Milo walks into band class the day of the school trip for their showcase. Everyone is wearing their concert attire, getting ready to get on the coach bus and into the city. Milo looks around trying to spot the one person he’s eager to see. Of course, he is interrupted by Nicki, calling out from him across the room. Milo sighs, walking towards Nicki.
Milo: Hey, Nicki…
Milo notices Danny standing next to Nicki. He swallows his feelings to be cordial.
Milo: *to Danny* Hey, bro.
Danny nods his head, getting him back. Nicki is surprised at the interaction.
Nicki: Is it Groundhogs Day or something?
Milo: *confused* Isn’t that in February?
Nicki: *rolls her eyes* It’s a movie reference, meaning is today not actually a real day that is happening? *laughs* Since when do you say hi to Danny?
Milo: Ever since Pep told me that you two started to officially date.
Nicki’s face turns red.
Nicki: I know, I should’ve told you, but I figured it would be easier if Pep did. You’re not that hard on her when she’s telling you someone else”s business.
Milo: *laughs* I mean, you’re not wrong. But, I promised Pep that I would be nice to him in support of your decision. We’re all friends, and I should support you as one.
Nicki smiles and gives Milo a friendly hug. When they pull away, Milo notices Gwen walk past the teens. Nicki notices.
Nicki: Something tells me you were looking for Gwen.
Milo: *defensive* No, No… I uhm, just wanted to wish her good luck on the showcase today and–
Nicki: You mean the same showcase that you’re performing with her in? Pep told me Gwen was at the pizza place yesterday after school. She said that Gwen was giving off major attitude.
Milo: *rolls her eyes* More like Pep giving it to Gwen. I don’t know why she was even acting that way; Gwen and I are just friends and–
Nicki: Just friends?
Milo takes a moment to speak before he answers. Nicki sighs, already knowing the answer.
Nicki: Can I be honest with you about something, Milo?
Milo: *off-guard* Of course; we’re friends.
Nicki looks at Milo and sighs.
Nicki: I don’t want you to think that liking anyone else but Pep is some sort of crime.
Milo tries to laugh it off.
Milo: What? Where is this even coming from?
Nicki: I see the way you look at Gwen, Milo. And then I see this wave of regret all over your face once you realize that you’re waiting for someone that might not even see you the same way.
Milo doesn’t say anything back; he starts to feel embarrassed.
Nicki: I just don’t want you getting hurt every time she’s crushing on some new dude. One week it’s Charlie, the next week it’s Tony–
Milo: And this week it’s Nate?
Nicki doesn’t answer Milo’s question. It’s enough to confirm his suspicion. He sighs as he looks at Gwen, sitting alone at the other side of the room.
Nicki: I’m just trying to give you some clarity in this situation. Even if it’s Pep, you shouldn’t wait for her to come around if she only sees you as a friend.
Before Milo turns his head around, he gathers himself and outs on a smile; he only then turns around to face Nicki.
Milo: I’m fine, Nic. She’s not keeping me from being with anyone else. But, Gwen and I are truly just friends.
Nicki doesn’t say anything back, but chooses to believe her friend. Milo smiles before he changes the subject.
Milo: But speaking of my friend; I’m going to go and check on her.
Milo turns around and the smile quickly vanishes. He’s visibly hurt, but doesn’t want anyone to know. He walks towards Gwen, putting that same smile on his face.
Milo: *to Gwen* Hey.
Gwen looks up and rolls her eyes. She sighs loudly before she continues tuning her strings on her violin.
Gwen: Your charity work isn’t needed right now; thank you very much.
Milo: *confused* Charity work?
Gwen: *looks back up at Milo* Yeah, the work you do pretending to be my friend when you’re not near your real friends.
Milo sits in the seat next to Gwen; she looks at him baffled.
Milo: I’m not pretending to be your friend. I just told Nicki that–
Gwen: I’m not talking about Nicki. I’m talking about your other friend from the pizza parlor. The red head girl you were with?
Milo: *confused* Pep? I-I mean Jennifer?
Gwen: Yeah, her. Every time she comes around, it’s like you look at me like I’m some groupie for your band. I could care less about the bane that you are in, by the way.
Milo: *defensive* Well if you don’t care about my band, why even come out to support in the first place?
Gwen looks at Milo, visibly angry.
Gwen: Because I thought I was going to support my friend at his show.
Gwen gathers her things and gets up from her seat. Milo sighs before getting up himself, going after Gwen. Gwen exits the room and lets out a deep sigh. Shortly after, the door swings open; it’s Milo.
Milo: Gwen–
Gwen: Just leave me alone, Milo. Clearly you don’t value the friendship as much as I do, but that’s always the case with those in my life.
Milo: Gwen, I–
Gwen: I thought you were different. I thought that you had the same passion for the strings section as me, I thought you weren’t like the other dual majors at Waverly and was actually a humble and nice person. You’re worse than them, because at least they make it known that they are stuck up and snobby!
Milo: *defensive* Is that what you thought about me this entire time? Just some snobby dual majors that thought they were better than everyone else at Waverly?
Gwen doesn’t say anything. She stands there and looks at Milo. That’s confirmation in Milo’s book.
Milo: If that’s what you truly thought of me, then why didn’t you tell me to fuck off or something? Huh?
Gwen: *angry* You still don’t get it, don’t you?!
Milo: Get what?! Stop talking in riddles and just say what you want to say!
Before Gwen can get the words to come out, Mr. Harrison is calling out the students to get ready to exit the school for the school trip. Before Milo can turn around and talk to Gwen, she walks away with her stuff to get in line with the rest of the bandmates. Milo stands there and looks at her before he hears Nicki call his name.
Nicki: Milo!
Nicki brings him her stuff.
Nicki: Next time you leave your things with me to hold onto, I’m charging you by the minute.
Milo doesn’t react to Nicki’s words; he’s too focused on Gwen, watching her wipe her damp cheeks with the sleeve of her sweater.
Letters From Liz. 