HOTSPOT
ELLIE JOHNSON, 11
EMMETT’S simple apartment is utilitarian. A couch sits center stage with a coffee
table in front of it. An Alexa speaker sits on the coffee table. A desk and chair are downstage right, while a mirror is upstage left. A bag fi lled with football equipment sits on the desk as well as a backpack with a textbook, notebook, and pencil inside. A pile of nice clothes sit offstage, including a couple ties, blazers, and slacks. [Emmett is on the couch with Jasmine, talking and laughing. He is sitting with closed body language, and he is a lengthy foot away from Jasmine.] Emmett: [Nervously and quickly.] Oh my gosh, you are so so pretty and smart and pretty... wait did I already say that? I’m sorry, I’m just so nervous. Ugh I shouldn’t have said that. [Puts his head in his hands.] Jasmine: No, I don’t mind that you are nervous. It shows that you care! [Playfully punches his upper arm.] Anyways, I have to go. I’m meeting my friends for coffee and studying, but I thought maybe we could, um, go out tonight. Ya know, like a date. I’ll see you tonight at 8, ok? Emmett: Yeah, of course! I would love that, Jasmine. I’ll see you then! [They stand up, and Emmett walks her to the edge of the stage. He awkwardly waves goodbye to her. Jasmine exits.] Emmett: Oh yeah! [Pumps his fi st in celebration.] I guess my mom was right, I can get the girls! [Brett enters.] Brett: Hey Emmett, I just saw a really hot girl leave our room. Was I hallucinating or something? Emmett: No, that was Jasmine. [Sighs dreamily.] She— Alexa: Jasmine is a fl ower native to Eurasia and Oceania for their tropical, warm climate. Jasmine can be found at Whole Foods, Schnucks, Walmart, and Target. Emmett: Ugh, not this again. My Alexa has been randomly interrupting my conversations without me asking. I need to take it to Best Buy to get it fi xed. Anyways, Jasmine is so sweet. She— Alexa: Jasmine is not traditionally sweet. Jasmine tea can have a delicate, fl oral taste, but it is not sweet.
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