EMILIAS ROOM

Emilia, a serious and awkward 16 year-old, is currently getting ready for the first date shes ever been on,
with her best friend Selene, who can be easily described as the complete opposite of Emilia: a care-free,
confident person who loves just about everything. Its a surprise that theyre best friends at all, but
everyone knows the saying: Opposites attract. Emilias room is orderly and neat. She has a board of
Yale paraphernalia and a whole shelf of academic trophies with certificates framed and hanging around
that.
EMILIA
(pulling her hair up into a ponytail and then dropping it) Selene, why did I agree to this? I didnt even know
it was a date when he asked me. Ben called it a celebratory dinner. It might not even be a date.
SELENE
Were both on the debate team, but youre the only one going out on this dinner.
EMILIA
That doesnt change the fact that when people hear my name and date in the same sentence, the next
thing that comes out of their mouth is hurry get into the bunker, obviously the world is ending? (she
starts pacing)
SELENE
Why are these people so ready for the apocalypse?
EMILIA
Selene! Try and focus, what if I fall for him and he doesnt fall for me?
SELENE
That wont happen, Em. (she puts a little bit of makeup on Emilia) Besides, if it does, youll find someone
else.
EMILIA
What if I dont?
SELENE
Then youll adopt a lot of cats.
EMILIA
(groans loudly) Youre joking right?
SELENE
Only a little bit.
Emilia is still pulling at her hair, trying various hairstyles.
SELENE
Okay, Em, you need to calm down.
EMILIA
Hes almost here! Im not done with my hair, Ive lost the bag I was going to use, and I still havent found a
good 4-star restaurant with more than 300 reviews.
SELENE
Hes got that covered.
EMILIA
You dont know that! What if he accidentally takes me to a restaurant thats some kind of cover for a drug
ring or the mafia or
SELENE
Sit!
Selene moves behind Emilia, playing with her hair.
EMILIA
It was a dare. I bet you anything, Brett dared him to ask me out and see my reaction and he felt so bad
that I said yes and thats why hes taking me out. Im a pity date, Selene!
SELENE
Brett did not dare Ben to take you out. He likes you. He asked you out because he likes you. (beat)I think
you should wear your hair half up half down. (She brushes it and ties it up) Done, you look nice.

Emilia looks at Selene, discomfort on her face.

EMILIA
Maybe we could just do this some other time, I dont know if Im ready for this.
SELENE
(grabs Emilia by the shoulders) Stop it. You can do it. Dont doubt yourself.
EMILIA
Okay. Youre right. (a doorbell rings in the background) What am I doing? I dont think I can do this. Ive
never dated a guy. In my life. Why would I think that I could ever go out with this guy or any guy for that
matter? Why does he even like me? My personality is repulsive and Ive got the worst case of scoliosis to
date.
SELENE
I hardly think that your spinal alignment matters. Plus, didnt you get that fixed with the two rods in your
back?
EMILIA
The point is, Im not perfect. Ben deserves someone whos virtually perfect.
SELENE
Emilia. You are virtually perfect! You have thick, healthy hair. Your grades are more than stellar youre
on the way to Yale. Your personality lights up my life and your mothers life and everyone you meet is
blessed. Youre young and gorgeous. Its no wonder why Ben asked you out.
Another knock comes from the front door.
EMILIA
I love you, Selene.
SELENE
Okay, go get em tiger!
EMILIA
Just one more thing?
SELENE
Huh?
EMILIA
I need you to not be anywhere in sight.
SELENE
What? Why? I need picture to commemorate this moment!
EMILIA
Look at you! He wont want to date me anymore.
SELENE
We go to school together and were on debate together.
EMILIA
But debate is not attractive! If he gets a look at you at night, AKA dating time, hell get dating feelings
towards you and not me.
Another knock comes from the door.
SELENE
(huffs) Fine.
EMILIA
Thank you! (She turns towards the door and opens it)
BEN
Hi.
EMILIA
Hi.
BEN
You look nice.
EMILIA

Thank you. You as well.

BEN
I hope you like Italian. I found this great place on Yelp. Its five stars.
EMILIA
That sounds perfect.