SCENE ONE – MONTAGE 1 – INT. GYM / THE REC ROOM / SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT / SUBWAY CAR / ROSE CAFÈ / LIV AND ARIA’S APARTMENT
Liv is sitting on a bench in the gym lacing up her sneakers. She scrolls through her phone and picks out a song to workout to. She puts all of her boxing gear on and begins to box.
Brianna is giving a tennis lesson to some of the Rec Room kids.
Jaxon is sitting at the island in the loft planning for his Capture The Flag game.
Skylar is riding the subway scrolling through her Instagram on her way to work. She comes across a promo post for Sapphire’s new entertainment show, Sapphire Live!, hosted by Keeley Morgan.
Lola treats Sam to a coffee at the Rose Cafè. This is a callback to when the two first met in Season 2.
Aria is trying on one of her dresses for the concert. She smiles at herself in the mirror.
SCENE TWO – MONTAGE 2 – INT. L&O PHOTO STUDIO / TV SET / SKYLAR’S OFFICE / L&O CONFERENCE ROOM / THEATER
Liv is styling models for numerous photoshoots in the L&O photo studio.
Brianna is on the set of Jaylin’s new show interviewing him and the entire cast.
Jaxon is in his office working on cover concept art and set designs.
Skylar is in her office recording multiple podcast episodes and creating content for the L&O social media pages.
Sam and Lola are in the L&O conference room proofing the next few issues before they are published.
Aria is at the theater practicing her numbers with the full band for the concert. She also watches the Angels rehearse their numbers for the show.
SCENE THREE – INT. THEATER – STAGE
ARIA, AVERI, SOMMER, TOBY, AND BRAEDEN are sitting on the stage to discuss the logistics for the show.
AVERI: So I’m sure that most of you know that we have been in a bit of a crunch to find a new opening act since Wildwave is no longer available.
ARIA: Yeah, I’m sorry guys. They really wished that they could.
TOBY: It’s cool. It’s nice that they’re taking some time off before their official comeback.
BRAEDEN: Nice for them, not so much for us.
AVERI: But the good news is, we have found someone who is willing to step in.
AVERI passes out Lumi’s headshot and resume to everyone.
ARIA glances at it.
ARIA: Lumi Moon?
AVERI: Yeah. Do you know her?
ARIA: I know of her. She’s literally a Broadway legend.
AVERI: Exactly and she has a few weeks off before production begins on her next show, so she’s available.
SOMMER: That’s amazing.
AVERI: I know.
ARIA: Well I can’t wait to meet her.
SCENE FOUR – INT. LIV AND ARIA’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM
LIV is working on a painting with an insane amount of focus.
ARIA enters the apartment with her keys in hand and stops short when she sees LIV.
LIV looks back at her.
LIV: Oh, hey.
LIV pauses the music using the headphones.
ARIA: Uh, hi.
ARIA takes off her coat and hangs it in the entryway closet.
ARIA: I swear it’s starting to feel like “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” in here.
LIV: It is not.
ARIA begins to approach her.
ARIA: You are willingly spending your Friday night at home working on a painting. That’s not weird to you?
LIV: It would be if I was just doing it randomly, but I’m not. It’s for Jax for his birthday.
ARIA: Ah, now that makes sense. But I thought he didn’t want you to get him anything.
LIV: He didn’t and according to Sam, he’s always been that way, so that’s why I’m honoring his request by making him something.
ARIA lies on the couch.
ARIA: That’s sweet.
LIV: Yeah. Especially considering that he went all out for my birthday last year.
ARIA: And nearly drove everybody crazy doing it.
LIV: So I heard.
ARIA: And then had the audacity to deny that he had a crush on you. Ridiculous.
LIV: Isn’t that exactly what you’re doing with Elle?
ARIA sighs.
ARIA: I’m not denying anything. I know how I feel. The problem is that I don’t know how she feels.
LIV stands and sets her paintbrush down.
LIV: Well here’s a crazy thought. Maybe you should ask her.
ARIA: And I will…after the concert. I just can’t let my performance be derailed if she doesn’t feel the same way.
LIV joins ARIA on the couch.
LIV: I get that. But I know one thing. She’d be crazy not to like you.
ARIA: Thanks Liv.
LIV and ARIA hug.
SCENE FIVE – INT. SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT – JAXON’S BEDROOM
JAXON is sleeping in his bed. His alarm goes off on his bedside table. He reaches for it and turns it off. He sees all of the “Happy Birthday” texts from his parents, Liv, and his friends. He smiles.
SCENE SIX – INT. SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT – KITCHEN
SAM places Jaxon’s birthday candles in his stack of pancakes with whipped cream and sprinkles.
JAXON walks down the stairs and enters the kitchen.
JAXON: Good morning.
SAM: Good morning.
SAM lights the candles as JAXON sits at the island admiring Sam’s work.
SAM sings his rendition of “Happy Birthday”.
JAXON appears to be impressed and makes a wish before blowing out the candles.
JAXON: You’re getting better. That version was much better than whatever last year’s was.
SAM: Thank you. Aria gave me some pointers.
JAXON: Nice.
JAXON takes the candles out and starts to eat.
SAM grabs his plate of pancakes and sits next to JAXON to eat.
SAM: So you’ve been awfully quiet about this year’s festivities. How are we celebrating J-Day? Skydiving? Bungee jumping? Rock climbing? White water rafting?
JAXON: Been there, done all of that. This year’s J-Day will be spent in a much lower stakes environment, but with all of the thrill that I’m so desperately craving.
SAM: And now I’m intrigued. What do you have in mind?
JAXON smirks.
SCENE SEVEN – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – CONFERENCE ROOM
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, and SAM are sitting at the table holding flyers.
JAXON is standing at the head of the table.
BRIANNA: Capture The Flag?
JAXON: Yep. For the past few years, Sam has been my partner in crime for all of my thrill seeking birthday adventures. I was determined to not be traditional and this year’s no different. I chose this game because I think we could all use a bit of fun around here.
LIV: No one is denying that, babe. But don’t you think this a little—
LOLA: Juvenile? Especially at a time when we are supposed to be focusing on our next move as a company to get our engagement back up and stable.
LIV: Exactly.
SKYLAR and BRIANNA nonverbally agree.
JAXON: See, I figured you all might think that. I know we’ve all been working really hard around here and we’re starting to feel burnt out, so this could be used as a morale booster. And when it’s all said and done, we’ll be ready to return to our work refreshed and rejuvenated. Sometimes the best ideas come from chaos.
SKYLAR: Did you come up with that yourself?
JAXON: Yes.
LOLA: Well I guess one night of fun won’t kill us.
SAM and JAXON fist bump each other.
JAXON: So, can I count all of you guys in?
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, and SAM all share a quick glance.
LIV: We’re in.
JAXON: Wonderful.
JAXON grabs two large index cards.
JAXON: I think it’s time that we find out what teams we’re on, shall we?
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, and SAM urge him to continue.
JAXON: The role of the Gold Team captain goes to Lola Montgomery.
LOLA: I’m honored.
JAXON: And you surely have the capacity to lead our team to victory. And while I’m sure that the two of us could hold down the fort, we’re also being joined by our good friend, Bri.
BRIANNA: Sweet.
JAXON: Which leaves Liv and Skylar for the Orange Team.
LIV and SKYLAR smile at each other.
JAXON: And your captain, Mr. Samuel Smythe.
SAM: Yes!
SAM, LIV, and SKYLAR high-five.
BRIANNA: You are messy for putting our fearless leaders against each other.
JAXON: I suppose so, but I trust that the two of you won’t let this affect your relationship.
SAM and LOLA share a playful but intense glare with each other.
LOLA: No worries.
SAM: We’ll keep it professional.
JAXON: Excellent. And to make things even more interesting, I’m allowing both teams to recruit two additional players that are not at this table to aid you in the game. We’ll have 72 hours to gather our recruits and prepare to play. Let the games begin.
SCENE EIGHT – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – SAM’S OFFICE
SAM and LOLA are sitting on the couch discussing their recent engagement numbers.
SAM: Well the good news is that our efforts to get our numbers back up paid off. Our engagement numbers have nearly doubled in the last few weeks.
LOLA: For now, but we need to figure out a way to keep them there. We need new ideas.
SAM: I agree and I’ve put a lot of thought into this. It might be wise for us to branch off to other aspects of media besides the magazine. Sky’s podcast was a great start, but we should also be tapping into more modern day platforms for content creation.
LOLA: That’s not such a bad idea. If your YouTube phase last summer was any indication—
SAM: Okay. We don’t need to speak of that.
LOLA: But we should because if we make you the face of the L&O TikTok page, we could really get somewhere.
SAM: While I admire your think-outside-the-box ideas, I don’t know if that’s the way to go. No one is going to read our magazine because of me.
LOLA: Your little summer fan club would say otherwise.
SAM softly chuckles.
SAM and LOLA stand.
SAM: Still jealous, huh?
LOLA: No, because now I can really get face time with you whenever I want.
SAM slowly steps closer to her, purposely teasing her with a mischievous glint in his eye.
SAM: Is that so?
LOLA: Absolutely.
SAM: Well enjoy it while you can because as of Friday night, you and I are going to be considered enemies again.
LOLA catches on to his game and smirks.
SAM moves to whisper in her ear.
SAM: But I’d be okay with breaking the rules.
When SAM moves in to kiss her, LOLA steps back, catching him off guard.
LOLA: Sorry, but I don’t kiss the competition.
LOLA exits, looking back at SAM with a smile that he effortlessly returns.
SCENE NINE – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – STAGE B – SAPPHIRE LIVE! SET
SOFIA is standing near the stage door scrolling on her tablet.
STELLA enters and approaches her.
SOFIA: Ah, Stella. Glad you’re here.
STELLA: You wanted to see me?
SOFIA: Yes. Walk with me.
SOFIA and STELLA walk through the set as they talk.
STELLA: What is all this?
SOFIA: This is Sapphire’s next big thing.
STELLA glances at the main stage that displays the show’s logo.
STELLA: Sapphire Live?
SOFIA: Yes, Sapphire’s newest entertainment show.
STELLA: And what does this have to do with me? I have no experience in show business.
SOFIA: True. But you do have experience on getting the latest gossip and telling it to an audience.
STELLA: I already told you. Any work that I do here has to be kept secret. Getting on that stage in front of a national audience was something I never agreed to.
SOFIA: You’re right, which is why I plan to honor that wish.
STELLA’s eyebrows furrow.
STELLA: You do?
SOFIA: Yes. If I learned anything from my last failed attempt at making a show, it’s that I need to know how far to push the boundaries. I completely understand why you wouldn’t want your friends to know about this. And you’re not the first Rose employee who has made that request, so I am bringing you on as a ghost writer. Your name will not be attached to this project in any way.
STELLA: Thank you? And how long do I have to stay on this project before this little deal of ours is put to bed?
SOFIA: 10 episodes. And hopefully after that, I’ll have gotten what I wanted.
SOFIA and STELLA’s walk slows to a stop.
STELLA: And that is?
SOFIA faces STELLA.
SOFIA: The end of L&O.
SCENE TEN – INT. LAW FIRM / MAYA’S OFFICE
Maya enters the firm. She’s welcomed back by a few colleagues as she makes her way to her office. She sets her stuff down and sits at her desk to look through her mail and emails. Her boss stops in to ask if she can stop by her office for a few minutes. She agrees and makes her way to the office.
SCENE ELEVEN – INT. PEYTON’S
DOMINIC is cleaning a table as LOLA enters the cafè. He looks up at her and smiles.
DOMINIC: Lola Montgomery. What brings you by today?
LOLA: Well I am in desperate need of a caramel iced coffee.
DOMINIC: Coming right up.
DOMINIC makes his way behind the counter. LOLA follows.
LOLA: What time do you go on break?
DOMINIC checks his watch.
DOMINIC: In about 5 minutes.
LOLA: Great because I have a little proposition for you.
DOMINIC: Intriguing.
SCENE TWELVE – INT. PEYTON’S
LOLA and DOMINIC sit at an empty table.
LOLA sips her coffee.
DOMINIC: So you want me to join your team for Jax’s game of Capture The Flag?
LOLA: Yes.
DOMINIC hesitates.
DOMINIC: I don’t think I can.
LOLA: Why not?
DOMINIC: I’ve just been so swamped lately. Sapphire wants to hear my new song next week and I am having a hard time figuring it out.
LOLA: I understand.
DOMINIC: I literally haven’t been anywhere but here and my apartment for the last two weeks.
DOMINIC pulls his mini songwriting notebook out of his pocket in his apron.
DOMINIC: I’ve been keeping my songbook on me so I can jot lyrics down whenever inspiration strikes.
LOLA: Can I have a look?
DOMINIC: Sure.
DOMINIC hands LOLA the book.
LOLA opens it and scans over the lyrics.
LOLA: Oh wow. These lyrics are pretty strong.
DOMINIC: That’s because this one is particularly close to my heart.
LOLA glances at the lyrics again and comes to a realization.
LOLA: I see.
DOMINIC: When I wrote this, I wasn’t in the best place after how things ended between us.
LOLA: Dom, I—
DOMINIC: No, it’s fine. I truthfully think that things worked out the way that they were supposed to and I’m grateful for the time that I was able to spend with you.
LOLA: Me too. You were there for me when I really needed it and the last thing I wanted was to make you feel like I was taking you for granted, so I think I owe you an apology.
DOMINIC: I appreciate that.
LOLA: And while I would really like for you to be a part of my life again, I completely understand if you’re not ready yet.
DOMINIC: I think I’m ready…or getting there.
LOLA: Well then, welcome to the team.
LOLA and DOMINIC give a warm smile to each other as they shake hands.
SCENE THIRTEEN – INT. LAW FIRM – OFFICE
Maya’s boss gives her accolades for how well she’s performed at the law firm. She pitches the opportunity for her to open her own firm in Chicago as well as settling down from being a travelling lawyer. While Maya is excited for the opportunity, she is also hesitant to leave Lola again and tells her boss that she will think about it.
SCENE FOURTEEN – INT. THEATER – ARIA’S DRESSING ROOM
ARIA and ELLE are sitting in the room eating lunch together.
ELLE: I’m glad you guys finally found your opening act.
ARIA: Me too. Although we already had one waiting in the wings.
ELLE: And I told you I was fine with taking a backseat, especially with the Sapphire Dance Company tour coming up.
ARIA: Don’t remind me. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you around for six months.
ELLE: I know. But hopefully the time will fly by.
SAM enters.
SAM: Hey guys.
ARIA and ELLE look in his direction.
ARIA: Hey Sam. What are you doing here?
SAM: I am here to recruit.
ARIA: What?
SAM: Jax is hosting a Capture The Flag competition and I need you to join my team.
ARIA: Are you serious?
SAM: Quite. You have a natural talent for things like this. I know you’d be a vital aspect of this team and at the very least, you would do a great job at intimidating Lola and her team.
ELLE: He’s got a point.
ARIA: When is this game happening?
SAM: Friday night. So you’ll have all day Saturday to recuperate before the concert.
ARIA: Alright. I’m in.
SAM: Yes!
JAXON enters.
JAXON: Please don’t tell me you just agreed to join Sam’s team.
ARIA: I did.
JAXON: No!
SAM pats JAXON on the back.
SAM: Sorry, Birthday Boy. You gotta be faster than that.
JAXON: I knew I should’ve texted. Serves me right for wanting to be more formal.
ELLE: Are you accepting any other non-Rose employees?
ARIA: You want to join?
ELLE: Of course. It sounds like fun.
JAXON: And having a skilled dancer and athlete on our team would be perfect. You’re in.
ELLE: Yay!
ARIA and ELLE stand and face each other.
ARIA: Well this just got serious. May the best player win.
ELLE: I plan to.
SAM and JAXON smile.
SCENE FIFTEEN – INT. THE REC ROOM – CLASSROOM
STELLA is cleaning up after her class.
SKYLAR enters.
STELLA greets her.
STELLA: Hi Sky.
SKYLAR: Hi.
STELLA: What’s up?
SKYLAR: I was wondering what your plans are for this Friday night.
STELLA: Why?
SKYLAR: It’s Jax’s birthday and he wants to do a Capture The Flag game with all of the L&Os plus some additional team members and I immediately thought of you.
STELLA: Me?
SKYLAR: Yeah.
STELLA: Look, I’m flattered and all, but I can’t.
SKYLAR: Why not?
STELLA: Because I have to work on Friday night.
SKYLAR: You can’t get someone to cover your shift?
STELLA: Not really, since it will technically be my first day.
SKYLAR: You got a new job? That’s awesome.
STELLA: Thanks.
STELLA grabs her water bottle for a quick drink.
SKYLAR: And no worries about not playing the game. I would be focusing on work too if I could. I’m all for a night of fun, but I’m more determined than ever to keep L&O’s name in the spotlight. And that’s proving to be difficult right now given Sapphire’s new show that they’re promoting.
STELLA nearly chokes on her water, which SKYLAR fails to notice.
SKYLAR: I should’ve known that Sofia would pull something like this. It’s so obvious that she’s doing it just to get back at us. First she attempts to take us down from the inside and now this.
STELLA: I’m sure that everything will be fine. Let’s just hope that Sofia has learned from her mistakes and won’t try anything funny this time.
SKYLAR: “Hope” is a dirty four-letter word, Stells. That woman will stop at nothing until L&O is a distant memory at Rose.
STELLA quietly agrees.
SKYLAR checks her phone.
SKYLAR: I should get going before my lunch break is over.
STELLA: Okay.
SKYLAR turns to head out.
SKYLAR: Talk to you later.
STELLA: Bye.
As SKYLAR exits, STELLA sighs.
SCENE SIXTEEN – INT. THE REC ROOM – CLASSROOM
Stella opens her laptop at the table. A draft of a Sapphire Live! script is open. She begins to work on it with guilt and frustration written all over her face.
SCENE SEVENTEEN – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – BREAK ROOM
LIV, SAM, and SKYLAR are in the break room eating lunch together.
SAM: So now that the Gold Team is fully assembled with Elle and Dominic joining, we need to find another player ASAP.
SKYLAR: I tried to recruit Stella, but she’s not available.
SAM: Yeah, I tried to get Maya, but she already has plans too. And she said that even if she didn’t, she’s pledging her loyalty to the Gold Team.
SKYLAR turns to LIV.
SKYLAR: What about your friend Luke?
LIV: Out of town.
SAM: And we are officially out of options.
LIV: Not necessarily. I think I know someone who might like to join.
SKYLAR and SAM look at LIV with intrigue.
SCENE EIGHTEEN – INT. LIV AND ARIA’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM
Liv surprises Jaxon with a date for his birthday at her apartment. The decor is inspired by ‘Big Hero 6’, one of Jaxon’s favorite movies. She reveals her painting to him before they sit down to watch the movie. During the movie, Jaxon thanks her once again for making it a special day, especially since it was his first birthday with a girlfriend. Liv tells him that it was her pleasure and that he deserved a sweet gesture before she crushed him in Capture The Flag. Jaxon says that he’s not worried because they have a pretty strong team. Liv responds by telling him that her team will be as well as soon as she recruits their final team member the following morning.
SCENE NINETEEN – INT. THEATER – BACKSTAGE / MAIN STAGE
ARIA exits her dressing room with her stuff, heading out for the night. As she heads towards the exit door, she notices someone on the stage.
LUMI is warming up.
ARIA walks out onto the stage.
Because LUMI is wearing headphones, she doesn’t hear ARIA right away. She turns and faces her, removing her headphones.
LUMI: Oh, hi.
ARIA: Hi.
LUMI: Sorry. I didn’t know anyone else was here.
ARIA: Same.
LUMI: You’re Aria Cole, right?
ARIA: That’s me.
LUMI: It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’m Lumi.
ARIA: I know. I’m a big fan.
LUMI: Not as big of a fan as I am of you. Your origin story is so inspiring.
ARIA: Says the Broadway legend.
LUMI: I’d hardly say I’m a legend.
ARIA: Well, you should. The way you command a stage when you perform is what gave me the confidence that I needed while I was on tour with The Angels.
LUMI: So I guess this is really full circle, huh?
ARIA: I guess so. Welcome to the show.
LUMI: Thank you.
ARIA and LUMI shake hands.
SCENE TWENTY – EXT. STUDIO LOT – JAYLIN’S TRAILER / INT. JAYLIN’S TRAILER
A night to morning transition is featured.
LIV walks up to Jaylin’s trailer and knocks on it.
JAYLIN opens the door.
JAYLIN: Olivia Keaton. Long time, no see.
LIV: Jaylin.
JAYLIN: Come on in.
LIV walks up the steps and enters the trailer, closing the door behind her.
JAYLIN: Can I get you anything?
LIV: I’m good, but thanks.
JAYLIN sits on the couch.
LIV sits in a chair facing him, admiring the interior of the trailer.
LIV: Nice trailer.
JAYLIN: Thanks. It’s comfortable.
JAYLIN grabs his water bottle off of the coffee table and sips it as they talk.
JAYLIN: So what brings you by today? I was surprised to get your call. I didn’t think we had a styling session scheduled.
LIV: We don’t. Believe it or not, I’m not here for work-related business.
JAYLIN: I don’t believe it.
LIV: Haha, very funny.
JAYLIN: So what’s up? Is this about Jax’s Capture The Flag game on Friday?
LIV: How do you know about that?
JAYLIN: We’re friends. We talk.
LIV: Should I be jealous?
JAYLIN snickers.
JAYLIN: Maybe.
LIV: I know there’s probably 100 things you’d rather be doing on a Friday night—
JAYLIN: Like what? Another interview? Wardrobe fitting? Photoshoot? Promotional video? Trust me, I could use a night of fun as a normal person.
LIV: Sweet. Welcome to the Orange Team.
LIV and JAYLIN fist bump.
SCENE TWENTY ONE – INT. ROSE PUBLICATIONS – EXECUTIVE SUITE
Sebastian is meeting with Rose’s top executives to discuss the future of his companies. He receives the news that he’s been dreading to hear for weeks. He initially protests, but is forced to come to terms with the fact that modern day media is changing and that L&O no longer fits the new vision for the company for the future. Despite his best efforts to fight for it, he’s still defeated and comes to terms with reality.
SCENE TWENTY TWO – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – STAGE B – SAPPHIRE LIVE! SET
STELLA arrives at Sapphire a few hours before the show is set to start.
KEELEY arrives to set and approaches her.
KEELEY: You’re Stella, right?
STELLA: That’s me.
KEELEY: It’s so nice to finally meet the girl behind the scenes. It is clear that you were born to be a writer.
STELLA mumbles.
STELLA: That’s the problem.
KEELEY: I’m sorry?
STELLA: Oh, it’s nothing.
KEELEY can immediately detect her lie based on her face and body language.
KEELEY: Really? Cause it sure seems like something.
STELLA pauses and takes a deep breath.
STELLA: Can you keep a secret?
KEELEY: Of course. I may be a TV and former radio personality, but I know exactly what to say and what to keep quiet.
STELLA: Good. Because I have to tell someone this or I’m afraid that I’m going to lose my mind.
KEELEY: I’m all ears.
STELLA: I’m sure that by now you know about my history with Rose and what I did to my friends.
KEELEY: I do and may I just say, not your best move.
STELLA: I know, which is why I’m doing everything that I can to fix it and earn back everyone’s trust.
KEELEY: And how’s that going for ya?
STELLA: Just fine…until it wasn’t. I had finally gotten to a place with my friends that things actually felt normal again until Sofia got ahold of some of my unpublished articles from my blog.
KEELEY: Oh God.
STELLA: And the only way to keep her from publishing them was to take a job here.
KEELEY: I see. And I’m assuming that they don’t know any of this?
STELLA: Are you kidding? I can’t tell them about this. No matter how I spin it, it looks bad.
KEELEY: I see your point.
STELLA buries her face in her hands.
STELLA: God, I can’t believe this is happening. My own words have literally come back to haunt me again.
KEELEY: Yes, but this time, you can do things differently. Change the story.
STELLA: And how am I supposed to do that?
KEELEY: I don’t know, but I do know that you have to make a choice. You either lie in the bed that you made and be honest with your friends or you continue to keep secrets and risk losing them for good this time.
STELLA contemplates Keeley’s words.
SCENE TWENTY THREE – INT. THEATER – STAGE
LUMI is finishing practicing her number on the stage.
ARIA is watching from the front row of the audience.
When she finishes, ARIA claps.
LUMI: So, what did you think?
ARIA stands.
ARIA: That was amazing.
LUMI: Thanks.
ARIA walks onto the stage.
LUMI: I still feel like it’s missing something.
ARIA: Like what?
LUMI: I don’t know. Maybe a different song or—
ELLE enters through the backstage door, prompting ARIA and LUMI to look in her direction.
ELLE: Hey.
ARIA: Hey.
LUMI is at a loss for words.
ARIA: Elle, this is Lumi Moon.
ELLE: Yeah, I know.
ARIA notices the awkwardness between the two.
ARIA: Oh.
LUMI: It’s good to see you again, Elle.
ELLE: Likewise. I thought you were in L.A.
LUMI: I was, but I got cast in a new show. Production doesn’t start for a few weeks, but I wanted some time to get settled again. So when I was offered a chance to perform here, I couldn’t pass it up.
ELLE: That’s great.
LUMI: Are you performing in the concert too?
ELLE: No. I will be watching from side-stage this time.
LUMI: Really?
ELLE: I know. It’s kind of hard to believe.
LUMI: More like impossible.
ARIA: Tell me about it.
LUMI: You would not believe how many hours this girl had me in the studio. But it definitely paid off.
ARIA turns to ELLE.
ARIA: I didn’t know that you were a dance coach.
ELLE: I wasn’t.
LUMI: Yeah. We were actually partners.
ARIA: Oh.
ELLE: But that’s ancient history now.
LUMI: Maybe not.
ELLE: What do you mean?
LUMI: That you would be the perfect addition to my dance. I could easily teach you the choreography.
ELLE: I don’t know, Lu.
ARIA: I think you should do it.
ELLE: Really?
ARIA: Yeah. I mean this show is all about the magic, right?
ELLE thinks for a moment.
ELLE: Okay. I’m in.
LUMI: Yay!
ELLE sets her bag and water bottle down.
ELLE: Let’s get to work.
SCENE TWENTY FOUR – INT. WESTRIDGE STATE UNIVERSITY – ARTS BUILDING – COMMONS AREA
LOLA, LIV, ARIA, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, ELLE, SAM, JAXON, JAYLIN, and DOMINIC enter the commons area.
JAXON: Welcome to Westridge, everybody. Where a young Jaxon once walked these very halls as a naive sports journalism student that wanted to take on the world before he discovered his true passion in art thanks to his fellow frat brothers.
LOLA: Jax, you were a frat boy?
JAXON: Yep.
LOLA: That explains so much.
LIV: It really does.
JAXON: It feels good to be back and tonight, we have this entire building to ourselves.
JAYLIN: How did you manage to do that?
JAXON: It’s amazing what the university president will do for one of his favorite former students.
LOLA, LIV, ARIA, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, ELLE, JAYLIN, and DOMINIC all look impressed.
SAM: It’s his dad.
JAXON’s face drops.
JAXON: You couldn’t let me have that one?
SAM smirks.
SAM: Nope.
JAXON: Anyways, this building is temporarily closed for renovations that will take place during the school’s semester break, but it’s ours for the night.
DOMINIC: So, where do we begin?
JAXON: Each team will have one hour to prepare and strategize before the game begins. Your goal is to locate your team’s flag somewhere in this building. One player from each team must be guarding it all times. And to make it even more interesting, everyone will have three lives and their own NERF® guns for self-defense. Good luck everyone.
SCENE TWENTY FIVE – INT. WESTRIDGE STATE UNIVERSITY – ARTS BUILDING – CLASSROOMS
Lola, Brianna, Jaxon, Elle, and Dominic are meeting in a classroom that features gold decor and snacks along with their custom shirts that Jaxon designed.
Sam, Liv, Skylar, Aria, and Jaylin are meeting in another classroom that features orange decor and snacks along with their custom shirts that Jaxon designed.
Both teams discuss their game plans and what position everyone is playing. Lola, Dominic, Sam, and Elle are the raiders for their teams. Liv, Jaylin, Skylar, and Jaxon are the scouts. Aria and Brianna are the flag defenders.
SCENE TWENTY SIX – INT. WESTRIDGE STATE UNIVERSITY – ARTS BUILDING – VARIOUS LOCATIONS
The game begins. After a few hours of intense game play, both teams have located the opposing team’s flags. By the end, only a few players remain.
SCENE TWENTY SEVEN – INT. WESTRIDGE STATE UNIVERSITY – ARTS BUILDING – DARKROOM
ARIA is slowly pacing back and forth, keeping a strong grip on her NERF® gun. She turns when she hears the door open.
ELLE enters.
ARIA prepares to blast her.
ARIA: Hold it! That’s as far as you go.
ELLE: Whoa! Hold your fire! It’s just me.
ARIA keeps her guard up.
ARIA: I know. And right now, you and I are on opposing teams, so if I were you, I’d leave while I still can.
ELLE: Relax. I’m not here for your flag. I’m here to help.
ARIA: What do you mean?
ELLE: Is it not obvious? I’m switching sides.
ARIA: Seriously?
ELLE: Yes.
ELLE begins to approach her.
ARIA relaxes.
ARIA: So, who’s left in the game?
ELLE: You, me, Bri, Sam, Jax, and Jaylin.
ARIA: Wow. I can’t believe he got this far.
ELLE: Yeah. Pretty Boy was hiding the fact that he’s been doing combat training for his next movie.
ARIA: Well that’s convenient.
ELLE: Tell me about it.
ELLE joins ARIA by her side to guard the flag.
ARIA: I’m really glad that you came tonight.
ELLE: Me too. This has been really fun.
ARIA: It seems like it’s always an adventure when the two of us are together.
ELLE grins.
ELLE: It really does. We make a good team.
There’s a brief moment of silence before ARIA breaks it.
ARIA: So, you and Lumi…
ELLE: Yeah?
ARIA: What’s that all about?
ELLE: It’s complicated.
ARIA: Enlighten me.
ELLE takes a deep breath.
ELLE: We used to go out.
ARIA: I kind of figured.
ELLE: When we formed our partnership, we were both so ambitious and would’ve done anything to make it.
ARIA slowly nods.
ELLE: And that was great for a while…until it wasn’t.
ARIA: What happened?
ELLE: The day that she booked her first Broadway role and I didn’t was the end of everything.
ARIA: I’m sorry to hear that.
ELLE: It was for the best. I would’ve grown to resent her if we stayed together.
ARIA: I get it.
ELLE: But I truly think that everything happens for a reason because if I made it to Broadway, I wouldn’t have come to Sapphire and I never would’ve met you.
ARIA and ELLE share a sweet look before ARIA breaks the eye contact, smiling to herself.
ARIA: Um, I’ve been trying to figure out the right time to say this and I was going to wait until after the concert to tell you, but I don’t think I can really wait much longer.
ELLE glances over at her.
ARIA: Elle, I—
ARIA is cut off by some distant commotion in the building.
ELLE: What was that?
ARIA: I don’t know. I’ll go check it out.
ELLE: Oh, allow me.
ELLE exits.
SCENE TWENTY EIGHT – INT. WESTRIDGE STATE UNIVERSITY – ARTS BUILDING – COMMONS AREA
SAM, JAYLIN, and JAXON are all facing off with their NERF® guns.
JAYLIN is taken out of the game.
SAM and JAXON stand across from each other in an intense standoff.
ELLE enters off-screen and stands behind SAM.
SAM: Any last words before I finish you off, Jax?
ELLE: How about two?
SAM turns and faces her.
ELLE grabs the orange flag from her back pocket and smiles.
ELLE: Game over.
JAXON smiles.
LOLA, DOMINIC, BRIANNA, LIV, and ARIA enter the commons area right in time for the celebration.
LOLA, BRIANNA, JAXON, ELLE, and DOMINIC cheer and group hug.
BRIANNA: Nice work, Elle.
ELLE: Thanks.
SAM: But how did you—
ELLE: Every good Capture The Flag game has a decoy.
LOLA: The classic team switch. Works every time.
LOLA and ELLE high-five.
SAM: Well played.
SAM and LOLA shake hands.
LOLA: Thanks. You as well.
ELLE approaches ARIA.
ARIA: So you didn’t switch teams after all.
ELLE: Yeah. I hope you can forgive me.
ARIA: We’ll see about that.
ELLE softly chuckles.
ARIA grins.
ELLE: So what were you going to tell me earlier?
ARIA pauses.
ARIA: It can wait.
ELLE: Are you sure?
ARIA: Yes. Go celebrate with your team.
ELLE: Okay.
As ELLE turns to go and rejoin the group, ARIA almost immediately loses her composure and is visibly somber.
SCENE TWENTY NINE – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – CONFERENCE ROOM
Transition from night to day.
SAM and LOLA enter the room.
SAM: All I’m saying is that you guys got lucky.
LOLA: Wow. Someone’s a sore loser.
SAM: I’m just pissed that I didn’t see it coming. And you guys aren’t going to know what hit you next year.
LOLA: If Jax decides to do it again and there’s no chance that he will. And that’s probably for the best to save you from utter humiliation a second time.
SAM: Whatever.
SAM and LOLA sit at the table.
LIV, JAXON, SKYLAR, and BRIANNA enter.
LIV: Good morning, guys.
LOLA: Hey.
LIV, JAXON, SKYLAR, and BRIANNA join SAM and LOLA at the table.
BRIANNA: Any idea why Sebastian called us here on a Saturday morning?
SAM: I don’t know. He didn’t really provide much detail.
SKYLAR: Well it can’t be about our company performance. Our numbers are as high as they’ve ever been.
SEBASTIAN enters.
SEBASTIAN: Yes, they are.
SEBASTIAN sits at the head of the table.
SEBASTIAN: You all have such a heart for this company and your dedication to your work has been such an inspiration to me. And that’s why this news is very difficult to share.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON all exchange various questioning looks with each other.
SEBASTIAN: I’m afraid that L&O will not be moving forward at Rose.
LIV: Wait, what?
SAM: You’re joking.
SEBASTIAN: I wish I was. The higher ups want to move the company in a different direction and unfortunately, L&O is not a part of it.
LOLA: Okay, but we can’t just accept that. We have to fight it.
SEBASTIAN: Believe me, I’ve been fighting it for weeks and they won’t budge.
SKYLAR: I can’t believe this.
JAXON: How long do we have?
SEBASTIAN: Two weeks.
JAXON slowly shakes his head in disbelief.
SEBASTIAN: I really am sorry about all of this. You all are so talented and I know that you will do big things beyond these walls.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON all appear to be visibly devastated.
SEBASTIAN stands.
SEBASTIAN: It has been an honor working with you all.
SEBASTIAN exits.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON remain at the table.
LIV: I can’t believe this.
BRIANNA: I can. This is the reality of most pop culture news and media companies these days. I’ve had at least two friends in the journalism industry that have lost their jobs in the past two months for a similar reason. I just never imagined that would be us.
SAM: I’d say we could try to keep the company going on our own, but we can’t very well do that without some kind of stable revenue.
SKYLAR: You’re right. I guess we have no choice but to find work elsewhere.
LOLA stands and exits.
SAM lowers his gaze and sighs.
SCENE THIRTY – INT. L&O HEADQUARTERS – FASHION CLOSET
LOLA is sitting in the closet lamenting.
LIV enters and closes the door behind her.
LIV: Hey.
LOLA looks up at her and nods to acknowledge her.
LIV crosses the closet and sits next to her.
LIV: Well that was certainly a shock.
LOLA: Tell me about it. It was one of my biggest nightmares and it came true. All of that hard work just to have it all taken away from us like that.
LIV: I know. It’s not fair.
LOLA: What are we going to do?
LIV: I don’t know, but I do know that we’re not going to let this keep us down. We’re going to go to the concert tonight to support Aria and celebrate the time that we have had here to do something extraordinary.
LOLA grins.
LIV holds her hand out for LOLA to hold.
LOLA takes it and rests her head on LIV’s shoulder.
SCENE THIRTY ONE – INT. SAPPHIRE ENTERTAINMENT – SOFIA’S OFFICE
SOFIA is sitting at her desk.
STELLA knocks on the door.
SOFIA: Come in.
STELLA opens the door and enters.
SOFIA: Ah, Stella. Glad you could stop by.
STELLA begins to approach her desk.
STELLA: You seem awfully chipper. What is it this time? Did you dig up even more dirt that you can use against me?
SOFIA: Actually, no.
STELLA sits in one of the chairs facing the desk.
SOFIA: I didn’t have to.
STELLA: What do you mean?
SOFIA: As of today, L&O is no longer a company at Rose.
STELLA: Wait, what? How do you know that?
SOFIA: It’s the kind of thing a woman like me tends to know.
STELLA: I swear if you had something to do with this—
SOFIA: I didn’t, whether you believe me or not.
STELLA rolls her eyes.
SOFIA: But this is good news.
STELLA: Yeah, maybe for you. Not for the dozens of people that are out of work now. This doesn’t just affect my friends.
SOFIA: And I feel for those folks. I really do. But this is the nature of this business in this day and age.
STELLA slowly shakes her head.
SOFIA: But consider yourself lucky.
STELLA: Why?
SOFIA: Because I am letting you out of the deal.
STELLA: Really?
SOFIA: Yep. I got what I wanted, so I see no need to use you any longer.
SOFIA grabs the folder containing Stella’s unpublished articles and pushes it across the desk for her.
STELLA takes the folder.
STELLA: You’re giving me the articles back?
SOFIA: Yes.
STELLA: Can we just skip to the part where you go behind my back and publish the copies you have saved on your computer right now?
SOFIA: Wow. You are a deeply mistrusting human being.
STELLA: Can you blame me?
SOFIA: No. You’re cautious. I respect it. Look, it’s completely up to you if you want to continue to work here or not. I took some pretty extreme liberties to get what I wanted and now that I have, I’m ready to move on.
STELLA: I’m surprised.
SOFIA: From now on, I am going to be putting all of my focus into shaping Sapphire into the company that everyone knows.
SCENE THIRTY TWO – INT. SAM AND JAXON’S LOFT – LIVING ROOM
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, SAM, and JAXON are sitting while STELLA stands in front of them.
LOLA: She really said that?
STELLA: Yes.
JAXON: And you believe her?
STELLA: Surprisingly, yes.
SKYLAR: I can’t believe that you took a job with her to keep your unpublished articles from getting out.
STELLA: I know, but I didn’t have a choice.
SAM: And where are these articles now?
STELLA: Shredded and deleted from all of my devices.
SAM: Good.
BRIANNA: And what’s going to stop Sofia from publishing them anyways? She probably made a dozen copies before she gave the physical ones back to you.
STELLA: I had the same thought, which is why I turned the tables back on her. I agreed to stay on at Sapphire as one of their writers and my new contract strictly prohibits any of my prior work to be used or released without my consent.
SKYLAR: Nice. I know Aria’s going to be proud.
STELLA: Speaking of Aria, does she know about anything that’s happened today?
LOLA: No. We felt like it was better to tell her after the show tonight. We didn’t want to throw her off her game.
STELLA: Gotcha.
SCENE THIRTY THREE – INT. LOLA AND MAYA’S APARTMENT – LOLA’S BEDROOM
LOLA emerges from her closet in her concert outfit.
MAYA stands in her doorway.
MAYA: Look at you.
LOLA turns and faces her.
LOLA: You like it?
MAYA: Yes, almost as much as I liked it when I bought it a month ago for myself.
LOLA: Oh geez.
LOLA goes to unzip it.
LOLA: I can find something else to wear.
MAYA: Don’t worry about it. It looks better on you.
LOLA goes to grab a necklace off of her vanity.
LOLA: Are you sure you can’t come to the show tonight? It’s been a minute since you and I have had a night out on the town.
MAYA: I know, but I have some things that I need to take care of for work.
LOLA: For a second night in a row? I think it’s safe to say that I’m not going to be looking for work in law.
MAYA: I’m sorry you have to be looking for work at all.
LOLA puts her necklace on.
LOLA: It’s cool. I mean, it’s not, but it’s reality. At least for the time being, I’ll have some free time to join you wherever your next assignment is.
MAYA: Actually, you won’t.
LOLA: What do you mean?
MAYA: That you and your friends are not the only ones who are facing some career changes.
LOLA: You quit your job?
MAYA: Not necessarily. I was offered an opportunity to open up my own law firm and I think I’m gonna take it.
LOLA: That’s amazing. I think you should.
LOLA puts on her heels.
MAYA: The only problem is that it’s not here.
LOLA: Where is it?
MAYA: Chicago.
LOLA pauses.
LOLA: Oh.
MAYA: And the last thing I wanted was to leave you behind again, but now that your time at L&O is coming to an end, I may not have to.
LOLA: M, I don’t think I can just pack up everything and leave. My entire life is here in the city.
MAYA: I know. And I don’t want you to feel pressured to do anything, so it’s totally up to you.
LOLA: When would you be leaving?
MAYA: Three weeks.
LOLA raises her eyebrows.
MAYA: Look, you don’t have to give me an answer today. Just think about it and let me know.
LOLA: Okay.
MAYA: Have fun tonight.
LOLA: Thanks, M.
MAYA exits the room.
LOLA sits on the edge of her bed to ponder her options.
SCENE THIRTY FOUR – INT. THEATER – ARIA’S DRESSING ROOM
ARIA is sitting at her vanity having her makeup done by ELLE.
ELLE sprays the setting spray on her face.
ELLE: All done.
ARIA grabs her handheld mirror and holds it up to her face.
ARIA: Wow. You are really good at this. I think you have a future in cosmetology.
ELLE: Oh please. It’s just years and years of doing my own show makeup.
ARIA: Impressive.
ELLE: How are you feeling about tonight?
ARIA: Okay, I guess.
ELLE: Just okay?
ARIA: Yeah. For some reason, it just feels like something is over.
ELLE: Well that’s normal. I always feel that way on the last night of tours.
ARIA: So, how are you feeling?
ELLE: Pretty good. I was worried that dancing with Lumi again was going to be a little bit weird, but it felt good.
ARIA: That’s great.
ELLE: And thanks again for encouraging me to do the show.
ARIA: My pleasure.
ELLE: Maybe I’ll have to talk to Sapphire’s choreographer to make a spot for you on the tour. You know, return the favor.
ARIA: Oh, she’s got jokes.
ELLE: Trust me, when I get back from the tour, we are hitting the studio. I’ll have you at the elite level in no time.
ARIA: Okay.
LUMI pops in.
LUMI: Hey Elle, they’re calling us to the stage.
ELLE: Okay. Thanks.
LUMI continues down the hallway.
ELLE removes her robe with her dance costume underneath.
ELLE: I’ll see you out there.
ELLE exits.
ARIA: Good luck!
SCENE THIRTY FIVE – INT. THEATER – STAGE
The audience is chatting while they are waiting for the concert to begin. Lola, Liv, Skylar, Brianna, Stella, Sam, Jaxon, and Dominic are sitting in the front row. The house lights go down, naturally leading everyone to quiet their voices. The curtains open. “Halo” by Beyoncé starts to play. Elle and Lumi do a contemporary dance to the song. Aria watches from side-stage with a smile on her face. When the performance concludes, the audience claps and cheers. Elle and Lumi bow before exiting the stage.
SCENE THIRTY SIX – INT. THEATER – BACKSTAGE
The concert band can be heard performing in the background.
ELLE and LUMI hug.
ELLE: That was amazing!
LUMI: I’ll say. Just like old times.
ELLE: Just like old times.
LUMI: Hey, can I ask you something?
ELLE: Of course.
LUMI: You and Aria.
ELLE: What about us?
LUMI: Is something going on between you two?
ELLE: It’s complicated.
LUMI: How so?
ELLE: One second I’m convinced that she feels the same way I do and the next, I don’t because she seems hesitant.
LUMI: Maybe she’s just shy.
ELLE: Aria? Shy? Please. That girl is fearless.
LUMI: She can still be fearless and be afraid of what she feels. Everyone feels that way.
ELLE: Even if I did tell her how I felt, that wouldn’t be fair to her. I’m literally leaving for six months.
LUMI: And you’d rather go that entire time wondering what could’ve been? Long distance relationships are a thing, you know.
ELLE: I know, but I just need some time to think it over.
LUMI: I get it.
ARIA walks around the corner and stops short when she sees them.
LUMI: I’m proud of you, Elle.
ELLE: Thanks, Lu.
ELLE and LUMI hug.
ARIA softly sighs and approaches them.
ARIA: Hey guys. You were incredible out there.
LUMI: Thank you.
ELLE: Thanks.
LUMI: Well, we’d better go get changed for the final number.
ELLE: Right.
ELLE turns to ARIA.
ELLE: See you out there.
ARIA: Yeah.
ELLE and LUMI head towards the dressing room.
SEBASTIAN walks past them and approaches ARIA.
ARIA: Sebastian, hi.
SEBASTIAN: Hello Aria.
ARIA: What are you doing back here?
SEBASTIAN: I just wanted to wish you good luck before your performance. I’ve loved seeing how far you’ve come.
ARIA: Thank you.
SEBASTIAN: And even though you are no longer at L&O, I still consider you one of us at Rose. I really wish it wasn’t over.
ARIA: What are you talking about?
SEBASTIAN: Oh. Your friends didn’t tell you?
ARIA: Tell me what?
SEBASTIAN takes a deep breath before telling her.
SCENE THIRTY SEVEN – INT. THEATER – STAGE
AVERI, SOMMER, TOBY, and BRAEDEN perform “Hallelujah” by Pentatonix.
SCENE THIRTY EIGHT – INT. THEATER – BACKSTAGE
ARIA is pacing back and forth.
LIV enters through the stage door and quickly walks over to her.
LIV: Hey.
ARIA turns to face her.
LIV: What was so important that you called me out of the audience mid-concert? Did you have a wardrobe malfunction or something?
ARIA: No.
LIV: So what’s up?
ARIA: I just talked to Sebastian.
LIV: Oh God.
ARIA: I swear the secrecy in this friend group is really starting to piss me off. I may not technically be a part of L&O anymore, but that doesn’t mean I should be kept in the dark about stuff like this.
LIV: We were going to tell you after the show, but we didn’t want anything to derail you.
ARIA: I’m a professional, Liv. I can handle it. In fact, I’m even more derailed now because this could very well be the last night that we’re all together.
LIV: Okay. That’s a little dramatic, don’t you think?
ARIA: Not really. L&O was the only thing keeping us here.
LIV: That might be a little true, but no one really knows where they’re going to go next.
ARIA: Exactly.
LIV: Look, this is not your burden to bear, okay? You have a career. Tonight is literally the beginning.
ARIA: You’re right.
LIV: And we won’t be down for long. I promise you that.
ARIA: I believe you.
LIV and ARIA embrace each other.
ARIA: I’m so proud of you guys.
SCENE THIRTY NINE – INT. THEATER – STAGE / BACKSTAGE / AUDIENCE
ARIA walks out onto the stage.
ARIA: Thank you all for coming tonight. I am so thankful to be a part of this incredible journey. I am extremely blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing community, both on and offstage and I will forever be grateful. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that so many amazing opportunities can come when one door closes and another opens.
ELLE, LUMI, AVERI, SOMMER, TOBY, and BRAEDEN smile from backstage.
ARIA: And to my friends at Rose, I truly can’t thank you enough for everything that you’ve done for me. And even though our time at L&O has come to an end, we will still continue to take on the world together because we are more than just co-workers. We’re a family.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, STELLA, SAM, JAXON, and DOMINIC all smile warmly at ARIA from their seats.
ARIA gives the cue to the conductor.
ARIA performs her cover of “Gift of a Friend” by Demi Lovato.
The crowd begins to wave their phones with their flashlights on throughout the theater.
At the end of the song, the crowd cheers and gives Aria a standing ovation.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, STELLA, SAM, JAXON, and DOMINIC all cheer.
ARIA smiles as she soaks in the applause.
SCENE FORTY – INT. THEATER – STAGE
Aria, Lumi, Elle, Averi, Sommer, Toby, and Braeden all perform the final number together; a simple and perfect way to end the concert.
SCENE FORTY ONE – INT. THE ANGELS’ LOFT
TOBY pops a bottle of champagne.
THE PARTYGOERS cheer.
TOBY fills up Averi, Sommer, and Braeden’s cups before they all take a sip.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, STELLA, SAM, and JAXON are all mingling on the dance floor.
LUMI and ELLE are dancing together near them.
ARIA is standing up on the balcony looking down at them.
DOMINIC approaches her with two drinks and extends one to her.
DOMINIC: Penny for your thoughts?
ARIA takes the drink and immediately takes a big sip.
ARIA: Love sucks.
DOMINIC: I’m assuming that this is about Elle and Lumi.
ARIA: Yes. I’m not typically the jealous type, but there’s definitely something there, right?
DOMINIC glances down at them.
DOMINIC: It’s…something. But so is whatever is going on between the two of you. I work with the girl and trust me, she does not shut up about you.
ARIA: Really?
DOMINIC: Are you surprised?
ARIA: Not really. I mean, I am pretty awesome.
DOMINIC chuckles.
DOMINIC: Yes, you are. So what are you doing up here talking to me? Go get her.
ARIA: Thanks Dom.
DOMINIC: You’re welcome.
ARIA sets her cup down and heads down the steps.
ARIA: Hey Lumi, do you mind if I borrow Elle for a minute?
LUMI: Of course. I need a refill on my drink anyways.
LUMI heads towards the kitchen.
ELLE: What’s up?
ARIA: Can we talk?
ELLE: Yeah. Why don’t we step outside?
ARIA: Good idea.
ELLE and ARIA walk towards the exit.
SCENE FORTY TWO – EXT. THE ANGELS’ LOFT
ARIA and ELLE exit the building and walk down the steps, standing on the sidewalk.
ELLE: What a night, huh?
ARIA: I’ll say. It was certainly memorable. And I’m hoping that I can add to that.
ELLE: What do you mean?
ARIA: That I think it’s finally time for me to be completely honest.
ELLE: Is this about what you were going to tell me last night?
ARIA: Yes.
ELLE: And that was?
ARIA takes a deep breath.
ARIA: I really like you, Elle. I like us. And I was so focused on my career that I truthfully never thought that I would feel this way about someone, but you changed that. You make me better and not just as a performer, but as a person. And I want us to be more than friends.
ELLE half-grins, but it doesn’t meet her eyes.
ELLE: I want that too. But—
ARIA raises her eyebrows.
ARIA: But?
ELLE: I’ve been thinking and I’m also very focused on my career. I just don’t think I can have any distractions right now.
ARIA: So I’m a distraction?
ELLE: That’s not what I meant.
ARIA: That’s what you said.
ELLE: Aria, I think that you’re amazing, but I can’t commit to a serious relationship right now. That wouldn’t be fair to you.
ARIA puts on a brave face.
ARIA: You’re right. It wouldn’t.
ELLE: But that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.
ARIA: Actually, it kind of does. Because if I continue to be around you, I’m going to have to give the performance of a lifetime and I don’t think I can handle that. I think that six months of distance might do us some good.
ELLE: Don’t say that.
ARIA: I’m just being honest.
ARIA fights back her tears.
ARIA: I think I’m gonna head home. You should get back inside for the party.
ELLE: Aria—
ARIA: I’m serious. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be okay.
ARIA’S DRIVER pulls up in his car.
ARIA: Good luck on the tour.
ARIA gets into the car.
A tear rolls down ELLE’s face as she watches the car drive away.
SCENE FORTY THREE – INT. THE ANGELS’ LOFT
Elle returns to the party and is confronted by Liv. The two briefly talk about what happened. After Elle walks away, Liv texts Aria. Aria replies to her saying that she’s okay and she’ll see her at home.
SCENE FORTY FOUR – INT. TOWN CAR
Aria is in the back of her town car, lamenting. She minimizes the texts with Liv and goes into her camera roll, looking at the pics of her and Elle from the past few weeks. She is quick to turn her phone off and leans against the window, extremely regretful of her decision to put herself out there.
SCENE FORTY FIVE – EXT. THE ANGELS’ LOFT
Some time has passed.
LOLA, LIV, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, STELLA, SAM, JAXON, and DOMINIC exit the building and walk down the steps.
JAXON: I’ll go pull the car up.
LIV: Okay.
SKYLAR: We’re parked right here, but we’ll wait for you.
JAXON walks around the corner and continues down the sidewalk.
SKYLAR: Well tonight surely was eventful.
LIV: Tell me about it.
STELLA: You think Ari will be okay?
LIV: I hope so. This is the first time she’s gotten this close to someone in forever. It’s gonna be a while before she bounces back.
DOMINIC: Well I’m not worried. I’m sure that Elle will come to her senses.
LOLA pulls SAM to the side.
LOLA: Hey, is everything okay?
SAM: Yeah. Why do you ask?
LOLA: Because you’ve been awfully quiet tonight, especially during the party.
SAM’s expression is very telling.
LOLA: What’s going on?
SAM: Sebastian is considering me for a new position at Rose and I’m not sure if I’m going to take it.
LOLA: You should.
SAM: Are you serious? The L&O offices aren’t even empty yet and I’ve already got one foot out the door.
LOLA: We all do. Sam, you’d be crazy not to take it. Someone has to keep the L&O legacy alive.
SAM: It just doesn’t seem fair.
LOLA: It’s just business.
SAM: And what will you do?
LOLA: I’m not sure. I still have some decisions of my own to make.
SAM: Like what?
LOLA struggles to respond.
Liv’s phone rings, drawing their attention to her.
LIV looks at the caller ID and is baffled.
LOLA: Everything alright, Liv?
LIV: Yeah. Just give me a sec.
LIV answers the call.
LIV: Hello?
LIV steps away from everyone.
The other caller can’t be heard on the phone, but Liv’s reaction shows that the news is not good.
LIV is frozen for a moment as she processes what she’s being told. When she turns to face her friends appearing to be visibly distraught, LOLA, SKYLAR, BRIANNA, STELLA, SAM, and DOMINIC all look concerned.
SONG: “Til My Heart Stops” by Too Far Moon
SCENE FORTY SIX – EXT. NYC – STREET
An accident has occurred between Aria’s town car and another driver with significant damage done to both vehicles and everyone involved. Emergency personnel are on the scene. The police are redirecting traffic and putting up perimeters to keep everyone back. A few ambulances are also on the scene. Aria’s driver is being treated by one of the paramedics for his minor injuries. He appears to be visibly distressed.
Lola, Liv, Skylar, Brianna, Stella, Sam, Jaxon, and Dominic arrive at the scene just in time to see Aria being put in the ambulance. They are all in shock. Liv immediately breaks down and nearly falls to her knees, having to be held up by Jaxon and Brianna.
END OF EPISODE
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