SCENE G

INT. BACKSTAGE – LATER

Mae enters as Ariella checks her phone.

ARIELLA

My models should have been here by now. I still can't get in touch with them.

Torin struts backstage holding a ventriloquist dummy.

TORIN

Oh, they're not coming. It might have been the cookies I sent them.

She shrugs and exits.

ARIELLA

I can't believe this. It wasn't bad enough that we had to unhinge my front door to get here, but now she's gotten rid of my models too?

Mae puts on a brave face.

MAE

I'll do it.

ARIELLA

Are you sure you're up for it?

MAE

My best friend needs me. Besides, I'm your biggest fan remember.

ARIELLA

What would I do without you?

Mae opens her mouth to respond but thinks against it.

MAE

KITY.

She exits to the dressing room.

INT. STAGE – CONTINUOUS

Danny stands behind a podium holding note cards.

DANNY

And now, ladies and gentlemen, get ready for our first ever fashion show. Feast your eyes on the original designs of Ariella Clarke.

Lights glow and music pounds as Mae enters the catwalk. The crowd ooh's and ahh's as she walks the runway, striking a pose at the end.

DANNY

(reading cards) "This brilliant ensemble is dazzling and earth-friendly made from recycled denim. Go green!

Mae gives a thumbs up.

SERIES OF CUTS: Mae models multiple outfits and Ariella joyfully watches on.

Mae poses at the end of the catwalk. Torin is in the front row, furious.

INT. BACKSTAGE – CONTINUOUS

Ariella watches the show as Torin stomps backstage.

TORIN

I thought I took care of all your models. You're cheating.

ARIELLA

I'm the cheater? You're the one who went behind my back to destroy my show. You owe me a new door by the way.

TORIN

That was only a snippet of what I'm capable of. I'm going to make sure your fashion dreams are ripped to shreds.

She storms off.

MAE

KITY.

ARIELLA

Are you ready?

MAE

If ready means on the verge of losing my last meal, then yup. I'm all set.

ARIELLA

I believe in you. You can do this.

MAE

I can do this.

Torin enters with a ventriloquist dummy.

TORIN/DUMMY

No you can't.

She exits.

INT. STAGE – CONTINUOUS

Danny stands behind a podium holding note cards.

DANNY

And now, ladies and gentlemen, get ready for our first ever fashion show. Feast your eyes on the original designs of Ariella Clarke.

Lights glow and music pounds as Mae enters the catwalk. The crowd ooh's and ahh's as she walks the runway, striking a pose at the end.

DANNY

(reading cards) "This brilliant ensemble is dazzling and earth-friendly made from recycled denim. Go green!