SCENE K

INT. BROADCASTING ROOM – NEXT DAY

Ariella enters. Caleb sits in a chair getting his hair styled, going over his notes.

ARIELLA

What are you doing?

CALEB

I'm giving the update on Spare the Wolves. Turns out, it's made me pretty popular.

Justine comes over.

JUSTINE

He begged me to do it.

ARIELLA

Did you beg for hair and makeup too?

CALEB

Ask and you shall receive.

Ariella sits at her desk. Justine counts her in. They're live.

ARIELLA

Welcome back to DIY or...At least you tried, right? I mean, many have talked about doing it themselves, but you took that extra step, which is a major accomplishment. And that is what matters.

Justine motions for her to get to the point.

ARIELLA (CONT'D)

Today, I have something special to share with you guys. Something from my best friend Mae.

She creeps back her wrist to show off Mae's bracelets.

The crew gasps.

CAMER 1 GIRL

Camera 1 is malfunctioning.

JUSTINE

Cut!

ARIELLA

Thank goodness.

Justine and Camera 1 Girl try to fix the camera.

ARIELLA (CONT'D)

Now I can hopefully be rid of these awful things.

Justine clears her throat.

JUSTINE

We're back on.

Ariella looks up to find Mae standing in the doorway. She walks out. Ariella chases after her.

ARIELLA

Mae, wait.

Justine panics.

JUSTINE

Camera 2!

Mouth wide open, Caleb sits at the second desk with fundraiser boxes and bags. He snaps into character.

CALEB

So far we've raised a total of thirty-five bucks for Spare the Wolves. While every cent counts—I know we can do better than that! You know what?

He sweeps the bags and boxes on the floor.

CALEB (CONT'D)

Forget about the fruit and nuts. Think about the wolves.

He sits Willis on the table.

CALEB (CONT'D)

He needs a home. So do the right thing and meet me after homeroom. (to camera guy) Get a close-up.

The camera zooms in on Willis's face as sad music plays. A fake teardrop glistens under Willis's eye.

INT. HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS

Ariella catches up with Mae.

ARIELLA

Mae, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to hear that.

MAE

Because it's so much better to lie to my face.

ARIELLA

I saw how happy you were. I didn't want to hurt your feelings.

MAE

We're supposed to be honest with each other. Maybe I don't have a choice, but at least I would never let you make an idiot out of yourself.

She exits.

INT. BROADCASTING ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Henry sits at the second desk giving the morning announcements.

HENRY

Today's lunch is--

Ariella enters his shot.

ARIELLA

The spaghetti special. You might want to skip it. (to Henry) Can I have a second?

Henry exits and Ariella takes his seat.

ARIELLA (CONT'D)

My best friend needed me to tell her the truth today, and I chickened out. I pretended to like something she made so she wouldn't feel bad when I should have told her the truth.

Mae enters, listening.

ARIELLA (CONT'D)

Because that's what best friends do. We tell each other what we need to hear, even when it's hard. That's how we make each other better. So the next time your best friend needs your honest advice, don't try to avoid them or hope they get the message. Do it yourself.

Ariella gets up and walks away from the desk.

JUSTINE

The good news is, we have the audiences full attention. The bad news: The principal wants to see me in his office.

ARIELLA

I'm fired aren't I?

Justine hands Ariella the box of DIYs.

JUSTINE

It's been fun.

She exits. Ariella approaches Mae showing her bracelets.

ARIELLA

You need some help.

MAE

I guess you're right. They looked so much better in my head.

ARIELLA

Don't worry. I've got you covered.

The head out the door.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO