It’s a free period after their test. Arco and Brian are having a chat.
ARCO: You know I couldn’t believe she could be that insensitive and vindictive.
BRIAN: I can imagine how you feel. I could tell by how you’ve been quiet this whole time.
ARCO: Dude, it’s been hell.
BRIAN: Just ignore her. She’ll realise you’re not into her and let you go.
ARCO: I doubt it. Girl is so focused on destroying me. You know she calls me all kinds of names.
BRIAN: No man, I think it’s time she be confronted. She has gone too far now.
ARCO: I have nothing to say to her. I’ll just let her be. You know I sometimes feel she’s going to squash me.
Brian laughs.
ARCO: Don’t laugh. This is serious.
BRIAN: And you’re scared?
ARCO: Are you really asking me that? Of course I’m scared. Look how small I am.
They both laugh.
BRIAN: (He touches Arco’s hand) Don’t worry about her. I’ll handle her.
ARCO: How?
BRIAN: Leave that to me.
ARCO: No… you leave her to me. I’ll handle it myself. I don’t want people thinking you’re fighting my battles.
BRIAN: Hey, don’t worry. I just want to do it. I’m helping a friend here. Is that a bad thing to do?
Arco blushes.
BRIAN: Calm down, okay! (He smiles).
ARCO: (She smiles back) Thank you, Brian!
BRIAN: Always…
A bit of silence.
BRIAN: You know, in the small time I’ve spent with you, I’ve learnt a lot.
ARCO: (Surprised) You have?
BRIAN: Yes, I mean, everything you say and how you just never back down from an argument. You’re one of a kind, Arco.
She blushes.
BRIAN: You’re just a fountain of wisdom.
She blushes more.
BRIAN: You know what, enough about these serious talks, let’s talk about the test.
ARCO: Oh yeah, the test.
The both laugh.
BRIAN: But it was a bit hard, don’t you think ?
ARCO: You can say that again. Sir got us where he needed us this time.
They laugh again.
BRIAN: And question 2…
ARCO: Let’s stop talking about the test. It’s depressing right now.
BRIAN: You’re right. Any feedback from the English competition you entered?
ARCO: Nothing yet. Besides I’m only going to receive the news from the school and not from them. I’m really worried. It’s been a month now!
BRIAN: Hey, you like to worry for no reason. I know you did your best and you’ll be going to the national finals.
ARCO: But why hasn’t sir and principal announced anything? And I’m even afraid to ask.
BRIAN: They will, soon. Just relax
ARCO: You’re right. But if I don’t make it…
BRIAN: You will make it.
ARCO: And that’s exactly why I’m so worried. People like Ayanda will relish seeing me get disappointed.
BRIAN: Don’t say that. You’re a star and you will make it. Trust me.
Arco smiles.
Tell us: What do you think will happen next?