ACT ONE

SCENE B

FADE IN:

INT. CRESTVIEW HALLWAY – LATER

Ariella and Mae walk down the hall.

ARIELLA

This doesn't make sense. I should be the one designing not wasting away my talents cooped up in an office all day.

MAE

It's criminal.

Caleb enters exhibiting the onion rings on his fingers.

CALEB

Look. Lunch and accessories.

Ariella bats away his breath.

ARIELLA

You might want to pop in a mint when you're finished with those.

CALEB

Covered.

He produces a spearmint and peppermint necklace from underneath his shirt. He eats his onion rings.

ARIELLA

It doesn't make any sense. I could understand if the test said I'd be a future scientist. At least that runs in the family.

CALEB

The test goes by what you know. Not what you don't know.

MAE

At least you don't have to tag team with Torin. The horror.

CALEB

It's weird. I always thought she'd be the on the other side of the law.

Ariella stops outside the guidance office.

ARIELLA

Well, here we are. The beginning of my not so bright future. Farewell, shoes and handbags. Hello, issues and tissues.

She enters the room.

INT. GUIDANCE OFFICE – CONTINUOUS

Ariella enters in the middle of a consultation between Mrs. Shannon and a distraught student.

MRS. SHANNON

I know it's hard, but you have to let go. Carrying around your first F is not healthy. Just study harder next time and move on.

The student clings onto his test paper and walks out with his head low. Mrs. Shannon stands.

MRS. SHANNON (CONT'D)

Great, you're here. The appointment log is on my desk, and if you have any questions, I will be in the teacher's lounge.

She checks her watch.

MRS. SHANNON (CONT'D)

Now I have a soap to catch. Sadly, it's the only romance I get to experience since I married Mr. Shannon. Which is not an appropriate conversation to have with students, so I'm just going to let you get to it.

ARIELLA

Can't wait.

She exits. Ariella sits in Mrs. Shannon's chair, pleased by how cozy it is. She kicks back and relaxes.

ARIELLA

I could get used to this.

A student enters, confused.

SPANISH CLASS STUDENT

Where's Mrs. Shannon?

Ariella sits up straight.

ARIELLA

She's out for the day. What's up—I mean, how can I be of guidance?

The student hands her a schedule.

SPANISH CLASS STUDENT

I want to drop my Spanish class.

ARIELLA

That's it? There's nothing else you want to talk about? How's your social life?

SPANISH CLASS STUDENT

Fine. I guess. I just need my schedule changed.

Ariella takes it and puts it aside.

ARIELLA

I'll have it fixed by tomorrow. Adiós.

SPANISH CLASS STUDENT

What?

ARIELLA

We'll get you out of there as soon as possible.

The student exits. Ariella uses Mrs. Shannon's computer.

ARIELLA

It can't be that hard, right? Oh, look! Pinball.

She jumps into a game.