Disclaimer - I don't own ZOMBIES or any of the characters involved. Copyright to Walt Disney Studios
Sorry for another delay but at least it's only by a couple days this time! It might be worth changing the upload day to Thursdays now, huh...? Anyway, it's time to get into a slightly more Disney Channel sitcom-y-type feel with the series fic! I know I used part of this plot already for another fic but I've tweaked it slightly and it's more of a subplot here. Enjoy~ ^^/
EPISODE 3: CHEER UP!
INT. SEABROOK HIGH GYM. DAY.
The gym is set up for cheer practice and BUCKY stands in front of a small group of children sitting on the floor, aged roughly 7 to 10. Among them, sitting close to the middle, is ZOEY, the only zombie. They are all wearing "Junior Shrimp" cheer jackets in either pink or green, and a few of them have with them mini pom-poms. While ZOEY is happily watching BUCKY, some of the other kids are looking at her and whispering to one another. The ACEYS stand just behind BUCKY, trying to ignore the chatter and keep smiling. BUCKY, however, is too preoccupied to notice.
BUCKY
Welcome to your first practice as the Junior Shrimp cheer squad!
As he continues, more and more of the kids are getting distracted by ZOEY.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
You guys are here to learn from the best how to...
He trails off and frowns as he realises he doesn't have their full attention.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
(to himself)
And they're not looking at me.
He leans back and hisses at Lacey.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
Lacey, there are people not looking at me. Why aren't they looking at me?
STACEY and TRACEY look at each other nervously as LACEY winces, glancing briefly at the kids then leaning towards BUCKY.
LACEY
(under her breath)
Uh, maybe because... Zoey is here?
BUCKY
Wha-
It dawns on him.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
Ohh...
He claps loudly and everyone finally turns to look at him.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
Everybody, eyes on me! OK, what's the problem?
KID 1
She's a zombie.
ZOEY'S smiles drops and she looks to the floor, fiddling with her skirt. BUCKY puts his hands on his hips.
BUCKY
Yeah?
KID 2
(softly)
She's gonna eat us.
ZOEY'S head snaps up to look at the kid, then at BUCKY, hopefully. BUCKY sighs and tries to speak in a reassuring voice.
BUCKY
She is not gonna eat you.
The second kid looks right at him.
KID 2
Her brother almost ate you.
ZOEY gulps. BUCKY points at them, having to take a moment to remind himself he's dealing with children before he says anything.
BUCKY
Hey, that was a very complicated situation and I do not blame Zed for any of it.
KID 1
Who do you blame, then?
He answers a little too quickly.
BUCKY
Absolutely no-one.
LACEY/STACEY
(aside)
You.
The girls each look off in different directions. TRACEY has his head down.
TRACEY
(aside)
Us.
LACEY and STACEY look at him, at each other, then away.
BUCKY
Everybody relax. Zoey is here because she deserves to be. You're perfectly safe, and I don't wanna hear another word against her, you got that?
KIDS
Yes...
A few of them turn back to ZOEY with disgusted or frightened expressions and she shrinks down as BUCKY keeps talking.
TITLE SEQUENCE.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
A mix of human and zombie students are hanging around by the lockers or sitting at the tables. ZED is putting something away in his locker and after shutting the door, he turns to face BONZO, who is sitting down, leaning forward with his arms folded on the table and his chin resting on them. He looks uncharacteristically dejected. His art case is on the table beside him and his tuba is on the floor. ZED walks over.
ZED
The block party was weeks ago, how have you not been alone with Bree since then?
BONZO doesn't even look up, he just shrugs.
BONZO
Agru droz grog briz.
ZED places his hands on the back of the chair opposite BONZO.
ZED
She can't always be busy. What else has she got to do besides school and cheer?
He pulls the chair out and sits down, leaning closer, while BONZO continues to stare forward. ZED briefly looks at the camera, as if to say "Are you seeing this?".
ZED (CONT'D)
You do talk to her when we're all together, right?
BONZO
Za.
ZED
Haven't you tried asking her out then?
BONZO briefly glances at him.
BONZO
Za! Bak agru egrall briz.
He turns quiet.
BONZO (CONT'D)
Groz grog... zon reez.
ZED scoffs but gives him a reassuring smile.
ZED
She's gotta have a reason, c'mon. I saw you two together at the party, she was so into you. There's definitely something there. Just keep trying! Maybe you'll get lucky the next time you see her.
As ZED finishes speaking, BONZO, who has been only vaguely listening to him, suddenly sits up and looks down the hall. ZED follows his gaze and sees that BREE and ADDISON have just come round the corner at the end of the hallway. He turns back to BONZO with a grin, while BONZO is staring at BREE looking slightly desperate.
ZED (CONT'D)
Now's your chance!
He quickly stands and pulls on BONZO'S arm. He resists only for a second. As they approach the girls, BONZO smiles at BREE and she smiles back, but then ELIZA appears from behind the boys, walking right between them and nudging them aside.
ELIZA
'Scuse me, guys. Bree!
BREE looks from BONZO to ELIZA and back again nervously, then speeds up towards ELIZA. ADDISON slows down, watching her in confusion, as do ZED and BONZO. BREE takes ELIZA by the arm, turns her around and they walk off down the hall. As she passes BONZO, BREE throws him an apologetic look. He's completely stumped and stands there staring after her.
ZED
(to camera)
Did you just see that?
ZED turns to ADDISON.
ZED (CONT'D)
What was that about?
ADDISON
What do you mean?
ZED
Bonzo's been trying to ask her out since the block party but it's like she keeps coming up with excuses to not be alone with him. But now she's hanging out with Eliza?
ADDISON shrugs.
ADDISON
I dunno, they've been hanging out a lot lately. I just thought it was good they were getting along.
BONZO
Ag zozig, zon?
ZED places a hand on his shoulder.
ZED
I don't think it's anything you did. You're only ever nice to her. You're only ever nice to everybody!
ADDISON nods and smiles up at BONZO.
ADDISON
Besides, Bree really likes you!
BONZO
Za?
ADDISON
Of course she does. I'm her best friend, I know these things.
She folds her arms and proudly raises her chin.
BONZO
Greh, goreez agru zon garzalk?
ZED
She does talk to you. It's gotta be something about being alone with you. Addy.
He turns to her.
ZED (CONT'D)
Can you find out what's going on?
ADDISON
I can try.
The three of them head off down the hall.
INT. SEABROOK HIGH GYM. DAY.
The junior squad is in the middle of practice. BUCKY is leading ZOEY and about half of the others in a routine while the ACEYS are helping the rest with practicing some basic tricks and tumbles. TRACEY seems to be particularly good with the kids in comparison to the girls, smiling more with them, giving them encouraging words and high-fives. Meanwhile, BUCKY seems to be giving ZOEY a little more attention than the others.
BUCKY
And 5, 6, 7, 8..!
He counts his group through a short routine with ZOEY at the centre. At the end, he claps and they all relax.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
Alright, much better! Tammy, make sure your arm stays straight on that last count. And Jordan, you need to work on your balance a little more, OK?
The two kids nod and ZOEY looks up at BUCKY hopefully.
ZOEY
How'd I do?
BUCKY
Perfect. As usual.
She grins and sways back and forth, shaking her pom-poms while the others sneer or whisper or scoff. BUCKY turns away to talk to the ACEYS. When he does, a girl behind ZOEY quickly jabs her in the back with a finger then brings her hands behind her back and feigns innocence. ZOEY whips around.
ZOEY
Ow!
A boy next to her pulls on her pigtail while she's distracted and also tries to pretend he did nothing when she turns to him and glares.
ZOEY (CONT'D)
Hey, quit it!
A girl on her other side hisses in her ear.
GIRL
You quit it.
ZOEY
What's your problem?
GIRL
You.
ZOEY takes a step towards BUCKY.
ZOEY
Bucky, they're (picking on me.)
He doesn't hear her and interrupts, addressing the whole group.
BUCKY
Alright, it's time to switch over and see how the rest of you are doing. Trade your pom-poms.
The kids all cross over, everyone in BUCKY'S group handing over their pom-poms to someone in the ACEYS'. ZOEY offers hers to a boy but he screws up his face in disgust and backs away.
BOY
Ew, no way, you touched them. They're covered in zombie germs!
ZOEY drops her arms and rolls her eyes.
ZOEY
There's no such thing as zombie germs. Just take them!
She holds them up again but he still refuses. He pretends to gag and walks away. ZOEY throws the pom-poms on the floor in defeat and walks over to TRACEY sadly. He turns to her with a smile but it fades when he sees her expression and he crouches down in front of her.
TRACEY
Hey, green bean, what's wrong?
ZOEY
They don't like me.
TRACEY
Who?
ZOEY
Everybody!
TRACEY gently nudges her chin with his fist and smiles kindly at her.
TRACEY
I like you. Bucky likes you. And I'm pretty sure Lacey and Stacey like you, too. So it's not really everybody, is it?
ZOEY is still upset, though, and TRACEY looks at her for a moment.
TRACEY (CONT'D)
How about I talk to Bucky, see what we can do about it?
Pause.
TRACEY (CONT'D)
And by that, I mean I get Lacey to talk to Bucky. 'Cause she's way better at that.
ZOEY giggles a little bit at him and nods. ZOEY starts to work on her backbends alone and as she does, TRACEY walks over to LACEY and whispers something in her ear, pointing back at ZOEY. She frowns, looks at ZOEY and back at TRACEY. There's a short whispered conversation until LACEY huffs and puts a hand on her hip.
LACEY
Can't you talk to him yourself for once?
TRACEY just pouts and clasps his hands together.
TRACEY
Please?
LACEY
Ugh, fine.
TRACEY beams as she rolls her eyes.
TRACEY
Thanks!
He returns to ZOEY and a couple other kids who have been giving her cold looks. LACEY comes up behind BUCKY and taps his shoulder. He glances back at her.
BUCKY
Aren't you supposed to be over there?
LACEY
We've got a problem.
BUCKY quickly turns his attention back to the kids cheering before he answers her.
BUCKY
With what, exactly?
LACEY
Zoey.
He scoffs.
BUCKY
There is not a single problem with Zoey. She's a natural.
LACEY
I don't mean with her cheering. But I don't think you playing favourites is helping.
BUCKY
I'm not playing favourites! She deserves all the praise she gets.
LACEY
I never said she didn't! But the other kids (are...)
BUCKY
Need to up their game if they wanna be as good as she is. Now, can we get back to work?
He turns away from her.
LACEY
Bucky, I'm not finished!
He ignores her. Her eyes go wide as she internally screams then forces an obviously fake cheery smile and goes back to her group.
INT. ZED'S HOUSE – HALLWAY. NIGHT.
The front door opens and ZOEY walks in carrying her cheer bag with ZEVON close behind her. She is unusually quiet as ZED comes to greet them from the living room. He stops in his tracks when he sees ZOEY'S face.
ZED
Hey, what's up? Did something happen?
ZEVON leans into him as he passes him.
ZEVON
She barely said a word the whole walk home. I'm hoping she'll open up a little for you so give her some time, OK?
ZED nods, looking from ZEVON to ZOEY.
ZED
Yeah, definitely.
As ZEVON continues on to the kitchen, ZOEY just shuffles forward, her head down, and ZED takes the few steps forward to stand in front of her and crouches down to her level.
ZED
Hey, Zo, how was practice?
ZOEY
Fine.
ZED
You wanna show me what you've been working on?
ZOEY shakes her head.
ZOEY
No...
ZED
No?
At that moment, PUPPY comes scampering through the living room door and yaps excitedly at ZOEY, jumping up on her, but she just gives him a quick scratch behind the ear. ZED is even more worried now. He scoops PUPPY up and holds him up, facing ZOEY.
ZED (CONT'D)
Rrrruff! Ruff!
ZOEY finally laughs, though very softly and still with a sad expression. ZED pouts, trying not to show how concerned he is, and holds PUPPY up again.
ZED (CONT'D)
Rrrrrrruff!
PUPPY starts barking and kicking his front paws. He tips his head back and licks ZED'S chin, making him laugh. ZOEY laughs with him, starting to cheer up a bit. ZED hands PUPPY over to her and she nuzzles her face into his fur.
ZED (CONT'D)
You got anything you wanna tell me?
Pause, then ZOEY slowly shakes her head.
ZED (CONT'D)
Nothing at all?
ZOEY nods.
ZED (CONT'D)
Alright, that's cool. You wanna play a game or something instead?
ZOEY
No, thanks. I'm just gonna take Puppy upstairs for a little while.
ZED
Oh. OK, sure, you do that.
He watches ZOEY carry Puppy up to her room then turns to the camera.
ZED (CONT'D)
(to camera)
And another cheerleader's keeping secrets. Zoey's never like this... And if this has anything to do with Bucky, he is in for it, I can tell you that.
He glances up the staircase one last time but ZOEY is gone now. With one last look to the camera, ZED heads towards the kitchen.
INT. SEABROOK HIGH GYM. DAY.
The next junior squad practice. Like before, ZOEY is getting teased and bullied by the other kids while BUCKY isn't looking. She is in his group, watching him guide them through the next steps of their routine, when BUCKY happens to turn around and catch one of them sticking a foot out and tripping ZOEY.
BUCKY
Whoa...!
He quickly grabs ZOEY'S hand and steadies her then casts his eyes over the whole group.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
What is going on here?
KID 1
Nothing! She tripped.
BUCKY
On your foot?
Pause. The kid looks down and shrugs.
KID 1
Yeah?
BUCKY gestures across the whole group.
BUCKY
OK, all of you, this stops now. I don't wanna see anything like this happening again. Do I make myself clear?
They all look at each other awkwardly.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
(sternly)
I said, do I make myself clear?
KIDS
Yes...!
BUCKY
Good. Back to work.
They run through the routine again, this time without anyone doing anything to ZOEY but she's still getting cruel glares. Once they're done, BUCKY claps twice to get the attention of the whole room, flashing his usual cheer smile.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
Alright, good job! Getting better. I think it'd time for a break. Take five.
As they disperse, BUCKY walks over to ZOEY.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
Hey, Zoey, you wanna talk about what happened back there?
She starts to shake her head.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
We're gonna talk about it. Come over here.
He leads her away from the others.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
How long has this been going on?
ZOEY shrugs. BUCKY gives her a firm look.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
Zoey.
ZOEY
Since our first practice.
BUCKY
What?
ZOEY drops her head.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
And you never said anything?
She's silent. BUCKY sighs and crouches down.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
Zoey, listen to me. No matter what they say to you, or do to you, you deserve to be here. They're just jealous because they could never be half as good as you. You're a zombie, and really, that makes you a much better cheerleader than any human your age. Any of them could have the mutation but that's nothing compared to the full thing. And you need to prove that to them. You got it?
ZOEY nods, though a little unsure.
ZOEY
Got it.
Off to the side, LACEY has overheard them and lets out a long sigh. Beside her, TRACEY and STACEY look worried. The kids they're working with, however, are once again giving ZOEY dirty looks.
INT. CAFETERIA. DAY.
ADDISON, BREE and ELIZA are already sitting at their usual table as ZED and BONZO join them. BONZO is looking especially excited as he sits down, and ZED only slightly less so.
ZED
Did you hear the news?
The girls halt their conversation to look at him expectantly.
ZED (CONT'D)
They're supposed to be introducing a mandatory Zombie-tongue class for all human students. As soon as possible.
BREE'S face drops but only ELIZA notices. BONZO is grinning, almost bouncing in his seat.
BONZO
Zazig zrap!
ADDISON gapes, also excited.
ADDISON
Oh my gosh, this is great! Bonzo, you'll be able to talk to everyone else, too!
BONZO
Gezer garzen.
ZED
More friends, which means more people you can hug, right?
BONZO sticks out his tongue at ZED but then bites it, unable to keep from smiling. As this is happening, BREE and ELIZA seem to be having a silent conversation through their facial expressions. ELIZA gives BREE a questioning look, like she's asking if BREE still agrees with something. BREE'S eyebrows shoot up in surprise and she nods, almost pleadingly, glancing at BONZO and back again. ELIZA rolls her eyes.
ELIZA
(under her breath)
Fine...
She goes back to eating while BREE gives BONZO a sidelong glance. He doesn't notice.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
It's the end of the school day and BONZO is leaning against the lockers, waiting somewhat impatiently. Students come and go and soon, BREE appears from one end of the hall and BONZO straightens up. As she gets closer, he comes towards her.
BONZO
Breeska!
BREE stops and looks up at him shock. She definitely looks happy to see him, but at the same time, distressed as well.
BREE
Bonzo...! I-I'm sorry, I can't talk right now, I really gotta go.
BONZO
Gozrea?
She doesn't seem to hear him, already walking away. She calls out to him before she turns round the corner.
BREE
I'll see you tomorrow, though, I promise!
She disappears and BONZO goes to follow her. He reaches the corner but hears ELIZA'S voice and stops to listen from his side.
ELIZA (O.S.)
You don't need me for this anymore. What's the point? He's got to know sooner or later.
BONZO frowns. He looks like he's considering going to ask her what's she's talking about but then BREE'S voice answers and he waits.
BREE (O.S.)
I totally still need you! I can't say anything to him until I'm 100% ready.
BONZO leans back against the locker behind him, thinking, until he's disturbed by ELIZA'S voice getting closer.
ELIZA (O.S.)
Fine, let me go grab my laptop first and I'll meet you in the library.
BONZO tries to walk away before ELIZA sees him but she comes round the corner and they both freeze. Neither of them say anything for a few seconds.
ELIZA
Bonzo? Something wrong?
BONZO
Garzalk zu Breeska, za?
ELIZA seems hesitant.
ELIZA
Yeah, I was talking to her, why?
She moves past him towards her locker and he follows her.
BONZO
Gozig? Goreez agru zon garzalk z'ag?
He points at himself.
ELIZA
Look, Bonz, you don't have to worry about anything, it's alright.
She takes her laptop out from the locker and closes it again.
ELIZA (CONT'D)
And anyway, I kinda swore I wouldn't tell.
BONZO
Bak...
He pouts and ELIZA starts back the way she came.
ELIZA
She's not gonna tell you anything yet, trust me. Just wait it out and she will.
She leaves and BONZO stands there in disappointment for a moment.
INT. SCHOOL LIBRARY. DAY.
A few other students, both human and zombie, are scattered around, browsing the shelves, on computers, reading, having hushed conversations etc. ADDISON is sitting at a desk with a book, taking notes, when BREE enters. ADDISON sees BREE first and waves to her, beckoning her over. BREE smiles and walks over.
ADDISON
Hey, what's up? I thought you said you had plans after school?
BREE bites her lip as she sits down.
BREE
I do. In the library.
ADDISON
Why didn't you say so?
BREE
(quieter)
Because Bonzo was there.
ADDISON'S eyes widen and she tilts her head, confused.
ADDISON
What is going on with you and him lately? You do still like him, right?
BREE
Yes! Of course I still like him, I'm just...
She looks at ADDISON for a second then leans closer.
BREE (CONT'D)
Can you keep a secret?
ADDISON hesitates, seeing as she promised BONZO she'd find out for him. But she can't say "no" to BREE.
ADDISON
Definitely.
BREE opens her notebook and slides it over to show ADDISON. We don't see what's on the page, but ADDISON is suddenly excited.
ADDISON (CONT'D)
What...? But we're not...
BREE
I'm getting a head start. Eliza's been helping me.
ADDISON
Why don't you want Bonzo to know?
BREE
I wanna surprise him. Or, I wanted to, but now if he's really gonna be surprised, I've got to spend more time on this. And that means I don't have the time to hang out with him.
She looks down at the page and props herself up on her elbow.
BREE (CONT'D)
I feel pretty bad, though. He probably thinks I've been avoiding him. I just wanna make sure I'm actually ready with this... And I really want to talk to him, you know?
ADDISON puts a hand on her shoulder.
ADDISON
I know.
BREE points at her.
BREE
Swear you won't tell him?
ADDISON pauses, obviously feeling a little guilty, and nods.
ADDISON
I swear.
They look up as ELIZA comes through the door and walks towards them with her laptop in hand. She smiles knowingly when she sees the open notebook.
ELIZA
She silenced you, too?
ADDISON shrugs.
ADDISON
Yup.
ELIZA sits down and opens her laptop.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
A short while later, ADDISON has left the library and passes by the lockers again only to find BONZO is still there, sitting at a table looking bored. He lifts his head when he sees her.
BONZO
Addiska!
ADDISON stops and stares at him.
ADDISON
You're still here?
She walks over.
BONZO
Ru, Breeska zet, garzalk, zon?
She cringes slightly, giving him a sorry smile.
ADDISON
Yeah, but I kinda... swore I wouldn't tell you.
BONZO gapes at her.
BONZO
Ru, zet?
ADDISON
Sorry, she- Wait, what do you mean "me, too"?
BONZO
Elizaka.
ADDISON
You talked to Eliza?
BONZO
Droz.
She sighs and shakes her head.
ADDISON
Look, you seriously have nothing to worry about. It's nothing bad. In fact, you're really gonna like this! Don't wait around for her, she'll tell you when she tells you, OK?
BONZO pouts but stands, picking up his things and quickly ADDISON before he walks off. ADDISON smiles and shakes her head, then turns to the camera.
ADDISON
(to camera)
What? You really think I'll tell you? You can wait, too.
She smirks and also leaves.
INT. THE CHEER LOUNGE. DAY.
The ACEYS are the only people in the room, all looking concerned and a little bit stressed. STACEY stands leaning against the wall with her arms folded, TRACEY is sitting down with his hands together under his chin and LACEY is pacing back and forth. She eventually comes to a stop.
LACEY
What do we do about this?
STACEY
Well, Bucky clearly isn't going to listen to us so talking to him is out of the question.
TRACEY just nods. LACEY rolls her eyes but then gets an idea.
LACEY
I think I know someone he might listen to. Aceys!
STACEY and TRACEY straighten up, looking at her in anticipation.
LACEY (CONT'D)
We've got a zombie to find.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
ZED and BONZO are walking down the nearly-empty hallway, mid-conversation, when TRACEY comes from behind him and spots them. TRACEY smiles slyly and speeds up.
ZED
You're kidding? So, now Addy's in on the secret?
BONZO
Za...
TRACEY grabs ZED by the arm. He turns around without even stopping and drags ZED back down the hall while he protests. BONZO stands in shock for a moment then chases after them.
INT. SEABROOK HIGH GYM. DAY.
BUCKY is alone in the gym, pretty much just admiring the posters, pennants etc., when STACEY practically slams the doors open and strides over to him. BUCKY swings around to look at her.
BUCKY
Stacey, what are you (doing?)
Without a word, STACEY steps behind him and pushes him towards the door. BUCKY'S face goes blank.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
Why?
INT. THE CHEER LOUNGE. DAY.
LACEY is waiting impatiently for the others to return. STACEY passes by the window with BUCKY first and LACEY is ready when they come in with her hands on her hips. BUCKY is understandably irritated when STACEY steps away from him and goes to stand with LACEY.
BUCKY
What is happening? ... And where's Tracey?
TRACEY bursts through the door with ZED.
TRACEY
Right here!
BONZO appears in the doorway before it closes.
STACEY
Yeah, we only needed the one zombie, Trace.
TRACEY
You said to bring Zed. You never said to stop Bonzo from coming too.
LACEY
Fine, whatever. Zed.
ZED looks at her expectantly as BONZO comes to stand with him.
LACEY (CONT'D)
Has Zoey told you about cheer practice?
ZED
No. She's not telling me anything. But I know something's wrong.
He looks from one cheerleader to another, almost threateningly.
BUCKY
It's fine! I took care of it, I talked to the other kids...
ZED storms over to him.
ZED
What was going on with the other kids?
BUCKY holds his hands up in defence.
BUCKY
They might have been picking on her a little but I shut them down. Everything's fine.
LACEY
It's not, Bucky.
She, STACEY and TRACEY all shake their heads. ZED is still glaring at BUCKY. Who just looks confused.
BUCKY
I don't know what the problem is here, I talked to them, didn't I?
LACEY
That doesn't fix everything! Zed.
She turns to him now.
LACEY
Bucky has been giving Zoey some advice on handling bullies.
BUCKY
That is true.
LACEY
And it isn't such good advice.
BUCKY
That is not true!
He turns to ZED.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
I have told her that she has every right to be on the squad the same as anybody else.
ZED
OK...
BUCKY
And that being a zombie just makes her better at cheerleading than the others.
ZED
Wait...
BUCKY
And that means she deserves to be the centre of attention! She gets the best spot, she can pull off way more impressive stunts than the others.
ZED
What makes you say that, exactly?
BUCKY scoffs, like it's obvious.
BUCKY
Because she's a zombie!
ZED
(shouting)
Zragh vak!
BONZO gasps loudly and covers TRACEY'S ears. TRACEY suddenly looks scared, with no idea what to do. Everyone stares between ZED and BONZO. TRACEY has to pull himself free. ZED quickly looks at BONZO, looking annoyed like this has happened before.
ZED (CONT'D)
Sorry.
He goes back to BUCKY.
ZED (CONT'D)
You're telling me you've been putting Zoey up on a pedestal just because she's a zombie? Like you can just show her off?
BUCKY
Well, when you say it like that...!
ZED
And you think all those human kids are gonna agree with you? That's only gonna make them jealous!
LACEY
Exactly.
ZED
You've still got a lot to learn, Bucky. You can't put that kind of pressure on her! And it only makes the bullying worse. Put her on the same level with the other kids. Show them she's their equal. Set an example, you're the captain, aren't you?
BUCKY has gone quiet. He's starting to look guilty.
ZED (CONT'D)
Besides, just being a zombie automatically mean she can pull off all those stunts. It only means her body can take a lot more than a human's without getting hurt. She still had to practice to be able to learn all that stuff. We all did! And she's just a kid. You can't expect all that from her.
Pause.
BUCKY
OK... OK, I'm sorry.
ZED
I'm not the one you need to apologise to.
BUCKY looks around the room as everyone stares at him.
INT. SEABROOK HIGH GYM. DAY.
Another junior squad practice. BUCKY has the group gathered in front of him while the ACEYS stand behind him, looking satisfied.
BUCKY
OK, everybody, listen up! This is important. I know we've had a lot of problems with how you guys are treating Zoey and I want to make it absolutely clear that under no circumstances will any kind of zombiephobic behaviour be tolerated. Alright? Zoey is as much a part of this squad as the rest of you. But...
The kids are all either frowning, scowling or looking guilty.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
I shouldn't have been expecting so much from her. She has some amazing skills, and yes, those are enhanced because she's a zombie, but she also worked hard to get here. And I know all of you work hard, too, and you are all equally deserving of attention and praise, but taking out your frustrations on Zoey isn't going to help you get that.
ZOEY is smiling. A few kids look at her uncertainly.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
We're still learning about the zombies. We're still getting used to them being around. But we need to accept this. This is what progress is all about. And Zoey?
She looks at him in question.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
I'm sorry.
She smiles. He claps and grins at them all.
BUCKY (CONT'D)
Now, who's ready to cheer?
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – OUTSIDE A CLASSROOM. DAY.
Human students are filing out of the classroom, most of them looking down at sheets of paper, chatting and comparing grades. BONZO stands nearby, looking determined. BREE soon comes out with ADDISON, who she says goodbye to and heads off down the hall. BREE then grins down at her paper, not noticing BONZO approaching her.
BONZO
Breeska!
Her face falls and she immediately hides the paper behind her back. She smiles at him.
BREE
Bonzo, hi! What are you doing here?
He points behind her.
BONZO
Gozig?
BREE
What? Nothing.
He frowns and reaches round to take it. It's her first Zombie-tongue test, and she has a near-perfect score. He looks at her, confused but smiling.
BONZO
Zazig grodge...
BREE brings her hands behind her back and sways a little, not sure what he's thinking.
BREE
Yeah...?
BONZO
Goreez zon quag egrall?
BREE
I kinda wanted to surprise you.
He blinks in surprise. BREE finally gives in.
BREE (CONT'D)
Eliza's been tutoring me. I wanted to be able to actually talk to you in Zombie.
BONZO stands in silence, staring at her. She keeps rambling.
BREE (CONT'D)
I'm sorry I kept saying "no" to you about hanging out, I've just been really busy between studying with Eliza, and helping Addy with the squad since Bucky's not always around, and I just... really wanted to make sure I was ready to... talk with you.
She looks up to see that he's beaming down at her.
BREE (CONT'D)
You're not mad?
BONZO
Zon!
He laughs and hugs her close.
BONZO (CONT'D)
Gazaru, Breeska.
He lets her go, turning a little shy.
BONZO (CONT'D)
Geh, grog... Date-ga, za?
BREE
A date?
He gives her a hopeful nod and she grins back.
BREE (CONT'D)
Za!
This time, BONZO picks her up to spin her around and they both laugh. Down the hall, ZED and ADDISON stand watching them with smiles on their faces.
ADDISON
Hmm... A girl and a zombie. You think that could work out?
ZED
It might be crazy...
ZED puts his arm around ADDISON'S shoulders and she tilts her head back to look at him.
ZED (CONT'D)
But, yeah.
They cast one last look at BONZO and BREE, happily discussing date plans, then head for the door. As they go, ZED winks at the camera. BONZO offers BREE a hand, she takes it and they follow after ZED and ADDISON.