(fade
in): to an establishing shot of New Rawley, dusk.
Music:
Nothing’s
Changed by The Calling
(cut
to): Will riding his bike past the gas station and Friendly’s. He gets to the town square (or circle, as it
is). He stops momentarily, looking
around.
Will
(voice over): Choices give life variety.
He
chooses a way to go and pedals off.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Decisions give life motion.
(cut
to): Scout and Jill holding hands as they enter the Edmund High
auditorium, Sean is on stage welcoming
everyone and thanking them for coming.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: The right decision can give life meaning.
(cut
to): Bella as she stands off stage with the other girls.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: And the wrong decision? Well,
the problem with the wrong decision is that you always think it’s the right
one… until the point when you realize that you’ve made a huge mistake.
(cut
to): Will as he rides up, hops off his bike and tosses it down next to the bike
racks. He hurries up the steps…
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: …until it’s too late…
Will
enters the building. The door falls
shut behind him.
(fade
out)
(fade
in): to backstage. Bella is still
standing with the other girls. Sean is
onstage talking.
Music:
Spotlight
by Dexter Freebish
Sean: And now, your Miss
Edmund High pageant contestants…
He
motions off stage and the girls begin to walk out. Sean reads a little bio on each one as she walks across the
stage. Bella is last in line.
(cut
to): Jill and Scout. Will steps over a
few people and takes an empty seat next to Jill.
Jill: You just got here?
Will
looks at her like “obviously…” She
turns away from him and toward the stage.
Jill: Okay.
(pan
to): a few rows back and over. Gwen and
Ryder sit together. Sean is onstage
explaining how the current contestant enjoys reading and helping the poor…
Ryder: Christ…was it my idea to
come here?
Gwen
nods.
Gwen: So, which of these girls is
Will’s girlfriend?
(cut
to): the stage. There are five
contestants on stage. Bella is the
sixth. She walks out.
(cut
to): Gwen and Ryder.
Ryder: …as if on cue.
Gwen: That’s her?
Ryder: Yeah…prettier than you’d
think, huh? Krudski sure lucked out on
that one.
(cut
to): the stage. Bella walks further
out. She smiles like she should.
Sean: Bella Banks is a
sophomore. She helps run her family
business along with maintaining a 3 point 8 grade point average. She enjoys baseball and rarely misses a
Wildcat game.
Bella
looks up at Sean who smiles.
Sean
cont’d: Her
personal philosophy is “never give up.”
(cut
to): Steven, Hamilton, Jake and Kate (in that order).
Steven
(to Hamilton):
That is the girl that is your “friend?”
Hamilton: Bella…yes.
Hamilton
doesn’t look over, but Jake listens in.
Steven: Is she your…girlfriend?
Hamilton
turns to his dad.
Hamilton: What? No.
Steven: Okay.
Steve
turns back to the stage. The curtains
have closed as the contestants do a wardrobe change.
Hamilton: Geez…
He
looks over at Jake for a moment then looks down. Kate leans over to Jake.
Kate: This must feel a little
awkward to you.
Jake
laughs.
Jake: A little.
Kate: I’m sorry we haven’t spoken
much lately.
Jake: It’s ok. I’m glad things have gone well for you and
Hamilton’s dad.
Kate: I wish things were easy for
you and Hamilton.
Hamilton
looks over when she says his name. They
look over at him.
Jake: Hey, don’t you have to be
backstage?
Hamilton
reaches over and lifts up Jake’s wrist so he can read her watch. He looks at Jake who gives him an assuring
look. He leans over Jake to kiss his
mom. Then whispers to Jake:
Hamilton: Meet me after?
She
nods. He gets up to go.
(pan
to): A few rows behind them. Finn sits
with Meagan. Meagan looks at Finn as he
looks at Steve and Kate. Kate glances
back and Finn quickly looks away.
Music:
How Do You Tell Someone by Cowboy Mouth
Meagan: Who’s that?
Finn: Huh?
Meagan: Those people…who are they?
She
points to Steve, Kate, Jake and Hamilton who is leaving.
Finn: The kids are a couple of my
students. That man is my boss.
Meagan: The principal?
Finn: We say “dean,” but…yeah…
Meagan: And that’s his wife?
Finn
nods.
Meagan: Okay…
Finn: She’s an art teacher.
Meagan: Uh-huh…
Finn: Nice lady.
Meagan
looks at her then back at Finn.
Meagan: You know, I get what you
were trying to say about you and my mom.
Finn: Good.
(cut
to): Bella backstage. She’s changed
into a different outfit. Sean is now
onstage explaining that each contestant will come on stage an explain how she
would be the best Miss Edmund High.
Will walks up to Bella.
Bella: Will? What are you doing back here?
Will: We have to talk…we have
to.
Bella: No kidding, but…now’s not
exactly the best time.
Will: It…it won’t take that long.
Bella
looks at him for a moment.
(cut
to): Gwen in the girls’ bathroom. She
finishes washing her hands and starts to leave. Before she gets all the way out, she hears Bella and Will out in
the hall. She stops inside the bathroom
and listens.
(cut
to): The hall where Bella and Will are talking.
Bella: What was so important that
it couldn’t wait?
Will
looks down, guilty.
Will: It was a mistake
Bella: What was?
Will: Us…and everything else.
Bella
doesn’t know what to say.
(cut
to): Gwen in the bathroom who listens intently.
(cut
to): Will and Bella in the hall.
Bella: I—
Sean
(off screen):
And now, Bella Banks…
Will
looks up. Bella closes her eyes for a
moment.
Bella: I guess I’m on…
Hamilton
walks up carrying his guitar case.
Hamilton: Hey guys. Bella, didn’t Sean just call your name?
Sean
(off screen and louder): Contestant number four…Bella Banks…
Bella
looks at Will then runs toward the stage.
As Will and Hamilton talk we hear Bella give a speech about using her
position to assist student government initiate all of it’s president’s great
ideas.
Hamilton: You look sick. Are you okay?
Will: Fine.
Hamilton: You weren’t just now
talking to her about what happened?
Will
doesn’t say anything.
Hamilton
cont’d: Are
you kidding? Nice timing, Will.
Will: It’s not like Bella cares
about this thing…
Hamilton: Maybe she cares more than
she lets on.
Will: Mind your own business.
He
walks away.
Hamilton: Yeah…you’re not the one
that has to play with her in a few minutes.
Will
has gone.
Hamilton
cont’d: …in
front of…all those people…
Hamilton
looks threw the stage door. He can see
Bella on stage and the audience.
(cut
to): Gwen in the bathroom. She walks
out quietly. Hamilton stands staring at
the people, mumbling to himself.
Music:
Better
off Dead by New Found Glory
Hamilton
cont’d:
Like the Little Engine That Could…I Think I Can…I Think I Can. Lame.
Throw Caution to the Wind. I can
do that; I’ve done that. I kissed
Jake…that was bold…that was brave. This
is a million times easier.
He looks around the audience one more time.
Hamilton: Oh, man…I can’t do this…
He
turns around. He sees Gwen.
Hamilton: How long have you been
standing there?
Gwen: Too long, I think.
Hamilton: Just forget whatever you
heard.
Gwen: You playing guitar or
something?
Hamilton: Yeah…I mean, I’m supposed
to, but…
Gwen: Stage fright?
(cut
to): the stage, Bella has finished her
speech and walked off to the other side.
(cut
to): Gwen and Hamilton.
Hamilton: What are you even doing
here?
Gwen: I’m here with Ryder.
Hamilton: That figures.
He
turns back to the stage.
Gwen: I won’t mention what I just
heard you say about Jake if you stop hating me because I don’t
hate Ryder.
Hamilton
turns around.
Hamilton: I don’t hate you.
Gwen: Just Ryder?
Hamilton
doesn’t answer.
Gwen
cont’d: So,
stage fright, huh?
Hamilton
shrugs.
Gwen
cont’d: I
don’t think reciting The Little Engine That Could is going to help.
Hamilton: Oh, and what do you
suggest?
Gwen: I don’t know…how about
FDR? “The only thing we have to fee-air
is fee-air itself…”
Hamilton
smiles, but shakes his head.
Gwen
cont’d:
Picturing the audience naked?
Hamilton: Oh my God, my parents are
out there.
Gwen: Well, you better get out of
here now if you’re going.
Hamilton: Do you have any real
advice?
Gwen: Well…when I have to be in
front of an audience I just decide that I’m in control…not them. I mean, I’m the important one…I’m the one on
stage. No matter what they think about
what I say while I’m up there…I’m still the one in charge. I’ve got their time and their attention
until I decide to leave the stage. It’s
a power struggle.
Hamilton
nods.
Gwen: Anyway, I better get back
before Ryder takes off without me.
He’ll be out there in the audience…under your control…good luck…
She
walks off.
Hamilton: Thanks…
(cut
to): Will. He leans against the wall
next to the door leading into the seats.
Jake walks out the door.
Jake: Hey, you’re missing the
whole thing. I think the talent portion
is up next.
Will: Big deal…and aren’t you missing it too?
Jake: Well, I’m just going to
make sure Hamilton is okay and besides…I was sitting with his parents. You have never felt awkward until your
boyfriend’s dad gives you the third degree about whether his son has a thing
going with the cute girl in the pageant.
With
effort, Will manages to smile.
Jake: Hey…things’ll work out how
they’re supposed to, okay?
Will: The Zen of the
cross-dresser…
Jake: Funny…
She
pats him on the shoulder and walks off.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: So
being back at school made Estee think of all the hard work she put into her computer science 102 project. I guess it should be updated to reflect
Ben’s recent venture into rehab. Come
on, you know you want to say it…”aw…poor Ben…”
(fade
in): to Bella as she stands outside of a stage door. Gwen walks by. She thinks
twice before stopping.
Music:
Could it be
Any Harder by the Calling
Gwen: Are you…okay?
Bella: Oh, fine thanks.
Gwen: You look a little upset.
Bella: Do I know you?
Gwen: I don’t think so. I’m Gwen Vaughn.
Bella
shakes her hand.
Bella: Bella Banks.
Gwen: You’re Will’s girlfriend,
right? I’m—
Bella: Gwen…Jill’s
roommate…Ryder’s sister.
Gwen: Step-sister actually. So, are you nervous about your talent? What is it?
Bella: Singing. I’m not that nervous. Crowds don’t scare me…it’s more like
individuals.
Gwen
nods.
Bella
cont’d: So,
I heard all you do is study…what are you doing here?
Gwen: Most rumors tend to be
exaggerations. Studying isn’t all
I do.
Bella: Well, thanks for
coming. Talking to you has kept my mind
of off stuff…stuff I’d rather not think of right now. Now, I have to go sing…and make sure my guitarist hasn’t
chickened out.
Gwen: Hamilton? He can handle it.
Bella: I hope so…
(cut
to): Hamilton as he gets a drink of water.
Jake walks up. He stands all the
way up.
Hamilton: Hey. What are you doing back here?
Jake: Just coming to check on
you.
Hamilton: I’m not going to take off,
if that’s what you’re thinking.
Jake: Good. I also kind of needed a break from your dad.
Hamilton: Oh no…
Jake: He’s grilling me about
your love life…what’s up with that?
Hamilton: I don’t know…I’m sorry…
Jake: Not your fault.
Hamilton
smiles.
Hamilton: Someday it’ll be
completely different.
Jake: Yeah…he’ll hate me for
screwing up his son.
Hamilton: We could always tell him
we’re gay.
Jake: Sounds like the plot to a
bad TV movie.
Hamilton: ….starring…Tiffany Amber
Thiesen.
Jake: I think that’s the most
redundant thing I’ve ever heard: “Bad TV movie starring Tiffany Amber Thiesen.”
Hamilton
laughs.
Hamilton: No kidding.
A
beat.
Jake: So, why are you so calm anyway?
Hamilton: I talked to Gwen…she had
some good advice.
Jake: Gwen? Ryder’s Gwen? You?
Hamilton: She’s not Ryder’s…and
she’s actually pretty cool.
Jake: Oh…
Hamilton: Anyway, I have to go find
Bella. Thanks for coming back here.
He
looks around before kissing her. She
watches him walk through the stage door.
She looks a little jealous that she wasn’t the one who made him less
afraid.
(cut
to): Gwen as she sits back down with Ryder.
Ryder: Took you long enough. I thought some townies had jumped you in the
bathroom and stolen your shoes.
Gwen: Could you be more of a
snob?
Ryder: Don’t tell me you actually
like them.
Gwen: I met Bella…she was nice.
Ryder: Of course she was nice…she
works in the customer service industry.
People like her pump gas for people like us. Don’t try to take them in as pets.
Gwen: Don’t be such an
elitist…you’re not that great.
Ryder
smirks and turns back to the stage.
(cut
to): to Johanna talking on a headset.
Johanna:
Okay, I
think they’re all ready. Curtain up.
Finn
walks up behind her.
Finn: Going okay?
Johanna
is slightly startled, but turns around.
She flips the headset away from her mouth.
Johanna: I think so. Where’s Meagan?
Finn: In her seat. She said she understands about us.
Johanna: Now’s not really a good
time to discuss this, Finn. Not that
there’s anything to discuss…I just…
Finn: You’re busy. I know.
I just wanted to make sure everything was running smoothly.
Johanna: I think so. If we get through the talent portion without
Becky burning the place down…all should be well.
Finn
laughs.
(cut
to): the makeshift dressing room. Becky
is looking in the mirror, holding her batons.
Bella is sitting in her seat.
Grace sits on the floor and leans against her chair as Will’s mom takes
her hair down. Hamilton walks in. Some of the girls complain that there’s a
guy back there. Becky, looking annoyed,
walks over.
Becky: You can’t have visitors
like this, Bella.
Hamilton: Hi…I’m Hamilton. I saw you twirling at rehearsals…fantastic
work.
Becky
smiles then turns to Bella.
Becky: He can stay.
She
walks off.
Hamilton
(mumbled):
Thus spake Becky the baton girl…
Bella: So…you came. Plan on staying?
Hamilton: Of course.
Susan: Okay, sweetie, that about
does it. (to Grace): why don’t
we find some seats and watch?
Grace
gets up and they exit. Hamilton pulls
up a chair next to Bella.
Hamilton: Look, Will’s an idiot.
Bella
looks over at him.
Hamilton
cont’d: I
just wanted to make my position on that clear.
He thinks this is like no big deal to you—
Bella: It’s not…
Hamilton: And he’s blind enough to believe
you when you say stuff like that.
She
looks down.
Hamilton: You’ve done really well so
far, okay? Don’t let Will get you
down. I mean, I know the pageant and
Will are completely different and unrelated…but if you’re thinking about that
when you should be concentrating on this…
Bella: Hamilton…
Hamilton: Yeah?
Bella: Thanks.
Hamilton: Don’t thank me yet…the
exit sign still looks really inviting.
Bella
rolls her eyes, but seems to be in a better mood. Johanna walks in with the headset on and a clipboard in her hand.
Johanna: Becky, you’re on. Good luck.
Becky
grabs her batons and heads for the stage.
Hamilton and Bella exchange amused looks.
(dissolve
to): Will sitting on the steps outside.
Jill walks out the door.
Music:
What A Mess
by SR-71
Jill: Hey, Krudski…get your ass
inside. Some chick is tossing around
fire sticks. It can’t be too long
before Bella is on.
Will: Can no one just mind their
own business?
Jill
walks over and sits down next to him.
Jill: If by mind my own business
you mean let you to go into self-destruct mode then no, I can’t. I mean…drop the drama, Will. Nothing could be that momentous.
Will: How would you know?
Jill: What’s your deal? The other day you’re telling me you’ve
wrecked your relationship with Bella—
Will: I have.
Jill: …but you won’t talk about
it?
Will: No. I mean, not with you…
Jill: Thanks.
Will
looks at her. He appreciates her efforts.
Will: It’s not that I don’t
appreciate the offer. It’s just…I have
to talk to Bella. Only Bella. She’s the only person I have anything to say
to right now.
Jill: If you cared anything
about her—
Will: I care everything about
her.
Jill: Then stop being so
stubborn and selfish and come inside to watch her sing.
Will
looks at her, considering her proposal.
(cut
to): backstage. Johanna walks through
again.
Johanna: Bella, you’re on.
Bella
stands up.
Johanna: Hamilton, you okay this
time?
Hamilton
looks at her blankly for a second.
Bella: He’s fine. You’re fine, right?
Hamilton: Yes, I’m fine.
He
takes his guitar out of the case.
(cut
to): the stage. Sean stands over to the
side, as in the tradition with emcees.
Sean: And now, Bella Banks will
sing. She’s accompanied by Hamilton
Fleming on guitar.
(cut
to): Jake and Ham’s parents, looking on anxiously.
(cut
to): the stage. No one comes on.
(cut
to): Jake looking nervous.
(cut
to): the stage as Bella walks out.
Hamilton walks out behind her carrying the guitar. He plugs it in using the chord provided and
sits down on the stool that has been placed for him. He reaches into his shirt pocket and pulls out a pick. Bella looks at him. He nods indicating he’s ready. She now looks hesitant. She looks around the audience. We get a quick pan from her point of
view. We hear a bang.
(cut
to): a door at the top of the stairs as Will and Jill enter through it. Will looks at the stage and Bella.
(cut
to): Bella. It’s as if she were waiting
for him.
Hamilton
(whispered):
Ready?
She
nods. He starts to play. Where he stopped before, he keeps going
now. He takes a deep breath as he
continues to play. He looks up to where
Jake is sitting and smiles.
(cut
to): Jake and his parents. They look on
proudly. Jake looks especially happy
for him.
(cut
to): Bella. She begins singing. The song?
Torn by Natalie Imbruglia. Like
she said, it fits her mood right now.
She looks at Will, who is now sitting with Jill and Scout, often as she
sings. At some point, Will’s mom looks
back at him too.
(cut
to): Will. Scout looks over at him then
up at the stage.
(cut
to): Bella. We go through the whole
song. Hamilton is surviving nicely as
he plays his four chords. The song
makes Bella really emotional. By the end,
she is practically in tears. Hamilton
strums the last few notes. The audience
applauds loudly and excitedly. Bella
rushes off stage. Hamilton stands there
for a moment then exits.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: Rinkworks…the site that brought you this
site in “Swedish Chef” dialect. The
site specializes in “online entertainment” and there truly are a ton of
entertaining things to do there.
(fade
in): to Bella as she exits out the stage door.
She is out of breath and almost in tears.
Johanna
meets her.
Johanna: Bella, that was
fantastic. I can’t believe you said you
have no talent…
Johanna
finally notices Bella’s distress.
Johanna:
What’s
wrong?
Bella
shakes her head as if to say “nothing.”
Hamilton walks out the door.
Hamilton: Bella…there you are. The audience loved that. You were even better than when we rehearsed.
He
looks at Bella then Johanna who gives him a “take care of her” look. Hamilton nods.
Johanna: I have to go help Becky
put out her batons. Get ready for the
question round.
Bella
nods. Johanna exits through the stage
door.
Hamilton: Bella…
Bella: No more reassuring
speeches, okay? I’m not in the mood.
He
places a hand on her shoulder.
Hamilton: You rocked. Thanks for letting me share the stage.
She
smiles, thankful that he hasn’t brought up Will.
Bella: Thank you for not
running away.
Jake
walks up.
Jake: You guys…that was
brilliant. And you…
She
gives Ham a hug.
Jake
cont’d: I’m
so proud of you.
Hamilton: Thanks…mom.
She
lets go of him, smiling then looks over at Bella.
Jake: What’s wrong? I thought the whole “my world is falling
apart” look was part of the act or something…
Bella: Yeah…it…it was. I’ve got to go get ready for the next round…the
last round.
Before
they can say anything, she exits.
Music:
Final
Answer by The Calling
Hamilton: She didn’t want to talk
about it anymore.
Jake: What?
Hamilton: Will…her and Will.
Jake: I wonder if they
ever talked…she wanted to talk to him.
Hamilton: Oh, he talked to her…like
right in the middle of the pageant.
Jake: Nice timing.
Hamilton: That’s what I said.
Jake: Scary what sex can do to a
perfectly good relationship.
Hamilton: You knew about that too?
Jake: Bella told me.
Hamilton: Hey…promise we won’t end up
like that?
Jake: What? Having s—
Hamilton: Please don’t be
sarcastic. I mean, I know you’ve been
in that kind of mood lately, but…I need you to be serious for a second.
Jake: Okay.
Jake
thinks for a moment. Hamilton looks
down.
Jake
cont’d:
We’re not like Will and Bella…we never will be. They’ve known each other forever. One day, they decided they’d be together. Do you ever remember actually making a
decision like that? Like, when did you
know you were going to kiss me that first time?
Hamilton: I-I don’t know. When I did it, I think.
Jake: That’s the difference. The difference between deciding to be
together and ending up together. Look
what happened to us when we started trying to plan things…when we thought
we had some kind of choice to make.
Hamilton: And look at what happened
to them when they forgot to make a choice.
Jake
nods in agreement.
Hamilton
cont’d:
You’re so smart.
Jake: Well, I am with you…
Hamilton: Uh-uh…that’s not a choice,
remember?
Jake: Oh right…I’m stuck with you
whether I like it or not.
Hamilton
grins. He leans toward her to kiss her.
(cut
to): Gwen and Ryder as they walk down the hall.
Gwen: You’re like a five year
old…do you really need someone to take you to the bathroom? And, why couldn’t you just use the bathroom
in the main lobby?
Ryder: That bathroom was
disgusting…if this one isn’t better, we’re leaving.
They
turn around the corner, Ryder is first.
(cut
to): Jake and Ham kissing by the stage door.
(cut
to): Ryder as he turns and doesn’t let Gwen come around the corner. They’re back in the other hallway.
Ryder: I don’t have to go anymore.
Gwen: What?
She
shakes her head and looks around the hall.
(cut
to): Jake and Ham. Hamilton is leaning
against the wall. He holds onto the
bottom of Jake’s shirt as she kisses him.
(cut
to): Gwen as she turns back to Ryder.
Gwen gives him a questioning look.
Ryder: You shouldn’t have to see
that.
Gwen: I think it’s sweet.
Ryder
looks disgusted. He then looks past
Gwen down the hall in the direction that they just came from. The dean is walking down the hall. Ryder looks a little worried.
Gwen
looks over her shoulder. She looks like
she is about to say something to the dean, but Ryder beats her to the punch.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton. Jake pulls back
when Ryder talks:
Ryder
(loudly): Hi
Dean Fleming. Looks like you caught us
out way past curfew.
(cut
to): Ryder, Gwen and the dean.
Steve: Ryder, you asked for
permission to leave campus tonight.
Besides, you know that rule doesn’t really apply to seniors.
Ryder: Oh, right.
Gwen: I hope you’re not coming
back here to use the bathrooms…they are so disgusting.
Ryder: There are some better ones
in the main lobby.
Steve: Oh, okay…thanks.
He
turns around then turns back around.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton, now listening to the faint conversation.
Steve: Is there something going on
here?
(cut
to): Ryder. He looks innocent.
Ryder: No, sir. What do you mean?
Steve: You know what?
Nevermind…enjoy the rest of the show.
He
continues walking off down the hall.
Ryder watches him as Gwen looks at Ryder in mild disbelief.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton.
Hamilton: That was close…Ryder’s been
so weird lately.
Jake: No kidding.
Hamilton: We should be more careful.
Jake: Hey…you kissed me
first. Come on…
Hamilton: Think Gwen saw?
Jake: Who cares?
She
tugs on his sleeve. Gwen and Ryder come
around the corner.
Gwen: Hey, good job Hamilton.
Hamilton: Thanks…good advice. And…thanks for that with my dad.
Ryder: He didn’t see
anything…and neither did she.
Gwen (playing along):
What are you talking about?
Ryder: Nothing…come on…
Hamilton
looks at Ryder. Jake looks at Gwen then
Hamilton. They all move on.
(cut
to): Mrs. Kudski as she walks out of a main auditorium door. Will is standing there, leaning against the
wall.
Music: Empty Spaces by SR-71
Will: Mom? Hey.
He
gives her a quick kiss on her cheek.
Will
cont’d: I
didn’t know you were here.
She
runs her hand through his hair.
Susan: You could use a haircut.
Will: You always think I could
use a haircut.
She
doesn’t say anything; he feels bad.
Will: I’ll come by the shop in
the morning.
Will
leans on the wall again.
Susan: Everything okay, sweetie?
Will: Why are you here mom?
Susan: Grace called he and asked
me to come down and help out with Bella’s hair. I’m on my way backstage right now. You don’t want me here?
Will: No…I mean, yes I want you
here. I just…I don’t like the idea of
you and Bella spending a ton of time together.
Susan: Oh…
There
is a brief moment of silence; Will looks around awkwardly.
Susan: You know, Will, whenever
you used to get in trouble for something you didn’t do, you’d just sit there
and let your dad yell at you.
Will: What’s your point?
Susan: My point is when you
didn’t feel guilty you just shut all the bad out and you let it go. But…when you were responsible for something,
you were mad at everyone. You were mad
at daddy and me…all your friends…everyone…except yourself. It was so backwards, Will. It is so backwards.
Will: Mom—
Susan: Baby, you got nothing to
explain to me. I know you’ll do the
right thing.
She
touches his arm and gives him a reassuring look. She walks away. He sighs
and goes back into the auditorium.
(cut
to): The stage. Will is walking down
the aisle, to sit in the front row.
Sean: And now, we’ll bring each
of the contestants out for the final question round.
Pan
around the audience. We see everyone:
Gwen and Ryder getting back to there seats, Jill and Scout sitting alone and
looking cozy, Finn and a tired looking Meagan, Jake and Hamilton and Hamilton’s
parents and, finally, Will by himself in the front row.
Sean: Contestant number one,
Becky Johnson.
Becky
walks out. There is a table with a
punch bowl containing the folded up questions.
She draws one and hands it to Sean.
Sean: Okay, in regard to the most
recent presidential election, which issues were you most interested in…and why?
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton who are sitting between Ham’s parents.
Hamilton: Oh…this should be
interesting.
Jake: Very…
(cut
to): the stage. Becky smiles widely.
Becky: Well Sean, I wouldn’t say I
was as interested in specific issues as much as the election as a whole…and I
don’t mean that silly Florida ballot incident.
You see, my mom has been in over two hundred pageants and she gave me
many great tips for tonight. I’d give
an example, but then I’d be giving away my secrets.
She
laughs and the audience takes her cue, chuckling lightly. Sean looks at her, hoping she’ll make a
point soon.
Becky: So, I would have voted for
George W. Bush because his dad was a great president and probably gave him lots
of super tips on how to do the job well.
(cut
to): Jill and Scout.
Scout: Now, that’s logic.
Jill
shakes her head.
Music:
Givin’ Up
on You by Lara Fabian (can be found on the second DC soundtrack)
(cut
to): the stage. We get a montage of the
other girls answering questions like “Who is your role model?” and “Why is the
position of Miss Edmund High important?”
The montage ends and Bella walks onto the stage. She looks at Sean like “I think you know
which one I’m going to pick.” She takes
the last question from the bowl and hands it to Sean. He takes the card.
Sean: Last question for Bella
Banks…
He
reads it to himself then looks up at her.
Sean: Um…okay…”what is your
biggest regret in so far?”
Bella
looks up at him, he breaks eye contact.
She looks out in the audience, momentarily thrown by the question. She notices Will in the front row.
Bella: I don’t want this to sound
like I’m taking the easy way out of this question, but…I have no regrets.
She
maintains eye contact with Will.
Bella
cont’d:
Even when I realize I’ve probably made the wrong decision, I don’t regret
that decision. I don’t wish things had gone
differently. In a lot of German
philosophy, history is a topic of interest.
They have this idea that people are doomed to be frozen and looking back
instead of looking forward and moving on.
Life should have constant motion and regretting is like putting on the
brakes or worse…going in reverse. So,
things happened…choices were made…but, I have no regrets. Thank you.
After
a moment, the audience applauds. The
judges nod and write down their scores.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: I’m not
sure of the validity of those pageant questions, but Bush does suck so
much. Here’s another satiric
Bush-related site called Bushlog.
(fade
in)
Outside
on the auditorium steps, Bella is standing with the crown on and a bouquet of
flowers. Jake, Hamilton, Jill and Scout
are standing around her. Gwen and Ryder
are nearby and watching. Will is not
there. They are all congratulating her.
Hamilton: So, how’s it feel to be
crowned Miss Edmund High?
Bella: Not terrible.
Sean
walks up. He’s trying to loosen his bow
tie.
Sean: So, aren’t you glad I
convinced you to enter?
Bella: No…
She
smiles and gives him a hug, then helps him with his bow tie.
Sean: Thank you.
Scout: I think the question round
won it for you…that was a good answer.
Jill: Yeah…and way better than
Miss “well, my mom has been in over two hundred beauty pageants…”
Jake: Where is Rebecca Johnson, second
runner up?
Bella: I think her mom is trying
to get her out of the bathroom…she locked herself in.
Gwen
leaves Ryder for a moment and walks up to the group.
Gwen: Hi, um…congratulations.
Bella: Thank you.
Gwen
starts to walk away.
Bella: It was nice to meet you
tonight.
Gwen: You too.
Gwen
walks off with Ryder.
Scout: Who let her out?
Jill: I don’t know…it’s pretty
weird.
Jake: She didn’t even bring her
usual stack of books.
Hamilton: Hey guys, lay off…she’s
pretty cool.
Everyone
looks at him.
Bella: She was a lot more normal
than you guys described.
Sean: She seemed nice…and a lot
hotter than anyone told me.
Everyone
groans.
Sean
cont’d:
Anyway, where’s Will?
No
one says anything.
Scout: Um, Bella…he wants you to
meet him somewhere.
Jill: He just said “the spot”
like you’d know or something.
Bella
nods.
Hamilton: So, while the newly
crowned Miss Edmund High runs off for a late night rendezvous…who wants to get
food?
Everyone
agrees.
(dissolve
to): The spot in the woods. There is a
lantern set up. Will’s bike is laying
on the ground. Close to the bog tree, a
blanket is spread out. Will sits on it
and leans against the tree. His shirt is un-tucked. A light is moving toward Will.
Music: Somewhere in Between by
Lifehouse
Bella
walks up, holding a flashlight.
Bella: Will…have you lost it? Couldn’t we have talked somewhere…less in
the middle of the woods.
Will: It has to be here.
Bella,
still in her dress, walks up to the blanket.
She looks down at it. Will looks
up at her. She doesn’t sit down.
Will: I want to break up with
you.
Bella: Yeah…I kind of figured that
much out already.
Will: We’re just…better as
friends.
Bella
stares down at him, then looks up. He
doesn’t look at her now.
Bella: I don’t know what you want
me to say, Will. “You’re right…we are
better as friends. Oh, and by the way, pal,
mind if I cry on your shoulder over this jerk who…had his way with me…
Will
looks up at this.
Bella
cont’d:
…and then dumped me.”
Will
looks down again and speaks matter-of-factly:
Will: This is the right
decision. It’s better this way.
Bella: It’s better for who? Huh?
You? Because you can’t live with
the fact that you totally used me?
Will: I…I did not use you.
Bella: You used me to deal with
whatever problems you were having.
Will
looks down, shaking his head.
Bella
cont’d: And
you know what really kills me?
The complete opposite reaction we had to the exact same experience. Will…sharing my first time with you…that
was…the single most emotion-filled experience of my life…and look at you,
sitting there with…no emotions.
To me, it was like finding the secret ingredient, you know? Like, it made everything feel like it was finally
working right. To you, it ruined
us. That night…I could have held onto
you forever, but what did you do?
He
stares at her.
Bella
cont’d: You
ran.
Will: Charlie and Grace were
coming home soon, you know that…
Bella: No, Will…you ran from me…back
to your stupid dorm room.
Will
takes a moment before speaking:
Will: It has to be over.
Bella: I wasn’t arguing that
point, Will. And, don’t worry, it is
over…it is so over…
She
turns her flashlight on. She looks at
him as if to give him a final opportunity to speak. He doesn’t take it. She
walks away. He watches the light move
further away. Will closes his eyes and
takes a quick breath. He starts to cry. He draws his knees close to his chest. Bella walks up quietly. Her flashlight is not on. She watches him for a moment, understanding
how much of an act he had been putting on.
She clears her throat. He looks
up, quickly wiping the tears away.
Bella: My flashlight died.
Will: I…I didn’t go back to the
dorms that night.
Bella
steps closer, more into the light.
Will
cont’d: I
came here.
Bella
walks over and sits down this time, next to him.
Will: And I thought about how I
sat here with you…just like this with my arm around you…
Bella
puts her arm around him.
Will
cont’d:
…and lied to you.
Bella
looks at him questioningly.
Will
cont’d: I
told you that even though life was changing and unstable, I’d be a
constant. I said I’d always be a friend
to you. Look at how badly I screwed up
that promise…
Bella: Will—
Will: Not only that, but…I did
use you…to bring stability to my own stupid, tumultuous existence… and…I knew
it before I did it, but…I-I never wanted to hurt you like I have…
He
is crying now, and so is Bella. Her arm
is still around him; he leans on her shoulder.
Will: I’m so sorry…
Bella: It’s okay.
She
pushes his hair off his forehead.
Will: It’s not okay. I said stuff that I didn’t mean. It’s just…not okay.
Bella: Then it’ll be okay. No regrets, remember?
Will: How can I not have
regrets? You were my best friend,
Bella. I wrecked our friendship. I hurt you.
I initiated things that…that we can never take back.
Bella: Things that I don’t want to
take back.
Will: I want you to know that…it was
special for me too…and completely overwhelming and wonderful
and…emotional. I can’t imagine wanting
to share that with anyone else other than you, but—
Bella: It still needs to be
over. I agree completely. It was kind of over a long time ago anyway…all
the pretending to be busy…
Will: We could have made time if
we’d really wanted…
Bella: We’ve probably both been
operating in self-destruct mode for awhile.
Will
looks down. A beat.
Will: We always said this
wouldn’t ruin our friendship…were we right?
Bella: I hope so.
She
stands up. Will looks up at her before
doing the same. They shake out the
blanket and fold it up.
Will:
I’m sorry
I’ve been such a complete jerk.
Bella: You should be.
Will: But, hey…you still won the
crown.
Bella
smiles.
Will
cont’d: You
were wonderful.
Bella: Come on…I’m tired of being
in the woods…and in this stupid dress.
She
looks down at the bike.
Bella
cont’d: Give
me a ride?
Will
smiles and nods.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: I
know a lot of people were sick of Will and Bella or thought they were getting
boring. I do think that some of you,
though, really appreciated them together.
We just felt like this was the natural progression/domino effect that
their relationship would eventually lead to.
This commercial break is dedicated to a brief reflection on the
Will/Bella relationship…
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Friendly’s.
It’s kind of crowded. Jill,
Scout, Sean, Jake and Hamilton are there eating at the big booth. Hamilton and Jake have pulled chairs up and
are facing the window.
Music:
Out of my
Head by Fastball
Sean: So, Hamilton…I didn’t know
you played the guitar.
Hamilton
nods.
Hamilton: I play the guitar.
Jill
(to Sean):
I didn’t know you had such great public speaking abilities.
Sean
smiles.
Sean: I get
by.
Jill
smiles. Scout picks up one of her fries
and taps her on the shoulder.
Scout: Hey, hey…stop flirting…eat
your food.
He
puts the fry in her mouth. Chewing, she
tries to kiss him. He leans back.
Scout
cont’d:
Oh…that is so gross.
Jill
turns away from him and takes a sip of her Coke.
Jill: I would also like to
commend Hamilton on a job well done.
Your beauty pageant debut was surprisingly good.
Hamilton: Thanks.
Jake
looks out the window and nods so that Hamilton looks too.
(cut
to): a shot from their point of view.
Will pulls up on his bike with Bella on the handle bars.
(cut
to): inside Friendly’s.
Jake
(whispered to Hamilton): Check that out.
Hamilton
(whispered to Jake): Yeah, guess they made up.
(cut
to): another shot from their point of view.
Bella hops off and stands talking with Will for a moment. The shot is still from across the street so
we don’t hear what they are saying at first.
(cut
to): across the street at the gas station.
Bella: So…this is it.
She
sticks out her hand; Will shakes it.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton watching.
Jake
(whispered to Hamilton): What’s up with that?
(cut
to): Will and Bella. She looks over and
sees Jake and Hamilton watching. They
look away.
Bella: So…what do we tell
everyone?
Will
looks over at Friendly’s and sees everyone there in the window. Sean happens to look up and see them. He waves, trying to get them to come over.
Will: I guess we just…tell them.
Bella: And I thought telling
everyone we were together was tough.
Will: Let’s just go announce it
like it’s no big deal…
Bella: But it—
Will: I know…it’s a huge
deal.
Bella
looks back across the street. Sean is
still trying to get them to come over.
Will
cont’d:
Okay, you know what? Maybe we can leave
them wondering tonight.
Bella
looks relieved.
Bella: And then?
Will: And then…I don’t know.
They
laugh awkwardly.
Bella: Does this seem too easy?
Will: Yes…and it probably won’t
be.
Bella: Ever the optimist, huh Mr.
Krudski?
He
chuckles as she opens her door and goes inside. Will takes a deep breath then gets on his bike and rides off.
(cut
to): Friendly’s.
Sean: They didn’t even come over.
Jake: Yeah…weird.
She
looks at Hamilton. Scout looks at them
like they know something, but doesn’t give it too much thought.
Jill: That’s okay…we don’t need
the winner…we’ve got the star of the show right here.
She
looks at Sean. He smiles.
Sean: You should see me at
student council meetings.
Scout: Okay, okay…that’s enough.
Sean
laughs and shakes his head. Jill takes
Scout’s hand under the table. He looks
comforted.
Hamilton: I think we’re going to call
it a night.
Jake
nods.
Jill: Yeah, I’m ready to go.
She
takes the last bite of her burger and a big sip of Coke.
Sean:
Well, I’ll
see you all later…and thanks for coming out tonight…and buying tickets.
They
all toss down some cash for the bill and exit.
(cut
to): Finn and Johanna as they get out of Johanna’s car in her driveway. Finn’s bike is noticeably parked in front of
the porch.
Music:
You Say by
Vertical Horizon
Johanna: Thanks for all your help
tonight.
Finn: Want me to get her?
Johanna: Please.
(cut
to): Finn and Johanna putting Meagan into her bed.
(cut
to): Outside Meagan’s room.
Johanna: Thank you.
Finn: Anytime.
Johanna: Careful…I may take you up
on that.
Finn: Good.
Johanna: And thanks for talking to her
by the way. She’s dropped the whole
“Finn and Johanna sitting in a tree” routine.
Finn: I didn’t even know there
was such a routine.
Johanna: Oh, was there ever.
Finn
looks at her contemplatively.
Johanna
cont’d:
What?
Finn: What?
Johanna: You just look like you have
something to say.
Finn
thinks about telling her what Meagan has told him.
Finn: Um…maybe it was that…you’re
a good mom and…you should know that.
She
looks at him. It’s kind of a distinct
moment…the kind of moment that romantic dramedies are built on.
Finn: Okay…I have to go now.
Johanna: Can you lock the door
behind you?
Finn: Yep.
He
walks off down the stairs. She looks at
him then back at Meagan’s door. She
sighs then walks off down the hall.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton as they walk down the dorm hall toward Jake’s room.
Hamilton: I still have like a half an
hour before I have to be home.
Music:
Kick
Some Ass by Stroke 9
They
stop at Jake’s door as she unlocks it.
Ryder comes down the hall.
Ryder: Hey.
They
turn to look at him.
Ryder: I…I just want you to know
that I’m not…getting a conscience or anything.
I didn’t think that was such a great way for your dad to find out about
you two, that’s all. So…don’t go around
looking at me like…like you’re looking at me now, Jacqueline.
Hamilton
looks over at her. She recovers from
the troubled look she had. Ryder raises
his eyebrows.
Ryder: Got it?
Hamilton: Yes…go away.
Ryder
shakes his head then walks off. Jake
and Hamilton enter Jake’s room.
(cut
to): inside her room as they enter.
Hamilton
(faked British accent): “Don’t go around looking at me like you’re looking at me know, Jacqueline…” Who the hell does he think he is anyway?
Jake: Thanks for not punching him
or something. I personally find
humanity far more appealing than violence.
Hamilton: Thanks for the tip…
He
moves closer to her.
Jake: So, half an hour, huh?
Hamilton
picks up Jake’s wrist and looks at her watch again.
Hamilton: Twenty-four minutes…
Jake
kisses him.
(cut
to): Will and Scout’s room. Will is
sitting at his desk with a few books opened. He looks tired. He looks over at a clock that reads about
9:40. Scout and Jill enter, mid
conversation.
Scout: You were totally
flirting with him.
Jill: Okay…if it’ll make you feel
better, next time, you can flirt with him.
Will
looks up.
Jill: Hey, Will…get everything
all straightened out with Bella?
Will: Uh…yeah, I think so…
Scout: Glad to hear that.
Will: Sorry we didn’t stop
by…Bella was just tired after the pageant and I…
Jill: Had to study?
Will
looks over at his books like “good answer.”
Will: Yeah…
Jill: Okay…I have to get back to
the room.
Jill
mouths “talk to him” to Scout after she quickly kisses him on the cheek. Scout nods.
Jill: Night, Will.
He
waves; she exits.
Scout: So…you and Bella good?
Will: Yeah…I think so.
Scout:
That’s the
second time you’ve said…you okay?
Will: We decided to, um, break
up.
Scout: What?
Will: It feels like such a big
deal.
Scout: Well, I guess so.
Will: But not because the
relationship is gone.
Scout: Oh, right…who would care
about that?
Will: It’s like…we get to have
our friendship back, you know? Like
we’ve made the decision to be friends and now we have to build that again. It’s kind of like the reverse of deciding to
be together.
Scout: That’s over my head…but it
sounds like you’ve got it covered so…
Will: Don’t say anything to
anyone yet…we’re not exactly telling people.
Scout: That you’ve decided to be
friends?
Will: Yeah…
Scout: Okay.
Will: I know it sounds weird—
Scout: No…no…as long as you’re
both cool with it…
Will: Oh, absolutely.
(cut
to): Bella as she gets ready for bed.
She has already changed into her pajamas. She picks up the locket Will gave her for Christmas. She opens it and looks at the little picture
of them when they were younger. On the
other side is a more recent picture of the two of them. She touches each picture then puts the
locket down, still opened. The camera
zooms in on it…it represents two different stages of relationship for Will and
Bella. The camera gets close then…
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: Though
we’ve never actually purchased anything from ebay
it still seems like a decent idea to promote it as a commercial break. Why?
Because we always want to buy stuff from there.
(fade
in): to Hamilton in bed.
Music:
Emergency,
Emergency by New Found Glory
He’s
on top of the covers and in the same clothes.
The camera zooms out slowly and we realize he is asleep on Jake’s
bed. He’s still got his shoes on
(implying nothing too serious has gone on to put them in this situation). Jake’s in her pajamas and is under the covers. She wakes up and looks over at Hamilton.
Jake: Hamilton…
He
rolls over sleepily and looks up at her.
He smiles then looks worried.
Hamilton: Oh, man…what time is it?
He
reaches over and picks up her wrist, but she’s taken her watch off. She picks it up off the table next to the
bed and hands it to him.
Hamilton: Nine…wonderful.
He
gets up.
Hamilton
cont’d: I’m
so dead.
Jake: The last thing I remember
is you saying you were getting up to leave in a minute.
Hamilton: Yeah, me too.
Jake
sits up in bed.
Jake: Is your dad going to kill
you?
Hamilton: Try my mom.
There
is a knock at the door.
Hamilton: Who is it?
Steve: Hamilton?
Hamilton
closes his eyes.
Jake: He can’t see me like this.
Hamilton: Well…get in the closet.
Jake
looks at him like “what?” He looks at
her like “go on.” She walks over to the
closet as Hamilton goes to the door.
When she is safely inside he opens the door.
Hamilton: Dad, I’m so sorry. I fell asleep over here and—
Steve: That’s what I assumed, but,
of course, your mother was worried.
Hamilton
nods, surprised that he’s getting off so easily. Steve looks in the room.
Steve
cont’d:
Where’s Jake?
Hamilton: Oh…he, uh…went to take a
shower.
Steve: Your mom worries…a lot more
these days. Don’t do that to her.
Hamilton: I didn’t mean to.
Steve: I know…it’s not some choice
you made…in this case.
Hamilton: You surprise me, Dad…a lot
more these days.
Steve
smiles.
Steve: Go home and make sure your
mom still knows you’re alive. Okay?
Hamilton: Okay.
Steve
exits. Hamilton closes the door. He walks over to the closet and opens the
door. He takes her by the hand and
pulls her out.
Hamilton: You can come out of the
closet now.
Jake: Are we back to the Tiffany
Amber Thiessen movie again?
He
laughs.
Hamilton: Anyway, I’d better get
home.
Jake:
Okay…if you
want…
She
kisses him.
Hamilton: You’re such a bad
influence…
He
kisses her back.
(cut
to): Bella as she sits in front of her mirror brushing her hair. She pulls it back into a ponytail. She glances down again at the locket. Grace
comes in.
Grace: Thanks for taking off and
not telling me last night, geez…I had to get a ride home from Ryder and that
chick.
Bella: I’m sorry Gracie…I had
stuff to do.
Grace: God, like what? Make out with your perfect boyfriend after
winning a beauty pageant.
Bella: No, like having Will dump
me.
Grace: What? Jerk.
Bella: Listen, don’t say anything
to Sean.
Grace: Déjà vu. Didn’t you tell me the same thing when you
guys hooked up?
Bella: Just keep your mouth shut.
Grace: Why? Think Sean’s going to hit on you again?
Bella: No, it’s not like
that…we’re just not telling anyone.
Grace: That sounds stupid,
but…whatever…I won’t say anything.
(cut
to): Will as he pulls a shirt on. He’s
dressed other than that. Scout’s still
asleep. There is a knock on the door. Scout stirs. Will opens the door to find Finn standing there.
Finn:
Morning,
Mr. Krudski.
Will: Morning. What’s up?
Finn: I’m calling a practice.
Scout
stirs.
Scout: Right now?
Hamilton,
who was walking by, sticks his head in.
Hamilton: What’s going on?
Finn: Crew practice…be at the
dock in 20 minutes.
Hamilton: What? No way…I’m tired, man. You can’t just call practice on a Sunday.
Scout
sits up in the bed.
Scout: I think he can.
Finn: Hey, Hamilton, it’s
completely voluntary, okay?
Hamilton
gives him a “yeah, whatever” look. Finn
exits.
Scout: Hey, Ham…weren’t you
wearing that last night?
Hamilton
looks down at his outfit and shrugs.
Will: I am really not in the mood
for practice this morning.
Hamilton: Don’t go…let’s
boycott.
Scout
lays back down in bed and closes his eyes.
Scout: I’m in.
Will: No, we have go.
Hamilton: Why? Because Finn said? My dad is the dean.
Will: When are you going to move
on?
Hamilton
looks at him in disbelief.
Hamilton:
You know
what? Go to his dumb practice. I’m going home.
Hamilton
exits. Scout looks over at him.
Scout: You should have cut him
some slack
Will: He needs to get over that.
Scout: And if Finn slept with your
mom…you’d just get over it, right?
Will
considers this.
Will: Maybe I should go apologize.
(cut
to): Hamilton exiting the dorm. Will
comes out after him.
Will: Hey, Ham…
Hamilton
turns around.
Will
cont’d:
Sorry.
Hamilton: Whatever.
Will: Maybe we should both stop
brooding about our respective “issues.”
Hamilton
softens.
Hamilton: You know, I forgot to ask
about you and Bella…
Will: Well, I wasn’t exactly
hoping you would so—
Hamilton: Okay, that’s cool. I’m going to run home and see my mom—
Will: Did you stay in the dorms
last night?
Hamilton
smirks.
Hamilton: Maybe…I’ll see you at
practice.
He
turns around and jogs away.
(cut
to): Gwen as she sits reading on her bed.
She’s been up for awhile and is dressed. Jill walks out of the bathroom with a bathrobe on and a towel
on her head.
Music: Steal My Sunshine by Len
Jill: Nice to see you’re back to
normal.
Gwen: Huh?
Jill: You know, doing homework.
Gwen: Oh, no…this is pleasure
reading.
Jill
(same tone):
Oh no…there’s no such thing.
Gwen
shrugs then goes back to reading. Jill
flips her head over and dries her hair with the towel.
Gwen: How long does it take to get
to Boston?
Jill: I dunno…by train about…an
hour or so.
Gwen: What are you doing today?
Jill: I don’t know…why?
Gwen: Why don’t we take the train
to Boston and do some girl stuff…I’m so sick of hanging out with Ryder…and I’m
sure you must be just a little tired of Scout.
Jill: Not that tired,
but…I could be into shopping.
Gwen: And I was thinking we could
take Bella Banks…she’s a friend of yours, right?
Jill: Sure. And I’ll ask…oh, nevermind…girls only,
right?
Gwen: Who were you going to say?
Jill: Oh…no one…
Gwen: Jake?
Jill: Yeah…he, um…likes to shop.
Gwen
kind of shakes her head to herself.
Gwen: Well Jake and Bella are
pretty good friends too, right?
Jill: Yeah, pretty much.
Gwen: Invite him then…we’ll have
a good time.
(cut
to): Hamilton as he walks into his kitchen.
His mom is sitting at the table drinking coffee.
Kate
(with relief):
There you are.
Hamilton: I’m fine Mom. I just fell
asleep over at…the dorms and—
Kate: At Jake’s?
Hamilton
just looks at her, not speaking.
Kate: Do you go out of your way
to remind me what a bad parenting job I’m doing?
Hamilton: What? Mom…
He
sits down next to her.
Hamilton
cont’d:
You’re not a bad parent…not even close.
Kate: I let you lie to your
father so you can sleep over at your girlfriend’s—
Hamilton: Mom, I wasn’t sleeping
over…I was just sleeping…that’s all.
Kate: And when that’s not
true? When you’re not just
sleeping?
Hamilton
blushes.
Hamilton: Mom…
Kate: I just want to establish an
open and honest forum with you, Sweetie.
Hamilton: Okay…you have…now, I have
to get to Crew practice.
Kate: On a Sunday morning?
Hamilton: Tell me about it…Finn’s
such a jerk.
Kate
looks down into her coffee. Hamilton
shakes his head and runs upstairs to change.
(cut
to): Jake’s room. She’s dressed and has
her phone in her hand. She dials a
number.
Jake
(into phone):
Bella? Oh, hey Grace…can I talk to Bella?
Thanks…
There
is a knock at Jake’s door. She walks
over as she waits on the phone. She
opens the door to find Jill and Gwen standing there. She nods.
Jake: Hey, what’s up?
Jill: Whose on the phone?
Jake
starts to speak when Bella finally comes on the phone.
Jake: Bella, hey…it’s Jake. I
was just calling to say congratulations again on the whole pageant thing…
Jill: Hey, let me talk to her for
a second.
Jake: Okay…Bella…madwoman Jill
just got here and she wants to talk to you…I don’t know…okay….here she is.
Jake
hands the phone to Jill.
Jill: Bella…we’re going to take a
train into Boston and hit a few shoppes…interested?…Oh, me, Gwen and Jake…well,
I haven’t asked Jake, but I’m sure he’ll come…I know…I agree…okay…okay…we’ll be
by in a few.
Jill
hangs up.
Jake: Are we allowed to go to
Boston?
Jill: If we aren’t, we will be…my
dad can call.
Jake: So, we’re going to ask the
dean?
Jill:
We’ll head
over there then go into town to catch the train.
Jake: If you guys don’t mind—
Jill: Oh no…you’re going over
there with us.
Jake: Jill…
Jill: Jake…
Jake
looks at her and closes her eye.
Jake:
Fine…but
you’re totally using me.
Gwen: How?
Jake
looks over at her, remembering her presence.
Jake: Come on, let’s go.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break:
Okay, so Estee doesn’t officially read fanfic, but the writing on Giselle’s Death’s
Advocate is pretty stellar. Check
it out, dude. Also, in completely
unrelated notes…the spelling of shoppes is kind an homage to Kevin Smith
“Shoppy? What the fuck’s a
shoppy?” Anyway, back to the show…
(fade
in)
(cut
to): Kate doing dishes in the kitchen.
She’s dressed now. Steve walks
in the back door.
Steven: Did Hamilton come home?
Kate: Briefly…he had crew
practice.
Steven: On Sunday?
Neither
want the conversation to turn to Finn.
Kate: Thanks for going over
there…I know you think I worry too much.
Steven: It’s actually something
that’s developed recently…anything you want to tell me about?
Kate: He’s just growing up…faster
than we realize.
Steven: He stayed with his friend
in the dorms…he was out at a party or off with some girl…
Kate
looks at him with a pained expression.
Steven: What?
The
doorbell chimes. Kate and Steve
exchange glances.
(cut
to): Jake, Jill and Gwen outside the door.
It opens and Kate and the dean are standing there. None of the kids say anything.
Steven: Can we help you?
Jill: We’re going to Boston for
the day.
Steven: I don’t think—
Jill: We’re just going shopping.
The
dean looks at Jake. She clears her
throat.
Jake: Um…we’re taking the train.
Steve
considers this.
Gwen: We just wanted to clear
this with you, sir.
Steve
looks like he’s going to say no.
Kate: Maybe with a
chaperone.
Kate: I could use a few things…if
that’s okay with you kids, of course.
Jill: That’s cool.
Kate: Great.
(cut
to): The docks. The boys are sitting
around, looking tired. Some are lying
down.
Music: The Space Between by Dave
Matthews band.
Finn: Decisions, men. You make thousands everyday. You decided to come to this practice.
He
looks at Hamilton who just looks off.
Finn: I was reading an essay that
someone wrote for one of my classes and it really made me think.
(cut
to): Will who recalls Ryder’s essay.
Finn: Decisions are never independent.
Anyone know what I mean by that?
Scout: That it’s Sunday and you’re
in the mood to do your best Aristotle impression?
Finn: Get in the water.
Scout: What?
Finn: Hop in and tread…it’ll be
more difficult for you to speak.
Scout
gets and “oh man” look, but kicks off his shoes, takes off his shirt to reveal
a white t-shirt then hops in. Will
snickers.
Finn: Good choice, Mr.
Calhoun. Anyone care to contribute to
the afore-interrupted discussion.
No
one says anything right away…Will looks around then speaks:
Will: I think what you mean is
that we make choices based upon what we want to happen. It’s not really like I made the choice to
come to this practice based solely on the idea that I wanted to come to this
practice. I didn’t want to get kicked
off the team. To make sure that didn’t
happen, I made the choice to come here.
Hamilton: That’s why nothing can ever
be black and white…or…right or wrong.
There are so many circumstances surrounding every decision we make.
Finn
smiles.
Will: So maybe…there aren’t wrong
choices only bad intentions.
Finn
looks around at everyone as they process…many still looks sleepy, but others
get it.
Finn: Intellectualism…on the
weekend even…beautiful.
(cut
to): Scout in the water.
Scout: If you drown because you
can’t tread anymore…is that a bad decision or an unexpected consequence of a
bad intention?
Finn: Mr. Calhoun, you were
paying attention…get out of the water and into the boat…
Scout
climbs up onto the dock as everyone else starts to get into the boat.
(dissolve
to): An establishing shot of a train moving down the tracks.
(cut
to): the interior of the train. Bella,
Gwen and Jill are sitting together in a set of four seats that face each
other. Jake and Kate are sitting across
the aisle from them in a set of two seats.
(cut
to): A shot of Jake and Kate.
Kate:
So this was
a neat idea…I tend to forget how close Boston is sometimes.
Jake: Boston and I don’t really
agree with each other…there’s too much history or something.
Kate: New York is always in the
present…I get it.
Jake: Something like that.
Kate: So, Hamilton stayed with
you last night.
Jake: Hamilton…I didn’t even tell
him I was taking off.
Kate: He’s at Crew practice.
Jake: Finn called a
practice? On Sunday?
Kate: You know how Finn is…
Jake
doesn’t say anything.
Kate
cont’d: So,
about last night…I don’t mean for all our conversations to revolve around this,
but…you know, actually, I retract the but.
All we’ve ever talked about is my son.
I’ve never asked about you…in relation to something…anything other
than Hamilton.
Jake: Well, you know…I like him.
Kate: What else?
Jake: Do I like?
Kate
nods.
Jake: God, I don’t know.
Kate: Have any hobbies?
Jake: Not really…my mom thinks I
need something like that. She doesn’t
really believe in hobbies, though…just passions. She liked Hamilton’s photography…or the idea of it. She’d probably like that he plays the
guitar…and writes songs.
Kate: He writes songs?
Jake: We weren’t supposed to be
talking about him, right?
Kate: No…no…I changed my mind…
Jake
smiles.
(cut
to): Gwen, Jill and Bella. They aren’t
saying anything. Bella looks out the
window.
Jill: So…
Gwen
and Bella look at her.
Jill: …this is boring.
Bella: Oh, I wanted to thank you
for being so nice at the pageant Gwen…even though I was kind of rude about the
whole studying thing.
Jill: Oh, man, this girl is like Will…on
Ginkoba and Caffeine.
Bella: Well, she happened to come
walking down the hall at the right time…I needed a distraction.
Gwen: You just look so stressed
and nervous.
Bella: I was.
Jill: Well, it paid off…
Bella: Define “paid off.” Do you realize all the obligations I now
have? Sean brought me a list this
morning...I didn’t really even look it over yet. I figured it was all parades and appearances…but, in reality, I’m
now a flunky for student government.
Gwen: I could never be in a
pageant.
Jill: Me either…but that goes
along with my personal desire to avoid walking onto any stage or being in any
spotlight.
The
following is light with sincere undertones:
Gwen: Yet you’re such a prima dona.
Jill: What?
Bella: Don’t forget drama queen.
Jill: Try me onstage…I’d be out
of there quicker than…Hamilton.
They
all laugh. The scene has been awkward
and will end the same. After a beat,
Bella looks back out the window and the silence begins again.
(cut
to): Hamilton, Scout, Will and the rest of the team as they exit the dock. Finn is standing by as they walk off. He stops Will.
Finn: Mr. Krudski, got a minute?
Will
stops as everyone else goes on.
Finn: You look particularly
despondent this lovely morning.
Will: Well, you seem
unusually…pondent.
Finn
smiles.
Finn: I just wanted to make sure
all was going well for you, Will…classes…family…girl.
Will: Classes are great…family is
static…
Finn: And girl just got crowned Beauty
Queen so…life must be good?
Will
doesn’t agree.
Finn: So it’s the girl…
Will: Would you take it
personally if I said I didn’t want to talk about it?
Finn: Yes.
Will
laughs.
Will: We broke up…last
night…after the pageant.
Finn: Despondency explained.
So…do you want to tell me what happened?
(dissolve
to): the dock where Finn and Will sit. Will has been explaining what happened.
Finn: Sounds like you screwed up,
but you made a good recovery.
Will: And I just don’t know if
this friend thing is going to work out.
Finn: Friendship takes a lot more
effort than a relationship.
Will: Uh-huh…so how’s it going
with Ms. Ryan?
They
both smile.
Finn: It’s going well. She’s
really an amazing woman with an amazing child.
Will: Sounds like you’d fit right
in.
Finn: I hope so…I hope so…
(cut
to): Scout in the Common Room. He is sitting lying on the couch reading a book.
Ham walks in the room and looks around. Scout looks up at him.
Music:
Trouble
With Boys by Loreta
Hamilton: Is Jake in here?
Scout
glances around the empty room then back at Ham.
Scout: Are you playing a game of
Hide and Seek?
Hamilton,
not getting it:
Hamilton: No?
Scout
rolls his eyes.
Scout: Well then no.
Hamilton
sits down in the chair next to Scout. Scout looks back at his book the glances
back at Ham who is just sitting there.
Scout: Dude, if it makes you feel
any better, I don’t know where Jill is either.
Hamilton: Think they’re just using us
both so that they can be together?
Scout: Okay…I’m gonna go with no.
Hamilton: That would be pretty
hot, though.
Scout: You do realize the
fundamental problem with lesbianism is that you, as a male, don’t get to
participate. It’s not like it is in the
movies…you and I would not be involved.
Hamilton: Hmm…You have a point.
Scout: Anyway…Gwen was gone too,
maybe there off doing a “girl” thing?
Hamilton: Yeah, but Gwen doesn’t know
about Jake.
Scout: Well…now you might be in
trouble.
A
beat.
Hamilton: What movies exactly?
Scout
gives him an amused/innocent “I don’t know”
look.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: The Zone is a cool site where you can play
games online. Estee likes checkers.
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of a Boston street in the shopping district.
Music:
Trouble
With Boys by Loreta
(cut
to): Interior shot of one of the shoppes.
The girls are looking around. Jake is standing off to the side
pretending to look uninterested. Bella walks by and Jake grabs her arm.
Jake: We have to tell
Gwen!
Bella: What? Tell her what?
Jake: That I’m a girl…she’s a
friend now…she deserves to know…you consider her a friend don’t you?
Bella
stifles laughter.
Bella: Be strong Jake…Be strong.
Bella
walks off with an amused look. Jake
picks up a dress off of the rack and walks over to Jill.
Jake: You should get this…you
should really get this…it’s perfect for you.
Jill: I don’t really know about
the color and this isn’t even my size. This would probably look better on…oh…oh…
Jake
looks at her like “duh.” They see Gwen
walking over and Jake shoves the dress at Jill. Jill pretends like she won’t take it, but then does.
Gwen: That’s a cool dress, Jill.
Jill
smiles. Jake leans against a rack, trying to look cool. The rack is on wheels and starts to
move. Jake stands up, trying to
recover. Gwen keeps walking.
Jill: Way to be cool, Jake.
Jake
pulls the rack back to where it was.
Jake: Shut up.
Jill: You know, I don’t think I’m
going to get used to calling you Jake.
Jake: Good.
Jill
laughs.
(cut
to): Will walking quickly down a hall in the dorms. Ryder walks down the stairs at the same time. Some other people are around hanging out in
a doorway. Another group of guys walks
by tossing a football lightly as they head outside.
Ryder: William…hey, Will…
Will
stops.
Will: What?
Ryder: Thanks for proofing my
paper. I got an A on it.
Will: Yeah, I guess Finn really
liked it. He was talking about it at
Crew practice.
Ryder: Really?
Will: Well, you know, he used the
topic as the brain warm-up…he didn’t mention you, but I knew that’s what he was
talking about.
Ryder: Wow…
Will: See what happens when you
make an effort?
Ryder: Okay, Krudski, don’t be a
teacher.
Will: If you’d apply even 10% of
your intelligence…
Will
smiles indicating he’s joking.
Ryder: Well, anyway…thanks for
your help. It was legitimate this time.
Ryder
pats him on the back and walks back up the stairs. Will stands there momentarily then keeps walking.
(cut
to): Bella trying on a pair of shoes.
Gwen wanders up. She picks up a
sandal and puts it on the ground. She
kicks off her shoe and tries it on.
Bella: That’s really cute.
Gwen: I don’t know…I’m not really
a sandal person.
Bella
shrugs.
Bella: They’re cool.
A
beat.
Gwen: So listen…I overhead you
and Will at the pageant.
Bella
looks at her, but doesn’t quite know what to say.
Gwen
cont’d: I
don’t mean to be nosey…I mean, I know that sounds lame to say when you’re being
nosey, but…he just seemed kind of harsh and…I don’t know, I thought this would
be good for you…
Bella: This was your idea?
Gwen
nods.
Gwen: I know I don’t know you
that well, but…this seemed like a good distraction.
Bella: Like talking to me at the
pageant…because you knew…about me and Will.
Gwen: I know Jill probably thinks
I’m some…stick in the mud…and I have a bad rap for…well, because of Ryder. Sometimes it’s just not worth putting forth
the effort to make friends. I’m not
saying you should feel honored by the fact that I am making an effort, but—
Bella: Well, I do.
Gwen
smiles and looks down at her sandals.
Gwen: I think I’m going to get
the sandals.
Bella: You should.
(cut
to): Scout and Hamilton is Scout’s room.
Hamilton has his acoustic guitar and is sitting on Will’s bed. He plays throughout…little pieces of Sunday,
Bloody Sunday. Scout is folding
laundry.
Scout: Ham, can’t you just go and
be alone in your room for awhile? I
don’t feel like hanging out with you today.
Truth be told, you’re pretty high maintenance.
Hamilton: I don’t really even know
what that means…
Scout: It means you’re needy.
Hamilton: No, I’m not…I’ve just been
an only child and the youngest kid around this place for too long…I need
people…okay, maybe I’m a little needy.
Scout: I guess I should take that
as a compliment.
Hamilton: You know…I really have been
an outcast around here before you guys…you and Will and Jill and…Jake, of
course…not to mention the public school kids.
I’ve never really felt like I belonged before.
Scout: First of all…save all the
sentimentality for when we graduate in a few years.
Ham
nods.
Scout
cont’d: As
far as a sense of belonging, I’ve always felt like I’ve belonged…
Hamilton: Good to know…
Scout: But…I haven’t really…not
until now. Without you guys I wouldn’t
even know who I was…not to mention where I fit in.
A
beat.
Scout
cont’d: You
know, before I came here, they called my dad and asked if it was okay if I
stayed with the scholarship kid. He
asked me if I wanted to and…I almost said no.
Hamilton
raises his eyebrows.
Hamilton: Why didn’t you?
Scout: I realized that I had been
surrounding myself with people exactly like me…I thought Will would be
different so I decided to room with him.
Hamilton: Just think how different
things would have been if you’d ended up with, say, Jake.
Scout: Well, I guess all parties
are glad that I made the choice that I did.
That sounds so…elitist…like “I chose to room with the poor kid.” When we got here, I didn’t want to be like
“so, you’re here on a scholarship?” And then his dad was such a jerk…
Hamilton: Stuff like that sucks, you
know? Like, when your parents suck,
what can you really do? It takes you at
least thirteen or fourteen years to even realize how crummy they are.
Scout: Remember that time in
Finn’s class when Jake said you couldn’t control who your parents are…that kind
of stuck with me. Like, it’s not really
a choice you make.
Hamilton: She’s smart.
Scout: How did this conversation snowball
from me telling you to get out to this semi-intellectual…thing?
Hamilton: I don’t know…
Will
walks in. Hamilton is still fooling
around with the guitar. Will assesses
the picture.
Will: Okay…this is depressing.
Hamilton
looks up as he plays some more.
Will: Could you pick a more depressing
song?
Ham
looks at him like “yep…” He starts to
play Torn.
Will: Point taken…
Will
turns around and walks back out.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: Did
you like this site in Swedish Chef? You
can convert any site or even this episode into a number of silly languages with
the Dialectizer.
(fade
in): to the shoppe in Boston. Jill is
checking out and Jake is with her.
Music: I’m No Ordinary Girl by
Anika Paris
Jake: You are officially my
favorite person now.
Jill: Is there a cash prize to go
along with this honor?
Jake
reaches into her pocket and pulls out some cash, handing it to Jill.
Jill: Whoa, seriously?
Jake: It’s for the dress, space
cadet.
(cut
to): Gwen and Bella. They are sitting
on a bench in front of the store.
Gwen: So, you know Jake pretty
well?
Bella: Yeah…I’d say so.
Bella
smiles.
Gwen: He’s kind of…different.
Bella
nods.
Bella: Jake’s, um, someone you
have to really get to know before you can…appreciate him.
Gwen: I just don’t get Ryder’s
fascination with him.
Bella
raises her eyebrows.
Bella: Really? Fascination?
Gwen: Yeah, like he thinks of him
as some big mystery…
Bella: I could see that.
Gwen
looks back as Jill finishes checking out.
Jake’s leaning against the counter.
Gwen: I don’t see it…but maybe
I’m missing something.
Bella
shrugs. Jill and Jake walk out.
Jake: Where’s Kate?
Gwen: In that shop across the
street.
Bella: We decided to pass on the
store specializing in silverware.
Jake: Hey, who couldn’t
use some knives and forks?
Jill: Let’s just wait out here…I
might find some that I like and then I’d have to get married so I could
register there…
Jake: Okay…you would get married
so you could have the silverware you wanted?
You’re crazy…oh, but wait…I already knew that.
A
beat. Gwen looks at Jake and Jill,
squinting.
Gwen: Have you two ever dated?
Jill
almost chokes.
Jill: Excuse me?
Jake: Jill’s not really my…type.
Jill: Hey!
Jake: What? You’re not.
Bella: Guys…here comes Mrs.
Fleming.
Kate
walks up.
Kate: Okay, I’m up for a few more
stores…anyone else?
They
agree. They turn and walk off down the
road.
(cut
to): Will as he walks down the road to New Rawley. Sean rides up on his bike.
Sean: Will…I was just coming out
to see you…actually, to look for Bella.
Where is she?
Will: I…I don’t know.
Sean: Hmm…that’s weird. She was supposed to have a brunch today with
some kind of important student council people.
Will: It’s hardly like Bella to
not be dependable, but…I have no idea where she is.
A
beat.
Sean: So, what are you doing?
Will: I don’t know…wandering?
Sean: Well, I hear a bunch of
people are hanging out at the lake at this sort of community picnic thing…if
you want to go. I rode by earlier and I
saw your favorite female English teacher.
Will
laughs.
Will: Was Finn there?
Sean: I don’t know…did they hook
up or something? I saw him with Meagan
at the pageant.
Will: They’re friends…according
to Finn anyway.
Sean: Just friends? Right…like that happens.
Will
fakes a smile.
Will: Yeah…so, they do they have
free food at this picnic?
Sean
smiles and turns his bike toward town.
Sean: Come on…
Will
walks as Sean rides.
(cut
to): the picnic Sean was referring to.
We see a few cuts of people hanging out, eating, playing
Frisbee…whatever happens at a picnic.
(cut
to): Will and Sean as they walk up.
Will: I haven’t been to one of
these is forever.
Sean: You’ve been missing out…
Meagan
comes up to them.
Meagan: Hey Will…Hi Sean.
Sean: Hey, Meag…what’s up?
Meagan
holds out both her hands that are closed.
Meagan: Choose one.
Sean
looks over at Will for a quick consultation before pointing to her left
hand. She opens it revealing a plastic
ring.
Meagan
cont’d:
Here you go.
She
hands it to him. He smiles.
Sean: Thank you…
Meagan: You’re welcome…
She
runs off.
Will: Well…she’s only like six
years younger than you…
Sean: Stop.
Will: No, seriously…that could
turn into something in, say, ten years.
Sean
shakes his head.
Sean: Anyway…let’s get something
to eat.
Will: Oh, yeah…definitely.
(dissolve
to): about four hours later. Kate pulls
up in front of the gas station. Bella
gets out. She’s carrying a small bag.
Music:
The Passion
by the Nixons
Bella: Thanks…see you later.
She
talks to Gwen who is sitting in the backseat.
Bella
cont’d:
Thanks so much for suggesting this…it was really fun.
Gwen: If you’re ever in the mood
for a good time surrounded in an air of pretension…stop by Rawley Girls.
As
the girls talk, Kate looks across the street to Friendly’s.
(cut
to): a shot from Kate’s point of view.
Finn’s holding the door for Meagan and Johanna as they exit.
(cut
to): Kate…her interest is peaked.
(cut
to): the other side of the street.
Johanna puts her arm around Finn’s back in a friendly gesture.
(cut
to): Kate. Bella has gone inside. The girls are sitting there waiting for her
to go.
Jake
looks over and sees Finn. Kate looks
back at them.
Kate
(slightly unnerved): Everyone ready?
They
nod. Kate pulls away.
(cut
to): inside Bella’s house. Grace is
sitting at the table.
Grace: Hello? Where have you been?
Bella: I took the train to Boston
with some friends…why?
Grace: Sean was here like three
different times looking for you. You
were supposed to go to some brunch and then some picnic.
Bella: Oh man….
Grace: Yeah, no kidding. I mean, Sean’s cute and all…but no one is
cute enough to ring the doorbell and wake me up.
Bella: Okay, it was like eleven
when I left, it couldn’t have been that early.
Grace: Well, I was asleep and then
I had to go to the door when I looked like total crap.
Bella: If you didn’t sleep in your
make-up you wouldn’t look so scary in the morning.
Grace: Whatever…
She
gets up and walks out.
(cut
to): Scout, Will, Hamilton and Sean hanging out on the quad. Sean and Hamilton are tossing a football
back and forth.
Music:
My Baby and
Me by Nick Garrisi
Scout
and Will are sitting on the grass.
Scout: So, how are you doing?
Will: I feel completely
horrible…but other than that, fine.
Scout: Why?
Will: Because everything that
happened could have been prevented.
Bella and I should have never been together.
Scout: Do you really believe that?
Will
looks down.
Scout
cont’d:
Because when I said that a long time ago…you didn’t believe me.
Will: Is that your way of saying
“I told you so?”
Scout: No. Will, you’re taking an awful lot of credit
for the destruction of this relationship.
Will: That’s because I feel like
I made a series of bad decisions…culminating with probably the worst decision
I’ve ever made in my whole life…
Scout: Well, whatever happened…it
was meant to be…
Will: Fate? I thought you wanted to control your own
destiny.
Scout: Well…you’d be surprised
what happens when you stop concentrating so hard on making the right decision.
Will: What happens?
Scout: You figure out that you
are.
Will: Making the right choices?
Scout: Yep.
Will: How do you know? I’ve been struggling with that question.
Scout
looks up for a minute.
(cut
to): a shot from Will’s point of view. Gwen, Jake and Jill are approaching the
guys from the direction of Hamilton’s house.
Scout: I don’t know…you just do.
He
smiles and gets up walking over to Jill.
Will: Well, thanks…that’s
definitive.
Will
looks on as Scout talks to her, but we can’t hear what he says. Jake looks over at Hamilton and Sean tossing
the football. Hamilton sees her. He tosses the football to Sean one more time
then indicates for him to hold up. He
jogs over to where Scout and the girls are standing. He takes note of Gwen’s presence then talks to Jake:
Hamilton: Dude…I’ve been looking for
you like all day.
Jake: We went shopping…with your
mom.
Hamilton: Oh.
Jake: She said your laptop wasn’t
working…
Hamilton: It’s not?
Jake
tries to get him to play along.
Jake: Nope.
Hamilton: Oh yeah…I think there’s a
problem with the, um…hard drive.
Jake: Let’s go take a look.
Hamilton: Cool.
Jill: Hey…I’m glad you came
Jake. And…you have to come check out my
new dress later.
Jake: Oh…don’t worry, I will.
Hamilton
looks over at Scout with raised eyebrows and an “I told you so” look. Scout shakes his head. Hamilton walks off with Jake. Sean and Will start tossing the
football. Gwen, Jill and Scout stand
talking.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: Well,
Eve 6 is a totally rockin’ band and their
website has a ton of fun stuff too.
And, now…the end of the episode…
(fade
in): to Will riding his bike through town.
The time is uncertain.
Music:
Nothing’s
Changed by the Calling
Will
(voice over): Some people want more choices…but me?
I just want to right one.
He
reaches the center of town. He stops on
his bike and looks around.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: I want to be able to look at my
options and confidently pick the right path.
He
gets off his bike and tosses it down.
He sits by the flag pole.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: I want to just know, like Scout.
And I want to know so well that I forget I’m making a decision.
Will
sits there. He looks over toward the
garage.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Most of all, though, I don’t want to feel like this. Like I’ve struggled to do the right thing,
to make the right choice…only to feel like I’m stuck right here—exactly where I
started, yet someplace completely different—with no options left.
Will
remains sitting, looking a little lost, but not completely without hope.
(fade
out)
Or