The scene begins with the new kid in the elementary school Boshra, from Sudan and Tyler, the resident friendly kid meeting each other for the first time in the hall. They become instant friends as Tyler finds Boshra interesting because she’s not like everyone else. He brings her to the front of the class by their world map so she can tell everyone about Africa. And so it began, two fast friends that went strong for many years until priorities separated them but an article in the school newsletter brings them back together but not as the friends they once were. Tyler is reporting on Boshra’s community service project that aims to assist Sudanese people instead of the local community. Boshra is hurt that after all these years Tyler would even allow this article to be approved. He tries to get her to see his side, it’s his job, administrators had his hands tied, he didn’t have a choice. She doesn’t buy it but, in an effort, to make everything right Tyler makes a deal with her, he will report whatever she wants, whatever she wants. Fast forward years later their paths cross once again. Tyler seeking out Boshra, he’s made another mistake but this time he stood on pride and she begins to see a gleam of the Tyler she knew, standing in the hallway of their elementary school as the new kid and Tyler thinking “How cool, you’re from Africa.” The end starts the next chapter that feels like it is leading them back to the love they had so long ago. A reminder that righting wrongs has no expiration date, just be open to the apology, the restart and the deal. *One actor needs to be Sudanese or from another African country.
Deal Among Strangers or Friends
(Scene opens with BOSHRA, an adorable six-year-old Sudanese girl stands in a corner of the elementary school hall. She looks a little nervous as to what is about to happen next but she plays with the barrettes in her hair and spins in her pretty dress. On the other side of the hall is TYLER, also six-year-old but White. He looks at her but she doesn’t see him, then she catches him looking at her. He waves. She sticks her tongue out, then laughs and waves back. Tyler laughs and he enters the room, she reluctantly enters behind him.)
Tyler: Are you in the right class? You weren’t here yesterday.
Boshra: (looks up at the board, reading) Miss Bell, first grade, room 110, yes, I should be here.
Tyler: Oh, okay cool. (beat) Well, I was here yesterday so I can show you stuff if you want.
Boshra: Okay.
Tyler: You sure?
Boshra: Yes.
Tyler: Okay.
Boshra: Okay.
Tyler: (points) This is where you hang your coat. There is a hook for each of us.
Boshra: Just anywhere?
Tyler: Yep.
Boshra: Okay. (she does)
Tyler: No, you did it wrong.
Boshra: Wrong?
Tyler: (he takes over) The big hook is for your coat-
Boshra: I know-
Tyler: - but see the little hook-
Boshra: Is for my backpack. (Tyler is floored, she’s right)
Tyler: If you knew, why didn’t you hang it up?
Boshra: (beat, she’s nervous and he see it. He puts his arm around her. Softly) Because… ummm…
Tyler: It’s cool. We’re cool. (they share a smile) Hang yours right next to mine so you can see if from your desk. (points) That’s the only empty one so I guess it’s yours.
Boshra: (smiles, a relief) Okay, thanks. Is Miss Bell nice?
Tyler: She is super-duper nice.
Boshra: Super-duper? (confusion) We don’t talk like that.
Tyler: Who is “we”?
Boshra: My family.
Tyler: Mine does. Where are you from?
Boshra: Sudan.
