【Written by Dani Villaseñor & Megan Bodmer】

FADE IN: 

INT. THERAPIST OFFICE – MORNING 

The THERAPIST’s long red nails tap against a legal pad. Short gray nails are bitten. The woman’s red nails stop tapping, and she gently flicks a pen onto her paper.  

THERAPIST 

Zoe? Would you like to say anything? Remember, I’m just here to help you. 

ZOE, 21, dressed in snow-covered boots and heavy winter clothing, stops biting her nails and leans back on the sofa. Zoe snaps her gaze back toward the Therapist, suddenly pulled back to reality. 

THERAPIST (O.S.)  

Maybe you can talk me through it. Just start from the beginning. We just want to support you, okay? Maybe provide some clarity. 

Zoe’s gaze scans the room, taking in the stark stillness of the space. After a moment of silence… 

INT. DORM ROOM – NIGHT 

ZOE (V.O.) 

Well, honestly I don’t know how it all began. I can’t even remember the first time we met, we were so young. We were just always together.  

A sweep across the room reveals a series of photos taped onto a wall of two little girls (Adreanna and Zoe). Adreanna always looks messy, having paint or mud all over her. While Zoe looks more put together with photos of winning spelling bees etc.  

The two desks sit side by side. One is covered in nail polish, condoms, cigarettes, numerous book classics, and makeup. Through the mirrors, ADREANNA (Addy) is typing frantically at the other. She sits stiffly at her desk, scattered with drawings and sheet music.  

Adreanna suddenly gets a text from her mom. She tenses as she reads it. 

MOM  

(text message) 

Adreanna, have you gotten your rec letter yet?  

Adreanna takes a deep breath and begins texting. 

ADREANNA  

(text message) 

Not yet 

MOM  

(text message) 

Ask Professor Douglas! Don’t forget he helped your brother get into Columbia. 

Adreanna sighs deeply, flipping her phone over as she starts rubbing her temples in stress. She begins her work again when suddenly the door opens and rowdy voices and laughter fill the room.  

ZOE (O.S.) 

Hey, we’ll just meet you there. Ay! Save some for me.  

Zoe enters, visible in the mirror frame.  

ZOE 

Hello! What’s going on? 

(jokingly disappointed)  

Heyyyy! You’re studying!? Noooo! I thought you were getting ready.  

ADREANNA 

My mom keeps pestering me about asking Professor Douglas to write a rec letter for my grad school application. I don’t even want to go to grad school. 

ZOE 

I can ask him for you! He wrote mine.  

ADREANNA  

Doubt he would. He likes you way more than me. 

(under her breath)  

Also I almost failed his class. My mom doesn’t know that. 

Adreanna flips her phone over glancing at the screen. Three new messages from “Mom” light the screen. She flips the phone again. 

ZOE 

That’s why I’ll ask him for you! And he doesn’t like me wayyyy more.  

The girls laugh. Adreanna’s mood is lightened.  

ZOE 

What are you wearing tonight? I think I’m gonna go with…  

Zoe holds up numerous outfit choices. Adreanna turns away, thinking.  

ADREANNA  

Wait, you should wear this.  

Zoe comes back wearing a different top. 

ZOE 

What? Wait isn’t that the necklace, like the one your grandma gave you?  

ADREANNA 

It matches your earrings.  

ZOE 

This is way too nice, what if I spill beer on it, or something? I could never replace it! 

ADREANNA 

No, it’s yours now. I want you to have it.  

Zoe is speechless as she looks at her reflection in the mirror. She feels beautiful. She looks at Adreanna beaming. Adreanna smiles quickly but turns away.  

Zoe’s phone buzzes and her face darkens. 

ZOE 

Addy… 

Adreanna takes Zoe’s phone and sees an email Zoe has received from the Dean of Academic Affairs, which reads 

“Miss Zoe Ryba, 

It has been brought to our attention that you violated the college’s code of conduct by plagiarizing an essay in the spring of 2021. As you know we do not tolerate plagiarism under any circumstances, thus your grade for this class will be changed to an F while this is investigated further. In accordance with school policy, you will be put on academic probation for the remainder of the current semester until further actions are decided.”  

Adreanna looks up at Zoe helplessly.  

ZOE 

What the fuck? How the hell would they even find out about this? 

ADREANNA 

It’s okay, calm down. 

ZOE 

Dude, you don’t even understand. I was super stressed, I had two papers and a test due that day… (ad lib) 

Adreanna’s face drops further, and her voice comes out in a quiver despite her trying to be reassuring.  

ADREANNA  

Zo, listen to me, there is no way they can do this. It’s just one class from sophomore year. I’ve gotten an F before. Actually more than one. It won’t hurt your GPA too bad, would it? 

Zoe, breathing heavily trying to hold back tears, throws her phone down and tries to clear her head. 

ZOE 

UGH. I don’t want to deal with this right now.  

ADREANNA 

Ok.. . alright, You know what? Let’s just go have a good night. Ok? I’m sure it’ll turn out fine. 

Zoe, still out of sorts, is helped by Adreanna to her desk.  

ZOE  

(under her breath, crying) 

I’m so stupid, how could I have been so stupid!  

Adreanna frantically pulls out makeup as a distraction. Zoe looks in the mirror, her mascara starts running down her cheek. Looking at Zoe, Adreanna quickly grabs a red boa and puts it around Zoe’s shoulders, sitting beside her. Adreanna wipes Zoe’s running mascara and they share a sad smile.  

THERAPIST(O.S.) 

So everything seemed normal at first? 

INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE – MORNING 

The Therapist adjusts her glasses as Zoe finishes folding a paper crane and sets it on the table.  

THERAPIST 

Zoe?  

Beat.  

THERAPIST 

(looking at the crane)  

Zoe…? 

ZOE  

(dazed) 

She always used to make these. She taught me when we were kids.  

THERAPIST 

Zoe, I know this is all hard to process, but let’s talk about that night, okay? 

ZOE 

Well– 

BEGIN MONTAGE:  

INT. COLLEGE TOWNHOUSE – KITCHEN – NIGHT 

MUSIC ramps up. A group of college students bring out red solo cups and line up various bottles of liquor. EMILY spills on her shirt.  

INT. COLLEGE TOWNHOUSE – BEDROOM – CONTIN. 

Emily enters a bedroom, NINA notices the spill on her shirt and leaves to get a new one from the laundry. 

INT. COLLEGE TOWNHOUSE – HALLWAY – CONTIN. 

Nina opens the dryer and grabs a shirt. WILL, stumbles into her.  

INT. COLLEGE TOWNHOUSE – STAIRWAY – CONTIN. 

Will runs up the stairs. KAT taps Will on the shoulder. Will pulls out a bag of cocaine from his pocket and hands it to Kat. 

INT. COLLEGE TOWNHOUSE – BATHROOM HALLWAY – CONTIN. 

Kat runs into the bathroom and shuts the door.  

In the bathroom hallway mirror, a group of blonde-white girls fix their hair and makeup. Meanwhile, their singular POC friend, SONIA stares at her own reflection.  

Suddenly the door she is leaning on opens with a shove, and PIERCE, a tall white guy steps out. Pierce walks towards the stairs, calling back to one of the white girls.  

INT. COLLEGE TOWNHOUSE – HALLWAY – CONTIN. 

Will runs into Pierce on the stairs, carrying a booming speaker, he heads downstairs and flings the door open smiling broadly.  

INT/EXT. COLLEGE TOWNHOUSE – DOORWAY – NIGHT 

The doorbell continuously rings. Suddenly the door is opened by Will. Zoe and Adreanna stand in the door frame.  

WILL(O.S.)  

Hey, Zoe! Come on in!  

Zoe and Adreanna are suddenly jostled inside by a group of boys carrying beers. Some of them greet Zoe, as she smiles back. The lights dim as the door shuts behind the girls. Party music booms to life.  

Emily greets Zoe enthusiastically and hands her a drink. Adreanna stands to the side. The house is now full of people. Music is blaring. The girls dance. Emily waves goodbye to Zoe as she disappears into the crowd. 

Zoe continuously pulls out her phone. Adreanna tries to get her to dance. The party continues.  

Zoe bumps into MARGO, who speaks with a dreamy, ethereal tone, wearing lots of makeup with astrology tattoos visible on her arms and chest. Margo straightens up, a sly look on her face.  

MARGO 

Interesting how the tiger’s eye gravitated towards you. 

ZOE 

Huh? 

Margo holds up the tiger’s eye crystal broken in two. She sets her hand on Zoe’s shoulder and looks at her intensely for a long moment. 

MARGO 

The tiger’s eye is a protective amulet.  

Margo looks down at the two broken pieces. She touches Zoe’s red boa.  

MARGO 

Ohh I love that. You look just like a phoenix. Reborn from the ashes. 

Margo touches Adreanna’s pink boa.  

MARGO 

Oh, and I love this. You look just like a… flamingo.  

Zoe’s phone buzzes and her face completely drops, Adreanna leans to see. Zoe’s phone displays an email from the dean about her scholarship being under review by the academic board. The first few lines read; 

“After the recent discovery of your act of plagiarism, the board has decided to reconsider your Joseph E. Walton Scholarship.” 

Margo realizes she no longer has the girls’ attention and takes her leave. She wanders past Zoe waving her crystal about.  

MARGO 

(blowing a kiss)  

Stay strong my feathered goddesses. 

ZOE 

What am I gonna do? I still don’t understand how they found out about this. 

Adreanna looks at Zoe’s phone. Stressed, Adreanna looks around at the other students dancing. 

ADREANNA 

Don’t worry. Ok, we’ll figure it out. It’s okay Zoe, it’s okay, it’s okay. They can’t do this, don’t worry.  

Zoe looks as if she’s on the verge of a panic attack.  

INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE – MORNING  

Zoe sits stoically, as the crane remains centered in front of her.  

THERAPIST 

Would you say you are someone who struggles to cope with stressful situations?  

Zoe clenches her hands, picking at her nails. She stares back at the therapist.  

OVER BLACK: 

Zoe snorts a line of cocaine. Music creeps into the background slowly swelling and quickening.  

INT. COLLEGE TOWNHOUSE – BATHROOM – NIGHT. 

Zoe’s eyes shoot into focus in the mirror. Her pupils are wildly dilated. She wipes her nose with a sad, crazed expression. Adreanna’s worried face comes into focus in the mirror as she leans on the wall behind Zoe. 

ZOE  

Please don’t judge me right now.  

Adreanna hands Zoe water and a tissue.     

ZOE  

(smiling) 

See? Sooo much better. Can’t believe your parents pay for me to do this.  

ADREANNA 

No They fund the scholarship, Zo. And they definitely don’t pay for you to do this.  

Zoe laughs sadly.  

ZOE 

I know, sorry.  

ADREANNA 

(wiping Zoe’s nose) 

It’s okay, I just worry about you. Let’s go.  

Adreanna grabs Zoe’s hand. Zoe rubs her nose, cleaning it with a snort. She closes her eyes. Adreanna opens the door and– 

EXT. COLLEGE TOWNHOUSE – NIGHT  

The door to the house shuts and Zoe opens her eyes sharply. She looks around as Adreanna appears to be in mid-conversation with her. Zoe blinks twice and smiles. 

ZOE 

Sorry what?  

Adreanna stares back at her for a moment before the two dissolve into giggles, as Adreanna puts her arm around the shivering Zoe, stumbling away from the house together.  

INT. SOMEWHERE ON CAMPUS – NIGHT 

Zoe and Adreanna stumble into a mysterious room. A group of students is huddled around a table, speaking rapidly. 

ADREANNA 

Oooo look, poker! 

Zoe is looking at her phone, her face worried again.  

ADREANNA 

Please stop re-reading it, Zo! C’mon, let’s have some fun! Give me your phone! 

ZOE 

No, my life is ruinedddd.  

ADREANNA 

This’ll be fun! C’mon!! 

Adreanna pulls Zoe to the table and they squeeze in. The poker game moves quickly. Money and poker chips are in relatively neat piles. Teacups are filled with liquor. Bottles are scattered.  

GAMBLER  

(sarcastically) 

Should I deal you in? 

Zoe glances at Adreanna who nudges her encouragingly. 

ZOE 

Uhhhh… 

The Gambler, resembling a flamboyant 80’s gangster, cuts her off and addresses FREDDIE, 22. 

GAMBLER 

How much are you betting this time? 

FREDDIE 

All in.  

A few of the kids let out a low whistle.  

GAMBLER 

(chuckling) 

You sure? 

Freddie, dressed nicely, nods and sets down a card. Freddie loses, slamming down his cap. The Gambler takes the stack of money with a sly smile. Someone else sweeps up all the cards and begins to shuffle. Zoe looks lost and dizzy from the fast card game. 

FREDDIE  

C’mon man, deal me in. I’ll pay you next week. 

Voices mumble as the players argue. Zoe checks her phone. She begins to bite her nails looking nervous. Then she taps them on the table.   

GAMBLER 

You wanna bet that necklace? 

Zoe touches the necklace, taken aback 

ZOE 

N-no! 

Adreanna drops a stack of poker chips in front of Zoe. Zoe turns to Adreanna, a smile growing on her face.  

GAMBLER  

She’s got your back, I see.  

Zoe grins again at Adreanna, relaxing. The Gambler deals her in. The game begins. Zoe wins. Someone hands her gloves as a trophy. Zoe slips them on beaming.  

BEGIN MONTAGE:  

Music and time speed up. With newfound elegance, Zoe wins repeatedly, her makeup becoming more 1920s-esque. Meanwhile, the gambler’s forehead glistens with sweat.  

EXT. WALKWAY NEAR CINESTUDIO – NIGHT 

Zoe’s breath is visible in the cold night air as she tries to clutch various 1 dollar bills, giggling. Zoe’s makeup is back to normal, except for some lingering darker eye makeup.  

ZOE 

Here Addy, take your prize! 

ADREANNA 

No, you won it, keep it! 

ZOE 

Uh, but you bought the chips, it’s your money.  

ADREANNA 

(insisting) 

It’s fine Zo, it’s nothing. Just keep it.  

Zoe stops walking. 

ADREANNA 

You wanna head back to the party, see if it’s still going? 

ZOE 

Why are you being like this? 

Adreanna falters.  

ADREANNA 

What do you mean..? 

ZOE 

Why are you trying to give me your money? You bought the poker chips and… 

Zoe touches the necklace Adreanna gave her.  

ADREANNA 

I’m not… What do you mean? It was nothing. It was like, fifty bucks. 

ZOE 

Fifty–?!?!?  

(exasperated) 

And all night you’ve been trying to distract me from this whole scholarship thing, which I do appreciate but I also could use a little bit of empathy! 

ADREANNA 

I’m sorry, Zo. I was just trying to make sure you had a good night before having to deal with this whole thing tomorrow! 

ZOE 

Tomorrow?! Addy, I’m already dealing with it. This is my scholarship we’re talking about. If I lose it, I can’t afford to go here. I’d have to drop out just a couple of months before graduating.  

ADREANNA 

I won’t let that happen. I promise.  

Zoe looks down at the dollar bills still clutched in her hand. 

ZOE 

I’m not your fucking charity case, Adreanna!  

Zoe turns and storms away from Adreanna, who quickly grows distant. Up ahead, Zoe spots a figure gazing up at the sky.  

ZOE 

Freddie? 

Freddie turns to Zoe, a saddened look on his face.  

FREDDIE 

The stars are so beautiful, aren’t they? 

Zoe looks up at the dark sky. Almost no stars are visible due to light pollution and clouds.  

Freddie sighs sadly, waving Zoe after him, towards the sound of eerie music. It grows louder as they reach a vine-hidden door. When the door opens, the melody swells.  

INT. A DARK AND CREEPY HALLWAY – NIGHT 

The hallway is filled with spider webs and some graffiti. A PIANIST sits at an out-of-place piano plucking out a melancholy tune that echoes in the hallway. Freddie slides in and takes over at the piano. Margo sits on a dusty-looking sofa behind him sad and lost in her own thoughts as she smokes a cigarette.  

FREDDIE  

(singing) 

Why did you leave me?? 

The door slams behind Zoe as she looks on, spellbound by the music. The sound causes Freddie and Margo to look over, not fazed at all. She eyes the pack of cigarettes beside Margo. 

MARGO 

Don’t worry, they’re herbal. 

Margo hides the pack in her pocket as she takes another drag. Zoe flops heavily on the couch as Freddie continues playing piano, humming the tune.  

MARGO 

You’ve lost your feathers. Your aura is..red. You’re tense. 

ZOE 

My friend’s pissing me off.  

Margo watches, smoking her cigarette. She looks at the broken pieces of the tiger’s eye amulet. 

MARGO 

Hmm. What’s really bothering you?  

Freddie looks over his shoulder, intrigued. 

ZOE 

I might lose my scholarship and Addy just doesn’t get it.  

FALLEN PIANIST 

Fuck!  

ZOE 

I know, I know. I did something stupid sophomore year.  

MARGO 

Did you seduce a professor?  

ZOE 

What? No. I plagiarized a paper.  

FREDDIE 

Shit.  

MARGO 

Want one? They’re not really herbal. 

Zoe shrugs.  

ZOE 

I don’t even understand how they found out about it, it was two years ago.  

Freddie and Margo share a look.  

FREDDIE 

Addy.. as in Adreanna Walton? 

ZOE 

Yeah, my best friend.  

MARGO 

(whispering to Freddie) 

Is this that same girl..? 

ZOE 

What?… 

Zoe trails off as she notices a paper crane perched on the piano. Freddie picks it up. 

FREDDIE  

So she hasn’t told you yet huh? 

ZOE 

What are you talking about? 

Zoe’s gaze is glued to the crane as her pulse intensifies. Freddie sighs heavily.  

FREDDIE  

She came in here the other day, upset. She said she did something terrible.  

ZOE 

What did she do??[Text Wrapping Break] 

Freddie turns back to the piano and begins to play again. 

MARGO  

I think what Freddie is saying is that… Your problem, and Adreanna’s problem… Are the same.  

Margo puts the two halves of the broken crystal together. 

ZOE 

Huh? 

A range of emotions flashes across Zoe’s face, sadness, confusion, anger, and frustration. 

ZOE 

(in denial) 

No. No. There’s no way.  

Zoe touches her necklace and looks around, noticing everything for the first time.  

ZOE 

What is this place? 

MARGO 

(dreamily) 

It’s our little hole in the wall. Freddie’s always here. 

Margo looks sadly at Freddie who is passionately playing.  

MARGO  

(staring intently at Zoe)  

The tunnel of lost souls. 

Margo’s voice echoes and Zoe seems to realize she’s becoming trapped. Zoe looks back at the crane, terrified.  

ZOE 

I gotta go.  

EXT. CHAPEL PILLARS – NIGHT 

A few drunk college students laugh about something. A couple is making out in the corner. Sounds of distant music and people partying are heard. Occasionally, a drunk somebody walks past. Bottles and cups scatter the area. Adreanna is sitting in the tunnel. She seems restless and emotionally unwell. Zoe rounds the corner, with her phone in hand, looking angry.   

ADREANNA  

Oh my god there you are! 

Looking like she’s going in for a hug, Adreanna leans toward Zoe. Zoe however, does not reciprocate.   

ZOE 

We need to talk. 

ADREANNA 

Did you get another email? 

ZOE 

No. 

ADREANNA 

What do you want to talk about? 

ZOE 

You go first. 

Zoe glares at her. Adreanna initially tries to play it off  

ADREANNA  

What?… 

Zoe glares at her, stoney-faced. Adreanna’s face falls. The two girls stare at each other.  

Beat.  

ADREANNA  

(voice broken/starting to cry)  

I’m so sorry Zo, I’m sorry. But I’ve been contacting the deans and calling my dad and I’m… 

Zoe looks shell-shocked, shaking with rage and confusion.  

ADREANNA 

Zo. I can fix this.  

ZOE 

You can’t. 

Adreanna is taken aback.  

ADREANNA  

(pleading) 

Zoe! Please let me fix this! My dad, he can talk to the board and tell them it was my fault!  

ZOE 

Why did you do this?! How the fuck could you do this to me! 

ADREANNA 

I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry… I just–I don’t know what I was thinking–I mean you’re fucking perfect! You’ll graduate with honors, probably valedictorian. And you’ll get into that grad program over me.  

ZOE 

You don’t even want to go! And you’re only here because your parents won’t pay for art school! 

ADREANNA 

Exactly! You know how frustrating it is that they control my future? 

ZOE 

So you’re controlling mine?  

ADREANNA 

No! No, no I’m not. I never wanted to hurt you! You’re a fucking genius. And I just… you know… school comes easy to you. Friends come easy to you. You’re my parent’s poster child! 

ZOE  

(fuming desperately) 

Why are you taking it out on me!? You’re so fucking stupid! Do you even hear yourself right now? I– 

ADREANNA 

No no no no no..! 

ZOE 

Shut. Up!   

Adreanna opens her mouth to respond but stops herself. She looks broken. 

ZOE 

Are you for real? Are you serious right now, Adreanna? Of course you think everything is going to be alright, with your cushy 80k tuition paid right up front.  

Beat. 

Wake the fuck up, Adreanna. If you plagiarized something do you honestly think you’d be in the same position as me? You will never know what it’s like to have one small mistake ruin your life. You don’t get it! You never have!  

Beat.  

You think it’s easy to be me? You seriously want to switch spots? I’m so sorry you can’t go to art school but get a fucking job! And stop being such a fucking spoiled brat!  

Zoe is now in Adreanna’s face, fuming.  

You think I have everything? Seriously? I knew I didn’t… but shit, at least I thought I had a friend.  

Zoe pauses and waits for a response from Adreanna, who looks at her helplessly with heartbroken eyes. Zoe turns to walk away, stops, and turns back. Adreanna looks at her hopefully.  

Zoe takes a deep breath and unclasps her necklace. She grabs Adreanna’s hand and pushes the necklace into it.  

Zoe leaves.  

Adreanna watches her go, crying. She frantically tries to call her dad, but he won’t pick up. Sobbing and swearing under her breath, Adreanna fumbles for her car keys in her pocket, the necklace slipping from her fingers, and settling in the snow. Adreanna’s feet turn as she sprints away.  

INT. THERAPIST OFFICE – MORNING  

Zoe’s face is stony. Her eyes are slightly watery. The therapist’s extensive notes are visible. The lights are extra bright and buzzing. Zoe breathes unsteadily. She doesn’t know how to process everything.  

ZOE  

(sadly chuckling) 

At least I’m not losing my scholarship anymore, right?  

Beat. 

THERAPIST 

Zoe, you know the police found her car overturned in a ditch.  

ZOE 

(whispering) 

I know. She tried to drive to her parent’s house. She was trying to get my scholarship back.  

Beat. 

THERAPIST 

Have you talked to her yet?  

ZOE  

No… But her dad said she’s been asking for me.   

INT. ZOE AND ADREANNA’S DORM – MORNING 

Zoe enters. She looks sullen.  

Zoe picks up a paper crane Adreanna made. She smiles faintly before tears spring to her eyes. Zoe sets the crane down and sits on her bed, battling many thoughts and emotions.  

She gets up suddenly, grabs her jacket, and heads towards the door. The paper crane sits on her desk as Zoe shuts the door behind her. 

FADE OUT: