SCHOOL HALLWAY – AFTERNOON
Warm sunlight stretches through the corridor. BROOKE storms forward, footsteps sharp and echoing.
Her jaw is tight. She snaps at a passing student, who nearly jumps out of her way.
BROOKE
Ugh—why does nobody ever listen to me?!
A few steps behind, SHARRA watches quietly, noticing everything — Brooke’s tone, her impatience, the flaring attitude.
They reach the classroom. Brooke slams her bag onto the desk.
BROOKE
This is so unfair!
Sharra pulls up a chair beside her, movements calm, controlled.
SHARRA
(gently)
Brooke… I’ve noticed something lately.
Brooke turns sharply.
BROOKE
What’s that supposed to mean?
Sharra takes a slow breath.
SHARRA
You’re arguing over everything. Snapping at people. Refusing to listen.
(pauses)
You’re starting to turn into… Bethany.
Brooke freezes — offended, shocked.
BROOKE
Me? Bethany? Are you serious?!
SHARRA
(firm but soft)
Yes. You’re acting just like her. The last word… the misbehavior… all of it.
Brooke’s bravado falters. She looks away, biting her lip.
BROOKE
I didn’t realize I was doing that…
SHARRA
That’s why I’m telling you. You still have time to change.
(smiles)
You get to choose who you become.
Brooke sighs, letting out the tension she’s been holding all day.
BROOKE
It’s just… hard to stay calm sometimes.
SHARRA
I know. But self-awareness is a choice too.
(leans closer)
And you’re better than Bethany-mode. Way better.
A faint smile breaks through Brooke’s frustration.
BROOKE
Thanks, Sharra… I needed that.
SHARRA
Anytime. Just… don’t argue over every little—
BROOKE
(laughing softly)
Okay, okay. I’ll try.
The bell RINGS. Students rush in. Brooke moves more deliberately now — calmer, thoughtful.
She smiles at a classmate. Waits her turn to speak. Makes a quiet compliment.
Sharra watches, hopeful.
But then—
From across the room, BETHANY enters.
The room shifts. Brooke stiffens. Sharra’s eyes narrow.
Bethany looks directly at Brooke…
Smirks.
As if she already knows something Brooke doesn’t.
CUT TO:
Brooke swallows hard — her earlier calm flickering.
Bethany starts walking toward her.
Slow.
Deliberate.
Unblinking.
SHARRA
(under her breath)
Stay calm, Brooke…
Brooke’s fingers tighten around her notebook.
Bethany stops right at Brooke’s desk.
BETHANY
(smirk widening)
So… I heard you’ve been acting a lot like me lately.
Brooke’s eyes widen.
Sharra steps forward—
Ready to intervene—
FADE OUT.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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