A Sip of Regret

Written by

Fatimah Alasadi

Address
Phone Number
INT. COLLEGE DORM- NIGHT

In a cozy college dorm, we are introduced to SARAH (22), A

pre-med student with her nose buried in a pile of chemistry
notes. She shuts her laptop down with an angry look on her
face. Next to her, ROSE (21), sitting on her desk filled with
stacks of books, writing an essay. She takes a sip of her
coffee mug and continues to write more. In the corner, MARIA
(21), sits at her vanity curling her hair.

SARAH
Guys, i’m on the verge of failing
Chem! I cannot do another
assignment tonight. Can we go out?
I need to drink.

MARIA
I’m down to go! I’m already doing
my hair and makeup and I have no
homework for tonight.

ROSE
Ahhh, I don’t know about tonight, I
wanna finish reading this book.

SARAH
Come on, Rose. You’re so boring
sometimes. It’s Thirsty Thursday!

ROSE
I’m just not feeling that well. I
want to stay in but you guys go and
have fun.

MARIA
Rose, you need to come out more. We
need to find you a man.

SARAH
Yes! Rose you’ve been single for so
long now, let’s get you dressed,
you’re coming with us.

MARIA
Yay, I cannot wait! Come on Rose,
let’s pick an outfit for you. You
need to look sexy!

ROSE
Okay, fine! Just this one night but
I don’t want to drink so I can
drive us so we all can make it back
home safe.
 2.

SARAH
Are you sure? I can order us an
Uber so you can let loose for once.

MARIA
Yeah, let’s take an Uber instead so
we can all get drunk!

ROSE
No, I swear we will be fine. I
really don’t want to drink.

SARAH
Okay, girl! Whatever you want.

Sarah goes to get her Bluetooth speaker and plays a mix of

Hip-Pop music with a grin on her face, signaling the start of
a fun night. She turns to her closet and carefully scans it
and finds a black mini dress and a pair of black boots.

Over at the vanity, Maria puts away her hair supplies and
continues to do her makeup. She dances along to the music and
admires her reflection in the mirror.

Rose looks around her closet for an outfit. She picks out a
floral white dress and some white sneakers.

They all gather around the mirror to take quick photos. Sarah
disconnects the music, they all grab their essentials and
head out to the bar, eager to create new memories.

INT. CAR- NIGHT

Rose is driving, her eyes focused on the road. Meanwhile,

Sarah and Maria dance in their seats, screaming out the
lyrics of a Doja Cat song.

INT. BAR- NIGHT

The three girls walk into a crowded bar. The music is loud
and neon lights flash all around, the air is filled with
energy and excitement.

Sarah and Maria instantly head to the BARTENDER, leaving Rose

standing alone.

SARAH
Two shots of Tequila, please!
 3.

BARTENDER
Coming right up ladies.

MARIA
I want to get fucked up tonight!

SARAH
Hell yeah!

Rose glances around with an uncertain look on her face. She

plays with her hair and subtly shifts from side to side.
Sarah and Maria walk over, happily dancing, oblivious to
Rose’s discomfort.

SARAH
I’m so happy you came out tonight
Rose! I love seeing you in this
light.

ROSE
This is totally not my vibe but you
guys seem like you’re having fun.

MARIA
Maybe you need a little alcohol in
your system.

SARAH
Yeah! Let’s get you a shot.

ROSE
I told you guys that I’m not
drinking tonight plus I gotta drive
us home remember?

SARAH
One shot is not going to do
anything. It’s just gonna loosen
you up a little.

ROSE
Okay fine! But just one. I need
this night to go by faster.

Rose takes a shot while Sarah and Maria cheer her on. They
head to the dance floor and Rose starts breaking out some
crazy moves.

SARAH
Should we do more shots? I think we
do!

MARIA
Yes, let’s go!
 4.

ROSE
I’ll come but I’m not taking
anymore.

SARAH
Okay, we’ll see about that.

They all go back to the bartender and Sarah orders 10 shots.

Rose looks at her with a crazy face and Maria is just
giggling.

ROSE
Girl, who’s taking all these shots
with you?

SARAH
You, silly. You need to take at
least half of these and me and
Maria will finish the rest. You
need to get on our level.

ROSE
No, I don’t need to get on any of
your guy’s level. I’m driving
remember!

MARIA
You will be fine, I promise. Let’s
have fun tonight. We’re already
here.

SARAH
Exactly. Now chug the Tequila Rose!

Rose takes another shot and then gradually takes 5 more. She
heads back to the dance floor with Sarah and Maria and sees
ANTONIO (24), a handsome man standing in a corner with no
drink in his hand.

Rose stumbles over to him, clearly tipsy.

ROSE
(slurring her words)
Hello there, what is your name?

ANTONIO
I’m Antonio and you are?

ROSE
My name is Rose. You know, my
friends told me that I might find
some fine men tonight and I think I
just did.
 5.

ANTONIO
I appreciate that. You seem a
little drunk so you might be lying.

ROSE
I wasn’t even supposed to drink
tonight but my friends peer
pressured me. I’m not that drunk
though, I promise.

ANTONIO
Your friends seem like bad
influences and you’re definitely
drunk. I used to get pressured into
doing dumb shit in college all the
time but I learned from that so I
don’t drink anymore.

ROSE
I don’t even like drinking but It’s
making me feel really good right
now. If I had seen you when I got
here, I would’ve never drank.

ANTONIO
It’s okay to have fun sometimes but
I learned the hard way that you
don’t need alcohol to feel good.

ROSE
Tell me more. Why don’t you drink
anymore?

ANTONIO
Well, 2 years ago I lost my best
friend after he drove home
intoxicated. After that, I try my
best to stay away from that shit. I
never want to go through something
like that again.

ROSE
Aww, I’m so sorry for your loss. I
was supposed to be the designated
driver for my friends tonight but
that’s not happening anymore. I’m
too drunk to drive.

ANTONIO
Thank you and yes please don’t
drive tonight. I can drive you guys
home if you want. Please promise me
that you will not drive.
 6.

ROSE
I promise. I don’t want to be
stupid. We will just take an Uber
home.

ANTONIO
You better. Anyway, tell me more
about yourself.

ROSE
Well, I moved down here for school
3 years ago from North Carolina. I
grew up in a small city nothing
compared to this. I’m very
introverted and I love to write. I
live with my two friends right over
there.

Rose gestures towards the dancing floor of the busy bar,

where Sarah and Maria are still dancing.

ANTONIO
Looks like they’re having fun!

ROSE
Oh, you have no idea! Those two are
wild. I went from having a quiet
night to being here all night
because of them. But hey, that’s
what college is all about, right?

ANTONIO
(smiling)
You’re right. Let’s go dance with
them.

Rose and Antonio make their way through the busy crowd
bumping their heads to the music. They approach Sarah and
Maria, who have a surprising look on their face.

ROSE
Hey, guys! I want you to meet my
new friend Antonio.

Sarah and Maria look over at each other smirking.

SARAH
Hello there, welcome to the party.
I’m Sarah.

MARIA
Nice to meet you, I’m Maria.
 7.

Sarah pulls Rose to the side by her arm.

SARAH
Where did you find this cutie?

ROSE
I stumbled across him while you
guys were dancing a few minutes
ago. He is cute, isn’t he?

SARAH
Yes, very cute. You better take
this night somewhere with him.

ROSE
You’re funny. I just met him,
nothing is going to happen. Plus,
he doesn’t drink so he’s not going
to be on the same page.

SARAH
He’s at a bar but he’s not
drinking? That’s a bit weird.

ROSE
You don’t need to drink to have
fun, Sarah. It’s a long story, I
will tell you later but he doesn’t
want me to drive after this.

SARAH
Well, you just met him. You don’t
have to listen to him. You seem
okay to drive to me. We took so
many more shots than you.

ROSE
We’ll see when it’s time to leave.

Sarah and Rose look over at Antonio and Maria dancing and
join them. Antonio puts his hand out for Rose to join him and
they find themselves in their own world as they dance
together.

Antonio pulls Rose closer to him and they lock eyes. They
share a soft kiss and Rose pulls away giggling.

Sarah and Maria look at Rose, cheering her on.

ANTONIO
I’m happy I came out tonight or
else I would’ve never met you.
 8.

ROSE
Same here. I think I was meant to
go out tonight for this reason.

The bar’s energetic atmosphere begins to soften as the night

wears on. The music fades away and bright lights start to
come on.

A bartender announces that the bar is closing and encourages

everyone to make their way to the exit.

BARTENDER
(loudly)
Time for everyone to head out.
We’re closed.

SARAH
Seems like our night is over.

MARIA
What a bummer!

ROSE
Well, it was fun while it lasted.

ANTONIO
Yes. Thank you guys for a fun
night. I haven’t had this much fun
in a long time.

ROSE
I’m glad you did. Next time we can
hangout in a different setting
without any drinking involved.

ANTONIO
That reminds me, do you guys want
me to order you an Uber?

SARAH
Why would we need that? Rose drove
us here.

MARIA
Yeah, we will be okay. Rose didn’t
drink that much.

ANTONIO
Your friend is drunk. There’s no
way she’s driving.
 9.

ROSE
I actually feel fine, Antonio. I
can drive home. Give me your phone
number and I’ll text you when we
make it back home safe.

ANTONIO
Rose, remember what I told you? I’m
just looking out for you guys. Let
me just drive you home or order an
Uber, please.

ROSE
I have to go pee really quick, let
me think about it.

Rose grabs Sarah and Maria and they head to the bathroom.
Antonio goes to wait by the door outside.

INT. BATHROOM- NIGHT

In the bathroom, the three girls gather around the sink. Rose
has a concerned look on her face as she stares at herself in
the mirror.

SARAH
Rose, We had more to drink than you
and I don’t trust Antonio to drive
us home or learn our address for
the Uber.

MARIA
Yeah, I’m with Sarah on this. We
need to stay safe. Are you okay to
drive though? We can order our own
Uber, I just have to download the
app on my phone again.

ROSE
I feel okay. But Antonio said I
shouldn’t drive because his best
friend died from drinking and
driving. I don’t want to make the
wrong decision.

SARAH
Rose, we appreciate Antonio’s
concern, but you just met him. If
you say you’re okay, we’ll find a
way to deal with him.
 10.

MARIA
We trust your judgment and we will
help you stay focused and cautious
during the drive. Plus we only live
10 minutes away.

ROSE

You're right. I'll drive, but we

need to figure out a way to leave
without Antonio knowing. I don’t
want to disappoint him.

EXT. PARKING LOT- NIGHT

The girls quietly leave from a different door with their

heads down, attempting to slip away from Antonio. They manage
to slip past him and run into their car. However, as they
reach Rose's car, Antonio sees them and runs towards the car.

ANTONIO
(yelling)
Hey! Stop.

INT. CAR- NIGHT

Rose starts the engine and pulls out of the parking lot with
a smirk on her face, leaving Antonio behind. He watches them
drive off with a frustrated look on his face. Sarah and Maria
look back at him through the window giggling and waving their
hands.

Antonio immediately gets his keys out of his pocket, enters

his car, and chases after them. He speeds up behind them and
starts honking his horn.

Rose looks over at Sarah and Maria, worried, placing her hand
on top of her head, realizing that their attempt to leave
discreetly didn’t work.

ROSE
Oh my god! Why is he following us?
This man is crazy.

SARAH
I know right? Who does this man
think he is? This is really weird.

MARIA
Just focus on the road, Rose. You
are doing great.
 11.

As Rose continues to drive down the road, Antonio’s anger

intensifies. He aggressively honks and flashes his bright
lights.

ANTONIO
Hey! Pull over!

Rose maintains her focus, with both hands firmly gripping the
steering wheel. Meanwhile, Sarah and Maria exchange anxious
glances.

Antonio grits his teeth and smacks his steering wheel.

ANTONIO (CONT'D)
These stupid girls really think
they can just ignore me!

In a fit of rage, Antonio decides to take drastic action. He

accelerates, attempting to cut her off in a one-way road.

ANTONIO (CONT'D)
You’re not getting away that easy!

Rose glances in her rearview mirror, witnessing Antonio's

dangerous plan. The desperation in his actions fuels her
anxiety and tears well up in her eyes.

ROSE
Why can’t he just leave us alone?

SARAH
This is getting out of hand.

Just as Antonio veers dangerously close, a car rushes towards

him from the opposite direction blaring its horn and
screeching its tires.

ROSE
(eyes widening)
Watch out!

In a wild attempt to dodge the crash, Antonio jerks the

steering wheel, and his car merges into Rose’s, sending it
spinning into a ditch.

As Antonio's car spins around, it makes a loud noise with

metal banging and glass breaking. Suddenly, the air fills
with smoke and Antonio’s car starts to catch on fire.
 12.

The third car avoids the crash and pulls over to the side of
the road. A MAN sprints out of his car, dialing 911 on his
phone.

The scene shifts to emergency responders arriving on the

chaotic scene.

INT. HOSPITAL- NIGHT

The hospital room is all bright and cold. Rose lies

motionless on a bed surrounded by machines blinking and
beeping. Sarah sits by her bedside with tears running down
her face.

Maria is on another bed nearby, her face is filled with

visible scars as she looks around the room confused.

The heart monitor continues to beep, and it’s the only sound
in the room. Sarah holds Rose’s hand, whispering.

SARAH
Come on, Rose. Wake up. We need
you.

The DOCTOR walks in, looking very serious.

DOCTOR
I’m afraid Rose is in a coma. We’re
doing everything we can, but it’s
uncertain when she’ll wake up.

Sarah starts crying very loudly. Maria, lost in her thoughts,

traces the scars on her face and body.

MARIA
I never thought it would end like
this.

DOCTOR
Maria, your injuries will heal with
time, but the scars may be
permanent. Sarah, you got lucky
with only minor injuries.

SARAH
Why did it have to be like this?

The doctor goes over to a computer and pulls up Antonio’s

file.

DOCTOR
Unfortunately, Antonio didn’t make
it. His injuries were very serious.
 13.

The room gets quiet, Sarah and Maria look over at each other
in relief.

DOCTOR
The police will be here to ask you
some questions about the incident
in a bit.

Gradually, Maria rises from her bed and falls into Sarah's
arms. As the cops enter the room, everything becomes silent
and tense as they get ready to answer the questions that are
coming up.

INT. HOSPITAL. DAY

The hospital room is filled with sunlight as Rose lies still

on the bed. Sarah, who is still sitting at her side, notices
her eyes twitching and gasps.

SARAH
Rose! You’re awake!

Rose blinks, disoriented, and looks around the room. Maria

slowly gets up from her bed and rushes to her. Sarah runs out
of the room and calls for a NURSE.

A team of doctors and nurses rush into the room. They

surround Rose, checking monitors and asking questions.

The room buzzes with a mix of voices and medical equipment.

The scene ends with Rose, though still groggy, surrounded by
a team of professionals dedicated to her recovery.

THE END.