chasing Vivian

episode 1 **EXT. CAMEROONSIN COLLEGE - DAY** A sprawling campus with historic brick buildings, vibrant green lawns, and students bustling about. The sun glints off a nearby fountain, where a few students gather, laughing and chatting. **ASLEN (18, shy, introverted, wearing a simple hoodie) stands awkwardly by the fountain, clutching her backpack. She scans the crowd, her expression a mix of excitement and anxiety.** **BIANCA (18, confident, dressed in trendy clothes) rushes into frame, a wide smile on her face.** **BIANCA** (cheerfully) Aslen! You made it! **ASLEN** (trying to smile) Yeah, I... I guess I did. **BIANCA** (leans in, teasingly) You guess? This is the start of the best four years of your life! **ASLEN** (slightly nervous) I don't know about that. **BIANCA** (rolls her eyes) Come on! We have to find your dorm. I can't wait to introduce you to everyone at the party tonight! **ASLEN** (eyes widening) Party? I thought... I thought we were just unpacking. **BIANCA** (energetically) Unpacking can wait! This is college, Aslen! **ASLEN** (sighs) I’m not really a party person, Bianca. **BIANCA** (whining) But you’re my best friend! You have to come! **ASLEN** (glancing around) Okay, maybe just for a little while... **BIANCA** (claps her hands) Yay! Now, let’s go find your room before I burst! **CUT TO:** **INT. DORM ROOM - MOMENTS LATER** The room is small but cozy, adorned with posters and fairy lights. ASLEN sets her backpack down, taking a deep breath. **ASLEN** (softly to herself) This is it. **BIANCA** (throwing clothes on the bed) This is it! Get your stuff out! We need to be party-ready! **ASLEN** (skeptical) Do we really? **The door swings open, and VIVIAN (19, kind, cheer captain, exuding charm) enters, followed by JACOB (20, handsome, exuding confidence) and JOEY (19, rich, smart).** **VIVIAN** (smirking) Is this where the fun’s at? **BIANCA** (excitedly) Vivian! You have to meet Aslen! **VIVIAN** (turns to ASLEN, smiling) Hey, you must be the genius I’ve heard about! **ASLEN** (stammering) II’m not a genius. **JACOB** (leaning against the door frame, cocky) Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you can’t party with us, right? **ASLEN** (fidgeting) I’m not really... **JOEY** (interjects, light-hearted) C’mon, don’t let Jacob scare you. He just wants everyone to think he’s cool. **JACOB** (mockingly) Shut up, Joey. **VIVIAN** (cheerfully) Ignore them. They’re just jealous of your brains. **ASLEN** (murmuring) Thanks, I guess. **BIANCA** (grabbing ASLEN’s arm) We’re going to have a blast tonight! **VIVIAN** (grinning) You’ll fit right in. **ASLEN** (uncertain) I hope so. **JACOB** (smirking, looking ASLEN up and down) It’s all about who you know. Just don’t get lost in the crowd, okay? **JOEY** (rolling his eyes) Relax, Jacob. Let her breathe! **VIVIAN** (teasingly) Or she might float away with all that anxiety! **ASLEN** (quietly) I’m not that anxious... **BIANCA** (cheerful) See? She's fine! **VIVIAN** (leaning closer to ASLEN) Just be yourself. That’s all anyone really wants. **ASLEN** (slightly smiling) Okay. **JACOB** (crossing his arms, a hint of challenge in his tone) Just remember, it’s a jungle out there. **JOEY** (teasingly) And you might get eaten alive! **VIVIAN** (laughs) Don’t scare her, Jacob! **ASLEN** (fiddling with her backpack) I’ll be okay, I think. **BIANCA** (excitedly) Let’s get you ready! You’re going to be the star of the night! **ASLEN** (whispers) Star? **BIANCA** (grinning) Yes! Now, clothes! **FADE OUT.** **INT. DORM ROOM - LATER THAT EVENING** The room is transformed; fairy lights twinkle, and music pulses from outside. ASLEN stands in front of the mirror, her reflection uncertain. BIANCA adjusts ASLEN's hair. **BIANCA** (pumping her fist) You look amazing! **ASLEN** (fidgeting with her outfit) I don’t know, Bianca... **BIANCA** (enthusiastically) You’re going to turn heads! **ASLEN** (biting her lip) What if everyone hates me? **BIANCA** (serious for a moment) They won’t. Just be yourself. **ASLEN** (sighs) Okay, okay. **CUT TO:** **EXT. PARTY - NIGHT** The sounds of laughter and music fill the air. Students spill out onto the lawn, cups in hand, dancing and chatting. ASLEN and BIANCA step out of the dorm, the ambiance overwhelming. **BIANCA** (grabbing ASLEN’s hand) Let’s go! **ASLEN** (panicking) Wait! What if... **BIANCA** (interrupting) No “what ifs.” Just fun! **They weave through the crowd, ASLEN’s eyes darting. She sees VIVIAN and JACOB across the yard, laughing together. JOY fills the air.** **VIVIAN** (shouting over the music) Hey, Aslen! Come join us! **ASLEN hesitates, her heart racing as she catches JACOB’s eye. He smirks, a hint of arrogance in his gaze. She swallows hard.** **ASLEN** (to BIANCA) What if... **BIANCA** (determined) No more “what ifs.” You’re coming with me! **ASLEN takes a deep breath and nods, stepping forward into the crowd.** **FADE OUT.** **INT. PARTY - LATER** The music thumps, and laughter fills the air. ASLEN stands awkwardly at the edge of a group, watching as VIVIAN dances with JACOB. JOEY and AMILIA chat nearby. **JOEY** (to AMILIA) Did you see how Jacob looked at her? **AMILIA** (smirking) He thinks he can have anyone. **VIVIAN** (catching ASLEN’s eye) Aslen, come dance! **ASLEN hesitates, her heart pounding. She glances at BIANCA, who nods encouragingly. ASLEN takes a step forward.** **ASLEN** (whispers to herself) Just be yourself. TO Be CONTINUED