Category: y2katalogue: The Tapes

Jennifer walks into the house, leaving her bookbag right on the ground next to the front door. She walks toward the kitchen, starving and wanting to eat dinner for the night. Upon entering the kitchen, she’s taken back at who she sees in the kitchen.

Justin, her once-estranged dad, looks up from the stove and smiles at Jennifer.

Justin: Hey, Jennifer.

Jennifer doesn’t say anything, she turns around and walks away from the kitchen. Before she is able to go upstairs, her mom, Lydia, is seen coming downstairs.

Lydia: Hi, Peppy.

Jennifer: What’s he doing here?

Lydia: He’s making us dinner tonight.

Jennifer: *annoyed* Is this is why you called me to come home early from practice today?

Lydia: *defensive* No, I called you to remind you that you needed to come home early from your practice today; I told you few days also.

Jennifer: Well then I’m going to Milo’s–

Lydia stops her daughter from going up the stairs further.

Lydia: We ae having dinner tonight as a family.

Jennifer: *scoffs* Family? What is this, the 1960’s?

Lydia: Pep, I know this isn’t something that you’re looking forward to doing, but he is your father.

Jennifer: He decided to finally be one after disappearing for 11 years?

Lydia: *stern* Pep.

Jennifer rolls her eyes and begins to walk down the stairs; her mom follows her. Once the mother-daughter-duo walks into the living room area, Maryette is seen walking in from school.

Lydia: *to Maryette* Make sure you wash up before you come down for dinner, sweetie.

Maryette: I never have to wash up before dinner though–

Jennifer: Because you-know-who is in the kitchen…

Maryette: *confused* Who?

Jennifer rolls her eyes nd walks away from her mom and sister. She enters the kitchen, taking her seat at the table and flips open her cellphone. Justin turns around to look at her before continuing to prepare dinner.

Justin: I’m, uhm, making sopita tonight. You like soup?

Jennifer: I guess.

Justin nods his head, getting the hint. Jennifer looks up from her phone and at Justin; watching him cook. She rolls her eyes and looks back down on her phone.

…

The Castro family sit at the small kitchen table having dinner together. Lydia and Justin sit at one side of the table while Jennifer and Maryette sit on the other side.

Maryette: *mid conversation* So Niko and I had our poster board displayed at the Science Fair today!

Lydia: That must’ve been exciting for you guys. What did you guys have to do at the fair?

Maryette: All we did was sit by our project and only got up when the judges came by to see it. Other than that, we didn’t have to go back to class or anything!

Lydia smiles t her youngest daughter. Jennifer, playing with the food on her plate, doesn’t ay any attention.

Lydia: *to Jennifer* How about you, Pep? How was your day at school?

Jennifer: It was fine.

An awkward silence fills the room for a moment. Lydia coughs, creating noise to break the tension.

Lydia: Did you find out what day the winter showcase is so that we can go?

Jennifer looks around at the table.

Jennifer: Since when is Mars interested in seeing one of my school shows?

Maryette: *intervenes* I’m not–

Lydia: *points at Justin* I meant us, Pep.

Jennifer looks at Justin. His ears turn red, trying to play off the awkward feeling of the room.

Justin: *to Lydia; whispers* It’s okay, Lyd.

Jennifer: *intervenes* Good.

Justin looks up at Jennifer; he readjusts his seat to face forward at the table.

Justin: Is your show for dance?

Jennifer: No.

Justin: Do you not dance anymore?

Lydia: *adds* She sings at her school…

Justin: *shocked* Sing? I didn’t know you could sing, Pep–

Pep gets up from her seat at the kitchen table, fed up.

Jennifer: Maybe if you were in our lives for the past 11 years, you would know that I, in fact, do sing and dance!

Lydia: *stern* Jennifer Ann!

Jennifer: If you were in our lives for the past 11 years, you would’ve been at every showcase and every recital and you wouldn’t be asking me these stupid fucking questions!

Lydia: Jennifer that is enough!

Jennifer walks away from the table and towards the living room. Lydia gets up and follows.

Lydia: Jennifer? Jennifer?

Jennifer grabs her coat from the rack and picks up her bookbag from the floor.

Lydia: Jennifer-

Jennifer: I’m staying over Milo’s.

Lydia: No, you’re not. It’s a school night and we have company.

Jennifer: *turns around* I don’t care, Mom! I don’t care about this dinner, and I don’t care that you’re dating him again! It’s your life, do whatever the hell you want with it-

Lydia: He’s your father, Pep-

Jennifer: No he is not! If he was really my dad, we wouldn’t have left us! Mars doesn’t even know who the hell he is because she wasn’t old enough to remember him! But I was, and because I was old enough, I am not calling him my dad. He is just another guy you’re dating in my eyes.

Jennifer opens the front door to leave.

Lydia: If you leave, you will be grounded for two weeks.

Jennifer: Ground me then, since all you care about is creating this perfect image of us to a man that left us when we needed him the most! *voice cracks* I needed him the most, mom!

Shortly after, Justin walks into the living room, standing next to Lydia. Before he could say anything to her, she turns around and exits through the front door, slamming it behind her.

In a studio in Brooklyn, Jennifer, Nicki, and Danny sit around as if they were waiting for something… or someone. Jennifer sighs, finally getting up from her seat, annoyed.

Jennifer: *to Nicki* Did he message you back?

Nicki: I keep getting his away message…

Jennifer sighs, sitting back down in her seat.

Jennifer: I’m so sorry, Andie; our guitarist is usually always on time for rehearsal.

Andie, the sound engineer, nods his head and looks back to his computer. Moments later, the studio door opens and in walks Milo.

Jennifer: Dude! Where the hell were you?!

Milo: *out of breath* Sorry, I was traveling from the city.

Nicki: But school ended 2 hours ago.

Milo drops his bookbag on the ground, followed with two instrument cases. Jennifer notices.

Jennifer: Why do you have your violin with you?

Milo: *to Jennifer* Dude, what’s with all these damn questions?

Jennifer: Because you’re an hour late to the only studio time we have, mind you recording this was your idea.

Milo: I had practice for band, so chill out.

Nicki: *chimes in* We had an after school band practice?!

Milo: No, I just did…

Milo walks into the booth with his guitar which prompts the rest of the band to enter as well. Andie begins to set up the recording equipment together. In the booth, Jennifer turns to Milo, still pretty pissed.

Jennifer: You know a simple message on AIM would’ve been fine.

Milo: I’m sorry, Pep; I lost track of time-

Jennifer: You made me look like an ass in front of my cousin’s boyfriend. Like, what if he goes back to Beatrice and is like ‘your cousin is so unprofessional’…

Milo: *annoyed* For fuck’s sake, we’re in some small studio space in Downtown Brooklyn, not in Los Angeles with a celebrity!

Jennifer: That doesn’t change the fact that you embarrassed me. dude!

Before the teens can continue, a voice is heard through the intercom.

Andie: Uhm, guys… the mics are on… whenever you’re ready…

Jennifer’s face immediately turns red. She faces forwarded in front of the microphone. The rest of the band gets ready o start recording the demo of their first single.

…

Andie: Alright guys, that was awesome. Take 5 an we’ll get some adlibs in there.

The band takes off their headphones and takes a breather; Milo puts down his guitar and takes a deep breath.

Danny: Hey, Milo?

Milo: *looks up* Yeah?

Danny: Do you think we can talk?

Milo: *annoyed* About what?

Danny: Nothing serious, just about the direction of the song. I think it would be dope if the bass line went over the lead in that one part where Pep’s–

Milo: *corrects* Jennifer.

Danny: Uhm… yeah. Where Jennifer is singing the bridge all low and sultry–

Milo: I don’t think that’ll sound good; it’ll be too heavy and inaudible–

Danny: We can’t at least try it out?

Milo turns around, finally facing Danny.

Milo: No offense, but you really don’t have composition rights over a song you had no part in writing, or putting together.

Danny: It’s just a suggestion, Milo.

At this point, the girls overhear the conversation; in true Jennifer fashion, she investigates.

Jennifer: What’s going on?

Milo: *dismissive* Nothing.

Danny: I just had a suggestion, but its fine.

Jennifer: What is it?

Milo: *annoyed* Pep.

Jennifer: *to Danny* We’re always looking for new ways to revamp our songs–

Milo: Since when?

Jennifer: *defensive* Since we decided to record demos for these songs. *to Danny* What was your suggestion?

Danny looked shy, not knowing what to do. Milo rolled his eyes. Nicki walks to Danny, looking up at him.

Nicki: *softly* It’s kay to share.

Danny: I had suggested that the bass and lead should switch in tone to let the vocals shine through in the bridge leading up to the final chorus.

The girls cock up their eyebrows.

Jennifer: That’s not a bad idea–

Nicki: It’ll make the piece more sultry.

Milo huffed, annoyed. He walks out of the booth to gather his thoughts. Jennifer shook her head, annoyed at Milo’s behavior. Spontaneously, she hits the button to the microphone in the booth.

Jennifer: People who are late to their own band’s recording session can’t turn down suggestions.

Milo gets up from his seat and walks over to Andie, pressing the button to the intercom.

Milo: If it’s my band, then the person that created the band does have ultimate say in how the song that he wrote goes.

Jennifer: It’s our band, and again; maybe if you cared about making it to your band’s rehearsals on time, we would actually take you a little more seriously.

Milo: *argues* I literally had band practice for school after our vocal class; at least you get to leave after your major class at the end!

Jennifer: Nobody gives a shit that you’re a dual major, dude!

Nicki ultimately moves Jennifer from the microphone; she’s had enough of the back and forth between her two friends.

Nicki: *yells* That’s enough! For once can you two just get along at a rehearsal?! I’m sick and tired of you two constantly fighting over the stupidest things! *to Milo* It doesn’t hurt to try suggestions, especially if those suggestions come from someone within our band! If you two don’t get your shit together, there’s not going to be a band anymore!

Nicki storms out of the booth and out of the studio space. Danny goes after her. Milo’s face softens as he watches Danny go and check on Nicki. His face immediately hardens once he hears Jennifer, sighing as she walks out of the recording booth.

Jennifer: Sorry, Andie…

Andie: It’s fine, I’ll be outside the room when you guys are ready to wrap up; I have to go to a doctor’s appointment with Beatrice in about an hour.

The teens don’t say anything back; Andie closes the door behind him, leaving Milo and Jennifer in the space on their own.

Milo: *sighs* Why are you always getting on my case about the smallest things?

Jennifer: Because you always get on mine.

The two teens sit in silence until Jennifer sighs.

Jennifer: I’m sorry. Can we just make things simple for us? We both got tons of shit on our plates and we should really just… start to be best friends with each other.

Milo: I would like that.

Jennifer smiles at Milo, in which he returns the smile back to her. His cellphone is seen in the side pocket of his backpack vibrating with the screen lit.

The last school bell of the day rings, and Milo runs out of the vocal classroom. He runs up the stairs and heads towards the exit doors of the school. He looks back, hoping his friends are not behind him, looking to see where he went. He walks further and further away from the exit, ultimately deciding to hang out behind a tree. Milo takes out his Sidekick cell phone from his pocket and flips it open to check AIM. He doesn’t see Gwen online. He looks around the area one more time to see if he sees Gwen. Suddenly, his cell phone buzzes off.

Gwen: What’s your ETA?

Milo scrunches his nose, confused in Gwen’s choice of words.

Milo: uhm… now? i’m behind the tree out front.

Milo looks up from his phone once he sends the message. He sees Gwen exiting the school, looking around for Milo. Milo comes out from under the tree and waves his hand.

Milo: *waves* Gwen!

Gwen notices Milo and begins to walk in his direction. She’s carrying her violin case on one shoulder, and her backpack on the other. She finally reaches up to Milo, in which she immediately drops her bag on the grass.

Gwen: Why are you behind this tree?

Milo: *nervous* I didn’t want to get in the way with everyone coming out of class.

Gwen nods her head, ultimately believing in Milo’s story. Milo quickly clears his throat.

Milo: So, you want to rehearse in one of the rehearsal studios downtown?

Gwen: There’s studios we can go to?

Milo nods.

Milo: They’re free for Waverly students; how do you think we all get our work done?

Gwen: *laughs* I guess you got me there.

Milo smiles as he and Gwen continue to walk down the street, towards the bus stop.

Gwen: Do you live around here?

Milo: Oh, no. I live in Brooklyn.

Gwen: *shocked* You travel all the way from Brooklyn to go to school? Why not go to a school closer to where you live?

Milo and Gwen stop in front of the bus stop, standing near the sign.

Milo: Because it’s Waverly High, the top school of performing arts between the 5 boroughs. Do you live near the school?

Gwen: Sort of. I live near the Brooklyn Bridge.

Milo: *teases* Why not go to a school closer to where you live?

Gwen: *deadpans* Ha ha. *teases back* Because it’s Waverly High, the top school of performing arts between the 5 boroughs.

Milo laughs out loud, surprised that Gwen was witty and funny like this.

Milo: Was Waverly your first choice?

Gwen: Actually, it was a STEM school in Midtown. I wanted to study biochemistry, but the placement exam was nearly impossible to pass.

Milo: Now that’s saying a lot since you’re, like, a genius in Biology.

The bus finally reaches the bus stop, in which Milo lets Gwen get on the bus first. Once they board the bus, it drives towards uptown.

Shortly after, Milo and Gwen get off of the bus and walk down the street. Gwen breaks the ice.

Gwen: How did you get into the dual major program?

Milo looks at her, thinking about what to say. They make it to the studio space before Milo gets the chance to answer Gwen back. Both teens enter the lobby of the space; Milo walks directly to the front desk.

Front Desk Man: Nice seeing you again, Milo.

Milo gives a hand pound to the front desk man.

Milo: Another month, another assignment to practice for.

The front desk man laughs and looks over at Gwen. Milo looks at him, then to Gwen.

Milo: This is Gwen, one of my bandmates.

Front desk man: Oh! *to Gwen* Are you new to the band?

Gwen looks at the man, confused. Milo clears his throat before speaking.

Milo: Oh, my band class in school.

The front desk man nods his head, now understanding. He hands Milo one of the passes to a rehearsal studio room.

Front desk man: Have a good rehearsal, you two.

The two teens thank the front desk man and walk away, towards their studio room for the afternoon. Milo opens the door and lets Gwen walk into the space first; he then follows behind her.

Gwen: It seems like you’re well known in this place.

Milo: *shy* Yeah… I really only practice in this space.

As Milo begins to set up, Gwen stands there, watching him.

Gwen: Are you also in a band?

Milo: Yeah, band class–

Gwen: *crosses her arms* I meant an extracurricular activity band.

Milo: Oh! Uhm… I am.

Gwen’s eyebrows cock up, surprised.

Gwen: That sounds exciting. Do you do both vocal and guitar playing?

Milo: Just lead guitar. We have a lead singer, a bassist, and a drummer.

Milo places a seat and music stand in front of Gwen before returning to where his case is. He sits down and looks at Gwen.

Milo: We have a show next weekend if you want to come and see us perform.

Gwen doesn’t say anything back; instead, she takes her violin out of her case, followed by her music. Milo begins to do the same.

Milo: *clears throat* So, what piece are you having difficult with?

Gwen: The Bellisima No. 27 in C Minor…

Milo flips through his sheet music, then looks at Gwen’s sheet music.

Milo: So this piece just starts off with a little vibration from the bow…

Milo buts his bow against his violin and plays the starting note. Gwen listens on.

Milo: The placement of your fingers matter when you play that first note because it’s in the minor key.

Milo places Gwen’s fingers on the correct string on her violin; Gwen watches on, but nothing is said afterwards/ Milo immediately takes his hand away, showing Gwen where to place her fingers by demonstrating on his violin.

Milo: Like this.

Gwen plays the starting note, which Milo nods excitingly.

Milo: Exactly!

Gwen smiles and continues to play the piece. Milo watches on, correcting her if she makes any mistakes while playing it. To Milo’s surprise, she plays the rest of the piece without any hiccups. Once Gwen is finished, Milo claps his hands.

Milo: That was great! It didn’t seem like you had any trouble with this piece.

Gwen: *shy* Thanks… It’s really that first note that messes me up, and I would hate to be that sour note in the class that doesn’t catch on with everyone else, y’know?

Milo: I understand. *smiles* You’re still pretty good though, probably one of the best in our section.

Gwen: No, that title is yours.

Milo blushes, he’s caught off-guard with Gwen’s compliment.

Milo: Thanks.

Nothing is said between them, the only sound in the room is Milo’s ringtone going off every two seconds. Milo grabs his phone from his bag and flips it open.

Pep: What’s your ETA, dude? Band practice started like 20 minutes ago.

Milo: *under his breath* Fuck.

Milo begins to frantically pack his stuff; Gwen looks at him, confused.

Gwen: Is everything okay?

Milo: Uhm, yeah… I just lost track of time and have to get going…

Gwen: Oh… okay…

Milo packs his stuff and puts his bookbag on, running towards the door.

Milo: *shouts* I’ll see you in school!

Closing the door behind him, Gwen stands in the middle of the room. The smile she once had on her face has vanished.

The front door opens and in walks Jennifer. She immediately drops her bookbag near the doorway, closing the front door behind her.

Jennifer: Mom?

There’s no answer. Jennifer calls out for her mom one last time before someone is seen walking into the living room. Jennifer sees its her Aunt Gabby.

Aunt Gabby: Hey, Jennifer.

Jennifer: Hi Aunt Gabby *looks around* where’s my mom?

Aunt Gabby: She went out for dinner with–

Jennifer: *annoyed* Ugh, don’ even say it.

Jennifer walks away from Aunt Gabby to go toward the kitchen. Jennifer forcefully opens the refrigerator and takes out the juice. She slams the door shut and sees her little sister, Maryette.

Maryette: You’re not supposed to be slamming the fridge door.

Jennifer: Leave me alone.

Jennifer walks away from Maryette in which her little sister follows her.

Maryette: And that juice is supposed to be for dinner tonight.

Jennifer: Stop following me and leave me alone.

Maryette doesn’t listen; he continues to follow her big sister around the kitchen.

Maryette: You can’t tell me what to do, Pep!

Jennifer: *annoyed* Shut up and leave me alone! You’re so fucking annoying.

Maryette: *shouts* Pep said a bad word! Pep said a bad word! You have to put a dime in the swear jar!

Jennifer: Leave! Me! Alone!

The two sisters begin to argue in the kitchen and Aunt Gabby comes into the kitchen to see what the bickering is about.

Aunt Gabby: Hey! Hey! What is all this fighting about?

The two girls begin to talk over each other, not allowing the other to speak. Aunt Gabby quiets the girls down.

Aunt Gabby: Okay, that’s enough! The twins are asleep and this noise will wake them up. *to Jennifer* Jennifer, you go first since you are the oldest.

Maryette: But–

Aunt Gabby: *stern* I said Jennifer gets to speak first.

Jennifer: I was minding my own business until she came into the kitchen and started bothering me.

Maryette: She slammed the door and took the juice!

Aunt Gabby: Maryette.

Maryette quiets down and Jennifer chuckles to herself.

Jennifer: This is stupid; can I go to my room?

Maryette: It’s my room too.

Aunt Gabby: Maryette, how about you go and grab Matt from his room and you and him can help me bake some cookies?

Maryette: *excited* Okay!

Maryette runs towards the staircase and up to the second floor. Aunt Gabby turns around and looks at Jennifer.

Aunt Gabby: What’s going on with you?

Jennifer: Nothing, it was just a long day at school today.

Aunt Gabby: It’s always a long day at school; is everything okay?

Jennifer: Everything’s fine, Aunt Gabby.

Aunt Gabby: Okay, I’m just making sure. You know you could always talk to me if something is bothering you.

Jennifer: *dismissive* Yeah.

Jennifer walks out of the kitchen and toward the staircase. She walks to her shared bedroom and closes the door behind her. She takes a deep breath and lays back first on her bed. She closes her eyes tight.

It’s the year 1996, particularly on one of the hottest days of the summer season. Jennifer is playing across the street in front of Milo’s house. They kick around a soccer ball, laughing and having a good time. Moments later, Jennifer looks at the house across the street where she sees her father, Justin, call out her name.

Justin: Pep! Time to come in!

Jennifer smiles at her father and waves goodbye to Milo. Her father walks across the street to get Jennifer. She grabs her father’s hand as they walk down the street.

Justin: Mama is taking your sister to the doctor today, after lunch we can go to the park.

Jennifer: Can Milo come?

Justin: Of course, we can go and ask Milo’s mom if he can come.

Jennifer smiles; she swings her father’s arm in her hand.

Jennifer opens her eyes when she hears Aunt Gabby talk to someone downstairs. She opens her bedroom door and looks over the railing of the stairs. She sees Aunt Gabby talk to two adults in the foyer; one being her mom and a second being a man. She knows exactly who it is.

She leans in closer to get a better look down at the foyer, which causes for the railing to creek loudly. Jennifer cusses to herself, but loud enough for the adults to stop what they were doing to look up at Jennifer.

Lydia: Peppie?

Jennifer squeezes her eyes shut before opening them, revealing herself on top of the staircase.

Jennifer: Hi, Mom.

Jennifer looks at her mom and then looks at the man next to her. She immediately knows it’s Justin, her dad. Jennifer walks down the stairs, pretending to be unbothered of the situation.

Lydia: I’m going to start making dinner in a few, I–

Jennifer: I’m going to hang out at Milo’s.

Justin: *to Lydia* Mark and Elise’s son?

Lydia nods.

Lydia: Please be back before dinner is ready.

Jennifer: *dismissive* I promised Mrs. Kamalani I would stay for dinner–

Jennifer grabs her jacket and bookbag from the front door where she last left it.

Justin: It was nice seeing you, Pep.

Jennifer stops what she’s doing and turns around to look at her mom and Justin standing there.

Jennifer: My name is Jennifer.

Jennifer opens the front door and exits without looking back at her parents.

Milo, Jennifer, and Nicki begin to set up the studio space to hold their audition for a new drummer. Their music teacher, Mr. Collins cleans up around his desk and then directs his attention to the students.

Mr. Collins: Mr. Kamalani, Ms. Castro, Ms. Little?

The teenagers turn around to face their teacher.

Mr. Collins: You guys have until the period is over to wrap up and clean up after yourselves as I have a class next period.

The teenagers nodded their heads as Mr. Collins begins to gather his stuff.

Mr. Collins: I’ll be next door in Mr. Basile’s classroom if you need me.

Mr. Collins exits the classroom. Milo takes a deep breath and begins to talk to the girls.

Milo: Alright guys, we got to make a decision on a drummer today. Our next gig is in two months and We need to have this drummer come in and learn all of our music and new ones in time for that gig.

Nicki: What if we don’t find a drummer after the auditions though?

Jennifer: *to Nicki* We’ll find our drummer, I promise that.

Milo side-eyes Jennifer.

Milo: Remember we are not picking anyone just because we know them or whatever. *to Pep* Everyone who auditions deserves our unbiased opinions and thoughts.

Jennifer rolls her eyes and takes her seat in the middle of the table. Milo sighs and proceeds to sit in his seat as well. Nicki looks over at the two friends at her seat, gathering her loose-leaf paper and pens.

Nicki: Let’s start.

The first couple of auditions passed by as the teens cross each name off of their list. As each person leaves their audition, the group gets a little more discouraged that they aren’t going to find their drummer by the end of the period. Milo sighs loudly before the next person walks into the classroom.

Milo: We go to a performing arts high school; where the help is the talent?

Jennifer: *annoyed* Sorry that not everyone can be a dual major like you, dude.

Milo: I didn’t say that I–

There’s a knock on the door and a girl’s head pokes in. Nicki quickly gets up; she clearly knows the person at the door.

Girl: *whispers* String Orchestra has rehearsal in the West Wing instead of the auditorium.

Nicki: Thanks, Gwen; I’ll see you then!

The girl leaves and Nicki turns around the go back to her seat.

Milo: *to Nicki* Was she not auditioning?

Nicki: She plays the viola, she’s in my string orchestra class.

Milo rolls his eyes as the next person comes into the audition space. He knows exactly who just walked in: Danny Campbell. Danny walks in and stands in front of the drum set.

Danny: Hey, I’m Danny. Freshman, band major. Auditioning for the drummer position in your band.

Milo: DO you know the name of the band?

Jennifer: Milo.

Danny: Indigo Chemistry.

Milo doesn’t respond back, he starts to write something on the paper in front of him. The girls look back up toward Danny and smile.

Nicki: Go ahead and play what you prepared.

Danny smiles at Nicki before walking over to the drums. He sits down and begins to adjust the drums before he begins to play. Milo continues to roll his eyes, in which Jennifer catches and nudges Milo with her elbow. Danny takes a deep breath and begins to play a piece. Milo’s nonchalant expression turns into complete shock. Nicki also looks shocked whereas Jennifer vibes out to the music. Danny swings his hair around like a rockstar, getting into the song and doing tricks with the drumsticks. Once the audition piece is over, the girls clap. Milo sits there with his hands crossed along his chest.

Nicki: That was… so cool.

Danny: *laughs* Thanks, Nicki.

Milo looks at Nicki, who is apparently smitten. Milo faces forward and leans toward the table.

Milo: So what makes you want to join our band?

Danny: I think the band is dope; you don’t see two chicks play and sing rock music and kill it every performance. *extends an arm out toward Jennifer* Plus, Jennifer said you guys were looking for a drummer and thought to give it a try.

Milo: So you don’t really know the band as a band, huh?

Jennifer: *annoyed* Milo!

Milo: What? I’m just being honest. Like do you have what it takes to play drums for one of our class’ top groups?

Jennifer: Milo, we’re a high school rock band, not KISS. *to Danny* How’s your daily schedule looking like?

Danny: Pretty much the same as Milo’s, we have the same band schedule and stuff.

Milo: No, I also have “a vocal schedule and stuff”, you know, since I’m a dual major.

Danny awkwardly nods. Before Jennifer says anything to Milo, Nicki speaks up.

Nicki: I know we have different opinions on this, but going by your audition alone, you really do bring the aura that the band needs in order for us to succeed. Plus, it gives us all room to get to know each other and grow together as a band.

Milo: Nicki-

Nicki: I think I speak for all three of us when I say, well, welcome to Indigo Chemistry!

Milo gets up from his chair and stands in front of the two girls.

Milo: Are you kidding me?!

Jennifer: Are you kidding me? Milo, you said he needed to audition like everyone else; he did, and he was the best out of everyone! You know he’s a great fit!

Danny: You know, it’s completely fine if my joining the band would cause this much…issue. If you guys–

Jennifer: No!

Danny stays silent.

Jennifer: *to Milo* I thought you were over this dumb jealousy thing you had!

Milo: Jealousy? Over him?

Danny: *uncomfortable* “Him” is still in the room.

Nicki: *to Danny* Hold on–

Nicki turns around and faces both Milo and Jennifer.

Nicki: *yells* That’s enough!

The two friends stop fighting and look at Nicki.

Nicki: I am sick and tired of having to break up these petty fights between you two! Now, I don’t care about how you guys feel about Danny; all I care about is how much he fits with us as a band and I believe he is what we need as a band!

Milo: Nicki, please–

Nicki: *yells* Milo! I’m talking now!

Milo stays silent.

Nicki: I’m making this call because apparently, you two can’t put your differences aside to see the actual good for this band, so whether you guys like it or not or whatever your reasons are, too bad! I say Danny’s our new drummer in our goddamn band, whether you like it or not!

Nicki stops shouting at the two teens and turns around and smiles at Danny.

Nicki: With that being said, welcome to Indigo Chemistry! Practice is every Monday and Thursday at Jennifer’s place. I’ll give you the address.

Danny smiles and thanks the group of friends before the bell rings; the period is over and the teens have to clean up before Mr. Collins comes back to his classroom. Milo avoids talking to the girls; he folds the table and places it in the closet in the classroom. The girls look at him, clearly knowing he’s not happy about the decision made today.

Nicki and Milo pace back and forth backstage at the venue. They hear the other performers on stage playing their sets; the crowd is cheering loudly. Nicki and Milo look at each other, worried about their set starting soon without their lead singer.

Milo: Where the hell is Pep?

Nicki: I tried messaging her on AIM; she never wrote back…

Milo: *annoyed* Doesn’t she know we have a gig tonight?!

Nicki looks at Milo, shocked at his reaction.

Nicki: Dude, don’t you remember what happened at our last rehearsal?

Milo takes a deep breath before he says anything in response.

Milo: I get that Pep’s mom and dad are dating again, but-

Nicki: Did you not see how upset she was?

Milo looks at the door as it opens; the backstage crew walks in and looks at the two teens.

Backstage Crew Guy: You guys are on after the next performers.

Nicki and Milo nod their heads, waiting for the guy to leave the room before they begin to panic again.

Milo: Can’t you sing the vocals and play bass, Nic?

Nicki: *deadpans* I am a band major, Milo.

Milo sits down on a chair and sighs. He flips open his phone to send a text to Jennifer. Not long after, Jennifer walks into the backstage room, not saying anything to Nicki and Milo.

Milo: Pep!

Jennifer doesn’t react. She drops her things on top of one of the vanity tables and sits down in front of it. She begins to fix her hair and get ready while Nicki and Milo look at her.

Milo: Pep?

Jennifer doesn’t respond. Nicki walks up to Jenifer and tries to talk to her.

Nicki: Is everything okay, Pep?

Pep: *snappy* I’m fine.

Nicki: Pep, we’re here if you–

Jennifer: *turns around* I’m not here to talk about my problems. I want to go up on stage, do this dumb gig, and leave.

The other two teens don’t say anything immediately; Nicki walks away as Milo approaches Jennifer.

Milo: I’m glad that you made it though.

Jennifer gets up from her seat and walks away from both Nicki and Milo. The two teens watch their friend walk across the other side of the room. Nicki and Milo look at each other before they give up and begin to get ready for their performance.

…

The band is dressed and ready to go up on the stage and perform. They look out at the audience through the side of the stage, watching the performers before they play their set. Milo looks at Jennifer; she looks out towards the stage, not acknowledging anything else around her.

Milo: Hey, Pep?

Jennifer turns around and looks at Milo. Milo tries to find the right words to say before speaking.

Milo: You’re gonna do great like you always do.

Jennifer’s hard exterior softens; she gently smiles.

Jennifer: Thank you, Milo. I needed that.

Milo smiles back and opens up his arms. It doesn’t take Jennifer long to hug Milo back. Milo hugs her tight like he usually does when Pep is going through a tough time. He smiles as he hugs her, and doesn’t let go until Nicki turns around to face the two.

Nicki: Alright, we’re up!

The host is heard introducing the band on stage. Jennifer is the first to walk on stage; Milo and Nicki follow her. Jennifer smiles and adjusts the microphone stand as the crowd cheers.

Jennifer: What’s up, Brooklyn?!

The crowd responds by cheering even louder. Milo watches Jennifer get the crowd amped up as they set their guitars up.

Jennifer: Now that’s what I’m talking about! We’re Indigo Registry and we’re here to rock the house tonight!

The crowd cheers before the band is finished setting up and starts the first song.

Jennifer: Tonight, we’re gonna start off our set with “Get What I Want” to get you guys on your feet and jamming out.

Jennifer looks at Milo. He looks at her and nods his head, letting her know that they are now ready to perform. Jennifer looks towards the audience and holds the microphone in her hand.

Jennifer: 1, 2, 3, 4!

The band starts playing the song and Jennifer starts to dance around on stage while she sings the song. Milo watches Jennifer have fun on stage; he smiles as he plays the lead guitar. Jennifer dances with Nicki, playing the bass guitar, and smiles. Jennifer finally goes back to the microphone stand and continues to sing the chorus of the song. Milo can’t stop watching Jennifer sing and perform; he knows the stage is where Jennifer belongs. The audience feeds off the energy the band has while performing; Milo whips his hair as he plays the guitar solo. Jennifer walks up to him as his solo continues, banging her head along to the music. They briefly look at each other before the solo is finished.

The first song comes to an end and the crowd cheers for the band. Milo and Jennifer look at each other before continuing their set for their performance.

…

It’s a little later into the night; Milo and Jennifer walk down the street with one another, heading home.

Milo: You killed it at tonight’s show, Pep.

Jennifer looks at Milo and smiles.

Jennifer: Me? Dude, you shredded on that guitar! Like that solo never sounded that good before.

Milo nudges Jennifer on the shoulder as she teases him.

Milo: I think fr our next gig, we have to have a permanent drummer. Your cousin’s boyfriend is gonna have other things to worry about since Beatrice is pregnant, y’know?

Jennifer: Yeah… but I mean, Andie loves Beatrice, and I think they’ll be able to stick it out together. But you are right, we need a drummer that’ll stay with us for a while if we ever plan on making it big.

Milo laughs at Jennifer’s enthusiasm. Jennifer and Milo share the vision of making it big with their band, but Milo worries about Jennifer and her other hobbies outside of the band.

Milo: You’re still dancing, right?

Jennifer: Yeah. We have our annual winter competition in a couple of weeks; why?

Milo: *shakes his head* I just know that you were busy preparing for this gig and just wanted to know if you still were dancing. I know how much dance means to you.

Jennifer: Yeah… I don’t know, I feel like dance is something that’s becoming so hard to do these days, like with school and vocal and the band, sometimes it feels like I’m just wasting my time doing something that I couldn’t even get into Waverly for–

Milo stops walking and looks at Jennifer. She stops walking once she notices Milo.

Milo: Pep, you are a great dancer. Just because you’re not dancing at Waverly doesn’t mean you’re bad at it.

Jennifer: *scoffs* Says the person who got into Waverly for both majors…

Milo: Waverly doesn’t measure your talent, Pep. You’re a great singer but you’ve been dancing for as long as I’ve known you. You’re a crazy good dancer and I hope you stick with it.

Jennifer doesn’t respond. The two continue to walk down the street until they stop in front of a house.

Jennifer: *sighs* Well, this is me.

Milo nods his head and then looks at the house across the street.

Milo: Technically me too.

The two friends smile. Milo extends his hand out toward Jennifer; she immediately starts their handshake.

Milo: I’ll AIM you later tonight.

Jennifer: See you later, dude.

Milo smiles and proceeds to cross the street to his house. Jennifer watches before she enters her house for the night.

Jennifer paces back and forth in the garage as Nicki sits and tones the strings of her guitar. She watches Jennifer grow frustrated as time passes. Jennifer huffs and stops pacing, now looking at Nicki.

Jennifer: Is he seriously gonna do this?

Nicki: Maybe something happened at home, Pep. You know Milo is usually the first at practice anyway.

Jennifer: Yeah, which pisses me off even more since we have a show in less than a week!

Jennifer takes out her phone and flips it open. She sucks her teeth as she closes her phone ; she puts it back in her pocket.

Jennifer: He’s not even signed on AIM.

Nicki: He’ll be here; this is literally his band–

Jennifer: *annoyed* OUR band.

Nicki: You now what I mean. Seriously, Pep; you and Milo really need to have a conversation and work whatever issues you guys are having. You’re supposed to be best friends.

Jennifer: Yeah, well he’s acting like a real asshole lately, and I don’t appreciate it.

Shortly after, Milo walks into the garage; the girls look at him as he walks to his spot and begins to et up without saying a word. Jennifer rolls her eyes and gets into position as well.

Nicki: *to Milo* Are you okay, Milo?

Milo: I’m fine.

He continues to set up his guitar; no one says anything back. He turns back around once he is finished setting up to look at the girls.

Milo: So, we’re gonna start off our set with “Get What I Want”, then our intro and then we’re going to play something new I wrote-

Jennifer: Something new? Dude the show is literally in a week; we don’t have time to learn a new song.

Milo: Yeah, we can, it doesn’t have any vocals.

Jennifer scrunches her eyebrows; she’s pissed. Nicki tries to intervene before Jennifer can say or do anything.

Nicki: Alright, I’m tired of you two fighting like this! *to Milo* You need to stop being a dick to Pep just because she doesn’t hate Danny. I get that you’e just trying to be a good friend and protect her, but in the long run all you’re doing is hurting your friend.

Nicki turns to face Jennifer.

Nicki: You need to stop being so defensive and just talk to Milo! You snapping at him is just going to ruin the friendship! Both of you need to cut it out and speak like actual human beings for once in your life!

Both Milo and Jennifer don’t say anything, but they look uneasy. They both know that Nicki is right. They look at each other.

Milo: *sighs* Nicki’s right, Pep. We’re supposed to be best friends and we haven’t been acting like it. But you must understand that I didn’t trust Danny after everything he did to you last year. I just don’t want you getting hurt or anything.

Jennifer: I get it, but you have to trust me, and I feel like you don’t.

Milo: I trust you, but I don’t trust him.

Jennifer crosses her arms across her chest. Milo sighs.

Milo: I’m sorry for hurting your feelings, Pep. That wasn’t because I was mad at you; I was just mad at the situation.

Jennifer: I’m sorry for being defensive and for not letting you voice out your opinion. I just felt attacked whenever you would shut any idea of mine down and, like, I know this is still a weird topic but I really do think Danny would fit right in with the band.

Milo doesn’t say anything back. Nicki turns her head toward Milo.

Nicki: Milo, are you willing to give Danny a chance by auditioning for the band? Remember that this is our band and if Pep feels like someone would be a good fit, then we should see it through.

Milo doesn’t say anything back right away.

Nicki: Milo?

Milo: Fine, he can audition for the band. But that doesn’t mean he’s automatically in it. He has to audition like anyone else.

Jennifer: That’s fine by me.

Nicki: *to Jennifer* Pep, are you willing to listen to Milo and his concerns not because he doesn’t think you’re capable of making good decisions or anything, but because he is trying to protect his best friend from any danger?

Jennifer nods her head. Nicki smiles.

Nicki: Awesome! So now can we finally have like 15 minutes f rehearsal before Mrs. Castro kicks us out?

The friends laugh and go into their positions to begin the rehearsal.

Jennifer: Alright! 1! 2! 3!

Before the trio begins to play, Jennifer’s mom is heard calling out her name.

Lydia: Jennifer!

Jennifer rolls her eyes and huffs. She walks out of the garage with Milo and Nicki, heading to the main part of the house.

Jennifer: Mom, it’s not even 5 o’clock yet, we have at least–

Jennifer stops at the doorway going into the kitchen; Milo and Nicki stop behind her. Lydia looks at Jennifer, but Jennifer is looking at the stranger sitting at the dining room table.

Lydia: Pep, I told you that we were having company over and that you would have to reschedule your band practice.

Jennifer: I don’t remember you telling me that.

Lydia: I told you on Friday before you went out–

Jennifer: Who is that?

Jennifer points at the stranger at the table; her eyes cannot stop looking at the man. The man gets up from his seat slowly and walks towards Lydia. Jennifer’s eyes widen as Milo and Nicki stand back, watching the interaction happen.

Lydia: Pep, I want you to meet someone…

Lydia smiles up at the man, who smiles back at her. He turns his head towards Jennifer.

Lydia: This is Justin.

The man puts his hand out to shake Jennifer’s hand.

Justin: Hi, Jennifer.

Jennifer stands there for a slight moment before she runs out of the kitchen. Milo and Nicki follow her.