by D’Asia Smith
Short Fiction Honorable Mention, VSU Student Writing Contest 2019
Based true to life
EXT. GATEWAY 2 RESIDENT HALL FRONT – MID DAY
Seven students wait outside Gateway 2 resident hall for the shuttle. Three students walk out the front door, meanwhile the shuttle pulls up.
DARRIEN
“Before we stay down, we go up”
Everyone crowds towards the shuttle gathering their student id’s. Darrien counties to sing out loud, really feeling the song. Three students pull up right behind him.
Lexi
Omg I think that’s him right there.
(Points to Darrien)
DARRIEN
“I’ma run this money up with you, tell me go in, I’m fin’ to”
TIARA
He gonna be mine, mark my words
TANNER
Yea girl we’ll see
DARRIEN
“Imma show you all what a brick do”
Darrien steps up on the bus flashing his ID and walks to the middle of the bus and takes a seat on the right side of the bus. Still really feeling the music, students continue to load onto the bus Tiara sit in the same seat as Darrien. Lexi and Tanner sit one row back on the left side.
INT. SHUTTLE BUS – EVENING DAY
TIARA
Aren’t we in the same class?
(Looks towards Darrien,)
Darrien so into his music ignores it. Tiara then grabs his thigh, slightly startled him; as he pulls his air pod out looking Tiara up and down.
DARRIEN
What , yo
TIARA
I said don’t we have class together?
DARRIEN
Uh, idk yea…. Public relations, right?
TIARA
Oh, yea your right, but I think I was talking bout last semester, Mr. Browns math class.
DARRIEN
Ohhhh, shit you right I remember you now. Wassup, with you though? How you livin’?
TIARA
Good, actually thanks for asking. So, ah are you with anyone?
DARRIEN
Ha, nah I’m not. I thought I had something, but I guess I was wrong.
TIARA
Oh, I’m sorry it didn’t work out, maybe this will.
(Tiara grabs Darrien’s face. Meanwhile Lexi and Tanner watched in shock. Hyped up in the back rowdy.)
TANNER
YASSSSSS, Bitch
LEXI
PERIOD
Darrien looks back, turns back around looks at Tiara shakes his head throws her hand which is now on his chest, off of his chest. Gets up and walks away, picks a new seat in the front as he puts his air pod back in. Tanner moves in the seat with Tiara.
TANNER
Girl, what happened?
TIARA
Y’all happened. He heard y’all looked at me shook his damn head and walked off.
TANNER
Bitch so fuck him. It was just a joke
TIARA
Yea but he been through so much
TANNER
Okay, yea you right. Ard but fuck it, it was me not you.
TIARA
But y’all my damn friends dummy
TANNER
Well ard bitch we on the same bus we just go where he goes and just explain and me and Lex will chill.
TIARA
Ugh, your right, fine. Best behavior promise?
(holds out pinky finger)
TANNER
(pinky promised with Tiara)
Promise
Fade out shuttle drives off, shuttle arrives at its first stop Walmart parking lot. Darrien is on his phone. Lexi gets up and goes sit by Darrien. Tanner and Tiara shockingly peeking from the aisle. As a few students get off
SCENE 2 EXT/INT. WALMART PARKING LOT- EVENING DAY
LEXI
Hey D
DARRIEN
What Lex? What do you want?
LEXI
To let you know that Tee really does like you, but I liked you first. So, do whatever you gotta do.
DARRIEN
(Darrien looks at her shocked)
Oh, so now you like me too, shitttt this beyond me. I hear you though
LEXI
Imma text you
Lexi gets up and goes toward the back she sits in the row of Tiara and Tanner They look anxiously in her face as she takes her seat.
TANNER
Girl what was that all about?
TIARA
Yea, wtf was that Lex
LEXI
What, I told him you really do like him, and that I did too.
TIARA
No shit bitch, but why? All of a sudden you like him too?
LEXI
He’s a good guy and I see that, and I want a chance with that too.
TIARA
But we’re friends
TANNER
Lex you for real right now. That’s fucked up.
LEXI
Look may the best woman win
TANNER
(Attitude)
Bitch please
The shuttle pulls off making its way to the next stop south park mall. Shuttle arrives at the mall. All the reminding students get up and off the bus. Darrien makes it out ahead before the rush. Lexi, Tanner, and Tiara get suck in the rush losing sight of Darrien.
EXT. OUTSIDE PARKING LOT OF THE MALL – EVENING DAY
TIARA
Tanner how are we gonna find him and beat Lex too.
TANNER
Bitch because we are great, when you have great and great, we are greater together than apart. Now let’s go gets this boy.
TIARA
This why I love you
EXT. INT MALL ENTRANCE DOOR
Lexi speed walking all the way to the door making up for lost time. Walks in stops in the middle and slowly spins around. Throw hands on hips stops and thinks for a second. Meanwhile Tiara and Tanner walk in.
TIARA
Okay Tanner where would he go?
TANNER
Okay well he’s a boy so shoes? Ain’ t shit really in the mall for boys anyway. Raggedy ass mall. Shit is trifling.
TIARA
Yea, but I feel like he’d start somewhere else.
(waves her hands in a coming froth motion)
Let’s just in start lids.
Meanwhile Lexi stops looks to the right and walks into dicks. She walks in up and down the aisle and she finally spot Darrien. She goes up to him and starts flirting while he goes through the stuff on the racks.
INT. DICKS SPORTING GOODS- LATE EVENING
LEXI
I had a feeling that’d you be in here.
DARRIEN
Oh, yea and why is that?
LEXI
I know you D, come on don’t play.
DARRIEN
(Chuckles)
Yea well I’m not the same person that you knew.
LEXI
Okay, fine then let me get to know the new you then.
DARRIEN
You don’t really want that
LEXI
You don’t know what I want
DARRIEN
Ard, so why me? Why do you want me?
They walk towards a mirror with a sweat shirt in Darrien’s hand. He puts it up towards his chest as if he was trying it on.
LEXI
That’d look good on, you should get it, going for a new color I like it.
DARRIEN
Ha Look at you thinking you know a lul something, I am though trying something new. You really do think so? Look good?
LEXI
Yea looks really good, just like you. And to answer your question, look
(motions with her finger upwards)
because we look good together.
Darrien looks in the mirror and see’s his reflection with Lexi in the same frame. She makes a face he smiles, she snaps a picture of them smiling together and post to social media with red heart emoji. They continue to look around the store.
INT. LIDS HAT STORE- LATE EVENING
TANNER
Well he’s obliviously not in here. But this hat is cute should I get it?
TIARA
Tanner, focus. But yes, it’s cute do they got another one but in pink?
Tanner looks for another one but in pink. He then goes in the back and ask for any in the back as he pays for his new hat at the register. Tiara day gazes out the window and spots Darrien and Lexi not too far behind. She runs out the store yelling loud enough for Tanner to hear at the register, just like the cashier.
TANNER
(Nervously laughs)
She’s just having a day
CASHIER
Real bad huh?
TANNER
OH, boo don’t do that. She fine
Team member comes out the back with the pink hat as asked for. Tanner and the team member walks towards the door. And just stand there and looks. They both tilt their heads to the side as Tiara slightly rampages in frustration then sadness. Tanner then walks over to her.
INT. OF MALL IN BETWEEN STORES
TANNER
Tee are you okay?
TIARA
No! she’s in there with him. How am I supposed to compete?
TANNER
Cuz, Bitch that’s your man is he not? Pick yourself up we have a man to snatch.
Tiara pulls herself together and change her mindset to determined. She heads towards dicks. The team member yells out she continues to walk, Tanner runs after her and tells her about the hat.
TANNER
Sis, the hat, they got it in pink and it’s on sale
Tiara turns around goes back in the other direction towards the store. She Tanner, and the team member walk back into the store and pays for the hat. Tanner and Tiara then walk out both with bags in hand. Finally heading towards dicks.
INT. DICK SPORTING GOODS
Darrien is alone again looking at more things on a rack. Tiara makes her move and walks up to him. Tanner blends in and starts looking around. Lexi is on the other side of the store shopping herself.
TIARA
Heyy. Look Darrien I’m sorry about Tanner he’s over active but he means well. But I really am interested in you.
DARRIEN
It’s cool I just thought you was like the rest of them coming up to me on nut shit. But why? What about me that you interested.
TIARA
(nervously laughs)
You ask every girl that wants you this?
DARRIEN
Ah, reflecting. Asking a question to my question ha. I do though, my time valuable and I’m not tryna waste it.
TIARA
See, that I like that you so upfront and honest.
DARRIEN
(Laughs)
Honest? What makes you think I’m Honest. I could be a manipulative liar, would still think I’m honest then?
TIARA
Well, I mean in a way yes, yes, I do.
DARRIEN
Oh, yea? Go on explain.
TIARA
Well to be manipulative you have to be smart.
DARRIEN
So, you think I’m smart?
TIARA
I do but listen. To be smart you know right from wrong.
DARRIEN
But do you? That’s just like having common sense or not.
TIARA
You just love interrupting me, don’t you?
DARRIEN
Yea, well yea I do. But that’s cuz we can do that. We passed the test. You passed the test.
TIARA
(LAUGHS)
Test? What test?
DARRIEN
The main reason I ask the question is because it’s a test. It’s an icebreaker and I want to see if you really mean what you say or you just wasting my time.
TIARA
Oh, so now I’m a student?
DARRIEN
I mean yea, you do go to state just like me, right?
They walk together while talking moving throughout the store, eventually winding up in line so Darrien can pay for his items.
TIARA
(SMIRKINGLY Laughs)
yes, smart ass, but that’s not went I meant.
DARRIEN
(LAUGHS)
I know, but I just consider it as one to see if we vibe
(moves his hands back in forth motion)
And we vibe so now I can consider you.
TIARA
Oh, lucky me huh?
DARRIEN
Yea, honestly, but we can see where shit go, and in a few months, we’ll see if you still feel the same.
Smiling very hard play with the things on the rack, while standing in line, looks up at Darrien in his eyes.
TIARA
Yea, okay
They come from out the line in the center. Tanner to the right of them, Lexi to the left to all meet up in eyes view. They all connect eyes. Lexi and Tanner move in closer to Darrien and Tiara. Going in a counter clock wise motion starting with tanner an argument breaks out.
TANNER
(arms folded with one straight up near his mouth moving his fingers.)
Oh, shit. Bitch he we go!
Camera swings over to Lexi
LEXI
(head tilted)
What the fuck!
Camera swings over towards the center at Tiara
TIARA
(Stands her ground)
What Bitch!
Camera swings slightly to the right catching Darrien and Tanner in the frame
(both look back at Tiara shocked yet happy)
Darrien slowly backs away with is bag in hand and slips away. Meanwhile camera goes back on Tiara and Lexi’s argument.
LEXI
I ain’t think you really had it in you.
TIARA
Bitch fuck you. You were supposed to help me with him. Why even introduce me to him in the first place, if you were gonna do this.
LEXI
Because I fucked up with him the first time and I see that now and needed to try before it was too late.
TIARA
Well Lex, it is too late. You had your chance let me have mine.
Tanner waving off the staring customers’, and the store workers.
TANNER
Yes! Nothing to see her people, mind the business that pays you.
(puts hand to the side of his mouth and mouths)
“YOURS”.
Tanner peeks over his shoulder, looking at them argue. Routing for Tiara in her remarks and points. Turns back around and looks in the dick’s worker direction.
DICKS WORKER
Excuse me, can y’all take this somewhere else.
TANNER
Look man, don’t you have a heart? They just talking it out. Not like we acting out out. We not breaking or messing anything up. Just words I promise
(squints and looks at them still arguing as he’s really unsure.)
DICKS WORKER
I don’t mean to be a Dick. But my..
TANNER
DICKKKKKK (The soulja boy meme. Look at the store workers print. Looks back up happy)
(in flirty voice)
Yea I see imprint
Worker looks down then back up a little embarrassed.
DICKS WORKER
(shaky)
sir my manger is coming.
TANNER
Yea, and I can have you doing the same.
The dick’s worker blushes, as the chatter on his head set gets louder. He puts his hands up points to the door.
DICKS WORKER
Y’all should leave now.
Meanwhile Tiara and Lexi are still arguing. Things get intense.
LEXI
Maybe your right. He’s not the same anymore. I just had to try Tee, I’m SOOO sorry. Please believe me.
TIARA
If what you say is true, then actually help me this time.
LEXI
I will, I promise you. Let’s go get your man.
Tiara and Lexi hug, it out. Then runs over to Tanner. They all head towards the exit as the manger is walking down angrily. Tanner turns around and yells
TANNER
565-8565
The dick’s worker smiles and pulls out his phone typing the numbers. Tanner turns back around and continues out the store. Dashes back in pauses and yells again.
TANNER
7.0.3! Not this dusty ass 8.0. 4..
Runs back out the store. The manager approaches the Worker.
MANAGER
Well, what was that
DICKS WORKER
That was different.
(smiling, putting his phone away.)
END OF SCENE TWO
INT. SOUTH. PARK MALL. -NIGHT
Tiara, Lexi, and Tanner all stand in the middle of the mall, slowly spinning lost on yet again on where to start. They head into a department store, they see Darrien up on the second floor. They find their way up the second floor.
TANNER
Where’d he go?
LEXI
Right just that fast.
TIARA
(Tiara points towards the exit)
Look there he goes.
They all rush out of the store bringing them to the entrance of that department store, looking into the mall. They bounce from store to store doing this four times, and each time missing him. Darrien finally leaves the mall and walks over to the McDonald’s across the street from the mall. Tiara, Lexi, and Tanner come out the last store for the night. They head for the bench in front of them. They all plop suddenly in exhaustion.
TIARA
That was useless, it’s like I was chasing my own tail.
TANNER
Girl tell me about it I’m tired as fuck. That was my work out for today and tomorrow. Shit, hell the whole week.
LEXI
Dramatic ass
TANNER
GIRL FUCK YOU! Talking bout dramatic, I’ll show ya ass DRAMATIC.
TIARA
Stop it. BOTH of you.
(pulls out her cell phone)
Look at the time. We missed the shuttle.
LEXI
I’ll call the Uber.
TANNER
(with and attitude)
Yea you call the Uber
Lexi side-eyes Tanner pulls out her phone and orders an Uber back to the school. She finds an Uber pool that’s five minutes away.
LEXI
Come on y’all its just picking someone up from the McDonald’s.
They all get up gathering their bags and walks towards the exit. Reflecting back on the day they just had, walking in unison.
TIARA
Thank yall, for everything.
TANNER
Not everything, Alexis and her fake ass stunt she pulled.
LEXI
I know, Tanner. Thanks how could we ever forget.
TANNER
We won’t bitch that was bold
TIARA
Tanner, its ok you don’t have to be so hard on her.
TANNER
Fine… I suppose
LEXI
Yes, I was wrong, and I’ll will make it up to you guys.
INT.EXT. PARKING LOT OF MALL
Lexi, Tiara, Tanner all walk up to the Uber and get in the back seat.
UBER DRIVER
Lexi?
LEXI
Yes, hello
TIARA
Hi
TANNER
Hey
Everyone gets situated in the back they, notice a guy in the front seat. They continue to talk about the day, but more so on why Tiara likes Darrien. The driver pulls off.
TIARA
I hope this all works out. I really like him.
LEXI
Don’t worry he likes you.
TANNER
Easy for you to say.
TIARA
What makes you so sure?
LEXI
The way he opens up to you is different isn’t. You find yourself smiling more. Feels to good to be for you right?
TIARA
How’d you know
LEXI
because I was where you are. He means so well and I hate myself for messing up and him too in the process. I just tried to right a wrong.
The car gets quiet. The passenger takes out his head phones. The passenger chimes in on the conversation.
PASSENGER
If you really like the person, then trust the process. Don’t rush nothing, it can only go two ways; good or bad either way you learn from it. Guess the hardest part about being with someone is knowing if it’s gonna be worth it, or a waste of time. And if it is, worth it. Be deserving.
TIARA
I don’t know who you are but you’re right. I’m go for it. Thank you.
PASSENGER
No need to thank me.
The passenger pulls out his phone and turns his vibration off. Meanwhile in the back-seat Tiara pulls out her phone starts a new text thread. Sends Darrien a text. As she sends her text the passengers phone chimes. Passenger looks at phone, unlocks it, texts, erase the text, text again deletes it, finally locking his phone. Right as the car pulls up. All doors open except the Uber drivers. They all shut in sync. The passenger turns around, its Darrien. Darrien now faces Tiara. Uber driver pulls off.
EXT. PARKING LOT OF GATEWAY 2 -NIGHT
DARRIEN
Yes.
TIARA
(SCARED AND SHOCKED)
Yes?
DARRIEN
Stop playing come here.
(reaches arm out)
Tiara walks over to him in relief. They hug rocking back and forth talking.
TIARA
You really made me work.
DARRIEN
Oh yea, well was I at least worth the chase?
Tiara stops pulls back just enough to look Darrien in the eyes, still holding on to him
TIARA
(Looks deeply into his eyes, grabs his face and kisses him)
Yes.
She resumes hugging him like before. He squeezes’ her just a little tighter so she feels his love. Fades out black. To be continued…..
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