The action takes place in an average college dormitory, somewhere in the U.S. The time is present day, on a spring evening.

The set consists of two dorm rooms, side by side, the one on the left is where Pete lives with his roomate who isn't home much, and the one on the right is where Bill lives. Separating the two rooms, is a divider coming out enough to signify that there are two rooms.

Pete's room has a desk on the left, and a couch next to it, both against the wall. There are beer and sports posters scattered on the wall. Most of the desk is messy, except for a small portion.

Bill's room also has a desk, centered against the wall, with an office chair near the desk. A large stereo sits to the right of the desk. Fantasy, role playing, and rock posters are arranged neatly on the wall, and various similar ornaments are placed around the room.

(The scene opens in PETE's room, with CATHERINE, sitting on the couch, staring impatiently at the door on the left side of the room. She has been waiting for PETE to come back to his room. She is wearing plain jeans and a t-shirt. She starts to get up and storm off, just as PETE is entering, tired from bike riding. He reaches out to hug her, but she backs away from him. )

Umm, hi hon. What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be at ---

Where were you?

I was out bike riding. I thought you were going to your HCCA meeting, so I went out on my own.

The meeting got cancelled, because Sasha's sick. Not that she leads much when she's there. . .

I'm sorry hon. I'll find something to make up for you missing me.

(BILL enters the room from the right, which is where his adjoining dorm room is located. He is wearing his typical black clothing, and has an open book in his hand)

Hey, Pete, have you started on your programming assignment yet? I'm gonna need help if you can. . . Oh, hi Cathy, doesn't that group of yours meet tonight?

It was cancelled.

Oh, cool, I can actually walk to the humanities building safely . . .

Bill. . . what do you think you'll need help with? I haven't started yet, but I think . . .

Pete. . .

Oh yeah. Sorry, hon. Uhh, Bill, I can help you later, but right now, Cathy -- er Catherine and I are going to dinner.

Yeah, totally understood. Thanks for the help man.

(BILL walks back to his room, with the lights following him. The lights go down on the left room, as PETE and CATHERINE leave, she complains)

Why do your friends have to constantly make fun of my organization?

(BILL stops and looks at the separation between the rooms. AMBER enters from the right, and takes the moment to run in and tackle BILL jokingly. She is wearing the kind of clothing someone would find at a dance club.)

Hey baby! Mind if I pick ya up?

Ya know hon, you probably could lift me, but not right now. Thanks for the hug though.

Doh, can't pick you up today. You seem a little down. Is something wrong, babe?

Nothing major . . .

Are you sure?

Ok, I'm worried about Pete. He's a good friend and all, but it boggles my mind why he is still dating Cathy.

Ya know. . . oh well, to each his own. I don't want to criticize his taste, but he could do alot better.

Every time I see her, I am glad I met you. You women can be so manipulative.

Yes, but we don't have to use it. She takes things too far sometimes. But, then again, no offense, Pete almost seems to ask for it. He's so. . .

Submissive? Yes, he is like that, which is a real shame. When he gets fed up, he has a very dominant personality. I've known him for years, and even then I've only seen it a few times. Doesn't help this is his first girlfriend. Oh well. . .

(Sound Cue: Banging around is heard in the room on the left)

Yeah, he needs . . . What's that? I wonder if Jimbo came home finally. If he were drunk and stumbling around, he might make that much noise. . .

Umm. . . it's not even six . . . I don't think he'd be drunk yet. . . oh wait, it's Jimbo, never mind. That sounds more like fists hitting something though. I know that sound too well. . .

(BILL quickly heads into Pete's room, with AMBER right behind him. Lights come up in Pete's room as they enter, and dim in Bill's room PETE is sitting at his desk, facing the wall.)

What's wrong?

I wish I knew what was wrong with me!

Pete. . . what happened?

You gonna be alright?

I don't know. . . I had a fight. . . with Catherine. I should've known better . . .

Better than what?

Than to annoy her around this time of year. She says things always get so hard for her. . . Why didn't I listen?

What happens at this time of year?

The anniversary of her best friend's death. It happened right near the end of her highschool years. I completely forgot. . .

Ahh, that would've been three years ago. . . she should learn that everyone loses eventually. . .

What happened to set both of you off?

Well, we started arguing over her waiting for me here when I was gone. She said I wasn't noticing when she goes out of her way to see me. I told her I was flattered, but that I had no reason to think she'd be anywhere but her HCCA meeting. . .

And they seem pretty uptight about meeting all the time. Not surprising. . .

Yeah. . . well anyway, I started to lose it, and she started crying. She said she counted on me for support, because it's that time of year again, and now I was abandoning her. I tried to console her, but . . .

But what? She kept the show up? No offense, but she's an introvert, and they are very good at faking emotions.

Amber. . .

Well, it's true. . .

Yes, she kept crying, and then took off without eating most of her food. I worry about her, but these guilt trips get to me. . . It's like I can't always be myself around her. . .

Ok, that does it. You're a good guy, Pete, even if you do date that. . . I'm gonna see if I can find her and give her a piece of my mind!

(AMBER storms off to the right, and BILL begins to go after her, but gives up and turns around towards Pete.)

I hope she doesn't find Catherine. . .

Don't worry about it. If I was worried about her, I wouldn't let her go. And she won't hurt Cathy, if that's what you're worried about. I know Amber too well. . .

Yeah, it's kinda like that with Catherine. She's got this thick shell, and I made it through. . .

No offense, but how long have you known her? I mean really known her. . .

You should know. . . We started e-mailing back in November, so about five months now. . .Remember?

That's not what I asked. I know you met her online, while she was still on her co-op. How long have you known her in person?

She came back when this semester started, so about three months. . . Why?

That's my point. I met Amber last year, and including summer, we've been dating for nearly a year now. E-mail is emotionless, so you can't count that. And in those three months, well, she's split her time between you and that group. . .

You mean HCCA? Why do you have a problem with them? They're a volunteer group. . .

See, there's a good example. Now, we've been friends since highschool, and even with me being in college a year longer than you. . . I assume you still trust me?

Yeah, of course. You're a close friend. . .

Ok, then here's a story I bet Cathy has never told you, but it's why I hate her little group. Yes, they are the Habson College Community Association, which means, yes, they are a volunteer group. I have no problem with that. My problem happened last year. . . Remember me telling you how I'd been harrassed last year?

Yeah, you said you took alot of flack from some group on campus when you walked through a bunch of them in the hall of the humanities building. Something about religious differences. . .

Guess who? Something about me passing through looking like myself made them unhappy. It wasn't like I was breaking up there meeting or anything, since they were just standing in the hall. Anyway. . . me being atheist didn't impress any of them, especially this one girl who led the verbal assault. . .

Don't tell me it was Catherine. . . She is fairly religious, but she'd never do that to a stranger. . .

See, you don't know her. Because she was the head of the pack. That's why I give her so much hassle . . .

She was probably under alot of stress, then if she did something like that. Normally she's much more reserved. Except today. . . Usually I'm lucky though. . .

Didn't mean to worry you. Just pointing out the truth. Lucky? How so. . .

I'm lucky I found someone as caring as she is, or at least when she's not stressed. Of course, I'm lucky to have a girlfriend. . .

Don't say that. You remember me in highschool, when I looked different. I was alot like you, but when I got to college, I discovered alot of things, and now I am what you see.

Yeah, and you didn't meet Amber until after you changed style. See, you had to change for your girl. Catherine likes me how I am. . .

Pete. . . look, I admit I've changed alot, but for the better. The way I used to be, well, I wasn't happy because I just wasn't myself. How often was I angry back then?

Geez, alot. . . I had to keep you from breaking things often. Ya know, I hadn't realized how much you calmed down with college.

Well, now you do. The reason I changed is because I started becoming more true to myself. . . The reason I changed my looks was to reflect my actual personality. Besides, you said yourself that you can't always act like yourself around Cathy. . .

I suppose. . .

(AMBER walks in from the right, much calmer, with a smug grin on her face)

I found Cathy. . . and we had a nice little chat. . .

Oh no. . . you did what? What did you say to her?

Don't worry, all I did was tell her that she really upset you. I told her that you're a nice guy, and she shouldn't treat you like this.

Oh no, thanks but. . . How did she react?

Well. . . she started crying in front of me, and even though I didn't fall for it, she tried to keep telling me how bad her life's been. I told her where to stick it, and let her be.

You did what? Oh no, I'm sorry for dragging all of you into this. I've gotta go. . .

(PETE rushes out to the left and BILL and AMBER head to Bill's room. Lights dim in Pete's room and come on in Bill's room as they walk over.)

He's really stuck on her. . .

Actually he was starting to come around. I almost wish you hadn't found her.

I was just doing what I thought was right. He can do so much better. . . it's like he's blind.

And you haven't made mistakes?

True. . . I just don't want to see him go through that.

I agree. . . but you know as well as I do that nothing good comes without pain. If anything, he's luckier than we were.

What do you mean?

For starters, he's got me as a friend. . .

Always the ego. . .

. . .and as I was about to say before I was soooo rudely interrupted. . . not one but two people who've learned to be themselves.

All that for only $19.95?

No, there's more! He gets to miss out on alot of the bad experiences. . .

Provided he actually listens to us. He has gotten better, but it's like every time someone dominating comes around, he slips back into his old self again.

Hey, he's gotten better about dealing with that idiot roomate. . .

Hon, Jimbo's always out doing stuff for the frat. Pretty easy to stand up to someone who's never home. Besides, if you haven't noticed, it's only one small part of the room he's made his own.

It's a start. . . Just like I started him realizing why we don't like Cathy.

Do tell. . .

He didn't know about the whole thing last year, with her group.

I thought you told him about that before he came up.

I did, but never mentioned who was in charge. Surprised the hell out of him.

He didn't know about that? I should tell him about some of my run-ins with them. I've been here at least as long as her.

Don't bother. . . Actually, I think he started realizing how little he actually knows her.

Good, hopefully he'll realize what a . . .

(PETE and CATHERINE come into Pete's room arguing. Lights go up as they enter, and dim in Bill's room.)

I did not sick my friends on you! I could never. . .

How can I trust you? No offense, but. . .

Hon, you won't offend me. What is it?

You've changed. I know those guys are your friends, but I feel they're pulling you away from me.

Don't say that. I've made time for you.

Oh, like earlier today. Or how about this weekend coming up?

When am I supposedly ignoring you this weekend?

You are forgetful. . . Aren't you . . . role playing with Bill this weekend?

Yeah, and that was planned a long time ago. Besides, what's wrong with that?

You know I don't like you doing it, and you said you haven't done it since highschool.

That's because Bill wasn't around to run a game, and this is the first he's gotten a chance to run a game. I would offer for you to sit in, but they don't like you much. But then they have their reasons. . .

See, you have changed, and I don't like it. You always used to defend me. . .

All I said was that my friends had reasons not to like you. I still care for you alot.

Now I'm curious. Just what is it that they don't like about me?

Well, for one, and I didn't know about this one. . . you harrassed Bill last year during an HCCA meeting. I thought they were supposed to be . . . tolerant.

Ohhh, that was Bill. . . I forgot about that. You know I'm not like that anymore, don't you, dear?

I don't know. . . Look, you never told me that story. And I have known Bill for a long time, so I have to believe him. It's hard for me to be stuck between you and my friends. I don't want to lose my friends, but I don't want to . . .

You don't know what it is to lose a friend! I didn't want to lose Mary either, but one minute she was gone! And it was my fault. . . (starts crying)

I didn't mean it like that. I was about to say I don't want to lose you either.

Look, it's not you hon. . .I'm just so upset. I need to be alone.

(CATHERINE exits on the left, leaving PETE looking confused until he walks over to Bill's room for help. Lights go up in Bill's room to show him working at his desk, as lights go down in Pete's room.)

Bill. . .

Yeah, what's up?

I need to talk. I just had a big fight with Cathy.

Oh wow, sorry to hear that. What's going on?

Well, she tried accusing me of sending Amber after her, and then went into how she thinks you guys are pulling me and her apart.

That's harsh, what a . . .

Yeah, I know. That was the last straw. I tried to tell her that I care for her, but I have friends too.

I bet she didn't take that too well.

Yeah, first she was complaining about our game this weekend. . .

But that's been scheduled for at least a couple weeks. . .

I know. I told her I'd invite her, but that you guys don't really like her. And then I hit her with that story you told me.

Haha, you did? How did she take that?

She got really embarrassed. . .

I don't know why. . .

What do I do? I want to keep you guys as friends, but I don't want to lose her. . .

Did you explain that to her?

I tried to. . . She went off about how I don't know what it's like to lose a friend. That's when she started crying about her friend from highschool, and took off.

How predictable. . . Look, I'm proud of you for standing up to her. I think she got confused because you didn't fall for her game.

Yeah, it did feel good, but I am still confused. She has opened up alot to me, but she won't talk about highschool much. I feel guilty for even this, because I know it hurts her so much.

There may be more. . .

(JEFF comes in to Pete's room from the left. He is dressed in name brand clothing, and looks like the average fraternity member.)

Hey, anybody in here?!

What the. . . Can I help you?

Yeah, I'm looking for Jimbo, man, you know where he's at?

He's probably passed out somewhere.

No, can I take a message for him?

Oh, I just wanted to talk to him about some stuff for the frat.

Sorry, don't know when he'll be back either.

Ok, catch you. . . wait, you're that dude who goes out with Cathy aren't you? Whoa, man!

Yeah, I'm going out with Catherine. . .

Catherine? Whoa, she did change man. I heard she got all uptight. Her looks changed, but nobody ever called her Catherine. Sorry man.

What are you talking about? How do you know Catherine?

Lay off, dude, I went to highschool with her, back in Detroit.

Ok, but what in the world are you talking about. . . changed?

You kidding me? She used to be a wild one. Her and that Mary chick. . .

Did you say Mary? That was her friend that died in the car wreck.

Yeah, man that was a big deal. Those two used to used to do some wild stuff at parties man! I used to date Mary about a year before all that man. It was wierd when she died dude.

Ok, that's enough! I don't think you're talking about the same person. That can't be the same Cathy.

(AMBER walks in calmly from the right and heads towards BILL).

Sorry dude, you didn't know. I can prove it man, I have a yearbook in my room. I'll go get it right now.

(JEFF heads out through Pete's room.)

What was that guy doing in here?

Hahaha, do you know him?

Yeah, he's some frat guy, I had classes with him like freshman year. He's a real idiot. What did he want?

He was looking for Jimbo, but he ended up telling us a really funny story. . .

Yeah, some story. He says he went to school with Catherine. Then he proceeded to tell us a bunch of stuff that can't be true. But he knew all about her friend dying and all that. . .

According to him, Cathy actually used to go by Cathy, and well. . .

He said she was a big slut when he knew her. And that she looked different. He said he heard stories about her being all uptight.

That's a bit exaggerated. . .

He got part of it right. . .

I just can't believe that Catherine would ever be like that. She's part of a volunteer group, she doesn't drink or anything. I think that girl he's talking about is someone else. She has her problems, but. . I'll have to see this yearbook.

Hey, I hate to say this, but people change. Look at what I was like in highschool, and how I am now.

That's different, you loosened up. You picked the best part of your personality, and went from there. He's saying she went from wild and outgoing to what she is today. It just doesn't sound right. . .

Pete, I used to be alot wilder. You know that. Some people deal with pain differently. It's possible she shut herself up after her friend died.

(JEFF enters Bill's room from the left, carrying a yearbook in his hand.)

Hey, I got that yearbook man! She's right in here man. . .

Yeah, that's her highschool, and that's when she graduated. You've got that right, but it can't be the same Cathy.

You'll only know if you look.

Oh my God! Catherine Richardson. . . She's so. . .

Yeah, dude. . . told ya!

Let me see that. . . oh wow! Hey Amber, imagine Cathy with short hair, and a nose ring!

I can't, it hurts my head! Sorry Pete, I didn't want to see this happen to you, but it's probably good that you know now.

I never thought anything like this would happen. . .

Oh, there's a thing about the car wreck in there too. That was big news back in the day.

Here it is, I'll read it. "In Memory of Mary Lynn Marsh, who died at age 17, after crashing into a tree. Another testament to the dangers of drunk driving. . . .Was last seen by her friend Cathy Richardson, whose house she had been driving home from."

That's what she meant by being responsible for Mary's death. It all makes sense now! I'm so stupid!

Are you gonna be alright?

Yeah, can I use your phone, I'm gonna call Cathy up here. I need to talk to her about this.

Yeah no problem.

(PETE starts calling, in the background.)

Whoa, he's handling that pretty well. This is gonna be cool.

Actually, it's. . . what was your name?

Oh, I'm Jeff, man.

Good to meet you, I'm Bill, and this is Amber. Anyway, Jeff, I don't know if it's a good idea if you stick around. No offense, but this is sorta private.

(PETE hangs up and catches JEFF as he's about to leave.)

No, stay here, Jeff. Cathy's coming up, and I want to see how she explains this. I've had enough lies, and I want to set things straight.

I'm proud of you. You're really taking this well. I'm surprised at how strong you suddenly are.

So am I. . . but I think what you guys have been saying has finally set in. I realized that I'm not being true to myself around her. Bill, we've known each other for years, and I don't want to step on that. I still have to be fair though. . .

Actually, in your position, you have no reason left to be fair. . . what are you going to do?

Well, I do care for her, or at least the part of her I've seen until recently. It's only fair to give her one last chance.

Ahh, I think I see where this is going. . .

I called her up, told her I needed to talk, and that I was willing to be civil. I'm going to go to my room and wait, since she should be up any second. I want to see how she reacts when I ask her about this.

Damn, that's a change. . . I'm impressed. Good luck!

Thanks, when I call, come on over.

(PETE heads into his room. Lights come on, and stay on in Bill's room too.)

This is kinda cool.

My sentiments exactly. . .

I hope he has the strength to pull this off. It's devious, but I'm proud of him.

(CATHERINE comes into Pete's room from the left. She isn't crying anymore, but still seems rather distressed.)

What is it hon?

I heard a rumor about you from back in highschool, and I wanted to see if it's true. I trust you and all, but this one really got to me.

What did you hear? I tried to block out highschool, so I don't know what I can tell you.

Rumor is that until Mary crashed. . . while driving drunk. . . you were a party animal. I couldn't believe it, but I had to ask you, because it sounded kinda funny. Thought you'd get a kick out of it too.

Who told you that? They're obviously trying to make fun of me.

I thought you'd say that. The guy who told was some guy looking for Jimbo. He said he had proof and all. I really got a kick out of it, because it sounded so phony. And he was so sure it was you too.

Who was it? I haven't talked to anyone from highschool since my freshman year. What do they want with me?

Well, considering I found all this out by accident, probably nothing. I was hoping you'd tell the truth, but apparently that isn't your nature.

What are you talking about, you bastard?! First you bring me up here, claiming to be civil, and then you throw highschool at me and call me a liar. You don't care about me at all!

Hon, calm down, please. I kept trying to tell you that I do care, and for the parts of you that you've shown me, I do car. And I also told you that I can't leave my friends.

Look, I was worried about you. I don't want you becoming. . . like them.

Funny you should say that, considering your past. I kept saying you were ok, but they helped me realized that with you, I wasn't being completely myself. I kept denying it, but they gave me more proof. The whole thing confused me to no end, and then this guy came along. . .

What guy? Who is this guy and why has he suddenly caused you to not believe me? Is another one of your freakish Gothic friends?

My friends are far from being Gothic, seeing as how they are both rather happy, and well, nope, he's just a guy from Jimbo's frat. I'll call him over. .. Hey guys, come on in here!

(JEFF, walks in followed by BILL and AMBER)

Hey Cathy, what's up?

You believed this guy? How can you trust him?

He didn't, he waited until Jeff here got out his old yearbook. A picture's worth a thousand words. . .

Yeah, Pete's not one to make judgements when he doesn't have all the information. . .

I can't believe you would. . .

What, you can't believe he got out from under your thumb? You are surprised he realized he was being used?

Amber. . . let me. What can't you believe. I grew a backbone, weighed both sides and, then I still wasn't sure. The one thing I can't abide is a liar.

I hope you rot in hell! If you actually cared you wouldn't have done this to me!

Actually, if you'd came out and admitted you'd lied, and that the reason Mary's death bothered you so much is that you were drinking with her and let her drive, that would be different. I would have forgiven you and had no problem with it. If you'd paid attention, you'd realize I'm very open minded.

He's right. . . why do you think we stuck with him so much? If he weren't open minded, I couldn't stand to be around him.

Jeff, you bastard! I don't ever want to see you around here again. This is all your fault!

That's not what you said after that night where you and me and Mary all got really drunk and. . . , eh, I'm outta here. Hey man, if you see Jimbo anytime soon, send him down to my room.

Not a problem. . .

(JEFF walks past everyone and off to the left.)

You people make me sick! Pete, I hope you're happy with yourself. Looks like I'm losing another friend. . .

I never said I didn't want to talk to you again, just that the relationship isn't good. Don't pull that on me. I am perfectly willing to still be your friend, as long as you promise not to lie to me again.

I don't believe that friendship should be conditional. If you want to talk to me, I'll be in my room. But I'm not speaking to you again, unless you start it.

(CATHERINE walks off, giving an icy shoulder to everyone in the room.)

Are you gonna go down there?

No. . . it's tempting, but no. I might talk to her in a few days, when she's cooled down, but I learned my lesson.

I'm proud of you. How does it feel?

Well, it hurts, but I guess that'll pass. I do feel like something really heavy has been lifted off my chest.

You'll be fine. I went through alot more pain that that to get where I am today. But for now, I think we need to get out of the dorms for a while. It's kinda tense in here. . .

Works for me. . . any ideas?

Let's go to the Quick Stop and hang out. . .