Raquel and Charlotte

Chapter II

CHAPTER 2

11: 15 AM Raquel's bedroom where her computer desk is located

*Raquel slowly swings her chair around
out of agonizing boredom. She looks around and sees her posters of crime films hanging around. Goodfellas, Scarface, Collateral, Mulholland Drive, etc.*

*Her Room is full of crime and psychological thriller media items such as a DvD collection, posters, action figures and books on famous gangs and killers on her shelf.*

*She looks down on the floor and notices her pink ski mask and prop gun. She bends over to pick them up, puts on the ski mask , and holds the gun in a relaxed manner.*

*She then goes over to her computer desk to pick up her headphones and notebook and puts the headphones on, playing music to fit the mood of whatever story she's trying to write*

Raquel: (Thinking in her own head) What story can I make? I've written some crime stories here and there, but it's been a while since I've done anything in a legitimate way... hmmm....

*She commences to writes her story

Raquel (Narration): "Okay, so maybe it should go like this... In a not so lit and glamorous part of Miami, during quarantine lockdown. There lies a girl named Ava. Not much is known about Ava's background as she rarely opens up any parts of her life. And when she does, it's only fabrications and half-truths that are convenient to whatever situation she's in. Ava works under a shady organization that works its business endeavors in the backdoors of a club past its closing time. And it helps that everyone in their homes, lonely and miserable. Ava associates with those racketeers. whether it's murder, kidnapping, bribery trafficking of drugs and even innocent people. You name it, they've done it. What's Ava's role in all this, you may ask? well---"

*Before Raquel can continue her story, she hears someone knocking on her door*

Alice: Raquel? You there?

Raquel: Oh shit!

*Raquel quickly gets up from her seat and takes her headphones and mask off. She then opens the door and lets Alice in, Alice is wearing a covid mask as well.*

*Alice is 26 year old Hispanic woman, wearing casual and impressionable city clothes. She's been long time friends with Raquel and they've gone through thick and thin for one another. Though she's a been exhausted and tired due to her struggling to find a decent job as well as Raquel always calling her all the time*

Raquel: Sorry about the inconvenience

Alice: That's okay. Want some breakfast?

Raquel: Nah, I'm good, already ate

Alice: Oh, okay.

*Alice walks over to the living room and looks around to see how much things have changed. She then sits on one of the couches*

*Raquel walks over to Alice so she can talk to her*

Alice: Hey, how have you been holding up?

Raquel: Not too well, as you can see. This paying rent shit has not been fun at all lately since the pandemic. It makes me wanna do... what we used to do back when we were teenagers (chuckles to show that she doesn't take what she said seriously)

Alice: What? I didn't think covid would make you this nuts (chuckles) we were doing nothing but dumb shit out of curiosity of wanting to experience the "thrill".

Raquel: Whaaaaatt? You were enjoying it too while it lasted. Now don't get me wrong.. We did get into some really big trouble. But you joined in on it, and was enjoying at some point

Alice: For fucks sake, we ran into a store, robbed all the Blue Bell Ice cream and beat the employee for tryna stop us. And my mom had to give him a lot of money in order to not have us taken to juvie...(sighs in disbelief) if I went back in time, I would've slapped both of us before doing anything that stupid

Raquel: Hey, and that's why we're both goody-two shoes now. With a little taint in our souls of course

*both chuckle*

Raquel: Man, it's really nice seeing you again outside of a damn electronic device. I still remember one of my first live streams, we were getting drunk, dancing, talking mad shit to the chat , trying
all my costumes every hour. From Prison jumpsuits to Tony Montana to Bonnie and Clyde --- man I wish we could relive those moments again

Alice: Yeah.. that was back when we had more time to do literally anything after work

Raquel; Yeah (looks out into the distance reminiscing thoughts on her memory)

Alice: Uh, Raquel. Can I talk to you about something?

Raquel: (Snaps out of her reminiscence) Oh uh sure, anything best friend

Alice: Why....(sighs) why do you call me a repeated number of times a day?

*Raquel pauses

Raquel: What?

Alice: I'm just asking. Because it's been... gosh I don't really know how long it's been since you've done this but you need to stop. I'm serious, you need to stop calling me all the time every second like I'm mothering some goddamn 8-year old. I swear to God, it makes me want to pull my fucking hair out

Raquel: What are you talking about!? I'm your friend. We talk all the time, that's what friends do--

Alice: Not to the extent that you take it!! Ever since we moved separately from each other, you've been bitching and whining and moaning to see me again!! Why? You wanna fuck me or something?!

Raquel: Why are you fuckin acting this way? I don't see what's the problem with tal--

Alice: THE PROBLEM IS I HAVE A FUCKING LIFE OF MY OWN, RAQUEL!! DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND!? I HAVE A PERSONAL LIFE TOO . GOD, IT'S FUCKIN ANNOYING WHEN YOU DO SHIT LIKE THIS AND THEN WONDER WHY I'VE BEEN QUESTIONING OUR FRIENDSHIP. WHY I DON'T JUST GHOST YOU ONE DAY AND PRETEND YOU NEVER FUCKING EXISTED

Raquel: (starts to tear up)....Are you saying ... Are you saying I'm clingy?

Alice: The fact that you can't see that lets me know how unaware you are of your own illness..(tears up) It hurts me to see you like this Raquel. I'm saying this not just as a long time friend . But as someone who you admitted that you can only form a deep-rooted bond with. For fucks sake, when are you gonna realize that the world doesn't revolve around you or me? I mean every time people try to have a meaningful connection with you, you push them away because they're not me, even potential lovers. And I have to bear the burden of pretending it's all peaches and cream so you don't hurt yourself, or anyone else. It's SICKENING and..... sad. Please, you have to find out what's causing this behavior or else.... I don't know, honestly. I love you Raquel. I truly want the best for you and hope you seek the help that you need so you can finally reflect on these issues . Lord knows we all need to, considering the times we're living in now. But for me .... I..I can't do this anymore... sorry..

*Alice gets up, speed walks over to the front door, and leaves the apartment

*Raquel is left absolutely speechless, having no idea what to do or say. She slowly walks over to her room, breaking down and crying now that she's lost her one and only friend.