SCENE J

EXT. CAFETERIA PAVILION - LATER

The students gather around the pavilion stage for the presidential debate. Mrs. Shannon stands behind the center podium.

MRS. SHANNON

Welcome to the student body presidential debate. I ask that each candidate treat each other with respect. No talking over one another, no slandering, and no stealing.

She gives Coach Looper a look. He avoids eye contact.

MRS. SHANNON (CONT'D)

Please welcome the current student body president, Daphne Lambert.

Daphne enters, reinvented into a more fashionable version of herself. The people cheer. She takes a podium. Ariella and Mae watch on from the crowd.

MAE

Nice job.

ARIELLA

It was a team effort.

In the crowd, Danny's wearing dozens of Daphne buttons.

DANNY

Daphne! Daphne! Daphne!

MRS. SHANNON

And please welcome her opponent, Marissa Mahoney.

Marissa enters the stage waving at the applauding crowd.

MARISSA

Even if you don't vote for me, you still have a place in my heart.

MAE

But what does she really mean?

MRS. SHANNON

Without further ado, let's begin.

Torin enters with Caleb at her side wearing a scarf with Torin's face on it.

TORIN

Not so fast. I, Torin Lazlow, am running for president.

CALEB

And I'm her campaign manager.

TORIN

No one cares.

She heads toward the stage. Danny and Caleb face off.

CALEB

Danny.

DANNY

Caleb. Are you sure you want to do this?

CALEB

(laughing) Am I sure—You're going down.

They move into the crowd chanting slogans and handing out merchandise.

DANNY

You haven't seen anything yet. Vote for Daphne.

CALEB

Vote for Torin. Or else.

Mrs. Shannon steps aside so Torin can have her podium.

MARISSA

I thought you didn't want to be president.

TORIN

I figured, why be in the background when I can take center stage where I belong. You're about to get burned, Cupcake.

MRS. SHANNON

Before we get started, would anyone else like to join the must unpredictable race in Crestview history? No? Good. We can begin. First question: As president, what will be your first order of action.

TORIN

I've got this. First off, I would demand that everyone call me by my full name for its star potential. And second, world peace.

MRS. SHANNON

Okay...Marissa?

Marissa nervously looks at Mrs. Shannon then at the crowd. She breaks.

MARISSA

I have a confession to make. I didn't bake the desserts myself. I bought them from a grocery store. Factory made. I'm so sorry. I just wanted to make this school a happier place.

She runs off the stage and exits. Justine stands in the crowd, disturbed.

JUSTINE

That monster!

MAE

Ohhh, so she's a liar. I thought she had an evil plan to destroy the school.

ARIELLA

Torin is running for president. I don't think it's the muffins you should be worried about.

MRS. SHANNON

One down, two to go. Daphne, the floor is yours.

DAPHNE

There are a lot of things I want for this school, but this isn't just about me. We're in this together. If you re-elect me as president, the one promise I can make is to hear each and every one of you out and determine what's best for us all.

Inspired, Danny turns to Caleb. He pumps his fist.

DANNY

Best for crest. Best for crest...

Caleb takes off his scarf and joins in on the chant until the whole cafeteria is chanting.

Torin rolls her eyes and takes out her phone.

TORIN

Run for president. Check.

Daphne walks off the stage towards Ariella.

DAPHNE

Thank you for the amazing new look. But most importantly, thank you for reminding me of what makes a good president.

ARIELLA

I just hope everyone has the sense to do the right thing.

MAE

There's no way Torin's winning this election.

She holds up one of Caleb's scarves.

MAE (CONT'D)

No one would ever wear this.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO