Play 37: Lost or Something

CHARACTERS
VINCENT, 16
RYAN, 16

(Vincent is sitting on the stairs outside his school building. He is staring off looking slightly forlorn.)

(Ryan comes out the door of the building and sits down next to him.)

RYAN
Hey.

VINCENT
(surprised.)
Oh, hey.

RYAN
Something wrong?

VINCENT
Why you asking?

RYAN
I’m not sure you just look kinda, I dunno, lost or something.

VINCENT
Yeah, I guess I do.

RYAN
So what’s wrong?

VINCENT
Well…

(His voice trails off.)

No, nothing.

RYAN
Okay, if you don’t want to talk about it that’s cool.

VINCENT
Yeah, thanks.

RYAN
No problem.

VINCENT
So how’re you?

RYAN
Oh, pretty good. Lot of work and shit, I should probably start studying for finals.

VINCENT
Yeah, me too. I know I won’t tonight though.

RYAN
Yeah, me either probably.

(Pause, Vincent stares off in distance.)

RYAN
You know, keeping shit bottled up isn’t healthy.

(Vincent turns back to face Ryan looking slightly confused, seeming to not have heard what he said.)

VINCENT
What?

RYAN
I was just saying you shouldn’t keep shit bottled up.

VINCENT
I know.

RYAN
So you wanna talk about what’s wrong?

VINCENT
Not particularly, no.

(Pause.)

RYAN
Come on man, it’ll help you feel better if you get it off your chest.

VINCENT
Maybe.

RYAN
So try.

VINCENT
No.

RYAN
Why?

VINCENT
Why the fuck do you care if I do?

RYAN
Hey, chill, I’m just trying to help you out.

VINCENT
Then don’t.

(Pause.)

RYAN
Hey, I’m sorry if I bothered you man.

(Beat.)

VINCENT
Don’t worry about it, it’s not you fault.

RYAN
Than what is it?

(Vincent turns to face him and gives him an angry look.)

RYAN
Okay, okay, I get it.

(Vincent turns back and stares straight ahead of himself.)

RYAN
So, why you here so late.

VINCENT
Long story.

RYAN
When you leaving?

VINCENT
Soon. You?

RYAN
Same.

(Pause.)

VINCENT
What’s wrong with you?

RYAN
Nothing.

VINCENT
Then why were you being so insistent on me talking about my shit?

RYAN
I dunno, trying to help, curiosity.

VINCENT
Bullshit.

RYAN
What?

VINCENT
I said bullshit.

RYAN
What are you talking about?

VINCENT
I’m saying you’re just trying to get me to talk about my issues so you can forget about yours.

RYAN
Woah man, when did this conversation become Psych. 101? I was just trying to ask you what’s wrong.

(Beat.)

VINCENT
Yeah. (Beat.) Sorry man, nevermind, I’m just kinda on edge.

RYAN
Don’t worry about it.

VINCENT
Anyways, I should probably go, my parents should be around the corner by now.

RYAN
Okay, see you later.

VINCENT
See ya.

(He picks up his backpack and walks offstage.)

(Ryan sits still for a minute, sighs, and stares off into the distance.)

(Blackout.)