Comm 301 Episodic Script Final

(Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In)
Strict Mom
Pilot
Written by
Melissa Torres
Copyright (c)
First Draft
Contact information
(Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In)
TEASER
INT. CAR - NIGHT
ARABELLA (17), thin, with long black hair and fair skin,
wearing a blue sweatsuit and XANDER (17), thin with a lean
but muscular frame, short brown hair, wearing grey sweats
and hoodie, are driving home in Xander's small car. Arabella
is smiling and looking out the window and Xander is focused
on the road but has a content look on his face.
XANDER
So, how did you like it?
Arabella looks over at Xander.
ARABELLA
It was so beautiful! The city
lights were so bright, they looked
like stars. How did you even find
that place?
Xander chuckles.
XANDER
It's a spot me and my buddies used
to go to a lot our freshman year. I
think we were just driving one
night and one of us had to pee so
we pulled over and kinda stumbled
onto the place. Ever since then we
kinda just always go there to hang
out.
Xander looks over at Arabella and stares into her eyes for a
couple seconds before looking back to the road.
XANDER (cont'd)
I never take girls there though.
Only if they're really special to
me.
Arabella has an amused look on her face and rolls her eyes.
ARABELLA
Uh huh, sure you don't.
XANDER
I'm serious. It was my first time
taking a girl there and I want it
to be the last.
(Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 2.
Xander reaches over and grabs Arabella's hand, giving it a

soft kiss before placing it back onto her lap. Arabella
blushes and they continue the drive in silence.
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. ARABELLA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Xander is leaning on his car while Arabella is facing him.

They're parked right outside Arabella's house.
ARABELLA
Okay I guess I should head inside
now. Text me once you get home!
XANDER
Yeah for sure! Bye, I'll see you
soon.
Arabella starts walking towards her house and waves at

Xander. He waves back and gets inside his car, still
watching Arabella and making sure she's safe. Arabella
crouches in front of her window and quietly opens it. She
swings one leg over the sill and places it on the floor of
her room. She swings her other foot in and she's finally
inside her room.
INT. ARABELLA'S ROOM - NIGHT
Arabella slowly closes her window and sighs a sigh of

relief. She hears Xander's car drive off and smiles to
herself. She stands up and tries not to bump into anything
as she walks in the dark towards her door. She finds the
light switch and turns on the lights.
ARABELLA (V.O.)
My heart is still racing. I can't
believe-
ARABELLA'S MOM
(angry)
Care to explain where you've been?
Arabella whips around to find her MOM (38) sitting on her

bed. Her mom is a petite, but curvy woman with golden brown
curly hair. She's wearing pug-print pajamas and furry black
slippers. Her hair is in a messy bun, as she sits with a
very angry look on her face. Arabella has a shocked look and
her face slowly pales.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - MORNING
Arabella is walking down the hallways with her two best

friends KIONAH (17) and MAI (16). Kionah is a bit shorter
than Arabella, with wide hips and long brown hair. She's
dressed simple with a lavender t-shirt and light washed
skinny jeans. Mai on the other hand is almost a foot shorter
than Arabella, with short blue hair. She's dressed
vibrantly, wearing a denim dress and white cardigan. The
three of them are smiling, chatting and joking around.
ARABELLA (V.O.)
I know everyone says high school is
probably the worst time of their
life, but I honestly love it. And
we just started senior year, so I'm
hoping it's the best year yet. But
I think I have to thank my best
friends for all the amazing
memories I've had. I really don't
know what I'd do without them. And
even though we're all very
different from one another, we just
go so well with each other.
BEGIN FLASHBACK:
INT. GYM - AFTERNOON
Arabella's warming up for one of her volleyball games. Her

hair is short and she has braces. She spots Kionah in the
stands and she waves at her. Kionah waves back and holds up
a sign that reads "Ara, #1 on the court and #1 in my heart".
ARABELLA (V.O.)
Kionah is the type of person who
will support you in anything.
She'll always have your back no
matter what. She's kind to everyone
and will look out for you, even if
you're a stranger.
Arabella is still looking at Kionah's sign. Her smile widens

and she forms a heart shape with her hands. She goes back to
warming up, but hears a commotion in the stands. She looks
up and sees Kionah with her arm around a freshman girl's
shoulders. They're facing one of the senior guys. Arabella
squints and looks at Kionah's lips, trying to make out what

she's saying.
KIONAH
(from far away)
Josh, she doesn't want to hang out
with you. She wants to hang out
with me, isn't that right?
Kionah turns to face the girl and cocks her head to the
side. The young girl quickly nods her head. Kionah looks
back up at the boy.
KIONAH
Now, can you please go back to your
friends? Thank you and good bye.
Kionah walks away, pulling the young girl with her. They
both sit on one of the bleachers and Kionah looks back onto
to the court. She makes eye contact with Arabella and rolls
her eyes. Arabella laughs and shakes her head. Her coach
waves at her to catch her attention and gestures at Arabella
to go over to her. Arabella runs over to meet with her coach
and teammates.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY- MORNING
Arabella, Mai and Kionah finally arrive at Kionah's class.

They stop by the door and gather in a small circle. Kionah
frowns.
KIONAH
Well, I guess this my stop. I'll
see you guys at lunch?
ARABELLA
Yeah, we'll see you then! Have fun
in Ms. Angel's class!
Kionah rolls her eyes and Mai giggles.
KIONAH
(Sarcastically)
Yay, can't wait, so much fun.
Both Arabella and Mai laugh this time. They start walking
away and down a different hallway.
MAI
See you later Kionah!
ARABELLA (V.O.)
Even though Kionah is pretty
outspoken, Mai is...not. She's
outspoken in other ways, but just
not with her voice. But she's
pretty amazing all the same.
BEGIN FLASHBACK:
INT. ICE CREAM SHOP - EVENING
Arabella's with Mai at a local ice cream shop, both standing

in front of the menu.
ARABELLA
So what are you thinking of getting
Mai?
MAI
I'm not too sure to be honest. I
really want to get an ice cream
sundae, but I wonder if they put
peanuts on it. You already know I'm
deadly allergic to them.
ARABELLA
Why don't you ask the server if
they're included? You can always
request the sundae without peanuts.
Mai's eyes slightly widen and she fidgets with her fingers a
bit. She shakes her head.
MAI
You know what, maybe I'll just get
something else! Maybe a popsicle!
ARABELLA
Huh? Why? Just ask him!
MAI
No no, it's okay. I don't want to
bother him anyways.
Arabella catches on that Mai is a bit timid and nervous to

interact with the server. She rolls her eyes but smiles. She
walks over to the counter, Mai following her.
ARABELLA
(to the server)
Hi, excuse me?
The server, SEBASTIAN (18) stops cleaning and looks up at

Arabella. He's tall with jet black hair and hazel eyes. A
couple small tattoos cover his arms.
SEBASTIAN
Hi, yes how can I help you?
ARABELLA
I had a question. Does the ice
cream sundae come with peanuts?
Mai is standing behind Arabella, but peeks around her

shoulder when she hears the word "sundae" being mentioned.
Sebastian looks at Mai, back at Arabella and sneaks a quick
glance at Mai again before responding to Arabella. He
smiles.
SEBASTIAN
The sundae does come with peanuts,
but I can make one without them.
Did you want one?
Arabella looks behind her Mai and raises her eyebrow. Mai
looks up at Arabella and nods her head. Arabella turns back
at Sebastian and smiles.
ARABELLA
Yes, one sundae with no peanuts and
a chocolate ice cream cone please.
SEBASTIAN
Coming right up.
Mai slips some cash into Arabella's hand and Arabella pays
for their ice cream. They walk towards a booth and sit
across from one another.
ARABELLA
I don't get how you're so shy! You
literally have blue hair. And some
crazy outfits! They're cute, but
they're really out there you know.
Mai shrugs.
MAI
I know, I know. I don't get it
either, but that's just how I am.
It doesn't really matter though, no
one really pays attention to me
anyways.
Sebastian walks over to Arabella and Mai's booth, a

chocolate ice cream cone in one hand and a sundae in the
other. He hands the ice cream cone to Arabella.
SEBASTIAN
One chocolate ice cream cone and -
He looks over at Mai and places the sundae in front of her,

along with a spoon wrapped in a napkin.
SEBASTIAN (cont'd)
One ice cream sundae with NO
peanuts. Oh and read the napkin
before using it. Okay enjoy your
ice cream!
Arabella and Mai look at each other with confused looks.
ARABELLA
Read the napkin?
Mai unwraps the spoon and unfolds the napkin. Scribbled on

it says, "Love the hair. Give me a call some time and we can
go get some dinner. Don't worry, I'll order for you ;)
(555)-555-5555." Mai's face lights up and she shoves the
napkin in Arabella's face. Arabella reads and smiles at Mai.
ARABELLA (cont'd)
And you say no one pays attention
to you.
Mai laughs and neatly folds the napkin before putting it

into her pocket. They both begin eating their ice cream.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY- MORNING
Arabella and Mai walk towards Mai's classroom with their

arms linked. They pause at the door. Mai groans.
MAI
I am SO not ready for this math
test. Do you want to just take it
for me? I'll pay you $5!
Mai looks up at Arabella with puppy eyes and her hands

clasped together as if she was praying. Arabella laughs.
ARABELLA
You'll have to pay me a lot more
than $5 to get me to take another
(MORE)
ARABELLA (cont'd)
math test. I'm sure you'll do
great! Weren't you studying all
night long?
MAI
Yeah but I don't know, I get test
anxiety. When I sit down and take
tests, my mind goes blank. But
whatever, let's just get this over
with.
ARABELLA
That's the spirit. Good luck! And
I'll see you at lunch!
Arabella walks away and down a few more classrooms. Her

class is in the same hall as Mai's. She walks in and finds
her seat, maneuvering past all the students grouped together
talking. Right when she sits, her teacher, Mr. Jensen (45),
walks in with his briefcase. He's a short, balding man with
thick glasses.
MR. JENSEN
Good morning students. Today we'll
be learning about the Cold War.
The classroom groans, but they take out their notebooks to

write down notes. Mr. Jensen starts lecturing and Arabella
starts writing.
ARABELLA (V.O.)
I know I said I think high school
is fun, but this is when I
understand why people hate it.
Morning classes are just the worst.
I'm really trying not to fall
asleep here.
Arabella starts looking around the classroom. She spots a

girl on her cell phone, trying to hide it behind her
textbook. She spots another girl fixing her make up. She
turns a bit more and locks eyes with Xander who's staring at
her intensely. Arabella's eyebrows shoot up in surprise and
the boy smirks at her. Embarrassed and blushing, Arabella
quickly turns back around and stares at the board.
ARABELLA (V.O.) (cont'd)

Oh my God, I can feel my face
burning, I just know I'm as red as
a tomato right now. But who even is
that? And why was he staring so
intently at me? He smiled at me!
And I didn't even smile back! All I
(MORE)

did was stare back at him like a
weirdo. How embarrassing! He was so
cute too.
Arabella tries to focus on what Mr. Jensen is saying but

can't. She keeps twirling her pen or taps her foot on the
ground. Mr. Jensen finally wraps up his lecture as as the
bell for lunch rings. Arabella quickly packs up her stuff.
MR. JENSEN
Don't forget about the homework
assignment that's due this Friday!
And make sure-
Arabella is out the door before Mr. Jensen gets to finish

his sentence.
EXT. LUNCH TABLES - AFTERNOON
Arabella, Mai and Kionah meet up at their usual lunch table

and set their backpacks down before walking towards the
cafeteria.
ARABELLA
Guys, I'm literally the most
embarrassing person on this planet.
KIONAH
Omg, why do you say that?
ARABELLA
Okay, you know how I just had
history with Mr. Jensen?
MAI
Yeah what about it? Did you give a
stupid response to one of his
questions?
ARABELLA
No, even worse! I was looking
around the class during the lecture
because I was bored out of my mind
and I made eye contact with the
cutest guy ever.
KIONAH
Okay how is that embarrassing? If
anything that's a good thing!
ARABELLA
Because he smiled at me and I
didn't smile back! I just kept
staring at him like an old pervert.
Arabella groans and Kionah and Mai try to stop themselves

from laughing.
ARABELLA (cont'd)
Guys it's not funny! He probably
thinks I'm creepy now.
MAI
Aw come on. He was probably just
confused or something! Wait, who
was it? Do we know him?
ARABELLA
To be honest, I have no clue who he
is. I've never had a class with
him. You guys might know him
though.
MAI
Well what does he look like?
ARABELLA
He's a bit taller than me, with
soft brown hair. He's pretty
muscular and has such a nice smile.
And he has the prettiest brown
eyes, with long and dark lashes.
MAI
Dang you really did stare hard as
fuck if you were able to notice all
that.
ARABELLA
Mai! Don't make feel worse that I
already do!
MAI
I'm sorry! I was just saying!
Kionah chuckles and watched as Arabella and Mai bicker with

one another. She looks towards the football field, where
there's a group of guys sitting on the bleachers. There's
one guy in particular looking at them. More specifically,
looking at Arabella.
KIONAH
Hey Ara, is the guy you made eye
contact with on the football team
by chance?
ARABELLA
Hm? Uh I'm not too sure, why?
KIONAH
Well that guy over there has been
looking at you the whole time we've
been walking.
ARABELLA
What? Who?
Arabella looks over at the bleachers and scans over the

faces of the boys sitting there. She stops in her tracks
when she once again makes eye contact with Xander. She whips
around to face Mai and Kionah again.
ARABELLA (cont'd)
Oh. My. God.
MAI
What! What!
ARABELLA
That's him! He's the guy from Mr.
Jensen's class!
KIONAH
Well, why are you looking at us!
Turn around and smile at him or
something!
ARABELLA
Are you out of your mind?
Absolutely not.
KIONAH
Come on, just do it!
Kionah grabs Arabella's shoulders and tries to turn her

around. Arabella struggles in her grasp, as she wriggles her
shoulders and tries to stand firm in her spot. Mai watches
them wrestle.
ARABELLA
Kionah let go! He's gonna think I'm
a weirdo! Plus what if he was
looking at someone else?
KIONAH
He was definitely looking at you!
In fact, he's still looking!
ARABELLA
Really?
Kionah nods her head and Arabella freezes. Kionah is finally

able to turn her around. Arabella looks at her and scowls at
her while brushing herself off. She finally looks back
towards Xander, who's still looking at her and is now
smiling. She smoothes down her hair and smiles back. Xander
chuckles and gives her a small wave. Arabella blushes and
waves back before turning around and linking her arms with
Kionah and Mai's arms and drags them away. She looks up at
them and they're beaming at her with wide smiles.
ARABELLA (cont'd)
Stop looking at me like that!
MAI
Like what?
ARABELLA
Like that! With those smug looks on
your faces! Nothing even happened,
all he did was wave.
Kionah and Mai look at each other before facing Arabella

again.
KIONAH
Ara, he was starting to walk
towards you. Right before you
dragged us away! You didn't see?
Arabella's face slowly pales and she has wide eyes.
ARABELLA
You're lying.
MAI
No we're serious! I saw him too!
Arabella groans before she puts her head in her hands.
ARABELLA
Great, now I've really done it.
He's never going to talk to me
again. When I thought I had a
slight chance of being able to talk
to him before, I don't think it's
ever going to happen now.
Kionah wraps her arm around Arabella's shoulders and giver

her arm a light squeeze.
KIONAH
Hey, don't be so hard on yourself.
Hopefully he just thought you were
in a rush to get lunch. At least
you waved back at him! You never
know what might happen.
MAI
Yeah, Kionah's right! How about we
buy you some Hot Cheetos to cheer
you up?
ARABELLA
Aw, you guys would do that for me?
MAI
Yes, of course!
ARABELLA
Wait, can I get two bags instead of
one? I'm just really, really sad.
Kionah rolls her eyes.
KIONAH
Okay relax before we change our
minds.
ARABELLA
No! I'm kidding, I'm kidding. One
bag will be more than enough.
The three girls laugh as they get in line to grab their

lunch.
END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO
INT. CLASSROOM - MORNING
Arabella rushes into the classroom with a coffee in one hand

and her phone in the other. She scans the room to find an
empty seat and her eyes land on one in the middle of the
classroom.
ARABELLA (V.O.)
Perfect. Not all the way in the
front, but not all the way in the
back either where I literally can't
see anything.
Arabella makes her way to the seat. She looks to see who
she's going to be sitting next to that morning. A girl with
blonde hair to her right and Xander to her left. She
immediately stops in her tracks.

Is that who I think that is?
Arabella sits quietly in her seat and places her phone an

coffee onto her desk. She smoothes down her hair as she
focuses on the empty whiteboard at the front of the
classroom. The students chat around her as they wait for Mr.
Jensen to arrive. Arabella quickly grabs her notebook and
pen from her backpack.
XANDER
I like your phone case. Very cute.
Arabella whips her head to the left to face Xander, who's

looking at her with a small smile. She stares at him for a
couple minutes before clearing her throat and grabbing her
phone. Her case has an image of the singer Bad Bunny on it,
with tiny red heart surrounding the image.
ARABELLA
Thanks! My best friends got it for
me for my birthday. They actually
go to this school too! You might
know them. Their names are Mai and
Kionah. Wait actually, you might
not know them. The school is pretty
huge so it's kinda impossible to
know every single student that
goes-
Arabella stops abruptly as she notices Xander looking at her

with wide eyes and an amused look on his face. Arabella
blushes and fidgets with the hem of her shirt.
ARABELLA (cont'd)
Sorry. I was rambling, wasn't I?
XANDER
(chuckling)
Don't worry about, I don't mind. My
name's Xander by the way. So I take
it that you like Bad Bunny?
Arabella's eyes widen and she fully turn her body to face
Xander, slapping her hands on her legs and leaning forward
towards him.
ARABELLA
My name is Arabella! And wait, you
know who Bad Bunny is?!
XANDER
Of course I do, he has some amazing
music. And he's getting pretty
popular now that he came out with a
new album.
ARABELLA
To be honest, I think you're the
only other person at this school
that even knows who Bad Bunny is.
Aside from my best friends of
course. But yeah, I love him! Not
only is he super handsome, but his
music is great.
Mr. Jensen rushes in the room with a stack of paper in his

hands. Arabella turns in her seat to face the front of the
classroom.
MR. JENSEN
(out of breath)
Sorry for being late class. The
copy machine in the teachers lounge
was jammed so I had to run to the
library to print out your guys'
homework. But not to worry, I had
no difficulties with the copy
machine there.
Arabella and the entire classroom groans.

MR. JENSEN (cont'd)

Alrighty, let us get started with
today's lesson!
Mr. Jensen pulls down a map attached to the top of the

whiteboard, grabs a ruler and turns to face the classroom
with a huge smile on his face.
MONTAGE
Mr. Jensen waves around his ruler before pointing to a spot

on the map. He asks the class what's the name of the country
he's pointing at and a student raises his hand. The blonde
girl sitting next to Arabella is dozing off, her head
falling closer and closer onto her desk. Arabella watches
her, her attention is averted to Mr. Jensen. He's stomping
towards her and the blonde girl and stands in front of her.
He yells out her name and the girl quickly sits up, wiping
her face and looking nervously around her. The classroom
erupts in laughter before Mr. Jensen heads back to the front
of the classroom, grabbing a textbook. He tells the class to
turn to a specific page in the book and to work on the
problems.
END MONTAGE
Arabella reads the textbook and quickly scribbles in her

notebook. Her eyes are glued to the questions as she rushed
to answer them. A small, folded piece of paper lands on her
desk. She grabs it and looks up. She looks around her and
makes eye contact with Xander, who sends her a wink. She
rolls her eyes before unfolding the paper.
XANDER
(written on the
note)
Since you love Bad Bunny so much,
would you ever be down to go to a
concert sometime? A friend of mine
can get us tickets for cheap.
Arabella's eyes widen and she quickly writes her response.

They take turns responding, passing the note back and forth.
ARABELLA
(written on the
note)
Absolutely! Just let me know how
much it comes out to and I'll pay
you back!
XANDER
(written on the
note)
No need to pay me back. It's my
treat.
ARABELLA
(written on the
note)
What! I have to pay you back! I
would feel horrible if I didn't.
XANDER
(written on the
note)
How about you repay me in a
different way?
ARABELLA
(written on the
note)
Hmm, what is it that you want?
XANDER
(written on the
note)
Give me your number and we'll call
it even.
Arabella chuckles and shakes her head before writing down

her number. She places the note on Xander's desk. He grips
it in his hand and waves it in front of her before shoving
it into his front pocket.
XANDER (cont'd)
Thank you very much, madam. I will
keep this very safe. And I'll text
you later today.
MR. JENSEN
Xander and Arabella, am I
interrupting something?
Xander and Arabella's heads whip to the front of the

classroom to face Mr. Jensen. Arabella's face slightly turns
red and Xander raises his eyebrows.
XANDER
Mr. Jensen I was just trying to get
a pretty girl's number, why did you
have to ruin the moment?
Arabella glares at Xander as her face turns an even brighter

shade of red. Mr. Jensen pinches the bridge of his noise. He
waves his arms in front of the classroom as he tries to stop
their cheering.
MR. JENSEN
Alright, alright everyone. Lets
quiet down. And Xander?
XANDER
Yes, Mr. Jensen?
MR. JENSEN
Let's try to flirt with girls
outside of the classroom, shall we?
Xander smiles and gives Mr. Jensen a small salute.
XANDER
You got it, Mr. J.
ARABELLA
(whispering)
Yeah, Xander let's keep this
outside of the classroom, alright?
Before you embarrass me again.
XANDER
I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean
to. I won't do it again. You're not
mad at me are you? Even though you
look pretty cute when you're
grumpy.
ARABELLA
Oh God, please shut up.
Xander laughs and Arabella rolls her eyes before going back
to reading her book and answering the questions in her
notebook.
END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE
Arabella lays on her bed, looking through a magazine with a

marker in her hand. She circles different pieces of clothing
as she flips through the pages. Her cell phone rings.
ARABELLA
Hello? Who's this?
INT. XANDER'S ROOM - NIGHT
Xander sits at his desk in front of his computer screen. He

holds his phone to his ear.
XANDER
Damn, forgot about me already?
INTERCUT XANDER/ARABELLA
ARABELLA
Xander?
XANDER
The one and only.
ARABELLA
I did not forget about you. You
just never texted me so I didn't
have your number saved.
XANDER
I know, my bad. I was going to
earlier, but I got caught up at
football practice. Anyways, I
wanted to talk to you about the
concert.
ARABELLA
Oh yeah, what's up? Don't tell me
it got cancelled.
XANDER
No, no don't worry. I just wanted
to ask what day you wanted to go.
He has two shows. One Friday and
then one on Saturday. Which day
works best?
ARABELLA
(nervously)
About that, I still have to ask
permission for my parents. And
well...they're sort of strict so
I'm not even sure if they'll let me
go.
XANDER
Damn, really? Even if you tell them
you're going with the most handsome
bachelor at your school?
ARABELLA
(chuckling)
Alright, relax. But maybe they'll
be okay with it? I'll ask them
right now and let you know what
they say!
XANDER
Sounds good to me! I'll talk to you
later then?
ARABELLA
Yeah, bye!
XANDER
See ya.
Arabella hangs up the phone. We stay on her side of the

scene. She quickly hops off her bed and paces around in her
room. She fidgets with her hands, before letting out a big
sigh and walking out her door.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Arabella's parents sit on the couch and watch TV. Her DAD
(50) tall and heavy built, with a thick mustache looks up at
her. He's wearing plaid pajamas.
DAD
Hey mija, what are you up to?
ARABELLA
Nothing much, I just got off the
phone with a friend.
DAD
That's nice. Do you want to join
us?
ARABELLA
Maybe in a bit, but there's
something I want to ask you guys.
DAD
Sure, what is it?
Arabella bites her lip and fidgets with the hem of her
shirt. She takes a breath before responding.
ARABELLA
You know how I'm taking honors
History with Mr. Jensen? Well, it's
going well and I have a high grade
in his class. And I've also made a
couple new friends! Anyways, one of
these friends asked me to go to a
concert with them and I was
wondering if I could go?
DAD
Who's this friend? Is she a nice
person?
ARABELLA
Well actually, it's 'he' not 'she'.
But he's super nice! And I'll pay
for my ticket! Well, he offered to
pay, but I obviously won't let him.
And I think he'll be able to pick
me up, so you guys won't have to
give me a ride. And I know you
guys-
MOM
No.
Arabella freezes before turning to face her mom, who is now

ignoring the TV and focusing all her attention on Arabella.
She has a stern look on her face and Arabella's dad looks
over at her as well.
ARABELLA
No? But you didn't let me finish.
Trust me-
MOM
I said no. And that's final.
ARABELLA
But mom, if you just let me finish
I-
MOM
Arabella. Stop arguing. I'm not
going to change my answer. You know
you're too young to start dating.
We've gone over this before.
ARABELLA
But it's not a date! I promise it
isn't. He's just a friend!
Arabella's mom raises her hand and shuts her eyes.
MOM
Enough. I'm not going over this
with you again.
Arabella has a look of disbelief on her face. She looks back

and forth between her mom and dad. Her mom looks very
serious and her dad has a sorry look on his face.
ARABELLA
(raspy)
Dad?
DAD
I'm sorry, mija. If your mom says
'no' then I can't argue with her.
Arabella's eyes well up with tears and she tucks her hair
behind her ears as she gives her parents a small nod. She
quickly turns, wiping her face as her tears begin to flow
down her cheeks.
Arabella flops onto her bed and grabs her pillow. She
smashes her face into and lets out a muffled scream. She
lays on her back and stares at her ceiling with teary eyes
for a moment. She flips over onto her stomach and grabs her
phone. She quickly types in a number.
XANDER
(over the phone)
Hi pretty girl. Are we going to the
concert or what?
Arabella starts crying once again, unable to respond to

Xander.
XANDER (cont'd)
(over the phone)
Hey, what happened? Are you
alright?
ARABELLA
Yeah, yeah I'm sorry. I'm just
upset right now.
XANDER
Is it because of your parents?
ARABELLA
Yeah, I tried to convince them to
let me go to the concert, but they
wouldn't even hear me out! Well, it
was more my mom who was refusing to
let go. She's so mean sometimes.
XANDER
Aw man, that is a bummer! That's
okay though! We'll go another time
and figure out a plan.
ARABELLA
Yeah, I guess we'll just have to
hang out another day. You know,
sometimes I kinda want to just
sneak out. I mean they'll never
know. But that's a dumb idea, huh?
Arabella rubs her forehead and chuckles. There's a long

pause of silence.
ARABELLA (cont'd)
Uh, Xander? You still there?
XANDER
Yeah, yeah I'm still here. I was
just...thinking.
ARABELLA
About what?
XANDER
About what you said.
ARABELLA
About what I said?
XANDER
Yeah. I don't think your idea was
dumb. If anything, I think it
sounds like a great idea.
Arabella sits up quickly on her bed, a confused look on her

face.
ARABELLA
You think me sneaking out is a good
idea?
XANDER
Yeah. I mean I know there's risks
involved, but I think it would be
fun. Plus like you said, your
parents will never find out.
ARABELLA
Would you really sneak out with me?
XANDER
Of course. I'd do anything to spend
time with you.
ARABELLA
(chuckling)
You're too cheesy, you know that
right?
XANDER
Only for you.
Arabella rolls her eyes, before hopping off her bed and she
paces her room.
ARABELLA
Uh huh. Anyways, when would we even
sneak out?
XANDER
Well, if you're not busy Friday
night, I think that would work out.
I know we were supposed to go to a
concert, but that might take too
long. So I have another place in
mind where we could hang out. And
we would only be there for an hour
or two. What do you say?
ARABELLA
You know what. Fuck it. I'm down.
XANDER
Yeah?
ARABELLA
Yeah. Let's do it.
XANDER
I like this side of you. I didn't
know you were adventurous. But
anyways we'll discuss the plan in
more detail tomorrow at school.
I'll see you then alright? Good
night and don't forget to dream
about me.
ARABELLA
Yeah, yeah whatever. I'll see you
tomorrow, bye!
Arabella hangs up the phone before tossing it onto her bed.

She jumps around her room and squeals in excitement. There's
a knock on her door and she freezes in place. Her dad pokes
his head in and lets out a sigh of relief.
DAD
You asleep yet, mija?
ARABELLA
No, not yet. What's up?
DAD
I just wanted to say sorry about
the way your mom acts. She's just
trying to look over you, that's
all.
ARABELLA
That's okay, Dad. Don't worry about
it. I'm okay.
DAD
Are you sure you're okay?
ARABELLA
Yeah, I'm more than okay.
Arabella has a sly smile on her face and quickly slaps her
hands over her mouth to cover it. Her dad gives her an
amused look.
DAD
Okay then Ara, goodnight. Sleep
well, I love you.
ARABELLA
Thank you, Dad. Goodnight and I
love you too.
Arabella's dad leaves and shuts the door. Arabella giggles

and dives beneath her covers, falling asleep.
END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR
INT. CLOTHING STORE - EVENING
Arabella, Kionah and Mai stand in the middle of a clothing

store. Mai is trying on some sunglasses and looks into a
mirror. Kionah is skimming through a rack of clothes.
Arabella has a pile of clothing in her arms, struggling to
carry it all.
ARABELLA
Okay, should we go try on our stuff
now?
KIONAH
Already? I haven't even found
anything I like yet.
ARABELLA
Kionah, we've been here an hour.
You haven't found even a couple
pieces that you like?
KIONAH
Well, there are a few things that I
kinda like I guess. Let me grab my
size real quick.
MAI
What do you guys think about this
hat?
Arabella and Kionah turn to face Mai who has a bright orange
hat on. Both of their faces scrunch up in disgust.
ARABELLA
Absolutely not.
KIONAH
That hat is horrendous.
MAI
Geez, I'll put it back then. I was
just trying to add some color in my
wardrobe.
KIONAH
Mai, I think you have a little much
color in there already.
The three girls laugh as they walk towards the fitting

rooms.
INT. FITTING ROOMS - EVENING
Mai sits on a small couch, waiting for Arabella and Kionah

to come out of their rooms to show her their clothes.
MAI
All I'm saying is that Sebastian
could be a little more considerate,
you know? I would find it super
sweet if he surprised me wit small
gifts every now and then.
KIONAH (O.S.)
(from inside a
fitting room)
Well have you told him all this?
MAI
What? Of course not! Are you crazy?
He would think I'm ungrateful or
something.
KIONAH (O.S.)
You need to communicate with him if
you want something done. He can't
just read your mind.
ARABELLA (O.S.)
(from inside a
fitting room)
Yeah, I'm gonna have to agree with
Kionah on this one Mai.
MAI
(grumbling)
Yeah, yeah whatever. Anyways, are
you still going with Xander to the
concert on Friday?
Arabella walks out of a fitting room with a matching set of

joggers on. She walks up to Mai.
ARABELLA
No, my parents didn't give me
permission to go.
MAI
Aw I'm sorry Ara. Since you don't
have plans Friday then would your
(MORE)
MAI (cont'd)
parents let you go out with us? We
should go watch a movie or
something.
KIONAH (O.S.)
Yeah, we should go!
ARABELLA
All I said was that I wasn't going
to the concert anymore. That
doesn't mean I'm not going to see
him.
Mai's eyebrows shoot up and Kionah swings the door of her

fitting room open. She quickly walks over to Arabella and
Mai.
KIONAH
What are you talking about? How are
still going to see him if your
parents didn't let you go to the
concert?
ARABELLA
I'm going to sneak out with him.
Mai and Kionah's eyes widen. They exchange looks before

looking back at Arabella.
MAI AND KIONAH

(at the same time)
You're going to do what!
ARABELLA
Guys relax! It's not that big of a
deal...
KIONAH
Not that big of a deal? Have you
gone nuts or something? What has
that boy done to you?
MAI
Yeah Ara, I don't think that would
be such a great idea. What if you
get caught! What's gonna happen
then?
ARABELLA
You guys worry too much. No one's
going to get caught. And it's only
going to be a one time thing.
KIONAH
Is that why you're buying that
sweat suit? Is that outfit the one
you're going to use for all your
delinquent activities from now on?
ARABELLA
Kionah you're being dramatic. But
yeah. It's cute, isn't it?
MAI
Yeah, I love the color!
KIONAH
Mai don't encourage her.
MAI
What? I'm just saying.
ARABELLA
Aw come on, Kionah. Don't be upset.
I'm just living my life a little.
Arabella flashes Kionah a big smile and gives her puppy

eyes. Kionah gives her a hard look before rolling her eyes.
KIONAH
Alright, alright I'm not upset.
Just be careful okay? I don't want
anything happening to you. And call
me if you need me! I'll be sleeping
with my phone that night.
Arabella chuckles before pulling Kionah into a hug.
ARABELLA
Yes, yes I'll be careful. And I'll
call you guys Saturday morning! So
I can spill all the juicy details.
MAI
Hey, where's my hug?
All three girls laugh before Kionah and Arabella pull Mai
from the couch. The three of them form a small circle as
they hug one another. Arabella pulls away first.
ARABELLA
Okay let's hurry and buy our
outfits! They're about to close and
I don't want to get kicked out.
MAI
Ara, can I borrow that sweatsuit
after you wear it?
ARABELLA
Absolutely not.
MAI
Aw come on!
KIONAH
I don't you're gonna want to use it
after Friday night. It's going to
have Xander's cooties on it.
MAI
Okay, ew.
Mai scrunches her nose in disgust and Kionah nods her head.
Arabella rolls her eyes.
END OF ACT FOUR

ACT FIVE
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
Arabella sits at the island table eating cereal. Her mom is

washing the dishes. Arabella quickly finishes eating and
gives her mom the bowl.
ARABELLA
Well Mom, I'm off to bed now. Good
night!
Arabella starts to walk away before her mom stops her.
MOM
So soon?
ARABELLA
Yeah, I'm pretty tired and I have a
headache. So I'm just going to
sleep it off.
MOM
Alright then mija. Goodnight.
Arabella runs off to her room.
Arabella enters her room and locks the door behind her. She
rushes over to her closet and changes into her new sweat
suit. She then heads over to her rug and sits on the floor.
She pulls out her phone from her pocket.
XANDER
(text on the phone)
What time should I head over?
Arabella stands up and walks over to her door, pressing her

ear against it. She hears her mom turn off the water in the
kitchen. She then hears her mom walk around before hearing a
door close. She rushes back to the rug where she left her
phone and responds to Xander.
ARABELLA
(text on the phone)
You can head over now. My mom just
went to bed.
XANDER
(text on the phone)
Alright, I'm on my way.
Arabella smiles before standing up and going over to her

vanity. She grabs her brush and combs her hair. She puts on
some lip balm and sprays some perfume on herself.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
Xander sits in the driver seat. He looks up and down the

empty and dark seat. A small movement catches and he turns
to look at one of the houses. He spots Arabella slowly
closing the front door of her her house. She quickly runs
towards his car and jumps in the passenger seat. She
slouches down and pulls on the drawstrings of her hoodie,
hiding her face even more.
ARABELLA
Drive! Drive! Drive!
XANDER
Alright, alright I'm going!
Xander reverses before driving down the street. He looks

over at Arabella, who looks very nervous.
XANDER (cont'd)
See that wasn't too hard was-
ARABELLA
I forgot my keys.
XANDER
What?
ARABELLA
I forgot the keys to my house. How
am I supposed to get back in?
XANDER
Did you leave your window open like
I told you too?
ARABELLA
Yeah, but what does that have to do
with... Oh now I see. I'll just
sneak in through my window right?
XANDER
Exactly.
ARABELLA
Xander, you're a genius.
XANDER
You always have to have a plan B.
Now, shall we go to our
destination?
ARABELLA
Yes! Let's go!
EXT. GRASSY FIELD WITH HILLS - NIGHT
Arabella and Xander get out of the car, slamming the doors
shut. Xander walks over to Arabella, grabbing her hand and
pulling her along with him. They begin to climb a hill.
ARABELLA
Uh, where are we? I'm not going to
lie, this is kind of scary. What if
a wolf jumps out.
XANDER
(laughing)
There are no wolves around here.
But this is just a view that I like
visiting. It's very peaceful and
well, you'll see.
Arabella and Xander continue climbing until they reach the

top of the hill. They stand there, taking in the view.
Arabella's eyes widen and her mouth slightly falls open.
Xander pulls out a blanket from his backpack and places it
on the floor. He sits on it and pulls Arabella down with
him. They sit next to each other. He then pulls out some
chips and juices.
XANDER (cont'd)
I know this may not be most
organized or healthiest picnic, but
I thought we could enjoy some
snacks. You like Hot Cheetos right?
ARABELLA
Yes, I love Hot Cheetos! They're my
favorite snack. You brought me
some?
XANDER
Yeah, I saw you eating them the
other day so I thought to bring
them along with me.
Xander hands the bag of Hot Cheetos over to Arabella. She

opens it and munches on some chips. Xander opens his juice
and begins sipping on it.
XANDER (cont'd)
You know, I've been watching you do
a lot of things.
Arabella stops chewing for a moment before looking over at

Xander with squinted eyes.
ARABELLA
You do know you sound like a
stalker right now, right?
XANDER
Wait, no! That came out really
wrong. I promise you I'm not a
creep I-
Arabella watches as Xander begins to get flustered and

bursts into laughter. Xander looks over at her, a confused
look on his face.
ARABELLA
(breathless)
Xander it's okay. I'm just messing
with you. But what do you mean by
watching me huh?
XANDER
Wow, you know I have to get you
back for that right? Whatever. As I
was saying, I've been really
interested in you since the moment
I saw you.
ARABELLA
You remember the first time you saw
me?
XANDER
Of course I do. It was during
lunch. I was sitting with my
friends and were about to grab
lunch. We were looking over the
lines, trying to find the shortest
one. That's when I spotted you. You
were walking with Mai? I think
that's her name. And you two went
got in line where I guess you
bumped into another friend.
Obviously I thought you very
(MORE)
XANDER (cont'd)
beautiful, but what really caught
my attention was how you greeted
that friend.
ARABELLA
How I greeted my friend?
XANDER
Yeah, you dapped her up. And I
thought it was the cutest thing
ever.
ARABELLA
(laughing)
Really? Xander you're something
else. I've never been told that the
way I greet someone was cute.
XANDER
Well if I'm being honest,
everything you do is cute.
ARABELLA
Thank you. You're so sweet to me.
XANDER
And what about me? Why do you find
me so irresistible?
Xander wiggles his eyebrows and raises his arms to flex his
muscles. Arabella gapes at him for a moment before rolling
her eyes and laughing.
ARABELLA
You're so dumb. But if I'm being
honest, there are a lot of things
that I like about you.
XANDER
Okay. Keep going.
ARABELLA
Well for one I like how kind you
are. I don't think there's been a
time where I've seen you be mean to
anyone. I also really like how you
always make me laugh, even if say
the most ridiculous things. And I
like how thoughtful you are.
Xander pretends to wipe away a tear and slaps his hand over
his heart. He fans his face.
XANDER
That's the sweetest thing anyone's
ever said to me.
ARABELLA
Uh huh. You just eat up all this
attention don't you.
XANDER
Me? No of course not! Wait! I
forgot to give you something.
Xander digs in his backpack before pulling out a small box

wrapped in pink wrapping paper. He hands it over to
Arabella.
XANDER (cont'd)
I know we weren't able to go to the
concert so I thought I could give
this to you instead so you wouldn't
be too bummed out about. And I know
your favorite color is pink.
Arabella scrunches her brows and looks back and forth

between Xander and the gift. She carefully unwraps it and
opens the box. Inside is a special edition Bad Bunny CD.
Arabella gasps.
ARABELLA
What! How did you even know I
wanted this? Where did you even get
it?
XANDER
Well I bumped into Kionah the other
day when I was walking to class and
I asked her if there was anything
you really wanted. And well she
told me. And remember that friend I
told you about that would be able
to get us tickets? Well, he also
has access to these kind of things
so I asked him to get me one. It's
no big deal-
Arabella stares at Xander for a couple of seconds before

pulling him into a hug. He immediately wraps his arms around
her back. She pulls back and gives him a small kiss on the
lips. Xander pulls back with wide eyes, before smiling and
leaning in to kiss her again. They pull away and Arabella
leans in his arms. They cuddle as they look up at the stars.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Arabella and Xander hug each other and lean against his car.
Arabella looks up at him and gives him a quick kiss before
pulling away.
ARABELLA
Okay I guess I should head inside
now. Text me once you get home!
XANDER
Yeah for sure! Bye, I'll see you
soon.
Arabella runs across the street and up to her room's window.
Arabella turns on the light to her room and turns to see her
mom sitting on her bed.
MOM
(angry)
Care to explain where you've been?
Arabella's face turns pale. She walks backwards until her

back hits the wall.
ARABELLA
M-mom. What are you doing in here?
MOM
Arabella Rose Garcia. You better
tell me where you've been this
instant.
Arabella's mom stands and walks up to her. She's inches away

from her face, her face distorted with rage. Arabella tries
to inch away.
ARABELLA
I-i was out with a friend.
MOM
A friend? What kind of friend would
make you sneak out to see them?
Give me their name right now.
ARABELLA
Mom, please just calm-
MOM
NOW.
ARABELLA
Xander. His name is Xander.
Arabella's mom pulls back her arm and slaps Arabella across
the face. Arabella's head jerks to the side from the force
of the slap. Her hand shoots up and she cups her cheek
before slowly turning to face her mom again. Her eyes well
up with tears.
MOM
How. Dare. You. Is this the way I
raised you? To be a fucken whore
and sneak around with men in the
middle of the night? I thought I
was a good mom. I thought I taught
you how to be a good daughter. And
this is the way you behave?
ARABELLA
It's not my fault! I need this
because of you!
MOM
Oh now you're putting the blame on
me? Blaming me for your actions?
ARABELLA
Yes! You literally never let me go
anywhere or do anything! It feels
like I live in a prison! I hate it!
I hate it here! I hate you!
Arabella's mom takes a step back. She has a shocked look on

her face. It switches to her looking hurt and back to angry.
She lets out a long sigh. She snatches Arabella's phone from
her hands and puts it in her pocket.
ARABELLA (cont'd)
Wait why are you taking my phone!
MOM
You're grounded. For a very long
time. And I don't want you to ever
contact that boy again, you hear
me?
ARABELLA
But Mom I-
MOM
You hear me? Ever again. Be
grateful I'm not kicking you out of
the house.
Arabella meets her mom's eyes before looking at the ground

and nods her head.
MOM (cont'd)
Okay then. We'll discuss your
punishments tomorrow.
Arabella's mom walks out of her room and slams the door
behind her. Arabella walks over to her bed and flops onto
it. She hugs her pillow to her chest and begins sobbing.
END OF ACT FIVE

Comm 301 Episodic Script Final

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(Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In)

INT. CAR - NIGHT

Arabella looks over at Xander.

Xander reaches over and grabs Arabella's hand, giving it a

EXT. ARABELLA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Xander is leaning on his car while Arabella is facing him.

Arabella starts walking towards her house and waves at

INT. ARABELLA'S ROOM - NIGHT

Arabella slowly closes her window and sighs a sigh of

Arabella whips around to find her MOM (38) sitting on her

INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - MORNING

Arabella is walking down the hallways with her two best

INT. GYM - AFTERNOON

Arabella's warming up for one of her volleyball games. Her

Arabella is still looking at Kionah's sign. Her smile widens

squints and looks at Kionah's lips, trying to make out what

INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY- MORNING

Arabella, Mai and Kionah finally arrive at Kionah's class.

Kionah rolls her eyes and Mai giggles.

INT. ICE CREAM SHOP - EVENING

Arabella's with Mai at a local ice cream shop, both standing

Arabella catches on that Mai is a bit timid and nervous to

The server, SEBASTIAN (18) stops cleaning and looks up at

Mai is standing behind Arabella, but peeks around her

Sebastian walks over to Arabella and Mai's booth, a

He looks over at Mai and places the sundae in front of her,

Arabella and Mai look at each other with confused looks.

Mai unwraps the spoon and unfolds the napkin. Scribbled on

Mai laughs and neatly folds the napkin before putting it

INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY- MORNING

Arabella and Mai walk towards Mai's classroom with their

Mai looks up at Arabella with puppy eyes and her hands

Arabella walks away and down a few more classrooms. Her

The classroom groans, but they take out their notebooks to

Arabella starts looking around the classroom. She spots a

ARABELLA (V.O.) (cont'd)

ARABELLA (V.O.) (cont'd)

Arabella tries to focus on what Mr. Jensen is saying but

Arabella is out the door before Mr. Jensen gets to finish

EXT. LUNCH TABLES - AFTERNOON

Arabella, Mai and Kionah meet up at their usual lunch table

Arabella groans and Kionah and Mai try to stop themselves

Kionah chuckles and watched as Arabella and Mai bicker with

Arabella looks over at the bleachers and scans over the

Kionah grabs Arabella's shoulders and tries to turn her

Kionah nods her head and Arabella freezes. Kionah is finally

Kionah and Mai look at each other before facing Arabella

Arabella's face slowly pales and she has wide eyes.

Arabella groans before she puts her head in her hands.

Kionah wraps her arm around Arabella's shoulders and giver

Kionah rolls her eyes.

The three girls laugh as they get in line to grab their

END OF ACT ONE

INT. CLASSROOM - MORNING

Arabella rushes into the classroom with a coffee in one hand

ARABELLA (V.O.) (cont'd)

Arabella sits quietly in her seat and places her phone an

Arabella whips her head to the left to face Xander, who's

Arabella stops abruptly as she notices Xander looking at her

Mr. Jensen rushes in the room with a stack of paper in his

Arabella and the entire classroom groans.

MR. JENSEN (cont'd)

Mr. Jensen pulls down a map attached to the top of the