Chapter Text
Stubborn Stance
(Kate Whistler, a sales woman, stands firmly behind the counter at Tara's Home Appliances, her arms crossed.)
Customer: "I want to return this blender. It doesn't work."
Kate: (firmly) "I apologize, sir, but our return policy clearly states—"
Customer: (interrupting) "I don't care about your policy. I want a refund."
Kate: (unyielding) "I understand, but without a receipt, I can only offer store credit."
(The customer scowls, but Kate's expression remains resolute.)
Meanwhile, Lucy Tara, the owner's daughter, watches from across the store, admiring Kate's determination.
Lucy: (to herself) "Kate's so fierce. I love that about her."
(Lucy's father, Logan Tara, approaches.)
Mr. Tara: "Lucy, how's Kate doing? Still a bit... stubborn?"
Lucy: (smiling) "Dad, that's what makes Kate, Kate."
Logan : (chuckles) "Well, it's good for sales, I suppose. Customers don't walk all over her."
(Lucy's gaze lingers on Kate, her heart skipping a beat.)
Home
(Kate walks into her small but cozy apartment, dropping her bag on the floor.)
Kate: (sighs) "Finally, home."
(She kicks off her shoes and heads to the kitchen.)
Kate: (to herself) "What's for dinner?"
(She scans the fridge, settling on leftovers.)
As she eats, Kate's mind wanders to the store.
Kate: (thinks) "Lucy was watching me again today. I can feel it."
(She shrugs, dismissing the thought.)
Kate: (thinks) "I'm not interested. I don't need complications."
(Kate's phone buzzes. Her parents.)
Kate: (sighs) "Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad."
Mom: (concerned) "Kate, how was your day? We're worried about your stubbornness."
Kate: (defensive) "I'm fine, Mom. Just doing my job."
Dad: (sternly) "Kate, you need to learn to compromise. It'll serve you well in life."
Kate: (frustrated) "I know, Dad. I'll try."
(The conversation ends, Kate feeling slightly guilty.)
Sales Demonstration
(Kate stands confidently in front of a washing machine, explaining its features to a customer.)
Kate: "This model has multiple wash cycles, including delicate and heavy-duty options. The energy-efficient design will save you money on your utility bills."
Customer: "That sounds great. How does the smart sensor work?"
Kate: "It automatically detects the levels and adjusts the wash cycle accordingly. Would you like a demo?"
(As Kate demonstrates the machine, Lucy lingers nearby, admiring Kate's expertise.)
Lucy: (to herself) "Kate's so knowledgeable and confident. I love watching her work."
(Kate catches Lucy's gaze, feeling a flutter in her chest. She quickly focuses back on the customer.)
Kate: (smiling professionally) "Any questions?"
Customer: "No, that's all. I'll take this one."
(As the customer pays, Kate processes the sale, aware of Lucy's continued attention.)
Kate: (thinks) "Why is Lucy staring at me? Does she need something?"
(Lucy approaches, helping Kate with the sale.)
Lucy: "Need a hand?"
Kate: (nervously) "No, I've got it. Thanks."
Lucy: (smiling) "You're doing great, Kate. You always explain things so clearly."
Kate: (feeling self-conscious) "Just doing my job."
(Lucy's gaze lingers, making Kate's heart skip a beat.)
(Days passed, with Lucy frequently visiting the store, citing interest in learning the business.)
Kate: (to herself, frustrated) "Why is she always here? Can't she see I'm working?"
(Lucy lingers near Kate's section, admiring her as she assists customers.)
Kate: (polite but distant) "Hi, Lucy. Need something?"
Lucy: (smiling) "Just observing, Kate. You're really good at this."
Kate: (forced smile) "Thanks. Just doing my job."
(Logan Tara approaches, pleased with Lucy's interest.)
Logan Tara: "Lucy's taking a keen interest in the business” He thought to himself.
(Meanwhile, Lucy's gaze follows Kate throughout the day, making her increasingly uncomfortable.)
Kate: (thinks) "I need this job. Can't afford to upset Mr. Tara or his daughter."
(During a lull, Lucy approaches Kate again.)
Lucy: "Kate, can I ask you something?"
Kate: (cautious) "What is it?"
Lucy: "Would you like to grab coffee with me after work?
Kate: (hesitant, unsure how to decline) "I... uh... I'll check my schedule."
(Lucy's eyes sparkle with hope, making Kate's unease grow.)
.......
(Kate hesitates, choosing her words carefully.)
Kate: "Sorry, Miss Tara, I'm busy after work today. Maybe some other time?"
Lucy: (disappointed) "Oh, okay. I understand."
(Kate quickly adds, softening the blow.)
Kate: "I appreciate the offer, though. Thanks for thinking of me."
Lucy: (smiling wistfully) "No problem, Kate. Maybe soon?"
(Lucy lingers, hoping Kate will change her mind, before finally nodding and walking away.)
Kate: (sighs in relief) "Close call.Need to keep my distance. Can't let Lucy's feelings get in the way of my job.
........
Later, during her break, Kate's coworker, Kai Holman approaches.
Kai : "Hey, Kate. What's with Lucy Tara always hovering around?"
Kate: (lowers voice) "No idea. Just being friendly, I guess."
Kai : "Friendly? She's got a crush on you, Kate. Everyone sees it."
Kate: (uncomfortable) "Shh, don't say that. It's just... awkward."
Kai : "Be careful, Kate. You don't want to get on the boss's bad side."
Kate: (nervously) "I know. I'll handle it."
Lucy's Plan
(Lucy approaches Kate, who's busy restocking shelves.)
Lucy: "Hey, Kate. I cleared your afternoon schedule. Dad said it's okay."
Kate: (surprised) "Thanks, Miss Tara. I appreciate it."
Lucy: (smiling) "Great! Now, let's grab a cup of coffee. I want to talk to you about something."
(Kate's unease returns, but she struggles to decline politely.)
Kate: (hesitant) "I... uh... don't know if that's a good idea, Miss Tara."
Lucy: (persistent) "Come on, Kate. It's just coffee. I promise I won't keep you long."
(Kate reluctantly agrees, feeling trapped.)
Kate: (resigned) "Okay... fine. Just for a few minutes."
Lucy: (delighted) "Great! I'll meet you outside."
(Lucy walks out, leaving Kate feeling anxious.)
Kate: (thinks) "What does she want to talk about? This is getting out of hand."
.......
(Kate and Lucy sit at a cozy coffee shop, surrounded by gentle chatter.)
Lucy: (nervously) "Nice coffee, huh?"
Kate: (polite) "Yeah."
(Awkward silence follows, with Lucy struggling to initiate conversation.)
Lucy: (excitedly) "Hey, Kate, want to grab dinner somewhere? Or we could check out that new movie?"
Kate: (uneasy) "Oh, I don't know... I should probably get back home."
Lucy: (persistent) "Come on, it'll be fun! We could go to the beach, or play mini golf. I want to spend more time with you."
(Kate's discomfort grows, sensing Lucy's intentions.)
Kate: (firmly) "Miss Tara, I need to be clear—"
Lucy: (interrupting) "Call me Lucy, Kate."
Kate: (resolute) "Okay, Lucy. I'm not the kind of person you think. Rich people's daughters may experiment, or play with other girls or boys. But I'm not like that. I don't have time for this."
(Lucy's face falls, stunned.)
Lucy: (hurt) "Kate, I didn't mean—"
Kate: (standing) "I appreciate the coffee, but I should go."
(Kate swiftly exits, leaving Lucy alone and disappointed.)
(Lucy returns home, her father noticing her somber expression.)
Logan Tara: "What's wrong, Lucy? You look troubled."
Lucy: (sighs) "I met a very stubborn person, Dad. They left me alone at the coffee shop."
Mr. Tara: (concerned) "What happened?"
Lucy: (thoughtful) "I think I should have talked to her before.My assumptions misled me."
Mr. Tara: (wisely) "Sometimes we misjudge people. But it takes courage to admit and learn."
Lucy: (resolute) "I'll be more thoughtful next time, Dad."
(Lucy heads to her room, lost in thought.)
.....
Next day
(Kate focuses on ensuring proper TV packaging, her concentration intact.)
Lucy: (excitedly) "Katee!"
(Kate ignores her, not looking up.)
Lucy: (persistent) "Katee!"
Kate: (irritated, still not looking) "What is it, Lucy?"
Lucy: (determined) "I didn't mean you as someone to experiment with or just go out for fun... I really like you, Kate."
(Kate's expression remains steadfast, her voice firm.)
Kate: (bluntly) "Well, I don't. Now let me do my job. Otherwise, I won't get my salary."
(Lucy's enthusiasm deflates, replaced by frustration and hurt.)
Lucy: (disappointed) "You're always so stubborn, Kate. Can't you just listen?"
Kate: (unyielding) "I've listened. Now, please let me work."
(Lucy's face falls, her eyes welling up. She storms off, leaving Kate unfazed.)
Kate: (to herself) "Good. That's over."
.....
(Kai approaches Kate, who's still focused on packaging TVs.)
Kai : (concerned) "Hey, Kate. You okay? That was quite a scene with Lucy."
Kate: (shrugs) "Just telling her the truth."
Kai : (skeptical) "The truth? Or were you just trying to hurt her?"
Kate: (defensive) "I'm not interested in her,Kai. Simple as that."
Kai : (empathetic) "I get it. But Lucy's really into you. You could've let her down easier."
Kate: (unyielding) "Why sugarcoat it? I'd rather be clear than lead her on."
Kai : (thoughtful) "I understand where you're coming from, but sometimes kindness is more important than being right."
Kate: (sighs) "You're not taking my side?"
Kai : (smiling) "I'm taking the 'be-human' side. You can be stubborn and still be kind, Kate."
(Kate looks away, Kai's words lingering in her mind.)
.....
Seeking Advice
(Lucy finds Ernie Malik, Kate's friend sipping coffee at a sunny café.)
Lucy: (excitedly) "Ernie, I need your help! Kate's driving me crazy!"
Ernie : (laughing) "oh! You again lucy!! What's going on?"
Lucy: (exasperated) "I confessed my feelings, but she shut me down. I don't know what to do!"
Ernie : (amused) "Kate's stubborn, that's for sure. Reminds me of Elsa from Frozen – 'Let it go' isn't in her vocabulary!"
Lucy: (laughs) "Exactly! How do I thaw the ice queen?"
Ernie : (smirking) "Well, Kate's not one for grand gestures. Try small, genuine moments. Wear her down with kindness."
Lucy: (determined) "I'll try anything! What's her weakness?"
Ernie : (grinning) "Coffee. She can't resist a good cup. And, ironically, rom-coms. Don't ask. Ahh and also football"
Lucy: (giggling) "Coffee and rom-coms and football... Got it!"
Ernie: (serious) "But, Lucy, respect her boundaries. Don't push too hard."
Lucy: (nodding) "I promise. Thanks, Ernie!"
(Ernie smiles, and they clink cups together.)
.....
(Next day, lucy is so determined to talk to kate. But kate is nowhere to be found. Lucy approaches Kai, concerned.)
Lucy: "Hey, Kai, Kate took the day off? Is she okay?"
Kai : (smirking) "Kate told me she has a headache."
Lucy: (worried) "Oh no, poor Kate."
Kai: (whispering) "Don't believe it, Lucy. She's watching the football match at the nearby screen."
(Lucy's eyes sparkle with determination.)
Lucy: (excitedly) "Thanks, Kai!"
(Lucy rushes to the screen, finding Kate passionately arguing with a fellow football fan.)
Kate: (fiercely) "No way, that was a clear foul"
Fan: No that's not!!
Kate : (angrily)They are not playing by rules... And the referee is not giving penalty...
(Kate storms off, Lucy following closely.)
Lucy: (teasingly) "Heard you had a headache whistler. but now it shows symptoms of fever... You're actually burning!!"
Kate: (irritated) "What are you doing here, Lucy?"
Lucy: (playfully) "I'm not backing off just because you said ‘no’ once. You're not getting rid of me that easily."
(Kate raises her hand, hailing a taxi.)
Kate: (firmly) "Bye, Lucy."
(Kate gets into the taxi, leaving Lucy alone on the roadside.)
Lucy: (laughing) "This isn't over, Kate!"
(Lucy watches the taxi drive away, already planning her next move.)
........
Money
Ernie needs some urgent money for buying some tech equipments. He asks kate for money.
Kate: What!! I don't have that much money. I am just a sales woman here ernie. Not the owner
Ernie: okey. Fine...
(Kate getting back to work. And Ernie thinking about what kate just said... Not the owner!!, owner or owner's daughter, both are fine...!!!)
(Ernie meets Lucy at a quiet café, looking worried.)
Ernie: "Lucy, I need a favor. Kate's father is in the hospital, and she needs money for the bills."
Lucy: (concerned) "How much? I'll give it to her. Can I come with you?"
Ernie: (quickly) "No, Kate's really upset. She can't face you right now. You know how stubborn she is. If I tell her you gave the money, she might refuse it."
Lucy: (understanding) "But you have to tell her tomorrow that I was the one who helped."
Ernie: (smiling) "I will, don't worry."
Lucy: (thoughtfully) "Wait... Ernie?"
Ernie: (curious) "What, Lucy?"
Lucy: (smirking) "Kate has to smile at me tomorrow when she sees me."
Ernie: (laughing) "Don't worry, I'll make sure she does."
(Ernie accepts the money, and they part ways.)
Evening Confession
(Ernie calls Kate, sounding apologetic.)
Ernie: "Kate, I'm sorry. I made a mistake."
Kate: (curious) "What is it, ernie?"
Ernie: (taking a deep breath) "I asked Lucy for money, telling her your father was in the hospital..."
Kate: (outraged) "WHAT!!!"
Ernie: (calmly) "Hear me out, Kate. Lucy thinks she's helping you, and I didn't want to burden you with the truth."
Kate: (fuming) "You used my father's name? And Lucy thinks she's helping me?"
Ernie : (soothingly) "Kate, it's not about the money. It's about Lucy caring for you."
Kate: (skeptically) "And what's in it for Lucy?"
Ernie : (smiling) "Maybe, just maybe, Lucy wants to see you smile."
Kate: "WHAT!!!"
Ernie: "Kate, you have to smile at her when you see her."
Kate: "What the hell is this!!"
Ernie: "I know, I'm sorry... Why don't you just smile at her?
Kate: "Why would I smile at her?
Ernie: "Because she gave money for your father's hospital bill."
Kate: "ernie, I'm gonna kill you!"
Ernie: "Okay, I'm sorry... Please, just one smile, Kate... Just one."
Kate: "Hmmm..."
(Kate cuts the call, leaving ernie anxious)
.....
(Kate paces in her room, fuming)
Kate: (to herself) "How could ernie do this? And why did Lucy think my father was in the hospital?"
(Kate's expression softens, thinking about Lucy's kindness)
Kate: (whispering) "But she thought she was helping..."
(Kate's face sets in determination)
Kate: (firmly) "I'll pay her back, and then I'll deal with ernie."
.....
Traffic Encounter
(Kate and ernie ride their bike, stuck in traffic.)
Lucy:(gets out from her car, spotting them)Ah-ha!
(Lucy waves enthusiastically, beaming with a smile.)
Ernie : (whispering) "Please, Kate, just one smile..."
Kate: (stubbornly) "No."
Ernie : (pleading) "Kate, please..."
(Lucy wonders, looking puzzled)
Lucy: (to herself) "Why isn't Kate smiling? Is ernie playing me?"
(Suddenly, the bike's tire bursts, sending Kate and ernie tumbling.)
Lucy: (laughing out loud) "Ha! Ha! Ha!"
(Kate scrambles up, brushing herself off, still stubborn)
Kate: (grumbling) "Great, just great."
(Kate walks away, leaving ernie to pick up the bike)
Ernie: (laughing) "Kate, wait!"
(Lucy approaches, still chuckling)
Lucy: "Need help?"
Ernie: (grinning) "Yeah, Kate's pride got bruised more than we did."
(Kate turns back, scowling)
Kate: "This isn't funny."
Lucy: (teasingly) "Oh, I think it's hilarious."
(Kate's expression softens slightly, but she quickly regains composure)
Lucy: "Kate, get in the car, I'm going to the store."
Kate: (hesitant) "Why should I?"
Lucy: (smiling) "You can't walk to work like that, you're covered in dust."
Ernie : (encouragingly) "Go on, Kate. It's just a ride."
(Kate glances at ernie, then back at Lucy, and reluctantly gets into the car.)
Lucy: (laughing) "I promise I won't bite."
(Kate sits stiffly, avoiding eye contact.)
Ernie: (winking at Lucy) "Thanks, Lucy. I owe you one."
(Ernie waves goodbye as Lucy drives off with Kate.)
....
Inside the car
Lucy: (chatty) "So, how's your day starting?"
Kate: (briefly) "It's fine."
Lucy: (teasingly) "Wow, that's detailed."
(Kate cracks a slight smile, quickly suppressing it.)
......
(Lucy pulls up to the store, parks, and turns to Kate.)
Lucy: "By the way, how's your father doing?"
Kate: (sheepishly) "He's fine. Ernie lied about him being in the hospital to get money from you."
Lucy: (surprised) "Oh?"
Kate: (defensively) "I didn't know, and I'll pay you back."
Lucy: (laughing) "No need, I just wanted to help."
.......
(At the store, Lucy spots ernie and approaches him, playfully annoyed.)
Lucy: "Ernie, you sneaky friend!"
Ernie: (nervously) "Ah, Lucy! What's up?"
Lucy: (teasingly) "You know exactly what's up. Kate's father, hospital, ring a bell?"
Ernie: (grinning) "Oh, that? Just a tiny white lie."
Lucy: (laughing) "Tiny? You're lucky Kate didn't kill you!"
(Ernie chuckles, relieved Lucy's not angry.)
Ernie: "I knew Kate would be stubborn, so I took matters into my own hands."
Lucy: (smiling) "Well, next time, ask me directly. No hospital dramas."
Kate: (approaching) "ernie, you owe me an explanation."
Ernie: (innocently) "What? I was just helping."
(Kate playfully rolls her eyes, and the three share a laugh.)
(Lucy and Kate cross paths in the store, restocking shelves.)
Lucy: "Hey Kate, there's a house party this weekend. Interested?"
Kate: (firmly) "No, I'm not a party person."
Lucy: (surprised) "What? Anyone can enjoy a party!"
Kate: (skeptical) "That's how rich people like you feel, Lucy. It's not my scene."
Lucy: (laughing) "Rich people? You think that's what this is about?"
Kate: (shrugs) "Isn't it?"
Lucy: (smiling) "No, it's about having fun with friends. You should come."
Kate: (unyielding) "I'll pass."
(Lucy notices Kate's hesitation, sensing there's more to her refusal.)
Lucy: (gently) "Is everything okay, Kate? You seem... guarded."
Kate: (quickly) "I'm fine. Just not interested."
(Lucy nods, respecting Kate's boundaries.)
.....
Struggles
(Kate gets a call from her dad. He seem sad and distant)
Kate: "Dad, what's wrong?"
Father: (sighs) "My company cut my salary... again. I don't know how we'll make ends meet."
Kate: (concerned) "How much?"
Father: (shakes head) "Twenty percent.
Kate: (determined) "We'll manage, Dad. We always do."
Father: (looks up, worried) "Kate, I'm sorry. You deserve better. You should be focusing on your future, not worrying about ours."
Kate: (reassuringly) "Dad, we're in this together. We'll get through it."
Dad: Kate.. your mom wants to talk to you..
Mother: (softly) "Hey, sweetie, are you alright!?"
Kate: (sighs) Yeah.. I am fine mom
Mother: "Kate, you're working so hard for our family. Your father and I are proud of you."
Kate: (tearfully) "I just want to help, Mom. I feel so helpless."
Mother: (smiling) "You're not helpless, Kate. You're strong and capable. We'll get through this. Remember, home isn't just a roof over our heads. It's the love we share, the struggles we face together."
Kate: (sniffling) "I love you, Mom."
Mother: "I love you too, sweetie."
(mom's words soothing her and a small but grateful smile is formed on her face)