Party at the Mayor’s Mansion

December 3rd, 2010, 6:30pm, PST

Location: The living room of the Gold residence. Chloe, her father, Steven, and mother, Rachel, are talking, while they wait for Will Friedman to arrive. Chloe is wearing a white cocktail dress and pale turquoise pumps.

Chloe: I’m so excited!

Mr. Gold: You should be. It isn’t every day that a high school Junior gets invited to a dinner party at the Mayor’s mansion.

Chloe: It’s just because I’m the student body president.

Mr. Gold: There’s a reason why you won that office. The students saw something special in you; something that made you deserving of the presidency.

Chloe: I guess. It just makes me uncomfortable, tooting my own horn.

Mr. Gold: You should never feel embarrassed about being good at what you do, Chloe, or about being popular.

Mrs. Gold: I understand what she’s saying, Steven. [Squeezes her daughter’s arm] Chloe’s never been an attention-hound.

Mr. Gold: Sometimes you get the attention, whether you want it or not. Chloe’s been put in a position of authority. The Mayor’s invitation is just the most recent indication of that. There’ll be more.

Chloe: Both Principal Friedman and I were invited to represent the school, Dad. It’s New Ridgemont High they’re interested in, not personalities.

Mr. Gold: [Laughing] You’ll do anything to avoid taking credit.

Chloe: New Ridgemont High isn’t any single person’s triumph. Everyone’s special.

The doorbell rings. Mr. Gold crosses the room and opens the door to greet Friedman, who is dressed in a tuxedo and holding a bouquet.

Friedman: [Bowing slightly and offering Mrs. Gold the bouquet] A pleasure to see you, Mrs. Gold.

Mrs. Gold: [Beaming and taking the flowers] Thank you so much, Principal Friedman!

Friedman: Call me ‘Will’, please.

Chloe: [Kissing Friedman on the cheek] Hi Will!

Friedman: [Holding her at arm’s length] Chloe, you look absolutely beautiful! 

Chloe: [Shining] Thank you!

Mr. Gold: Can I get you a drink, Will?

Friedman: [Looking at his watch] I’d love to, but if we don’t leave right away, we’ll be late. I cut things a bit close. [Looks apologetic]

Mrs. Gold: Then, I hope you can come and have dinner with us soon. Chloe has told us so much about you, and her experience at New Ridgemont High has been nothing short of magnificent.

Friedman: I gratefully accept. And you should know that Chloe has played no small part in our school’s success.

Mr. Gold: You might want to tell her that. She’s determined to refuse credit.

Chloe: Dad!

Friedman: That’s part of the reason she’s been such an effective leader. Chloe sees this as a community effort. No individual should get the credit, not even me.

Mr. Gold: I can see why Chloe holds you in such high regard. You two think alike.

Mrs. Gold: Who else will be there, Will?

Friedman: Congresswoman Best. John Hughes and Bret Easton Ellis, representing the Foundation. Some local business leaders. There may be others I’m unaware of.

Mr. Gold: Wow, that’s some guest list.

Friedman: They have plans to open two more schools in California, based on New Ridgemont High. 

Mr. Gold: Where?

Friedman: Oakland and Berkeley.

Mrs. Gold: That’s so exciting!

Mr. Gold: Well, don’t let us keep you. I’m sure Chloe will give us a full report tomorrow. Have a good time sweetheart. [Kisses Chloe]

Chloe: Thanks, Dad; Mom. I’ll tell you everything over breakfast.

Mrs. Gold: Sounds good. Bye bye!

Will and Chloe depart. Will’s Mustang is parked in the driveway, and he crosses over to the passenger side to open the door for Chloe, after which he climbs into the driver’s seat, beside her.

Will: How about we put the top down? It’s a lovely night.

Chloe: Sounds wonderful.

Will presses a button and the Mustang’s convertible roof retracts. Starts the car and pulls away from the curb.

Chloe: Play some Simple Minds. I need courage.

Friedman presses “play” on the tape deck, and Simple Minds, “Alive and Kicking” comes on.

Chloe: [Her eyes closed] Mmm.

Will: What do you need courage for?

Chloe: [Eyes opening] Tonight. This is a big deal.

Will: [Laughing] You’re more than up to it.

Chloe: Nonetheless. [Brushes a wisp of hair away from her face] This whole thing is about confidence, now. Ours. Theirs. We need to put on a good show.

Will: We will. Don’t worry.

Chloe: So, how far along are these “plans” you mentioned?

Will: Pretty far. The charter school legislation’s already been passed, the monies allocated, and the sites selected. It’s just a matter of implementation, now.

Chloe: That’s gonna’ be a crazy amount of work.

Will: I know.

Chloe: How deeply involved do you have to be?

Will: [Lights a cigarette and takes a long drag. Exhales, the smoke dissipating into the air behind him] Deeply. We don’t want this done in a half-assed way. 

Chloe: Of course not. 

Will: Thank God for you and Tom. The school will be in good hands, when I have to leave campus.

Chloe: You should let Mitch help you.

Will: [Takes another hit off of his cigarette] You think so?

Chloe: Definitely. No one is better at implementation than him, and no one understands the science of what you’re doing better than he does. He’s read all of your published papers on Social Immersion Theory, and he’s been poring over your notes on New Ridgemont High.

Will: I have no doubt he’d be a tremendous asset, and I’d love to have him around. It’s just…

Chloe: What?

Will: Remember that night, when we were all hanging out in my office? I hated the thought that any of you might not get the full New Ridgemont High experience, because of your respective positions and offices. Well this is the same thing. Asking Mitch to do all of this stuff that has nothing to do with being a student.

Chloe: We’ve discussed this already.

Will: [Finishes his cigarette and flicks it out of the car] I guess I’m still not convinced.

Chloe: What about me? Aren’t I breaking immersion tonight?

Will: Yes.

Chloe: So, do you wish I wasn’t here?

Will: No…of course, not.

Chloe: [Sighs] We all chose the parts we’re playing…no one forced any of this on us. 

Will: You’re right.

Chloe: [Puts her hand on Will’s shoulder and pats it.]

Chloe: Don’t deny us our voice. We want to be a part of what’s going to happen; to stand with you, as you take this thing across the state and the country.

Will: I’m starting to think that your voices are the only ones that really matter.

Chloe: So, you’ll let Mitch help you?

Will: Yes. I’ll talk to him about it on Monday.

Chloe: [Leans back in her seat, with a satisfied air] Good.

Will: [Chuckling] Who am I kidding, anyway? I couldn’t do this without you guys. And I definitely couldn’t face this gig tonight, without you, Chloe.

Chloe: I’m with you all the way, Will. Whatever happens…wherever it goes. [Her voice falters slightly and she looks down] And…

Will: Yes?

Chloe: [Looks up at him] Going to this party with you…it means a lot to me.

Will: Me too.

Chloe: [Laughing] So, why did you give my mom the flowers?

Will: Oh, that’s right! I forgot. [Reaches under the seat and holds up a pale blue rose corsage]

Chloe: You are such a sweetheart.

Will slides the corsage onto Chloe’s wrist, and she beams with pleasure. Reaches under the seat again and produces a matching boutonniere, which he pins to his jacket lapel.

Will: Now we’re ready.

He pulls up to the curb, in front of the Mayor’s mansion. A valet opens the passenger-side door and offers his hand to Chloe, as she rises from the seat, then takes the keys from Will and hands him a ticket.

The two make their way up the walk. Light and the sound of people talking emanate from double doors, which have been left open, their white curtains billowing in the California breeze. Upon entering, they are greeted by Mayor Clark and his wife, Carolyn, who are standing in the foyer.

Mrs. Clark: [Offering her hand to Chloe, who shakes it] Miss Gold, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. [Turns to Friedman] And it’s wonderful to see you again, Will.

Friedman: Carolyn…Mayor…thank you so much for the invitation.

Mayor Clark: [Smiling broadly] Good to see you, Will! [Turns to Chloe] So this is the inimitable Chloe Gold.

Friedman: In the flesh.

Mayor Clark: I’ve heard fantastic things about what you’ve been doing at New Ridgemont High, Chloe.

Chloe: [Bowing slightly] It’s been an honor and a privilege, sir. Our students are the best in the state.

Mayor Clark: I’ve gathered that. It’s what all this [gestures around the room] is about. You’ve captured the attention of the Governor. This thing wouldn’t be happening without his support.

Friedman: Will he be here tonight?

Mayor Clark: I’m afraid not. Scheduling conflict. He sends all his best, though, and wishes you Godspeed. We’ve got quite a situation on our hands.

Friedman: Have things gotten that bad?

Mayor Clark: Worse. Six more California school districts closed their campuses this week, and the governor has received twice that many requests for emergency funding for school police. There won’t be a single open campus in the state by the end of the year, and I don’t need to tell you about the situation nationally. Juvenile arrests are skyrocketing across the country.

Friedman: So, it’s really happening…the final crackdown.

Mayor Clark: [Grimly] Looks like it. And don’t think for a second that the kids are taking it lying down. A number of local student organizations have formed to fight the new regime, staging protests, sit-ins; the works.  They’re loosely organized under a statewide teen network that calls itself the “Student Action Committee.”

Chloe: Good for them.

Mayor Clark: A significant number of teachers have joined them. We may be facing mass walkouts if this continues.  Honestly, I’m scared of what might happen. A lot of these small town Mayors and Sheriffs are real law-and-order types, and their constituents are worried and confused. The situation is ripe for disaster.

Friedman: Would they actually use the police to break up the protests? Force them back into the classroom?

Mayor Clark: [Looking very concerned] Yes I do, Will. In fact, I can’t get Kent State out of my mind.

Chloe: [Puts her hands over her mouth] Oh, my God.

Friedman: [Touching her shoulder] It hasn’t come to that yet, Chloe.

Mayor Clark: Hence the urgency, Will. I know you’re not ready to take this thing statewide. My science education was good enough to know that you need more than a semester to figure out whether a complex operation like this can be replicated in different environments. But time is running out, and you’re the best hope we have.

Friedman: We won’t let the state down, Harris. Chloe and I are working on the planning, and on her recommendation, I’m asking Mitch Bennett to be my personal assistant; to help me with what is going to be a very complicated implementation.

Mayor Clark: Bennett. He’s the student who’s been doing your TV and radio, isn’t he?

Friedman: Yes, Mitch is exceptionally gifted, not just in technology, but in strategic planning. He conceived, designed, and is now managing all the school’s media operations and public relations.

Mayor Clark: Sounds like the man for the job.

Chloe: He’s the best, sir, and a lovely person to work with.

Mayor Clark: [Laughing] From you, that’s high praise indeed. I might have a job for him when he graduates.

Chloe: You couldn’t do better.

Mayor Clark: Why don’t you two head into the smoking room and chat with some of the other guests? Dinner will be served in about an hour.

Friedman and Gold cross the foyer.

Friedman: [Aloud, to himself] It’s happening now. Four years early. What does it mean?

Chloe: What’s four years early?

Friedman: [Distractedly] Nothing…don’t worry about it.

Chloe looks at Friedman, her eyes narrowing slightly, but remains silent.

Friedman: [Points to the far side of the room] Look… there are Bret and John. Let me introduce you.

Chloe: [Looking a bit thrown] Uh…

Friedman: Are you nervous about meeting them?

Chloe: A little. They’re two of my biggest heroes.

Friedman: They’re also two of my dearest friends. They’ve been with me on this since the very beginning. I want you to be a part of our group. 

Chloe: [Smiles and takes Friedman’s arm] Well, then, let’s meet them!

The two cross the room and join John Hughes and Bret Easton Ellis. Hughes is wearing a black silk tuxedo and patent leather shoes and has a turquoise handkerchief in his jacket pocket. Ellis is in a blazer, Levi’s, and red Chuck Taylors and sports a white t-shirt, with “Save Ferris” silkscreened on it. Both men are laughing uproariously.

Friedman: [Puts his arm around Ellis’s shoulder] So, what have we missed?

Hughes: We were just discussing whether this party is too square for Bret.

Ellis: No one’s drunk, John. It’s wrong.

Hughes: He’s very upset.

Ellis: And the women…ugh…hags on fucking parade. [Notices Chloe, standing slightly behind Friedman] Until now, that is. Hello foxy.

Friedman: Bret, John, let me introduce New Ridgemont High’s student body president, Chloe Gold.

Ellis: [Admiringly] That is definitely a student body.

Hughes: Ignore him. He’s going through his fifth mid-life crisis.

Chloe: [laughing] It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ellis.

Ellis: Being called ‘mister’ is…disquieting.

Hughes: [Laughs and shakes Chloe’s hand] I’ve heard a lot about you, Chloe. And before you call me “mister,” it’s “John.”

Chloe: Right. Ixne on the “misters.”

Ellis: What are you drinking, Chloe?

Chloe: White wine. Something dry.

Ellis: [Bows] Your wish is my command. [Makes his way through the crowd to the bar]

Hughes: So, I gather that congratulations are in order.

Friedman: I guess…I have very mixed feelings about this whole thing. Seems like a Hail Mary.

Hughes: [Seriously] I know. 

Friedman: I just don’t like rushing something like this. It’s too important.

Hughes: There’s no waiting in this political environment, Will. We all knew that the politicians would jump if New Ridgemont High was a success. 

Friedman: [Looking miserable] Yeah.

Hughes: And the Foundation is ready for it. Steve’s already working with the Oakland and Berkeley school districts to get the computer tech set up, and Madonna and Rick have started a community information tour. The groundwork is being laid, as we speak.

Chloe: [Squeezes Friedman’s arm] That’s wonderful!

Friedman: [Patting Chloe’s hand] I certainly am fortunate in my friends and colleagues.

Ellis returns from the bar, balancing a small tray, loaded with drinks.

Ellis: One Sauvignon Blanc for Miss Gold.

Chloe: I thought we were ixneing the “misters” and “misses.”

Ellis: Payback. Bombay martini with a twist, for Mr. Hughes and scotch for Dr. Friedman. [Looks apologetic] I hope Glenlivet is OK. The bar is notably light on single malts.

Friedman: [Laughing and taking the drink from Ellis] Glenlivet is fine.

Chloe: What are you drinking, Bret?

Ellis: Tequila. Patron. Blanco.

Chloe: I’ve had bad experiences with Tequila.

Ellis: There are no bad experiences.

Chloe: [Smiles] I like that.

Ellis: Well, if you like that, I’ve got…[Feels in his pocket and looks panicked] Out of cigarettes! Help!

Friedman: [Hands Ellis a brand new pack of Lucky Strikes] I brought an extra. [To Chloe] The man is always bumming.

Ellis: [Removes a cigarette and lights it] You dear man…God bless you. [Points at Friedman with the cigarette] And I resent that remark.

Hughes: You resemble that remark.

Everyone laughs.

Ellis: So, how’s the management of this thing gonna’ go, Will? You can’t be Principal of three schools.

Friedman: The current Principals will be trained in the NRH model. 

Ellis: You don’t seem very happy about it. Do you think they’re not up to the job?

Friedman: No, not at all. I know both of them quite well. They’ll do just fine.

Ellis: So, what is it?

Friedman: I’m worried that I’m going to turn into some godforsaken Superintendent.

Hughes: Is that sort of oversight really necessary? I mean, we’re only talking about two more high schools, at this point.

Friedman: The implementation is going to be really difficult, John. Remember, we had years to plan, before New Ridgemont High opened. Now, we’re asking existing high schools to completely transform their operations in less than a year’s time.

Chloe: You’ve already got the answer, Will. You just aren’t seeing it.

Friedman: Go ahead.

Chloe: This executive council, you’ve put together, with the student leadership.

Friedman: Yes?

Chloe: Let them serve in an advisory capacity to the new schools. Have Mitch and his team do a few site visits; help them get set up. Let Tom show them how to organize student government. That sort of thing. There’s no need for you to run out every five minutes.

Ellis: That’s a damned good idea.

Hughes: Yes, it is, and it’ll really bring the schools together; forge connections between the respective student bodies.

Friedman: Like sister schools.

Hughes: Exactly.

Friedman: I like it. Especially the social aspect. To have three immersed populations interacting like that.

Chloe: And I bet you could get some of our local businessmen and women to consult with their counterparts in Oakland and Berkeley. I’m sure that Mr. Bruno would be interested.

Friedman: [Squeezes Chloe and kisses the top of her head] It’s brilliant, Chloe; absolutely brilliant!

Chloe: [Looking very satisfied with herself] That’s what I’m here for.

Ellis: Crisis averted. Can we get drunk now?

Congresswoman Best emerges from the crowd and joins the group. Hugs Friedman. Shakes hands with Hughes, Ellis, and Chloe.

Ellis: [Sighs] So much for that idea.

Congresswoman Best: What idea?

Friedman: Congresswoman Best. It’s an honor to see you again.

Congresswoman Best: The honor is all ours, Will. You are about to save our asses, after all.

Ellis: [Laughing] Not too much pressure, there!

Friedman: [Looking both pleased and terrified] We certainly will do everything we can.

Congresswoman Best: If New Ridgemont High is any indication, we have every reason to be confident.

Friedman: New Ridgemont High is, in many ways, an ideal situation Susan. Other schools may pose more of a challenge.

Congresswoman Best: [Turning to Chloe] And this must be Miss Gold. [Offers her hand] It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Chloe: Thank you! Your work with the Progressive Caucus has been an inspiration. 

Congresswoman Best: From what I hear, you’re pretty politically accomplished yourself. I followed your campaign for Student Body President. Impressive.

Chloe: Well, I have you and the Caucus to thank in part.  My governing philosophy is based on the Caucus’s. 

Congresswoman Best: I may have to call on your expertise sometime. We can’t seem to win elections to save our lives. We’re not exactly the largest caucus in the House.

Chloe: You’re selling yourself short. Caucus sponsored candidates have been winning local elections all over the state. That’s where the real power is, anyway: school and zoning boards; auditors and country clerks; sheriffs; the people who have a daily, practical effect.

Congresswoman Best: You should be the State Party Chair. How do we sign this girl up, Will?

Friedman: You’ll have to wait until she graduates, I’m afraid.

Congresswoman Best: [To Chloe] Call me the day after. I’m serious.

Chloe: [Glowing] Thank you! I will!

Congresswoman Best: Well, I should go shake hands and do the Congresswoman thing. It was great seeing all of you. [Turns to Will] Let’s set up a meeting next week. You can walk me through what’s going to happen between now and next August. Bye all! [Waves at the group and departs]

All: See you!

Ellis: [To Chloe] That was the most expert schmoozing I’ve ever seen.

Chloe: I was not schmoozing.

Ellis: Let’s see. You’re seventeen years old, and the congresswoman said you should be State Party Chairman and then offered you a job. If that isn’t schmoozing, I’m a teetotaler.

Chloe: Okay, I was schmoozing a little.

Hughes: It’s pretty incredible, you have to admit. When I was seventeen, I was chucking newspapers from my bicycle.

Chloe: [Suppressing a smile] Could we get off the subject of my awesomeness, please?

Ellis: There’s so much of it, though.

They all burst out laughing. A moment later, the butler enters the room and announces that dinner is ready.