THE SYMPHONY WITHIN

[SYNOPSIS]

Encapsulated in perfect symphonies and sure steps, this musical

divulges on the life of a sophomore’s discovery about her passion
in theatre and the violent storms of voices clouding her head.
With her memories quickly escalating from missing fragments to
whole chunks, and unwelcome choices making her feel like a
marionette in her own life, will she get through this unscathed?

In a whirlwind of a budding friendship and unidentified voices

tainting her mind, all the while navigating through her second
year of college, how hard could it be?

THE ALTERS’ PERSONALITY TYPES

• LILY = Core (child in prologue)

o Innocent, pure, naive, curious, bright

• BETH (ANNABETH) = Persecutor

o Pessimistic, quite, destructive, fickle-minded, trust
issues

• SABRINA (SAB/BREE) = Host

o independent, extrovert, sarcastic, confident, smart,
clever, distant

• DIANA = Memory Holder & Gatekeeper

o Wise, calm, caring, leader, organizer, overlooks all
activities in the underground

• EVE (EVELYN) = Introject(Maddie) & Verbal Protector

o Funny, wild, free-spirited, bright, bubbly, sharp-
tongued

• KAREN = Caretaker & Introject (Prof. Ann)

o Uptight, caring, mother figure, a bit controlling

• AIDEN = Emotional Protector

o The only boy in the system, introvert, mediator,
emotional, stutters a lot
CHARACTERS

• HARVEY
o Good sense humor, friendly, compassionate, stubborn

• MADDIE (MADISON) = roommate

o Funny, free-spirited, bright, sharp-tongued,
considerate, knows how to mind their own business

• PROF. ANN
o Intimidating at first sight, pleasant to talk to,
respected, likes to talk and joke around with her
student

• FATHER
o abusive, ignorant, high-tempered

• MOTHER

• THERAPIST

PREDICTED TIMELINE

- From start to realization scene: 20-25 minutes

- Underground scene: 15-20 minutes
- Resolution: 5 minutes
 SCENE ONE [PROLOGUE]

[Scene starts with bright lights and Lily’s beaming face;

dancing and singing around her room in a happy, upbeat manner]

[A starts hearing muffled noises of her parents’ arguing and the

song fades out as Lily rushes outside her room into the living
room. She finds her parents in a state of turmoil and rushes to
her mother first, asking, pleading, about what’s going on]

LILY
“Mom? Dad? What’s wrong? What happened?”

[A takes hold of her mother’s hand and kneels in front of her.

She pleads with glossy eyes]

LILY
“Mom, please, tell me what’s wrong? How can I help?”

[A’s mother just stares into an empty space and ignores Lily
completely, prompting A to try asking her father, who
aggressively pushes her away and shrugs her off]

LILY
“Dad? What’s going on? What can I do to fix it? Please, just
tell me what to do, I want to help”

[Lily’s father shrugs off her grip on his arm harshly]

LILY’S DAD
“There’s nothing left for anyone to fix, especially not you. Go
to your room, Lily.”
 SCENE TWO

ANN
“Sabrina, could I talk to you for a bit? it’s regarding the
student guidance program we’ve discussed before”

[C stops singing abruptly similar like that of A’s prologue

scene, but this time it’s halted because of something good
(first time meeting the love interest. Kind of like positive
negative parallels]

SABRINA
“of course, ma’am.”

[both the headmistress and C sits down on the chair opposite

each other in the former’s office as she gestures for C to sit]

ANN
“I’m grateful that you agreed upon my last-minute request. I
don’t usually ask for personal favors, but I only want the best
for my nephew, you see. I hope it’s not much trouble?”

SABRINA
“oh, it’s no trouble at all, ma’am. You needn’t worry. I’m
perfectly capable of balancing the tasks at hand”

EVE
*tries to say that bree is completely lying*

ANN
“well, that sure is a relief to hear--”
[gets cut off as HARVEY rapped at the door]

ANN
“ah, right on time, that must be Harvey. Come in!”
(she says in a louder tone directed to the door)

HARVEY
“I apologize, auntie- I mean- ma’am, my roommate- he was being a
complete fool and-”

[breaks off, looks at SABRINA]

 ANN
“it’s alright, Harvey, I’m sure Sabrina doesn’t mind. Do you?
(to Sabrina)”

SABRINA
“no, not at all” (sabrina says with an amused smile)

HARVEY
“oh- well, thank you (in a doubtful tone, to Sabrina) you asked
for me, ma’am?” [he says as he takes a seat to Sabrina’s left]

ANN
“ah, right, Sabrina here will be your guide to help you ease
swiftly among our halls and wholly integrate yourself into our
education system”

SABRINA
“Pleased to meet you, Havilliard” (Sabrina knows his last name
because the headmistress mentioned it while explaining to her
about the situation)

Harvey stares at Sabrina for a moment while still shaking her

hand. He says:

HARVEY
“you look familiar, have we met before?”

SABRINA
“isn’t that pickup line getting kind of old?”

HARVEY
“no, no, I swear- I thought-“

Sabrina breaks off laughing and Harvey starts laughing along.

They look into each other’s eyes

ANN
“Ehem” [the headmistress coughs and the two disentangles their
line of sight from each other and awkwardly shifts]

HARVEY
“Right, then, I look forward to learning from who I’m quite sure
to be *uni name*’s highest ranking student”

SABRINA
“As will it be mine, to be tutoring the fool’s roommate”
 [with a teasing lilt to her voice and a slight smirk]

[Harvey smiles back at her dreamily, and the voice of one of the
alters speaks in SABRINA’S mind]

EVE
“OH MY GOD, HE’S LIKE SOOO CUTE”

says a voice that could only be heard by SABRINA and

unconsciously says:

SABRINA
“Awww cutest dimples ever I kinda wanna pinch his cheeks”
[says Sabrina unconsciously]

“Uhhh…” [says harvey awkwardly while the professor shifts

stiffly]

SABRINA
Oh my god- did I say that out loud? Ah well, I guess that’s
that. um.. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to blurt that out- well then
(clasps hands awkwardly in an attempt to collect whatever’s left
of her pride), that’ll be all I’m assuming?”

ANN
“Right, then, thank you, Sabrina. You’re dismissed”

[Sabrina lightly bows her head and stands up to leave. Harvey

was clumsily getting ready to leave and catch up to C when the
headmistress/his aunt told him to stay so they could catch up]

ANN
“Not you, Harvey. Your father wanted me to keep an eye on your
every move, and I plan to do just that.”

HARVEY
“My father said that?”

ANN
“Nah, I was just hoping we could catch up a bit, considering
it’s been a while since we’ve had the chance,”

[Harvey glances at the door when Sabrina pulls it close as she

left, and the hm (short for headmistress) sees this]
 ANN
“Unless you have somewhere better to be” [says with a teasing
tone and the lift of a brow”

[Harvey snaps out of his daze]

HARVEY
“Hm? No- no, it’s nothing. Also, is there perhaps any way for me
to contact C? You know, just in case- just in case I need
anything and so I wouldn’t have to pester my dearest auntie with
my studies”

[ANN gives a knowing smile and the scene cuts]

 SCENE THREE

SABRINA
“When people first apply to major in musical theatre, they
usually don’t realize how hard the training process to maintain
a stable voice and breathing is until it’s too late.”

HARVEY
“Yeah, to be honest I didn’t expect it to be this tough”

SABRINA
“I heard Emerson College said the dropout rate for MT is
approximately 10%, so I guess it’s normal to be at least a
little bit intimidated. I’ll give you a little tip though; When
you’re singing and dancing -or moving- at the same time, your
throat and your neck is one of the most strained parts of your
body, especially since your head tends to feel heavy once you’re
near the end, so when you take a break, your head feels dizzy,
right?”

HARVEY
“Yeah!” [Harvey nods vigorously in agreement]

SABRINA
“That happens because you lack oxygen, so your muscles, mainly
in your neck, shrink. The trick is to always massage and relieve
your nape whenever you get the chance; that way, you can recover
faster for your next performance. Try it from here!”

[when Sabrina reaches up to point out the nape of her neck, her
sleeve gets pulled up just enough for Harvey to glance at the
fading scars on her arms]

[Sabrina realizes this because of Harvey’s distracted

expression]

SABRINA
“a little curious, are we?”
HARVEY
“no- no I’m sorry- I didn’t mean to pry-“

SABRINA
“relax, speedy, it’s nothing much- at least, not to me”
 HARVEY
“no no no it’s completely fine, you don’t have to tell me
anything, okay? you’re never obligated to do or say things you
don’t want to. You have things you’d prefer to be kept secret,
and I respect that—also, speedy?”

SABRINA
“You just seem like a speedy type I don’t know, it just suits
you. You know what I mean?”

HARVEY
“no, actually, I don’t”

[they both laugh it off, and C drifts back into a semi-solemn

mood]

SABRINA
“I don’t know how I got it, or when, or why. It just felt like
it was always a part of me -kind of like a birthmark- but I know
it’s not, and I sometimes sense emotions or thoughts that I
don’t entirely know where they originate, or how, or why. It
comes suddenly and vanishes just as fast, but once it’s there,
it’s like I’m watching myself through a screen, and I can’t
break through the barrier between my own hands from my line of
sight. Most of the time, though, it just feels blurry, and I
don’t remember a few hours in a day, or maybe even a week. Sorry
to unload all of that- you probably didn’t sign up to be an
impromptu psychiatrist

HARVEY
“I’m sorry to hear that. It must’ve been tough, holding out on
your own like that. But I just wanted to say that I think you’re
really strong, and amazing, and I'm just very grateful that you
even considered telling me of this.

SABRINA
“Thank you, for listening; or for not running to the door the
second I started talking about.. Whatever this *motions to
herself* is”

HARVEY
“Of course, I’m here if you ever need anything. And I promise
you, I won’t bolt on you”

[they’re both saying these last two in a genuine but a little

bit teasing tone, with smiles on their faces]
 [there’s a little bit of silence as they stare at each other]

[Sabrina breaks off first as she gets a text notification from

her roommate asking where she is and says she has to go back to
her dorm. They bid goodbye]

SABRINA
“Sorry um it’s my roommate. I’ve gotta go, I’ll see you…
Friday?”

HARVEY
“Yeah- cool, uh, Friday sounds good- I’ll uh see you then!”

[Sabrina says as she packs up her stuff and leaves for the
door]

HARVEY
“Oh- yeah- and thank you, for everything, really”

SABRINA
“Np! Text me if you need any help!”

[scene fades out as the focus is on Harvey, looking completely,

utterly, whipped]
 SCENE FOUR

[Intro to MADDIE, the roommate. Starts with Sabrina entering her

dorm and her roommate pesters her about the guy she’s just been
with]

[Sabrina walks into her room greeted by her roommate

ecstatically blabbering and attacking her with hugs and
incomprehensive shrieking]

SABRINA
“Whoa whoa whoaa simmer down. what’s going on”

MADDIE
“Okay. I just heard from Cate, who heard from Rin, who heard-”

SABRINA
“Point, please and thank you”

MADDIE
“Were you on a date with the new kid”

SABRINA
“What? How would they know?”

MADDIE
“Oh? So it WAS a date?”

SABRINA
“NO no I didn’t mean it like that”

MADDIE
“MY BABY’S GOT A BF”

SABRINA
“Oh, please. A date is the farthest thing from what we were
actually doing”

MADDIE
“OHH?????”

SABRINA
“NO NOT LIKE THAT. I meant, we were studying. Which is, in my
opinion, the farthest thing from a date”
 MADDIE
“Hmm study dates exist, you know. It was invented by
overachiever couples because they want to have quality time and
still learn something. I don’t know much about the new guy but
it sounds like something you’d do”

EVE
“OOOooh she certainly has a point”

SABRINA
“Oh, whatever. Believe what you want”

[MADDIE just giggles and leaps back to her bed, clearly

satisfied with SABRINA’s answer]

[as SABRINA takes off her jacket to put on the laundry pile
usually located at the corner of her shared room; only to find
it gone. She looks around in confusion, but opts to thank her
roommate for it]

SABRINA
“Hey, thanks for doing the laundry, by the way. Quite out of
character of you, but thanks anyway”

MADDIE
“Umm.. no, you did the laundry. Couple of days ago, remember?”

SABRINA
“No… no I didn’t…”

MADDIE
“Are you sure?”

SABRINA
“Yes, I’m quite certain I didn’t do your dirty undies, Mads”

MADDIE
“Then who- [roommate slowly realizes] are you- is it happening
again? You’re still taking the meds they gave you, though,
right?”

SABRINA
“...No. I ran out a while ago, actually. But I've been a bit
preoccupied with the piling homework, and midterms are coming up
anyway so I wouldn't be able to get an appointment for the next
few weeks. It’s fine though because during the last session I
 had, she said I was already improving so much. I’m sure I can
handle it”

[roommate looks at Sabrina sceptically and worriedly. Sabrina

notices this.]

SABRINA
“I'm fine, besides, I'm better now. It's been- what- like 5ish
months? Since It’d last happened, so, yeah, I’m fine”

MADDIE
“…You sure there bud?”

“Yeah- yeah, I’m sure”

MADDIE
“Alrighty then. Sooooo when will you be seeing him again?”

“This Friday”

MADDIE

“So soon?” (Maddie says with a teasing tone)

“NO NOT LIKE THAT it’s just- There’s so much work to do- He
desperately needs to learn how to stabilize his breathing if he
plans to get a bachelors in musical theatre on time, I swear.”

“Oh? Is there no one else who could take your place? Couldn’t
you have just declined”

“Uhh no- yeah it’s a personal favour from the dean herself so I
can’t exactly decline it, you know?”

MADDIE
“Of course you can! You should never be forced to do the dean’s
personal favours. Unless you actually want to spend some quality
study sessions with the cute freshman”

[the roommate says with raised brows and a faint smirk, an idea
forming in her head]
 SABRINA
“NOOO NO I said it’s nothing like that! It’s the uh- well she
did promise me extra credits, you know? and I just wanna make
sure my scholarship won’t be taken away from me because I
refused a favour”

MADDIE
“So it’s all academics, then?”

SABRINA
“Yeah, absolutely. What else would there be?”

MADDIE
“Okay then I guess you wouldn’t mind if I ask him out?”

SABRINA
“Why would you”

MADDIE
“Maybe i find him cute and amusing, or maybe i just want to know
what dating a freshman feels like. what’s it matter to you?”

SABRINA
“Well-”

MADDIE
“Bree, sweetie, just say you like him, it wouldn’t hurt to have
crushes once in a while”

“How many times do I have to tell you I do NOT like him like
that”

“You’re so sure you wouldn’t even think of him the way I think
of Leonardo DiCaprio- or Tom Ellis?”

SABRINA
“Exactly in what way DO you think about them?”

MADDIE
“Not the point. Where was I? Oh, right, you’re so convinced that
you’re not even remotely attracted to this kid, or even
entertain the idea that you might grow fond of him in… say.. 2
months, that you’d be willing to do both of our chores combined
for a month, and give me 50 bucks”
 SABRINA
“WHAT?? I NEVER SAID THAT”

MADDIE
“So you admit it? You’re -at the very least- interested in the
cutie”

SABRINA
“OH GOD HOW ARE YOU SO GOOD AT TWISTING MY WORDS”

MADDIE
“Is that a yes?”

SABRINA
“NO”

MADDIE
“Then you admit it?”

SABRINA
“NOOOOO”

MADDIE
“Ok so the bet’s on then”

SABRINA
“How do I always lose to you this is unhealthy”

MADDIE
“Well?”

SABRINA
“.....Fine”
 SCENE FIVE

[Throughout this whole scene, the voices are much louder and
evident than the times before. Sabrina will be seen to be
mumbling a lot here]

MADDIE
“HAHAHAHAH EASIEST 50 BUCKS I’VE EVER MADE PAY UP SUCKERRR”

SABRINA
“Technically I never said I didn’t want to date him”

MADDIE
“Yeah pretty sure you just said you’d never even consider it”

SABRINA
“......perhaps”

MADDIE
“You’re a sore loser, I’ll give you that”

SABRINA
“You mean persistent?”

MADDIE
“Sure, sweetie”

SABRINA
“Then I’ll take it as a compliment”

MADDIE
“Oooooof course you would”

[a knock on the door is heard and SABRINA rushes to spray

perfume and readies herself to go out w HARVEY]

SABRINA
“Aaand there she goes”

[Sabrina opens the door to a smiley-looking HARVEY]

EVE
“WELLL HELLOOOO GORGEOUS”
 HARVEY
“Hi, wow uh you look amazing- I mean- you always do- but- wow
um- good to go?”

SABRINA
“You don’t look too bad yourself, Havilliard, and , yeah, all
done”

[they’re both so smiley here just fawning over each other]

MEERA
“OH MY GOD can’t you guys fawn over each other OUTSIDE so I
won’t have to see this hopeless flirting in 4k ultra HD?”

SABRINA
“Okay okay we’re leaving- don’t forget to tidy up your part of
the room- and water the plants by the window- and if you get
hungry there’s leftover spaghet-”

MEERA
“Yes, yes, I’ll make sure I won’t burn down the whole building,
mom.”

[SABRINA shuts the door with a wide smile on her face, and looks
at HARVEY adoringly]

SABRINA
“Okay let’s go for real this time”

[HARVEY and SABRINA are seen more closer and comfortable with
each other with casual flirting, friendly banters, and stolen
glances at each other as they are walking to the theatre for
their date, and they have cute inside jokes]

SABRINA
“Have you gotten Mr Adams’ class yet?”

HARVEY
“Uhh (a very short hum of thinking), yeah I had it earlier this
week”
 SABRINA
“Did you notice how his Australian accent is slowly changing
into British?”

HARVEY
“I never actually put much thought on it before, oh wow, now
that you mention it…Yeah a little bit”

SABRINA
“I like it, actually. Sometimes I wish I were British. Just to
have an excuse to sound so posh and have a larger range of
vocabulary, or is that stereotypical?”

HARVEY
“HAHAH I’m not entirely sure, actually.”

SABRINA
“I actually even tried teaching myself how to speak with an
accent”

HARVEY
“Really?”

SABRINA
“Yeah, for real. I loved it so much”

HARVEY
“Well…Would you care to demonstrate, my lady?”
[HARVEY says with a really bad fake british accent]

EVE
“Oh god.. .. please don't do it. ..”

SABRINA
“AHAHAH OKAYY um… What will we be watching on this fine day, sir
Kensingbottom, duke of waterloo?”
[in funny British accent]

HARVEY
“Why, nothing less than the finest, miss Atkinson of The Big
Apple. First we shall entertain ourselves with people dancing in
tights at the grand amphitheatre of New York city, then we shall
indulge ourselves with the rich textures of overpriced desserts
in very aesthetically pleasing to look at parlours, and last, we
will walk back to the dorms hand in hand, hopefully ending with
a peck on the cheek for goodnight, at the very least?”
 SABRINA
“Oh my, Mr Kensingbottom, isn’t that very organized of you. Hmmm
If only you could do that with your assignments”

HARVEY
“SHUUT UPPP IM TRYING OKAYY”

SABRINA

“Sureeee and it’s definitely bc you kept wanting to have an

excuse to see me so i’d have to tutor you personally, okay,
yeah, i believe you”

HARVEY
“... There’s no winning with you”

SABRINA
“Thank you”

HARVEY
“Wait look at that view, sunsets here are always so pretty”

[HARVEY says while gently grabbing SABRINA’S hand, but she

winces as if in pain]

HARVEY
“Oh- I’m sorry I didn’t mean to- does it hurt?”

SABRINA
“No, it’s not you, I promise. I just…”

(rolls up her sleeve to reveal a bad scar/bruise on her hand)

[HARVEY gasps, slightly curling back from the sight of it]

SABRINA
“It’s nothing really, it was probably just an accident”

HARVEY
“Probably? What do you mean?”

SABRINA
“I don’t… exactly… Remember how it happened… It’s fine it’s most
likely just an accidental bump when I was asleep”

HARVEY
 “Bree, a slight bump shouldn’t look this bad. When did you first
notice the bruises?”

SABRINA
“Uhhh… about 4 days ago, I think.”

HARVEY
Oh so Friday, then? Did you realize before or after you left
RIN’s party?”

SABRINA
“...What party?”

HARVEY
“You know, the one you went to two days ago- you cancelled our
lesson for it, remember? You said you’d rather get wasted in 10
inch heels on a friend’s tabletop than tutor me for another
second (HARVEY says with a little laugh).(HARVEY sees the
confused look on SABRINA’S face, and slowly realizes why) You
don’t remember, do you?”

SABRINA
“....”

HARVEY
“Bree… I’m worried about you”

SABRINA
“What? No- don’t be. I’m perfectly fine. We’ve talked about
this, HARVEY. It happens a lot and I’ve grown used to it, so I’m
okay, I’ve come to terms with it”

HARVEY
“Bree... just because you’ve grown used to it doesn’t mean you
should stop seeking help”

SABRINA
“Excuse me?”

HARVEY
“I just meant-”

SABRINA
“That I need ‘help’?”
 HARVEY
“Look- I just- I’m worried, okay. I want to help but I don’t
know if I can fully understand what you’re going through”

SABRINA
“First of all, I never asked for any help, any less, yours.
(HARVEY looks pained after she said that) secondly, I’m not
‘going through’ anything- other than probably ditching this kid
who thinks he’s got me all figured out to hang out with my much
cooler roommate who doesn’t question my every move”

HARVEY
“Bree- wait-”

SABRINA
“Goodnight, Harvey”
 SCENE SIX

[HARVEY is trying to reach SABRINA through massive apology text

chains and voicemails (HAHAH) when he sees MEERA, who, upon
spotting his presence, does a 180 and attempts to run away from
him. HARVEY catches Maddie]

[HARVEY enters the stage holding a phone trying to contact

SABRINA]

HARVEY
“Come on… Pick Up… (HARVEY sighs as the voicemail operator’s
voice is heard through his phone) Bree, it's been two weeks, can
we talk? Please?”

[MADDIE enters the stage and makes eye contact with HARVEY, who,
upon spotting his presence, does a 180 and attempts to run away
from him.]

HARVEY
“Wait! MADISON!”

[MADDIE exits the stage and is followed suit by HARVEY.

MADDIE then enters the stage, followed again by HARVEY.]

HARVEY
“MADISON! Please I need your help!”

[MADDIE sighs and turns around.]

MADDIE
“Oh hey if it isn't the notorious pest that’s been bugging Bree
for weeks. What do you want?”

HARVEY
“Look I know I’ve made a mistake but it was a misunderstanding-
I swear I didn’t mean to upset her. I was really worried- and
any other person in my place would do the same, please, if you’d
let me explain-“

[MADDIE is evidently not paying attention]

HARVEY
“Maddie are you listening??”
 MADDIE
“No yeah go on I’m listening” (MADDIE says while looking at her
phone, clearly not listening)

[Harvey continues explaining but Maddie still not paying

attention]

HARVEY
“MADISONN !!!”

MADDIE
“WHAT?”

HARVEY
“Look I just want to help bree, but I can’t do it without you”

MADDIE
“Okay enough with this “I just wanna help her” charade. It's
desperate and pathetic. You can take your ‘help’ somewhere else;
where it’s wanted”

HARVEY
“MADDIE, you know her blackouts are getting more frequent and
long-lasting than before. And she’s not even taking it
seriously. Professor ANN said that she’s been distracted in
practice, that her grades are dropping, and it’s- It’s just not
like her. Aren’t you at least a little bit concerned?”

MADDIE
“Of course I’m concerned (MADDIE says in a clipped tone). She’s
like a sister to me. But if she says she has it under control, I
trust her.”

[they just silently stare at each other in defiance, clearly

opposing]

MADDIE
“You know what- I’m gonna go now- I don’t even know why I’m
talking to you in the first place”

[MADDIE starts to turn away from HARVEY, but he calls out to her
again]
 HARVEY
“Maddie- wait- Just take care of her, okay? She needs you, more
than she lets on.”

MADDIE
“I don’t need you to tell me to look after her. You seem to keep
forgetting that I was the one who was always by her side before
you ever entered the picture.”

[MADDIE starts to turn to leave again, but stops abruptly to say

one last thing]

MADDIE
“And who the hell do you think you are? Telling her what she
‘needs’ when you’ve barely been together for a month.
unbelievable.”

[MADDIE leaves, anger evident in her movements as she stomps on

the floors and slams the door shut. HARVEY watches dejectedly
and lowers his head to stare at the floor. He sighs shakily and
stiffly moves to leave too]
 SCENE SEVEN

Sabrina sits in her room alone and there are voices surrounding
her. Voices of her abusive memory clouds her mind as she tries
to harm herself, but then Maddie Comes in.

MADDIE
“Oh hey bree, shouldn’t you be in vocal practice? Never mind
about that- You won’t believe the day I- (Maddie realize Sabrina
was trying to harm herself)

MADDIE
“BREEE!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING??”

[MADDIE takes the blade from Sabrina’s hand and throws it aside.
Sabrina just stares at Maddie for a while and then she closes
her eyes; she takes a deep breath.]

[SABRINA comes back as a host, wide-eyed and confused as to what

had occurred]

SABRINA
What… Happened… ?

[she says in a daze]

MADDIE
What do you mean what happened?! You tried to- it happened again
just now didn’t it?

SABRINA
I.. I think so..

MADDIE
Bree, you can’t rule this out as just simple forgetfulness
anymore. You’ve told me once that you felt like a different
person when it happens- and you just tried to harm yourself, of
all things.

SABRINA
Wh-what?

MADDIE
Look, bree, you know I’ll always be here for you, but I’m not an
expert for these things. What I do know is that I love and care
for you, and I wouldn't want to see you hurt- by anyone, or even
yourself- I know someone, and I think she can be of help.”
[the scene goes still and warm as sabrina finally accepts that
she needs help, and she sighs as she buries her face into her
friend’s shoulder and stifled a sob]

SABRINA
“Thank you Mads, for everything” (sniffs)
(Sabrina hugs Maddie)

MADDIE
“Of course, you lil brilliant, you. Hope this means I don’t have
to do my chores anymore” (in a light and joking tone)

SABRINA
“MADDIE!” (sabrina says with a laugh)

MADDIE
“KIDDIIINGGG”
 SCENE EIGHT

SABRINA is in therapy trying to figure out what’s going on with

herself.

THERAPIST
“I apologize for the delay, the processing of your assessments
took a bit longer than expected as it’s quite a rare one, what
you have. Sabrina, you have what is called a Dissociative
Identity Disorder”

SABRINA
“Dissociative Identity Disorder? What is that?”

THERAPIST
“Dissociative Identity Disorder, or DID for short, is the most
severe type of a Dissociative Disorder. You might have heard of
this disorder with the name of multiple identity disorder.”

SABRINA
“Oh… wow.. That’s… a lot to take in…”

THERAPIST
(therapist subtly cuts in so as to prevent Sabrina from
spiralling) “Having a rare disorder does not necessarily mean
you are less normal than everyone else. Your body just has a
different way to cope with trauma.”

SABRINA
“But.. are there any medications for me to take? My previous
psychiatrist gave me something to help me with my dissociation-
maybe I could still use that?”

THERAPIST
“I’m afraid there are no medications for this particular
disorder. However, I can help you communicate with your alters
so that you’ll know whatever is happening to your body whenever
you’re not in control.”

SABRINA
“How do I do that?”
 THERAPIST
“First you need to accept the fact that you are not alone in
that body. Then you have to believe it. This is not an easy
task. It might take weeks- or maybe months. Once you do, then
just listen. Be still and listen. Close your eyes. Breath
steadily. Focus on the voices clouding your mind. Can you hear
the chatter? Are there so many thoughts inside your head that
it’s hard to decipher individual words? Now, try communicating
with them...”
 SCENE NINE

In the inner world

DIANA
“Hi, Bree. Welcome. We’ve been expecting you.”

SABRINA
“Wh- who are you? What is this place?”

[SABRINA says in a confused and questioning tone]

DIANA
“There is no need to be afraid. You are in the inner world. This
is where all of the alters of this system reside when they are
not in control of the body. My name is Diana and I’m the
gatekeeper. I know everything there is to know about the system.
Come, let’s meet the others.”

EVE
“BREEEEEE!!!”

SABRINA
“Who are they? Are they the other alters?”

[Eve hugs Sabrina briefly]

DIANA
“They are indeed. The one that just... trampled you is Eve. She
is the verbal protector. Bit of a hugger, this one.”

KAREN
“EVELYN! It is not appropriate to hug someone who you’ve just
met!”

EVE
“Whatever, Karen. Oh, by the way, I may or may not have taken
over when you refused to go to Rin’s party, aaand i may or may
not have danced on an unstable tabletop half-drunk as if I was
in a rodeo. By the way how’s that nasty bruise healing? I fell
off the damned thing somehow”
 SABRINA
“SO THAT WAS YOU??? Oh this explains so much… Rin and Cate’s
friends kept greeting me with ‘yeehaw’ instead of ‘hello’ for
weeks on end, and.. (mumbled)the thing with Harvey…”

KAREN
“I’m sorry, love, Eve can be a bit… much. I’m Karen and I'm the
caretaker of this system. My job is to keep everything fully
functional, especially the littles, from the inside so I rarely
come to the surface. It is very nice to meet you, Sabrina.”

DIANA
“And the boy over there is Aiden. He is the emotional protector
of the system.”

AIDEN
“Hi....”

SABRINA
“Hi.... I’m uhh… Sabrina… but I guess you already know that”

KAREN
“see? you botched it up for her with that bruise and now
she’s uncomfortable with us!!”

EVE
“MEEE?!! You’re the one who called her “Dear” WHO SAYS THAT IN
THIS DAY AND AGE. And stop acting like you’re everyone’s mother,
it’s getting annoying.”

KAREN
“It’s my job to be the mother figure in the system. I am the
caretaker.”

EVE
“Whatever, Karen”

KAREN
“You know I don’t like it when you say my name like that. It's
disrespectful and—"

AIDEN
“Stop!!! Can’t you see you are just making things worse. You
guys fight all the time, but can you just stop it. Just this
once.”

Silence for a while

 EVE & KAREN
“Stay out of this Aiden.”

[Aiden moves backwards in surprise]

DIANA
“So now you’ve seen the other alters, what do you... think?”

SABRINA
“I think... it's pretty hard for me to wrap my head around all
this, but I’m starting to understand. So it’s like I'm the main
and you guys are here to help me out, right?”

EVE
“Well you are the host at the moment, but definitely not the
core.”

KAREN
(Whispering) “Eve, that’s insensitive”

EVE
(Whispering) “What?”

SABRINA
“Wait what do you mean I’m not the core?”

DIANA
“Well… you could say that the core is the original, which you
are not. You were created so that the system could live a normal
life and operate best.”

SABRINA
“I’m-- I’m an alter?”

DIANA
“Yes, but you have to understand—"

SABRINA
“I.. I don’t know.. I just- I- I have to go.”

KAREN
“Sabrina, wait-“

DIANA
“It’s okay, leave her be. She needs time to process.”
[All of the alters leave the stage and then sabrina enters again
alone and sings a song]
 SCENE TEN

[Back in the dorm. Harvey and Maddie are waiting for Sabrina to
enter the room.]

[Sabrina enters the room]

SABRINA
“Oh, hi guys... What’s up? Oh? I didn’t think you’d be here too,
Harv. Wait- oh my god did I forget about our date again?”

HARVEY
“No no, it’s not that, Bree. I just wanted to check in on you.”

SABRINA
“For the last time, I’m fine. I’ve been going to therapy these
past 3 weeks and I’m getting better.”

MADDIE
“We know. We just feel like there’s something you’re not telling
us.”

HARVEY
“I know we’ve worked things out after your first therapy
session, but I feel like you’re still avoiding me...”

MADDIE
“I mean if you’re just avoiding him, I get it. He’s a prick. But
it’s like you’re avoiding everyone, Bree. Even me. Look, I know
I’m not an expert and I don’t know what having DID is really
like. Maybe you just need some space, but could you at least say
something to me? Whenever I try to bring up this topic you just
brush it off saying you’re fine, but you never tell me what
exactly you’re going through right now. I promised you that I’ll
be right by your side no matter what, but how am I supposed to
do that if you’re not being honest with me?”

[The words hit Sabrina hard. She drops to the ground and starts
crying (not dramatically I hope, but just slowly realizes the
burden that’s weighing her down, the pressure of messing up, and
it’s all unpacked carefully, but none so gently, as her best
friend says all of these things to her.]

[Maddie rushes to Sabrina’s side and hugs her.]

 SABRINA
“You’re right. I haven’t been completely honest with the both of
you...”

HARVEY
“You can trust us, Bree. We care about you. A lot. Whatever
happens we won’t ever turn our backs against you.”

MADDIE
Ever.

SABRINA
“Thank you. Both of you... um.. lately... I’ve been questioning
everything that I am and it’s been… really draining to be
honest, it feels like finding myself all over again; I don’t
know who I am and what my purpose is in the world. I feel numb
most of the time, because when I actually feel things, I don’t
know if it’s really me or if it’s real- so i just shut down
completely, including on both of you. But after hearing what you
said, seeing how much the both of you are willing to do for me,
I remember who I was before all this, who I truly am. I’m sorry
I’ve been avoiding you these past few weeks. You have no idea
how grateful I am to have a best friend that truly cares about
me,,, and a very understanding boyfriend.”

[SABRINA says as she reaches out for MADDIE’s hand first, then
HARVEY’s

HARVEY
“Wait... I’m your- We’re-“

MADDIE
“Don’t ruin the moment, dingbat.”

[SABRINA lets out a small giggle and winks at HARVEY]

MADDIE
“So... what are you going to do now?”

SABRINA
“I’m ready to learn more about myself.”

[SABRINA takes a deep breath and the screen fades to black. The
audience can hear her breathing in and out
 SCENE ELEVEN

EVE
“Well, well. If it isn’t the rogue alter”

KAREN
“Play nice”

EVE
“Drop dead”

KAREN
[loud gasp in a dramatically but humorously offended manner]

AIDEN
“I hate it here”

[AIDEN says while burying his face in his palms, evidently

exasperated]

[DIANA approaches SABRINA last, talking in her usual calm voice]

DIANA
“Sabrina, it’s good to see you. Is everything alright? You don’t
usually come visit us unless you have to”

SABRINA
“Everything’s fine. I just wanted to apologize for being distant
with... all of this. I also wanted to say that I'm ready. I want
to know more about us; how the system works, and spare no
details. I want to fully understand, so I have to know, be it
good or bad.”

DIANA
“Oh, bree, I’m so glad you decided to do this!”

[DIANA engulfs BREE in a warm embrace]

DIANA
“Come, I’ll show you the way”

[DIANA takes SABRINA’S hand and leads the way to see visions of
the past]
 SCENE TWELVE

FATHER
“YOU WORTHLESS LITTLE BRAT!!! YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING RIGHT! YOUR
MOTHER LEFT US BECAUSE OF YOU! It should’ve been you. Your
sister was an angle. You... YOU’RE A DISGRACE!GET OUT OF MY
SIGHT!”

[Beth runs away crying]

SABRINA
“Who is she?”

DIANA
“She’s Annabeth. She’s what you call a persecutor. She was
created to deal with the abuse that little Lily can’t handle.
She became the host for quite some time. Poor Beth here suffered
5 long years of torment before she decided to run away when the
body was around 13 years old. It wasn’t long after when social
services took her in. Then you were created by the system as a
new beginning for all of us.”

SABRINA
“That must’ve been awful. To be created only to bear traumas.”

DIANA
“Yes, I suppose it was. She has been dormant ever since you took
control. But she’s resurfaced recently, as you know, because you
were surrounded by too much stress and pressure. She has a
tendency to harm the body. She thinks by doing so the abuser
doesn't have to abuse this body because she’s already doing it
herself.”

SABRINA
“But the abuser is long gone. He won’t be able to hurt her
anymore.”

DIANA
“all very true, but she doesn’t know that. She keeps reliving
the trauma over and over again.”

SABRINA
“Has anyone ever tried to talk to her?”
 DIANA
“Unfortunately, no. Talking with her means learning about the
past trauma, which all the other alters try to avoid.”

SABRINA
“What about you?”

DIANA
“I’m just a gatekeeper. I hold all the memories, but it’s not my
place to intervene.”

SABRINA
“Then I’ll do it”

“Sabrina walks towards Beth and sits right by her side”

SABRINA
“Hi, Beth. Can I call you that?”

[Beth does not answer]

SABRINA
“I’ll take that as a yes. So Beth, how are you? My name is
Sabrina, but you can call me Bree.”

[Still no answer]

SABRINA
“I know you’ve been through a lot. All of that violence... It
must’ve been hard.”

BETH
“I’m used to it.”

SABRINA
“But that’s just it, Beth. You shouldn’t be used to it, and even
if you are, it doesn’t automatically mean that it’s
acceptable...And harming yourself will only make it worse.”

BETH
“Then what am I supposed to do? If I don’t do it, he will. And
he-he’s-“

FATHER
“YOU LITTLE-“
 BETH
“No... Please stop...”

SABRINA
“Beth, he can’t hurt you. You’re safe.”

BETH
“NO! YOU’RE WRONG!! He’s here... He’s ALWAYS here...”

SABRINA
“No, Beth, I’m here. He’s not. You need to move past this
Sabrina starts singing no one is alone and the other alters join
in later in the song.”

BETH
“So what should I do now? How do I move on?”

SABRINA
“Well, you want to protect this body right?”

BETH
“Yes, of course.”

AIDEN
“Then you can be just like me and Eve. A protector.”

EVE
“Definitely. You can be a physical protector! The only reason
you held out for so long was because you had it in you in the
first place”

BETH
“Okay. I’ll do my best. Thank you, Bree.”

SABRINA
“No, thank YOU, for wanting to move forward”
 SCENE 13

This is the ending. The alters will sing about acceptance and D
will end it with a message that says people with DID should not
feel crazy and alone and should be treated like every other
human being