SCENE ONE – INT. POLICE STATION
SKYLAR is being escorted down the hallway by an OFFICER.
SCENE TWO – INT. POLICE STATION – INTERVIEW ROOM
SKYLAR and THE DETECTIVE are sitting at the table.
DETECTIVE: I’m afraid that time is running out, Ms. McKay. If you know anything, I need you to tell me.
SKYLAR remains silent and stares deeply at the table.
The camera begins to close in on SKYLAR’s face as she looks up from the table.
SKYLAR: My friends had nothing to do with this.
DETECTIVE: And you know this, how?
SKYLAR: Because I did it.
The camera pauses when it finishes closing in on SKYLAR’s face.
SKYLAR: I killed Stella Marshall.
SCENE THREE – OPENING TITLE
The opening title is displayed.
SCENE FOUR – INT. SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT
LOLA is making breakfast in the kitchen.
JAXON is sitting at the counter.
LOLA: Are you sure that you weren’t meant to be a writer? Because that is the most elaborate story I’ve ever heard.
JAXON: It’s not a story. It’s our new reality.
LOLA turns to face him.
LOLA: It was just a bad dream.
JAXON: Not really. I mean if we think about it, Sky would have every reason in the world to want to take Stella out. I mean there’s things between those two that we still don’t know about.
LOLA: True. But there’s no way that would happen. No one is going to die.
JAXON: Lo, my dreams have a 98% accuracy rating. I once dreamed that I was dating a supermodel and look at me now.
LOLA: Okay, but there’s a far line between having a dream date and our friend committing a murder.
JAXON: Have you seen or talked to Sky since last night?
LOLA: I wanted to, but she’s heading upstate to visit her dad.
JAXON: The perfect cover story.
LOLA: It’s literally been on the calendar for months. She planned to go see him long before any of this happened.
JAXON: Whatever. But at least last night wasn’t a total bust.
LOLA: True. We all dressed up in amazing costumes, you threw a great party—
JAXON: And you and Sam finally put yourselves out of your misery by finally admitting how you feel about each other.
LOLA blushes.
LOLA: Yeah, that happened too.
JAXON: You can try to play it off like it’s no big deal, but I see right through you, Lo.
LOLA softly scoffs.
LOLA: Do you now?
JAXON: I do. I mean I’m happy for you two and all, but I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little disappointed that I’m not getting any credit for the role I played in this.
LOLA begins to plate up the food.
LOLA: And what exactly did you do?
JAXON: I’m the one who told you to tell him you feel first.
LOLA: And how exactly did that turn out again?
JAXON: Just the way it was supposed to because if you and Sam had started dating before Raya came back, it probably would’ve been way more complicated.
LOLA: True.
JAXON: It’s just so nice that we can finally put all of that awkwardness and drama behind us. I’m not sure how many more of those little fights I was going to be able to endure.
SAM is walking down the steps in his pajamas and smiles when he hears LOLA’s distant laugh from the kitchen.
LOLA hands out a plate of food for JAXON to take.
LOLA: You’re hilarious if you think that’s going to stop anytime soon. He’s still the most annoying person on the planet.
JAXON chuckles before he starts eating.
SAM enters the living area.
SAM: Talking about me?
LOLA: Always.
SAM gives LOLA a kiss and gently hugs her from behind.
LOLA smiles at him.
JAXON looks at them in disgust.
JAXON: Ugh. Cut it out, you two. Some of us are trying to eat.
SAM: Oh, but it’s not a problem when you and Liv do it?
JAXON: No, because Liv and I have class.
SAM and LOLA glance down at Jaxon’s shirt.
The camera pans to Jaxon’s graphic tee that showcases his immaturity.
JAXON: Well, Liv does.
SAM grabs his breakfast plate and sits down next to JAXON.
SAM: So what’s on everyone’s agendas today?
JAXON: Well it’s my first day back since my suspension.
SAM: Any regrets?
JAXON: Nope and quite frankly, I don’t regret it because it knocked some sense into him.
LOLA: Well you should be careful. His fans have already got the drop on this. It didn’t take them that long to connect the pieces.
JAXON sighs.
JAXON: God, they are relentless.
SAM: And unemployed.
LOLA non verbally agrees as she sips her drink.
JAXON: Whatever. I’ll deal with it. What about you, Lo?
LOLA: Putting out some fires after last night’s party and Stella’s surprise pop up.
SAM: I can’t believe that she came back here.
LOLA: If I had known that she was gonna do that, I wouldn’t have gone to see her first.
SAM: Well I’m not offering her her job back if that’s what she wants. Trust me. Sebastian probably wouldn’t even let me even if I wanted to.
JAXON: Do you?
SAM: No.
LOLA: Good. Honestly, I think it would do more harm than good, especially for Sky. I’ve been trying to reach her since I woke up this morning and she won’t answer my calls.
SAM: Just give her some time. I’m sure she’ll talk to you when she’s ready.
LOLA nonverbally nods in response.
SCENE FIVE – INT. LIV’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM
ARIA walks through the front door carrying two large moving boxes.
LIV: I already told you that you didn’t have to do this.
ARIA: Are you kidding?
ARIA sets down the boxes.
ARIA: I don’t get why I didn’t do it sooner. And trust me, if those goons or anyone else comes back here to harass you, they’re gonna have to deal with me.
LIV: And I appreciate it, but you don’t have to fight all of my battles.
ARIA: I know. But I do it because I love you.
LIV: I love you too.
LIV and ARIA hug before they start unpacking boxes.
ARIA: Hey, did you see Jaylin’s video that he posted?
LIV: Yeah. It was nice to see him act like a genuine human being without any stipulations.
ARIA: So do you think you’ll finally accept his offer of being friends?
LIV: I’m still sitting on that one.
ARIA: Understandable.
LIV opens a new box.
LIV: What time do you have to meet Devyn?
ARIA: 1:00.
LIV: Nervous?
ARIA: Not really. The worst thing she can do is say no.
LIV checks the time on her phone.
LIV: Well I have to get going to work.
ARIA: Okay.
LIV grabs her coat and work bag before heading to the door.
LIV: Call me later.
ARIA: I will.
LIV opens the front door.
LIV: Love you.
ARIA: Love you too.
LIV exits and closes the door behind her.
SCENE SIX – EXT. NEW YORK CITY – STREET
SAM and JAXON are walking down the street en route to work holding coffees.
JAXON takes a sip of his coffee.
JAXON: So what do you think?
SAM sips his coffee.
SAM: Not bad. Should I be worried about you leaving L&O to work at Peyton’s?
JAXON: Oh not in a million years. I’m very happy where I am, thank you.
SAM: Well that’s good to hear because we have a lot of lost time to make up for. We all need to be on our A-game.
JAXON: Oh don’t you worry. I am 100% focused. From here on out, there will be no distractions.
JAXON FAN 1 AND 2 approach SAM and JAXON.
JAXON FAN 1: Excuse me, you’re Jaxon Takeda, right?
SAM and JAXON slow down to a stop to talk to them.
JAXON: That’s me. If you want my wallet, you’re out of luck. I’m tapped out.
JAXON FAN 2: Oh, no. We just wanted to ask if we could get a picture with you.
SAM’s eyebrows raise in surprise.
JAXON: Really?
JAXON FAN 1: Yeah.
JAXON: Um, sure. Sam, do you mind taking it?
SAM: Not at all.
JAXON FAN 1 hands SAM her phone.
JAXON poses in the picture with JAXON FAN 1 & 2.
SAM takes the picture and glances at the phone.
SAM: Looks good.
SAM hands the phone back to JAXON FAN 1.
JAXON FAN 1 smiles at the photo and shows it to JAXON FAN 2.
JAXON FAN 1: Thank you so much.
SAM: No problem.
JAXON FAN 2: You know you just made her week.
JAXON: I’m glad. And it was really nice meeting you two, but we really have to get to work.
JAXON FAN 2: Of course. Thanks again.
JAXON FAN 1 and 2 head down the sidewalk.
SAM and JAXON continue to walk in the opposite direction.
JAXON: What was that?
SAM: I’m guessing that had something to do with Jaylin’s recent interview addressing that little altercation you guys had. This is your life now. Nothing will ever be the same for you.
JAXON: Oh please. That was nothing. This whole situation will be old news by next week. You’ll see.
SAM smirks.
SAM: Whatever you say.
SAM continues down the sidewalk and JAXON follows.
SCENE SEVEN – INT. ROSE PUBLICATIONS – SEBASTIAN’S OFFICE
SEBASTIAN is sitting at his desk.
SAM and LOLA are sitting in chairs facing him.
SEBASTIAN: I’m sure it will come as no surprise to you both that I have extremely high expectations for all of you moving forward.
SAM: We understand.
SEBASTIAN: I’m glad that you do because I don’t want your work at L&O to be derailed by anything. Although I can imagine that might be difficult given Miss Marshall’s recent return.
LOLA: And I promise you that I’m on top of it. I would be lying if I said I didn’t cause this, so I will fix it.
SEBASTIAN: Good. I trust that you’ll use this time of Skylar’s absence to your advantage.
LOLA: Absolutely.
SEBASTIAN: Good. Now onto other matters. I understand that you two have finally decided to join forces.
SAM smirks.
SAM: You could say that.
SEBASTIAN: Can’t say I didn’t see that coming. However, with there being more of you romantically involved at L&O, I’ll admit that I have some concerns.
LOLA: We promise we will keep things completely professional.
SAM: 100%.
SEBASTIAN showcases a disbelieving look.
SEBASTIAN: I’m sure you will. Now I am going to have my hands full with Sapphire for a while, but I’ll still be checking in from time to time to make sure that we’re still on track.
LOLA: Of course.
SEBASTIAN: I’m looking forward to seeing what you all come up with for your next issues. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do.
SAM and LOLA stand.
SAM: Thanks for your time.
SAM approaches the door first to open the door for LOLA.
SAM and LOLA exit.
SCENE EIGHT – INT. ROSE PUBLICATIONS – OFFICE HALLWAY
SAM and LOLA are walking side by side.
SAM reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small envelope.
SAM: Before I forget, this is for you.
LOLA gently takes it from it and scans it.
LOLA: What is this?
SAM: Open it.
SAM and LOLA slow down to a stop.
LOLA opens up the envelope and pulls out a notecard.
LOLA reads the card out loud.
LOLA: “Meet me at the loft tonight at 8.” What did you do?
SAM: You’ll see.
SAM smirks mischievously as he continues down the hall.
LOLA glances back at the card and notices the doodle of a cupcake in the bottom right corner.
LOLA fights back a smile and follows him.
SCENE NINE – INT. REC CENTER – GYM
BRIANNA and JADA are doing a walkthrough while discussing all of the newly finished renovations.
BRIANNA: Wow. Look at this place.
JADA: I know, right? It’s amazing seeing it all finished.
BRIANNA smiles in awe at the stage.
BRIANNA: I love the stage.
JADA: Me too. And I can’t even imagine all of the incredible performances that are going to happen here, starting with our Christmas production.
BRIANNA: Ugh. Don’t remind me.
JADA: Wait, I thought you were really excited about the show. It’s all you’ve been talking about for the past few months.
BRIANNA: I am, but I just don’t know how I’m gonna get everything done in time. Whether I like it or not, my work at Rose is my first priority and with most of our volunteers out of town for the holidays, I’m completely swamped.
JADA: Fair enough. Let me help.
BRIANNA: J, please. This is not the time for jokes. I mean this in the nicest possible way, but you have absolutely no skills that enable you to direct this production.
JADA: Whoa. Don’t hold back now.
BRIANNA: Sorry.
JADA: It’s cool. You’re right. But don’t worry. I will find you someone who can.
BRIANNA: Thanks.
Brianna’s phone rings in her pocket.
BRIANNA pulls out the phone.
BRIANNA: Oh, it’s Sky.
JADA: I’ll let you take that. Tell her I said hi.
BRIANNA: I will.
JADA walks off.
BRIANNA answers the call.
BRIANNA: Hey Sky.
SCENE TEN – AURORA, NEW YORK – INT. MCKAY RANCH – LIVING ROOM
SKYLAR is sitting on the couch.
SKYLAR: Hey Bri.
BRIANNA: I’m so sorry I didn’t get a chance to call you this morning. Things have been pretty busy.
SKYLAR: I get it. I don’t know what to do with all this free time here.
BRIANNA: So things are going pretty well?
SKYLAR: Yeah. It’s been nice to enjoy the quiet and reconnect with my roots. It’s been a while since my dad and I have spent time together alone.
BRIANNA: That’s nice.
SKYLAR: How are things there?
BRIANNA: Okay for the most part. The rec center is finally finished and it looks amazing. As for work, the jury’s still out on that one.
SKYLAR: This isn’t about Stella, is it?
BRIANNA sighs.
SKYLAR: What did she do?
BRIANNA: Nothing yet, besides making everyone a bit uneasy about why she suddenly decided to return to New York.
SKYLAR: Well if I know Stella, I’m sure she wants to make amends.
BRIANNA: And what do you think about that?
SKYLAR: I honestly don’t know. But I do know that I have to approach this issue very carefully because if I don’t, it could completely backfire on me.
BRIANNA: Good point.
SKYLAR: Look, I’ll let you get back to work. But I’ll check in later, okay?
BRIANNA: Yeah. Talk to you later.
SKYLAR: Bye.
SKYLAR ends the call.
SCENE ELEVEN – EXT. MCKAY RANCH – STABLE
SKYLAR enters the stable and finds MR. MCKAY tending to his horse.
SKYLAR: Hey dad.
MR. MCKAY: Hi honey.
MR. MCKAY kisses SKYLAR on the cheek.
MR. MCKAY: Did you talk to Brianna?
SKYLAR: Yeah. She said things are okay for now.
MR. MCKAY: Just okay?
SKYLAR: Yeah. I guess it could be worse. Stella could’ve pushed someone off of the ledge by now.
MR. MCKAY: I still don’t get why you and your friends didn’t take legal action against her. Defamation of character is a serious issue, especially when you do it publicly on the internet like she did.
SKYLAR and MR. MCKAY begin to make their way back to the house.
SKYLAR: I know, but we all thought that it was the right thing to do.
MR. MCKAY: And you still believe that?
SKYLAR: I believe that my history with Stella is not something that can be forgotten overnight. And as much as I hate what she did to us, she’s a huge part of the reason I’m still alive today. Who knows what would’ve happened if she didn’t follow me and Imogen to that party.
MR. MCKAY: You know, there’s still a huge part of me that feels guilty about that.
SKYLAR: Dad, I told you. It wasn’t your fault. I was messed up long before that party.
MR. MCKAY: Yes and I couldn’t help but notice that you started drinking when things got really bad between me and your mother.
SKYLAR: I’m really sorry that I put you and mom through that. I’m sure the last thing you needed was a rebellious teenager complicating things.
MR. MCKAY: I always knew you’d be the one.
SKYLAR: Okay, ouch.
MR. MCKAY: I’m just being honest.
SKYLAR playfully pushes him.
MR. MCKAY: And I’m very proud of you for getting your life together.
SKYLAR: Well it’s easy when you have a good group of people behind you.
MR. MCKAY grins.
SKYLAR: Are you up for a ride later?
MR. MCKAY: I wouldn’t miss it.
MR. MCKAY hugs SKYLAR from the side.
SCENE TWELVE – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – FASHION CLOSET
LIV enters the closet carrying dress bags and turns on the lights.
SAM follows behind her carrying shopping bags.
LIV: Thanks for helping me.
LIV hangs the dress bags up on a rack.
SAM: No problem. That’s what I’m here for.
SAM sets the bags down.
SAM: Although you probably should’ve considered hiring me as a bodyguard instead of your bellhop. But I guess Jax has that covered.
LIV: He does and so does Aria. I think we’re good. Besides, that whole situation was just a fluke and it likely won’t happen again. But something good did come out of it. I realized that I’m not really as skilled in my self defense techniques as I need to be.
SAM: Me either. It probably couldn’t hurt for all of us to get a little refresher.
LIV reaches into her bag and pulls out her phone.
LIV: That’s why I’ve decided to enroll myself in some self defense classes.
SAM takes her phone to look at the website.
SAM: Nice. I think this will be a good thing for you.
SAM hands the phone back to LIV.
LIV: Thanks. I think so too. Maybe I could practice my skills on you.
SAM: Yeah, I don’t think that’s a good idea.
LIV: Chicken.
SAM: I am not a chicken.
LIV: Yes you are.
SAM: Tell you what. I’ll enroll in the class too and then we’ll see who’s the chicken.
LIV: Wonderful. Maybe I should invite Lola to come too so she can see me kick your butt.
SAM: Once again, not necessary. Besides, I don’t need to prove anything to Lola. She likes me just the way I am.
LIV: I still don’t get why.
SAM: Okay, that’s rude. I’m going back to my office now.
LIV: You do that. Maybe that’ll give you some time to think of a comeback.
SAM: I have tons of comebacks. I just don’t want to hurt your feelings because I am a gentleman.
LIV: Sure.
LIV softly pats SAM on the shoulder before going over to her sewing desk.
SAM dramatically scoffs and exits.
LIV looks over at the door and smiles before getting to work.
SCENE THIRTEEN – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – WORKSHOP
JAXON is working on painting a set.
WILL enters.
WILL: Hey Jax.
JAXON turns to face him.
JAXON: Will. What’s up, man?
WILL: I’ve come to relieve you.
JAXON glances at his watch.
JAXON: My break doesn’t start for another 15 minutes.
WILL: I know, but apparently there’s a car outside waiting for you.
JAXON: What? I didn’t order a ride.
JAXON sets his paintbrush down.
JAXON: I’ll go down and check it out.
WILL: I’ll take over from here.
JAXON: Thanks. I’ll be back up as soon as I can.
JAXON takes off his coveralls and lays it on the stool before he exits.
SCENE FOURTEEN – EXT. ROSE PUBLICATIONS – MAIN ENTRANCE
JAXON exits the building and looks around at all the cars that are parked out front.
JAYLIN calls out to him off-screen.
JAYLIN: Jaxon Takeda.
JAXON follows the sound of his voice and sees JAYLIN in the back seat of his limo with his window rolled down. He begins to approach him.
JAXON: Jaylin? What are you doing here?
JAYLIN: Get in. We need to talk.
JAXON’s eyebrows raise with intrigue.
SCENE FIFTEEN – EXT. SOUND WAVES MUSIC STORE
ARIA walks down the sidewalk until she reaches the entrance of the store and goes inside.
SCENE SIXTEEN – INT. SOUND WAVES MUSIC STORE
Rock music is playing inside the store.
IVAN is stocking shelves and notices her.
IVAN: Aria Cole. To what do I owe this pleasure?
ARIA: Hi Ivan. I’m here to see Devyn. She said she’d be here.
IVAN: She’s right upstairs. You can use those stairs there.
ARIA: Thanks.
IVAN: No problem.
As ARIA heads towards the stairs, IVAN returns to work.
SCENE SEVENTEEN – INT. DEVYN’S LOFT – LIVING ROOM
DEVYN is composing an original song on the piano. She plays around with a line a few times before jotting it down in her songwriting notebook.
ARIA enters the apartment from the stairs and grins when she sees DEVYN. Her eyes can’t help but to glance to one of the bookshelves that features all of the Wildwave memorabilia.
DEVYN closes her book.
ARIA: Hey stranger.
DEVYN looks back at her and smiles.
DEVYN: Aria. Hey.
DEVYN stands and goes to hug her.
DEVYN: Thanks for coming.
ARIA: No problem. I’m currently unemployed until further notice so I’ve got all the time in the world.
DEVYN: I’ve been there. When I pictured where I would be at this point in my life, it certainly wasn’t working at a music store without an uncertain future as far as my music is concerned.
ARIA: You’re joking, right?
DEVYN’s eyebrows raise.
ARIA: Dev, your music career is far from over.
DEVYN: You must be forgetting the fact that I went up against one of the top record labels in this city and lost. No one is going to want to sign me.
ARIA: That’s not true. There are a ton of labels that would want to sign you in a heartbeat. They just have to hear you. The real you.
DEVYN: And how would I do that? I wouldn’t even know where to begin.
ARIA: You should perform at the winter concert.
DEVYN: I don’t know. I don’t think I’m ready to perform on my own without the girls yet. I’m not even sure that I would want to.
ARIA: I understand.
DEVYN and ARIA move to sit on the couch.
DEVYN: Lately, I’ve been thinking about what a future with a new era of Wildwave could look like and I really love it.
ARIA: That sounds amazing.
DEVYN: Unfortunately, I imagine that it will take some serious convincing to get my sister and the other girls on board.
ARIA: I’m willing to put in the work if you are.
DEVYN smiles.
SCENE EIGHTEEN – INT. LIMO
JAXON and JAYLIN are sitting in the back.
JAYLIN hands JAXON a drink.
JAXON: Thanks.
JAXON takes a sip.
JAXON: So is there a good reason that you called me out of work in the middle of the day?
JAYLIN: You said you wanted to talk.
JAXON: I just meant over the phone.
JAYLIN: Oh well. We’re both here now, so let’s talk.
JAXON: Well, I know that you and I got off to a pretty rocky start, but I just wanted to thank you for making the right choice by helping us get out of that mess with Sofia and Sapphire.
JAYLIN: Of course. You’re not such a bad guy. You shouldn’t be treated like the enemy. I just wanted people to know the real you, not the person they saw in that video. That’s why I said what I did in that interview.
JAXON: Well I think you buttered me up a little too much.
JAYLIN: What do you mean?
JAXON: I had random strangers come up to me this morning on my way to work asking for a photo and my social media following has gone up quite a bit in the last 48 hours. If I’m being honest, I’m not sure how I feel about that.
JAYLIN: Ah. Well don’t worry, this phase doesn’t last very long. I’d give it about six weeks before the next round of celebrity gossip hits the internet.
JAXON: Is it really that serious?
JAYLIN: You’d be surprised.
JAXON: Jay, I have far more important things to do than worry about being the topic of the latest hot gossip. My friends and I are doing everything we can to get our reader engagement back up after everything that happened with the show and I really need to do my part.
JAYLIN: Well then, if I were you, I’d capitalize on this newfound fame for as long as you can.
JAXON: And how exactly do you suggest that I do that?
JAYLIN smirks mischievously.
JAYLIN: I just might have some ideas.
JAYLIN pulls out his phone.
JAXON: And suddenly, I’m scared.
JAYLIN: Oh come on. Don’t you trust me?
JAXON: I barely know you.
JAYLIN: Fair enough.
SCENE NINETEEN – INT. ROSE PUBLICATIONS – CAFE
LOLA and STELLA are sitting at a table having lunch.
STELLA: I know what you’re gonna say.
LOLA: I’m glad. What were you thinking?
STELLA: I was thinking that I have a lot of unresolved things in my life and I couldn’t take it anymore.
LOLA sighs.
STELLA: Look, I knew that it was a risk, but it’s really not much different from you showing up at my house without much notice.
LOLA: You’re right. It wasn’t. And believe me, I was all for taking the forgiveness route with you—
STELLA: As long as I stayed away.
LOLA: You said it, not me.
STELLA sighs.
LOLA: Well you’re just lucky that Sky’s not back yet because you know she’s gonna have a lot to say about this.
STELLA: I know. Trust me, she had a lot to say the last time we saw each other. But regardless, I’m ready to face whatever comes my way because it’s what I deserve after everything that I did.
LOLA: And how long do you plan on sticking around?
STELLA: I don’t know. I guess, however long it takes.
LOLA: And where are you staying?
STELLA: With my aunt and trust me, it wasn’t easy.
LOLA: Meaning?
STELLA: That besides you, Sky, and everyone else, she gave me quite an earful over the phone when she found out about what I did.
LOLA slowly nods as STELLA continues.
STELLA: And the only way that she let me come back here to stay with her is if I worked for it.
LOLA: Makes sense. Any luck on the job front?
STELLA: I’ve put some applications out there so we’ll see. Now can we talk about something else?
LOLA: Like?
STELLA: You and Sam.
LOLA: I saw that coming.
STELLA: We all did. You’re just lucky that I’m not writing anymore because this is definitely a cover story.
LOLA: It really isn’t.
STELLA chuckles.
SCENE TWENTY – EXT. MCKAY RANCH
SKYLAR and MR. MCKAY are racing their horses across the field. Once they reach the lake, they begin to slow their horses down to a stop.
SKYLAR: I win!
MR. MCKAY: You still got it.
SKYLAR: I’ve forgotten how great it feels to ride.
MR. MCKAY: Always clears my head. You know, I’ve been thinking. You should invite your friends up for the day tomorrow.
SKYLAR: Really?
MR. MCKAY: Yeah. It could be fun.
SKYLAR: I agree, but everyone’s really set on staying focused with work right now and how to move forward and start over. The last thing I’d want to do is distract anyone from that.
MR. MCKAY: Well if there’s any place where they could clear their heads and get back on track, it’s here.
SKYLAR considers the offer.
MR. MCKAY: You don’t have to if you don’t want to.
SKYLAR: No. I think you’re right. It would be fun. I’ll reach out to them and see what they say.
MR. MCKAY: Great.
SCENE TWENTY ONE – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – BRIANNA’S OFFICE
BRIANNA is sitting at her desk looking at Stella’s old blog.
JAXON enters carrying some papers.
JAXON: Hey Bri.
BRIANNA quickly turns her screen away from his view.
BRIANNA: Oh hey. What’s up?
JAXON: I just wanted your final approval on the set for the Wildwave interview before we start construction next week.
BRIANNA: Oh, right. I’ll take a look.
JAXON: Great.
JAXON hands her the papers and glances at the computer.
JAXON: And while you do, maybe you can explain what you’re doing looking at Stella’s blog.
BRIANNA sighs.
JAXON: I thought we all agreed to put this behind us. Why are you bothering with this?
BRIANNA: Because I need to know what I’m up against. I ignored a lot of the stunts she pulled because they didn’t directly involve me, but now they do. And for all we know, she could be preparing to pick up right where she left off.
JAXON: Bri, she’s not going to do that.
BRIANNA: How do you know that?
JAXON: Because if she knew what was good for her, she wouldn’t.
BRIANNA rolls her eyes.
JAXON: Look, I don’t blame you for being cautious, but I honestly think we need to leave the past in the past.
BRIANNA: Am I the only one with my head on straight around here?
JAXON: No. You’re just letting your inquisitive side win again. Trust me, you should drop it. Hey, did you see Skylar’s text?
BRIANNA: About spending the day at the ranch tomorrow?
JAXON: Yeah. I think it’ll be good for all of us.
BRIANNA: It would be, if I was going.
JAXON: You’re not?
BRIANNA: Jax, my to-do list is as long as my arm and it’s not just my work with L&O that I have to worry about. I’m also trying to plan a performance.
JAXON: So let me help you.
BRIANNA: What?
JAXON: With the performance.
BRIANNA: You want to volunteer to help with a kids Christmas show?
JAXON: Sure. I could probably teach the kids a thing or two being a former child star myself.
BRIANNA: “Child star” seems like a bit of a stretch, but I’ll gladly accept the help.
JAXON: Great.
JAXON turns and exits the office.
BRIANNA’s smile fades when she glances back at her computer.
TRANSITION 1
A day to night transition is featured.
SCENE TWENTY TWO – INT. SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT BUILDING- ELEVATOR
LOLA is on Facetime with MAYA.
LOLA: And you’re sure that I look okay?
MAYA: Stunning. As always.
LOLA: Thanks. I’m sorry if it feels like I’m overthinking this. It’s just my first official date with Sam. I want to look perfect.
MAYA: Well you certainly succeeded. I hope you guys have a great time.
LOLA: Thanks M. I’ll see you later. Love you.
MAYA: Love you too.
LOLA ends the call as the elevator dings signaling the doors to open.
SCENE TWENTY THREE – INT. SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT BUILDING – HALLWAY
LOLA walks down the hall towards Sam and Jaxon’s loft. She stops when she reaches the door and checks the time once more before she knocks.
SAM opens the door and greets her with a smile of admiration.
SAM: Hi.
LOLA: Hi.
SAM kisses her.
SAM: You look great.
LOLA: So do you.
SAM gestures for her to walk in.
LOLA enters.
SCENE TWENTY FOUR – INT. SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT – LIVING AREA
LOLA begins to take off her jacket as SAM closes the door.
SAM finishes removing Lola’s jacket from behind her.
SAM: I’ll take that.
LOLA: Thank you.
SAM hangs her jacket on the coat rack along with her purse.
LOLA: So do I finally get to know what we’re doing?
SAM: Yes.
SAM moves over to the kitchen and turns the lights on.
The island is decorated with all of the cupcake baking supplies, two espresso martinis, and candles.
LOLA: Oh my gosh.
LOLA approaches the island slowly.
SAM: You know, it feels like forever ago that I met the girl of my dreams when I paid for her coffee in my new workplace.
LOLA smiles as she recalls the memory.
SAM: And not too long after that, I discovered that she had a hidden talent for baking, so I thought it would be fun if we recreated that very sweet moment.
LOLA: That’s perfect.
SAM hands LOLA an apron.
SCENE TWENTY FIVE – INT. LIV AND ARIA’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM
LIV and ARIA are sitting on the couch watching TV.
ARIA: You and Sam are taking a self defense class?
LIV: Yes. You should take it with us.
ARIA: I’ll pass, mostly because I could’ve taught you everything that you need to know.
LIV: And I’m sure you could, but you have the winter concert to worry about.
ARIA: Good point.
LIV: Speaking of, how’d it go with Dev today?
ARIA: Pretty good. She was open to participating in the concert. Hopefully we can get the other girls on board.
LIV: That’s great. I honestly thought she was going to be the hardest to convince.
ARIA: Same. But we’re not out of the woods yet. I need this to be as drama-free as possible and after what Dev told me today, I don’t think it’s going to be as easy as I thought.
LIV: Well don’t give up yet. We don’t know where the girls’ heads are at this point.
ARIA: You’re right.
LIV and ARIA focus their attention back on the screen.
TRANSITION 2
A night to morning transition is featured.
SCENE TWENTY SIX – EXT. MCKAY RANCH – DRIVEWAY
Jaxon and Lola’s cars pull into the driveway.
SKYLAR and MR. MCKAY exit from the front door to greet them.
Once both cars are parked, LOLA, LIV, ARIA, and BRIANNA get out of Lola’s car.
SAM and JAXON get out of Jaxon’s car.
SKYLAR: Hey guys!
SKYLAR briefly hugs everyone.
MR. MCKAY: Welcome to the McKay Ranch!
LOLA: Thanks for having us.
MR. MCKAY: My pleasure. Lunch will be ready soon, but please make yourselves comfortable.
BRIANNA: Thank you.
MR. MCKAY goes back into the house.
SKYLAR: Welcome to my home away from home guys.
ARIA: It’s so beautiful. I can’t believe you haven’t invited us here before today.
SKYLAR: Because if I did, you would’ve found a way to make fun of me for it.
LOLA: No we wouldn’t.
SAM: I probably would’ve.
SKYLAR: Watch it, Samuel. You don’t want to make any enemies out here. Trust me.
SAM: Duly noted. I’m just gonna—
SAM attempts to sneak past SKYLAR to go into the house, avoiding her death glare.
JAXON follows him inside.
LOLA, LIV, ARIA, SKYLAR, and BRIANNA follow him.
SCENE TWENTY SEVEN – INT. MCKAY RANCH – LIVING ROOM
LOLA, LIV, ARIA, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON are all convening.
SKYLAR and BRIANNA step to the side for a private conversation.
BRIANNA: You look really good.
SKYLAR: I feel good. Being here with my dad has been really healing for me.
BRIANNA: I’m so glad.
SKYLAR: How are things going with the show?
BRIANNA: Pretty good, actually. Jax offered to help me, so that should be interesting.
SKYLAR: Very.
BRIANNA: And Jada said that she was hiring some more help, so I’m grateful.
SKYLAR: Do you know if she found anyone yet?
BRIANNA: Not yet. She said she’d let me know as soon as possible, but I’m sure it will take a few days.
SCENE TWENTY EIGHT – INT. MCKAY RANCH – FOYER
The door bell rings.
MR. MCKAY goes to answer it.
STELLA is on the other side of the door.
STELLA: Hi Mr. McKay.
MR. MCKAY: Stella. I’m glad you could make it. Come on in.
STELLA: Thanks.
STELLA enters.
MR. MCKAY shuts the door.
SCENE TWENTY NINE – INT. MCKAY RANCH – LIVING ROOM
Once STELLA comes into view from the foyer, the conversation in the room dies down.
BRIANNA’s smile drops.
BRIANNA: What is she doing here?
SKYLAR: I invited her.
BRIANNA’s eyebrows furrow as SKYLAR walks over to STELLA.
SKYLAR: Hi Stella. Thanks for coming.
STELLA: Thanks for inviting me.
The vibe in the room is awkward for a moment before MR. MCKAY enters.
MR. MCKAY: Soup’s on.
SCENE THIRTY – INT. MCKAY RANCH – DINING ROOM
LOLA, LIV, ARIA, SKYLAR, STELLA, BRIANNA, SAM, JAXON, and MR. MCKAY are sitting at the table eating lunch.
SKYLAR: Everything is delicious, dad.
MR. MCKAY: Thank you, honey. So Brianna, Skylar tells me that you’re planning a Christmas performance at a rec center?
BRIANNA: Trying to. It’s my first time.
MR. MCKAY: Well I’m sure it will be great.
JAXON: Oh, it will be. Because she’s not doing it alone.
BRIANNA: Right. Jax is going to be helping me as well.
SAM: Actually, we all are.
BRIANNA: What do you mean?
JAXON: I may have gotten you some recruits.
BRIANNA grins.
ARIA: I would love to help with the music and choreography.
LIV: I can do costumes.
SKYLAR: I can help with promoting the show to make sure we have a full house.
LOLA: And Sam and I can help Jax with sets.
STELLA sits there awkwardly.
BRIANNA: That would be amazing. Thank you guys.
ARIA: So out of curiosity, what do you guys do for fun out here?
MR. MCKAY: Nothing as exciting as you could find in the city, I’m sure.
SKYLAR: Actually, I think I may have just the place.
SCENE THIRTY ONE – INT. MISTER’S BAR AND LANES
SKYLAR, LOLA, LIV, ARIA, BRIANNA, STELLA, SAM, and JAXON enter.
Music is playing while people move about the restaurant.
SKYLAR: Welcome to Mister’s everybody.
LIV: Cool place.
SKYLAR: Yeah, I used to love coming here as a kid. But tonight is 21+, so we can really enjoy ourselves.
SAM: Well I am definitely going to play some pool.
JAXON: I’m down.
ARIA: I’m sure you are, but you’re both gonna lose.
JAXON: Is that a challenge, Cole?
ARIA: Sure was.
SAM: Alright. Let’s do it.
SKYLAR: You guys go ahead. I’ll get us some drinks.
SAM, JAXON, ARIA, LOLA, LIV, and STELLA head towards the billiards tables.
SCENE THIRTY TWO – INT. MISTER’S BAR AND LANES – BAR
SKYLAR and BRIANNA walk up to the bar.
BARTENDER: What can I get you?
SKYLAR: Can I get 8 waters with lemon and lime please?
BARTENDER: Of course.
BRIANNA: I’ll do a beer please.
BARTENDER: Coming right up.
As the BARTENDER walks away, SKYLAR gives BRIANNA a puzzled look.
SKYLAR: You’re drinking? I didn’t even think you did.
BRIANNA: Well there’s no way I’m getting through this night sober.
SKYLAR: Okay, what is going on? You’ve seemed off since you got here.
BRIANNA: I was doing just fine until a certain someone showed up at your house.
SKYLAR: Stella?
BRIANNA: Yes. And before you give me the whole “She’s changed” speech, I’ve heard it already. I’m just having a really hard time understanding why I’m the only one in this group who is staying vigilant.
SKYLAR: Because I’ve been doing a lot of thinking while I’ve been here and sure, I could spend the rest of my life hating Stella for everything she did. But it would just be exhausting.
The BARTENDER hands SKYLAR a tray with the waters on it.
BARTENDER: Your waters.
SKYLAR: Thanks.
The BARTENDER hands BRIANNA a beer.
BARTENDER: And your beer.
BRIANNA: Thank you.
SKYLAR: Stella and I have been through a lot together. The least I can do is hear her out.
As SKYLAR begins to head towards the billiards tables, BRIANNA mumbles to herself.
BRIANNA: The least you can do is nothing.
BRIANNA takes a sip of her beer before she follows her.
SCENE THIRTY THREE – INT. MISTER’S BAR AND LANES – BILLIARDS TABLES
SAM, JAXON, and ARIA are playing an active pool game.
LOLA, LIV, and STELLA are sitting at a nearby table watching them.
SKYLAR and BRIANNA approach the table with their drinks.
STELLA: Thanks Sky.
STELLA takes a glass of water.
SKYLAR: No problem.
LOLA: I’m gonna run to the restroom.
LIV: I’ll go with you.
SKYLAR: Yeah, that’s not a bad idea. We’ll be right back.
STELLA: Okay.
LOLA, LIV, and SKYLAR walk away.
BRIANNA takes another sip of her beer.
STELLA glances over at her.
STELLA: Just a heads up, you might want to watch the drinking around Skylar. I wouldn’t want anything to set her back.
BRIANNA: Nice to see that you’re so concerned.
STELLA picks up on her abrupt tone.
STELLA: I know that you probably have some mixed feelings about me, Brianna, so why don’t you just say what you need to say and get it over with?
BRIANNA: I just want to know how you managed to worm your way back into this friend group. What was it? Bribery? Blackmail?
STELLA: No. I wouldn’t do that.
BRIANNA: Oh please. I’m pretty sure it’s in your wheelhouse.
STELLA sighs.
STELLA: Look, if you must know, Sky and I had a long conversation about how we were going to move forward. I assured her that what happened with that blog would never happen again.
BRIANNA: Then why haven’t you deleted it?
STELLA: I kept it in case I wanted to do something else with it, but all of the posts are gone.
BRIANNA: Well that’s comforting.
BRIANNA takes another sip.
BRIANNA: You may think you have everybody fooled, but you’re not fooling me. I see right past that innocent little act.
STELLA: It’s not an act. But it’s clear that no matter what I say, you won’t believe me.
BRIANNA: And you’d be correct. I’m from New York, so I know a rat when I see one.
STELLA: Wow. I thought you were the nice one.
BRIANNA: I am, but only when I’m around people that I trust. You may be trying to be a decent person, but we both know that won’t last long.
LOLA, LIV, and SKYLAR approach the table.
LOLA: We’re back.
LIV: What did we miss?
BRIANNA: Nothing much. Just Aria kicking Sam and Jax’s butts.
STELLA forces a smile.
STELLA: Yeah.
BRIANNA and STELLA share a tense look at each other behind everyone’s backs.
ARIA makes another one of her balls in.
ARIA can be heard cheering in the background.
SCENE THIRTY FOUR – INT. MCKAY RANCH – WINE CELLAR
SKYLAR walks down the steps and turns on the lights. She grabs one of the bottles off of the rack and holds it.
SCENE THIRTY FIVE – FLASHBACK – INT. MCKAY HOUSE – SKYLAR’S OLD ROOM
18 YEAR OLD SKYLAR is lying in bed hung over.
Her parents can be heard fighting in the background, but it is a bit hazy and disoriented.
MR. MCKAY: Why are you blaming me?!
MRS. MCKAY: It was your liquor!
MR. MCKAY: You know that I keep it locked up!
MRS. MCKAY: Well then how did she get it?
MR. MCKAY: I don’t know, but I’m sure you’ve convinced yourself that I had something to do it.
18 YEAR OLD SKYLAR closes her eyes.
The flashback ends.
SCENE THIRTY SIX – INT. MCKAY RANCH – WINE CELLAR
SKYLAR continues to stare at the bottle.
MR. MCKAY walks down the stairs.
MR. MCKAY: Hey Sky.
SKYLAR turns to face him.
SKYLAR: Hi.
MR. MCKAY: I saw the light on. Are you okay?
SKYLAR: Yeah.
SKYLAR places the bottle back on the rack.
SKYLAR: I’m really sorry, dad.
MR. MCKAY: For what?
SKYLAR: Where do I even begin? I’m the reason that you moved out here.
MR. MCKAY: Whoa. You cannot possibly be blaming yourself for the divorce.
SKYLAR: Not entirely. But I definitely was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I got lost in my own world of addiction and it destroyed our family.
MR. McKAY: Is that really what you believe?
SKYLAR: Yes, because it’s the truth. If I had just gone to college like you and mom wanted me to do, you guys might still be together.
MR. McKAY: Skylar, your mom and I’s split had nothing to do with you, E.J. or Sienna. Things were bad between us long before you started drinking. We were just doing a really good job of hiding it. But that’s behind us. And I don’t want you taking the blame. Okay?
SKYLAR: Okay.
MR. MCKAY brings SKYLAR in for a hug.
SKYLAR: I’m really gonna miss you.
MR. MCKAY: I’m gonna miss you too.
TRANSITION 3
A night to day transition is featured.
SCENE THIRTY SEVEN – INT. REC CENTER – GYM
JADA is setting out some gym equipment.
STELLA walks in.
JADA stops to acknowledge her.
STELLA: Hi.
JADA: Hi there. Can I help you?
STELLA: Yes. I was looking for Jada Wilson.
JADA: That’s me.
JADA reaches out her hand for STELLA to shake.
STELLA: Oh, nice to meet you.
JADA: You too.
STELLA: I was just inquiring about the open position here.
JADA: And your name is?
STELLA: Stella. Stella Marshall.
END OF EPISODE
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