All About Nikki- The Fabulous First Season Read online

FADE IN:

  EXT. METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART – MORNING 1992

  A New York center of art and culture on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. Tourists take pictures, vendors sell franks, sodas, and pretzels as–

  A top of the line charter bus pulls up in front of the grand building. MS. DUNCAN, 38, a polished professional African-American teacher in a crisp business suit gets off the bus and smiles proudly as–

  Her disciplined class gets off the bus single file dressed in polished loafers, crisp gray slacks, starched white shirts, and crested blue blazers. The girls wear tartan kilts. These kids are money, the sons and daughters of power players. Her smile twists into a scowl as–

  NIKKI DESMOND, 16, takes her time getting off the bus chatting on a cell phone. A rich spoiled sista with a style all her own, she stands out from the crowd by wearing a red Church hat with her uniform. Nikki is so focused on her conversation she doesn’t notice–

  NIKKI

  Yeah. We’re right outside the museum now Shelley. I know. We’re not too far from the Madison Avenue shops. Maybe once the trip is over we’ll get free time and be able to go shopping–

  An annoyed Ms. Duncan standing behind her. Nikki doesn’t get a chance to finish the thought before–

  SNATCH! Ms. Duncan takes the phone from her.

  MS. DUNCAN

  Shelley, Nikki will call you back.

  Ms. Duncan hits end and puts the phone in her purse. Nikki is pissed.

  NIKKI

  Hey! Ms. Duncan–

  MS.DUNCAN

  You’ll get your phone back when we get back upstate.

  NIKKI

  But it was an important call–

  MS. DUNCAN

  If it’s more important than my class you can tell Dean Myers about it.

  Ms. Duncan does a headcount. A resigned Nikki pouts and gets in line as–

  MARCUS BRENT, 16, a cute young brother with a sense of humor notices a–

  yellow school bus

  Pulling up behind their charter and calls out to his classmates–

  MARCUS

  Yo! Cheese bus alert!

  The kids laugh. Nikki huffs a sigh and rolls her eyes.

  NIKKI

  Just what we need. Poor kids. I hope they don’t embarrass themselves.

  MARCUS

  Just be cool Nikki. You know Ms. Duncan has you in her sights.

  NIKKI

  How much worse could it get Marcus? Another detention, more cafeteria duty? I swear, ever since I got into this school Ms. Duncan has been trying to get me kicked out of it–

  MARCUS

  Still, you should chill. She’s got your phone–

  Nikki opens her Louis Vuitton backpack and smiles.

  NIKKI

  But I’ve still got my Discman. You have your Janet Jackson CD’s?

  Marcus opens up his bag and shows Nikki–

  MARCUS

  Control and Rhythm Nation.

  NIKKI

  Cool.

  Nikki a searches the bottom of her backpack for her Discman while–

  A FEW YARDS AWAY

  A tired public school teacher in rumpled suit shuffles off the school bus followed by a small group of rowdy teens wearing jeans and sneakers. The last off the bus, LATANYA JENKINS, 16, a round the way girl with a bad attitude sighs and rolls her eyes as–

  BACK TO MS. DUNCAN’S CLASS

  Nikki catches a glance of–

  Latanya

  As she’s putting the CD in her Discman. Nikki huffs a sigh and Latanya–

  Is about to go off. Her friend, LATOYA JONES, 16, tries to diffuse the situation.

  LATANYA

  What is that heifer looking at?

  LATOYA

  Latanya, chill. Don’t start nothing–

  LATANYA

  Nah Toya, you ain’t see how that private school heifer in the red hat looked at me! If she wants to start something we could do this–

  LATOYA

  Latanya, you don’t want to get suspended again–

  LATANYA

  Nah, you let that bougie heifer look over here one more time. I’ma give her something to look at.

  Latoya tries to calm Latanya down. Across the sidewalk–

  The private school kids head into–

  INT. METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART – LOBBY MORNING

  A large open space with fine art on display. Nikki lags behind her classmates trying to put her Discman back in her bag as–

  The Public school kids walk in. Nikki struggling to get her headphones on, bumps into a seething Latanya.

  NIKKI

  Sorry.

  LATANYA

  You about to be.

  WHAP! Nikki gets punched in the face by Latanya. THUD! Nikki hits the floor and–

  Her Discman spills out of her backpack. Blood pours from Nikki’s nose as–

  She loses it. She charges Latanya and tackles her to the floor while–

  Ms. Duncan

  Picks up Nikki’s Discman. Meanwhile–

  Tourists, patrons and students go wild watching the catfight. Nikki has a handful of Latanya’s hair when–

  Security guards hurry over to break it up. Ms. Duncan snatches Nikki out of their grasp and glares at her.

  MS. DUNCAN

  You just couldn’t stop.

  NIKKI

  She started it–

  MS. DUNCAN

  (Shows Nikki her Discman)

  You wouldn’t have bumped into her if you weren’t listening to this.

  STUDENT

  OHHHHHH SNAP! BUSTED!!!!

  Ms. Duncan grabs Nikki’s blazer and glares at her intensely before going ghetto–

  MS. DUNCAN

  I’ma make sure your Momma’s money doesn’t get you out of this one.

  An angry Ms. Duncan glares at the other students before demanding–

  MS. DUNCAN

  ALRIGHT EVERYONE GET ON THE BUS. NOW!

  Ms. Duncan pulls Nikki by her blazer collar and leads her out of the museum back on to the–

  INT. CHARTER BUS – morning

  Plush and luxurious. Ms. Duncan shoves Nikki in the seat next to her as–

  Kids huff sighs and scowl at her as they pile back on the bus. The last to board, Marcus hands Nikki a tissue for her bloody nose. It’s a tense ride back to–

  EXT. PREMINGTON ACADEMY – AFTERNOON

  A top boarding school in upstate New York. Inside the–

  INT. DEAN’S OFFICE – EVENING

  Nikki in her rumpled uniform sits somberly in front of the desk of DEAN MYERS, 58, a stuffy Black intellectual. He glares at Nikki’s red Church hat, cell phone, and Discman on his desk then tells her–

  DEAN MYERS

  Miss Desmond, you’re in a lot of trouble.

  Nikki defends herself.

  NIKKI

  Hey, I didn’t start that fight Dean Myers–

  DEAN MYERS

  You wouldn’t have gotten into that fight if you weren’t listening to a contraband device.

  NIKKI

  Get your facts straight. I was preparing to listen to a contraband device.

  DEAN MYERS

  You were told not to bring these devices to the class trip.

  NIKKI

  I was told by my teacher we could have them on the bus and at lunch–

  DEAN MYERS

  You were told by administration not to bring these devices on the class trip–

  Realizing she’s not going to win the argument with the Dean, Nikki folds her arms and asks–

  NIKKI

  So what’s my punishment this time? Sudbusting? Floor waxing? No weekend privileges? There’s not much else you can do to me that hasn’t been done.

  Dean Myers sighs and puts his head down before addressing her.

  DEAN MYERS

  Nicole Alexandria Desmond, you’ve embarrassed Premington Academy with your selfish behavior at the Metropolitan Museum of Art today. From your unrepentant attitude it’s clear to me that you aren’t fit to
be Premington Material.

  Nikki is scared. She knows what’s coming and makes one last plea–

  NIKKI

  Sir, I didn’t start that fight! Those public school kids were looking for trouble! I just–

  DEAN MYERS

  I’m sorry Miss Desmond, but effective immediately you are expelled from this institution. Return to your quarters and pack your belongings. I’ll contact your mother about picking you up today.

  A sullen Nikki solemnly shuffles out of the Dean’s office and–

  Hours later

  INT. 3430 PARK AVENUE PENTHOUSE LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

  A withdrawn Nikki in a designer suit sits quietly in a chair next to her bags while her Mother LESLIE DESMOND, 45, a cold, uptight career woman in an armorlike business suit barks angrily into the phone across the country to–

  LESLIE

  Donald, I don’t know what I’m going to do with this heifer–

  LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA

  INT. DESMOND MANOR LIVING ROOM – AFTERNOON

  A relaxed Beverly Hills mansion with lots of open space. Nikki’s father DONALD DESMOND, 45, a polished Black businessman dressed in a double-breasted suit patiently listens to his frustrated ex-wife three thousand miles away.

  DONALD

  Leslie, I would appreciate it if you would please stop calling Nicole a heifer–

  LESLIE

  But Donald, this is the fourth boarding school she’s been expelled from in four years–

  DONALD

  Leslie, I hear you–

  LESLIE

  No, you don’t hear me Donald. All the time this little heifer is getting into trouble. I am so sick of her mess–

  DONALD

  Look, maybe Nicole is having a hard time adjusting to things at boarding school–

  LESLIE

  Adjusting? She should be thanking me. These are some of the best schools in the country–

  DONALD

  Maybe boarding school isn’t right for her. Have you talked to Nicole about what kind of school she wants to go to?

  Leslie, exasperated at her ex-husband glares at Nikki as she barks into the phone–

  LESLIE

  It ain’t about where she wants to go, it’s about where she needs to be. And what she needs to do is stop throwing away my hard earned money by messing up in these doggone schools. This girl is getting on my last nerves with this mess–

  DONALD

  Look, she hasn’t been the same since we divorced and you shipped her to that boarding school–

  LESLIE

  See? You putting it on me–

  DONALD

  Leslie, I’m not putting it on you. The judge awarded you custody. And we agreed to get Nicole the best education possible–

  LESLIE

  So I’m supposed to spend all my time taking care of the Lil’ Spoiled Princess because I got custody? Look, with this job I need some time to myself–

  A frustrated Donald keeps it positive and changes the subject.

  DONALD

  Look, this is getting us nowhere. Something is going on with Nicole. Maybe she needs some counseling–

  LESLIE

  Donald, this girl don’t need no counseling. Our divorce was five years ago. What she needs to do is get over it.

  DONALD

  Leslie, people just don’t get over divorce. I still feel bad about it sometimes–

  LESLIE

  Here you go talking about your feelings–

  DONALD

  You can’t act like Nicole wasn’t hurt about what happened. She hears us arguing–

  LESLIE

  You want to know what makes me upset? You want to know what makes me upset? Talking to you! Always talking about feelings! Ol’ soft behind Negro–

  DONALD

  Leslie, we should talk about feelings. It’ll help us deal with stuff–

  LESLIE

  Well I feel you should deal with your daughter. Cause she ain’t staying with me no more.

  DONALD

  Leslie, you can’t just put Nicole out. She’s sixteen–

  LESLIE

  Well, I’m putting your daughter on the red eye to Los Angeles. If you care about her you’ll be at the airport to pick her up tomorrow morning.

  DONALD

  Leslie, I don’t have custody–

  LESLIE

  No, you don’t have custody but you got a lot of mouth. Let’s see your New Age California behind talk your way out of some of Nicole’s messes for a while.

  DONALD

  Leslie–

  SLAM! Leslie slams the phone into the cradle. She glares at Nikki–

  Who slinks out of her seat before her mother can say a word.

  NIKKI

  I’ll go pack the rest of my stuff.

  A sullen Nikki shuffles back to her room while–

  BACK AT DESMOND MANOR

  CLICK! The phone goes dead. Donald hangs up the phone and looks across the room at–

  RUMSFELD, 61 his polished British servant and ROSA LOPEZ 36, an attractive hardworking Mexican maid are ready to assist him. He smiles at his team as he tells them–

  DONALD

  Guys, there’s gonna be some big changes around here. Nicole is coming to live with us.

  RUMSFELD

  Did something happen to Miss Desmond sir?

  DONALD

  Unfortunately, she got kicked out of another boarding school, so her mother is sending her here to stay with us.

  ROSA

  Ay Dios Mio.

  RUMSFELD

  I’m sorry sir.

  DONALD

  I am too. She’ll be arriving tomorrow morning. Now I’d like us all to help support Nicole as she adjusts to living out here with us.

  RUMSFELD

  Definitely sir. I’ll have the Rolls ready to take you to the airport tomorrow morning.

  ROSA

  I’ll prepare her room sir.

  DONALD

  Great.

  Everyone goes about preparing Desmond Manor for Nikki’s arrival the–

  NEXT MORNING

  INT. LAX – MORNING

  Early morning at L.A.’s busiest airport. Nikki drags stacked Louis Vuitton suitcases across the terminal. Alone and frightened, she looks around the airport and lights up when she sees–

  Her father in jeans and a black mock neck sweater holding a printed sign stating “WELCOME TO LOS ANGELES NICOLE”. She races over to her father and gives him a big hug.

  NIKKI

  DAD! I’m so glad to see you.

  DONALD

  Glad to see you too Nicole.

  As they break the embrace Nikki inquires–

  NIKKI

  Am I staying with you or is this just a pit stop before you ship me off to another boarding school?

  Nikki’s Dad smiles at her before telling her–

  DONALD

  You’re home. That’s all you need to know. We’ll figure out where you’ll go to school later.

  Nikki follows her father out to–

  EXT. LAX PARking lot – MORNING

  Where Rumsfeld is standing outside of a black Rolls Royce in his formal driver’s uniform. He smiles at Nikki before addressing her–

  RUMSFELD

  Good Morning Miss Desmond. How was your flight?

  NIKKI

  It was okay Rumsfeld. My chicken dinner was dry though.

  RUMSFELD

  Well, we’ll have to prepare you a proper breakfast when we get back home. Shall I drop you off at the office sir?

  Donald smiles at Rumsfeld.

  DONALD

  Change of Plans Rumsfeld. We’re all going home.

  A concerned Rumsfeld inquires–

  RUMSFELD

  But sir, you have a meeting with Mr. Hashimoto at ten–

  DONALD

  After you bring us home, you can bring Mr. Hashimoto from the hotel to the manor for a casual breakfast. I’m sure he won’t mind seeing where I live.

  RUMSFELD

/>   As you wish sir.

  Rumsfeld puts the bags in the trunk and drives Nikki and her father back to–

  INT. DESMOND MANOR LIVING ROOM – MORNING

  BAM! Nikki and her father are greeted at the front door by–

  A smiling Rosa. Nikki disapproves of her with a roll of the eyes.

  NIKKI

  Where’s Agnes?

  Rosa hides her feelings behind her smile. Nikki’s Dad tells his daughter some bad news.

  DONALD

  Agnes passed on a year ago. I’m sorry.

  Nikki is shaken by the news.

  NIKKI

  I–I’m sorry that she’s gone. I wish I could have gone to the funeral–

  DONALD

  I wanted you to come but your mother wouldn’t tell me which school you were in when we had the service–

  NIKKI

  Man, I wish I could have been there. Agnes was like a mother to me. When I’d visit you she’d always take care of me the way I wish Mom would–

  DONALD

  I miss her too Nicole.

  An angry Nikki grieves by lashing out unexpectedly at Rosa–

  NIKKI

  So I guess you got this wetback so you could be right in line with everyone else around here.

  Rosa is unfazed by the slur but Donald is deeply offended.

  DONALD

  Nicole, you’re out of line–

  NIKKI

  Come on Dad, why’d you have to hire some Mexican? What? She can’t find a job picking fruits or something–

  Donald scowls at Nikki and lets her know he means business. He’s not going to tolerate any more racial slurs from her.

  DONALD

  You will never speak that way about Rosa or any other Hispanic person again. Do you understand me?

  Nikki backs off but continues to fight for her position.

  NIKKI

  Okay. But seriously, are we that hard up for money we don’t have to pay taxes on our help? I bet she can barely speak any English–

  Donald is about to handle Nikki, but the articulate Rosa lets Nikki know she’s no stereotype.

  ROSA

  I speak English very well for a United States Citizen Miss Desmond. I graduated top of my class at Encino High.

  Donald diffuses the tension between Nikki and Rosa.

  DONALD

  Rosa, why don’t you show Nikki to her room.

  ROSA

  Yes sir. We’ll have to talk later.

  Rosa takes Nikki’s suitcases and Nikki follows her upstairs into–

  NIKKI’S BEDROOM

  A luxurious bedroom fit for a spoiled princess. Furnished with a white canopy bed, white furniture, stuffed animals, and all the amenities a spoiled teenage girl would enjoy. Rosa opens the closets as–

  ROSA

  Here is your room Miss Desmond. Towels are in the closet, your bathroom is on the right–

  Nikki, curious about Rosa’s employment inquires–

  NIKKI

  I know where everything is. So when did my Dad hire you?

  Rosa keeps it professional.

  ROSA

  Mr. Desmond hired me in November of last year after Agnes passed away.

  NIKKI

  So why is a woman like you working in a job like this?

  Rosa feels put on the spot.

  ROSA

  What do you mean?

  NIKKI

  Shouldn’t an educated Hispanic woman like yourself should be working at my Dad’s office instead of cooking and cleaning for him like some regular Mexican?

  Rosa gives Nikki a look.

  ROSA

  Oh, so there’s a difference between Hispanics and regular Mexicans?

  NIKKI

  Yeah, I mean if you’re a citizen, and you did well in school, you shouldn’t have to work this crappy job like they do. It’s not the American way.

  A patient Rosa tells Nikki why she’s working for the Desmonds.

  ROSA

  Let’s just say I want to go places and this job allows me to get where I want to go.

  Nikki sees it differently and bluntly tells Rosa–

  NIKKI

  I’m guessing you didn’t go to college.

  Rosa hides her frustrations and inquires–

  ROSA

  Is there anything else I can do for you Miss Desmond?

  NIKKI

  Nah, I’ve got it. I’m gonna go take a shower. Four hours on a plane has me feeling kinda clammy.

  Nikki grabs her toiletries bag and heads into the bathroom while Rosa rushes downstairs into the–

  DESMOND MANOR DEN

  A posh business office with all the comforts of home. Donald is on the phone with Rumsfeld–

  DONALD

  Rumsfeld you’re on your way with Mr. Hashimoto? Great. I’ll have Rosa get breakfast ready for us.

  Donald hangs up the phone. He inquires about Nikki–

  DONALD

  How’s Nikki doing?

  ROSA

  She’s taking a shower. I need to talk to you about her.

  DONALD

  I just want to say I’m sorry about Nicole’s behavior. I didn’t raise her like that.

  ROSA

  I take it she takes after her mother–

  DONALD

  Unfortunately, I’ve had phone conversations with the ex-Mrs. Desmond that would make a sailor blush.

  ROSA

  I don’t think I want to meet her–

  DONALD

  I think she’ll be staying on the east coast. Now I know Nicole is a handful, but I think we can help her change her behavior with some guidance and constructive discipline.

  Rosa walks over to Donald’s closet and pulls out a belt. She puts it on the desk.

  ROSA

  Well, this always worked for me when I was younger.

  Donald grimaces at the belt before putting it in his desk. Bad memories.

  DONALD

  We’re gonna try a different approach to discipline with Nicole.

  Rosa takes the belt out of the desk and lets him know–

  ROSA

  Rumsfeld tells me this was a time honored tradition around here–

  DONALD

  Well, I feel it’s time to start a new tradition. One that utilizes communication, not corporal punishment.

  ROSA

  What’s a more effective communication of discipline than the belt? If I was her age and I used a racial slur on someone, Papi would be chopping my behind like a lumberjack–

  DONALD

  Well, I don’t think those methods of discipline are very effective with teenagers Rosa. I’d prefer to try a more lesson-oriented approach.

  Rosa frowns. She doesn’t agree with Donald’s approach to discipline.

  ROSA

  The belt teaches a very good lesson on what not to do–

  DONALD

  Well, I believe children Nicole’s age really need to learn from their experiences. Lessons tend to stay with children longer than beatings do.

  ROSA

  So what type of lesson do you plan on teaching Nikki on how not to be racist?

  DONALD

  I don’t know yet. But I know I need you and Rumsfeld to support me on this.

  Rosa reluctantly agrees to help Donald in raising his daughter.

  ROSA

  Okay. But I want hazard pay. That girl has a mouth on her.

  DONALD

  I’ll give you a ten percent raise now and a bonus later if we can get Nicole’s attitude and behavior to change by the time she’s ready to go to college.

  ROSA

  I’ll go make breakfast.

  As Rosa goes to prepare breakfast and Donald prepares for his meeting–

  IN THE LIVING ROOM

  Rumsfeld comes in with KAZYA HASHIMOTO, 40, an easygoing Japanese businessman casually dressed in khakis and a polo shirt. He smiles as he looks around the manor–

  RUMSFELD

  This is the Manor House.

  KAZAYA
/>
  Very serene. Mr. Desmond must think very highly of me to invite me into his home.

  RUMSFELD

  He values your business very much Mr. Hashimoto. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll let Mr. Desmond know you’re here.

  Mr. Hashimoto is looking up at a painting hanging above the mantel when–

  Nikki in her bathrobe comes downstairs. She asks Mr. Hashimoto–

  NIKKI

  May I help you?

  Mr. Hashimoto smiles and extends his hand as he introduces himself.

  KAZAYA

  Kazaya Hashimoto.

  NIKKI

  Gezundheit.

  KAZAYA

  No, Kazaya Hashimoto.

  NIKKI

  Oh, you don’t speak English? My purse is upstairs. How much is the food?

  Kazaya is confused.

  KAZAYA

  I don’t know what you’re talking about–

  NIKKI

  Okay, I’ll go slower. HOW MUCH IS THE FOOD?

  KAZAYA

  What food?

  NIKKI

  You know, the delivery. It’s a little early for Chinese food, but I’m hungry–

  Kazaya really gets offended about being called Chinese as–

  Donald and Rumsfeld enter the living room to overhear Nikki’s gaffe. Before Nikki makes any more offensive statements–

  KAZAYA

  Chinese? I don’t know anything about Chinese food–

  NIKKI

  Why? Don’t you work at the Chinese restaurant?

  Donald intervenes before Nikki makes a bad situation worse.

  DONALD

  That’s because Mr. Hashimoto is Japanese Nicole.

  NIKKI

  So he’s not the deliveryman?

  KAZAYA

  No, I’m Kazaya Hashimoto, CEO of Hashimoto Limited Brands. I’m here for a breakfast meeting with Donald Desmond.

  An embarrassed Nikki realizes her mistake as–

  NIKKI

  Oh crap–

  Rosa is comes into the living room to announce breakfast. She rushes up the stairs as Rosa tells her father–

  ROSA

  I guess there is something to your lesson–oriented approach.

  Donald is surprised.

  DONALD

  Unfortunately. Could you excuse me for a moment, Mr. Hashimoto?

  KAZAYA

  Sure.

  Rumsfeld takes a moment to explain things to Mr. Hashimoto as Donald hurries up to–

  NIKKI’S BEDROOM

  Where she’s sobbing in her pillow. She jumps when she sees him–

  NIKKI

  OH MY GOD! –You’re gonna get the belt to me!

  Donald sits on the side of the bed and gently comforts his daughter.

  DONALD

  It’s okay Nicole. I’m not gonna beat you.

  NIKKI

  But I embarrassed you in front of a client–

  DONALD

  So, everyone makes mistakes. It’s a part of life. The thing is what did you learn from it?

  NIKKI

  That toejam sandwiches taste even worse when you insert the whole foot in your mouth.

  DONALD

  Besides that.

  NIKKI

  That not all Asian people who come to the house are deliverymen.

  Donald smiles at his daughter.

  DONALD

  And that not all Asian people are Chinese.

  NIKKI

  But I thought he was a deliveryman. The way he was dressed–

  DONALD

  You can’t go by clothes Nicole. People don’t wear suits and ties all the time when they’re doing business.

  NIKKI

  I guess this is one of those things I’m going to have to work on.

  DONALD

  Just like you learned these racist stereotypes, you can learn to see who people like Mr. Hashimoto and Rosa really are.

  NIKKI

  Rosa? What’s she got to do with anything?

  DONALD

  You called her a wetback. That’s a really offensive thing to say to a Mexican person–

  NIKKI

  I was mad about losing Agnes–

  DONALD

  But is it right to take it out on Rosa?

  NIKKI

  She’s never gonna replace Agnes–

  DONALD

  And I don’t expect her to. But I expect you to respect her and give her a chance.

  NIKKI

  Look, I didn’t mean to hurt her or Mr. Hashimoto. I was just doing things the way Mom used to–

  DONALD

  Well, that’s not how we do things here. We don’t make generalizations about people here and we don’t use racial slurs to describe people when we’re upset. You call people by their names here or nothing else.

  NIKKI

  So what’s my punishment?

  Donald

  I’m not punishing you for making a mistake. What you’re going to do is get dressed and apologize to Mr. Hashimoto and Rosa.

  NIKKI

  Okay.

  Nikki grabs a suit and heels out of the suitcase and hurries into the bathroom to get changed. As she comes out–

  Rosa comes in to find out what’s going on.

  ROSA

  Is everything okay here?

  Donald

  Yeah. Nikki has something to say to you.

  Nikki has her hat in her hand as she makes nervous eye contact with Rosa.

  Nikki

  I’m sorry about calling you a wetback Rosa. It won’t happen again.

  Rosa smiles at Nikki.

  ROSa

  Apology accepted Nikki.

  DONALD

  Okay, we better go. I don’t want to leave Mr. Hashimoto is waiting too long.

  Nikki and her father rush downstairs to the–

  LIVING ROOM

  Where Rumsfeld is talking with Mr. Hashimoto. He lights up at the sight of Nikki.

  KAZAYA

  Mr. Desmond, is everything all right?

  DONALD

  Everything is fine Mr. Hashimoto.

  KAZAYA

  Let us do away with these formalities. You may call me Kazaya.

  DONALD

  Well, my daughter Nicole would like to say something to you Kazaya.

  Nikki steps forward with an apologetic look on her face. Kazaya smiles warmly at her.

  NIKKI

  I’m sorry for mistaking you for a deliveryman Mr. Hashimoto.

  KAZAYA

  It’s fine. Rumsfeld has explained everything to me about you.

  DONALD

  Then everything is okay?

  KAZAYA

  Definitely. It is better to forgive in these cases; I have experienced this misunderstanding on numerous occasions.

  DONALD

  Like in the supermarket?

  Donald and Kazaya connect.

  KAZAYA

  Yes– I have been mistaken for a vegetable grocer, delivery boy, and a fish clerk, when I go shopping casually dressed. I have found that the best thing to do in these situations is correct the person and move on.

  NIKKI

  Can you and my Dad move on in your business deal? I don’t want to cost him any business.

  KAZAYA

  It’s what I’d like to do. I’m hoping you have learned a valuable lesson from this experience.

  NIKKI

  Oh– I have. Next time I think before I speak.

  DONALD

  Then let’s have breakfast. Kazaya if you could follow me this way–

  Donald leads everyone into the kitchen as–

  FAde Out:

  The End

  ALL ABOUT NIKKI

  EPISODE 1.02

  “ALL ABOUT SCHOOL”