Play 28: Nothing’s Wrong

CHARACTERS
MICHAEL, 18
AARON, 17

(They’re standing in the lunch line at school waiting to buy their food.)

MICHAEL
Hey.

AARON
Hey, how’s it going?

MICHAEL
Okay. You?

AARON
Good.

(They both finish buying their food and go sit down at a table nearby in silence.)

AARON
You’re quiet.

MICHAEL
Yeah, well so are you.

AARON
I always am though.

MICHAEL
(With a discernible trace of hostility.)
Yeah, well good for you.

AARON
What’s wrong with you?

MICHAEL
Nothing.

AARON
Bullshit.

MICHAEL
Or, nothing big.

AARON
What then?

MICHAEL
(In a nonchalant manner.)
Me and Katy broke up.

AARON
Shit man.

MICHAEL
It’s not a big deal.

AARON
What’re you talking about?

MICHAEL
It’s cool, we both thought it just wasn’t going anywhere.

AARON
But yesterday you told me you thought you loved her.

MICHAEL
You must’ve misheard me.

AARON
No, I’m sure. I remember you told me and I asked you if you thought she loved you and all that, we talked about it for a bit.

MICHAEL
Oh. Yeah. Guess I forgot.

AARON
But shit man, then what happened?

MICHAEL
Nothing. I already told you. We thought it wasn’t going anywhere.

(Pause.)
AARON
She dumped you didn’t she.

MICHAEL
What the hell are you asking that for, I told you what happened!

AARON
Sorry.

(Pause.)

AARON
Look, it’s okay if you feel hurt.

MICHAEL
(angrily)
I’m fine.

(Beat.)

AARON
Yeah, I know you are. I’m just saying it would be okay if you weren’t.

MICHAEL
Gee, thanks for your permission.

(They sit eating their food in silence for a few seconds.)

(Aaron looks down at his watch.)

AARON
I should probably go do some work.

MICHAEL
Whatever.

AARON
Sorry to leave you alone like this.

MICHAEL
Whatever. It’s cool.

AARON
See you later.

MICHAEL
Yeah.

(Aaron exits.)

(Blackout.)