Scene 1 — Cameron’s House — Morning

The house is quiet, but the mood changes quickly when Cameron’s mom realizes Brooke has been staying there for two days. She walks into the living room and sees Brooke sitting on the couch. Her expression turns serious.

Cameron’s Mom

Brooke, we need to talk.

Brooke looks up, confused.

Brooke

What happened?

Cameron’s dad enters, looking frustrated.

Cameron’s Dad

Your parents know you’re here, right?

Brooke looks away. That silence tells them everything.

Cameron’s Mom

Wait… you’ve been here this entire time?

Brooke

I just needed somewhere to stay.

Cameron’s Mom

For two days?

Brooke nods. Cameron’s mom takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

Cameron’s Mom

Brooke, you need to go home.

Brooke

I’m not going back.

Cameron’s dad looks at his wife — he can’t believe what he’s hearing.

Cameron’s Dad

Brooke, this isn’t your house. You can’t just stay here without your parents knowing.

Brooke

I’m not hurting anybody. Cameron said I could stay.

Cameron walks in and notices the tension.

Cameron

Mom, Dad, what’s going on?

Cameron’s Mom

Your friend has been staying here for two days.

Cameron looks at Brooke.

Cameron

Brooke…

Brooke

I didn’t know where else to go.

Cameron’s mom softens for a moment, but stays firm.

Cameron’s Mom

I understand that you’re upset, but you still need to go home and talk to your family.

Brooke

No. I’m staying here.

Cameron’s dad grows frustrated.

Cameron’s Dad

Then we’re going to talk to your father ourselves.

Brooke

Please don’t.

Cameron’s Mom

We have to, Brooke.

Scene 2 — Larry’s House — Afternoon

Larry is in the living room with Sharra when someone knocks loudly. Larry opens the door to find Cameron’s parents standing outside.

Larry

Can I help you?

Cameron’s Dad

Yes. We need to talk about Brooke.

Larry’s expression changes.

Larry

Brooke?

Cameron’s Mom

Your daughter has been staying at our house for two days.

Larry freezes. Sharra stands up immediately.

Sharra

What did you just say?

Larry

Two days?

Cameron’s Dad

Yes. Two days.

Larry turns toward Sharra.

Larry

You knew Brooke wasn’t home?

Sharra

I thought she was somewhere with her friends.

Larry

Why didn’t anybody tell me?

Cameron’s Dad

What kind of father are you? Your daughter has been in our house for two days, and you didn’t even know where she was.

Larry clenches his jaw.

Larry

Watch how you talk to me.

Cameron’s Dad

Your daughter is spending all this time around different boys, and you don’t even know what’s going on in her life.

Larry suddenly grabs Cameron’s dad by the collar. Everyone gasps.

Larry

How dare you talk about my daughter like that!

Cameron’s Dad

Let go of me!

Larry

You came into my house and disrespected my daughter!

Sharra steps between them.

Cameron’s Mom

Larry, calm down!

Sharra

Larry, let him go!

Larry finally releases him. The room falls silent.

Scene 3 — The Argument

Cameron’s Mom

You know what? Maybe this is where Brooke learned it from.

Sharra

What did you just say?

Cameron’s Mom

Your daughter acts the same way, and you’re probably no different!

Sharra

Don’t you dare bring my daughter into this!

Cameron’s Mom

You brought my son into this situation first!

Sharra

Your son is the one Brooke is staying with!

Cameron’s Mom

Because Brooke needed somewhere to go!

Sharra

Then maybe you should ask yourself why she didn’t want to come home!

Cameron’s Mom

Don’t blame me for what your family allows!

Sharra

And don’t blame my family for your parenting!

Larry steps between the two women.

Larry

Enough! This is my house, and nobody is going to turn this into a screaming match.

Cameron’s Dad

Then act like a father and find out why your daughter has been away for two days.

Larry looks down. His anger slowly turns into concern.

Larry

I’m going to get my daughter.

Scene 4 — Cameron’s House — Later

A car pulls up outside. Larry steps out and walks toward the front door, where Cameron’s parents wait. Brooke stands behind them.

Larry

Brooke.

Brooke looks at him but says nothing.

Larry

Why didn’t you come home?

Brooke

Because I didn’t want to.

Larry

You could have called me.

Brooke

Would you have listened?

Larry pauses — the question hits him hard.

Larry

I’m your father. Of course I would listen.

Brooke

You always tell me what to do. You never ask how I feel.

Larry looks at her silently. Cameron watches from the doorway.

Larry

Brooke, whatever happened, you’re still my daughter. I’m not going to stop caring about you.

Brooke

Then why does it feel like nobody understands me?

Larry doesn’t immediately answer. He realizes the situation is more complicated than he thought.

Larry

Maybe I haven’t been listening enough.

Brooke looks surprised. Cameron’s mom finally speaks.

Cameron’s Mom

That’s all we wanted you to understand.

Larry

I understand. But you’re still coming home with me.

Brooke

I don’t know.

Larry

Then we’ll talk about it. No yelling. No fighting. Just you and me.

Brooke looks toward Cameron. He gives her a small nod. Brooke turns back toward Larry. The tension remains, but the shouting has stopped.

FADE OUT.