Sharra Hears the Truth
Late afternoon. Sharra sits quietly in her living room, looking through her phone. Her expression suddenly changes. She has just learned that Bethany has been treating Brooke badly.
But what angers her even more is hearing that Larry knew about the situation and didn’t step in. Sharra slowly puts her phone down.
SHARRA: That’s enough.
She stands up. Her frustration is obvious.
SHARRA: How many times does Brooke have to deal with this?
Sharra walks across the room, thinking about everything Brooke has been going through.
SHARRA: Every day it’s another argument. Every day somebody is upset.
She shakes her head.
SHARRA: I’m not going to sit here and watch her go through this anymore.
Sharra grabs her keys. She makes a decision.
SHARRA: I’m bringing Brooke home with me.
Sharra Calls Brooke
Sharra gets into her car. Before starting the engine, she calls Brooke. The phone rings.
BROOKE: Hello?
SHARRA: Brooke, listen to me carefully.
Brooke immediately notices the seriousness in Sharra’s voice.
BROOKE: What happened?
SHARRA: I heard what’s been going on at the house.
Brooke becomes quiet.
SHARRA: I don’t want you dealing with all this arguing anymore.
BROOKE: But what are you saying?
SHARRA: Pack your things.
Brooke pauses.
BROOKE: Pack my things?
SHARRA: Yes. I’m coming to get you.
Brooke looks surprised.
BROOKE: You really want me to come stay with you?
SHARRA: Yes.
Sharra’s voice softens.
SHARRA: You need somewhere you can have some peace.
Brooke takes a moment to think.
BROOKE: Okay.
Sharra nods.
SHARRA: Good. I’ll be there soon.
The call ends. Sharra starts the car and drives away.
Brooke Packs Her Things
Back at Bethany’s house. Brooke walks into her room. She looks around quietly. She begins packing her belongings into a bag. Her emotions are mixed. Part of her is nervous about leaving. Another part of her feels relieved.
BROOKE, quietly:
BROOKE: Maybe I really do need some space.
She closes her bag. She hears a car arriving outside. Brooke looks through the window. Sharra has arrived.
Sharra Arrives
Sharra steps out of the car. She walks toward the front door. Brooke opens it before Sharra can knock.
BROOKE: I’m ready.
Sharra looks at the packed bags.
SHARRA: Okay. Let’s go.
Brooke picks up her belongings. Just as they begin walking toward the door, Bethany appears. Her expression immediately changes.
BETHANY: Excuse me?
Sharra stops. Brooke looks nervous.
BETHANY: Where do you think you’re taking Brooke?
SHARRA: I’m taking her home with me.
BETHANY: No, you’re not.
Bethany steps forward.
BETHANY: Brooke is staying here.
SHARRA: After everything that’s happened?
BETHANY: This is her home.
SHARRA: And she’s miserable here.
Bethany looks stunned.
BETHANY: You don’t get to walk into my house and decide where Brooke is going to live.
SHARRA: I didn’t come here to start an argument.
Sharra looks toward Brooke.
SHARRA: I came because she needs a break from all this.
Bethany Refuses
Bethany becomes more emotional.
BETHANY: You’re not taking my daughter anywhere.
SHARRA: I’m not trying to take her away from you forever.
BETHANY: Then why are you packing her things?
SHARRA: Because she needs somewhere peaceful to stay.
Brooke finally speaks.
BROOKE: Mom…
Bethany turns toward her.
BETHANY: Brooke, you’re not leaving.
Brooke looks conflicted.
BROOKE: I just want things to calm down.
Bethany’s expression softens for a moment.
BETHANY: We can work things out.
BROOKE: We’ve been saying that for a long time.
Silence fills the room. Sharra looks at Brooke.
SHARRA: You don’t have to decide everything today.
Brooke looks toward her packed bag.
BROOKE: I already decided.
Bethany looks shocked.
BETHANY: Brooke?
BROOKE: I need some time away.
Larry Walks In
Suddenly, the front door opens. Larry walks inside. He immediately notices the tension.
LARRY: What is going on?
He looks at Brooke’s bags.
LARRY: Why is Brooke packed?
Bethany points toward Sharra.
BETHANY: She came here to take Brooke.
Larry looks at Sharra.
LARRY: Is that true?
SHARRA: Yes.
LARRY: Why?
SHARRA: Because I’m tired of watching Brooke get caught in the middle of everyone’s arguments.
Larry looks toward Brooke.
LARRY: Do you want to leave?
Brooke takes a deep breath.
BROOKE: Yes.
Larry becomes quiet.
BROOKE: I don’t want to keep fighting with everybody.
Larry looks at Bethany. Bethany looks hurt.
BETHANY: So you’re choosing to leave?
BROOKE: No. I’m choosing to get some peace.
That sentence hits Bethany hard.
The Final Decision
Sharra picks up one of Brooke’s bags.
SHARRA: Come on.
Brooke walks toward the door. Bethany watches her.
BETHANY: You’re really going?
Brooke stops. She turns around.
BROOKE: I love you, Mom.
Bethany’s eyes fill with emotion.
BROOKE: But I need some space.
Bethany doesn’t respond. Brooke walks outside with Sharra. Sharra places the bags inside the car. Brooke gets in. Sharra closes the door.
Bethany remains standing at the entrance. Larry stands beside her. Neither says anything.
The Drive Home
Sharra drives quietly. Brooke sits in the passenger seat. For the first few moments, neither speaks.
SHARRA: You okay?
BROOKE: I think so.
Sharra glances at her.
SHARRA: You can stay with me as long as you need.