COPYRIGHT ã 2004 Dylan Carreiro
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Feed the beast! Send questions, comments, and recipes for really good lasagna to lightanddark7@yahoo.com.
-Dylan C.
Rebel High
Season 1
Episode 2: “The Roles We Play”
FADE IN:
INT. PLAYHOUSE - NIGHT
A large group of students mill around the Playhouse as Ms. Perry gathers a stack of packets. Casey sits with Jamie and Clark.
CASEY
You didn't tell me you auditioned.
JAMIE
Neither did you.
CASEY
(confused)
I didn't?
JAMIE
Nope.
CLARK
But you didn't tell me either, James.
Jamie looks between the both of them.
JAMIE
Well, I just- I didn't even think I'd
get a part and I, I can't..
CLARK
No, no. It's cool. I understand what
you mean.
JAMIE
You do?
CLARK
Yeah, I felt the same way about my
first part. I didn't think I had the
slightest chance so I didn't bother
telling anyone that I tried out, so
that when I didn't get it, I'd save
myself the embarrassment.
JAMIE
Yeah.
CLARK
What about you, Casey? This was your
first audition, right?
CASEY
Yeah.
CLARK
Is that the same reason why you didn't
tell anyone?
CASEY
No. I think I just spaced out. I
could've sworn I told you, Jamie. I am
terribly forgetful at times. I
apologize in advance for forgetting
your birthday.
JAMIE
(smiles)
My birthday's not until April.
CASEY
That's even worse. It's only the
beginning of October. The farther away
it is, the less I'll remember it.
Jamie pats her shoulder.
JAMIE
I'll remind you.
CASEY
And if I forget, I'm certain you'll
find some way for me to make it up to
you, right?
Clark coughs. Jamie shoots him a funny look.
JAMIE
Sure.
Ms. Perry passes the stack of packets around. Casey takes one and passes it on to Jamie.
PERRY
Alright, everyone. Welcome to our
first read-through. Congratulations to
everyone for getting a part in this
marvelous production.
Everyone claps.
PERRY
Now I know that some of you were quite
startled at the part you had gotten.
Originally, I did not plan to do it
this way. I was going to do the same
old thing where each role is filled by
the prescribed gender. It wasn't until
I saw Casey, here...
She gestures toward Casey and everyone turns to look at her.
PERRY
.. rehearsing with a friend in the
role of Romeo that I thought, 'In
Shakespeare's day, his entire cast was
comprised of men'. I thought it would
be very interesting to do it that old-
fashioned way with a same-sex cast,
not to mention different than the way
everyone else puts on this play. The
downside is, for the most part, two
casts means twice the work. Stage crew
and set builders will get off pretty
unscathed, but the costumers are going
to hate me. And there's certainly much
more work for me, because instead of a
cast of 25 or so to get ready, I've
saddled myself with double that. But
I'm up to the challenge, if you are.
Some people nod, some clap, some cheer.
STUDENT
Let's get it started!
A few students join in on the song.
STUDENTS
Let's get it started in here! Let's
get it started!
Ms. Perry holds up her hands.
PERRY
Alright! I want the casts to split up.
Guys you go into classroom around the
corner, girls you stay here. I want
you to do a read-through of Act I and
as far as you can get on Act II. I'll
be in my office.
The guys shuffle out, some still dancing to the Black Eyed Peas song running through their heads.
CASEY
You're not gonna watch us?
PERRY
Nope. Today's the first day. This is
really just for you all to get
comfortable with your lines, and
comfortable with each other. I don't
need to supervise that, hopefully.
She leaves, and the girls all sit, a little awkwardly for a brief moment, before Casey stands and takes charge.
CASEY
Ok, then you guys. I'm Casey, and I'm
Romeo. Why don't we all, um, go around
and introduce ourselves and our parts?
JAMIE
I'll start. I'm Jamie and I'm Juliet.
Casey smiles at her.
ANDREA
I'm Andrea and I'm Lady Montague.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAYHOUSE - LUNCH
Casey and Clark hog the vending machine outside the Playhouse. Clark slides his change in and selects a Baby Ruth.
CLARK
Mmm. Chocolate.
CASEY
Chocolate? Did you say... chocolate?
CLARK
CHOCOLATE!
CASEY
(same time)
CHOCOLATE!
They both start laughing.
CLARK
You know, we really are too old to be
quoting Spongebob Squarepants all the
time.
CASEY
Too old? What is this phrase you speak
of?
She puts in her change and picks Cheetos.
CLARK
Cheetos?
CASEY
Yup. I always like to eat them at
lunch. Drives Mia nuts.
Jamie comes over and steals one.
CASEY
Hey! These are mine!
She huddles the bag to her chest and points to the vending machine.
CASEY
Get your own.
JAMIE
I'm out of change.
CASEY
Here.
Casey digs in her pocket. Jamie tries to reach for another Cheeto but Casey dodges out of the way. She pulls out change and hands it to Jamie.
JAMIE
No, it's...
CASEY
Get them. I'd rather buy you your own
bag than be forced to share mine.
She shoves one in her mouth and goes over to sit on the bench. Jamie laughs and puts the change in the machine. After she retrieves her bag, she and Clark go over to sit by Casey.
CLARK
Geez, Case. Didn't they teach you to
share in kindergarten?
CASEY
I failed kindergarten.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Casey sits in the living room, idly flipping through channels as she waits. She glances at the clock every few minutes. Finally, the sound of the front door opening comes and she sits up straight. Conor walks in.
CASEY
Hey, dad. I got that part I wanted.
CONOR
(absently)
We'll talk tomorrow, honey. I'm tired.
He breezes right past her and heads to his room. She just sits there for a moment, before switching off the TV.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS
Casey heads into her bedroom. She flops down onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow.
CUT TO:
INT. MARINE BIO - MORNING
Casey and Jamie pack up at the end of class.
JAMIE
How come you're so quiet today?
CASEY
I'm just tired. I stayed up late
waiting for my dad. I wanted to tell
him about the play.
JAMIE
Oh. Is that all?
CASEY
Yeah.
JAMIE
Okay.
The bell rings.
CASEY
Gotta go.
CUT TO:
INT. GEOMETRY - LUNCH
The bell rings as Casey waits quietly by the door for Mia to finish packing up, hands stuffed in her pockets. Chris finishes also and they all walk out of class together.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
MIA
(concerned)
Hey.
CASEY
(quietly)
Hey.
Chris gives them both strange looks.
CHRIS
Who died?
Mia glares at him.
MIA
Chris, why don't you go ahead?
CHRIS
(shrugs)
Sure.
He walks off and Mia pulls Casey into a small alcove, out of sight from the rest of the hallway.
MIA
What's wrong?
CASEY
(shrugs)
Eh. The usual.
MIA
Your dad?
CASEY
Yeah.
MIA
Are you okay?
Casey nods unconvincingly.
CASEY
Yeah. I'm fine.
Mia studies her for a moment, then wraps her arms around Casey's neck and gives her a hug. After briefly tensing, Casey wraps her arms around Mia in return. She sucks in a deep breath and squeezes.
MIA
It's okay.
They release each other.
CASEY
Thanks.
MIA
Next time, don't wait 'till school to
talk to me. Just give me a call. We'll
go out and get drunk and go to a strip
club or something.
CASEY
As long as they serve a decent
bourbon.
One tiny tear falls down the side of Casey's face. Mia reaches out and brushes it away.
MIA
(smiles)
I know a place.
Casey rubs her eyes.
CASEY
Do you have uh, a fake ID?
MIA
Yeah. You need one?
CASEY
I should get one. I don't think my
Louisiana one would work.
MIA
I'll have my friend hook you up.
They're really good.
They start walking out to the quad. Mia reaches in her backpack to take out her wallet. She pulls out her ID and hands it to Casey.
MIA
Look.
Casey holds it up and studies it.
CASEY
Wow. That's pretty good. Hologram and
everything.
MIA
It's actually real. Well, semi-real.
The info is fake, but it's made at the
DMV.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL QUAD - CONTINUOUS
She hands it back to Mia.
CASEY
How much?
MIA
Three hundred.
CASEY
Not bad.
MIA
However, you won't need one for the
place I'm talking about.
CASEY
Why?
MIA
I know the owner.
CASEY
Nice.
CUT TO:
EXT. QUAD HANGOUT - CONTINUOUS
Andrew walks around, giving Leah a piggyback ride.
ANDREW
Hey you guys.
MIA
Hey.
ANDREW
Jesus, Casey, you look like someone
kicked your puppy.
Mia fixes him with a warning glare.
ANDREW
Okay, moving on!
Andrew hauls Leah over to Meagan to chat with her. Casey gives Mia a smile.
MIA
Listen. Are you going to the football
game on Friday night?
CASEY
Yeah.
MIA
There's a dance afterwards.
CASEY
No.
MIA
Casey...
CASEY
(laughs)
No.
MIA
Please? We can go together and hang
out and have fun and forget about
stupid fathers and the parts we didn't
get.
CASEY
Are you still bummed about that?
MIA
A little.
Casey runs a hand through her hair.
CASEY
But I can't dance.
Mia grabs her wrist and check for her pulse.
CASEY
What are you doing?
MIA
Yup, you have a pulse. That means you
can dance.
CASEY
Well, then I don't know how.
MIA
I'll teach you.
Casey shakes her head.
MIA
Look, come over on Thursday and I'll
teach you. If, at the end of it, you
still think you can't, or you just
don't want to, we'll still go to the
game, but do something else
afterwards. Maybe that club I was
talking about.
CASEY
Okay. But I can't stay out all night.
I've got rehearsal on Saturday.
MIA
Oh that's right. Do you only have it
on Saturdays?
CASEY
No, we decided on Wednesdays and
Saturdays. There might be emergency
rehearsals as well.
MIA
Alright. We can work around that.
CUT TO:
INT. PLAYHOUSE - AFTERNOON
The cast and crew are in the Playhouse as Ms. Perry takes role. Casey comes bursting in, hair drenched.
CASEY
Sorry.
PERRY
What happened?
CASEY
I fell in the water at rowing
practice. They made me ice my shoulder
in case I hurt it.
PERRY
Are you hurt?
CASEY
No. I'm fine.
PERRY
Be careful. I don't want to lose a
Romeo.
CASEY
Okay.
She sits next to Jamie.
JAMIE
(smiles)
You're soaked.
Casey shakes her head like a puppy, getting water all over the place.
JAMIE
(laughs)
Ew. Stop.
PERRY
Okay, everyone. We're gonna go through
this and I'm gonna cut some lines out.
We need to rein in the size of this
puppy. I've been up all night figuring
this out so get out a pen or pencil
and your play.
Everyone rustles around, getting ready.
PERRY
Okay, first...
CUT TO:
INT. PLAYHOUSE - AN HOUR LATER
Casey and another girl, Katherine, stand on the stage and perform a scene.
KATHERINE
Tell me in sadness, who is that you
love?
CASEY
What, shall I groan and tell thee?
KATHERINE
Groan! Why, no. But sadly tell me who.
CASEY
Bid a sick man in sadness make his
will: Ah, word ill urged to one that
is so ill! In sadness, cousin, I do
love a woman.
KATHERINE
(smirks)
I aim'd so near, when I supposed you
loved.
CASEY
A right good mark-man! And she's fair
I love.
KATHERINE
A right fair mark, fair coz, is
soonest hit.
CASEY
Well, in that hit you miss: she'll not
be hit with Cupid's arrow; she hath
Dian's wit...
Casey frowns a moment.
CASEY
Does that mean that's she a virgin?
PERRY
Right, and in this little scene, Romeo
tells Benvolio that the reason
Rosaline has rebuffed him is because
she's sworn to remain a virgin.
Andrea snickers.
ANDREA
That's no fun.
PERRY
Anyways, Benvolio's trying to convince
him to move on.
Casey and Katherine nod.
PERRY
Now, from 'in strong proof of
chastity...'
CASEY
In strong proof of chastity well
arm'd, from loves weak childish bow
she lives unharm'd. She will not stay
the siege of loving terms, nor bide
the encounter of assailing eyes, nor
ope her lap to saint-seducing gold.
KATHERINE
Then she hath sworn that she will
still live chaste?
CASEY
She hath, and in that sparing makes
huge waste.
Katherine slings an arm around Casey's shoulder.
KATHERINE
Be ruled by me, forget to think of
her.
Casey shrugs out from under her arm and turns to walk in the other direction.
CASEY
O, teach me how I should forget to
think.
Katherine catches up and resumes her hold on Casey.
KATHERINE
By giving liberty unto thine eyes;
examine other beauties.
CASEY
'Tis the way to call hers exquisite,
in question more: These happy masks
that kiss fair ladies' brows. Being
black puts us in mind they hide the
fair..
Casey freezes for a moment.
CASEY
(sighs)
Line.
Jamie looks in her script.
JAMIE
He that is strucken blind...
CASEY
...cannot forget the precious treasure
of his eyesight lost: Show me a
mistress that is passing fair, what
doth her beauty serve, but as a note
where I may read who pass'd that
passing fair? Farewell: thou canst not
teach me to forget.
KATHERINE
I'll pay that doctrine, or else die in
debt.
PERRY
Alright! That was pretty good. I like
the initial blocking, although I think
we should wait to specifically map out
the blocking until we've got a full
handle on our plans for the set. I
think we'll stop this for the moment.
Now, I want everyone who's role calls
for fighting and swordplay to stay
here, everyone else, head in to H103.
They're gonna take your measurements
so they can start sketching out ideas
for costumes.
Ms. Perry retrieves a few swords from the prop closet. Casey's eyes light up.
JAMIE
Oh, Lord.
PERRY
Once you're done with your
measurements, you're free to go.
All but 16 of the students head out the door to the room across the courtyard.
CUT TO:
INT. PLAYHOUSE - AN HOUR LATER
Casey sits, tilting her chair back to rest on two legs, as a few other students, including Clark, practice their swordplay. Jamie comes back in and sits next to her.
JAMIE
People die doing that, you know.
CASEY
What, with the swords?
JAMIE
Well, yeah, but I was talking about
the chair thing.
CASEY
(smiles)
Oh, not me. I've been doing this for
years. I did this in my high-chair as
a baby.
JAMIE
(laughs)
Don't lie.
CASEY
I have pictures. And practice makes
perfect.
She leans back even farther to demonstrate, arms outstretched.
CASEY
See?
JAMIE
Casey!
Casey brings her chair back to the proper position
CASEY
(smirks)
Are you done with all that stuff?
JAMIE
Yeah. It took forever. People were
complaining cause they wanted their
costumes tighter or looser than what
the costumers measured them for.
Casey makes a face.
JAMIE
Yeah. How was the sword stuff? Did you
kill anybody?
CASEY
Nope, but it's only the first day. I'm
still hopeful.
Clark finishes and hands the sword off to someone else waiting.
CASEY
Listen, thanks for helping me out with
that line earlier.
JAMIE
No problem. I know I'm probably gonna
have problems when I have to do my
first scene up there.
CASEY
Do you know it all yet?
JAMIE
No.
CASEY
Well um, do you want to come over to
my house? We can work on memorization
and stuff. And we should probably
rehearse our first scene together.
That's coming up soon.
JAMIE
Uh, sure. I have to call my dad
though.
CASEY
Oh. Here.
Casey digs in the bottom of her backpack and pulls out a cell phone.
CASEY
New phone.
Clark gathers his stuff and sits by them.
CLARK
What's up?
CASEY
She's calling your dad.
JAMIE
(on phone)
Hey dad.. I'm fine, can I go to a
friends house? We're gonna work on our
lines for the play... ok...um
(checks her watch)
Probably not... ok, bye.
She hangs up.
JAMIE
Wow, that was easy.
CASEY
He said yeah?
JAMIE
Yeah.
CLARK
What are you doing?
JAMIE
Oh, I'm gonna go over to Casey's to
practice lines for Saturday.
CLARK
(smiles)
Ohh.
JAMIE
How are you getting home?
CLARK
Oh, I've got a ride. You guys go on,
and uh, practice.
He wiggles his eyebrows. They walk out.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAYHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
JAMIE
Oh my God.
CASEY
What?
JAMIE
Could he be anymore obvious?
CASEY
(laughs)
Subtlety isn't really his strong point
isn't it?
JAMIE
No. He had that ability removed at a
very young age.
CASEY
Lobotomy?
JAMIE
Can't afford it. I think someone
dropped him on his head. God knows,
his lack of subtlety isn't the only
thing wrong with him. I'm sorry.
CASEY
Don't be. It doesn't bother me.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS
They reach Casey's car. Casey holds open Jamie's door for her and gives her a smile.
JAMIE
Thanks.
CUT TO:
EXT. CASEY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
They pull into Casey's driveway.
JAMIE
Wow. You live here?
CASEY
Well, yeah.
They get out of the car.
JAMIE
It is just you and your dad, right?
CASEY
Yeah.
JAMIE
That's a lot of space for two people.
Casey shrugs as she keys in the code and opens the door.
CASEY
This is pretty small. Our house in New
Orleans was bigger.
Jamie looks at her, unsure if she's serious or not. Casey gives her a small smile as the walk in the house.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Casey tosses her keys on the foyer table.
CASEY
Are you thirsty?
JAMIE
Got any iced tea?
CASEY
Sure.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Jamie sips her tea as Casey leads her into the bedroom.
JAMIE
I love your room.
Casey tosses her backpack on her desk chair.
CASEY
Yeah. I really like the balcony.
Jamie wanders out onto the balcony.
CUT TO:
EXT. CASEY'S BALCONY - CONTINUOUS
Jamie checks out the view. Casey leans on the railing next to Jamie.
JAMIE
You can see Catalina from here.
CASEY
(nods)
On a clear day. Sometimes its really
foggy, especially in the morning, when
I leave for school. But in the
afternoon, it's always clear, and I
come out here to watch the sunset.
She gestures towards the lowering sun.
CASEY
It's.. it's not New Orleans, but
coming out here and doing this... it's
starting to become a second home.
JAMIE
I'm glad. I wouldn't know from
personal experience or anything, since
I've never really even left Long
Beach, but I know that if I had to
move halfway across the country.. it'd
be pretty hard.
Casey smiles and shrugs.
CASEY
I'm highly adaptable.
They watch as the sun continues its descent in the sky.
JAMIE
Is your dad home?
CASEY
Nah. He won't be home until at least
8.
JAMIE
Oh.
A pause.
CASEY
So, um, did you want to start-
JAMIE
(nods)
Yeah.
Casey smiles and they head back inside.
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Mia lies on her stomach in bed, writing in a journal, when Chris knocks on the door.
MIA
Come in.
CHRIS
Hey. Did you know your dad's here?
MIA
What?
CHRIS
Yeah.
MIA
He's early.
He takes a seat next to her.
CHRIS
Thought so.
She closes her journal.
MIA
So how was rehearsal?
CHRIS
It was fine. Casey almost killed
someone during sword training.
MIA
(smiles)
Is she okay?
CHRIS
She's fine. It's Katherine you should
worry about. She's all like, jumpy
now.
MIA
Was it fun?
CHRIS
Yeah. The swords are heavier than they
look, though. I'm gonna have like,
gross calluses and crap.
She pulls his hand over and looks at it.
MIA
Oh, poor baby.
He tickles her.
CHRIS
Shut up. What were you writing?
MIA
Nothing.
She gets up to put her journal in her desk drawer.
CHRIS
Liar.
MIA
Am not.
CHRIS
Are too.
MIA
I'm not.
CHRIS
Are too!
MIA
Okay, five year-old, want to know?
He flings himself back onto her bed, reclining against her pillows as she closes her drawer.
CHRIS
(grins)
Do tell.
MIA
Well, not much really. Dad stuff.
School stuff. Casey stuff.
CHRIS
So what's the deal with you two
anyways? Have you sealed the deal yet?
MIA
There is no deal.
CHRIS
What?
MIA
At least not anymore.
CHRIS
What happened?
MIA
Nothing, it's just... She's a friend.
A good one.
CHRIS
So what are you saying? You don't like
her anymore?
MIA
No, no. I do. And believe me, if she
wanted to hook-up, I'd do so in a
heartbeat. But if it came between
hooking-up and keeping her friendship,
well.. I'd choose the friendship.
CHRIS
Wow. That's not like you.
MIA
Geez, thanks a lot, Chris. You make me
sound like a slut and a half.
CHRIS
No, no.. I just mean that, well...
He sits up.
CHRIS
I guess you never really liked someone
so much that you'd rather not lose
them than get some from them.
MIA
I know.
He pats her shoulder.
MIA
Besides, I don't think she even likes
me. Like that.
CHRIS
Why?
MIA
Well, there was that rehearsal thing.
We almost kissed and then she freaked
out.
CHRIS
Oh.
MIA
And I think she likes someone else.
CHRIS
Who?
MIA
Oh God, what's her name? Um, Clark,
he's Romeo, right?
CHRIS
Right.
MIA
It's his sister.
CHRIS
Who, Jamie?
MIA
Yeah.
CHRIS
(laughs)
I wouldn't worry about her.
MIA
(confused)
Why not?
CHRIS
Well, she's just not Casey's type.
MIA
How would you know? Do you know her?
CHRIS
Not really personally. But...
She stares at him, waiting for more. He sighs and starts ticking off his fingers.
CHRIS
Okay, one, she's not as popular as
Casey. Two, she's poor. Three, she's a
freshman-
MIA
(interrupts)
I'm a freshman.
CHRIS
That's different. Four...
MIA
(interrupts again)
Chris, I really don't think Casey
cares about stuff like that.
CHRIS
I'm just saying. They seem too
different to really make a good match.
Now, you and Casey, that makes sense.
MIA
Well, maybe, but if she likes this
Jamie, then I want her to be happy.
CHRIS
Ok, but I wouldn't be surprised if
things don't work out with them, and
Casey ends up coming to you.
Mia chews her bottom lip and thinks about it.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - AN HOUR LATER
Casey sits on her bed as Jamie stops pacing in front of her and closes her eyes, with her script behind her back.
JAMIE
... say good night til it be morrow.
Jamie opens her eyes.
JAMIE
Was that right?
CASEY
(smiles)
Yeah, you remembered everything. Wow.
I'm jealous.
JAMIE
Thanks.
CASEY
Do you want to go over the balcony
scene lines one more time? Since we
had to do it on Saturday.
JAMIE
Yeah, we should. Did you um, want to
act it out and everything?
CASEY
I think we should wait for that.
'Cause a lot of the blocking and
movement and things that we do are
gonna be dictated by our surroundings.
JAMIE
Ok, from 'Romeo, Romeo?'
CASEY
Yeah.
Casey tosses her script over her shoulder. Jamie hoists herself up to sit on Casey's desk.
JAMIE
O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou
Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy
name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but
sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a
Capulet.
Though they have said the same lines, Jamie's performance is much different than Mia's, with more depth and emotion. Casey is a little awed.
CASEY
(whispers)
Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at
this?
JAMIE
'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a
Montague. What's Montague? It is
neither hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor
face, nor any other part belonging to
a man. O, be some other name! What's
in a name? That which we call a rose
by any other name would smell as
sweet; so Romeo would, were he not
Romeo call'd, retain that dear
perfection which he owes without that
title. Romeo, doff thy name, and for
that name which is no part of thee
take all myself.
CASEY
I take thee at thy word: Call me but
love. Call me but love, and I'll be
new baptized; Henceforth I never will
be Romeo.
JAMIE
What man art thou that thus bescreen'd
in night so stumblest on my counsel?
CASEY
By a name I know not how to tell thee
who I am: My name, dear saint, is
hateful to myself, because it is an
enemy to thee. Had I it written, I
would tear the word.
JAMIE
My ears have not yet drunk a hundred
words of that tongue's utterance, yet
I know the sound: Art thou not Romeo
and a Montague?
CASEY
Neither, fair saint, if either thee
dislike.
JAMIE
How camest thou hither, tell me, and
wherefore? The orchard walls are high
and hard to climb, and the place
death, considering who thou art, if
any of my kinsmen find thee here.
CASEY
With love's light wings did I o'er-
perch these walls; for stony limits
cannot hold love out, and what love
can do that dares love attempt;
therefore thy kinsman are no let to
me.
JAMIE
If they do see thee, they will murder
thee.
CASEY
Alack, there lies more peril in thine
eye than twenty of their swords: look
thou but sweet, and I am proof against
their enmity.
JAMIE
I would not for the world they saw
thee here.
CASEY
I have night's cloak to hide me from
their sight; and but thou love me, let
them find me here. My life were better
ended by their hate, than death
prorogued, wanting of thy love.
They gaze at each other from across the room for a moment.
CASEY
Wow. That was really good.
JAMIE
Yeah.
CASEY
(smiles)
We're gonna knock everybody's socks
off on Saturday.
Jamie smiles and brushes a lock of hair out of her eyes and behind her ear.
JAMIE
I hope so.
CASEY
Definitely. Now...
Casey stands up and grabs the remote to her tv.
CASEY
Are we gonna adopt my 'no stress'
philosophy and leave that the way it
is for now, and just chill out? We
could see what's on tv.
JAMIE
Sure.
Jamie sits down on the bed.
CASEY
Wait! Be right back.
Casey hurries out of the room, remote still in hand, and returns a minute later, with a bag of Cheetos and another Iced Tea for Jamie.
JAMIE
You prepared for me.
She gestures to the Cheetos.
CASEY
Yup.
She hands Jamie her items, then sits down next to her and turns on the tv.
TV
(song)
Who lives in a pineapple under the
sea? Spongebob Squarepants!
CASEY
(embarrassed)
Um..
Casey fiddles with the remote and Jamie laughs.
JAMIE
It's okay. I love Plankton.
Casey grins and hands her the remote.
CASEY
You pick something.
JAMIE
Ok.
Casey opens the bag and eats a few Cheetos while Jamie flips through channels. Casey wiggles around a little, realizing that she doesn't have much support for her back, then scoots all the way up to the head of the bed, reclining against her pillows.
CASEY
Much better.
However, the bag of Cheetos is still with Jamie.
CASEY
Damn.
Jamie settles on a movie.
JAMIE
This okay?
CASEY
How to Lose A Guy In Ten Days? Sure.
Jamie nods. Casey stares at the bag of chips as Jamie has a couple. Finally she sits back up and snatches the bag before leaning back again, bag on her lap and her left arm outstretched up on the pillows.
CASEY
Heh.
JAMIE
Hey!
CASEY
Mmm.
JAMIE
Now I can't reach them.
Casey smirks. Jamie chews her lip for a moment, then gives Casey a little smile, and moves to recline on the pillows next to her, nestling herself in the crook of Casey's arm. She triumphantly reaches into the bag of Cheetos.
JAMIE
There.
CASEY
(smiles)
That works.
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS
Chris and Mia watch the same movie on Mia's tv.
CHRIS
Man, I would have killed to have been
Kate Hudson in this movie and have
Matthew McConaughey undress me in the
shower. You could've distracted her
while I had fun with him.
MIA
(shrugs)
I don't like her that much, actually.
A little too cutesy for me.
She grabs the remote and changes the channel. A commercial for One Tree Hill comes on.
MIA
Now, you know who I do like? The girl
on this show.
CHRIS
What, Hilarie Burton?
MIA
Isn't that the girl who plays Peyton?
CHRIS
Yeah.
MIA
Well, I like her too. Since she was a
VJ on MTV. And especially cause she's
always talking about her crush on
Angelina Jolie all the time. But I was
talking about the girl who plays her
best friend. You know, the one engaged
to that dipshit Chad in real life.
CHRIS
Sophia Bush. Now she is hot. If I were
straight, I'd go for her.
Mia pauses.
MIA
Casey's hot.
CHRIS
Yeah.
MIA
(sighs)
Damn.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS
Casey's stomach rumbles. Jamie laughs and looks at her.
CASEY
(smiles)
I'm hungry.
JAMIE
You just ate like an entire bag of
Cheetos.
CASEY
More like half. But I'm still hungry.
JAMIE
Well, what do you do for dinner when
your dad's not home?
CASEY
(shrugs)
Delivery. Take out. Fast food.
Restaurants. Sometimes I'll just cook
for myself.
JAMIE
You can cook?
CASEY
Yeah. I'm not Wolfgang Puck, but I
make a mean lasagna. I'll make it for
you someday.
JAMIE
I'd like that.
CASEY
However, I need food like now. You
want to go out and grab something?
JAMIE
I would, but I don't have any money.
CASEY
Nah, I'll take care of it. Let's go.
JAMIE
(hesitates)
Alright.
They get up and turn the tv off. Jamie grabs her backpack.
JAMIE
I should probably go home right after
we eat, it's getting late.
CASEY
Ok.
They head out.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL QUAD – MORNING
Casey's on her way to class, when she notices a rally going on at the stage in the corner of the quad. She heads over as the Drum Corps starts their song.
CUT TO:
EXT. RALLY STAGE – CONTINUOUS
Casey takes a spot near the front of the crowd, close to the stage, as the cheerleaders start to do their dance routine. She watches Mia in the front line. Mia notices her and winks while continuing her routine. Chris comes up next to Casey, slightly behind her, unbeknownst to her, and smirks to himself as he watches Casey check Mia out. He leans over to speak in her ear.
CHRIS
She's hot, huh?
Casey jumps a little.
CASEY
Jesus!
(laughs)
What's with the standing in my back
pocket thing?
CHRIS
(shrugs)
Sorry.
CASEY
What did you say?
CHRIS
I said, 'she's hot, huh?'
CASEY
Uh, yeah. I guess.
CHRIS
You guess?
Casey nods.
CASEY
Sure.
The song finishes and the cheerleaders end their dance with one final leg-kick in the air. Mia waves to them as she climbs off the stage and Caleb and Leah take over the festivities.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAYHOUSE – CONTINUOUS
Casey and Clark come out of class.
CASEY
It was boring.
CLARK
It was not boring.
CASEY
It was so boring I fell asleep in the
theater right after I drank a quart of
Jolt and ate a king-size box of Nerds.
That's how boring it was.
CLARK
I thought it was cute.
CASEY
Cute, schmute. It was boring.
Clark shakes his head.
CASEY
The only good part of it was when the
one Japanese woman hit on him and kept
on telling him to 'lip' her stockings,
and then she threw herself on the
floor and started yelling, 'No, we
can't!' while simultaneously trying to
pull his clothes off. And Anna Faris'
cameo as the actress they ran into.
She's all kinds of cute.
Clark laughs.
CASEY
Hey, I gotta go find Mia and talk to
her. I'll be back in 10.
CLARK
Alright.
Casey starts to walk over, when Jamie comes her way and intercepts her.
JAMIE
Hey, where are you going?
CASEY
Oh, I've gotta talk to Mia about
afterschool.
JAMIE
What's afterschool?
CASEY
(shrugs)
We're gonna hang out today.
JAMIE
Oh, ok.
CASEY
I'll be back in a little bit.
Casey continues on. Jamie watches her for a moment, then goes over and sits down next to Clark.
JAMIE
What is with Mia Hazelwood's hold over
the entire student body? I mean, last
class, I had to listen to the stupid
people behind me talk about her all
period long. And now this. It's like
she's put a spell on the school or
something.
CLARK
Casey's just talking to her James.
She'll be back in a few minutes.
JAMIE
Yeah, but then afterschool they're
gonna hang out together.
CLARK
So, what's the problem? You guys had
other plans for today?
JAMIE
(hesitates)
No.
CLARK
Then there's really not much of a
reason to get upset.
Jamie just looks at him.
CLARK
(sighs)
Look, I don't really like it any more
than you do. But I think you're gonna
have to accept the fact that they're
friends.
JAMIE
I was afraid you were going to say
that.
She sighs and takes a bite of her sandwich.
CUT TO:
EXT. QUAD HANGOUT - CONTINUOUS
Andrew steals one of Mia's fries as she and Casey talk.
CASEY
So just meet me by then. It shouldn't
take me more than 15 minutes or so to
shower and get over here.
MIA
Alright. Have fun at practice.
CASEY
See ya.
Casey heads back over to where Clark and Jamie sit, and Chris moves over to sit in the spot she just vacated.
CHRIS
She was totally checking you out.
MIA
(laughs)
What? No she wasn't. I would have
noticed.
CHRIS
Not now. Earlier today, during the
rally. You and the rest of the girls
were up there, shakin' it, and she was
practically drooling.
MIA
She could've been drooling over the
cheer-squad period. Everyone else
does.
CHRIS
Nuh-uh babe. Her eyes never left you.
She looks over to where Casey's eating. She and Jamie are laughing about something.
MIA
Chris, why must you point these things
out to me? You're just making it
harder.
CHRIS
I'm just trying to help.
MIA
Well, don't try so hard.
She reaches over to grab a fry and bumps into Andrew's hand, as he steals another fry. She looks at him, then to her half-empty carton of fries, then back at him. Her eyes widen.
MIA
You've been pilfering my fries!
He hastily shoves the evidence in his hand into his mouth. Mia starts to get up.
ANDREW
Uh-oh.
Andrew bolts and Mia tries to charge after him, but Chris restrains her.
CHRIS
(laughs)
Jesus, Mia.
MIA
He pilfered my fries!
(shouts after him)
Fry pilferer!
She reluctantly sits back down.
MIA
(pouts)
No goof thief.
Chris lets go and Andrew comes back over, after determining its safe. After a second, Mia charges again before Chris can stop her. She chases Andrew across the quad.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Casey leans against a wall of lockers as she waits for Mia, outside her class. The bell rings and students pour into the hallway. Mia comes out, surprised to see her.
MIA
Hey, you're early.
CASEY
Yeah, we finished up practice ahead of
time, so I decided to just hang out
here 'til you got out.
They start to walk out of the building. As usual, students move over if they're blocking the way. A bunch of students smile at them or say 'hi'. Casey returns the smiles and says 'hi' back to everyone, while Mia doesn't really respond.
CASEY
Why do you do that?
MIA
What?
CASEY
When random people greet you in the
hall, you don't do anything.
MIA
Well, it's not like I know them, or
anything.
CASEY
I think you should try it.
Mia laughs. Casey just looks at her.
MIA
You're serious.
CASEY
Yeah. I think people would appreciate
it.
MIA
(smiles)
Alright.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL ENTRANCE - AFTERNOON
Casey and Mia walk out of the school.
CASEY
I meant, you should try smiling back,
or saying 'hi' back. Not stopping to
have a 5 minute conversation with
every single one of them.
MIA
(smirks)
Well, they appreciated it, didn't
they?
CASEY
You twist my words, you vile woman.
MIA
Nope.
She grins and lowers her sunglasses to look at Casey over the top of them.
MIA
I straighten them out.
Casey reaches over and tickles her.
CASEY
Wench.
MIA
Scamp.
They reach the car and Casey holds open the passenger side door for Mia.
MIA
Thank you.
CUT TO:
INT. MIA'S BEDROOM – AFTERNOON
Mia loads a cd into her stereo. Casey examines her room.
CASEY
I think I like your bed more than
mine.
MIA
Well, if you like my bed so much, you
should come and visit it more often.
Casey laughs.
MIA
Oh my God, that sounded totally dirty,
didn't it?
CASEY
(chuckles)
A little.
MIA
Sorry. It didn't sound so vulgar in my
head.
CASEY
Be right back.
Casey disappears into the bathroom and closes the door while Mia takes out the cd, and flips through her other ones. She finally finds one, and puts it in as Casey opens the door and leans against the doorway, arms crossed. Mia puts the cd on the track she wants, Black Eyed Peas' 'Hey Mama', then turns around to face Casey. She holds out her arms.
MIA
Come on.
CASEY
I don't think I can do this.
MIA
Yes, you can. It's easy. Watch.
Mia begins dancing alone, her body and her hips moving in time with the beat. Her white shirt is unbuttoned a little low, accentuating the swell of her breasts and Casey stares a little. At some point, Mia turns so her back is to Casey as she dances. Casey continues to stare.
MIA
Do you see what I mean?
CASEY
(blurts)
Huh?
Mia pauses and turns to look at her.
MIA
Are you okay?
CASEY
(clears throat a little)
Yeah, I'm fine.
Mia studies her for a moment.
MIA
Casey, are you virgin?
Casey practically swallows her tongue.
CASEY
What? Where did that come from?
Mia puts her hands on her hips.
MIA
Are you a virgin?
CASEY
No.
(suspicious)
Wh... Why do you want to know?
MIA
Because dancing is like sex. You're
not supposed to think too much about
the technical side of what you're
doing. You just go with what feels
right. So don't think; just listen to
the music, feel the beat...
She does a little hip swivel.
MIA
And move.
CASEY
(laughs nervously)
Uh...
Mia chews her bottom lip, trying to think of something else that will work.
MIA
Wait! Hold on.
Mia goes over to her dresser and roots around in the top drawer. Finally, she pulls out a flask and presents it to Casey. Casey takes it.
CASEY
What is it?
MIA
Southern Comfort.
Casey looks at her for a moment, then breaks out into a grin and takes a swallow from the flask.
MIA
Attagirl.
She hands it back to Mia who takes a drink as well. She closes the flask and tosses it onto her bed, then turns up the music. She pulls Casey to a spot with a little bit more room and they start to dance. At first Casey moves slowly and hesitantly, but after a while, she just closes her eyes and moves with the beat and with Mia. She actually dances quite well, complimenting
Mia's moves nicely. In a magnificent show of strength, Mia blithely ignores how close they are to each other, and just lets the beat take over her. The song ends and Casey opens her eyes again.
MIA
(laughs)
Casey Farrell. You're such a liar. You
said you can't dance.
CASEY
Does that mean I can?
MIA
You sure as hell can.
Casey breaks out into a wide grin.
CASEY
Another song.
Casey turns the music up even louder.
CUT TO:
INT. MARINE BIO - MORNING
Jamie's already sitting in her seat, when Casey strolls in.
CASEY
(smiles)
Hey.
JAMIE
Hey.
Jamie opens up her binder and Casey starts to pull out her stuff. Jamie starts doodling on her paper.
JAMIE
(nonchalantly)
So, um, what did you and Mia do
yesterday?
CASEY
Danced.
Jamie's pencil breaks.
JAMIE
What?
CASEY
Yeah. She taught me how to dance,
cause there's a dance tonight after
the game. Aren't you going?
JAMIE
No.
CASEY
Well, you're going to be at the game,
right?
JAMIE
Football games aren't really my thing.
CASEY
Oh.
They stare at each other for a moment, until the bell rings and class starts. Casey sighs, and turns her attention to the teacher.
CUT TO:
EXT. MARINE BIO - AN HOUR LATER
Jamie walks out, Casey scrambling to catch up to her.
CASEY
Hey. What's wrong?
JAMIE
Nothing. I'm just disappointed.
CASEY
What, in me?
JAMIE
No, that we're not gonna hang out
tonight.
CASEY
Well, I'd blow the game off, but
Andrew threatened me with shotgun
violence if I didn't go and support
him and the team.
Casey grins, but Jamie doesn't find it as amusing as she does. Casey looks around them, noticing a few people eavesdropping. Casey leads her around the corner.
CASEY
Why don't you just come with me? We'll
go to the game, and I'll tell Mia I
can't go to the dance.
JAMIE
Mia?
CASEY
Yeah. I was going to go with her.
Off Jamie's hurt look, Casey backtracks.
CASEY
No, no. Not *with her*, with her.
Just... with her.
She trails off.
CASEY
(sighs)
Look, forget about it. I'll cancel
both and we'll...
JAMIE
No.
Jamie summons up a smile.
JAMIE
Go on. To the game and the dance. I'll
just see you tomorrow.
Casey's a little at a loss.
CASEY
Well, I.. Are you sure?
JAMIE
Yeah. They're your friends. You should
be able to spend time with them, too.
CASEY
Um, ok.
Jamie starts to turn to go, but Casey puts a hand on her arm to stop her.
CASEY
(softly)
I'll make it up to you, ok?
JAMIE
Ok.
Jamie leaves. Casey watches her walk down the stairs.
CUT TO:
INT. ENGLISH - AFTERNOON
Casey and Mia sit in class.
KAREN
Ok, it's Friday, so it's time for some
private reading. Does everybody have
their books?
Casey raises her hand.
CASEY
I forgot mine.
KAREN
Get one from my library.
Everyone gets out of their seats to pick a spot somewhere else in the room. Casey walks to the corner bookshelf to pick a book while Mia commandeers two bean bags for them. Casey selects something, then goes over to sit next to Mia. She plops down on the bag Mia saved for her, then makes a funny face. She wiggles around a little, and looks over at Mia and realizes that Mia picked the better quality bean bag for herself. She reaches over and pinches Mia, who giggles a little too loudly. Mrs. Chesler comes over to them.
KAREN
You know, I know we usually do have an
open-seating policy, but I think for
today, you guys should sit somewhat
apart from each other. I just want to
try an experiment.
She goes back over to her desk. Casey smiles sheepishly and picks up her little bean bag, giving Mia a little kick first. Mia grins impishly at her.
CASEY
(whispers)
Wench.
MIA
(whispers)
Scamp.
Casey trudges across the room, muttering indistinguishably to herself. She settles down again. After a few minutes of reading, her cell phone vibrates in her pocket and she surreptitiously opens it. It's an Instant Message from Mia.
DEMENTEDBUTRFLY
(IM)
I was going to write out a note and
pass it over to you, but I've realized
that that is sooo 20th century.
JANEBOND007
(IM)
Heh. Technology is great, isn't it?
DEMENTEDBUTRFLY
(IM)
Yup. Listen, do you want to spend the
night at my house after the dance?
Casey pauses a moment, and looks up to meet Mia's gaze from across the room. After a few moments, she starts keying in her reply.
JANEBOND007
(IM)
I've got rehearsal tomorrow, remember?
So I don't think it's a very good
idea.
DEMENTEDBUTRFLY
(IM)
That's cool. Maybe next time.
JANEBOND007
(IM)
Yeah. Maybe.
Casey checks her buddy list. Someone named NaiveCube99 is on, and someone named BlueDiamond04 signs on.
JANEBOND007
(IM)
Huh. That's weird. Clark and Jamie are
on.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Jamie's sitting in her room on her computer while Alice tries on her clothes and jumps on her bed.
JAMIE
Shh! Casey's on!
ALICE
Who's Casey?
JAMIE
Someone. She's totally on. She's
supposed to be in class.
ALICE
Oooooo.
JAMIE
Why isn't she IMing me? I know she
sees me.
CUT TO:
INT. ENGLISH – CONTINUOUS
Mrs. Chesler gets up from her desk and starts to walk around to check on students. Casey quickly signs off and hides her phone.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Jamie watches as Casey signs off along with the sound of a door slamming.
JAMIE
I hate that sound. Why must they pick
that sound? Can't the door just
quietly close when someone leaves?
Noooo, it has to slam.
Alice stops jumping and gives her a funny look.
ALICE
Why are you all weird?
JAMIE
I'm not weird. You're weird.
Alice shrugs and bounds out of the room. Jamie sighs and signs off. She switches over to the paper she's writing. After a few moments of trying to write, Jamie signs back on again only to find that Casey is still off. Someone knocks on her door and she jumps a little.
JAMIE
Come in.
She closes the buddy list. Clark pokes his head in.
CLARK
Are you alright? Alice came and jumped
on me and said you were being weird
and complaining about Casey.
Alice pokes her head in under Clark's arm.
ALICE
And she called me weird!
Jamie throws a crumpled piece of paper at her retreating form. Clark comes in, after shutting the door and plops down on her bed.
CLARK
What's up?
JAMIE
Nothing.
CLARK
You're a terrible liar, you know that?
JAMIE
I hate it when Casey hangs out with
Mia.
CLARK
I thought we talked about this.
They're friends. Just friends. Casey
said so herself.
JAMIE
She did?
CLARK
Sure. We were talking in theatre the
other day.
Jamie puts her head down in her hands for a moment,
before lifting her head up to look at Clark again.
JAMIE
It's just that.. something about Mia
Hazelwood makes me wildly jealous. I
don't even know why, or what it is.
She just does. Despite the fact that
Casey doesn't like her.
CLARK
Have you told Casey that?
JAMIE
No.
CLARK
(sighs)
Tell her.
JAMIE
Why?
CLARK
Because she's your girlfriend or
whatever, and you're supposed to talk
and work things out. In fact, I think
you should call her right now and talk
to her.
JAMIE
Clark...
CLARK
Do it.
JAMIE
Clark, why do you care so much? Ever
since I told you about her, you've
been pushing me, pushing us together.
Most older brothers would be all over-
protective and everything at just the
thought of someone being interested in
their younger sister.
He leans back.
CLARK
Because...
He trails off and plays with the edge of the blanket for a moment.
CLARK
(softly)
I remember the way you were before the
accident.
Jamie looks down at the floor.
CLARK
You were so exuberant and just so full
of life and laughter. And then Mom
died, and it was like that part of you
died with her. You became so quiet.
You'd sit in your classes and not talk
to anybody sitting by you. You'd hole
yourself up in the library during
lunch, until I started making you eat
with me. But ever since Casey's been
around... for the first time in three
years, you're becoming more like the
little sister I once knew.
He gets off the bed and kneels in front of her.
CLARK
She's been the only other person
outside of this family that's been
able to make you laugh or even smile.
I remember the day you met her, a
couple weeks ago, when I was playing
some ball in the driveway. I remember
looking over at you and you were just
sitting there. Grinning. Almost
stupidly.
Jamie smacks his shoulder.
JAMIE
(smiles)
Shut up.
CLARK
I like her. I trust her and she makes
you happy. So yeah, I'm trying to make
sure you guys get together, because I
want you to be happy. Is that okay?
Jamie nods and buries her face in his shoulder in a hug.
JAMIE
Yeah. Thank you.
She pulls back and he grabs her shoulders.
CLARK
So are you going to call her?
JAMIE
She's in class. I'll wait until she
gets out.
CLARK
Ok.
He gets up and ruffles her hair a little, before leaving.
JAMIE
I love you, Clark.
CLARK
Love you too, James.
He shuts the door behind him.
CUT TO:
EXT. ENGLISH - AFTERNOON
Casey and Mia walk out of English.
CASEY
How are you getting to the game?
MIA
Oh, I'll probably catch a ride with
one of the other girls on the squad.
CASEY
Or I could take you. If you want.
MIA
Are you sure? Cause I have to be there
a little early.
CASEY
(shrugs)
Sure. I'll torment you guys while you
warm-up.
Mia smacks her shoulder.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S ROOM – EVENING
Jamie picks up the phone and dials Casey's number.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
The phone rings and Casey stumbles out of the bathroom, jeans unbuttoned and trying to pull her shirt over her head. She snatches the phone.
CASEY
I told you Chris, I'm picking you up
first, then Mia.
JAMIE
(on phone)
Hi.
Casey pauses, then resumes dressing, at a much more effective, leisurely pace.
CASEY
Oh, hi. Sorry, I thought you were
Chris calling to complain again. What
are you up to?
JAMIE
Oh, I just wanted to talk to you about
something, but if you're in a hurry or
late, it can wait until later tonight.
CASEY
Oh, um...
Casey looks at the clock next to her bed.
CASEY
Yeah, I should get going. But I won't
be back tonight until late, past your
phone curfew. Um, do you want to just
meet me early before rehearsal
tomorrow?
JAMIE
Ok, that works.
CASEY
(smiles)
Ok, I'll see you tomorrow.
JAMIE
Bye.
CASEY
Bye.
Casey hangs up and smiles to herself for a moment, before looking at the clock again.
CASEY
Crap. Keys.
CUT TO:
EXT. DEAN STADIUM - EVENING
Casey, Mia and Chris walk up to the entrance of the stadium. The security guy at the gate smiles at them as they approach.
MIA
Hey, Mr. Broadway.
BROADWAY
You kids aren't carrying anything
you're not supposed to, are you?
Weapons, alcohol...
MIA
Hardly.
BROADWAY
Alright, go on in.
They walk through the gate. Casey starts to head for the ticket booth, but Mia grabs her arm and leads her on through to the bleachers.
CASEY
But, don't I have to pay?
MIA
Not when you're with me.
CASEY
Oh. Nice.
Chris and Casey pick seats near the front, close to where the band and drill squad are allocated to sit. Most of the cheerleaders are already there, warming up on the sidelines, and backpacks and purses litter the area cordoned off for the band.
MIA
I gotta go already. I'll come to you
guys when everything's over.
CHRIS
Alright.
Mia heads down to the sidelines, and Chris wiggles around in his seat.
CHRIS
You'd think a school as hip, and
stylish, and gay as this would have
nicer, more comfortable bleachers.
CASEY
It's not so bad. It's got a certain
charm.
CHRIS
Was it like this at your old school,
before you moved?
CASEY
Nah. I went to a private school. We
had a full-on stadium. With cushy
seats.
CHRIS
Nice. So then, how was it, coming
here? Wasn't it hard?
CASEY
Well, it's different, that's for sure.
I mean, at my old school, I was always
surrounded by the same type of people.
Now it's more diverse. Makes school
more interesting. But yeah, this
school is a little lacking, in
comparison to what I'm used to.
CHRIS
But the academics here are pretty
good, right?
CASEY
Pretty good. But my old school was
much more rigorous. When I first got
here, I realized most of what we're
learning now, I've already heard about
before. It's not really a problem,
though, because I didn't pay much
attention to any of it the first time
around. I hate studying. So maybe now,
after hearing it for the second time,
I'll improve. So, going here isn’t
too bad. And being able to flirt with
all the girls makes up for all the
shortcomings.
CHRIS
(smirks)
All of them.
CASEY
Well, right now I'm pretty focused on
one.
More people start to fill up the seats.
CASEY
Oh, ew. There's my French teacher.
CHRIS
You don't like her?
CASEY
She always gets on my case for not
paying attention in her class. I'm
like, 'Lady, I'm from New Orleans. My
French can totally beat up your
French. So please leave me alone.'
Chris laughs. The announcer introduces the opposing team.
CUT TO:
EXT. DEAN STADIUM - NIGHT
Casey and Chris sit back down, along with many of the other spectators, letting out a collective disgusted sigh.
CASEY
Crap. There's like 4 seconds left.
The opposing team is up by 3 points, and the Dean football team is too far away for a field goal in order to tie the game.
CHRIS
And what the hell kind of a mascot is
a Jackrabbit, anyways?
CASEY
I know! It's the same kind of mascot
as a Banana Slug. Pathetic.
The teams break their huddles and get into position. Casey sighs again and resigns herself to defeat. The ball is snapped, and Andrew pulls back and gets ready to throw the ball, looking around quickly for an open receiver. Nobody's open, but he spots an open lane for him to run through, and making a quick decision, tucks the ball in his arms and bolts. Casey and Chris start to get excited again.
CASEY
Oh, shit. Oh, shit. Oh, shit!
CHRIS
Go! Go!
CASEY
Go!
The crowd stands and yells and shouts as Andrew charges up the field, dodging a defender. An offensive teammate catches up to him and blocks for him, clearing the way all the way to the end-zone for a game-winning touchdown. Chris jumps up and down.
CHRIS
Yes!
Chris and Casey hug and laugh.
CASEY
Hell, yeah! Now that's the way you do
it!
Andrew does a little dance in the end-zone and one of his teammates comes up from behind him and gives him a bear-hug.
CUT TO:
EXT. DEAN STADIUM - A MOMENT LATER
Things wind down and the crowds start to empty from the bleachers. Mia heads up into the stands to Casey and Chris.
MIA
Jesus, it's cold!
CASEY
You didn't bring a jacket?
MIA
I forgot.
Casey peels off her own denim jacket and hands it to her.
CASEY
Here.
MIA
(smiles)
Thanks.
She puts it on.
MIA
However, I need to change for the
dance. Can I change in your car?
CASEY
Sure. Let's go.
They climb down the bleachers, Casey and Mia side-by-side, Chris behind Mia.
MIA
Have I told you that you look really
hot tonight?
Chris smirks to himself.
CASEY
(blushes)
Uh, no, but um.. thanks. You know,
you're not so bad yourself Mia.
MIA
Thanks.
Chris pokes Mia from behind. She furtively smacks his hand.
CUT TO:
EXT. DANCE HALL PATIO - NIGHT
Mia tugs Casey out onto the patio for a breath of cool, night air.
CASEY
Bu- but.. I like this song.
MIA
We've been dancing non-stop since we
got here. Don't you need a break?
CASEY
(pouts)
No.
MIA
I've created a monster.
Casey makes a face.
CASEY
Grrrr.
MIA
(laughs)
Fine. Go ahead and go back in if you
want.
CASEY
No, it's alright. I'll um, wait for
you. Some of the girls in there are
kinda...
She gestures.
CASEY
Grabby. I'm afraid if I go back in
there alone, it'll just get worse.
MIA
Some girl grabbed you? Where is she?
Mia starts to charge back inside.
MIA
I'm gonna go in there and shove one of
my expensive Prada shoes right UP HER
ASS.
Casey wraps an arm around her waist and swings her around to walk back out onto the patio.
CASEY
Mia, calm down. Please.
(pleads)
Think of the shoes.
MIA
But.. but..
(pouts)
Someone fondled you.
CASEY
(grins)
It was more like caressed. She was
gentle.
MIA
Casey...
CASEY
Relax. If it happens again, I'll take
care of it.
MIA
Well, I'll let it slide for now, but
if it happens again, I just may have
to get nasty.
Casey laughs and they breathe in the night air in silence for a few moments before Mia lets out a frustrated sigh.
MIA
You know, I think this is bothering me
more than it's bothering you.
CASEY
Why?
MIA
Well, aside from the fact that someone
touched you against your will.. sh..
I..
Mia blows out another frustrated breath.
MIA
Casey, you and I were dancing together
all night. For all she knows, you and
I are dating and apparently the
thought of her touching my girlfriend
when I'm right there didn't faze her
in the least. I can't have that. I do
have a reputation to uphold, you know.
CASEY
Well, then if it happens again, I'll
just let you loose on her. If it'll
make you feel better.
MIA
It will.
CASEY
Ok. But if you get arrested, I'm not
bailing you out.
MIA
(pouts)
But I would've been defending your
honor.
CASEY
(smiles)
Fine. I'll post bail, but you're gonna
pay me back.
MIA
With interest.
CASEY
But besides, I think people know you
and I aren't dating. If anything, they
know I'm dating Jamie.
MIA
Oh. What makes you think that?
CASEY
People are nosy. We were talking the
other day, and the people in the crowd
around us were trying really hard not
to look like they were listening in.
MIA
(shrugs)
Well, that's kinda what happens when
you're.. popular. You know.
CASEY
(nods)
I know.
MIA
(clears her throat)
So, um, you and her, you're going out
now?
CASEY
Semi-officially. I mean, I haven't
formally asked her yet. I plan to do
so very soon, however.
Mia, crestfallen, conjures up a small smile.
MIA
That's great. I'm- I'm happy for you.
Casey smiles back, oblivious to Mia's disappointment. Then she frowns.
CASEY
You know, it just occurred to me that
it could've been a guy that touched
me.
MIA
Ew.
CUT TO:
INT. CASEY'S CAR - MIDNIGHT
Casey pulls up to Mia's house.
CASEY
Why in the hell does Chris have to
live so far?
MIA
Beats me.
A pause.
CASEY
Listen, thank you.
MIA
For what?
CASEY
For, I don't know.. I really did have
a lot of fun tonight. I'm glad you
convinced me to go.
MIA
(smiles)
You're welcome. What are you doing
tomorrow?
CASEY
Well, there's rehearsal. And I'm
probably going to do something with
Jamie after that.
MIA
Oh, ok. Well, if uh, you get free, and
you want to do something, give me a
call.
CASEY
I will.
MIA
Night.
Mia climbs out.
CASEY
Night.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLAYHOUSE - MORNING
Casey finds Jamie sitting on a bench by the Playhouse, flipping through her play.
CASEY
Hey.
JAMIE
Hey.
She gestures to the front door of the Playhouse.
JAMIE
The door's still locked, so...
Casey sits down next to Jamie.
CASEY
Where's Clark?
JAMIE
Oh, um, once we found out the door was
locked he wandered off. Said he'd be
back in time for rehearsal. I don't
know where he went.
CASEY
Oh.
Casey leans over and rests her head on Jamie's shoulder and closes her eyes.
CASEY
I'm tired.
JAMIE
(smiles)
What time did you get home last night?
CASEY
Early enough. I just couldn't fall
asleep for a while. I kept hearing the
music in my head. And Mia's threats to
claw people's eyes out.
JAMIE
Why was she threatening to claw
people's eyes out?
CASEY
To, and I quote, protect me from the
lustful gazes of the ogling masses.
JAMIE
Oh. That was, um, nice of her.
CASEY
Yeah. She's a good friend.
Head still resting on Jamie's shoulder, she reaches out and takes Jamie's hand, twining their fingers together.
CASEY
(yawns)
Didn't you want to talk about
something?
Jamie looks down and studies their joined hands for a long moment, then smiles to herself.
JAMIE
No. Nothing important.
CASEY
Mmm. Good. 'Cause I need a nap, and
I'm gonna use you for a pillow.
(sleepily)
That okay?
Jamie reaches up to brush a strand of hair out of Casey's face.
JAMIE
Yeah, that's okay.
Eyes still closed, Casey smiles.
FADE OUT.