Category: y2katalogue: The Tapes

Milo walks down Gwen’s block, hoping that she would be hanging out in her treehouse. He’s checked nearly every day to see if Gwen was there. She wasn’t. Today, Milo decided to change the narrative for once.

He takes a deep breath before ringing the doorbell. Shortly after, Gwen’s mom, Beth, opens the door.

Beth: Oh! Hi, Milo.

Milo: *nervous* Hi, Mrs. Messrow… is Gwen home?

Beth calls out for Gwen, making Milo even more nervous than he was.

Beth: I’m glad you’re here to see her. I feel like all she needs is to see a friend.

Milo nodded his head, watching Gwen walking down the stairs. She looks at Milo, taken completely off-guard.

Beth: Ah, sweetie! Milo’s here to see you.

Gwen reaches the bottom of the stairs and puts on a smile.

Gwen: Hi, Milo.

Milo: I just wanted to see if you wanted to hang out today; go to the park or something.

Beth: *intervenes* That’s a great idea! *to Gwen* Just make it back home before dinner, okay?

Gwen: Okay.

Milo tightens his smile, happy to finally see Gwen in person, yet alone get to hang out with her.

…

The teens walk along the trail in Prospect Park, watching kids play frisbee in the grass and people riding their bikes. Milo turns his head, observing a young mother pushing a baby stroller along the pathway.

The teens stop at a bench to sit. Nothing has been said between the two for the entirety of the walk. Milo looks at Gwen, who is mindlessly looking out towards the grassy area.

Milo: We could sit in the grass if you want.

Gwen turns her head, facing Milo.

Gwen: No it’s okay, it’s probably super hot sitting out in the sun like that.

Milo: It is super hot today.

Awkward silence. Milo clears his throat before he speaks. Gwen beats him to it though.

Gwen: You don’t have to tip toe around me, you know.

Milo: *confused* Huh?

Gwen: Don’t treat me differently now that… you know…

Milo is taken back by Gwen’s blunt statements. He blinks, trying to gather his composure.

Milo: How are you feeling? Honestly.

Gwen takes a moment to think.

Gwen: I’ve been sick these last couple of days. I keep telling my mom is just some stomach bug. I don’t know how much longer I can really keep that story for.

Milo: Why don’t we both sit down with your parents and tell them?

Gwen’s eyes widen in shock.

Gwen: Are you crazy? My dad alone will chew you up and spit you out.

Milo rubs the back of his neck nervously, letting out a deep breath.

Milo: It’s the risk I’m willing to take for you.

Gwen looks at Milo as he slightly smiles at her for reassurance. She scoffs, shaking her head.

Gwen: How are you so calm about this?

Milo: One of us has to be the other person’s anchor to lift them up.

Gwen smiles, which makes him feel better. He smiles back at her. He gets up from the bench, reaching out his hand to Gwen.

Milo: Let’s enjoy the day. No worries, no needing to think about what’s to come. Let’s just focus on today.

Gwen: *smiles* I’d like that.

…

The two teens slowly walk down a pathway; this time they are holding hands. The smile on Milo’s face doesn’t disappear, and Gwen notices.

Gwen: What are you even thinking about?

Milo: *laughs* Honestly? I’m just happy we’re finally hanging out. *shy* I… actually missed you.

Gwen: Missed me?

Milo: You know; we went from seeing each other every day in school to now just every once in a while. I also wanted to give you your space after we last spoke.

Gwen: *sigh* I feel like I needed to do a lot of thinking by myself, for myself; you know?

Milo raises an eyebrow, tentative to Gwen’s response.

Gwen: All this stress isn’t good for me, or for the baby.

‘The baby’. Milo’s body feels tingly as the words escape Gwen’s mouth. He smiles without even knowing. Gwen notices right away.

Gwen: What?

Milo: It’s just the way that you included the baby with your worries…

Milo smiles wide, which makes Gwen feel shy.

Gwen: I have to! If we are going to do this, we have to do it the right way!

Milo’s eyebrows cock up, surprised. He doesn’t want to look nervous to Gwen, as he promised he was the anchor in this. He smiles.

Milo: I agree.

Gwen smiles at Milo before taking out a notebook from her bag. Milo watches her intently with admiration.

Gwen: To mask the scary parts about this, I’ve been thinking about things… like the future. I thought that everything I wanted to do in life was over because of this one bump in the road; no pun intended.

Milo: *laughs* What did you have in mind?

Gwen: I know we’re only going to be sophomores in the Fall, but I’ve been doing some studying for the PSATs to prep for college.

Milo: College?

Gwen gives Milo a look. Milo backtracks.

Milo: I mean, you said it yourself that we’re only going to be sophomores; why don’t we think about how to get through sophomore year?

Gwen slightly raises an eyebrow, seeming annoyed.

Milo: I’m glad you’re thinking so far ahead into the future, but… can we think about what is happening now?

Gwen: Did you not hear me say that I’ve been masking away that thought?

Milo: You mean the thought that we have a baby on the way and no one knows besides us and–

Milo stops his train of thought. Gwen looks at Milo, scrunching her eyebrows.

Gwen: Finish your sentence.

Milo: I did–

Gwen: *stern* Let me guess; you ran and went to tell your best friend, huh?

Milo: *scoffs* What? What are you even–

Gwen: Milo.

Milo looks at Gwen, who now seems disappointed in him. He lets out a deep breath before answering her.

Milo: She’s the only person I can trust with this.

Gwen: *gets up, frantic* Milo!

Milo: What?!

Gwen: Why would you go and tell Jennifer about this?!

Milo: She’s my–

Gwen: No!

Milo is taken back by Gwen’s reaction.

Gwen: You had no right telling her my business like that!

Milo: *annoyed* Our business, Gwen. I have every right to confine with my best friend about something as serious as this.

Gwen: You’re not the one that has to go back to school in September to everyone staring at you because you’re wearing baggy clothes to hide your growing stomach! You don’t have to come up with a plan to tell your parents that their only child is deciding to keep a baby despite only being 15! Your everyday life will look absolutely the same that it did freshman year; mine won’t!

Milo: It’s like you only want to listen to me when it’s something you want to hear, but fail to hear the fact that we’re on the same goddamn pedestal! If you fall off the platform, we both fall off!

Gwen: The fact you trust Jennifer with this is mind-boggling, considering the fact that she clearly has an opinion about me.

Milo: She just needs to get to know you better–

Gwen: She doesn’t, Milo! That’s the issue! How can I trust someone that only has your best interest in mind?

Milo: Because if I have your best interest in mind, she has to as well!

Gwen doesn’t say anything back. Milo sighs.

Milo: Gwen, I know I’m not going to experience everything you’re going to. Hypothetically speaking, you will be spending more time with the baby these next 9 months than me, which I think is the better alternative.

Gwen rolls her eyes, less tense than before.

Milo: I’m not saying you and Pep have to be best friends now, but… you’ve become such a major part of my life these last couple of months; this is just another part of the equation now.

Gwen looks at Milo with worried eyes. Milo pulls Gwen in for a hug, as if he is protecting her from the outside world.

Milo: We’re going to be okay, Gwen.

Milo and Gwen pull away from each other, looking in each other’s eyes. Milo slowly leans in, kissing Gwen on the lips. She kisses Milo back. Sparks fly.

Jennifer and Milo sit at their usual spot at the pizza parlor; the tension is thick in the air. They sit across from one another, which is out of the ordinary for them as they typically sit on the same side of the booth.

Nothing is said between them until the waiter comes to their table and delivers them their pizza orders. Jennifer is the one to thank the waiter and smile before he walks away from the table. The smile fades once she looks at Milo.

Milo: *sighs* So…

Jennifer: I’m not about to sit here and pry the information out of you, so you might as well just tell me what happened.

Milo takes a moment to look at Jennifer. When she realizes that she is not budging, he gives up and sighs.

Milo: Gwen and I started out as friends in band class. We’re both in the strings section, and we started to talk simply to rehearse our music.

Jennifer: *annoyed* Get to the point, Milo–

Milo: Can you just let me talk everything out?

Jennifer’s hard face softens and doesn’t say anything. Milo looks at her in a pleading way. He nervously fidgets with his fingers, unable to touch his pizza slice.

Milo: We started to get to know each other. We would hang out on the days that we didn’t have band practice or rehearsals at school. Despite what you may think, Pep… I know Gwen.

When Jennifer doesn’t reply back, Milo continues to speak.

Milo: We shared things about each other that were personal because we trust each other, and… things just got complicated–

Jennifer: Complicated?

Milo: Complicated, Pep.

Jennifer stares Milo down, seeing that the expression on his face is serious.

Jennifer: You guys were friends, and then started to get feelings for each other…

Milo nodded. Jennifer bites the inner part of her lip, not knowing what else to say.

Milo: It was during Spring Break, when my parents were away on their business trip. I invited her over to my house and… yeah…

Milo shifts in his seat, seeming uncomfortable. He looks at Jennifer, reads the expression on her face as… sad. Disappointed, even.

Milo: One thing led to another. We weren’t thinking straight and now Gwen is pregnant and–

Jennifer: So what are you gonna do?

The question takes Milo off-guard. He expected screaming, yelling, and arguing back and forth. To see her just sit there and simply talk to him, it makes him nervous.

Jennifer: You’re gonna get rid of it, right?

Milo: What?

Jennifer: You’re not gonna keep it, are you? That would be stupid.

Milo: *offended* Stupid?

Jennifer: Yeah?

Milo doesn’t say anything; he simply leans back in his seat, getting pale in the face. Jennifer doesn’t notice it right away, but when Milo doesn’t say anything back, she widens her eyes in disbelief.

Jennifer: You guys are keeping it.

Milo’s confirmation comes with just a single look at Jennifer. She shakes her head, beginning to gather her things to leave.

Milo: Pep–

Milo reaches out for Jennifer’s hand. She looks down at it, and then back at him.

Milo: Please.

Jennifer is speechless; unable to form a complete sentence.

Milo: You’re the only one I can trust.

Jennifer’s mind is spinning with different thoughts, not able to stay grounded and focused at this moment. She’s holding back tears by tightening her lips together, not showing any emotion to her best friend.

Milo: Pep?

Jennifer: You guys will be stupid for keeping it.

Milo: Wh…what?

Jennifer: You’re 15. You just met this girl this past year and now you’re willing to just ruin your life and bring a kid into the world?

Milo: *defensive* The same way you just met Danny and decided to do what you did with him in the 8th grade?

Jennifer: I wasn’t stupid enough to become a teen parent though.

Milo doesn’t know what else to say. He lets go of Jennifer’s hand and gets up from his seat, throwing money on the table before sliding out of the booth.

Milo: And you wonder why I don’t come to tell you things anymore, because you’re nothing but a lousy best friend.

Before Jennifer can respond, Milo walks out of the pizza parlor, leaving her sitting in the booth by herself.

…

Jennifer enters the house, slamming the front door along the way. Her mom and Justin are sitting on the sofa together, jumping to the thump of the door slamming shut. The adults watch Jennifer walk by them in the living room, wondering what was happening.

Jennifer walks up the stairs and into her bedroom, slamming the door shut. She slams her body onto her bed, face into her pillow, and screams. It follows with a heaving cry. A cry of heartache.

Jennifer sits on the sidelines of the auditorium next to her dance members within her academy. It’s the night of the end of year recital; something she’s been working on in addition to her school activities. She bounces her leg in place, nervous as she watches the other dancers perform their numbers on stage. She continues to look back into the audience, still only noticing her family, and Nicki with Danny a couple of rows behind them. She shakes her head, annoyed that the one person she wants to be here, isn’t.

…

A couple of hours before the show, Jennifer is getting ready in her bedroom, listening to music on a tiny speaker as she focuses on putting her hair in numerous Bobby pins. There is a slight knock on the door, in which enters Nicki.

Nicki: Look at the pretty ballerina!

Jennifer: *rolls her eyes* I do more than just ballet, Nic.

Nicki: I know, but your hair is in the tightest sock bun I think I’ve ever seen on a person, and I should know since I have AP English with Mrs. Peter’s.

Jennifer looks at the door, which makes Nicki turn around to look as well.

Jennifer: Milo, it’s okay to come in; no girls are naked in this room.

Nicki: Milo’s not here.

Jennifer scrunches her brow, looking at Nicki.

Jennifer: You didn’t meet him at his place?

Nicki: *shakes her head* Mrs. Kamalani said he wasn’t home. Maybe he’s meeting us at the show?

Jennifer: He always meets me here before a show… where the hell did he even go?

Jennifer grabs her phone from her vanity and flips it open. She notices that Milo isn’t signed on in AIM.

Jennifer: This is so weird; he never signs off of AIM; that’s how we communicate…

Nicki: Maybe he’s just doing something before he comes to the show. You know Milo has never missed one of your dance shows.

Jennifer ponders in thought before she sighs, continuing to do her hair and makeup.

Nicki: Forget about Milo; is Nate going to your show?

Jennifer: He said he can’t; him and his family are in New Jersey right now.

Nicki notices Jennifer’s excitement on her face fade away, Nicki takes it upon herself to turn the chair around to face her. Jennifer looks up at Nicki.

Nicki: Things happen, Pep. It doesn’t mean it should make you less excited for your dance performance. I know how hard you worked on this piece.

Jennifer: Yeah, but what good is it even if your best friend is M.I.A and the guy that you like can’t make it?

Nicki bends forward to give Jennifer a hug.

Nicki: You have me and Danny cheering you on! It’s not the entire group, but we’ll be loud enough so that it feels like the entire group is there.

Jennifer smiles and returns the hug before Nicki steps back.

Jennifer: Is he out in the hallway because he’s afraid there’s naked girls in here?

Nicki: Oh no, he’s meeting us there; I told him I needed some girl time with you before your show.

The girls laugh as Nicki turns Jennifer’s chair back around, helping her put in the last hair clips in Jennifer’s hair.

…

The audience claps their hands after the first dance number is done. The girls on stage bow before exiting to the right side of the stage. Jennifer’s dance teacher comes out toward the stage with a microphone.

Madison: Thank you ladies for that beautiful rendition of Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” Next on our program, we have another one of our girls from our senior division dancing a lovely contemporary piece to Kelly Clarkson’s “Beautiful Disaster”. Give a round of applause to Jennifer Ann Castro!

The audience claps, with a few voices cheering as Jennifer walks out on stage. She looks out toward the audience one last time, hoping to see Milo in the back somewhere. The music starts. She doesn’t see him.

Jennifer dances her piece, hitting every beat with each move that she rehearsed. Her mind is everywhere but on the dance floor. In the audience, Nicki watches Jennifer, noticing how distracted she looks on stage. Danny rubs Nicki shoulder for reassurance.

Jennifer finishes her piece, and the audience begins to applaud. Her family stand up to give her a standing ovation. Jennifer bows solemnly as she exits to the right side of the stage.

…

Nicki, Danny, and Jennifer sit in a booth at the pizza parlor. Nothing is said between the three friends, but Nicki looks at Danny for some guidance with this situation. Danny clears his throat, looking forward at Jennifer.

Danny: Your dance was really nice, Pep.

Jennifer: Thanks.

Danny and Nicki look at each other, bickering on what to say next.

Jennifer: You guys don’t need to try to make it better, you know.

Nicki: Pep, you’re clearly upset that Milo didn’t show.

Jennifer: *angry* He didn’t even message me to tell me he wasn’t going! He never missed a show without telling me!

Nicki: It had to have been something serious then.

Jennifer scrunches her eyebrows together as she looks at Nicki.

Jennifer: Are you seriously taking his side right now?

Nicki: *defensive* I’m not taking sides, Pep; I’m trying to rationalize why he would do what he did—

Jennifer: Because he’s a horrible fucking best friend! It’s as simple as that!

Nicki: *sighs* You guys just got on good terms…

Danny: *to Jennifer* I may not know the exact extent of you and Milo’s friendship, but that guy cares about you a lot.

The two girls look at Danny.

Danny: I’m just stating what I’ve seen.

Jennifer: You know what I’ve seen? Milo spending all his free time with Gwen.

Nicki: What do you mean?

Jennifer: Come on, Nic. An idiot can see that whenever Milo isn’t with us, he’s with her. *annoyed* If you didn’t introduce him to her, he probably would’ve made it to the show.

Nicki: *annoyed* Don’t put that on me, I’m sure Milo would’ve spoke to her considering they play in the same section in band…

Danny puts his hands out, trying to be the peacemaker.

Danny: We’re not blaming no one but Milo for his actions, guys. *to Pep* I’m just saying that knowing what I’ve seen from Milo, he cares about you a lot and probably has a good reason why he missed the show tonight—

Jennifer: Oh, I guess you’re taking the side of the person who thought you were a piece of shit after what happened last year—

Nicki: Pep—

Jennifer: *sighs* Look, I appreciate you guys for coming to the show tonight. I know it may not look like it now, but I really do appreciate it. I just… want to be left alone for a bit before I go home.

Nicki and Danny look at each other before Nicki ultimately stands up. Danny gathers their stuff as Nicki looks at Jennifer.

Nicki: Just let us know when you get in the house, Pep.

Nicki and Danny are about to leave the pizza parlor when the door opens. Coincidentally, Milo enters the pizza parlor, surprised to see Nicki and Danny standing here. Milo looks at the booth before the two teens exit the parlor. Milo slowly walks over to the booth where Jennifer is sitting. She looks up at Milo before she rolls her eyes dismissively.

Milo: Pep–

Jennifer: Oh wow; look who finally showed up after being M.I.A for the entire day! Seriously, why are you even here? To apologize?

Milo: Pep…

Jennifer: *not listening* I didn’t know it was hard to send out a simple message letting me know you couldn’t make it, or is that asking for too much from the person that’s supposed to be my best friend–

Milo: I… I know, and I’m sorry; really…

Jennifer: You never missed a show! You’re always there in the crowd cheering me on and we always go and get pizza afterwards and then we walk home and hang out and *takes in a deep breath* You promised things wouldn’t change between us, no matter what.

Milo doesn’t say anything, he just looks at Jennifer with a certain look. She takes notice of it. It wasn’t an apologetic look; his face was pale and ill-looking. She scrunches her eyebrows together.

Jennifer: Why do you look like that?

Milo takes in a deep breath and shifts in his seat. Jennifer’s brows soften, realizing that something else is going on.

Jennifer: Milo?

Milo finally looks at Jennifer. He takes a moment before his eyes revert back toward the table, letting out a deep breath.

Milo: Gwen’s pregnant.

–End of Tape, EJECT.–

A couple of weeks pass by, and it’s finally the night of the dual major showcase. Milo looks in front of the mirror hanging behind his bathroom door. He takes in a deep breath as he straightens the bowtie of his suit. He hears his mother’s muffled voice yelling something out, but Milo is too engulfed in his thoughts.

The door abruptly opens, which catches Milo off-guard. He seems Jennifer enter the room.

Milo: Jesus, Pep! You scared the shit out of me!

Milo finally takes a look at Jennifer, noticing the black dress she was wearing. For a moment, he’s speechless.

Milo: *flustered* Oh, uhm, uh…

Jennifer: I know. It looks like we’re going to a funeral or something. This dress is hideous.

Milo laughs, glad to feel some of the edge of tonight ease a bit.

Milo: You look…*hesitates* fine. The dress is fine.

Jennifer turns around and faces the mirror with Milo.

Jennifer: We’re dressed like our parents.

Milo: We’re dressed like Waverly freshman about to do their end of the year showcase.

Jennifer: *looks at Milo* You mean the showcase that shows off the dual majors?

Milo: *defensive* You’re also performing tonight, Pep. It’s not all about the dual majors.

Jennifer: The freshman choir is simply singing the Star Spangled Banner and dipping the stage.

Milo: Still!

Milo grabs Jennifer by the shoulders, placing her in front of him in the mirror.

Milo: You’re a part of Waverly High! They’ll be telling students 20 years from now about the first ever dual major showcase and those who participated in it! ‘Jennifer Ann Castro, widely known as Pep, world famous dancer once sang the Star Spangled Banner at Waverly’s first ever dual major showcase!

Jennifer laughs and shakes her head. She looks at Milo through the mirror for a moment before turning around to face him.

Jennifer: I’m sorry for how I treated you this year, Milo.

Milo: *confused* That came out of nowhere.

Jennifer: I’m being serious! I treated you like shit throughout this whole school year when it was supposed to be a new beginning for the both of us. We’re literally in high-school, Milo. We’re graduating three years from now!

Milo ponders on the thought, seemingly sad when he does.

Jennifer: Exactly.

Milo: ‘Exactly’ what?

Jennifer: You’re thinking about three years from now, standing in the auditorium in our caps and gowns waiting to turn the tassel to the other side!

Milo: *laughs* Can we at least think about getting through tonight’s showcase first?

Jennifer nudges Milo on the shoulder, smiling as she does.

Jennifer: Thanks for dealing with me all of these years. I know being my best friend can be a handful.

Milo: I’d take being your best friend over anything.

The two friends hug it out until the muffled yells of Milo’s mom is heard. The door swings open once more. Milo and Jennifer quickly release each other from the hug. Nicki and Danny enter the room.

Milo: Hey, Nic; Hey, Danny.

The two girls look at each other, shocked to hear Milo greet Danny. Both girls look at Danny waiting for his response.

Danny: Hey, bro; good luck on the showcase tonight.

Danny puts his fist out for a pound. Milo returns it cordially.

Milo: Good luck to you too; don’t let Pep’s loud ass singing voice drown you guys out.

The group of friends laugh as Jennifer nudges Milo’s arm once again.

…

Milo walks around backstage in the sea of other students, preparing for the showcase to start. He’s seemingly looking for someone, but is unsuccessful in doing so. He looks down at his phone, seeing that Gwen has not signed onto AIM today. He flips his phone back around and into his pocket, sighing in anxiety.

Danny: Yo, Milo!

Milo turns around and sees Danny, confused.

Danny: Mr. Harrison wants you to perform with us.

Milo: *confused* I have to get ready for the dual major one though–

Danny: I don’t know; he said he needed someone to replace another student that isn’t here.

Milo walks with Danny, back to the other side of the backstage area where the freshman ensemble are preparing for the opening. He notices the freshman choir getting in position on the stage, noticing Jennifer near the front.

He turns his head when he hears Mr. Harrison call his name.

Mr. Harrison: Milo–

Milo: Yes?

Mr. Harrison: I need you to fill in Gwen’s position today.

Milo: *concerned* Is she okay? What happened?

Milo looks around, trying to keep his composure.

Mr. Harrison: I don’t know the details besides that she did not show up for practice earlier today.

Mr. Harrison gathers the other freshmen in the ensemble, directing them to their positions on stage right before the principal is heard speaking from the other side of the curtain. Nicki watches Milo take the place of Gwen, sitting in her seat. Jennifer, who is standing on the stage risers with the freshman choir, notices Milo sitting with the band. Milo catches Jennifer looking at him, trying to read her lips.

Before he is able to comprehend what she is saying, the curtains open and an audience full of people begin to applause. Milo takes in a deep breath, raising his violin to his chin and prepares for the piece to start.

…

Mr. Harrison begins to gather the dual major students backstage while excusing the freshman ensemble. Shortly after, the vocal teacher begins to escort the freshman choir off the stage. Jennifer looks around, hoping to see Milo to wish him luck. To her surprise, Milo is not there.

Mr. Harrison: Where is Milo Kamalani? Has anyone seen him?

No one in the ensemble answers. Jennifer walks past the group, noticing Nate at his position, shaking his head in an annoyed way.

…

It is now nighttime, and nothing but the street lights illuminate the suburban block. He’s now wearing just the dress pants and white button down shirt while the bowtie and jacket are in his backpack.

Milo catches his breath as he finally gets to his destination. He looks up to the white treehouse in the front yard.

Milo: Gwen, I know you’re up there.

Nothing happens.

Milo: Gwen? It’s me, Milo!

Milo notices a shadow moving inside of the treehouse, confirming his suspicions.

Milo: Gwen, please. Talk to me. What’s wrong? You would never miss a–

Gwen’s head pokes out of the window of the treehouse.

Gwen: Keep it down! My parents are in the house.

Milo looks up, then looks towards the front of the house. He quickly begins to climb up the steps of the treehouse, finally getting to the top. He quickly notices Gwen shove something to the side of her. He doesn’t mind it as he looks at Gwen, sitting in her black dress.

Milo: What are you doing here?

Gwen doesn’t answer. Milo now crawls into the empty spot of the treehouse, next to Gwen.

Milo: Gwen?

Gwen: What are you even doing here?

Milo: *playfully* I asked you first.

Gwen doesn’t react. This worries Milo.

Milo: What’s wrong? Why didn’t you show up for the showcase tonight?

Gwen: I wasn’t feeling good.

Milo: *confused* But you’re dressed. You have your instrument with you and– *light bulb goes off* Did you skip the showcase? Does your mom think you’re at Waverly right now?!

Gwen: I answered your question; now answer mine.

Milo: You barely answered my question! What’s going on? It isn’t like you to lie to your mom and to miss–

Gwen: *defensive* Yeah, well there’s a lot of things I do that are not like me then.

Gwen turns her head to face away from Milo. Milo sits there, confused.

Milo: Gwen. You know you can talk to me about anything. We promised that to each other; to tell each other anything that’s on our minds. That’s just who we are.

Gwen: I know.

Milo: And whatever is bothering you, you know I will be there for you and comfort you because we also promised each other that. I wouldn’t ever break a promise with you–

Gwen: *turns around; annoyed* I know, Milo; I know.

Milo hovers his hand on Gwen’s before gently touching it. Gwen looks down at it, not lifting her head up.

Milo: *softly* Hey…

Milo lifts Gwen’s chin up gently between his index finger and thumb, noticing the tear streaks on her cheeks for the first time. He tries his hardest not to react, but he is scared to know what possibly made her this upset.

Milo: Did you find something out about your cancer? Is it… something serious?

Gwen slowly blinks her teary eyes, letting the tears fall down her face. Milo doesn’t take his eyes off of her.

Milo: You don’t have to tell me if you’re not ready to, but whatever it is… I’m here for you. No mater what, I will always be here for you, Gwen.

Gwen lip quivers as more tears begin to fall faster. Milo takes the sleeve of his button down shirt and wipes the tears from her face. She watches him; the gesture seems to calm her down a bit as she finally lets out a breath.

Gwen: I’m sorry, Milo.

Milo: For what? You haven’t done anything wrong–

Gwen: *shakes head* I ruined your night, I ruined your showcase–

Milo: *laughs* You didn’t ruin anything, Gwen. *sighs* Sure, Mr. Harrison is going to rip my head off on Monday, but I don’t care.

Gwen: You should; what if your dual major status gets suspended or evoked for good?

Milo shakes his head before answering.

Milo: There’s more important things that matter.

Gwen: Like what? Consoling me in our performing clothes in a cramped up treehouse?

Milo: Yes.

Gwen doesn’t say anything back. Milo smiles, reassuring Gwen.

Milo: You matter.

Gwen takes a moment to look at Milo. Her expression changes back to being worried; silent tears begin to fall down her face, which one quickly wiped off with her hand. Milo doesn’t take his eyes off of her. His attention is solely on her, waiting until she is ready to say something.

Jennifer runs into the house with her bookbag, dropping it next to the front door as she always does. She quickly runs past the living room, the kitchen, and up the stairs. She runs towards her bedroom and opens the door to see her sister hanging out with her best friend, Niko.

Jennifer: Oh! Sorry…

Maryette: *to Niko* Yet when she’s hanging out with her friends in here, I get yelled at.

Niko laughs as Jennifer rolls her eyes. She walks to the empty room next to their bedroom to find something. The two kids look at her.

Maryette: What are you looking for?

Jennifer: None of your business, Mars.

Maryette: Well, if it’s anything that was laying around in that room, Mom said she was going to throw it out.

Jennifer straightens her body upwards, quickly turning around to look at her sister.

Jennifer: What do you mean ‘throw it out’?

Maryette: *obviously* ‘Throw it out’ as in placed in a garbage bag and thrown out in the garbage…

Jennifer frantically searches the closet again, but doesn’t have any luck finding what she’s looking for.

Jennifer: I had a scarf in there! It was a scarf and it was there–

Maryette: Mom was cleaning up that extra room for the new baby.

Jennifer cringed at the thought. She takes in a deep breath before saying anything else.

Jennifer: Where is mom, by the way?

Maryette: She might be in the garage sorting boxes out.

Jennifer runs back down the stairs, toward the entrance of the garage. She sees both her mom and Justin chatting before being interrupted.

Lydia: Hi, Peppie–

Jennifer: Where’s the black and white scarf that you took from the spare room? I left it in there so that it doesn’t get ruined.

Lydia: Anything that was in that room was taken out; your father and I are looking to start putting together the baby’s room–

Jennifer: *angry* I just want to know where you put that scarf, mom!

Lydia: *defensive* Pep, it’s nearly 70 degrees outside; why the hell would you need to wear a scarf–

Jennifer: *louder* Omg, just tell me where it is!

Justin goes to one of the bins in the garage, near the band equipment that surrounded the room. Jennifer walks over to Justin, annoyed that he of all people was walking towards the one thing that is hers.

Jennifer: Don’t touch that!

Justin: *taken aback* I-I’m just grabbing the bin of things we moved from the room.

Jennifer doesn’t say anything; Justin places the bin in front of Jennifer, looking at her as he does. Jennifer opens the lid and digs through the bin, retrieving the scarf. She turns around and leaves the garage, unable to look at Justin in the face.

Justin: You’re welcome.

Jennifer slams the garage door behind her, still not saying anything to her father.

…

Jennifer sits in a booth at a McDonalds, laughing as she scoops a spoonful of her McFlurry in her mouth. Nate sits across from her, smiling as they talk.

Nate: You know, you look so much better in my scarf.

Jennifer: *rolls her eyes playfully* Of course you’d say that.

Nate: I only state the facts.

Jennifer smiles and puts the spoon back in her cup, crossing her arms to look at Nate.

Jennifer: You’re still working on your dual major project thingymabob?

Nate: *nods* We had a rehearsal at the school for the showcase the other day; Mr. Harrison practically demanded us to be at the rehearsal since some of the other dual majors were absent.

Jennifer: Really? You’d think being one of the top student groups at Waverly, you’d be on top of your shit.

Nate: I know, right? I feel like there’s so many people in the program that just don’t take it seriously. We are the first of its kind and there’s some people that really don’t deserve it.

Jennifer: It’s a shame. I didn’t even know there were people like that in the program. From the way Milo talks about it, it’s like it’s just another extra class on your schedule.

Nate looks at Jennifer with a visible perplexed expression on his face. Jennifer notices the change.

Jennifer: What?

Nate: Not to be in anyone’s business, but Milo was one of the people that didn’t show up to rehearsal the other day after school.

Jennifer tilts her head and cocks an eyebrow up.

Jennifer: He wasn’t?

Nate: *shakes his head* It’s annoying since he’s really one of the only string players in the dual major program, so it’s noticeable when he’s not there to rehearse. Mr. Harrison was pissed about it since we’re so close to the showcase.

Jennifer takes this newfound information in, piecing together a timeline of events.

Jennifer: That’s not like him. I can ask him about it when I see him later.

Nate raises an eyebrow at Jennifer. She rolls her eyes and shakes her head before speaking.

Jennifer: He’s staying with me and my family while his parents are away.

Nate: *discouraged* Oh.

Jennifer: His parents have been my mom’s friends forever–

Nate: Does that change anything?

Jennifer looks at Nate confused, tilting her head to the side slightly.

Jennifer: What are you saying?

Nate: *sigh* I see the way he looks at you, Jennifer. Friends don’t look at their friends like that.

Jennifer starts laughing out loud; other people around them begin to notice.

Jennifer: Yeah, okay–and one day we’re gonna get married–

Nate: *serious* Jennifer…

Jennifer: Do you see how ridiculous that sounds, Nate? Milo and I have always been best friends; nothing more. He’s like my brother from another mother in some way.

Nate: *leans back* I don’t want to feel like I’m in competition with someone you’ve known your entire life.

Jennifer: *reassuring* And you’re not. He doesn’t see me like that and I definitely don’t see him like that.

Nate doesn’t say anything back, he continues to eat his meal as Jennifer looks at him, noticing the shift in mood. She doesn’t say anything else to him.

Nicki and Danny sit at the lunch table in the cafeteria together. They are discussing something in one of Danny’s notebooks; possibly music related. They both look up from the book when they see both Milo and Jennifer walking towards the table, smiling. Nicki is taken aback.

Nicki: Well, this is a rare sight.

Jennifer rolls her eyes as he sits down; Milo laughs.

Milo: Maybe the world is truly ending in 2012.

Nicki: Oh please, you believe in that conspiracy crap?

Jennifer: *to Milo* Watch out, you’re about to push a button on Nicki that no one should be pushing!

Nicki is now the one rolling her eyes; Danny smiles at the two best friends.

Nicki: It seems like you two are finally friends again; did you guys have a kumbaya session or something?

Milo: We spoke our differences out and we’re good now, right Pep?

Before Milo can even turn his head to face Jennifer, she’s already lined up a the lunch line, ready to get her tray for the day. Milo shakes his head and turns back forward to his friends.

Danny: I’m gonna head to the library to do some studying for this test next period; Mrs. Hernandez already told me if I don’t pass this test, she’s gonna tell Mr. Harrison to take me out of band.

Nicki: She’s always been such a bitch.

The two boys look at Nicki, surprised to hear her cuss.

Nicki: She once gave me a hard time about the ages of Mesopotamia not realizing that her prehistoric data on the subject was incorrect.

The boys don’t say nothing, but Danny does get up from his seat and kisses Nicki on the top of the head before he leaves. Milo watches the interaction and smiles.

Milo: Seems like you and Danny are officially a thing, huh?

Nicki: We confined in each other when you and Pep were fighting non-stop in band practices.

Milo rolls his eyes as Nicki scoffs.

Nicki: I’m glad to see you guys talking again. What made you guys finally talk things out?

Milo: I mean, despite that I’ve been staying at her house while my parents are away, I just finally realized that we don’t have enough time to be upset at the people you care about.

Nicki cocks an eyebrow up, seeming confused.

Nicki: You mean, you don’t want to waste your time being mad at someone you love?

Milo: No, I mean we don’t have enough time in the world to be mad over stupid, pointless things. Pep and I have been friends since we were 4 years old; that feels like it was just yesterday!

Nicki tries to follow Milo’s thought process. Milo sighs.

Milo: I missed having Pep around. She’s really, like, the only person that knows the real me and—

Nicki: *interrupts* Are you in a fight now with your other best friend?

Milo: *confused* Other best friend? I only have one, Nic.

Nicki: I’m talking about Gwen.

Milo is now he one taken aback by Nicki.

Milo: What makes you think I’m best friends with Gwen?

Nicki: *shrugs shoulders* I feel like in the time you were being mad at Pep, you hung out with Gwen more.

Milo: Can’t I be friends with more than one person? I mean, I’m friends with you–

Nicki: That’s not what I mean.

Nicki looks over Milo, which makes him look in the same direction she’s looking at. They both look at Jennifer grabbing a tray and going down the assembly line for food. Milo turns back around to face Nicki.

Nicki: Don’t get caught up and use Gwen as a rebound just because you and Pep are friends again.

Milo: *frustrated* What are you even talking about–

Jennifer comes back to the lunch table with a pile of food on her tray. She sits next to Milo as he clears his throat.

Jennifer: So, what are we talking about?

Milo: I was just bringing up the fact that Nicki and Danny can rejoin the band now that we’ve made up.

Nicki gives Milo a look before responding to Jennifer.

Nicki: Danny couldn’t stay around, but it’s a possibility that we can come back if you do are serious about moving forward.

Jennifer: Milo and I had a long talk the other night about this, and we both agreed that we want better for the band because we love it, y’know?

Jennifer rambles on about the importance of the band and everything that was related to it. Nicki didn’t stop looking at Milo, which made him uncomfortable.

Both teens snap out of it once they feel Jennifer grab them into a huddle.

Jennifer: Even with Nicki being with Danny and me with Nate–

Milo is caught by surprise, as Jennifer never mentioned her being with Nate.

Jennifer: And Milo just being Milo…

Nicki side eyes Milo.

Jennifer: Still, everything is going back to the way it was and no matter what, we will always have the three of us as friends.

Milo and Nicki don’t say anything back. Once Jennifer breaks the hug and sits next to Milo, Milo looks around the cafeteria; wondering if anyone saw their cringey interaction. He immediately notices Gwen looking inside of the cafeteria in his direction. He freezes in place as she walks away.

Jennifer: Earth to Milo!

Milo: *snaps out of it* Huh?

Jennifer: I said that we’re going to be starting up band practice for the gig in a couple of weeks, right?

Milo watches Gwen leave the hallway area through the exit door.

Milo: *not enthusiastic* Yeah.

On the way home after school, Milo sneaks away from his friend group and goes in the opposite direction of them. Once he gets to the block he’s been looking for, he walks down the street and spots something familiar: Gwen’s treehouse. He feels his heart beating out of his chest.

He walks closer to the treehouse, looking up to see if she was in there.

Milo: Gwen?

No answer. Milo sighs.

Milo: Gwen…

He hears a voice saying “What” behind him. He quickly turns around and sees Gwen standing there. He notices that Gwen doesn’t have on his beanie anymore.

Milo: Hey, Gwen; I was looking for you–

Gwen: For what?

Milo is taken aback by Gwen’s annoyed tone.

Milo: I barely got to see you in school today–

Gwen: Like the way things were?

Milo: *sighs* Gwen–

Gwen: I’m not surprised you made up with your best friend.

Milo: *annoyed* What’s that suppose to mean?

Gwen: What it exactly means. You can be angry at her all you want, but don’t come running to me about how unfair and messed up she is when you enable it to happen.

Milo: You don’t even know what you’re talking about. I came here because I wanted to hang out with you–

Gwen: Why? Didn’t you get what you wanted out from me?

Milo blinks his eyes, not believing where this was coming from.

Milo: Dude, where is this even coming from?

Gwen: Dude— you sound just like her…

Milo: What the hell is even wrong with you, Gwen?

Gwen walks past Milo to climb up the treehouse. Milo’s initial reaction is to place is hand on Gwen’s shoulder. She immediately reacts, swatting his hand away.

Gwen: Don’t you dare touch me!

Milo: Gwen–

Gwen starts to climb the ladder towards the treehouse. She enters it without looking back at Milo. He looks up, sighing.

Milo: Gwen, just talk to me–

Gwen: *from the treehouse* I don’t want to!

Milo thinks of his next move before he speaks; he knows exactly how to get Gwen to talk to him.

Milo: *in an unserious way, begins to climb up treehouse* Wow, that’s such a Pep thing to say; you sure you aren’t secretly best friends with her? It would make sense on why I haven’t been able to get a hold of you since–

Gwen pokes her head out of the treehouse doorway, looking directly at Milo.

Gwen: Stop!

Milo and Gwen look at each other; nothing is said for a brief moment.

Milo: Gwen, just tell me what’s wrong.

Gwen: Everything is wrong.

Milo doesn’t say anything in response; he’s confused at Gwen’s answer.

Milo: What happened?

Gwen: Nothing, Milo. Forget that I even brought it up–

Milo: *stern* Stop.

Gwen is now the one looking at Milo with a confused expression on her face.

Milo: We don’t do that in our friendship. We don’t shove things underneath the rug in hopes that we both forget about it, or move on without any resolution. You are not Pep.

Gwen: Fine. It stings knowing that we shared such a heart to heart together over the weekend, and instead of finding you in the West Wing to rehearse for band, you’re at lunch with your friends and… I don’t know, it made me feel like you got what you wanted and just went back to the way it was.

Milo lets out a sigh before he looks at Gwen again.

Milo: I wouldn’t do that to you.

Gwen: I know, but it felt like that to me, especially after…

Milo and Gwen go quiet, knowing exactly what’s being discussed.

Milo: Regardless, I wouldn’t ever do that to you because I genuinely care about you. What you saw in the lunchroom was me just trying to make things right with Pep, and to get the band back together before our show at the end of the month.

Gwen doesn’t look convinced, and Milo knows that. He slowly leans in and kisses Gwen on the forehead for reassurance.

Milo: Am I now allowed in the treehouse?

Gwen rolls her eyes and smiles, moving out of the doorway to let Milo crawl inside.

All of the lights in Jennifer’s room are off, and the sound of cars driving by in the street outside is the only auditable noise. Milo’s eyes are open, looking up at the ceiling, unable to fall asleep. He turns his head towards Jennifer, where he lies on her bed. He notices a dim light reflecting against the wall. He lifts his head towards see that Jennifer isn’t asleep, but is on her cellphone.

Milo: Pep?

Pep’s dark shadow moves on the bed, reacting to the sound of Milo’s voice.

Jennifer: What are you doing up?

Milo: What are you doing up?

Jennifer looks down at her phone, waving it up slightly to show Milo.

Jennifer: Playing ‘Snake’.

Milo: *confused* Playing ‘Snake’?

Jennifer: Yes, playing ‘Snake’–

Milo: Why in the world are you playing ‘snake’–

Jennifer: *annoyed* Because I can’t sleep, obviously!

Milo doesn’t say anything back. Silence fills the room. Jennifer sighs, readjusting on her bed.

Milo: Why can’t you sleep?

Jennifer: I’m just not tired…

Milo: Was spending your whole day after school with Nate not tiring?

Jennifer sits up on her bed, turning on her night lamp on and putting on her glasses. She looks annoyed.

Jennifer: I don’t know; was whatever the hell you were doing not tiring?

Milo rolls his eyes, now sitting up from the sleeping bag. He sighs, seemingly defeated.

Milo: I’m tired of fighting with you, Pep. Like… I’m physically and emotionally tired of constantly feeling like we’re entering a battle.

Jennifer doesn’t say anything back.

Milo: Like, why can’t we go back to when things were simple between us?

Jennifer: When has anything been simple with us?

Both teens look at each other, analyzing the expressions on the other’s face.

Milo: Before everything just got… serious. Before our fights were about who’s taking the last slice of pizza back at the shop after school, or about not picking each other as their dodgeball team member. When did our fights begin to be about other people outside of our friendship?

Jennifer: *mumbles* When life got serious.

Milo sighs and gets up from his sleeping bag to sit on the edge of Jennifer’s bed. They take a brief moment to reflect on things before speaking.

Jennifer: Like, when did our fucking lives get so difficult? I feel like everything is just so complicated now. We have majors that require so much of our time to practice and perform that I can’t even go and be a teenager anymore.

Milo turns his head to look at Jennifer, who’s looking down at her bed.

Jennifer: And like… my mom is really having another baby. She’s really having a baby with the same person that left us behind and no one sees the problem with that.

Milo continues to look at Jennifer and notices her face is damp. She had been silently crying as she spoke. He looks down pondering his own thoughts in his head.

Milo: I know everything feels like it’s changing. We are changing, into the people we are meant to be. But, if we let people dictate the direction we’re heading, we’re going to look back and regret just not doing what we wanted to do when he had the chance.

Jennifer looks at Milo now, wiping her face before she does.

Milo: Even if that means not getting on your case about the guys you choose to date.

Jennifer tightens her lips into a smile, sighing before responding.

Jennifer: I appreciate you always looking out for me. It always comes from a place where you are genuinely concerned for my well being, and not for some hidden agenda. But, I just wish that you had some faith in me. Like, all I want is for you to trust my word.

Milo: I know—

Jennifer: Like I never asked you to protect me from the world; like I need to get into shit so that I can learn and grow from it…

Milo: I know…

Jennifer: And all I want is for my best friend to see that and support me, whether or not you agree with my decision making…

Milo: *slightly irritated* I know, Pep—

Jennifer: No, you don’t, Milo.

Milo and Jennifer are now face-to-face, getting annoyed at each other’s responses.

Milo: You don’t think I know all of this?

Jennifer: You act like you don’t know it.

Milo: You don’t think I’m constantly battling with being your best friend versus being–

Milo stops for a second before he continues to speak. Jennifer looks at him, wondering what was going to be said. Milo looks at her, letting out a sigh before shaking his head.

Milo: I’m sorry. I never meant for it to come off as being judgmental or not being a good best friend. I just want the absolute best for you after everything that has happened in your life. You deserve the absolute best, Pep.

Jennifer doesn’t say anything back. She sits there, looking at Milo. He looks at her back, noticing her hard interior crumbling down. He knows that Jennifer only lets her guard down for the people she trusts entirely. He half smiles at her, hoping to comfort her in some way.

Milo: I will try to listen more, and understand where you’re coming from with things that I may not agree with at first. You’re your own person, and… life is just too short to not be enjoying each day like it’s your last…

Milo stares out into space, Jennifer notices the usual behavior, snapping her hands in front of his face. He shakes his head and snaps back to reality. She laughs once he does.

Jennifer: Dude, we’re only fifteen. Shit is gonna happen and make a day not as great as the others, but I get where you’re coming from.

Milo smiles.

Jennifer: I will try to not be so defensive when you disagree with me. I want to be able to hear you out without immediately feeling like I’m being judged. I guess part of the reason why I react the way I do is because I do value your opinion. Like, I want my best friend to feel proud of me, and cheer me on–

Milo: But of course I would do–

Jennifer: –whenever I feel like no one else does.

The teens look at each other without saying a word.

Jennifer: A part of the reason why we are best friends is because we confine in each other. We both don’t have other people in our lives that we trust with our deepest, darkest secrets.

Milo begins to bite the inner corner of his mouth.

Jennifer: I don’t have anyone else to talk to that wouldn’t judge me–

Milo: You have Nicki though.

Jennifer: Nicki is the one that I exclusively tell girl stuff to, the type of stuff that boys don’t like to hear us talk about.

Milo: *laughs* I get it.

Jennifer: Exactly. But everything else… I can only talk to you about. You understand what it feels like to be misunderstood by your family, to the point that you don’t even feel like you’re a part of it.

Milo ponders the thought, nodding his head to agree.

Jennifer: And I miss having you here as my person.

Milo and Jennifer take a moment to look at one another. Nothing is said, but the two are dangerously close to each other. Milo begins to get nervous; he doesn’t remember ever being this close to Jennifer without her freaking out about personal space. Before he can decide on what to do next, the bedroom door flies open, which causes the teens to quickly move away from each other.

They look toward the door and see a girl’s silhouette in the doorframe. Jennifer sighs loudly once she realizes it’s her sister.

Jennifer: *annoyed* What are you doing in here?!

Maryette: It’s freezing in Matt and Brie’s room, so I need a sweater to wear.

Milo sits and watches the sisters talk to each other, trying to not get in the way.

Jennifer: Whatever; make it quick so I can go back to asleep already.

Maryette rolls her eyes and enters the room and looks in her closet for a sweater. Jennifer and Milo look at each other, speaking in only facial expressions and laughing.