01x04 - Eye of the Beholder

[bunniefuu]

[The McGregor House]

Mr. G: So, big night tonight, huh? My little girl, out dancing with boys. You’re all grown up.

Terri: Dad….

Mr. G: Oh, yeah. I can see it now. They’ll be lining up for miles.

Terri: Yeah, maybe in some alternate universe.

Mr. G: What? What? Honey, wait.

Terri: Dad, face it. I’m fat. Guys don’t even notice me.

Mr. G: Terri, you’re not fat. That’s ridiculous.

Terri: No, Dad, it’s true.

Mr. G: Honey, you’ve gotta stop b*ating yourself up. You are beautiful. You’re beautiful. Tonight you’ll see.

Terri: No I won’t see ‘cause I’m not going, ‘cause no one’s going to want to dance with a fat cow like me.

Mr. G: Terri, come on, don’t say that. Come on.

(Terri leaves.)

Theme song.

[Degrassi]

(Spinner is with friends. A younger kid comes up to them.)

Spinner: Here you got something (hits the kid with his finger) Loser. Hey, Terri.

Terri: Hey, Spinner.

Spinner: Um, so is it okay if I borrow those geography notes?

Terri: Yeah, I got ‘em right here. (Opens up her bag + takes out a binder and gives it to Spinner)

Spinner: Uh, thanks. I really appreciate this. So are you going to the dance tonight?

Terri: Actually, I can’t. It’s my dad. He’s kinda old.

Spinner: Ok.

(Ashley approaches. She has a box with her, which must be for the dance.)

Ashley: Hey Terri!

Spinner: Thanks again for these.

Terri: See you.

(Spinner leaves.)

Ashley: Okay, I am beyond nervous. This has to go perfect. Amazing turnout. Zero problems. Otherwise, Raditch says it’s daylight dancing for another year.

[Inside Degrassi]

(Paige is walking in the hall. She spots Spinner and approaches him.)

Paige: Just the man I was looking for.

Spinner: Hey, Paige.

Paige: So, you ready to get down?

Spinner: Huh?

Paige: The dance. You are going?

Spinner: Oh, uh, yeah.

Paige: Well, you better save a dance for me.

Spinner: Uh, sure. Whatever. Look, I gotta get to my locker.

(Spinner leaves. Ashley and Terri come in and Paige joins them)

Ashley: So, what was with the Spinner/Terri convention I interrupted?

Terri: Nothing. I was just giving him some notes for class he missed.

Ashley: Spinner wants class notes? Since when? Hon, that’s called a flirtation deface.

Paige: Something’s happening with you and Spinner?

Terri: No, Ashley got an overactive imagination.

Ashley: You should totally ask Spinner to go with you tonight.

Terri: Uh, no point. I can’t go.

Ashley: What? You have to. You’re on the dance committee.

Terri: Ash, it’s not me. It’s my dad. He’s making me do chores.

Ashley: On a Friday? Come on.

Paige: If Terri can’t go, Terri can’t go.

Liberty: Ashley! You’re going to be late for the announcements.

Ashley: Tell me something I don’t know, Liberty. (To Terri) I’m not through with you yet.

(Ashley leaves to do the announcements.)

[Outside]

(A man drops off a boy (who we find out is Sean Cameron). He takes off his helmet after he gets off the bike. He puts his hands through his hair, sighs, and goes inside.)

Sean: thanks for the ride.

(Tracker (Sean’s older brother) be good.)

[Mr. Simpson’s Homeroom]

Emma: I can’t believe you guys are chickening out (meaning JT and Toby)

Toby: We’re not chickening out.

Emma: Fine.

Toby: Fine.

JT: We’re just not going to the dance, ok?

Emma: (To Manny) I just it’s just me and you then. You did talk to your parents?

Manny: Yes… and no. If the dance was during school hours, fine. But it’s at night.

Emma: So who am I supposed to go with?

(They sit down. Mr. Simpson enters, with Sean behind him.)

Mr. S: Morning, people. I would like to meet Sean Cameron. He was here for a few months last year, before he moved up north. Why don’t you tell the class about yourself?

Sean: No.

Mr. S: Ok, well, um, maybe when once you’ve more settled in. Why don’t you have a seat?

(He sits down.)

Ashley: (over the announcements) So, come make history tonight when I host Starlight, Starbright, Degrassi Community School’s first ever nighttime dance. Thanks again, Mr. Raditch. And I know I speak for all of us when I say tonight’s going to be the best dance ever.

[Ms. Kwan’s room]

Ms. Kwan: Ok kids, now hold back on your excitement. Because today we’re starting a unit on, ta-da, romantic poetry.

(Paige looks at Terri who Spinner is looking at. She is not happy. (Which means she likes Spinner))

[Hall]

(The bell rings)

P.A.: A reminder to all dance committee members, please report to the gymnasium for set up

[Gym]

(Ashley, Terri, and Paige are setting up for the dance. Ashley comes up to Terri.)

Ashley: Alright, Terri. What’s the real story here?

Terri: I told you, my dad.

Ashley: Yeah, and your dog ate your homework.

Terri: I don’t have a dog.

(Paige comes down from a ladder.)

Ashley: Ter, you’re lying. I can always tell. Your eye twitches. Just, talk to me. Why don’t you want to go tonight?

Terri: Because who’d want to dance with me?

Ashley: What? What are you talking about? This is crazy. I’m not letting you do this.

Terri: Fine. Tell me how to lose 10 pounds in 6 hours, and I’ll be there.

[Outside]

(Jimmy is dribbling a ball when someone takes it from him. He pretends to sh**t a ball in the trashcan. He sees Sean and sits next to him.)

Jimmy: Hey, buddy. What’s going on? It must be weird being back and all. Don’t worry. The guys won’t treat you any differently because, well, you know. Alright? (Hits Sean on the arm.)

(Sean looks at him weird and leaves. He sits down on a different bench. Emma looks at him, then looks away. (meaning she likes him.))

[Gym]

Ashley: You know what you’re missing? Self-confidence. Seriously, Ter. Just let me come over tonight. I’ll get you dressed up, I’ll do your make-up…

Paige: You want to give Terri a makeover? What, are we on some trashiod talk show here? Leave her alone.

Ashley: It’s about having fun, and Terri’s not gonna have fun until she starts feeling better about herself. We’ll have a great time, whoever we dance with. I promise.

Paige: If this makeover has to happen, I better be there, too. Terri needs all the support she can get.

(Bell rings.)

[Ms. Kwan’s Classroom –with grade 7]

Ms. Kwan: (To Sean) Welcome. Why don’t you take that seat and that’s your book.

(Sean sits down. Emma and Manny watch. Toby and JT come in and walk over to them.

Toby: Emma…

(Emma and Manny walk away.)

Toby: That girl’s not happy.

JT: Ever since boy bands reared their genetically perfect heads they expect us to know how to dance. Curse them and their fancy footwork.

Toby: On the other hand, what else is there to do tonight?

JT: Oh, uh, Toby-woby wants to dance with his girly-wirly friend.

Toby: Shut up! Emma’s not my girlfriend.

JT: Yeah, well, forget about her. I have an alternative (pulls out a piece of paper)

Ms. Kwan: Ok, guys, quiet down. I want you to open up your books and we’re gonna read chapter 4.

(JT gives a piece of paper to Toby.)

Toby: Where’d you get these URL’s?

JT: I got this cousin who’s really into the ‘Net. Best thing about them, they’re all free. Girls too sexy for me, I doubt it.

Toby: I don’t know.

JT: Come on, Toby. It’s a right of passage.

(Ms. Kwan comes by as she watches to see if everyone’s working.)

Ms. Kwan: Boys, open up your books.

(The camera goes over to Emma, Manny, and Liberty.)

Manny: Em, I totally wish I could go tonight.

Emma: Yeah, well, at least you have a real excuse. Those two?

Manny: They’re wusses.

Liberty: Emma, are you really gonna let a couple of prepubescent boys dictate your amusement?

[Toby’s House]

(Toby and JT are waiting for Kate and Jeff to leave.)

JT: I thought you said your parents were going out tonight.

(Jeff comes in the room. He gets his keys.)

Jeff: Hey, you guys sure we can’t give you a ride to the dance?

JT & Toby: No.

Jeff: Oh.

(Kate comes in the room.)

Kate: Ok. Alright, so, um, we’re off. See you later.

Jeff: Bye.

Toby: Bye, Dad. Bye, Kate

(Kate and Jeff leave.)

JT: One parent away, two parents away, three parents away, four parents away.

Toby: Parents are gone.

JT: What are we waiting for?

[Terri’s]

(Ashley and Paige are helping Terri get ready for the dance.)

Ashley: Terri, you alive in there?

Terri: I’ll be out in a second.

Ashley: Well, hurry up. I’m leaving in 5 and I want to see the final result.

(Terri comes out. She is wearing a black top and a colorful skirt. Her hair is up.)

Terri: I knew this was stupid.

Ashley: Ter, stop. You look… incredible.

Paige: Wow. You actually do.

Terri: You’re sure?

Ashley: Totally. I know it’s early but I really have to set up. Terri, you are coming?

Terri: I guess so. I just wish I wasn’t so nervous.

Paige: You go, Ash. I just want to freshen up a bit. Ter, wanna wait?

Ashley: Paige, you look fine.

Paige: Please, it’s boiling in here. I’ve sweated off all my makeup.

Terri: It’s okay. I’ll wait.

Ashley: Alright, but I gotta run. Terri, I’m so glad you changed your mind. Spinner is gonna freak.

(Ashley leaves.)

[Degrassi]

(Spike is dropping Emma off at the dance.)

Spike: (as Emma gets out of the car) Call me when you want me to pick you up. You sure you’re okay going in there alone?

Emma: I’m fine.

Spike: Okay. Good luck. But, do not walk home alone.

(Kids hear this and start to laugh.)

Emma: Mom… please.

[Terri’s]

(Terri is looking at herself in a mirror.)

Paige: Okay. That’s better. I don’t know about you, but I always get a little nervous before these things. Hey, you okay?

Terri: Um, don’t you think this outfit is a little too sexy?

Paige: Hon, it’s not that wild.

Terri: Then maybe it’s not sexy enough?

Paige: Well, we could just a few final touches.

(Paige makes Terri’s skirt a little shorter by raising it up.)

Terri: Paige, I don’t know if I can go out looking like this.

Paige: Terri, you’re just nervous. You need to calm down. Come on. I think we could use a glass of cheery.

Terri: Really?

[Degrassi]

Liberty: Your signs were blah.

Ashley: Now you can’t even read them. They’re too covered in glitters, squiggles, and sparkles.

(As they’re talking Sean is waiting in line. He gets tired of waiting so he goes to the front of the line, pays, and goes in.)

Liberty: It’s called marketing.

Ashley: It’s called messy. $5.00 please. It goes towards the Degrassi Community Food Bank, though you wouldn’t know that from the sign.

(Ashley takes Emma’s money and Emma enters the dance.)

Ashley: (To person after Emma) $5.00 please.

[The Dance]

Spinner: Hey! It’s little Miss Big Mouth + look she’s got a heart on.

(Jimmy laughs and high fives Spinner. Emma walks away.)

[Kerwin House]

Toby: It’s weird. I didn’t surf for this stuff before. As soon as Kate installed the filter…

JT: Well, you can disable it, right? You weren’t just making that up?

Toby: (types in some stuff) It’s gone. (JT gives him the paper) Ok, where should we start? Foxy ladies? Babes in heat?

JT: How about the one with three X’s?

Toby: Ok, triple sex XXX. Here we come.

(They try to enter a site but something comes up that the connection dropped, which means they can’t surf the Web till it’s back up.)

JT: What just happened?

Toby: Stupid connection dropped.

JT: Well, how long till it’s back up?

Toby: Could be minutes, could be hours.

[Terri’s]

(She and Paige are drinking as they talk.)

Paige: See the thing with guys, they love it when you take the lead.

Terri: They do?

Paige: They’re shy too. You can’t make them to do all the work. So, don’t be nervous. Be yourself, just maybe a little more so.

Terri: This is helping. (Meaning the drink)

Paige: Here take mine. Hon, the more you have, the better you feel. Trust me. (Pours Terri more)

[Kerwin House]

(The computer makes a noise.)

Toby: The connection’s back up.

(They run to the computer.)

JT: Boobage, here we come.

(They click on a site.)

JT: Nice.

Toby: I’ll say. Picture number two.

[Street]

(Paige and Terri are walking to the dance. Terri is having a hard time walking, so you know she must be drunk.)

Terri: Oops, Paige you saved me.

Paige: Yeah, you owe me big time.

Terri: I do. Um, you’re such a good friend and I just owe you for tonight for looking out for me. Do you think I actually have a sh*t with Spinner? I like him, a lot, and I want him to like me too.

Paige: Of course you do. We’re going to make sure it happens. Let’s go.

(She grabs Terri’s hand and they head inside. As they do, Terri, drops the bottle she was carrying and it breaks. She laughs.)

[Inside]

(Ashley sees them and goes over to them.)

Ashley: Finally. I was starting to think you weren’t coming.

Terri: Fear not, Ashley. We’re here.

Ashley: Uh, Terri?

Terri: Bring Spinner on. I’m ready for my man.

Ashley: Have you been drinking?

Paige: I tried to stop her.

Ashley: Get her inside. Now.

(Mr. R comes up to her.)

Mr. R: How’s it going?

Ashley: Fine, Mr. Raditch.

Mr. R: Good.

(He walks away. Ashley goes into the gym.)

[The gym]

(Emma gets some food and starts to walk around. Paige and Terri go to the food. Paige pours a soda. Spinner comes up to them.)

Spinner: Hey. I thought you weren’t coming.

Terri: Oh, you know, I changed my mind.

Spinner: Cool.

Paige: Hi Spinner.

Spinner: Hi. Uh, Terri, you look, wow.

Terri: Ashley, my friend. I love you.

Ashley: Yeah, I love you, too, but maybe you should tone it down a bit before Raditch realizes you’re drunk.

Terri: I’m not drunk. I’m just…happy.

Ashley: Paige, how much did she drink? And don’t lie.

Paige: I don’t know. A few glasses.

Ashley: What were you thinking? And what is with your skirt? (fixes Terri’s skirt)

Spinner: Uh, Ter, wanna dance?

Terri: I thought you’d never ask.

(Ashley gives Paige a look. Paige sees Raditch and waves and leaves. Raditch walks around watching everyone. It shows Terri and Spinner dancing. The camera moves over to Emma. She is just standing there. Then it shows Sean. Jimmy goes over to him.)

Jimmy: Hey, man. After party at my place. It’s grade 8’s only, but we’ll make an expectation just for you. What are you doing?

Sean: (gets angry and grabs Jimmy) Just stop reminding me, ok? It sucks about having to repeat the 7th grade, and I don’t have to have you rubbing it in my face.

Emma: (sees Raditch coming) Do you wanna dance?

Sean: (let’s go of Jimmy) Yeah.

(They go on the dance floor and start dancing. It shows Ashley and Paige watching Terri and Spinner. It shows them dancing.)

Terri: Our very first dance. This is gonna be my favorite spot in Degrassi from now and forever. You’re so cute. I can’t believe I just said that.

Spinner: Um, thanks.

Terri: Do you believe in love at first sight?

Spinner: Um, I don’t know.

[Kerwin House]

(Toby and JT are still on-line.)

JT: Whoa. She can be my on-line officer anytime.

Toby: Oh, yeah.

JT: Let’s do some more exploration, shall we? (Points to a site on the paper) That

(Toby types it in.)

Toby: Whoa. Are those real?

JT: Real something.

(Jeff and Kate come home.)

Jeff: Actually, I’d say silicon.

Kate: Or saline solution.

(JT and Toby turn around, shocked when they realize Kate and Jeff are home.)

[The dance]

(A new song is on. Terri is dancing around Spinner. Paige and Ashley are watching. Paige laughs.)

Spinner: Um, are you okay?

Terri: I’m fine. Never better.

Spinner: Okay.

(Terri falls.)

Spinner: Are you okay?

Terri: Um, Actually, I don’t feel so good.

(Terri runs to the bathroom. Ashley follows her.)

Paige: I told Terri not to drink so much. So, did you save me that dance?

Spinner: Uh, yeah. I guess.

(Paige grabs his hand and he spins her. She starts dancing with him.)

[Hall]

(Terri is running with her hand over her mouth to the washroom. Ashley runs after her.)

Ashley: Terri!

(From inside, you can hear Terri puking.)

[The next day at school - The hall]

Manny: You actually asked him to dance?

Emma: I know. He seems all scary and dangerous, but he was actually pretty nice.

JT: I told you it was a stupid idea.

Emma: What did you guys do Friday night?

Toby: Nothing, why?

JT: Nothing. Just imagine the most embarrassing possible moment of your life then multiply it by eternity.

Manny: What happened?

JT: The internet, Toby’s perverted curiosity.

Toby: Me? It was your idea, remember?

Emma: You guys stayed home to look at p*rn?

Toby: So? It’s a right of passage.

Manny: Please.

JT: His dad and Kate came home early and found us.

Toby: They made us look at p*rn sites with them, including sites with men. To teach us a lesson about objectifying women.

Emma: they made you look at p*rn?

Manny: With them?

Emma: Males and Females?

Toby: Not so loud, okay?

Emma and Manny: Losers.

(They walk away.)

[Outside]

(Terri is walking. Ashley walks up to her.)

Ashley: Hey, so how come you didn’t call me all weekend?

Terri: Because I wanted to fall off the face of the earth and die.

Ashley: Well, if it makes you feel any better, Mr. Raditch says we can have another right dance next semester.

Terri: Well, at least I didn’t wreck everything.

Ashley: Of course you didn’t. Things are going to work out, just trust me.

(Spinner comes up to them.)

Spinner: Hey, Terri. Hey, are you feeling better?

(Terri nods.)

Spinner: Look, here are those notes back. Thanks again.

(Terri takes them back.)

Paige: (she comes up to them) Yeah, Ter, thanks, but Spinner’s gonna use my notes from now on.

Spinner: Bye.

(Spinner and Paige leave Terri looking sad. The camera shows Ashley looking sad for Terri then moves back to Terri.)

End