D I A R Y O F O S C A R Q U I N T E X
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
The room is dark. However, we can still see it is organized, decorated, and professional. Two people are in the room: the PRINCIPAL and the TEACHER. Well, to be teacher that is. Both of them aren't visible, but you can see the outline of the teacher. The woman is short and fair, with long hair that goes beyond her shoulder.
PRINCIPAL
Where did you study?
TEACHER
Caltech. Math major.
PRINCIPAL
Is this your first experience at teaching?
TEACHER
I taught at a local high school for two years.
PRINCIPAL
What made you want to move?
The teacher smirks.
TEACHER
They weren't up to par. The students wanted to learn further, but the school was too stuck to their principles.
The principal notes this down. He turns the page.
PRINCIPAL
We have 3,000 applicants every year. Why you?
The teacher pauses for a second. She's not thinking though. She already knows what to say.
TEACHER
Yes. You indeed get thousands of applicants every year. But I am resilient, determined, and ready to be better than everyone. I can take any task under any time control. And I don't run from failure.
PRINCIPAL
You're fearless.
TEACHER
No. I fear a lot, but I don't back down fear. I fear, but I am not a coward. I am confident none of the applicants are not like me.
The teacher looks up. He is impressed.
PRINCIPAL
What is your name?
TEACHER
…That's not your first question?
PRINCIPAL
I care for names only if they interest me.
The teacher leans forward and comes to light under the red lamp. She is elegant and beautiful. Her face is framed by cascading black hair and olive-toned skin. Her eyes are like caramel magic.
TEACHER
I am Victoria Valencia.
PRINCIPAL
…Try Professor at the front.
VICTORIA VALENCIA, 26, has a powerful smirk.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
A gorgeous garden is lined up at the entrance of the school. It's a very busy day, so the garden is covered by passing students. Still, its beauty grows. The garden is adorned with elegant stone statues and a bubbling fountain. Victoria, back turned to us, trots up steps like royalty. She reaches the DORIC entrance: APOLLO UNIVERSITY.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Victoria continues down the hallway. Her bright sneakers tap the ground like the finest high heels. From head to toe, she can covert her simplistic outfit (consisting of black khakis and an azure shirt) to a GALA. Every head turns to her. Jaws are left wide open. Is she a student? Is she a teacher? No, she looks so young to be a teacher. I hope I get her class. They're all thinking the same thing: How can someone be so beautiful?
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
The room is brightly lit now. PRINCIPAL KIMI VIRTANEN, 45, settles at his desk, preparing for the start of the day. OSCAR QUINTEX, 28, and oh-so-good-looking (according to him) picks up a textbook and hands it to Kimi. Both men are dressed sharply with black overcoats and dress pants. Kimi, additionally, has a black vest. They're both professionals.
OSCAR
Now, you tell me why I can't keep my test for the finals?
Kimi takes the book and rests it next to his laptop.
KIMI
It doesn't follow code. One part multiple choice, one part free response.
OSCAR
I've always found that code... Useless.
(stands in front of Kimi)
What are we doing here? You would say, preparing them for the real world. Where in the real world do you get 25 MCQs every day?
Kimi holds up a circular fridge magnet. He brings to Oscar's charcoal eyes.
KIMI
This is a prestigious private university that you've been accepted to. Name one.
OSCAR
Stanford.
KIMI
Alright, Stanford.
Kimi places the first magnet on the table and holds up the second one.
KIMI (CONT'D)
This is a local community college. Good, but nowhere near Stanford.
Kimi places both magnets side by side.
KIMI (CONT'D)
Now, Stanford is a little greedy. They aren't offering you a single penny in financial aid. The local university, however, is giving you a full ride. Which college do you take?
OSCAR
Obviously th-
KIMI
Sorry, the community college has a 34% post-graduation job rate. Stanford has countless research opportunities and connections. Now, which do you take?
OSCAR
Then, I'll go with Stanford.
Kimi takes a thumb tack and puts it in the middle. He slides Stanford far away, and the community college closer.
KIMI
What about transportation? The community college is close.
(MORE)
KIMI (CONT'D)
No need for dorms. If you go to Stanford, you'd be paying thousands to live there. Not to mention it's California.
Oscar gets tired of the monologue and grabs a sticker magnet from the bulletin board.
OSCAR
If you're going to give me a headache, my choice will be...
(throws sticker over both colleges)
MIT.
Oscar smiles proudly. He packs up the magnets and puts them on the white board.
OSCAR (CONT'D)
Life isn't set to 4 options. It's not set to educated guesses. I see where you were going with the analogy though. Very clever.
KNOCK! KNOCK! The hollow sounds echoes through the small room. The two gentlemen turn to see Victoria standing by the open door.
VICTORIA
Very interesting conversation, gentlemen.
Oscar stands frozen. Kimi walks up to Victoria and extends his hand. She accepts.
KIMI
It's wonderful to see you today. Ms. Valencia, this is Oscar Quintex, head of the physics department. Oscar, this is Victoria Valencia, the new head of math.
The two professors shake hands.
VICTORIA
You're the Oscar Quintex, right?
OSCAR
I didn't think I'd be recognized for my work at a high school.
VICTORIA
No, not high school. Your paper about electromagnetism. It's very fascinating.
Oscar laughs to himself.
OSCAR
Sweetheart, that was a long time ago. That is far from my finest work.
VICTORIA
Then perhaps your paper on fluid dynamics is?
Victoria is half a foot shorter, so she looks up Oscar with a playful smirk. Oscar's smile grows, but it's mostly a stroke to his ego. He gives Kimi a pat.
OSCAR
You picked a teacher with good taste.
(turns to Vitoria)
Enjoy your first day, here. If you excuse me, I have a paper to fix.
Oscar gives Kimi a good stare before leaving the room. The two watch the teacher walk down the hallway.
VICTORIA
He's an interesting fellow.
KIMI
In more ways than one, yes. Be careful of him.
Victoria eyes Oscar until he turns the corner. Then, Kimi closes the door.
VICTORIA
I didn't read those papers by the way.
KIMI
Cruel.
Victoria explores the room in the light for the first time. = It's fitting of an expensive private school. Kimi goes to his bookshelf, notices the out-of-order history section, and begins arranging them alphabetically.
VICTORIA
So, this is your wonderful office?
KIMI
Yes. It's perfect. Everything, except that door. I gave the designer a piece of my mind for that hideous feature.
VICTORIA
Where does it lead to?
Victoria presses on the handle and pushes, revealing...
KIMI
(with great horror)
The lounge.
INT. LOUNGE - DAY
A very bright room with direct access to the outside world. It's decorated eloquently and has various amenities. Some parts are decorated with messages teachers received, and the other parts with old relics of the school's history. Once Victoria steps foot inside, all eyes turn to her. There are only teachers there, resting on red cotton couches. The male teacher, ADONIS PETRAKIS, 23, holds a tortilla chip in the air with beaming eyes gazing at Victoria. The other teacher, ALISON FISCHER, 32, glances with sharp, hazel eyes. Victoria clasps her hand behind her back and slightly bows.
VICTORIA
Good morning. My name is Professor Victoria Valencia, the new head of mathematics.
Adonis' eyes light up and he bites down on the chip.
ADONIS
Cool. I've been waiting for that old fart to die for so long.
ALISON
Adonis!
Alison kicks his shin with her boots. He holds up his leg.
ADONIS
It's true. He was pushing 80. Everyone thought that. He was also a douche.
ALISON
Respect your elders.
ADONIS
Oh, you kick like hell. I should step on your ankle.
While the two bicker, Victoria squeezes around the two. She stops at the counter to see a strange creation on the table. It is made of solid glass and plastic, with a large metal fan attached at the top. A student's name is signed at the bottom. She taps the tubes.
ADONIS (CONT'D)
If you like your ears, don't turn that on.
VICTORIA
What is this?
ADONIS
It was one of my kid's physics project, but they gave it to me instead. The large fan creates a pressure difference, causing the water to rise. It reaches the holes and then flows like a fountain. The water comes back then it repeats. Problem is, you need a large fan to cause a sizable change in the water level. Explains my warning.
Victoria analyzes the potential motion of the water.
VICTORIA
It would be a like projectile, nothing more than a parametric.
ADONIS
I don't know the math behind it, but sure.
ALISON
What classes do you teach?
Victoria turns to stand between them.
VICTORIA
My first few classes are AP Calculus. But aside from that, I also have Multivariable and Vector Calculus.
ALISON
(intrigued)
We have a vector calculus course?
VICTORIA
You do now.
The door slams open and Kimi walks out, extending his hands to point to Victoria.
KIMI
Everybody, this is-
ALISON
Victoria Valencia, Head of Mathematics.
KIMI
Do you like making fun of my job?
ALISON
No. I hate excessive repetition.
(checks watch)
And being late. Class starts in 10 minutes.
Alison gets off the couch to leave.
ADONIS
Speaking of that, did I tell about a student in my first-period who woke up so late, he came into my second-period Bio.
KIMI
Fantastic. I thought you had office hours today?
ADONIS
I moved it after school. Though I might cancel that, too.
(swings on the door)
See ya, Kimi.
Kimi hands Victoria a white sheet of paper. It's still warm from the printer.
KIMI
This is your schedule. Your classroom is A124. What else?... Just get along with those two. You have the same lunch as them, so I'm sure my life with get a bit closer to hell.
Victoria analyzes her printed schedule: Period 1: AP Calculus AB Period 2: AP Calculus BC Period 3: AP Calculus BC Period 4: Statistics and Probability Period 5: Lunch Break Period 6: Multivariable Calculus Period 7: Free Period Period 8: Vector Calculus She smiles to herself, a bit of pride in her actions.
VICTORIA
You really did get Vector Calculus on here.
KIMI
It was a pain, but I did. You have 11 in that class and about 20 each in Calc III.
VICTORIA
Don't worry about the numbers, Principal. I can teach one; I can teach a hundred.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Victoria stands outside her classroom door, forest green. It reads in gold “A124.” Students flock inside her first period, all staring at her before they take their seats. Some of them wish their friends goodbye with “tears” before transferring. Then, Victoria is distracted by the sound of another door opening across from her. It's Oscar Quintex.
OSCAR
I see you're enjoying the new setting.
VICTORIA
We're neighbors? How cute?
OSCAR
Of course. Physics and Math were made for one another.
Victoria shakes her head.
VICTORIA
I would argue math made physics.
OSCAR
(scoffs)
Why do you think Calculus was invented?
VICTORIA
Touché.
(spots alumni plaque)
I see your college plaque is MIT. Impressive.
OSCAR
Caltech is a pretty impressive school as well. Some of my students want to go there, so maybe you can help them out.
VICTORIA
What class are you teaching?
OSCAR
Just Physics 1. They're learning 2D Kinematics right now.
Oscar steps aside to allow Victoria to look inside. A bright poster of a projectile is on the back wall.
VICTORIA
Adorable.
OSCAR
What about you?
VICTORIA
Calculus BC. The other teachers told me they're on the limit definition of a derivative.
(remembers)
What was the test you were talking about earlier?
The bell rings. It's a soft percussion, but for the students it's horror.
OSCAR
We'll catch up some other time. What period do you have off?
VICTORIA
7th, but I have lunch 5th.
OSCAR
Funny.
Oscar smiles before he closes the door and disappears into his teacher world.
INT. CLASSROOM, A124 - CONTINUOUS
Victoria walks to the front of the classroom. Her is set up college style, with rows of seats rising in elevation further back. She raises her hand to command attention.
VICTORIA
Calm down, everyone.
Everyone quiets up, all eyes on her.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Wonderful. My name is Professor Valencia and I will be teaching you AP Calculus BC. Now, who can tell me what a derivative is?
(student raises her hand)
Yes.
Victoria points to her and begins writing on the chalkboard: Derivatives.
FEMALE STUDENT
It's an instantaneous slope.
VICTORIA
Yes, that's what your textbooks say. But I find the notion of instantaneous slope stupid. They're contradictory. What is a slope?
MALE STUDENT
A rate of change.
VICTORIA
Correct. Instantaneous implies time is zero. How can you have a rate of change when time is zero? How do you divide by zero?
The class follows Victoria, actually learning something, as Victoria writes the following: Instantaneous Slope? She then draws the graph of f(x) = x^2.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
I like to think of derivatives as slopes of an incredibly minute separation. That dx. When you take the limit definition of a derivative, you take the slope of those separations during an interval that nears 0, but never hits it. Find the slope of those separations…
Victoria slices up the graph and estimates the slope of the individual points. Then she draws the axes for the new graph.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Plot them on an a new graph, and follow the lines to get…
Victoria draws a straight line, the function of 2x.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Your derivative.
(turns around)
That, my friends, is Calculus.
The class bursts into applause. Victoria raises her hand like a conductor and silence follows.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
There's no need for applause, my dear mathematicians. This is a topic that an expert can teach with simplicity. You just haven't been around experts.
END OF FOURTH PERIOD: One by the one, the students leave the classroom over the chiming bell. Victoria stands by her desk, gathering up her lecture notes and notebooks into a brown leather bag. Oscar sneaks up behind her and observes.
OSCAR
How was the first half of your first day?
VICTORIA
A good change of pace. Though I am worried how little students are actually taught.
OSCAR
That is why the old head of math was fired.
VICTORIA
Fired? The principal told me retired.
OSCAR
Retired, fired. Same thing here at this school. If you're not good, you stay no matter your age. We once had a guy was 98 teaching Chemistry. One of our best teachers.
(beat)
You coming to lounge?
Victoria picks up her lunch bag.
VICTORIA
I am. Why?
OSCAR
Let's stop by Alison's room first.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Victoria follows Oscar down C hall. It's much different from the other hallways. It's crystal white, with a checkered pattern on the floor, and square tiles on the walls and roof. The light is also brighter.
VICTORIA
Alison Fischer is the head of Chemistry department, right? She moved here from Germany.
OSCAR
LMU Munich. It's a very competitive school. Have you met her?
VICTORIA
No, I read about all of you before coming here. I know you Mr. Petrakis went to John Hopkins, Sawyer to Yale, Navarro to U-Chicago, and Principal Virtanen is from Harvard.
OSCAR
Impressive.
INT. CLASSROOM,C231 - CONTINUOUS
Oscar and Victoria push open the door to the chemistry lab. Sunlight streams through dusty windows, illuminating rows of lab benches cluttered with beakers, Bunsen burners, and half-finished experiments. At the front of the classroom, Alison Fischer arranges glass flasks on a shelf. Her smile drops into a sneer when she sees Oscar in the reflection.
OSCAR
Alison, meet our ne-
ALISON
Head of Mathematics, Victoria Valencia. Thank you, Oscar. What are you doing here?
OSCAR
Are you coming to lounge? It's rapid-fire Monday.
Alison wraps the cords of the Bunsen burners and packs them inside a cabinet.
ALISON
I'll watch from the sidelines. Besides, there is an interesting I've been wanting to read.
VICTORIA
It appears your students had a lab. What was it about?
ALISON
Grignard reactions. It's a prominent textbook process to form carbon-carbon bonds.
VICTORIA
Sounds impressive, but I'm not the biggest Chemistry whiz.
Alison goes on the chalk board and draws a tiny robot, a molecule with the label “Br,” and one without it.
ALISON
Imagine this tiny robot loves grabbing onto things with the letter "Br" stuck to them, like bromine atoms.
(draws arrows)
The molecules without "Br" want to build, but there many molecules with out the “Br.” So, the robot comes and helps give these molecules a “Br” to help with the process, allowing new things to be built. And that is Grignard reactions explained like you're five.
OSCAR
I'm surprised you didn't fall asleep. Anyway, can we hurry along? We only have so many minutes for lunch.
INT. LOUNGE - DAY
Three teachers sit around an extended coffee table. There a huge ordeal of playing cards everywhere. HUDSON SAWYER, 39, fans out his cards for Adonis to choose. He runs his fingers across every card, turns back, and then picks the last card. The process repeats with Hudson fanning the cards. The third teacher sits somberly on her own, reading a magazine article, and every now and then, observing the game. This is SIERRA NAVARRO, 33, and is the head of the History department.
ADONIS
Again? You're cheating.
HUDSON
No, you're just really bad at this game.
(re; Sierra)
Can I have a sip of your drink? I'm dying out here.
SIERRA
If you use your own cup.
Hudson looks at the plastic cups on the counter mocking his face.
HUDSON
They're so far… I'll tough it out.
Alison, Victoria, and Oscar enter the room.
SIERRA
Good afternoon, Alison and Oscar and… And the new person?
They take a seat adjacent to the game. Oscar in the middle, surrounded by the two females.
OSCAR
Everybody, this is…
(looks at Alison)
Our new head of Math. Vivi.
VICTORIA
Vivi?
OSCAR
Yes. Your name is Victoria Valencia. V and V. Vivi.
VICTORIA
No, no, no. You either call me my full name or Professor Valencia.
OSCAR
What about Victoria?
VICTORIA
No one gets to call me Victoria.
ALISON
What's the score?
Sierra pulls her hand out of her broad sleeves and pulls the easel.
SIERRA
Seven to Hudson, three to Adonis.
HUDSON
Oscar, can you get me a cup from the counter? I don't have the energy after being with English kids for three hours.
ADONIS
You have three free periods!
OSCAR
If you win this one, I might.
Victoria gets a look at Adonis' flowing hair. They reach down to his chin, and most of it is tied behind, with the remaining pushing against a blindfold. The main focus, however, was that it was blue.
VICTORIA
I've meaning to ask you. Why is your hair blue?
ADONIS
I lost a bet. Now, shush… Trying to concentrate. Old Maid is a very serious game.
Oscar bends down to Victoria's ears.
OSCAR
His first crush was a hairstylist. He died his hair to impress her. Blue was her favorite color.
Victoria almost laughs at this comment. She does a give a small giggle. Then, Oscar remembers--
OSCAR (CONT'D)
I should you introduce to everyone.
VICTORIA
No, there's not need. The one on the right is Hudson Sawyer. The woman with pink hair is Alison Fischer. The beautiful woman in the back is Sierra Navarro. And the one currently losing is Adonis Petrakis.
ALISON
I have a feeling this has already been said.
VICTORIA
It has.
OSCAR
But you forgot one person. The name Oscar Quintex, head of Physics. In case that wasn't clear earlier.
ADONIS
DAMN IT!
The cards slam on the ground and swim across the table. Follow the route to see Adonis holding his head in disappointment. Hudson finally gets from his seat, looks back at Adonis with a smug looking, lets it settle, then turns around.
HUDSON
Every year, same old Adonis. Damn. I should've bet on some killer wine.
ADONIS
Let's move on the rapid-fire contest. Oscar, you're on.
Oscar replaces Hudson's seat. He slides the cards out of the war and hands them to Sierra. Hudson comes back with a sandwich, sitting where Oscar did.
HUDSON
I'm sure you'll lose that too. I got 50 on Oscar.
ALISON
I'll throw for Oscar as well.
Hudson throws down a wrinkly bill onto to the table. Alison takes out her wallet and those the same. They turn to Victoria.
VICTORIA
Sure. I'll go with Oscar as well.
Sierra shuffles the card away. She snatches a book from the bottom shelf. A leather jacket diary with a golden locket. Inside are hand-written questions on clean lined paper.
SIERRA
Rules are simple: first person to shout the answer gains a point. First teacher to five wins it all. Gentlemen, place your bets.
ADONIS
I get to drive your car for a week.
OSCAR
You have to by me lunch for one school week.
ADONIS
Deal.
The two shake on it.
SIERRA
Good. Now prepare yourself. First question: What was the only painting Van Gogh sold during his life?
OSCAR
The Red Vineyards near Arles. I actually have that home. The sun looks beautiful.
SIERRA
Correct.
(scratches a point for Oscar)
Next: A term describing the breaking down of a cell’s membrane after the outer protection has been damaged.
ADONIS
Lysis.
SIERRA
Correct. Napoleon suffered defeat at Waterloo in what year?
OSCAR
1815.
SIERRA
Yes. What is the world’s most venomous fish?
OSCAR
Stonefish.
SIERRA
Surface Area of Earth?
OSCAR
509 million kilometers.
SIERRA
Correct. What is the opposite of the placebo effect?
ADONIS
No-
OSCAR
Nocebo effect.
Adonis erupts into denial.
OSCAR (CONT'D)
I thought you were a biologist?
ADONIS
I know the answer. He just says it faster than me.
HUDSON
Sounds like a grass-fed excuse.
ADONIS
It's a valid excuse. Next question.
SIERRA
For the potential win, what is the only king in a deck of cards without a mustache?
OSCAR
The king of hearts.
ADONIS
No, he's lying.
Sierra tosses Adonis the pack of cards. He rips open the bock and flips to the king of hearts. Still in denial, he compares them the other three kings.
ADONIS (CONT'D)
How do you even know something like this?
OSCAR
For someone who spends a lot of with cards, how do you not?
Victoria stands up.
VICTORIA
I've seen enough of this game. I would like to play.
ADONIS
(rolls his eyes)
Good luck.
Adonis and Victoria switch seats and Sierra motions them to place their bets.
VICTORIA
I've heard that, alongside students, this school ranks teachers. The higher the rank, the better the paycheck.
HUDSON
We stopped doing with the newer teachers, but all five of us are still ranked. Oscar's number one.
VICTORIA
I'm aware. That's why if I win, I want Oscar's spot. Number one rank.
The crowd leans to the edge. He turn for Oscar's response: a gloated smile of arrogance.
OSCAR
I'm fine with that. If I win, you have to be my personal assistant for a week.
VICTORIA
You have a deal.
SIERRA
The deals have been set. Let's begin the first competition between Victoria Valencia and Oscar Quintex. First question: Who invented Calculus?
VICTORIA
Gottfried Leibniz.
OSCAR
No, it's Sir Isaac Newton.
Oscar givers her an questioning look. He turned to Sierra.
SIERRA
Both actually. Valencia answered first so, she gets the points. Next: Lee Harvey Oswald is suspected to the murderer of which president?
VICTORIA
John F. Kennedy.
SIERRA
Correct. Who was the first person to suggest Daylight's Saving time?
Oscar opens his mouth to speak, but…
VICTORIA
Benjamin Franklin.
Once again, he's beaten to the buzzer. He nervously shifts to the edge of his seat. Victoria remains unfazed.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Come one, I thought you were a scientist.
No answer. Oscar taps his knee in unison to his entire lower body shaking.
SIERRA
Who became the first person to observe the planet Neptune?
VICTORIA
Galileo.
SIERRA
Correct.
Oscar bites his lip.
OSCAR
Throw in a mythology question?
SIERRA
No problem. Venus is the Roman goddess of what?
VICTORIA
Love and beauty.
SIERRA
And you have a winner.
The room congratulates the young rookie for her first win. Adonis threw some paper bills in the air, but upon realizing that it's his money dancing in the wind, he rushed to get it back. Hudson managed to snag a few bills though. Oscar leans back in chair, not even beginning to comprehend that he just lose. No, didn't lose yet. He slams the chair handle with a scuffed face and a determined look.
OSCAR
Again. Let's face off again.
VICTORIA
Is your title that much to you?
OSCAR
It's not my title. Let's go again. We can even make it all math questions.
VICTORIA
That confident? Very well, we'll play for your number one spot.
Sierra opens the notebook and readies for another around.
ADONIS
Let's bet on this one. Who's everyone picking?
HUDSON
The new chick.
ALISON
Valencia.
ADONIS
That's cruel. Turning your back on Oscar. Don't worry, Oscar. I got your back.
OSCAR
I appreciate that, Adonis. Are you ready?
VICTORIA
I'm feeling alright.
Sierra knocks the coffee table, signaling for the start of the game.
SIERRA
Upon Oscar's request, this round will be all math questions. Firstly, what are the first five digits of e.
OSCAR
2.7182
VICTORIA
Impressive.
SIERRA
Correct. What is the next number in the Fibonacci Sequence: 0, 1, 1, 3, 4, 5, 8?
VICTORIA
13.
SIERRA
Yes. Which university did Bernhard Riemann study in?
VICTORIA
Gottingen.
SIERRA
Who is the father of Geometry?
VICTORIA
Euclid.
SIERRA
How many seconds are in a day?
VICTORIA
86, 400.
Oscar watched as Victoria stormed the questions. This time, he didn't even open his mouth to answer. He knew them. He couldn't move. Then, came the final question.
SIERRA
What is the only temperature that is the same in Fahrenheit and Celsius?
VICTORIA
-40.
SIERRA
A winner once more.
Adonis yanked the paper bills from Adonis and split them between Alison and himself. Oscar sat his head on the table. Victoria ran her warm hands (my hands are so cold while writing this) through his hair.
VICTORIA
Don't feel sad. Second place is a commendable achievement… If there were more people.
OSCAR
Again.
SIERRA
Unfortunately, Oscar, we can't. Lunch ends in five minutes.
Kimi blows through the door. His eyes reach of Oscar.
KIMI
Oscar.
He doesn't move.
KIMI (CONT'D)
Oscar.
(he lifts his head up)
I need to talk to you privately.
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
Oscar lays his head on top of Kimi's desk. His eyes examine the Arial font on the white paper.
OSCAR
Why does your code always ruin the way I run things? What's wrong with rewarding students who learn extra?
KIMI
Scores are not permitted to go beyond a 100. It's not fair for other physics students.
OSCAR
Big news, Kimi. A web developer at Microsoft earns more than the web developer who designed this schools website. Same job, different pay. Life's already unfair, Kimi. Stop trying to put fair in a system that's prepares you for the unfair.
KIMI
If we don't that, then fairness will never touch the real world. There's nothing wrong with rewarding students who go beyond, but do it a way that doesn't break code.
Kimi's telephone rings. It's the office-type, connected to a cord telephone. Sleek black, but still antique.
KIMI (CONT'D)
We'll work something out after this call.
(on call)
Hello? Oh God. Not again. I'll be there right away. Yes. I'm coming.
Kimi grabs his coat and rushes to the door.
OSCAR
Where're you going?
KIMI
A fight happened in the D hallway. Look, here's my compromise. Keep the question, but add the points to student's lowest grade. I've got to hurry.
Kimi runs out the door and slams it behind it. It syncs with the opening of the lounge door, so Oscar doesn't see someone enter the room.
VICTORIA
Is this the exam?
Oscar jumps back, but calms down when he sees a stroke of beautiful hair. He even smiles.
OSCAR
Yes. See, Vivi. That is my finest work.
Oscar goes to sit down when Victoria analyzes the paper.
VICTORIA
Impressive. It's very high level. This is a double closed integral. Do your students even know how to do that?
OSCAR
Yes, I taught them. Thank God Kimi doesn't understand the Physics curriculum, otherwise he'd tear my head for testing them on this.
VICTORIA
…You missed a vector sign.
OSCAR
What?
Oscar immediately rushes to the desks.
VICTORIA
See, it's right here.
He grabs the paper and stares at intensely.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
It's a vector over a scalar. I'm not an exert on electricity, but E should be a vector.
OSCAR
Yes. Electric field is a vector.
VICTORIA
Seems like you messed up. Someone could confuse that.
OSCAR
Why would anyone confuse this? It's electrostatic force over charge. Everyone on my students knows it's the electric field.
VICTORIA
Of course, but then there wouldn't need of any vector signs. You labeled them, so have to be important. E is energy if I recall from college.
OSCAR
Why would anyone confuse Electric field with Energy? Certainly not my students.
VICTORIA
Then why label them.
Oscar pulls a pen from the holster and aggressively marks the vector notation over the E.
OSCAR
There. Are you happy?
Victoria steps back, but keeps smiling.
VICTORIA
Heavens no. You have to do that on the computer and print it out again. And also, you missed a couple of signs on the previous page.
OSCAR
Ah-ug-agh. I'm going home.
VICTORIA
You have class next period.
OSCAR
Just stop talking.
Oscar grabs his test and reaches for the door. Victoria noticed he left something on the table.
VICTORIA
You forgot your phone.
But Oscar was already too far gone. She tapped the screen to reveal an image of a young Oscar, 8, in the loving arms of his beautiful mother.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
So, the Oscar Quintex is a mamas-boy. How cute?
INT. LOUNGE - DAY
Everybody is frantically packing, getting ready for the next period. Hudson and Sierra had left already.
ADONIS
That was the most impressive performance I've ever seen.
VICTORIA
What was?
ALISON
You annoying Oscar.
Victoria laughs it off.
VICTORIA
It wasn't that impressive.
ADONIS
Are you joking? Do you how many time I wish he would just shut up? More than the money I've made in my career. You've done God's work.
Victoria giggles.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Oscar jogs to his classroom. He doesn't care about anyone else right now.
VICTORIA
Oscar.
If he can just get to his class, the bell rings…
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Oscar.
And then he can start teaching, it would be the most wonderful experience for him.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Oscar. Are you trying to avoid me?
OSCAR
No.
He pushes her aside and moves forward.
VICTORIA
Are you really mad about a sign? I thought you were better than that.
OSCAR
Look, I… I don't want to talk about this day right now. I have one more period left.
VICTORIA
Well, at least take your phone with you.
OSCAR
Where'd you get this?
VICTORIA
You left it. I also caught a glimpse of your wallpaper. You looked cute. You and your mom.
Oscar looks at his wallpaper. He didn't even realize he set his wallpaper to that.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Don't take my words too seriously. I was just having fun with you. Like you said, Physics and Calculus were made one another.
Victoria sees her classroom be filled.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
By the way, I liked the bonus question concept. I might steal it for myself. I'll catch you later.
Oscar finally realizes what's happening.
OSCAR
(to himself)
Yeah. Me too.
INT. LOUNGE - MOMENTS LATER
Fingers aggressively tapping on the keyboard. Mouse clicks spurting in random directions. The extended roar of a printer. The slam of heavy pages on the delicate counter. The sharp snap of the stapler. In his hands, Oscar had the updated test. He flipped to the page Victoria pointed out, staring proudly at the vector sign written in Latex.
CUT TO:
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Oscar drops the stack of papers. Kimi looks up from his file.s
KIMI
What is this?
OSCAR
The new test.
KIMI
What did you change?
OSCAR
I forgot some vector signs.
KIMI
…And that's important to me, why?
OSCAR
I added some more bonus questions. I thought you might like that.
Kimi abruptly grabs the test.
KIMI
For God's sake, Oscar.
(takes a look)
I guess you can keep them… If you follow my condition.
OSCAR
Don't worry about that.
But Oscar had a childish lie written all over his face.
KIMI
What made you want to change it?
OSCAR
I had an angel tell me. She whispered me in my ear when I was teaching. It was utter magic.
Kimi doesn't buy it.
KIMI
Sure. Now, get out of my office.
INT. CLASSROOM, X213 - DAY
The final bell of the day has rung. Students leave the maroon colored History classroom. In the left desk is Sierra Navarro, cleaning up after a long day of work. As she separates the test reviews, she spots Oscar walking into her class.
SIERRA
Good afternoon, Oscar. You don't come to my class often.
OSCAR
I don't, but I should. It's a beautiful room.
Majestic painting from American and European history were hammered onto the wall. Each of them with their own story to tell.
OSCAR (CONT'D)
Can I ask you a favor?
SIERRA
Depends. What do you want done?
OSCAR
You consider yourself likable, right? You're friends with everyone and no one really complains about you.
SIERRA
I guess I can. Only with you five though. I don't the rest of this school that well.
OSCAR
That's alright. Can you gather them all at the garden? The one by the lounge.
SIERRA
I can. Why?
OSCAR
That's a surprise for later.
Oscar heads for the door, drowning the ocean of students…
SIERRA
Wait! Do you want me to bring Valencia?
OSCAR
Yes. Especially her!
Sierra shakes her head, wondering what Oscar's request could lead to. Still, she complies.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
All of the respective heads lined up around a blooming garden of roses and sunflowers. Flowers grew both on the ground and around the wines, climbing up the sturdy trees.
ALISON
Oscar, make this quick. I have office hours I have to get to.
HUDSON
And I have a sweet bottle of wine waiting for me at home.
OSCAR
Don't worry, I'll make it quick. We're justing waiting on Vivi.
Speak of the devil and he arrives. Victoria took her stance next to Osacr. Perfect.
VICTORIA
I hope this not another request for trivia.
OSCAR
Way better than that. Now, everyone pay attention.
Oscar reaches in his coat pocket and digs out a clean check with a large number written on it. He shows it around to everyone.
OSCAR (CONT'D)
This is a check worth my salary for this month, including the bonus for being number one. Why do I have this? Every single one of you has a goal in this school.
Oscar goes down the list.
OSCAR (CONT'D)
Alison, you want a class average above a 90. Adonis, you want just one lab where no one screws up. Sierra wants a dropout less than 25% for her history classes, and Hudson… Wants his class to just pass.
HUDSON
And English is a required class, too.
OSCAR
Exactly. You all have pretty impossible goals. So, because I'm such a great person and want you all to succeed, the first person to achieve this goal by the end of the week, gets this check.
Adonis cheers. Everyone looks at him funny.
ADONIS
I mean, I suspected that's where he as going to go, but it's still hype.
OSCAR
I love the attitude, Adonis. Keep it up and you might win.
VICTORIA
How does this concern me?
OSCAR
You, Vivi, are a real special case. To win this, you're not fighting with your class. You're fighting with me.
Everyone's ear perk up.
VICTORIA
How so?
OSCAR
My bet to you is a very simple one. Prevent me from achieving it, and you win.
Pause.
VICTORIA
Hit me with it.
OSCAR
Victoria. I can make you fall in love with me in a week.
HUDSON
What?
Victoria looks at Oscar's extended hand. This is her first time being asked out. She looks back up at Oscar's eyes to see if he's full of shit, but nothing on it tells a lie.
VICTORIA
Why me though?
OSCAR
You're beautiful, stunning, smart, and the only person to every correct me.
VICTORIA
Okay, mama's-boy. How can you possible fall in love so fast?
OSCAR
Same way you'll fall for me.
ADONIS
Oohhhhhhhhhhhhh man! Ladies and gentlemennnnn.
(MORE)
ADONIS (CONT'D)
Get your wallets because one of us is about to make it run.
Victoria stands stunned. Oscar doesn't falter for a single second. Every word comes out of his mouth effortlessly like a rehearsed performance. She thinks. But eventually, she gives into it and shakes Oscar hands.
VICTORIA
You're on.
Oscar bows down and kiss her hand.
HUDSON
Smooth Oscar. Kiss on the hand. Real smooth.
OSCAR
It was a good move.
Suddenly, Kimi barges into the garden, furious.
KIMI
What the hell are you all of you doing here? I though you had office hours, Adonis.
Oscar grabs Victoria's shoulder.
OSCAR
We were just planning a party for our new friend here. Make her feel welcome here.
Everyone looks at him and plays it cool.
HUDSON
Exactly. It's at my house this Saturday. It's going to be a blast. Even Alison will be there.
ALISON
Surprisingly.
ADONIS
You can come as well. It'll be the gang all over again.
Kimi runs his questioning gaze around the six teachers, then at Victoria's smile.
KIMI
I can't come. My would kill me if I wasn't with her for our anniversary. Get back to your classrooms or go home.
ADONIS
You're married?
ALISON
How stupid are you?
All leave for tutorials or their cars, but Victoria and Oscar stay at the garden. The male raven makes his moves and leans closer.
OSCAR
See. Even Kimi fell in love.
Oscar then leaves Victoria to herself. She collects her racing thoughts in the pacing garden, almost like praying tom God. Then, she turns to Oscar before he leaves.
VICTORIA
Oscar.
(pause)
Good luck.
Oscar smiles as the SCREEN FADES BLACK. THE END.