Deva: Living Outside The Ladder (Complete Story)

Act 10 Scene 6

(Deva and Elli are just driving.)

Deva: You look really nice in that dress.

Elli: Thanks. My mom brought it for me for the prom.

Deva: Tell her she has good taste.

Elli: I will.

Deva: So, how was the prom?

Elli: To be honest it was alright. I just went with friends and we had a good time.

Deva: Friends? You didn't bring a date with you?

Elli: I could if I wanted to. I just didn't have anyone in mind so I went by myself.

Deva: I see.

Elli: Why didn't you come to the prom? It's the final year for the seniors. I never saw you there.

Deva: My story is more or less the same. I didn't have a date, but I decided to take a break from the whole thing and just relax a bit at home.

Elli: I understand you.

Deva: You said you came with your friends. Where are they now?

Elli: They're all dancing with a couple of guys. It's cool though. If they want to end the night like that they can. The dance is not over until midnight anyways.

Deva: So you just left?

Elli: Yeah, right after prom king and queen were elected. And you have no idea who got voted.

Deva: Beck and Chucky?!

Elli: No, what made that your guess?

Deva: You said I have no idea who got voted. I thought the implication was a couple that no one would ever think of.

Elli: Excuse me grammar nazi, I meant there's the obvious prom king and queen.

Deva: Milo and Betsy?

Elli: Yep. The weirdos you hate so much.

Deva: They can have it. I don't really care for the prom king and queen shindig.

Elli: Me neither.

Deva: Then why bring it up?

Elli: Just making conversation.

Deva: (keeps quiet for a bit) Isn't there something else you wanted to bring up?

Elli: Yeah, it's about what I've said to you before we stopped talking for a while.

Deva: And?

Elli: I didn't mean some of the things I've said to you. I thought back to everything I've said to you, and I realize I was being too harsh on you. You were already confused by my behaviour, and I only made that worse with what I've told you.

Deva: Well, I was expecting that to be honest. Not that there's any expectations of your character perse, but I'm not exactly used to positive reinforcements like that.

Elli: I know, but you shouldn't have to get used to something like that. You're an amazing man. We need more men like you around.

Deva: I mean that's kind of hard to ask. I feel like there's only small room for young geniuses.

Elli: I'm not talking about that. You're super smart due to your IQ, that's practically biological.

Deva: Yeah, you're right.