Paige gets a job as a fashion assistant as Alex spends her days being lazy. Soon Paige's job and Alex's attitude threaten their relationship. Meanwhile, Manny considers picking things up where she left off with Damian but finds it impossible when they disagree on a unified Degrassi-Lakehurst student body.
At Paige, Ellie and Marco's (Paige is blow-drying her hair which wakes Alex up.) Paige: Morning sleeping beauty. Alex: If you really loved me you wouldn't hurt my ears this early. Paige: Well I've got to drop the store key with Jimmy, hit the bank, groceries, and a job interview. Très multitask. Alex: So what am I gonna do all day? Paige: How about you recharge after the last two weeks? Your final Degrassi semester got you those crazy great grades you were after. Alex: Yet not even straight A's could get my mom to ditch Chad, the free-loading conman. So much for moving back home. Paige: Hon, I know it's hard, but you can stay here until you get back on your feet. (Paige kisses her goodbye.) Alex: Bye. (Paige goes into the kitchen.) Marco: Paige, how long is Alex crashing? Like is she looking for a job or... Paige: Her last reference is from a strip bar. She needs help and time. Marco: Yeah well who's gonna help her ditch the TV remote and pick up the want ads? Paige: Hon, you and I are lucky enough not to know what it's like when your parents screw you over. Sympathy, s'il vous plaît? Thank you. So can I go to my life-changing interview? We'll discuss this later, okay? At Paige's new job Paige: Andrea? (The girl keeps walking.) Paige: Okay guess not. Andrea: Are you the new girl? Paige: Paige. It is so good to meet you Andrea. Andrea: (She pronounces her name differently) Andrea. Paige: Andrea. Of course. So much for a good first impression, right? Andrea: Look this job, you're gonna iron more clothes than you wear, okay? Paige: Well how about chiffons? I mean steaming sure, but will the Malandrinos really hold up? Andrea: Malandrinos? We've been practicing that at home, haven't we? Paige: My whole life, clothes geek. Andrea: Whose pinafores did you like this season? Paige: Chanel's. The rest are un-wearable. Andrea: Look I need someone at my beck and call. Totally committed. Paige: Look I will get coffees. I will pin hems. I'll do model sweat duty, really. Andrea: Are you a fashion student? (Paige shakes her head no.) Andrea: Good. We have our spring line runway show for clients happening this week. Drop-offs, details, emergencies. You drive? Paige: Yes. Andrea I will not let you down. So... Andrea: Write this down. (She starts giving orders as Paige follows behind her.) In Mr. Simpson's class (Manny walks in late and Damien comes in right behind her.) Mr. Simpson: Manny and Damien. A match made in lateness. Something I should know about? Damien: Not yet, Mr. Simpson. Mr. Simpson: Okay. Well while Liberty is away at leadership camp, acting vice-president Toby has an announcement. Toby: Um in response to concerns raised by the merger, we're gonna be holding a referendum. On Thursday we're gonna vote on whether Lakehurst clubs and teams should integrate into Degrassi's or stay separate. (Everyone starts talking.) Mr. Simpson: Alright cool your jets, guys. Come on. Let's get this class started, alright? Emma: Hey lets instil segregation. Apartheid worked so well in South Africa. Why not here? We should do something, Manny. (Manny is staring at Damien.) Emma: Hello? Earth to Manny. Manny: Yeah totally. Together, good. Separate, bad. Emma: Speaking of together or separate, what's going on with you and Damien? Manny: Things kind of fizzled after the Lakehurst feud, kind of thanks to you actually, but am I bitter? (He gives her a little wave and she smiles.) At Paige, Ellie and Marco's Marco: So why do you think you'd be a good roommate, uh Griffin? Griffin: Uh well I'm quiet, clean and studious. Ellie: Hmm that might not work. We're kind of loud. Paige: And sort of messy. Ellie: Yeah we do homework in front of the TV. You're an engineering student, right? Griffin: Yeah well and I book bands for the club and I spin. So loud's okay. Ellie: Well Griffin it was great meeting you. Griffin: Okay um I'll let myself out. You guys get ready to talk about me. (He leaves.) Marco: Thank you. No more callers. Ellie: Hey I'm not so sure. A hot roommate is a lot more pressure than regular ones. I need freedom to wear flannel. Paige: Griffin was incredibly cute and normal. It's two to one. Sorry Ellie. Alex: Hmm a guy here would be weird. It's a tie. Paige: Um hon, you know we love you, but you don't really get so much of a vote. The rent's the rent, you know? Alex: Right. Of course. In the hallway Manny: Damien, the guy who let a tiny cheerleading protest wreck a relationship last semester. Damien: Well a gym full of people shouting "go home Lakehurst" doesn't leave the memory easily. Manny: Well now you have a reason to forget, also known as me or was that not flirting that I saw in class today? Damien: What are you suggesting Miss Santos? Manny: That we give it another try, that we live in the present. Damien: I like presents. Anya: Um smile for the grapevine. (She takes their picture.) At Paige's Paige: Alex, please stop pouting. You know it's only- (Paige looks at her laptop.) Paige: No, no, no. Ugh! Come on. I'm so stupid. Alex: What's the matter? Paige: My licence expired and I thought I could renew it online, but...Alex half of this job is driving. Alex: 72 hour wait. Paige: I have to be there in an hour. Alex: You have a car, I have a licence. Paige: You would do that? Alex: Well it might eat into my couch time, but it will be fun to hang out for a change. Paige: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The entire fashion industry owes you huge. Ready to hit the road? Later that night (Paige and Alex walk in with a bunch of clothes.) Marco: Bonjour couture and Alex, its newest fan? Alex: Uh not quite. Paige: Had a little licence issue, but this adorable super human is chauffeuring so I don't lose my job. Alex: The things I do to spend time with you. I just don't get why we have to bring all this stuff here. Paige: Um hon, we can't leave them at the venue alone. They are priceless. Marco, flown from Milan today. Marco: No! (Marco tries to grab it and Paige pulls it away.) Paige: Oh no touch pas. Alex: I saw a pair of $1200 shorts tonight. Who buys $1200 shorts? Paige: I wish I could! Being near them on the runway will have to do. Alex: That's just sad. So uh this show, it's for the world's 5 other shorts-loving freaks? Marco: This show is like a huge deal. They said in the paper today who's sitting front row. Paige: Hon I will be done at the office at 4 tomorrow, but if I'm not outside you can just wait for me, okay? Alex: Sure. Getting used to that. (Alex leaves and Paige and Marco keep squeeing over the clothes.) Marco: This is unreal. Paige: I don't even know what to do. Marco: Try it on! That's what you do! Paige: Are you kidding? In the media immersion room Toby: You're on the Internet. Emma: Again? Manny: I swear I've done nothing net-worthy. Toby: Degrassi Grapevine disagrees. Manny: Good news travels fast, I guess. (She sees the picture of her and Damien on the Grapevine.) Manny: Damien look we're the interracial poster children for Degrassi/Lakehurst unity. Damien: Hmm. Manny: What, too much press, too soon? Damien: No it's just a little ironic. The whole separation thing was kind of my idea. Manny: Hold on. Why would you do that? Damien: Because I believe in it. Lakehurst needs its own identity, especially now. Manny: Damien the rivalry is only gonna get worse. What about...? (She gestures to their picture.) Damien: No problem. We can be together ever if our schools are apart. Manny: Wouldn't it be better if we were double together? Damien: Manny you just don't understand politics. Manny: The only thing I don't understand is why I thought this could ever work, condescending ass. (She walks away.) Damien: Hold on that came out wrong. Outside Paige's job Paige: (On the phone) Say you're at the corner. I've been waiting here for 40 minutes. Alex: (On the phone) I will be soon, Paige-y. I just had to um...just read the style section, okay? I'll get there as soon as I can. (Alex is shown smoking weed with Jay.) Paige: (On the phone) How about don't bother? I can take care of myself, okay? (She hangs up.) Paige: Taxi! At Paige, Marco and Ellie's Alex: I have to go get her. Jay: First Mel leaves me. Now you. My heart is cracked open and leaking love juice all over the place. Alex: Your heart will heal. I can't drive. I'm too stoned. No what am I gonna tell Paige? Jay: That I'm a mess. That you're being a good friend. She'll get it. Alex: No she'll have a fit, actually. These are the only things she cares about. (Alex pulls out one of the dresses.) Jay: Woah Mel would look so hot in that. God I miss her. Alex: And that's why I keep you around! For your brilliant ideas! Later that night Paige: Alex! Alex, can you at least do me the courtesy of being here when I yell at you. You ditched me! Alex: I know. I'm sorry, but Mel dumped Jay and he really needed... Paige: Let me guess, a shoulder to get high on? Alex: I'm sorry. I was a jerk, but can I make it up to you? (She takes off her robe to show the dress she's wearing.) Paige: Oh my god. Take off the dress now! Alex: But I was trying to surprise you. Paige: Well congratulations! Take off the dress and then get out of my room. [SCENE_BREAK] The next day (Griffin is moving in and Paige is steaming the dress.) Alex: Coffee? I found more. Paige I'm sorry. I, I thought my wonder girl Paige could manage on her own. Paige: On my own, I'm fine. Someone else caused the problem. Alex: I made a mistake. I didn't understand how seriously you were taking this whole gig. Paige: How could you not? This is the first thing I've been excited about since I bombed out of Banting. Alex: I'm not like you with plans and stuff. I always feel like I'm behind. Maybe that's why I need you. Paige: Well what about when I need you? Alex: I'll be there. How can I prove it? Paige: Chocolate reminders for tonight's show. They have to be wrapped and couriered to all the VIPs by noon. Should have been done last night, but um I was busy. Alex: I'll get it done, Paige. Paige: I know you will because screwing up is not an option. Outside the school Damien: Manny! Manny! Manny stop. Manny: Sorry not only do I not understand politics, I have trouble with simple commands. Damien: I'm sorry about yesterday. Listen I didn't mean to imply you were anything less than brilliant. Manny: But we're both smart enough to realize the truth, right? About us? Damien: Uh oh. Manny: Damien, it's not gonna work. I think the personal is political and if I can't support your campaign, then I can't support you. Damien: I respect that, but it doesn't sound good for the faces of Degrassi/Lakehurst unity. Manny: Well at least we can agree on that. Damien: I think we just set the record for the world's shortest relationship. Manny: I guess it wasn't meant to be. We're just too different. Damien: It's 'cause I'm black, isn't it? Manny: Well now that you mention it. Damien: So what you just wanted the cred? Manny: Why do you people always play the race card? Damien: That's highly offensive. (Holly J and Anya overhear their joking and look at each other shocked.) At Paige's job Andrea: What's Ms. Hagerty going to wear? Paige: Couriered the purple jersey. Andrea: And the models? Paige: Are in makeup as we speak. Andrea: What about the new music mix? Paige: Oh uh tracks 1-6. Have it on a loop. Andrea: Now why haven't any of my VIPs called to gush over their edible gold reminders? Paige: They haven't? But I had them sent out. Andrea: You had them sent? Paige: Andrea, I swear they were at the courier by noon. Andrea: It's your first week and you're subcontracting already. Paige: (under her breath) Alex. Andrea: Paige, focus. We're in the leads here. Now if you can't handle this- Paige: No I can. I can. I'm sure it was nothing more than a little snag. I can fix it. Trust me. Andrea: You certainly will. It won't be a problem at show time, right? Paige: Of course not. Everything is under control. Andrea: You looking for something? Paige: I uh, I just can't seem to find the contact sheet. (Andrea gives her it.) Paige: Thank you. Andrea: Just do your job and don't wear that. At Spirit Squad rehearsal Holly J: So Manny, Chantay and I were just trying to figure out who's hotter. Brad or Kanye? Manny: You're serious? Ryan Gosling, hands down. Chantay: Figures. Manny: What's that supposed to mean? Chantay: As long as he's not black, right? Manny: Excuse me? Holly J: Rumour has it you're a racist. Manny: Rumour has it you have webbed toes. Holly J: Sorry Manny, but most of us understand that racism is a very serious issue. Manny: Guys I can't believe this. Chantay: So the rumour's true then? Manny: No! Where are you getting this crap from? Holly J: People who overheard you talking to Damien today. Manny: Dude we were joking! This is insane. Come on. I'll prove it. (They walk into the hall and Manny goes up to Damien.) Manny: So you heard? (She points to herself.) Manny: Racist. Awesome, huh? Damien: What do you mean? Manny: Some people didn't think our joke was very funny, but seems to be working out well for you though. Lots of support, huh? Damien: You think people are supporting me because of that? Manny: Well I don't think it's hurting. So you need to do something for me. Hey! Listen up. Unscheduled announcement from Damien Hayes. Damien: I heard some vicious rumours. I want you all to know that Manny Santos is not a racist. Holly J: Then why did she dump you? Damien: Trust me. The reasons are far more than skin deep. Manny: Unlike Damien, I happen to be a firm believer in unity. He wants to keep the schools divided, but what Damien doesn't get about politics is that when there's solidarity, there's strength. I hope you all remember this as you make your way to the polls. Derek: Yeah! Danny: Bravo. One school. At the fashion show Paige: (On her phone) Paige here. Ms. Levoy, you will? Great. I'll see you seen. Andrea: Paige! How are my... this chair is crooked. How are my VIPs? Paige: Last one just confirmed. All seats filled with appropriate seats. Andrea: Impressive, but we're still really behind. Now I need you to- Alex: Paige! (Andrea gasps in horror as Alex walks on the runway.) Alex: Paige I um...okay. I couldn't get the stuff to everyone. Andrea: Paige. We can't have this, her. (Paige grabs Alex's arm and they move away from Andrea.) Paige: Alex, what is wrong with you? You didn't deliver the reminders, did you? Alex: No 'cause I saw the invoice. $3000 for chocolate? That's 3 months rent to where I come from. Paige: And if I hadn't spent the last hour frantically calling people about the show, I'd have lost my job. Alex: This isn't happiness, Paige. This is a lame temp gig that has you acting like a diva. Paige: Who asked you to judge what is okay for this company or me? I am trying to start a career I actually care about. Alex: You actually care about this artificial crap? Paige you wrap presents and iron dresses like a maid. Sorry if I have principals. Paige: You know what? You were better off as a stripper. It is all great to climb up on your high horse, but at least that girl was working for something. (Paige tries to walk away and Alex stops her.) Paige: Alex, I'm done! (They both walk away angry.) In Mr. Simpson's class Ms. Hatzilakos: (On the TV) Yesterday you went to the polls to decide whether the Degrassi and Lakehurst teams and clubs should be separate or together and the results are in with a resounding vote in favour of unifying clubs and teams. Thank you. Mr. Simpson: Thing of beauty, democracy. And speaking of democratic freedom, feel free to take your seats. Manny: Hey. If it's any consolation, you weren't totally wrong. Some things are better apart, like us. No hard feelings? Damien: Are you kidding? You totally blind sighted me in front of the whole school. Manny: It's not my fault you smart boys are so easily manipulated. Damien: Oh is that what you think? Everyone, Manny's a sexist! (She covers his mouth.) Manny: Joking. Very funny. Damien: So you're sure you don't want to go out on one more date? Manny: Positive. Damien: How about Emma? Is she single? (Manny shakes her head with a smile.) At Paige and Marco's Paige: Then I had to return everything after the show so I blew every cent I made on taxis. Marco: Yeah, but you still have your job though, right? Paige: Andrea gave me a gift bag, so unless that's code for move on sister... Marco: It's code for hottest shades ever. (Alex walks in and sees a duffle bag.) Paige: I think everything's in there. Where are you gonna go? Alex: My mom has a cousin in Ajax. I'll find a job. I've got options. Paige: Look I'm sorry. I thought it would be good for you here. Alex: Yeah, but I was still alone. I lost you to a fantasy world. Paige: This is the right thing to do, but it still hurts. Alex: You make it sound like cough syrup. (Alex leaves and Paige puts on the sunglasses.) Scenes for next week Voiceover: On an all new Degrassi, Jimmy and Ashley chase the spotlight. Ashley: If I'm chasing dreams, you're coming with me. Jimmy: Okay. (Ashley is shown singing and the crowd looks bored.) Johnny: Lame! Voiceover: But one outshines the other and we all know what that means. (Jimmy is shown rapping and everyone is into it.) Ashley: Jimmy all they saw was you! Jimmy: But I helped you pick up the crowd. Ashley: I didn't ask you to. (Jimmy is performing and Ashley watches from backstage.) Ashley: People thought I was Craig's sidekick. I don't want to be Jimmy's. Does that make me a bitch? (Ashley is shown about to delete Jimmy's rap from the computer.)
Love is a Battlefield