(In Balacar)
(At Morena's house)
Morena: Dinner's ready!!!
Miguel: (sighs) Finally.
Morena: Help me set the tables, Miguel.
Miguel: Okay.
(Morena's brother, Miguel arranges the table for dinner then Morena serves the food)
Miguel: Wow! Chilli, My favorite!
Mr Castillo: (takes a scoop) Mmm...Really tasty. Morena, You're a really great cook.
Morena: Yeah, Mom taught me well....Before she died (she touches neck, As she wears her mother's necklace on her neck) I really miss mom. (she breaks into tears)
Miguel: (sadly) Me too.
Mr Castillo: It's okay, Crying wouldn't bring her back.
Morena: I wish she were still alive.
Mr Castillo: I wish so too, But there's nothing we can do, We just have to move on.
Miguel: Promise us you wouldn't leave us like she did.
Mr Castillo: I promise.
Morena & Miguel: I love you, Dad.
Mr Castillo: I love you too honey.
(Morena finishes eating)
Morena: Thank you Dad.
Mr Castillo: You're welcome honey (To Miguel) You should finish up quickly so you can go to bed early for school tomorrow.
Miguel: Okay Dad.
(Next Day)
Morena: Good morning Dad.
Mr Castillo: Morning sweetheart, How was your night?
Morena: It was okay. I need to go wake Miguel up so he won't be late for school.
(At Balacar Middle School)
Akeela: Hi Miguel.
Miguel: Hey Akeela, You look even more beautiful today.
Akeela: (blushes) Oh stop....
Miguel: Well alright.
Akeela: No, I was just joking and....Never mind.
Miguel: Well, We should get to class.
Akeela: Okay.
(In class)
Mrs Ninel: Good morning class, Today we be talking about "The Cell", As you all can remember, I gave an assignment last Friday on Cells and I expect you all to have studied the topic over the weekends, So... (Points to Caruso) What is a cell?
(Caruso stands up)
Caruso: Ummm....Ma, I couldn't read the topic over the weekends because I was so busy with....
Mrs Ninel: Ugh, You always have excuses to give. Miguel, Could you please help him out?
Miguel: Okay ma.
(Caruso eyes Miguel scornfully as he stands up)
Miguel: Cell is a basic or fundamental, structural and functional unit of life, It is the smallest unit that displays the characteristics of living things, that is, Reproduction, Metabolism, Response to stimuli and so on.
Mrs Ninel: Very good Miguel. That was brilliant, Take your seat. (To Caruso) Maybe you should learn from Miguel and try to make time to study more.
Caruso: Yes Mrs Ninel.
Mrs Ninel: (To Miguel) I want to see you in my office after class.
Miguel: Okay Mrs Ninel.
Mrs Ninel: So class, Today we'll be talking about "The Cell"...
(After class)
(Miguel goes to his locker, Caruso approaches him)
Caruso: Hey Guttersnipe.
Miguel: (sighs) What do you want this time?
Caruso: Do you realize how stupid you made me feel in class today?
Miguel: Its was not my fault. Besides you should've studied.
Caruso: You think you're so smart? I'll get back at you, I promise! Punk!
(Later)
(Miguel goes to Mrs Ninel's office)
Miguel: You wanted to see me?
Mrs Ninel: I did. Have a seat.
(Miguel sits down)
Mrs Ninel: As you know, Balacar Middle School is offering scholarship exams to students and If they pass it, They'll be lucky to get a scholarship....I want you to apply for It.
Miguel: I don't know Mrs Ninel....
Mrs Ninel: Miguel, This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I don't want you to miss it. You're a very intelligent boy and I know you'll definitely ace the exam.
***********************
(Meanwhile)
(Morena's Dad, Mr Castillo, rushes to his place of work)
Security guard 1: Woah, Castillo, What happened this time? Why're you late for work?
Mr Castillo: It's a really long story.
Security guard 1: I hope you'll have time to explain to Boss.
Mr Castillo: Where is he?
Security guard 1: In his office. He said he wants to see you once you arrive at work.
Mr Castillo: Okay.
(Morena's Dad goes to see the Boss)
Mr Castillo: Good morning Boss.
Boss: What's good about this morning? You're late for work!
Mr Castillo: I'm really sorry Boss. But I don't have a vehicle. I have to take a cab to come to work everyday and the route we follow is always filled with traffic.
Boss: You always have excuses to give.
Mr Castillo: I'm sorry...
Boss: You're sorry? Have you forgotten why you were employed? To protect me! How many hours late are you for work?
Mr Castillo: (Nervously) 2 hours.
Boss: 2 hours and 11 minutes to be precise in which time a criminal could've snuck into my office, done away with me and been on his merry way!
Mr Castillo: Forgive me Boss.
Boss: I've been far too lenient with you.... But not today. You are Fired! Leave my office immediately!
Mr Castillo: But Sir, I....
Boss: I SAID LEAVE MY OFFICE!!!!
(Morena's Dad sadly leaves the office)