I closed my eyes one day and started to play my violin in front of the people in the park. They heard and decided to stay to listen to the entire song. I was terrified; this was the first time I stepped on a stage and done anything. I wasn't expecting for anyone to stop and listen to me. It was the first time I felt like I belonged in any place since coming to America. It was the first time someone ever believed in me. -Sophie "수진" Lee.
Sophie is running towards an area in the park; the flock of birds fly away into the brisk, winter air. The air causes Sophie’s long black hair. Milo follows her; his hands are in his pockets and his shoulders are shrugged around his neck.
Milo: What even is this park?
Sophie: Is Riverson’s Park! Have you’ve never been here?
Milo: Scout, I’m in your neighborhood.
Sophie: Haven’t you live in Brooklyn your entire life?
Milo: Yeah… in my neighborhood.
Sophie shoves Milo playfully and Milo laughs.
Sophie: I discovered this place when I first came to America.
Sophie sat down on the edge of the stage. Milo joins her.
Milo: How’d you find it?
Sophie suddenly bites her lip nervously.
Sophie: When I used to hang out with Simon, we used to come and meet here.
Milo looks down at his fingers, then looks back up at Sophie.
Sophie: I’ve always been afraid of being in front of people. I was walking home from practice one day and Simon and I went to hang out inn the park. We got on the stage and he pretty much told me that no matter what, someone will notice you. So I played my violin and there were actually people coming out and sitting on the benches.
Sophie points at the various benches in front of them. She puts her hand down and suddenly looks sad.
Sophie: It’s been my favorite place since then just to practice.
Milo: Why are you sad? Isn’t this supposed to be a good place for you?
Sophie turns her head and faces Milo.
Sophie: Because Simon gave me the courage to not be afraid to play in public, and now he’s not even the friend I once knew. How would you feel if your best friend just changed out of nowhere and they are just not the friend you grown to love?
Milo sits in thought. He thinks of Mollie and their falling out a couple of weeks ago. Things have been awkward and weird for them both and neither spoke about what happened that night in Mollie’s house. He feels like his best friend isn’t the same person anymore either.
Milo: I get it. I understand. But friends come and go, and you meet some really awesome new ones that wouldn’t change on you.
Sophie smiles.
Sophie: That’s sweet of you to say, Milo.
Milo: I mean what I say, Scout.
Nothing is said between them for a moment until Milo speaks up.
Milo: You know you can still audition for Waverly, right? Application season ends in a week.
Sophie: *nervous* Oh no, I shouldn’t, I’m not even ready–
Milo: Scout.
Sophie looks up at Milo, who is now standing on the stage.
Milo: Look at where you are! You’re on a stage! You’ve been on this stage for a year now! All you have to do is pretend that you’re on this stage and play!
Milo grabs Sophie by her hands and lifts her up on her feet.
Milo: Stand tall! Look out towards the audience! You’re super talented and smart and more qualified for Waverly than anyone else I know that’s auditioning! You got this, Scout. I believe in you.
Milo jumps off the edge of the stage with a book bag. He runs up the aisles of the benches and stands at the furthest spot. He takes a camera out of the bag and holds it up to his face.
Milo: *shouting* Show me that you’re baddest violin player in Brooklyn, Scout!
Sophie laughs and puts her arms on her hips and stands in a superhero pose. Milo lifts up the camera and takes the picture. Sophie shyly laughs as Milo runs back towards the stage.
Sophie: Thank you, Milo. You always know how to make me feel better.
They look at each other longer than they intended. Milo lowers his head to Sophie’s height and gently kisses her on the lips. They both step away from each other in shock.
Milo: I, uhm; Scout–
Sophie: I… have to go home.
Sophie walks to where her book bag is and picks it up.
Milo: Scout, I’m sorry–
Sophie: I’ll see you in school.
Sophie walks off the side of the stage and exits the area. Milo stands on the stage regretting what he did.
Letters From Liz. 