INT. Living Room – Afternoon
Sunlight pours through the windows as colorful party decorations cover the coffee table. Balloons, ribbons, and invitation cards are scattered everywhere.
BROOKE sits on the couch with a notebook, smiling as she carefully writes the final names on her guest list.
She pauses for a moment, imagining Bethany finally smiling again after everything she has been through.
The front door opens. Heavy footsteps echo through the house.
LARRY walks inside carrying grocery bags. He notices the decorations immediately. His smile slowly disappears.
He sets the bags on the kitchen counter and walks toward Brooke.
Larry
Brooke... What's all this?
Brooke
I'm planning a surprise feel-better party for Bethany. She has been so down lately. I just want to remind her that this family still loves her.
Larry's expression changes instantly. His jaw tightens. He folds his arms.
Larry
You're planning a party? For Bethany?
Brooke
Yes. I think it's exactly what she needs.
Larry shakes his head in frustration.
Larry
Brooke... Have you forgotten who Bethany is? Every single time there's a birthday... A celebration... A family dinner... Or any kind of gathering... She ends up causing a huge scene.
Brooke stands confidently.
Brooke
People can change. Maybe this time will be different.
Larry lets out a sarcastic laugh.
Larry
Different? You really believe that?
He notices the invitation list. His eyes widen.
Larry
Wait... You're inviting Lynette? And Sharra?
Brooke nods.
Brooke
Of course. They're family. Everyone deserves to be there.
Larry throws his hands into the air.
Larry
Brooke! Do you even realize what you're doing? Lynette and Bethany can't even be in the same room without arguing. You already know how much tension there is between them. Why would you put them together?
Brooke remains calm.
Brooke
Because somebody has to try bringing this family back together. If nobody takes the first step... Nothing will ever change.
Larry walks across the room trying to calm himself. He rubs his forehead.
Larry
You're not bringing people together. You're creating a disaster.
A long silence fills the room. Brooke quietly continues arranging decorations. Larry watches in disbelief.
Larry
Tell me exactly who's coming.
Brooke
Bethany. Lynette. Sharra. Charlotte. Destiny. Isaiah. A few close friends. Everyone who truly cares about Bethany.
Larry slowly closes his eyes.
Larry
This isn't a guest list. It's a recipe for chaos.
Brooke
You're expecting the worst before the party has even started.
Larry
Because I've seen this movie before. Every single family event turns into an argument. Someone starts yelling. Someone storms out. Someone cries. And somehow... Bethany always ends up right in the middle of it.
Brooke walks closer.
Brooke
Maybe she's hurting more than anyone realizes. That's why I'm doing this. She deserves one happy day.
Larry looks away. For a brief moment, his anger softens.
Larry
I want Bethany to be happy too. But happiness doesn't come from pretending everyone gets along.
Brooke gently places a hand on his shoulder.
Brooke
It has to start somewhere.
Larry looks at the colorful decorations once again. The balloons. The banners. The wrapped gifts. Everything has already been planned.
Larry
Did you already invite everyone?
Brooke
Yes. Most of them already said they'll come.
Larry exhales deeply.
Larry
Then there's no stopping this now.
Brooke
Maybe you'll be surprised. Maybe everyone will actually enjoy themselves.
Larry slowly shakes his head.
Larry
Or maybe this house is about to become a battlefield.
A loud phone notification interrupts the conversation. Brooke checks her phone. She smiles.
Brooke
That was Lynette. She says she can't wait.
Larry freezes.
Larry
She actually accepted?
Brooke nods. Another notification arrives.
Brooke
Now Sharra just confirmed too.
Larry looks toward the ceiling in disbelief.
Larry
Exactly what I was afraid of. Both of them under one roof. With Bethany. This is going to end badly.
Brooke refuses to lose hope.
Brooke
Or maybe... This will finally be the day everyone puts the past behind them.
Larry stares at her for several seconds.
Larry
I hope you're right. Because if those three start arguing... Nobody's going to be able to stop them.
The room grows silent. Only the sound of balloons gently moving in the air can be heard. Brooke continues decorating with determination. Larry watches nervously, unable to shake the feeling that something terrible is about to happen.
Outside, dark clouds slowly begin gathering over the house. The celebration hasn't even started... But the storm already feels close.
Fade Out
 Larry Says Brooke Is Making a Huge Mistake with Bethany's Party){kind=link}
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