Moving Forward

The Birthday Girl

INT. COTERIE - ALICE'S LOFT - MORNING

Malika barges in Alice's loft, blowing a noise maker. She flops on top of Alice, who was sound asleep in bed. Alice groans and grumbles, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

ALICE
What time is it?

Malika smiles, wrapping her arms around Alice.

MALIKA
Girl, it's time to celebrate!!

ALICE
Celebrate what?

MALIKA
Come on Alice!! It's your 24th birthday!!

ALICE
Malika, you know I don't like to make a big deal out of my birthday or parties for that matter.

MALIKA
I know, but you're stuck with me and we are celebrating your day!! I'm not taking no for answer.

ALICE
Malika, I appreciate the gesture, I really do—

MALIKA
Great!! Mariana, Davia, and I have the whole day planned out for you. It's gonna be dope!!

ALICE
If you say so.

Malika sits up, pulling Alice up with her. Alice grumbles again, rubbing her tired face. Malika runs her hand through Alice's hair, trying to make it less bed head like. Malika moves her hand off of Alice's hair, setting her hand in her lap. She smiles excitedly at Alice.

MALIKA
Go get dressed! Mariana has some fun things planned for the day.

ALICE
It better not involve fixing her bed frame again. That thing was a nightmare to put together.

Malika playfully, but forcefully shoves Alice up and off her bed towards her closet.

MALIKA
Go get dressed!! I mean it!!

Alice smiles to herself.

ALICE
Okay, okay! I'm going.

INT. DOURO - NIGHT - FLASHBACK

Raj looks down at his beer, taking a breath. Isabella sits next to him at the bar, watching him intensely waiting for what he says next.

RAJ
Mariana slept with Evan.

Isabella blinks, staring at him. She opens her mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. After a moment she finally speaks.

ISABELLA
What? Her boss?

RAJ
It's true. Mariana told me herself and she didn't bother hiding it.

ISABELLA
So what does this mean?

Raj sighs, reaching for his glass, and taking a big sip of beer. Isabella watches him.

RAJ
It means she cheated on me. I've been nothing but helpful to her. I got the men salary information for her, stood up against Josh, Sam, Alex...everyone!! And what I get in return? She sleeps with Evan without even a second thought.

Isabella puts her hand on Raj's shoulder, rubbing it softly, trying to comfort him.

ISABELLA
It's not fair how she treated you. You've done nothing but love and support her.

RAJ
I feel so stupid. I even saw it from the beginning and I ignored it because she told me she loved me and would never date Evan. Now I know what such bullshit that is.

Raj picks up his beer, chugging the rest down. He sets down his empty cup as Isabella watches him. Raj turns to look at her.

RAJ
Thanks for listening.

Isabella motions for the bartender. The bartender walks over, asking what they would like to drink.

ISABELLA
Can we get another round? On me.