Red Riding Hood

Scene 4

(Scene fades to inside Rachel's bedroom where she's seen sitting on her bed and reading her new book. She reads the book with great interest, her eyes wide with wonder. She's seen reading a page with a picture of two people rowing down a rushing river)

Rachel: Wow... (turns away from the book for a moment and looks out her window. She sighs) I wonder what it would be like to be them.

(There's a knock at her bedroom door, snapping Rachel out of her thoughts. She turns her head to face the door)

Rachel: Come in.

(The door opens and Andrew walks in with a smile on his face)

Andrew: Hey, honey.

Rachel: Oh hi, daddy.

Andrew: (smiles and walks over to Rachel and gives her a kiss on the cheek. He then notices the book in her hands) Ooh, what have you got there?

Rachel: Oh, this new book Granny gave me. (shows the cover to Andrew) It's a whole collection of different stories, it's really exciting.

Andrew: (chuckles) It must be. Aunt Bree told me she hasn't heard a peep from you since you got back.

(Rachel giggles, then pauses and looks at her book. Andrew quickly notices her change of mood)

Andrew: Something wrong?

Rachel Hmm, I don't know. (turns to face Andrew) Daddy, can I ask you something?

Andrew: Of course, sweetheart. You can ask me anything.

Rachel: (pauses, then takes a deep breath) Am I not allowed to have friends?

Andrew: (his eyes widen in surprise) What? Where did you get that idea?

Rachel: Well... all I ever do is stay home, read my books, help out with chores around here, and visit Granny on occasion. It's pretty much the same thing almost every day and I feel like I'm in a rut. I want to do something exciting and different for once in my life... but I don't really get the chance to.

Andrew: I understand, honey. Your aunt and I were just like you when we were your age, you know. But then we moved out, I met your Papa, and the rest is history.

Rachel: I talked to Granny about it and she told me that everyone goes at different paces. Is that true?

Andrew: Absolutely. But don't worry, you'll make friends. You're sweet, caring, funny, and a great person. Lots of people would love to be friends with you, trust me. (Rachel gives him an incredulous look and he smirks) Maybe you just haven't met the right people yet.

Rachel: Maybe... but I've hardly ever done a thing by myself. Papa NEVER lets me go out or meet anyone. (scoffs) The day he'll finally let me go out on my own will probably be the same day pigs fly.

Andrew: Rachel, don't be like that. You know how your Papa is; he just wants to keep you safe.

Rachel: Yeah, but—

Leo: (from downstairs) I'm home!

Andrew: Oh, speak of the devil. Sorry, dear. Maybe we can talk about this later. (walks out of the room)

Rachel: (sighs and sets her book down) Fine, whatever.

(Rachel looks at herself in her dresser mirror and smirks at her reflection)

Rachel (singing): I look around here and I feel so bored

I feel as though there must be something more