INT. SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY
(The students are busy chatting and laughing. Suddenly, the teacher enters, prompting the noise to subside)
HELEN: good morning, everyone! I hope you are all doing well. First and foremost, let me congratulate each and every one of you on your upcoming graduation. It''s a significant achievement, and I am proud to be a part of your journey. Now, let''s embark on our lesson for today and make the most of our time together. Today, let''s talk about your aspirations for the future. Who would like to share what they want to become and why?
(Roxy stands up, smiles at everyone and says confidently)
ROXY: I want to become a queen in the future. I want people to serve, respect and obey my orders. I would love Aurora, Riley and Daphne to be my maids
(Everyone stares at the three as they look away)
HELEN: okay... anyone else?
(Derek stands up and says boldly)
DEREK: I want to become a warrior in future. I want to protect people for fame and riches
(Helen, who was disappointed at their response, nods her head negatively)
HELEN: can someone give me a good answer this time?
(Aurora, Riley and Daphne stands up boldly)
RILEY: I want to become a chef. I love cooking different dishes and making customers happy
DAPHNE: that''s our dream
AURORA: yeah
(Roxy stares at them and burst out laughing)
ROXY: you want to be a chef? Do you know how to hold a spatular?
RILEY: no
DAPHNE: never
AURORA: not an idea
ROXY: I''ll give you an advise...dream of becoming my wretched maids
(The room fills with mockery and laughter, but Miss Helen interrupts it)
HELEN: Roxy, that''s not how to talk, and that''s isn''t an advise either. Apologise to them, now!
ROXY: okay, fine. I am sorry for pushing you so hard for realising the truth sooner than later that you are going to be wretched maids in the future
(Helen, hearing her words, says furiously)
HELEN: enough, Roxy! Great job, everyone! Remember, your dreams are valid, and with dedication and hard work, you can achieve anything. Let''s support each other on this journey! Do not let anyone take your dream away from you. I''ll see you on our next class. Roxy, come with me
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(Roxy shrugs before standing up and walking up to the teacher)
ROXY: please don''t tell on me
HELEN: detention, young lady but let''s hear from the principal first
(Helen walks out of the class. Roxy stares at the friends with blazing rage, then follows suit and walks out)
AURORA: I am so fed up with her. She pisses me off
RILEY: I guess we have to ignore her like always
DAPHNE: no, that''s not fair. I don''t know about you guys but I am tired of being bullied by Roxy and Derek. We have to stand up for ourselves
ANDREW: Daphne is right. If you don''t stand up for yourselves, then they will always bully you
AARON: you know what? Why don''t we go to the park? Are you free, Aurora?
AURORA: yes, I... I''ll go with you guys
RILEY: are you sure?
AURORA: mm-hmm
INT. EMPIRE - COURT ROOM - DAY
(Madelaine looks sad and disappointed. Noah notices her condition and approaches, offering comfort)
NOAH: why do you keep crying, Madelaine? We are doing our best to bring our Flower back home
MADELAINE: I endure a sleepless night, haunted by dreams of her. A sense of impending trouble grips me, making calmness impossible to maintain
NOAH: I''ll embark on a journey to find our flower joined by Walker. I promise to do my utmost to return with good news
MADELAINE: thank you so much
WALKER: are you ready to leave, emperor?
NOAH: sure. Do not cry, my queen
WALKER: take care of yourself, my queen
(Madelaine nods at them. They exit, determined, in search of their flower)
MADELAINE: I hope my flower is fine
EXT. CITY STREET - AFTERNOON
(After a day of fun, the friends walk together, heading towards their respective homes)
AURORA: well, that was fun. I didn''t know hanging out in the park would be so enjoyable
RILEY: you are missing a lot, bestie
DAPHNE: okay, guys, I am inviting you all to my party tomorrow
ANDREW: what''s happening tomorrow? You didn''t tell me anything
DAPHNE: it''s a girl thing. We are having...
ALL: (in chorus)... a sleepover
(The girls burst out laughing with joy, while the boys react with evident sadness to the news)
RILEY: why would you two want to be there? It''s a girl sleepover
AARON: chill, Riley, we just want to hang out
(They keep talking when Noah and Walker enter hurriedly, accidentally knocking Aurora down)
AURORA: oof
WALKER: we apologize for that, lady. Are you hurt?
(Aurora rises up from the ground, and brushes off her dress)
AURORA: no, I am fine. Thank you
NOAH: have a nice day
(They exit hurriedly, leaving the friends in total shock)
RILEY: was that...
AURORA: ... it''s the emperor! I didn''t realize it sooner
DAPHNE: awesome
ANDREW: alright, beautiful ladies, it''s time to go our separate ways
ALL: (in chorus) bye
(Everyone went their separate ways)
CUT TO:
INT. ANGELA''S HOUSE - SITTING ROOM - LATER
(Angela paces up and down, worried sick about her daughter. Aurora enters, giving Angela a hug)
ANGELA: what did I tell you about staying out late, huh?
AURORA: come on, mom, we can''t keep fighting about this everyday. I am an adult now and can take care of myself
ANGELA: you are my flower! I love you, and I''ll protect you from any harm
AURORA: there''s no harm, mom. Um.. I.. I.. you... I have something to ask you
ANGELA: what is it?
AURORA: my friend is having a sleepover at her house tomorrow, and I''m invited
ANGELA: you know the answer to that, Aurora
AURORA: what? You are not going to let me go? Mom, she is my friend
ANGELA: you can''t trust anyone, honey. I trusted your father, but he betrayed me
AURORA: I am having a hard time believing that, mom. I don''t know if I can trust you anymore. What are you trying to hide?
ANGELA: how can you say that, Aurora? I am your mother, and it''s my responsibility to protect you. I am trying to do my job, Aurora
AURORA: why are you so scared? What are you scared of? Why paint every man as dad? Why can''t I live my life the way I want?
(Angela gets exasperated by Aurora''s response, prompting her to speak without thinking)
ANGELA: because I own you! You are mine, and mine alone
(Aurora is shocked and confused at her mother''s weird behaviuor)
AURORA: mom, are you okay?
ANGELA: You are so ungrateful, Aurora. After everything I have done for you.
AURORA: the only thing you have done for me is to have control over my life. I live by your rules, and I am fed up
ANGELA: where is this coming from?
AURORA: from my heart, mom. This is the truth
ANGELA: you are not going to that sleepover, and it''s final
(Angela walks out angrily. The room darkens as Aurora contemplates her choices)
FADE OUT