Close Encounters of the First Kind

Grams: And what happened there is proof positive that the good Lord doesn’t take lightly to those who dabble in the black arts.

(scene on television shows the boat moving off shore – Dawson walks around the room holding a film reel when Joey throws an overnight bag in through the window and then follows)

Dawson: (turns and faces her, chuckling) Nice entrance.

Joey: (looks at the TV) Dawson, isn’t there a limit on the number of times a person can watch their own movie?

Dawson: I– I’ve gotta be prepared. We’ve got a Q & A session after the screening.

Joey: Oooh, ‘The Screening’. How Sundance.

(Joey begins to take her coat off)

Dawson: Let’s not blow this completely out of proportion, shall we?

(Dawson stares at his feet, then starts looking around)

Joey: What’s the matter?

Dawson: (quickly) Nothing.

Joey: (smiling) Could it be...?

Dawson: What? (he is packing his own overnight bag)

Joey: (sits on bed) Dawson Leery, the gifted, young, self-motivated auteur; Capeside’s own Spielberg and wonder, can be nervous?

Dawson: Yeah. (sighs) Yeah, of course I am. I mean, it’s, you know, it’s one thing to be a big fish in the small pond that is Capeside—

Joey: But entirely another to swim in the talent pool with hundreds of your egocentric competitors.

Dawson: (pointing at her) Exactly. And thankyou for that gut-wrenching visual.

Joey: Now I may be a little biased here, because, well, let’s face it, I am one of the stars of the movie, but, it’s really good. I mean, look at it this way – for better or worse, this experience will only take you one step closer to realising your dreams.

(Dawson looks unconvinced)

Joey: Besides, you don’t have to spend an entire weekend with a complete stranger.

Dawson: It is kind of cruel and unusual.

Joey: Yeah, well, I signed up for the College tour, and they pair you off with one of the students. Those are the rules.

Dawson: Are you nervous?

Joey: Yeah! But in a good way. I mean, I know we’re just visiting, but this trip kinda gives me hope. Maybe one day I will make it out of here.

Dawson: (walking over to his closet) Hey Joey, it never once crossed my mind that you wouldn’t make it outta here.

Joey: It’s easy for you to say, Dawson.

(he walks back towards Joey)

Dawson: Come on, Jo, look at the original impulse, look at this weekend as an adventure. Alright, I mean this is– this is our first fore into the real world. You know, this weekend could be a glimpse into the rest of our lives.

Joey: Or, it– it could be the weekend when all of our hopes and dreams just come crashing down around us, I mean, forcing us to withdraw from mainstream society and spend the rest of our days as these cynical embittered shadows of our former selves.

(Dawson chuckles)

Joey: (smiles) It’s just a thought.

* * * * *

(Cambridge University in panoramic view– Dawson, Andie, Jack and Joey are strolling past the buildings)

Dawson: I feel like Richard Dreyfuss from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. You know, the director’s cut where he finally boards the mother ship and meets with the aliens.

Joey: News flash, Dawson. We are the aliens.

Jack: So, what’re you thinkin’, sis?

Andie: (motions around her) These students enjoy the distinction of attending America’s finest college. Founded in 1626, it was named after a British colonist who ended up donating his entire collection of books. And the original faculty teaching here in the colonial wilderness could hardly have imagined that– that over the next three centuries it would become known throughout the world as a premier centre for teaching and research.

Dawson: (laughs) You should write for the catalogue.

Jack: Aahh. It is the catalogue, Dawson. I think she sent away for it when she was about nine.

Andie: (scoffs) Class of 2005, baby, early admissions – I’m gonna ace this interview.

(they all stop and pause)

Joey: Well, I better go meet my room mate. (reading from a piece of paper) Uh, A.J. Moller.

Andie: Joey, you are gonna have a blast. I took the junior tour last year.

Joey: (surprised) As a sophomore?

Andie: Early bird gets into college.

(Dawson and Joey chuckle)

Dawson: What are you doing, Jack?

Jack: Uuh, just hang out, I guess, do the tours thing.

Dawson: (looking at his watch) Well, it is about that time.

Jack: Yep.

Andie: (excitedly) I am so psyched.

Joey: Me too, (softer) me too. (she looks nervously around)

Andie: OK, bye.

Joey: (waves) Bye.

Dawson: Bye.

* * * * *

(Dawson approaches a girl, African American with long black braided hair, who is sitting behind a desk at a computer and taking the entrants into the film festival)

Dawson: L– double E–R–Y.

Nikki: First name?

Dawson: Dawson.

Nikki: (extending her arm outwards) Movie please.

(Dawson hands over the film reel)

Nikki: Which category, comedy or drama?

Dawson: Documentary. Well, actually more of a—

Nikki: Date of birth?

Dawson: Uh, three, fourteen, eighty-three.

Nikki: Uh, favourite director?

Dawson: Spielberg.

(she looks up at him skeptically, eyebrows raised)

Nikki: You’re kidding?

Dawson: (shaking his head) No.

(she sighs, then walks over to place the film reel on another table – Dawson follows)

Nikki: Steven Spielberg. Undoubtedly a gifted film maker, but I mean, come on, where’s the edge?

Dawson: The edge is (pauses) fleeting. Heart lasts forever.

Nikki: (eyebrows raised) Say ‘cheese’?

(the flash of a camera goes off)

Nikki: OK, sign here, and here.

(as Dawson signs his name on the release forms he looks up to find Nikki staring at him)

Nick: This card will get you into the screenings.

(Dawson hands back the clipboard)

Nikki: You didn’t fill out a synopsis.

Dawson: Not enough room. You see, uh, my film started out as a documentary, chronicling the history of this so-called island which was thought to be haunted, but—

Nikki: Another Blair Witch Project. Gotcha. (walking back to other table) Good luck. Next!

(Dawson sighs)

* * * * *

(Joey is walking along a dorm hallway looking at the numbers – she stops and knocks at door #381 and when there is no reply opens the door to find a guy sitting at his iBook)

Joey: Excuse me.

A.J: Sshhh!

Joey: I’m sorry, I just—

A.J: Shh, shh, shh, just a second.

(Joey sighs impatiently but waits a moment until he finally looks up)

A.J: Yes, what is it?

Joey: I’m looking for A.J Moller, is this her room?

A.J: (closing a book and throwing it on the bed) No, this is not her room.

Joey: She’s supposed to be my room mate for the weekend; junior tour. Do you have any idea where I might find her?

A.J: Nope.

Joey: OK, weell, the number on my information card says ‘Room 381’.

A.J: I’m certain it does.

Joey: And this is Room 381?

A.J: You betcha!

Joey: And you can’t tell me where to find A.J Moller?

A.J: I didn’t say that. What I said was I didn’t know where you could find her. Him, I can point you directly to.

(Joey looks confused)

A.J: I’m A.J Moller. (holding up a card) That must make you (reading) Potter comma Joseph. I guess our gender ambiguous names have fostered a precarious situation.

Joey: To say the least.

A.J: (patronising) Before you start crying and calling home, I promise to give you one of the beds. And if– if you’re really nice, I’ll even leave the light on for ya.

Joey: (scoffs) I’m not staying here. I mean, this is not what I signed up for, OK? I’m supposed to be spending the weekend with someone who’s going to show me what college is like, tell me what to expect. Someone—

A.J: With ovaries?

Joey: Yeah.

A.J: Listen, Jo, Joseph?

Joey: It’s Josephine. Joey.

A.J: Joey, listen. (motioning around the room) This is what college is like. Guys and girls living together, mostly in harmony. I mean at Columbia, they even have co-ed bathrooms. And if you’re not up for that, maybe you should be visiting women’s colleges instead.

Joey: (throwing her bag on the floor in defiance) Look, maybe you’re right. There’s really no reason two people of the opposite sex can’t spend one night together in the same room.

A.J: That’s my girl. Now, if you don’t mind, (Indian Chief voice) Bigum college boy have important paper to write. Little highschool girl take long walk around the campus.

Joey: (incredulously) You’re kicking me out?

A.J: You’re kicking yourself out, so I can have two more hours of unadulterated silence.

Joey: That’s not—

A.J: Careful, careful. Say ‘fair’ and you’ll really be showing your age. Oh, and uh, Potter comma Joseph, shut the door on your way out. Otherwise I’m gonna have those idiot Econ majors playing Nerf basketball down the hall.

(Joey picks up her bag and leaves, slamming the door behind her)

* * * * *

(Andie is walking along and comes upon Jack, sitting on a bench looking at a book)

Andie: Hey, what you got?

Jack: (stammers) Uh– just uh, you know, a guidebook to Boston.

Andie: Oh. OK, tell me you are not going off in search of Thoreau’s butt-print at Walden Pond??

Jack: (laughs) No, I hadn’t planned on that.

Andie: Hey, you know what you should do? I heard there’s a really great art museum around here. You should go check it out.

Jack: OK, maybe I will.

Andie: OK. Well, I gotta go. Bye.

Jack: See ya.

(After Andie leaves Jack unrolls the book– it’s the "Pink Pages 1999")

* * * * *

(Andie enters the admissions building– she walks into the Dean’s secretary’s office where a lady of about 60 years sits behind a desk)

Andie: Hi. I’m Andie McPhee.

Fran: (looks at a sheet of paper) Mmm. Spell the last name, please.

Andie: M-C-P-H-E-E.

(her computer bleeps)

Fran: It says here that your appointment isn’t until March. Either there’s something wrong with my calendar, or you’ve got a very long wait.

Andie: Well, uh, Mrs (looking at name plate on her desk) Boyd—

Fran: Call me Fran.

Andie: Great. OK, well, my dad, Joseph McPhee, is an alumnus, class of ’72. And he always said, if you want something badly enough, make sure you’re first in line.

Fran: A daddy’s girl, huh? Me too, God rest his soul.

Andie: So, you think maybe you could squeeze me in?

Fran: (kindly) Not a chance.

Andie: But, uh, I just want five minutes with the Dean, that’s all.

Fran: The thing is, everyone else here has an appointment. Today.

Andie: Uh-huh. Well, do you think something might open up?

Fran: Would you cancel your university interview at the last minute?

(Andie looks on in silence)

Fran: You see my point?

(Andie walks away disappointed)

* * * * *

(Witch Island screening – it finishes and only a few people clap half-heartedly)

Student: Been there, seen that. (to her friend) Where do you want to go eat?

(Some MC gets up the front and speaks to the few people left in the room)

MC: Uh, ladies and gentlemen, if anyone has any questions or comments, uh, the film maker will be glad to, uh, answer them for you.

(Dawson slowly sinks in his seat)

MC: Mr Leery? (no-one gets up and Dawson sinks further in his seat) Dawson Leery, can you step up here please.

(people start looking around and Dawson reluctantly stands up and walks down to the podium – Nikki watches on)

Dawson: Hi (he speaks into the mic too loudly causing a feedback whine) Oops.

(Some students laugh – the MC whispers in his ear)

Dawson: Sorry. Uh, I’m Dawson Leery. Um, d–d– does anyone, um, have any questions, or...?

(all is painfully silent for a few seconds)

Girl: Yeah.

Dawson: (relieved) Yes, question!

Girl: Where’s the Joey chick – she here? She is hot!

* * * * *

(Outside the theatre – Dawson is walking away – Nikki angles to meet him)

Nikki: Dawson. Are you all right?

Dawson: (snaps) Fine.

Nikki: These screenings, they can get pretty brutal when the lights come up.

Dawson: I can handle that. I mean, so what if my movie’s not hip enough to rouse the interest of these pseudo-intellectual art-house snobs.

Nikki: On the bright side. At least no-one threw things.

Dawson: (sarcastic) Thank God for small favours. (he starts to walk away)

Nikki: You are upset.

Dawson: (turns and faces her) Wouldn’t you be?

Nikki: I’m sorry about what happened in there, I really am. But in light of The Blair Witch Project, I don’t know what you were thinking.

Dawson: What?

Nikki: Riding the coat-tails of some absurdly successful cultural phenomenon is simply not gonna cut it. I mean—

Dawson: B– before you eviscerate my work any further, why don’t you at least tell me your name?

Nikki: Nikki. Nikki Greene.

Dawson: Nice to meet you, Nikki.

Nikki: Take this Joey character for example. I mean, who is she, and– and what does she mean to you? Are you friends? Lovers? What? Nothing was clear. More troubling was that you didn’t seem to understand that that was the most interesting part of your story.

Dawson: (sarcastic) Well, aren’t you perceptive?

Nikki: Don’t patronise me. I’m trying to give you an honest assessment here.

Dawson: (snidely) Well, excuse me, but it’s not every day that I’m subjected to an unsolicited note session from—

Nikki: A volunteer? Paper-pusher? My position and altruism is to validate my opinion. Well next time I’ll pick what you wouldn’t (select?) more carefully.

(she pats him on the chest with the flat of her hand and storm off)

* * * * *

(Jack waits at a bus stop – a bus pulls up and after a couple of guys get on he stands there still undecided as to whether or not to get on)

Driver: Well, are you in or out?

(Jack boards the bus and it leave – he takes a seat and looks at what appears like to be a gay couple)

* * * * *

(Joey who is still walking around the campus comes across a brooding Dawson sitting on a bench)

Joey: Dawson! Hey.

Dawson: Hey.

Joey: How’d the screening go?

(Dawson looks down and sighs)

Joey: Come on, it couldn’t have been that bad, could it?

Dawson: It was an unmitigated disaster.

Joey: What do those hipper-than-thou film brats know anyway?

Dawson: Maybe they’re right.

Joey: Come on. (she sits next to him) You don’t mean that.

Dawson: You know, maybe the problem with having such a big dream is ... you never stop to question whether or not you have the talent to back it up. What if I– I just simply don’t have what it takes to be a great filmmaker?

Joey: Dawson, I’ve been there from the beginning. To most people, movies are just a way of passing time, but I was there that day that– that they became something more to you. The day you decided to pick up your parents camcorder and make a movie of your own. The day that you said for the first time out loud that you were going to be a film maker. I’ve had the privilege of watching you take this dream and make it a reality. And you know what?

(Dawson looks at her)

Joey: I’m really proud of you.

(Joey puts her arm around his shoulders)

* * * * *

(The Dean’s secretary returns from lunch to find Andie waiting)

Fran: You.

(Andie waves)

Fran: How’d you get in here?

Andie: Janitor. Don’t worry, I– I didn’t touch anything. But, I brought you dessert.

(Andie walks over to the secretary with a piece of cake)

Fran: (shakes her head and laughs) And I thought I’d seen it all.

Andie: Well, I thought I’d be here, you know, in the off chance that Dean Hardgrove got back early, and then I could, well, you know...

Fran: You’ve got chutzpah, I’ll say that much for you.

Andie: So, is he back yet?

Fran: He’s a notoriously late luncher.

(Andie’s face falls and she slumps into a chair)

Fran: What’s the matter?

Andie: (despondently) Nothing.

(the secretary walks around and sits next to Andie)

Fran: Do you know how many kids I have? Seven. You know how many went to this university? Zero. Didn’t seem to bother them much.

Andie: So you don’t think I’m gonna get in?

Fran: Oh, I gave up a long time ago trying to figure out who they’re gonna accept.

Andie: So, you had seven kids?

Fran: Two are doctors, um, one’s an investment banker, whatever that is. The three girls are married and one didn’t go to college. Plays horn in a jazz band downtown. Which do you think is happiest?

Andie: OK, so what you’re telling me is avoid medical school and Wall Street, don’t get married, and... skip college.

Fran: What I’m saying is whether or not you attend this distinguished university with have little or nothing to do with what kind of person you turn out to be, or whether you find fulfilment in your life.

Andie: Hmm.

* * * * *

(Joey sits in a lecture theatre that is about half full – A.J enters and comes up to her)

A.J: Freshman English, huh? A good one to visit.

Joey: Don’t tell me you’re in this class?

A.J: Kinda.

Joey: (reluctantly) You wanna sit?

A.J: Uh, no, I can’t.

Joey: So I, uh, I guess this professor’s really late?

A.J: No, he’s not coming. They do that a lot. And then some poor schmuck undergraduate teaching assistant has to come in ans try to rally the troops for what’s called (loudly) discussion session!

(A.J walks off down the front of the class)

A.J: Hi, guys. Professor Taylor is at some semiotics conference in Seattle, so you’re stuck with me, again. Now we have a lot of visiting high school schoolers in our midst today, so I thought we’d take a break from our ongoing ‘great books’ discussion, and ask some of them what books they consider great. (points at Joey) How about you. In the cheap seats. Brown haired girl.

Joey: What’s my favourite book?

A.J: You read, don’t you?

Joey: (after a moment of thought) Little Women.

A.J: Louisa May Allcott. Interesting. Now I haven’t read that since I was ... ten or so. As far as I remember it’s sort of a less successful version of Jane Eyre. Something about a girl with a boy’s name?

Joey: The girls name is Jo. She has three sisters, a mother, a father who’s usually not around and when he is he’s very impractical, and he’s not the greatest at providing the material things in life.

A.J: (patronising) That’s right. They’re poor, but they have each other. And there’s something to do with a boy next door. Yeah, it’s all coming back to me. OK, so Little Women. Perennial American classic, yes, but great book? Worthy of inclusion in the literary canon? What do we think people?

(Female student puts her hand up and A.J motions for her to have her say)

Student 1: No way. This book is completely anti-feminist in spirit.

Student 2: I concur. I mean, the heroine supposedly burns with this artistic genius, but ultimately she gives up all of her dreams, gets married and starts popping out babies.

Student 3: Alcott’s a minor writer. Most of what she wrote, she wrote purely for money.

(Joey sits with arms crossed and gives A.J the evil eye)

A.J: (patronisingly) And what’s the lesson here? That we can’t say a book is great simply because we identify with the hero or heroine.

* * * * *

(Joey is walking down the stairs after the class – A.J is following her)

A.J: Joey, wait.

Joey: Why, so you can sic one of your little over-educated minions on me? Try again.

A.J: Admittedly we were a little harsh.

Joey: (sarcastically) I concur.

A.J: You said you wanted the college experience.

Joey: Don’t be so glib. What you did in there was insensitive. You hardly know me, A.J. Maybe I am just some naïve little highschool girl, but I was actually looking forward to getting a– a taste of the fun part of the college experience, not just that mean, bitter part. Do you spend so much time staring that i-Book that you’ve forgotten that part even existed?

A.J: (sincerely) Sorry. How about we start over? Give me chance to show you what college is really all about. What do you say?

* * * * *

(Movie screening – Dawson watches on – the audience is spellbound)

Guy: (to Dawson) Have you got any idea who shot this? It’s on another level, is what I think.

(the film ends and there is loud applause and cheering)

MC: Let’s get the gifted young filmmaker up here, shall we?

(the crowd gives a standing ovation as Nikki stands and moves down the front – Dawson looks on surprised and confused)

* * * * *

(Outside the screening theatre – Dawson comes up to Nikki who is trying to get a pack of M&M’s from a vending machine)

Nikki: Dawson!

Dawson: Hey.

Nikki: I need a sugar fix after all stressful experiences.

(she hits the vending machine and the M&M’s drop down)

Nikki: Finally. (she retrieves the confectionary)

Dawson: Stressful? Come on, that was a love-fest.

Nikki: (snappy) Don’t sound so overjoyed.

Dawson: Don’t be falsely modest.

Nikki: If it had been the other way around, I would have enjoyed your success.

Dawson: So you’re not only a better film maker than I am, you’re a better person.

Nikki: Look, can we start over again?

Dawson: Yeah, lets.

(they move over to a table and sit down)

Nikki: So, what did you think of my film? Really. Constructive criticism only, please.

Dawson: I, uh, I thought your film was– was technically accomplished.

Nikki: Technically accomplished. That sounds like a nice dismount off the balance beam.

Dawson: Well, it’s better than derivative. Or unclear. Or not understanding your own material.

Nikki: OK. Maybe I was a little insensitive in my comments. I’m sorry.

Dawson: Duly noted. Now, you never mentioned, before, that you were entered in this film festival. Why not?

Nikki: I don’t lead with my chin, Dawson. You can get hurt that way.

Dawson: That you can. Well, um, you seem to have really knocked them dead. Congratulations.

(Dawson stands up and walks away)

* * * * *

(Andie and the Dean’s Secretary, Fran, are sitting at a table outside having coffee)

Andie: I think I’m gonna write about her.

Fran: For your application essay?

Andie: ‘Who’s the one person who influenced you most, and why?’

Fran: You should. It might help you organise your thoughts about her.

Andie: I remember one day, it was about six months after the accident, I found her by a creek. She was just sitting in the water, her blouse was soaking wet and ... her hair was flustered in strands across her face. It was like she didn’t know where to go or what to do. (teary) I don’t think I’ll forget that image as long as I live.

Fran: (reaching out and holding Andie’s hand) Do you mind if I lay a dose of truth on you?

Andie: Sure. After I spoke my deepest, darkest secrets, why not?

Fran: One. Always wear sensible shoes. If your feet are killing you, you can’t think straight.

Andie: (smiles) OK. And two?

Fran: Let yourself off the hook for things over which you have no control. Just because your mother couldn’t get past your brother’s death, doesn’t mean you have to beat yourself up for making peace with it.

(Andie just looks at her)

Fran: I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be sticking my big nose in.

Andie: No, no, I was just thinking something. Maybe when your mom starts to lose her mind, you sort of do to, you know, as a way of trying to understand what she’s going through. This is so weird, I mean incredible even, that I’m sitting here, in Cambridge with—

Fran: (chuckles) A sixty year old, career secretary?

(Andie smiles and nods)

Fran: Well, one thing I learnt a long time ago – life can surprise you, in a thousand different ways.

* * * * *

(A.J and Joey are walking along a hallway)

Joey: You know, as much as I appreciate you willingness to spend time with me, I’ve gotta ask, where are we going?

A.J: You’ll see.

(they come up to a door and A.J uses a key to gain entrance – when they step inside its wall to wall covered with high bookcases and a large table in the middle of the room)

Joey: OK, what is this place?

A.J: A rare book and manuscript library.

Joey: Are we supposed to be in here?

A.J: (smiles) What’s the matter? You afraid the library police are gonna come snatch us up? I wanted to show you something.

(A.J uses a small ladder to reach a box on the top shelf of a bookcase)

Joey: What?

A.J: Have a seat.

(He steps down and they both sit at the table)

A.J: Look at this.

(He opens the box and a very old-looking copy of Little Women is inside)

Joey: Little Women?

A.J: Not quite. The book we know today as Little Women was originally published in two separate volumes. This is just the first. It’s Louisa May Alcott’s very own copy. Go ahead, look at it. Carefully. Let’s see what this favourite book of yours has to offer.

(Joey picks it up carefully and looks at it in wonder – she opens it to a particular page)

Joey: This is the part where Jo and Meg go to Mrs Gardiner’s party. (reads) ‘Jo saw a big red-headed youth approach her corner, and fearing he meant to engage her, she slipped into a curtained recess. She found herself face to face with the Lawrence boy’.

A.J: (reading) "Don’t mind me, stay if you like."

Joey: "Shan’t I disturb you?"

A.J: "Not a bit. I only came here because I don’t know many people and felt rather strange at first, you know?"

Joey: ‘"So did I. Don’t go away please, Sir, unless you’d rather."

A.J: ‘The boy sat down again and looked at his boots. "How’s your cat, Miss March?"’

Joey: (turning the page) "Nicely, thank you, Mr Lawrence. But I ain’t Miss March, I’m only Jo."

(they both look at one another for a few seconds before Joey closes the book)

Joey: My mom used to read it to me. That’s why she named me Josephine. It was her favourite book.

A.J: Was?

Joey: She passed away.

A.J: I’m sorry to hear that.

Joey: I guess that’s why I read it. And re-read it. ‘Cause when I do, it’s– it’s like she’s with me.

A.J: So– so it’s like a friend, the book?

Joey: Yeah. Exactly.

A.J: Well, you can never have too many friends, Potter, Joseph. (she smiles)

Joey: Sooo, Miss A.J Moller (he smiles), what is your favourite book? Some ponderous tone by Heroditis?

A.J: Are you ready for this–The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe.

Joey: (smiles, feigning shock) Well that sounds rather infantile.

A.J: Entirely. But, like all the best things in life, simple, sweet ... magical.

* * * * *

(Jack walks into a gay bar where the lights are dim and the music loud – he walks around then sees a guy looking at him so he heads over to the bar)

Bartender: Hey, what can I get you?

Jack: Uh, I– I, um, I guess I—

Guy: My guess is he can’t handle much more than a beer. Make that two.

Jack: Oh– oh no, you– you don’t have to do that—

Guy: It’s OK, I wanted to.

Jack: Thanks.

Guy: (smiles) You’re adorable.

(Jack half-smiles)

Guy: You’re shy, right? Well let’s just start all over, OK? You’re not adorable, and I am not attracted to you. Would you like to go somewhere else? I mean, this really probably isn’t your scene. We– we could just talk, OK? Maybe, I don’t know, get to know each other a little better, and—

(Jack bolts while the guy turns to get the beers)

* * * * *

(Screening theatre – they are announcing the winners of the film festival)

Co-ordinator: Our second-place finalist is ... Windscape, David Steiner.

(applause – David comes up to accept and award – camera zooms in on Nikki – her expression is that of a person who fully expects to win)

Co-ordinator: And now, in first place, the award goes to ... Tommy and Moe, Carl and Michael Biggins.

(applause and cheering – Nicky’s face drops in disappointment – Nikki gets up and leaves – Dawson follows and catches up with her outside the theatre)

Dawson: Nikki.

Nikki: (sharply) What now? Time to rub salt in the wound?

Dawson: You were robbed.

Nikki: Excuse me?

Dawson: I saw every single film at the festival and yours was the best, hand’s down.

Nikki: Let’s dispense with the mock compassion, shall we?

Dawson: There’s nothing mock about it, Nikki. It’s a simple fact.

(she stops and turns to face Dawson)

Nikki: If it’s OK with you, I’d like to be alone right now.

Dawson: How can you be so upset about this?

Nikki: Like your failure didn’t affect you?

Dawson: Point taken. But there’s a huge difference between what happened to me and what happened to you.

Nikki: And what’s that?

Dawson: Well I learned that I have to dig deeper, and– and reveal more of myself in my work if I’m going to make a film that’s worth anything. You learned that film festivals don’t necessarily award the meritorious.

Nikki: (more calmly) I wanted to win, Dawson.

Dawson: Nikki. Your film just wasn’t technically brilliant, OK? It was inspired. It inspired me. It-- it made me remember why I got into film in the first place. Not to win festivals, not for glory, but to reach people. And you did, you made them laugh, you moved them. No matter what happens to me, I’m not gonna give up until I reach that goal.

Nikki: You really liked my movie?

Dawson: Yeah. I really liked your movie.

* * * * *

(Train station -- Dawson meets up with Andie at the bottom of a stairwell and they walk towards the platform)

Dawson: Are we the first ones here?

Andie: Yeah, it looks like it.

Dawson: So did you get your interview?

Andie: Yeah, I did. Not the one I expected, but maybe the one I needed.

Dawson: Pray, tell.

Andie: Oh, long story short, I had this chance encounter that yielded a little clarity. How about you? Did you get what you came here for?

Dawson: (smiles) Yeah. I did. Also in a most unexpected way.

Andie: Hmm. I think that’s what screws us up the most.

Dawson: What?

Andie: It’s like you get this picture in your head of the way things should be, and– and you end up closing yourself off to some of the wonder and serendipity of the actual experience.

Dawson: Who was this chance encounter with, Deepak Chopra?

Andie: Yeah, something like that.

* * * * *

(Jack is on the train – the seat next to him and the two across from him are unoccupied, but Jack has his bags on them)

Ethan: Are these seats taken?

Jack: Uh, yeah, I’m kinda saving them for some friends.

Ethan: No problem, say no more. (he starts to move further down the compartment)

Jack: Actually, you know what? Um, it’s cool. I don’t even know if they’re coming.

(he moves his bags to the seat next to him)

Ethan: You sure?

Jack: Yeah, positive.

(the guy puts his bag in the overhead storage space and sits across from Jack)

Ethan: Do me a favour? Wake me up when we get to Capeside.

(he puts a jacket under his head as a pillow)

Jack: (surprised) You’re going to Capeside?

Ethan: Yep.

Jack: (smiles) Me too.

* * * * *

(Dawson is walking along another part of the train carrying several coffees – he unknowingly walks past Nikki)

Nikki: Hey porter, is that uh, decaf or ‘caf?

Dawson: Nikki! Hey. What are you doing here?

Nikki: I’m doing the divorced-kid shuffle. Mom’s a techie, she’s been transferred to Chicago, so I’m going to co-habitate with my dad.

(Dawson sits on the arm of the seat in front of Nikki whilst still facing her)

Dawson: I know that drill. My parents just got divorced.

Nikki: Sucks, doesn’t it?

Dawson: Hmm-mm. I mean, I guess, you know, it’s for the best and everything, you know, it was just a really long, drawn out long battle that—

Nikki: If it’s for the best, then why do I still fell so lousy?

Dawson: Yeah.

Nikki: Yeah.

Dawson: So, um, where does your father live?

Nikki: Um, a place called Capeside.

Dawson: You’re kidding?

Nikki: No, he’s a– a highschool principal there.

Dawson: (getting excited) What? Wait a minute. Your father’s Principal Greene?

Nikki: Do not tell me that you go to school there?

(they both laugh)

Dawson: This is too weird.

Nikki: What are the chances?

(they both laugh again)

Dawson: Wow. Um, so Mr Jordan, he’s the film teacher and his film lab is actually really full. I had beg, lie, and steal just to get in. But you know, I think I have some pull with him.

Nikki: I’m already in.

Dawson: What?

Nikki: We’ve been e-mailing each other. He’s been giving me this sort of, uh, private tutorial.

Dawson: (surprised) OK. I wasn’t aware that he did that sort of thing.

Nikki: (playfully) You can handle a little friendly competition, can’t you?

* * * * *

(Jack and the guy talking)

Jack: Bingham, Breely, and Buckingham?

Ethan: It’s a prep school.

Jack: Sounds more like a law firm.

Ethan: Huh. Sometimes it feels like one. But in the main, I’m just happy to be out of claustrophobic Capeside.

Jack: So what brings you back?

Ethan: Heartbreak. I need a little parental TLC, some chicken soup, and the comfort of my childhood bed.

Jack: A long relationship?

Ethan: Two years. It feels like a divorce, I swear. Not to mention that I see him everyday at school.

(Jack who was sipping coffee suddenly stops)

Ethan: It’s like we’ve broken up but still living together.

(he notices Jack starting at him)

Ethan: What’s the matter, I get under the ‘gaydar’? That’s what everyone says, I’m the straightest gay guy they know. What about you?

Jack: What about me?

Ethan: Can people tell right away?

Jack: (sighs) How can you tell? I mean, is it– is it that obvious?

Ethan: (laughs) Actually, yeah. I mean, not in a raging queen way, but more in a...

Jack: More in a what way?

Ethan: A babe in the woods, newbie way.

Jack: Newbie?

Ethan: Any sweet, inexperienced young gay man destined for broken hearts.

Jack: You make it sound so inviting.

Ethan: Well, let’s face it, most guys are clueless.

Jack: How do you mean?

Ethan: You’ll see. (pauses) Hey, what’s your name, anyway?

Jack: (clears his throat twice) Jack. Jack McPhee.

Ethan: (extending his hand) Ethan. It’s nice to meet you.

* * * * *

(Joey and A.J walk towards the platform)

A.J: I hope I didn’t keep you up all night.

Joey: You talked for eight hours about Ulysses.

A.J: Yeah, I know. Sometimes it’s hard to get that teaching assistance stuff out of your head. Especially when you’re really passionate about something, you know, ‘cause then your inner geek just runs wild. So what about you Joey Potter. What are you passionate about? What do you ache for?

Joey: I don’t know. I mean, I wish I did...

A.J: But?

Joey: Well, for the past couple of years my life has kind of revolved around this boy. How pathetic is that?

A.J: But, you guys aren’t together?

Joey: No.

(they continue in silence for a moment until they near the train and stop)

A.J: Do you know what a manifold is?

(she shakes her head)

A.J: It’s a math thing. It’s hard to explain. But, imagine yourself shrunk to the size of a pin point sitting on the surface of a doughnut. Look around you and it looks like you’re sitting on a– a flat disk, right? But go down one dimension and sit on a curve, and suddenly it looks like a– a straight line.

Joey: You kinda lost me somewhere around the doughnut.

A.J: In other words, the way something appears from afar might be quite different from the way it appears to your near-sighted eye.

Joey: So in order for me to figure things out, I should get myself some distance?

A.J: (smiles) Take your face out of the i-Book.

(they smile at one another)

A.J: Look, would it be alright if I were to, you know, phone you sometime?

Joey: (shrugs) Well, it wouldn’t suck.

A.J: OK.

Joey: You got a pen?

A.J: (reaches into his jacket) Oh. Yeah. Do– do– do you have a piece of paper?

Joey: Um (checks pockets), no.

A.J: (disappointed) Oh.

(Joey reaches for his hand and writes her number on it – they smile at one another – he goes to offer his hand to shake it, but realises it has her phone number on it, so they use their left hands instead)

Joey: Bye.

A.J: Bye.

(Joey boards the train just as Dawson and Nikki are moving to another section of the train)

Dawson: Joey! Hey, this is, uh, Nikki. Nikki, Joey.

Nikki: Hi. Nice to meet you.

Dawson: She’s going to our school.

(Joey looks back at A.J and they exchange waves)

Dawson: Who’s that?

Joey: (shrugs) My roommate.

(Joey squeezes past and Dawson allows Nikki to go before him then he looks at A.J suspiciously before following)

* * * * *

(Joey and Dawson in his room lying on the bed)

Dawson: Is it just me, or is the prospect of going to college seem a lot larger?

Joey: I know what you mean. Is it the light at the end of the tunnel, or is it an oncoming semi?

Dawson: Or is it both?

Joey: Well, it’s definitely going to take some getting used to.

Dawson: Hmm. Do you ever have one those moments when you kind of just realise that the world has snuck up and completely blind-sided you? (pauses) I’ve been thinking about a career in fast food.

(Joey sighs exasperatedly)

Dawson: ‘Welcome to Taco Bell, can I take your order?’ It kind of just rolls off the tongue.

Joey: Dawson, everything in life is not just about winning. I mean, you have to find joy in the process, you have to love what it is that you do.

Dawson: Good point. Which begs the question, what, uh, life lesson did you stumble upon this weekend?

Joey: Weell. Well, college to me has always been about getting the hell out of Capeside, right?

Dawson: Right.

Joey: Well now I’m thinking that it could be more than that. I mean, it’s scary, sure, but it’s a world full of these deeply passionate people. I mean, people who get excited about books and ideas and theories and ... it kind of excited me.

Dawson: (gravely) My suspicions have been confirmed.

Joey: What do you mean?

Dawson: That you are a really ... big geek.

(they smile)

Joey: So is it just me, or– or does this room seem a lot smaller all of a sudden?

Dawson: Really?

(she nods)

Dawson: I was kinda thinking it seemed ... safe.

(they both sit for a moment before Joey starts to get up)

Joey: I’ll see ya, Dawson.

Dawson: See ya, Jo.

(Joey leaves through the window)

* * * * *