104 - Less Than Perfect

Disclaimer: I totally jacked Mitch Hedberg’s joke about the receipt for a doughnut. Check him out if you get a chance. Dude is hilarious.

I am an attention addict. I have a very severe addiction. I tried going to an Attention Anonymous meeting, but they said that since it doesn’t really affect my health, that it’s harmless to suck up as much attention as I can. That being said, feed my craving at lightanddark7@yahoo.com.

Rebel High

Season 1

Episode 4: “Less Than Perfect”

FADE IN:

INT. FOUR SEASONS ELEVATOR - NIGHT

Casey waits in the elevator with Conor as it climbs floors. She straightens her sleeves.

CONOR

I meant to tell you when I picked it

up but that suit is very nice.

CASEY

Thanks.

CONOR

Did your girlfriend pick it out?

CASEY

I didn't go with her.

CONOR

But I thought you said...

CASEY

I went with Mia and Mia's not my

girlfriend.

He clears his throat.

CONOR

I thought she was.

CASEY

No, dad. Jamie's my girlfriend,

remember?

CONOR

No.

CASEY

(sighs)

Well, maybe if you'd listen to me

occasionally...

CONOR

Casey, don't start right now.

The bell dings and the door opens. Casey takes a deep breath as they step out into the banquet hall.

CUT TO:

INT. FOUR SEASONS BANQUET HALL – CONTINUOUS

A few moments after they come out of the elevator, a tall, middle-aged man with dark brown hair in a suit and tie approaches them.

CONOR

Richard, how are you?

RICHARD shakes Conor's hand.

RICHARD

Conor, it's good to see you. This must

be Casey.

He shakes her hand.

CONOR

Yes, Casey, this is Richard Morris.

He's the managing partner.

CASEY

(smiles)

Richard Morris. Yale Law. Class of

'78. Your father, Richard Senior, co-

founded the firm along with James

Foster.

Richard laughs.

RICHARD

I see you've done your homework. I

take it you're interested in the law

profession yourself?

Conor claps her shoulder and squeezes.

CONOR

Yes, in fact, she's hoping to attend

the old alma mater.

Casey looks slightly annoyed but remains smiling.

CASEY

Absolutely. Nothing I'd love more than

to follow in dad's footsteps.

RICHARD

Looking to become a Yalie yourself?

I'm on the alumni committee. I'll give

word to the admissions folks to keep

an eye out for your application.

CASEY

Yes, well, it's still a couple years

away. I'm only a sophomore now.

RICHARD

It's never too early to start picking

your college. Conor tells me you're

attending Dean High School down in

Long Beach?

CASEY

Yes, I am.

RICHARD

Excellent school, despite being a

public institution. Actually, the fact

that they're a public institution is

causing a bit of ruckus.

CASEY

I've read about that. How parents and

taxpayers are complaining that they're

paying for a school that their kids

can't attend.

RICHARD

Yes, and we've actually started up pro

bono efforts to protect the school.

I've been trying to put a team

together, but it's been difficult.

CONOR

Well, a lot of lawyers find billable

hours enough work already.

Casey claps his shoulder.

CASEY

Yes, but it's always admirable for

those who go above and beyond. And

that sounds like something you'd like

to do. Wouldn't you love to help out

with that?

She gives his shoulder a squeeze.

CASEY

Dad?

He clears his throat.

CONOR

Absolutely.

RICHARD

Excellent! I know you're quite skilled

in the area of negotiation. We could

really use you for this type of work,

Conor. Maybe I'll be able coax more

pro bono efforts out of you yet.

CONOR

Oh, yes.

Casey gives her dad an innocent, charming smile and reaches out to shake Richard's hand again.

CASEY

It's been a pleasure meeting you, Mr.

Morris. Now, if you'll please excuse

me, I'm going to get a drink.

She heads over to the bar and pulls out her cell phone.

CUT TO:

INT. FOUR SEASONS BAR - CONTINUOUS

She dials a number and waits while it rings.

MIA

(on phone)

Hello?

CASEY

I hate these things.

MIA

Cell phones or events?

CASEY

Events usually, although cell phones

do tend to annoy me from time to time.

Damn you Verizon and your stupid

"Whenever, Wherever" calling plan.

MIA

I thought that was Cingular.

CASEY

Whatever, they're all lies. LIES!

MIA

(laughs)

Is he having you do the perfect

daughter bit? Like you guys are so

close and you're such a daddy's girl?

CASEY

Even worse. He made me, like, memorize

all these little facts and bios about

his coworkers and the head partners at

his firm.

MIA

Sorry.

CASEY

Nah, it's alright. I kinda got back at

him by telling his boss he'd love to

work more hours. For free.

MIA

(laughs)

Oooh. I would've loved to have seen

that.

CASEY

I wish you would've been here to see

it.

MIA

You could've taken Jamie with you, to

make the night bearable.

CASEY

I didn't ask her.

MIA

Casey Farrell, if you start hiding

things from your girlfriend, I'm going

to kick your ass.

CASEY

(laughs)

But your trusty nail file was taken

away.

MIA

I'll use my bare hands. Or I'll beat

you to death with my out-of-season

Dolce and Gabbana pumps.

CASEY

You're so abusive towards your shoes.

MIA

I have hundreds.

CASEY

You don't need hundreds of pairs of

shoes.

MIA

You don't needs dozens of pairs of

jeans.

CASEY

Good point. Well, I was going to ask

her, but my dad didn't tell me it was

okay to bring someone. I'll ask him

next time.

MIA

Good. In the mean time, play the

perfect daughter, ride out the storm,

and continue to let his routine

backfire on him. And give me all the

evil details.

CASEY

Ok. I'll see you at school.

MIA

Have a martini for me.

CASEY

I will. Bye.

She hangs up and signals for the bartender.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Casey and Conor walk into the house.

CONOR

Casey..

CASEY

(interrupts)

Dad, I had a long rehearsal and that

was a long banquet. I'm going to bed.

CONOR

(sighs)

Fine.

She pulls off her jacket and heads upstairs.

CONOR

I have another one in two weeks.

She pauses on the steps, but doesn't say anything, and continues on after a moment.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM – NOON

Casey lounges on her living room couch, flipping through channels on the tv. She sighs and picks up the cordless phone on the coffee table.

MIA

(on phone)

Hello?

CASEY

I'm about to die from boredom, Jamie's

at church like all day, I need

amusement, I've hidden all the Cheetos

from plain view and my air conditioner

is on full blast to fend off today's

unnatural heat. Do you want to come

over?

MIA

(laughs)

Yeah, if you'll pick me up.

CASEY

Be right there.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - A MOMENT LATER

Mia and Casey sit on the couch, feet resting on the coffee table, munching on popcorn. Mia snatches the remote from Casey.

CASEY

Hey!

MIA

Mine.

She flips channels until 'Bring It On' comes on.

MIA

Have you seen this?

CASEY

Do you want the official, press

conference answer? Or do you want the

dark, hidden only-the-few-know answer?

MIA

(grins)

The dark one.

CASEY

I love this movie. Kirsten Dunst is

yummy.

MIA

She's not my type.

CASEY

(shrugs)

I have a thing for blondes.

MIA

Evidently.

Casey looks at her.

MIA

What?

CASEY

Nothing.

She snatches back the remote. She stops on a documentary.

CASEY

Hey, there's Jamie.

MIA

What?

CASEY

Not Jamie Jamie, but my friend Jamie.

From New York.

MIA

Oh, I've seen this documentary.

CASEY

You know, he asked me to be in this.

MIA

Really?

Casey nods.

MIA

How come you didn't want to do it?

CASEY

Because it's just.. weird. I don't

like talking about my family or my

family's money, especially on camera.

Mia nods as they watch some more.

MIA

Ew. Is that European guy as much of an

asshole as he seems?

CASEY

(laughs)

God, much worse.

MIA

So do you know everyone in this thing?

CASEY

Most of them. Everyone that lives in

or near New York.

MIA

Are you in New York often?

CASEY

Every summer I go and stay there for a

month and a half or so. Then for the

rest of summer I do some traveling. I

went to Greece last summer.

MIA

Damn. I'd kill to go to Greece. I did

go to Rome however.

CASEY

Oh my God, isn't Rome incredible?

MIA

Oh, I loved the Forum. You're like

walking the same steps that people

walked thousands of years ago.

CASEY

(nods)

It's very surreal.

MIA

Not to mention, I have a thing for

Italians.

CASEY

I'm sure you do.

MIA

Do you have a little Italian in you,

Casey?

CASEY

No.

MIA

(grins)

Want some?

CASEY

(laughs)

That's the cheesiest pick-up line

ever. It sounds like something Andrew

would say.

MIA

Well, I did get it from him.

CASEY

(smiles)

Figures.

Mia takes back the remote again.

MIA

What church does Jamie go to?

CASEY

Blonde Jamie or rich Jamie?

MIA

Blonde Jamie.

CASEY

It's called the Unitarian Universalist

Church of Long Beach.

MIA

(makes a face)

What the hell is a Unitarian

Universalist?

CASEY

I have no clue. Jamie tried to explain

it to me. I didn't understand much of

it, but she said it could really be

summed up as a religion that doesn't

actually contain any religion.

MIA

That's weird.

CASEY

(shrugs)

As long as it's not a cult.

MIA

You never know. You oughta check it

out.

CASEY

Nah. That would require meeting her

dad. I'd prefer to laze about in the

safety of my own, empty home.

MIA

Sounds boring.

Casey nudges her with an elbow.

CASEY

Not when you're here.

MIA

Well then, I should come here every

Sunday.

CASEY

(smiles)

OK. I'll give you the code for the

door and you can surprise me.

MIA

How is it a surprise if you already

know about it?

CASEY

Because by tomorrow I'll forget I gave

you the code, and if you just walk in

the house on Sunday, I'll be

surprised.

MIA

If you say so.

Mia changes the channel to one of the MTV channels that actually play music videos. Christina Milian's "Dip It Low" remix featuring Shawna is playing.

MIA

(gasps)

I love this song!

She hops up off the couch and starts to dance in the middle of Casey's living room.

MIA

Dance with me.

Casey smiles and shakes her head.

CASEY

I'm tired.

MIA

(petulantly)

But... you love to dance.

CASEY

But I'm tired.

Mia stops and regards her, hands on hips.

MIA

You must not have a whole lot of...

stamina then.

Casey sits up indignantly.

CASEY

I have plenty of stamina, thank you

very much!

MIA

Oh yeah?

Casey crosses her arms.

CASEY

Yeah.

Mia gives her a saucy look.

MIA

Prove it.

Mia slowly swivels her hips tantalizingly. Casey stares.

CASEY

(licks her lips)

Uhh... I, uh..

Casey clears her throat. Mia stops dancing.

MIA

God, I'm so sorry.

CASEY

No, no...

Mia sighs and turns off the music, then sits on the coffee table in front of Casey.

MIA

We need to talk.

Casey runs a hand through her hair.

CASEY

Ok.

MIA

I like you, Casey.

CASEY

I know.

(chuckles)

You're not exactly subtle about it,

Mia. You did just swivel your hips at

me.

MIA

(sighs)

I know.

CASEY

And Chris keeps hinting at it.

MIA

That little shit.

Casey laughs.

MIA

Well, I do like you. And I like

flirting, but I didn't mean to make

you uncomfortable. I'll stop.

CASEY

No, don't stop.

Mia gives her a questioning look.

MIA

Do you mean..?

CASEY

God, no.

Mia's shoulders slump a little.

MIA

Oh.

CASEY

Wait, I didn't mean it like that.

Casey runs a hand through her hair again.

CASEY

I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not

saying I want to uh, do anything, you

know? I mean, I'd never cheat on

Jamie. But..

(shrugs)

I kinda like it when you flirt with

me.

MIA

Why? Surely Jamie must flirt with you.

CASEY

Well, yeah, but it's different. With

her it's all sweet and innocent and

everything. But with you it's..

it's...

MIA

Not so sweet and innocent.

CASEY

Exactly. So it doesn't bother me, as

long as we're clear on the fact that

uh...

MIA

(nods)

That nothing will ever happen.

CASEY

Yeah. Is that.. are you...

Casey blows out a frustrated breath.

CASEY

God, I can't speak for shit sometimes.

Mia laughs.

CASEY

I don't want to hurt your feelings,

Mia.

MIA

No, I'm cool with everything. As long

as I still get to be your friend.

CASEY

Of course.

Mia chews her bottom lip for a moment.

MIA

Does she know you're not a virgin?

Casey remains silent.

MIA

Jesus, Farrell. You really suck at

this girlfriend thing.

CASEY

Cut me some slack. It's not like I've

had a girlfriend before.

MIA

You've never had a girlfriend before?

CASEY

No, not really.

MIA

Ever?

Casey shakes her head.

MIA

But you.. you're...

CASEY

And I'd really rather not talk about

it right now.

MIA

Ok.

She holds up her hands.

MIA

That's ok. But if you change your mind

and you want to talk about it, you

know where to find me.

CASEY

Thanks.

MIA

(smiles)

Now that we understand each other..

Mia slaps her hands down on her thighs and stands up.

MIA

Are you going to dance with me?

Casey laughs and allows herself to be pulled up.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – MORNING

Clark and Jamie walk through the sparsely populated hallway together. Leah walks by and smiles at them as she passes.

LEAH

Hey, Jamie.

JAMIE

(confused)

Oh, hey.

Clark turns to watch Leah as she walks away.

CLARK

Do you know her?

JAMIE

(shakes her head)

No.

They get to Clark's class.

CLARK

Alright. See you at lunch.

JAMIE

Ok.

She continues walking alone. Casey spots Jamie walking towards Marine Bio and jogs to catch up to her.

CASEY

Hey.

JAMIE

(smiles)

Hey.

CASEY

How come you're always so early in the

morning?

JAMIE

I don't know. My dad's always dropped

us off early.

CASEY

Oh. Well, I would've been earlier, but

I was getting breakfast and I had to

wait because the cashier woman just

had to give me a receipt.

JAMIE

A receipt?

CASEY

Yeah, can you believe that? I bought a

doughnut and they gave me a receipt

for the doughnut. I don't need a

receipt for a doughnut; I give you the

money and you give me the doughnut,

end of transaction. We don't need to

bring ink and paper into this.

Jamie makes a face.

CASEY

Exactly.

JAMIE

You ate a doughnut for breakfast?

CASEY

Why not?

JAMIE

Those are so awful for you.

CASEY

(grins)

Live fast, die young, leave a good

looking corpse.

Jamie pinches her.

CASEY

(laughs)

Ow! You know you're always hitting me

or pinching me or something. Clark

too.

JAMIE

Maybe you two deserve it.

CASEY

(grins)

Maybe you should try anger management.

JAMIE

I'll sign up for classes if you stop

eating lard for breakfast.

Casey shakes her head.

CASEY

No deal.

JAMIE

Well then, I guess you'll just have to

get used to me beating you up all the

time.

CASEY

Oh yeah?

JAMIE

(grins)

Yeah.

Casey looks around at the mostly deserted hallway and leans down to give Jamie a soft kiss.

CASEY

Ok. But be gentle. I bruise easily.

JAMIE

(laughs)

Ok.

Casey takes her hand and they continue heading to class.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - A MOMENT LATER

Mia and Chris sit on the steps by their classroom. A few other pairs are scattered throughout the hallway.

CHRIS

I hate projects.

MIA

(shrugs)

At least we get to work together on

this one.

CHRIS

Yeah, I guess. So what did you do this

weekend? I tried calling you

yesterday.

MIA

Oh. I went to Casey's house.

Mia frowns as she writes in her notebook.

CHRIS

What's wrong?

MIA

Well, I'm kinda mad at her. At least

now that I've had a day to think

everything over.

CHRIS

(grins)

Ooooh, scoop.

MIA

It's not funny, Chris.

CHRIS

Ok. But what did she do?

MIA

Well, we were hanging out and at one

point I kinda hit on her.

CHRIS

(smiles)

Uh-huh.

MIA

And I told her I'd stop, but then she

told me not too.

CHRIS

What does that mean? Like she wants to

hook-up?

MIA

No. Basically she wants to be with

Jamie and have a relationship with

Jamie, but she wants to keep me around

for when she gets bored and when she

wants someone to be all sexy and

flirty with her.

CHRIS

(laughs incredulously)

She said that?

MIA

Not in those words, no. But that's

what the gist of it was.

CHRIS

That's so wrong. It's like she wants

to have her cake and eat it to.

MIA

I know! What kind of shit is that?

CHRIS

Well, did you tell her off?

Mia hangs her head.

MIA

(sighs)

No.

CHRIS

Why not?

MIA

Because I just couldn't. I mean, it

wasn't like she was all sleazy about

it or anything. She was kind of sweet

and embarrassed and bashful and all

that cute crap about it. I didn't have

the heart to yell at her.

CHRIS

Well, I should tell her off for you.

That's just so... wrong.

MIA

No, you can't. She can't know I told

you about it.

CHRIS

But..

MIA

In fact, no one can know about it. You

know how things get around school,

especially when Casey's involved. I

don't want Jamie to know about it.

CHRIS

But if that's the way Casey is, I

think someone should enlighten her to

her girlfriend's ways.

Mia grabs his arm.

MIA

Don't you dare. I'll beat you to death

with a platform shoe.

CHRIS

Mia...

MIA

I'm serious. This shouldn't even be an

issue. She has a girlfriend and I

shouldn't have come on to her so

strongly.

CHRIS

Oh, come on. I doubt it was that bad.

MIA

I swiveled my hips at her and told her

to prove that she had stamina.

CHRIS

(winces)

Ok, yeah that is a little strong.

MIA

Just don't say anything to anyone.

Please?

CHRIS

Ok.

Casey and Jamie walk by them on their way to class. Casey smiles and gives them a wave as they pass. Mia smiles and waves back. Once Jamie and Casey walk out of the building, Mia crumples up her paper and throws it towards the door.

MIA

Damn you, Farrell. I'm like in love

with you and you're in love with her.

CHRIS

What are you going to do?

MIA

Nothing. Just... nothing.

He studies her for a moment, then wraps an arm around her shoulders and squeezes.

CHRIS

What do you have for eighth period

today?

MIA

English.

(laughs)

With Casey.

CHRIS

Let's blow off eighth and go take a

stroll up in Venice.

MIA

Ok.

CHRIS

We'll find some hot, half naked roller-

blader for you. And one for me.

MIA

Sounds like a plan.

CUT TO:

INT. MARINE BIO - A MOMENT LATER

Casey sits there and stares at the small shark in the dissection tray in front of them. Jamie flips through their instruction papers. Casey takes a scalpel and gently pokes the shark, which lays horizontally, head on Casey's side, tail on Jamie's.

CASEY

Are you sure it's dead?

JAMIE

Yes, Casey. It's dead.

CASEY

(frowns)

It's staring at me.

Jamie looks over and turns the tray around so the tail is in front of Casey.

CASEY

Now it's flaunting it's tail at me.

She peers at the head again.

CASEY

I don't swing that way, buddy.

JAMIE

Casey?

CASEY

Yes, Jamie?

JAMIE

You're talking to our experiment.

CASEY

I like to get to know my victims

before I slice them up. It's only the

polite thing to do.

JAMIE

Please stop.

Casey grins and wiggles her eyebrows.

CASEY

But it's such scintillating

conversation.

Jamie smacks Casey's thigh.

CASEY

Ow. That reminds me, Miss Anger

Management...

She reaches over and confiscates all the dissection tools.

CASEY

I'll be handling the sharp, dangerous

objects. You can't be trusted. Sharky

here might check me out again, and you

might fly into a jealous rage and

there'll be yelling and slashing and

horror and it won't be pretty.

Jamie gives her a puppy dog look.

CASEY

Well.. I guess you can handle the

pins.

She dumps the pile in front of Jamie.

JAMIE

(laughs)

Oh, thanks.

CASEY

(chews her lip)

Ok, you can use the scalpel. But I'll

be watching you very closely.

JAMIE

Deal.

CASEY

Ooh, there's two.

She grabs the second scalpel and scrapes it along the side of the shark.

CASEY

Hey, he was right.

JAMIE

About what?

CASEY

When you rub the skin towards the tail

it's all smooth.

She demonstrates with her scalpel.

CASEY

But when you rub back towards the

head, it's all sand-paper-y.

She does so and it makes a scraping sound.

JAMIE

Do you want to make the first cut?

CASEY

Nah, you go ahead.

Jamie pulls on her pair of rubber gloves as Casey does the same. Jamie takes the shark and flips it over onto its back.

JAMIE

Ok. So it says to make a long cut down

the stomach, then a cut at the top of

it, and a cut at the bottom.

CASEY

And we're supposed to pin the flaps of

skin down?

JAMIE

Yeah. Ready?

CASEY

Ready.

Jamie places her scalpel on the shark's stomach, but hesitates. After a moment, she shakes her head.

JAMIE

I can't do this. You do it.

Casey snaps her glove and grins.

CASEY

Nice knowing you, Nemo.

JAMIE

The shark's name was Bruce.

CASEY

Whatever. Bruce, Nemo, Squalus

acanthias, Amphiprion ocellaris.

They're both fish.

Jamie blinks at her.

CASEY

What?

JAMIE

You remember their scientific names.

CASEY

I do?

JAMIE

You just said them.

CASEY

Oh.

(grins)

Yay, me.

JAMIE

And you don't even study. I think I

hate you.

CASEY

No, you don't.

Casey nudges her with her shoulder and grins at her.

JAMIE

(blushes)

Yeah, yeah. But by the way, Bruce was

a great white shark, not a dogfish

shark like our little friend here. So

he's actually a Carcharodon

carcharias.

CASEY

(laughs)

Touché.

Casey starts to make an incision. Jamie looks away.

CASEY

You know, I can do this whole project

by myself if you can't stomach it.

She finishes the incision and pins down the flaps of skin. Jamie looks back down at the shark and starts examining it.

JAMIE

No, it's not that. I just have a

problem with the first cut. I was the

same way when we did frogs in middle

school.

CASEY

Why is that?

JAMIE

I don't know. I just don't like doing

it.

CASEY

Well, it's not like you're all PETA

for sea creatures. I've seen you eat

them.

JAMIE

Yeah, but they don't look like they

regularly do when I eat them. I'm sure

if your victim here was battered and

deep fried I'd have no problem with

it.

CASEY

(disgustedly)

With eating him?

JAMIE

No, with dissecting him. It'd be

easier if it wasn't so recognizable.

Casey starts to poke and prod around in the shark.

CASEY

Shrimp are still pretty recognizable.

What with their tails and all.

Jamie gives her a look.

CASEY

I mean their heads. They're

cephalopods. Which means "head-foot."

Jamie smiles at her proudly.

JAMIE

Good girl. But I'm still wildly

jealous about the fact that you can

recall these types of things off the

top of your head without even paying

attention in class. And you haven't

been having as much trouble with your

lines as I have.

Casey shrugs and grabs one of the instruction papers.

CASEY

I've kinda always been like that.

JAMIE

You little secret genius, you.

CASEY

Am not.

JAMIE

Are too.

CASEY

Am not.

JAMIE

Are too.

CAMPBELL

Ok, children.

Mr. Campbell passes by and inspects their work.

CAMPBELL

How are you doing here?

Casey points.

CASEY

I'm afraid we might've offended our

patient. We've been referring to him

as, well, a 'he', when in fact, if I'm

seeing things clearly, it's a 'she'.

Jamie leans a little closer.

JAMIE

You're right.

CAMPBELL

Looks good, you two. Make sure you

fill out everything on your diagrams.

They both nod and he moves on. Jamie and Casey take a moment to write down a few things.

CASEY

Am not.

JAMIE

(grins)

Are too.

Casey chuckles and shakes her head.

CASEY

By the way, those battered and deep

fried shrimp are so bad for your

health.

JAMIE

I'll give up fried shrimp if you give

up doughnuts.

CASEY

(grins)

I'll never give up doughnuts. Do you

hear me? Never. No matter what deal

you try to make.

JAMIE

We'll see.

CUT TO:

INT. GEOMETRY - NOON

Casey yawns as the teacher drones on. She notices Mia drifting as well, and sticks her tongue out at her. Mia gives her a small smile, but then starts doodling on her notebook. Casey frowns and studies her for a moment. The bell rings as everyone packs up their stuff for lunch. Mia sighs as she closes her notebook.

CASEY

Are you uh...

Casey scratches the back of her head.

CASEY

..okay?

MIA

Why do you ask?

CASEY

You're awful quiet today.

MIA

What?

CASEY

You're really quiet. What's up? Dad

stuff?

Chris gives Casey a dirty look, but she doesn't notice.

MIA

(shakes her head)

Oh, no, I'm just...

They start to shuffle out of class.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

MIA

I'm not feeling too good.

CASEY

Not feeling too well.

Mia gives her a look.

CASEY

Sorry. You know, Mrs. Chesler's

influence. I find myself speaking

proper English and correcting others'

speech just like she does. It's

bizarre.

MIA

Now that you mention it, can you call

me tonight and let me know what we did

in her class today? I think I'm gonna

go home.

CASEY

Yeah, sure. Are you alright?

MIA

I'm just gonna go home and sleep. I've

been doing a lot of dance rehearsals

for the upcoming show.

CHRIS

Yeah. They've been working us pretty

hard.

Casey looks between the two of them.

CASEY

Ok. Feel better.

Mia grabs Chris' arm and they head out.

CUT TO:

INT. CHRIS'S CAR - A MOMENT LATER

Chris and Mia get into Chris's car. She buckles her seatbelt and crosses her arms across her chest. He glances over at her. She stares out the window and sniffles quietly.

CHRIS

Are you ok?

MIA

I'm fine.

CHRIS

You're crying.

MIA

(scoffs)

I am not.

CHRIS

Mia...

MIA

(interrupts)

Chris. I'm not.

He sighs and reaches out and pats her arm.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - A MOMENT LATER

Casey dances her way towards Clark and Jamie.

CASEY

(singing)

Ride with me. Ride with me. Ride with

me. Ahh, ah, ah.

She slides onto the bench next to Jamie.

CASEY

(grins)

Hey.

JAMIE

Hey yourself. Now that song is stuck

in my head.

CASEY

I like that commercial. The one where

everyone's wildly dancing their asses

off with their trendy iPods. I have an

iPod. I want to be in that commercial.

CLARK

Get an agent.

CASEY

Hmm. I should. And I'll make you get

one with me. We can be movie stars

together.

Jamie reaches over the grabs one of Casey's fries.

JAMIE

What would I be?

CASEY

Well, you'd be a movie star along with

us. You'll be the Academy Award

winning actress. I'll be the lesbian

heartthrob. Clark will be... Clark.

CLARK

(indignantly)

Hey! Why can't I be a gay heartthrob?

CASEY

Because I demand all the attention. I

want it. I need it.

They look at each other for a moment.

CASEY

I NEEEED it!

CLARK

(simultaneously)

I NEEEED it!

Jamie laughs and eats another one of Casey's fries.

JAMIE

Ok, you two love that cartoon way too

much.

CASEY

Nonsense.

JAMIE

You know, you should stop buying from

the McDonalds on campus for lunch

every day.

CASEY

I don't get it every day.

JAMIE

4 days a week then.

Casey wiggles a fry in front of her.

CASEY

Don't think I haven't noticed you

eating my food, miss high and mighty.

JAMIE

I'm morally bound to. I can't let you

shove all of this fat and oil into

your mouth. I shall sacrifice my own

health, to ease the burden on yours.

CLARK

I'll sacrifice my health for yours

too!

He reaches over Jamie to get to the fries but Casey snatches them up.

CASEY

No, no, no.

She shakes a finger at him.

CASEY

Bad Clark.

CLARK

How come Jamie gets to eat your fries?

CASEY

(grins)

Cause she's special.

Jamie smiles at her.

CLARK

You're so mean to me.

CASEY

I have not yet begun to be mean to

you.

She waves a few fries in his face, then shoves them into her mouth before he can grab them.

CASEY

Now that's mean.

JAMIE

(laughs)

Casey, stop.

CASEY

(grins)

I'll make it up to you, Clark. How

about you guys come over afterschool

and watch our favorite rectangular

sponge? I bought the first season on

DVD.

JAMIE

Ok.

CLARK

I was going to hang out with Andrea.

JAMIE

Oh.

CLARK

But you go, Jamie. I'll cover for you.

He reaches over quickly and grabs some fries before Casey can defend them. Casey shouts indignantly. Jamie hits his shoulder.

CLARK

(laughs)

Ow.

JAMIE

Lying, bad.

Casey glares at him.

CASEY

Stealing, worse.

She huddles her fries to her chest. Jamie pats her shoulder.

JAMIE

I'm not going to lie to dad. I'll just

ask him if I can go to Casey's.

CLARK

You know, he won't let you go unless

I'm there. So that, my dear, is

exactly what we're going to tell him.

JAMIE

Clark...

CLARK

(grins)

You're such a goody-two shoes

sometimes, Jamie. I thought I taught

you better than that.

Jamie rolls her eyes.

JAMIE

Alright.

CLARK

Just call Andrea's cell when you're

done hanging out and we'll come get

you.

Leah bounds over from Mia's group.

LEAH

Hey, Casey. Jamie.

CASEY

(smiles)

Hey.

LEAH

I'm having a party Saturday. You guys

up for it?

Casey turns and looks at Jamie. After a moment, Jamie realizes that Casey wants her to decide.

JAMIE

Oh, um. I'm not sure. I'll have to ask

my dad.

LEAH

(laughs)

That's cool. If you get the ok, it's

at 8. You remember where I live, Case?

CASEY

Oh, yeah.

LEAH

Alright. See you.

Jamie watches her leave.

JAMIE

You know, people I've never met before

know my name. They like, know who I

am.

CASEY

(shrugs)

It doesn't bother you does it?

JAMIE

No. It's weird, but it doesn't bother

me.

CASEY

(smiles)

Ok.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BALCONY – AFTERNOON

Jamie's out on Casey's balcony, leaning against the railing.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Casey comes in, carrying a bottle of iced tea and Cheetos. She spots Jamie outside and dumps her goods on the bed and joins her.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BALCONY - CONTINUOUS

Casey comes up behind Jamie and slides her arms around her, resting her chin on her shoulder. Jamie smiles to herself.

CASEY

Hey.

JAMIE

It's kinda cloudy today.

CASEY

Yeah.

(pouts)

I can't see Catalina.

Jamie places her hands over Casey's.

JAMIE

You know I've never been there? I've

lived in Long Beach all my life and

I've never been there.

CASEY

I haven't gone yet, either. I'll take

you.

JAMIE

(smiles)

Ok.

CASEY

You don't get seasick, do you?

JAMIE

No. Well, sort of. We went on a

sailboat for a field trip in

elementary school, the Californian. I

got a headache. Which is technically

seasick, but my stomach doesn't hurt.

Do you?

CASEY

No. I don't really have problems with

traveling. Well except..

JAMIE

What?

CASEY

I'm terrified of plane take-offs.

Jamie turns her head to look at her.

JAMIE

Really?

CASEY

Yeah. Once we're leveled out in the

air, I'm fine, but I freak out during

the climb up.

JAMIE

Why? Are you like, afraid of heights?

CASEY

No, not really. I don't know why it

bothers me.

Jamie leans her head back to rest on Casey's shoulder and closes her eyes.

JAMIE

What else are you afraid of?

CASEY

Nuns.

JAMIE

(laughs)

Nuns.

CASEY

Hell yeah. Nuns freak me out. And

clowns. Especially if there's carnival

music involved.

JAMIE

(chuckles)

So circus dates are out, right?

CASEY

Not entirely. I'm in love with Cirque

Du Soleil.

JAMIE

What's that?

CASEY

You've never heard of Cirque Du

Soleil?

JAMIE

No.

CASEY

Oh my God. We have to run away to

Vegas to see them. It's totally

awesome. They do these incredible..

things. I don't know how to describe

it. It like the circus on an acid

trip. And sometimes it's kinda creepy,

but the stunts are mindblowing, so I

don't mind it.

JAMIE

You know I think I have heard of them.

I think they came to Long Beach once.

CASEY

Well I hope they come again. And I'll

make you come with me.

JAMIE

Only if you let me pay.

CASEY

Tickets for good seats are like

hundreds of dollars.

JAMIE

Oh... well, we'll sneak in for free.

Casey laughs and kisses Jamie's shoulder.

CASEY

Let's go.

She pulls back and tugs Jamie into the room.

JAMIE

Where?

CASEY

To Catalina.

JAMIE

What, right now?

CASEY

(grins)

Yeah.

JAMIE

(laughs)

You're crazy.

CASEY

We'll only be gone a few hours.

JAMIE

Casey.

Casey continues to tug her.

CASEY

C'mon.

JAMIE

Honestly, if I'm gonna let you spoil

me and take me to Catalina, I'd rather

go when we can spend all day over

there.

CASEY

(shrugs)

Ok. We'll wait for the weekend then.

JAMIE

(smiles)

Ok.

Jamie hops up onto the bed.

JAMIE

Besides, today you promised me a

rectangular sponge.

CASEY

I did, didn't I?

Casey grabs the DVD set from next to the TV and unwraps it.

CASEY

I am a woman of my word.

JAMIE

Good. I like that. No one is a person

of their word nowadays.

CASEY

Well, you can thank my dad for that.

JAMIE

Why?

CASEY

Cause he hasn't kept a promise to me

in years. The more he is an asshole to

me, the more I learn from his mistakes

and do the exact opposite.

JAMIE

You shouldn't call your dad that. He

can't be that bad.

Casey loads the DVD into the player. She pauses for a minute, then sighs and closes the DVD box.

CASEY

(quietly)

Yeah, he is.

Jamie chews her lip. Casey switches the TV on and turns around, giving Jamie a small smile. Jamie pats the bed next to her, and Casey flings herself onto the bed next to Jamie. Jamie laughs as the bed bounces. Casey hands her the remote.

CASEY

Which one?

JAMIE

Something with Sandy in it.

CASEY

(laughs)

Sandy Cheeks. That's so your new

nickname now.

JAMIE

(laughs)

No!

CASEY

Yes.

JAMIE

No.

CASEY

Just you try and stop me.

CUT TO:

EXT. LONG BEACH TOWNE CENTER - A MOMENT LATER

Andrea and Clark are strolling through the Towne Center, glancing in several different shops. Meagan, Caleb, Leah, and Andrew are strolling as well. Meagan notices them and waves.

MEAGAN

Hey!

Clark looks around to see if she's talking to someone else.

MEAGAN

I'm talking to you, Clark.

CLARK

(confused)

Oh, uh.. hey.

He and Andrea share a glance.

ANDREW

Where's Casey and Jamie?

CLARK

Oh, they're um, not here. They're off

somewhere... I don't know.

MEAGAN

We're gonna get a bite to eat over at

Lucille's. Want to join us?

Clark looks at Andrea.

ANDREA

We uh, already ate. Thanks though.

CALEB

Come on. They've got killer food.

CLARK

We're cool.

MEAGAN

Alright. We'll see you at school then.

They head off, Clark and Andrea remain standing there. They look at each other for a moment, then laugh.

ANDREA

What the hell was that?

CLARK

I have no idea.

ANDREA

Since when did the popular crew pay

attention to us arty loners?

CLARK

I have no idea.

ANDREA

You know, I bet it's cause Jamie's

dating Casey. When a high school

celebrity like Casey hangs out with or

dates someone, it's like it rubs off.

CLARK

(laughs)

That's high school for you.

They look up at the sky at the roll of thunder.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Mia checks outside her window.

MIA

Good thing we decided not to go to

Venice. It's pouring like hell.

CHRIS

Ooh. I love the rain.

MIA

(nods)

Thunder is hot.

CHRIS

Speaking of hot, who's hotter, Caleb

or Andrew?

MIA

I don't know. Caleb reminds me of

Casey so I'd go with Caleb.

CHRIS

Yeah, but have you seen Andrew's

eyes?

MIA

Yeah. They are nice.

Mia flops down onto the bed and hugs her pillow.

CHRIS

Have you been checking anyone out

lately?

Mia looks at him.

CHRIS

Besides Casey.

MIA

Not really.

CHRIS

You know who's been checking you out

an awful lot lately?

MIA

Who?

CHRIS

Leah.

MIA

Oh God. Don't even get me started on

that. We broke up a long time ago.

CHRIS

You used to like her. A lot. More than

a lot. You talked about her all the

time.

MIA

(laughs)

Oh my God, Chris. That was like, in

middle school.

CHRIS

(shrugs)

I'm just saying. She's been checking

you out again lately. Maybe you should

go for it.

MIA

She reminds me of Casey.

CHRIS

Exactly my point. And why does

everyone remind you of Casey?

MIA

No, just Caleb and Leah. They're

twins, after all.

CHRIS

Well, they're hot twins. I think you

should have a chat with Leah.

MIA

(sighs)

Maybe. We'll see.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Casey and Jamie lay on the bed, watching TV, Jamie's head resting on Casey's shoulder.

SPONGEBOB

(on tv)

Backing up! Backing up! Backing up!

Backing up!

SQUIDWARD

(on tv)

Well... you backed up.

Jamie giggles.

CASEY

Everything I need to know about

sarcasm, I learned from Squidward.

Casey eats a Cheeto. A very quiet rumbling is heard

CASEY

Did you hear that?

Jamie plays with the edge of Casey's shirt.

JAMIE

Hear what?

After a few moments, Casey sits up bolt upright. Jamie gasps in startlement and clutches her chest.

JAMIE

Oh my God.

CASEY

(oblivious)

Is it raining?

JAMIE

What?

Casey's eyes shift back and forth as she listens intently. After another moment, she hops off the bed and bounds over to the windows, throwing the curtains open.

CASEY

Hot damn!

She bolts out of the room.

JAMIE

(laughs)

What the...

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S STAIRWAY - CONTINUOUS

Casey rushes down the staircase, grabbing the rail and jumping over the side instead of going down the last few steps. Jamie follows at a much slower pace.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BACKYARD - CONTINUOUS

Casey flings open the back door and rushes out into the rain. She walks out into the middle of her large yard. She lifts her head up and spreads her arms out, letting the rain drench her. Jamie comes out onto the porch, pulling on her sweatshirt, shielded from the rain by the porch overhang.

JAMIE

(laughs)

What are you doing?

CASEY

It's raining.

JAMIE

I can see that. What are you doing out

in it? You're going to get sick.

CASEY

I have white blood cells of steel.

She flexes her arms.

CASEY

No germ is a match for me.

JAMIE

What about hypothermia?

CASEY

You worry too much. I am not going to

get hypothermia.

JAMIE

It's cold.

CASEY

(grins)

Well then come out here and keep me

warm.

JAMIE

(laughs)

You are so insane.

Casey jogs back towards the porch and starts up the steps.

CASEY

C'mon. It's nice out here.

JAMIE

It's pouring and 60 degrees out here.

CASEY

Please?

Jamie smiles and shakes her head.

JAMIE

No.

Casey joins her on the porch and shivers slightly.

JAMIE

See? Look! You're shivering!

CASEY

I.. i-it is cold.

Jamie sighs exasperatedly and wraps her arms around Casey.

CASEY

But I'm going to get you wet.

JAMIE

I don't care. You're cold.

Casey wraps her arms around Jamie's waist and rests her chin on Jamie's shoulder.

JAMIE

Let's go inside.

After a few moments, a devilish grin breaks out on Casey's face and she tightens her grip on Jamie and lifts her up, quickly trotting down the steps, carrying her into the rain. Jamie screams.

JAMIE

Oh my God!

Casey laughs hysterically.

JAMIE

I'm going to kill you!

Casey bolts across the yard and they chase each other around, laughing and shouting. Casey catches Jamie around the waist and tickles her.

JAMIE

(giggling)

Stop!

Casey grins and hugs her.

JAMIE

I can't believe you. I'm soaked.

CASEY

Isn't it great? I love the rain.

JAMIE

You're such a liar too! You're all

warm. You were fake shivering.

CASEY

(shrugs)

I'm very hot-blooded. I can walk

around in the snow in a t-shirt.

JAMIE

Oh, and I bet you swim with polar

bears too.

CASEY

Actually you can do that. There's a

place somewhere, where you swim in

arctic water and you get a shark tooth

or something for it.

JAMIE

You are so not going to do that.

CASEY

How did you even know I wanted to?

JAMIE

Because you've got that evil gleam in

your eye.

CASEY

(grins)

I do not have an evil gleam in my eye.

I have a devilish gleam in my eye.

JAMIE

(laughs)

Same thing.

Casey laughs with her, and leans down to very, very tenderly kiss Jamie on the lips. When she pulls back, Jamie spends a moment gazing into her eyes, then smiles and wraps her arms around Casey's neck, pulling her down for more.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Chris and Mia flip through magazines when the phone rings. Mia rolls over and grabs the phone on her nightstand.

MIA

Hello?

After a moment, her eyes widen and she covers the mouthpiece with her hand.

MIA

(whispers)

Oh my God, it's Leah.

Chris smirks.

CHRIS

(whispers)

Told you.

He gets up.

CHRIS

(whispers)

I'm gonna head out. See you tomorrow.

He leaves. Mia watches him leave, then clears her throat.

MIA

Uh, yeah, I'm here. Sorry about that.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - A MOMENT LATER

Casey comes into the living room, bringing a couple of towels. Jamie pulls her sweatshirt over her head. Casey tries to look like she's not staring as Jamie takes her sweatshirt off.

CASEY

Towel.

She hands it to Jamie.

CASEY

Do you want some dry clothes or

anything?

JAMIE

No. I'm pretty dry underneath my

sweatshirt.

Casey takes the sweatshirt and drapes it over the back of a desk chair.

JAMIE

It's my hair that's drenched.

Casey takes her own towel and puts it around her shoulders.

CASEY

Here.

She takes Jamie's towel and puts it around her head. Then she roughly dries Jamie's hair. Jamie laughs.

CASEY

Am I helping?

JAMIE

Much.

Casey moves the towel back to expose Jamie's face and her very tousled hair.

CASEY

Have I ever told you that you're

really, really cute?

JAMIE

(smiles)

No, you haven't.

CASEY

Well, you are really, really cute.

Jamie blushes.

CASEY

Don't you know that?

JAMIE

I just uh, I never thought I was.

CASEY

Well, I'll be sure to remind you every

day.

JAMIE

(teases)

Are you sure you'll be able to

remember to do it every day? You can

memorize the entire periodic table

without even trying, but give you a

birthday to remember and you're

hopeless.

CASEY

(laughs)

Every time I look at you, I'll

remember.

She places a kiss on the tip of Jamie's nose. Jamie leans up to kiss her on the lips, but the front door opens and Conor walks in, shaking his umbrella.

CASEY

(startled)

Dad? What are you doing here?

He sees them and smiles pleasantly.

CONOR

Well, I do live here, Casey. Who is

your friend?

CASEY

Oh, um, dad this is my girlfriend,

Jamie.

He shakes her hand.

CONOR

Jamie...

JAMIE

(smiles)

Devlin.

His smile dims slightly.

CONOR

Ah, I see. It is a pleasure meeting

you, Ms. Devlin.

He regards Casey's dripping form.

CONOR

You weren't uh, studying I assume.

Casey runs a hand through her wet hair self-consciously.

CASEY

No, we were playing in the rain.

Conor smirks.

CONOR

Playing in the rain.

JAMIE

Yeah, but um, it's getting kind of

late, Casey. I think I should get

home.

CASEY

Alright, I'll take you.

JAMIE

Oh, Clark and Andrea are supposed to

get me, remember?

CASEY

Oh, yeah. Go on upstairs and call him.

I'll be up there in a little bit.

JAMIE

Ok.

Jamie heads up the stairs. Conor glances through the mail as he loosens his tie. Casey watches him for a moment, then sighs and heads into the kitchen to wipe up the water they dripped onto the floor.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS

Casey enters the bedroom and looks around. Jamie is in the bathroom, running her fingers through her hair. Casey leans on the doorframe and watches her.

JAMIE

Hey. Is it alright if I use your comb?

CASEY

Sure.

Jamie looks at her in the mirror.

JAMIE

You ok?

CASEY

(smiles)

Yeah. Did you get ahold of them?

JAMIE

Yeah, they're on their way.

The phone rings and Casey answers it.

CASEY

Hello?

CLARK

(on phone)

We're here.

CASEY

Alright.

She hangs up.

CASEY

They're downstairs.

JAMIE

You know, I don't even know why I

bothered to dry my hair if I'm just

going to get it wet again.

CASEY

Take my umbrella.

(grins)

It's not like I ever use it.

CUT TO:

EXT. CASEY'S HOUSE - A MOMENT LATER

Jamie and Casey walk out towards the driveway, Jamie under the umbrella, Casey avoiding it.

JAMIE

(laughs)

Are you allergic to umbrellas?

CASEY

Yup.

Casey opens the back door to Andrea's car for her.

ANDREA

Casey, what the hell are you doing?

CASEY

(shrugs)

I like the rain.

Jamie gives Casey a kiss.

CLARK

Ooooooh.

JAMIE

I'll see you tomorrow.

CASEY

Ok.

Jamie climbs in and closes the umbrella. Casey closes the door for her once she's in. Andrea pulls out of the driveway and Casey waves to them as she stands in the rain.

CUT TO:

INT. ANDREA'S CAR – CONTINUOUS

Jamie stares dreamily out the window as they drive home. Andrea and Clark share a grin.

ANDREA

So, what did you and Princess Charming

do?

JAMIE

(absently)

Huh?

Andrea laughs.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Casey comes back inside to see Conor reading some mail. She crosses her arms across her chest.

CASEY

What's your problem?

CONOR

Excuse me?

CASEY

You don't like her.

He shakes his head and goes back to reading his mail.

CONOR

Don't be ridiculous, Casey.

CASEY

I could've cut through the disapproval

hanging in the room with a knife.

CONOR

I was appropriately polite.

CASEY

Bull.

He turns toward her.

CONOR

Casey...

CASEY

Don't think I didn't see your entire

manner change when you learned her

last name. Okay, yeah, she's not a

Hearst or a Hilton or a Bloomberg, but

I don't care because I like her.

He crosses his arms across his chest.

CONOR

That's exactly my point, Casey. The

fact that you like her may blind you.

How...

CASEY

(interrupts)

She's not like that.

CONOR

I'm just saying that I think it'd be

best if you date girls from your own

class.

CASEY

(scoffs)

Yeah, right. Because that's what snobs

do. Besides, the one time I dated a

girl from 'my class', she.. she...

Casey sighs. He raises his eyebrows,

CONOR

She what, Casey?

She remains silent.

CONOR

Huh?

CASEY

(sighs)

Nothing.

CONOR

You know what? I don't even care, and

I'm not even going to bother to tell

you to stop seeing her, because I know

you're just going to do whatever the

hell you want anyway.

CASEY

Good. As long as we're clear on that.

He takes in her drenched form.

CONOR

You're dripping all over my living

room.

She shakes herself, flinging water all over the place.

CASEY

(fake smile)

Nice having you home early for a

change, dad.

She stomps up the stairs. He watches her and sighs.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Casey starts to peel off her wet clothes. She changes into a dry t-shirt and army pants, then flops down onto her bed and picks up the phone.

MIA

(answering machine)

Hey. I'm too drunk to answer the phone

right now. Leave a message and I'll

call you back once the room stops

spinning.

CASEY

(laughs)

Hey, Mia. It's me, Casey.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Mia listens as Casey leaves a message on her machine.

CASEY

(on machine)

I'm wondering what you're doing drunk

at 5 o'clock on a Monday. Call me back

and let me know what the hell you're

doing. Bye.

She hangs up and the machine clicks off. Mia chews her lip for a moment, then deletes the message.

CUT TO:

INT. PLAYHOUSE - LUNCH

Casey sits in between Clark and Jamie, eating lunch. She slaps her hands on her thighs as she looks up at the sky.

CASEY

Damn it. Why has it stopping raining?

Why have you stopped raining?

CLARK

Casey, you're talking to the clouds.

You look crazy.

CASEY

Maybe it looks like I'm talking to

God. That's not so crazy.

JAMIE

Either way, I doubt it'll make it

start raining again.

CASEY

Don't say that. I shall start the

biggest thunderstorm Long Beach has

ever seen with the power of my will.

CLARK

If you say so.

CASEY

I do.

(narrows her eyes)

You just wait and see.

CLARK

What, are you gonna conjure up some

voodoo?

CASEY

I'm partial to an American Indian rain

dance myself.

CLARK

(grins)

You so don't know a rain dance.

CASEY

Yes, I do. And I'm a quarter Indian.

CLARK

Don't lie.

Casey pinches him.

CASEY

(laughs)

I'm not lying. It's true.

Jamie looks at her.

JAMIE

You are?

CASEY

Yeah, from my mom.

JAMIE

Cool.

CLARK

I still think it won't work.

CASEY

Want to bet?

CLARK

Sure. I bet you 10 it doesn't rain

again today.

CASEY

(deadpan)

Alright. Ten thousand dollars it is.

Clark's jaw drops. She looks at him seriously for a moment, then laughs.

CASEY

Gotcha. 10 bucks it is.

Andrea walks up to them.

CLARK

Where have you been? You missed class.

ANDREA

My piece of trash they called a car

when they sold it to me broke down. I

had to take... the bus.

CASEY

(gasps)

Oh, the horror! Public transportation!

Andrea glares at her.

ANDREA

Are you mocking me?

CASEY

(grins)

Why? Is it working?

Andrea swings her backpack around to whack Casey's side with it.

CASEY

Jesus! Jamie, help!

Clark quickly slides away from her on the bench as Andrea starts to swing again. Jamie holds out her hands.

JAMIE

Whoa! Can we not beat up my

girlfriend?

ANDREA

Then tell her to leave me alone.

JAMIE

Casey, leave her alone.

CASEY

Fine.

Andrea huffs and sits down on the other side of Clark. Jamie looks at Casey who grins at her and they both try not to laugh.

CASEY

My hero.

CUT TO:

EXT. QUAD - CONTINUOUS

Mia and Chris sit and eat along with the rest of the gang.

CHRIS

What's wrong?

MIA

Nothing.

CHRIS

You're spacing out on me here.

MIA

Sorry. I'm just a little distracted, I

guess.

He studies her for a moment.

CHRIS

I miss you.

MIA

What?

CHRIS

What happened to Hurricane Mia? What

happened to my best friend who was

wild and loud and danced at the

slightest sound of music? Who slapped

everyone on the ass as a greeting? Who

didn't give a crap about what anybody

else thought of her?

Mia stares at him, taken off guard.

MIA

Um, I...

CHRIS

Ever since you and Casey had that

little talk, you've been all quiet and

downcast and shy and all that other

lame ass crap.

MIA

No I haven't.

CHRIS

You don't even hang out with us

anymore. You go straight home

afterschool every day.

MIA

I, I guess I didn't realize.

CHRIS

I'm tired of it, so this is what

you're going to do. You're going to

stop thinking about Casey, stop

thinking about Jamie, stop being sad

that they're together, and you're

going to tell Leah that yes, you will

go out with her.

MIA

What are you talking about? She didn't

ask me out.

CHRIS

Then what did she call you for?

MIA

She called to tell me about her party

on Saturday.

CHRIS

Oh.. well, then you're going to the

party. Got it?

MIA

(nods)

Got it.

CHRIS

Now smile, damn it, and be lecherous

with me.

Mia laughs.

MIA

Alright. Thanks for giving me kick in

the ass.

CHRIS

You know you liked it.

MIA

(grins)

I did. Hurt so good.

(singing)

C'mon baby, make it hurt so good.

CHRIS

(sings along)

Cause sometimes love don't feel like

it should. You make it hurt so good.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - AFTERNOON

Casey leans up against the wall of lockers by Jamie's last class. The bell rings shrilly and she winces.

CASEY

I hate that.

Students start to fill the hallway. Jamie comes out of her class, and sees her and smiles.

JAMIE

Hey. What are you doing here? Don't

you have practice?

CASEY

Yeah, but it's raining so we didn't go

to the club. We worked out in the gym

here.

JAMIE

It's raining?

CASEY

Yeah.

JAMIE

Are you sure?

CASEY

(laughs)

Uh, yeah. Positive.

Casey tugs on a lock of her wet hair.

CASEY

See?

JAMIE

Let's go.

Jamie takes her arm and leads her out of the hallway.

CUT TO:

EXT. EAST ENTRANCE - A MOMENT LATER

It's pouring outside as Jamie and Casey walk out of the school. Jamie leads her across the street to the park.

CASEY

Where are we going?

JAMIE

Across the street.

CASEY

Why?

CUT TO:

EXT. BLAIR PARK - CONTINUOUS

Jamie stops and turns to face her.

JAMIE

One, because there's people over

there. Two, because we can't get in

trouble for things that take place off

of school grounds. And technically,

the park isn't school grounds.

CASEY

What would we get in trouble for?

Jamie grins and throws her arms around Casey's neck.

JAMIE

This.

She tugs Casey down to kiss her.

CUT TO:

EXT. EAST ENTRANCE – CONTINUOUS

Mia, Chris, Meagan, Caleb, and Leah walk out of the school, sharing umbrellas. Mia laughs as Leah and Caleb argue.

LEAH

I'm driving.

CALEB

No, I'm driving.

Meagan sees Jamie and Casey across the street.

MEAGAN

Look!

She points to them.

MEAGAN

How picture perfect is that?

LEAH

(nods)

Making out in the rain. Very romantic.

Andrew gives them a funny look.

CALEB

What are you guys, nuts? It's not

romantic. It's freezing.

LEAH

This is why you don't have a

boyfriend.

Caleb walks away with his umbrella, leaving Leah without one.

LEAH

Hey!

Mia's lively manner continues to fall as she watches Jamie and Casey.

MEAGAN

Aren't they cute together?

MIA

(quietly)

Yeah.

Chris nudges her and Mia shakes her head.

MIA

Are we going or what? I have better

things to do than to spy on people and

their love lives.

CALEB

It's not spying. It's observing. Learn

the difference.

LEAH

You would know.

Leah grabs his umbrella and pulls it back to cover the both of them. They start tugging it back and forth as they head to the parking lot. Mia gives Jamie and Casey one more glance, then follows them.

FADE OUT.