INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Jane and Aaron are leaning against lockers, talking and laughing. JANE (laughing) And then he tripped over his own feet! It was hilarious, I swear. AARON (laughing) Oh man, I wish I had seen that. That would've been priceless! JANE So, what's the plan for tonight? Movie night at my place? AARON Definitely! Especially since my parents are out of town. They continue chatting, and Jane suddenly excuses herself. JANE Sorry, Aaron. I'll be right back. Nature's calling. AARON (chuckles) Sure thing, Jane. Take your time. Jane walks away, leaving Aaron alone in the hallway. As Jane disappears down the corridor, Lila Reynolds, a popular, rich, mean girl, approaches Aaron. LILA (snickering) Oh, look who we have here. Little Aaron, all alone? AARON (rolls his eyes) What do you want, Lila? JULIA Walking over, Julia Fairbanks, a popular, rich, but genuinely kind girl joins the scene. JULIA (smirking) Leave him alone, Lila. We all know how you get your kicks. LILA (glaring) Oh, goody two-shoes Julia. Always coming to the rescue. AARON (grateful) Thanks, Julia. I appreciate it. LILA (irritated) Whatever. Just remember, Aaron, this doesn't change anything. You're still a nobody. JULIA (angry) Lila, that's enough! You're being ridiculous. LILA (laughs mockingly) Ridiculous? Look at yourself, Julia. Always defending the weak. JULIA (determined) Somebody's gotta do it. Just because you have money doesn't mean you can treat people like garbage. LILA (furious) You know what, Julia? Maybe I'm sick of being the nice one. Maybe I'll start playing dirty like you. JULIA (firmly) Be my guest, Lila. But remember, karma has a funny way of working. Lila scowls at Julia and stomps away, leaving Julia and Aaron standing together. JULIA (softly) Are you okay, Aaron? AARON (nods, grateful) Yeah, thanks to you. You didn't have to step in, Julia. JULIA (smiling) No worries. Friends are there for each other, right? They share a smile and turn to head down the hallway together. FADE OUT.