Hey... I finally got a few things written down. first three sections.
Chapter 9: Character Development
Everyone is at the table. It's buzzing. Monday morning is always exciting. All teens excitedly talking about the weekend, if they didn't spend it together. Ben is at the head ot the table and he pulls out his blogging camera. "Monday morning hear in Just Tori land!"
Tori sitting next to him, startled slightly, but is quick to change her startled expression into a smile. She puts up the peace sign and says. "Monday morning!" Then she does a little dance with shoulder shrugs, raising the roof.
"There is Victoria herself ready for a great week of just toriness." He then Pans to the right, "There's Trina, Andre Harris, Cat Valentine," The three if them looked up. They were already at work highlighting their scripts. They waved and smiled slightly then got back to work , except for Cat who blew the camera a kiss and waved.
"Beck Oliver, Jade West, Robbie Shapiro." He continued, Avan looked up and waved his arms weirdly, rying to look cool, Jade only briefly looked up and waved, did not smile just went back to work, and Robbie only shrugged. "And look who it is! With a very big part this week."
"Yup," The lanky blonde guy said.
"Who are you?" Ben asked.
"I'm uh… Mikey. Sinjin." Sinjin answered.
Ben paused. "Are you sure?"
"I'm… I'm someone." Sinjin said.
"Are you exited?" Ben asked.
"Very exited." He said and Ben panned away.
"Sinjin Vancleef…" then the video is back to the beginning. "And the cast of Just Tori…"
Jade strode purposefully from her studio office to the table read room, her mind buzzing with a mix of anticipation and distraction. As she entered the room, she found her friends gathered, their smiles greeting her like rays of sunlight breaking through clouds.
"Good morning," she announced, a small grin tugging at her lips as she took her seat at the head of the table. The spot to her right remained conspicuously empty, a reminder of Vic's absence. Jade couldn't help but reminisce about the times when Ben would tease Vic for her habitual tardiness to table reads, often blaming LA traffic or her distant living arrangements with family.
Reflecting on Vic's grounded demeanor, living away from the chaotic world of teenage emancipation, Jade couldn't help but admire her friend's stability. Unlike some of them who had chosen to emancipate themselves from parental control, Vic and Andre had chosen a different path, one that seemed to have led to a more balanced outlook on life.
Snapping back to the present, Jade tuned into the chatter around the table. Trina and Cat were exchanging playful banter, reminiscing about the night Trina had shared the stage with Cat. Robbie chimed in from his seat beside Jade, adding fuel to the lively conversation. But Jade's mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with the recent upheaval in her personal life.
Then, like a breath of fresh air, Vic breezed into the room, her infectious energy lighting up the space. With hugs and fist bumps exchanged, Vic made her way to Jade, greeting her with a kiss on the corner of her lips. Jade's heart skipped a beat at the simple gesture, a rush of happiness flooding her senses. She returned Vic's smile, feeling a sense of warmth and reassurance wash over her.
"Okay, now that we're all here," Jade addressed the room, her voice commanding attention. "Welcome to episode two. As you all know, we were picked up for 10 episodes on the streaming platform. Let's make this work, people."
With a sense of purpose, Jade delved into the script, her words bringing the scene to life as she set the tone for the day's work. "INT. HOLLYWOOD ARTS - SCHOOL DAY, The school bell rings, signaling the start of another chaotic day at Hollywood Arts. Vic, now in teacher mode, navigates through the bustling students. She spots Bradley, looking dejected."
"Hey bradley! What's going on?" Vic reads next, "You look like someone stole your lunch money." As they read aloud, the room filled with laughter and excitement, the familiar rhythm of the show taking hold. For Jade, this was when the magic truly began to unfold, and she couldn't wait to see where the journey would take them next.
INT. HOLLYWOOD ARTS - SCHOOL DAY
The school bell rings, signaling the start of another chaotic day at Hollywood Arts. Vic, now a teacher at the school, navigates through the bustling students. She spots Bradley, a young student, looking dejected.
VIC
Hey, Bradley! What's going on? You look like someone just stole your lunch money.
Bradley looks up at Vic, his eyes filled with sadness.
BRADLEY
My parents split up, and now my dad moved out.
VIC
(trying to lighten the mood)
Oh no, did he finally realize he can't compete with your mom's cooking?
Bradley manages a weak smile.
BRADLEY
No, it's not that. I think he was cheating on my mom.
VIC
(raising an eyebrow)
Cheating? In the world of Hollywood drama? Shocking!
Bradley looks confused.
VIC (CONT'D)
I'm kidding, Bradley. Hollywood marriages are like action movies – full of explosions and sometimes a plot twist.
Bradley sighs, still worried.
VIC (CONT'D)
But seriously, why do you think your dad was cheating?
BRADLEY
Because my mom said he's always surrounded by fans, and she thinks he's doing more than signing autographs.
VIC
(smiling)
Ah, the hazards of fame. Well, Bradley, sometimes adults do silly things. It doesn't mean they don't care about you.
BRADLEY
Mom's kind of crazy, though.
VIC
(winking)
Aren't they all? Your mom's just passionately protective. Trust me, I know a thing or two about your crazy mom.
Bradley chuckles, feeling a bit better.
VIC (CONT'D)
And hey, if things get too tough, you can always come to me. I've got a drawer full of snacks in my desk. It's the ultimate comfort food sanctuary.
They share a laugh as Vic puts her arm around Bradley, guiding him down the hallway.
VIC (CONT'D)
Now, let's go conquer the wild world of Hollywood Arts together!
They walk off, with Vic offering a comforting presence amidst the teenage chaos.
FADE OUT.
INT. TV INTERVIEW SET - DAY
Vic sits in a comfortable chair, facing the interviewer. The atmosphere is serious, reflecting the weight of recent events.
VIC (taking a deep breath) It's been a lot to process, honestly. I never expected my living room to become the stage for a real-life soap opera. I can't help but feel a sense of guilt about it.
VIC Well, Liz and Avan were in the middle of a heated argument about their divorce, and it just happened to unfold at my place. I feel like I unintentionally became a part of their drama.
VIC I mean, it's not like I handed them a script and said, "Here, act out your personal lives in front of me." But witnessing such a personal moment, especially between friends, leaves you with this lingering sense of responsibility.
This episode had been so weird. Andre's character, Leon, had fallen in love with Jade's character, Liz. Now Tori was trying to remind Leon that Liz was not a nice girl. So if this wasn't the most queer-baity, gayest thing ever, Tori was dressed like Liz, acting like her so Leon could just get over it. Vic and Jade had gone over the scene so many times, Vic trying to get Liz's inflections just right. They had ended up working all night in Jade's room and making out for the first time. Vic knew... everyone knew Jade was with Will... but Jade wasn't supposed to be with Will. Vic tried not to let this mean anything to her, but she really liked the girl. So now that the director yelled "Action," she came down in her Liz costume, to Leon's complete surprise. She played a very convincing Liz.
"Don't you think you were mean to your dad… Liz?" Leon asked, his expression puzzled.
"Yeah, well, get used to it, because if we're together I'd be even meaner to you," Vic replied, sitting next to Leon and placing a pillow over her lap.
Then, as Leon began to lean in, Vic's eyes went wide. She leaned back, clutching at the pillow, ready for the next line. But before he could say it, Jade popped up behind them.
"What are you doing?" Jade screamed, startling everyone in the room.
Andre flew back, jumping out of his seat. The room erupted in laughter, and Vic held onto her heart, her shocked face staring at Jade.
"Oh my god," Andre exclaimed, clutching his chest as he walked away.
"What?" Tori said, pointing at Jade while looking out at the audience. "Heeeeyyyy," she added, and Jade leaned forward, hugging her tightly ."I'm gonna get you for that." she murmurrred in her ear.
"Promise?
Vic sat in her trailer, a stack of shot lists spread out before her. With a furrowed brow, she meticulously went over each one, her focus sharp as she pinpointed the crucial moments where the jokes were meant to land. As the director, it was her responsibility to ensure that the humor translated effectively on screen, especially without the aid of a live audience. There would be no canned laughter to cue the viewers; it was up to them to discover and appreciate the comedic beats within the dialogue. And Vic was determined to guide them there.
With a practiced hand, she circled the spots where the jokes were supposed to hit, mentally planning the delivery and timing to maximize their impact. She understood the delicate balance required to execute comedy well, particularly in the absence of immediate feedback from a live audience. It was a challenge she embraced, relishing the opportunity to elevate the written word through her direction.
Today's shoot focused on the school scenes, providing a welcome change of pace from the usual setting. With only her and Robbie, along with the teachers and kids on set, it was a quieter day than usual. The rest of the cast was occupied with their own scenes, leaving Vic to concentrate on bringing the school environment to life.
However, amidst the professional focus on the task at hand, Vic couldn't shake the nagging distraction of her personal feelings for Jade and her little girl. Jade had left soon after the table read, her absence casting a shadow over Vic's thoughts. Her heart ached with concern for Jade, knowing that she was fighting to regain custody of Izzy from her estranged husband, Will.
Despite her best efforts to remain focused on the work, Vic couldn't help but worry about Jade's well-being. Izzy's presence in her home had brought them closer together, and Vic found herself growing attached to the little girl, her maternal instincts kicking in despite the unconventional circumstances. The thought of Jade facing such a difficult ordeal alone tugged at Vic's heartstrings, reminding her of the depth of her feelings for both Jade and Izzy.
But for now, Vic pushed aside her personal concerns, channeling her energy into the task at hand. She was determined to ensure that every joke landed just right, trusting that her dedication to the craft would serve as a fitting distraction from the tumultuous emotions swirling within her.
As Hair and Make up worked on Vic, she found herself drifting back to a painful memory. She was in the room she had been staying in with Lizzy, when Will had come to pick her up. From the other room, she could hear Will and Jade arguing.
He had yelled at her, telling her she was nothing without him. Vic wanted to call him an abusive groomer, but she couldn't deny that he had played a big part in shaping her into who she was.
Jade had shot back that she was who she was in spite of him. She told him how many times he had tried and failed to hold her and her career back once he had sunk his claws into her. She revealed how lost and isolated she had felt since they had become a couple. Thanks to his jealousy, she was only close to a handful of people in the cast she loved so much. She had barely worked since they had gotten married, and she had to practically beg him to let her take on this project. His anger had been palpable when she had finally convinced him to allow it.
Jade had argued that he couldn't take her child away. He insisted that he wouldn't have his child live in the home of a degenerate, and pointed out that Vic had come out on social media, as if Jade didn't already know. As if he was trying to ignore the fact that Jade had left him for that very same woman.
Jade had laughed at him and said that at least Vic wasn't a creepy old man lusting after little girls. His voice had risen as he demanded to see his daughter. Vic could hear everything without even having her ear pressed to the door, just like she was doing now.
'Daddy?' Izzy's small voice chimed in from the other room. Vic quickly put her finger to her lips, signaling for her to be quiet.
'I wanna see daddy!' Izzy screamed, her tiny fists pounding on the door. Vic could feel the door hitting her knee, making her see stars. She quickly got up and followed Izzy into the living room, where her parents were still arguing.
Vic followed the little girl, Izzy, to the living room, her heart racing with worry. She knew she shouldn't be in the middle of this argument between her friends, but she couldn't just stand by and watch. As they entered the room, she saw Jade already there, holding Izzy tightly in her arms.
'You left my daughter in a room by herself with that lesbian?' Will's voice boomed through the room, causing Izzy to flinch and cling onto Jade even tighter.
Jade's eyes narrowed and she held onto Izzy protectively. 'Gayness is not contagious, Will,' she growled, her tone sharp.
'Give me my daughter,' Will demanded, reaching out for Izzy.
Jade's grip tightened even more, causing the little girl to whimper in fear. 'I won't let you take her,' she stated firmly.
Will's face twisted in anger as he tried to pry Izzy away from Jade's arms. 'I don't want my daughter learning from a whore for a mother and that lesbian,' he spat, his words dripping with venom.
Vic couldn't stay silent any longer. 'I'm not a lesbian,' she spoke up, her voice shaking with anger.
'Stay out of my family's business,' Will snapped at her, his eyes blazing with hatred.
'Then you might want to take this outside,' Vic said, her voice low and dangerous. 'This is my house.'
Will's face turned red with fury as he reached for Izzy again, tugging at her tiny body. But Jade refused to let go, her hold on Izzy unbreakable. The little girl started crying, feeling the tension and fear in the room.
'You're not taking my child from me,' Jade stated firmly, her eyes locked with Will's.
With a final tug, Will managed to pull Izzy away from Jade's arms, causing the little girl to cry even harder. Jade rushed forward, trying to grab onto Izzy, but Will pushed her away forcefully. Vic quickly stepped in, placing herself between Will and Jade, trying to protect her friend.
'I'm calling the police,' Will declared, grabbing his daughter and storming out of the room.
Jade collapsed onto the couch, tears streaming down her face as she held onto Vic for support. 'He can't take her from me,' she sobbed, her heart breaking at the thought of losing her daughter.
Vic wrapped her arms around her friend, offering comfort in this difficult situation. 'We'll figure this out,' she promised, hoping that they could find a way to keep Izzy safe and with her mother.
As the memory of the tumultuous encounter between Jade and Will faded, a sharp knock on Vic's trailer door jolted her back to the present. Startled, she blinked, momentarily disoriented before the image of Robbie standing at the doorway came into focus.
"Hey, Vic," Robbie greeted, his expression grave with concern.
Vic nodded in acknowledgment, gesturing for him to come inside. "Robbie, what's up?"
Robbie stepped into the trailer, his brows furrowed with unease. "I'm worried about Jade," he admitted, his voice tinged with anxiety.
Vic's stomach churned with a familiar sense of apprehension. "Yeah, I've been thinking about her too," she confessed, her concern for her friend weighing heavily on her mind.
Robbie shifted uncomfortably, his gaze searching. "Do you think she should go meet Will alone?" he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.
Vic shook her head, her worry deepening. "No, definitely not," she replied firmly. "We need to make sure she's not alone."
Robbie nodded in agreement, relief washing over his features at Vic's support. "I'll go see if Cat can go be with her," he suggested, already moving towards the door.
Vic nodded, grateful for Robbie's quick thinking. "That's a good idea," she said, her voice tinged with urgency. "Let's make sure she has someone with her."
With a determined nod, Robbie left the trailer, his footsteps echoing as he hurried off to make the call. Left alone once more, Vic couldn't shake the nagging worry that gnawed at her, a silent prayer echoing in her mind for Jade's safety and well-being.
INT. TV STUDIO - DAY
The studio is buzzing with activity as Liz and Avan oversee their production. However, Liz's foul mood is palpable, and the crew tiptoes around her.
LIZ
(yelling at a crew member)
No, no, no! That backdrop is all wrong. Do it again!
Avan watches her with raised eyebrows, trying to maintain his calm demeanor.
AVAN
(to a crew member, smiling)
Just keep doing what you're doing. Liz is in a bit of a mood today.
Liz approaches Avan with a scowl on her face.
LIZ
(angry)
Avan, how can you be so calm about this divorce? It's like you're on a perpetual yoga retreat.
AVAN
(smiling)
Well, Liz, anger isn't going to change anything. I've embraced the zen.
LIZ
(irritated)
Zen? We're getting divorced! You should be angry, like me.
AVAN
(teasingly)
But then who would be the voice of reason in this partnership?
LIZ
(frustrated)
This is serious, Avan. I need you to be upset.
AVAN
(smiling)
You're upset enough for the both of us.
Liz takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself.
LIZ
(confessing)
Okay, fine. Maybe I am a little upset. It's just... I have feelings for someone else.
Avan's expression changes from amusement to surprise.
AVAN
(disbelieving)
Wait, what? You have feelings for someone else? Who?
LIZ
(smirking)
Wouldn't you like to know?
AVAN
(jealous)
Actually, yes. Who is it?
Liz enjoys the jealousy on Avan's face.
LIZ
(gloating)
I'm not telling. But let's just say, I've successfully killed your zen.
Avan looks both annoyed and intrigued.
AVAN
(grinning)
You're enjoying this, aren't you?
Liz smirks, reveling in the chaos she's created.
LIZ
Absolutely. Now, let's get back to work. I need this set perfect for my impending romantic drama.
The two producers, caught in the whirlwind of divorce and newfound romantic interests, continue navigating the complexities of their professional and personal lives in true sitcom fashion.
FADE OUT.
INT. TV STUDIO - INTERVIEW SET
Liz sits comfortably in front of the camera, a sly smile on her face, ready to spill the beans.
LIZ
(mockingly)
Oh, Avan, with your perpetual calmness. How could you not be angry about our divorce?
She leans in, adopting a conspiratorial tone.
LIZ
(smiling)
Here's the thing, though. I did it on purpose. I found the one thing that would shake his zen to its core. let's just say, I've always been good at pushing his buttons.
She leans back, crossing her arms, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes.
LIZ
(confessing)
Let's just say there's someone from my past, someone I thought I had moved on from, but here they are, making me question everything.
A knowing smile plays on Liz's lips, leaving the audience curious about the mysterious person in her life.
FADE OUT.
INT. TV STUDIO - INTERVIEW SET
Avan sits across from the interviewer, a bemused expression on his face, ready to address Liz's recent claims.
AVAN
(scoffing)
Feelings? Liz loves to stir the pot. I wouldn't take everything she says too seriously.
Avan rolls his eyes, crossing his arms defensively.
AVAN
(smiling)
Liz is the queen of drama. It's probably some elaborate plot to make our divorce sound more exciting than it is.
AVAN
(defensive)
Well, she's a great actress. What can I say?
Avan squints at the interviewer, a hint of curiosity breaking through.
AVAN
(raising an eyebrow)
She's really not just playing it up for the cameras?
FADE OUT.
When they were young, Cat, Robbie, and Jade shared an incredibly close bond. But behind closed doors, there was a playful charade between Cat and Robbie, a fake love affair that often had them pretending to be more than just friends. They would playfully flirt and act affectionate whenever they were alone, much to Jade's amusement.
One afternoon, during the early days of Cat's music career taking off, tensions ran high on set. Cat was feeling exhausted and irritable, her mood not helped by her co-star Sam's frustrations and jealousy over Cat's success, coupled with the grief of her mother's returning cancer. Robbie and Jade, guest starring that week, tried their best to lift Cat's spirits.
In an attempt to cheer her up, Robbie wrapped his arms around Cat and pressed a kiss to her cheek, his breath warm against her skin. Despite Cat's grumbles and protests, she didn't pull away, allowing Robbie's comforting embrace to envelop her.
"Ew... ew, you're blowing your nose on my face, Rob," Cat complained, though there was a hint of amusement in her tone.
Robbie chuckled and pulled back, wiping Cat's cheek with a grin. "Just a little bit of mucus," he joked, earning another playful shriek from Cat.
"Ewww!"
Turning to Jade, Robbie flashed a mischievous grin. "This is my favorite friend, I call her Ari," he quipped before planting another kiss on Cat's cheek.
As Jade captured the moment on her phone, the background noise of "Awww" was drowned out by her own empathetic sigh. Despite the lightheartedness of the moment, Jade couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her friend, knowing the struggles Cat was facing both on and off set.
Cat's phone rang just as she finished her final stretch in her workout. With a content smile, she answered, her heart lifting at the sound of her beloved's voice.
"Hi, baby," Cat greeted, her smile widening as she felt a surge of warmth at the thought of finally being able to spend some time with Rob.
"Hey, love. Listen, Jade went to try to get Izzy back from Will. Vic and I are shooting today, and Jade postponed her scenes to the end of the week. Can you go with her?" Rob's voice came through the phone, filled with concern.
Cat sat up, her expression determined. "Of course, I can't believe she didn't ask one of us in the first place," she replied, already heading for the shower. "I just finished my workout. I'm going to go find her."
"Okay. Love you!" Rob said.
"Love you too," Cat replied, feeling her heart swell with affection for her partner as she hung up and jumped into the shower.
Jade was already at the law offices when Cat arrived, having followed her friend's location through their shared app. Without hesitation, Cat walked in, her demeanor adopting a determined edge as she sought out Jade.
"Okay... fine... I'll come home," Jade said as Cat entered.
"What? No!" Cat exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.
Jade turned to face her, explaining the situation with a mixture of frustration and resignation. "He threatened to take Izzy because of Vic," she revealed.
"But you and Vic aren't even a thing!" Cat protested, her eyes narrowing as she glared at the man who dared to threaten her friend's custody rights.
"This is a trial, to see if the couple really are not able to reconcile," Jade's lawyer interjected, attempting to clarify the legal proceedings.
"That's bullshit! I've gotten a divorce. There doesn't have to be a reason for it in California," Cat argued, her frustration mounting.
"This is related to children," the lawyer explained patiently. "It is contested by the second party, so this has to be done a little differently."
Cat sighed, her mind racing as she considered her friend's predicament. Turning to Will, she questioned him with a steely resolve. "Is the only reason that Vic is gay?" she demanded.
"No..." Will replied reluctantly.
"Are you sure? Because they could stay with me," Cat suggested, her protective instincts kicking into high gear. "She was with Vic because she was home that day, and she has more room."
"Kitten, it's fine," Jade reassured her, her voice soft with gratitude. "We will do it by the book. I'll go home and move out in six months."
"Six months!" Cat exclaimed, shocked by the timeline.
"I'll be fine," Jade insisted, her tone resolute as she faced the daunting road ahead.
INT. HOLLYWOOD ARTS - TEACHERS LOUNGE - DAY
Vic and Mattie sit comfortably in the teachers lounge, surrounded by the familiar atmosphere of their workplace.
VIC
(smiling)
Remember the time we tried to win that contest for a private Kesha concert?
MATTIE
(laughing)
Oh, how could I forget? The lengths we went to just for a chance to meet her.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK - "I SCREAM FOR KESHA"
The clip shows Vic and the gang eating and abusing pints of icecream to find the letters that spell Kesha
BACK TO PRESENT:
MATTIE
(chuckling)
Good times, That little kid really wanted your lips Vic..
VIC
(leaning back)
And then there were our poker nights. Liz and Avan breaking up at one of them, that was unexpected.
MATTIE
(raising an eyebrow)
Yeah, Liz stormed out, and Avan was left looking like a deer in headlights.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK - "WORST COUPLE"
The clip showcases the dramatic breakup scene between Liz and Avan during a poker night at Tori's during a difficult week.
BACK TO PRESENT:
MATTIE
(smiling)
Some things never change.
VIC
(nodding)
True. But you know what, Mattie? Why don't we throw a get-together tonight? Recreate the old times.
MATTIE
(raising an eyebrow)
Are you suggesting a poker night?
VIC
(laughing)
Absolutely. We'll bring back the classics.
They share a nostalgic look, reminiscing about the past and excited about reliving their favorite memories.
FADE OUT.
INT. INTERVIEW SET - LATER
MATTIE (grinning) Oh, you know, the usual. Good company, laughter, and maybe a bit of mischief. And if Ari decides to show up, well, let's just say I wouldn't mind if things got a little naughty.
MATTIE (laughing) Oh, just a figure of speech. We're all adults here. But you never know what might happen at a Hollywood Arts get-together.
FADE OUT.