Third period, Cleave Hills High School.
ELVIS: Here's my cap, put it on to cover your face, just in case... Mrs Morgan would be in the lab soon. Sit next to Peter, he's my lab partner. (Tensed up, outside their class)
Elvis teases his brother and pats him on the shoulder appreciatively as he puts the cap on. He returns to the class while Eric heads out to the laboratory.
"Hey Eric, here to assist your dummy of a brother?"
ERIC: Don't talk that way about Elvis.
"Can't you see he's just using you?"
"It's none of your business, Gustavo. Why do you have to be a busybody?"
GUSTAVO: Shut up Angie! (Turning around and flashing her a glare) I wasn't talking to you. And who are you to call me a busybody?"
ERIC: Leave her alone. (He pulls out an empty stool beside Peter and settles down)
GUSTAVO: You're unbelievable!
ERIC: Stay out of this, can you?
GUSTAVO: No. I can't. In fact... I'm gonna tell Mrs Morgan.
"Tell me what?" (A lady walks into the laboratory and everywhere goes silent)
All eyes fall on Gustavo and Eric, waiting to see if he'll snitch. She looks at all the students' faces, wondering what they could be hiding. Eric swallows, glancing at Gustavo pleadingly but still unsure if the boy would out him to their teacher or keep the cat in the bag. Gustavo looks at all the eyes on him expecting his response, especially Peter who initially had no hope of passing the practical but had his spirits lifted the moment Eric walked into the lab to replace his lab partner Elvis. He clears his throat...
GUSTAVO: I was gonna... uhm... tell you that Angie touched the test tubes despite your clear instructions that we shouldn't touch anything till you arrived.
ANGIE: Yeah... that's totally what happened, and I'm sorry, ma'am.
MRS MORGAN: Students can't just follow simple instructions! (She scoffs) Anyway... Good morning, let the test commence immediately. Five minutes is gone out of this period already. I believe y'all have observed the chemicals in front of you. Begin with the equations on the question sheets before proceeding to the chemicals. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid any hazard. I'm sorry, I'm in the middle of something. Be quiet, I'll be back shortly. (She leaves the laboratory)
ERIC: Thank you. (He looks at Gustavo, Gustavo replies with a nod)
Minutes later...
"Dude, what about the last question? Got any idea how to go about it?"
ERIC: It's not difficult, Peter. You know that water is h20, copper is Cu and sodium is...
"Hey, Eric! Please help me balance the equation for the third question, it's quite confusing"
ERIC: I'll get back to you in a sec, Melvin. (Answering the guy behind him)
Ten minutes go by...
ERIC: Could you pass me those gloves (He beckons on Peter and he passes them to him) Thank you. Hey! Careful, careful... you need to concentrate when mixing both chemicals to avoid...
PETER: Keep your voice down, bro. She's coming. (Whispering)
MRS MORGAN: Everyone should be rounding off by now, you've had more than enough time. (Glancing at her wristwatch)
Shortly after the practical. The twins meet up at the hallway by the laboratory.
ELVIS: How did it go?
ERIC: I'm sorry, man.
ELVIS: Sorry for what? What happened?
ERIC: She caught me. (Returning Elvis's cap to him) I'm sorry.
ELVIS: What?! Oh God! How did...
ERIC: You need to see the look on your face right now. (He bursts out laughing)
ELVIS: Tell me you were pulling my legs.
ERIC: Judging from your reaction, I think I might have dislocated those legs.
ELVIS: Fool! (He heaves then chuckles, holding his chest in relief) Don't do this again.
ERIC: You're right, I'm not doing THIS again. I almost got caught though.
After recess, Elena's class.
Zoey walks into the class with a frown and sits next to Elena.
ELENA: What's wrong? (Observing her mood)
ZOEY: Girlie, I just got some sad news.
ELENA: Did someone die?
ZOEY: What? No. Death isn't the only sad news.
ELENA: I know but it sure as hell can spoil your mood.
ZOEY: Well, no one's dead. But we won't be staying in CHHS anymore. We're being transferred back to CHMS, our actual school.