(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Rawley Academy.
Music:
The
Middle by Jimmy Eat World
(cut
to): Hamilton and Dexter’s room. Jake,
Ham and Dex sit around a bed playing a game of cards.
(cut
to): the door as Will walks by. He
stops and looks in, smiling to himself.
Will: What’s the game of the day,
boys? Go Fish or Gin Rummy?
(cut
to): Jake, Ham and Dex as they look up.
Hamilton: Poker.
Will
walks in and pulls a chair up to the bed.
Will: Just poker?
Will
smirks. They all look at each other.
Dexter: Yeah, you want to play?
Will: Playing for money?
Jake: No money…just pride,
Krudski.
Will: In that case, deal me in.
(cut
to): an establishing shot of the girls’ dorm.
(cut
to): Jill in her room sitting on her bed.
Will
(voice over): Just deal with it.
Jill
takes a deep breath.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: It’s not always the easiest thing to do.
Jill: Scout, I think we’re at
the point now where we’re friends and we can talk about what’s going on in our
lives and…so that’s why I wanted to tell you that I have a date with this
guy. His name is Matt Edwards, maybe
you know him. He’s seems really nice
and he’s cute and…you probably don’t want to hear that….God…
The
camera pans over to…Gwen sitting in a chair across from the bed.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: People deal in different ways.
Gwen: And then Scout starts
crying…
Jill
gets up.
Jill: That’s it…I can’t deal
with this…I’m not telling him.
Gwen: He needs to hear it
Jill…but, maybe phrased slightly differently.
Jill: Why do I need to tell him
again?
Gwen: God, because you two need
closure.
Jill: This coming from a girl
who kissed a guy two weeks ago…and never told him how much she absolutely loved
it.
Gwen
sighs.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Some people prefer not to deal.
(cut
to): the card game in Hamilton’s room.
Will throws his cards down.
Jake: What’s the matter,
Will? Would you prefer a game of Go
Fish?
Hamilton
and Dexter laugh.
Will: Okay, your point’s been
made. I’ve got to go.
Will
stands up.
Hamilton: Are you talking to her
today?
Jake: Talking to who?
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: And, I guess I’m one of those people.
Will
looks at him warningly.
Will: Lay off, Ham.
Hamilton: I’m just saying…you need
to deal with the situation.
Jake: What situation?
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: The way you handle the events in your life probably says a lot about
you.
Will: The ball’s in her court.
Jake: What ball?
Hamilton: Jake, please. Will, you’re going about things all wrong.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: For example, right now…I’m scared as hell.
Will: Thanks for the input.
Will
turns around and walks out. Hamilton
shakes his head.
Jake: What was that?
Hamilton: Wouldn’t you like to know?
He
smirks.
Jake: So, you’ll tell me later.
Hamilton: Uh huh.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: If I were a cynic, I’d take comfort in the fact that everyone has
difficult situations with which they need to deal.
Dexter
laughs and they both look over at him.
Dexter: You guys are like a
married couple sometimes.
Hamilton: What?
Jake: No, we’re not.
They
look at each other uncomfortably then look back at Dexter with a forced
laugh. Dexter picks up the deck of
cards and shuffles them.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Fortunately, I’m not that cynical.
I want us all to figure out our conflicts.
Dexter: Okay…so…do we have to keep
playing poker or can we go back to rummy?
Jake
and Ham give each other one more look as Dexter deals the cards.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: I hope we can all manage to…deal.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to the garage.
Music: On Your Side by Pete Yorn
(cut
to): the office. Bella and Hamilton are
there. Hamilton’s in his coveralls to
indicate he’s on the job. However, he’s
sitting on the desk tuning his guitar.
Bella is leaning against the desk watching him. Charlie walks in and clears his throat. They look up.
Charlie: I own this garage and have
two employees on duty yet I had to stop working on Mr. Taylor’s truck to pump
some gas for Mrs. Kerr. Someone want to
explain that to me?
Bella
and Hamilton look at each other.
Hamilton stands up.
Hamilton: I’m sorry.
Charlie: Did I ask for an apology
or an explanation?
Hamilton
looks scared for a second, but Bella smiles.
Bella: Hamilton heard about this
song-writing contest on the radio and…
Hamilton: …we’ve been writing this
song…
Bella: …and he thinks if he keeps
talking about it, I’ll give in.
Hamilton: Bella…the song is good.
Bella: Hamilton…we’re not
recording it and sending it to a radio station.
Hamilton: Why not?
Bella: I never wrote it with the
intention of sharing it with copious amounts of people.
Hamilton: Monitor and adjust, Bella.
Charlie: You know…I’m just going to
head back outside in case anyone else needs some gas.
Charlie
smiles and winks at Bella then heads outside.
Hamilton cont’d: Come
on…let’s do it.
Bella: No.
Hamilton: Yes.
Bella: No.
Hamilton
turns back to tuning the guitar. He
finishes then starts playing a riff.
Bella looks off. Hamilton looks
over at her as he continues to play.
She looks back at him.
Bella cont’d: Okay, maybe.
Hamilton
smiles and continues playing.
(cut
to): the newspaper room. There are
several staff members in the room including Gwen, Dexter and Will. Gwen is working alone at a computer as Will,
Dexter and another staff member sit at the table and check out a layout
board. Will hands it to Dexter and he
nods and heads over to a computer with the other staff member. Will looks over at Gwen.
(cut
to): the door as Finn walks in.
Finn: How’s it going guys?
Will
pulls his look from Gwen over to the door.
Everyone looks up from their work to nod or say “great” or
whatever. Finn walks in and sits down
at the table next to Will as everyone goes back to their work.
Finn: Will, I thought I might
review your editorial. Is it ready?
Will: Um, yes and no. It’s done…
Will
hands him a piece of paper. Finn takes
it, but looks like he doesn’t really feel up to reading it.
Will cont’d: …but, I know
it needs work.
Finn
nods. It’s pretty clear that something
is up with Finn.
Will: Everything cool?
Finn
nods and glances around the room.
Will cont’d: Did our
budget get cut or something?
Finn
looks over and smiles.
Finn: No.
A
beat as Finn picks up another layout board from the table.
Finn cont’d: Dexter
really has a knack for this layout stuff.
Will: You’re sure you’re okay?
Finn
looks over at him again and sets the layout board down.
Finn: Please tell me I look cool
and collected and not like…
Will: …a nervous wreck?
Finn
closes his eyes a second then looks back at Will.
Finn: Are you doing something
important right now?
Will: Oh…no…I mean there’s a few
things I need to deal with, but…let’s just say I’m not in any rush.
Finn: I know what you mean. Let’s step outside for a second.
(cut
to): the hall.
Finn: Okay, if at any time you
get that creepy why-is-my-teacher-talking-to-me-about-this vibe…tell me to
stop.
Will
laughs.
Will: What’s up with you, Finn?
Finn: My colleagues are old and
my friends don’t live here anymore.
Will
doesn’t get it.
Finn cont’d: I’m just
trying to convince myself that you’re a perfectly logical person for me to be
talking to about this.
Will: Okay, now you’re freaking
me out.
Finn: Johanna is…Johanna and I
are…
He
hesitates.
Will: …getting married?
Finn: No, can’t anyone think
outside the box?
Will: …joining a cult in South
Carolina that worships Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell?
Finn
laughs.
Finn: We’re having a baby…but
you were close.
Music: In Circles by Sunny Day
Real Estate
(dissolve
to): the newspaper room. Will and Gwen
sit across from each other at the table.
Everyone else is gone.
Gwen: So, what’d you say?
Will: What could I say? I said, “congratulations.”
Gwen
laughs.
Will cont’d: They’re
officially telling people now. I was
the first person he officially told.
Gwen: Uh…huh.
Will: I know what you’re
thinking, but he’s actually a cool guy.
He’s just like nervous and under a lot of pressure all of a sudden.
A
beat.
Will cont’d: So…we
haven’t done this in awhile.
Gwen: What? Talked?
Will
smiles.
Will: Yeah.
Gwen: Yeah…
(cut
to): the door as Jill rushes in.
Jill: You have to help me.
Gwen: What’s wrong?
Jill: You have to come tonight.
Gwen: On your date?
Will: You have a date? With who?
Jill
gives Gwen a dirty look then looks over at Will.
Jill: Oh wow…you guys are
talking.
Will: We were. Anyway, what’s the crisis?
Jill: I don’t think I’m ready
for this whole…date thing.
Gwen: This realization is coming
a little late, Jill.
Jill: I know…that’s why you have
to come.
Gwen
looks hesitant; she’s searching for the right way to say no. Jill looks at
Will.
Jill cont’d: Oh, new
plan. Double date. You come too.
Will: What? No way.
Jill: So, you’re saying no to a
date with Gwen…
Will: What? That is not what I said.
Jill: So you’ll go?
Gwen: No, he won’t. Face your fears or cancel, Jill.
Jill: Okay…so, see you two at
7-ish.
They
look at each other like “huh?” but don’t have time to ask Jill as she exits.
Will: What just happened here?
Gwen: I’ll take care of it.
Gwen
stands up.
Will: Could I maybe ask you…not
to?
Gwen
looks at him, considering the offer.
(cut
to): the hall in the dorms. Dexter and
the other guy, who was working on the layout with him, walk together. He’s a freshman too. It’s important to note that the guy’s tone
is less antagonistic and more…curious.
Guy: So, must be pretty weird
living with Hamilton, huh?
Dexter
shrugs.
Dexter: He’s not a narc or
anything.
Guy: Well, duh.
Dexter
looks at him, confused.
Guy cont’d: I heard this
rumor that…he’s gay.
Dexter
laughs.
Dexter: He definitely has a
girlfriend.
Guy: So you’ve seen them like
making out and stuff?
Dexter: Well, no…not exactly.
Guy: Have you even met her?
Dexter: Yeah.
The
guy nods as Dexter thinks a moment.
Dexter
cont’d:
Although…now that you mention it, I’ve never seen them together.
The
guy laughs as the two of them reach the stairs.
Guy: It’s called a cover story,
bro.
Dexter
looks confused as the guy pats him on the back and walks off.
Dexter: Hey, don’t spread that
rumor around, okay?
The
guy pauses and turns around. He looks
down then back up at Dexter.
Guy: I wouldn’t do that,
man. I’ll see you in chemistry.
He
walks off. Dexter looks up the stairs.
(cut
to): Hamilton and Dexter’s room. Jake
is sitting on Hamilton’s bed reading.
The camera pans around to the other side to reveal Hamilton looking
under his bed.
Jake: What are you looking for
anyway?
Hamilton: Just, like, this guitar
pick.
Hamilton
raises himself up to a kneeling position.
Hamilton cont’d: It’s the one
I used at the pageant.
Jake: Oh, I didn’t know you
believed in good luck.
Hamilton
smiles at her and places his hand on her leg.
Hamilton: You’re kidding, right?
She
smiles and looks back down at her book.
The door opens. This makes
Hamilton pull his hand quickly back from Jake’s leg.
(cut
to): the door as Dexter walks in. He
looks at them suspiciously for a second.
He saw it and they know it. He
forces a smile, pretends he didn’t see anything and walks over to his desk.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton as he passes them.
They give each other a look then look over at Dexter.
(cut
to): Dexter at his desk.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton. They
shrug. Jake goes back to reading and
Hamilton goes back to looking under his desk.
(cut
to): Dexter as he looks over at them, wondering.
(fade
out)
Music:
Allright by
Osker
(fade
in): to Jill and Gwen’s room. Jill’s
frantically getting ready. Gwen’s
dressed and sits at her desk working on homework.
Jill: Oh my God, where are my
shoes? You know, the Steve Madden ones?
Gwen: Those ugly ones that look
like the bastard child of bowling shoes and orthopedic shoes?
Jill: Yeah.
Gwen: With the brown laces?
Jill: Yes, do you know where
they are?
Gwen: On your feet…
Jill
looks down as Gwen goes back to her work.
Gwen cont’d: Why are you
so freaked out, anyway?
Jill: I haven’t been out on a
date in like over a year.
Gwen: Well, neither have I.
Jill: You got plenty of action
two weeks ago.
Gwen: You know how we agreed to
never talk about any of that again?
Jill: Yeah.
Gwen: You’re not doing a very
good job.
Jill
rolls her eyes. A beat.
Jill: Anyway, I’m glad you’re
coming.
Gwen: Why couldn’t you just get
Jake and Hamilton to go?
Jill: Hello, because all the guys
at Rawley aren’t as dumb as Dexter.
Matt knows Jake.
Jill
looks in the mirror pulling her hair back then letting it fall.
Jill cont’d: Besides,
Hamilton apparently has plans with Bella tonight.
Gwen
looks up again.
Jill cont’d: He’s
recording some song they’ve been working on.
Don’t worry, though, he insisted Jake be there when they do the final
take.
Gwen: That is a bizarre
relationship.
Jill
looks at Gwen.
Jill (sarcastic):
Yeah…it’s totally the only one around here too.
Gwen
sighs.
Music: Makes No Difference by Sum
41
(cut
to): Will and Scout’s room. Scout is
sitting on the floor with several books spread out in front of him. Will is looking in the mirror. He’s wearing Khakis and a decent
long-sleeved shirt.
Will: Do I look okay?
Scout
doesn’t look up.
Scout: I’d answer that…if we were
girls.
Will
laughs.
Will: Fine, I’ll go ask Jake.
Scout: Wait.
Scout
looks up.
Scout cont’d: That’s much
better than the sweater.
Will: Cool, thanks.
Scout: So, are you psyched? Date with the girl of your dreams?
Will
looks down, blushing slightly.
Will: It’d be better if it were
just the two of us.
Will
regrets it as soon as the words leave his mouth.
Scout: Who else is going?
Will: Um…no one.
Will
turns back to the mirror.
Scout: You’re a terrible liar.
Will
continues to ignore him.
Scout cont’d: Come on,
Will. Why is it a secret who else is
going with…
Will
looks at Scout. Scout gets it.
Scout cont’d: So, this is
like a double date?
Will: I’d answer that…if we were
in the fifties.
Scout
is deflated and Will knows it. Scout
looks back at his book. Will sits down
on Scout’s bed.
Will cont’d: Look, Jill
has a date and I wasn’t supposed to tell you, okay?
Scout: Why would I care?
Will
looks at him sympathetically. A beat.
Scout cont’d: And…I can’t
believe she asked you not to tell me.
Will: She didn’t. Gwen did.
She said Jill was freaking out over how to tell you.
Scout
shakes his head, annoyed with the whole thing.
Will cont’d: And
then…today I think she was just freaking out over having to go through with it
because she said she wasn’t ready.
Scout
looks up.
Will cont’d: That’s why
she wanted Gwen and I to come. But if
you’re not cool with me being there when she’s—
Scout: It’s okay…it’s not a big
deal to me.
Will
narrows his eyes, but shrugs. He gets
up to look in the mirror again.
Will: Okay.
Scout (casual): So, where
are you going?
Will: Just this place over in
Carson.
Scout: The only place in
Carson?
Will
laughs then turns to Scout one more time.
Will: Seriously, I look good,
right?
Scout: I have no idea, but…yeah,
you look good.
Will
smiles and exits.
(cut
to): Scout who doesn’t look too happy about the situation.
(cut
to): Finn’s apartment. He and Johanna
sit on the couch watching a movie…Shakespeare in Love. The sound of the movie takes over the music
from the previous scene. There are
Chinese food cartons spread out on the coffee table in front of them. Johanna has her feet up on the table and is
using a fork to eat rice out of a carton.
Finn is holding a carton of lo mein in one hand and a pair of chopsticks
in the other. He’s twirling the noodles
around, but not eating any. Johanna is
engrossed in the movie. Something in the movie makes her smile and she looks
over to Finn to share the reaction. He,
on the other hand, is engrossed in the noodles.
Johanna: I’m really glad you
suggested this movie.
Finn
looks up.
Finn: What?
Johanna
laughs.
Johanna: What’s the matter?
Finn: Not a thing.
He
smiles and sets his food down on the table then leans over to her kissing her
cheek then her neck. She’s still
concentrating on the movie so he gives up and leans back against the couch,
staring at the screen.
Johanna: Finn…
Finn: Shh…I’m trying to watch
the movie.
She
looks at him with suspicion. He stares
ahead.
Johanna: What’d they just say?
Finn: Huh?
He
looks back at her.
Johanna: Anyone on the
screen.
Finn
pretends he doesn’t know what she means.
He looks around.
Finn: You know…I’m going to go
for a walk.
Johanna: It’s freezing.
Finn
stands up.
Finn: You’ll be okay here?
Johanna
looks around.
Johanna: I…yes.
Finn
gets up and walks out the door.
Music:
What
I Wouldn’t Do by Old 97’s
(cut
to): Dexter’s room. He and Jake are
hanging out. Dexter’s being weird.
Jake: So what are you doing
tonight?
Dexter: Um…I’m not really sure.
Jake: Are you okay, dude?
Dexter: Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?
Jake: You’ve been acting weird
today.
Dexter: I’ve been acting
weird?
He
laughs. Jake looks at him
suspiciously. She wants to continue
this line of questioning.
Unfortunately, Scout walks in.
Scout: Hey guys.
Scout
sits down on Hamilton’s bed and looks at them, trying to play it cool.
Jake: I take it you found out.
Scout
looks at her innocently.
Scout: Found out? Found out what, Jake?
Jake
looks at him. He’s a bad liar.
Jake: Dexter, can you give us a
minute alone?
Dexter
goes. He’d rather go than be forced to
talk to Jake about what’s wrong.
Jake: What do you want from
me? The name of the restaurant?
Scout
shakes his head.
Jake: Name of the guy?
Scout
shakes his head.
Jake: Shoulder to cry on?
Scout
laughs.
Scout: You’re the only girl I
know…I want a date.
Jake
laughs.
Jake: Dream on.
Scout: Please?
Jake: I’m not going with you to
spy on Jill…and I’m certainly not dressing up as a girl to go on a date with you.
Scout: Okay, ouch.
Jake
laughs.
Jake: Nothing personal…well, actually…
Scout: Yeah…I get it.
New Plan: we’ll take Dexter too and you can go as…this.
He
gestures to her outfit.
Jake: I have plans tonight,
Scout. I have to be at Bella’s at nine.
Scout: What’s at Bella’s?
Jake: Oh, that’s where Jill’s
going to sleep with Matt.
Scout
starts to freak.
Jake cont’d: Bella and
Hamilton are laying down that song they’ve been working on forever.
Scout: Like recording it?
Jake
is completely annoyed with Scout.
Jake: Yes. For some radio contest. So, you see, I’ve got plans.
Scout: We’ll be done by
nine. I swear.
Jake: If you want to be creepy,
you can do it by yourself.
Scout: I need backup.
Jake: You’re unbelievable.
Scout
gets serious.
Scout: Jake, I need to see
it. I need something definitive. I need to know it’s over.
Jake: It’s been over,
Scout.
Scout
looks down, considering this. Jake
feels sorry for him.
Jake: Fine.
Scout
looks up.
Scout: As in…you’ll go.
She
nods.
Jake: But, if you ever
tell Jill I participated in this…you’ll loose your identity faster than Sandra
Bullock can say “It’s like I’m not even me anymore.”
Scout: What?
Jake: Didn’t you see The Net?
Of
course he has. He’s got that thing for
Sandra Bullock, remember?
Scout: You could do that?
Of
course she couldn’t. She smiles like
she could.
Scout cont’d: Okay,
okay…it’s a deal: I won’t mention it to Jill.
Jake: Good. Now, I’ve got to go as Jacqueline
so…distract Dexter for like 30 minutes then stop by the girls’ dorm and pick me
up. Tell him that Jake went to help
Hamilton in town.
Scout: Ten four.
Jake
stands up and takes out her backpack.
She puts some stuff in it.
Scout: Jake?
Jake
pauses and looks over.
Scout cont’d: Thanks.
Jake
nods. She goes back to packing the bag
and Scout heads to the door.
Scout cont’d: Oh, do you
have any surveillance equipment?
Jake: Get out, now.
He
goes.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to the garage.
Music: In the Garage by Weezer
(cut
to): inside the actual garage part of the garage. There are no cars there right now.. Hamilton is using a staple gun to put up egg crate Styrofoam on
the wall (for good acoustic purposes).
There is recording equipment and Hamilton’s guitar on a table. Bella walks in and looks around.
Bella: This is so weird.
Hamilton: No it’s not. What is?
Bella
laughs.
Bella: That you and I are
recording a song to send in to a radio station.
Hamilton: It could be worse. We could have Will on the drums and Scout on
the keyboard. You know, start our own
band Saved by the Bell style.
Bella
laughs.
Bella: Like suddenly everyone has
these skills that we didn’t know about before?
Hamilton: Uh-huh.
A
beat.
Bella: I think this was a good
idea. I feel like maybe I’m actually
ready to say what’s in the song.
Hamilton: I think you’ve been ready
to say it for awhile.
Bella: Well, it’s not like anyone
will be here to hear it anyway.
Hamilton: Oh…which reminds me…I
asked Jake to come. You know, to…run
the equipment.
Bella
smiles.
Bella: You’re such a chicken…are
you telling me you have stage fright…even without the stage?
Hamilton
goes back to the Styrofoam.
Hamilton: If I had stage fright…why
would I invite someone?
Bella: Because you love her and
she makes you feel safe.
Hamilton
looks back at Bella who is already smiling.
Hamilton: You’re making me sound
pathetic.
Bella: Well, you are, but…that’s
why we all like you so much.
Hamilton
looks slightly insulted, but then smiles and goes back to the wall.
(cut
to): a shot of Hamilton’s house.
Music: Something’s Always Wrong by
Toad the Wet Sprocket
(cut
to): the kitchen. Kate is sitting at
the table with a date planner in front of her.
There’s a knock at the door.
Kate looks up, surprised.
(cut
to): the door. Finn looks in through
the window. Kate makes her way to the
door and opens it. She looks at him
inquisitively.
Finn: Hi.
Kate
raises her eyebrows.
Finn cont’d: What am I
doing here, right?
Kate
nods.
Kate: Stephen is out of town.
Finn: I know.
She
tilts her head.
Finn cont’d: I mean…I
just need to talk to you.
(cut
to): the kitchen table as they sit down.
He looks at the planner.
Finn: Planning a vacation?
Kate: We were supposed to be
going to Maine this weekend. I’m trying
to reschedule.
Finn: I’m sorry.
Kate: Don’t be. Steven and I are doing really well.
Finn: I’m glad to hear that,
Kate.
He
smiles. She waits for him to speak.
Finn cont’d: I need to
talk to someone my own age…who I’m not sleeping with.
Kate: And I’m the only
one around here that fits that description?
You’ve been busy.
Finn
laughs.
Finn: You’re the only one who
fits that description…and knows me well enough to help me figure out what’s the
matter with me.
Kate
looks concerned.
Kate: What is the matter?
Finn
looks down.
Finn: Johanna’s pregnant.
Kate’s
jaw drops a little.
Finn cont’d: We’ve known
for awhile. We just told Johanna’s
daughter a few weeks ago and now I guess we’re officially telling people.
Kate: That’s…wonderful.
Finn: I’d like to think so.
Kate: …but you don’t?
Finn: I don’t know.
He
looks down.
Kate: Are you going to move out
of your apartment?
Finn
looks up at her, shaking his head.
Finn: That’s the thing, Kate,
she’s so accommodating. She
doesn’t want me to move in right away or get married.
Kate
nods.
Finn cont’d: So…why do I
feel so freaked out?
Kate
laughs.
Kate: Because you’re a man.
Finn
smiles.
Finn: Do you think it’s really
that simple?
Kate
shakes her head.
Kate: I don’t think you
are really that simple.
A
beat. Finn studies the table.
Finn: A few days ago, I went to
the doctor with her. And…it was
amazing. The fact that I’m going to
have a baby thrills me. The fact that
I’m having a baby with her makes it that much better.
Kate: It sounds like this
situation is…what you want.
Finn: Yeah…it does sound that
way, doesn’t it?
Finn
considers this. He looks at Kate with a
smile.
Finn cont’d: I need to
go.
Kate
smiles.
(cut
to): the door as she opens it for him.
He starts to go.
Kate: Finn?
He
turns around.
Kate cont’d:
Congratulations.
He
nods and smiles then goes. Kate closes
the door and leans against it with a bemused smile.
Music: Believe by Sprung Monkey
(cut
to): Dexter and Jake’s room. The door
opens and Scout and Dexter walk in.
Scout: I can’t believe you
actually have audio surveillance equipment.
It’s always the quiet ones.
Dexter: My dad’s a spy.
Scout
laughs.
Scout: What?
Dexter: Well…actually, he’s
not. I just like saying that. However, he is a computer technician for the
CIA and…he has friends and…sometimes he brings home cool toys.
Scout: Do you have like little
cameras too?
Dexter: Sorry…just audio. Christmas is coming up, but I’m not sure I
want to encourage the stalking of your ex-girlfriend.
Scout: It’s not stalking if we
take her best friend.
Dexter: Wait…who’s coming with us
again?
Scout: Uh…Jacqueline.
Dexter: Oh, I thought you said
Jake.
Scout: Well, I meant Jacqueline.
Dexter: What happened to Jake,
anyway?
Scout: Uh…he went into town to
help Hamilton with recording.
Dexter
looks slightly bothered by this. He
pulls some stuff out from under his bed.
He goes through it.
Dexter: You’re good friends with
all of them, right?
Scout: All of who?
Dexter: Hamilton…Jake…Jacqueline?
Scout: Oh, right. Yeah, of course.
Dexter
takes his bookbag and puts some stuff in it.
Dexter: Can I ask you something?
Scout
looks really worried. Jake will kill
him if he blows her cover.
Scout: Okay…
Dexter: Is Hamilton…is he gay?
Scout
almost chokes.
Scout: Um…he’s…no…no, he’s
not gay.
Dexter: What about Jake?
Scout
closes his eyes trying to come up with what to say.
Scout: Jake’s not gay
either.
Dexter: Have you ever thought
about it before, though?
Scout: Being a heterosexual male,
I try to limit my gay fantasies.
Dexter: That isn’t what I
meant. It’s just…when I’m in a room
with either of them…it’s different than being in a room with both of them. Talk about feeling excluded.
Scout: Well, they’re best
friends…it doesn’t mean they’re gay.
Dexter: I just wouldn’t want
Jacqueline to get hurt.
Scout
looks at him suspiciously.
Scout: Okay. Listen to me. Hamilton is not gay. Jake
is not gay. Hamilton loves Jacqueline
in a way that we’re all jealous of. Is
that clear?
Dexter: Is that the official press
release?
Scout
gives him a threatening look. Dexter
puts his backpack on.
Scout: Are you ready?
Dexter
nods.
Scout: Let’s go.
(cut
to): the hall as they walk out.
(cut
to): the hall in front of Finn’s apartment as Finn returns. He opens the door.
(cut
to): inside the apartment. Johanna is
gone. The closing credits of the movie
are on the television. Finn sighs. He enters the apartment and looks around.
(cut
to): Johanna’s house, the kitchen. She
walks in through the back door.
(cut
to): the living room where Meagan and Mark sit on opposite ends of the couch
watching a movie. Johanna walks in and
looks puzzled to see them there.
Johanna: Meagan…what are you doing
here?
Meagan: Well, it’s nice to see you
too, Mom.
Johanna: I thought I dropped you
off at Mark’s.
Mark: My mom had a friend over
so…she told us to come over here for awhile.
Meagan: Yeah
Johanna
is disturbed by this, but she’ll let him stay.
Johanna: Well, I’m going upstairs,
okay?
Meagan: Okay, Mom.
She
heads toward the stairs.
Johanna: I’ll be back down later.
Meagan: Okay.
Johanna: I’m just going to take a
bath.
Meagan
sighs and turns around to face her.
Meagan: Okay.
Johanna: If Finn calls…tell him I’m
fine, I’m just—
Meagan: In the bath. It’s under control.
Johanna
smiles. She looks at Mark and mouths
“he’s cute” to Meagan who blushes and covers her face for a moment before giving
her mom a playfully dirty look. Johanna
goes upstairs. Meagan turns forward
toward the television.
Mark: Your mom seems nice,
Meagan.
Meagan: Yeah, she is.
Mark: This movie sucks…can we
watching something else?
Meagan: This movie is the best.
Mark: Okay…two people who meet
then drag their way-too-cute kids around all day trying to figure out what to
do with them…that doesn’t sound like a fine day at all…it should be called One
Horrible Day. And in the end, George
Clooney could get mugged by a group of…ninjas.
Mark
hops up in a karate pose. Meagan shakes
her head.
Meagan: Just shut up and watch the
movie.
Mark
gives her a dirty look, but sits back down next to her and watches the movie.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to a road between New Rawley and Carson.
Scout’s car cruises by.
Music:
Super
Breakdown (Saturated) by Sprung Monkey
(cut
to): inside the car. Scout is driving,
Jake (dressed as Jacqueline) is in the passenger seat and Dexter is in
the backseat.
Scout: What time were they
leaving anyway?
Jake: Like twenty minutes ago.
Dexter: Scout, you know that we
can’t just walk up to the table and say “can we leave this microphone here,”
right?
Scout
glances over at Jake.
Jake: Microphone?
Scout: It was his idea.
Dexter: No it wasn’t! Scout!
She
looks back at Dexter.
Dexter cont’d: It wasn’t my
idea…but it is my stuff.
Jacqueline: It’s okay…I know whose fault
it is.
She
gives Scout another dirty look.
Scout: You didn’t have to
come.
Jake: Oh…yes I did. Someone needs to be there to prevent you
from embarrassing Jill…and, for that matter, yourself.
Scout: I told you why I needed to
go.
Jake: And, I don’t buy it for a
second, Calhoun. You’re jealous. What happened to exploring your non-Jill
options? We talked about that,
remember?
Scout: And did you talk to her about exploring her non-Scout
options? Is that why she’s going out
with Matt Edwards?
Jake: Why don’t you take me back
to school?
Scout: No.
Dexter: If she wants to go back—
Jake: It’s fine Dexter.
She
smiles at him and he shuts up. Scout
gives her a suspicious look. She shrugs
it off and looks out the window.
Jake
cont’d: I
just hope this really does give you the closure you’re looking for because this
is not a healthy way to spend a Friday night.
Scout
looks over a Jake’s outfit and laughs to himself. Jake notices this.
Jake: Hey, Dexter, do you like
that movie The Net?
Dexter: Oh yeah. It’s one of my favorites. It sucked how easy it was for them just to
wipe out her identity like that.
Jake
gives Scout a threatening look. He
still doesn’t know how serious she is and Jake laughs at this.
(cut
to): Carson, the restaurant.
(cut
to): inside the restaurant. Will, Gwen,
Jill and Matt are seated. We see Matt
for the first time. He would be played
by Jason Behr
(forget the rules J). He’s Jill’s dream guy plus.
Will and Gwen have both seated themselves as Matt pulls the chair out
for Jill. Will blushes as he glances at
Gwen, but she’s looking around, checking the place out.
Matt: You know, I’ve never been
here before.
Will: It’s one of the few
restaurants around here without a “drive-thru” window.
They
all laugh.
Matt: Still, I’m not opposed to
trying out the local flavor. Have any
of you ever been to Fannie’s back in New Rawley?
Will
laughs.
Will: I know it well.
Jill: Will’s from New Rawley.
Matt: Really? Beautiful place.
Jill
smiles at him.
Jill: I always thought so too.
Matt
smiles at her. He’s the ultimate Rawley
guy…with the twist of being super nice.
Matt: So, Will, what’s good
here?
(cut
to): Johanna’s house.
Music:
Crush
on You by Mandy Moore
(cut
to): upstairs. Johanna is just out of
the bath and has a robe on and a towel on her head. She looks in the mirror and sighs. She looks tired.
(cut
to): downstairs, the TV. The closing
credits come up. We pan around to the
couch. Meagan is leaning against the
armrest, watching. Mark is asleep and
leaning his head on her shoulder. She
leans further away, looking at him.
Meagan: Mark, wake up, dummy.
He
doesn’t. She sighs.
(cut
to): the kitchen door as Finn walks in.
Finn: Well.
Meagan: Hey, Finn.
She
pushes Mark this time and he wakes up.
He looks at her, sleepily. He
rubs his eyes as he realizes he had his head on her shoulder and she doesn’t
look too happy with him right now.
Mark: Sorry.
He
looks over at Finn.
Finn: Hi there.
Meagan
rolls her eyes.
Meagan: Finn, this is Mark.
Mark
looks at Meagan.
Mark: That’s Finn?
Meagan: Yeah, so?
Mark: I thought he’d look
more…like a teacher.
Finn
walks into the room.
Finn: What does he look like?
Mark: A musician.
Finn
laughs.
Mark cont’d: Too cool for
school.
Finn
sits down on the couch.
Finn: So, I thought you two were
hanging out at Mark’s tonight. Did your
mom pick you up or something?
Meagan: Why don’t you stop
stalling and go upstairs and ask her yourself?
Finn
raises his eyebrows, almost hurt by her harsh tone.
Meagan cont’d: Sorry.
He
smiles and looks down.
Meagan cont’d: Do you…want
to talk about it.
Mark
looks at her with a smirk then at Finn.
Finn: Yes, I do…but…with your
mom, okay?
Finn
stands up, takes a deep breath and heads for the stairs..
Mark: You’re like so
sensitive, Meagan.
He
starts laughing.
Meagan: You’re so stupid,
Mark.
He
stops laughing and scoots away from her on the couch.
Mark: Don’t call me stupid.
He
adjusts his glasses. She watches him as
he crosses his arms and leans back against the couch. He’s pouting.
Meagan: I don’t really think
you’re stupid.
He
shrugs.
Mark: Whatever…it’s cool.
Meagan
laughs at him.
Meagan: Okay…whatever.
She
stands up. He looks up at her. A beat.
Mark: Thanks for suggesting we
come over here. My mom just doesn’t
think sometimes.
Meagan
smiles.
Meagan: Hungry?
Mark
nods.
Music:
Bouncing
of the Walls by Sugarcult
(cut
to): the restaurant, Will’s table.
They’re all still looking at menus.
(cut
to): the door as Scout, Jake and Dexter walk in.
Dexter: Do you have reservations?
Scout: No, but…I’ve got a hundred
bucks in cash.
Jake
rolls her eyes. The host walks up to
them.
Host: May I help you?
Scout
smiles.
(dissolve
to): a table, a few minutes later. It’s
right by the kitchen.
Jake: You know…this table sucks.
Scout: It’s a table…now…where
are…aha…
He
points.
(cut
to): the other table. It can be scene
through some plants.
Scout: Perfect view.
Jake: This is sick. I can’t believe I’m a part of this.
Dexter: What about the mic? Did we ever come to a final decision on
that?
Jake: There will be no mic.
Scout: Why not? Come on, this is just a game anyway. It’ll be more fun with audio. What would Sandra Bullock do?
He
smiles and she nods reluctantly.
Jake: Fine…but only because
it’ll make everything that much clearer to you, Scout. I mean, look at her…she’s having a good
time.
Scout: Do you live to torture me?
Jake: Why would it be
torture? This isn’t about
jealousy. This is about getting
closure.
Scout
sighs.
Scout: Dex, go talk to one of the waiters. Here’s fifty bucks.
He
pulls out some money and hands it to him.
Dexter looks at “Jacqueline” for approval. She looks over at Scout who gives her a pleading look. She smiles and nods to Dex. He exits.
Scout: Okay…what the hell?
Jake: What?
Scout: Well….not that your smile
isn’t beautiful and enchanting because, it really is…
He
smiles and is clearly trying to suck up.
She doesn’t buy it.
Jake: Yeah, thanks. Get to the point.
Scout: He’s not supposed to be
able to talk to girls…you’re Jacqueline…why can he talk to you? And why’s he so willing to be your little
slave boy the instant you throw him a smile?
It’s really freaking me out.
Jake: It’s complicated.
Scout: Wait…complicated how? Are you…cheating on Hamilton?
Jake: Are you crazy? I mean…is the dementia spreading beyond the
Jill part of your brain?
Scout
laughs and leans back in his chair.
Scout: You’re awfully defensive.
Jake
looks down then back up at Scout.
Jake: I guess he likes me.
Scout: You guess?
Jake: Well…he told me,
actually.
Scout: Wait…okay, maybe he can talk
to Jacqueline, but there’s no way you’re going to convince me that he walked up
to you and told you—
Jake: Well…he told…Jake.
Scout: Oh…
Scout
laughs.
Scout cont’d: That’s
really funny.
Jake: Yeah…
She
doesn’t look as amused…at all.
Scout: And does Hamilton know
about this little…crush?
Jake: No…not exactly.
Scout
laughs then suddenly remembers something as if what he heard before clicks.
Scout: There’s something you
should know.
Jake: What?
Scout: Today…he asked me
if…Hamilton’s gay.
Jake
starts to freak.
Jake: Well, what’d you say?
Scout
laughs.
Scout: Oh, you know, I told him
“no, but his boyfriend is.”
Jake: What?!
Scout: What do you think I
told him? I told him no, Jake.
Jake: Jacqueline.
Scout: Whatever. You know…I haven’t been briefed on how to
deal with things like this or field questions like that, okay? The two of you, or three counting Jake and Jacqueline…you need
to come with a manual. I mean, you’re
giving me an identity crisis with all this “I’m my own twin” crap. It’s confusing. “Is Hamilton gay?” Easy
answer: “no”…but what if he’d said “is Hamilton in love with Jake?” Then what?
I need specific instructions for handling these situations. Do I just lie?
Jake: Scout…can you just…
She
looks around as a few people at nearby tables look over.
Jake cont’d: …shut up.
Scout: No, I cannot just shut
up. I’m tired of being dragged into
this charade.
Dexter: What charade?
They
didn’t notice Dexter as he walked up and caught the last line of the
conversation. Now, they look at each
other, struggling for an answer. Dexter
sits down.
Scout: Uh…the charade
of…pretending I’m over Jill. It’s
just…too hard.
Jake
looks at him gratefully.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to Johanna’s house.
Music:
The
Closet Thing by the Juliana Theory
(cut
to): her bedroom. Finn sits on her
bed. She walks out of the bathroom, now
wearing pajamas. He looks up at her. He’s nervous. She sighs.
Finn: I’m sorry I walked out
like that.
Johanna: Like I said…I didn’t leave
because I was mad…I left because the movie was over and I was bored.
She
smiles and sits down next to him.
Finn: Johanna—
Johanna: Finn…if you need to tell
me that you can’t deal with this….that it’s too much for you…that you need
space…just tell me.
Finn: Is that what you
want?
She
tries to grasp the full meaning of the question. Was that a yes?
Johanna: I don’t know how to answer
that.
Finn: Honestly. I mean, are you being so…for lack of a
better word, understanding because you want out?
She
looks away.
Finn cont’d: It’s very
important to me that you answer that question honestly.
Johanna
looks at him.
Johanna: I…I can’t.
Finn: Please?
She
takes a deep breath. She’s on the verge
of tears.
Johanna: I don’t want out. I want you. And…I don’t want to want you because I’m afraid.
Finn: Of what?
Johanna: Of what you want…or don’t
want.
She
looks down. He smiles faintly, looking
content with her answer.
Finn: I’ve got to go.
She
nods without looking up. He stands up
and walks over to the door.
Finn cont’d: Johanna?
She
looks up at him.
Finn cont’d: I’ll be
back.
She
looks down disappointedly.
Johanna: Okay.
Finn: …in about a half an hour.
She
looks up again completely lost.
Finn cont’d: Get dressed,
okay?
He
smiles. She doesn’t understand.
Finn cont’d: Just…trust
me.
He
walks out. She still looks upset…and
now confused.
Music: Up All Night by Unwritten
Law
(dissolve
to): the garage. Hamilton and Bella sit
on the bench together. We slowly zoom
and realize that…Hamilton is holding a cigarette. Bella looks at him skeptically as he takes a drag from it. She’s staring. He looks over at her.
Hamilton: What?
Bella: I don’t know…I just always
pictured you as the tofu, yoga and healthy living type.
He
takes another drag as if to prove her wrong.
Bella cont’d: You really
smoke?
Hamilton
laughs.
Hamilton: Of course not. And, if you tell Jake about this…I’ll tell
everyone about your obsession with Red Hots…Hot Tamales…Fireballs…need I go on?
Bella: Those things don’t kill
you.
Hamilton
takes another drag from his cigarette.
Hamilton: One cigarette like once
every two months is not going to kill me.
Bella: Why do it at all?
Hamilton
takes another drag and sighs, blowing smoke out.
Hamilton: That summer…my first
semester at Rawley…when I met Jake…I was so afraid…no, make that terrified…of
who I was. I didn’t want to be in love
with…
He
stops. Bella’s never really heard him
talk about this. She’s surprised and
sympathetic.
Hamilton cont’d: Basically, I
wanted to be someone else so…I came into town with the explicit purpose of buying Playboy.
Bella
laughs.
Hamilton cont’d: And much to
my dismay and embarrassment, the guy wanted to know if I was eighteen.
Bella: So you settled for the
Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition?
Hamilton: Actually, I just walked
out and…there was this cigarette machine sitting there.
Bella: Of course.
Hamilton cont’d: So I bought
a pack and went to the lake…and there I was sitting in this canoe…smoking this
cigarette…pretending I wasn’t me. I
didn’t cough or anything. I just did
it. It was an easy escape.
Hamilton
takes one more drag from the cigarette then throws it down and steps on it.
Hamilton cont’d: I hadn’t
felt that calm the entire summer.
Bella: That’s really…strange,
Hamilton.
Hamilton: I know. Anyway, I haven’t actually had one since we
were in New York.
Bella
nods.
Bella: Life hasn’t been too
tense?
Hamilton: Yes and no. Life with
Jake is always tense, but then again…having her in my life is the most soothing
thing I’ve ever experienced.
Bella
smiles. This guy is so sweet.
Hamilton cont’d: But, she’s not here now and we’re about to
lay down a rough cut and…
Bella: and…it was your
suggestion to do this in the first place.
Hamilton: Because I think it’ll be
good for you. And…I’m now ready to
record.
Hamilton
stands and holds his hand out to her.
Hamilton cont’d: Fionna? Shall we?
Bella
smiles and takes it.
(cut
to): the restaurant in Carson.
(cut
to): Will’s table. They’ve been talking.
Will: Seems like it’s taking
forever for the food.
They
all agree.
Music: Get ‘Em Outta Here by
Sprung Monkey
(cut
to): Scout, Jake and Dexter.
Scout: So, when they bring out
the main course—
Dexter: …he’s going to put the mic
on the table.
Jake: Are we going to
order at some point?
Scout: Oh…I kind of told the guy
we weren’t here for the food.
Jake: What? Scout, I’m starving.
Scout
looks at her like “what do you want me to do?” and shrugs. She crosses her arms and leans back in her
chair.
Dexter: I’m sure we could get a
waiter over here and—
Jake: No, it’s fine,
Dexter. Thanks though.
She
smiles at him again. He looks down and
adjusts his glasses. Scout looks at
her, a little disgusted, but looks even more disgusted as he glances over at
the other table.
(cut
to): the other table. Will and Gwen are
gone. Matt has draped his arm over the
back of Jill’s chair. He puts his hand
gently on her shoulder. She turns and
smiles at him.
(cut
to): a closer shot of the table. Jill
is still looking at Matt.
Jill: When you asked me out, I
never thought you’d be so down to earth.
Matt
laughs.
Matt: Oh…is that why you brought
Woodward and Bernstein?
Jill
blushes. Matt enjoys this.
Matt cont’d: Because I’m
really enjoying being alone with you right now.
Jill
smiles and looks up at him.
(cut
to): Scout’s table.
Scout: Oh my God…we need
audio. What are they talking about?
Dexter: Doesn’t really look like
they’re talking at all.
(cut
to): the table. Matt leans a little
closer to Jill, playing with her hair.
He’s clearly going to kiss her.
(cut
to): Scout’s table.
Scout: Oh, no, no, no…I can’t
watch this. I…I have to go over there.
He
starts to get up, but Jake pulls him back down. He looks at her for an explanation.
Jake: Thank me tomorrow.
(cut
to): the other table. Matt’s just about
to kiss her. She turns away.
Jill: Sorry…I’m…sorry.
He
smiles and turns away, slightly embarrassed.
(cut
to): a close up of Scout.
Scout: Oh, thank God.
Will: Maybe you shouldn’t be
thanking him just yet.
(cut
to): a wider shot of the table. Will
stands looking at them all with his arms folded. Jake, Dexter and Scout slowly turn to face him.
Scout: Oh, hey, what’s up?
Will: Not much, I was just
checking to see what the hold up was on my Chicken Parmesan. You guys putting a bug in it or something?
He
laughs; they don’t.
Will cont’d: Okay…
Will
sits down.
Will cont’d:
Larry…Moe…Curly…what are you doing here?
They
look around, shrugging.
Will cont’d: Scout…are
you spying on Jill?
Scout: No….
Will
raises his eyebrows.
Scout: Well, maybe just a little.
Will
looks at Jake.
Will: And you approve of this?
Jake: No.
He
raises his eyebrows again.
Jake: What’d you want me to
do? Let him come and make an idiot of
himself?
Will: Good point. And, Dexter…you?
Dexter: I’m just the techie.
Will
laughs and looks back at Scout.
Will cont’d: Do yourself
a favor and go home, Scout.
Scout: I can’t do that,
Will. I need closure.
Will: Man, this is no way to deal with the fact that you still like
Jill.
Scout
doesn’t say anything. It’s a tense
moment. Gwen walks up.
Gwen: What are you guys doing
here?
Scout: Nice to see you too, Gwen.
Gwen
looks at Will.
Gwen: I didn’t see your wallet,
Will.
Will
feigns looking perturbed by this.
Scout: Need some money?
Will
stands up.
Will: You don’t have to bribe
me; I won’t say anything to Jill. I
can’t speak for my friend here.
He
nods toward Gwen then thinks of the phrasing.
She looks over at him, realizing this too.
Gwen: I won’t say anything.
Will: Will you walk out to the
car with me one more time?
Gwen
nods. They walk off together.
Jake: Oh good, we can add them
to the list.
Dexter: What list?
Scout: The list of people that we
know with some serious issues to deal with?
Jake: Exactly.
Dexter
laughs.
Dexter: I hope I didn’t make that
list.
Jake
and Scout look at each other, laughing.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Carson.
Music:
Stupid
by Toad the Wet Sproket
(cut to): an unfamiliar SUV, Matt’s car. Both of the back doors are opened as Gwen and Will stand at each door, looking for his wallet. Gwen is looking under the seat. Will watches her looking a little nervous. She looks up then stands up straight.
Gwen: You know, Will…I could
just loan you some money.
Will: Okay…actually…my wallet
is…in my pocket.
He
looks at her hesitantly.
Gwen: So, I’ve been standing out
here with you for five minutes, searching for something that you’ve had all
along?
Will
nods. He takes a deep breath,
stalling. Finally, he goes on:
Will: I’ve been standing here
for five minutes trying to figure out how to tell you that…I just needed an
excuse to talk to you alone…
Gwen
folds her arms. Will closes his eyes a
second, trying to compose himself.
Will cont’d: I know that
when I kissed you—
Gwen: I don’t want to talk about
this.
Will: Can you do me a favor and
just tell me if you’re not
interested?
Gwen glances down then looks back up at him. She
doesn’t say anything. Will smiles
slightly.
Will cont’d:
Okay…then…can I please just say a few things?
Gwen nods, but is still reluctant.
Will cont’d: I would
have liked tonight a lot more if it were just you and me because…I like you,
Gwen. When I kissed you, that was the
message I was trying to send. And, when
you kissed me back…I was kind of hoping you felt the same way. And, now it’s been two weeks, and we haven’t
talked about it and that’s a lot my fault because…I didn’t want to be rejected. Now, though, I just want to know.
Gwen doesn’t react. She closes her car door and walks back toward
the restaurant. Will looks confused,
but not defeated.
(cut to): inside the
restaurant, Jill’s table. Matt still
has his arm draped around Jill’s chair.
Matt: So maybe next weekend,
we could…
He stops when Gwen comes back to the table.
Jill: What took so long? Did you find Will’s wallet?
Matt: And did Will find our
food?
Gwen looks relieved when the waiter approaches the
table with a tray.
Matt cont’d: …oh,
excellent. Will’s a genius.
Will comes back to the table
now. He takes his seat next to Gwen,
not looking at her as the waiter puts his chicken parmesan in front of
him. He gives everyone else their food
then places two large candles on the table and lights them.
Music: Bouncing off the Walls by Sugarcult (again)
(cut to): Scout’s
table. Dexter has his bookbag on the
table and is messing around with something inside. He pulls out a small speaker and sets it on the table.
Dexter: And…audio’s up.
He turns the volume up so that they can hear what’s
being said at the other table. The
speaker is still pretty quiet so no one around them can hear. They all lean in to hear better.
Jill (speaker): So,
did you guys find Will’s wallet.
Will (speaker): Yes.
Scout: Dexter, you’re a
genius.
Jake: And, Scout…you’re
officially a stalker.
Matt (speaker): Wow,
this is amazing. Well worth the wait.
Scout: Come on…this is fun and
you know it.
Will (speaker): So,
Jill, how does it feel to be out without Scout?
They all look over at the table.
(cut to): a long shot of the table from their point
of view. Will is glancing over at
them. The audio is still through the
speaker.
Jill (speaker): Will…
Will (speaker): I was
just wondering because you’re having such a great time and I know he’d be happy
for you. He should
be happy for you.
Will again glances over
(cut to): Scout.
Scout: What’s he doing?
Matt (speaker): Maybe
we should talk about something else.
Jill (speaker): That
sounds like a really good idea.
(cut to): Will who again glances over with a shrug.
(cut to): Scout, Jake and Dexter.
Scout: I am so going to kill
him later.
Jake: He does have a
point…she is really happy. She hasn’t
been happy lately, Scout.
Scout: And that’s my fault?
Jake: You know what? Yeah.
Dexter: I have a thought to
add.
They look at him.
Matt (speaker): Everyone like their food?
Dexter turns the speaker off then goes on without
missing a beat.
Dexter: Well…maybe instead of
following her you could have just talked to her about it. You know, told her you weren’t really
comfortable with her seeing someone else yet and maybe she could have explained
to you why she needs to as much as you need her not to.
Jake and Scout look at each other.
Dexter: I’ll be right back.
He gets up from the table.
Jake: You know…I think that
made sense.
Scout: Right…like I’m taking
relationship advice from Dexter. He’s
definitely in the “needs to see it” category.
You and Hamilton, for example.
Jake looks down.
(cut to): the garage. We can hear the last part of the song.
(cut to): inside the garage
as Hamilton stands and Bella sits on a stool.
They’ve just finished the song.
Hamilton: It was better that
time, I think.
Bella: You were rushing.
Hamilton: You were dragging. If you go that slow all the way through,
then the little slow down thing at the end loses its significance.
Bella: Okay…okay, you’re
right.
Hamilton: Duh.
She smiles at him, rolling her eyes.
Hamilton cont’d: You
know…I think we should record some background vocals.
Bella: We? As in…”hey, guess what? I sing now.”
Hamilton smiles.
Hamilton: I think I’m good enough
for background vocals.
He walks over to the makeshift audio station and
starts playing back what they just recorded.
It’s quiet, but we still get an idea of what it sounds like.
Bella: So, you sing…and
somehow know how to work all this audio equipment. Got any other hidden talents that we can put to use?
Hamilton: I can juggle.
Bella laughs.
Hamilton cont’d: What
about you? Any secret talents?
Bella: Nope.
Hamilton: It’s still kind of a
secret that you write poetry.
Bella: A poem. I wrote a
poem.
Hamilton: Why do I think you’re
holding out on me?
Bella smirks. He’s so on to her.
Music: Chemistry by Semisonic
(cut to): Johanna’s
house. The kitchen. Mark and Meagan are sitting at the table
eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Mark (sarcastic):
You’re a pretty decent cook.
Meagan: Shut up.
Mark: Baby, you can make my
PB and J anytime.
Meagan: Ew. Never talk to me like that again.
Mark laughs and takes another bite of his
sandwich. Finn walks in with…Sean.
Finn: Your mom and I are
going out. This is your babysitter.
Sean smiles.
Mark: We don’t need a
babysitter.
Meagan: Yes we do.
Mark looks at her like she’s lost it.
Mark: Well, I don’t. I’m going home.
Meagan: No, you’re not.
Mark: Bye.
He stands up.
Finn: Hang on a second—
Meagan: He’s not going
anywhere.
Mark: Watch me.
Meagan stands up and faces him. She softens a little.
Meagan: Please stay?
Sean and Finn look at each other. Mark sits back down.
Sean: Okay…I think I’ve got
it under control.
Finn hands Sean some money.
Finn: Remember…ice cream
around 10:00, okay?
Sean nods.
Sean: I got it.
(cut to): the restaurant. Jake, Scout and Dexter listen to the other table as they split up
the check.
Jake: It’s nice that they
enjoyed their meal. I’m still totally
starving.
Scout: You know what…I kind of
felt bad the first fourteen
times you said that, but now…it’s lost its charm.
Dexter: Why are you being such
a jerk?
Scout: Oh, don’t you start with me, Dexter.
Jake: Hey…just leave him
alone, Scout.
Scout: You know what, Ja—
Jake: Oh my God! What time is it?
Dexter: Eight forty-seven.
Jake: Come on, we have to go.
Scout: Hang on.
Jake: No.
Jake stands up.
She
shoves the speaker back in Dexter’s bag.
Jake cont’d: Do you
need your mic back?
Dexter shakes his head.
Dexter: They’re pretty much
disposable.
Scout: Wait, but…look…they’re
leaving. They’ll see us.
Jake looks pretty angry, but sits back down. Scout takes the speaker out of Dexter’s
backpack.
Matt (speaker): Hey,
Will…want to go pull the car around front?
Will (speaker): Drive the Land
Rover? Yeah, sure.
(cut to): Will’s table. Will is already standing.
Matt tosses him the keys up to him.
Gwen sits there and Jill nods for her to go with him. Gwen shakes her head. Jill looks at her again. Just go.
Gwen gets up and reluctantly follows after Will.
(cut to): Scout’s table.
Jake: See…they’re staying…we
can go.
Scout looks at her, begging to stay. She’s pissed, but his puppy dog face wins
out.
Matt (speaker): So…I was just
wondering if maybe you’d like to do this again sometime?
Jill (speaker): I would but…I
can’t.
Matt (speaker): I see.
The ex really broke your heart, didn’t he?
Scout: The ex?
Jake: That would be you.
(cut to): Jill
and Matt.
Jill: Um…Scout…
She sighs.
Jill cont’d: …yeah, I
was…in love with Scout,
but…tonight…I’ve realized for the first time that…I can be without him and be
fine. You…are
so…amazing.
(cut to): Scout, Jake and
Dexter.
Scout: Give me a break, Jill.
Jill (speaker): And, I’m over
Scout enough to realize that.
Scout looks
more heart-broken than mad. Jake knows
this. She reaches across the table and
puts her hand on his.
Jake: Why don’t we just go?
Scout nods. Jake looks at Dexter who unplugs the speaker
and puts the stuff in his bag. They get
up and sneak out undetected.
(cut to): Jill and
Matt. He waits for her to go on.
Jill: I’m just…not over him
enough to be with someone else.
Matt smiles and nods.
Matt: That’s what I figured.
Jill: I’m sorry…I should have
never said yes to you.
Matt: Well…I wouldn’t that
far.
Jill blushes.
He tilts his head.
Matt: Don’t move.
She looks at him curiously as he leans in and
kisses her gently on the cheek. He then
leans back against the chair. She’s
flushed.
Matt cont’d: I really
needed to do that.
Jill: I really needed you to.
Matt: Let me ask you
something?
She nods.
Matt: Did this date…make that
semi-date…did it help deal
with stuff that you were having trouble dealing with on your own?
Jill: Are you my shrink?
Matt laughs.
Matt: Point taken. Mind if I sit here and enjoy like two more minutes
with you?
Jill smiles. Why can’t she fall in love with this perfect
guy?
(fade out)
(fade in): to inside Scout’s car as Jake, Dexter
and Scout get in.
Music: Bird in a Cage by the Old
97’s
Jake: You better put the
pedal to the metal, Calhoun…or I’m driving.
Scout: God, what’s the big
deal?
Jake: The big deal is that I
told Hamilton I’d be there and…as of right now…I won’t be.
Scout: Okay…I’m sorry, you’re
right. I said I’d get you back.
He puts the car into reverse.
Jake: Hey?
Scout looks over at her.
Jake cont’d: Are you
okay?
Scout: I got what I wanted,
right?
Jake: And, some might argue,
what you deserve, but…that isn’t what I asked.
Scout shakes it off. He can’t talk about it yet.
Jake
pats him on the back in an older sister sort of way and it seems to make him
feel a little better. Dexter is
jealous.
Dexter: Hey…don’t we have like
five minutes to get somewhere that takes…a lot longer?
Scout nods and takes his
foot off the brake, backing out of the space.
(cut to): the front of the
restaurant where Will and Gwen sit in the back seat of the car which is turned on. Scout’s car pulls by and drives off and out
of Carson. Will watches it.
Will: Well…I have to say,
this was the worst date I’ve ever been on.
Gwen looks at him.
She’s hurt. He tries to make
things lighter:
Will: You know…with a girl
who hates me…being outdone by Mr. Wonderful Senior Matt Edwards…spied on by my
best friend who just can’t get over his ex-girlfriend…
Gwen: You know I don’t hate
you.
Will: I was exaggerating.
Gwen: Good.
Will: I’m getting closer to hating you, though.
This pisses her off. She looks out the window.
Will cont’d: I know
it’s hard to talk, okay? Believe me, I
spent the last two weeks avoiding the inevitable conversation too. I don’t want to hear you say you’re not
interested, but…
Gwen: Would you rather me say
that than not say anything?
Will nods.
Gwen cont’d: Fine.
She looks at him.
Gwen cont’d: I didn’t ask you to kiss me.
I did kiss you back, but it was…it was romantic, you know? And, after what happened at that party…I
have to admit that I’m attracted to you a little, but…I’m not interested in
anything more. Get it?
Whoa. Will
never saw this coming. He doesn’t have
to react because Jill and Matt get to the car and get in. Jill looks back at them and smiles, but her
smile fades when she sees the looks on their faces.
Jill: Well, I can see we’re
all ready to go.
Matt puts the car into gear
and they pull away.
Music: Music Box Superhero by the Juliana Theory
(cut to): the garage. Hamilton and Bella sit on the floor with a
shoebox. Hamilton looks through the box
which has many different pieces of paper in it. He picks up one and hands it to her.
Hamilton: This one?
She reads through it then hands it back.
Bella: Yeah, that one is fine.
Hamilton reads it.
He smiles and looks up at her.
Hamilton: You have been holding out on me. Do you do this all the time?
Bella: No…like…every couple of
months.
Hamilton laughs.
Bella cont’d: It’s kind
of a way to deal, I guess.
Hamilton speaks as if he’s winning an argument:
Hamilton: It…relaxes you…so to speak?
Bella concedes:
Bella: Yeah…I guess so.
Hamilton smirks.
A beat. He looks at his watch
trying to be subtle, but Bella picks up on it.
Bella cont’d: Want to
give her a call?
Hamilton: Nah, she’ll be here.
Bella: I love that you sound
so sure.
Hamilton: Me too.
Hamilton picks up another of the pieces of poetry
and reads it.
Hamilton cont’d: Hey…I
think I just found our next hit.
Bella takes it from him and puts it back in the
box, replacing the lid.
Bella: Maybe we should
concentrate on recording our first hit.
Hamilton
gets up too…ready to get back to work.
(cut
to): a street in New Rawley. Johanna and Finn walk together. It’s cold and they both have on
jackets. Johanna rubs her hands
together.
Johanna: So…what are we doing?
Finn: Not talking…
Johanna: Okay.
Finn: …not yet.
Johanna: You’ve really confused me
tonight.
Finn: …or maybe we are
talking.
Johanna: Well, I think we should.
Finn: Fair enough. What do you want to talk about? What do you want to ask me?
Johanna: Did we break up?
Finn: I sure hope not.
He
stops walking. She turns to face him.
Finn cont’d: God…I’m
sorry…I’m just trying to be vague and mysterious in order build up to something
really huge that I want to say later, but…Johanna, no…we didn’t break
up, okay? I mean that isn’t what I
want.
Johanna: Me either.
She
turns to walk again. He smiles and
catches up to her.
(cut
to): Scout’s car as it cruises down a street in New Rawley, very near the gas
station. He looks in the rear view
mirror.
Scout: Isn’t that Matt-the-jerk’s
car?
Jake: I’m sorry…were you not
spying on the same people that I was?
Matt-the-nice-guy is more like it.
Scout: Well, at any rate…he
should have taken that turn back there to go back to Rawley.
Jake: Well, maybe he’s decided
to turn the tables…return the gaze…
Dexter: …stalk the scout.
Jake
laughs, but then looks over at Scout who looks even more upset than before.
Jake: Hey, I’m sorry, all
right? Maybe they’re just…getting gas?
Scout: Oh…good.
They
reach the garage and Scout pulls in.
Sure enough, Matt’s car pulls in behind them.
Music:
History
of a Boring Town by Less Than Jake (hahahaha…)
(cut
to): the gas station as everyone pulls up.
At first Matt just gets out, but when Scout gets out, so does Jill.
Jill: Scout?
Matt
looks up, but pumps his gas and plays it cool.
Scout: Oh…hey.
Scout
glances at Matt who nods hello with a friendly (not cocky) smile. Scout looks back at Jill. She walks over in front of Matt’s car.
Jill: I thought that was your
car.
Scout: Oh, yeah…I was just…
Jake
and Dexter get out on the passenger side of Scout’s car, but Matt can’t see them.
Scout: …giving…Jacqueline…a
ride.
Jill: …from Carson?
Jake: We had to…go to the post
office.
Jill
looks at her suspiciously.
Scout: Yeah…the one in Carson is
open late.
Jill: Hmm…I’ll remember that.
Matt
clears his throat and Jill looks over at him.
Jill: Oh…Matt this
is…Scout. Scout, Matt Edwards.
Matt
starts to hold his hand out, but Scout ignores him.
Scout: Yeah…we know each other,
Jill. The school’s not that big.
Jake, still on the other side of the car, freaks at this. Duh…Matt knows Jake. Dexter notices something is up. He gives her a weird look, but she just smiles.
(cut
to): inside Matt’s car. Gwen and Will
look at each other, annoyed to be waiting for so long. The driver door is open so they can hear what’s
going on outside.
(cut
to): Outside the cars again. Bella
walks out of the garage.
Bella: Hey guys.
Jill
and Scout say hello. Matt and Scout
both pay her for the gas.
Bella cont’d: Wow…rich
Rawley guys throwing money at me.
Scout
smiles as Bella kind of realizes what’s going on.
Bella: Um…Hamilton and I are
recording this song if anyone wants to come and be like a live studio audience.
Matt: I actually have to go…
Will
gets out of the car. Gwen gets out and
walks around so that she’s on the same side.
Bella smiles at them both.
Will: I’d like to hear this.
Gwen: Me too.
Will
looks at her a little surprised. Bella
picks up on it.
Scout: I could…give you three a
ride back if Matt wanted to leave.
Jill: That actually sounds cool…I’ve been dying to hear this song.
She
looks at Matt who smiles approvingly.
Jill cont’d: Maybe we
could…grab a Coke before you go.
She
nods toward Friendly’s.
Matt: I’d like that.
Scout
looks down then over toward his car, where Jake and Dexter are still hidden on
the other side. Both doors are open and
Scout looks through at Jake who gives him a slightly panicked look as Jill and
Matt start to walk to Friendly’s. Jake
waits a second and hops in the car, closing the door. Jill turns to introduce Matt and Jake, but…only Dexter is
standing there. He looks back at the
passenger door, confused. Jill gets it.
Jill: Hey Dexter.
He
smiles, still confused and now…inept as usual.
Jill cont’d: See you
later.
She
walks across the street with Matt. When
they are inside, Jake gets out and everyone stands together. Dexter’s still confused.
Jake: So…how’s the recording
thing going?
Bella: Well, we’ve done some
background stuff to give it some depth.
We’ve been waiting for…well, you…for the big important final
run-through.
Jake: Is he like…nervous.
Bella
smiles to herself.
Bella: He’s okay, but…I guess
you’re officially his security blanket.
Will: I don’t know if that’s
sweet or…sickening.
Bella: I think it’s sweet.
Jake
can only take so much gushing.
Jake: Okay…let’s go…
Scout: Actually…I’m going to go
over to Friendly’s to…check the schedule.
Jake: Scout…
Scout: Dexter, come on.
Dexter: What? I don’t work there.
Scout
pulls him away. Will shakes his head
then looks at Jake.
Will: So…have fun playing James
Bond tonight?
Jake: With them…it was
more like Austin Powers.
Will
and Bella laugh. Gwen still looks
pissed off.
Bella: And Dexter doesn’t know
that you’re Jake?
Jake: Not yet…
Bella: Do you want to tell him?
Jake: No…
A
beat.
Jake cont’d: Is
that…totally weird?
Bella: No, not at all.
Will: I’d like to disagree.
Bella cont’d: Let’s just
go inside.
They
all agree and head inside.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to the garage, inside. Hamilton is
sitting on a stool with his guitar, retuning it. Bella walks in with Jake, Gwen and Will. Hamilton looks up.
Hamilton: Made it, huh?
Jake: Yeah…Scout needed—
Will: Binoculars?
Jake gives him a dirty look. She turns to Hamilton again.
Jake: Could I talk to you…like
outside?
Music: Say I’m sorry by Sugarcult
Hamilton
looks at Bella and then Will and Gwen then back at Bella, hesitating. She smiles and nods for him to go. He gets up at puts his guitar down and walks
out with her.
(cut
to): in front of the garage. Jake and
Hamilton walk out together.
Hamilton: You look cute tonight.
Jake: Thanks.
They
sit down on the bench together.
Hamilton: So…what’s up?
Jake: Okay, if we ever break up
and I go out on a date with another guy…please do not take Jill to spy on me.
Hamilton: Well…that is a
deal…probably.
Jake
leans against him and puts her head on his shoulder. He looks over at her and smiles then puts his arm around her.
Hamilton cont’d: So…you and
Scout followed Jill on her big date, huh?
Jake: Yes, it was horrible.
Hamilton: I’m sorry.
Jake
snuggles in closer to him then backs away.
Jake: You smell like smoke…
Hamilton: Do I? Weird.
He
eases away from her and stands up, walking over to one of the large
pillars. She gets up and gives him a
suspicious look. She walks over to him.
Jake: Why do you smell
like smoke?
Hamilton
shrugs, looking as innocent as he can.
Jake smiles and gets very close to him.
She reaches into one of the cargo pockets on his pants and pulls out the
pack of cigarettes. He hasn’t bothered
to stop her and he just looks at her and sighs. He’s so busted. She
raises her eyebrows as she holds the pack up to him.
Hamilton: I can explain.
She
smiles.
Jake: You’ve had this
pack of cigarettes in the back of your top desk drawer for…this whole semester…
Hamilton: You knew that?
Jake
nods.
Jake: I always wondered what
they for.
Hamilton
starts to talk.
Jake cont’d: Shh…I get
it.
She
hands them back to him and he puts them in his pocket.
Jake cont’d: It might
actually be pretty sexy…
He
looks at her skeptically.
Jake cont’d: …you know,
like…once a month…as long as you don’t get addicted or anything…
Hamilton: I’m only addicted to one
thing.
She
smiles. He moves in to kiss her, but
she backs away.
Jake: Yeah, right…it’s not that
sexy.
Hamilton
looks down, smiling.
Music:
Just
Watch the Fireworks by Jimmy Eat World
(cut
to): Friendly’s. Jill and Matt sit at
the counter. They each have a
Coke. Their stools are turned so that
they are facing toward each other, Jill facing the front window. Scout and Dexter aren’t inside.
(cut
to): outside. Dexter and Scout stand
next to the window, so they can look in, but not be seen.
(cut
to): Inside again.
Jill: I just wanted to thank you
for tonight.
Matt: So you…bought me a
Coke.
Jill
smiles and looks down.
Matt cont’d: You’re quite
a girl, Jill.
Jill: I know.
She
smirks.
Matt: And…there’s no way to
convince you to go out with me? Just
me?
Jill: Um…I’m slowly being
convinced that “maybe” might be a better answer than “no.”
Matt: Well…I don’t want to push
my luck so…
He
stands.
(cut
to): Scout and Dexter. Scout takes
another peak.
(cut
to): Jill. She looks really happy. She stands up now as well.
(cut
to): Scout. He smiles.
Scout: Hey, Dexter…let’s go.
Dexter: But, don’t you want to see
if she kisses him? Wasn’t that the
point?
Scout: Um…no…I don’t need to see.
He’s
still smiling. He turns away and puts
is arm on Dexter’s shoulder, turning him away too. They walk across the street, but Dexter stops. Scout looks at him then over to where he’s
looking.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton. Jake now leans
against the pillar. Hamilton has his
hand on the pillar as he leans in.
They’re talking. It’s a
completely private Jake and Hamilton moment.
They are just themselves and are clearly in love. Hamilton leans in even closer and whispers
in her ear. She smiles and teases him
with a potential kiss, but doesn’t do it.
(cut
to): Dexter and Scout. Dexter looks
pretty surprised…and slightly disgusted.
Scout: There’s your proof, right?
Dexter
nods.
Dexter: No question…wow…
Scout
watches for a brief second then:
Scout: Yeah…so…enough voyeurism
for one night, okay?
Dexter
nods.
(cut
to): inside Friendly’s.
Matt: Okay…so, maybe, right?
She
nods. He smiles.
Matt cont’d: Goodnight,
Jill.
He
turns to leave, but grabs his arm and pulls him back. He raises his eyebrows as she kisses him.
Jill: I…really needed to do
that.
Matt
laughs at the reference to what he said earlier.
Matt: I really needed you to.
He
smiles again, kisses her briefly, then goes.
Jill sits back down on the stool, watching him leave.
(dissolve
to): a few minutes later, the front of
Friendly’s as Jill walks out and almost into Sean, Meagan and Mark.
Jill: Hi.
Sean: Hey…you look happy.
Jill: Cool…
She
looks at Meagan and Mark.
Jill: Hi, Meagan.
Meagan: Oh, hey Jill.
Jill
looks at Mark.
Jill: Why do I know you?
Mark: Did you get wasted at my
brother’s party a few weeks ago?
Jill
doesn’t know what to say. She looks at
Sean.
Jill: You’re babysitting?
Sean: Yep. Exciting Friday night.
Meagan
looks up at him then walks into the restaurant.
Jill: Well, everyone is over at
Bella’s. We’re going to listen to some
song she and Hamilton are recording for this radio contest.
Sean: Okay…
Jill: You three should come.
Sean: We just might.
Jill
nods and then walks across the street.
Mark: You know…I know you’re
like this cool baseball player guy and everything, but…you could be nicer to
her.
Sean: Who? Jill?
Mark: No…Meagan. She obviously has some kind of crush on you.
Sean: And…you have a
crush on her…
Mark: No I don’t. She’s just like…a kid.
Sean: Right…a whole, what? Nine months younger than you?
Mark: Whatever…
Mark
walks off inside. Sean laughs then
follows him in too.
(cut
to): the garage. Bella, Will and Gwen
sit around, not talking. Scout and
Dexter walk in. It took them awhile to
get back…say they had to get something out of the car…or destroy evidence J.
Bella: Did you see Hamilton out
there?
Scout: He was…
Jill: …busy.
Jill
comes in behind him.
Hamilton: Hang on…what’s everyone still
doing here?
Hamilton
and Jake walk in, holding hands.
Bella: I told them they should
stay…give us a live studio audience.
Hamilton: This isn’t a game show.
Will: Feel the love…
Sean
walks in with Meagan and Mark.
Hamilton: Oh, good…now it’s a family
show.
Bella: Hamilton…this’ll be cool,
okay?
Hamilton
looks at her skeptically. Everyone
looks around, pretty confused.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of the garage.
(cut
to): inside the “studio.” They have
kind of a beatnik-coffee-bar atmosphere: a few blankets and pillows on the
floor. Will, Dexter and Scout sit
together on one blanket. Jill, Gwen,
Sean and the kids sit on another blanket.
Bella is standing in front of the microphone. She has headphones on to hear the previous stuff they
recorded. Hamilton stands behind her
with his guitar and also wears headphones.
He takes a deep breath and looks over at Jake who is at the control
station. She has on a headset and is
adjusting some of the slide controls.
She smiles at him and nods.
Bella looks back at him and he nods.
Bella: Okay, um I wrote this song
to console myself after I broke up with someone who…
She
looks at Will.
Bella cont’d: …who really
meant a lot to me.
Will
blushes.
Bella cont’d: He’s still
one of my best friends and I want dedicate it to him not because he dumped me
and left me broken-hearted…
She
looks over at Gwen who is looking down.
Bella cont’d: …but because
there’s someone in his life who I think really needs to listen.
Gwen
looks up then over at Will who smiles at her.
Bella cont’d: It’s
called…Wishing Heart.
Music: Wishing Heart by Lisa Loeb
(I mean, Bella and Hamilton…)
She
looks over at Jake who adjusts some of the controls again and flips a
switch. Hamilton starts playing the
guitar as the song begins. We get a
montage of everyone kind of looking at each other. Scout smiles at Jill who smiles back. They’re okay…and okay on their own. Gwen looks down as she listens to the song. She glances up at Will, but he’s trying very
hard not to look at her. Mark looks at
Meagan who looks at him which makes him look away. Sean notices and laughs to himself. Dexter looks at Jake just in time to catch her smile at Hamilton
who has forgotten the “audience” now.
We then stay on Bella for a moment.
She’s glad to finally sing these words to the people who are meant to
hear them. The song fades as we:
(dissolve
to): Friendly’s, it’s now a little after 10:00 p.m. Johanna and Finn walk up.
Finn looks in the window, but, of course, doesn’t see Sean and the kids. He shrugs to himself and stops in front of
the door.
Johanna: We walked halfway around
the town…to come here?
Finn: Well, I didn’t want you to
know where we were going.
Johanna: Oh, right…wouldn’t want me
to find out about the Friendly’s tryst you had planned for us.
Music: Question by the Old 97’s
Finn: Come here, please.
Johanna
walks over.
Finn cont’d: This is an
important place for us. Do you
remember?
She
smiles.
Johanna: Oh, right…where we got
arrested together.
Finn: And…where we met.
Johanna: Re-met.
Finn: Nah…you didn’t know who I
was in high school.
Johanna: I somehow think I missed
out.
Finn: Oh yeah…scrawny geek in
glasses who liked poetry…yeah, you were missing out.
Johanna
laughs.
Johanna: You’re right…I’m glad I
held out for sexy geek in glasses who likes poetry.
Finn
laughs.
Finn: So, listen…I actually
brought you here to say something important to you.
Johanna: Okay.
Finn
takes a deep breath. He takes a step
toward her so that they are framed by the door.
Finn: All right. I know that lately I’ve been a
little…distant. I’ve been doing a lot
of thinking. And…I’ve been doing a
little freaking out because…something was off.
The way things are between us…it just hasn’t felt right.
Johanna
is trying to follow.
Finn cont’d: Then it hit
me. I love you and…
He
puts his hands on her hips, pulling her a little closer.
Finn cont’d: …I love the
idea of having this baby with you.
She
smiles.
Finn cont’d: …and the
only thing I don’t love is…being away from you.
Maybe
she’s catching on.
Johanna: Finn…
Finn: Outside the box is getting
awfully lonely. I don’t want to think
outside of it…or even be outside of it.
I want climb right in…with you.
He
takes a step back from her as a man exits Friendly’s. Finn is slightly annoyed, yet also amused by this
interruption. He sticks his hands in
his pocket and smiles at the guy who walks through them without an “excuse
me.”
Finn: Okay…
He
takes a deep breath.
Johanna: Lose your train of
thought?
Finn
smiles.
Finn: No.
He
swallows then takes a step toward her.
Finn cont’d: Johanna
Ryan…high school crush…girl of dreams…woman that I love…
He
now takes his hands out of his pockets and gets down on one knee. He holds a ring box up to her and opens it. He watches her reaction as she now
completely understands what’s going on.
He continues to pause for dramatic affect. Finally, he asks the inevitable:
Finn cont’d: Will you
marry me?
(cut
to): the garage as everyone walks out.
Hamilton hands tapes out to everyone.
Hamilton: Okay, now you all have
original recordings of Bella’s number one hit.
Jake
glances across the street as Hamilton wraps his arms around her.
Jake: You guys…look at that.
Everyone
stops as they look across the street.
Mark: Isn’t that—
Meagan (happy): Oh my God.
(cut
to): Finn and Johanna. She glances over
to the garage. Finn doesn’t stop
looking at her. She looks at him then
at the ring.
Finn: It might not fit.
She
looks at him as he now nervously looks at the ring and rambles:
Finn
cont’d: It was my grandmother’s. I
never understood why she gave it to me, but…it makes perfect sense right
now. Unless, of course, you say
“no.” That would pretty much…suck.
Johanna: Finn?
She
nods slightly. He looks up at her with
raises eyebrows.
Finn: Yeah?
Johanna: Yes.
He
looks relieved. He takes the ring out
of the box and holds it up. He slips it
on her finger.
Finn: It fits.
Johanna: Yes, it does.
Finn
stands up. He looks at her a minute
then over across the street.
(cut
to): across the street. Everyone looks
down or away as if they weren’t watching…except Meagan. She gives a thumbs up.
(cut
to): Finn and Johanna.
Finn: Well…she approves too.
Johanna
smiles and pulls Finn into a kiss.
(cut
to): the garage. Everyone is watching
again. Will smiles, shaking his
head. He starts clapping. Everyone else catches on and does so as
well.
(cut
to): the other side of the street where Finn is still kissing her though she
steps back. She laughs as he stops and
takes a bow.
(dissolve
to): Friendly’s later. Everyone is
there. Finn, Johanna, Mark and Meagan
sit at a table. Jake, Ham, Jill, Bella
and Gwen sit at the big booth. Scout,
Dexter, Will and Sean sit at another booth.
Everyone’s eating ice cream except Jake who has a burger and fries…she
was starving after all.
(cut
to): the table of boys. Sean and Will
sit facing the other booth while Dexter and Scout are on the other side.
Sean: You know…Hamilton has his own
girlfriend…why does he get all the other girls too?
Dexter
and Scout turn around so that they’re all looking over.
(cut
to): the other table. Hamilton has his
arm around Jake and looks up at them when they look over. He smirks like he knows exactly what they
were saying about him. Jake looks over
and notices it too. She elbows him, but
he only laughs and kisses her neck.
(cut
to): the guys.
Scout: That’s disgusting.
Dexter: I dunno…it must be nice to
be in love like that.
Scout: Aw…poor broken-hearted Mr.
Darcy.
Dexter: Shut up, Scout.
Pan
over to Finn who looks up.
Finn: Mr. Calhoun…Austen’s Mr.
Darcy is a pretty likable literary character.
Johanna: I agree.
Scout: Uh…I thought I remember
you saying you hate Jane Austen.
Johanna
looks at Will who nods. She looks at
Finn. He smiles.
(cut
to): the other side of the table. Mark
has finished his sundae. Meagan is
looking over at the boys’ table.
Mark: He’s way older than you.
Meagan: Who?
Mark: Sean McGrail.
Meagan: So.
Mark: So…you shouldn’t have a
crush on him.
Meagan
looks over at him.
Meagan: Shut up.
Mark: I’m just saying he’s too
old for you.
Meagan: Well, according to
you…anyone I like is too old for me.
Mark
thinks about this for a second.
Mark: Well, see…almost six
years…that’s too much. But, like, say,
nine months…that would probably be okay.
Meagan
smiles. Mark looks over at her ice
cream.
Mark: Are you going to eat that?
She
shakes her head and passes it over to him.
(cut
to): Ham and the girls.
Jill: So…Gwen…do you feel
different after hearing the song?
Gwen
gives her a playfully dirty look, but then looks at Bella and smiles.
Hamilton: Yeah…she does. Look at that. Not to mention it’s stupid that you’re not already with him. You were all over him at that party.
Jill
laughs.
Jill: We don’t talk about that,
Ham.
Jake: I think you should talk to
him.
Bella: Yeah…he really likes you.
Jill: …and he’s looking over
here right now.
They
all look over.
(cut
to): Will who turns red then turns around.
Sean: Way to be obvious, man.
Scout: Yeah, why don’t you just
put your old Friendly’s uniform on, walk over there and serve the power
to her.
Will: Listen Goldfinger…don’t
even—
Gwen: Will…can you help me look
for something in the car?
They
all look up.
Will: Yeah…
He
gets up to go with her.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: So,
in case you were in a hurry to continue reading the episode and didn’t check
out any of the other little videos on the
video page, now’s your chance.
(fade
in): to Friendly’s.
Music:
King
of All the World by the Old 97’s
(cut
to): the boys table just after Will and Gwen have walked out.
(cut
to): the two of them walking across the street.
(cut
to): the boys table.
Scout: Pathetic.
Dexter: You don’t have room to
talk.
Sean
laughs.
Scout: Oh, and you do? Hoping Ham and Jake are gay…because
you like Jacqueline.
Sean’s
like “what?”
Dexter: Will you be quiet. How did you know that anyway?
Scout: “Oh, yes
Jacqueline…whatever you want Jacqueline…”
Dexter: Oh my God.
He
puts his head on the table.
Dexter cont’d: Does she
know?
Scout: Oh…no.
He
looks at Sean and nods. Sean shakes his
head, not really following, but still amused.
(cut
to): Ham and the girls. Hamilton picks
up a fry from Jake’s plate and dips it in his sundae then eats it. Jake watches, disgusted.
Jake: God, it’s like I’m
discovering one bad habit after another…
Hamilton: What? It’s good.
Try it.
He
picks up a fry and dips it into the sundae and tries to get her to eat it.
Jake: No.
Hamilton: Come on.
He
puts it up to her mouth. Jake rolls her
eyes and takes a bite of the fry which he’s still holding. He smiles and eats
the rest of it.
Jill: Okay…there’s a place where
the sharing stops.
Bella
laughs. Jill picks up a fry, dips it in
Hamilton’s sundae and tries it.
Jill cont’d: Not bad.
Hamilton
tilts the play of fries toward Bella.
Bella: God…peer pressure.
She
takes one, dips it and eats.
Music: Designs for You by the Old
97’s
(cut
to): the garage, Scout’s car. Will and
Gwen are at opposite back doors again.
Will: Did you even have a
purse tonight?
Gwen (matter-of-fact):
Did we even ride in Scout’s car?
Will
sighs and closes the door. He walks
around to the other side.
Will: So…we’re looking for
something that was never there?
Gwen: I just wanted an excuse to
talk to you. I need to explain—
Will: You don’t have to explain
anything to me, okay? I…I get it.
Gwen: I don’t think you do.
Will: You don’t have time for
guys.
Gwen
takes a deep breath.
Gwen: I have time for you.
He
almost smiles, but then looks confused.
Will: Okay, you’re right…I don’t
get it.
She
tries to come up with what she wants to say.
Gwen: Will…
She
sits down in the car.
Gwen cont’d: …I’ve never
had a boyfriend.
He
smiles.
Will: That’s what this is about?
Gwen: I do homework…I study…I
write essays…I work on the school paper.
That’s it. I don’t…hang out with
“the gang” on Friday night and I don’t go on dates…
Will
smiles.
Will: There’s no pressure
here…you know that?
She
nods and looks down at her hands.
Gwen: I’m sorry if I was mean to
you earlier. I panicked. I shouldn’t have said I wasn’t interested
because…I am interested.
Will: You are?
Gwen: …and I’ve never been
interested in anyone before…not like I’m interested in you.
Will: So…
He
puts his hands on either side of the car door opening.
Will cont’d: …what’s the
problem?
Gwen: Me. I like you and…I don’t know how to handle
it.
Will: Well…do you think it would
be all right if I…helped you out?
She
looks up at him.
Gwen: Maybe.
Will cont’d: Because you
liking me…that’s like one thing I can definitely deal with.
She
laughs.
Gwen: Is there like a twelve
step program I should be on?
He leans in a little more, smiling.
Will: Yeah…the first step in
coping with liking Will is…admitting that you do.
Gwen: Check.
Will: The second step is…to stop
being mean to him.
Gwen: I’ll work on it.
Will: Okay, you do that,
but…let’s just skip to step three.
Gwen: Which is?
Will: Letting me kiss you.
She
smiles.
Will cont’d: But, you’ve
got to be prepared for the next few steps which involve not running away and
not freaking out.
Gwen (seriously): I
am.
He
smiles and leans in, kissing her. She
kisses him back.
(cut
to): Friendly’s. Everyone is sitting or
standing around the boys’ table. Finn,
Johanna, Meagan and Mark have left.
Dexter has the speaker out of his backpack. Everyone is leaning in to hear better.
Hamilton: Okay, so you put the
receptor on the key ring?
Scout nods.
Jill: So…what’s going on?
She
turns to look outside, but the car is in the way.
Scout: I think it’s safe to
assume he kissed her.
Hamilton: This is great. Dexter, where did you get this?
Jake
and Scout:
His dad’s a spy.
Jill: Wait…spy?
Scout
looks back at Jake.
Dexter: Actually, he’s a
technician for the CIA.
Jill
ignores him as she looks suspiciously from Jake to Scout. She doesn’t say anything right now, though.
Hamilton: You should let Jake and I
borrow this sometime. We could probably
come up with a pretty elaborate end of the year prank.
Dexter: Where is Jake?
Jake: Oh…um…he’s probably back
at the dorms or something.
Dexter looks at Scout then Hamilton.
Dexter: Wasn’t he coming in town
to help you?
Hamilton: Oh, right…he did, but then
he…uh…
Bella: Had to go to the library
to do some research for that project.
Hamilton: Exactly.
Dexter nods. Jake and Hamilton look at each other…everyone else looks at them.
Music: Dream Girl by the Juliana Theory
(cut
to): Finn, Johanna, Mark and Meagan as they reach Mark’s house.
Johanna: I think this is your stop,
Mark.
Mark: Yep. Thanks for the ice cream.
Johanna: You’re quite welcome.
He
glances at Meagan with a smile then starts to walk up to him house. His mother walks out the front door.
Mrs. Hudson: Mark, what
do you think you’re doing?
Mark: I was just…hanging out
with Meagan.
Mrs. Hudson: You do not leave
this house without telling me.
Mark: But, you—
Mrs. Hudson: Inside,
now.
Johanna: Mrs. Hudson, I’m
sorry. I was under the impression that
you sent the kids over to our house.
She
looks down at Meagan.
Mrs. Hudson: Well, I
didn’t. Maybe you should think before
trusting the word of these little liars.
Johanna: Of course.
Finn: Wh—
Johanna: Finn…come on.
Meagan
waves to Mark who looks miserable.
Johanna, Finn and Meagan walk away.
Finn: Okay…did you hear her just
call your daughter a liar?
Johanna: Well, first, she did
lie.
Meagan: Yeah, but we couldn’t stay
there!
Johanna: I understand that too.
Meagan: Poor Mark.
Johanna: Invite him over more,
okay?
Meagan
nods.
Johanna cont’d: With
permission from his mom.
A
beat.
Meagan: I have a question.
Finn
and Johanna look at each other.
Meagan cont’d: I thought
you two weren’t getting married.
Finn: We changed our minds.
Meagan: Why?
Johanna: Meagan—
Meagan: Mom, I’m just
curious.
Finn
puts his hand on her shoulder.
Finn: I thought I was afraid of
being stuck in a certain kind of life.
Johanna
looks at him.
Finn cont’d: I realized
that what I’m really afraid of is being stuck without that life.
Meagan: So…you were a chicken and
then you got over it?
Finn
looks at Johanna. She smiles and nods.
Finn: Exactly.
Finn
takes Johanna’s hand as the three of them walk together.
(cut
to): the garage. Sean’s gone home. Scout has taken Jill, Will, Dexter and Gwen
back to the dorms. Hamilton’s parents’
car is now pulled around to the front.
Bella and Jake sit on the bench as Hamilton walks out carrying some of
the audio equipment.
Jake: Bella…the song was
awesome.
Bella: I’m not the only one who
gets to take credit.
She
looks at Hamilton.
Jake: Yeah…but I tell him how
great he is all the time.
Hamilton
looks over at her and smirks as he struggles to balance the stuff and open the
trunk. He finally manages it. He closes the trunk.
Hamilton: Well, that’s all of it.
Jake: Good work.
Hamilton: You both are so
independent…
He
looks at Jake.
Hamilton cont’d: You can open
your own car door.
He
looks at Bella.
Hamilton cont’d: You can fix
a car door…and engine. And, yet,
neither of you have any problem letting me carry all the crap while you sit
around and chit chat.
They
look at each other.
Jake: Sounds about right.
Bella: Yep.
Hamilton
laughs then looks at Jake.
Hamilton: You about ready to go,
Beautiful?
She
laughs at him, but gets up.
Jake: Sure thing, Handsome.
Bella
smiles. They are adorable.
Bella: Bye, you guys.
She
waves then goes inside.
Hamilton: You really do look beautiful.
Jake: You really do look
handsome.
Hamilton: You know…we don’t have to
go back to school right away. I’ve got
the car until like midnight.
Jake: How romantic.
Hamilton
laughs.
Hamilton: I just thought we could
drive out to the lake, crank up the heat and…hang out.
Jake
laughs.
Jake: Sounds like a good way to
relax after a stressful, issue-filled evening.
Hamilton: Cool.
They
both go to get in the car.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to a shot of the girls’ dorm.
Scout’s car sits in the driveway.
Music:
Change
by Good Charlotte
(cut
to): inside the car. Just Jill and
Scout are there. He sits with his hands
gripping the steering wheel. She has
her arms crossed.
Jill: I can’t believe you
followed me.
Scout: I’m sorry.
Jill: I really can’t believe you
admitted it.
Scout: Might not have been one of
my most brilliant ideas.
Jill: Doing it or admitting it?
Scout: Pick one.
Jill: And, did you see what you
wanted to see?
Scout: Yes and no.
Jill: Explain.
Scout: I wanted to see you having
a miserable time. I wanted you to wish I
was there instead of the perfect Matt Edwards, but…you didn’t.
He pauses.
Scout
cont’d: You
had a good time, didn’t you?
Jill: Yeah, I did.
Scout: And, when I figured that
out…that you could be happy without me…
Jill: You felt like it was
finally okay to move on? That that’s
what you really needed to see?
Scout
looks at her and smiles. He surprised.
Scout: Yeah. How’d you—
Jill: When I said yes to him, I
felt guilty…guilty about you.
Scout: And by the end of the
night, you realized you were completely over me.
Jill: I wouldn’t say completely,
but…I’m okay…I’m okay without you.
Scout: When you were about to
kiss him…at Friendly’s…I turned and walked away.
Jill: Okay, first of
all…ew. You are not allowed to
do that anymore. No more
spying…watching…leering…
Scout: Trust me.
Jill: I do.
Scout: Think this counts as
closure?
Will
(v.o.):
It’s never easy to deal with something complicated.
Jill: Well, I went on a date and
I don’t feel like I betrayed you.
Scout: And, I’m actually happy
for you about that.
Jill: So, yeah…sounds like
closure.
Scout: Good.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: And when someone else is involved, it’s that much trickier
Jill: Goodnight, Scout.
Scout: Goodnight.
She
gets out without looking back. He
doesn’t look upset.
Music:
Deal With
It by Movielife
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: But, if you just push through and make yourself deal with it, you’ll
get the conclusion you need…or want…
(cut
to): Will and Scout’s room. Gwen is
lying down in Will’s bed and he’s leaning over her, kissing her. He pauses a second to smile at her.
Gwen: Think we’ve hit step
twelve yet?
Will: I’ll let you know.
He
starts kissing her again.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Sometimes in a relationship, there’s only one person who needs to
deal.
(cut
to): Johanna’s kitchen. She and Finn
are having coffee. He’s holding her
hand and looking at the ring.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: If that person can’t, everything falls apart, but if he can…things
get perfect pretty quick.
(cut
to): Hamilton’s parents’ car parked by the lake.
(cut
to): inside. They have the tape of the
song playing.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d:
Those of us who are really lucky find comfort in others.
Hamilton: I can’t believe you’re
really not going to let me kiss you.
Jake: It’s called negative
reinforcement.
Hamilton: I thought you said it was
sexy.
She
looks over at him. He is pretty
sexy. She smiles.
Jake: Well, it would be a shame
to waste this perfect teen make-out moment.
He
smiles with a raises eyebrow. She smiles
and moves in for a kiss. They haven’t
kissed all night so…they make up for it now.
(cut
to): Bella who sits in her bedroom, writing another poem.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: When other people can’t help you deal, you might turn to words. You might find comfort in creating something
beautiful from your experiences. From
writing what you need to say.
(cut
to): Dexter in his room. He’s playing a
game of solitaire…on his laptop.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Or…you might not say anything.
You might put on your poker face and act like you’ve dealt, but you’re
really…
(cut
to): Mark in his bedroom all alone.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: …left completely helpless with no way to deal.
(cut
to): Meagan who unfolds a piece of paper.
Written on it are “Mark” and a phone number. Meagan sits on her bed, she picks up a cordless phone that is
next to her and dials.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: That’s ultimately why friends are so important. They’re our biggest comfort. They help us deal when we think we’re
alone. And being someone’s friend…helping
someone deal…not just watching that person struggle…is the most significant
thing we can do.
Or
