SCENE D

INT. CLARKE LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Dave, Karen and Ren are all dressed up and ready to go out. Ariella comes downstairs in her gorgeous princess costume.

ARIELLA

How do I look?

DAVE

Like a princess. What a shame.

ARIELLA

Huh?

DAVE

You're not going anywhere tonight.

ARIELLA

What? Why not?

KAREN

You promised to finish your chores when you got back home and you broke that promise. Now, not only do you have to wash the dishes, but you also have to sweep the floors, do the laundry and take care of Lionel while we're out trick-or-treating.

ARIELLA

But—

DAVE

No buts. We'll be back by nine and we expect everything to be done before we get home.

There's a knock on the door. Dave answers it. It's Mae in her fairy costume.

MAE

What are you supposed to be?

DAVE

The universe. The stars glow in the dark.

He cups his hands over his costume, but it isn't impressive.

DAVE (CONT'D)

It works better out there.

Dave, Karen, and Ren exit.

MAE

After you, princess.

ARIELLA

I can't go to the ball. My parents are making me finish my chores.

MAE

Leave it to me.

She twirls her wand. Nothing happens.

MAE (CONT'D)

Oh well. I'll send pictures.

She starts to leave.

ARIELLA

Or we could stay in and watch scary movies. It'll be just the three of us.

MAE

Three of us?

ARIELLA

You, me, and Lionel.

She turns and points him out. When she turns back around, Mae is gone. Ariella looks back at Lionel.

ARIELLA

I guess it's just you and me.

Lionel stares back.