17 YEAR LATER
A quiet park bench under a cherry blossom tree, the petals gently falling around them. Spencer sits alone, lost in thought, when his sister-in-law, Nevaeh, walks by. She notices Spencer's contemplative demeanor and decides to sit with him.
"Mind if I join you?" Nevaeh said .
"(startled, but smiles) Sure, Sister-in-law. It's a nice day, isn't it?" Spencer replied .
It really is. You've been coming here a lot lately. Just thinking?" Nevaeh said ".
(sighs) Yeah, just... memories, I guess. "Spencer says".
(sits down beside him) You still think about her, don't you? Layla? "Nevaeh asked ".
(staring at the ground) Every day. It's been seventeen years, and yet it. feels like she was just here yesterday. "Spencer said".
(softly) I know it's tough. Losing someone you care about like that...."Nevaeh says".
(Nodding) She and Jasper.... it was such a tragic accident. I still remember that phone call like it was yesterday. "Spencer said ".
Have you thought about moving on? I mean, finding someone else?(gently) "Nevaeh ask ".
(shakes his head) I can't. I don't think I've ever really let her go. I always imagined us together, you know?....She had this way of lighting up a room. No one else feels right. "Spencer said " .
"Nevaeh" said Supportively It's okay to feel that way. But it's also okay to let yourself be happy again.
(Grief-stricken) I just... I feel guilty. Like I'm betraying her memory. Spencer saids .
(reassuringly) Layla would want you to be happy, Spencer. She loved you. "Nevaeh says ".
(smiling softly) I loved her too. I still do. It's just... it's complicated "Spencer saids".
Life is complicated. But you deserve to feel joy again. Maybe it's time to start looking forward instead of backward."Nevaeh replied".
..... I don't know... I just don't want to forget her.
"Spencer saids".
You won't forget her. She's a part of you. But maybe it's time to let new memories in (says softly)
"Nevaeh says".
Maybe you're right sister in law ....I haven't thought about it like that before. (with a hint of hope)
"Spencer replied ".
Just take it one step at a time. You don't have to rush anything. "Nevaeh said with a smile".
Thanks, Sister-in-law. I appreciate you being here. Spencer says with a small smile , Always. Just remember, you're not alone in this... Nevaeh said and Pat his head.
They sit in comfortable silence, the cherry blossoms dancing around them as Spencer contemplates Nevaeh words.
A Lavish hallway at MAXWELL MANOR, filled with opulent decor. Delrico and Hendrix face each other, tension thick in the air as they prepare for a charity event. Hestia is seen in the background, engaged in conversation with Rowan.
Delrico Maxwell while smirking, you really think you can outshine me at the charity gala tonight, Hendrix??? This is my family's event.
Crossing his hand Hendrix said, its not about shining, Delrico. it's about substance. maybe if you focused less on the spotlight and more on the cause, you'd acutually accomplish something meaningful.
Delrico laughs, Substance? Oh, please. We both know this is all about appearances. My mom's designs will be the talk of the night, and everyone will remember the Maxwell name.
Hendrix said while gritting his teeth,Maybe instead of riding off your family's fame, you should try building your own legacy. But I guess that's hard when you're always living in someone else's shadow.
(taking a step closer) Shadow?
You think you know what it's like? My father's a power player, and my uncle's a world-renowned doctor. You're just a kid who lost his way. Delrico said .
(Hendrix raise his raised an eyebrow) At least I'm not clinging to my legacy. I'm creating my own path, even if it means competing against you at every turn.
Delrico smirk, Competing? You mean trying to keep up. Let's be real, Hendrix-I'm better at everything. Sports, academics, you name it.
(Hendrix scoffing) Keep telling yourself that, Delrico. Let's see how well you do when it counts. And by the way, how's that crush on Hestia working out for you?
Delrico defensively said, What do you know about that? It's none of your business.
It is when she's my best friend. And she's not interested in you, you know. She's moving on with Rowan-someone who actually treats her right.
Hendrix said with a smirks.
Delrico clenching his fist, You think that'll stop me? I'll prove that I deserve her. Just because you're upset that your best friend isn't swooning over you doesn't mean 1 won't fight for her.
Hendrix start taking step back while smirking, Fight all you want. No one wants to be caught up in your family drama. She's better off without your games and drama.
THIS ISN'T A GAME FOR ME! I ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT HER! (Delrico raised his voice).
Oh, really? Care or possess? You need to figure out the difference before you make a fool of yourself... again. Hendrix mockingly saids.
(seething) Enjoy your moment in the spotlight while it lasts, Hendrix. It won't be long before I take it back.
Delrico saids.
Good luck with that, Delrico. Remember, rivals may come and go, but I'll always be here-right in your way. With a small smirk Hendrix saids.
(The tension lingers as Hestia and Rowan walk by, subtly eyeing the boys. The rivalry ignites once again as they both powerfully resolve to prove themselves.)