FADE IN:
INT. DESMOND MANOR LIVING ROOM – Morning
A Beverly Hills Mansion decorated with top of the line 1990’s furniture. Waiting impatiently at the bottom of the stairs is NIKKI DESMOND, 16, a spoiled rotten sista dressed in slacks, a red sleeveless sweater and heels. Her maid ROSA, 36, a hardworking Mexican woman in a gray maid’s uniform shuffles down the stairs with a red cardigan sweater.
ROSA
Miss Desmond, your red cashmere sweater.
Nikki glares at sweater then snatches it from Rosa.
NIKKI
This isn’t my red sweater! This is my crimson sweater!
ROSA
They look the same–
A pissed off Nikki tosses the sweater in Rosa’s face.
NIKKI
Maybe they’re the same in your country, but not here in America. Now go upstairs and get my red sweater.
Rosa skulks upstairs with the sweater. RUMSFELD, 61, a polished British servant in formal tails walks into the room followed by Nikki’s father DONALD DESMOND, 45, a well-dressed businessman. He’s angry about Nikki’s behavior.
RUMSFELD
Miss Desmond, which one of the cars shall I bring around?
NIKKI
I really want to make the kids jealous. Let’s take the Rolls to school today Rumsfeld.
DONALD
Rumsfeld, hold off on bringing the Rolls around. Nikki’s not going anywhere until she apologizes to Rosa.
RUMSFELD
Very good sir.
Rumsfeld leaves the room. Nikki’s father lets into her.
DONALD
Nikki, you can’t talk to Rosa like that. Now go upstairs and apologize to her.
Nikki smiles at her Dad and says–
NIKKI
Dad, Rosa’s not people. She’s help.
An outraged Donald wants to take a belt to her. He holds back and says–
DOnald
She has feelings just like you do–
NIKKI
We don’t pay Rosa to have feelings. I don’t have to apologize to her.
DONALD
You didn’t feel that way about Agnes–
NIKKI
Agnes was a part of our family. Rosa is an employee and I’ll treat her as such.
DONALD
And you feel it’s okay to disregard the feelings of your employees in the workplace?
NIKKI
Duh. We pay Rosa to do things for us. I don’t have to care about her in order for her to do her job around here.
DONALD
Well, let’s test that theory. Until you learn how to treat Rosa you’ll be doing things for her instead of her doing things for you.
Nikki pouts and folds her arms across her chest.
DONALD
Dad, I’m a Desmond. We don’t do service.
DONALD
You either help Rosa or you’re grounded for the next three weeks.
NIKKI
C’mon that’s not fair–
DONALD
Maybe when you walk a mile in Rosa’s shoes you’ll appreciate all the hard work she does for you.
Rosa comes downstairs with the crimson sweater.
ROSA
Your red cashmere Sweater Miss Desmond.
NIKKI
(Snatching the sweater and putting it on)
It’s about time.
Donald lets Rosa know about Nikki’s punishment.
DONALD
Oh Rosa, I want you to know you can take a load off today. Nikki here will be doing your work afterschool.
Rosa smiles about the day off.
ROSA
Muchas Gracias Mr. Desmond.
DONALD
You were going to clean the bathrooms, wash the clothes and go shopping today right?
ROSA
All that and cook dinner sir.
DONALD
Well, I’m sure Nikki can handle that afterschool.
Nikki is miffed.
NIKKI
I was going to Bloomingdale’s afterschool with Candice–
Rosa smiles as she tells Nikki–
ROSA
Well, if you want clothes I’ll take you to the uniform store and we’ll get you a nice outfit to wear before you go to work.
Nikki growls…
NIKKI
THIS…STINKS!
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BEVERLY HILLS HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY – AFTERNOON
Classes are over; students are on their way home. Nikki grabs her Louis Vuitton backpack out of her locker and meets up with–
Her best friend CANDICE COLLINS, 16, a rich spoiled sista dressed in a designer suit and heels. She smiles as she asks Nikki–
CANDICE
Hey Nikki, ready to go shopping?
Nikki puts her head down and grimaces as she tells Candice–
NIKKI
I can’t. I’m on punishment.
Candice puts her hands on her hips and gives Nikki a look.
CANDICE
Okay, what did you do?
NIKKI
Dad says I have to learn how to treat the help like people. So I have to help the maid do her work.
An indifferent Candice smiles at Nikki and tells her–
CANDICE
That blows. You’re so gonna miss out on the cool stuff at the sale at Bloomingdale’s.
Nikki gives Candice a scowl as they head out to the–
EXT. BEVERLY HILLS HIGH SIDEWALK – AFTERNOON
Rich kids walk past the sign reading–
PARKING LOT
And laugh at the poor kids waiting at the corner Metro bus stop. Nikki and Candice pause between the parking lot sign and the bus stop to argue.
NIKKI
You’re going shopping without me? You’re my ride–
CANDICE
Hey, I never miss a sale.
NIKKI
How am I supposed to get home?
CANDICE
There’s the bus.
Nikki looks over at the–
BUS STOP
At the kids covering their faces in embarrassment. She desperately pleads to Candice–
NIKKI
Come on Candice, don’t do this to me–
CANDICE
Hey, consider it part of your punishment along with the sudbusting.
An annoyed Nikki pouts at Candice before telling her–
NIKKI
I have something to say to you Candice.
CANDICE
What?
NIKKI
You stink.
CANDICE
Yeah, but I’ll be dressed so fabulously no one will care what I smell like.
Candice struts to her car. A pissed off Nikki takes out her cell phone out of her backpack to make a call as–
Rosa rolls up in front of the school in a Honda Civic. Nikki rolls her eyes and glares at her.
NIKKI
What are you doing here?
ROSA
I’m here to make sure you follow through with your punishment.
NIKKI
Dad was kidding–
ROSA
I’m not.
NIKKI
But this is a Civic. I can’t be seen in a Civic. It’s a poor people car.
ROSA
It’s either my poor people car or the bus.
An embarrassed Nikki looks down the street at–
The poor kids waiting at the Metro bus stop. Resigned, she puts her sweater over her face as she gets in.
NIKKI
This is so embarrassing.
ROSA
Your Dad could get you a bus pass.
Rosa drives over to…
INT. UNIFORM SHOP – AFTERNOON
A small Valley shop with outdated fixtures. Rosa walks in with a sulking Nikki who continues to have her cardigan over her face–
ROSA
Nikki, stop acting childish.
NIKKI
I don’t want people to see me here. This
is a poor people store–
ROSA
Nicole…
Nikki stops hiding under her sweater as–
NIKKI
We’re in the Valley for God’s sake. I can smell the poverty in the air.
A STORE CLERK, 24, walks from around the counter to approach them. He smiles at Rosa.
CLERK
Hey Rosie, how you doing?
ROSA
Good. She needs a uniform like mine. Size extra small.
NIKKI
I wear a size 0.
CLERK
I’m sorry, but uniforms come in extra small, small, medium, large, extra large and XXL.
NIKKI
Letter sizes are for poor people.
ROSA
As long as it fits you.
The Clerk goes to the rack and pulls out a gray uniform that matches Rosa’s and hands it to Nikki. Nikki drops the uniform on the floor like it was diseased.
NIKKI
Oh my God, it’s Polyester!
CLERK
This is one of our best sellers. Easy to iron, easy to clean–
NIKKI
Easy to wipe my–
ROSA
She’ll take it.
CLERK
Would you like some sneakers to go with your uniform? Desmond Manor is a big place to clean–
Nikki looks at Rosa’s sneakers and sucks her teeth.
NIKKI
I may have to wear this polyester mess, but I refuse to violate my feet with skips.
ROSA
Have it your way.
The Clerk rings up the purchase. Nikki and Rosa leave and head to–
INT. DESMOND MANOR HALLWAY – EVENING
Rosa dressed in a designer silk blouse, slacks, and pumps waits impatiently outside the bathroom door with a cleaning caddy and a vacuum cleaner. RAPP! RAPP! RAPP! She knocks on the door–
ROSA
Nicole, what’s taking so long? You should be dressed by now–
NIKKI
(Behind closed door)
UGH– The polyester feels so itchy against my skin. I have to get out of this-this–
An annoyed Rosa demands–
ROSA
Come on out of there.
Nikki reluctantly opens the door dressed in the uniform and pumps. She frowns at the sight of the well-dressed Rosa.
NIKKI
Hey, where’s your uniform?
ROSA
For today I’m the lady of the house. You’re the help.
NIKKI
But you’re poor. You can’t afford clothes like mine–
ROSA
Your Dad let me catch the sale at Bloomingdale’s today. His treat.
Nikki is really burnt up. Rosa hands Nikki the cleaning caddy and the vacuum cleaner.
NIKKI
I thought you were gonna help me–
ROSA
I am. I’m supervising. Now I want you to clean the bathrooms, vacuum the carpets in the upstairs hall, and all the carpets in the rooms. Then you start on the ones downstairs.
Nikki looks down the long corridor and huffs a sigh.
NIKKI
Every bathroom and all the carpets? That’s going to take hours–
ROSA
Usually does. Maybe you should have bought some sneakers.
Nikki scowls as Rosa walks away. She grabs Rosa–
NIKKI
Hey, I thought you were going to supervise me–
ROSA
I’ll check your work later. My Novelas are on.
NIKKI
Well, what if I decide not to do anything but stand here until Dad gets home?
ROSA
Then you get grounded for three weeks and your Dad gets the belt to you.
Nikki’s attitude quickly changes. She pastes on a smile–
NIKKI
…All the floors and the bathrooms right?
ROSA
Yes. And I need you to do all this by six.
NIKKI
(Checking her watch)
But it’s four already.
ROSA
Not my problem. It just needs to be done before your father gets home.
Rosa heads downstairs as an exasperated Nikki starts up the vacuum. Over the roar of the machine she growls–
NIKKI
Miss the sale at Bloomingdale’s, dressed in cheap polyester working like a slave on a crazy schedule– RGGHHH!
LATER
INT. DESMOND MANOR LIVING ROOM – EVENING
Rosa lounges on the sofa watching TV while–
Nikki struggles to bring the vacuum cleaner downstairs. The pumps she wears makes carrying the bulky vacuum awkward. She reaches the bottom of the stairs finds an outlet and–
Has a hard time maneuvering the vacuum over the carpet in high heels. Rosa hears the noise and gestures to the frustrated Nikki–
ROSA
Excuse me Nikki–
An angry Nikki keeps on vacuuming around her. On the next sweep Rosa grabs her arm–
ROSA
EXCUSE ME NIKKI!
An annoyed Nikki turns off the vacuum.
NIKKI
Yes Rosa?
ROSA
Er– No. I’m Ms. Lopez to my help.
NIKKI
(Rolling eyes)
Yes, Ms. Lopez?
ROSA
I need you to stop with the vacuuming. I can’t hear my novelas.
NIKKI
But Ro– Ms. Lopez I need to get this done before Dad gets home.
ROSA
That can wait.
NIKKI
But I’m behind already–
ROSA
Your work is going to have to wait until my novelas end.
NIKKI
But this is important–
ROSA
And so are my novelas.
Nikki huffs a sigh and takes off her heels. Rosa grimaces as she watches Nikki rub her aching feet.
ROSA
Hold on. What do you think you’re doing?
NIKKI
My feet are killing me. God, I never knew high heels could hurt so bad–
ROSA
No, you will not stink up my living room with your dogs. You put those shoes back on.
NIKKI
But Ro– Ms. Lopez–
ROSA
Put those shoes back on. I do not need to see your crusty feet.
Nikki huffs a sigh and reluctantly puts back on her heels. Rosa glares at her and tells her–
ROSA
Look, why don’t you go do something important like get me a soda.
NIKKI
But I have to finish vacuuming–
ROSA
Er–no. Your job is to get me a soda before the commercial break ends.
Rosa waves Nikki out of the room. Nikki storms into the–
KITCHEN
Where Rumsfeld is wiping down the kitchen counter.
RUMSFELD
Is there something I can do for you Miss Desmond?
NIKKI
(Opening the refrigerator)
I have to get Rosa a soda.
RUMSFELD
Did you ask what flavor?
NIKKI
She just said to get her a soda–
RUMSFELD
A servant should always ask their employer what type of beverage they desire before presenting it to them.
NIKKI
I never ask you guys–
RUMSFELD
We know.
NIKKI
Rosa should know what I like–
RUMSFELD
Like she’d know the difference between a red and crimson sweater?
NIKKI
That was different–
RUMSFELD
Why don’t you go see if it is.
Nikki takes the soda out to the–
LIVING ROOM
And presents it to Rosa.
NIKKI
Your soda Ms. Lopez.
Rosa rolls her
eyes at Nikki.
ROSA
I don’t want it.
NIKKI
But you told me you wanted a soda–
ROSA
First off, it’s late. I wanted a soda by the end of the commercial break. Second, this is a regular soda. I wanted a diet.
NIKKI
How am I supposed to know–
ROSA
You’re supposed to know. You’re the help.
An angry Nikki is about to storm out. Rosa grabs her.
NIKKI
Hey–
ROSA
I didn’t dismiss you.
NIKKI
I thought–
ROSA
You’re paid to do things for me. You don’t go anywhere until you’re dismissed.
NIKKI
(Rolling eyes)
What else do you want?
ROSA
First off, you will check your attitude. Then you get me a diet soda this time. And then you make me dinner. I want it on the table by seven.
NIKKI
How do I know what to make you for–
ROSA
Er...Schedule on the fridge. Now go. You’re interrupting my novelas.
Nikki storms back into the–
KITCHEN
Where Rumsfeld is washing dishes. Nikki storms into the refrigerator and gets a diet soda. She’s visibly upset. Rumsfeld is concerned.
RUMSFELD
Are you all right Miss Desmond?
NIKKI
It’s not right she treats me like that!
RUMSFELD
Is it? You’re only paid to do things for her.
NIKKI
Well, she doesn’t have to be so mean.
RUMSFELD
Well, isn’t that how people are supposed to treat their help?
NIKKI
Well, it’s not right. I have feelings.
RUMSFELD
Remember she doesn’t have to care about your feelings as long as you do your work. You’re the help.
NIKKI
It’s not right Rosa treats me like this–
RUMSFELD
Is it right when you treat Rosa the same way?
NIKKI
This is just a punishment–
RUMSFELD
Does Rosa deserve to be punished for doing her job?
Nikki takes a moment to think about her behavior–
NIKKI
Am I always this mean to you guys?
RUMSFELD
You are who you are Miss Desmond.
NIKKI
Well, I’m sorry if I ever treated you this way. It’s not right. You guys are just doing your jobs–
RUMSFELD
Shouldn’t you be telling this to Rosa?
NIKKI
(Sighing)
Yeah, I should.
Nikki gets a diet soda out of the refrigerator and heads out into the–
LIVING ROOM
Where Rosa is watching her soaps. Nikki straightens up her posture and acts professionally as she presents the beverage to Rosa.
NIKKI
Your beverage Ms. Lopez.
ROSA
(Opening soda)
Thank you Nikki.
Nikki puts her head down. It’s hard for her to get the words out but she forces it–
NIKKI
I–I’m really sorry about how I treated you this morning.
Rosa takes Nikki’s hand as she sits next to her on the couch.
ROSA
It’s okay–
NIKKI
No, it’s not. You were just doing your job and I got nasty with you this morning. I–
ROSA
Is something wrong Nicole?
NIKKI
I just thought you were gonna try to replace Agnes around here.
ROSA
I doubt I could replace her.
NIKKI
Look, me and Agnes were really close. She took care of me the way I always wanted my Mom to, but–
Nikki thinks about her mother. Painful memories.
ROSA
Our relationship is going to be different.
NIKKI
Look, I don’t want you to be just help. I just don’t know you like that.
ROSA
Do you want to get to know me at all?
NIKKI
I don’t know. But I shouldn’t have come at you like I did. You have feelings just like I do and I should consider them before I tell you to do something.
There’s a long silence before Rosa asks–
ROSA
Do you think we’ll ever be that close?
Nikki pulls her hand out of Rosa’s.
NIKKI
I don’t think we’re there yet.
The mood starts to get better as–
BAM! Nikki’s Dad comes home from work. He’s surprised by the sight of his daughter in a maid’s uniform.
DONALD
Whoa. Did I just step into Bizarro world?
Nikki reassures her father.
NIKKI
We still have money Dad.
ROSA
I was following through on your punishment Mr. Desmond. I felt role reversal would get Nikki to understand what it’s like when you don’t treat others like you want to be treated.
Donald gives his daughter an admonishing look.
DONALD
So you apologized to Rosa?
NIKKI
Yeah.
DONALD
Then I can take you off punishment.
Nikki flops on the sofa and takes off her pumps.
NIKKI
Finally. I can take these shoes off.
ROSA
Well, I’m glad this punishment is over.
DONALD
Why? You got to dress up and be the lady of the house–
ROSA
Still, I was about to get punished.
NIKKI
How?
ROSA
Nikki was about to make dinner.
Nikki gives Rosa a glare. Donald laughs as…
FADE OUT:
THE END
ALL ABOUT NIKKI
EPISODE 1.05
“ALL ABOUT BULLIES”