All About Nikki- The Fabulous First Season

  FADE IN:

  INT. DESMOND MANOR LIVING ROOM – AFTERNOON

  Another day at Desmond Manor. Nikki’s father DONALD DESMOND, 45, dressed in casual clothes is sitting on the sofa reading his newspaper when–

  SLAM! NIKKI DESMOND, 16, a spoiled rich sista and her best friend CANDICE COLLINS, 16, rush into the mansion followed by RUMSFELD, 61, Nikki’s polished British servant wearing his driving uniform. Both carry lots and lots of shopping bags. Nikki smiles as her father jumps off the sofa and asks–

  DONALD

  Nikki, what’s all this?

  NIKKI

  Bergdorf’s had a sale, Bloomingdale’s had a sale, Versace had a sale and so did Armani, Ferragamo, Gucci–

  DONALD

  Did you leave something for the other shoppers?

  CANDICE

  We left the hangers.

  NIKKI

  Rumsfeld, could you get the rest of the bags out of the car?

  RUMSFELD

  Yes, Miss Desmond.

  Rumsfeld rushes out to the car for the bags as–

  DONALD

  There’s more?

  NIKKI

  Of course there’s more. They had a sale.

  Nikki and Candice set the bags in their hands down on the sofa. Her father searches through them and is shocked by the price tags.

  DONALD

  Nikki, have you seen these price tags? Where’s the sale? On a boat?

  CANDICE

  You have to pay for quality Mr. Desmond.

  DONALD

  You mean I have to pay for quality Candice.

  NIKKI

  Indirectly.

  Nikki’s father looks in the bags and is miffed by one particular purchase–

  DONALD

  $200 for a blouse– Do you even realize how much you’ve spent?

  NIKKI

  Oh, just a couple of thousand dollars here and there–

  DONALD

  A couple of thousand dollars? What do you think I’m made of? Money?

  Nikki walks over to her Dad and pinches him. Nikki’s Dad doesn’t find it funny.

  NIKKI

  Nope. Just flesh and blood.

  DONALD

  Well, I hope you find this funny. If you buy one more piece of clothing this month I’m taking your credit cards away.

  NIKKI

  My cards? Come on–

  Candice comes to the aid of Nikki–

  CANDICE

  This is child abuse. You should call Child Welfare–

  Nikki’s Dad picks up the phone.

  DONALD

  Get on the phone and call them. 555-6847.

  Both girls back off. Donald puts his foot down.

  DONALD

  You’ve spent enough of my money this month on clothes. You probably won’t even wear most of these–

  NIKKI

  That’s not true. I’m gonna wear most of them. Once.

  DONALD

  Well, until you finish wearing these clothes, you’re not buying no more.

  NIKKI

  But Dad, I’m rich. I can’t be seen in last month’s clothes. I have to make a statement–

  DONALD

  Girl, if I catch you with another shopping bag this month you are grounded.

  Nikki expresses her frustrations in the only way she can.

  NIKKI

  THIS…STINKS!

  The next day

  INT. THE BEVERLY BOTIQUE – AFTERNOON

  A designer boutique shop on Rodeo Drive. Nikki and Candice walk in–

  And VANESSA 32, a hungry saleswoman, smiles as she approaches them.

  VANESSA

  Hi Nikki, what can I do for you?

  NIKKI

  We’re just looking Vanessa.

  VANESSA

  Just let me know if you see anything you like.

  Vanessa heads over to the–

  REGISTER

  Where she and another saleswoman watches Nikki and Candice in anticipation of another big commission.

  SALESWOMAN #2

  Isn’t that the girl who bought the Armani, the Gucci, and the Versace last week?

  VANESSA

  Yep. And thanks to her I own a condo, a Jacuzzi, and a Lexus. I can’t wait to see what she buys today. I got my eye on some Cartier diamonds.

  Vanessa smiles eagerly as–

  BACK ON THE SALES FLOOR

  Nikki and Candice peruse the merchandise. A concerned Candice tells Nikki–

  CANDICE

  Y’know you’re really tempting fate. You know how you are around designer clothes–

  NIKKI

  Hey, it doesn’t hurt to look. I see something I like–

  CANDICE

  And you’ll buy it.

  NIKKI

  Look, I’m not a slave to fashion. I can last till the end of the month–

  CANDICE

  Twenty-seven days away Toby.

  NIKKI

  It’s not that long–

  CANDICE

  I better start making other plans for the next four weekends cause I don’t think we’ll be hanging out for a while–

  NIKKI

  I’m not gonna go into withdrawals–

  CANDICE

  Nope, that’s how long your Dad is gonna ground you for disobeying him. And that’s if he doesn’t finally get the belt to you.

  NIKKI

  Come on–

  CANDICE

  Wanna bet an iced cappucino on it?

  NIKKI

  Bet. I’m not gonna buy anything–

  Nikki speaks too soon. Her eyes glaze over as she sees a–

  KENTE CLOTH STYLED PATCHWORK LEATHER JACKET

  And hurries over to it. Candice warns her–

  CANDICE

  Nikki, think about it–

  NIKKI

  I am. Black pride and high fashion all in one–

  CANDICE

  Look, if you try on the Technicolor Dreamcoat over there you might get to wear an accessory you won’t like–

  NIKKI

  C’mon Candice, this jacket is awesome. It goes with everything–

  CANDICE

  Like your father’s black leather belt–

  Nikki rifles through the jackets–

  NIKKI

  They probably don’t even have my size–

  As Vanessa hurries over. She grabs a jacket off the rack–

  VANESSA

  Size 0. Saved it just for you.

  And hands it to Nikki. Candice tastes the cappuccino.

  CANDICE

  I want extra whipped cream.

  Nikki gives Candice a look.

  NIKKI

  I have something to say to you Candice.

  CANDICE

  What?

  NIKKI

  You stink.

  CANDICE

  But my coffee tastes that much sweeter.

  Vanessa sees diamonds in her future as–

  NIKKI

  Not as sweet as I’m going to look in this.

  Nikki puts on the jacket.

  VANESSA

  My, that looks great.

  NIKKI

  Sure does. There’s so many great outfits this goes with. Versace, Gucci, Armani,–

  CANDICE

  Brooks Brothers. Like the black leather belt your father will chop you on the behind with–

  NIKKI

  (Looking at the price tag)

  It’s not that much–

  CANDICE

  Is it worth 30 days on lockdown with no CD player, no TV, and no credit cards–

  The jacket is getting to Nikki.

  NIKKI

  Look, the billing cycle isn’t over yet. I can still sneak in a charge or two–

  CANDICE

  Now you’re living dangerously. Technicalities don’t work on parents. I know. I’ve been grounded on that five minutes fast on the clock rule too many times.

  NIKKI

  Look, Dad has to see me with another shopping bag in order
to punish me–

  Nikki takes off the jacket and comes to her decision.

  CANDICE

  You got this all planned out in your head.

  NIKKI

  (Pulling out her credit card)

  What Dad doesn’t know won’t hurt me. Charge it Vanessa.

  VANESSA

  Just want you to know. No returns.

  NIKKI

  I definitely won’t be bringing this back.

  Vanessa rings up Nikki’s jacket as–

  INT. SPAGO – AFTERNOON

  Donald entertains business clients MARK and CARL in a booth at a posh Downtown Los Angeles Restaurant. After polishing off their meal, Mark smiles and tells Donald–

  MARK

  Man, that was an amazing meal. You don’t do anything half-way Desmond.

  DONALD

  I always treat my clients to the best.

  CARL

  Steak and Lobster? Man, I don’t think I have any room for my dinner tonight–

  DONALD

  Well, you should see how I treat the guests at the house–

  The waitress walks by with the check. Nikki’s Dad pulls out his platinum card with a proud smile–

  DONALD

  Give yourself a $50 tip.

  WAITRESS

  Thanks Mr. Desmond.

  CARL

  You’re really generous.

  DONALD

  I like to spread the wealth around. Makes people happy.

  MARK

  Oh we’re very happy–

  The waitress walks over with a frown on her face along with the restaurant manager, PHILIPPE 45.

  PHILIPPE

  Mr. Desmond, we need to see you for a moment.

  Nikki’s Dad follows them over into an–

  OFFICE

  A plush business space.

  DONALD

  What can I do for you Philippe?

  PHILIPPE

  As one of our most respected customers we didn’t want to embarrass you in the dining area. There was an issue with your credit card–

  The waitress is a bit more blunt–

  WAITRESS

  Your card was declined.

  Nikki’s Dad goes Black. The bass returns to his voice as he inquires–

  DONALD

  What you mean declined? There was plenty of money on that card–

  The waitress gets an attitude. She rolls her eyes and gets in Donald’s face as–

  WAITRESS

  I mean your card was declined. Just like my tip was declined.

  Donald gets defensive.

  DONALD

  Sista you ain’t got to get an attitude–

  Philippe intervenes.

  PHILIPPE

  Hold on, let me try it again.

  The manager swipes it again on his computer. The waitress frowns at Mr. Desmond.

  PHILIPPE

  Declined.

  A frustrated Donald reaches into his pocket for his cell phone after he hands the waitress another credit card–

  DONaLD

  Hold on. I’ma call the credit card company. Try that gold card. That one should be good.

  The waitress swipes the card as Donald gets on the phone with the credit card people–

  DONALD

  Yes, I’d like to know why my card was declined–

  Donald is shocked to find out–

  DONALD

  I’M OVER THE LIMIT? HOW AM I OVER THE LIMIT?

  The waitress smiles and becomes friendly as the gold card is–

  WAITRESS

  Accepted. Sign here.

  Donald signs as he loses it with the Rep on the phone–

  DONALD

  TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS! WHERE I SPEND TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS AT!

  Philippe gets worried as patrons look over at Donald’s tirade.

  PHILLIPE

  Mr. Desmond, you’re disturbing the other patrons–

  Donald lowers his voice.

  DONALD

  I’m sorry. Two thousand dollars at the Beverly Boutique an hour ago! No, that’s okay. Thank you.

  A seething Donald hangs up the phone as the concerned Manager inquires–

  PHILIPPE

  Mr. Desmond are you all right?

  Donald calms down. He pastes on a smile–

  DONALD

  I’m fine Philippe. Thank you for letting me know about this.

  Donald storms back out to the–

  DINING AREA

  To take care of his guests.

  DONALD

  Guys, you’re going to have to excuse me.

  MARK

  Something come up?

  DONALD

  Unfortunately. My daughter has gotten into some trouble. Big trouble.

  Donald snatches off his belt. As he storms out of the dining room he goes ghetto–

  DONALD

  Little heifer gonna go around spending my money after I told her not to! You wait till I get home! I’ma tear her behind up!

  DISSOLVE TO:

  INT. DESMOND MANOR KITCHEN – EVENING

  Nikki and Candice sip iced coffees as they sneak through the back door and up the stairs with a shopping bag. They’re about to get away when–

  The family maid ROSA 36, catches them. She knows something is up.

  ROSA

  Afternoon muchachas.

  NIKKI

  Hey Rosa, Que Pasa?

  ROSA

  What’s in the bag?

  NIKKI

  Oh, just old gym clothes–

  ROSA

  Give them to me. I’ll wash them for you–

  As Rosa reaches for the bag–

  Candice stops sipping her coffee and quickly takes the bag from Nikki.

  CANDICE

  Er– no, these are mine. I need to use a special soap to wash them. Allergies.

  ROSA

  Okay.

  Rosa returns to preparing dinner as the girls head up to–

  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. Candice locks the door as–

  Nikki takes the jacket out of the bag and slips it on. She gets a good look at herself in the full-length mirror on the closet door.

  CANDICE

  Man, that jacket looks so hot.

  NIKKI

  I can’t wait to wear it to school–

  CANDICE

  How are you gonna get it out of the house? You know you can’t let your father see it–

  NIKKI

  I have ways. And for this little number I’d create ways.

  Nikki poses in front of the mirror as–

  IN THE LIVING ROOM

  BAM! Donald storms into the living room. Rumsfeld catches the cold look on his face and the belt in his hand and inquires–

  RUMSFELD

  Is there something wrong with your trousers sir?

  Donald

  No, but there’s going to be something wrong with Nikki’s behind in a minute.

  Rumsfeld is startled by the bass in Donald’s voice. Irate, he rants about Nikki’s behavior–

  DONALD

  Do you know what that little heifer did? I told her not to buy any more clothes and she deliberately disobeys me–

  RUMSFELD

  I take it you won’t be grounding her this time sir–

  DONALD

  Oh no. Not after what she did. I’m out with clients at Spago and I find out my card is maxed out thanks to another one of her shopping sprees. I’ma max her behind out with this belt. Where is she?

  Before Rumsfeld can answer–

  Rosa comes out of the kitchen with a smile on her face. She looks up and silently says Thank God.

  ROSA

  The little muchacha is upstairs. She came home a few minutes ago through the back door with a brand new shopping bag.

  DONALD

  Thanks Rosa.

  Rumsfeld ta
kes the belt from Mr. Desmond–

  RUMSFELD

  One moment sir–

  DONALD

  Rumsfeld, don’t try to stop me–

  RUMSFELD

  Heavens, no sir. But this is Brooks Brothers Italian leather. You don’t want to ruin it chopping up behinds.

  Rumsfeld walks over to the–

  FOYER CLOSET

  And pulls out an old wide black buck leather belt to give Donald.

  RUMSFELD

  Now this old strap on the other hand will leave a mark a dishrag won’t wipe off.

  DONALD

  Thanks Rumsfeld.

  Donald storms up the stairs while–

  BACK IN NIKKI’S BEDROOM

  Nikki continues to enjoy her leather jacket. Until–

  BAM! BAM! BAM! Donald pounds on the door. Nikki scrambles as–

  DONALD

  NICOLE OPEN THIS DOOR!

  She flings open the closet and whispers–

  NIKKI

  Quick! Help me hide the jacket–

  CANDICE

  He’s gonna find it in there!

  Nikki buys some time as she eyes–

  Her bathrobe lying on the bed. She kicks off her heels, slips on her robe and calls out to her dad–

  NIKKI

  Just a minute, I’m not dressed–

  DONALD

  GIRL DO NOT PLAY WITH ME! OPEN THIS DOOR RIGHT NOW!

  Hearing the bass in Donald’s voice Candice goes Black–

  CANDICE

  Girl you better open that door! That man got bass in his voice!

  Nikki buttons her robe at the top, hurries over to the door and opens it to see–

  Her seething father. He taps the belt in his hand as he rushes into the room. Candice cringes–

  Donald

  Nicole, how did two thousand dollars get charged to my card today?

  Nikki plays dumb while rifling through her purse–

  NIKKI

  I don’t know. You know, I think somebody took my card–

  CANDICE

  Is it in your wallet?

  NIKKI

  I don’t think it’s in here–

  DONALD

  And the same person who took your card shopped at the same store you went to yesterday. Girl, do you think I’m stupid?

  CANDICE

  You know she could have been a victim of identity theft. The crooks could have shopped at the same store so it wouldn’t look–

  Donald cuts a cold glare at Candice and tells her–

  DONALD

  Go home Candice.

  Before Candice hurries out of the bedroom she tells Nikki–

  CANDICE

  I’ma pray for you.

  Candice scurries out of the bedroom. Donald slams the door behind her. The tension in the room builds as he rifles through the closet–

  NIKKI

  I don’t know what you’re looking for, there’s nothing in there–

  Donald

  Where is it? What did you buy at the Beverly Boutique?

  NIKKI

  Nothing–

  Donald searches under the bed–

  Donald

  I know it’s in here somewhere. What was it? A dress? A suit?–

  NIKKI

  There’s nothing under there but dust bunnies–

  A frustrated Donald gets in his daughter’s face.

  Donald

  Do not lie to me Nicole. I know you went to The Beverly Boutique today. Now what did you buy?

  Nikki cracks under the pressure.

  NIKKI

  Nothing. We just looked around–

  Nikki’s Dad notices something odd about her bathrobe–

  Donald

  If you were just looking around– Why is your robe buttoned up at the top?

  NIKKI

  I told you I wasn’t dressed–

  donald

  You never wear it like that even when it’s cold–

  NIKKI

  Er– well you know how modest I am. I didn’t want you seeing all my naked body and stuff–

  Donald notices the sleeve of the leather jacket sticking out from under the robe and–

  Tugs on it. Nikki is busted.

  Donald

  Naked huh– What is this?

  NIKKI

  I–I got a skin condition–

  The jig is up. Donald gestures–

  Donald

  The robe Nicole.

  NIKKI

  Dad, I don’t have on any clothes on under here–

  Donald insists–

  DONALD

  The robe Nicole. Now.

  A nervous Nikki reluctantly takes off the robe to reveal–

  The Kente cloth styled patchwork leather jacket. She cringes in anticipation of the belt. Instead Donald calms down–

  And takes a seat on the bed. He gestures and–

  DONALD

  Have a seat Nicole.

  A timid Nikki cringes as she sits on the bed next to her father.

  NIKKI

  Dad, I’m sorry–

  DONALD

  I know. Just tell me why you bought it.

  NIKKI

  Well, look at it. It’s a leather Kente cloth styled jacket. Black pride and high fashion. It was calling to me–

  DONALD

  But you knew I was going to punish you if you bought it.

  NIKKI

  Yeah, but I thought Black pride would supersede parental authority–

  DONALD

  But you still knew I was going to punish you. Why did you buy it?

  NIKKI

  You know I got this spirit inside me. When I see clothes it just takes over–

  DONALD

  You’re not funny Nicole.

  NIKKI

  Well, I thought I could get away with it. I almost did.

  Nikki’s Dad is ready to lay down the law.

  DONALD

  I’ll take the jacket. And your credit cards.

  Nikki reluctantly unzips the jacket and hands it to her father. She then reaches into her purse and takes out her credit cards. As he snatches them away Nikki explains–

  NIKKI

  Y’know you can’t return that jacket. There’s no returns at the Beverly Boutique–

  DONALD

  That’s okay. You’ll be paying me back with monthly installments deducted from your allowance.

  Nikki pastes on a smile.

  NIKKI

  Great. So in addition to that, I’m grounded for a month and you’re really really really disappointed in me? So I guess we’re cool–

  Nikki jumps of the bed. Her father grabs her by the shoulder and–

  DONALD

  Oh, that’s just the start of your punishment.

  Gestures to raise the belt in his hand–

  NIKKI

  OH NO!

  Then throws the belt on the bed and smiles.

  DONALD

  No, that’s too easy a punishment for you. We gonna go shopping.

  A scared Nikki cringes as the–

  NEXT DAY

  EXT. BEVERLY HILLS HIGH PARKING LOT – MORNING

  SPUTTER! COUGH! SPUT! A rusty 1976 Mercury Cougar XR-7 coughs and wheezes as it struggles to make its way onto the High school parking lot. Nikki’s Dad with pieces of lint in his hair and wearing old 70’s clothes smiles at the kids who stare at his car. Nikki clutches her black trench coat tightly around her as her father announces–

  DONALD

  HARD TIMES! WE ON HARD TIMES! LIL’ GIRL DONE BROKE ME WITH ALL HER SHOPPING!

  An embarrassed Nikki glares at her Dad and asks him–

  NIKKI

  Come on Dad, why’d you have to drive me to school in this hoopty?

  DONALD

  Because I know about the spare outfits you keep stashed in the trunk of your car.

  NIKKI

  Couldn’t we park this hoopty in the back? People are gonna see me–

  DONALD

  Isn’t that wha
t you want? People to see you? To make a statement? Well now, we’re making a statement.

  NIKKI

  That we’re poor?

  DONALD

  That this will be your future if you keep maxing out my credit cards. Do you want to roll like this every day?

  Nikki huffs a sigh as kids look in the car then point and laugh. She politely asks her father–

  NIKKI

  Could you please just beat me?

  Nikki’s Dad smiles at her.

  DONALD

  No. That wouldn’t be any fun. You wanted to go high fashion at school, now you’re wearing high fashion at school. We gonna make a statement today.

  Nikki is embarrassed as she opens up her coat to partially reveal–

  Poorly made knock-off clothes with threads hanging, and bad colors.

  NIKKI

  But Dad, this stuff is bootleg!

  Nikki’s Dad goes black on her.

  DONALD

  Girl, I done told you these ain’t no bootlegs. These is high quality irregulars. Crenshaw Swap Meet don’t sell no junk.

  NIKKI

  (Rasing her backpack up.)

  High Quality? Instead of G’s This Gucci bag got P’s on it! And the patterns and the colors on this fake Gucci bucket hat don’t even line up right–

  As Nikki’s Dad sees a crowd forming–

  DONALD

  Come on now, that’s just the accessories. Get on out the car and take that coat off. I want to see the whole outfit.

  A reluctant Nikki stuffs the too small bucket hat on her head and slips off her trench coat. Laughter erupts as–

  Nikki steps out of the car in a mismatched patterned Versace knock-off silk paisley blouse with one sleeve shorter than the other, a skirt that is long on one side and short on the other, and off-color heels that are warped. Her Dad smiles proudly before telling her–

  DONALD

  It looks good on you. Now go on to school.

  NIKKI

  Dad don’t do this to me–

  Nikki’s Dad has no time to listen to pleas as–

  SCREEECH! The Cougar XR-7 burns rubber getting out of the parking lot leaving Nikki stranded–

  To hear the laughter and ridicule of her peers. Nikki rushes over to Candice–

  NIKKI

  Candice, you have to help me–

  Who acts like she doesn’t know her.

  CANDICE

  Girl, get off me. I do not know you–

  NIKKI

  Come on, don’t do this to me–

  Candice looks Nikki up and down before telling her–

  CANDICE

  I told you I’d pray for you. And from the looks of things…That prayer was not answered.

  NIKKI

  Come on Candice, help me out–

  CANDICE

  Okay I’ma help you. Just stand right there.

  Nikki lets out a sigh of relief as–

  NIKKI

  Thank goodness.

  Candice pulls a camera out of her backpack. Nikki is shocked–

  NIKKI

  Oh my God– I thought you were gonna help me!

  CANDICE

  I am helping you. The embarrassing photos I’m going to take and print in the school paper are gonna help build your character.

  NIKKI

  Candice–

  Nikki’s plea falls on deaf ears as–

  FLASH! Candice gets a picture of an embarrassed Nikki on the–

  FAde Out:

  The End

  ALL ABOUT NIKKI

  EPISODE 1.07

  “ALL ABOUT LOVE”