BETWEEN THE TWO OF US

ACT 2

Blackwell Academy's canteen can be seen, bustling with students and staff alike. 'Go Bigfoots' and 'Global Warming' posters decorate the area, while Chloe and Rachel finish up eating lunch together. The meal time had been somewhat quiet and awkward, despite Rachel's efforts.

CHLOE: Thanks for… you know. Hanging with me today. My science class was shit, and that counter-dude got on my nerves. *Lets out a small laugh* All over a fucking pretzel.

RACHEL: You're welcome.

CHLOE: I just wanted *a long pause ensues* not to be alone. For once.

Chloe pauses momentarily, before picking up her bag and motioning to head off.

RAHCEL: Have you- I'm sorry if this is too personal. Have you lost people, Chloe?

Chloe looks a little alarmed.

RACHEL: It's okay. I have, too. Well. It's not okay, but-

CHLOE: I'm sorry. That's… rough.

RACHEL: My grandad passed away last month.

Chloe pauses, before sitting back down again.

CHLOE: Do you want to… talk about it?

RACHEL: I've done enough of that over the past few weeks. But thank you. It does help. He… died of old age. I'll leave it there, if that's okay.

CHLOE: Yeah, of course.

The two stay silent for a long moment, failing to make eye contact as students rush around the canteen.

CHLOE: How does someone just… cease to exist?

RACHEL: It's hella weird how quickly it can happen, right?

CHLOE: Yup.

Rachel takes a deep breath.

RACHEL: If you don't wish to talk about this, by all means – that's okay.

Rachel smiles warmly.

CHLOE: Okay… thank you.

RACHEL: Chloe, who have you lost?

Chloe sighs deeply, and breathes slowly.

CHLOE: Too much. Just… taking the bus would have- *Chloe's voice breaks slightly* would have been enough. That's ALL it would have taken. And… how hard can it be to text someone you love? I don't- *Chloe's voice breaks clearly* I don't even know if she loves me anymore. I don't fucking have… anything.

RACHEL: I'm… sorry. It's okay, we can-

Chloe sniffles audibly.

CHLOE: Sorry. I shouldn't have asked you to eat with me.

Chloe wipes tears from her eyes, and composes herself, as best she can.

Rachel: No, I'm- I'm glad you did. Do you want to meet up again soon? I could… lend you another ten cents, or something?

Chloe musters a small laugh through a tearful face, and pauses for a moment, failing again to make eye contact. She nods somehow with both a sense of insecurity and certainty.

CHLOE: Yeah. *sniffles* Yeah, I'd like that. Shall I take your number?

Rachel reaches for her phone and reads her number aloud, which Chloe dials into her own mobile.

RACHEL: Okay, that's it. I'll see you again soon.

CHLOE: Sure. *sniffles* Thank you.

RACHEL: Okay. See you later!

The pair separate, as Rachel walks out of the canteen. Chloe slowly walks over to the man that served her earlier, who is now eating his own lunch.

CHLOE: Hey, I wanted to-

The man turns to face Chloe.

SERVER: How was your pretzel?

CHLOE: I wanted to apologise for earlier. For… some reason, I was pretty anxious. And when I get anxious I get… easily irritated. I'm sorry.

Chloe begins to walk off briskly, towards the canteen exit.

SERVER: That's okay.

Chloe turns around.

SERVER: I have bad anxiety, too. I snap at my husband more than I'd like to admit. I wish I could stop.

CHLOE: Dude, I know it's hard, but get help. Go to the doctors. Counselling didn't work for me, but it might help you.

SERVER: Okay. I'll… make an appointment for next week or something.

CHLOE: It fucking sucks. *Chloe sighs* But you've got to try.

SERVER: I will. Thank you.

Chloe turns around and walks out of the canteen.

END OF ACT 2