A walk off the planet
Two boys discuss a 7th grade school activity. One
opens about a girl he’s been wanting to meet an talk with. Her name is Sharon.
Jim another 7th grader involved in as many sports activities as possible which
Now includes a great recent track& field event, listens becoming interested- ah--I
know who --You mean--- that Mills chick? That funny talking
girl-- I just sat at her table during - the second lunch break on--Monday. Greg
Willows a shy student having recently move here from a mid- western
Community Resides just a few houses up from him in Coatesville. He holds
spellbound and quiet as they make on foot rushing to beat a traffic
light.
They go home on foot living only a few streets up from school.
Greg coughs returning to his thoughts, Ah- yeah about-- Sharon. Jim
Ignores screaming for the attention of an -Ice cream truck. They
Charge after it wanting to be first in line. Greg watches his him take
Grab an ice cream cone.-- Yeah- She’s a pretty
smart. He watches his romantically lost friend place his
order. He rethinks about the table in the cafeteria.
Greg walks back holding a root beer-
Jim returns-- Yeah--she’s was mentioning about out
West -on some farm- somewhere.
They start up the street. He nods at an older
lady he recognizes.
Hey-- your with us now, lighten up on that shirt buttoned -around your
collar- thing.
We don’t do that-- top button.
He waves at a group of students on the other side of the street that cheer at
him--I knew something was different about her. she talks sort of funny. That
friend of her’s--Joan? They were at some Horse jumping event? . Greg chokes on
his straw --yeah--
Her entry name is--Sugar tart.
Jim opens the gate to his residence.
Look-- one thing you got to learn about eastern type chicks --especially in town.
They’re not anything like out from where your from- they’re more activity
oriented and way more Social. Greg walks past thinking to himself but stops
turning around fast his friend make property to a side door. Ah-- Jim? She’s
from out my way!
Will you? Try and say something for me?-- , I just want
to have a lunch or something. Jim throws his gym bag down shaking his head.
He walks back out to the gate as Greg walks back- Wait!--- I might not see her
for another three weeks --Look --this isn’t
Kindergarten, She’ll think, I’m using you as a decoy- thing. She’ll think I want a
date!- Come- On--You can muster the courage-- Go head and ask her. She’s
right across the hall from that one class your in.
I saw her a few times, not that many days ago. He turns walking for the house.
The hallway shuffle
Greg rushes after lunch to his first class after lunch and what seemed a
boring recess. He bumps around entering his class. A black student introduces
herself- Hi- your the new guy? He smiles
moving to sit down. Yep-. She extends her hand across the
seating- Margie Bright. He looks with a grin- Willows- Greg Willows. The
Teacher enters slowly holding the door.
After some time, the buzzer announces the change of studies. The teacher
walks back after a long oratory about--Geography. well- boys& girls--Your Saved
This time by the bell- I had a cool-- pop quiz- It would of been fun!
The students moan, knowing --Geography is seldom anything like that. The
Class clusters for the door.
A strong student named Kirk pushes him against the lockers- You like that western Chick-- Sharon?
He gets off the floor seeing stars as a big husky brut holds his
arm. The brute looks at him stern . Jim rushes up pushing him across the
hall- Yo Kirk--Leave
this kid alone!-
He’s ok-- he’s like two doors down from where, I live ----One of the --good guys.
The hallway of students begin to laugh.
Greg shakes his head not getting the drift of the conversation. The bully yells
Back-- I’ll make that decision! He throws him against the locker--Anyway---Why
doesn’t he play sports or something? A Science teacher rushes the congestion--
No! I will! Get pushes bigger kids shoulder-- move it -now! Jim apologizes
walking past Greg--
It’s really my fault - I’m sorry.
Greg gathers his thoughts seeing Sharon at the next group of lockers.
His face turns red.
Two classes later approaching dismissal. Jim catches glimpse of Greg at a
water fountain. He runs up-- Hey dude-- I broke the ice. She’ll see you out
front. You can talk on the loading ramp. Greg lifts up from the fountain- Wow-
Really? He bumps his shoulder- Hey- See you --on the trails. ( Meaning
the walk home).
Greg & Sharon
Sharon watches as Greg starts away after asking her for a lunch date.
They plan a picnic lunch Saturday at a Park. Greg rushes back through
The school out the back and rushes looking for Jim. He sees him by a cluster
Of students. He charges up hoping for a chance to speak.- Hey-- It worked-
Saturday. Jim shrugs continuing on about a Decathlon event. Greg still seeing
His girl friend in his minds eye, starts for his journey home. He
Crosses the first intersection then spots a group of athletes waiting for a
Sporting activity. Kirk yells- Yo you-- - Come here! The students listen
As Jim walks for the bleachers. You almost got me a week’s detention!. Greg
Holds quiet seeing his large assembly of students he’s unfortunately not familiar
with. Kirk holds out his hand-- I apologize, I had no business being so rough!
Greg looks about momentarily then spits his hand. He starts walking off.
Suddenly Kirk charges After him tackling him to the gravel. The coach looks up
running across from the next group of bleachers. He starts pulling on Kirk‘s
shoulders-- Come- on! He keeps trying to --no avail.
Greg kicks and squirms pushing his hands into the bullies face. He feels
His ears begin to ring as Kirk makes contact with each consecutive slug.
A bus rushes across helping the coach take hold of Kirk. Both struggle
Seemingly unsuccessful. A security van parks with help rushing the scene.
The Principals office
Mr. Grates looks across at the two boys. He walks over looking for a
Moment out the window then walks back sitting in a chair. You guys are sick!
Both of you-- Kirk-- You’re a fair student- Your grades are good, You play
Rugby well-- what the heck’s gotten into you. He looks at Greg Willows.
Is beating up this newcomer that important? Worth throwing a season away?
He tries to make a comment. Tom Grates turns- NO! You don’t listen when told
To stop fighting. In fact, half our people couldn’t get you off this school mate.
He slams his desk drawer shut. Tell ya what-- Your both are now suspended
indefinate. He opens his office wanting them to leave. A security team
Escorts the two for their belongings and off the premises taking them home.
Greg remembers his date tomorrow at the park. His mind wonders if she’ll show
Now that he’s suspended. Kirk watches as students form up practicing for a
Home game. The van driver looks back then shakes his head. You know what’s
Funny? They look at him listening. The driver turns on Lincoln highway- I got
Kicked out of school. Hopefully in a few weeks, your lives will be back to normal.
Ash Park
Greg waits as Noon time approaches. He’s suppose to meet her shortly
after twelve. Sharon goes to the store with her grand mother on Saturdays.
Suddenly a girl scream running up the pavement with a picnic basket. She makes
For a picnic table. Well hello buster-- Heard the news- Great! I wasn’t coming but
Thought, I’d keep my promise. Greg looks across lowering a pair of overgrown
Sun glasses. His left jaw swallon a black eye. She screams- Wow-- He really lit into you! What happened? Greg shakes his head welling up- I had no business
Being so smart. I refused his apology. She hands him a sandwich, My mom
Made Lebanon bologne. Hope you like it. He smiles, What is it? She giggles- Its
Meat. He grabs at a cup of ice tea. Sorry, I didn’t bring anything. She takes a
Seat. So now what? He looks shrugging. My mom’s furious--Greg takes his next
Bite. Dad’s contacted a lawyer. My school studies are being sent to me.
Sharon looks out as a tall figure approaches. She watches him sit down. Are
my welcome? Greg smiles- Sure Jim! -- He begins to smile- I Heard the news.
She points to the thermos- you thirsty? He shakes his head, Na you two have
Your lunch. I just stopped to say- I’m sorry it all happened, I was over your
house. Your mom-- He now sees his face. He looks about then stares back over
at him. Greg interrupts looking at Sharon- Thanks so very much for coming- I
wanted to talk about back home a not getting beat up and kicked
out of school.
Two weeks later
Greg back in school after an extensive week of talks between school
Authorities and parents makes to his afternoon noon Geography class.
He nods seeing Margie across in the next row. The class begins. A student
Behind him bumps his shoulder. He turns as Margie makes a comment with
Her lips-- Welcome back! He thanks her turning around. In the hallway Jim
See’s Greg make the door. The hallway clusters. So- your back? He beams
Wtih delight. Yes- It took an act of congress but yes- Thank goodness. Jim
Looks over catching glimpse of Sharon. Ah-- So’s Kirk but he’s off the team.
Greg disappoints shaking his head. Ah- them kind do ok. Jim holds curious-
Hegh? Greg continues- The tough guys. They get themselves back up.
Sharon makes over extended her hand- I’ll call tonight. She see’s Jim
Looking at her girl friend--Joan-- Sometime after 7:00. I got piano. He
Nods- Wow- Your in that? She smiles, going on three years. He hears the
Warning buzzer- ok-- I got to go- see ya.
On the Trails
Jim walks home his usual time talking to Greg. He crosses behind the
School just as the traffic light changes. He turns, You see hide or hair of him
Since any of this happened? He shrugs. I feel bad, Not everything in life goes
Like its suppose to. Suddenly an interuption. Kirk crosses stepping out in front of
Them. Well-- well - well maybe not so well. He clobbers Greg knocking him to
The pavement. Jim grabs him swirling about for the sidewalk. Greg gets up
Yelling at the top of his lungs. Come-on-- You busted me up really good the first
Bout- Kirk kicks Jim off jumping back on his feet- He starts once again at him.
Greg blocks a swing then ducks the next, He supports himself against an big
Tree swinging with his left through Kirk’s advance. He makes contact. Kirk startles as Greg land pounding the next swing at his nose. He starts to
Retreat. Greg charges full blast at him pushing him into a parked street car then
Lands a series of jabs his face in succession. Jim rushes up attempting to
breaking up the fight. Come-On! You’re both --need to stop this. He gets in
between. Kirk holds out of breath. A women makes out in her front lawn- Boys!
Come-on! Shame on you! Jim brushes himself off running back for his gym bag.
Greg looks feeling a sharp pain in his face. He feels a tooth loose. Jim rushes
back-- Come- on! Were better than any of this- We are! Apologize right now!
Kirk looks about as other students rush from all directions. A crowd forms up
Fast. He thinks holding out his hand in forgiveness. Greg shakes it.
Inside the Kitchen
Greg waves walking as Kirk passes along with a group of students. He
Starts in the screen as his mother waits at the sink. Well how’d she stops taking
A quick look- Greg! She rushes to his aid. What happened? He shrugs. We had
Another bout. She turns at her husband enters the kitchen. His dad thows his
Newspaper down. Greg-- What the heck now? He watches his mom examine
His face- We had another fight but made peace. His dad screams-- You did that
In order to get back in school! Greg’s mom looks back- He needs his face looked
At--let me go get ready- We’ll run him over the hospital. Greg frowns, I’m not
Hurt that bad! She looks- Oh yes you are- Your face is fractured. He feels the
Numb feeling return.
Jim knocks at the door- You ok? He looks out- they’re taking me to the
Hospital. He studies the swollen face. Gosh you are hurt. The father makes
The screen. Hello- Yes- Jim he’s beat up pretty good. Were you there? He
Watches them make the driveway, I tried to help. They finally shook hands.
The mom screams getting in the car-- Not soon enough!
The fresh begining
In school the following day with a bandage over his jaw. Greg
See’s his girlfriend after Geography class. She walks over- Wow again? He
Looks at her feeling ashamed- yes We finally made peace. Everything’s back to
Normal. She walks up kissing his cheek. Her girl friend Joan summers walks up.
She laughs shaking her head- Sharon’s got some good news to tell you. He looks
At her in anticipation. The warning alarm sounds. Joan looks at Sharon seeking
Permission to share the news. She turns regripping her books-- Sharon’s moving
Back home next week. His face drops disappointed. The End
