FADE IN:
INT. BEVERLY HILLS HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA– AFTERNOON
A busy social hub where kids chat, chow down, and hang out while trendy music plays softly in the background. At a table in the back–
NIKKI DESMOND and CANDICE COLLINS, 16, spoiled rich sistas in designer suits and heels are sitting in front of nachos and sodas contemplating their weekend plans.
NIKKI
So what do you want to do this weekend Candice?
CANDICE
The same thing we do every weekend Nikki. Go to the movies.
NIKKI
We could try taking over the world–
CANDICE
Nah, the new stuff at Saks comes in next week.
NIKKI
Well, we could just stay in at my house, watch movies and wash our hair. What type of shampoo do you want to try this week–
As Nikki is contemplating shampoo brands, Candice notices–
AT THE CAFETERIA ENTRANCE
JEROME CHERRY 16, a handsome clean cut brotha wearing designer jeans, a silk shirt, and sneakers saunter into the cafeteria. He flashes Candice a smile as he approaches the–
CONCESSION STAND
And–
BACK TO NIKKI’S TABLE
Candice smiles back at him.
Candice keeps her eyes on Jerome from a distance as he places his order. Nikki notices Candice in a daze and inquires–
NIKKI
Candice? Earth to Candice? Hello? Is anyone there?
Candice snaps out of it.
CANDICE
Oh I’m sorry– I was thinking about someone– I mean– something else.
NIKKI
What could be more important than the shampoo we’re gonna use to wash our hair with?
Jerome gets his order, and approaches the girl’s table as–
Candice makes other plans for Saturday night.
CANDICE
You can use whatever shampoo you want, because my plans for Saturday night are coming this way.
Jerome flashes a grin at the girls. Nikki isn’t impressed as Jerome lays down a smooth line–
JEROME
Is this seat taken?
And Candice receives it.
CANDICE
Hey, if you want it, it’s yours.
Candice is enamored as Jerome eases into the seat across from them. Nikki isn’t impressed.
NIKKI
And you are–
JEROME
Jerome Cherry. My parents just moved here from Orange County–
Nikki rolls her eyes and snarls–
NIKKI
Oh crap. He’s an O.C– MMMMPH!
Candice puts her hand over Nikki’s mouth and pulls her out of her seat. Nikki stumbles about as–
CANDICE
We’re gonna need a moment Jerome. One moment.
Candice takes Nikki over to–
A PRIVATE SPOT IN THE CAFETERIA
Where Nikki expresses her harsh opinions of Jerome to Candice.
NIKKI
Candice, he’s an O.C. poser–
CANDICE
He’s cute. And he’s the only brotha on campus who will talk to me–
NIKKI
Only brotha? C’mon you can do better than an O.C. wannabe. There’s plenty of brothers on campus–
Nikki’s theory is disproven as–
A Black male student walks by holding hands with his White girlfriend. Candice grimaces as she tells Nikki–
CANDICE
Talking to White girls. Look, I don’t need you messing this up for me.
NIKKI
Okay, I won’t say anything.
Nikki and Candice return to their–
TABLE
And Candice flashes Jerome a smile as they introduce themselves.
CANDICE
(Extending hand)
Thanks for waiting while we took care of some business. I’m Candice Collins and this is my friend Nicole Desmond.
Jerome shakes Candice’s hand, Nikki rolls her eyes and folds her arms. Candice bumps her and growls in her ear–
CANDICE
Shake the man’s hand.
NIKKI
But he’s got O.C. Cooties–
CANDICE
(Talking through gritted teeth)
Do not embarrass me Nicole! Shake that man’s hand!
Nikki pouts and reluctantly shakes Jerome’s hand. They have seats. Candice pastes on a smile and inquires–
CANDICE
So Jerome, what brings you to Beverly Hills High?
JEROME
My Dad got promoted to an executive position over at Apex Studios. So he decided to move us out here to Beverly Hills to live the high life like executives do. Only I didn’t know there were so many foine sistas here on campus.
Nikki is about to put her foot in her mouth when–
NIKKI
Many? We’re the only two Black girls in the room–
Candice reaches into her backpack and shoves a dollar in Nikki’s face.
CANDICE
Nicole, go get me a soda.
NIKKI
But you have a soda. And that line is long–
Candice glares at Nikki, grits her teeth, and snarls through them–
CANDICE
I want another soda. I’m thirsty.
NIKKI
But I won’t get back here until the period is over–
CANDICE
That’s the general idea. Now go get it!
Nikki huffs a sigh stomps off to the concession stand while Candice gets to know Jerome better.
JEROME
Your friend is a little tight.
CANDICE
She’s just that way around people she doesn’t know.
JEROME
So what do you sistas do here at Beverly Hills High for fun?
CANDICE
Well, there’s movies, sports–
Just as Candice is about to elaborate–
BRRING! The bell rings. Jerome flashes a smile as he asks–
JEROME
How about we talk about having some fun on the way to your next class?
Candice lights up.
CANDICE
Great.
The two love birds grab their stuff and head for the door just as–
Nikki approaches Candice with her soda.
NIKKI
Here’s your orange soda. Full of artificial flavors and colors just like–
Candice dismisses Nikki.
CANDICE
You drink it. Jerome is walking me to my next class.
A steamed Nikki vents her frustrations as Candice and Jerome head out of the cafeteria without her by saying–
NIKKI
THIS…STINKS!
Hours later…
EXT. BEVERLY HILLS HIGH PARKING LOT
School’s out, most of the kids are heading home. Nikki approaches Candice’s–
BLUE MAZDA MX-5 MIATA
And frowns when she sees–
Jerome sitting next to Candice He smiles at her as Nikki stews.
NIKKI
Er…What’s he doing in my seat?
CANDICE
Change of plans. I’m taking Jerome to The Spot.
Nikki loses it.
NIKKI
You were my ride!
CANDICE
Look you can call Rosa or Rumsfeld to come pick you up–
NIKKI
Candice, friends don’t strand friends in the parking lot. It’s just not done.
CANDICE
They do when they have a date.
Nikki is so flabbergasted she glares at Candice to tell her–
NIKKI
I have something to say to you Candice.
CANDICE
What?
NIKKI
You stink.
CANDICE
Jerome doesn’t care what I smell like.
As Candice starts the engine, and drives off leaving a seething Nikk
i stranded in the parking lot–
INT. CANDICE’S CAR – AFTERNOON
The two lovebirds continue to connect on the drive over to the Spot. Jerome inquires–
JEROME
You were kind of cold to your girl.
CANDICE
She’ll get over it.
JEROME
So…this place you’re taking me what’s it like?
CANDICE
The Spot is where all the cool kids hang out afterschool. They serve the best smoothies–
Jerome pats his pockets– Empty!
JEROME
Oh man! I must have left my wallet in my locker–
CANDICE
Don’t worry, I’ve got it.
JEROME
Thanks Candice. I’ma pay you back.
Candice lights up as–
Jerome smiles smoothly on the drive to The Spot. Hours–
LATER
INT.DESMOND MANOR LIVING ROOM – EVENING
SLAM! Nikki storms into Desmond Manor followed by RUMSFELD 61, a polished British servant in his driving uniform. Nikki’s Dad DONALD DESMOND, 45, jumps off the sofa to find out what’s got his daughter upset.
DONALD
Nikki, what happened? I thought Candice was driving you home–
NIKKI
Candice ditched me for a dude, that’s what happened.
DONALD
That’s cold.
NIKKI
Tell me about it. I only thought crap like that happened to guys.
DONALD
Well, honey dating is kind of a gray area–
NIKKI
It’s not supposed to be. I mean, we’re girls. We’re supposed to have each other’s backs–
Rumsfeld chimes in with some words of wisdom.
RUMSFELD
Unfortunately, Miss Desmond all is fair in love and war.
NIKKI
What’s that supposed to mean?
RUMSFELD
It means anything goes when it comes to romantic relationships.
NIKKI
So it’s okay for friends to ditch friends in parking lots for a guy?
RUMSFELD
During a romance anything can happen. Oftentimes friendships can be strained, families become tense–
NIKKI
That’s not cool–
DONALD
That’s teenage love.
NIKKI
Sounds like it blows.
DONALD
That’s what you say now. Wait till you’re in it.
NIKKI
Still, I’d never ditch Candice for a dude. It’s just not done.
DONALD
Are you sure?
NIKKI
Hey, my car has four seats. I’d at least drop Candice off before I went off somewhere–
DONALD
That’s what you say now. Wait till some guy you like comes talking to you.
NIKKI
Not gonna happen to me.
DONALD
Why?
NIKKI
If guys make you this stupid, I don’t think I want to even start dating.
Nikki sighs before telling everyone.
NIKKI
I’m gonna go do my homework. Tomorrow I definitely take my car to school.
Nikki storms up the stairs. Nikki’s Dad turns to Rumsfeld–
DONALD
They’re so cute when they’re that young.
RUMSFELD
Unfortunately youth and naiveté can’t last forever. The time will come when Miss Desmond becomes the interest of some gentleman caller–
Nikki’s Dad shakes his head.
DONALD
I don’t’ even want to think about it Rumsfeld. The arguments, the yelling, the crying–
RUMSFELD
The headaches. Perhaps I should contact the druggist in advance about having a supply of aspirin available–
DONALD
I have a case in my medicine cabinet just for the “You just don’t understand anything” and “But we’re in love” speech.
Nikki’s Dad and Rumsfeld laugh as the–
NEXT DAY
exT. BEVERLY HILLS HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT – MORNING
Nikki drives her red Mercedes convertible on the lot. She parks in the spot next to–
CANDICE’S MIATA
And grimaces at–
The Discman left in the front seat. She picks it up and heads into the–
INT. BEVERLY HILLS HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY – MORNING
Bustling with students. She spots Candice–
And presents her with the Discman. Candice frowns.
NIKKI
You left your Discman in your car.
Candice lights up and quickly takes the Discman from Nikki and stuffs it in her locker.
CANDICE
Oh, that’s Jerome’s.
Nikki rolls her eyes as Candice closes her locker.
NIKKI
You drove him to school!
CANDICE
I drive you to school–
NIKKI
To save time. Where is dude’s car?
CANDICE
I don’t know–
NIKKI
Something is wrong with this guy–
CANDICE
You just don’t like him because he’s from Orange County–
NIKKI
Look, people from the O.C. are wanna-bes. They wanna be like people from L.A., but they’re not.
CANDICE
You’re no L.A. native yourself Ms. Born and Raised in New York City–
NIKKI
I told you I’m not just a New Yorker. I’m Bi– Costal.
CANDICE
You’re gonna be by yourself if you keep dissing Jerome–
NIKKI
Seriously, dude is not adding up right. How can the son of an executive not have his own car?
Candice has had enough. She glares at Nikki–
CANDICE
I finally meet a guy who likes me and you have to crap on him. Why can’t you just be happy for me?
NIKKI
Candice, I just want you to be careful with this guy. You just met him yesterday–
CANDICE
No, you want me to be with a guy who fits your snobby materialistic standards. Well, not every guy out here can be what you want them to be.
NIKKI
Candice–
CANDICE
Look, if you don’t like Jerome, then you don’t have to hang around us.
A resigned Nikki heads down the hall to class. Hours–
LATER
INT. BEVERLY HILLS HIGH CAFETERIA – AFTERNOON
The social hub is abuzz with gossip and games over burgers and fries. Candice anxiously waits at the entrance as–
Jerome strolls in. Candice greets her man with a kiss.
JEROME
What up girl?
CANDICE
Just waiting for you Romey.
Jerome flashes a smooth smile at Candice as they head over to the–
CONCESSION STAND
JEROME
So what do you want baby?
Candice contemplates menu options as–
Nikki strolls over behind her. She’s about to apologize when–
CANDICE
I think I’ll have a pizza pocket, some onion rings, a pack of cookies, and a coke–
Jerome reaches into his pocket for his wallet and comes up with lint. Nikki rolls her eyes as he makes an excuse.
JEROME
Oh man, I left my wallet in my locker again. Just let me go get it–
Candice smiles and opens her backpack. A concerned Nikki–
CANDICE
Don’t worry. I’ve got you. Order anything you want.
JEROME
Cool. I’ll pay you back at the movies Saturday afternoon.
Grabs Candice and asks–
NIKKI
Candice, can I see you for a minute?
Candice frow
ns and hands Jerome her money–
CANDICE
I’ll be right back. Romey. Gotta go talk to my girl about some business.
Candice follows Nikki over to–
A PRIVATE CORNER IN THE CAFETERIA
Where she expresses her concerns.
NIKKI
Don’t tell me you’re falling for this.
CANDICE
He promised to pay me back at the movies. I can help him out–
NIKKI
Yeah. I heard. Dude just drive-by-dated you–
CANDICE
He did not just drive-by-date me–
NIKKI
He got you to pay for stuff with promises of payback at a date in the future where he’ll conveniently forget his wallet again. Come on get the ring out of your nose Candice–
Candice has had enough She glares at Nikki and tells her–
CANDICE
Oh so you know what’s in his wallet now?
NIKKI
How many sons of executives do you know who don’t bring their wallets to lunch? Oh wait– He probably left it in the car that isn’t here–
CANDICE
Just like I’m gonna leave you here.
NIKKI
Candice–
CANDICE
Don’t sit at our table.
Candice storms back to the concession stand. Nikki decides she’s lost her appetite and heads over to a table in the corner and broods as she watches–
The lovebirds head to a table to feed each other. 45 minutes–
LATER
BRRRING! The bell rings–
And Nikki joins the lunch crowd as they file out of the cafeteria into the–
HALLWAY
Where Candice and Jerome kiss.
CANDICE
Catch you outside of the parking lot. We’ll get smoothies at The Spot. We’ll get Strawberry Peach Vanilla. Your favorite.
Jerome gives the smitten Candice a sad look.
JEROME
Nah, I got to be at afterschool tutoring today.
CANDICE
Well, I’ll wait for you–
JEROME
Nah, it’s gonna run late. I probably won’t get out until six–
CANDICE
Well, how are you gonna get home?
JEROME
Don’t worry. I’ll get a cab–
Candice reaches into her purse and hands Jerome $20.
CANDICE
This should get you home.
Jerome gives Candice a kiss.
JEROME
You so sweet. I’ma pay you back–
CANDICE
Don’t worry. I take care of my man.
Candice skips on to class. Jerome walks down the corridor up to the–
SECOND FLOOR
And turns the corner passing by–
ANOTHER STAIRCASE
Where Nikki walks out into the hallway. She notices–
Jerome strolling down the hall. She keeps her distance as he–
meets up with RHONDA BENNETT, 16, a foine sista in trendy clothes. He puts on his smooth operator grin as–
Rhonda gives him amorous eyes. He embraces her tightly as Nikki frowns and–
Hides behind some lockers to eavesdrop. Across the hall–
Rhonda and Jerome kiss.
JEROME
S’up Rhonda girl?
RHONDA
I miss you Romey. Where you been?
JEROME
You know I got classes in the South Building now.
RHONDA
I know. It’s like you never have time for me–
JEROME
I hear you baby. But they cancelled my Trig class this afternoon so we can meet up afterschool. I know this place that serves some really nice smoothies over on Ventura. You’ll love the Strawberry Peach Vanilla flavor–
Rhonda gives Jerome a look.
RHONDA
And where did you get money for smoothies all of a sudden? I thought you spent all your money on that book for English class–
Jerome pulls out Candice’s $20. Nikki frowns.
JEROME
Well, one of my boys from my American History class hooked me up for helping him fix his computer yesterday.
RHONDA
And which one of your boys got money like that? Them dudes is broker than you–
JEROME
Nah, this is a new dude from the South Building. He’s the son of a doctor. He got it like that to just give a dude $20 like it’s nothing.
RHONDA
Don’t you think that’s taking advantage of him?
JEROME
If he’s cool enough to have it like that, then we should enjoy the benefits.
Jerome seals the date with a kiss as they break the embrace–
JEROME
Meet you at your parking space after eighth period.
Jerome saunters into a nearby classroom as Rhonda walks down the hall past Nikki–
Who is disgusted. She heads down the hall to class contemplating how to help Candice–
AFTERSCHOOL
EXT. BEVERLY HILLS HIGH PARKING LOT – AFTERNOON
Candice approaches her car. Nikki rushes behind her as she’s sticking her keys in her car door. Candice glares at Nikki–
NIKKI
Candice, I need to talk to you.
CANDICE
Unless you’re here to say sorry, I don’t want to hear anything you have to say.
NIKKI
Look, I just saw Jerome with another girl–
Candice gives Nikki Jerome’s official story.
CANDICE
Jerome is going to tutoring right now–
NIKKI
No, he’s going to The Spot with some Rhonda chick–
Candice huffs a sigh.
CANDICE
I can’t believe this! You’re gonna make up stuff because you don’t like what neighborhood Jerome comes from–
NIKKI
I’m not lying on him. I know what I saw after lunch–
CANDICE
And I know what I’m seeing right now. You’re jealous.
NIKKI
What do I have to be jealous of? He’s a cheater–
CANDICE
The fact that I have a man and you can’t get one of your own–
NIKKI
Me jealous of you? Please. Candice, you’re letting this dude get in your head–
Candice loses it. Out of nowhere–
SLAP! She backhands Nikki across the cheek. Nikki crashes to the ground. A crowd forms as–
CANDICE
Oh I’m out my mind now because I see the truth about you?
A shocked Nikki jumps off the ground She’s hot.
NIKKI
Truth? I’m trying to help you–
CANDICE
No, you’re trying to help yourself like you always do.
NIKKI
Help myself? I don’t want to see you get hurt by this guy–
CANDICE
No, you only want me to hang around you so I can validate you and your snobby opinions. Well, guess what my world does not revolve around you exclusively!
NIKKI
Candice, you need to listen–
CANDICE
No, I need a new best friend.
Nikki’s face turns gray as an angry Candice gets in her car starts it up and–
SCREECH! She burns rubber as she pulls out of the parking lot. Students talk amongst themselves about what transpired, as–
A resigned Nikki holds her stinging cheek, gets in her Mercedes and heads back to–
INT. DESMOND MANORLIVNG ROOM – AFTERNOON
Where BAM! She storms into the living room. Her concerned Dad and Rumsfeld rush to her aid as they see her holding her stinging cheek.
DONALD
Nikki, what happened?
NIKKI
Candice bitchslapped me.
RUMSFELD
I’ll get some ice.
Rum
sfeld Rushes into the kitchen. Nikki drops her bag and takes a seat on the sofa as her Dad gets some answers.
DONALD
Why would Candice hit you?
NIKKI
I saw this guy she’s dating with another girl. He was planning a date with her. When I told Candice about it she slapped me and said I was jealous of her–
Nikki’s resigned Dad shakes his head as Rumsfeld comes out with an ice bag for Nikki’s cheek.
RUMSFElD
(Handing Nikki the bag of ice)
Unfortunately that’s the usual reaction in these situations Miss Desmond.
NIKKI
So I’m not supposed to say anything?
DONALD
No, you did the right thing. People just never react the way you think they do in these types of situations.
NIKKI
I know. All’s fair in love and war. But when’s it gonna be fair to me? I’m the one trying to do the right thing here–
RUMSFELD
Is it fair what’s happening to Ms. Collins?
NIKKI
No. I want to help her see the truth about this poser but she dropped me as her best friend.
DONALD
The last time I checked it took two people to be friends.
NIKKI
What’s that supposed to mean?
DONALD
She may have given up on you, but you can’t give up on her. Right now Candice needs you.
NIKKI
She doesn’t want anything to do with me–
DONALD
That’s the teenage love talking.
NIKKI
Tell me about it. It’s not like she’s herself–
RUMSFELD
Teenage love will make one say and do things they never thought they’d be capable of Miss Desmond.
NIKKI
You guys make it sound like she’s on that stuff–
DONALD
Well, when the high from love wears off you’ll see she still cares about you. You have to care about her enough to see her through this.
A resigned Nikki huffs a sigh and gets up off the sofa. Her father pats her on the back as he tells her–
DONALD
I’m really proud of you Nicole.
NIKKI
What’d I do?
DONALD
You’re thinking of someone else other than yourself. That shows a lot of character.
NIKKI
Great. Candice hates me and now you’re proud of me. How much worse can today get?
Nikki’s Dad smiles at her.
DONALD
You’ll appreciate the lessons you’ve learned today when you’re older.
NIKKI
Y’know for once I’d like to get some benefits from all this character building now instead of later. Then it wouldn’t blow so much.
DONALD
But then you wouldn’t learn anything.
NIKKI
I think I’ve learned enough for today. I’m gonna go watch some TV.
Nikki hands Rumsfeld the ice bag and shuffles up the stairs. The–
NEXT DAY
INT. BEVERLY MULTIPLEX TICKET BOOTH – AFTERNOON
Nikki flying solo is dressed down in a black merino turtleneck sweater, blue jeans and Chelsea boots as she shuffles over to the ticket line. She’s contemplating her cinematic options when–
Candice and Jerome stroll in holding hands. Candice rolls her eyes when she sees Nikki standing in front of them.
CANDICE
They don’t sell shampoo here.
Nikki turns around to tell Candice–
NIKKI
Hey, my world doesn’t revolve around you either. I want to check out a movie I’ll check out a movie.
CANDICE
Just don’t sit in the same theater as us.
NIKKI
Not planning to.
It’s Nikki’s turn to buy tickets. She has her money ready to pay and requests–
NIKKI
One for Isis.
Nikki gets her ticket and heads over to the–
Concession Stand
A long line. She keeps an ear out as Candice–
BACK AT THE TICKET BOOTH
Picks a movie.
CANDICE
Two tickets for Isis. The 2:30 showing.
Jerome reaches for his wallet–
But comes up with lint.
JEROME
Oh man– I must have left that $20 on my dresser!
Candice remembers what Nikki said and loses it.
CANDICE
You said you were gonna pay me back today–
Jerome tries to smooth things over.
JEROME
I was sure I had that $20 on me. I was changing pants and–
CANDICE
I thought you left it on the dresser–
JEROME
And when I was changing the pants I put the money on the dresser.
Candice glares at Nikki as she huffs a sigh and opens her purse.
CANDICE
Don’t worry I’ve got it.
Jerome smiles and kisses her on the cheek.
JEROME
Thanks Baby girl.
BACK AT THE Concession Stand
Nikki lights up when–
She hears Rhonda barking–
RHONDA
BABY GIRL! I THOUGHT I WAS YOUR BABY GIRL!
Jerome is in a Jam. He pastes on a nervous smile when–
Rhonda storms towards the box office. She rolls her eyes at Candice as–
RHONDA
JEROME, WHO IS THIS?
Jerome scrambles for an excuse.
JEROME
Rhonda– You wasn’t supposed to be here until tonght–
RHONDA
No, you told me to meet you here this afternoon yesterday at that overpriced smoothie place. Now who is this bougie heifer you got your arm around?
A smooth operator in a rough situation, Jerome applies his macking skills and plays it off.
JEROME
Well, this is Candice. She’s a friend of mine–
Candice snaps her eyes and tells Rhonda the truth.
CANDICE
Friend? Do not come here with that lie. I am not your friend. And who are you getting in my man’s face Ms. Thang?
RHONDA
I’m Rhonda Star, Jerome’s girl. And the question is: What are you doing with my man?
CANDICE
Your man? I’ve been seeing Jerome for the past week–
RHONDA
And I’ve been seeing him for the past two years Bougie Princess.
CANDICE
Who you calling bougie you Chicken Headed Skank?
RHONDA
Chicken Head? You the skank stepping to my man–
CANDICE
I’m about to step on you–
RHONDA
Girl, I’ll snatch that weave right out your head–
It’s about to get South Central ugly in Beverly Hills as Candice and Rhonda get in each other’s face until–
Nikki races off the concession line and pulls Candice away from Rhonda–
CANDICE
Get off me Nikki–
NIKKI
Don’t do this to yourself Candice. He’s not worth embarrassing yourself over.
RHONDA
Best listen to your girl Bougie Princess. He ain’t your man.
Nikki turns to Rhonda and lets her have it with both barrels.
NIKKI
You shouldn’t make a fool out of yourself either.
RHONDA
What? I’m standing up for my man–
NIKKI
Is he standing up for you?
Rhonda looks back to see–
Jerome smiling in anticipation of watching the impending catfight. She scowls.
NIKKI
Come on, don’t do this to yourself Rhonda. Don’t embarrass yourself fighting over this O.C. Poser–
Rhonda is shocked.<
br />
RHONDA
O.C.? Jerome doesn’t come from the O.C. He’s from South Central.
CANDICE
Then why is he going to Beverly Hills High?
RHONDA
He’s only going to Beverly because he’s using his boss’ address as a home address.
CANDICE
But he told me he’s the son of an Apex Studios Executive–
Rhonda laughs out loud.
RHONDA
Executive? Please. This boy is the son of a MAID who happens to work for an Apex Studios executive.
Nikki smiles smugly about having her suspicions confirmed. An embarrassed Jerome feels small.
NIKKI
Told you. The fact that he didn’t have a car speaks volumes.
Rhonda laughs again.
RHONDA
You got that right. If it wasn’t for me picking this boy up and taking him to and from school his behind would be riding around on the bus.
NIKKI
Maybe that’s why he can’t find his wallet. He doesn’t want you to see that BUS PASS in there!
Nikki and Rhonda enjoy laughs at Jerome’s expense. Jerome tries to play it off–
JEROME
Well, ain’t nothing wrong with Los Angeles’ fine mass transit system. You meet a lot of interesting people on the bus.
RHONDA
And it look like you gonna be meeting a lot more of them in the future.
Jerome’s eyes grow wide.
JEROME
You dumping me?
RHONDA
You dumped me the day you made a move on Candice. Like Nikki said, you are not worth me degrading myself over. Once a cheat always a cheat.
JEROME
So y’all gonna leave me out here like this?
RHONDA
The bus stop is on the corner. If you hurry, you might be able to catch it sometime today.
Busted perpetrator Jerome hurries behind Rhonda as–
JEROME
Rhonda, come on baby, don’t do me like that. You know I love you. Candice don’t mean nothing to me–
An embarrassed Candice turns to Nikki ready to apologize.
CANDICE
Thanks for having my back Nikki.
NIKKI
All may be fair in love and war, but it wasn’t right to leave you hanging out there.
CANDICE
Still, I did you wrong–
NIKKI
It’s okay. You were crushing on dude. When you’re like that you don’t think straight.
CANDICE
I’m just glad you were looking out for me. Man, I can’t believe how stupid I was–
NIKKI
Hey, it happens to everyone. All you can do is learn from it.
CANDICE
This another one of those character building events your father tells you that you’ll appreciate when you get older?
NIKKI
Unfortunately. So what are we doing tonight?
CANDICE
The same thing we do every Saturday Night Nicole. Watching movies and washing the dandruff out of our hair.
Candice follows Nikki to the concession line as–
FAde Out:
The End
ALL ABOUT NIKKI
EPISODE 1.13
“ALL ABOUT MOM”