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ACADEMIC FACADE
Shooting script
1/12/03

By Joan Cho

FBI WARNING - "The following article of information is protected by Federal Law. It is legally incriminating for citizens with under E-9 clearance to access the following material. Offenders will be reviewed and prosecuted."

FADE IN.
INT. MANDY'S DINING ROOM
The CAMERA faces a spotless dining table and an empty chair. Swiftly, a slender figure slides into the chair and adjusts the camera, focusing it on her face. This is a girl in her teens, dressed semi-casually and looking more serious than expected. She is MANDY. Sitting impeccably upright, she gives the following speech as if she is reciting something that hardly matters.

MANDY
21st of November. Year 2004. This is FBI Agent 011231, Mandy Francesca Hayes, registering a Post-mortem document. H-A-Y-E-S, under the Quantico division. In the occasion that I should be compromised, my possessions are to be allotted to the disposal of Major General Phillips Hayes, my legal and biological father. Thank you.

MANDY visibly relaxed after a pause. She reaches out to press the Stop button, then hesitated and withdrew her hand. She runs her fingers through her hair and sighs. She starts to talk to the camera, quite frustrated.

MANDY
Every time they make me to do this, I feel... I guess, ridiculous. This tape will be my last testament if I die on a mission. The problem is, I never die on missions and I don't think I ever will. Because, hello, the only missions I get are hours of research or protecting not-so-famous stars or retrieving national treasures. I highly doubt an antique Indian vase is going to kill me.

Giving a faint smile, MANDY rests her head on her hands. When she starts talking, her tone is even and bemused, but it grows gradually anguished as more personal topics spring up.

MANDY
I've done this for more than fifty times, reciting that piece of trash. Sometimes, I can't help thinking: Is that how I'm going to be remembered? As a stiff, politically correct woman? Eww. I just want to re-introduce myself to everyone: Hi! I'm Mandy and I'm just a girl!
(sigh)
Guess what? I turned nineteen today and there was nothing. No party or presents or a kiss or even a phone call saying "Happy birthday". I don't ask for much, but I got nothing. I'm nineteen. I've been an FBI agent for eight years. Wow. That's more than a third of my life - I've been working even before I hit puberty! I guess there are a lot of ways to become an FBI agent. Most people actually have the talent. I just happen to have a father who works in the FBI.

MANDY folds her arms and leans back on the chair.

MANDY
Anyways, if I die this time, I want you to know the real Mandy Hayes. After all, I'm a just a normal teenager who got into the wrong profession. It's not like I have a whole bright future ahead of me, so maybe I should die. I want to die. You see, the problem with being a FBI agent - aside from having astonishingly bad pay - is that, there's no quitting. You can only quit when you die. Or die when you quit. Whichever comes first. So you just got to keep working, work hard, hoping that some day you'll find some meaning in all this.

OPENING MONTAGE

The CAMERA pans away as MANDY looks away, surveying the room. When the CAMERA pans back, we see the dining table filled with plates and files. CLOSE-UP of the mission statement: "Assume the role of student Sharon Irving in Parker Girls' Academy to investigate the disappearance of Leslie Adams." UP-TEMPO MUSIC fills the background gradually as we ZOOM OUT. In the distance, MANDY comes out of the kitchen, wearing a uniform and carrying a glass of milk. CUT TO the clock and it's 7:55am. ZOOM OUT to find MANDY stuffing things into her schoolbag, looks at the clock and shouting. CUT TO A student card and keys lying side by side on the counter. A hand swipes the student card. We hear the door open and close with a bang as MANDY leaves the house. Without the keys. The title appears onto the screen: "ACADEMIC FACADE".

INT. PARKER'S ACADEMY
Out in the car park, students file into the school, we follow one of them - Sharon Irving - MANDY. She has her hair tied up in a student-ly fashion and is dressed in tidy uniform. She stands in the middle of the car park and looks around at the bustling students and teachers.

MANDY
I'm back in high school again. Wow.

MANDY looks apprehensive for a moment when a girl comes up to her. MANDY smiles back and waves as the girl goes upstairs. As we follow MANDY's gaze upwards on the 7-storey building, we see a teenager leaning on the railings on the second floor.

EXT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR - DAY
The teenager was leaning on the railing and lifting his head with eyes closed. Slowly, he opened his eyes and took a deep breath of morning air. Gazing into the distance, his eyes seem much older than his young face. They are cold, serious and experienced. This person is REX REYNOLDS, another FBI agent under disguise. MANDY walks up the corridor looking for her classroom and see him quite far away, feeling a pang of recognition. REX does not notice her at first and lowers his head, deep in thought. Suddenly, he sees MANDY staring at him; he smiles awkwardly and immediately walks away. MANDY tries to catch up with him.

MANDY
Hey! Have I seen you before¡K somewhere?

REX breaks into a run and disappears up the staircase. MANDY sighs and walks to the classroom.

INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE
MANDY knocks on the door of the administration office and enters without waiting for an answer. SELMA COOPER, a temporary agent acting undercover as MRS. GUSTO's secretary, is tidying some files on her desk.

MANDY
(business-like)
I'd like to see Principal Gusto.

SELMA
Oh, the Principal is out for a meeting.
(looks up)
You're the new student, right? I have some forms for you to fill in. Please take a seat.

MANDY sits at a desk. SELMA hands her a file with a couple of forms in it and sits down next to her.

SELMA
(hushed voice)
Agent Hayes, I'm Agent Cooper, an FBI agent. Code name's Hippity Hot Spicy Burritos.

MANDY
Hippity Hot- what?

SELMA
Hippity Hot Spicy Burritos.

MANDY
Okay¡K weird. Who makes these code names?

SELMA
I have no information in that area.

MANDY
Oh, um, that wasn't actually a question.

SELMA stares at MANDY blankly.

MANDY
Um¡K thanks for your help! Have you got anything for me?

SELMA
(professionally)
All the information I've managed to gather is in the lining of this file. I've included a floor plan of the campus. That should come in handy. There is also a list of people and agents you have to talk to. I'll be stationed here at the Principal's office, keeping an eye on things for you. Contact me if you need help. By the way, you really do have to fill in those forms and give them to the principal.

MANDY
Okay. By the way, Selma, is Rex Reynolds here? I thought I saw him this morning in one of the corridors.

SELMA
Um¡K yes. He's on your agents list. He's undercover too.

MANDY
Oh, goodness.

SELMA walks away. MANDY starts filling in the forms. GUSTO comes in holding a briefcase, looking authoritative. MANDY looks at her and GUSTO flashes her a stiff smile. She sits across from MANDY.

GUSTO
Miss Hayes? I've come to understand that you are here to conduct an investigation.

MANDY
That's true, Mrs. Gusto.

GUSTO
That's Goosto.

MANDY
Okay, Mrs. Goosto.

GUSTO
Let me make a few points clear. While you are in this school, you are going to be treated like a student. I give you free reign to conduct your investigation, but absolutely nothing must destruct the impeccable discipline implemented at my school. You tie is too short; Miss Hayes, and I expect to see a more decent hairstyle tomorrow. Is that clear?

MANDY
(with dignity)
Truthfully? No.
(sighs)
Mrs. Gusto, I'd love to indulge you in your strictest principal-fantasies. But you had a murder in your school. It seems to me that you weren't capable to maintaining the security of your school at all. You are in no place to criticize anything I do.
(places FBI badge on table)
See this? I'm an FBI agent. I have the highest authority to do whatever I want.

GUSTO
Excuse me, Miss Hayes, but d-did you just say, um, murder?

MANDY
Yes, Mrs. Gusto. Leslie Adams is dead.
(a little sad)
We recovered her body last Friday, but optioned to have the information undisclosed. We suspect that Leslie's death may be connected with the recent rash of murdered young girls.

GUSTO
(breathes deeply)
Oh my god.

MANDY
Yes, Mrs. Gusto, I am so sor-

GUSTO
(shrieks)
Do you have any idea how much damage this would do to the school image! One of the Parker girls gets murdered! The paparazzi! The media! Our school reputation is doomed!

MANDY
Uh, Mrs. Gusto, shouldn't the murdering of a girl take a higher priority here?

GUSTO
Don't be absurd. Now, go attend your lessons. God, I have to tell this to our school board¡K

INT. MANDY'S CLASSROOM - DAY
It was break time and only a few people were in the classroom. MANDY comes into the classroom with her schoolbag, finds an empty seat and takes it. A chubby girl named KESHA moves to the seat beside MANDY and smiles at her. MANDY smiles back.

KESHA
The name's Kesha. You don't mind me sitting with you, do you?

MANDY
No, no. Not at all. My name's Mandy. I mean, Sharon. Sharon Irving.

KESHA
(smiles)
You sure it's Sharon?

MANDY
Yeah.

KESHA
Hey, it's okay. Everybody wishes they had a different name than the one they're given. It's a proven fact.

MANDY
Oh. So, what do you want your name to be?

KESHA
Kesha.

MANDY
But¡K you're already called Kesha.

KESHA looks around with a sly smile then brings her head closer to MANDY.

KESHA
(hushed voice)
Okay, don't laugh. My real name's Marie Margarita. Can you say "ugh".

MANDY
Marie¡K that's so 18th century.

KESHA
Corset is the first thing that comes to my mind. Jy parents must have been very drunk. Therefore-
(heroic tones)
It's up to the girl to find her own name and save the day!

KESHA shakes her head emphatically.

KESHA
By the way, if you tell anyone, I will have you killed.

MANDY smiles and winks in a conspiring way.

MANDY
I won't tell anyone¡K Marie.

KESHA glares at her with mock anger, then tickles her.

MANDY
All right! Kesha! You're Kesha! Goodness-

KESHA
Oh no, not the "Goodness". Nobody says "Goodness". "Goodness" is like, so Catholic convent! It makes you sound like you're a zillion years old. Not very attractive.

MANDY
Um¡K thanks.

KESHA
Glad to help.

KESHA beams at MANDY, and then proceeds to pick out the pens in her stationary box. MANDY smiles even more. Only the first and she's already got a friend and left a good impression on everyone.

INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
KESHA and MANDY are walking down the corridor after the lesson, talking.

KESHA
So, where do you come from, Sharon? You know, it's kinda weird that you came in the middle of the term.

MANDY
I know. I wasn't really sure about this school myself. Basically, my parents made the final decision. I just went along.

KESHA
Okay. Hey, I need to do something, just give me a sec.

KESHA swung into one of the classrooms and popped back out in almost two seconds.

EXT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR - DAY
MANDY walks down the staircase alone looking around apprehensively. KESHA comes up from behind and walks alongside her, sighing a little.

MANDY
So what was that all about?

KESHA
Oh, nothing. I just went to check up on a friend. Haven't seen her for quite a while.

MANDY
Did you guys have an argument?

KESHA
No. She hasn't been coming to school.

MANDY
When was the last time you saw her?

KESHA
Two weeks ago.

MANDY
You friend just disappeared for two weeks?! Oh. Oh god, it's Les¡K What is her name?

KESHA
Leslie. Leslie Adams.

MANDY stands there, shocked. KESHA continues talking and changes the topic, obviously uncomfortable with talking about Leslie.

KESHA (cont'd)
I don't know, she might be sick or something. Anyways, you wanna do something together after school?

MANDY
(absently)
No¡K I have¡K engagements.

KESHA
Engagements?

Yeah, I have¡K things to do. Important things. Oh, actually, I have to meet my, um, tutor. You know, I have a lot to catch up on. Thanks for hanging out with me today, it's been fun.
(in a very faux-teenager way)
YAY!!! It was like, really cooool, you know.
(KESHA stares at her)
Well. I'll see you¡K later. Bye.

KESHA
Bye.

EXT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR
MANDY comes up from the stairs and looks at her agent list.

MANDY
Rex Reynolds.

She goes up to one of the doors and knocks.

<VIDEO>

INT. DINING ROOM - DAY
We see MANDY in that "will video" once more. She is crossing her arms and staring at the table. Her eyes flicker towards the camera.

MANDY
Every agent is taught to hide all evidences of their job immediately. It's literally the first chapter in the handbook. If you came into my house right now-

MANDY raises a casual hand to the house behind her.

MANDY
Everything in here would have supported my story of being an aspiring dancer. I even have the tutus and dancing shoes. But-
(looks away with distant eyes)
Once upon a time, my father forgot this important protocol.
(turns and looks straight into the camera)
He left one of his files lying around after drifting off to sleep. It was about a simple artifact transaction, nothing really classified. But enough to get me killed should I read it. And I did. One fateful day eight years ago, out of incredibly stupid curiosity, I did.

MANDY sighs and shifts in her seat.

MANDY
With that, I'm stuck for life.
(shrugs)
The worst part is, I wasn't incredibly popular to begin with¡K And with the new secret identity, I just became more withdrawn. All the other people my age took my silence for arrogance¡K nobody liked arrogant girls. At my Senior Prom, even the Universally Known Lesbian Ivory Lindsen had a date. I didn't go and spent the night crying my eyes out. My father was in Morocco, working on a case. He never knew a thing.
(shakes her head and smiles bitterly)
Then again, he rarely knew anything that happened to me after Georgiana's death. Since then, he had shut himself up, and I guess I shut myself up too, just to make him angry. Even when we were in the same room, we tried our hardest to ignore each other. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that he forgot about my birthday¡K

MANDY walks away. She comes back with a cup of tea and a photo framed with a photo of her father and her, smiling. She sets the tea down and stares at the photo for a while, her expression indiscernible. Slowly, she puts it close to camera, close enough for the audience to discern the two figures.

MANDY
I love this photo. My father and I. Before any secret agencies or disguises or huge arguments, there was just a little girl and her charming dad. Perfectly happy.
(smiles and takes the photo back)
I sometimes wish things could be like this again, but I know better. Everything changed when she died and it cannot be the same anymore. It just can't.

EXT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR
The door opens. She steps into the classroom - nobody is there. MANDY steps back out into the corridor and sits down on one of the benches, waiting. REX comes up, carrying a laptop and some files. He sees her before she sees him.

REX
You're here. You know, I went down to look for you? I set up a meeting in the agent memo for you to meet me at break. Apparently, either you didn't read the memo or forget about it. Why am I not surprised?

MANDY
I have no idea. By the way, nice to see you too, Lieutenant Reynolds. I'm fine, thank you for not asking.

REX
You're welcome. Well, can't chit chat all day. Any leads on the case?

MANDY
Man, you haven't changed one bit since I last saw you in Paris. Still the cold, morose Super Agent, huh?

REX
I take that as a compliment to my professionalism. If there's anybody who hasn't changed at all, it's you, Agent Hayes. I heard about your case in Tuscany - an absolute disaster.

Silence. MANDY flashes REX a faux smile and crosses her arms. REX hands MANDY a file.

REX (cont'd)
Agent Roberts nearly got canned because of you.
(sighs)
As I said, no time to chit chat. Any leads?

MANDY
A girl in my class called Kesha friend, and she wants- Sorry. I just have one question.

REX turns to her with a look that says, "Go on, I'm listening".

MANDY
Do we have to do this every time we meet? Argue like this?

AS REX pauses slightly, MANDY's eyes slowly studies the expression in his face. He turns to her and gives a small smile.

REX
What would you prefer?

MANDY
I suppose a simple "Hi, Mandy, how have you been?" would suffice. And that smile. You look nice when you smile.

REX
If I do that, it'll make us friends.

MANDY
What's wrong with that? We were friends - once.

REX puts down the file on the bench and leans back onto the railing. MANDY picks up the file and continues waiting for an answer from REX. REX sighs.

REX
That was a long time ago. Things change.

MANDY
Not everything. Come on, it'll be fun. You'll actually be nice.

REX shrugs.

MANDY (cont'd)
Oh hi, Rex, it's nice to see you!

REX
Hi, Mandy, it's always nice to see you.
(turns stern)
It will also be nice if we could start working!

MANDY rolls her eyes as REX flashed her a smile.

MANDY
(raises her hands in defeat)
Fine, fine.

REX
So, what about that girl you were talking about?

MANDY
Okay, her name is Kesha Holmes. One of Leslie Adams' best friends. She knows a lot and most importantly, she's very willing to talk.

REX
I'm liking this Kesha already.
(REX sits down and opens his laptop)
Good work.

MANDY
(gratified)
Thank you, Lieutenant.

REX
So I'll assign you to this lead. Follow it closely. These last few days, I've been working through the teachers and her parents. I've eliminated a lot of possibilities on the murder. Most likely, Leslie's case is with our very own serial killer in town.

MANDY
Poor girl.

REX is typing on the laptop.

REX
Yep. And there's going to be more "poor girls" if we don't work fast.

REX hands MANDY a floppy disk.

REX (cont'd)
Here, work on this preliminary report. The bureau says they have to release the news of the murder soon. I guess we don't have much time.

REX flips through the file and hands it to MANDY.

REX (cont'd)
A word of advice: Don't look at the crime scene photos for too long. It's amazing how sick and psychotic some people can be. Ugh.

MANDY flips through the file and grimaces.

MANDY
"Ugh" is a serious understatement. Obscenely gross comes a little closer.

REX
Agreed.

REX is packing up his laptop while MANDY continues to look at the file disgustedly.

REX (cont'd)
(snaps the file close)
Stop it. Seeing as you've done such a good job in finding a contact, Agent Hayes-

MANDY beams and tucks the file away.

REX (cont'd)
I say we close this case before you streak of luck runs out.

MANDY
Hey! It's not-

REX stands up and leans against the railing, takes a deep breath - just like what MANDY saw in the morning.

MANDY
You know, this morning I saw-

REX turned abruptly.

REX
Next time we should do this back at the office. It's less dangerous.

MANDY
Okay, but¡K

REX
I have to go.

MANDY
Fine, Lieutenant. By the way, can I do something about this principal? She is seriously annoying me.

REX
It's your call. Do anything you would normally do to a witness, but I don't want any complaints filed to me. I am supposed to be your superior. Get to work, I'll call you tonight to work something out.

REX turns to leave, but turns immediately..

REX
Oh, speaking of calls. Major General Hayes has been asking after you, I told him you were fine. Don't you think you should call your father now and then, you know, at least once a decade?

MANDY
Now that's none of your business.

MANDY looks miffed and turns to leave. REX chases up and stands in front of her.

REX
He misses you, Mandy.

MANDY
Uh-huh.
(walks past REX)
Bye-bye.

REX shrugs indifferently, in a "Hey, I tried" way. He adjusts his jacket and walks away, shaking his head slightly. CUT TO: MANDY walks a few steps, then turns to look at REX disappearing around the corner. She sighs, brushes her fingers in her hair than turns away, slightly sad.

INT. MANDY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
The clock shows 10:37pm. ZOOM OUT to shown MANDY talking on the phone, listening intently and responding fervently. She is also taking notes of the conversation.

MANDY
It seems like you really had a great relationship with Leslie, Kesha¡K I'm so sorry she's¡K gone missing. I'm sure everything will turn out all right.

KESHA (v.o.)
Yeah, thanks. It's awfully nice of you to let me talk about all this stuff¡K

MANDY
Don't worry about it. I'll see you tomorrow..

KESHA (v.o.)
Yeah.
(sniffles)
I'll see ya, Sharon.

A dial tone starts as KESHA hangs up. MANDY stares at the telephone for a moment before putting the receiver down as well. She yawns silently and sips her tea. She leans back in her chair and stares at the phone. Suddenly, she makes up her mind, quickly picks up the phone and dials a series of numbers. Dial tone.

SECRETARY (v.o.)
Federal Bureau of Investigation. Who may I connect you to?

MANDY
Major General Phillip Hayes, please.

SECRETARY (v.o.)
Name, code and relation, please?

MANDY
Uh, Agent M. S. Hayes. 011231. I'm his¡K uh, I work for him.

SECRETARY (v.o.)
Which project?

MANDY
Uh, Project Syri- Sauri- Uh, actually¡K
(laughs nervously)
I am his daughter.

SECRETARY (v.o.)
Interesting. Fine, I'll put you through.

MANDY looks at the photo placed her desk - the same one we saw in the video - and fidgets nervously. She combs her fingers through her hair, pushes the Speakerphone button, places the receiver on the desk and rubs her hands. She blows warm in to her palms and tries to sit still. She stares at the phone and takes another sip from her tea.

FATHER (v.o.)
Hello?

MANDY almost jumps, picks up the phone and sets the tea on her desk.

MANDY
Hello¡K Hi, dad.

FATHER (v.o.)
Oh. Mandy. What's the matter?

MANDY
It's nothing really important. It's just-

FATHER (v.o.)
Oh. I'm on my way to the airstrip. Can you make this quick?

MANDY
Oh.

On this side of the phone, MANDY looks very distressed.

MANDY
Well, um. Where are you going, Dad?

FATHER (v.o.)
You know very well I couldn't possibly tell you that.

MANDY
Right.
(sighs)
It's just that-

FATHER (v.o.)
Wait.
(further away from the phone)
Good to see you, Ericsson. Good job on Cape Hope. I'll see you at the airstrip, don't forget to bring the Langley files. By the way, happy birthday. Let's have dinner tomorrow night.
(laughs)
Okay. See you.
(clears throat)
Mandy?

MANDY listens to his father greeting someone a "Happy Birthday" and looks devastated.

FATHER (v.o.)
Mandy? Hello?

MANDY
Dad¡K whose birthday was that?

FATHER (v.o.)
Just a person I'm working with. Nobody, really¡K I just happen to remember people's birthdays well.

MANDY
Uh-huh.

MANDY bit her lip and closed her eyes.

FATHER (v.o.)
Mandy, I really need to go now.

MANDY
Sorry, dad.

FATHER (v.o.)
Why did you call?

MANDY
Oh, it's just, I talked to Lieutenant Reynolds a few days ago and he said I should phone you and catch up.

FATHER (v.o.)
Strange. Anyways, I'm fine, don't worry too much. How was the case in Tuscany?

MANDY
Um¡K It didn't really work out.

FATHER (v.o.)
What do you mean?
(sighs)
Mandy, that was an impossibly simple mission! I cannot believe you. I demand to know what happened.

MANDY
You didn't hear?

FATHER (v.o.)
Damnit, Mandy. I was in Geneva the past two weeks, of course I didn't hear. Well?

MANDY
Well¡K

FATHER (v.o.)
Goodness. Cecilia, give me the info on the Tuscany case with Agent Roberts and Hayes! I think it was File 3031!

Silence on the other side of the line indicates that her FATHER is being briefed on the details of her disastrous mission. MANDY cringes inwardly and shifts in her chair. She takes another sip of tea.

FATHER (v.o.)
Yes, yes. Huh.
(voice lowers to an indistinct murmur)
Thank you, Cecilia.

Silence.

MANDY
Dad?

FATHER (v.o.)
(coldly)
Mandy, don't let this happen again. I don't know how many times I've told you this, but¡K don't let this happen again. Being FBI means there are no margins for mistakes. The consequences are often too great. Do you understand?
(breathes deeply)
Do you? Talk to me, Agent Hayes!

MANDY seems shocked and sad at his words.

MANDY
Yes. I'm sorry. I'm¡K just sorry.

FATHER (v.o.)
Sorry is not enough! You have to learn this!

MANDY shakes her head as her mobile phone rings.

MANDY
Dad, I have a phone call on the other side.

FATHER (v.o.)
No, Mandy. We have to go through this. We have to! Listen to me.

MANDY
Sorry, Dad. I just can't.

Hastily, MANDY puts down the phone and doesn't move for a moment. CUT TO: The mobile phone keeps ringing, MANDY picks it up.

CUT TO: REX holding the phone. ZOOM OUT to reveal REX's office. It is similar to MANDY'S, just with a few more certificates and a less cluttered desk. He is leaning on his chair, tapping his pen on the notepad as he talks into the phone.

REX
Mandy, are you there?

MANDY (v.o.)
Yeah. Listen, Rex¡K

REX
(sits up properly)
So, how's the Kesha lead? You talked to her, right?

MANDY (v.o.)
I've¡K

CUT TO: MANDY's office. She sighs as she checks her notes.

MANDY
(sighs)
I've talked to her, but I haven't been getting the important stuff. Sorry.

CUT TO: REX's office. REX moves his chair closer to the table, a little perturbed.

REX
Mandy, you have to put effort into it. Just try harder. Time's a-lacking. Maybe I should take over the lead?

MANDY (v.o.)
NO! I mean, no. Rex, don't want you to do this. This is my lead. I want to follow it and I don't need you to mess things up!

REX
What's your problem? I only wanted to help. You know, with the ways things are going, you have to make this case a success.

CUT TO: MANDY's office. She leans back on her chair and sighs.

MANDY
I know. I don't want your help. I can do this.

REX (v.o.)
But¡K

MANDY
How come everybody thinks I can't do this? I can! I will! I can be a good FBI agent. I can do these things.

REX (v.o.)
Mandy, are you all right?

MANDY takes the phone away from her ears and looks at it.

REX (v.o.)
Mandy? Mandy?

MANDY switches the phone off.

MANDY
(whispers)
Sorry.

CUT TO: REX's office. REX is practically shouting into the phone.

REX
Hello? Mandy!

Dial tone. REX stares at the phone worriedly before putting it back down. He then shakes his head and goes back to working. We see the clock at 11:02pm¡K dissolving into 00:21am. PAN DOWN, REX is still working and rubs his eyes. Suddenly, there is a knock on the door. REX stands up to open the door. Outside, looking puffy-eyed and sad, is MANDY.

REX
Mandy?

MANDY
Sorry about hanging up¡K I'm sorry.
MANDY's head slowly drops and she breathes deeply.

REX
Hey, hey, it's okay.

MANDY
I feel so¡K so¡K

REX frowns and puts a hand on her shoulder and she looks up at him.

REX
Come on, get inside.

REX leads MANDY into the office and closes the door behind him.

REX
What happened? Can you tell me what happened?

MANDY
No, it's just¡K Can I just stay here for a while?

REX
Of course.

REX leads her to sit down on a chair, sits down next to her as MANDY leans on his shoulder.

FADE OUT.

INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
MANDY is sitting in the chair, once again, listening to the droning MRS. GUSTO.

GUSTO
Okay, while you're on the case, please take the time to read the school rules. It is clearly said that leaving school unauthorized is strictly banned. Please don't allow any more violations. As I said, Agent Hayes¡K When you are wearing this school uniform, you have our reputation to uphold.

MANDY takes out her pistol.

MANDY
That's it. I'm not here to listen to stupid regulations. When you get a murder in your school, Mrs. Gusto, you have to learn to compromise. Now I need to finish this job and get out of here as soon as possible. I am not one of students, so when I ask for leave allowances, I would get them. Now-
(mocking GUSTO's voice)
Is that clear?

MANDY points her pistol casually but accurately at MRS. GUSTO. MRS. GUSTO fidgets nervously in her chair, eyeing the gun incredulously.

GUSTO
You¡K You w-wouldn't dare use that thing.

MANDY
(shrugs)
Annoy me, and it might just accidentally go off.

INT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM - BREAK
KESHA sits in the classroom, reading a magazine. MANDY comes in and sits next to her, smiling.

KESHA
Hey, girlfriend. Did Goooosto give you a hard time?

MANDY
Doesn't she always? However, I made sure it wouldn't happen again.

KESHA
(closing the magazine, eyes twinkling)
How? You threatened her?

MANDY
(blushes)
No. I just decided¡K that I won't break any more school rules.

KESHA
Oh.
(shrugs)
I wish somebody would put her in her place. Leslie used to really piss Gusto off. She'd wear these totally visible neon green earrings and claim they were doctor-prescribed! Only, her elder brother was the doctor and would sign anything she gave him. Ha. Doesn't she rock!

MANDY
Wow. She really does.

KESHA
I miss these little things about her¡K and of course, I miss her too.

MANDY
(sighs)
You guys are really good friends. So, uh, you want to go out for lunch?

KESHA
No, I got a hot date.

MANDY
No way!

KESHA
Yes way. Give me five!
(they do)
I gotta go. Promise to fill you in on details. Love ya!

MANDY
Bye¡K

KESHA rushes out. MANDY picks up her purse and strolls out also. When she looks down, she sees KESHA rushing into the arms of REX.

MANDY
Oh goodness. Rex and Kesha?

EXT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR - EVENING
REX is sitting on one of the benches, dressed in casual gear, reading the campus map and drawing up a search plan. He looks at his watch and frowns. The night is drawing near and they need to make good use of the time. As REX stands up and starts to dial his phone, MANDY arrives.

REX
You're late.

MANDY
No, you're early.

REX
You're late. You're not supposed to be late.

MANDY
You're early! You said to meet at 5:48 and now it's only¡K um, six o'clock. But who asks people to meet at five forty-eight anyway! And, and¡K it's only 12 minutes! Come on, Rex!

REX
Three things. One, that's Lieutenant Reynolds to you. Two, I asked to meet at 5:48 because I know your meeting ends at 5:30 and it takes about 18 minutes to get here. Three, you're late.

REX shakes his head and conceals a small smile. Their relationship has become increasingly intimate lately.

MANDY
Hey, I can explain¡K

REX
Agent Hayes, everybody has explanations. On the other hand, not everybody has time to listen to those explanations. We have to start doing work now or the sunlight will be completely gone.

MANDY
Fine.

MANDY follows REX into The Counseling Room.

REX
Okay, we have to find the files on Olivia Adams and Lily Lawrence.

MANDY
Hey, what's up with Kesha this afternoon?

REX
You saw?

MANDY
Duh. When Kesha came back, I asked her, she said it was nothing. You were just a "friend".

REX stops moving around with MANDY and stands still facing MANDY. She follows suit.

REX
She's right.
(sighs)
I was just get more info out of her¡K You never know what extra stuff a guy can get out of a girl.

MANDY
So, um, you're not dating her.

REX
I can say with the most confidence, no. What, you're jealous?

MANDY
No. But hey, Kesha was my lead.

REX
I'm just double-checking, okay? You did a great job. You know, when you want to work, you really can do good work.

MANDY
(waving a stack of files)
Yeah, yeah. Hey, I got the files.

REX
Are you listening to me?

MANDY
Yes, Lieutenant. Thanks for the compliments. Now is there anything else to do?

REX sighs and walks out of the room with MANDY following.

REX
Let's split up. You go down the corridor to the staff room and talk to her class teacher. I'll go to the Library to check her weekly journals.

MANDY nods simply and goes down the corridor. REX switches on the flashlight and goes down the other way, towards the camera.

CUT TO: REX flipping through the journal in one hand, carrying the flashlight in the other and walking back to the corridor. MANDY is nowhere to be seen. REX walks towards the direction MANDY went. Suddenly, a sound of things crashing erupts in her direction, followed by a short yelp. REX's expression immediately changes to one of great worry and runs in that direction.

CUT TO: REX standing on the top of a staircase.

REX
Mandy? Where are you? Are you alright?!

MANDY
I think I twisted my ankle¡K Fell down. Ow.

MANDY is sitting at the bottom of the staircase, her face contorted in pain. The files are scattered all over the floor. REX walks down lifts her up and seats her on the stairs.

REX
Here, just lean on me.

MANDY stares at him for a second before leaning on.

CUT TO: CLOSE UP of their faces. MANDY smiles when REX one of the files slip from REX's grasp and gets scattered even more. REX gives MANDY the files and helps her stand up.

MANDY
I'm sorry¡K I'm just so clumsy sometimes.

REX
Shh. It's okay. Let's go¡K

FADE OUT.

<MONTAGE>

MANDY's office. A finger presses on the radio and music comes out: "What Can I Do" and we see MANDY working on the files, her table as haphazard as usual. REX comes in with another pile of files and puts them on one of the chairs. He points at the mess on the table and exclaims as MANDY stands up to get some tea. He knocks on the radio and turns to MANDY. She dances a little jig to the music before going out.

At school, the both of them meet on the corridors and exchange sly winks. REX comes over and talks to MANDY, while KESHA is left flabbergasted, teasing MANDY about getting her old "boyfriend".

REX stacking the files and fixing the room. He shakes his head as he finds a few chip packets underneath the files and throws them away. MANDY returns with the tea and smiles at the hardworking REX. Once she sets the tea down, they both start working. Writing, typing, going over plans¡K MANDY picks up the phone and makes a couple of phone calls while REX sips tea and makes notes. As MANDY is typing, REX stands behind her and stares into the screen. CLOSE UP of REX looking at MANDY's profile and smiling. CUT TO When REX is writing fervently, MANDY stares at him - his face. REX looks up instinctively and their eyes meet. She smiles nervously and REX shakes his head bemusedly.

MANDY falls asleep; REX walks into the room, stirring another cup of tea and smiles. He takes off his jacket and puts it on her, brushing a hair out of her eyes the goes back to work. ZOOM OUT on REX reading one of the files.

<END MONTAGE>

<VIDEO>

INT. DINING ROOM - DAY
Back to her "will video". MANDY is sitting there with her tea, taking a small sip then talks.

MANDY
You know, Ewan McGregor said in Moulin Rouge, "Love is like oxygen, love a many-splendored thing, love lifts us up where we belong - all you need is love." I love that movie.
(sighs)
I can't fall in love: that's another thing I hate about this job. For me, love is devoting everything to each other, keeping no secrets. But if I fall in love, I would have to keep the greatest secret of my life from the one I love most. I can't ever tell him that I'm an FBI Agent. That would get him killed.

MANDY stares away from the screen and at the photo frame that lay flat on the table.

MANDY
I don't know how my father did it. Georgiana lived her whole life thinking the man that she loved is a car salesman. Even when she was in her lingering moments in the hospital, he did not tell her. He just sat in the room with me, whispering vows of love in her ears. How could you love a person without revealing your true self to her?
(moves the photo away, looks at screen)
On the other hand, my real mother knew. My father told her about his identity and she immediately resented everything about him. She called him a killer, a government assassin. My mother was quite the rebellious woman in her days. He asked Dad to quit, but of course, as I said¡K It's impossible for FBIs to quit. One, dark stormy night, she left us. I don't know where she is now.

MANDY stirred her tea and held the cup in her hands.

MANDY
Of course, none of this I remember. I was only two years old. For all I know, the Bureau could have killed her cold-bloodedly but my father just wanted to spare me that thought. My father married Georgiana a few years later and she was one of the best mothers. I have no real complaints.
(smiles)
Back to the falling in love thing. Even if I was allowed to fall in love¡K I would have nobody to fall in love with. I have dated like, zero guys. Throughout my high school years, I was just trying to hard to impress my father. My one and only crush happened when I was six.

MANDY smiles secretively and her eyes twinkle. She is sharing with us a very intimates secret she has kept hidden for a long time.

MANDY
Not even my father knows this. We lived on Madison Avenue at that time and for about four months, I lived next door to the most adorable boy. Our houses were very close together and our bedroom windows faced each others. Every night, when all our parents were down stairs watching Sixty Minutes, we would lean outside our windows and talk.
(chuckles)
I can't even remember his name now, but he had the most wonderful eyes. He was so clever¡K he knew everything. He'd set up a small system of cables and pulleys between our houses and send me little packages. He sent me the most beautiful pebbles and sticks of gum. I invited him to come and celebrate my 7th birthday with me. He said he'd come. He moved away before he could kept that promise. I didn't even get to say goodbye.
(sighs)
Mom, that boy¡K I ended up having this real phobia with people leaving without a word. I used to wake up in the middle of the night and sleep against the door of Dad's room, making sure he would never leave me in the middle of the night. Gave him the fright of his life when he wanted a mid-night snack.

MANDY grins almost apologetically, as if saying sorry to her stupidity.

MANDY
Sorry, Dad.

INT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR - DAY
KESHA and MANDY are walking along the corridor, drinking cartoned drinks.

KESHA
Sharon, I'm really worried about Leslie. What if she moved away and nobody told me?

MANDY
I don't think she'll do that¡K

KESHA
I have all this stuff planned. We're going to go to this new mall together and raid the shoe stores!
(laughs)
That will completely rule! I mean, no offense, but Leslie has like, the best taste in shoes in this entire continent. Reeeally hope she comes back soon!

MANDY
Don't you think that maybe, just maybe you should stop waiting for her? Maybe something happened and she won't come back anymore.

KESHA
Why do you keep saying things like that, Sharon? Are you jealous of Leslie and hope she dies or something? So that you can be my best friend then?

MANDY
No! Of course not!

KESHA
Okay. Because, you know, that would be really mean.

MANDY
I'm just saying maybe something had happened.

KESHA
Nah. I don't think so¡K maybe she's just off for vacation. When she comes back, I am so gonna raid her store of Cosmogirls. She has like, a whole shelf of them. You wanna come?

MANDY
Kesha-

KESHA
Leslie is the prettiest girl in our entire school - hust wait till you see her.

MANDY
Kesha-

KESHA
You guys are going to become such good friends, I just have a feeling.

They have walked all the way over to a secluded spot of the school and sits down on the benches.

KESHA
When I first came to this school, Leslie totally took me under her wing¡K I don't know what I would do if Leslie was gone.

KESHA shakes her head, smiles and finished her drink. She stands up and throws it into the bin.

MANDY
Kesha, I have to tell you something. Something that you can't tell anyone else. You have to promise.

KESHA
Oh my god, what's the matter? You look so serious.

MANDY
Leslie Adams is dead.

KESHA's smile disappears. She walks up to MANDY.

KESHA
What? What are you talking about?

MANDY
I couldn't see you like this¡K They are going to announce it over the news in a few days, but you have to know first. She's dead.

KESHA
No, she's not! Leslie's won't just die! You're lying! You're-

MANDY
I'm not lying.

KESHA collapses into the bench. MANDY's eyes darken and she makes a decision.

KESHA
Who's "they"? Who? Where- How could you know this?

MANDY
I- I'm an FBI agent, sent here to investigate the murder of Leslie Adams.

KESHA looks up at MANDY's direction in disbelief.

KESHA
What? No, let me rephrase that¡K no, WHAT?!

MANDY
I know this is a shock, but now you know I'm not lying. Come on¡K

MANDY sits closer to KESHA and hugs her when a figure appears from around the corner. It is SELMA, staring at MANDY in disbelief and shock. She then runs away, obviously having heard everything. MANDY tries to stand up, but KESHA is still hugging her, so she sits back down, her face wrought with fear.

INT. MANDY's OFFICE - DAY
9:30am. MANDY is sitting in her chair, trying to focus on reading despite her troubled mind. She looks at a photo of her father scornfully, then picks up the phone. After dialing a few numbers, she sets the phone down again, angry at her own helplessness. She lays her head down on the table and cries.

INT. MANDY's CLASSROOM - LUNCHTIME
REX walks into the classroom to ask MANDY out for lunch, but finds her absent. Distressed, he turns to KESHA who was talking to a friend.

REX
Hey, Kesha. Have you seen Mandy- I mean, Sharon?

KESHA
Not today. So she told you her real identity too?

REX
(worriedly, hushed voice)
She- Mandy told you?

KESHA
(opens a magazine)
Told me by accident. You'd better go check on her.

REX
Do you know what happened?

KESHA
Hey, I don't know. You're the boyfriend. Maybe she's sick or something. A girl's allowed to take a day off now and then without having to give reasons, you know.

REX
I'm not the boyfriend.

KESHA
But you want to be.

REX
It's obvious?

KESHA
Uh-huh.
(reads magazine)
Hey, call her or something. If a guy would visit me when I'm sick, he'd get serious points.

INT. MANDY's OFFICE
11:40am. MANDY is writing her report on the case. She looks tired and frustrated, even more haggard than before. Another agent comes into the office.

AGENT
Agent Hayes, the senior officers say that you have to attend the debriefing at four-thirty this afternoon.

MANDY
What about Agent Reynolds? Were the senior officers angry?

AGENT
They looked all right¡K but you have to understand the charges brought against you are very serious. Oh, and they didn't say anything about Agent Reynolds. I suppose it is only meant for you.

MANDY
But¡K but I-

The AGENT has left.

MANDY
I want to¡K I've been¡K

MANDY looks at her unfinished report helplessly. Closing her eyes, she takes a deep breath and sips her coffee. MANDY's phone rings. She picks it up.

MANDY
Dad?

CUT TO: REX on the street, walking briskly and dialing on the phone. He dials again an again but never seems to get through.

CUT TO: MANDY talking on the phone, looking devastated.

MANDY
Listen to me, Dad. Please just listen to me!

FATHER (v.o.)
Have you any idea what you did, Mandy? Remember FBI Training? First rule in the book: Never reveal your identity. You have compromised our entire department. You revealed you identity to a civilian!

MANDY
Hey, not just any civilian! Kesha was my friend.

FATHER (v.o.)
Friend. How long have you two known each other? One week? Two weeks? Suddenly, she's your best friend?!

MANDY
Kesha is not my best friend, Dad. She is my only friend! And you know why? Because of this stupid job! I'm tired having being friendless-

FATHER (v.o.)
So you couldn't live without telling her you're an FBI agent?

MANDY
I didn't tell her, it was an accident. Just slipped out. Kesha will never betray me, Dad.

FATHER(v.o.)
You cannot be sure of that. I'm just trying to protect you. I don't want people to say-

MANDY stands up, cheeks flushed.

MANDY
What? That you have an incompetent daughter? Well, tough luck, Dad, but you do have an incompetent daughter, which is me! I'm no good at this stuff, but hey, I didn't choose this profession.

FATHER (v.o.)
Do we have to go there?

In a split second, MANDY flared up.

MANDY
Yes! Dad, I'm tired of avoiding topics when we talk! You're my father! I haven't gotten over the fact that I'm forced to be FBI and I still think it's your fault! If you hadn't left your stupid files lying around, I wouldn't have read it! And I wouldn't have to get into this job!

FATHER (v.o.)
Mandy, it was your own choice to become a FBI agent.

MANDY
Yeah, a choice between becoming an agent or die. You know what, dying seems quite appealing now.

FATHER (v.o.)
You could have chosen to keep the secret.

MANDY
The only way I could have kept the secret is if I died. The problem, dad, isn't dying; it's dying without having done anything with life. I was 11 when you made me choose: I had done nothing with my life! I admired your job-
(bitter smile)
Probably been watching too much X-Files¡K but I thought that this job would allow me to do something that matters. Eight years later, I'm here. I'll never amount to anything more than crap agent!

FATHER (v.o.)
(sighs)
Mandy, I know you want to try your hand in other things-

MANDY
What other things? What?

Silence prevails on the other end of the phone.

MANDY (cont'd)
See, you don't even know.

MANDY looks wistfully at a photo of a child dancing ballet.

FATHER (v.o.)
It¡K it was always Georgiana who kept track of these things.

MANDY
Dad, she died six years ago. I loved her too, but sooner or later, you'd just have to get over it! I'm sorry she died. I'm sorry you loved her so much! I'm sorry I'm such a disappointment! I'm sorry I told Kesha who I really am! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I sorry! I'm really sorry. But some things just happened. You loved her and I'm sure she went away happily.
(sighs)
But dad, I've had enough. I'm tired of trying to make you happy. I'm not cut to be an agent, so can't you just be happy with who I am?

FATHER (v.o.)
Mandy. Do you know why I called you Mandy? It was the name of you mother. I told her the truth, but I never told Georgiana. That's why I can't stop thinking about her - that's why I felt so bad.

MANDY sighed and hung her head.

MANDY
I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't know¡K

FATHER (v.o.)
Shh. I'm only going to say this once, Mandy. Today, I went to the hospital to visit a friend and I passed by the maternity ward. There was a father with her new born child. I thought of you. You said a lot of "sorry"s to me today, but I have to tell you: I'm sorry too. For neglecting you, for forcing to do something you don't want to. I guess I was afraid¡K I was afraid that you would go away like your mother. I was even more afraid when even Georgiana left me.
(sighs)
When you looked at that document, I knew there came my chance. I thought that: If you were an FBI agent as well, you would understand my hardships and you would never leave.

MANDY was in tears.

MANDY
Dad¡K

FATHER (v.o.)
I probably pushed you too hard, but I just wanted you to feel a pride in your job. However, Agent Reynolds asked to talk to me a few days ago. He woke me up. I realized that¡K that there are some things that I have to let you know - just in case you didn't.
(deep breath)
I'm so sorry, Mandy. You're more important to me than anything. I don't want this to sound horribly melodramatic, but I, uh, I¡K

MANDY
(smiles)
I love you too, Dad.

INT. OFFICE CORRIDOR
REX is walking down the corridors, shutting the mobile phone and shoving it in his pocket. He stands in front of MANDY's office and charges in. MANDY is sitting in her chair, proofreading her report. She looks up at the hyperventilating REX.

REX
Where were you? I've been looking for you all morning!

MANDY
I, uh, I just come back to get something and¡K uh, you know, t-to-

REX closes the door swiftly.

REX
Mandy, did you tell Kesha you are an FBI agent?

MANDY
(shocked)
She told you?

REX
It was an accident. Why did you tell her?

MANDY
(sighs)
It was an accident.

REX sits down on a chair. MANDY looks at him, a little confused.

REX
Okay. If I don't tell, you don't tell and Kesha doesn't tell, we should be alright. I mean, I'd cover for you.

MANDY
No, Rex.
(breathes deep)
Selma Cooper, she has already told Devlin.

REX
What?! How did she know?

MANDY
Eavesdropping¡K I've been here since she ratted out on me yesterday afternoon. I'm just so scared¡K Well, I was absolutely terrified, but then my father called.

REX
He did! Well, I'm surprised, why-

MANDY
Rex, he told me you talked to him.

REX looks a little crestfallen.

REX
Oh. Are you all right?

MANDY
Oh yes. I'm alright. I'm fine.

REX
You sure? You can tell me, you know.

Silence. Then MANDY closes her file and leans forward. REX is still trying to think properly.

MANDY
Rex, I'm still scared.

REX
Of course you are.

MANDY
I didn't think I cared about this job, Rex, but I now really don't want to get fired! And¡K I'm so confused. My dad told me he was sorry-

REX smiled and pats her outstretched hand. MANDY shakes her head.

MANDY (cont'd)
And I said I loved him. I'm so confused, Rex. What am I going to do? Before this case, I was so sure that I wanted to leave this job¡K but now, I just wanted to start over again. What my father told me, it gave a new reason to go on.
(Looks away from REX)
And it's so weird, to know that, my dad and I wasted so much time second-guessing each other. When it all comes down¡K it so simple. He loves me, I love him.

REX leaves his chair and comes close to MANDY, leaning on the desk as she sits.

REX
That's a good thing, right?

MANDY
I suppose. But, now that I have a reason to be an agent, I'm gonna lose the job. It's so unfair! You know what I mean? You know?

REX kneels down and looks at the frustrated MANDY in the eye.

REX
Don't be scared, Mandy. Everybody gets confused once in a while; the important thing is you know how to eventually find your way out of the mess.

MANDY
I've never seen you confused.

REX
(smiles)
Yes, you have. Remember your first day in this school and you bumped into me?

MANDY
So that was you.

REX
My mother had an accident that morning and I was forced to leave her at the hospital. I had a huge row with my cousin¡K she couldn't understand why my job as a "stock broker" required me to leave my only relation when she was sick. I couldn't blame her.

MANDY patted REX's shoulder and he gave her a slight grin.

REX
See, I get confused too. But what we do, it's important. Sometimes, you just have to think: Okay, I've given up so much for this job; I might as well do an absolutely brilliant job of it. That's how I think anyway.

MANDY
(smiles)
It makes sense.

REX stares into MANDY's eyes and smiles.

REX
There, what a beautiful smile.

MANDY
You're always there to help me, Rex.

REX
Well, I like you. I just want you to be happy.

MANDY
That's nice to know. That's really nice.

REX brushes a stray hair off MANDY's face and leans in. Their faces get closer and closer as the tension rises. MANDY close her eyes when- An agent knocks on the door. They immediately separate.

MANDY
Come in!

REX blushes. The agent comes in.

AGENT
The debriefing is in thirty minutes, Agent Hayes.

MANDY
Um, uh, thank you.

The agent leaves. REX and MANDY's eyes meet, then they both averted their gaze.

REX
(clears throat)
So, uh, this debriefing? It's about Kesha, right?

MANDY
Yeah, with Devlin.
(looks at REX worriedly)
What should I do?

REX
Well, when we get in there, let me do the talking.

MANDY
They are only asking for me, Rex.

REX
I'll go anyway. There's no way I'm letting you go to Devlin alone.

MANDY gazes at REX.

MANDY
Why do you like me so much, Rex?

REX
(moves closer to MANDY)
Do you want to hear a little secret, Mandy? I once had a crush on a girl - the happiest girl I've ever seen¡K She lived in the house next to mine and we talked every night. My parents were getting a divorce then, but she made me forget all my troubles.

The more MANDY heard, he more surprised she is.

REX
I don't think she remembers me now, that pretty girl called¡K Mandy Hayes.

MANDY nods and smiles.

<VIDEO>

INT. DINING ROOM - DAY
"Will video". MANDY is sitting there, smiling. She finishes her tea and sets it aside.

MANDY
The tape is running out and this is the end.
(shrugs)
Thanks for listening, whoever you are. As an epitaph, I want to change something I said in the beginning. I don't want to die, it'll be too much of a pity. There's so much I need to do and hadn't done. I want to have done something with my career. I want to have been a part of a mind-sweeping romance. I want to have father say he loves me.
(smiles)
You see, I may not have much in the present, but I can always aspire to the future. Yeah. I think everything's going to be just okay.

FADE OUT.

IN BLACK, white letters:
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today. - James Dean"

CREDITS.

THE END.
(whew!)