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Post by Frodo on Feb 22, 2018 10:23:24 GMT
Summerhall Drive… The front door slams.
A voice calls out. VOICE: MUUUMMMMMM, I’M HOOOOMMMMMEEEEE. A middle-aged woman appears in the hall. WOMAN: Nikki, dear. Did you enjoy your first day at your new school? NIKKI: * shrugs* It was okay, I suppose. Nikki throws her schoolbag down on the floor. Her mother, Katie Chandler, frowns. MRS CHANDLER: Nikki, pick up your schoolbag! NIKKI: Why? *rolls her eyes* MRS CHANDLER: Because I told you to, that’s why. Reluctantly, Nikki picks up her bag, and takes it up to her room, then comes back down the stairs. MRS CHANDLER: So? How was your first day? I want to hear ALL about it! * smiles at her daughter* NIKKI: *shrugs again* It’s just school, mum. Much the same as any other school. MRS CHANDLER: You didn’t… get into any trouble, did you? NIKKI: *frustrated sigh* Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence, mum! No, I didn’t get into any trouble! The Chandler family, including 15-year old Nikki, have recently moved to this small town of Meadowdew, after some ’trouble’ in their old town of Haling Cove. They’ve come to Meadowdew hoping to make a fresh start. It’s a nice, quiet town, which suits Mr & Mrs Chandler just fine. They’ve been in this house for only a week, and still in the process of unpacking all their belongings.
Nikki walks past her mother, and goes through to the living room. She flops down on the settee, picks up the TV remote, and starts flicking through the channels. Her mum sits down next to her, still wanting to hear all about her daughter’s first day at her new school. MRS CHANDLER: Did you make any new friends. NIKKI: Not really. When’s tea? MRS CHANDLER: Not till your dad gets home. He was lucky to get that Accountant’s job. *pauses* So what are your teachers like? NIKKI: Strict! * changes the subject* Oh, did you see THAT? * points to the TV* He fell on his arse. What in idiot! Hahahaha! Mrs Chandler takes the remote from Nikki, and turns the TV off. MRS CHANDLER: Nikki, sweetheart, this is important. You said you were really going to try at this school. NIKKI: Tssk, I’ll be good mum, I promise. No fighting, or anything like that. Mrs Chandler smiles. She’s been worried about her daughter, ever since the ‘incident'.
The front door opens again. Nikki jumps up, and runs through to the hall. NIKKI: DAAAADDDDDD! *hugs her dad* MR CHANDLER: Hello Princess. Still in one piece, then? * grins* NIKKI: Yep. Nikki and her dad, Mark Chandler, walk back through to the living room. MR CHANDLER: So did you make any friends at your new school? NIKKI: Sort of. There’s this one girl, Jennifer, she’s kinda nice. MR CHANDLER: Good! I knew you would soon make friends, Princess. Mrs Chandler watches them, shaking her head. Nikki has always been such a Daddy’s Girl. Nikki wouldn’t tell her anything about her first day at school, yet she’s quite happy chatting to her dad about it.
Later that evening, Mr & Mrs Chandler are talking together in the kitchen. MRS CHANDLER: So how was her first day at her school? She wouldn’t tell me much. MR CHANDLER: She did well. * smiles* I knew she would settle down. Just give her a chance. MRS CHANDER: Ack, you’re too soft with her, Mark. Mr Chandler embraces his wife, and kisses her softly. MR CHANDLER: This move is a new start for ALL of us! The whole family. MRS CHANDLER: * nods* You’re right. Coming here to Meadowdew should be good for us all. MR CHANDLER: Well, it’s been a long day - Nikki starting a new school, me starting a new job. Nikki’s upstairs doing her homework now. Why don’t we enjoy the peace while it lasts, and watch a good film together? MRS CHANDLER: * smiles* I like your way of thinking, Mark. * puts the tea towel down on the surface* Lead the way… Outside the kitchen door… a 15-year-old teenager is eavesdropping. Clearly not happy with her parents. She scowls, then slinks up to her bedroom.
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Post by Frodo on Mar 4, 2018 23:59:23 GMT
Meadowdew High School…The next day, at school, Nikki walks through the endless corridors. She’s still trying to learn the layout of the school, but right now, she’s hopelessly lost. Luckily, Jennifer walks past. JENNIFER: Nikki, hi! NIKKI: Hey Jenny JENNIFER: Um… it’s ‘Jennifer’, actually. NIKKI: Oooooh! Hark at you, little Miss La-Dee-Da! * laughs* Jennifer scowls at Nikki. NIKKI: Okay, sorry. ‘Jennifer’ it is then! JENNIFER: So what subjects have you got first? NIKKI: Double History. But I have NO idea where the History room is. JENNIFER: Double History? *squeals excitedly* So have I! We can go together! NIKKI: Oh, great! Jennifer links her arm through Nikki’s arm, and leads her to the History room.
The morning passes slowly for Nikki. Eventually, Lunch Time rolls around. NIKKI: What'cha say we get out of this place for a while, and go and have some fun? JENNIFER: Nah. There’s no café’s or anything round here. Best just to go to the school cafeteria for some lunch. NIKKI: I meant, let’s get out of here for the afternoon. Jennifer thinks Nikki is joking around. JENNIFER: Nikki, you are so BAD! * giggles* But we can’t leave the school. * pause* C’mon, let’s grab some lunch. Jennifer walks off in the direction of the cafeteria. Nikki sighs, and follows her.
The afternoon crawls by just as slowly as the morning did. Nikki keeps looking at the clock on the classroom wall, but it barely seems to be moving. Eventually, it’s Home Time. Nikki pauses for a drink of water at the fountain in the corridor. JENNIFER: Nikki, there you are! * smiles* I was thinking… You haven’t been here in Meadowdew for very long. Want to meet up on Saturday, and I’ll give you the grand tour? NIKKI: Yeah, that would be great, Jennifer. Can’t wait to let my hair down at a good club. JENNIFER: Dunno if there’s any clubs here, but there’s a cinema, and a theatre, and a fantastic park, and a… Nikki sighs, and mentally blocks out Jennifer’s voice. No clubs? What sort of town IS this? Summerhall Drive…
Later, Nikki arrives home. Her mother greets her warmly. KATIE CHANDLER: How was your second day at school, sweetheart? * hugs Nikki* NIKKI: * rolls her eyes* Same as yesterday! KATIE CHANDLER: Well, tell me about it, then? NIKKI: Um… went to school… sat in the classrooms… sat in more classrooms… came home… that was it. * shrugs* Nikki throws her schoolbag on the floor again. But she sees her mum give her ‘The Look’, and thinks better of it. She picks up her bag, and takes it up to her room.
Nikki quickly comes back downstairs, and walks through to the kitchen to get a glass of milk. KATIE CHANDLER: When are you going to unpack your stuff, dear? You still have boxes upon boxes in your bedroom. NIKKI: I dunno. When I feel like it. KATIE CHANDLER: You should at least unpack all your posters, and stick them up on the walls. Your room looks… so bare. NIKKI: I’ll get round to it sometime. * drinks another gulp of milk* They hear the front door open and close again, and that can only mean one thing. Nikki slams down her glass of milk, and runs through to the hall. NIKKI: Hiya daddy! *hugs her dad* MARK CHANDLER: Hello there Princess. Good day at school? NIKKI: Yeah. Jennifer, the girl I met yesterday, kinda showed me the ropes. Couldn’t find the History classroom, but it turns out, she’s in my class. So I sat next to her. MARK CHANDLER: That was nice of her. * smiles* NIKKI: Yeah. And I’m meeting her on Saturday, to get the grand tour of Meadowdew. MARK: Hehe. That should be fun. This Jennifer sounds like a nice girl. Mark goes through to the kitchen, and greets his wife with a kiss. KATIE CHANDLER: How do you do it, Mark? She barely talks to me. She won’t tell me anything about how she got on at school. Yet she tells you everything. *sad* MARK CHANDLER: She still needs time to adjust, Katie. I know it’s hard, but give her time. Try and be patient with her. I knew if she just got away from all that trouble in our old town, things would get better. They HAVE to! Those so called ‘friends’ she used to hang around with were a bad influence on her. MRS CHANDLER: I hope you’re right. I hope she settles down. I just wish she would talk to me, instead of treating me like the enemy. And who knows… maybe this ‘Jennifer’ will be a positive influence on her. Outside the kitchen door… an angry teenager listens… and frowns. NIKKI: * to herself* Stop talking about me behind my back! I’m not a puppet! I’ll do what I want, and YOU can’t stop me! She grabs an apple from the fruit bowl in the living room, takes a bite, and stomps up to her bedroom.
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Post by Frodo on Mar 24, 2018 18:48:08 GMT
Summerhall Drive…
The rest of the week is somewhat uneventful. Well… apart from Nikki’s teenage mood swings. Before you know it, the first school week has passed, and it seems like Nikki and Jennifer have become firm friends. It’s now Friday afternoon, and as usual, Katie Chandler is waiting to greet her daughter after school.
The front door opens, and seconds later, slams shut again. Katie Chandler calls out from the living room. KATIE CHANDLER: Nikki sweetheart, is that you? No reply.
Katie stands up, and heads through to the hall, but no-one’s there. Katie frowns - is she hearing things?
Nikki suddenly appears at top of the stairs, making her mum jump. KATIE CHANDLER: OH! Nikki, you made me jump! Nikki shrugs. KATIE CHANDLER: Didn’t you hear me call out from the living room? NIKKI: Took my schoolbag up to my room. Isn’t that what you’re always on at me to do? * sullen* Katie smiles, glad that Nikki hadn’t just dumped her schoolbag on the hall floor, as she normally does.
Nikki goes through to the living room, and slumps down on the settee. Her mum follows, and sits down next to her. KATIE CHANDLER: Well, that’s your first week finished. * smiles* NIKKI: So? * shrugs* KATIE CHANDLER: Nothing, I’m just glad you’re settling in to that school. * pats her daughter’s knee affectionately* NIKKI: * sulky* Didn’t exactly have a lot of choice, did I? Katie sighs. She’s trying hard to be patient with her daughter. Thankfully, Jennifer seems to be just the friend that Nikki needs. KATIE CHANDLER: So how was your first week at this school? You still haven't told me much about it. NIKKI: What do you want me to say? It's the same as any other school! Big square building full of boredom and despair! KATIE CHANDLER: Well, tomorrow’s Saturday - you have the whole day just to relax and unwind. Got any nice plans? * smiles* NIKKI: No. The front door slams again. Nikki looks up. NIKKI: DADDY! Nikki jumps up, and runs through to the hall, and gives her dad a big hug. NIKKI: Hi dad. * hugs him* MARK CHANDLER: * hugs his daughter* Hello Princess. So you survived your first week at your new school then? *winks at her* NIKKI: * giggles* Yeah. And you survived your first week at your new job. MARK CHANDLER: So I did. * chuckles* Got any plans for the weekend then? You’re seeing that friend of yours, Jennifer, tomorrow, aren’t you? NIKKI: Well, I was SUPPOSED to. She was going to give me a ‘Grand Tour’ of Meadowdew. But she was off sick today. MARK CHANDLER: That’s a shame, Princess. I know you were looking forward to a girly day out. NIKKI: Maybe I’ll give myself a ‘Grand Tour’? * grins* MARK CHANDLER: That’s a great idea, Princess. I’m sure there are lots of places for you youngsters to hang out. * pauses* Maybe your old dad could tag along? NIKKI: DAAAADDDDDD! NOOOOO!!!! MARK CHANDLER: Hehe, just teasing, Princess. *kisses his daughter on the forehead* Mark and Nikki head through to the living room, where Mark affectionately greets his wife with a kiss. Later that evening, Nikki is upstairs in her room, doing homework. Mark & Katie are in the living room, enjoying a bottle of wine, celebrating the end of the week. Conversation soon turns to their daughter. KATIE CHANDLER: Her first week at school has ended, Mark. A whole week, and not one sign of trouble. Not one fight. Not one phone call from the Head Master. Nothing! * smiles brightly* MARK CHANDLER: * embraces his wife* Didn’t I tell you? *smiles* All she needed was some distance from all that trouble. And a friend that would be a positive influence on her. KATIE CHANDLER: You’re right. She DOES seem happier now, since we moved here. Although, it's hard to tell sometimes, since she barely talks to me. MARK CHANDLER: Of course I’m right. *kisses his wife* The move here is what we ALL needed. And I’m damned well determined to make the best of things. KATIE CHANDLER: It’s alright for you - she talks to you. I’m still the ‘Big Bad enemy who made her leave her friends behind’. MARK CHANDLER: Give her time. She’ll come round. Our little girl hasn’t had an easy time, these last few months. KATIE CHANDLER: * gives a small smile* She’s not so little anymore, Mark. MARK CHANDLER: * pauses* I know, I know. She’s a troubled teenager with a mind of her own. But she’s still our little girl. And you have the patience of a saint, Katie. And this anger she has… it won’t last for ever. KATIE CHANDLER: I hope you’re right. Maybe she’ll meet some more friends like Jennifer? MARK CHANDLER: * nods* The more friends she makes here, the better. All that trouble in our old town really took it’s toll on her. But that’s not going to happen here. As Mark & Katie discuss their daughter, the trouble from the past, and the move to Meadowdew… they don’t realise their daughter has tiptoed downstairs from her bedroom. She had come down for a glass of juice, but now she’s eavesdropping. A frown planted firmly on her face. TEEN: *whispers to herself* You REALLY think I’m going to just forget everything that’s happened? How you dragged me away from my friends… my town… my LIFE? Pffft! Shows how much YOU know! She creeps up to her room, and quietly closes her door. She flops down on the bed, with her arms outstretched. TEEN: God, I’m so BORED!!! This town is BORING! The people in it are BORING! My parents are BORING! School is BORING! Jennifer is BORING! * sits up* Where’s the excitement? Where’s the action? *pauses* I promised mum I’d be good. Three strikes, and all that crap. And who wants to end up in a bloody stupid Youth Prison? But GOD I AM SO BORED!!! I miss my old town. I miss my old friends. Can’t STAND this dump! Meadowdew High School... Monday morning rolls around again all too soon. Another week at school begins. Mark & Katie’s daughter leaves early, and they are pleased she’s actually taking an interest in school.
In the school grounds, before lessons, Jennifer runs up behind Nikki, and greets her. JENNIFER: NIKKI! What happened to you on Saturday, then? I waited an hour for you, before giving up. So Nikki had lied to her parents when she said Jennifer was sick.
'Nikki' spins round, and glares at Jennifer. 'NIKKI': Maybe I had better things to do! * snaps* Jennifer stops in her tracks. Nikki had snapped at her with such hate in her voice. She hadn't expected that. Yes, Nikki could be moody at times, but never THIS bad. Maybe she was just reading too much into it. Just as she's thinking what to say next, Nikki rolls her eyes, and speaks first. 'NIKKI': So what the hell do you want? Jennifer takes a deep breath, bites her lip, and tries again. JENNIFER: So, back for another week of torture then? 'NIKKI': 'Torture' is right! I'd love to burn the place down, that would show them! Jennifer looks at her, completely gob smacked. What’s got into her friend? JENNIFER: Um, are you okay? ‘NIKKI’: None of your business. Now PUSH OFF. ‘Nikki’ roughly pushes Jennifer out the way, and marches off. Jennifer, feeling hurt, quietly makes her way to her lessons.
At lunchtime, Jennifer sees Nikki again, and approaches with caution. JENNIFER: Nikki… um, about this morning… ‘NIKKI’: Yeah? What of it? JENNIFER: That wasn't like you. I was thinking... are you okay? Did something happen at the weekend? 'NIKKI': 'Wasn't like me'? You barely know me! ‘Nikki’ reaches into her pocket, and pulls out a packet of cigarettes. She pulls one out, lights in, and inhales it deeply. ‘NIKKI’: Ahhhhhh, that’s better! JENNIFER: * gasps* Nikki, what are you DOING? Smoking isn't allowed in school! ‘NIKKI’: *taunts Jennifer* What you gonna do about it? You gonna squeal on me? Like a little snitch? JENNIFER: … No. ‘NIKKI’: Good. Then BUGGER OFF! ‘Nikki’ takes a long draw from the cigarette, then blows it out into Jennifer’s face, making her cough and choke. Jennifer doesn’t understand - why is her new friend acting this way? She decides to avoid Nikki from now on. Tuesday arrives, and Jennifer is still hurt over Nikki’s actions yesterday. She heads straight for her first lesson, rather than wait outside for Nikki, as the had done last week. But as she pauses to take a drink from the school water fountain, Nikki bounds up to her. NIKKI: Hi Jennifer. * smiles* I couldn’t find you outside. I was gonna wait longer, but I don’t want to be late for my lessons. I’m still a newbie, after all - don‘t wanna get in trouble with the teachers. Hehehe. Jennifer just looks at Nikki, but doesn’t say anything. The smile fades from Nikki’s lips. NIKKI: What’s wrong? JENNIFER: You KNOW what’s wrong! * turns away* NIKKI: *walks round to stand in front of her again* I DON’T know what’s wrong. Are you okay? JENNIFER: Yesterday! NIKKI: Yeah, I’m sorry about yesterday. Was off sick. Had the flu all weekend, I’m only just starting to feel better. JENNIFER: Don’t play games with me, Nikki. I SAW you yesterday. You were really nasty! Pushing me like that, and the way you spoke to me, and smoking, and blowing the smoke in my face! NIKKI: But… I was off sick yesterday. JENNIFER: Yeah, right! So I suppose I just imagined you yesterday, then? You were like a completely different person. NIKKI: Jennifer, I… wait, did you say I was smoking? JENNIFER: * nods* NIKKI: But I CAN’T smoke, Jennifer. I have asthma. *thinks* Oh no… OH NO! It can’t be! *turns pale* JENNIFER: What? Just then, the school bell rings, telling everyone to get to class. NIKKI: *quickly* Okay, I know you think I was weird and horrible yesterday, but PLEASE meet me at Break. I’ll explain everything. The morning drags on. Finally, the bell for Break rings. Against her better judgement, Jennifer goes to meet Nikki. NIKKI: Thanks for meeting me. JENNIFER: … You going to push me around again, like yesterday? NIKKI: No. I really was off sick yesterday. But I think… I think you must have seen my sister. JENNIFER: Your sister? Is that the best explanation you can come up with? I’m not an idiot, Nikki! NIKKI: We’re twins. She looks exactly like me. Not many people can tell the difference. *pauses* It sounds so cliché to say ‘One good twin, one bad twin’. But… it’s true. All the trouble she gets into… people assume it’s me, and blame me for it. JENNIFER: You have an evil twin sister? Oh, COME ON! How stupid do you think I am? You really expect me to believe that? NIKKI: … I guess not. I can’t prove it. But whatever she did to you yesterday… I’m sorry. A tear trickles down Nikki’s cheek. All of a sudden, Jennifer feels sorry for her. It does seem like a very convenient excuse. But on the other hand, it would explain why Nikki seemed completely different yesterday. Jennifer isn't sure whether to believe Nikki or not. JENNIFER: So you have a twin sister? What’s her name? NIKKI: Her name is Sarah. And I hate her. She’s ruining my life… AGAIN!
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Post by Frodo on Jun 9, 2018 0:40:58 GMT
Jennifer is still doubtful about Nikki’s story. How come she hadn’t seen this ‘twin’ last week? JENNIFER: So where was she last week, then? Surely she would have started school the same time as you? NIKKI: She was supposed to, but she just didn’t show up. So the head master called my mum and threatened to expel her. She can’t really get into any more trouble, or she’s done for. So… she’s coming to school now. JENNIFER: And where is she now? NIKKI: * shrugs* I don’t know. I don’t keep tabs on her. JENNIFER: But… The bell rings, indicating Break is over. NIKKI: Will you meet me for lunch? Jennifer thinks about it for a while, then nods. Nikki smiles a ‘Thankyou’. JENNIFER: What class have you got now? NIKKI: Science. *hesitates* Um… it’s down this way, right? * points to a corridor* JENNIFER: Yep. It’s the door on the left. I’ve got Maths now, so… NIKKI: See you at lunch? Jennifer nods, still not sure if she should still be talking to Nikki. The two teenagers part ways, to go to their separate classes. Nikki enjoys her science class, although she’s frustrated the teacher wouldn’t let her make a stink bomb.
Soon it’s lunch time, and Nikki and Jennifer meet up in the cafeteria. JENNIFER: So did you enjoy you science class? NIKKI: Yeah, it was great. What about you? Enjoy maths? JENNIFER: No. It was boring. There’s an awkward silence for a while. Then Jennifer takes a deep breath. JENNIFER: So… this sister of yours? The one I’ve never seen before… NIKKI: * scowls* What about her? JENNIFER: You said at break, she ‘ can’t get into any more trouble‘. What did you mean? Nikki looks down and plays with her food, thinking how to phrase things. Then she looks back up at Jennifer. NIKKI: Did you not wonder why I started this school mid-term? JENNIFER: Never really thought about it. NIKKI: We had to leave our old school. And I had to leave all my friends behind, when we moved here. She got into a LOT of trouble - bullying, fighting, You name it. They expelled her when she was caught with a knife in her schoolbag. Then she got REALLY bad! * pauses* I don’t want to go into details… it’s kinda hard to talk about. But we had to leave town, so my parents decided to come here. Nikki gives an embarrassed smile, and Jennifer wonders if she’s telling the truth. NIKKI: You don’t believe me? FINE! I’ve spent my whole life getting blamed for the things she does! Why should YOU be any different? I’m NOT my sister, you know! Nikki starts to stand up, but Jennifer reaches her hand out to stop her. JENNIFER: OKAY… I believe you. She just scared me, that’s all. Your sister sounds like a nasty piece of work. NIKKI: * nods* I’ve lost a lot of friends over the years, because of my sister. JENNIFER: Well, you’ve got me now. And I’m not going to blame you for the things Sarah does. * hugs Nikki* Nikki hugs her back. Lunch time is over all too soon, and the teens have to go their separate way again.
They don’t see each other again for the rest of the day. Nikki is glad when school finishes for the day, and she can go home.
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Post by Frodo on Jun 28, 2018 21:32:34 GMT
Nikki is glad that school has finished for the day. She arrives home and slams the front door. As usual, her mother is there to greet her, but as usual, Nikki not very chatty. MRS CHANDLER: Do you have any homework today, Nikki? NIKKI: * sullen* No! MRS CHANDLER: Nikki, I’m getting rather tired of this attitude of yours. You can’t go on like this. Nikki just shrugs, and goes through to the kitchen to get a glass of milk. Just then, her dad arrives home, and she runs through to the hall to greet him. NIKKI: Hiya dad. * grins* MR CHANDLER: Hello there, Princess. Good day at school? NIKKI: It was okay. Science was good. Mr Chandler smiles, happy that his daughter seems to be doing well in school. MR CHANDLER: And do you have any science homework to do? I don’t know… discovering the earth isn’t really round, or something like that? NIKKI: * giggles* No dad. But I have a TON of other homework. MRS CHANDLER: You told me you didn’t have any homework today. NIKKI: * sullen* So? MR CHANDLER: * sighs* Nikki, you do NOT speak to your mother like that! Apologise to her! NIKKI: Sorry mum. MRS CHANDLER: It’s okay sweetheart, but I wish you would realise I‘m not your enemy. * pause* I know you’re frustrated at having to move to this town, away from all your friends, but this bad attitude of your has to stop. MR CHANDLER: Moving to Meadowdew has been hard on ALL of us, Nikki. But we all have to make the best of it. NIKKI: * rolls her eyes* MR CHANDLER: Nikki! NIKKI: Yes dad. Sorry dad. MRS CHANDLER: Well, tea’s just about ready. Nikki, would you set the table please? Nikki just stands there. But when her dad clears his throat, she looks at him, and knows better than to cross him. So she goes to set the table. MRS CHANDLER: I appreciate you backing me up there, Mark. I just can’t get through to her. MR CHANDLER: Well, we have to show a united front, so she knows she can’t get away with this behaviour. * hugs his wife* This move has been just as hard on you, as it is for all of us. Later that evening, Nikki settles down in front of the TV. MRS CHANDLER: Nikki, have you done your homework yet? NIKKI: No. MRS CHANDLER: Well, you better go upstairs and make a start on it. NIKKI: Later mum. I’m watching this film, first. MRS CHANDLER: No Nikki. Homework first, TV later. Nikki just ignores her. She picks up the remote, and turns the volume up. Mrs Chandler takes the remote from her, and turns the TV off. MRS CHANDLER: Nikki! Homework! Now! NIKKI: But muuummmmmmmm… MRS CHANDLER: But nothing! Mr Chandler walks into the room, and sees his wife and Nikki arguing. MR CHANDLER: What’s going on here? What’s up with my two best girls? NIKKI: * looks at her dad* Mum won’t let me watch TV. MRS CHANDLER: I said, you could watch TV after you’ve done your homework. MR CHANDLER: *looks at Nikki* You heard your mum, Princess. Nikki opens her mouth to argue, but then thinks better of it. She storms off to her room.
Mrs Chandler sighs, and looks at Mark sadly. MRS CHANDLER: How do you do it, Mark? She doesn’t listen to a word I say. But you can always get through to her. I know moving here was my idea, but still… MR CHANDLER: ‘But still’ nothing! Moving here, away from all that trouble in our old town, was the best thing for our family. You wanted us all to have a fresh start. And it’s still early days. I’m sure she’ll settle down soon. And Jennifer does seem to be a good influence on her. Meanwhile, upstairs, an angry teenager opens her window and looks outside. A tall tree in the garden is within reach. She braces herself on the window frame, grabs a tree branch, and climbs down the with relative ease. At the bottom, she dusts herself off, and checks her makeup is still in place. She looks back at the house, and gives a ‘You can’t tell me what to do’ smirk. Then she takes out a pack of cigarettes, lights one, and takes a long draw.
Then she walks off, ready for a night in the town.
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Post by Frodo on Jul 22, 2018 10:02:27 GMT
Summerhall Drive…
A new day arrives. Nikki doesn’t come down for breakfast, so her mum goes to wake her up. She enters her daughter’s bedroom and sits on the edge of the bed. MRS SUMMERS: Wake up sweetheart. Time to get ready for school. * smiles* NIKKI: * still half-sleeping* Mmmmm just 5 more minutes. MRS SUMMES: No, you’re going to be late for school. Come on. NIKKI: Do I have to? MRS SUMMERS: Yes, you have to. Come on, now. Reluctantly, Nikki gets up out of bed. Her mum goes back downstairs, to let Nikki get dressed.
Twenty minutes later, Nikki appears, still bleary-eyed. MR CHANDLER: Morning sleepy-head. * kisses his daughter’s forehead* NIKKI: Mmmmm, morning dad. MR CHANDLER: I was starting to think you would sleep the whole day away. NIKKI: Sorry, couldn’t sleep last night. Nikki doesn’t tell them she didn’t sleep last night, because she was out at a club for half the night. She managed to climb back up the tree next to her bedroom in the early hours of the morning. NIKKI: Do I still have to go to school today? MR CHANDLER: Yep, you do. * ruffles her hair* MRS CHANDLER: Here, I made some porridge for you. * gives a tasty bowl of porridge to her daughter* Meadowdew High School…
Nikki barely makes it to school before the bell rings. Her first lesson is Geography. Jennifer isn’t in her class for this.
At Break Time, ‘Nikki’ sits on the wall surrounding the school. Jennifer sees her, smiles, and runs up to her, happy to see her friend. JENNIFER: Nikki, I… It’s only now, that Jennifer sees the cigarette in Nikki’s hand. She knows Nikki can’t smoke because of her asthma, so this must be… JENNIFER: Sarah? ’Nikki’ turns her head to look at Jennifer. ‘NIKKI‘: *roughly* What? JENNIFER: Um, nothing. Jennifer turns to walk away. But ‘Nikki’ jumps off the wall and grabs Jennifer. She pushes Jennifer roughly into the wall, and holds her there. ‘NIKKI’: Give me your lunch money! JENNIFER: I don’t have any. ‘NIKKI’: Somehow, I don’t believe you. *slaps Jennifer’s forehead* Now GIVE ME YOUR LUNCH MONEY… NOW! Jennifer is afraid. She has no choice but to give Sarah her lunch money. Nikki gives a cruel smile.
‘NIKKI’: See? That wasn’t so hard, was it? Now PUSH OFF! *shoves Jennifer hard*
As Nikki walks away, she smiles to herself. This ‘twin’ idea of hers is brilliant! As Nikki - as herself - she can be the troubled but moody teenager just trying to settle down and do her best at school. That keeps her parents happy. And being friends with someone like Jennifer stops her parents from going on about ‘keeping the wrong company’. But as ‘Sarah’… she can do what she wants. And Jennifer is too much of a wimp to say anything. It’s the perfect plan.
She thinks back to the good old days… in her old town, with her old friends. She misses those days.
The school bell rings, bringing Nikki back to the present, and indicating that Break is over. Her mum had dragged her away from all her old friends, to this dump of a town! Still… as long as she sticks to her ‘twin’ plan, she can do whatever she wants. It’s ‘Sarah’ that makes this miserable town bearable. She takes another draw from her cigarette, drops it on the ground, and stamps it out. Then she goes back into the school building for her next lesson.
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Post by Frodo on Jan 22, 2019 21:37:28 GMT
Meadowdew High School…
A few days pass, with Nikki enjoying her dual role as Nikki & Sarah. As Sarah, she gets to let down her hair, and bully Jennifer and a few other people - pushing them around and stealing their lunch money. But as Nikki, she pretends to sympathise with Jennifer about the bullying.
But Jennifer is becoming increasingly frustrated with the situation. She knows that Nikki is still new to this school. But she’s noticed that Nikki can be downright spiteful at times. And she doesn’t like it! She’s starting to doubt that Nikki even has a sister.
A week passes. Jennifer arrives at school, and takes a drink from the water fountain in the corridor. From behind her, she feels someone pulling her roughly. When she looks rounds, she sees… Sarah. SARAH: I need your lunch money. Give! Now! JENNIFER: * takes a deep breath* No. SARAH: NO? Really? Sarah slams Jennifer hard against the wall. She’s about to twist Jennifer’s arm behind her back, but she suddenly sees a teacher, and so loosens her grip on Jennifer. Jennifer sees her chance, and escapes to the safety of her class. But she’s still shaken.
At lunch time, Nikki and Jennifer are sitting in the cafeteria together.
NIKKI: What’s up? You’re really quiet. JENNIFER: * pauses* Just wondering where Sarah is? NIKKI: Sarah? How should I know? JENNIFER: She tried to take my lunch money again this morning. Luckily a teacher came past, just at the right moment. Jennifer watches Nikki’s reaction closely. Just for a second, she sees a scowl flash through Nikki’s eyes. Then it’s gone again. NIKKI: She did what? Geez, I’m sorry Jenny. JENNIFER: It’s Jennifer! Not Jenny. NIKKI: Geez! So….rry your highness! JENNIFER: … NIKKI: * clears her throat* Anyway, I’m sorry what Sarah did. JENNIFER: How come I never see you both together? NIKKI: Cos I avoid her as much as possible. Would you want to hang out with her if you didn’t have to? JENNIFER: No. But I just think it’s weird. You’re sisters. You go to the same school. But I never see you together. Not at Break Time, or Lunch Time, or even Home Time. NIKKI: No, but I have to see her at home. That’s enough for me. Anyway, let’s talk about something else. I don’t want my sister to come between us. You seen any good films recently? JENNIFER: * thinks* Um, none recently. NIKKI: I was watching this film last night. It’s called Squirm. It’s a classic! All about this mutant killer worms. They attack people, burrow into your skin, and eat you from the inside out. I LOVED it! * laughs* Jennifer pauses for a moment, then shudders. JENNIFER: Brrrr! I hate worms! They terrify me! NIKKI: You’re scared of an itty-bitty worm? Really? JENNIFER: * nods* Worms. Bugs. Spiders. Anything creepy-crawly, and it scares me. Even more so, now you’ve told me about this film. NIKKI: So I can’t persuade you to watch Squirm 2 with me then? JENNIFER: Urgh! Definitely not! You can keep all those nasty creepy-crawlies to yourself, Nikki Chandler. Both teens laugh.
The school bell rings, indicating Lunch Time is over, and everyone has to get to their next lesson. Summerhall Drive…
That evening, Nikki and her parents are sitting at the kitchen table, enjoying their tea. MARK CHANDLER: So does my little Princess have any plans this evening? * looks at Nikki* NIKKI: Yeah, me and Jennifer are going out this evening. MARK CHANDLER: Oh? Going anywhere nice? NIKKI: Just for a girls night out. MARK CHANDLER: Any homework you have to do, before you go out? * raises his eyebrow* NIKKI: Just a little bit of Maths. That’s all. KATIE CHANDLER: Do you need any help with it? * smiles* NIKKI: No mum. I can do it myself. Later that evening, after Nikki has finished her homework, she gets ready to go out. Little do her parents know, she’s not meeting with Jennifer at all. She’s going for a wild night out to a club.
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Post by Frodo on Jan 22, 2019 21:50:27 GMT
Meadowdew High School…
Three days later. Jennifer goes looking for her friend at Break Time. She sees Nikki leaning on the school wall.
JENNIFER: There you are Niiki, *smiles*
Nikki has a lunchbox in her hand, which she places on the wall next to her. Then she takes a pack of cigarettes from her pocket and lights one up. But Nikki doesn’t smoke cos of her asthma. So this must be Sarah.
JENNIFER: Sarah?
SARAH: *takes a draw on her cigarette* What?
JENNIFER: Sorry, I was looking for Nikki.
Jennifer turns to walk away. But Sarah grabs her.
SARAH: Hang on, I got something for you.
With one hand, Sarah pulls Jennifer towards her. With her other hand, she opens her lunch box. Jennifer can see the lunch box is full of bugs, worms, and other creepy-crawlies. Sarah must have spent hours collecting them all. With a cruel smirk, Sarah tips the bugs all over Jennifer.
SARAH: HA HA HA! Oh, what’s the matter freak? You going to cry?
Jennifer remains calm. She takes a moment to dust all the bugs off herself. She even holds up one of the worms to get a closer look at it. Then she looks at Sarah.
JENNIFER: No. Why would I cry?
Sarah stares at Jennifer. She hadn’t expected this reaction.
SARAH: But… are you scared? I thought you were terrified of worms and bugs and stuff.
Jennifer stares coldly at Sarah.
JENNIFER: And why would you think that? I told Nikki I was afraid, I never told you that.
SARAH: Nikki told me.
JENNIFER: Nikki is always telling me how much she hates her sister. She wouldn’t tell you anything! Try again.
SARAH: Well… maybe I overheard you telling her then.
JENNIFER: *shakes her head* Nope. I made sure you weren’t around when I told Nikki I was afraid of bugs. Which would be kinda hard anyway, to see you and Nikki at the same time, wouldn’t it?
SARAH: And what’s that supposed to mean? I don’t like your attitude, you freak! *flicks Jennifer’s forehead*
JENNIFER: Don’t take me for a fool… NIKKI! I told you something that ‘Sarah’ wouldn’t know, just to catch you out. And it worked. You fell for my little ploy! ‘Sarah’ doesn’t exist! It’s not ‘poor Nikki gets blamed for what her twin sister does’. It’s just you, Nikki. It’s always been you.
Nikki realises the game is up. She can’t pretend to be ‘Sarah’ anymore.
NIKKI: So bloody what. What you gonna do about it? You gonna run crying to teacher? Oh, boo-hoo, Nikki was mean to me?
JENNIFER: I don’t know what I’m going to do yet. But I don’t have to feel sorry for you anymore. You’re a nasty little snake in the grass! And you’re going to get what’s coming to you!
NIKKI: Oh, I’m shaking. *sarcastic*
Jennifer turns and walks away, hoping that Nikki won’t do anything to her while her back is turned. She’s suspected for while that ’Sarah’ was just a ploy. She doesn’t know why Nikki did this, but she’s still afraid of Nikki’s bad side. What’s going to happen next? Jennifer dreads to think.
Meanwhile, Nikki is furious that Jennifer figured out her secret. It means she doesn’t have Jennifer on her side anymore. And no Jennifer means no allie. She takes another draw on her cigarette, throws it away, picks up her school bag, and walks out the school gates. School be damned! She’ll do what she likes for the rest of the day.
She keeps an eye on the time, and goes home at the usual time, so her parents wouldn‘t know she had skipped school.
Sumerhall Drive…
The door slams. Nikki is in a foul mood after her argument with Jennifer.
Katie Chandler greets her daughter, as usual.
KATIE CHANDLER: Hello dear. Did you have a nice day at school?
NIKKI: No! I don’t feel well! I’m going to watch TV.
Nikki storms through to the living room and throws herself onto the settee. She picks up the TV remote and turns the TV on at full volume. Katie Chandler immediately takes the remote from her and turns the volume down.
KATIE CHANDLER: That’s too loud Nikki.
NIKKI: So?
KATIE CHANDLER: So you’re not having it that loud!
NIKKI: You always spoil my fun! You won’t let me do anything!
KATIE CHANDLER: Nikki, go up to your room. NOW!
Nikki storms off up to her room, and slams the door. A short time later, she hears her dad arriving home. A few minutes after that, she hears a knock on her door.
Knock knock knock.
MARK CHANDLER: *through the door* Hello Princes. It’s only me. Can I come in?
NIKKI: …
Mark opens the bedroom door and enters. He sees his daughter’s red eyes, and knows that she’s been crying. He sits down on the edge of her bed and looks at her.
MARK: I hear you’ve been giving your mum a hard time again.
NIKKI: She wouldn’t let me watch TV.
MARK: Isn’t that because you had the volume too high, Princess?
NIKKI: … Maybe.
MARK: *puts his hand on her knee, trying to calm her* Come on, out with it. What’s bothering you?
NIKKI: … I had a HUGE fight with Jennifer at school today. She doesn’t want to be friends anymore.
MARK: Oh, Princess, I’m sorry to hear that. Tell me what happened.
NIKKI: Nothing. It was just a stupid fight.
MARK: I’m sure she feels just as badly as you do.
NIKKI: *shrugs* I don’t care.
MARK: *hugs his daughter* Why don’t you come down and apologise to your mother?
NIKKI: Do I have to?
MARK: Yes Princess. You have to. And I want no more hostility towards your mum, okay.
Nikki rolls her eyes, then follows her dad back downstairs.
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Post by Frodo on Jan 22, 2019 21:55:38 GMT
The Next Day…
Nikki leaves for school as usual. She’s still furious about yesterday, but she tries to act as normal as possible.
Except… Nikki doesn’t go to school. She decides to skip school again, and have some fun. She makes her way to a nearby liquor shop. Along the way, she picks up some stones and some small rocks from the ground.
Mid-morning, Katie Chandler is shocked to get a phone call from the local police station, informing her that Nikki is being questioned at the police station for vandalism, theft, and assault. She immediately phones her husband at work, then makes her way to the police station.
It’s hours before Katie, Mark, and Nikki are able to return home. Katie is in tears. Mark is furious at his daughter. Nikki is just angry at the inconvenience.
MARK: Why, Nikki? You’ve been doing so well. Why act out like this again?
NIKKI: *shrugs* I dunno. Why not?
MARK: Why not??? Nikki, you’re lucky you’re still a Minor. That shop owner wanted to prosecute you, but because you’re under 18, they can only charge you as a child, not an adult. I just don’t understand this, Nikki.
KATIE: *tearfully* This is just like before. All that trouble in our last town. This was supposed to be a new start for us. But now… you’re facing court again.
NIKKI: *starts yelling at her mum* It’s YOUR fault we’re in this dump! It was YOU that wanted to come here. Not me! YOU dragged me away from all my friends! I HATE this stupid town. I’m so bored here, and it’s all YOUR fault! Why can’t we go back to our old town?
MARK: NICOLE!
Nikki jumps. He doesn’t call her ‘Nicole’ very often - only when he’s really furious with her.
MARK: You will NOT speak to your mother like that! Apologise right now!
NIKKI: …
MARK: I’m waiting!
NIKKI: *reluctantly* Sorry Mum.
MARK: This is NOT your mother’s fault, so you can just cut the attitude right now! Have you ever stopped to think how hard this has been for your mother and I?
NIKKI: …
KATIE: Those so-called friends of yours were leading you astray, Nikki. It was them that talked you into robbing that convenience store. It was your friend that shot and killed the shop owner. Your friend is going to have a criminal record for the rest of her life! We didn’t want that for you - we didn’t want you to end up in a jail, because your friends talked you into doing something you’ll only regret when you’re older.
NIKKI: *shouts* It’s MY life! Not yours! You NEVER want me to have ANY fun!
MARK: NICOLE! THAT IS ENOUGH!!! GO UP TO YOUR ROOM! CONSIDER YOURSELF GROUNDED FOR THE NEXT MONTH!
Nikki glares at both her parents, then storms out of the room. Katie breaks down in tears. Why is her daughter acting like this?
KATIE: Oh Mark! This is a nightmare! It’s just like before. Why is she always so angry?
Mark pulls his wife into his arms, trying to comfort her. He loves his daughter dearly, but he doesn‘t like the things she does. He also loves his wife, and he’s heartbroken at seeing how all this is affecting her. Why does Nikki act like this? He doesn’t know what to do. He’s dreading seeing his daughter in court again.
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Post by Frodo on Jan 22, 2019 22:00:40 GMT
Meadowdew High School…
A week has passed. Jennifer hasn’t seen Nikki since their big argument. She’s starting to get worried. She’s still not happy about Nikki’s deception, or her bullying. But what if the argument had affected Nikki more than Jennifer realised? Is she skipping school just so she doesn’t have to face Jennifer now? Or is she off sick? What is going on? She decides to go to Nikki’s house after school, and try to clear the air.
Summerhall Drive…
Jennifer arrives at Nikki’s home. She hasn’t been here before, but she knows the address. She knocks on the front door. No reply, so Jennifer knocks again. Eventually, a teary-eyed Mrs Chandler comes to the door.
JENNIFER: Hi there Mrs Chandler. I’m Jennifer. Um, I haven’t seen Nikki at school recently, and I wanted to make sure she’s okay.
KATIE CHANDLER: It’s nice to finally meet you Jennifer. Nikki’s spoken about you often. I…
Mrs Chandler lets out a loud sob, before indicating Jennifer to follow her inside.
Inside the house, Mrs Chandler sits down on the settee. She looks up at Jennifer.
MRS CHANDLER: Forgive me, Jennifer. Nikki… My Nikki… is in the hospital.
JENNIFER: *gasps* WHAT? The HOSPITAL? What happened? *sits down next to Mrs Chandler*
MRS CHANDLER: Her father is with her at the hospital now. I only popped home to collect some of her things, then I’m going back to the hospital. Jennifer dear, you’ve been a good friend to Nikki - you‘ve been a good influence on her, and helped her to settle down. *long pause* Last week… Nikki snuck out of her room after being grounded. She stole a car. And she… she lost control of it. *another sob escapes her lips* They found the car crashed into a tree, with Nikki unconscious inside. She’s in a bad way, at the hospital. The doctors don’t know if she’ll ever recover. They managed to get the internal bleeding under control. But they say the crash caused massive head trauma. They say her brain is swelling, and they can’t stop it.
JENNIFER: Mrs Chandler, I am SO sorry! Is there anything I can do? Anything at all?
MRS CHANDLER: *shakes her head* They say there was a lot of empty alcohol bottles and cigarettes in the car, with her. *long pause* My little girl is in a coma. And there is nothing I can do about it.
A tear trickles down Jennifer’s cheek. She had wanted Nikki to get what’s coming to her, but not like this! Now Nikki’s cruelty has come back to haunt her in the worst possible way. And only time will tell if she will recover from her coma.
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