Mr. Armstrong is towering above me…
He turns his angry gaze to the crowd surrounding me.
Mr. Armstrong
I’ll deal with the rest of you later.
Mr. Armstrong
Get to class.
Mr. Armstrong
You’re all truant!
Then one by one, they slink away.
Glaring at me as they leave.
The principal’s jaw is tense, and his left eye twitches.
Raina
How much did you hear?
Mr. Armstrong
Every word.
My stomach sinks like a stone.
I follow Mr. Armstrong into his office…
Shut the door behind me, and sit down.
He doesn’t say anything at first.
I start to open my mouth…
Unsure of what will come out.
Mr. Armstrong
I remember Eleanor.
Shocked by this revelation.
Mr. Armstrong
I was a teacher back then.
Mr. Armstrong
Fresh out of grad school.
Mr. Armstrong
She was a star student in my class…
Mr. Armstrong
And her death hit me hard.
Mr. Armstrong
I remember the girls’ confessions, too.
Mr. Armstrong
It was very strange.
Mr. Armstrong
The way they all spontaneously confessed.
He finally looks up at me.
Mr. Armstrong
Now I understand why.
Mr. Armstrong
Although, I have to admit…
Mr. Armstrong
A glowing locker, a secret pen…
Mr. Armstrong
It’s all very hard for me to believe.
He blows out a shocked breath, shaking his head.
Mr. Armstrong
If it didn’t happen to me…
Mr. Armstrong
I might not have believed it.
Mr. Armstrong
What you did was wrong.
Mr. Armstrong
Very wrong.
Mr. Armstrong
You’ve hurt a lot of people.
Why isn’t Mr. Armstrong yelling at me?
Why isn’t he expelling me?
Maybe there’s a chance he’ll let me go…
But then my eyes land on a picture of him and Jay with his mom…
And all my anger returns.
Raina
I didn’t do anything wrong!
Raina
You all deserved it!
Raina
All the secrets I revealed should never have been hidden!
Raina
You shouldn’t have kept that secret from Jay all these years!
Raina
If you had just told him the truth, maybe you would still have a son!
Mr. Armstrong slams his fist on his desk.
And I think he’s going to kick me out of school right then and there…
Puts his head in his hands…
And that’s when I feel it for the first time since all this began…
As I watch the father of the man I love breaking down in front of my eyes…
We just sit there like that for I don’t know how long.
Me staring at Mr. Armstrong…
As he weeps into his hands.
Finally, he stops crying and looks up at me.
He pulls a slip of paper out of his desk…
Mr. Armstrong
You’re expelled.
The bell rings just as I leave his office.
Students start filing out of class.
And judging by the looks they throw me…
I can tell the news has already spread.
A cold wind chills my bones…
As I trudge slowly down the hallway.
Heavy under the weight of all their stares.
Kids I’ve never even met before glare at me…
Whisper and jeer as I walk by.
Some even yell out insults.
I’m not invisible anymore.
The most hated girl in school.
Ms. Akins is standing by her classroom door, glaring.
My whole body shakes uncontrollably.
I walk by the cool kids’ lockers…
Peter, Shelly, and Quinn.
They just watch as I walk past their lockers.
I can’t even bear to look at them.
I shiver and shake as I walk back to my old locker to pick up my stuff.
It’s scattered all over the floor.
Without thinking, I open my locker door…
I hear the bell ring, and the hallways clear out.
I bury my head in my hands.
A warm glow lights my face.
And in their place, are just the words:
“To Thine Own Self Be True.”
It’s a message from Eleanor.
And it’s something my mother tried to tell me, too.
I know then what I have to do.
I wipe my eyes and step out of my locker.
I walk up to the wall near the doorway…
I stand in the center of the courtyard as the entire school files outside.
I wave my hands and yell to get everyone’s attention.
Everyone gathers around me, confused.
Raina
Everyone, listen up!
Raina
I know you’ve all probably heard a strange rumor by now…
Raina
And I’m here to tell you…
Raina
I’m the one behind all the secrets…
Raina
It’s not a truth serum.
Raina
It’s a magic locker…
Raina
Haunted by Eleanor Buckley’s ghost.
Raina
All the people who revealed their secrets…
Raina
Were under the spell of Eleanor’s magic locker.
I find the faces of all my victims in the crowd…
And look them in the eyes, one by one.
Raina
I wrote each of your names in Eleanor’s locker…
Raina
Because you had all humiliated me.
Raina
What I did was wrong.
Raina
But through all of this, I’ve learned something.
Raina
If we all had the courage to be ourselves—
Raina
To be TRUE to ourselves…
Raina
To be honest with one another about who we really are…
Raina
None of this would have happened.
Raina
I wish I had that courage before.
Raina
I’m going to be true to myself.
I scan the crowd and find Jay.
I look him right in the eyes.
A cold wind sweeps by me.
Raina
I’ve been madly, hopelessly in love with you since we slept together three years ago.
Raina
That I have notebooks filled with drawings of you.
All the cold leaves my body.
Raina
Summer Hart, you were my best friend.
Raina
And when you left me for Jay…
Raina
That really sucked.
Raina
And while I hated you for how you treated me…
Raina
A part of me always missed you.
Summer stares at me…blank-faced.
I let her know my feelings are genuine…
Raina
Shelly, you’re an amazing person.
Raina
You were nice to me when no one else was.
Raina
But in the spirit of being honest…
Raina
— I know you’re all earthy and stuff — but you need to take a shower, girl!
Raina
Please don’t take that in the wrong way.
Raina
You’re a wonderful person…
Raina
And I wish I were as confident as you.
Raina
Briar, for years you bullied me…
Raina
But then, you became my friend.
Raina
I know it was probably just to hurt Summer…
Raina
But I just want to say…there’s a really good side to you, too.
Raina
You should be that person.
Raina
Because that girl is beautiful…and sweet.
Raina
Quinn, you’re an incredible writer.
Raina
And I know one day you’re going to be famous.
Raina
And…I’m just sorry I lied to you.
I go through all the people I hurt, and I bare my soul to each and every one of them.
Once I’m done, there’s pin-drop silence.
I look out in the crowd, expectantly.
And bare their soul, too.
Everyone just stares at me.
They start to chatter among themselves.
And then they turn away from me.
Just then, Mr. Armstrong walks up.
He doesn’t even look my way.
Mr. Armstrong
False alarm.
Mr. Armstrong
Everybody back to class.
Mr. Armstrong
Raina, go home.
And I’m left standing there…
My mom is waiting at the door when I get home.
Mom
Raina, I spoke with Mr. Armstrong.
Mom
He’s told me everything.
She must be so disappointed in me.
I would be if I were her.
I go to speak, but she cuts me off.
I follow, knowing I need to face the music.
We sit next to each other on the couch…
And I think she’s going to start yelling at me…
But to my surprise, she puts a gentle hand on my knee.
Mom
What happened, Raina?
Willing myself not to burst into tears.
Raina
Well, a couple weeks ago I got trapped inside my locker and—
Mom
I don’t care about that stupid locker.
Mom
I want to know what happened to *you.*
Mom
Why did you behave like this?
Her words cause the dam to break…
And I end up wailing in her arms.
The whole sad story comes out.
About how lonely I’ve been the past few years.
About how much I wanted revenge.
And now, after what I did, I’ve lost him.
Raina
You were right, Mom.
Raina
I should have been true to myself.
Raina
The girl I’ve been the past two weeks…
Raina
That’s not who I am.
Raina
I don’t know who I am anymore.
My mom rubs soothing circles on my back.
Mom
You’re my smart girl, Raina.
Mom
You’ve made a terrible mistake, yes…
Mom
But you learned your lesson, no?
I don’t deserve her love and understanding…
But it’s exactly what I need in this moment.
Raina
I didn’t mean to hurt everyone so badly.
Mom
You just learn from this mistake.
Mom
And then move forward.
Raina
How can I move forward from this?
Raina
I’m expelled and everyone hates me.
My mom reaches behind her and pulls out a couple of brochures.
I look down at the front cover…
Mom
First you must get G.E.D, of course.
Mom
But then, after that…
Mom
I did some researching.
Mom
And these are the best art schools in the U.S.
Raina
I can’t believe this…
Raina
You and Dad would actually let me go to art school?
My parents always expected me to get into an Ivy League college…
So this is definitely a shock.
Mom
If you’re going to be true to yourself…
Mom
Then I have to let you.
I squeeze her tight against me…
Finally seeing a small light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
I lean back against the pool house couch…
Staring down at my latest drawing.
I don’t want to brag but…
I’m pretty sure it’s my best one yet.
Not that the person it’s for will ever see it.
Ugh. Sadness threatens to engulf me…
So I force my mind onto happier things…
Putting the drawing aside…
I pick up one of the brochures scattered around me.
I still haven’t decided where I want to go…
So I’ve applied to all of them.
A knock on the door has me looking up.
The last person I ever expected to see is standing in the doorway.
Raina
What are you doing here?
She gives me a half smile.
She steps inside, then takes her time looking around.
Summer
Wow, this place hasn’t changed.
She taps her foot on the ground.
Summer
Still hiding candy in the floorboards?
I don’t respond to her question…
Why would she be talking to me?
Did she visit Jay then just decide to drop by on a whim?
That thought makes my stomach hurt.
Raina
Look, I don’t know what you’re doing here.
Raina
But you should just go back to Jay’s—
Summer
I haven’t talked to Jay in weeks.
Summer
And I’m here because I want to talk to you.
There’s so much ugliness between us…
That I don’t think anything good would come of it.
But when I look closely at her face…
I see a glimpse of the old Summer.
The Summer who used to be my friend.
She sits down with a heavy sigh.
Summer
Well, I thought I’d take this secret to my grave.
Summer
But with recent events and all…
Summer
I figured I should come clean.
Summer
“Be true to myself” and all that.
Raina
What are you talking about?
Then turns to meet my eyes.
Two words I’ve waited years for.
They hit me like a ton of bricks…
Summer
I’m sorry for how I treated you these past few years.
Summer
For going out of my way to be mean to you.
Summer
I got caught up in being popular…
Summer
And I lost myself somewhere along the way.
But it doesn’t erase years of bullying and torment.
I should tell her that but…
Raina
The whole locker thing…it got out of control.
Raina
I was blinded by rage.
Raina
I’ve been so…angry at you, Summer.
Her eyes fill with tears.
Summer
Which brings me to why I’m here, Raina…
Summer
Most of all, I’m sorry about Jay.
My own filling with tears, too.
Summer
I need to tell you something.
Then blows out a big breath.
Summer
Raina…we were best friends.
Summer
We did everything together.
Summer
Told each other everything.
Summer
But back then…I wanted more.
Summer
I was in love with you, Raina.
Summer
And I was jealous of Jay.
Summer
So I told him those lies to keep you guys apart…
Summer
But then one thing led to another with him…
Summer
And the lie got so big.
Summer
I admit, I liked being Jay Armstrong’s girlfriend.
Summer
But it wasn’t Jay I wanted.
My hand comes up to cover my mouth.
Legit bowled over with shock.
Summer
I was figuring it out back then.
Summer
I know now that I’m bi.
I’m suddenly filled with anger.
Raina
Why didn’t you just tell me the truth?!
Raina
This whole thing could have been avoided!
Summer
**** I’m scared telling you now.
Summer
But you deserve to know.
I stand up and pace to the door.
Raina
Wait, are you still…in love with me?
A wide smile comes over her face.
Summer
He and I…we’re together now.
I have no idea what to say.
She stands up and comes to stand in front of me.
Summer
We can move forward from this.
Summer
We have a **** past…
Summer
So what do you say? Friends?
Because I’m being true to myself…
And I don’t want to lie anymore.
Raina
I want that more than anything.
We move at the same time…
And suddenly, Summer Hart and I are hugging.
A weight I didn’t even know was there lifts off my shoulders.
Raina
But what about the rest of your group?
Summer
They’ll get over it.
Summer
Because in the end…
Summer
We all think the magic locker is pretty cool!
And spend another hour talking.
Her eyes land on the drawing I was working on.
Raina
I’ll probably just throw it away.
She nods and walks to the door.
But then she turns back, a knowing smile on her face.
Summer
You should give it to him.
And then she leaves, without waiting for my response.
When Mr. Armstrong opens the door…
He’s dressed head to toe in drag.
For a moment, I’m startled…
At least something good came of this whole debacle.
Mr. Armstrong
This is a…surprise.
Raina
I…came to apologize.
He watches me, still and silent.
He’ll probably kick me out.
It’s nothing less than I deserve.
But then, he smooths a hand down his dress and smiles.
Mr. Armstrong
Apology accepted.
Since I’m on such a roll…
Mr. Armstrong
I’m sorry, he’s not.
Mr. Armstrong
He’s out with friends.
It was a stupid idea anyway…
To try and give Jay this drawing.
After everything I’ve done…
He probably never wants to see me again.
I force a smile and start backing away.
Raina
Oh okay, well…thanks anyway.
I’m about to turn and go…
But his next words stop me short.
Mr. Armstrong
I’m the one who should be thanking you.
My eyebrows fly up my forehead.
Mr. Armstrong
Because you saved my relationship with my son.
Mr. Armstrong
Thanks to the magic locker…
Mr. Armstrong
I can walk around the house like this.
Mr. Armstrong
Be true to myself.
He’s head to toe in silk and satin.
He swirls his dress when he sees me admiring him.
Mr. Armstrong
I met Mrs. Armstrong at a drag club years ago.
Mr. Armstrong
After she died, it was the only place I could find solace.
Mr. Armstrong
It was the music and the freedom of self-expression…
Mr. Armstrong
I was able to let go…
Mr. Armstrong
And still have a part of Diane with me.
Mr. Armstrong
She and I always kept that part of our lives a secret.
Mr. Armstrong
I wanted Jay to see me as a model father…
Mr. Armstrong
Or, what I thought was one.
Mr. Armstrong
I’ve learned a lot since then.
Raina
You’re a great father just the way you are.
Raina
I know Jay is really proud of you.
Mr. Armstrong
Want me to tell him you came by?
Raina
Uh no, that’s okay.
Raina
I’ll catch up with him later.
He nods, and then we say our goodbyes.
I’ll probably never see Jay again.
I’ll be off to L.A. soon and—
A newspaper on the stoop suddenly catches my eye.
But I had no idea it was already out.
On the front page of a national newspaper.
It’s a tell-all about the magic locker and the glowing pen.
She details everything that happened at our school…
And the story has spread like wildfire.
Most people don’t believe it.
They say it’s trash news.
Still, it’s being talked about all over the country.
Theories and opinions have been running wild.
I never want to see that locker again.
Shelly and her family kept the pen as an heirloom…
And I’m glad it will be kept safe.
Who use it for the wrong reasons.
Just then, a cold wind blows across my face.
I close my eyes, and send a silent apology to Eleanor.
Jay
What are you doing here?
I spin around, just in time to see Jay walking up the driveway.
My heart soars with a heady mix of joy and pain at seeing him again.
He stops when he’s a few feet away.
Raina
Your dad told me you were out.
His arms tense by his side.
I have no idea what he’s thinking.
A genuine smile crosses my face.
Raina
So you’ve been writing again?
He probably just wants me to leave.
I spare him the trouble of telling me to get my *** off his property.
Raina
Cool. Well uh anyway, I’ll just—
I hide it behind my back…
Suddenly shy about giving it to him.
Jay
I see the pool house light on late a lot.
He’s been looking over at my pool house?
Did he think about stopping by?
Raina
I’ve been studying too.
I suddenly want to share my good news.
He and I had such big plans…
Raina
And then…I’m going to L.A.
A beat passes, and his expression transforms.
Jay
That’s amazing, Raina.
Jay
It’s what you always wanted.
I want to say that HE is what I always wanted…
There’s a wall between us.
And I don’t think it’s one that could ever come down.
Raina
I’m looking forward to it.
Raina
Getting out of here…
Jay
I’m looking forward to that, too.
I tilt my head, my lips curling into a smile.
He runs his hands through his hair…
And gives me a lopsided smile.
Jay
Yeah…I’m going to college in L.A.
Jay
To study creative writing.
Jay
Maybe I’ll see you there?
Trying to hide the outrageous smile on my face.
This is better than nothing.
He probably doesn’t mean anything by it…
But it gives me a small kernel of hope.
Before I can think better of it…
I take the piece of paper from behind my back…
And give him the drawing.
It’s a picture of his dad — dressed in drag — hugging Jay.
Many things unsaid between us.
And this is how our story will end.
Because after what I did…
I release the last of my expectations…
I turn and force myself to hold back tears.
Is as true to myself as I can be.
But things don’t always work out as planned.
The girl doesn’t get the guy in the end.
I focus on the pool house…
Forcing myself not to look back.
Eager for anything he has to say.
He releases a breath, then shrugs.
As if he is letting go of everything.
Jay
That I’ve always loved you, too.
He takes a step toward me.
My stomach flips up and over.
Unable to believe what he’s saying.
And runs a knuckle down my cheek.
Jay
Honestly, it’s always been you.
Jay
I want you to know that.
We stare into each other’s eyes…
The chemistry that’s there…
That’s always been there…
And as if he can’t hold back any longer:
Jay
If I’m being true to myself…
Jay
Then I need to tell you that I want to kiss you.
I nod breathlessly, and seconds later…
He crashes his lips to mine.
Overwhelmed by the enormity of what I’m feeling.
He pulls back for just a second…
Resting his forehead against mine.
