Category: y2katalogue: The Tapes

Nicki and Danny walk hand-in-hand in the lunchroom towards the groups’ usual table. She stops in front of it when seeing Milo and Jennifer sitting there, looking bummed out.

Nicki: *nervous* Hey, guys.

Milo & Jennifer: *monotone* Hey.

Nicki looks up at Danny, and Danny looks down at her. He clears his throat before anything else.

Danny: I’m going to practice in the West Wing for class; I’ll see you guys later. *to Nicki* Bye, babe.

Milo and Jennifer look shocked after Danny’s “babe” comment.

Nicki: Bye.

Nicki turns back around to see Milo and Jennifer staring her down.

Nicki: What?

Milo: “Babe?”

Nicki: It’s a nickname–

Jennifer: For a girlfriend.

Nicki doesn’t say anything. Jennifer sighs, adjusting in her seat.

Jennifer: Must be nice to have someone actually like you for you and not judge you for your past.

Nicki, confused, is speechless at first.

Nicki: Thank you?

Milo: I agree; it must feel good to have someone actually not think you’re this big, bad villain of some sort.

Jennifer: Right? Like I’m sorry I’m not this perfect human being that can always meet your perfect expectations all the time!

Milo: Exactly! Like don’t make me out to be this mean and nasty person when really you’re just reading into things too much!

Jennifer: Dude, finally! Someone who just gets it!

Milo smiled slightly, looking at Jennifer as she spoke.

Nicki: *uncomfortable* Okay… I guess things have been… challenging for the both of you.

Jennifer: *to Nicki* Boys just suck, that’s it.

Milo looks at Jennifer, confused to what Jennifer was talking about.

Nicki: What happened?

Jennifer: I met up with Nate to see the rehearsal space for these next couple of practices–

Milo: *interrupts* Wait, what rehearsal space?

Nicki and Jennifer looked at Milo.

Jennifer: *sighs* I went out with Nate this past weekend to check out his studio space.

Milo: *concerned* By yourself?

Jennifer: *annoyed* Why wouldn’t I? You were busy doing your band class crap–

Milo: You mean my performance–

Jennifer: Whatever. *looks at Nicki* Anyway, Nate had his brothers there, you know the ones in his band?

Milo: *annoyed* You were by yourself with three other guys?

Nicki and Jennifer turn their heads to look at Milo. Jennifer, visibly annoyed, turns her entire body toward him.

Jennifer: Yeah, and what about it?

Milo: *growing angry* The fact that you’re alone with three dudes that you barely know wasn’t a concern for you?

Jennifer: What, you think I was gonna let them “gang-bang” me or something?

Milo furiously gets up from his seat, grabbing his stuff from the table.

Nicki: Pep!

Jennifer: What? It sounds like Milo is implying that I would just let any cute, random guys bang me—

Milo: Do you even have a fucking brain in that thick skull of yours?! You don’t know Nate. He sings a couple of lines in vocal and you just fucking swoon for him—

Jennifer: *gets up* No, you don’t know Nate, and think every guy with an instrument in their hand also has their other hand up my skirt or something!

Nicki: *nervously* Guys, please—

The bickering is now causing the lunchroom to look in Milo and Jennifer’s direction.

Milo: I don’t have to know a guy to see that they invited you to his private rehearsal space, alone, without the rest of the band, just to check out the place—

Jennifer: And clearly you don’t know me to see that I wouldn’t just let some guy take control over me like that—

Milo: You did once, what’s not a second time?

Jennifer slaps Milo across the face, which now has the lunchroom rowdy in excitement. Milo holds the spot on his face where Jennifer slapped him.

Milo: *in shock* Did you really just fucking slap me?

Jennifer: Fuck you, Milo! You’re just jealous because every girl that you ever liked never liked you back! Get over it and stop projecting your insecurities onto me!

Milo walks up to Jennifer, sizing her up. He wouldn’t hit her, but he’s also fuming in anger for what she said.

Milo: So that’s how you feel, huh?

Jennifer: Yeah, and what are you gonna do about it?!

The two teens continue to yell at each other before two of the lunch aides break up the fight. One of them takes Milo in one direction, the other takes Jennifer outside of the lunchroom. Jennifer is still shouting as she gets escorted out, Milo puts his hands up for the lunch aide, letting her know he’s fine.

Milo looks at Nicki, sitting at the lunch table with her hand on her head. She shakes her head before looking back up at Milo.

Nicki: Why didn’t you just let her speak, Milo?

Milo: *defensive* Am I the only one that cares about Pep’s well being whenever she’s out doing crazy shit?

Nicki: *upset* Milo! She’s not yours to protect!

Milo and Nicki stare at each other momentarily. Milo knows what Nicki meant by that.

Milo: She’s my best friend, I’m suppose to look after her—

Nicki: If you don’t drop your feelings for Pep, you’re going to end up ruining your friendship with her.

Nicki walks away from Milo, leaving him alone in the lunchroom. Everyone goes back to their tables after the fight ends, and Milo is left standing there. He grabs his things and decides to leave the lunchroom for the day. As he passes the table closest to the exit, he notices Gwen sitting there, looking at him.

She definitely just witnessed this whole mess go down.

Jennifer and Milo walk down the street after school. Jennifer is seemingly in a better mood than earlier. Jennifer walks ahead of Milo, ultimately walking backwards to face Milo. He carries his instrument case on his back while also carrying Jennifer’s large tote bag of school books.

Milo: Pep, you really can’t go through this bag and empty some shit out of it?

Jennifer: Everything in that bag is something that I need in there! I have music binder, change of clothes for dance practice, my roller skates–

Milo: *shocked* You have your roller skates in here?

Jennifer: Where else would I put them?

Milo laughs and shakes his head as they continue to walk down the street.

Jennifer: Thanks for going to the pizza place with me today. It’s good to know that the pizza place is one thing that hasn’t changed in my life. you know?

Milo: I get it, but always remember that nothing is ever going to change with us.

Jennifer smiles as they continue to walk to the pizza place. Once they get to the front of the store, Milo’s relaxed expression vanishes from his face. He’s shocked at who he sees sitting in the pizza place: Gwen. She immediately sees him when he walks in.

Milo: Gwen… hey…

Gwen looks at Jennifer before he looks over at Milo. Milo clears his throat and looks at Jennifer.

Milo: Uhm, you guys met before, right?

Gwen looks at Jennifer and smiles; Jennifer does the same in a fake way.

Gwen: Yeah, back at your show a couple of weeks ago. *to Jennifer* you have such an good voice.

Jennifer: Thanks.

Milo clears his throat before speaking.

Milo: *to Gwen* So, what brings you here?

Gwen looks at Milo; confused at the question.

Gwen: I… uhm, really wanted to get a slice of pizza before my violin practice…

Milo looks at Gwen and nods before turning his head to look at Jennifer.

Milo: We’re here for a slice as well; do you want to… uhm… sit with us at our table?

Jennifer looks at Milo; not interested in having new people sit at their table.

Gwen: *surprised* Oh, are you sure? I uhm…

She looks at Jennifer before she looks back at Milo.

Gwen: Don’t want to intervene with your plans.

Milo: No, no it’s fine; right Pep?

Jennifer: *fake smiles* The more, the merrier.

Gwen nervously looks at Jennifer as she speaks and immediately looks at Milo. The three teens walk over to their usual table near the window. Gwen sits on one side of the booth while Milo and Jennifer sit at the other side. There’s an award silence happening. Jennifer smiles and starts up the conversation.

Jennifer: *to Gwen* So… you also play the violin, huh?

Gwen: *nods* I do. Milo and I have been practicing our pieces for the showcase coming up.

Jennifer: *raises eyebrow* Oh? *looks at Milo* Is that so?

Milo: *shy* Not always; I help those who need it.

Gwen scrunches her eyebrows together, confused at Milo’s statement.

Milo: *clears throat, looks at Jennifer* The strings section has a lot of issues when it comes to getting the chords correct, so I tend to help out and stuff.

Jennifer: Oh… How nice of you to help out your string-mates… *to Gwen* Milo’s a great person to learn from. He’s a dual major.

Gwen: So he’s mentioned to me before.

Jennifer isn’t fond of Gwen’s snappy response.

Jennifer: Our vocal choir doesn’t have tutoring sessions like that. We’re expected to know our music once we learn the whole thing from our teacher.

Gwen looks at Milo; his face is flushed.

Jennifer: Right, Milo?

Milo: Uhm… right.

Gwen shifts in her seat; uncomfortable.

Milo: *to Gwen* Did you go to the West Wing for practice?

Jennifer: *intervenes* The West Wing?

Milo: Yeah, the area where–

Jennifer: –No, no; I know what you’re talking about. I just didn’t think people used those rooms for actual practice.

Jennifer nudges her elbow at Milo, making him visibly uncomfortable.

Jennifer: Remember when Gregg got caught making out with that girl in the west wing rooms? *laughs* I thought they closed them off because of that incident.

Milo: Pep…

Jennifer: I would not want to be the one practicing in those rooms; I’m better off using the acoustics in the girl’s bathroom.

Jennifer laughs and sighs once she’s done.

Jennifer: Anyway, enough about those gross rehearsal rooms…

Gwen: *begins to get up* I have to get going; I promised my mom I’d be home for dinner on time today, so–

Milo looks up at Gwen, feeling guilty and embarrassed.

Jennifer: After just having pizza?

Gwen: My parents are big on all of us having dinner together.

Gwen quickly gathers her things an begins to slide out of the booth.

Milo: Gwen–

Gwen: *turns around* It was nice meeting you officially.

Gwent turns around to leave, making Milo jump out of his seat in the booth.

Milo: Gwen–

Jennifer: Milo?

Milo quickly turns around and looks at Jennifer. She looks at Milo with a confused look on her face. Milo tries to play it off by sitting in the seat where Gwen was.

Jennifer: Dude, are all your bandmates that weird?

Milo: *sighs* Come on, Pep…

Jennifer laughs off the weird conversation and takes a bite of her slice.

Jennifer: I’m just saying, you should start hanging out with the vocal heads instead of your band geeks… besides Nicki, she’s the only exception.

Milo: *lighthearted* Good save; you know I would’ve told Nic you called her a band geek.

Jennifer: Dude, I had to talk her out of making her AIM screen name “thatbandg33k”!

Both teens laugh; Milo looks out the pizza parlor’s window, watching Gwen walk down the long block by herself. The smile fades away.

The bell rings at Waverly High and students begin to roam the hallway. Milo and Jennifer walk out of the vocal room more exhausted than usual. They both walk to their lockers to get their books for the next class.

Milo: Why was that vocal class literal torture today?

Jennifer doesn’t answer. She hasn’t said much about anything most of the day. Milo looks over at Jennifer for an answer; he doesn’t bother her for one.

Milo: Like I get it, Quartets are must to test you on your music, but man… it was hard to watch.

Jennifer: Yeah.

Milo looks over at Jennifer; worried. He clears his throat, changing the conversation.

Milo: You’re heading to Algebra?

Jennifer: Yeah.

Jennifer shuts her locker door closed and begins to walk away from Milo. He watches her as she does. He sighs as soon as Nicki walks up to Milo and his locker.

Nicki: Still nothing?

Milo: Nothing. *faces Nicki* She hasn’t said more than 7 words in the entire day. I don’t think I ever seen her this depressed.

Nicki: I know; it feels so weird to see her not being herself.

Milo looks down the hallway, watching Jennifer turn the corner of it. It breaks his heart.

Nicki: *changes the subject* Are you going to practice in the West Wing during lunch today?

Milo: Maybe; I’m not sure yet. Why? Are you?

Nicki: I really should, but I’m worried about Pep. I have to get this last part of the piece down, but Pep’s our best friend and–

Milo: I’ll go to lunch and stay with her.

Nicki: Are you sure? I know you barely like going to lunch in the first place.

Milo: You have to practice, Nic. I’ll be fine and I’ll keep Pep company.

Nicki lets out a deep breath before the warning bell goes off.

Nicki: I’ll see you in band later; give Pep a hug for me during lunch.

Nicki runs away from Milo to make it to her next class on time. Milo closes his locker after taking out his Biology textbook.

Milo walks into his Biology class and sits in his assigned seat. Gwen, as always, is on time at her desk already with her books out. She looks up when she sees Milo sit down in his seat.

Gwen: *greets* Hey, Milo.

Milo: *smiles* Hey, Gwen. *looks at her notebook* Are those your notes for a project or something?

Gwen: *shakes head* Regents.

Milo: *shocked* School’s not even over yet!

Gwen: *giggles* Go figure, Sherlock. *sighs* With my extra violin lessons and doctor appointments coming up, I’m not going to have enough time to study for the test in a couple of weeks.

Milo: You probably don’t even have to study; you’re the only one that’s gonna ace this test.

Gwen shakes her head and laughs.

Gwen: Well to be on the safe side; I am going to study. *changes the subject* Are you going to the West Wing today? Our show is tomorrow.

Milo: *hesitates* Oh, uhm… I was actually gonna grab some lunch today.

Gwen: *shocked* Really? *teases* I didn’t think you even knew where the lunchroom was located.

Milo smiles at Gwen’s minor burn to him. She laughs, playing it off.

Milo: You know I have to keep everyone on their toes; I just feel like doing whatever I wanna do.

Gwen: Until it’s the day of the show and you’re freaking out because you didn’t prepare enough for it.

Milo shakes his head and laughs.

Gwen: But seriously; you’re not going to the West Wing today?

Milo ponders the thought for a moment.

Milo: I guess I can eat some pizza after school today.

Gwen smiles as the bell finally rings to start class.

…

It’s the start of the lunch period as most of the students head towards the direction of the cafeteria. Milo, on the other hand, begins to walk to the West Wing. He makes the hard turn of the corner and stop short when he sees Jennifer turn the same corner.

Milo: *surprised* Oh! Pep!

Jennifer stands there, looking at Milo.

Jennifer: Hey.

Milo: Hey; are you headed to lunch?

Jennifer nods her head and continues to walk towards the cafeteria area. Milo follows along.

Milo: Do you mind if I come with you?

Jennifer stops and looks at Milo; confused.

Jennifer: Since when do you go to lunch?

Milo: I didn’t eat breakfast today, so I’m starving right now.

Jennifer: *confused* … You eat breakfast?

Milo: Do you think I don’t eat or something?

Jennifer giggles; seeing her smile makes Milo happy.

Milo: *teases* Since you know the lunch menu so well; what’s on it today?

Jennifer: *disgust* Chicken patties.

Milo second guesses his decision of going to lunch with Jennifer. Eventually, the two teens get to the lunch room and grab their lunch trays. They both turn around and look for an empty space to sit. They begin to walk over to the usual table Jennifer hangs out at.

Milo: So, how has your day been going so far?

Jennifer: I would say that I can’t wait to get home, but I would rather sit in Global for 5 hours straight.

Milo: That’s… cruel. Did you talk to your mom after I left?

Jennifer: No. Why should I? Clearly she doesn’t care about my feelings or listen to anything that I have to say.

Milo: But she’s your mom–

Jennifer: *defensive* Who cares? She’s not acting like my mom right now, so I’m not gonna treat her like my mom.

Milo sighs, thinking carefully about what to say next.

Milo: I’m sorry that you’re going through this, Pep. I don’t know how you exactly feel, but I can understand how much this means to you.

Jennifer: *sigh* I just don’t understand why my mom would let him back into our lives. He left us all those years ago and thinks he can just walk back into them.

Milo: Maybe you should ask your mom; she might make things clear for you–

Jennifer: *annoyed* I don’t want to talk to her ever again.

Milo sighs, realizing this conversation is going nowhere.

Milo: Why don’t we go to the pizza place today after school? This lunch is depressing to eat.

Jennifer smirks at Milo’s comment. He briefly sighs out of relief.

Milo: It’ll also be on me today.

Jennifer: You don’t have to tell me anything else! I’ll be there.

Milo smiles as he takes a sip of his chocolate milk. Jennifer returns eating her school lunch.

Jennifer walks into her house and puts her bag on the ground near the door. The house is quiet for once. She looks around and calls out for her mom, then her younger sister. It wasn’t like the house had opportunity for it to be this quiet with two families living under the same roof.

Shortly after Jennifer enters the house, the front door opens once again; this time, it’s Milo.

Jennifer: Are you just now getting here?

Milo: *out of breath* We had dual major rehearsals.

Jennifer: Yeah, Nicki mentioned that at the pizza shop today.

Milo: I should’ve wrote you on AIM, but time just flew by.

Jennifer didn’t say anything else, she simply sighed.

Jennifer: Well, my mom and sister aren’t home yet; I guess she went to get Maryette at school or something.

Milo nods his head. Jennifer looks at Milo before changing the subject.

Jennifer: Remember that girl that came to our show that one time? She’s in your band class with Nicki or something?

Milo takes a moment to think.

Milo: What about her?

Jennifer: She came to the pizza shop; she said you put her on to the place.

Milo: *nonchalant* I recommended the place to her.

Jennifer: *stoic* Cool.

Milo: What are you trying to say?

Jennifer: Nothing; nothing at all…

Jennifer teases Milo; he catches on quickly.

Milo: What?!

Jennifer: Nothing! It just looks like this girl has a thing for you or something…

Milo’s face begins to turn red; he clears his throat before speaking.

Milo: Gwen is just some girl I work with in my band class. We’re in the strings section so I have to work with her with our music. And she’s also Nicki’s friend; it’s not like she only sees me as one.

Jennifer: *laughs* You don’t have to explain anything to me! The more you explain, the more guilty you seem…

Milo: I’m just making sure you know what the deal is.

Jennifer: *teases* I’m just saying, it’s not every day that a girl shows you interest.

Milo: *offended* What is that supposed to mean?!

Jennifer laughs at the banter. Afterwards, both teens turn to the front door when the lock is heard being opened. Jennifer’s mom and her boyfriend walk in; Jennifer’s expression changes.

Lydia: You guys are home early.

Jennifer: Nicki had cello practice…

Jennifer grabs her bookbag from the floor and walks past the adults. Milo, feeling uncomfortable, follows Jennifer upstairs. Once they get to Jennifer’s room, they drop their bags on the ground near her door.

Milo: You’re alright, Pep?

Jennifer: *annoyed* I’m fine, just wish there was a day where my mom isn’t with him…

Milo watches Jennifer pace around her room, doing things that don’t make much sense. He knows she’s just trying to keep her mind busy.

Milo: Pep?

Jennifer: *annoyed* What?

Milo: You just put your jacket in your trash can…

Jennifer looks down at the can in front of her; she indeed did toss her jacket into her trash. She sighs loudly, taking it out from the can and tossing it on her bed. Milo watches her.

Milo: I can’t speak for you, but I thought you would’ve been used to seeing your mom and dad together—

Jennifer: You’re right… you can’t speak for me because you don’t know how I feel.

Milo: I never said I did; I’m saying that they’ve been together for some time now—

Jennifer: *interrupts* Like I said, you can’t speak for me because you don’t know how I feel. Let’s just leave it at that.

The two teens go silent before starting their homework.

…

Jennifer, Milo, and Jennifer’s family sit at the kitchen table in silence. Milo is uncomfortable; he constantly looks at Jennifer to see if she’s okay. She’s not. Maryette is the one to break the ice.

Maryette: So me and Niko decided to try out for the flag football team at school. They thought Niko was a girl and I was the dude! I guess I play better than most guys on the team or something!

Lydia: *smiles* That’s great, honey! When do you find out if you made the team or not?

Maryette: Sometime next week I think. It’ll be cool if we actually got on the team together, then we’d get to go to all the away games together and hang out.

Lydia cocks an eyebrow as she eats. Jennifer looks at her sister before finally speaking.

Jennifer: More opportunities to kiss on the bus to those games–

Maryette: *defensive* That’s not true! Me and Niko are friends!

Jennifer laughs; Milo can’t help but smile.

Maryette: Just because you kiss Nate to your performances doesn’t mean everyone else does that!

Milo looks at Jennifer, unaware of this information.

Jennifer: *defensive* Shut up!

Maryette: Make me!

Jennifer: You don’t even know what you’re talking about, dumbass–

Maryette: I know you stalk his MySpace page!

Lydia: That’s enough!

Jennifer and Maryette stop talking; Milo is still shocked from the revelation. He looks at Jennifer; this time she looks at him and rolls his eyes. Lydia turns her head towards Justin.

Lydia: *to Justin* I’m sorry about this.

Justin: It’s okay, Lyd. Sisters are going to be sisters.

Jennifer looks at Justin and rolls her eyes. He notices.

Justin: *to Jennifer* Are you okay, Pep?

Jennifer: It’s Jennifer, or has it been so long that you forgot the name of your first born child?

Lydia: *stern* Jennifer Ann Castro!

Justin: *to Lydia* It’s okay. *turns back to Jennifer* I didn’t forget; I remember I picked the name ‘Jennifer’ after the character in Back to the Future. It was the movie your mom and I saw on our first date. She knew it was one of my favorite movies growing up so she rented the VHS at Blockbuster and brought it to watch it.

Justin smiles at Lydia; she’s smitten as well. Jennifer, on the other hand, is not having it.

Justin: Maryette was named after my grandmother, Maria Lizette.

Justin touches Lydia’s stomach, smiling as he rubs his thumb over her sweater. Lydia puts her hand on top of his. Milo observes; confused as to what is happening. Jennifer doesn’t look up from her plate to catch on. Lydia clears her throat before she starts to speak again.

Lydia: We wanted to talk to you girls about something important.

Maryette: What is it?

Lydia and Justin look at each other before looking back at the girls again. Milo begins to feel uncomfortable.

Lydia: As you both know, your father and I have been dating for quite some time. I know this hasn’t been easy for you two to adjust, but your father and I love each other very much and are happy to have found each other again to rekindle our relationship.

Jennifer wears a disgusted expression on her face; it doesn’t change as her mother speaks.

Justin: I’m hoping that I can have the chance to get to know you two better individually; perhaps during the summer break we can plan some fun activities and–

Jennifer: Why?

The table looks over at Jennifer, including Milo.

Justin: ‘Why?’

Jennifer: Yeah. Why all of a sudden do you want to get to know me and Mars better? I mean, shouldn’t you already know your own kids?

Lydia: Pep, please–

Justin: Jennifer, me going away 10 years–

Jennifer: *corrects* 11 years.

Justin: –11 years ago wasn’t because I didn’t love you or your sister–

Jennifer: *scoffs* Mars doesn’t even remember you! How is she supposed to know that her dad loved her when he left her as a baby?

Lydia: Jennifer!

Justin: *stern* It’s not as black and white as you think it is, Pep–

Jennifer: *annoyed* It’s Jennifer!

Justin looks over to Lydia as she lets out a deep breath; she looks a little queasy.

Maryette: Mom, are you okay?

Lydia: I’m fine, sweetie. *sighs* Girls, I know change can be scary and unpredictable. I know it’s been just the three of us for a long time, but trust me when I say that whether your father and I are together or not, the way we love you will never change.

Justin takes Lydia’s hand and holds it; his thumb rubbing the top of her knuckles. She takes another deep breath before looking at the girls. Milo’s eyes are glued on Jennifer, wishing he could comfort her the way Justin is comforting Lydia.

Lydia: *to Justin* I think that the five of us will be just fine in the end.

Milo scrunches his eyebrows; he immediately looks around the table. The girls seem confused as well.

Maryette: Five?

Jennifer: *worried* Five?

Lydia and Justin look at the girls.

Lydia: *smiles* We’re having a baby.

Milo’s eyes widen; he turns his head to look at Jennifer. Jennifer is devastated.

Jennifer: You’re what?!

Lydia: Pep–

Jennifer shoots up from her seat, furious.

Jennifer: Are you fucking kidding me?!

Lydia: *stern* Language–

Justin: Jennifer, just hear us out–

Jennifer: *to Lydia* How could you?! How could you allow this man to come back into our lives to complicate and ruin them! How could you do this without even talking to me and Mars about how we feel!

Lydia: Pep, please calm down–

Jennifer: *louder* And now you’re bringing another baby into this world with him?!

Justin: Jennifer–

Jennifer: *to Justin* Shut up! I don’t have to listen to anything you have to say! You are nothing but a deadbeat dad!

Lydia: *shouts* Jennifer Ann, that is enough!

Jennifer looks at the table; she quickly turns around and runs out of the kitchen. Milo gets up from his seat, running after Jennifer.

Before Jennifer can slam her door shut, Milo stops it from closing. He walks into the room as Jennifer begins to hyperventilate.

Milo: Pep–

Milo walks to Jennifer and puts his hands on her shoulders; she has a hard time taking steady breaths.

Milo: Pep; breathe.

Jennifer looks at Milo as she fights each breath. Milo breathes with her, helping her steady her breath. Once she does, she begins to cry.

Jennifer: Milo–

Milo pulls Jennifer in for a hug as she weeps in his shoulder.

Jennifer sits in the usual booth of the pizzeria her and her friends sit after school. She flips open her cell phone and sighs when she sees no incoming messages. She closes it and sighs. Moments later, Nicki enters the pizzeria.

Jennifer: Hey Nic!

Nicki finds Jennifer sitting in the booth, she waves as she approaches the booth.

Nicki: I’m assuming you already ate?

Jennifer: Your assumption is incorrect. I was waiting for Milo to finally show up since he was dying for me to try that Hawaiian slice *pretends to gag* but he hasn’t shown up yet.

Nicki: He had dual major rehearsals after school today. *questions* I thought it was with the vocal program?

Jennifer shrugs her shoulders.

Jennifer: Well it definitely wasn’t with the freshman choir. It sucks that he has these extra rehearsals just because he decided to take on two majors.

Nicki: Milo has always been into his music though.

Jennifer: *annoyed* Yeah, but I didn’t realize dude couldn’t have a social life anymore because of it.

Nicki: You’ll get used to it, Pep.

Jennifer sighs and drops the subject.

Jennifer: Where’s Danny? I’m surprised you guys aren’t joined together at the hip.

Nicki: *rolls her eyes* I have a life outside of Danny, for your information.

Jennifer: Like what? Watching reruns of Jeopardy?

Nicki sighs as Jennifer teases her friend.

Jennifer: Have you guys made it official yet?

Nicki: Pep! Can’t two people just get to know each other before deciding to throw a label on things?

Jennifer: *teases* Oooooh, so you guys are FWBs!

Nicki: “FWB”?

Jennifer: Friends with benefits!

Nicki’s face turns red.

Nicki: Absolutely not! I have some dignity.

Jennifer: I’m just saying; you like him, and he clearly likes you too—

Nicki: *nervous* You think so?

Jennifer cocks up an eyebrow, confirming her statement. Nicki sighs.

Nicki: Danny is too cool to like a nerd like me.

Jennifer: Nic, it’s 2007. We’re nearing the end of the new millennium! The jocks aren’t only with the cheerleaders and the musicians aren’t only with, like, the edgy girls. Danny totally likes you.

Nicki shifts in her seat; she seems uneasy.

Jennifer: What’s wrong?

Nicki: I guess I’m just trying to be okay with… you know…

Jennifer doesn’t know what Nicki is referring to.

Nicki: *sighs* Sometimes I feel like when Danny and I are getting closer to each other, it’s like we remember what happened between you and him and immediately back away. I know you’re over it, but–

Jennifer: Do you feel like you’re betraying me as a friend for liking Danny?

Nicki: *nervous* Is that how you feel?!

Jennifer: No, but I’m assuming that’s what you think I feel…

Jennifer sighs, taking a sip of her soda.

Jennifer: Nic, if I felt that way, I wouldn’t have had introduced you two in the first place. Yeah, Danny and I have a weird past, but I don’t allow that shit to get to me anymore. I have to move on in order to live my life, and Danny should do the same. It’s obvious he really likes you though.

Nicki’s face turns red. The door of the pizzeria opens; the girls turn around thinking it could be Milo. It was another guy from their high school. Nicki notices Jennifer looking a little bit longer than usual.

Nicki: Pep?

Jennifer doesn’t answer.

Nicki: *shouts* Pep!

Jennifer quickly turns face forward.

Jennifer: What?

Nicki: You have a thing for Nate or something?

Jennifer turns around once more to get another glance.

Jennifer: *swoons* His brown, curly hair is just so cute. Plus, he plays guitar.

Nicki: You definitely have a thing for musicians…

Nate turns his head and sees Jennifer looking. He smiles at her before she quickly turns around.

Jennifer: Oh god, he probably thinks I’m some weirdo now…

Nicki: He looked at you for two seconds, Pep; I don’ think he’d come to that conclusion in two seconds.

Jennifer: You’d be surprised!

Nicki shook her head in disbelief. The front door of the pizza shop opened again; this time, a girl enters. Nicki notices the girl.

Nicki: Hey Gwen!

Jennifer turns around and sees Gwen. Gwen awkwardly waves at Nicki. Nicki gestures Gwen to come to her table, in which Gwen slowly walks towards.

Gwen: *shy* Hi, Nicki.

Nicki: *to Gwen* Gwen, this is my best friend, Jennifer. Pep, this is my friend, Gwen.

Jennifer politely waves her hand to Gwen. Gwen returns the gesture.

Nicki: I’ve never seen you come to the pizza shop.

Gwen: Oh, Milo was the one that told me about it. I figured I’d come to get a slice on my way home.

Jennifer looks up when Gwen mentions Milo’s name. She looks at Gwen and notices the beanie on her head. It looks… familiar…

Jennifer: You know Milo?

Nicki: *to Jennifer* Gwen came to one of our shows, remember?

Jennifer can’t remember the memory.

Nicki: She also plays in Milo’s section in our band class.

Jennifer: Oh… Cool, cool…

Gwen stands there feeling awkward. Nicki clears her throat.

Nicki: *to Gwen* You’re going on the band trip this Saturday?

Gwen: Yeah! I gave Mr. Harrison my permission slip, I also reminded Milo that he need to get his in before the end of the week.

Jennifer: *interrupts, talking only in Nicki’s direction* I don’t think he’s going to that; he told me he was coming to my showcase in this city.

Gwen: Oh. He didn’t mention anything about being busy this weekend.

Jennifer side eyes Gwen’s comment; Gwen doesn’t seem to notice.

Nicki: I’ll see you tomorrow in band.

Gwen: See you.

Gwen walks away as Jennifer watches. Once Gwen is far away enough, Jennifer turns around to face Nicki.

Jennifer: Who the hell does she think she is?

Nicki: *sighs* Pep…

Jennifer: No, seriously! Who is she and why does she talk about Milo like she’s his secretary or something?

Nicki: What makes you say that?

Jennifer: *sarcastic* Oh, I don’t know; the fact that she clearly knows his agenda more than his best friend is a good start…

Nicki: Gwen’s just a girl in our class, trust me; Milo’s not looking at her like that.

Jennifer: *keeps going* And did you notice the beanie she was wearing? That’s the same beanie Milo always wears!

Nicki: Other people own that hat too, Pep; Milo bought it in Hot Topic for God’s sake–

Jennifer watches Gwen leave the pizza shop through the front window near their booth. Jennifer is uneasy. Nicki begins to get up from the booth.

Jennifer: You’re leaving already?

Nicki: I have cello lessons at 4:30; you know that.

Jennifer rolls her eyes.

Jennifer: I guess all of my friends are just too good to hang out with a vocal major.

Nicki: Pep, we hang out every single hour of the day, there can’t be that much gossip to discuss in a day–

Jennifer: Of course there is! We’re high school girls!

Nicki laughs as she says goodbye to Jennifer. Jennifer sighs as she sits n the booth alone; a first for her.

The bell rings at Waverly High and the students begin to go to their next class of the day. Milo takes out a huge binder from his locker; Jennifer looks at the binder in shock.

Jennifer: Dude, do they have you guys playing The Ten Commandments or something?

Milo: *confused* The Ten Commandments is not a piece of music; you do know that, right?

Jennifer: Well your binder looks as big as the book itself.

Nicki: *intervenes* Pep, The Ten Commandments is roughly about 210 pages; perhaps you are talking about Tolstoy’s War And Peace?

Jennifer: *confused* Toy Story?

Nicki: *disbelief* Leo Tolstoy, author of War and Peace…

Jennifer doesn’t seem to understand; Nicki sighs and looks at Milo, pointing at the binder.

Nicki: Is that binder all for one class, Milo?

Milo: It’s my dual major binder. I don’t bother carrying it around anymore because it’s literally like walking with a brick inside my bookbag.

Jennifer: Why don’t you just have two separate binders for each major?

Milo: Because I never know if I’m going to need both pieces of music for a rehearsal!

Jennifer rolls her eyes and Nicki takes out her binder from her locker; it’s noticeably smaller than Milo’s.

Jennifer: That is a reasonable sized binder; look what you could be potentially be bringing to your band class compared to the cinderblock you currently have.

Milo: *deadpans* Haha.

The bell rings and the friends say their goodbyes; Nicki and Milo walk to the band room at the end of the hall.

Nicki: I’m glad to see you and Pep on good terms after all this time.

Milo: Yeah, you know how I feel about Pep. I don’t like being mad at her for too long.

Nicki stops mid-walk; Milo follows.

Nicki: Don’t let that cloud your judgment either, Milo.

Milo: Whatcha mean?

Nicki: I mean don’t be so intense when it comes to Pep. You already know that she’s gonna do whatever she pleases and you can’t let that mess up your mood or your friendship with her.

Milo: *sighs* I know, Nic. I just wish sometimes she had better judgment so that I’m not out here running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

Nicki: Be her friend, Milo, not her guardian.

Milo: Easier said than done, Nicki.

Nicki: I’m just saying that Pep is never going to change her ways; you of all people should know this.

Both teens walk into the band room as their bandmates get ready for the period to start. Milo glances over to Gwen; he waves at her as she waves back. Nicki observes the two.

Nicki: You and Gwen are friends?

Milo: *nervous* Uhm… yeah, we both recognized each other from band when we were put into the same Biology class too.

Nicki: Oh. That’s… interesting.

Milo turns his head to now look at Nicki; confused.

Milo: What?

Nicki: Nothing, it’s just that she’s… not a girl any of the freshman would be in classes with. She’s the smartest person in our grade.

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

Nicki: Exactly what I meant; you’re probably in the wrong Biology class if you’re taking it with her.

Milo rolled her eyes as the two teens went to their sections of the class. Milo sits next to Gwen, again smiling at her.

Milo: Nice hat, Gwen.

Gwen: Thanks; the fluffy scrunchie adds some volume to your hair.

Gwen laughs as she teases Milo.

Milo: How’s your day been so far?

Gwen: Well, I have a midterm in my Math B class tomorrow and the review was… unendurable, to say the least.

Milo: Sheesh, Math B sounds like it’s no joke–

Gwen: *teases* You can borrow my notes when it’s your turn to take it.

Milo: At least I know I’ll pass.

Gwen rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Milo: Whatcha doing after school today? Well, besides studying for your midterm.

Gwen: Well, something tells me you’re looking to hang before I drown myself in my studies.

Milo smiles at Gwen’s cheeky remark. The teacher quiets the class down before he starts his class.

Mr. Harrison: Good afternoon, everyone. Before we start today’s class, please remember to have your permission slips for the philharmonic performance no longer than Friday. We are leaving for the performance the following morning and will not be taking anyone with a permission slip in their hands the day of.

Milo looks at Gwen, focusing on what the teacher is talking about. Milo decided to do the same.

Mr. Harrison: Of course, you are not obligated to participate in this performance. As a freshman class, you are allowed one show that you choose to not attend; only one. If you are thinking about not attending, come see me after class.

Milo: *to Gwen; whispers* You’re gonna go?

Gwen nods her head.

Gwen: I already gave Mr. Harrison my permission slip.

Milo cocks his eyebrows up, surprised that Gwen is on top of things. He looks at his unsigned permission slip still in his binder.

Mr. Harrison: Those who are dual majors; this is your reminder that you must be present for today’s rehearsal after school with the vocal program.

Milo sighed as he writes a reminder down in his notebook. Gwen notices.

Gwen: Dual major duty calls.

Milo: Of course when I finally decide to make plans after school…

Gwen tussles Milo’s hair.

Gwen: You have to do what you have to do. We can reschedule for another day.

Milo turns around to look at Gwen. She reassures him with a smile. He returns the smile. Looking from the back of the classroom, Nicki notices the two teen’s banter.

Milo runs down the block with his bookbag on his back and his instrument case in his hand. He makes a hard turn and runs up the next block; the block that Jennifer and her family live.

He runs up the front steps and knocks on the door. Lydia, Jennifer’s mom, opens up the door. Milo is visibly out of breath.

Lydia: Milo?

Milo: Hi, Ms. Lewis; I lost track of time at our band rehearsal after school.

Lydia cocks up an eyebrow. She sighs.

Lydia: Don’t let it happen again, solely because I don’t want to have to explain to your parents where their son was all day.

Milo: I’m sorry; it won’t happen again.

Lydia opens the door and lets Milo in. He gently drops his instrument case on the ground and walks upstairs towards Jennifer’s room. He sees Jennifer laying down flipping through a magazine. She looks up from the magazine briefly to look at Milo; she rolls her eyes.

Milo: Hey, Pep.

Jennifer doesn’t say anything back. Milo sighs and pulls the desk chair to sit down near the bed.

Milo: Can we talk?

Jennifer: There’s nothing to talk about…

Milo: Pep.

Jennifer sucks her teeth and forcefully closes the magazine.

Jennifer: What do you want me to say? I’ve said everything I needed to say and clearly that wasn’t enough for you.

Milo: Look, I’m sorry for the way that I acted.

Jennifer cocks an eyebrow; not convinced.

Milo: I’m being serious. You had your reasons for doing what you did, and they are valid whether or not I agree with them or not.

Jennifer: I just don’t understand why my word wasn’t enough in the first place. Yes, I had my reasons for not telling you, and that’s not because I don’t value you as my best friend or something. I just knew that you wouldn’t have took it lightly and honestly I just wanted to forget it even happened.

Milo: I know, and I’m sorry for what I said about you not being a good friend and all that nonsense when I was angry. *reflects* I’m glad that Danny was able to help you out in that time of need. I guess he’s not as bad as I thought he was.

Jennifer: Do you think I’d set Nicki up with someone that I knew was a complete asshole?

Milo: *guilty* No.

Jennifer: Exactly… *sighs* But I know you were just looking out for me in the long run and… I can’t be mad at someone that actually gives a shit about me.

Jennifer gets up from the bed to sit at the corner. She prompts Milo to sit next to her. Milo smiles at the gesture.

Milo: We’ve been best friends since pre-school, Pep. You were the first person to stick up for me and have my back when I was too shy to stick up for myself. Plus, you actually wanted to be friends with me for me. Our friendship not only means a lot to me, but you also mean a lot to me.

Jennifer smiles and sighs, adjusting in her seat. She’s now relaxed and comfortable.

Jennifer: You mean a lot to me too, and again I’m sorry if I’ve been on the edge lately and snappy and all of that. I feel like everything around me is changing and I guess I’m just scared of us changing.

Milo: We’ll never change. I promise you that.

Milo gives Jennifer a hug to solidify their friendship. Once they release from the hug, Jennifer plays with the ponytail Milo has in his hair.

Jennifer: Why do you have your hair in a ponytail?

Milo: *nervous* Oh, I, uh, wanted it away from my face for once.

Jennifer: *teases* It makes you look like you have a huge head.

Jennifer laughs as Milo nudges her on the shoulder. All is well between the two best friends.

Jennifer: So, I meant to tell you this before we started fighting, but my Spring recital is next week. I asked Nicki but she’s going away for Spring Break with her family, so I wanted to see if you wanted to come.

Milo: Of course! I wouldn’t miss one of your dance shows for the world.

Jennifer smiles at Milo; Milo mirrors her. They both continue to hang out in Jennifer’s room, catching up on everything that they’ve missed these last couple of days.

After Milo and Gwen grab a slice of pizza from the local pizza parlor, they walk down a suburban block; Milo isn’t familiar with the area. Gwen walks with Milo and stopping in front of a house. Milo observes the outside of the house, noticing the treehouse out front.

Gwen: Here we are.

Milo: Whoa…

Milo looks at the house in awe; he’s not used to seeing the pretty houses in Brooklyn.

Gwen: *giggles* Come on.

Gwen opens the front gate and enters the vicinity of the house. She walks over to the tree in her front yard, climbing the ladder attached to the tree trunk. Milo watches her as she reaches the treehouse.

Gwen: *looking down* Climb up!

Milo: *nervous* Are you sure?

Gwen: *teases* Is Milo afraid of heights?

Milo: *defensive* How can you ask a question like that?!

Gwen laughs as she sticks her head back int the treehouse.

Milo: Gwen?

Gwen doesn’t answer back. Milo lets out a deep breath and starts to slowly climb up the ladder. Once he reaches the treehouse, he sees Gwen lookin at him; she laughs.

Gwen: Took you long enough.

Milo rolls his eyes as he takes in his surroundings. In Gwen’s treehouse, there’s built-in bookshelves full of different novels. Blankets over the bottom of the floor and fairy lights surround the ceiling. Milo looks at Gwen.

Milo: Is this your secret hideout?

Gwen: It’s not so secret if my parents built it for me.

Milo: *shocked* They built this?

Gwen: *nods head* It was my birthday gift when I turned 13. I always wanted a treehouse, and I guess asking my parents for a treehouse for my birthday each year paid off.

Milo laughs. He notices some binders on top of one of the shelves; he takes one off.

Milo: You do your homework in here or something?

He flips through the binder; it’s all sheet music with different notes on the margins of the pages.

Gwen: I practice up here.

Milo: You have room to do that here?

Gwen: *laughs* Clearly. Before getting into Waverly, I practiced my audition piece up here day and night. Of course, I had to stop on some nights once the neighbors started to complain hearing the same five chords over and over again.

Milo laughs as he skims through the binder.

Milo: You take this very seriously.

Gwen: Don’t you?

Milo looks up at Gwen; he doesn’t say anything right away.

Milo: Y-yeah. I do.

Gwen: That wasn’t very convincing. Thankfully, you’re not a drama major.

Milo chuckles, then sighing before he speaks.

Milo: I enjoy playing the violin, but if I had to choose which major I enjoy more–

Gwen: *disappointed* You’d pick vocal…

Milo: *tries to explain* I really do enjoy being in band, don’t get me wrong–

Gwen: You just prefer vocal; that’s okay.

Awkward silence between the two teens.

Milo: It’s not that I prefer it, it’s just something I’ve done longer so I feel like I’m better at it.

Gwen: But you’re a dual major; obviously you had to be great in your band audition for you to get into the–

Gwen stops mid-sentence. She sighs once she puts it together.

Gwen: … the strings section, which is currently the least competitive part of the band program. *awkwardly laughs* I guess that’s why you’re so laxed in band.

Milo: The program has potential to be great… it’s just a matter of if everyone else in the section wants to be great.

Gwen: *defeated* You can’t persuade people in doing something they don’t want to do.

Milo scrunches his eyebrows together, feeling a type of way about Gwen’s perspective on things.

Milo: I know you can turn this program around with your talent.

Gwen: *scoffs* Yeah, okay.

Milo: *annoyed* Take credit where its due, Gwen. You work super hard for your position in the strings section and honestly, you’re way better than even those in the dual major program. You have the opportunity to turn this program around!

Gwen fidgets with her hair; she looks sad.

Gwen: Yeah… I guess…

Milo: *optimistic* And by the time we graduate in 2010, you’d be voted as the best violinist in our grade on top of being the valedictorian.

Gwen: Yeah…

Milo notices Gwen’s body language shift.

Milo: Are you okay?

Gwen: Yeah, yeah; I’m fine.

Milo isn’t convinced.

Milo: Was it something I said?

Gwen: No, it’s…

Gwen shifts in her seat and sighs. She pulls the long, black locks off of her head, revealing her short, blonde hair.

Gwen: I haven’t been honest with you, Milo.

Milo: *confused* About what?

Gwen tosses the black hair wig toward Milo.

Gwen: About this.

Milo: I’m… lost.

Gwen: Milo, you talk so freely about the future and all of the things you want to do. You talk about college and where you’ll be when we’re seniors and… it must be nice to actually know that those things will eventually happen for you.

Milo: Those things can easily happen to you too, Gwen–

Gwen: *mumbles* They can’t.

Milo looks at Gwen; not comprehending what Gwen is saying.

Milo: Why can’t they happen to you?

Gwen looks back up at Milo, hesitant to say anything.

Milo: You can trust me.

Gwen: I know, which is why talking about this makes it even harder…

Milo puts his hand on Gwen’s shoulder for support, sporting a smile for reassurance. Gwen lets out a deep breath after gaining back her composure.

Gwen: I have cancer.

Milo looks at Gwen; holding his breath. He doesn’t know what to say. Gwen knows this.

Gwen: I started to lose my hair because of the treatment I was on. That’s why I wear this wig; it makes me feel a little bit normal while experiencing something that’s not normal in the slightest.

Milo still can’t find the words to say. He continues to look at Gwen, hoping she would continue to speak.

Gwen: I will always let those I care about celebrate and anticipate their futures; it’s motivating and inspirational–

Milo: You will get to do all the thigs you plan to do in the future.

Gwen: *smiles* Thanks, Milo. I’ve already come to terms with the idea that while I still have so much left to do, there will be a time that I won’t. That’s okay.

Milo looks disheartened. Gwen notices; it’s her that touches his shoulder for comfort.

Gwen: Thank you for not completely freaking out or feeling sorry for me. That’s the one thing I hate when I tell people; they start treating me as if this is my last day to live and it’s like, dude; I’m not dying just yet!

Milo: *laughs* I feel like that’s just people’s natural reaction to news like this. They think they’re being sympathetic but really it’s degrading in a way.

Gwen: Exactly that. Like sure, my hair is thinning and people only associate that with cancer, but please treat me like I am just a normal teenager.

Milo looks down at the wig and back to Gwen. He smiles as he takes off his beanie and puts it on Gwen’s head. She looks at him confused.

Milo: Wear it. A hat is much more comfortable than an itchy wig. *recalls* I mean… the hat looks good on you.

Gwen laughs and smiles. She looks around and reaches for a hair scrunchie on top of one of her shelves. She hands it over to Milo.

Gwen: Just so that your hair isn’t always in your face now that your beanie is off. *smiles* You look nice with your hair pulled back anyway.

Milo blushes as he takes the hair scrunchie; he looks in Gwen’s tiny compact mirror and ties his hair with it. He likes it.

Milo: Thanks, Gwen.

Silence fills the space in the treehouse. An older woman is heard calling out Gwen’s name from outside.

Gwen: *nervous* Shit–

Gwen shoves Milo’s head closer to the floor of the treehouse, making him undetectable from down below. Gwen pokes her head out of one the windows. The woman’s voice seems to be her mom, Phoebe.

Phoebe: It’s time for dinner! Plus, it’s getting chilly out here! It’s time to call it a night up there.

Gwen: Alright mom, be down in a second!

Gwen turns her head back around, looking at Milo. She laughs at the contortionist-like position he currently is. She helps him get up.

Milo: Didn’t know my body can do that.

Gwen: *teases* Definitely dance major worthy, but then they would have to make you a triple major.

Milo laughs at Gwen’s joke.

Milo: A dancer… *realizes* Oh shit, I gotta get going!

Gwen: Late for dance rehearsal?

Milo gathers his things quickly.

Milo: Late for curfew; I’m staying with Pe– a family friend while my folks are out of town. I don’t need this to go back to them.

Gwen: Oh! Go, go!

Milo begins to get ready to leave the treehouse through the ladder. before he goes down, he gives Gwen a hug. It shocks Gwen.

Gwen: What was that for?

Milo: For trusting me with your story.

Gwen smiles at Milo; he returns it back and begins to climb down the treehouse ladder.