SCENE 1
Jackie and Susie, graduation day.  High school students are cheering.  Parents
are taking pictures.  Jackie accepts her diploma.  Susie steps up behind her.
SUSIE:
(whispering)
I can't believe we're actually finished!
JACKIE:
Yeah ... I know.
SUSIE:
What's wrong?
They start down the stairs of the stage and onto the ground.
JACKIE:
Nothing.  I just feel a little on edge again.
SUSIE:
Jackie, that was a whole year ago.
JACKIE:
Yeah ... I know.  I just can't help it.  Susie, we lost all of our friends last year.
I lost my boyfriend.  You lost your soon-to-be boyfriend.
SUSIE:
Tom?
JACKIE:
Yeah.
SUSIE:
I really miss Tom.
JACKIE:
I know.  I especially miss Juliette and Maria.
SUSIE:
Come on, Jackie.  Let's not talk about this now.  We're graduating from
high school.  This is supposed  to be a happy time.  So could you do me
just a little favor?
JACKIE:
What's that?
SUSIE:
Could you just manage to crack a smile?
JACKIE:
How's this?
(She does a really large, overacted smile)
SUSIE:
(Laughs)
There ya go.
They begin to walk.
JACKIE:
So what's up for tonight?
SUSIE:
Well, I'm kind of having a party.
JACKIE:
(in shock)
A party?!
SUSIE:
Yeah, a party for graduation.
JACKIE:
Yeah, but...
SUSIE:
Don't even think about that.  Besides, nothing's gonna happen tonight.
It's just the girls.
JACKIE:
It was supposed to be just the girls last time too.
SUSIE:
Jackie, I'm not going to talk about this anymore.  It's been a year.  I really
think it's time you got over what happened.
JACKIE:
(takes a breath)
Okay.  You're right, Susie.
SUSIE:
I know I am.
Jackie giggles.
JACKIE:
And to show you how right I think you are, the party's at my house tonight.
SUSIE:
(in shock)
WHAT?!
JACKIE:
I know.  It's a huge step, but you're right.  It's been a year.
SUSIE:
But what about your parents?
JACKIE:
They're going away on business this weekend.
SUSIE:
Jackie, there's no way in hell they're going to let you have
a slumber party again.
JACKIE:
What they don't know won't hurt them.
JACKIE'S MOM:
(calling from close by)
Jackie?  Honey?  We're taking pictures!  Hurry up!
JACKIE:
I gotta go, okay?
SUSIE:
Sure.
JACKIE:
Do me a favor and invite everyone?
SUSIE:
Anyone in particular?
JACKIE:
I don't care.  The girls we usually hang around with.  Y'know.  Christine,
Alyssa, Helen...
SUSIE:
Okay.  What time?
JACKIE:
Eight ... sharp.  Try to get some beer and stuff.
SUSIE:
What kinda stuff?
JACKIE:
I don't know.  Muchies.  Just tell everyone to bring at least one thing.
But the beet is vital!  Make sure we have plenty.
SUSIE:
Gotcha.
JACKIE:
Okay, see ya tonight.
They quickly hug and Jackie runs off.