Disclaimer - I don't own ZOMBIES or any of the characters involved. Copyright to Walt Disney Studios. Names of BG zombies are mine, characters themselves aren't.
Time for a new episode! Episode 6 should hopefully come in another 3 weeks and then there'll be a little mid-season hiatus, somewhere between a month and two months, I'd say
I feel like the coach's plot is a little bit rushed and not quite what I was hoping for, but it's good enough and the best I could do if I wanted to get this ep posted tonight
EPISODE 5: UNLUCKY IN LOVE
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM. DAY.
The football team's gym session is just beginning and the boys are trying to warmup while looking at something offscreen, visibly confused and uncomfortable, and not even sure if they really should just be carrying on as normal. ZED is the last to arrive and slows to a stop when he sees his teammates acting so strangely.
ZED
Guys? What's going on?
One of his teammates, ERIC, points offscreen towards whatever it is they're all looking at.
ERIC
Coach.
ZED turns to see THE COACH standing with his whistle between his teeth with a glazed-over expression on his face, looking as hopeless and unmotivated as he did at tryouts at the start of the school year. ZED'S eyes widen in surprise.
ZED
Whoa.
He turns back to ERIC and the others.
ZED (CON'TD)
I haven't seen him like this in months! He was finally getting his life together! He got that new apartment right?
The others nod.
ZED (CONT'D)
The gym membership?
Again, they nod, a few murmur confirmations.
ZED (CONT'D)
The slacks?
Before anyone can respond, THE COACH evidently overhears and lets out a brief, strangled sob. The boys all turn to look at him as the whistle falls out of his mouth and he instantly bursts into tears.
COACH
The slacks...! She liked the slacks...
The boys stand staring at him for a moment. ERIC nods slowly.
ERIC
His ex-wife got a new boyfriend.
They all cringe.
ZED
Ouch...
THE COACH is now crying with his head in one hand, muttering to himself about his ex-wife and "the slacks" and whatever else. ZED shakes his head, then looks into the camera, clearly worried.
ZED (CONT'D)
(to camera)
This is not good.
TITLE SEQUENCE
EXT. SEABROOK HIGH SCHOOL. DAY.
The following morning, ZED, ELIZA, BONZO, ADDISON and BREE are gathered outside the school. ZED is evidently worried as he tells them about the problem and they listen intently. ADDISON, BONZO and BREE all look mildly concerned while ELIZA isn't so convinced.
ZED
He was completely out of it! It was like back at the start of the school year, before we started winning games. Like when he thought it wasn't worth the effort 'cause he was about to lose his job.
ADDISON
That's so sad! And he was making so much progress.
BONZO and BREE mutter their agreement. ELIZA looks around at her friends. While she does seem sympathetic enough, she doesn't see what the big deal is.
ELIZA
Come on, it can't be that bad. It's just one little pitfall, he's probably already moving on.
ZED just tips his head at her and raises an eyebrow, as if asking her "are you sure about that?".
INT. TEACHERS' LOUNGE. DAY.
ELIZA, BONZO, BREE and ADDISON appear one-by-one peering around the half-open door of the teachers' lounge. Inside, they see THE COACH once again in tears, while a very tired and uncomfortable-looking MR ZECK is attempting to console him.
COACH
(sobbing)
I don't know what to do anymore, man! I just don't know what to do...!
He suddenly throws his arms around MR ZECK, making him grunt in pain. He struggles to free his arm and awkwardly pats THE COACH on the back.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
ELIZA, BONZO, BREE and ADDISON move away from the door and turn to ZED, who is standing behind them. He tips his head forward and raises his eyebrows as if to say "I told you so".
ELIZA
OK, it totally is that bad.
INT. TEACHERS' LOUNGE. DAY.
The other teachers in the room are watching uncomfortably as THE COACH continues to cry onto MR ZECK'S shoulder. MR ZECK sighs and closes his eyes.
MR ZECK
I miss my basement...
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
Still outside the teachers' lounge, the gang are now huddled together.
ADDISON
(to Zed)
So what do we do?
ZED
He needs something to help him get his mind off his ex and move on.
ELIZA looks sceptical.
ELIZA
I don't know, I don't think you should get involved with peoples' personal lives like that.
ZED rolls his eyes.
ZED
I'm not getting that involved! I'm just... giving him a little push.
ELIZA shrugs.
ELIZA
If you think he needs a push, then be my guest, but I think I'm gonna sit this one out. Seems a little risky.
ZED
Says the girl who tried to sabotage the cheer championship.
ELIZA scoffs, but she knows he's joking.
ELIZA
That was different.
ZED just shakes his head and turns to the others.
ZED
What about you guys? You in?
ADDISON is beaming, obviously excited.
ADDISON
I'm in!
BONZO
Za!
ZED
Alright! We got our team.
ELIZA gives them an encouraging smile and takes a step backwards down the hall.
ELIZA
Great! And while you guys are doing that, I gotta go check in with some people from computer club. I'll see you later!
She turns and heads off. ZED looks to the camera and raises an eyebrow.
ZED
(to camera)
The computer club. Interesting.
He smirks, like he was some secret, then he, ADDISON and BONZO walk off in the opposite direction.
INT. OUTSIDE THE COMPUTER ROOM. DAY.
ELIZA stands outside the open door and peaks inside. The only person there is CONNIE, sitting in front of a computer and concentrating on whatever it is she's doing. She doesn't notice ELIZA, who looks at her with an unreadable expression for a few seconds, then steps away and puts her back to the wall beside the door.
ELIZA
(whispering to herself)
Come on. She's only human. She's only human.
She throws another anxious look around the door at CONNIE and hesitates.
INT. SCHOOL LIBRARY. DAY.
ZED and ADDISON are sitting close together out of the way where they can talk without anyone listening in.
ZED
Alright, step one of Operation: Help Coach Get Over His Ex-Wife – find somebody even better for him.
ADDISON smiles, amused.
ADDISON
And how do we do that?
Pause, ZED slumps.
ZED
I don't know...
He frowns, now unsure.
ZED (CONT'D)
We need to find the perfect match for him... Let's start with women who know him. Who work at the school.
ADDISON
... Principal Lee?
ZED'S eyebrows shoot up and he quickly shakes his head.
ZED
Absolutely not. Never.
They both think for a moment.
ZED (CONT'D)
How about Miss Parker?
ADDISON screws up her face.
ADDISON
No. I hate her, she's way too aggressive. He's fragile.
ZED nods, disappointed.
ADDISON (DON'T'D)
Miss Garcia?
ZED
She hates football. And the football team.
ADDISON
Miss Ferris?
ZED scowls.
ZED
She hates zombies, and the coach is one of our biggest allies.
They both sit in silence for a few seconds, contemplating. ADDISON suddenly perks up again.
ADDISON
Are there any single women in Zombie Town?
ZED cocks his head.
ZED
Yeah, uh... Alonzo Morgan's mom... I dunno, though, she had a pretty bad divorce, too, that might not be a good match...
As he's trying to come up with another name, ADDISON also seems to zone out, thinking about something. She slowly starts smiling to herself.
ADDISON
Y'know, this is kinda fun, playing matchmaker.
She gets an idea and bolts upright, grabbing ZED by the arm in excitement.
ADDISON (CONT'D)
We could totally set up other people, too! I mean we got ourselves together and that's going pretty good so far.
She smiles and raises an eyebrow at ZED – he returns the look.
ZED
You got anyone else in mind?
ADDISON thinks.
ADDISON
How about Eliza?
As she's speaking, ZED glances at the camera like he's having a silent conversation with us, asking if we're thinking the same as him. ADDISON doesn't notice. He looks back at her.
ADDISON (CONT'D)
I mean, her two best friends are both in relationships now that Bonzo and Bree are together.
He gives an enthusiastic nod.
ZED
That's perfect! She hates admitting when she feels left out of something so she'd never actually tell us she wanted to get a date.
ADDISON grins.
ADDISON
Exactly! So, do you know what kind of guy she likes?
ZED'S smile drops instantly.
ZED
Uh...
The bell rings and ADDISON looks up before he can say anything.
ADDISON
Oh! Gotta go, you can tell me later!
She quickly kisses his cheek, gathers her things and hurries away. ZED takes a moment to register what she said then jumps up and goes to follow her. She runs out of the door ahead of him just as BONZO walks up, evidently looking for ZED. He steps back and watches ADDISON go, then turns to ZED and gestures back towards her.
BONZO
Addiska gozig?
ZED
She, uh... She wants to find a boyfriend for Eliza.
BONZO frowns, confused.
BONZO
Bak, Elizaka zamaziga... Za?
ZED takes a sharp breath in and nods, then turns to look at BONZO.
ZED
Yup. But Addy doesn't know that.
He perks up quickly.
ZED (CONT'D)
But I think I know who Eliza does like!
BONZO
Zazig?
ZED
Yeah. But that's not the issue. We need to gather some intel on the coach. Get a better idea of who might be his type.
BONZO nods.
BONZO
Za.
Pause.
ZED
... We should get to class first.
BONZO nods again.
BONZO
Za.
They run off down the hall.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL COMPUTER ROOM. DAY.
ELIZA peaks inside and sees CONNIE alone at a computer, completely focused on whatever she's doing. ELIZA takes a breath, puts on a smile, and enters, carrying her laptop.
ELIZA
Hey, Connie!
CONNIE'S head snaps up in surprise and she quickly minimises something on her screen. She turns to see ELIZA walking over and smiles back at her. She relaxes.
ELIZA (CONT'D)
What are you doing?
CONNIE glances briefly at her computer and back at ELIZA.
CONNIE
Oh, just some... research.
ELIZA'S eyes widen in curiosity.
ELIZA
What about?
CONNIE smiles self-consciously.
CONNIE
Uh, zombies, actually.
ELIZA'S expression softens even more. She's touched.
CONNIE (CONT'D)
The cultural festival was so, like, eye-opening, I just can't stop thinking about it.
ELIZA
Really? That's awesome, I mean, that's exactly what I was hoping for.
CONNIE
Yeah, um... What did you come in here for...?
ELIZA suddenly remembers she didn't really come with any other purpose other than to see if CONNIE was there.
ELIZA
Oh, just, um...
She awkwardly holds up her laptop to make an excuse.
ELIZA (CONT'D)
I can't get that new program to work on my laptop, I wanted to try it out here.
CONNIE nods and gives her a smile, gestures to the seat next to her then turns back to her own computer as ELIZA sits down. She doesn't open the page she had closed, however, and opens something new instead. ELIZA doesn't notice as she's trying to look busy. While CONNIE'S attention is elsewhere, ELIZA'S face drops and she desperately tries to think of a way to keep the conversation going. When CONNIE suddenly speaks again, she quickly looks back up and smiles.
CONNIE
Hey, by the way, I always wanted to say this, you're earrings are so cool. Do you make them all yourself?
ELIZA beams, basking in the compliment. She moves a strand of hair from her eyes and wiggles her head a little, almost nervously.
ELIZA
Thanks. Y'know, I just use whatever broken junk I find lying around, it's nothing.
CONNIE reaches out a hand as if to touch one of the earrings, then pauses in question, waiting to see that ELIZA'S OK with it. ELIZA freezes and CONNIE takes this as permission. She touches the earring and carefully turns it around to get a better look.
CONNIE
That's so creative.
She takes her hand away and ELIZA releases the breath she was holding. CONNIE doesn't seem to notice. She just smiles and rolls her eyes.
CONNIE (CONT'D)
You never find stuff like that in Seabrook. Nobody would want to actually wear something old and broken.
ELIZA
I could...
She shrugs, trying a little too hard to act casual.
ELIZA (CONT'D)
... Make you some. If you want.
CONNIE looks surprised.
CONNIE
Really? I, uh, yeah, sure. If you want.
She smiles and ELIZA smiles back and nods.
ELIZA
Cool. I'll... see what I can find for you, I guess.
They both turn back to their computers.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
BONZO sees THE COACH approaching before ZED and subtly nudges him. When ZED looks up, he nods towards THE COACH. Once ZED sees him, he exchanges a nod with BONZO and they make their way over to him.
ZED
Hey, Coach! How's it going?
THE COACH stops and blinks; he was clearly zoned out before ZED spoke. He shakes himself out of it, but he still looks tired.
COACH
Oh. Yeah, I'm doing alright, I guess.
His tone is uncharacteristically dead. ZED looks at BONZO, who just raises his eyebrows and shrugs.
COACH (CONT'D)
Well, maybe not 'alright'. Coping.
He drops his eyes to the ground and mutters to himself.
COACH (CONT'D)
I'm not coping...
ZED is left staring at him in quiet fear. BONZO glances from THE COACH to ZED and back. THE COACH quickly looks up again and forces a smile.
COACH (CONT'D)
I'll be fine. Just gotta take a little time to get back on track!
ZED nods slowly.
ZED
Right.
BONZO smiles encouragingly at THE COACH.
BONZO
Grag durg gezer!
ZED snaps out of it and grins at BONZO in thanks. He's back to his usual enthusiasm.
ZED
Yeah, it can still get better! So you're not gonna win back your ex, you still achieved, like, every other goal you had! And, hey, maybe you'll meet somebody else, too!
THE COACH sighs and smiles sadly.
COACH
Thanks, boys, but I don't think I could find somebody like her.
ZED and BONZO look at each other and seem to have a silent conversation – this could be the perfect in to get the information they need.
ZED
Really? Why don't you... tell us about her? I dunno, maybe reminiscing a little might cheer you up?
THE COACH thinks for a moment.
COACH
Well, it was pretty good at the start...
He smiles wistfully, but then his bottom lip starts wobbling and he tears up. He brings one hand up to his face as he starts to cry. ZED has no idea what to do. BONZO suddenly steps forward, turns to the face THE COACH and opens his arms, all while remaining completely expressionless. THE COACH immediately leans into him and is enveloped in a comforting hug. ZED huffs and shakes his head at the camera, exasperated.
ZED
(to camera)
This might take a while.
INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA. DAY.
ADDISON and BREE are in line for lunch discussing the plan for Eliza.
BREE
Do you think she would only want to date other zombies? I don't wanna assume, but Eliza's not as, like, adjusted to hanging around humans as Zed and Bonzo. At least, I don't think she is...
ADDISON frowns, thinking.
ADDISON
I'm not sure... I think she could date a human if we just found the right guy, y'know? But we might have better luck if we consider zombies first. Then again, the only other zombie boy beside Zed and Bonzo I've ever seen her with is Lazlo Kas'Ket. The guy who was helping with the sabotage plan at the championship, remember?
BREE nods.
BREE
Yeah.
ADDISON
And you would think if she was into him, we would've noticed by now, right?
BREE sighs.
BREE
That's true.
She casts a sweeping gaze around the cafeteria and something seems to catch her eye. She leans closer to ADDISON and points.
BREE (CONT'D)
What about Zach Fairmourn? He always seems pretty desperate for a date, don't you think?
The zombie in question is standing a short distance away trying to talk to a bored-looking human girl in front of him. A group of zombies, ZACH'S friends, are nearby, watching, all clearly amused. The girls laughs dismissively, shakes her head and walks away. ZACH'S smile falls and he goes to follow her while his friends laugh amongst themselves.
ZACH (CONT'D)
Wait, no, come back!
Back at their table, ADDISON and BREE look at each other and grimace.
BREE
As, like... a last resort, maybe.
ADDISON can only nod in agreement.
Elsewhere in the cafeteria, ELIZA is already at their usual lunch table, alone, fiddling with a few random pieces of broken tech, seeing what looks good and what might fit together. She frowns. BONZO walks up with his lunchbox and sits down opposite her. She looks up at him.
ELIZA
Hey, Bonzo. I need your opinion on this. Which piece does this look better with?
BONZO is surprised by this but takes the two pieces from her and places them on the table in front of him. He takes the third piece and starts holding it up to either of the two on the table, moving them back and forth and comparing. ZED appears at that moment and sits down beside ELIZA. He sees the pieces and furrows his brow.
ZED
You're getting artistic advice from Bonzo? For your earrings?
ELIZA shrugs but avoids his eyes.
ELIZA
Yeah, so?
ZED
Nothing. I just thought you liked making those by yourself.
ELIZA
No harm in getting a second opinion sometimes.
ZED decides to ignore this and change the subject.
ZED
Anyway, I was thinking, you haven't really talked a lot about any, like... crushes or anything in a while. You haven't been on a date since we started going to Seabrook High.
ELIZA snorts, paying more attention to how BONZO is scrutinising her earring materials.
ELIZA
Yeah, well, I kinda exhausted my options in Zombie Town.
ZED gestures around.
ZED
You're in Seabrook now, though. You could meet some more humans and maybe find somebody...
She just scoffs and gives him a condescending smile.
ELIZA
Look, I know I'm getting along with humans now and I fully support you two having human girlfriends but I just don't think I would (date a human...)
She trails off when she catches sight of CONNIE walking past with a couple of other humans from the computer club. They spot ELIZA and smile at her. CONNIE waves.
CONNIE
Hey, Eliza!
ELIZA smiles and waves back and CONNIE is soon gone. ELIZA continues staring after her for a second or two then quickly shakes her head, snaps herself out of it and turns back to the boys. Both of them are smirking at her but she doesn't notice yet.
ELIZA
Where was I?
ZED and BONZO share a knowing look. ZED leans forward, his elbow propped up on the table, his chin in his hand, and looks right at her.
ZED
In denial.
ELIZA suddenly scowls at him. ADDISON and BREE soon join them, sitting opposite each other, ADDISON next to ZED and BREE next to BONZO. ELIZA reaches out and sweeps the earring pieces away from BONZO with one arm and brushes them into her bag to keep them from seeing and asking about them. She shoots ZED a "don't say a word" look and he glances at the camera and rolls his eyes affectionately. ADDISON, having not noticed any of this, looks around the table at everyone.
ADDISON
So. What's the next step in Operation: Help Coach Get Over His Ex-Wife?
ELIZA snorts.
ELIZA
Yeah, Mr Relationships Expert. What's your plan?
ZED gives her a sarcastic smile and she returns it, challengingly. He turns away to address the whole group.
ZED
Well, Bonzo and I have been talking to him about his ex-wife so we can find out why they fell in love, and why it didn't work out. Then from that, I'm gonna figure out who his perfect match is and set 'em up on a date.
ELIZA just keeps looking at him with an almost sympathetic smile, like she knows this isn't going to work.
ELIZA
You don't know what's perfect for somebody else, Zed.
He just looks back at her for a moment, then looks away when he realises he has no response.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
ADDISON and BREE are walking down the hall together. BREE is listening to ADDISON lament with a concerned but thoughtful expression on her face.
ADDISON
It's so hard to get anything out of her! She never talks about guys she likes or what she'd look for in a boyfriend, and if I just ask her, she'll figure out what I'm trying to do and probably tell me not to bother.
BREE hesitates for a second, a little apprehensive to say what she's thinking.
BREE
Well... Maybe she just doesn't really want a boyfriend right now?
ADDISON
But Zed knows her better than anyone and he thinks it could be worth a try. Plus, he did say she never admits when she feels left out or she wants something like that.
BREE seems to accept this.
BREE
OK, if you're sure. So, what are we thinking? A zombie?
ADDISON shakes her head.
ADDISON
I've mentioned every zombie guy I know to her and nothing. No reaction.
BREE
So, human?
ADDISON
Yeah. But definitely not a cheerleader. She might put up with us, but I don't think she'd get along with anybody else on the squad.
BREE
So no-one we know, then.
She suddenly gets an idea and grabs ADDISON'S arm, stopping them both.
BREE (CONT'D)
You know what? I bet she likes somebody in the computer club!
ADDISON'S eyes widen and she nods.
ADDISON
Bree, you're a genius! OK, who do we know in the computer club besides Eliza?
They both think for a moment, then light up at the same time!
ADDISON AND BREE
(in unison)
Zora!
ADDISON
She has to at least have an idea who Eliza likes, right?
They run off down the hall in search of ZORA and turn a corner.
Now in another hallway, we see ZORA at her locker. She looks up as ADDISON and BREE spot her and walk over, smiling at her. ZORA frowns, slightly nervous.
ADDISON
Zora! Hey, this might be kind of a weird question but do you, like... know if Eliza has a crush on anyone?
ZORA looks down in thought, until ADDISON continues.
ADDISON (CONT'D)
Y'know, maybe a guy in the computer club?
ZORA quickly looks back up at her. She seems confused for a brief moment, then the realisation hits her that ADDISON doesn't know what she knows.
ZORA
Uh... I-I don't know...
She notices something, or someone, behind ADDISON and BREE and glances at them but forces herself to look back. It's too late, though, and the girls saw her. They both turn to see what she was looking at and see a small group of humans nearby, including CONNIE, but ADDISON and BREE are looking at the boy currently talking to CONNIE, JACK. ADDISON recognises him and whispers to BREE excitedly.
ADDISON
Oh my gosh, I know him, that's my neighbour Jack! I forgot he's in the computer club!
ZORA
Um-
She doesn't get to speak as ADDISON interrupts her, leaning close and keeping her voice low. She's still grinning.
ADDISON
Don't worry, we won't tell her you said anything. Technically, you didn't.
ZORA just stands there, not sure what to say. ADDISON then notices JACK saying goodbye to the group and walking off down the hall. She turns to BREE.
ADDISON (CONT'D)
Come on, we should go after him!
They do. ZORA slowly closes her locker.
ADDISON (CONT'D)
(O.S.)
Hey, Jack!
INT. ZED'S BEDROOM. DAY.
ZED is standing in front of the camera, looking proud of himself.
ZED
OK, this is it. I have found a date for the coach. Maizey Galargher. Her daughter, Mackenzie, goes to Seabrook High. She always goes to our football games so they have a common interest. They have similar personalities; she's super emotional, too, so they'll get each other. Her husband died a few years ago and she's always really missed him. She can bond with the coach over missing somebody! It's perfect!
The camera lingers on him while he stands there, a little too sure of himself.
EXT. THE BARRIER. DAY.
ZED and THE COACH are standing near the barrier on Zombie Town's side. ZED is shocked, staring at THE COACH in question, while THE COACH is apologetic, but also sympathetic.
ZED
What?
THE COACH shrugs.
COACH
It just didn't work out.
ZED
I thought it was such a good match, you have a lot in common!
THE COACH sighs and shakes his head.
COACH
Not enough. And besides, there's more to it than just having a few things in common. I mean, she's a nice lady and all, but we just didn't click.
ZED looks defeated. THE COACH sighs and gives him a firm pat on the shoulder.
COACH (CONT'D)
Look, Zed, I get what you're trying to do here and I appreciate it, but this is my problem to work through in my own way, alright? I don't think getting into a new relationship so soon is gonna help me. You get what I'm saying?
ZED nods somewhat sadly.
ZED
Yeah, Coach. Sorry.
THE COACH smiles at him.
COACH
Hey, don't worry about it. You're a good kid, Zed, your heart was in the right place. I know I've been kind of a downer at practice lately but I think you at least pulled me outta my funk with all this. But just remember, you can't help everybody. And you don't need to help everybody. We all got things we gotta do on our own, you know?
ZED nods, dejected.
INT. ZED'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
ZED sits in front of the camera looking down and shaking his head. He eventually looks up at us and shrugs.
ZED
(to camera)
Well, I guess that plan was doomed from the start. Can't win 'em all, huh?
He sighs.
ZED (CONT'D)
(to camera)
I just wish I could make it up to him somehow. I mean, he was so close to getting everything he wanted. He moved out of his parents place, he got the gym membership, he got the slacks...
He trails off as he remembers something. His eyebrows shoot up in realisation and he grins.
ZED (CONT'D)
(to camera)
Wait... There's one more thing!
He runs out of frame, towards the door.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
ADDISON is walking down the hall when she sees JACK approaching from the other direction. She smiles at him as they get closer.
ADDISON
Jack! How'd it go with Eliza?
He stops and hesitates.
JACK
Well, uh... Are you sure she has a crush on me? 'Cause she said 'no' when I tried to ask her out. And she looked kinda confused.
ADDISON
Wait, really? I could've sworn she liked you. I saw her looking at you when you were talking to those people in the club...
JACK shrugs.
JACK
Maybe she wasn't looking at me.
He carries on down the hallway, leaving ADDISON looking lost.
ADDISON
(to herself)
He was the only guy there...
She walks a little further towards the locker and freezes when she spots ELIZA. She moves to one side where she can watch her unseen. ELIZA is talking to CONNIE. ZED and BONZO appear behind ADDISON from down the hall and come to stand beside her. They both look over at ELIZA with proud smiles. ELIZA is giving CONNIE the finished earrings. CONNIE seems really happy with them and is thanking ELIZA. ADDISON turns to the boys.
ADDISON
That girl's in the computer club, too, right? She was there when Jack was...
She trails off and her mouth drops open ever so slightly as it finally dawns on her.
ADDISON
Ohh... Eliza likes girls.
ZED just nods.
ZED
Yup.
ADDISON sighs and throws up an arm, but she doesn't exactly look disappointed.
ADDISON
Well, that explains it. I was way off.
She smiles anyway.
ADDISON (CONT'D)
How about you? Did you have any better luck with the coach?
ZED shakes his head, but he's also smiling.
ZED
Nope. Turns out trying to force somebody into a relationship is a bad idea.
ADDISON giggles.
ADDISON
Yeah, wish you told me that sooner.
ZED
But...
He exchanges a look with BONZO, who grins back at him.
ZED (CONT'D)
I think we figured out a way to make it up to him. And this time, I know for sure it's something he actually wants.
INT. OUTSIDE THE COACH'S APARTMENT. DAY.
ZED and a small group of his teammates walk up to the Coach's door. At the back of the group is ERIC, carrying a box by a handle, which remains slightly obscured from the camera, or not visible at all. ZED checks the number on the door.
ZED
This is it.
He knocks on the door and a moment later, THE COACH answers. He's surprised and slightly confused to see them but gives them all a smile nonetheless.
COACH
Hey, what're y'all doing here?
ZED looks around the group and they give him encouraging nods and smiles. He turns back to THE COACH and takes a breath.
ZED
I just wanted to apologise again, for the whole setting-you-up-on-a-date thing.
THE COACH shakes his head and waves a hand dismissively.
COACH
Don't worry about it, Zed.
ZED once again looks around at the group.
ZED
I know I didn't really help you feel any better but... we kinda had a team meeting and we thought maybe we could get you a little something to cheer you up instead.
THE COACH looks touched but he holds a hand up.
COACH
Now, you didn't need to get me anything...
ZED just smiles and steps aside as ERIC comes forward with the box. THE COACH sees it and frowns for a second or two, then it clicks and his eyes go wide. He slowly opens the box and gasps softly when he looks inside. He reaches in and carefully takes out a small kitten, which immediately lets out a tiny mew. THE COACH looks close to tears. He holds the kitten to his chest and looks around at the group, who are all grinning now.
COACH (CONT'D)
Oh, you boys are gonna make me cry...!
As he coos over the kitten, the boys all share a few congratulatory high fives and backslaps etc. ZED looks to the camera.
ZED
(to camera)
Mission accomplished.