INT. THRIFT TOWN. DAY. Marion and Lady Bird are looking for a prom dress. Lady Bird is in the dressing room trying things on.
MARION (sadly) I guess you won’t be going to dances in college. This is our last one. (then) You know, Davis has a terrific theatre. If you’re still interested in theatre. Are you?
Lady Bird comes out in a dress, it’s too tight:
LADY BIRD I’m probably no good at acting. (looking at herself) Why don’t I look like the girls in the magazines?
MARION It’s too bad I can’t meet this Kyle before prom.
LADY BIRD He’s not my boyfriend anymore. I mean, maybe he never even was.
MARION I’d still like to meet him.
LADY BIRD (O.S.) (re: the dress) IT’S TOO TIGHT! FUCK.
Lady Bird goes back into the dressing room.
MARION I suggested you not take that second helping of pasta...
LADY BIRD MOM!
MARION (innocent) Honey, you seem upset about it, I’m trying to help you.
LADY BIRD Mom! You’re giving me an eating disorder!
LADY BIRD (CONT’D) (to herself) I wish I could get an eating disorder.
Lady Bird comes out again. The dress kind of fits her. It’s bright pink and frilly. She looks happy:
LADY BIRD (CONT’D) I love it.
Smiles up at her Mom, looking for approval:
MARION (considering) Is it too pink?
Lady Bird silently goes back into the dressing room. Her Mom just crushed something that she liked and was very “her.” Marion picks up that she’s upset:
MARION (CONT’D) What?
LADY BIRD (O.S.) Why can’t you say I look nice?
MARION I thought you didn’t even care what I think.
LADY BIRD (O.S.) I still want you to think I look good.
MARION I’m sorry, I was telling you the truth. Do you want me to lie?
LADY BIRD (O.S.) No, I just wish... I wish that you liked me.
MARION Of course I love you.
Lady Bird comes out. Looks at Marion with the pure question:
LADY BIRD But do you like me?
MARION (faltering) ...I want you to be the very best version of yourself you can be.
LADY BIRD What if this is the best version?