ACT 1. SCENE 2.

Mara goes home

INT. Mara and Casey's Apartment - AFTERNOON

CASEY - 21, bubbly - sitting in a chair at the kitchen table. She's painting her toenails bright red as she balances her phone between her cheek and her shoulder.

CASEY

(On the phone) 

Well, can't you come pick me up instead? Or I could drive. 

The sound of a door opening and closing can be heard.

CASEY

I'm pretty sure Mara just got home and she might not mind if I used her car.

MARA can be seen walking into the kitchen. She drops her purse on the counter, a pamphlet poking threateningly from the top, and gives Casey a small smile. CASEY grins widely and mouths the name "Jonah."

CASEY

It's just that you know how I feel about your motorcycle. (Pause) That thing is dangerous! I swear, it's gonna get someone killed. (Pause) I don't care how much money you spent on it. I'm not about to ride it.

Another longer pause. Mara can be seen going to the refrigerator and looking inside.

CASEY

I love you too. See you tonight.

(She hangs up the phone)

MARA

(Holding a carton of chocolate milk) 

Jonah's still trying to take you out on his new toy, I see.

CASEY

(Resumes painting her toenails)

He's crazy if he thinks I'm going to let him take me anywhere on that thing. Doesn't he know how many accidents happen on motorcycles?

CASEY shakes her head, phone still wobbling on her shoulder. She screws the top back on her nail polish.

MARA

Probably as many as those that happen in cars.

MARA slinks into a seat near Casey and sips from the carton in her hand.

CASEY

Very funny, Mar.

(She begins to blow on her toes.)

CASEY

(Between breaths)

Anyway, where were you this afternoon? I didn't know you had plans.

MARA

(Casually looks away from CASEY)

Eh, it was nothing interesting. You'd get bored.

CASEY shrugs and stands up, putting her phone in her back pocket.

CASEY

If Jonah comes by in that metal deathtrap then I can totally take your car, right? I don't trust that thing.

MARA

(Shrug) Go for it.

CASEY

(With a huge grin)  Thanks, Mar. You're the absolute best.

CASEY leaves, blowing Mara a kiss. MARA stays in her seat, taking another long sip of her chocolate milk.

A beat.

There's a knocking at the door. MARA opens it to see  JONAH - 21, handsome - waiting with a motorcycle helmet in his arms. 

JONAH

Hey. Is Casey ready?

MARA

I don't really know.

MARA

(Gesturing to the helmet) I'm assuming that's for her?

JONAH

Well, I think I can really win her over this time. At least just this once.

MARA

Well, I'm gonna take the bus to work tonight. My keys are by the door.

JONAH

(Confidence slightly wavering) 

Thanks but I'm sure I can get her to ride my bike this time. It'll be fun. I mean, have you ever even ridden one? Has she ever ridden a motorcycle before? She has to try at least once.

MARA

(Shrug)  Like I said, my keys are by the door.

As MARA walks out the door JONAH notices the pamphlet in Mara’s purse.