiles and starts walking)
RENEE (cont’d)
So, how was your psychology class earlier?
JENNY
(Flashes a wide smile)
Oh my goodness! It was so great, as usual! I love Dr. Durmont!
                                       (Giggles)
JENNY (cont’d)
Wait a second. We were talking about you. Now why did you change the topic, huh?
                                       (Raises a brow and smirks)
JENNY (cont’d)
Did you talk?
RENEE
(Nods and flashes a sheepish smile)
Yeah.
JENNY
How come you’re not sharing? So, what did you guys talk about?
RENEE
(Sounds indifferent)
The play, as usual. I actually wanted to talk about something else. You know, I want us to be just us for a change.
JENNY
I’m not quite getting it.
RENEE
Well… Apparently, he isn’t as excited for the play as I am. He hasn’t even memorized it yet. See what I mean? And the show date is like…next week!
(Rolls eyes)
JENNY
Come on, he likes you, right? Just think of that. Besides, he’s a good boy. I don’t see why you have to worry. And I’m sure that he won’t let you down. Just give the boy a slack! He’s ECE, remember?
RENEE
And I’m in a pre-Law program. But that’s not my point, Jenny. I just find it annoying that he doesn’t care that much about our performance. And we’re gonna act together—we’re gonna perform as a couple. If he’s not that interested in our play, then I’m not sure if he does like me.
JENNY
Renee, he really does. Why do you doubt it?
RENEE
How sure are you, Jenny?
JENNY
It’s pretty obvious, girl. And as I’ve said, ‘the third one’s the charm’. I really have my hopes up for the two of you. I mean, this one’s the one you’ve gone the farthest with.
RENEE
And you know exactly how I feel for him. And to see him like that is not really assuring me that he feels the same way for me.
JENNY
Just trust him.
RENEE
I do. I really do. But—
JENNY
At least you have someone you like liking you back.
RENEE
(Shakes head and sighs)
Don’t worry. You’ll find someone soon.
                                                           (JENNY and RENEE laugh out loud)
JENNY
(Sighs, her face straight)
So…it really was about that, huh? Raymond…
RENEE
(Sighs)
Nah. Well, yeah. But I guess I was just being petty.
JENNY
No. I mean, he’s there. He’s actually looking at us right now. Oh my goodness. He’s walking towards us.
RENEE
Ah! Stop looking back! What are you doing? Jenny!
(Panics)
RENEE (cont’d)
Just don’t mind him. Act as if you didn’t see him coming. Just keep walking—and walk faster!
(RAYMOND calls RENEE. JENNY stops and turns to face RAYMOND, looks at him intently and taps RENEE’s shoulder. RENEE stops but doesn’t immediately face RAYMOND, bites her lower lip and turns her head)
RAYMOND
Hey Renee, I—
RENEE
(Looks at RAYMOND)
Hey! You need something?
RAYMOND
(Walks up to her with his eyes fixed on RENEE)
RAYMOND (cont’d)
Actually, no. I—
(JENNY’s phone rings. RAYMOND stops in front of RENEE and looks at her. RENEE refuses to look back at RAYMOND again and just watches JENNY take the call instead. RAYMOND looks at JENNY too.)
JENNY
(Faces RENEE)
Candice said that the meeting’s on. WLB 503.
(Looks at RAYMOND)
JENNY (cont’d)
Hey Ray, sorry but we kind of have to go now.


RENEE
(Bites her lip, closes her eyes, looks at RAYMOND and smiles)
Uh, I’ll just see you later, Raymond. I’m sorry.                                                                                (Starts walking away)
RAYMOND
And yet again. Time’s running out, Renee. 
(watches RENEE walk away. Sighs and walks away on the opposite direction. His phone rings and he turns it off)
(Blackout.)


SCENE 4
(Scene opens with JAY and MELISSA entering the stage, arguing. JAY looks pissed at MELISSA who’s reasoning out)
JAY
Why are you thinking like that? You’re being selfish again! How many times have I talked to you about this?
(Sits at the ledge)
MELISSA
I’m not being selfish, for crying out loud! I’m just letting you know that I don’t like how you’ve been treating me this past few weeks. And it hurts a lot, Jay!
JAY
I don’t understand you. I mean, what’s so wrong with me hanging out with my other friends? I can’t spend all of my time with you, and you know that.
MELISSA
I know that you can’t, Jay. And I’m not expecting you to be with me all the time. It’s just that I’m also your friend. Like your other friends, I need you too. Don’t you think it hurts to be ignored?
JAY
You don’t know what it really feels like, Melissa. So shut up.
MELISSA
I don’t and you do? Jay, do you even know what you’re saying? People like you. You have a lot of friends and you need not exert extra effort to keep them.
JAY
Melissa, it’s not my fault that you can’t have as many other friends as I do. You know, you’re being too petty. And it’s freaking annoying me.
MELISSA
You don’t understand my situation because you’re not the girl whom people find weird and annoying that’s why they don’t want to talk to her. You’re not the one who had friends who turned their backs on her. You’re not the one whom people do not even think of befriending. You’re not the—
JAY
You weren’t the one who was disowned by his parents and left at the front porch of an orphanage. You’re not the one who has to be financially independent. You have a family who supports your endeavors. I don’t. I don’t really have anyone else aside from my friends! You’re the one who doesn’t know what you’re saying.
(MELISSA looks at JAY with pleading eyes)
MELISSA
And I’m your friend, Jay. And you have lots of other people who are concerned for you. I would not disown you or anything.
MELISSA (cont’d from previous page)
You’re one of my best friends, Jay and I care about you too much and it hurts me to feel that you’re not caring for me as much as I do for you.
JAY
Now, what are you saying? That I’m not being a friend to you? Just get to the point and stop bluffing.
MELISSA
All I’m saying is that all I need is a little bit more attention from you. I just want to feel that you care for me too. Because whenever I’m with you, I feel unimportant. I feel like I always have to do something big just to get your attention. Beside Renee and Jenny, I’m nothing to you. That’s how you make me feel, Jay.
JAY
Melissa, you’re the only one who thinks that way. You are my friend and you know that I care for you. And for the record, I’m treating all of my friends equally.
(Pauses and looks at the clock)
JAY (cont’d)
I have to go now. I’m gonna be late for class.
MELISSA
(Wipes her eyes dry)
I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have ranted like this and cried. I’m being insecure again. I hope you’ll forgive me.
JAY
(Embraces MELISSA)
Of course I would. You’re my friend and you know that I can’t stay mad at you for long. I just hope that you won’t think of me like that anymore because I really care for you too, Melissa. And I’m sorry if you feel like that but I’m telling you, you really shouldn’t. So stop crying now, okay? Come on, we’ll be late for class.
(JENNY enters stage and sees JAY embrace MELISSA. JAY and MELISSA exit stage, JENNY smiles mischievously from the other side of the stage and follows them)
(Blackout.)


SCENE 5
(Scene opens with RAYMOND sitting alone at the ledge, listening to his music player. Mr. Jenks, RENEE’s teacher and RAYMOND’s voice coach sees him and greets him.)
RAYMOND
Hi sir!
MR. JENKS
(Sits beside RAYMOND)
Hey Raymond! How are you? You seem sad.
RAYMOND
Nah, sir. It’s nothing.
MR. JENKS
You know, nothing really means something.
RAYMOND
I was told. But sir, really, it’s nothing.
(Looks at his feet)
MR. JENKS
Well, I guess I can’t force you to open up. Anyway I’ll—
RAYMOND
(Looks at MR. JENKS)
Sir…
MR. JENKS
Yes Raymond? Are you finally going to tell me what’s bugging you? I’m your mentor and it’s my duty to help you, you know.
RAYMOND
I know that, sir. And I really thank you for that, Mr. Jenks. It’s just that this is a little too personal.
MR. JENKS
Okay, I understand… I promise not to disclose your trouble.
RAYMOND
Sir, you see, there’s this girl that I like. She makes me feel that she likes me too. I want to tell her that I have feelings for her but I just can’t seem to get her alone. And she seems too casual when she talks to me. I don’t—
(RAYMOND sees JENNY enter stage and sit down a few feet away from him and MR. JENKS. RAYMOND gives her a short smile and quickly turns his head to listen to MR. JENKS.)
MR. JENKS
You know, Raymond, if you like her, you have to tell her as soon as possible before someone else does. And you’re soon leaving, right? For the NYU exchange program?
(RAYMOND nods)

MR. JENKS (cont’d)
If you feel that she likes you, then you shouldn’t be bothered about this. And if she’s worth it, then you shouldn’t let her go. You know, love is like a very rare mineral. It is very hard to locate and extract. That’s why once it’s been extracted and brought to the market, it’s sold for a very high price because it’s really something worth coveting.
RAYMOND
I understand. Thanks, Mr. Jenks. I really appreciate it.
MR. JENKS
Don’t let love slip away from you, Raymond. You wouldn’t like it in the long run. Trust me, I know.
(Stands up)
MR. JENKS (cont’d)
Oh, by the way, do you know Renee Rivera?
RAYMOND
(Smiles)
Yes sir, I do.
MR. JENKS
Do you mind telling her to go to the faculty room to pick up her thesis from me? Kindly tell her that I have great news for her.
RAYMOND
Sure, sir. I will.
(JENNY discreetly exits stage. MR. JENKS exits stage too and RAYMOND checks on his phone, looks into space and sighs. RENEE enters stage and sits down, looking for something in her bag. RAYMOND takes a deep breath and walks up to her)
RAYMOND
Renee.
RENEE
(Looks up and sees RAYMOND)
Oh, hey! Uhm, I’m really sorry about what happened earlier. Anyway, you said there’s something you want to tell me?
RAYMOND
Uh, never mind. It’s probably not yet the right time for that.
RENEE
Oh. I see. Are you sure?
                                                           (RAYMOND nods and smiles)
RENEE (cont’d)
Are you really, really sure? It seems urgent.
RAYMOND
Yeah.
RENEE
Well, uhm, if you’re not gonna tell me about whatever it is now, I will take this chance to tell you something too.
RAYMOND
Oh-kay. Is it about the play? If it’s about that, then you don’t have to worry. I’m on it.
RENEE
(Laughs and hits RAYMOND’s arm)
No, silly! I’m gonna tell you something far more important and serious than that!
                                       (Looks around)

RENEE (cont’d)
Can we go somewhere more…private?
RAYMOND
Sure.
RENEE
Oh, can you go with me to the chapel first? And then we can talk right after.
RAYMOND
(Swallows, stands up, wears his backpack)
Of course.
(RAYMOND and RENEE exit stage without talking. RAYMOND walks close to RENEE)
(Blackout.)


SCENE 6
(Scene opens with JENNY entering the stage, taking out a folded piece of paper from her jacket. JENNY looks around to see if people are looking. She walks over to the lockers and inserts the folded paper in JAY’s locker.)
JENNY
Soon enough, whatever’s good will reach its end. I’m sorry Melissa, but I guess you’re gonna have to hug Jay goodbye.
(Hits RENEE’s locker)


JENNY (cont’d)
You too, Ms. Everybody-loves-me. I can’t wait to see you say buh-bye to your sweetheart. Now, who’s gonna be laughing her heart out really soon?
JENNY
(Laughs, dials a number on her phone and exits stage)
(Blackout.)


SCENE 7
(Scene opens with RAYMOND and RENEE entering the stage. RENEE sits down at the ledge and RAYMOND follows.)
RAYMOND
So…
RENEE
(Inhales deeply and looks at RAYMOND and takes back her look.)
Well… My goodness, I’m sorry. This is awkward. Uhm…
                                       RENEE (cont’d)
(Pause)
Whew! You know this is hard. I’m so not used to doing this but uh…
RAYMOND
I’m sorry for cutting you short, but can I say something first?

RENEE
Yeah, go ahead.
RAYMOND
I’ve been thinking about this lately and I’ve asked for an advice from a very trusted friend…
RENEE
(Nods and listens)
Okay…
RAYMOND
You see next year, I’d be leaving. My application for the UCLA exchange program was approved. And, I just want to—
(JENNY enters stage and calls RENEE. RENEE turns to face her and waves at her. JENNY waves back and looks at her first, then looks at RAYMOND. RAYMOND looks questioningly at JENNY and shakes his head.)
JENNY
(Walks up to them)
Hey, has Raymond told you that Mr. Jenks’s looking for you?
(RENEE looks at RAYMOND with questioning eyes and looks back immediately at JENNY and shakes her head.)
JENNY (cont’d)
Oh, he hasn’t yet? Well, now that you know, I think you better get going to hear the good news from him. I overheard him and he said that it’s about your thesis. Go and hurry!

RENEE
(Stands up and looks at RAYMOND)
Thanks for not telling me. I told you before that this paper’s really important to me.
                                       (Looks at JENNY)
RENEE (cont’d)
Thanks so much Jenny! I always knew that I could rely on you.
                                       (Looks at RAYMOND and exits stage)
RAYMOND
(Looks irritated at JENNY)
What’s wrong with you?
JENNY
What’s wrong with me? Ha! What’s wrong with you?!
                                       (Pokes RAYMOND)
RAYMOND
Why did you do that? Didn’t you see what was already happening?
JENNY
(Looks at him sarcastically)
Oh, I’m sorry. I just thought I’d do my friend a favor.
RAYMOND
Favor? What favor? And you call yourself a ‘friend’? Are you kidding me? What is it that you really want?
JENNY
What do I really want?
(Leans towards RAYMOND)

JENNY (cont’d)
A lot of one thing.
RAYMOND
(Backs away, stands up and picks up his bag)
You’re crazy and pathetic.
                                       (Exits stage)
JENNY
(Watches RAYMOND leave)
I want vengeance, Raymond. Vengeance. You all have wronged me. And now you’re all gonna pay for it.
                                       (Exits stage)
(Blackout.)


SCENE 8
(Scene opens with MELISSA and JAY entering stage, laughing. Both head to their lockers. JAY opens his first and a folded piece of paper falls from his locker. He picks it up and unfolds it. MELISSA looks at the paper too and tries to read what’s written.)
MELISSA
Who’s it from?
JAY
You’re seriously asking me that question? What the hell is wrong with you?! If you’re really mad at me, you could’ve just howled at me… Or kicked me in the shin instead of doing this to me! How dare you! How could you do this to me?
JAY (cont’d)
(Slams locker close, crumples the paper, throws it at MELISSA and exits stage)
MELISSA
(Catches the crumpled paper)
I haven’t even done anything! Jay!
MELISSA (cont’d)
(Opens the paper and reads it. She sits down on the floor and cries from shock)
(RENEE enters stage, holding her thesis with a big smile. She sees MELISSA and runs her way to her.)
RENEE
(Kneels down on the floor and rubs MELISSA’s back)
Melissa, what’s wrong? Tell me, what’s wrong… Why are you crying?
MELISSA
It wasn’t me, Renee. I can never do such thing to Jay.
RENEE
Why? What happened? Is Jay okay?
MELISSA
No. He’s gonna be expelled, Renee. And he thinks that it’s because of me. But I’m completely innocent. And I wouldn’t do such thing to him.
RENEE
Oh my good Lord! Why is he gonna be expelled?

MELISSA
(Hands RENEE the crumpled paper)
I swear, I wouldn’t do it to him. I can’t. I don’t want to lose Jay, Renee. Aside from you and Jenny, he’s the only one who stood by me.
RENEE
(Opens the paper, reads it and gasps)
Oh my goodness! Substance abuse? Jay would never take drugs! How could this be?!
MELISSA
I don’t know. But I swear, I wasn’t the one who did this to him. Believe me, please, Renee.
RENEE
(Hugs MELISSA)
I know, I know. I believe you. Do you have your phone with you? We have to call Jenny. My phone died earlier.
MELISSA
(Hands RENEE the phone)
I absolutely have no idea why I’m being named as the complainant! I know Jay and I absolutely know, for a fact, that he’d never take drugs. And I swear by my father’s name that don’t know why a packet of drugs was found on his locker. Renee, I can’t take this anymore.
RENEE
I know. We have to tell Jenny about this. She can talk to the Office of Student of Affairs about this. Her uncle works there, remember? I’m sure he can figure this out for us.
(Waits for the phone to be picked up)
RENEE (cont’d)
Ugh! She’s not picking up.
(RAYMOND enters stage and sees RENEE and MELISSA. He immediately walks over and talks to them.)
RAYMOND
Hey, I just saw Jay at the Office of the Student Affairs.
(Looks at RENEE)
(MELISSA exits stage running and crying)
RAYMOND (cont’d)
What happened?
         RENEE
(Stands up not looking at RAYMOND)
Nothing for you to be concerned about.
RAYMOND
Just tell me.
RENEE
(Sighs)
Jay was accused for substance abuse. A packet of drugs was found on his locker and Melissa was the alleged complainant. But she really wasn’t and neither did Jay possess drugs. Jay’s innocent but he will be expelled, thinking that Melissa made up this story. Someone has set her and Jay up.
RAYMOND
And you don’t have an idea of who really did this?
(RENEE shakes her head, a tear falls from her face and finally looks at RAYMOND.)


RENEE
(Cries)
No, and I don’t freaking know what to do. I can’t just watch this happen to my friends.
RAYMOND
We’ll figure something out, okay? For now, all we can do is go to the Discipline Office and ask for Jay’s drug test records.
RENEE
You need not involve yourself in this mess, Raymond.
RAYMOND
I know. But I have chosen to do so.
RENEE
I don’t understand.
RAYMOND
Soon you will.
                                       (RAYMOND helps RENEE stand up)
                                                           (RAYMOND and RENEE exit stage)
(Blackout.)


SCENE 9
(Scene opens with JENNY entering stage while talking on the phone.)
JENNY
(Sits at the ledge)
That’s great work, Shelly. Thank you! You’re the best.
                                       (Puts down the phone)
JENNY(cont’d)
Jay and Melissa down, Renee and Raymond left. For now, goodbye, Jay. Hope you’ll enjoy your vacation.
JENNY (cont’d)
(Sighs)
Poor you. No one will know that you’re innocent. No one will know the truth.
(MR. JENKS enters stage and hears JENNY talk to herself. His face looks astounded by JENNY’s soliloquy.)
JENNY (cont’d)
Now, what should do with Raymond and Renee? Hmm… I guess that can wait. For now, enjoy your sweet revenge, Jenny.
                                       (Chuckles and exits stage)
(MR. JENKS sees RENEE and RAYMOND enter stage. RAYMOND immediately straightens up, RENEE wipes her eyes dry and greets MR. JENKS.)
RAYMOND
Good afternoon, sir.
MR. JENKS
(Nods)
What are you two doing here? Don’t you have class?
(RAYMOND and RENEE shake their heads)
MR. JENKS (cont’d)
Oh, I see. What are you both up to?

RAYMOND
We’re kind of doing a little investigating, sir, about Jay’s case. I’m sure you and everyone in the faculty were the first ones who were informed about this.
MR. JENKS
That is true. We’ve known about it since last week. I was really disappointed when I learned about that because I believe that the boy wouldn’t do such thing.
RENEE
                                       (Looks doubtful)
Last week? But sir, Jay received the memo just this lunch time.
MR. JENKS
I wonder how that figures. Because as far as I know, memos to the students are sent seventy-two hours after the investigations have been made.
(Pause)
MR. JENKS (cont’d)
Listen, I overheard Jenny Samuels talking about Jay having a vacation…and that no one will know the ‘truth’. She was having her monologue about revenge.
(RENEE and RAYMOND look at each other with shock)
MR. JENKS (cont’d)
Why? Is something wrong?
RENEE
(To RAYMOND)
Why? Out of all people?


RAYMOND
(To MR. JENKS)
Sir, can you do us a very big favor, please?
MR. JENKS
As long as the motive is right, sure.
RAYMOND
May we ask you to testify and report to the Discipline Office exactly what you’ve heard from Jenny?
                                                           (RENEE looks at RAYMOND)
MR. JENKS
Alright, I will. I really pity that boy. He’s—
RENEE
I thank you with all my heart, Mr. Jenks. This will help Jay a lot.
RENEE (cont’d)
(Sees MELISSA enter stage with JENNY, takes a deep breath and walks towards them. She meets JENNY and MELISSA halfway. RENEE stands in front of JENNY.)
                                       (To JENNY)
How dare you do this to Jay and Melissa?
JENNY
(Looks confused)
Renee, what are you saying?
RENEE
You set them up.
(MELISSA looks immediately at JENNY)
JENNY
What? Are you going nuts? Why would I do that, Renee?
MELISSA
I don’t understand anything.
JENNY
Neither do I.
RENEE
Shut up. You perfectly know everything. You were the one who put the packet in Jay’s locker and you were the one who reported to the Discipline Office.
JENNY
Renee! Why would I do tha—
(RENEE slaps JENNY. RAYMOND runs to RENEE)
MELISSA
Renee!
RENEE
Step away from her, Melissa. She was the one who set you and Jay up.
RAYMOND
Your cover’s been blown, Jenny. Just tell the truth.
JENNY
Alright, alright. I did it.
(Chuckles)
JENNY (cont’d)
There. Happy?
MELISSA
What is wrong with you, Jenny?! How could you do this to us?
RAYMOND
(To MELISSA)
That’s because she ‘wants a lot of one thing’—revenge.
(To JENNY)
RAYMOND (cont’d)
I thought you changed, Jenny. But you fooled all of us. You’re still everything but honest.
JENNY
Oh, shut up! You can’t even tell Renee what you feel for her! I also thought you were a great guy, Raymond. Apparently, you’re everything but a real man. Wait, have you told her that we’ve dated before?
(RENEE looks at RAYMOND with confusion. JAY enters stage and hears the argument.)
JENNY (cont’d)
It seems like you haven’t.
(To RENEE)
Look at the kind of guy you’ve fallen for, Ms. Everybody-loves-me. You see, that’s why I broke up with him—he’s not a real man. Oh wait, did I just tell him that you like—
JAY
(Walks towards RENEE, RAYMOND, MELISSA, and JENNY)
Enough! You’ve already had your revenge! I’m already gonna be expelled, aren’t you satisfied with it?!
JENNY
Revenge never tastes satisfaction and contentment, in case you didn’t know.
RENEE
What are you doing with your life, Jenny? Do you know how much of everything you’ve missed just because of that stupid revenge?
JAY
I trusted you, Jenny. How could you do this to our friendship?
JENNY
(Raises a brow)
Look at how foolish you people are! Did y’all seriously think that I’m just a sweet and innocent little girl who’d just stay under your shadows? Well for your information, you all have done me wrong. But seriously, wow! You guys are way too pathetic. You’ve all fallen for my trap.
MELISSA
What do you mean?
JENNY
I guess this is the part where the antagonist reveals her next steps, right?
MR. JENKS
Actually, Ms. Samuels, this is the part where the antagonist is defeated by good guys.
JENNY
(Rolls eyes)
Like you know anything about drama, Mr. Jenks. You’re a science teacher. Not a dramatist.
JAY
I’ll never forgive you, Jenny.
JENNY
Well Jay, I don’t need your forgiveness.
RAYMOND
Actually, you will.
JENNY
Just for your information, in case you didn’t know, when you take revenge on someone, you do not ask for his forgiveness.
RENEE
You really will, Jenny. Because the Discipline Office has been listening to this entire conversation.
JENNY
You know Renee, I’m so sick of you sucking up to people to get what you want. You’re like a leech that sucks blood out of her prey.
RENEE
Okay, now that’s really offensive! You’ve crossed the line, Jenny.
(Prepares to slap JENNY but RAYMOND holds her back)
RENEE (cont’d)
You should be thankful I’m not that much of a war freak as you are.
JENNY
Are you saying that you’re refined?
RENEE
Not exactly. It’s just that I’m not the kind of person who’d make up a mess like this.
MR. JENKS
                                       (To JENNY)
And I’m afraid that you, Ms. Samuels, would no longer be a part of the roster of student officials. How shameful it is for a
MR. JENKS (cont’d from previous page)
student as responsible and as smart as you here in the University, to have done such offense to her own friends.
MELISSA
I pray that you’d change, Jenny. You could’ve made a great friend.
(JENNY rolls eyes and MR. JENKS walks towards his students.)
JENNY
Don’t pray for me. Pray for yourself instead. Pray that you’d learn how to be less clingy and annoying. 
MR. JENKS
I’m sure you know where you’re going next, Ms. Samuels.
RAYMOND
I wish you the best, Jenny.
RENEE
Yeah, good luck.
JENNY
(Whispers to RENEE)
You’ll need that more than I do.
JENNY (cont’d)
(Exits stage)
JAY
Thank you so much for witnessing for me, Mr. Jenks. I can’t thank you enough for saving me.


MR. JENKS
You’re very much welcome. But I’m telling you, you have to thank those two more than me. Anyway, I have to go and talk to the Discipline Office to settle things.
                                       (Points at RAYMOND and RENEE)
JAY
I would come with you, sir. I just have to talk to these two for a sec.
JAY (cont’d)
(Holds RENEE and RAYMOND’s hands)
You guys are the best couple ever.
RENEE
Jay!
RAYMOND
I wasn’t expecting your ‘thank you’ in that form.
                                       (Looks at RENEE)
MELISSA
(Nods)
It’s true. I mean come on, it’s pretty obvious. You like each other. It’s just that the two of you can’t say it out loud.
RAYMOND
That was… a surprising assumption. I was shocked.
RENEE
Me too.
JAY
Whatever, you two!
                                       
JAY (cont’d)
(To MELISSA)
Melissa, I’m sorry for accusing you.
MELISSA
It’s not your fault. Though it did hurt. It was like a punch in the face using your knuckles.
RENEE
(Embraces JAY and MELISSA)
You guys! I’m happy that I have you both as my real friends.
JAY
Raymond, hey. Why don’t you join us here?
RAYMOND
Uh, I… I’m kind of in a hurry, Jay. Sorry. But thanks. And I’m happy that you’re still gonna be here.
                                       (Turns around)
RENEE
(Stops RAYMOND and holds his hand)
Hey, you need some explaining to do.
MELISSA
Okay, before the two of you get all ‘lovey-dovey’ right there, we’re gonna go now. You know, we kind of have to clear our names. See you guys tomorrow.
JAY
Yeah, we really have to go now. It really feels great to know that I’m still gonna be in this school. And most of all, it’s great to finally know who your real friends are, and know that no matter what happens, they’ll never desert you.

MELISSA
Aww, Jay! You’ve finally seen the light!
                                       (Hugs JAY and laughs with him)
                                                           (JAY and MELISSA exit stage)
RENEE
(Sits at the ledge, looks at RAYMOND and raises a brow)
I guess things between us also have to be cleared and settled, right?
RAYMOND
(Sits beside her)
Yeah.
                                       (Pause)
I really like you, Renee. And I understand if you’d dump me because I kept a secret from you.
RENEE
Actually, you’ve kept two secrets from me. Though I must say that it’s good that you’re aware of that. It’s good that things are clear.
(Pause)
RENEE (cont’d)
Is that all you have to say?
RAYMOND
You see, I’m leaving for California next year and I don’t want to leave without letting you know how much I’ve fallen for you. And with what Jenny said… well, we never really dated. Before we even started dating, I told her that I don’t think it’d be best if we’d be together.

RAYMOND (cont’d)
(Pause)
Renee, all I’m asking is that you give me a chance to prove it to you that I’m really sincere and I really am into you.
RENEE
Hmm… I see. Okay, I’m now giving you your chance. And mind you, I’m giving you just one chance to make it right.
RAYMOND
You’re not mad or anything?
RENEE
Should I be?
(Pause)
RENEE (cont’d)
I’m not in the right position to get mad at you. Oh I forgot to tell you, your chance expires in twenty four hours. If I were you, I’d use it now.
RAYMOND
You sure?
(RENEE nods and looks into RAYMOND’s eyes. RAYMOND brings his face closer to RENEE’s.)
RAYMOND (cont’d)
Don’t blame me for this.
RENEE
Do it.
(RENEE and RAYMOND kiss. After they kiss, RENEE’s face was straight)
RAYMOND
I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have kissed you. I took advantage of you.
RENEE
(Laughs)
I love it when you get panicky.
(RAYMOND looks at RENEE with curiosity)
RENEE (cont’d)
Relax. Don’t worry, you didn’t blow your chance. And by the way, you’re not the only one bound for New York next year.
                                       (Winks at RAYMOND)
RAYMOND
Huh?
RENEE
My thesis… Columbia University read it and they’re asking me to come over there and present it to them. If successful, they might give me a scholarship for my doctorate. So yeah…
RAYMOND
Wow. I can’t find the right words to say. Yours is a lot more overwhelming than mine. Wow! I mean, I’m gonna study in NYU for a semester. But you… Ivy league? Just wow!
RENEE
Stop bluffing. That’s not the ‘you’ I know.
RAYMOND
But do you really know me?
RENEE
What?

RAYMOND
Nothing.
RENEE
I’ve told you before that nothing always means something.
RAYMOND
That’s true.
(Blackout.)