AUTHORS NOTE:

Greetings! As Always I Just Would Like To Start By Stating I Appreciate The Continued Support.

We Are Down To The Last TWO Episodes Of Season 5! What Were Your Thoughts On This Episode? Which Character Has Been Your Favorite This Season? What Relationship Is Your Favorite? Would You Like To See A Season 6 Of Degrassi: The New Era?

I Would Love To Hear From You and Thank You For Being Apart Of This Journey!

Degrassi: The New Era

Season Five

Episode 18

"Forgive Myself"

Scene 1: Degrassi (Classroom). Morning

Jaylin begins to walk down the aisle handing out graded papers. Carina looks at her test to see an "A" written across it. Kenzie looks over Carina's shoulder to see the grade.

Kenzie (whispering): I'm jealous.

Carina turns around.

Carina: It's called studying.

Carina notices K.C in the back of the class with a disappointed look on his face. Then, finally, the transition bell begins to ring. Students gather their belongings and disperse into the hallways. Carina waves goodbye to Kenzie as she lingers in the classroom for a while.

Alicia (Over P.A System): Good Morning, Panthers! Don't forget Spring Break is approaching, which means the Spring Formal will be here before we know it. Make sure to purchase your ticket from a member of the student council.

Carina makes her way towards K.C. He quickly stuffs his test into his bag, not wanting her to see his grade.

Carina: If you ever need help, I can-

K.C (impolitely): I don't! I need to get to class.

K.C hastily grabs his things and proceed to leave out the classroom. Carina has a worried look on her face. She proceeds to exit the classroom feeling guilty.

OPENING CREDITS

Scene 2: Degrassi (Media Lab). Morning

Students are attentively working in the computer lab. A student approaches Alicia, who is reviewing papers at a desk. They hand Alicia a few more pages. Alicia rises from her desk.

Alicia: Thank you again, everyone, for working on the Grapevine this early. I appreciate the diligent work.

Matthew enters the lab to see everyone at work. He begins to smile as he approached Alicia.

Matthew: So, this is the Degrassi Grapevine.

Alicia: I'm Alicia, the editor of the newspaper. I don't think I've seen you around here.

Matthew extends his hand to shake Alicia's.

Matthew: I just transferred to Degrassi this semester. My name is Matthew. I was the editor of my previous school newspaper.

Matthew goes into his bag and grabs an article. He hands it to Alicia, who has a confused look on her face.

Matthew: I read some previous issues of the Grapevine, and I think the newspaper leans on the cookie-cutter side. I drafted up this article about the social hierarchy displayed at Degrassi related to the LGBTQIA student body.

Alicia returns the article.

Alicia: I'm sorry, but we only accept articles from staff writers, and we're currently fully staffed. I'm sure the piece is impressive.

Janice: Hey Alicia! Can you check this out when you're finished?

Alicia: I should probably check that out. It was a pleasure meeting, you Matthew.

Alicia walks over to the computer, leaving Matthew infuriated. However, he tries to keep his composure as he exits the media lab.

Scene 3: Degrassi (Main Foyer/Hallway). Morning

Lily makes her way through the hallway with all eyes on her. She was once again the social outcast. Xavier makes her way down the stairs to see Lily. He approaches with a smile.

Xavier: Look at what the cat dragged in. I was starting to wonder if you'll ever grace us with your presence again.

Lily looks around, worried for Xavier.

Lily: You should keep moving. You don't want anyone seeing you with the school's biggest bitch.

Xavier burst into laughter.

Xavier: You're my friend, Lily. I don't mind.

Lily takes a seat on the bench.

Lily: You're probably the only person saying that.

Xavier takes a seat beside Lily.

Xavier: You were hurting. Did you go too far? Yes, but you're human. I think you wear your emotions on your sleeve even when you're trying not to. It's a part of the Lily Alverez charm.

Lily: I can always count on you to cheer me up.

Xavier: Duh!

Xavier gives Lily a playful push before heading away. Lily cracks a smile feeling a sense of hope.

Scene 4: Degrassi (Cafeteria). Afternoon

Madison enters the cafeteria to see her brother pouting alone at the table by himself. She navigates her way through the students and takes a seat. Matthew tries to put on his stoic face.

Madison: You look like a big baby. What's the matter?

Matthew: I handed in an article for this school's newspaper, and the editor decided not to run the story.

Lily appears at the table. Madison and Matthew exchange a look of confusion. Lily ignores the two and continues to eat her food.

Lily: What was the article about anyway?

Matthew: How Degrassi is allowing those deemed popular are allowed to mistreat those with different lifestyles.

Madison (annoyed): Did you write an article about me?

Madison rolls her eyes and storms off.

Lily: The newspaper isn't the only way to get your point across. If you have a message to get across, then it falls on you to be heard.

Matthew: What do you suggest I do?

Lily: I shouldn't be the one offering anyone advice. Anything I do usually ends up in a suspension.

Matthew: Maybe it's time to shake things up.

Matthew begins to smile, thinking about getting his vengeance. Lily became intrigued.

Scene 5: Degrassi (Hallway). Afternoon

Alicia exits out of the office, locking the door behind her. She turns around to students reading a paper. A student passes by and hands her one. She begins to skim the article. Red and Jack approach.

Red: What's going on?

Alicia becomes furious as she passes the paper to her friends.

Jack: The editor of the Grapevine is a closeted homophobe that blindly turns an eye to the injustices that are happening within the walls of Degrassi.

Amina appears from behind the group snatching the paper from out of Jack's hand.

Amina: No one believes these lies. Just wait until I find out who printed this.

Alicia notices Lily and Matthew reading the article laughing.

Alicia: I think I know who published this bogus story.

Red, Jack, and Amina turn their attention to Matthew and Lily.

Red: They will not get away with this. I promise you that.

They proceed to walk down the hall.

Scene 6: K.C's Family Apartment. Afternoon

Carina makes her way through the hall. She hears crashing, and K.C's voice coming from inside the apartment. She hesitates but works up the nerves to knock.

K.C: Don't touch that!

Carina hears another crash coming from inside the apartment as K.C opens the door with a frustrated look on his face. In the background, Carina notices a half-naked older man walking throughout the living room.

K.C (agitated): How do you know where I live?

Carina: I remember it from the party you had at the beginning of the year.

K.C (agitated): Why are you here, Carina?

Carina: I wanted to help you. I'm just trying to be your friend.

K.C: We're not friends, Carina! We've never been friends, and you probably should get over this crush. You have a boyfriend, Isaiah. Remember him?

Carina (upset): Don't take your personal problems out on me.

Carina goes into her bag, pulling out a sheet of paper. She presses it against K.C's chest as she storms away. K.C observes the document to see she made him a study guide.

Scene 7: Degrassi (Girls Bathroom). Morning

Isabella enters the girl's bathroom to hear sniffling coming from one of the stalls. She begins to follow the cries leading her to an occupied stall.

Isabella: Are you okay?

A moment of silence. The door begins to open. Carina exits the stall moving to the sinks. Isabella can see that her friend was upset.

Isabella: Is this about K.C?

Carina turns to Isabella. She runs into her arms in an emotional state.

Carina: I know I shouldn't care this much for a person I don't like too much, but

Isabella wipes the tears from Carina's eyes.

Isabella: You and K.C went through something traumatic together. I'm not surprised that you feel bonded to him.

Carina: Thank you, Bella.

Isabella: Anytime, Rinibini. You should focus on yourself. Everyone doesn't deserve your kindness.

Carina forces a smile as Isabella leans in for a hug. Carina composes herself before the two exits the bathroom.

Scene 8: Degrassi (Student Council Office). Morning

Jack enters the student council office he notices Alicia in deep thought. She didn't see him moving further into the room.

Jack: You can't let this article make you upset.

Alicia: I know, but it does. Why would anyone write horrible things about me?

Jack: Horrible people sometimes just do horrible things. It has nothing to do with you. You're probably the best person I know.

Alicia smiles as she hugs Jack.

Alicia: Thank you, Jack. You always say the right things.

Scene 9: Degrassi (JT Yorke Memorial). Morning

Isabella is walking through the hallway when she notices K.C sitting in the garden. She enters and begins to approach him.

Isabella: Hey.

K.C: I'm guessing you spoke to Carina.

Isabella: I did, but I'm not just here because of that.

Isabella takes a seat beside K.C.

Isabella: She likes you, and if you keep pushing her away, then you might lose her.

K.C: She can do better than me. I'm a screwup, Bella. My parents shipped me off, my marks are horrible, and I'm taking care of a grandfather who barely remembers me half the time.

Isabella: I get that it is hard, but maybe you should start letting people in so they can help you.

K.C: I let you in, Bella.

Isabella: That's because we're both damaged.

Isabella kisses K.C cheek as she rises from the bench.

Isabella: Carina…talk to her.

She proceeds to enter back into the hallway.

Scene 10: Degrassi (Gymnasium). Afternoon

Shay, Kenzie, and Isabella are in a triangle formation. They jump straight up, performing a back tuck. After landing, Kenzie and Isabella execute a back walkover into a split. Shay smiles as the music ends.

Shay: Everyone looked great! Take a five, and then we're back at it.

Marcel comes off the bench to pass out water and towels to the members of the team. Lily arrives in the gym with a smile. The members of the squad shun her as they continue to whisper in their groups.

Marcel: It's the Evil Queen returning to put us under her curse.

The squad begins to laugh. Lily approaches Shay.

Lily: I'm back at Degrassi, which means it's time for me to resume my captain duties.

Shay was in disbelief.

Shay: Are you delusional, Lily? There is no way you're rejoining this squad. You have been nothing but bitch!

All eyes turn to them.

Kenzie: Is there going to be a fight?

Lily steps closer to Shay, not wanting to cause a scene.

Lily: You do not want to make an enemy out of me, Shay.

Shay: You should have thought of that before making my best friend the subject of your latest twisted game for attention.

Lily: I had nothing to do with what was published. I came back to Degrassi to start fresh.

Shay: Maybe your time here is done.

Lily had no response. She couldn't help but think Shay might be right. Maybe her time at Degrassi was over. She had caused nothing but trouble since her arrival.

Lily quietly turns away and exits the gym.

Scene 11: Outside Degrassi. Afternoon

Students are assembling outside the school. Madison exits the school. Matthew is sitting on the steps waiting, but she passes him and continues to walk. He grabs his things as he follows behind.

Matthew: Are you just going to ignore me?

Madison: That sounds like a reasonable plan.

Matthew grabs his sister's arm.

Matthew: Hey. I was only trying to help you after what the basketball team did.

Madison: You didn't do this for me! You did this for yourself because Alicia turned you down for the newspaper.

Matthew: You're ungrateful.

Madison rolls her eyes as she walks away from her brother. Unfortunately, Matthew was unable to see Madison's point of view regarding the issue.

Scene 12. Degrassi (Classroom/Hallway). Afternoon

Jaylin once again begins to pass out graded exams. K.C nervously brace himself as Jaylin approaches his desk. Carina looks from afar as K.C picks up his paper and cracks a smile. K.C turns his paper to her showing his "B" grade.

The transition bell rings as students race into the hallways. K.C quickly tries to catch up with Carina.

K.C: I know I'm probably the last person you want to talk to, but I want to apologize. I was a jackass.

Carina: You were.

K.C: I used your study guide. It helped me get a B.

Isaiah approaches the two of them, wrapping his arms around Carina. K.C tries to hid his uncomfortableness.

Isaiah: Hey. We're thinking of all going to the formal together as a group.

K.C: I appreciate the ask, but I think I might sit the formal out.

K.C and Carina exchange a look both knew that they had this unspoken connection.

Carina: We probably should get going.

Isaiah: See you later, man.

K.C nods as he watches Carina leaving with Isaiah.

CLOSING CREDITS

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