(fade
in): Establishing shot of the New Rawley quad.
People are running around playing sports.
(cut
to): A picnic table. Jake, Ham, Will
and Scout are sitting there.
Hamilton: I’m just saying, I
wouldn’t have voted for him.
Will: Well, who would you have
voted for?
Hamilton: Nader.
Scout: Are you kidding?
Will: Yeah, that guy’s a little
off, don’t you think?
Hamilton
shrugs.
Hamilton: He fights hard and
protects people. He’s not
self-serving enough to be elected, but…I would have voted for him.
Will
(voice over): You never think like anyone other than yourself. You only see things from your own point of
view.
Jake: God, can we stop talking
about politics?
Scout: Seriously. My dad’s a senator…I hear this stuff all
the time.
Will: This is interesting
actually.
Jake: Politics isn’t
interesting...
Will: No, but hearing what you
guys think about politics…or anything…is interesting. We never do that.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: A different perspective, though, is always refreshing.
They
all look at him.
Will
cont’d:
What do you guys think about violence in schools?
Hamilton: Welcome to Meet the Press…
Jake: …hosted by Will Krudski.
Jake
and Hamilton smile at each other then look back at Will.
Will (v.o.) cont’d: Getting people’s opinions
can be difficult.
Will
looks down.
Jake: Violence in schools is…
Hamilton: …bad.
Will
laughs.
Will: That’s not funny.
Scout: You know, have you noticed
how after there’s one school shooting then there’s always a few more?
Hamilton
(matter-of-fact): Yeah, that’s a product of the excessive media coverage.
Will (v.o.) cont’d: But, once you get the
different points of view flowing…
Jake: No way. The problem starts at home. Kids that come from screwed up homes do
screwed up things.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: …they’re hard to stop.
Scout: Ya think?
He
checks out Jake’s outfit.
Jake: Shut up.
Everyone
laughs.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: And, I don’t think this flood of opinions ends with politics
and current events.
The
camera pans out. The foursome continue
the discussion.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: In fact, it’s only the beginning…
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: So,
they were getting all political. Not
that you asked, but we’re not the biggest Dubya fans. Bush Follies. Check out
this website for laugh upon laugh at the expense of everyone’s favorite
Texan.
Jill
(voice over):
So, everyone knows that Will is the writer.
(fade
in): to Will sitting at a booth in Friendly’s.
He’s writing in a notebook.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d:
But, it’s not like he’s the only person who can make observations about
what’s going on around here.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton in Jake’s room at her desk. Hamilton is sitting in Jake’s desk chair and Jake is on his
lap. They’re using her computer to
check out a web page. She’s in some of
her casual girl gear. Hamilton’s cat is
asleep next to Jake’s computer.
Music:
But I Do Love You by Leann Rimes (sorry, but I adore this song)
Jake: We definitely have to get
out this weekend.
Hamilton: I’m telling you, there’s
nowhere around here to go.
Ham’s
cat gets up and stretch’s. He looks up
at Jake and Ham and meows.
Jake: See, he disagrees.
Hamilton: Well, what does he
know? He doesn’t even have a name.
Jake: You have to do something
about that.
Hamilton: I know, I know…
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: Take these two for example…
Hamilton: Hey, how about this.
He
points to something on the screen.
Jake
(reading):
“The Garage: Carson’s underground night spot.”
It says we can dance to the “latest and greatest, punk, techno and
alternative.” Sounds kind of boring.
Hamilton: Try clicking the link.
She
takes the mouse and clicks. She reads
the screen.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: They’re like this great, flawless team, but…
Jake: “A fashionable dance club
with a punk-industrial theme. The decor is one part vinyl and one part garage
sale, complete with a pair of slowly spinning disco balls. The Garage is truly
Carson’s best-kept secret. This
Saturday, for the first time in two years, the club closes its bars and opens
it’s doors to the under eighteen crowd, ditching the dark for dance…” Under eighteen, that would be us.
She
turns back to him again. He shrugs.
Jake: You’d go there?
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: …they don’t really know what they want…
Hamilton: With you, I would.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: …except that they want to be together.
Jake: It sounds like fun
Hamilton: Hmm…
Jake: We could get all gothed up
and punked out.
Hamilton: Really? You’d be into that?
Jake: With you, I would.
Hamilton
smiles.
Hamilton: I so love you…
Jake: I so love you…
Hamilton
and Jake kiss.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: Geez. Gotta love ‘em,
though. They’re perfect and they don’t
even mean to be.
Jake
gets up.
Jake: Will you wear make-up?
Hamilton
raises his eyebrows.
Jake cont’d: For the
club. Not like real make-up…just
like mascara and maybe some eye-liner.
Hamilton: but not like real make-up…
Jake: Oh, and black nail polish…
Hamilton: Maybe I should reconsider.
Jake pulls him up and opens her closet. The camera pulls out a little as Jake pulls
out some cloths.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: But, he’d never reconsider…any of it.
They stumble through not knowing what they want, but always landing
perfectly and in each others’ arms.
(cut
to): Scout and Jill. They sit outside
in the quad. It’s a nice day out. They are both sitting Indian style across
from one another. Jill is reading a
magazine and Scout is playing a portable video game.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: Scout and I, on the other hand, know what we want: all things long
term—marriage, a house in a suburb, two point five kids.
Scout
looks up.
Scout: What are you reading
about?
Jill: Nothing…
Scout
leans forward and tries to take the magazine.
After some resistance, Jill lets him have it.
Scout: “Choosing your child’s
name…”
Jill: I know, it’s lame…
Scout: John like my dad for a
boy; Meagan for a girl.
Jill: Megan or Meghan?
Scout: Huh?
Jill: M-e-g-a-n or M-e-g-h-a-n?
Scout: M-e-a-g-a-n
Jill: I like that. It can be cute or it can be elegant.
Scout
smiles.
Jill
cont’d:
You’ve seriously thought about stuff like that?
Scout
nods.
Jill: I love that.
Jill (v.o.) cont’d: And I love him too,
but he knows that.
Scout: Good…
He
smiles mischievously as he looks back down at his game.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d:
He can be so silly, but he can really be strong and supportive too. There are a lot of “heroes” around here and
sometimes he doesn’t get to show off what a courageous person he can be. I think that’s why we work.
(cut
to): Will still at Friendly’s as he packs up his bookbag. Bella walks in. They stand and talk.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: And these two…what a mess.
They want to be in love so badly.
I hope they are.
Will: Hi.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: So does he.
Bella: Hey, Krudski.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: So does she.
Bella: What are we doing this
weekend?
Will: Oh, Bella…I forgot to tell
you…
Bella: You’re busy…
Will: I’m going to that
conference thing.
Bella: That’s this
weekend?
Will: Yeah, I’m leaving first thing
in the morning, but if you want to hang out for a little while tonight…
He
looks at his watch.
Will cont’d: …or like
right now.
Bella: That’d be good.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: This is like a long distance relationship carried on in close
proximity.
Will: How’s school been?
Will
sits down. Bella sits next to him.
Bella: Good, I guess…it’s, you
know, school. Some of us enjoy it more
than others.
Will: What about the garage?
Bella: Business has picked up a
lot since winter is finally definitely over.
Will: Yeah, it’s been really
warm these past few days.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: Oh God…and the conversation just turned to the weather. Houston, we have a problem.
There’s
an awkward beat.
Bella: So, how’s everyone up at
Rawley?
Will: Really good. Everyone’s all happy and paired off, you
know?
Bella: We should schedule some
group hang out time.
Jill
(v.o.) cont’d: I hope they can get it together enough to make it work.
Will: Well…they’re coming here
for dinner, but I’d personally like to schedule some not-so-group time…
Bella
smiles.
Bella: That works too…
She
leans over and kisses him.
Jill (v.o.) cont’d: I have plenty more to say,
but they need a few minutes alone—let’s go to a fade out.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: So, maybe
you think all these band websites are lame commercial breaks, but Estee’s new
favorite band is New Found Glory. Pop-punk rock is so rad and so are these
guys.
(fade
in): Will and Bella sit next to each other in a booth at Friendly’s. They’re talking indistinguishably. Will makes Bella laugh. He takes the opportunity to move in and kiss
her. Jake and Hamilton walk in. Jake’s back in her guy gear. Bella and Will look up.
Bella: Hey!
Will: What’s up?
Hamilton: We’re going clubbing. Want to come?
Jake: We’re-we’re not going clubbing…
Hamilton
and Jake sit down.
Hamilton: We’re going to a club in
Carson tomorrow night.
Jake: Yeah, so you guys in?
Will: I’m going to that writing
conference with Finn.
Hamilton: Right, that sounds like
way more fun.
Will
smiles apologetically.
Hamilton
(voice over): Who goes away for the weekend with a teacher anyway? The word “inappropriate” comes to mind…but
so often it does with Finn.
Jake: Bella? You in?
She
looks at Will who gives her an encouraging look.
Bella: Yeah, sounds like fun.
Jake: Awesome. We’ll meet up at the garage and take the bus
over.
(cut
to): the door. Miss Ryan walks in. She looks a little frustrated. She looks around and spots Will and Bella. She walks up to the table.
Johanna: Will, Bella.
She
sees Jake and Hamilton.
Will: Ms. Ryan, Jake Pratt and
Hamilton Flemming. Guys, Ms. Ryan.
They
nod.
Johanna: Johanna Ryan, nice
to meet you.
She
turns back to Will and Bella.
Johanna: You both remember my
daughter?
They
look back at her, nodding.
Johanna cont’d: She was
supposed to be with her father this weekend, but that kind of…fell
through. I have plans to go out of town
and I’m desperately seeking a babysitter…from early tomorrow morning until
Sunday.
Will: I’m going out of
town too and…
Bella: I just made plans
for tomorrow night.
Hamilton
(voice over): Who could blame them? Kids
are scary.
Johanna
smiles.
Johanna: Well, it was worth a try.
Hamilton
(v.o.) cont’d: That’s the guilt trip.
Baby-sitter-seeking parents always do that. “Thanks anyway…you know, you are the kids favorite
babysitter…”
Jill
and Scout walk in.
Johanna cont’d: Meagan
really liked you that time you watched her last year, Bella.
Jill: Megan? Can you spell that?
She
looks at Scout who smiles. Ms. Ryan
turns around.
Johanna: M-e-a-g-a-n. Why?
They
look at each other, surprised.
Hamilton
(v.o.) cont’d: Coincidence?…I think…so.
Will: What are you two doing
tomorrow? Ms. Ryan needs a babysitter.
Jill: We’ll do it.
Scout: We will? I mean, sure we will.
Johanna: Really? That would be—wait, who are you again?
Scout: Scout Calhoun and Jill
Thomas. We go to Rawley.
Johanna: Have either of you ever
supervised a ten-year-old before?
Jill: Sure. Jac—my friend Jacqueline and I used to
babysit like every summer.
Johanna
looks over to Will and Bella. They give
her encouraging looks.
Johanna: Okay…
She
takes out a piece of paper from her purse and writes down some info.
Johanna: Here’s my address and telephone number. Be there at eight and we’ll discuss the details.
Scout: Eight? Eight a.m.?
Jill: We’ll be there.
Johanna: I’ll see you tomorrow.
She
exits.
Jill: This is going to be fun.
Scout
and Jill pull up chairs and join everyone else at the booth.
Jake: So, we were going to ask
if you guys wanted to come to a club in Carson tomorrow night, but…
Jill: …we’re busy.
Hamilton
(v.o.) cont’d: These two are like a married couple, but they know that and they like
that. It’s so weird.
Bella: I watched her last year
once…don’t let her fool you, she’s really smart.
Scout: I think we can handle a
ten-year-old, Bella.
Will: Well, it sounds like you
are all going to have interesting weekends…
Everyone
looks around in agreement.
(cut
to): Ryder and Gwen. They’re sitting on
a bench in the quad. Probably the bench
that Will, Scout, Ham and Jake were on before.
Music:
Only
One by Jeremy Kay
Ryder: I have got to get out this
weekend. The walls close in fast.
Gwen: Where are you going to go?
Ryder: Anywhere but here. Care to join me?
Gwen: No.
Ryder: Be honest…
Gwen: Hey, it’s not personal,
Ryder. I’ve got a test on Monday.
Ryder: Of course you do…
He
looks down then up as a group of girls walk by. One girl, Sarah, waves.
Sarah: Hi, Ryder…
Hamilton
(v.o.) cont’d:
Oh, give me a break…
Ryder
smiles charismatically and winks. When
the girls are gone, Gwen rolls her eyes.
Ryder touches her shoulder as he gets up.
Ryder: Hey, you were my
first choice. But, if the answer’s
still no—
Gwen: It’s still no.
Ryder: In that case, I’ll see you
later…
He
walks off after the girls. Gwen
watches, shaking her head.
(cut
to): Ryder as he approaches the girls.
He puts his arm around Sarah.
Hamilton
(v.o.) cont’d: He should wear a sign that says, “Hi, I’m Ryder and I’m
insincere. Don’t be fooled.”
We
aren’t privy to Ryder’s conversation, but the girl giggles.
Hamilton
(v.o.) cont’d: That would save this girl a lot of time and trouble.
(cut
to): Jake and Ham still in the booth with everyone at Friendly’s. It’s later and they’ve all had food.
Hamilton
(v.o.) cont’d: This girl too. I think
he likes her and I think she knows that.
She doesn’t want to talk about it with me, though.
By
this time, they have all ordered and are eating. Jake looks over at Hamilton.
He smiles at her.
Bella
(to Scout and Jill): Okay, so tell me one more time why you were so anxious to
babysit a ten-year-old.
Scout: She was obviously
desperate.
Will
laughs.
Scout cont’d: Before we
said we’d help out, I mean.
Jill: Yeah, I mean we just
wanted to help her out.
Bella
and Will look at each other, amused.
Hamilton
(v.o.) cont’d: Yeah, I’d say they’re pretty crazy too. I mean, I’m not saying I don’t want the picket fence and two
point five kids, but…I have a feeling that some version of that will happen for
me without much effort.
Hamilton (whispered to Jake):
Hey, can we get out of here?
Jill: You know we can all hear
you.
Hamilton
smiles.
Hamilton
(v.o.) cont’d: No one ever said I was subtle.
Jake: We’ll see you guys later.
Everyone
says goodbye.
(cut
to): Outside Friendly’s. Hamilton and
Jake walk together. Hamilton is kind of
looking off.
Jake: Are you okay?
Hamilton: Do you want kids…a family?
Jake: What like right here,
right now?
Hamilton
smiles and looks down as they continue walking. Jake looks like she wants to speak, but doesn’t.
(cut
to): Jake and Ham as they reach the edge of the woods. They’re about to take the short-cut back to
school.
Jake: Why’d you ask that? About kids?
Hamilton: I don’t know. I never really thought about stuff like that
before.
Jake: Stuff like the future?
Hamilton: Yeah…no.
Hamilton
(v.o.) cont’d: She makes me so nervous
sometimes. She can’t even imagine.
Hamilton
closes his eyes and composes his thoughts.
Hamilton: I’m just saying that I
don’t have this big plan for the future like—
Jake: Jill and Scout? Give me a break, Hamilton. I mean, those two aren’t normal, okay? We are sixteen. All we have to do is think about now. We don’t have to think about forever.
Hamilton
smiles and puts his arm around her for a moment as they continue walking back
to school. The shot changes so that the
camera is behind them as they walk down the path in the woods together.
Hamilton
(v.o.) cont’d: But, see, I don’t think about her in terms of anything but
forever. Not in some concrete way like
deciding on our future China pattern…or the name of our first born. It’s more like the overwhelming desire to
feel just like this forever…despite whatever life gets built around
us. Love is like…way more
important than a picket fence.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: If
you haven’t visited nbhorn’s Kate and Ian
site…get on it! Nelle’s disclaimer is
that it’s still under construction. Our
suggestion is to check it out anyway because there’s tons of neat stuff to see
and do. Did I mention the interview
with Ian? Also, I just figured out that
there’s fanfiction…more examples of stuff I’m dying to read, but totally
can’t. Point is, the site rocks so check
it out.
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of the gas station. It’s about 6:30 a.m.
(cut
to): the back door. Will is knocking
and has been knocking. After a moment,
Bella comes to the door. She’s wearing
her pajamas. She looks tired.
Music: Emergency, Emergency by
New Found Glory
Bella
(voice over): Willie Krudski used to come to my door at 7 a.m. every Saturday
morning to watch cartoons. I miss that.
Will: Good morning.
Bella: What time is it?
Will: Early.
Bella: I thought you were leaving
town.
Will: We stopped by to get
gas.
A
beat.
Will cont’d: Walk me back
to the car?
Bella
smiles.
Bella: Will, I’m in my pajamas.
He
looks down smiling then looks back up a little more concerned.
Will: I’m really sorry.
Bella: Me too…
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: It’s like this relationship got complicated quickly. We used to hang out…there always seemed to
be time for that.
Will: You know, if you don’t
want me to go, I bet it wouldn’t be that big of a deal to get out of it.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: Now, the logistics of seeing each other seem impossible to work out.
Bella: Will…that’s not
what I said…or what I meant.
This is important to you…and probably to your future. I’m just going to miss you, that’s all. I’ve been missing you.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: I guess no matter what you do, life gets in the way sometimes.
Will: Life’s been pulling us in
two different directions lately, but we’ll get it together. We’ll make time. Okay?
Bella: You have to go…
Will: Walk me to the car?
Bella: I’m—
Will: In your pajamas…I
know.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: Why does it sound so trivial when he says it?
(cut
to): A car in front of the gas station.
Finn’s
paying Charlie for gas.
(cut
to): Will and Bella as they walk around from the back. Will turns around and gives Bella a hug.
(cut
to): Finn as he opens the car door.
Finn: Are you ready yet,
Krudski?
(cut
to): Will still hugging Bella. Will
smiles.
Will: No…
He
lets go and steps back.
Will cont’d: I gotta go.
He
looks over at Finn and Charlie as they look on. He looks back at Bella and kisses her on the cheek before turning
to go back to the car. Bella grabs his
arm and gets him to turn back around.
She kisses him, ignoring Finn and her dad. Will steps back, smiling.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: One moment like this makes up for all the time apart lately.
Will: See you soon. Soon…ok?
He
gives her a reassuring look. She
smiles.
Bella: Go to your conference,
Will.
He
gives her one more look then turns around to go.
(cut
to): the car as Will and Finn get in.
They pull away.
(cut
to): an interior shot of the car as it pulls away from the garage. Bella waves.
Finn: She knows you’re going to
a writing conference and not off to Nam, right?
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: I know it’s silly to be so dramatic.
Will
laughs and looks down.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: It just feels so important.
I hope it feels important to him too.
Finn: I will say that I am
impressed with your ability to get a girl out of the house in her pajamas…
Will
looks out the window.
Finn: Of course, if you can keep
the girl in the house and get her out of the pajamas…
Will
looks over.
Will: What?
Finn: Just making sure you’re
still with me…you seem a little distracted.
Will: I’m just--I’m
confused.
He
pauses.
Will cont’d: Bella’s
supposed to be my girlfriend, but other than a kiss every now and then…things
are just like they were when we were friends.
I mean, Bella’s a great friend…
Finn: Just not a great
girlfriend?
Will: I don’t know…it’s like I
never have the time to find out anymore.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: No one ever said being in a relationship was easy.
Finn: Sounds like a tough
situation.
Will: Yeah…
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: But, maybe it should be easy.
Finn
thinks for a moment.
Finn cont’d: But, you
know what, Will? You’re sixteen. You’ve got time to find the right girl. Hell, you’ve got time to find her, lose her
and get her back again. If it’s not
working out now…it will eventually.
Will
nods and seems to feel better.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: Eventually doesn’t seem soon enough.
Finn
turns on the radio and drives.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: But,
enough about the saga that is my love life…
(cut
to): an establishing shot of Rawley Academy.
(cut
to): The cafeteria. There are several
girls in the cafeteria indicating that on weekends girls are welcomed…at least
for breakfast. Or maybe they share a
cafeteria…who knows? The camera pans
around, passing the door as Jake and Ham walk in. The pan continues to Jill and Scout sitting at a table, talking
and eating. Actually, Jill is talking
and eating as Scout smiles and nods.
(cut
to): a closer shot of Jill and Scout at the table.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: Jill and Scout: the paradigm of a normal, healthy teen relationship.
Jill: Okay, so we got permission
from Hamilton’s dad to be off campus together until…whenever.
Scout: And how did you
manage to do that?
Jill: Got my dad to call.
Scout: What did he say?
Jill: He told the dean that both
of us are responsible young adults and that he was sure the dean would understand
the special circumstances. I mean, what
could he do…so he said we could go.
Scout: You’re dad is my hero.
Jill
smiles.
Jill: Anyway, it’s five after
seven now so we’ve still got plenty of time to get there.
Scout
smiles.
Bella (v.o.) cont’d: Well, maybe the desire to
play house isn’t that normal, but they’ve definitely got it together. They have time to just sit around and be
together.
Jill
takes a bite and looks up at Scout.
He’s still watching her.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: I’m jealous of that…I want that.
Jill: What?
Scout: Huh? No, nothing…
He
smiles.
(cut
to): the cafeteria line. Jake and
Hamilton are standing in line.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: Speaking of being together, these two are definitely a two for one
kind of deal.
Ham
is in front of Jake. He’s not paying
attention and the line moves up. Jake
pushes him. He doesn’t look back; he
just smiles to himself and steps forward.
There are people around and Jake is obviously being “Jake” (as opposed
to Jacqueline).
Jake: What are you doing
tonight, Fleming? Got a hot date?
Hamilton: The hottest.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: They might not be as normal as, well…anyone, but they’ve also
managed to turn that into this…perfect thing.
Ryder
walks up and gets in line behind Jake who doesn’t see him. He listens in.
Hamilton cont’d: Yeah, we’re
going to this crazy club in Carson.
Jake: Sounds fun.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: They keep up this masquerade…
Hamilton
turns his head slightly to the side.
Hamilton: Well, it typically
wouldn’t be my scene, but like I said…got this great girl to take me so…
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: …so they get to have this adoring, intimate relationship.
Jake: Oh…she’s taking you?
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: Again, I’m jealous.
Hamilton
smiles, but before he can talk Ryder leans forward toward Jake.
Ryder: Hey, I hate to break up
the closeted conversation, but the line is advancing.
Jake
rolls her eyes as they all step up in line.
(cut
to): Jill and Scout at the table.
Scout: Okay, so do we have some
type plan for today?
Jill: She’s ten…do you really
think we need a plan?
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: They’re so ready to be in the future…and yet, so incredibly
unprepared.
Scout
shrugs. Jake and Ham walk up and sit on
the opposite side of the table.
(cut
to): Ryder as he looks around the cafeteria for a place to sit. He sees Sarah sitting by herself. He walks over.
(cut
to): Sarah’s table as Ryder walks up.
He walks by her and bumps in to her.
He stops.
Sarah
(angry):
Hey!
Ryder: Oh, I’m sorry…
He
looks down as she looks back up at him.
Ryder cont’d: Oh, Sarah,
hello.
Sarah: Hi. Want to join me?
Ryder
smiles.
Ryder: I’d love to.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: Poster boy for the insincere.
He
sits down.
(cut
to): the table with Jake, Jill, Ham and Scout.
Jake: So, you guys sure you
can’t ditch the kid and come with us tonight?
Scout: To a club in
Carson?
Jill: It would have been fun.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: And I would have literally been the fifth wheel.
Scout: A dance club? No…
Jill: Well, the point is…we’re
babysitting…so we can’t go.
Hamilton: Since when do they hire
pairs of babysitters?
Jake: Yeah, think of what the
kid must be like if the mom agrees to hire two babysitters.
Scout
looks a little scared.
Jill: Hamilton…
Jill
gets up. Ham smiles and takes a bite of
his food.
Jake: We’re just kidding.
Hamilton: Yeah, I’m sure you’ll be
fine.
Scout
gets up.
Jill: Yes, we will be fine.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: I don’t know about babysitting, but I have a feeling that, in
general, she’s right.
Scout
smiles and takes Jill’s hand. They exit.
Hamilton: Think they’ll be okay?
Jake: Mr. And Mrs. Scout
Calhoun? No…I don’t think they’ll ever
be okay.
Hamilton
laughs and takes another bite of his breakfast.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: Scout is like so completely different from the naïve rich boy who
bought me that Coke last summer, but…a good different. I guess we’re all different. Situations are different.
(cut
to): Bella at the gas station. She is
working on a car.
Bella
(v.o.) cont’d: For the most part anyway.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: So,
what’d you think of Bella-vision? What
if it was Scout-vision instead? Click here to re-read
the last segment with commentary from Scout instead of Bella. I find it amusing. And there are a few slight differences. Can you pick them out?
(fade
in): to an unfamiliar house in New Rawley.
It’s about 8 a.m.
(cut
to): the porch of the same house. Scout
and Jill are there. Scout knocks. He looks at Jill.
Jill: This should be
interesting.
Scout
(voice over): She really has no idea what she’s done to me and for me.
Scout
smiles. Jill reaches over and rubs his
back.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: She makes me feel safe…she makes the present feel protected and the
future feel secure.
Johanna
opens the door. She is putting in an
earring.
Johanna: Hi guys, come in.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: She makes babysitting feel like the perfect way to spend a Saturday
together. Not all girls can do that.
(cut
to): the interior of the house as Jill and Scout come inside. We only really see the living room. The house looks old, but the furniture is
fairly new. There is a staircase that leads
to bedrooms upstairs. Johanna’s
suitcase is by the door.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Not all girls can make everything seem just right.
Johanna: I didn’t hesitate to hire
you guys since you’re friends of Bella and Will, but there are a few ground
rules. This should be obvious, but
there will be no smoking, drinking or doing drugs.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: This lady, for example, makes things seem scary.
They
look at each other then back at her.
Jill: We don’t—
Johanna: I’m sure you don’t, I just
wanted to be explicit. Why don’t you
both have a seat?
She
points them to a couch. They walk over
and sit down.
Johanna: No parties or guests.
They
both nod.
Scout: Of course not.
Johanna: Also, I’m assuming you two
are a couple. Mild PDA is fine,
but my daughter doesn’t need to witness, or have the opportunity to witness,
any more than that. Are we clear?
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Well, at least she moved from the scary to the just plain
embarrassing.
The
both nod. Scout looks a little
embarrassed.
Johanna: Okay, all the important
phone numbers—my hotel, my cell phone, my ex-husband’s cell phone, poison
control—are all on the fridge along with any other important info such as the
foods and medications to which Meagan is allergic. She can pretty much take care of herself.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: I guess you don’t even think of the little things involved with having
a kid. Kids make life complicated.
They
look at each other, more nervous.
Johanna smiles.
Johanna: One more thing, she can be
the coolest kid on the planet once she gets to know you, but keep in mind that
she’s a precocious girl…don’t let her get the best of you.
Meagan (from upstairs):
Mom, where are my socks?
Johanna
smiles. Scout and Jill watch the
mom/daughter interaction.
Johanna: Did you try your sock
drawer, sweetie?
(cut
to): the top of the stairs as Meagan walks out. She would be played by Mae Whitman.
Meagan: I’m talking about the cool
ones with the red toes…
Johanna: We haven’t washed those
from the last time you wore them. Come
downstairs for a minute.
Scout (v.o.) cont’d: Kids
make socks complicated.
Meagan
walks down the stairs.
Johanna: Scout, Jill, this is
Meagan.
Meagan: You guys are the
babysitters?
Scout: We prefer child-care
givers.
Meagan
doesn’t get it.
Meagan: Mom, you didn’t tell me a
boy was watching me. Boys are gross.
Johanna: Your dad is a boy.
Johanna
gets up. Her bags are by the door.
Meagan: No, he’s a dad. That’s totally different.
Meagan
eyes Scout suspiciously. Jill still
hasn’t said anything.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Whose idea was this again?
Johanna: Well, I think I’m about
ready to get out of here so I will see you two when I get back tomorrow. Oh, there are blankets and pillows in the
hall closet. We’ve got…hmm, couch
and…guest bedroom upstairs.
Scout
and Jill nod.
Johanna
cont’d: and
you…
She
walks over and bends down. She kisses
Meagan.
Johanna cont’d: I’ll see you
tomorrow. Think you can manage to
survive without me?
Meagan: Of course, mom.
Johanna
feigns disappointment.
Meagan cont’d: But, I’ll
also miss you very much.
Johanna
smiles. She looks at Scout and Jill
like “okay, I’m going…” Meagan opens
the door as Johanna carries her bags out.
Meagan: Bye Mom.
Johanna: Bye, baby.
Johanna
kisses her on the head and leaves.
Meagan closes the door and leans against it, looking at Scout and Jill.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: I’m thinking we definitely should have come up with that plan.
Meagan: I’m going upstairs to find
some socks. Then I’m coming down to get
breakfast. I’ll be having cereal so you
don’t have to make me anything. I can
fix it myself. Then, I’d like to either
watch a movie or play this new game I got for the computer.
Scout: Okay…
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: On the other hand, maybe kids are more self-sufficient than I thought.
Meagan
looks at them, rolls her eyes and goes back upstairs.
(dissolve
to): a montage. First we see Jill and
Scout sitting on the couch as Meagan makes herself a bowl of cereal in the
kitchen.
(dissolve
to): several hours later as Meagan sits in a chair, watches TV and draws in a
notebook on her lap. She looks up at
Scout and Jill, they smile. She shakes
her head and looks back down.
(dissolve to): a few more hours later.
Scout and Jill are sitting on the floor playing a card game. They look bored. Meagan walks out from another room. She walks past them into the kitchen.
(dissolve
to): a few minutes later as she walks from the kitchen toward the stairs. She walks up a few stairs then turns around
and walks down. She goes back to the
room she came out of a few minutes before.
(dissolve
to): a few minutes later as Meagan walks out of that room and over to the
stairs. She sits down on the bottom
stair.
Scout
and Jill look up at her.
Meagan: I’m bored.
Scout
gets up and walks over to Meagan. He
squats down.
Scout: You don’t want to hang out
with us?
Meagan
(innocently):
You guys want to hang out with me?
Jill: Of course we do.
Meagan: I don’t usually have
babysitters here, but when I stay with my dad I do and they never want to play
with me or anything. They just talk on
the phone the whole time or do bad things like smoke.
Scout: Well, we want to get
to know you.
Meagan: Can we play a game?
Jill: Sure, that sounds fun.
Meagan: Okay, just let me get my
shoes on and…we can go outside and play hide-and-seek. Okay?
Jill
and Scout look at each other and shrug.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Lesson one: all you have to do is reach out to kids.
Scout: Sounds fun.
Meagan: Great…
(cut
to): Johanna as she walks into a hotel with her suite case.
(cut
to): Will and Finn as they get out of the elevator. Will looks up.
(cut
to): Johanna walking up to the desk.
(cut
to): Will and Finn.
Will: Hey, it’s Ms. Ryan…
Finn
looks up. He smiles and tilts his head.
Finn: Ms. Ryan?
Will: Yeah, she was…well, she
convinced me to apply to Rawley Academy.
Finn: Let’s go over.
Will
nods.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: You know, what is that?
Leave it to Will to have a crush on a teacher.
(cut
to): the desk as Will and Finn walk up to Johanna. She turns toward them.
Johanna: Will…Finn…
Will
looks over at Finn. Johanna also looks
at Finn.
Finn: Johanna.
Will
turns to Finn.
Will: Johanna?
Johanna (to Finn): This is
certainly a surprise.
Johanna
and Finn kind of leave Will out of the conversation…even when they speak to
him, they still look at each other.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Poor guy.
Will: Yeah, it is. You two know each other?
Finn: We, um…
Johanna: We went to high school
together.
Finn
laughs.
Finn: Yes…we did.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Oh, this is bad.
Johanna: So, are you on your way to
see the guest speaker?
Will: Yeah, Pat Conroy. I’m stoked.
Finn: Want to join us?
Johanna: Absolutely.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Will gets completely ignored by these two people that he totally
worships. I guess things usually turn
out like that. Will deserves better.
(cut
to): Bella at the gas station. She
carries some parts out to the car that she was working on before.
Music: If You’re
Gone by Matchbox Twenty
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: I guess, in a way, he has better. He has Bella. This is one
of the most reciprocal relationships he’s ever been in. Leave it to Will to walk away from that…even
if it is just for the weekend.
Bella
lays the parts out and starts to work again.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: So what we really have is someone else who deserves better.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: I was definitely against this whole Bella/Will thing in the beginning,
but I got used to it.
Bella
tries to get back to work.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: These days, though, it seems so forced…so hard…and so old.
Jake
and Hamilton pull up on Jake’s bike.
Jake’s driving. She’s still in
boy gear.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Unlike these two. But everyone
knows that.
Bella: Hey guys.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Including Bella.
Jake: Where can we change?
Bella
laughs.
Bella: Uh, let me finish this up
and we’ll go inside and get ready, ok?
Jake: Excellent.
(dissolve
to): Bella’s room. Jake and Ham are
there. Ham still looks the same, but
Jake is dramatically different. Think
wild hair, wild outfit and dark make-up.
She’s sitting on Bella’s bed. Hamilton leans against the bed next to her. Bella walks in. She just got out of the shower so she has on a robe and a towel
on her head.
Bella
(to Jake): Hey,
you look great.
Jake: Thanks. What are you wearing?
Bella: I don’t know. Help me look?
Jake
smiles, nods and hops up. Hamilton
looks around.
Hamilton: Hey, I’m bored.
Already
at Bella’s closet, Bella and Jake turn around.
Jake: Don’t worry, we’ll get to
you next.
Hamilton
raises his eyebrows doubtfully and gets up.
Hamilton: Well, in the meantime, I’m
going outside.
He
walks over to Jake, puts his hand on her waist and kisses her briefly. Bella has busied herself with looking for
something in her closet. Hamilton
smiles and walks out. When he leaves,
Bella turns back to Jake.
Bella: Wow…
Jake: Yeah…
Bella: You two seem very…happy.
Jake
blushes.
Jake: Yeah…
Bella: So, we haven’t talked in,
like, forever. I want to know
everything.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Oh, that’s nice. As a contrast
to the train wreck of a relationship that is “Will and Bella,” get Jake to talk
about Hamilton.
Jake
smiles.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Like everyone doesn’t know how “in love” they are…I mean, big
deal. A lot of people are in love. There are lots of great examples of perfect
couples.
(cut
to): Jill and Scout sitting on the porch of Johanna’s house.
Music: Mad
Season by Matchbox Twenty
Scout: Maybe we could call the
fire department.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Now might not be the best time to prove my point…
Jill: And tell them what
exactly? “Hi, we’re two incompetent
babysitters who got locked out of the house by a devious ten-year-old. Help?”
Scout: Well, do you have a better idea?
Jill
looks frustrated.
Scout cont’d: I thought
you’ve watched kids before.
Jill: Well, it’s not like I’ve
watched this particular kid before.
Scout
starts to look angry. Jill looks over
at him.
Scout: Still, you think you’d
know enough not to get locked out of a house.
Jill: Look, Scout…I know I have
a tendency to act like I know what I’m talking about all the time, but…
Scout: You don’t? Obviously.
Jill
looks hurt.
Scout cont’d: I mean, why
did you even think this was a good idea?
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: I’m such an idiot. It was my
idea too.
Jill: It was your idea too.
Scout: Yeah, whatever. You know what, I’m going back to the dorms.
Jill: What? No you’re not. You’re not leaving me here.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: You know how you think about saying something and you know it’s the
absolute wrong thing to say, but…
Scout: What are we doing anyway,
Jill? Huh? Playing house? Because in
the future we’re going to get married and have kids and stuff? Because if so, that’s really stupid.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: …you say it anyway.
Jill: Wow, um…maybe you should
go back to the dorms.
She
looks down at her shoes. Scout looks
displeased with himself.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: And then you realize that not only was it the wrong thing to say,
but it was just completely wrong in general.
And that the girl you’re saying it to is the girl you want to
marry and have kids with and be with in the future. Even though it’s totally crazy to think about stuff like
that…Jill makes it seem not so crazy.
Jill
looks up again, almost surprised to see Scout still standing there. He looks fairly apologetic.
Scout: Jill—
Jill: Scout, it’s okay. Just go if you want.
He
sits back down next to her.
Scout: I don’t want to.
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: Like, ever.
Jill: We’ll think of something,
okay?
Scout: I know…
Scout
(v.o.) cont’d: I don’t know, but…I hope I’ll know. And, when I do, I hope it’s with her.
The
camera zooms back at them sitting next to each other on the porch as when we
joined them.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: So,
we know you guys (like Jill, Jake and Scout) like Roswell. Have you checked out Christina’s fanzine Linger? You can read fanfiction or submit your own
fic, art or poetry. Check it out.
(fade
in) to the gas station. Hamilton is
leaning against Jake’s bike. Sean rides
by on his bike (the non-motorized kind, of course).
Music:
These Days by Powder Finger
Sean
(voice over): Last summer and especially last semester I got to know a completely
different group of people…and I didn’t completely hate them.
Hamilton
waves; Sean turns his bike around and rides up.
Sean: Hey, what’s happening,
Ham?
Hamilton: You know, just hanging
out.
Sean: Cool.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: I mean, who’d have thought I’d be making small talk with the son of
the dean of Rawley Academy…and having no desire to, you know, beat him up.
Hamilton: Where’re you headed?
Sean: Baseball field. Gotta practice sometime. Want to come hit some of my pitches?
Hamilton: Um, I can’t. I’m…I have to get ready to go out to this
club.
Sean
raises his eyebrows.
Hamilton: It’s in Carson. Bella, Jake and I are going. You want to come?
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: Who would have thought he’d be asking me to go to a “club?”
Sean: I can’t. I’ve really got to practice. I missed the last two practices because I
had meetings. Coach says if I miss
another one, I’m gone…and if I suck, I’ll definitely be gone.
Hamilton: Sounds like you’re a busy
guy…
Sean: I feel like a busy guy…I
really want to start in the next game.
I think if I can just get my curve ball perfected, I’ll get to start.
Hamilton: Will says you’re the best
pitcher on the team.
Sean: Will’s my best friend;
he’s biased…not that I’ve seen him lately.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: I’ve taken on a lot of new stuff and I’ve had to give up a lot.
Hamilton
nods.
Sean: I haven’t really seen
anyone lately.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: Some of it probably needed to be given up.
He
looks up at the house. Hamilton gives
him a sympathetic look.
Sean cont’d: Anyway, I
gotta get going. Good to see you,
man. We’ll have to have another Rawley
Academy/Edmund High gathering.
Hamilton: I might have to pass…bad
memories associated with the last one.
Sean: This time we’ll make sure
that Ryder loser doesn’t find out about it.
Ham
nods.
Sean: Anyway…gotta go practice.
Hamilton: Yeah. Hope you get to start.
Sean: Thanks, man.
Sean
rides off.
Sean (v.o.) cont’d: It’s not just that I don’t
see the Rawley people. I don’t see anyone. And like I said, maybe that’s a good thing,
but it makes me feel really alone sometimes…
(cut
to): Will, Johanna and Finn leaving the ball room where the lecture was.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: Will knows what it’s like to feel alone too.
Will
barely gets acknowledged during the scene.
Will: Wow, that was so totally
amazing.
Finn: He’s such a powerful
speaker.
Will: And writer.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: There’s like a ton of people here and the only two people he wants
attention from are in their own adult world.
Johanna: Oh, I thought that story
he told about growing up was great; I find him very engaging.
Finn: You want to get some
dinner?
Johanna: Sounds good.
Will
rolls his eyes and starts to walk away.
Will: See you later.
Johanna
glances at Finn.
Finn: Will…hey, Will.
Will
keeps walking toward the elevator. Finn
turns to Johanna who gives him a sympathetic look.
Finn: Excuse me for just a
second.
Johanna
nods. Finn runs after him as Will gets
on the elevator. Finn manages to get on
the elevator just before the door closes.
Finn: Is there a problem, Mr.
Krudski?
Will: No. I’m just tired. We’ve done a lot of workshops and stuff. I need a break.
Finn: Why don’t I believe you?
Will: Look…it’s just—
The
elevator door opens and Will and Finn get off.
Will: Finn, I’m fine. Just tired.
Will
looks down, trying to compose himself.
Finn looks up and then seems to get it.
Finn: You like her…
Will: No, it’s not—
Finn: Well, whether it is or
not—
Will: It’s not.
Finn: Okay. Okay, Will…talk to me.
Will: Ms. Ryan’s really nice and
I wouldn’t want her to get hurt by—
Finn: Me?
Will: You’re kind of a womanizer
and—
Finn: Am I?
Will: As a teacher and…mentor, I
have a lot of respect for you, Finn.
But, as a person, you can be kind of like…scum.
Finn (angry): Really?
Finn
walks back to the elevator and pushes the down button.
Will: Look, I didn’t mean it
like that…
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d:
What this Finn guy doesn’t get is that it’s really not about Ms. Ryan and any
feelings Will has for her. Will knows
he’s got no shot with that and I think he really does love Bella.
The
elevator opens.
Finn: Enjoy your break, Will.
Finn
gets on the elevator. Will closes his
eyes.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: It’s about these two grown-ups that don’t realize how little attention
and recognition Will’s gotten his whole life.
Both of them made him feel important at some point, and now they’ve
forgotten about him. Now tonight, he’s
really alone.
(cut
to): Bella and Jake still in Bella’s room.
Bella’s dressed now. Her outfit
is more conservative than Jake’s and she has on less make-up.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: But with Jake and Ham, Bella will be alone too.
Bella: Wow, so Ryder really does
have a thing for you?
Jake: I don’t know…
Bella: But, he said he does?
Jake: Yeah…
Bella: Complicated.
Jake: Not really. I mean, I haven’t said anything to Hamilton
about it, but…only because I already know how he’d react.
Bella: No kidding. He’d kick Ryder’s butt.
Jake
sits down on Bella’s bed and sighs.
Bella plops down next to her.
Bella cont’d: You know
what? Next time he says something to
you, why don’t you kick his butt?
Jake
looks down, she tries to laugh.
Jake: You’re right, I’m such a stronger
person than this…
Bella: You don’t have to be
strong all the time…anyway, what aren’t you being strong about?
Jake: I’m really afraid that he
likes me.
Bella: That is a scary thought.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: I don’t know much about this situation, but from what I’ve seen
there’s not a genuine bone in this Ryder jerk’s body.
Jake: What if…this is so stupid
because I know he doesn’t…I just…I knew how to treat him when he hated me. In a way, I know that this is just another
way he’s trying to toy with Hamilton and me, but…what if it’s not?
Bella: What if he likes you and
the whole mean thing is really just a jealous thing?
Jake
doesn’t say anything.
Bella cont’d: If you’re
actually worried about Ryder’s feelings…I can assure you that he has none.
Jake
laughs.
Bella cont’d: And even if
he does, it’s not like he’s ever thought about your feelings.
Jake
has never considered this before. She
nods.
Bella: Tonight is about going out
and having fun…
Jake: Right… I won’t even have
to think about that tonight.
Hamilton
walks in.
Hamilton: Think about what?
Jake: Have fun outside?
Hamilton: I talked to Sean for a
minute. He was heading over to the
baseball field. Then Charlie said since
I was loitering he was putting me to work so…I pumped some gas.
Bella
gets up and walks past Ham as he walks toward the bed. She touches him on the arm.
Bella: I’m impressed, Ham.
Hamilton
walks over to the bed and sits next to Jake.
Hamilton: You look so nice.
Jake: Thank you.
Hamilton
smiles and kisses her. Bella gets a
hesitant look on her face.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: And now Bella realized that she’s going to be all alone tonight. Even in that club full of people, if she’s
with these two, she’ll feel alone.
Bella: You know what guys? I think I’m going to stay here tonight.
Hamilton
and Jake part.
Jake: What? Why?
Bella: I think I need to stay
here and clear my head.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: And what she means by that is sit around and mope about Will.
Hamilton: Bella, don’t sit around
here moping about Will.
Bella: I…I’m actually going to go
for a walk.
Jake: But—
Bella: You guys can finish
getting ready here…I’m just…I need to…go…
Bella
turns around and walks out. Jake and
Hamilton look at one another.
(dissolve
to): Sean at the baseball field. He’s
at the pitchers’ mound. He throws a
pitch against the fence.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: I love to be alone on the field, throwing pitches against the
fence. It’s all about you and the
pitch.
Bella
walks up.
Bella: I think that one was a
little low.
Sean
smiles.
Sean: Hi.
Bella: Hi. Want me to hit a few?
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: She means that, you know?
She’d step up to the plate if I needed her too.
Sean: Not in that outfit.
Bella
sits down on the bleachers that are directly behind the fence.
Sean: Aren’t you going to Carson?
Bella: I pulled out.
Sean
takes off his glove and walks up to the fence.
Sean: Any reason why?
Bella: Will’s off at some writing
conference this weekend. I just felt
dumb going all by myself.
Sean
nods.
Sean: Well, you look really
nice. You know, like crazy nice.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: I have trouble talking to her these days. I want her to know I support her relationship with Will, but…I
can’t help notice how beautiful she is.
Bella
laughs.
Bella: You should see Jake…and I
can’t even imagine what she’s doing to Hamilton.
Sean
walks around the fence and sits next to her.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: Don’t get me wrong…I’d never move in on her…and she’d never let me.
Sean: So, you’ve seemed a little
down lately, Bella.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: And I’m not even saying that I do want to move in on her…
Bella: I am. I mean…you don’t need to hear this…
Sean: Bella, I know the past few
months have been a little awkward, but…you know you can always talk to me about
anything…
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: I just want her to know she can trust me.
Bella: I miss Will.
Sean: He’s been busy with
school, huh?
Bella: That and…and even when
he’s like right in front of me…he’s not.
Sean
looks down.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: I know how Will feels about her.
It’s something that was hard to make myself believe, but now it’s so
obvious…
Sean: He loves you Bella. I hope you know that.
Bella: You don’t have to say
that. I shouldn’t even be whining to
you about this…
Sean: I tell you what. You look too good to sit around at a stupid
baseball field all night. Let’s run by
my house so I can grab a quick shower then…we’ll go over to that place in
Carson.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: Doing this will probably mean not starting.
Bella: Sean—
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: But sometimes the people in your life are way more important than your
extracurricular activities.
Sean: I’m not taking no for an
answer.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: And before (and after) anything else, Bella’s my best friend.
Bella
smiles.
Sean cont’d: So, is that
a “yes” then?
Bella
nods.
Sean: Cool.
He
takes her hand and gets her to stand up.
They walk away.
Sean
(v.o.) cont’d: She’s worth losing the starting position for…I can always start the
next game.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: So,
I finally finished my
website for my computer science class.
It’s amazing what you can get a grade for these days. It’s about Ben Affleck and Matt Damon…’cause
I’ve been known to worship them in a god-like manner.
(fade
in): to the club in Carson. It’s about
8:00 p.m. Jake and Hamilton pull up on
Jake’s bike. Hamilton is driving. They pull into a parking spot, get off the
bike and remove their helmets. Hamilton
looks gothed up and punked out, like Jake said. You can use that to build a good mental image. Remember, included are black nail polish and
eye make-up. We totally think that’d be
so hot.
Hamilton: That was so cool; you have
got to let me drive more often.
Jake: Whoa, calm down Batman…I’m
driving back.
They
exchange a look. His is pleading; hers
is steadfast…both are playful.
Jake
(voice over): I might let him drive back.
He’s long since stopped trying to be “the guy,” and I appreciate
that. He really gets it: the
relationship thing. He gets it way better
than I do.
Jake: Come on; let’s go inside.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: I act like I know what I’m doing, but I look to him more than he
realizes. It’s like he can quantify it
and describe it and…understand it. All
I can do is feel it.
Hamilton
takes her hand, leading her toward the building.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: That sounds so stupid and…girly.
I’m definitely not about being the submissive housewife type. But, amazingly, I think he gets that too.
(cut
to): Jill and Scout sitting on Johanna’s porch.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: And while Jill’s not so into the submissive part, she’d probably be
more than happy to do the housewife thing.
Scout: How do we even know she’s
even still in there?
Jill: Where else would she
be? We’ve been covering both exits.
Scout: No we haven’t.
Jill: Well, you know what? Maybe she ran away. Some kids should run away…
Scout: Jill!
Jill
shrugs and stands up, pacing around.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: So, I know what I said about the housewife thing doesn’t look that
likely, but I really do think she loves the idea. Which is kind of weird because she seems so independent at
times. Not that you can’t or shouldn’t
be both.
Jill: You know that I was
totally kidding, right?
Scout
ignores her and goes over to the door, ringing the bell.
Jill: Scout…we tried that
already.
Scout
(yelling):
Hey, Meagan! We just called your
mom. She’s headed home right now.
Jill: Why haven’t we
called her mom?
Scout: Because the situation is
under control.
Jill: How? How is it under control?
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: Trust issues…
Scout (yelling): I’m
serious. She should be here in a few
hours. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Jill: This isn’t going to work.
Meagan
opens the door.
Meagan: You really called her?
Scout
looks over at Jill.
(cut
to): inside Johanna’s house. Jill and
Scout walk in following Meagan. Meagan
sits on the couch.
Jill: I’m going to get some
water.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: I think what gets her is that he’s the one handling the
situation. But, that doesn’t make any
sense because she’s got that Repunzel-need-to-be-rescued thing.
She
walks out. Scout watches her for a
moment then sits down next to Meagan.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: Scout’s really the act now then make it right later type.
Meagan: So did you?
Scout: What?
Meagan: Call my mom?
Scout: Nah, I was bluffing.
Scout
folds his arms across his chest and leans back.
Meagan: So, you mean you were
lying. Don’t you know you aren’t
supposed to lie to little kids? It
gives them trust issues.
Scout: Why’d you lock us out?
Meagan: I was bored.
Scout: Now who’s lying?
Meagan
looks down.
Meagan: Because you guys were
bored and you hate me anyway.
Jake (v.o.) cont’d: I’d peg her as
manipulative. I did that for a while
before I switched over to passive-aggressivism.
Scout
leans up and looks Meagan in the eye.
Scout: We don’t hate you, but I
think you know that. I think…you were
trying to prove that you have the upper hand and…you probably do. I mean, Jill and I…what do we know? Plus, this is your house so you’re the one
that knows all the good ways to trick us, but you also know all the cool stuff
to do.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: Would you look at this? I
mean, who knew he’d figure this babysitting stuff out?
Jill
walks in and leans against the door-frame.
Scout and Meagan don’t notice her.
Scout: And so, I’d sure like to
take another chance at doing some of that cool stuff. You’ve still got about an hour before bedtime.
Meagan
stands up and smiles.
Meagan: Some people never learn.
Scout: Uh-huh. So, no hard feelings?
He
reaches out to shake her hand. She sees
Jill in the doorway. Meagan smiles and
shakes Scout’s hand.
Meagan: You are pretty cool…for a boy and all.
(cut
to): Will in the hotel room. He’s lying
on his back in one of the two beds in the room. He has his hands behind his head.
Music:
Nine Days by Weekend Excursion
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: Will’s the nice guy. In
general, he seems intelligent and perceptive
Somehow though, he often become the victim—the guy that gets hurt.
Will
sits up.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: He always seems so wounded when things aren’t going his way.
Will
sits up.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: Not that I’m saying he should just get over stuff. He deserves to wallow…we all do.
He
picks up the phone and dials out. After
a moment:
Will: Hey Gracie, can I talk to
Bella?
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: Of course, the one person who could probably make him feel better
isn’t home.
Will: Okay, thanks anyway. Um, no…no message. Do me a favor, Grace, and don’t even tell her that I called. Thanks.
Night.
Will
hangs up the phone and looks around. He
walks over to his bag and pulls out his notebook. He sits in a chair and begins to write.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: So, he writes. He is
the writer…but I bet he’s not writing about himself. Will Krudski seems like a topic he could write volumes about, but
doesn’t.
(cut
to): Finn and Johanna at dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: Meanwhile…
They’re
eating and talking.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: Finn moves in on the nice teacher.
Finn: You won’t be convinced
that Hamlet is the greatest work ever written?
Johanna: Okay, even if you got me
to admit that Shakespeare is good…I mean, Hamlet? No.
Finn: What’s your
favorite Shakespearean play?
Johanna: Romeo and Juliet.
Finn: You’ve got to be kidding.
Johanna: Sure, it’s been done to
death and even Dicaprio-ized, but it’s a beautiful piece of literature. Where’s Will? I bet he’d back me up.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: Ay, there’s the rub. Have I
mentioned that I’m with Ms. Ryan on this debate? I mean, Shakespeare is boring and hard to read. Once you do figure it out, you realize it’s
all about sex. Romeo and Juliet is one
of the cleaner plays.
Finn: Will’s pretty angry with
me actually.
Johanna: I thought you said he was
tired.
Finn: No, I said he said he was
tired. What he really is is upset with
me.
Johanna: What?
Finn: He thinks…he realizes that
I’ve been shamelessly flirting with you…
Johanna: Finn…
Finn: Hey, I know, ok? I’m not interested in getting into a
relationship either. I flirt; it’s what
I do. Unfortunately it prompted Will to
call me a womanizer.
Johanna: That’s harsh.
Finn: No, it’s not. But look, I just want you to know that I’m
really interested in pursuing this friendship as nothing more than that,
ok? If I’m flirty, deck me or
something.
Johanna
laughs and looks around awkwardly.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: God, Finn…he’s a great teacher and a nice guy, but sometimes he loses
perspective. Will has been a good
friend to him ever since this summer and he totally ditched him to hang out
with this Ms. Ryan person.
Finn: This isn’t supposed to me
weird.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: I mean, his moral compass is off.
But, that should have been clear after what happened with Hamilton’s
mom.
Johanna: No, I know…I just, I think
we were quite inconsiderate of Will tonight.
He’s such a bright guy and we probably made him feel like a child along
for a field trip.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: Ding, ding, ding…tell her what’s she’s won. At least one of them realizes this.
Johanna cont’d: Maybe I
should go talk to him or something.
Finn: That actually sounds like a
really good idea.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: And my faith in Finn is restored.
(cut
to): the club. It looks like how the as
said, only more dance clubbish. The
lights are low and there’s a disco ball.
The place is crowded and the music is loud.
Music: Butterfly
by Crazytown.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: Now, onto something else I have faith in…
The
camera pans around the club. There are
a ton of people on the dance floor. The
camera continues to pan past the bar and door…around the club. Finally, it stops on Jake and Hamilton. Jake is leaning against a pole and Hamilton
is leaning toward her. They’re
basically having a public make-out session.
As the voice over is going, the camera zooms in.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: So, a public make-out session.
It’s not something we get to do…ever.
It wasn’t something I planned on doing tonight, but…whatever. It’s not like anyone in here is paying any
attention anyway.
Jake
kisses Hamilton’s neck.
Hamilton: People are totally staring
at us.
Jake
stops.
Jake: No, they’re not.
She
holds his chin and kisses him. He
smiles.
Hamilton: Okay…
He
puts one hand on the pole and the other on her waist and he kisses the side of
her face and then moves onto her neck.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: So, maybe people are paying some attention, but…
Jake
looks off and sees something.
(cut
to): the door. Ryder and Sarah walk
in. Ryder has on black dress pants, a
black shirt and a nice leather jacket.
Sarah has on some non-frilly rich girl dress.
(cut
to): Jake and Ham. Hamilton is still
kissing Jake.
Jake: Ryder…
Hamilton
stops kissing her and looks at her.
Hamilton: Did you—did you just call
me Ryder?
Jake
raises her eyebrows.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: He’s so non-presuming. How
could he even think that Ryder is a threat to this relationship? How could he not be sure of how completely
fallen in love I am?
Jake: No, Ryder…
She
turns his head toward the door.
(cut
to): Ryder and Sarah as they walk further into the club and look around.
Hamilton: What’s he doing here?
Jake (v.o.) cont’d:
Sometimes, I like to think that if I just ignore Ryder, he’ll leave me alone.
Jake: Who cares…
She
grabs the back of his neck and kisses him.
He seems to forget Ryder.
(cut
to): Ryder and Sarah.
Sarah: This place looks crazy.
Ryder: Yeah, fun stuff.
Sarah
looks around.
Sarah: Oh my God, is that
Hamilton Fleming?
(cut
to): Jake and Ham making out.
(cut
to): Ryder and Sarah.
Ryder: I’m not sure.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: But, he is. This is why I
don’t understand Ryder. He acts like he
doesn’t care…like he’s not paying attention, but he absorbs everything.
Sarah: It totally is. God, who’s that chick with her tongue down
his throat?
Ryder: Hey, let me get you
something to drink…Coke or something.
Sarah: Oh, okay, sure…
Ryder
leads her away.
Jake
(v.o.) cont’d: It really makes me tired to even have to think about Ryder. Any interaction with him is like
implementing this huge strategy that I don’t have…
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: So,
I know you want to read what Ryder had to say about some of that stuff…click
here to read the past session from Ryder’s point of
view.
(fade
in): to the club. The camera pans
around and stops at the door as Sean and Bella walk in. Bella is wearing the same outfit from
before. Sean has on jeans and a polo
shirt.
Ryder
(voice over): Well, now that the Wonder Twins are here, I guess the party can begin.
(cut
to): a closer shot of Bella and Sean.
Bella: Hmm, I don’t see them.
Sean: Me either.
(cut
to): Jake and Hamilton in another corner of the club.
Jake: You know, I don’t think
hiding out in a corner so that Ryder doesn’t find us counts as “going out.”
Hamilton: It doesn’t matter to
me…just as long as I’m with you.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Oh, for the love of God and all that is Holy…make it stop.
Jake
smiles.
Jake: Yeah?
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Because I’m sure he hasn’t said it a thousand times…tonight.
Hamilton
nods.
Jake: Can you not be with me for
like…two minutes?
Hamilton: Why?
Jake: Because I’m going to go
get a Coke. Want something?
Hamilton
looks over to the “bar,” which is now like “concessions.”
(cut
to): the bar. Ryder’s leaning against
it talking to Sarah who’s sitting on a barstool.
(cut
to): Ham and Jake. Jake doesn’t seem to
have noticed Ryder.
Hamilton: Hey, you know what? Why don’t you let me go? And, before you say it, this isn’t like a
“being a guy” thing.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: No, it’s an “afraid to let your girlfriend get too close to me”
thing. Quite understandable.
Jake
smiles.
Jake: Make sure they don’t put
like no ice in it…I hate that.
Hamilton: Got it.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Well, someone get the man a Friendly’s application.
(cut
to): the bar. Sarah is sitting by
herself. Hamilton walks up and orders a
couple of Cokes from the bartender:
Hamilton: Can I have two Cokes
please? And, can I have a lot of ice in
one of them.
Bartender (patronizingly): Would
you care for anything else, Sir?
Hamilton: No, that’s all. Thank you.
The
bartender rolls his eyes and turns around to complete the order.
Music
(switch from typical house music): He Loves Me (He Loves You Not) by
Dream
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Little does our unsuspecting hero know that I’ve instructed my date to
keep him busy so I could find out about this “mystery girl” he brought.
Sarah: Hi, Hamilton.
Hamilton
turns toward her.
Sarah: I’m Sarah…I go to Rawley
Girls.
Hamilton
looks a little uncomfortable as he pushes some hair off his forehead.
Hamilton: Right, you came with Ryder…
She
nods. Hamilton looks down a little
nervously.
Sarah: Hey, if you’re not
supposed to be here or whatever…I’m not a narc.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Very nice girl…Sarah. Hate to
use her like this, but…what can you do?
Hamilton
shrugs.
Hamilton: I told my parents I was
going into town to hang out at a friend’s house.
Sarah: I barely recognized you,
you know?
Hamilton
looks down again.
Sarah: No, I mean this is a good
look for you…you look totally hot. But
that’s not what I meant.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: I think I said “distract,” not flirt.
The
bartender brings the Cokes. Hamilton
hands him some cash. He turns back to
Sarah.
Hamilton: What did you mean?
Sarah: You look a lot older. I was gone last year and I haven’t seen you
this year at all so…I just remember you being young. You seem to have really grown up.
Hamilton: Yeah…thank you.
(cut
to): Jake. She’s standing there looking
around, close to a wall. Ryder walks
up. He leans against the wall.
Ryder: Jacqueline…what’s a classy
girl like you doing in a hole like this?
Jake
doesn’t look over at him.
Jake: Go away.
Ryder: I just wanted to clear
some things up between us…
Jake: There’s nothing to clear
up.
Ryder: I just didn’t want you
thinking that I have some sort of romantic attachment to you…you know, because
of what I said that weekend the power was out.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Mostly because I realize that verbalizing something like that was
incredibly stupid.
Jake: Believe me, I’d never take
anything you say to heart.
Ryder: Good.
Jake
looks over toward the bar. Ryder looks
over at her.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: I’m really in awe of where this came from. She’s not my type.
(cut
to): The bar where Hamilton has the Cokes in his hand and is talking to
Sarah. She’s seems to be talking and Hamilton
is listening.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: This girl is my type.
Beautiful in that sorority girl way…easily convinced to do anything.
(cut
to): Jake and Ryder.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Then we’ve got modern beauty and extreme stubbornness.
Ryder: You look lovely, by the way.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: I’m having trouble reconciling this.
Jake
turns toward him for the first time.
Jake: Okay, Ryder…I don’t know
what kind of game you’re trying to play, but whatever it is, can you at least
keep it consistent?
Ryder
tilts his head.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: I’d love to.
Ryder: What do you mean?
Jake: You hate me: I know what
to do. You’re in love with me: I know
what to do. This combination of both
extremes with no middle ground is driving me completely crazy. I mean—
Ryder
steps closer to her.
Jake: What are you doing?
Ryder: Trying to send an unmixed
message…
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: …and resolve some of this within myself…
He
leans in to kiss her. She doesn’t
really have time to react before he does it.
So, it’s a real kiss, but not really reciprocal. Jake steps back.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Well, now that that’s settled.
Jake: Whoa, Ryder. I could sue you for sexual harassment or
something.
Ryder: It wasn’t harassment…it
was a gesture.
Jake: Of what? You’re undying hatred…
Ryder: Hmm…just like to keep you
guessing, Love.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: And, to be honest…I’m tired of being honest.
He
turns around and walks away.
(cut
to): Hamilton and Sarah. Hamilton has
the Cokes and Sarah is talking.
Sarah: So, anyway, you’re into
photography, huh?
Hamilton: Um, yeah…I am.
Hamilton
looks back (for the first time…he was trying to be polite) at Jake. Sarah
follows his gaze. Jake waves.
Sarah: Oh, God, look at me
keeping you from your girlfriend.
Hamilton
turns back around.
Hamilton: I—
Ryder
walks up.
Ryder: Ham…fancy meeting you
here.
Hamilton: Yeah…shocker.
Sarah: I’m going to hit the
ladies room; I’ll be right back.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Now, she is amazing…nothing to be figured out about that.
She
walks off. Ryder watches her go then
turns back to Ham.
Ryder: You’re girlfriend looks a
little lonely up there.
Ryder
points over to where Jake is standing.
Hamilton looks mad.
Ryder: Hey, don’t worry, Ham…I
was keeping her warm for you.
Hamilton
shakes his head, turns around and walks away.
Hamilton: Not worth it…
(cut
to): Sean and Bella. They’re on the
dance floor dancing.
Bella: Hey, there’s Jake.
Sean: Huh?
Bella: Jake. Up there, by herself. Come on.
She
takes Sean’s arm and pulls him off the floor.
(cut
to): Jake. Hamilton walks up.
Jake: Hey.
Hamilton: Was Ryder up here
bothering you?
Jake: Kind of.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: That was evasive.
Bella
and Sean walk up.
Jake cont’d: We’ll talk about it
later, ok?
She
takes her Coke from Hamilton and takes a sip.
Bella: Hey, this place is pretty
crazy, huh?
Jake: Yeah…we’ve just kind of
been hiding out over here. I’m glad you
came.
Hamilton
(to Sean):
I thought you were perfecting your curve ball tonight.
Sean: It’s not every night that guy
like me gets to come to a club like this.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: And put some townie moves on his best friend’s girl.
Bella
laughs.
Jake: So, what changed your
mind…you kind of took off earlier.
Bella: Yeah, I’m sorry guys.
Hamilton: It’s cool. You know…we just rummaged through all your
stuff…stole the good stuff….sold the rest.
Bella
smiles.
Bella: Hey, you look good, by the
way.
Hamilton: First and last time you’ll
see me wearing mascara so…enjoy it.
Bella: Anyway, what are you two
doing up here anyway…this is a dance club. Let’s dance.
Jake: I’m in.
Hamilton
raises his eyebrows.
Hamilton: Hey…whatever…
Jake
takes his hand and pulls him toward the floor.
Bella and Sean look at each other and follow.
(cut
to): establishing shot of Johanna’s house.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: God, I hate kids.
(cut
to): the bathroom. Meagan is in her
pajamas, standing on a stool and brushing her teeth. Jill is standing behind her.
Meagan: I’m not going to escape or
something.
Jill: Well, after earlier I
think you’re going to be under full supervision.
Meagan: I said I was sorry.
Jill: You’re sorry that
you locked us out of your house for six hours?
Meagan: Yeah…
Jill: It’s time to learn some
new words. Remorseful, penitent,
rueful—
Meagan: Contrite, apologetic,
repentant.
Jill
looks down at her. Meagan takes a sip
of water and puts her toothbrush in its holder. She steps down off the stool.
Meagan: My mom reads me the
dictionary instead of stories.
Jill: She does?
Meagan: You’re really pretty gullible…or
maybe you prefer…naive…susceptible…
Jill: You’re funny…
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: There is no safety zone with kids.
They’re hard to read.
Scout: How’s the quest for bed?
Jill: We’re getting there…
Scout
opens Meagan’s bedroom door.
(cut
to): The inside of the bedroom. It
looks typical. Maybe more books that
normal, but other than that—typical ten-year old stuff. She climbs into her bed.
Jill: I still don’t believe
you’re just going to bed. I thought
this would be the hard part.
Meagan: I had to entertain myself
for like six hours today…I’m tired.
Scout
looks at Jill.
Scout: Yeah, I don’t buy it.
Jill: Maybe we should tie her
in.
Ryder (v.o.) cont’d: Sounds like a good plan.
Scout: Good idea…
Meagan
sits up.
Meagan: You’re kidding, right?
Scout: Y—
Jill: Maybe we are…maybe we’re
not.
Meagan
looks at her.
Jill: Okay, we are.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Amateurs.
Meagan
lies back down.
Scout: Okay, so…you’re in
bed. We’re going downstairs now.
Meagan: ‘Kay…
They
go to leave and Scout tries to pull the door closed.
Meagan: Wait…can you leave that
opened?
Jill: Oh, yeah, sure…
Scout
pushes it opened.
Meagan: And turn the hall light
on?
Jill
flips it on.
Meagan: Thanks. Night Jill; night Scout.
They
look at each other.
Jill: Night Meagan.
Scout: Night Meg.
Jill
starts down the hall first and Scout follows, taking her hand.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Well, I’m sure they’ll be sending out wedding invitations soon.
(cut
to): Will. He’s sitting at a table in
the lounge of the hotel. There are
several empty glasses in front of him.
Pat Conroy walks in. Will looks
up. Pat Conroy sees him and walks over.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Will really is the best out of the bunch.
Pat: Hey, you were in my
seminar this evening, weren’t you?
Will: Uh, yeah…yes I was.
Pat: You don’t sound impressed.
Will: Oh…oh, God…no, I am. I mean, it was awesome. I’m just kind of having a bad night, that’s
all.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Not that he doesn’t have an annoying way of pushing the “poor little
poor boy” thing.
Pat
sits down.
Pat: Would you like to talk
about it?
Will: With you?
Pat
looks around and smiles.
Pat: Yes, with me.
Will: Well…yeah, sure.
Pat
smiles.
(cut
to): Johanna and Finn walking through the lobby.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: These two on the other hand, they are just annoying.
Johanna: I’m really worried about
him. We shouldn’t have finished dinner…we should have just gone and found Will.
Finn: I’m sure he wouldn’t do
anything stupid.
Johanna
stops.
Johanna: No…look, there he is.
Finn: With Pat Conroy…
Johanna: Wow…
Finn: Well, he’s covered.
Johanna: Yeah…
They
look at one another.
Johanna: I’m going to head up to my
room.
Finn: Yeah, me too.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: Oh, that was well-phrased.
Finn cont’d: Uh…to my
room.
Johanna: I…yeah…night.
Finn: Night…
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: They’ll be sleeping together soon.
Next
we get a little montage of what everyone is doing. Quick cuts separate scenes.
Music:
Superman by Goldfinger (yes, it’s a little ska…)
(cut
to): Will talking to Pat Conroy.
(cut
to): Jill asleep on the couch; Scout in a lounge chair (hey, they didn’t even
bring a change of clothes so they get no beds)
(cut
to): The club. Bella, Sean, Ham and
Jake are dancing.
(cut
to): The club where Ryder and Sarah are in a corner making out.
Ryder
(v.o.) cont’d: My final thought is that thinking gets you nowhere. Also, talking about things and being honest
are both over rated. My opinions don’t
matter…my actions do. So…fade out.
(fade
out)
Commercial
Break: So,
we saw Melissa and Danny from the Real World when they were here as part of the
Real World campus tour. Danny was so
hot and…still gay (like it’s a dynamic characteristic or something…). Melissa was hilarious. Check out her homepage at www.princessmelissa.com. Oh yeah,
speaking of princesses, you can read that last scene with Jake-goggles…you
know, if you want…
(fade
in): The next day: mid-morning. Establishing
shot of Rawley.
Music: Another Perfect Day by
American Hi-Fi
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Let’s just take a few moments of silence to recover.
(cut
to): an establishing shot of Johanna’s house.
(cut
to): Scout, Jill and Meagan sitting on the living room floor, playing Clue.
Meagan: Okay, I want to guess Mrs.
Peacock in the conservatory with the candlestick.
Jill
and Scout look at each other and their game sheets. Jill gives Meagan a suspicious look as she opens the envelope.
Jill: She’s right.
Scout: Second time in a row.
Meagan: I’m a good detective.
The
key turns in the door.
Meagan: Mom’s home.
Scout (teasing): Good
call, Sherlock.
Everyone
gets up as Johanna walks in.
Johanna: Hey everyone. How was everything?
She
looks down at Meagan then up at Jill and Scout.
Scout: Actually…pretty wonderful.
Jill: Everything was great.
They
smile at each other.
(cut
to): Rawley Academy. Jill and Gwen’s
room. Gwen is studying on her bed. Ryder walks in.
Gwen
(annoyed):
Ryder…
Ryder
(condescending): Gwendolyn…
Ryder
walks over and sits down on the bed with her.
Gwen: Have a good night out? You seem a little…giddy.
Ryder: Oh, right…Sarah. She was fun.
Gwen
rolls her eyes.
Ryder: Don’t worry, though, it was
a one-time deal…you are one of the few re-occurring characters in my
life.
Gwen: Should I be honored or
scared?
Ryder:
So, do you
want to hear about the club and vicariously re-live the highlights?
Gwen:
No…not
really.
Ryder: You’re such a bitch…it’s so
reassuring.
Gwen
smiles and looks back down at her books; Ryder leans back against the wall.
(cut
to): the garage. A car pulls up.
(cut
to): Inside the car. Will grabs his bag
from the back seat.
Music: I’ll Never Walk Away by
Dezeray’s Hammer
Finn: So, we’re clear on the
fact that I am apologizing to you. Johanna
feels terrible too.
Will: You’ve got nothing to
apologize for. I had a great time. I talked to Pat Conroy for like two
hours. He was the coolest person. And, as far as what was said to you by the
elevator…I mean, I was so out of line.
Finn: You’re judgments were
probably correct ones. You’re such a good
person, Will. It’s so difficult to
compete. Now get out of my car.
Finn
smiles.
Will: Thanks for inviting me…see
you later.
Will
gets out.
(cut
to): Will closing the car door. Bella
walks outside. Will drops his bag and
walks over to her.
Will: Boy, am I glad to see you…
He
wraps his arms around her and hugs her tightly, putting his head on her
shoulder. Bella hugs him back.
Bella: What’s wrong? Was the conference bad?
Will: It was great…some stuff
happened and I missed you so much, Bella. Nothing is coming before you from now on.
Bella: Will…that’s crazy. Other stuff is more important than—
Will: No…it’s not…
Bella: Will—
Will: Shh…
He
continues to hug her.
(cut
to): Sean at the ball park. He throws a
curve ball that is obviously not in the pitching zone. Jill and Scout walk up. Sean looks over at them.
Sean: Hey Scout…Jill…
Jill: Hey.
Scout: Long time; no see, buddy.
Sean: Tell me about it…
Sean
jogs over to them.
Sean: What are you doing here?
Scout: We were babysitting for
Ms. Ryan.
Sean: Really? You two?
What was that? Like a dry run or
something?
Scout: Something like that. What are you doing?
Sean: Working on my curve
ball. I needed last night and today…I
got today. I’m not gonna get to
start…ever.
Scout: Want a batter?
Jill: Two batters…I can hit a
curve ball like no other.
Sean: Yeah? That’d be great you guys.
Jill: Cool, let’s go.
(cut
to): Hamilton’s bedroom. He’s still
asleep. There is a light tapping
noise. He opens his eyes and looks
around. He gets out of bed, only in his
boxers, and looks around to see where the noise is coming from. He walks over to the window.
(cut
to): Jake in boy gear, throwing rocks.
Hamilton opens the window. When
he speaks it’s a quieted shout.
Hamilton: What are you doing?
Jake: I need to talk to you…
Hamilton: Now?
Jake: No, I just thought I’d
tell you now that at four o’clock I wanted to talk…yes now!
Hamilton: Okay, okay. I’ll put on some pants and be right down.
(cut
to): Jake and Ham walking through town, talking. Ham has changed into shorts and a tank top. He still looks like he just woke up.
Hamilton: So, you’re telling me
that…that Ryder kissed you? His lips
and your lips were—
Jake: Yes, that’s what I’m
saying, Hamilton, but—
Hamilton: Why would he do that?
Jake: Um, the…the weekend that
the lights went out he kind of said that he sort of…he said he liked me.
Hamilton: And you didn’t tell me?
Jake: So you could kill him?
Hamilton: Now you’re worried about
whether he dies or not?
Jake: Hamilton…
Hamilton: I’m sorry. You’re right…it’s not like it’s your fault
he’s a jerk or…that he….
Jake: Also, he said he was just
making that up anyway so—
Hamilton: He said he liked you then
took it back?
Jake
nods.
Hamilton cont’d: This all
seems very un-Ryder.
Jake: Yes, and it confuses the
hell out of me…
Hamilton
looks down.
Jake
cont’d: Not
because I have feelings for him, but—
Hamilton: If he really likes you,
you don’t want to hurt him…I get it. But,
you think he just made that up anyway?
Jake: Honestly, I hope so…
Hamilton: Me too…promise to keep me
updated?
By
this time they’ve reached to ball field.
Sean, Scout and Jill are there.
Jake: So, you’re really okay
with this?
Hamilton: I’m okay with you being
able to handle him…and I trust you. If
he ever tries to hurt you…he’s a dead man.
Jake: Hey, that’s Jill and…
Hamilton: And Scout and Sean.
Jake: Let’s go over.
(dissolve
to): about 20 minutes later. A little
game of baseball has started. Will and
Bella walk up. We don’t hear what they
are saying, but watch them join in. We
get a montage of the seven of them playing ball, hitting pitched, etc. During this, Will’s voice over runs.
Will
(voice over): At the beginning of last summer, I realized it was my turn to
speak. Not just in the essay I was
writing, but in life. I soon
realized that in all the verbalizing I was doing through writing, I wasn’t saying
very much about myself. So in the middle
of the last semester, I decided to focus on me. But, now I’ve realized that I can’t exist outside of the context
of everyone else. Pat Conroy’s writing
is based almost entirely on his own life and the people he knew. They are just as important to his life as he
is. The people in my life serve a
similar purpose and their viewpoints on even the most mundane things put my
life into perspective for me. People’s
opinions are an easy thing to obtain and sometimes you’re so focused on
yourself and your opinions that you forget to leave room for anyone
else’s. It’s still my turn to speak,
but I’m always open to a different point of view.
(fade
out)
THE
END (‘bout
time, eh?)
Or