Category: The Teenage Tell-Tale.

The from door of the apartment opens and Milo Sr. and Jennifer walk in. Mollie walks straight to the couch and buries her face in the pillows. Milo Sr. looks at Jennifer and walks out of the living room, giving space to the sisters. Jennifer sits in the lounge chair next to the sofa, looking at Mollie.

Jennifer: Wanna talk?

Mollie: No.

Jennifer: Well we’re going to have to talk about it sooner or later. You don’t want to have this conversation with Mom or Dad first.

Mollie doesn’t respond. Jennifer sighs.

Jennifer: Mol, why would you go to that party without letting Dad know?

Mollie doesn’t answer.

Jennifer: You gotta give me something here.

Mollie turns around and her eyes are puffy and red. Her face is stained with tears.

Mollie: Because I wanted to go and I wasn’t invited.

Jennifer: Why would you go if you weren’t invited?

Mollie doesn’t say anything.

Jennifer: Mol?

Mollie: *yells* Because I was stupid enough to think that the boy I liked liked me back and he fucking invited me to go with him! That’s why!

Jennifer looks at the bedroom that her youngest son, Micah, is sleeping in. She turns back around towards Mollie to try to calm her down.

Jennifer: What happened at the party?

Mollie: *louder* I don’t wanna talk about it, Pep! Theo is just an asshole and Laurie is a cunt and I hate her stupid minions and I hope they go rot in hell!

Jennifer: Mollie.

Mollie heaves on the sofa and cries.

…

In his bedroom, Milo hears Mollie and Jennifer’s conversation from the living room. His phone vibrates; he gets a message from Sophie.

leesophie: Is she okay?

milolani: Her sister is talking to her right now. 

milolani: What happened?

Moments later, a mass text message is sent, including to Milo. Milo opens up the attachment and it’s a video of Mollie and Theo kissing at the party, followed by catching them and laughing at Mollie. Mollie looks absolutely mortified. Milo is shocked at what he saw.

Milo Sr. knocks on Milo’s door and enters. Milo takes the video off of his screen.

Milo Sr: Hey bud, are you okay?

Milo: Mol’s gonna hate me.

Milo Sr: Hey, you did the right thing. No one knew where she was tonight… did she tell you she was going to this party?

Milo shakes his head.

Milo: No. A friend told me she was there.

Milo Sr takes in this newfound information.

Milo Sr: Did your friend tell you what happened?

Milo: No.

Milo’s phone begins to ring constantly and it catches Milo Sr’s attention.

Milo Sr: What’s wrong with your phone?

Milo: *nervously* It-it’s nothing.

Milo tries to laugh it off until his father puts his hand out.

Milo Sr: Phone. Now.

Milo sighs and hands over his phone.

Milo: Please don’t show Mollie and Pep! Mol will kill me!

Milo Sr watches the video and his face drops. He shuts his eyes and hands Milo his phone.

Milo Sr: You did the right thing telling us about Mollie, bud. Don’t kick yourself for doing that. You were only looking out for your friend and that’s what a good friend does.

Milo still feels bad and not convinced. Milo Sr leaves Milo’s room and heads towards the living room. Mollie is crying even harder now; Jennifer is looking at Mollie’s phone, angry.

Jennifer: This is not even right, those kids should be ashamed of themselves *to Milo Sr* did you–?

Milo Sr sadly nods his head. Jennifer goes from angry to concerned and looks back at Mollie, crying on the sofa.

Milo comes out of his room and peeks into the living room. Mollie sees him and gets extremely angry.

Mollie: You fucking snitch!

Milo: *defensive* I didn’t even know you were actually gonna go to that stupid party with Theo!

Mollie: You still told them that I went, dumbass!

Jennifer: That’s enough! *to Milo* You, back in your room! *to Mollie* We gotta tell dad that you’re with me.

Mollie doesn’t say anything; she just sits on the sofa. Milo turns around and walks back into his room.

While Milo Sr walks in the same direction as his son, Jennifer sits back down with Mollie.

Jennifer: It’s wrong what those kids did to you. No one should ever have to go through that.

Mollie stays silent.

Jennifer: And that boy? Not worth it. Just because someone looks good on the outside, doesn’t mean they’re good on the inside.

Mollie: I thought he liked me. He made me feel special.

Jennifer: I know, sweetie.

Mollie begins to cry in Jennifer’s shoulder. She holds Mollie as she comforts her.

Mollie: My first kiss was suppose to be special, and he ruined it! Laurie ruined it! They all ruined a moment that was suppose to be memorable!

Mollie heaves in Jennifer’s body. Jennifer gently rocks her sister to comfort her in a vulnerable state like this.

…

Milo sits at his desk and messages Sophie.

milolani: You should've just let Mollie be. 

leesophie: What?

milolani: She's an ungrateful person and should've dealt with her own shit on her own.

Milo throws his phone on the bed, upset that his best friend is mad at him for helping her out in a situation where she was left alone. He hides under his covers, and begins to cry.

It’s the night of Laurie’s Halloween party, and teens gather around the venue with their invitation to head on inside. It’s extra, over the top, and luxurious; three things that most of Laurie’s parties are known for. Teens in costumes are walking around, chatting and socializing. Two teens come into the party, a guy dressed up as The Joker; the girl dressed up as a zombie school girl.

Theo looks at Mollie, who also looks at him.

Theo: You look so cute in your costume.

Mollie: Thanks! It was the only thing I could really think of last minute.

Theo: Well, you look great.

He winks at her, which makes Mollie blush.

Across the room is Sophie, who is dressed up as Jasmine from ‘Aladdin’. She sits with her group of friends while the others chat it up and socialize with the other people in the group. Laurie, who is dressed as a luxurious princess, looks at Sophie sitting by herself.

Laurie: Hey Sophie!

Sophie looks up in Laurie’s direction.

Laurie: Come on! We’re all talking pictures together!

Sophie gets up from her seat and lines up with the rest of her friends. The photographer in front of them sets up the camera and prompts them to say ‘Halloween!’ at the count of three. Before the group counts to three, Laurie notices an unwanted guest at her party.

Laurie:*annoyed* Mollie?!

Sophie looks ahead and sees Mollie at the party with Theo. Sophie is confused as in why she’s at the party with him. She doesn’t like the feeling it gives her.

Before she can walk back to where she was sitting, someone grabs her by the arm. It’s Simon, who is dressed up as a prince.

Simon: Sophie!

The gesture catches Sophie off-guard. She jumps in place in fear.

Simon: Hey, it’s just me!

Sophie: What do you want, Simon?

Simon: I just wanted to stop by, say hi and tell you that you look really good in your costume.

Sophie: *annoyed* You should be telling your girlfriend that.

Simon: I mean, she’s cute, but you’re even cuter.

Sophie is visibly disgusted.

Sophie: What happened to you? What happened to the friend that was actually kind and respectful?

Simon: Did I not just compliment you and be nice to you?

Sophie: I think it would be best if you left me alone, Simon. Have a good rest of the night.

Sophie walks away from Simon. She sits back down at her seat, surrounded by Laurie’s group of friends.

Laurie walks up to Theo and Mollie.

Laurie: I believe this was an invite-only party.

Theo: There’s nothing about not bringing a plus one to your party.

Laurie huffs and walks away from the two. Mollie smiles in victory as her and Theo laugh at the outcome.

…

The night progresses and everything is going well. Theo sits next to Mollie at one of the table and pulls her chair close to him. Mollie smiles.

Theo: You’re enjoying the party?

Mollie: It’s pretty cool.

Theo: Well, I’m having a great time here with you.

Mollie cheeses. She’s not one to swoon over a guy’s compliments like this, but she really likes Theo. Theo gets up from his seat and takes Mollie’s hand. He walks across the venue with her, passing the table of Laurie’s friends and Sophie. Sophie looks up to see the two of them walking towards a dark, secluded area. She doesn’t like the feeling she has, and takes out her phone.

leesophie: Mollie’s at the party with Theo.

…

In the secluded area, Theo looks at Mollie and smiles. Mollie is confused.

Mollie: What are we doing back here?

Theo: There was too much noise out there, I just wanted to hang out with you and talk.

Mollie nods and sits down in the bench behind the curtain. Theo joins her.

Theo: I’ve been wanting to tell you something, but I’ve been too scared to say anything.

Mollie: What is it?

Theo: I’m really glad that you came with me to the party. To be honest, I really wanted to talk to you in school, but I always thought you didn’t want to talk to me.

Mollie: Are you kidding me? *laughs* I always wanted you to come and talk to me! You’re Theodore Walker, the captain of the baseball team!

Theo laughs and gets closer to Mollie. She notices and starts to get a little uncomfortable.

Theo: The truth is, I like you Mollie. I think you’re the prettiest girl in the class.

Mollie is taken back. She blushes as her response.

Mollie: I… really like you too.

Theo gets even closer to Mollie and begins to go in to kiss her. She doesn’t move, but she’s nervous. He slowly goes in and kisses Mollie on the lips. Mollie closes her eyes and kisses him back until a curtain is swung open and flashes of lights appear. They break up the kiss.

Laurie: Look everyone! It’s Beverly Junior High’s slut! She even came dressed as herself!

Mollie looks mortified. She looks at Theo who’s also laughing and giving high-fives to the boys.

Theo: There you go guys, it’s not as hard as you think getting Mollie Castro after all!

Mollie is embarrassed and at the verge of tears.

Mollie: Go fuck yourself, Theo!

Theo: Not unless I get you to do that first!

The guys laugh as Mollie runs out of the secluded area. Sophie watches Mollie run out of the venue. She follows her.

Sophie: Mollie! Mollie wait!

Mollie: *turns around* Don’t you guys think you did enough? You’re all the fucking same; just plain, mean girls that thinks everyone wants to be like them and be your friend! Go back to Laurie and her other minions and share the same brain cell because all of you are fucking stupid and dumb!

Mollie runs out as Sophie stands there.

Mollie exits the venue and sees a familiar car waiting outside. It’s Milo Sr. and her eldest sister, Jennifer.

Mollie walks into a pink, girly bedroom. She drops her stuff at the foot of the bed and sits on it. She looks around, disgusted at how obnoxiously pink and girly the room is. Sh sighs and tales out her phone; she sees all of the people at her school getting ready for Laurie’s Halloween party. She tosses her phone on the bed, annoyed that she’s here instead of with everyone else.

A woman knocks on the door and enters the bedroom. She’s tall and has short black hair. She smiles at Mollie.

Gina: Hey, Mollie. Dinner should be ready in 15 minutes.

Mollie doesn’t say anything, she just picks her fingernails and ignores Gina. Gina leaves the room, and closes the door behind her. Mollie sits up and looks at the closed door in disgust. She gets up from the bed and looks at the shelf across from her. She sees a picture of her and her father from when she was a kid. Mollie takes the picture frame and faces in downward on the shelf.

…

It’s now dinnertime at the Castro household. The family sits at the kitchen table; Gina, Mollie, her father Justin, and her half-sibling, Selena.Mollie sits at the dinner table silent as she eats her food. Gina and Justin are talking before they stop and continue eating.

Gina: So how’s school going, Mollie?

Mollie doesn’t answer, she continues to play around with the food on her dinner plate. Justin notices it.

Justin: Mollie.

Mollie: Huh?

Justin: Gina asked you a question.

Mollie: Sorry, I didn’t hear.

Gina smiles and repeats her question.

Gina: How’s school going?

Mollie: Fine, I guess.

Mollie continues to eat her dinner, Justin feels slightly embarrassed by his daughter’s behavior. A squeal from Selena in her highchair is heard, and Justin tends to her. Mollie looks visibly annoyed.

Gina: *to Mollie* Have you’ve been practicing for the high-school audition?

Mollie doesn’t respond; she is too busy looking at her father tend to Selena.

Gina: Mollie?

Mollie: *annoyed* What?

Justin: *stern* Hey.

He looks at Mollie. Mollie continues to play with the food on her plate.

Justin: Gina just asked you a simple question.

Mollie: I don’t feel like talking.

Justin: That’s not an excuse to be rude to Gina.

Mollie puts her fork on her plate and gathers her dishes.

Mollie: I’m done with dinner. Thanks.

She gets up from her seat and takes her dishes to the kitchen. Gina looks sad.

Justin: You know how teenagers can be.

Gina: I know. I just wish there was more that I can do for her.

Justin wraps his arm around Gina, who smiles to the gesture.

…

Back in Mollie’s room she takes out her phone to scroll through various social media platforms. She soon after gets a message notification.

Theo: hey castro 😉

Mollie smiles at the message and responds back to the message.

Mollie: what's up, walker?

Theo: just chilling in my room. hbu?

Mollie: same, @ my dad's house for the weekend.

Theo: that blows.

Mollie: tell me about it.

A knock is heard on Mollie’s bedroom. Her father walks in.

Justin: Can we talk?

Mollie: About what?

Justin sits on the bed and Mollie locks her phone screen.

Justin: About you and Gina.

Mollie: What about us?

Justin: She feels bad when you push her away when you’re over. I know you’re my daughter, but–

Mollie: But Gina is your wife and Selena is your daughter. Got it.

Justin: Lena’s your half-sister.

Mollie: So what?

Justin: *upset* Mollie.

Mollie doesn’t say anything back.

Justin: I’m just asking for you to be nice to Gina. She wants to make your weekends here as comfortable as possible, and it’s not fair to her that–

Mollie gets angry at her father for only considering Gina’s feelings instead of hers.

Mollie: It’s unfair to her? How is it unfair to her?

Justin: You’re tuning her out, Mollie. You’re making her feel like she doesn’t belong here.

Mollie: *angry* Well she deserves it!

Justin: Mollie Sue Castro!

Mollie huffs in her bed.

Justin: You are in her house, and she is treating you with nothing but respect, and I expect you to do the same for her.

Mollie phone buzzes. She knows it’s Theo texting her back. Justin gets up from the bed and walks towards the bedroom door.

Justin: You can’t stay in your room all weekend; come out and socialize with the rest of the family very once in awhile.

The door shuts behind him and Mollie takes out her phone to read the message notification.

Theo: u should come to laurie's party tomorrow

Mollie: I'm not invited to her dumb party.

Theo: be my +1? there's nothin that says you can't

Mollie ponders the thought.

Mollie: see you then. 

The bell rings and in come the students from the hallway to start their day. The students are chatty, sitting in their circle of friends. Among those students coming into the classroom are Milo and Mollie. Mollie looks around the classroom to find an empty area where her and her best friend can sit and hang out. Once she does, she walks towards the empty desks. Milo follows behind her.

Mollie: I’m so not looking forward to today, like what monster gives their class a test on a Friday? That’s just cruel.

Milo looks towards the door when the group of popular kids comes into the classroom. He spots Sophie trailing behind the group.

Mollie: Milo?

Milo continues to look at the group. Sophie spots him and faintly smiles. He does the same back.

Mollie: *louder* Hello? Earth to Milo?

Milo spins his head around towards Mollie, finally hearing that she was calling for him.

Milo: Huh?

Mollie rolls her eyes at Milo.

Mollie: You’re not even listening to me.

Milo: Sorry, I was just… thinking.

Mollie: When are you not?

The classroom continues to be chatty until Laurie gets up from her seat and faces the class.

Laurie: Good Morning, Class 830! Now as you may all know, it’s Halloween season and like every year, I will be having a costume party! It’s invite only, so if you get one; congrats, you’re invited to the best Halloween party of Beverly Junior High!

Laurie begins to walk around the classroom to hand out invitations. Everyone in her friend group, including Sophie, gets an invitation to the party. A couple of other kids get invites as well and before the teacher comes in, she is out of invitations. Both Milo and Mollie don’t have invitations.

Laurie: Remember that there’s a costume contest so everyone wear your best costume!

As Laurie goes back to her seat, the teacher attempts to quiet down the class to start off the day. Mollie is visibly annoyed.

At recess, Milo is in a music practice room tuning his guitar while Mollie sits on the ground tossing a toy ball in her hands.

Mollie: I don’t get it, why does everyone wanna go to Laurie’s dumb Halloween party in the first place? Like, it’s Laurie for fuck’s sake.

Milo: Because she’s popular, Mol. Getting an invite from Laurie is like getting an invitation from the President.

Mollie: Well it’s fucking stupid. She always does this shit to prove her point on her popularity but like, people are just using her.

Milo: Let them use her then if that’s what she wants.

Mollie looks at Milo, who is concentrated on tuning his guitar.

Mollie: You’re doing guitar or drums for the audition?

Milo: *focused* Guitar.

Mollie: Dude *sits up* You should totally do drums instead. Like yeah, guitar’s all cool and shit, but you know how many people are probably going to audition with guitar?

Milo takes in Mollie’s words for consideration. Mollie takes out a piece of gum to chew on.

Suddenly, the practice room door opens, and Sophie pauses and realizes Milo isn’t alone in the room. She quickly closes the door. Mollie looks at the door, and then back at Milo, who is now nervous and worried.

Mollie: Was that one of Laurie’s minions?

Milo doesn’t know how to respond to Mollie.

Mollie: *annoyed* Milo?

Milo: *finally answers* She probably got confused in the rooms… you know how dumb those girls are.

Mollie laughs; Milo hates the fact that he said that about Sophie. He packs his things up and gets ready to leave. Mollie notices.

Mollie: Dude, where’re you going?

Milo doesn’t answer; he just leaves the music room.

…

Milo sits in the tree-house with drumsticks, mindlessly practicing on a rubber drum rim. A couple of moments later, he hears rocks being thrown up at the tree-house. He looks out of the window to see Sophie standing there. She makes her way up the ladder towards the tree-house.

Milo: What brings you over, Scout?

Sophie: I was meaning to talk to you today during recess, but it seems like you and Mollie were hanging out.

Milo: Yeah, sometimes she’ll come with me to hang.

Sophie nods her head.

Milo: So, whatcha wanted to ask me?

Sophie: Oh! Right; did you get an invite to Laurie’s party?

Milo: *laughs* Really?

Sophie: What?

Milo: I never get invited to anything Laurie does. She sorta hates me and Mollie.

Sophie frowns and Milo takes note of it quickly.

Milo: …why?

Sophie: It’s… nothing. It just would’ve been cool to see you there, you know?

Milo doesn’t say anything. He watches Sophie take out a notebook from her backpack.

Sophie: So, for Monday’s Math test…

Milo takes out his notebook from his bag and begins to study with Sophie. He admires her concentration on her notebook and the way she talks when she is explaining mathematical problems. He follows her directions step-by-step to solving the math equations.

Milo: How did… How did you get so good at Math?

Sophie: Pardon me?

Milo: Like… how did you get so good in Math like you’re probably one of the only people in the class that gets it.

Sophie: *laughs* I study. Also, my mum is a mathematics professor.

Milo: *shocked* Really?

Sophie: *nods her head* She was teaching in Oxford back in the UK but picked up a job at Columbia University.

Milo: That’s… amazing.

Sophie: I guess. It was always easy for me to pick up math. It’s just a whole thing of numbers that need solving in steps.

Milo: No, no, no. it’s not as easy as you’re making it.

Sophie: *laughs* It’s not?

Milo: It’s not! I mean why in the world do we need to know y=mx+b? Like when am I going to use that in life?

Sophie laughs. Milo smiles at her.

Sophie: Okay, maybe you’re right.

Milo: Milo Kamalani always speaks the facts!

Sophie smiles and turns the page of her textbook. Milo does the same and Sophie continues to study with Milo in the tree-house.

Milo looks at the piece of paper in his hands, wandering in a area that he really isn’t familiar with. It’s a couple of blocks away from the school, but it isn’t headed in the direction he would normally walk home.

He looks ahead of him and sees a girl sitting on a bench. He immediately knows who it is.

Milo: Hey, Scout.

Sophie: Hi, Milo. *worried* Are you okay?

Sophie pulls Milo towards the bench to sit down. She examines the bruises on his face. Milo freezes.

Sophie: Milo?

Milo: *snaps back* Huh?

Sophie: I asked how you were feeling.

Milo: Oh, uhm… I’m okay. It doesn’t hurt as much as it did before.

Sophie takes in a deep breath. She lets it out apologetically.

Sophie: I’m so sorry that Simon did that to you.

Milo: *turns head* You went and told a security guard?

Sophie freezes up. She’s taken back by the random question.

Sophie: I–

Milo: You didn’t have to.

Sophie: He wouldn’t have stopped if I didn’t!

Milo: Me and Mollie got sent to the principal’s office. Our parents had to come pick us up.

Sophie: *sad* Well I’m sorry for caring about you.

Sophie gathers her things to leave the bench, but Milo grabs her hand. She turns around and looks at Milo.

Milo: I’m sorry. Thank you for looking out for me.

Milo gets up from the bench and stands next to Sophie.

Milo: Let’s take the long way home.

…

Walking through a woodsy park, Milo and Sophie walk side-by-side and continue to have a conversation.

Milo: Do you know Simon through Laurie?

Sophie: Quite the opposite really. I’ve known Simon since the beginning of the year. We were friends, actually.

Milo: *shocked* You and Simon? Friends?

Sophie: He wasn’t always this big, mad person. He was actually really kind and sweet.

Milo: Did you like him?

Sophie doesn’t look up at Milo. She looks towards the ground.

Sophie: Yeah. We sort of dated a little bit.

Milo is visibly shocked. He can’t imagine Sophie being with a guy like Simon.

Milo: How did you two even meet? Like, I can’t imagine you two even being friends.

Sophie: *sighs* Simon’s dad… is my dad’s boss.

Milo raises an eyebrow.

Sophie: I would hang out with him whenever my dad would do some business stuff. We just got close and… I don’t know. We just clicked.

Milo doesn’t like hearing that Simon and Sophie used to be close. He simply cant fandom the fact that Sophie would be friends with someone like Simon, but then again he’s not surprised since she’s friends with someone like Laurie.

Sophie: I was actually the one that introduced Laurie to Simon. They seemed really cool with each other and it was nice to have him a part of the friend group…

Sophie looks visibly annoyed for a moment, then sullen the next.

Sophie: Then began to date shortly after.

Milo: Wasn’t he with you?

Sophie rolls her eyes. Milo gets the hint.

Milo: And you’re still friends with Laurie?

Sophie: Why wouldn’t I be?

Milo looks at Sophie; concerned. He simply doesn’t understand why Sophie would still be friends with Laurie after she literally took Simon away from her.

Sophie: It doesn’t matter anyway. Simon changed and we aren’t really close anymore. He spends his time with his girlfriend and that’s that.

Milo: I mean, friends or not, Laurie shouldn’t have started dating Simon in the first place. Doesn’t that go against girl code or something?

The comment makes Sophie smile.

Sophie: And what do you know about girl code?

Milo: Hey! I know enough to know that one shall not date your friend’s ex!

Sophie shakes her head and looks away. The atmosphere gets tense again.

Sophie: It’s whatever. Simon is just this bully nowadays that I don’t consider my friend anymore. I just tolerate him because hes Laurie’s boyfriend.

Milo: You shouldn’t have to though.

Sophie: *annoyed* Just drop it, Milo.

Milo doesn’t say anything else. They both quietly walk alongside the park.

Sophie: So, I heard that auditions for Waverly are coming up! Are you excited?

Milo looks at Sophie and smiles.

Milo: I’m just waiting for it to be over, in all honesty.

Sophie: Do you not wanna go there anymore?

Milo: It’s not that, it’s just the fact that everyone in my life has been on my case about this audition. I just want it to happen so that I can just stop hearing about it.

Sophie: *insecure* I’m sorry for bringing it up, I- I figured that’s why you’re always in the music rooms during lunch; to practice for your audition.

Milo is shocked that Sophie knows that much of him and what he does on his off-time away from classes. Does she watch him go into one of the rooms to practice during their lunch period?

Milo: It’s okay. I don’t mind you asking.

Sophie smiles at Milo and then looks ahead toward the road. Milo looks at Sophie just a bit longer to take in her beauty; take in Sophie Lee in this very moment.

The door slams in Mollie’s room. She walks up to her bed and flops on it. She’s visibly annoyed. The door opens again and up comes a older woman with red, curly hair. She faces Mollie with both of her arms crossed on her chest.

Jennifer: Just because I’m not mom, doesn’t mean you can just walk away and run to your room when I’m talking to you.

Mollie: Look, I don’t wanna talk about it.

Jennifer: Mol! They are threatening to kick you out of school! What the fuck were you thinking?!

Mollie: *yells* So what? Let them kick me out! It’s not like I’m going anywhere!

Jennifer pulls a chair from Mollie’s desk and sits in front of her.

Jennifer: What happened?

Mollie: Nothing. Laurie and Simon were being dickheads–

Jennifer: Language.

Mollie rolls her eyes and sits up.

Mollie: She always bothers me.

Jennifer: You fought with a boy, Mol. Why would Simon fight you?

Mollie: *annoyed* I don’t know! Maybe he’s just a pussy–

Jennifer: *more stern* Language.

Mollie: Well they both are! They both come to school to make my life a living hell!

Jennifer leans back on the air.

Jennifer: *gently* You’re going to lose your chance at Waverly if you keep acting up like this.

Mollie: Who cares about Waverly? It’s not like I’m actually going to get into that snobby performing arts school.

Jennifer: Listen, it’s not just any performing arts school. Some of the most famous people in my day attended school there. They all went to collages that furthered their careers. Don’t you want that? Don’t you wanna dance?

Mollie: I do, but not for that school.

Jennifer: Well whatever it is you want to do in that school, they aren’t going to take a student that is looking at expulsion.

Mollie: *defeated* Well maybe then I’m not right to go to a school like that.

Jennifer: *annoyed* Look Mol, I was once a teenager myself. I had bullies and mean girls and all of that bother me constantly. I fucked up getting into business that shouldn’t have been my own. I had a boot on my foot because i was on house arrest for nearly breaking a teacher’s nose because she was treating me like I wasn’t equal to the mean girl in my grade. We have our reasons for what we do, but it doesn’t mean that they’re the right thing to do.

Mollie takes in the information. She listens, but she doesn’t respond.

Jennifer: I’m not saying defending yourself was the wrong thing. I’m proud that you did, but you just have to find ways in which you can do that without getting yourself sent home from school. *sighs* You know I’m going to have to talk to mom about this, right?

Mollie: *panics* No, you can’t! Look can’t we just pretend this all didn’t happen? I promise I’ll do better! I really don’t wanna have to hear Mom give me the whole “I’m disappointed in you” speech. Like, I feel shitty as it is. Please.

Before Jennifer gets up to walk out of the bedroom, she stops and looks back at Mollie.

Jennifer: Mol?

Mollie looks at Jennifer.

Jennifer: Did you fight that boy because he was bothering Milo?

Mollie: No, I–

Jennifer: If I go home and see bruises on Milo and you didn’t tell me the truth, I will say something.

Mollie looks worried. She swallows hard.

…

Jennifer walks into the house. She places her bag on the kitchen table and calls out for Milo. Milo Sr. comes out of the basement.

Milo Sr: *attempts to kiss Jennifer* Hey, babe–

Jennifer nudges away and looks at Milo Sr.

Jennifer: Where’s Milo?

Milo Sr: He’s sleeping in his room.

Jennifer: Did you pick him up from school today?

Milo takes a deep breath. He puts the load of laundry on the kitchen table.

Milo Sr: I did. The principal called me.

Jennifer: Were you not going to tell me?

Milo Sr: Babe, they call you first before they call me, I– *puts it together* Did you pick up Mollie?

Jennifer: I did. She was covering up for Milo once again.

Milo Sr. sighs loudly and rubs his eyes.

Milo Sr: This isn’t like him to be getting in trouble like this.

Jennifer: Did he tell you what happened?

Milo Sr: Just that he got into a fight with that Simon kid again.

Jennifer: Mollie didn’t tell me in detail what happened, but those mean kids at school were messing with him again. Milo got upset when the other boy pushed him. She jumped in when Milo was on the ground.

Milo Sr: He’s going to ruin his chances getting into Waverly if he keeps acting up like this.

Jennifer: Same goes for Mollie.

They both take a pause.

Milo Sr: I just don’t know what’s gotten into him these days…

…

The next school week comes and Milo walks into the building with the bruises still black and blue from the fight the previous week. The kids in the hallway stare at him as he walks by. Milo doesn’t care who is looking; he just wants one normal day of school without any drama. He walks to his locker and unlocks it. A piece of paper falls to the ground when he does. He picks it up and reads the note. He smiles. and puts it in his jacket pocket and walks away from his locker.

It’s lunchtime at Beverly Junior High. Noise surrounds the lunch room with students; friends chatting up about anything and everything, lunch is being eaten and tossed by the stubborn eaters, and cliques sitting at their designated tables.

Milo and Mollie walk into the lunchroom.

Milo: Why do you insist we have lunch every day?

Mollie: Because I’m starving and I’m not going to be here with the others without you here as well. *looks at Milo* Plus, it looks like you can use a sandwich.

Milo rolls his eyes as they continue to walk to their table. They stop momentarily to slither through the crowd of kids. While Mollie makes it through successfully, Milo is having a hard time with his guitar case on his back.

Almost hitting someone, that person pushes Milo away, which makes him fall forward to the ground.

Laurie: Watch where you’re going, geek!

Milo stands up, annoyed.

Milo: Well maybe if you sat down at the table like a normal person, you wouldn’t have been in the way.

Laurie turns around to face Milo. She’s visibly surprised.

Laurie: Wow, the geek can talk. For a second I thought you were just an idiot that couldn’t talk.

Laurie walks up to Milo and pushes him again.

Laurie: Stay away from me, you freak.

While Laurie walks back to her table, Milo yells towards her.

Milo: You know you’re a bitch, right?

Laurie: *turns around* What did you call me?

Milo: You heard me! You’re just a mean bitch that thinks she runs the school because daddy pays off the principal to keep you here!

Laurie walks back to Milo.

Laurie: Take that back.

Milo: Make me.

A another teenage boy in a football player, walks up behind Laurie, angry.

Simon: Yo, it’s not cool to be calling a girl a bitch, like are you fucking stupid?

Milo doesn’t say anything.

Simon: Take your dumb-ass nerd self *pushes Milo back* and stay the fuck away from us.

Milo pushes Simon back.

Milo: You don’t scare me, and you guys don’t own the lunchroom!

Simon swings at Milo and he falls to the ground. The lunchroom gets rowdy, excited for the fight. Milo gets back up and tries to fight off Simon, but Simon continues to punch him.

Mollie comes running from the other side of the lunchroom, calling out for Milo. Sophie panics and stands up, staring at the two boys fighting. She runs out of the lunchroom.

Mollie comes in between the two boys and is able to break up the fight. She starts to fight Simon.

Mollie: Stay the fuck away from my best friend, you asshole!

Mollie is now on top of Simon, continuously punching him in the face. Shortly later, security guards come rushing into the lunchroom and breaks up the fight. Three security guard take Mollie and Milo out of the lunchroom. Milo looks to his left to see Sophie standing outside of the lunchroom teary-eyed.

….

Milo and Mollie sit on the bench outside of the principal’s office. They both sit there. Milo has an ice-pack on his face while Mollie sits there, swinging her legs on the bench, unbothered. That bothers Milo.

Milo: I didn’t need your help, Mol.

Mollie: You sure about that? From where I was standing, it looks like you were getting your ass beat.

Milo: *annoyed* I was fine before you jumped in.

Mollie: *even more annoyed* He was beating you to a pulp, Milo. What kind of friend would I be if I just watched you get beaten up by a whole fucking football player?

Milo: *louder* A friend that minds their own business!

Mollie: *even louder* Well maybe I should’ve just let him beat you up then!

The security guards quiet the two teenagers outside. They stop talking, now looking away from each other. A woman comes out of the office and calls for Mollie. She gets up and walks into the office. Milo sits out on the bench and huffs. Moments later, a dark at the end of the hall opens. He looks in the direction and immediately knows who it is.

Milo: Scout?

Sophie puts a finger to her mouth to quiet him down. She walks towards Milo.

Sophie: Are you okay?

Milo: I’m fine.

Sophie: You sure don’t look okay–

Milo: *short tempered* I’m fine.

Sophie doesn’t say anything back.

Milo: You called the security guard?

Sophie: I panicked.

Milo: You didn’t have to.

Sophie: *annoyed* Was I just suppose to let things keep going?

Milo: Aren’t you worry that your little friends would’ve saw you running out for help?

Sophie: *offended* Someone’s well-being is more important than some foolish clique.

Milo just looks down as he presses the ice-pack on his face. Sophie lifts Milo’s hand to cover the bruise on his face with the ice-packs better. Milo looks at Sophie. She smiles at him.

They both hear the office door open. In a panic, Sophie runs in the other direction towards the staircase so she doesn’t get caught. The door opens and they call for Milo to walk into the office.

Teenagers roam around the schoolyard, hanging out on their lunch break. While everyone else enjoys their time off at the schoolyard, Milo stays indoors.

He sits in one of the practice rooms of his school; strumming on his guitar, practicing different chords and looks at different sheets of music. A knock is heard on the music room door. Milo looks up to the person entering the door.

Sophie: Back in here, I see.

Milo smiles and clears a place for Sophie to sit.

Milo: Hey, Scout. No time, no see.

Sophie rolls her eyes.

Sophie: You know how things are.

Milo doesn’t answer Sophie. He knows what she’s talking about.

Milo: Won’t they come looking for you?

Sophie: *shakes her head* I told them I was going into one of the study rooms to do some studying. They strongly declined the offer.

Milo: Does Laurie and her minions ever study?

Sophie: *offended* This isn’t like those bad teenage movies with the “mean girls” being stupid.

Milo looks embarrassed and looks away from Sophie. They both don’t say anything.

Milo: Sorry, I just–

Milo huffs and puts down the guitar to face Sophie.

Milo: I just don’t understand why you’re friends with someone like Laurie. She’s so… Laurie.

Sophie: And I’m so Sophie?

Milo: Exactly!

Sophie: Milo, I can be friends with people who are different than I am.

Milo: Scout, she’s mean to everyone. Don’t you see it?

Sophie: That’s just who she is. She’s really nice when you get to know her.

Milo: *rolls eyes* I doubt it.

Sophie: What about your friend? Mollie? She seems like she’s not a nice person either.

Milo: She’s not! But she’s still a decent person!

Sophie grabs her backpack and starts to walk out the music room door.

Milo: Wait, Scout–

Sophie turns around and looks at Milo.

Sophie: Have a good day, Milo.

Sophie walks out.

Milo: Scout!

A couple of months ago…

Sophie walks down a block, looking at her phone to navigate herself to her destination. Her hair is in a braid as she wears a floral dress and sneakers with a mini backpack. She stops at a tree and gets ready to message Milo until…

Milo: Boo!

Sophie: *startled* Ahhh! Bloody hell, mate!

Sophie looks up and there is Milo, sitting in a tree-house. He laughs and pokes his head back in.

Milo: Come up!

Sophie hesitates, but proceeds to climb up the ladder to the tree-house. Once she gets up there, she looks into the tree-house. She’s at awe.

Sophie: Is this your secret hangout?

Milo: Only when I’m at my grandparent’s house.

Sophie sits on a cushion and looks around.

Sophie: Did they build this for you?

Milo plays with the squishy ball before he answers.

Milo: You ask waaay too many questions.

Sophie: All your answers are open-ended and up for discussion.

Milo cocks his eyebrow in amusement.

Milo: Are you always this curious about things?

Sophie: I just like getting the answers to questions I ask.

Milo chuckles to himself.

Milo: You remind me of this character I read in a book in my English class last year.

Sophie: *shocked* You actually remember a book you read in class?

Milo: *deadpans* Ha, ha. I’m serious! There was this one chick in this book that just always wanted the answers to everything because she was the smartest girl in her class…

Milo ponders the thought.

Milo: Ah! Scout!

Sophie: *shocked* To Kill A Mockingbird?

Milo: There we go! You’re totally Scout!

Sophie laughs and Milo stares at her in awe.

Sophie: Scout Finch? Why is that?

Milo: You’re always curious about things. Always want to get the answers to the questions you ask, no matter how difficult they are to answer sometimes.

Milo takes a deep breath.

Milo: You’re also the smartest person in our class, like Scout was in the book.

Sophie smiles at the comparison.

Sophie: I’m flattered, but that doesn’t answer the question about the treehouse.

Milo: *smiles* Well if you must know, Scout…

Milo’s smile fades and he takes a deep breath to start off the conversation.

Milo: My grandparents built this tree-house for my mom when she was a teen.

Sophie: That’s sweet! Did your mom give it to you?

Milo doesn’t say anything right away, he thinks of the words to say.

Sophie: Milo?

A voice is heard from outside. He pushes Sophie down to the ground so she doesn’t get noticed by his grandmother:

Grandma Mezzrow: *looks up at the tree-house* Milo?

Milo: Yes, grandma?

Grandma: Make sure you wash up before you come in for dinner, it should be done within the net couple of minutes.

She walks back into the house. When the door is shut behind her, Milo helps Sophie get back up.

Milo: Sorry, Scout.

Sophie smiles and nudges Milo.

Sophie: Sophie.

Milo: Oh no, you’re definitely now Scout to me.

Sophie rolls her eyes as Milo playfully laughs.

…

The music room door swings open, and Milo gets ready to call for Sophie. He’s too late. He looks at the person standing in front of him: Mollie.

A glass door swing open and a teenage girl with curly hair comes rushing in to the front desk.

Receptionist: Name?

Mollie: Mollie Sue Castro.

The receptionist clicks on her keyboard as Mollie stands near the desk.

Receptionist: Okay, you’re checked in, you can–

Mollie books it to the flight of stairs. The receptionist shakes her head.

Receptionist: Kids.

Mollie races down the hallway until she comes to a door. She knocks on it. The door opens and a young woman in a casual suit stands there.

Maggie: Hi, Mollie. Come on in.

Mollie walks into the office, placing her backpack on the floor near the chair and sits down on the chair. Maggie closes the door behind her and sits in the chair across from Mollie.

Maggie: Your tardiness is improving; that’s always a good start.

Mollie crosses her legs and places them on the couch. She knows what to expect at this point.

Maggie: So, how’s everything going?

Mollie: Fine.

Mollie plays with the string on her hoodie without looking at Maggie.

Maggie: That’s good to hear. How’s everything with school?

Mollie: It’s okay, I guess.

Maggie: And your grades? Are they doing okay as well?

Mollie looks up at Maggie nervously.

Mollie: *defensive* Don’t you have access to that information?

Maggie: I would rather hear it from you.

Mollie sighs and drops her legs on the floor.

Mollie: They’re okay. I just have to get my grade for science higher.

Maggie: Have you tried joining some study groups with your classmates to help you out?

Mollie: That’s not my thing, I just try to study and see if I remember whatever it is that I need for the test.

Maggie crosses her legs in the chair and continues to look at Mollie.

Mollie: What?

Maggie: Are you still looking to get into that school in the city?

Mollie: Yeah? Why?

Maggie: Your grades have to improve if you want to get accepted into it.

Maggie pauses and looks at Mollie once again.

Maggie: Are you able to study at home?

Mollie doesn’t say anything. She continues to play with the string on her hoodie. Maggie takes note of it.

Maggie: How’s everything going at home? Mom’s okay? Sister’s are okay?

Mollie: Everyone is fine.

Maggie: How about for you?

Mollie: *defensive* I don’t know why you try to make me talk about my home in every session.

Maggie: Because you avoid it in every session.

Mollie: Don’t you get paid whether or not I talk about things in our sessions?

Maggie: Mol.

Mollie looks back down at her hoodie.

Maggie: We’ve been seeing each other every Tuesday for the last three years. I’m here to help you work out anything that’s bothering you or that makes you feel bad things.

Mollie doesn’t say anything.

Maggie: Mol, I’m here to help you work things out. What’s going on?

Mollie: I’m just tired.

Maggie: What’s making you tired?

Mollie: The constant back and forth; seeing my dad on weekends and having to fit into this dumb family.

Maggie: Do you not like going to your dad’s?

Mollie: It just annoys me that have to go and visit him, but my older sisters don’t have to.

Maggie: How do you feel when you go and visit him and his family?

Mollie puts her legs back on the couch and gets comfortable.

Mollie: Weird. Like I’m the black sheep and everyone just pities me.

Maggie: Why do you think they pity you?

Mollie: *aggressive* Because I’m the redhead surround by a bunch of black haired freaks who all look like my dad but here I am, just looking like my dad’s mistake!

The timer goes off on the desk, and Mollie picks up her backpack from the floor and heads out of the door. Maggie doesn’t protest, she lets Mollie leave for the day, until next week’s session; same time, same place.

….

Mollie opens the front door of her house and walks straight upstairs. She doesn’t say hi to anyone around her, she just heads up to the attic where her bedroom is located.

She closes her bedroom door behind her and walks up the little flight of stairs. She drops her backpack near her bedroom door and plops down on her bed. She looks up at the ceiling where a window is located; she seems the sun setting and sky is turning orange. She sits up and looks around the room. She gets up from the bed and walks to her desk. She opens the bottom draw and takes out a notebook with rippled pages. She goes into a bin of school supplies and takes out a glue stick and couple of scrapped paper and sticky notes.

"I'm tired of feeling like the elephant in the room. The black (or red) sheep whenever I see dad. It's like I am in the center of mom and dad's issues and I'm tired of feeling this way. I'm Mollie Sue Castro. The girl that's tired of being juggled like a rag doll from place to place."

Mollie glues down drawings of sheep and scribbles of other things on the pages of the notebook. She looks at it when she’s done with it, and then shoves the notebook back in the bottom drawer of her desk. She walks to her phone on the bed and unlocks the screen. She writes something and presses send.

Mollie: Hey, wanna hang out tomorrow after school?

Mollie waits awhile before she gets a reply.

Milo: When don't we? Also, let's get pizza.

Mollie smiles and continues to scroll through her phone on her bed.