What If?
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Rawley Academy, the present.
Music: Perfect by Maren Ord
(cut
to): Finn’s classroom, from the inside, the closed door. Pan over to his desk where Kate is
sitting…kissing a standing Finn. Finn pulls
back slightly.
(cut
to): a close up of them.
Finn: I love you, Kate.
Kate
smiles, kissing him again…not answering.
She moves down to his neck. Finn
doesn’t stop her, but looks frustrated and disappointed.
(cut
to): Gwen walking down a hall of the boys dorms. She gets to what we know as Jake’s room…what used to be Ryder’s
room. She knocks. No one answers. She knocks again, harder.
She opens the door. Ryder is
sitting on the bed, wearing headphones and making out with…Grace. Grace sees Gwen and pulls back, standing
up. Ryder turns around, confused. He pulls the headphones off then sees Gwen.
Ryder: Get the hell out.
Gwen: No. Ryder, I want my physics book back along
with my homework that was in it.
Ryder: Sorry, Love…I turned that
in today.
Gwen: What? Ryder, I worked on that for like a
week. I can’t believe you!
Ryder: I’m not spending another
year here.
Gwen: Then study instead
of making out with underage girls who are cutting school.
She
looks at Grace.
Gwen cont’d: No offense.
Grace
smiles stupidly.
Grace: None taken. Ryder, I better go.
Ryder
nods. He winks at her as she smiles one
last time then leaves.
Ryder: Christ, I thought you’d
get here sooner.
Gwen
looks confused. Ryder pulls a book from
under his pillow.
Ryder: You’ll find your homework
where you left…although, I did copy it.
He
hands it to her.
Ryder cont’d: Thank you,
you can go now.
Gwen: You…are crazy.
Ryder
smirks.
Ryder: All right…you can stay.
Gwen
laughs and exits. Ryder smiles smugly
and puts his headphones back on.
(cut
to): Dexter, Scout and Hamilton sitting in the common room, watching TV. Scout’s in a chair and Dexter and Ham sit at
opposite ends of the couch. Jill walks
in. They all look up.
Hamilton: Hey, Beautiful.
She
smiles and walks over sitting between Dexter and Hamilton…much closer to
Hamilton. He puts his arm on the back
of the couch behind her. He smiles
warmly and addresses her playfully:
Hamilton cont’d: What are you
doing here?
Jill
smiles as Hamilton leans over, kissing her.
Scout and Dexter look at each other.
Scout smiles, shaking his head.
Scout: You guys…
They
look over at him, breaking the kiss.
Scout cont’d: Hi…
He
gives them a wave as if catching their attention.
Scout cont’d: …this
is the common room, not the PDA room.
Dexter
laughs quietly. Jill smiles, looking
down.
Hamilton: And, just where is
that room? Oh, wait…neither of you
would know. Unless…I forget, Scout…are
you on again…or off again?
Hamilton
laughs, shaking his head.
Scout cont’d: You realize
you’re like the worst best friend ever.
Hamilton
nods. He stands up and holds out his
hand. Jill takes it, but looks over at
Scout sympathetically. He’s attempting
to watch TV again.
Jill: Scout?
He
looks up at her.
Jill cont’d: You two always
get back get together so…I’m sure it’ll happen this time too.
Scout
smiles.
Scout: Thanks, Jill.
Hamilton
pulls her arm, urging her to leave. She
smiles and waves to them.
(cut
to): an establishing shot of Edmund High.
(cut
to): Johanna Ryan’s classroom. Her
class is lined up, turning essays in.
Bella hands hers in.
Johanna: Thank you, Bella.
Bella
laughs.
Bella: Anytime.
Will,
the last to hand his in, smiles. He
stands next to Bella.
Will: Anytime…or at least until
the next time you assign us another thought-provoking essay.
Bella
rolls her eyes at him.
Johanna: Do you have a minute,
Will?
Will: Uh…
He
looks at Bella.
Bella: Want me to wait or…
Will: I’ll catch up.
Bella: Okay, later Burger Boy.
Will: See ya, Pump Girl.
Bella
walks out. Johanna picks up the essays,
stacking them.
Johanna: Will, why didn’t you
reapply to Rawley Academy this year?
Will
closes his eyes, not expecting this conversation.
Will: I guess because I got
kicked out last summer…for cheating.
Johanna: You were expelled for a
year…you could have tried again this past summer.
Will: Like I would have even had
a shot.
Johanna: You’re essays are so good,
Will. You’re talented. You’re a writer. Has anyone ever said that to you before?
Will
shakes his head, looking down.
Johanna cont’d: I don’t
think you should give up on a promising future because of one lapse in
judgment.
Will: I just wish that I’d
gotten a second chance, you know?
Like…what if Finn had let me take the test again or came up with another
way of giving me another shot at proving that I belong there.
The
scene freezes, as if on pause. Will,
though, turns, facing the camera, but looking down. The rest of the scene fades away, but Will is left standing
there. He looks up at the camera.
Will: What if this is how
things really were? What if Finn and
the dean’s wife had never ended things?
In
the background the scene of Hamilton seeing his mom and Finn across the quad
pops up, yet Will remains in the foreground…almost like a weatherman. There is no audio from these background
scenes. The scene changes to when Jake
and Hamilton are in Finn’s apartment and Hamilton sees the earring.
Will cont’d: What if
Hamilton had never found out.
The
scene fades…almost flickers away.
Will cont’d: What if
Ryder wasn’t gay?
The
scene where Ryder tells Jake he’s gay comes up.
Will cont’d: What if
Ryder was just…Ryder?
The
scene flickers away and briefly we get a flash of Ryder with the video camera
harassing Hamilton.
Will cont’d: What if Jake
didn’t exist either?
In
the background, we see Jake driving her motorcycle up to Rawley Academy for the
first time.
Will cont’d: What if
Jacqueline never invented this character and never showed up at Rawley?
The
scene changes to the Jake/Ham rooftop
scene. Will laughs to himself,
though he continues to look at the camera.
Will cont’d: What if
Hamilton hadn’t questioned his sexuality?
What if, instead, when he met Jill that first time…
The
scene of the rooftop flickers away and the first Jill and Hamilton meeting pops
up.
Will cont’d: …he’d asked
her out?
The
scene flickers away again. The scene
where Charlie tells Scout he’s Bella’s brother comes on to the screen.
Will cont’d: What if
Charlie was Bella’s father and no one ever questioned that?
The
scene flickers away and the scene when Bella and Scout kiss on the dock comes
up momentarily then fades out as it is replaced by the scene of Finn
overhearing Scout and Will as he fixes the light bulb.
Will cont’d: And what if
Finn took a different course of action?
The
scene when Finn tells Will to write an essay comes up.
Will cont’d: What if I
didn’t get my second chance?
The
scene flickers away and Will is left standing against blackness.
Will cont’d: What if…?
(fade
out)
Music: What I Believe by Sum 41
(fade
in): to Hamilton’s room which is normally Hamilton and Dexter’s room. Dexter, though, is Scout’s roommate. The camera pans around the room. It has only has one bed (we’ll get back to
that) and looks more like Hamilton owns it.
There are 3EB posters up on two of the walls. His guitar is in the corner.
It’s different. Very different,
in fact. The camera stops on the bed
again where Hamilton and Jill sit kissing.
They slowly end the kiss.
Hamilton kisses her again quickly then hops up and picks up his
guitar.
Hamilton: Hey, are you coming to my
house for dinner Sunday?
Jill: Don’t I always?
Hamilton sits on
the bed next to her and strums a progression of chords.
Hamilton: My parents love you.
Jill
smiles weakly as she watches Hamilton.
Jill: And…I love your parents.
Hamilton
looks at her.
Hamilton: Really? Even my mom? Even after you’ve had her food?
Jill
laughs and shoves him playfully.
Hamilton laughs and goes back to playing.
Jill: Oh my God, guess what?
Hamilton: Hmm?
Jill: You know Jacqueline?
Hamilton
stops and looks at her.
Hamilton: Um….
Jill
looks disappointed.
Jill: Jacqueline…my best friend
Jacqueline…I talk about her all the time Jacqueline…
Hamilton: I didn’t say no…I
remember…what about her?
Jill: She’s coming here. I finally convinced her.
Hamilton
laughs.
Hamilton: Here? Like to Rawley Academy for Boys?
Jill
rolls her eyes.
Jill: You know what I meant.
Hamilton: Still, that would have
been funny.
Jill: Just…shut up, Hamilton.
He
sets his guitar back on its stand, sits on the bed and leans over to her.
Hamilton: Make me.
He
smiles irresistibly and she kisses him, shutting him up.
(cut
to): Will and Bella walking together.
Will: I just wish she’d lay off
about the whole thing.
Bella: She does have a point,
Will.
Will
turns to Bella as they stop walking.
Will: Not you too…
Bella: You don’t belong at Edmund
High, Will.
Will: Well, that’s good to hear
coming from one of me best friends.
Bella: You know I don’t mean it
as a bad thing.
Will: Can we just drop it?
Bella
nods. A beat. They start walking again.
Will cont’d: So…speaking
of Rawley guys…you and Scout are—
Bella: …not.
Will: Yet, anyway.
Bella: Not ever again. I can’t be with Scout.
Will: Why not?
Bella: He proposed to me.
Will
stops and stops her.
Will: What?
Bella: Not like…on one knee with
a ring, but…he started talking about our future.
Will: What’s wrong with that?
Bella: Marriage…kids…a house in
the suburbs…
Will: And so you freaked out and
broke up with him…again.
Bella: …and for the last time.
Will: Okay, fair enough.
Bella
sighs.
Bella: What?
Will: Well…it’s only natural
that he would start thinking like that, Bella.
You were pretty serious. Even
when you supposedly weren’t together…you were together.
Bella: Well, we’re not anymore,
okay? Not together or…together.
Will
shrugs.
Will: O…kay.
(cut
to): the art room. Kate is working on a
sculpture. Finn walks in.
Finn: We can’t be together
anymore.
Kate
looks at him then the open door.
Finn cont’d: No one’s out
there, relax.
Kate: I’m expecting a student. You can’t be here, Finn.
Finn: That’s my point.
Kate
walks over to the door, closing it.
Kate: We’ve been through this…a
hundred times. I want you in my life.
Finn: …but you’re not willing to
make sacrifices to have that.
Kate: It’s not like you
have to sacrifice anything.
Finn: Oh…really?
Kate
walks back over to her sculpture.
Finn cont’d: What about
being able to say, “I love you” to someone…and getting to hear her say it back.
Kate
stops with her sculpture, but doesn’t look up at him.
Kate: Our situation is
complicated—
Finn: You’re changing the
subject.
Kate
sighs.
Finn cont’d: Do you…love
me?
Someone
tries to open the door, but it’s locked.
Kate: Just a minute, I didn’t
realize that was locked.
Kate
turns to him and whispers:
Kate cont’d: We’ll finish
this later. Please?
Finn
nods and walks over to the door, opening it.
Jill stands there. Finn smiles
then steps past her out into the hall.
Kate smiles as she continues working on her sculpture.
Kate: Hi, Sweetie.
Jill: Hi. How are you?
Kate: I’m fine. Are you coming over for dinner on Sunday?
Jill: Yes.
Kate: Good, good.
Jill: So, are you and Finn still
working on that class together?
Kate: Um…I’m not sure. It’s up in the air right now.
Jill
nods, opening a cabinet and getting some of her art supplies out.
Music: My Stupid Mouth by John
Mayer
(cut
to): Friendly’s. Will walks out of the
bathroom, having just changed into his uniform. He walks behind the counter.
There are no customers. Through the
window, we see Scout an SUV pull up.
Scout hops out wearing a Friendly’s uniform. He enters.
Will: You’re late.
Scout: You’re not the boss of
me…oh wait, you are.
Scout
smiles.
Scout cont’d: Anyway, I
almost forgot I was working. Dexter and
I were watching some talk show. Those
things are hilarious.
He
walks over behind the counter with Will.
Scout cont’d: This guy and
girl were dating and her dad came on the show and told them that they were
really brother and sister.
Will
laughs.
Will: Only on television.
A
beat as he takes out menus, placing them at several counter seats.
Scout: So, did you see Bella
today?
Will
smiles, shaking his head at Scout’s attempt at being nonchalant.
Will: Well…we do go to school
together…and you know we have several classes together…and Bella’s had perfect
attendance ever since kindergarten…and—
Scout: Okay…what I mean was…when
you saw her today, did she happen to…mention me?
Will
looks over at him, not wanting to be involved in this.
Will: Not really.
Scout: I know we have this rocky
history, but…we’ve always been able to work things out…without even trying that
hard. This feels so…permanent.
Will: And, what if it is
permanent?
Scout
looks at him suspiciously.
Scout: “Not really,” huh?
Will
studies a menu.
Will: So, how’s life at Rawley
Academy?
Scout
looks at him sympathetically, dropping the Bella stuff.
Scout: It sucks as usual.
Will
nods.
Scout cont’d: You
know…Will…I could loan you—
Will
gives him a look that makes him stop.
Will: That isn’t what I was
asking.
Scout: I know, but every time we
have this conversation…it just seems like the perfect—
The
bell on the door rings indicating someone has come in.
Will: Can we drop it?
(cut
to): Hamilton walks in the door.
Hamilton: Drop what?
Hamilton
walks over to the counter and picks up a menu.
Will: Nothing. How are you, Hamilton?
Hamilton: Never bad, Will
Krudski. You?
Will
shrugs.
Will: Been better.
Scout: So, where’s the little
woman?
Hamilton: If she heard you say
that…she’d kick your ass.
Scout
laughs.
Scout: Well, she’d have to…’cause
you sure couldn’t.
Hamilton: I hate you, dude.
Scout: Sure you do.
Hamilton: I do…that’s why I’m not
rooming with you this year.
Scout: You used your dad to get a
single room…and got me stuck with Dexter.
Did I ever thank you for that?
That guy is such a spaz.
Will
watches them talk about life at Rawley, looking a little sad. Customers come in. Scout starts to go over.
Will: I got it.
He
walks away from them…and the world he isn’t a part of.
(fade
out)
Music: Ordinary Day by Vanessa
Carlton
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Rawley Academy, later in the week.
(cut
to): the art room. The camera pans
around and we see a girl sitting at one of the tall art tables. Her back is to the camera. Her hair is brown and above her shoulders.
(cut
to): the door. Hamilton walks in,
reading a magazine and eating an apple.
He takes another bit of the apple.
Still chewing, and looking at the magazine, he speaks to the girl:
Hamilton: Hi, I’ve generously given
up my lunch hour to give you a tour of the entire Rawley Academy campus. Please, follow me. He takes another bite of the apple.
(cut
to): the girl: Jacqueline. She’s
recognizable, but…not really. This is
what Jake would have looked like if she’d never been Jake. Somewhere between how she looked when she
came back from England in the first ep of this season (way trendy and chic)
and…even more girly. She tilts her
head, looking at Hamilton as he takes one last bite of the apple and tosses it
into the trashcan. He’s yet to look
up. She rolls her eyes and walks past
him, out the door. He looks up from the
magazine, sighing. He tosses it onto a
table and goes out into the hall.
(cut
to): the hall. Hamilton walks out and
looks down the hall. Jacqueline is
walking away.
Hamilton: Wait.
She
doesn’t stop walking so he jogs after her, putting his hand on her shoulder.
Hamilton cont’d: Hey…hang on.
She
turns around and he drops his hand.
(cut
to): a medium shot of the two of them.
Jacqueline looks like she was about to chew him out, but…doesn’t. Hamilton swallows, not speaking right away. In other words, they have a little
moment.
Hamilton: Uh…look, sorry about that.
Jacqueline
nods.
Jacqueline: It’s okay.
Hamilton: So, still interested in
the grand tour?
Jacqueline: To be honest, I was never that
interested in it.
Hamilton: Oh.
Jacqueline: No offense or
anything. I just like to look around
and figure things out for myself.
Besides, the best places are never on the tour.
Hamilton’s
about to speak, but she smiles and it makes him stop.
Jacqueline cont’d: So…if Mrs.
Fleming asks, I’ll tell her I enjoyed the tour very much and…you can go back to
your magazine.
She
smiles and turns.
Hamilton: Wait.
He
grabs her arm. She turns back around
and looks down at his hand then at him.
He lets go of her.
Hamilton cont’d: Um…I happen
to know a lot of the best places on campus so…if you want like an unofficial
tour…I can do that too.
He smiles,
really for the first time. She narrows
her eyes looking at him a little suspiciously, but she’s obviously going to
accept.
(cut
to): an establishing shot of Gwen and Jill sitting together at a picnic table
on the girls’ quad, eating lunch. They
have on jackets, of course.
(cut
to): Dexter and Scout as they walk across the quad together.
Dexter: Uh…I can’t do this.
He
stops and tries to turn around, but Scout grabs him.
Scout: You have to face your
fears.
(cut
to): Jill and Gwen’s table as Scout and Dexter walk up. Scout pushes Dexter down.
Scout: Jill…got a minute?
Jill: Um…what?
Scout: For me…you know…to talk.
Jill
looks at Gwen then Dexter who is looking down.
Music: Should Be (sha sha) by Ben
Kweller
(cut
to): Jill and Scout walking together by the lake.
Scout: So, anyway, sorry to
interrupt your lunch. I just can’t take
Dexter anymore.
Jill: Aw, I think he’s cute.
Scout: Yeah, well, I guess you
think Hamilton’s “cute” too.
Jill: Actually, he can be a real
a jerk.
A
beat as they stop at a canoe that’s been left out.
Jill cont’d: Like the
other day…about you and Bella.
Scout: Oh, that’s like no big
deal…I tease him about you too.
Jill
sits on the canoe. Scout does the
same. Jill looks over at him.
Jill: What do you say?
Scout: I think I’d rather not
say.
Jill: What does he say?
Scout
thinks.
Scout: Last time, he said if
you’d heard me, you’d kick my ass.
Jill: That figures.
Scout
looks a little thrown off.
Scout: I thought you two were
like…the perfect couple.
Jill
smiles.
Jill: Hamilton’s the perfect
guy.
Scout: Is he the perfect guy…for
you?
Jill
looks over at Scout, not answering him.
Jill: How are things going with
Bella?
Scout: They’re not, apparently.
Jill: What’d you guys fight
about?
Scout: Well, a lot, but…this
time? Nothing. The last conversation we really had before I
was dumped…I was telling her how I could picture myself spending the rest of my
life with her. Girls like that kind of
stuff, right?
Jill: I guess…if you mean it.
Scout
thinks about this.
Scout: Well, I definitely want to
spend the rest of my life with someone.
Kids, a dog…house in the suburbs.
Scout
looks across the lake. Jill looks over
at him, surprised.
Jill: Yeah…I know what you mean.
He
looks back, smiling. Scout blinks.
Scout: We should, um…
Jill: …check on Dexter. Definitely.
Scout: Yeah…
Music:
Barbecue
by Handsome Devil
(cut
to): the picnic table. Gwen is eating a
sandwich. Dexter sits, looking
around. Out of nowhere, Ryder sits down
next to Gwen. Dexter looks over. He starts to get up.
Dexter: I-I…um…
Ryder: Hey there, Dex…where’re
you going? Stay. Sit.
Dexter
sits back down, looking scared.
Ryder cont’d: Good
boy. Give him a treat, Gwen.
Ryder
laughs. He looks at Gwen who’s giving
him a displeased look.
Ryder: Oh, what? I’m just having a little fun with the
kid. What’s the matter with you anyway,
Dexter? She’s just a girl. Oh, right…I forgot your little problem. You know, if you can’t talk to girls,
Dex…you’ll never be able to—
Gwen: Ryder, stop.
Ryder
smirks. Scout and Jill walk up.
Jill: You’re in my seat.
Ryder
looks up at her then over at Scout.
Ryder: Taking Ham’s girl for a
walk down by the lake…nice move, Calhoun.
Didn’t think you had it in you.
Scout: You’ve really found your
niche, haven’t you? Tormenting Rawley
students? I guess that’s why you keep
flunking…you just can’t bear to give it up.
Ryder
stands up, challenging Scout. He smirks
weakly then walks away.
Jill: Nicely done.
Gwen: Sorry, you guys.
Jill: You don’t have to
apologize for him.
Scout: Come on, Dex…we’re going
to be late for class.
Dexter
stands up, looking a little sick.
(cut
to): the driveway of the girls school as Jacqueline and Hamilton walk toward
the school. The girls are all going
back into the school and back to class since lunch is over.
Hamilton: So…there you have it.
Jacqueline: Very informative.
He
smiles.
Jacqueline: I really liked that little—
Jill (off screen):
Jacqueline…oh my God, you’re here?
Jill
comes running up and gives Jacqueline a hug.
Jacqueline: Yeah…I guess I am.
She
smiles as they part. Hamilton looks at
Jill.
Hamilton: You know her?
Jill
looks at him, getting angry.
Jill: Do I know Jacqueline?
Hamilton
looks at Jacqueline then back at Jill.
Jill: She’s my best friend…ring
any bells?
Hamilton: Oh…right…Jacqueline.
He
looks at Jacqueline.
Hamilton cont’d: I always
forget your name…too many syllables or something.
Jill: Yeah…a whole three,
Ham-il-ton.
Jacqueline: Hamilton? You are Hamilton?
Hamilton: …Fleming…yeah.
Jill: What kind of tour was this? You didn’t introduce yourself?
Hamilton: It was an unofficial tour.
Jill: An unofficial tour…where
you didn’t happen to mention your girlfriend, Jill—that’s one
syllable—at all?
Hamilton: Uh…well…
Jacqueline: He did…he just didn’t say your
name so…I didn’t know that he was…well…him.
Hamilton
looks over at Jacqueline, with a surprised smile, then back at Jill.
Hamilton: Yeah.
Jill: Oh…well, I have to get to
class. You’re taking her to the office?
Hamilton
nods. She turns to Jacqueline, looking
genuinely glad to have her here.
Jill cont’d: We’re
staying up all night, okay? God…it’s
good to see you.
Jill
hugs her. Jacqueline smiles, hugging
her back.
Jacqueline: Ditto.
Hamilton: Ditto…I like that.
Jill
smiles at him then looks at Jacqueline.
Jacqueline: Patrick Swayze?
Jill: Oh yeah….totally.
Jacqueline
laughs. Hamilton doesn’t get it.
Jill cont’d:
Tonight…we’ll talk about it. Bye.
She
takes a few steps.
Hamilton: Hey, wait.
Music:
Ordinary
Day by Vanessa Carlton (we’ll call it a reprise)
He
walks over and puts one hand on Jill’s shoulder and cups her face with the
other.
Hamilton cont’d: I’m glad I
got to see you.
Jill
smiles.
Jill: Me too.
He
kisses her briefly on the lips then lets his hands drop to his side.
Hamilton: I’ll see you later?
Jill
nods then walks into the building.
Hamilton watches her a minute then breathes a sigh of relief. He turns back to Jacqueline who has been
watching the whole time. She turns away
as if she hasn’t been watching then
looks back at him.
Hamilton cont’d: Thanks for
that save.
Jacqueline: Yeah…no problem.
Hamilton: So…um…to the office?
He
holds out his hand dramatically. She
smiles then walks past him and into the building. He laughs and follows her into the building.
(fade
out)
Music: Back to You by John Mayer
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Edmund High.
(cut
to): a conference room. Johanna makes a
phone call.
(cut
to): Finn’s office. The phone
rings. The camera pans to the
door. Kate is leaning against it as
Finn stands in front of her kissing her.
He steps back.
Finn: We’re supposed to be
talking.
He
turns to answer the phone.
Finn
cont’d:
Finn, here…of course, how could I forget Will Krudski?…I’m sorry, this is who?…
Finn
smiles, shaking in his head in disbelief.
Finn cont’d: …You’re from
here, right?...Yeah…we went to high school together. Well, sort of. You were a
year ahead of me…no, no don’t worry about it…uh-huh…uh-huh…well, we usually do
that before summer session…I see…I…uh-huh…you know, I might be able to arrange
something with…
He
looks up at Kate.
Finn cont’d: …with the
dean…okay…well, why don’t I get your number and I’ll call you and let you know…
Finn
picks up a pencil and writes.
Finn cont’d: …uh-huh…I
got it…and, I wouldn’t say anything to Will yet, but when he comes I think I’d
like to see an essay too…well, I’m sure he is, but…exactly…anytime…you too…bye.
Finn
hangs up the phone. He sets it down,
looking at it a moment. He seems to
have forgotten Kate for the moment.
Kate: Who was that?
Finn: One of Will Krudski’s
teachers.
Kate: Hamilton tells me that
Will is really a bright boy. That was
an unfortunate situation…it must have been a tough decision for you.
Finn: It wasn’t my decision to
expel him.
Kate: I meant…going to my
husband in the first place.
Finn
sighs, considering what happened.
Kate cont’d: Anyway, what
did he want?
Finn: Who?
Kate: The teacher.
Finn: Oh…she was
wondering if we’d consider giving him another shot.
Kate
looks first annoyed that it was a she…then at the situation.
Kate: At the scholarship? Things don’t work that way Finn.
Finn: I know…
He
sits down at his desk.
Finn cont’d: I’ve always
felt like I made the wrong decision with Will Krudski.
Kate
walks over and puts her hands on his shoulders.
Kate: Don’t start beating
yourself up over something that happened a year and a half ago.
Finn: What if we talked to the
board? He’s a local boy. If they can keep what happened before
quiet…this could be some great P.R. The
board has never been able to make nice with the locals.
Kate
leans down a little more.
Kate: That’s actually not a bad
idea at all, Finn.
He
nods.
Kate cont’d: I could
probably mention this to Steven tonight.
Finn
stands up, facing her.
Finn: Thank you.
He
looks at her, and brushes her face with his hand. A beat.
Kate: I’m sorry if I’m hurting
you.
He
looks a little confused.
Kate cont’d: I’m sorry if
being with me hurts you.
He
takes a deep breath.
Finn: Right now…being without you
would be so much worse.
They
have this intense moment as she kisses him.
They pull apart just slightly.
Finn: Will you come see me
tonight?
Kate: You know I can’t.
Finn: Will you try?
He
kisses her again.
Finn cont’d: Please,
Kate?
Kate: I’ll try.
Music: The Middle by Jimmy Eat
World
(dissolve
to): The garage. Bella’s working on a
car and Sean is sitting on the bench nearby.
An SUV pulls u—not the original Ryder-mobile, but Ryder rolls down the
driver’s window.
Ryder: Bella…be a doll and get
your sister for me?
Bella: She’s not home.
Grace
walks outside.
Grace: Hi, Ryder
Bella: Grace, try to make it home
tonight.
Grace: Whatever…
She
walks around to get into the passenger side.
Ryder: I’ll bring her home
tonight…if I can trade her in for you.
Bella
looks really angry and Sean gets up from the bench. Ryder laughs as Grace gets in.
He pulls off.
Sean: I don’t see how Grace can
stand that guy.
Bella (Grace impression):
“He’s an amazing kisser…and he’s got an accent.”
Bella
shakes her head and goes back to the car.
Sean: Listen, Bella…
He
leans on the car. Bella looks slightly
panicked as she looks around.
(cut
to): across the street as Will pulls up on his bike.
(cut
to): Bella and Sean as Sean still struggles to articulate what he wants to say.
Sean: I know you and Scout…I
mean—
Bella: Hey, there’s Will. Will!
(cut to): across
the street. Will looks up. He smiles and walks over.
(cut
to): Sean and Bella as Will walks up.
Bella looks at him pleadingly.
Will: Hey guys, how’s it going?
Sean: Hi, Will.
Will
smiles at him apologetically, almost as though he knows what he is
interrupting.
Will: Bella…don’t you owe me a
cheeseburger?
Bella: Oh, right.
Will
looks at his watch.
Will: My shift starts like now,
though…and I’m the only one working this shift so—
Bella: Of course, we better go…
Will: Sean, did you want to—
Sean: Um…I’ve probably got
homework or something.
He
starts to walk over to the bench and pick up his backpack.
Will: Hey, Sean?
Sean: Yeah?
Will: Come Spring, we’re going
to suck.
Sean
laughs.
Sean: I know, I just haven’t
been in the mood to practice.
Will: Why don’t I stop by
sometime and we can find out if you’re curve ball’s gotten any better?
Sean
smiles.
Sean: Yeah, that’d be cool.
(dissolve
to): Friendly’s, a little later. Will
puts a plate down in front of Bella and walks over to give refills to a
table. He walks back to the counter.
Bella: God, Sean’s driving me
crazy.
Will: He has kind of been
circling since he heard about Scout.
Bella: I just wish he’d find an
extracurricular activity or something.
Will: Well, if you can hold him
off until Spring…there’s always baseball.
Bella
sighs.
Will cont’d: You know,
you could just tell him no.
Bella: I know…I just don’t want
to hurt his feelings…or his ego…whatever it is you boys have.
Will: Hey, hey, hey…I’ve
got feelings.
Bella: You’re a most unusual boy,
Will Krudski.
Will: Want to go to the movies
with me this Friday?
Bella
looks a little panicked. Will laughs.
Will cont’d: Calm down,
not every guy at Edmund High wants to date you…although it would have
been a good master plan for me to have.
Bella
smiles, shaking her head. A beat as
Will looks over at her.
Will cont’d: Why do
you think we’ve never dated?
Bella
looks over at him, considering the question.
Bella: I don’t know…maybe you’re
gay.
Will
feigns shock that she’s said this.
Bella cont’d: Really…I
think it’s because we’d miss this too much.
Will
smiles.
Will: Yeah…I like this.
He
smirks.
Will cont’d: Plus, I’m
not attracted to you.
Bella
rolls her eyes and eats a fry.
(dissolve
to): The Fleming house.
(cut
to): the kitchen. Hamilton sits at the
kitchen table working on homework as Kate cleans up the kitchen..
Kate: Have you seen your father?
Hamilton: Yep…he’s working
late. Big surprise there.
Kate: I wanted to talk to him
about something.
Hamilton
continues his work. A beat.
Kate cont’d: Did he say
how late he’d be in his office?
Hamilton
looks up at her.
Hamilton: Eleven…so twelve or
one. Why?
Kate
shrugs and turns back to the stove.
Kate: What about you?
What are you doing home tonight?
Hamilton: This reading assignment requires concentration
and…I can’t pull that off in the dorms.
Kate
nods and proceeds to interrupt his concentration:
Kate: So, how was that tour
today?
Hamilton: That girl…Jacqueline…she’s
Jill’s best friend.
Kate: That’s what Jill tells me.
Hamilton: When did you guys talk?
Kate: We talk all the time,
Munchie.
Hamilton
doesn’t do his usual flinching at the nickname.
Hamilton: Oh.
Kate
turns back to him again.
Kate: Don’t worry. I think she’s
really wonderful.
Hamilton
smiles.
Hamilton: I know you do, Mom.
Hamilton
looks back at his work, having trouble concentrating.
(fade
out)
Music:
Lonely
Girl by Pink
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Rawley Girls’ Academy.
(cut
to): Jill and Gwen’s room. Gwen’s not
there. Jacqueline is lying on Jill’s
bed. Jill is sitting on a beanbag on
the floor which she’s pulled up to the bed.
Jill: Okay, so next semester…what
should we do? I’d say I’d just do a
roommate switch, but I like living with Gwen.
She’s kind of a study nazi, but she’s really easy to get along with. I think we might be able to get into one of
the three person rooms…
Jacqueline: Or I could keep my single.
Jill: How the hell did you do
that anyway?
Jacqueline
just smiles mysteriously.
Jill cont’d: My best
friend, the hacker.
A
beat.
Jill cont’d: Hamilton
would be so impressed.
Jacqueline: Is he into computers?
Jill: Not really…he’s not really
into anything.
Jacqueline: What do you mean?
Jill: Well, he gets to take all
these interesting classes. The boys
have that cool English teacher, Finn.
Ham does his work and makes okay grades, but he’s never really into it, you
know?
Jacqueline: The fact that there are
people who are actually into school…that’s what should worry you.
Jill: Well, and, like he used to
take pictures. His mom is always
telling me about it. But, he “just
doesn’t” anymore and…don’t ask him about it because he gets all defensive.
Jacqueline
nods.
Jill cont’d: And, he has
this guitar and he’s kind of a natural…but he never writes any songs. He could, but he doesn’t.
Jacqueline: Okay, I get the
point. He doesn’t have any hobbies…like
you and your art.
Jill: I’m afraid that…it’s more
like he doesn’t have any inspiration.
Jacqueline
sits up.
Jacqueline: Maybe he’s just lazy.
Jill
laughs. A beat as Jacqueline looks
around.
Jacqueline: So, wait…you guys have
been together for more than a year, right?
Jill
looks a little nervous. Jacqueline
smiles.
Jacqueline: We’ll get to that
later. My question now is…where are the
bridal magazines?
Jill: What?
Jacqueline: Come on…I’ve been worried
about you since you started dating him.
You haven’t once mentioned what your kids would look like or…where you
want to go on your honeymoon. You
usually come up with that stuff before you go out on a first date with anyone. Mini-van…dogs…house in the suburbs. That’s the Jill I know and love.
Jill: I know, but…Hamilton’s
not…
She pauses.
Jacqueline: Not what?
Jill: My future.
Jacqueline
laughs.
Jacqueline: Okay…I don’t get it. Moderately cute boys at parties have been
your future.
Jill
laughs.
Jill: Shut up…you’re so mean.
Jacqueline: Anyway, if he’s not your
future, he seems like a decent present.
He’s cute…and he’s crazy about you.
I mean, when he ran after you and said it was nice seeing you…that was—
Jill: …boring, okay? He does that. He’s sweet. I’m used to
it.
Jacqueline: I don’t think I would ever
get used to it.
Jill: Don’t get me wrong. I was just telling Scout today that he’s the
perfect guy—
Jacqueline: Who…or what…is Scout?
Jill: He’s Ham’s best
friend…kind of. They were roommates
last year.
Jacqueline: And you were telling him
that Hamilton’s perfect?
Jill: And Scout said, “is he
perfect for you?”
Jacqueline: So…he was hitting on you?
Jill: What? No…don’t even go there.
Jacqueline: So…is he? Perfect for you?
Jill: He’s the first guy I met
here.
Jacqueline: You have a tendency to do
that.
Jill: I know. Anyway, everyone knows him and that we’re
together. His mom adores me to a
frightening degree.
Jacqueline: Well, she is the
art teacher.
Jill: Yeah. She likes my work too, which scares me. It makes me think my work is getting too
textbook. I do most of it there, in the
art room. I’d like to have a corner of
this room where I could work, but…all my stuff is over there.
Jacqueline: Sounds like Hamilton isn’t
the only one without inspiration.
Jill
looks at her, like she hasn’t thought of this before.
Music: Colors Don’t Go by Sam
Phillips
(cut
to): Finn’s apartment. There’s a knock
at his door as he walks out from the bedroom.
He opens the door to find Kate standing there. Finn smiles and lets her in, looking up and down the hall,
closing the door.
Kate: I didn’t have a chance to
talk to Steven about Will.
Finn: That’s okay.
Kate: He’s in his office so…I
came over here to talk to him, but…
Finn: …you ended up here.
Finn
takes a step toward her.
Kate: I can’t stay. I told Hamilton I’d be with his dad so if
Steven happened to call—
Finn
kisses her.
Finn: We have to end this soon,
don’t we?
Kate: No.
Finn: I need someone that I can
have for more than two minutes at a time…
Finn
takes a step back from her, as he considers his statement.
Finn cont’d: …someone who
doesn’t sleep in some other guy’s bed every night. Someone who loves me back…I need someone who loves me back,
Kate. Someone—
Kate: …else.
Finn
looks up at her. He gets it.
Finn: Someone else.
He
nods. She walks over to him.
Kate: I thought you said your
life would be worse without me.
Finn
looks at her.
Finn: It will be…
She
looks hurt by this statement.
Finn cont’d: …at first.
Kate
backs toward the door.
Kate: We’ve said, “this is it” at
least a dozen times.
He
opens the door.
Finn: Goodbye, Kate.
(cut
to): the Hall. She walks out into the
hall as Hamilton walks up, not paying attention as he reads a book. Finn is still standing at the open door. Kate turns to face Hamilton. She looks caught. He looks up from his book.
Hamilton: Mom? I thought you were going to see Dad.
Kate: I…
Finn: …had to discuss something
with me first. It’s my idea
she’s talking to him about.
Kate: Exactly.
Hamilton: Oh…well, what is it?
Kate
looks calmer now that she isn’t being forced to lie.
Kate: I’d rather not tell you
unless it pans out. It involves someone
you know.
Hamilton
looks at them like he doesn’t get it…and he really doesn’t care.
Hamilton: Okay, well, anyway I have
a question for Finn…
He
holds up the book.
Hamilton cont’d: …on this
thing we had to read.
Kate
nods. Hamilton walks over to Finn with
the book.
Hamilton cont’d: See, this
line makes no sense to me.
Finn
looks up at Kate who looks at him…they have an understanding. Kate leaves. Finn looks back down at the book and listens to Hamilton.
(cut
to): an establishing shot of Will’s house in New Rawley. A car pulls up in the driveway.
(cut
to): the living room. Brian is reading
a newspaper. There is a knock at the
door. Susan enters from the kitchen and
opens it. Johanna is standing there.
Susan: Ms. Ryan, come on in. Brian, Ms. Ryan is here.
Brian
doesn’t respond. Susan turns from him
and back to Johanna.
Susan cont’d: May I take
your coat?
Johanna
gives it to her.
(cut
to): a few moments later as Susan and Johanna sit down in the living room. Brian doesn’t look up from the paper.
Johanna: I haven’t said anything to
Will yet because this is very tentative, but I spoke with one of the teachers
at Rawley Academy about giving him another chance at that scholarship.
Brian
looks up.
Brian: Just when I thought I was
done hearing about that. I thought Will
learned that he didn’t belong there. He
had to cheat his way in. They don’t
want him there.
He
hasn’t looked up so Johanna doesn’t acknowledge him.
Johanna: If this doesn’t work out,
I’d really like to encourage him to try again this summer. It would only be one year, but I think
graduating from Rawley could be what Will needs. It’s very prestigious. He
could get into any college.
Susan
smiles, nodding.
Brian: He could get in…he
couldn’t pay for it.
Johanna: He has an excellent
academic record. He has a job that’s
almost full time. He participates in
sports and extracurricular activities.
Those things get people scholarships, Mr. Krudski. You just need a name like Rawley to seal the
deal.
Brian
clears his throat and turns the page.
Susan looks pretty excited.
Susan: You really think he could
be somebody, don’t you?
Johanna: He already is. I want him to have the chance to prove it.
Susan
smiles. Brian grumbles.
Johanna cont’d: I just
wanted to let you know what I was working at doing…and to make sure it was okay
before I told Will.
Brian: It’s not okay.
Susan
looks over at him then back at Johanna.
Susan: Of course it is. We appreciate your help.
Johanna
smiles. The front door opens.
(cut
to): the door as Will walks in and sees Johanna.
Will: Um…hey Ms. Ryan.
Susan: I thought you weren’t
getting off work until eleven.
Will: I’ve got a lot of homework
so when Scout got there I just left him to close. What’s going on?
He
looks at Johanna.
Johanna: Just a little
parent-teacher conference to let your folks know how well you’re doing.
Will
looks at her skeptically then at his parents.
Will: Well, like I said…homework. I’ll be upstairs.
He
walks upstairs. Johanna stands.
Johanna: I better go. I’ll let you know what I hear.
(cut
to): the door as Susan gets Johanna’s coat.
Susan (whispered): I’m
sorry about my husband.
Johanna: It’s okay. He’ll come around one day and realize what a
bright son he has.
Susan
smiles. A beat.
Susan: How’s your little girl
doing?
Johanna: Precocious as ever. It scares me.
Susan: I know how you feel.
Johanna
smiles.
Johanna: Well, goodnight.
Susan
opens the door.
Susan: And, you’ll let him know
when you hear back from the teacher?
Johanna: Of course.
Susan: Rawley Academy after
all…that would be something.
Johanna: Yes it would.
Johanna
exits.
(cut
to): the top of the stairs as Will listens.
He leans back against the wall.
He doesn’t look upset…more like worried.
(fade
out)
Music: Love Song for No One by
John Mayer
(fade
in): an establishing shot of Rawley Academy.
It’s the next day, after school.
(cut
to): the art room. Jill and Ham are
there alone. Jill’s working on a
painting. Hamilton is working on
homework. He looks up at her for a
moment. She turns around and looks at
him then goes back to the painting.
Hamilton: Is it bugging you to have
me in here?
Jill: Um…no.
She
turns back to the painting, annoyed to have him there. A beat.
Hamilton: Do you think my mom’s
sleeping with Finn?
Jill
turns around.
Jill: What?
Hamilton: Well, I went to Finn’s last
night to get him to explain this reading assignment to me and…my mom was there.
Jill: I don’t think that means
they’re having an affair.
Hamilton: My mom said they were
discussing something that involved someone I know. Maybe the someone is my dad.
Maybe they’re running off together.
Hamilton
laughs. Jill doesn’t look quite as
amused.
Hamilton cont’d: Except my
mom wouldn’t do that to my dad…no matter how many nights he worked late.
Jill
looks skeptical of this, but Hamilton doesn’t pick up on it.
Hamilton cont’d: I could see
how she’d want to.
Jill: Cheat on her husband?
Hamilton: Her and my dad have the
perfect marriage…and the perfect family…you know, me.
Hamilton
smiles. Jill shakes her head.
Hamilton cont’d: …but Dad’s
not the kind of guy that makes you love…makes you feel passion. Finn’s like this writer. He’s probably pretty romantic.
Jill: You have and interesting
perspective on your parents marriage.
Hamilton
laughs.
Hamilton: Actually…if my mom was
having an affair…I’d probably totally freak out. Thinking about love and passion and…inspiration and stuff is
nice…
Jill
looks over at him at the mention of inspiration.
Hamilton cont’d: …but, your
parents are your parents.
Jill
looks at him like he isn’t making sense to her.
Jill: You know, I’ve got to run
a few errands in town so…why don’t I leave you to your homework?
Hamilton
looks confused.
Hamilton: Okay…
(cut
to): Friendly’s. Scout and Will are
working. Will’s serving and Scout’s
behind the counter. Bella walks in. She notices Scout, but can’t walk back out
before he sees her.
(cut
to): the counter as Bella has a seat.
Scout: Hi.
Bella: Hi.
Scout: So…I guess we’re not
getting back together this time?
Bella: Scout…
Scout: Bella…
He
smiles.
Scout cont’d: I’m okay with
it, if you are.
She
looks at him skeptically. Will walks
by,
Will: Wow, think of tomorrow’s
headlines.
They
look at him, not understanding.
Will: Hell freezes over and
pigs fly...in one day.
Bella
swats at him. Scout shakes his head.
Scout: We’re having a private
conversation here.
Will: I’m just doing my
job. Bella, can I take your order?
Bella is looking
over at the door.
(cut
to): the door as Sean walks in.
(cut to): Bella,
Will and Scout.
Bella: Cheeseburger and fries…to
go.
She
looks at the door again. Will gets it.
Scout: You don’t have to go
because of me.
Will: Don’t worry…she’s not.
Bella
gives him a dirty look.
Music: Tie Me Up by Handsome Devil
(cut
to): the quad. Gwen and Jacqueline walk
together.
Gwen: Anyway, I guess she’s in
the art room. She usually is. Do you know where it is?
Jacqueline: Yep. Started my tour there yesterday.
Gwen: Okay, well, have fun. I’ll be in the boys’ library. They have this book that…Oh no.
Jacqueline: What?
Ryder
walks up to them.
Ryder: Hey there, Sis.
Gwen: I haven’t done the physics
yet, okay?
Ryder: Damn. Well, let me know.
He
looks over at Jacqueline who doesn’t know she should hate him yet.
Ryder cont’d: Hi…I’ve
never seen you in my wicked step-sister’s presence before.
Jacqueline: I’m new.
Ryder: Oh, neat. Can I get your number?
Jacqueline: Um…
Gwen: No.
Ryder: You’re killing the mood
here, Sis.
Gwen: You can stop calling me
that anytime.
Ryder
turns to Jacqueline.
Ryder: It looked like you two
were about to part ways, uh…
Jacqueline: Jacqueline.
Ryder: That’s a beautiful
name. Where are you going and do you
need an escort?
Jacqueline: The art room and…no.
Gwen: Why don’t you scamper off
and hit on some totally unsuspecting Rawley Girl?
Ryder: Because the ones in town
are more fun.
He
laughs then speaks suggestively:
Ryder cont’d: Hope to see
more of you, Jacqueline.
He
walks off, smiling at his own joke.
Gwen: He’s practically my
brother and I love him, but…avoid him.
Jacqueline: I figured that one out on
my own.
Gwen
laughs.
Gwen: I’ll see ya.
They
walk off in different directions.
Music:
You
by Leann Rimes
(cut
to): the art room. It looks empty. Jacqueline looks around.
Jacqueline: Hmm…nothing behind door
number two…
Hamilton
sticks his head out of a partially open supply closet door. Jacqueline’s already turned to leave.
Hamilton: Where’s door number three?
Jacqueline
turns back around.
Jacqueline: I think you’re standing in
it.
Hamilton
laughs and walks out of the closet carrying two large containers of liquid.
Hamilton: Looking for Jill?
Jacqueline: Yeah.
Hamilton: She went into town to run
errands.
Hamilton
walks over to her.
Jacqueline: Oh…well…when she gets back
can you tell her that I stopped by…that J—
Hamilton
laughs.
Hamilton: I know your name,
Jacqueline.
Jacqueline: Well, given your previous
track record—
Hamilton: Are you busy right now?
Jacqueline: Um, no…I guess not.
Hamilton: Walk with me.
Jacqueline
looks at him suspiciously.
(cut
to): the hall. They walk together.
Hamilton: I know your name.
Jacqueline: You said that.
Hamilton: I knew your name.
Hamilton
stops walking.
Hamilton cont’d: Can you open
that door?
She
looks at him suspiciously again, but does it.
He nods for her to go first.
(cut
to): Inside the small room as he sets the two containers on the counter and
flips the lights on, closing the door.
This is the dark room…his darkroom.
We saw it in Perfect Image.
Hamilton cont’d: So, anyway,
I’m not really that stupid.
Jacqueline: I think you lost me
somewhere back around…door number three.
Hamilton
laughs. He pulls out three trays from a
cabinet.
Hamilton: When we met the other
day…I knew who you were…and I knew your name was Jacqueline. There’re pictures of you up all over Jill’s
room. She’s told me a million stories
about you. I’m not as oblivious as she
thinks, but…I don’t usually tell her that.
Hamilton
opens one of the containers and pours its contents into one of the trays.
Jacqueline: That’s the stupidest thing
I’ve ever heard.
Hamilton
looks up at her. He caps the chemical
and puts it under the cabinet where he got the tray.
Hamilton: Yeah, I guess it is.
Hamilton
walks up to her then leans past her and flips the lights off. Before she can say anything, he flips
another switch turning a red light on.
Hamilton cont’d: If you want
to go…go now.
She
crosses her arms and looks at him.
Hamilton cont’d: Okay…
He
again invades her personal space as he locks the door. He walks back to the counter. She continues to watch him. He pulls an undeveloped photograph from the enlarger. He puts it in the developer that he poured
before.
Jacqueline: Why don’t you tell her?
Hamilton
considers this as he opens the other container and pours it into another
tray. He pulls another container out
from the cabinet and pours it into a third tray. He adds water to each of these trays then he looks up at her.
Hamilton: The same reason I don’t do
photography anymore…
He
uses tongs to pick up the picture from the developer and put it into the stop
bath. She walks over as he looks up at
her. She’s looking at the picture (it’s
of the lake) totally not getting it.
Hamilton cont’d: …lack of
inspiration.
She
looks up at him. His look is pretty
intense and she has to look away before she can talk.
Jacqueline: Don’t take this the wrong
way, but are you some kind of psycho serial killer in your spare time?
Hamilton
laughs.
Hamilton: What?
Jacqueline: Your intensity is like…at
those levels.
Hamilton
looks down as he quickly puts the picture into the fixer.
Hamilton: Sorry.
Jacqueline: No, it’s not a bad thing…I
guess.
Hamilton
laughs.
Hamilton: I think it’s you.
Jacqueline
laughs.
Jacqueline: You think what’s me?
Hamilton
looks at her briefly then away.
Jacqueline laughs.
Hamilton: What?
Jacqueline: Hamilton, are you…hitting
on me?
Hamilton: Yeah…you know that’s how I
usually greet my girlfriend’s best friends.
Jacqueline
looks down, embarrassed.
Hamilton cont’d: Just relax,
okay? You’re going to be stuck here for
at least an hour—
Jacqueline: What? I—
Hamilton: …so, you thinking I’m
either hitting on you or trying to kill you…that’s not really going to make
this pleasant for either of us.
Hamilton
smiles irresistibly.
Jacqueline: Really? An hour?
Hamilton: At least. I took a lot of pictures yesterday.
He
smiles again.
(fade
out)
Music: Red Letter Day by the Getup
Kids
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Johanna’s house.
(cut
to): the living room. She and Meagan
are sitting on the floor on opposite sides of the coffee table playing a game
of chess. It’s Johanna’s move. There is a knock at the door.
Meagan: Come in.
Johanna: Meagan!
Meagan: What? Mom, go…it’s your turn.
Johanna starts
to get up.
(cut
to): the entryway as Finn walks in. He
stops when he sees Johanna.
Finn: So, it is you.
(cut
to): the living room as he walks in.
Meagan looks intrigued.
Meagan: Who are you?
Finn: Just…Finn.
Johanna: From Rawley? Oh my God.
She
gets up.
Johanna cont’d: Hi.
Finn: Indeed.
Meagan: I’m…going to be
upstairs. I have homework.
Finn
smiles.
Meagan cont’d: I’m Meagan.
She
sticks her hand out and Finn shakes it.
Finn: Nice to meet you.
Meagan
exits.
Johanna: Sorry about that
greeting. I wasn’t expecting you…not
that I mind. Please, have a seat.
Finn
smiles almost smirking. Johanna starts
to clean up the chessboard. Finn sits
down.
Finn: Hey…do you have a minute?
She
turns around. He nods to the couch next
to him. She sits down.
Johanna: Sorry…I’m just trying to
improve the first impression.
Finn: What makes you think it’s
bad?
Johanna
tilts her head.
Johanna: We went to high school
together? Really?
Finn
nods.
Finn: …but, I’m here to talk
about your friend…Will Krudski.
Johanna: My student, yes.
Finn: Oh, of course, your student.
Johanna: Not big on boundaries,
huh? Don’t like labels?
Finn
smiles at how true that statement it.
Finn: Anyway, I got a friend of
mine to talk to the dean—
Johanna: I thought you—
Finn: Well, I thought sending
his wife in might be more effective.
Johanna: Oh, you’re friends with
his wife.
Finn
nods, smiling a little sadly. Johanna
picks up on it, but doesn’t say anything.
Johanna cont’d: So…Will?
Finn: The dean has contacted the
board and they’ve decided to let him take the test again. They’ll use it as PR. That was my suggestion. This town hates Rawley Academy, but giving a
scholarship to a local kid…
Johanna: …that’s a big deal. People will like that.
Finn: They didn’t publicize it
much before so the board seems convinced that if Will can hack it…this will be
a really good thing. He can hack
it?
Johanna: Without a doubt.
Finn: And, he wants to try?
Johanna: Well…he’s kind of proud,
but…I think he’ll do it.
(cut
to): an establishing shot of Friendly’s.
Will and Scout are still working.
Will: Isn’t your shift over?
Scout
looks up from bussing a table.
Scout: Bill didn’t show up.
Will: That’s not your
fault. You can go.
Scout: Will…I’ll stay.
Will: Go…and give that Rawley
girl a ride too. She’s been out there
for like two hours and it’s getting dark.
Will
points outside. Scout looks in the
direction in which he points.
(cut
to): the town square where the flagpole is.
Jill is sitting there reading a magazine.
(cut
to): Friendly’s. Scout smiles. Will raises his eyebrows.
Will: That’s Hamilton’s
girlfriend, right?
Scout: Yeah…Jill.
Scout
continues to watch her.
Will: Well, like I said…you can
go.
Scout: Yeah…okay. I’ll see ya then.
Will
pats him on the back as he takes off his apron.
Music: Sink to the Bottom with You
by Fountains of Wayne
(cut
to): where Jill is sitting. She doesn’t
notice Scout as he approaches.
Scout: It’s a little cold for outdoor magazine reading.
Jill looks up.
Scout
cont’d: What
are you reading?
She
closes the magazine, but doesn’t lose her page, and turns it over.
Jill: Nothing.
Scout
smiles and sits down next to her.
Scout: Hmm…doesn’t look like
nothing.
Jill
looks pretty embarrassed, but she turns the magazine over. It’s some Bridal/Wedding magazine. Scout takes the magazine from her, holding
her place. He opens it to that page.
Scout (reading): Location,
location, location: the perfect…wedding spot.
He
looks up at her.
Scout
cont’d:
Planning on eloping with Ham?
Jill
laughs like “yeah, right.” Scout leans
back on the grass, propping himself up on his elbow as he flips to the next
page.
Scout: I go back and forth. I know my dad would die if I didn’t have
some huge church wedding…
Jill
looks down at him.
Scout cont’d: …but how
cool would it be just to take off one weekend and go down to St. Marten…get
married on the beach.
He
looks up at her. She tilts her head, thinking
something she hasn’t before.
Scout cont’d: What…not
into the beach?
Jill
smiles.
Jill: Um…no, not really.
Scout
flips another page. The right page is
folded down, marking something on the other side.
Scout: Uh oh…a dog-ear.
Jill
looks a little panicked.
Jill: Why don’t you just give
that back?
She
tries to take it back, but he sits up, flipping the page.
(cut
to): the page she folded down. It’s
part of the location article: it’s the beach wedding.
(cut
to): a shot of Jill and Scout as Scout looks over at her suspiciously.
Jill: Okay, so I like the beach
idea.
Scout
smiles then looks back at the magazine.
Scout: Yeah…me too.
A
beat.
Scout cont’d: So, you want
to take off?
Jill: What?
Scout: Back to school. Need a ride?
Jill: Okay.
Scout
smiles as he hands her the magazine.
She looks at him thoughtfully as she takes it back.
(cut
to): Friendly’s. Will’s the only one
there, but there’s only one table and one person at the counter. Johanna, Finn and Meagan walk in. Will looks up to greet them, but freezes
when he sees Finn. Will walks up to
them, nervously.
Will: Table for three?
Meagan: Booth, please. And, we only need the ice cream menus.
Will
smiles.
Will: Okay. This way.
He
leads them to a table.
Finn: How are you, Mr. Krudski?
Will: I’m fine, Finn. You?
Finn
smiles.
Finn: Trying to do a little
better.
Johanna: Will, do you have a few
minutes?
Will
looks over at his table then at the guy at the counter.
Will: Sure, I guess.
Johanna
looks at Finn.
Finn: Rawley Academy is prepared
to offer you a deal.
Will: I don’t get it.
Johanna: Another shot at your
scholarship.
Will: Why?
Finn: Ms. Ryan seems to think
you deserve another chance.
Will
looks at her.
Will: Well, she’s wrong.
Will
puts the menus down and walks off.
Meagan: What’s his problem?
Finn
looks over at her.
Finn: Wounded ego. What’s good here?
Meagan
laughs.
(dissolve
to): slightly later. Finn’s eaten a
burger and fries. Meagan and Johanna
have had ice cream. Will walks over and
takes some of the plates.
Will: Anyone need any refills?
Before
they can answer he walks away.
Meagan: Mom, I think he’s mad at
you.
Music: Everything by Handsome
Devil
(cut
to): the door as Ryder and Gwen walk in.
Ryder nods to Will as he walks over to a booth.
(cut
to): Will as he sighs. He walks over to
the booth with menus.
(cut
to): the table. Will puts the menus
down. Gwen smiles, trying to be polite.
Will: How are you tonight?
Ryder: Cut the small talk,
townie. Bring us some water.
Will: Where’s Grace?
Ryder: I’m sorry, who?
Will: Your girlfriend.
Ryder
rolls his eyes.
Ryder: Water, townie…now.
Will
smirks.
Will: Right away.
Will
walks away.
Gwen: He’s going to spit in your
water…and then our food.
Ryder: No, he won’t. He’s simple…but kind-hearted.
Ryder
smiles.
Gwen: Why do I hang out with
you?
Ryder: Because you’re secretly in
love with me?
Gwen: Not even in an alternate
universe, Ryder.
Ryder
laughs.
Ryder: Don’t be so sure, Love.
Gwen: So…is the minor your
girlfriend?
Ryder: I don’t have a
girlfriend. I would appreciate you putting
in good word for me with the new girl, though.
Boy, she’s something, huh?
Gwen
shakes her head. Will walks back over
carrying two glasses of water.
Gwen: Thanks.
Will
smiles. Still looking at her:
Will: You ready to order?
Ryder: Give us another minute.
Will
nods and walks away.
Ryder: Well, no one said townies
were subtle.
Gwen: What are you talking
about?
Ryder: Oh, come on…he was
practically drooling.
Gwen
smiles and looks down at the menu.
Ryder cont’d: Well, you
don’t have to look so happy about it.
She
looks back up at him.
Gwen: Are you jealous?
Ryder
smiles.
Ryder: Oh my God, you’d totally
sleep with me. You’re an untapped
resource.
Gwen
no longer looks amused…not because he’s right, but because he’s taken the
wrongness to a-whole-nother level.
Ryder: Sorry.
Gwen
looks surprised that he’s said this.
Gwen: It’s okay.
Ryder: So—
Gwen: No, I won’t put in a good
word for you.
Ryder: Damn.
He
smiles.
(fade
out)
Music: Hands Clean by Alanis
Morissette
(fade
in): to an establishing shot of Rawley Academy.
(cut
to): the darkroom. The lights on again,
but it looks empty.
(cut
to): the space between the wall and counter.
Hamilton’s spot. Jacqueline and
Hamilton sit next to each other against the wall. Jacqueline is looking through a portfolio notebook of
photographs. Hamilton is putting his
most recently developed pictures into sheet protectors. Jacqueline looks up and over at him.
Jacqueline: Hamilton, these are
amazing.
He
pauses for a second as he looks over at what she’s looking at.
Hamilton: I took those the summer
before last.
Jacqueline: You should do this all the
time. It’s crazy that you don’t.
Hamilton: Believe me, I’m not that
talented.
She
looks over at him, but he doesn’t look up.
Hamilton cont’d: Just ask my
mom…or Jill.
Jacqueline: No, that’s stupid. Jill said your mom is always talking about—
Hamilton: …how much potential I might
have…if I just tried a little harder.
And Jill tried to give me the same speech…like I’m some kind of slacker.
Jacqueline: I’m sure she doesn’t
think—
Hamilton: Like it’s a job or
something. I don’t see art as something
that you force upon yourself all the time.
I do it when—
Jacqueline: …you feel like it.
Hamilton: Or when…it makes me feel.
He
looks at her intensely again.
Jacqueline: And…you’re sure you’re not
hitting on me?
Hamilton: This time, I might
be. Is it working?
She
can’t tell if he’s kidding and he seems to enjoy that a minute before he smiles
and looks back down at his pictures. A
beat.
Hamilton cont’d: You’re not
going to tell her…
Jacqueline: That you might have been
hitting on me?
Hamilton
laughs.
Hamilton: No…about…just…this
conversation we’ve been having. I don’t
want to hurt her. I’ve done that
enough.
Jacqueline: What do you mean?
Hamilton: I know I’m not what she
wants…what she ultimately wants.
Jacqueline: …you’re not her future.
Hamilton
nods then suddenly looks at her, a little upset.
Hamilton: She said that?
Jacqueline realizes what she’s said.
Jacqueline: No, I did.
Hamilton gently takes the notebook away from
Jacqueline. He opens it up to the back
and opens it, putting the new photos inside.
Hamilton: Sorry for dragging you
into my pitiful excuse for a life.
He takes a breath.
Hamilton cont’d: It’s just
nice having someone who actually listens to what I say…who maybe actually cares what I say…
Jacqueline: I’m sure there are
plenty of people who care what you say.
Hamilton: See, but there
aren’t. My dad…he works all the
time. My mom pretends to listen, but I
think she’s on a different planet sometimes.
My friends…they just don’t get it.
And Jill…well…obviously she gets it better than I thought.
Jacqueline: What makes you think I get it?
Hamilton: Well, do you?
Jacqueline: Jill’s the perfect
girlfriend. You’ve been with her
forever and people—your parents, your friends—are happy with your life. You’re not, but you pretend to be because it’s
not like it’s bad. You want more, but
instead of telling who you should be telling…you’re talking to her best friend
because her unofficial tour got you thinking about all these amazing places you
should be photographing since
you know you’re good…you’re just
waiting for someone to notice.
Hamilton looks at her. He licks his lips and smiles.
Hamilton (sarcastic):
Well…I was wrong; you don’t get it at all.
He looks off, still smiling.
Hamilton cont’d: God, you are,
like, the most amazing person I’ve
met lately.
Jacqueline looks a little thrown off by that.
Jacqueline: You don’t even know me.
Hamilton looks back at her, swallowing.
Hamilton: It’s so weird,
though,…’cause it doesn’t feel like that.
He leans toward her slightly.
Hamilton cont’d: Does it?
He looks into her eyes and they have this hugely
intense moment. She takes a deep breath
as he leans toward her a little more.
Jacqueline: Hamilton.
He closes his eyes, nodding slightly, completely
getting her “please stop” tone. He
backs off and leans against the wall.
Hamilton: I’m sorry.
Jacqueline: You’re right.
He looks over at her, his cheeks flushed.
Jacqueline cont’d: …this
connection…I felt it when we met yesterday…
He smiles then
leans in just slightly.
Jacqueline: …but Jill’s my best
friend.
He gets a little closer.
Hamilton: Hey…she’s my best
friend too, but…
Jacqueline doesn’t protest this time. Hamilton gets pretty close before he pulls
back.
Hamilton cont’d: God,
you’re right, I can’t do this…not to her.
Jacqueline swallows.
Jacqueline: Me either.
Hamilton nods. They both lean back against the wall,
looking like they’d like to be doing what they “can’t.”
(cut to): Scout’s car
parked…somewhere.
(cut to): inside the car
where Scout and Jill are…making out.
Jill is in the passenger seat and Scout’s leaning over so much that he
might as well be. She has her arms
wrapped around him and he has one hand in the seat supporting himself and the
other on her neck. After a moment,
Scout pulls back a little.
Scout: Jill?
Jill: Uh-huh?
She kisses him again.
Scout: What about Hamilton?
She lets go of Scout. He sits back down in the driver’s seat, out of breath.
Scout cont’d: Sorry.
Jill: No…it’s okay…you’re
right. What about Hamilton? What about Bella?
Scout: What about Bella?
Jill: Well…
Scout: We’re not getting back
together.
Jill: Oh.
Scout: So…that leads me back
to my original question: what about Hamilton?
Jill: I don’t know, Scout.
Scout: I mean…that…was…
Jill: …not a one-time thing?
Scout’s raises his eyebrows, smiling.
Scout: Is that a possibility?
Jill: A very distinct
possibility….really, more like a likelihood…or…
Scout: A certainty?
Jill smiles.
Jill: I never thought you’d
be so…
Scout: What? Into beaches?
Jill cont’d:
…cute…charming…thoughtful.
Scout: Well, you’re full of surprises
too.
Jill smiles then looks down.
Scout: So—
Jill: I haven’t kissed anyone
other than Hamilton in over a year and…I’ve been okay with that. I like commitment…to an obsessive degree,
but…Scout…
He looks at her, not knowing what she’s going to
say.
Jill cont’d: …all I
want to do is kiss you right now.
Scout: But—
Jill: So…no talking about
Hamilton.
Scout: Jill—
Jill: No analyzing the
repercussions of this.
Scout: But, we haven’t—
Jill: No discussing how dumb we
are for not realizing how perfect we are for each other.
Scout: Okay, but—
Jill: Just kissing.
Scout: Jill?
She looks at him.
Scout cont’d: Shut up.
She smiles as he leans over,
kissing her once again.
(cut to): Friendly’s. Gwen and Ryder are at the cash register as
Will rings them up. Ryder takes money
out and hands it to Will.
Ryder: Is the restroom clean?
Will looks a little annoyed, but tries not to get
mad.
Will: Yes, sir.
Ryder: Good.
He walks off toward it, Gwen watches him shaking
her head.
Will: Do you need change?
Gwen: What?
She turns back to him. Will holds up a few bills.
Gwen cont’d: Oh…no,
keep it.
Will: Thanks.
Gwen sits on a stool.
Will cont’d: So,
you’re friends with that guy, huh?
Gwen: It’s a little more
complex than that.
Will: Oh…
Gwen: He’s my step-brother.
Will: Oh.
Gwen nods.
(cut to): Finn, Johanna and
Meagan. They’ve long since finished
eating.
Finn: I’m sorry, but
Shakespeare is the only one who really does it for me.
Johanna laughs.
A beat.
Johanna: Well, Meagan and I should
be going.
Meagan: We don’t have to, Mom.
Johanna: We have to.
Finn smiles.
Johanna cont’d: And
you’ll stay? Talk to him?
Finn nods.
Finn: I’ll try, although, I
think he likes you a lot more than me.
A beat.
Johanna stands up. Meagan
reluctantly gets up. She reaches out to
shake Finn’s hand. He takes it,
smiling.
Meagan: See ya later, Finn.
She walks toward the door, giving them a minute. This makes Johanna blush slightly, but she tries to keep it together.
Finn cont’d: Would you
mind if I…hung on to your number for awhile?
Johanna: Six months ago, I would
have said no, but...now, I think I’d like that.
Finn smiles.
(cut to): Will who’s
watching from behind the counter. Gwen
is still sitting there and she watches Will.
The door dings indicating that it’s opened to let Johanna and Meagan
exit.
(fade out)
Music: Right Way to Fly by Flickerstick
(fade in): to Friendly’s, a
few minutes later.
(cut to): the counter.
Gwen: So, do you go to school
in town?
Will: Well, I don’t go to
Rawley.
Gwen: Well, you sound bitter
enough.
Will looks at her.
She smiles so he does too.
Will: Sorry.
Gwen: Are you?
Will: Sorry?
Gwen: Bitter.
Before Will can answer, Finn walks up.
Finn: Miss Vaughn, how are
you?
Gwen: Fine, thanks.
Ryder comes back out of the bathroom.
Ryder: Ready?
Finn: Ryder…no hello?
Ryder: Good evening, Finn…did
you give me an A on that paper?
Finn: Would that be the one
you didn’t do or the one you handed in a week late?
Ryder smirks and turns to Gwen.
Ryder: Come on.
Gwen turns to Will.
Gwen: I’m Gwen Vaughn.
She sticks out her hand. He takes her hand.
Will: Will…Krudski.
Ryder looks at her a little disgusted then turns
her away from him. They exit.
Finn: She’s a nice girl.
Will: Not if you judge people
by the company they keep.
Finn: Well, if you do…you
should like me a lot.
Will looks over at him.
Will: You should stay away
from her.
Finn almost laughs.
Finn: Yeah…I figured that.
Will: Good.
Finn: Oh, I’m not going to.
Will looks like he’s trying to control his temper.
Will: Did you need something
else?
Finn: Yes. Your agreement to come up to Rawley
tomorrow—
Will: …tomorrow?
Finn: The board supports my
idea.
Will: Your idea?
Finn: Well…Ms. Ryan’s idea originally,
but it’s my tweaked version they like…the board, that is.
Will: Look, it’s not that I
don’t appreciate what Ms. Ryan is trying to do for me.
Finn nods, waiting for the “but.”
Will cont’d: I don’t belong there.
Finn: Well, come keep me
company, then.
Will doesn’t get it.
Finn cont’d: I don’t belong there either, Will.
Will: Yeah, right.
Finn: You familiar with
Woodrow Way?
Will nods.
Finn cont’d: I grew up
there…
Will looks surprised, but doesn’t say anything.
Finn cont’d: …and I should
have remembered that last summer.
Will turns away to get some stuff from a cabinet.
Will: You had every right to
handle things the way you did. I mean,
it’s not like I blame
you or anything.
Finn: Well, I think maybe I do.
Will looks back at him, wiping down the counter.
Finn cont’d: And, I’ve
learned something that I didn’t know then.
Will looks at him, waiting to hear it.
Finn cont’d: You can’t
cheat your way into what you want because you won’t get it that way, but…that
doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ever have another fair
shot at what you want.
Finn looks over at the door. Will studies him, probably understanding
better than Finn expects. Will takes a
deep breath.
Will: What if I can’t do it?
Finn: There’s only one way to
find out.
Will sighs then nods.
Will: Okay.
Finn looks a little surprised.
Finn: Excellent choice, Mr.
Krudski.
Will: When should I be there?
Finn: Seven a.m.
Finn stands up.
Will starts to walk away from the counter.
Finn cont’d: Oh, and Will…come
prepared to write an essay.
Will: It’s part of test?
Finn: Actually, it’s for me.
Will: What’s the topic?
Finn: You’ll find out
tomorrow. Ms. Ryan seems to have faith
in your writing abilities.
Will smiles. The bell on the door rings, indicating
someone is entering.
(cut to): the door as Sean
walks in.
(cut to): Will and Finn.
Finn: I’ll see you tomorrow.
Will nods.
Will: And Finn? Thanks.
Finn smiles and exits. Sean walks up to the counter and sits down.
Will: Back again?
Sean smiles.
Sean: Is Bella avoiding me?
Will: What?
Sean: Well, I called and
Grace said she was in the shower.
Will: Maybe she was.
Sean: So…I called back a
couple hours later…and she was taking a bath.
Will: Well, she does work on
cars…maybe she got dirty again.
Sean smiles, knowing Will’s humoring him. A beat as Will gets a Coke for Sean.
Sean: Ms. Ryan asked me to
join student government.
Will: Cool.
Sean: I probably won’t do it.
Will: Why not?
Sean: You think I should?
Will: I think you’d be really
great at it.
Sean: I don’t know…maybe I’ll
give it a shot.
Sean takes a sip of Coke then stands up.
Sean cont’d: Anyway,
I’m going to see Bella.
Will: Sean…do the student
government thing.
Sean: Okay.
Will: I’m trying out for that
Rawley scholarship again tomorrow.
Sean looks surprised at the news, but then he
smiles.
Sean: So, you’re telling me
this time, huh?
Will nods.
Sean cont’d: That’s
great news, Will. You’ll get it for
sure.
Will smiles.
(cut to): Bella’s kitchen. She’s sitting at the kitchen table doing homework. The phone rings.
Bella: Grace, can you get
that?…Grace?
Bella sighs and stands up. She walks tentatively over to the phone.
Bella: Hello?
(cut to): Friendly’s where Will is on the phone.
Will: Incoming.
(cut to): Bella.
Bella: What?
There’s a knock at the back door.
Bella cont’d: Oh…no.
(cut to): Will.
Will: Bye, Bella. Good luck.
He hangs up.
Music: That Particular Time by Alanis Morissette.
(cut to): the back door at
Bella’s as she walks over to it, opening it.
Sean is standing there.
Bella: Sean…hi.
Sean smiles, entering. He looks over at the table.
Sean: Are you getting that
math stuff?
Bella: Kind of, yeah.
Sean smiles.
A beat as he takes a deep breath.
Sean: Okay, I’ve been trying
to talk to you for awhile now.
Bella: I know.
Sean: See, I thought you were avoiding me.
Bella looks down.
Sean cont’d: Why?
Bella: Sean…I just broke up with Scout.
Sean: I know…and, that’s why
I want to talk to you.
Bella tilts her head.
Sean cont’d: I want to
make sure you’re okay…see if there’s anything I can do.
Bella tries to catch on.
Sean cont’d: I know
Will is usually who you talk to about stuff like this but…I’m worried about
you, Bella. You’ve seemed really down
since you and Scout broke up.
Bella smiles at him…almost at herself.
Bella: Sean…I’m fine.
Sean still looks concerned.
Sean: But—
Bella: Really. It’s not that big of a deal.
Sean: I know how much you
cared about him.
She looks at him for a moment.
Bella: You are…amazing.
Sean raises his eyebrows.
Sean: I am?
Bella nods.
Sean smiles.
Bella: Do you want to go out
sometime?
Sean: What? Like a date?
Bella: Yeah…like a date.
Sean: Um…are you sure that
you’re not just—
Bella: I’m sure.
Sean: Then…yes.
Bella laughs at the
situation. She looks at Sean…wondering why
this ever seemed like a bad idea.
(fade out)
Music: Sarah by Maren Ord
(fade in): to an
establishing shot of Rawley Girls’ dorms.
(cut to): Jacqueline’s
room. It’s smaller than Gwen and
Jill’s. There are boxes that aren’t
completely unpacked, but Jacqueline lying on her bed, staring at the
ceiling. There is a knock and Jill
walks in.
Jill: What are you doing?
Jacqueline sits up, looking completely guilty, but
Jill doesn’t notice.
Jill cont’d: I need to
talk to you.
Jacqueline: Yeah, me too.
Jill takes a deep breath.
Jill: I cheated on Hamilton.
This isn’t at all what Jacqueline was expecting.
Jill cont’d: I think
I’m in love with Scout.
Jacqueline doesn’t say anything for a moment.
Jacqueline: Well…I don’t know what
to say, Jill.
Jill: I know…it’s—
Jacqueline: What about Hamilton?
Jill: God, is that like the
phrase of the day?
Jacqueline looks at her like “if you only knew.
Jill cont’d: I should
go talk to him, right?
Jacqueline laughs.
Jacqueline: I guess so.
Jill: I meant like…now.
A beat.
Jill cont’d: Wow. Everyone’s going to hate me, Jacq…
Jacqueline: No, they won’t…
Jill: Do you think he will?
Jacqueline looks like she
doesn’t know what to say.
(cut to): Hamilton’s house.
(cut to): the living
room. Hamilton’s watching TV with his
mom. Well, she’s watching. He looks like he’s got other things on his
mind.
Kate: It’s nice to have you
home tonight, Munchie.
Hamilton: Mom, what would you
think if I didn’t invite Jill to dinner on Sunday?
Kate: Well, haven’t you
already invited her?
Hamilton: If I uninvited her, then.
Kate: Why would you do that?
Hamilton: If I did, what would you think?
Kate: I’d think…
She looks at him, understanding what he really
means.
Kate cont’d: …I’d think
it was up to you and I’d be okay with whatever you chose.
Hamilton: Really?
Kate smiles.
Kate: Sweetheart…what’s going
on?
Hamilton: Nothing
Mom…everything’s…
Hamilton stands up.
Hamilton cont’d: …fine.
He smiles.
Hamilton cont’d: I’m going
back to the dorms for the night, okay?
Kate: I thought you might
stay here tonight…since it’s Friday. I
could cook you breakfast in the morning.
Hamilton: Um…I’d rather head back
to the dorms, if that’s okay.
Kate smiles, nodding. Hamilton sighs.
Hamilton cont’d: I’m sure
Dad will be back early. Like you said,
it’s Friday…he’s got all weekend to do whatever it is he does.
Kate smiles weakly.
Hamilton: Night, Mom.
(cut to): Friendly’s. Will is locking up. Bella
comes walking across the street, but Will doesn’t see her. She looks pretty happy. She puts her hands on his shoulders.
Bella: Will.
He turns around.
Will: You scared the hell out
of me.
Bella smiles.
Will cont’d: You look happy.
Turning him down must have gone well.
Bella: I didn’t turn him down…I asked him
out instead.
Will raises his eyebrows.
Bella cont’d: He was
never going to ask me out.
Will: What?
Bella: Well, did he ever say
that specifically?
Will: No…I guess he didn’t.
Bella: He just wanted to make
sure that life-after-Scout was okay.
Scout: And is it?
Scout pulls up on his bike.
Will: Aren’t you missing a
few wheels?
Scout smiles.
Scout: Just out for a ride to
clear my head.
Will looks at him suspiciously, but turns it into a
nod when Bella glances at him.
Bella: Okay, guys…I’m going to
head home.
Scout: Goodnight Bella.
Will: Night…hey, I’ll call
you first thing in the morning, okay?
Bella: Why first thing in the
morning?
Will: Well, I can’t tell you
until…then.
Bella walks off, laughing. Will turns back to Scout.
Will: So…
Scout: Do have a few
minutes?
Will: Yeah, I guess. What’s up?
Scout: Good…
He looks over at the garage.
(cut to): the garage as
Bella walks in the door.
(cut to): Will and Scout.
Scout: I need sort of a third-party
perspective on the morals of a certain situation.
Will: Situation?
Scout nods.
Will cont’d: Oh,
no…you didn’t? The Rawley Girl?
Scout: Jill.
Will:
Jill-Hamilton’s-been-dating-her-forever-Jill?
Scout: Sometimes things need
to change.
Will: Does Hamilton know?
Scout: Not yet.
Will looks disapproving.
Scout: She’s so perfect, Will.
Will: She’s so dating your
best friend, Scout.
Scout: Yeah…I need to do
something about that.
Will laughs.
Scout: I mean…Jill wants to
talk to him herself, but I feel…
Will: …guilty?
Scout sighs.
Will cont’d: Am I
supposed to pass judgment here?
Scout nods.
Will cont’d: Morally
speaking…it sounds bad, but entirely correctable.
Scout: If you were Hamilton,
would you kill me?
Will: Well…I’m not in love with Jill.
Scout considers this.
Music: One Year Later by the Getup Kids
(cut to): Hamilton’s
door. Jill’s knocking. She looks down the hall at Scout’s
door.
(cut to): Scout’s door as
Dexter opens the door. He looks out
then closes the door again.
(cut to): Jill who rolls her
eyes and walks over to his door. She
knocks. After a second he opens it.
Jill: Hey, Dex.
Dexter: Um…hi.
Jill: Where’s Hamilton?
Dexter shrugs.
Jill: What about…Scout?
Dexter: He went to ride his
bike.
Jill: In the middle of the
night?
Dexter nods.
Jill cont’d: Well,
when Hamilton gets back, can you—
Hamilton: No message
necessary…I’m back.
Jill turns and Dexter closes
the door. She looks at it a minute,
shaking her head.
(cut to): Hamilton’s room as
he and Jill walk in together.
Hamilton: So, how was running
errands?
Jill: It was…
She sighs and sits down on his bed. She’s noticeably flustered and upset. Hamilton looks concerned. He walks over and sits next to her.
Hamilton: What’s up, Jill?
Jill: We need to talk.
Hamilton almost smiles at the classic break-up
opener.
Hamilton: Yes…we do.
Jill: Okay, I’m just going to
say this. I don’t really think you’re
going to care that much, but…
Hamilton: …we need to see other
people.
Jill: Well, sort of that,
but…
She stops and looks at him.
Jill cont’d: You think we need to see other people?
Hamilton: I think we need to see other people.
Jill: I think I might be a
little ahead of you.
Hamilton looks confused.
Jill cont’d: Okay, Ham…
She looks him in the eye.
Jill cont’d: …I kissed
someone else today.
Hamilton looks angry for a second then he starts
laughing. Jill tilts her head, looking
a little scared. He stops laughing and
smiles.
Hamilton: I wanted to kiss someone else today.
Jill: But, you didn’t?
Hamilton: Well, no, but I guess I
should have.
Jill looks down, smiling. Hamilton takes a deep breath as though a great weight has been
lifted.
Jill: I’m sorry.
Hamilton: It’s okay.
Jill: Not just for
today. For the past year and a
half. I know I don’t inspire you.
Hamilton: I’m sorry too…that I’m
not your future and…that you’ve always known that…and, I know I don’t inspire
you either.
Jill laughs.
Jill: We’re really bad for
each other.
Hamilton smiles.
A beat.
Hamilton: So…do you want to tell
me who you kissed ‘cause I don’t think you’re going to like who I almost
kissed.
Jill: Well, as long as it
wasn’t Ryder…I think you’ll be safe.
Hamilton laughs.
Jill cont’d: And…I’m
not sure if I’m ready to tell you yet.
Hamilton: Fair enough.
Jill: Well…I guess I should
get going…make some alternate dinner plans for Sunday night.
Hamilton laughs.
Jill gets up.
Hamilton: Why don’t you stay?
Jill looks at him suspiciously.
Hamilton cont’d: I’ve got
some stuff I want to tell you and…show you.
Jill nods.
(fade out)
Music: I’m a Loner, Dottie, A
Rebel by the Getup Kids.
(fade in): to an establishing shot of Will’s
house. Will and Scout walk up to
it. Scout’s pushing his bike.
Will: So, basically she was
all over you?
Scout smiles.
Scout: I really like her,
Will.
Will: I hope everything works
out.
Scout smiles.
Will cont’d: Okay so…I
also sort of have an announcement.
Scout: Okay…what is it?
Will: Now, it’s not as
exciting as your “I like my best friend’s girlfriend” story, but…Finn got me
another shot at the scholarship.
Scout: Oh my God…that’s
great! When?
Will: Tomorrow.
Scout: After all this time?
Will
nods.
Will: I’m still not sure about
doing it, though.
Scout: What? Why?
Will: What if I can’t do well
enough.
Scout: So what?
Will
turns away, not happy with this answer.
Scout cont’d: Listen to
me. You can’t spend too much time
wondering about the “what ifs,” Will.
You’ll probably get stuck on one possibility and lose sight of the
potential for anything else. You’ve
just got to go for it. If you want it,
go for it. And you don’t have any moral
dilemmas to worry about either. Go for
it, Will. At least then you’ll have
given it your best shot.
Will: I’m just worried that my
best won’t be good enough. That’s not
some hypothetical. That’s reality. I’ve already screwed up this chance once.
Scout: What if…you
hadn’t? Would it matter? Would you be that much better off? Or…would you be exactly where you’ll be next
week, after you get in?
Will
smiles, shaking his head.
Will: I thought we weren’t
supposed to be entertaining the “what ifs.”
Scout: Now, you’re catching on.
Will
smiles.
Will: Okay, thank you. Now, I’m going inside, telling my dad, getting
kicked out, then getting some sleep…you know, on the street.
Will
smiles so that Scout knows he’s not too serious. Scout gets on his bike.
Scout: Good Luck.
Scout
peddles away.
Music: Harsh Words by Maren Ord
(cut
to): Finn’s apartment. He’s pacing in
the living room when there’s a knock.
Finn: Yeah? It’s unlocked.
Kate
walks in.
Finn cont’d: Kate…what
are you doing?
Kate: I could ask you the same
question.
Finn
stops pacing.
Finn: I’m just trying to think
up a good essay question for Will.
Kate: There’s an essay portion
of the exam, isn’t there?
Finn: This one’s for me.
Kate: Oh…
Finn: I was thinking of going
for something about honor and integrity, but…
Kate: He probably understands
that by now.
She
walks in, closing the door. She walks
closer to Finn.
Kate cont’d: I’ve been
thinking…
She
leans closer.
Finn: Tomorrow is Will’s chance
to come clean and prove himself…
Kate
looks thrown off.
Finn cont’d: And this
is mine.
He
walks over and opens the door.
Finn cont’d: Go find your
husband, Kate. Tell him what you
need because…I think I know, but…you won’t let me give it to you.
Kate
looks out the open door then at Finn.
She smiles and nods.
Finn: Goodbye, Kate.
Kate: Goodbye or goodnight?
Finn: Both.
She
looks hurt, but understanding. She
exits.
Music:
Heart
Attack by Sum 41
(cut
to): a shot of Hamilton’s bed taken from above. Jill and Hamilton lay on their backs with their feet on the
floor. They both look up at the
ceiling. Jill looks over at him.
Jill: Thanks for showing me your
pictures, Hamilton.
Hamilton looks over at her, nodding the best he can
in that position. Jill laughs.
Jill cont’d: God, are
we dysfunctional or what?
Hamilton starts laughing too.
Hamilton: I can’t believe I never
knew you were into all that marriage-til-death-do-us-part-future stuff.
Jill smiles.
A beat.
Hamilton cont’d: I’ll tell
you my person if you tell me yours.
Jill: No.
Hamilton: Come on…why not?
Jill smirks.
Hamilton: Is it a chick?
Jill laughs.
Hamilton cont’d: Is it?
Jill continues laughing.
(cut to): the bathroom/suite
door as it opens.
Scout: Hamilton, do you—
(cut to): Jill and Ham as
they sit up, still laughing slightly.
(cut to): Scout. He looks at Jill for a moment.
(cut to): Hamilton who looks
over at Jill. He smiles then looks back
at Scout.
Hamilton: Can I help you?
(cut to): Scout who looks pretty disappointed.
Scout: Um…never mind.
He turns around and leaves.
(cut to): Jill and
Hamilton. Jill looks at the closed
door. Hamilton looks at her,
smiling. Jill looks over at him.
Jill: What?
Hamilton: Nothing…
He raises his eyebrows.
Hamilton cont’d: Scout,
huh?
Jill closes her eyes a second.
Hamilton cont’d: I’m…okay
with it, Jill.
Jill: Really?
Hamilton: I kind of have to be.
Jill looks confused.
Hamilton: …Jacqueline.
Jill: What?
Hamilton: She’s who I wanted to
kiss.
Jill looks pretty surprised to hear this.
Hamilton cont’d: She wouldn’t
have let me…she didn’t let me. You’re
best friend is a little more loyal than mine apparently.
Jill: Wow…
Hamilton smiles.
Hamilton: Yeah…
Hamilton looks down.
Jill: I’m going to go…
Hamilton nods.
Ham stands. Jill gets up and
walks toward the bathroom door. She
starts to open it but turns back to Hamilton.
She gives him a long hug.
Jill: Tell your mom I can’t
make it to dinner on Sunday, okay?
Hamilton: Yeah, okay.
Jill kisses him briefly on the cheek.
Jill: Bye, Ham.
Hamilton: Bye, Jill.
She exits. Hamilton stands there a moment, not really
believing how this turned out.
Music: 21Things I Want by Alanis Morissette
(cut to): Scout’s room. He’s getting undressed while Dexter sits on
his bed with his laptop. Jill walks in
from the bathroom. Dexter looks up at
her then gets up and walks out with the laptop.
Jill: He’s so—
Scout: Jill, I’m working on
getting to bed here.
Jill seems to notice for the first time that he’s
now just in his boxers. She
blushes.
Jill: Sorry.
Scout sits down on his bed. Jill smiles.
Jill cont’d: I know
there’s some irony in this situation somewhere.
He watches her as she walks over and sits down next
to him.
Scout: What are you talking
about?
Jill: The fact that five
minutes ago, you acted like a jealous boyfriend…and now, you’re acting like a
pouty, jealous boyfriend…
Scout: And…I don’t really have
the right to do either…
He looks at her, not getting the obvious.
Jill: Well, if you’re
interested…there happens to be an opening in both of those departments.
He looks up at her as it hits him that she came in
here…from Hamilton’s room.
Scout: What about…
Jill: You don’t have to ever
ask that again, all right? He’s…okay
with it. He has to be…he really has to be.
Jill shakes her head, thinking of Jacqueline. Scout smiles and leans toward her.
Scout: So…does this mean I get
to take over his duties immediately?
Jill nods, leaning closer to Scout.
Scout cont’d: Great,
so…what were you doing in that other guy’s bed?
Jill smiles and kisses him.
(dissolve to): Jacqueline’s room. The lights are off. She’s in bed asleep. There’s a quiet knock at the door. It gets louder. Jacqueline picks her head up, but puts it back down. The knocking doesn’t stop. Jacqueline reluctantly gets up then quickly
walks over to the door, opening it.
Jill’s standing there.
Jacqueline gives her a pissed off look then tries to close the
door. Jill pushes it open and comes in,
turning on the light.
Jill: I just have one thing
to say to you.
Jacqueline blinks, still not fully awake.
Jill cont’d: I’m
really glad that you’re here.
Jacqueline: Okay, Jill, I was asleep.
Jill: Well, the wake up is
for making my boyfriend fall in love with you.
Jacqueline: But—
Before she can go on, Jill hugs her then releases
her. Jacqueline looks at her
suspiciously.
Jacqueline: And what was that for?
Jill: …making my boyfriend
fall in love with you.
Jill smiles.
Jacqueline walks over to her bed and sits down. She picks up her pillow and kind of hugs it,
putting her head on it.
Jacqueline: Just…can you just give
me a minute…you know, to figure out what isn’t
wrong with this picture?
Jill: It could be weirder.
Jacqueline: There’s no way…and, by
the way, Hamilton is not in love with me.
Jill: You might want to check
with him again tomorrow.
Jacqueline looks up at her then away.
Jacqueline: I just met him.
And…God…he’s your
boyfriend. That puts him so out of
bounds and off limits. The fact that I hung
out with him in a dark room for several hours and let
him make not one, but several passes at me…I’m going in the bad best friends
hall of fame. I’ll be there with that
Scout guy.
Jill: Well, first, Hamilton’s
actually not my boyfriend…not
anymore.
Jacqueline looks up at her again.
Jill cont’d: Honestly,
I haven’t wanted anything more than friendship from him in a really long time,
but I do know him and…the way he said your name tonight was—
Jacqueline: Jill…the weird levels are
off the charts. And, you being all
Chuck Woolery is not helping to bring them down.
Jacqueline
closes her eyes and Jill looks at her.
She smiles to herself and shakes her head.
Jill: Okay…I’ll let you go back
to sleep.
She
opens the door. Jake sighs and starts
to get back in bed.
Jill cont’d: You can’t
use me as the excuse. That’s all
I ask.
Jacqueline: Whatever. Goodnight.
Jill
exits.
(cut
to): Jacqueline who now looks more awake.
(fade
out)
Music: Ordinary Day by Vanessa Carlton (yes, once more)
(fade in): to an establishing
shot of Rawley Academy, Saturday morning.
It’s about 7:00.
(cut to): the girls dorms.
(cut to): Jacqueline’s
room. She’s asleep again. Her lights are off, but this time there’s
some light coming in through the window. There’s a knock. Not exactly like the knock from the night
before. More of an insistent knock…very
identifiable. Again, she picks her head
up and puts it back down. She covers
her head with her pillow. There’s
another knock. She gets up angrily and
walks over to the door, opening it all the way. Hamilton’s standing there with a hand on either side of the
doorframe. He looks at her for a
moment. She looks at him like “what do
you want?” He leans closer, swallowing.
Hamilton: Do you have a minute?
Jacqueline: Nope, I’m all out.
She starts to close the door and he has to back up
so as not to get hit in the face.
Before she can close it all the way:
Hamilton: Please?
Jacqueline sighs as she opens the door again. He raises his eyebrows and she nods.
Hamilton cont’d: I knew you
were bluffing.
He walks in the room and she closes the door behind
him. She leans on the door as he turns
around to face her. He looks at her a
minute before speaking:
Hamilton cont’d: Jill
knows about us.
Jacqueline: I know, but there is no us,
Hamilton. Okay?
Hamilton nods.
Hamilton: Okay.
He walks over to the door where she is standing and
reaches for the handle. Jacqueline
looks at him suspiciously.
Jacqueline: Are you bluffing?
He looks up at her and shrugs.
Hamilton: Maybe. Is it working?
He smiles.
Jacqueline sighs. She walks over
to the bathroom and opens the door. She
leaves it open so Hamilton walks a little more into the room. Through the door we can see Jacqueline. She splashes some water on her face then
picks up her toothbrush and puts toothpaste on it and she speaks:
Jacqueline: I had trouble sleeping
last night. First, Jill woke me
up. Then she told me not to use her as
an excuse. So, I sat in bed and came up
with all the other
reasons why I…well…
She starts brushing her teeth.
Hamilton: Why you what?
Jacqueline continues brushing her teeth:
Jacqueline: …why…I didn’t want
to…kiss you yesterday.
Hamilton looks at her, half amused and half grossed
out.
Hamilton: I’m not sure if I want
to hear those or not.
She pauses.
Jacqueline: Don’t worry; the list
was pretty short.
She finishes brushing then spits. Hamilton waits for her to go on.
Jacqueline cont’d: Actually,
it was nonexistent.
She picks up a cup and turns the water on, filling
the cup. She takes a sip and spits again.
Hamilton watches her, distracted, but trying to concentrate on what
she’s saying.
Jacqueline: The truth is, I am…so attracted to you.
Hamilton smiles.
Jacqueline rinses her toothbrush and puts it back in the holder.
Hamilton: I’m attracted to you
too…since we first met…I told you—
Jacqueline: Are you sure?
Hamilton nods.
She exits the bathroom.
Jacqueline cont’d: Are you
sure it’s not just because I’m new or different or—
Hamilton: I thought you said the
list was nonexistent?
A beat as Jacqueline looks out the window. Hamilton takes a step toward her.
Hamilton cont’d: It’s
because you’re you. And, somehow that
means something more to me than anything ever has before. And, this time, I’m not bluffing.
She looks back over at him.
Hamilton cont’d: You
changed my entire paradigm in like two seconds. See, because I don’t believe in fate or love at first site or
anything like that, but…it felt like we were supposed to meet and…ever since we
did…I think I’ve been in love with you.
He takes a few more steps, putting him right in
front of her. She sighs and looks at
him.
Jacqueline: Yeah…me too.
He looks surprised to hear it, even though he was
hoping for it. She smiles. He takes one more step toward her and looks
at her, smiling himself. He leans in
pretty close, his nose almost touching hers.
Hamilton: It was nice to meet you.
Jacqueline: Now that was definitely you hitting on me.
Hamilton: Hmm…maybe I was
bluffing.
She smiles and grabs him by
the neck, kissing him. He kisses her back. The camera pulls out through the window then
pans around to the lake.
Music: Kick Some Ass by Stroke 9
(cut to): Will Krudski as he
bikes up to Rawley Academy.
(cut to): Finn’s
classroom. Finn sits at his desk. Will walks in looking fairly confident..
Finn: Mr. Krudski…you’re
late.
Will: I know, I’m sorry. I was going to get a ride or borrow the
truck and then…I had to take my bike so—
Finn: You’re fine. Have a seat.
Will smiles.
Will: Thanks.
Finn picks up the test.
Finn: I suppose the idea of
making my life more enjoyable by
calling up your English teacher and asking her for a ride never crossed your
mind?
Will smiles.
Will: Is that question one…or
part of the essay that I have to write?
Finn laughs.
Finn: I don’t think you’ve quite earned the right to sarcasm.
Will laughs.
Finn cont’d: You seem
pretty relaxed.
Will: A friend told me last
night to stop worrying about the what ifs?
Whatever is meant to happen will happen. Of course, he was trying to justify kissing his best friend’s
girlfriend.
Finn laughs.
Finn: You know…would you
consider doing the essay first? Give me
something to do while you work on the rest of the test?
Will: Uh, yeah, sure.
Finn: Okay, I just want
something short…say, around five hundred words.
Will nods.
Finn cont’d: the topic
is…what if…
Will laughs.
Will: Okay…
Finn: What if…I hadn’t gotten
you thrown out of here that summer?
Will considers this. Finn walks to his desk and gets some paper, handing it to Will.
Finn cont’d: Okay?
Will nods. He picks up a pencil and starts writing.
(cut to): the dining
hall. Scout and Dexter are sitting at a
round table, eating breakfast. Well,
Scout is eating. Dexter is playing with
his laptop. Hamilton walks up to them
and joins them. Scout over at him, a
little nervous.
Scout: Hamilton, I—
Hamilton: It’s cool.
Hamilton smiles.
Hamilton cont’d: I forgive
you for stealing Jill.
Hamilton continues to smile, but the comment seems
to anger Scout.
Scout: She’s not a bike, Ham.
Scout looks down at his plate. Hamilton laughs, nodding.
Hamilton: I’m sorry.
Scout looks up.
They both make a silent agreement of apology and forgiveness. Dexter watches silently, not fully getting
what’s going on. Jill walks up carrying
a bagel. Hamilton glances up, seeing
her before Scout. Jill smiles at him
and he smiles back. She sits down next
to Scout. Scout smiles. Jill breaks away from Scout’s look and looks
over at Hamilton.
Jill: I asked my friend to
join us. You remember Jacqueline, right
Hamilton?
Hamilton shakes his head.
Hamilton: Who?
Jill laughs as Jacqueline walks up carrying a
tray. She sits down next to Dexter.
Jill: Jacq, this is Scout…and
Dexter. Guys, this is Jacqueline.
Jacqueline: Hi.
Scout: Nice to meet you.
Jacqueline: You too, Scout.
Dexter looks at her then back at his laptop. Jacqueline glances over.
Jacqueline: Wireless connection?
Dexter looks up at her again.
Dexter: Yeah….how’d you—
Jill: She’s a computer
genius.
Dexter: Oh yeah?
Jacqueline: Not really.
Dexter: Are you holding out on
me?
Jacqueline laughs.
Dexter smiles. He hands over the
laptop. Everyone else looks around at
each other, baffled.
Will (voice over): What if?
It’s the simplest way to pose the hypothetical.
The shot flickers slightly.
(cut to): Will, writing.
Will (v.o.) cont’d: The biggest supposition in my life is the
one I was most recently asked to consider.
And, when I think about, I guess some things would be different.
(cut to): the scene in the dining hall. Hamilton watches Jacqueline at the laptop, a
little jealously, but also a pretty impressed.
Will (v.o.) cont’d:
There are things that I’d be a part of that I’m so far from right now.
The shot flickers again. This time, it changes into a scene from “reality.” Jake, Dexter, Hamilton, Scout and Jill sit
around the same round dining room table.
Dexter is looking over Jake’s shoulder as she looks at her own
laptop. Hamilton looks jealous, but
glad to be sitting next to Jake. Jill
and Scout seem to feel a little awkward.
Jake: I’m just saying that
there is no way my sister could be
better than me. There just isn’t.
Jill: Technically Jake is right about that, Dex.
Dexter essentially ignores Jill and continues talking to Jake.
Dexter: Okay, I’m just saying,
she’s good.
Hamilton: Been spending a lot of
time with her, huh?
Hamilton
looks at Jake who gives him a warning/apologetic look. Will walks up and sits down.
Scout: Where have you been?
Will: Just working on the
paper a little before breakfast.
Will (v.o.) cont’d:
Things that maybe I was meant to be a part of.
This shot flickers out to
Will writing again.
(cut to): Bella at the
garage. She looks over at Friendly’s,
smiling.
Will (v.o.) cont’d:
Then again, there are other parts of my life that would have gone in completely
different directions.
(cut to): Will in the
classroom. He looks up at the door.
(cut to): the door where
Johanna is standing. She waves at Will.
Will (v.o.) cont’d:
But, I’m not the only person in the world whose life would be different
assuming a few slight changes in the past.
(cut to): Finn as he looks
up and sees Johanna. He smiles and gets
up.
(cut to): Will as he goes
back to writing.
Will (v.o.) cont’d:
For anyone, one what if? can make a course of events totally change.
(cut to): the dining hall in this
alterna-world. Gwen and Ryder are
walking together.
Gwen: I’ll help you, but…I’m not going to do your work for you.
Ryder: Our definitions of
“help” differ, Gwendolyn.
Gwen rolls her eyes as they get closer to the table
where everyone is sitting.
Ryder cont’d: Oh, look,
the entire Scooby gang. Can we go bug
them?
Gwen looks unhappy with this
comment. Ryder flickers slightly and
then fades out completely. Gwen doesn’t
seem to notice as she looks for a place to sit.
(cut to): the gang at the
table in “reality.” Jill looks up.
Jill: Gwen, hey, Gwen. What are you doing? Come sit with us.
Will looks up at Gwen as she walks over and sits
down across the table from him.
Will (v.o.) cont’d:
One what if? can put you in a completely different place…for awhile.
This scene flickers into the same scene in the
alterna-world…no Will.
Will (v.o.) cont’d:
Life might progress at a different pace.
(cut to): a closer shot of Jacqueline as she looks
over at Hamilton. He smiles.
Will (v.o.) cont’d:
Other anomalous events may occur.
(cut to): Jill as she looks over at Hamilton approvingly.
(cut to): Will writing.
Will (v.o.) cont’d:
When all is said and done, though, life will turn out like it should…
(cut to): Johanna and Finn in the hall.
Will (v.o.) cont’d:
…or at least it will turn out like it’s going to.
Finn: I’m really glad we ran
into each other again. Not that you
remember me.
Johanna laughs.
(dissolve to): Will as he works on the test later.
Will (v.o.) cont’d:
So…what if I had utilized this opportunity when it was
originally offered to me. Would the last
year and a half of my life have been different? Most definitely. Would it
matter? Probably not.
(fade out)
Music: No Such Thing by John
Mayer
(fade in): to the quad. Hamilton and Scout are tossing a football. Gwen, Jill, Jacqueline and Dexter sit
together at a nearby table. Dexter and
Jacqueline are toying with the laptop.
Gwen is working on physics. Jill
is just sitting.
Jill: Am I the only one who
notices how cold it is out here?
(cut to): Scout as he tosses the football to
Hamilton. He looks up.
Scout: Hey, Krudski, come
here.
(cut to): Will who is walking his bike across the
quad. He smiles and walks over. He drops his bike.
Scout: How’d it go?
Will smiles.
Will: Well, I think.
Hamilton walks up.
Hamilton: What?
Scout: Will’s coming back.
Hamilton: Seriously? That’s great.
Will: Well, hopefully,
anyway.
Will glances over at the table.
Hamilton: Come on, we’ll
introduce you to everyone.
(cut to): the table as they walk up. The scene freezes. Everything except for Will and the table slowly fades out of
view. Will sits down on the table and
looks at the camera.
Will: Eventually life would end up how it was going to end
up. That’s how I would have ended that
essay…if I’d had to write it. Thinking
about how different life could be with only few changes is a little scary. I think Scout would have been right, though,
if he’d actually said that you can’t spend too much time on a few what ifs? But, that only covers hypotheticals about
the past. There’s also the future. Scout would have also been right about
that. You just have to go for what you
want and trust that what happens is what is supposed to happen. I don’t know if I buy it completely,
but…take a look at this.
He turns around as the scene in the background slowly comes back into view. There are a few slight changes. Jacqueline is Jake so we know which world we’re in. Also, Bella is now sitting with them. Hamilton, Scout, Sean and Will approach the table, still tossing around the football. The camera pulls away to get a high shot of the gang as they talk and fool around.
Will (v.o): This is how it’s supposed to turn out.
(fade out)
Or