Characters All Around Us

For this project, I had to go to a public place and listen to some phrases from people's conversations around me. I then had to create characters and write a scene featuring them and a few of those phrases. This is the result.

Int. Dining Hall - Day

It's lunchtime. An empty table sits in the center of frame. One by one, our characters come and sit down with their food.

First JASON, then ZACK.

JASON

What do you have there, Zack?

ZACK

Oh, you know. The usual. Pizza.

JASON

Yeah, I know.

ZACK

Well... why did you ask, then?

JASON

I was just trying to make simple conversation!

ZACK

You're an idiot.

ALYSON and KELSEY come and sit down with the boys.

KELSEY

...I can't believe he'd say that!

ALYSON

I know! Completely ridiculous.

JASON

What's completely ridiculous?

Alyson and Kelsey look appalled that he's trying to butt into their conversation.

KELSEY

Jason, why don't you quit being such a meddlesome inquisitor?

Jason slumps into his seat, slightly ashamed.

ZACK

Well, she certainly knows the appropriate term.

ALYSON

(Laughing)

Relax, Kels. I'll share. Basically, Kelsey and I were with Jerry and we realized that I screwed 8 different guys last year.

Awkward silence. Everyone looks a little caught off guard.

ZACK

...That awkward moment...

KELSEY

Alyson-

ALYSON

Anyway, then, later, Jerry called me a slut.

ZACK

Aw, what? That asshole!

ALYSON

Right?

ZACK

I mean... he isn't wrong, but like, you don't say that to a girl!

KELSEY

Ye- yeah...

She punches Zack in the arm.

ALYSON

But yeah, so that's been my day. How've you guys been?

ZACK

Well, I have a stupid spanish exam later that I'm not ready for.

KELSEY

And I am in that class as well. Zack, we should go study after we're done eating.

ZACK

(winking)

Sounds good, Kels.

KELSEY

No, I mean, I wasn't implying anything, I just want to study.

ZACK

Oh. Are you sure?

KELSEY

Yes.

ZACK

But-

KELSEY

Zack, I need a good grade in this class. If I get that, we can... hang out afterwards. But grades first.

ZACK

Ah, that's why I love ya, Kels. Always keeping what's important first.

ALYSON

Well I hope you two do well on that. Let me know if you need any help studying.

ZACK

Thanks, Alyson.

They all eat quietly for a moment.

ALYSON

Hey, Jason? You okay? You got really quiet all of a sudden.

JASON

(snapping out of a trance)

Huh? What? Me? Oh, I was just surprised how many guys you told us you had sex with.

They all laugh, with Zack laughing really loudly. Alyson looks slightly embarrassed.

Fade to black.