Disclaimers: None whatsoever. These characters are mine. MINE! Mwuhahahaha! Any resemblance or similarities to other existing characters is purely coincidental.*cough*

Violence, Sexual Content, and Language: About the same as you’d see on your average teen drama. Maybe slightly more.

Why the script format? You’ve always used the regular story format before: Because it’s easier for me that way. A script is basically just dialogue and action which is very easy to write if you know your characters well, and it doesn’t contain a whole lot of the narrative description that you’ll find in novels, which can take FOR…Eh…VER to write. I basically do it for you guys, because this way I write much faster.

Long Beach? But… ugh: Why Long Beach? Because I live there. I don’t live anywhere else. Write what you know.

Why make up Dean High School? Why not use Harvey Milk?: See previous answer.

Wh-: Shut up and stop talking.

Fine. Where should I send my hate mail, you big meanie?: Well, feedback is always much appreciated. You can send it to lightanddark7@yahoo.com. However, hate mail is not wanted, and there is a difference between criticism and hate mail. If you want to tell me that my characterization sucks, please do so. If you want to tell me I’m going to burn in hell cause I’m writing about gay kids, please get a life. Seriously. If love offends you, too bad. No cookies for you.

Oooh, cookies: Yeah, that does sound good. Peace out.

COPYRIGHT ă 2004 Dylan Carreiro

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

 

Rebel High

Season 1

Episode 1: “The Pilot”

 

FADE IN:

 

 

INT. AIRPLANE - MORNING

 

 

CASEY FARRELL sits in the window seat of her flight. Her father CONOR sits next to her. The engines get louder and the plane speeds up on the runway. The plane lifts off the ground and Casey shoots out her hand in a death grip on the armrest between them. After the plane levels off, she lets go.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Are you ok?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm fine.

                       

                                                            CASEY(VO)

                                                I remember the day my dad told me we

                                                were moving. I threw the biggest

                                                tantrum. I'm rather ashamed of it

                                                actually. I haven't done that since I was

                                                was three.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT - AFTERNOON

 

Casey and her father carry their bags and walk through the sliding glass doors of the arrivals terminal at John Wayne.

                       

                                                            CASEY(VO)

                                                But no matter how much I ranted,

                                                raved, argued, and threatened life-

                                                long silence, he didn't change his

                                                mind. So we packed up and moved from

                                                my beloved, wild and crazy New Orleans

                                                to Long Beach, California.

 

Casey feels it really is a world away from home.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. FARRELL HOUSE - AFTERNOON

 

The door to their house opens and Casey and Conor step inside and pause in the entryway. Casey looks around approvingly.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nice.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Let me show you around the place. I

                                                know the bedroom you'll probably want.

                                                It's got a nice view.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Conor pushes open the door to Casey's room.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Isn't this like, the master bedroom?

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Yeah, but I figured since you're home

                                                more than I am, you should have it.

 

Casey looks around the huge room.

                       

                                                            CASEY(VO)

                                                I knew what it was. It was an ass-

                                                kissing slash peace-offering disguised

                                                as rationality.

 

Casey walks around the room.

                       

                                                            CASEY(VO)

                                                You see, my dad works. A lot. All the

                                                time. So he's never really home. So to

                                                make up for his parental fallacy, he

                                                buys me things, gives me things, and

                                                basically lets me do whatever the hell

                                                I want.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Well, do you like it?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

 

She wanders towards the balcony.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                I have to make some phone calls. Give

                                                a yell if you need me, okay?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Okay.

 

Conor leaves to his own room.

 

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM - MINUTES LATER

 

Casey starts unpacking a few clothes and pictures and places them on the dresser and night-stand and glances in the other boxes stacked in her room. While walking from the bed to the dresser, the breeze from the balcony catches her attention. She abandons unpacking and goes out onto her balcony.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. CASEY'S BALCONY – SUNSET

 

She takes in the scenery. The cars whizzing down the street in front of her house. The park across the street perched on a cliff that leads to the sand. The joggers, the roller-bladers, the people playing frisbee with their dogs. The palm trees. The downtown skyline. The Queen Mary. Off in the distance, Catalina can be seen in the warm sunset.

                       

                                                            CASEY(VO)

                                                But once I really thought about the

                                                whole thing, it wasn't so bad. Sure,

                                                he took me away from my hometown, my

                                                friends, my family, but it had a great

                                                view.

 

She leans over her balcony slightly as a pretty girl walks down the boardwalk.

                       

                                                            CASEY(VO)

                                                And for once, I could be myself freely

                                                without fearing for my life. Granted

                                                New Orleans is a damn liberal town,

                                                but some things about the South never

                                                change. And well, they just didn't

                                                have a gay high school.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Conor knocks and pokes his head into her room.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                You doin' alright?

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. CASEY'S BALCONY - CONTINUOUS

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, I'm fine.

 

Conor joins her. Casey closes her book.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                When did you want to start school?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                As soon as possible.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                You don't have to, you know. I start

                                                work tomorrow, but you can lounge

                                                about at home for a few more days

                                                after that.

 

Casey picks up her book and plays with the edges.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'd rather start now and get the first

                                                day over with.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                OK.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

 

Conor sits and looks at her, not sure if she'll open up anymore.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                All right.

 

Conor stands and kisses her on the head. He starts to leave.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey, does this school have a name?

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                I believe it's James Dean High School.              

                       

CASEY

                                                Rebel Without A Cause.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Right.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                How's the theatre there?

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                (chuckles)

                                                Does it matter?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No.

 

He leaves. She watches him go, then returns to her book. Concentration broken, she gives up on her book and goes back into her room and switches on the TV.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Rebel High. Bet they've got good

                                                theatre.                                    

 

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM - MORNING

 

Casey zips up her backpack. Conor walks in and leans up against the doorframe.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Have fun at school.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Aren't you going to take me?

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Nope. You're going to take yourself.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                How? I don't have a car.

 

She lifts up her hand just in time to catch the keys he tosses at her. She looks at the keys in her hand, then looks back at him.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                I went and bought you one. That's why

                                                I was gone yesterday.              

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm 15. I don't have a license.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                I've seen you drive. You're not gonna

                                                hit anything.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What if I get a ticket?   

           

                                                            CONOR

                                                Then I'll pay the damn thing. Are you

                                                gonna take the car or not?

 

She studies him for a moment, tossing the keys up in her hand.              

                       

CASEY

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Alright.

 

She walks out the door.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                It's in the driveway. The red one.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey jingles the keys.

                       

                                                            CASEY(VO)

                                                If he was stupid enough to give me a

                                                car, then by God, I was gonna take it.  

                       

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey looks over the red BMW convertible. She lets out a low whistle.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Thank you, guilt complex.

 

She gets in.                              

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S CAR - CONTINUOUS

 

She tosses her back pack in the backseat.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Wait, where the hell am I going?

 

She spots the GPS button on the dash.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hello, OnStar.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S CAR - A MOMENT LATER

 

Casey pulls up to the school and parks.

                       

                                                            CASEY(VO)

                                                So there it was. James Dean High

                                                School. The first all-gay high school

                                                in America. The one saving grace of

                                                this move that kept me from running

                                                away back to Louisiana.

 

She opens her door and gets out of the car. She walks up to the front entrance of the school.                

 

                                                            CASEY(VO)

                                                So it's my first day. As the new kid.

                                                And there's no way I'm like every

                                                other new kid in history who's all shy

                                                and timid and crap. Nope, I'm gonna

                                                steam-roll right in there and charm

                                                everyone and be the coolest new kid in

                                                history.

 

Casey reaches the door and takes a deep breath before opening it.

                       

                                                            CASEY(VO)

                                                Let's hope I don't screw shit up.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. ATTENDANCE OFFICE – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey goes up to the front desk.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm, uh, Casey Farrell. I start

                                                classes today.

                       

                                                            STUDENT

                                                Ok, I'll go pull up your schedule for

                                                you.

 

The student assistant leaves and Casey looks around the office. She spots a cute looking guy and as he walks out of the office, obviously checking out another guy next to him.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles to herself)

                                                We're not in Louisiana anymore, Toto.

 

The student comes back and hands Casey her schedule and a planner.  

           

                                                            STUDENT

                                                2nd period is gonna start pretty soon.

                                                It's an even day, so once it ends,

                                                you'll have a 15 minute break, and

                                                then you'll go to 4th, then lunch,

                                                then 6th and so on. If you need any

                                                help finding your classes there's a

                                                map in your planner, right here.

 

She flips it open to the correct page.

                       

                                                            STUDENT

                                                Ok?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Um, OK.         

           

                                                            STUDENT

                                                Make sure you have each of your

                                                teachers sign this schedule, today and

                                                tomorrow. The teacher from your last

                                                class tomorrow will keep it and turn

                                                it in here.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I will. Thanks.

 

She walks out.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MARINE BIOLOGY - MINUTES LATER

 

A couple of students play with the teacher's radio and "Spin" by Lifehouse comes on as Casey walks into her marine biology classroom. She looks around the classroom a moment before heading to the front. JAMIE DEVLIN, watches her as she walks across the classroom. Casey goes up to the teacher, THOMAS CAMPBELL, at the front desk.             

                       

CASEY

                                                Hi, how are you?

                       

                                                            CAMPBELL

                                                New student?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, I am.

 

She hands him her schedule, which he promptly signs and hands back. Then he writes her name onto the role sheet.

                       

                                                            CAMPBELL

                                                Casey Farrell.

 

Mr. Campbell finishes writing.

                       

                                                            CAMPBELL

                                                Ok. We've got an empty seat right

                                                there at that table. Jamie there will

                                                be your lab partner.

 

Casey gives him a small smile and heads over to her seat. Everyone is still chattering away and listening to the radio while Mr. Campbell disappears into the office.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. BIO DESK - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey spots the empty seat next to Jamie. Jamie's a timid but beautiful blonde girl, who's sitting alone in her seat, flipping through her notebook, while her classmates talk amongst themselves. Casey approaches her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Are you Jamie?

 

Jamie looks up and gives her a small smile.       

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

 

Casey sits down.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm Casey.

 

She holds out her hand, and Jamie shakes it.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm pleased to meet you.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm pleased to meet you too.

 

Casey puts her back pack down next to her chair, then leans toward Jamie a little.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So what's the scoop?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Wh.. What do you mean?        

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                This class. Is it fun, or am I gonna

                                                want to run away screaming, never to

                                                return?

 

Jamie laughs.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Um...

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                C'mon.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Well, it's not like it's really hard.

                                                And Mr. Campbell's a pretty cool

                                                teacher, pretty funny, although

                                                sometimes he just has to talk about

                                                boring stuff.     

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's inevitable, huh?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I was afraid of that. Well, promise to

                                                keep me from getting too bored?

 

Jamie looks at her for a moment.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Okay.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                Okay.

 

Casey pulls a binder from her backpack. Jamie watches her, chewing the end of her pencil for a moment.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                So where are you from?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                New Orleans. My dad got a new job out

                                                here.                

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What does he do?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                He's a sports lawyer.

 

Their conversation gets cut off as Mr.Campbell walks back into the classroom.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MARINE BIOLOGY - CONTINUOUS           

           

                                                            CAMPBELL

                                                (teasingly)

                                                Alright, alright. Everyone sit down,

                                                turn off that radio or turn it down

                                                and shut the hell up. Today we're

                                                gonna go over plate tectonics, cause

                                                you've got a test Friday! Yay!

 

A collective groan goes through the classroom. Mr. Campbell starts to draw a picture of a rift on the board.

                       

                                                            CAMPBELL

                                                Ok, open up to chapter 2, page 32.

                                                Everyone take a look at the diagram at

                                                the bottom there. I've tried to draw

                                                it up here, but you know me and my

                                                artistic limits.    

           

                                                            STUDENT 3

                                                Give it up already!

 

Mr. Campbell tosses a crumpled paper at the student. Casey, clearly without a book, glances at Jamie and gives her a small smile. Wordlessly, Jamie scoots her chair a little closer to Casey's and moves the book towards her. After a moment's hesitation. Casey leans a little closer in order to see the page.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Thanks.

 

Jamie surreptitiously checks her out, then turns her attention to the lesson.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MARINE BIOLOGY - AN HOUR LATER

 

Casey and Jamie pack up their stuff as Mr. Campbell clears the board.

                       

                                                            CAMPBELL

                                                Study, my minions!

 

The bell rings.              

                       

CASEY

                                                Well, I think you gave a pretty

                                                accurate description of what this

                                                class is like.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm glad I could be of help.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Wanna help me some more?    

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Um, sure.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Where's this class?

 

Casey hands her schedule to Jamie and points.             

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, well this is over in the um,

                                                bungalows. You're gonna walk towards

                                                the football stadium behind us and

                                                follow the stream of students that

                                                walk past it.     

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                The stream of students.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah. People going to math, people

                                                getting out of math. You can't miss

                                                them.   

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                You know, I think those are the

                                                easiest directions I've ever heard.

                                                And I just used OnStar this morning.

 

Jamie laughs.   

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Thanks.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You're welcome.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                See you Friday.

 

Casey watches her leave, then packs up the rest of her stuff, before heading off to her next class.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. GEOMETRY - MINUTES LATER

 

Casey's geometry class has desks on both sides of the classroom, facing each other, with an aisle in the middle. Casey retrieves her schedule from the teacher at his desk, then sits in a empty seat on the left side of the classroom. On the other side, MIA HAZELWOOD spots her and gives her a little smile which Casey returns.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S DESK – CONTINUOUS

 

The student sitting next to Mia, CHRISTOPHER, leans over and whispers.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                New girl.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Check her out.

           

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                What evil little thoughts are running

                                                through your head?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Stop it. They're not evil.

 

He continues to grin at her.                   

 

                                                            MIA

                                                They're just... naughty.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Same thing.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Shut up.

 

Mia smacks him on the arm with her spiral notebook.   

           

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Ow!

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Sissy.

 

He rubs his arm.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                (mumbles)

                                                Muff diver.

 

Mia barks out a laugh unexpectedly earning her a cleared throat from the teacher, even though class hasn't started yet. A few seconds later, the bell rings, and the teacher begins droning on. Casey sighs and tries to pay attention.   

                       

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. GEOMETRY - A HOUR LATER

 

The bell rings again and Casey grabs her backpack and bolts from the class, relieved to be free from a subject she hates so much. Mia grabs her backpack and glances around the hallway, looking for Casey, but she is nowhere to be found. Chris follows her at a much slower pace.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Where'd she go?          

           

                                                            MIA

                                                (pouts)

                                                I don't know.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Better luck next time.

 

He pats her shoulder. She smacks it away. He pinches her. She pokes him. This continues as they walk down the hall.                          

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. SCHOOL QUAD - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey stands near a locker, looking at a piece of paper in her hand. Christopher and Mia keep poking and prodding at each other, not paying attention to where they're going, when Chris gives Mia a little shove. Mia loses her balance and she bumps into Casey, sending her face first into the lockers.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Jesus!

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh my god!

Casey grabs her head.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ow.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh my god! I'm so sorry.

 

Christopher bails.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Later, Mia.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (calling after him)

                                                You little shit!

 

Casey continues to hold her head and starts shaking it to get the cobwebs out.              

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ow.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Let me see.

 

Mia pulls Casey's hands away from her head and Casey stops shaking her head.           

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Are you okay?

 

Casey just blinks at her, a little floored at how beautiful Mia is.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (softly)

                                                Ow.

 

Mia smiles.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying

                                                attention to where I was going.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, um.. it's alright. I wasn't paying

                                                attention to... where you were going.    

           

                                                            MIA

                                                (laughs)

                                                It was my fault. Let me make it up to

                                                you. I'll buy you lunch.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Uh, okay. I'm Casey.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Mia.

 

They shake hands.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                C'mon.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. SCHOOL QUAD – CONTINUOUS

 

Mia leads Casey through the crowds that slightly part for them. Every few seconds or so, someone says hello to Mia or waves or smiles at her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you really know all these people?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Not really.

 

Casey looks around at the crowds they pass.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Nice accent.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Thanks.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                New Orleans?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. Been there?       

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Mardi Gras is a gift from God.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hell yes, it is.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                My friends and I went out there and

                                                stayed at Tori's cousin's house. It

                                                was amazing. Good food, good drink,

                                                hot girls, huge house.    

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Mmm. I miss it.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                A lot?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Not so much anymore.

 

They share a smile.                              

                                   

CUT TO:

 

EXT. QUAD HANGOUT - CONTINUOUS

 

They reach a corner of the quad where a group of students sit or stand and mingle.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Let me introduce you to the rounds.

                                                This is Andrew, he's captain of the

                                                football team.               

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            ANDREW

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                This is Leah and Caleb. They're pep

                                                rally co-chairs.

 

They nod at Casey, who smiles back. Mia leads her to a tall, blonde girl.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                This is Meagan.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hi.

 

She shakes Meagan's hand.     

           

                                                            MIA

                                                She's head cheerleader.

                       

                                                            MEAGAN

                                                And little Mia here is my second in

                                                command.

 

She pats Mia's head. Mia smacks it away.        

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Stop it. I know I'm short.

 

Casey laughs.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                What?             

                                                            CASEY

                                                You're a cheerleader?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah.

                                                (narrows her eyes)

                                                Am I not peppy enough for you?

 

Casey's grin grows even wider.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Where are your pom poms?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, that's for me to know and you to

                                                find out.

 

She gives Casey a saucy wink, then reaches out and grabs her hand and tugs her towards more people.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                C'mon.

 

They walk up to Christopher.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You don't need to know this loser.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Hey!

 

She tugs Casey along, leaving Christopher to whine indignantly to himself.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                This is...           

                       

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. FRENCH - TWO HOURS LATER

 

Casey walks out with the rest of her French class as the bell rings.

                       

                                                            NOEL

                                                A bientôt!

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. MESSAGE BOARD - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey passes a message board with a flyer for Romeo and Juliet auditions. She scrawls down the info on the back of her hand.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. ENGLISH – AFTERNOON

 

Mia's already sitting in her desk when Casey walks in. They smile at each other, as Casey hands her schedule to KAREN CHESLER.

                       

                                                            KAREN

                                                Just pick any seat you want. We've got

                                                an open-seating policy.

 

Casey walks over and sits at the empty desk next Mia.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Long time, no see.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No kidding.

 

Mrs. Chesler comes over and hands Casey an English book and a few papers.

           

                                                            KAREN

                                                We have a few homework assignments

                                                coming up from this book. And this is

                                                the semester syllabus and home-reading

                                                list.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, ok.           

           

                                                            KAREN

                                                You're lucky you came in so early in

                                                the year. You haven't missed much. If

                                                you need any help you can always come

                                                to me, and I'm sure Mia here will also

                                                help you. She's been elected our class

                                                secretary.        

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Impressive.

 

The bells rings as Mrs. Chesler walks to the front of  the class to quiet everyone down.

                       

                                                            KAREN

                                                Today, we're gonna go through some

                                                Daphne DuMaurier. Open up to page 157

                                                in your green books.

 

Mia and Casey open their books. As they do so, Mia spots the writing on Casey's hand about the auditions. Surreptitiously, she picks up her pen and writes down the info in her open notebook.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. ENGLISH - A HOUR LATER

 

Everyone is already ready to go and are waiting for the bell to ring. Mrs. Chesler erases what's on the board in the front.

                       

                                                            KAREN

                                                Don't forget to finish those vocab

                                                flash cards. I'll be checking them

                                                first thing on Wednesday.

 

Mia and Casey sit and talk.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So he's your best friend.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah, when he's not being a little

                                                shit.

 

The bell rings and they file out of the class.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. ENGLISH - CONTINUOUS

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I hope he's not gonna leave right now,

                                                just to spite me for what I did at

                                                lunch.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Why?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                He's my ride home.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh.

 

Casey sticks her hand in her pocket.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, uh, I could give you a ride

                                                home, if you want.

 

She pulls out her car keys. Mia smiles at her.                

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Okay.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S CAR - A MOMENT LATER

 

They pull up to Mia's large house in the middle of the Belmont Shore district.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nice.               

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah.

                                                (pause)

                                                Listen. I know that this weekend

                                                you're probably gonna be real busy

                                                catching up with school and stuff, but

                                                it is for that exact reason why I must

                                                insist that you come to my party

                                                Friday night.                

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                You insist, you say.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Absolutely. In fact, I demand it.

 

Casey laughs.

           

                                                            MIA

                                                You need to blow off steam. I'm not

                                                going to let you hold it in until you

                                                explode.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                That'd be messy.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You bet.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, we can't have that now, can we?

                                                Besides, I never miss a good party.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Great. Be here around 8, that's when

                                                the people start to show up in droves.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Alright.

 

Mia opens the door and gets out. She closes the door, then leans down to talk through the open window.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                If you come a little early, I'll give

                                                you the grand tour.

 

She stands and starts to walk away.     

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Great car, by the way.

 

Casey watches her go then starts up the car.

                       

                                                            CASEY(VO)

                                                I've met the most incredible girl...

                                                and I've made friends with the most

                                                popular one. Not bad for your first

                                                day.                 

           

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON

 

Casey walks in the house.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hello?

 

The house is silent.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ah. The sound of my childhood.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM - A MOMENT LATER

 

Casey tosses her backpack onto the floor. She hops up onto the bed and grabs the phone. She dials and listens.                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            SHANNON

                                                (on phone)

                                                Hey. How was your first day?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It was great. I'm completely swamped

                                                in homework and make-up work already,

                                                but I've met some people and it's

                                                cool.

                       

                                                            SHANNON

                                                Any cute prospects?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Um, yeah.

                       

                                                            SHANNON

                                                Damn you. It makes sense that you get

                                                to move away and leave me stranded

                                                without a best friend and you're over

                                                there, living it up with cute boys.           

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Uh, yeah.

                                                (pause)

                                                Sucks to be you.

                       

                                                            SHANNON

                                                That's it, I'm moving right now.

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                You planning on telling Aunt Liz?

                       

                                                            SHANNON

                                                Hell, no. Like my mom would even

                                                notice.

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                True. But my dad would, and he'd tell

                                                her, and she'd tell the other cousins,

                                                and then the whole Farrell family will

                                                be in an uproar, and mass chaos and    

destruction would break out,

                                                civilization will fall, and the sun

                                                will collapse into itself forming a

                                                massive, sucking black hole simply

                                                because you're picky with guys.

                       

                                                            SHANNON

                                                Crush a girl's dreams, why don't you?

 

Casey laughs.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. DEVLIN DRIVEWAY – AFTERNOON

 

Jamie sits on the steps and watches her older brother CLARK as he shoots some hoops. She takes a drink of her water.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                What's up with you?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What are you talking about?     

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                I don't know. You're all smiley. More

                                                so than usual.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I don't know.

 

Clark stops shooting and looks at her.              

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Okay, I met this girl.

 

He resumes playing.

                       

                                                            CLARK                      

                                                So, what's she like?     

 

JAMIE

                                                Well, she's really nice, and funny,

                                                and beautiful and outgoing. Like, you

                                                know how I'm totally shy and

                                                everything.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Except with me.

                                   

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Right. Well... I don't know. I just

                                                didn't feel shy with her. She's easy

                                                to talk to. Charming.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                She sounds cool. What's her name?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Casey.

 

Clark drops the ball and laughs.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                You're not talking about Casey

                                                Farrell, are you?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (incredulously)

                                                What, you know her?  

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                She's only the second most popular

                                                girl in school.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Jesus Christ! It's like her first day

                                                here.                

 

                                                            CLARK

                                                I know. But she had lunch with Mia

                                                Hazelwood today and all the rest of

                                                the preppy lemmings. And the new kid

                                                always has that air of mystery around

                                                them. The fact that she hung with Mia   

just exacerbates the intrigue.

                                                Everyone's talking about her.    

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                They are?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Jeez, James. Stop burying your nose in

                                                all those books. Yes, they are.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh.                 

 

                                                            CLARK

                                                Plus, she's all rich and crap. That's

                                                like 0 to prom queen in 15 seconds at

                                                any high school in the country.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                How do you know that?          

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                'Cause she gave Mia a ride after-

                                                school in her fancy BMW.

 

Jamie sighs.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                You alright?

 

He goes over to sit next to her.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Mia Hazelwood. Of course. She seems

                                                like she'd be Casey's type. Hell,

                                                she's like everyone's freaking type. I

                                                could never compete with her.  

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Don't say that.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                It's true. And I can't believe I even

                                                thought Casey could like someone like

                                                me.                  

 

                                                            CLARK

                                                What, do you think she does?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I don't know.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (sighs)

                                                Where did you meet her?         

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Marine bio today.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Did she smile at you a lot?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah, but she smiles a lot at

                                                everyone.                    

 

                                                            CLARK

                                                Right. Charming. New approach. Did she

                                                ask you for your number?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hardly. She asked me for directions to

                                                her next class.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                She likes you.  

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (rolls her eyes)

                                                Right. How do you know?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                She either likes you or is a total

                                                airhead. Is she an airhead?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No, not at all.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                There you go.

 

Jamie just stares at him.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (sighs)

                                                They give all new students a map of

                                                the campus. So then why would she be

                                                asking you for directions unless she

                                                just wanted to have an excuse to talk

                                                to you?            

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Good point.

 

Jamie fiddles with her water bottle.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Jamie...

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah?

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Go for it. I'll even help you and give

                                                you advice to snare Miss Right.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                And I'll help you find Mr. Right.           

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                (snorts)

                                                Big help you'll be.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hey!

 

She shoves him with her shoulder. The door opens and their little sister, ALICE, comes out and jumps on top of them.              

                                                            ALICE

                                                I want to play.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                We're not playing anything, runt.

 

She grabs Alice and holds her down while Clark tickles her.                 

           

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. PLAYHOUSE - MORNING

 

Casey walks in to theatre class. She goes over to Ms. Perry and hands her her schedule. Some of the other students in the class start to chatter. A couple wave at her. Casey comes over to sit by Clark.             

 

                                                            CLARK

                                                Hi, Casey right?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Um, yeah.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I'm Clark. Have you done theatre

                                                before?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nope. Not at all.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                How come you picked it then?

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, I've always been interested in

                                                it. And, well, my cousin Shannon told

                                                me 'You're always taking whatever

                                                opportunity you have to make a fool of

                                                yourself. So why not do it on stage?'    

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                (laughs)

                                                Makes sense.              

 

                                                            PERRY

                                                Alright guys, we're gonna be reading

                                                Romeo and Juliet today. Whatever we

                                                don't finish in class, I expect you to

                                                finish outside of class, especially if

                                                you're going to be auditioning next

                                                week.  

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                (to Clark)

                                                The whole thing?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Yep.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh Spongebob, whyyyyyyyyy?

 

Clark snickers.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I like Squidward.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's all about Plankton, baby.

 

A stack of books gets passed around. Casey takes one and passes it on to Clark. She flips through the pages.  

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Listen, a bunch of us usually eat

                                                lunch together after class. Why don't

                                                you join us?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Eh, I kinda promised myself to someone

                                                else today.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                That's cool.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Next time?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Sure.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - AN HOUR LATER

 

Casey and Clark exit the Playhouse.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So then where do you guys usually eat?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Just around here, by the vending

                                                machines.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Good strategy.

 

Casey looks over the quad where Mia and the rest of her gang hang out.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Gotta go.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Well, if you change your mind, or want

                                                to wander over...

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. I'll see you.

She leaves.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. QUAD HANGOUT - CONTINUOUS

 

Mia throws a Cheeto at her as she approaches.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey! What did I do?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I hate Cheetos.

 

Casey reaches in the bag and tosses one back at her.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - CONTINUOUS

 

Clark sits down with a group of his friends. Jamie rounds the corner and sits on the bench next to him.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hey.

 

She opens up her bottle of Iced Tea and takes a drink.

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Hey. Your Princess Charming is in my

                                                class.

 

Jamie chokes a little. He reaches over without looking to pat her back.             

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I swear you always wait until I'm

                                                drinking something to drop news on me

                                                or make a joke. I could have died.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I do that to you like every day. You

                                                haven't died yet.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Key word, yet.

 

Clark laughs.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                So?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                So what?         

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                CLARK.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Well, she's nice. Pretty much

                                                everything you told me about her was

                                                true.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Did you talk to her?                 

 

                                                            CLARK

                                                Well, yeah.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What did she say?

 

Jamie makes the mistake of taking another drink.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                She said she wants to jump your bones.

 

She spits a bit of tea on his arm.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Ew.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                It's your fault.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Well, I'm stopping now.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                She did not say that.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                We didn't really talk about you.

                                                Mostly about class and stuff.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                So you like her?           

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Yeah. Anyone who's not too cool to

                                                quote Spongebob Squarepants is alright

                                                with me.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                So you said nothing about me?

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Well, I mean I didn't think, 'Hey my

                                                sister told me all about you' would

                                                have been very wise. I did however try

                                                to machinate a chance meeting. I asked

                                                her to eat lunch with our group.            

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                She said no?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                She's uh...

 

He looks over to where Casey is. Jamie follows his line of sight and watches as Casey snatches the bag of Cheetos from Mia's hand and starts eating them.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh Spongebob, whyyyyyyyyy?

 

Clark bursts out into hysterical laughter.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                God, nothing.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. GYM - AFTERNOON

 

Mia spots Casey walking towards the gate.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Casey!

 

Casey stops and waits for her.

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Hey! Are you unscheduled this period?

                                                I am. Let's go hang out. A bunch of us

                                                are going to Jamba Juice.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, I'm unscheduled this morning. I've

                                                got P.E. right now.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                But.. you're like walking in the wrong

                                                direction.         

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm on the rowing team. P.E. is at the

                                                yacht club.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh.

 

Mia pushes a lock of hair behind her ear.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, next time when you're free...

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. Have fun at Jamba Juice.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Ok.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'll see you in class tomorrow.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                And you're still up for the party,

                                                right?   

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Definitely.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Okay.

 

Mia meets up with her friends while Casey heads to her car. Jamie comes through the gate and sees her drive off.                                  

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - EVENING

 

Jamie and Clark lounge on the couch and flip through channels on the TV.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                So by the time I got there, she had

                                                already left.      

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Well, you've got class with her.

                                                You'll see her tomorrow.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah, you're right. Oh, ew, I have

                                                that test tomorrow.

 

Jamie's dad, TYLER, walks in.            

           

                                                            TYLER

                                                No you don't.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What?

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                You've got that doctor's appointment

                                                tomorrow morning.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                WHAT?

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                I told you last week.

 

Jamie makes a frustrated noise and slaps her hand on the couch before heading to her room.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                What was that?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                There's a cute girl, in her class.

           

                                                            TYLER

                                                What cute girl?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                This girl Casey.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Do you know her?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Sure. She's alright.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Hmph.                         

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

 

Tyler knocks on the door.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Honey?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah?             

 

                                                            TYLER

                                                I'd change your appointment, but if we

                                                lose that spot, we might have to wait

                                                a month.

 

She opens her door.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No, it's okay.               

 

                                                            TYLER

                                                Is it?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah. I'm just a little frustrated.

                                                And I don't like missing tests.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Well, I'll call your teacher and set-

                                                up a make-up test time.            

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No, you don't have to. I'll do it.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                You sure?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

He ruffles her hair.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                You hungry?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                A little.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Dinner will be done soon. I'll send

                                                Alice in to get you.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                K.

 

She closes her door.                            

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. BIO DESK - MORNING

 

Casey sits in her seat, waiting for Jamie. The bell rings and everyone settles down, Jamie still absent. Casey sighs and opens her notebook.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. ENGLISH – AFTERNOON

 

Casey and Mia walk out of English.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                God, if I read any more, my head is

                                                going to explode.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Mm. I know what you mean.   

           

                                                            MIA

                                                I can't wait until the end of the year

                                                so I can flush out everything I've

                                                learned so my head is nice and empty

                                                again.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You don't have an empty head.            

           

                                                            MIA

                                                See me at summer, sweet cheeks.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (laughs)

                                                I'm afraid of what I'll find when I

                                                do.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You should be. I give Chris

                                                nightmares.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you need a ride?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Um, no. Chris and I are going to go

                                                pick up some beer and stuff, and then

                                                get my place ready.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Alright. I'll see you later tonight

                                                then.                            

 

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. MIA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Casey pulls up to Mia's house. People are walking in and music can be heard from inside the house.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S HOUSE – CONTINUOUS

 

Mia spots her almost immediately.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Hey!

 

Mia hugs her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey. You weren't kidding when you said

                                                people would be here in droves.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Such is the life of someone as

                                                beautiful and popular as I am.

 

She flicks some hair over her shoulder.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You want something to drink?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Sure.               

                                                            MIA

                                                Come on, there are some other people I

                                                want you to meet.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey scans the crowd as they walk towards the kitchen. Caleb is at the counter, mixing drinks and blending margaritas.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                Hey, Casey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What's up?

He holds up the pitcher of margaritas.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Sure.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                I heard you're on women's crew.

 

Casey look at Mia.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I told him.        

           

                                                            CALEB

                                                I'm on the men's crew.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nice. I met coach McKenzie at practice

                                                yesterday. He seems harsh. Glad I

                                                don't have him.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                Yeah, he is. But it works. We're

                                                undefeated.                  

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                And now with me, the women will be

                                                undefeated as well.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                Are you on varsity?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                What year are you?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Sophomore.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                You seemed older. Well, I'll see you

                                                at the Men's-Women's race.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, yeah, they told me about that.

                                                Look forward to beating you guys.

 

She toasts him with her drink.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                You wish.

 

Mia starts to tug her out of the room.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS                   

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Jocks.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey.

 

She pinches Mia.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                That tickles.

 

Casey wiggles her fingers menacingly.   

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Please, no.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Alright, wise guy, what's your P.E.

                                                then?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Dance. And cheer. My sport is to

                                                support you lunks at games and

                                                matches.                      

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you actually come to crew matches?           

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah. Not officially though. Like, you

                                                won't see us in uniform. But we like

                                                to go anyway. But only when you're

                                                local. We don't travel with you guys.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So you'll be there next week?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah. C'mon.

 

As usual, Mia grabs Casey's hand and tugs her off.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S LIVING ROOM - AN HOUR LATER

 

Casey leans against the wall and watches as Mia dances wildly in the middle of a pack of her friends. Christopher walks up to her.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Hey.                

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Taking a break from Mia?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, I...

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                It's alright. I know. She can be a

                                                little much sometimes.              

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                She's certainly got, um, energy.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Yeah, Hurricane Mia. Bulldozing her

                                                way through life.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.              

 

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Listen, I hope you're not mad about

                                                the other day.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What are you talking about?

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                That day when you got slammed into the

                                                lockers. It wouldn't have happened if

                                                I wasn't roughhousing with Mia.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, no, it's cool. I've forgotten

                                                about it.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Hey!

 

She comes over to them.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Come dance with me.

 

Casey resists her pull.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I don't dance.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                C'mon, everybody dances.

                                                           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Not me.

 

Casey digs in her heels a little. Mia stops trying to pull her and puts her hands on her hips.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Casey.             

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yes?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Do not make me stamp my foot. My

                                                mother stamped her foot and I refuse

                                                to go there.

 

CASEY

                                                No, you go on. Have fun.         

 

                                                            MIA

                                                No, no. Would you rather just hang and

                                                talk?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Mia, seriously, go dance, it's alright.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Are you suggesting that I'm the kind

                                                of terrible hostess that will just

                                                take off and abandon the newest guest

                                                to fend for herself?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smirks)

                                                Not at all. I think you're a wonderful

                                                hostess.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Then let me do my hostessing.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Is that even a word?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Let's go.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. MIA'S BALCONY – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey follows Mia out onto the balcony.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Wow. It was hot in there.

 

Mia fans herself.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You're telling me.

 

They smile at each other for a moment.

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Do you like theatre?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, I do.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, there's these auditions for

                                                Romeo and Juliet...

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, yeah.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                And I want to audition.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Juliet?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Me too.                       

 

                                                            MIA

                                                And, um, I could use some help with

                                                like lines and stuff. Like someone to

                                                rehearse with me so I can memorize

                                                things.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you want me to help you?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah.              

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                I can do that.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (smiles)

                                                Cool. How about Tuesday, after we have

                                                English?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, that works.                    

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Okay. Thank you.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Anytime.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE – MORNING

 

Casey and Clark come out of class.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I've gotta go find Mia. I'll see you

                                                on Wednesday.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Alright, later.

 

Casey starts to walk off when she spots Jamie heading towards her. She jogs to catch up.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, hey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I missed you on Friday.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah, I um, had a doctor's

                                                appointment.    

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ugh. I hate doctors. Did you get a

                                                shot or something? Last time I went,

                                                my doctor came at me with a hypodermic

                                                needle the size of New Jersey.

 

Jamie makes a face.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. He said, ‘It’s just a little shot’.

                                                I was like, ‘A little shot the size of a

                                                harpoon. Stay away. Stay far, far

away.’

                                                                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs)

                                                I'm sorry for your traumatic

                                                experience.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                (pouts)

                                                Hey, don't mock my experience; it was

                                                rather traumatic. I'll carry the

                                                psychological scars for life.

 

Clark spots them.        

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                (calls out)

                                                Hey, Jamie!

 

Jamie waves.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you know him?      

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                He's my brother.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, I didn't know that.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah, I always eat lunch over here

                                                with him and his friends.                       

                       

Andrew sees Casey from where he sits with Mia and Meagan.

                       

                                                            ANDREW

                                                Case!

 

They both look over.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                We should go.

 

She starts to walk, but Casey stops her.           

 

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Wait. I was wondering.. if maybe you'd

                                                wanna do something later after-school?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, yeah!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah?

 

Jamie smiles and nods.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, crap!        

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                What's wrong?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I have a make-up test after-school.

                                                Since I missed Friday, you know.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (chews lip)

                                                Tomorrow?     

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                I've got a.. thing tomorrow.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Wednesday?

                       

                                                            ANDREW

                                                CASEY!!

 

She shoots him a look.

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Listen, why don't you give me your

                                                number and we'll work this all out

                                                later?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Okay.

 

Casey hands her a pen, and Jamie writes her number on Casey's hand.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'll call you.

 

She gives Jamie a smile before heading off to join Andrew. Jamie heads over to Clark.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Is she looking?             

 

                                                            CLARK

                                                No.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (pumps her fist)

                                                Yes!

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                What happened?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                She asked for my number.       

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Alright, baby sister got play.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ugh. Don't call me that.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM – NIGHT

 

Casey lays on her bed, staring at the cordless phone in her hand. Finally, she looks at her hand and dials the number.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

 

The phone on the side table rings quietly as Jamie, Clark, Alice, and Tyler sit at the table eating dinner.  

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Dad.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                You know the rule.

 

Clark looks at Jamie. They let the machine pick it up. She plays with her food.  

                       

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey hears the answering machine. She hangs up.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Crap.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MARINE BIOLOGY – MORNING

 

Casey walks in, a little late.

                       

                                                            CAMPBELL

                                                Hurry up, Farrell. We've got a

                                                riveting, exciting movie on plankton

                                                to watch!

 

Casey sits next to Jamie.          

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                You can't do that to me, I went to

                                                college!

                       

                                                            CAMPBELL

                                                And your love for Spongebob

                                                Squarepants alone won't get you a good

                                                grade in this class. But five points

                                                for quoting my favorite character.

 

He cues up the tape and starts it.

                       

                                                            CAMPBELL

                                                Can you get the lights?

 

A student near the door turns off the lights. As the movie starts up, Casey leans over to Jamie.  

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                (whispers)

                                                Jamie.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (whispers)

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CAMPBELL

                                                I can hear you. No talking.

 

Casey sits back upright and focuses on the movie.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MARINE BIOLOGY - AN HOUR LATER

 

The movie ends and the lights come back on.   

           

                                                            CAMPBELL

                                                Ok, we've only got about 10 minutes

                                                til the bell. That's not enough time

                                                to talk about the next section, so we

                                                will table it until Thursday. You can

                                                pack up, and plot against me amongst

                                                yourselves.

 

Casey puts her stuff away.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey, I called you last night. Didn't

                                                you hear me? I was like, calling you.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah, I'm sorry. We were eating

                                                dinner. My dad has this rule that we

                                                don't answer the phone during dinner.   

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Really? That's kinda weird.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I don't think so. Isn't that what you

                                                and your family does?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No. My dad would always answer the

                                                phone, in case it was his work. If he

                                                was even there for dinner at all.

 

Jamie chews the end of her pencil.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What about your mom?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                She died when I was a baby.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm sorry.                     

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nah, it's... I never knew her.

 

She shrugs and Jamie looks down at her desk.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I did.               

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                What happened?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                She got hit by a drunk driver when I

                                                was 11.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm sorry.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Thanks.

 

They look at each other for a moment.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (clears her throat)

                                                So, um, did you still want to do

                                                something?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, yeah. Today's out, right?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, and I'm stuck doing something

                                                tomorrow.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Me too.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I've got a crew match on Thursday.      

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You're on crew?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, varsity. Do you want to, um,

                                                come see us?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah. I'll see if my dad will drive

                                                me.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, if he takes you there and drops

                                                you off, I could drive you back home.

                                                Maybe we could even go out and grab

                                                something to eat afterwards.                 

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ok.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you know where it is?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Here.

 

Casey writes down the address on a piece of scratch paper. The bell rings and Casey hands it to her.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'll see you then.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                See you.          

                       

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - AFTERNOON

 

Casey and Mia put their backpacks on a bench outside the playhouse.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So which scene did you want to do?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                The balcony scene is always best.

 

Mia flips through her copy, then tosses it on the bench.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You don't need your script?     

           

                                                            MIA

                                                I hope not. I've been going over it

                                                again and again. I think I've got it.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok.

 

To simulate the effect of a balcony, Mia climbs up and stands on the bench, Casey still on the ground below her.                       

                                                            MIA

                                                O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou

                                                Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy

                                                name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but

                                                sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a

                                                Capulet.          

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at

                                                this?                

 

                                                            MIA

                                                'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;

                                                Thou art thyself, though not a

                                                Montague. What's Montague? It is

                                                neither hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor

                                                face, nor any other part belonging to

                                                a man. O, be some other name! What's

                                                in a name? That which we call a rose

                                                by any other name would smell as

                                                sweet; so Romeo would, were he not

                                                Romeo call'd, retain that dear

                                                perfection which he owes without that

                                                title. Romeo, doff thy name, and for

                                                that name which is no part of thee

                                                take all myself.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (plainly reading)

                                                I take thee at thy word: Call me but

                                                love...  

           

                                                            MIA

                                                No, no, no.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I need you to like, act it out.

                                                Reading won't work for me.

 

Casey runs a hand through her hair.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Alright.

 

She puts her book down next to Mia's.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You can use it, if you want.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, I've got it fairly memorized.

 

Ms. Perry comes out of the playhouse. She leans up against the doorframe and watches them.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Okay, um.. Romeo, doff thy name, and

                                                for that name which is no part of

                                                thee, take all myself.                 

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                I take thee at thy word: Call me but

                                                love, and I'll be new baptized;

                                                Henceforth I never will be Romeo.

 

Mia takes a step back on the bench.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                What man art thou that thus bescreen'd

                                                in night so stumblest on my counsel?     

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                By a name I know not how to tell thee

                                                who I am: My name, dear saint, is

                                                hateful to myself, because it is an

                                                enemy to thee.

 

Casey climbs up onto the bench.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Had I it written, I would tear the

                                                word.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                My ears have not yet drunk a hundred

                                                words of that tongue's utterance, yet

                                                I know the sound: Art thou not Romeo

                                                and a Montague?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Neither, fair saint, if either thee

                                                dislike.             

 

                                                            MIA

                                                How camest thou hither, tell me, and

                                                wherefore? The orchard walls are high

                                                and hard to climb, and the place

                                                death, considering who thou art, if

                                                any of my kinsmen find thee here.         

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                With love's light wings did I o'er-

                                                perch these walls; for stony limits

                                                cannot hold love out, and what love

                                                can do that dares love attempt;

                                                therefore thy kinsman are no let to

                                                me.                  

 

                                                            MIA

                                                If they do see thee, they will murder

                                                thee.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Alack, there lies more peril in thine

                                                eye than twenty of their swords: look

                                                thou but sweet, and I am proof against

                                                their enmity.     

           

                                                            MIA

                                                I would not for the world they saw

                                                thee here.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I have night's cloak to hide me from

                                                their sight; and but thou love me, let

                                                them find me here.

 

Casey takes Mia's hands and presses them against her chest.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                My life were better ended by their

                                                hate, than death prorogued, wanting of

                                                thy love.

 

They gaze at each other for a long moment, lines forgotten. Casey starts to lean closer towards Mia, when Ms. Perry starts clapping. Startled, Casey drops Mia's hands and takes a step back.      

           

                                                            PERRY

                                                Very well done.

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Th-thank you.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                You'll be at the audition tomorrow,

                                                right?

 

They're both unsure of which of them she's talking to, but Mia nods.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Uh, yeah.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Good.

 

She goes back into the Playhouse.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (clears throat)

                                                Well, I uh, guess that means she liked

                                                you.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh! I gotta go! I gotta go home.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Home?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, I uh, I got- my dad, he's home

                                                and I promised I'd be early.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh, ok.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. That was good though. Right? I

                                                don't think you need any more

                                                rehearsal.                     

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Alright.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok, see you tomorrow.

 

Casey grabs her stuff and leaves. Mia sits down on the bench and puts her head in her hands.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Damn it.          

                       

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON

 

Casey walks in and shuffles through the mail.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (absently)

                                                Dad?

 

She tosses the mail down on the coffee table.   

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Figures.

 

She stands in the middle of the large room, looking a little lost.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Crap.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey tosses her backpack on the floor and picks up her phone before flinging herself diagonally across the bed and dialing.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Please be home, please be home, please

                                                be home...                   

                       

CLARK

                                                (on phone)

                                                Hello?

 

Casey freezes for a moment, before clearing her throat.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey, Clark. Is Jamie home?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Oh, Casey, hey. Yeah, let me find her.             

           

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

 

Clark walks through the house looking for Jamie.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                So are you ready for the audition

                                                tomorrow?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I think so. I mean, I uh, did some

                                                rehearsing today, so I feel pretty

                                                good about it.  

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                I'm nervous already.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Don't be. I'm sure you'll do great.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

 

Clark opens the back door to find Jamie sitting against their orange tree, reading.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Thanks. Here's Jamie.

 

Jamie looks up at the sound of the door opening. Clark wiggles the phone in his hand and mouths 'Casey' and tosses it to her. She barely catches it, then sets her book aside and puts it up to her ear. He winks and goes back inside.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hello?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (on phone)

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hey.

 

A second passes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So what are you up to?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Nothing much, really. What about you?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Me neither. That thing I had to do got

                                                canceled so... um, you want to hang

                                                out?

 

Jamie looks at her closed book and smiles.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah. Let's hang out.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. RUBY'S RESTAURANT - AFTERNOON

 

Casey takes a sip of her shake.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You're right. That is that best shake

                                                I have ever tasted.

 

Jamie dips her spoon in her own shake and takes a bite.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (grins)

                                                Told you.

 

Their food arrives. Casey frowns at Jamie's shrimp.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                That reminds me, we have a quiz in

                                                Marine Bio on Thursday, don't we?      

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs)

                                                Yeah. Did you study?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I don't study.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What, like at all?          

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nope. I'm firmly against studying.

                                                Studying means work. Work means

                                                effort. Effort means stress. Stress

                                                means no fun. Nope. Studying is not

                                                for me.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                How do you do that?   

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                Not studying? It's pretty easy.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (shakes a french fry at her)

                                                I mean getting away with not flunking

                                                out.                 

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, I do pay a reasonable amount of

                                                attention in class. I retain a

                                                surprisingly large amount of

                                                information from that.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You don't freak out before tests?         

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                No. I've always done pretty decent

                                                with this method. If it ain't broke,

                                                don't fix it.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I couldn't do that. I have to be

                                                absolutely sure I know my stuff before

                                                I walk in the classroom.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Is Clark like that?        

                                   

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs)

                                                God, no. He's like you. It's like he's

                                                allergic to anything academic. You say

                                                'homework' and he practically breaks

                                                out in hives. My little sister too.

                                                                                   

                                                            CASEY

                                                Wait, I know this one. Alice, right?       

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                Right. You don't have siblings?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No. Although I'm pretty close with my

                                                cousin Shannon.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Was it hard to move away?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. At first. I mean, she's the only

                                                family I really have, and it's hard to

                                                know that if I ever need her, or if

                                                she ever needs me, all we have is a

                                                phone, or the internet.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Mmm.             

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                But now, it's... I don't know. I don't

                                                feel so alone here anymore.

 

They share a smile.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Mia makes a phone call.                      

                                                            MIA

                                                Pick up, damn you.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                (on phone)

                                                Hello?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh my god.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                What?             

 

                                                            MIA

                                                She nearly kissed me!

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                What?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You heard me!

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Wait, what do you mean 'nearly'? What

                                                happened?                   

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Freaking Ms. Perry had to interrupt,

                                                and then Casey bolted. She made up

                                                some excuse about her dad wanting her

                                                home early or something like that and

                                                hauled ass outta there!

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                I'm sorry.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (pouts)

                                                Chris...

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Maybe she's never kissed anyone

                                                before. She coulda been nervous.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I guess.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                You're pouting, aren't you?      

           

                                                            MIA

                                                (pouts more)

                                                No.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                I can see you in my head.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Shut up. Ugh! I don't know what to do.

                                                This has never happened to me before!

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Relax. Don't like, put pressure on

                                                her. Let her come to you.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Alright, I suppose. Although I'm not

                                                sure if I can wait too long for her. I

                                                really, really like her. Usually

                                                whoever I like is way more into me

                                                than I'm into them, you know?  

           

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                (laughs)

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I'm not sure I like this change in

                                                position.

                       

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                It was bound to happen sooner or

                                                later.    

           

                                                            MIA

                                                (sighs)

                                                I know.

 

The sound of the front door opening catches Mia's attention.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I gotta go. Thanks for letting me

                                                complain in your ear.                

 

                                                            CHRISTOPHER

                                                Anytime. Later.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Bye.

 

She hangs up and heads out of her room.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S STAIRWAY - CONTINUOUS

 

Mia walks out of the room and leans upon the railing that over looks the living room of the house.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Dad?

 

NICK HAZELWOOD walks towards the stairs.

                       

                                                            NICK

                                                Hey, honey. I'm just here to pick up

                                                some clothes. I've got to run out to

                                                Chicago.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                When will you be back?

                       

                                                            NICK

                                                I'm not sure. Next week, probably.

 

He walks into his room to get stuff ready. Mia walks into her room and slams the door behind her.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S CAR – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey pulls up to Jamie's house, and shuts down the engine. They sit in silence for a moment.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I-

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (simultaneously)

                                                I-

 

Jamie gives Casey a wrinkle-nosed grin.           

           

                                                            CASEY.

                                                Go first.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No, you.

                       

                                                            CASEY.

                                                (laughs)

                                                Jamie.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I had a lot of fun today.

                       

                                                            CASEY.

                                                Yeah, me too. We should hang out again

                                                this week.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Well are we still on for Thursday?        

           

                                                            CASEY.

                                                Actually, I didn't remember about it

                                                earlier, but I might not be able to

                                                hang out after the match. Especially

                                                if we win. We might hang out as a

                                                team.               

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh.

                       

                                                            CASEY.

                                                Um, do you want to come with us?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, no. That's for you and your team.

                                                I don't think it'd be a good idea.

 

Casey sighs.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm free Friday.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you want to go see a movie?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Sure. Do you have a particular one in

                                                mind?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Not really. I could pick you up at

                                                7:30 or so, and we could just pick

                                                something when we get there.   

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Okay.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So, I'll see you then.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

 

Jamie hesitates for a moment, then leans in and gives Casey a quick kiss on the cheek.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Bye.

 

She climbs out of the car before Casey can respond. For a moment, Casey merely watches her walk in the house, then breaks into a wide grin.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. PLAYHOUSE - AFTERNOON

 

Mia finishes up her audition.                 

 

                                                            PERRY

                                                Very good, Mia. Thank you. The casting

                                                notices will be up on Friday. Swing by

                                                and check the board.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Ok, thanks. Um, did Casey already

                                                audition?

 

Ms. Perry looks down at her clipboard. Clark, waiting in line, pipes up.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Yeah, she did it last period.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                But..

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                She was unscheduled today cause

                                                there's no rowing practice. They've

                                                got a match tomorrow.

 

Mia heads over to grab her backpack.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh, yeah. Thanks, Cameron.   

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                It's Clark.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Sorry.

 

She breezes out the door. Clark shakes his head as he approaches the audition stage.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. LONG BEACH MARINA YACHT CLUB - AFTERNOON

 

Casey blows out a nervous breath as she sits and waits in the 8-person shell with her teammates. The 3 other competing teams do the same. The judge supervises the crews as they align for the start. Once all crews are level, the Starter polls the crews by

calling their name. Then the Starter raises a red flag.

                       

                                                            STARTER

                                                Attention!

 

After a clear pause, the starter drops the red flag quickly to one side.

                       

                                                            STARTER

                                                Go!

 

They surge into motion at the coxswain's rhythm. As they near the finish, the people in the bleachers begin to cheer wildly, as they pull forward, lengthening their lead over the other teams. They speed past the finish and Casey and her teammates whoop and shout, slapping each other on the shoulders.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. LONG BEACH MARINA YACHT CLUB BLEACHERS - A MOMENT LATER

 

Casey exits the club, freshly showered and walks through the crowd, eyes searching. Finally, she spots Jamie and Clark and starts to head toward them before Mia and Meagan intercept her.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Casey!

 

Mia hugs her.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                That was awesome. Did you hear all us

                                                cheerleaders yelling our fool heads

                                                off?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I did. How's your throat?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Awful, but it was fun. Are you coming

                                                with us?

                       

                                                            MEAGAN

                                                The guys team wants to throw you guys

                                                a party.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah, at my house.

 

Casey glances at Jamie and Clark.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Um, yeah. I'll be there in a moment.

 

Casey continues on.     

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey!

 

Jamie gives her a hug.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Wow. Congratulations.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Thanks.

 

After long moment, they release each other and smile, until Clark butts in and pulls Casey into hug of his own.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Congrats, Case.

 

Caleb comes up and pulls her into a rough hug once Clark releases her.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                I thought you were just talking shit,

                                                Farrell. You proved me wrong. Nice

                                                work!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Thanks.

 

He slings an arm around her shoulder and swings them around to face Jamie and Clark.                        

 

                                                            CALEB

                                                Isn't she the greatest?

 

He pinches her cheek and she gives him an elbow in the gut.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                Let's hit the road, Case. We've got

                                                some celebrating to do!

 

Casey can only smile helplessly at Jamie as Caleb hauls her away. She gives them a wave.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'll call you!

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S BALCONY – NIGHT

 

Casey leans against the railing, taking in a deep breath. Mia comes out to join her.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                There you are. I haven't seen you all

                                                night.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, hey.

 

Mia leans against the railing as well, allowing silence for a few moments, before she gets impatient and sighs.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                What's going on?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What do you mean?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You've been avoiding me.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, I haven't.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Casey, we're friends, right?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.              

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Granted, we've only been friends for a

                                                little over a week, but I'd hate to

                                                lose your friendship over something

                                                so...

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What?             

                                                            MIA

                                                We just got caught up in a stupid

                                                play. It doesn't mean anything, and I

                                                didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, no. That's not..

                                                (shakes her head)

                                                That's not what's bothering me.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, what else is on your mind?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It was our first match of the season.

                                                He was supposed to be there.

 

Mia gives her a knowing look. Casey remains silent, until Mia wraps an arm around her waist and rests her head on Casey's shoulder.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (wryly)

                                                Been there, done that.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Does it bother you?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Not so much anymore. I've been going

                                                through it for 14 years. I've learned

                                                to stop hoping that my father will

                                                keep his promises to me. They always

                                                have been, and they always will be

                                                empty.             

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you think it's dumb that I still

                                                hope?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Not at all. That just means you're not

                                                a jaded, wretched cynic like me.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Maybe I'd be better off that way. Then

                                                it won't hurt when he does crap like

                                                this anymore.               

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Don't do that. Don't lose hope.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Like you didn't lose hope?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Well, I should know, right?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, I suppose.

 

Casey chews her lip for a moment.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you think that maybe the reason why

                                                we're...            

                                               

                                                            MIA

                                                (cuts her off)

                                                That's the dumbest thing I've ever

                                                heard, Casey.

 

Casey smiles despite the rude interruption.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You didn't even let me finish.    

           

                                                            MIA

                                                I know you were going to ask if the

                                                reason why we're gay is because we've

                                                got insensitive, absentee fathers.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Actually, I was going to ask if the

                                                reason why we're outgoing is because

                                                of our insensitive, absentee fathers.       

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh, sorry.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's alright.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                It just seemed like that was what you

                                                were going to say, and people have

                                                asked me before. I can't stand that.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Totally. I've known since I was little

                                                that I was gonna have to be wild, and

                                                loud and everything in order to get

                                                attention, cause nothing else ever

                                                worked.

 

Casey nods.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, if you're ever a little

                                                attention-starved and you need someone

                                                who understands...

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Thank you.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Anytime.

 

Mia studies her profile for a moment.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (suddenly)

                                                Have you ever been in love?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                It's just, I can't imagine that you

                                                went long without people falling head

                                                over heels for you.

                                               

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh.

                                                (chuckles)

                                                I haven't been in love, and as for

                                                people falling for me...

                                                (shrugs)

                                                I don't really know.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, whoever snares you is gonna be

                                                one hell of a lucky girl.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You think so?  

           

                                                            MIA

                                                I know so.

 

They stare at each other for a moment.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                I have to go.

 

Mia blinks a little, things suddenly turning away from where she expected them to go.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Why?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I've gotta go home and call someone.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Um, okay.

 

Casey gives her a quick hug.    

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'll see you tomorrow.

 

Casey leaves.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Damn you, Farrell. Why aren't you

                                                falling for me like the way I'm

                                                starting to fall for you?                          

 

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Jamie sits at her desk and writes in her notebook when the phone rings. Glancing at her clock, she picks it up.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hello?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey there.       

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hey, I can't talk. It's past the phone

                                                curfew.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, damn.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Why don't you just meet me after

                                                school tomorrow?        

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Alright. I'll wait for you at the

                                                Playhouse.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ok.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Night.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Night.                          

 

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. FRONT OF SCHOOL - MORNING

 

Casey parks her car and grabs her bag, before getting out and bolting into the school.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. SCHOOL QUAD - CONTINUOUS

 

She walks quickly through the quad on the way to the Playhouse.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - CONTINUOUS

 

As she turns the corner, she runs into Clark. They look at each other for a moment, then both break out into a sprint, heading for the small crowd at the bulletin board on the door of the Playhouse. He beats her there, but can't push his way to the front. Casey gets there a second later, and people start to move out of the way for her. She walks up and scans the list. After a few moments, she heads back out of the crowd to the waiting Clark. She just stares at him, nonplussed.      

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Well?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Uh, you got Romeo.

 

Clark hollers and grabs her in a hug and spins her around.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Hell yes! Are you Juliet?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, I'm Romeo.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Huh?               

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                There's two separate plays. One's got

                                                a cast of all guys, and the other's

                                                got a cast of all girls.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Oh, shit! Really? That's awesome.

                                                Who's your Juliet?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Your sister.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                What?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Whoa.

                                   

                                                                                                                        FADE OUT.

 

Stay tuned for the next episode – “The Roles We Play”

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