30 minutes is what you've got.
Tuesday, October 20 at 6:37 PM
ANOTHER NOTE (I KNOW, ISN'T IT ANNOYING?) :

heyy, so .. let's say you guys aren't fond to the previous script, i've made a shorter version (shorter ? nah-uh), actually the previous version was timed for probably 2 hours; if you really enjoy the great performance though, if it's not - ehh, then probably 2 minutes. the thing is - i was having difficulty in cramming the play into a half-an-hour show, so i made some adjustments to the lines and a few scenes.

and WOOLAHHH ! so, i hope you do enjoy the second version of my script - toodles.



A NEW CINDERELLA STORY

Written by

Sabrina binti Abbas

Nur Rasyidah binti Ibrahim

INT : BUS – DAY 1

Maria searching for a seat, her hand carries a small luggage bag. All the passengers staring at her, Maria didn’t look. She looked messed up but didn’t care. She then took a seat near to a window, bus took off to New York. She started to remember flashbacks.

MARIA (V.O.)

My name is Maria Ana-Fernandez. I’m half-American and half-Hispanic. Life’s not perfect, I’ve heard that phrase thousands of times. It’s true.

The night of my 16th birthday, my sick mother told me a secret - Papa wasn’t dead. He is still alive, living in New York. His name is – JOE STEWART – a famous American socialite. Minutes later, she died – she was 39, cancer killed her. I miss her ..

EXT : BUS STOP IN NEW YORK CITY - EARLY DAWN (DAY 4)
 
Maria steps down from the bus, along with other passengers as well. She carries her luggage bag and stared at Joe’s photo in her hand ..
              
MARIA (V.O.)
As I arrived at New York, I only have my father's house address, birth certificate and his photo that Mama kept before she died. Finally, I’ll be able to meet him ..
 
EXT : OUTSIDE OF JOE STEWART'S PENTHOUSE – DAY 4
 
She pressed the door bell - a girl who's around Maria's age opens the door.
 
RACHEL
Can I help you ?
 
MARIA
I'm looking for Joe Stewart.
 
RACHEL
He’s having his breakfast right now with my mom.
 
MARIA
(confused)
Mom ?
 
RACHEL
(look annoyed)
Hello ! Emma Johnson - American Vogue editor. She’s like .. the most famous person everr.
 
MARIA
He's .. married ?
 
RACHEL
Three months ago – FYI, I’m his stepdaughter.
 
MARIA
(look dissapointed)
Uhh .. I guess I'll go now.
(walking three steps behind)
 
RACHEL
Oh, wait ! You said you want to see Joe.
(observing Maria up-and-down and forced a fake smile)
Don't you want to come in ?
 
MARIA
Urmm .. okay, I guess.
 
EXT : PATIO – DAY 4
 
There Joe Stewart is - sipping on his morning coffee, reading the newspaper while his wife, Emma doing some final editing on Vogue's next month cover.
 
RACHEL
Joe, you got company (stares her up-and-down)
 
JOE
(looks up from the newspaper and smiled)
Oh. How can I help you, miss ?
 
Maria was stunned that she coudld barely speak. Finally, she meets her father
face-to-face ..
 
MARIA (V.O.)
Just say it ! Tell him now, there’s no second chance ! God, you look like a freaking idiot right now !
 
MARIA
(gulped and slowly speak)
It’s me, dad. Maria. I'm your daughter.
 
While Emma was busy editing and heard the news, she abruptly stop, her pen was flown away and fell on the patio floor. Joe and Rachel was too shocked to absorb the news.
 
EMMA
Joe .. living room .. NOWW !
 
INT : LIVING ROOM – DAY 4
 
EMMA
She’s an imposter, this girl is lying to you !
 
JOE
For god sake, Emma – please be rational. I believe Maria is my daughter – I just know it.
 
EMMA
How could you know such thing ? If she really is your daughter, where’s the prove ? Check her blood type, criminal record, triple sixes on her scalp .. anything !
       
JOE
Emma, she has a birth certificate, my photo and .. she has my eyes.
 
RACHEL
And you're telling us, you BELIEVE HER ?
 
JOE
Look, it’s my mistake and now, .. there's no turning back.
 
EMMA
So you're saying you’re letting her stay in this family ?
      
JOE
I had to, it's the only way.
 
RACHEL 
(sarcastic)
That’s just fantastic, Joe !
My life is now a living hell, thanks a lot !
 
Joe walks out to the patio, faces Maria. Emma and Rachel follow along.
 
JOE

Maria .. ehmm .. since you already got here, I think it’s best for you to stay with us. A fresh start.

EMMA

Out of the question.

RACHEL

You’re not serious about this, are you ?

JOE

No, I am.

MARIA

(bite her lower lip)

Urmm .. I don’t know. I don’t want to trouble you.

RACHEL

Well, congratulations ! You’re too late.

JOE

Rachel, don’t interrupt.

(faces Emma and Rachel)

You know what – that’s it. Maria’s staying, accept it whether you like it or not.

Rachel grumbles and moves out, Emma followed her – couldn’t believe what her husband just did. Joe smiles, welcomes Maria into the house – moves out.

EXT : OUTSIDE NEW YORK UNIVERSITY – DAY 5

It was 10 am as Maria walks in the compound, everyone are staring at her.

MARIA (V.0.)

First day in college .. (sound sarcastic) great.

Maria fasten her pace as she walks and sits on a bench. Waiting for the next class to start .. A girl shorter than Maria, looking bubbly walk towards Maria and quickly sit next to her,

CAMILLA

Hi ! I’m Camilla, Maria right ?

MARIA

Urmm, yeah. That’s me.

CAMILLA

You know, don’t worry about them. They’re just insecure people. You’re lucky to study here.

MARIA

(smile at Camilla)

Thanks. You save my life, I thought I wasn’t going to make through the whole day !

As she enjoy talking with Camilla, along came Rachel .. walking as if she was strutting on a runway. Her presence grab everyone’s attention.As Rachel passes Maria, she pulls down her sunglasses and look at Maria, evil and hated ..

CAMILLA

Oh my god, Rachel, the bitch. Pretty but spoilt - I don’t get why everyone adores her.

MARIA

Well, meet me .. the stepsister.

CAMILLA

(eyes bulged out, shocked)

WHAT ? No FREAKING way !

MARIA

Well, accept it – it’s true.

CAMILLA

(looks at Rachel’s back)

Wow! What a small world .. really small world.

A guy in his 20’s walking along the pathway. He was breathtaking handsome – catches Maria’s attention.

MARIA

Who’s that ?

CAMILLA

(looks at Alex)

That’s Alex. All girls are crazy about him – THAT includes your little stepsister. Eyeing him since forever.

(calls Alex)

Hey, Alex !

ALEX

Hey, Cam. Feels like I haven’t see you in a long time.

CAMILLA

Urmm, Alex .. we went out for pizza last night with Nick and Michelle.

ALEX

Yeaaah, that’s true.

(looks to Maria, raises his eyebrow)

Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend ?

CAMILLA

Oh, sorry. Alex, Maria. Maria, Alex. Apparently, she’s Rachel’s stepsister.

ALEX

(looks lovestruck)

Hi. So .. you’re Rachel’s sister, huh ?

CAMILLA

(correct him)

STEPSISTER.

ALEX

Yeah yeah .. I get that.

(rolls his eyes and faces Maria back, smile)

Well, .. nice meeting you, Maria.

Rachel saw it and felt pissed off since Alex is talking to Maria.

ALEX

Well, I gotta run. See you.

(Smiles at Maria)

Alex left the two girls.

CAMILLA

Huh. Looks like Alex got a crush on you.

MARIA

Yeah, right.

CAMILLA

I’m serious. He’s all over you.

(look at Maria)

Wait a minute .. are you blushing ?

MARIA

NO.

CAMILLA

Uh-uh, yes you are !

MARIA

No, I don’t.

CAMILLA

Yes, you are. Admit it – you like him

MARIA

(gave up)

Fine. I like him, sue me.

CAMILLA

Aww .. that is sooo cute ! You know, it’s so easy to defeat you.

MARIA

Shut up.

CAMILLA

Okay okay, .. I’m just saying, you know ..

EXT : OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK UNIVERSITY – DAY 10

Maria chatting with Camilla happily, Alex walk to Maria from behind and surprise her with a box of chocolates. Camilla leaves Alex and Maria, headed to another class. Maria lovingly grabs Alex’s arm and walk together. As both of them pass Rachel, Alex kisses the top of Maria’s head. Rachel just stare them with envy.

INT : LIVING ROOM – DAY 10

Rachel walking in circles, thinking about Alex and Maria. Emma is texting on her phone.

RACHEL

Ughh, this can’t be !

EMMA

What is it now ?

RACHEL

Alex .. MY ALEX, has been hooking up MARIA now.

EMMA

So ?

RACHEL

SOOO .. it’s not good ! Alex should be ..

Emma’s other phone rang.

EMMA

Hold it .. .. Hello, Anne.

Rachel slumps on the chair beside Emma, waiting impatiently ..

EMMA

(talking to her phone)

Yes, I need 10 or 15 Manolos. Tell Marc, I want Katie not Lauren for this afternoon’s photoshoot, Lauren looks like she’s suffering from an eating disorder.

RACHEL

MOMM ! Hurry up ! This is IMPORTANT !

EMMA

(points at Rachel for silence, still talking to her phone)

Please bore someone else with your .. questions.

(ends off her call)

Now, continue your so-called DILEMA .. make it short, I’m kind of busy dear.

RACHEL

FINALLYY ! I need your help. What should I do with her ?

EMMA

(still focusing on her work, not looking up)

Why don’t you just find out something about her ? Ex-boyfriends or whatever secrets she have ..

RACHEL

(looks like she’s got an idea)

Good one ! Thanks mom, you’re a genius !

(walks away)

EXT : OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK UNIVERSITY – DAY 13

A long 45 minutes-break, Rachel spotted Alex sitting under a tree, strumming his guitar and seems to be writing a song. She heads to him, like a predator trying to catch its prey ..

RACHEL

Hey there, hottie.

ALEX

(looks up to her)

Oh, hey Rachel.

RACHEL

What you’re doing ?

ALEX

(holds a piece of paper and tries to hide it)

Urmm .. nothing.

RACHEL

Oh, come on !

(quickly grabs the paper off from his hand)

It’s just ..

(paused and read)

ALEX

I’m just writing a song .. for Maria.

(took back the paper from Rachel)

It’s not finish yet ..

RACHEL

(feels mad but hids it perfectly with a smirk)

Ohh, love song .. wonderful.

(pause for a moment, sits beside him – faces him)

You know, I shouldn’t tell you .. BUT ..

ALEX

What ?

RACHEL

(look dissapointed)

Alex .. Maria has a boyfriend already. She’s cheating on you! They’re a couple WAYYY back in Mexico .. I’m sorry.

ALEX

You’re lying.

RACHEL

(held out her hand)

WHAT ?! I swear to god, I’m telling the truth !

ALEX

(gets up)

Just stop, Rachel. I don’t want to hear anything bad about Maria.

(moves away)

RACHEL

ALEXX !

Camilla and Maria, happily chatting about Alex on a bench.

CAMILLA

So .. how’s everything with Alex ?

MARIA

Good

CAMILLA

(waiting)

So, it’s official that you and him an item ?

MARIA

Oh no .. Wait, he did ask me once to be his girlfriend.

CAMILLA

He did ? Then, what did you said ?

MARIA

I told him, I’ll think about it.

CAMILLA

Why would you do that ?

MARIA

Cam, I’m not ready to BE in a relationship now. Everything is moving so fast .. You know, I just broke up before moving to New York.

CAMILLA

Really, you did ?

MARIA

With my childhood friend – until I caught him making out with my best friend.

CAMILLA

Yikes, sorry.

(wraps her arm around Maria’s shoulder)

I know you’re having a hard time now but it doesn’t mean that it should be put to a stop .. Maybe it’s good for you.

(looks at a different direction)

Who’s that ?

Suddenly, groups of students, gossiping – spreading news like a wildfire – everyone’s fussing about this guy heading to Maria’s direction. Maria look at him from a distant – he seem familiar ..

MARIA

Taylor ?

TAYLOR

Hey, Maria.

MARIA

What are you doing here ?

TAYLOR

I came here to see you, I miss you so much.

(hugs Maria)

Alex watch both of them, at a corner .. with his own eyes ..

MARIA

Taylor, you shouldn’t be here.

(looks down, frustated – then look up again )

You left me! I saw you kissed Lila !

Alex walk towards Maria, trying to prove that Rachel’s telling truth .. Rachel saw, an evil smile formed on her face ..

ALEX

Maria. Who’s this ?

MARIA

(panic eyes ..)

Urm, this is Taylor, he’s my ..

TAYLOR

(cuts in, then curiously ask)

Boyfriend. Who are you ?

MARIA

(faces Taylor)

EX-BOYFRIEND. Taylor is just visiting ..

TAYLOR

Well .. (his arms placed on Maria’s shoulder)

Maria and I decided to get back together .. again.

MARIA

(shrugs off Taylor’s arm)

Alex, I ..

ALEX

(interrupt)

Is it true ? You’re dating him again ?

TAYLOR

Yes, she is.

MARIA

(points at Taylor)

You, keep your mouth shut. Let me talk

(faces Alex)

Alex, I was with him .. but I’m no-

ALEX

Save it. You don’t have to tell me, I get it – you don’t want me.

(walks away)

MARIA

ALEX !

(punches Taylor’s arm)

Why did you do that ? Damn it, Taylor.

(walks away, Camilla tag along – trying to comfort her)

TAYLOR

Oww ! .. Maria, wait!

The huge crowd starting to reduce in size – left Taylor alone ..

INT : JOE STEWART’S PENTHOUSE – DAY 14

Doorbell rings – Rachel walks toward the door, opens it ..

RACHEL

(shocked)

What are you doing here ? I told you to see me later, not NOWWW ! She’s in her room.

TAYLOR

I’m running out of cash. I need the rest now.

RACHEL

Can’t you just wait a little bit longer ?

TAYLOR

Dude, 200 bucks isn’t enough. You couldn’t even pay a motel for one night.

Rachel looks to her left and right, looks at Taylor back

RACHEL

Fine, come in.

Rachel invites Taylor in to the living room. She took Joe’s cheque book on the table and write the amount of money, forge Joe’s signature.

INT : LIVING ROOM

RACHEL

(hands the cheque to Taylor)

There you go.

TAYLOR

Hey, you said you’re giving me full !

RACHEL

Well, I still need you. I’ll give half of the rest later ..

(pull back the cheque)

ONLY IF I’m satisfied.

TAYLOR

Trust me, I’m good at what I do. She won’t even notice it.

RACHEL

You better be.

(hand the cheque back)

Now, get out of my house.

Taylor walks out from the penthouse.

INT : MARIA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Maria blogging on her laptop

MARIA (V.O.)

After a huge fight at college, I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. I tried to sleep but fail to. So, I jump out from my bed and start blogging. As I was typing, I heard a knock on the door. The door open – It was my father, Joe.

JOE

Maria .. can I come in ?

MARIA

Urmm .. sure.

JOE

I didn’t know you’re still awake. Why aren’t you sleeping yet ?

MARIA

(lie)

Uhh .. homework ..

JOE

Oh, well I came here to give you this ..

(took out something from his pocket, a white box tied with a black ribbon)

MARIA

Uhh, thanks but my birthday was two weeks ago

JOE

(chuckles)

It’s not your birthday present. Just open it ..

MARIA

(face brightens up)

Wow .. Dad ! You don’t have to do this.

JOE

It belongs to your mother, I gave it to her when we met. I want you to have it.

MARIA

Thank you, it really means a lot to me.

JOE

Well .. I don’t want to bother you. I still have a plane to catch. Goodnight.

Joe walks out.

INT : MARIA’S BEDROOM – DAY 14

Maria pack her things for college, then walks out from her room. Then, Rachel snuck in to Maria’s room. As she’s wandering around , she sees a small, thin strap necklace with a diamond ring on Maria’s dressing table.

RACHEL

(looks at that necklace)

Pretty little thing .. too bad it’s no longer yours, Maria.

Rachel took it and slips it in her pocket, then walks out from Maria’s room.

INT : PEACH CAFÉ.

CAMILLA

Come on, Maria. Cheer up, it’s been three days. Let it go.

MARIA

I can’t, Cam. I just can’t get it out from my head.

CAMILLA

Well, Alex is such a jerk for leaving such a pretty girl. It’s his loss.

Maria smiles. Along came a small, pixie-like waitress came to Maria and Camilla’s table.

ALICE

Welcome to Peach. May I take your order ?

CAMILLA

Yeahh, can I have ..

(looks at the waitress)

ALICE ! What are you doing, here ?

ALICE

I work here. Part-time, pay for my upcoming summer in Cabo.

CAMILLA

You could just ask Dad to pay for your trip. You don’t have to work here !

ALICE

Well, I insist on working.

CAMILLA

Fine. You’re glad that I’m not telling Mom.

Maria, this is my little sister, Alice.

ALICE

(smile insincerely at Maria, then faces Camilla)

Is there anything else .. besides getting pissed off ?

CAMILLA

No, that’s all. I think you should come back later, we’re not ready to order.

Alice pissed off, moves away from the table.

MARIA

Your sister is .. different.

CAMILLA

That’s just on the outside. She’s worst at home, like a monster.

(looks at a different direction)

Hold it. Maria, isn’t that your stepmother ?

Maria look at her direction. There was Emma walking with another guy. She didn’t notice Maria – laughing at the guy, holding his arm. The guy is carrying some shopping bags.

MARIA (V.0.)

At that moment, I knew that Emma wasn’t faithful. She’s cheating with another guy – younger, of course. I’m dissapointed but deep down, I should have known it all along.

INT : OUTSIDE JOE’S PENTHOUSE – LATE EVENING 18

Alex was walking, then suddenly stops. He just remember that he just pass by Maria’s house. He’s been thinking a long time, he thought maybe he could forgive Maria. As he turns back, he was about to walk to the penthouse when he saw someone came out. It was Taylor walking out, Rachel was at the door giving a piece of paper.

RACHEL

Here’s the rest.

Taylor accepts the cheque.

RACHEL

Will it be do ?

TAYLOR

Sure, sure.

RACHEL

You better do your job well, I’m not paying you anymore. Now, leave.

Rachel shuts the door, Taylor puts the paper in his jeans pocket. Alex quickly follow him before he could get away. At last, both of them meet face-to-face.

TAYLOR

Ahh, the so-called boyfriend came back.

ALEX

What’s in the pocket ?

TAYLOR

That’s none of your business.

ALEX

Oh really, how about this ?

(punch him in his face)

Taylor falls down, his head knocked the hard cement. He went unconcious shortly. Alex took out the cheque out, looks at the amount of money Rachel had bribe him. Then, he keeps in his pocket.

INT : JOE STEWART’S PENTHOUSE – DAY 19

Bell rings – Emma gets to the door. She was suprised to see Alex outside.

EMMA

Alex ! You stop by – what a pleasant suprise !

ALEX

Hey, Mrs. Ste ..

EMMA

Pleasee, call me Emma. Oh god, it must be hot outside. Come in, come in ..

ALEX

Thanks.

Alex enters the house, into the living room. Rachel is sitting on the couch, reading a magazine.

RACHEL

Alex ! You came !

(hugs him)

ALEX

Yeah, is Maria here ?

EMMA

MARIA ? Why you want to see that girl for ?

ALEX

I need to talk to her, it’s important.

RACHEL

(lied to Alex)

Huh, well. She’s not here. She .. uh .. went out .. with .. uh ..

EMMA

(interrupts and stand beside Rachel)

Mrs Fiona, Our MAID ! Yes, she left an hour ago.

Then, Maria walks in with a glass of milk in her hand. Alex saw her behind Rachel and Emma – confused.

ALEX

If she’s in the clinic, why she’s still here ?

(pointing to Maria)

Rachel and Emma look behind, it is true – she’s right behind them – staring at Alex. Rachel and Emma look each other, tried to hide their faces ..

MARIA

Alex. What are you doing here ?

ALEX

(walk towards Maria)

I came to tell you, I discovered something unexpected yesterday

(faces Rachel, took out the cheque that Rachel gave Taylor yesterday)

Remember this, Rachel ?

Rachel’s eyes widen as Alex shows off the cheque.

ALEX

I passed by your penthouse and saw you gave this to Taylor. Then, I figured – how could Rachel give this to Taylor when she doesn’t even know him in the first place ?

MARIA

So that’s why Taylor came.

(faces Rachel)

You BRIBE him ! How dare you ?

ALEX

Your stepsister, Rachel. You should be ashamed to yourself.

EMMA

Excuse me ? My daughter has done nothing ! The only thing that should be ashamed in the family is her !

Joe comes out ..

JOE

What’s with all the noise ? What’s going on ?

ALEX

Rachel did terrible things to Maria ever since she got here. It’s true, Mr Stewart.

(gave the cheque to Joe)

MARIA

Not too mention that Emma cheated on you, Dad ! I saw her with another guy !

RACHEL

(shocked)

MOM ! Is that true ?

EMMA

(shocked, gradually gets angry)

YOUUU and your little mouth !

Emma walk towards Maria’s direction, tries to slap her but her hand was caught by Joe.

JOE

Don’t you dare lay your hands on her ! How could you do this to me, I care you deeply.

EMMA

Oh get a grip, Joe ! You think I marry you for love ? I wouldn’t want to spend the rest of my life with some old, paunchy husband.

(tries to get her hand release)

Let go of my hand !

JOE

(release her hand)

You and your daughter .. OUT FROM THIS HOUSE RIGHT NOW.

RACHEL & EMMA

(gasp)

But ..

JOE

NO EXCEPTIONS. Maria stays here and that’s final.

(saws Maria’s necklace on Rachel)

Wait .. Rachel, I’m afraid I need Maria’s necklace back.

ALEX

Sir, allow me.

(hands out his hand to Rachel for that necklace)

RACHEL

(looks mad, took off the necklace)
You’re going to regret this, Alex.

ALEX

Whatever, Rachel.

(took out the ring from the necklace, holds in his palm and faces Maria)

ALEX

I’m sorry for not believing you all this while. I promise not to hurt you again, ever. Will you forgive me ?

MARIA

(sound unsure)

Alex, I don’t know ..

ALEX

I know, that’s why I’m keeping my promise.

(kneel down)

Maria, I’m madly in love with you. Would you want to spend the rest of my life with me?

MARIA

(smiles at him – a sign she forgive him, accepting)

Yes, Alex !

Alex takes Maria’s hand and wears the ring on her finger. Rachel and Emma look disgusted, meanwhile Joe’s butler came out with their luggages, puts it down beside them.

JOE

Well, what are you both waiting for ? GET OUT !

Rachel and Emma walks out, feeling humiliated. Joe puts his hand around Maria’s shoulder and welcomes Alex into his family.

MARIA (V.O.)

So, there goes my happily ever after. The truth is sometimes things aren't exactly what you always imagined... they're even better !