Y Love

[Scene 14]

(Break time)

MEGAN - (Drinking Juice, and watching Jake - who's all alone contemplating)

(She comes close to Jake)

JAKE - H-Hey.

MEGAN - H-Hi (all awkward).

JAKE - You okay?

MEGAN - Y-Yes, why do you ask?

JAKE - (Sees her staring at Sam - stays a distance from Megan)

MEGAN - What happened?

JAKE - It's okay. I know, I-I'm a monster.

MEGAN - What?

JAKE - They told you didn't they?

MEGAN - Um...

JAKE - I-It's fine alright. They didn't say anything wrong. For your information, yes, I'm a pain in the ass. I can't help it. Just one day, t-the whole world turned against me. No one, no one really, j-just my parents - and I don't talk much to them either. So naive they are, how could I possibly look up to such parents?

MEGAN - (Silent).

JAKE - S-Sorry, couldn't control myself there. Sorry, I-I'll go (tries to leave but is stopped by Megan hand).

MEGAN - I-I don't think you're a pain.

JAKE - Megan, it's still your first day. The girls have said it, now I'm saying it, for your own good. I'm a pain in the ass for telling people what's good, even now I'm giving you advice, to stay away from me - because that's what society wants!! (yells it - everyone looks at him).

(Jake leaves)

MEGAN - (Silent).

[Scene 15]

(IB room - everybody is working and chatting away)

MEGAN - (Comes to Jake) You okay?

JAKE - I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have put you off, o-on your first day. I guess they're right, that's one thing society is right about.

MEGAN - You're giving me advice to stay away, because society says so?

JAKE - Well? look around. What's the point in doing IB when you're naive. Like this guy for example.

JOE - Wait what?

JAKE - He thinks....aliens are real! come on! we are the aliens!

JOE - They're real alright.

JAKE - Definition of alien! anything unfamiliar, disturbing, and distasteful. Society is familiar for being disturbing and distasteful to this planet. It's why we have a hole in the ozone layer, it's why greenhouse gases exist, it's why global warming exists, and it's most certainly why animals get slaughtered to satisfy us!!

(everyone stares)

SAM - And?

JAKE - Watch it! d-don't make me say it.

MEGAN - (Sad).

JAKE - (Sits down) I'm sorry, again. I can't control myself.

MEGAN - It's okay.

JAKE - To be honest, Megan. I-I know myself, I'm not a pain. Society, s-society is making me go out of control.

MEGAN - I see.

JAKE - We need some people to speak up for what we're doing wrong, because if we don't - what other options do we have left?

MEGAN - Nothing.

JAKE - Yes, y-you're right. Nothing. You know the Mars expedition that's going on currently?

MEGAN - Oh yes, NASA right?

JAKE - Yes, that's the one. They say that they're conducting research on the planet. My instinct says that they're testing to see if the planet is safe for us to move into, after ruining this planet.

MEGAN - I never thought of it that way. It could be why.

JAKE - You understand me, right? y-you know I'm not crazy.

MEGAN - Um....

JAKE - I know it's hard to accept, but...you know what I mean, right?

MEGAN - Definitely.

JAKE - You know what? I feel very fortunate for having you join in.

MEGAN - Hehehe, thanks.

JAKE - I really mean it. I'm not the type of person who says "we're delighted to have you over" to wrecked people.

MEGAN - I see.

JAKE - Not trying to be possessive am I?

MEGAN - No, no, not at all.

JAKE - Phew! people around me, they find me possessive. They're scared of me - and for what? giving them advice? ridiculous.

MEGAN - Can I tell you something?

JAKE - Um...s-sure.

MEGAN - You're a great guy. You really are, people like you are rare to find. I speak on behalf of experience. Though you can be a pain at times, you come around - for the good of everyone. Whatever point you try to state, it's right. You just have to stay controlled.

JAKE - Just like that?

MEGAN - I believe in a saying.

JAKE - What is that saying?

MEGAN - What if you're right, and everyone is wrong? it's a good saying. A truthful one.

JAKE - (Smiles).

MEGAN - That's unnatural.

JAKE - You've just made my day.

MEGAN - Hehehe. You too.

JAKE - How?

MEGAN - I love people who are not like the rest. You're knowledgeable, just like me! it's pointless sharing one others ideas and views to mindless people.

JAKE - So you're saying everyone's mindless?

MEGAN - I can't be that definite. Society as a whole was mindless in the beginning, resulting in severe consequences. Now we have society looking for a solution in? corruption! and other forms of mindless acts. When the answer is pretty simple, consult people who think logically, like philosophers. They can be biased too, you can't trust anyone these days. Technology has kicked in.

JAKE - Y-You're simply just....wow!

MEGAN - Hahaha.

JAKE - Can't believe, a sister from another mother.

MEGAN - Oh. T-That deep?

JAKE - S-Sorry.

MEGAN - Hahaha.

JAKE - I'm wrong?

MEGAN - (Laughing) No.

JAKE - F-Friends?

MEGAN - What?

JAKE - (Looks down).

MEGAN - (Snaps fingers in front of his face).

JAKE - Huh?

MEGAN - (Shows her hand).

(they shake hands)

MEGAN - Buddy!

JAKE - (Delighted look) B-Buddy.

MEGAN - Hahaha.

JAKE - Hahaha.

(all staring at them)

JAKE - What're you looking at? get back to wasting your time.

JOE - I'm doing work, don't judge.

JAKE - Says the guy who plays Skyrim till 3 in the morning.

MEGAN - He what? hahaha.

JOE - What up bro?

JAKE - Truth has been spoken! change your habits.

JUSTINE - Leave it, he's still being a pepper about things.

JOE - Can't believe I'm graduating with him.

[Scene 16]

(Jake and Megan hang out with each other almost all the time)

CLAUDIA - You see that?

SAM - Yes, I see that.

JUSTINE - You don't think that....

JOE - If that's what's happening. I'm spoiling things for him.

KOYO - Shut up, Joe. He's going to kill you the very next day.

JOE - But he's already possessed by Megan.

KOYO - There's still an inner "him". If you tame it, he's going to kill you.

(Joe remembers "Skyrim till 3 in the morning")

JOE - Shit.

[Scene 17]

(After school - 313 Somerset)

MEGAN - Subway?

JAKE - You always know the right place to go. Healthier choice.

MEGAN - Hehehe.

(At Subway - eating)

JAKE - You know, Megan. This semester has been really great with you.

MEGAN - Same here. I mean, it's already a school you can settle into. Moreover, I've got great friends here.

JAKE - (Pauses) Oh, y-you meant as a whole (carries on eating).

MEGAN - Why? what did you expect?

JAKE - No I was thinking, mostly....

MEGAN - Oh. Oh! come on, Jake! that's always there.

JAKE - Oh okay.

MEGAN - You think I would forget about us? that's a strong friendship we have.

JAKE - I prefer having drinks at the shop nearby.

MEGAN - (Takes a peak) Tea Cafe?

JAKE - They make the best bubble milk tea in the city. You must try one.

[Scene 18]

JAKE - One Hazelnut milk tea, 50% sugar. You?

MEGAN - Um....I-I guess I'll go for the same.

JAKE - Really? you just want to be my mirror image, don't you?

MEGAN - Hehehe. If that's what I like, then....

JAKE - Right then. Make it two.

CASHIER - Wait this side. It'll be ready in five minutes.

MEGAN - Any plans for the winter holidays?

JAKE - I've got to catch up on my extended essay. Moreover, maybe just work on getting CAS points.

MEGAN - I guess, the moment you enter IB. Your life is devoted to clearing IB.

JAKE - True that. I mean, even IGCSE was easy. It's something you can clear with your eyes closed.

MEGAN - True that.

CASHIER - Drinks.

JAKE - Thanks. Here you go.

MEGAN - (Takes a sip) Wow...i-it's good.

JAKE - You really like it? I love it because they add the pearl jelly. They have so many flavors. So next time, you can pick something else.

MEGAN - I love this, Jake. It's great. I mean, it's a good alternative for soft drinks.

JAKE - I keep telling my siblings to choose this over soft drinks. You know how they can be.

MEGAN - Tell me about it. I've got a younger sister, and she's always into Minecraft.

JAKE - Guys and girls play Minecraft like crazy these days. Can you believe this?

MEGAN - Honestly, there may be a 20 to 30 year gap between me and my parents. I don't see much of a difference in our habits, except the fact that we have more exposure to technology at a young age - but me and sibling, and she's just four years younger. We have a lot of differences in habits.

JAKE - Same here. I somehow keep referring to his days as a different generation from mine. I personally don't feel like making a disgrace out of our generation, when having people like him, and maybe your sister a part of it too.

MEGAN - Agreed. It just puts us off. I mean, we are so focused in what we do. Technology has made these guys completely lethargic. That's like the new common term of the century, if I'm not wrong.

JAKE - Agreed. With people like them around, that'll be the most searched word in the online dictionary site.

(they both have a laugh)

MEGAN - (On the phone) Hello? mom? I'm in 313. Yes, I-I'm with a friend. Yes, it's Jake. Okay, I'll be back soon. Bye. (drops the call). Sorry Jake.

JAKE - It's okay. I understand. We've got to get back, eventually.

MEGAN - Hahaha, yes. Well, tomorrow's the last day of school before the holidays. See you tomorrow! bye! (leaves).

JAKE - Bye (waves bye).

[Scene 19]

(Present - Singapore Airlines)

JAKE - (Mind Narration) What was this magic? my life turned around completely because of this girl. I-I actually enjoyed this. The feeling gave me good sleeps in the night, it made me feel thankful when I woke up in mornings. I enjoyed every single meal of the day. What did that magic do exactly? it gave me a reason to be satisfied with life, and the type of people I'm surrounded with everyday. Sure I've been around naive people most of my life. The fact that there's at least one person who's not like the rest, gives you satisfaction. It's what they say - we can speak of 1000 ideas, but when only 5 or 6 of them are put into practice or action, you are still getting satisfaction - because something is better than nothing.

AIR HOSTESS - Sir, drinks?

JAKE - You have cold coffee?

AIR HOSTESS - Yes. $2.50.

JAKE - (Cashes in the money and gets the coffee).

(Jake drinks his cold coffee and reflects)

JAKE - (Mind Narration) This cold coffee brings me memories of what happened after the holidays. We just came back from the holidays, everyone came back fresh....

[Scene 20]

(In the Canteen - Megan and Jake drinking Cold Coffee)

MEGAN - And the penguins were so adorable. It must've been 8:30 in the night or something. That's when the penguins marched like soldiers - from the water and across the beach of Philip Island. It was adorable. I took amazing photographs. You think it'll count for CAS points?

JAKE - You're taking Visual Arts right? then of course. You'lll get some points.

MEGAN - (Finishes her cold coffee) Aw...I finished the drink already. It's scorching outside. I don't have enough money for another drink.

JAKE - That means you can't even eat lunch today.

MEGAN - I'm not planning on eating lunch.....I-I uh...have food poisoning.

JAKE - What? are you serious? you're saying this right now? you want to go to the nurse?

MEGAN - I don't know. Should I? I've been taking indigestion tablets though.

JAKE - See the nurse. She'll give you the right medication.

(Jake takes her to the nurse)

JOE - What the hell is he doing?

KOYO - I believe he's taking her to the nurse.

JOE - Why is he holding her like a pregnant lady? did they uh...

KOYO - Can you shut up. You douche bag. What did you eat over the holidays?

JOE - Plum cake and chocolates.

KOYO - Why aren't stuck with diabetes yet?!

JOE - Am I supposed to?!

KOYO - If you speak complete shit. You deserve diabetes bro.

JOE - Well that's rude. I was just being honest like Jake. You don't like it?

KOYO - At least he changed. Why are you turning into his wife?

(Koyo leaves)

JOE - H-His wife? w-what the heck?

[Scene 21]

NURSE - Hmm.....you brought her at the right time.

JAKE - I knew it.

MEGAN - What?

JAKE - No, n-nothing.

NURSE - It's the bad food which you had outside. You need be careful with what you eat outside. I'm giving you some medicine to stop acidity.

MEGAN - Thank you.

NURSE - Stay off outside food for about two weeks or so. You can eat your home food, home-packed food and all - make sure it isn't very spicy too.

MEGAN - Right then. Thank you nurse.

NURSE - My pleasure.

(Jake and Megan leave)

JAKE - You see? I told you, you did need help.

MEGAN - You're right. Thanks Jake.

JAKE - Don't say thanks. Just....don't. Friends don't say thanks.

MEGAN - (Smiles).

(they go off)

JOE - (Watching them in shock).

KOYO - The hell are doing?

JOE - Did you just see that? they like....exchanged smiles and all/

KOYO - Yes, so?

JOE - So? So?! you damn serious? can't you see what's happening here?! (smiling) Megan and Jake....sitting in the tree-

KOYO - Joe....buddy. You better watch your back.

JOE - (Smiling) Why?

KOYO - You'll find yourself sitting on hot curry one day (leaves).

JOE - Eh? the was that supposed to mean?

[Scene 22]

CLAUDIA - You serious? it's real?

JUSTINE - That's weird....after all we told her?

JOE - I know right? it's happening. (Sees Jake and Megan) They're coming now, act normal.

(they all act normal)

JAKE - (Notices how they are staring at him) M-Megan?

MEGAN - Yes?

JAKE - E-Excuse me for just one moment. I need to have a word with someone.

MEGAN - Okay.

JOE - Did he notice us?

JAKE - Of course I did, you dip.

JOE - What? (sees Jake) Oh lord!

JAKE - Since when did I become a god?

JOE - What're you on about?

JAKE - Spill it, what's going on?

JOE - You and Megan?

JAKE - Yes, it's me and Megan, what about it?

JOE - Oh! (smiling) so it's you and Megan, I see...

JAKE - (Realization) You piece of shit. I'm warning you, you have a terrible sense of judgment. Mind it, I will mess you up, if this goes out.

CLAUDIA - Already know about it.

SAM - Oh oh!!

JAKE - Damn it. Why is it that when I tell you something....that you don't listen?

JOE - You're telling me this now?

JAKE - Your bad judgment just cause false rumors to spread. Let this be it, first and last: you discuss this shit with me, then tell everyone with my permission. You understand?

JOE - Sure thing. Too late.

JAKE - You see why I mean? do you realize how big a problem you are right now? you are like a perfect depiction of society at its worst performance.

JOE - (Disturbed).

JAKE - (Sees his doughnut, picks it up, licks it entirely and puts it on his plate) Good luck finishing that (leaves).

JOE - (Pissed).

(Jake crashes into Koyo)

JAKE - Bro, w-watch it.

KOYO - S-Sorry man, I-I haven't paid attention to you lately.

JAKE - Oh, s-so now's the time? you want to go through this now?

KOYO - Listen, it's not like that, man. See, you've changed, I-I can see that.

JAKE - Oh great, even you know about it.

KOYO - About what?

JAKE - The crap which Joe just spilled.

KOYO - Dude, he's always full of crap. What's new about that?

JAKE - Wait, so you don't know about this whole "me and Megan" rumor?

KOYO - No, because I don't believe in it. Even if you change, you're not that type of guy.

JAKE - Where were you all these days (hugs Koyo).

KOYO - I-I was right here, man.

JAKE - You're damn right, you were. Still tight together?

KOYO - Of course. By the way, I'm telling the guys that it's false.

JAKE - Yes, you go do that, my man. We need people like you in this world!

MEGAN - What was all that about?

JAKE - Oh, h-how long were you behind my back?

MEGAN - I just came back from the washroom.

JAKE - Thank goodness. It's nothing, just random talk.

[Scene 23]

MR. SMITH - So yes everyone! Prom is just around the corner. Grab your dates, and it's going to be a great night. Alongside the partying, we are also having the Service Team conduct a fundraiser for Blue Dragon, there'll be food and drinks, music, performances. It's going to be great - it's in a weeks time. Don't miss it.

(everyone is talking about prom)

KOYO - Yuck! like I really want to dance with these people.

JAKE - Why?

KOYO - Society, you know what I'm saying?

JAKE - You know what? cut the crap. No need to go all sociopath with this. Don't be like me.

KOYO - But come on, i-isn't this what you wanted? w-we finally have the time.

JAKE - We always had the time. I-I don't know why, something has made me realize that....t-this world isn't too bad. There's still some hope. I have you and.....(thinks about Megan).

KOYO - And?

JAKE - And um....m-myself. There's a "we".

KOYO - Nice.

JAKE - But um....I guess the point of all this is that: w-we should make use of all the good times that come around. Those times in the past are bad memories. Something like prom - we can have the time of our lives.

KOYO - In that case um....I-I want to go with, with Stacey.

JAKE - Stacey? really?

KOYO - I-I've have a sincere crush on her.

JAKE - Well go for it then. Why did you say no?

KOYO - Should I? I feel nervous.

JAKE - It'll go great. Go for it - it's now, or never.

KOYO - (Stands up) Here's to a good life!

JAKE - All the best!

(Koyo leaves and goes for Stacey - Jake is all alone and realizes that people still hate him, except for Koyo)

[Scene 24]

(On the bus, going home)

MEGAN - Can't believe prom is already here. I mean, I-It's my first year, can't believe the day has come too soon. Time flies you see...

(Jake is upset, looking out the window)

MEGAN - You okay, Jake?

JAKE - Y-Yes, I-I'm fine.

MEGAN - Sure?

JAKE - 100%

MEGAN - So yes, like I was saying. Prom is coming, kind of nervous - just the thought of it coming though....Jake, y-you know who you're taking?

JAKE - M-Me? u-um.....nobody.

MEGAN - Why not? Jake? Jake, what happened?

JAKE - I-It's just that.....everyone I know in my grade - they still hate me for who I am. I guess I haven't changed entirely, have I?

MEGAN - But come on. There's got to be someone, at least one person who you can take, right?

JAKE - Well....there is this one person, I would like to take to the prom.

MEGAN - Well? what's stopping you?

JAKE - It's just that, I kind of have a....crush on her. I-I'm nervous, I don't know if she'll accept that.

MEGAN - Does she hate you like the others?

JAKE - No, I mean - not yet.

MEGAN - Go for it. Don't be silly, Jake. Go for it.

JAKE - Sure. You know about your date?

MEGAN - Me? no, not a chance.

JAKE - So, you're not coming for prom?

MEGAN - You know what? I'll come - for the sake of having a good time.

[Scene 25]

(At home, Jake is thinking hard)

JAKE - (Mind narration) Having a good time, those were her words. I'm glad to say that she's given me a change of perspective - once I was only looking at the bad, and working towards correcting that. She's helped me realize that I could have a balance of both.

(Jake stares at a picture of Megan and smiles)

[Scene 26]

(At Prom)

KOYO - Hey man! you made it!

JAKE - I know, great right? how's Stacey?

KOYO - Oh, it's great. Stace?

STACEY - Hi!

JAKE - Hi.

STACEY - You uh...have a date, Jake?

JAKE - N-No.

STACEY - Thought so.

KOYO - What're you doing?

STACEY - That's what they said.

(points at Claudia, Sam, and Justine)

KOYO - Oh god. How do you stand them?

STACEY - I sit down.

KOYO - Hahaha.

STACEY - Hahaha.

JAKE - I-It's great to see how....y-you're getting along.

KOYO/STACEY - Yes.

KOYO - Thanks, Jake.

JAKE - S-Sure (walks off).

(Claudia, Joe, and Sam walk over to him)

CLAUDIA - Hey, Jake.

SAM - How's it going?

(Jake is silent)

JOE - So uh....where's your date? is she invisible?

(Jake is silent)

CLAUDIA - Thought so.

SAM - It's karma. Heard of it?

CLAUDIA - Of course he has, why else is he giving us advice. He just doesn't realize that he's getting the treatment.

JOE - Enjoy your um....lonely time.

ALL - (Laugh and walk off).

(Jake goes to sit on a bench)

JAKE - (On the phone) Hello? Megan? yes, you're here in a few moments? o-okay. S-See you then (drops the call).

KOYO - Jake? w-what happened bro?

JAKE - (Tears).

KOYO - Bro, bro! come on, man. W-Why are you crying. I'm here for you, man. Tell me.

JAKE - (Tears) Why am I such a jerk.

KOYO - Jerk? you. You're not a jerk, dude you're amazing. How could you possibly be a jerk? without you, I wouldn't be having my dream dance with Stacey.

JAKE - I mean in the past.....t-the guys hate me.

KOYO - Did Joe and the others say something to you?

JAKE - No, no.

KOYO - Shut up, I'm dealing with that guy right now (walks off).