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Love letters can be sent to lightanddark7@yahoo.com

 

 

 

Rebel High

Season 1

Episode 3: “Happy Nights To Happy Days”

 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

INT. PLAYHOUSE - AFTERNOON

 

Casey and Katherine rehearse a scene on the stage.

                       

                                                            KATHERINE

                                                At this same ancient feast of

                                                Capulet's sups the fair Rosaline whom

                                                thou so lovest, with all the admired

                                                beauties of Verona:  Go thither; and,

                                                with unattainted eye, compare her face

                                                with some that I shall show, and I

                                                will make thee think thy swan a crow.   

           

                                                            CASEY

                                                When the devout religion of mine eye

                                                maintains such falsehood, then turn

                                                tears to fires; and these who often

                                                drown'd could never die, transparent

                                                heretics, be burnt for liars! One

                                                fairer than my love! The all-seeing

                                                sun ne'er saw her match since first

                                                the world begun.

                       

                                                            KATHERINE

                                                Tut, you saw her fair, none else being

                                                by, herself poised with herself in

                                    either eye: but in that crystal scales

            let there be weigh'd your lady's love

                                                against some other maid that I will

                                                show you shining at this feast, and

                                                she shall scant show well that now

                                                shows best.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'll go along, no such sight to be

                                                shown, but to rejoice in splendor of

                                                mine own.

 

Ms. Perry and the other students watching clap.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Good, good. Let's move on.

 

Casey walks off the stage and sits next to Jamie.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Now I want to do Juliet's first scene

                                                with Lady Capulet and the nurse.

 

Jamie sucks in a breath. Casey reaches out and squeezes her knee. Jamie gives her a small smile, before joining two other girls, MICHELLE who plays Lady Capulet, and OLIVIA who plays the nurse, on the stage.

                       

                                                            MICHELLE

                                                Nurse, where's my daughter? Call her

                                                forth to me.                  

 

                                                            OLIVIA

                                                Now, by my maidenhead, at twelve year

                                                old, I bade her come. What, Juliet!

 

Jamie enters the scene from stage left.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                How now! Who calls?

                       

                                                            OLIVIA

                                                Your mother.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Madam, I am here. What is your will?

 

Michelle gestures for Olivia to go.

                       

                                                            MICHELLE

                                                Nurse, give leave awhile, we must talk

                                                in secret.

 

Michelle gasps.

                       

                                                            MICHELLE

                                                Nurse! Come back again; I have

                                                remember'd me, thou's hear our

                                                counsel. Thou know'st my daughter's of

                                                a pretty age.

                       

                                                            OLIVIA

                                                Faith, I can tell her age unto an

                                                hour.

                       

                                                            MICHELLE

                                                She's not fourteen.

 

Olivia comes over and pinches Jamie's cheek.

                       

                                                            OLIVIA

                                                Thou wast the prettiest babe that e'er

                                                I nursed: am I might live to see thee

                                                married once, I have my wish.

                       

                                                            MICHELLE

                                                Marry, that 'marry' is the very theme

                                                I came to talk of. Tell me, daughter

                                                Juliet, how stands your disposition to

                                                be married?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                It is an honor that I dream not of.

                       

                                                            OLIVIA

                                                An honor! Were not I thine only nurse,

                                                I would say thou hadst suck'd wisdom

                                                from thy teat.

                       

                                                            MICHELLE

                                                Well, think of marriage now; younger

                                                than you, here in Verona, ladies of

                                                esteem, are made already mothers: by

            my count, I was your mother much upon

                                                these years that you are now a maid.

                                                Thus then in brief: the valiant Paris

                                                seeks you for his love.

                       

                                                            OLIVIA

                                                A man, young lady! Lady, such a man as

                                                all the world-- why, he's a man of

                                                wax.

                       

                                                            MICHELLE

                                                Verona's summer hath not such a

                                                flower.

                       

                                                            OLIVIA

                                                Nay, he's a flower; in faith, a very

                                                flower.

                       

                                                            MICHELLE

                                                This night you shall behold him at our

                                                feast; read o'er the volume of young

                                                Paris' face, and find delight writ

                                                there with beauty's pen; this precious

                                                book of love, this unbound lover, to

                                                beautify him, only lacks a cover.

                                                Speak briefly, can you like of Paris'

                                                love?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'll look to like, if looking liking

                                                move: but no more deep will I endart

                                                mine eye than your consent gives

                                                strength to make it fly.

 

Another girl playing a servant enters.

                       

                                                            STUDENT

                                                Madam, the guests are come.

                       

                                                            MICHELLE

                                                We follow thee.

 

Michelle and the girl leave. Olivia walks closer to Jamie to whisper conspiratorially to her.

                       

                                                            OLIVIA

                                                Go, girl. Seek happy nights to happy

                                                days.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. PLAYHOUSE - EVENING

 

People start to get ready to leave.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Alright, headliners! That means my

                                                little Romeo's and Juliet's; I need

                                                your full names.

 

Casey looks alarmed.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                For what?

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Well, for the playbill.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do I have to?

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Yes, Casey. No one will make fun of

                                                you if you've got a middle name like

                                                Gertrude. Out with it.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (sighs)

                                                Casey Lee Vanderbilt Whitney Farrell.

 

Ms. Perry nods. Casey slouches in her seat.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Jamie?

 

Jamie looks at Casey.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Uh, Jamie Nicole Devlin.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

 

Casey walks in the house and finds Conor on the couch, reading a newspaper.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Hi, honey. I've been waiting for you.

 

Casey tosses her keys up and down.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I was at rehearsal.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Oh, that's right.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Did you, uh, need something?

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Oh, yeah. I have a banquet next

                                                Saturday evening.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Dad, I hate those things. I don't know

                                                why I always have to go to them.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                You know it's part of my work. The

                                                people that I work with always like to

                                                meet family.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So you want me to come along and play

                                                the perfect little daughter like

                                                always?

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Casey.

 

Casey sighs.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Fine. But I'm not wearing a dress.

                                                This is L.A. No one's gonna care here.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                That's alright. Why don't you go

                                                shopping for something new? Here.

 

He takes his credit card out of his wallet and hands it to her.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Get something for the banquet, and why

                                                don't you just get anything else you

                                                like? Take a friend and make a day of

                                                it. Eat lunch in Beverly Hills.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Whatever.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Are you going to be home tomorrow for

                                                football? The Saints are playing the

                                                Falcons.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, I'll be here.

 

She heads up the stairs.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey flops down onto her bed and picks up the phone and dials. She kicks off her shoes as she waits for someone to pick up.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (on phone)

                                                I told you, no phone sex tonight.

 

Casey laughs.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You know, you're lucky it's me.

                                                Someone else could've been calling.

                                                Like a grandparent. Talk about

                                                embarrassing.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Not really. I've got you on caller ID

                                                now. I knew it was you.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Good to know. Listen, what are you

                                                doing on Monday? Other than school, of

                                                course.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, I had plans to run away to

                                                Paris, but what do you have in mind?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I think I want to take off during

                                                lunch.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (gasps)

                                                Casey Farrell. Are you suggesting that

                                                we partake in the act of ditching?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I sure am. I'm bad, aren't I?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Very. What do you want to do?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I need to go shopping for some new

                                                clothes. We could just go after-

                                                school, but most places on Rodeo close

                                                early, don't they?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah, at five.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                So if we leave Long Beach at noon, we

                                                should be there by one, which leaves

                                                us four hours of terrorizing Beverly

                                                Hills.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I'm game. Meet me by my Spanish class

                                                once you get out for lunch.

                                                           

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok. I'll see you.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Bye.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - NOON

 

Casey and Clark come out of the Playhouse.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Have fun at your doctor's appointment.

                                                I hope you get a shot.

 

Casey gasps and clutches her chest.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Why would you wish such a horror upon

                                                me?

 

Clark just grins at her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Be careful, Clark. I am a proficient

                                                practitioner of voodoo, you know.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Don't lie.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm from New Orleans. Voodoo is a way

                                                of life for some people down there.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                You don't scare me.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                I should. See you tomorrow.

 

Casey jogs up ahead to meet Jamie.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What's up?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                Doctor's appointment. I gotta take

                                                off.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'll see you tomorrow then. Oh, did

                                                you copy down those questions for

                                                Marine Bio?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Call me tonight. I need them.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok.

 

She heads off with a bounce to her step and Jamie goes over to sit next to Clark.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                She hates doctors. She seems mighty

                                                happy to be going to a doctors

                                                appointment.

 

Jamie opens up her iced tea. Clark waits until just the right moment.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Maybe she was going to the

                                                gynecologist.

 

Jamie sprays the ground in front of her with tea as Clark starts laughing hysterically. Jamie wipes her mouth and hits him hard on the shoulder.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I hate you!

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I love you too.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You are so obscene.

 

Clark laughs more.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Besides, going to the gynecologist

                                                isn't something to be happy about

                                                anyways.

 

Clark grimaces.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Please, don't share any more than

                                                that.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Not like I would know really. I've

                                                never been to one. Just something Aunt

                                                Emma told me.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Ok. Please, stop.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (grins)

                                                That's what you get.

 

Clark grabs his arm where she hit him and rubs the spot.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I think hitting me was enough. Geez,

                                                James, what are you, moonlighting as a

                                                boxer?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yup.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                So, how are you doing? With the whole

                                                rehearsing thing? I know you were

                                                pretty nervous about going up there.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm fine. I was really nervous

                                                beforehand, but once I got up there,

                                                it wasn't too bad.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Good.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                And did you know that Katherine has

                                                the biggest crush on Mia?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                So Katherine likes Mia, who likes

                                                Casey, who likes you.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I never thought of it that way, but

                                                yeah.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                That is so soap opera! It's like a

                                                four-way love triangle!

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Don't you mean a.. square?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Same thing.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey meets up with Mia outside her class.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Got your fake note?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Right here.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Let's go.

 

They start to head down the hall.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                So you're going to check out first,

                                                then I'm going to wait 5 minutes and

                                                check out myself.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok. I'll bring the car around to the

                                                front.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Let's do it.

 

Casey pulls out her note and walks into the office.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S CAR - A MOMENT LATER

 

Casey and Mia are driving towards the freeway.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Don't you think they might have been a

                                                little suspicious?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Maybe. Not like they can do much about

                                                it anyways. They could call our

                                                parents.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Who aren't gonna care anyways.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Right.

 

Casey enters the 405 freeway, heading north towards L.A. Mia turns on the radio.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                This is a BMW, right?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                How fast can it go?

 

Casey looks at her speculatively for a moment, then back at the clear path in front of her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Got your seatbelt on?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Let's find out.

 

Casey accelerates. Mia laughs and turns the radio up higher.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. A/X: ARMANI EXCHANGE - AFTERNOON

 

Casey comes out of the dressing room, wearing a new pair of jeans. Mia circles her slowly and nods approvingly.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Nice. But I doubt it's proper attire

                                                for a banquet.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. But I need new jeans.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I've seen you wear like, 20 different

                                                pairs since I've met you.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                That's not true. I have 10. And you

                                                can never have too many pairs of

                                                jeans.

 

She heads back into the dressing room to change her pants back.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You know, I don't understand why you

                                                aren't doing this with your

                                                girlfriend. I think she'd enjoy the

                                                opportunity to constantly check you

                                                out and tell you how your ass looks in

                                                a new pair of pants.

 

Casey opens the door and tosses the jeans to Mia, then closes the door again.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I think my definition of shopping and

                                                Jamie's definition of shopping don't

                                                quite match. I didn't want to make her

                                                uncomfortable, since I knew she

                                                wouldn't be able to afford anything.

                                                And if I paid for things.. if I bought

                                                her...

 

She comes out and Mia tosses the jeans back to her. She holds up the jeans.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                A four hundred dollar pair of jeans,

                                                she'd flip out. I mean, she

                                                practically has an aneurysm when I

                                                give her change for the vending

                                                machine.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Is that a problem?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (shrugs)

                                                Not really. At least not yet.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Maybe you should talk to her about it.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I guess.

 

They get to the counter and hand their items to the sales clerk. Mia starts to get out her wallet, but Casey stops her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'll take care of it.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Are you sure?

 

Casey hands over the credit card her dad gave her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yup.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Ok. But I'm not putting out.

 

Casey laughs.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                What are you planning on getting for

                                                the banquet?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Not a dress.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Let's hit the regular Armani store

                                                then. We could get something tailored

                                                for you.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Mmm. Let's go.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. ARMANI - A MOMENT LATER

 

Mia and Casey enter the two-story Armani boutique. SEAN, a tall, handsome, impeccably dressed salesman comes over to them.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Ah, Ms. Hazelwood.

 

He greets her with a kiss on the cheek.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Where is your friend, Christopher?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                He's not with me on this trip, but I

                                                do have someone I'd like you to meet.

                                                Sean Rickard, meet Casey Farrell.

 

He shakes her hand.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                I'm very pleased to meet you, Ms.

                                                Farrell.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Pleasure's all mine.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                We're looking for something for Casey

                                                to wear to a banquet for her father's

                                                work.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                A dress?

 

Casey firmly shakes her head.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                No, a suit.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Let us head upstairs then.

 

They head up the circular staircase. He leads them over to a private fitting room.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. FITTING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Please, stand here.

 

He motions for her to stand in the middle of the room. He starts to walk in a slow circle around her, studying her form.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Now, tell me, is this a formal or semi-

                                                formal event?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Formal.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                What does your father do?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                He's a lawyer.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                What firm?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Morris and Foster.

 

He stops walking after another moment and claps his hands together.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                I'll be right back.

 

He steps out of the room. Casey gives Mia a quizzical look.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                This is what he does, Casey. He'll

                                                come back with something perfectly

                                                suited for what you need.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                If you say so. If you're right, then

                                                the people at the stores in New

                                                Orleans aren't nearly as effective.

 

Sean comes back in with a with dark suit with light blue pinstripes and a matching light blue shirt. He hangs the items on a hook mounted on the wall. He turns to her, smiling proudly.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                This is it.

 

She leans closer and eyes it.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Are you sure?

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Absolutely. 'Formal' for the west

                                                coast is different than 'formal'

                                                everywhere else. Especially at a firm

                                                like Morris and Foster. A splash of

                                                color is not only tolerated but

                                                expected, hence the light blue stripes

                                                and shirt. The stripes will accentuate

                                                your height, and once we tailor fit

                                                the suit for you, it will highlight

                                                only the best parts of your form. It

                                                will look beautiful. I insist on

                                                seeing pictures.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (nods)

                                                Alright. I like it. Let me change.

 

Sean leaves the room. Mia just smirks at her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Mia...

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (laughs)

                                                Fine.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. ARMANI - CONTINUOUS

 

Mia joins Sean outside the door of the fitting room.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Is she your new girlfriend?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (shakes her head)

                                                No.

 

They stand in silence for a few minutes. Sean leans to the side to whisper to her.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                I was going to give her pink stripes,

                                                but she does not strike me as the pink

                                                type of person.

 

Mia laughs.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Is she Southern money?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                No. Old, old, northern Vanderbilt

                                                money.

 

Casey opens the door.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                How did you know that?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (startled)

                                                Oh, um.. it's kind of... floating

                                                around campus.

 

Casey gestures for them to come back in.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. FITTING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I was afraid of that.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                I knew it. This looks great on you.

 

He pulls a measuring tape from the pocket inside his jacket along with a small box of pins. He squats down to adjust the hem of the pants. Mia stands on the other side of Casey and runs a hand down her arm. Casey glances at her hand, then at her. They look at each other for a moment.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Is this silk?

 

Sean pipes up.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Yes.

 

He stands.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Take off the jacket for a moment. I

                                                want to see how the shirt fits you.

 

Casey removes the jacket and hands it to Mia.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                When will this be done?

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                It will be done by tomorrow. Can you

                                                pick it up?

 

He starts to fiddle with her sleeves.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'll have my dad pick it up during his

                                                lunch.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. ARMANI - A MOMENT LATER

 

Casey and Mia stand at the counter while Sean rings them up.

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Eighteen hundred.

 

Casey hands him the card. She looks around the store while they wait.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What is that?

 

Casey points to a deep purple velvet blazer on the rack.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                What?

 

Mia turns to look at the jacket Casey's pointing at.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Is that velvet?

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                Yes, it is.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Can I get that?

                       

                                                            SEAN

                                                (nods)

                                                I'll be right back.

 

He goes over to retrieve the blazer, checking the size.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Talk about an impulse buy.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Like you should be the one to talk,

                                                Ms. 'It's Mine Now'.

 

Mia gives her a light slap on the shoulder.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You know those shoes looked good.

 

Casey grins at her.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S CAR – CONTINUOUS

 

They put various bags in the back seat of the car as they climb in. They put on their seat belts and Casey starts the car.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Did it bother you that I know you're a

                                                Vanderbilt?

 

Casey slips on her sunglasses and looks down at the gearshift as she shifts into reverse. She remains still for a moment, then turns around to look out the back as she backs the car up.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I'm sorry.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No, no...

 

She switches to drive and pulls out of the parking spot.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You knowing doesn't bother me per se.

                                                Just people in general knowing bothers

                                                me a little.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Why?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Just... it brings attention. I've

                                                gotten off all these years by living

                                                in the South, where northern money is

                                                basically ignored. Now..

 

She changes lanes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Now, if word leaks out, I might end up

                                                in some stupid socialite column in

                                                People Magazine. Not to mention,

                                                people might get weird around me at

                                                school. People act differently around

                                                you when they know you've got money.

 

Mia nods.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Been there, done that, but on a much

                                                smaller scale. My family certainly

                                                doesn't have a wealth like yours does.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You ever meet people who just liked

                                                you because you had money?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Sure. And the moment I figure out

                                                their game.. well, it sucks. But it

                                                doesn't happen too often. I imagine

                                                it'd be a much bigger problem for you.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (softly)

                                                Yeah.

 

Mia pats her hand, which rests on the gearshift.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, I'll help you fend off the money-

                                                grubbers.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Thanks.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Did uh, did Jamie say anything to you

                                                about it?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (sighs)

                                                No. She just looked at me funny.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Talk to her.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (nods)

                                                I will.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Casey comes in and puts her bags on her bed.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (calls out)

                                                Dad?

 

A few moments later, Conor replies.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                (calls out)

                                                Yeah?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I've got a suit waiting at Armani on

                                                Rodeo. Can you pick it up tomorrow?

 

She starts to put stuff away.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                What time do they close?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Five.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Ok.

 

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

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (on phone)

                                                Hello?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey. What are you up to?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm starting on Marine Bio homework.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, let me get those questions you

                                                need.

 

Casey grabs her backpack and starts digging through it.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                How was your doctor's appointment?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                My what?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Your doctor's appointment.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh! Yeah, well, same old. Don't like

                                                'em. It didn't take too long,

                                                thankfully.

 

Casey triumphantly pulls a notebook from her backpack.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Got it.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MARINE BIO - MORNING

 

Casey dances into the classroom, wearing her new jeans and grinning. She sits down next to Jamie.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You're certainly chipper this morning.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm always chipper on the mornings we

                                                have this class. I get to see you.

 

Jamie smiles, charmed.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You see me every day.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                But on these days, I get to see you

                                                first thing in the morning. I don't

                                                have to wait for lunch.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                That's true. Are those new jeans?

 

She fingers Casey's knee.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah.

 

Casey pulls out a notebook.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I uh, I have a match on Thursday.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I know. I want to go but I'm going to

                                                my aunt's house.

 

Casey pouts.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs)

                                                Stop it.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's alright. We can hang out over the

                                                weekend.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. PLAYHOUSE – AFTERNOON

 

Casey and Jamie are on the stage rehearsing a scene. Casey takes Jamie's hand.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                If I profane with my unworthiest hand

                                                this holy shrine, the gentle fine is

                                                this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims,

                                                ready to stand to smooth that rough

                                                tough with a tender kiss.

 

She lifts Jamie's hand to her lips to kiss her knuckles, but Jamie pulls away.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand

                                                too much, which mannerly devotion

                                                shows in this; for saints have hands

                                                that pilgrims' hands do touch, and

                                                palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Have not saints lips, and holy palmers

                                                too?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Aye, pilgrim, lips that they must use

                                                in prayer.

 

Jamie takes a step forward and semi-gently pushes Casey. Casey stumbles back a step.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What did you do that for?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                We're off our mark.

 

Casey looks at the floor.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Better now?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (chuckles)

                                                O, then, dear saint, let lips do what

                                                hands do; they pray, grant thou, lest

                                                faith turn to despair.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Saints do not move, though grant for

                                                prayers' sake.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (whispers)

                                                Then move not, while my prayer's

                                                effect I take.

 

Casey starts to leans down for a kiss, but she hesitates noticeably.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                What's wrong?

 

Casey clears her throat.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nothing.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Do it again, from 'move not'.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Then move not, while my prayer's

                                                effect I take.

 

This time, it is Jamie that hesitates. She pulls back.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Wait.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                What is wrong? Did you two not

                                                rehearse this already?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Um, no. We didn't.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Can we have until Saturday?

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                You guys, we're on a tight schedule

                                                here.

 

She sighs and flips through her notebook.

                       

                                                            PERRY

                                                Fine, we'll move on to another scene,

                                                but we're doing this one first thing

                                                on Saturday, and it better blow me

                                                away.

 

Casey and Jamie get down from the stage.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - EVENING

 

Clark and Andrea burst out of the Playhouse, Casey and Jamie following behind at a much slower pace.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Jamie, I'm going to go to Andrea's

                                                house. Dad knows already.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Okay, I'll see you later.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Later, Casey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Bye.

 

They leave and the other students disperse as well.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Were you, uh, weirded out earlier for

                                                the same reason I was weirded out?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                The thought that if we went through

                                                with it, our first kiss would have

                                                taken place in front of dozens of

                                                witnesses?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Exactly!

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs)

                                                Well, we bought ourselves until

                                                Saturday.

 

They both pause, awkwardly. Casey makes a face.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                That's weird. We're like on a

                                                schedule.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

 

Casey scratches the back of her head.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, uh, we never did really go on a

                                                proper date yet.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                We were supposed to go to the movies a

                                                while ago, weren't we?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. Do you want to do that on

                                                Friday?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You're not going to the football game?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You mean I have a choice between going

                                                to watch a bunch of guys run around

                                                and grab each other or going on a date

                                                with an amazingly beautiful and

                                                talented girl?

 

Jamie blushes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I don't know, those guys on the

                                                football team are pretty hot.

 

Jamie smacks Casey's shoulder.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (laughs)

                                                Ow! I was kidding. I would much rather

                                                be with you. Hold on, let me do this

                                                properly.

 

She takes Jamie's hand.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Jamie?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yes, Casey?

 

Jamie twines their fingers together.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Will you go out with me?

 

Jamie pauses, as if she's considering it, before smiling.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I don't know, those guys on the

                                                football team are pretty hot.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey!

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs)

                                                I would love to.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                I'll uh, pick you up at 7 then.

 

The sound of a car honking gets their attention.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                There's my dad. I'll see you tomorrow.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok.

 

Jamie heads over to her dad's car. Once they leave, Casey jumps up and resumes her dance from earlier this morning.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Jamie finds her dad at his desk, organizing some papers. She approaches him quietly.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Dad?

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Yes, honey?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Can I go out with a friend on Friday?

 

He looks up at her.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Is this out with a friend, or is this

                                                a date?

 

She bites her lip.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                A date.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                (disapprovingly)

                                                Honey...

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (interrupts)

                                                Dad. Please?

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                I think you're a little young to be

                                                dating.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                She's really nice. You should meet

                                                her. I think you'll like her.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Will her parents be there?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No.

 

He pulls off his reading glasses.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                They're going to be dropping you guys

                                                off?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No, she's going to drive.

 

She closes her eyes as she realizes her mistake.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                She's old enough to drive?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs nervously)

                                                Uhh...

 

Clark walks past.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Clark, did you know your sister wants

                                                to go on a date?

 

He turns to her.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Where are you and Casey going?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                Movies on Friday.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                You knew about this girl?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Yeah. I told you. She's cool,

                                                remember?

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                And you have no objection to this?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Dad, Clark's not the one going on a

                                                date with her. I am.

 

Clark smiles proudly at her.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                This is true. It shouldn't really

                                                matter what I think. It matters what

                                                Jamie thinks. Now, if you'll excuse

                                                me...

 

He turns to go.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Wait.

 

Clark turns back around.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                Jamie, you can go, but as a group.

                                                Clark is going to go with you.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                WHAT?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (simultaneously)

                                                Dad!

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm going on a date! I can't take my

                                                brother with me!

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Andrea and I were going to hang out

                                                and guy-watch!

 

Tyler holds up a hand and turns to Jamie.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                You can either do this or not go at

                                                all.

 

Jamie huffs and crosses her arms. He turns to Clark.

                       

                                                            TYLER

                                                You can combine the two. Take Andrea

                                                with you, and you can do whatever at

                                                the same time as chaperoning.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                This sucks.

                                                (sighs)

                                                Fine.

 

Jamie walks off. Clark shakes his head and follows her.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S CAR – MORNING

 

Casey grabs her backpack and new letterman's jacket from the backseat and gets out of her car. She puts on her jacket and heads into the school.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. SCHOOL QUAD - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey walks through the quad on her way to Marine Bio. Andrew passes by her.

                       

                                                            ANDREW

                                                Hey, Case. Good luck today.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Thanks.

 

Caleb passes by as well.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                (winks at her)

                                                You ready for the rally?

 

She high-fives him as she walks past.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                You know it.

 

Casey walks on, greeting some of the people she knows as she passes, when somebody slaps her on the ass as she goes past.

She pauses, then indignantly turns around to see Mia in her cheerleader's uniform, grinning impishly.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                See you at the rally. Love the new

                                                jacket.

 

Mia sashays off with a flick of her hair. Casey laughs to herself and continues on.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MARINE BIO - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey spots Jamie within seconds of walking in. She grins at her and heads over to their table.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Look at you.

 

Casey tugs at her collar self-consciously.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's such a jock look. I'm not sure I

                                                like it.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You don't have to wear it.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (shrugs)

                                                There's a rally for the team today.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Oh yeah. Who are you guys going up

                                                against today?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Harbor High.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I wish I could be there to watch you

                                                guys kick their butts.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                I'll give you the gruesome details

                                                when you get back from your aunt's

                                                house.

 

Casey digs in her backpack for a pencil.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (clears her throat)

                                                I um, I have bad news.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What is it?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                My dad said I couldn't go with you to

                                                the movies unless Clark came with us,

                                                as sort of like a group thing. He

                                                thinks I'm too young and you're too

                                                old for us to go alone together.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                But I'm only a year older than you.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I accidentally told him that you

                                                drive. He thinks you're 16.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh.

 

She runs a hand through her hair.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, that's alright, I guess.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Really?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. I mean, I'd rather go as a group

                                                thing than not go at all, you know?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Is Clark going to bring anyone?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Probably Andrea. You're really ok with

                                                it?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. It could've been worse. He

                                                could've just said 'no'. Period.

 

Jamie bites the tip of her pencil.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Yeah.

 

The bell rings.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. SCHOOL QUAD - AN HOUR LATER

 

Casey and Jamie head down the stairs after Marine Bio as the Drum Corps starts their rally song on the stage.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Let's go.

 

The crew teams are gathered on ground on each side of the stage, the men on the right and the women on the left. Casey grins and peels off her jacket.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Can you uh, hold this for me for a

                                                minute?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Sure.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'll be back.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ok.

 

Casey heads over to join her team, and Jamie finds Clark.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. RALLY STAGE - CONTINUOUS

 

Jamie joins Clark in front of the stage.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                They've gotta have something planned.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What do you mean?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Look.

 

He gestures to the teams.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                They've all taken their jackets off.

 

Jamie looks down at the jacket in her arms.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You're right.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. LEFT OF STAGE – CONTINUOUS

 

Casey and her team loiter at the side of the stage. The music stops and the cheerleaders are finished with their routine. Caleb hops up onto the stage and takes the microphone handed to him.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                Well, today, the women's and men's

                                                crew teams have matches against the

                                                O.C.'s Harbor High.

 

People boo.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                That's what we think too! That why

                                                we're gonna kick their asses! It's

                                                going to be quite a thrill.

 

People cheer.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                You know, rowing is quite a thrill.

                                                Kinda intense. You make the smallest

                                                mistake, and you end up getting dumped

                                                in the water. Do you guys know what

            that feels like? No? It kinda feels

                                                like this!

 

Everyone on the teams pull out hidden water guns. Casey pulls hers out with a devilish grin. The teams then jump up onto the stage and run across it quickly, blasting the cheerleaders with jets of water. The cheerleaders all shriek. Casey is the last to go

across, and instead of running, she merely struts towards them and stops. She regards a dripping Mia, who glares at her, then gives her a smirk and blasts her with another stream of water, right in the chest.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Casey!

 

Casey then bolts, hopping off the stage as Mia chases after her. A couple of guys from the team carry laundry bins up onto the stage, which are filled with black, blue and white water balloons. The cheerleaders dive for them, beginning to fire back in indignant revenge. The drum corps guys grab some as well.Caleb hops down off the stage and quickly goes around to the trash cans scattered throughout the audience, and pulls off the small sheets covering them, revealing the fact that they are also filled to the brim with water balloons.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Oh, hell yeah!

 

Chaos breaks out. A few people run out of the way, afraid to get wet, but most people push their way towards the nearest trash can, snatching up the balloons. Clark grabs one and aims for Jamie.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No!

 

She bolts, and ends up running around behind the wall behind the rally stage.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. BEHIND THE STAGE - CONTINUOUS

 

She finds Casey there, hiding and clutching her water gun.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Shh! I think I lost her.

 

Jamie laughs.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Your hair's all wet.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, somebody nailed me on the back

                                                of the head. I think it might've been

                                                her.

 

Mia rounds the corner and finds them, arm poised and ready to throw another balloon.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Ah-ha!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Shit!

 

Casey scrambles around and hides behind Jamie, gripping her shoulders. Mia tries to go around her, but Casey just turns Jamie to block her again.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (laughs)

                                                Casey!

 

Mia tries to go around the other way, but Casey moves Jamie again. Mia blows out a frustrated breath.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Damn you, Casey!

 

She stomps her foot. Casey points at her over Jamie's shoulder.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ah! Look! You stomped your foot!

                                                You've turned into your mother!

 

Mia shrieks, enraged, as Casey ducks further behind Jamie. Jamie thinks for a moment, then smiles and quickly gets out of the way. Casey's eyes widen. Mia lets out a yell of triumph.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Crap!

 

Mia nails her in the chest with her balloon.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Ha! Eat shit, Farrell!

 

She runs away. Jamie turns to look at the dripping Casey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I don't believe you. Traitor!

 

She starts pumping the handle on her water gun, building up the pressure. Jamie quickly drops her backpack on the ground against the wall and puts the jacket on top of it, then takes off, Casey chasing after her.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. RALLY STAGE - CONTINUOUS

 

She runs back around to the front, heading for the balloons, when a stream of water hits her back.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Augh, that's cold!

 

Jamie reaches in the can, but it's empty. She keeps on going, running past Clark. Casey stops when she sees Clark, who somehow has gotten a water gun of his own, aimed right at her. Her gun is aimed at him. They both stand there tensely, until Jamie runs back towards them, balloon hidden in her hand. They both turn and aim their guns at her.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Uh, bye.

 

She disappears into the crowd again. Balloons sail in the air throughout the crowd, most hitting people, some not. Casey chases after Jamie, ducking and dodging the random balloons that fly towards her. She catches Jamie at the edge of the crowd, who's reaching for the can by her. It's empty as well. Casey grins and starts to slowly approach her.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (warns)

                                                Casey...

 

She still has the balloon in her other hand, hidden behind her back. Casey pulls the trigger and sprays her with water, and keeps on spraying her until the tank runs out. She drops the gun on the ground, dusting off her hands. She gives Jamie a smirk, then turns around to leave when Jamie pelts her on the back of the head. Casey slowly turns.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Did you just hit me in the head with a

                                                water balloon?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Maybe.

 

Casey takes a step towards her. Jamie backs up. The bell rings and students throw their last balloon and start to disperse. Casey sighs.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (narrows her eyes)

                                                You're lucky that bell rang.. for now.

                                                You just wait, Ms. Devlin.

 

Jamie sticks her tongue out. They laugh at each other and head back to their backpacks.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. BEHIND THE STAGE – CONTINUOUS

 

Sodden students begin walking to classes. Casey and Jamie weave through them towards Jamie's backpack.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Look at what you did to me.

 

She gestures to her wet clothes.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I'm going to be cold.

 

Casey reaches down to pick up her jacket. It's miraculously dry.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Why don't you take my jacket? I

                                                prepared and brought a change of

                                                clothes. Wear it; it'll keep you warm.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Ok.

 

Casey wraps it around her shoulders. The large jacket swallows Jamie, and Casey lets out a little laugh.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's just.. my jacket on you.

 

She brushes Jamie's hair back and frees it from under the collar.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You look cute.

 

Jamie blushes and they gaze at each other.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                Whoo!

 

The moment is ruined as Caleb comes up to them and slings an arm around Casey's shoulder.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                That was one of the best damn rallies

                                                we've had at this school. Wasn't that

                                                awesome, Jamie?

 

Jamie's a little startled that he knows her name.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Uh, yeah.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It was great, Cal. Good work.

 

He slaps her shoulder.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                It was your damn idea. 'Good work' to

                                                yourself.

 

The bell rings again.

                       

                                                            CALEB

                                                Shit! We're late!

 

Jamie gasps. Caleb hurries off.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                We've gotta go. I'll give this back to

                                                you tomorrow.

 

They split up and head to their respective classes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'll call you tonight!

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Okay!

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - NOON

 

Casey and Caleb stand in the principal's office. PRINCIPAL BLAZER, a tall woman with short blonde hair paces.

                       

                                                            PRINCIPAL

                                                The entire quad is filled with water

                                                and mud and torn bits of rubber.

                                                Students are dripping trails of water

                                                everywhere they go. There are puddles

            inside classrooms. Mud is on clothes

                                                and backpacks, and I have one teacher

                                                and an entire cheerleading squad

                                                complaining to me that you messed up

                                                their hair.

 

Casey snickers. The principal stops pacing and looks at her, and she stops grinning.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (laughs nervously)

                                                Well, I mean, the balloons were school

                                                colors.. at least.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. ENGLISH – AFTERNOON

 

Casey strolls into English and sits next to Mia, who's filing her nails with a particularly pointy file.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (smiles pleasantly)

                                                I'm going to kill you.

 

Casey glances at the nail file.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Uhhh...

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Do you know what it's like to walk

                                                around school in a soaked, *white*

                                                cheerleader's uniform?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (gulps)

                                                Uh, no.

 

Mia takes her file and points at Casey with it.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I have been stared at and grabbed more

                                                times than the golden fleece.

 

Casey leans away.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Do you want me to uh, kick anybody's

                                                ass for grabbing you?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I already did. Now, I'm going to kick

                                                yours.

 

Casey leans away a little more.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                But it was so fun. You had fun.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                No, I did not.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You claimed an entire trash can full

                                                of balloons as your own and gleefully

                                                chucked them at everyone who dared to

                                                look at you!

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                No I-

 

Casey shakes a finger in her face.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (interrupts)

                                                Gleefully!

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Fine! It was fun. But that's still not

                                                gonna stop me from causing you

                                                grievous injury.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                The day we met you caused me grievous

                                                injury. We can call it even now.

 

Mia crosses her arms and huffs but still ends up smiling.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I didn't hurt you that bad then.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I forgot French for a week.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Liar.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                C'est vrai.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, obviously it's not impairing you

                                                anymore.

 

Casey snatches Mia's file.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You holding this thing is making me

                                                nervous.

 

She flips it around in her fingers.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Did you know I almost got in trouble

                                                with the principal for the rally?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Really? How did you get out of it?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I put my good, ol' Southern charm to

                                                good use.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (gasps)

                                                You did not sleep with the principal!

 

Casey laughs.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Gross. Hardly. I just talked about

                                                school spirit and all that crap

                                                principals like to hear.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (nods)

                                                Nice. Are you going to the game

                                                tomorrow night?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nah. I'm going to the movies with

                                                Jamie.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Mmm. Have fun.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You're going to be at the match later

                                                today, right?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I don't know. My step-sister goes to

                                                Harbor. She like won't speak to me

                                                again if I root against the Pirates.

                                                Not that that's saying much, because

                                                we don't talk that often, but still.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                A rebel could so kick a pirate's ass.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (grins)

                                                Definitely.

 

She pauses for a second.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Wait. Why would you get into trouble

                                                with the principal? Did the whole team

                                                get in trouble?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Well, kinda. But me and Caleb in

                                                particular. I came up with the idea,

                                                and he planned it out.

 

Mia eyes widen with rage.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                It was your idea?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Uh, no.

 

Mia sputters and starts to reach out to throttle her, but Casey holds up the file in front of her protectively.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Watch it. I'm armed and highly

                                                dangerous.

 

Mrs. Chesler breezes by and confiscates the nail file.

                       

                                                            KAREN

                                                Behave.

 

Mia glares at Casey, who grins unrepentantly at her.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Scamp.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Wench.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. LONG BEACH MARINA YACHT CLUB - AFTERNOON

 

Casey and her teammates are out on the water, sitting in the team shell. Casey grips her oar and checks her rigging. 

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (to herself)

                                                OK, Casey. Dad's here this time. Don't

                                                blow it.

 

The teammate behind her looks up.

                       

                                                            RACHEL

                                                Did you say something?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Motivating myself.

 

The crews align for the start. After the starter polls them, he raises the red flag.

                       

                                                            STARTER

                                                Attention!

 

The starter drops the flag.

                       

                                                            STARTER

                                                Go!

 

The teams are off, staying even with each other for the first half of the race. Harbor High starts to pull ahead.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Shit!

 

Casey grunts and her teammates increase their effort as the coxswain urges them on. They catch up, remaining even, when both teams speed past the finish, just barely getting the win over Harbor. Casey lets out a sigh of relief.

                       

                                                            RACHEL

                                                Damn! That was close!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You're telling me.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. LONG BEACH MARINA YACHT CLUB - LATER

 

Mia's by the bleachers, talking with Chris and Leah. Casey comes out of the club, toweling her hair dry. Her dad waits, arms crossed, peering at her from over his sunglasses. She adjusts the strap of her gym bag on her shoulder as she nears him.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                That was close, Casey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I know.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                What went wrong?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nothing.

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                Casey.

 

Mia spots them.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                What, are you trying to blame me for

                                                something? We didn't even lose!

                       

                                                            CONOR

                                                That's not the point. The point is you

                                                lost focus. You've been playing sports

                                                since you were 4, Casey. You're above

                                                choking when the game is on the line.

                                                I expected more of you.

 

He heads off to the car, leaving her stewing in her spot. Mia sees him walk off and comes over to Casey.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                How are you doing?

 

Casey blows out a breath.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm fine.

                                                (sarcastically)

                                                I'm just a complete failure as an

                                                athlete because, you know, we won.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                No, you're not.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                To him, I am.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, forget about him.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (shakes her head)

                                                He's right. I let myself get

                                                distracted.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                By what?

 

Casey sighs.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                By him, right? It was the first match

                                                he came to.

 

Casey remains silent.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Screw him, Casey. You've worked hard,

                                                and you guys did good. And you still

                                                beat Harbor. Damn Pirates didn't know

                                                what hit 'em.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (laughs)

                                                That's right.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                You're the shit, Casey. Don't let him

                                                convince you otherwise.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Alright.

 

Mia slips on her sunglasses.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Now, if you'll excuse me, I feel like

                                                going over to my mom's house and

                                                gloating to my step-sister.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Tell her you're dating the captain.

                                                That would really piss her off.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Who's the captain?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                Me.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Nice. But won't Jamie get mad?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (shrugs)

                                                It's just a little white lie to enrage

                                                your sister. How's she gonna find out,

                                                anyway?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Step-sister.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Whatever.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Alright. I'll tell you about her

                                                temper tantrum later.

 

She walks back over towards the waiting Chris.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Mia!

 

She turns.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Thanks.

 

Mia lowers her sunglasses to wink at Casey over the top of them.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Anytime, sweet cheeks.

 

Conor, still waiting in the car, honks the horn.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm coming, damn it.

 

She heads to the car.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM – NIGHT

 

Casey, fresh out of the shower wearing her bathrobe, throws a pile of 12 different pairs of jeans on her bed. She picks a pair and holds it up and studies it for a moment, before tossing it over her shoulder.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nope.

 

She picks another pair. This also goes in the reject pile.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nope.

 

She finds a pair she likes and slips it on. Then she heads over to her closet and burrows in it, emerging with a black tank top with a motorcycle design on the front. She drops the robe and pulls it over her head.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Now..

 

She spots her new velvet blazer in the closet and grabs it.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S CAR - NIGHT

 

Casey pulls up to Jamie house. She inhales deeply, then gets out.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

 

Casey runs a hand through her hair and fidgets nervously.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (to herself)

                                                OK, Casey. No matter what he says, he

                                                can't kill you and get away with it.

                                                Even if he does cause you bodily harm,

                                                she's worth it. And after meeting Mia,

                                                you've got a high pain tolerance. Take

                                                it like a woman.

 

She reaches out and rings the doorbell. Clark opens the door.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Hey, Clark.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Hey, Jamie's not ready yet, but come

                                                on in.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

 

They step back inside.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Hey, Casey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                How it's going?

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Things are good. Things are going to

                                                be better if Clark and I find a couple

                                                of cute guys tonight.

 

Casey laughs and looks around.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Where's your dad?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Oh, Alice kept complaining that she

                                                needed ice cream so he took her to

                                                Baskin-Robbins.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (relieved)

                                                Ohh.

 

Jamie comes out, wearing dark blue denim jeans and a white baby tee that says "Have you hugged my t-shirt today?"

                                   

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Hey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                Hey. You look very cute.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (blushes)

                                                Thanks. I like your jacket.

 

Andrea clutches Clark's arm.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                (coos)

                                                Clark, they're so cute!

 

Casey clears her throat, a little embarrassed.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Are we going to take my car?

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Yes. I hate my car.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Let's get going.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

 

They get to Casey's car. She opens the rear passenger door and holds it for Clark and Andrea. Clark curtsies before climbing in.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Thank you, kind sir.

 

Casey laughs and opens Jamie's door for her and holds it as she gets in.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                Thank you.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. CASEY'S CAR - CONTINUOUS

 

They all buckle up.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                No offense, Clark, but the womanly

                                                vibe doesn't work for you. Please

                                                don't curtsy again in the future.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I was morally bound to. You were all

                                                chivalrous and everything. Guys don't

                                                do that anymore.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                I know. I nearly swooned.

 

Casey blushes slightly and starts the car.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                You know, I don't think I've ever

                                                opened a door for myself since I met

                                                you.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                It's cause she's a proper southern

                                                gentleman.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                It's southern gentlewoman, thank you

                                                very much.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Whatever. I'll still think of you as

                                                the man in your guys' relationship.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (indignantly)

                                                Hey!

 

Jamie and Andrea laugh.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I am so going to pull over and kick

                                                your ass.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                I think that would just make it worse.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. LONG BEACH TOWNE CENTER – EVENING

 

Casey, Jamie, Clark, and Andrea stroll through the Towne Center Plaza, with dozens of shops and restaurants circled around a large fountain display in the middle.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Clark!

 

She pokes him.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Guy in the blue shirt.

 

Clark looks over at the guy she's talking about and shakes his head.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Straight. You can have him.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                But don't you think he's cute?

 

Clark looks over at him again.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Yeah. Very.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Hey, what movie are we seeing anyways?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                We haven't decided yet.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, let's go see what's on.

 

They reach the theatre and read the movies and the times.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (gasps)

                                                Ashton Kutcher! The Butterfly Effect!

 

He turns to Jamie.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Oh, please?

 

Casey makes a face.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (smiles)

                                                No.

 

Clark pouts, and they resume searching the titles. Casey leans closer towards Jamie.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You didn't want to see A Cinderella

                                                Story, did you?

 

Jamie makes a face.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (laughs)

                                                Thank God.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Cold Mountain.

 

Jamie points to the sign.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Look, Clark! That's got Jude Law in

                                                it.

 

Andrea grabs Clark's arm.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Yes!

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I did hear it's supposed to be good.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Let's go for it.

 

They get to the front of the line.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Can I get 4 tickets for Cold Mountain?

                       

                                                            CLERK

                                                That'll be 36 dollars.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Jesus. Tickets are 6 bucks in

                                                Louisiana.

 

Casey pulls out her wallet and starts to pay for everyone, when Jamie stops her.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (protests)

                                                Casey..

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Jamie.

 

Casey tries to pay.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (firmly)

                                                Casey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'll take care of it.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                No. I won't let you.

 

They stare at each other, until Jamie gets her wallet.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                We should each pay for our own ticket.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Fine.

 

Jamie gets out her money, then looks at Clark and Andrea, who haven't moved. Clark grins, shamelessly.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                If Casey wants to pay for me, I'll

                                                graciously accept. Thanks, Case.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Yeah. Thanks, Casey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                My pleasure.

 

Jamie pays for her own.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (shakes her head)

                                                You two...

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MOVIE THEATRE - LATER

 

Casey and Jamie sit together, Clark and Andrea sitting in the row in front of them in the stadium. On the screen, there is a love scene between the two main characters. Casey coughs. Jamie shoots her a look.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (whispers)

                                                This is so... heterosexual. Where are

                                                all the lesbians?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (whispers)

                                                The butch ones are disguising

                                                themselves as men to fight in the war.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (whispers)

                                                Why can't we see them? That's so

                                                unfair.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I know.

 

Jamie pats her hand. Casey smiles at her, and puts an arm around her. Jamie snuggles into her shoulder. Casey puts her other hand over her eyes.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Let me know when all this

                                                heterosexuality business is over.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Okay.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

EXT. LONG BEACH TOWNE CENTER - NIGHT

 

They walk out of the theatre into the cool, night air.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                That turned out surprisingly gay.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (laughs)

                                                No, it didn't.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oh, come on. Jude Law dies and Nicole

                                                lives happily ever after with Renée?

                                                It's gayness in it's purest form.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                This is true.

 

Jamie rubs her arms a little. Casey slips off her blazer and helps Jamie into it.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                I'm so torn.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Why?

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                (pouts)

                                                I don't know if I want Jude Law more

                                                or Nicole Kidman more.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Dirty bisexual.

 

She hits his shoulder.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Ow!

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Proud of it.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Oooh!

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                An arcade! Let's check it out.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                I'll play you air hockey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                You're on.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. POWERSTATION - LATER

 

Casey does a dance and wiggles her hips as the buzzer rings at the air hockey table. Andrea sighs as she tosses her hands up in the air.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                I hate losing.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I win! I've beaten you all! Bow down

                                                before the mighty air hockey champion!

 

Clark crosses his arms across his chest.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (accuses)

                                                You cheat.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I do not cheat! How do you even cheat

                                                in air hockey?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (narrows his eyes)

                                                I don't know. Maybe you did your

                                                little voodoo thing.

 

Casey laughs.

 

                                                            CLARK

                                                I've never lost before. I demand a

                                                rematch.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You're just mad because you lost by

                                                like 8 points.

 

Clark reaches out to tickle her, and before he even touches her, she shrieks and jumps behind Casey.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                You can't hide behind your girlfriend

                                                forever!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                Sure she can.

 

Jamie spots something and points over Casey's shoulder.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Look!

 

A large, stuffed Eeyore in the prize display stares at Casey.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                That Eeyore thing?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Isn't that the greatest thing ever?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (nods)

                                                Sure. How many tickets do you need?

 

They head over to the prize display.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Crap, it takes 300.

 

Casey looks around the arcade. She spies a rifle-shooting game and grins.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. MIA'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Chris and Mia lounge on Mia's bed watching TV.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                How are things going with your girl?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Who?

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Casey.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                (sighs)

                                                She's somebody else's girl.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Well, how are you doing with that?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                It's alright. I'm disappointed, sure.

                                                But today, at the rally, it's just...

                                                they looked really cute together, and

                                                she was really happy.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Really.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Yeah. And by the way, Jamie's not the

                                                timid little mouse everyone thinks she

                                                is. She's actually kinda feisty. She

                                                assisted in my revenge against Casey,

                                                and at the end of the rally, threw a

                                                water balloon right at the back of her

                                                head.

                                                (shakes her head)

                                                I was laughing so hard.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Crap. I can't believe I missed it all.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                That's what you get for ditching.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                You ditch.

 

She shakes a finger at him.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                For more important things than

                                                sleeping in.

 

Chris laughs.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Like shopping?

 

She whacks him over the head with her pillow.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                So you're really not bothered by them?

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                I can have any other girl I want in

                                                the school. I'm so over Casey.

                       

                                                            CHRIS

                                                Liar.

                       

                                                            MIA

                                                Well, I will be. Hopefully soon.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. POWERSTATION – LATER

 

Casey comes back from the prize display with the stuffed Eeyore. She hands it to Jamie with a smile.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (grins)

                                                Thank you.

 

She holds the toy in her arms as they wander through the arcade.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                I can't believe you won all those

                                                tickets.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (shrugs)

                                                It wasn't too hard.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Where'd you learn how to shoot like

                                                that?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                My cousin and I always go skeet

                                                shooting when we're at my

                                                grandparent's place. I've got good

                                                aim.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                Where do they live?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (absently)

                                                In the Hamptons. What is that?

 

She notices a crowd in the corner of the arcade.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Oh, that's the line for Laser Tag.

 

Casey stops walking. She grabs the lapels of his denim jacket and looks at him very seriously.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Did you say Laser Tag?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Uh, yeah.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Laser Tag.

 

He looks at her like she's crazy.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (nods slowly)

                                                Laser Tag.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I have to play. We have to play.

 

She turns to Jamie.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Can we play?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                What is Laser Tag?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                It's like paintball, where you run

                                                around and shoot each other, but with

                                                lasers.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Does it hurt?

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Nah. The vests they have you put on

                                                have sensors that detect if you've

                                                been shot. You don't feel anything.

 

Casey clasps her hands together.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Please?

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                I'm game.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (nods)

                                                Ok.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

           

INT. LASER TAG PREP ROOM – LATER

 

Casey, Clark, Jamie, Andrea and 12 other random people are split into two groups in the prep room. Casey and Jamie are on one team, while Clark and Andrea are on the other. Casey helps Jamie slip the vest over her head and buckles the straps on the sides.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ok, so you remember all the rules?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Shoot them, or their base. I get five

                                                lives, and after that I'm done. The

                                                game's over when there's one person

                                                left on a team.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah, it's pretty simple.

 

Casey slips on her own vest. Jamie buckles the side straps.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Did you do this with your cousin in

                                                New Orleans?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. Our middle school was by the

                                                lake, about 5 minutes from the Laser

                                                Tag place. We'd blow off homework all

                                                afternoon and run around until we were

                                                exhausted.

 

Andrea grabs her gun and points it at Casey.

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                You may have beat me in air hockey,

                                                but we're going to kick your ass in

                                                Laser Tag! I'm gonna blow you full of

                                                laser holes!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Not if I blow you full of laser holes

                                                first.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                No one's blowing anyone.

 

Casey snickers.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (devilish grin)

                                                Let's play nice children.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. LASER TAG ARENA – LATER

 

The teams run around in the dark, the only light being provided by black lights, with the Mission Impossible techno theme pulsing through the arena's sound-system. Jamie's white shirt glows as she wanders through the maze-like arena, gun poised and ready to fire.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Damn it. Why'd I have to pick a white

                                                shirt?

 

Casey pokes her head above a waist-high barrier.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Because you look good in it.

 

Jamie jumps, a little startled. Casey waves her over, and Jamie crouches down next to her behind the barrier.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I'm waiting for Andrea to be lured

                                                into my trap. When she comes by, kill

                                                her. She only has one life left. How

                                                many do you have?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Two.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I've got one.

 

They wait, eyes peering over the barrier, when footsteps approach them from behind. Casey turns and a stranger on the other team aims at them and laughs.

                                   

                                                            CASEY

                                                Shit!

 

Casey and Jamie take off in opposite directions. Casey dives and rolls behind another barrier, but Jamie gets shot. She hides behind another wall. Her life counter on her vest reads '1'.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Damn!

 

From far off, Casey lets out a yell of triumph.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Ha! Suck it, Andrea!

                       

                                                            ANDREA

                                                I'm dead! You killed me!

 

Jamie smiles to herself.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Damn right! Go on back to your base.

                                                (calls out)

                                                Jamie, are you alive?

 

Jamie calls around the corner of the wall.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (calls out)

                                                Barely!

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (calls out)

                                                Red team, who's left?

 

No one answers.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                (whispers)

                                                Damn, it's just us.

 

From far off, across the arena, Clark calls out as well.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Green team, who's left?

 

Someone yells.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Two against two, Farrell!

 

Footsteps run past Jamie on the other side of the barrier. She holds her breath and the footsteps fade away. Hesitantly, she comes out from behind the wall. It's clear, and she takes a few steps, when Clark appears from behind a wall, aimed at her and grinning.He starts to pull the trigger, when Casey runs into the corridor, flinging her body in front of Jamie's.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Nooo!

 

Clark fires and she gets the hit. Lights in the arena flash, and bells ring as Clark's team wins.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Yes!

 

He walks up to Casey and does her victory dance right in front of her.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Oh, yeah!

 

She glares at him.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                How do you like me now?

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                How dare you? You stole my dance! It's

                                                mine. MINE!

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                Mine now.

 

She starts to charge at him and he takes off, but Jamie tugs her shirt and stops her as the regular lights come back on dimly.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You can't kill him.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (sighs)

                                                Yeah. You'd probably miss him, huh?

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Well, I was going to say you'd

                                                probably have to go to jail, and that

                                                I'd miss you, but yeah, I might miss

                                                him a little bit.

 

Casey grins at her and they start walking through the maze.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                That was really fun. I can see why you

                                                like it so much.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Yeah. You should've seen the look on

                                                Andrea's face when I killed her off.

                                                She'll be happy to know that I died as

                                                well.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                You took a.. laser for me. That was

                                                very sweet of you.

 

Casey shrugs and smiles.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                I did what I had to do.

 

Jamie tugs on her arm and they stop walking. Casey turns around to face her.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Thank you.

 

After a moment's hesitation, Jamie leans up to reward her with a sweet kiss. Casey wraps her arms around Jamie's waist and gently returns the kiss. Jamie pulls back and Casey lifts up a hand to brush a tendril of hair back from her face.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (smiles)

                                                Anytime.

 

Jamie smiles back.

                       

                                                            CLARK

                                                (calls out)

                                                Where are you guys? Let's go! There's

                                                another group waiting to use the

                                                arena!

 

Casey takes Jamie's hand.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (grins)

                                                Let's find a way to get the hell out

                                                of here.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Lead the way.

                                   

                                                                                                                        CUT TO:

 

INT. PLAYHOUSE – MORNING

 

Casey and Jamie are on the stage, performing their scene again.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                O, then, dear saint, let lips do what

                                                hands do; they pray, grant thou, lest

                                                faith turn to despair.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Saints do not move, though grant for

                                                prayers' sake.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                (whispers)

                                                Then move not, while my prayer's

                                                effect I take.

 

Casey gives Jamie a tender kiss.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Thus from my lips, by yours, my sin is

                                                purged.

                       

                                                            JAMIE

                                                Then have my lips the sin that they

                                                have took.

                       

                                                            CASEY

                                                Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly

                                                urged! Give me my sin again.

 

They kiss again.

                                   

                                                                                                                        FADE OUT.