I am consumed by self-criticism. Please stroke my fragile ego.

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COPYRIGHT Ó 2004 Dylan Carreiro

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

Rebel High

Season 1

Episode 9: "Falling Into You"

 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM – AFTERNOON

 

Casey walks into her room and closes the door. She walks over and falls backwards in a sprawl on her bed. A few moments later the phone rings. She looks at it, debating whether or not to sit up and grab it, then shakes her head and lets it ring. Her machine picks up.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (on machine)

                                                Hey, Casey. It's me.

 

Casey lays there and listens.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Look...

                                                (sighs)

                                                I've spent the last 24 hours beating

                                                myself up over what happened, and I've

                                                come to a revelation and I just had to

                                                tell you. I.. I'm not even going to

                                                bother feeling guilty about what

                                                happened anymore because I love you...

                                                and I wanted it to happen.

 

Mia pauses.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (quietly)

                                                I love you. Please call me. We need to

                                                talk.

 

The machine beeps as she hangs up. Casey sighs.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (wryly)

                                                Oh, feel free to make things even more

                                                complicated. I like a challenge.

 

She closes her eyes and rubs her temples for a few minutes. Jamie's voice echoes in her head.

                       

                                                            JAMIE(VO)

                                                O that deceit should dwell in such a

                                                gorgeous palace.

 

Her eyes open back up.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh my God I'm going to go insane from

                                                the guilt.

 

She rolls over and flicks on her radio to drown out her own thoughts, which plays Muse's "Sing For Absolution".

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS

 

Mia's radio is playing the same song. She's sitting crossed legged on her bed, with the phone in her lap, waiting for Casey to call. After a minute or so, she sighs and puts the phone on her nightstand, flopping down onto her stomach and hugging her pillow.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey grabs the phone off the nightstand and chews on her bottom lip. After a moments hesitation, she dials a number.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS

 

Jamie is sitting at the computer, playing a game of online pool. Her phone rings and she picks it up.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hello?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (on phone)

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                Hey, you. What are you up to? Aside

                                                from listening to Muse, apparently.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey turns down the radio a little bit.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nothing, really. I'm pretty bored.

                                                What about you?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (on phone)

                                                I'm playing pool.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (confused)

                                                At home?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Online.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You can do that?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs)

                                                Yeah. Play with me.

 

Casey gets up and plops down into her desk chair.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Where do I go?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yahoo, then click on games.

Casey scans her screen.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (to herself)

                                                Where are you, you bastard?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                It's a little link under the search

                                                box.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ah.

 

She clicks on it forcefully and grins.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Take that.

 

Jamie chuckles.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Are you still coming tomorrow?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                To your church?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Of course. What time do I need to be

                                                there?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                It's starts at 10:30, so fifteen

                                                minutes before, I guess.

 

Casey looks at the list of different pool rooms.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Which room are you in?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Royal Orleans.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ah, a girl after my own heart.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm holding a private table. It's

                                                number 26.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok.

 

She finds the table and double clicks on it, and waits for the applet to load.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                We're actually not going to be

                                                watching the service at church.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What are we going to be doing, then?

                                                Getting frisky in the confessional?

                                                Two birds with one stone.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs)

                                                You wish.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (pouts)

                                                You don't want to be frisky with me?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (pauses)

                                                Actually, there's no confessional.

 

A wide grin breaks out on Casey's face as she realizes Jamie's meaning. The virtual pool table has loaded and she lines up her cue and breaks.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (teases)

                                                Well, where can we be our frisky

                                                selves?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I don't think we'll have much time to

                                                ourselves to be frisky. We're going to

                                                be babysitting the young kids during

                                                the service.

 

Jamie takes her shot and sinks a stripe.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Really?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah. That's not a problem, is it?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Not at all.

 

Casey gets a turn and sinks a solid. She takes another shot and sinks another one.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Damn it.

 

Casey grins.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I bet you 5 bucks I'll beat you.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You're on.

 

Casey's streak continues with another two balls.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You know, we should actually do this.

                                                Go play pool.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                That'd be fun. I think there's this

                                                pool place on Carson.

 

Jamie finally gets another turn and goes on a streak of her own. Casey winces as Jamie sinks two balls on the same shot.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ha!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Crap.

 

Jamie keeps going until she finishes off by sinking the 8 ball.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                That's so unfair.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Play by the rules, honey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                I suppose you'll want your 5 dollars

                                                tomorrow, then.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (teases)

                                                No. I'll settle for a kiss.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (narrows her eyes)

                                                Are you implying that my kiss is only

                                                worth 5 dollars or less?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Does that mean I don't get any?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, you can have all the kisses you

                                                want, but I'm wounded.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Your kiss is worth a thousand bucks.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I was hoping for a million.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

            (laughs)

                                                Ok, a million.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS

 

Someone knocks on Jamie's door.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah?

 

Alice bursts in.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Dad says dinner is ready.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ok.

 

Alice still stands there.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                Would you mind letting me finish my

                                                conversation?

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Dad says it's ready now.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Just give me a minute.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                But dad said...

 

Jamie reaches over to tickle her but Alice shrieks and bolts out of the room.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (on phone)

                                                Sorry about that.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (laughs)

                                                It's alright. You have to go?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok. If you decide to hop back online,

                                                I'll still be in the pool room,

                                                lurking about and virtually hustling

                                                people.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Alright. I might be up for beating you

                                                again before I go to bed.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (laughs)

                                                Oh, it's like that then.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (grins)

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                We'll see. Night.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Night.

 

Casey hangs up to puts the phone down on her desk.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                She called me 'honey'. I think I like

                                                that.

 

Feeling better now than when she got home, she proceeds to scan the list of open pool tables to select her first victim.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

                       

INT. CASEY'S BATHROOM – MORNING

 

Freshly showered and dressed, Casey finishes combing out her hair and regards herself in the mirror rather sternly.

                       

                        CASEY

            Casey Lee Vanderbilt Whitney Farrell,

            to make up for your dumb ass

            transgressions, you shall be the best

            damn girlfriend who ever walked the

            face of the Earth. You will be kind,       

considerate, attentive, cuddly,

            supportive and sweet. You will kiss

            her father's ass without looking like

            it, in addition to doing everything in

            your power to make her baby sister

            like you. To top it all off, you will          

be your most charming with everyone

            else you meet today and don't forget

            to hug Andrea for being a good friend.

            Also, memo to self: find Andrea a

            suitable girlfriend.. or boyfriend...         

but preferably girlfriend, because

            straight couples are gross. Today...

            everything will be perfect, got me?

 

Satisfied with her talking-to, she nods and heads out.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. UU CHURCH PARKING LOT – LATER

 

Casey pulls up in the parking lot with the top down. Andrea comes out and meets her as she gets out.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Hey. Is Jamie here, yet?

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Nope. You're stuck with me for another

                                                15 minutes or so.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I see you waited just for my arrival.

                                                I'm touched.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Actually, I was waiting for Clark. I

                                                just happened to see you.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                Fine then. If that's the way you wanna

                                                be.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                (grins)

                                                I do.

 

They chuckle and lean back against the side of Casey's car.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Did you talk to Jamie?

 

Casey folds her arms and looks down at her shoes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, I did.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Obviously, things didn't go too badly.

                                                (pauses)

                                                Right?

 

Casey looks up at her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, things are.. things are ok.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Good. I would've been sad if you guys

                                                had broken up.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (quietly)

                                                Me too.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                How'd she take it?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, not well. I mean, who would? But

                                                we just.. talked... it out.

                                                (shrugs)

                                                You know.

 

Andrea studies her and nods.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S LIVING ROOM – MORNING

 

Jamie paces impatiently in the living room as Clark is sprawled on the couch.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                We're gonna be late.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I doubt she's even there by now,

                                                Jamie. Chill.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                But what if she is?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Then I'm sure she'll wait. What, do

                                                you think if you're five minutes late,

                                                she'll take off on you?

 

Jamie slows down and stops pacing.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Then calm down.

 

He pats the couch next to him and she plops down on the spot.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                What's up, James?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I don't know. I guess I'm nervous

                                                about like, dad and Casey meeting.

                                                Well, not really meeting, 'cause

                                                technically they already met, but that

                                                was just for a minute and it's going

                                                to be different today... do you know

                                                what I mean?

                       

                                                CLARK

                                                Yup.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (chuckles)

                                                To tell you the truth, I think I'm

                                                more worried about Alice meeting

                                                Casey.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (laughs)

                                                Really?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah. I just know she's going to give

                                                Casey one of her patented 'I am a

                                                crazy child' looks and Casey will run

                                                off screaming, never to return.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Nah. She might be frightened at Alice,

                                                but I don't think she'll let it deter

                                                her.

 

Alice comes bursting out a t-shirt, jeans, hat, and a pair of cowboy boots that are a couple sizes too big.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                What are you wearing?

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                I'm a cowgirl.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                It's not Halloween.

 

Alice gives her a look.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                I know that.

 

Jamie and Clark share a glance.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                Oh, and the fun begins.

 

Tyler comes out.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                (smiles)

                                                Let's go.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. UU CHURCH – LATER

 

Jamie, Tyler and Clark are rounding the corner towards the parking lot and the entrance. Alice is getting a piggyback ride on Clark's back. Clark spots Casey and Andrea sitting on the hood of Casey's car.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Hey, there's your girlfriend, Jamie.

 

Tyler sees them as well.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                (smiles)

                                                Alright, where's my shotgun?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Daddy!

 

Alice pokes her head over Clark's shoulder.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                You have a girlfriend?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                She's only had one for over two

                                                months, now, dorkface.

 

Alice kicks him with her heel and he winces.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Alice, behave.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (pleads)

                                                God, Alice, please behave.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                (happily)

                                                Ok.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. UU CHURCH PARKING LOT – CONTINUOUS

 

Andrea and Casey spot the group approaching them and hop down off the car.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Hey, you guys.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Good morning, Andrea.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Good morning.

 

Andrea nudges Clark.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Julian McHale dyed his hair pink.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (laughs)

                                                Oh my God, show me. I'll see you guys

                                                inside.

 

Clark lets Alice hop down onto the ground and he and Andrea head off towards the church at a quick pace. Jamie grins at Casey and gives her a hug.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                Dad, you know Casey.

 

Casey shakes his hand firmly and clears her throat.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                How are you this morning?

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                I am doing great, Casey. And you?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Likewise.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                And this little terror..

 

She gestures to Alice and takes a deep breath.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                ..is Alice.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                (defiantly)

                                                I'm a cowgirl.

 

Alice stands with her arms crossed, and juts her 7-year-old jaw up at Casey, daring her to question her. Jamie bites her lip as she watches Alice's mini-challenge. Casey hides a grin and crouches down to Alice's eye-level.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Are you?

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Yes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I was a cowgirl.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Really?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, I was for Halloween. Does that

                                                count?

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                (frowns)

                                                Not really. You need to at least know

                                                how to ride a horse.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                Oh, but I do. At my old school, we had

                                                horse stables and I rode horses almost

                                                everyday during lunch.

 

Alice's eyes light up.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                That's so cool. And I was a cowgirl

                                                for Halloween, too. I wore this.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It looks nice.

 

She touches the brim of Alice's hat and Jamie smiles, relieved that Alice likes Casey. She looks over at Tyler, who watches approvingly.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I have the same hat, but it's black.

 

Jamie, Casey, Tyler and Alice start to head towards the church. Jamie reaches out and laces her fingers with Casey's as they walk.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Is that your car, Casey, or your dad's

                                                car?

 

She looks back at it and blushes slightly.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, it's mine. It was kind of a..

                                                present.. of sorts.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                I've never rode in a convertible

                                                before.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ridden.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Huh?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                It's 'I've never ridden'.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                If you say so.

 

Casey chuckles.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well.. if it's alright with your dad,

                                                of course... I could take you for a

                                                ride in it sometime. Maybe today, if

                                                we get a chance.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Oh, can I, dad? Please?

 

She starts hopping up and down, and Tyler gently places a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                (smiles)

                                                I'll think about it.

 

They approach the entrance and Jamie starts to pull Casey around the side of the building.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Where are you going?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I told Laura we'd help her with the

                                                daycare.

 

He looks between them.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Oh.. alright.

                                                (nods)

                                                See you after the service sweetie.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Bye, Casey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (laughs)

                                                Bye, Alice.

 

They disappear inside and Jamie tugs on Casey's arm.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                C'mon.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So impatient.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Don't make me hurt you.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                I think I'd like it.

 

Jamie gives her a wrinkle-nosed grin.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah, I just bet you would.

 

They laugh and continue on their way.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So, uh, tell me something.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Is this..

 

She holds up their joined hands.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                ...cool? I mean.. here..

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (nods)

                                                Totally. We're all a very liberal

                                                bunch. Our minister performs

                                                'commitment ceremonies' for gay

                                                couples.

 

She does the little quotation marks with her hands.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (amused)

                                                Why do you say it like that?

                                   

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Because I hate that term. When I was

                                                little, I did not dream about my big

                                                white commitment ceremony.

 

She wrinkles her nose.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                I know what you mean.

 

They reach a doorway on the side of the building.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Here we are. Are you ready?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's just a bunch of kids. How bad

                                                could it be?

                                               

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. UU DAYCARE – CONTINUOUS

 

Jamie leads Casey into the daycare room, where a group of 10 or so young grade school kids are running around, doing various activities. A young woman with short brown hair and a mischievous grin looks over at them.

                       

                                                            LAURA

                                                You're the victim today, huh? Not

                                                Clark.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                Yes, but I brought reinforcements.

                                                Laura, this is my girlfriend Casey.

                       

                                                            LAURA

                                                So you're the cute girlfriend Jamie

                                                won't shut up about.

 

Jamie throws her a look.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Casey, this is Laura. She's Mormon.

                                                Don't corrupt her.

                       

                                                            LAURA

                                                (laughs)

                                                Shut up, Jamie.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                Hi, how are you?

                       

                                                            LAURA

                                                (smiles)

                                                I'm doing great. Hopefully things will

                                                stay that way as we attempt to wear

                                                these anklebiters out into taking a

                                                nice nap.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I think Casey will be able to handle

                                                that no problem.

 

She pats Casey's shoulder.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I will?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm going to be running around, tiring

                                                out a gaggle of kids?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (nods)

                                                Yes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What are you going to be doing?

 

Jamie gives her an impish smile.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Watching you run around, tiring out a

                                                gaggle of kids, cause you're cute when

                                                you run around.

 

Casey gives her smirk and turns to Laura.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                And what will you be doing?

                       

                                                            LAURA

                                                (grins)

                                                Supervising, another term for watching

                                                you run around, cause Jamie says you

                                                look cute while doing it.

 

Casey sighs and hangs her head in acceptance of her fate. She shuffles off to introduce herself to the flock of kids.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (mumbles)

                                                I'm outnumbered...

 

Laura and Jamie laugh to themselves as they watch Casey plop herself down in front of a small group of 3 kids coloring and giggling amongst themselves.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. UU CHURCH - A MOMENT LATER

 

Tyler and Alice are sitting in a crowded row of chairs as people start to take their seats and open their songbooks, near an open door overlooking the small park and playground that are part of the church grounds. Clark and Andrea are sitting in the corner of the church, along with the rest of the teenage contingent of members. Outside, Casey bursts out onto the playground, followed by the kids hurrying after her, with Laura and Jamie following close behind to make sure none of them fall or hurt themselves. Tyler watches as Casey leads the kids to the grass and organizes a game of tag. They're too far away to make out what they're saying, but Tyler watches as one kid

stands and points to Casey.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. UU PLAYGROUND - CONTINUOUS

 

The kid pointing to Casey complains.

                       

                                                            MIKE

                                                But you're so big! You can't play!

                                                You'd catch us all.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (pouts)

                                                But I want to play. That's so unfair.

                       

                                                            MIKE

                                                It's unfair that you're big.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. UU CHURCH – CONTINUOUS

 

Tyler continues to watch as Casey and the kid argue back and forth until Jamie steps forward and puts a hand on her hips, telling them both something. Casey and Mike look at each other for a moment, then shrug. Laura cups her hands around her mouth and calls out.

                                               

                                                            LAURA

                                                (faintly)

                                                Go!

 

The children burst into a flurry of motion and quickly scatter throughout the yard as Jamie hops up onto Casey's back and gives chase. With Jamie on her back, Casey is slowed down enough to

lessen her advantage as she holds on to Jamie's legs and runs as fast as she can without killing the both of them and Jamie reaches out and tries to tag the other kids. Alice watches them play.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                You sure you don't want to be out

                                                there today, honey?

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Nope.

 

She hops out of her seat and bolts out the door as

Tyler chuckles.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. UU DAYCARE – LATER

 

All of the kids are laying on the floor with pillows and blankets, empty juice cartons and paper plates scattered around the floor. Laura is sitting crossed-legged to the side of the group, reading Phantom of the Opera. Casey and Jamie are on the other side of the group, laying on their stomachs with their own small blankets and pillows, facing each other. They've both got their arms folded in front of them with their chins resting on them. Casey slurps her little juice box.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                I want more juice and cookies.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You ate like, the rest of the box. Not

                                                to mention the cookies the kids left

                                                on the plates when they fell asleep.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                They weren't going to finish them.

 

Jamie gives her a wrinkle-nosed grin.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You're incorrigible. Stealing cookies

                                                from children.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey, at least I'm not stealing candy

                                                from babies.

 

Jamie laughs quietly.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                This is like being back in

                                                kindergarten. For the third time.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Did you really fail kindergarten and

                                                have to repeat it?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Nah. I just use it as an excuse to act

                                                like a kindergartner occasionally.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (raises an eyebrow)

                                                Occasionally?

 

Casey gives her a mock hurt look, and Jamie grins and leans forward to kiss Casey's pouted lips.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You look so cute when you pout.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You know, you seem to think everything

                                                I do is cute.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                That's because everything you do is

                                                cute to me. Is that a bad thing?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                No, not really, but I'd like to get a

                                                'hot' every once in a while.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                'Cute', 'hot', I always thought they

                                                were the same thing.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So to you, the two terms are basically

                                                interchangeable.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Basically.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So whenever you say I'm cute, you're

                                                actually saying I'm hot?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Essentially, yes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                Ok, I like that better.

 

Casey leans forward to kiss her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So about that getting frisky thing..

                                                we're not exactly in a confessional,

                                                but this is much more comfy.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hmm, I don't know. I don't want to

                                                scandalize the innocent bystanders

                                                present here.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                The kids are asleep.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I was talking about Laura.

 

Laura looks up from her book.

                       

                                                            LAURA

                                                I heard that.

 

Jamie gives her an innocent smile.

                       

                                                            LAURA

                                                (rolls her eyes)

                                                Just because I'm Mormon doesn't mean

                                                I'm a naive innocent. Go back to your

                                                friskiness. I don't mind.

                                                (smirks)

                                                And it's nothing my Mormon eyes

                                                haven't seen before.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, ew. I don't even want to know what

                                                you meant by that.

 

Casey chuckles and yawns, then looks startled at herself for doing so.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Aw, you wore yourself out.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I did not.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Did too.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Did not.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (teases)

                                                Do you want to take a nap too, like

                                                the other little boys and girls?

 

Casey sticks her tongue out at her and flops around so she's on her back and pulls the little blanket up to her chin.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What an excellent idea. No kisses for

                                                you, then.

 

Jamie smiles to herself as she watches Casey pout. Casey adjusts the blanket a few times before sighing.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's cold in here and that crazy

                                                Mormon over there gave me a blanket

                                                intended for hobbits.

 

She rolls onto her side.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I wasn't prepared for this crispy

                                                California weather.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Do you want mine?

 

She peeks up at Jamie.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Is it bigger than this one?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Not really.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nah.

 

She brings her head back down and tries to get comfortable. Jamie bites her lip, then gets up and

moves behind Casey, wrapping an arm around her waist and snuggling up to her back.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, hello there.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm going to keep you warm.

 

Laura snorts from behind her book.

                       

                                                            LAURA

                                                (amused)

                                                I just bet you will.

 

Jamie lifts up her head to shoot Laura a look over Casey's upper arm and Casey chuckles to herself.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. UU CHURCH PARKING LOT - LATER

 

Casey stretches her arms above her head as she and Jamie lean against the side of the car. Alice is inside, sitting in the driver's seat and playing with all the buttons, pretending she's driving. She honks on the horn suddenly and Jamie jumps. She glances back at Alice who giggles at her reaction. Jamie turns back around.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You have the keys, right?

 

Casey jingles them at her and grins as Jamie lets out a relieved breath.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Should I give them to her?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (eyes widen)

                                                No.

 

Casey teasingly holds out the keys in Alice's direction and Jamie lunges for them, grabbing nothing but air as Casey snatches them away from her grasp. Alice laughs and gives the horn a long honk. Jamie winces and Casey reaches over and gently removes Alice's hand from the

horn.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Take it easy, kid. You can turn on the

                                                radio instead, if you don't honk the

                                                horn or turn it up too loud.

 

Alice does so and puts it on a station that's playing one of Hilary Duff's ubiquitous songs.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I think I would have preferred the

                                                horn.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (nods)

                                                Out of the frying pan and into the

                                                fire.

 

A stream of people start to pour out of the church, Tyler, Clark and Andrea among them.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Driving already?

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Yes. Casey's letting me drive her car.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Do you have a license, young lady?

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Nope.

 

Casey and Jamie share a surreptitious grin.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Then I'm afraid there'll be no driving

                                                for you. C'mon now.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                But you said she could take me for a

                                                ride.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                (laughs)

                                                I said I'd think about it.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Please?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I don't mind. And I'm a very careful

                                                driver.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (nods)

                                                She is.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                And Jamie's going to come with us.

 

He looks at all three of them.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I want to go too.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Me too.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Can you all fit?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Yeah. We'll sit in the back with Alice

                                                and Jamie'll be up front.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Well... alright. I suppose that's

                                                okay.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Yes! Can we leave the top down?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Sure.

 

Everyone piles into the car, Clark and Andrea in the back with Alice in the middle, and Casey and Jamie up front.

                       

                        JAMIE

            How 'bout we go pick up some ice cream

            or something? We can be back at the

            house in 20 minutes.

                       

                        ANDREA

            Can we get it at Coldstone's?

                       

                        CASEY

            That's a good idea. It's down by the

            beach, that's a nice drive.

                       

                        TYLER

            That sounds good. I'll see you all at

            the house.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. CASEY'S CAR – CONTINUOUS

 

Clark assists Alice with her seatbelt as everyone else buckles up. Tyler leans down towards Casey.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Drive safely.

 

She swallows and nods.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I will.

 

He nods back and takes a step back as she turns the ignition. She pulls out of her parking spot and pauses in the exit, waiting for traffic to clear. She blows out a breath.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You okay?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. I've just.. never driven too

                                                carefully before. Now I'm all nervous.

 

Jamie pats her leg.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Relax.

 

Casey glances down at the hand resting on her thigh and raises an eyebrow at Jamie.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Are you seriously going to tell me to

                                                relax when you've got your hand on my

                                                thigh?

 

Andrea laughs and Jamie giggles, removing her hand and placing it back on her own lap.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Sorry.

 

Casey grins at her and easily pulls into traffic. After a few moments, Jamie switches the radio from the offending station to another which is playing "Smile Like You Mean It" by the Killers. Clark and Andrea immediately start singing along, Casey joining in after recognizing the song.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (singing along)

                                                Save some face. You know you've only

                                                got one.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                (singing along)

                                                Change your ways, while you're young.

           

Jamie reaches out and twines her fingers with Casey's free hand resting on the gear-shift.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (singing along)

                                                Boy, one day you'll be a man. Oh,

                                                girl, he'll help you understand.

 

As they hit palm-tree lined Ocean Avenue along the beach near Casey's house, the song hits the chorus and Jamie closes her eyes and smiles, feeling the ocean breeze whip her hair back.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. FINGERPRINTS RECORDS - CONTINUOUS

 

Waiting for the light to change, Mia stands on the corner in front of Fingerprint's Record Store, where an outdoor radio system plays the same radio station, and sings along quietly under her breath.

                       

                        MIA

                                                (singing)

                                                Dreams aren't what they used to be.

                                                Some things slide by so carelessly.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. CASEY'S CAR - CONTINUOUS

 

They turn on to Second Street, a popular tourist shopping district next to the beach.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (singing)

                                                Smile like you mean it.

 

Jamie points to the corner in front of Fingerprint's.

                       

                        JAMIE

            Is that Mia?

                       

                        CASEY

            Yeah.

 

She maneuvers over and pulls up in front of Mia, who's surprised to see them.

                       

                        CASEY

            Hey.

                       

                        MIA

            (smiles)

            Hey.

                       

                        JAMIE

            What's up?

 

Clark nods to Mia, but Andrea doesn't look at her, trying to conceal her hostility.

                       

                        MIA

            Hey, Jamie.

                       

                        JAMIE

            You know Clark. This is Andrea, and my

            little sister Alice. Alice, this is my

            friend Mia.

                       

                        ALICE

            Hi. I like your nails.

 

Mia glances at the deep red polish on her nails and chuckles.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Thanks, kid.

Mia gives her a smile and glances at Casey, who's fiddling with the zipper on her jacket.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What are you up to?

 

Mia holds up one of the shopping bags in her hand.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Causing chaos. I got really bored. I

                                                tried going over to your house, Casey,

                                                but you weren't there.

 

Casey looks up at her.

                       

                        CASEY

            I was at Jamie's church.

                       

                        MIA

            Oh. What are you guys doing now?

                       

                        JAMIE

            We're just heading over to Coldstone's

            to get some ice cream. Want to come

            with us?

 

Mia surveys the full car.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I don't think there's room.

 

Jamie glances back.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm sure they could squish together

                                                and make room.

 

Andrea rolls her eyes and nods.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Sure. Come on in.

 

Mia notices her sarcastic tone and her brow furrows slightly.

                       

                        MIA

            Uh, I'll take a rain check on that.

            I've got much more damage to inflict

            on this street. I'll just see you guys

            at school tomorrow.

                       

                        JAMIE

            Ok, cool.

 

Mia runs a hand through her hair.

                       

                        MIA

            Oh, Casey, are you going to call me

            later about that thing I called you

            about?

 

Casey shifts in her seat.

                       

                        CASEY

            Uh, sure. Yeah.

                       

                        JAMIE

            (curiously)

            What thing?

                       

                        MIA

            Oh, it's just this English homework

            thing.

                       

                        JAMIE

            (nods)

            Oh.

                       

                        MIA

            Anyways, I'll see you guys.

                       

                        JAMIE

            (smiles)

            Bye.

                       

                        CASEY

            Bye.

                       

                        CLARK

            Later.

                       

                        ALICE

            Bye!

 

Mia smiles at Alice and waves as Casey merges back into traffic.

                       

                                                CLARK

            What was up with that?

 

He pokes Andrea.

                       

                        ANDREA

            What?

                       

                        CLARK

            If you were a porcupine, Mia'd be

            picking quills out of her ass right

            now.

                       

                        ALICE

            You said 'ass'! I'm telling.

 

Clark casually covers her mouth with a hand. She licks it but he's undeterred.

                       

                        ANDREA

            I don't like her, that's all.

                       

                        JAMIE

            Why?

                       

                        ANDREA

            (blurts)

            Because she's just out to steal your

            girlfriend. That doesn't bother you?

                       

                        JAMIE

            (laughs)

            Oh, come on. Sure, she likes Casey,

            but we have an understanding of each

            other.

                       

                        CASEY

            You do?

                       

                        JAMIE

            Yeah, we had a talk.

                       

                        CASEY

            (bewildered)

            When?

                       

                        JAMIE

            Like the week of your party.

                       

                        ANDREA

            'Understanding' my ass. How can you

            say that?

 

Casey glances at Andrea in the rear view mirror nervously.

                       

                        CASEY

            Can we all not get into some sort of

            argument? I feel one coming on.

                       

                        ALICE

            (muffled)

            I want ice cream.

                       

                        CASEY

            We're gonna get it.

 

Andrea sighs and slouches in her seat.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Fine.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S LIVING ROOM - LATER

 

The door opens and the noisy group rolls into the house, and Tyler smiles reflexively as he hears the giggles. Jamie and Andrea are each holding a bag of ice cream cartons. Casey and Clark carrying Alice, Clark holding her arms and Casey with a firm grip on her ankles, swinging her back and forth as she laughs. They walk over and plop Alice down on the couch.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                You know, I'm amazed you ever learned

                                                to walk. You've been conning Clark

                                                into hauling you everywhere since you

                                                were born.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                And he conned me into helping him.

 

Tyler notices the multiple bags.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                (brow furrows)

                                                What is all that? I thought you just

                                                went to get ice cream.

 

Jamie's brow furrows in a very similar expression.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                This is the ice cream.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Both bags?

 

Jamie nods.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                We were all arguing about which ice

                                                cream flavors we wanted to get, so we

                                                ended up getting a carton for each

                                                person.

                       

                        TYLER

            Jesus, James. What are we gonna do

            with all that ice cream?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Eat it.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (simultaneously)

                                                Eat it.

 

They smile at each other. Tyler shrugs.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Alright.

 

He stands and grabs the bag from Jamie.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                I'll get it dished out. Would you mind

                                                giving me a hand in the kitchen,

                                                Casey?

 

Casey glances at Jamie.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Uh, sure. No problem.

 

She takes the other bag from Andrea, who smirks at her, and heads into the kitchen. Jamie bites her lip.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                He's gonna kill her.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Relax. She'll be fine.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                She's a big girl, Jamie. She'll be

                                                able to take care of herself.

 

They each grab one of her arms and they all plop down on the couch.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S LIVING ROOM - A MOMENT LATER

 

Jamie watches the clock while Casey and Tyler are still in the kitchen. She drums her fingers on her knee. Clark reaches out and places his hand on top of hers, stopping her. After a few moments, Jamie starts to bounce her other knee. Andrea and Clark both look at it and roll their eyes. Finally, Andrea reaches out and places her hand on Jamie's bouncing knee firmly.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Christ, Devlin. You're making me couch-

                                                sick.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                There's no such thing.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                There is now.

 

Jamie blows out a breath.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm going in there.

 

She extracts herself and heads to the kitchen, but stops short when she hears Tyler laughing.

                       

                        TYLER(OS)

            How did you kids manage to pull that

            off?

                       

                        CASEY(OS)

            A little bit of planning and a lot of

            sheer luck.

                       

                        TYLER(OS)

            I don't remember high school pranks

            being that elaborate when I was a kid.

                       

                        CASEY(OS)

            We're very ambitious.

                       

                        TYLER(OS)

            I hope that applies to your academics

            as well?

                       

                                                            CASEY(OS)

                                                Oh, uh, absolutely.

 

A pause.

                       

                        TYLER(OS)

            Do you know where you want to go to

            college when you graduate?

                       

                        CASEY(OS)

            Not entirely. I'm considering Yale,

            which is where my father went, but I'm

            also looking at good theatre arts

            schools.

 

Relieved that things seem to be going well, Jamie turns back around and plops back down onto the couch. Andrea and Clark look at her expectantly.

                       

                        ANDREA

            Well?

                       

                        JAMIE

            It..

            (chuckles)

            seems like they're getting along.

                       

                        CLARK

            (smiles)

            Told you you were worried about

            nothing.

                       

                        ANDREA

            Charming him should be a piece of cake

            for her. You forget, Jamie, that Casey

            completely charmed her way out of

            being expelled after that water

            balloon incident at school. She faced    

the likes of Principal Blazer and

            survived. Your dad is nowhere near as

            terrifying and evil as that woman.

                       

                        JAMIE

            (laughs)

            Good point.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Mia's sitting on her bed, wearing a slim-fitting pair of jeans and a blue tank top. Her hair is up in a loose bun, keeping her hair out of her face as she wraps a large box in Christmas paper. Someone knocks on her door.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (absentmindedly)

                                                Come in.

 

Nick opens the door and smiles.

                       

                                                            NICK

                                                Hey, sweetheart.

 

Startled, Mia drops the roll of tape.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (alarmed)

                                                What are you doing here?

                       

                                                            NICK

                                                (chuckles)

                                                What do you mean, what am I doing

                                                here? I'm home.

                       

                        MIA

            (unsure)

            Until?

                       

                        NICK

            Some time after Christmas.

 

She gives him a hesitant smile.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Really?

                       

                                                            NICK

                                                (grins)

                                                Yeah.

 

He sits down on the edge of her bed.

                       

                                                            NICK

                                                What's this?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh.

 

Mia regards the box with a small, slightly sad smile.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                It's a present for Casey.

                       

                                                            NICK

                                                (smiles)

                                                Who's Casey?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                This girl. A friend.

 

He nods and thinks to himself for a moment.

                       

                                                            NICK

                                                Well other than wrapping your present

                                                for this Casey, you don't have any

                                                other pressing plans for the moment,

                                                do you?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                No. Why?

 

He pats her leg.

                       

                                                            NICK

                                                Then finish wrapping this later. Let's

                                                go do something.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (smiles)

                                                Ok.

 

She hops off the bed and slips on a pair of heels before grabbing her purse and a jacket and following him out the door.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S LIVING ROOM - LATER

 

Jamie comes back in the house after walking Casey outside and closes the door. Andrea and Clark are in the kitchen, cleaning up the bowls. Alice is dozing in the recliner, with her legs dangling over the arm. Tyler sits on the couch, smiling gently at her lightly snoring form.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Can you pick her up for me? She's too

                                                heavy now.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Yeah, I'll get her to bed in a second.

 

He pats the couch next to him.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Come sit.

 

She does so.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Today was fun.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah it was.

 

She waits for him to continue, but he doesn't.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                And?

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                (smiles)

                                                And what?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Dad.

 

He chuckles.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                I have simple standards, Jamie. I

                                                expect anyone who hopes to date you to

                                                treat you with care and respect. And

                                                she seems to do that.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I could've told you that.

 

He shakes a finger at her.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                It's my right as a dad to check that

                                                out for myself. And it's my right to

                                                throttle her if she doesn't meet my

                                                standards.

 

Jamie bites her lip.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                So no throttling is required?

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                (smiles)

                                                No. Plus, Clark seems to be good

                                                friends with her. And Alice likes her.

                                                She's got the Devlin seal of approval.

 

She hugs him.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Thanks, dad.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - MORNING

 

A bell rings through the hallway as students pour out from the classrooms. Casey and Jamie stroll through the hall.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you really think he would've

                                                throttled me if I did live up to his

                                                expectations?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I don't know. He is from the South.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Texas isn't the South.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                Sure it is.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's south of the Mason-Dixon, but

                                                it's not THE South. Only four states

                                                can truly have the honor of being

                                                called the South. Sometimes Florida.

                                                But I don't know. Those Miami dwellers

                                                are a species unto themselves.

 

Jamie wrinkles her nose as she grins.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                If you say so.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I do.

 

They stop as Casey spots Caleb.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey, there he is. I wanted to talk to

                                                him. Can I catch up with you at lunch?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Sure. Have fun.

 

Casey gives her a kiss before she walks out of the building. Casey continues on towards Caleb.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

 

Mia prowls through the halls with Chris, scanning faces in the crowd.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                You know, Casey seems to disappear

                                                immediately after class nowadays.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Don't remind me. That's who we're

                                                looking for.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                And why are we looking for her again?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Because of that. Because she knows I

                                                want to talk to her and she's been

                                                avoiding me.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Mmm. You still haven't seen her since

                                                that message you left her?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I've seen her. But either we're in

                                                class, which she'll flee as soon as

                                                the bell rings, or she's with Jamie

                                                and I can't exactly talk to Casey

                                                about the fact that I'm in love with

                                                her in front of Jamie.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                So we're searching.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (nods)

                                                Yup.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Maybe we need to set a trap or

                                                something. How about I talk to her and

                                                make sure she's in a specific spot

                                                long enough for you to find her?

 

Mia thinks about it for a second, peering around a corner to she if she can spot Casey then shakes her head.

                       

                        MIA

            I don't think that will work. You and

            I are too attached to the hip. So

            won't talk to you for any extended

            period of time for fear of running

            into me.

                       

                        CHRIS

            (snickers)

            You really think she's afraid of

            little ol' you?

                       

                        MIA

            She knows what I can do with a pair of

            stilettos and an Hermes scarf.

 

Chris laughs. She stops suddenly and grabs his arm stopping him as well.

                       

                        MIA

            Where's Caleb?

                       

                        CHRIS

            Why?

                       

                        MIA

            Cause she was planning on talking to

            him about Clark. I bet if we can find

            him, we'll eventually find her.

                       

                        CHRIS

            His locker is in the 300 hall. Go on

            without me. I'll see you at lunch.

 

She nods.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - MORNING

 

Casey adjusts her backpack and spots Caleb at his locker. She sidles up to him and leans a shoulder on the wall.

                       

                        CASEY

            How is my favorite little jock today?

                       

                        CALEB

            Good. How's mine?

                       

                        CASEY

            (smirks)

            I'm good. But I'm still waiting for

            you to ask Clark out.

 

She crosses her arms.

                       

                        CALEB

            Yes, yes, I know. You and Mia.

                       

                        CASEY

            She gave you the talk too, huh?

                       

                        CALEB

            Yeah, she did earlier this morning.

            She's looking for you, you know.

 

Casey drops her gaze.

                       

                        CASEY

            Yeah, I know.

                       

                        CALEB

            Something wrong?

                       

                        CASEY

            (shakes her head)

            No. I'm just.. I'm kinda out of it

            today. Tired.

                       

                        CALEB

            I know how that goes.

                       

                        CASEY

            So are you going to quit being a

            chicken and talk to him, or something?

            Don't make me hit you.

                       

                        CALEB

                                                I will.

                                                (grins)

                                                Now, leave me alone and go find out

                                                what Mia wants.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Later.

 

She pats him on the back and heads down the hallway. She strides around the corner, but stops short when she spots Mia.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Speak of the damn devil.

 

She tries to discreetly head back the way she came but Mia's noticed her and is already heading in her direction.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Can we talk?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Uh, I-I've got a uh, I've got a...

                                                make-up.. thing...a test to do.

 

Mia rolls her eyes.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                No, you don't.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Gotta run. See ya.

 

She tries to turn and flee, but Mia grabs her arm and roughly yanks her towards a nearby janitor's closet.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (bewildered)

                                                Wh...?

 

Mia opens the door and shoves Casey inside, then follows her and closes the door firmly behind her.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MAINTENANCE CLOSET – CONTINUOUS

 

They're stuck in the darkness for a few moments, before Mia finds the light switch, flicking it on and throwing a dim glow over the small space.

                       

                        CASEY

            You want to tell me what the hell you

            think you're doing?

                       

                        MIA

            I'm trying to talk to you. Don't think

            I don't know you're avoiding me.

            You're such a chickenshit sometimes,

            Casey.

                       

                        CASEY

            (faintly petulantly)

            No, I'm not.

                       

                        MIA

            Did you get my message?

 

Casey pauses.

                       

                        CASEY

            Yeah, I did.

                       

                        MIA

            (hesitantly)

            And?

                       

                        CASEY

            And what?

                       

                        MIA

            (raises her eyebrow)

            You don't have anything to say to me

            about it?

 

Casey blinks at her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Like what?

 

Mia laughs incredulously.

                       

                        MIA

            Oh, I don't know. I was kinda hoping

            for an 'I love you too, Mia'.

                       

                        CASEY

            But I don't l..

 

Mia's face falls. Casey fumbles over her words as she watches Mia's reaction.

                       

                        CASEY

            ... I-I'm not even sure if I love

            Jamie either, honestly.

                       

                        MIA

            So you're saying you don't have

            feelings for me?

                       

                        CASEY

            I didn't say that.

                       

                        MIA

            Christ, Casey, you can't keep jerking

            me around like this-

                       

                        CASEY

            (quietly)

            I know.

                       

                        MIA

            (talks over her)

-I mean.. I love you, damn it.

                       

                        CASEY

            That doesn't mean that I owe you. I

            don't have to...

                       

                        MIA

            (interrupts)

            I know that, but.. damn it, you owe me

            an explanation, at least.

                       

                        CASEY

            For what?

                       

                        MIA

            (mocking)

                                                'I'd never cheat on Jamie', blah,

                                                blah, blah, 'no stop don't we can't',

                                                blah, and then you kiss me?

 

Casey winces.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I know. I.. y... we...

 

She sighs and gives up. Mia rubs the bridge of her nose.

                       

                        MIA

            Casey.. at this point, I am so head

            over heels for you that I will take

            whatever I can get.

                       

                        CASEY

            (confused)

            Wh..

                       

                        MIA

            (continues)

            I'd settle for seeing you in secret

            and sharing you with Jamie.

 

Casey looks at her in disbelief.

                       

                        CASEY

            You can't be serious.

                       

                        MIA

            Don't look at me like that, Casey. You

            know damn well that I'm being serious.

 

Casey sighs.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No. It's bad enough that we... that

                                                would just be beyond wrong.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Then break up with Jamie.

 

Casey closes her eyes and shakes her head.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (softly)

                                                I can't do that.

 

Mia gives her a despairing look and takes a deep breath.

                       

                        CASEY

            Look, Mia... I know I have feelings

            for you. I'm just not sure how much or

            what it means or... I'm just really

            confused right now, alright?

                       

                        MIA

            I'm sorry. I didn't..

                       

                        CASEY

            No, it's okay. I'd be frustrated in

            your position too.

 

Mia nods.

                       

                        MIA

            I really do just want you to be happy.

            (sighs)

            Take some time to figure things out.

            If you decide you want to be with

            Jamie, no doubts, then just tell me.

            But if you want to be with me, or just

            want to take a chance.. well, then you

            know my answer's yes.

                       

                        CASEY

            Ok. Thanks.

 

Casey gives her a small smile, and Mia smiles back, reaching out to pull her into a hug. Casey's eyes widen and she tries to back away from her, but the door is right behind her, so she ends up pressing herself rather comically back against the door.

                       

                        MIA

            (irked)

            What's wrong?

                       

                        CASEY

            I, uh, I think it'd be best if you

            don't... touch me.. or anything.

                       

                        MIA

            (confused)

            Why?

 

Casey rubs the back of her neck as she blushes slightly.

                       

                        CASEY

            Because my judgment gets really cloudy

            the second you do.

                       

                        MIA

            (pleased)

            Really?

                       

                        CASEY

            (chuckles)

            Yeah.

                       

                        MIA

            (smiles)

            Ok. I promised to keep my hands to

            myself.

 

Casey clears her throat.

                       

                        MIA

            What?

                       

                        CASEY

            You left a loophole.

                       

                        MIA

            (defensively)

            No, I didn't.

                       

                        CASEY

            Mia, my father's a lawyer. I know a

            loophole when I see one.

                       

                        MIA

            How did I leave one?

                       

                        CASEY

            You said 'hands'. You didn't say

            anything about the rest of yourself.

            Which probably gets me into more

            trouble.

 

Mia smirks and clasps her hands behind her back.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                That's true, huh?

 

She takes a teasing step towards Casey, who tries to back up again.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (pleads)

                                                Mia, have mercy on me. Please.

 

Mia laughs and backs away.

                       

                        MIA

            Fine. I promise to keep my body to

            myself and not touch you in any way.

            Happy now?

                       

                        CASEY

            Well.. not entirely. But I think it's

            wise to put a um...

 

She gestures in front of her.

                       

                        CASEY

            Boundary of sorts.

                       

                        MIA

            Ok. I can live with that for now.

                       

                        CASEY

            Alright.

 

She turns and starts to pull the door open when Mia's eyes suddenly go wide with terror and she lunges forward to stop her.

                       

                        MIA

            Wait!

                       

                        CASEY

            (bewildered)

            Why?

                       

                        MIA

            It just occurred to me how bad this

            could look if anybody saw us walk out

            of here together.

                       

                        CASEY

            Well, what if people saw us come in

            here in the first place? They'd

            already know.

                       

                        MIA

            You want to take a chance and have it

            get back to Jamie?

                       

                        CASEY

            (shakes her head)

            Not really.

                       

                        MIA

            How are we gonna get out of here,

            then?

                       

                        CASEY

            We should wait until class starts. The

            hall should be empty by then. Then you

            go first. I'll wait another couple

            minutes. Just in case.

                       

                        MIA

            Ok. How much longer till class?

 

Casey looks at her watch.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Four minutes.

 

They both shift, slightly uncomfortable. Mia turns to start pacing, but there's no room to. She sighs and rubs the back of her neck with a hand.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Ugh, small spaces are so retarded.

 

Casey watches her rub her neck and shoves her hands deep in her pockets in an effort to prevent herself from reaching out to touch Mia and bites her lip. Mia turns and sees Casey leaning back against the door casually, hands stuffed in her pockets, looking at her. Mia inhales deeply.

                       

                        MIA

            This boundary thing needs to work both

            ways, otherwise my judgment is gonna

            fly out the window as well.

                       

                        CASEY

            I'm not touching you.

                       

                        MIA

            You don't have to.

                       

                        CASEY

            Well, what do you want me to do?

                       

                        MIA

            Just.. stop... being cute.

 

Casey raises an eyebrow. Mia closes her eyes.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Never mind. I just won't look at you.

                                                That should work.

 

Casey looks at her watch again.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Three minutes.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – LATER

 

Casey opens the door a bit and hesitantly pokes her head outside. The hallway looks pretty clear.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok, Casey. This is your chance to be

                                                the secret ninja you always wanted to

                                                be.

 

She steps out into the hall. A few voices start heading her way and she dashes behind an open classroom door. Two teachers on their break pass by her, oblivious to her presence. After they turn the corner, Casey pokes her head out again. She hurries past the classroom with the open door and continues on down the hall. Another teacher approaches and Casey dives into an alcove, waiting there until he passes without noticing her. She waits a few more moments,

then starts down the hallway again, cautiously. She reaches the end and grins, speeding up as she rounds the corner and exits the building and slams full on into somebody.

                       

                                                            PRINCIPAL BLAZER

                                                Hey!

 

Casey's eyes widen and she gives Principal Blazer and innocent smile.

                       

                        CASEY

            Principal! It's good to see you!

                       

                        PRINCIPAL BLAZER

            Why are you charging through here and

            running into people? And why aren't

            you in class?

 

Casey holds up a finger.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Good question. You see...

 

She gestures towards the hallway.

                       

                        CASEY

            I was in there.. um... helping

            someone.

                       

                        PRINCIPAL BLAZER

            Who?

                       

                        CASEY

            A person I met.

                       

                        PRINCIPAL BLAZER

            Helping them do what?

                       

                        CASEY

            Well... they're new to the school, and

            I of all people know how confusing

            this place can be when you're new. So

            I was helping her find one of her

            classrooms and chatting with her for a

            bit to let her know I can help her

            with any questions. That's why I was

            late.

 

Principal Blazer crosses her arms and narrows her eyes

suspiciously.

                       

                        CASEY

            And you know, it's a bad thing to be

            late for class. You can always miss

            some important education. So here I

            was trying to hurry on to class, when

            I accidentally ran into you, and now

            that you mention it...

 

She starts to walk off, backwards.

                       

                        CASEY

            ..I really must get to class, because

            I'm even more late now and I don't

            want to miss out on a valuable

            learning experience, so I'll catch you

            next time.

 

She waves and smiles, then hurries off before the principal can reply.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. TACO SURF - NIGHT

 

Mia and Leah sit across from each other at a booth, munching on the chips and salsa in front of them.

                       

                        MIA

            I'm glad you called. I was getting

            bored since Dad's stuck typing up that

            draft.

                       

                        LEAH

            So he's really in town huh?

                       

                        MIA

            Yeah, until at least after Christmas.

                       

                        LEAH

            Well, we won't be here long. By the

            time you get back, he should be done

            with that stuff.

                       

                        MIA

            Probably.

 

Leah takes a sip of her soda.

                       

                        LEAH

            So how are you doing with things?

                       

                        MIA

            What things?

                       

                        LEAH

            You know. Casey. She's still with

            Jamie. You still have a thing for her?

                       

                        MIA

            Well, yeah. I can't really help it.

                       

                        LEAH

            Mmm.

                       

                        MIA

            It's just so.. lame. The first person

            I've really felt something for in a

            long time is taken. And damned

            honorable about it, too.

                       

                        LEAH

            Maybe you should just wait it out. I

            could be wrong, since I don't really

            know Jamie, but on the surface, they

            don't seem compatible.

                       

                        MIA

            Oh, they're compatible alright.

            Opposites attract.

                       

                        LEAH

            Does it ever really work out, though?

                       

                        MIA

            Looks like it, so far.

 

Mia plays with her straw, glumly.

                       

                                                            LEAH

                                                Well, until then, you've got friends

                                                to help take your mind of it.

 

Mia gives her a small smile.

                       

                        MIA

            Yeah. Thanks for being such a good

            friend.

                       

                        LEAH

            (grins)

            Oh, not just me.

 

Seemingly on cue, Chris, Meagan, Andrew, and Caleb show up. Andrew comes over and engulfs Mia in a bear hug.

                       

                        MIA

            Christ, Andrew. Try not to break me in

            half.

                       

                        ANDREW

            You're a tough little thing. You can

            take it.

 

Everyone slides into on of the seats, noisily chatting amongst themselves. Mia looks at Leah.

                       

                        LEAH

            (shrugs)

            I gave them a call too.

                       

                        MIA

            (smiles)

            Thanks.

                       

                        LEAH

            No problem.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - MORNING

 

Casey yawns as she waits outside the Playhouse before class, leaning a shoulder against the wall. Andrea rounds the corner, but Clark is nowhere to be seen.

                       

                        CASEY

            Hey. Where's Clark?

                       

                        ANDREA

            Oh, I'm sorry. I was expecting a

            'hello, Andrea' or something.

                       

                        CASEY

            (grins)

            Sorry. Hey, Andrea. It's just that you

            two always walk here together.

                       

                        ANDREA

            Yeah, well, he's home, sick.

                       

                        CASEY

            (smirks)

            Poor baby.

                       

                        ANDREA

            So's Jamie.

                       

                        CASEY

            (concerned)

            Is she alright?

                       

                        ANDREA

            (smirks)

            What happened to 'poor baby'?

                       

                        CASEY

            It's different. Clark's not my

            girlfriend.

                       

                        ANDREA

            They're both alright.

 

Casey bites her lip.

                       

                        CASEY

            Maybe I should go over there.

                       

                        ANDREA

            Christ, Casey, she's got a cold or a

            fever or something mundane like that.

            She doesn't have ebola.

                       

                        CASEY

            How do you know?

                       

                        ANDREA

            (laughs)

            I'm pretty sure. If you're so worried,

            just go over during lunch. You've got

            an off-campus pass, right?

                       

                        CASEY

            Yeah. Want to come with me?

                       

                        ANDREA

            Sure. We'll take off, right after

            drama.

                       

                        CASEY

            Alright.

 

Andrea leans against the wall in a pose similar to Casey's.

                       

                        ANDREA

            So what have you been up to? I heard

            you're on Principal Blazer's list

            again.

                       

                        CASEY

            Well, I'm always on her list.

                       

                        ANDREA

            What did you do?

                       

                        CASEY

            I kinda bumped into her when I was

            rounding a corner. And I was supposed

            to be in class.

                       

                        ANDREA

            What were you doing?

 

Casey scratches the back of her neck.

                       

                        CASEY

            Talking to Mia.

                       

                        ANDREA

            (raises an eyebrow)

            About what?

                       

                        CASEY

            Well, uh.. I.. wh... she um...

                       

                        ANDREA

            Spit it out already, Farrell.

                       

                        CASEY

            She wanted to be my mistress, for lack

            of a better term.

 

Andrea pinches Casey's arm.

                       

                        CASEY

            Ow! What was that for?

                       

                        ANDREA

            Cause I can tell you considered it.

                       

                        CASEY

            No, I didn't.

                       

                        ANDREA

            Yes, you did.

                       

                        CASEY

            Well, maybe I did, but for like a

            split-second. Anybody would have done

            the same. I had to in order to fully

            realize what she was asking me. After

            that...

 

She shakes her head.

                       

                        ANDREA

            And you told her that?

                       

                        CASEY

            Yeah.

                       

                        ANDREA

            That girl needs to leave you alone.

            She's like a homewrecker. A big, gay

            homewrecker.

                       

                        CASEY

            It's not like she's intentionally

            trying to ruin everything.

                       

                        ANDREA

            And yet, you just stood here and told

            me that she's trying to convince you

            to cheat on Jamie. Regularly.

                       

                        CASEY

            She's just frustrated. And I don't

            understand why you're trying to yell

            at me like it's my fault.

                       

                        ANDREA

            Maybe it is your fault.

                       

                        CASEY

            (protests)

            I can't help the way she feels.

                       

                        ANDREA

            You ever think that maybe you lead her

            on?

 

Casey pauses for a moment and sighs.

                       

                        CASEY

            Well, aside from that one stupid

            kiss... no. If I did, it was

            unintentional.

                       

                        ANDREA

            Look, I'm sorry I got all mad on you.

            It's a sucky situation all around.

                       

                        CASEY

            Yeah.

                       

                        ANDREA

            Maybe she just needs a new girlfriend

            to take her mind off you.

                       

                        CASEY

            Know any eligible bachelorettes?

 

Casey looks at her.

                       

                        ANDREA

            If you're suggesting what I think

            you're suggesting, I'm going to rip

            your head off.

                       

                        CASEY

            (confused)

            Huh? I wasn't suggesting anything. I

            was asking you if you knew any

            eligible bachelorettes for Mia.

                       

                        ANDREA

            Ok. Let me think about it.

 

Casey pauses a second.

                       

                        CASEY

            Wait, did you think I was

            suggesting...

                       

                        ANDREA

            Yes.

                       

                        CASEY

            (laughs)

            God, no. Could you imagine the social

            ramifications if you and Mia hooked

            up? Beyond weird.

                       

                        ANDREA

            (nods)

            Most definitely. I really would have

            killed you if you were seriously

            suggesting that.

                       

                        CASEY

            Nope, not at all.

                       

                        ANDREA

            Ok.

 

The bell rings and students start to emerge in the quad. Ms. Perry opens the door to let them in. Casey gestures for Andrea to go ahead of her.

                       

                        CASEY

            Does that mean I'm safe now?

                       

                        ANDREA

            (grins)

            Until you do or say something stupid

            again. Which is something that

            happens, on average, every 10 minutes.

            So, not for long.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S LIVING ROOM – LATER

 

Tyler opens the door to let in Andrea and Casey.

                       

                        TYLER

            Hey, girls.

                       

                        ANDREA

            (smiles)

            Hi. We just thought we'd come by and

            check on the patients.

 

Casey holds up a plastic grocery bag with a few cans of soup in it.

                       

                        CASEY

            And I brought sustenance. Have they

            had lunch yet?

                       

                        TYLER

            No, actually, I was just about to head

            to the store to pick some of that up.

            How much did you bring?

                       

                        CASEY

            Probably more than they need.

                       

                        TYLER

            Well, all three of them are out.

                       

                        ANDREA

            (winces)

            Alice too?

                       

                        TYLER

            Oh, yes. Although, I think she's just

            fibbing a bit to stay home with her

            brother and sister.

                       

                        CASEY

            (smiles)

            Well, she can have soup too.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

 

Tyler leads Casey to Jamie's room, where her door is closed.

                       

                        TYLER

            She's been hunkered down all morning.

            I don't know if she's still sleeping

            or not.

 

He knocks gently.

                       

                        TYLER

            James?

                       

                        JAMIE

            (muffled)

            Uhhh?

                       

                        TYLER

            Can I come in?

                       

                        JAMIE

            (muffled)

            Unhh.

                       

                        TYLER

            I think that was a yes.

 

Casey nods.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Me too.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Jamie's huddled under the blankets, with a few crumpled tissues on her nightstand, watching her small tv when Tyler opens the door.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                (smiles)

                                                You have a visitor.

 

Jamie notices Casey in the doorway and shrieks, pulling the covers up over her head. Casey and Tyler share a bewildered glance and Casey takes a step into the room.

                       

                        CASEY

            Jamie...

                       

                        JAMIE

            (muffled)

            Don't look at me!

                       

                        CASEY

            Why? Do you have the chicken pox?

                       

                        JAMIE

            (hesitantly)

            No... but don't look at me.

 

Casey sits on the edge of the bed and playfully tugs at the blanket. Jamie kicks her in the side.

                       

                        CASEY

            (laughs)

            Ow. Jamie.

                       

                        JAMIE

            (petulantly)

            No.

                       

                        CASEY

            Jamie, I demand you stop hiding your

            beautiful face from me this instant.

 

Jamie remains silent for a few moments, then releases her death grip on the comforter and Casey slowly tugs it down to reveal her face. Aside from a red nose and flushed skin, Jamie doesn't look that different from usual. On the contrary, her tousled hair and rumpled PJs make her seem even more adorable and Casey can't help but grin.

                       

                        CASEY

            There you are. Gorgeous as ever.

                       

                        JAMIE

            (blushes)

            Oh, shut up.

 

Casey chuckles and shrugs. After watching them for a moment with a fond smile on his face, Tyler chooses this moment to leave discreetly.

                       

                        CASEY

            It's true. So how are you really

            feeling?

                       

                        JAMIE

            (pouts)

            I hate being sick.

                       

                        CASEY

            Everyone hates being sick.

                       

                        JAMIE

            (nods)

            Yeah, I know. I just want it to go

            away. But I do feel a little bit

            better now.

            (smiles)

            Now that you're here.

                       

                        CASEY

            (smiles)

            You're going to feel even better,

            because I have brought soup, and if

            you will wait 5 minutes, I'll go make

            it for you and bring it back. Ok?

                       

                        JAMIE

            You don't have to do that.

 

Casey shrugs a shoulder and grins.

                       

                        CASEY

            Eh, I'm a sucker for a cute face.

 

Jamie smiles to herself as she watches Casey stroll out of the room.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM – LATER

 

Jamie and Casey are both sitting back against the pillows in Jamie's bed, eating soup and watching tv. Jamie's comfortably reclining under the blankets on one side while Casey is on top of them on the other side. Alice walks past the open doorway and gasps.

                       

                        ALICE

            (shrieks)

            Dad! Casey and Jamie are in bed

            together!

 

A few loud footsteps are heard as Tyler rushes to the doorway. Casey and Jamie merely look up at him with spoons in their mouths, in the process of taking a sip. Tyler chuckles, and herds Alice out of the room.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Sorry about that girls.

 

He pauses a moment, then pulls the door closed behind him.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                (fading as the door closes)

                                                Honey, your sister's sick. Leave her..

 

Jamie looks at the now closed door.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Did he just...?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Close the door on us? I think so.

 

Jamie sucks on her spoon thoughtfully.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I guess he really does trust you.

 

Casey drops her spoon in her now empty bowl and places it on the nightstand.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (shakes her head)

                                                Nah, I don't think that's it. I think

                                                he trusts you.

 

Jamie leans over her to place her bowl on the nightstand next to Casey's. She remains there for a few moments, looking at Casey with a fond look on her face. Casey grins and raises an eyebrow at their close proximity.

                       

                        CASEY

            (teasing)

            You don't want to do anything to break

            your father's trust now, do you?

                       

                        JAMIE

            (grins)

            No.

 

She leans forward and places a few gentle kisses on Casey's lips, before putting her head down on Casey's shoulder and letting out a contented sigh. Casey obligingly wraps her arms around Jamie and they lay together in silence for a few moments.

                       

                        CASEY

            You know, you need to give me your

            grandparents' address so I can send

            the Christmas presents out there.

                       

                        JAMIE

            Ok. Remind me later.

 

Casey sighs.

                       

                        CASEY

            I don't really want to go to New York.

                       

                        JAMIE

            I don't really want to go to Texas.

                       

                        CASEY

            Let's hide here in Long Beach to

            celebrate Christmas.

                       

                        JAMIE

            Ok. But you won't get to see Shannon.

            Don't you miss Shannon?

                       

                        CASEY

            Yeah, but when I'm there, I'll just

            end up missing you, so either way I'm

            unhappy about something.

                       

                        JAMIE

            We can ditch both our families at the

            airport.

                       

                        CASEY

            (smiles)

            I'll go get a last minute Christmas

            tree. One of those really big ones.

                       

                        JAMIE

            Like a 12 footer?

                       

                        CASEY

            Yeah, it'll fit in my house.

                       

                        JAMIE

            Can I decorate everything in the

            house?

                       

                        CASEY

                                                (wrinkles her nose)

            Everything? That's a relatively big

            house to decorate.

                       

                        JAMIE

(smiles)

            We can do it together.

                       

                        CASEY

            Alright. Sounds like a plan.

 

Contented, Jamie snuggles back down and they both close their eyes, drifting off.

                                   

                                                                                                                        FADE OUT.