Sometimes new beginnings can be scary, but they can also be the start of something beautiful.
Watch the original version of The Party
Prologue:
Anna had always been a happy child. She grew up in a small town in the south of France, surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields. Her parents were both successful businesspeople, but they always made time for family dinners, picnics, and vacations. Anna loved spending long afternoons at the beach, collecting seashells, and building sandcastles with her little brother, Max.
But then everything changed.
One day, Anna’s parents sat her and Max down at the kitchen table and told them they were getting a divorce. Anna was stunned. She had never seen her parents fight or argue, and she had always assumed they were happy together. But now she realized they had been hiding their troubles from her all along.
Over the next few months, Anna’s world turned upside down. Her parents sold their house and their businesses, and started dividing their time between different cities. Anna and Max had to say goodbye to all their friends, their school, and their beloved hometown. They moved to Paris, where Anna’s father had just started a new job.
For Anna, Paris was a strange and intimidating place. She didn’t speak French very well, and she felt lost in the labyrinthine streets and unfamiliar crowds. She missed her old life terribly, and she wasn’t sure how to make a new one. But she knew she had to try.
Chapter 1: New Beginnings
Anna gazed out of the car window as they drove through the bustling streets of Paris. The city seemed endless, a maze of gray buildings and neon signs. She felt a pang of homesickness as she thought of her old hometown, with its golden fields and blue skies.
“Here we are,” said her father, interrupting her thoughts. They had arrived at their new apartment, a modern building with a sleek glass façade. Anna looked around nervously, feeling like an outsider in her own family.
They took the elevator up to the seventh floor, where a real estate agent was waiting for them. The apartment was small but bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a minimalist décor. Anna’s mother started unpacking the suitcases while Max ran around, exploring the rooms and giggling.
Anna felt a lump in her throat. She didn’t know how to unpack her own feelings.
“Anna, why don’t you go for a walk?” her mother suggested. “Get some fresh air and take a look around the neighborhood. You might find something interesting.”
Anna nodded, grateful for the excuse to escape. She put on her jacket and walked out of the building, trying to blend in with the throngs of people hurrying by.
At first, she felt lost and disoriented. She didn’t know where to go or what to do. But then she saw a colorful sign for a bakery, and her stomach growled. She went inside and ordered a pastry, feeling proud of herself for remembering the French words. The baker smiled and chatted with her, asking her where she was from and what she liked to do.
Anna started to relax. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, she thought. Maybe she could find her own way in this new city.
She walked around some more, taking in the sights and sounds of Paris. She saw the Eiffel Tower in the distance, a glittering spire against the gray sky. She smelled the aroma of fresh baguettes and heard the chatter of people in cafés.
Gradually, Anna’s homesickness began to fade. Maybe this new place could feel like home, too. Maybe she could start a new chapter in her life and create new memories.
As she walked back to her apartment, she felt a sense of anticipation. She didn’t know what the future held, but she knew she wanted to find out.
Chapter 2: The First Day
Anna’s first day of school was not what she had expected it to be. She had imagined making friends easily, being the center of attention, and feeling confident in her new surroundings. Instead, she felt like a fish out of water. She didn’t know anyone, and she didn’t speak the language very well. She was shy and introverted, and the thought of introducing herself to strangers terrified her.
When Anna arrived at the school, she felt overwhelmed by the crowds of students hurrying to their classes. She followed the flow of students, feeling lost and alone. It seemed like everyone else knew exactly where they were going, and she was the only one who didn’t. She clutched her backpack tightly, hoping no one would notice her.
As she walked down the hall, Anna’s eyes darted around, looking for any familiar face. But she didn’t recognize anyone. She had never been to this part of the city before, and she didn’t have any friends in the area. She felt like she was in a foreign land, with a language and culture she didn’t understand.
Anna’s first class was French literature. She sat in the back of the classroom, hoping to blend in with the other students. The teacher introduced her to the class, and Anna felt like all eyes were on her. She mumbled a few words in French, but her accent was thick, and she stumbled over the words. The other students giggled, and Anna felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
Throughout the day, Anna struggled to keep up with the other students. She didn’t understand the slang they used, and she couldn’t join in their conversations. She watched as they laughed and joked with each other, feeling like an outsider. She longed to be a part of their group, but she didn’t know how to break into it.
During lunchtime, Anna sat alone in the cafeteria. The other students seemed to have their own cliques, and Anna didn’t know how to approach them. She ate her sandwich quietly, watching as the other students chatted and laughed.
After lunch, Anna had history class. She was relieved to find that the teacher spoke English, and the subject was familiar to her. She listened attentively, taking notes and trying to participate in the discussions. As the class ended, the teacher complimented her on her knowledge of the subject, and Anna felt a small glimmer of hope. Maybe she could succeed here, after all.
As the day went on, Anna’s classes became more challenging. She struggled with the math problems, and she couldn’t understand the science lecture. By the time the final bell rang, Anna was exhausted, both physically and emotionally.
As she walked out of the school, Anna wondered how she would survive in this new environment. She missed her old school, her friends, and her old life. She didn’t know how she would make it through another day in this unfamiliar place.
But as she turned the corner, Anna saw a group of girls talking and laughing by the school gate. They noticed her and called out to her, asking her how her first day at school was. Anna was surprised but grateful for the kindness of strangers. She walked over to them tentatively, and they introduced themselves.
The girls were friendly and welcoming, and Anna felt like she had found her place in the school. They invited her to join them for a milkshake after school, and Anna accepted gratefully. As they chatted and giggled, Anna felt a sense of belonging she hadn’t felt all day. Maybe, just maybe, she could make it here after all.
Chapter 3: The Party
Anna and her new friends were talking about the party all week. They were all excited to go and get dressed up. They spent the afternoon doing each other’s hair and makeup, picking out the perfect outfits, and taking selfies.
When they arrived at the party, the girls were impressed by the grandeur of the house. It was a mansion, with soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and marble floors. The girls oohed and aahed as they walked through the large rooms, admiring the paintings and sculptures on the walls.
Anna didn’t know anyone at the party except for her new friends. She felt a little out of place, but she didn’t let it show. She was determined to enjoy herself and have fun.
As the night went on, the girls danced, ate snacks, and chatted with other guests. Anna was having a great time, but she couldn’t help feeling a little lonely. She wished there was someone special to share the night with, someone who would make her feel like the most important person in the room.
That’s when she met him.
He was leaning against a wall, sipping a cocktail and watching the partygoers. He caught Anna’s eye, and she couldn’t look away. He was tall and charming, with wavy brown hair and sparkling green eyes. She felt drawn to him, as if they had some kind of connection.
Anna’s heart was pounding as he walked toward her. He introduced himself as Thomas, the classmate’s older brother. He was kind and funny, and they chatted for hours about their shared interests.
Anna was having the time of her life. She couldn’t believe how lucky she was to meet someone like Thomas. She felt like they had known each other forever.
As the night wore on, the party started to wind down. Anna and Thomas exchanged phone numbers and promised to keep in touch. Anna couldn’t stop thinking about him as she said goodbye to her friends and headed home.
The next few days were a blur for Anna. She couldn’t concentrate in school, and she found herself constantly checking her phone for a message from Thomas. When he finally texted her, she was over the moon. They made plans to meet up and go to a museum together.
On the day of their date, Anna spent hours getting ready. She wanted to look her best for Thomas. When he arrived, she couldn’t stop blushing. They spent the day exploring the museum, talking, and laughing. Anna felt like she was floating on air.
As the day went on, Anna started to realize that she had feelings for Thomas. She tried to ignore them, knowing that he had a girlfriend, but it was impossible. She felt like she was falling for him and couldn’t do anything about it.
When they said goodbye, Anna felt a pang of sadness. She didn’t know when she would see him again, but she was determined to make the most of the time they had together.
As Anna walked home, she thought about Thomas and how much she liked him. She felt conflicted, knowing that he was already in a relationship. But she couldn’t help how she felt.
Anna didn’t know what was going to happen between her and Thomas, but she knew one thing for sure – she had never felt this way before. She was in love, and she didn’t know what to do about it.
Chapter 4: The Crush
Anna couldn’t shake the feeling that she had met someone special at the party. His name was Thomas, and he was the older brother of one of Anna’s new classmates. He had a kind smile and an easy laugh that made Anna feel like she could be herself around him.
Of course, there was one tiny problem: Thomas had a girlfriend. Anna had seen her at the party, a stunning blonde with a perfect smile and a designer dress. Anna couldn’t help feeling a pang of jealousy and disappointment.
Despite her reservations, Anna couldn’t stop thinking about Thomas. She found herself daydreaming about him in class, doodling his name in her notebook, and staying up late scrolling through his social media profiles. She knew it was silly to crush on someone who was taken, but she couldn’t help it.
Anna’s friends noticed her infatuation and teased her mercilessly. They would nudge her when Thomas walked by, whisper his name during class, and giggled whenever they saw him and his girlfriend together. Anna tried to play it cool, but she was starting to feel self-conscious.
One day at lunch, Anna confided in her friend Sophie about her crush. Sophie listened sympathetically and offered her advice.
“Listen, Anna, I get it,” Sophie said. “Thomas is cute, and he seems really nice. But he’s taken, and you can’t change that. You’ll only drive yourself crazy if you keep obsessing over him.”
Anna knew her friend was right, but she couldn’t help feeling drawn to Thomas. She tried to distance herself from him, to focus on her studies and her other friendships. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake the image of Thomas’s face from her mind.
Things came to a head one day during PE class. Anna and her classmates were playing volleyball, and Thomas and his girlfriend happened to be there watching. Anna was nervous, knowing that Thomas was watching her play.
But then something unexpected happened. Thomas’s girlfriend got up to use the restroom, leaving Thomas alone on the bleachers. Anna’s friend Sophie nudged her and pointed to Thomas, mouthing the words “go talk to him.”
Anna’s heart raced as she made her way over to Thomas. “Hey,” she said, trying to sound casual.
“Hey, Anna,” Thomas said, smiling at her. He seemed genuinely happy to see her.
“Nice game,” Anna said, feeling her face getting hot. “How come you’re not playing?”
Thomas shrugged. “I’m not very good at volleyball,” he said. “But I like watching you guys play. You’re pretty good.”
Anna couldn’t believe her luck. She was having an actual conversation with Thomas, and he seemed interested in what she had to say.
They chatted for a few more minutes, talking about their classes and their hobbies. Anna felt a connection to Thomas that she couldn’t explain. She was starting to see him as more than just a crush; she was starting to see him as a real person, someone she could be friends with.
Just then, Thomas’s girlfriend returned. Anna felt a pang of disappointment as Thomas turned his attention back to her.
“It was nice talking to you, Anna,” Thomas said, waving goodbye.
Anna couldn’t even manage a goodbye as she walked back to her teammates, feeling a mix of emotions. On the one hand, she was thrilled to have talked to Thomas and to have felt a connection with him. But on the other hand, she knew that he was in a relationship, and she didn’t want to mess anything up.
Over the next few weeks, Anna tried her best to move on from her crush on Thomas. She threw herself into her studies and her writing, trying to distract herself from her feelings. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake the thought of Thomas from her mind. She wondered if he ever thought about her too.
Chapter 5: The Betrayal
Anna had finally made some friends at her new school and was starting to feel like Paris might be a good place to live after all. She had been invited to hang out at a café with her new friends, and she was excited to spend some time with them outside of school. However, when she arrived at the café, she quickly realized that something was off. Her friends were acting strangely, and Anna soon found out why.
It turned out that her friends had invited the classmate’s brother and his girlfriend to the café as well, hoping to embarrass Anna in front of them. Anna was shocked and hurt that her new friends would do something like this to her. She couldn’t believe that they would go to such lengths just to make her feel bad.
Anna tried to stay calm and rational, but she couldn’t help feeling upset and betrayed. She had trusted these girls and thought they were genuinely nice people, but now she realized that they were capable of being cruel and dishonest. She wanted to confront them about what they had done, but she didn’t know where to start.
As the tension in the café grew, Anna realized that she needed to get out of there. She gathered her things and quickly made her way to the door, trying not to cry or show any emotion. But as she stepped outside into the cool Parisian air, she couldn’t help but feel like a complete outsider in this new city.
Anna walked home, feeling more alone and isolated than ever before. She didn’t know who to turn to or who to trust. She couldn’t even imagine going to school the next day and facing her friends after what they had done.
When Anna arrived home, she went straight to her room and closed the door. She felt like she needed to be alone to process what had happened. She sat on her bed and thought about everything that had led up to this moment. Moving to a new city, starting a new school, dealing with her parents’ divorce – it was all too much to handle.
Anna eventually fell asleep, exhausted from the emotional turmoil of the day. When she woke up the next morning, she felt a little better but still couldn’t shake the feeling of betrayal by her friends. She decided to talk to them at school that day and confront them about what they had done.
When Anna arrived at school, she saw her friends waiting for her outside the school gates. They looked nervous and guilty, and Anna knew that she was about to have a difficult conversation. She approached them and asked to talk in private, away from the other students.
Anna’s friends started to apologize, telling her that they didn’t realize what they were doing and that they felt terrible about it. They explained that they had been jealous of Anna’s connection with the classmate’s brother and that they had acted out of fear and insecurity.
Anna listened to their apologies, feeling torn between anger and forgiveness. On the one hand, she was hurt that her friends had gone behind her back and humiliated her. On the other hand, she understood the pressures of being a teenager and the need to fit in and be accepted.
After a long discussion, Anna ultimately decided to forgive her friends, knowing that everyone makes mistakes and that true friendship is worth fighting for. They spent the rest of the day hanging out and trying to make amends, and Anna felt a sense of relief that she had at least some people in her new city who cared about her.
As Anna reflected on her day and the events that had led up to it, she realized that life in Paris was more complicated than she had ever imagined. It wasn’t just about seeing the Eiffel Tower or eating croissants – it was about navigating the complexities of new relationships, new cultures, and new experiences. But despite the difficulties, Anna knew that she was capable of adapting and creating a life for herself in this city. And with the support of her friends, she felt like anything was possible.
Chapter 6 – The Reconciliation
Anna had been feeling down after her friends betrayed her, making her feel as if she were back at square one. She did not understand why anyone would want to hurt someone that they considered their friend. However, after everything that had happened, her friends realized that this was not the right way to treat someone. They started to feel guilty about what they had done, and they knew that they needed to make it right.
One day, Anna’s friends came up with a plan to apologize to her. They decided to throw a surprise party for her at her new home. It was going to be a small party, but one that everyone would remember. They wanted to show Anna how much they cared about her and how sorry they were for their behavior.
When Anna got home from school that day, she found her friends waiting for her outside her house. They all jumped out from behind a car and yelled, “Surprise!” Anna was startled at first, but then she saw the smiles on their faces, and her heart warmed up. She felt happy that her friends had come to her home to celebrate her.
The house was decorated with balloons, streamers, and confetti. The table was filled with cupcakes, sparkling juice, and all sorts of snacks. Anna was amazed to see how much effort her friends had put into making her feel special. She felt grateful to have friends like them.
Anna sat with her friends and they started talking about the good memories they had created together. They laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. They played games and took silly photos. Anna felt like she was part of a family, and she knew that this was a day that she would never forget.
As the night went on, Anna’s friends started to tell her their stories of moving to Paris, how they felt when they were new to the city, and how they overcame their fears. Anna listened to them intently, and she was amazed at how similar their stories were to hers. She realized that people go through similar struggles, and that they can find strength in each other.
At the end of the night, Anna’s friends handed her a small gift. It was a notebook, with a message on it that read, “To our dear friend Anna, who has been strong in the face of change. May you continue to write your story, one page at a time.” Anna was touched by their kind gesture, and she knew that she would treasure this gift forever.
As Anna went to bed that night, she felt happy and content. She knew that even though things had not gone as planned, she had friends who cared about her, and that was what mattered the most. She had learned that sometimes, people make mistakes, but it is never too late to apologize and make things right. Life is full of surprises, but with the right people by your side, anything is possible.
Anna turned off the light and closed her eyes, feeling grateful and hopeful for what the future had in store for her.
Chapter 7: The Divorce
Anna’s life had already been filled with so much change and upheaval, but nothing could have prepared her for the news her parents were about to give her. They sat her down on the couch in the living room, a serious look on their faces, and broke the news that they were getting a divorce.
Anna froze, her mind racing with questions and fears. She had noticed that her parents had been fighting more than usual lately, but she had never thought it would come to this. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but inside she was crumbling.
As her parents explained their reasons for the divorce and how it would affect their family, Anna felt like she was in a daze. They talked about splitting time between two homes, dividing their belongings, and how they would continue to co-parent her and her younger sister. Anna listened, but it was like the words were coming from far away.
When her parents finished talking, they turned to her, waiting for a response. Anna didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want to betray the anger and confusion she felt inside. Instead, she kept bottling it up, like she had been doing with all the other changes in her life.
As the days passed, Anna tried to pretend like nothing had changed. She continued to go to school, hang out with her friends, and act like everything was normal. But inside, she felt like her world was falling apart. She couldn’t concentrate in class, she lost her appetite, and she didn’t sleep well at night.
One day, Anna came home from school to find her parents sitting in the living room, talking in hushed tones. They didn’t notice her at first, so Anna hung back, listening to what they were saying.
“I don’t think Anna is handling this as well as we thought,” her mother said. “She’s not herself lately.”
Her father sighed. “I know. I wish there was something we could do to make it easier for her.”
Anna felt a sense of relief wash over her. Finally, her parents were acknowledging how hard this was for her. She walked into the room and sat down on the couch next to them.
“I don’t know how to deal with this,” she said, her voice trembling.
Her parents put their arms around her, and for the first time since the divorce announcement, Anna allowed herself to cry. She let out all the pent-up emotions she had been holding back: the anger, the confusion, the sadness.
Her parents listened and held her, telling her they loved her and that they would get through this together. They didn’t have all the answers, but they promised to be there for her every step of the way.
In the days and weeks that followed, Anna started to open up more about how she was feeling. She talked to her parents, her friends, and even her teachers. She wrote in her journal, pouring out her thoughts and fears onto the page. Slowly, she started to feel like herself again.
The divorce was still hard, and there were still times when Anna felt overwhelmed and scared. But she had learned that it was okay to express her emotions and ask for help. She had also learned that even in the midst of all the changes and uncertainty, there was still love and support to be found.
As Anna looked around her new home and her new city, she realized that even when life throws you unexpected curveballs, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Chapter 8: The New Normal
As Anna lay in bed, she couldn’t help but think about how much her life had changed in such a short amount of time. She had moved to a new city, started a new school, made new friends, and even experienced her first crush. But most of all, she had to come to terms with the fact that her parents were getting divorced.
The news had hit her hard, and for a while, she felt like her entire world had been turned upside down. She couldn’t imagine life without her family together, and the idea of splitting time between two homes seemed overwhelming.
But as the weeks went by, Anna started to adjust to her new life. Her parents were still amicable with each other, and they tried their best to make the transition as smooth as possible for Anna and her little brother. They both still loved her and her brother, and she knew they would both always be there for them, even if they didn’t live under the same roof anymore.
Anna’s new friends also played a big role in helping her adjust. They came over often, and they always seemed to know how to make her laugh or how to cheer her up when she was feeling down. They listened to her when she needed to vent or cry, and they helped her realize that she wasn’t alone in her struggles.
But perhaps the biggest comfort for Anna came from her love of writing. Ever since she was a little girl, she had loved to write stories and poems, and she found that writing was a great outlet for all the emotions she was feeling. She poured her heart and soul into every word, and in doing so, she was able to make sense of her feelings and come to terms with her new reality.
One day, after school, Anna sat down at her desk and started to write. She wrote about all the changes in her life, the good and the bad, the joys and the sorrows. She wrote about her new friends, her old friends, her family, and her crush. She wrote about her fears and her hopes for the future.
As she wrote, she realized that even though her life had changed in so many ways, she still had so much to be grateful for. She had a loving family, supportive friends, and a passion for writing that gave her a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Anna knew that her new normal wouldn’t be easy, but she also knew that she was strong enough to handle whatever came her way. She would take it one day at a time, and she would find joy in the little things that made life worth living.
As she finished her writing for the day, Anna felt a sense of peace wash over her. She closed her notebook and put it away, feeling content and hopeful for the future.
Life was unpredictable, and change was inevitable, but Anna knew that with the love and support of her family and friends, she would be okay. She closed her eyes and smiled, grateful for all the love and beauty in her life, and ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Some scenes from the movie The Party written by A.I.
Scene 1
FADE IN:
EXT. PARIS STREET – DAY
ANNA, a thirteen-year-old girl, walks down the street, staring up at the tall buildings around her. She’s holding a backpack and looks nervous.
ANNA (V.O.)
I was starting a new life in a new city. It was scary, but I was ready for it.
Anna walks up to a row of apartment buildings and looks up at them. She takes a deep breath and heads inside.
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY
Anna walks up several flights of stairs and finally stops in front of a door. She hesitates for a moment before knocking.
ANNA (V.O.)
But nothing could have prepared me for what was waiting behind that door.
The door opens and a WOMAN in her forties greets Anna with a smile.
WOMAN
Bonjour, Anna! Welcome to your new home.
ANNA
(smiling nervously)
Bonjour.
The woman leads Anna inside and shows her around the apartment. Anna looks around, taking everything in.
ANNA (V.O.)
It was nothing like my old home, but it was mine now.
WOMAN
And here’s your bedroom!
Anna walks inside and sees a small room with a single bed and a desk. She tries to smile, but her nerves are starting to take over.
ANNA
(voice trembling)
Thank you.
WOMAN
Don’t worry, everything will be okay. You’ll love it here in Paris.
Anna nods, still feeling unsure.
ANNA (V.O.)
I wanted to believe her, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was about to change.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
FADE IN:
EXT. PARIS – DAY
Anna stands at the entrance of the grand mansion where the party is being held. She takes a deep breath and steps inside.
INT. MANSION – LIVING ROOM – DAY
The room is filled with teenagers, all dressed in their finest clothes. Anna scans the room, searching for her new friends. She spots them across the room and starts to make her way towards them.
As she walks, she catches the eye of a handsome young man. It’s the classmate’s brother, PIERRE. He smiles at her, and she feels her heart flutter.
ANNA
(to herself)
Stay calm, Anna. You can do this.
Anna finally reaches her friends and they greet her excitedly.
FRIEND 1
Anna, you look amazing!
ANNA
Thank you! You guys too.
FRIEND 2
Have you met Pierre yet?
Anna blushes, feeling embarrassed.
ANNA
No, I haven’t.
FRIEND 1
We’ll introduce you!
The girls lead Anna over to where Pierre is standing with his girlfriend, JULIE.
FRIEND 2
Pierre, this is our new friend, Anna.
PIERRE
(smiling)
Nice to meet you, Anna.
ANNA
(nervously)
Hi, it’s nice to meet you too.
JULIE gives Anna a cold look, clearly not happy about the attention Pierre is giving her.
JULIE
(to Anna)
How do you know each other?
ANNA
(stammering)
We just met.
JULIE
(smiling fake)
Oh, well it’s nice to meet you.
Anna feels uncomfortable and out of place.
PIERRE
(to Anna)
Would you like to dance?
ANNA
(smiling)
I’d love to.
Pierre takes Anna’s hand and leads her to the dance floor. They dance together, lost in the music and the moment.
As they dance, Anna feels like nothing else matters. All her worries and fears disappear, and she’s left with nothing but the joy of the moment.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – DAY
Anna walks through the hallway, head bowed, and backpack slung over her shoulder. Suddenly, she bumps into someone, and her books fall to the floor.
ANNA: (embarrassed) Sorry!
She looks up to see that it’s the classmate’s brother, LUCAS (20s), who bends down to help pick up her books.
LUCAS: No problem. You okay?
ANNA: Yeah, I’m fine.
Lucas hands her back the books, and she notices he’s looking at her in a way that makes her heart race.
LUCAS: I’m Lucas.
ANNA: (stammering) Anna.
They smile at each other, and Anna walks away, feeling giddy.
INT. ANNA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Anna is laying on her bed, staring at the ceiling, and writing in her journal.
ANNA (V.O.): I can’t stop thinking about him. Lucas. He’s so handsome, and kind, and funny. But he has a girlfriend, and I know I should forget about him. But I can’t.
She closes her journal and places it on her nightstand, then closes her eyes, trying to drift off to sleep.
INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA – DAY
Anna is sitting with her new friends, laughing and chatting, when Lucas walks in with his girlfriend, KATE (20s). Anna’s friends exchange glances and whisper among themselves.
FRIEND 1: (whispering) This should be interesting.
FRIEND 2: (whispering) Let’s see how Anna handles it.
Anna looks nervous but tries to maintain a friendly smile as Lucas approaches.
LUCAS: (smiling at Anna) Hey, Anna.
ANNA: (forcing a smile) Hey, Lucas. Hey, Kate.
Kate greets the group, and they all start chatting, but Anna can’t help feeling a sense of unease. She catches Lucas looking at her several times throughout the conversation, and it only makes her more nervous.
INT. ANNA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Anna sits at her desk, staring at her journal but not writing anything.
ANNA (V.O.): I know I should forget about him, but I can’t help the way I feel. I’m so stupid.
She picks up a pen and starts writing again.
ANNA (V.O.): Maybe I should talk to him. Tell him how I feel. Or maybe not.
She tosses the pen aside and falls back onto her bed, sighing.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – DAY
Anna is walking to class when Lucas suddenly appears in front of her, blocking her path.
LUCAS: Hey, Anna.
ANNA: (surprised) Oh, hey, Lucas.
LUCAS: Can I talk to you for a minute?
ANNA: (nervously) Sure.
Lucas takes her to a quiet corner of the hallway.
LUCAS: Look, I’m sorry if I’ve been giving you mixed signals. I think you’re a great girl, but I have a girlfriend, and I don’t want to hurt her.
ANNA: (disappointed) I understand. I’m sorry.
LUCAS: Don’t be sorry. You’re a great girl too. I just think it’s better if we stay friends.
ANNA: (smiling) Friends.
They smile at each other, and Anna walks away, feeling a mix of disappointment and relief.
INT. ANNA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Anna is writing in her journal again, tears streaming down her face.
ANNA (V.O.): Why do I always fall for the wrong guy? Why can’t I be enough for someone?
She closes her journal and lays down on her bed, sobbing.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 5
EXT. CAFE – DAY
Anna stands outside the cafe, nervously fiddling with her hair. She knows this is a setup, but she can’t help feeling hopeful that her friends have planned something nice for her.
As she enters, she sees the classmate’s brother and his girlfriend sitting at a table with her friends. They all turn to look at her, and Anna feels a sinking feeling in her stomach.
FRIEND 1
(sarcastically)
Surprise!
ANNA
(dropping her bag)
What’s going on?
FRIEND 2
(awkwardly)
We thought it would be funny to invite them and see what happened.
ANNA
(angrily)
What do you mean, see what happened?
CLASSMATE’S BROTHER
(calmly)
Look, Anna, I’m sorry if we caused you any trouble. We had no idea this was a setup.
ANNA
(bitterly)
Whatever. I shouldn’t have expected anything different from you guys.
As she turns to leave, the classmate’s brother reaches out and touches her arm.
CLASSMATE’S BROTHER
(earnestly)
Wait, Anna. I know we got off on the wrong foot, but can we start over? Can we be friends?
Anna looks at him, unsure. She’s still hurt and humiliated, but there’s something about him that makes her want to give him another chance.
ANNA
(sighing)
Okay. Friends.
The others all smile, relieved. They all sit down and start talking, and soon Anna forgets all about the setup. For a moment, everything seems okay. But as the conversation continues, Anna can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. She can feel eyes on her, watching her every move.
ANNA
(nervously)
Is something wrong?
FRIEND 2
(smiling sweetly)
No, of course not. Why do you ask?
ANNA
(voice trembling)
I don’t know. I just have a bad feeling.
Suddenly, the classmate’s brother’s girlfriend stands up and points at Anna.
GIRLFRIEND
(angrily)
I knew it! I knew you were trying to steal him away from me!
Anna is taken aback. She never had any intention of stealing him away from anyone.
ANNA
(defensively)
What are you talking about? I’m not trying to steal anyone from you.
CLASSMATE’S BROTHER
(standing up, trying to diffuse the situation)
Calm down, everyone. This isn’t what it looks like.
But it’s too late. The damage has been done. Anna’s trust in her friends has been shattered, and her chance at a new beginning in Paris is slipping away.
Scene 6
FADE IN:
INT. ANNA’S NEW HOME – LIVING ROOM – DAY
Anna’s friends, LENA, JADE, and LUCIE, are gathered in her living room. They are all dressed up and have balloons and cupcakes.
LENA
(excitedly)
Okay, ready for the surprise party?
JADE
(smiling)
Let’s do this!
LUCIE
(nervously)
Do you think Anna will like it?
LENA
(assuringly)
Of course she will. We just have to make up for what we did.
The doorbell rings, and Lena rushes to answer it. Anna walks in, looking surprised.
ANNA
(confused)
What’s going on?
LENA
(grinning)
We decided to throw you a surprise party to make up for what we did.
ANNA
(surprised)
Really? You didn’t have to do that.
LUCIE
(apologetically)
We know. We just wanted to show you how much we care about you.
JADE
(excitedly)
Plus, there are cupcakes!
They all laugh and sit down to enjoy the party.
ANNA
(smiling)
Thank you, guys. This means a lot to me.
LENA
(apologetically)
We’re sorry for what we did. We promise to never do anything like that again.
ANNA
(forgivingly)
I forgive you. I’m just glad we’re friends again.
The doorbell rings again, and Lena rushes to answer it. When she opens the door, she is surprised to see the classmate’s brother, THOMAS, standing there.
THOMAS
(smiling)
Hi. Is Anna here?
LENA
(surprised)
Uh, yeah. Come on in.
Thomas walks in, and Anna’s face lights up.
ANNA
(surprised)
Thomas! What are you doing here?
THOMAS
(smiling)
I heard there was a surprise party, and I wanted to wish you a happy birthday.
Anna looks at her friends, who are all grinning mischievously.
ANNA
(amused)
You guys planned this, didn’t you?
LENA
(grinning)
Maybe.
Anna and Thomas laugh, and the party continues, with cupcakes, presents, and lots of laughter.
FADE OUT.
