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Degrassi: The New Era

Season Four

Episode 19

"Running to Stand Still"

SCENE 1: BRANDON'S BEDROOM. AFTERNOON

Music plays loudly. Brandon jumps up and begins to dance around the room. He jumps on the bed and begins to play his air guitar. On the dresser behind him, we faintly see powder residue. Brandon stops moving as he begins to feel woozy. He takes a seat on the bed and touches his nose to see blood is now on his fingers. He falls back onto the bed with a smile on his face as if this does not faze him.

The door opens and Brandon's father peeps his head into the room.

Mr. Jones: Time for you to get ready for school your suspension is over and it is time for you to focus on basketball.

Mr. Jones closes the door not notices his son current conditions. Brandon rises from the bed. He goes to the mirror and wipes his nose.

OPENING CREDITS

SCENE 2: DEGRASSI (HALL). MORNING

Manny walks into Degrassi. All eyes were locked onto him. He continues to make his way down the hall as whispers commence between the other students. He finally reaches his locker when Levi approaches him with a smile on her face.

Levi: The stares and whispers eventually stop. You just learn to ignore it.

Levi places her hand onto Manny's shoulder and proceeds to walk off. Manny smiles as he continues to grab his books from his locker. Amina watches from the other side of the hall. This act of kindness made her happy. She watches as Levi walks down the hall.

SCENE 3: DEGRASSI (CAFETERIA). AFTERNOON

Amina slams her food tray in front of Red who was in the process of sketching in his notebook. He notices Amina taking a seat at the table with her eyes wide.

Amina: Your Ivy's boyfriend right.

Red (chuckling): we are close, but not together. She is a good friend of mine.

Amina rolls her eyes.

Amina: What can you tell me about Levi? You probably spent time with her since you're always with Ivy.

Red: I'm sorry can't tell you anything other then she plays the guitar and sings.

Amina: Thank you!

Amina quickly rises from her seat and sprints out of the cafeteria.

SCENE 4: DEGRASSI (GYMNASIUM). AFTERNOON

Brandon enters the gym with a smile on his face. His eyes lock onto Xavier who is leading basketball drills. Ivy and the Sprint Squad are practicing on the other end of the gym. Brandon kneels to tie his shoe, but as he rises from the ground, he once again begins to feel weak.

He looks around the room to see that all eyes are on him. He tries to shake it off and moves towards the team on the court.

Coach Dillion: I want six-man teams. Let's play some ball.

The basketball team players divide into teams. Brandon and Xavier stand face to face at the tip-off.

Xavier (calmly): You sure you able to play. You don't need your daily fix.

Brandon quickly tackles Xavier to the ground. The two tussle onto the floor before the Coach is able to pull Brandon from Xavier. Brandon snatches him arm from Coach.

Coach Dillion: Jones! I don't know what's gotten into you, but don't bring that mess onto my court.

Jack: I know. I probably should get going.

Decker wipes the tears from his eyes. Jack proceeds to make his way down the hall.

SCENE 5: DEGRASSI (HALLWAYS). AFTERNOON

Amina appears behind Levi with a giant smile on her face. Levi turns around surprised seeing how she never spoke to Amina prior. Amina raises a piece of paper in front of Levi. She grabs it and begins to read it.

Levi: What is this?

Amina: A performance at Above the Dot. I convinced Nolan to let you perform a few songs.

Levi smiles uneasily.

Levi: I appreciate the gesture, but why are you doing something like this for me?

Amina: I heard that you have had a few rough years here, but you always stuck to your music. This is my gift to you.

Levi nods her head as she slowly steps away and makes her way down the hall. Brandon enters the halls, where he notices Manny opening his locker. Brandon takes a deep sigh as he moves forward. Manny looks over at Brandon and slams his locker shut.

Brandon: I heard you were back.

Manny: The kid who went to rehab has returned. The rumor mill of Degrassi never changes. I'm surprised that your still here.

Brandon: It hasn't been easy especially with my dad on my ass about basketball. Then that punk Xavier keeps getting under my skin. is my main priority. I am just trying to focus.

The transition bell rings. Brandon closes his locker and proceeds to make his way down the hall. Lily creeps beside Manny.

Lily: You go to rehab for weeks, but all they give him is a stupid suspension.

Manny: Give him a break. He needs to want to get help. Just don't give up on him. He's going to need all the friends he can get.

Manny closes his locker and proceeds to walk away. Lily takes in his advice and a look comes across her face as if she had an idea.

SCENE 6: THE DOT. AFTERNOON

Levi enters the Dot where she spots Jack, Alicia, Ivy, Red, and Jordan all seated. She waves and proceeds to make her way to the booth. She takes a deep sigh.

Jordan: Nolan told me you're performing tonight at About the Dot?

Levi: Not by choice…this sophomore has a crush on me I think.

Everyone begins to chuckle.

Ivy: Is they something you would like to share?

Levi: I'm not gay. No offense.

She says as she turns to Jordan and Jack. They shrug off the comment not bothered by it.

Ivy: Kind of sweet that she has a crush.

Alicia: I think you should just let her down easy.

Jack: Yeah, just rip the Band-Aid right off.

Red: Speaking of ripping the Band-Aid off.

Red gestures towards the door with a smile on his face. Everyone turns around to see that Amina has entered the Dot. Levi tries to hide, but Amina already catches a glimpse and waves. Levi reluctantly waves back.

SCENE 7: ABOVE THE DOT. NIGHT

Nolan jumps onto the stage and begins talking. Levi places her guitar down and steps off the stage. She makes her way through the crowd until she reaches the beverage table. Amina approaches her with a bottle of water and hands it to her.

Amina: You looked thirsty.

Levi: Thank you!

Levi tries to walk away, but Amina follows behind her.

Amina: You did good tonight. I really liked the song.

Levi silently nods her head and tries to walk away but Amina continues to trail behind. She turns around with furiously.

Levi: Can you leave me alone! I am not gay! Stop following me around!

Amina becomes embarrassed. Above the Dot was silent and everyone heard Levi's tantrum. Amina quickly dashes out the building. Levi looks around and sighs in regret.

SCENE 8: THE RAVINE. NIGHT

Brandon aimless walks through the ravine. Manny appears in the distance.

Manny: Why did you call me here Brandon?

Brandon: I needed my old friend with all the connections. I just need something to help me unwind.

Manny: You have a problem, Brandon. You need to get yourself some help.

Brandon: I don't have a problem. I just need you to call one of your old connects.

Manny: I'm not doing that Brandon. I did make a call.

Mr. Jones appears in the distance.

Mr. Jones: Did I do this son? Did I push you to start using drugs?

Brandon begins to sober up seeing his father is concerned. This was a side of his father that he did not usually see. Mr. Jones approaches his son and wraps his arms around him.

Mr. Jones leads Brandon to the car. They stop next to Manny.

Mr. Jones: Thank you, son, for saving my boy.

Manny: No problem sir.

Mr Jones get into the car and drives off.

SCENE 9: ALLEY OUTSIDE THE DOT. NIGHT

Amina is sitting on a crate in the alleyway of the Dot. Levi quickly passes by the alley until she notices Amina. She turns the corner making her way beside her. Amina quickly wipes her eyes not wanting to show her vulnerability.

Levi: I'm sorry Amina. I didn't take into account your feelings. You were just being so smothering and I just snapped, but you didn't deserve that.

Amina: I didn't mean to smother you.

Levi: You are thoughtful and ambitious. I'm sure you will find a girl who will appreciate all those qualities, unfortunately, I'm not her.

Amina: You think so. You think I'll really find a girlfriend.

Levi: I believe there is someone out there for everyone. It's our job to find that person, but we are still young, so it's okay not to be caught up in a relationship. Trust me.

Levi extends her hand out to help Amina up from the crate.

Levi: We have a party to get back too!

SCENE 10: THE DOT. MORNING

Manny enters the Dot to see Lily grabbing her cup of coffee. He makes his way to the counter.

Spinner: What can I get for you?

Manny: Large coffee. Black. 3 sugars.

Spinner turns and pours Manny's order and hands it to him.

Lily: I heard about what you did for Brandon.

Manny takes a sip of his coffee as the two of the exit the Dot.

Manny: I just did what I wish someone had done for me early on. Brandon's problem was a cry for help. You are a good friend Lily regardless of what people at school say.

Lily smiles as she continues to walk. Levi appears with a smile on her face.

Levi: You are such a softy.

Manny: You are going to regret saying that.

Manny smiles as he begins to playfully chase Levi down the street.

CLOSING CREDITS

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