Disclaimers: None whatsoever. These characters are mine. MINE! Mwuhahahaha! Any resemblance or similarities to other existing characters is purely coincidental.*cough*
Violence, Sexual Content, and Language: About the same as you’d see on your average teen drama. Maybe slightly more.
Why the script format? You’ve always used the regular story format before: Because it’s easier for me that way. A script is basically just dialogue and action which is very easy to write if you know your characters well, and it doesn’t contain a whole lot of the narrative description that you’ll find in novels, which can take FOR…Eh…VER to write. I basically do it for you guys, because this way I write much faster.
Long Beach? But… ugh: Why Long Beach? Because I live there. I don’t live anywhere else. Write what you know.
Why make up Dean High School? Why not use Harvey Milk?: See previous answer.
So what’s with the picture of Evan Rachel Wood and the rest of those kids on the website?: The pictures I’ve put up are simply who my mind’s eye sees when I think about these characters. I have no affiliation with Evan Rachel Wood, Mischa Barton, etc.
Wh-: Shut up and stop talking.
Fine. Where should I send my hate mail, you big meanie?: Well, feedback is always much appreciated. You can send it to lightanddark7@yahoo.com. However, hate mail is not wanted, and there is a difference between criticism and hate mail. If you want to tell me that my characterization sucks, please do so. If you want to tell me I’m going to burn in hell cause I’m writing about gay kids, please get a life. Seriously. If love offends you, too bad. No cookies for you.
Oooh, cookies: Yeah, that does sound good. Peace out.
COPYRIGHT ã 2004 Dylan Carreiro
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Rebel High
Season 1
Episode 1: “The Pilot”
FADE IN:
INT. AIRPLANE - MORNING
CASEY FARRELL sits in the window seat of her flight. Her father CONOR sits next to her. The engines get louder and the plane speeds up on the runway. The plane lifts off the ground and Casey shoots out her hand in a death grip on the armrest between them. After the plane levels off, she lets go.
CONOR
Are you ok?
CASEY
I'm fine.
CASEY(VO)
I remember the day my dad told me we
were moving. I threw the biggest
tantrum. I'm rather ashamed of it
actually. I haven't done that since I was
was three.
CUT TO:
EXT. JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT - AFTERNOON
Casey and her father carry their bags and walk through the sliding glass doors of the arrivals terminal at John Wayne.
CASEY(VO)
But no matter how much I ranted,
raved, argued, and threatened life-
long silence, he didn't change his
mind. So we packed up and moved from
my beloved, wild and crazy New Orleans
to Long Beach, California.
Casey feels it really is a world away from home.
CUT TO:
INT. FARRELL HOUSE - AFTERNOON
The door to their house opens and Casey and Conor step inside and pause in the entryway. Casey looks around approvingly.
CASEY
Nice.
CONOR
Let me show you around the place. I
know the bedroom you'll probably want.
It's got a nice view.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Conor pushes open the door to Casey's room.
CASEY
Isn't this like, the master bedroom?
CONOR
Yeah, but I figured since you're home
more than I am, you should have it.
Casey looks around the huge room.
CASEY(VO)
I knew what it was. It was an ass-
kissing slash peace-offering disguised
as rationality.
Casey walks around the room.
CASEY(VO)
You see, my dad works. A lot. All the
time. So he's never really home. So to
make up for his parental fallacy, he
buys me things, gives me things, and
basically lets me do whatever the hell
I want.
CONOR
Well, do you like it?
CASEY
Yeah.
She wanders towards the balcony.
CONOR
I have to make some phone calls. Give
a yell if you need me, okay?
CASEY
Okay.
Conor leaves to his own room.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S ROOM - MINUTES LATER
Casey starts unpacking a few clothes and pictures and places them on the dresser and night-stand and glances in the other boxes stacked in her room. While walking from the bed to the dresser, the breeze from the balcony catches her attention. She abandons unpacking and goes out onto her balcony.
CUT TO:
EXT. CASEY'S BALCONY – SUNSET
She takes in the scenery. The cars whizzing down the street in front of her house. The park across the street perched on a cliff that leads to the sand. The joggers, the roller-bladers, the people playing frisbee with their dogs. The palm trees. The downtown skyline. The Queen Mary. Off in the distance, Catalina can be seen in the warm sunset.
CASEY(VO)
But once I really thought about the
whole thing, it wasn't so bad. Sure,
he took me away from my hometown, my
friends, my family, but it had a great
view.
She leans over her balcony slightly as a pretty girl walks down the boardwalk.
CASEY(VO)
And for once, I could be myself freely
without fearing for my life. Granted
New Orleans is a damn liberal town,
but some things about the South never
change. And well, they just didn't
have a gay high school.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Conor knocks and pokes his head into her room.
CONOR
You doin' alright?
CUT TO:
EXT. CASEY'S BALCONY - CONTINUOUS
CASEY
Yeah, I'm fine.
Conor joins her. Casey closes her book.
CONOR
When did you want to start school?
CASEY
As soon as possible.
CONOR
You don't have to, you know. I start
work tomorrow, but you can lounge
about at home for a few more days
after that.
Casey picks up her book and plays with the edges.
CASEY
I'd rather start now and get the first
day over with.
CONOR
OK.
CASEY
Yeah.
Conor sits and looks at her, not sure if she'll open up anymore.
CONOR
All right.
Conor stands and kisses her on the head. He starts to leave.
CASEY
Hey, does this school have a name?
CONOR
I believe it's James Dean High School.
CASEY
Rebel Without A Cause.
CONOR
Right.
CASEY
How's the theatre there?
CONOR
(chuckles)
Does it matter?
CASEY
No.
He leaves. She watches him go, then returns to her book. Concentration broken, she gives up on her book and goes back into her room and switches on the TV.
CASEY
Rebel High. Bet they've got good
theatre.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S ROOM - MORNING
Casey zips up her backpack. Conor walks in and leans up against the doorframe.
CONOR
Have fun at school.
CASEY
Aren't you going to take me?
CONOR
Nope. You're going to take yourself.
CASEY
How? I don't have a car.
She lifts up her hand just in time to catch the keys he tosses at her. She looks at the keys in her hand, then looks back at him.
CONOR
I went and bought you one. That's why
I was gone yesterday.
CASEY
I'm 15. I don't have a license.
CONOR
I've seen you drive. You're not gonna
hit anything.
CASEY
What if I get a ticket?
CONOR
Then I'll pay the damn thing. Are you
gonna take the car or not?
She studies him for a moment, tossing the keys up in her hand.
CASEY
(shrugs)
Alright.
She walks out the door.
CONOR
It's in the driveway. The red one.
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Casey jingles the keys.
CASEY(VO)
If he was stupid enough to give me a
car, then by God, I was gonna take it.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS
Casey looks over the red BMW convertible. She lets out a low whistle.
CASEY
Thank you, guilt complex.
She gets in.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
She tosses her back pack in the backseat.
CASEY
Wait, where the hell am I going?
She spots the GPS button on the dash.
CASEY
Hello, OnStar.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S CAR - A MOMENT LATER
Casey pulls up to the school and parks.
CASEY(VO)
So there it was. James Dean High
School. The first all-gay high school
in America. The one saving grace of
this move that kept me from running
away back to Louisiana.
She opens her door and gets out of the car. She walks up to the front entrance of the school.
CASEY(VO)
So it's my first day. As the new kid.
And there's no way I'm like every
other new kid in history who's all shy
and timid and crap. Nope, I'm gonna
steam-roll right in there and charm
everyone and be the coolest new kid in
history.
Casey reaches the door and takes a deep breath before opening it.
CASEY(VO)
Let's hope I don't screw shit up.
CUT TO:
INT. ATTENDANCE OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Casey goes up to the front desk.
CASEY
I'm, uh, Casey Farrell. I start
classes today.
STUDENT
Ok, I'll go pull up your schedule for
you.
The student assistant leaves and Casey looks around the office. She spots a cute looking guy and as he walks out of the office, obviously checking out another guy next to him.
CASEY
(smiles to herself)
We're not in Louisiana anymore, Toto.
The student comes back and hands Casey her schedule and a planner.
STUDENT
2nd period is gonna start pretty soon.
It's an even day, so once it ends,
you'll have a 15 minute break, and
then you'll go to 4th, then lunch,
then 6th and so on. If you need any
help finding your classes there's a
map in your planner, right here.
She flips it open to the correct page.
STUDENT
Ok?
CASEY
Um, OK.
STUDENT
Make sure you have each of your
teachers sign this schedule, today and
tomorrow. The teacher from your last
class tomorrow will keep it and turn
it in here.
CASEY
I will. Thanks.
She walks out.
CUT TO:
INT. MARINE BIOLOGY - MINUTES LATER
A couple of students play with the teacher's radio and "Spin" by Lifehouse comes on as Casey walks into her marine biology classroom. She looks around the classroom a moment before heading to the front. JAMIE DEVLIN, watches her as she walks across the classroom. Casey goes up to the teacher, THOMAS CAMPBELL, at the front desk.
CASEY
Hi, how are you?
CAMPBELL
New student?
CASEY
Yeah, I am.
She hands him her schedule, which he promptly signs and hands back. Then he writes her name onto the role sheet.
CAMPBELL
Casey Farrell.
Mr. Campbell finishes writing.
CAMPBELL
Ok. We've got an empty seat right
there at that table. Jamie there will
be your lab partner.
Casey gives him a small smile and heads over to her seat. Everyone is still chattering away and listening to the radio while Mr. Campbell disappears into the office.
CUT TO:
INT. BIO DESK - CONTINUOUS
Casey spots the empty seat next to Jamie. Jamie's a timid but beautiful blonde girl, who's sitting alone in her seat, flipping through her notebook, while her classmates talk amongst themselves. Casey approaches her.
CASEY
Are you Jamie?
Jamie looks up and gives her a small smile.
JAMIE
Yeah.
Casey sits down.
CASEY
I'm Casey.
She holds out her hand, and Jamie shakes it.
CASEY
I'm pleased to meet you.
JAMIE
I'm pleased to meet you too.
Casey puts her back pack down next to her chair, then leans toward Jamie a little.
CASEY
So what's the scoop?
JAMIE
Wh.. What do you mean?
CASEY
This class. Is it fun, or am I gonna
want to run away screaming, never to
return?
Jamie laughs.
JAMIE
Um...
CASEY
C'mon.
JAMIE
Well, it's not like it's really hard.
And Mr. Campbell's a pretty cool
teacher, pretty funny, although
sometimes he just has to talk about
boring stuff.
CASEY
It's inevitable, huh?
JAMIE
Yeah.
CASEY
I was afraid of that. Well, promise to
keep me from getting too bored?
Jamie looks at her for a moment.
JAMIE
Okay.
CASEY
(grins)
Okay.
Casey pulls a binder from her backpack. Jamie watches her, chewing the end of her pencil for a moment.
JAMIE
So where are you from?
CASEY
New Orleans. My dad got a new job out
here.
JAMIE
What does he do?
CASEY
He's a sports lawyer.
Their conversation gets cut off as Mr.Campbell walks back into the classroom.
CUT TO:
INT. MARINE BIOLOGY - CONTINUOUS
CAMPBELL
(teasingly)
Alright, alright. Everyone sit down,
turn off that radio or turn it down
and shut the hell up. Today we're
gonna go over plate tectonics, cause
you've got a test Friday! Yay!
A collective groan goes through the classroom. Mr. Campbell starts to draw a picture of a rift on the board.
CAMPBELL
Ok, open up to chapter 2, page 32.
Everyone take a look at the diagram at
the bottom there. I've tried to draw
it up here, but you know me and my
artistic limits.
STUDENT 3
Give it up already!
Mr. Campbell tosses a crumpled paper at the student. Casey, clearly without a book, glances at Jamie and gives her a small smile. Wordlessly, Jamie scoots her chair a little closer to Casey's and moves the book towards her. After a moment's hesitation. Casey leans a little closer in order to see the page.
CASEY
Thanks.
Jamie surreptitiously checks her out, then turns her attention to the lesson.
CUT TO:
INT. MARINE BIOLOGY - AN HOUR LATER
Casey and Jamie pack up their stuff as Mr. Campbell clears the board.
CAMPBELL
Study, my minions!
The bell rings.
CASEY
Well, I think you gave a pretty
accurate description of what this
class is like.
JAMIE
I'm glad I could be of help.
CASEY
Wanna help me some more?
JAMIE
Um, sure.
CASEY
Where's this class?
Casey hands her schedule to Jamie and points.
JAMIE
Oh, well this is over in the um,
bungalows. You're gonna walk towards
the football stadium behind us and
follow the stream of students that
walk past it.
CASEY
The stream of students.
JAMIE
Yeah. People going to math, people
getting out of math. You can't miss
them.
CASEY
You know, I think those are the
easiest directions I've ever heard.
And I just used OnStar this morning.
Jamie laughs.
CASEY
Thanks.
JAMIE
You're welcome.
CASEY
See you Friday.
Casey watches her leave, then packs up the rest of her stuff, before heading off to her next class.
CUT TO:
INT. GEOMETRY - MINUTES LATER
Casey's geometry class has desks on both sides of the classroom, facing each other, with an aisle in the middle. Casey retrieves her schedule from the teacher at his desk, then sits in a empty seat on the left side of the classroom. On the other side, MIA HAZELWOOD spots her and gives her a little smile which Casey returns.
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S DESK – CONTINUOUS
The student sitting next to Mia, CHRISTOPHER, leans over and whispers.
CHRISTOPHER
New girl.
MIA
Check her out.
CHRISTOPHER
What evil little thoughts are running
through your head?
MIA
Stop it. They're not evil.
He continues to grin at her.
MIA
They're just... naughty.
CHRISTOPHER
Same thing.
MIA
Shut up.
Mia smacks him on the arm with her spiral notebook.
CHRISTOPHER
Ow!
MIA
Sissy.
He rubs his arm.
CHRISTOPHER
(mumbles)
Muff diver.
Mia barks out a laugh unexpectedly earning her a cleared throat from the teacher, even though class hasn't started yet. A few seconds later, the bell rings, and the teacher begins droning on. Casey sighs and tries to pay attention.
CUT TO:
INT. GEOMETRY - A HOUR LATER
The bell rings again and Casey grabs her backpack and bolts from the class, relieved to be free from a subject she hates so much. Mia grabs her backpack and glances around the hallway, looking for Casey, but she is nowhere to be found. Chris follows her at a much slower pace.
CHRISTOPHER
Where'd she go?
MIA
(pouts)
I don't know.
CHRISTOPHER
Better luck next time.
He pats her shoulder. She smacks it away. He pinches her. She pokes him. This continues as they walk down the hall.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL QUAD - CONTINUOUS
Casey stands near a locker, looking at a piece of paper in her hand. Christopher and Mia keep poking and prodding at each other, not paying attention to where they're going, when Chris gives Mia a little shove. Mia loses her balance and she bumps into Casey, sending her face first into the lockers.
CASEY
Jesus!
MIA
Oh my god!
Casey grabs her head.
CASEY
Ow.
MIA
Oh my god! I'm so sorry.
Christopher bails.
CHRISTOPHER
Later, Mia.
MIA
(calling after him)
You little shit!
Casey continues to hold her head and starts shaking it to get the cobwebs out.
CASEY
Ow.
MIA
Let me see.
Mia pulls Casey's hands away from her head and Casey stops shaking her head.
MIA
Are you okay?
Casey just blinks at her, a little floored at how beautiful Mia is.
CASEY
(softly)
Ow.
Mia smiles.
MIA
I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying
attention to where I was going.
CASEY
No, um.. it's alright. I wasn't paying
attention to... where you were going.
MIA
(laughs)
It was my fault. Let me make it up to
you. I'll buy you lunch.
CASEY
Uh, okay. I'm Casey.
MIA
Mia.
They shake hands.
MIA
C'mon.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL QUAD – CONTINUOUS
Mia leads Casey through the crowds that slightly part for them. Every few seconds or so, someone says hello to Mia or waves or smiles at her.
CASEY
Do you really know all these people?
MIA
Not really.
Casey looks around at the crowds they pass.
MIA
Nice accent.
CASEY
Thanks.
MIA
New Orleans?
CASEY
Yeah. Been there?
MIA
Mardi Gras is a gift from God.
CASEY
Hell yes, it is.
MIA
My friends and I went out there and
stayed at Tori's cousin's house. It
was amazing. Good food, good drink,
hot girls, huge house.
CASEY
Mmm. I miss it.
MIA
A lot?
CASEY
Not so much anymore.
They share a smile.
CUT TO:
EXT. QUAD HANGOUT - CONTINUOUS
They reach a corner of the quad where a group of students sit or stand and mingle.
MIA
Let me introduce you to the rounds.
This is Andrew, he's captain of the
football team.
CASEY
Hey.
ANDREW
Hey.
MIA
This is Leah and Caleb. They're pep
rally co-chairs.
They nod at Casey, who smiles back. Mia leads her to a tall, blonde girl.
MIA
This is Meagan.
CASEY
Hi.
She shakes Meagan's hand.
MIA
She's head cheerleader.
MEAGAN
And little Mia here is my second in
command.
She pats Mia's head. Mia smacks it away.
MIA
Stop it. I know I'm short.
Casey laughs.
MIA
What?
CASEY
You're a cheerleader?
MIA
Yeah.
(narrows her eyes)
Am I not peppy enough for you?
Casey's grin grows even wider.
CASEY
Where are your pom poms?
MIA
Well, that's for me to know and you to
find out.
She gives Casey a saucy wink, then reaches out and grabs her hand and tugs her towards more people.
MIA
C'mon.
They walk up to Christopher.
MIA
You don't need to know this loser.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey!
She tugs Casey along, leaving Christopher to whine indignantly to himself.
MIA
This is...
CUT TO:
INT. FRENCH - TWO HOURS LATER
Casey walks out with the rest of her French class as the bell rings.
NOEL
A bientôt!
CUT TO:
EXT. MESSAGE BOARD - CONTINUOUS
Casey passes a message board with a flyer for Romeo and Juliet auditions. She scrawls down the info on the back of her hand.
CUT TO:
INT. ENGLISH – AFTERNOON
Mia's already sitting in her desk when Casey walks in. They smile at each other, as Casey hands her schedule to KAREN CHESLER.
KAREN
Just pick any seat you want. We've got
an open-seating policy.
Casey walks over and sits at the empty desk next Mia.
MIA
Long time, no see.
CASEY
No kidding.
Mrs. Chesler comes over and hands Casey an English book and a few papers.
KAREN
We have a few homework assignments
coming up from this book. And this is
the semester syllabus and home-reading
list.
CASEY
Oh, ok.
KAREN
You're lucky you came in so early in
the year. You haven't missed much. If
you need any help you can always come
to me, and I'm sure Mia here will also
help you. She's been elected our class
secretary.
CASEY
Impressive.
The bells rings as Mrs. Chesler walks to the front of the class to quiet everyone down.
KAREN
Today, we're gonna go through some
Daphne DuMaurier. Open up to page 157
in your green books.
Mia and Casey open their books. As they do so, Mia spots the writing on Casey's hand about the auditions. Surreptitiously, she picks up her pen and writes down the info in her open notebook.
CUT TO:
INT. ENGLISH - A HOUR LATER
Everyone is already ready to go and are waiting for the bell to ring. Mrs. Chesler erases what's on the board in the front.
KAREN
Don't forget to finish those vocab
flash cards. I'll be checking them
first thing on Wednesday.
Mia and Casey sit and talk.
CASEY
So he's your best friend.
MIA
Yeah, when he's not being a little
shit.
The bell rings and they file out of the class.
CUT TO:
EXT. ENGLISH - CONTINUOUS
MIA
I hope he's not gonna leave right now,
just to spite me for what I did at
lunch.
CASEY
Why?
MIA
He's my ride home.
CASEY
Oh.
Casey sticks her hand in her pocket.
CASEY
Well, uh, I could give you a ride
home, if you want.
She pulls out her car keys. Mia smiles at her.
MIA
Okay.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S CAR - A MOMENT LATER
They pull up to Mia's large house in the middle of the Belmont Shore district.
CASEY
Nice.
MIA
Yeah.
(pause)
Listen. I know that this weekend
you're probably gonna be real busy
catching up with school and stuff, but
it is for that exact reason why I must
insist that you come to my party
Friday night.
CASEY
You insist, you say.
MIA
Absolutely. In fact, I demand it.
Casey laughs.
MIA
You need to blow off steam. I'm not
going to let you hold it in until you
explode.
CASEY
That'd be messy.
MIA
You bet.
CASEY
Well, we can't have that now, can we?
Besides, I never miss a good party.
MIA
Great. Be here around 8, that's when
the people start to show up in droves.
CASEY
Alright.
Mia opens the door and gets out. She closes the door, then leans down to talk through the open window.
MIA
If you come a little early, I'll give
you the grand tour.
She stands and starts to walk away.
MIA
Great car, by the way.
Casey watches her go then starts up the car.
CASEY(VO)
I've met the most incredible girl...
and I've made friends with the most
popular one. Not bad for your first
day.
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Casey walks in the house.
CASEY
Hello?
The house is silent.
CASEY
Ah. The sound of my childhood.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S ROOM - A MOMENT LATER
Casey tosses her backpack onto the floor. She hops up onto the bed and grabs the phone. She dials and listens.
CASEY
Hey.
SHANNON
(on phone)
Hey. How was your first day?
CASEY
It was great. I'm completely swamped
in homework and make-up work already,
but I've met some people and it's
cool.
SHANNON
Any cute prospects?
CASEY
Um, yeah.
SHANNON
Damn you. It makes sense that you get
to move away and leave me stranded
without a best friend and you're over
there, living it up with cute boys.
CASEY
Uh, yeah.
(pause)
Sucks to be you.
SHANNON
That's it, I'm moving right now.
CASEY
You planning on telling Aunt Liz?
SHANNON
Hell, no. Like my mom would even
notice.
CASEY
True. But my dad would, and he'd tell
her, and she'd tell the other cousins,
and then the whole Farrell family will
be in an uproar, and mass chaos and
destruction would break out,
civilization will fall, and the sun
will collapse into itself forming a
massive, sucking black hole simply
because you're picky with guys.
SHANNON
Crush a girl's dreams, why don't you?
Casey laughs.
CUT TO:
EXT. DEVLIN DRIVEWAY – AFTERNOON
Jamie sits on the steps and watches her older brother CLARK as he shoots some hoops. She takes a drink of her water.
CLARK
What's up with you?
JAMIE
What are you talking about?
CLARK
I don't know. You're all smiley. More
so than usual.
JAMIE
I don't know.
Clark stops shooting and looks at her.
JAMIE
Okay, I met this girl.
He resumes playing.
CLARK
So, what's she like?
JAMIE
Well, she's really nice, and funny,
and beautiful and outgoing. Like, you
know how I'm totally shy and
everything.
CLARK
Except with me.
JAMIE
Right. Well... I don't know. I just
didn't feel shy with her. She's easy
to talk to. Charming.
CLARK
She sounds cool. What's her name?
JAMIE
Casey.
Clark drops the ball and laughs.
CLARK
You're not talking about Casey
Farrell, are you?
JAMIE
(incredulously)
What, you know her?
CLARK
She's only the second most popular
girl in school.
JAMIE
Jesus Christ! It's like her first day
here.
CLARK
I know. But she had lunch with Mia
Hazelwood today and all the rest of
the preppy lemmings. And the new kid
always has that air of mystery around
them. The fact that she hung with Mia
just exacerbates the intrigue.
Everyone's talking about her.
JAMIE
They are?
CLARK
Jeez, James. Stop burying your nose in
all those books. Yes, they are.
JAMIE
Oh.
CLARK
Plus, she's all rich and crap. That's
like 0 to prom queen in 15 seconds at
any high school in the country.
JAMIE
How do you know that?
CLARK
'Cause she gave Mia a ride after-
school in her fancy BMW.
Jamie sighs.
CLARK
You alright?
He goes over to sit next to her.
JAMIE
Mia Hazelwood. Of course. She seems
like she'd be Casey's type. Hell,
she's like everyone's freaking type. I
could never compete with her.
CLARK
Don't say that.
JAMIE
It's true. And I can't believe I even
thought Casey could like someone like
me.
CLARK
What, do you think she does?
JAMIE
I don't know.
CLARK
(sighs)
Where did you meet her?
JAMIE
Marine bio today.
CLARK
Did she smile at you a lot?
JAMIE
Yeah, but she smiles a lot at
everyone.
CLARK
Right. Charming. New approach. Did she
ask you for your number?
JAMIE
Hardly. She asked me for directions to
her next class.
CLARK
She likes you.
JAMIE
(rolls her eyes)
Right. How do you know?
CLARK
She either likes you or is a total
airhead. Is she an airhead?
JAMIE
No, not at all.
CLARK
There you go.
Jamie just stares at him.
CLARK
(sighs)
They give all new students a map of
the campus. So then why would she be
asking you for directions unless she
just wanted to have an excuse to talk
to you?
JAMIE
Good point.
Jamie fiddles with her water bottle.
CLARK
Jamie...
JAMIE
Yeah?
CLARK
Go for it. I'll even help you and give
you advice to snare Miss Right.
JAMIE
(smiles)
And I'll help you find Mr. Right.
CLARK
(snorts)
Big help you'll be.
JAMIE
Hey!
She shoves him with her shoulder. The door opens and their little sister, ALICE, comes out and jumps on top of them.
ALICE
I want to play.
JAMIE
We're not playing anything, runt.
She grabs Alice and holds her down while Clark tickles her.
CUT TO:
INT. PLAYHOUSE - MORNING
Casey walks in to theatre class. She goes over to Ms. Perry and hands her her schedule. Some of the other students in the class start to chatter. A couple wave at her. Casey comes over to sit by Clark.
CLARK
Hi, Casey right?
CASEY
Um, yeah.
CLARK
I'm Clark. Have you done theatre
before?
CASEY
Nope. Not at all.
CLARK
How come you picked it then?
CASEY
Well, I've always been interested in
it. And, well, my cousin Shannon told
me 'You're always taking whatever
opportunity you have to make a fool of
yourself. So why not do it on stage?'
CLARK
(laughs)
Makes sense.
PERRY
Alright guys, we're gonna be reading
Romeo and Juliet today. Whatever we
don't finish in class, I expect you to
finish outside of class, especially if
you're going to be auditioning next
week.
CASEY
(to Clark)
The whole thing?
CLARK
Yep.
CASEY
Oh Spongebob, whyyyyyyyyy?
Clark snickers.
CLARK
I like Squidward.
CASEY
It's all about Plankton, baby.
A stack of books gets passed around. Casey takes one and passes it on to Clark. She flips through the pages.
CLARK
Listen, a bunch of us usually eat
lunch together after class. Why don't
you join us?
CASEY
Eh, I kinda promised myself to someone
else today.
CLARK
That's cool.
CASEY
Next time?
CLARK
Sure.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAYHOUSE - AN HOUR LATER
Casey and Clark exit the Playhouse.
CASEY
So then where do you guys usually eat?
CLARK
Just around here, by the vending
machines.
CASEY
Good strategy.
Casey looks over the quad where Mia and the rest of her gang hang out.
CASEY
Gotta go.
CLARK
Well, if you change your mind, or want
to wander over...
CASEY
Yeah. I'll see you.
She leaves.
CUT TO:
EXT. QUAD HANGOUT - CONTINUOUS
Mia throws a Cheeto at her as she approaches.
CASEY
Hey! What did I do?
MIA
I hate Cheetos.
Casey reaches in the bag and tosses one back at her.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAYHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Clark sits down with a group of his friends. Jamie rounds the corner and sits on the bench next to him.
JAMIE
Hey.
She opens up her bottle of Iced Tea and takes a drink.
CLARK
Hey. Your Princess Charming is in my
class.
Jamie chokes a little. He reaches over without looking to pat her back.
JAMIE
I swear you always wait until I'm
drinking something to drop news on me
or make a joke. I could have died.
CLARK
I do that to you like every day. You
haven't died yet.
JAMIE
Key word, yet.
Clark laughs.
JAMIE
So?
CLARK
So what?
JAMIE
CLARK.
CLARK
Well, she's nice. Pretty much
everything you told me about her was
true.
JAMIE
Did you talk to her?
CLARK
Well, yeah.
JAMIE
What did she say?
Jamie makes the mistake of taking another drink.
CLARK
She said she wants to jump your bones.
She spits a bit of tea on his arm.
CLARK
Ew.
JAMIE
It's your fault.
CLARK
Well, I'm stopping now.
JAMIE
She did not say that.
CLARK
We didn't really talk about you.
Mostly about class and stuff.
JAMIE
So you like her?
CLARK
Yeah. Anyone who's not too cool to
quote Spongebob Squarepants is alright
with me.
JAMIE
So you said nothing about me?
CLARK
Well, I mean I didn't think, 'Hey my
sister told me all about you' would
have been very wise. I did however try
to machinate a chance meeting. I asked
her to eat lunch with our group.
JAMIE
She said no?
CLARK
She's uh...
He looks over to where Casey is. Jamie follows his line of sight and watches as Casey snatches the bag of Cheetos from Mia's hand and starts eating them.
JAMIE
Oh Spongebob, whyyyyyyyyy?
Clark bursts out into hysterical laughter.
JAMIE
What?
CLARK
God, nothing.
CUT TO:
EXT. GYM - AFTERNOON
Mia spots Casey walking towards the gate.
MIA
Casey!
Casey stops and waits for her.
CASEY
Hey.
MIA
Hey! Are you unscheduled this period?
I am. Let's go hang out. A bunch of us
are going to Jamba Juice.
CASEY
No, I'm unscheduled this morning. I've
got P.E. right now.
MIA
But.. you're like walking in the wrong
direction.
CASEY
I'm on the rowing team. P.E. is at the
yacht club.
MIA
Oh.
Mia pushes a lock of hair behind her ear.
MIA
Well, next time when you're free...
CASEY
Yeah. Have fun at Jamba Juice.
MIA
Ok.
CASEY
I'll see you in class tomorrow.
MIA
And you're still up for the party,
right?
CASEY
Definitely.
MIA
Okay.
Mia meets up with her friends while Casey heads to her car. Jamie comes through the gate and sees her drive off.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - EVENING
Jamie and Clark lounge on the couch and flip through channels on the TV.
JAMIE
So by the time I got there, she had
already left.
CLARK
Well, you've got class with her.
You'll see her tomorrow.
JAMIE
Yeah, you're right. Oh, ew, I have
that test tomorrow.
Jamie's dad, TYLER, walks in.
TYLER
No you don't.
JAMIE
What?
TYLER
You've got that doctor's appointment
tomorrow morning.
JAMIE
WHAT?
TYLER
I told you last week.
Jamie makes a frustrated noise and slaps her hand on the couch before heading to her room.
TYLER
What was that?
CLARK
There's a cute girl, in her class.
TYLER
What cute girl?
CLARK
This girl Casey.
TYLER
Do you know her?
CLARK
Sure. She's alright.
TYLER
Hmph.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Tyler knocks on the door.
TYLER
Honey?
JAMIE
Yeah?
TYLER
I'd change your appointment, but if we
lose that spot, we might have to wait
a month.
She opens her door.
JAMIE
No, it's okay.
TYLER
Is it?
JAMIE
Yeah. I'm just a little frustrated.
And I don't like missing tests.
TYLER
Well, I'll call your teacher and set-
up a make-up test time.
JAMIE
No, you don't have to. I'll do it.
TYLER
You sure?
JAMIE
Yeah.
He ruffles her hair.
TYLER
You hungry?
JAMIE
A little.
TYLER
Dinner will be done soon. I'll send
Alice in to get you.
JAMIE
K.
She closes her door.
CUT TO:
INT. BIO DESK - MORNING
Casey sits in her seat, waiting for Jamie. The bell rings and everyone settles down, Jamie still absent. Casey sighs and opens her notebook.
CUT TO:
EXT. ENGLISH – AFTERNOON
Casey and Mia walk out of English.
MIA
God, if I read any more, my head is
going to explode.
CASEY
Mm. I know what you mean.
MIA
I can't wait until the end of the year
so I can flush out everything I've
learned so my head is nice and empty
again.
CASEY
You don't have an empty head.
MIA
See me at summer, sweet cheeks.
CASEY
(laughs)
I'm afraid of what I'll find when I
do.
MIA
You should be. I give Chris
nightmares.
CASEY
Do you need a ride?
MIA
Um, no. Chris and I are going to go
pick up some beer and stuff, and then
get my place ready.
CASEY
Alright. I'll see you later tonight
then.
CUT TO:
EXT. MIA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Casey pulls up to Mia's house. People are walking in and music can be heard from inside the house.
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S HOUSE – CONTINUOUS
Mia spots her almost immediately.
MIA
Hey!
Mia hugs her.
CASEY
Hey. You weren't kidding when you said
people would be here in droves.
MIA
(shrugs)
Such is the life of someone as
beautiful and popular as I am.
She flicks some hair over her shoulder.
MIA
You want something to drink?
CASEY
Sure.
MIA
Come on, there are some other people I
want you to meet.
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
Casey scans the crowd as they walk towards the kitchen. Caleb is at the counter, mixing drinks and blending margaritas.
CALEB
Hey, Casey.
CASEY
What's up?
He holds up the pitcher of margaritas.
CASEY
Sure.
CALEB
I heard you're on women's crew.
Casey look at Mia.
MIA
I told him.
CALEB
I'm on the men's crew.
CASEY
Nice. I met coach McKenzie at practice
yesterday. He seems harsh. Glad I
don't have him.
CALEB
Yeah, he is. But it works. We're
undefeated.
CASEY
And now with me, the women will be
undefeated as well.
CALEB
Are you on varsity?
CASEY
Yeah.
CALEB
What year are you?
CASEY
Sophomore.
CALEB
You seemed older. Well, I'll see you
at the Men's-Women's race.
CASEY
Oh, yeah, they told me about that.
Look forward to beating you guys.
She toasts him with her drink.
CALEB
You wish.
Mia starts to tug her out of the room.
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
MIA
Jocks.
CASEY
Hey.
She pinches Mia.
MIA
That tickles.
Casey wiggles her fingers menacingly.
MIA
Please, no.
CASEY
Alright, wise guy, what's your P.E.
then?
MIA
Dance. And cheer. My sport is to
support you lunks at games and
matches.
CASEY
Do you actually come to crew matches?
MIA
Yeah. Not officially though. Like, you
won't see us in uniform. But we like
to go anyway. But only when you're
local. We don't travel with you guys.
CASEY
So you'll be there next week?
MIA
Yeah. C'mon.
As usual, Mia grabs Casey's hand and tugs her off.
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S LIVING ROOM - AN HOUR LATER
Casey leans against the wall and watches as Mia dances wildly in the middle of a pack of her friends. Christopher walks up to her.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey.
CASEY
Hey.
CHRISTOPHER
Taking a break from Mia?
CASEY
No, I...
CHRISTOPHER
It's alright. I know. She can be a
little much sometimes.
CASEY
She's certainly got, um, energy.
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah, Hurricane Mia. Bulldozing her
way through life.
CASEY
Yeah.
CHRISTOPHER
Listen, I hope you're not mad about
the other day.
CASEY
What are you talking about?
CHRISTOPHER
That day when you got slammed into the
lockers. It wouldn't have happened if
I wasn't roughhousing with Mia.
CASEY
No, no, it's cool. I've forgotten
about it.
MIA
Hey!
She comes over to them.
MIA
Come dance with me.
Casey resists her pull.
CASEY
I don't dance.
MIA
C'mon, everybody dances.
CASEY
Not me.
Casey digs in her heels a little. Mia stops trying to pull her and puts her hands on her hips.
MIA
Casey.
CASEY
Yes?
MIA
Do not make me stamp my foot. My
mother stamped her foot and I refuse
to go there.
CASEY
No, you go on. Have fun.
MIA
No, no. Would you rather just hang and
talk?
CASEY
Mia, seriously, go dance, it's alright.
MIA
Are you suggesting that I'm the kind
of terrible hostess that will just
take off and abandon the newest guest
to fend for herself?
CASEY
(smirks)
Not at all. I think you're a wonderful
hostess.
MIA
Then let me do my hostessing.
CASEY
Is that even a word?
MIA
Let's go.
CUT TO:
EXT. MIA'S BALCONY – CONTINUOUS
Casey follows Mia out onto the balcony.
CASEY
Wow. It was hot in there.
Mia fans herself.
MIA
You're telling me.
They smile at each other for a moment.
MIA
Do you like theatre?
CASEY
Yeah, I do.
MIA
Well, there's these auditions for
Romeo and Juliet...
CASEY
Oh, yeah.
MIA
And I want to audition.
CASEY
Juliet?
MIA
Yeah.
CASEY
Me too.
MIA
And, um, I could use some help with
like lines and stuff. Like someone to
rehearse with me so I can memorize
things.
CASEY
Do you want me to help you?
MIA
Yeah.
CASEY
I can do that.
MIA
(smiles)
Cool. How about Tuesday, after we have
English?
CASEY
Yeah, that works.
MIA
Okay. Thank you.
CASEY
Anytime.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAYHOUSE – MORNING
Casey and Clark come out of class.
CASEY
I've gotta go find Mia. I'll see you
on Wednesday.
CLARK
Alright, later.
Casey starts to walk off when she spots Jamie heading towards her. She jogs to catch up.
CASEY
Hey.
JAMIE
Oh, hey.
CASEY
I missed you on Friday.
JAMIE
Yeah, I um, had a doctor's
appointment.
CASEY
Ugh. I hate doctors. Did you get a
shot or something? Last time I went,
my doctor came at me with a hypodermic
needle the size of New Jersey.
Jamie makes a face.
CASEY
Yeah. He said, ‘It’s just a little shot’.
I was like, ‘A little shot the size of a
harpoon. Stay away. Stay far, far
away.’
JAMIE
(laughs)
I'm sorry for your traumatic
experience.
CASEY
(pouts)
Hey, don't mock my experience; it was
rather traumatic. I'll carry the
psychological scars for life.
Clark spots them.
CLARK
(calls out)
Hey, Jamie!
Jamie waves.
CASEY
Do you know him?
JAMIE
He's my brother.
CASEY
Oh, I didn't know that.
JAMIE
Yeah, I always eat lunch over here
with him and his friends.
Andrew sees Casey from where he sits with Mia and Meagan.
ANDREW
Case!
They both look over.
JAMIE
We should go.
She starts to walk, but Casey stops her.
CASEY
Wait. I was wondering.. if maybe you'd
wanna do something later after-school?
JAMIE
Oh, yeah!
CASEY
Yeah?
Jamie smiles and nods.
JAMIE
Oh, crap!
CASEY
What's wrong?
JAMIE
I have a make-up test after-school.
Since I missed Friday, you know.
CASEY
Oh.
JAMIE
(chews lip)
Tomorrow?
CASEY
I've got a.. thing tomorrow.
JAMIE
Wednesday?
ANDREW
CASEY!!
She shoots him a look.
CASEY
Listen, why don't you give me your
number and we'll work this all out
later?
JAMIE
Okay.
Casey hands her a pen, and Jamie writes her number on Casey's hand.
CASEY
I'll call you.
She gives Jamie a smile before heading off to join Andrew. Jamie heads over to Clark.
JAMIE
Is she looking?
CLARK
No.
JAMIE
(pumps her fist)
Yes!
CLARK
What happened?
JAMIE
She asked for my number.
CLARK
Alright, baby sister got play.
JAMIE
Ugh. Don't call me that.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S ROOM – NIGHT
Casey lays on her bed, staring at the cordless phone in her hand. Finally, she looks at her hand and dials the number.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
The phone on the side table rings quietly as Jamie, Clark, Alice, and Tyler sit at the table eating dinner.
JAMIE
Dad.
TYLER
You know the rule.
Clark looks at Jamie. They let the machine pick it up. She plays with her food.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Casey hears the answering machine. She hangs up.
CASEY
Crap.
CUT TO:
INT. MARINE BIOLOGY – MORNING
Casey walks in, a little late.
CAMPBELL
Hurry up, Farrell. We've got a
riveting, exciting movie on plankton
to watch!
Casey sits next to Jamie.
CASEY
You can't do that to me, I went to
college!
CAMPBELL
And your love for Spongebob
Squarepants alone won't get you a good
grade in this class. But five points
for quoting my favorite character.
He cues up the tape and starts it.
CAMPBELL
Can you get the lights?
A student near the door turns off the lights. As the movie starts up, Casey leans over to Jamie.
CASEY
(whispers)
Jamie.
JAMIE
(whispers)
Yeah.
CAMPBELL
I can hear you. No talking.
Casey sits back upright and focuses on the movie.
CUT TO:
INT. MARINE BIOLOGY - AN HOUR LATER
The movie ends and the lights come back on.
CAMPBELL
Ok, we've only got about 10 minutes
til the bell. That's not enough time
to talk about the next section, so we
will table it until Thursday. You can
pack up, and plot against me amongst
yourselves.
Casey puts her stuff away.
CASEY
Hey, I called you last night. Didn't
you hear me? I was like, calling you.
JAMIE
Yeah, I'm sorry. We were eating
dinner. My dad has this rule that we
don't answer the phone during dinner.
CASEY
Really? That's kinda weird.
JAMIE
I don't think so. Isn't that what you
and your family does?
CASEY
No. My dad would always answer the
phone, in case it was his work. If he
was even there for dinner at all.
Jamie chews the end of her pencil.
JAMIE
What about your mom?
CASEY
She died when I was a baby.
JAMIE
I'm sorry.
CASEY
Nah, it's... I never knew her.
She shrugs and Jamie looks down at her desk.
JAMIE
I did.
CASEY
What happened?
JAMIE
She got hit by a drunk driver when I
was 11.
CASEY
I'm sorry.
JAMIE
Thanks.
They look at each other for a moment.
CASEY
(clears her throat)
So, um, did you still want to do
something?
JAMIE
Oh, yeah. Today's out, right?
CASEY
Yeah, and I'm stuck doing something
tomorrow.
JAMIE
Me too.
CASEY
I've got a crew match on Thursday.
JAMIE
You're on crew?
CASEY
Yeah, varsity. Do you want to, um,
come see us?
JAMIE
Yeah. I'll see if my dad will drive
me.
CASEY
Well, if he takes you there and drops
you off, I could drive you back home.
Maybe we could even go out and grab
something to eat afterwards.
JAMIE
Ok.
CASEY
Do you know where it is?
JAMIE
No.
CASEY
Here.
Casey writes down the address on a piece of scratch paper. The bell rings and Casey hands it to her.
JAMIE
I'll see you then.
CASEY
See you.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAYHOUSE - AFTERNOON
Casey and Mia put their backpacks on a bench outside the playhouse.
CASEY
So which scene did you want to do?
MIA
The balcony scene is always best.
Mia flips through her copy, then tosses it on the bench.
CASEY
You don't need your script?
MIA
I hope not. I've been going over it
again and again. I think I've got it.
CASEY
Ok.
To simulate the effect of a balcony, Mia climbs up and stands on the bench, Casey still on the ground below her.
MIA
O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou
Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy
name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but
sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a
Capulet.
CASEY
Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at
this?
MIA
'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a
Montague. What's Montague? It is
neither hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor
face, nor any other part belonging to
a man. O, be some other name! What's
in a name? That which we call a rose
by any other name would smell as
sweet; so Romeo would, were he not
Romeo call'd, retain that dear
perfection which he owes without that
title. Romeo, doff thy name, and for
that name which is no part of thee
take all myself.
CASEY
(plainly reading)
I take thee at thy word: Call me but
love...
MIA
No, no, no.
CASEY
What?
MIA
I need you to like, act it out.
Reading won't work for me.
Casey runs a hand through her hair.
CASEY
Alright.
She puts her book down next to Mia's.
MIA
You can use it, if you want.
CASEY
No, I've got it fairly memorized.
Ms. Perry comes out of the playhouse. She leans up against the doorframe and watches them.
MIA
Okay, um.. Romeo, doff thy name, and
for that name which is no part of
thee, take all myself.
CASEY
I take thee at thy word: Call me but
love, and I'll be new baptized;
Henceforth I never will be Romeo.
Mia takes a step back on the bench.
MIA
What man art thou that thus bescreen'd
in night so stumblest on my counsel?
CASEY
By a name I know not how to tell thee
who I am: My name, dear saint, is
hateful to myself, because it is an
enemy to thee.
Casey climbs up onto the bench.
CASEY
Had I it written, I would tear the
word.
MIA
My ears have not yet drunk a hundred
words of that tongue's utterance, yet
I know the sound: Art thou not Romeo
and a Montague?
CASEY
(smiles)
Neither, fair saint, if either thee
dislike.
MIA
How camest thou hither, tell me, and
wherefore? The orchard walls are high
and hard to climb, and the place
death, considering who thou art, if
any of my kinsmen find thee here.
CASEY
With love's light wings did I o'er-
perch these walls; for stony limits
cannot hold love out, and what love
can do that dares love attempt;
therefore thy kinsman are no let to
me.
MIA
If they do see thee, they will murder
thee.
CASEY
Alack, there lies more peril in thine
eye than twenty of their swords: look
thou but sweet, and I am proof against
their enmity.
MIA
I would not for the world they saw
thee here.
CASEY
I have night's cloak to hide me from
their sight; and but thou love me, let
them find me here.
Casey takes Mia's hands and presses them against her chest.
CASEY
My life were better ended by their
hate, than death prorogued, wanting of
thy love.
They gaze at each other for a long moment, lines forgotten. Casey starts to lean closer towards Mia, when Ms. Perry starts clapping. Startled, Casey drops Mia's hands and takes a step back.
PERRY
Very well done.
MIA
Th-thank you.
PERRY
You'll be at the audition tomorrow,
right?
They're both unsure of which of them she's talking to, but Mia nods.
MIA
Uh, yeah.
PERRY
Good.
She goes back into the Playhouse.
CASEY
(clears throat)
Well, I uh, guess that means she liked
you.
MIA
Yeah.
CASEY
Oh! I gotta go! I gotta go home.
MIA
Home?
CASEY
Yeah, I uh, I got- my dad, he's home
and I promised I'd be early.
MIA
Oh, ok.
CASEY
Yeah. That was good though. Right? I
don't think you need any more
rehearsal.
MIA
Alright.
CASEY
Ok, see you tomorrow.
Casey grabs her stuff and leaves. Mia sits down on the bench and puts her head in her hands.
MIA
Damn it.
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Casey walks in and shuffles through the mail.
CASEY
(absently)
Dad?
She tosses the mail down on the coffee table.
CASEY
Figures.
She stands in the middle of the large room, looking a little lost.
CASEY
Crap.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Casey tosses her backpack on the floor and picks up her phone before flinging herself diagonally across the bed and dialing.
CASEY
Please be home, please be home, please
be home...
CLARK
(on phone)
Hello?
Casey freezes for a moment, before clearing her throat.
CASEY
Hey, Clark. Is Jamie home?
CLARK
Oh, Casey, hey. Yeah, let me find her.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Clark walks through the house looking for Jamie.
CLARK
So are you ready for the audition
tomorrow?
CASEY
I think so. I mean, I uh, did some
rehearsing today, so I feel pretty
good about it.
CLARK
I'm nervous already.
CASEY
Don't be. I'm sure you'll do great.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Clark opens the back door to find Jamie sitting against their orange tree, reading.
CLARK
Thanks. Here's Jamie.
Jamie looks up at the sound of the door opening. Clark wiggles the phone in his hand and mouths 'Casey' and tosses it to her. She barely catches it, then sets her book aside and puts it up to her ear. He winks and goes back inside.
JAMIE
Hello?
CASEY
(on phone)
Hey.
JAMIE
Hey.
A second passes.
CASEY
So what are you up to?
JAMIE
Nothing much, really. What about you?
CASEY
Me neither. That thing I had to do got
canceled so... um, you want to hang
out?
Jamie looks at her closed book and smiles.
JAMIE
Yeah. Let's hang out.
CUT TO:
INT. RUBY'S RESTAURANT - AFTERNOON
Casey takes a sip of her shake.
CASEY
You're right. That is that best shake
I have ever tasted.
Jamie dips her spoon in her own shake and takes a bite.
JAMIE
(grins)
Told you.
Their food arrives. Casey frowns at Jamie's shrimp.
CASEY
That reminds me, we have a quiz in
Marine Bio on Thursday, don't we?
JAMIE
(laughs)
Yeah. Did you study?
CASEY
I don't study.
JAMIE
What, like at all?
CASEY
Nope. I'm firmly against studying.
Studying means work. Work means
effort. Effort means stress. Stress
means no fun. Nope. Studying is not
for me.
JAMIE
How do you do that?
CASEY
(grins)
Not studying? It's pretty easy.
JAMIE
(shakes a french fry at her)
I mean getting away with not flunking
out.
CASEY
Well, I do pay a reasonable amount of
attention in class. I retain a
surprisingly large amount of
information from that.
JAMIE
You don't freak out before tests?
CASEY
No. I've always done pretty decent
with this method. If it ain't broke,
don't fix it.
JAMIE
I couldn't do that. I have to be
absolutely sure I know my stuff before
I walk in the classroom.
CASEY
Is Clark like that?
JAMIE
(laughs)
God, no. He's like you. It's like he's
allergic to anything academic. You say
'homework' and he practically breaks
out in hives. My little sister too.
CASEY
Wait, I know this one. Alice, right?
JAMIE
(smiles)
Right. You don't have siblings?
CASEY
No. Although I'm pretty close with my
cousin Shannon.
JAMIE
Was it hard to move away?
CASEY
Yeah. At first. I mean, she's the only
family I really have, and it's hard to
know that if I ever need her, or if
she ever needs me, all we have is a
phone, or the internet.
JAMIE
Mmm.
CASEY
But now, it's... I don't know. I don't
feel so alone here anymore.
They share a smile.
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Mia makes a phone call.
MIA
Pick up, damn you.
CHRISTOPHER
(on phone)
Hello?
MIA
Oh my god.
CHRISTOPHER
What?
MIA
She nearly kissed me!
CHRISTOPHER
What?
MIA
You heard me!
CHRISTOPHER
Wait, what do you mean 'nearly'? What
happened?
MIA
Freaking Ms. Perry had to interrupt,
and then Casey bolted. She made up
some excuse about her dad wanting her
home early or something like that and
hauled ass outta there!
CHRISTOPHER
I'm sorry.
MIA
(pouts)
Chris...
CHRISTOPHER
Maybe she's never kissed anyone
before. She coulda been nervous.
MIA
I guess.
CHRISTOPHER
You're pouting, aren't you?
MIA
(pouts more)
No.
CHRISTOPHER
I can see you in my head.
MIA
Shut up. Ugh! I don't know what to do.
This has never happened to me before!
CHRISTOPHER
Relax. Don't like, put pressure on
her. Let her come to you.
MIA
Alright, I suppose. Although I'm not
sure if I can wait too long for her. I
really, really like her. Usually
whoever I like is way more into me
than I'm into them, you know?
CHRISTOPHER
(laughs)
Yeah.
MIA
I'm not sure I like this change in
position.
CHRISTOPHER
It was bound to happen sooner or
later.
MIA
(sighs)
I know.
The sound of the front door opening catches Mia's attention.
MIA
I gotta go. Thanks for letting me
complain in your ear.
CHRISTOPHER
Anytime. Later.
MIA
Bye.
She hangs up and heads out of her room.
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S STAIRWAY - CONTINUOUS
Mia walks out of the room and leans upon the railing that over looks the living room of the house.
MIA
Dad?
NICK HAZELWOOD walks towards the stairs.
NICK
Hey, honey. I'm just here to pick up
some clothes. I've got to run out to
Chicago.
MIA
When will you be back?
NICK
I'm not sure. Next week, probably.
He walks into his room to get stuff ready. Mia walks into her room and slams the door behind her.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S CAR – CONTINUOUS
Casey pulls up to Jamie's house, and shuts down the engine. They sit in silence for a moment.
JAMIE
I-
CASEY
(simultaneously)
I-
Jamie gives Casey a wrinkle-nosed grin.
CASEY.
Go first.
JAMIE
No, you.
CASEY.
(laughs)
Jamie.
JAMIE
I had a lot of fun today.
CASEY.
Yeah, me too. We should hang out again
this week.
JAMIE
Well are we still on for Thursday?
CASEY.
Actually, I didn't remember about it
earlier, but I might not be able to
hang out after the match. Especially
if we win. We might hang out as a
team.
JAMIE
Oh.
CASEY.
Um, do you want to come with us?
JAMIE
Oh, no. That's for you and your team.
I don't think it'd be a good idea.
Casey sighs.
JAMIE
I'm free Friday.
CASEY
Yeah?
JAMIE
Yeah.
CASEY
Do you want to go see a movie?
JAMIE
Sure. Do you have a particular one in
mind?
CASEY
Not really. I could pick you up at
7:30 or so, and we could just pick
something when we get there.
JAMIE
Okay.
CASEY
So, I'll see you then.
JAMIE
Yeah.
Jamie hesitates for a moment, then leans in and gives Casey a quick kiss on the cheek.
JAMIE
Bye.
She climbs out of the car before Casey can respond. For a moment, Casey merely watches her walk in the house, then breaks into a wide grin.
CUT TO:
INT. PLAYHOUSE - AFTERNOON
Mia finishes up her audition.
PERRY
Very good, Mia. Thank you. The casting
notices will be up on Friday. Swing by
and check the board.
MIA
Ok, thanks. Um, did Casey already
audition?
Ms. Perry looks down at her clipboard. Clark, waiting in line, pipes up.
CLARK
Yeah, she did it last period.
MIA
But..
CLARK
She was unscheduled today cause
there's no rowing practice. They've
got a match tomorrow.
Mia heads over to grab her backpack.
MIA
Oh, yeah. Thanks, Cameron.
CLARK
It's Clark.
MIA
Sorry.
She breezes out the door. Clark shakes his head as he approaches the audition stage.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONG BEACH MARINA YACHT CLUB - AFTERNOON
Casey blows out a nervous breath as she sits and waits in the 8-person shell with her teammates. The 3 other competing teams do the same. The judge supervises the crews as they align for the start. Once all crews are level, the Starter polls the crews by
calling their name. Then the Starter raises a red flag.
STARTER
Attention!
After a clear pause, the starter drops the red flag quickly to one side.
STARTER
Go!
They surge into motion at the coxswain's rhythm. As they near the finish, the people in the bleachers begin to cheer wildly, as they pull forward, lengthening their lead over the other teams. They speed past the finish and Casey and her teammates whoop and shout, slapping each other on the shoulders.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONG BEACH MARINA YACHT CLUB BLEACHERS - A MOMENT LATER
Casey exits the club, freshly showered and walks through the crowd, eyes searching. Finally, she spots Jamie and Clark and starts to head toward them before Mia and Meagan intercept her.
MIA
Casey!
Mia hugs her.
MIA
That was awesome. Did you hear all us
cheerleaders yelling our fool heads
off?
CASEY
I did. How's your throat?
MIA
Awful, but it was fun. Are you coming
with us?
MEAGAN
The guys team wants to throw you guys
a party.
MIA
Yeah, at my house.
Casey glances at Jamie and Clark.
CASEY
Um, yeah. I'll be there in a moment.
Casey continues on.
CASEY
Hey!
Jamie gives her a hug.
JAMIE
Wow. Congratulations.
CASEY
Thanks.
After long moment, they release each other and smile, until Clark butts in and pulls Casey into hug of his own.
CLARK
Congrats, Case.
Caleb comes up and pulls her into a rough hug once Clark releases her.
CALEB
I thought you were just talking shit,
Farrell. You proved me wrong. Nice
work!
CASEY
Thanks.
He slings an arm around her shoulder and swings them around to face Jamie and Clark.
CALEB
Isn't she the greatest?
He pinches her cheek and she gives him an elbow in the gut.
CALEB
Let's hit the road, Case. We've got
some celebrating to do!
Casey can only smile helplessly at Jamie as Caleb hauls her away. She gives them a wave.
CASEY
I'll call you!
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S BALCONY – NIGHT
Casey leans against the railing, taking in a deep breath. Mia comes out to join her.
MIA
There you are. I haven't seen you all
night.
CASEY
Oh, hey.
Mia leans against the railing as well, allowing silence for a few moments, before she gets impatient and sighs.
MIA
What's going on?
CASEY
What do you mean?
MIA
You've been avoiding me.
CASEY
No, I haven't.
MIA
Casey, we're friends, right?
CASEY
Yeah.
MIA
Granted, we've only been friends for a
little over a week, but I'd hate to
lose your friendship over something
so...
CASEY
What?
MIA
We just got caught up in a stupid
play. It doesn't mean anything, and I
didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.
CASEY
No, no. That's not..
(shakes her head)
That's not what's bothering me.
MIA
Well, what else is on your mind?
CASEY
It was our first match of the season.
He was supposed to be there.
Mia gives her a knowing look. Casey remains silent, until Mia wraps an arm around her waist and rests her head on Casey's shoulder.
MIA
(wryly)
Been there, done that.
CASEY
Does it bother you?
MIA
Not so much anymore. I've been going
through it for 14 years. I've learned
to stop hoping that my father will
keep his promises to me. They always
have been, and they always will be
empty.
CASEY
Do you think it's dumb that I still
hope?
MIA
Not at all. That just means you're not
a jaded, wretched cynic like me.
CASEY
Maybe I'd be better off that way. Then
it won't hurt when he does crap like
this anymore.
MIA
Don't do that. Don't lose hope.
CASEY
Like you didn't lose hope?
MIA
(shrugs)
Well, I should know, right?
CASEY
Yeah, I suppose.
Casey chews her lip for a moment.
CASEY
Do you think that maybe the reason why
we're...
MIA
(cuts her off)
That's the dumbest thing I've ever
heard, Casey.
Casey smiles despite the rude interruption.
CASEY
You didn't even let me finish.
MIA
I know you were going to ask if the
reason why we're gay is because we've
got insensitive, absentee fathers.
CASEY
Actually, I was going to ask if the
reason why we're outgoing is because
of our insensitive, absentee fathers.
MIA
Oh, sorry.
CASEY
It's alright.
MIA
It just seemed like that was what you
were going to say, and people have
asked me before. I can't stand that.
CASEY
So?
MIA
Totally. I've known since I was little
that I was gonna have to be wild, and
loud and everything in order to get
attention, cause nothing else ever
worked.
Casey nods.
CASEY
Well, if you're ever a little
attention-starved and you need someone
who understands...
MIA
Thank you.
CASEY
Anytime.
Mia studies her profile for a moment.
MIA
(suddenly)
Have you ever been in love?
CASEY
What?
MIA
It's just, I can't imagine that you
went long without people falling head
over heels for you.
CASEY
Oh.
(chuckles)
I haven't been in love, and as for
people falling for me...
(shrugs)
I don't really know.
MIA
Well, whoever snares you is gonna be
one hell of a lucky girl.
CASEY
You think so?
MIA
I know so.
They stare at each other for a moment.
CASEY
(smiles)
I have to go.
Mia blinks a little, things suddenly turning away from where she expected them to go.
MIA
Why?
CASEY
I've gotta go home and call someone.
MIA
Um, okay.
Casey gives her a quick hug.
CASEY
I'll see you tomorrow.
Casey leaves.
MIA
Damn you, Farrell. Why aren't you
falling for me like the way I'm
starting to fall for you?
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Jamie sits at her desk and writes in her notebook when the phone rings. Glancing at her clock, she picks it up.
JAMIE
Hello?
CASEY
Hey there.
JAMIE
Hey, I can't talk. It's past the phone
curfew.
CASEY
Oh, damn.
JAMIE
Why don't you just meet me after
school tomorrow?
CASEY
Alright. I'll wait for you at the
Playhouse.
JAMIE
Ok.
CASEY
Night.
JAMIE
Night.
CUT TO:
EXT. FRONT OF SCHOOL - MORNING
Casey parks her car and grabs her bag, before getting out and bolting into the school.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL QUAD - CONTINUOUS
She walks quickly through the quad on the way to the Playhouse.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAYHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
As she turns the corner, she runs into Clark. They look at each other for a moment, then both break out into a sprint, heading for the small crowd at the bulletin board on the door of the Playhouse. He beats her there, but can't push his way to the front. Casey gets there a second later, and people start to move out of the way for her. She walks up and scans the list. After a few moments, she heads back out of the crowd to the waiting Clark. She just stares at him, nonplussed.
CLARK
Well?
CASEY
Uh, you got Romeo.
Clark hollers and grabs her in a hug and spins her around.
CLARK
Hell yes! Are you Juliet?
CASEY
No, I'm Romeo.
CLARK
Huh?
CASEY
There's two separate plays. One's got
a cast of all guys, and the other's
got a cast of all girls.
CLARK
Oh, shit! Really? That's awesome.
Who's your Juliet?
CASEY
Your sister.
CLARK
What?
CASEY
Yeah.
CLARK
Whoa.
FADE OUT.
Stay tuned for the next episode – “The Roles We Play”