Part 3: Moving On
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Scene 1: School Cafeteria - Morning
It's the next day, and Penny walks into the cafeteria, grabs her breakfast, and heads over to the table where her friends are already seated. She plops down, clearly trying to stay calm and collected.
Dijonay: (leaning forward, concerned) "Girl, you good? You stormed out yesterday looking like you were about to throw down."
Zoey: "Yeah, Penny, we were worried. You didn't even answer any of our texts."
Michael: "Penny, honey, you can't just let LaCienega get away with this! She's been all smug since yesterday. We gotta come up with a plan. You know, a little payback?"
Penny shakes her head, taking a sip of her juice and shrugging her shoulders.
Penny: (calmly) "It's fine."
Her friends stare at her in shock.
Dijonay: (loudly) "What?!"
Penny glances at her friends, noticing their disbelief.
Penny: (repeating) "I said, it's fine."
Before anyone else can respond, LaCienega and Maya stroll over, with LaCienega wearing a smug smile.
LaCienega: (smirking) "So, Penny, that concert last night? Amazing. I mean, front-row seats, Kareem right there… It was like a dream."
She gives a dramatic sigh, clearly trying to rub it in. Penny doesn't react, calmly continuing to eat her breakfast.
Penny: (nonchalant) "Cool. Glad you enjoyed it."
LaCienega blinks, taken aback. She was expecting a much different reaction.
LaCienega: (surprised) "Wait… You don't care?"
Penny: (calmly) "Nope. I've got more important things to worry about."
Her friends and even LaCienega are left speechless as Penny stands up, grabs her tray, and heads over to dump it in the trash. She turns back to them.
Penny: "I'll see you all in class. Bye."
Penny walks out of the cafeteria, leaving her friends and LaCienega frozen in shock. After a moment of silence, Dijonay turns to the group.
Dijonay: "Okay… what just happened to Penny?"
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Scene 2: School Hallway - Later That Morning
As Penny is walking down the hallway toward her class, she's stopped by Kareem. He looks a bit hesitant but tries to smile.
Kareem: "Hey, Penny."
Penny: "Oh, hey, Kareem. What's up?"
Kareem: (scratching the back of his neck) "I, uh… I just wanted to say I'm sorry for not inviting you to the concert. I guess I didn't realize you might've wanted to go."
Penny gives him a small, forgiving smile.
Penny: "It's alright, Kareem. No hard feelings."
Kareem: (brightening) "Well, maybe we could hang out some other time? Like, a study date or something?"
Penny glances at him, her expression firm but polite.
Penny: "Thanks, but I've got basketball practice. I'm focusing on that right now."
Kareem looks slightly disappointed but nods.
Kareem: "Oh… well, maybe next time."
Penny: "Yeah, maybe."
She waves and continues down the hall, leaving Kareem to process the unexpected response.
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Scene 3: Basketball Court - Afternoon Practice
During basketball practice, Penny is working hard on her shots but seems a bit distracted. She misses a few in a row, frustration starting to show on her face.
At that moment, Naruto enters the gym, having stopped by to check in. He watches her miss another shot and shakes his head before walking over.
Naruto: "You're trying too hard. Focus on the form, not just the basket."
Penny glances over, surprised but grateful.
Penny: "Easier said than done."
He steps up beside her, positioning the ball in her hands correctly and showing her a smoother motion.
Naruto: "Like this. Keep your focus steady."
Penny follows his advice, and on her next attempt, the ball swishes perfectly through the net. She grins, finally feeling like she's back in her groove.
Penny: "Thanks, Naruto."
Naruto: (giving a small smile) "Don't mention it."
He turns to leave, but she calls after him.
Penny: "Hey… you don't have to be such a loner, you know."
Naruto shrugs, his usual stoic expression returning.
Naruto: "I'm fine by myself."
With that, he walks away, leaving Penny to reflect on her day and newfound confidence. She's not sure what's changed, but she feels stronger—and she owes part of that to Naruto's quiet support.
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End of Part 3