14/06/2024
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ZEBBY
(Grinning ear to ear)
Hey Sadi, you wonβt believe itβI got a prom date with Denise!
SADI
(Pauses, looking skeptical)
Oh, come on, Zebby. Seriously? I do not believe it.Did you trick her ?
ZEBBY
(Confused)
Uh, yeah! I asked her yesterday after algebra tutoring. She said yes! Why is it so hard to believe that I got a date for the prom?
SADI
(Shakes her head)
Zebby, you know Denise is way out of your league, right? Sheβs the queen bee of this school. Why would she go to prom with the resident nerd?She is the quarterback type of league and you donβt have one bone in you thatβs remotely quarterback like.
ZEBBY
(Defensively)
Well, I guess she sees something in me that others donβt.
SADI
(Sighs)
Zebby, Iβm just looking out for you. Denise and her friendsβtheyβre not exactly known for hanging out with the bottom of the dating pool
ZEBBY
(Lowers his voice)
Look, Sadi, I appreciate your concern, but Iβm really excited about this. Denise is different, and she sees me for who I am.Cant you just support me for once even if I make this one bad decision?
SADI
(Folds her arms)
Alright, if you say so. Just donβt get your hopes up too high, okay? High school can be brutal. I mean, you're a nice guy and all, but that's not always what girls go for. They tend to go for the bad boys, or at least what they think is "nice."
ZEBBY
(Resolutely)
I know, but Iβm going to give it a shot. Thanks for the advice, though. Also, Iβm pretty sure the editors of the Oxford English Dictionary never changed the meaning of the word "nice."
SADI
(Softens)
Okay, Zebby. Just promise me you wonβt do anything too nerdy at prom. No talking about math or physics, okay?
ZEBBY
(Grins)
Why is everyone so worried about that? I mean, I do love math and physics, but why does everyone think Iβll bring it up?
SADI
(Laughs)
Just an hour ago, you argued with the Social Studies teacher for an entire lesson about why social studies is ridiculous. Then in Setswana class, you questioned why we have to learn a language we already speak, and in Literature classβ
ZEBBY
(Laughs)
Okay, okay, I get it. No nerdy discussions at prom. Got it.
(They share a friendly smile before parting ways as the school bell rings.)
INT. LIVING ROOM
(The scene transitions to an older Zebby, sitting comfortably in the living room with his teenage children, Kevin and Hailey.)
HAILEY
(Grinning mischievously)
So, Dad, is that why you enrolled me in El Caiphs Private School of Science and Math? To continue the family legacy of loving math and arguing with teachers?
DAD
(Chuckles)
Well, your mom and I thought you might inherit a bit of my... enthusiasm for learning.
KEVIN
(Laughing)
Enthusiasm? Dad, you practically invented a new form of enthusiasm when you debated with my social studies teacher last year.
DAD
(Teasing)
Hey, that teacher needed a bit of enlightenment on geopolitical theories.
HAILEY
(Smiling)
And the Setswana incident? Questioning why we learn a language we already speak?
DAD
(Laughs)
In my defense, it was a valid question!
KEVIN
(Grinning)
Dad, you're lucky they didnβt kick you out of parent-teacher conferences.
DAD
(Playfully serious)
Oh, they tried. But then they heard about my Nobel Prize in Physics and changed their minds.
HAILEY
(Smirking)
Sure, Dad. I'm sure that's exactly how it went.
DAD
(Smiling warmly)
Alright, alright. But seriously, Hailey, El Caiphs is a great school. Youβll love it there, just like I did.
INT. ZEBBY'S DORMITORY - EVENING
Zebby stands in front of his mirror, adjusting his tie with a mixture of excitement and nerves evident on his face.
ZEBBY (VO)
(Thoughtfully)
Prom night. The culmination of four years of high school. A night where every misstep in dancing becomes a lifelong memory, and where being cool matters more than ever. Good God, I look ridiculous in a suit. I hate the guy who invented suits.
Zebby gives himself a reassuring nod in the mirror, checking his outfit one last time.
ZEBBY (VO)
(Continuing)
Tonight, itβs all about charm, wit, and maybe a few smooth dance moves. Speaking of dance, I donβt know how to do that. I'll wing it, how hard can it be?There is nothing advanced about moving about the floor-I think.
(He adjusts his cufflinks, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves.)
(Zebby is in the midst of his preparations when suddenly, the door bursts open and NKWEBI enters, looking surprised.)
NKWEBI
(With raised eyebrows)
Zebby, my man! Youβre going to prom?I didnβt believe it as soon as I heard it.
(Zebby turns around, slightly startled but amused by Nkwebi's entrance.)
ZEBBY
(Grinning)
You bet I am, Nkwebi. Got to break a few stereotypes, right?
NKWEBI
(Chuckling)
I never thought Iβd see the day. Are you going to bring your calculator as your date?
ZEBBY
(Playfully rolls his eyes)
Ha ha, very funny. No calculators tonight, just dancing shoes and maybe a little bit of charm.
NKWEBI
(Smiling wryly)
Well, I am impressed and scared at the same time. This might just be the sign that Jesus is coming. You donβt even like touching or being touched by other people. You do realize there are going to be other students there, right? Whoβs the lucky lady?
ZEBBY
(Smiling proudly)
Denise and thank you for your concern.
NKWEBI
(Whistles)
Denise? Wow, Zebby, punching above your weight class, huh?
ZEBBY
(Shrugging)
Maybe. But tonight, Iβm going to show her and everyone else a good time.
NKWEBI
(Nods approvingly)
Thatβs the spirit, man.
ZEBBY
(Laughs)
Thanks, Nkwebi.By the way where have you been?
NKWEBI
Donβt mind me.I roam the school like a bloodhound.
(They exchange a knowing grin, a testament to their long-standing friendship.)
NKWEBI
(Playfully)
Alright, donβt keep the prom waiting. Go make some memories!
INT. ZEBBY'S DORMITORY - EVENING
As Zebby and Nkwebi continue their banter, suddenly XUMU, BANGO, TWEETS, and KHANJA burst into the room, looking surprised and excited.
XUMU
(Grinning widely)
Nkwebi! You're alive! We were starting to think you got lost in the bathroom again.
BANGO
(Playfully nudging Nkwebi)
Seriously, man, we almost sent out a search party.
TWEETS
(With a smirk)
He probably found a new hiding spot to avoid prom talk.
KHANJA
(Smiling)
Well, look who decided to join the land of the living. Ready to rock prom night, Nkwebi?
NKWEBI
(Chuckling)
You guys know Iβm not the prom type, but tonightβs a special occasion. Zebby here is breaking all the rules.
ZEBBY
(Grinning)
Thatβs right! And thanks to these guys, Iβm fully equipped with last-minute advice.
XUMU
(Smiling knowingly)
Listen up, Zebby. Tonight is about confidence. Youβve got the charm, now just own the dance floor.
TWEETS
(With a wink)
And if all else fails, just smile and nod. Works like a charm.
KHANJA
(With a reassuring pat on Zebby's shoulder)
Youβve got this, buddy. Denise wonβt know what hit her.
ZEBBY
Do I have to hit her?
NKWEBI
(Chuckles)
That was a joke, Zebby. I already see this is not going according to
plan.
ZEBBY
(Confused)
You have to be straightforward with your words, sir.
BANGO
(Shaking his head)
Oh boy, this is going to be a long night.
ZEBBY
(Continuing earnestly)
One question, what do I do at the end of the night? Do I kiss her or just say thank you and walk away?
TWEETS
(Smiling)
Itβs customary to say thank you.
ZEBBY
Every time or sometimes?
XUMU
(Decisively)
You know what, I'll dance next to you so you donβt mess this up. If you screw this up, thatβs going to reflect on all of us.
ZEBBY
(Concerned)
But...
KHANJA
(Interrupting gently)
No buts, Zebby. Just donβt be yourself tonight.
ZEBBY
(Perplexed)
What does that even mean?
XUMU
(Chuckling)
It means tonight, you're Zebby 2.0: Prom Edition.
ZEBBY
(Sighs)
Smooth operator... right.
NKWEBI
(Grinning)
Look, Zebby, just relax. Denise said yes to going with you, so she's already interested. Just enjoy the evening and go with the flow.
TWEETS
(Nudging Zebby playfully)
And if you get stuck, remember our emergency signals.
ZEBBY
(Eyes widening)
Emergency signals?
BANGO
(Laughs)
Yeah, like the "Help, I need an escape route" signal. We'll have your back, buddy.
ZEBBY
(Nods appreciatively)
Got it. Smooth operator, thank yous, emergency signals... I think I'm ready.
XUMU
(With a wink)
And hey, if all else fails, just remember: you've got us.That girl is way out of your league,that should be comforting.
NKWEBI
(Leading the way out)
Alright, enough talk. Let's go make this night legendary!
They all exchange nods and playful jabs as they exit the dormitory
ZEBBY
(Standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie nervously)
Alright, Zebby, old pal. Tonight's the night. You've trained for this moment... well, maybe not trained, but you've definitely thought about it a lot. Time to channel your inner smooth operator. Smooth... like butter on toast. Except, don't talk about toast tonight. Toast is for breakfast, not prom night.
(He straightens his jacket and takes a deep breath.)
ZEBBY
(Continuing to himself)
Remember what the guys said: no calculus jokes, no debates on the existence of parallel universes, and definitely no quoting Einstein. Just smile, nod, and pretend you know how to dance. How hard can it be? People have been dancing for centuries. It's like walking, but with more rhythm... I hope.
He practices a few dance moves in front of the mirror, mimicking what he's seen in movies.
ZEBBY
(Trying to pep talk himself)
You've got this, Zebby. Denise said yes. She agreed to go with you voluntarily. So she must see something in you, right? Or maybe she lost a bet... Nah, positive thinking. She's into you. Confidence is key. You're a smooth operator tonight, remember? Like James Bond, but with less espionage and more awkward dancing.
He adjusts his hair one last time and flashes himself a determined grin.
ZEBBY
(Concluding with a sigh)
Alright, time to go make history. Well, maybe not history, but definitely some memories. Here goes nothing!
With a final deep breath, Zebby heads out of the room, ready to face prom night with a mixture of nerves and humor.
INT. MULTI-PURPOSE HALL - PROM NIGHT
Zebby enters the bustling multi-purpose hall, his heart racing with anticipation. He scans the room, filled with students dressed in their finest, colorful decorations, and the sound of music filling the air. Amidst the crowd, he spots DENISE, looking radiant in her prom dress.
ZEBBY
(To himself, nervously)
There she is... Denise
He takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves, and starts making his way towards her.
ZEBBY
(Still to himself)
Okay, Zebby, smooth operator time. Remember, smile, nod, and try not to trip over your own feet.
(As he gets closer, Denise notices him and smiles warmly.)
DENISE
(Happily)
Hey, Zebby! I'm so glad you made it.
ZEBBY
(Attempting to be suave)
Wouldn't miss it for the world. You look amazing, Denise.
DENISE
(Blushing)
Thanks! You clean up pretty well yourself.
(Zebby chuckles nervously, feeling a bit more at ease with her compliment.)
ZEBBY
(Feeling the moment)
Shall we, then?
(He extends his arm towards her, offering to es**rt her onto the dance floor.)
DENISE
(Smiling)
Let's.
They walk together towards the dance floor, where the music pulses and the lights twinkle, ready to embark on their prom night adventure.
