Category: y2katalogue: The Tapes

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.

Milo rushes into the band room, looking around to see if Nicki was sitting in her assigned seat. He sees the back of her head and immediately walks in her direction.

Milo: *stern* Nicki–

Milo stops once he sees Nicki is sitting with Gwen, now also looking up toward Milo.

Milo: *shy* H-hey.

Nicki: Hey, Milo; everything alright?

Milo lets out a breath before answering. He takes a quick glance at Gwen before looking over at Nicki again.

Milo: Yeah, everything’s fine.

He looks at Gwen one more time before walking away, going toward his seat. He shuts his eyes before letting out a deep breath. He open his eyes as he sees Danny walk into the class. Aggravated, he takes out his books and instrument as class begins.

…

The bell rings, which ends band class for the day. The other students start to pack their bags to leave the classroom. Milo hangs around, in which Mr. Harrison looks at him.

Mr. Harrison: Class is over, Milo…

Milo: Is it okay if I just practiced some more? It’s my lunch period and just wanted to practice this piece for the showcase…

Mr. Harrison: That’s why we have rehearsal rooms in the West Wing. I can’t keep you in here without a teacher being present.

Milo sighs as he gets up from his seat, gathering his things and leaving the room. Once he gets out of the room, he notices Gwen standing near the door.

Milo: *surprised* Gwen!

Gwen: Hey, Milo.

Milo: You were waiting for me to get out of class?

Gwen: I wanted to check on you more than anything. Are you okay?

Milo and Gwen start to walk down the hallway toward the West Wing.

Milo: Yeah, I’m okay…

Gwen: Don’t lie to me.

Milo stops in the middle of the hallway and looks at Gwen. She doesn’t budge.

Gwen: I saw how you looked at Nicki when you came into the class. You definitely looked like you were upset about something.

Milo raises an eyebrow, still looking at Gwen.

Milo: You’re right. I needed to talk to Nicki about… something.

Gwen: *questionable* Something?

Milo: Yeah. Nothing you need to worry about.

Milo smiles and starts walking again. Gwen follows Milo; he looks at her with the corner of his eye. He stops once again, which prompts Gwen to also stop.He can’t help but smile.

Gwen: What?

Milo: Nothing, I’m just… surprised you want to hang out with me involuntarily.

Gwen: *embarrassed* Oh, uhm.. I’m sorry–

Milo: You don’t need to apologize. I just figured you’d go to lunch and hang out with your friends…

Gwen looks at Milo, seeming uncomfortable. Milo takes note of Gwen’s body language.

Milo: Do you always have lunch by yourself?

Gwen: If you’re asking me if I have any other friends to eat lunch with, the answer is usually no.

Milo: *embarrassed* No, I didn’t mean it like that I–

Gwen started to giggle, which made Milo sigh in relief.

Gwen: I don’t really know a lot of the freshmen besides those in our band class. Most of other classes have upperclassmen, so I’m usually just eating lunch by myself.

Milo looks at Gwen intently as she speaks.

Gwen: Or, I’m in the West Wing. *teases* Don’t you have friends to eat lunch with?

Milo rolls his eyes and lets out a sigh.

Milo: I’m not on the best of terms with my friends right now… *looks at Gwen* They all kept this huge secret from me about my best friend and I’m just annoyed with them.

Gwen: I’m guessing that’s what you were trying to speak to Nicki about in class today.

Milo: *defeated* Yeah. Nicki and I have this friend… well, my best friend, who kept this huge secret from me and only told Nicki and her boyfriend. It just pissed me off since this girl is suppose to be my best friend–

Gwen: The other girl in your band; is she the best friend in question?

Milo nods his head. He looks at her; shocked she remembers his friend group.

Milo: Yeah. I just feel betrayed, that’s all. But, I’m glad that you were sitting with Nicki in class today… I feel like you saved me from blaming something on her that she had nothing to do with, you know?

Gwen: *shocked* Oh! Well, I’m glad I can keep you grounded.

Gwen smiles, which makes Milo smile.

Milo: Whatcha doing after school today?

Gwen: I don’t do much after school besides do my homework and practice.

Milo: *teases* Gwen, live a little! It’s the last day before spring break starts! Let’s do something after school; something that’s not related to band or school.

Gwen: *nervous* What would we even do?

Milo: Anything we want; go to the park, catch a movie or something, get a slice of pizza. It’s totally up to you.

Gwen ponders on the thought. Before she can answer, a teacher calls out to the two teens left in the hallway. They both continue to walk toward the West Wing, side by side.

Milo walks out of his house with an overnight bag; not enthusiastic whatsoever. His mother walks out of the front door, closing it behind her.

Milo: I still don’t understand why I can’t just say home–

Eloise: We had this discussion countless times already; you are too young to stay home by yourself for a week…

Milo: I’m 15, mom!

Eloise: And no 15-year-old should be left on their own for a week, and that’s that!

Milo sucked his teeth as he and his mom crossed the street and began to walk up the front steps of Jennifer’s house.

Eloise: Seriously Milo, what has gotten into you lately? You’re staying with Jennifer and her family; this isn’t the first time you done so…

Eloise knocks on the front door; Milo loudly sighs. The front door opens; Jennifer’s mom, Lydia, is the one that answers the door.

Eloise: Lydia!

The two ladies greet each other and hug.

Lydia: Where are you and your husband going this time?

Eloise: Just a quick conference in the Chicago area; we should be back in a couple of days.

Lydia looks at Milo and smiles. He politely smiles back.

Eloise: Thank you again for caring over Milo while we’re away, Lydia.

Lydia: Milo knows he’s always welcomed here.

Milo politely smiles; removing it once no one is looking. Lydia opens the door, letting Milo into the house. After saying goodbye to Eloise, Lydia closes the front door behind her.

Lydia: You can leave your bag down here for the time being; Pep is upstairs in her room.

Milo: Thank you, Lydia.

Milo turns around and walks toward the staircase, leading upstairs to the bedrooms of the house. Milo walks down the hall; to his surprise, Jennifer’s door is open. He looks into the room; Jennifer looks up from her desk and rolls her eyes, looking back at her computer.

Milo: Well hello to you too.

Milo walks into the room and sits on Jennifer’s bed. She immediately looks up at him.

Jennifer: What are you doing?

Milo: … sitting on your bed?

Jennifer: Who told you you can sit on my bed?

Milo: *confused* I always sit on your bed when I come over?

Jennifer rolls her eyes and goes back to looking at the computer. She furiously types on the keyboard.

Milo: Telling Nicki that I’m at your place and you wish I drop dead in a ditch or something?

Jennifer sighs; annoyed. She finally faces Milo and crosses her arms.

Jennifer: I don’t know who told you we were friends again; clearly we aren’t.

Milo: You really think I want to spend the next couple of days with someone that doesn’t put the same value in me as I do them?

Jennifer: *angry* Really? We’re playing that game now?

Milo: Pep, you still haven’t told me the complete truth about what happened between you and Danny, and that bothers me. It doesn’t make any sense that you would let someone like him get close to you; not only in the band, but to your other best friend?

Jennifer: Why does it matter–

Milo: *angry* Because I’m supposed to be your best friend, Pep! I’m suppose to be the one to protect you from scumbags like that! I’m suppose to have these guys fear even fucking with you because they know if they do, they have to go through me!

Jennifer: *scoffs* You think you can do all of that for me? Please, you know you’re not even the type to do all of that anyway…

Before Jennifer can turn her chair back to the computer, Milo turns it around to face him.

Milo: I’m serious, Pep. What the fuck are you hiding from me about this guy? Why are you even protecting him–

Jennifer: *angry* Just fucking drop it already!

Milo: *louder* What the fuck is the truth, Pep?

Jennifer: *screams* You wanna know, asshole?

Milo: *screams* Just fucking spit it out already–

Jennifer gets up from her seat and grabs Milo by the collar of his shirt, bunching it up into a fist.

Jennifer: Danny was the one that took me to get an abortion, douchebag.

Jennifer releases Milo and pushes him back toward her bed. Milo straightens himself out quickly.

Jennifer: You fucking happy now, Milo? Huh? Huh!

Milo: *in shock* Wait… what?

Jennifer: *angry* Will that fucking satisfy your need to be absolutely fucking annoying–

Milo: *gets up* Pep!

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

Milo: What. The. Fuck?

Jennifer rolls her eyes and goes back to her desk.

Milo: Why the fuck didn’t you tell me this when it happened?

Jennifer: *angry* For this exact reason. You wouldn’t understand the decisions I had to make and the reasoning behind letting all of this be in the fucking past.

Milo: *speechless* You… you were pregnant?

Jennifer: *annoyed* You keep asking all these dumb questions I already told you the answers to–

Milo: *angry* So you were just going to keep that secret from me? Does Nicki know?

Jennifer doesn’t say anything back. Milo nods his head, already knowing the answer.

Milo: So, Danny knows because, well, he was there with you when it happened; and Nicki knows because if she didn’t, she wouldn’t have ever made any advances towards a guy that literally fucked you and dipped–

Jennifer: You don’t know the story–

Milo: And I’m suppose to be your best friend, the one person that wouldn’t have known anything like this if Danny didn’t mention it.

Jennifer: … Danny told you?

Milo: No, he told me to ask you to tell me the entire story before I put any judgment on him; I guess he really is some stand-up guy since he was capable of telling me some truth–

Jennifer: *angry* This had nothing to do with you, and just because you’re my “best friend” doesn’t mean you have to know everything that’s going on with me.

Milo: *angry* That’s literally the job of being a best friend! They are the one person that should know everything going on with them!

Jennifer rolls her eyes and gets up from her desk chair.

Jennifer: *scoffs* Yeah, and you’re trying to tell me I know every little thing happening in your life now?

Milo hesitates for a brief moment.

Milo: I don’t have anything to hide from you, because you’re my best friend.

Milo gets up from where he was sitting to walk towards the bedroom door.

Milo: But like I said, it seems like I’m the only one being the decent best friend in this friendship.

Milo walks out of Jennifer’s room as she slams the door shut. Milo shakes his head and begins to walk down the stairs towards the living room where his overnight bag is located.

Milo and Gwen enter Central Park on this particularly nice Spring day. Gwen looks around in her surroundings, worried. Milo walks facing forward without a care in the world. He turns around and notices Gwen still nervous being out of school.

Milo: First time, huh?

Gwen turns around to face Milo.

Gwen: I never missed a class while being in school. You’re a horrible influence, Milo Kamalani.

Milo smiles once he realizes Gwen is teasing him. They continue to walk further into the park, into a grassy area where they can sit and hide from potential cops, looking for teenagers cutting school.

Milo: Have you been to Central Park before?

Gwen: I don’t really stay in the city if I’m not in school.

Milo: The city is such a beautiful place though! Brooklyn is fine and all of that, but if I can live in the city, I would.

Gwen: Maybe when you make it big in the music industry, you could live in the city.

Milo: *scoffs* I doubt that…

Gwen: It’s possible! Playing at Carnegie Hall with the most prestigious orchestras around the world?

Milo takes a moment to look at Gwen, taking in her beauty.

Milo: Is that what you’re aiming for?

Gwen: Huh?

Milo: Do you hope to play at Carnegie Hall with your violin one day?

Gwen shakes her head, in disbelief.

Gwen: I… don’t think so.

Milo: Don’t doubt yourself, Gwen. You’re an amazing violinist, and if any of us gets to play with the Philharmonic in the future, it would be you.

Gwen smiles and looks at Milo.

Gwen: You’re the dual major though.

Milo: *sigh* That doesn’t mean anything to anyone besides those in Waverly.

Gwen: It’s still something to feel accomplished for. You worked hard to be in the dual major program; the first of its kind!

Milo takes one more look at Gwen; she begins to look uncomfortable.

Gwen: What?

Milo: You also work hard. You’re, like, the smartest girl in our grade. You’re gonna be able to go to any college you want when you graduate in 2010.

Gwen: I guess–

Milo: *stern* Hey.

Gwen looks at Milo.

Milo: You have to learn how to give yourself credit the way you do for others.

Gwen: It’s hard when you’re in a constant battle with yourself.

Milo: But we all are; even me, and you just said that I am more capable of performing at Carnegie Hall than you because of my dual major, but you fail to realize that they’ll pick someone like you due to your accolades. It’s all about perspective.

Gwen: *smiles* Thanks.

The two teens sit in a brief silence as a warm breeze passes through. Gwen immediately holds her head with her hand; Milo notices. Gwen anxiously looks over at Milo; they both know what is on each other’s mind.

Milo: You don’t need to talk about it if you don’t want to. It’s none of my business about what you choose to do and–

Gwen: I have to wear it.

Milo looks at Gwen, allowing her to talk.

Gwen: High school is ruthless if you don’t look a certain way.

Milo: Having long hair? You don’t need to have long hair to be considered pretty, Gwen. There’s tons of girls in Waverly that wear their hair short.

Gwen: Of course, but–

Milo: And you can always grow your hair long if you wanted to–

Gwen: Sure, but–

Milo: You shouldn’t be ashamed for not looking like all of the other girls that the guys go crazy for! You’re pretty just the way you are–

Gwen: *annoyed* Milo!

Milo is taken aback by Gwen’s shouting voice. Gwen closes her eyes and shakes her head as if she is trying to gather everything Milo blurted out to her.

Gwen: Wait… y-you think I’m pretty?

Milo: *shy* Uhm… y-yeah. *solidifies statement* I think you’re really pretty. You are pretty.

Milo’s face gets red as he talks, which makes Gwen laugh.

Gwen: Thanks, Milo.

Gwen pats Milo’s lap with her hand, again sharing another silence for a brief moment. Gwen’s face slowly disappears before letting out a sigh.

Gwen: I used to get called pretty all the time. It made me feel good about myself since I was never like the other girls that actually get asked out. They always commented on how long my hair was; comparing me to Rapunzel and all of those cliche comments. It felt good to be… seen, after years of being invisible.

Gwen plays with random strands of the black hair hanging down her shoulder.

Gwen: Then… my hair just wasn’t the same anymore. My parents had to keep cutting it shorter and shorter and I just wanted to feel seen and pretty again.

Gwen looks at her fidgeting fingers before Milo looks at her. Gwen looks at him in return as he begins to reach for the black hair. Looking at Gwen, she doesn’t fight him off. He slowly slides the wig off of Gwen’s head, revealing her short, chin-length, blonde hair. He smiles at her once it’s completely off.

Milo: You are still pretty, Gwen.

Gwen smiles and gives Milo a hug. Milo is caught off-guard but immediately returns the hug. He smiles, holding Gwen close to him.

Milo lays down on his bed as he throws a small handball up towards the air. The small radio on his desk is playing Top 40 pop hits in which Milo sucks his teeth and turns it off. Suddenly, the door opens in which his mom, Eloise, walks in.

Eloise: Milo–

Milo quickly gets up from the bed, hoping his mom didn’t see his sneakers on the bed.

Milo: God, mom; ever heard of knocking before entering?

Eloise: Well, I have to enter your room to get to the other room with the luggage bags in it.

Eloise walks cross the room and opens the spare room in the back. Milo sighs, watching his mom intrude his space.

Milo: You and dad are going on another trip?

Eloise: We have to go to Chicago for an important conference coming up…

Milo: *underneath his breath* Of course.

Milo gets up from his bed and helps his mother take out the big luggage bags. Once the bags are out, Milo walks back to his bed.

Eloise: Remember to pack an overnight bag to bring to Jennifer’s house–

Milo: *annoyed* Why can’t I just stay here? I’m old enough to stay home alone.

Eloise: Absolutely not, your father would have a fit–

Milo: Of course he does, he doesn’t trust anything or anyone.

Eloise stops what she’s doing; she turns around to face Milo.

Eloise: You know how your father is. This is nothing new to you; besides, it’s not like we’re sending you to stay with some witch or something.

Milo rolls her eyes and scoffs; they are sending him to stay with a witch, and her name is Jennifer.

Milo: Whatever, mom; clearly you don’t trust me being on my own even though I’m almost 16…

Eloise: *corrects* 10 months is considered being ‘almost 16’?

Milo doesn’t answer; Eloise sighs as she drags the luggage bags across Milo’s room.

Eloise: Just do what we’re telling you to do, please. You never had an issue staying with Jennifer and her family.

Milo: I just feel like I’m old enough to stay home by myself–

Eloise: *annoyed* Well, you’re not; pack a bag when you get the chance, please.

Eloise exits Milo’s room with the luggage bags. Milo falls back onto his bed, letting out the biggest, most audible sigh.

…

It’s the next day, a school day, and the hallways are full of students going to their next class before the bell rings. Milo walks alone through the hallway, messaging Jennifer via AIM. She still hasn’t answered his messages.

xXmilomusicXx: Dude, where the hell are you? You haven't even changed your status since wednesday...

Without him looking, he bumps his head on an opened locker door. He holds his head in pain, in which the person behind the locker door closes it. To Milo’s surprise, it’s Gwen.

Gwen: Oh my god, I am so sorry–

Milo: No, no; you didn’t do anything wrong…

Milo looks up at Gwen as she has his hand on his head. Milo’s face gets hot and red. Gwen pulls her hand away from him.

Gwen: Sorry…

Milo: Stop apologizing.

Gwen looks up at Milo before trying to walk past him. He turns around.

Milo: Wait, Gwen–

Gwen: I have a class to get to–

Milo: Gwen, just stop.

Gwen stops short, causing Milo to slightly bump into her. She doesn’t turn around so Milo is forced to walk in front of her to finally have a chance to talk to her.

Milo: I’ve been meaning to talk to you.

Gwen: It can wait for another day–

Milo: No, it can’t–

Gwen: Right now isn’t the time to just–

Milo: Gwen, can you just hear me out?

Gwen sighs.

Gwen: *dismissive* About what?

Milo: About what happened the other day in the rehearsal room, and don’t say nothing happened because if nothing did happen, you wouldn’t avoid talking about it like you are.

Gwen: *defensive* I’m not avoiding anything–

Milo: Gwen.

Gwen: There’s nothing to talk about, so won’t you just drop it–

Before Gwen can leave, Milo grabs her by the hand. It initially surprises her. She looks down at her hand and then back at Milo, still holding onto it.

Milo: You know you can talk to me about anything, right?

Gwen doesn’t say anything at first; she seems unsure.

Milo: You know you can talk to me about anything.

The bell rings, which triggers Gwen to yank her hand out of Milo’s and continues to walk down the hall. Milo follows.

Milo: Gwen, wait!

Gwen: I’m going to be late for class–

Milo: We’re both going to the same class–

Once Gwen gets to the front of the classroom, she notices a substitute teacher sitting at the desk. Before Gwen can walk inside, Milo pushes her out of sight’s way. Gwen is taken aback.

Gwen: What are you–

Milo: Let’s get out of here.

Gwen looks at Milo worringly.

Gwen: Where can we possibly go? We have class right now–

Milo: Listen to me, Gwen.

Milo has Gwen’s shoulders in both of his hands. Gwen looks at Milo with a frightened look on her face.

Milo: This is our last class, and we have Mr. Drunlap as our sub. He’s not gonna take attendance, and you’re not gonna miss anything out in class. Let’s just go before the last bell rings.

Gwen: But that would be cutting school–

The last bell rings, which makes Milo grab a hold of Gwen’s hand and runs to the end of the hall. Gwen tries to fight Milo along the way, but once Milo opens the side door of the school, he slips Gwen out before anyone can catch them. The two teens begin running down the block, as far away from the school as possible.

They finally reached the corner, stopping before the traffic light turns green.

Gwen: Are you out of your mind, Milo?!

Milo smiles’ he’s amused. This frustrates Gwen.

Gwen: There’s nothing funny about this situation! I can’t believe you just made me cut a class!

Milo: Gwen–

Milo tries to calm down Gwen and refocuses her.

Milo: Do you trust me?

Gwen doesn’t answer Milo. She stands here and stares at him intently. Milo does the same.

Milo: Because I trust you to the moon and back, Gwen.

Gwen loosens up her body a bit, taking a deep breath before letting it out.

Milo: I will make sure you are home at the right time, as you do everyday.

Gwen: But–

Milo: Gwen.

Gwen sighs; she knows it’s a losing battle with Milo.

Gwen: Fine. What are we supposed to do now?

Milo: *smiles* Anything we want to do. Let’s go!

Milo grabs Gwen by the hand once more, running across the street when the traffic light turns red.

Milo walks into his Biology class before the period starts; no one is there yet besides the teacher. Milo was hoping that Gwen was already here to talk to her. It was unlike her to not be the first student in the class. The second bell rings, which makes everyone begin to come into the classroom. Milo watches each student come into the room; he finally sees Gwen. She sill has the black hair that Milo normally sees; he can’t shake the feeling about what happened last week in the rehearsal room.

Teacher: Alright everyone, today we’re going to do some review for our end-of-term exam; we will be going over chapters 6 through 12…

Milo looks up toward Gwen who is taking out her books from her bag. She doesn’t acknowledge Milo whatsoever. Milo sighs, giving up then and there to focus on the class.

Once the bell rings, Milo is one of the first to pack up his things and leave the class. He doesn’t go far; h stands to the side of the door, watching every classmate leave the room.

Gwen finally walks out without acknowledging Milo once again. Milo runs to catch up to Gwen’s pace.

Milo: Gwen!

Gwen doesn’t stop walking; Milo still tries to catch up to her.

Milo: Hello? Earth to Gwen?

Gwen: *turns around* What, Milo?

Milo briefly stops; he’s caught off-guard.

Milo: Are you okay?

Gwen: Why wouldn’t I be?

Milo: Because you’ve ignored me this entire day in our classes together.

Gwen opens up her locker in front of Milo’s face. He’s taken back at it.

Gwen: I’ve been busy today.

Milo: *annoyed* Busy ignoring me, that’s for sure…

Gwen slams her locker door shut; Milo jumps to the loud noise.

Gwen: Don’t you have other friends to bother?

Milo: Bother? I’m ‘bothering’ you?

Gwen doesn’t answer right away. She looks at Milo and back down at her books.

Gwen: I’m going to be late for class–

Milo: It’s lunch… Are you trying to avoid me or something?

Gwen turns around and starts to walk the other way; Milo follows her.

Milo: Did I do something wrong? Seriously Gwen, you aren’t answering my messages on AIM, you’re avoiding me in class, and now you’re lying in front of my face! Like if I did something wrong, I would rather you just tell me–

Gwen turns around; once again, Milo is stunned in place.

Gwen: Milo! Just… shut up, okay?

Milo doesn’t say anything right away. He analyzes the look on Gwen’s face.

Milo: I just want to know if everything is okay between us after what happened last week-

Gwen: Nothing happened last week.

The late bell rings for everyone to go to their next class.

Gwen: I’ve got to get going, I have a practice room for lunch–

Milo: You need help with anything?

Gwen: *annoyed* No, Milo; I’m perfectly fine doing so on my own.

Milo doesn’t say anything back. He stands there as he watches Gwen walk away and down the hall. He watches her walk away.

…

Milo reaches the lunch room during the time when everyone is lined up to get a tray of today’s lunch. Milo skips out on getting lunch and instead walks straight to his designated table. He sees Danny and Nicki sitting together; no Jennifer.

Milo: Hey, where’s Pep?

Nicki: We thought she was with you; we haven’t seen her yet.

Milo looks around the lunch room to see if he sees her. He looks back at Nicki when he doesn’t.

Milo: Was she even in school today?

Nicki shrugs her shoulders; Dany doesn’t look up from his lunch tray. Milo notices.

Milo: So no one has heard from Pep today?

Nicki: Maybe she wasn’t in school today, I’m not really sure.

Milo looks at Danny.

Milo: *to Danny* Anything?

Danny doesn’t answer back. The silence makes Nicki look at Danny.

Nicki: Danny?

Danny: *sigh* I briefly saw her today in my global history class.

Nicki: *questions* Briefly?

Danny: She came to class and when I got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the period, she wasn’t there.

Milo: *annoyed* What do you mean she wasn’t there? She just fucking left in the middle of class?

Danny: *defensive* How should I know? I don’t have a fucking tracking device on her or something–

Milo: Isn’t she supposed to be one of your “good friends” now?

Danny doesn’t respond to Milo without Nicki getting in between the conversation.

Nicki: What the hell has been up with you guys? Don’t think I didn’t notice you you guys arguing before rehearsal the other day?

Milo is shocked; unaware that Nicki overheard his conversation with Danny.

Nicki: Like honestly, I am sick and tired of you two making this band experience a hard one when it’s suppose to be fun–

Nicki gets up from her seat.

Danny: Wait, Nic–

Nicki: *to both boys* Figure it out and leave me and Pep out of it.

Nicki walks away from the boys, leaving an awkward and tense vibe. Danny gets up from his seat, shaking is head.

Danny: I don’ have to work out shit with anyone–

Before Danny can turn away from Milo, Milo walks in front of him, blocking his way.

Milo: I’m just looking for my best friend, that’s all.

Danny: I would figure a best friend would message them or call them if they are looking for them…

Danny tries to walk away again but is stopped by Milo once more.

Milo: That’s the thing you’ve yet to learn about Pep. She will not answer to anyone if she is going through something.

Danny: *annoyed* That much I know; she was my girlfriend at one point.

Danny finally walks away from Milo, leaving him there with a bad taste in his mouth. He hates Danny even more after hearing him say that. Milo runs out of the lunchroom, trying to figure out where Jennifer could’ve possibly gone. He flips his cellphone open; no new messages from Jennifer.

Milo: *to himself* Where the fuck are you, Pep?

The teens leave the rehearsal room with their bags packed, ready to call it a night. Danny stands next to Nicki; Milo stands next to Jennifer. Everyone is in agreement how they will disperse.

Nicki: Today was a good rehearsal! I like how this new song is coming along.

Danny: *smiling at Nicki* It’s going to sound sick at the next gig.

Milo and Jennifer don’t say anything; tension is felt.

Nicki: Well, I’m going to walk home with Danny; are you guys okay going home yourselves?

Milo: *mumbles* Of course, go home with the serial friend dater…

Jennifer looks at Milo; she is the only one to hear his comment.

Jennifer: Of course, we literally live on the same block, so…

Danny: We’ll AIM you when we get home; we’ll see you guys in school tomorrow.

The teens go their separate ways in their designated groups. Once Jennifer and Milo are far from Danny and Nicki, she immediately slaps Milo’s arm. He jumps up; shocked.

Milo: The hell was that for?!

Jennifer: What the fuck has been your problem all day? I heard what you said about Danny.

Milo: I was hoping that Danny heard what I said…

Jennifer steps in front of Milo, stopping him in his tracks.

Jennifer: I thought we were over the whole thing about Danny.

Milo: No, you are over the whole thing with Danny; I don’t have any reason, or get any benefits, for forgiving him.

Jennifer: *annoyed* For the sake of our band–

Milo: *angry* That you guys vetoed me into! Seriously Pep, why doesn’t anyone see just how fucking wrong this whole dynamic is?

Jennifer: You’re the only one that has this issue with Danny! Ironic since this had nothing to do with you in the first place!

Milo: Ironic since he’s saying that my own best friend hasn’t told me the entire story!

Jennifer pauses; off-guard.

Jennifer: Entire story?

Milo: *clarifies* En-tire-story. Maybe I can’t choose to forgive and forget Danny from the story you told me. Maybe the issue was that you made Danny out to be this whole villain in your story that it was only right for me to support my best friend and side with her. Maybe you were the true villain in this situation.

Jennifer: Are you fucking kidding me right now?

Milo: So let’s start from the very beginning, shall we?

Jennifer: *angry* Milo!

Milo: *recalls* Danny Campbell; the most popular guy in 8th grade because of his guitar skills and because he won the talent show two years in a row, whatever. He decides to talk to you in Spanish class because he has a hard time learning the differences between the pronouns; he has to have some idea that you are crushing on him the way you used to melt every time he would call out your name–

Jennifer: Shut the fuck up, Milo!

Milo: *continues* So you guys decide to hang out after school, making me lie for you when you were on a strict time schedule for cursing out our homeroom teacher just months prior; that’s not relevant to your story but more of a reminder for you that I was around, supporting you and having your back even after voicing my concerns about you all of a sudden dating him–

Jennifer tries to push Milo away; he dodges away.

Milo: *continuing* You guys bond over music, potentially want to start a band together where you sing and he plays the guitar even thought you were already in one to begin with, and whatever; you guys hit it off. Of course, he has the free one day during winter break, he invites you over, and you go right ahead and–

Jennifer: *yells* Just stop it already!

Milo: *yells back* Fuck him! No condom, nothing! You get caught up in the moment that you don’t even know if he came–

Jennifer throws a punch at Milo, landing him on the jaw. Milo fumbles back, holding his mouth.

Milo: Fuck you, Pep!

Jennifer: Fuck you too, Milo!

Jennifer runs in the opposite direction, away from Milo. A group of adults circle around Milo to help him off the ground.

…

Jennifer walks into the house, slamming the front door shut. Her mom, Lydia, and Justin, are sitting on the sofa. Jennifer stops and observes them; it angers her even more.

Lydia: Hey! You know better than to slam doors in the house.

Jennifer walks right past her parents, stomping towards the staircase. She can hear her mom call out her name; she doesn’t look back.

She walks into her bedroom and slams the door. She immediately notices Maryette, laying on her bed playing her Nintendo DS.

Maryette: Oooo, you slammed the door…

Jennifer: *annoyed* Shut up!

Maryette: I’m gonna tell Mom!

Jennifer: For fuck’s sake, leave me alone!

After another yelling match between the two sisters, Lydia opens the bedroom door to moderate the argument.

Lydia: What is the issue now, you two?

Maryette: Mom, Pep slammed–

Lydia: *to Maryette* That’s enough.

Jennifer tries to sneak out of the bedroom; Lydia catches her before she does.

Lydia: *to Jennifer* You are not exempted from this, Pep.

Jennifer: All I want to do is do my homework and be left alone! Is that too much to ask?!

No one says anything. Before Jennifer breaks down, she walks out of the bedroom and immediately runs back down the stairs. She passes Justin, now standing near the counter in the kitchen.

Justin: Is everything okay?

She doesn’t answer him; she walks past Justin and back to the front door. She, once again, slams the door behind her. She looks across the street and notices the front door of Milo’s house open. It’s Eloise, Milo’s mom. She notices Jennifer across the street and waves at her. Jennifer fakes a smile, waving back.

Jennifer: *through her teeth* Your son is a piece of shit.

Milo walks into the rehearsal space for their after-school band practice. Milo is normally the first to arrive to practice; today, someone has beaten him there first.

Milo looks at Danny, unpacking his things to set up. Danny turns around and nods at Milo.

Danny: What’s up, dude.

Milo: Hi.

Awkward silence.

Danny: Ready for practice with the girls?

Milo: You mean our band? Yeah.

Danny turns back around to set up his equipment. Milo does the same at the other corner of the space.

Danny: Nicki was telling me how the last show had a good turnout rate, like audience wise.

Milo: Well, she does help with recruitment. She knows how to do her job…

Danny: Yeah… I guess…

Milo rolls his eyes as he sets up his guitar. Danny watches Milo’s moves. Milo notices it from the corner of his eyes.

Milo: You good?

Danny: I’m fine, just wondering why you’re taking out your violin for a band practice…

Milo looks down and finally notices his mistake. He quickly closes his case and begins to take out his guitar.

Milo: With all due respect, you really need to mind your business–

Danny: Just because you say it, doesn’t mean that you mean it.

Milo turns around and faces Danny. The facade is down.

Milo: Seriously, Danny; why did you even audition to be in the band? Why would you join a band that a girl you weren’t dating, but fucked, and then had the whole school know what happened? In what world does that make sense?

Danny: I’m not in any place to tell you what exactly happened because I wouldn’t discredit anything Pep–

Milo: *annoyed* Jennifer–

Danny: She was the one that said I can call her Pep, by the way.

Milo: She wouldn’t dare to, only her closest friends get to call her that.

Danny: Well maybe you should ask her why she allows me to call her by that nickname.

Milo: *dismissive* I’m not fighting with someone who literally does not know what they are talking about. *shouts* You used her, dude! Like, do you realize that Pep was head over heels for you and you just went and did what you did to her?

Danny: Rightfully so that’s none of your business. What happened between us doesn’t concern you.

Milo: *yells* She’s my best friend, jerk bag!

Danny: And she was my ex-girlfriend!

Milo: Now you’re talking to her best friend? Like what kind of guy are you even–

Danny: How about you ask your best friend to tell you the entire story, huh?

Milo stops talking; confused.

Milo: She did–

Danny: It’s not my place to tell you anything that she hasn’t told you, but maybe there’s an actual valid reason why we forgave each other and moved on from that.

Moments later, the front door of the rehearsal room opens and in walks the two girls. Jennifer looks up and smiles at the boys.

Jennifer: Sorry we’re late, Nicki had to stop by her house to get her guitar.

The boys don’t say anything; they get into their places. Danny gives Nicki a hug, greeting her. Milo side eyes the couple.

Milo: Let’s get this rehearsal started already…

Jennifer looks at Milo, waiting for him to move the microphone stand to her as he always does. Milo looks up at Jennifer; confused.

Milo: What?

Jennifer: The mic?

Milo: Oh–

Milo moves out of the way so Jennifer can get it. Jennifer looks at him, even more confused now.

Jennifer: Really, Milo?

Milo: *annoyed* What? Just grab the mic stand.

Jennifer passes Milo to grab the stand.

Jennifer: *whispers to Milo* The hell is your problem?

Milo: Nothing.

Jennifer: Clearly something is bothering you; what did I even do to you?

Milo: Nothing, Pep; for fuck’s sake.

Jennifer: *annoyed* So now we lie to our best friends?

Milo: Do we?

Jennifer looks at Milo and doesn’t respond back. She tries to read the expression on his face. Nicki is heard calling the band together.

Nicki: Okay, band; let’s get this rehearsal started.

Milo and Jennifer walk away from each other , getting into their positions before starting the first song of the rehearsal.

Milo walks into his band class as the late bell rings; everyone is preparing their instruments before the teacher starts class. He takes his violin out of his case and looks at Gwen a couple of seats down. He cocks his eyebrow up, wondering why Gwen hasn’t said anything to him. He turns around to face his music stand as Nicki sits in the seat in front of him.

Nicki: *turns around* Have you’ve seen Danny today?

Milo: Why would I know where he is?

Nicki: *rolls eyes* I don’t know, maybe because his our band member.

Milo: I don’t care about that guy unless it’s after school in Pep’s garage for band practice…

Nicki: *annoyed* When are you going to let the grudge go?

Milo finally looks up at Nicki.

Milo: Grudge? You mean holding him accountable for the fucked up shit he did to Pep? He’s lucky that he’s even in the band.

Nicki: I’m not saying he was right for doing what he did, but he has apologized to Pep for it a long time ago and she forgave him.

Milo: Nicki, you’re smarter than this. You should know that doesn’t change anything. So to answer your question: no, I don’t know where he’s been.

Nicki rolls her eyes and turns her head in Gwen’s direction.

Nicki: *to Milo* Did you say hi to Gwen?

Milo looks up quickly, then back to his sheet music.

Milo: No.

Nicki: *shouts* Hey, Gwen!

Gwen looks up towards the two teens. Nicki waves her hand as Milo looks down at his music; shy. Nicki motions her hand to invite Gwen to come over to her.

Milo: What are you doing?

Nicki: *confused*Saying hi to Gwen?

Gwen begins to walk over to Nicki and Milo; Milo slowly begins slipping down his seat.

Nicki: Hey, Gwen!

Gwen: *shy* Hi.

Milo nods his head but doesn’t say anything back to her. Gwen turns her head to face Nicki.

Gwen: Were you able to finish the piece for class today?

Nicki: I didn’t, but Milo was able to finish it before our practice yesterday.

Nicki nudges Milo with her elbow. He shoots her a deathly stare.

Nicki: Milo’s the best person to ask since you both are in the same section.

Gwen and Milo don’t say anything to each other; the late bell saves them the awkward conversation.

…

Milo runs toward the West Wing to the rehearsal rooms during his lunch period. He looks through every window of each rehearsal room until he sees Gwen in one of them. Milo tries to open the door, but it is locked. He wiggles the doorknob until Gwen pokes her head up, looking toward the window. She gets up from her seat and closes the curtain of the window. Milo starts to knock on the door to get Gwen’s attention. After a couple of minutes, the front door of the rehearsal room opens.

Gwen: What do you want, Milo?

Gwen walks away to go back to her seat; Milo stands near the doorway.

Milo: You still need help with the piece from band class?

Gwen: *scoffs* Now you care if I know the piece or not?

Milo: What does that mean?

Gwen: You acted like I was some ghost in band today when Nicki called me over.

Milo: You guys were having a conversation…

Gwen: *rolls eyes* I guess you were also being courteous on the night of your show, huh?

Milo is tongue-tied. Gwen shakes her head.

Gwen: You made me feel like I was some ghost friend to you or something…

Milo: *defensive* Dude, you didn’t mention that you came to the show because you were a friend of mine–

Gwen: ‘Dude’?

Milo doesn’t say anything back; it frustrates Gwen.

Gwen: Whatever, Milo. If you don’t mind, I am trying to learn the piece that apparently I should ask you about for help but considering that you are a jerk, I am going to get this piece right on my own–

Gwen sits back down in her seat and starts to play the piece; she begins to play the piece on a sharp note, which makes Milo cringe in place. Milo walks over to Gwen to make her stop.

Milo: Gwen, please–

Milo tries to take the violin from Gwen, but she refuses.

Gwen: Let go!

Milo: You’re not playing the note right!

They fight over the violin until Milo notices something back fall to the ground. He immediately jumps in fear, not knowing what it was. He looks up at Gwen with wide eyes. Gwen sits in her seat with short and thin looking blonde hair. Milo looks at the ground to see the black hair that was once on Gwen’s head was a wig. Gwen is horrified.

Milo: Gwen?

Gwen quickly grabs the black wig from the floor and puts it on her head. She grabs her things from the rehearsal room and runs out.

Milo: *runs out rehearsal room* Gwen!

Gwen is seen running down the long hallway; she doesn’t look back at Milo.