>The Darkness That is Me

Setting:

Annex 1

St. Jerome

Classroom

Staircase

Corridors

Canteen (1^st Floor and Ground Floor)

CR’s

Locker Areas

Sky Way

Near the SAC’s and Faculty rooms

Main

Building

Library

1^st Floor Corridors

Staircase

Quadrangle

Under the building

Open space

Gate

Outside Part of ESPS

Side of the Church

Oroqueta Gate

Sound Effects and Background Music:

Hoobastank

Unaffected

Reason

Simple Plan

Perfect

Welcome to My Life

Mariah Carey

Make It Through The Rain

The Calling

Our Lives

The Script

{School

Bell

Rings}

(

St. Jerome

Classroom. Melanie sitting on a chair while writing. No one else in the room)

Melanie: (looks at the camera) My name is Melanie Santiago. I’m the SSC President, class president and top one over-all. I’m also the daughter of the school principal, Ms. Therese Santiago. My father, Raymond, is an internationally acclaimed Business man.

                I live in their shadow. The people I know {enter classmates; says hello} are mere acquaintances. I have no real friends. I am alone. {Gets up and takes her books. Walks out of the classroom slowly}

                Expectaions. For once in my life I want to be what I want to be… not what others want to see.

{Corridors. Mel walks and bumps into Luke}

Luke: Sorry. {helps Mel pick up the books}

Melanie: It’s fine. {Gets up and leaves.} (Camera follows Luke)

Luke: (Looks at the camera. Goes down the stairs) My name is Luke Sanchez. I was once a member of a gang that caused chaos in ESPS. To think, ESPS stands for “

Elite

School

for Potential Students.” I guess I was a potentially harmful student.

                But that was long ago. I’ve changed but no one believes me. Even my parents, Melissa and Aaron, think it’s all a joke. Some teachers fail purposely when my grades go up because they think I cheated. {Cut}

{Proceed to Luke going down on the last flight of stairs to the boys’ canteen}

Luke: (going to the quadrangle) I wish someone would believe me.

{Cut}

{Proceed to under the building. Volley and basketball players practicing. Jacob throws the ball to Luke}

Jacob: {takes his bag} I don’t want to try-out. My parents forced me.

Luke: (dribbles the ball) ok. {Camera follows Jacob}

{Jake proceeds to the stairs near the guard station. Looks at the camera}

Jacob: My name is Jacob Nievera and believe it or not I’m gay. {Wears a clip}Those who don’t know about it think I’m a campus heart throb. Only my friends and some people know the truth. {enter the popular girls; says hello to Jacob and call him Jackie}

                My parents have no idea about my condition. Thank God! Because I know they will never accept me for what I really am. I wish that someone would accept e for who I am.

{3 way effect} All: That’s my dream!

(Fade out)

{Features Bulletin Board: “Issuance of Cards Today 4:00 – 5:30”}

{Proceed to the locker area near the faculty room. Beatriz and Therese talking. Mel, hiding behind the lockers, listening}

Therese: What is this?

Bea: It’s her grade in English, ma’am.

Therese: This can’t be my Melanie’s grade. She’s a line-of-nine student.

Bea: It’s an 89. It’s the highest grade in the entire batch.

Therese: It’s only 89!

{Mel stops hiding and approach her mom}

Mel: Mom, I got the highest score in English and I’m top one over-all again…

Therese: (slaps Mel) Your 89 is the highest in English? What are you? Stupid?

Mel: I’m sorry, mom. I’ll do better next time.

Therese: You’d better! (to Ms. Bea) Fix her grade.

Bea: Ma’am that would be unethical and very unfair for the other students.

Therese: I said, “Fix it” {leaves, heading to the skyway}

Mel: (to Ms. Bea) I’m sorry, Ms. De Vera. (Fade out/ Cut)

{

St. Jerome

Classroom. Luke looking at his card smiling}

Luke: Mom, dad, I got an A for my conduct.

Aaron: (smiles) Then your teacher must be very kind.

Melissa: (takes the card) And your grade in math is much too high. Your teacher must be feeling sorry for you.

Luke: Yeah, I guess… (looks down sadly)

{Proceed to the teacher’s table. Ms. Bea sitting and talking to Jake}

Bea: Jacob, you have to tell your parents.

Jake: NO! They won’t understand the feminine side of me.

Bea: If they love you, they’ll understand

Jake: But they don’t love me… they love their son!

{Enter parents of Jake. Luke gives way for them to approach}

Derek: There’s my boy!

Helen: How was the try-out sweetie?

Jake: Fine, mom.

Derek: So, you made it to the team?

Jake: Actually… dad…

{Luke cuts in}

Luke: Actually, Mr and Mrs Nievera, Jake here helped the out reach program and was unable to try-out.

Helen: Really? My little boy is such a model student (hugs Jake)

Jake: Thanks, mom.

Derek: Don’t worry, son. I’ll talk with your teacher to have a special try-out for you.

Jake: Thanks, dad. (sadly)

{Enter Raymond, Mel’s dad}

Ray: I’m here for my daughter’s card.

Bea: Here you go, sir. (hands the card to Ray)

{Luke sees Mel’s card}

Luke: Hey, Jake.

Jake: What?

Luke: Mel’s grade in English is 92. I thought it was only 89?

Jake: So?

Luke: That’s unfair. I study hard but teachers fail me and she gets bonus grades? Unbelievable. {storms out of the classroom. Cut}

{Proceed to the corridors. Luke exits the room and goes down the stairs. Jake exits the room with some parents}

Jake: Luke, wait! (in a high pitched tone)
Derek: Son, is your voice breaking?

Jake: Uhm… dad…

Helen: Honey, why do you look afraid?

Jake: Dad, (hesitates) I have something to tell you…

Derek: You can tell me anything.

Jake: It’s now or never. Dad, I’m not the boy you think I am. (pause) I’m actually a woman inside.

Derek: we don’t understand.

Jake: For crying out loud dad, I’m GAY!

(pause)

Derek: what? How can you do this to us? (pause) what did we do to deserve this?

Jake: Dad, please!

Derek: (punches Jake on the face) Don’t you ever call me your father again. You’re not my son anymore.

{Derek goes down the stairs with Helen. Jake gets up}

Jake: Why can’t you just accept me for who I am.

(Music video effect w/ Mel, Jake& Luke singing a part of Hoobastank’s “Unaffected”. Cut)

{Outside ESPS: stairs at the side of the church. Gang members having a drink and a smoke. Enter Luke}

Darell: Hey Luke! Lookey here… (sways a bottle of beer)

Jim: (already drunk) The idiot is saying have s a drink. (hands Luke a bottle)

Luke: I don’t think we should be drinking or smoking especially on a school day. I need to study.

Arnold

: What for? (drinks from a bottle)

Tom: Just take a rest!

Jim: (approaches Luke and put his arm around him)Besides, no one believes you’ve changed. Might as well enjoy life!

Manny: Yeah! This elite school is unfair anyway. We’re rich! (all cheer).

Darell: (gives a cigarette to Luke) you know you want to.

{Luke smiles and takes the cigarette. Fade/Cut}

[Quadrangle: Under the Building; in front of Mama Mary. Melanie lighting a candle.]

Mel: Please help me. Help me stop being what they want me to be. Give me the strength to follow my own will. [looks at her wrist. Wrist has a fresh wound] You’re the only one I can turn to.

[Cut/ fade]

{Proceed to Mel walking at the side of the church. Sees Luke smoking}

Mel: Luke? What are you doing? (approaches Luke)

Luke: Oh, it’s principal’s daughter. (throws the cigarette)

Mel: What’s wrong?

Luke: You wanna know? [looks straight to Mel’s face (sings a part of Simple Plan’s “Welcome to My Life”) It’s always about how you’re good and I’m bad. It’s about you getting bonuses!

Mel: How did you know that?

Luke: Because I’m a bad boy, Ms. Perfect.

Mel: (annoyed and angry) You think I want to be called Ms. Perfect? Do you have any what I go through everyday? Do you know how it feels like to get criticize behind your back? I’m a prisoner in my own house, for goodness sake!

Luke: So am I, bitch!

Mel: (tries to slap Luke. Luke catches her hand) Just SHUT UP!

Luke: (sees the cut on Mel’s wrist) What’s that?

Mel: (withdraws her hand) none of your business.

Luke: you tried to kill yourself?

Mel: So?

[Enter Jake with a cut on his face]

Jake: What are you guys doing here?

Mel: Oh, my God. Jake, what happened?

Luke: Are you ok? (both approached Jake)

Jake: Fine. Dad just knew the truth and punched me.

Mel: What?!

Jake: Look, I know we’re not close or anything but can I go home with you?

All: [looks at each other] I guess none of us has a home.

Jake: Maybe, we can be a family. Emilianite family!

Mel: Good idea (smiles sadly)

Luke: Why not? (fade out)

{Feature Black Board: After a few weeks.}

[Girl’s canteen. 1^st floor. Mel exits from Canteen. Popular Girls coming forward]

Girls: Hi, Mel!

                Congrats!

                We heard you one the quiz bee

Mel: Thanks. (walks past then stops to listen. Camera follows girls)

Girls: Did you see her?

                She’s such a show-off

                She thinks she’s better than us

[Mel runs up the stairs. Cut]

{Proceed to stairs. Mel goes up and runs to the CR. Cut}

{Proceed to interior CR. Mel looking at the mirror holding a swiss knife and placing it on top of her wrist)

[Cut]

{proceed to stairs. Luke goes up and sees Mel in the CR}

Luke: (runs to Mel) Mel, stop that! (takes the knife)

Mel: give it back! (tries to grab the knife)

Luke: (throws it to the floor and holds Mel’s shoulders) You’re going to try to commit suicide again?

Mel: just leave me alone.

Luke: We’re a family. Besides, you know I can’t leave you! (sings a part of Hoobastank’s “The Reason”) So don’t kill yourself. (let’s go of Mel)

{pause}

Luke: Let’s go. Jackie’s waiting for you at the library. (turns back on Mel and walks)

Mel: (stops Luke) Luke… thanks

Luke: No problem. (smiles)

[cut]

{proceed to interior of school library. Jake holding a student record. Enter Luke and Mel}

Mel: What is it Jackie? (approaches Jake)

Jake: This. (hands the student record. Luke’s page is seen)

Mel: Oh no!

Jake: Yes. Luke is going to be expelled. Direct order from the principal… your mom, Mel.

Luke: You’ve got to be kidding. How can they do this?

(Bea sitting at a near by table approaches)

Bea: Because they can. (sadly). I’m sorry kids. (looks at Luke) Luke I’ve asked them to let you stay until Christmas. That way you can have a memorable Christmas Party.

                (looks at Jake) Jacob, you’re parents have also asked that you be transferred to another school as soon as possible.

                (to Mel. Sighs) Melanie, your mother specifically demanded that you be transferred to another section. She doesn’t want you to see Luke and Jacob ever again. She says it’s a bad crowd.

[Enter Therese. Goes behind Melanie]

Mel: What right does she have to do this to me? It’s my life. It’s our lives!

Luke: (Luke and Jake sees Therese) Mel

Mel: I can’t take her anymore.

Luke: Mel

Mel: She’s definitely pissing me off.

Jake: Mel, look behind you please.

Mel: (turns and sees her mom) mom?

Therese: Pissed? (raises eyebrows) You better watch your mouth. I knew he (looks at Luke) was a bad influence.

Luke: Please, Mrs. Santiago, leave her alone.

Therese: Shut up! You’re nothing but a delinquent. I’ll see that you get what you deserve. (exits the library. Cut)

{Proceed to corridors outside library. Therese exits. Mel follows her.}

Mel: Mom, wait! (stops Therese)

Therese: what do you want, you ungrateful child?

Mel: I want you to look at me and listen!

                You call me ungrateful and you call me stupid. But you have no idea who or what I am. You don’t know your own daughter.

                I make top one over-all every single year and you still want more. I try my best for you. I tried so hard that people think of me differently? Do you know what others say about me behind my back? They think I’m a know-it-all snob! They think I feel that I’m better than them. I have no real friends, mom!

                But I endure these things for you and dad. And yet you keep bringing me down more than they could. For once in your life have you ever been proud of what I’ve done? Because my entire life I have waited for the words, “I’m proud of you, Mel.”

                I waited and waited but it never came. Now I’ve finally heard it, only it wasn’t from you. It was from my family, Luke and Jacob. They showed me love. Unlike you!

                You call me ungrateful? Well, I’m not. Because how can I be grateful to someone who has never been a mom to me?

{play background music. Mariah’s “I Can  Make It Through The Rain”}

(Mel turns around. Sees the others near the library door. Mel goes to them. Cut)

{Proceed to Therese standing alone. Sky way, Luke, Mel and Jake talking.}

[cut]

{Proceed to Bulletin Board: 4 weeks before Christmas break}

{Proceed to

St. Jerome

Emiliani: Math Class}

Mr. Christoff: Ok, class. Please give a warm round of applause for Luke Sanchez. He is the top 2 in math and has a perfect score in the long quiz.

Class: (claps hands) Go Luke! Nice!

Mr. C: Ok. Please study the last chapter of your trigonometry book for tomorrow. Good bye,

St. Jerome

.

Class: Good bye and thank you Mr. Christoff.

(Exit Mr. C. Enter Ms. Rachelle Bautista: MAPEH Teacher)

Ms. R: Good afternoon class. No need to stand up. I have a very important announcement to make. (Pause) As you all know, we’re excited for the up coming Christmas break. (class cheers). But wait (quiet) before we go, the MAPEH department will have a Christmas Play. (Class cheers again) So, all of you who want to join tell me later.

[cut]

{Proceed to Ground Floor Canteen. Students looking at list of Play Participants}

Jake: Yes! I got the lead.

Luke: I’m in as well.

Mel: I’m the director, as usual.

Luke: looks like the 3 of us are going to give them a show before we leave.

Jake: I’m so excited.

[cut]

{proceed black board: School Play Tonight}

{proceed to quadrangle. Students in costume here and there. Enter Derek and approaches a group of girls}

Derek: Excuse me, do you know Jacob Nievera?

Nina: Jackie? He’s the star of the show.

Nira: We love his attitude

Nida: You must be proud to be his father.

(Enter Jake in costume with basketball players in civilian wear)

Jake: Dad?

Derek: Hi.

Jake: Guys and sisters, can you give us a moment.

Joseph: Ok.

Nita: See yah.

Jack: Jackie, don’t forget the game tomorrow!

(exit volleyball and basketball players)

Derek: You’re a member of the basketball team and the star of the show!

Jake: Listen (sings a part of Simple Plan’s “Perfect”)

Derek: I’ve always been proud of you. I’m very grateful that you’re my son… or whatever.

Jake: Really? (pause) I love you, dad (hugs dad)

[cut]

{proceed to the stairs near the guard station. Mel and Luke are there}

Mel: Luke, wait here. Ms. De Vera has a surprise.

(enter Bea with Luke’s parents)

Bea: They have something to say to you.

Melissa: Honey, you look so handsome. (pinches Luke’s cheeks)

Aaron: Son, we just wanted let you know we believe you.

Melissa: and we know you’re better than what other’s say you are. (holds Luke’s hand. Luke smiles)

[enter Therese and Raymond]

Therese: I’ll say. (approaches the group) Luke is a fine boy (smiles at Luke)

Raymond: But we need to go. We’ll be late.

Bea: Yes, we should.

[everyone goes up the stairs except Mel and Therese]

Therese: Mel, are you still mad.

Mel: I would be lying if I said no.

Therese: Sweetheart (holds Mel’s hand) I just came her to say… I’m not proud of you… I’m very, very proud of you. I’m sorry if I didn’t have the strength to admit it. I was afraid to let my feelings show, I guess.

Mel: Oh, mom (hugs Therese)

Therese: Go get ‘em my little director. (goes up)

[cut/fade]

{Proceed to

St. Jerome

Classroom. Everyone inside but only Me faces the camera}

Mel: I bet you were waiting for the play. Sorry.

Jake: (enters the picture) Important thing is that it was a success.

Luke: (enters as well) and perhaps a little more. (places his hand on Mel’s shoulders)

Mel: In the end we all learned the value of having dreams…

Jake: … having the strength to make it…

Luke: … not to mention the good friends by your side…

(enter other characters at the back of the three)

Bea: There’s always two sides of everything…

Therese: Never forget to be thankful for what you have…

Derek: And learn to appreciate people for who they are…

Everyone: This has been OUR DREAMS, OUR LIVES. Thanks for watching!

{Background music: “OUR LIVES” by the calling}

[entire

St. Jerome

including Camera men and crew dance with the characters]

Props and Costumes:

Bottles of beer

Candle

Report Cards (fake)

Cigarettes

Clip Board

Books

Swiss Knife

Student Record

Basketballs

Volleyballs

School Bags

Sports Bag

Christmas Play Participants List

Ear phones

Clips/ hair scrunchies

Shades and silver

Christmas Decos

ESPS (

Elite

School

for Potential Students) Sign and logo

School Uniforms

Volleyball and Basketball Uniforms

Civilian wear

Teacher outfit

Business man and women outfit

Christmas Costume:

Angel costume

Devil costume