When Noah is accidentally blamed for one of Drake's troublemaker antics, Drake must choose if he's loyal to Noah of his current 1 more warning suspension ahead of the school's biggest party of the year. FULL EPISODE: INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Drake leans against his locker as Principal JAMES storms over, Noah close behind with a worried glance.
PRINCIPAL JAMES
We have a zero tolerance policy on vandalism, Mr. Peyton. First you destroy the science lab, now the bathrooms are trashed. One more strike and you're suspended! I've had enough
Drake faces pales but James' gaze shifts suspiciously to Noah.
PRINCIPAL JAMES
Unless you have an alibi for last night, Drake...
UH OH..
Noah stammers, covering for Drake who secretly nods "it was me." But Noah remains silent under James' accusing stare.
NOAH
I did all that vandalizing…
PRINCIPAL JAMES
This is unlike you Noah… but you could just be covering, Tomorrow I'll review the tapes and ask Drake one more time. If found guilty you'll be suspended for a month.
OOOOOH
Principal James walks away as Drake and Noah's face fall pale.
INT. DRAKE'S HOUSE - DAY
Drake paces, conflicted about ratting out his real troublemaking to save Noah's clean record.
DRAKE
It's not fair you taking the fall for my mess! The big party's this weekend. I even heard we're doing a giveaway with epic gift bags.
Noah sighs, touched by Drake's loyalty yet devoted to protecting him as always.
NOAH
Just say it was you, for once take responsibility! I get your a troublemaker but are you really choosing a little suspension over me?
Drake gazes out at the open road, wrestling with a tough choice between the party and mischief...
will Drake confess to in order to save Noah? Things are getting serious as their heartwarming friendship faces its biggest test yet! - Later At the Peyton family dinner that evening, Drake pokes at his food, still debating his choice.
MAY
Penny for your thoughts, honey? You've been awfully quiet.
Drake glances at Noah for support, taking a deep breath.
DRAKE
It's just...at school today, Principal James thinks Noah vandalized the bathrooms. But we both know that was me.
Lance raises an eyebrow in surprise. Kelsey rolls her eyes, sensing more trouble brewing.
LANCE
You should just admit it. It's wrong for somebody to get blamed for your flipping shenanigans!
NOAH
You don't have to confess, Drake. I'll take the fall for you.
Drake shakes his head adamantly. After all Noah's done, betrayal sits like lead in his gut. Drake knows Noah is only saying that to make him happy
DRAKE
No way. You're always bailing me out, now it's my turn. Even if it means missing the biggest party of the year...
May and Lance exchange a look, proud yet wary. Dangerous waters lay ahead for their reckless son.
MAY
Doing the right thing is hard sometimes, but you'll feel better for it. We support you, son.
With family behind him, Drake vows to face the fallout like a man. - The Next Day At School, Drake paces anxiously, awaiting Noah's meeting with Principal James.
Suddenly, ANDY bounds over beaming. "Party's at my mansion guys! Pool, DJ, you name it."
The crowd ERUPTS in cheers. Drake hesitates - how can he pass up the social event of the year? Drake has a lot on his mind but must choose quick
Noah senses Drake's resolve weakening. "You promised you'd do the right thing." Just then Principal James and security walk over.
PRINCIPAL JAMES
So Drake… was it you or Noah who vandalized school property?
Drake hesitates before finally spitting it out…
DRAKE
It was… (drake glances at Andy preparing for his party with everyone celebrating) It was…
Noah.
Noah's face falls pale of sadness
Drake shakes his head sadly.
Noah's face falls in hurt betrayal as two teachers escort him towards James' office.
SECURITY
Noah, Principals Office.
Drake reaches out helplessly.
"Noah, please - I'll make it up to you, I swear!" But Noah refuses to look back.
Distraught, Drake leans against his locker as the warning bell RINGS. He's lost his best friend and any chance of redemption Later Outside, Noah sits alone at lunch, still reeling from Drake's betrayal. Suddenly, Drake approaches, remorse etched on his face.
DRAKE
Hey dude…
Noah ignores Drake
DRAKE:
Noah, please - I'm so sorry. You have to believe me, I never meant to hurt you like this.
NOAH: But you did, Drake. You looked me in the eyes and promised to confess, then bailed for some stupid party!
DRAKE
Dude I said I was sorry!
NOAH
So?
DRAKE
So stop being mad at me and at least talk! Would you please move?
Come on, dude.
I said I was sorry.
Noah
Yeah, I heard you.
DRAKE
Then stop being mad at me!!!! Please
NOAH
I'm not mad at you.
I'm done.
DRAKE
What is that supposed To mean?
NOAH
I don't want to do anything to do with you anymore
DRAKE
So what,
Are you gonna switch schools & have our parents stop being besties?
NOAH
No.
This is a school where I work
And I guess we'll be classmates & neighbors
Until the day I leave
For college,
But that's all we'll be,
Is neighbors.
I'm done with you.
Ooooh
Drake reaches for Noah desperately. Noah pulls away, boiling over in anger and anguish.
NOAH: Being friends...it's not enough for me anymore. I want loyalty, trust - and you broke that. We're done Drake. From now on, we're just neighbors. That's all.
With that, Noah storms off, leaving Drake shattered and alone in the wake of his greatest loss yet. Drake sinks to his knees in the grass, gutted sobs tearing from his throat as his entire world comes crashing down. What has he done...? - TO BE CONTINUED….
