Last week I was randomly assigned this character and my directive was to write a scene in which she is meeting with a powerful person who can grant her a wish. The character spoke to me on so many levels. I imagined different scenarios to place her in and I wanted her to be unexpected. She's not a girl trying to eat lunch with the cool kids or crushing on the captain of the football team...She has more important objectives and is willing to cross the line to get what she wants:
“PRECOCIOUS ASSASSIN”
By
Holly Manno
Fade In:
A WISH FOR YOUR LIFE
INTERIOR -High-rise building- Elevator lobby -30th floor 2021
A virile-looking man in his 40’s steps into an elevator from the 30th-floor landing. The walls and floors of the cab are white. He is alone until a red-headed tween wearing glasses rushes through the closing doors at the last chance. Her breath is hitched. Her hands grip the edges of her emerald shawl. The man doesn’t acknowledge her. The doors close.
Her breath is the only sound between them until...
ALLY
You’re Darrin, right?
DARRIN
Right? Do I know you?
ALLY
I’m Ally. Megan’s daughter.
DARRIN
Swallows, but remains silent.
ALLY
Yeah, that’s right. Don’t say a word. What can you say, anyway?
DARRIN
Remains silent.
ALLY
You need to stop seeing her.
DARRIN
Does your mom know you’re here?
ALLY (sarcastic)
Of course. She dropped me off.
DARRIN
You should probably talk to your mother.
ALLY
I’m talking to you and I’m telling you to leave her alone. She’s married and you’re a loser.
DARRIN
I’m sorry you’re upset. How did you find out?
ALLY
I know my mom, that’s how. And I saw your texts and pictures. Gross by the way and not that impressive.
DARRIN
Again, I’m sorry you’re upset.
ALLY
Then stop upsetting me. Leave my mom alone.
DARRIN
That’s not going to happen.
ALLY
Then I’ll tell my dad.
DARRIN (droll)
Someone should.
ALLY
Just leave her alone you pig. What kind of guy goes after a married person anyway?
DARRIN
We didn’t plan it.
ALLY
Oh, gag.
DARRIN
Listen, Ally, you’re just a kid so there’s a lot you can’t understand.
ALLY
Don’t talk down to me–especially when you’re the one acting like a kid.
DARRIN
What can I say? Your mom is amazing. I want to be with her.
Something passes the girl's expression as she SLIDES her right hand into her saddlebag purse. The sound of a gun’s trigger cocking fills the space. The purse bulges in Darrin’s direction.
ALLY
I don’t think you get it. This isn’t a request.
The elevator dings signifying their stop at the lobby. As the doors open, Darrin remains glued to the wall. Ally glances over her shoulder before she retreats.
ALLY
I sure hope we have an understanding, Darrin. Don’t contact her–ever again.
Fade Out:
THE END
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