short scene

Jesse and Mike are two guys in their early twenties. They're standing on a sidewalk in front of a backdrop that's painted with sky scrapers. To the right is a dumpster. To the left, the sidewalk comes to a corner and there is a bus stop.

JESSE

There isn't much time, come on!

MIKE

But where are we going?

JESSE

You'll see, come!

MIKE

The last time I followed you somewhere like this I woke up at a bus stop, soaking wet, with lipstick smeared all over my face. I don’t think so…

JESSE

At least it wasn't boring.

MIKE

Dude, boring is way better than a morning like that.

JESSE

Hmm. Well… this time it'll be different.

MIKE

Why?

JESSE

This time we're actually doing something IMPORTANT. I'll tell you more, but we need to get a move on. Dan will be at the corner any minute, and he's gonna be pissed if he has to wait around too long.

MIKE

Alright, listen. I'll walk with you to the corner. And I'll listen to what you gotta say. But I'm not making any promises about whether I'm in on this thing or not. Got it?

JESSE

Sure, sure. Relax, man.

They start walking to left, toward bus stop.

MIKE

So?... Spill it.

JESSE

Alright, so get this. You know that billboard up over 3rd Street?

MIKE

Oh, shit. No, man.

JESSE

What? It's…

MIKE

No. You are NOT dragging me into this one, Jesse.

JESSE

Mike. Relax. I've figured it all out. Nothing bad is going to happen this time.

MIKE

So let me get this straight. You want me to follow you up to a billboard in the middle of town. You want me to risk my neck, in a place the whole world can see. You want me to help you commit a felony. Just so I can help you carry some spray paint and watch you paint a fucking picture. Is this what you're asking me?

JESSE

Yeah, man, but it's not like there's no point. It's fucking art. It's political. It's about taking back our city from the corporations. And it's not like you're gonna get caught…

MIKE

Hah! Won't get caught? Won't get caught in a place like that? RIGHT!

JESSE

Alright fine. Look. There's Dan right over there You gonna go over there and tell him that it's all good when he risks his neck for you, but you aren't gonna do the same for him?

MIKE

That was different, I…

JESSE

It is the exact same thing. Why don't you go over there and tell him you're gonna spend the day changing your grandma's diapers. Actually, I'll go over there and tell him.

MIKE

I just don't get why we have to do this. Why do you have to do this?

JESSE

You seriously don't know? How long have we been friends? Shit, man. Why did Dylan write all those songs? Why did Kerouac hit the road? We just gotta, man. Don't you fucking know that by now? Why do you always write in that stupid journal of yours? Does someone hold a gun to your head and force you to write?

MIKE

No, but…

JESSE

But you do it everyday. So shouldn't you understand why I gotta do this?

Dan starts walking towards Jesse and Mike.

MIKE

I just don't get why you can't be happy choosing places that are a little more… or a little less… umm, public?

DAN

Sounds like someone's a little too scared to make some art.

MIKE

Hey man, what do you care? It's not like you're gonna be doing anything but risking your neck either.

DAN

Is the big bad paint can gonna eat you?

MIKE

Hey fuck you.

DAN

Actually, I got some bad news, Jesse.

JESSE

What, man?

DAN

I couldn't get my shift covered, dude. My phone's dead so I figured I'd come out and tell ya. Sorry…

JESSE

Are you kidding me? So lame dude!

DAN

I know, I know. I can go next week though. Hit me up.

Dan starts walking to the left again and off stage.

JESSE

(to Mike) Now what are we gonna do?
MIKE

Taco truck on International?

JESSE

(shrugs) I guess that'll work.

Jesse and Mike walk to the right.

JESSE

Oh wait, hang on a sec.

Jesse grabs a backpack from behind a dumpster. The metal cans of paint loudly bump against each other.

JESSE

Don't want to forget these babies.

MIKE

Ugh.


Lights out.