Stupid Deep (Julie and the Phantoms)

03

Los Angeles 2020

[Continuation of Wake Up]

Emily stared at the poster of Sunset Curve that had been tacked to her wall. A buzzing caught her attention and she glanced at her phone. 'Keep your head up'. She smiled briefly at the motivational message and grabbed her backpack.

She boarded the bus and soon reached Los Feliz High School.

A school bell rang and students giggled.

Emily and another girl walked through the hall with their heads down as they made their way to the girl's locker.

The girl opened her locker and opened it just before another girl came up to them and greeted, "Hey, underachievers."

"Hey, disappointment," Julie and Emily replied.

"Okay, I know you two don't want me to ask, but have you two figured out what you're gonna do today?"

"I'll know in the moment," Julie answered.

Emily shrugged. "I'll play it by ear."

"Really, Jules, Em?" Flynn asked. "That's all you're both giving me? Mrs. Harrison said this is both your last chance."

"I know. Em and I were there." Julie let out a sigh.

"See you at the rally!" a girl said.

"Ugh! What is she handing out?" Flynn wondered.

"Hi!" Carrie greeted.

"Desperation?" Julie and Emily guessed.

Flynn snickered. "Mm."

"Here you go," Carrie said. "My group's performing at the spirit rally tomorrow. I'm sure you guys have nothing better to do."

Flynn spoke in a sarcastic tone. "Oh my gosh, Carrie. Thanks!"

"Oh my gosh, Flynn! Don't bother coming!" She walked away and handed another flyer to someone. "Here you go. Come see Dirty Candy tomorrow. Nick?"

Flynn followed her friend's eyes. "Still? You know they're gonna get married and have a bunch of unholy babies."

"Nick's a sweetheart," Julie said.

"You'd actually have to talk to him to know that. And only one of them has to be a demon to make a demon baby. Demon!" Flynn yelled, looking at Carrie, causing Julie to snicker, joined by Flynn. Emily pursed her lips. "There's that smile. Now, let's go prove everybody wrong. Em, you okay?"

Emily nodded. "Yeah. Let's get to class."

The girls chuckled lightly.

MUSIC CLASSROOM

A guitar riff played and the students cheered.

"Wow!" the music teacher said as Carrie giggled. "Nice job, Nick. Almost as impressive as your game against Glendale." Nick chuckled. "Okay, we have our second to last performance." She clapped. "Julie?"

Julie stepped up to the piano and let out a heavy sigh.

"Take your time," the music teacher said.

Julie opened the piano, put her hands on the keys, let out another sigh and stood. "I'm sorry."

Flynn sighed as she stood and Carrie asked, "Is this when we clap?"

"Watch it, Carrie," Flynn retorted.

Students erupted in laughter.

Before Emily could be told to go up to the piano, she ran after Julie.