TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. THE CAMERA SHOWS A PANORAMA OF THE MORNING SKY THEN MOVES INTO AN APARTMENT.
INT. CARLOS' HOUSE.
Carlos is rushing out of bed and brushing his teeth. His room is very clean and fairly organized. At least two bookshelves can be seen. Carlos grabs an apple and leaves the apartment.
EXT. THE STREET
Nina is looking at her phone while walking towards a building.
Garry is on the other side of the street. Nina sees him but pretends she doesn't.
GARRY
(Waving)
*Garry is missing one finger in his right hand.
Hey, Nina. How ya doin'? Playing on that damn phone at this time in the morning? Have you no shame?
*Nina rolls her eyes.
NINA
(Whispering to herself)
What did I do to deserve this?
*From afar you can see Carlos running towards the camera. No one notices.
GARRY
So, Nina. How did it go with your parents the other day? Did they approve your new boyfriend? Everything ready for the marriage?
NINA (Starting to get irritated)
How many times do I need to tell you? I don't want to get married… like, ever.
*Carlos is getting closer, and still no one notices him.
GARRY
(Pretending to believe) Right, right…
Anyway, I was wondering, would you like to go for a cup of coffee or something? You can bring your man if you want, I don't mind.
NINA
Garry...
As she was about to finish the sentence, they both see Dan, and stop midway walking.
GARRY AND NINA
(Awkwardly)
Good morning, Dan.
DAN
(Serious) Good morning, you two. I see you are having another one of your meaningless chit-chats. I also see it's time to start working, so why don't we all just head inside?
GARRY AND NINA (Obeying)
Okay, Dan.
*As they were about to enter the building, Carlos, who did not manage to stop his running cycle, slams into Dan, spilling his coffee.
*Garry and Nina have a nervous look.
CARLOS
Oh, hey, Dan. Didn't see you there… wow, drinking cappuccino today? what a change!
CAMERA ZOOMS INTO CARLOS FACE AND HE LOOKS AT IT AWKWARDLY
ACT ONE
INT. OFFICE - EVERYONE LOOKS TIRED
IAN
(Excited)
Good morning! Everyone ready for the new project?
*Everyone looks at him, then goes back to what they were doing.
IAN
C'mon… You guys know this is very important. We just signed this contract and we need to make it work; so put a smile in those faces and let's work. Say it with me: Yes, we are ready!
EVERYONE
(Indifferently)
Yes, we are ready..
IAN
I think you guys can do better than that… where's that pretty smile, huh?
EVERYONE
(Pretending to be excited)
Yes, we are ready!
IAN
Now that's, better.
Carlos, Dan, please come into my office, I need to talk to you two.
*Carlos looks at Dan and then at Nina as if saying, "help me".
*Nina shrugs her shoulders.
NINA
(Whispering)
Good luck, champ.
BERTA
(While cleaning next to Nina)
Nina, you're looking kind of tired there. Didn't sleep well?
NINA
Not really. I went to sleep very late.
BERTA
Why is that?
NINA
Well, there was this event going on in this game I play, and I had to finish it up before it ended.
NANCY
(Looking confused)
So, you stayed up late...to play a game? You are an adult women, should you really be spending your time with those?
NINA
What does me being an adult woman have anything to do with that?
NANCY
I don't know… aren't games meant for children… or men who act like children?
NINA
No…! Games are for everyone…
(Saying proudly) They unite us all.
NANCY
Yeah… whatever you say, sister. I just think there are better things for a woman to do.
NINA
(Starting to get mad)
Please, it's 2020 and you still have that mentality? You know what? As you said, I am an adult woman… I can do whatever I want… I can work, vote, play my games, heck… I can even post my naked pictures on the internet if I feel like it!!!
*Garry looks at Nina with a surprised face.
GARRY
You have naked pictures? Can I have 10 copies, please?
NINA
No!!!
Ugh… I'll just get back to work.
GARRY
(Whispering to himself) 'No' to which of my questions?
*From within Ian's office you can hear a scream: "Nooooooo!!!!!!"
*Everyone looks confused.
INT. IAN'S OFFICE. (10 minutes ago)
*There are some action figures from older cartoons on his desk. There is one messy bookshelf and a couple of family pictures on the walls.
IAN
Please, have a seat.
(He waits for them to sit down)
This new contract is very important; if we make it work, and we have to, we can get a lot of money… I will finally be able to buy my daughters the doll house they want so much. Those things are surprisingly expensive, even though they are made out of plastic, by slave children in China…
(trying to remember) Where was I? Oh, yeah, the contract.
*Carlos and Dan just awkwardly nod to what Ian is saying.
IAN (CONT'D)
As you know, we need to start this new project. The representative of the company just called me… they need the meeting to happen tomorrow. It has to be tomorrow, because after that, they will be going on a business trip and have to stay there for a while.
CARLOS
All Right, no problem. Dan is our analyst, he can go there tomorrow and interview them and gather all the information needed - (Looks at Dan and tries to smile) right, Dan?
*Dan just has an unimpressed face.
IAN
Yeah, that is the thing. Dan has some pretty important affairs scheduled for tomorrow. He told me about them two weeks ago and he can't really cancel them now.
CARLOS
Then how are we doing this? Dan is our only Analyst…
*Ian is looking straight at Carlos while smiling.
*Carlos slowly realizes what is happening.
CARLOS
Oh, no, no, no…
IAN
Yeah… as our most experienced programmer you're going to have to handle the interview.
CARLOS
(Baffled) Wha... yo… no…
Wait… most experienced programmer? I'm the only one here… you said you were going to hire interns, but never did!
Anyway, getting side-tracked here… I can't do that. You know I hat… strongly dislike talking to strangers.
IAN
Yes, I know of your situation, but I've made my decision already. It's scheduled. You are doing it.
*an winks at Carlos.
*Carlos tries to say something but it is interrupted by Ian.
IAN
Since you never held an Interview, Dan here will teach you everything you need to know and what to ask the Client.
I've postponed your duties, so you can have a private class with Dan for the rest of the day.
*Carlos looks at Dan, who looks back at him with a serious face.
CARLOS
Noooooooooooooooooooooo!!!
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE - CARLOS' DESK
*Everyone is gathered around Carlos' desk.
CARLOS
And that's what happened.
SMALL BREAK.
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE - CARLOS' DESK
NINA
So, you're going to have a private class with Dan?
CARLOS
Yeah…
NINA
(Confused)
Why did they even choose you? Everyone knows you suck at talking to people… (Apologetic) no offense.
CARLOS
None taken.
NINA
I don't mean to be rude, but I think other people here in the office would be a much better fit for this opportunity.
NANCY
Everyone knows you are jealous that Carlos got to do something (hand-quoting) important.
NINA
I'm not jealous, I just think I could do a better job… Again, no offence.
CARLOS
Still, none taken.
I hate this just as much as you. But apparently, since I am the programmer, I should be the one doing the interview, as I will be the one developing the whole damn thing (looking tired).
Also… Ian wants me to be more lively towards other people… (Baffled) can you believe this guy?
GARRY
Doesn't matter now who is the most fit for the job… Ian chose Carlos, nothing we can do about it.
(Sarcastically) But… I just want to say, good luck in your class. Dan is so funny you will barely be able to pay attention to the lesson.
CARLOS
(Too tired to come up with a clever answer)
…
This is going to be a painfully long day.
NINA
Don't worry. It is going to be fine. Dan is a very professional man. Just take his class seriously and you got nothing to worry about.
CARLOS
I doubt it.
NINA
Don't be so pessimistic. You just spilled some coffee on him.
CARLOS
Yeah, about that… it was a little bit more than just coffee.
FLASHBACK TO SOMETIME BEFORE - SAME DAY.
*Carlos is walking while not paying attention to his surroundings, and hits Dan's desk and spills his water.
Carlos freezes and looks at Dan with a 'stupid' face.
CARLOS
Oops.
*Dan looks angrily at Carlos.
BACK TO PRESENT.
NINA
(A little less confident)
Okay… so you spilled some water as well… I still think you are fine.
CARLOS
Yeah…
FLASHBACK AGAIN.
*Carlos, running to the bathroom.
CARLOS
Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go…
*Carlos bumps into Dan and he drops all the files he was holding.
PRESENT
NINA
(Losing all hope)
...
At least you didn't spill any liquid this time…
CARLOS
About that...
CONT'D FROM PREVIOUS FLASHBACK.
*Some sort of ink drops from the shelf next to where they were standing right onto Dan's files.
*Carlos puts on a 'terrified smile'
PRESENT
NINA
C'mon man!!!
CARLOS
I know… Not my luckiest day.
(Sigh)
Dan is going to eat me alive. He has no sense of compassion, no sense of humor and I think he just loves to torture others. What a terrifying man.
*Nina and Garry look scared.
DAN
(Showing up from behind Carlos)
Shall we begin?
CARLOS
Oh, hi, Dan. Didn't see you there.
(Laughs awkwardly)
CAMERA ZOOMS INTO DAn'S SERIOUS LOOK
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
EXT. A CHEAP-LOOKING RESTAURANT
*Carlos, Nina and Garry are having lunch.
GARRY
So… are you in a teacher-student (hand-quoting) relationship with Dan already?
NINA
Shut up, Garry!
(Looks at Carlos) How did it go?
CARLOS
Terribly.
Dan had no mercy. He talked for two hours straight, no interruptions, and expected me to write down notes. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, he gave me a notebook.
*Carlos shows the notebook to them. The cover reads: IT for dummies.
CARLOS (CONT'D)
Apparently there will be a test this afternoon. According to him, if I don't pass: "There will be consequences".
I don't even wanna know what that means.
GARRY
Ha! You're screwed.
NINA
Want me to help you out?
CARLOS
How could you? I was not able to take a single note. It was like trying to measure Roadrunner's speed with an ACME device… it was just impossible.
NINA
I don't need your notes… and frankly I don't think they'd be of much help anyway.
CARLOS
Hey!
NINA (CONT'D)
(Ignoring Carlos)
I have been studying a lot. I want to become an Analyst in the future. So yeah… I can help you with this test.
CARLOS
Wow, that's very helpful.
NINA
Dan has got nothing on me.
CUT:
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM.
*Carlos shows Nina the test.
NINA
Okay, so Dan has got something for me…!
FADE IN:
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM.
CARLOS
Are you seriously saying that you don't know the answers?
NINA
I'm sorry. These are way harder than I expected. Dan is surely furious at you.
CARLOS
Thanks, Sherlock. I hadn't noticed that.
NINA
Hey, I'm trying to help.
CARLOS
I can see and I appreciate that. But Dan beat us both.
NINA
Not yet.
CARLOS
What do you mean? You just said you don't know the answers.
NINA
I never said that…! I just…. uh, don't remember them right now. You said you have one and a half hours to finish the test. Give me one hour and I will bring you the answers.
CARLOS
Wow… okay, thanks.
Why are you even helping me, though? I thought you were jealous
NINA
(Interrupting Carlos)
Not jealous…
CARLOS (CONT'D)
Okay… you thought someone else would be better at this. So why? I expected you wanted me to fail.
NINA
I admit it… I don't think you are the most fit for this job. But, we are colleagues, and more importantly, friends. I won't let you fail. Also, this is good practice for me. (Smiles proudly).
CARLOS
Thank you very much, Nina.
NINA
No probs.
1 HOUR LATER.
*Carlos looks at Nina and shrugs his shoulders as if to ask, are you gonna take much longer?
*Nina mimics as if to say 'just a bit longer'.
Carlos looks preoccupied.
Dan almost sees Carlos and Nina's interaction, but Carlos plays it off.
20 MINUTES LATER.
INT. NINA'S DESK.
*Nina stands up in a hurry with some papers on her hand and heads towards the Conference Room.
*Carlos is walking out of there.
NINA
(in an angry tone)
What are you doing? I just finished the test and was bringing the answers to you… there are still 10 minutes left.
CARLOS
Yeah. Dan was starting to get impatient and suspicious. So I just answered the questions.
NINA
How? You didn't know a single one.
CARLOS
Well, I used my Skills.
FLASHBACK:
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
*Camera zooms into Carlos' pen, which reads "Skills".
*Carlos blindly chooses the answers.
PRESENT
NINA
So you just made wild guesses?
CARLOS
You can say that.
NINA
I don't believe this. I spent all this time, and…
CARLOS
(Interrupts Nina)
I know, I know… I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you.
NINA
Last time you said that, you gave me a lecture on why putting sugar in coffee is objectively wrong. I'm fine, thanks.
CARLOS
And I still think you got a great deal that day.
But, that's not it. I'll… hmm… yeah, I'll get you those new costumes you wanted for that game you play.
NINA
(In a sassy tone) Uh, they are called skins.
And please, those are super expensive.
CARLOS
C'mon, you are always helping me. It's no biggie.
And they can't be thaaaat expensive, they are just some game clothes.
NINA
They are [censored] dollars.
CARLOS
whaaaaaaat!?
Okay, so I'll just get you lunch the next time.
NINA
(Sighs, but then smiles)
Okay.
BREAK.
INT. CARLOS' DESK
*Dan shows up and slams the test onto the Desk.
DAN
Explain this to me!
CARLOS
Uh… it's my test(?)
DAN
(Sighs)
I know it is your test. Explain this score.
CARLOS
Uuuh… I guess it was the pressure. This kind of job is so important and I never did something like this. I was just very nervous.
DAN
Are you mocking me, Carlos? Are you telling me that you got a perfect score due to nervousness and pressure?
CARLOS
Yeah, I'm sorry, I just didn't know the an… wait, what did you just say? Perfect score?
DAN
Yes, that is exactly what I said.
I don't know what you did and I believe you got all the answers correct because of luck or you cheated. But, I have no way of proving that. So, congratulations, you may continue with the job.
*Dan extends his hand to shake Carlos' hand.
*Carlos looks confused, but accepts the hand-shake.
*After this, Dan cleans his hands with Purell.
DAN
(Looks back)
But if I ever find out you cheated…
(Continues walking)
CARLOS
Dan, wait… what will you do if you find out? Dan… Dan…!
*Dan continues walking and leaves the room.
ACT TWO
INT. AN UNKNOWN MEETING ROOM.
*Carlos is looking at his phone.
CARLOS (TEXT)
They will be here in minutes. What do I do!? (Screaming in Fear emoji).
NINA (TEXT)
It's going to be fine. Remember what we rehearsed. And, act confidently.
...
Try to fool them. Good luck.
CARLOS (TEXT)
Thanks.
The door opens and three Asian-looking businessmen enter.
CARLOS
Hello, gentlemen.
My name is Carlos and I will be holding the interview in place of Dan.
BUSINESSMAN A
We know.
BUSINESSMAN B
...
BUSINESSMAN C
Shall we begin?
CARLOS
(Confused) Y...yeah.
BUSINESSMAN A
We designed a small presentation of what we want for this project.
*Businessman B turns-off the lights and turns-on a projector.
*The corner of the presentation shows 1/127 pages.
Carlos is thinking to himself while time passes.
CARLOS
(Thinking)
Oh, boy. This is going to be boring, but I think I can follow.
*Time passes.
CARLOS
(Thinking)
Ok, so far so good.
I'm actually not so bad at this, and considering how much they talked they must be more than halfway through.
*Presentation shows 10/127 pages.
CARLOS
(Thinking)
S***.
*Time passes.
CARLOS
(Thinking)
Oh, no… I think I'm not understanding this anymore.
Time passes.
Carlos was almost sleeping but suddenly wakes up when one of the businessmen asks him a question.
CARLOS
(Surprised) Uhh… yeah, sure.
BUSINESSMAN C
Good.
*A long time after.
BUSINESSMAN B
And that will be it.
CARLOS
(Looking confused and desperate)
Yeah, I guess so…
What a great presentation.
BUSINESSMAN A
I know that. We made it.
CARLOS
(Nodding)
You sure did.
BUSINESSMAN C
Any questions?
CARLOS
Oh, I have many questions.
First, how long did it take to write this incredibly enormous presentation?
BUSINESSMAN A
(Not looking very happy)
That is a very stupid question.
CARLOS
(Apologetic)
Just a joke to lighten up the mood, I'm sorry.
BUSINESSMAN A
Be more careful next time.
But it took one hour.
CARLOS
(Screaming)
One hour!?
(Realized he should not have screamed) I-I'm so sorry about that.
You guys sure work hard.
BUSINESSMAN A
Any questions regarding the project?
CARLOS
Ah… yes, yes.
Uuuuuh… where shall we begin?
*The three of them look unhappy to hear this question.
*Carlos is confused.
CARLOS
Something wrong?
BUSINESSMAN B
We explained many times during the presentation every step we want to take.
CARLOS
(Sweating)
(Nervous) Yeah, yeah, yeah…
(Thinking of how to say what he wants to)
The thing is… the presentation was…
BUSINESSMAN A
Thorough?
BUSINESSMAN B
Well-detailed?
BUSINESSMAN C
Perfectly written?
CARLOS
(Says it very fast, because otherwise he would not have had the courage)
Long.
*The three look confused then unhappy.
CARLOS
Do you have a shorter, summarized version?
BUSINESSMAN C
That was the short version.
That over there is the complete version.
*Camera zooms into a huge binder.
CARLOS
Oh boy.
BUSINESSMAN A
So you did not pay attention?
CARLOS
(Trying to get it together)
No, no, no… that's not it.
What I mean is, it would be much easier to work with a shorter presentation. Also, I'm the one who should be interviewing you guys.
BUSINESSMAN C
What did you just say?
We have decades of business experience and a youngster like you thinks he can tell us how to do an interview?
CARLOS
No… you're taking my words out of context there.
BUSINESSMAN C
Oh, so you are just calling me a liar?
CAMERA ZOOMS INTO CARLOS' FACE.
CARLOS
(Sighs)
CAMERA MOVES OUTSIDE THE BUILDING, SHOWING A PANORAMA OF THE BUILDING AND THE STREET.
INT. OFFICE - NINA'S DESK
*Nina is playing a game on her phone.
*Garry rolls his chair until he is next to Nina's desk.
GARRY
(Whispering) Hey, Nina.
Nina just ignores him.
GARRY
(Coughs)
(Speaking louder) Hey, Nina!
NINA
(Answers without looking at Garry)
What do you want this time, Garry?
GARRY
(Excited)
I want to make a bet with you.
Nina puts her phone down.
NINA
A bet? What are you talking about?
GARRY
Come on, Nina. A bet is when two or more people put something at risk based on the outcome of..
NINA
(Interrupting Garry)
I know what a bet is, Garry.
GARRY
Then what are you confused about?
NINA
I want to know what kind of bet…
You know what, forget it. I don't care. I won't accept it anyway.
GARRY
Don't be like that. You're gonna love it.
NINA
And what makes you think that?
GARRY
I don't know… let's just say that, if you win I can stop annoying you for a while.
Nina looks at him starting to get interested.
GARRY
Aha! I know that look. You are interested.
NINA
Maybe…
For how long would you stop?
GARRY
I don't know, how about a week?
NINA
(Right as he stopped talking)
A month!!!
GARRY
Wow, Nina… that really hurts my feelings.
*Nina shrugs her shoulders.
GARRY
But that's fine.
If you win, I will not annoy you for a whole month.
*Nina smiles.
GARRY (CONT'D)
But if I win, you're gonna have to go out with me…
NINA
What…?!
GARRY (CONT'D)
I haven't finished it yet.
Aaaand, you're going to have to wear whatever I choose.
NINA
That is preposterous.
Why would I agree to that?
GARRY
The stakes are very high. And I know how displeased you'd be if you had to go out with me (whispering in a jokey yet real tone) and that makes me so so sad.
Okay… let me make this more interesting. If you win, I will not talk to you, unless required by our work situation, for the rest of the year.
*Nina can't hide how interested she feels.
NINA
Why would you bet that?
You'd hate it.
GARRY
(Trying to sound fancy)
Indeed, my dear. If, and let me make that clear, IF, I lost, I would feel very sad. HOWEVER, I won't lose.
NINA
Why? What's the content of the bet?
GARRY
Oh, it's quite simple.
You have to stay an entire day without playing or even looking at a single game, especially that one on your phone. The 'Knights of Rock' or something.
Simple right?
NINA
It's called 'Warriors of Bright Stone'.
And, that's stupid.
It's so easy for me to win.
GARRY
Is it, though?
I want the bet to be today!
NINA
Today? It's already 10:30 AM. Wouldn't you want an 'entire' day?
GARRY
No, no. I want it today.
NINA
Well, I don't think we can do it today.
GARRY
And why is that, my dear?
NINA
First of all, stop calling me dear.
GARRY
(Silently)
Okay.
NINA (CONT'D)
Second of all. I can't today. We are in the middle of an in-game event that ends today.
GARRY
Oh yes, I know about the event.
NINA
(Genuinely confused)
How?
GARRY
Oh Nina. You are not the only smart person in this office. I have my way of gathering information.
NINA
(Rolling her eyes) Whatever…
I have to play the event.
GARRY
Nah… you don't have to, you just want to play it.
Think about it, Nina. This is an amazing opportunity. You have been asking me to stop annoying you since you started working here, and I'm giving you the chance, right here, right now, on a golden platter, and you are just gonna brush it off? You said it yourself, it's an easy win for you.
*Nina ponders for a while.
NINA
Fine!!
I agree to it.
I won't play any game for the rest of the day.
GARRY
Now that's my girl.
*Nina ignores the last comment and shows Garry that she is putting her phone inside her drawer.
CAMERA ZOOMS INTO GARRY'S FACE AND HE HAS AN EVIL GRIN.
INT. MEETING ROOM
CARLOS
Okay, now that we've corrected the misunderstanding, let's resume the interview.
*The three businessmen nod in approval.
CARLOS
Hmmmm, okay.
If you had to summarize this project in one sentence, what would say?
BUSINESSMAN A
One sentence? Now you're just asking the impossible.
CARLOS
Two sentences?
*Businessman A is not very pleased.
*About 10 minutes later.
CARLOS
(Raises his hands)
Halleluja.
*The three businessmen also raise their hands.
CARLOS
Okay, okay.
I have an idea of how to start this now.
*Montage of Carlos asking a bunch of questions to the Businessman.
CARLOS
I have drawn a small chart, showing a prototype version of the software you desire.
But before I show it to you, can I visit the bathroom?
BUSINESSMAN A
Yes, of course.
You can use my personal restroom. It's right here in my office, let me show you.
CARLOS
Thanks, man.
INT. BUSINESSMAN'S RESTROOM
CARLOS
Damn this is fancy.
Look at that, there is a small fountain in here. Holy balls, there's even a statue. Man, that is one ugly statue, though.
*Carlos starts 'playing' with the statue.
*Carlos drops the statue and it breaks.
*The pieces scattered all around the bathroom.
BUSINESSMAN A
Everything okay in there?
CARLOS
Uhhh… yeah. Everything is superb. Thanks for asking.
CARLOS
(Freaking out)
Oh no, oh no, oh no.
What do I do? I broke the statue…
Calm down, Carlos, it's probably not that expensense…
*Hey, you're still outside?
BUSINESSMAN A
Yes.
CARLOS
I love this statue. How much was it?
BUSINESSMAN A
Fifty thousand dollars!
That is the only one in the world.
CARLOS
(freaking out)
Oh, no. I'm done for.
INT. OFFICE - GARRY'S DESK
GARRY
(Looking at Nina's desk)
How are you hanging in there, Nina?
Wanna give up already?
NINA
(Seemingly nervous)
I'm fine… I could do this for days.
(Forced laughter)
GARRY
(Pretending to believe)Sure, sure.
You know, if you give up now, I promise I will be very gentle in our meal together.
NINA
I will never give up!!!
NANCY
(While shaping her nails)
What are you guys talking about?
NINA
Garry proposed this stupid bet and I agreed to it.
NANCY
A bet? That sounds interesting.
What's the content?
GARRY
Nina has to stay the entire day without playing any game.
NANCY
Ha… so an easy win for our Finger Boy, here.
Why would you even accept that, Nina? Everybody knows you're more addicted to games than Carlos is to coffee.
NINA
I can control myself, alright?
It's no problem.
NANCY
(Pretending to believe)
Whatever..,
NINA
(Determined)
You'll see!
GARRY
(Talking to himself)
Yes, we will, Nina.
INT. BUSINESSMAN A OFFICE.
*Carlos is leaving the bathroom with a concerned look.
BUSINESSMAN A
Did something happen in there?
CARLOS
Uuuh, nothing much.
You know, the old Lactose Intolerance.
Diarrhea, and stuff… nothing much.
*Businessman A looks disgusted.
CARLOS
Shall we go back?
Carlos starts to walk back to the meeting room, but Businessman A wants to check out what happened inside the bathroom.
CARLOS
No, no, no…. you don't want to enter that now.
It smells like death inside.
*Businessman A ignores the comments and still goes inside.
*Carlos tries to stop him one last time, but fails.
BUSINESSMAN A
What is the meaning of this?!?!
CARLOS
Uh, I can explain…
BUSINESSMAN A
Then try.
CARLOS
You see, I was trying to make an analogy.
*Businessman A doesn't seem convinced.
CARLOS
When you told me the statue was worth that much, I thought to myself: This is like our current project.
It's worth a lot of money, but it shouldn't be done in a single action, but divided into multiple parts of the same value.
BUSINESSMAN A
I've heard enough. Get out of my Office. Get out of my Company.
CARLOS
No, wait, wait, wait.
It makes sense. Every part doesn't work on their own, but when put together it works.
One image is better than a thousand words, right?
BUSINESSMAN A
OUT!!!
CARLOS
'kay.
FADE IN:
EXT. UNDER A BRIDGE.
*Carlos is setting up a tent under the bridge and putting some personal objects inside.
*Nina and Garry are getting close.
NINA
(Out of breath)
I came here as soon as I saw your message.
What happened?
CARLOS
I screwed up everything.
Uuuh… why is Garry here too?
NINA
We made a bet and he is following me so I don't break it… doesn't matter.
*Garry nods at him.
CARLOS
Okay… Whatever…
(Sad tone) I was finally getting their trust and then, Bam, I ruined everything.
NINA
What? How?
CARLOS
I broke a stupid statue.
NINA
A statue?
CARLOS
Yeah… and it was pretty ugly too. It was half bird, half human, it had this BIIIIIIG nose and… ug, just thinking about it makes me squeamish.
NINA
Oh, it's the "Humanum avis est magnum nasum"... I've heard there's only one of it in the world.
CARLOS
Yeah, I know that now.
NINA
Okay, you broke it… that sucks. But why are you here?
CARLOS
I'm decorating my new house.
NINA
Don't be silly.
CARLOS
Silly?
Don't you get it, Nina?
Ian said we needed this project. The company depended on it and I screwed it up.
I'm jobless now, Nina.
I'll have to survive the way I can.
I stole my cousin's camping tent, I got some of my most precious items and here I am.
NINA
Don't be stupid…
Wait, precious items?
There is a playboy from 15 years ago in there.
CARLOS
I know. It's my very first playboy and it's quite rare actually.
GARRY
Yeah, Nina. Priorities.
NINA
Shut up, Garry.
C'mon, Carlos.
Let's go back. I'm sure Ian will understand. It wasn't intentional.
CARLOS
I think you are a bit too positive.
NINA
It's true.
You are our only programmer and you are pretty damn good at it.
Ian is not gonna fire you like that.
CARLOS
(Reluctant) Okay…
SUDDEN CUT
INT. OFFICE.
IAN
(Speaking to Carlos)
You're fired.
*Carlos looks at Nina, as if saying (in a sarcastic tone) "Thank you".
ACT THREE
INT. CARLOS' DESK
Carlos is packing up his stuff.
NINA
I'm sorry, Carlos.
I didn't think he was going to fire you like that.
CARLOS
Don't apologize, Nina. It's not your fault.
I screwed everything up.
NINA
It'll be so lonely here without you.
CARLOS
I'll miss you.
But you can always visit me… I'll be under the usual bridge.
NINA
Carlos!!! You will find another job really fast…
CARLOS
Maybe… but not in IT… I've sent so many resumés and nothing… all I got were negative replies.
Maybe I should change areas.
NINA
Oh Carlos. Why are you so negative?
You just made a mistake and it wasn't even in your area of expertise.
CARLOS
Save your saliva, Nina.
NINA
I'm just trying to help.
CARLOS
I know…
Thanks.
*Garry approaches them.
*Hugs Carlos from the side.
GARRY
(Trying not to cry)
I will miss you so much, my friend.
CARLOS
Dude… I barely talked to you.
GARRY
You were the only one who never made fun of me or told me to shut up.
CARLOS
Again, dude… I almost never talked to you.
GARRY
Such a humble man… You will be missed.
*Garry leaves the scene while finally giving in and crying.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. NINA'S DESK.
*Nina is looking around to see if anyone is observing her.
*Nina grabs her phone and runs to the bathroom.
INT. WOMEN'S BATHROOM
NINA
(Whispering to herself)
Finally I can play.
This day has been crazy so far.
I need to relieve some stress; and there is no way he'll find me here.
GARRY
(From an unseen speaker)
Oh… is that what you really think, Nina?
NINA
(Scared)
What?!
Where are you?
How are you in the women's bathroom?
GARRY
Oh, it was pretty easy this time.
They used to have more security in here.
My original camera took weeks to install.
NINA
What? That's against the law, Garry.
GARRY
Oh, Nina.
That's the least of your worries now.
You just lost the bet, baby.
NINA
(Shaking her head in denial)
No… I just looked at it.
I could barely do anything.
GARRY
You know the rules, Nina.
You couldn't even look at games for the rest of the day.
You lost, baby girl.
Now you'll have to go out with me… wearing whatever I want.
NINA
Oh no!
GARRY
Oh yes!!!
SOME TIME LATER
EXT. A FAST FOOD DRIVE-THROUGH
*Nina is inside her car and ready to get her order from the Drive-Through.
UNKNOWN VOICE
Here is your order.
One large Coke and a medium portion of chicken nuggets.
NINA
Thank you.
Nina sees who is working at the drive-through.
NINA
Carlos?
What are you doing here?
CARLOS
What does it look like?
I'm working.
More importantly… you have a car? Also, drinking coke and eating chicken nuggets? You only eat those when you are super upset.
NINA
I have a car… I just don't really like driving it… but when I'm stressed it helps me to think about something else.
CARLOS
Ah… I see.
So, what happened?
*The car behind Nina's is honking.
CARLOS
Calm down, man.
NINA
So… I lost the bet to Garry.
CARLOS
Really? How?
NINA
Long story.
*The car behind Nina's is honking again.
NINA
I'll be right out, calm down.
So… fast-food business now?
CARLOS
Yeah… fast-food.
All IT companies did not want to take me in.
You know, we should thank the fast food system. They are the ones leading our country forward. They move the economy.
NINA
Did they ask you to say that?
CARLOS
Yeah...
*The car honks again.
CARLOS AND NINA
Shut up!!!
ONE WEEK LATER.
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE - THE ENTRANCE HALL OF THE OFFICE.
GARRY
So, Nina.
Today's finally the day.
NINA
Do you have to keep reminding me about that?
GARRY
I don't have to.
I just want to.
*Carlos enters the room and Garry was going to continue making more comments.
*Nina stands up and goes to him.
NINA
Carlos.
What are doing here?
CARLOS
Hello to you too, Nina.
Nina rolls her eyes.
CARLOS
I'm here to sign the rest of the papers.
I also left some stuff, I'll get them too.
NINA
Oh… I see.
CARLOS
I'm glad to see you guys again, though.
Seeing you here, in the office, is kind of nostalgic.
NANCY
You've only been away for a week, man.
CARLOS
Hello, Nancy. Didn't see you there.
NANCY
Nothing new to me.
CARLOS
I see nothing has changed.
IAN
Oh Carlos, you finally arrived.
Please, step into my office.
CARLOS
Nice talking to you guys. But now I have to...
IAN
(Interrupting Carlos)
Hurry up, please.
NINA
You don't need to be rude, Ian.
CARLOS
Don't worry.
I'm going.
*Carlos leaves the group and enters Ian's office.
INT. IAN'S OFFICE.
The three Asian businessmen are inside.
Carlos sees them and looks confused at Ian.
IAN
Carlos, they have something to tell you.
BUSINESSMAN A
Hello, Carlos.
After you left.
CARLOS
Actually you kicked me out, but go on.
BUSINESSMAN A
As I was saying… after you left, I couldn't stop thinking of what you said.
I went back and looked at your notes and your chart and related that to your speech about building every piece on its own to then put them together and have it all finished.
It makes sense.
Also, that statue was pretty ugly… I only bought it because my wife insisted. That's why I hid it in the restroom.
*Carlos couldn't hold a giggle after the last comment.
CARLOS
Uh… so what does that mean?
IAN
It means that they loved it and we're doing the project.
CARLOS
Wow… that is awesome.
IAN
Yes, Carlos. It is.
And I owe you an apology.
I shouldn't have fired you like that. Even if this project was very, very, very, very, very
CARLOS
We get it.
IAN (CONT'D)
very important to us.
I was very stressed out at the time and the news that the project had failed was just too much.
I'm really sorry.
CARLOS
It happens, man.
I'm sorry too… I should've been more careful while doing my job.
IAN
Yeah, you should've.
But you will have plenty of opportunities to learn how to do it now.
CARLOS
What do you mean?
IAN
Well… if you are still interested, I'd like to hire you back.
Also, I'd like for you to keep on taking lessons with Dan. You can become an excellent analyst, Carlos.
CARLOS
(Desperate)
Yes, please… I'd love for you to take me back… Fast-food sucks.
You are always smelling like grease, everyone is so rude and one time I slipped on spilled oil and I saw a dead rat under the fridge.
IAN
So you're in, then?
CARLOS
Heck yeah.
About the lessons with Dan… I'm not sure about that.
IAN
I'll give you a raise.
CARLOS
It's so good to be back… I love you all.
Carlos hugs Ian.
THE THREE BUSINESSMEN
Awwww!
*The three think the situation is cute and then they also join in the hug between Ian and Carlos.
INT. OFFICE - OUTSIDE IAN'S OFFICE.
*Carlos leaves the office with his arms up.
CARLOS
I'm back bitches!!!
*Everyone celebrates.
LUNCH TIME.
INT. OFFICE - HALLWAY LEADING TO THE BATHROOM.
*Garry, Nina and Carlos are waiting outside the female bathroom.
*Garry is wearing an overcoat.
GARRY
Okay, Nina, the clothes I want you to wear are inside the female bathroom.
NINA
Again, how did you get in there?
GARRY
Just details…
Please, remember our bet.
NINA
Fine!!!
CARLOS
So, what are you making her wear?
GARRY
Wait and see.
NINA
(Coming out of the bathroom, wearing a costume)
Wait… that's…
*Carlos' eyes open wide - he is genuinely surprised.
GARRY
Yes… that's Maven Lightheart's costume, from Warriors of Bright Stone.
NINA
How do you know her?
GARRY
I know her, because I'm the number one fan of WoBS.
That's how I knew of the event.
There were only ten minutes left in the event and I knew you were going to try to finish in its final minutes.
I didn't need to worry about the event because I always finish them day 1. And I usually get first place.
NINA
Wait… you're 'Mellekat'?
GARRY
Indeed.
NINA
(lost for words)
GARRY
Shall we get going?
*Garry removes his overcoat.
*He is also wearing a costume.
GARRY (CONT'D)
Because today you will be feasting with Sir Lance de Brois. The first of the Dragonslayers.
NINA
Oh no…
*Garry offers his arm and Nina, reluctantly, grabs it.
GARRY
(As they are leaving the office, getting out of character)
I'm so excited… I've always wanted to talk to someone about this game.
*Carlos laughs lightly.
FADE OUT:
END OF EPISODE