SCENE D

INT. ARIELLA's BEDROOM – LATER

Ariella bursts out of her closing posing in a party dress. She waits for Mae's opinion.

ARIELLA

What do you think?

MAE

Too much pink, not enough sparkle.

Ariella's pose deflates.

ARIELLA

That's the fourth outfit you didn't like.

MAE

It's not that I don't like them. I just think you can do better. This is your first fashion show. Your moment to shine.

ARIELLA

You're right. This is my one and only chance to make a first impression. I have to give it all I've got.

She holds out her palm.

ARIELLA (CONT'D)

Hand me the golden needle.

Mae walks over to the sewing table and plucks the golden needle from a star-shaped pin cushion. She ceremoniously hands it to Ariella.

ARIELLA

It's about to get fabulous.

MONTAGE

-Ariella cuts out fabric.

-Ariella and Mae pin pattern pieces together. Mae accidentally pins her sleeve to the fabric.

-Ariella sews her pieces together. She looks to Mae for her reaction. Mae gives her the OK sign, her fingers wrapped in bandages.

END OF MONTAGE

Ariella adds the finishing touches to her project sitting on a mannequin.

MAE

Now this is runway ready.

There's a knock on the door. They exchange panicked looks. They rush to hide every trace of fashion. Ariella puts a microscope cover her sewing machine that reads, "Science Rocks." Mae tosses Ariella her lab coat and Ariella slips it on before opening the door. Ren stands in the doorway frowning.

REN

Why's your face all glittery?

ARIELLA

Uh...We were pretending that we were on Mars. It's Mars dust.

She brushes the glitter from her face and sprinkles it on Ren's head. Ren isn't convinced.

REN

Anyway...There's some strange boy downstairs looking for you.

ARIELLA

Strange boy?

INT. LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Ariella and Mae walk downstairs. Caleb waits there wearing a Swirly Go Round uniform and a hat shaped like an upside-down Neapolitan ice cream cone.

ARIELLA (CONT'D)

Caleb? We really need to talk about your taste.

CALEB

This is my work uniform. Do you really think I would wear this on my own free will?

MAE

Yes. Yes, we do.

ARIELLA

How'd you know where I live?

CALEB

Torin. She scared the school receptionist into giving her your address when she heard you were in the talent show. I came to warn you.

ARIELLA

Please. She does not scare me.

She glances at the door.

ARIELLA (CONT'D)

She's not waiting outside is she?

CALEB

Not yet. But don't be surprised if you can't open your front door Friday night.

Ariella turns to Mae.

ARIELLA

You see why I didn't want to do this?

MAE

Because you were insecure about debuting your designs at the talent show, which could potentially kill your career?

ARIELLA

KITY Mae.

MAE

Huh?

ARIELLA

Keep It To Yourself.

CALEB

You make your own clothes too?

ARIELLA

Yeah, but too bad no one's going to be able to see them. I'm dropping out of the show.

She flops onto the sofa. Mae and Caleb join her.

CALEB

Don't let my sister get to you. You may not be as creative as me, but who is? You too deserve your moment in the spotlight.

ARIELLA

(contemplating) I do. Why should Torin get all the glory? You know what? I'm going to do this. This Friday, the show is on.

Karen and Dave come downstairs.

KAREN

What's happening this Friday?

Ariella hops to her feet.

ARIELLA

Uh...

Caleb stands.

CALEB

She's going to be in the—

ARIELLA

Science fair! I'm going to be in the science fair.

DAVE

Isn't it a little early in the year for a science fair?

ARIELLA

Dad, is it ever too early for science?

DAVE

I guess not. We'll be there.

KAREN

I'll bring crystal rock pops! They're a Wonder Dome favorite.

Karen and Dave enter the kitchen.

MAE

How unfair is that? The science fair is on the exact same day as the talent show.

CALEB

There is no science fair.

Caleb turns to Ariella, suspicious.

ARIELLA

But there will be. Does anyone know how to build an active volcano?

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE