Synopsis: Tough choices begin at a very early age, even for "good" kids. These characters demonstrate that not only are the choices hard, sometimes they're also hard to see. Purpose: To point out some of the difficult decisions children have to make.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 5min
Actors: 1M, 1F
Characters:
Jimmy and Heather, fifth or sixth graders.
Props: Schoolbooks, backpacks, etc.
Script
(Jimmy & Heather are walking across the stage as the lights come up. They stop and face each other after Jimmy's first line.)
Jimmy: I just don't know, Heather. Do you know what they would do to me if they find out I'm doing your homework for you? They'd flunk me for cheating!
Heather: How will they find out? I redo all the work so it looks like I did it. I'll even miss a couple on purpose if it makes you feel better.
Jimmy: I just don't know!
Heather: (Getting upset.) Oh yes you do! You're so smart you know everything and you don't even care what happens to me. I thought you were my friend ...
Jimmy: I AM your friend, Heather. I just ...
Heather: (Really angry.) If you were my friend, you'd let me copy your homework... (A little more calm, almost crying by the end.) At least until I start understanding it. I don't really want to cheat, I just need some help -- for a while.
Jimmy: (Giving in to his friend.) All right, all right! I'll make a deal with you. I'll do your homework IF you go to the party at Larry's house next Friday night.
Heather: I told you, Jimmy, I want to go but my parents won't let me.
Jimmy: Why not?
Heather: Because I already told them that Larry's parents won't be there.
Jimmy: Tell them you were wrong. Tell them they changed their minds and won't leave town until Saturday.
Heather: I just don't know.
Jimmy: What's the big deal? Larry's brother will be there. He's 17! That's almost like a parent. Your folks just don't want us to be alone, and we won't be, so it really won't be doing anything wrong. It's just a little white lie.
Heather: But hasn't Larry's brother been in trouble before?
Jimmy: Yeah, but I don't think he did any of that stuff the cops said he did. Larry says his brother is really kool and he is bringing some - surprises - and some of his friends to the party.
Heather: What kind of surprises?
Jimmy: Nothing serious. Maybe some cigarettes and stuff. Maybe some of his Dad's magazines ...
Heather: Magazines? What kind of magazines?
Jimmy: (Realizing she wouldn't approve.) Oh. Uh ... Popular Mechanics, Sports Illustrated... You know. Guy stuff.
Heather: Well, I don't really care about that stuff.
Jimmy: But you care about your homework!
Heather: OK, OK! You help me with my homework and I'll find a way to go to your stupid party. Is that the deal?
Jimmy: That's the deal.
Heather: I guess I can live with that. Let's shake on it.
(They shake.)
Jimmy: Good.
Heather: Now, when can you get my Math homework for Monday back to me?
Jimmy: I'll give it to you in church on Sunday.
Heather: OK. And I'll know by then how I'm getting away with going to the party.
Jimmy: Great! I'll see you Sunday, then.
Heather: Till Sunday.
(They share high fives and start to leave in opposite directions. They both stop after a few steps and look at their high five hand.)
Jimmy: (Looking at the audience.) Is this cheating?
Heather: (Looking at the audience.) Is this lying?
Jimmy & Heather Together: I'm so confused!
(Lights out.)
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(c) Copyright John Wayne Samples, all rights reserved. The script may not be reproduced, translated or copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of the author. This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed. He may be contacted at: