“About You Now” - Short Film by Mitchell Royel

INT. AGOURA HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING

The camera zooms in on MITCHELL ABBOTT, a quirky teen sporting cheap sunglasses that look slightly oversized for his face. He stands nervously at the entrance of Agoura High, clutching his backpack tightly. He takes a deep breath, adjusts his shades, and steps inside, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety wash over him.

MITCHELL
(to himself, with a hint of determination)
Okay, Mitchell, new school, new friends, new... everything! Just like a movie!

He walks down the hallway, looking around in awe. Students rush past him, chatting, laughing, and some even bumping into him. He stumbles slightly but regains his balance, trying to look cool. He glances at the colorful lockers and the posters advertising upcoming events, feeling a wave of anticipation.

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Mitchell spots BROOKE and CAMILLE, his best friends from middle school, chatting animatedly by a locker decorated with stickers. He runs over, excitement bubbling inside him.

MITCHELL
Brooke! Camille! You won’t believe it—I’m finally here!

They turn, and their faces light up with joy, their smiles infectious.

BROOKE
Mitchell! You made it! We were so worried you wouldn’t come!

CAMILLE
(playfully nudging him)
Did you bring your shades to hide from all the cool kids?

Mitchell grins, adjusting his sunglasses dramatically, trying to play it off.

MITCHELL
Nope! Just trying to look like a star! You know, gotta make an entrance!

They all laugh, and Mitchell feels a wave of relief wash over him. It’s good to see familiar faces, and he feels a sense of belonging already.

INT. CAFETERIA - LATER

The trio enters the cafeteria, which is buzzing with energy. The smell of pizza and fries fills the air, making Mitchell’s stomach growl. They scan the room for a place to sit, and Mitchell can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the chaos of students chatting and laughing.

CAMILLE
Where should we eat? The lunch options here are like a reality show—so many choices!

BROOKE
(pointing excitedly)
How about that table over there?

They head toward a table where JUSTIN and CHAD, two popular actors known for their roles in mainstream dramas, are sitting. Mitchell’s eyes widen in disbelief.

MITCHELL
Wait, are those the guys from that drama series? The ones who always get into crazy situations?

Brooke and Camille nod, starstruck and whispering among themselves, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

INT. CAFETERIA - CONTINUOUS

Mitchell approaches Justin and Chad, trying to act cool but feeling a bit nervous. He clears his throat, mustering all his courage.

MITCHELL
Hey, I’m Mitchell! I’m from iCarly!

Justin and Chad exchange surprised looks, then smile widely, their enthusiasm infectious.

JUSTIN
No way! That’s awesome! We love that show!

CHAD
(grinning)
You’re like a celebrity here!

Mitchell beams, feeling accepted and excited to share his experiences. The conversation flows easily as they discuss their favorite episodes, and Mitchell feels like he’s finally fitting in. However, as they chat, Justin and Chad exchange glances, a hint of mischief in their eyes.

INT. CAFETERIA - LATER

As they continue to chat, Justin and Chad lean in closer, whispering to each other, plotting something mischievous.

JUSTIN
(whispering)
What if we start a club? The Mitchell Fan Club!

CHAD
(grinning mischievously)
I’m totally in! We can have secret meetings and everything!

They nod, excited about their secret plan, while Mitchell remains blissfully unaware of their intentions. He’s too busy enjoying the moment, feeling like he’s finally found his place. However, as the conversation continues, Justin and Chad start to gossip about Mitchell when he’s not looking.

JUSTIN
(leaning closer to Chad)
You think he really thinks he’s a star just because he was on that show?

CHAD
(snickering)
Right? I mean, it’s not like he’s a big deal here.

Mitchell, oblivious to their whispers, continues to laugh and share stories, but a slight unease begins to creep in as he notices their glances.

INT. HALLWAY - AFTERNOON

Mitchell pulls out his phone, texting KIRSCHA, his best friend from elementary school. He bites his lip, unsure of how to explain everything.

MITCHELL
(typing)
Hey Kirscha! Just wanted to let you know I’m transferring to Calabasas High. Talk soon!

He hesitates, feeling a pang of guilt for not providing more details, then hits send. A mix of excitement and anxiety washes over him as he thinks about how Kirscha might react.

INT. AGOURA HIGH SCHOOL - LATER

Mitchell, Brooke, and Camille are hanging out in a quiet corner, sharing stories and laughing when Mitchell’s phone buzzes. He checks it, frowning slightly.

MITCHELL
Kirscha wants to know why I’m leaving. I didn’t tell her everything...

Brooke and Camille exchange concerned looks, sensing his internal struggle.

BROOKE
You should tell her the truth.

CAMILLE
Yeah! Friends are supposed to stick together, right?

Mitchell nods, feeling conflicted but knowing they’re right. He takes a deep breath, contemplating how to approach the situation. Meanwhile, Justin and Chad are nearby, continuing their gossip.

JUSTIN
(smirking)
I wonder how long it’ll take for him to realize he’s just a small fish in a big pond.

CHAD
(laughing)
Yeah, let’s see how long he can keep up this “star” act.

Mitchell overhears a snippet of their conversation and feels a knot tighten in his stomach. He tries to shake it off, but the unease lingers.

INT. AGOURA HIGH SCHOOL - END OF DAY

As the day wraps up, Mitchell gathers his things, looking at his friends with a mix of gratitude and sadness.

MITCHELL
I had a blast today, but I think I need to go.

Brooke and Camille look disappointed, their smiles fading.

CAMILLE
Wait, what? You’re leaving already?

MITCHELL
(sighs deeply)
I didn’t want to, but I think I need a fresh start. It’s just... complicated.

They hug tightly, and Mitchell feels a lump in his throat. He glances back at Justin and Chad, who wave enthusiastically, completely unaware of his plans. But as he turns away, he catches a glimpse of them whispering and laughing, and he can’t shake the feeling that they’re talking about him.

EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT - MOMENTS LATER

Mitchell walks to the metro bus, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He looks back at the school, then at his phone. He hesitates, then types a message to Justin and Chad.

MITCHELL
(typing)
Hey guys, thanks for today! I’ll miss you!

He sends it, the bus drives off, a smile creeping onto his face as he thinks about the friendships he’s made and the adventures that await him. But as he drives away, he can’t help but feel a sense of unease about the drama he’s leaving behind.

As he pulls out of the parking lot, he glances in the rearview mirror, catching one last look at Agoura High. He takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of hope for the future, knowing that this is just the beginning.

FADE OUT

THE END