This is a story I wrote based on my own experience. Like most stories we told for the radio show, it started out with a bit of truth, but turned into a story about an embarrassing first day of school.
SFX
School bell buzzing
NARRATOR
It was the first day of fifth grade at Central Elementary School in Franklin, Pennsylvania. Ten-year-old Diane nervously entered Room 201.
MRS. WATT
Good morning! I’m Mrs. Watt. You must be Diane.
DIANE
(shyly) Yes, that’s me.
NARRATOR
Mrs. Watt started with a “get-to-know-you” activity.
MRS. WATT
Everyone, tell us your name and what you did this summer.
NARRATOR
When it was Diane’s turn, she panicked.
DIANE
(nervously) I’m Diane. This summer I… um… I learned to ride a motorcycle!
ALL CAST
Gasping
MRS. WATT
A motorcycle? That’s… unusual for your age.
DIANE
(doubling down) Yeah! It was awesome! I did jumps and everything!
NARRATOR
The class buzzed with excitement. Diane basked in the attention, not realizing her fib was about to snowball.
SFX
School bell buzz
NARRATOR
At recess, Diane found herself surrounded by curious classmates.
JOE
So, what kind of motorcycle was it?
DIANE
(hesitating) Uh… a red one?
SHELLEY
How fast did you go?
DIANE
(exaggerating) Super fast! Like, a hundred miles per hour!
BRAD
No way. That’s impossible.
DIANE
(defensively) It is too possible! I did it!
NARRATOR
As Diane’s lies grew, so did the skepticism of her classmates.
JOE
If you really rode a motorcycle, prove it.
DIANE
(panicking) I can’t. It’s… at my uncle’s house.
SHELLEY
(disappointed) I bet you made it all up.
BRAD
Yeah, you’re just a liar!
NARRATOR
The kids walked away, leaving Diane alone.
DIANE
(to herself) Oh no, what have I done?
SFX
School bell buzzing
NARRATOR
Back in class, Diane felt isolated. She slumped down in her seat and didn’t raise a hand for anything. When lunch time came, no one wanted to sit with her. She went back to the classroom early and found Mrs. Watt waiting for her.
MRS. WATT
Diane, can I speak with you for a moment? Some students told me about your motorcycle story. Is it true?
DIANE
No, Mrs. Watt. I made it up.
MRS. WATT
Why did you feel you needed to lie?
DIANE
I just wanted people to like me. I was scared of being boring.
MRS. WATT
I understand, but lying isn’t the way to make friends. How about we tell the truth to the class?
DIANE
Um, okay.
MRS. WATT
Settle down everyone. It’s time to get out your math book. But before we get started, Diane has something she wants to say.
DIANE
(addressing the class) I… I lied about the motorcycle. I’ve never even sat on one. I’m sorry.
NARRATOR
The class was quiet for a moment.
JOE
So, what did you really do this summer?
DIANE
I learned to ride a bike without training wheels. It’s not as cool, but I’m proud of it.
SHELLEY
That’s good! I remember how hard that was.
BRAD
Yeah, and you don’t need a license for a bicycle!
ALL CAST
Laugh
MRS. WATT
Thank you for your honesty, Diane.
NARRATOR
After school, Diane walked home and discovered her mom had made homemade chocolate chip cookies!
DIANE
Thanks, Mom!
MOM
How was your first day?
DIANE
It was… interesting.
MOM
Oh? What happened?
DIANE
Let’s just say I won’t be joining a motorcycle gang anytime soon.
SFX
Motorcycle engine revving
