Sin
(fade in): to an establishing
shot of the boys’ dormitory.
(cut to): Jake and Hamilton’s
room. Hamilton is standing in front of
the mirror, nicely dressed, trying to tie a tie. Jake enters and smiles when she sees the
outfit.
Jake: You
look good. Where are you—
She cuts herself off when the obvious hits her. He looks at her apologetically, his uneven
tie still in his hands.
Will (voice over): Sometimes succumbing to temptation means giving in to
a desire that is harmless…
She widens the now false smile and heads over to him.
Jake cont’d:
Need some help?
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: …innocent even.
He hesitates, but then drops his arms to his sides.
Facing each other, there is an awkward moment. Jake snaps out of it then reaches out and
unties the tie. She steps behind him,
facing him toward the mirror.
Jake: Who
tied your tie for prom?
She raises her eyebrows.
Jake:
Obviously.
She starts on his tie, pulling the thicker side down
lower.
Jake cont’d:
Some people think it’s about balance, but you’ve really got to have more on one
side to get anywhere.
Hamilton nods, watching. Jake carefully ties the tie for him. She smoothes it when she’s done then steps
back. Jake smiles. Another awkward beat is about to pass when
Jake: You
play a dude for long enough, you get a handle on these things.
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: Other times, giving in to
temptation is reckless abandonment of values…
Jake smiles.
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: morals…
Jake: Nah,
it feels perfectly natural to help you get ready for a date with another girl.
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: reality.
Jake: But,
hey…I’ll get used to it.
Jake pats him on the shoulder and walks off. Hamilton nods, looking down.
Jake freezes, but doesn’t turn back to him.
Jake: Just
promise you’ll tell me when you are.
He walks over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: People tend to think that
temptation itself is evil…
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: …that to sin is simply to
give in to the inevitable.
She shakes her head.
Jake: You
don’t have to do that.
She shrugs out of his touch and heads for the door,
turning back to him before she leaves.
Jake cont’d:
Try to have a good time tonight.
Hamilton takes a deep breath, nodding. Jake exits.
Hamilton walks slowly back to the mirror, examining his tie. We watch him as Will talks:
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: But temptation is a fact
of life. It is everywhere all the
time. From the candy bar in the grocery
store checkout line that you see while paying for your cart full of vegetables
and Lean Cuisines to the pack of cigarettes you find in the car when you’ve been
smoke-free for thirteen days to the girl who makes your heart flutter and your
hands shake after two years of being with the person you always thought was
(and perhaps you still think is) your soul mate.
(cut to): Jake exiting onto
the roof. She closes the door behind her
and looks around.
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: Temptation is certain,
uncontrollable. Sin is a choice,
deliberate.
(cut
to):
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: And it hurts all parties
involved.
(cut
to): Jake who has walked over to the edge of the roof. She looks out across campus.
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: Particularly those we’ve
sinned against.
(cut
to): Hamilton who puts his head in his hands.
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: Perhaps that’s why,
classically, there is such a stiff penalty for sin: eternity in the fiery pits
of hell. We can get even with the people
who have hurt us under the pretense of Cosmic Revenge. In reality, though, I guess it’s more like
that R.E.M. song...
(cut to): Jake as she wipes
just a few tears from her face then heads back to the stairs.
Will (v.o.)
cont’d: everybody hurts.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: Just youtube
it.
(fade in): to an establishing
shot of the boys’ dorm.
(cut to): Jake and Hamilton’s
room. Jake stands at the mirror in her
boy gear, she shakes her head disapprovingly.
(cut to): Alyssa and Jill’s
room. Alyssa stands at their
mirror. She is wearing a little black
dress, but is not quite ready to go yet.
Her hair is pulled back and she has on no make-up.
(cut to): Jake’s room. She pulls off her shirt, corset and baggy
cargo pants then looks in the mirror again.
Jake:
Hmm…better.
(cut to): Alyssa’s room. She is now at the bathroom sink, putting on
make-up.
(cut to): Jake’s room. She is in her closet, randomly tossing
clothes out from the bottom. She
suddenly abandons this task when she finds a small bag. She grins and heads over to the mirror.
(cut to): a close up as
Alyssa delicately adds a line of soft grey eyeliner to her top eyelid.
(cut to): Jake. She’s into her own make-up now. She’s got a big stick of black liner that she
applies liberally to the top and bottom of her eye.
(cut to): Alyssa who uses a
make-up brush to gently spread a light gold shadow on her eyelid.
(cut to): Jake who uses her
finger to apply a slate-colored shadow to her eyelid. She uses another finger to pick up some
white, glittery shadow. She smears this
on under and around her eyes.
(cut to): Alyssa who uses a
lip brush to apply a shiny, tinted gloss.
(cut to): Jake who uses a stick of dark red lipstick
to color her lips.
(cut to): Alyssa as she pulls
the elastic out of her hair, letting her straight locks fall well below her
shoulders.
(cut to): Jake who runs her
hands through her hair, pulling it out in all directions. She grins.
(cut to): Alyssa who smiles
at the final product in a full length mirror.
Alyssa:
Perfect.
(cut to): Jake in full
length.
Jake:
Perfect…
We hear a knock.
(cut to): Alyssa’s room. She heads over to the door, opening it to
reveal
(cut to): Jake’s room. She looks over at the door then back at the
mirror, rolling her eyes, but not at all miffed.
Jake: Yeah?
Scout (outside): It’s Scout.
Jake:
Okay. Hang on.
She rummages through the bottom of her closet again,
pulling out some sweat pants and a t-shirt.
She puts them on quickly, grabs a hoodie, and
pulls it on over her head as she walks over to the door.
(cut to): a shot from Scout’s
point of view. The door opens, but there
appears to be no one there.
(cut to): Scout as he raises
his eyebrows then tentatively takes a step in.
Jake: Hurry
up, Calhoun, I don’t have all day.
Scout enters fully and Jake slams the door, revealing herself from behind it.
Scout smiles.
Scout: Hey,
Jake.
He tilts his head.
Scout cont’d:
Are you wearing make-up?
Rather than answer, she tucks her hair (now just below
her ear), behind her ear. He shakes his
head, still smiling.
Jake: You
going to stand there gawking or what?
Scout laughs.
Scout: Yeah,
maybe I will.
Jake: Oh,
shut up.
She shoves his shoulder then goes over to her bed,
sitting down on the edge.
Jake:
Seriously, though…
Scout: Seriously,
though…I came to see if you were going to Sean’s party.
Jake scoffs.
Jake: I
hadn’t really thought much about it, to be honest.
A beat as Scout stands awkwardly.
Jake cont’d:
Please, have a seat on
Scout sits down, putting his hands on his knees.
Scout: I
guess you’re pretty angry at him?
Jake: Yeah…
She sighs.
Jake cont’d:
I guess I am.
She laughs. He
looks more sympathetic.
Scout: Do
you want to talk about it?
Jake: Do you want to talk about the fact that
you’ve still got it bad for Jill?
Scout doesn’t say anything. He looks off.
Jake cont’d:
Exactly.
When he still doesn’t say anything, her look softens.
Jake cont’d:
I didn’t mean for that to hit so hard…I was just trying to illustrate a point.
Scout snaps out of it.
Scout: I
know. And, you know, I didn’t mean to
pry. I just wanted to…maybe make you
feel better.
An awkward beat as both would like to make the other
feel better, but neither know what to say.
Jake: Okay,
well, maybe you can help me with this.
Scout: Okay.
Jake: Before
I came here, I didn’t care what I did or what happened to me when I did
it. I was on this…reckless, downward
spiral. Then I met
She hesitates thinking of the
right words.
Scout:
…doing anything to keep from getting caught?
Jake nods, looking down at the sweats.
Jake:
Exactly.
Scout examines the makeup again.
Scout: But
now that’s changed?
Jake sighs.
Jake: It’s
like…
She looks out the window.
Jake: It’s
like I’ve only had a few hours to process and already…I don’t care. I…I just don’t care.
Scout:
That’s a really dangerous place to be.
Jake: I feel
like I could just walk up to the dean just like this and scream, “This is who I
am!” Because, you know, this is who I am, Scout. This
is who I am.
She gestures at her face, to the make-up.
Scout: I
definitely think you need more time to think things over before you do anything
too rash.
Jake shrugs.
Jake: But it
really doesn’t matter, though, does it?
Scout: I
guess that depends on whether you plan to stay or go.
Jake: Go?
She laughs wryly.
Jake cont’d:
I don’t have anywhere to go.
Scout: Then
it’s settled. You’re staying. So you can’t tell the dean.
Jake agrees with a nod.
Jake:
So…what time does this party start?
Scout: I
don’t know. I was going to head over
when it got dark. You
in?
Jake looks around, wanting to be anywhere but here.
Jake: Yeah,
I’m in. But, not as
Jake.
Scout: You
can’t walk out of here not as Jake.
Jake: Just
meet me outside the gates when it gets dark.
I’ll have my bike. You can have
the bitch pad.
Scout laughs, glad to have a friend.
Scout:
Okay. You don’t think anyone will spot
you at the party? Recognize you?
Jake: It’s
my new mantra, Scout…
She shrugs.
Jake cont’d: ”who cares?”
Scout:
Right, okay, Hakuna Matata,
whatever…just be careful.
Jake:
Careful…
She laughs.
Jake cont’d:
Sure.
He looks at her sternly.
Jake cont’d:
Get out already. This has got to be the
longest conversation the two of us have ever had.
Scout shakes his head, smiling, but also complying as
he heads for the door.
Scout: I’ll
see you by the gates.
She nods and he slips out. Jake looks around her room, ruffling her hair
with her hands.
(cut to): Tyson and Will’s
room. Tyson is at his closet in jeans
and a white tank top. Will is lounging
on his bed, with an open physics book.
Tyson: So,
Scout hasn’t been by today.
Will: I don’t
know where he is.
Tyson: I
wonder if he’s going to the party.
Will: I
don’t know. You could go ask him if—
Tyson: I
wonder if Alyssa is going.
Will rolls his eyes and goes back to his book for a
moment then looks up at Tyson as he pulls on a red rugby shirt. He looks in the mirror, fixing the collar.
Will: Don’t
take this the wrong way, but maybe you should pick another girl to be obsessive
about.
Tyson:
Why?
He looks at Will, clueless.
Will: Well,
there’s the Scout thing.
Tyson: Don’t
care.
Will: And
there’s the
Tyson shrugs.
Tyson: Don’t
care.
Will laughs.
Will: Your
shirt’s on inside-out. Do you care about
that?
Tyson:
Finally, something important.
They share a laugh as Tyson pulls the shirt off.
(cut to): an establishing
shot of Sean’s house.
(cut to): the living
room. Jill and Sean sit together on the
couch, making out. A brief pause let’s
Sean speak:
Sean: I love
you, Jill.
She smiles.
Jill: I love
you, too.
He kisses her again, but she pulls him back.
Jill: Do you
want to go upstairs?
He raises his eyebrows, a little surprised. He swallows hard, kisses her again then
replies:
Sean: Yes.
They get up, kissing again as
Jill takes his hand and leads him toward the stairs. A knock at the door interrupts the
moment. Sean tosses his head back and
sighs.
Sean cont’d:
Whose bright idea was having this party, again?
Jill: That
would be yours.
Sean:
Damn.
Jill smiles.
Jill: We’ll
pick this up later.
Sean nods, disappointed. They smooth hair and tuck in shirts as they
make their way to the door. Jill opens
it and a large group of town kids comes in, greeting Sean and Jill while
basically taking over. Sean and Jill
look at each other and shrug. The party
has begun.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: Internet fads. You’re either
with them or…you’re totally unplugged.
In other words, get your myspace on.
(cut to): an establishing
shot of
(cut to): the inside of the
restaurant. Alyssa walks in, followed by
Hamilton who was holding the door. He
enters behind her. The hostess looks at
Alyssa, but she glances at
Hostess: Right
this way, Mr. Fleming.
(cut to): a table where the
hostess leaves them. Alyssa stands by
the table as
He takes his seat.
Alyssa: It’s
fine.
She’s clearly put off by the less than chivalrous
behavior.
She smiles and narrows her eyes.
Alyssa: I
thought you just broke up with someone.
Alyssa:
Actually, I don’t. How long were you
with her?
Alyssa: Two years?
Alyssa:
Whoa.
Alyssa: You
assume there’ll be a next time.
He looks around, laughing to himself.
Alyssa:
What?
He watches her reaction carefully. She blushes, looking down and tucking her
hair behind her ear.
Alyssa:
That’s really sweet.
She bites her lip, looking up at him, very
flirtatious. Their waiter comes up,
interrupting the cheesy moment.
Waiter: Good
evening.
Alyssa smiles at him, but looks for
The waiter smiles.
Waiter: My
name is Alex and I’ll be serving you tonight.
Hamilton nods, waiting for him to get on with the
spiel.
Alex: What
beverages can I get the gentleman and the lady?
Alyssa again defers to
He looks at Alyssa for some help, but she just nods
like it’s no big deal. He looks back to
the waiter.
Alex: And
have you decided on an entrée yet?
He looks over at Alyssa who smiles warmly.
Waiter: And
for the gentleman?
Waiter:
Excellent choice, sir.
Waiter: I’ll
be right back with those soft drinks.
The waiter takes the menus and heads off.
Alyssa: I
love Salmon.
A beat.
Could this date be any more different from what he’s used to?
(cut to): the garage.
(cut to): the kitchen. Charlie, Bella, Grace and
Dexter sit around the table having a meal of lasagna, bread and salad. They are mid-conversation.
Charlie: So,
exactly what sort of party is this?
Grace: A
regular high school party. Sitting
around, talking to friends…
Bella:
…Drinking….gambling.
Grace: Come
on, it’s at Sean’s. Bella, you should come,
too.
Bella: I—
Charlie:
That sounds like a good idea. A little
supervision is never a bad thing.
Grace: I
didn’t mean I need a chaperone. Besides,
I have Dexter to keep me safe.
She smiles at him.
Charlie smiles too, but he does not look so sure.
Charlie: I’d
appreciate it Bella.
Bella: I
already have plans.
Charlie: Oh,
really?
He takes a big bit of lasagna.
Charlie cont’d:
Doing what?
Bella: I
was, um…
Grace looks at her smugly.
Bella cont’d:
I was going to hang out with some friends at Rawley.
Charlie: Oh,
yeah? Which friends?
Bella:
Whoever is around:
Dexter: He’s
on a date tonight.
Bella looks at him with raised eyebrows.
Dexter cont’d:
With that new girl Alyssa.
Bella: Who?
Grace: New
girl. Apparently
fairly skanky.
Hooked up with Scout Calhoun this summer.
Bella is confused by this new information.
Bella: What?
Grace: Who
cares? Everyone else will be at the
party so you may as well come.
Bella:
Thanks, but…
She looks around with no more excuses.
Bella: Fine,
but I’m not babysitting.
She looks at Charlie.
He just smiles and takes another bite of lasagna.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: Got News?
(cut to):
Music:
Crush by Gavin DeGraw
Alyssa: Me
too, but…my mother would kill me so if you ever meet her…you asked me.
Alyssa: That
makes one of us.
Alyssa: I
don’t think your mom likes me too
much.
A beat passes as the waiter arrives with drink
refills.
They both look down at their plates.
Alyssa: Did
she like your ex?
Alyssa: In
other words, “yes.”
Alyssa cont’d:
Well, I guess I can take being hated by the mom if I get you out of the
deal.
Alyssa cont’d:
May I ask you something?
Alyssa cont’d:
Who is she?
Alyssa:
Doesn’t she go to Rawley Girls?
Alyssa: Oh,
so…is she from town?
Hamilton opens his mouth to speak, but isn’t quite
sure what to say. Alyssa mistakes this
for annoyance.
Alyssa cont’d:
I didn’t mean to pry.
They both laugh.
She smiles, again tucking her hair. They both go back to their Salmon.
(cut to): an establishing
shot to the boys’ dorm.
(cut to): inside. Scout walks out of his room just as Will and
Tyson do.
Will: Hey,
are you going to the party?
Scout:
Yeah. I’m meeting Jake in a few.
Will:
Oh.
Scout: Are
you taking him.
He nods toward Tyson.
Will nods.
Tyson: He’s got a name.
Scout: He’s
so unmemorable I seem to have forgotten.
Tyson: Just
like we “forgot” to invite you along tonight.
Scout takes an aggressive step forward and is ready
with a retort, but Will steps between the two of them.
Will: Can
you guys just chill out? You’re both so
defensive…and over what?
They look at each other with disdain, but neither says
anything.
Will cont’d:
Do either of you even know? Because if
not, I say we call a truce and head over to this party together.
They continue to stare each other down as Nicholas
cuts around the corner.
Nicholas:
Gentleman.
Will: Oh, hi Mr. Mann.
He looks at them all suspiciously.
Nicholas:
Big plans tonight?
Will: Not
really. Just going to
spend a few hours at a friend’s house in town.
Nicholas:
You know the rules about attending parties.
Tyson: It’s
more like a small gathering, sir.
He looks pointedly at Tyson.
Nicholas:
And you know the curfew for underclassmen.
Tyson:
Nine. It’s barely Seven.
Will: We
know all the rules.
Nicholas: In
that case, have a good evening.
Will: You
too. Let’s go, guys.
Scout: I’ll meet
up with you later.
Will nods. He and Tyson escape. Nicholas is about to walk away.
Scout: I
doubt he plans to be back by nine.
Nicholas: I
doubt I’ll know the difference.
Nicholas smiles, thinking Scout will like the
“joke.” He doesn’t.
Nicholas cont’d: How’s the roommate situation working out?
Scout: It’s
fine. Dexter’s always over at Bella’s so
I have the place to myself a lot.
Nicholas nods, distracted by the mention of Bella.
Scout cont’d:
I’m branching out a little. I’m going to
head over to the party with Jake. I’ve
never hung out with her before so…
He notices his mistake and turns red, but then he
realizes Nicholas is not paying attention.
He’s pulled a cell phone out of his pocket. It buzzes…obviously the cause of his distraction.
Nicholas:
This is pretty important. Do you mind if
we pick this up later?
Scout:
Nah. I’ve got to go meet Jake.
Nicholas:
Okay.
He starts to walk off, picking up the call.
Nicholas:
Hello? Yeah, just hang on a minute,
okay? Thanks.
Scout watches, curious, but then starts to go.
Nicholas cont’d: Hey, Scout, tell Jake I need to talk to her, okay?
Scout: Okay.
Scout raises his eyebrows as he realized what Nicholas
said. Nicholas doesn’t notice
though. He takes his phone call and
exits around the same corner from which he came.
(cut to): Nicholas’ apartment
as he enters. He closes the door, pacing
around as he talks.
Nicholas: I
thought those boys were a little too dressed-up and cologne-covered to be
“hanging out.”
(cut
to): Bella, talking quietly in the kitchen.
We cut between the two of them.
Bella: Anyway, I’m sorry I can’t
come over. I’ve been looking forward to
it all week.
Nicholas:
Maybe tomorrow instead?
Bella:
Sounds great, but I’ll miss you tonight.
Nicholas:
Well, I could crash the party. You know,
kick ass and take names. Send all those Rawley kids back to the dorms then take you into a closet
for a little seven minutes in heaven.
Bella blushes.
Bella:
That’s actually a pretty good cover.
Nicholas:
Then let’s call it a date. I’ll show up around…oh,
let’s say
Bella: How
about eight?
Nicholas laughs.
Nicholas:
Well, technically, curfew isn’t until nine.
Besides, I hate to deny the boys a little fun. They looked like they needed it. Especially Scout.
Bella:
Really? I’m so out of the loop. Grace and Dexter told me
Nicholas:
What?
Bella:
Yeah. I’m thinking it must be some sort
of dean-inspired cover up. There’s no
other explanation.
Nicholas:
Jacqueline was really upset the last time I saw her, but then she took off
before we talked. I’ve been trying to
catch up with her ever since.
Bella:
Weird. I’ve tried her cell a few times,
but she didn’t answer the call.
Nicholas: I
guess we’ll figure all that out in time.
Meanwhile, is
Bella: Only
if we eventually get to watch the sun rise together.
Nicholas:
Deal. I’ll see you at
She laughs.
Bella: Okay.
Nicholas: I
love you.
Bella: Me
too. Bye.
Nicholas:
Bye.
They hang up as Dexter and Grace enter the kitchen
holding hands.
Grace: Who
was that?
Bella: No
one. Let’s get this over with.
She turns and walks out the door. Grace gives Dexter a look that says she
thinks her sister is crazy then pulls him out the door too.
(cut to): the gates of Rawley. Scout
approaches, looking around. Out of
nowhere, Jake grabs him and pulls him into a patch of woods. It’s twilight now
and hard to see.
Scout: God,
you scared the hell out of me.
He puts his hand on his chest, taking a deep, calming
breath. As his eyes adjust to the
light, Scout looks at Jake more carefully.
The camera pans down and we can see her outfit. She’s got on a dark, denim mini-skirt and a
one-shouldered black tank top. She looks
fierce and her low black heels just add to it.
Her make-up looks as it did before, but her hair has been styled to flip
out rather than her typical greased back look.
Scout is kind of in awe.
Jake: What?
Scout:
Nothing.
He’s still staring.
Jake: You’re
gawking again, you know.
Scout: I
know. It’s just that…I’ve seen you as
Jacqueline, but this…this is like…Jacqueline gone wild.
Jake: This
is Jacqueline doesn’t care…Jacqueline doesn’t give a rat’s ass…Jacqueline
doesn’t give a flying f—
Scout: I get
the picture.
He looks at her again as she rocks slightly from side
to side.
Scout cont’d:
Oh, um, Mr. Mann knows about you.
Jake: Yeah,
he’s my brother.
Scout:
Oh…okay.
He’s very confused, but seems more interested in her
physical well-being as she stumbles slightly from nothing more than standing
there. He speaks slowly, keeping his
eyes on her.
Scout cont’d:
I guess that explains why he wanted you to call him.
Jake: He’ll
be waiting awhile on that one.
A slight beat.
Jake cont’d:
So are you ready yet?
Scout: Um…
He looks at her then at the bike.
Jake: Oh,
and I’ve reconsidered. Tonight, you
drive.
She hands over the keys.
Scout: Are
you sure?
Jake: While
I’d love to sit up front in this skirt…driving in these heels is damn near
impossible.
He seems uncomfortable with this plan.
Scout: Don’t
be offended, but…have you been…drinking?
Jake shrugs and pulls out a brown paper bag from the
storage compartment on the bike. She
hands it over. Scout takes it and pulls
out a bottle of Absolute. There’s about
two inches missing.
Scout cont’d:
You drank all this?
Jake:
There’s still plenty left for the party.
She takes it back and puts it into the compartment.
Scout: How’d
you even get this?
Jake: Fake
I.D.
Scout raises his eyebrows.
Jake: I enrolled myself in
Scout: Maybe
going to this party isn’t the best idea right now.
Jake: Maybe
not, but we’re still going so hop on and let’s ride.
He looks down at the keys in his hands. He looks at the bike. He can’t resist.
Scout: Okay,
but…be sure to hang on. Ham would never
forgive me.
He’s said it without thinking and when he does, a look
of regret covers his face. Rather than
say anything, Jake picks up two helmets from the ground on the other side of
the bike, handing one to Scout. They put
the helmets on then climb on. Scout
starts it up and they head off.
(cut to): Sean’s house. There are cars parked in the yard and on the
street. Someone pulls out of the
driveway just as Tyson and Will pull up in Will’s
car. Will pulls the car into the
driveway. The boys get out.
Finn: Mr. Krudski…this is not exactly what I had in mind when I
suggested you mentor Mr. Carter.
We zoom out to a wider shot of the sidewalk to find
Finn, Johanna, Meagan, Mark and a stroller heading in the direction of Will and
Tyson.
Will: Finn…
Tyson and Will trade a look as the gang walks up to
them. We can now see Jacey
asleep in the stroller.
Meagan: Hi,
Will.
Will: Hi,
Meagan. Mark. Ms. Ryan…er, uh…Mrs. Finn.
Mark: Who’s
that guy?
Meagan:
Don’t be rude.
Tyson: I’m
Tyson.
Johanna:
Nice to meet you. We’ve heard a lot
about you.
Mark: Oh,
you’re that guy from
Tyson:
That’s me.
Mark: See, I
pay attention.
Meagan turns to Finn.
Meagan: Can
we go wait on the corner while you lecture these two?
Finn defers to Johanna.
Johanna:
Just stay in the light where I can see you.
Meagan:
Okay. Let’s go.
Mark follows her to a lit corner half a block from Sean’s
house.
Tyson: Cute
kids.
Finn: Not as
cute as two high school students trying to figure out if they’re in trouble or
not.
Will laughs.
Will: We can
go back to the dorms if you want. I just
thought it would be good for Tyson to see how these two worlds can fit
together. And there’s a girl he’d like
to see, though I doubt she’ll be here tonight since she’s on a date with Ham
tonight.
Finn tilts his head.
Finn:
Jacqueline?
Will:
Alyssa.
Tyson: Who’s
Jacqueline?
Will:
Finn: I’m
shocked.
Tyson: So
shocked you can forget you ever saw us here?
Finn laughs.
Finn: Saw
who where?
A beat as everyone smiles slightly at the joke.
Finn cont’d:
Well, good luck with the girl. I had a
crush on a girl in high school, too.
Never spoke a word to her.
He glances at Johanna.
Johanna: And
he ended up happily married to her.
Finn smiles at her then at the boys.
Finn cont’d:
Anyway, see you Monday.
He looks at Will.
Finn cont’d:
Be safe. And, call me if you need a
ride.
Will: Okay.
They start to walk off. Finn grabs Will’s
shoulder.
Finn: I’m
serious.
Will nods.
(cut to): the kids.
Mark: Man, I
wanted to hear what happened. Do you
think they got in big trouble?
Meagan: I
doubt it. Finn’s not really that type of
teacher.
Mark: Oh,
here they come now.
Meagan: Do
you think this is where your brother is tonight?
Mark:
Probably. He’s such a loser. I heard him talking on the phone the other
day about getting high.
Meagan: Like
by marijuana?
Mark: I
guess.
Meagan: What an idiot.
Mark:
Yeah. Hey?
Meagan: Yes?
Mark: Can I
hold your hand in front of your mom and Finn?
Meagan smiles and holds out her hand. Mark takes it as Finn and Johanna walk up
with Jacey still asleep in the stroller. Finn and Johanna notice the hand, but don’t
say anything as the group walks off.
(cut to): Tyson and Will as
they approach Sean’s. There are a few
people on the porch and we can hear music coming from inside.
Tyson: So do
we have the coolest teachers ever or is this all going to come back to bit me
in the ass later?
Will: I
guess it depends on what happens tonight.
Just follow Finn’s advice and everything should be just fine.
Tyson nods. They walk up the steps and onto the
porch. Some kids from town greet both of
them.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: You got questions, Ninja got
answers.
(fade in): to an establishing
shot of Sean’s house. The music is a
little louder. There are a few more
cars. Jake’s motorcycle pulls up with Scout
driving. Everyone on the porch turns to
look as Jake hops off the bike. Scout
puts down the kickstand. They both take
off their helmets and leave them with the bike, Jake trading hers for the paper
bag from the storage compartment. Jake
(not quite Jacqueline tonight) definitely has all male attention. She walks up the steps with confidence as
Scout trails behind her.
(cut to): inside. In the living room, Tyson has joined up with
Grace and Dexter. They are talking to
some kids from town. They look up as Scout
and Jake enter.
(cut to): a shot from their
point of view. They are far enough away
so as not to be able to see clearly.
Tyson: Don’t
tell me there’s another gorgeous girl willing to go out with that creep.
Dexter is nonplussed.
Dexter: What
is she doing?
Tyson:
Right? That’s what I’m saying.
(cut to): Scout and
Jake. They part ways, speaking words we
cannot hear.
(cut to): Tyson, Dexter and
Grace.
Grace:
Doesn’t look like they’re really together.
Dexter: No,
they’re just friends.
Tyson: Good,
then I’m going to talk to her. She looks like my type.
Dexter: I
doubt it.
Tyson: Why?
Dexter:
She’s way too complicated.
Tyson shrugs and starts to get up. Dexter grabs his arm. Grace is curious about the action, but
doesn’t say anything.
Dexter:
Look, can we just have an evening without any Scout drama.
Tyson: He’s
not involved. You said yourself—
Dexter: If
you go talk to her, he will be involved.
You know that. In fact, that’s
probably why you want to do it.
Tyson smiles sheepishly and folds his arms. He’ll stay right here.
Tyson: She is fine, though.
Grace let’s out a displeased sigh.
Grace: Do
you have to objectify women like that?
It’s so…boring.
Tyson looks reprimanded. The whole group sits silently.
(cut to): the kitchen. Sean and Jill stand with Bella. They are mid-conversation.
Bella: I
can’t believe that
Jill: Even
the strong fall sometimes.
Sean: Jake
must be a wreck.
Jill: I
wouldn’t know. She won’t talk to me.
Bella: I
tried to call her a few times, too. She
didn’t pick up.
Sean: Maybe
she just wants to be left alone right now.
Jake: Or
maybe she’s only talking to people she trusts right now.
They all turn to see Jake in the doorway.
Sean:
Whoa. Jake?
Bella: I’ve
been trying to call you.
Jake: I
know. I was ignoring you.
Bella is shocked, but Jill just plain doesn’t get it.
Jill:
Okay. I know you’re pissed at me.
I know why. I even think you have a right to be. But…what the
hell did Bella do? She didn’t even know
anything about all this until today.
Jake: Of course
she didn’t. She was probably too busy
with her boyfriend.
Sean trades a look with Bella. Jill doesn’t notice, but Jake does.
Jake cont’d:
And they trade a furtive glance.
Jake shakes her head then looks at Bella.
Jake cont’d:
You told Sean before you told me?
She sighs. Jill
is confused. She looks at Sean with
raised eyebrows.
Jake cont’d:
You know, I had this moment today where I thought I was just being really
selfish and whiny, and maybe I am, but…
She shakes her head.
Jake cont’d:
You guys really suck.
Dexter slips into the kitchen. He looks at Jake, concerned, but doesn’t say
anything yet. Jake rolls her eyes.
Jake: Not
you too, Dexter.
Dexter:
What’s in that bag?
Everyone turns their attention to the bag.
Jake:
B.Y.O.B., right?
Jake hands the paper bag to Sean then exits. They all look at each other, dazed.
(cut to): the back
porch. Will is talking to a few local
boys. They walk off as Scout exits onto
the porch, finding Will.
Will: You
made it.
Scout: Yeah,
hey, can you help me keep an eye on Jake?
She was drinking before we even left school.
Will nods.
Will:
Sure. Where is she?
Scout: I
don’t know.
Will laughs.
Will: I
think that tops the list of things you don’t want to hear a chaperone say.
Scout: I
know, but she wanted to go say hi to everyone.
And…I guess I never realized how…convincingly bossy she can be…at least
when intoxicated. I mean, you’re
completely right. Why would I let her
wander off alone?
He sighs.
Scout cont’d:
She shouldn’t even be here.
Will: She deserves to come out and have some
fun. Isn’t
Scout: Yeah,
I guess so. I almost feel
responsible. I mean, if I hadn’t met Aly this summer—
Will: Then
she’d still be here. It wasn’t like she
came here for you.
Scout nods, a little hurt by the bluntness. A beat.
Scout: Well,
I’m going to go find Jake.
He backs toward the door.
Scout cont’d:
Oh, and she’s dressed like a girl so be careful how you refer to her.
Will:
Gotcha.
Scout exits as a few more townies come up to Will.
(cut to): the parking lot of
Alyssa: You
have been such a gentleman tonight…even if you were “out of practice.”
Alyssa:
Something else my mom would disapprove of.
Alyssa nods.
Alyssa: A
lady always allows herself to be kissed.
Alyssa: Alyssa looks back up. She cannot match the look.
Alyssa: Tame
the intensity,
He takes a step back, awkwardly dropping his hands to
his sides.
Alyssa: It’s
okay. I like it, I think. I guess no one’s ever looked at me like that
before. It’s intimidating.
She is flattered, but does not know how to reply.
Alyssa doesn’t quite get it, but before she can ask:
Alyssa: It
doesn’t have to be.
(cut to): a few minutes later
as they drive down the road:
Alyssa wrinkles her nose.
Alyssa: The lake is nice, but…it can’t compare to the ocean.
Hamilton furrows his brow, a little frustrated.
Alyssa: I
don’t mean to be difficult.
Alyssa: I
do.
Alyssa:
Sure.
Alyssa:
Sean? Is that Jill’s boyfriend?
Alyssa: It
sounds great, but I don’t know how welcome we’ll be.
He laughs.
Alyssa: I’m
disappointed.
Though his cheeks are flush, he doesn’t take his eyes off the road.
Alyssa:
Sounds like fun.
Hamilton smiles, glad to have finally pleased
her. Alyssa thinks of something.
Alyssa cont’d:
We won’t run into your ex-girlfriend, will we?
(cut to): an establishing
shot of Sean’s house. The party is picking up.
(cut to): The dining
room. Several people are standing
around, listening to music. Jake is one
of them. She is at the stereo that is
sitting on the dining room table. She pulls out a CD from her purse and puts it
in. Avril Lavigne pours out of the player. Scout walks up to her.
Scout: Hey.
She smiles.
Jake: I love
this C.D. She’s so, grrr….
She puts a hand up like a cat’s clawed paw.
Jake cont’d:
…angry, you know?
Scout: Do
you want to hang out in here for awhile?
Listen to some music?
He pulls out a few dining room chairs. Jake sinks into
one.
Jake: Sounds
good.
Relieved, Scout sits down next to her.
(cut to): Tyson and Will are
talking in the living room. They have a
view of the dining room and Tyson keeps looking over Will’s shoulder to get a
glimpse of Jake. Will finally looks. He rolls his
eyes, looking for a cover. He decides
on:
Will: Her
name is Jacqueline.
Tyson:
Jacqueline. Beautiful.
Will:
Tyson: So that’s Ham’s girl.
Will:
Ex-girl. He’s with
Alyssa now, remember?
Tyson: Dude,
he’s with her on a date, but he’s not “with her” with her. It’s not like they’re not married.
Will: So,
I’m confused, are you into Alyssa or Jacqueline?
Tyson: Oh,
I’m into Alyssa, but this Jacqueline girl intrigues me from afar. I guess it’s just the appeal of the unknown.
Will laughs. A beat.
Will: You
know, Sean’s got an X-Box up in his room if you want
to check it out.
Tyson: Halo?
Will:
Obviously.
Tyson: Yeah,
all right.
They take off together.
(cut to): the kitchen. Sean, Jill and Bella sit at the kitchen
table. Jill is eating a bowl of ice
cream. Bella and Sean are silently
playing a game of checkers.
Jill: Do you
guys think I should find her and try to talk to her?
Sean: She
was really pissed.
Sean moves a piece.
Bella: I
agree; you should probably wait until tomorrow.
Bella double jumps Sean. Jill takes a bite of ice cream.
Jill: I wish
I could wave a magic wand and fix all this crap.
Sean: Should
I start sending everyone home?
Bella glances at the clock.
Bella: It’s
only ten-thirty.
A group of guys runs through, bursting noisily out the
back door.
Sean: I
don’t know. Maybe I’m getting uptight.
Jill and Bella laugh.
A beat.
Jill: So,
who’s the boyfriend?
Bella and Sean glance at each other.
Jill cont’d:
And there’s that furtive glance Jake was talking about.
Bella: If I
can just be honest…I really don’t want to talk about this.
Jill: But—
Before she can continue, Will and Tyson enter.
Will: Hey,
Sean?
Sean: Yeah?
Will: Think Ty and I can play some Halo?
Sean: Sure.
My room’s locked.
He reaches into his pocket and tosses Will a set of keys.
Sean: It’s
been forever since I’ve played Halo.
Jill: I’ll
take over checkers if you want to go play.
Sean considers it, wondering if he can leave Jill with
Bella.
Sean: Sounds
good actually. Bella, do you mind if I
tag out on this game?
Bella: Not
at all.
Sean stands up as Jill scoots over her ice cream and
takes his place.
(cut to): the dining
room. Jake and Scout
still sit at the table. They are
mid-conversation:
Jake: And
she just completely ignored that fact that I
called her. She just went off on this
long spiel about how she and Greg are going to get married and have another
baby and “do it right.” How can she not
see how insulting that is? How can she
not realize that she hurt my feelings?
Scout: Did
you tell her she hurt your feelings?
Jake: No.
Scout: You
should.
Jake opens her purse and pulls out her cell
phone. She starts to dial, but Scout
takes the phone from her.
Scout cont’d:
Tomorrow.
He slowly puts the phone back in her purse, watching
to make sure she doesn’t take it again.
Jake: You
know, Scout, you’re the only one who cares about me.
Scout smiles.
Scout: I’m
sure that’s not true.
Jake scoffs and looks around to show the absence of
everyone else.
Jake: It’s
true. Can you get me another drink?
Scout: No.
Jake:
Okay. I’ll get one for you.
She stands up.
Jake cont’d:
Where’d I put that booze?
Scout stands up.
Scout: Let’s
just sit down and talk some more.
Jake: Pass.
She walks out of the room, leaving Scout to chase behind
her.
(cut to): the living
room. Dexter and Grace sit cozily on a love seat.
They watch as Jake swaggers by with Scout at her heels. Grace shakes her head.
Grace: So
did she dump
Dexter looks at her, not sure of what she knows.
Dexter: I
guess she broke up with him.
Grace cont’d:
You’d think if you were a girl pretending to be a boy you’d hang on to what you
have.
Dexter stares at her, not knowing what to say.
Grace cont’d:
What? I’m not oblivious, you know.
Dexter: I know.
Grace:
Granted, it took me awhile. I always
knew
Grace laughs.
Grace:
Please. Name someone who doesn’t know.
Dexter: The
dean.
Grace laughs.
Grace: If
she keeps parading around like that, he will know.
A beat as Dexter considers this.
Grace cont’d:
Anyway, now that we finally ditched Tyson…you want to go for a walk or
something?
Dexter smiles.
Dexter:
Sounds great.
(cut to): outside. Dexter and Grace walk
out the front door and down the steps as Ben Hudson walks up to them.
Ben: Gracie,
I haven’t seen you out and about in awhile.
Grace: I’ve
been busy.
She smiles at Dexter, but he looks intimidated.
Ben:
What? With this loser?
He quickly grabs Dexter’s glasses and puts them on.
Ben cont’d:
How do you even see out of these things?
He laughs and looks at Grace.
Ben cont’d: I
guess even Grace Banks looks all right when you’ve got these things on.
Grace pushes him and grabs the glasses back.
Grace: Why
don’t you just crawl back under that rock, huh?
She hands Dexter his glasses back.
Ben: You
want to go with me? I can do more for
you than four-eyes here.
Grace: Did I
time travel back into the 1960’s? I
think that’s the last time it was cool to make fun of people with glasses.
Ben turns his attention to Dexter. Tyson exits through the front door.
Ben: Must be
nice to have a girl who fights your battles for you.
Tyson: Must
suck to have a penis so small you need to pick on other people to be able to
sleep at night.
Ben turns, angry.
Ben: Who the
hell are you?
Tyson:
Someone who doesn’t take crap off bullies.
You got a problem?
He steps up to Ben, standing off. Ben laughs.
Ben: Nice
after-school special you landed, Gracie.
I’ll catch you later…when you wise up and ditch the loser squad.
He pushes past Tyson and goes into the house.
Grace:
Stupid pot head.
Tyson looks from Grace to Dexter.
Tyson: Who
was that jerk-off?
Grace: Ben
Hudson.
Dexter: Note
to self: get my dad to delete his identity.
Tyson: Can
he really do that?
Dexter shrugs.
Dexter: He’s
got access to the right databases.
Tyson:
Remind me never to piss you off.
Everyone laughs.
A beat.
Tyson:
Anyway, I was coming to see if you want to play some Halo.
Dexter: Oh,
um…
He looks at Grace.
Grace: Go
ahead. I need some fresh air
anyway.
Dexter: If
that guy comes back—
Grace: I’ll
kick him in the testicles.
Tyson laughs.
Dexter smiles and gives her a peck on the cheek. He heads inside with Tyson. Grace looks around at the night sky then back
at the house where the party rages on.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: Aliens, ghosts and other weird stuff.
If you’re a fan, check out Coast
to Coast.
(fade in): to an establishing
shot of Sean’s house.
(cut to): the back porch
where Scout and Jake sit in lawn chairs.
Jake is sipping another drink from a plastic cup. Scout does not seem to approve. She is mid-story. Scout is trying to listen through the
slurring.
Jake: I
mean, I know it’s the type of thing you’d want to keep a secret, but I told him
my big secret. And her, I can’t even
believe her.
Scout: What
are you even talking about? Who has a
secret? Who can’t you believe?
Jake: Why
are you asking me so many questions?
Scout: I’m
just trying to understand what you’re talking about.
Jake: Yeah,
well, it’s none of your business.
Scout: I
thought I was the only one you could trust.
She smiles.
Jake:
Yeah…you are. Scout…my best friend…my
only friend.
She wraps an arm around him, putting her head on his
shoulder.
Jake cont’d:
I could just kiss you.
She turns her head to his.
Jake cont’d:
Would you want me to kiss you?
Scout chokes back a laugh as he tries to hold eye
contact with Jake.
Scout: Ask me that sometime when you’re sober, okay?
Jake looks down into her drink.
Jake: I
don’t blame you. I’m pretty unwanted
all-around these days.
Scout looks at her, concerned.
Jake cont’d:
I’ll be right back.
She stands up.
Scout stands up right next to her.
Scout: Where
are you going?
Jake: I’ve got
to pee.
Scout: Okay,
let’s find the bathroom.
Jake: Scout,
come on. I’m not that wasted. I can find a toilet. I’ll be right back.
He doesn’t like it.
Jake cont’d:
Relax…I’ll be so quick.
She looks off nostalgically for a moment, giving
herself a little chuckle. She turns back
to Scout and pushes him back down into his chair.
Jake cont’d:
I’ll be right back. I swear.
Scout nods. Jake heads off into the house. Scout watches her for as long as he can see
her then gets up to try and follow her.
(cut to): inside. Jake walks in and out of the crowd. Scout enters the house, but is too late. He weaves in and out of people, but he cannot
catch up to Jake nor can he find her at all.
He runs his hands through his hair.
(cut to):
(cut to): a shot inside the
car.
Alyssa: A
sign of what?
Alyssa smiles, tucking her hair behind her ear.
Alyssa: Uh
huh.
Alyssa:
Okay…should I take that as a compliment?
He reconsiders the wording and his own dream involving
Alyssa.
Alyssa smiles.
Alyssa: You
are very, very welcome. And thank you
for saying yes.
He cuts off the car and starts to get out. Alyssa touches his arm to get his attention.
Alyssa: No
rush. Let’s just sit here for a few
minutes.
At first,
Alyssa: You
learn fast.
They come together again, intensifying the kiss. We pan over to the house and up to an
upstairs window.
(cut to): an upstairs
bedroom, probably a guest room. Several
kids are sitting around. We find
Jacqueline sprawled out on the bed. A
window is opened above the bed. Also in
the mix is Ben. He leans against the
foot of the bed. It is Ben who pulls out
a joint and lights it. He puts it to his
lips and inhales deeply. The boy next to
him reaches for it, but Ben holds it out toward Jake.
Ben: Yo, rich girl, you want a hit?
Even Jake’s drunken confidence can’t hold up to
this. She looks at the joint,
considering the offer, but not really wanting it.
Ben cont’d:
Typical Rawley bitch.
Jake laughs.
Jake: You
have no idea, townie. You have no idea.
She takes the joint and takes a deep drag. She coughs as she hands it off to the boy who
wanted it before. Ben crawls over so
that he is now by her head. She leans
over on her elbow as he speaks to her.
Ben:
Nice. You know, for a Rawley bitch, you’re pretty hot.
Jake: Yeah,
you too.
She pats his shoulder.
He leans in quickly, kissing her.
She starts to protest, but then kisses him back. She grabs his neck, pulling him closer. When they part, he sits back down on the
floor, taking his joint from a girl sitting a few feet away. Jake lays back on the bed, starting up at the
ceiling. Ben takes a
drag then talks to Jake over his shoulder.
Ben: You
know, my house is only a few blocks from here.
Jake: Oh,
yeah?
(cut to): a closer shot of
Jake as she slowly opens and closes her eyes.
She smiles as she turns her head to look out the window.
Ben:
Yeah.
He takes another drag and passes off the now tiny
joint to Jake. He watches her carefully
as she takes another drag and hands it back to him.
Ben cont’d:
I’ve never banged a Rawley bitch.
He takes the last hit then leans up and over Jake,
tossing the very small portion that remains out the window. Jake watches him as he stops just above her
face.
Ben: What do
you say?
She picks her head up, kissing him. He smiles.
Ben cont’d:
I’ll take that as a yes.
He gets up, helping her to her feet.
(cut to): the hallway. Scout is going from room to room, looking for
Jake. He finds her as she and Ben exit
the guestroom. She makes eye contact
with Scout, but tries to walk past him.
Scout: Hey.
Ben: Got a
problem, man?
Scout: Yeah,
I…
He sniffs a few times.
Scout cont’d:
Have you been smoking marijuana?
He looks at Jake, but Ben is amused. He laughs loudly. Jake smiles sheepishly.
Scout cont’d:
We’re going.
He tries to take Jake’s arm, but Ben pushes his hand
away.
Ben: Sorry,
this is my score tonight.
Scout: Sorry, this is…this is my girlfriend.
Ben laughs.
Ben: Dude, I
just made out with your girlfriend.
Scout looks at Jake disapprovingly.
Scout: We’re
leaving.
He tries to take her hand again, but this time Ben
pushes Scout. Scout is angry, but tries
to control his temper. He looks to
Jake.
Scout
cont’d: Help me out here.
Jake doesn’t say anything.
(cut to): downstairs. Hamilton and Alyssa enter through the front
door. The stairs lead down to the front
door. At the top of the steps, we hear a
commotion as Alyssa and
(cut to): the top of the
stairs as Scout is trying to get Jake down the stairs while Ben tries to keep
her by his side.
Scout: Come
on. This is crazy. You’re being completely irresponsible
here.
Jake: I
don’t really think that’s your business.
She pokes him in the chest and teeters a little toward
the stairs.
(cut to): Hamilton and
Alyssa.
Alyssa:
Who’s that girl?
Alyssa nods.
Dexter, Tyson, Will, and Sean exit Sean’s bedroom down the hall. Jill,
Bella and Grace come together with Alyssa at the bottom of the stairs. A crowd is gathering to watch the scene.
(cut to): the top of the
stairs as
He looks Jake in the eyes.
Jake starts to answer, swaying toward Scout. Scout catches her, tossing
Ben: Um, I
hate to break up the family reunion here, but the lady and I were just about
to—
Jake: What’d
you just say?
Ben: I said
the lady and I—
Jake cuts him off by laughing hysterically. She looks at
Scout: Ya think?
Ben: She’s
been doing more than that, pretty boy.
Who are you anyway?
He takes her arm, but she resists. By now the girls at the bottom of the stairs
have climbed a few steps, Jill purposefully blocking Alyssa’s view. Down the hall, the guys are watching
intensely. Sean steps up.
Ben: I don’t
know what your problem is, buddy, but we’re leaving.
Sean has made his way into the mix. Before Ben can lead Jake away, Sean grabs him
by the collar and arm and leads him down the stairs. Ben starts to protest, but Sean is strong and
Ben is wasted.
Ben: This is
trash. The Rawley
bitch wants me, don’t you?
He looks over his shoulder, now at the bottom of the
stairs in Sean’s grip.
(cut to): Jake. She has tuned Ben out. She now looks only at
Jake: Isn’t that obvious?
He searches her eyes for the meaning
behind her words. He licks his lips,
unsure.
Jake laughs and glances over at
Scout. Everyone is watching the scene,
uncomfortable.
Jake: He wants to know what he should do.
She laughs again, but the laugh soon
turns into a soft sob.
Jake cont’d: Tell him what he should do, Scout.
Hamilton looks at Scout, very confused,
but also concerned.
Scout: Don’t worry about it. I got
this one.
Scout: Seriously. I’ll get her back to
the dorms safely.
Hamilton
nods, trusting him, but still unsure about Jake’s behavior.
Scout: It doesn’t matter. All this is
over, starting now, okay?
Jake: Over?
Scout: Come on, Jacqueline.
Jake: Ohhhhh-ver.
What a mean word.
Scout puts an arm on her shoulder,
leading her away. He notices Alyssa with
the crowd at the bottom. He looks back
at
Scout: Maybe you should go down first.
You know, do some crowd control?
Hamilton nods, getting it.
He looks at Jake one more time, sorry to
go. Inevitably, though, he does go. Jake watches him walk down the stairs until
Scout catches her attention.
Scout: What the hell were you thinking, huh?
Smoking pot?
Jake: Oh, please. I’ve done worse.
Scout: Like what?
Jake: Like letting you drive my bike.
You better not have screwed it up.
This signals another alarm for
Scout. He can’t get Jake home on the
bike. Sean runs back up the stairs.
Sean: I walked that idiot halfway back to his house.
Scout: Thanks, man.
Sean: Is everything okay now?
Scout: Everything would be better if I had a vehicle other than a motorcycle
to get her home with.
Sean pulls out his keys and hands them
to Scout.
Sean: Take the truck. You can come
back in the morning and trade back.
Scout: You’re a lifesaver.
Scout takes the keys.
Jake: More like a liar.
Sean tilts his head until he understands
that Jake is referring to the situation with Bella.
Sean: Hey, come on…she’s been my friend forever...I couldn’t betray her.
Scout is wickedly confused, but doesn’t
even want to get into it.
Scout: You can finish this conversation another time. Let’s go.
He gently guides Jake toward the
stairs. She stumbles a little, but
eventually gets it together enough to walk down the stairs. Everyone (minus Hamilton and Alyssa) watches
them go.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: Are you a fan of Captain Picard? If so, you’ll love this.
(fade in): to an
establishing shot of Mark’s house. Ben
is sitting on the steps drinking a bottle of beer. He looks disgruntled.
(cut to): the
street as Johanna’s car pulls up. Finn
is driving, Meagan sits in the back and Mark is up front. Mark opens the door and hops out, waving
goodbye to Meagan and Finn. He walks up
to the front steps, slowing as he examines his brother. Finn waits for him to get safely inside.
Mark: Hey. I guess Mom never got
home.
Ben: Bitch said she was staying in
Mark is appalled on all levels, but then
he notices the beer.
Mark: You shouldn’t be drinking.
Ben: I do what I want.
Mark: …much less sitting out here drinking.
Ben: Did you not hear me?
He stands up, approaching Mark. Mark takes a step back.
Ben cont’d: I said I do what I want.
He emphasizes the last few words by
poking Mark’s chest with each one. Mark
rubs the spot.
Mark: Ow.
Ben: Owwww…wittle baby huwt?
Mark tightens his two hands into fists,
getting angry. By now, Finn has turned
off the car and walked up.
Finn: Is there a problem here?
He glances at the beer.
Ben: If there is, what are you going to do about it?
Finn: You’ll be lucky if I don’t call the cops.
Ben laughs.
Ben: Go ahead. The cop on duty
tonight bought pot from me a few days ago so…
Ben shrugs.
Ben cont’d: I really doubt he’s going to care about my beer.
Finn turns to Mark.
Finn: Go get in the car.
Mark stares at his brother for a moment
then turns toward the car. Ben watches
him for a minute then takes a step toward Finn.
Ben: Maybe I’ll call the cops. I
mean, you’re kind of kidnapping my brother.
Finn: You don’t deserve the label “brother” tonight, Ben.
He gives him a pointed look then walks
away. Ben laughs until Finn is far enough
away then he drops into a scowl. He
takes the last sip of his beer then throws the bottle into the shrubs.
(cut to): an
establishing shot of Sean’s house. The
party has died down a little, but the music is still blaring and people are
still hanging around on the porch.
(cut to): the
kitchen. A clock on the wall reads
Will: Things are changing, Bella.
Bella: Tell me about it.
Will: Everything feels wrong.
Bella: I wouldn’t go that far.
She smiles to herself, glancing at the
clock again.
Will: I guess you’re right.
He jumps one of her checkers.
Will cont’d: Although things would be better if New Rawley had a portal to
Bella: Or to the future. I could use about
five years right now.
Will nods, smiling. Bella glances at the clock again.
Bella: Even an hour would do.
Will looks up at the clock then back at
Bella curiously as she moves one of her checkers.
(cut to):
Dexter, Tyson, Grace, Sean and Jill sitting around in Sean’s room. Jill sits on the bed where the pillow
normally lies. Sean lays
with his head in her lap. Grace and
Dexter sit against a wall, but Dexter is asleep on her shoulder. Tyson leans back in the chair at Sean’s desk.
Grace: How sad is it that you have to hide out at your own party?
Sean: I know. I don’t know what I was
thinking having this party.
Jill: Maybe you were trying to recapture your youth.
Sean laughs.
Sean: Maybe.
A beat.
Tyson: Well, I hung out with Dexter, played video games…and now I’m sitting
around in a super-little room doing nothing.
Story of my life lately.
A beat as everyone nods.
Tyson: Not that I’m complaining. A
year ago I was living in a cramped apartment in
Grace yawns audibly. Sean and Jill look at her disapprovingly.
Grace: What? Did you really want to
hear Ty’s “rags to riches” speech. Because, and Sean I know you feel me here, I live in a freaking gross garage in a
godforsaken little hell hole of a hamlet with my overprotective dad and
overly-flaky sister so…forgive me if I don’t want to hear about what’s good in Tyson’s life.
Tyson laughs a little.
Tyson: Okay, point taken.
Sean: So what do you want to hear
about?
Grace: Give me misery and suffering. Unhappy endings. Plague and Pestilence.
I don’t care. Something that
makes me feel better about my life.
Tyson: Other than Dexter, of course.
Grace smiles at Dexter who is still
asleep.
Grace: He doesn’t count unless he’s conscious.
A beat as everyone watches Dexter,
expecting him to wake up. When he
doesn’t:
Tyson: Okay, Grace, I’ve got something for you. Even though I go to Rawley
and all…I still have to put up with idiots like Scout Calhoun.
Jill and Sean trade a look.
Sean: What’s your beef with Scout?
Tyson: He’s just given me a hard time over the whole roommate thing. It’s not like I asked to room with Will.
Grace: Plus he screwed that girl you have the hots
for.
Jill: What girl?
Sean sighs at her interest.
Grace: Oh, Clarissa, Melissa, Marissa…whatever her name is.
Jill: Alyssa? Tyson…say it isn’t so.
Tyson: Why?
Jill: She’s just...the worst roommate ever.
Grace: Is she a slob or something?
Jill laughs.
Jill: I wish. She’s just…I mean,
can’t you see she’s a complete skank?
Grace shrugs.
Grace: I could see that.
Tyson: I think she’s amazing.
Jill: Oh, and why’s that?
Tyson: Well…
He smiles wistfully as he thinks of her.
Tyson cont’d: I hear she has this art thing going on. I mean, you’ve got to love a girl that can
produce works of art almost as stunning as she is.
Sean: That is true.
He looks at Jill with a smile, but she
doesn’t notice. Grace makes a gagging
noise. Jill smiles in agreement with
Grace’s take.
Tyson cont’d: Plus she’s smarter than anyone else in Finn’s
Victorian class. And, let’s face it, the
girl is a goddess. She’s got that strikingly beautiful face…and
that hot little body…
Jill: You know, she must be a witch. That’s the only explanation. How else do you fool so many guys into
thinking you’re something other than, like I said before, a complete and total skank.
Grace laughs.
Grace: Preach it.
Tyson: You girls are harsh.
Sean: I second that.
(cut to): an
establishing shot of Finn and Johanna’s house.
(cut to): the
living room. Mark is lying on the couch
under a crocheted blanket. A lamp is on
next to him, providing light as he reads.
The rest of the house is quiet and seems to be asleep. After a moment of Mark reading, Meagan makes
her way down the stairs. Mark smiles and
closes his book, sitting up on the couch.
Meagan sits next to him.
Meagan: I’m sorry your brother was mean to you.
Mark shrugs.
Mark: He wasn’t himself.
Meagan: Does your mom know about the stuff he does?
Mark looks off.
Mark: I don’t really want to talk about this junk. I mean, it’s a part of me, I guess. My family and the dumb things they do,
but…it’s not really me, you know?
A beat as Meagan nods. She swallows, looking at Mark who is now
looking down. She leans forward and
plants a gentle kiss on his cheek. Both
cheeks instantly turn red. A beat as
Mark reaches into a backpack laying beside the
couch. He pulls out a small box wrapped
messily in pink paper. Meagan looks at
him with tilted head.
Mark: What? Just because you had your
birthday party last weekend…did you think I forgot? August twenty-ninth.
Meagan: I did think you forgot.
Mark: Happy twelfth birthday.
Meagan: You already gave me a present.
Mark laughs.
Mark: Please. A video rental gift
card…did you really think that’s all I got you?
Meagan shrugs. Mark hands her the box then pulls out an
envelope.
Mark cont’d: You can read this later. It just says a bunch of dumb mushy
stuff. I mean, mushy stuff that I mean
with all my heart, but…just…just read it later, okay?
Meagan looks at the card curiously, but
sets it aside. She looks down at the box
again.
Mark cont’d: Okay. Open it.
Meagan carefully pulls open the paper to
find a jewelry box inside. She lifts
open the lid and discovers what looks like a handmade friendship bracelet. It is pink, purple and green. Meagan smiles, picking it up.
Meagan: Cool.
Then she sees that it holds a silver
charm. Upon closer inspection we see
that two m’s surround an ampersand (&).
Mark: I know it kind of looks like the M & M candy logo, but I mean, I
thought a heart would be lame and the guy said it was real silver and it would
never get tarnished if you polish occasionally and so I thought it would last a
long time which is what I hope will happen to us so I picked this…I hope you
like it, oh, and I made the bracelet myself even though my brother saw me a few
times and called me gay.
He takes a breath, poised to talk some
more.
Meagan: I like it.
Mark is surprised.
Mark: Really?
Meagan nods.
Meagan: It’s the most thoughtful thing anyone’s ever given
me.
Mark grins.
Mark: Cool.
Meagan: Very.
She takes it out and he helps her get it
on. She admires it.
Meagan cont’d: I’m never taking this off.
Mark: Never is a long time.
Meagan: Exactly.
A beat as Mark swallows hard then leans
in, this time kissing Meagan on her lips.
When they separate, they are both smiling. Meagan takes the card and the wrapping and
stands up.
Meagan: Well, goodnight.
Mark: Yeah…
He lays back
against the couch cushions, looking pleased with how everything went. Meagan is still smiling as she bounces up the
stairs.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: Why is insanely dumb
stuff sometimes entertaining?
(fade in): to
an establishing shot of the boys’ dorm.
(cut to):
inside as Scout leads Jake down a hallway.
She is stumbling and messy. Her
hair is matted down, covering most of her face.
She’s still dressed as a girl and Scout it trying to rush so as to avoid
running into anyone. Jake is not making
this an easy process. A few boys walk
by, but only cheer Scout on, not recognizing Jake. Scout breathes a sigh of relief as he opens
his own room door and gets Jake inside.
(cut to): a
shot inside Scout’s room.
Jake: Hey…
Scout leads Jake over to his bed and
gets her to sit down.
Jake: Hey…I said hey.
Scout: I heard you.
Jake: This isn’t my room.
Scout: I know. It’s mine.
Jake: Really? Have I been in here
before?
Scout thinks.
Scout: I don’t know…I don’t think—hey, it doesn’t matter.
Jake: Why not?
Jake stands up again, still wobbly.
Jake: I want to look around.
Scout: Bad idea.
He takes her shoulders and gets her to
sit down again.
Scout cont’d: I want to go get a couple of bottles of water and
maybe some food from the vending machines…do you think you’ll be okay here?
Jake laughs.
Jake: Of course.
Scout: Just sit here. I’ll be back by
the time you count to one hundred.
Jake: You want me to count to one hundred?
Scout: Uh, yeah…yeah, sure. Can you do
that for me?
Jake: Uh…huh…
She lays back
on his bed. He looks at her carefully as
she starts to count. Convinced she’ll
keep at it, he grabs a handful of change from a jar on his dresser then runs
out of the room.
(cut to): a
small room with a few vending machines.
Scout is holding two bottles of water and grabs a bag of chips from the
bottom of a snack machine. He quickly
exits the room and runs off down the hallway.
(cut to): the
corner of Scout’s hallway and another.
Nicholas walks down the hallway as Scout comes around the corner. They very nearly collide and Scout drops the
bottles of water.
Nicholas: Whoa, Scout, where’s the fire?
He chuckles as he helps pick up the
water.
Scout: Oh, Mr. Mann…man, I’m glad to see you, actually.
Nicholas looks curious.
Scout cont’d: It’s Jake…see, there was
this party and she—
Nicholas: She?
Scout: Hey, I didn’t call you on your flub earlier so…
Nicholas is confused.
Scout cont’d: You called Jake a she. Then Jake told me how you’re her brother so
you can drop the masquerade now and just…just come with me.
(cut to):
Scout’s room.
Jake: Eighty-nine…eighty-nine…seventy?
No, that’s wrong. Eighty-eight…eighty-nine…hmm.
Scout and Nicholas enter.
Jake cont’d: Oh, thank God you’re back. What, uh, what’s that number after
eighty-nine again?
She looks over to see Nicholas with
Scout.
Jake cont’d: What the hell is he
doing here?
Nicholas is confused by the animosity
and the situation in general.
Jake cont’d: Shouldn’t you be off having sex with Bella?
Nicholas is taken aback.
Nicholas: I…what?
Scout: Yeah…what?
Scout looks at Nicholas.
Jake: You are a very bad brother.
She puts her head back down and looks up
at the ceiling. Nicholas looks at Scout.
Nicholas: This is dangerous.
Scout: I’d say. I mean, are you
really…with Bella? I know she’s not a
student here, but…well, I suppose it
is legal. You know, I actually had a
suspicion of something like this. At prom. I guess it
was just this passing feeling. Maybe I’m
psychic or—
Nicholas: Scout. I’m
talking about the alcohol. How much has
she had?
Scout thinks for a moment.
Scout: Vodka: quarter of a bottle, beer: three…four…five...I don’t know how
many. A lot.
Jake: And I smoked.
Nicholas looks at Scout.
Nicholas: Smoked what?
Jake laughs.
Jake: Don’t tell him.
Nicholas is pretty horrified.
Nicholas: Are you serious?
This is…this is bad. This is
unacceptable.
Scout sighs.
Scout: Look, you’re her big brother, right?
Nicholas: Yeah…
Scout: So, stop being judgmental and sit here with her while I go pick up her
bike.
Jake: You left my bike?
Scout: Yeah, but I’m going to go get it, okay?
Jake: Hurry up.
Scout: Okay, but Mr. Mann, er, um, your brother is
going to stay here with you.
Jake: No…Scout…stay…
Scout: I have to go get your bike.
Jake: Oh, yeah, hurry.
Scout: Okay. So, Mr. Mann…
Nicholas: I don’t know…
Scout: You’re going to have to face this eventually.
Scout raises his eyebrows. Nicholas sighs.
Jake (emphatic): Go.
Scout looks at Nicholas.
Nicholas (matter-of-fact): Go.
Scout: Thanks.
Scout gives Jake one last glance then
heads out. Jake glares at Nicholas. Nicholas sits down on the foot of the bed.
Nicholas: Should I even bother asking how you found out?
Jake: I picked up your cell phone in your apartment.
Nicholas nods. A beat as he rubs his hands together.
Nicholas: When I met her, it was in
Jake: With Pete Yorn?
Nicholas nods.
Jake cont’d: He’s dreamy.
Nicholas: Anyway…that’s how I met her.
Jake: Oh, back when she was seventeen.
Nicholas: She told me she was twenty-one.
Jake: And you believed her?
Nicholas laughs and looks at Jake. He scoots up closer, pushing her sweaty,
matted hair off of her forehead.
Nicholas: Yes, I did believe her…and you know why?
Jake shakes her head.
Nicholas cont’d: It’s because I was totally plastered…kind of like
you.
Jake considers this.
Jake: You could have just told me.
Nicholas: I could have…
Jake: I told you my secret.
Nicholas: Well, I mean, I guess you sort of had to, though,
didn’t you?
Jake gets angry and sits up. It’s a bit much and she has to close her eyes
to prevent inertia.
Jake: I told you because I wanted you to know. Because you’re my brother. Because you’re the only person I’m related to
who doesn’t suck—or didn’t suck.
Nicholas: Do you know why I didn’t tell you?
Jake: You didn’t tell me because you know it’s wrong.
Nicholas sighs and looks off.
Nicholas: You really think so?
Jake looks at him carefully.
Jake: Don’t tell me you love her.
Nicholas: Oh, I love her…
Jake just might believe him.
Nicholas cont’d: And the reason I didn’t tell you is that I didn’t
want to disappoint you.
Jake: So you thought lying to me was better than disappointing me?
Nicholas exhales.
Nicholas: I guess that’s what I thought.
Jake: I hate lies.
She flops back down on the bed.
Jake cont’d: I mean, look at me.
My whole life is just one big lie…and to what avail?
Nicholas: I guess to the avail of getting to be with
Jake stares at him with a look of dread:
he doesn’t know.
Nicholas: What?
Jake looks
away.
Jake:
Nicholas doesn’t get it.
Nicholas: A date with…?
Jake: Not me, obviously.
A beat as Nicholas processes this. Jake shrugs.
Jake: It’s over between us.
Nicholas: Oh, Jacqueline, I’m so sorry…if I’d had any clue—
Jake: It’s over between us…and I’m stuck. Stuck in my pathetic lie of
a life.
A beat.
Jake cont’d: I had to
dump him. He begged me not to, but…was it all just an
act?
Nicholas narrows his eyes, trying to
understand her rantings.
Jake cont’d: He said he didn’t want a chance with anyone else,
but, oh, he was there with her tonight…he sure took the first chance he
got. And you know what the worst part
is?
Nicholas: What?
Jake: I had to tie his tie…
She looks away, tears welling up. He takes her hand, looking at her
thoughtfully.
Nicholas: I’m glad you’re sharing all this with me.
Jake: Me too.
(cut to): Sean’s house.
The party has picked up a little since last time. There are a few guys playing hacky sack on the front lawn. A group of kids sits on the front porch
talking, drinking and playing poker. All
the lights in the house are on and music is blaring from most of the open
windows.
Music: Wendy Clear
by Blink 182
(cut to): the
dining room. There are still kids there,
goofing around and talking. We pan
through the house past numerous party guests until we get to living room. A few couples have paired off here for some
quiet make-out time. Hamilton and Alyssa
sit on a couch, talking intimately.
Alyssa has a beer in her hand, but Hamilton is drink-less.
Alyssa: I love this party.
It’s so blue-collar…so unassuming.
She looks around.
Alyssa: And no one really knows us here so we can do what we
want.
He smiles. She leans in, grabbing his neck and pulling
him in for a deep, passionate kiss. He
scoots closer, putting a hand on her waist.
After a moment, they pull back.
Alyssa: Yeah. I mean,
it’s not exactly classy, but I don’t mind.
He smiles, running a hand through her
long hair.
Alyssa: Yeah, well, take a look in the mirror,
A beat.
Alyssa: I’m surprised you’d even let me drink after seeing
your ex-girlfriend so wasted.
Alyssa: Maybe I’m a light weight.
Alyssa: Or maybe…maybe you want to take advantage of me
tonight.
Hamilton half smiles, not sure how
serious she is.
She smiles, still almost completely
sober.
Alyssa: Nah, I’m fine.
I’m just using the drinking as a rouse to get you to talk more about
your ex, but you just won’t take the bait, will you?
Alyssa: I want to respect your wishes, but…now you’ve
definitely got me curious.
Alyssa: You’ve done a good job not making it seem like a big
deal.
Alyssa: Yet you walked away so easily earlier…or rather let
her walk away.
She smiles.
Alyssa: See, now was that so hard?
Alyssa: I’m not going to judge you, Hamilton. It’s like you said. You’re here with me…and I have every confidence that you’re going to
leave with me.
He smiles as she leans in, resuming
their kiss.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: Since I work at a school with at k12.whatever.us
address, this amuses me, but you have to
check out the site further to understand all the little jokes.
(fade in): to
an establishing shot of Sean’s house.
Still, the party goes on.
(cut to): the
upstairs master bathroom. Sean and Jill
are mid-kissing session. They are pretty
into it when someone tries to open the hallway door. This bathroom is connected to the master
bedroom so it has a bedroom and hallway entrance. Sean and Jill part and look
at each other, hoping not to be interrupted.
The door rattles one more time, but then whoever is on the other side
gives up.
Sean: I hope they don’t come around to the other side. That door doesn’t lock.
Jill: You need to learn that drunk people are
morons.
Sean: Speaking of being drunk, I haven’t seen you with any of those hard
drinks you were talking about.
Jill shrugs.
Jill: After seeing Jacqueline like that, can you blame me?
Sean: I guess not.
Jill: Anyway, stop ruining the moment.
Sean laughs.
Sean: Okay.
They look at each other lovingly before
starting another make-out session.
(cut to):
Sean’s room. Dexter, Grace and Tyson are
still there. Dexter is now asleep on
Sean’s bed. Grace and Tyson sit on the
floor, leaning up against the bed.
Tyson: This is the longest “snack run” ever.
Grace: Please. They might have been
hungry, but it wasn’t for food, if you know what I mean.
Tyson looks at her as what she said
dawns on him.
Tyson: You are, uh, really wise beyond your years, you know that?
Grace: It comes with the territory.
Tyson: What territory is that?
Grace: Townie teen tramp.
Tyson looks at her thoughtfully.
Tyson: Do you really see yourself that way?
Grace shrugs and looks back at Dexter.
Tyson cont’d: Because he doesn’t.
Grace smiles.
Tyson cont’d: You’re like an angel to him.
Grace scoffs.
Tyson cont’d: I didn’t know him pre-Grace so I don’t have a basis
for comparison, but from what I’ve heard he was bumbling and a little brooding
too. Now he’s just laid
back and happy. He’s at peace. I mean, look at him.
Grace does look at her sleeping
boyfriend. She really does love this
guy.
Tyson cont’d: Yeah, so don’t
tell me about how miserable your small town life is. You’re just as happy as I am and you know it.
Grace smiles, looking down at her
nails. Tyson shakes his head,
laughing. He pushes his shoulder into
hers. She smiles at him, knowing he’s
right.
(cut to): the
living room where Hamilton and Alyssa are still going at it hot and heavy. They don’t even notice as Scout enters
through the front door and comes into the living room. He stops when he sees them, frozen for a
moment. He is disgusted and
annoyed. He turns and heads up the
stairs.
(cut to): Sean’s room.
Tyson and Grace are tossing a Koosh ball back
and forth when Scout enters. Dexter is
still asleep on the bed. Scout takes in
the scene.
Scout: Have you seen Sean?
Grace: Yeah, I grew up with him.
Scout sighs.
Scout: Look, I’m kind of in a hurry here and it’s really important…
Grace shrugs.
Grace: I’d say check his parents’ room.
Tyson looks at her out the corner of her
eye, knowing what she’s setting him up for.
He says nothing.
Scout: Okay. Thanks.
Scout leaves. Tyson looks at her.
Tyson: That was a little mean.
Grace shrugs.
Grace: I’m just here to provide the drama.
Tyson: Do you think he still has feelings for her?
Grace: How should I know?
Tyson looks at her with a doubtful look.
Grace cont’d: I think he’s going to be one of those weird, lonely
guys in a gross apartment filled with leftover takeout and cats…unless he faces
his fears.
Tyson: So you did it to help him?
Grace nods. Tyson gives her another look and tosses her
the Koosh ball once again.
(cut to): the
master bathroom. Jill’s shirt is off and
she is seated on the counter by the sink, covered only by her bra. Sean stands between her legs, kissing her
neck and sliding his hand down her shoulder.
(cut to): the
door connected to the master bedroom as Scout opens it. He is shocked at the scene.
(cut to): Sean
and Jill, who are equally mortified.
Jill covers her chest and reaches for her shirt. Sean turns away from her, providing her with
room to get off the counter.
Jill: God, Scout, what are you doing here?
Scout looks into her eyes, so very hurt.
Scout: Uh, keys…I was afraid to leave them with…uh…anyway…
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out
a set of keys. He tosses them to Sean.
Sean: Thanks.
Sean looks down at the keys.
Scout: Bye…
Jill waves and Sean nods. Jill is beet red. Sean looks at her.
Sean: So…
Jill: Wow…
Sean: Maybe that was a sign.
Jill looks at him.
Jill: That was embarrassing,
but…not a sign, Sean. Don’t even say
crap like that.
A beat as Sean look around.
Jill cont’d: Let’s just wait until this party thing blows over…and
see where things go…
Sean smiles as she leans in and gives
him a kiss.
(cut to): the
hallway where Scout leans up against a wall. People walk past him, giving him weird looks.
(cut to): the
kitchen. Will and Bella walk out
together as Scout rushes past them.
Will: Whoa…Scout?
Scout stops, still flustered.
Scout: Oh…hi, guys.
Bella: Are you alright?
Scout searches for a response to that.
Will: Did you get Jake home okay?
Scout: Uh, yeah…yeah, Mr. Mann is with her now.
Will: Oh…no…we’re all going to be dead.
Scout half laughs, giving Bella a look.
Scout: I doubt that.
Bella is confused about what he knows.
Scout cont’d: First of all, remember what he said to you guys
earlier? Not much. Plus, he’s a friend of Jake’s family…right?
Will: So he’s not going to do a room check?
Scout: Nah.
Will looks relieved, but Bella still
looks concerned that Scout may know. She
glances over at a nearby clock, which Scout takes notice of.
Scout cont’d: Anyway, I want to get back to Jake so…I’ll see you
guys later.
Will: Later.
Bella: See ya, Scout.
Scout quickly escapes. A beat after he is gone.
Will: I can’t believe Mr. Mann isn’t going to do anything.
Bella: Maybe he will. I mean, what
does Scout know?
Will nods in agreement, but Bella
doesn’t really look so sure.
Will: I’m a little confused about his interest in Jake, though.
Bella: Why? She’s his friend. He’s looking out for her when she definitely
needs looking out for…I mean, I can’t believe that she and Hamilton broke up.
Will: Yeah. That’s…pretty huge, isn’t
it?
Bella: I understand the need to cope, but…she’s reached the point of
self-destruction.
Will: I guess that’s what happens when someone breaks your heart.
As fate would have it, Hamilton and
Alyssa walk around the corner just in time to hear the last line. Will smiles
sheepishly.
Bella:
She glances over at Alyssa. Alyssa smiles.
Alyssa: Hi. Alyssa.
She holds out her hand.
Bella: Bella.
Alyssa: Oh,
Bella (unenthused): Really.
Alyssa: Yeah. He said
you have this Avril-singer-songwriter thing going
on. Very cool.
Bella smiles, flattered though not
completely trusting this girl (for obvious reasons).
Alyssa cont’d: Anyway, I’d be jealous, but he told me you have a
boyfriend that you’re crazy about so…
She smiles. Will looks at Bella
suspiciously.
Will: What boyfriend?
Bella: No, it’s not.
She is angry with
Bella cont’d: Is that how Jake found out?
Bella: I mean, I understand that you have your own
problems right now, but you don’t have to drag me into them.
Alyssa: You have a problem with Jake?
Bella nods, not happy.
Bella: Sure.
She walks back into the kitchen. Will is confused. He gives
(cut to): the
living room. He and Alyssa take their seats back on the couch.
Alyssa: You and your friends are very…mysterious.
Hamilton laughs,
though is uncomfortable.
Alyssa: Will is her friend yet he doesn’t know about her
boyfriend…who she loves.
Alyssa: You seem to use that excuse a lot.
Alyssa: I hope I didn’t shake you up too much.
She smiles back, leaning in to kiss him.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: Yeah, I don’t get it either.
(fade in): to
an establishing shot of the boys’ dorm.
(cut to):
Scout’s room. We pan around past a clock
which reads “
Nicholas: You know, my door is always
open.
Jake: Unless it’s closed.
He laughs.
Nicholas: Exactly.
A beat.
Nicholas: You seem a little more…yourself.
Jake: Yeah…
Nicholas: I’m glad.
Jake: Me, too.
Scout enters, interrupting.
Scout: How is she?
Jake: She’s fine.
He looks at her carefully. She smiles.
Jake: Really. I’m fine. You, on the other hand, look a little
spooked.
He smiles.
Scout: I’m fine.
Jake laughs, not believing him.
Nicholas: You know, I think it might be a good idea to check on
this party. I don’t want any Rawley kids to get hurt tonight.
Scout: Really? I told Will you’d be
cool.
Jake: Just say you’re going to see
her.
Scout tilts his head, wondering if his
own suspicions will be confirmed.
Nicholas hesitates.
Nicholas: I’m going to see her.
I’m supposed to be there at
Jake: See…the truth is much easier.
Nicholas: Agreed. I’ll
be using it from now on, if that’s okay with you?
Jake nods. Nicholas gives her a quick kiss on the head
then exists. Scout walks over and
replaces Nicholas on the bed.
Scout: Speaking of the truth…are you really okay?
Jake: Are we talking sobriety or in general?
Scout: Either. Both.
Jake: Well, I’m becoming increasingly more embarrassed about what happened
tonight so if that’s sobriety…
Scout: Sounds about right.
Jake: As for everything else…I think bringing me to this room was a good idea.
Scout: I have some ideas on that, but I’ll run them by you later.
Jake is curious, but doesn’t pursue it.
Jake: So, what about you?
Scout: What about me?
Jake: You came in here looking like you’d seen a ghost.
Scout: Or two ex-girlfriends super-making out.
Jake looks a little flushed herself.
Jake: Since Nicholas was here, I’m guessing one of them wasn’t Bella…
She looks down. He feels bad.
Scout: I’ve got to quit doing that…
Jake ignores him.
Jake: Super-making out, huh?
He doesn’t know what to say.
Jake cont’d: Well, I guess I’ve got two options: become a raging
alcoholic or…figure out how to get over it.
Scout: The second one sounds great…and if you figure out the secret, let me
know.
Jake: I didn’t know she was such a big deal to you. I guess I just thought it was some summer
fling.
Scout: Oh, it was.
He seems to slightly regret the words
because Jake, even in this state, is quick to get his meaning.
Jake: You meant Jill…getting over Jill.
He sighs, he
gets up and paces a moment before taking a seat on the small couch in the room.
Scout: It’s why I went away this summer.
And no matter what I’ve complained about lately, it’s really the only
thing that’s been on my mind…
Jake is sad for him. A beat.
Scout: Don’t tell her, though, okay?
Jake: Even if I was speaking to
her right now…my lips are sealed.
He nods.
Scout: Thanks.
Jake: Anything for the greatest chaperone ever.
Scout shrugs.
Scout: I’ll be here when you need me.
Jake: The femi-nazi in me says that I’ll never
“need” a man, but the damsel in distress thanks you.
Scout laughs. A slight beat.
Scout: You know, it’s weird…normally I would be a mess right now, but…I’m
not.
Jake: Yeah…you’ve definitely put me at ease, too.
Scout smiles.
Scout: Well, I’m going to get more food from the snack machines…you want?
Jake: Any type of meat in a tube would be great.
Scout: Meat stick. Got
it.
Scout gives her a
thumbs up and exits out the door.
(cut to): an
establishing shot of Finn and Johanna’s house.
(cut to): Finn
and Johanna’s room. They lay together,
naked after having made love.
Finn: I love you.
Johanna: I love you.
They kiss. Finn smiles dreamily.
Finn: “…then give me my sin again.”
Johanna: You and that guy…
He laughs.
Finn: He is my favorite.
Johanna: It’s unfortunate.
Finn: Speaking of unfortunate…I can’t believe what happened with Mark’s
brother tonight.
Johanna: Ben Hudson’s never exactly been a model citizen, but I
didn’t know things had gotten so bad.
Poor Mark.
Finn: And I
don’t exactly feel comfortable letting him stay here, but…I couldn’t leave him
there.
Johanna: And why don’t you feel comfortable?
Finn rolls his eyes.
Finn: Sure, it starts off innocent enough, but when she turns up sixteen and
pregnant—
Johanna: Somehow I doubt
you would ever let that happen.
Finn considers this.
Johanna: You probably care more about her than her father.
Finn smiles, kissing Johanna’s cheek.
Johanna cont’d: You know, if anything were
ever to happen to me, I’d want her to be with you.
Finn: If anything were to happen to you, I’d be a broken man.
Johanna smiles and kisses him again, not
planning to stop anytime soon until the baby begins to cry from the next
room. They break apart, not happy to be
interrupted.
Finn: I’ll go.
Johanna: See, you don’t need me at all.
Finn: Bite your tongue.
He gives her another quick kiss before
getting out of bed to tend to the baby.
(cut to): the
hallway. The crying has stopped. Meagan steps out of Jacey’s
nursery as Finn steps out into the hallway.
Meagan: I didn’t think anyone was going to come.
Finn: Hope he didn’t wake you.
She looks wide awake.
Meagan: No…
Finn notices the bracelet.
Finn: What’s that?
Meagan: A belated birthday present.
Finn examines it.
Finn: From Mark?
Meagan: Yeah.
Finn: I didn’t notice it earlier.
Meagan: I went down to say goodnight and…
She looks slightly guilty, but happy,
too. Finn doesn’t say anything.
Meagan cont’d: What? No
speech?
Finn: No speech.
A beat.
Finn cont’d: Don’t get me wrong…I’ve got one, but we did make a
deal. When you turned twelve, he was all
yours. Late night
trysts and all.
Meagan: I wouldn’t
call it a tryst.
Meagan pushes her glasses up on her nose
to emphasize the point that not only was she not having a tryst, but she is
also familiar with the meaning. Finn smiles.
Meagan cont’d: It wasn’t a secret, nor was it planned.
Finn smiles
wider.
Meagan cont’d: Anyway, goodnight Finn.
Finn: Goodnight, Meag.
She smiles and goes into her room. Finn waits a moment, concerned, then goes
back into his bedroom.
(cut to):
Sean’s house. The party is still going
on, but several people are leaving.
Tyson, Grace and Dexter exit through the front door. Dexter still looks sleepy.
Grace: Well, goodnight guys.
Dexter: I’ll walk you home.
He takes off his glasses, rubbing his
eyes.
Grace: Please. You’re toast. Go home with Ty and
Will.
Dexter: What about Bella?
Is she—
Tyson: Tell me that isn’t who I think it is.
Dexter and Grace turn.
(cut to):
Nicholas and his Jetta have just pulled up.
Grace: I wouldn’t worry.
Tyson turns away from the Jetta.
Tyson: Did he see me? Is it too late
to run?
Grace rolls her eyes and walks over to
greet Nicholas.
Grace: I should have known you’d come crash the party.
Nicholas: And I’d hate to disappoint you, Grace.
Grace: Are the Rawley kids going to get in trouble,
or what?
Nicholas: I just want to make sure everyone gets home
safely. That’s all.
Grace: Hear that, Tyson? You’re safe.
Tyson turns around slowly. Nicholas walks up to them.
Nicholas: Have you boys been consuming alcoholic beverages?
Tyson: No, sir.
Grace stifles a laugh that Tyson doesn’t
notice.
Nicholas: Good. Do you
have a ride home?
Grace: They’re waiting on the golden boy.
Dexter: She means Will.
Nicholas: Oh, is he inside?
Grace: Yeah, he’s off somewhere with Bella.
Maybe they’ll get back together.
Nicholas ignores her.
Nicholas: Well, I’m going to find him and make sure he starts heading
back to the dorms.
Nicholas heads inside.
Tyson: Wow, none of the teachers around here are hard asses at all, are they?
Dexter shrugs.
Dexter: Mr. Mann is pretty laid back. Finn can go either way, but he seems to trust
Will’s judgment which is probably why he didn’t give you too much trouble
earlier.
Tyson: Good to know.
Grace just smiles smugly, knowing far
more than Tyson and Dexter.
(cut to): the
kitchen. Bella and Will are back at a
game of checkers.
Will: If I win, you have to explain what
Bella: I told you, he probably just made it up so that girl wouldn’t be
jealous.
Will: Whatever, Bella…I saw the fury with which you looked at
Before Bella can say anything, Nicholas
enters the kitchen. He sees Bella first
then Will. He can’t help smile at Bella
before turning to Will.
Nicholas: Krudski, it’s time to go
home.
Will: Mr. Mann…um, hi.
Nicholas: Hi. Tyson and
Dexter are outside. Why don’t you go
give them a ride? That is if you haven’t
been drinking.
Will: Oh, no…no, Sir.
He tries to give Bella an apologetic
look, but she’s looking at Nicholas. He
narrows his eyes then turns to the clock, noticing the timing of this
visit. Bella glances at him and realizes
he understands.
Bella: This night has been terrible, Nick.
Nicholas looks nervous at the use of the
nickname.
Bella cont’d: Oh, it doesn’t matter. He knows.
I mean, you know, right?
Will: This is the boyfriend…
Bella: See. He knows. Everyone knows. Jake came here and…
Nicholas: Yeah, I saw her earlier.
Bella: Grace, Hamilton. Sean, Jill…now Will.
Nicholas: Scout.
Bella: Him too?
Nicholas: Your dad.
Bella almost doesn’t catch it.
Bella: What?
Nicholas: Your dad knows.
Will looks
uncomfortable.
Will: I’m just, um, going to go…
Bella: Goodnight, Will.
Nicholas: Keep it a secret, Will.
Will: Yeah, of course.
Will exits, leaving Nicholas and Bella
looking at one another.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: So, you definitely saw Ian’s new movie, right?
(fade in): to
an establishing shot of Sean’s house. Tyson,
Dexter and Grace are on the lawn. Will
comes out the front door.
Will: You guys need a ride?
Grace: Yes, we do.
Will: Are there any other Rawley people we should
take?
Grace: I think all the other Rawley people are
pre-coital, but if you want to go—
Will: No. That’s okay. Let’s go.
Tyson: I’m starving.
Will: Oh yeah? Anyone
else?
Grace: Me.
Dexter: Food sounds great.
Will: Okay. I have a solution. Let’s go.
Everyone climbs in and they drive away.
(cut to): the
kitchen. Nicholas and Bella are alone.
Bella: I can’t believe you just admitted it to my dad.
Nicholas: What would you have me do, Bella? Lie?
Bella: Yes!
Nicholas: He didn’t even get mad.
Bella: He could have. He could have
killed you. He could have killed me.
Nicholas: Is that what you want?
Bella knows she is defeated.
Bella: No. There’s just been too much
tonight. I liked the secret and now…
Nicholas: We’re a little exposed.
Bella nods.
Nicholas cont’d: Most of the people who are close to you know,
but...it doesn’t matter to them.
Bella: Except with Jake.
Nicholas shrugs.
Nicholas: I promised to be honest with her from now on and…she
seemed okay.
Bella: She’s okay with you. You should
have heard how she talked to me.
Nicholas: She was drunk.
Bella: That was more than alcohol talking.
She was hurt.
Nicholas walks to her, putting his arms
around her.
Nicholas: It’ll be okay.
He gives her a nice, soft kiss. She smiles.
Nicholas cont’d: It’s good to see you, by the way.
Bella: I’ve been looking forward to it all night.
She looks hesitant.
Bella cont’d: But…I guess my dad is going to notice if I don’t get
home…now that he knows.
Nicholas nods.
Nicholas: Probably.
Bella sighs.
Nicholas cont’d: Still, doesn’t it feel like a weight’s been
lifted? My sister knows. Your dad knows. I mean, maybe we can’t go public yet, but…at
least in the privacy of both our homes, we can be…us.
Bella: And now that all my friends know maybe we can go semi-public and I can
stop alienating them.
Nicholas: Sounds nice.
He grins.
Bella: Okay, so I still have a few bridges to repair, but…overall, this is a
good thing.
Nicholas: Definitely.
Bella: And even if you have to take me home tonight instead of what I had in
mind…you can still come by in the morning.
You can come over for breakfast and—
Nicholas: You know, actually, you’re going to have to do a
little damage control with your dad because it was very important to him that I
not tell you that he knows.
Bella: But, you did.
Nicholas: Yeah…
Bella: So I either have to tell him and make him
hate you…or, bite the bullet and sell him one last lie while, in actuality,
telling him the truth.
Nicholas both nods and shrugs.
Bella cont’d: I’ll tell you what.
Come over for breakfast tomorrow.
I’ll have it all straightened out.
Nicholas raises his eyebrows doubtfully.
Bella cont’d: I’m serious.
Nicholas: Okay.
Bella: And for now…a few more minutes….in heaven with you.
She kisses him. He responds gladly, running his hands through
her hair.
(cut to): the doorway
as Sean and Jill enter together. Jill’s
jaw may as well drop to the floor.
Jill: You’ve got to be kidding.
Bella and Nicholas break apart, a little
shaken. Nicholas looks relieved at who
it is, but Bella’s face is still red.
Jill cont’d: This I wouldn’t
have guessed in a million years. And you
knew…
She turns to Sean.
Jill cont’d: You knew…and you didn’t tell me…
Sean: Come on, Jill, this isn’t your business.
Jill is angered by this. Nicholas and Bella look uncomfortable
observing this.
Nicholas: I don’t mean to interrupt, but…I feel like this
conversation isn’t our business so if
you’ll excuse us.
Jill doesn’t respond except to fold her
arms. Sean nods. Nick and Bella start to exit.
Nicholas: And, Jill, you can keep this quiet over at Rawley, can’t you?
Jill: I’ve kept quiet about you and Jacqueline, haven’t I?
Nicholas glances at Sean.
Jill cont’d: Oh, he knows.
He’s known since prom. Because
while I’m not a blabber-mouth…I don’t keep secrets from the people I love.
She looks at Sean pointedly. Bella smiles at the love part, but looks at
Sean apologetically.
Nicholas: Well, thanks in advance. We’ll see you kids later.
Jill rolls her eyes as they exit.
Jill: Who’s he calling a kid anyway?
His girlfriend is barely older than me.
Sean looks at her helplessly. She softens, walking over to the table.
Jill: Am I really being that unreasonable?
Sean joins her, but doesn’t answer.
Jill cont’d: It’s because it’s her. She’s the reason Scout and I broke up, you
know. I was jealous of what they had.
Sean looks nervous about this.
Jill cont’d: Don’t worry. I
won’t make that mistake again.
Sean: Can I explain myself a little better?
Jill: You already did. It was none of
my business.
Sean: It wasn’t just that…it wasn’t that at all.
Jill waits.
Sean cont’d: I didn’t want to put that burden on you. I knew how I felt knowing and not being able
to tell you
Jill: And how was that?
Sean: Bad. Bad because I knew you’d
want to know and I knew how you’d feel when you found out. He puts his hand on hers. I didn’t want you to feel caught between me
and Jake, you know? Because
I would have asked you not to tell her.
And then you would have had to choose between us.
Jill considers this as a valid argument.
Jill: So…you chose Bella over me when you decided not to tell me?
Sean gets a little red in the face.
Sean: I chose you a long time
ago—way before you ever even thought about choosing me—and I wish you’d
remember that.
He looks off. A moment passes.
Jill(sincere): I’m sorry.
Sean: And I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you...hopefully you can understand some
of the reasons why.
Jill considers this then nods.
Jill: I guess it never really came up, either.
Sean shakes his head.
Sean: I guess I could have segued into it from kissing you…
She laughs, and leans over to kiss him.
Sean cont’d: My kitchen: the most romantic room in the house.
Jill smiles, kissing him again.
(cut to): the
hallway outside the kitchen. Bella and Nicholas have stopped to take a kiss break, but are
clearly more cautious.
Bella: Come on. Take me home. Being near you just makes me want you.
Nicholas
smiles.
Nicholas: The feeling is mutual.
The two head through the dining
room. We follow them through that room
and into the living room where several couples, including Hamilton and Alyssa,
are still joined up. Bella sees them,
but tries to keep walking. Nicholas is
not so courteous. He nods for Bella to
go on. She unhappily complies.
Nicholas: Um, excuse me.
Excuse me?
Hamilton and Alyssa look up. Alyssa turns red, but Hamilton looks annoyed.
Alyssa:
Nicholas looks at Alyssa.
Nicholas: Aren’t you in one of my intro classes?
Alyssa nods, nervous. Nicholas reaches down and picks up the red
cup sitting on a coffee table in front of her.
Her eyes widen as he sniffs it.
Nicholas: Rawley students are not
allowed to attend parties and they are certainly not allowed to drink when they
are—how old are you?
Alyssa: Fifteen.
Nicholas: Fifteen.
He looks at
Nicholas: Fifteen.
Nicholas smiles a little. He deserved that one. Alyssa doesn’t exactly get the reference to
Bella.
Alyssa: I thought you were seventeen.
Alyssa is still confused, but she
decides to plead her case.
Alyssa: Look, Mr. Mann, I hate my mom as much as any
pushed-aside teenage girl, but if she finds out about this—
He locks eyes with Nicholas. Nicholas doesn’t back down.
Nicholas: That will be up to the dean.
Nicholas looks down, shaking his head.
Nicholas: Do you really care that little about her this
quickly?
He stands up, in Nicholas’ face.
Alyssa is really confused;
Nicholas: Okay,
He thinks for a moment then cocks back
and punches Nicholas in the face. Taken
way off guard, Nicholas reels backward.
Alyssa, who also wasn’t expecting it, stands up and in front of
Alyssa: Whoa,
Alyssa: Oh my God.
Hey! Can someone help me here?!
A few of the couples look up, but no one
responds. After a second, Bella enters.
Bella: Was someone just…
She sees what is transpiring.
Bella: Oh my God…
Alyssa: Yeah, that’s what I said...
Alyssa is trying to hold
Bella: Stop! Stop it!
Alyssa:
Jill and Sean come in from the kitchen
just as Nicholas and Hamilton get a hold of each other.
Sean: What’s going—oh no…
He rushes over and pulls
Bella: Calm down, calm down.
Nicholas: He’s crazy. He
punched me!
Bella: You punched him, too.
This snaps him out of it.
Nicholas: Oh my God, I just punched the dean’s kid…what was I
thinking?
Bella and Jill ease up as Nicholas
regains composure.
Jill: Adrenaline’s a bitch.
Bella looks over at Alyssa.
Bella: Are you okay?
Alyssa nods, but still looks shaken up.
Jill: I’m sure she’ll be fine.
Nicholas: I’m sorry, Alyssa.
I was way out of line…about everything.
Alyssa shrugs.
Alyssa: He went a little crazy there, didn’t he?
Nicholas: I must admit that I pushed just the right
buttons. I…
He touches the spot on his cheek again,
pulling away blood.
Nicholas cont’d: I shouldn’t have done that.
Jill: I’ll go get you a band-aid.
She exits before anyone can say
anything.
Alyssa: I don’t even understand what just happened…
Bella and Nicholas exchange looks, but
don’t say anything.
(cut to): the
hallway where Sean has
Sean: You need to breathe.
Hamilton, who is on the verge of
hyperventilating, takes several deep breaths.
Jill walks by on her way to get the band-aids.
Jill: You’re such an idiot sometimes.
Sean: Jill, just go.
Jill rolls her eyes and passes through
the hallway.
Sean cont’d: Now, what happened?
He breathes in awkwardly then tries to
exhale with a little more control.
Sean: Yeah, well, I doubt he would—
Sean: I know but—
Sean: Man, you can’t just hit him…and
in front of that girl…
He hangs his head. Sean eases up, letting
Sean doesn’t dispute this.
Sean nods.
Sean: I get it, okay, but…like I said, you can’t
just hit the guy.
Sean: What is it about my parties that always bring out this side of you?
Sean: Uh…can you handle that?
(cut to): the
living room. All the making out couples have cleared out.
Bella, Nicholas and Alyssa sit around.
Nicholas purposefully sits away from Bella. Sean and Hamilton walk in with Jill just
seconds behind them. Alyssa looks up at
Nicholas looks up.
Nicholas:
He glances over at her. She nods, but she’s looking at
Nicholas: I’m going to head back to school if anyone needs a
ride.
He looks to Jill. She hands him the band-aid, but shakes her
head.
Jill: I’m staying here tonight.
Sean looks slightly surprised, but not
unhappy, by this. Bella gives him a
little raise of her eyebrows, but doesn’t say anything. Nicholas looks at
He looks over to her. She nods and offers a small smile.
Nicholas: Okay, well, Bella, can I drop you off at the garage?
Bella: Oh, sure Mr. Mann.
He gets up, putting the band-aid on his
face. Bella stands and follows Nicholas
out the door.
He holds his hand out to Alyssa. She takes it and stands up.
Jill: You should be.
Sean: Jill…
Jill: Sean.
Sean: Take it easy, Ham. Goodnight,
Alyssa.
Alyssa: Goodnight.
They exit.
Jill: You know, I really hate all those people that
just left.
Sean chuckles.
Sean: You’re so brutally honest sometimes.
Jill shrugs. A beat.
Sean: So…staying the night here, huh?
Jill: If that’s okay with you?
She smiles coyly. He looks around.
Sean: Looks like we just might finally
have a little privacy.
Jill: Finally.
She smiles, standing close enough to
kiss him. Before she can, a group of
boys runs through the room and between Jill and Sean. They cheer as they do then run on out the
front door. Sean and Jill look at each
other.
Sean: Let’s do one final kick-out sweep.
Jill nods in agreement. They take hands and exit the living room.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: Help Wanted.
Ever think you could be helpful in the process of creating New
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click and save so you can email it to me).
(fade in): to
an establishing shot of the garage.
Nicholas’ Jetta sits outside.
(cut to):
inside the car. Nicholas and Bella are
kissing. Bella pulls back.
Bella: I guess I should go in and face the music.
Nicholas nods. Bella looks at the band-aid.
Bella cont’d: I can’t believe that happened.
Nicholas shrugs.
Nicholas: I deserved it.
And, honestly, I think we both feel a little better.
Bella: “You men and your violence,” I guess.
Nicholas: Thankfully, your dad doesn’t seem to be of that
mentality.
Bella nods. A beat.
Bella: Okay, I’m going.
He smiles, kissing her one last time.
Nicholas: I love you.
Bella: I love you.
Nicholas: I’ll see you for breakfast?
Bella nods.
Nicholas cont’d: All right.
Goodnight…and good luck.
Bella: Thanks.
She exits the car.
(cut to): the
garage as Nicholas drives away.
(cut to): Friendly’s. Will’s
car is parked out front.
(cut to):
inside. Will, Tyson, Dexter and Grace
are seated around the window seat. They
all have burgers, fries and soft drinks.
Will and Tyson face the window.
Grace: Excellent burger, Will.
She takes another bite.
Tyson: Isn’t that Mr. Mann’s car?
Will looks, Grace and Dexter turn around
as the car passes by and drives off.
Grace: Yeah, he probably gave Bella a ride home.
Tyson: Bella is your sister, right?
Grace: Yeah. I’m surprised you haven’t
met her.
Tyson: I think I saw her around tonight.
Blonde?
Hot?
Dexter: Yeah, that’s her.
Grace glares at him out the corner of
her eye.
Dexter: What?
Tyson: You can’t get mad about a fact.
You have a hot sister. Deal.
Grace just rolls her eyes and takes another
bite of her burger.
Tyson cont’d: But why would Mr. Mann give Bella a lift?
Will struggles with an explanation. Grace notices, realizing he knows. She also realizes he isn’t going to be able
to make up an excuse.
Grace: She was in his drama class this summer. He probably made her leave the party just
like the rest of us…and since we walked…
Tyson seems to buy it. Grace looks up at Will like he should be
impressed. Will smiles.
Tyson: You don’t think he’ll look for us in the dorms when he gets back, do
you?
Grace: You’re so paranoid about authority.
Dexter: Where he came from, teachers probably actually
disciplined students for their indiscretions.
Tyson: Exactly.
Will: Around here we sneak around and when we do get caught, the teachers
usually have so much going on in their own lives that they barely notice we’re
doing anything wrong. It’s a beautiful
thing.
Tyson laughs.
Tyson: Only in the world of the rich.
(cut to): an
establishing shot of the girls’ dorm.
Hamilton and Alyssa walk up to the steps in silence.
Alyssa: No.
Alyssa: What was all that even about,
Alyssa: Complicated?
A beat as he takes both her hands in
his.
Alyssa: Which is why he was giving us a hard time?
Alyssa cont’d: But…what was he doing there in the first place? And why were you so sure he wouldn’t tell the
dean?
Alyssa cont’d: I’m sorry, but I’m a little beyond not wanting to
pry.
Alyssa considers this.
Alyssa nods, but folds her arms in front
of her. A beat.
Alyssa: I don’t know.
Alyssa cont’d: I’m still just
a little freaked out.
The question is more for himself than her and she realizes this.
Alyssa: Really?
Alyssa looks a little more at ease.
Alyssa: I was starting to.
Alyssa: Intense.
He nods once to accept this label.
She smiles.
Alyssa: Okay. I mean,
I understand at least part of it. And,
Mr. Mann admitted to purposely pushing your buttons so…I guess I’m done being
freaked out.
A beat as Alyssa seems to regain her
usual comfort level.
Alyssa: Well, actually, I was thinking of inviting the psycho
in.
Alyssa: The fact that my roommate is away for the night.
Alyssa bites her lip.
Alyssa: Cool.
She takes his hand and leads him up the
steps.
(cut to): Scout
and Dexter’s room. Jake is asleep in
Scout’s bed. Scout is lying on the couch
with a blanket and pillow. He stares up
at the ceiling. Dexter comes in and
flips on a lamp on his desk. He sees
that Scout is awake before he notices Jake.
Scout: Hey, Dex.
Hope you don’t mind.
Dexter sees Jake.
Dexter: No. I’m just
glad she’s okay.
Scout nods.
Dexter cont’d: You were really a good friend to her tonight.
Jake: Yes, he was.
Dexter: Oh, I didn’t know you were still awake.
Jake: Yup.
Jake opens her eyes, sitting up
slightly. She also kicks off some covers
and we can see she is wearing a white t-shirt and a pair of basketball shorts,
presumably Scout’s.
Dexter: Well, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you
want.
Scout: About that, Dex…I have some ideas to run by
you.
Dexter glances at Jake then back at
Scout, not knowing what he means.
(cut to): Will
and Tyson’s room. The boys walk in. They change into pajamas as they talk.
Tyson: It’s so cool that you have a key to a place where we can get
cheeseburgers in the middle of the night.
Man, that really hit the spot.
Will shrugs.
Will: The service industry has its perks.
I just got my key back today when I agreed to pick up a few shifts a
week. They want me to be manager again,
but…I really don’t want to make a career out of it, you know?
Tyson: I hear you. Thank God my dad
isn’t making me work the store during the school year.
Will nods in agreement. A beat passes as the boys change.
Tyson: So it seems like there was a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes
tonight, huh?
Will: I don’t know.
Tyson: Yeah, you do, but I respect your right not to tell me.
Will: Do you at least concede the Alyssa battle after seeing her with
Tyson: Please. Just because she was
with him doesn’t mean she was with
him.
Will: You live in a fantasy world.
Tyson: And it’s the most beautiful
place…except when you come along polluting it with your negativity.
Will laughs and shrugs.
Will: And any time I think you need a
reality check, I will visit you in fantasy world. Be prepared.
Tyson: Well, just realize: you’re uninvited.
Will nods, smiling and shaking his head.
(cut to): an
establishing shot of the girls’ dorms.
(cut to): Jill
and Alyssa’s room. The main light is
off, but several candles are lit around the room. We find Hamilton and Alyssa under the covers
on Alyssa’s bed. They are beyond making
out.
Alyssa: My pleasure.
She kisses him again, pulling the covers
up over the two of them.
(cut to):
Sean’s house. All cars are gone.
(cut to):
Sean’s living room. Sean and Jill both
have big brown plastic bags. They
collect cups and trash from around the room.
Jill: You know, the place doesn’t look too bad
considering all the drama that went down.
Sean: Yeah. Jake and Hamilton
certainly know how to make things interesting, don’t they?
Jill: I think the problem is that they don’t know how not to.
Sean: Do you think things will ever be the same with you and Jake?
Jill: Eventually, but…sometimes things take longer with her. I can apologize all day, every day, but until
she’s ready to accept…
Sean nods.
Sean: What about
Jill: Oh, screw
Sean: He still seems conflicted about the whole thing. Mr. Mann said
Jill: Good call, Mr.-don’t even get me started on you because you’re in a
totally inappropriate relationship-Mann.
What another ass.
Sean: So that’s why Ham hit him.
Jill: Better they hit on each other than anyone else.
Sean: I guess. Still, you hate to see
a fight break out in your own living room.
Jill: Anyway, do you think there’s any way we can handle the rest of this in
the morning?
Sean: Definitely. My parents won’t be
home until Sunday.
Jill immediately drops the bag she’s
holding.
Jill: Excellent. Are you ready for
bed?
Sean drops his own bag, putting his
hands in his pockets.
Sean: Is it okay to say that I’m a little intimidated?
Jill: By me?
Sean: Yeah, by you. By a million different things.
Jill: Like what?
Sean: Like that I’m not exactly a seasoned veteran at this sort of
thing.
Jill shrugs.
Jill: Not like I’ll know the difference.
Sean laughs.
Sean: How comforting.
He sighs.
Sean cont’d: And then there’s the emotional aspect.
Jill: Sean…
She walks over to him, putting her hands
on his shoulders.
Jill cont’d: I didn’t mean to push it. If you’re not ready—
Sean: Oh, I’m ready. I’m…
He brushes a hand across her face.
Sean cont’d: I’ve been ready.
I love you so much, Jill.
Jill: I love you, too.
Sean: And this won’t change anything, right?
Jill shrugs.
Jill: Maybe it’ll change everything.
Sean nods understandingly.
Jill cont’d: So…shall we?
She holds out her hand. He thinks about it for a moment then takes her
hand, letting himself be led upstairs.
(cut to): an
establishing shot of the garage.
(cut to): the
kitchen where Bella is sitting at the kitchen table eating cookies and drinking
milk. Charlie walks in.
Bella: Oh, hi Daddy.
Charlie: Hi. You’re
home a little late.
Bella: Yeah, sorry. Things got a
little out of control at Sean’s.
Charlie: Nick? Is that
the teacher?
Bella: Yeah, but…can I talk to you about him?
Charlie: Sure.
He sits down.
Bella: The thing is…I’m in love with him.
Charlie is surprised to hear this news
phrased this way.
Charlie: Oh…kay…
Bella: And, well, the other thing is…he feels the same way about me.
Charlie tilts his head.
Bella cont’d: In fact, we’ve been having a relationship since he
got to town.
Charlie: That’s…that’s a long time.
Bella: I didn’t tell you because he’s older and I didn’t think you’d approve,
but…the way we feel about each other is…it’s such a huge part of my life that I
had to share it with you.
Charlie
smiles.
Charlie: I appreciate that.
And, I guess I should share with you that I already figured it out.
Bella: What?
Charlie: It’s pretty obvious, honey.
Bella: Is it?
Charlie nods.
Bella cont’d: So…you mean, you aren’t mad?
Charlie: Well, I wish you could have picked a boy your own
age, but…we can’t always help who our heart finds, now can we?
Bella: No, I guess we can’t.
Charlie
smiles.
Charlie: It means a lot that you told me, you know?
Grace: Told you what?
Grace, dressed in pajamas, enters and
sits down with them.
Grace cont’d: What’s going on?
Bella: I just told Daddy that Nicholas and I have been seeing each other.
Grace’s eyes widen. She looks at her dad and how calm he is.
Grace: Did you not hear what she just said?
Charlie: I heard her.
Grace: And you’re not pissed?
Charlie: Please, sweetie, lady-like language.
Grace: Who cares about my freaking language?
Your other daughter has been sneaking around with some dude that’s way
older than her and you’re telling me not to say “pissed?”
Charlie smiles at her.
Grace: Is this table in the Twilight Zone or something? This is…this is nuts.
Charlie just shrugs.
Grace cont’d: Okay, but if Dex and I go
all Crazy/Beautiful on you, don’t be surprised.
Charlie laughs.
Charlie: I don’t really get that reference, but I’ll try not
to be surprised.
Grace is in shock. Bella just smiles. Charlie is equally happy.
(cut to): an
establishing shot of Finn and Johanna’s house.
(cut to): the
living room. Mark still has the light
on and is reading. As he turns a page,
Meagan creeps down the stairs. Mark
looks up. When he sees her, he sets his
book down.
Mark: Hi. Still up?
Meagan nods, getting to the end of the
stairs. She has a goofy smile on her
face as she takes a seat on an armchair near the couch. Mark scrambles to sit up.
Mark cont’d: What’s up?
Meagan shrugs.
Mark cont’d: Seriously, what?
Meagan: I read your card.
Mark turns red.
Meagan cont’d: I liked it a lot.
Mark doesn’t say anything.
Meagan cont’d: And…I feel the same way.
Mark smiles.
Mark: Yeah?
Meagan nods.
Mark cont’d: Um…which part did you like the best?
Meagan: The part where you talked about the future… our future.
Mark looks down, nodding.
Mark: I could be with you forever and be happy. That’s what I feel like.
Meagan: Yeah, like, right now…I don’t even want to
sleep. I just want to stay up and talk
and talk.
Mark: And talk and talk and talk. I
know.
Meagan: And what you said about…you know, kissing me.
Mark looks down, embarrassed to be talking
about this.
Mark: Yeah, I meant that.
Meagan: I hope so.
Mark laughs then gets serious. He looks up at her.
Mark: You’re the coolest person I know.
Meagan: Then you must not know too many people.
Mark: I know plenty of people and…they don’t even begin to compare. No one’s ever treated me like you do…like I
really count.
Meagan: Of course you count.
Mark shrugs.
Meagan cont’d: You count a million times more than anyone else.
Mark look into her eyes.
Mark: Thanks…and you know how special you are to me, too, right?
Meagan nods.
Meagan: Uh huh. I read
the card…several times.
Mark again blushes slightly.
Mark: So…did you want to stay down here and talk?
Meagan: And talk and talk.
Yes.
Mark smiles. Meagan tries to get comfortable in the chair.
Mark: You can talk over here.
He nods to the couch. Meagan smiles shyly and joins him on the
couch. She sits against the opposite arm
as him. He puts his legs back up onto
the couch, touching hers then throws the covers over both of them. Meagan digs it. Mark adores her.
(fade out)
Commercial Break: Remember when we just used to call her Kate B.?
(fade in): to a
shot of New Rawley, main street.
(cut to): Finn
and Johanna’s house.
(cut to): the
living room. Meagan and Mark lay asleep
together on the couch as when we last left them: feet touching,
heads on opposite sides.
Will
(voice over): The only difference
between innocence…
(cut to): to
Sean’s house.
(cut to):
Sean’s room. Jill and Sean lay naked and
asleep under the covers together.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: And innocence lost…
(cut to):
(cut to): Jill
and Alyssa’s room. Alyssa is asleep,
under the covers. Hamilton sits, pants
on, shirt off, in a chair next to the bed, watching her sleep.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Is a choice.
(cut to): the
boys’ dormitory.
(cut to): Scout
and Dexter’s room. Everyone is asleep,
but a cell phone buzzes.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Some of our choices, the sins we commit, hit hard and affect many.
We pan around the room, viewing Jake,
Scout then Dexter as he rouses and picks up his buzzing cell phone from his
bedside table.
Dexter: Hello?
(cut to): Grace
talking on a phone in her room.
Grace: Good morning. Sorry to call so
early, but I wanted to invite you over for breakfast. You’ll never
guess who’s cooking.
(cut to):
downstairs in the kitchen. Nicholas is
at the stove cooking eggs. Bella is
mixing up some pancake batter in a big bowl.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Fortunately, we often have the chance to right our wrongs and to ask
for forgiveness.
(cut to):
Charlie sitting at the kitchen table. He
looks on and seems happy.
(cut to): the
outside of the girls’ dorm as
(cut to): the
boys’ school. Scout walks outside with
Dexter. They pause at the bottom of the
steps.
Scout: Enjoy breakfast.
Dexter: Thanks.
Scout: And, thanks again for agreeing to the switch.
Dexter shrugs.
Dexter: I’ve survived rooming with
Scout nods.
Dexter cont’d: And I can’t believe Jake was even considering staying
in that room with him.
Scout: She’s a strong girl, but…you’re right.
It was just too much for her.
Dexter: Well, keep me posted.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Jacqueline and I’m more than willing to
contribute what I can to her happiness.
Scout smiles as Dexter starts to walk
away.
Scout: Hey, Dex?
Dexter turns around, raising his
eyebrows and adjusting his glasses.
Scout: I’m sorry if I ever treated you badly…as a roommate or…as a friend.
Dexter nods. Scout puts his hand out and they shake.
Dexter: Thanks.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Those little moments of forgiveness that ease our failings…
As Dexter turns to walk away, Scout
looks up to see
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: …sometimes make it hard for us to stop ourselves when the opportunity
to transgress presents itself the next time.
Scout: Are you seriously asking me that eight hours
later? Could you care any less?
He cuts himself off and takes a few
calming breaths.
Scout checks out
Scout: I’m glad you trust me with her because she’s going to be spending a
little more time with me from now on.
Scout: She’s going to trade with Dexter.
Scout: Rooms. Roommates.
Scout nods.
Scout: I don’t know, but I think if she stays in your room it might start to
get a bit…awkward when you start showing up fresh out of your new girlfriend’s
bed.
Scout: Well, gee, no, I think I’ll have to take credit for that one. It hit me as I watched her stumble around a
party getting drunk and high—
Scout cont’d: …all in some twisted attempt to convince herself that
she’s fine.
Scout: No, you didn’t. I might not
know Jake like you know Jake, but…that was not her.
Scout: But when have you ever seen her with a broken heart before?
Scout: Why? Just because you aren’t
reeling emotionally from all this—
Scout: It’s self-induced.
Scout: Aly?
Scout shakes his head.
Scout: If you really need me to explain that to you then…I guess you chose
the only path you were capable of choosing.
Now, if you’ll excuse me…
Jill: Hey, guys.
Hamilton and Scout look up to see Jill
approaching. She, like
Jill cont’d: Do you know if Jacqueline’s up yet?
Scout: Last I checked she was sleeping peacefully.
Jill nods then seems to finally realize
the state of
Jill: You look rough.
Hamilton looks down at her clothes then
up at her doubtfully, but she doesn’t skip a beat:
Jill cont’d: Get into another fight?
Scout: Fight?
Jill: Yeah, Ham here decided to try and duke it out with one of Rawley’s fine faculty members.
Scout: Let me guess: Mr. Mann.
Jill: So I guess everyone knows all the secrets now.
Scout: I guess so.
Hamilton
looks at Scout again, wondering what he knows, but not asking.
Jill: Anyway, I wanted to try to patch things up with her, but…
Scout: Do you think we could take a walk?
Jill looks hesitant, but silently
accepts.
Jill: Did you just get home?
Jill gives him a displeased look then
turns to Scout.
Jill: Walk, right?
Scout nods. Jill nods for him to follow as she walks
away. Scout gives
(cut to): the
hall of the dorm. Scout’s door opens
slowly and slightly as Jake carefully peaks her head out. She looks first one way then the other. When she sees that it’s clear, she quickly
darts across the hall to her (former) room.
She looks around, glancing at
Jake: I’m just going to grab my shower stuff and some clothes then I’ll be
out of your way.
Jake: I guess you talked to Scout.
Jake: I’m sorry if he was rude on my behalf.
You shouldn’t feel bad.
Jake: It was a lapse in judgment.
That’s all. It’s not going to be
a regular occurrence. Believe me.
Jake is a little surprised to hear this,
but this is only revealed for a brief moment then she merely nods.
Jake: Yeah…definitely. Well…I’ll just
get my stuff…and…go…
He nods.
She exits into the bathroom to get her stuff. He looks around, uncomfortable in every way.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Sometimes it is impossible to make things right. Other times, it’s impossible not to:
(cut to): the
lake. Jill and Scout walk along together
in silence.
Jill: Did you just want to walk?
Scout: No…I’m just trying to figure out how to say what I want to say in the
least awkward way possible.
Jill: Feel free to be awkward.
Scout: In that case, I’m sorry for walking in on you and Sean last
night. I’m sure it was mortifying for
you.
Jill nods.
Jill: It was.
Scout: Also, I want you to know that I’m glad it happened.
Jill wrinkles her nose.
Jill: God, why?
Scout: Because it was a great reality check for me. As is this morning…knowing where you came
from and what you were doing there…
Jill: I’m regretting the awkward permission.
Scout: I think all those images will be ones that help me see our
relationship for what it really is.
Jill: What is it?
Scout laughs softly.
Scout: Over. It’s over, Jill.
She looks down.
Scout cont’d: I mean, you had sex with
Sean. What could make the picture
clearer for me?
Jill shrugs.
Jill: I used to think it would be you.
Scout watches her closely as she forms
her next sentence:
Jill: I used to think we would share this moment where our teenage innocence
would melt away and there we would be: the adults who were ready to face the
rest of our lives together.
Scout: That’s a beautiful thought.
Jill: But this summer…you and Alyssa…it just made that moment more like a
memory of something that would never happen…if you can get what I mean.
Scout nods.
Scout: And I guess I’d given up that hope before summer even began.
Jill nods.
Jill: Well, I don’t have any hard feelings, Scout. I hope you won’t either.
Scout thinks about this. He smiles.
Scout: You know, I don’t know what it is about right now, but I feel really
comfortable saying that I don’t.
Jill smiles.
Jill: Good.
Scout: Do you want to go back and see if Jake is up yet?
Jill: Yes. Anything
to avoid going back to my room.
That place is contaminated now.
(cut to):
Alyssa and Jill’s room. Alyssa wakes up,
looking around for
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: And, so, some are forgiven…
(cut to): the
boys’ quad. Jill, Jake and Scout sit
together talking. Jake
looks fairly happy. In fact, they
all do.
(cut to):
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: …While others are damned.
(cut to): An
overhead shot of
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: Temptation acted upon. Hearts broken. Lives
forever changed. This…
(cut to): the
girls’ school.
Will
(v.o.) cont’d: …is sin.
(fade out)
THE END
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