Zack and Cody -- Act 2 Scene 7

ACT TWO

SCENE SEVEN

INT. CLASSROOM WITH A BOOK CLUB BANNER – LATER (DAY 4)
(CODY, BARBARA, BOB, REPORTER BOY)

CODY IS SITTING ON HIS CHAIR, LOOKING ANXIOUS. HIS FOOT IS TAPPING AND HE IS WIPING THE SWEAT OFF HIS BROW. BARBARA ENTERS AND SITS IN THE OPPOSITE CHAIR.

CODY

You came!

BARBARA

Don’t flatter yourself. I’m only here because I know how good academic extracurriculars will look on my college application. Let’s get on with it. What book are we discussing?

CODY

"The Scarlet Letter." If you don’t mind, I’d like to start.

BARBARA

Fine.

CODY

"The Scarlet Letter" is about a woman named Hester Prynne who is forced to wear her shame on the front of her clothes.

BARBARA

I know what it’s about, Cody. I read it in second grade.

CODY

As book club president, I picked this book to discuss because I have something in common with Hester.

CODY STANDS UP AND STARTS TO UNBUTTON HIS SHIRT.

BARBARA

Cody, what are you doing?

CODY

My name is Cody Martin, and my scarlet letter…

CODY UNBUTTONS THE LAST OF HIS SHIRT AND DRAMATICALLY REVEALS THE SHIRT UNDERNEATH. IT HAS THE LETTER "I" PAINTED IN RED ON IT.

CODY (CONT’D)

…is "I" for "Idiot."

BARBARA

I hope that marker ink is washable.

CODY

Barbara, I am so sorry for the way I acted this week. I should have known better than to not trust you. It’s just that when I saw you with Devin, I felt threatened.

BARBARA

But I told you he was just my friend.

CODY

I know, and I should have listened. But I was too caught up in trying to win you back that I didn’t even listen to you. I’m sorry. I’m an idiot.

CODY GESTURES TO HIS "I."

BARBARA

You’re not an idiot, Cody, and you never had to win me back. I was already yours to begin with.

CODY

Really?

BARBARA

Well, not technically. I’m not your property or anything. I’m a feminist.

CODY

And I respect that.

BARBARA

That’s why we get along so well. You’re not like other guys.

CODY

I’m not, am I?

BARBARA

What other guy would cry during a movie about cartoon penguins with me?

CODY

They mate for life. It’s so touching. You haven’t told anyone about that, right?

BARBARA

Uh….

CODY

You know what? It’s fine. I’m comfortable with it. Just…try not to tell anyone else.

BARBARA

Your secret’s safe with me.

BARBARA STANDS UP AND KISSES CODY. SUDDENLY, A BOOK SHELF FALLS DOWN TO REVEAL BOB. HE IS HOLDING A STETHASCOPE UP IN THE AIR AS IF HE WAS LISTENING INTO THE CONVERSATION THROUGH THE SHELF WHEN IT FELL. THE REPORTER BOY IS WITH HIM, ARMED WITH A CAMERA.

BOB

You know what? I’ll just go. I’ll just leave.

BOB AND THE REPORTER START TO EXIT.

BOB (CONT’D)

As you were. (TO REPORTER) Did you get all that? Penguins.

THE REPORTER SNAPS A QUICK PICTURE AND THE TWO RUN TO THE EXIT.

CODY

Why don’t we skip out on the rest of book club and go see the rest of that foreign film? Don’t worry; Zack won’t be there this time.

BARBARA

Oh, I would, but Devin and I already have plans. (OFF CODY’S LOOK) Just kidding!

CODY AND BARBARA EXIT HOLDING HANDS.