COPYRIGHT ã 2004 Dylan Carreiro

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Feed the beast! Send questions, comments, and recipes for really good lasagna to lightanddark7@yahoo.com.

-Dylan C.

 

 

 

 

Rebel High

Season 1

Episode 2: “The Roles We Play”

 

FADE IN:

 

INT. PLAYHOUSE - NIGHT

 

A large group of students mill around the Playhouse as Ms. Perry gathers a stack of packets. Casey sits with Jamie and Clark.                        

                                                            CASEY

                                                You didn't tell me you auditioned.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Neither did you.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (confused)

                                                I didn't?           

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Nope.

                       

                                                            CLARK

            But you didn't tell me either, James.

 

Jamie looks between the both of them.

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Well, I just- I didn't even think I'd

                                                get a part and I, I can't..

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                No, no. It's cool. I understand what

                                                you mean.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You do?                      

 

                                                            CLARK

                                                Yeah, I felt the same way about my

                                                first part. I didn't think I had the

                                                slightest chance so I didn't bother

                                                telling anyone that I tried out, so

                                                that when I didn't get it, I'd save

                                                myself the embarrassment.       

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                What about you, Casey? This was your

                                                first audition, right?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.              

 

                                                            CLARK

                                                Is that the same reason why you didn't

                                                tell anyone?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No. I think I just spaced out. I

                                                could've sworn I told you, Jamie. I am

                                                terribly forgetful at times. I

                                                apologize in advance for forgetting

                                                your birthday.              

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                My birthday's not until April.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                That's even worse. It's only the

                                                beginning of October. The farther away

                                                it is, the less I'll remember it.

 

Jamie pats her shoulder.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'll remind you.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                And if I forget, I'm certain you'll

                                                find some way for me to make it up to

                                                you, right?

 

Clark coughs. Jamie shoots him a funny look.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Sure.

 

Ms. Perry passes the stack of packets around. Casey takes one and passes it on to Jamie.        

           

                                                            PERRY

                                                Alright, everyone. Welcome to our

                                                first read-through. Congratulations to

                                                everyone for getting a part in this

                                                marvelous production.

 

Everyone claps.           

           

                                                            PERRY

                                                Now I know that some of you were quite

                                                startled at the part you had gotten.

                                                Originally, I did not plan to do it

                                                this way. I was going to do the same

                                                old thing where each role is filled by

                                                the prescribed gender. It wasn't until

                                                I saw Casey, here...

 

She gestures toward Casey and everyone turns to look at her.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                .. rehearsing with a friend in the

                                                role of Romeo that I thought, 'In

                                                Shakespeare's day, his entire cast was

                                                comprised of men'. I thought it would   

be very interesting to do it that old-

                                                fashioned way with a same-sex cast,

                                                not to mention different than the way

                                                everyone else puts on this play. The

                                                downside is, for the most part, two

                                                casts means twice the work. Stage crew

                                                and set builders will get off pretty

                                                unscathed, but the costumers are going

                                                to hate me. And there's certainly much

                                                more work for me, because instead of a

                                                cast of 25 or so to get ready, I've

                                                saddled myself with double that. But

                                                I'm up to the challenge, if you are.

 

Some people nod, some clap, some cheer.

                       

                                                            STUDENT

                                                Let's get it started!

 

A few students join in on the song.

                       

                                                            STUDENTS

                                                Let's get it started in here! Let's

                                                get it started!

 

Ms. Perry holds up her hands.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Alright! I want the casts to split up.

                                                Guys you go into classroom around the

                                                corner, girls you stay here. I want

                                                you to do a read-through of Act I and

                                                as far as you can get on Act II. I'll

                                                be in my office.

 

The guys shuffle out, some still dancing to the Black Eyed Peas song running through their heads.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You're not gonna watch us?     

           

                                                            PERRY

                                                Nope. Today's the first day. This is

                                                really just for you all to get

                                                comfortable with your lines, and

                                                comfortable with each other. I don't

                                                need to supervise that, hopefully.

 

She leaves, and the girls all sit, a little awkwardly for a brief moment, before Casey stands and takes charge.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok, then you guys. I'm Casey, and I'm

                                                Romeo. Why don't we all, um, go around

                                                and introduce ourselves and our parts?

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'll start. I'm Jamie and I'm Juliet.

 

Casey smiles at her.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                I'm Andrea and I'm Lady Montague.                

           

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - LUNCH

 

Casey and Clark hog the vending machine outside the Playhouse. Clark slides his change in and selects a Baby Ruth.                

                                                            CLARK

                                                Mmm. Chocolate.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Chocolate? Did you say... chocolate?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                CHOCOLATE!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (same time)

                                                CHOCOLATE!

 

They both start laughing.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                You know, we really are too old to be

                                                quoting Spongebob Squarepants all the

                                                time.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Too old? What is this phrase you speak

                                                of?

 

She puts in her change and picks Cheetos.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Cheetos?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yup. I always like to eat them at

                                                lunch. Drives Mia nuts.

 

Jamie comes over and steals one.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey! These are mine!

 

She huddles the bag to her chest and points to the vending machine.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Get your own.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm out of change.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Here.

 

Casey digs in her pocket. Jamie tries to reach for another Cheeto but Casey dodges out of the way. She pulls out change and hands it to Jamie.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No, it's...                     

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Get them. I'd rather buy you your own

                                                bag than be forced to share mine.

 

She shoves one in her mouth and goes over to sit on the bench. Jamie laughs and puts the change in the machine. After she retrieves her bag, she and Clark go over to sit by Casey.          

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Geez, Case. Didn't they teach you to

                                                share in kindergarten?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I failed kindergarten.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Casey sits in the living room, idly flipping through channels as she waits. She glances at the clock every few minutes. Finally, the sound of the front door opening comes and she sits up straight. Conor walks in.                   

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey, dad. I got that part I wanted.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                (absently)

                                                We'll talk tomorrow, honey. I'm tired.

 

He breezes right past her and heads to his room. She just sits there for a moment, before switching off the TV.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey heads into her bedroom. She flops down onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MARINE BIO - MORNING

 

Casey and Jamie pack up at the end of class.   

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                How come you're so quiet today?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm just tired. I stayed up late

                                                waiting for my dad. I wanted to tell

                                                him about the play.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh. Is that all?             

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Okay.

 

The bell rings.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Gotta go.                                 

 

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. GEOMETRY - LUNCH

 

The bell rings as Casey waits quietly by the door for Mia to finish packing up, hands stuffed in her pockets. Chris finishes also and they all walk out of class together.                          

 

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (concerned)

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (quietly)

                                                Hey.

 

Chris gives them both strange looks.     

           

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Who died?

 

Mia glares at him.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Chris, why don't you go ahead?

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Sure.

 

He walks off and Mia pulls Casey into a small alcove, out of sight from the rest of the hallway.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                What's wrong?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Eh. The usual.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Your dad?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.              

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Are you okay?

 

Casey nods unconvincingly.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. I'm fine.

 

Mia studies her for a moment, then wraps her arms around Casey's neck and gives her a hug. After briefly tensing, Casey wraps her arms around Mia in return. She sucks in a deep breath and squeezes.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                It's okay.

 

They release each other.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Thanks.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Next time, don't wait 'till school to

                                                talk to me. Just give me a call. We'll

                                                go out and get drunk and go to a strip

                                                club or something.                    

                                               

                                                            CASEY

                                                As long as they serve a decent

                                                bourbon.

 

One tiny tear falls down the side of Casey's face. Mia reaches out and brushes it away.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (smiles)

                                                I know a place.

 

Casey rubs her eyes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you have uh, a fake ID?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah. You need one?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I should get one. I don't think my

                                                Louisiana one would work.      

           

                                                            MIA

                                                I'll have my friend hook you up.

                                                They're really good.

 

They start walking out to the quad. Mia reaches in her backpack to take out her wallet. She pulls out her ID and hands it to Casey.             

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Look.

 

Casey holds it up and studies it.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Wow. That's pretty good. Hologram and

                                                everything.       

           

                                                            MIA

                                                It's actually real. Well, semi-real.

                                                The info is fake, but it's made at the

                                                DMV.

                                   

                                                           

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. SCHOOL QUAD - CONTINUOUS

 

She hands it back to Mia.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                How much?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Three hundred.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Not bad.         

           

                                                            MIA

                                                However, you won't need one for the

                                                place I'm talking about.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Why?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I know the owner.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nice.                           

 

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. QUAD HANGOUT - CONTINUOUS

 

Andrew walks around, giving Leah a piggyback ride.

                       

                                                            ANDREW

                                                Hey you guys.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Hey.    

           

                                                            ANDREW

                                                Jesus, Casey, you look like someone

                                                kicked your puppy.

 

Mia fixes him with a warning glare.

                       

                                                            ANDREW

                                                Okay, moving on!

 

Andrew hauls Leah over to Meagan to chat with her. Casey gives Mia a smile.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Listen. Are you going to the football

                                                game on Friday night?              

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                There's a dance afterwards.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Casey...                       

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                (laughs)

                                                No.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Please? We can go together and hang

                                                out and have fun and forget about

                                                stupid fathers and the parts we didn't

                                                get.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Are you still bummed about that?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                A little.

 

Casey runs a hand through her hair.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                But I can't dance.

 

Mia grabs her wrist and check for her pulse.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What are you doing?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yup, you have a pulse. That means you

                                                can dance.       

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, then I don't know how.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I'll teach you.

 

Casey shakes her head.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Look, come over on Thursday and I'll

                                                teach you. If, at the end of it, you

                                                still think you can't, or you just

                                                don't want to, we'll still go to the

                                                game, but do something else

                                                afterwards. Maybe that club I was

                                                talking about.               

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Okay. But I can't stay out all night.

                                                I've got rehearsal on Saturday.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh that's right. Do you only have it

                                                on Saturdays?  

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, we decided on Wednesdays and

                                                Saturdays. There might be emergency

                                                rehearsals as well.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Alright. We can work around that.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. PLAYHOUSE - AFTERNOON

 

The cast and crew are in the Playhouse as Ms. Perry takes role. Casey comes bursting in, hair drenched.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Sorry.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                What happened?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I fell in the water at rowing

                                                practice. They made me ice my shoulder

                                                in case I hurt it.

                                                           

                                                            PERRY

                                                Are you hurt?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No. I'm fine.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Be careful. I don't want to lose a

                                                Romeo.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Okay.

 

She sits next to Jamie.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                You're soaked.

 

Casey shakes her head like a puppy, getting water all over the place.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs)

                                                Ew. Stop.        

           

                                                            PERRY

                                                Okay, everyone. We're gonna go through

                                                this and I'm gonna cut some lines out.

                                                We need to rein in the size of this

                                                puppy. I've been up all night figuring

                                                this out so get out a pen or pencil

                                                and your play.

                                   

Everyone rustles around, getting ready.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Okay, first...

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. PLAYHOUSE - AN HOUR LATER

 

Casey and another girl, Katherine, stand on the stage and perform a scene.       

           

                                                            KATHERINE

                                                Tell me in sadness, who is that you

                                                love?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What, shall I groan and tell thee?

                       

                                                            KATHERINE

                                                Groan! Why, no. But sadly tell me who.                       

           

            CASEY

                                                Bid a sick man in sadness make his

                                                will: Ah, word ill urged to one that

                                                is so ill! In sadness, cousin, I do

                                                love a woman.

                       

                                                            KATHERINE

                                                (smirks)

                                                I aim'd so near, when I supposed you

                                                loved.              

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                A right good mark-man! And she's fair

                                                I love.

                       

                                                            KATHERINE

                                                A right fair mark, fair coz, is

                                                soonest hit.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, in that hit you miss: she'll not

                                                be hit with Cupid's arrow; she hath

                                                Dian's wit...

 

Casey frowns a moment.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Does that mean that's she a virgin?       

           

                                                            PERRY

                                                Right, and in this little scene, Romeo

                                                tells Benvolio that the reason

                                                Rosaline has rebuffed him is because

                                                she's sworn to remain a virgin.

 

Andrea snickers.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                That's no fun.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Anyways, Benvolio's trying to convince

                                                him to move on.

 

Casey and Katherine nod.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Now, from 'in strong proof of

                                                chastity...'                    

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                In strong proof of chastity well

                                                arm'd, from loves weak childish bow

                                                she lives unharm'd. She will not stay

                                                the siege of loving terms, nor bide

                                                the encounter of assailing eyes, nor

                                                ope her lap to saint-seducing gold.       

           

                                                            KATHERINE

                                                Then she hath sworn that she will

                                                still live chaste?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                She hath, and in that sparing makes

                                                huge waste.

 

Katherine slings an arm around Casey's shoulder.

                       

                                                            KATHERINE

                                                Be ruled by me, forget to think of

                                                her.

 

Casey shrugs out from under her arm and turns to walk in the other direction.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                O, teach me how I should forget to

                                                think.

 

Katherine catches up and resumes her hold on Casey.

                       

                                                            KATHERINE

                                                By giving liberty unto thine eyes;

                                                examine other beauties.            

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                'Tis the way to call hers exquisite,

                                                in question more: These happy masks

                                                that kiss fair ladies' brows. Being

                                                black puts us in mind they hide the

                                                fair..

 

Casey freezes for a moment.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (sighs)

                                                Line.

 

Jamie looks in her script.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                He that is strucken blind...        

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                ...cannot forget the precious treasure

                                                of his eyesight lost: Show me a

                                                mistress that is passing fair, what

                                                doth her beauty serve, but as a note

                                                where I may read who pass'd that

                                                passing fair? Farewell: thou canst not

                                                teach me to forget.

                       

                                                            KATHERINE

                                                I'll pay that doctrine, or else die in

                                                debt.               

 

                                                            PERRY

                                                Alright! That was pretty good. I like

                                                the initial blocking, although I think

                                                we should wait to specifically map out

                                                the blocking until we've got a full

                                                handle on our plans for the set. I

                                                think we'll stop this for the moment.

                                                Now, I want everyone who's role calls

                                                for fighting and swordplay to stay

                                                here, everyone else, head in to H103.

                                                They're gonna take your measurements

                                                so they can start sketching out ideas

                                                for costumes.

 

Ms. Perry retrieves a few swords from the prop closet. Casey's eyes light up.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, Lord.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Once you're done with your

                                                measurements, you're free to go.

 

All but 16 of the students head out the door to the room across the courtyard.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. PLAYHOUSE - AN HOUR LATER

 

Casey sits, tilting her chair back to rest on two legs, as a few other students, including Clark, practice their swordplay. Jamie comes back in and sits next to her.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                People die doing that, you know.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What, with the swords?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Well, yeah, but I was talking about

                                                the chair thing.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Oh, not me. I've been doing this for

                                                years. I did this in my high-chair as

                                                a baby.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs)

                                                Don't lie.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I have pictures. And practice makes

                                                perfect.

 

She leans back even farther to demonstrate, arms outstretched.            

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                See?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Casey!

 

Casey brings her chair back to the proper position

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smirks)

                                                Are you done with all that stuff?           

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah. It took forever. People were

                                                complaining cause they wanted their

                                                costumes tighter or looser than what

                                                the costumers measured them for.

Casey makes a face.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah. How was the sword stuff? Did you

                                                kill anybody?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nope, but it's only the first day. I'm

                                                still hopeful.

 

Clark finishes and hands the sword off to someone else waiting.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Listen, thanks for helping me out with

                                                that line earlier.            

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No problem. I know I'm probably gonna

                                                have problems when I have to do my

                                                first scene up there.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you know it all yet?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No.                 

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well um, do you want to come over to

                                                my house? We can work on memorization

                                                and stuff. And we should probably

                                                rehearse our first scene together.

                                                That's coming up soon.            

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Uh, sure. I have to call my dad

                                                though.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh. Here.

 

Casey digs in the bottom of her backpack and pulls out a cell phone.                

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                New phone.

 

Clark gathers his stuff and sits by them.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                What's up?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                She's calling your dad.             

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (on phone)

                                                Hey dad.. I'm fine, can I go to a

                                                friends house? We're gonna work on our

                                                lines for the play... ok...um

                                                (checks her watch)

                                                Probably not... ok, bye.

 

She hangs up.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Wow, that was easy.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                He said yeah?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                What are you doing?    

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, I'm gonna go over to Casey's to

                                                practice lines for Saturday.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (smiles)

                                                Ohh.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                How are you getting home?      

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Oh, I've got a ride. You guys go on,

                                                and uh, practice.

 

He wiggles his eyebrows. They walk out.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - CONTINUOUS

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh my God.    

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                What?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Could he be anymore obvious?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (laughs)

                                                Subtlety isn't really his strong point

                                                isn't it?

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No. He had that ability removed at a

                                                very young age.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Lobotomy?      

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Can't afford it. I think someone

                                                dropped him on his head. God knows,

                                                his lack of subtlety isn't the only

                                                thing wrong with him. I'm sorry.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Don't be. It doesn't bother me.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. SCHOOL ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS

 

They reach Casey's car. Casey holds open Jamie's door for her and gives her a smile.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Thanks.                                   

 

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. CASEY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

 

They pull into Casey's driveway.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Wow. You live here?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, yeah.

 

They get out of the car.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                It is just you and your dad, right?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                That's a lot of space for two people.

 

Casey shrugs as she keys in the code and opens the door.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                This is pretty small. Our house in New

                                                Orleans was bigger.

 

Jamie looks at her, unsure if she's serious or not. Casey gives her a small smile as the walk in the house.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey tosses her keys on the foyer table.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Are you thirsty?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Got any iced tea?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Sure.                           

 

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Jamie sips her tea as Casey leads her into the bedroom.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I love your room.

 

Casey tosses her backpack on her desk chair.              

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. I really like the balcony.

 

Jamie wanders out onto the balcony.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. CASEY'S BALCONY - CONTINUOUS

 

Jamie checks out the view. Casey leans on the railing next to Jamie.      

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You can see Catalina from here.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (nods)

                                                On a clear day. Sometimes its really

                                                foggy, especially in the morning, when

                                                I leave for school. But in the

                                                afternoon, it's always clear, and I

                                                come out here to watch the sunset.

 

She gestures towards the lowering sun.

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's.. it's not New Orleans, but

                                                coming out here and doing this... it's

                                                starting to become a second home.       

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm glad. I wouldn't know from

                                                personal experience or anything, since

                                                I've never really even left Long

                                                Beach, but I know that if I had to

                                                move halfway across the country.. it'd

                                                be pretty hard.

 

Casey smiles and shrugs.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm highly adaptable.

 

They watch as the sun continues its descent in the sky.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Is your dad home?       

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nah. He won't be home until at least

                                                8.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh.

 

A pause.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So, um, did you want to start-

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (nods)

                                                Yeah.

 

Casey smiles and they head back inside.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Mia lies on her stomach in bed, writing in a journal, when Chris knocks on the door.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Come in.         

           

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Hey. Did you know your dad's here?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                What?

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                He's early.

 

He takes a seat next to her.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Thought so.

 

She closes her journal.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                So how was rehearsal?            

           

                                                            CHRIS

                                                It was fine. Casey almost killed

                                                someone during sword training.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (smiles)

                                                Is she okay?

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                She's fine. It's Katherine you should

                                                worry about. She's all like, jumpy

                                                now.                

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Was it fun?

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Yeah. The swords are heavier than they

                                                look, though. I'm gonna have like,

                                                gross calluses and crap.

 

She pulls his hand over and looks at it.

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh, poor baby.

 

He tickles her.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Shut up. What were you writing?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Nothing.

 

She gets up to put her journal in her desk drawer.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Liar.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Am not.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Are too.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I'm not.                        

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Are too!

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Okay, five year-old, want to know?

 

He flings himself back onto her bed, reclining against her pillows as she closes her drawer.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                (grins)

                                                Do tell.            

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, not much really. Dad stuff.

                                                School stuff. Casey stuff.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                So what's the deal with you two

                                                anyways? Have you sealed the deal yet?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                There is no deal.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                What?             

           

                                                            MIA

                                                At least not anymore.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                What happened?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Nothing, it's just... She's a friend.

                                                A good one.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                So what are you saying? You don't like

                                                her anymore?               

 

                                                            MIA

                                                No, no. I do. And believe me, if she

                                                wanted to hook-up, I'd do so in a

                                                heartbeat. But if it came between

                                                hooking-up and keeping her friendship,

                                                well.. I'd choose the friendship.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Wow. That's not like you.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Geez, thanks a lot, Chris. You make me

                                                sound like a slut and a half.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                No, no.. I just mean that, well...

 

He sits up.       

           

                                                            CHRIS

                                                I guess you never really liked someone

                                                so much that you'd rather not lose

                                                them than get some from them.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I know.

 

He pats her shoulder.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Besides, I don't think she even likes

                                                me. Like that.              

 

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Why?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, there was that rehearsal thing.

                                                We almost kissed and then she freaked

                                                out.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Oh.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                And I think she likes someone else.      

           

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Who?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh God, what's her name? Um, Clark,

                                                he's Romeo, right?

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Right.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                It's his sister.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Who, Jamie?   

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                (laughs)

                                                I wouldn't worry about her.

                       

                        MIA

            (confused)

            Why not?

                       

                        CHRIS

            Well, she's just not Casey's type.                      

                        MIA

            How would you know? Do you know her?

                       

                        CHRIS

            Not really personally. But...

 

She stares at him, waiting for more. He sighs and starts ticking off his fingers.    

           

                        CHRIS

            Okay, one, she's not as popular as

            Casey. Two, she's poor. Three, she's a

            freshman-

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (interrupts)

                                                I'm a freshman.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                That's different. Four...             

 

                                                            MIA

                                                (interrupts again)

                                                Chris, I really don't think Casey

                                                cares about stuff like that.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                I'm just saying. They seem too

                                                different to really make a good match.

                                                Now, you and Casey, that makes sense.          

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, maybe, but if she likes this

                                                Jamie, then I want her to be happy.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Ok, but I wouldn't be surprised if

                                                things don't work out with them, and

                                                Casey ends up coming to you.

 

Mia chews her bottom lip and thinks about it.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - AN HOUR LATER

 

Casey sits on her bed as Jamie stops pacing in front of her and closes her eyes, with her script behind her back.                        

                                                            JAMIE

                                                ... say good night til it be morrow.

 

Jamie opens her eyes.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Was that right?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Yeah, you remembered everything. Wow.

                                                I'm jealous.      

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Thanks.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you want to go over the balcony

                                                scene lines one more time? Since we

                                                had to do it on Saturday.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah, we should. Did you um, want to

                                                act it out and everything?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I think we should wait for that.

                                                'Cause a lot of the blocking and

                                                movement and things that we do are

                                                gonna be dictated by our surroundings.

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ok, from 'Romeo, Romeo?'

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

 

Casey tosses her script over her shoulder. Jamie hoists herself up to sit on Casey's desk.           

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou

                                                Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy

                                                name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but

                                                sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a

                                                Capulet.

 

Though they have said the same lines, Jamie's performance is much different than Mia's, with more depth and emotion. Casey is a little awed.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (whispers)

                                                Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at

                                                this?                

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;

                                                Thou art thyself, though not a

                                                Montague. What's Montague? It is

                                                neither hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor

                                                face, nor any other part belonging to

                                                a man. O, be some other name! What's

                                                in a name? That which we call a rose

                                                by any other name would smell as

                                                sweet; so Romeo would, were he not

                                                Romeo call'd, retain that dear

                                                perfection which he owes without that

                                                title. Romeo, doff thy name, and for

                                                that name which is no part of thee

                                                take all myself.             

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                I take thee at thy word: Call me but

                                                love. Call me but love, and I'll be

                                                new baptized; Henceforth I never will

                                                be Romeo.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What man art thou that thus bescreen'd

                                                in night so stumblest on my counsel?     

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                By a name I know not how to tell thee

                                                who I am: My name, dear saint, is

                                                hateful to myself, because it is an

                                                enemy to thee. Had I it written, I

                                                would tear the word.    

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                My ears have not yet drunk a hundred

                                                words of that tongue's utterance, yet

                                                I know the sound: Art thou not Romeo

                                                and a Montague?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Neither, fair saint, if either thee

                                                dislike.             

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                How camest thou hither, tell me, and

                                                wherefore? The orchard walls are high

                                                and hard to climb, and the place

                                                death, considering who thou art, if

                                                any of my kinsmen find thee here.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                With love's light wings did I o'er-

                                                perch these walls; for stony limits

                                                cannot hold love out, and what love

                                                can do that dares love attempt;

                                                therefore thy kinsman are no let to

                                                me.                  

                                                            JAMIE

                                                If they do see thee, they will murder

                                                thee.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Alack, there lies more peril in thine

                                                eye than twenty of their swords: look

                                                thou but sweet, and I am proof against

                                                their enmity.                 

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I would not for the world they saw

                                                thee here.        

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                I have night's cloak to hide me from

                                                their sight; and but thou love me, let

                                                them find me here. My life were better

                                                ended by their hate, than death

                                                prorogued, wanting of thy love.

 

They gaze at each other from across the room for a moment.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Wow. That was really good.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.              

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                We're gonna knock everybody's socks

                                                off on Saturday.

 

Jamie smiles and brushes a lock of hair out of her eyes and behind her ear.                    

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I hope so.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Definitely. Now...

 

Casey stands up and grabs the remote to her tv.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Are we gonna adopt my 'no stress'

                                                philosophy and leave that the way it

                                                is for now, and just chill out? We

                                                could see what's on tv.

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Sure.

 

Jamie sits down on the bed.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Wait! Be right back.

 

Casey hurries out of the room, remote still in hand, and returns a minute later, with a bag of Cheetos and another Iced Tea for Jamie.              

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You prepared for me.

 

She gestures to the Cheetos.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yup.

 

She hands Jamie her items, then sits down next to her and turns on the tv.

                       

                                                            TV

                                                (song)

                                                Who lives in a pineapple under the

                                                sea? Spongebob Squarepants!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (embarrassed)

                                                Um..

 

Casey fiddles with the remote and Jamie laughs.           

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                It's okay. I love Plankton.

 

Casey grins and hands her the remote.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You pick something.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ok.

 

Casey opens the bag and eats a few Cheetos while Jamie flips through channels. Casey wiggles around a little, realizing that she doesn't have much support for her back, then scoots all the way up to the head of the bed, reclining against her pillows.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Much better.

 

However, the bag of Cheetos is still with Jamie.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Damn.

 

Jamie settles on a movie.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                This okay?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                How to Lose A Guy In Ten Days? Sure.

 

Jamie nods. Casey stares at the bag of chips as Jamie has a couple. Finally she sits back up and snatches the bag before leaning back again, bag on her lap and her left arm outstretched up on the pillows.         

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Heh.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hey!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Mmm.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Now I can't reach them.

 

Casey smirks. Jamie chews her lip for a moment, then gives Casey a little smile, and moves to recline on the pillows next to her, nestling herself in the crook of Casey's arm. She triumphantly reaches into the bag of Cheetos.        

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                There.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                That works.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS

 

Chris and Mia watch the same movie on Mia's tv.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Man, I would have killed to have been

                                                Kate Hudson in this movie and have

                                                Matthew McConaughey undress me in the

                                                shower. You could've distracted her

                                                while I had fun with him.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (shrugs)

                                                I don't like her that much, actually.

                                                A little too cutesy for me.

 

She grabs the remote and changes the channel. A commercial for One Tree Hill comes on.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Now, you know who I do like? The girl

                                                on this show.               

 

                                                            CHRIS

                                                What, Hilarie Burton?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Isn't that the girl who plays Peyton?

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Yeah.              

 

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, I like her too. Since she was a

                                                VJ on MTV. And especially cause she's

                                                always talking about her crush on

                                                Angelina Jolie all the time. But I was

                                                talking about the girl who plays her

                                                best friend. You know, the one engaged

                                                to that dipshit Chad in real life.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Sophia Bush. Now she is hot. If I were

                                                straight, I'd go for her.

 

Mia pauses.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Casey's hot.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (sighs)

                                                Damn.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey's stomach rumbles. Jamie laughs and looks at her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                I'm hungry.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You just ate like an entire bag of

                                                Cheetos.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                More like half. But I'm still hungry.       

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Well, what do you do for dinner when

                                                your dad's not home?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Delivery. Take out. Fast food.

                                                Restaurants. Sometimes I'll just cook

                                                for myself.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You can cook?            

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. I'm not Wolfgang Puck, but I

                                                make a mean lasagna. I'll make it for

                                                you someday.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'd like that.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                However, I need food like now. You

                                                want to go out and grab something?     

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I would, but I don't have any money.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nah, I'll take care of it. Let's go.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (hesitates)

                                                Alright.

 

They get up and turn the tv off. Jamie grabs her backpack.       

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I should probably go home right after

                                                we eat, it's getting late.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok.

 

They head out.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. SCHOOL QUAD – MORNING

 

Casey's on her way to class, when she notices a rally going on at the stage in the corner of the quad. She heads over as the Drum Corps starts their song.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. RALLY STAGE – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey takes a spot near the front of the crowd, close to the stage, as the cheerleaders start to do their dance routine. She watches Mia in the front line. Mia notices her and winks while continuing her routine. Chris comes up next to Casey, slightly behind her, unbeknownst to her, and smirks to himself as he watches Casey check Mia out. He leans over to speak in her ear.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                She's hot, huh?

 

Casey jumps a little.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Jesus!

                                                (laughs)

                                                What's with the standing in my back

                                                pocket thing?

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Sorry.              

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                What did you say?

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                I said, 'she's hot, huh?'

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Uh, yeah. I guess.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                You guess?

 

Casey nods.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Sure.

 

The song finishes and the cheerleaders end their dance with one final leg-kick in the air. Mia waves to them as she climbs off the stage and Caleb and Leah take over the festivities.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey and Clark come out of class.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It was boring.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                It was not boring.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It was so boring I fell asleep in the

                                                theater right after I drank a quart of

                                                Jolt and ate a king-size box of Nerds.

                                                That's how boring it was.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I thought it was cute.    

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Cute, schmute. It was boring.

 

Clark shakes his head.

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                The only good part of it was when the

                                                one Japanese woman hit on him and kept

                                                on telling him to 'lip' her stockings,

                                                and then she threw herself on the

                                                floor and started yelling, 'No, we

                                                can't!' while simultaneously trying to

                                                pull his clothes off.  And Anna Faris'

                                                cameo as the actress they ran into.

                                                She's all kinds of cute.

 

Clark laughs.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey, I gotta go find Mia and talk to

                                                her. I'll be back in 10.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Alright.

 

Casey starts to walk over, when Jamie comes her way and intercepts her.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hey, where are you going?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, I've gotta talk to Mia about

                                                afterschool.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What's afterschool?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (shrugs)

                                                We're gonna hang out today.                

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, ok.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'll be back in a little bit.

 

Casey continues on. Jamie watches her for a moment, then goes over and sits down next to Clark.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What is with Mia Hazelwood's hold over

                                                the entire student body? I mean, last

                                                class, I had to listen to the stupid

                                                people behind me talk about her all

                                                period long. And now this. It's like

                                                she's put a spell on the school or

                                                something.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Casey's just talking to her James.

                                                She'll be back in a few minutes.

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah, but then afterschool they're

                                                gonna hang out together.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                So, what's the problem? You guys had

                                                other plans for today?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (hesitates)

                                                No.                 

 

                                                            CLARK

                                                Then there's really not much of a

                                                reason to get upset.

 

Jamie just looks at him.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (sighs)

                                                Look, I don't really like it any more

                                                than you do. But I think you're gonna

                                                have to accept the fact that they're

                                                friends.                        

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I was afraid you were going to say

                                                that.

 

She sighs and takes a bite of her sandwich.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. QUAD HANGOUT - CONTINUOUS

 

Andrew steals one of Mia's fries as she and Casey talk.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So just meet me by then. It shouldn't

                                                take me more than 15 minutes or so to

                                                shower and get over here.

                       

                                                            MIA

            Alright. Have fun at practice.

                       

                        CASEY

            See ya.

 

Casey heads back over to where Clark and Jamie sit, and Chris moves over to sit in the spot she just vacated.

                       

                        CHRIS

            She was totally checking you out.

                       

                        MIA

            (laughs)

            What? No she wasn't. I would have

            noticed.                       

                        CHRIS

            Not now. Earlier today, during the

            rally. You and the rest of the girls

            were up there, shakin' it, and she was

            practically drooling.

                       

                        MIA

            She could've been drooling over the

                                                cheer-squad period. Everyone else

                                                does.               

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Nuh-uh babe. Her eyes never left you.

           

She looks over to where Casey's eating. She and Jamie are laughing about something.

                       

                        MIA

            Chris, why must you point these things

                                                out to me? You're just making it

                                                harder.            

           

                                                            CHRIS

                                                I'm just trying to help.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, don't try so hard.

 

She reaches over to grab a fry and bumps into Andrew's hand, as he steals another fry. She looks at him, then to her half-empty carton of fries, then back at him. Her eyes widen.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You've been pilfering my fries!

 

He hastily shoves the evidence in his hand into his mouth. Mia starts to get up.

                       

                                                            ANDREW

                                                Uh-oh.

 

Andrew bolts and Mia tries to charge after him, but Chris restrains her.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                (laughs)

                                                Jesus, Mia.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                He pilfered my fries!

                                                (shouts after him)

                                                Fry pilferer!

 

She reluctantly sits back down.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (pouts)

                                                No goof thief.

 

Chris lets go and Andrew comes back over, after determining its safe. After a second, Mia charges again before Chris can stop her. She chases Andrew across the quad.

                       

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - AFTERNOON

 

Casey leans against a wall of lockers as she waits for Mia, outside her class. The bell rings and students pour into the hallway. Mia comes out, surprised to see her.    

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Hey, you're early.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, we finished up practice ahead of

                                                time, so I decided to just hang out

                                                here 'til you got out.

 

They start to walk out of the building. As usual, students move over if they're blocking the way. A bunch of students smile at them or say 'hi'. Casey returns the smiles and says 'hi' back to everyone, while Mia doesn't really respond.        

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Why do you do that?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                What?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                When random people greet you in the

                                                hall, you don't do anything.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, it's not like I know them, or

                                                anything.          

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                I think you should try it.

 

Mia laughs. Casey just looks at her.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You're serious.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. I think people would appreciate

                                                it.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (smiles)

                                                Alright.            

                       

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. SCHOOL ENTRANCE - AFTERNOON

 

Casey and Mia walk out of the school.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I meant, you should try smiling back,

                                                or saying 'hi' back. Not stopping to

                                                have a 5 minute conversation with

                                                every single one of them.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (smirks)

                                                Well, they appreciated it, didn't

                                                they?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You twist my words, you vile woman.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Nope.

 

She grins and lowers her sunglasses to look at Casey over the top of them.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I straighten them out.

 

Casey reaches over and tickles her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Wench.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Scamp.

 

They reach the car and Casey holds open the passenger side door for Mia.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Thank you.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S BEDROOM – AFTERNOON

 

Mia loads a cd into her stereo. Casey examines her room.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I think I like your bed more than

                                                mine.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, if you like my bed so much, you

                                                should come and visit it more often.

 

Casey laughs.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh my God, that sounded totally dirty,

                                                didn't it?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (chuckles)

                                                A little.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Sorry. It didn't sound so vulgar in my

                                                head.               

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Be right back.

 

Casey disappears into the bathroom and closes the door while Mia takes out the cd, and flips through her other ones. She finally finds one, and puts it in as Casey  opens the door and leans against the doorway, arms crossed. Mia puts the cd on the track she wants, Black Eyed Peas' 'Hey Mama', then turns around to face Casey. She holds out her arms.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Come on.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I don't think I can do this.         

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Yes, you can. It's easy. Watch.

 

Mia begins dancing alone, her body and her hips moving in time with the beat. Her white shirt is unbuttoned a little low, accentuating the swell of her breasts and Casey stares a little. At some point, Mia turns so her back is to Casey as she dances. Casey continues to stare.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Do you see what I mean?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (blurts)

                                                Huh?

 

Mia pauses and turns to look at her.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Are you okay?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (clears throat a little)

                                                Yeah, I'm fine.

 

Mia studies her for a moment.              

                                                            MIA

                                                Casey, are you virgin?

 

Casey practically swallows her tongue.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What? Where did that come from?

 

Mia puts her hands on her hips.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Are you a virgin?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No.

                                                (suspicious)

                                                Wh... Why do you want to know?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Because dancing is like sex. You're

                                                not supposed to think too much about

                                                the technical side of what you're

                                                doing. You just go with what feels

                                                right. So don't think; just listen to

                                                the music, feel the beat...

 

She does a little hip swivel.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                And move.                  

           

            CASEY

                                                (laughs nervously)

                                                Uh...

 

Mia chews her bottom lip, trying to think of something else that will work.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Wait! Hold on.

 

Mia goes over to her dresser and roots around in the top drawer. Finally, she pulls out a flask and presents it to Casey. Casey takes it.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What is it?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Southern Comfort.

 

Casey looks at her for a moment, then breaks out into a grin and takes a swallow from the flask.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Attagirl.

 

She hands it back to Mia who takes a drink as well. She closes the flask and tosses it onto her bed, then turns up the music. She pulls Casey to a spot with a little bit more room and they start to dance. At first Casey moves slowly and hesitantly, but after a while, she just closes her eyes and moves with the beat and with Mia. She actually dances quite well, complimenting

Mia's moves nicely. In a magnificent show of strength, Mia blithely ignores how close they are to each other, and just lets the beat take over her. The song ends and Casey opens her eyes again.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (laughs)

                                                Casey Farrell. You're such a liar. You

                                                said you can't dance.    

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Does that mean I can?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You sure as hell can.

 

Casey breaks out into a wide grin.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Another song.

 

Casey turns the music up even louder.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MARINE BIO - MORNING

 

Jamie's already sitting in her seat, when Casey strolls in.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Hey.                

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hey.

 

Jamie opens up her binder and Casey starts to pull out her stuff. Jamie starts doodling on her paper.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (nonchalantly)

                                                So, um, what did you and Mia do

                                                yesterday?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Danced.

 

Jamie's pencil breaks.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. She taught me how to dance,

                                                cause there's a dance tonight after

                                                the game. Aren't you going?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No.                 

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, you're going to be at the game,

                                                right?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Football games aren't really my thing.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh.

 

They stare at each other for a moment, until the bell rings and class starts. Casey sighs, and turns her attention to the teacher.                                    

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. MARINE BIO - AN HOUR LATER

 

Jamie walks out, Casey scrambling to catch up to her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey. What's wrong?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Nothing. I'm just disappointed.

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                What, in me?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No, that we're not gonna hang out

                                                tonight.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, I'd blow the game off, but

                                                Andrew threatened me with shotgun

                                                violence if I didn't go and support

                                                him and the team.

 

Casey grins, but Jamie doesn't find it as amusing as she does. Casey looks around them, noticing a few people eavesdropping. Casey leads her around the corner.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Why don't you just come with me? We'll

                                                go to the game, and I'll tell Mia I

                                                can't go to the dance.               

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Mia?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. I was going to go with her.

 

Off Jamie's hurt look, Casey backtracks.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, no. Not *with her*, with her.

                                                Just... with her.

 

She trails off.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (sighs)

                                                Look, forget about it. I'll cancel

                                                both and we'll...

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No.

 

Jamie summons up a smile.       

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Go on. To the game and the dance. I'll

                                                just see you tomorrow.

 

Casey's a little at a loss.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, I.. Are you sure?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah. They're your friends. You should

                                                be able to spend time with them, too.   

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Um, ok.

 

Jamie starts to turn to go, but Casey puts a hand on her arm to stop her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (softly)

                                                I'll make it up to you, ok?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ok.

 

Jamie leaves. Casey watches her walk down the stairs.             

           

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. ENGLISH - AFTERNOON

 

Casey and Mia sit in class.

                       

                                                            KAREN

                                                Ok, it's Friday, so it's time for some

                                                private reading. Does everybody have

                                                their books?

 

Casey raises her hand.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I forgot mine.

                       

                                                            KAREN

                                                Get one from my library.

 

Everyone gets out of their seats to pick a spot somewhere else in the room. Casey walks to the corner bookshelf to pick a book while Mia commandeers two bean bags for them. Casey selects something, then goes over to sit next to Mia. She plops down on the bag Mia saved for her, then makes a funny face. She wiggles around a little, and looks over at Mia and realizes that Mia picked the better quality bean bag for herself. She reaches over and pinches Mia, who giggles a little too loudly. Mrs. Chesler comes over to them.    

           

                                                            KAREN

                                                You know, I know we usually do have an

                                                open-seating policy, but I think for

                                                today, you guys should sit somewhat

                                                apart from each other. I just want to

                                                try an experiment.

 

She goes back over to her desk. Casey smiles sheepishly and picks up her little bean bag, giving Mia a little kick first. Mia grins impishly at her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (whispers)

                                                Wench.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (whispers)

                                                Scamp.

 

Casey trudges across the room, muttering indistinguishably to herself. She settles down again. After a few minutes of reading, her cell phone vibrates in her pocket and she surreptitiously opens it. It's an Instant Message from Mia.

                       

                                                            DEMENTEDBUTRFLY

                                                (IM)

                                                I was going to write out a note and

                                                pass it over to you, but I've realized

                                                that that is sooo 20th century.

                       

                                                            JANEBOND007

                                                (IM)

                                                Heh. Technology is great, isn't it?         

           

                                                            DEMENTEDBUTRFLY

                                                (IM)

                                                Yup. Listen, do you want to spend the

                                                night at my house after the dance?

 

Casey pauses a moment, and looks up to meet Mia's gaze from across the room. After a few moments, she starts keying in her reply.               

 

                                                            JANEBOND007

                                                (IM)

                                                I've got rehearsal tomorrow, remember?

                                                So I don't think it's a very good

                                                idea.

                       

                                                            DEMENTEDBUTRFLY

                                                (IM)

                                                That's cool. Maybe next time.

                       

                                                            JANEBOND007

                                                (IM)

                                                Yeah. Maybe.

 

Casey checks her buddy list. Someone named NaiveCube99 is on, and someone named BlueDiamond04 signs on.

                       

                                                            JANEBOND007

                                                (IM)

                                                Huh. That's weird. Clark and Jamie are

                                                on.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS

 

Jamie's sitting in her room on her computer while Alice tries on her clothes and jumps on her bed.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Shh! Casey's on!

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Who's Casey?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Someone. She's totally on. She's

                                                supposed to be in class.           

           

                                                            ALICE

                                                Oooooo.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Why isn't she IMing me? I know she

                                                sees me.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. ENGLISH – CONTINUOUS

 

Mrs. Chesler gets up from her desk and starts to walk around to check on students. Casey quickly signs off and hides her phone.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Jamie watches as Casey signs off along with the sound of a door slamming.       

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I hate that sound. Why must they pick

                                                that sound? Can't the door just

                                                quietly close when someone leaves?

                                                Noooo, it has to slam.

 

Alice stops jumping and gives her a funny look.

                       

                                                            ALICE

                                                Why are you all weird?            

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm not weird. You're weird.

 

Alice shrugs and bounds out of the room. Jamie sighs and signs off. She switches over to the paper she's writing. After a few moments of trying to write, Jamie signs back on again only to find that Casey is still off. Someone knocks on her door and she jumps a little.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Come in.

 

She closes the buddy list. Clark pokes his head in.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Are you alright? Alice came and jumped

                                                on me and said you were being weird

                                                and complaining about Casey.

 

Alice pokes her head in under Clark's arm.                   

 

                                                            ALICE

                                                And she called me weird!

 

Jamie throws a crumpled piece of paper at her retreating form. Clark comes in, after shutting the door and plops down on her bed.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                What's up?      

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Nothing.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                You're a terrible liar, you know that?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I hate it when Casey hangs out with

                                                Mia.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I thought we talked about this.

                                                They're friends. Just friends. Casey

                                                said so herself.

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                She did?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Sure. We were talking in theatre the

                                                other day.

 

Jamie puts her head down in her hands for a moment,

before lifting her head up to look at Clark again.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                It's just that.. something about Mia

                                                Hazelwood makes me wildly jealous. I

                                                don't even know why, or what it is.

                                                She just does. Despite the fact that

                                                Casey doesn't like her.

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Have you told Casey that?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (sighs)

                                                Tell her.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Why?  

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Because she's your girlfriend or

                                                whatever, and you're supposed to talk

                                                and work things out. In fact, I think

                                                you should call her right now and talk

                                                to her.

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Clark...

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Do it.               

 

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Clark, why do you care so much? Ever

                                                since I told you about her, you've

                                                been pushing me, pushing us together.

                                                Most older brothers would be all over-

                                                protective and everything at just the

                                                thought of someone being interested in

                                                their younger sister.

 

He leans back.

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                Because...

 

He trails off and plays with the edge of the blanket for a moment.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (softly)

                                                I remember the way you were before the

                                                accident.

 

Jamie looks down at the floor.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                You were so exuberant and just so full

                                                of life and laughter. And then Mom

                                                died, and it was like that part of you

                                                died with her. You became so quiet.

                                                You'd sit in your classes and not talk

                                                to anybody sitting by you. You'd hole

                                                yourself up in the library during

                                                lunch, until I started making you eat 

                                                with me. But ever since Casey's been

            around... for the first time in three

                                                years, you're becoming more like the

                                                little sister I once knew.

 

He gets off the bed and kneels in front of her.   

           

                                                            CLARK

                                                She's been the only other person

                                                outside of this family that's been

                                                able to make you laugh or even smile.

                                                I remember the day you met her, a

                                                couple weeks ago, when I was playing

                                                some ball in the driveway. I remember

                                                looking over at you and you were just

                                                sitting there. Grinning. Almost

                                                stupidly.

 

Jamie smacks his shoulder.       

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                Shut up.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I like her. I trust her and she makes

                                                you happy. So yeah, I'm trying to make

                                                sure you guys get together, because I

                                                want you to be happy. Is that okay?

 

Jamie nods and buries her face in his shoulder in a hug.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah. Thank you.

 

She pulls back and he grabs her shoulders.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                So are you going to call her?    

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                She's in class. I'll wait until she

                                                gets out.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Ok.

 

He gets up and ruffles her hair a little, before leaving.                

                       

JAMIE

                                                I love you, Clark.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Love you too, James.

 

He shuts the door behind him.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. ENGLISH - AFTERNOON

 

Casey and Mia walk out of English.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                How are you getting to the game?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh, I'll probably catch a ride with

                                                one of the other girls on the squad.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Or I could take you. If you want.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Are you sure? Cause I have to be there

                                                a little early.                 

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Sure. I'll torment you guys while you

                                                warm-up.

 

Mia smacks her shoulder.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM – EVENING

 

Jamie picks up the phone and dials Casey's number.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

The phone rings and Casey stumbles out of the bathroom, jeans unbuttoned and trying to pull her shirt over her head. She snatches the phone.      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                I told you Chris, I'm picking you up

                                                first, then Mia.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (on phone)

                                                Hi.

 

Casey pauses, then resumes dressing, at a much more effective, leisurely pace.  

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, hi. Sorry, I thought you were

                                                Chris calling to complain again. What

                                                are you up to?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, I just wanted to talk to you about

                                                something, but if you're in a hurry or

                                                late, it can wait until later tonight.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, um...

 

Casey looks at the clock next to her bed.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, I should get going. But I won't

                                                be back tonight until late, past your

                                                phone curfew. Um, do you want to just

                                                meet me early before rehearsal

                                                tomorrow?      

           

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ok, that works.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Ok, I'll see you tomorrow.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Bye.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Bye.

 

Casey hangs up and smiles to herself for a moment, before looking at the clock again.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Crap. Keys.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. DEAN STADIUM - EVENING

 

Casey, Mia and Chris walk up to the entrance of the stadium. The security guy at the gate smiles at them as they approach.                        

                                                            MIA

                                                Hey, Mr. Broadway.

                       

                                                            BROADWAY

                                                You kids aren't carrying anything

                                                you're not supposed to, are you?

                                                Weapons, alcohol...

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Hardly.

                       

                                                            BROADWAY

                                                Alright, go on in.

 

They walk through the gate. Casey starts to head for the ticket booth, but Mia grabs her arm and leads her on through to the bleachers.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                But, don't I have to pay?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Not when you're with me.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh. Nice.

 

Chris and Casey pick seats near the front, close to where the band and drill squad are allocated to sit. Most of the cheerleaders are already there, warming up on the sidelines, and backpacks and purses litter the area cordoned off for the band.               

 

                                                            MIA

                                                I gotta go already. I'll come to you

                                                guys when everything's over.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Alright.

 

Mia heads down to the sidelines, and Chris wiggles around in his seat.  

           

                                                            CHRIS

                                                You'd think a school as hip, and

                                                stylish, and gay as this would have

                                                nicer, more comfortable bleachers.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's not so bad. It's got a certain

                                                charm.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Was it like this at your old school,

                                                before you moved?      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nah. I went to a private school. We

                                                had a full-on stadium. With cushy

                                                seats.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Nice. So then, how was it, coming

                                                here? Wasn't it hard?   

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, it's different, that's for sure.

                                                I mean, at my old school, I was always

                                                surrounded by the same type of people.

                                                Now it's more diverse. Makes school

                                                more interesting. But yeah, this

                                                school is a little lacking, in

                                                comparison to what I'm used to.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                But the academics here are pretty

                                                good, right?                 

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Pretty good. But my old school was

                                                much more rigorous. When I first got

                                                here, I realized most of what we're

                                                learning now, I've already heard about

                                                before. It's not really a problem,

                                                though, because I didn't pay much

                                                attention to any of it the first time

                                                around. I hate studying. So maybe now,

                                                after hearing it for the second time,

                                                I'll improve. So, going here isn’t

                                                too bad. And being able to flirt with

                                                all the girls makes up for all the

                                                shortcomings.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                (smirks)

                                                All of them.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, right now I'm pretty focused on

                                                one.

 

More people start to fill up the seats.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, ew. There's my French teacher.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                You don't like her?      

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                She always gets on my case for not

                                                paying attention in her class. I'm

                                                like, 'Lady, I'm from New Orleans. My

                                                French can totally beat up your

                                                French. So please leave me alone.'

 

Chris laughs. The announcer introduces the opposing team.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. DEAN STADIUM - NIGHT

 

Casey and Chris sit back down, along with many of the other spectators, letting out a collective disgusted sigh.  

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Crap. There's like 4 seconds left.

 

The opposing team is up by 3 points, and the Dean football team is too far away for a field goal in order to tie the game.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                And what the hell kind of a mascot is

                                                a Jackrabbit, anyways?            

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                I know! It's the same kind of mascot

                                                as a Banana Slug. Pathetic.

 

The teams break their huddles and get into position. Casey sighs again and resigns herself to defeat. The ball is snapped, and Andrew pulls back and gets ready to throw the ball, looking around quickly for an open receiver. Nobody's open, but he spots an open lane for him to run through, and making a quick decision, tucks the ball in his arms and bolts. Casey and Chris start to get excited again.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, shit. Oh, shit. Oh, shit!       

           

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Go! Go!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Go!

 

The crowd stands and yells and shouts as Andrew charges up the field, dodging a defender. An offensive teammate catches up to him and blocks for him, clearing the way all the way to the end-zone for a game-winning touchdown. Chris jumps up and down.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Yes!

 

Chris and Casey hug and laugh.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hell, yeah! Now that's the way you do

                                                it!

 

Andrew does a little dance in the end-zone and one of his teammates comes up from behind him and gives him a bear-hug.                                    

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. DEAN STADIUM - A MOMENT LATER

 

Things wind down and the crowds start to empty from the bleachers. Mia heads up into the stands to Casey and Chris.            

                                                            MIA

                                                Jesus, it's cold!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You didn't bring a jacket?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I forgot.

 

Casey peels off her own denim jacket and hands it to her.         

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Here.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (smiles)

                                                Thanks.

 

She puts it on.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                However, I need to change for the

                                                dance. Can I change in your car?         

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Sure. Let's go.

 

They climb down the bleachers, Casey and Mia side-by-side, Chris behind Mia.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Have I told you that you look really

                                                hot tonight?

 

Chris smirks to himself.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (blushes)

                                                Uh, no, but um.. thanks. You know,

                                                you're not so bad yourself Mia.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Thanks.

 

Chris pokes Mia from behind. She furtively smacks his hand.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. DANCE HALL PATIO - NIGHT

 

Mia tugs Casey out onto the patio for a breath of cool, night air.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Bu- but.. I like this song.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                We've been dancing non-stop since we

                                                got here. Don't you need a break?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (pouts)

                                                No.                 

           

            MIA

                                                I've created a monster.

 

Casey makes a face.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Grrrr.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (laughs)

                                                Fine. Go ahead and go back in if you

                                                want.               

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, it's alright. I'll um, wait for

                                                you. Some of the girls in there are

                                                kinda...

 

She gestures.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Grabby. I'm afraid if I go back in

                                                there alone, it'll just get worse.  

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Some girl grabbed you? Where is she?

 

Mia starts to charge back inside.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I'm gonna go in there and shove one of

                                                my expensive Prada shoes right UP HER

                                                ASS.

 

Casey wraps an arm around her waist and swings her around to walk back out onto the patio.  

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Mia, calm down. Please.

                                                (pleads)

                                                Think of the shoes.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                But.. but..

                                                (pouts)

                                                Someone fondled you.

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                It was more like caressed. She was

                                                gentle.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Casey...

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Relax. If it happens again, I'll take

                                                care of it.         

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, I'll let it slide for now, but

                                                if it happens again, I just may have

                                                to get nasty.

 

Casey laughs and they breathe in the night air in silence for a few moments before Mia lets out a frustrated sigh.

           

                                                            MIA

                                                You know, I think this is bothering me

                                                more than it's bothering you.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Why?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, aside from the fact that someone

                                                touched you against your will.. sh..

                                                I..

 

Mia blows out another frustrated breath.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Casey, you and I were dancing together

                                                all night. For all she knows, you and

I are dating and apparently the

                                                thought of her touching my girlfriend

                                                when I'm right there didn't faze her

                                                in the least. I can't have that. I do

                                                have a reputation to uphold, you know.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, then if it happens again, I'll

                                                just let you loose on her. If it'll

                                                make you feel better.   

           

                                                            MIA

                                                It will.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok. But if you get arrested, I'm not

                                                bailing you out.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (pouts)

                                                But I would've been defending your

                                                honor.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Fine. I'll post bail, but you're gonna

                                                pay me back.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                With interest.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                But besides, I think people know you

                                                and I aren't dating. If anything, they

                                                know I'm dating Jamie.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh. What makes you think that?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                People are nosy. We were talking the

                                                other day, and the people in the crowd

                                                around us were trying really hard not

                                                to look like they were listening in.                     

 

                                                            MIA

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Well, that's kinda what happens when

                                                you're.. popular. You know.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (nods)

                                                I know.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (clears her throat)

                                                So, um, you and her, you're going out

                                                now?   

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Semi-officially. I mean, I haven't

                                                formally asked her yet. I plan to do

                                                so very soon, however.

 

Mia, crestfallen, conjures up a small smile.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                That's great. I'm- I'm happy for you.

 

Casey smiles back, oblivious to Mia's disappointment. Then she frowns.           

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                You know, it just occurred to me that

                                                it could've been a guy that touched

                                                me.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Ew.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S CAR - MIDNIGHT

 

Casey pulls up to Mia's house.

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Why in the hell does Chris have to

                                                live so far?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Beats me.

 

A pause.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Listen, thank you.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                For what?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                For, I don't know..  I really did have

                                                a lot of fun tonight. I'm glad you

                                                convinced me to go.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (smiles)

                                                You're welcome. What are you doing

                                                tomorrow?                  

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, there's rehearsal. And I'm

                                                probably going to do something with

                                                Jamie after that.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Oh, ok. Well, if uh, you get free, and

                                                you want to do something, give me a

                                                call.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I will.   

           

                                                            MIA

                                                Night.

 

Mia climbs out.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Night.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - MORNING

 

Casey finds Jamie sitting on a bench by the Playhouse, flipping through her play.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hey.

 

She gestures to the front door of the Playhouse.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                The door's still locked, so...

 

Casey sits down next to Jamie.             

 

                                                            CASEY

                                                Where's Clark?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh, um, once we found out the door was

                                                locked he wandered off. Said he'd be

                                                back in time for rehearsal. I don't

                                                know where he went.               

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh.

 

Casey leans over and rests her head on Jamie's shoulder and closes her eyes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm tired.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                What time did you get home last night?

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Early enough. I just couldn't fall

                                                asleep for a while. I kept hearing the

                                                music in my head. And Mia's threats to

                                                claw people's eyes out.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Why was she threatening to claw

                                                people's eyes out?       

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                To, and I quote, protect me from the

                                                lustful gazes of the ogling masses.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh. That was, um, nice of her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. She's a good friend.

 

Head still resting on Jamie's shoulder, she reaches out and takes Jamie's hand, twining their fingers together.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (yawns)

                                                Didn't you want to talk about

                                                something?

 

Jamie looks down and studies their joined hands for a long moment, then smiles to herself.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No. Nothing important.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Mmm. Good. 'Cause I need a nap, and

                                                I'm gonna use you for a pillow.

                                                (sleepily)

                                                That okay?

 

Jamie reaches up to brush a strand of hair out of Casey's face.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah, that's okay.

 

Eyes still closed, Casey smiles.

                                   

                                                                                                                        FADE OUT.