Script: Skeptics & Optimists

[Spotlight on a stage set up to look like a podcast studio. LOLA stands at center stage, wearing a bright, cheerful outfit and a big smile on her face. CECE, her best friend, enters from stage right, looking slightly disheveled.]

LOLA:
[Excitedly] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to "Life Lessons with Lola" - the podcast to make you feel good no matter what life throws at you! [Pauses, then turns to Cece] And special guest appearance by the one and only, my best friend, Cece!

[Audience applause as CECE waves sheepishly]

CECE:
[Chuckling] Thanks for having me, Lola! I'm excited to be here... I think.

[Audience laughter]

LOLA:
[Grinning] Oh, come on, Cece! Where's that trademark enthusiasm of yours?

CECE:
[Rolling her eyes playfully] Oh, you know me, Lola. Always the skeptic.

LOLA:
[Putting an arm around Cece] Well, lucky for you, you've got the ultimate life coach AND grief counselor right here! I'll have you feeling like a ray of sunshine in no time and that's not just the optimist in me, that's just what I'm all about.

[Audience chuckles]

CECE:
[Teasing] Is that so, Lola? Last I checked, you couldn't even decide what to order for lunch without consulting your horoscope.

[Audience laughter]

LOLA:
[Taking mock offense] Hey now, I'll have you know that horoscopes are a legitimate form of guidance!

CECE:
[Grinning] Oh, I'm sure they are, Lola. Just like that time you told me to "embrace change" while you cried over getting braids.

[Audience laughter]

LOLA:
[Laughing] Touché, Cece! But in my defense, braids are a big commitment!

CECE:
[Smirking] And yet, you're perfectly fine telling everyone else to take risks and step out of their comfort zones.

[Audience chuckles]

LOLA:
[Takes a moment, then grins] Touche, indeed! But you know what they say, Lola: "Those who can't do, teach!"

[Audience laughter and applause]

CECE:
[Shaking her head] Ah, Sarah, you always know how to spin things in your favor.

LOLA:
[Smiling] Well, what can I say? It's all part of the job!

[Audience laughter]

CECE:
[Chuckling] Well, Lola, I'll hand it to you. For someone who can't seem to take her own advice to feel good, you sure know how to make us all feel better.

LOLA:
[Grinning] Why... thank you, Cece! High praise coming from the skeptic herself.

CECE:
[Laughs] Hey, even us skeptics need a little positivity now and then.

[Audience chuckles and applause]

LOLA:
[Smiling] That's what I'm here for, Cece. To spread a little laughter, a little wisdom, and a whole lot of love!

[They share a warm but uneasy smile as the audience applauds]

LOLA:
Wait, stop recording. What are you doing Cece? Why are you ruining this for me?

[End of scene]
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