"EPISODE 1.15 - Surprise"

Written and produced By Alex Gregg. Copyrighted 2003-04.
Originally Aired February 16th 2004

Shot of Chestaville High. The bell rings and students begin to pour out of the classrooms into the halls. Ashley and Ling come out of one and head down the hall. Ling doesn't look very happy.

Ling:  Oh, god. This is bad, this is just *so* bad. I--I just... I can't believe it!

Ashley:  Ling, don't freak out, its not that bad.

Ling:  Not that bad? Not that bad?! 79%? A "C"?! Its more then bad, its worse, its... worse! (throws her hands up).

Ashley:  It's almost a  "B"...

Ling:  Almost. But its not, is it? I'm--I'm... (searches for a word) Illiterate! 

Ashley:  (shrugs) Yeah, that's right, and the fact that you got a "C" in Mrs Moran's *extremely* hard midterm, where as I got a "D-" and Maria didn't even turn up for the exam, does not make you the class idiot. Its a pass Li.

Ling:  But, its just... I've... I've never got a "C", never! And I studied, I really studied! (sighs) Where did I go wrong...

They reach the Cafeteria, Ashley pushes open the doors and they head in. Cut to later. Dylan, Ashley and Ling are sitting at one of the tables in the corner of the room eating their lunch.

Dylan:  So, its Maria's birthday this Saturday.

Ling:  Yup.

Dylan:  Have you guys got anything planned?

Ashley:  Nope, not yet. Why? Where you thinkin' of taking her somewhere?

Dylan:  Well... no. (Ashley and Ling give him a confused look) I was thinkin'... she's been down lately. Ever since she got that letter form her mom, and then the whole "being-accused-of-stealing" thing didn't exactly help... So, I thought, why not throw her a surprise party? What do you think?

Ashley:  I think... I say (grins) cool! 

Ling:  Wait. A Party? Dylan come on. Saturday is two days away. How are we going to organize a party in two days?

Dylan:  Well... My parents are going out of town Friday night, I'm home alone all weekend. It hasn't gotta be a big thing. Just you know, friends. We get some chips, soda's, and other stuff. It'll be cool.

Ashley:  Well, I'm for it.

Dylan:  (to Ashley) Cool. (to Ling) Hey, is Lok's band rehearsing Saturday night? Why don't ask if they can play at the party? I mean, a live band?

Ling:  Well, I--I don't know if this is such a good idea..

Ashley:  Oh come on Li. Its Maria's birthday, and we could all do with a bit of fun, celebrate midterms! (Ling gives her a look) Or not... No wait, all the more reason to party, it'll cheer you up!

Ling:  (with a sigh she gives in) Oh all right...

Ashley and Dylan give her huge smile, glad that she's agreed.

Dylan:  So! Who to invite?

Just then Ling sees Maria approaching thier table

Ling:  Shh!

Dylan:  What? We need to plan now, 'cause--

Ling:  Hi Maria!

Dylan:  Maria! (stands up) Hey, what's up?

He offers her his chair. She takes it and sits down at their table while he grabs one from a neighboring table.

Maria:  Ugh! I've just had Taylor talkin' at me about my missing the English midterm. God, that guy can lecture forever! So, what's new with you guys?
 
 

The Credits

Special Guest Stars: Dylan Matthews, Abby Tumbridge
Guest Staring: Lok, Mrs Ross, Rick

 
The camera pans down from a bright blue sky, on to a street sign that says "West Way" then across to Ashley and Ling walking home from school.

Ling:  So, how are things at home?

Ashley:  Oh, uhm... they've been better. We're all still getting used to the fact that thing's aren't the same anymore. I mean, I don't know weather to call her "mom" or "Rachel"... she's being all nice about it...  and, Rick's totally pissed with me for some reason, which I have no clue what that is... so, yeah, you could say things are pretty tense...

Ling:  Oh. Sorry. Ash, you know, if you need some space from the "home-stuff", you can always stay over at mine?

Ashley:  Space? I thought that was what school was for? But I get you... thanks. (changes subject) So! Maria's party? 

Ling:  Yeah. I'll ask Lok about the band when I get in.  

Ashley:  Cool. Do you think he will? 

Ling:  Yeah I think so. I mean, its a favor for Dylan, right? Seeing how the popular guys tend stick together at school, I reckon he'll swing it.

Ashley Voice Over:  So, Party! This weekend should be a blast. And we could all do with a bit of fun at the moment. Okay, so I was kinda sparing with the details to Ling about my home-life at the moment. Things are worse. Mom--Rachel, ugh... thinks I'm gonna take off again, because every time I go out, I get the twenty questions first. Rick's totally cold towards me when its just me and him in the same room. Not to mention, I'm still trying to deal with the fact that I'm adopted. Man, everything's so messed up... 

Cut to a short of Maria's flat. Cut to the lounge. Maria is laying on the sofa flicking though the Tv channels.

Maria:  Boring... Boring... Boring... Boring... 

Suddenly the door bell rings. Maria throws the down the remote, heads out into the hall, down the stairs and opens the back door, to reveal Dylan, Ashley and Ling holding birthday gifts.

Dylan/Ashley/Ling:  Happy Birthday!

Maria:  (smiles) Hey guys.

Dissolve to later, the lounge. Maria has opened her birthday gifts and the coffee table is covered with wrapping paper and the presents.

Maria:  Thanks guys, I love 'em. (they all give her a nod). So anyone up for a movie tonight? Celebrate my fifteen years on this planet?

Ashley, Ling and Dylan look at each other, all trying to think of an excuse.

Ashley:  Urm... Sorry, I cant... I've got a scheduled "talk" with mom.... 

Ling:  Yeah, I've uh... we have guests over tonight, gotta be home and all...

Maria look very disappointed in her freinds.

Maria:  Oh, well, that's okay...

Dylan:  We can meet at mine at eight if you like? (winks at Ashley and Ling).

Maria:  (turns to her boyfriend) Really? Cool.

Dylan:  Sure, we'll hit the movies, then do something... else. It'll be fun. 

Maria:  Cool. Hey, anyone want a soda?

Dylan/Ashley/Ling:  Sure.

Maria gets up, heads out of the Lounge to the kitchen.

Ashley:  (whispers) So, everything's set?

Dylan:  (whispers) Everything's set, just make sure you guys are at mine by seven thirty. (to Ling) Lok and the band are coming at seven, right?

Ling:  (whispers) Yup.

Dylan gives her a nod as Maria comes back in with four sodas.

Maria:  Here you go. (hands them out). So what are we gonna do today? 

Dylan:  Well, I really have to go. (gets up).

Maria:  What? (gets up too) Why?

Dylan:  Uh, I have, urm... stuff, to do...

Maria:  What kinda stuff?

Dylan:  Oh, just... stuff... For my folks, actually. I kinda promised I would. You guys, should have a, you know... girly day, or whatever. (Maria just gives him a look). You know, braid your hair, paint your toenails, that kinda stuff...

Ling:  (catches on) Yeah, it'll be fun! Just us girls.

Ashley:  (joins in to back them up) Yeah, I mean, who needs guys around anyway? We could go see a movie? A chick flick.

Maria:  (to Ashley) Okay, "a" you hate chick flick's. and "b" (looks at Dylan then back to Ashley) I'm going tonight, remember?

Ashley:  Oh! Yeah, right. Well, we could, do, something, else... then. 

Ling:  How about the Mall? It's Saturday, free Cookies?

Maria:  Uhm--

Dylan:  (interrupts) Okay! You guys do that. (to Maria) I'll see you tonight?

He gives her kiss and leaves.

Maria:  Why is he acting so weird? What's going on?

Ashley:  Nothings going on.

Ling:  (changes the subject) So! Mall, then?

Maria just looks very confused, as we fade to later, its now dark. Maria walks up to Dylan's front door and knocks. Dylan after a few moments answers.

Dylan:  Hey! (smiles) Come on in.

Maria:  (steps inside) Uhm, (looks around and see the whole house is pitch black) did you lose power or something?

Dylan:  Uh...

Suddenly the lights come on and there is a crowd of about twenty five people standing before her in Dylan's living room, including Ashley and Ling. They all yell "surprise!". Maria looks back at them in total shock as she sees banners, balloons and other party favors.

Maria:  (puts her hand over her mouth in shock) Oh, my god!

Dylan:  Happy birthday!

Fade in to the party, well on its way. The Camera moves though the house. From the kitchen, where the table is lined with cake, snacks, punch, sodas etc, to the living room, where Lok and his band "The Red Dragon's" are set up in the corner, playing one of their songs. As the camera pans round its obvious that there is now many more people at the party. The Camera stops on Ling, Ashley, Dylan and Maria who are sitting on the sofa. 

Maria:  Wow, I can't believe you guys did all this!

Lyrics:  'Cause day by day.. / I'm all alone / You pass me by

Ling:  Well, Dylan did most of the work...

Ashley:  Yeah, we distracted you!

Maria:  So, that's what today was about.

Dylan:  Yeah, sorry.

Lyrics:  and I feel lost with out you / 'Cause day by day.. / I'm all alone 

Maria:  You mean, like, how there was no movie tonight and you didn't really have to help out your parents? Who as it turns out, are away on a business trip and know nothing about this?

Dylan:  What can I say? I like to live the dangerous life.

Maria:  (laughs, and punches him on the arm, jokingly) Jerk (Dylan laughs).

As they begin to make out, Ashley and Ling get up.

Lyrics:  You pass me by / I know you're lost with out me too

Ling:  Okay, that would be our que to leave...

Ashley:  Uh huh...

They head into the crowd of people and make their way to the kitchen. They reach the table and each start to to put food on paper plates.

Ashley:  So, Party? Not so bad after all?

Ling:  Well, we haven't been caught... yet. So... at the moment it's okay.

Cut to the front door. More people enter into the land of the party, including Abby and group of her friends.

Lyrics:  If you'd just give it another chance / I'd prove to you

Abby:  (to one of her groupies) Well, this looks likr fun.

She moves off followed by them in to the crowd. Cut to Ashley and Ling coming from the kitchen into the living room again.

Ashley:  Those two *so* have love life issues.

Ling:  Oh Yeah, and can I just say that-- (spots Abby in the crowd) Oh no... look who's here (points her out to Ashley from across the room).

Ashley:  Oh great.

Just then Maria comes over to them.

Maria:  Hey. Where'd two you go? (sees them looking at something) And we're look at what? (follows their gaze, see Abby). What's she doing here?

Dylan comes up behind them.  

Dylan:  What's up?

Maria:  Abby Tumbridge. That's what's up.

Lyrics:  I'm your guy / for ever and always... 

Dylan:  She's here?

Maria:  (points) looks like.

Dylan:  (looks over at the other side of the room and see her) Huh.

Maria:  Abby Tumbridge is in your house and all you can say is "Huh"?!

Abby sees them looking at her and gives a sarcastic wave.

Ashley:  Yeah, throw her out or something...

The band slowly comes to the end of their song and after a few moments, moves to a slow ballad type one.

Dylan:  I can't do that. It's a party. (to Maria) Just... try to ignore her or something. (she looks like she's about to protest). Please?

Maria:  (sighs) Okay. (they all turn away from Abby's view).

Dylan:  Good. So, think I can get a dance with the prettiest girl at the party?

Maria smiles at him as they move towards the space in front of the band, which is the make-shift dance floor. They begin to dance, in a rather close intense way, as do a few other couples.

Ling:  They are *so* fifteen, going on eighteen.

Ashley:  They're in love. It's sweet. (Ling gives her a look) What? 

Ashley Voice Over:  You know, this is our first High school, unsupervised party, Cool! The Music's good, the food's good, it's all good. I can't believe Dylan wouldn't throw Abby out though... I mean, she and Maria are like, worst enemies - especially when it comes to Dylan. I don't even know why she came anyway... I guess a party is a party, right?

Lyrics:  It was this time last year / when you told me / We'd be together for

Cut to across the room. Abby is sitting on the sofa with two friends.

Abby:  (watches Maria and Dylan). Can you believe the way she's dancing?

Friend #1:  I know. So totally Middle school.

Abby:  That should be *me* over there. What does he see in her anyway?

Friend #2:  The guy seriously has issues. 

Friend #1:  That's for sure.

Lyrics:  Eternity / I believed you then / And I believe you now

Friend #2:  You really have to come between them.

Abby:  I really do.

Cut to Dylan and Maria, who are sill dancing.

Dylan:  So, apart from the whole Abby thing. You having a good time?

Maria:  Part from the whole Abby thing, yes, I'm having a good time.

Dylan:  Much better than a movie?

Maria:  Much, much better than a movie. Thank you for organizing it.

Lyrics:  So where do we go from here? / You know, I love you 

Fade to later. The band are packing up. Everyone has gone, except Dylan, Maria, Ashley and Ling, who are standing near the front door.

Ashley:  Great party Dylan.

Ling:  Yeah, did you see? Junior's and Senior's came too.

Dylan:  Well, you know, when your part of the school basketball team, you get to know people form all grades.

Maria:  You mean, when your the "star" of the school basketball team.

Dylan:  (laughs) Basketball is teem effort.

Maria:  Right. And you just sore the points.

Lok and his band mates head out of the door to load their band gear.

Maria:  So, tomorrow comes the ritual clearing up. 

Ashley:  Yeah. (looks around) And can I say, considering this was a teenage party, we came off pretty cheep.

Dylan:  (looks around also) Yeah, a few stains here, and few stand there...

Ling:  All which I think we can get out - with the right equipment.

Maria:  Yup, your parents will never know.

Lok:  (to Dylan) Hey, awesome party. 

Dylan:  Yeah, man. Thanks for supplying the music.

Lok:  Sure. (to Ashley, Ling and Maria) If you girls want a lift, we're now off.

Ling:  Okay, thanks. (Lok heads out the door). Okay, you guys ready?

Ashley:  Yup. 

Maria:  We'll be back to help with the clearing up in the morning.

Dylan:  Okay. Thanks. (they kiss) Night.

The girls head out of the front door and climb into the back of Lok's van with the rest of the band. Lok starts the engine and they head down the street. Cut to Ashley's house, she puts the key in the lock, terns it and opens the door. Diesel comes bounding over, wagging his tail, to meet her.

Ashley:  Hiya boy! 

Ashley takes off her coat, hangs it up and heads into the kitchen. she goes over to the sink, grabs a glass off the draining board and fills it with water form the tap. She turns to head back into the living room and finds Rick standing in the door way with his arms folded.

Ashley:  Oh. Hey. (Rick just looks at her) Where's mom?

Rick:  (coldly) Out. Next door. (walks into the kitchen) Which gives you and me time to have a little talk.

Ashley:  Talk? We need to talk? About what? 

Rick:  A lot of things (moves to stand at the island table) Sit down.

Ashley doesn't move, just looks at him. Rick coldly looks back at her. But, after a few moments Ashley puts down her glass and moves over to the table, taking the stool opposite from her soon-to-be stepfather and sits.

Rick:  So, what going on?

Ashley:  What's going on? Uh, you made *me* sit down here to have this little (makes finger quotes) talk, remember?

Rick:  Do you know how worried your mother is about you right now? When ever you leave the house she's scared you won't come back.

Ashley:  That's not my problem. I told her I'd not going anywhere.

Rick:  You know, maybe there was a good reason she didn't tell you that you where adopted. Maybe she thought you couldn't handle it yet. And I don't know... Maybe she was right?

Ashley:  (getting angry) I can handle it.

Rick:  Is that right? 

Ashley:  (angry) You know? I'm suddenly feeling that this is none of your business! It's between me and my mom.

Rick:  Wong, Ashley. (coldly) I'm your mother's fiancée... and soon to be your step-father, everything you do is nothing *but* my business. (leans closer to her) So, from now on, you'll do what I say, when I say, or I'll make sure you don't make it home in time for supper, *understand*?

With a smirk, Rick heads back into the living room, leaving Ashley to think about what he's just said. The camera pans in on her worried expression.

Ashley Voice Over:  Well, Maria enjoyed the party. And I can't believe there was no fight between her and Abby. Man, Dylan and Maria are getting tighter by the week. Lok's band was pretty cool too. As for my "home-life" situation? What exactly did Rick mean? Should I be worried?

 The Camera fades to black.