(KAREN (28), goes with the flow far longer than she should, is sitting at a café in Portland, OR drinking coffee, when ASHTON (28), perfect body minus the chip on his shoulder, approaches. Karen squints, unable to recognize him immediately.)
KAREN: Ashton. Oh my gosh. Is that you?
ASHTON: All 2.5% body fat of me! But I’m working toward 0.
KAREN: As a nurse, I have to say: don’t, you’d die without body fat. But as your friend, I have to say: go for it!
ASHTON: Will do!
KAREN: Seriously, though: you look great.
ASHTON: Thanks. You’re right.
KAREN: I mean, you look…honestly, you look like someone else.
ASHTON: Karen! Stop it!Don’t.
KAREN: I mean it. I sat down with three different shamans I thought were you. You picked a really weird coffee shop to hang out in.
ASHTON: Three shamans is actually below the Portland average.
KAREN: So, I have to say, I was a little surprised you called me. I figured we’d just meet up at the Richard Nixon High reunion tomorrow. (Like a cheerleader.) Go, Indian Savages! (Somberly.) That name has not aged well.
ASHTON: Well, look, you were my closest friend in high school. Really my only friend. Huh. That was an improper use of a superlative. Mr. Milchbirch would’ve given me detention for that.
KAREN: And a spanking!
ASHTON: A spanking?
KAREN: Yeah. He used to do that. (Thoughtfully.)The past is always worse, isn’t it?
ASHTON: That’s sort of why I wanted to meet you. My memories of Richard Nixon High are…not so great. (Flashes back to a high-school aged version of himself, in a crowded hallway of students, all pointing and laughing at him as he trips and falls. Flashes forward again.) Pretty bad, actually. (Flashes back to a high-school aged version of himself, in a crowded hallway of students, all pointing and laughing at him as he gets his pants pulled down. Flashes forward again.) Therapy bi-daily. (Flashes back to a high-school aged version of himself, in a crowded hallway of students, all pointing and laughing at him as he covers his private parts and rear end, sobbing. Flashes forward again.) But thanks to my newfound…skinonymity…
KAREN: Combining skinny and anonymity to make up a fake word! Mr. Milchbirch would have given you a double spanking for that!
ASHTON: I can get revenge on everyone who was mean to me in high school – and they won’t even know it’s me! So. You want in?
KAREN: I don’t know, Ashton. I was kind of just going to reunion so I could drink till I got sick, and make fun of people I don’t like. You know…have fun!
ASHTON: But this willbe fun. Seeking vengeance on those who wronged you? Nothing could be more fun! Or more American!