LOVE SIMON: THE SERIES "Pilot" Written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger Network Draft 4/30/2019 Twentieth Century Fox Television

INT. VICTOR’S BEDROOM - DAY A modest apartment bedroom full of UNPACKED MOVING BOXES. VICTOR (16, handsome, Latinx) is sprawled on a mattress on the floor looking at INSTAGRAM on his phone. He searches for SIMON SPIER and finds his account with the username SIMONSAYS. He flicks through the photos: Simon (Nick Robinson!) living an idyllic life as a freshman at NYU. From the looks of it, Si’s still with his boyfriend BRAM and the two have a picture perfect New York City college relationship that involves: Drinking iced coffees in WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK. Camping out in line overnight to score SNIL TICKETS. Having a picnic on the STATEN ISLAND FERRY. Going to see BE MORE CHILL on Broadway with Simon’s PARENTS, who are still hot, still in love, and from the looks of it, very into their gay son’s relationship. Victor flips through perfect picture after perfect picture after perfect picture. And then, he taps the little envelope in the corner of the screen to send Simon a DIRECT MESSAGE. We hear VICTOR'S VOICE as he writes to Simon: VICTOR (V.0.) Dear Simon, You don’t know me, but my family just moved to Atlanta and today was my first day at Creekwood High. And I heard all about you. As Victor continues his voiceover, we see relevant FLASHES of scenes the movie. VICTOR (V.0.) How you started messaging with another secretly gay kid at Creekwood. Simon sends an e-mail to his anonymous pen pal “Blue” under the table at school. Locks eyes with Bram in his class. VICTOR (V.0.) How you wound up making a crazy romantic declaration of love on your school gosgip site.

Simon writes his big declaration of love post from the end of the movie. VICTOR (V.0.) And how you had your big first kiss on the Ferris wheel in front of the whole school. Simon and Bram kiss on the Ferris wheel at the end of the movie as everyone CHEERS. BACK ON VICTOR, who stops writing for a beat. And then, his tone drastically shifts. Because Victor is PISSED. VICTOR (V.0.) And I just want to say: screw you. Screw you for having the world's most amazing coming out story. The world’s most perfect and accepting parents. The world’s most supportive friends. Because for some of us, it’s not that easy. For some of us, there’s no way in hell we can tell people we’'re... Victor stops. Can’t even write the word. VICTOR (V.O.) We're whatever. (then, incredulous) I can’t believe that twenty-four hours ago, I was actually looking forward to having a fresh start at Creekwood. That I thought finally get the chance to be myself. Or at least figure out who that even is. And off that, we... CUT TO: EXT. ATLANTA STREETS -~ DAY CHYRON: 24 HOURS EARLIER An OLD STATION WAGON towing a cumbersome U-HAUL CARGO TRAILER chugs down a BUSY ATLANTA STREET. INT. SALAZAR FAMILY CAR - CONTINUOUS Victor stares out the window, taking in his brand new world.

3. Crammed next to him in the backseat are his brother ADRIAN (7, adorable) and their sullen sister, PILAR (14, egdy emo style, with deeply angsty music leaking out of her headphones) . ARMANDO (late 30's, a warm guy’s guy) and his wife ISABEL (late 30’s, smart and stylish) are up front. ARMANDO finally here, you guys. Hotlanta. The Big Peach. ISABEL I wonder if Childish Donald is here filming his TV show . VICTOR Mom, it’s Donald Glover or Childish Gambino. You can’t mix and match. ISABEL I can do whatever I want. (then, re: Pilar’s headphones) Pilar, turn down that music, you’re gonna blow out your ear drums. PILAR Don’t tell me what to do, kidnapper. ARMANDO You aren’t kidnapped. just moving. PILAR Against my will. So, kidnapped. ADRIAN I gotta pee. ISABEL We're really close, mijo. The Waze blob says we’ll be there in—- (checks phone, realizes) Oh crap. It froze. ADRTAN Abuelita says if I hold it too long I'1l get an ooti. PILAR It’s UTI, dummy.

ARMANDO (to Isabel) You're supposed to be telling me where to go. How long has it been frozen? ISABEL (annoyed) Why is this even my job? You chose this city, you get us there. something loaded about their marital tension. Something that runs a little deeper than normal bickering. Victor notices it, quickly tries to smooth things over: VICTOR Lemme see the phone. He takes the phone from Isabel and re-launches Waze, as: ADRIAN (squirming uncomfortably) How much longer? VICTOR Just focus on something else. Name all the Pokémon. ADRIAN Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venasaur, Charmander, Charmeleon... VICTOR (re: phone) Here. working. Turn left at the light. ARMANDO Thank you. Isabel locks eyes with Victor in the rearview mirror and smiles at him, grateful. Adrian keeps rattling off Pokemon. Pilar glares at Victor and tells him: PILAR Way to save the day, Saint Victor. VICTOR Would you cheer up? Maybe Atlanta won't be so bad. I mean, everyone back in Graham was so uptight.

PITAR 0f course, living in Nowheresville, Texas sucked. But at least I had Eric. If you had a girlfriend, you’d understand. Victor nods, keeping his face neutral. Clearly nobody knows that he’s pretty sure he’s gay. And just then, because the universe is funny, they pass a CALVIN KLEIN billboard with a shirtless Shawn Mendes. Victor glances at it. VICTOR Yeah. You’re probably right. EXT. VICTOR’S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY They pull up outside a new-ish complex and Adrian bolts out of the car. The rest of the family gets out and takes in their new building. ARMANDO This is it, Salazars. Welcome to your beautiful new home. PILAR Adrian is peeing on our beautiful new home. ANGLE ON Adrian getting some sweet, sweet relief in the hedges. INT. VICTOR’S APARTMENT -~ MINUTES LATER The family check out their new home ~-- not huge but it’s freshly renovated with new appliances, fresh paint, etc. VICTOR This place is actually pretty nice, papi. ARMANDO What do you mean *“actually”? I told you my new job was gonna hook us up with a great unit. VICTOR Right. I Jjust meant - it’s really nice.

ARMANDO Oh. Thank you. The dynamic between Victor and Armando is a bit strained. Not hostile, just a bit awkward. ADRIAN So you're going to do the wiring for all these places? Armando 1s much more easygoing in dealing with Adrian: ARMANDO Not do the wiring, papito. Oversee it. Second biggest property developer in Atlanta and I'm their lead electrician. FELIX (0.S.) Congratulationg! What a great gig! The family turns around to find a lanky teenager standing in their living room holding a pie. This is FELIX (16, equal parts dorky and winning). FELIX (CONT'D) Sorry, the door was open. ISABEL Who are you? FELIX Felix. Felix should really say more. But he just stands there, grinning expectantly and holding his pie. ARMANDO Gonna need some more information, Felix. FELIX Oh, sorry, duh. I'm your new neighbor. My mom and I live upstairs. We made you a lemon icebox pie. Isabel accepts the pie, charmed: ISABEL Oh. You're so sweet. You need to work on giving context, but you’re sweet.

PILAR Hey, boo. FELIX (thrown) Oh, hey. That’s very flattering but- PILAR Ew, what? Not you. REVEAL Pilar has started FACETIMING on her phone with her BOYFRIEND back in Texas. VICTOR (explaining to Felix) She’s Facetiming her boyfriend. PILAR My long distance boyfriend. Because my parents don’t give a damn about true love. Pilar heads to her new room and SLAMS the door. ISABEL (to Felix) Don’t listen to her. We love true love. Armando cried when J. Lo and A-Rod got engaged. ARMANDO I just want her to be happy. Isabel smiles at her husband. Victor looks relieved to see them getting along a little better than in the car. FELIX (then, to Victor) You’re going to Creekwood High right? I’'m a sophomore there. VICTOR Cool. Me too. FELIX Perfection! I’1l pick you up tomorrow at seven. (then) Oh, I almost forgot. He hands Victor a WALKIE TALKIE.

FELIX (CONT’D) This’1ll make it easy to keep in touch. Victor does not know what to do with Felix. VICTOR Uh, okay? FELIX Don’t mention it. It must be nerve wracking to start a new school mid- year, but I‘1ll be right there to get you through it. 1I’1ll be like the epi-pen to your nut allergy. (then) Hey, do you have a nut allergy? Cause if so, I should probably know. As Victor shakes his head no, his letter to Simon resumes in voice over: VICTOR (V.O.) The truth is, Simon, I couldn’t wait to start a new school. INT. VICTOR'S BEDROOM - MORNING Victor wakes up on his floor mattress, excited for his first day at Creekwood. VICTOR (V.O.) It’s not like my life back in Texas was so terrible. Victor rises to get ready for school, we... FLASHBACK TO: EXT. TEXAS PARK -~ DAY (FLASHBACK) LITTLE KID VICTOR plays with a LITTLE GIRL. VICTOR (V.O.) It’'s just, ever since I was a little kid I was expected to be one way. The two run up to Isabel who sits with the other MOMS.

LITTLE KID VICTOR Mami, can Ally and I have some Goldfish? ISABEL Of course. Do you and your little girlfriend want some juice too? LITTLE GIRL'’S MOM Isabel! What if they got married? As the two moms coo, Little Victor takes them in, confused. VICTOR (V.O.) And everyone was real excited about me being that way. INT. MIDDLE SCHOOL GYM - DAY (FLASHBACK) 14-YEAR-OLD VICTOR stands with his BASKETBALL TEAM during halftime at a school game. VICTOR (V.0.) But always kind of suspected that I'm different. The guys on the team ogle the BEAUTIFUL CHEERLEADERS performing. Victor appears to be doing the same. But then we follow his gaze to a HANDSOME BASKETBALL PLAYER standing just behind the cheerleaders. Victor’s TEAMMATE whispers to him: VICTOR’S TEAMMATE So hot. 14-YEAR-OLD VICTOR (eyes on handsome player) I know. INT. CHURCH - DAY (FLASHBACK) Victor sits in church with his family. VICTOR (V.0.) But in Graham, Texas, there was nobody I could talk to about anything I was feeling. There were only eight thousand people in my town and none of them seemed to be like me.

10. Victor takes in the HAPPY, STRAIGHT COUPLES all around him. VICTOR (V.0.) Or at least none of them were willing to admit it. Isabel talks to a CLOSETED GAY GUY (seersucker suit in a sea of navy) in the aisle. ISABEL so stylish. You have to let me set you up with my sister. Isabel shows him a picture of her DROP DEAD GORGEOUS SISTER. CLOSETED GAY GUY Oh, you're sweet. But she’s not my type. He smiles politely and goes to sit down. Armando leans in and whispers to his wife: ARMANDO Isabel, ese hombre esta flojito. Armando makes a limp-wristed kissy face and elbows Victor playfully. Victor forces a smile, pretending to think his dad’s homophobia is charming. BACK TO: EXT. VICTOR’S ROOM — MORNING (PRESENT) Victor tries on different outfits for his first day of school, suddenly hating everything he owns. His direct message to Simon continues in V.0. with occasional stylistic FLASHES of the TEXT on his IPHONE SCREEN. VICTOR (V.O.) But I figured here, it would be different. That in a big, diverse city, I'd finally have a chance to figure out who I really am. Victor finally settles on a cool outfit, fixes his hair, and heads out to... INT. VICTOR’'S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS ...where he’s greeted by a BIG CRUCIFIX wall decoration.

11. VICTOR (V.0.) At school, at least. Armando holds the crucifix up on the wall as Isabel tries to decide where she wants him to hang it. Adrian and Pilar eat breakfast at the kitchen table. ISABEL (re: crucifix) If I were Jesus, where would I want to be to watch over this family? PITAR Definitely not nailed to a cross. ISABEL Don’t be smart. (back to crucifix) Maybe lower? ARMANDO (re: the sink below wall) If I go any lower, Jesus is gonna be in the garbage disposal. (then, annoyed) Can we do this tonight? I don’t want to be late for my first day. ISABEL Armando, asking for one thing. Armando rolls his eyes, starts measuring the wall to hang the crucifix. turns to Victor, takes him in: ISABEL (CONT’'D) Look at you, my little Enrique Iglesias. VICTOR (re: his outfit) Am I trying too hard? PILAR ADRIAN Yes. Definitely. ISABEL (nudging Armando) Doesn’t he look handsome? ARMANDO Sure. Pareces muy macho. I hope these Creekwood girls are ready. Victor forces a smile. The DOORBELL rings.

12. ISABEL Who is that? ADRIAN It’s probably Abuelita! ISABEL Mijo, how many times do I have to tell you. She still lives in Texas. ADRIAN (not buying it) Mmmhmmm. I know how surprises work. Isabel sighs. Victor opens the front door to find Felix. FELIX Hey. I couldn’t remember if we sald seven or seven fifteen. VICTOR So you showed up at six forty-five? Victor grabs his backpack, turns to Pilar. VICTOR (CONT'D) Wanna walk with us? PILAR (holds up phone) No, I'm walking with Eric. EXT. CREEKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL - LATER Victor and Felix walk up the driveway leading to the school. FELIX Man, you're lucky. I would kill to be the new kid at school. VICTOR What? Why? FELIX The world is your oyster. (off his confused look) You can be whoever you want to be. I mean, the rest of us had our destinies determined years ago. Take me. (MORE )

13. FELIX (CONT'D) First day of sixth grade I spilled a chocolate pudding snack all over my crotch at lunch. And this jerk- off named Andrew was like, “Look, you guys! Felix poops out of his dick!” To this day, kids still call me Poop Dick. I mean, now it’s just a hilarious nickname. I’'ve reclaimed it. But for a while there, it really hurt. (beat) My point is, you are a blank canvas. Today you paint the brushstrokes that define who you want to be. Who are you, Victor? Victor takes in all his new CLASSMATES arriving for school. Time to declare who he is in this brave new world. An AUDI speeds past the guys. A HANDSOME JOCK, ANDREW, calls out to Felix: ANDREW Morning, Poop Dick! FELIX (deeply upset) It was pudding, Andrew! INT. CREEKWOOD HIGH - LOBBY Victor and Felix enter the school, bustling with morning activity. FELIX Welcome to Creekwood High School. Victor notices MR. WORTH (Tony Hale!) standing in the lobby holding a VICTOR SALAZAR sign. It’s like he’s a TOWNCAR DRIVER waiting to pick someone up at the airport. The men lock eyes and Mr. Worth gives a tentative wave. FELIX (CONT'D) That’s the principal. Go. Victor approaches Mr. Worth. VICTOR I'm Victor Salazar.

MR. WORTH And I'm Principal Worth. Finally got promoted from VP to P last year when the old P put his actual P in a teacher’s V. VICTOR Um, congratulations? MR. WORTH Thanks! And welcome to Creekwood! Come, show you to your locker. Complimentary service I offer all new students. The two men walk and talk. Mr. Worth offers Victor a: MR. WORTH (CONT'D) Guava candy? VICTOR Uh, I'm okay. MR. WORTH You sure? I got these recently on a trip to... (terrible Spanish accent) La Republica Dominicana. VICTOR Oh, giving me this because I'm Latino. MR. WORTH You mean Latinx. (then) You are gonna lurve it here at Creekwood. This school is such a special place. You just gotta make gome friends. for you, Winter Carnival is tonight. That'’s a great place to meet your crew, find your squad. VICTOR What's Winter Carnival? MR. WORTH We close down the meadow behind the school and bring in a bunch of games. Rides. The big love wheel. (off his look) That’s what I started calling the Ferris wheel after it happened. 14.

15. VICTOR What is... MR. WORTH Oh, only the most romantic thing to happen at this school since ever. (beat) A couple of years ago we had a gay student named Simon Spier make a grand declaration of his love on Creeksecrets. Victor’s ears perk up. He tries to sound casual as he says: VICTOR Oh. Cool. MR. WORTH Simon had fallen for another kid anonymously over e-mail. So, he rode the Ferrig wheel until his mystery love showed up and smooched him in front of the whole school. It was a pretty amazing night. I took this photo to hashtag neverforget. Mr. Worth shows Victor his phone -- the WALLPAPER is a photo of Simon and Bram on the Ferris wheel. Beneath it, he’s added the caption LOVE IS LOVE. Mr. Worth stares at Simon, mistilys MR. WORTH (CONT'D) God, I miss him like a brother. No offense to my real brother. RIP. Victor takes in the photo. He can’t help but ask: VICTOR Wow. So people here were cool with that? You know, him being... MR. WORTH Gay? Oh yeah, they were freaking cheering them on! “Kiss him again! This time with tongue!” This lands on Victor -- maybe this school is as accepting as he’d hoped it would be.

16. MR. WORTH (CONT'D) (realizing) Oh, we almost walked right past your locker. Here she is, lucky number 1114. Holla if you need me. VICTOR Thanks, Mr. Worth. Victor smiles to himself, encouraged by Mr. Worth’'s story. VICTOR (V.0.) I couldn’t believe it. Seemed Creekwood wag even more accepting than I'd dreamed. Mr. Worth heads off. Victor turns around to find a pretty girl wearing SO MUCH MAKEUP holding her PHONE in Victor’s face. This is LAKE. LAKE (to Victor) Hi, new kid. She SNAPS A PICTURE of Victor with her phone. VICTOR Um, hi. What are you doing? LAKE Taking a picture for my Creeksecrets post about the new kid. Name? VICTOR Victor Salagzar. Lake stares expectantly. He realizes: VICTOR (CONT’D) S-A-L-A~Z-A-R. LAKE Got it. Give me some deets. Where are you from, why did you move, are you cuffed? VICTOR Cuffed? LAKE Locked down. IAR. (off his blank stare) (MORE)

17. LAKE (CONT'D) In a relationship. Did you move here from MIA Easy, Lake. They whip around to find Lake’s best friend, MIA (16). She’s beautiful, a little intense, and effortlessly above it all. MIA (CONT'D) Maybe let the new kid open his locker before shoving a camera in his face. (then) I'm Mia. VICTOR Victor. He extends his hand to shake. Mia is amused by the old- fashioned gesture but also charmed. MIA Sorry about her. VICTOR Oh, it’s okay. Nobody's been that excited to take my picture since my mom used me as a model for her piano lesson flyers. MIA (faux-impressed) Wait. You were a piano lesson model? VICTOR Check this out. Victor POSES doing MODEL FACE but holding his hands out like he’s playing a piano. Mia LAUGHS. Oh my god. I'm suddenly dying to take piano lessons. VICTOR I know. I have that effect on people. They share an easy laugh. Talking to Mia is the most relaxed Victor’s seemed. And Mia is definitely charmed.

18. This would be the beginning of the hottest romance on Disney+... 1f Victor weren’t pretty sure he is gay. But Mia doesn’t know that. LAKE Hey! Still waiting on an answer. Is there a girl back home? VICTOR (V.0.) Here was my chance. To say who I really was. All I had to do was open my mouth and say... Victor smiles at Lake and says: VICTOR Nope. No girl back in Texas. Actually... I think I might be gay. Lizzo’'s empowering hit “Good as Hell” kicks in and we enter... INT. CREEKWOOD HIGH - HALLWAY -~ DAY (FANTASY SEQUENCE) Victor’s COMING OUT FANTASY. He walks down the hall, greeting new STUDENTS. VICTOR Hi, I'm Victor. I like basketball, dog rescue videos, and dudes. I think. ACCEPTING GIRL It seems like you have a lot to figure out, but I support you no matter what. They high five. The Girl introduces him to a PASSING GUY. ACCEPTING GIRL Dave, have you met Victor? PASSING GUY I haven’t. Is he your new boyfriend? GIRL STUDENT Nope. He's pretty sure he’s gay. PASSING GUY Even better!

19. He fist bumps Victor. Victor keeps walking. A TEACHER approaches. TEACHER You the new maybe gay kid? VICTOR I am! I mean, I’'ve never kissed a guy. But when I think about kissing, it’s always a guy. Usually Nick Jonas. TEACHER He’'s my favorite Jonas! BACK TO REALITY: INT. CREEKWOOD HIGH - HALLWAY - AS WE WERE Lake waits for Victor to say if he has a girlfriend. VICTOR (V.0.) But instead... I choked. VICTOR Nope. WNo girl back in Texas. At this, Mia looks down, trying to control a little smile. But Lake totally clocks it. LAKE Tech avail. Got it. Think I got everything I need. Felix approaches Victor, having observed the exchange. FELIX Dude. You just made Mia Strauss blush. VICTOR Uh, okay. FELIX You don’t understand. She’s the hottest girl in our class. basically never dates. And you Just made her blush. Victor looks stressed. FELIX (CONT'D) Dude, you’'re blushing too.

20. VICTOR No, I'm not. FELIX Yes, you are! At first I couldn’t tell because of your beautiful cinnamon complexion but you totally are. You’'re falling in love. Being your best friend is gonna be a wild ride, isn’t it? Pelix slaps Victor on the back as they head down the hall. VICTOR (V.0.) Day one was getting away from me, and fast. Ten minutes in and I was Poop Dick’s straight best friend. INT. CREEKWOOD HIGH - HALLWAY - LATER Felix shows Victor to the locker room. FELIX Here you go, locker room is right through here. Gym first period, I do not envy you. First, you're still digesting breakfast, second. .. As Felix continues to ramble on about the perils of early gym class, Victor notices a kid named BENJI heading to class. Benjil is a hipster dreamboat with perfectly messy hair and perfectly ripped jeans. And whether or not we actually play Benji’s walk in slow motion, it definitely feels like slow motion to Victor. FELIX (CONT'D) Oh, hey Benji. Benji has stopped in front of Victor. He takes in his shoes. Vintage Nike Cortezes? Victor ig immediately both impressed and in love. VICTOR Yeah. My mom found them at a yaxrd sale and bought them for me just cause they were my size. (MORE )

21. VICTOR (CONT'D) She didn’t even realize how cool they were. I mean, not to call my own shoes cool-- BENJI No, they are. (then) Sounds like those shoes were your destiny. If you believe in that kind of thing. Benji smiles. VICTOR (tongue tied) Yeah, I mean I believe in... cool kicks. BENJI Cool kicks are my religion. But don’t tell my mom, she still thinks I'm Jewish. Now, Victor smiles. Is Benji flirting with him? Sure feels like it. Then, the bell RINGS, interrupting the moment. BENJI (CONT’D) Nice to meet you... VICTOR Victor. Victor offers his hand for a shake. Benji eyes it, as charmed as Mia. He returns the shake, then takes off down the hall. Victor stares after him, COMPLETELY SMITTEN. And then Felix pipes up: FELIX Benji’s chill. Also, he’s gay. Just so you know. I mean, I don’t care. But you wouldn’'t want people to get the wrong idea. Victor’s face darkens ever-so-slightly as he processes Felix’s subtle warning. VICTOR Totally. Thanks. Then, to Simon:

22. VICTOR (V.O.) I tried not to let Felix’s comment get me down, Simon. I mean, Creekwood was the home of the big gay love wheel. Do kids really still care if you’re gay? CUT TO: INT. BOYS’ LOCKER ROOM - DAY Victor changes for gym class, surrounded by JOCKS. JOCK Dude, don’t be gay! VICTOR (V.O.) Apparently they do. FRIEND How 1s me getting to second with Holly D’Agostino gay? JOCK You had the whole house to yourselves and you only got to second. I mean, you practically sucked a dick. Victor just wants to change and get out of there as quickly as possible. ANDREW (the jock driving the Audi from earlier), zeroes in on Victor. Andrew is now wearing just boxer-briefs. ANDREW (re: his body) You like what you see? (off Victor) Yeah, you. I saw you staring. Victor is momentarily terrified. Then, Andrew smiles: ANDREW (CONT'D) I'm just playing, new kid. I'm Andrew. VICTOR Victor. Victor extends his hand to shake. Andrew just smirks at it.

23. He slaps a smile on his face, claps Victor on the back and says: ANDREW Welcome to Creekwood, new kid. Andrew and his friends head out of the locker room for gym class. INT. GYMNASIUM - MINUTES LATER We're mid gym class basketball game. Victor moves around the court, waiting for someone to pass him the ball. He lets his TEAMMATE know: VICTOR I'm open! But these guys don’t know him. There’s no way they're passing to him. Victor watches as his teammate fumbles the ball. Andrew steals it, dribbles across the court and easily sinks a THREE- POINTER. He’s good. VICTOR (CONT'D) (to himself) I was wide open. Another play. Victor’s team has the ball for a split second before Andrew STEALS it again. Frustrated, Victor moves towards Andrew and STEALS the ball back. It’s an aggressive move, but not breaking any rules. He’s fast with great reflexes. The only other guy on the court as good as Andrew. Victor fakes left, moves right, maneuvers around a bunch of guys for a TRICKY LAY UP and MAKES THE BASKET. TEAMMATE Nice, man! A few teammates clap him on the back. The gym teacher, COACH FORD, perks up. Victor smiles. Andrew does not look happy. In QUICK CUTS we see more of the game, which basically becomes Victor vs. Andrew.

24. Coach Ford watches, impressed. Victor sinks a FINAL BASKET, Coach Ford blows his whistle. COACH FORD Alright, that’s the game. Victor’s team has won. They all high-five. Victor is feeling pretty good. Andrew tries to cover, but is clearly threatened by Victor’'s skills. ANDREW Beginner’s luck, new kid. Andrew tosses the ball at Victor a LITTLE TOO HARD. VICTOR No. ©Not luck. 8kill. He tosses the ball right back to Andrew. Also a LITTLE TOO HARD. VICTOR (CONT'D) It’s Victor. They keep their eyes locked on each other for a tense moment. It’s broken up by the coach calling out from across the gym: COACH FORD Hey, Victor, Victor approaches the coach. COACH FORD (CONT'D) Did you play basketball at your old school? VICTOR Yeah. COACH FORD Thought so. (then) I'm not just the PE teacher. I also coach the varsity basketball team. VICTOR Cool. COACH FORD Is it cool? been doing it for twenty-four years and I have zero state championship trophies under my belt. You know what I do have? (MORE )

25. COACH FORD (CONT'D) A 2001 Mazda Miata. I need that championship trophy, Victor. I can’t have my most prized possession in life be a Miata that’s old enough to veote. 8o, you wanna join the team or what? VICTOR I do. But I figured I probably missed COACH FORD Let’s consider what just happened out there your tryouts. Congrats. You made the team. Andrew! Andrew bounds over. ANDREW Yeah, Coach? COACH FCRD Victor’s jolning the team. Andrew hates this very much. But forces a smile for Coach. ANDREW Oh, wow. Great. COACH FORD I’m thinking shooting guard. VICTOR I played point guard back in Texas. ANDREW (too sharp) I'm point guard. COACH FORD Let’s not stress about who's playing what. Let’s just thank our lucky stars we have one more guy on the team who isn’t a pre-diabetic, uncoordinated sloth. Coach hands Victor a sheet of paper. just when it’s finally looking like Victor’s day might be locking up... COACH FORD (CONT'D) Here’s the sign-up info. And I need a check for five-hundred dollars.

26. Victor is shocked by the amount of money. VICTOR It’s five-hundred dollars to join the team? Andrew clocks Victor’s financial concern. But Coach Ford does not as he rattles off more information: COACH FORD Yeah, it covers dues, uniform, eguipment, transportation. (then) Is that a problem? VICTOR No, no. fine. I'll figure it out. Thank you. COACH FORD Looking forward to having you. Victor nods, having no idea where he’s going to come up with five-hundred dollars. INT. CAFETERIA - SEATING AREA - DAY Victor walks through the cafeteria, holding his brown bag lunch and staring at the basketball form: $500 CHECK PAYABLE TO CREEKWOOD ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT. He’s suddenly hyper aware of how AFFLUENT Creekwood is. Girls carrying DESIGNER PURSES. Xids wearing AIRPODS and texting each other on the LATEST IPHONES. He watches as a POSTMATES DELIVERY PERSON approaches a table of RICH KIDS with a bag of TAKEOUT. Victor shakes his head in disbelief. Then, he notices Pilar buying a snack at a vending machine. Or trying at least. The machine won’t take her dollar. He enters... INT. CAFETERIA - FOOD AREA - DAY VICTOR Hey. How’s your first day going? PILAR Terrible. Everyone here sucks.

27. VICTOR You thought everyone back home sucked too. PILAR They did. The world is full of fake, crappy people. VICTOR Pilar, you have to try-- PILAR (snapping) Victor, stop. I did try. I sat down with some girls from my math class to have lunch and they told me I look like the undead zombie daughter from Pet Semetary. The vending machine still won’t take Pilar’s dollar. She POUNDS on it and angrily yells: PILAR (CONT'D) DAMNIT This is a girl who definitely has some anger issues. Victor sighs, feeling bad for his sister. Mia approaches, having witnessed Pilar’s outburst. MIA The vending machines here are the worst. Took me my entire freshman year to get a water. (then) May I? Pilar eyes Mia suspiciously, but hands over her dollar. VICTOR This is my sister, Pilar. MIA I'm Mia. (then) How’s day one going? doesn’t answer. VICTOR Some girls were trolling her.

28. MIA Who? Pilar reluctantly points to two girls across the room at the SALAD BAR. MIA (CONT'D) Lindsay Conners and Anna Chow? Don't worry about them. They’'re basic hype beast automatrons who do whatever their favorite YouTubers tell them to do and haven’t had an original thought since their moms took a quick break from spin class to push them out fifteen years ago. Mia expertly gets the vending machine to accept Pilar’s dollar. MIA (CONT’D) Anyway, forget about those losers. You’ll find your people. Pilar considers Mia for a moment. Then, back to bitter: PILAR My people are back in Texas. And even though that sounds like a bad country song, it's true. She punches in a code on the vending machine, retrieves a pack of OREOS and leaves. Victor turns to Mia. VICTOR Thanks for trying. Unfortunately, that’s about as well as an interaction can go with my sister. MIA She seems really upset. VICTOR Yeah, she always does. Clearly Pilar’s anger issues are a welight on him. Mia suddenly notices something. MIA What the-- Victor follows her gaze back into the main cafeteria. And that’s when he sees it:

29. INT. CAFETERIA - SEATING AREA - CONTINUOUS Andrew is sitting at a FOLDING TABLE with an iPad. A PHOTO OF VICTOR is propped up next to a sign that says HELP VICTOR SALAZAR JOIN THE BASKETBALL TEAM. ANDREW (to passing students) Basketball fund for Victor! No amount is too small! Come on guys! Victor storms over to Andrew. VICTOR What the hell is this? Andrew gives Victor an innocent smile. ANDREW Oh hey, man. I heard you talking to Coach Ford and it sounded like those basketball dues were going to be a little steep for you. So I thought I’d set up a Go Fund Me to help get you the cash. People have already donated... (checks iPad) Thirty-eight dollars. Slow start, but we’ll get there. VICTOR (pissed) Give them their money back. Students begin to gather as they sense a confrontation brewing. ANDREW Hey, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I heard that you’re living in Poop Dick’s building. I know money can be tight on that side of town. I'm just trying to help the needy- VICTOR No, trying to humiliate me because I destroyed you in that basketball game. Andrew stands, getting in Victor’s space.

30. ANDREW You think I give a crap about a stupid gym class basketball game? VICTOR Yeah. I do. Victor gets in Andrew’s face, bracing to fight him. Then, he looks around. He realizes that amidst the many students gathered are Mia, Lake, Felix and Benji. Kids WHISPER TO EACH OTHER about what'’s going down. Victor can hear snippets of “Who is that?” *“Some crazy new kid...” Lake takes his picture on her phone. This is a nightmare. The exact opposite of how Victor saw his first day going. VICTOR (V.0.) My first day wasn’t even half over and I was gonna be known as the poor, hot-headed Latino kid. I would’ve preferred to be Poop Dick. Victor takes a step back from Andrew and quietly tells him again: VICTOR Just glve everyone their money back. ANDREW You got it. Andrew heads off, SHOULDERS VICTOR HARD as he passes. Victor drops his BROWN BAG LUNCH and it scatters across the floor. Victor bends down to pick up his sandwich and coke, chases his orange under a table. It’s humiliating. Then, he looks up to see... Benji is offering him a hand to help him to his feet. You okay? Victor hesitates, then takes Benji’s hand. Andrew notices and gives a CAT CALL WHISTLE from across the cafeteria.

31. Victor drops Benji’s hand like it’s on fire. VICTOR (curt) I'm fine. Victor gets the hell out of there. INT. CREEKWOOD HIGH - HALLWAY - A LITTLE LATER A miserable Victor walks down the hall. Felix runs up to him. FELIX Hey. I'm sorry about what happened. Andrew is a dick. VICTOR (in no mood) Yup. FELIX I did think you should know that Lake published a post about you on Creeksecrets... Felix shows Victor his phone. Indeed, there's a new POST ON CREEKSECRETS entitled: THE NEW KID’'S GOT A SHORT FUSE It’s accompanied by a short article about the day’s events and the photo Lake snapped of Victor with Andrew in the cafeteria. Victor looks like he’s about to lose his shit in it. Victor swallows the urge to scream. VICTOR Perfect. Victor tries to walk away but Felix keeps pace with him. FELIX I think you can still come back from this, you’ve just gotta show everyone it was a one-off. And no better way to do that than to hit the Winter Carnival. Let everyone see what a great, even-tempered, carnival-loving guy you are. What time do you want to head over tonight? Seven? (MORE)

32. FELIX (CONT'D) I can pick you up at yours. Or we can just hang til then- Victor stops walking, whirls around and explodes: VICTOR Oh my God, STOP. Just please, stop talking! (beat) I don’t want to go to the Winter Carnival with you, Felix. I don't know you. We’'re not friends. We're just two guys who happen to live in the same building. Felix looks like he’s been slapped. But he manages a weak: FELIX Oh. Okay. Totally. Victor heads off, feeling like an ass. INT. VICTOR’S APARTMENT ~ KITCHEN - DAY Victor enters to find Isabel and Armando, mid-fight. They don’t notice him. ISABEL so much for all your talk about this school being better for our family. que mierda. What a load of bull. ARMANDO Hey, at least I'm trying to stay positive for this family-- Victor loudly shuts the front door. They turn. TSABEL Victor. Hi. VICTOR Papi, why are you home so early? ARMANDO Because of the fight. Victor freezes. How do they know what happened between him and Andrew?

33. VICTOR It was just one stupid kid. It wasn’t a fight-- ISABEL Yes it was. Your sister shoved a girl into a wall and got detention for a week. VICTOR Wait, she did? Why? ARMANDO The girl and her friends wouldn’t stop calling Pilar horrible names. She had it coming. ISABEL “Had it coming?” This is why she’s like this. She gets it from you-- ARMANDO What’s that supposed to mean? They start going at it again in Spanish until: VICTOR Guys! They both fall silent. Victor calmly tells them: VICTOR (CONT’D) It was just a rough first day. She takes a while to adjust to new things. We’ll get through it. Isabel and Armando nod, a little bit calmed. ISABEL Thank you. (then, realizing) How about you? How was your first day? Victor considers for a moment. Then tells them what he knows they need to hear: VICTOR It was great. I really like it here. They both smile, so glad to hear this. Then, LOUD ANGRY MUSIC comes from Pilar’s room. Isabel calls out frustrated:

34. ISABEL What part of “quietly think about your actions” didn’t you understand?! ARMANDO I'11l talk to her. Armando crossges off to deal with Pilar. Victor takes in the apartment. Isabel has done wonders, unpacking boxes of cozy decor and hanging photos of their extended family on the walls. VICTOR The place looks great, mom. ISABEL Thanks. I did my best to fix it up today. To make it feel like us. (beat) But it doesn’t. Not yet. She takes in their apartment, not feeling at home here. VICTOR Hey. Is everything okay? With you and Dad? The last couple months... you never used to fight so much. Igsabel hates that Victor has picked up on their marital tension. She gives him a sad smile and offers: ISABEL Marriage is hard sometimes, mi amor. Even the really good ones. And don’t worry, we have a really good one. Victor nods, wanting to believe her. But they both know there’s more going on than she’s willing to reveal. ISABEL (CONT'D) Your father is so sure about this move. That it’s exactly what we needed. And I pray he’s right. That his job everything he’s hoping for. That your sister will learn to smile once in a while. That your little brother will get it through his head that Abuelita isn’t surprise moving here. (beat) (MORE)

35. ISABEL (CONT'D) been trying so hard to pretend I'm not worried about what’s going to happen to us here. But pretending all the time can be 80... exhausting. Victor nods, relating hard. He manages: VICTOR I know it is. Isabel misunderstands his intensity and thinks she’'s shared too much. 8o, she hurries to make him feel better. ISABEL I'm sorry. I shouldn’t burden you with this. just, you’'ve always been my strong one. Isabel smiles at him lovingly then motions to the cross. ISABEL (CONT'D) Jesus) You know, when I talk to him? For everyone else in this family, I ask for help. For guidance. But for you, mi lindo, I end up saying thank you. Thank you, Jesus, for my rock. The pressure of this lands on Victor as his mom embraces him in a HUG. We're close on his face as he realizes the last thing his mom needs is to know her rock is struggling with his sexuality. INT. VICTOR’S ROOM - DAY - LATER Victor enters his bedroom. And we realize back in the cold open of our pilot. We SPEED through what we’ve already seen in QUICK CUTS -- Victor looking at Simon’s impossibly perfect insta-life, getting increasingly angry, and writing him a DM. We hear snippets of his message which we’ve heard throughout the epilsode... VICTOR (V.O.) Dear Simon, You don’t know me... today was my first day at Creekwood High... I couldn’t wait to start a new school... (MORE)

36. VICTOR (V.0.) (CONT'D) I was fast on my way to being known as the poor, hot-headed Latino kid. ...and LAND with Victor wrapping up his letter. VICTOR Anyway, I don’t expect you to write me back. Honestly, this message kind of got away from me and you probably think I'm totally insane. But I just need you to know that you’'re very lucky, Simon. And not everyone is. Sincerely, Victor. Victor hits send. He doesn’t feel much better. He lies there for a restless beat. After a moment his eyes fall on the WALKIE TALKIE Felix gave him, sitting on a moving box. He picks it up, turns it on. VICTOR (ON WALKIE) (CONT'D) Um... Victor to Felix? Not sure if you’'re there-- FELIX (ON WALKIE) (immediately) I'm here! (then) Over. Victor smiles, unable to resist being charmed by his over- eager new friend. VICTOR I'm sorry about before. T shouldn’t have taken my crappy day out on you. Are you still going to the Winter-- FELIX pick you up at eight. VICTOR I'1l see you at seven forty-five. EXT. WINTER CARNIVAL - NIGHT Victor and Felix approach the bustling outdoor carnival. It looks like... well, it looks like it did in the movie. But on a slightly smaller budget.

37. FELIX You have to try the apple cider. It’s like drinking Christmas. go grab us two, you get the churros. (then, immediately) That sounded racist. You know what, you get the apple cider, get the churros. VICTOR (smiles, charmed by Felix) I can get the churros. The guys separate. Victor heads towards the churros when his phone DINGS. He's received a new Instagram message from SIMON SPIER. He reads it as he walks through the carnival. SIMON (V.O.) Dear Victor, glad you reached out. First of all, welcome to Creekwood. I know beginnings are rocky, but I really hope you end up loving it as much as I did. Victor takes in all the happy carnival attendees and the beautiful carnival with all its rides and twinkling lights. Maybe this place isn’t all bad. SIMON (V.O.) I'm sorry that it feels impossible to come out right now. And no, I have no idea what it’s like to be you. To have your family or your life. I can only tell you what I do know. I know that coming out was the scariest thing I've ever had to do. Even with parents who are quite possibly more liberal than Bernie Sanders. And right after it happened, my life did get harder. My mom felt helpless, my dad felt blindsided, I felt like a stranger in my own home. But after a while, we found our way through it. To his surprise, Victor spots his family walking through the carnival. They look a little out of place as they take in the scene, but they’re trying to be a part of it. Armando has an arm around Pilar, trying to get her to smile.

38. Isabel is being pulled by Adrian towards some games. SIMON (V.O.) So maybe you’re underestimating your parents. Maybe with time, they could find their way through it, too. Victor considers his family. They're flawed, but there’s a lot of love there. Maybe they could handle this. SIMON (V.O.) And maybe find the people in creekwood who support you like my friends did. The people you can tell anything to. Victor spots Felix and smiles as he watches the hapless kid juggling two APPLE CIDERS trying not to spill them. SIMON (V.O.) And if you're very lucky, maybe, within the halls of that school, you’ll find the person that is going to change your life forever. Victor spots BENJI in the distance. He's laughing with friends, looking as handsome as ever. Victor continues to stare at him as Simon continues: SIMON (V.0.) A few years ago, I told my now- boyfriend Bram that he deserves a great love story. That I deserve a great love story. (beat) Well you deserve one too, Victor. Hope this helps. I'm here if you need me. (beat) And since I’'m the only person in the whole world who you’'ve opened up to, I think there’s only one fitting way to sign this. (beat) Love, Simon. Victor gets a determined look in his eye. He takes out the TWO RIDE TICKETS Mr. Worth gave him and begins to walk purposefully across the carnival...

39. VICTOR (V.0.) Dear Simon, Maybe you’re right. Maybe I do deserve a great love story. Towards Benji. Holy shit. Simon got through to him. He reaches Benji... and keeps walking right past him. Where Mia is standing on line for food with Lake. MIA Hey. VICTOR Hey. You wanna ride the Ferris wheel with me? face breaks into a SMILE. TLake looks like she finds this absolutely delicious. MIA I'd love to. VICTOR (V.0.) But that doesn’t mean I'm going to get one. Mia and Victor board the Ferris wheel and slowly rise up into the starry night sky. From the ground, Lake SNAPS A PHOTO of the two of them. Probably for a new Creeksecrets post. She smiles... excited about this blossoming romance. VICTOR (V.0.) Because my story is nothing like yours. And as we PULL BACK WIDE over the carnival... END OF PILOT