Best Friends

To the one of the shimmering platform who knows, “We’ll wait.” Nick: Hey! Are you okay? Lexie: Yeah, I’m fine. Tash: What the hell was that?Alex: Did someone die? Kaspar: No, it’s just a bit of a mess. Mele: It’s always a mess. Nick: What’s going on? J.B.: Some of us are still trying to get ready for our big day. Kaspar: We’re all on the same side. But we need to say that we got nothing to say. Tash: Come on, Kaspar. You know how it is. We’re all running late. Alex: Let’s go.Kaspar: Okay.Nick: What’s up, man? Tash: Hey, Nick. How’s it going? Lexie: Hey there, Nick. How are you? J.B.: Hey, Nick. How’s it going? Alex: Hey, Nick. How you doing? Kaspar: (jumping out of the way of a collision) Mele: Oh, hi, Kaspar. Kaspar: (barely able to contain his annoyance) Mele: (smiling and putting her hand on Kaspar’s arm) Hey, it’s okay. We’re all best friends, right? Nick: (approaching and giving Kaspar a hug) Nick: Good to see you, man. How’s everything going? Tash: (sitting down next to Kaspar) Tash: It’s been a long time, hasn’t it? Nick: Yeah, it’s been a long time. How’s everything with you? Lexie: (sittingdown next to Kaspar) Lexie: How are you, Kaspar? Kaspar: (relieved) Kaspar: I’m fine,thank you. How about you? Alex: (sitting down next to Kaspar) Alex: I’m good, thank you. How are you? Kaspar: I’m good, thank you. Mele: (finishing her phone and putting it in her bag) Mele: Let’s get going, everyone. We have a lot of ground to cover. Nick: (motioning for everyone to follow him out of the bathroom) Nick: Yeah, let’s go. We don’t want to keep Leo waiting. The group exits the bathroom, following Nick towards the door. They pause briefly to let Leo out, then continue on their way. Kaspar: (to Lexie) Kaspar: So, what are you up to these days? Lexie: I’m an actress. Kaspar: Really? What are you working on now? Lexie: I’m doing a screen test for a new movie. Kaspar: That sounds exciting. Lexie: It is. I just hope I get the part. Kaspar: (smiling) Kaspar: It sounds like you’re ready to take your career to the next level. Lexie: (smiling) Kaspar: (smiling) Kaspar: (looking around, then leaning in conspiratorially) Kaspar: I hear they’re filming a Subway commercial here in town. Lexie: (laughing) Lexie: Yeah, I bet they are. Kaspar: (smiling) Kaspar: You know, I think I’ll stop by and check out the set tomorrow. Lexie: (smiling) Lexie: That would be great, Kaspar. I’d love to see you. Kaspar: (smiling) Kaspar and the others continue on their way, discussing various topics until they reach the door of the gallery. J.B.: (motioning foreveryone to stop) J.B.: Hey, everyone. I wanted to give you all a last chance to come by my gallery before it closes for the day. Kaspar: (smiling) Kaspar: I’d love to take a look, J.B.J.B.: Great. I’ll show you around. The group follows J.B. around the gallery, admiring the various pieces of art until they reach the back corner. J.B.: (motioning for everyone to stop)J.B.: Here we are, the last chance. Kaspar: (looking around, then taking a step forward) Kaspar: (smiling) Kaspar:»You know, when I was a kid, I wanted to be an actor. I even went to a few auditions. But I was always too shy. I’d freeze up in front of the camera.« Mele: »Kaspar, you’re a natural! You just need to let go and be yourself.« Kaspar: »I don’t know. I feel like I’m not really cut out for this.«Mele: »Don’t be ridiculous! You’re amazing! Just trust me, okay?« Kaspar nods hesitantly. Mele: »Now, I’m going to put you in a little trance, and when I count to three, you’re going to be in character. Ready? One, two, three!« Kaspar:»I am not really cut out for this. I feell ike I’m not really cut out for this. I feel like I’m not really cut out for this. I feel like I’m not really cut out for this.« Mele: »Kaspar, you’re doing great! Just keep going!« Kaspar: »I am not really cut out for this. I feel like I’m not really cut out for this. I feel like I’m not really cut out for this. I feel like I’m not really cut out for this. I feel like I’m not really cut out for this.I feel like I’m not really cut out for this. I feel like I’m not really cut out for this. I feel like I’m not really cut out for this. I feel like I’m not really cut out for this. I feel like I’m not really cut out for this.« Mele: »Okay, Kaspar, that’s enough. You can come out of character now.«Kaspar takes a deep breath and nods. Mele: »See? That was great! You just need to trust yourself and let go.« Kaspar nods, still looking unsure. Mele: »I promise you, Kaspar, if you just keep working at it, you’ll be a great actor.«