HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Betty walks briskly through the hallway, her textbooks clutched tightly to her chest. She can feel eyes on her, whispers following her every step. Word has spread about her new boyfriend, but Betty's heart isn't fully in it.
Suddenly, she hears her name being called out. She turns to see James approaching her, his expression uncertain.
JAMES:
Hey, Betty. Can we talk for a moment?
Betty hesitates, her heart fluttering nervously. She knows what James wants to ask about, and she's not sure she's ready to face it.
BETTY:
Sure, James...
They step aside, away from the prying eyes of their classmates.
JAMES:
I heard about your new boyfriend. How long have you guys been together?
Betty shifts uncomfortably, feeling a pang of guilt.she shuffles her books around
BETTY:
Um, a few weeks now.
James studies her carefully, his gaze searching for any sign of hesitation.
JAMES:
Are you happy with him?
Betty hesitates, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions.
BETTY:
I... I'm trying to be.
James nods slowly, sensing her reluctance to discuss the matter further.
JAMES:
Well, ok then...
Betty forces a small smile, but unable to shake the walls she's built around her heart.
BETTY:
Well bye James...
As James walks away, Betty can't help but feel a twinge of regret. She knows she's not being completely honest with herself or with him, but for now, it's easier to keep her true feelings buried deep inside.
FADE OUT.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - DAY (2 MONTHS LATER)
James walks through the crowded hallway, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Betty. Despite their past, he can't shake the lingering feelings he has for her.
Suddenly, he spots one of his friends, CHRIS, approaching him with a knowing grin.
CHRIS:
Hey, James. Heard some interesting news about Betty.
James stops in his tracks, his curiosity piqued.
JAMES:
What do you mean?
Chris leans in, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper.
CHRIS:
She broke up with her boyfriend.
A rush of emotions floods through James surprise, relief, and a hint of hope.
JAMES:
Really? When did this happen? And why
Chris shrugs.
CHRIS:
Just a few days ago, I think. Heard it from one of her friends. Apparently they didn't even like each other that much so Betty broke it off.
James can't help but feel a surge of happiness at the news but he keeps a straight face. Despite everything that's happened between them, a part of him still holds onto the hope of a second chance.
JAMES:
Thanks for letting me know, Chris.
As Chris walks away, James can't suppress the smile that tugs at the corners of his lips. Maybe, just maybe, there's still a chance for him and Betty after all.
FADE OUT.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY
James sits at his desk, attempting to organize his books and papers for the upcoming class. Frustration creeps over him as he searches through his pockets, unable to find a pen.
He glances around the room, hoping to spot a spare pen lying around, but the classroom is devoid of any writing utensils. Determined to find a solution, James turns to his friends, but they all shake their heads in response to his inquiry.
JAMES:
(under his breath)
Seriously? Not a single pen?
He watches as Betty and Lily work together at a nearby desk, organizing their own materials. Suddenly, an idea strikes him.
Taking a deep breath, James gathers his courage and approaches Betty.
JAMES:
Hey, Betty. Do you happen to have an extra pen I could borrow?
Betty looks up, surprised by James's sudden request. She exchanges a quick glance with aria before reaching into her bag and pulling out a pen.
BETTY:
Sure, here you go.
James accepts the pen with a grateful smile, feeling a rush of warmth at the simple act of kindness.
JAMES:
Thanks, Betty. I owe you one.
Betty nods, returning his smile before returning to her task. James returns to his desk, feeling a newfound sense of gratitude towards Betty and a flicker of hope for what the future may hold.
FADE OUT.
HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Betty and Lily walk out of the classroom, chatting animatedly about their plans for the weekend. But as they reach the hallway, Betty's cheerful demeanor fades, replaced by a furrowed brow and a frown of annoyance.
ARIA:
What's wrong, Betty?
Betty sighs, reaching into her bag to retrieve her pen, only to find it missing.
BETTY:
James didn't return my pen.
Aria's eyes widen in surprise, understanding Betty's frustration.
ARIA:
The one with the sticker and the different colors? That was your favorite, wasn't it?
Betty nods, her annoyance growing with each passing second.
BETTY:
Yes, and now it's gone. I can't believe he forgot to give it back.
Aria places a comforting hand on Betty's shoulder, offering her support.
ARIA:
I'm sure it was just an honest mistake. Maybe he'll remember to return it tomorrow.
But Betty's irritation lingers, her mind already lamenting the loss of her beloved pen.
BETTY:
I hope so. I really hope so.
As they continue down the hallway, Betty's thoughts remain fixated on the missing pen, unable to shake the feeling of disappointment that hangs in the air.
FADE OUT.
