Lennox and Lia - Pilot

INT. AIRPORT - DAY

With a pep in her step, Lennox (12), holds a plane ticket for Irides (made up country) and drags a giant suitcase behind her. KAI and IVY, Lennox’s parents, are walking close behind to see her off. Just before they approach the security gate, she turns to face them.

LENNOX

Well, this is it. Love you tw-

KAI

(interrupts)

Now, remember to have fun!

Ivy gently pushes her forward.

IVY

Yeah Lennox, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to study abroad in Irides.

Lennox halts.

LENNOX

I know, but, I’ll miss you both.

They embrace in a quick hug.

IVY

We’ll miss you too, Len.

KAI

(joking but there’s truth to it)

Sure will. And when we’re finally on our cruise ship, where we can get the relaxation we’ve be craving since the day you were born, we’ll feel a hole in our hearts.

He puts a hand over his heart.

IVY

Oh yes, once we’re off at sea with no responsibilities and a 24/7 hour open hot tub, we will think of you.

KAI

At least once a month.

Kai and Ivy both laugh. Lennox looks back and forth between them with her arms crossed over her chest. A smile creeps on her face regardless.

LENNOX

Uh. Huh. Very funny.

IVY

Now go along dear, shoo shoo.

KAI

Love you and all that stuff.

Her parents blow some kisses. As soon as Lennox gets in line her parents are long gone in a cloud of dust. She looks down to the ticket in her hand and grins.

TITLE CARD: LENNOX AND LIA (THEME SONG PLAYS)

Showing Lennox traveling on her plane ride to Irides.

INT. SUBWAY STATION - DAY

Lennox exhausted from traveling trudges through the subway station with her suitcase. Bumping into people along the way.

LENNOX

Oh gosh sorry! Excuse me.

After finding a secluded corner, she pauses to take a breath. She attempts to smooth out her hair from the humidity but it puffs right back up.

LENNOX

(to herself)

It’s okay, you’ve got this.

She turns the corner to see a dauntingly steep staircase leading up to the platform. She rolls up her sleeves and looks at her giant suitcase and then the staircase with determination.

LENNOX

(to herself)

Okay, you’ve still got this.

A boy around Lennox’s age, JIRO, sees her struggle and runs down to help.

JIRO

(mumbles in language spoken in Irides)

Too tired to think clearly, she only sees a blur.

LENNOX

What?

JIRO

(in English)

You must be Lennox. Here, let me help.

Finally coming into focus. Lennox gets hearts in her eyes when he reaches to grab her suitcase.

LENNOX

Wha... whoa, hi.

(tries to speak in Irides then gives up)

JIRO

I’m not going to steal it I promise.

LENNOX

Y-you can steal it.

Jiro laughs and flashes her a smile.

JIRO

Come on. I’m Jiro by the way.

LENNOX

(under her breath)

What a stud muffin.

They make their way up the stairs. Jiro waves to Lia (12), who’s waiting for them at the top. She’s taller than Lennox with long purple hair that blows majestically in the wind.

JIRO

(to Lia)

Found her!

EXT. SUBWAY PLATFORM - DAY

Jiro and Lennox reach the platform.

LIA

Lennox?

LENNOX

Hi, you must be Lia!

Lennox opens her arms for a hug when Lia reaches her hand out. Jiro stifles a laugh as Lennox tries different ways to hug Lia who eventually changes her hand to a fist bump.

JIRO

Just a hug cuz.

He guides the two of them into an awkward hug.

LENNOX

(tries to speak “Hello” in Irides but gives up)

Thanks for meeting me here.

JIRO

Of course, we’re glad you made it in one piece.

Lia’s face suddenly grows concerned from Lennox’s frazzled appearance.

LIA

Goodness that must of been such a long flight. You look like you’ve been hit by a bus!

Lia slaps her hands over her mouth, trying to take back what she just said. Lennox laughs it off.

LENNOX

Yeah it was and yes I do.

Lia then steps aside so Lennox can see the full city view. Lennox’s mouth gapes open.

LIA

Sorry we weren’t there to pick you up at the airport.

Lennox is in a trance looking at the pastel cityscape.

LENNOX

Don’t sweat it.

LIA

Mom said this would be a good midway point. We avoid the airport like the plague.

(gasps)

You don’t hate me now right? I promise I won’t ever leave you again. I’ll follow you into the bathroom if that’s what you need.

But Lennox doesn’t hear, still distracted by the view.

LENNOX

This is amazing...

She whips a book out showing the same scenery, however the real version is noticeably worse. More fog then the glistening colors in the picture, but Lennox doesn’t care.

LENNOX

Yep, so much better. It’s like actually real!

Lightning strikes.

LENNOX

Ah!

Lia pops in front of her face.

LIA

You’ll get use to that. The random lightening bolts are normal here.

Lennox laughs nervously. Jiro rests his arm on Lia’s head.

JIRO

Isn’t this great Lia, you’ve finally got a reason to leave the house!

Lia brushes his arm off.

LIA

Shush cuz.

Once the next train arrives.

JIRO

This is us!

Jiro takes Lennox’s suitcase.

JIRO

Don’t worry, I’ve got it Lennox.

LENNOX

Thank you. (then to herself) And he’s strong too.

They all cram onto the train.

EXT. LIA'S APARTMENT - DAY

Quick look at Lia’s apartment complex. It’s a pastel purple square structure. Slightly run-down. Plants hang outside on some of the patios. With some lawn flamingos peeking out.

INT. LIA’S APARTMENT - DAY

Lennox lays her eyes on her host family’s apartment, which is fairly minimalistic and tiny. PARIS, Lia’s mother, swiftly approaches in a tuxedo and speaks like a butler.

PARIS

Welcome to your humble abode, Miss Lennox.

Lennox is confused.

LENNOX

Thank you, Ma’am.

LIA

(mumbles annoyance in Irides), I forgot they’re still here.

Several adults crowd around a tiny table in the kitchen, all acting like butlers with napkins draped across their wrists. One of them, MIKE, grabs Lennox’s suitcase from Jiro.

MIKE

Yes, and I shall take your luggage to your living quarters.

Lia face palms.

LENNOX

Fancy.

LIA

They’re actually my mom’s students, she teaches improv.

The students all bow to her.

PARIS

And scene. Hi Lennox, great to meet ya.

LENNOX

Wow, impressive! Great to meet you too. Thank you for letting me stay here.

Lennox makes room to perform an ancient Irides greeting to Paris, complete with interpretive dance. Paris cuts her off with a laugh.

PARIS

No need to greet me so traditionally, no one in Irides has done that in centuries.

LENNOX

Oh. My. god.

Lia steps in to save her.

LIA

How about I show you to our room?

LENNOX

Yes please.

A blushing Lennox follows Lia and Jiro down the hall.

INT. LIA'S APARTMENT, BEDROOM - DAY

Lennox has sparkles in her eyes when she sees the room for the first time. There is a wooden bunkbed that’s bright blue and a pair of desks sitting right beside each other. Nothing special, but Lennox is still very much impressed.

LENNOX

Bunkbeds! Would it be possible for me to take the bottom bunk?

LIA

It’s all yours.

LENNOX

Great, because I get the worst night terrors.

JIRO

(to Lia)

Yikes.

Lia gives Jiro a disapproving look. Lennox happily takes a seat on the bed.

JIRO

Well the day is still young, is there someplace you’re dying to see?

LIA

Jiro, she just got here. Let her rest.

Lennox pops up and gets intensely close to them.

LENNOX

Actually, I’d love to see the largest sewer system in Irides.

Jiro laughs than sees Lennox’s sincere look.

JIRO

Oh you’re serious.

Lia slaps his shoulder. Lennox whips out a book of “World’s Largest Sewer Systems.”

LENNOX

Did you know, it’s the eighth largest in the world?!

JIRO

Well you’re in luck cause Lia here is the best tour guide in Irides. And her specialties include sewers.

But Lennox doesn’t catch the sarcasm.

LENNOX

(to Lia)

You truly look like you know this city like the back of your hand.

LIA

Oh, uhh...

(after looking at Lennox’s excited face)

Y-Yes I do!

Jiro laughs. Lennox runs over to the window to see outside.

LIA

(aside to Jiro)

I have no idea where that is! She is going to loathe me!

JIRO

Loathe, really? It’s fine, look.

He shows Lia his phone.

JIRO

We’ve got GPS on our side.

LIA

Heck yeah! But seriously, she cannot know I seldomly leave this apartment.

JIRO

I got you cuz.

(to Lennox)

Lennox, you ready to get this party started.

Lennox laughs then snorts.

LENNOX

Yes.

EXT. FOUNTAIN BY SCHOOL YARD - DAY

The three of them stand by a rusty fountain shaped as a flamingo. Lia leans over to Jiro.

LIA

(to Jiro)

We sure this is it?

JIRO

(to Lia)

Pretty sure.

LIA

Here it is Lennox!

LENNOX

Oh Lia, you’re hilarious.

Lennox whips out her book.

LENNOX

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you about the secret entrance.

Lia shrinks into herself out of shame. Jiro sneakily tries to search for the answer on his phone.

LENNOX

And there is nothing, I mean nothing about this entrance in any book, not even on the internet!

Jiro puts the phone down.

JIRO

Rats.

LIA

N-not to worry I know exactly- wait what’s that over there?

She points in the opposite direction. Both Lennox and Jiro look as Lia looks around frantically. Jiro catches on, so he continues to show Lennox the sights around them as Lia tries miscellaneous ways to find the entrance. Lennox turns back around to see Lia in extreme distress.

LENNOX

Lia, are you alright?

LIA

Alright, you’ve caught me!

(desperately)

I’m sorry, I have no idea where it is. I don't know this city like the back of my foot.

JIRO

It’s hand.

LENNOX

You have no idea how to get to the sewer? You’re not even passionate about sewers, are you?

Lia’s eyes widen in fear. Lennox laughs

LENNOX

Well that’s okay! I always forget not everyone is as into sewers as I am.

LIA

So, you’re not mad? I really shouldn’t have pretended I knew. I’m sorry. I wanted to make the best impression.

Lia looks down with shame.

LENNOX

Actually, I was the one that blew it when I couldn’t say one thing I’ve practiced in Irides and then I performed that greeting dance in front of your mom... she probably loathes me now.

JIRO

Wow, you’re perfect for each other.

Lia shoves him.

LIA

I can assure you she doesn’t, but if it will help I can teach you all about the updated customs.

LENNOX

Really? That would be wonderful!

Lennox looks at the two of them and puts her hands confidently on her hips.

LENNOX

And it might not be today but I promise one beautiful day we’ll find our way into this sewer.

She’s walks a few steps to the side where sure enough there is a lever and an obnoxious sign that reads “Secret Entrance.”

LENNOX

Oh, here it is.

Jiro and Lia’s mouths drop. Lia smiles, they all run over to pull the lever together. The floor beneath them opens and they fall into a hole screaming.

INT. LIA’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

All of Paris’ students basically trample the soaked, Lennox, Lia, and Jiro, as they leave. Like the animals running out of the boarding house in Hey Arnold.

PARIS

Hey kids!

Paris sees the state they are in.

PARIS

What the heck happened?

Jiro sighs.

JIRO

I’m not ready to talk about it yet.

He heads to his apartment, which is right next to Lia’s.

LIA

(to Jiro)

Wait, don’t leave yet!

PARIS

Naw it’s time for bed girls.

Paris already has her bed set up on the living room couch.

LENNOX

(yawns)

I think the jet lag is finally catching up to me.

PARIS

Exactly. Plus you two need to get into that school sleeping rhythm.

They look to each other in shock.

CUT TO BLACK.

END OF EPISODE