SCENE J

INT. HALLWAY – LATER

Ariella and Mae enter. Ariella searches the hall.

MAE

You're making a mistake. You're confusing your feelings because you've been spending so much time faking it. This is Caleb we're talking about.

ARIELLA

It was weird at first, but something's changed. I really want to give this a chance.

Seeing the hope in Ariella's face, Mae lets up.

MAE

If this is really what you want, then you should go for it. Even if it means I have to spend the rest of my life blindfolded.

Caleb enters.

ARIELLA

Here I go.

They walk up to each other.

ARIELLA (CONT'D)

Caleb, there's something I—

Caleb shushes her with a finger to the mouth.

CALEB

I know the truth.

ARIELLA

You do?

CALEB

Yes. That's why I'm breaking up with you.

Gasps from the eavesdropping students.

ARIELLA

What?

CALEB

I have to move on so you can be with your true lover. Danny.

More gasps as Danny emerges from the crowd.

CALEB (CONT'D)

It's what's best for both of us.

He pretends to stifle a sob and exits. Danny joins Ariella.

DANNY

It's true. The secret is out. Now we can finally set our love free.

He dramatically gazes toward the sky. Ariella puts on a smile for their audience.

ARIELLA

(through teeth) What's going on?

DANNY

Caleb said you needed me to be your date to Yvonne's party. I could use the extra practice, so... (for the crowd) Will you be my one true love?

Ariella halfway masks her disappointment.

ARIELLA

I couldn't fight it if I tried.

Danny winks. The crowd cheers. Ariella looks over her shoulder where Caleb has disappeared. Also heartbroken.