Title: DON’T STOP, LIVE UP

Prologue: A high school girl burdened by a family secret and the

pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations faces a dangerous
choice, leading her to confront the truth and find solace in
unexpected places.

Scene 1:

CLASSROOM - DAY

The room is quiet, filled with the nervous energy of students taking
an exam.

ALEX, sits at a desk, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She

stares at the test paper, her mind a jumble of anxiety and confusion.

ALEX (whispering to herself)

Come on, Alex, just think.

We see her hand tremble as she reaches for the correction tape, her
eyes darting around the room, searching for anyone who might notice.

CUT TO:

TEACHER'S LOUNGE - DAY

Two teachers, MR. JOHNSON and MRS. SMITH, are discussing Alex's
performance.

MR. JOHNSON

She used to be the smartest kid in the class. It's like she's lost
her spark.
MRS. SMITH

Something’s definitely going on. It's just...well, you know how rich
kids are. They always seem to have everything figured out.

CUT TO:

CLASSROOM - DAY

Back to Alex. She is nervously erasing an answer and writing in a new

one.

CUT TO:

SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

Students are bustling through the hallways, buzzing with excitement.

They gather around the bulletin board, where the class rankings are
posted.

STUDENT 1

What the...? 50th again? She must be slipping.

STUDENT 2

Hahaha, look at her. Who would've thought?

Alex approaches the bulletin board, her eyes scanning the list. Her
gaze falls on her name, followed by the number "63".

ALEX (to herself, barely a whisper)

63rd.
She stares at the number, her face a mask of emotional turmoil. Tears
welling in her eyes, she turns and walks away.

CUT TO:

SCHOOL LIBRARY - DAY

Alex sits at a table, flipping through a book, but not really

focusing. Her phone vibrates, and she sees a message.

TEXT MESSAGE:

"Hey, Alex. It's me, Dad. Just wanted to see how you are. Thinking
of you."

Alex reads the message, a flicker of hope and longing in her eyes.

CUT TO:

CLASSROOM - DAY

Alex sits with her friends, CHLOE and LIAM.

CHLOE

Seriously? He just left you?

LIAM

I heard his mom was a gold digger. That family's all about social
climbing.

CHLOE

What happened? Did your mom cut them off?

Alex nods silently.

ALEX (whispering)

Yeah.

CUT TO:

SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

Mr. Johnson approaches Alexandra, holding a consent form.

MR. JOHNSON

Alex, this is for the upcoming parent-teacher meeting. Please have

your parents sign it.

Alex glares at him, rolls her eyes, and walks away without a word.

CUT TO:

ALEX'S HOUSE - DAY

Alex enters the house, throws her bag on the floor, and heads toward
the kitchen. She sees her mother, CAROL, and the SECRETARY, MARCIA,
arguing violently.

CAROL (loudly, slurring her words)

Didn't I tell you to cancel all my meetings?

MARCIA

I'm sorry, ma'am, but the chair–

CAROL

Throws a stack of papers on the table

Who's your boss, him? Or me?

Alex stops, her eyes wide with fear.

ALEX (quietly)

Mom...

CAROL (turns to see Alex, her eyes flashing with anger)

You! How was school?

Alex looks down at her hands, trying to avoid her mother's gaze.

ALEX

It was fine.

CAROL

What's that supposed to mean? Your scores! What happened?

Scene 2 (Continued):
ALEX’S HOUSE - DAY

Alex tries to explain, but Carol throws a towel at her.

CAROL

Don't you dare try to lie to me. Get to your room and study.

Carol shoves Alex towards the stairs. Alex walks up, her face pale,
eyes filled with a mix of sadness and resentment.

CAROL (shouting)

And don't you dare come down until you've finished your homework!

Alex enters her room, slams the door shut, and collapses onto her bed.

ALEX ROOM - DAY

Alex is surrounded by books and papers. She pulls out her phone, her
fingers trembling as she types a message.

TEXT MESSAGE:

"Dad, it's Alex. I need to talk. Can we meet?"

She sends the message, hoping for a response, but none comes. Alex
slumps back on the bed, tears streaming down her face.

CUT TO:

ALEX ROOM - NIGHT

Alex is sitting at her desk, trying to focus on her studies. She

glances at her phone every few minutes, hoping for a message. But
there's nothing. Finally, she gives up and reaches for her phone,
scrolling through social media.

TEXT MESSAGE:

"Hey Alex, wanna hang out tomorrow? We're going to the mall."

It's from Chloe. Alex sighs and responds.

TEXT MESSAGE:

"Yeah, sure."

She gets up and walks to her window, looking out at the dark street.

HALLWAY - NIGHT

Alex sneaks out of her house, her heart pounding.

NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT

Alex walks into the club, the pulsating music and flashing lights
overwhelming. She finds Chloe and Liam already there, dancing with a
group of friends.

CHLOE

There you are! Come on, let's dance!

Chloe grabs Alex’s hand and pulls her into the crowd. Alex tries to
dance, but her heart isn't in it.

LIAM

You okay, Alex? You seem a bit off.

ALEX

I'm fine. Just a little tired.

CHLOE

Come on, you need to loosen up! This is our night!

The music grows louder, and Alex feels herself getting swept away by
the energy of the crowd.

CUT TO:

MONTAGE:

- Alex dances with Chloe and Liam, her smile forced.

- Alex drinks from a bottle of tequila, her face starting to flush.

- Alex flirts with a boy, her voice slightly slurred.

- Alex wakes up in the backseat of a car, her head throbbing.

CUT TO:

CLASSROOM - DAY

Alex is sitting at her desk, struggling to stay awake. She tries to

focus on the teacher's lecture, but her mind is a jumble of thoughts
and images. She opens her notebook and sees her latest test grade.

She closes the notebook and stares blankly ahead.

CUT TO:
COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Alex meets with Chloe and Liam for a study session. Chloe is working
on her notes, while Liam is scrolling through his phone.

ALEX

Did you hear from your parents?

CHLOE

Yeah, they said they're going to be at the parent-teacher meeting.

LIAM

I'm going to try to ditch it. It's so boring.

CHLOE

Liam, you know you have to go.

LIAM

Fine, fine.

ALEX (quietly)

I need to talk to you guys about something.

CHLOE

What is it?
ALEX

I lied about my test scores. I cheated.

Chloe and Liam stare at Alex in shock.

CHLOE

What?

LIAM

Why would you do that?

ALEX

I was scared. I don't want to disappoint my mom.

CHLOE

Alex, you need to tell her the truth.

ALEX

But what if she disowns me? What if she throws me out?

CHLOE

I know it's hard, but it's the only way. She Okay, here's the
continuation of the script:

Scene 3 (Continued):

COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Alex sits slumped in her chair, overwhelmed with the weight of her
secret. Chloe and Liam try to comfort her.

CHLOE

You can't keep this from her forever. It'll just eat you up inside.

LIAM

We’re here for you, Alex. We’ll help you through it.

Alex looks at them, grateful for their support.

CUT TO:

ALEX'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Alex sits alone in her room, the silence heavy and suffocating. She
hears her mother's voice downstairs, filled with laughter and the
clinking of glasses.

CAROL

Oh, you know me, always the life of the party!

Alex closes her eyes, picturing her mother, vibrant and outgoing, the
complete opposite of the exhausted, emotionally distant woman she sees
at home.

CUT TO:

ALEX'S ROOM - NIGHT

Alex pulls out her phone and dials her dad's number, her hand
trembling. The line rings, but goes straight to voicemail.

ALEX

(voice cracking)

Hi, Dad. It's me, Alex. I need to talk to you.

Alex hangs up, tears streaming down her face. She feels utterly alone,
trapped in a world where she can’t find her place, a world filled with
secrets and lies.

CUT TO:

BRIDGE - NIGHT

Alex stands on the edge of a bridge, looking down at the dark water
below. The wind whips through her hair, and the cold night air chills
her to the bone.

ALEX

(whispering to herself)

Maybe it’s better this way. Maybe this is all my fault.

She pulls out her phone and scrolls through messages.

TEXT MESSAGE:

"Alex, please call me back. I'm worried about you."

It's her dad. Alexandra looks at the message, then back down at the
water.
CUT TO:

BATHROOM - NIGHT

Alex stares at a pregnancy test, her hand shaking as she reads the
results.

POSITIVE

Alex’s breath catches in her throat. Fear washes over her, a wave of
panic that threatens to drown her.

CUT TO:

CLASSROOM - DAY

Alex sits for her final exam. She stares at the test paper, her mind a
whirlwind of fear, guilt, and exhaustion. She reaches for the
correction tape, her fingers hovering over the answer sheet.

CUT TO:

BRIDGE - DAY

Alex stands on the edge of the bridge, the wind whipping through her
hair. She looks down at the water below, a mix of fear and desperation
in her eyes. Her phone rings, and she sees Chloe’s name flash on the
screen.

ALEX

(whispering)
No… I can’t…

She tries to ignore the call, but it keeps ringing. Finally, she
answers it.

CHLOE

Alex, where are you? I’m coming to your house, but you're not there.

ALEX

(voice shaky)

I’m… I’m not okay.

CHLOE

What’s wrong? Tell me, where are you?

ALEX

I’m… I’m on the bridge.

CHLOE

What?! Alex, don’t do anything stupid. I'm coming right now.

CUT TO:

BRIDGE - DAY

Chloe arrives at the bridge, her heart pounding with fear. She sees
Alex on the edge, ready to jump.
CHLOE

Alex, wait! Don’t do this!

Alex turns and sees Chloe, her face full of terror and disbelief.

CHLOE

(running towards Alex)

Alex, please… I’m here.

Chloe reaches Alex, and they both tumble over the edge of the bridge,
falling to the ground below.

CUT TO:

HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Alex lies in a hospital bed, her body aching, her mind clouded with
the memories of the fall.

CHLOE

(sitting by her bedside)

You scared the hell out of me, Alex. What were you thinking?

Alex closes her eyes, her heart heavy with guilt and shame.

ALEX

I was lost, Chloe. I didn’t know what to do Okay, here's how the
story unfolds after Alex's fall:
Scene 4 (Continued):

HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Chloe holds Alex's hand, her eyes filled with worry.

CHLOE

You're not lost, Alex. You just need to let people in. Let them help
you.

Alex looks at Chloe, her heart full of gratitude.

ALEX

I’m scared, Chloe. I don’t know what to do about everything.

CHLOE

We’ll figure it out together.

CUT TO:

ALEX'S ROOM - DAY

Alex sits on her bed, surrounded by her friends. Liam and Chloe are
trying to help her clean up the mess, while Chloe is on the phone with
Alex's dad.

CHLOE

(on the phone)

Hi, Mr. Davis. It’s Chloe. Alex's in the hospital.

ALEX'S DAD

(voice filled with concern)

What happened? Is she okay?

CHLOE

She’s going to be fine. We're all here with her. We’re just trying
to help her get settled in.

Chloe hangs up and looks at Alexandra.

CHLOE

He's on his way.

CUT TO:

HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Alex's dad, DAVID, enters the room, his eyes searching Alexandra's
face.

DAVID

Alex, I’m so sorry. I should have been here for you.

Alex stares at her dad, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

ALEX

I didn’t know who else to turn to.

DAVID
(taking Alexandra’s hand)

I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere.

CUT TO:

ALEX'S HOUSE - DAY

Alex stands in the living room, her mom, Carol, sitting on the couch.

CAROL

Alex, I’m so sorry. I’ve been a terrible mother.

ALEX

It’s okay, Mom. I understand.

CAROL

No, it’s not okay. I was so focused on myself and my own problems. I
didn’t see what was happening to you.

ALEX

I’m not blaming you, Mom. I just needed someone to talk to.

Carol looks at her daughter, her eyes filled with tears.

CAROL

I’m here for you now, Alex. I promise. I’ll be there for you.

CUT TO:

CLASSROOM - DAY
Alex sits at her desk, the test paper in front of her. She looks at
the questions, but her mind is filled with a different kind of test:
the test of her own strength, the test of her own honesty.

Alex takes a deep breath and picks up her pen. This time, she writes
down the answers, not with the fear of failure, but with the hope of
finding her true self.

CUT TO:

PARK - DAY

Alex sits on a bench, her dad by her side. They watch Chloe and Liam
play with their friends, their laughter echoing through the park.

DAVID

You're going to be okay, Alex. You’re strong. And you’re loved.

ALEX

I know. I’m starting to see that now.

DAVID

Just promise me you’ll reach out when you need someone to talk to.

ALEX

I promise.

They both smile, the sun shining down on them, a symbol of hope and
new beginnings.

FADE OUT.
Scene 5: The Aftermath

ALEX'S ROOM - DAY

Alex stands in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection. Her

face is pale, her eyes shadowed, but there's a newfound strength in
her gaze. She picks up a photograph from her dresser, a picture of her
and her dad from when she was younger, their faces full of joy. A
smile touches Alex's lips as she remembers that time.

SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

Alex walks through the hallways, head held high. Students whisper
and point, but she ignores them, her focus on the future.

CLASSROOM - DAY

Alex sits in class, listening to the teacher's lecture. She takes

notes diligently, her mind sharp and focused. She's no longer
struggling with the pressure to achieve, but finding the joy of
learning for its own sake.

CAFETERIA - DAY

Alex sits with Chloe and Liam at a table, laughing and talking.
They're all enjoying the simple pleasure of being together, their bond
stronger than ever.

CHLOE

(leaning in)

So, how are things with your dad?

Alex smiles.

ALEX
He's been amazing. He actually called my mom and apologized for
everything. They’re even starting to talk.

LIAM

That’s great!

CHLOE

I’m so happy for you, Alex. You’re finally free.

COUNSELOR'S OFFICE - DAY

Alex sits across from the SCHOOL COUNSELOR.

COUNSELOR

I'm impressed with the progress you've made, Alexandra. You've come a
long way.

ALEX

I'm still working on it, but I'm getting there.

COUNSELOR

You have so much potential, Alex. Don't let anyone tell you
otherwise.

ALEX'S ROOM - NIGHT

Alex sits at her desk, a journal open in front of her. She picks up
a pen and starts to write.

ALEX'S JOURNAL:
Dear Diary,

Today was a good day. I actually enjoyed school. I didn't feel like
I was living a lie, like I was trying to be someone I wasn't. I feel
like I'm finally finding my voice.

I'm still figuring things out, but I know I'm on the right path. I'm
not perfect, but I'm trying to be honest with myself and with the
people who care about me. And that's enough.

Love,

Alex

ALEX'S ROOM - NIGHT

Alex closes her journal, her heart full of hope. She looks out the
window at the night sky, the stars twinkling brightly above. She
takes a deep breath, the air fresh and clean, and lets out a sigh of
contentment.

FADE OUT.
Scene 6: New Beginnings

SCHOOL LIBRARY - DAY

Alex sits in the library, her head bent over a book. She's surrounded
by stacks of papers, notes, and highlighted passages. But she isn't
just studying for exams; she's exploring her passions, diving into the
world of literature, history, and philosophy.

ART CLASSROOM - DAY

Alex stands in front of a blank canvas, a paintbrush in her hand.

She takes a deep breath, the scent of paint and turpentine filling her
senses. For the first time, she's not afraid to express herself. She
begins to paint, her strokes bold and confident, her emotions flowing
onto the canvas.

PARK - DAY

Alex sits on a bench in the park, sketching in a small notebook.

Chloe and Liam sit nearby, talking and laughing, their friendship a
constant source of comfort.

LIAM

(looking at Alex’s sketch)

That’s really good, Alex!

ALEX

Thanks. I'm actually thinking of taking an art class.

CHLOE

That’s amazing! You should totally do it.

ALEX'S ROOM - NIGHT

Alex stands before her closet, trying on different outfits. She's

preparing for the school dance, a social event she used to dread but
now sees as a chance to be herself.

SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT

Alex walks into the gym, her heart beating a little faster. She sees
Chloe and Liam waiting for her, dressed to impress.

CHLOE

You look incredible!

LIAM

Yeah, you’re rocking it.

Alex feels a wave of confidence wash over her. She smiles, her eyes
sparkling with excitement. This is her night. She’s ready to dance,
to laugh, to be herself.

SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT

Alex dances with Liam, Chloe, and a group of friends. She's

laughing, twirling, and enjoying the moment. She’s not just dancing;
she's living.

ALEX'S ROOM - NIGHT

Alex sits on her bed, her phone buzzing with messages from her
friends. She smiles, feeling a sense of belonging, a feeling she
hadn't experienced in years.
CITY STREETS - DAY

Alex walks down the street, her head held high. She’s on her way to
meet her dad for lunch, something she's now starting to look forward
to.

RESTAURANT - DAY

Alex and her dad sit across from each other, sharing stories and
laughter. They talk about everything and nothing, their bond growing
stronger with each passing day.

DAVID

I’m so proud of you, Alex. You’ve come so far.

ALEX

I couldn't have done it without you.

ALEX'S ROOM - DAY

Alex stands before her mirror, her eyes shining with a newfound
confidence. She looks at the young woman staring back at her, a young
woman who has overcome challenges, found her voice, and discovered the
power of her own strength.

FADE OUT.
Scene 7: Embracing the Future

ALEX'S ROOM - DAY

Alex sits at her desk, a college brochure open in front of her. She
circles different programs with her pen, her eyes shining with
excitement. She's no longer just thinking about what her mom wants
her to do, but about what she wants for herself.

COLLEGE APPLICATION OFFICE - DAY

Alex stands in line, her heart pounding. She hands over her
application, a document filled with her hopes and dreams.

COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Alex sits with Chloe and Liam, discussing their college plans.
They're all going to different schools, but they know their friendship
will endure.

CHLOE

I’m so excited for you guys. This is the start of a whole new
chapter.

LIAM

I can't wait to see what the future holds.

GRADUATION CEREMONY - DAY

 Alex stands on stage, her graduation cap in hand. She looks out at
her family and friends, their faces filled with pride and love.

ALEX'S ROOM – DAY

Alex stands before her mirror, her graduation gown draped over her
shoulders. She looks at her reflection, her eyes brimming with tears.
She's not just a high school graduate; she's a woman who has found her
strength, her voice, and her own path.

AIRPORT - DAY

Alex waves goodbye to her mom, dad, and friends. They stand in the
terminal, their faces filled with love and support.

CAROL

I’m so proud of you, Alex. Always remember that you’re loved.

DAVID

We'll be here, no matter what.

ALEX

I love you all.

Alex walks through the gate, her heart full of hope and excitement.
She’s ready to embrace the future, to explore new horizons, to make
her own mark on the world.

COLLEGE DORMITORY ROOM - DAY

Alex unpacks her suitcase, the scent of fresh linen and new
beginnings filling the air. She looks around her room, her eyes
filled with wonder. This is her new home, a place where she can be
herself, where she can grow and learn and discover her true potential.
COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY

Alex walks across campus, the vibrant energy of college life

surrounding her. She's surrounded by new faces, new experiences, new
possibilities.

ART STUDIO - DAY

Alex stands before a blank canvas, a paintbrush in her hand. She

takes a deep breath, her heart filled with inspiration. This is her
space, her sanctuary, where she can let her creativity flow.

LIBRARY - DAY

Alex sits in the library, surrounded by stacks of books. She loves

the smell of old paper, the quiet hum of knowledge. Here, she can
explore, discover, and expand her horizons.

COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY

Alex walks through campus, her head held high. She’s a college
student, a dreamer, a young woman on a mission to make her mark on the
world.

FADE OUT.
Epilogue

Years later, Alex walks down the street, her arms full of shopping
bags. She’s wearing a tailored suit, her hair styled with confidence.
She’s no longer the shy, insecure girl who felt lost and alone. She’s
a woman who has achieved her dreams, found her voice, and embraced the
future.

ART GALLERY - NIGHT

Alex stands before a painting, her eyes filled with pride. It’s her
painting, a masterpiece that captures the essence of her journey, a
testament to her resilience, her courage, and her unwavering belief in
herself.

FADE OUT.

SCRIPTWRITER: CHARLYN M. TAMPOS

GENDELL A. ORTIZ

CAST

ALEX (MAIN CHARACTER)

CAROL (MOTHER)

DAVID (FATHER)

CHLOE (BESTFRIEND)

LIAM (BESTFRIEND)

MR. JOHNSON (DEAN)

COUNSELOR

MRS. SMITH (TEACHER)

STUDENT 1

STUDENT 2

MARCIA (SECRETARY OF HER MOTHER)

SETTINGS SA MGA SCENES

CLASSROOM

TEACHER’S LOUNGE

SCHOOL

SCHOOL LIBRARY

HOUSE

BOARDING HOUSE

STREET

NIGHTCLUB

BRIDGE

SEAPORT

CAMPUS

CAMPUS

HOSPITAL ROOM

SCHOOL HALLWAY