Baton Rouge University Campus — Morning
The bright Louisiana sun shines over the crowded campus. Students and families move in every direction, excited for orientation day. A black SUV pulls into the parking area — Sharra, Trey, and Brooke step out, Brooke carrying her orientation folder, eyes bright with excitement.
BROOKE: I can’t believe I’m finally here. This is the beginning of a whole new chapter.
Trey smiles proudly.
TREY: You worked hard for this. Today is your day.
Sharra adjusts Brooke’s backpack, smiling warmly.
SHARRA: We’re all proud of you. Enjoy every moment.
The three walk toward the orientation building together.
The Unexpected Surprise
As they approach the entrance, Brooke suddenly freezes. A familiar voice calls her name.
BETHANY: Brooke!
Brooke turns around, eyes wide with surprise.
BROOKE: Bethany?!
Bethany runs toward her with a huge smile. They hug tightly.
BROOKE: What are you doing here?
BETHANY: I flew all the way from Miami just to surprise you. I wasn’t going to miss your orientation.
Brooke smiles with happy tears.
BROOKE: You seriously came all this way for me?
BETHANY: Of course. Family shows up.
Trey and Sharra exchange smiles, watching the emotional reunion.
A Familiar Face
Suddenly, Bethany notices someone walking across the campus sidewalk. Her smile instantly disappears, her expression turning cold. She narrows her eyes.
The man continues walking without noticing them. Bethany recognizes him immediately — it’s Sharra’s ex-boyfriend. A heavy silence falls over the group.
Anger Explodes
Bethany steps forward, her voice sharp, pointing directly toward the man.
BETHANY: Hold on… what is HE doing here?
Sharra looks in the same direction, her face uncomfortable. Trey realizes exactly who Bethany means.
TREY: Bethany…
BETHANY: No. I asked a question.
She turns toward Sharra.
BETHANY: What is your ex doing here?
SHARRA: I didn’t know he’d be here.
BETHANY: You mean to tell me this is just a coincidence?
SHARRA: Yes.
Tension Builds
Bethany folds her arms, her frustration growing.
BETHANY: After everything he put you through… he has the nerve to show up here?
SHARRA: This is a university campus, Bethany. He has every right to be here.
BETHANY: That doesn’t mean I have to like it.
Brooke becomes nervous, glancing around as nearby students begin noticing the argument.
BROOKE: Please… not today. This is orientation.
Trey quietly steps between them.
TREY: Let’s stay calm.
The Ex Notices Them
Across the courtyard, Sharra’s ex finally notices the group and stops walking. His eyes lock onto Sharra — then he notices Bethany glaring at him. He slowly begins walking toward them.
BROOKE (whispering): He’s coming.
Bethany doesn’t move. She stands her ground, jaw tightening.
Face to Face
The man reaches the group, giving an awkward smile.
SHARRA’S EX: Sharra… it’s been a long time.
Sharra remains silent. Before she can answer, Bethany steps directly in front of her.
BETHANY: Don’t. You’ve said enough already.
The man looks confused.
SHARRA’S EX: I wasn’t talking to you.
BETHANY: You are now.
A tense silence follows. Nearby students slow down to watch.
Bethany’s Warning
Bethany points directly at him.
BETHANY: You hurt someone I care about. You don’t get to walk over here acting like nothing happened.
SHARRA’S EX: I just wanted to say hello.
BETHANY: Save it. Nobody here wants to hear your excuses.
Sharra gently places a hand on Bethany’s shoulder.
SHARRA: It’s okay. Let it go.
BETHANY: No. I’m tired of people pretending the past didn’t happen.
Brooke Steps In
Brooke finally walks between them, her voice calm but firm.
BROOKE: Today isn’t about old drama. It’s orientation day. I don’t want my first day here remembered because of an argument.
Everyone goes quiet. Bethany looks at Brooke, her anger slowly fading. She takes a deep breath.
BETHANY: You’re right. I’m sorry.
Sharra gives Brooke a grateful smile.
Walking Forward
Sharra’s ex quietly nods before turning around and walking away without another word. Bethany watches him leave, still unconvinced. The group stands together in silence.
Brooke looks toward the orientation building. A smile slowly returns to her face.
BROOKE: Come on. I don’t want to be late.
The four walk toward the building together. Behind them, the peaceful campus once again fills with excitement — but Bethany can’t shake the feeling that this unexpected encounter isn’t truly over.
Old wounds have a way of showing up uninvited, even on the best of days.