COPYRIGHT © 2004 Dylan Carreiro
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Love letters can be sent to lightanddark7@yahoo.com
Rebel High
Season 1
Episode 3: “Happy Nights To Happy Days”
FADE IN:
INT. PLAYHOUSE - AFTERNOON
Casey and Katherine rehearse a scene on the stage.
KATHERINE
At this same ancient feast of
Capulet's sups the fair Rosaline whom
thou so lovest, with all the admired
beauties of Verona: Go thither; and,
with unattainted eye, compare her face
with some that I shall show, and I
will make thee think thy swan a crow.
CASEY
When the devout religion of mine eye
maintains such falsehood, then turn
tears to fires; and these who often
drown'd could never die, transparent
heretics, be burnt for liars! One
fairer than my love! The all-seeing
sun ne'er saw her match since first
the world begun.
KATHERINE
Tut, you saw her fair, none else being
by, herself poised with herself in
either eye: but in that crystal scales
let there be weigh'd your lady's love
against some other maid that I will
show you shining at this feast, and
she shall scant show well that now
shows best.
CASEY
I'll go along, no such sight to be
shown, but to rejoice in splendor of
mine own.
Ms. Perry and the other students watching clap.
PERRY
Good, good. Let's move on.
Casey walks off the stage and sits next to Jamie.
PERRY
Now I want to do Juliet's first scene
with Lady Capulet and the nurse.
Jamie sucks in a breath. Casey reaches out and squeezes her knee. Jamie gives her a small smile, before joining two other girls, MICHELLE who plays Lady Capulet, and OLIVIA who plays the nurse, on the stage.
MICHELLE
Nurse, where's my daughter? Call her
forth to me.
OLIVIA
Now, by my maidenhead, at twelve year
old, I bade her come. What, Juliet!
Jamie enters the scene from stage left.
JAMIE
How now! Who calls?
OLIVIA
Your mother.
JAMIE
Madam, I am here. What is your will?
Michelle gestures for Olivia to go.
MICHELLE
Nurse, give leave awhile, we must talk
in secret.
Michelle gasps.
MICHELLE
Nurse! Come back again; I have
remember'd me, thou's hear our
counsel. Thou know'st my daughter's of
a pretty age.
OLIVIA
Faith, I can tell her age unto an
hour.
MICHELLE
She's not fourteen.
Olivia comes over and pinches Jamie's cheek.
OLIVIA
Thou wast the prettiest babe that e'er
I nursed: am I might live to see thee
married once, I have my wish.
MICHELLE
Marry, that 'marry' is the very theme
I came to talk of. Tell me, daughter
Juliet, how stands your disposition to
be married?
JAMIE
It is an honor that I dream not of.
OLIVIA
An honor! Were not I thine only nurse,
I would say thou hadst suck'd wisdom
from thy teat.
MICHELLE
Well, think of marriage now; younger
than you, here in Verona, ladies of
esteem, are made already mothers: by
my count, I was your mother much upon
these years that you are now a maid.
Thus then in brief: the valiant Paris
seeks you for his love.
OLIVIA
A man, young lady! Lady, such a man as
all the world-- why, he's a man of
wax.
MICHELLE
Verona's summer hath not such a
flower.
OLIVIA
Nay, he's a flower; in faith, a very
flower.
MICHELLE
This night you shall behold him at our
feast; read o'er the volume of young
Paris' face, and find delight writ
there with beauty's pen; this precious
book of love, this unbound lover, to
beautify him, only lacks a cover.
Speak briefly, can you like of Paris'
love?
JAMIE
I'll look to like, if looking liking
move: but no more deep will I endart
mine eye than your consent gives
strength to make it fly.
Another girl playing a servant enters.
STUDENT
Madam, the guests are come.
MICHELLE
We follow thee.
Michelle and the girl leave. Olivia walks closer to Jamie to whisper conspiratorially to her.
OLIVIA
Go, girl. Seek happy nights to happy
days.
CUT TO:
INT. PLAYHOUSE - EVENING
People start to get ready to leave.
PERRY
Alright, headliners! That means my
little Romeo's and Juliet's; I need
your full names.
Casey looks alarmed.
CASEY
For what?
PERRY
Well, for the playbill.
CASEY
Do I have to?
PERRY
Yes, Casey. No one will make fun of
you if you've got a middle name like
Gertrude. Out with it.
CASEY
(sighs)
Casey Lee Vanderbilt Whitney Farrell.
Ms. Perry nods. Casey slouches in her seat.
PERRY
Jamie?
Jamie looks at Casey.
JAMIE
Uh, Jamie Nicole Devlin.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM NIGHT
Casey walks in the house and finds Conor on the couch, reading a newspaper.
CASEY
Hey.
CONOR
Hi, honey. I've been waiting for you.
Casey tosses her keys up and down.
CASEY
I was at rehearsal.
CONOR
Oh, that's right.
CASEY
Did you, uh, need something?
CONOR
Oh, yeah. I have a banquet next
Saturday evening.
CASEY
Dad, I hate those things. I don't know
why I always have to go to them.
CONOR
You know it's part of my work. The
people that I work with always like to
meet family.
CASEY
So you want me to come along and play
the perfect little daughter like
always?
CONOR
Casey.
Casey sighs.
CASEY
Fine. But I'm not wearing a dress.
This is L.A. No one's gonna care here.
CONOR
That's alright. Why don't you go
shopping for something new? Here.
He takes his credit card out of his wallet and hands it to her.
CONOR
Get something for the banquet, and why
don't you just get anything else you
like? Take a friend and make a day of
it. Eat lunch in Beverly Hills.
CASEY
(shrugs)
Whatever.
CONOR
Are you going to be home tomorrow for
football? The Saints are playing the
Falcons.
CASEY
Yeah, I'll be here.
She heads up the stairs.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Casey flops down onto her bed and picks up the phone and dials. She kicks off her shoes as she waits for someone to pick up.
MIA
(on phone)
I told you, no phone sex tonight.
Casey laughs.
CASEY
You know, you're lucky it's me.
Someone else could've been calling.
Like a grandparent. Talk about
embarrassing.
MIA
Not really. I've got you on caller ID
now. I knew it was you.
CASEY
Good to know. Listen, what are you
doing on Monday? Other than school, of
course.
MIA
Well, I had plans to run away to
Paris, but what do you have in mind?
CASEY
I think I want to take off during
lunch.
MIA
(gasps)
Casey Farrell. Are you suggesting that
we partake in the act of ditching?
CASEY
I sure am. I'm bad, aren't I?
MIA
Very. What do you want to do?
CASEY
I need to go shopping for some new
clothes. We could just go after-
school, but most places on Rodeo close
early, don't they?
MIA
Yeah, at five.
CASEY
So if we leave Long Beach at noon, we
should be there by one, which leaves
us four hours of terrorizing Beverly
Hills.
MIA
I'm game. Meet me by my Spanish class
once you get out for lunch.
CASEY
Ok. I'll see you.
MIA
Bye.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAYHOUSE - NOON
Casey and Clark come out of the Playhouse.
CLARK
Have fun at your doctor's appointment.
I hope you get a shot.
Casey gasps and clutches her chest.
CASEY
Why would you wish such a horror upon
me?
Clark just grins at her.
CASEY
Be careful, Clark. I am a proficient
practitioner of voodoo, you know.
CLARK
Don't lie.
CASEY
I'm from New Orleans. Voodoo is a way
of life for some people down there.
CLARK
You don't scare me.
CASEY
(grins)
I should. See you tomorrow.
Casey jogs up ahead to meet Jamie.
JAMIE
What's up?
CASEY
(grins)
Doctor's appointment. I gotta take
off.
JAMIE
I'll see you tomorrow then. Oh, did
you copy down those questions for
Marine Bio?
CASEY
Yeah.
JAMIE
Call me tonight. I need them.
CASEY
Ok.
She heads off with a bounce to her step and Jamie goes over to sit next to Clark.
JAMIE
She hates doctors. She seems mighty
happy to be going to a doctors
appointment.
Jamie opens up her iced tea. Clark waits until just the right moment.
CLARK
Maybe she was going to the
gynecologist.
Jamie sprays the ground in front of her with tea as Clark starts laughing hysterically. Jamie wipes her mouth and hits him hard on the shoulder.
JAMIE
I hate you!
CLARK
I love you too.
JAMIE
You are so obscene.
Clark laughs more.
JAMIE
Besides, going to the gynecologist
isn't something to be happy about
anyways.
Clark grimaces.
CLARK
Please, don't share any more than
that.
JAMIE
(shrugs)
Not like I would know really. I've
never been to one. Just something Aunt
Emma told me.
CLARK
Ok. Please, stop.
JAMIE
(grins)
That's what you get.
Clark grabs his arm where she hit him and rubs the spot.
CLARK
I think hitting me was enough. Geez,
James, what are you, moonlighting as a
boxer?
JAMIE
Yup.
CLARK
So, how are you doing? With the whole
rehearsing thing? I know you were
pretty nervous about going up there.
JAMIE
I'm fine. I was really nervous
beforehand, but once I got up there,
it wasn't too bad.
CLARK
Good.
JAMIE
And did you know that Katherine has
the biggest crush on Mia?
CLARK
So Katherine likes Mia, who likes
Casey, who likes you.
JAMIE
I never thought of it that way, but
yeah.
CLARK
That is so soap opera! It's like a
four-way love triangle!
JAMIE
Don't you mean a.. square?
CLARK
Same thing.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL HALLWAY CONTINUOUS
Casey meets up with Mia outside her class.
MIA
Got your fake note?
CASEY
Right here.
MIA
Let's go.
They start to head down the hall.
MIA
So you're going to check out first,
then I'm going to wait 5 minutes and
check out myself.
CASEY
Ok. I'll bring the car around to the
front.
MIA
Let's do it.
Casey pulls out her note and walks into the office.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S CAR - A MOMENT LATER
Casey and Mia are driving towards the freeway.
CASEY
Don't you think they might have been a
little suspicious?
MIA
Maybe. Not like they can do much about
it anyways. They could call our
parents.
CASEY
Who aren't gonna care anyways.
MIA
Right.
Casey enters the 405 freeway, heading north towards L.A. Mia turns on the radio.
MIA
This is a BMW, right?
CASEY
Yeah.
MIA
How fast can it go?
Casey looks at her speculatively for a moment, then back at the clear path in front of her.
CASEY
Got your seatbelt on?
MIA
Yeah.
CASEY
Let's find out.
Casey accelerates. Mia laughs and turns the radio up higher.
CUT TO:
INT. A/X: ARMANI EXCHANGE - AFTERNOON
Casey comes out of the dressing room, wearing a new pair of jeans. Mia circles her slowly and nods approvingly.
MIA
Nice. But I doubt it's proper attire
for a banquet.
CASEY
Yeah. But I need new jeans.
MIA
I've seen you wear like, 20 different
pairs since I've met you.
CASEY
That's not true. I have 10. And you
can never have too many pairs of
jeans.
She heads back into the dressing room to change her pants back.
MIA
You know, I don't understand why you
aren't doing this with your
girlfriend. I think she'd enjoy the
opportunity to constantly check you
out and tell you how your ass looks in
a new pair of pants.
Casey opens the door and tosses the jeans to Mia, then closes the door again.
CASEY
I think my definition of shopping and
Jamie's definition of shopping don't
quite match. I didn't want to make her
uncomfortable, since I knew she
wouldn't be able to afford anything.
And if I paid for things.. if I bought
her...
She comes out and Mia tosses the jeans back to her. She holds up the jeans.
CASEY
A four hundred dollar pair of jeans,
she'd flip out. I mean, she
practically has an aneurysm when I
give her change for the vending
machine.
MIA
Is that a problem?
CASEY
(shrugs)
Not really. At least not yet.
MIA
Maybe you should talk to her about it.
CASEY
I guess.
They get to the counter and hand their items to the sales clerk. Mia starts to get out her wallet, but Casey stops her.
CASEY
I'll take care of it.
MIA
Are you sure?
Casey hands over the credit card her dad gave her.
CASEY
Yup.
MIA
Ok. But I'm not putting out.
Casey laughs.
MIA
What are you planning on getting for
the banquet?
CASEY
Not a dress.
MIA
Let's hit the regular Armani store
then. We could get something tailored
for you.
CASEY
Mmm. Let's go.
CUT TO:
INT. ARMANI - A MOMENT LATER
Mia and Casey enter the two-story Armani boutique. SEAN, a tall, handsome, impeccably dressed salesman comes over to them.
SEAN
Ah, Ms. Hazelwood.
He greets her with a kiss on the cheek.
SEAN
Where is your friend, Christopher?
MIA
He's not with me on this trip, but I
do have someone I'd like you to meet.
Sean Rickard, meet Casey Farrell.
He shakes her hand.
SEAN
I'm very pleased to meet you, Ms.
Farrell.
CASEY
Pleasure's all mine.
MIA
We're looking for something for Casey
to wear to a banquet for her father's
work.
SEAN
A dress?
Casey firmly shakes her head.
MIA
No, a suit.
SEAN
Let us head upstairs then.
They head up the circular staircase. He leads them over to a private fitting room.
CUT TO:
INT. FITTING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
SEAN
Please, stand here.
He motions for her to stand in the middle of the room. He starts to walk in a slow circle around her, studying her form.
SEAN
Now, tell me, is this a formal or semi-
formal event?
CASEY
Formal.
SEAN
What does your father do?
CASEY
He's a lawyer.
SEAN
What firm?
CASEY
Morris and Foster.
He stops walking after another moment and claps his hands together.
SEAN
I'll be right back.
He steps out of the room. Casey gives Mia a quizzical look.
MIA
This is what he does, Casey. He'll
come back with something perfectly
suited for what you need.
CASEY
If you say so. If you're right, then
the people at the stores in New
Orleans aren't nearly as effective.
Sean comes back in with a with dark suit with light blue pinstripes and a matching light blue shirt. He hangs the items on a hook mounted on the wall. He turns to her, smiling proudly.
SEAN
This is it.
She leans closer and eyes it.
CASEY
Are you sure?
SEAN
Absolutely. 'Formal' for the west
coast is different than 'formal'
everywhere else. Especially at a firm
like Morris and Foster. A splash of
color is not only tolerated but
expected, hence the light blue stripes
and shirt. The stripes will accentuate
your height, and once we tailor fit
the suit for you, it will highlight
only the best parts of your form. It
will look beautiful. I insist on
seeing pictures.
CASEY
(nods)
Alright. I like it. Let me change.
Sean leaves the room. Mia just smirks at her.
CASEY
Mia...
MIA
(laughs)
Fine.
CUT TO:
INT. ARMANI - CONTINUOUS
Mia joins Sean outside the door of the fitting room.
SEAN
Is she your new girlfriend?
MIA
(shakes her head)
No.
They stand in silence for a few minutes. Sean leans to the side to whisper to her.
SEAN
I was going to give her pink stripes,
but she does not strike me as the pink
type of person.
Mia laughs.
SEAN
Is she Southern money?
MIA
No. Old, old, northern Vanderbilt
money.
Casey opens the door.
CASEY
How did you know that?
MIA
(startled)
Oh, um.. it's kind of... floating
around campus.
Casey gestures for them to come back in.
CUT TO:
INT. FITTING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
CASEY
I was afraid of that.
SEAN
I knew it. This looks great on you.
He pulls a measuring tape from the pocket inside his jacket along with a small box of pins. He squats down to adjust the hem of the pants. Mia stands on the other side of Casey and runs a hand down her arm. Casey glances at her hand, then at her. They look at each other for a moment.
MIA
Is this silk?
Sean pipes up.
SEAN
Yes.
He stands.
SEAN
Take off the jacket for a moment. I
want to see how the shirt fits you.
Casey removes the jacket and hands it to Mia.
CASEY
When will this be done?
SEAN
It will be done by tomorrow. Can you
pick it up?
He starts to fiddle with her sleeves.
CASEY
I'll have my dad pick it up during his
lunch.
CUT TO:
INT. ARMANI - A MOMENT LATER
Casey and Mia stand at the counter while Sean rings them up.
SEAN
Eighteen hundred.
Casey hands him the card. She looks around the store while they wait.
CASEY
What is that?
Casey points to a deep purple velvet blazer on the rack.
MIA
What?
Mia turns to look at the jacket Casey's pointing at.
CASEY
Is that velvet?
SEAN
Yes, it is.
CASEY
Can I get that?
SEAN
(nods)
I'll be right back.
He goes over to retrieve the blazer, checking the size.
MIA
Talk about an impulse buy.
CASEY
Like you should be the one to talk,
Ms. 'It's Mine Now'.
Mia gives her a light slap on the shoulder.
MIA
You know those shoes looked good.
Casey grins at her.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S CAR CONTINUOUS
They put various bags in the back seat of the car as they climb in. They put on their seat belts and Casey starts the car.
MIA
Did it bother you that I know you're a
Vanderbilt?
Casey slips on her sunglasses and looks down at the gearshift as she shifts into reverse. She remains still for a moment, then turns around to look out the back as she backs the car up.
CASEY
Yeah.
MIA
I'm sorry.
CASEY
No, no...
She switches to drive and pulls out of the parking spot.
CASEY
You knowing doesn't bother me per se.
Just people in general knowing bothers
me a little.
MIA
Why?
CASEY
Just... it brings attention. I've
gotten off all these years by living
in the South, where northern money is
basically ignored. Now..
She changes lanes.
CASEY
Now, if word leaks out, I might end up
in some stupid socialite column in
People Magazine. Not to mention,
people might get weird around me at
school. People act differently around
you when they know you've got money.
Mia nods.
MIA
Been there, done that, but on a much
smaller scale. My family certainly
doesn't have a wealth like yours does.
CASEY
You ever meet people who just liked
you because you had money?
MIA
Sure. And the moment I figure out
their game.. well, it sucks. But it
doesn't happen too often. I imagine
it'd be a much bigger problem for you.
CASEY
(softly)
Yeah.
Mia pats her hand, which rests on the gearshift.
MIA
Well, I'll help you fend off the money-
grubbers.
CASEY
Thanks.
MIA
Did uh, did Jamie say anything to you
about it?
CASEY
(sighs)
No. She just looked at me funny.
MIA
Talk to her.
CASEY
(nods)
I will.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Casey comes in and puts her bags on her bed.
CASEY
(calls out)
Dad?
A few moments later, Conor replies.
CONOR
(calls out)
Yeah?
CASEY
I've got a suit waiting at Armani on
Rodeo. Can you pick it up tomorrow?
She starts to put stuff away.
CONOR
What time do they close?
CASEY
Five.
CONOR
Ok.
Casey picks up the phone and dials Jamie's number.
JAMIE
(on phone)
Hello?
CASEY
Hey. What are you up to?
JAMIE
I'm starting on Marine Bio homework.
CASEY
Oh, let me get those questions you
need.
Casey grabs her backpack and starts digging through it.
JAMIE
How was your doctor's appointment?
CASEY
My what?
JAMIE
Your doctor's appointment.
CASEY
Oh! Yeah, well, same old. Don't like
'em. It didn't take too long,
thankfully.
Casey triumphantly pulls a notebook from her backpack.
CASEY
Got it.
CUT TO:
INT. MARINE BIO - MORNING
Casey dances into the classroom, wearing her new jeans and grinning. She sits down next to Jamie.
JAMIE
You're certainly chipper this morning.
CASEY
I'm always chipper on the mornings we
have this class. I get to see you.
Jamie smiles, charmed.
JAMIE
You see me every day.
CASEY
But on these days, I get to see you
first thing in the morning. I don't
have to wait for lunch.
JAMIE
That's true. Are those new jeans?
She fingers Casey's knee.
CASEY
Yeah.
Casey pulls out a notebook.
CASEY
I uh, I have a match on Thursday.
JAMIE
I know. I want to go but I'm going to
my aunt's house.
Casey pouts.
JAMIE
(laughs)
Stop it.
CASEY
It's alright. We can hang out over the
weekend.
CUT TO:
INT. PLAYHOUSE AFTERNOON
Casey and Jamie are on the stage rehearsing a scene. Casey takes Jamie's hand.
CASEY
If I profane with my unworthiest hand
this holy shrine, the gentle fine is
this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims,
ready to stand to smooth that rough
tough with a tender kiss.
She lifts Jamie's hand to her lips to kiss her knuckles, but Jamie pulls away.
JAMIE
Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand
too much, which mannerly devotion
shows in this; for saints have hands
that pilgrims' hands do touch, and
palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.
CASEY
Have not saints lips, and holy palmers
too?
JAMIE
Aye, pilgrim, lips that they must use
in prayer.
Jamie takes a step forward and semi-gently pushes Casey. Casey stumbles back a step.
CASEY
What did you do that for?
JAMIE
We're off our mark.
Casey looks at the floor.
CASEY
Better now?
JAMIE
Yes.
CASEY
(chuckles)
O, then, dear saint, let lips do what
hands do; they pray, grant thou, lest
faith turn to despair.
JAMIE
Saints do not move, though grant for
prayers' sake.
CASEY
(whispers)
Then move not, while my prayer's
effect I take.
Casey starts to leans down for a kiss, but she hesitates noticeably.
PERRY
What's wrong?
Casey clears her throat.
CASEY
Nothing.
PERRY
Do it again, from 'move not'.
CASEY
Then move not, while my prayer's
effect I take.
This time, it is Jamie that hesitates. She pulls back.
JAMIE
Wait.
PERRY
What is wrong? Did you two not
rehearse this already?
CASEY
Um, no. We didn't.
JAMIE
Can we have until Saturday?
PERRY
You guys, we're on a tight schedule
here.
She sighs and flips through her notebook.
PERRY
Fine, we'll move on to another scene,
but we're doing this one first thing
on Saturday, and it better blow me
away.
Casey and Jamie get down from the stage.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAYHOUSE - EVENING
Clark and Andrea burst out of the Playhouse, Casey and Jamie following behind at a much slower pace.
CLARK
Jamie, I'm going to go to Andrea's
house. Dad knows already.
JAMIE
Okay, I'll see you later.
CLARK
Later, Casey.
CASEY
Bye.
They leave and the other students disperse as well.
CASEY
Were you, uh, weirded out earlier for
the same reason I was weirded out?
JAMIE
The thought that if we went through
with it, our first kiss would have
taken place in front of dozens of
witnesses?
CASEY
Exactly!
JAMIE
(laughs)
Well, we bought ourselves until
Saturday.
They both pause, awkwardly. Casey makes a face.
CASEY
That's weird. We're like on a
schedule.
JAMIE
Yeah.
Casey scratches the back of her head.
CASEY
Well, uh, we never did really go on a
proper date yet.
JAMIE
We were supposed to go to the movies a
while ago, weren't we?
CASEY
Yeah. Do you want to do that on
Friday?
JAMIE
You're not going to the football game?
CASEY
You mean I have a choice between going
to watch a bunch of guys run around
and grab each other or going on a date
with an amazingly beautiful and
talented girl?
Jamie blushes.
CASEY
I don't know, those guys on the
football team are pretty hot.
Jamie smacks Casey's shoulder.
CASEY
(laughs)
Ow! I was kidding. I would much rather
be with you. Hold on, let me do this
properly.
She takes Jamie's hand.
CASEY
Jamie?
JAMIE
Yes, Casey?
Jamie twines their fingers together.
CASEY
Will you go out with me?
Jamie pauses, as if she's considering it, before smiling.
JAMIE
I don't know, those guys on the
football team are pretty hot.
CASEY
Hey!
JAMIE
(laughs)
I would love to.
CASEY
(grins)
I'll uh, pick you up at 7 then.
The sound of a car honking gets their attention.
JAMIE
There's my dad. I'll see you tomorrow.
CASEY
Ok.
Jamie heads over to her dad's car. Once they leave, Casey jumps up and resumes her dance from earlier this morning.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Jamie finds her dad at his desk, organizing some papers. She approaches him quietly.
JAMIE
Dad?
TYLER
Yes, honey?
JAMIE
Can I go out with a friend on Friday?
He looks up at her.
TYLER
Is this out with a friend, or is this
a date?
She bites her lip.
JAMIE
A date.
TYLER
(disapprovingly)
Honey...
JAMIE
(interrupts)
Dad. Please?
TYLER
I think you're a little young to be
dating.
JAMIE
She's really nice. You should meet
her. I think you'll like her.
TYLER
Will her parents be there?
JAMIE
No.
He pulls off his reading glasses.
TYLER
They're going to be dropping you guys
off?
JAMIE
No, she's going to drive.
She closes her eyes as she realizes her mistake.
TYLER
She's old enough to drive?
JAMIE
(laughs nervously)
Uhh...
Clark walks past.
TYLER
Clark, did you know your sister wants
to go on a date?
He turns to her.
CLARK
Where are you and Casey going?
JAMIE
(smiles)
Movies on Friday.
TYLER
You knew about this girl?
CLARK
Yeah. I told you. She's cool,
remember?
TYLER
And you have no objection to this?
JAMIE
Dad, Clark's not the one going on a
date with her. I am.
Clark smiles proudly at her.
CLARK
This is true. It shouldn't really
matter what I think. It matters what
Jamie thinks. Now, if you'll excuse
me...
He turns to go.
TYLER
Wait.
Clark turns back around.
TYLER
Jamie, you can go, but as a group.
Clark is going to go with you.
JAMIE
WHAT?
CLARK
(simultaneously)
Dad!
JAMIE
I'm going on a date! I can't take my
brother with me!
CLARK
Andrea and I were going to hang out
and guy-watch!
Tyler holds up a hand and turns to Jamie.
TYLER
You can either do this or not go at
all.
Jamie huffs and crosses her arms. He turns to Clark.
TYLER
You can combine the two. Take Andrea
with you, and you can do whatever at
the same time as chaperoning.
JAMIE
This sucks.
(sighs)
Fine.
Jamie walks off. Clark shakes his head and follows her.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S CAR MORNING
Casey grabs her backpack and new letterman's jacket from the backseat and gets out of her car. She puts on her jacket and heads into the school.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL QUAD - CONTINUOUS
Casey walks through the quad on her way to Marine Bio. Andrew passes by her.
ANDREW
Hey, Case. Good luck today.
CASEY
Thanks.
Caleb passes by as well.
CALEB
(winks at her)
You ready for the rally?
She high-fives him as she walks past.
CASEY
(grins)
You know it.
Casey walks on, greeting some of the people she knows as she passes, when somebody slaps her on the ass as she goes past.
She pauses, then indignantly turns around to see Mia in her cheerleader's uniform, grinning impishly.
MIA
See you at the rally. Love the new
jacket.
Mia sashays off with a flick of her hair. Casey laughs to herself and continues on.
CUT TO:
INT. MARINE BIO - CONTINUOUS
Casey spots Jamie within seconds of walking in. She grins at her and heads over to their table.
JAMIE
Look at you.
Casey tugs at her collar self-consciously.
CASEY
It's such a jock look. I'm not sure I
like it.
JAMIE
You don't have to wear it.
CASEY
(shrugs)
There's a rally for the team today.
JAMIE
Oh yeah. Who are you guys going up
against today?
CASEY
Harbor High.
JAMIE
I wish I could be there to watch you
guys kick their butts.
CASEY
(grins)
I'll give you the gruesome details
when you get back from your aunt's
house.
Casey digs in her backpack for a pencil.
JAMIE
(clears her throat)
I um, I have bad news.
CASEY
What is it?
JAMIE
My dad said I couldn't go with you to
the movies unless Clark came with us,
as sort of like a group thing. He
thinks I'm too young and you're too
old for us to go alone together.
CASEY
But I'm only a year older than you.
JAMIE
I accidentally told him that you
drive. He thinks you're 16.
CASEY
Oh.
She runs a hand through her hair.
CASEY
Well, that's alright, I guess.
JAMIE
Really?
CASEY
Yeah. I mean, I'd rather go as a group
thing than not go at all, you know?
JAMIE
Yeah.
CASEY
Is Clark going to bring anyone?
JAMIE
Probably Andrea. You're really ok with
it?
CASEY
Yeah. It could've been worse. He
could've just said 'no'. Period.
Jamie bites the tip of her pencil.
JAMIE
Yeah.
The bell rings.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL QUAD - AN HOUR LATER
Casey and Jamie head down the stairs after Marine Bio as the Drum Corps starts their rally song on the stage.
JAMIE
Let's go.
The crew teams are gathered on ground on each side of the stage, the men on the right and the women on the left. Casey grins and peels off her jacket.
CASEY
Can you uh, hold this for me for a
minute?
JAMIE
Sure.
CASEY
I'll be back.
JAMIE
Ok.
Casey heads over to join her team, and Jamie finds Clark.
CUT TO:
EXT. RALLY STAGE - CONTINUOUS
Jamie joins Clark in front of the stage.
CLARK
They've gotta have something planned.
JAMIE
What do you mean?
CLARK
Look.
He gestures to the teams.
CLARK
They've all taken their jackets off.
Jamie looks down at the jacket in her arms.
JAMIE
You're right.
CUT TO:
EXT. LEFT OF STAGE CONTINUOUS
Casey and her team loiter at the side of the stage. The music stops and the cheerleaders are finished with their routine. Caleb hops up onto the stage and takes the microphone handed to him.
CALEB
Well, today, the women's and men's
crew teams have matches against the
O.C.'s Harbor High.
People boo.
CALEB
That's what we think too! That why
we're gonna kick their asses! It's
going to be quite a thrill.
People cheer.
CALEB
You know, rowing is quite a thrill.
Kinda intense. You make the smallest
mistake, and you end up getting dumped
in the water. Do you guys know what
that feels like? No? It kinda feels
like this!
Everyone on the teams pull out hidden water guns. Casey pulls hers out with a devilish grin. The teams then jump up onto the stage and run across it quickly, blasting the cheerleaders with jets of water. The cheerleaders all shriek. Casey is the last to go
across, and instead of running, she merely struts towards them and stops. She regards a dripping Mia, who glares at her, then gives her a smirk and blasts her with another stream of water, right in the chest.
MIA
Casey!
Casey then bolts, hopping off the stage as Mia chases after her. A couple of guys from the team carry laundry bins up onto the stage, which are filled with black, blue and white water balloons. The cheerleaders dive for them, beginning to fire back in indignant revenge. The drum corps guys grab some as well.Caleb hops down off the stage and quickly goes around to the trash cans scattered throughout the audience, and pulls off the small sheets covering them, revealing the fact that they are also filled to the brim with water balloons.
CLARK
Oh, hell yeah!
Chaos breaks out. A few people run out of the way, afraid to get wet, but most people push their way towards the nearest trash can, snatching up the balloons. Clark grabs one and aims for Jamie.
JAMIE
No!
She bolts, and ends up running around behind the wall behind the rally stage.
CUT TO:
EXT. BEHIND THE STAGE - CONTINUOUS
She finds Casey there, hiding and clutching her water gun.
CASEY
Shh! I think I lost her.
Jamie laughs.
JAMIE
Your hair's all wet.
CASEY
Yeah, somebody nailed me on the back
of the head. I think it might've been
her.
Mia rounds the corner and finds them, arm poised and ready to throw another balloon.
MIA
Ah-ha!
CASEY
Shit!
Casey scrambles around and hides behind Jamie, gripping her shoulders. Mia tries to go around her, but Casey just turns Jamie to block her again.
JAMIE
(laughs)
Casey!
Mia tries to go around the other way, but Casey moves Jamie again. Mia blows out a frustrated breath.
MIA
Damn you, Casey!
She stomps her foot. Casey points at her over Jamie's shoulder.
CASEY
Ah! Look! You stomped your foot!
You've turned into your mother!
Mia shrieks, enraged, as Casey ducks further behind Jamie. Jamie thinks for a moment, then smiles and quickly gets out of the way. Casey's eyes widen. Mia lets out a yell of triumph.
CASEY
Crap!
Mia nails her in the chest with her balloon.
MIA
Ha! Eat shit, Farrell!
She runs away. Jamie turns to look at the dripping Casey.
CASEY
I don't believe you. Traitor!
She starts pumping the handle on her water gun, building up the pressure. Jamie quickly drops her backpack on the ground against the wall and puts the jacket on top of it, then takes off, Casey chasing after her.
CUT TO:
EXT. RALLY STAGE - CONTINUOUS
She runs back around to the front, heading for the balloons, when a stream of water hits her back.
JAMIE
Augh, that's cold!
Jamie reaches in the can, but it's empty. She keeps on going, running past Clark. Casey stops when she sees Clark, who somehow has gotten a water gun of his own, aimed right at her. Her gun is aimed at him. They both stand there tensely, until Jamie runs back towards them, balloon hidden in her hand. They both turn and aim their guns at her.
JAMIE
Uh, bye.
She disappears into the crowd again. Balloons sail in the air throughout the crowd, most hitting people, some not. Casey chases after Jamie, ducking and dodging the random balloons that fly towards her. She catches Jamie at the edge of the crowd, who's reaching for the can by her. It's empty as well. Casey grins and starts to slowly approach her.
JAMIE
(warns)
Casey...
She still has the balloon in her other hand, hidden behind her back. Casey pulls the trigger and sprays her with water, and keeps on spraying her until the tank runs out. She drops the gun on the ground, dusting off her hands. She gives Jamie a smirk, then turns around to leave when Jamie pelts her on the back of the head. Casey slowly turns.
CASEY
Did you just hit me in the head with a
water balloon?
JAMIE
Maybe.
Casey takes a step towards her. Jamie backs up. The bell rings and students throw their last balloon and start to disperse. Casey sighs.
CASEY
(narrows her eyes)
You're lucky that bell rang.. for now.
You just wait, Ms. Devlin.
Jamie sticks her tongue out. They laugh at each other and head back to their backpacks.
CUT TO:
EXT. BEHIND THE STAGE CONTINUOUS
Sodden students begin walking to classes. Casey and Jamie weave through them towards Jamie's backpack.
JAMIE
Look at what you did to me.
She gestures to her wet clothes.
JAMIE
I'm going to be cold.
Casey reaches down to pick up her jacket. It's miraculously dry.
CASEY
Why don't you take my jacket? I
prepared and brought a change of
clothes. Wear it; it'll keep you warm.
JAMIE
Ok.
Casey wraps it around her shoulders. The large jacket swallows Jamie, and Casey lets out a little laugh.
JAMIE
What?
CASEY
It's just.. my jacket on you.
She brushes Jamie's hair back and frees it from under the collar.
CASEY
You look cute.
Jamie blushes and they gaze at each other.
CALEB
Whoo!
The moment is ruined as Caleb comes up to them and slings an arm around Casey's shoulder.
CALEB
That was one of the best damn rallies
we've had at this school. Wasn't that
awesome, Jamie?
Jamie's a little startled that he knows her name.
JAMIE
Uh, yeah.
CASEY
It was great, Cal. Good work.
He slaps her shoulder.
CALEB
It was your damn idea. 'Good work' to
yourself.
The bell rings again.
CALEB
Shit! We're late!
Jamie gasps. Caleb hurries off.
JAMIE
We've gotta go. I'll give this back to
you tomorrow.
They split up and head to their respective classes.
CASEY
I'll call you tonight!
JAMIE
Okay!
CUT TO:
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - NOON
Casey and Caleb stand in the principal's office. PRINCIPAL BLAZER, a tall woman with short blonde hair paces.
PRINCIPAL
The entire quad is filled with water
and mud and torn bits of rubber.
Students are dripping trails of water
everywhere they go. There are puddles
inside classrooms. Mud is on clothes
and backpacks, and I have one teacher
and an entire cheerleading squad
complaining to me that you messed up
their hair.
Casey snickers. The principal stops pacing and looks at her, and she stops grinning.
CASEY
(laughs nervously)
Well, I mean, the balloons were school
colors.. at least.
CUT TO:
INT. ENGLISH AFTERNOON
Casey strolls into English and sits next to Mia, who's filing her nails with a particularly pointy file.
MIA
(smiles pleasantly)
I'm going to kill you.
Casey glances at the nail file.
CASEY
Uhhh...
MIA
Do you know what it's like to walk
around school in a soaked, *white*
cheerleader's uniform?
CASEY
(gulps)
Uh, no.
Mia takes her file and points at Casey with it.
MIA
I have been stared at and grabbed more
times than the golden fleece.
Casey leans away.
CASEY
Do you want me to uh, kick anybody's
ass for grabbing you?
MIA
I already did. Now, I'm going to kick
yours.
Casey leans away a little more.
CASEY
But it was so fun. You had fun.
MIA
No, I did not.
CASEY
You claimed an entire trash can full
of balloons as your own and gleefully
chucked them at everyone who dared to
look at you!
MIA
No I-
Casey shakes a finger in her face.
CASEY
(interrupts)
Gleefully!
MIA
Fine! It was fun. But that's still not
gonna stop me from causing you
grievous injury.
CASEY
(grins)
The day we met you caused me grievous
injury. We can call it even now.
Mia crosses her arms and huffs but still ends up smiling.
MIA
I didn't hurt you that bad then.
CASEY
I forgot French for a week.
MIA
Liar.
CASEY
C'est vrai.
MIA
Well, obviously it's not impairing you
anymore.
Casey snatches Mia's file.
CASEY
You holding this thing is making me
nervous.
She flips it around in her fingers.
CASEY
Did you know I almost got in trouble
with the principal for the rally?
MIA
Really? How did you get out of it?
CASEY
I put my good, ol' Southern charm to
good use.
MIA
(gasps)
You did not sleep with the principal!
Casey laughs.
CASEY
Gross. Hardly. I just talked about
school spirit and all that crap
principals like to hear.
MIA
(nods)
Nice. Are you going to the game
tomorrow night?
CASEY
Nah. I'm going to the movies with
Jamie.
MIA
Mmm. Have fun.
CASEY
You're going to be at the match later
today, right?
MIA
I don't know. My step-sister goes to
Harbor. She like won't speak to me
again if I root against the Pirates.
Not that that's saying much, because
we don't talk that often, but still.
CASEY
A rebel could so kick a pirate's ass.
MIA
(grins)
Definitely.
She pauses for a second.
MIA
Wait. Why would you get into trouble
with the principal? Did the whole team
get in trouble?
CASEY
Well, kinda. But me and Caleb in
particular. I came up with the idea,
and he planned it out.
Mia eyes widen with rage.
MIA
It was your idea?
CASEY
Uh, no.
Mia sputters and starts to reach out to throttle her, but Casey holds up the file in front of her protectively.
CASEY
Watch it. I'm armed and highly
dangerous.
Mrs. Chesler breezes by and confiscates the nail file.
KAREN
Behave.
Mia glares at Casey, who grins unrepentantly at her.
MIA
Scamp.
CASEY
Wench.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONG BEACH MARINA YACHT CLUB - AFTERNOON
Casey and her teammates are out on the water, sitting in the team shell. Casey grips her oar and checks her rigging.
CASEY
(to herself)
OK, Casey. Dad's here this time. Don't
blow it.
The teammate behind her looks up.
RACHEL
Did you say something?
CASEY
Motivating myself.
The crews align for the start. After the starter polls them, he raises the red flag.
STARTER
Attention!
The starter drops the flag.
STARTER
Go!
The teams are off, staying even with each other for the first half of the race. Harbor High starts to pull ahead.
CASEY
Shit!
Casey grunts and her teammates increase their effort as the coxswain urges them on. They catch up, remaining even, when both teams speed past the finish, just barely getting the win over Harbor. Casey lets out a sigh of relief.
RACHEL
Damn! That was close!
CASEY
You're telling me.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONG BEACH MARINA YACHT CLUB - LATER
Mia's by the bleachers, talking with Chris and Leah. Casey comes out of the club, toweling her hair dry. Her dad waits, arms crossed, peering at her from over his sunglasses. She adjusts the strap of her gym bag on her shoulder as she nears him.
CONOR
That was close, Casey.
CASEY
I know.
CONOR
What went wrong?
CASEY
Nothing.
CONOR
Casey.
Mia spots them.
CASEY
What, are you trying to blame me for
something? We didn't even lose!
CONOR
That's not the point. The point is you
lost focus. You've been playing sports
since you were 4, Casey. You're above
choking when the game is on the line.
I expected more of you.
He heads off to the car, leaving her stewing in her spot. Mia sees him walk off and comes over to Casey.
MIA
How are you doing?
Casey blows out a breath.
CASEY
I'm fine.
(sarcastically)
I'm just a complete failure as an
athlete because, you know, we won.
MIA
No, you're not.
CASEY
To him, I am.
MIA
Well, forget about him.
CASEY
(shakes her head)
He's right. I let myself get
distracted.
MIA
By what?
Casey sighs.
MIA
By him, right? It was the first match
he came to.
Casey remains silent.
MIA
Screw him, Casey. You've worked hard,
and you guys did good. And you still
beat Harbor. Damn Pirates didn't know
what hit 'em.
CASEY
(laughs)
That's right.
MIA
You're the shit, Casey. Don't let him
convince you otherwise.
CASEY
Alright.
Mia slips on her sunglasses.
MIA
Now, if you'll excuse me, I feel like
going over to my mom's house and
gloating to my step-sister.
CASEY
Tell her you're dating the captain.
That would really piss her off.
MIA
Who's the captain?
CASEY
(grins)
Me.
MIA
Nice. But won't Jamie get mad?
CASEY
(shrugs)
It's just a little white lie to enrage
your sister. How's she gonna find out,
anyway?
MIA
Step-sister.
CASEY
Whatever.
MIA
Alright. I'll tell you about her
temper tantrum later.
She walks back over towards the waiting Chris.
CASEY
Mia!
She turns.
MIA
Yeah?
CASEY
Thanks.
Mia lowers her sunglasses to wink at Casey over the top of them.
MIA
Anytime, sweet cheeks.
Conor, still waiting in the car, honks the horn.
CASEY
I'm coming, damn it.
She heads to the car.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM NIGHT
Casey, fresh out of the shower wearing her bathrobe, throws a pile of 12 different pairs of jeans on her bed. She picks a pair and holds it up and studies it for a moment, before tossing it over her shoulder.
CASEY
Nope.
She picks another pair. This also goes in the reject pile.
CASEY
Nope.
She finds a pair she likes and slips it on. Then she heads over to her closet and burrows in it, emerging with a black tank top with a motorcycle design on the front. She drops the robe and pulls it over her head.
CASEY
Now..
She spots her new velvet blazer in the closet and grabs it.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S CAR - NIGHT
Casey pulls up to Jamie house. She inhales deeply, then gets out.
CUT TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Casey runs a hand through her hair and fidgets nervously.
CASEY
(to herself)
OK, Casey. No matter what he says, he
can't kill you and get away with it.
Even if he does cause you bodily harm,
she's worth it. And after meeting Mia,
you've got a high pain tolerance. Take
it like a woman.
She reaches out and rings the doorbell. Clark opens the door.
CASEY
Hey, Clark.
CLARK
Hey, Jamie's not ready yet, but come
on in.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
They step back inside.
ANDREA
Hey, Casey.
CASEY
How it's going?
ANDREA
Things are good. Things are going to
be better if Clark and I find a couple
of cute guys tonight.
Casey laughs and looks around.
CASEY
Where's your dad?
CLARK
Oh, Alice kept complaining that she
needed ice cream so he took her to
Baskin-Robbins.
CASEY
(relieved)
Ohh.
Jamie comes out, wearing dark blue denim jeans and a white baby tee that says "Have you hugged my t-shirt today?"
JAMIE
Hey.
CASEY
(grins)
Hey. You look very cute.
JAMIE
(blushes)
Thanks. I like your jacket.
Andrea clutches Clark's arm.
ANDREA
(coos)
Clark, they're so cute!
Casey clears her throat, a little embarrassed.
CASEY
Are we going to take my car?
ANDREA
Yes. I hate my car.
CASEY
Let's get going.
CUT TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
They get to Casey's car. She opens the rear passenger door and holds it for Clark and Andrea. Clark curtsies before climbing in.
CLARK
Thank you, kind sir.
Casey laughs and opens Jamie's door for her and holds it as she gets in.
JAMIE
(smiles)
Thank you.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
They all buckle up.
CASEY
No offense, Clark, but the womanly
vibe doesn't work for you. Please
don't curtsy again in the future.
CLARK
I was morally bound to. You were all
chivalrous and everything. Guys don't
do that anymore.
ANDREA
I know. I nearly swooned.
Casey blushes slightly and starts the car.
JAMIE
(smiles)
You know, I don't think I've ever
opened a door for myself since I met
you.
CLARK
It's cause she's a proper southern
gentleman.
CASEY
It's southern gentlewoman, thank you
very much.
CLARK
Whatever. I'll still think of you as
the man in your guys' relationship.
CASEY
(indignantly)
Hey!
Jamie and Andrea laugh.
CASEY
I am so going to pull over and kick
your ass.
ANDREA
I think that would just make it worse.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONG BEACH TOWNE CENTER EVENING
Casey, Jamie, Clark, and Andrea stroll through the Towne Center Plaza, with dozens of shops and restaurants circled around a large fountain display in the middle.
ANDREA
Clark!
She pokes him.
ANDREA
Guy in the blue shirt.
Clark looks over at the guy she's talking about and shakes his head.
CLARK
Straight. You can have him.
ANDREA
But don't you think he's cute?
Clark looks over at him again.
CLARK
Yeah. Very.
ANDREA
Hey, what movie are we seeing anyways?
JAMIE
We haven't decided yet.
CASEY
Yeah, let's go see what's on.
They reach the theatre and read the movies and the times.
CLARK
(gasps)
Ashton Kutcher! The Butterfly Effect!
He turns to Jamie.
CLARK
Oh, please?
Casey makes a face.
JAMIE
(smiles)
No.
Clark pouts, and they resume searching the titles. Casey leans closer towards Jamie.
CASEY
You didn't want to see A Cinderella
Story, did you?
Jamie makes a face.
CASEY
(laughs)
Thank God.
JAMIE
Cold Mountain.
Jamie points to the sign.
JAMIE
Look, Clark! That's got Jude Law in
it.
Andrea grabs Clark's arm.
ANDREA
Yes!
CLARK
I did hear it's supposed to be good.
CASEY
Let's go for it.
They get to the front of the line.
CASEY
Can I get 4 tickets for Cold Mountain?
CLERK
That'll be 36 dollars.
CASEY
Jesus. Tickets are 6 bucks in
Louisiana.
Casey pulls out her wallet and starts to pay for everyone, when Jamie stops her.
JAMIE
(protests)
Casey..
CASEY
Jamie.
Casey tries to pay.
JAMIE
(firmly)
Casey.
CASEY
I'll take care of it.
JAMIE
No. I won't let you.
They stare at each other, until Jamie gets her wallet.
JAMIE
We should each pay for our own ticket.
CASEY
Fine.
Jamie gets out her money, then looks at Clark and Andrea, who haven't moved. Clark grins, shamelessly.
CLARK
If Casey wants to pay for me, I'll
graciously accept. Thanks, Case.
ANDREA
Yeah. Thanks, Casey.
CASEY
(smiles)
My pleasure.
Jamie pays for her own.
JAMIE
(shakes her head)
You two...
CUT TO:
INT. MOVIE THEATRE - LATER
Casey and Jamie sit together, Clark and Andrea sitting in the row in front of them in the stadium. On the screen, there is a love scene between the two main characters. Casey coughs. Jamie shoots her a look.
CASEY
(whispers)
This is so... heterosexual. Where are
all the lesbians?
JAMIE
(whispers)
The butch ones are disguising
themselves as men to fight in the war.
CASEY
(whispers)
Why can't we see them? That's so
unfair.
JAMIE
I know.
Jamie pats her hand. Casey smiles at her, and puts an arm around her. Jamie snuggles into her shoulder. Casey puts her other hand over her eyes.
CASEY
Let me know when all this
heterosexuality business is over.
JAMIE
Okay.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONG BEACH TOWNE CENTER - NIGHT
They walk out of the theatre into the cool, night air.
CASEY
That turned out surprisingly gay.
CLARK
(laughs)
No, it didn't.
CASEY
Oh, come on. Jude Law dies and Nicole
lives happily ever after with Renée?
It's gayness in it's purest form.
JAMIE
This is true.
Jamie rubs her arms a little. Casey slips off her blazer and helps Jamie into it.
ANDREA
I'm so torn.
CLARK
Why?
ANDREA
(pouts)
I don't know if I want Jude Law more
or Nicole Kidman more.
CLARK
Dirty bisexual.
She hits his shoulder.
CLARK
Ow!
ANDREA
Proud of it.
CASEY
Oooh!
JAMIE
What?
CASEY
An arcade! Let's check it out.
CLARK
I'll play you air hockey.
CASEY
You're on.
CUT TO:
INT. POWERSTATION - LATER
Casey does a dance and wiggles her hips as the buzzer rings at the air hockey table. Andrea sighs as she tosses her hands up in the air.
ANDREA
I hate losing.
CASEY
I win! I've beaten you all! Bow down
before the mighty air hockey champion!
Clark crosses his arms across his chest.
CLARK
(accuses)
You cheat.
CASEY
I do not cheat! How do you even cheat
in air hockey?
CLARK
(narrows his eyes)
I don't know. Maybe you did your
little voodoo thing.
Casey laughs.
CLARK
I've never lost before. I demand a
rematch.
JAMIE
You're just mad because you lost by
like 8 points.
Clark reaches out to tickle her, and before he even touches her, she shrieks and jumps behind Casey.
CLARK
You can't hide behind your girlfriend
forever!
CASEY
(grins)
Sure she can.
Jamie spots something and points over Casey's shoulder.
JAMIE
Look!
A large, stuffed Eeyore in the prize display stares at Casey.
CASEY
That Eeyore thing?
JAMIE
Isn't that the greatest thing ever?
CASEY
(nods)
Sure. How many tickets do you need?
They head over to the prize display.
JAMIE
Crap, it takes 300.
Casey looks around the arcade. She spies a rifle-shooting game and grins.
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Chris and Mia lounge on Mia's bed watching TV.
CHRIS
How are things going with your girl?
MIA
Who?
CHRIS
Casey.
MIA
(sighs)
She's somebody else's girl.
CHRIS
Well, how are you doing with that?
MIA
It's alright. I'm disappointed, sure.
But today, at the rally, it's just...
they looked really cute together, and
she was really happy.
CHRIS
Really.
MIA
Yeah. And by the way, Jamie's not the
timid little mouse everyone thinks she
is. She's actually kinda feisty. She
assisted in my revenge against Casey,
and at the end of the rally, threw a
water balloon right at the back of her
head.
(shakes her head)
I was laughing so hard.
CHRIS
Crap. I can't believe I missed it all.
MIA
That's what you get for ditching.
CHRIS
You ditch.
She shakes a finger at him.
MIA
For more important things than
sleeping in.
Chris laughs.
CHRIS
Like shopping?
She whacks him over the head with her pillow.
CHRIS
So you're really not bothered by them?
MIA
I can have any other girl I want in
the school. I'm so over Casey.
CHRIS
Liar.
MIA
Well, I will be. Hopefully soon.
CUT TO:
INT. POWERSTATION LATER
Casey comes back from the prize display with the stuffed Eeyore. She hands it to Jamie with a smile.
JAMIE
(grins)
Thank you.
She holds the toy in her arms as they wander through the arcade.
JAMIE
I can't believe you won all those
tickets.
CASEY
(shrugs)
It wasn't too hard.
CLARK
Where'd you learn how to shoot like
that?
CASEY
My cousin and I always go skeet
shooting when we're at my
grandparent's place. I've got good
aim.
ANDREA
Where do they live?
CASEY
(absently)
In the Hamptons. What is that?
She notices a crowd in the corner of the arcade.
CLARK
Oh, that's the line for Laser Tag.
Casey stops walking. She grabs the lapels of his denim jacket and looks at him very seriously.
CASEY
Did you say Laser Tag?
CLARK
Uh, yeah.
CASEY
Laser Tag.
He looks at her like she's crazy.
CLARK
(nods slowly)
Laser Tag.
CASEY
I have to play. We have to play.
She turns to Jamie.
CASEY
Can we play?
JAMIE
What is Laser Tag?
CLARK
It's like paintball, where you run
around and shoot each other, but with
lasers.
JAMIE
Does it hurt?
CLARK
Nah. The vests they have you put on
have sensors that detect if you've
been shot. You don't feel anything.
Casey clasps her hands together.
CASEY
Please?
ANDREA
I'm game.
JAMIE
(nods)
Ok.
CUT TO:
INT. LASER TAG PREP ROOM LATER
Casey, Clark, Jamie, Andrea and 12 other random people are split into two groups in the prep room. Casey and Jamie are on one team, while Clark and Andrea are on the other. Casey helps Jamie slip the vest over her head and buckles the straps on the sides.
CASEY
Ok, so you remember all the rules?
JAMIE
Shoot them, or their base. I get five
lives, and after that I'm done. The
game's over when there's one person
left on a team.
CASEY
Yeah, it's pretty simple.
Casey slips on her own vest. Jamie buckles the side straps.
JAMIE
Did you do this with your cousin in
New Orleans?
CASEY
Yeah. Our middle school was by the
lake, about 5 minutes from the Laser
Tag place. We'd blow off homework all
afternoon and run around until we were
exhausted.
Andrea grabs her gun and points it at Casey.
ANDREA
You may have beat me in air hockey,
but we're going to kick your ass in
Laser Tag! I'm gonna blow you full of
laser holes!
CASEY
Not if I blow you full of laser holes
first.
CLARK
No one's blowing anyone.
Casey snickers.
CLARK
(devilish grin)
Let's play nice children.
CUT TO:
INT. LASER TAG ARENA LATER
The teams run around in the dark, the only light being provided by black lights, with the Mission Impossible techno theme pulsing through the arena's sound-system. Jamie's white shirt glows as she wanders through the maze-like arena, gun poised and ready to fire.
JAMIE
Damn it. Why'd I have to pick a white
shirt?
Casey pokes her head above a waist-high barrier.
CASEY
Because you look good in it.
Jamie jumps, a little startled. Casey waves her over, and Jamie crouches down next to her behind the barrier.
CASEY
I'm waiting for Andrea to be lured
into my trap. When she comes by, kill
her. She only has one life left. How
many do you have?
JAMIE
Two.
CASEY
I've got one.
They wait, eyes peering over the barrier, when footsteps approach them from behind. Casey turns and a stranger on the other team aims at them and laughs.
CASEY
Shit!
Casey and Jamie take off in opposite directions. Casey dives and rolls behind another barrier, but Jamie gets shot. She hides behind another wall. Her life counter on her vest reads '1'.
JAMIE
Damn!
From far off, Casey lets out a yell of triumph.
CASEY
Ha! Suck it, Andrea!
ANDREA
I'm dead! You killed me!
Jamie smiles to herself.
CASEY
Damn right! Go on back to your base.
(calls out)
Jamie, are you alive?
Jamie calls around the corner of the wall.
JAMIE
(calls out)
Barely!
CASEY
(calls out)
Red team, who's left?
No one answers.
JAMIE
(whispers)
Damn, it's just us.
From far off, across the arena, Clark calls out as well.
CLARK
Green team, who's left?
Someone yells.
CLARK
Two against two, Farrell!
Footsteps run past Jamie on the other side of the barrier. She holds her breath and the footsteps fade away. Hesitantly, she comes out from behind the wall. It's clear, and she takes a few steps, when Clark appears from behind a wall, aimed at her and grinning.He starts to pull the trigger, when Casey runs into the corridor, flinging her body in front of Jamie's.
CASEY
Nooo!
Clark fires and she gets the hit. Lights in the arena flash, and bells ring as Clark's team wins.
CLARK
Yes!
He walks up to Casey and does her victory dance right in front of her.
CLARK
Oh, yeah!
She glares at him.
CLARK
How do you like me now?
CASEY
How dare you? You stole my dance! It's
mine. MINE!
CLARK
Mine now.
She starts to charge at him and he takes off, but Jamie tugs her shirt and stops her as the regular lights come back on dimly.
JAMIE
You can't kill him.
CASEY
(sighs)
Yeah. You'd probably miss him, huh?
JAMIE
Well, I was going to say you'd
probably have to go to jail, and that
I'd miss you, but yeah, I might miss
him a little bit.
Casey grins at her and they start walking through the maze.
JAMIE
That was really fun. I can see why you
like it so much.
CASEY
Yeah. You should've seen the look on
Andrea's face when I killed her off.
She'll be happy to know that I died as
well.
JAMIE
You took a.. laser for me. That was
very sweet of you.
Casey shrugs and smiles.
CASEY
I did what I had to do.
Jamie tugs on her arm and they stop walking. Casey turns around to face her.
JAMIE
Thank you.
After a moment's hesitation, Jamie leans up to reward her with a sweet kiss. Casey wraps her arms around Jamie's waist and gently returns the kiss. Jamie pulls back and Casey lifts up a hand to brush a tendril of hair back from her face.
CASEY
(smiles)
Anytime.
Jamie smiles back.
CLARK
(calls out)
Where are you guys? Let's go! There's
another group waiting to use the
arena!
Casey takes Jamie's hand.
CASEY
(grins)
Let's find a way to get the hell out
of here.
JAMIE
Lead the way.
CUT TO:
INT. PLAYHOUSE MORNING
Casey and Jamie are on the stage, performing their scene again.
CASEY
O, then, dear saint, let lips do what
hands do; they pray, grant thou, lest
faith turn to despair.
JAMIE
Saints do not move, though grant for
prayers' sake.
CASEY
(whispers)
Then move not, while my prayer's
effect I take.
Casey gives Jamie a tender kiss.
CASEY
Thus from my lips, by yours, my sin is
purged.
JAMIE
Then have my lips the sin that they
have took.
CASEY
Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly
urged! Give me my sin again.
They kiss again.
FADE OUT.
Stay tuned for Episode 4: “Less Than Perfect”