06x13 - If You Leave

[bunniefuu]

In the gymnasium

(The Spirit Squad is practicing their routine.)

Manny: Way to stick it guys.

Darcy: I love you Manny. You are a miracle worker. Well so to speak.

Manny: Miracle, schmiracle. Hard work plus Degrassi spirit equals first time ever metro finals.

Chante: With only one team in our way.

Manny: Sucks to be them. Go Degrassi!

(They all cheer and start to leave as Emma walks over to Manny.)

Emma: Hey guys. Wow are all non-cheerleaders invisible?

Manny: They’re just excited. Going to finals is like scaling Everest with pom-poms. Just imagine if we actually win. It will be a Degrassi first.

Emma: If you win it’ll be without JT.

Manny: If we win we’ll make Degrassi feel better. It’s our job.

Emma: Yeah. You’re right I guess. I’m just not myself since…you know. Let’s get lattes and hang out.

Manny: I’m kind of meeting someone Em.

Emma: Let me guess, Damien your new fancy boy from the enemy school?

Mrs. Santos: Manuella?

Manny: Mom can you give me a sec?

Emma: What’s she doing here?

Manny: She’s just here to talk. Don’t be mad Em, but I think it’s time for me to go home.

(Manny walks over to her mom and they hug while Emma watches them disappointed.)

At Emma’s house, Manny is packing her stuff

Emma: Hey that’s mine!

Manny: Really? I wore it all summer.

Emma: With my strappy sandals, I know.

Manny: And I thought you wanted me to stay.

Emma: I do. I can’t believe you’re leaving, especially now! My parents are freaked, our house is the center of a m*rder investigation.

Manny: Maybe that’s why my parents want me back home.

Emma: Do you miss your dad’s tirades?

Manny: Mom says he’s willing to hang up the dictator cap, try anyway.

Emma: What about the curfews and the dress codes?

Manny: Em they’re my parents. Your mom and Archie are great, but they’re not my family and this isn’t my home. I love you forever for letting me stay. It’s time.

Emma: I’m gonna miss you Manny. You’re like the sister I never had.

Manny: What are you talking about cuckoo bananas? I’ll be here constantly. It’ll be like I never left. Promise.

At Marco and Dylan’s

Marco: You know just when you think you’re gonna get to bed early you look over your essay and hello! All-nighter.

Dylan: Doesn’t get any easier. Trust me.

(Marco sits on the couch with Dylan.)

Marco: Want some coffee? Last of Ellie’s personal stash.

Dylan: Actually I’ve got to jet. Meeting some guys from the team.

Marco: Aw you and your hockey buddies. How cute. Okay so we’ll order in later then.

Dylan: It’s wing night.

Marco: Dylan you’ve been out every night this week. When do I see you?

Dylan: We live together. We see each other plenty.

(Dylan leaves.)

Marco: Bye.

At Mia’s locker

Manny: Hey Mia. You’ve been MIA from the squad long enough.

Mia: Okay. What do you guys want?

Darcy: Recipe for spirit squad success? Take one Mia Jones, shake and win!

Mia: Did you guys like forget my boyfriend? Your mascot, JT Yorke, was k*lled two weeks ago. Thanks, but I’ll pass.

Darcy: Of course Mia. We understand.

Manny: Sorry for asking.

(They leave and Emma walks over to her.)

Emma: Hey. They were trying to help in their own bizarrely dysfunctional way.

Mia: Whatever. Like I’m gonna take part in anything Lakehurst is invited to.

Emma: Wait. Lakehurst is coming here? Why can’t they do it somewhere else?

Mia: No kidding. They said it was set up months ago and it’s like to late to cancel, but I don’t care. I think we should do something about it. I think we need to protest or whatever.

Emma: I can’t. Manny is my best friend. Besides maybe it’s a good thing if Lakehurst comes here. Maybe it’ll help mend fences.

Mia: A student from Lakehurst k*lled JT. I’m not about mending fences right now.

Outside the school

Manny: Damien and I are going to the mall. He’s so cute.

Sean: Wasn’t he friends with that freak that k*lled JT?

Manny: Drake? Uh no! He’s never even talked to Drake.

Sean: Okay whatever. Later Emma.

(He kisses her goodbye.)

Manny: So if my parents call you’ll cover for me, right?

Emma: Of course. Or you can just come over tonight when you’re done with Damien. Just you, me, the couch and Dr. McDreamy.

Manny: And a bowl of popcorn with extra ketchup powder? You’re on.

(They hug goodbye.)

Emma: Have fun.

At Jimmy and Spinner’s store

(The guys are playing video games.)

Spinner: Oh I got this. I got this and yes! Dude that was way too easy. Come on.

Marco: Sorry I’m not good at these driving games. I’m done.

Jimmy: What? You haven’t even tried to get us to play Karaoke Revolution yet man. Who are you?

Marco: What are you talking about? I’m fine. I couldn’t be better.

Jimmy: Seriously man what’s the problem?

Marco: My problem. My problem is tall, broad shouldered and emotionally absent.

Jimmy: Ah Monsieur Dylan.

Spinner: Hey does he have a MyRoom page?

Marco: I don’t know. He’s just never here and when he is here, it still feels like he isn’t, you know?

Jimmy: It happens my man. The heat cools. You just got to chase the romance a little. Know what I mean?

Spinner: (Coughs) MyRoom page.

Jimmy: Spin, shut up man. Look it’s all about the 4 C’s. Candles, cooking, cologne and chill. Nobody’s immune. Don’t worry.

At the mall

Damien: Nice. Who knew hanging out with you at the mall meant PJ shopping?

Manny: Well I can’t mooch off Emma anymore, but don’t get too excited. You won’t be seeing me in these anytime soon.

Damien: It’s cool.

(Manny gets a text from Emma.)

Manny: Yikes I got to go.

Damien: Thought we were gonna chill tonight.

Manny: I’m sorry, but I totally promised Emma.

Damien: I know, but between your spirit squad and my student council, I never get to see you. I just really want to talk to you, you know?

Manny: Wow. Most guys aren’t after me for conversation.

Damien: I’m not most guys. Come on Manny. Hang out with me tonight.

(Manny calls Emma.)

Emma: (On the phone) Where are you?

Manny: (On the phone) Hi Em. I came home after seeing Damien and my dad’s totally back in tyrant mode.

Emma: (On the phone) Ugh you poor thing.

Manny: (On the phone) I’m okay. I just, I think I need to stay home and let it cool over.

Emma: (On the phone) Okay well I miss you.

Manny: (On the phone) I miss you too. Bye.

(They hang up.)

At Marco and Dylan’s

Dylan: Sorry my seminar went long.

Marco: You could have called.

Dylan: Phone’s dead. Oh it smells great Marco. Did you make steak?

Marco: Yeah, also known as bistecca. You know supposedly it’s the fastest way to any man’s heart. So luckily I convinced Ellie to go to the movies with Kiko and Suki.

Dylan: A night alone. Thank you.

Marco: ‘Cause maybe next year we’ll have a place of our own, you know? Just, just me and you.

Dylan: Well who knows what could happen between now and then.

Marco: Meaning what?

Dylan: Meaning nothing. I was just talking.

(Dylan’s phone rings.)

Dylan: I need to take this.

Marco: I thought your phone was dead.

Dylan: I guess it recovered power or something. Funny, huh?

(He gets up to take the call.)

Dylan: (On the phone) Hello?

Marco: Yeah it’s funny.

In Ms. Kwan’s class

Emma: So how’d it go with your parents?

Manny: Fine.

Emma: That’s funny your dad didn’t seem fine when he called my house looking for you.

Manny: Em did you-?

Emma: Cover for you? Of course. I’m not sure why since you totally blew me off.

Manny: I’m sorry. I just really, really, really like Damien. Things are just so good between us.

Ms. Kwan: Class today we’re gonna start on King Lear. A tragic tale about sisters fighting for what they think they deserve.

(Ms. Kwan keeps talking.)

Emma: How good can it be? You’ve known him for two weeks.

Manny: Come find out. I’m meeting him at the Dot after school. Bring Sean too. I want us all to be friends.

Emma: I’m not sure that’s a good idea.

Manny: Please, please, please, please, please.

Emma: Clearly resistance is futile.

Manny: Thank you. You won’t regret it!

At Marco and Dylan’s

(A new message pops up on Dylan’s computer and Marco opens it. He sees a bunch of messages from someone named Julien. The message says ‘Campus Pub, Thursday 4pm?’.)

At the Dot

Manny: Emma you know Damien. Damien this is Emma’s wonderful beau, Sean.

Damien: Hey. How’s it going?

Sean: Hey.

(They shake hands.)

Sean: So, how are things at Lakehurst?

Damien: Uh fine.

Sean: Seriously? ‘Cause last time I heard one of your students was in jail.

Manny: Sean!

Damien: Look man I’m really sorry about your friend JT. I mean it’s a total tragedy.

Mia: Damien. So uh tell me how’s Drake doing?

Damien: I have no idea Mia.

Mia: But he’s your friend, isn’t he?

Damien: No. That’s not true.

Mia: Excuse me, but I went to Lakehurst. So how about you save your lies for somebody who will buy them.

Sean: So, Manny who are you loyal to, your dead friend or your new Lakehurst crush?

Damien: Let’s go Manny.

Manny: No wait. Em a little help here, please.

Emma: What do you want me to say? You’re sleeping with the enemy.

Manny: You know what Emma? I’m so glad I moved home because now I don’t have to see your mean, judgemental, stuck-up little face anymore.

(Damien and Manny leave.)

At Degrassi

Darcy: (On the video announcements) For the first time ever Degrassi has made Cheerleading City finals. Come out tomorrow and support the squad. Go Degrassi!

Mr. Simpson: I sense history in the making. Good luck tomorrow Manny.

Manny: Thanks Mr. S. It’s all about Panther pride.

Emma: Which is so much more important than academics or even actual sports. Yeah if the school printed money your face would be on it.

Manny: And I’d use it to buy you a big box of shut up.

Mr. Simpson: Uh girls class has begun.

Emma: Okay I’d like to bring up a discussion topic if I may.

Mr. Simpson: Fine. What is it Em?

Emma: In the aftermath of the death of one of our classmates, what does defeating Lakehurst prove exactly?

Manny: That we’re better than them?

Emma: Manny our entire school’s in mourning. Not only that, there’s anger. They want revenge.

Manny: What does that have to do with the spirit squad competition?

Emma: I think we should cancel it. It prevents Lakehurst from showing up here, from reminding us of our loss and rubbing our noses in it.

Manny: After all the hard work that we put into it? I think not.

Toby: You can miss cheerleading one year.

Manny: You guys are ridiculous. I can’t believe what I’m hearing.

Emma: And I can’t believe you’re turning your back on your friends.

Mr. Simpson: Okay that’s enough. This is not the time or place for this debate. Let’s talk about our next unit, video podcasting.

At Jimmy and Spinner’s store

Marco: Hey so uh you guys got a single boy discount? Found something on his laptop guys.

Spinner: He has a MyRoom page! Man I knew it! Marco I told you that thing is an online abyss man.

Marco: Spin no. It was an e-mail. An e-mail from some creep named Julien who he’s meeting tomorrow for some secret lunch or something.

Spinner: Are you serious?

Marco: Yeah. He’s cheating on me guys. I can’t believe he’s cheating on me again.

Jimmy: Look you don’t know that for a fact.

Marco: Oh by this time tomorrow I will. They better get a table for 3.

During the competition, Degrassi is about to perform

Manny: Let’s do this for JT.

(The routine starts and Sean sits down next to Emma.)

Announcer: Let’s hear it for the Degrassi panthers! The final score is 9.0 putting Degrassi clearly in the lead.

At the pub

Marco: Hey Dylan!

Dylan: Marco what, what are you doing here?

Marco: Whatever. Who is this?

Dylan: Uh Julien. This is just Julien. Julien, Marco.

Julien: Nice to meet you.

Marco: Sorry I can’t say the same Julien. Did Dylan here even bother to tell you that he’s in a committed relationship or-?

Dylan: Marco woah.

Marco: Shut up curly. Because you know he is, or at least he was before he started cheating…again!

Dylan: Marco stop! Julien is from Zurich HC. A hockey team in Switzerland. He’s been scouting me. They want me to play for them!

(Marco looks at Julien for confirmation.)

Julien: Yeah.

(Marco smiles embarrassed.)

At the cheerleading competition

Announcer: Let’s see if Lakehurst can uh come up with an answer to that routine!

(They start performing.)

Danny: Lakehurst sucks!

Derek: Nobody wants you here. Leave!

Emma: Go home Lakehurst.

(They keep performing and Emma turns to Toby.)

Emma: We can do this. Go home Lakehurst!

(Everyone starts chanting ‘Go home Lakehurst’ and the squad starts screwing up their routine.)

Announcer: (Quietly to the other judges) That was unfortunate.

In the foyer

Manny: Is this what you wanted? Finally feeling self righteous enough?

Emma: Manny you won and you know what? I feel so much better. I think I can actually feel the school spirit coursing through my veins. Yeah call the media! Manny Santos has healed the entire school.

Damien: Now I know why Manny was your only friend. She’s a saint to put up with your crap.

Sean: Take a big step back Lakehurst guy.

(A fight breaks out between everyone.)

Manny: Damien! Damien.

Ms. Hatzilakos: Okay that’s enough. That’s enough. Break it up. I said break it up. That’s enough. Break it up, I said. Break it up! Alright this competition’s over. I want everyone to leave and go home right now, except for the Degrassi students who are going to wait in the gym until everyone is gone. Move it! Now!

In the media immersion room

Mr. Simpson: You bought yourself detention for a month and I’m not sure that’s all.

Emma: So?

Mr. Simpson: So I want you to know that I’m not exactly proud of you right now.

Emma: I’m sorry.

Mr. Simpson: Emma you ruined a competition that meant a lot to a lot of people.

Emma: And I care? Lakehurst k*lled JT!

Mr. Simpson: Wrong. One kid k*lled JT. You can’t blame the entire school for that. It doesn’t make any sense.

Emma: I’m just mad, okay? JT is gone and people like Manny want to pretend like it didn’t happen, but it did happen and I’m pissed.

Mr. Simpson: We all are, okay? Including Manny, but you can’t blame Manny. She’s not the enemy. Emma she’s your best friend and maybe it’s time that you remember that.

At Marco and Dylan’s

(Dylan is packing up his hockey gear.)

Marco: As far as smells go, that’s uh, that’s just above road k*ll, but I’m gonna miss it.

Dylan: I’m not going anywhere, okay? Not yet. I’m just, just thinking about it.

Marco: Well as long as you’re thinking about it, you just let me know when you’ve decided.

Dylan: See that’s exactly why I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d freak out.

Marco: How could I not, Dylan? What, what is it that you want me to say right now?

Dylan: Maybe that you’re proud of me!

Marco: I am proud of you. You know that.

Dylan: No I don’t. You never told me. To you hockey’s my dumb hobby. To me it’s life.

Marco: Dylan if this is what you want to do, then you got to do it.

Dylan: I want to be with you.

Marco: This is an opportunity knocking. Forget knocking, it’s breaking the door down. You’ve got to do it, okay? So then uh how long…’til you go?

Dylan: There’s work visas and stuff to figure out. Maybe a few weeks.

Marco: Well then we better make the most of it, huh?

(They lean in together.)

Outside Emma’s house

Manny: So got your text. What do you want to show me?

Emma: This. This curb right here. This is where it happened. JT d*ed here.

Manny: Em you don’t have to show me this.

Emma: No I think I do because this whole thing between us, it isn’t about Lakehurst or Damien. It’s about what happened right here two weeks ago.

Manny: I know.

Emma: Manny I am really, really sorry for everything.

Manny: I know you are, but Emma you turned me into the bad guy. You tried to hate me.

Emma: Well it didn’t work.

Manny: Anything we’ve ever gotten through has been together. Don’t go and change the formula, okay?

Emma: Thanks for the reminder.

(They hug.)