The WIZARD'S CURSE
THE WIZARD'S CURSE
Rain at the Sky High Academy. They say this school makes kings. They don’t know it makes curses too.
[Footsteps]
Student 1:That’s him. The new student.
Student 2: I heard he’s got a dirty mind.
[Cut to Class 1-A]
Mrs. Rook: Alright class, meet the new student. His name is Jay. Introduce yourself, Jay.
Jay: My name is Jay, and I hate school.
Mrs. Rook:Take a seat next to Amara, please.
Jay sits next to Amara.
Lee: [whispers, clenching his fist] Don’t touch what you can’t protect.
Hours fly by. In a blink, it’s break time. Lee sees Amara sitting alone and walks over to her.
Lee: Uhm, hi. Is this seat taken?
Amara: Nah, you can sit if you like.
Lee: Thanks. I appreciate it, I guess.
They eat lunch together. Lee sees Amara’s smile for the first time.
Lee:You know, you have the cutest smile. It’s hard to ignore.
Amara: Ohhh, uh, do I?
Lee: Yeah. I’m not lying.
Amara: Stop it, you’re making me blush. Just kidding. Carry on.
The bell rings. It’s time for class.
Amara:See you in class, Mr. Romantic.[blushing]
[Cut back to Class 1-A]
Mrs. Rook: Alright, since we’re all here, time for Spellcraft 101.
Jay:[leans back] This is gonna be boring.
Amara:Don’t jinx it.
Lee:[from across the room, glaring at Jay] Watch yourself.[whispers]
The lights flicker. Rain hits the windows harder.
A cold wind blows through, even though all the windows are closed. Amara thinks about what Lee said through the whole period.
Suddenly it starts raining really hard. Even time passes by fast. As soon as the rain stops, it’s after school.
Kai, Axle, Zane, Kaz, and Lee walk home together. Amara and her friends also walk home together: Kuroi Majo, Mika, Lia, Tara, and Nia.
Kai: I have a bad feeling about this new kid. Why does he come to school if he hates school?
Axle:Yeah, something’s off.
Kaz:Kai’s right. No matter what it is, we’ll find out what he’s up to. Right, Lee? Lee...
Lee:[snaps out of it] Huh? Sorry. I just got carried away. [Thinking about Amara]
The sky is still gray even though the rain stopped. Puddles reflect weird shapes.
Kaz:Bro, did you see how the lights flickered? That ain’t normal.
Zane:And that cold wind. Indoors.
Axle: Yo, Lee, you good? You zoned out 3 times.
Lee: [snaps out of it] Yeah. Just... Amara. She looked tired today.
Kai: [side-eye] You like her, huh?
Lee:...Don’t touch what you can’t protect.
Kai:What was that?
Lee:Nothing, really. Just thinking out loud.[quiet]
[Meanwhile]
Kuroi Majo: [twirling an umbrella] Girls, did you feel that?
Mika: Yeah, it’s strange. First the unexpected rain, then the strange wind.
Lia:Yeah, something’s off.
They all arrive home.
Kai: Mom, I’m home.
Kai’s Mom: How was your day?
Kai:It was really strange. It started raining out of nowhere.
Kai’s Mom:What rain?
Kai: You mean you didn’t hear any rain?
Kai’s Mom: Go change your uniform and stop being silly. It never rains in the afternoon. And your food’s getting cold, so go change fast.
Kai: [That’s strange. My mom says she didn’t hear any rain.]
Kai goes to his room, changes his uniform, and comes downstairs to eat.
[Lee’s House]
Lee is busy texting Amara on his phone. He’s blushing and doesn’t even feel hungry.
Lee’s Mom:Lee, dinner!
Lee: Put it in the microwave.
He keeps chatting with Amara. He ends up feeling sleepy and sends Amara a goodnight text.
Lee:[snoring]
[Kai’s House]
It’s 05:30 in the morning. Kai wakes up and washes up. He finishes bathing and starts looking for his tie. He doesn’t remember where he put it. While looking, his mom shouts his name from downstairs.
Kai’s Mom:Kai, breakfast! [Kai’s Kitchen - 05:32]
Kai: [running downstairs, hair still wet] Coming!
Kai’s Mom: [serving eggs] You were mumbling about rain in your sleep.
Kai:...What?
Kai’s Mom:You said, "It never rained." Weird kid. Eat fast. The bus is in 20.[freezes]
Kai:[staring at his cereal] The rain was real. I felt it.
[His phone buzzes. Group chat.]
Kaz: Yo. Did anyone else’s parents hear the rain?
Axle: Nah.
Zane: My dad said the sky was clear all day.
Kai: So it was just us.[types]
[Lee’s Room - 05:32]
Lee wakes up to sunlight on his face. No rain.
Phone in hand. Last message: _Lee: goodnight_
New message from Amara: _05:10 - you sleepyhead. Did you eat?_
Lee: [smiles, then frowns] Wait... did it rain last night, or did I dream it?
[Cut to Kuroi Majo’s window]
Kuroi Majo: [watching puddles evaporate in fast forward]
Mika: [on call] Only 6 people remember the rain.
They all get to school on time except Jay. Jay takes his seat and then greets Amara.
Jay:Hi. [with a deep, smooth voice]
Amara: Hey. [starting to catch feelings]
Lee’s veins pop out of his arms in anger.
Jay: I heard you’re the smartest in this school. But not only that, you’re cute too. [with a cold smile]
Lee: Stop! [shouting in anger, grabbing Jay by his uniform]
Mrs. Rook: Lee, no fighting in my class!
Jay:What’s wrong? You jealous, buddy? [with a smile]
Lee pushes Jay toward the board. The whole class goes silent.
Lee:That’s enough!
Jay: Slow down, lover boy.[angry]
[Class 1-A - 07:45]
[Dead silence. Only the ticking of the clock.]
Mrs. Rook:[slams her wand on the desk] THAT’S ENOUGH! Both of you, seats. NOW!
Jay:[straightens his uniform, cold smile still there] Yes, ma’am. [sits next to Amara like nothing happened]
Lee:[breathing hard, knuckles white]...Sorry.
Amara: [whispers to Jay] Are you okay?
Jay: [doesn’t look at her] I’m fine. [then quieter] Thanks for asking... Amara.
Lee hears it. His veins pop again.
Kaz:[from the back, texts group chat] Bro almost started a war.
Axle:Told you something was off about him.
Zane: Did you see his eyes? For a second they went black.
[Spellcraft 101 continues]
Mrs. Rook: Today we learn shielding charms. Because clearly some of you need it. [glares at Lee and Jay]
Jay: [raises hand, bored] What if the rain isn’t a spell? What if it’s a memory?
[The lights flicker again. Everyone gasps.]
Amara: Did you... did you feel that?
Jay: Yeah. You remember it too.[shivers][soft]
The period ends. They all go to eat. They sit together, except Jay and Amara. They sit separately with the others. Lee is furious because Amara is sitting with Jay.
Kai:Dude, calm down. If you lose control you’ll get into a fight. Jay, here, I got you a drink. [passing the drink to him]
Lee:Thanks, man. I appreciate it.
Axel: Man, I didn’t know you were jacked like me. When I saw your veins I was like, "woah."
Kaz: Yeah, man. I’m impressed.
Mika: You were pretty cool out there.
Nia: You were fire. Burning hot.
[Cafeteria - 10:15]
[Two tables. Boys on one side. Amara + Jay on the other. Tension thick enough to cut.]
Kai: [sipping drink] You good, bro? For real?
Lee: [staring at Amara laughing at something Jay said]...No.
Axel:If you swing, I got you. But use a shielding charm first. [trying to crack a joke]
Kai: Dude, what about we go play basketball before the bell rings?
Zane: Yeah, Kai’s right. Maybe you’ll calm down.
Lee: Sure thing.Kuroi Majo: While you boys go play basketball, we’re going to the school library.[flexes]
[Basketball Court - 10:20]
[Ball bouncing. Lee’s playing angry. DUNK.]
Kai: Yo, breathe, bro!
Lee: [catches ball, doesn’t shoot] You think I’m crazy? For seeing the rain?
Zane: Nah. We all saw it. Our parents didn’t.
Kaz: That means it wasn’t real rain. It was... targeted.
Lee: [looks toward school] Then why is Jay acting like he knows me?
Axel: [blocks shot] Because maybe he does. From the memory.
[Thunder.][passes][dribbles]
[Door slides open. Amara and Jay walk in. Hair damp.]
Mrs. Rook:[stops mid-sentence] Amara. I expect better from you. You used to be the first one to get to class. So what happened to all of that?
Amara:[head down] I’m really sorry. It won’t happen again.
Jay: [sits, says nothing. Just that cold smile.]
Lee:[grips his pencil until it snaps.]
[Hours pass. Bell rings.]
[School Gate - 15:30]
Tara: [waiting with books] Sister! Let’s go!
Amara: [already walking away with Jay] I’m going a different way today.
Tara: Sister, what will Mom say when she sees me coming home alone? We’re used to walking home together!
[Everyone stops.]
Zane:[to Tara] Sister?
Tara: She’s my stepsister.
All of them: [in unison] STEP SISTER?!
Tara: [rubbing neck] Yeah... I guess I forgot to tell you. My bad.[shouting][flustered]
Jay doesn’t look back. Amara follows him anyway.
They stop at the nearby café.
Jay: Wanna grab something to eat?
Amara:Since it’s cold, I could use some coffee.
They grab coffee and keep walking home. They stop at Jay’s house. There’s no one at Jay’s house, only Jay and Amara.
Jay: I don’t know what I’m doing anymore...
Amara:Me neither...[whispering]
[Door closes. Lights dim.]
They go to Jay’s room and cuddle.
[Jay’s House - 16:47]
[Quiet. Just breathing and the rain outside.]
Amara: [pulling away] What was I doing... I made a dumb decision.
Jay:[holds her hand] Don’t worry. Just calm down.
Amara:[tears falling] What if I’m pregnant?
Jay:[looks her dead in the eyes. That cold smile softens] If you are... we’ll take care of the baby together.
Jay: Yeah... I do.
Amara: [panics. Grabs her bag] I have to go.[quieter]
[Amara’s House - 17:10]
[Door slams.]
Amara’s Mom: [arms crossed] Where have you been?
Amara: [out of breath] I... I took a long way home.
Amara’s Mom:[stares at her wet hair, red eyes] With Jay?
Amara:...Yes.
Amara’s Mom:Come inside. Go change and come help me with dinner.[freezes][sighs]
Amara:At least she doesn’t suspect anything.[thinking]
Amara goes to her room, changes her uniform, and goes to the kitchen.
Amara’s Mom: [slicing the steak into pieces]
Amara: Okay, Mother.
[While slicing the steak]
Amara’s Mom:You did it, didn’t you? Even though you regret it, you just did it. You were on his bed.
Amara:I’m sorry.
Amara’s Mom: I thought you were better, Amara! [banging the table]
Tara: Mom!
Amara’s Mom:Stay out of this, Tara. This doesn’t concern you!
Amara: I just don’t know what I was thinking. [eyes full of tears][crying][shouting]
Amara runs to her room and locks the door. She soaks her blankets with tears.
[The Next Day]
Amara wakes up, takes a silent bath, grabs her bag, and goes straight to school. She doesn’t even eat breakfast. She arrives at school late.
Mrs. Rook: Amara, why are you late?
Mrs. Rook: Hey, I’m talking to you.[silence]
Amara stays silent. She goes to take her seat next to Jay.
Tara: Guys, when it’s break time, meet me at the basketball field.
[Break Time]
Tara: So, I called you all here because Amara and Jay were cuddling yesterday, and we aren’t sure if Amara is pregnant or not.
The Squad: What?
Lee:Tell me you’re joking.
Tara: No, I’m not.
Lee: How? Argh!
Kai: Bro, calm down. You’re losing it.
Zane: Where is Amara anyway?
Nia: I saw her in the storeroom with Jay a moment ago.
The Squad: What?
Lee:The storeroom. NOW![shocked][angry]
They all go to the storeroom. Lee peeks through the door hole and sees them kissing. His veins pop again, and he breaks the door down with one punch.
Lee: I’m sick of you!
He grabs Jay by the neck.
Jay: Hmph. What’s wrong, lover boy? Don’t you see she doesn’t love you? Just give up already. [small smile]
Axle: [pulls Lee back to avoid the fight]
Lee: I’M GONNA END YOUR LIFE, TRUST ME! Argh![angry]
The bell rings. They all go to class except Amara. She skips class.
Mrs. Rook: Why isn’t Amara in class? Amara never skips class.
Lee: Ask this bastard what he did to Amara! [grabbing Jay by his uniform]
Jay: Hmph. I ain’t one to blame. She decided on her own that she wants to skip class. And since this class is boring, I don’t blame her.[smiling]
Mrs. Rook:That’s enough, Lee!
Principal Smith: WHO BROKE THE STOREROOM DOOR?! [out of anger]
Jay:The lover boy did it. [cold smile]
Principal Smith: Lee, my office. NOW.
[The Office]
Principal Smith:You’re going to detention for the whole day. You’re allowed to go home around 18:30.
Amara is in the toilet, imagining everything that happened today. Hours pass. Soon it’s 18:24.
Lee: Few minutes left, then I can go home.
Kai:[knocking on the windows] Hey, Lee! Over here!
Lee:Shouldn’t you be home?
Kai:We’re all waiting for you. I even bought you a drink. I’m sure you’re thirsty. And also, it’s your favorite Coke. [passing it through the window]
Lee:Thanks, man. I appreciate it.
It’s 18:30. They all walk home together.
Lee: Thank you guys for being there for me. [rubbing his neck]
Kai:That’s what friends are for. And we should care for Amara too.
Kuroi Majo:Yeah, you’re right.
Lia:Since tomorrow is Saturday, why don’t we hang out together...
Zane:Good idea, Lia. I would like to spend time with Lia. And also you guys, of course.
Lia:[shyly smiling, her face turns pink] So you really think so?
They all arrived home.Amara also arrived home .She rushed upstairs changed and took a bath.
[kai's house]
kai's mom:Kai...kai...kai!
Kai:coming.
He rushed downstairs
kai:you were calling me?
kai's mom:yeahh,pass me the remote.
Kai:but mom it's next to you.
kai's mom:just pass me the remote.
Kai:so I left upstairs because you want me to pass you something that is next to you,I was in the middle of a game and you know you can't pause online game.Now they are gonna wait 3 hours to get back in the game...argh.This is so annoying. [walking to his room]
kai's mom:hey come back here am not done talking to you.
kai:what now?
kai's mom:turn on the TV for me.
Kai:what,that's madness total madness
He turned on the TV and took his way back to his room .He arrived at his room and turned off his PC.
Kai:["Bzzzz"]Ohh it's a text from the group .lemme see who is texting.
[Zane texting] Hey Lia .
[Axle texting]why only saying hey to Lia?
[Kai texting]yeah,I wanna know too.
[Zane texting]Come down,I was gonna give you all a proper greetings I guess.
[Tara texting] don't play dump with us,we know you have a crush on Lia,we saw how you made her blush charmer boy.
[Lee texting] I almost missed all the drama continue guys .
[KUROI MAJO] I see you have been lonely without me guys.
[Lia texting] hey
[Tara texting]hey chamber boy your girlfriend says hi.
[Nia texting]Hey you guys.
[Axle texting]Hi Nia.
[Tara texting]You too?Ahh gimme a break,this group is not for lovers you hear me.
[Kai texting]Tara is right.
[Lee texting]woo,love is in the air why is Kai on Tara's side interesting.
[Tara texting]hey...hey..hey..wait a minute is not what you think.
[Kai texting]Yeah Tara is right is not what you think.
[Axle texting]woo still supporting her.
[Lia texting]I think their a great match.
[Tara texting]hey you shut up Lia, go chat with your charmer boy.
[KUROI MAJO]guys I think am gonna screenshot this,it's interesting to read.
[Zane texting]goodnight Lia.
[Lee texting]Woo this needs popcorn, charmer boy telling his Girlfriend goodnight.
[Zane texting]I was gonna say goodnight to all of you,maybe.
[Lia texting]Goodnight to you to Zane,I hope you sleep well bye.
[Tara texting] So why ain't we getting a goodnight text huh?
[Kai texting]Goodnight Tara since that's what you want and have a great night.
Kai suddenly went offline and went to sleep.
[morning 08h20]
kai:["Ringing"]I wonder who's calling. It's a video group call better answer before they go berserk.
[group Video call]
Zane:is that Lia, argh come on ain't she picking up yet.
Lee:You really are inlove with her, huh.
Kai:What’s popping you guys[with a deep sleepy voice]
Tara:You just woke up right.
Lee:how did you know where you sleeping with him.
Tara: Can't you hear is way deeper than usual.
Lee:I see now,Kai charmed you with his voice.
Lia: hey guys, what's all the chit chat.
Zane: Lia Atleast you finally woke up. What a relief.
Kaz:hey what's up.
Lee: Dude you sound like gojo.
Kaz:who's gojo?
Lee:he's an anime character i forgot with anime he's in.
Kuroi Majo:so guys where should we meet today.
Kaz:at school.
Kai:Kaz is right.
Tara:yeah am agreeing with you Kai.
Zane:but Kai didn't decide anything this idea is from Kaz.
Tara:Just shut up,mr obsessed with Lia.
Lee:Just knock it off already.
Nia:Good morning.
Kuroi Majo:Hey glad you are awake.
Kai: Lemme go brush my teeth am sure you guys can hear my bad breath from the phone.
Tara:lemme also hang up.
Kai went to brush his teeth and too a cold bath.
[Amara’s House]
Tara:we are gonna hang out together today ate you coming with us ?
Amara:nahh am going to Jay’s house.
Tara: have you realized that you have changed recently you don't even attend class anymore,what happened to you.
Amara:you please stop bothering me. [going to the bathroom]
Amara went to do a pregnancy test and found out that she's pregnant.[08h50 going to Jay’s house]
Jay:I see you finally here.[small cold smile]
Amara:may I come in?
Jay:Come in,you want something to drink.
Amara:I will have water please.
All of a sudden Amara ran to Jay’s bath room and started vomiting.
Jay:is there something wrong.
Amara:[coughing]
Jay:don't tell me you are pregnant.
Amara:I am,and you promised to be there for me and the baby.
Jay:yeahh I know,and i will keep my promise. [suspicious small smile]
[Sky High Academy]
Kai: where's everyone [Thinking bout Tara]
The Squad:sorry for keeping you waiting.
Kai:it's fine as long you are here now,we are we heading.
Tara:I was gonna say let's go inside the school but the problem is we don't have they keys.
[SKY HIGH ACADEMY - GATES - 09h02]
Kuroi Majo: [flicks hair pin between fingers]Ohhh really.
Tara: "wait are you serious rn??"
Kai:[ glances at Tara] as long as we don't get caught [thinking: please don't let Tara get in trouble]
Lee: this is gonna be good[already recording in his head]
Zane: [scanning for Lia] hurry up
Kuroi Majo: [kneels, works the pin ]click... click...
The Squad: [holding breath]
[CLICK]
Gate: [creaks open]
Kuroi Majo: [stands up, smirks]Told you I was useful.
Kai: bro...[lowkey impressed]
Tara: you're crazy [but smiling]
Right as they step in --FOOTSTEPS from inside the school.
security guard:who's there??
[footsteps getting closer]
Kuroi Majo: [eyes wide hide and seek. NOW.
The Squad:[scatters like roaches when you turn the light on]
Kai: [grabs Tara's wrist]this way [thinking: please don't let go]
Tara: [trips over nothing] KAI
Kai: [catches her] shhh[heart: BOOM BOOM]
Lee: [behind a trash bin]I regret everything
Zane:[crouched behind a plant] where's Lia??[bro priorities]
Kuroi Majo:[cool as hell behind a pillar] this is my villain origin story
Security Guard:[flashlight sweeping]I KNOW I HEARD SOMETHING
[shines light right past Kai and Tara's hiding spot]
Kai: [holding his breath, still holding Tara's hand]
Tara:[whispering] you're sweating
Kai: you're welcome
[Guard walks away]
The Squad: [all pop out like meerkats
Lee: we survived??
Kuroi Majo:[dusting off hands]see? hair pin AND stealth skills.
Zane:let's go up stairs before he comes back,that plant was poking me.
Lee:You are better, the trash bin was so smelly.
Tara:I was holding kai's hand.
the Squad:woo how romantic.
Kai:just cut it out and let's get to the roof top.[blushing trying to keep it cool]
The went to the roof top.
Lee:where's Amara?
Tara:she..s..she went to Jay’s house.
Lee:what?[Veins starting to pop up]
Kai:Dude chill,maybe she has her reasons.
Lee:Don’t tell me to chill.[grabbing Kai with his shirt]
Kai:i can hear your pain bro and being angry won't solve anything.
Lee:Yeah,you are right am sorry man I just let my anger get between us. Am such a fool.
Kai:let's enjoy ourselves today.
Tara[crying]Kai are you okay?
Kai:yeah am fine really is not like we got into a fight or something so wipe your tears.
Lee:I like this romance[whispering to Zane]
Tara:Shut the hell up you moron[blushing]
the squad:[all pretending they didn't hear that]
Kai:[drops steak on the table]guys I brought some raw steak but we don’t have a braai stand.
Zane: I think we do in the stuff room. I will go grab it but I would need some help.
Zak: lemme go with you then.
Lee: me too.
Zane: Alright then.
[At the stuff room - WHISPER MODE]
Lee: [panics]I think someone is coming hide quickly.
everyone ducks
Kai: walks in casuallyit's me guys I was here to grab a charcoal, because I wouldn't let you guys do everything alone.
Zane: thanks man we appreciate it.
[Back on rooftop]
[They set up the braai stand, light the charcoals... smoke ]
Kai: Who is good with BBQ?
Axle: [cracks knuckles] i think I can, I used to watch my father do his BBQ magic,boom fire [cracking a joke]
everyone: BRO DON'T BURN THE ROOF DOWN
Axle:No worries I once did this before but I think it was in my dreams,but I am really good with this,am the best in the world [bright smile]
Kai:stop the cap bro stop the cap.
Axle:come on bro I was busy enjoying lying to you and myself.
Kaz:dude we don’t have all day come on.
Nia:I brought something too guys.
Kuroi Majo:what did you bring.
Nia:[drops fries on the table]I brought home made fries i made them today before I came here.
Kai:[mouth watering]I like fries .
Tara:close your mouth before you drown us with your saliva.
Kai:[mouth watering]sorry but I can't close my mouth.
Axle:no way bro the fries are mine.
Kaz:uhh bro your burning the steak.
Axle:ohh shoot,i got everything under control. [flipping the skeak][highly breathing]
Lee:nah no way man that's your peace of steak right there
Axle: pointing at the black thing "you see right there that's what I'm talking bout the steak is perfectly cooked medium rare, woo [celebrating alone ]
Kai: squinting man eyes on the steak.
Lee: guys let's make a fair deal we play rock, paper, scissors, whoever wins take the fries.
Everyone: alright game one.
Axle: wait where the fries go?
Kai: on the corner chewing in my mouth.
Axle: HOW DARE YOU MESS WITH MY FRIES YOU BANANA HEAD.
Kai: dude the steak.
Axle: crosses arms since you reminded me you ain't getting some.
Kai: no fair bro, I want some since you are the chef I should taste your steak.
Axle: sighs dramatically Hmph lucky you that I'm their chef or else you weren't getting any of it. cuts Kai the tiniest piece
it's still crunchy
Lee:guess what I brought.
Kai:McDonald's fries?[mouth watering]
Lee:no you dummy .
Tara:hamburgers?
Lee:no,ohh yeah you are right .
Tara:I brought coke.
Lee:can I hold it?
Tara:sure.
Kai:no don't do it.
Lee drank two liter coke in one go.
Axle:now we got nothing to drink.
Kuroi Majo:lucky you i brought drinks too for everyone .
Kaz:I brought salad,loaf bread and cheese.
Kuroi Majo:yummy, can I hold the cheese.
Kaz:uhmmm...nope.
Axle:i also brought something,I brought plates.
Kai:really bro.
Lia:I brought homemade cute cookies.
Zane:not cute as you.
everyone:woo someone is inlove
Lia:[blushing]guys cut it out.
Axle: steak is ready.[dropping the steak on table]
He cuts the steak into pieces and serve everyone.
Kai:dammn bro.
Axle:is it that bad.
Kai:no not at all it's amazing,burned outside well cooked inside, it's delicious.
Nia:yeah it's the best steak i ever ate[tears in her eyes blushing]
They enjoyed their steak under the sunset.
The Squad went to check around the school leaving Tara and Kai on the roof top.
Tara:so since we are alone i have been willing to ask, who's your first kiss?[shyly asking]
Kai:i never told anyone but I think am gonna tell you and please don't judge,I never kissed anyone.
Tara:don't worry I won't judge because I never kissed anyone either.
Kai:That’s interesting.
The both came closer and closer, face to face,eye to eye and holding hand.
The Squad hiding behind the door. Lee coughs loudly.
Zane:what's wrong with you man? ruining the good moment.
Tara:hey guys[trying to play it cool]
Axle:carry on and pretend as if we ain't here.
Kai:carry on with what,we were doing nothing. right Tara?
Tara:uh huh.
Axle:why were your faces getting closer?
Tara:uhm..Kai was checking my ear.
Axle:stop the cap.
Kai:guys let's go home it's getting dark.[trying to avoid everything]
Tara:Kai is right you guys.
Zane:nice try but it won't work.
They start hearing footsteps downstairs.
Lia:the security is coming let's go before he catches us.
They escaped before the security guard found them.
Tara:by the way guys,I wanna show you something i was waiting after we finished eat to show you this.[pulling out a pregnancy tester]
Axle:are you pregnant with kai's baby?
Tara:no dummy it's Amara’s pregnancy tester she forgot it on the toilet sit,she's pregnant with Jay’s child.i didn't wanna ruin your mood when we were enjoying the steak.
[Dead silence]
[Lee drops]
[Kai freezes]
[Axle jaws to the ground]
Kai tries to comfort Lee.
Kai:everything is gonna be okay. [trying to hold Lee’s shoulder]
Lee:not now,I seriously mad right now. I will crush that guy's face like a melon.
Kai:dude please. we talked about this man.
Tara:yeah listen to Kai,what we have to do now we should be the for Amara please.
He calmed down and they went home.
Zane:Lia thanks for everything today I enjoyed my day because of you.
Everyone:Hey even us though .
Zane:yeah...yeah whatever.
Lia:I really enjoyed too Zane.
Tara:can you guys stop woth the romance.
They all arrived home beside Tara and Kai and they were also going the same way.
Kai:so we are alone now.
Tara:yeah.
Kai:Tara...uhm can we hold hands if you don't mind.
Tara:wh...what.
Kai:yeah,since it's late and we are walking home together so it's better we hold hands for safety.
Tara:I think you are right.
They walked home holding hands.
Tara:My house is right there at the corner, I really enjoyed holding hands with you by the way.bye Kai
Kai:bye.
Tara:can I hug you .
Kai:uhm sure.
They hugged and they all went home.
Kai’s House
Kai:[Bzzzz]Phone buzzing already wow .
[group chat]
[Lee texting]:you guys saw how they were getting closer.
[Zane texting]:until you ruined it genius.
Kai’s Mom:Kai dinner.
Kai put them in the microwave.
[group chat ]
[Kai texting]:good night guys my stomach is full from all the fries and say goodnight to Tara for me.
[Kaz texting]:you really love her huh.
[Kai texting]:goodnight guys because you are busy teasing me.
Kai :[ringing]who's calling now at this hour,ohh it's Tara. [answering the phone]
Tara:hi Kai I hope am not bothering you.
Kai:nah not at all.
Tara and Kai talk all night privately. Blushing together enjoying the night moment they ended the call around 06h00 am.when people were waking up they were taking a nap.
[Amara’s House 13h00]
Amara:it's 13h00 lemme go check Jay.
[Jay’s house 13h20]
Amara:Jay are you home.
Jay:yeah come in
Amara finds Jay packing his bags.
Amara:uhm Jay what are you doing?
Jay:just packing my things .
Amara:you ain't planning to abandon me right?
Jay:how can i abandon you and my unborn child [cold smile]
The room became silent.
Amara: I need to go.
Jay: Alright.
Jay got a message on his phone saying his flight that he booked will be leaving in an hour.
Jay: I have to hurry to the airport right away.
He grabbed his bags, ran to catch a taxi, and suddenly Tara saw him with a suitcase while she was going to check up on Kai because he hadn't answered any of his calls.
Tara: Is that Jay? He's not trying to run, is he? I have to call Amara right away. I can't let it end like this.[ calling Amara]
Why isn't she picking up? Argh.
She went to kai's house.
Tara:this is my first time going to boy's house before.[shyly thinking]okay nothing to worry about.[about yo knock on the door]
Kai’s Mom opened the door automatically.
Kai's mom:ohh hello there.
Tara:uhm hello...is Kai home.
Kai's mom:yeah but he is asleep,are you his girlfriend because he didn't sleep all night i heard him blushing last night from a call.
Tara:no...no...no we are just friends really.
Kai’s Mom:Come in dear and lemme wake him up.
They went inside the house,kai's mom served her the brownies she just backed.
Kai’s Mom:Kai your girlfriend is here.
Tara:no we just friends.
Kai’s Mom:ain't you a girl?
Tara:well i am.
Kai’s Mom:and you are kai's friend right?
Tara:yeah.
Kai’s Mom:so you are kai's girlfriend.
Tara:ohh that makes sense now.
Kai:mom why did you a wake me up[with a deep sleepy voice][walking downstairs hands behind his head]
Kai’s Mom:because your girlfriend is here .
Kai:girlfriend, mom you know I don't have a girlfriend, what Tara!what are you doing [falling down the stairs ]argh that hurts.
Tara staring at Kai at the floor.
Kai:what,do you wanna fall for me too?
Kai's mom:that's impolite of you showing to your girlfriend with your underwear,go put some clothes on.
Kai:alright mother.
He went back to his room and put on some pants washed his face and also his teeth .
Kai:so Tara what are you doing here if I may ask?
Kai's mom:that's a rude think to say to a lady.
Kai:mom that wasn't rude.
Tara:am here because you haven't answering any of my calls this morning so I came to check on you and also i need your help.
Kai: Ohh shoot sorry about that I dozed off and left my phone on silent. What help do you need?
Tara: It's about Amara.
Kai's whole face drops. He instantly awake now.
Kai: Amara? What happened to Amara?
Tara: I saw Jay. At the taxi rank. With a suitcase. He said something about a flight in an hour.
Kai's Mom: [hand over mouth] Lord have mercy.
Kai: [grabbing his phone and keys] Tara why didn't you call me earlier??
Tara: I did! 20 times! You were snoring.
Kai: [blushing and stressed at the same time] Okay okay. We gotta go. Now.
Kai's Mom: Take her with you. And Kai... don't you dare come back without Amara.
Kai: Yes ma'am.
[cut to taxi speeding out the driveway]
Kai: Come on Amara pick up. Pick up.
Voicemail.
Tara: [looking out window] What if we too late?
Kai: [gripping steering wheel] Then we go to the airport. We ain't letting Jay run like that.[dialing]
---
**AIRPORT - 30 MIN LATER**
Kai: [sprinting through the airport] Jay! Jay!
Tara: [checking gates] His flight left 5 minutes ago.
Kai: [punching the air] Damn it. He’s gone.
[phone buzzes]
---
**AMARA'S HOUSE**
Amara sitting on the floor, crying. Phone lights up.
Text from Jay: I left the city. Don’t look for me. I’m not ready for this. Take care of yourself and the baby.
Amara: [drops phone] No... no... [breaks down crying]
[knock knock]
Lee: Amara? Open up. Zane’s with me.
Amara opens the door, eyes all red.
Lee: Hey... what happened?
Amara: [showing the text] He left. He left the city.
Zane: That coward.
Lee: [pulling her into a hug] You’re not alone. Not ever. We got you.
Lee: [looking at Zane and Kai on the phone] And about that baby... if Jay won’t step up, then I will. I’m gonna be the step father that kid deserves.
Kai on speaker: Lee you serious?
Lee: Dead serious bro. Squad don’t leave squad behind.
---
**STREET - 10 MIN LATER**
Kai pulls up screeching. Jumps out.
Kai: Tell me you got something.
Lee: [shakes head] Flight already left. But I got a cousin at the airline. He can check where Jay landed.
Zane: And I’m pulling his socials. Dude can’t just disappear.
Tara: What about Amara?
Kai: She’s home. Crying. She showed us the text.
Kai: [clenches jaw] Jay left the city. Said he’s not ready.
Lee: [dead serious] Then we step up. That baby’s got a whole squad.
Zane: Real talk. If Jay won’t be the dad, I’ll be the cool uncle.
Lee: And I’ll be the step father. Starting now.
Kai: Bet. First move: find out what city. Then we decide what we do with that information.[quiet][sighs]
[squad huddle]
---
**PARKING LOT - OUTSIDE AMARA'S HOUSE**
The squad is standing by Kai’s car.
Kaz: [arms crossed] Bro, you can’t just decide you’re gonna be the step father. That’s not your kid.
Lee: [steps forward] Watch me. That baby needs someone. And I’m not letting Jay’s mess ruin two lives.
Kaz: This ain’t about you playing hero Lee. You don’t even know what you’re getting into.
Lee: [laughs bitterly] You wanna talk about what I’m getting into?
Kaz: What’s that supposed to mean?
Lee: [voice shaking] You guys said we should be there for Amara. And you Kaz, I didn’t forget what you did to me 2 years ago. You stole my girlfriend.
Kaz: Lee don’t—
Lee: No. Since I was Mr nice guy I let it go. I think I should stop being mr nice guy anymore. I think I should stop being a monkey, stop being nice to everyone.
Lee: [points at Kaz] When I found out that you took my girlfriend from me and kissed her, I went insane. And I still ended up forgiving you.
Zane: [looking down] Damn.
Tara: Lee...
Kai: [rubs face] Bro... not now.
Lee: [calmer but firm] But I’m still here. For Amara. For the baby. Because that’s what family does, even when family hurts you.[quiet][silence][softly]
Kai: [steps between them] Yo. Enough.
Zane: [to Lee] Bro we hear you. That was messed up what Kaz did. But this ain’t the time.
Tara: Lee, we know you care. But you can’t decide to be step father out of anger and old pain.
Lee: [clenches jaw] So what? We just let the baby grow up with no dad?
Kaz: [steps forward] I messed up 2 years ago. I was a dog. I’m sorry Lee. I’ve been sorry.
Kaz: [looks Lee in the eyes] And I’m not gonna let you ruin your life trying to fix Jay’s mess either.
Kaz: You don’t have to be the step father to prove you’re a good man.
Lee: [tears in eyes] I just... I don’t want her to go through what I went through. Alone.
Kai: [puts hand on Lee’s shoulder] And she won’t. None of us are leaving her. But we do this together. As a squad. Not with you carrying it all.
Zane: No step father title. But 4 uncles and 1 auntie? That baby is set.
Tara: We got Amara. We got each other.[softly][sighs][quiet]
Lee: [laughs a little] Damn y’all. Alright. No step father. Just Lee.
Kaz: [pulls Lee in for a hug] I’m sorry bro. For real.
Lee: [hugs back] I forgave you once. Guess I’m doing it again.[exhales]
[squad huddle][quiet][determined]
---
**AMARA'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM**
The squad walks back in. Quiet. Tense but calmer.
Amara: [looking up from the couch, eyes puffy] You guys okay?
Kai: [sits next to her] Yeah. We’re okay.
Zane: We had to talk some stuff out.
Tara: [sits on the other side, holds her hand] How you feeling?
Amara: Numb. He really left.
Lee: I’m sorry Amara. We should’ve been here sooner.
Kaz: We’re not going anywhere though. Not this time.
Amara: [small smile] Thanks guys... I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Kai: You don’t have to find out.[group hug][shrugs][softly][sighs][quiet]
[phone on the table buzzes. Everyone looks at it. It’s Amara’s phone. Unknown number.]
Everyone:
Amara: [picks it up slowly][stares][answers][quiet]
Amara: Hello?
Jay: [flat voice] It’s me.
Amara: [tears already falling] You left.
Jay: Yeah. I did.
Kaz: Put it on speaker.
Amara: [puts on speaker][shaky hands]
Jay: Look, I’m not gonna lie to you guys. I don’t regret it.
Kai: What?
Jay: I left the city. I’m not ready for this. I’m not ready to be a dad.
Lee: So you just gonna abandon her?
Jay: I’m not abandoning anyone. I’m just... leaving. Don’t call me. Don’t look for me.
Amara: [voice breaking] Jay please—
Jay: I said don’t. I’m done. [call ends][silence][quiet]
[silence in the room]
Zane: [punches the wall] That coward.
Tara: [holding Amara] Breathe. Breathe with me.
Kai: [to the floor] We don’t need him.
Lee: Then we really do this together.[looks at Amara][squad huddle][quiet][determined][softly][sighs]
---
**AMARA'S HOUSE - NIGHT**
The squad stayed late. Lights low. No one really sleeping.
Tara: [laying a blanket over Amara] Try to rest.
Amara: [nods, eyes closed but not sleeping]
Kai: We’ll be here in the morning.
Lee: First period? Nah. We walking in together.
Zane: Whole squad. No one walks alone.
Kaz: Especially not you.[quiet]
[soft silence][quiet][sighs]
---
**NEXT MORNING - SIDEWALK TO SCHOOL**
Sun is up. It’s cold.
The squad walks together. Backpacks on. Quiet, but together.
Kai: [glances at Amara] You good?
Amara: I’m here.
Tara: That’s enough for today.
Lee: [walking beside her] We got you. All day.
Zane: And lunch. I’m buying.
Kaz: [half smile] Don’t get used to it.[shrugs][softly]
Lee:Why this also happen to me,I never have a happy ending. sometimes I have a feeling that am cursed i fake my smile every single day.
A wired lady pass them going the opposite way they were going, wearing a wizard cape covering half of her face.
wizard:Sacrifice [whispering at Lee]
Lee:hey who are lady.
wizard:you will soon know. [walking away]
They walked to school quiet and Lee trying to understand what she meant. They arrived at the school gate.The wen inside a made their way to class.All of a sudden the school started shaking and cracking. Braches came out off the walls thr school was turning in to a jungle.
Kai:What’s happening.
Axle:i don't know but I think we should get out of here as soon as possible.
Jay:leaving so early but you just got here.
Lee:Jay?how did you get here.
Jay:since I heard that you were looking for me i couldn't let you get away,since my cousin works at the airport so he gave me a call saying that you are looking for me so I thought you might involve the cops so I think is best i kill you right here and now.
Branches everywhere. The floor cracking.
Jay: [pulls out a cursed knife that can shoot too]
Kai: [steps in front of everyone] Guys stand back. The weapon he’s holding is called Mond. It’s really powerful. It can shoot and strike at the same time, so let me handle it.
Tara: [tears in her eyes] No it’s too dangerous, what if you die.
Axle: Bro listen to her.
Kai: [shakes head] I’d rather die just to save others.
Jay: Who are you to challenge me.
Kai: [cracks knuckles, smiling] I’ve been making moves. I feel like I’m playing chess. Everybody asks me who I think I am. I tell them I’m the best.[smirking][determined][laughs]
Kai: [lands a punch on Jay’s face] You really piss me off Jay. [landing another punch]
Axle: That’s my bro! He’s really pissed off!
Lee: [veins popping] I can’t let him have all the fun. I wanna crush that dude’s face. Kai, let me take him from here.
Kai: [backs down, breathing heavy]
Lee: [steps forward] You make me wanna puke. [punch landed in the guts]
Jay: [wipes blood, grinning] Play time is over. [his eyes flash bright][yelling]
A cocain bear came out of nowhere and attacked Kai.
Jay: [raising Mond] It’s my turn to play. [striking his blade at Lee]
Lee: [throws arms up to protect his face][tense][quiet][shaky]
The cocaine bear: [lunges forward][wild eyes][roaring]
The cocaine bear used its claws to pop Kai's right eye.
Kai: AHHH! [screaming out of pain][blood spraying out of his eye][falling to his knees]
Jay: Hahaha, when I say play time is over you just still act as a hero. [holding Mond][laughing][smiling]
Lee: [steps in front of Jay] Did you forget about me buddy? Hmp. It’s so rude to ignore someone in a fight. [veins popping][lands a punch sending him through the walls][smiling]
Tara: [runs to Kai] Kai are you alright.
Kai: [holding his eye][breathing heavy] Take a step back Tara. It’s dangerous.
Kai: [wipes blood][looks at the cocaine bear]
Kai took a long jump towards the cocaine bear, landing a hard punch on the face.
The cocaine bear: [grabs Kai’s head as payback for the punch he just landed and pulls it out of kai][roars]
Kai: [gritting teeth] My left arm. [going berserk]
Kai: [lands a punch so hard that it even separated the head from the body][screaming][silence][blood][quiet]
SCHOOL HALLWAY - RUBBLE EVERYWHERE
Kai on the ground holding his eye. Tara beside him. The cocaine bear headless.
Lee: [steps forward, fists shaking] Now it’s me and you Jay.
Jay: [twirling Mond] Pretty well done, Kai. Also you, Lee. But it takes
