This is an excerpt from the script I am writing for ScriptFrenzy. It is still a draft, like Shadow Charge which I did in November for NaNoWriMo.
Note: Apologies in advance for the formatting. This was copied straight from my script-writing software, which does all the tabbing, capitalising etc for me. It will be fixed.
int - redfern's kitchen - day
SUB: 2012
APRIL
Hurry up, Eileen, or you'll be late for school!
eileen
(off screen)
Okay, I'm coming! (enters) How do I look?
APRIL
Smashing, sweetheart. Take your lunch and get out that door. Mike!
mike
(entering)
April, you haven't checked the emails yet this morning, have you?
APRIL
No, why?
mike
I've just found one from ETHA.
EILEEN
Really? About what?
APRIL
Get to school, young lady.
EILEEN
Fine, I'm going. See you later. (exits)
mike
It's about taking on a new child.
APRIL
Really? Who?
mike
His name's Nevin, he's twelve.
APRIL
A boy, Jack will like that. He's sick of being the only one in a house of girls.
mike
He arrives tonight.
APRIL
(drops frying pan)
What?
mike
They're bringing him over this evening.
APRIL
This evening? You're joking! That's -
mike
Short notice.
APRIL
Try very sort notice! They usually give us six months! They must have known we would be having him before now, surely?
MIKE
I don't know. Maybe he was going to be placed somewhere else and there was a change of plan.
APRIL
Doesn't it say in the email?
MIKE
It just says that Nevin will be arriving tomorrow at six, and they'll be sending his file over shortly. No other information other than what I've already given you.
APRIL
I can't believe it.
mike
We've got the space.
APRIL
That's not the point.
MIKE
I know. But we've got to think what it must be like for him.
APRIL
I assume he's been through the Language Programme and everything already, right?
mike
I should think so. But if not, I'm sure they'll provide a translator.
int. - ETHA/PATEL's office - day
PATEL is at his computer, surfing net. Quickly switches to a spreadsheet when boss passes by. Takes a gulp of coffee, and then gets up to follow him.
boss
(turning)
Yes, Patel?
patel
I have a question about the Deacon case, sir.
BOSS
How did you hear about that?
PATEL
Some of the Research staff were discussing it in the canteen, sir. I couldn't help but overhear.
BOSS
You're not on the case.
PATEL
I know, that's what I'm asking about. He's from planet #5, isn't he?
BOSS
I am not at liberty to discuss -
PATEL
I was just wondering why I wasn't called to work on it.
BOSS
We don't need you.
PATEL
Why not?
BOSS
Patel, you're a translator. The boy speaks perfect English. Well - Liverpool. You're not needed. You will be summoned next time we have a refugee who speaks one of your languages and not English, all right?
PATEL
How come he speaks English already? I thought he'd only just arrived?
BOSS
You can't rely completely on staff gossip to guide you on this job, Patel. Tread carefully.
PATEL
Yes, sir.
BOSS
And no more questions about cases you're not assigned to. You know the confidentiality rules.
PATEL
Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.
