End of May // Luke Patterson

02

Los Angeles 2020 - Los Feliz High School

A school bell rang and students giggled.

A girl walked through the hall with her head down as she made her way to her locker.

The girl opened her locker and opened it just before another girl came up to her and greeted, "Hey, underachiever."

"Hey, disappointment," Julie replied.

"Okay, I know you don't want me to ask, but have you figured out what you're gonna do today?"

"I'll know in the moment."

"Really, Jules? That's all you're giving me? Mrs. Harrison said this is your last chance."

"I know. I was there." Julie let out a sigh.

"See you at the rally!" a girl said.

"Ugh! What is she handing out?" Flynn wondered.

"Hi!" Carrie greeted.

"Desperation?" Julie guessed.

Flynn snickered. "Mm."

"Here you go," Carrie said. "My group's performing at the spirit rally tomorrow. I'm sure you guys have nothing better to do."

Flynn spoke in a sarcastic tone. "Oh my gosh, Carrie. Thanks!"

"Oh my gosh, Flynn! Don't bother coming!" She walked away and handed another flyer to someone. "Here you go. Come see Dirty Candy tomorrow. Nick?"

Flynn followed her friend's eyes. "Still? You know they're gonna get married and have a bunch of unholy babies."

"Nick's a sweetheart," Julie said.

"You'd actually have to talk to him to know that. And only one of them has to be a demon to make a demon baby. Demon!" Flynn yelled, looking at Carrie, causing both girls to snicker. "There's that smile. Now, let's go prove everybody wrong."

The girls chuckled lightly.

MUSIC CLASSROOM

A guitar riff played and the students cheered.

"Wow!" the music teacher said as Carrie giggled. "Nice job, Nick. Almost as impressive as your game against Glendale." Nick chuckled. "Okay, we have our last performance." She clapped. "Julie?"

Julie stepped up to the piano and let out a heavy sigh.

"Take your time," the music teacher said.

Julie opened the piano, put her hands on the keys, let out another sigh and stood. "I'm sorry."

Flynn sighed as she stood and Carrie asked, "Is this when we clap?"

"Watch it, Carrie," Flynn retorted.

Students erupted in laughter.

JULIE'S HOME

Julie was sitting at the table doing homework.

Julie's father walked down the stairs and said, "Oh good. You're home." Julie closed the book and looked at her father. "I was about to go watch your brother's game. I've had photoshoots all day. Didn't even get a chance to eat. But... I got a phone call today."

"Yeah, I figured as much," Julie replied as she pulled off her glasses.

Her father sat. "Yeah. Well, it was my realtor friend."

"Oh, that."

"Yeah, and she says if we are serious about selling the house, then she wants me to take some pictures for the website. Which means we have to do a lot of cleaning and get rid of some stuff. And maybe you can... tackle Mom's studio?" Julie looked away. "You're the expert. You know, your brother and I wouldn't even know where to begin. It's okay, honey. If you're not ready, I-"