[INT. ELLA'S APARTMENT – EVENING]
(Ella enters, dropping her bag as she sees Rey zipping up a suitcase.)
Ella
What's going on? Why are you packing like you're running from a crime scene? Did you kill someone?
Rey
(pulling a face)
No! I'm going to visit my parents—just for a week.
Ella
You got time off?
Rey
Yeah, I fought hard for it, but I managed. I can't believe it's been a month since I last saw them.
(she stretches, stands up)
Ahh, I'm thirsty.
(she pats Ella's shoulder as she walks toward the kitchen)
Rey
You should visit your parents too. They must be worried about you. Doesn't matter if you ran away just to chase your dream.
Ella
(sitting quietly)
I can't contact them… I miss them too. But if I do, they'll ask me to come back—and I know they'll try to talk me out of this path.
Rey
But still… just think about it. It's almost been half a year since you left them.
Ella
(frustrated)
Don't talk like I'm the villain here. I tried to make it work with them. But they never believed in me. Never supported me. They only made things harder.
What was I supposed to do?
Rey
(gently)
Okay, okay—calm down, girl. I get it.
Ella
(sighs, softening)
I'll meet them. Soon. I promise.
Rey
(smirking)
Someone said they'd chase their dream first.
Ella
(grinning)
Yeah… and it's finally coming true
Rey
Wait… don't tell me—he agreed?
Ella
(laughing with joy)
Yes! Damian said yes!
Rey
(screams in excitement and jumps with her)
Aaahhh!! We have to celebrate!
Ella
Today I'll make your favorite dinner!
Rey
No, no! I'll make yours! You deserve it!
Ella
(putting her hands together dramatically)
Please… let me cook.
(thinking)
I can't die after coming this close to my dream.
AFTER DINNER]
Ella
Rey, don't you think I should thank him with something?
Rey
Of course!
Ella
What should I give him? You know him better than I do.
Rey
Well, as far as I remember… anything Damian wants is probably way out of our budget.
Ella
(sighs)
True. Then what do I do?
Rey
Wait—hold on! I just remembered something.
(grabs her phone and scrolls)
Look! His birthday is next week!
Ella
So?
Rey
Why don't you throw him a party?
Ella
A party? For him?! Do you know how celebrity functions work?
Rey
As far as I know, Damian hates fancy events. He likes simple things. And we can do simple.
Ella
But… why would he celebrate his birthday with me? Won't he spend it with his family or friends?
Rey
That's fair. But what if we… change that?