Ramona & The Silver Screen | ✔︎

Act 3.2

CUT TO:

INT. SUNNY SIDE UP DINER – NIGHT

Ramona sits across Simon in a booth by the window with red leather seats and a lone bulb hanging over head. They each have a plate full of food in front of them but are picking cheese fries from the paper plate between them.

RAMONA: OK, OK. Captain America or Iron Man? Choose wisely. The fate of our friendship rests in your answer.

SIMON: Shit. OK. Captain America.

Ramona gasps.

RAMONA: What? No. Absolutely not. Friendship over.

Simon laughs.

SIMON: Why not?

RAMONA: Did you not see Civil War? Captain America sucks.

SIMON: Hey.

They're both laughing.

RAMONA: There'd be no Captain America with no Iron Man.

SIMON: Fair, but that only applies to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

RAMONA: I never read the comics so it doesn't matter.

Simon feigns shock, mocking her earlier reaction.

SIMON: (high pitched voice) Friendship. Over.

Ramona bursts out laughing.

RAMONA: I do not speak like that!

Simon grins at her. She shakes her head.

RAMONA: This friendship is on shaky waters. I swear.

He looks at her intently.

SIMON: Why's that?

Ramona raises an eyebrow.

RAMONA: Well, first of all, you like Captain America. That's grounds for friendship divorce, right there.

Simon laughs. Ramona takes a bite of her food and he finishes his.

RAMONA: I'm so tired.

SIMON: I know. Me too.

She yawns, stretches, and groans. Simon watches her with a smile, then she sighs.

RAMONA: Can I tell you something?

SIMON: Anything.

RAMONA: This isn't what I thought it would be.

SIMON: What's 'this'?

Ramona rubs her eye with the back of her hand.

RAMONA: Making the movie. I thought it'd be easier. (pause) I don't know why I always assume everything is going to be easier than it is. It's weird because I know it wouldn't be, but I always think, because it's me, it's going to be a piece of cake. Is that arrogant? Do I need to lower my expectations? Is something wrong with me?

Simon shakes his head.

SIMON: I don't think it's arrogant to have faith in yourself.

RAMONA: Yeah, but I have such high expectations for myself that I just—I'm always just disappointed, you know? In everything. I think I have issues.

SIMON: It's not bad to have high expectations. You just have to reconcile that and where you want to be with where you are right now.

Ramona sighs.

RAMONA: I know you're right, but I still feel like I can't do anything.

Simon scoffs.

SIMON: Don't give me that bull. You're you, Ramona. You can do anything.

Ramona gives him a look.

RAMONA: You're just saying that.

SIMON: You think I'd come back to acting for just about anyone? (playfully) I'll have you know I'm a very picky actor. I have to believe in the writer and the work before I even consider auditioning.

RAMONA: You're so annoying.

Simon laughs.

SIMON: I know how you feel. But that's what I'm here for. Any time you feel defeated, just... give me a call. Or hell, just look at me. I'll be there. I'll... I'll always be here. OK? I believe in you, and I believe in your dreams, too.

Ramona scrunches up her face and groans.

RAMONA: Why do you have to be so cheesy?

CUT TO:

EXT. RAMONA'S DORMITORY BUILDING – NIGHT

Ramona and Simon stand outside her dorm, facing each other.

RAMONA: Well. This is my stop.

Simon just looks at her. Ramona looks back, biting her lip.

SIMON: Ramona, I—

Before he could finish speaking, she gets up on her tiptoes and hugs him tightly, her arms around his neck. She closes her eyes and inhales deeply. Simon is shocked, but his arms quickly wrap around her torso, and he leans into her.

RAMONA: I care about you, too, Simon. A lot. A crazy lot.

Simon smiles. He tightens his grip on her and presses a kiss to the top of her head.

SIMON: Get some rest.

She squeezes him tightly and pulls away. With a wide grin on her face, she walks backwards towards the door and waves goodbye.

RAMONA: Night.

SIMON: Good night.

They smile at each other. When she's finally out of view, Simon pumps his fists in his air and excitedly shakes them.

CUT TO:

INT. RAMONA'S DORM – NIGHT

After getting ready for sleep, Ramona climbs onto her bed, a big smile on her face. She gets under the covers, turns to her side, and squeals into her pillow.