WEBISODES
Episode 10: KB and Melanie Partner Up
FADE IN:
INTERIOR SCIENCE CLASS - DAY
MR. BITTNER is cheerily passing back quizzes to the students.
MR. BITTNER
Well guys, the results of yesterday's plant quiz were as varied as palms and ferns.
Mr. Bittner hands Melanie's quiz back to her. She looks at it and sinks - it has a big, red "D" on it.
Mr. Bittner gives KB her quiz back - she smiles. It's an A+.
CASSANDRA - gets her quiz back - it has an A on it. She cockily leans over to Mimi and Bibi.
CASSANDRA
You'd have to be stupid not to ace this one. I bet KB blew it.
MR. BITTNER - frowns at Cassandra's comment. He points to a HUMAN SKELETON MODEL.
MR. BITTNER
Cassandra, the only stupid one in this classroom is this poor fellow without a brain... and even HE'S smart enough to know that your comment is out of line.
Cassandra just rolls her eyes. Melanie uses the opportunity to crumple up her quiz and stuff it in her backpack.
MR. BITTNER - looks at Melanie with concern. He suddenly gets an idea.
MR. BITTNER (CONT'D)
(to self)
Yep. Something needs to be done about this. And I know just what to do.
(to class)
Okay guys, today we're mixin' it up like an acid and a base. New lab partners!
CLASS
GROAN!
MR. BITTNER
Let's start with our first new pair... Melanie and KB
Cassandra's jaw drops in shock. Mimi and Bibi react.
MIMI/BIBI
Gasp!/Poor Melanie!
KB goes wide-eyed. Melanie looks over at her uneasily.
WIPE TO:
INTERIOR SCIENCE CLASS - MOMENTS LATER
KB and Melanie sit side-by-side at a lab table, wearing goggles. In front of them are two test tubes filled with water and a plant sprig in each one. Next to the tube are 3 beakers - 2 with clear liquid and 1 with powder. A science lamp shines on the test tubes.
MELANIE
What are we doing?
KB
Studying the effect of sodium bicarbonate on the photosynthesis of elodia.
MELANIE
Can you speak English, please?
KB
Basically we're just mixing baking soda and water and feeding it to a plant. This will create carbon dioxide and speed up the plant's growth. Pretty cool, huh?
KB scoops a teaspoon of baking soda from the beaker and drops it into one of the test tubes.
KB (CONT'D)
This one needs a little more water.
MELANIE
I got it...
Without looking, Melanie grabs one of the beakers. She pours way too much in the test tube. Suddenly, a sound is heard as the test tube overflows with foam! The girls back away.
MELANIE (CONTINUED)
(gasp!) What'd I do?
KB
I think you grabbed the vinegar instead.
MR. BITTNER approaches. Melanie looks scared and guilty.
MR. BITTNER
Hmmm. Looks like someone made a mistake.
KB (thinks fast; covering)
Uh, actually, Mr. Bittner, Melanie and I were just testing the reactivity of sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid.
Mr. Bittner nods, falling for it.
MR. BITTNER
Well, that wasn't exactly the assignment, but all good scientists think outside the beaker! (chuckles) Just remember, safety comes first!
As Mr. Bittner walks away, Melanie looks at KB and smiles, surprised.
KB/MELANIE
(shared laughter)
Just then, the BELL RINGS. The students shuffle out. Cassandra grabs Melanie's arm and pulls her away from KB
CASSANDRA
Saved by the bell, Mel.
Melanie follows Cassandra, Bibi and Mimi toward the door. KB watches her go.
KB
See you tomorrow, Partner!
Melanie opens her mouth to respond, but stops, noticing that Cassandra is watching her. Melanie turns and walks out. KB frowns, disappointed.
INTERIOR HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Melanie trails after Cassandra, Mimi and Bibi, then suddenly stops. She runs back toward class.
MELANIE
I forgot my book.
INTERIOR SCIENCE CLASS - CONTINUOUS
Melanie runs in and grabs her book off her desk. She winks and grins at KB
MELANIE (WHISPERS)
See ya tomorrow, Partner.
Melanie runs out. KB smiles, pleasantly surprised.
Mr. BITTNER has been watching this exchange. He nods and smiles to himself.
FADE OUT.
