The house is unusually quiet.

Brooke sits on the couch, scrolling through her phone.

Bethany walks into the room and pauses when she sees Brooke. Her expression is serious.

BETHANY

Brooke, we need to talk about Isaiah.

Brooke slowly looks up.

BROOKE

What happened?

Bethany sits beside her.

BETHANY

I’m just trying to make sure you’re seeing everything clearly.

Brooke puts her phone down.

BROOKE

What are you talking about?

BETHANY

I don’t think Isaiah is right for you.

Brooke’s face immediately changes.

BROOKE

Why?

BETHANY

Because I don’t think he’s being completely loyal to you. He talks to other girls, and I don’t want you getting hurt.

Brooke looks away. She clearly doesn’t want to hear it.

BROOKE

Mom, Isaiah talks to people. That doesn’t mean he’s doing anything wrong.

BETHANY

I’m not saying he’s cheating on you. I’m saying you need to pay attention.

Brooke becomes quiet. The words stay in her mind.

Brooke walks into her room and closes the door.

She picks up her phone. After a moment of hesitation, she calls Isaiah.

He answers.

ISAIAH

Hey, Brooke.

Brooke’s voice is calm, but there is tension underneath it.

BROOKE

Where are you?

ISAIAH

I’m getting ready to go to an event.

Brooke sits on the edge of her bed.

BROOKE

Can I ask you something?

ISAIAH

Yeah. What’s up?

BROOKE

My mom said you talk to other girls.

Isaiah becomes silent for a moment.

BROOKE

She thinks you’re not loyal to me.

ISAIAH

Brooke, listen to me.

BROOKE

I’m listening.

ISAIAH

I don’t want you believing something just because somebody else said it.

Brooke looks down at the floor.

BROOKE

Then tell me the truth.

ISAIAH

I am telling you the truth.

He looks at the time. He is clearly supposed to leave soon, but his attention is completely on Brooke.

ISAIAH

I’m going to the event, but I’m not going to leave you sitting there thinking I’m doing something behind your back.

Brooke says nothing.

ISAIAH

I’ll come talk to you.

Brooke looks surprised.

BROOKE

You don’t have to.

ISAIAH

Yes, I do.

The call ends.

Music plays in the background.

People gather around the venue, talking and laughing.

Isaiah arrives dressed for the event. He checks his phone.

There are several messages from Brooke. He immediately calls her.

ISAIAH

Brooke, I’m still coming to see you.

BROOKE

You really don’t have to leave the event.

ISAIAH

I want to.

He looks toward the entrance.

ISAIAH

I don’t want you sitting at home thinking I’m choosing somebody else over you.

Brooke’s expression softens.

BROOKE

Okay.

Isaiah heads toward his car.

A car pulls up outside the house.

Brooke watches from the window.

Isaiah gets out and walks toward the door.

Brooke opens it before he can knock.

They look at each other. For a moment, neither speaks.

BROOKE

You actually came.

ISAIAH

I told you I would.

Brooke steps aside. Isaiah walks in.

They sit in the living room.

BROOKE

I just don’t want to feel stupid.

ISAIAH

You’re not stupid.

He leans forward, speaking honestly.

ISAIAH

Brooke, I’m loyal to you.

Brooke watches him closely.

ISAIAH

Your mom might see things differently, but I know how I feel about you.

Brooke remains quiet.

ISAIAH

Yes, I talk to people. But that doesn’t mean I’m talking to other girls in the way she’s making it sound.

Brooke’s expression begins to relax.

ISAIAH

You are the person I’m choosing.

BROOKE

So there’s nobody else?

ISAIAH

No.

He answers without hesitation.

ISAIAH

There isn’t another girl in my life that I’m trying to be with. I’m talking to you. I’m spending time with you. I’m trying to build something with you.

Brooke looks down, smiling.

BROOKE

That actually makes me feel better.

ISAIAH

That’s all I wanted.

Brooke and Isaiah continue talking.

The tension that had filled the room earlier is finally gone.

BROOKE

I guess I just needed to hear it from you.

ISAIAH

And now you have.

BROOKE

I’m glad you came.

ISAIAH

I wasn’t going to let you sit here worrying all night.

Brooke looks at him with a relieved expression.

For the first time since Bethany’s warning, she feels completely at ease.

BROOKE

I believe you.

ISAIAH

Good.

A quiet moment passes.

Brooke smiles as she looks at Isaiah.

BROOKE

You better not make me regret believing you.