SALEMS LAND

Written by
A. C. McKenzie

xophib@gmail.com

INT. LECTURE THEATRE - DAY

Two students are having a catch up after one of their
literature lectures.
JAKE (18, male) and SALEM (17, female) have become separating
friends and Salem wants to save their friendship before the
year ends.
JAKE
You actually like BLOOMHOUSEs
lectures?
SALEM
Yes I do.
SALEM casts a judgemental stare.
JAKE
SALEM, Masochism is disgusting.
SALEM
How can you say such a thing? Its
beautiful. Masochism is an art
form.
JAKE
(teasing)
Youre not into Bondage and
Sadomasochism, are you?
SALEM
What are you so uptight about?
JAKE
Next thing youll want me to
strangle you.
SALEM purposely doesnt make eye contact.
JAKE (CONTD)
Youre not serious? Are you?
(beat)
Youve changed.
SALEM
In what way?
JAKE
Ever since I tried to fondle your
tits youve had it out for me.
SALEM looks up with at him frustration.

2.

SALEM
Thats not true!
(she slaps Jake)
SALEM (CONTD)
Im sorry.
SALEM (CONTD)
You know Ill miss you right...
Jake starts trusting her again.
JAKE
You will?
SALEM
Were friends remember?
JAKE
So why hit me...
SALEM
So you can hit me back.
JAKE
Fuck you.
SALEM
Are you going to do it though? Hit
me.
JAKE
Jesus, you are a masochist.
SALEM
This is essential to be a feminist.
Im a feminist, so treat me like an
equal.
JAKE
Im not a misogynist, plus Im a
pacifist and what would Bloomhouse
say about this dare?
There is an awkward silence in the air, they both look at
each other like they are both self-centred and pompous.
They end up laughing at this turn of a conversation, its a
moment of warmth between the two.
SALEM
(sympathetic)
Just try it...
(MORE)

3.
SALEM (CONT'D)

(beat)
Hit me.
JAKE
I cant do it. Im not bat-shit
crazy, okay.
SALEM stares at him with contempt.
SALEM
Just do it. Be physical.
SALEM grabs hold of Jakes hands. He just looks away in
disgust.
SALEM (CONTD)
This is getting boring.
JAKE
All of this... for a stupid point.
SALEM
Equality isnt stupid. If I hit
you, you need to hit me back, Jake.
Thats how this works.
JAKE
When you take it this far it
becomes totally ridiculous.
SALEM
Youre right, Jake.
DAMIEN
You want someone who can be rough
with you and youre frustrated that
Im not this person.
SALEM
Why dont you fondle me again?
DAMIEN
How about you hit me again?
SALEM slumps away in defeat, unable to continue this
conversation with Damien.
FADE TO BLACK.