WELCOME
TO THE NEXT CHAPTER
THE CONFRONTATION
INT. ANTHONY & D’NISHA’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – EVENING
The house is unusually quiet. D’Nisha sits on the couch, visibly upset.
Anthony stands nearby, trying to understand what is bothering her.
D’NISHA
Shayla treated me badly, Anthony.
ANTHONY
I know you’re upset, but…
D’Nisha cuts him off, her voice becoming more emotional.
D’NISHA
No, Anthony. I need you to understand how I feel.
D’NISHA
After everything she did to me, couldn’t you say something to Shayla?
ANTHONY
D’Nisha, I don’t want to make this situation worse.
D’NISHA QUESTIONS ANTHONY
D’Nisha looks directly at Anthony. Her next question makes the room feel even more tense.
D’NISHA
Do you still love Shayla?
ANTHONY
What?
D’NISHA
You heard me.
Anthony stands up and takes a few steps away.
ANTHONY
There’s nothing like that going on.
D’NISHA
Then why does it always feel like you’re protecting her?
ANTHONY
I’m not protecting her.
D’NISHA
Then prove it.
D’NISHA DEMANDS ANSWERS
D’Nisha gets up from the couch. Her frustration is impossible to hide.
D’NISHA
Shayla embarrassed me. She disrespected me. She made me feel like I didn’t matter.
ANTHONY
I never said that.
D’NISHA
After the way Shayla treated me, are you going to get revenge for what she did?
Anthony’s expression becomes serious. Her words clearly hit a nerve.
D’NISHA
Or are you still worried about Shayla’s feelings?
Anthony suddenly grabs his keys and heads toward the door.
ANTHONY
I’m done talking about this.
EXT. SHAYLA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Anthony’s car pulls up outside Shayla’s house. He steps out with a serious expression and walks toward the front door.
Shayla opens the door and immediately looks surprised.
SHAYLA
Anthony?
ANTHONY
We need to talk.
SHAYLA
About what?
ANTHONY
About D’Nisha.
Shayla’s expression changes.
ANTHONY
You shouldn’t have treated D’Nisha like that. What you did to her was wrong.
SHAYLA’S TAUNTS
SHAYLA
So now you’re defending her?
ANTHONY
I’m telling you that you crossed the line.
SHAYLA
You’re fighting with me because of D’Nisha.
ANTHONY
I’m fighting with you because you disrespected her.
Shayla gives him a sarcastic look. Anthony tries to keep his temper under control.
SHAYLA
You came all the way over here because D’Nisha was upset?
ANTHONY
Shayla, stop.
SHAYLA
Why? Because I’m telling the truth?
THE ARGUMENT ESCALATES
Anthony’s patience is running out. He looks toward the door, thinking about leaving.
SHAYLA
Maybe D’Nisha was right. Maybe you really do still have feelings for me.
ANTHONY
Don’t bring that into this.
SHAYLA
You came here angry because D’Nisha told you to come here.
ANTHONY
I said stop!
The room suddenly falls silent. Anthony realizes his anger has gone too far.
THE CONFRONTATION TAKES A SHOCKING TURN.
AFTER THE ARGUMENT
Anthony immediately realizes the situation has gone too far. Shayla is left shocked by what happened.
ANTHONY
Shayla… I shouldn’t have done that.
Anthony turns toward the door and walks out, leaving Shayla standing silently in the room.
INT. ANTHONY & D’NISHA’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
D’Nisha hears the front door open. Anthony walks inside.
D’NISHA
Where did you go?
ANTHONY
I went to talk to Shayla.
D’NISHA
What happened?
Anthony remains silent. D’Nisha studies his face and realizes something serious has happened.
D’NISHA
Anthony… what did you do?
Anthony looks away.
The silence says more than words ever could.
D’Nisha realizes that her question about Shayla may have created an even bigger problem.