(cut
to): Bella at the gas station. She’s
washing the outside windows of the office.
Sean pulls up on his bike. He’s
wearing a baseball outfit and has his glove hanging on his handlebars.
Sean: Hey Bella.
Bella
turns around.
Bella: Sean, what’s up? How was practice?
Sean: Coach says my commitment to
the team has been improving along with my curve ball…I’m starting the next
game.
Bella: Sean, that’s great!
Congratulations.
Sean
smiles.
Sean: Thanks, but…that’s not why I’m here.
Bella
sets down the window cleaner and paper towels.
She sits down on the bench.
Bella: Okay, what’s up?
Sean: Well, I had to leave the
meeting early, but they’re thinking of not having the Miss Edmund High pageant.
Bella
(sarcastic):
Oh my God, Sean, what a tragedy…
Sean: There aren’t enough girls
competing…
Bella: Maybe they should have a
Mister—
Sean: I know it’s a dumb
tradition and totally sexist and all that stuff. But…student government puts it on and it’s one of the biggest
revenue makers we have. All the
businesses in town advertise in the program.
Bella: What does this have to do
with me? Do you need someone for a
committee or something?
Sean: I need a contestant.
Bella: What? No way.
Maybe you should talk to Grace…
Sean: Sophomores and up.
Bella: Sean, it’s not my thing…
Sean: Well, think about it at
least? There’re only like three girls
signed up right now and one of them is Becky Johnson. If we don’t get more girls, then no one is going to advertise and
we’re going to lose money that we really need right now.
Bella: It’s not like anyone is
going to beat Becky anyway…
Will
(voice over): Confidence.
Sean: Are you kidding me? Bella…you have her in every category.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: It’s not enough for other people to believe in you. You’ve got to believe in yourself.
Bella: Whatever…
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: But belief in self isn’t always something that comes naturally.
Bella
looks over toward Friendly’s. Will is
wiping down the counter.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: And you need other people to have faith in you…to believe in
you...to love you.
Sean: Will would agree. And, I bet he’d want you to do it.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: And when those people screw up and forget how much you need them…it’s
hard.
Bella: I’ll think about it; that’s
all I can give you.
Sean
smiles.
Sean: Really? Excellent.
Thanks, Bella…
Sean
hops on his bike.
Sean: I have to run,
but…seriously consider it…
Bella: Okay.
Sean
rides away and Bella turns back to the windows.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: The people who it seems would easily have confidence so often have
little.
We
get kind of a cool shot behind her shoulder which includes her reflection. She’s, of course, got some grease on her
face.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: And people who need confidence, often have trouble finding it.
She
sprays the reflections and smiles to herself, shaking her head at the
ridiculousness of Sean’s suggestion.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): To Jill’s room. Jill is
painting. Scout’s sitting on her bed,
watching her. He gets up and, standing
behind Jill, looks at the painting. She
stops and looks annoyed. She turns
around.
Music: You Say by Vertical Horizon
Jill: Can I help you?
Scout: You’re really good,
Jill. You could do this.
Jill: Okay, this…
She
indicates the painting.
Jill
cont’d:
…sucks.
Scout
shrugs.
Scout: Well, I like it.
Jill
smiles.
Jill: Get out.
Scout: What? But I—
Jill: I’m trying to concentrate and…you’re
throwing me off.
Scout
looks a little hurt.
Scout: Okay…I’ll see ya…
He
turns around and exits. Jill rolls her
eyes and turns back to her painting.
(cut
to): to Will at Friendly’s. Several
hours after Sean and Bella spoke. Will
has just delivered an order and walks back behind the counter as Bella
enters. Despite the pleasant
conversation, there is an awkwardness about it.
Music:
Believe
in You by
Collapsis
Will: Hey, you.
Bella
smiles. She walks over and leans on the
counter.
Bella: Get a thirsty townie
something to drink?
Will: I’m sorry, we don’t serve
your kind here.
Bella: And what kind would that
be?
Will: Beautiful, smart,
charming…that kind.
Bella
sits down and looks deep in thought.
Will
cont’d:
What?
Bella: How true is that stuff you
just said?
Will: Whoa, what’s with the
self-esteem crisis?
Bella: Sean asked me to be in the
Miss Edmund High pageant.
Will: You?
Bella: I know. I wouldn’t have a chance.
Will: Are you kidding? You’d have more than a chance. It’s just that you’re kind of above all that
superficial crap.
Bella
smiles and looks down.
Bella: Sean wants me to do it a
favor. They need more people or they
won’t be able to have it and they need to have it to raise money.
Will: Maybe he should enter
himself as a contestant.
They
both laugh at the thought.
Will
cont’d: You
know, Pacey was in a pageant once. He
wasn’t even a runner up.
Bella
laughs.
Will
cont’d: Or,
hey…Scout looks pretty good in a dress, right?
Bella
laughs again.
Bella: He doesn’t go to Edmund,
though.
Will
laughs and takes out a glass. He fills
it with ice.
Will: You know, maybe you should
do it. I bet Becky Johnson is a
contestant and she’s got absolutely nothing on you.
Will
fills the glass with Coke and gives it to Bella. She holds out her hand and he reaches in his pocket, pulling out
a straw for her.
Bella: Plus, it is for
Sean.
Will: Maybe it would actually be
fun or at least…
Will
and Bella:
…different.
Bella
takes a sip of her Coke and shrugs.
Will: So, listen, next week, I
only work Monday.
Bella: Oh…what? Is counter jockey Scout finally coming back
to the job?
Will
laughs.
Will: Actually, he is, but…only
because I asked him to. I’ve been
wanting to spend time with you…and talk to you.
Bella: I know. I mean, I want to talk to you too.
They
both look down.
Will: It’s just that…we both keep
pretending that it didn’t happen or something and…
Bella: It did.
As
she is saying this, Sean walks in.
Sean: What did?
Will
and Bella:
Nothing.
Sean
smiles.
Sean: Okay…
Will: How’s it going anyway, man? I haven’t seen you in awhile.
Sean: It’d be going a lot better
if you’d convince this girlfriend of yours to enter Miss Edmund High.
Bella: Well, first I’d like
to say that I think “pageants” are a completely antiquated tradition consisting
mostly of forcing girls to dress up and parade around for the singular purpose
of being looked at. They promote low
self-esteem for everyone involved except she who is ill-fated enough to be
crowned the “winner.” By participating
I’d be sacrificing my integrity to that institution which is ever so oppressive
and demeaning.
Sean
and Will look at one another.
Will: I think what she means by
that is, she’ll do it.
Sean: Really?
Bella
smiles.
Bella: Really.
Sean: Bella, thank you. Rehearsals start next week.
Bella: Next week?
She
looks over at Will. He looks concerned.
Sean: Yep.
Bella: Sean…
Will: Perfect. She’ll be there.
Bella
looks at Will; he nods and smiles.
Bella: I’ll be there.
Sean
hugs Bella.
Sean: Thank you. You’ll do great, Bella.
Will
smiles weakly.
(cut
to): Ham and Jake sitting Indian style on Jake’s bed, facing each other. The cat is between them, asleep. It’s gotten a little bigger and is starting
to look less like a kitten and more like a cat.
Music: I Owe You One Galaxy by the
Ataris
Jake: Okay, Hamilton…the cat
isn’t going to name itself.
Hamilton: I know, but…I just have no
idea.
Jake: Just call him Tiger. He’s kind of tiger-ish.
Hamilton: That’s so unoriginal,
though.
Jake: Oh, well, thanks.
Jake
smiles.
Hamilton: I guess this settles it.
Jake: What?
Hamilton: We could never have kids
together.
Jake
laughs.
Jake: They’d be like two and we’d
be calling them “hey, you.”
Hamilton
laughs. He looks at Jake for a moment
then leans toward her and kisses her.
The cat stirs and meows. They
stop kissing and look down.
Jake: Another reason not to have
kids.
The
cat meows again. There is a knock at
the door. Jake and Hamilton look at one
another. Jake gets up and opens the
door. Scout is standing there. He walks in.
Scout: Hey, guys, what’s up?
Hamilton: Not much, just hanging out.
Scout
looks at the cat.
Scout: Your cat’s getting big,
Hamilton. What’s his name again?
Hamilton: What would you call
him?
Scout: You haven’t named him
yet? That’s pathetic dude.
Scout
walks further into the room. He sits
down in Jake’s chair.
Jake: Did you need something?
Scout: Not really. I just thought we could hang out. I mean, everyone’s all coupled off and we
don’t ever just hang out anymore. We
just do our couple stuff.
Ham
and Jake look at each other.
Jake: So, Jill told you to get
lost?
Scout
smiles.
Scout: …basically. She’s working on a new piece. She’s gotta concentrate.
Jake
smiles.
Jake: Don’t take it
personally. It’s like every once in
awhile, she gets into this zone and you can’t bug her while she’s
painting. She does her best stuff
during these times. Of course she always thinks whatever she does is crap.
Hamilton: Really? My mom thinks she’s great.
Jake: She is great.
Scout: Well, now I’m stuck with
nothing to do.
Hamilton: Well, hey, feel free to
hang out in here as long as you want.
Hamilton
gets up and picks up his cat.
Jake: Where are you going?
Hamilton: Home for dinner.
He
smiles. Jake rolls her eyes. He kisses her briefly and exits.
Jake: You know how I said not to
take it personally?
Scout
nods.
Jake: You are, aren’t you?
Scout
shrugs.
Jake: Maybe you should get a
hobby of your own, you know?
Scout: You’re kicking me out too?
Jake
laughs.
Jake: No.
Scout: I did have this idea to
build something.
Jake: There you go.
Scout: Do you have like…a hammer
and—
Jake: No.
Scout
laughs. He hops up.
Scout: To the hardware store it
is. Want to join me?
Jake: Sure, why not?
(fade
out)
(fade
in) to as establishing shot of the hardware store. The same one Finn tried to go to in Replacement Reaction.
Music: Hanging Around by the
Counting Crows.
(cut
to): inside. Bella is looking at some
wrenches. She looks over to the door.
(cut
to): the door as Jake and Scout walk in.
(cut
to): a closer shot of Jake and Scout.
Scout: Okay, that was like the
coolest thing I’ve ever done. Can I
drive back?
Jake
laughs.
Jake: Yeah, right…hey, there’s
Bella.
(cut
to): Bella. She waves. After a second, Jake and Scout walk up to
her.
Scout: Bella, have you ridden on
Jake’s bike?
Bella: Yep.
Scout
(to Jake):
We have to hang out more often.
Jake
(to Bella):
You know, he’s kind of like a child, but…easier to amuse.
Scout
gives her a dirty look.
Bella: So, before you hear it
somewhere else, I’ve got big news.
Jake
and Scout look at each other then back at Bella.
Bella: I, Bella Banks, am
participating in this years’…Miss Edmund High Pageant.
Scout: Cool.
Jake: By your own free will?
Bella: Sean kind of needed it as a
favor…it’s a long story.
Jake: Well, I know I’m a little out
of practice, but this doesn’t seem like the place to go shopping for the girly
stuff one would need for such a pageant.
Bella: Actually, I’m wrench
shopping. Then I’m headed over to the
drug store to find the perfect shade of nail polish. What are you two doing here?
Jake: Scout needs a hammer.
Scout: And some other stuff. I’m building something.
Bella
looks at Jake who shrugs then back at Scout.
Bella: Manly.
Jake: Oh yeah.
Scout: You know what? You two have fun with the wrenches…we’ll
meet at the counter in fifteen minutes.
He
walks off. Bella and Jake giggle.
(cut
to): Jill in the room painting. She
looks like she’s concentrating pretty hard.
Gwen walks in. Ryder is with
her.
Jill: I thought you were studying
in the library.
Ryder: Nice to see you too.
Jill: And you brought him
back here?
Ryder: What’s your problem,
precious? Finally wise up and
dump that pathetic loser that you call Scout?
Because, you know I’ve always got a free shoulder for you to cry
on.
Ryder
looks at her smugly. Jill looks over at
Ryder. She looks angry.
Ryder: Christ, Gwen, can we just
get out of here before She-Hulk here rips my heart out and eats it Hannibal
Lector style?
Gwen: That’s imagery. You’ve got it down. One step closer to acing Finn’s next English
test.
Jill: You’re helping him study,
aren’t you?
Gwen
grabs a few books and puts them in her bag.
Gwen: So what?
Jill: I can’t believe that you
can’t see that he’s just using you.
Gwen
shakes her head and heads out the door.
Gwen: Come on, Ryder.
Ryder: You don’t have to treat her
like crap just because she’s helping me.
Jill: That’s right, I’m sure you
treat her like crap enough for the both of us.
Ryder: Whatever, Ice Queen…see you
later.
Ryder
walks out too.
(cut
to): Will in the weight room. He’s
doing the bench press with free weights.
Hamilton walks in.
Music: Strawberry(Don’t Fall
Down) by Everclear
Hamilton: Will…what are you
doing?
Will: What does it look like?
Will
sets the weights on the rack and sits up.
Hamilton: You know you aren’t supposed
to do that without someone to spot you.
You could hurt yourself.
Will
shrugs. Hamilton walks over and sits
next to him.
Hamilton: What’s wrong?
Will: Nothing.
Will
stands up and moves to the leg press.
Hamilton: Uh-huh.
Will
sighs.
Will: Okay. You know that night that you and Jake…
Hamilton: Huh? Oh!
We didn’t.
Will: Really?
Hamilton: Well, you know, she wasn’t
really ready to move to the next level.
Will
gives him a suspicious look.
Hamilton: Okay…neither of us was all
that ready. So, we didn’t go through
with it.
Will
looks down. He seems to debate on
whether or not to go on. He continues
uncertainly:
Will: Well…Bella and I did.
Hamilton: Whoa. Are you serious?
Will
nods.
Hamilton: And, you’re upset
about this?
Will: I don’t know. I mean, not upset. More like confused. I
don’t even know where to go from there.
Hamilton: You know how in romance
movies the whole climax of the film is built around when the people finally
make love…or kiss if we’re in the romantic comedy genre?
Will
gives him a weird look.
Will: Okay…
Hamilton: And that’s enough for the
audience. It pretty much ends
there. And they live happily ever
after.
Will: Okay.
Hamilton: But, Will, life’s not a
movie.
Will: I think I know that,
Ham. What’s your point?
Hamilton: Life is more like…episodic
television.
Will
raises his eyebrows.
Hamilton
cont’d:
See, the biggest mistake the writers can make is to have characters have
sex. Okay, they hook up…you know,
become a couple…fine…relationships can be interesting. But, as much as the audience thinks they
want the couple to have sex, once they do…it’s kind of…unfulfilling.
Will: I wouldn’t say it was
unfulfilling.
Hamilton: You’re killing the
metaphor here. The point is…it’s the
build up…the anticipation…that’s the best part. After that you’ve either got to do it again or…stop doing
it…a.k.a. break up.
Will: Those are my options?
Hamilton: I guess you could stop
doing it and not break up, but…why would you want to do that?
There’s
a beat. Will looks around then back at Hamilton.
Will: I want things to be how
they were before.
Hamilton: Before, when you weren’t
having sex? Or…before, when you were
just friends.
There’s
another beat. Will laughs and tries to
change the subject:
Will: You know, where was all
this insight when you were practically in the fetal position because you were
petrified of going down the hall and sleeping with your girlfriend?
Hamilton: I wasn’t…I wasn’t petrified.
Hamilton
lies down on the bench and gets ready to lift the weights.
Hamilton
cont’d:
Anyway, come spot me.
Will
gets up and walks over.
(cut
to): the counter at the hardware store.
Scout has his stuff in a bag already and the cashier is ringing up the
wrench. Bella pays for it and he puts
it in a bag.
Bella: Now…away from the manly and
on to the girly.
Jake: Cool, I’m definitely up for
that.
They
look at Scout.
Scout: Well, I’m thinking that the
odds of you letting me take the motorcycle for a ride while you’re there are
pretty slim so…I’m in.
(cut
to): the drug store. Jake and Bella are
looking at the nail polish. Scout
stands behind them acting uninterested.
Jake picks up a bottle of light pink nail polish and shows it to Bella.
Jake: My personal favorite.
Scout
takes it from her.
Scout: Maybeline. Barely Pink. I’ll buy this for you if you let me drive back to
school.
Bella
takes the nail polish from Scout. Jake
turns around to talk to Scout.
Jake: Okay, Scout…let me
explain something to you. Hamilton, the
love of my life, doesn’t even get to drive my motorcycle.
Scout: Yeah, but, the bike is
probably some metaphor for your physical relationship. Therefore, you’ve gotta keep control. But, Jake…we don’t have that problem.
Jake
laughs and shakes her head.
Bella: There’s Becky Johnson.
Scout: Who?
Scout and Jake look over at the door.
(cut
to): the door as Becky walks in. She’s
tall and blonde and pretty…with big hair.
The quintessential small town beauty queen.
Scout: Wow, she’s—
Bella: Do not finish that sentence
unless you want to leave this store with Barely Pink shoved up your—
Jake: I’m sensing some animosity.
Bella
smiles. Becky walks by.
Becky: Bella…
Bella: Hi, Becky.
Becky: I’m actually going by
Rebecca now.
Jake: Classy…
Becky
looks back at Jake and Scout.
Becky: Aren’t you going to
introduce me to your friends?
Bella: Oh…uh…Jake Pratt and Scout
Calhoun…
She
points to each of them.
Bella
cont’d:
This is Beck—Rebecca Johnson.
Becky: I’ve never seen you guys
around.
Scout: We go to Rawley Academy.
Becky: Impressive friends,
Bella. Cute, rich boys…not exactly the usual
lap dogs you have tagging along. Aren’t
you actually dating Will Krudski now?
Bella: Yeah, kind of.
Becky: Well, I’d love to hear
about it, but I’ve got to grab some shampoo and run home. I’ll see you at pageant rehearsals next
week.
Bella: Word travels fast.
Becky
smiles snottily as she walks off.
Jake: Wow, she’s not too nice.
Scout: You’re just mad because she
called you a cute, rich boy.
Jake: Actually…that’s exactly the
look I’m going for.
Bella:
Come on
guys…I’ll do this later.
Scout: Actually, can we run back
to the hardware store? I forgot the
hammer.
Bella
and Jake look at one another then back at Scout.
(cut
to): In front of the hardware store.
Bella and Jake sit on a bench.
Jake’s motorcycle is parked in front of them.
Bella: There couldn’t be that many
hammers to choose from.
Jake: Scout’s just a freak. Who even knows what he’s building.
Bella: My guess is it’s for
Jill. He’s totally in love with her.
Jake: Yeah…it’s pathetic…but
sweet.
A
beat.
Jake
cont’d: You’re…you’re
cool with all that right?
Bella: What? Oh…yeah…of course.
Jake
cont’d: I
mean you and Will are…good. Right?
Bella
sighs.
Bella: Sure.
Jake: Uh-huh…
Bella
looks down at her nails.
Jake
cont’d:
What happened?
Bella
looks over at her. Jake gets it.
Jake: Did you guys…?
Bella
closes her eyes.
Jake: Oh, wow, you did. Was it great?
Bella: It was nice.
She
smiles.
Bella: Really nice. But now…things between us aren’t so great.
Jake: Was this something you
planned?
Bella: No. He just came over one night and no one else
was home and…it just kind of happened.
Jake: And now things are weird?
Bella: It’s like we don’t even
talk about it.
Jake
nods and looks at her sympathetically. Scout
walks out.
Jake: I’m sure it’ll all work
out, Bella.
Scout: What? The pageant? You’ve gotta beat that Becky chick…what a number.
They
get up.
Jake: It’s Rebecca,
remember?
Bella: What took you so long?
Scout: There’re more types of
hammers than you’d imagine.
Jake: Yeah, whatever…just get on
the bike so we can get back to campus.
Scout: Still no shot at driving?
Jake: Nope…
Scout
walks over to the bike.
Jake: We’ll talk some more later,
okay Bella?
Bella
smiles and nods.
Bella: See you guys later.
Jake
and Scout drive away.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Rawley.
It’s the next week.
Music: All About It by The
Getaway People
(cut
to): Jake, Will and Ham sitting around Will’s room. Will is on his own bed.
Jake and Hamilton are sitting at the end of Scout’s bed. Jake’s, of course, in her standard boy
gear. They are all looking in one
direction.
(cut
to): A reverse shot of the group. We
can see that they are all watching Scout as he is working on…whatever it is
he’s building. He’s got a pile of wood
(2 x 4’s, etc). He’s currently
hammering a nail into two small pieces of wood.
Will: When are you going to tell
us what this is?
Scout: You’ll know when I’m
done. Don’t you people have anything
better to do?
Jake: Oh, no…this is highly
entertaining.
Scout
continues to hammer. Hamilton puts his
head down on Jake’s shoulder. She
smiles at him and takes his hand. Will
looks at them a little jealously…his girlfriend is off at pageant rehearsal
after all. Scout’s still hammering, but
there’s another knocking sound.
Will: Hey, Scout, cool it for a
second.
The
knock, which is coming from the door, continues. Will gets up to get it; Ham keeps his head on Jake’s shoulder.
Will: Hey guys, wanna break it
up?
Hamilton: No…
He
smiles and lifts his head; Jake lets go of his hand. Will is now about to open the door. He opens it a little.
Will: Dean Fleming. What can I do for you?
Hamilton
hops up and sits on Will’s bed, trying to look nonchalant.
Steve: What’s going on in here?
Will: Oh, um…
He
opens the door all the way, allowing the dean to enter. He sees Scout first then looks over at Ham
and Jake.
Steve: Hamilton, don’t you have
some homework you should be doing?
Hamilton: Not really, I finished…
His
dad gives him a “oh, yes you do” look.
Hamilton
cont’d: Oh,
I mean, I’ll get right on that. Jake,
don’t you have some stuff to do too?
Jake
looks up at Hamilton then over at the dean for approval. He nods.
Ham and Jake exit.
Steve: Now, Mr. Calhoun. What, pray tell, are you doing?
Scout: Oh, well, I’m constructing
a piece of furniture. See, I designed
it and I think it’ll work out really nicely.
I need some hinges or something like that. Maybe—
Steve: Perhaps what I really meant
to ask was, “why are you doing this in your room?”
Scout: Oh…building stuff in the
dorms…yet another of the many rules I’ve succeeded in breaking this year.
Steve: You’re disturbing your
fellow residents. You’re going to have
to move all of this outside.
Scout
looks at him for a moment before reluctantly nodding.
Scout: Yes, sir.
Steve
gives him one final authoritarian look before exiting.
Scout: Man, that guy hates
me.
Will: You have to admit this is
pretty absurd…even for you.
Scout: What does that mean?
Will: Nothing.
Scout: Come on…I want to hear
this.
Will: Okay…you know, when I first
met you, you came across as…I don’t know…well, kind of like your dad, I
guess. Nice and good-natured, but most
of all confident.
Scout: And now?
Will: And now…you’re kind of a
spaz.
Will
smiles.
Will
cont’d: In
the best sense of the word.
Scout
looks out the window.
Scout: You know, for so long I
just wanted to prove myself to everyone like “I’m John Calhoun’s son and I’m strong…and
confident just like him.” Then I
realized that maybe I don’t necessarily want to be like him.
Will: I didn’t mean that you
should be—
Scout: I know, but…the minute I
stop trying to be him and start trying to…find myself…look what
happens. Everyone thinks I’m “a spaz”
Barney Fifing my way around Rawley Academy.
Will: And you want to be Andy
Griffith…
Scout
smiles, but still looks upset. He looks
over at the building materials.
Scout: You know what I’m
building? An easel for Jill. And, I suddenly realize how completely
ridiculous that is. If I want to give
her one, I could just buy her one.
Will: Hey, come on, that’s
actually a really sweet gesture.
Scout: No…it’s actually really
stupid.
He
picks up the hammer and looks at it.
Scout
cont’d: Totally
stupid.
He
throws the hammer into the trash can and exits.
Music: Camera One by the Josh
Joplin group.
(cut
to): The common room at the boys’ school.
Ryder and Gwen sit on a couch.
Several books are opened on the table in front of them. Ryder is looking in one book and writing
something down.
Gwen: Why are you trying so hard,
anyway?
Ryder: Do you think I shouldn’t?
Gwen: No. I mean, I think you should, but—
Ryder: Well, I considered paying
off the teachers…or maybe even the dean, but I figure they’re a little too
decent for that. Then of course,
there’s paying people to let you cheat off them…or just doing it the old
fashion way, but…there’s the risk of being caught by the virtuous teachers, not
to mention the potential moron you could be stuck cheating off of. I explored buying copies of the finals off
the internet, but the only one they really have is the entrance exam.
Gwen: Really?
Ryder
nods. After a beat:
Gwen
cont’d: I’m
really proud of you.
Ryder: For researching the
cheating options?
Gwen: For not giving up on
yourself…that’s why I’m proud of you.
Ryder: Yeah, well…don’t be. It’s just part of the big ploy to get out of
this school…Hell, this country. Of
course, it’d seem a lot more attainable had I paid some attention in my classes
during the first part of this year.
Gwen: You’re smart, Ryder. Why do you doubt yourself?
Ryder: Oh God…can we get back on
track here?
Gwen
shakes her head, smiles and tosses a book at him.
(cut
to): an auditorium. It looks a little
run down. There are several girls
standing around. Bella sits alone on
the edge of the stage. Johanna walks
out from backstage.
Johanna: Okay, I need to know
everyone’s talent.
The
girls get up and gather around her.
Bella reluctantly gets up and goes over.
Johanna
cont’d: And
please…no one say “twirling fire batons.”
She
laughs.
Becky: Yeah, because that’s
totally my talent…and you wouldn’t have a chance against me.
Johanna: You’re not serious.
Bella: I think you can be assured
that she is.
Becky: Of course I’m serious.
Johanna: Okay…um…Bella, talent?
Bella: Can you forfeit that round
because I’m pretty…telentless.
Johanna: I’m sure you can think of
something.
Bella: Yeah right…like readjusting
the torque converter before any of the other contestants even figure out what
that means…and that I made it up.
Finn: Maybe you should try
stand-up…
(cut
to): Finn as he walks down the aisle toward the stage. He’s accompanied by Meagan who still wears
her bookbag.
(cut
to): Johanna and the girls.
Johanna: Why don’t we call it a day,
ladies?
Everyone
walks off. Finn and Meagan walk up to
the stage.
Finn: I picked this up over at
the elementary school. Does it belong
to you?
Johanna: Fortunately, yes.
Finn
picks Meagan up to get her feet onto the stage; Johanna takes her hands and
pulls her the rest of the way up.
Meagan: So, Mom…how’d you get roped
into this anyway? I mean, you’ve
never been in a pageant in your life.
Finn
looks up at her with raised eyebrows.
Finn: Oh…you haven’t?
Johanna: Okay, all of the random
stalker knowledge you have from high school cannot be used against me.
Finn
smiles.
(cut
to): Bella walking out of Edmund High.
Will rides up on his bike.
Will: Hey.
Bella: Will. Hi.
He
gets off his bike and throws it down, walking over to her. He tries to kiss her, but she wraps her arms
around him, hugging him.
Will: You okay?
Bella: I can’t do this…
Will: What?
Bella: This stupid pageant. I have to have a talent. But, I don’t have a talent.
Will
steps back.
Will: Bella, that’s crazy. You have a million talents.
Bella: Right. Name one.
Will: Okay…you can sing.
Bella
rolls her eyes.
Bella: No…
Will: Bella…you can.
(cut
to): Bella. She looks at Will,
uncertain.
(cut
to): Friendly’s. Jake, Ham and Sean sit
at a booth together. Jake is still in
her boy gear, of course. Sean’s in his
baseball uniform. Jake and Ham sit next
to each other on one side; Sean sits on the other side.
Hamilton: Well, it sounds like the
game was awesome. Invite us next time.
Sean: Next game is Friday.
Hamilton: Cool.
Will
and Bella walk in. They all say
hello. Bella sits down in the booth;
Will pulls up a chair. Will looks from
Jake and Ham over to Sean.
Will: Tell me how this
happened.
He
indicated the three of them…an odd pairing from Will’s point of view.
Jake: We came here when Ham’s dad
told us to get lost.
Hamilton: Then Sean came in after his
game…
Jake: …which he won.
Sean: Seven to zip. I stayed in the whole game.
Will: Shut out? Excellent!
Bella: You didn’t tell me the game
was today.
Sean: Not like you could have
come.
Will: I could have.
Hamilton: We weren’t invited either.
Sean: The next game is
Friday. I’m starting again. And, you’re all invited. I just…I didn’t want to jinx it, you
know? Anyway…
Bella: Yeah, anyway, I
can’t believe you forced me into this pageant thing.
Sean: What? Come on…I didn’t force you.
Bella
smiles.
Bella: You’re right…more like
guilt tripped.
Sean: Well, there’re actually
enough girls…if you want to drop out.
Bella: And make Becky Johnson’s
day?
Jake: Isn’t she going by Rebecca
now?
Bella: She switched back. She’s registered for the pageant under
“Becky,” and it was causing too much confusion.
Jake
laughs.
Will: Well, at least I finally
convinced you that singing is a valid talent and…one that you possess.
Sean: Yeah, Bella…you’ve got a
great voice.
Hamilton: You do?
Bella: No, but…I’m singing in the
pageant. No one’s invited, by the way.
She
smiles.
Jake: We’ll be there. Do you know what you’re going to sing yet?
Bella: Um…well, I had this one
thought, but it’d be too lame unless I had like someone on piano or like
guitar. So, I don’t know.
Hamilton
looks over at Jake who is about to speak.
He wants to stop her, but it’s too late:
Jake: Hamilton could do it.
Hamilton: What?
Jake
looks over at him.
Jake
(to Ham):
You play the guitar. (to Bella): He plays the guitar.
Hamilton
offers a false smile.
Hamilton: I like have a
guitar, but—
Bella: Could you do it?
Hamilton
looks at her reluctantly. He smiles hesitantly.
Bella
cont’d: If
you don’t want to or something…
Jake: Of course he does.
Hamilton: It’s not that I don’t want
to help you out, Bella. I’m just…not
that good.
Jake: Yes you are.
Sean: What’s the problem then,
Ham?
Hamilton: No problem. I’ll do it.
Bella: Thank you.
Sean: Okay…so onto the game.
The
camera pulls out as Sean starts to give the play-by-play of the game.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: I’m
sure you’ve been to Nelle’s Kate and Ian
site, but if not…check it out!
Immediately J.
(fade
in): to Hamilton and Jake walking through New Rawley.
Music: Over Your Head by Marvelous
3
Hamilton: How? How could you do that to me?
Jake: Hamilton, if you don’t
think you’re good—
Hamilton: It’s…it’s not really
that. It’s just…
Jake: What?
Hamilton: Okay…playing for you is one
thing. I mean, I could do anything with
you, you know? Even as nervous as you
make me sometimes…
Jake: Really?
Hamilton: What?
Jake: I make you
nervous?
Hamilton
smiles.
Hamilton: Um, anyway…
Jake: Like now?
Jake
smiles. Hamilton looks down, smiling.
Hamilton: Stop…I’m trying to get to
the stage fright thing…
Jake: Stage fright?
Hamilton: …performance
fright…whatever you want to call it. I
mean, don’t you think there’s a reason that those people, who are all fairly
good friends of mine, don’t know that I play the guitar.
Jake: You should have said
something.
Hamilton: Yeah, well, I tried. But then someone was there saying,
“no, no…he’ll do it.”
Jake: I’m sorry.
Hamilton: And now…I’m going to have
to do it. I mean Bella seems a little
on edge about this pageant stuff anyway.
If I pulled out, it could push her over, you know? And, honestly…I don’t want to piss her
off. Have you seen that girl change a
flat tire?
Jake
laughs.
Hamilton: Hey, I’m serious.
He
smiles.
Hamilton
cont’d:
Seriously, though, this is going to be a disaster. I took piano lessons when I was a little kid. I was great during the lessons. Then, I had my first recital. I froze.
I mean I literally could not play a note.
Jake
and Ham reach a music store.
Hamilton
cont’d: And
now, to buy the music that will lead to my demise.
Jake: Drama queen.
Jake
laughs as they walk inside.
(cut
to): Jill as she is still painting.
There is a knock. She puts down
the paintbrush and rolls her eyes. She
walks over to the door and opens it.
Scout’s there. He has one hand
behind his back.
Jill: Hi, Sweetie.
Scout: Hi.
He
pulls a bouquet of roses from behind his back.
Scout: I just wanted to bring you
these.
He
hands them to her. She smiles.
Jill: Thank you.
Scout: I’m going to go now. I just wanted to stop by and let you know
that I’m okay with this whole painting thing.
Jill: Thanks.
Scout
smiles. Jill catches on that something
may be wrong.
Scout: Okay, so…bye then.
He
turns to leave. She takes his arm.
Jill: You know what? Why don’t you come on in?
Scout: Oh, I don’t want to bother
you.
Jill: Um, yeah…come in now.
Scout
walks in.
Jill: So…what have you
been doing all week?
Scout: I don’t know. Not much.
I’ve been thinking about the future a little.
Jill: Was I there?
She
smiles.
Scout: I guess…
He
sits down on her bed. She watches him
carefully.
Scout
cont’d:
I’ve also been thinking about the whole law practice thing. I mean I could be interested in that.
Jill: Which of us are you trying
to convince?
Scout: It’s a solid career and, in
the long run, a law degree is a great investment.
Jill: Are you pissed at me for
last week? Because, I figured you would
just go to Jacqueline and she would tell you that I just get like this
sometimes. And then you’d smile and
understand. Maybe find something
constructive to do with your time.
Scout: Well, guess that shows how
little you know about me.
Jill: Maybe…
Jill
turns back to her painting.
Jill: And, maybe you were right
the first time…you should go.
Scout: I didn’t mean to upset you.
Jill: Too late, okay?
Scout: We’ll discuss this when
you’re not so involved with your painting.
He
walks out. Jill totally doesn’t get it.
(cut
to): Johanna and Finn walking as they reach Johanna’s house. Meagan is there sitting on the steps.
Meagan: You guys are so
slow.
Finn: We’re old.
Meagan: Yeah. Practically geriatric.
Finn
(to Johanna):
Can I suggest not reading her the SAT preparation guide as a bedtime
story?
Johanna
smiles.
Johanna: So listen, want to join us
for dinner?
Finn: Oh…I…
Meagan: We’re having
spaghetti. Mom makes the best
spaghetti.
Finn: I really can’t…
Meagan: Why? Papers to grade? Mom had that problem too until she realized that the amount of
work you have to grade directly corresponds to how much you assign.
Finn: Good point, but…in the mean
time…
Finn
backs away.
Meagan: Are you getting me from
school again tomorrow?
Finn
looks at Johanna and shrugs.
Johanna: Why don’t I call you later
and let you know?
Finn
nods. He turns around and walks away.
(cut
to): The inside of Johanna’s house as Johanna and Meagan walk in. Meagan starts to head upstairs.
Johanna: Meag, can I talk to you for
a second?
Meagan
turns around on the stairs.
Meagan: What, Mom?
Johanna: You like Finn, huh?
Meagan: He’s nice. I mean, there are a lot worse people in this
town for you to be going out with.
Johanna: Sweetheart, I’ve told you
that Finn and I are—
Meagan: “just friends.” I know, Mom.
But, I’m ten…not stupid. I can
handle it if you’re seeing somebody.
Dad has a new girlfriend every time I go to Boston.
Johanna: I appreciate your support,
but…Finn and I really are just friends.
Meagan
walks back down the stairs so that she’s standing eye level with Johanna.
Meagan: Well, I would like to point
out how nonsensical that is. I mean,
hello…you obviously like him. And, he’s
so totally in love with you.
Johanna: Okay, you’re way off. And, no more Jane Austen for you.
Meagan: Uh-huh…Finn and Mom sitting
in a tree…
Meagan
turns to go upstairs.
Johanna: Knock it off.
Meagan: K-I-S-S-
Johanna: Meagan…stop.
Meagan
turns back around.
Meagan: Only if you tell me about
this pageant to which Finn was alluding earlier.
Johanna: Okay, that’s it…
She
runs up the stairs. Meagan screams and
takes off up the stairs, giggling.
(cut
to): Friendly’s. Sean, Bella and Will
are still at the booth. Will has moved
to where Jake and Ham were sitting.
Bella is still next to Sean.
Sean: Well, guys, I should head
home. I’ll see you Friday at the game.
Will: See ya later, buddy.
Bella
gets up to let Sean out.
Bella: Bye Sean.
He
exits.
Will: Man, I thought he’d never
leave.
Bella: I know what you mean.
Will: Not that I don’t like spending
time with him, but…you know…
Bella: We need to talk.
Will: Yeah. About that…
There
is a knocking on glass; Will and Bella turn around.
(cut
to): The front window. Finn is standing
there knocking.
Will: What’s he doing here.
Finn
walks in.
Finn: Mr. Krudski…Bella.
She
waves hello, looking a little bothered by his presence.
Finn: I know you want to walk
back with me. It’s almost eight
anyway…you know the dean’s policy.
Will: Yeah…
He
gives Bella an apologetic look.
Bella: It’s okay. We’ll talk eventually. You can always call me.
Will
nods. He gets up and walks out with
Finn.
(dissolve
to): Will and Scout’s room. Scout is
there. He sits in a chair with his feet
propped up, reading a book. Will walks
in.
Music: Digital On by Neve
Will: Hey.
Scout
looks up.
Scout:
Oh,
hi. How’s it going?
Will: You know…comme ci comme ça…
Scout: Oh…Parler vouz Français?
Will: No, not really.
Will
laughs.
Will
cont’d: Are
you okay? I didn’t mean to upset you
earlier.
Will
sits in another chair.
Scout: Of course I’m okay.
Will: Good.
Scout
looks back into his book.
Scout: Oh, I think Jill dumped me.
Will: What?
Scout: She didn’t say explicitly,
but…I think the implication may have been there.
Will: That’s awful…I’m sorry.
Scout
shrugs.
Will
cont’d: I can’t
believe you’re so…calm about this.
A
beat.
Will
cont’d: You
didn’t go over there and tell her all that stuff you said earlier did you?
Scout: Not really. I went to see her, take her flowers and tell
her that I was cool with letting her have time to paint.
Will: And did you say it with the
same condescending tone you’ve been using with me since I walked in here?
Scout: What?
Will: Look, I should have never said what I said earlier. You’re not a spaz, okay?
Scout: Will, you were right…and,
I’ve decided to stop being a big joke.
Will: Wonderful…
Will
gets up and walks out. Scout shakes his
head and goes back to reading.
(fade
out)
Commercial Break: So, Blink 182
has a new album and their site is re-designed to go along with it. Mark, Tom and Travis are some cute boys so
check out the new design.
(fade
in)
Jill
and Gwen’s room. Jill is sitting on the
floor looking up at the painting. Gwen
is at her desk working on homework. She
turns around and looks at Jill.
Music: Lost in Space by Fountains
of Wayne
Gwen: You’ve been down there for
approximately an hour. I don’t think
it’s helping your work.
Jill: I’m thinking, okay?
Gwen: Okay…
Jill
closes her eyes.
Gwen
cont’d: Do
you…want to talk?
Jill
shakes her head. There’s a knock.
Jill: Get lost.
Will
opens the door and peaks his head inside.
He sees Gwen and doesn’t want to disturb her.
Will: Jill…come walk with me?
Jill: No thanks, Will.
Will
steps inside.
Will: Please? I think…I mean, whatever he said…I think it
was my fault.
Jill
looks at him doubtfully.
Will
cont’d:
Just come walk with me…
Jill
reluctantly gets up.
(cut
to): Down by the lake. Jill and Will
are walking. They reach a picnic table
and stop, sitting on top of the table, with their feet on a bench.
Jill: So tell me how that was
your fault?
Will: He was building something
for you in our room…and the dean came in and told him to move it outside. We were kind of talking and I mentioned that
he’s changed and that he’s…different from the John Calhoun clone that I
first met when I came to Rawley…
Jill: That doesn’t sound like
such an insult
Will:
I also
kind of said that he’s a spaz.
Jill: So what? He is a spaz. So am I. It’s why we
click.
Will
smiles.
Will: Anyway, Scout apparently
decided to drop the search for self and revert back to the old Scout.
Jill: Well, the old Scout is a
dick.
Will: The thing is…he
wasn’t. He was pretty much like new
Scout…maybe a little more serious and a little less nervous.
Jill: Well, you didn’t hear the
crap he said to me.
Will: That’s the thing…he’s
over-corrected or something. That’s not
who he really is.
Jill: That’s good, because
otherwise, who he really is…is a jerk.
Will: After he met you, he
tried so hard to impress you. It
was all, “how are my clothes? Should I
high light my hair?”
Jill
laughs.
Jill: No way.
Will: It was bad. But…it hasn’t been like that for awhile.
Jill: All I would ever want him
to be is himself…
Will: He knows that. He knew that. I think he was trying really hard not to put
up any pretense and to just be himself.
And…when I implied that he was a joke…it really got to him. Which is why I came to see you and tell your
dumping was un-merited and…thus, all my fault.
Jill
laughs.
Jill: I didn’t dump him. I did tell him to get lost.
Will: Well…I just wanted to make
sure you knew the whole story. There’s
no reason for me to be the single break-up causing factor in more that
one relationship.
Jill: Oh no…
Will: I gotta get back to the dorms.
Jill: Will…
Will: I don’t want to talk about
it…
Jill: Hey…fine with me.
Will
nods and starts to go.
Jill: Thanks, Will.
He
nods and jogs off. Jill thinks before
getting up and walking away.
(cut
to): Jake’s room. Hamilton’s sitting in
Jake’s desk chair with his guitar.
Jake’s sitting on her bed.
Hamilton is fooling around with a couple of chords, not quite giving
away the song. There’s a knock.
Jake: Come in.
Ryder
walks in. He sees Hamilton with the
guitar.
Ryder: All right, Ham…you have a
home of your own. Why don’t you utilize
it?
Will
passes by in the hall and looks in the room, curiously.
Hamilton: Why don’t you mind your own
business?
Ryder: Well, I was…(sarcastic) until
that lovely little melody you were playing drifted into my room.
Will: Why don’t you go back
to your room and turn up some of your own music.
Ryder
turns to the doorway to see Will.
Ryder: William…joining the party,
are you?
Will: Maybe.
Ryder: Well, if you could just unplug
the amp, Ham…I’d really appreciate it.
Jake: Why the sudden need for
quiet?
Ryder: I’m…I’m trying to study,
okay? And I don’t need anything
distracting…
Will
and Hamilton exchange perplexed glances.
Will: You’re studying?
He
glances over at Ham and Jake.
Ryder: Yeah…
Will: I don’t get it…
Hamilton: Okay…first, he’s telling me
and Jake that he’s happy for us…
Will: Now, he’s studying…
Hamilton: Who broke Ryder?
Ryder: Very funny…
Ryder
shakes his head and starts to leave.
Ryder: Try and keep it down, all
right?
He
exits.
Hamilton: Weird…
Jake: Extremely…
Will: Especially considering he
was just going to leave…minus the diploma.
Hamilton: And someone stopped
him…bummer.
Jake: Hamilton…
Hamilton: What? Don’t start doing that thing where you
defend that guy, okay? That really bugs
me.
Will: Well, I think that’s my
cue. See you two later…
Will
leaves, shutting the door behind him.
Jake: Look, I’m not taking his
side.
Hamilton
smiles.
Hamilton: I know.
Jake: I do think that if he’s being
civil…maybe we should just go with it.
Why ask him to be a jerk?
Hamilton: You have a point.
Jake: I know.
Hamilton
strums the guitar; the amp is still on.
He bends over and turns it off.
Hamilton: Besides…if he could hear
me…everyone probably could. I don’t
know how I’m going to pull this off…
Jake: I have faith in you.
Hamilton: Maybe I could teach you
to play. There’re really only a few
chords. I’m thinking of doing it in
this acoustic style. I might even dig
out my acoustic guitar.
Jake: I think you’ve got it under
control.
(cut
to): Johanna as she dials the phone in her kitchen.
Music: Gone to The Movies by
Semisonic
(cut
to): Finn’s apartment. He’s sitting on
the couch grading essays. He looks at the
phone and lets it ring once more before picking it up.
Finn: This is Finn.
(swipe
to): A split screen with Johanna in her Kitchen and Finn in his apartment.
Johanna: That’s an interesting way
to answer the phone.
Finn: Hi.
Johanna: That’s more conventional.
The
camera pulls out a little as Johanna puts the phone between her ear and
shoulder and we see that she is starting to do dishes.
Finn: How’s the pageant planning
going?
Johanna: Well, I didn’t even get
everyone’s talent…and we’re supposed to start rehearsing talents tomorrow. I just got done calling everyone to tell
them to bring their stuff for their talents.
I swear, I don’t know how I’m pulling this off…
Finn: You’ve had practice.
Johanna: What did we talk about
earlier?
Finn: Okay…my lips are sealed.
A
beat.
Finn
cont’d: So,
did you want me to collect Meagan after school tomorrow?
Johanna: I don’t know.
Finn: Well, thanks for clearing
that up.
Johanna: I’ve explained to her that
we’re not together, but…
Finn: …she wants us to be?
Johanna
laughs.
Johanna: Actually…I think she thinks
I’m lying to her.
Finn
laughs. A beat.
Johanna
cont’d:
Anyway, I just wouldn’t want her to get the wrong idea about us.
Finn: You and me?
Johanna: Yeah…
Finn: Well…why don’t you let me pick
her up tomorrow and…I’ll talk to her too.
Johanna: You don’t have to do that…
Finn: It’ll be good.
Johanna: Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow then.
Finn: Yeah…good night.
Johanna: Good night…
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Edmond High.
Music: Over My Head by Lit
(cut
to): the auditorium. Hamilton is
sitting in the audience section with his guitar case. Bella comes up and sits next to him.
Bella: Thanks so much for doing
this, Hamilton.
Hamilton: No sweat.
Johanna
is seated a few rows in from of them.
Johanna: Okay, Becky, you’re
up. No need to light those batons,
though.
Becky
walks out on stage with her batons.
Some circus type music starts playing as Becky begins her routine.
(cut
to): a closer shot of Ham and Bella.
Hamilton: Such a pretty girl…such a
lame talent.
Bella: It’s the kind of talent
that wins beauty pageants…just ask her.
Hamilton: Well, I didn’t even know
you could sing, but…I think your kind of talent is the kind that wins
pageants. You’re really good.
Bella: I think it’s the song. It kind of speaks to me right now. You know, I didn’t even know you
played the guitar, but I really like what you came up with for this. I’m glad Jake volunteered you.
Hamilton: Well, I wasn’t too thrilled
with her about that. Nothing personal…I
just…
Johanna: Okay, Becky…I think that’s
enough.
The
music keeps playing and Becky keeps twirling.
Johanna
cont’d:
Becky!
She
stops.
Becky: What?
Johanna: That’s sufficient for
today. Bella, are you ready?
Bella: I think so.
She
looks over at Hamilton. He walks with
her up to the stage, carrying his guitar.
He looks a little nervous.
(cut
to): A closer shot of the stage as Hamilton takes his guitar out and sits on a
stool that is placed on the stage.
Johanna: Whenever you’re ready.
Bella
nods and looks over to Hamilton. He
pulls a pick from his pocket and strums the first chord. All the girls have sort of gathered in the
wings and look on. Hamilton looks over
at them. Some of them giggle or whisper
to each other. Hamilton starts to play
the first chord/rhythm. He stops. Bella looks back at him.
Bella: What’s wrong?
Hamilton: Nothing…I…
He
gets up and puts his guitar in the case.
Hamilton
cont’d: I
can’t do this…I’m sorry, Bella…
He
hops off the stage and exits, leaving Bella watching.
(cut
to): Will and Jake at Friendly’s.
They’re at a booth. Jake’s
eating a Sundae.
Jake: So, it turns out that
Hamilton has a pretty bad case of stage fright.
Will: You’re kidding.
Jake
shakes her head.
Jake: Nope.
She
takes another bite of her Sundae.
Jake
cont’d: So,
how’s Bella dealing with the whole pageant thing?
Will: She’s just dealing, I
guess…waiting for it to be over.
Jake:
And how are
you dealing…with stuff in general?
Will: What do you mean?
Jake: I don’t know…you seem a
little tense lately.
Will: Yeah, well…I am a little
tense, but…it’s no big deal.
Jake: That’s cool.
A
beat.
Jake
cont’d: So,
I was watching the Discovery Channel or some National Geographic
special…something like that.
Will: Yeah…
Jake: It was about this one kind
of chimpanzee. Well, they weren’t
really chimps, but something pretty close.
Will: Are you sure you were watching
whatever you were watching?
Jake: Yeah, but…that wasn’t even
the important part. These monkeys never
fought. They solved all their problems
a different way.
Will: How?
Jake: Sex…
Will: What?
Jake: Yeah. See, if someone new came into the group, all
he had to do was have sex with a few influential leader-monkeys and he was
in. Or, if there was a dispute, they’d just
have sex and all would be forgotten.
Will: Make love, not war. Hippie chimps…
Jake: Sort of, yeah.
Will: Fascinating.
Jake: I think sometimes people
think like that too.
Will: What do you mean?
Jake: They think sex is the
answer to all their problems.
Will
gives her a suspicious look.
Jake
cont’d: For
example, you know when all that stuff was going on with Finn and Hamilton’s
mom.
Will: Yes…unfortunately…
Jake: Yeah, well, he was really
upset over it all and he came to me one day…he wanted us to sleep together…
Will: Whoa…too much information.
He
smiles.
Jake: It was like he thought sex
would make all his problems disappear or something.
Will: Did it?
Jake: Do I look that easy?
Will
smiles.
Jake
cont’d:
Look, you’re missing the point.
Will: People try and use sex to
make their problems go away. Nice
revelation. Some people use drugs and
alcohol too.
Jake: Sometimes it’s not such an
individual thing. Sometimes it’s a
couple thing…trying desperately to hold the relationship together.
Will: Hamilton told you about me
and Bella…
Jake
laughs.
Jake: Actually, no…Hamilton is
like the only person I know who can maintain a secret.
Will: Well, since you know…and
you obviously think it was a mistake…what’s your advice?
Jake: Look, I’m not saying it was
a mistake. Who am I to judge
anyone’s sex life? I do think you
need to decide if it was a mistake. Did
you do it because you love her and nothing else made sense? Or, did you do it because life tossed you a
few curve balls and you wanted to hold onto the best thing you had going?
Will: I care about Bella…
Jake: I know.
Hamilton
walks in. He has his guitar.
Jake: Hey…how’d it go?
Hamilton
walks over and sits down next to her.
Hamilton: Terrible…Bella’s going to
kill me. What are you two talking
about?
Jake: Sex.
Hamilton: Without me?
He
smiles.
Will: Well, now would be a nice
time to change the subject. What’s the
deal with this stage fright thing?
Hamilton: You told him?
Jake: I was making small talk.
Bella
walks in and sees Hamilton. She walks
over.
Bella: Hamilton…what happened?
Hamilton: What…what do you mean?
Bella: You walked out when you were supposed to be
playing. What happened?
Hamilton: Well, what’s with this
whole rehearsal thing anyway? You and I
rehearsed it…it’s so perfect…why ruin it with an audience?
Bella: Well, since there’s going
to be an audience on Saturday—
Will: Bella, he’s got stage
fright. The man can’t perform.
Hamilton: Will.
Bella: Really?
Hamilton
looks up guiltily.
Hamilton: Just a little…
Bella: You should have said
something.
Hamilton: Hey…I’m not going to
bail on you…I just have to work up to it, that’s all.
Bella
looks at him, unsure.
(cut
to): an establishing shot of the elementary school.
(cut
to): Finn and Meagan walking. Finn
stops by a bench.
Music: Heart in Hand by Vertical
Horizon
Finn: Can we sit for a minute?
Meagan: Are you tired?
Finn: Yeah…I’m old, remember?
Meagan
rolls her eyes and sits down. Finn does
the same.
Finn: So…when I was in high school,
I had a huge crush on your mom.
Meagan
looks over at him.
Meagan: Did she like you back?
Finn: Are you kidding? She didn’t even know I existed.
Meagan: Well, why didn’t you
introduce yourself to her?
Finn
shrugs.
Finn: She was smart…and
beautiful. I was intimidated.
Meagan: Chicken.
Finn
smiles. A beat.
Meagan
cont’d:
Anyway, now’s perfect to make up for all that lost time.
Finn: It’s also a good time for
your mom and I to be friends…which is what we are…which is something that I
want to make clear to you.
Meagan: I think that’s stupid.
Finn: Why? I mean most kids of divorced parents are out
there scheming to get their parents back together and…here you are trying to
set your mom up with some guy that you barely know…that she barely knows.
Meagan: Yeah, well…a lot of kids
with divorced parents weren’t sitting in the living room, trying to do their
science homework when their drunk dad came in and punched out their mom.
Finn
is speechless.
Meagan
cont’d: I
didn’t know what to say either.
Meagan
stands up.
Meagan
cont’d:
Come on, Finn…
Meagan
cont’d: Now
it’s your turn to share a story…tell me about this pageant mom was in…
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: I
know you’re thinking…maybe Johanna would have mentioned this before,
right? I know you’re also thinking that
you’re really not into any story line involving Finn and some other
non-original characters, but…give it a chance.
It has promise and…Finn’s actually a pretty neat character once you
scratch the surface.
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Friendly’s.
Will, Bella, Jake and Ham are still in the booth.
Hamilton: Okay, well, we’re going to
take off, but…Bella, I promise by Saturday I’ll be stage fright free. I’m sorry I messed you up today…
Bella: No big deal.
Jake
and Hamilton get up. Scout walks in
with his uniform.
Music: Fragments by Vertical
Horizon
Jake: Hey, what’s up builder boy?
Scout
ignores her and sits down across from Will and Bella.
Will
looks over at Jake and Ham and shakes his head like “he’ll get over it.” They look at each other then exit.
Will: I’ve got to finish that
essay for Finn’s class so…I’ll catch up with you guys later.
Bella: Will…I thought we were
going to talk.
Will,
who is now standing, looks over at Scout who doesn’t realize anything is wrong.
Will: Talk to Scout…I..I have to
go.
He
exits.
Scout: Bella…how are you?
Bella
(exasperatedly): Couldn’t be better.
Scout: Good to hear.
Bella
laughs to herself. She smiles.
Bella: How’s Jill?
Scout: Fine, I guess. We aren’t really talking right now.
Bella: Oh…
Bella
looks down.
Scout: Bella…
She
looks up.
Scout
cont’d: Are
you okay?
Bella: What?
Scout: You seem…I don’t know…you
just seem different.
Bella: Yeah, well, so do you…but,
I’ve stopped trying to figure you out.
She
smiles.
Scout: Why?
Bella: Well, first because…you
haven’t really been by to visit lately.
But, also because ever since I met you, you’ve been changing.
Scout: Into a spaz?
Bella
laughs.
Bella: You’ve had your moments.
She
smiles.
Bella
cont’d:
But…mostly you’ve just been changing as in growing…or maybe…growing up.
Scout
considers this.
Scout: Go on…
Bella: See, while the Senator Calhoun
wannabe of last summer was charming, it was Scout that I liked. Those moments when you weren’t trying to be
anyone or impress anyone or control anyone…
Scout: Go on…
Bella: Okay…when you smiled
because you couldn’t help it…when you’d forgot to open the door for me…the look
on your face when I recited that stupid letter to you…those are the
moments I got a glimpse of who you really were…and of who you’d become.
Scout: But…the rest of the time,
did you think I was strong?
Bella: I thought…you were
lost.
Scout: That’s it.
Bella: What?
Scout: How you look
different. You look a little lost too.
Bella
smiles.
Bella:
Well, why don’t we make a pact to find ourselves before the end of the
upcoming weekend?
Scout
smiles and shakes his head. He sticks
out his hand.
Scout: It’s a deal.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton as they reach Ham’s house.
Jake: Come over in about an
hour…and bring your guitar.
Hamilton: No.
Jake: You are such a baby.
Hamilton
opens his door. His cat walks out. He bends down to pick him up.
Hamilton: Hey, man…you’re on my side,
right?
The
cat meows.
Hamilton: See?
Jake: Uh-huh…
Jake
takes the cat.
Hamilton: Hey…
Jake: Be there in an hour or…
Hamilton: …the cat gets it?
Jake: Yes.
Jake: Okay…no…but, just be
there.
Ham
nods and goes inside.
(cut
to): Ryder sitting in the common room.
He’s using a laptop to type.
Will walks in. He sees Ryder and
squints suspiciously.
Music: Safer on the Outside by
American Hi-Fi
Ryder: William, have you finished
Finn’s essay yet?
Will: Nope. You?
Ryder: Just about. Think you could proof it for me?
Will: Uh…sure.
Ryder: I’d get Gwen to do it,
but…she hates my writing. Well, this in
particular. She told me it was utter
crap. I wouldn’t be surprised it actually were crap, of course, but…I’d like a
second opinion nonetheless.
Will: What’d you write about?
Ryder: Well, the assignment was to
write about what we wish we had more of, right?
Will
nods.
Ryder
cont’d:
Well, I wrote about choices. For example,
to get what I want…to graduate and get out of here, I’ve really only got one
choice…write this essay. All other
options don’t lead me to where I want to go.
Will: So…you wrote the essay
about how you didn’t want to write the essay?
Ryder: That’s what Gwen said. She said Finn would probably hate it.
Will: Anyone else and she might
have a point…
Ryder: William, is he going to
give me a decent grade or not?
Will: If you expressed this idea
with even a little articulateness, then…yes, I think he’ll like it.
Ryder
hands him the laptop and gets up.
Ryder: Read it and find out for
me…I need a cigarette.
Will: I thought you quit smoking.
Ryder: Judge the essay, not me.
Ryder
exits.
(dissolve
to): Jake in her room as she walks across to open the door. Ham stands there with his guitar in one
hand. Jake smiles.
Hamilton
(hesitantly):
Hi.
Jake
opens the door all the way and Ham looks in.
Hamilton: Oh…man…no way…
(cut
to): a shot of Jake’s bed from Hamilton’s point of view. There are several stuffed animals placed
leaning up against pillows. The cat
sits in the middle. Jill is sitting on
the floor leaning against the bed.
(cut
to): Ham.
Hamilton: This is beyond ridiculous.
Jake: So’s stage fright.
Hamilton: That’s not fair.
Jake
shrugs. Hamilton takes a deep breath
and shuts the door behind him.
Jill: So, is there going to be a
concert or not?
Hamilton
glances over at a chair that’s been set up for him. Jake takes a seat on the floor next to Jill. Hamilton walks over and sits in the
chair. He sets the guitar on one knee
and pulls out a pick from his pocket.
He starts to play. This might
give the song away if you’re familiar with the acoustic version, but…we’ll
leave that for later. Ham continues to
play as he talks. There’s not much too
it, but it sounds good.
Hamilton: I’ve gotta say that the
stuffed animals are less than intimidating.
Jake: What about the cat?
Jill: The amazing audience cat.
She
reaches back and pets him.
Jake: Hey, Audience Cat…you could
call him A.C.
Ham
stops playing.
Hamilton: My cat will not be named
after a character from Saved by the Bell.
Jill: What about…Audience Cat
Extraordinaire…ACE.
Hamilton: No, I’m sorry…that’s lame.
Jill: Well, so are you…it’s a
perfect fit.
Hamilton
smiles and starts to play again. He
stops.
Hamilton: How about…Audi?
Jill: Like the car?
Hamilton: Like short for audience.
Jake: You can do better.
Hamilton: Oh, so now Ms.
Just-call-him-tiger is getting picky about the name.
Jake: Anyway, are you cured or
what?
Hamilton
looks down then back up.
Hamilton: While I appreciate the
effort…
Jill
stands up.
Jill: Well, since you seem
hopeless…and I don’t blame you at all…being on stage…ick…
Jake: Anyway…
Jill: Anyway…I’m going to
go. I’ll leave my friends for now.
She
indicated the stuffed animal audience.
Jake: Thanks.
Jill: Bye.
She
exits. Jake moves from the floor up to
the bed and looks at Hamilton. Neither
of them speaks for a moment. Hamilton
sets the guitar down and sits next to Jake.
He looks down.
Jake: So, what’s it feel like?
Hamilton
looks over at her.
Hamilton: What?
Jake: The whole stage fright
thing.
Hamilton
pauses for a moment. He tries to think
of how to explain it.
Music: But I Do Love You by Leann
Rimes
Hamilton: Take off your shirt.
Jake: Excuse me?
Hamilton: Do you want to know how it
feels or not?
Jake
shrugs.
Jake: Sure…no big deal.
She
unbuttons her shirt and takes it off.
She’s still got a tank top underneath.
Hamilton: Keep going…
Jake
shakes her head and rolls her eyes, pulling the tank top off. She’s, of course, still got the corset
on. He looks down at it and nods
indicating for her to go on.
Jake: You know I’m only shedding
so many layers.
She
gets up to unfasten it. Hamilton stands
up too. She finished taking it off and hands
it to him. He tosses it on the bed. The
cat looks at it and then up at them, watching all the time.
Hamilton: Now…kiss me.
Jake
smiles. She starts to lean toward
him. He lets her get really close
before he stops her:
Hamilton
cont’d: No,
no, no…not in here.
She
pulls back and looks at him questioningly.
Hamilton
cont’d: Out
there…
He
gestures over to the door which is closed. She looks at him for a moment then
over to the door. She barely nods,
understanding, as she looks over at the
door.
Hamilton
cont’d: That
is how it feels.
He
reaches down and gets her tank top off the bed and hands it to her. She puts it on as he sits down on the
bed. He looks up at her. The cat climbs into his lap.
Hamilton
cont’d: Not
just that judgments are being made, but that I am knowingly putting myself out
there for judgment. Things are how they
are; life is how it is. But, if we
walked out in the hall like this and…you kissed me…I mean…why make them
judge…why ask for their approval or rejection?
Why not just do our own thing and not worry about them?
Jake
sits down next to him.
Jake: I get what you’re saying, I
do.
Hamilton: Did I illustrate how it
feels pretty well?
Jake: Oh, yeah…and you didn’t rip
off Coyote Ugly nearly as much as I set you up for, but…I’ve got about, oh,
five words for you to consider.
Hamilton: Okay.
Jake: Throw caution to the
wind.
He
looks down, takes a deep breath and nods slowly. He sets the cat down on the floor and leans a little closer to
her.
Hamilton: Yeah, you’re right…that worked
out pretty well the first time.
She
smiles as they kiss.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: Are
you going, “oh my God…Leann Rimes?”
Then, you obviously haven’t seen Coyote Ugly and…you definitely need
to. Go to Blockbuster and rent it
because it’s a must see in the romantic comedy genre.
(fade
in): to as establishing shot of New Rawley.
It’s Thursday afternoon: time for the baseball game.
(cut
to): Bella, Will, Scout, Jake, Hamilton and Jill walking together on a street
in New Rawley. Jake is in boy gear. Will and Bella hold hands, but make no
effort to communicate beyond that.
Scout and Jill are on opposite sides of the group.
Hamilton: We should all get together
like this more often.
Everyone
agrees then there is a pause.
Jill: So…Bella…are you ready for
this pageant thing?
Bella: I think so. As ready as I’m going to be, I guess.
Jill: What about you, Ham?
Hamilton
glances at Jake, then speaks:
Hamilton: Yep.
They
get to the baseball field. Sean’s team
is on the field warming up. Sean, who’s
on the pitcher’s mound, sees them walk up and waves.
(cut
to): The bleachers where Johanna and Meagan are sitting. Finn walks up with some sodas and hot dogs.
Meagan: Finally…I’m
starving.
Finn: Kids is third world nations
are starving…you are not starving.
Finn
hands her a hot dog and a Coke.
Meagan: Thanks.
Finn
gives Johanna a hot dog and Coke too as he speaks to her:
Finn: So, is this McGrail kid any
good?
Meagan: Good? Sean is the best. Last game, he pitched a shut out and only
had three hits against him. Not to
mention his killer fastball. His
curve ball was a little shaky for a while, but he’s got it under control
now. He’s also a decent hitter…his
batting average is three twenty-five.
Finn: What is she? A scout?
Johanna: She just loves the game.
Sean
walks by and waves at Johanna and Meagan.
Meagan: Plus, he’s way hot.
Finn
and Johanna look at each other, amused.
Music:
Every Other
Time by LFO
(cut
to): The gang on the bleachers. The
girls are sitting together as are the boys.
Jake is with the girls despite her boy gear. The camera zooms in slightly so that we are with the girls. Bella looks at Jill who is pretending to
watch the guys on the field warming up.
Bella: So, is everything okay
between you and Scout?
Jill
glances over at Scout then back at Bella.
Jill: We kind of had a fight.
Bella: Yeah, I saw Scout yesterday
at Friendly’s and he seemed a little…I think the word I used was “lost.”
Jill: If you used it in
conjunction with “his mind,” then it was probably appropriate.
Jake
and Bella laugh.
Jake: Anyway, Bella, did you tell
him to snap out?
Bella:
I told him
to have a little more confidence in finding himself because the track
he’s been on is a pretty good one.
Jill
smiles.
Jill: I like that advice.
Jill
glances over at Scout again. The camera
pans over following her glance and now zooms in on the boys who are
mid-conversation.
Hamilton: So, think Sean can pull
this off?
Will: I don’t know. This team was number one in our division
last year. In fact, they’ve been pretty
much unbeatable for the last three years.
Hamilton: Well, Sean’s pretty much
perfected his curve ball and his fastball is un-hittable.
Will: Scout, what do you think?
Scout
isn’t paying attention and he doesn’t respond.
Will: Breaker nine, come in Scout…this
is Will…Roger.
Scout: Huh? What?
Will: We’re trying to talk sports
and you’re obsessing over your girlfriend who is probably sitting over there
hoping that you’ll go talk to her.
Scout: So, is this team any good?
Hamilton
and Will look at each other and roll their eyes.
Music: Superman by Goldfinger
The
game starts. We get a montage of the
game. We see several scenes: Sean
pitching a strike out, the crowd cheering, one of Sean’s teammates sliding home
as Sean makes it to second base, Sean pitching then catching the ball as it is
popped back to him, the team lifting Sean up onto their shoulders after the
game. The montage ends.
(cut
to): Sean as he runs up to the gang after the game.
Sean: Thanks for coming guys.
Jill: That was amazing.
Everyone
agrees. Finn, Johanna and Meagan walk
up.
Meagan: Wow, Sean, you were
awesome.
Sean: Thanks.
Johanna: So, Sean…we’re still on for
Saturday, right?
Bella
(to the group): He’s emceeing the pageant.
Sean
(to Johanna):
Absolutely.
Bella: The new starring pitcher
will probably draw a bigger crowd than…Rebecca Johnson.
Sean
blushes at that and all the attention.
Sean: Okay…I’ve got to go,
but…I’m glad you all came. See ya.
He
runs off.
(dissolve
to): Bella as she gets home. She enters
through the kitchen. Grace and Charlie
are there eating dinner.
Bella: Sorry I’m late. I was at the baseball game.
Grace: You went to a
baseball game?
Bella: Sean invited me.
Grace: He didn’t invite me.
Bella
sits down at the table where there is a plate waiting.
Bella: You can come see him on
Saturday.
Grace: Where?
Bella: At the pageant. You’re both invited.
Charlie: Well, I never thought I’d
live to see the day Bella Banks was in a beauty pageant.
Grace: Tell me about it.
Bella:
Well, it was a surprise to me too, believe me.
Charlie: You’ll do great, baby.
Bella: Doubtful, but…you’re still
invited to watch as I struggle through while trying not to blow it by falling
flat on my face.
Grace: I’ll be there.
Bella: Um…actually…do you think
you could help me backstage. Like with
make-up and stuff?
Grace: Really?
Charlie
smiles at the potential bonding.
Bella: I’d really appreciate.
Grace: Well, I guess I don’t have
anything better to do. So…I’ll be
there.
Bella: Thanks.
(cut
to): Hamilton as he walks in to his kitchen.
His mom is making dinner.
Kate: How was the baseball game,
Munchie?
Hamilton
shakes his head disapproving of the nickname, but he doesn’t correct her.
Hamilton: Edmund High won.
Kate: Oh, good.
Hamilton: What’s for dinner?
Kate: Spaghetti.
Hamilton: Did Dad help?
Kate: No. Why?
Hamilton: Oh…no reason.
His
dad walks in the back door.
Hamilton
cont’d: Mom
is making spaghetti for dinner…all by herself.
His
dad gives Hamilton a worried, but playful look.
Hamilton: Now that you’re both here,
I want to invite you to this thing tomorrow.
Steven: This thing…he’s so
specific.
Hamilton: Well, it’s actually this
pageant that Bella is in. I’m playing
guitar for her. Her talent is singing.
Kate: You’re playing…in front of an
audience? I thought you didn’t do that.
Hamilton: I don’t, but…I am.
Steven: Well, I certainly don’t
think we’d want to miss that.
Hamilton
smiles.
(cut
to): Will, Scout as they get to their dorm room. Scout looks over at the trashcan.
Scout: I guess they picked up the
trash?
Will: Yep.
Scout
nods.
Scout: Sorry if I was a jerk the
other day.
Will: I’m used to it by now.
He
smiles.
Will
cont’d: Oh,
about the trash…I saved your stuff.
Will pulls a box from under his bed and hands it to Scout who sets it on
his bed.
Scout
smiles.
Scout: Thanks, Will.
Will: No problem. You should talk to Jill.
Scout: I will.
Will: She’s crazy about you…don’t
screw it up.
Scout: I know.
A
beat.
Scout
cont’d: So…everything
okay with you and Bella.
Will: Why?
Scout: I don’t know. The other day…and today…she seemed…
Will: What?
Will
is getting stuff together for a shower.
Scout: Did you guys have some huge
fight?
Will
laughs.
Will: No…kind of the opposite.
Will
looks like he regrets the comment.
Scout takes a second to process this.
He doesn’t say anything. He
looks over at the box and pulls out a few things, including the hammer.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Edmund High.
(cut
to): the auditorium, backstage. Bella
is sitting in front of a mirror.
Several little areas like this have been set up for each girl. Grace walks in carrying Bella’s dress bag
and a make-up case.
Bella: You’re late. I thought you weren’t going to show.
Grace: God, have some confidence
in your little sister, would ya?
Bella: …thanks for coming to help
me, Grace. It’s a big deal to have you
here.
Grace:
No sweat. Ready for your
make-over? Oh, and…I called in for back
up in the hair department. She should
be here any second.
Bella
smiles.
(cut
to): Scout near the lake.
Music: I’m a Fool by American
Hi-Fi
This
is the same place where Scout and Jill kissed for the first time. Scout has a tarp laid out on the ground and
a little work area set up. He is using
a screw driver to tighten screws that hold a handle on a box. He finishes just as Jill walks up.
Jill: Hey stranger.
Scout: You came…I thought you
might not.
Jill: So did I.
Scout: I’m sorry I was a jerk.
Jill: You should be.
Scout: Well, I am—
Jill: Scout, we need to
talk. Actually, I need to talk
and you need to listen.
Scout: Oh…
He
looks down.
Jill: Not like that.
He
looks back up.
Jill
cont’d: I
just need you to understand something that maybe I haven’t made clear to you.
Jill: You are so
amazing. I love everything about
you. Well except…no, no I even love the
self-doubt that has been overwhelming you lately.
Scout: You noticed that, huh?
Jill: Yes and I think it means that
you’re thinking about yourself and who you really are. It’s like you just realized you’re on this
huge journey to self-discovery.
Scout: I did. I mean…I guess I never thought about it
before.
Jill: Well, see what you get when
you start thinking?
Scout
smiles. He raises his eyebrows.
Scout: So I wanted to build you
something. I started a few things and this
He
picks up the box and hold it out to her.
Scout
cont’d: …is
what I actually finished.
Jill
looks it then at Scout as he struggles to unhook a latch that is holding it
closed. She reaches out and gets it for
him. He opens the box, using the handle
he was just tightening.
Scout: I got this off my dresser.
Jill: You’re not much of a
long-term thinker, are you?
Scout: Oh…but I am.
She
smiles and looks inside the box. It’s
designed like a standard paint box with places for brushes, etc. On the underside of the lid there is a
picture taped up. Jill touches the
picture.
(cut
to): a closer shot of the picture. It’s
of Jill and Scout at Jake’s New Years’ party.
(cut
to): a wider shot that includes Jill and Scout. She looks at Scout.
Scout: So, I didn’t paint it or
anything because I figured that was your department.
Jill: You didn’t have to do this…spend
so much time on something for me.
Scout: I—
Jill: But…I’m glad you did.
Scout: Me too. I think it turned out really well.
Jill
looks at it and the picture one more time before Scout closes it and hands it
to her.
Jill: Yeah…it did turn out well.
(cut
to): Ryder as he knocks on Gwen’s door.
Gwen opens the door.
Ryder: Entertain me?
Gwen:
Sorry, I
didn’t pack my tap shoes when I came here.
Ryder: Come to town with me then?
Gwen: Town? Why?
Ryder: I’m shocked at the absence
of a flat-out refusal in your initial response.
Gwen: I just finished the last of
my final projects slash essays.
Ryder: And now…I officially hate
you.
Gwen:
Anyway, why the desire to venture
into town? Interested in checking out
the Townie Beauty Contest?
Ryder: Think that’s the official
name?
Gwen
laughs.
Ryder
cont’d:
How’d you hear about it?
Gwen: Jill went to see Ham play
his guitar with some girl she knows.
Ryder: Will’s girl, to be exact.
Gwen: The infamous Bella…
Ryder: Queen Townie.
Gwen: Okay…let’s do it.
(cut
to): Hamilton and Jake walking through town.
Jake: So, you’re completely
confident, right? You can do this?
Hamilton: I think I can.
Jake: …said the Little Engine
That Could…
Hamilton
stops.
Hamilton: I’ve just been reduced to
the Little Engine That Could. I’m
devastated.
He
smiles.
Jake: Well, I think you’re going
to pull it off…and hopefully help Bella beat—
Hamilton: Becky Johnson? That girl is a one woman freakshow. She twirls fire batons. That’s not natural.
Jake
laughs.
Jake: Disturbing.
The
begin to walk again.
(cut
to): Bella in the dressing room. She
has on her dress and is sitting in front of the mirror. Grace is kneeling in front of her, putting
lip gloss on her. Mrs. Krudski, the
hair back-up, is standing behind her adding the finishing touches to her hair
which is pulled up and curled. She
looks nice, but very un-Bella-ish. Not
like when she went to the Cotillion. Instead,
she looks very made-up. Johanna rushes
through.
Johanna: Everyone almost ready? We’ve got about 15 minutes?
Bella: Thanks for coming Mrs.
Krudski.
Susan: Of course, sweetie.
Sean
walks up. He’s wearing a tux.
Sean: Where’s Will?
Susan: I haven’t seen him yet.
Grace: He should be back here for
moral support. What kind of boyfriend
is he anyway?
No
one says anything.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: Just
a friendly reminder…this is the first of a two-part episode and this is the
last commercial break. The episode will
be ending in…five…four…three…two…
(fade
in) to black.
(dissolve
to): Will. He’s sitting under the tree
at The Spot (see Young American Beauty).
He dressed a little better than typical Will. Maybe a non-Friendly’s polo shirt and khakis.
Will
(voice over): Confidence.
(cut
to): A shot of Gwen and Ryder getting into Ryder’s car.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Confidence in our friends…
(cut
to): Johanna as she peaks from backstage and waves to Finn who is sitting next
to Meagan in the audience.
(cut
to): Scout and Jill as they enter the auditorium and take two seats near the
front.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Confidence in our relationships…
(cut
to): Hamilton and Jake as they reach a door that leads to backstage. Jake looks around before giving him a brief
kiss. He grips the handle of his guitar case tightly before going through the
door
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Confidence in ourselves and…
(cut
to) Will as the camera spins while staying on Will.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: …in our decisions.
He
closes his eyes for a moment then opens them.
He looks at his watch then stands up.
He walks away from the spot, looking resolute in his decision.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: It’s all something I want more of…something I desperately need
more of…and something I’m afraid I’ll have trouble finding when I need it most.
The
camera stays on the tree, on the spot for a moment.
(fade
out)
Or