The Tragedy of Obsession by Christopher Ramos
Prologue scene
Johnathan is picking a girl ...
JOHNATHAN
Can you hurry up, we're going to be late for the doctor.
ASHLEY
Don't rush me.
(As they are going down the stairs, Ashley slips on a long flight of
stairs and lands on a hard surface. She's 7 months pregnant. Ashley
is unconscious and Johnathan calls 911. Eventually the ambulance comes
and takes Ashley away)
JOHNATHAN (ASIDE)
That baby is good as gone. You see, that girl Ashley was a slut. A one
night stand that went horribly wrong. She was one of those girls who
believe in keeping the baby, who was too scared to do what is
necessary and abort. So I took matters into my own hands. Those stairs
didn't happen to be slippery by chance. Ashley is going to be
A-Okay, but I can't say the same for my would be child. A word of
advice for Ashley? She should have listened to me the first time.
(Prologue ends)
Act I, Scene 1
Johnathan and Marcus are sitting in computer class, the class in about
to end.
JOHNATHAN
So that's what ended up happening.
MARCUS
That's crazy, are you okay?
JOHNATHAN
Of course, I didn't want to be a father and I could not convince her
to abort for the life of me, so in a way, it was the universe telling
her it wasn't met to be when she fell down those stairs.
MARCUS
Damn, Johnathan. No mercy.
JOHNATHAN
Not even a little.
MARCUS
Johnathan, things aren't always so cut and dry. He or she was going
to be your son or daughter. Aren't you even a little sad?
JOHNATHAN
Not really. I didn't want the kid. A kid shouldn't be born unless
both his parents want him. In the end, it worked out for the best. I
don't have to be a father. Ashley doesn't have to stay with me for
the kid anymore and we can break up. We both get to pursue our dreams
instead of raising a kid. There's a lot of positives. Luckily, she
goes to another school, so no one will ever know I was going to be a
father.
MARCUS
If you're viewing things that way, I guess you're right. I can't
believe you hid this from your dad, but at least that's all over.
TEACHER
Hey, I am trying to give a lecture here! SHH!!!
JOHNATHAN AND MARCUS
Sorry, sir.
(Bell rings)
TEACHER
For homework, I want everyone to go home and read chapter 15 on how
the Internet was created. And Johnathan and Marcus, I need a word.
(Everyone exits)
TEACHER
Listen both of you. I had it with your incessant yapping about your
personal lives. I don't care about who you made out with last weekend,
and neither does the class.
JOHNATHAN
Shouldn't you be focusing on your class instead of listening to our
conversations?
TEACHER
Are you trying to tell me how to do my job? I had it with you,
Johnathan. I don't care if your father sits on the board of education
or not. That doesn't make you untouchable. I will find a way to
discipline you. I'll let you off with warning this time. I can't waste
my next class's time. Now get with the both of you.
(Johnathan and Marcus exit and they are now walking down the busy
halls.)
MARCUS
You need to be careful, dude! We could've of gotten expelled or
something.
JOHNATHAN
Yeah, and then my dad just simply waves his wand and gets you and I
back in school and him, fired.
MARCUS
I'm just saying, man. You can't challenge the system all the time.
JOHNATHAN
Oh, Marcus. I am Johnathan Rodriguez. Don't forget what that means
around here.
MARCUS
All right, calm down, fool (Chuckling)
JOHNATHAN
(Laughs)
(Maria Enters)
MARIA
Hey, Marcus! Did you hear that we are going to have a quiz as soon as
we enter class?
MARCUS
What?! Crap! I am so screwed. I guess I might as well skip.
MARIA
And get a zero? Come on! You are going to class, mister!
(Maria grabs Marcus by the hand, and drags him away.)
MARCUS
Later, Johnny!
JOHNATHAN
Later dude.
JOHNATHAN (ASIDE)
Man, that girl was gorgeous! Wow! Is she single? I have to find out.
(Johnathan exits)
Act I, Scene 2
Johnathan is exiting his final class for the day, and he meets a very
attractive girl. And he slowly approaches her.
JOHNATHAN
So, I take it that I should simply walk away and not ask for your
number?
MELISSA
No, I think you should ask away, and call me tonight, maybe even a
date?
JOHNATHAN
Wow, you're straight up, and I like that. I might take you up on your
offer.
(Melissa hands over number on a slip.)
JOHNATHAN
Why, thank you. I will call you tonight.
MELISSA
You're quite welcome, mister.
(Melissa exits and Marcus enters)
MARCUS
Did you just get Melissa Rodney's number?!
JOHNATHAN
What? Is she some sort of prize or something?
MARCUS
She is the hottest girl in the entire 11th grade!
JOHNATHAN
Really? I really didn't notice. Hey, I have to ask you something.
Remember that girl, the one that pulled you away after we left
computer?
MARCUS
Oh, Maria? What about her? You like her?
JOHNATHAN
I'm just interested. What's the story with her?
MARCUS
Well, she's a freshman and really popular among them. She's pretty
cool and smart.
JOHNATHAN
So, what you're saying is, I should definitely get her number, right?
MARCUS
You just got Melissa Rodney's number! And you're interested in Maria?
JOHNATHAN
I don't know, dude. She was really cute. I would like to talk to her.
Besides, if it doesn't work out, I could always go after Melissa.
MARCUS
Another one of your comfort girls, eh Rodriguez? Every guy in this
school wants to be with her, and you didn't even know who she was and
you're making her your back up plan?!
JOHNATHAN
Sounds right.
MARCUS
Let's just get out of here. You got the Accord fixed?
JOHNATHAN
Yes, sir! I got the engine replaced. Cost me a fortune. But at least
we can ride together again.
MARCUS
You got that right! You don't have SGA today?
JOHNATHAN
Not today, I am going to chill. Want to come over?
MARCUS
Yeah, I could kill some time.
(They both exit school)
Act I, Scene III
Thomas and Alan, good friends with Johnathan and Marcus are at home
getting ready to hang out. It's late in the afternoon, Around 6.
THOMAS
Alan! Hurry up! Johnathan and Marcus are about to come over! We're
going downtown!
ALAN
This is why I need to look good! I can't go downtown looking like
this!
THOMAS
We're going to the mall, not the club, loser.
(Doorbell rings. Thomas opens and everyone begins to greet each
other)
ALAN
Okay, I'm ready.
THOMAS
It's about time. So Johnathan, I hear you're into Maria?
JOHNATHAN
I guess Marcus told you.
MARCUS
I was only suggesting.
JOHNATHAN
You know her?
THOMAS
I have class with her. She's pretty cool. I think you should go for
it,
ALAN
Hey, we can talk about this at the mall. I got ready to have some fun,
now let's go!
JOHNATHAN
All right, let's go downtown! I got some money, and I got my car!
Let's go hard!
ALL
(Cheer!)
Act I, Scene IV
Everyone returns from downtown. Johnathan drops off Thomas and Alan.
JOHNATHAN
All right guys, home safe home.
THOMAS AND ALAN
All right later, Johnny.
(They exit. Johnathan begins to drive)
MARCUS
So, I was talking to a friend of mine, and she happens to be friends
with Maria.
JOHNATHAN
What about it?
MARCUS
Maria is totally into you.
JOHNATHAN
Word? She doesn't even know me.
MARCUS
Everyone knows you. You are Johnathan Rodriguez, son the Fernando
Rodriguez, board director for the board of education. You are Mr.
Player and have dated more girls than I can count. You are superstar
of high school. Teachers cower at your feet. You've been treasurer for
all four years.
JOHNATHAN
Your point?
MARCUS
Trust me, she's heard of you. And from what I've observed, she's not
like other girls. She's not like other freshmen that only care about
hooking up with as much guys they possibly can. It seems to me that
she's the type of girl to want to settle down.
JOHNATHAN
I see.
MARCUS
You should go for it, dude. All the girls you've dated have either
dated you for your looks or power. She's actually honest.
JOHNATHAN
Yeah, remember Alice? She pretty much offered everything if I just
swayed some extra money to fund the cheerleading squad.
MARCUS
Or Jessica? Ms. Can you please talk to your dad, to help me graduate
this year?
JOHNATHAN
Yeah, but one thing is for sure.
MARCUS
What?
JOHNATHAN
Those girls were fun.
MARCUS
(Laughs) shut up man!
Act I, Scene V
The next day at school, Johnathan and Marcus arrive at the front door.
JOHNATHAN
Man, I hate school! Why do I need to wake up at this time?
MARCUS
Why don't you talk to your daddy and have him change it?
JOHNATHAN
Trust me, I've tried.
(Enter Marlene)
JOHNATHAN
Hey, do you see that girl?
MARCUS
Marlene? She's pretty cute.
JOHNATHAN
I think I'm going to go get her number. Pardon me, good sir.
MARCUS
This guy…
JOHNATHAN
So do you come here often?
MARLENE
School? I think everyone does. (Chuckles)
JOHNATHAN
That's what makes my joke even funnier.
MARLENE
So, you're Johnathan, aren't you?
JOHNATHAN
Yes, that's me. You're Marlene, am I correct?
MARLENE
Yes. How do you know me?
JOHNATHAN
I have a list of all the pretty girls in the school.
MARLENE
I am flattered. You're quite the charmer.
JOHNATHAN
And I am quite direct. So I would like your number.
MARLENE
And why should I give it to a player like you?
JOHNATHAN
Because a true gamer isn't afraid to play the game.
MARLENE
Here's my number (hands slip)
JOHNATHAN
Wise choice. I'll text you later.
MARLENE
Or you just made a big mistake. Bye, Johnny! (Seductively)
MARCUS
Do you have a mental addiction to get girls?
JOHNATHAN
What? I'm just being a guy.
MARCUS
Come on, man. Let's get to class.
(They exit)
(Scene ends)
Act I, Scene VI
Maria and her friend are talking during class.
MARIA
Ugh, algebra sucks, doesn't it?
FRIEND
Yes! It does!
MARIA
So, what do you know about that Johnathan dude?
FRIEND
Girl, you need to stay away from him! Yes, I know; he's freaking cute,
but whatever.
MARIA
Yes, I heard. He dates girls like no tomorrow, but something about him
tells me deep down inside, he's different. I want to get to know him.
FRIEND
You are such a nice girl! You can do better than him! He's might hurt
you.
MARIA
Or I could hurt him. I am telling you. I think his little Mr. I am
player is an act. I really think he wants something serious.
FRIEND
You haven't even met him. How do you know all this?
MARIA
I have a feeling. He's different.
TEACHER
Girls! Focus! This is going to be on the test.
BOTH
Sorry, ma'am.
(Bell rings and they leave. They enter into a busy hallway)
FRIEND
Well, if you really want to go for him, just do it.
MARIA
I don't think he will notice me. I'm just a freshman.
FRIEND
You're beautiful and wonderful. He would be lucky to have a girl like
you.
(Johnathan and Marcus enter)
MARCUS
Hey, Maria, ready for class?
MARIA
Yes! I love French!
JOHNATHAN
Hey, I don't believe I've met you. I'm Johnathan.
MARIA
I'm Maria.
FRIEND
Hey, Maria I got to get to class. I'll talk to you later.
MARCUS
Hey, I got to go to the restroom real quick.
(Maria's friend and Marcus exit. There's an awkward silence for
about two minutes)
JOHNATHAN
So, what grade are you in?
MARIA
I am a freshman, you?
JOHNATHAN
I am a senior. What class are you going to next?
MARIA
French.
JOHNATHAN (ASIDE)
God damn it, why am I drawing a blank?
(There's more silence. Late bell rings)
MARIA
I got to go.
JOHNATHAN
Wait! May I get your number?
MARIA
Um, sure. (Writes on a slip quickly)
JOHNATHAN
Thanks. I'll text you later. Bye.
MARIA
Bye!
(Maria exits)
JOHNATHAN (ASIDE)
Man, I have never felt this way before. I was actually nervous. What
is it about her that's different?
(Johnathan exits)
(Scene ends)
Act I, Scene VII
Last class of the day and Johnathan is leaving school. Melissa
approaches him.
MELISSA
So I never got that call from you, mister. Are you playing hard to
get?
JOHNATHAN
I am sorry. I forgot. But come with me.
MELISSA
Wait, where are you going to take me?
JOHNATHAN
I want to give you a good time. Now let's hurry up.
MELISSA
But, mom won't let—-
(Johnathan surprise kisses her)
JOHNATHAN
Are you convinced? Now let's hurry up.
MELISSA
Ok.
JOHNATHAN (ASIDE)
High School girls as so easy.
(They exit)
(Scene ends)
Act I, Scene VIII
Johnathan and Melissa are in the car together. He's holding tight to
her, and she to him.
MELISSA
I have never had so much fun in my entire life!
JOHNATHAN
I've heard that before. Aren't you going to get in trouble when you
get home?
MELISSA
I don't care! It was totally worth it!
JOHNATHAN
So I need to have a word with you.
MELISSA
Yes?
JOHNATHAN
I don't want anything serious with you. We can do whatever else, but I
don't want to be your boyfriend.
MELISSA
Really? So I am just another hoe to you? Is that the type of guy you
are?
JOHNATHAN
I'll drop you home now.
MELISSA
No! Wait, don't take me home yet. I just I've never done this
before. Let me think about this
JOHNATHAN (ASIDE)
Oh please, you've probably been around more than I have, and
that's saying something.
JOHNATHAN
Really? You're agreeing to this?
MELISSA
I have never met a guy like you before.
JOHNATHAN
I don't want to break your heart.
JOHNATHAN (ASIDE)
I could care less about breaking her heart. I just don't want some
stupid girl texting me 24/7 to take her back.
MELISSA
I won't get heartbroken. Trust me. I'm a strong girl.
JOHNATHAN
Ok, then.
(They kiss and end of scene)
Act I, Scene IX
Johnathan arrives home after dropping off Melissa.
JOHNATHAN
Dad, I'm home!
JOHNATHAN'S FATHER
Another romantic conquest, son? It's 1:30 am.
JOHNATHAN
Dad, I was busy, ok? Don't hassle me.
JOHNATHAN'S FATHER
Hassle you? You came back yesterday at 12, and today at 1:30? And not
only that, I received a call from a teacher of yours telling me about
your behavior in class. You are not king of the school, John. I won't
always look out for you.
JOHNATHAN
That stupid teacher? Are we really going to argue about this? It's
frankly a waste of your time and mine. So what? I was just talking in
class, big deal!
JOHNATHAN'S FATHER
He's more upset about the lack of respect you give him. I already
talked to him, and he seems bent on your destruction. You better start
behaving in his class, or this time I won't waive anything. Do you
understand me?
JOHNATHAN (ASIDE)
Oh please. That guy would have a better chance of assassinating the
president than taking me down.
JOHNATHAN
All right, got it dude.
JOHNATHAN'S FATHER
All right, chucklehead, get upstairs.
(Johnathan exits and scene ends)
[end of extract]