Try Again (A Scripted Series)-Part One

7

INT. FOYER – NIGHT

The music has stopped and Torie is standing in front of the crowd behind a microphone stand. Another microphone is set up beside her.

TORIE

Hey, guys. Is everyone having a good time?

The crowd responds.

TORIE

Awesome. Now usually, FTW does all the entertaining for the evening, but tonight I wanted to shake things up. Who's ready for karaoke!

More cheers as the intro to a modern rendition of "Summer Nights" plays. Torie pretends to search the crowd and points out Savannah.

TORIE (CONT'D)

Come on up here, Savannah. The mic is yours.

Savannah rolls her eyes, but makes her way over. Torie scans the crowd until she sees Eric.

TORIE (CONT'D)

Eric?

ERIC

No way.

TORIE

Don't be scared.

His friends encourage him, but Eric pushes Tristen to the microphone instead. He and Savannah lock eyes then he sings, catching Savannah by surprise. He's really good! As they perform, the crowd joins in singing backup.

The song ends and everyone cheers and chants their names as Savannah and Tristen walk away together. The DJ goes back to playing party music.

SAVANNAH

I had no idea you could sing like that. That was--

TRISTEN

Probably the last time you'll ever hear me sing again.

SAVANNAH

Then I'm glad I was here to witness it.

TRISTEN

Me too.

Savannah looks away from his gaze.

SAVANNAH

So, am I off the hook?

TRISTEN

What do you mean?

SAVANNAH

Our little deal. We just did an epic performance. I think that's way better than the travesty that's waiting to happen over there.

She looks over at the dancefloor. Tristan glances over.

TRISTEN

Nah. That's not how this works. And you're running out of time. It's now or never.

He waits for Savannah to take up his offer. And just when it looks like she might--

Brandy shows up.

BRANDY

Boy, you better sing that song. Let me find out.

She looks over at Savannah.

BRANDY (CONT'D)

Savannah, right? I have to be honest, when I heard you joined the group, I couldn't understand what they were thinking. But then I started seeing the changes and it turns out you were exactly what the group needed. So congratulations. You did in one month, what I've been trying to do for years. But it is what it is.

Stifling her emotions, she turns to Tristen.

BRANDY

I want to dance. You want to dance?

TRISTEN

Are you sure you've still got it? You're just coming out of retirement. It's been a while.

BRANDY

Don't challenge me. I'd hate to embarrass you in your own house.

They move to the dance floor, leaving Savannah on her own.

END OF ACT ONE