What I'm Dreaming Of

02

Los Angeles 2020 - Los Feliz High School

A school bell rang and students giggled.

Two girls walked through the hall with their heads down as they made their way to their lockers.

The girls opened their lockers and opened them just before another girl came up to them and greeted, "Hey, underachievers."

"Hey, disappointment," Julie replied.

Laila gave a small wave, but said nothing. Over the course of the past few months, she'd fallen almost silent. Her world had shattered and she hated that she couldn't fix it.

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

"I'll know in the moment."

"Really, Jules? That's all you're giving me? Mrs. Harrison said this is your last chance. Yours too, Laila."

"I know. I was 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 Laila 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 said 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 the three girls to snicker. "There's that smile. Now, let's go prove everybody wrong."

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.

"Laila?" the music teacher said.

Laila, instead of going to the guitar, ran from the room, fighting to keep her tears from falling.

JULIE'S HOME

Julie was sitting at the table doing homework. Laila, since her mom wasn't home, and didn't want to be alone, was hanging out with her friend.

Julie's father walked down the stairs and said, "Oh good. You're home. Hi, Laila." Julie closed the book and looked at her father. "I was about to go watch your brother's game. I've had photoshoots all day. Didn't even get a chance to eat. But... I got a phone call today."