#*aj harper

[TEN YEARS EARLIER]

(Winston): [Getting ready for bed] Don’t give me that look ‘Mara. What’s done is done.

(Amara): It was an accident, Winston. The outcome should be punishment enough.

(Winston): -It was careless. She’s always pushed her luck but now she’s gone too fucking far. If it wouldn't reflect so poorly on the family I’d leave her to her fate. 

[Amara sighs before standing up and heading towards the door]

(Winston): Darling, wait. Please listen to me. I need you and Lena to understand that Selvadorada is the last chance. For too long that girl has been wild and defiant… Like a poorly trained dog. I cannot allow her depravities to taint what I’ve worked so hard to build...what we have. If she doesn’t get her shit together we’re cutting her out. For good.

[***]

(AJ): So…What did you tell her?

[LENA AND AJ WORKING OUT]

(LENA): So we agree then.

(AJ): I wouldn’t say that exactly. But I do get where you’re coming from.

(LENA): Right. I don’t want you to feel like you have to look out for me. But I know that I’ve been reckless.

(AJ): Yeah. I’ll take a step back for now, but if-

(LENA): If it gets out of hand I know where to find you. Are we good?

(AJ): [Stretching] We’re good. Watch your form.

(LENA): My form’s fine. [Phone rings] Can you see who that is?

(AJ): Max? As in-

[MONTAGE #2]

(ROSE): You know I’m not doing anything tomorrow night…I could just stay over again.

(MAX): You could…but I’m working late so maybe another time?

__

(SMITHFIELD): Luis is still my client, and as you have no legal precedent here, I will not allow you to threaten information out of me!

(LENA): Don’t be a prick Smithfield.

—

[VOICEMAIL]

(DANIELLE): Grow up and stop with this silent treatment shite. You think you invented grief? Don’t make me come down to that shitty little flat of yours and smack you.

—

(RENI): I’ve still heard nothing back about those two names Lee. I’m sorry but you’ll have to give me more time.

(LENA): So the one thing I haven’t got then?

(AJ): Allow it man, she’s doing her best and you know that.

—

(MAX):  [Mocking] You’re late. It’s disrespectful.

(LENA): I didn’t even say it like that!

—

(JORDAN): I feel like I haven’t seen you for ages bitch, where’ve you been hiding?

(MAX): Life’s been life-ing babe. What can I say?

(JORDAN): So nothing to do with the girl I clocked leaving your flat the other day then?

__

(AJ): Lena I’m not tryna fight you, but you need to take a break from this shit. It’s not good for you. 

(LENA): The whole list yeah?

(RENI): Kinda. The last two names came up empty. I’ll keep looking but it’ll take some time.

(LENA): Okay cool. Thank you.

(AJ): What did you say this was for again?

(LENA): Potential client list.

(AJ): That only we know about?

(LENA): You’re very inner today, do you know that?

(AJ): I just want you to be careful. You don’t have to do this alone, you know.

[TEXT]

Max: met someone fun, don't wait for me :)

Jordan: bitch??

Max:I'll text u when I'm home love u x

Jordan: share ur location at least

***

(RENI): Fix ya face. 

(AJ): *Aj kisses their teeth* 

(RENI): I’m serious. I look way too fine to sit here like a dickhead while you sulk over your bestie. 

***

(LENA): Sorry about my friends. They’re not normally like that.

(MAX): Don’t worry about it. Aj’s just mad I keyed their car once.

(LENA): What?

(MAX): I thought it was Jades. We used to-

(LENA): Oh you’re the one that-

(MAX): -Yeah…I’ve healed since then.

(AJ): *Following Lena’s eyes* - Don’t. it’s not worth it.

(LENA): How come?

(AJ): Long story, but trust me. That one will keep your head hot.

(RENI): Who’s doing what now?

(AJ): Max is here.

(RENI): Swear down? *off Lena’s expression* Oh babe they’d eat you alive. 

(LENA): Unfortunately for you two, I’m in the mood for a challenge. Don’t wait for me. I’ll find you upstairs.

(AJ): How’d it go the other night?

(LENA): It went.

(AJ): So that’s what you’re doing?

(LENA): Please. You only wanna know so you and Ren can chat shit.

(AJ): That’s just not true.

(LENA): kisses her teeth - Stop hogging the spliff.

[They Smoke]

(LENA): Hannah’s back.

(AJ): At yours?

(LENA): Where else?

(AJ): You see you, yeah...

(LENA): It’s not like that.

(AJ): Never is.