Category: y2katalogue: The Tapes

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.

The bell rings and students begin to exit their classrooms and walk through the halls. Milo leaves his classroom and walks by himself to his locker. Before he opens his locker, he sees Jennifer walk pass him without acknowledging his presence. Milo sighs and calls out for her.

Milo: Pep!

Jennifer stops walking for a slight moment but then begins to walk away from Milo. Milo runs after her to catch up to her.

Milo: Pep! Wait–

Jennifer: *turns around, annoyed* What do you want, Milo?

Milo: Can we just talk?

Jennifer: About what? How you were being a dick at practice the other day?

Milo: You were literally trying to bring a douchebag into our band–

Jennifer: So you say something horrible about your friend instead?

Milo: *annoyed* You said that he was the better musician!

Jennifer: *louder* So you talk shit about my dancing skills?

Milo: Yeah, because you talked shit about my music skills!

The two friends bicker in the middle of the hallway until Jennifer sees Nicki pass by. Jennifer turns around and tries to get Nicki’s attention.

Jennifer: Nicki!

Nicki doesn’t answer back, she continues walking down the hall; Jennifer and Milo both follow her.

Jennifer: Hello? Nicki?

Nicki: *turns around* What do you want Pep?

Jennifer: Can you tell Milo that he’s wrong for saying what he said to me at practice the other day?

Nicki: Just how you were wrong for what you did at the pool place?

Milo looks confused, but Jennifer looks offended at Nicki’s comment.

Jennifer: What?

Nicki: I told you it was going to be a girl’s night, and you tell Danny behind my back to tag along?

Milo: Wait, what?!

Jennifer: *to Nicki* You wanted to hang out with him, I just got you guys in the same room finally!

Nicki: Who asked you to do that? I just wanted to hang out with you after what happened at practice and–

Jennifer: I don’t know why you’re mad at me, you and Danny ditched me at the pool place anyway!

Nicki: I left because you were so into playing with Danny!

Jennifer: And he left when you left!

Milo: *loud* Guys!

The two girls stop talking to each other and look at Milo. Milo wears a confused look on his face.

Milo: You guys went out, and Jennifer brought Danny along?

Jennifer: *tempered* This has nothing to do with you, Milo!

Milo: *to Nicki* Nic?

Jennifer: Can’t you mind your own damn business, dude?!

Nicki nods her head to Milo’s question.

Nicki: Literally wasn’t even bothered that she invited someone that should’t have been there.

Jennifer: Why are you both gaining up on me? I’m sorry that I was able to get Danny in the same room as you since you would never do it!

Nicki: I never wanted your help, Pep! Any chance I had with Danny is now ruined because you decided you were going to play matchmaker!

Suddenly, a boy passes by the group of friends and stops at Nicki. She turns around and widens her eyes; it’s Danny. Jennifer watches on as Milo grows angry.

Danny: Hey, Nicki.

Nicki: *nervous* H-hi, Danny.

Danny: It was fun hanging out with you the other night. I was wondering if maybe you wanted to grab a slice or something after school?

Nicki is taken aback. She doesn’t answer right away, but the expression of nervousness is replaced with a smile.

Nicki: Sure.

Danny: *smiles* Awesome. I’ll meet you at your locker. 327, right?

Nicki nods her head. Danny puts his hand on on nicki’s shoulder and walks away from the group. Nicki slowly turns around and looks at Jennifer and Milo.

Nicki: Di-did he just ask me to hag out with him after school?

Jennifer gets giddy and smiles wide; Milo is not amused.

Nicki: I’m sorry for blaming you for Friday! I really thought he didn’t want anything to do with me after that night.

Jennifer: Apology accepted, just know I always do things with good intentions, and it looks like my matchmaking skills are still considered the best!

Jennifer turns around to face Milo.

Jennifer: You got a crush on a girl you need me to set you up with?

Milo takes a moment to answer . He’s annoyed at the confidence Jennifer has after learning that Danny and Nicki are going to hang out with each other. He just looks at Jennifer, but says something when Jennifer waits for his answer.

Milo: I’m good; I don’t need you to hook me with Diaa or someone just as bad as Danny.

Milo walks away from the teo girls, upset at the whole situation with Nicki and Danny. Jennnifer stands there, stunned at the hurtful answer Milo just threw at her. Milo walks back to his locker and opens it, not realizing that there was someone in the middle of passing. He hits the person with his locker, immediately trying to help the person from the ground.

Milo: I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you pass–

He looks up and sees the black, stringy long hair cover the person’s face. The girl brushes away her hair from her face, not answering Milo back. Milo realizes it’s the same girl that he bumped into in his class the tower day. He doesn’t remember her name, and doesn’t want to mistaken her with another name. The girl grabs her things and continues to walk down the hall. Milo rolls his eyes, annoyed that the girl didn’t even say anything about his apology.

Jennifer enters the front door of her house, running through the living room and the kitchen to go upstairs. She barely sees anyone in those rooms; her main focus is to get upstairs as quickly as possible.

She enters her room and gets scared when she sees her 11-year-old sister, Maryette, laying on one of the bds in the room.

Jennifer: What are you doing here?

Maryette: *confused* This is also my room?

Jennifer: *annoyed* Don’t you have friends to hang out with?

Maryette: Don’t you have friends to hang with?

Jennifer: I do, so get out of here until I have to leave.

Maryette: This is also my room, and I’m hanging out in here.

Jennifer: *even more annoyed* You never even hang out in here!

Maryette: Well I am today!

The sisters start bickering loudly until their mother rushes to their room to see what the fighting was about.

Lydia: Hey, hey! What’s with all the yelling?

The girls try to tell their sides of the story, but Lydia isn’t having it.

Lydia: One at a time! *to Jennifer* What happened?

Jennifer: Mom, I’m trying to get ready to go to the pool place with Nicki, and Maryette is bothering me!

Maryette: You’re trying to kick me out of my own room!

Jennifer: You’re never in here and now all of a sudden you want to hang out?!

Lydia: That’s enough! *to Maryette* Give your sister ten minutes to get ready, and then you can come back in here.

Jennifer: Only 10 minutes?!

Lydia: *stern* I can make it 5 minutes; your choice.

Jennifer huffs and stomps to her closet to get ready, Maryette steps out of the room; Lydia is still standing in the room as she continues speaking to Jennifer.

Lydia: Pep, I just wanted to let you know that you’re going to have to postpone your band rehearsal on Monday…

Jennifer doesn’t respond back; she is busy putting her outfit together in the mirror.

Lydia: You can push it to Tuesday, but remember that on Monday we are having dinner together as a family, okay?

Jennifer’s cell phone rings. She takes it out of her pocket and flips it open. She pressed the buttons on the tiny keyboard and laughs to herself.

Lydia: Pep?

Jennifer: *annoyed* What?

Lydia: Did you hear what I said?

Jennifer: Yeah, mom; I got it. I gotta go meet Nicki at the pool place–

Jennifer runs out of the room once she grabs her jacket from her bed.

Jennifer: Bye mom!

Lydia walks out of the room and watches her daughter run down the stairs toward the front.

Lydia: Be back home by–

The front door slams shut.

Lydia: *defeated* Curfew.

…

LED lights surround the billiards place; Nicki and Jennifer enter the venue and walk up to the front counter. Shortly after, they get tokens in exchange for money and walk away towards the game area of the billiards place.

Jennifer: So, am I going to still be the reigning champion of air hockey?

Nicki: Pep, no one likes to play you in air hockey. You’re too competitive!

Jennifer: I’m competitive in a lot of things, I just so happen to be good in air hockey.

Nicki: Yeah, well I actually want to leave here still being friends with you tonight.

Jennifer runs up to the air hockey table and caresses one side of it with her arm.

Jennifer: Come on, just one game? We’re here anyway, we might as well play a game!

Nicki ponders the thoughts Jennifer bats her eyelashes. Nicki sighs.

Nicki: Fine, one game and I’m ending it if you get too competitive.

Jennifer rolls her eyes and puts two tokens in the machine. Jennifer scores a couple of times during the game, in which Nicki is about to give up.

Jennifer: *laughs* Come on Nic, don’t be a sore loser!

Before Jennifer picks up the hockey puck to play the next round, she notices someone walking into the billiards place. Her eyes widen, not paying attention to the point that Nicki scored.

Nicki: Score!

Jennifer doesn’t react to Nicki. She continues to watch the person who walked in; she notices right away it’s Danny Campbell. Nicki notices Jennifer’s lack of response to the scored point.

Nicki: Okay, I would’ve been more excited about the point if you actually paid attention to it. *turns around* What are you looking at?

Danny gets his tokens at the front counter and walks away, looking further into the venue. Jennifer waves her hands, trying to grab his attention. Nicki looks and finally notices Danny. She quickly turns around.

Jennifer: Danny! Over here!

Nicki: Are you insane?! What is he doing here?

Jennifer: I invited him to hang out tonight!

Nicki: *angry* Pep! This was supposed to be a girl’s night out–

Danny approaches the two girls and Nicki turns around to face Danny. Jennifer waves her hand hi and smiles.

Jennifer: Hey, Danny! Glad you could make it.

Danny: *nervous* Hey… Yeah, just came to see what was up and stuff.

Danny looks at Nicki, who literally has not said a thing since Danny got here.

Danny: Hey, Nicki.

Jennifer nudges Nicki to make her speak.

Nicki: Uhm, hi Danny.

An awkward silence is shared between the two. Jennifer looks at the two teens and tries to break the ice.

Jennifer: We were just playing some air hockey, but Nicki is a sore loser.

Nicki: *defensive* I am not! *to Danny* Pep’s a sore winner.

Danny: Pep?

Nicki: *off guard* Oh! I mean, Jennifer. Pep’s what we call her…

Danny nods and walks over to the air hockey table.

Jennifer: Since you don’t want to play with me…

Jennifer pushes Nicki to the air hockey table.

Jennifer: Why don’t you play a game with Danny?

Nicki: *nervous* Uhm, I…

Jennifer: It’ll even be my treat!

Jennifer inserts two coins into the air hockey table to start a game. Before Jennifer passes Nicki, Nicki grabs her to talk to her in a whisper.

Nicki: What in the world are you doing?

Jennifer: I’m giving you guys time to bond and get to know each other…

Nicki: But this isn’t what I wanted–

Jennifer throws the first serve at Danny, who serves it back and even gets it into her goal. Jennifer looks up, surprised.

Jennifer: You got me when I wasn’t paying attention.

Danny: I think you’re being the sore loser now, Pep.

Jennifer puts her game face on, she gets in position and starts to play a serious game of air hockey with Danny. It’s an intense one; the score keeops getting tied every other round. Nicki sits at the side, watch the two play the game along, feeling like the third wheel. After awhile, Jennifer doesn’t even act like Nicki is there; she’s so focused on this game that after the score being 9-9, Nicki walks away from the table, and toward the front door. Danny notices and doesn’t pay attention to the table. Jennifer scores the winning point, throwing her hands up in victory!

Jennifer: Woohoo! I won! I won! I am still the reigning champion!

Danny doesn’t celebrate along with Jennifer; instead, he puts down the paddle and runs after Nicki. Jennifer watches him leave the table and go towards the front door.

Jennifer: Hey! Where are you going?

Danny doesn’t answer, he exits the billiards place. Jennifer grabs her jacket from the chair and looks around; she finally notices that Nicki isn’t with her.

Jennifer: Nicki?

She looks around, trying to find her friend. She walks towards the exit of the billiards place, trying to find Nicki.

Jennifer: Nicki? Danny?

No one is outside by the time she gets out of there.

Jennifer slams her locker shut after grabbing the books she needs for her next class. Nicki looks at herself in the mirror in her locker, checking her hair and straightening out her outfit.

Jennifer: I really can’t believe Milo said that in practice yesterday like I swear he thinks he’s better than everyone just because he’s a dual major.

Nicki: I don’t think he meant it, Pep. I think he was just upset about what you said about Danny.

Jennifer rolls her eyes at Nicki’s response.

Jennifer: That still doesn’t give him the right to say what he said. He can be a real asshole sometimes–

Nicki closes her locker.

Nicki: Pep, you know you and Milo are one and the same. He hurts, you, and you hurt him back. You’ve both been this way forever.

Jennifer: Well he took it too far. Milo’s in that band class with him; he should put aside his feelings and actually see that Danny is a good fit for the band.

Nicki doesn’t say anything back, but in the middle of the girl’s conversation, a group of girls walks in between Nicki and Jennifer, interrupting their conversation.

Diana: You should really not be in people’s way.

Pepper: And you should really not be a total bitch, Lopez.

Diana turns around, followed by her posse of girls. She looks directly at Jennifer.

Diana: You’re not worth arguing with today, Castro.

Jennifer: You’re not worth it, period.

Diana: At least I’m not known as the school’s slut; you should really know the people that you hook up with better.

Jennifer lunges towards Diana, but Nicki holds her back.

Nicki: Pep, no!

Diana: *laughs* Tell Danny I said hi.

Diana turns back around and walks away from the two girls. Once they are out of sight, Nicki lets Jennifer go. She turns around to face Nicki, frustrated at her.

Jennifer: Why would you hold me back for?!

Nicki: Pep, you can’t afford to get in trouble again this year! One more incident and you can get kicked out of Waverly!

Jennifer: *annoyed* I don’t care! That bitch has made my life a living hell since the 7th grade.

Nicki: That’s because you let her do that.

Nicki puts her arm around Jennifer and starts to walk down the hall together.

Nicki: How about we do something tonight? Like a GNO, you know?

Jennifer: GNO?

Nicki: A girl’s night out?

Jennifer stops in front of her classroom and looks at Nicki before entering.

Nicki: Come on! We can go to the pool place ad play a couple of rounds of table tennis.

Jennifer is a little hesitant to answer back to Nicki’s plans. Before she can even say anything back, her eyes lock on Milo, who is walking down the hall and towards the same classroom that Jennifer is standing in front of. Without even looking in her direction, Milo walks past Jennifer and into the classroom. It hurts her a little.

Jennifer: Sure, why not? I’ll meet you there at 5 today.

Nicki smiles and jumps up excitedly. She says bye to Jennifer and runs down the hall to your next class. Jennifer’s smile fades as she enters the classroom. She walks to her seat and sits down; she just so happens to sit in the seat in front of Milo. They don’t say anything to each other. Moments later, Danny enters the classroom with his friends, walking towards their desks in the back. Jennifer watches Danny go to his seat; Milo rolls his eyes.

…

The bell rings and the students in the class pack their things to leave. As Jennifer puts her books back into her bag, she sees Milo walk past her desk, without even looking at her. This makes Jennifer angry. She quickly looks over at Danny, putting his books away before leaving the class. She gets up from her desk and walks over to Danny.

Jennifer: Hey, Danny!

Danny looks up and sees Jennifer standing there. He gives a tight smile before saying anything back.

Danny: Hi, Jennifer. What’s up?

Jennifer: This might be random, but whatcha doing tonight?

Danny cocks up an eyebrow, confused at what Jennifer’s getting at.

Danny: I don’t know, why?

Jennifer: Me and Nicki are going to be at the billiards place tonight. It would be cool if you came along to hang out with us.

Danny: *nervous* Nicki?

Jennifer flashes a smile and crosses her arms. Danny shakes his head and continues to pack his bookbag.

Danny: I don’t think that would be a good idea…

Jennifer: Why not?

Danny stops what he’s doing and finally faces Jennifer with his whole body.

Danny: I don’t think it would be cool if I went out to hang with a girl I hooked up with and her best friend–

Jennifer: –that you also like.

Danny is taken aback by Jennifer’s blunt response.

Danny: I’ll pass.

As Danny begins to walk away, Jennifer stops him in his tracks.

Jennifer: Wait!

She looks up at Danny, who is still trying to get past her.

Jennifer: Look, the past is the past and we can’t change what happened!

Danny: I don’t understand why you’re pushing this so hard.

Jennifer: Because I think you and Nicki would make a cute couple, and–

Danny starts to laugh, which makes Jennifer stop what she’s saying. She’s annoyed that Danny is laughing.

Jennifer: What the fuck is so funny?

Danny: Jennifer, I treated you like shit last year. Literally hooked up with you for a bet. You can’t believe that I’m seriously a right fit for your best friend?

Jennifer: I know you like Nicki–

Danny: So what?

Silence fills the air between the two teens. Danny shuts his eyes, knowing that he just admitted to liking Nicki.

Danny: It doesn’t matter. I doubt Nicki is comfortable wanting to hang out with a guy that hurt her best friend–

Jennifer: Dude, you gotta stop acting like I’m still hurt about what happened. I’m over it!

Danny: *angry* Yeah, well maybe I’m not.

Jennifer doesn’t respond. Danny takes in a deep breath and exhales.

Danny: I gotta go. See you around, Jennifer.

Danny walks away from Jennifer, and she exits the classroom once Danny does.

Outside the classroom, Milo is seen closing the door of his locker once seeing Danny leave the class, followed by Jennifer. Milo isn’t happy that Jennifer is now having secret meetings with Danny.

Milo enters his house, placing his bookbag on the floor next to it. He walks further into the hallway towards the kitchen, where he sees his mom, Elise, cooking dinner. She turns around when she sees her son go into the fridge.

Elise: Hi, Milo! Dinner should be ready in a half an hour.

Milo: *uninterested* -kay.

Milo grabs a drink from the fridge and closes the door. Before he iss able to leave the kitchen, his mother calls out for him.

Elise: Milo?

Milo turns around to face his mom.

Elise: Can you please set up the dinner table?

Milo: It’s only you, me, and dad.

Elise: The table still needs to be set.

Milo: *annoyed* Mom, I–

Elise: Milo, please just set the table for dinner.

Milo huffs and walks into the dining room, taking the dinner plates from the cabinets. He carelessly plates three dishes at one side of the table, followed by the utensils and napkins. Shortly after, the front door opens again; this time Milo’s dad, Montrel, walks down the hallway and into the kitchen. Milo hears his parents greet each other in the kitchen. He turns around and sees his father walk into the dining room.

Montrel: Hi, Milo–

Montrel walks past Milo and into another room inside of the house. Milo rolls his eyes, continuing to set the table for dinner.

…

Elise: Did you have practice after school, hun?

The family is now sitting at the table where Milo set up the dishes; Milo’s parents sit on one side of the table, while Milo sat at the end of it. Milo looks up from his food and at his mother.

Milo: Uhm, yeah. I had to stay after class to rehearse for a bit after school.

Elise: Is there going to be a performance any time soon?

Milo: *annoyed* You’re usually too busy to come to my shows…

Montrel: *stern* Milo.

Milo rolls his eyes and plays with the food on his dinner plate. Elise continues to eat and talk.

Elise: Well you’re always telling us about your shows too late; we sometimes can’t work around our schedule–

Milo: *in hush* You mean never…

Montrel: Milo!

Milo looks up from his pate and at his father.

Milo: *annoyed* What?

Montrel: Your attitude tonight is uncalled for.

Milo: I just want to eat dinner without answering 21 questions about my day.

Elise: We’re just asking you how your day was–

Milo gets up from his seat and takes his dinner plate.

Milo: I’m not hungry anymore.

Milo walks out of the dining room and into the kitchen. Without even throwing out the food that is left on his plate, he just puts the entire thing in the sink and walks down the hallway. He enters a door into a small room, his room. He turns on the light in his room before laying down on his bed. He looks up toward the ceiling before shutting his eyes tight. He quickly gets up from his bed and walks to the computer desk and sits in the chair. Before Milo can log onto the internet to instant message his friends, there is a knock on the door. Milo looks up to see that it’s his mother standing there.

Elise: Milo?

Milo: *annoyed* Yeah, mom?

Elise walks into the room without Milo giving her the okay. She sits at the end of Milo’s bed, facing him.

Elise: I was going to discuss this with you at the dinner table, but I’m here to tell you that next weekend, your father and I have an event to attend in Chicago. I already spoke to Mrs. Castro about you staying over Jennifer’s house for the weekend.

Milo: Can’t I just stay here by myself?

Elise: You need to be supervised, Milo.

Milo: I just turned 15, mom–

Elise: And you’re still too young to stay here by yourself.

Milo sucks his teeth and turns around to face his computer screen again. He doesn’t even bother looking at his mother while he talks to her.

Milo: Whatever, mom. You make decisions for me without me even knowing or asking me if it’s okay.

Elise gets up from the bed and begins to walk towards the bedroom door to exit.

Elise: I know what’s best for you, Milo. Remember to pack your weekend bag before Friday!

Elise exits Milo’s room. Milo finally signs into the internet and sees who’s currently online. He sees Jennifer’s screen name, peppertea, online. He hovers over her screen name with his mouse to read her away message:

peppertea: xX ~1 fak3 friend can do mor3 damage than 5 enemi3sz~ Xx

Milo rolls his eyes and decides to log off the internet.