Lulu in LA LA Land by Elisabeth Wolf Read Free Book Online

mother said like that, “three weeks.”
    LULU
    That’s when my birthday is! But what day?
    Alexis switches on the kitchen computer and Googles “Academy Awards.”
    ALEXIS
    Well, Lulu, you’re gonna have to get over this one, but the Academy Awards are on February 26.
    Lulu’s green eyes immediately sting.
    LULU
    My birthday Spa-tacular isn’t sounding too good right now.
    ELANA
    What, niña, Lulu? Don’t cry.
    LULU
    (through tears)
    Why does my birthday have to be on the EXACT same day as the Academy Awards?! And my parents, of all the girls in the world’s parents, are in it! I’m massively happy they got nominated, but my deepest birthday wish was to have my family together.
    ALEXIS
    (almost warmth in her voice)
    That’s why I need to make this party so über-fab that they’ll just HAVE to come. Leave it to me, Lu. I’ll work my magic. This is Hollywood, right? Happy endings are us!
    LULU
    (perks up at Alexis’s unexpected kindness)
    Thanks, Lex, but Mom and Dad are gonna be too busy. I’ll be forgotten again.
    ALEXIS
    Don’t feel sorry for yourself. And use a tissue! Your nose is dripping all over the kitchen.
    Alexis stands up from the table then sniffs and freezes.
    ALEXIS
    It smells like raw sewage.
    LULU
    (tears streaming down her cheeks)
    Oh, Watson probably ate too much batter. He’ll be OK.
    ALEXIS
    Too bad about that.
    Both girls look over at Watson, who’s lying on his back, four paws in the air, and tooting wind through his pull-up diaper that inflates with each puff. Lulu cracks a smile.
    ALEXIS
    Now cut the waterworks.
    Alexis pauses just before the kitchen door.
    ALEXIS
    I’m going to my room and don’t want to be bugged. I’ve got serious planning to do.
    Alexis exits. She’s clearly on a mission.
    LULU
    (turning to Elana)
    Momny, you and Sophia are the only ones who understand me. All I wanted was a party with my family and best friend. Now Queen Bee has taken over.
    ELANA
    Niña, your sister is trying to help.
    LULU
    And, most worst of all, my mom and dad won’t come.
    Tears flow down Lulu’s face again.
    ELANA
    Lu, give your sister a chance to help you with the fiesta. Maybe you two find ways to get your parents to come, at least for part of it.
    Lulu wipes tears and snot on her sleeve.
    LULU
    Do you think they’d do that? Come for some of it?
    Lulu ceases crying. Her animated self slowly returns.
    ELANA
    Listen, here’s what I tell you: don’t give up hope so easy! You and Alexis try doing something together.
    LULU
    Me and Queen Bee? Sophia and I are sure she has ten stingers. One under each of her shiny, polished nails.
    ELANA
    That’s not the way to feel about your sister.
    LULU
    But she makes me feel freaky geeky. Like I don’t even belong in this family.
    ELANA
    No, niña, my love. Nobody make you feel anything on the inside except you! You the boss of how you feel.
    Lulu is quiet while she swirls her fingers in the pancake batter.
    LULU
    OK, maybe I’ll go for it. I mean for once, really trust my sister. Maybe believe…
    (sighs)
    â€¦in her.
    ELANA
    She says she wants to make your dream come true.
    LULU
    Well, here’s to Queen Be—
    (stops herself)
    I mean…to Sister Power!
    Lulu sticks two fingers into the pancake batter and licks them clean. She leans over and tightly hugs Elana, who isn’t bothered by Lulu’s batter-and saliva-coated fingers.

    CUT!! See what I mean about my Momny, Elana? She’s like Mary Poppins, if Mary Poppins blew in from Mexico and lived in a place where she didn’t need an umbrella. Back to: ACTION!!

ACT II: BIRTHDAY PARTY UNPLUGGED
SCENE 1: LET’S MAKE A DEAL
    INT. BRIGHT BLUE PRIUS—SATURDAY MORNING OF THE FOLLOWING WEEK
    Elana drives through thick L.A. traffic. Lulu slouches in back. Alexis sits up front.
    ALEXIS
    Elana, why’s there SO much traffic?
    ELANA
    The traffico? Always the same. Never