Hurt so good

Hurt so good. C’mon baby, make it hurt so good. Cause sometimes love don’t feel like it should; you make it hurt so good. lightanddark7@yahoo.com.

Rebel High

Season 1

Episode 7: “To Be Thankful For…”

FADE IN:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - MORNING

Chris enters the building and spots Mia sitting on the stair case.

CHRIS

Hey.

He sits down next to her.

MIA

Hey.

CHRIS

How'd the party go?

MIA

(sighs)

It sucked. Majorly. It was one big,

giant suckfest. At least for me.

CHRIS

Things didn't work out with Leah?

MIA

(shakes her head)

She didn't even show up.

CHRIS

You're kidding me.

MIA

Nope.

Chris runs a hand through his hair.

CHRIS

But she said she really wanted to see

you.

MIA

Some people never change. It's the

same reason we broke up back in middle

school, remember? She's.. great and

sweet and everything but just

really...

CHRIS

Flakey.

MIA

Yeah. Unreliable. Damn it, Casey's

reliable. I want that.

CHRIS

You know, you're gonna have a real

hard time finding someone if you

always compare them to Casey.

Mia shrugs and closes her notebook.

MIA

I can't help it.

CHRIS

Well, on the bright side, at least

it's Thanksgiving this week. Only

three days of school.

MIA

(nods)

Mmm. That is very appealing. Although

holidays always bring family drama.

CHRIS

Are you going to your mom's?

MIA

I don't know. I can't remember who I

spent Thanksgiving with last year.

The bell rings and they get up to head into their class.

CHRIS

You could always just come over and

have dinner at my place. You know, if

you don't want to deal with any of

their crap.

MIA

I'll keep that in mind.

CUT TO:

INT. MARINE BIO - A MOMENT LATER

Casey leans back in her chair, arms crossed, and tries to stay awake as they watch a movie. Jamie, sitting in her new seat two rows behind Casey, glances up at her and smiles, before returning to her writing. After another few minutes the movie ends and Mr. Campbell switches the tv off.

CAMPBELL

Can you get the lights?

The student closest to the light-switches on the wall flips them on. The bell rings.

CAMPBELL

Don't forget you've got that test on

Wednesday!

He rubs his hands together gleefully and a few people groan. Jamie waits for Casey at the door.

CASEY

Do you think if we were studying for

the test, your dad would let you come

over?

JAMIE

I don't think so. You know, I am only

grounded for a week. I don't get an

allowance for two weeks, though.

CASEY

(laughs)

What? What happened to 'grounded until

you're thirty'?

JAMIE

I was exaggerating.

CASEY

I'll say.

JAMIE

Well, he wasn't that mad, really. I

mean, it's not like we drank or

anything. And Clark actually took on

the brunt of the blame on himself.

CASEY

Really?

JAMIE

Yeah. He told dad that he wanted to go

to the party so he had me play along.

And he doesn't even know it was your

party.

CASEY

You two are very devious, you know

that?

JAMIE

(grins)

It was Clark's idea. I totally did not

expect him to do something like that.

CASEY

Remind me to thank him later.

JAMIE

Ok.

CUT TO:

EXT. MARINE BIO - CONTINUOUS

They exit the classroom.

CASEY

So uh, do you think your dad will let

you go out to a banquet with me on

Friday? My dad will be there.

JAMIE

A banquet?

CASEY

Yeah, it's kind of a Thanksgiving

thing, except not. It was going to be

on Thursday, but people wanted to

spend that day with their families so

it's on Friday.

JAMIE

People from your dad's work?

CASEY

Yeah.

JAMIE

(smiles)

Ok. I'll ask my dad.

CASEY

Ok.

CUT TO:

INT. GEOMETRY - CONTINUOUS

The bell rings and everyone packs up to leave.

CHRIS

I'm having lunch off-campus with Matt

today.

MIA

Oh, yeah?

CHRIS

Yup. Wish me luck.

MIA

Good luck.

Casey leans over slightly towards Mia.

CASEY

Can I talk to you?

MIA

(to herself)

How many people are going to ask me

that today?

CASEY

What?

Mia stands and swings her messenger bag over her shoulder.

MIA

(shakes her head)

Nothing. What's up?

They head out of the class.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

They stroll down the hallway, Casey's hands in her pockets.

CASEY

I um, have this thing on Friday. It's

kind of this fancy dinner.

MIA

And?

CASEY

Well, I asked Jamie to go with me, and

she said yeah, as long as her dad will

let her come. I want to go shopping

for something for her to wear. As kind

of a surprise.

MIA

And you need my assistance?

CASEY

(smiles)

If you would be so kind.

MIA

(grins)

Ok. But only if you let me shoe shop.

CASEY

No.

MIA

(laughs)

Casey.

CASEY

It'll take up the entire day.

MIA

I promise we'll pick out Jamie's thing

first.

CASEY

Ok.

(pauses)

Oh no.

MIA

What?

CASEY

You're going to terrorize the sales

clerks at that one place again, aren't

you?

MIA

Hmm. I'm in a good mood. I might go

easy on them.

CASEY

As long as you don't make anybody cry.

MIA

(grins)

I promise. Are we going to pull the

same plan as we did last time?

CASEY

Yeah. Go on to the office and wait for

me by my car. I'll follow you in 10.

MIA

Will do. See you.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - A MOMENT LATER

Casey rounds the corner and sees Jamie standing in front of Clark and Andrea, telling a story animatedly with her hands. She pauses for a moment and looks her up and down, then heads over.

JAMIE

Then I walked in on those two girls,

and I nearly screamed. I told them to

get out of my girlfriend's bathroom.

CASEY

Hey.

JAMIE

(smiles)

Hey.

CASEY

Listen, uh, my dad just called.

She wiggles her cell phone.

CASEY

He's in Long Beach and wanted to know

if I could go to lunch with him.

JAMIE

Ok. Are you going to go?

CASEY

Yeah, is that cool?

JAMIE

Of course.

CASEY

Alright. I'll see you.

She starts to turn, but Jamie grabs her arm and turns her back around.

JAMIE

What happened to my goodbye kiss?

Casey grins and obligingly wraps her arms around Jamie's waist and kisses her for a long moment.

ANDREA

God, do you two ever stop?

Jamie pulls back and gives Andrea a dirty look before smiling at Casey.

CASEY

I'll see you tomorrow.

JAMIE

Ok.

Casey starts to head off.

ANDREA

(indignantly)

Where's my goodbye kiss?

Casey jogs over and gives Andrea a kiss on the cheek.

CASEY

Can I go now? Or do I need to give

Clark a kiss too?

CLARK

(makes a face)

Gross. Get out of here.

CASEY

See you guys.

She jogs off before anyone else can stop her.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S CAR - A MOMENT LATER

Casey and Mia get into the car.

MIA

You took longer than I thought.

CASEY

Yeah, sorry. I got held up by a few

people.

She tosses her backpack in the backseat then reaches over to open the glove compartment and grabs her sunglasses. Mia shifts slightly to avoid contact with Casey's arm. Casey notices and smiles at her sheepishly.

CASEY

Sorry.

MIA

It's ok. What did you have in mind for

Jamie?

Casey starts the car.

CASEY

I don't know. Something from one of

the more classy designers. Like

Richard Tyler or Vera Wang.

MIA

(nods)

Mmm.

(pause)

You do realize that it's going to

cause a fight, right?

CASEY

(sighs)

Yeah, I know. But I just want to get

her something really nice, so she

wouldn't feel.. weird around everyone

else. Do you know what I mean?

MIA

You want her to feel like she fits in.

CASEY

Right. I don't want her to feel self-

conscious or anything.

MIA

Understandable. But I still think

she'll have a problem with you

spending that kind of money on her.

CASEY

(shrugs)

I'm prepared to talk it out with her.

MIA

Alright.

At a red light, Casey glances over at her.

CASEY

Are you hungry?

MIA

I'm famished.

CASEY

Want to get something on the way?

MIA

That depends. You're not going to make

me eat any of that Atkins good-for-you

healthy crap, are you?

CASEY

Hardly. I'm partial to deep-fried

foods myself.

MIA

You like chili?

CASEY

Mmm-hmm.

MIA

Want to get some of the best chili in

the known world?

CASEY

Sure. Where is it?

MIA

Right up the street. About 30 seconds

away.

CASEY

It's this close to school and you

haven't told me about it before? For

shame, Mia.

MIA

(grins)

I'll buy then.

CUT TO:

INT. PRADA BOUTIQUE DRESSING ROOM - AN HOUR LATER

Casey and Mia are in a dressing room, studying the long green gown hanging on the hook. Mia draws her finger down the front.

MIA

I really, really like this.

CASEY

Yeah?

MIA

Yeah.

She turns to Casey.

MIA

I want it.

CASEY

(grins)

It's not for you.

Mia pouts.

MIA

But this is like the most incredible

dress ever.

CASEY

How 'bout I buy you those Jimmy Choo's

you've been eyeing?

Mia flings her arms around her neck and kisses her on the cheek.

MIA

That'll do.

CASEY

Alright. Where'd that girl go?

MIA

I don't know. Doesn't it need to be

altered to fit Jamie, though?

Casey takes the dress in her hands and stretches it to it's full width.

CASEY

It might be a little long, but

otherwise it'll fit her.

MIA

How do you know?

CASEY

(winks)

I have excellent spatial sense.

MIA

Ok. If you say so. Can I pick out the

shoes to go with it?

CASEY

Sure.

MIA

Cool.

CUT TO:

INT. PRADA BOUTIQUE - A MOMENT LATER

Casey is at the counter, getting rung up.

ERICA

Nine hundred dollars.

Mia starts laughing. Casey pulls out her credit card.

CASEY

(smiles)

What?

MIA

Not only are you going to spend that

kind of money on her, but you're using

your dad's money?

CASEY

Well, actually, I'm putting this on my

card.

The saleswoman, ERICA, hands her a garment bag and another bag with the shoes.

ERICA

Thank you. You have a wonderful day.

Mia takes the garment bag from Casey.

MIA

I want to hold it.

CASEY

(grins)

Whatever floats your boat.

CUT TO:

EXT. RODEO DRIVE - CONTINUOUS

They slip on their sunglasses again.

MIA

Are you having dinner with your dad on

Thanksgiving?

CASEY

No. He's actually going to be working.

MIA

On Thanksgiving?

CASEY

Yeah. He's got some big deals coming

up. He's gonna be drawing up contracts

all weekend long, with the exception

of this banquet. You?

MIA

My dad's going to be in New York.

CASEY

Bummer. What about your mom?

MIA

No. My step-sister's not going to be

there and that's the only reason I

have to go, so..

CASEY

So you're gonna hang out by yourself?

MIA

I might go over to Chris's, but I'm

not sure. I always feel weird going

over to his place on holidays.

CASEY

Really?

MIA

Yeah. He and his family are pretty

tight knit. He's my best friend and

everything, and I've known them for a

long time now, but when I'm there..

I'm just not family.

CASEY

No family. No drama.

MIA

True.

CASEY

You know, I kinda like it that way. No

I can order take-out, and lay on my

couch, and watch cartoons all day-

long.

Mia looks at her speculatively for a moment.

MIA

Sounds like fun.

CASEY

Oh, it will be.

CUT TO:

INT. PLAYHOUSE - CONTINUOUS

It's the end of class and people are packing up. Casey looks over at Clark.

CASEY

Hey, Clark?

CLARK

Yeah?

CASEY

Can you do me a favor?

CLARK

Name it.

She leans closer.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - A MOMENT LATER

CLARK

So you're not going to tell me what it

is?

CASEY

No, because it's supposed to be a

surprise.

CLARK

I'm not going to tell her.

CASEY

(grins)

I don't take chances.

They go over to sit on their usual bench.

CLARK

Well, you're certainly planning early.

Christmas isn't for another.. how

long?

CASEY

It's only a month away. This is the

last thing on my list.

CLARK

(grins)

Did you get me anything?

CASEY

Yes, but you won't get it if you say a

word about what I asked you to do to

Jamie.

CLARK

Scout's honor.

CASEY

(amused)

You were a Boy Scout?

CLARK

(shakes his head)

Yeah, I know.

Casey laughs. Andrea comes out of the Playhouse.

ANDREA

I see. You two just ditch me there on

my own.

CASEY

Damn it, when will we be rid of you?

ANDREA

You love me and you know it.

CASEY

(grins)

Not by choice.

Andrea swings her backpack around to whack Casey with it, but she holds up a hand to stop her.

CASEY

Kidding!

CUT TO:

INT. LOCKER ROOM - AFTERNOON

Casey, freshly showered, slips on a shirt. Leah opens up the locker behind her.

CASEY

Hey, how's your shoulder?

LEAH

(smiles)

It'll be alright. That was a hell of a

steal.

CASEY

(grins)

Thanks. You put up a good fight,

though.

Casey sits down on the bench to put on her socks and shoes.

CASEY

So what happened to you the other day?

People were expecting you to come to

the party.

LEAH

Like who?

CASEY

Well, Mia was asking about you.

LEAH

Ah. Well, there's the girl I had been

seeing. We didn't feel like going to a

party after all.

CASEY

I didn't hear about that.

LEAH

She goes to Los Alamitos.

CASEY

How long have you guys been going out?

LEAH

About a month. But we're not gonna see

each other anymore. Things just didn't

work out. You know how it is.

CASEY

Yeah, I guess I do. So then what's the

deal with you and Mia?

Leah sits down across from her.

LEAH

We used to go out, back in middle

school.

CASEY

What happened? Why did you guys break

up?

LEAH

You know, I don't really remember. It

was a while ago. I've always kind of

regretted it.

CASEY

Really?

LEAH

Yeah. You know her, she's a great

catch.

CASEY

Yeah, she is.

Leah runs a hand through her hair.

LEAH

I should've just come to the party and

broken it off with Brenna.

She stands again to grab her shirt from her locker.

LEAH

Casey?

CASEY

Yeah?

LEAH

Do you think you could do me a favor?

CASEY

Sure.

Leah puts on her shirt and turns to face her.

LEAH

Could you talk to Mia for me,

possibly? Find out if I've still got a

shot at getting her back?

Casey looks at her for a moment, then nods slowly.

CASEY

Yeah, sure.

LEAH

(smiles)

You're the best.

CUT TO:

EXT. LOCKER ROOM - A MOMENT LATER

Casey walks out of the locker room with her backpack and gym bag. Coach Briggs catches up to her.

BRIGGS

(smiles)

Casey, nice practice.

CASEY

Thanks.

BRIGGS

How long have you played soccer?

CASEY

Um, since I was 7. I think.

BRIGGS

Ah.

He nods and Casey adjusts the strap of her backpack.

CASEY

Something I could help you with,

Coach?

BRIGGS

You can come play football for me next

year.

Casey laughs.

CASEY

You're joking.

BRIGGS

Not at all. None of the quarterbacks

I've coached at this school could've

hit that target like you did at the

Homecoming Fair.

CASEY

Not even Andrew?

BRIGGS

Not even Andrew. But don't tell him

that. He's got a fragile ego and if

you bruise it, his performance

suffers.

CASEY

(nods)

That's Andrew for you.

BRIGGS

Besides, he's leaving after this year

anyway. So what do you say?

CASEY

Well Coach, the thought is appealing.

But I'm afraid it would just conflict

with other things in my schedule.

BRIGGS

You're going to do crew again?

CASEY

Maybe. And if I didn't, the volleyball

coach already honed in on me last

week.

BRIGGS

Damn. Is there any sport you don't

play?

Casey thinks about it for a long moment.

BRIGGS

(laughs)

Nevermind. You're God's gift to

sports. If next year rolls around, and

you decide not to do crew or

volleyball, come see me. You're

welcome to join us at anytime.

CASEY

Alright Coach. I'll see you.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - A MOMENT LATER

Casey enters the performing arts building and climbs the stairs to the second level. Faint music can be heard from down the hall, and Casey heads toward it, opening one of the double doors at the end of the hall.

CUT TO:

INT. DEAN DANCE STUDIO - CONTINUOUS

Destiny's Child's "Lose My Breath" blasts from the sound system as a group of dancers in the middle of the room rehearse a dance in front of the mirror wall. Mia's in the very front, calling out comments and suggestions over the music.

MIA

Stacy, you're behind! Skip a count and

catch up!

During the course of the dance, Mia spots Casey in the mirror. The song ends and Mia smiles at Casey.

MIA

We should take a break, guys. Ten

minutes.

Mia heads over to talk to the teacher for a moment, then comes over to Casey.

MIA

Hey, you.

CASEY

(grins)

Hey. Look at you, being all bossy.

MIA

(smiles)

Well, I choreographed this number.

It's my right to boss everyone around.

CASEY

Leadership suits you.

MIA

Did you just come to ogle all the

dancers?

CASEY

Not really, although that is a plus,

but I came to talk to you about

something.

MIA

C'mon.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

They step outside of the classroom.

MIA

What's up?

CASEY

What's up with you and Leah?

MIA

(sighs)

Nothing, anymore. She was supposed to

come to the party, but..

CASEY

She got tied up. She's sorry about

that.

MIA

(laughs sardonically)

Trying to fix me up with someone in

order to take my mind off you?

CASEY

(shakes her head)

No. She came to me and asked me to

talk to you.

MIA

Oh. What did she say to you?

CASEY

(shrugs)

Just that she kinda misses you. And

she wants to know if you'll forgive

her for not coming to the party, and

if she still has a shot.

Mia puts a hand to her forehead.

MIA

I don't know.

She blows out a breath.

CASEY

Take it easy. I don't have to give her

like a detailed report right now.

She's having a party on Friday.

MIA

Are you going to be there?

CASEY

No, I have the banquet, remember?

MIA

Oh, yeah.

CASEY

Just think about it, ok?

MIA

Ok...

(teases)

Miss matchmaker.

CASEY

(singing)

Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a

match. Find me a find. Catch me a

catch.

Mia laughs and lightly slaps her arm.

MIA

I have to go back in.

CASEY

(grins)

Alright. I'll see you.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Jamie comes out into the living room hesitantly. Tyler is sitting on the couch, switching on the tv.

JAMIE

Dad?

TYLER

Yeah, honey?

JAMIE

I need to ask you something.

Tyler pats the couch next to him.

TYLER

(smiles)

What's on your mind?

JAMIE

Well, it's not really that type of

question. It's more like asking for

permission to do something.

TYLER

What?

JAMIE

(quickly)

To go to this banquet at the Queen

Mary with Casey on Friday.

TYLER

Wait, what? No.

JAMIE

Dad.

TYLER

You're grounded, remember?

JAMIE

But.. but...

TYLER

Next time.

JAMIE

This is really important. And her dad

is going to be there.

He looks at her.

JAMIE

Please?

TYLER

(sighs)

Where is it?

JAMIE

At the Queen Mary.

TYLER

What time?

JAMIE

From 5 to 10.

TYLER

At night?

JAMIE

(bites her lip)

Yeah.

He rubs the bridge of his nose.

TYLER

What is it for?

JAMIE

It's just a dinner that Casey's dad

and his coworkers are having.

TYLER

And he is going to be there the entire

time?

JAMIE

Yes.

He studies her and her hopeful face for a long moment.

TYLER

Alright.

She flings her arms around his neck and kisses him on the cheek.

JAMIE

(excitedly)

Thank you!

TYLER

Well, hold on there. I need to talk to

her father.

JAMIE

(smiles)

Ok.

TYLER

And you'll be grounded for another

week after that.

JAMIE

Ok. I love you!

She jumps up off the couch and hurries into her room.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

She closes the door and grabs the phone. She dials and listens.

CASEY

(on phone)

Hello?

JAMIE

Hey, I have good news.

CASEY

(on phone)

Oh, yeah?

CUT TO:

INT. CONOR'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Conor's sitting at his desk, going through some papers, and he picks up the phone and overhears.

JAMIE

(on phone)

My dad said I could go to the banquet.

CASEY

(on phone)

Did you hear that?

JAMIE

(on phone)

What?

Conor quietly hangs up.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Casey's leaning back in her desk chair.

CASEY

Nothing. So how'd you pull that one

off?

JAMIE

(on phone)

Well, he was placated by the fact that

your dad is going to be there. He

wants to talk to him, by the way.

CASEY

Ok. He's working on something right

now, though. Can I have him call your

dad tomorrow?

JAMIE

(on phone)

Yeah, that'll work.

CUT TO:

INT. CONOR'S OFFICE - A MOMENT LATER

Casey stands in the doorway and knocks on the doorframe.

CONOR

Yeah?

CASEY

I asked Jamie to the banquet.

CONOR

(lightly)

Oh, you did? And why did you do that?

CASEY

You said I could bring a guest.

CONOR

So you're bringing Jamie.

CASEY

(confused)

Yes, I'm bringing Jamie. Who did you

think I was going to bring?

CONOR

Oh, I don't know. Someone respectable,

who won't embarrass me?

Casey crosses her arms.

CASEY

(testily)

What did you say?

CONOR

This is my first event as a partner.

We're having dinner with the top

people at my firm along with the rest

of L.A.'s elite and you're going to

bring her?

CASEY

Why the hell not? Wh...

CONOR

(interrupts)

I don't want to get into an argument

about it. You already invited her and

she accepted so that's that. But you

better make her presentable.

Casey stews for a moment, then uncrosses her arms.

CASEY

You know, just when I think that we

could get along just fine, you go and

pull judgmental and classist crap like

this.

CONOR

Casey...

CASEY

(interrupts)

You're so full of it.

She turns around and heads back up the stairs. He shuffles through his papers on his desk, as Casey's door slamming echoes through the house.

CUT TO:

INT. PLAYHOUSE - AFTERNOON

Cast members are cleaning up and getting ready to go.

PERRY

Casey, can you get the swords and put

them in the prop room?

CASEY

Sure.

(turns to Jamie)

Want to help?

JAMIE

(smiles)

Ok.

CUT TO:

INT. PLAYHOUSE PROP ROOM - A MOMENT LATER

Casey and Jamie each carry two swords as they enter the prop room. Metal racks and shelves line the long room, filled with various accessories and props and set decorations.

JAMIE

(laughs)

Oh, wow. I could play in here for

hours.

CASEY

It's cool, isn't it?

She takes the swords and places them on a shelf.

CASEY

I thought the prop closet was all we

had, but there's this room. And

there's also another room in the

catacombs.

JAMIE

Where are the catacombs?

CASEY

Underneath the auditorium. It's where

the keep the mascot's clothes. I've

always felt tempted to go down there

and try on that leather jacket Cal

looks so good in.

Casey spots a pinball machine in the corner.

CASEY

Where did this come from?

JAMIE

Is it plugged in?

Casey inspects the back of the machine.

CASEY

No, crap.

Jamie picks up an electric guitar.

JAMIE

Clark would love this.

CASEY

So he's never played before, but

always wanted to learn?

JAMIE

Yeah, he always says he's going to

start saving to buy one, but I think

he just keeps forgetting and ends up

spending his money.

Casey nods. They split up and wander around, looking at things. Casey picks up a plastic gun. Jamie browses through various tiaras.

JAMIE

Ooh. I think I remember seeing these

in last year's play.

Casey grabs a cowboy hat.

CASEY

This is just like the one I bought.

She puts in on her head. Jamie pulls down a feather boa hanging on a rack and wraps it around her neck. They both turn around to look at each other.

JAMIE

That hat looks good on you.

CASEY

The boa is a nice touch.

They grin at each other, and Casey puts her hat on Jamie's head, and Jamie wraps the boa around Casey's neck.

CASEY

I think the hat looks better on you.

JAMIE

I like it.

Casey regards the fluff around her neck.

CASEY

Is this my look?

JAMIE

(laughs)

No.

Casey grins as Jamie pulls on the boa to bring her closer and kisses her. The door suddenly opens and Ms. Perry walks in.

PERRY

What are you two doing?

CASEY

Rehearsing.

JAMIE

(simultaneously)

Rehearsing.

Casey clears her throat.

PERRY

Well, rehearsal's over. I was about to

lock the door. Get out here.

She holds open the door. They both take off their accessories and place them back on the shelves, and grin at each other surreptitiously as they step out of the room.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - A MOMENT LATER

Casey, Jamie, Clark and Andrea exit the Playhouse.

ANDREA

Rehearsing, huh?

Jamie blushes.

JAMIE

Shut up.

Andrea's cell phone rings. She answers it.

ANDREA

Hello?

She puts a hand over the receiver.

ANDREA

I'll see you guys.

CASEY

Bye.

Andrea heads in the opposite direction.

CLARK

I think she bought it, though. She

didn't seem mad when you guys came

out.

CASEY

Nah, I think she knew. She just

doesn't care.

Clark spots Tyler waiting outside the fence.

CLARK

James, we gotta go.

JAMIE

Why does he always have to be early?

She waves at him then turns to Casey, and Clark starts to head for the gate alone.

JAMIE

I'll see you on Friday.

CASEY

Ok, I'll pick you up at 5, alright?

JAMIE

(smiles)

Ok. You know, if my dad wasn't

watching, I'd kiss you goodbye.

CASEY

I know.

(winks)

Save it for Friday.

JAMIE

I will.

Jamie catches up to Clark. Mia and Meagan round the corner to the Playhouse, Mia wearing headphones and shimmying her way towards Casey.

CASEY

Hey.

Mia pulls her headphones off.

CASEY

What are you still doing here?

MIA

The dance show is a couple weeks away.

We're busting our asses to get ready.

CASEY

(nods)

You guys looked fine to me. Well at

least that one you did.

MEAGAN

That's because she's a perfectionist

slave driver when it comes to that

stuff.

MIA

(scoffs)

I am not. I'm an bossy perfectionist

with slightly abusive tendencies.

CASEY

They don't let you have a whip, do

they?

Mia just grins at her.

CASEY

Oh yeah, what was that song you guys

were dancing to?

MIA

Here.

Mia takes the cd out of her cd player.

MIA

It's Destiny's Child. You can have

this copy.

Casey takes it.

CASEY

Cool.

CUT TO:

INT. TYLER'S CAR - CONTINUOUS

Jamie buckles her seatbelt and glances out the window to see Casey hug Mia.

JAMIE

(mumbles)

Best friends, Jamie. Best friends.

TYLER

Did you say something?

JAMIE

No.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Casey stands in the doorway anxiously as Conor talks on the phone.

CONOR

We'll be riding in the same car there

and back, and we'll be sitting at the

same table during dinner. I'll be

keeping a good eye on them.

(pause)

Alright. You have nice evening now,

Tyler.

He hangs up.

CONOR

You happy?

CASEY

(quietly)

Thanks.

CONOR

Do you remember..

CASEY

(interrupts)

Yeah.

CONOR

(sighs)

I'm going to be at the office all day

tomorrow. Do you want me to leave you

some money to eat, or are you going to

make something?

CASEY

Nah, I'll take care of things.

CONOR

Call me and let me know how the games

go.

CASEY

I will.

She leaves.

CUT TO:

EXT. CASEY'S HOUSE – AFTERNOON

Mia pulls out a slip of paper from her back pocket. She looks at it, and keys in the numbers for Casey's door lock on the keypad on the doorframe. The keypad beeps and the door unlocks.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Mia quietly slips in and looks around.

MIA

Casey?

CUT TO:

EXT. CASEY'S BACKYARD – CONTINUOUS

Casey stops jogging on her treadmill and takes a long drink from her water bottle, emptying it. She uses a small towel to wipe her face, then heads inside to get more water.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS

Casey opens the door and enters the kitchen and bumps into Mia.

CASEY

(startled)

Ahh!

Mia gasps and jumps back.

MIA

God, I'm sorry!

CASEY

(confused)

Wha.. how did...

MIA

I let myself in. You gave me the code,

remember? I'm so sorry. I didn't mean

to startle you like that.

Casey smiles sheepishly.

CASEY

It's ok. My day needed a little

excitement. I totally forgot I gave

you the code.

MIA

It's just.. you said you were going to

be all alone for Thanksgiving. You

shouldn't.

CASEY

You shouldn't either.

(smiles)

I'm glad you came. I don't know why I

didn't think to ask you over when we

talked about it during shopping.

MIA

(grins)

I forgive you.

CASEY

However, I plan on eating lots of junk

food, and lazing about on my couch,

watching the football game. That ok

with you?

MIA

Are you kidding me? Sounds perfect.

CASEY

Alright. Just hang out for a few

minutes. I have to go take a shower.

Mia regards her revealing workout clothes.

MIA

Does that mean you're going to be

putting on more clothes?

CASEY

Yes.

MIA

Damn.

Casey laughs and heads for the stairs.

MIA

(calls after her)

Do you need any help?

CASEY

(calls down the stairs)

I've been cleaning myself up since I

was a toddler. I think I've got the

hang of it by now.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - AN HOUR LATER

Casey and Mia recline on the couch, watching the football game on tv. They're each holding a Chinese food carton and eating directly out of them. The coffee table is littered with 6 or 7 empty cartons and empty delivery bags. Casey picks up her beer bottle.

CASEY

Here's to Thanksgiving.

Mia grabs hers and they clink their bottles together and take a drink.

MIA

I can't believe you got them to

deliver it here. They don't do

deliveries.

CASEY

Well, when you dangle a one hundred

dollar tip in front of them, any place

will deliver right to your door.

Mia watches Casey eat with her fork.

MIA

Who eats Chinese food with a fork?

CASEY

(grins)

I do.

Mia reaches her chopsticks over and tries to grab some from Casey's carton, but Casey turns to protect her food.

CASEY

Hey! This is mine.

MIA

But I want some house chicken.

CASEY

You already ate the other carton of

it.

MIA

(pouts)

But I want more.

Casey lets her take some.

CASEY

Alright, but give me some Kung Pao.

Mia offers Casey her carton, who spears a big piece with her fork and eats it.

CASEY

I can't believe you ate that much.

I've never seen anyone eat quite like

myself.

MIA

I admit it. I'm a chow hound.

CASEY

Where do you put it?

Mia gives her a saucy wink.

CASEY

(laughs)

Nevermind.

Mia dumps her empty carton on the coffee table.

MIA

Oh, crap. We have to clean up, don't

we?

CASEY

Not if we don't want to. Natalia is

coming tomorrow.

MIA

Who's Natalia?

CASEY

My maid.

MIA

Oh.

(pause)

You know, this totally doesn't feel

like a holiday.

CASEY

Is that a bad thing?

MIA

Not really. Usually holidays mean my

dad being a callous ass, or my mom

high on Valium or my step-dad

pretending like I don't exist and

fawning all over my step-sister. This

is definitely a step up.

CASEY

Only a step?

MIA

(grins)

It's the best Thanksgiving I've ever

had.

CASEY

Me too.

MIA

However, I feel like we should give

thanks, or some crap like that. It

feels wrong to have such a good

Thanksgiving, then not give thanks.

CASEY

Ok. We could write up lists of what

we're thankful for.

MIA

Ok.

CASEY

Oooh, wait.

Casey puts down her carton, and gets up. She heads up the stairs towards her room. Once she's out of sight, Mia reaches over to grab it.

CASEY(OS)

Don't even think about it!

Mia hastily shoves a piece in her mouth and chews quickly before Casey comes back down, carrying a white board and a couple markers.

MIA

What is that?

CASEY

We could write our lists on here, in

case we mess up.

MIA

It's still in the wrapper.

CASEY

I know. I bought it when I moved here

so I could write down birthdays and

due dates and all kinds of other stuff

to remember. Then I forgot to put it

on my wall.

(shrugs)

Go figure.

MIA

(chuckles)

Only you.

Casey tears off the wrapper and sits down with the white board on her lap, Mia sitting on her right side. She hands Mia a marker, then takes the cap off her own and draws a line down the middle. They each write their names at the top of their side, and begin writing. Casey puts '1. Jamie, 2. Mia, 3. Armani'. Mia puts '1. Casey, 2. dancing, 3. shoes, 4. vodka'. Casey glances over at her list and chuckles, then continues writing her list. After a few more moments of writing, they both stop.

MIA

(smiles)

I'm on your list.

CASEY

And I'm on yours. Although I'm

surprised you value me more than

shoes.

Mia holds up her hand and holds her thumb and index finger slightly apart.

MIA

Only a little.

Casey reaches over and tickles her. Mia shrieks and bolts off the couch. Casey chases her throughout the house.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S DINING ROOM – CONTINUOUS

In contrast to the noise and messiness at Casey's house, Jamie's family is sitting quietly at the neatly made table, eating, until Clark snatches the mashed potatoes from Alice.

ALICE

Hey!

She tries to whack him with her spoon and Jamie laughs.

TYLER

Alice honey, calm down.

ALICE

But he took the potatoes.

JAMIE

We made plenty, Al.

Tyler grabs a spoonful of potatoes from the bowl and puts it on Alice's plate.

TYLER

Better?

ALICE

Mm-hmm, thank you, daddy.

TYLER

What are we thankful for, kids?

ALICE

Butter.

She cuts a chunk of butter and mixes it in with her potatoes.

TYLER

Alice...

ALICE

(rolls her eyes)

Eating buttery potatoes with my

family.

CLARK

Family.

TYLER

Family

They all look expectantly on Jamie.

JAMIE

Casey.

Tyler raises an eyebrow.

JAMIE

And family.

(pauses)

She really means a lot to me, dad. I

just want you to understand.

Clark smiles at her proudly. Tyler studies her for a moment, then smiles.

TYLER

Yeah, I understand. I remember my

first love as well.

CLARK

Tell us about her.

Everyone except Alice is pretty much finished eating, and Tyler leans back slightly in his chair.

TYLER

Well, she had beautiful blue eyes, and

a smile that made even the worst of

days the best. She was the most kind

and caring and generous person I had

ever met. And she was a great singer

and actress.

(pauses)

And I always wondered what your mother

saw in a clueless fool like me.

ALICE

I miss her.

Tyler reaches over and rubs her back with a hand soothingly.

TYLER

I know sweetie. But we had some great

times while she was here, didn't we?

CLARK

Yeah, remember Thanksgiving when I was

10?

JAMIE

(smiles)

And she insisted on doing everything

herself.

TYLER

She wouldn't let me near the kitchen.

JAMIE

And we ended up eating Chinese food at

the end.

ALICE

I don't remember that.

JAMIE

You were really little. Like, two.

CLARK

And we had a food fight and you were

flinging things with a spoon from your

high chair.

Tyler laughs.

TYLER

You nailed Clark right in the

forehead. I think I have pictures.

JAMIE

Let's get them out.

TYLER

(smiles)

Ok. Let's have some pie, while we're

at it.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Casey's sitting on the loveseat, flipping through channels on the tv, while Mia's passed out on her side on the other couch. She looks over at her for a moment, then smiles. She gets up and kneels down in front of Mia and gives her shoulder a slight shake.

CASEY

Mia? Do you want me to take you home?

Mia mumbles in her sleep.

MIA

(mumbles)

Snow.. angels... and the kitten...

Casey laughs silently.

CASEY

(whispers)

What the hell?

She gives Mia another little shake. Mia frowns and grabs Casey's hand, bringing it to her lips to place a kiss on her knuckles.

MIA

(still asleep)

Love you.

Casey swallows hard and gently removes her hand from Mia's grasp. She stands and looks down at Mia's sleeping form, chewing her lip, the kneels back down and gently rolls Mia onto her back. Then she slips an arm underneath her shoulders and another underneath her knees, and slowly stands, picking Mia up.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S HALLWAY - A MOMENT LATER

Casey carefully navigates her way up the stairs with Mia in her arms. She reaches her room and kicks the door open with her foot.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS

She gently lowers Mia onto the bed and pulls out the covers from underneath her and pulls them over her. Mia sighs in her sleep and rolls onto her side again. Casey studies her for a moment.

CASEY

(to herself)

Should I put her in pajamas?

She starts to reach out to undress Mia, then shoves her hands in her pockets and shakes her head.

CASEY

(firmly)

Nuh-uh. Not even gonna go there.

She goes over to her drawers and changes into a pair of pajama pants, then slides into bed on the other side of Mia and drifts off into sleep.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S ROOM – MORNING

Casey's lying on her back, with Mia laying with her head resting on Casey's shoulder. Casey's alarm goes off.

MIA

(muffled)

Mmphf.

Casey stirs and wakes up, and reaches out an arm to slap the top of the alarm clock without looking.

CASEY

Stupid clock.

She glances down at Mia's head on her shoulder.

CASEY

Mia?

MIA

(yawns)

You were expecting someone else?

CASEY

Do you know what time it is?

MIA

(mumbles)

Early. Go back to sleep.

Casey tries to move out from under her but Mia wraps an arm around her waist.

MIA

(sleepily)

Please don't move. I'm too

comfortable.

Casey chuckles and removes Mia's arm and slides out from under her. Mia sighs and lays on her side while Casey moves onto her side to face her.

CASEY

Good morning.

MIA

(quietly)

Good morning.

They stare at each other for a few moments, mere inches apart. Conor opens the door and walks in.

CONOR

Case... oh.

Casey sits up hastily and Mia does the same, slightly slower.

CASEY

What are you doing here?

CONOR

I came to tell you I bought breakfast.

Casey rubs the bridge of her nose and clears her throat.

CASEY

Dad, this is Mia. Mia Hazelwood.

He reaches out to shake her hand.

CONOR

Are you related to Nicholas Hazelwood?

MIA

He's my father.

CONOR

(grins)

I see.

MIA

I'm sorry, sir.. for um... It was late

and I fell asleep, and I..

(looks around)

How did I get up here?

Casey runs a hand through her hair.

CONOR

(smiles)

It's understandable, Miss Hazelwood.

Would you like to join us for

breakfast?

MIA

I'd like to, but I think I should get

home. I'll have to take a rain check.

CONOR

(nods)

Next time it is, then.

She climbs out of bed.

MIA

I'm going to make myself presentable.

It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr.

Farrell.

CONOR

You too.

Mia heads into the bathroom and closes the door.

CONOR

Why couldn't you bring her to the

banquet? Nick Hazelwood is...

CASEY

(interrupts)

Dad, please don't ruin my day so early

in the morning. Not when there are

plenty more opportunities for you to

belittle my girlfriend and tell me

that she's not good enough for me

throughout the course of the evening.

Conor turns on his heel and leaves. Casey sighs and flops back down onto the bed. Mia comes out of the bathroom and sits on the edge of the bed.

MIA

Hey.

CASEY

Hey.

MIA

How did I get up here?

CASEY

I carried you.

MIA

You did?

CASEY

Yeah. I didn't want to leave you

downstairs on the couch. It...

(quietly)

it gets cold.

MIA

That was sweet of you.

Casey shrugs bashfully.

CASEY

Are you ready to go?

MIA

(nods)

Sure.

CASEY

Ok. Let me put some jeans on and I'll

take you.

She hauls herself out of bed and goes over to her dresser to pull out a pair of jeans. The phone rings and she picks it up.

CASEY

Hello?

Mia watches as Casey's face lights up.

CASEY

Hey. No, I just got up... Yeah, I just

hung out with Mia. It was fun...

(laughs)

I wish I could've seen that.

She glances over at Mia.

CASEY

Can I call you back in a little while?

I have to eat breakfast... ok, bye.

She hangs up.

MIA

Casey?

CASEY

Yeah?

MIA

I have an idea.

CUT TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE – AFTERNOON

Casey pulls up to Jamie's house and Mia climbs out of the car. She taps on the trunk and Casey pops it open, and she reaches into the trunk to pull out the garment bag with Jamie's dress and shoes. She also grabs her backpack, and puts it over her shoulder, before closing the trunk. Casey rolls down the passenger side window.

CASEY

Are you sure you want to do this?

MIA

Totally. See you in an hour.

CASEY

Alright.

Casey rolls up the window and drives off. Mia inhales deeply and walks up and rings Jamie's doorbell. After a few moments, Clark pulls open the door.

CLARK

(surprised)

You.

MIA

(smiles)

Hi, Clark. Is Jamie here?

CLARK

Yeah. What are you doing here?

Mia holds up the garment bag.

MIA

I'm here to help Jamie get ready.

He regards her suspiciously for a moment.

MIA

Casey sent me.

CLARK

(slowly)

Alright. Come on in.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Jamie, wearing a robe with her hair still wet from the shower, calls over her shoulder.

JAMIE

Come in.

Clark opens the door and pokes his head in.

CLARK

You have a visitor.

Jamie turns to face him.

JAMIE

(confused)

What?

He pushes the door so it swings all the way open to reveal Mia.

JAMIE

What are you doing here?

MIA

I'm here to help you get ready.

CLARK

Later, you guys.

He leaves and closes the door behind him.

JAMIE

Oh. Did Casey send you?

MIA

Kind of. It was my idea.

They pause awkwardly.

JAMIE

What is that?

MIA

This is the beautiful dress that Casey

bought you.

Mia hangs the garment bag on Jamie's open closet door and zips open the bag to reveal the dress.

JAMIE

Oh my God.

MIA

It's great, isn't it?

Jamie swallows.

JAMIE

Well, yeah.. but... I.. I'm gonna kill

her.

MIA

A little bit of advice, Jamie?

JAMIE

S-sure.

MIA

Just wear the dress. She didn't buy it

for you to flaunt her wealth all over

you or your family. She just wanted

you to have something really nice to

wear. And if you ask me, this is

really nice. You'll look great in it.

JAMIE

I will?

MIA

Totally. Casey will faint.

JAMIE

O.. okay.

Mia smiles at her.

MIA

Ok then. Go put this on, and put your

robe back on over it. Then we can do

your hair.

She helps Jamie pull the dress out of the bag.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS

Tyler walks down the hallway. Mia comes out of the bathroom swiftly, giving him a smile as she passes by.

MIA

Hi.

She quickly retrieves the blow dryer from the closet in the hallway, then hurries back into the bathroom, closing the door. Tyler just stands there, bewildered.

TYLER

What the...

He knocks on the bathroom door. Jamie opens it.

JAMIE

Yeah?

TYLER

What's going on?

He looks into the bathroom to see Mia pulling out various hair accessories from her backpack.

JAMIE

This is my.. friend, Mia. She's

helping me get ready for the banquet.

TYLER

Oh.

MIA

I'm very pleased to meet you, sir.

Sorry for being abrupt earlier, but

we're in a hurry.

TYLER

Oh no, it's alright. Do you need

anything?

JAMIE

No, I'm alright, dad.

TYLER

Ok.

She closes the door again.

CUT TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER

Conor's black Jaguar pulls up to the curb in front of Jamie's house.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Tyler knocks on the door as Jamie slips on the shoes and stands.

JAMIE

Come in.

He opens it and stares.

TYLER

(blurts)

What are you wearing?

MIA

(smiles)

Isn't it nice, Mr. Devlin?

TYLER

Well, yes, it is, but... honey, did

Casey buy it for you?

JAMIE

Uhh...

MIA

(smoothly)

No, it's mine. Or at least it was. I

think you should just keep it, Jamie.

You look much better in it that I ever

did.

Mia gestures for Jamie to turn in a circle, and she does so.

TYLER

(alarmed)

There's no back.

He gestures to the dip in the back of the dress that goes all the way to Jamie's waist.

MIA

Oh, there's a shawl for it.

Mia digs in the garment back for a matching green shawl and hands it to Jamie. The doorbell rings and Tyler exits the room. Jamie starts to follow him.

MIA

Wait, don't go out there first thing.

You have to let her stew in her

anticipation for a few minutes.

JAMIE

Okay.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Clark pulls open the door to a smiling Casey and an impeccably dressed Conor.

CLARK

(smiles)

Hey. You look nice.

CASEY

Thanks.

Clark opens the door wider.

CLARK

Come on in. I'm not sure if she's

ready yet.

CASEY

Dad, this is Jamie's brother, Clark.

Clark shakes his hand.

CLARK

Hi.

Tyler comes out.

TYLER

Casey, it's nice to finally meet you.

CASEY

(smiles)

You too, sir. This is my dad, Conor.

CONOR

Yes, we spoke on the phone the other

day. How are you?

TYLER

(smiles)

I'm doing very well, thank you.

Jamie's about ready, now.

Mia comes out looking Casey over, who's wearing a black pantsuit and an emerald green shirt that matches Jamie's dress.

MIA

That's new.

Casey looks down at her clothes.

CASEY

Yeah, I told you I got something. Is

she ready?

MIA

(grins)

Yes.

(calls out)

Jamie?

Jamie steps into view from the hallway. Casey feels the breath leave her body. Jamie's got the shawl loosely wrapped around her shoulders, and her hair is swept up off her neck, with a tendril hanging off the right side of her face.

CASEY

You.. you look... I..

CLARK

Jesus, Jamie. Where'd you get that?

JAMIE

From Mia.

Jamie gives Casey a ghost of a wink.

CONOR

Jamie, it's good to see you again. You

look fabulous.

JAMIE

Thank you.

Casey smiles at Jamie gently.

CASEY

Fabulous doesn't even begin to cover

it.

Jamie blushes and clears her throat.

JAMIE

Should we get going?

CONOR

Yes, we should so we can be there on

time.

TYLER

Alright.

CASEY

Did you need a ride, Mia?

MIA

(shakes her head)

No, I called Chris. He's coming to get

me.

They all start to head for the door.

CUT TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Casey takes Jamie's hand as they step outside.

TYLER

I'll wait up for you, honey.

JAMIE

Ok, bye dad.

CASEY

You have a good evening, sir.

TYLER

You too.

Conor shakes Tyler's hand.

CONOR

We'll have her back by 10 o'clock.

TYLER

Thank you.

Casey, Jamie and Conor walk to the car. Tyler waves to them and steps back inside, leaving Clark and Mia still standing on the porch. Mia waves to them wistfully.

MIA

(calls out)

Have fun.

After they drive off, Clark turns to her.

CLARK

Why are you doing this?

MIA

(softly)

Because I want Casey to be happy.

Chris pulls up a moment later and honks. Clark shakes his head and walks back inside the house.

MIA

(hesitantly)

Bye.

CLARK

Bye.

Clark closes the door.

CUT TO:

INT. QUEEN MARY CORRIDOR - A MOMENT LATER

Conor walks down the corridor, Casey and Jamie a few steps behind. They reach the large double doors and Conor holds it open for them.

CUT TO:

INT. THE QUEEN'S SALON - CONTINUOUS

They step inside.

JAMIE

Wow.

They're in the Queen's Salon, a large dining hall with high vaulted ceilings and a rich art deco style. People are mostly milling around for the moment, the sound of clinking glasses and conversation echoing through the room. A few people turn and look at them standing in the entrance, commenting with a few discreet fingers pointed in their direction. Jamie fidgets slightly. Casey leans closer to whisper in her ear.

CASEY

(whispers)

Don't worry. You're the most beautiful

one in the room. If people are staring

and talking about you, it's only

because they're talking about how

amazing you look.

Jamie blushes and smiles at her.

JAMIE

Well, that's mildly reassuring.

However, it still means that people

are going to be staring at me.

CASEY

Just don't pay attention to it. You'll

forget about it soon. Are you ready?

Jamie nods.

CONOR

Casey, you mostly know everyone. Would

you mind if I escorted Jamie around to

introduce her to everyone?

He takes her hand and places it on his arm, escorting her away before Casey can respond. Jamie smiles at Casey helplessly.

JAMIE

(mouths)

It's ok.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Chris reclines on Mia's bed, flipping through a magazine as Mia puts on the finishing touches of her makeup.

CHRIS

What were you doing at Jamie's?

MIA

Helping her. I did her hair and makeup

for the banquet.

CHRIS

(laughs)

Why would you do that?

Mia turns around.

MIA

(defensively)

You know, everyone's been asking me

that. Is it so hard to believe that

I'd want to do something nice for her?

He looks up from his magazine at her for a moment, then smirks and looks back down. Mia sighs.

MIA

Alright. I admit it! I felt guilty.

CHRIS

Why?

MIA

Because I went over to Casey's to

spend Thanksgiving with her and ended

up spending the night.

CHRIS

And something happened between you two

and you felt guilty.

MIA

No.

She starts pacing.

MIA

Nothing happened. But I still felt

really guilty. Like I was a

homewrecker. That's it. I felt like a

homewrecker. A big, gay homewrecker.

CHRIS

You're rambling.

She stops and flops down into her desk chair.

CHRIS

You know, if you're going to spend all

this time feeling guilty, you might as

well make it worthwhile and actually

*do* something.

MIA

(scoffs)

Can we just get ready and go to Leah's

thing?

CHRIS

You're the one I'm waiting for.

She stomps over to her closet to pick a pair of shoes.

CUT TO:

INT. THE QUEEN'S SALON - A MOMENT LATER

Casey walks up to Conor near the bar.

CONOR

(smiles)

Casey, good work.

CASEY

What?

CONOR

With Jamie. I almost forgot she didn't

have an affluent upbringing. She's

astoundingly well-mannered and that

dress... Prada, is it?

She looks at him disdainfully.

CASEY

Where is she?

CONOR

She said she was going out onto the

deck to get some air.

CUT TO:

EXT. MAIN DECK – CONTINUOUS

Casey opens the large door and spots Jamie on the deck, hands on the railing and looking up at the stars. She pauses and admires her for a moment, before coming up behind her and wrapping her arms around her waist.

CASEY

Hey. How are you doing?

JAMIE

Fine. I just needed a break. My head

is swimming trying to remember all

those names.

CASEY

(chuckles)

It's easy with this crowd. They say

each other's names all the time, so in

case you forget, you're always

reminded.

Casey places a few soft kisses along Jamie's bare shoulder.

JAMIE

Casey...

CASEY

Sorry. But you look incredible. With

your hair up like that... in this

dress...

She lightly draws a finger down Jamie's spine.

CASEY

I can't seem to help myself.

Jamie shivers slightly and turns to face her.

JAMIE

(grins)

Are you trying to seduce me?

CASEY

Why? Is it working?

JAMIE

(laughs)

Either way, I'm still not sleeping

with you.

Casey is disappointed but covers it well, and smiles.

CASEY

I know, but I had to try.

(clears her throat)

So do you like the dress?

JAMIE

Yeah, I do.

She looks down at it and runs a hand across the material draped across her stomach.

JAMIE

How much did it cost?

CASEY

(laughs nervously)

Uhh...

JAMIE

Nevermind. I don't even want to know.

CASEY

You're not mad?

JAMIE

I was. Then I realized why you did it.

But I just.. it kind of makes me

uncomfortable when you spend money on

me.

CASEY

Why? I'm not trying to buy your

affections with my money.

JAMIE

No, I know that. It's just that it's

yours and your family's and it's not

like I did anything to deserve that

money.

CASEY

Neither did I. The only reason I have

money is because I was born into this

family. I didn't have a choice in

that.

JAMIE

Well...

She trails off. Casey sighs.

CASEY

Look, as hard as it is for you to

accept things that I buy for you, it's

probably just as hard for me to stop.

I'm used to spending money on people I

care about, just.. because.. well, I

don't really know how to explain it.

She brushes a strand of hair back from Jamie's face.

CASEY

I can't promise I'll stop, but I can

promise that I'll try and cut down on

it a little.

JAMIE

And I promise not to freak out and be

so stubborn about it.

CASEY

A compromise?

JAMIE

(smiles)

Yeah. A compromise.

She links her arms around Casey's neck.

JAMIE

Being all dressed up at a fancy event,

going out without a chaperone,

compromising on issues with my

girlfriend... I feel very adult right

now.

CASEY

(grins)

Want to go back inside and continue

playing 'grown up'?

JAMIE

Only if we can play 'house'

afterwards.

CASEY

We can finish the night off with a

round of 'hide and go seek'.

Jamie pulls Casey down to kiss her gently.

JAMIE

(grins)

Deal.

CASEY

A game of 'doctor'?

JAMIE

Don't push it.

CUT TO:

INT. LEAH'S KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS

Leah and Mia are alone in the kitchen, laughing, with Mia sitting up on the counter and Leah standing next to her.

MIA

That was such a long time ago.

LEAH

(smiles)

Yeah.

They spend a moment gazing into each others eyes, when Leah starts to lean in for a kiss. Just before their lips meet, Mia pulls back.

MIA

Wait.

LEAH

What's wrong?

Mia pushes her back slightly, and hops down off the counter.

LEAH

I'm sorry. I-I...

MIA

No, no. I... it's just that I..

She trails off helplessly.

LEAH

...Have a thing for Casey.

Mia turns to look at her.

MIA

You knew?

Leah nods and gives her a small smile.

LEAH

I had a suspicion. You'd get this

goofy smile on your face every time

you mentioned her name.

MIA

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lead you

on or anything.

LEAH

No, it's cool. I mean, don't get me

wrong, I've missed you. I have a lot

of good memories from when we went

out.

MIA

(smiles)

Me too.

LEAH

But.. you've changed.

(chuckles)

I've changed. It's just not the same

anymore. I hoped it would be, but it's

not. So I'm not too heartbroken about

it.

MIA

Are you sure?

LEAH

(grins)

Yeah. But you owe me dinner or

something. A consolation prize.

MIA

(grins)

Deal.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Tyler is on the couch, watching tv, when Jamie opens the door and walks in.

TYLER

Hey, sweetie.

JAMIE

(smiles)

Hi.

She comes over and sits down next to him.

JAMIE

Dad?

TYLER

Yeah?

JAMIE

Thank you go letting me go. I had a

really great time tonight.

He smiles at her and wraps an arm around her shoulders.

TYLER

You want to watch this with me for a

little while before you go to bed?

JAMIE

Ok.

She slips off the heels she's wearing and snuggles into his shoulder.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Casey comes out of the bathroom, wearing a t-shirt and cotton pajama pants. She walks over to her desk to check her computer for a moment, and notices the whiteboard with her and Mia's lists on the chair.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S ROOM - A MOMENT LATER

Casey walks into her room, with a hammer and a little box of nails. She studies the walls in her room for a moment, before deciding on a spot to put it. She takes out a nail and carefully places it in the right spot, then begins hammering it in. Conor shouts down the hallway.

CONOR(OS)

What the hell are you doing? It's

late!

CASEY

(shouts)

I'm almost done!

A couple more whacks with the hammer and the nail is in far enough. She dumps the hammer on her desk, then takes the whiteboard and hangs it on the nail, adjusting it until it's level. She smiles proudly to herself, then takes a moment to review her list. She glances at Mia's, then brushes her fingers across her name at the top of Mia's list. She bites her lip for a moment, then sighs and flicks off her light, climbing into bed.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Mia, dressed in her pjs, finishes brushing her hair in front of her mirror. She glances at the corner of her mirror, where's Casey note from the morning after the Halloween party is tucked, then takes it and settles into bed. She carefully unfolds it and reads it, lightly drawing a finger over the written words, smiling to herself.

FADE OUT.