Love, Elie

Entry #1

INT. ELIE'S ROOM – NIGHT

Elie sits at her small desk, illuminated by the warm glow of a lamp. Soft, instrumental music plays faintly in the background. The room is cozy, with books and small trinkets neatly arranged on shelves. Elie holds a pen, staring at the blank page in front of her. She takes a deep breath and begins to write.

CLOSE-UP: LETTER

ELIE (V.O.) (writing softly)
Hi Crush,
Kamusta ka? Ako? Masaya, sobrang saya. Bakit? Kasi nakita na naman kita.
Ikaw, anong ginagawa mo? Kamusta ang trabaho? Huwag kang masyadong magpapagod ha. Nga pala, kanina, tiningnan ko yung FB account mo. May nalaman ako... animal lover ka pala. Paano yan? Hindi ako mahilig sa mga hayop. Magugustuhan mo kaya ako?

SLOW ZOOM OUT as Elie smiles shyly to herself, biting her lip.

ELIE (V.O.)
Your Secret Admirer,
(Elixir) Elie.

EXT. OFFICE BUILDING – DAY

Elie enters the office, dressed professionally, but there's a humble air about her. Inside, a small AWARDS CEREMONY is underway, with banners celebrating the TOP PERFORMING EMPLOYEES.

INT. OFFICE - DAY

Elie stands off to the side, anxiously waiting. The emcee, HR MANAGER, steps up to the mic.

HR MANAGER
At ngayon, binibigyan natin ng pagkilala ang isa sa mga outstanding employees natin ngayong quarter... Elie!

The room bursts into applause as Elie walks towards the stage. She's trying to remain composed, but her smile is beaming. As she steps up to receive her award, the camera pans to JAMES, sitting at the back, arms crossed, unimpressed.

JAMES' P.O.V.:

JASON, James' close friend, leans over, clapping enthusiastically.

JASON
Narinig mo ba? Sabi nila, inspiration daw si Elie para sa team niya. Ang galing no?

JAMES
(scoffs)
Inspiration? Ewan ko lang. Iba yung narinig ko.       

JASON
Ha? Ano?

JAMES
Di raw siya magaling sa trabaho. May sinasabi pa nga na kaya lang siya laging nire-recognize, kasi... special siya kay Nathan. Malakas daw siya sa boss nila, kay Nathan.

James smirks slightly, eyes locked on Nathan, who watches Elie from across the room with an approving nod.

JAMES (CONT'D)
Sabi pa nga nila, baka may relasyon 'yung dalawa. 

Jason raises an eyebrow, surprised.

JASON
Uy, seryoso ba 'yan? Parang hindi naman...

James just shrugs as Elie starts walking back from the stage, her award in hand. She's descending the steps when—SLIP! Elie loses her balance.

The room gasps.

In an instant, NATHAN is there, catching Elie before she hits the ground. There's an awkward pause as Elie quickly stands, brushing herself off, embarrassed. Nathan looks genuinely concerned.

JAMES (WHISPERS)
(smirking)
Ayan na... hindi na nila maitatago.

Nathan checks on Elie, who gives a weak, awkward smile. Jason elbows James playfully.

JASON
Uy, bagay sila, no?

JAMES
(coldly)
Hindi ko siya gusto.

JASON(teasing ) 

Haha selos ka pre? Hindi sayo, sabi ko bagay sila ni Boss Nathan.

James' expression hardens, his eyes narrowing as Nathan and Elie exchange a few words before she returns to her seat. Jason watches James curiously but says nothing more.

INT. RESTAURANT - DAY

Elie's team is gathered for a TEAM LUNCH to celebrate. Everyone's in high spirits, chatting, laughing, and congratulating her. NATHAN sits nearby, looking especially proud of her.

CO-WORKER 1
Congrats, Elie! Deserve mo talaga 'yan.

CO-WORKER 2
Sabi ko na nga ba, ikaw yung mananalo eh!

Elie smiles, gracious but distracted. Her eyes flick to the other side of the table, where JAMES is sitting, barely engaging in the conversation. His face is neutral, but Elie notices his occasional glances her way, always with a hint of disapproval.

NATHAN
(leaning closer to Elie, smiling)
Great work, Elie. Sabi ko na kaya mo yan. You really earned it.

Elie nods, forcing a polite smile, but her mind is elsewhere.

ELIE'S P.O.V.: James, looking irritated, taps his fingers on the table. He's clearly not enjoying himself.

ELIE (V.O.)
(thinking)
Ano kaya problema niya? Ang sama ng tingin niya sa akin. Pero bakit?

Her smile fades slightly as she watches James, a mix of confusion and frustration growing in her chest. The camera lingers on her thoughtful expression as the conversation around her fades into the background.