SCENE E

INT. DRAMA ROOM – LATER

Sophie enters. Jackie and the drama club including Sebastian, 15, and Grace, 15 are sitting in a circle doing wacky warm-ups. Jackie stands to greet Sophie.

JACKIE

Hey, you made it. I'll introduce you to the crew.

They join the other members.

JACKIE (CONT'D)

Guys, this is Sophie. She's going to be giving us a hand.

Sebastian jumps up from his seat and does breathing exercises raining jazz fingers down his face. He offers his hand to Sophie. They shake.

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian. Jackie's ex.

JACKIE

He's not my ex. I went out with him on a bet.

SEBASTIAN

You want to go double or nothing?

Jackie glares at him. Sebastian retreats back to his seat.

Grace raises her hand. She says something in a tiny quiet voice that's hard to understand.

JACKIE

Grace, you're going to have to use your singing voice.

GRACE

(belting in song) Have the programs come in yet?

JACKIE

They have. I present to you, "Light Years in Love."

She picks up the programs and hands them out. Sebastian leans in toward Sophie.

SEBASTIAN

I came up with the name.

Sophie smiles politely, uncomfortable.

JACKIE

Since the actors will be singing in alien, we need someone to write the subtitles. Sophie? Would you like to volunteer?

SOPHIE

Behind the scenes work, I can do. I will stay behind the scenes, right?

JACKIE

For now.

She hands Sophie a flash drive.

JACKIE

Just save the slideshow on this and hand it back before opening night.

Sophie goes to put the flash drive in her bag. Tray enters and she drops it on the floor.

SEBASTIAN

Are we sure she's the right person for the job?

Tray hands Jackie sheet music.

TRAY

Here's the composition changes you asked for.

JACKIE

Good thing we have a genius piano composer who can rewrite an entire score on such short notice.

SEBASTIAN

In my defense, I am an artist. Inspiration flows on its own timetable.

His watch beeps.

SEBASTIAN

Snack time.

He digs into his bag and pulls out an apple.

TRAY

Are we still on for karaoke tonight?

JACKIE

Definitely. Sophie, you should hang out with us.

SOPHIE

I would, but it's my day to....water the plants.

JACKIE

We don't take no very well. Do we guys?

The drama club gets up from their seats and dramatically beg Sophie to come with them. She picks up her book.

SOPHIE

(reading) "Reject every invitation."

She puts the book away and puts on a brave front.

SOPHIE

Why not?

They cheer on their way out the door.

TRAY

They're very dedicated.

Sophie stares at him then quickly exits.