FADE IN:

Feed the beast! Send questions, comments, and recipes for really good lasagna to lightanddark7@yahoo.com.

-Dylan C.

Rebel High

Season 1

Episode 2: “The Roles We Play”

FADE IN:

INT. PLAYHOUSE - NIGHT

A large group of students mill around the Playhouse as Ms. Perry gathers a stack of packets. Casey sits with Jamie and Clark.

CASEY

You didn't tell me you auditioned.

JAMIE

Neither did you.

CASEY

(confused)

I didn't?

JAMIE

Nope.

CLARK

But you didn't tell me either, James.

Jamie looks between the both of them.

JAMIE

Well, I just- I didn't even think I'd

get a part and I, I can't..

CLARK

No, no. It's cool. I understand what

you mean.

JAMIE

You do?

CLARK

Yeah, I felt the same way about my

first part. I didn't think I had the

slightest chance so I didn't bother

telling anyone that I tried out, so

that when I didn't get it, I'd save

myself the embarrassment.

JAMIE

Yeah.

CLARK

What about you, Casey? This was your

first audition, right?

CASEY

Yeah.

CLARK

Is that the same reason why you didn't

tell anyone?

CASEY

No. I think I just spaced out. I

could've sworn I told you, Jamie. I am

terribly forgetful at times. I

apologize in advance for forgetting

your birthday.

JAMIE

(smiles)

My birthday's not until April.

CASEY

That's even worse. It's only the

beginning of October. The farther away

it is, the less I'll remember it.

Jamie pats her shoulder.

JAMIE

I'll remind you.

CASEY

And if I forget, I'm certain you'll

find some way for me to make it up to

you, right?

Clark coughs. Jamie shoots him a funny look.

JAMIE

Sure.

Ms. Perry passes the stack of packets around. Casey takes one and passes it on to Jamie.

PERRY

Alright, everyone. Welcome to our

first read-through. Congratulations to

everyone for getting a part in this

marvelous production.

Everyone claps.

PERRY

Now I know that some of you were quite

startled at the part you had gotten.

Originally, I did not plan to do it

this way. I was going to do the same

old thing where each role is filled by

the prescribed gender. It wasn't until

I saw Casey, here...

She gestures toward Casey and everyone turns to look at her.

PERRY

.. rehearsing with a friend in the

role of Romeo that I thought, 'In

Shakespeare's day, his entire cast was

comprised of men'. I thought it would

be very interesting to do it that old-

fashioned way with a same-sex cast,

not to mention different than the way

everyone else puts on this play. The

downside is, for the most part, two

casts means twice the work. Stage crew

and set builders will get off pretty

unscathed, but the costumers are going

to hate me. And there's certainly much

more work for me, because instead of a

cast of 25 or so to get ready, I've

saddled myself with double that. But

I'm up to the challenge, if you are.

Some people nod, some clap, some cheer.

STUDENT

Let's get it started!

A few students join in on the song.

STUDENTS

Let's get it started in here! Let's

get it started!

Ms. Perry holds up her hands.

PERRY

Alright! I want the casts to split up.

Guys you go into classroom around the

corner, girls you stay here. I want

you to do a read-through of Act I and

as far as you can get on Act II. I'll

be in my office.

The guys shuffle out, some still dancing to the Black Eyed Peas song running through their heads.

CASEY

You're not gonna watch us?

PERRY

Nope. Today's the first day. This is

really just for you all to get

comfortable with your lines, and

comfortable with each other. I don't

need to supervise that, hopefully.

She leaves, and the girls all sit, a little awkwardly for a brief moment, before Casey stands and takes charge.

CASEY

Ok, then you guys. I'm Casey, and I'm

Romeo. Why don't we all, um, go around

and introduce ourselves and our parts?

JAMIE

I'll start. I'm Jamie and I'm Juliet.

Casey smiles at her.

ANDREA

I'm Andrea and I'm Lady Montague.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - LUNCH

Casey and Clark hog the vending machine outside the Playhouse. Clark slides his change in and selects a Baby Ruth.

CLARK

Mmm. Chocolate.

CASEY

Chocolate? Did you say... chocolate?

CLARK

CHOCOLATE!

CASEY

(same time)

CHOCOLATE!

They both start laughing.

CLARK

You know, we really are too old to be

quoting Spongebob Squarepants all the

time.

CASEY

Too old? What is this phrase you speak

of?

She puts in her change and picks Cheetos.

CLARK

Cheetos?

CASEY

Yup. I always like to eat them at

lunch. Drives Mia nuts.

Jamie comes over and steals one.

CASEY

Hey! These are mine!

She huddles the bag to her chest and points to the vending machine.

CASEY

Get your own.

JAMIE

I'm out of change.

CASEY

Here.

Casey digs in her pocket. Jamie tries to reach for another Cheeto but Casey dodges out of the way. She pulls out change and hands it to Jamie.

JAMIE

No, it's...

CASEY

Get them. I'd rather buy you your own

bag than be forced to share mine.

She shoves one in her mouth and goes over to sit on the bench. Jamie laughs and puts the change in the machine. After she retrieves her bag, she and Clark go over to sit by Casey.

CLARK

Geez, Case. Didn't they teach you to

share in kindergarten?

CASEY

I failed kindergarten.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Casey sits in the living room, idly flipping through channels as she waits. She glances at the clock every few minutes. Finally, the sound of the front door opening comes and she sits up straight. Conor walks in.

CASEY

Hey, dad. I got that part I wanted.

CONOR

(absently)

We'll talk tomorrow, honey. I'm tired.

He breezes right past her and heads to his room. She just sits there for a moment, before switching off the TV.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS

Casey heads into her bedroom. She flops down onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow.

CUT TO:

INT. MARINE BIO - MORNING

Casey and Jamie pack up at the end of class.

JAMIE

How come you're so quiet today?

CASEY

I'm just tired. I stayed up late

waiting for my dad. I wanted to tell

him about the play.

JAMIE

Oh. Is that all?

CASEY

Yeah.

JAMIE

Okay.

The bell rings.

CASEY

Gotta go.

CUT TO:

INT. GEOMETRY - LUNCH

The bell rings as Casey waits quietly by the door for Mia to finish packing up, hands stuffed in her pockets. Chris finishes also and they all walk out of class together.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

MIA

(concerned)

Hey.

CASEY

(quietly)

Hey.

Chris gives them both strange looks.

CHRIS

Who died?

Mia glares at him.

MIA

Chris, why don't you go ahead?

CHRIS

(shrugs)

Sure.

He walks off and Mia pulls Casey into a small alcove, out of sight from the rest of the hallway.

MIA

What's wrong?

CASEY

(shrugs)

Eh. The usual.

MIA

Your dad?

CASEY

Yeah.

MIA

Are you okay?

Casey nods unconvincingly.

CASEY

Yeah. I'm fine.

Mia studies her for a moment, then wraps her arms around Casey's neck and gives her a hug. After briefly tensing, Casey wraps her arms around Mia in return. She sucks in a deep breath and squeezes.

MIA

It's okay.

They release each other.

CASEY

Thanks.

MIA

Next time, don't wait 'till school to

talk to me. Just give me a call. We'll

go out and get drunk and go to a strip

club or something.

CASEY

As long as they serve a decent

bourbon.

One tiny tear falls down the side of Casey's face. Mia reaches out and brushes it away.

MIA

(smiles)

I know a place.

Casey rubs her eyes.

CASEY

Do you have uh, a fake ID?

MIA

Yeah. You need one?

CASEY

I should get one. I don't think my

Louisiana one would work.

MIA

I'll have my friend hook you up.

They're really good.

They start walking out to the quad. Mia reaches in her backpack to take out her wallet. She pulls out her ID and hands it to Casey.

MIA

Look.

Casey holds it up and studies it.

CASEY

Wow. That's pretty good. Hologram and

everything.

MIA

It's actually real. Well, semi-real.

The info is fake, but it's made at the

DMV.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL QUAD - CONTINUOUS

She hands it back to Mia.

CASEY

How much?

MIA

Three hundred.

CASEY

Not bad.

MIA

However, you won't need one for the

place I'm talking about.

CASEY

Why?

MIA

I know the owner.

CASEY

Nice.

CUT TO:

EXT. QUAD HANGOUT - CONTINUOUS

Andrew walks around, giving Leah a piggyback ride.

ANDREW

Hey you guys.

MIA

Hey.

ANDREW

Jesus, Casey, you look like someone

kicked your puppy.

Mia fixes him with a warning glare.

ANDREW

Okay, moving on!

Andrew hauls Leah over to Meagan to chat with her. Casey gives Mia a smile.

MIA

Listen. Are you going to the football

game on Friday night?

CASEY

Yeah.

MIA

There's a dance afterwards.

CASEY

No.

MIA

Casey...

CASEY

(laughs)

No.

MIA

Please? We can go together and hang

out and have fun and forget about

stupid fathers and the parts we didn't

get.

CASEY

Are you still bummed about that?

MIA

A little.

Casey runs a hand through her hair.

CASEY

But I can't dance.

Mia grabs her wrist and check for her pulse.

CASEY

What are you doing?

MIA

Yup, you have a pulse. That means you

can dance.

CASEY

Well, then I don't know how.

MIA

I'll teach you.

Casey shakes her head.

MIA

Look, come over on Thursday and I'll

teach you. If, at the end of it, you

still think you can't, or you just

don't want to, we'll still go to the

game, but do something else

afterwards. Maybe that club I was

talking about.

CASEY

Okay. But I can't stay out all night.

I've got rehearsal on Saturday.

MIA

Oh that's right. Do you only have it

on Saturdays?

CASEY

No, we decided on Wednesdays and

Saturdays. There might be emergency

rehearsals as well.

MIA

Alright. We can work around that.

CUT TO:

INT. PLAYHOUSE - AFTERNOON

The cast and crew are in the Playhouse as Ms. Perry takes role. Casey comes bursting in, hair drenched.

CASEY

Sorry.

PERRY

What happened?

CASEY

I fell in the water at rowing

practice. They made me ice my shoulder

in case I hurt it.

PERRY

Are you hurt?

CASEY

No. I'm fine.

PERRY

Be careful. I don't want to lose a

Romeo.

CASEY

Okay.

She sits next to Jamie.

JAMIE

(smiles)

You're soaked.

Casey shakes her head like a puppy, getting water all over the place.

JAMIE

(laughs)

Ew. Stop.

PERRY

Okay, everyone. We're gonna go through

this and I'm gonna cut some lines out.

We need to rein in the size of this

puppy. I've been up all night figuring

this out so get out a pen or pencil

and your play.

Everyone rustles around, getting ready.

PERRY

Okay, first...

CUT TO:

INT. PLAYHOUSE - AN HOUR LATER

Casey and another girl, Katherine, stand on the stage and perform a scene.

KATHERINE

Tell me in sadness, who is that you

love?

CASEY

What, shall I groan and tell thee?

KATHERINE

Groan! Why, no. But sadly tell me who.

CASEY

Bid a sick man in sadness make his

will: Ah, word ill urged to one that

is so ill! In sadness, cousin, I do

love a woman.

KATHERINE

(smirks)

I aim'd so near, when I supposed you

loved.

CASEY

A right good mark-man! And she's fair

I love.

KATHERINE

A right fair mark, fair coz, is

soonest hit.

CASEY

Well, in that hit you miss: she'll not

be hit with Cupid's arrow; she hath

Dian's wit...

Casey frowns a moment.

CASEY

Does that mean that's she a virgin?

PERRY

Right, and in this little scene, Romeo

tells Benvolio that the reason

Rosaline has rebuffed him is because

she's sworn to remain a virgin.

Andrea snickers.

ANDREA

That's no fun.

PERRY

Anyways, Benvolio's trying to convince

him to move on.

Casey and Katherine nod.

PERRY

Now, from 'in strong proof of

chastity...'

CASEY

In strong proof of chastity well

arm'd, from loves weak childish bow

she lives unharm'd. She will not stay

the siege of loving terms, nor bide

the encounter of assailing eyes, nor

ope her lap to saint-seducing gold.

KATHERINE

Then she hath sworn that she will

still live chaste?

CASEY

She hath, and in that sparing makes

huge waste.

Katherine slings an arm around Casey's shoulder.

KATHERINE

Be ruled by me, forget to think of

her.

Casey shrugs out from under her arm and turns to walk in the other direction.

CASEY

O, teach me how I should forget to

think.

Katherine catches up and resumes her hold on Casey.

KATHERINE

By giving liberty unto thine eyes;

examine other beauties.

CASEY

'Tis the way to call hers exquisite,

in question more: These happy masks

that kiss fair ladies' brows. Being

black puts us in mind they hide the

fair..

Casey freezes for a moment.

CASEY

(sighs)

Line.

Jamie looks in her script.

JAMIE

He that is strucken blind...

CASEY

...cannot forget the precious treasure

of his eyesight lost: Show me a

mistress that is passing fair, what

doth her beauty serve, but as a note

where I may read who pass'd that

passing fair? Farewell: thou canst not

teach me to forget.

KATHERINE

I'll pay that doctrine, or else die in

debt.

PERRY

Alright! That was pretty good. I like

the initial blocking, although I think

we should wait to specifically map out

the blocking until we've got a full

handle on our plans for the set. I

think we'll stop this for the moment.

Now, I want everyone who's role calls

for fighting and swordplay to stay

here, everyone else, head in to H103.

They're gonna take your measurements

so they can start sketching out ideas

for costumes.

Ms. Perry retrieves a few swords from the prop closet. Casey's eyes light up.

JAMIE

Oh, Lord.

PERRY

Once you're done with your

measurements, you're free to go.

All but 16 of the students head out the door to the room across the courtyard.

CUT TO:

INT. PLAYHOUSE - AN HOUR LATER

Casey sits, tilting her chair back to rest on two legs, as a few other students, including Clark, practice their swordplay. Jamie comes back in and sits next to her.

JAMIE

People die doing that, you know.

CASEY

What, with the swords?

JAMIE

Well, yeah, but I was talking about

the chair thing.

CASEY

(smiles)

Oh, not me. I've been doing this for

years. I did this in my high-chair as

a baby.

JAMIE

(laughs)

Don't lie.

CASEY

I have pictures. And practice makes

perfect.

She leans back even farther to demonstrate, arms outstretched.

CASEY

See?

JAMIE

Casey!

Casey brings her chair back to the proper position

CASEY

(smirks)

Are you done with all that stuff?

JAMIE

Yeah. It took forever. People were

complaining cause they wanted their

costumes tighter or looser than what

the costumers measured them for.

Casey makes a face.

JAMIE

Yeah. How was the sword stuff? Did you

kill anybody?

CASEY

Nope, but it's only the first day. I'm

still hopeful.

Clark finishes and hands the sword off to someone else waiting.

CASEY

Listen, thanks for helping me out with

that line earlier.

JAMIE

No problem. I know I'm probably gonna

have problems when I have to do my

first scene up there.

CASEY

Do you know it all yet?

JAMIE

No.

CASEY

Well um, do you want to come over to

my house? We can work on memorization

and stuff. And we should probably

rehearse our first scene together.

That's coming up soon.

JAMIE

Uh, sure. I have to call my dad

though.

CASEY

Oh. Here.

Casey digs in the bottom of her backpack and pulls out a cell phone.

CASEY

New phone.

Clark gathers his stuff and sits by them.

CLARK

What's up?

CASEY

She's calling your dad.

JAMIE

(on phone)

Hey dad.. I'm fine, can I go to a

friends house? We're gonna work on our

lines for the play... ok...um

(checks her watch)

Probably not... ok, bye.

She hangs up.

JAMIE

Wow, that was easy.

CASEY

He said yeah?

JAMIE

Yeah.

CLARK

What are you doing?

JAMIE

Oh, I'm gonna go over to Casey's to

practice lines for Saturday.

CLARK

(smiles)

Ohh.

JAMIE

How are you getting home?

CLARK

Oh, I've got a ride. You guys go on,

and uh, practice.

He wiggles his eyebrows. They walk out.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - CONTINUOUS

JAMIE

Oh my God.

CASEY

What?

JAMIE

Could he be anymore obvious?

CASEY

(laughs)

Subtlety isn't really his strong point

isn't it?

JAMIE

No. He had that ability removed at a

very young age.

CASEY

Lobotomy?

JAMIE

Can't afford it. I think someone

dropped him on his head. God knows,

his lack of subtlety isn't the only

thing wrong with him. I'm sorry.

CASEY

Don't be. It doesn't bother me.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS

They reach Casey's car. Casey holds open Jamie's door for her and gives her a smile.

JAMIE

Thanks.

CUT TO:

EXT. CASEY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

They pull into Casey's driveway.

JAMIE

Wow. You live here?

CASEY

Well, yeah.

They get out of the car.

JAMIE

It is just you and your dad, right?

CASEY

Yeah.

JAMIE

That's a lot of space for two people.

Casey shrugs as she keys in the code and opens the door.

CASEY

This is pretty small. Our house in New

Orleans was bigger.

Jamie looks at her, unsure if she's serious or not. Casey gives her a small smile as the walk in the house.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Casey tosses her keys on the foyer table.

CASEY

Are you thirsty?

JAMIE

Got any iced tea?

CASEY

Sure.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Jamie sips her tea as Casey leads her into the bedroom.

JAMIE

I love your room.

Casey tosses her backpack on her desk chair.

CASEY

Yeah. I really like the balcony.

Jamie wanders out onto the balcony.

CUT TO:

EXT. CASEY'S BALCONY - CONTINUOUS

Jamie checks out the view. Casey leans on the railing next to Jamie.

JAMIE

You can see Catalina from here.

CASEY

(nods)

On a clear day. Sometimes its really

foggy, especially in the morning, when

I leave for school. But in the

afternoon, it's always clear, and I

come out here to watch the sunset.

She gestures towards the lowering sun.

CASEY

It's.. it's not New Orleans, but

coming out here and doing this... it's

starting to become a second home.

JAMIE

I'm glad. I wouldn't know from

personal experience or anything, since

I've never really even left Long

Beach, but I know that if I had to

move halfway across the country.. it'd

be pretty hard.

Casey smiles and shrugs.

CASEY

I'm highly adaptable.

They watch as the sun continues its descent in the sky.

JAMIE

Is your dad home?

CASEY

Nah. He won't be home until at least

JAMIE

Oh.

A pause.

CASEY

So, um, did you want to start-

JAMIE

(nods)

Yeah.

Casey smiles and they head back inside.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Mia lies on her stomach in bed, writing in a journal, when Chris knocks on the door.

MIA

Come in.

CHRIS

Hey. Did you know your dad's here?

MIA

What?

CHRIS

Yeah.

MIA

He's early.

He takes a seat next to her.

CHRIS

Thought so.

She closes her journal.

MIA

So how was rehearsal?

CHRIS

It was fine. Casey almost killed

someone during sword training.

MIA

(smiles)

Is she okay?

CHRIS

She's fine. It's Katherine you should

worry about. She's all like, jumpy

now.

MIA

Was it fun?

CHRIS

Yeah. The swords are heavier than they

look, though. I'm gonna have like,

gross calluses and crap.

She pulls his hand over and looks at it.

MIA

Oh, poor baby.

He tickles her.

CHRIS

Shut up. What were you writing?

MIA

Nothing.

She gets up to put her journal in her desk drawer.

CHRIS

Liar.

MIA

Am not.

CHRIS

Are too.

MIA

I'm not.

CHRIS

Are too!

MIA

Okay, five year-old, want to know?

He flings himself back onto her bed, reclining against her pillows as she closes her drawer.

CHRIS

(grins)

Do tell.

MIA

Well, not much really. Dad stuff.

School stuff. Casey stuff.

CHRIS

So what's the deal with you two

anyways? Have you sealed the deal yet?

MIA

There is no deal.

CHRIS

What?

MIA

At least not anymore.

CHRIS

What happened?

MIA

Nothing, it's just... She's a friend.

A good one.

CHRIS

So what are you saying? You don't like

her anymore?

MIA

No, no. I do. And believe me, if she

wanted to hook-up, I'd do so in a

heartbeat. But if it came between

hooking-up and keeping her friendship,

well.. I'd choose the friendship.

CHRIS

Wow. That's not like you.

MIA

Geez, thanks a lot, Chris. You make me

sound like a slut and a half.

CHRIS

No, no.. I just mean that, well...

He sits up.

CHRIS

I guess you never really liked someone

so much that you'd rather not lose

them than get some from them.

MIA

I know.

He pats her shoulder.

MIA

Besides, I don't think she even likes

me. Like that.

CHRIS

Why?

MIA

Well, there was that rehearsal thing.

We almost kissed and then she freaked

out.

CHRIS

Oh.

MIA

And I think she likes someone else.

CHRIS

Who?

MIA

Oh God, what's her name? Um, Clark,

he's Romeo, right?

CHRIS

Right.

MIA

It's his sister.

CHRIS

Who, Jamie?

MIA

Yeah.

CHRIS

(laughs)

I wouldn't worry about her.

MIA

(confused)

Why not?

CHRIS

Well, she's just not Casey's type.

MIA

How would you know? Do you know her?

CHRIS

Not really personally. But...

She stares at him, waiting for more. He sighs and starts ticking off his fingers.

CHRIS

Okay, one, she's not as popular as

Casey. Two, she's poor. Three, she's a

freshman-

MIA

(interrupts)

I'm a freshman.

CHRIS

That's different. Four...

MIA

(interrupts again)

Chris, I really don't think Casey

cares about stuff like that.

CHRIS

I'm just saying. They seem too

different to really make a good match.

Now, you and Casey, that makes sense.

MIA

Well, maybe, but if she likes this

Jamie, then I want her to be happy.

CHRIS

Ok, but I wouldn't be surprised if

things don't work out with them, and

Casey ends up coming to you.

Mia chews her bottom lip and thinks about it.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - AN HOUR LATER

Casey sits on her bed as Jamie stops pacing in front of her and closes her eyes, with her script behind her back.

JAMIE

... say good night til it be morrow.

Jamie opens her eyes.

JAMIE

Was that right?

CASEY

(smiles)

Yeah, you remembered everything. Wow.

I'm jealous.

JAMIE

Thanks.

CASEY

Do you want to go over the balcony

scene lines one more time? Since we

had to do it on Saturday.

JAMIE

Yeah, we should. Did you um, want to

act it out and everything?

CASEY

I think we should wait for that.

'Cause a lot of the blocking and

movement and things that we do are

gonna be dictated by our surroundings.

JAMIE

Ok, from 'Romeo, Romeo?'

CASEY

Yeah.

Casey tosses her script over her shoulder. Jamie hoists herself up to sit on Casey's desk.

JAMIE

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.

Though they have said the same lines, Jamie's performance is much different than Mia's, with more depth and emotion. Casey is a little awed.

CASEY

(whispers)

Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at

this?

JAMIE

'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

I take thee at thy word: Call me but

love. Call me but love, and I'll be

new baptized; Henceforth I never will

be Romeo.

JAMIE

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. Had I it written, I

would tear the word.

JAMIE

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

Neither, fair saint, if either thee

dislike.

JAMIE

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.

JAMIE

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.

JAMIE

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. My life were better

ended by their hate, than death

prorogued, wanting of thy love.

They gaze at each other from across the room for a moment.

CASEY

Wow. That was really good.

JAMIE

Yeah.

CASEY

(smiles)

We're gonna knock everybody's socks

off on Saturday.

Jamie smiles and brushes a lock of hair out of her eyes and behind her ear.

JAMIE

I hope so.

CASEY

Definitely. Now...

Casey stands up and grabs the remote to her tv.

CASEY

Are we gonna adopt my 'no stress'

philosophy and leave that the way it

is for now, and just chill out? We

could see what's on tv.

JAMIE

Sure.

Jamie sits down on the bed.

CASEY

Wait! Be right back.

Casey hurries out of the room, remote still in hand, and returns a minute later, with a bag of Cheetos and another Iced Tea for Jamie.

JAMIE

You prepared for me.

She gestures to the Cheetos.

CASEY

Yup.

She hands Jamie her items, then sits down next to her and turns on the tv.

(song)

Who lives in a pineapple under the

sea? Spongebob Squarepants!

CASEY

(embarrassed)

Um..

Casey fiddles with the remote and Jamie laughs.

JAMIE

It's okay. I love Plankton.

Casey grins and hands her the remote.

CASEY

You pick something.

JAMIE

Ok.

Casey opens the bag and eats a few Cheetos while Jamie flips through channels. Casey wiggles around a little, realizing that she doesn't have much support for her back, then scoots all the way up to the head of the bed, reclining against her pillows.

CASEY

Much better.

However, the bag of Cheetos is still with Jamie.

CASEY

Damn.

Jamie settles on a movie.

JAMIE

This okay?

CASEY

How to Lose A Guy In Ten Days? Sure.

Jamie nods. Casey stares at the bag of chips as Jamie has a couple. Finally she sits back up and snatches the bag before leaning back again, bag on her lap and her left arm outstretched up on the pillows.

CASEY

Heh.

JAMIE

Hey!

CASEY

Mmm.

JAMIE

Now I can't reach them.

Casey smirks. Jamie chews her lip for a moment, then gives Casey a little smile, and moves to recline on the pillows next to her, nestling herself in the crook of Casey's arm. She triumphantly reaches into the bag of Cheetos.

JAMIE

There.

CASEY

(smiles)

That works.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS

Chris and Mia watch the same movie on Mia's tv.

CHRIS

Man, I would have killed to have been

Kate Hudson in this movie and have

Matthew McConaughey undress me in the

shower. You could've distracted her

while I had fun with him.

MIA

(shrugs)

I don't like her that much, actually.

A little too cutesy for me.

She grabs the remote and changes the channel. A commercial for One Tree Hill comes on.

MIA

Now, you know who I do like? The girl

on this show.

CHRIS

What, Hilarie Burton?

MIA

Isn't that the girl who plays Peyton?

CHRIS

Yeah.

MIA

Well, I like her too. Since she was a

VJ on MTV. And especially cause she's

always talking about her crush on

Angelina Jolie all the time. But I was

talking about the girl who plays her

best friend. You know, the one engaged

to that dipshit Chad in real life.

CHRIS

Sophia Bush. Now she is hot. If I were

straight, I'd go for her.

Mia pauses.

MIA

Casey's hot.

CHRIS

Yeah.

MIA

(sighs)

Damn.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS

Casey's stomach rumbles. Jamie laughs and looks at her.

CASEY

(smiles)

I'm hungry.

JAMIE

You just ate like an entire bag of

Cheetos.

CASEY

More like half. But I'm still hungry.

JAMIE

Well, what do you do for dinner when

your dad's not home?

CASEY

(shrugs)

Delivery. Take out. Fast food.

Restaurants. Sometimes I'll just cook

for myself.

JAMIE

You can cook?

CASEY

Yeah. I'm not Wolfgang Puck, but I

make a mean lasagna. I'll make it for

you someday.

JAMIE

I'd like that.

CASEY

However, I need food like now. You

want to go out and grab something?

JAMIE

I would, but I don't have any money.

CASEY

Nah, I'll take care of it. Let's go.

JAMIE

(hesitates)

Alright.

They get up and turn the tv off. Jamie grabs her backpack.

JAMIE

I should probably go home right after

we eat, it's getting late.

CASEY

Ok.

They head out.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL QUAD – MORNING

Casey's on her way to class, when she notices a rally going on at the stage in the corner of the quad. She heads over as the Drum Corps starts their song.

CUT TO:

EXT. RALLY STAGE – CONTINUOUS

Casey takes a spot near the front of the crowd, close to the stage, as the cheerleaders start to do their dance routine. She watches Mia in the front line. Mia notices her and winks while continuing her routine. Chris comes up next to Casey, slightly behind her, unbeknownst to her, and smirks to himself as he watches Casey check Mia out. He leans over to speak in her ear.

CHRIS

She's hot, huh?

Casey jumps a little.

CASEY

Jesus!

(laughs)

What's with the standing in my back

pocket thing?

CHRIS

(shrugs)

Sorry.

CASEY

What did you say?

CHRIS

I said, 'she's hot, huh?'

CASEY

Uh, yeah. I guess.

CHRIS

You guess?

Casey nods.

CASEY

Sure.

The song finishes and the cheerleaders end their dance with one final leg-kick in the air. Mia waves to them as she climbs off the stage and Caleb and Leah take over the festivities.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE – CONTINUOUS

Casey and Clark come out of class.

CASEY

It was boring.

CLARK

It was not boring.

CASEY

It was so boring I fell asleep in the

theater right after I drank a quart of

Jolt and ate a king-size box of Nerds.

That's how boring it was.

CLARK

I thought it was cute.

CASEY

Cute, schmute. It was boring.

Clark shakes his head.

CASEY

The only good part of it was when the

one Japanese woman hit on him and kept

on telling him to 'lip' her stockings,

and then she threw herself on the

floor and started yelling, 'No, we

can't!' while simultaneously trying to

pull his clothes off. And Anna Faris'

cameo as the actress they ran into.

She's all kinds of cute.

Clark laughs.

CASEY

Hey, I gotta go find Mia and talk to

her. I'll be back in 10.

CLARK

Alright.

Casey starts to walk over, when Jamie comes her way and intercepts her.

JAMIE

Hey, where are you going?

CASEY

Oh, I've gotta talk to Mia about

afterschool.

JAMIE

What's afterschool?

CASEY

(shrugs)

We're gonna hang out today.

JAMIE

Oh, ok.

CASEY

I'll be back in a little bit.

Casey continues on. Jamie watches her for a moment, then goes over and sits down next to Clark.

JAMIE

What is with Mia Hazelwood's hold over

the entire student body? I mean, last

class, I had to listen to the stupid

people behind me talk about her all

period long. And now this. It's like

she's put a spell on the school or

something.

CLARK

Casey's just talking to her James.

She'll be back in a few minutes.

JAMIE

Yeah, but then afterschool they're

gonna hang out together.

CLARK

So, what's the problem? You guys had

other plans for today?

JAMIE

(hesitates)

No.

CLARK

Then there's really not much of a

reason to get upset.

Jamie just looks at him.

CLARK

(sighs)

Look, I don't really like it any more

than you do. But I think you're gonna

have to accept the fact that they're

friends.

JAMIE

I was afraid you were going to say

that.

She sighs and takes a bite of her sandwich.

CUT TO:

EXT. QUAD HANGOUT - CONTINUOUS

Andrew steals one of Mia's fries as she and Casey talk.

CASEY

So just meet me by then. It shouldn't

take me more than 15 minutes or so to

shower and get over here.

MIA

Alright. Have fun at practice.

CASEY

See ya.

Casey heads back over to where Clark and Jamie sit, and Chris moves over to sit in the spot she just vacated.

CHRIS

She was totally checking you out.

MIA

(laughs)

What? No she wasn't. I would have

noticed.

CHRIS

Not now. Earlier today, during the

rally. You and the rest of the girls

were up there, shakin' it, and she was

practically drooling.

MIA

She could've been drooling over the

cheer-squad period. Everyone else

does.

CHRIS

Nuh-uh babe. Her eyes never left you.

She looks over to where Casey's eating. She and Jamie are laughing about something.

MIA

Chris, why must you point these things

out to me? You're just making it

harder.

CHRIS

I'm just trying to help.

MIA

Well, don't try so hard.

She reaches over to grab a fry and bumps into Andrew's hand, as he steals another fry. She looks at him, then to her half-empty carton of fries, then back at him. Her eyes widen.

MIA

You've been pilfering my fries!

He hastily shoves the evidence in his hand into his mouth. Mia starts to get up.

ANDREW

Uh-oh.

Andrew bolts and Mia tries to charge after him, but Chris restrains her.

CHRIS

(laughs)

Jesus, Mia.

MIA

He pilfered my fries!

(shouts after him)

Fry pilferer!

She reluctantly sits back down.

MIA

(pouts)

No goof thief.

Chris lets go and Andrew comes back over, after determining its safe. After a second, Mia charges again before Chris can stop her. She chases Andrew across the quad.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - AFTERNOON

Casey leans against a wall of lockers as she waits for Mia, outside her class. The bell rings and students pour into the hallway. Mia comes out, surprised to see her.

MIA

Hey, you're early.

CASEY

Yeah, we finished up practice ahead of

time, so I decided to just hang out

here 'til you got out.

They start to walk out of the building. As usual, students move over if they're blocking the way. A bunch of students smile at them or say 'hi'. Casey returns the smiles and says 'hi' back to everyone, while Mia doesn't really respond.

CASEY

Why do you do that?

MIA

What?

CASEY

When random people greet you in the

hall, you don't do anything.

MIA

Well, it's not like I know them, or

anything.

CASEY

I think you should try it.

Mia laughs. Casey just looks at her.

MIA

You're serious.

CASEY

Yeah. I think people would appreciate

it.

MIA

(smiles)

Alright.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL ENTRANCE - AFTERNOON

Casey and Mia walk out of the school.

CASEY

I meant, you should try smiling back,

or saying 'hi' back. Not stopping to

have a 5 minute conversation with

every single one of them.

MIA

(smirks)

Well, they appreciated it, didn't

they?

CASEY

You twist my words, you vile woman.

MIA

Nope.

She grins and lowers her sunglasses to look at Casey over the top of them.

MIA

I straighten them out.

Casey reaches over and tickles her.

CASEY

Wench.

MIA

Scamp.

They reach the car and Casey holds open the passenger side door for Mia.

MIA

Thank you.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S BEDROOM – AFTERNOON

Mia loads a cd into her stereo. Casey examines her room.

CASEY

I think I like your bed more than

mine.

MIA

Well, if you like my bed so much, you

should come and visit it more often.

Casey laughs.

MIA

Oh my God, that sounded totally dirty,

didn't it?

CASEY

(chuckles)

A little.

MIA

Sorry. It didn't sound so vulgar in my

head.

CASEY

Be right back.

Casey disappears into the bathroom and closes the door while Mia takes out the cd, and flips through her other ones. She finally finds one, and puts it in as Casey opens the door and leans against the doorway, arms crossed. Mia puts the cd on the track she wants, Black Eyed Peas' 'Hey Mama', then turns around to face Casey. She holds out her arms.

MIA

Come on.

CASEY

I don't think I can do this.

MIA

Yes, you can. It's easy. Watch.

Mia begins dancing alone, her body and her hips moving in time with the beat. Her white shirt is unbuttoned a little low, accentuating the swell of her breasts and Casey stares a little. At some point, Mia turns so her back is to Casey as she dances. Casey continues to stare.

MIA

Do you see what I mean?

CASEY

(blurts)

Huh?

Mia pauses and turns to look at her.

MIA

Are you okay?

CASEY

(clears throat a little)

Yeah, I'm fine.

Mia studies her for a moment.

MIA

Casey, are you virgin?

Casey practically swallows her tongue.

CASEY

What? Where did that come from?

Mia puts her hands on her hips.

MIA

Are you a virgin?

CASEY

No.

(suspicious)

Wh... Why do you want to know?

MIA

Because dancing is like sex. You're

not supposed to think too much about

the technical side of what you're

doing. You just go with what feels

right. So don't think; just listen to

the music, feel the beat...

She does a little hip swivel.

MIA

And move.

CASEY

(laughs nervously)

Uh...

Mia chews her bottom lip, trying to think of something else that will work.

MIA

Wait! Hold on.

Mia goes over to her dresser and roots around in the top drawer. Finally, she pulls out a flask and presents it to Casey. Casey takes it.

CASEY

What is it?

MIA

Southern Comfort.

Casey looks at her for a moment, then breaks out into a grin and takes a swallow from the flask.

MIA

Attagirl.

She hands it back to Mia who takes a drink as well. She closes the flask and tosses it onto her bed, then turns up the music. She pulls Casey to a spot with a little bit more room and they start to dance. At first Casey moves slowly and hesitantly, but after a while, she just closes her eyes and moves with the beat and with Mia. She actually dances quite well, complimenting

Mia's moves nicely. In a magnificent show of strength, Mia blithely ignores how close they are to each other, and just lets the beat take over her. The song ends and Casey opens her eyes again.

MIA

(laughs)

Casey Farrell. You're such a liar. You

said you can't dance.

CASEY

Does that mean I can?

MIA

You sure as hell can.

Casey breaks out into a wide grin.

CASEY

Another song.

Casey turns the music up even louder.

CUT TO:

INT. MARINE BIO - MORNING

Jamie's already sitting in her seat, when Casey strolls in.

CASEY

(smiles)

Hey.

JAMIE

Hey.

Jamie opens up her binder and Casey starts to pull out her stuff. Jamie starts doodling on her paper.

JAMIE

(nonchalantly)

So, um, what did you and Mia do

yesterday?

CASEY

Danced.

Jamie's pencil breaks.

JAMIE

What?

CASEY

Yeah. She taught me how to dance,

cause there's a dance tonight after

the game. Aren't you going?

JAMIE

No.

CASEY

Well, you're going to be at the game,

right?

JAMIE

Football games aren't really my thing.

CASEY

Oh.

They stare at each other for a moment, until the bell rings and class starts. Casey sighs, and turns her attention to the teacher.

CUT TO:

EXT. MARINE BIO - AN HOUR LATER

Jamie walks out, Casey scrambling to catch up to her.

CASEY

Hey. What's wrong?

JAMIE

Nothing. I'm just disappointed.

CASEY

What, in me?

JAMIE

No, that we're not gonna hang out

tonight.

CASEY

Well, I'd blow the game off, but

Andrew threatened me with shotgun

violence if I didn't go and support

him and the team.

Casey grins, but Jamie doesn't find it as amusing as she does. Casey looks around them, noticing a few people eavesdropping. Casey leads her around the corner.

CASEY

Why don't you just come with me? We'll

go to the game, and I'll tell Mia I

can't go to the dance.

JAMIE

Mia?

CASEY

Yeah. I was going to go with her.

Off Jamie's hurt look, Casey backtracks.

CASEY

No, no. Not *with her*, with her.

Just... with her.

She trails off.

CASEY

(sighs)

Look, forget about it. I'll cancel

both and we'll...

JAMIE

No.

Jamie summons up a smile.

JAMIE

Go on. To the game and the dance. I'll

just see you tomorrow.

Casey's a little at a loss.

CASEY

Well, I.. Are you sure?

JAMIE

Yeah. They're your friends. You should

be able to spend time with them, too.

CASEY

Um, ok.

Jamie starts to turn to go, but Casey puts a hand on her arm to stop her.

CASEY

(softly)

I'll make it up to you, ok?

JAMIE

Ok.

Jamie leaves. Casey watches her walk down the stairs.

CUT TO:

INT. ENGLISH - AFTERNOON

Casey and Mia sit in class.

KAREN

Ok, it's Friday, so it's time for some

private reading. Does everybody have

their books?

Casey raises her hand.

CASEY

I forgot mine.

KAREN

Get one from my library.

Everyone gets out of their seats to pick a spot somewhere else in the room. Casey walks to the corner bookshelf to pick a book while Mia commandeers two bean bags for them. Casey selects something, then goes over to sit next to Mia. She plops down on the bag Mia saved for her, then makes a funny face. She wiggles around a little, and looks over at Mia and realizes that Mia picked the better quality bean bag for herself. She reaches over and pinches Mia, who giggles a little too loudly. Mrs. Chesler comes over to them.

KAREN

You know, I know we usually do have an

open-seating policy, but I think for

today, you guys should sit somewhat

apart from each other. I just want to

try an experiment.

She goes back over to her desk. Casey smiles sheepishly and picks up her little bean bag, giving Mia a little kick first. Mia grins impishly at her.

CASEY

(whispers)

Wench.

MIA

(whispers)

Scamp.

Casey trudges across the room, muttering indistinguishably to herself. She settles down again. After a few minutes of reading, her cell phone vibrates in her pocket and she surreptitiously opens it. It's an Instant Message from Mia.

DEMENTEDBUTRFLY

(IM)

I was going to write out a note and

pass it over to you, but I've realized

that that is sooo 20th century.

JANEBOND007

(IM)

Heh. Technology is great, isn't it?

DEMENTEDBUTRFLY

(IM)

Yup. Listen, do you want to spend the

night at my house after the dance?

Casey pauses a moment, and looks up to meet Mia's gaze from across the room. After a few moments, she starts keying in her reply.

JANEBOND007

(IM)

I've got rehearsal tomorrow, remember?

So I don't think it's a very good

idea.

DEMENTEDBUTRFLY

(IM)

That's cool. Maybe next time.

JANEBOND007

(IM)

Yeah. Maybe.

Casey checks her buddy list. Someone named NaiveCube99 is on, and someone named BlueDiamond04 signs on.

JANEBOND007

(IM)

Huh. That's weird. Clark and Jamie are

on.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Jamie's sitting in her room on her computer while Alice tries on her clothes and jumps on her bed.

JAMIE

Shh! Casey's on!

ALICE

Who's Casey?

JAMIE

Someone. She's totally on. She's

supposed to be in class.

ALICE

Oooooo.

JAMIE

Why isn't she IMing me? I know she

sees me.

CUT TO:

INT. ENGLISH – CONTINUOUS

Mrs. Chesler gets up from her desk and starts to walk around to check on students. Casey quickly signs off and hides her phone.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Jamie watches as Casey signs off along with the sound of a door slamming.

JAMIE

I hate that sound. Why must they pick

that sound? Can't the door just

quietly close when someone leaves?

Noooo, it has to slam.

Alice stops jumping and gives her a funny look.

ALICE

Why are you all weird?

JAMIE

I'm not weird. You're weird.

Alice shrugs and bounds out of the room. Jamie sighs and signs off. She switches over to the paper she's writing. After a few moments of trying to write, Jamie signs back on again only to find that Casey is still off. Someone knocks on her door and she jumps a little.

JAMIE

Come in.

She closes the buddy list. Clark pokes his head in.

CLARK

Are you alright? Alice came and jumped

on me and said you were being weird

and complaining about Casey.

Alice pokes her head in under Clark's arm.

ALICE

And she called me weird!

Jamie throws a crumpled piece of paper at her retreating form. Clark comes in, after shutting the door and plops down on her bed.

CLARK

What's up?

JAMIE

Nothing.

CLARK

You're a terrible liar, you know that?

JAMIE

I hate it when Casey hangs out with

Mia.

CLARK

I thought we talked about this.

They're friends. Just friends. Casey

said so herself.

JAMIE

She did?

CLARK

Sure. We were talking in theatre the

other day.

Jamie puts her head down in her hands for a moment,

before lifting her head up to look at Clark again.

JAMIE

It's just that.. something about Mia

Hazelwood makes me wildly jealous. I

don't even know why, or what it is.

She just does. Despite the fact that

Casey doesn't like her.

CLARK

Have you told Casey that?

JAMIE

No.

CLARK

(sighs)

Tell her.

JAMIE

Why?

CLARK

Because she's your girlfriend or

whatever, and you're supposed to talk

and work things out. In fact, I think

you should call her right now and talk

to her.

JAMIE

Clark...

CLARK

Do it.

JAMIE

Clark, why do you care so much? Ever

since I told you about her, you've

been pushing me, pushing us together.

Most older brothers would be all over-

protective and everything at just the

thought of someone being interested in

their younger sister.

He leans back.

CLARK

Because...

He trails off and plays with the edge of the blanket for a moment.

CLARK

(softly)

I remember the way you were before the

accident.

Jamie looks down at the floor.

CLARK

You were so exuberant and just so full

of life and laughter. And then Mom

died, and it was like that part of you

died with her. You became so quiet.

You'd sit in your classes and not talk

to anybody sitting by you. You'd hole

yourself up in the library during

lunch, until I started making you eat

with me. But ever since Casey's been

around... for the first time in three

years, you're becoming more like the

little sister I once knew.

He gets off the bed and kneels in front of her.

CLARK

She's been the only other person

outside of this family that's been

able to make you laugh or even smile.

I remember the day you met her, a

couple weeks ago, when I was playing

some ball in the driveway. I remember

looking over at you and you were just

sitting there. Grinning. Almost

stupidly.

Jamie smacks his shoulder.

JAMIE

(smiles)

Shut up.

CLARK

I like her. I trust her and she makes

you happy. So yeah, I'm trying to make

sure you guys get together, because I

want you to be happy. Is that okay?

Jamie nods and buries her face in his shoulder in a hug.

JAMIE

Yeah. Thank you.

She pulls back and he grabs her shoulders.

CLARK

So are you going to call her?

JAMIE

She's in class. I'll wait until she

gets out.

CLARK

Ok.

He gets up and ruffles her hair a little, before leaving.

JAMIE

I love you, Clark.

CLARK

Love you too, James.

He shuts the door behind him.

CUT TO:

EXT. ENGLISH - AFTERNOON

Casey and Mia walk out of English.

CASEY

How are you getting to the game?

MIA

Oh, I'll probably catch a ride with

one of the other girls on the squad.

CASEY

Or I could take you. If you want.

MIA

Are you sure? Cause I have to be there

a little early.

CASEY

(shrugs)

Sure. I'll torment you guys while you

warm-up.

Mia smacks her shoulder.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM – EVENING

Jamie picks up the phone and dials Casey's number.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

The phone rings and Casey stumbles out of the bathroom, jeans unbuttoned and trying to pull her shirt over her head. She snatches the phone.

CASEY

I told you Chris, I'm picking you up

first, then Mia.

JAMIE

(on phone)

Hi.

Casey pauses, then resumes dressing, at a much more effective, leisurely pace.

CASEY

Oh, hi. Sorry, I thought you were

Chris calling to complain again. What

are you up to?

JAMIE

Oh, I just wanted to talk to you about

something, but if you're in a hurry or

late, it can wait until later tonight.

CASEY

Oh, um...

Casey looks at the clock next to her bed.

CASEY

Yeah, I should get going. But I won't

be back tonight until late, past your

phone curfew. Um, do you want to just

meet me early before rehearsal

tomorrow?

JAMIE

Ok, that works.

CASEY

(smiles)

Ok, I'll see you tomorrow.

JAMIE

Bye.

CASEY

Bye.

Casey hangs up and smiles to herself for a moment, before looking at the clock again.

CASEY

Crap. Keys.

CUT TO:

EXT. DEAN STADIUM - EVENING

Casey, Mia and Chris walk up to the entrance of the stadium. The security guy at the gate smiles at them as they approach.

MIA

Hey, Mr. Broadway.

BROADWAY

You kids aren't carrying anything

you're not supposed to, are you?

Weapons, alcohol...

MIA

Hardly.

BROADWAY

Alright, go on in.

They walk through the gate. Casey starts to head for the ticket booth, but Mia grabs her arm and leads her on through to the bleachers.

CASEY

But, don't I have to pay?

MIA

Not when you're with me.

CASEY

Oh. Nice.

Chris and Casey pick seats near the front, close to where the band and drill squad are allocated to sit. Most of the cheerleaders are already there, warming up on the sidelines, and backpacks and purses litter the area cordoned off for the band.

MIA

I gotta go already. I'll come to you

guys when everything's over.

CHRIS

Alright.

Mia heads down to the sidelines, and Chris wiggles around in his seat.

CHRIS

You'd think a school as hip, and

stylish, and gay as this would have

nicer, more comfortable bleachers.

CASEY

It's not so bad. It's got a certain

charm.

CHRIS

Was it like this at your old school,

before you moved?

CASEY

Nah. I went to a private school. We

had a full-on stadium. With cushy

seats.

CHRIS

Nice. So then, how was it, coming

here? Wasn't it hard?

CASEY

Well, it's different, that's for sure.

I mean, at my old school, I was always

surrounded by the same type of people.

Now it's more diverse. Makes school

more interesting. But yeah, this

school is a little lacking, in

comparison to what I'm used to.

CHRIS

But the academics here are pretty

good, right?

CASEY

Pretty good. But my old school was

much more rigorous. When I first got

here, I realized most of what we're

learning now, I've already heard about

before. It's not really a problem,

though, because I didn't pay much

attention to any of it the first time

around. I hate studying. So maybe now,

after hearing it for the second time,

I'll improve. So, going here isn’t

too bad. And being able to flirt with

all the girls makes up for all the

shortcomings.

CHRIS

(smirks)

All of them.

CASEY

Well, right now I'm pretty focused on

one.

More people start to fill up the seats.

CASEY

Oh, ew. There's my French teacher.

CHRIS

You don't like her?

CASEY

She always gets on my case for not

paying attention in her class. I'm

like, 'Lady, I'm from New Orleans. My

French can totally beat up your

French. So please leave me alone.'

Chris laughs. The announcer introduces the opposing team.

CUT TO:

EXT. DEAN STADIUM - NIGHT

Casey and Chris sit back down, along with many of the other spectators, letting out a collective disgusted sigh.

CASEY

Crap. There's like 4 seconds left.

The opposing team is up by 3 points, and the Dean football team is too far away for a field goal in order to tie the game.

CHRIS

And what the hell kind of a mascot is

a Jackrabbit, anyways?

CASEY

I know! It's the same kind of mascot

as a Banana Slug. Pathetic.

The teams break their huddles and get into position. Casey sighs again and resigns herself to defeat. The ball is snapped, and Andrew pulls back and gets ready to throw the ball, looking around quickly for an open receiver. Nobody's open, but he spots an open lane for him to run through, and making a quick decision, tucks the ball in his arms and bolts. Casey and Chris start to get excited again.

CASEY

Oh, shit. Oh, shit. Oh, shit!

CHRIS

Go! Go!

CASEY

Go!

The crowd stands and yells and shouts as Andrew charges up the field, dodging a defender. An offensive teammate catches up to him and blocks for him, clearing the way all the way to the end-zone for a game-winning touchdown. Chris jumps up and down.

CHRIS

Yes!

Chris and Casey hug and laugh.

CASEY

Hell, yeah! Now that's the way you do

it!

Andrew does a little dance in the end-zone and one of his teammates comes up from behind him and gives him a bear-hug.

CUT TO:

EXT. DEAN STADIUM - A MOMENT LATER

Things wind down and the crowds start to empty from the bleachers. Mia heads up into the stands to Casey and Chris.

MIA

Jesus, it's cold!

CASEY

You didn't bring a jacket?

MIA

I forgot.

Casey peels off her own denim jacket and hands it to her.

CASEY

Here.

MIA

(smiles)

Thanks.

She puts it on.

MIA

However, I need to change for the

dance. Can I change in your car?

CASEY

Sure. Let's go.

They climb down the bleachers, Casey and Mia side-by-side, Chris behind Mia.

MIA

Have I told you that you look really

hot tonight?

Chris smirks to himself.

CASEY

(blushes)

Uh, no, but um.. thanks. You know,

you're not so bad yourself Mia.

MIA

Thanks.

Chris pokes Mia from behind. She furtively smacks his hand.

CUT TO:

EXT. DANCE HALL PATIO - NIGHT

Mia tugs Casey out onto the patio for a breath of cool, night air.

CASEY

Bu- but.. I like this song.

MIA

We've been dancing non-stop since we

got here. Don't you need a break?

CASEY

(pouts)

No.

MIA

I've created a monster.

Casey makes a face.

CASEY

Grrrr.

MIA

(laughs)

Fine. Go ahead and go back in if you

want.

CASEY

No, it's alright. I'll um, wait for

you. Some of the girls in there are

kinda...

She gestures.

CASEY

Grabby. I'm afraid if I go back in

there alone, it'll just get worse.

MIA

Some girl grabbed you? Where is she?

Mia starts to charge back inside.

MIA

I'm gonna go in there and shove one of

my expensive Prada shoes right UP HER

ASS.

Casey wraps an arm around her waist and swings her around to walk back out onto the patio.

CASEY

Mia, calm down. Please.

(pleads)

Think of the shoes.

MIA

But.. but..

(pouts)

Someone fondled you.

CASEY

(grins)

It was more like caressed. She was

gentle.

MIA

Casey...

CASEY

Relax. If it happens again, I'll take

care of it.

MIA

Well, I'll let it slide for now, but

if it happens again, I just may have

to get nasty.

Casey laughs and they breathe in the night air in silence for a few moments before Mia lets out a frustrated sigh.

MIA

You know, I think this is bothering me

more than it's bothering you.

CASEY

Why?

MIA

Well, aside from the fact that someone

touched you against your will.. sh..

I..

Mia blows out another frustrated breath.

MIA

Casey, you and I were dancing together

all night. For all she knows, you and

I are dating and apparently the

thought of her touching my girlfriend

when I'm right there didn't faze her

in the least. I can't have that. I do

have a reputation to uphold, you know.

CASEY

Well, then if it happens again, I'll

just let you loose on her. If it'll

make you feel better.

MIA

It will.

CASEY

Ok. But if you get arrested, I'm not

bailing you out.

MIA

(pouts)

But I would've been defending your

honor.

CASEY

(smiles)

Fine. I'll post bail, but you're gonna

pay me back.

MIA

With interest.

CASEY

But besides, I think people know you

and I aren't dating. If anything, they

know I'm dating Jamie.

MIA

Oh. What makes you think that?

CASEY

People are nosy. We were talking the

other day, and the people in the crowd

around us were trying really hard not

to look like they were listening in.

MIA

(shrugs)

Well, that's kinda what happens when

you're.. popular. You know.

CASEY

(nods)

I know.

MIA

(clears her throat)

So, um, you and her, you're going out

now?

CASEY

Semi-officially. I mean, I haven't

formally asked her yet. I plan to do

so very soon, however.

Mia, crestfallen, conjures up a small smile.

MIA

That's great. I'm- I'm happy for you.

Casey smiles back, oblivious to Mia's disappointment. Then she frowns.

CASEY

You know, it just occurred to me that

it could've been a guy that touched

me.

MIA

Ew.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S CAR - MIDNIGHT

Casey pulls up to Mia's house.

CASEY

Why in the hell does Chris have to

live so far?

MIA

Beats me.

A pause.

CASEY

Listen, thank you.

MIA

For what?

CASEY

For, I don't know.. I really did have

a lot of fun tonight. I'm glad you

convinced me to go.

MIA

(smiles)

You're welcome. What are you doing

tomorrow?

CASEY

Well, there's rehearsal. And I'm

probably going to do something with

Jamie after that.

MIA

Oh, ok. Well, if uh, you get free, and

you want to do something, give me a

call.

CASEY

I will.

MIA

Night.

Mia climbs out.

CASEY

Night.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - MORNING

Casey finds Jamie sitting on a bench by the Playhouse, flipping through her play.

CASEY

Hey.

JAMIE

Hey.

She gestures to the front door of the Playhouse.

JAMIE

The door's still locked, so...

Casey sits down next to Jamie.

CASEY

Where's Clark?

JAMIE

Oh, um, once we found out the door was

locked he wandered off. Said he'd be

back in time for rehearsal. I don't

know where he went.

CASEY

Oh.

Casey leans over and rests her head on Jamie's shoulder and closes her eyes.

CASEY

I'm tired.

JAMIE

(smiles)

What time did you get home last night?

CASEY

Early enough. I just couldn't fall

asleep for a while. I kept hearing the

music in my head. And Mia's threats to

claw people's eyes out.

JAMIE

Why was she threatening to claw

people's eyes out?

CASEY

To, and I quote, protect me from the

lustful gazes of the ogling masses.

JAMIE

Oh. That was, um, nice of her.

CASEY

Yeah. She's a good friend.

Head still resting on Jamie's shoulder, she reaches out and takes Jamie's hand, twining their fingers together.

CASEY

(yawns)

Didn't you want to talk about

something?

Jamie looks down and studies their joined hands for a long moment, then smiles to herself.

JAMIE

No. Nothing important.

CASEY

Mmm. Good. 'Cause I need a nap, and

I'm gonna use you for a pillow.

(sleepily)

That okay?

Jamie reaches up to brush a strand of hair out of Casey's face.

JAMIE

Yeah, that's okay.

Eyes still closed, Casey smiles.

FADE OUT.

Stay tuned for episode 3– “Happy Nights to Happy Days”