Spoiler! :
Act 1; Scene 1.
The scene opens in the Woodland household. It is the first day of school, and MIA's first day of her junior year. The time is 6:39 a.m.
VICTOR
I can't believe you're going to graduate, Noel. I feel so old.
NOEL
I'm not graduating just yet, I still have a year left. Then it will be Mia's turn.
VERONICA
Lord, my babies are growing up so fast! I can't keep up.
(NOEL laughs and pours a cup of orange juice.)
VICTOR
We don't have to worry about that for a while, honey. Let's just enjoy today.
VERONICA
I could enjoy it if my daughter was downstairs. Mia, come down to the kitchen, please!
(Enter MIA, stomping down the stairs and into the kitchen. She is dressed in a large graphic t-shirt and sweats.)
NOEL
Is that what you're wearing to school?
(MIA glares at him and nods swiftly, reaching for a burnt piece of toast.)
VERONICA
Well, it's certainly comfy-looking.
MIA
I can dress however I want to.
VICTOR
I know, sweetheart, but is that honestly what you want to wear on your first day of school?
NOEL
It's awfully flattering, if you know what I mean.
(MIA throws a sausage at his chest, leaving a slimy and greasy stain. NOEL growls angrily and picks up a syrupy pancake, aimed for her hair. VICTOR intervenes, slapping NOEL's arm and knocking the pancake to the ground.)
VICTOR
Grow up, you two! NOEL, your sister can dress any way she pleases.
NOEL
I was just yanking her chain, come on now! Jeez, she can't even take a joke.
MIA
Fuck off, Noel.
VERONICA
MIa Alexia Woodland, you watch your mouth!
MIA
I'm out of here.
(MIA exits the room.)
NOEL
What's up her alley?
VERONICA
Must be that time of the month. Noel, that was out of line. You know your sister is stressing.
NOEL
I was kidding! She needs to lighten up.
VICTOR
You need to grow up. This is your last year before you become an adult; now's the time to start thinking rationally and not jumping ahead.
NOEL
It's not my fault. Mia has stick shoved up her a-
VERONICA
Noel Andrew Woodland! Do not disrespect your sister that way.
(NOEL rolls his eyes and stands up, intended on leaving. His foot lands on the syrupy pancake and he slips, falling with a loud crash. MIA's laughter can be heard from offstage.)
VICTOR
Son, are you okay?
NOEL
I'm fine! I'm going to kill her.
(MIA re-enters the scene, now wearing a long-sleeved flannel, unbuttoned and fanning out as she walks. To complete the look, she has replaced her sweats with a pair of dark-wash skinny jeans. Her hair in in a side ponytail and she has on modest make-up.)
MIA
You can't blame me for that, I didn't shove you into the pancake. Loser.
NOEL
You made me drop it, stupid.
VERONICA
Alright, enough of you two! Go to school, now.
(MIA smirks at her brother, reaching into her purse to grab her car keys. She turns to leave the kitchen, then pauses. She tosses the keys to NOEL.)
NOEL
What the hell?
MIA
You can drive.
NOEL
Why can't you?
MIA
Just do it!
(NOEL shakes his head and throws them back at MIA, hitting her in the stomach. MIA gasps and doubles over, clutching her stomach.)
MIA
You stupid little twit!
NOEL
Chill, it's not like it's a watermelon.
(MIA is in too much pain to respond. Her parents rush to her and help her lean against the wall. MIA tries to catch her breath.)
VERONICA
Do not throw stuff at your sister, especially car keys!
VICTOR
What's gotten into you, Noel?
NOEL
Oh, yeah. Like I threw a freaking rock at her.
MIA
Shut up! Take the keys and drive me to school.
NOEL
What, are you handicapped now, or just retarded?
VERONICA
Just do it, Noel. Now.
(NOEL scowls and helps MIA up, leading her out of the kitchen and exiting the scene.)
VERONICA
There is something wrong with him. Do you think he's jealous of Mia?
VICTOR
I don't know, but it needs to stop. Maybe we need to send them to Joy.
VERONICA
Joy?
VICTOR
She's a councilor at Redmon High. She's a good friend of mine and an excellent advisor.
VERONICA
Maybe it would help them to talk and sort out their problems. Especially Mia, that was a bit over-dramatic.
VICTOR
I'm not too sure it's acting. I've been meaning to tell you. I was walking past Mia's room yesterday, and she has her door open. She was standing in front of the mirror with only her sports bra on, her hands on her stomach. She's got these blotchy purple bruises on her sides and abdomen. They don't look too major, but I'm still concerned.
VERONICA
Seriously? Why didn't you tell me sooner! There must be something wrong with her. She needs to see that councilor. Make the appointment as soon as you can, Victor. I'm worried about my children.
VICTOR
It's going to be okay, Veronica. What's the worst that can happen?
(The scene fades out with a sense of dramatic irony at VICTOR's words.)
Spoiler! :
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