The Lost Chapter
INT. HALLWAY - LIBERTY HIGH - DAY
Angela Chase (15, insecure yet outspoken) struggles to find her place in the chaos of high school as her best friend, Rayanne, skips nonchalantly by her side.
RAYANNE:
(spirited)
So, Angela, have you decided whether you're going to the party tonight?
ANGELA: (sighs)
I don't know, Rayanne. I kinda just want to stay home and read. Parties haven't exactly been my thing lately.
RAYANNE:
(disappointed)
Come on! It'll be fun! You can't sulk forever about your parents fighting.
As they turn the corner, they come across Brian Krakow (smart, but socially awkward) who overhears their conversation and interjects.
BRIAN:
(angry)
How can you even think about parties when there are more important things to worry about?
Angela and Rayanne exchange glances.
RAYANNE:
(impatient)
Lighten up, Krakow!
INT. LIBRARY - LIBERTY HIGH - LATER THAT DAY
Angela reluctantly agrees to accompany Rayanne in her quest to find the perfect outfits for the party. Along the way, they bump into Jordan Catalano (handsome and enigmatic), causing Angela's heart to skip a beat.
JORDAN:
(casual)
Hey, Angela.
ANGELA:
(stammering)
H-Hi, Jordan. What are you up to?
JORDAN:
(sexy smirk)
Just killing some time before history class, you?
ANGELA: (blushing)
We're just, um, looking for books.
Jordan nods and strolls away, leaving Angela and Rayanne to their book search. Rayanne, visibly annoyed at Angela for not mentioning the party, scolds her.
RAYANNE:
(anger)
Why didn't you mention the party?
ANGELA:
(defensive)
I don't know, it just...didn't feel right.
Rayanne huffs, disappointed.
INT. CHASE HOME - NIGHT
Angela finds herself staying home, reading her new book. Rayanne calls.
RAYANNE:
(disappointed)
Are you seriously not coming to the party?
Angela hesitates, looking between her book and the telephone.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Uncharted Path
EXT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
A typical day at Liberty High School. Students are socializing, riding bikes, and skateboarding on the school grounds as they head to classes.
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
Angela Chase (15) walks down the hallway, deep in thought. She is joined by her best friends Rayanne Graff, a wild-child and party girl, and Rickie Vasquez, dealing with his sexuality.
ANGELA (V.O.)
High school is like a foreign country. You can either be a tourist, marvel at the wonders, but never really understand or belong. Or, you can try to find the uncharted path that makes you feel like you belong.
RAYANNE
So, I heard Brian Krakow got extra credit on his Physics project. How come you didn't get it?
As Rickie listens, he carefully applies lip balm.
ANGELA
My project wasn't anything special. Plus, Brian's always been a teacher's pet.
RICKIE
But you're smart, Angela. You don't have to settle for being mediocre.
ANGELA
I know, Rickie, but sometimes it's hard to be noticed in a sea of faces.
RAYANNE
Well, if you want to be noticed, you gotta do something drastic. Shake things up a bit.
Angela considers this as they approach their school lockers.
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY
The English teacher, Ms. Evans, writes prompts for a writing assignment on the blackboard.
MS. EVANS
For this assignment, I want you all to express your deepest emotions, your most personal feelings.
Students listen vaguely as she drones on.
ANGELA (V.O.)
And that's how it all began. The journey to find the uncharted path.
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
Angela, Rayanne, and Rickie gather around Angela's locker.
RAYANNE
Ugh, I hate writing assignments.
RICKIE
But this is a chance for us to express ourselves, right Angela?
Angela nods.
ANGELA
Maybe this could be our uncharted path. We open up completely and find new ways to belong.
Rayanne smirks.
RAYANNE
You guys are so serious. But whatever, count me in.
INT. CHASE HOME - ANGELA'S ROOM - NIGHT
Angela sits at her desk, penning her writing assignment. Deep thought fills her face.
ANGELA (V.O.)
When I started writing, I felt like I was opening a Pandora's box of emotions. I had no idea what would come out once the floodgates opened.
EXT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
Angela and her friends hand their assignments to Ms. Evans before entering the classroom.
ANGELA (V.O.)
I knew, whatever the outcome, the uncharted path couldn't be worse than the life I was living.
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY
As the bell rings, Ms. Evans stands at the front of the class, holding Angela's paper.
MS. EVANS
Class, I want to read an outstanding piece by Angela Chase. Her bravery and vulnerability are truly inspiring.
Angela's eyes widen, both mortified and proud. Her friends smirk as they look at her.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Finding Ourselves
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
Teenagers are bustling through the crowded halls accompanied by the cling-clang of locker doors slamming. The school morning is in full swing.
ANGLE ON ANGELA CHASE, the show's 16-year-old protagonist, with her best friends SHARON CHERSKI and RAYANNE GRAFF. They're talking as they swap books at their lockers.
ANGELA
(prominently underwhelmed)
Jordan Catalano came back. Great.
RAYANNE
(excitedly)
I know, right? This school just got a jolt of excitement for a change!
SHARON
(looking around)
How come no one seems to care?
RAYANNE
(angrily)
There's something so profoundly wrong with this place.
ANGELA'S VOICE
(high-school girl tone)
Oh, Jordan? The guy I barely talked to for years because I had this giant obsession?
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - ENGLISH CLASS - DAY
The ENGLISH TEACHER is giving a lecture as the students write down notes. Angela is in the middle of another voiceover monologue, contemplating about growing up and dealing with high school.
ANGELA'S VOICE
Sometimes, I feel like high school is just one big ongoing test. You have to pretend it doesn't matter, or that you already have it all figured out. And somehow, no one's supposed to notice.
JORDAN CATALANO, the attractive and mysterious boy who, of course, has his own share of damaged goods, is seen sneaking into the classroom, catching the teacher's attention.
ENGLISH TEACHER
(annoyed)
Glad you could join us, Catalano. Take a seat.
The students murmur as Jordan takes his seat next to Angela. She flinches but keeps her gaze away from him.
ANGLE ON Angela's classmates BRIAN KRAKOW and RICKIE VASQUEZ who are sitting together. Brian shoots a penetrating glance at Angela and notices her discomfort.
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - CAFETERIA - DAY
The shoddy cafeteria, packed with chattering students. Angela, Sharon, Rayanne, Rickie and Brian are sitting together at a table, discussing recent events.
RAYANNE
(showing off)
I heard Jordan's dad kicked him out of the house.
ANGELA
(staring into her lunch)
He should've just stayed away.
RICKIE
(feeling empathetic)
Maybe he had nowhere else to go.
BRIAN
(condescending)
Or maybe he's just a loser.
Sharon tries to change the subject, as her issue with Jordan is only complicating things.
SHARON
(resolute)
Let's do something different this weekend. Let's go camping at the abandoned house on the outskirts of town.
Rayanne, surprisingly, agrees.
Ah, the quiet of the last bell. It echoes through the halls, empty of students. Angela lingers hesitantly behind the room. She's the only one left.
ANGLE ON the door as Jordan enters the classroom, looking determined.
JORDAN
(Angela)
Angela, we need to talk.
The words drop like bombshells, leaving them in sudden silence.
ANGELA
(after a tense moment)
Why?
TO BE CONTINUED
Lost and Found
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
*The usual hustle and bustle of high school. Angela Chase shuffles through the crowded hallway, looking a bit lost in her thoughts, with her hair dyed red again.*
*Angela (V.O.): High school is like a maze. Every hallway looks the same, yet everything feels different. You're just trying to find your way to that one corner where you can truly belong.*
*Rickie and Brian approach Angela.*
RICKIE: Angela! Love the hair. It's so you.
ANGELA: (Smiles) Thanks, Rickie. Just felt like going back to the old me.
BRIAN: So, uh... have you asked Rayanne if she still has your blue sweater?
ANGELA: I'll ask her after school. She seems to be avoiding me lately.
*As they're talking, Rayanne peaks around the corner.*
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
*Angela, Rickie, and Brian discuss Jordan and Rayanne.*
RICKIE: So, have you talked to Jordan lately? I know things have been... conflicting.
ANGELA: Just a few words. I dunno, it's complicated.
BRIAN: (Interrupting) Hey, do you guys think we should all hang out again? You know, like the old days?
RICKIE: Yeah, that'd be great, actually. I feel like we've all just drifted apart.
*Angela nods in agreement.*
INT. RAYANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
*Angela sits down on Rayanne's bed as they catch up on each other's lives.*
ANGELA: So, why have you been avoiding me?
RAYANNE: (Fidgety) I haven't been avoiding you, Angela. I've just... had a lot going on.
ANGELA: Like what?
RAYANNE: (Sighs) Okay... my mom found out about my dad's second life. And she hasn't been taking it well.
ANGELA: (Sympathetic) Oh, Rayanne... I'm so sorry.
*Angela comforts Rayanne with a hug.*
RAYANNE: And thanks for not bringing up... you know who.
ANGELA: Yeah, let's not go there. So, um, have you seen my blue sweater?
*Rayanne hands Angela the sweater without hesitation.*
INT. JORDAN'S CAR - NIGHT
*Jordan and Angela sit in silence for a moment.*
JORDAN: So... what happened with Rayanne?
ANGELA: Her family's just going through a tough time. I think she just needed some space.
JORDAN: (Nods) Yeah, I know how that feels.
*They share an understanding look.*
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL QUAD - DAY
*Angela, Rayanne, Brian, and Rickie all sit on the grass, with Angela wearing the blue sweater, laughing and enjoying the day.*
ANGELA (V.O.): Life is like a sweater. It's a mix of patterns and colors, full of knots and loose ends, that somehow manage to all come together. We're all just trying to find that right fit, a place where we belong. And sometimes, we may feel lost, but eventually, we find our way back to our own familiar corner.
*As the four friends laugh and enjoy each other's company, the screen slowly fades to black, with the words 'TO BE CONTINUED' appearing.*
My So-Called Tangled Life
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
Angela Chase (15) walks down the hallway with her backpack slung over her shoulder.
Rayanne Graff (15) catches up to her, panting.
RAYANNE: Okay, so spill - what happened last night?
ANGELA: Nothing. We just hung out and watched some TV.
RAYANNE: (disappointed) Really? No juicy deets? C'mon, it's Monday. Give me something!
ANGELA: (laughs) Nothing exciting, I promise.
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY
Angela, Rayanne and Brian Krakow (15) are in English class, listening to a teacher, MS. KATIMSKI (40s), talking about the next assignment.
MS. KATIMSKI: For your next assignment, I want you to choose any Shakespeare play and select a passage that speaks to you. Analyze the passage and write a 1,000-word essay on its meaning and impact on the play.
Rayanne groans.
RAYANNE: (whispering to Angela) Seriously? How am I supposed to relate to anything Shakespeare wrote?
ANGELA: (whispering) I don't know yet, but I'm sure there's something in there for everyone.
Brian chimes in.
BRIAN: Actually, there's a lot of interesting stuff in Shakespeare's plays. You just have to dig for it.
Rayanne rolls her eyes.
RAYANNE: Look who's the expert. Dramatic, lovesick teenagers in tights. I bet you love Romeo and Juliet.
BRIAN: It's a timeless classic, Graff. Grow up.
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - CAFETERIA - DAY
Lunchtime. Angela, Rayanne, and Brian sit at a table. Rayanne is animatedly discussing an idea. The noise level in the cafeteria is loud.
RAYANNE: So I was thinking, what about booze? Macbeth's porter talks about alcohol making you... you know, more passionate, but leaving you unable to, uh... take action.
ANGELA: (laughs) That's actually pretty clever. Go for it.
BRIAN: Just make sure you also discuss its implications in the play, like the effect of the porter's words on Macbeth's psyche.
RAYANNE: Yeah, yeah... I got it.
Suddenly, Jordan Catalano (15) walks in as the noise level subtly drops. Angela freezes, watching him.
ANGELA (V.O.): There he was. The same guy I've crushed on for... ever. And yet, somehow, I knew I could never have him.
Jordan sits a few tables away, alone. Angela notices his hand moving slowly across the pages of a book.
ANGELA (V.O.): I wonder... is he also reading Shakespeare? What could be going on inside his head?
Rayanne notices Angela's sudden silence and follows her gaze to Jordan.
RAYANNE: Angela, earth to Angela? Are you ever going to get over him?
Angela quickly snaps out of her trance.
ANGELA: I don't know. Maybe.
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
Angela and Rayanne are at their lockers, catching quick glances of Jordan as he passes by.
ANGELA: So, I was thinking maybe we could work on our essays together this weekend.
RAYANNE: Yeah, that'd be cool. Let's do it.
As Angela closes her locker, Sharon Cherski (15) - Angela's former best friend - shows up.
SHARON: Hey Angela, I heard you and Rayanne are doing a study session for English class. Can I join you?
ANGELA: Um, yeah. Sure.
Sharon gives Angela an appreciative smile and walks away.
RAYANNE: Are you okay with this? I mean, Sharon's great and all, but...
ANGELA: Yeah, I think so. It's just English class, right?
Rayanne nods hesitantly, and they continue down the hallway.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Parallel Universe
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Angela Chase (15) walks down the crowded hallway, eyes down, lost in thought, clutching her books.
ANGELA (V.O.):
Sometimes I wonder if my life is just a parallel universe of someone else's life. Like another me living another life, making different choices. Would that me be any happier?
Rayanne Graff (15) comes racing down the hallway, excited.
RAYANNE:
Angela! You won't believe what I just found out in art class! There's a mural idea contest going on! We should totally go for it!
ANGELA:
Mural contest? I don't know, Rayanne... I mean, I've never really been good at art.
RAYANNE:
Oh, come on! It'll be fun! Think of the possibilities! Anything we want, right there on the wall!
Brian Krakow (15), the neighborhood nerd, and idealistic Sharon Cherski (15) overhear Rayanne and Angela's conversation.
SHARON:
A mural contest? That sounds like something you guys would be into. Are you guys thinking about entering?
BRIAN:
Wait, there's a mural contest? That's so lame. Who would actually want to do that?
RAYANNE:
Of course you'd think that, Brain. You have no appreciation for artistic expression.
Brian rolls his eyes, and Angela considers the idea.
ANGELA (V.O.):
Maybe this mural thing could be like a window into another world. A world where things make more sense... or less sense. Anything could be possible.
ANGELA:
Okay, Rayanne, I'm in. But only if we're doing it together.
INT. HANGOUT SPOT - DAY
Angela, Rayanne, Ricky Vasquez (15), and Sharon gather around a table, discussing ideas for the mural contest.
RICKY:
What if we created something celestial? You know, like stars and galaxies?
SHARON:
I think it should have earthy colors, like greens and blues, maybe with some flowers and nature.
RAYANNE:
Nature? How about something more abstract? Something that represents change and growth.
ANGELA:
What if it's a mix of all of those? Sort of like the idea that the universe is always changing and evolving, but it's still connected to everything around us.
Everyone seems to like the idea, and they begin brainstorming their individual contributions.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Angela sits on the couch, doodling in a sketchbook while watching TV. Her mother, Patty (40s), joins her.
PATTY:
What are you working on there, honey?
ANGELA:
Oh, it's just some sketches for the mural contest at school.
PATTY:
A mural contest? That sounds like fun! Can I see what you're working on?
Angela hesitantly shows her mother the drawing.
PATTY:
Wow, this is really beautiful, Angela. I didn't know you were interested in art. You should embrace your creative side more often. It's important to explore who you are and what you want in life.
ANGELA (V.O.):
Why does everything have to be about finding myself? Maybe the other me doesn't have to do that. Maybe she just knows.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Reunion of Dreams
INT. GRAHAM AND PATTY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Angela Chase (15) sits at the kitchen table, deep in thought as she flips through a yearbook.
Angela (V.O.):
Sometimes I feel like my past has a way of sneaking up on me, like the Ghost of Cringeworthy Memories.
Patty, Angela's mom, enters the kitchen and sees her.
PATTY
What are you doing?
ANGELA
Uh, nothing, just...going through some old yearbooks.
Patty notices the yearbook, smiles.
PATTY
Well, don't dwell on the past. There's a reason it's behind us.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Angela walks with her friends, Rickie (15) and Rayanne (15).
RICKIE
So did you decide if you're going to the high school reunion?
ANGLES
(sighs)
It's just, do I really want to remind myself of who I used to be back then?
RAYANNE
We were freakin' awesome! And legendary.
Angela gives her a skeptical look.
RICKIE
Come on, it could be cool to see how people have changed. Besides, Jordan Catalano might be there.
Angela blushes.
INT. GRAHAM AND PATTY'S HOUSE - ANGELA'S ROOM - NIGHT
Angela lays on her bed, staring at the invitation to the high school reunion. Patty enters.
PATTY
Your dad and I wanted to talk to you about the...reunion. We think you should go.
ANGELA
I'm still not sure. It's like stepping back in time.
PATTY
Well, maybe it's time to face the past and learn from it.
Angela thinks for a moment.
ANGELA
You might be right.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM - REUNION NIGHT
Angela walks into the gym, greeted by balloons, streamers, and an '80s-themed DJ. She sees her friends, Rickie and Rayanne, mingling. She hesitates, feeling nervous. Rickie notices her and waves her over.
RICKIE
(angrily)
Where have you been? It took you so long to come over.
ANGELA
(deep breath)
I just needed to get some air. I wasn't sure I did the right thing, coming here.
RAYANNE
(a little tipsy)
Trust me. This is the best decision you've made. Look, there's Jordan Catalano.
Jordan (37) walks in, just as enigmatic as ever. His eyes meet Angela's for a moment, leaving her breathless.
TO BE CONTINUED
Face the Music
INT. HARRISON HIGH - HALLWAY - MORNING
Angela Chase (15) walks down the hallway, surrounded by STUDENTS on their way to class. She narrates as she walks.
ANGELA (V.O.):
Sometimes I wonder if anyone out there feels the way I do. I mean, life can be a whole lot of noise sometimes.
ANGELA’S PARENTS, Graham and Patty, and her little sister DANIELLE, are standing in their KITCHEN.
GRAHAM:
Angela, you have that history paper due tomorrow.
PATTY:
And don’t forget we’re going to your grandparents house this weekend.
Angela rolls her eyes in response.
INT. HARRISON HIGH - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Angela approaches her locker and starts getting her books.
RAYANNE GRAFF(17) walks up to her, excited and frantic.
RAYANNE:
Angela! You have to come see this band with me tonight.
ANGELA:
What band?
RAYANNE:
They’re called Face the Music. They’re amazing.
ANGELA:
I don’t know, Rayanne. You know my parents...
RAYANNE:
Please, Angela! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance!
Angela hesitates, but then agrees.
ANGELA:
Okay, fine. But not a word to my parents.
INT. HARRISON HIGH - CAFETERIA - LUNCHTIME
RICKIE VASQUEZ (15) sits at a table with Rayanne and Angela. He notices Brian Krakow (15) sitting alone and takes a seat beside him.
RICKIE:
Hey, Brian. Wanna come see this great band tonight with us?
BRIAN:
A band? I don’t know.
RICKIE:
Come on, live a little!
BRIAN:
Fine. I’ll go. But only if I can bring Sharon.
ANGELA (V.O.):
I’ve been friends with Brian since we were six, but recently, Sharon’s become a part of his life. I don’t know how I feel about that.
RICKIE:
Yeah, sure. Bring Sharon.
INT. THE CHASE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Angela’s parents are watching TV. She casually walks by, trying to look inconspicuous.
ANGELA:
I’m going to study at Rayanne’s tonight. We have a history project due tomorrow.
PATTY:
Okay, honey. Make sure to text me when you get there.
INT. CONCERT VENUE - NIGHT
The group of friends gathers in the dark, crowded club.
They’re standing close to the stage, waiting for the band to come out. Suddenly, loud music starts blasting and colorful lights illuminate the place.
The lead singer gets on stage, belting out powerful lyrics. Everyone in the audience seems to connect with the music, including Angela.
ANGLEA (V.O.):
Listening to that band, it felt like they knew all about my life. Like they could see right through me.
The music gets louder, more intense. Angela, Rayanne, Rickie, Brian, and Sharon jump and dance together in the crowd, all their troubles forgotten.
ANGLEA (V.O.):
Maybe, just for a moment, everything felt right.
TO BE CONTINUED
My So-Called Life - A New Beginning
INT. KITCHEN - CHASE HOUSE - MORNING
Angela Chase (15) sits at the kitchen table, lost in thought, picking at her cereal. Her mother, Patty, hurriedly puts together lunches.
PATTY
Angela, are you even listening to me?
ANGELA
(voiceover)
It's funny how my mom can just talk, and talk, and... I wonder what cereal would taste like if it was coated in gold flakes?
PATTY
(angrily)
Angela!
Angela snaps back to reality.
ANGELA
Sorry, what were you saying?
PATTY
I said your cousin Lilly is visiting this weekend. You remember Lilly right? I expect you two to get along, okay?
ANGLE on Angela making a slight grimace.
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
Angela meets up with her best friend, Rayanne, and close friend, Rickie.
RAYANNE
No way, cousin Lilly? The one who lives in Europe or something?
RICKIE
I didn't know you had a cousin, Angela.
ANGELA
(voiceover)
Neither did I, apparently. Another family gathering I've been left out of.
ANGELA
(trying to change the subject)
What did you guys do this weekend?
Rayanne and Rickie glance at each other, then look back at Angela hesitantly.
RAYANNE
Um, we hung out with Jordan Catalano.
Angela's eyes widen in surprise.
INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - ENGLISH CLASS - DAY
Angela sits next to Brian Krakow, the boy next door and her unrequited admirer.
BRIAN
(whispering)
Hey, Angela. I heard your cousin is coming this weekend.
ANGELA
(suspiciously)
How did you know?
BRIAN
(nervously fidgeting)
Oh, uh, your mom called my mom, and... doesn't matter.
INT. CHASE LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Angela's family greets her cousin, LILLY (15), a chic, charming, and outgoing girl. Angela looks at her warily, feeling out of her depth.
PATTY
Angela, why don't you show Lilly her room?
INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT
Angela leads Lilly to the guest room, both girls silent.
LILLY
So, what's it like living in a place like this?
ANGELA
(voiceover)
A place like this? What does that even mean? It's just a house, it's just my life.
ANGLE on Angela shrugging, feeling insecure.
INT. ANGELA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Angela lies in bed, staring at the ceiling.
ANGELA
(voiceover)
Maybe Lilly isn't what's wrong. Maybe it's me. Maybe...
The sound of laughter interrupts her thoughts. Angela peers through the window to see Lilly talking with Rayanne, Rickie, and Jordan Catalano in the front yard.
ANGLE on Angela's face, troubled.
TO BE CONTINUED.
A New Chapter
INT. CHASE HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
Angela Chase (15) sits at the kitchen table, lost in thought as she eats her breakfast. Her mother, Patty, stands at the counter packing Angela's lunch.
PATTY
(angry)
I can't believe Graham is leaving us for three months for that cooking course in Paris!
Angela looks up at her mother, shrugs and continues eating her cereal, thoughts elsewhere.
INT. LIBERTY HIGH - HALLWAY - DAY
Angela walks through the crowded school hallway with her best friends, the rebellious Rayanne and the quirky Brian. They pass a flyer advertising a school dance this weekend.
RAYANNE
(excited)
Guys, are we going to the dance this weekend?
ANGELA
(tentative)
I don't know... I haven't been to one since...well, you know. Jordan and me...
She trails off, lost in memories.
BRIAN
(mocking)
Yes! Dances! Human rituals of courtship and awkwardness! Let's do it!
Rayanne laughs, Angela manages a small smile but still seems distant.
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
Angela and her friends sit in front of the stern and humorless principal, Ms. Krzyzanowski.
MS. K
(stern)
Miss Chase, Mr. Krakow, Miss Graff, I have called you here today because you have been selected as a group to mentor some incoming freshmen for the new semester.
The friends exchange uneasy looks. This is not their ideal extracurricular activity.
RAYANNE
(whispering)
This is gonna be kind of—
MS. K
(cutting her off)
You will meet your freshman today after school. If you fail to adhere to this mentorship program and its responsibilities, there will be consequences. Dismissed.
The friends stand up and leave, still digesting the news.
EXT. LIBERTY HIGH - FRONT LAWN - DAY
On their way home, Angela, Rayanne, and Brian stand by their bikes.
BRIAN
(hysteria)
I can't take care of a freshman! I can barely take care of my cactus!
RAYANNE
I kinda like it, you know. We can show 'em the ropes, make sure they don't turn out like us-empty, disillusioned high school kids... or worse, one of the happy shiny people in the student government.
ANGELA
(smiling)
I guess it could be interesting...start a new chapter. Speaking of which, I think I might go to the dance this weekend after all.
BRIAN
(annoyed)
Let the awkwardness commence...
As they ride away, the flyer for the dance flutters past them.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Rediscovering Dreams
INT. KITCHEN – EARLY MORNING
ANGELA CHASE (15, introspective, struggling through adolescence) sits at the table, eating cereal and writing in her journal. Her mother PATTY (40s, well-meaning but distant) prepares breakfast.
PATTY
(angry, frustrated)
Graham, have you seen those cups? The ones we got from your mother?
GRAHAM (40s, kind-hearted but lost) enters the kitchen, holding a box from the garage.
GRAHAM
(unpacking the box)
Here they are, Patty. They were in the garage this whole time.
PATTY
(half-listening)
Alright, put them in the cupboard.
Angela stops writing in her journal, noticing the tension between her parents.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL – ANGELA’S LOCKER - DAY
Angela opens her locker, staring at her own reflection in a mini mirror hanging on its door.
ANGELA (V.O.)
Sometimes, I wish I could disappear... from my life.
RAYANNE GRAFF (15 wild and rebellious), Angela's newfound best friend, approaches her locker.
RAYANNE
Hey girl. What’s up?
ANGELA
(still looking in the mirror)
Um, nothing, just... feeling kind of weird today.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL – HALLWAY - DAY
Angela, Rayanne, and RICKIE VASQUEZ (15, flamboyant, introspective) walk down the hallway together, passing by JORDAN CATALANO (16, mysterious, enigmatic), Angela's crush.
ANGELA (V.O.)
Every time I pass by Jordan Catalano, it's like I forget how to breathe.
RAYANNE
I heard there’s a party at Corey’s house this Friday. You guys in?
As Angela and Rayanne walk on, Rickie lingers, watching Jordan from afar.
RICKIE
(sighs)
I wish.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL – LUNCHROOM - DAY
Angela, Rayanne, and Rickie sit at a table, eating and talking.
ANGELA
(inquisitive)
So, Rickie, are you going to Corey's party?
RICKIE
(smiling)
No. I think I'll just stay at home and dance in front of the mirror.
RAYANNE
(laughing)
You're unbelievable, Rickie.
RICKIE
(smiling)
You know you love it
INT. CHASE HOUSE – DINING ROOM – NIGHT
The family sits at the table, eating dinner. Angela seems a million miles away.
PATTY
(pointedly)
Angela, is there anything you have to share with the family?
ANGELA
(startled)
Um... there's a party at Corey’s house on Friday... and I might go.
PATTY
(concerned)
Corey? Do we know him?
ANGELA
(frustrated)
No, mom. None of my friends have parents who know Corey.
GRAHAM
(smiling)
Alright, Angela, just be careful and have fun.
EXT. COREY’S HOUSE – PARTY – FRIDAY NIGHT
Rayanne and Angela walk up to Corey’s house, which is filled with teenagers.
RAYANNE
(excited)
This is gonna be amazing! I can feel it.
ANGELA
(nervously)
Yeah, amazing.
The front door opens, revealing Jordan Catalano.
TO BE CONTINUED
My So-Called Life: Revelation
INT. CRANMORE HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
The bell rings. Angela, dressed in her usual signature flannel and baggy pants, slams her locker shut, revealing Rayanne at the locker next to hers.
RAYANNE:
(whispering)
There's a rumor that Jordan Catalano's new song is about someone in our class. They played it last night at the Buffalo Tom show!
ANGELA: (surprised)
Really? Oh.. um, I wonder who it's about.
Rayanne looks at Angela suspiciously, then smirks.
RAYANNE:
You wouldn't have any idea, now would you?
Angela gives a nervous smile while trying to seem nonchalant.
INT. GIRLS BATHROOM - DAY
Angela is washing her hands when Sharon rushes in looking frantic.
SHARON:
Did you hear about the song? Everyone's talking about it!
ANGELA:
Yeah, uh, Rayanne told me. Who do you think it's about?
Sharon smirks knowingly and pats Angela on the back.
SHARON:
Do I really have to spell it out?
EXT. CRANMORE HIGH SCHOOL - COURTYARD - DAY
Rayanne, Rickie, and Angela sit on bench during lunchtime.
RAYANNE:
(casually)
We should go to the band room after school, see if it's true. (smirking)
You know Angela, that song might just catapult you to legendary status.
RICKIE:
That is, if it's actually about her.
Angela glares at Rayanne, then looks down at her feet.
INT. CRANMORE HIGH SCHOOL - BAND ROOM - DAY
Angela, Rickie, and Rayanne enter the room, seeing Jordan trying to tune his guitar.
RAYANNE:
Hey Jordan... heard that latest song of yours has a pretty intense inspiration.
Jordan looks up, and seeing Angela, then shifts his gaze to the ground.
JORDAN: (mumbling)
Uh, yeah... I dunno, I just was, like, feeling things.
RAYANNE:
(bloggable anger)
Well, you know, people would love to know who it's about.
JORDAN: (defensive)
It's just a song... why does it have to be about anyone?
RICKIE:
(wisely)
Because, Jordan, every song has inspiration from somewhere.
Angela looks at Jordan, hoping for an answer but he remains silent.
TO BE CONTINUED
