(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Rawley Academy.
(cut
to): a swift pan across the woods that ends with a shot of Rawley Girls’
Academy.
(cut
to): the hall of the girls’ dorms.
Scout walks down the hall. He’s carrying
a bouquet of crimson roses. Things look brighter and more modern in the girls’
dorm. All the doors are decorated and
have nametags on them. He stops in
front of a door.
(cut
to): A shot inside Jill’s room. She is
unpacking a suitcase. This indicates
that everyone is just getting back for the new semester. There’s an empty bed in her room. The room looks more like a dorm style room
than the older rooms at the boys’ school
The girls also have their own bathrooms (the bathroom door is opened and
we know it’s there). There’s also a
phone on her desk (the guys don’t really have phones…they have cell
phones). Jill smiles and walks over to
the door.
(cut
to): A shot over her shoulder as she opens the door. All we see is the flowers.
Scout pulls them down to reveal his face.
Jill: Hi.
Scout: Hi.
Jill: You’re not supposed to be
in here.
Scout: Yeah…I should go.
Jill
steps back so he can come in the room.
She closes the door behind him.
He leans toward her, kissing her and handing her the flowers.
Jill: Scout…thank you.
He
smiles and looks down. He puts his
hands in his pockets and steps more into the room.
Will
(voice over):
I wonder sometimes about why humans seem on a constant quest to find love and
companionship.
Jill
looks around. With her paint stuff is
an empty gallon container that has the top part cut off. There’s some paint on the outside. She walks over and picks it up. She walks into the bathroom.
Scout: So, they never assigned you
a roommate?
Jill
(off screen):
Actually, I’m going to have one this semester…she’s just not here yet. Her name is Gwen. I talked to her on the phone.
She sounds very…studious.
Will
(v.o) cont’d:
Like we can’t survive all on our own.
Scout: Hmm…too bad.
Jill
(o.s.):
Why? Were ya thinking of moving in
yourself?
Scout: Yeah, maybe. Jake pulled it off.
Jill
walks back out and has the flowers in the make shift vase. She sets it down on her dresser.
Jill: Uh-huh. Ok, Scout…I’ve seen you in drag.
Scout
feigns cringing.
Scout: I’d blocked that out.
Jill
thinks for a second.
Jill: Speaking of “Jake”…
Jill
actually does the finger quote marks thing when she says Jake’s name.
Scout: Oh…yeah…what are you going
to do about that?
Jill
shrugs and shakes her head.
Jill: I don’t know…I’m sure he’ll
be here soon. Stay for moral support?
Scout
nods.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d:
But we certainly could survive all alone….
(cut
to): Jake’s room…there’s nothing in it except for the original furniture. The camera pans around quickly in a
confusing and disorienting fashion. It
stops at the door. There is a knock…a
pause…another knock.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d:
…if we had to. Not as a species, but
certainly as individuals.
The
handle turns and the door slowly opens as the camera zooms in. Hamilton sticks his head in and looks
around. He looks confused. He pulls his head back out and closes the
door.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d:
Nothing is more frightening than solitude.
Maybe that’s why we long for companionship. It’s not the desire to be with someone, but rather, the fear of
being without someone…of being alone.
(cut
to): Hamilton in the hall. His hand is
still on the doorknob. It slides off
slowly. He turns and walks down the
hall.
(fade
out)
Opening Credits and
Guest Stars
Commercial
Break: Okay,
so Harmony and I have to make web pages for our computer science class. Mine is on Matt Damon and
Ben Affleck. Hers is on six up-and-coming actors
(i.e., Ian and Kate). Right now,
they’re both under construction, but you can still bookmark them and watch the
progress.
(fade
in): Jill’s room. It’s noon. the day
before classes start at Rawley Academy.
She and Scout are still there.
Jill’s hanging up a sweater in her closet. Scout’s standing by her suitcase. He hands her another sweater.
She takes it and pulls out another hanger from the closet. She’s about to put the sweater on the hanger
when there’s a knock at the door. Jill
looks at Scout.
Scout: Here we go…
Jill
hands Scout the sweater and hanger and goes over to open the door. She opens it. Hamilton’s standing there not looking particularly upset.
Jill: Hey, Hamilton…come on in
before they find you here. They’re
claiming that they’re going to buckle down and let no one get away with
anything.
Hamilton: Tell me about it. “They” is my dad. There’s a ton of new rules too.
He
walks in and Jill closes the door behind him.
Ham nods to Scout.
Scout: Hey…how’s it going, Ham?
Hamilton: It’s going. Jill, did Jake say when she’s coming
back?
Jill
looks at Scout.
Scout: Hamilton, maybe you should
sit down.
Hamilton
looks confused.
Hamilton: Ok…I think I know what’s
going on here.
Jill: What?
Hamilton: She’s coming here, isn’t
she? To Rawley Girls’? You never had a roommate anyway.
Jill
and Scout look at each other.
Jill: I have a roommate this
semester…and it’s not Jacqueline.
Hamilton
looks at Jill then Scout then back to Jill.
Hamilton: So, what’s going on
then? When’s she coming back?
Jill
looks down for a second as Hamilton waits.
She looks back up.
Jill: Okay…Hamilton…she’s not.
Hamilton
looks at her as it registers (kind of the same look he gave Jake in the bathroom
stall that time). His face goes white
as he backs out toward the door.
Jill: Hamilton…
He
turns around to leave.
Jill: She just…she’s with her mom
in Europe. She thought—
But,
it’s too late because he’s gone.
Scout: Should I—
Jill: Not right now. He won’t talk to you right now.
Scout: That was so cold of
her. Her mom didn’t make her go, right?
Jill: No, she wanted her to come
back here. She said it was really doing
her good.
Scout: I mean, that guy is so…
Jill: …puppy dog in love with
her? Yeah, he is. They’re both so stubborn, ya know? On New Years’, after you guys went to sleep
and pretty much everyone else left the party they were both just sitting
there…not talking to each other…obviously wanting too. Then Hamilton just gets up, collects his
aunt and says ‘well, Jake, this was fun…see ya back at school.’ The big dork. So, she leaves the country with her mom. I mean, damn…that’s just bad communication
there.
Scout: Yeah…too bad about
them. So, want to come to my room?
Jill
raises her eyebrows.
Scout: To get your Christmas
present.
Jill
smiles.
(cut
to): Bella and Will in her living room.
They’re taking down the Christmas tree.
All the lights are gone and there are only one or two more ornaments. Will pulls off the last ornament, wraps it
in tissue paper and puts it in the ornament box.
Will: There.
Bella: Thanks, Will. I’ll take this stuff up to the attic later.
Will: I can—
Bella: What I meant was I’ll get
my dad make Grace do it.
Will
smiles.
Bella
sits down on the couch. Will does to.
Bella: So, you guys start classes
tomorrow?
Will: Yep. E.H.S. goes back the day after, right?
Bella: Uh-huh.
Will: Now that you guys are doing
that four by four block schedule thing, you’re going to have all new classes,
right?
Bella: Yes, and that reminds
me…guess who I have for English.
Will: Who?
Bella: Just…Ms. Ryan.
Will: She’s back?
Bella
(teasing):
Yeah…you still in love with her?
Will
laughs.
Will: What? I was never in love with her.
Bella: Uh-huh…and I was never in
love with Mr. Benton.
Will: Our first grade
teacher? You were in love with that
guy?
Bella: Madly.
Will: He looked like Kermit the
Frog.
Bella: Well…I was seven…I was in
love with Kermit the Frog too.
Will
looks at his watch as he speaks:
Will: You were in love
with a frog.
Bella: And now…I’m in love with a
prince.
Will
blushes. He looks at his watch again.
Will: More like a pauper…
Bella: You have to go to work?
Will
nods. He gets up. Bella stands up too.
Bella: So…sometime today…
Will: We tell Sean.
Bella: Okay.
Will
kisses her on the cheek.
Will: Later…
Will
walks out.
(cut
to): Inside Friendly’s. Sean’s sitting
at a booth writing in a notebook. Will
walks in.
Will: Sean, what’s up, man?
The
waitress working takes off her apron and clocks out. Will nods at her as she walks out.
Sean: Not much. About to have a quick meeting with Grace and
some of her friends.
Will
raises his eyebrows.
Sean: They’re making some signs
for me.
Will
nods.
Will: Okay…well, I’m here too if
I can do anything.
Sean: I have to give a
speech. I know what I want to say,
but…I want people to really hear it, ya know?
Will: Sean, you’re the paradigm
of idealism in student government. They’re gonna hear you; they’re gonna be
inspired by you; they’re gonna vote for you.
Sean: With your help. You’re the writer. I need eloquence.
Will: Of course I’ll help, but
you’ve got more of a voice than you think.
Sean: Thanks, Will.
Will: So, you want to start now
or wait until your campaign crew gets here?
Sean
laughs.
Sean: They might not be the best
group of strategists, but they’re more than willing to help.
(cut
to): Grace and her three townie friends: Elizabeth, Anne and Alison. They’re walking down the street. Elizabeth and Anne were at Sean’s party
talking to Hamilton in Dreamscap.
Alison is new.
Alison: Think Sean will win?
Grace: I hope so. Becky Johnson doesn’t deserve to be head
cheerleader and school president.
Elizabeth: Yeah, that bitch.
Hamilton
walks by them quickly.
Elizabeth: Hamilton!
He
turns around reluctantly. Everyone
stops. Hamilton doesn’t say anything.
Elizabeth: I’m Elizabeth. We met at Sean’s party. Remember?
Hamilton: Um, no…not really. Sorry.
He
shrugs, turns around and walks away.
Anne: God, he sure was pissy.
Elizabeth: But beautiful.
Anne: Think about how much hotter
he’d be with…blue hair.
Alison: You’re insane.
Anne: You know you like it…
Grace: It’s such a waste
Elizabeth: What?
Grace: Well, I heard he’s gay.
Elizabeth: He is not! He was totally hitting on me at Sean’s
party.
Anne: Yeah…after like five beers.
Alison: He didn’t seem to remember
you.
Elizabeth: Yes he did.
Grace: Anyway, we have to
hurry up and get to Friendly’s…
Alison: That’s right…Grace has that
thing for Sean.
Grace: Can you blame me? He’s so sexy.
(cut
to): Friendly’s. Will is sitting with
Sean at the booth. He’s presumably
helping him with his speech. Hamilton
walks in.
Will: Hey, Ham…what are you doing
here? Shouldn’t you be hiding out with
Jake…making out or whatever?
Hamilton
looks angry for a split second, smiles weakly instead. He starts to speak, but doesn’t. He walks into the bathroom.
Sean: What’s with him?
Will: I don’t know. Maybe something happened with Jake or his
parents. He’s kind of temperamental.
(cut
to): Kate’s classroom. She’s working on
a sculpture. Steven walks in.
Kate: Hello, dear.
Steven
checks out the sculpture.
Steven: That’s looking good.
Kate: Thank you.
She
stops working for a moment and pushes some of her hair out of her face with the
back of her hand.
Steven: Um…I contacted a family
counselor in Carson.
Kate
starts work again.
Kate: Oh, really?
Steven: I think it will be good for
us.
Kate: Okay.
Steven:
I though it might also be good to take Hamilton too...at least to the first
session. He seems to have some idea of what’s
going on.
Kate
sighs.
Kate: He actually has a very
good idea.
Steven
looks at her, but she doesn’t look up.
Steven: He knows?
Kate
nods.
Steven: He knows that you were
having an affair? Did you tell him?
Kate: God, of course not. He—
She
stops herself, but looks up at him.
Steven thinks for a moment.
Steven: …caught you. He caught you?
She
looks down again.
Steven: Jesus, Kate…
He
turns around and walks out, shaking his head.
Kate puts her hands on the sculpture, but doesn’t go on.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: Don’t
be offended. We don’t really do crack.
(fade
in): Friendly’s. Hamilton is sitting by
himself in a booth. He’s sitting sort
of sideways with one leg up on the seat.
There’s a plate of food and a Coke in front of him, but he hasn’t
touched it. Sean, Grace and company are
sitting at another booth. They are
coming up with campaign slogans. Will
stands behind the counter. He looks
over at Hamilton and tilts his head, looking confused.
(cut
to): A closer shot of Hamilton in the booth.
We can still hear Sean and the girls as they suggest ideas—too bad to
even mention. Hamilton picks up a fry,
but puts it down. Will walks over and
sits down. Hamilton continues to stare
at his plate.
Will: Look, I, uh, know you’re a
man of few words, but I noticed that when you do start talking…you manage to
express yourself incredibly well.
Hamilton
looks at him, seeming resolved to just say it.
Hamilton: Jake’s not coming back.
Will: What? Why?
Hamilton: I don’t know…
Will: Well, where is she?
Hamilton: I don’t know…
Will: Did you have some kind of
fight?
Hamilton: I don’t know…
Will
looks a little frustrated.
Hamilton
cont’d: I
mean…I don’t think we had a fight. I’ve
been sitting here trying to figure it out.
At the party, she said she didn’t want to be on pause anymore. I just assumed she meant she wanted us to go
back to how we were, but…maybe that isn’t what she meant at all.
Will: That really sucks.
Elizabeth
walks up and sits next to Hamilton.
Since she’s on the edge of the bench and his leg is in the seat, he
takes it down.
Elizabeth: Hi, Hamilton.
Hamilton: Hi…
He
looks at Will like “help me.”
Elizabeth: So, when we were talking at
Sean’s party you said you sort of had a girlfriend. Did you break up with her?
Is that why you’re so mopey?
Hamilton
doesn’t answer her. He looks pretty
annoyed by her presence. She reaches up
and runs her hand through his hair and down his neck.
Elizabeth
cont’d:
Well, if you need someone to talk to…
Hamilton
leans away from her touch.
Hamilton: I’ve got Will.
Elizabeth
looks at Will who shrugs and nods his head in agreement.
Grace
(from the other table): See….I told you.
Elizabeth
puts on a fake smile as she gets up and walks back to the other table. Hamilton and Will look at each other kind of
amused.
(cut
to): Ryder at Jake’s door. He knocks
and waits for a moment. No one
comes. He shrugs and turns to walk
away. He almost runs into Scout and
Jill who are headed to Scout’s room and in a world of their own.
Ryder: Watch it, Calhoun.
Scout: You watch it, Ryder. I’m really sick of your crap.
Ryder: Aren’t you brave…
Jill: Leave him alone,
Ryder. I mean, don’t you get it? You can’t always be such a jackass.
Ryder: Thanks for the advice,
Love. If you ever decide to drop this
loser for a guy with some class—
Jill: You’ll be the last person I
call…right after Tom Greene and Johnny Knoxville.
Ryder
smiles.
Ryder: So, anyway…where’s Jake…Jacqueline,
I mean?
Jill: She’s in London.
Not
what Ryder was expecting to hear.
Jill
cont’d:
Yeah. Her mom’s play is about to start
touring Europe. Jacqueline’s going with
her.
Ryder: She’s not coming back to
Rawley?
Jill
shakes her head.
Jill: You don’t look as pleased
as I would have thought.
Ryder
(feigning surprise): You’re not suggesting that I had something to do with Miss
Pratt’s premature withdrawal.
Scout: Jill, come on. We’ve already lost precious moments of our
life talking to this guy.
They
walk away, ignoring him. He shrugs and
walks off.
Jill: Did you just say ‘our
life’?
Scout
smiles. They get to Scout’s room.
(cut
to): Scout’s room as they walk inside.
Jill’s painting is in a frame and hanging on the wall. She notices. Scout runs over to the top drawer of his dresser and takes out a
small wrapped box. He hands it to her.
Jill: You know you didn’t have to
get me anything.
Scout: So, you don’t want it?
Jill: I wouldn’t go that
far.
She
unwraps the present. Inside is a watch
box. She opens it and inside is, low and
behold, a watch.
Jill: Thanks.
Scout: See, I know you have this
one.
He
picks up her wrist indicating a worn looking sports watch.
Scout
cont’d:
But, there’s like paint and stuff on it and…it’s really cute, you know, but I
just thought—
Jill: Scout, it’s a great
watch. Thank you.
She
smiles and walks up to him.
Scout: And I know it’s not as
personal as your painting, which I love, by the way. But, it’s engraved. And I thought—
Jill: Scout…I love it, ok?
He
smiles and she kisses him.
(cut
to): Friendly’s. Grace and her friends
are leaving. Sean and Hamilton are
still at their respective tables. Will
is sweeping.
Sean: Thanks, girls.
Grace: Anytime, Sean.
Elizabeth: Bye, Hamilton.
He
looks over and waves. They leave. Hamilton picks up his burger and takes a
bite.
Will: So, they’re going to make
your signs and put them up the first day back?
Sean: Yeah.
Will: You made sure they knew
that “Vote for Sean because he’s the bomb” isn’t really an appropriate campaign
slogan, right?
Will
walks back toward the counter. Sean
laughs. Will walks back to the
counter. Hamilton picks up his plate
and half empty glass of Coke. He walks
toward Sean’s table. In the background
we see Will on the phone.
Hamilton: When’s the election?
Sean: Like a week after classes
start.
Hamilton
sits down and takes a sip of his Coke.
Hamilton: Think you’ll win?
Sean
shrugs.
Sean: Student government is a
popularity contest and my opponent is a senior and the head cheerleader and
fairly pleasant company at parties.
Hamilton: Uh-oh. Triple threat.
Sean
smiles.
Sean: It’s really no big deal if
I win or not. I’m still going to join
student government and try to get some stuff done.
Hamilton: Cool.
Hamilton
takes one more bits of his burger and tosses it down. He gets up and takes another sip of his coke.
Hamilton: Well, I’m going to head
out.
Will: Want to do me a favor and
head out the back door?
Hamilton
looks at him.
Will
cont’d: And
take the trash with you…
Hamilton
nods his head.
Hamilton: Yeah, sure man.
(cut
to): The alley behind Friendly’s. The
back door opens and Hamilton walks out with a bag of trash. There’s a dumpster. He looks around.
Hamilton: Gross.
He
starts to throw the trash in the dumpster when he hears a noise. He puts the bag down and looks around. There’s a small quiet meow from inside the
dumpster. He thinks twice, but looks
down inside.
Hamilton
(muffled):
Hey…
He
sticks his arm inside and pulls out…a cat.
It’s not a small kitten, but it’s not a cat either. It’s probably about six months old. It’s an
orange tabby.
Hamilton: Hey.
Hamilton: What are you doing out here
all by yourself? It’s freezing.
The
cat meows again.
Hamilton: Fine…I’m convinced. You can come home with me.
He
looks around and finds a clean box. He
walks off with the cat and the box. He
leaves the bag of trash next to the dumpster.
(cut
to): back inside Friendly’s.
Sean: Well, I guess I’ve been
here long enough too so…
He
gets up.
Will: Hey, stay, man. Sit down.
Business has been so slow. It’s totally
boring here.
Before
Sean can say anything, Bella walks in.
He is standing as he puts on his bookbag.
Sean: Sorry…I really gotta go.
Bella: Sean…
Sean: What? What, Bella?
Will: Bella and I need to talk to
you.
Sean
looks back and forth between the two.
Sean: What?
Will: Why don’t you sit back
down?
Sean
gives will a questioning look, but doesn’t look suspicious of the obvious. He sits.
Sean: What?
Bella
and Will walk over and sit with Sean.
Bella: There’s this thing that…we
have to tell you. We should have said
it sooner, but…I didn’t want to.
Sean: Ok…shoot.
Will
and Bella look at each other. Will
looks really freaked out.
Bella: Ok, when you asked me to
help you out and I said no…
Will
looks at Bella then at the unsuspecting Sean.
Will: …she didn’t think you were
going to enlist Grace.
Bella
looks at Will.
Bella: Will…
Will: Bella, someone had to say
it. I mean, that girl has a huge crush
on you, man. Would Bill Clinton ask
Monica Lewinsky to be his publicist?
Sean: Hey, I would never—
Will: Do anything with Grace. I know that, but think of how it looks to
everyone else. What if you told Grace
and her friends that Bella and I are going to help out now? I was going to help you with that speech
anyway. I’m sure Bella can handle the managerial
stuff. I bet we could even enlist Jill
to make some killer signs. And you know
Scout will have some general tips.
Sean
looks at Bella. She smiles and shrugs.
Sean: Sounds good…
He
gets up.
Sean
cont’d: uh,
but I really do need to go. We can all
meet up here tomorrow if that works for everyone.
Will: Ok.
Sean: See ya…
He
walks away looking uncertain. When’s
he’s gone, Bella gets up. Will is still
sitting at the table.
Bella: What were you thinking,
Will?
Will
gets up too.
Will: I don’t know…I don’t
know. I mean…maybe we should make sure
that we’re sure before…
Bella
looks hurt.
Bella:
Sure of what, exactly?
Will: You know I didn’t mean it
like that. You know I
didn’t. When he was sitting there, I
just…I freaked out.
Bella: Obviously.
Will: I just…I didn’t think it’d
be that hard.
Bella: Will, I was the one
talking.
Will: I know, but I was watching
him. He was just sitting there…not
expecting it. Did you hear him? He said “shoot.” I mean, it doesn’t seem fair.
It’s not fair.
Bella: What’s not? Telling him? Or…
Will
walks up to her. He runs his hand
through her hair.
Will: You know I want to be with
you, but it’s not fair to him…that we’re hurting him. And, he does need to know. It’s just hard.
Bella: We’ve been through all this
before, Will. That’s how we got to
where we were just a minute ago.
Will: Ok. So, we try again tomorrow.
Bella: Think you can handle?
Will: Of course…I think
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: Napster.
What? We were never Metallica
fans anyway.
(fade
in): to Hamilton in his room. He’s
pacing around. The box with the cat in
it is on the floor by his bed. He stops
and looks down inside. There’s
newspaper covering half the box. On the
other side is a dish of milk. The cat
is asleep near the milk. He looks
around. His bookbag is hanging on his
desk chair. He opens it and pulls out
his laptop. He sets it on his
desk. There’s a phone cord on his desk
that he plugs into the laptop. There’s
a knock at his door. Hamilton looks at
the door then at the cat. He runs over
to the cat and slides the box under the bed.
The startles cat meows.
Hamilton: Shhh…
Kate
(off screen):
Hamilton?
Hamilton: Yeah, mom?
She
opens the door slowly.
Kate: Didn’t you hear me knock? What were you doing?
She
comes in, looking around the room. Hamilton
smiles.
Hamilton: I was just about to check
my email.
Kate: Your dad told me about
Jake.
Hamilton: He knows?
Kate: Sweetie, he’s the
dean. He knows when a student withdraws
and when he notices that student is your best friend…he wonders if you’re ok.
Hamilton: Yeah, of course. I’m fine.
Kate: And I’m your mom, so when
you tell me you’re fine with that look on your face, I get this feeling
that you’re lying and that you’re the complete opposite of fine.
Hamilton
sits on his bed.
Hamilton: Well, yeah, the girl that I
love left without telling me or telling me why. So, I guess I shouldn’t be fine.
Kate: She didn’t tell you?
Hamilton
shakes his head and looks down.
Kate
sits next to him on the bed.
Kate: Your dad got an email from
Monica Pratt saying she and Jake wanted to spend more time together and that’s
why Jake was withdrawing from Rawley.
Hamilton: She wrote it…
Kate: Yes.
Hamilton: No, I mean…Jake…Jake must
have written it.
Kate: Oh, right, I didn’t even
think of that.
Hamilton
looks over at his laptop.
Kate: Check it.
Hamilton
looks back at her.
Kate
cont’d: Go
on. I need to talk to you, though, ok?
Hamilton: Yeah, sure.
He
gets up and sits at his desk. While they
talk he gets the computer started, connected to the internet, etc.
Kate: Your father wants us to go
to counseling. Our first appointment is
tonight in Carson.
Hamilton: Mom, that’s great. It’ll probably be great for you two.
Kate: I hope so. When I said us, though, I meant you too.
Hamilton: What? Why do I have to go?
Kate: You won’t actually have to
go every time Dad and I do, but the doctor wants the whole family to come in
this time then maybe you’ll come with us once a month.
Hamilton: But, it’s not about me…it’s
about you guys.
Kate: It’s about our family.
Hamilton: You know, whose idea was
this anyway? Because, everything seems
fine. Obviously Dad decided to forgive
you and move on.
Kate: There’re a lot of feelings that
Dad and I haven’t even begun to talk about.
We have to work through a lot of that.
He does know that you know. He
doesn’t know that, um…Finn is the one who…
Hamilton: No wonder he didn’t fire
that jerk. I can’t believe you didn’t
tell him.
Kate: He didn’t want to know.
Hamilton: Yeah, right. Even if that is what he said…
Kate: I know. No one ever tells you how they’re really
feeling.
Hamilton
finally gets his email opened. He
stares at the screen.
Kate: Anything?
Hamilton: Yeah…
He
clicks on the email and opens it, reading it quickly. Kate doesn’t say anything.
She watches him.
Hamilton: It’s not fair.
Kate: What’s not?
Hamilton: That she’s not coming
back…that she won’t tell me why…that it’s really over.
Kate: What did she say?
He
swallows and looks back down at his screen.
He’s so hurt and almost pouty.
Hamilton: “Dear Hamilton, by the time
you read this, I guess you’ll know I’m not coming back to Rawley…I know how you
never check email.” Then there’s one of
those annoying sideways smiley face things. Then: “Anyway, I’m sorry. When I can explain it, I will. Goodbye…Jacqueline.” That’s it.
He
closes the laptop.
Hamilton
cont’d: So,
when do we have to leave for this counseling thing?
Kate: Are you going to tell your
father about her?
Hamilton: What’s the point?
Kate: That’s up to you.
Hamilton: I don’t want to tell
him…not today, anyway. Someday…just not
today.
There’s
a meow from under his bed. Kate looks
down.
Kate: Something you want to tell me?
He
gets up and bends down, pulling the box from under the bed.
Hamilton: I found him today.
Kate: Oh, my. Well, we can drop it off at the shelter when
we go to Carson.
Hamilton: What are you talking
about? I’m going to keep him.
Kate: Sweetie, you have plenty of
pets.
He
sits on the ground and picks up the cat.
He doesn’t look at his mom.
Kate: …but you don’t have a cat.
Hamilton
looks up at her.
Hamilton: Really?
Kate: As long as it’s okay with
your father.
Hamilton: Thank you, mom.
(cut
to): Scout and Jill as they walk back to Jill’s room. They open the door to find Jill’s new roommate. She’s unpacking. She would be played by Anna Paquin (with the American accent). She’s definitely dork-ified. Hopefully not in that fake, see through way…
she should genuinely look studious. Not
that someone can look studious…but you get the idea.
Gwen: Hi, I’m Gwen.
Jill: I’m Jill Thomas. This is Scout.
Scout: Hi.
They
come all the way in and close the door.
Gwen: Guys aren’t really supposed
to be in here, are they?
Jill: Well, not technically,
but…you’d be surprised what you can get away with.
Gwen: Well, I don’t want to get
away with anything.
Scout: Uh…she’s right, I should
go. I’ll see you soon, though.
Scout
goes in to kiss her, but Gwen is watching so he smiles and turns around to
leave.
Scout: Later, ladies.
Jill
watches him leave and turns back around.
Gwen is back to unpacking. She
has tons of books which she is putting on her desk. Jill smiles, not happy, but trying.
(cut
to): Will and Scout’s room. Will is
there collecting stuff to go take a shower.
Scout comes in. It’s probably
about 4:00 p.m.
Will: Hey, what’s up?
Scout: Not much…how was work?
Will: It was work. Really slow today. Sean was there all afternoon.
Scout: Did you tell him, yet?
Will: Well, after everyone but
Sean left, I called Bella. She came
over and we were about to tell him, but I freaked out. I couldn’t go through with it. We’re supposed to do it tomorrow, but…
Scout: …it’s hard. I bet.
Will: What was I thinking? I mean, I’ve fallen in love with Bella. What right did I have to do that?
Scout: That was rhetorical, right?
Will: God…this is bad. This is going to be bad. Sean was so mad at me when I didn’t
tell him I was going to Rawley. This is
like a hundred times worse. What am I
going to do?
Scout: Well, I think the two
options are to tell Sean or not tell him.
Although, you could always break up with Bella…then there’d be nothing
to tell.
Will
looks up at Scout.
Scout: I’m just kidding. Obviously, you just have to get it together
and let Sean know what’s going on. No
matter what happens, you’ve got to feel better than you do right now. You look like crap.
Will: Thanks.
Scout: Oh, hey, I gave Jill that
watch. I think she liked it.
Will: What about the earrings?
Scout: I’m going to give those to
her tonight…at dinner…in Carson.
Will:
You’re going all the way to Carson? We
start school tomorrow. And besides, one
of the new rules Czar Fleming has introduced is be back on campus by
eight.
Scout: I know…but I want to take
her someplace really nice.
Will: One would think you were
proposing to the girl.
Scout
smiles.
Will: You’re not, right?
Scout: No…of course not.
Scout
looks down.
Scout
cont’d: Not
tonight.
Will: You scare me, man.
Will
picks his stuff up and walks out.
Will: The shower is calling me…
Scout: Later.
Will
leaves and Scout pulls out his cell phone.
He dials a number.
Scout: Hello. I just wanted to check on my reservation for
tonight? Calhoun for seven. Ok…thank you.
He
hangs up. He dials another number.
(cut
to): Jill’s room. They actually have a
phone. Gwen answers it.
Gwen: Hi. Jill and Gwen’s room. Uh, yeah, hang on.
She
hands the phone to Jill who is mixing paint.
Jill wipes her hands off and takes the phone.
Jill: Hey. Okay…but, we start classes
tomorrow…Okay…You’re not going to tell me?
How will I know what to wear?…Okay….see you in an hour.
She
hangs up the phone.
Gwen: So, he’s your boyfriend?
Jill: Scout? Yeah.
Gwen
is pretty much done packing. She sits
down on her bed.
Jill
cont’d:
So…do you have a boyfriend?
Gwen: God, no.
Jill
hesitates for a moment.
Jill: Girlfriend?
Gwen: No.
Jill: Okay…
Jill
gets up so she can get ready.
Gwen: I don’t have a boyfriend
because of school.
Jill: That makes sense…
Gwen: I don’t have time for
guys. I have time for school.
Jill: Oh.
Jill
looks around.
Jill
cont’d:
Well…I’ve got to get ready to go God knows where so…
She
turns and goes into the bathroom.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: Okay…so,
yeah…Brad Pitt…saw him on Leno and…each and every one of you must see The Mexican.
(fade
in): Hamilton and his parents in the car on the way to Carson. It’s about 6:00. The radio is tuned into some news channel. Hamilton is looking out the window. His mom looks bored.
Kate: Why don’t we switch the
radio to some music dear? Maybe
something Hamilton would like?
Steve: Oh…sure.
He
switches it to an oldies station. Heartbreak
Hotel by Elvis is on. Hamilton
looks less than pleased, but looks out the window and doesn’t say anything.
Kate: Steven…we don’t even
like Elvis. Let me find something.
She
turns it to a pop/rock station. Back
Here Baby by BBMack is on. Hamilton
puts his elbow up on the window ledge and leans his head against it. After a good chorus of the song Hamilton
leans forward, stretching to cut the radio off.
Hamilton: Can we just not listen to
music? I have a headache.
Kate
and Steven look at each other.
(cut
to): Scout and Jill driving in Scout’s new Expedition.
Jill: This car hella cool. I thought only seniors could have cars.
Scout: Oh, yeah…my dad pulled a
few strings. No big deal.
Jill: God, why did I even think
about that? I’ve been hanging out with Gwen
Guidelines all afternoon. I swear she
memorized the student handbook before she came here. She was like “but, I thought we weren’t supposed to be off campus
after eight without permission.”
Scout: We really aren’t. I don’t think we’re ever supposed to go to
Carson, but some things are worth breaking the rules for.
He
looks over at her. They smile. On the radio Breathless by the Corrs
is playing.
Jill: This is a
good song…
(dissolve
to): Hamilton, Steven and Kate in the office of what we assume is the
counselor. They are all sitting on a
very large, expensive looking couch.
The office looks pretty nice.
There are toys in one section of the room. Not one of the Fleming trio is speaking. The door opens. The doctor walks in. He
would be played by Dean
Cain. He’s looking down at the
file.
Dr.
Parker:
Welcome Flemings, I’m Miles Parker.
He
looks up.
Dr.
Parker:
Whoa. Okay…you guys look
terrified. Don’t be. This is painless.
He
takes a seat in a winged-back chair.
Dr.
Parker: So,
no matter whom the person or persons, I like to ask “why are you here?”
They
all look at each other.
Dr.
Parker:
Whoa, not everybody at once. Why don’t
we start with the Patriarch? Steven?
Steven: Well, I suppose I’m here
because I want to make my marriage and my family work a little better.
Dr.
Parker:
That sounds like a noble idea. Just
realize that I’m here more as a coach than a doctor. What about Mrs. Fleming?
Kate, why are you here?
Kate: Well, I feel like I have a
lot of apologizing to do…to my son and to my husband.
Dr.
Parker: It
sounds like you want forgiveness…from them…from yourself. Forgiving is a healing process that I hope I
can get you all through. Now, moving on
and finishing up: what about you, Hamilton?
Hamilton: Um…well, I’m not supposed
to come to all the sessions, but I just want to try and support my
parents.
Dr.
Parker: So,
it’s them not you?
He
looks at them, not knowing what to say.
Hamilton: I guess I haven’t been the
most dedicated family member this year.
He
looks down.
Dr.
Parker: Ok—
Hamilton: It’s just hard to be a
third wheel in your own family.
Whatever they’re doing is always more important.
Steven: That isn’t true. We’ve always tried to be interested in your
life and what you’re doing.
Hamilton: Really? And what have I spent the last six months
doing, huh dad? Have you even bothered
to notice that I’m this completely changed person? Have you bothered to wonder why?
Steven: Have you been using drugs?
Hamilton
leans forward putting his head in his hands.
Hamilton: No…Dad…sir.
Steven: I’ve asked you about your
life…
Hamilton: I…I know…sorry…I’ve had
kind of a bad day.
Kate
(to the doctor): His best friend kind of moved away.
Dr.
Parker: Something
you want to talk about a little, Hamilton.
Hamilton: Oh, no…it’s no big deal.
The
doctor looks at him unconvinced, but decides to move on.
Dr.
Parker:
Well, then, since Hamilton is here for this session, I thought we might touch
on the biggest reason that brought this family here tonight.
Kate
looks down. Steven puts his hand on her
knee, comfortingly.
Kate: My son already knows that I
had an affair.
Dr.
Parker: Oh,
you decided to tell him? Good.
Kate: He found out while it was
still going on.
The
doctor nods and looks at Hamilton who is looking down.
Steven: I just realized…he knows who.
Dr.
Parker: Who
what?
Hamilton: Who she was sleeping with.
Kate: Hamilton.
Hamilton: It’s not like it’s not
true. It’s not like he doesn’t know you were sleeping with another guy.
Dr.
Parker: Is
there a reason you haven’t discussed who?
Steven: I didn’t want to know, but
now that my son knows…
Kate: If you want to know, I’ll
tell you.
Steven: I want to know…
Kate
looks at Hamilton who is looking down.
She looks at Steven, resolved to tell him
(cut
to): Finn walking down the hall of the boys’ dorm. He knocks on Will’s door.
Will
(from inside the room): Come in.
(cut
to): the inside of the room as Finn walks in.
Will is in pajama bottoms and a t shirt.
Finn: How are you tonight?
Will: Good…actually
horrible.
Finn: Want to talk about it?
Will: Not really.
He
laughs; Finn smiles.
Finn: Well, I do have something
that might cheer you up a little bit.
He
hands Will a flyer. Will reads it.
Will: This is for a writers’
conference in Boston.
Finn: They invite writers from
this region. One being me. They always encourage us to bring any
potentials.
Will
looks at him.
Finn: It’s not for several weeks,
but if you want to go…
Will: Wow. Yeah.
That would be really cool.
Finn: You have to bring some of
your work. They hold workshops and
stuff like that.
Will: Okay. Thanks Finn.
Finn
starts to walk out.
Finn: See you gentlemen in class
tomorrow. Speaking of…
He
turns back around and looks around.
Finn: Where’s Scout? Showers?
Will: Um, not exactly…
Finn: Well, it’s getting pretty
close to eight. He wouldn’t want to get
in trouble for something as stupid as sneaking out to see his girlfriend.
Will
nods.
(cut
to): a fancy, fancy restaurant in Carson.
Jill and Scout are sitting at a table, eating.
Jill: Did I already say that this
place is really, really nice?
Scout: Several hundred times since
we got here. Yes.
Jill: Because it is…really
nice.
Scout: How’s your linguini?
Jill: Oh…to die for. You want some?
Scout: Uh…
Jill: You do…it’s really
good.
She
collects some on a fork and leans across the table. He leans forward and takes the bite.
Scout: You’re right. Very good.
Jill: I know…
She
continues eating. Scout sets his fork down
and reaches into his jacket pocket. He
pulls out a small jewelry case. She
eyes him suspiciously.
Jill: What’s that?
Scout
hands it to her.
Jill
cont’d:
Please tell me you didn’t buy me something else.
Scout: Okay, but…I’d be lying.
Jill: Scout…
Scout: Just open it.
She
looks at him, then down at the box. She
lifts it open.
Jill: God, Scout…
(cut
to): a shot behind Jill’s shoulder as we get to see the earrings Scout and Will
were talking about before. I’m thinking
Pearls…even though that’s what Michael got Maria on Roswell.
Jill: You know, you don’t have
to—
Scout: If you don’t like them…
Jill: Scout, of course I like
them. They’re beautiful, but they’re
also from you. That’s what makes them
special to me. You know that, right?
Scout
is no longer paying attention. He’s
flagging the waiter down. When the
waiter comes up:
Scout: Can I get some more
water? Jill, you need anything?
Jill
shakes her head and takes another bite of her food.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to Dr. Parker’s office. Everyone
is getting up.
Dr.
Parker: So,
Steve and Kate, I’ll see you in a little more than a week and Hamilton, I’ll
see you next month.
They
start to go. Hamilton looks a little
lost in thought.
Dr.
Parker:
Actually, can I see you for just a second, Hamilton?
He
looks up at his parents.
Steven: We’ll head out to the car.
When
they leave:
Dr.
Parker: You
didn’t say much tonight. I feel like
you got cut off a lot.
Hamilton
tries to play it off.
Hamilton: Who can say anything with
those two talking?
Dr.
Parker: How
do you feel about this whole affair thing?
Hamilton: My mom was cheating on my
dad…with one of my favorite teachers.
And my dad isn’t even going to fire the jerk. How would you feel?
Dr.
Parker: If
you feel like saying something like that, you can do it here.
Hamilton: Look, I’m sorry if I didn’t
say was I was supposed to say to help them get better.
Dr.
Parker:
That’s not your job, son. You just have
to sit there and be honest.
Hamilton: Well, to be honest, I’ve
got some other stuff on my mind.
Dr.
Parker:
Stuff on your mind is what we’re here to talk about.
Hamilton: Yeah, but it doesn’t really
have to do with my family.
Dr. Parker: I’ve got a minute.
(cut to): Outside the office as Kate and
Steven walk out. Across the street, a
valet pulls up in Scout’s car.
Steven: That looks just like the car Scout Calhoun brought
back to school this semester.
Kate: I thought only seniors could have cars.
Steven: Well, when an underclassman whose father contributes
as much as Senator Calhoun does wants to have a car…I have to bend a
little. I had serious reservations that
I shared with the senator, though.
(cut to): A shot across the wide street of the car. Scout takes the keys from the valet and gets
in.
Kate: That actually looks a lot like—
She
stops when she realizes it is Scout.
(cut
to): Back in the office. Hamilton and
the doctor are still standing by the door.
Hamilton: It was just the complete opposite
of what I expected and that’s hard, but I’ll deal.
Hamilton
looks out the window.
Hamilton cont’d: I should get out there.
Dr. Parker: If you’d like to meet with me
separately from your parents, just call or have your mom or dad call, ok? Tell them I encourage it if you feel like
it’s something you’d like to do.
Hamilton: I think that I’m going to be
okay, but are my parents going to be okay?
Dr.
Parker:
They seem to be taking steps in that direction, but it’s up to them.
Hamilton
nods.
Dr.
Parker:
You’re a thoughtful kid…if you need to share those thoughts with someone
again…that’s what I’m here for.
Hamilton
nods again.
(cut
to): Hamilton as he walks out of the office and meets his parents who are
standing with Scout and Jill.
Hamilton: What are you guys doing
here?
Jill: Getting in trouble. You?
Before
he can answer:
Steven: You know, Scout, I fought
your dad on letting you have that car here.
You’re not supposed to be off campus after eight p.m.
Scout:
It’s barely eight now.
Steven: By the time you get back,
it will be well after eight. And
Jillian, do you really think it’s appropriate to be escorted by a boy into
another town?
Scout: Hey…I don’t really
appreciate what you’re insinuating about her or me and…I’m not just a boy…I’m
her boyfriend. I have a right to take
her out if I want.
Kate: Scout, you know you can
request special permission for things like this.
Steven: Although, all such requests
will be denied for quite some time.
Hamilton: Dad, can’t we all just go
home? I’m tired and we have classes
tomorrow.
Steven
looks at Hamilton almost angry.
Hamilton: I wasn’t trying to—
Steve
softens his look.
Steven: No, no it’s fine. You’re right. Scout, you drive your car back to school. Jill, you can ride with us and we’ll deal
with calling parents and other disciplinary action tomorrow.
Scout
gives Jill and apologetic look. He’s
not so bold to kiss her in front of the dean.
(dissolve
to): Jill and Hamilton in the back seat of the car. His dad has the radio turned to news again and seems to be
engrossed in it. Hamilton is staring
out the window. Jill leans over a
little and touches his hand that is on the seat.
Jill
(whispered):
So, are you okay?
Hamilton: Huh?
He
looks over at her.
Jill: Are you ok?
Hamilton: Um…I don’t know. I want to be. I mean, I have to be.
Jill: Well, you know if you need
to talk—
Hamilton: I know.
He
turns away from her and looks out the window.
(dissolve
to): Hamilton looking out the window in a classroom. Obviously, it’s the next day and he’s in class.
Finn: Mr. Fleming, something
interesting going on out there?
Hamilton
slowly turns his head back into the classroom.
Same class, same people.
Hamilton: Sorry…
(cut
to): Will and Scout who are sitting across the room and next to each
other. They look at each other.
(cut
to): A shot of Finn at the front of the class.
Finn: Last semester we concentrated
on great books. I’m sure you’ll be
delighted to know that we’ll read far less this semester. What we do read will be lighter.
People
cheer.
Finn: But, to mix it up, we’ll be
focusing much more on our own writing.
People
moan.
Finn: Yeah, yeah…get over
it. Your first assignment is to write
about what makes you complete.
Scout: Like, me personally?
Finn: If you like. Or you as a representative of humanity. Or any other way you can think of to
interpret the assignment. This is a
free writing assignment. After this—
Ryder: You’ll pay us?
Finn: The ice you’re skating on
keeps getting thinner, Ryder.
Ryder
rolls his eyes.
Finn
cont’d: After
this, we’ll learn some more structured ways to write. Right now, everyone take out a piece of paper and start
brainstorming.
Most
people do it.
(dissolve
to): the outside of Finn’s classroom as class gets out. Scout and Will walk out and step aside,
waiting for Hamilton.
Will: I wonder why they started
this new curfew thing anyway? We’re
always off campus past eight. The dean
can be so—
Hamilton
walks out so Will stops talking.
Hamilton: What?
They
look at each other.
Hamilton
cont’d: You
were talking about my dad, weren’t you?
Scout: What’s the deal with the
new curfew?
Hamilton: I dunno. I guess he found out how often people were
hanging out off campus. Sean’s party
for example. It’s just a school night
thing though. Did you get in trouble
with your parents?
Scout: Well, I can’t have my car
here anymore, but other than that…
Hamilton: Sorry…
Scout: It’s not like it’s your
fault.
Will: What about Jill, did her
dad freak?
Scout: No way. He was really cool about it. I went to walk Jill to class this morning
and she was talking to him on the phone.
She hands me the phone and just when I think he’s going to yell at me,
he thanks me for being such a good guy.
Hamilton: He seemed cool when I met
him at—during New Years.
Scout: Look, I know we’ve been
avoiding the obvious, but…are you surviving?
Will: Yeah, man. If you need to talk about anything…
Hamilton: Guys. Thanks, but I’m fine.
Scout: Ok, but if you aren’t…
Hamilton: If I’m not, I will be. I have to run home for lunch. (to Will) I found a little cat in the
dumpster when I took the trash out. I forgot
to tell you.
Will: I was going to mention that
you don’t just leave the bag next to the dumpster.
Hamilton: Oh, yeah…sorry.
Scout: So you found a cat?
Will: Did you take it home?
Hamilton
nods.
Hamilton: My parents let me keep him.
Scout: So…you have a kitten?
Hamilton: Uh-huh.
Scout
(condescending): Neat…
Hamilton: Shut up.
Ryder
walks out. He stops in front of them.
Ryder: Calhoun, heard you got
busted for being out after curfew.
Scout:
Yeah, so?
Ryder
tilts his head and blinks. He jerks his
head so that he’s facing Hamilton.
Ryder: So, did your little boyfriend
get kicked out, or what?
Hamilton
gets a wounded look.
Will: Lay off, Ryder.
Hamilton
looks at Will then back at Ryder. He
walks past him, knocking his shoulder. Ryder
turns and walks behind him.
Ryder: I’m just curious,
Hammie. I mean, did you two finally do
the deed? Is that what scared her
off? Hmm?
Hamilton
turns back around. Ryder stops
following him.
Hamilton: Please, just drop it. I know you like her, ok? Or like to bother her. Whatever.
Maybe you miss her too. I don’t
know. I’m just really not in the mood
to be the object of your frustration.
Ryder: You really are a pathetic,
presumptuous person.
Hamilton
turns around and walks off.
Hamilton: Yeah, well, thanks for welcoming
me to the club.
Ryder
turns back toward Will and Scout who watch him walk past.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break:
Nothing beats reruns. Okay, so that’s a
total lie, but if you feel like reliving the episodes of The Fall Season…go
for it!
(fade
in): Will and Jill are walking in Rawley toward the garage and Friendly’s. We’re assuming it’s late afternoon.
Jill: How come Hamilton didn’t
come to help?
Will: He’s too busy moping
around.
Jill: Poor kid.
Will: His official story was that
he wanted to hang out with his new cat.
Jill: He has a new cat?
Will
nods.
Jill: That’s like…pure sex.
Will
does that really surprised look that he does sometimes.
Will: What?
Jill: That just means it’s really
sexy. Guys and animals or…guys and
small children…
Will: Sounds more like an
inappropriate internet site.
Jill: Oh my God…
They
reach Bella’s door and Will knocks.
Jill
cont’d: So,
are you two officially…official yet?
Will: Not exactly. We have to tell Sean. We’re telling him tonight.
Jill: Good luck.
(cut
to): Friendly’s. Scout’s there
working. Sean is sitting at the
counter.
Sean: So, thanks for agreeing to
help me out.
Scout: No problem. I think Jill has some ideas for signs
too. She’s so amazing and talented and—
Sean: I hope Will can help me
with my speech. I have to give it at an
assembly tomorrow.
(cut
to): the door as Will, Jill and Bella walk in.
Will: Let’s get to work!
(cut
to): Hamilton. He’s in his room,
sitting at his desk. The cat is asleep
on his desk. He’s working on math
homework. He seems to be finished. He folds up the paper and puts it in his
book. He puts it on the ground and
pulls another folder out of his book bag.
As he opens it, we can see that it says “English.” He looks down then over at the cat. He pats it gently on the head as he looks as
his English assignment. He thinks for a
moment then sighs. He opens a desk
drawer and looks inside. He moves a few
things out of the way and pulls out a notebook, flipping it opened. He takes his pencil and erases some stuff.
(cut
to): Finn’s classroom. He’s sitting at
his desk writing lesson plans. The dean
walks in and clears his throat. Finn
looks up, but makes no effort to get up or speak. After a moment:
Finn: Something I can do for you?
Steven: Stay away from my
wife.
Finn
takes his glasses off and sets them down on the desk.
Steven: You’ve got a lot of nerve.
Finn: Yes, I do.
Steven
looks as though he’s trying to remain calm.
Finn stands up.
Finn: If you’re done, I’d
appreciate if you’d leave my classroom.
Steven: I’m done. I would like to make it clear, though, that
this is my classroom and my school. Kate asked me not to take this up with the Board of Trustees, but
I swear if you try anything with her again, I’ll find some way to get you out
of here.
Finn
looks down, not saying anything. Steven
walks out. Finn pushes his chair
against the wall, angrily.
(cut
to): Sean, Bella, Will, Jill and Scout at Friendly’s. Jill and Bella are sitting at a table working on signs. Well, Jill’s working on the signs and Bella
is watching. Will is sitting with Sean
at the counter working on Sean’s speech and Scout’s waiting on some
customers.
(cut
to): Jill and Bella.
Jill: Yeah, so…of course, he’s
all heart-broken. We keep asking him if
he’s ok and he keeps saying he’s fine, but…
Bella: Well, so, what about you?
Jill: Huh?
Bella: Well, she’s like your best
friend. Did anyone ask you how you
were?
Jill: Oh…I’m…no, I’m fine.
Jill
goes back to working on one of the signs.
Jill looks back up at her.
Jill:
I miss
her. I saw her like three days ago
getting onto a plane and…I already miss her.
I was getting used to having my best friend around again.
Bella: If you need to talk about
anything, I’m no Jacqueline, but…
Jill
smiles.
(cut
to): Sean, Will and Scout.
Scout: So, you want to be careful
to only promise stuff you can come through on…or that they’ll forget you
promised.
Sean
and Will look at each other questioningly.
Scout: Don’t play innocent. Politics is a total game…like most stuff in
life.
(cut
to): Bella and Jill
Jill: It’s not like he isn’t
fabulous…I just wish he would lay off the gift giving.
Bella:
He’s so
thoughtful, but sometimes you have to make him “get it,” ya know? Like, explain to him why not every girl
enjoys getting a different piece of jewelry every day.
(cut
to): Grace and her friends as they come in.
Grace: So, these are the losers
you replaced us with?
Sean: I didn’t replace you…I gave
you a break. You didn’t really want to
help work on a stupid campaign, did you?
Grace: Of course we did.
Will: Look, it was nice of you
guys to help, but we’re older and we can—
Grace: You can what? Tell Sean what to say in his speech? He can write his speech just fine without
you, Will. And he doesn’t need fancy
signs by the artsy new girl.
Jill: Hey…
Scout: You don’t even know her,
Grace.
Grace: I don’t need to know her. You totally forgot about my sister the second
she came into town.
Bella: Grace, I don’t need you to
defend me.
Grace: Of course not because
you’re perfect and you have like every guy in here drooling over you.
Bella: Maybe you should go home.
Elizabeth: Maybe you should make her.
Will: Stay out of it, Liz.
Elizabeth: Shut up, whiney Will.
Everyone
is kind of yelling and arguing.
Sean: Hey.
They
don’t stop.
Sean
cont’d: Hey!
Everyone
is quiet.
Sean cont’d: Never mind…
He
walks out. Everyone starts arguing
again. Bella gets up to go after him,
Will follows.
(cut
to): Outside Friendly’s. They chase
after him.
Bella: Sean, wait.
Will: Hey…Sean.
Sean
turns around.
Sean:
Look, guys,
I appreciate your help, I do, but it’s not worth all that fighting. Forget signs. Forget a well-written speech.
I’m just going to say what I want to do and if they vote for me great…if
not, oh well.
Will: I think all this could have
been avoided if Bella and I had said what we originally planned on saying last
night.
Sean
looks really confused and really unsuspecting.
Bella looks at Will.
Will
cont’d:
And…it’s my fault that we didn’t so…I know this is bad timing, but…
Bella: Jake isn’t coming back.
Will
looks at her.
Sean: Uh…that sucks?
Will: Bella….
Sean: Is she ok?
Will: She’s fine. She’s in England with her mom.
Sean: Poor Hamilton.
Bella: Yeah…Hamilton…he’s feeling really
bad and he kind of needs us so…we can’t really dedicate ourselves to the Sean
campaign, you know?
Sean: Okay…
He
looks at them for a moment. Will
glances at Bella, not knowing what to say.
Sean
cont’d:
Well…you guys get back to Rawley to hang out with Hamilton. I’m just gonna head home.
Sean
turns around. Will gives Bella a “what
did you just do?” look. Sean
stops. He turns back around and faces
them.
Sean: Okay, no, I have to
know. What were you really going to
tell me? Yesterday? And just now?
They
look at each other. They seem to have
an unspoken dialogue. A “should we?” kind of thing.
Sean: Okay…never mind…I think you
just told me…
They
look back up at him.
Sean
cont’d:
That…makes a lot of stuff make sense.
They
look at each other, wondering if he actually knows.
Sean: Bella Banks and Will
Krudski…
Bella
looks down. Will watches Sean.
Sean: You know…you could’ve told
me. I feel like such a complete moron…
Will: Okay, you’re beating
yourself up…you’re supposed to be beating me up.
Sean: What? Why would I do that?
Will: That’s supposed to be
obvious…
Sean: Let’s just say that I’m not
that all that surprised.
Will: But, you told me a long
time ago that—
Sean: Bella would never go out
with you because she valued you as a friend or whatever?
Will: Yeah…
Sean: Well, duh…I liked her
too. I mean…who wouldn’t?
Bella
looks down again as Sean looks over at her.
Will: So…you’re not mad?
Sean: Of course, I’m mad. I’m mad you didn’t tell me sooner, but I’m
the one who stepped on toes this summer…and not exactly unknowingly.
Will: This summer? I didn’t even like her this summer.
Bella: Can we stop talking about
“her” like she’s some object and not a person who is standing right
here?
Sean
looks at Will, then Bella. He slowly
smiles.
Sean: Okay, so…my two best
friends are dating. I need to be caught
up. I want details. Come on, walk me home and fill me in.
He
turns back around and Will and Bella catch up.
They walk on either side of him. Sean
slows down a little and moves to the other side of Will so that Will is next to
Bella. It’s subtle, but it makes us
realize that he’s being sincere.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): Jill in her bed asleep. The lights
are off, but there’s a little sunlight
coming through the window. There’s a
tapping sound.
Gwen: Jill.
Nothing.
Gwen
cont’d:
Jill…
Gwen
cont’d:
Jill!
Jill
opens her eyes a little.
Jill: What? What?
Gwen: I think Romeo’s under the
balcony.
Jill: Huh?
Gwen: Your boyfriend. Outside.
Throwing rocks at our window.
Jill: Can you just open the
window and tell him how many rules he’s breaking?
Gwen: Sorry, I’m still asleep.
Jill
throws off the covers and walks over to the window. She pushes it opened, barely awake.
(cut
to): Scout below the window.
Scout: There you are…
Jill: And there you are…what
are you doing here.
Scout: I couldn’t wait to see you…
Jill: Not even like three hours?
Scout: Can you come down?
Jill: Uh…yeah, just let me tie
some sheets together and…
Scout
looks down, disappointed.
Scout: I’ll just see you later—
He
turns around to walk away.
Jill: Scout…
He
stops and turns back around.
Jill
cont’d:
I’ll be right down.
(cut
to): Scout standing outside Rawley Girls.’
Jill comes out in her pajamas, a robe and some cute animal
slippers. Scout smiles at the site of
her.
Scout: Nice slippers.
Jill: Thanks…what are you doing
here?
Scout: I wanted to give you
something.
Jill: Are you serious? You woke me up at six a.m. to give me
something?
Scout: Remember when we were in
the car on the way to Carson and you said you loved that song on the radio?
Jill: Vaguely…
Scout
unsnaps one of the cargo pockets on his pants.
He pulls out a CD with a bow on it.
Jill: I’m guessing this CD has that
song on it.
He
hands it to her.
Scout: Yeah, I got it
yesterday.
Jill
hugs him, putting both her arms under his.
Jill: Thank you.
She
kisses him on the cheek, then puts her head on his shoulder. She doesn’t say anything for a moment.
Scout: Jill?
Nothing.
Scout: Jill?
Jill
opens her eyes and stands up straight.
Jill: Scout, you just woke me up for
the second time this morning. You’ve
given me yet another gift. And, while
you do look quite adorable in this Abercrombie ensemble thing you’ve got going
on…you’re driving me crazy.
Scout
wasn’t expecting this.
Scout: What?
Jill
touches his cheek with her hand.
Jill: What’s with all the
presents and dinners and flowers? And
that’s just like within the course of three days. What do you have planned for the course of this relationship? My own private jet? An island in the Mediterranean?
Scout: So…you didn’t like the CD?
Jill
tilts her head.
Jill: Did you really just say
that?
Scout: Come on…I’m kidding…
He
steps closer to her and pushes her hair off her face.
Scout: So…the gift-giving should
cease?
Jill: Well…let’s not be
hasty. I mean, occasional bouquets of
flowers are awesome…but not everyday.
Scout: Ok…noted.
Jill: Really?
Scout
nods.
Jill: I know you were just trying
to do your best perfect boyfriend impression…
Scout: It’s not an impression…
He
smiles.
Jill: The point is, I don’t need a
bunch of…stuff, you know? Just you…that’s
all.
Scout: That you need?
Jill: Yeah…
Scout: Can I borrow a Jill phrase?
Jill: Sure…
Scout: “Wow.”
Jill
smiles and Scout kisses her briefly.
Jill: Wow…
Scout: Ok…so…you have to get back
to bed, right…
Jill: I’m awake now…
(cut
to): Bella’s kitchen. She’s making a
bowl of cereal. Grace walks in and sits
at the table.
Bella: Want some cereal?
Grace: Sure.
Bella
puts the bowl in front of her and gets a spoon from a drawer.
Grace: Thanks.
Bella
stands at the counter making another bowl of cereal.
Bella: What happened at Friendly’s
last night?
Grace: After you guys left, pretty
much everyone else did too. What
happened with Sean?
Bella: Will and I told him about
us.
Grace: How bad did he freak?
Bella: He didn’t. It was weird, but…good.
Grace: He’s got to give that
speech today.
Bella: I know.
Grace: Did Will help him?
Bella: No.
Grace: Hope he can pull it off.
Bella: He can.
(cut
to): An establishing shot of the Edmond High gym. Everyone is there for an assembly.
(cut
to): a podium where an older teacher person is.
Teacher: Ok, now that we’ve heard
from Ms. Johnson, it’s Mr. McGrail’s turn.
Sean
walks up.
Sean: Hi. I should have probably written something for
this, but my ability to memorize or read from index cards isn’t a key selling
point. This is the deal, I’m just one
guy, but I’m one guy with a really big idea.
We’ve got to stop settling for status quo. We can really make a difference in our community. I have some ideas on how to do that, but I’d
also be willing to try anything else any of you might suggest. I’m not talking about getting more people to
attend the basketball games, either. We
can really influence the community. We
can start a mentoring program with the elementary school or clean up the
lakeshore. And, then a sort of trickle up
effect could start. We influence this
town and then maybe the town can influence other towns or the state or…well,
you get the idea. I’m probably getting
ahead of myself and seeming way to idealistic, seeing as how I’m just one
person like I said before. I just want
to make sure that everyone knows that we can all be great…I’d like to lead us
to that. Thank You.
(cut
to): Bella. She smiles. Grace and her friends are sitting behind
Bella. Everyone starts clapping. Grace leans forward.
Grace: I told you he didn’t need
Will to help him write some lame speech.
(cut
to): Sean. He looks pleased.
(cut
to): Finn’s class.
Finn: So…we’ve done our writing
assignments, right?
No
one says anything.
Finn: I’m tired of reading first
drafts so we’re all going to work with a partner, get some feedback and them
bring in a final copy in about a week.
(cut
to): Finn’s classroom, just an advancement of time. Will and Scout are working with randomly assigned people. Somehow Ryder and Hamilton got stuck
together. The desks are arranged in
pairs.
(cut
to): Just Ryder and Hamilton. Hamilton
reads Ryder’s essay and Ryder reads Hamilton’s song. Ryder finishes.
Ryder:
I don’t
think this counts.
Hamilton: What?
Ryder: Some shmoopy song you wrote
about your runaway girlfriend.
Hamilton: Whatever. He didn’t say it had to be an essay.
Ryder: Well, it could at least be
a well-written song about something more interesting.
Hamilton: Sorry we can’t all be
completed by a…and this is a direct quote…”fine automotive specimen.” I knew you didn’t read those car magazines
for the girls on the hoods.
Ryder: Imagine someone having an
interest in something other than this cheesy love crap.
Hamilton: You’re in such denial.
Ryder: Why? Because I’m secretly in love with your
freakish cross-dressing girlfriend?
Think again. She’s not that
special. She was pretty audacious,
though. She wins my respect.
Hamilton: Yeah, she’s bold. She also is that special. She is not, however, my girlfriend.
Ryder: How fortunate for her.
Hamilton: I haven’t noticed any poor
girls falling victim to you lately either…how fortunate for the entire Rawley and
New Rawley population of young women.
Ryder: You’re really not that
clever, son. You’re going to have to
work on that…
Finn: Everyone. We’ll keep working on this as we also do
some reading. I want to see well edited
final copies of this writing assignment in one week.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to Will and Bella at the garage.
Bella finishes with a customer and turns to Will. He smiles.
Sean rides up on his bike.
Sean
gets off his bike and lets it fall to the ground.
Bella: So?
Sean: So…you’re looking at the
newly elected student body president.
Will: All right! Good job, man.
Will
pats him on the back.
Sean: I can’t believe I really
won.
Bella: I can.
Will: Yeah, man, you were
definitely the best person for the job.
Sean:
So…who
wants to celebrate with sundaes at Friendly’s?
Bella: Definitely
(cut
to): Hamilton’s kitchen. He’s putting some cat food into a bowl. His mom walks in with the cat.
Kate: I found this in my closet.
Hamilton: Thanks, I was looking for
that.
He
smiles then puts the cat down in front of the food. The dean walks in.
Steven
(to Kate):
Are you ready to go?
Kate: Yes, dear.
They
start to walk out.
Kate: Bye, Sweetie.
Hamilton: Bye. Hope you have a good session.
(cut
to): Scout and Jill at the docks. They
are sitting together at the end of the docks. Jill is Indian style and has her
head on Scout’s shoulder.
Jill: This place is so
beautiful…even in the winter time.
Scout
puts his head on hers.
Scout: Oh! I have something for you.
Jill: You’re kidding, right?
Scout: No. I didn’t buy it or anything.
Jill: Did you make it?
Scout: Well, yeah, kind of. It’s this essay I have to turn into Finn
tomorrow.
Jill: You’re giving me an English
essay. Well, I’ve never gotten one of
those before.
Scout
laughs.
Scout: It’s not really and English
essay per se. We had this writing
assignment. And, we were supposed to
write about what makes us complete.
And, I wanted to give you a copy because I wrote about you…and how
before you everything didn’t click and how you make it all make sense.
Jill:
Wow…
Scout
pulls the paper out of his pocket and hands it to her.
Music:
Breathing by Lifehouse
(cut
to): Hamilton as he opens Jake’s door.
He’s wearing a hooded sweatshirt with a pocket in the front. The room is still noticeably empty. He sits on the bed and takes the kitten out
of the pocket of his sweatshirt.
Hamilton: I used to spend a lot of my
free time in here.
The
cat meows and he sets it down on the bed.
Hamilton closes his eyes for a second and inhales deeply maybe searching
for closure, but more likely trying to find some reminder. As he opens his eyes, he exhales. He looks over at her desk and notices
something. He gets up and walks over,
leaving the cat alone on the bed. It
gets up and walks to the edge of the bed, following Hamilton as he reaches the
desk.
(cut
to): THE picture on Jake’s desk: the one Ham gave her for Christmas. He picks it up, looking confused.
Hamilton: How’d this…
The
cat meows. Hamilton looks back and down
at the cat who isn’t on the same side of the bed anymore. Instead, he’s walking toward the door. Hamilton looks slowly up at the door.
(cut
to): The door. It’s opening
slowly. Jake backs into the room. She’s
carrying a somewhat large box. She
turns around and stops when she sees Hamilton.
She’s in boy gear and has her hair cut short short again.
(quick
pan): to Hamilton. The camera zooms
out. Hamilton puts the picture back
down on the desk. He walks around the
bed over to her then closes the door behind her. He puts one hand on the door and leans toward her (think that
scene from Cinderbella).
Jake: Hamilton…
Hamilton: Don’t.
Jake: What?
Hamilton
leans close to her. His face is about
six inches from hers.
Hamilton: I know not talking is what made
us fight, but just don’t talk…not yet…
She
doesn’t say anything for a moment. When
they talk…it’s slow paced.
Jake: Can I just say one
thing?
Hamilton: What?
Jake: I’m sorry for…
Hamilton: I know. Me too.
I mean…I’m sorry too…
They
look at each other for a moment.
Hamilton looks down for a split second then back up at her. He seems to hesitate (just for the sake of
drama). She kisses him. Basically from here we get kind of a
recreation of the Cinderbella scene (but remember that Jake has clothes
on). The camera pulls out and they’re
framed by the window.
(fade
out)
(fade
in) to Hamilton and Jake in Jake’s room.
About an hour has passed. Most
of her stuff is in the room now. They
are both sitting in the middle of her bed, Indian style, facing each
other. The cat is asleep on her
desk. Neither is saying anything, but
it’s not awkward.
Jake: Now?
Hamilton: What?
Jake: Talking…is it allowed now?
Hamilton
smiles.
Hamilton: No…
He
leans toward her and kisses her briefly.
Hamilton
cont’d:
…okay. Now it’s allowed.
Jake: Okay.
He
waits for her to speak, but she doesn’t.
Jake: What?
Hamilton: I thought you were going to
say something.
Jake: Me too.
Hamilton: Maybe you were going to
explain why you left…because you said you would when you could.
Jake: That’s part of the reason I
came back. I couldn’t explain why I
left. I still can’t.
Hamilton
(joking):
You’re going to have to better than that…
Jake: Okay…I was afraid.
Hamilton: I was just kidding…you were
afraid? Why?
Jake: Because you were so over
us.
Hamilton: Was I?
Jake: Yeah, and it was scary.
Hamilton: So are you trying to say
that…you still like me?
Jake: I think so…I think that’s
where I’m going.
Hamilton: So, does that mean no more
pause? No more being “just friends?”
Jake: Hey, that was your
idea.
Hamilton: It was not.
Jake: Yeah, I think it went
something like “I can deal with being just friends.”
Hamilton: …I didn’t mean forever. I was just trying to compete with your whole
“pause” thing.
Jake
laughs.
Jake: Yeah, that was at the top
of the bad ideas list. I’ve had quite a
few of those this year.
She
indicates her outfit.
Hamilton: Well, that’s one bad idea
I’m glad you had.
Jake: Yeah…yeah me too.
Will
(voice over):
A philosopher named Aristophanes said that “Love is the name for our pursuit of
wholeness, for our desire to be complete.”
Being in love is our attempt at completing ourselves.
(cut
to): Scout and Jill walking along the lakeshore.
Will (v.o.) cont’d: Because if we’re not complete then
we are, by definition, missing something.
(cut
to): Sean, Bella and Will at Friendly’s.
Sean has a notebook opened and is explaining stuff to Will and Bella.
Will (v.o.) cont’d: So we search for love.
(cut
to): Hamilton and Jake again. They’re
still on the bed, but they aren’t talking anymore. They’re kissing. Not a
make out session…just a kiss. They’re
very much back together (this is why is pays to read the italics).
Will (v.o.) cont’d: …or it searches for us. And when it finds us, we feel happy because
we’re no longer alone.
(cut
to): Finn grading papers.
Will (v.o) cont’d: We can survive alone.
(cut
to): Ryder in the common room reading a magazine.
Will (v.o.) cont’d: But, it’s scary and we don’t want
to.
(cut
to): Sean, Will and Bella again.
Will (v.o) cont’d: So, we go on this quest to find our
other half. Sometimes we don’t have to
look hard because it finds us. If we’re
lucky…love finds us.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton, still kissing of course.
The End
or
