Denver arrives at school. He makes eye contact with Mandy. She smiles and runs to Denver.
MANDY: Denver! (hugging him tightly)
Max is walking with Toe. They stop next to Denver and Mandy.
MAX: What do we have here? Denver and Mandy in a lovely romance?
MANDY: (pulling Denver by the hand) Don’t mind them, Denver. Let’s go.
DENVER: I was thinking the same thing.
MANDY: How was your weekend?
DENVER: It was fine. How was yours?
MANDY: It was okay. Did you do your homework?
DENVER: Just little.
MANDY: (stops and looks at Denver) Why? And why are you sweating? Your hands are slippery.
DENVER: It’s nothing, Mandy. It’s hot.
MANDY: Are you okay, Denver?
DENVER: I’m fine.
MANDY: Your face is red, and you’re sweating. Are you afraid of me? Look I told you, I won’t hurt you. I just want us to be friends so you feel free here in school knowing that at least there’s one person that actually cares about you and wants to protect you.
DENVER: I know, you’ve always treated me kind.
MANDY: You shouldn’t feel lost, try to at least feel comfortable, and as it goes on you’ll finally find your stand.
The bell rings, calling everyone to their classes. After school Denver and Mandy are walking out of the school gates when they are ambushed by Max and Toe.
MAX: (approaching Denver) It’s about time you give us our money, don’t you think?
DENVER: I don’t have your money. I don’t want to play your games anymore.
Toe grabs Denver from behind. Denver fights off Toe and pushes him away. He is trying to regain his bearings when he is sucker punched in the stomach by Max.
MANDY: Leave him alone!
TOE: (turns to Mandy) Shut up little girlfriend!
MAX: (searching Denver’s pockets) We want our money!
Max finds a R20 note hidden in Denver’s left sock.
MAX: You know what I like about you is that you’re smart, but you aren’t smart enough for us.
Denver punches Max in the face. Max falls down to the ground.
MANDY: Oh my god! Denver!
TOE: Are you okay, Max?
MAX: Get him! Get him!
Denver quickly runs away with Mandy. Max and Toe get on their bikes and chase after the running pair.
MANDY: This way!
Mandy leads Denver through a bushy passage. Max and Toe lose track of the running pair.
TOE: (looking around) What now?
MAX: Lets go back. They must have hidden in the bush. I know where to look.
MANDY: Listen, Denver, we’ll have a better chance of getting away if we split up. You’ll have to find your way home.
DENVER: But I don’t know this place. I’ll get lost.
MANDY: My father is home and he is very strict. I can’t take you home with me.
DENVER: Then I’m going back to school, so I can find my way home.
MANDY: You can’t do that. Max and Toe will find you. Listen, just go down the road, turn left on Marble street, and then right before the yellow trees. You should be able to find your way home from there.
DENVER: Okay.
MANDY: Now go!
Denver runs down the road. Just as he is about to turn left, Toe and Max appear at the corner of Marble Street.
TOE: There he is!
MAX: I told you he’ll be here! After him!
DENVER: Oh no!
MAX: Well, well, well! The mouse is caught in a trap!
TOE: What are you going to do now, smarty pants?