Red Riding Hood

Scene 8

(Scene fades to a little later in the night. Rachel and Jake are seen walking back to Rachel's house, laughing and talking up a storm)

Jake: Wow, I had no idea you were such a good dancer and singer.

Rachel: Aw thanks. You too.

Jake: (chuckles) Thank you.

Rachel: I can't believe it. Jake, this is probably the best birthday ever! (hugs Jake tightly) Thank you so much.

Jake: (smiles and hugs her back) You're welcome. (they part and Jake gently pushes a strand of hair behind Rachel's ear)

Rachel: Jake, can I ask you something?

Jake: Yeah, of course.

Rachel: Is this what it's like to be a REAL teenager? Going out on the town, hanging out, having fun, making friends...

Jake: Well... usually, yeah. But sometimes, there are a few downsides.

Rachel: Like what?

Jake: Like bullies. There's always one person or even a group of people who pick on others they think are weaker than them, either because they're jealous or insecure or something else.

Rachel: Well that's stupid.

Jake: Yeah, it is. Bullying is awful. I've definitely had my fair share of it while I was growing up.

Rachel: You?! No way!

Jake: Yes way! I don't know why I was picked on, but I have a feeling it was either because of the way I looked or how I behaved. I would usually spend my time in the woods by myself to try and clear my head, but people would call me a tree hugger or a green freak. But I've always loved being in nature; I feel more at peace there. Plus, you're not excluded if you're... different than other people.

Rachel: Hmm... I don't think you're different.

Jake: You don't?

Rachel: No. In fact, I think I know how you feel. I haven't had to deal with bullies, but for most of my life, I've felt pretty isolated because my Papa is SO overprotective. He never wants me to meet anyone and he still treats me like I'm a little kid, but I'm not a little kid anymore. I'm definitely not going to stay a child forever.

Jake: No one does.

Rachel: Right, exactly. I love my family, but I really want to see new things. If I had wings, I would fly all the way past the forest and the mountains. (sighs) But I can't; I'm just a girl. (looks up at the night sky as the stars twinkle and the moon continues to shine)

Jake: Well I'm no expert... but maybe if you just tell your family how you really feel, they'll understand. (places a hand on her shoulder)

Rachel: (pauses, then turns to look at Jake) Do you really think they'll understand?

Jake: I don't know, but it's worth a try. And if your family does care about you, they'll want you to be happy and try to change things.

Rachel: I guess. But... (sits down on the ground in front of the stump near her house) ...but my Papa is super stubborn and he never says he's wrong, especially when he actually is. I feel as though he sees me as a ditzy little bird that should be kept in a cage for the rest of its life.

Jake: (sits down on the ground next to Rachel) I don't think that about you.

Rachel: You don't? (gives Jake a hopeful look)

Jake: No way. And may I be frank? Your dad kind of treats me like an idiot.

Rachel: What? I don't think you're an idiot.