Burnouts

One More Try

Scene 1: Addington High Courtyard

Heather Blakely

"Public school kids complain that we get too many days off," Lisa said.

Alison laughs, "why do they care?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's because we're supposed to be working harder and fewer school days make it seem like we're not."

I roll my eyes, "our test scores would say otherwise."

"I'm taking my SATs again. My score was so embarrassing."

"What was it?" Alison asks.

"...1380."

I tune them both out as my eyes follow Leo passing by us with his friends.

A gasp fills my chest and I happily call out for him, "Leo!"

But...he continues walking as if I'm not even here.

Alison looks at me in confusion and then shakes her head. "He didn't hear you."

"No, he did."

And it was clear to all of us that he ignored me without a second thought.

They walk beside me awkwardly now, not knowing whether or not we should talk about it or pretend it never happened...

"You know what will cheer you up?" Lisa smiles, "The Hamptons next week."

"Why are so many people going this year? Did they find gold?"

"There's a big bonfire party everyone's excited for. It will be a mixer for all of us who go to different schools."

"Ah, I see, fresh faces, new mistakes." Count me out.

"Spring romance," Alison sighs blissfully.

"I don't have love in the Hamptons, I have it here."

"Yes, running away from you," she motions toward where Leo went.

"Walking," I correct her.

"You should still come with us. Even if it's not for fresh faces and friends in new places."

"What's the plan for every other day?"

"Ew, every other day? No, Heather, the party is the last weekend of spring break. No one wants to waste a vacation in the cold."

"You know who won't be there at all?" Lisa said slyly.

"Who?"

She points at Ethan. "Him."

"Why not?"

"I hear he bought his own club."

My eyebrows furrow, "Ethan?"

He turns at the sound of his name.

"Ladies, gossiping is rude."

"Okay then. Are the rumors true? Did you open up a club?" I ask him.

"Depends on why you want to know."

"Would you let us in?" Lisa says eagerly.

"It's not a place for nice girls like you. You're better off not going."

I scoff, "If you can handle it, she can handle it. You're just as soft as any one of us, Richie Rich."

He scoffs back, "you sound just like one of them."

"Them?"

"You know exactly who I'm referring to," he shakes his head. "But I hear you loud and clear. You all are more than welcome to Carnal, on one condition— Heather is your entry ticket. That is if she can still handle not being the wealthiest person in the room."