FADE IN:

Stop the madness!

Rebel High

Season 1

Episode 8: “The Confidant”

FADE IN:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - MORNING

Conor is sitting on the couch, watching a football game. Casey comes down the stairs in her pjs, yawning, with her hair tousled.

CONOR

Good morning.

Casey mumbles on her way to kitchen. A few minutes later, she walks back out with a bag of chips and a six-pack of soda.

CONOR

Are you going to watch the game with

me?

She simply shakes her head and heads straight back up the stairs.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - LATER

Casey's settled in her bed, watching the same game that Conor is watching. Someone knocks on the door.

MIA

(through the door)

Are you decent?

A split-second later, before Casey can even reply, Mia bursts into the room with a big grin on her face, which falls slightly as she notices Casey's state of dress.

MIA

Damn, I was hoping to catch you not

decent.

CASEY

(smirks)

Nope. I'm in pjs.

Mia looks at the cotton pants and tight tank top which reveals a few inches of her midriff.

MIA

(shrugs)

I suppose that'll do.

Casey laughs and pats the bed. Mia hops on.

MIA

I'm glad you called. I was really

bored.

CASEY

I always like to watch Sunday football

with company.

MIA

Why aren't you watching it with your

dad, then?

CASEY

Because I despise him and if I spend

any more time than necessary with him,

I'm afraid I'll go crazy.

Mia grabs a soda from the six-pack on Casey's nightstand.

MIA

You know he sure was happy to see me.

Is he always like that when you have

people over?

CASEY

Nope. It seems you're special.

MIA

Not even with Jamie?

CASEY

Especially not with Jamie.

(sighs)

He really doesn't like her. He's such

an ass. All superior and crap.

MIA

The money thing?

CASEY

Yeah.

MIA

There's more to her than her family's

money, or lack thereof. If your dad

can't see that, then his loss.

CASEY

(smiles)

That's what I'm thinking.

Mia wiggles around slightly.

MIA

What is this? I meant to ask you that

the other day.

CASEY

(confused)

What?

MIA

This bed. It's like laying on a cloud.

I want it.

CASEY

It's a feather mattress. And you'll

have to get your own.

(shakes her finger)

You can't have mine.

MIA

(grins)

Will you at least let me sleep in it

every once in a while?

Casey laughs.

CASEY

You don't do subtlety, do you?

MIA

Subtlety is a waste of time. Better to

just say what you mean outright and

not make people guess.

CASEY

Mmm. Good point. But no, you can't

sleep in my bed.

MIA

I promise I'll keep my hands to

myself.

CASEY

(laughs)

No, you won't.

MIA

(indignantly)

When have I ever touched you against

your will?

CASEY

When you spent the night the last

time.

MIA

That was just cuddling.

CASEY

No, uh..

(chuckles)

You grabbed my ass in your sleep.

Mia chokes on her soda.

CASEY

Are you okay?

MIA

(wheezes)

Yeah.

(pauses)

You're not serious?

CASEY

(smiles)

Oh, I'm serious. Startled the hell out

of me.

Mia face turns bright red.

MIA

(flustered)

I'm so sorry. I totally...

Casey pats her hand.

CASEY

(teases)

It's ok. I'm only mildly traumatized.

MIA

I didn't mean...

CASEY

(interrupts)

Mia, relax. It's okay. I'm used to

being fondled by now. Remember the

dance we went to?

MIA

I wanted to kick those girls' asses.

Now I want to kick my own ass.

CASEY

Don't beat yourself up over it. It

really is okay. I mean, not okay...

but okay.

They both chuckle.

MIA

That totally doesn't make any sense.

CASEY

But you know what I mean, right?

MIA

Yeah, I do.

They smile at each other and settle back to watch the game.

CUT TO:

INT. UU CHURCH LOUNGE - CONTINUOUS

Andrea and Jamie have each claimed a couch for themselves and are both laying along them.

ANDREA

How much longer until Clark is done

helping Laura?

JAMIE

I don't know.

ANDREA

What's Casey up to? You know, you

should bring her here sometime.

JAMIE

She's at her place watching football

with Mia.

ANDREA

Oh.

Andrea glances over at her.

ANDREA

You know, there's this stupid gossip

floating around school.

JAMIE

You don't listen to gossip.

ANDREA

I do when it involves Casey.

Jamie looks over at her.

JAMIE

What is it?

Andrea sits up.

ANDREA

People are saying she went to the

dance rehearsal to watch Mia.

JAMIE

That's not a big deal.

ANDREA

Yeah, but they were making it sound

like... I don't know, but I didn't

like the sound of it. I yelled at

them.

JAMIE

(shakes her head)

Well, it's not true.

ANDREA

Yeah, I didn't think so either. I just

wanted to warn you in case someone

told you about it, so you can be

prepared to deliver some ass-kicking

punishment for spreading rumors about

your girlfriend.

Clark opens the door.

CLARK

Hey. I thought you guys were gonna

come help me.

ANDREA

Babysitting all those little snot-

nosed brats? Nuh-uh.

Jamie sighs.

CLARK

What's wrong?

JAMIE

Nothing.

CLARK

C'mon then. Tara's asking for you.

JAMIE

Is she the little redheaded girl?

CLARK

Yeah.

Jamie smiles and stands up.

JAMIE

You should've told me earlier. She's

so cute. I'm going to kidnap her and

adopt her.

CLARK

(grins)

Aw, and Casey can be the daddy.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM – LATER

After the game, Mia's laying in the bed on her stomach, her face buried in Casey's pillow. Casey sits on the edge.

CASEY

(teasingly)

C'mon honey, you're going to be late

for school.

She pokes Mia's ribcage.

MIA

(muffled)

That tickles.

Casey does it again.

MIA

(muffled)

Stop before I'm forced to get up and

kick your ass.

CASEY

(grins)

C'mon. So they lost. They've still got

a winning record.

MIA

(muffled)

I don't care. They lost to the most

craptacular team ever. I'm so

embarrassed.

CASEY

You know I never figured you for a

Cowboy's fan.

Mia sits up.

MIA

They're the greatest. I want to be

Dallas Cowboys' Cheerleader when I

grow up.

CASEY

Assuming you ever do.

Mia takes the pillow and whacks Casey over the head with it. Casey laughs and dodges the second swipe.

CASEY

Kidding. I think you'd make a great

cheerleader. You've certainly got the

dancing part covered.

MIA

Speaking of, are you coming to my

dance concert?

CASEY

Uh...

MIA

Oh come on. Are you really going to

pass up the opportunity to watch all

those girls plus me, dancing around in

skimpy outfits?

CASEY

I don't know.

MIA

It'll be fun.

CASEY

Alright. I need things on my schedule

to keep me occupied this week. Jamie's

grounded.

MIA

(skeptically)

Really.

CASEY

Yeah. She got in trouble for that

party.

MIA

(nods)

Well then, I'll keep you occupied for

the week.

CASEY

(amused)

Really? And how do you plan to do

that?

MIA

(grins)

I'm not talking about that. You still

haven't seen much of So Cal, have you?

CASEY

I live across the street from the

beach. What more in Southern

California is there to see?

MIA

(gasps)

Blaspheme! How dare you say such a

thing about the place of my birth?

CASEY

I humbly apologize, m'lady.

MIA

That's it. I'm taking you to on the

grand tour. We'll go to Six Flags, the

Getty, Venice, the O.C., everywhere.

CASEY

In one day?

MIA

No, we'll spread it out. I don't want

to wear you out. What, with your

stamina and all.

CASEY

Wench.

MIA

Scamp.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY - MORNING

Jamie walks through a hallway to her first class. It's not terribly early, and groups of students are already milling about, leaning against walls, talking. She weaves her way through them.As she passes by, many students turn to give her knowing looks. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear self-consciously, and looks down as she increases her pace.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE – LUNCH

Casey, Clark, and Andrea come out of the Playhouse.

ANDREA

I'm craving Lifesavers.

CLARK

So get some.

They all sit down on their usual bench.

ANDREA

(pouts)

I don't have any change. Do you have

any change?

Clark shakes his head. Casey heads over to the vending machine wordlessly, and comes back a minute later with a roll of Lifesavers. Jamie rounds the corner, and pauses for a moment, watching Casey give Andrea a charming smile from a distance. She chews her lip, then resumes heading towards them.

CASEY

Here.

Casey hands them to Andrea as she sits back down.

ANDREA

I'm craving a Jamba Juice.

CASEY

(grins)

Well, you'll just have to deal because

I'm not going to drive over there to

get you one.

ANDREA

(shrugs)

I had to try.

Casey grins at Jamie as she joins them and sits on the other side of Casey.

CASEY

Hey. What's up?

JAMIE

(lightly)

Nothing. Oh but, I'm missing some

points for English class. I think I

need to do some extra credit.

CLARK

You know, only you would do extra

credit when you're already getting an

'A'.

JAMIE

(defensively)

I'm at 93%. You know how quickly that

could drop.

Andrea curses under her breath as she struggles to open the Lifesavers roll.

ANDREA

Why do they make freaking Lifesavers

packages CHILDPROOF?

CLARK

I know! What's up with that? They

should be easy to open.

Casey confiscates the package and easily rips it open.

ANDREA

I love you.

Casey hands it back with a smile.

CASEY

I love you too.

Jamie glances at her.

CASEY

Can I have one?

ANDREA

No!

CASEY

(incredulously)

But I bought it for you.

ANDREA

Well, I'm one of those really

possessive types that does NOT share.

CASEY

Did you fail the sharing part of

kindergarten too?

Clark laughs.

ANDREA

No, it's just my right as a woman.

CASEY

Well, I'm not possessive.

ANDREA

But you're the man in your guys'

relationship. Jamie's the possessive

one. It's in the rule-book.

Casey wraps an arm around Jamie's shoulder.

CASEY

Well, I never got a copy.

JAMIE

(absently)

I'm not possessive.

Casey gives Jamie a smile, then turns back to Andrea.

CASEY

Yeah, so you don't know what you're

talking about.

CLARK

She never does.

Andrea pokes Clark in the ribs.

ANDREA

Ok, so then I guess I won't tell you

about the guy I think likes you.

Clark's eyes widen.

CLARK

What?

ANDREA

Heh.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE – LATER

The bell rings and students start to head to classes.

CASEY

I'll walk you to your class.

JAMIE

But yours is all the way across the

street.

CASEY

(smiles)

I know, but I want to walk you. It'll

only take me a few minutes to get to

my class.

Jamie laces their fingers together as they walk.

JAMIE

You mean it'll only take you a few

minutes to run to class.

CASEY

I could use the exercise. I'm not

going to practice today.

JAMIE

Why not?

CASEY

Mia and I are going to hang out. I

think we're going to the Getty or

something like that.

JAMIE

Oh. When will you be back?

CASEY

(shrugs)

Not too late. I'll be able to call you

before your curfew.

Mia walks past them in the hall. She smiles at them as she passes.

CASEY

Meet you at the dance studio?

MIA

For sure. Hey, Jamie.

JAMIE

Hey.

Mia disappears into a classroom as the bell rings.

JAMIE

Have fun.

CASEY

At the Getty or running to class?

JAMIE

(smiles)

Both. Now get going.

Casey grins and turns around and Jamie gives her a little shove.

CASEY

I'm going, I'm going.

JAMIE

You're late already!

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - AN HOUR LATER

Casey flees to the safety of the hallway as the bell rings at the end of her class. She spots Andrea walking in front of her and sneaks up behind her to tickle her sides.

ANDREA

(laughs)

Stop!

She whirls around to whack Casey's shoulder.

CASEY

(grins)

Sorry. I couldn't resist.

ANDREA

I'll just have to continue beating

some sense into you.

CASEY

Sounds good to me.

She sticks her hands in her pockets as they stroll down the hallway.

CASEY

What do you think I should get Clark

for Christmas?

ANDREA

I don't know. Why are you asking me?

CASEY

Because you know him the best. Besides

Jamie. And I didn't ask her because

she's a terrible, terrible liar and

might give it away.

ANDREA

You know, I never thought about it.

We've never exchanged gifts or

anything like that.

CASEY

How long have you known him?

ANDREA

I think about 5 years.

CASEY

Ah. Can I ask you something?

ANDREA

(shrugs)

Sure. I reserve the right to beat you

if I find it too personal and

offensive.

CASEY

(grins)

Fair enough. Did you ever have a thing

for Clark?

ANDREA

(laughs)

Oh, yeah. Of course I did. Considering

we dated for a year.

CASEY

Really?

ANDREA

Yeah. We met in middle school and

started going out. This was before he

figured out he wanted to marry Antonio

Banderas, not be him.

CASEY

Oh, wow. And you guys managed to be

best friends after that?

ANDREA

Yeah. I mean, it was hard at first and

things were really weird between us

for another year after that, then I

realized I was little too into

Angelina Jolie myself, and he was

there for me when I was figuring

things out for myself.

CASEY

That's really cool

ANDREA

Yeah, it was.

(smiles)

Can I ask what you're getting Jamie

for Christmas?

CASEY

If you tell her, I'll.. I'll.. well, I

don't know what I'll do.

(narrows her eyes)

But it will be really mean.

ANDREA

I promise.

Casey glances around the hall, then leans in to whisper in Andrea's ear.

ANDREA

Really?

CASEY

(smiles)

Yeah.

ANDREA

That is so damn sweet. I think I want

to have your babies.

Casey starts laughing.

ANDREA

You have to promise me that when I get

a boyfriend or a girlfriend, you're

gonna give them lessons on how to be

perfect.

CASEY

I'm not perfect.

ANDREA

Shut up and say you'll do it.

CASEY

That doesn't make sense. How can I

shut up and then tell you I'll do it?

ANDREA

(grins)

You're such a smart ass.

CASEY

(grins)

I know. So who likes Clark?

ANDREA

I think Caleb does.

CASEY

(raises an eyebrow)

Intriguing. I'll work on Caleb if you

work on Clark.

ANDREA

(grins)

Deal. That boy needs some love in his

life.

CUT TO:

INT. DEAN DANCE STUDIO – AFTERNOON

Casey comes in the studio as a group of dancers are still rehearsing. Mia and Meagan are leaning against a wall, watching them and talking. Mia glances over and spots Casey and smiles. She grabs her messenger bag and grins at Meagan.

MEAGAN

Have fun!

Meagan waves at them as Mia joins Casey.

CASEY

You're done already?

MIA

Yeah, I made sure we rehearsed our

number first.

CUT TO:

INT. GETTY MUSEUM MAIN GALLERY - AN HOUR LATER

Casey and Mia stroll through the Ancient Greek Life exhibit.

MIA

I saw Caleb checking Jamie's brother

out.

CASEY

Mmm. I know. Word is they like each

other.

MIA

Chris is jealous.

CASEY

He likes Caleb?

MIA

I suppose so. He won't talk about it

to me.

CASEY

That's weird.

MIA

I know. Normally he talks to me about

everything.

CASEY

Well, maybe he just doesn't need to.

Out of the corner of her eye, Casey notices a middle-aged man looking Mia up and down. Casey bites her lip in anger, then reaches out an arm, wrapping it around Mia's waist and pulling her close.

MIA

(startled)

Wh..?

CASEY

(whispers)

Just play along.

She whisks them off to another room in the gallery.

CASEY

There was this old guy checking you

out.

MIA

Ew.

CASEY

Yeah. I barely restrained myself from

going over to him and popping him in

the eye, but I didn't want to break

anything.

MIA

What if went over and stomped on his

foot with my heels?

Casey glances down at Mia's shoes with really pointy heels.

CASEY

That would hurt.

Mia nods her head and starts to leave but Casey tightens her grip on her waist and reels her back in.

CASEY

(grins)

I didn't say you should actually do

it.

MIA

Well, what am I supposed to do?

CASEY

Nothing. It's over.

MIA

What if someone else old and gross

stares at me?

CASEY

Then I'll play the indignant

girlfriend and fend them off.

MIA

You'd do that for me?

CASEY

(shrugs)

Sure. You do it for me whenever we go

dancing.

MIA

(grins)

True. I do suppose you owe me a favor.

In fact, I think you owe me more than

one.

CASEY

For what?

MIA

I seem to recall fending off a drunk

Meagan who wanted to challenge you to

a drinking game. I protected your

reputation that day, you know.

CASEY

That you did. C'mon. Let's make the

old men jealous.

Mia laughs.

MIA

Does that mean I get to feel you up in

front of them?

CASEY

(winks)

Only a little bit. And only when you

know for sure that someone's looking.

MIA

(grins)

Excellent.

Arm in arm, as if they're a couple of lovebirds, they walk back into the other room and deliberately pass in front of the man.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S ROOM – NIGHT

Casey and Mia laugh as they head into Mia's room, carrying bags of souvenirs and books. Mia flicks on the lights.

MIA

God, I think you bought out the entire

gift-shop.

CASEY

I like contributing to the economy.

And I got a nice poster of "Mischief

and Repose" for my wall.

MIA

And you bought me "Three Lovers". I'm

so happy.

CASEY

Do you think Jamie will like the one I

got her?

MIA

You bought her the Renoir, right?

CASEY

Yeah. La Promenade.

MIA

Yeah, I think she will. I would've

gotten that, but I'm a little more

into.. sensual.

CASEY

(chuckles)

I've noticed.

MIA

Will you help me put it up?

CASEY

Where?

MIA

On the ceiling above my bed.

CASEY

(laughs)

That's where you want to put it?

MIA

(defensively)

Yeah. Something wrong with that?

She puts her hands on her hips and regards Casey sternly.

CASEY

(smothers her grin)

Nope. Sounds like the perfect spot to

put a poster of an orgy.

MIA

It's not an orgy. It's a threesome and

it's Gericault. Now, put it up there.

CASEY

(grins)

Ok.

She kicks off her shoes and gets up on Mia's bed, poster in hand.

CASEY

Do you have those little sticky

things?

MIA

Yeah.

Casey unrolls the poster and positions it on Mia's ceiling.

CASEY

Is that good?

MIA

Perfect. Here.

Mia hands Casey a little foam square that has adhesive on both sides. She watches as Casey sticks it on the ceiling securely. With her arms outstretched above her head, her shirt rides up her stomach a few inches and Mia grins to herself.

MIA

Actually, no. Move it a little down.

Casey does so and moves the foam square.

MIA

Too far.

Casey moves it back.

MIA

Now you moved it too far back.

CASEY

Would you like me to just stand here

for all eternity and hold it up for

you, adjusting it whenever you see

fit?

MIA

(smirks)

Oh no, you don't need to go through

all that trouble. Just move it to the

right now. A little bit.

Casey moves it to her right.

MIA

I meant my right.

CASEY

Well, why don't you look at it the way

I'm looking at it, so you can get a

better idea of what you're doing?

MIA

Good idea.

She takes off her shoes and climbs onto the bed to stand behind Casey. She grabs onto the belt loops on Casey's jeans on both sides of her hips for balance and cranes her head back to look at the poster.

MIA

Back a little.

She tugs on Casey's belt loops to pull her back closer towards her, until her entire body is touching Casey's. Casey chuckles to herself as she realizes what Mia's doing.

CASEY

Mia, I'm putting this poster on the

wall right where it is now. No more

fussing.

MIA

(happily)

Ok.

Casey takes the remaining foam things and puts them on the ceiling, placing the poster over them.She stands there for another second, making sure it won't fall back down, then tries to hop down off the bed, but Mia's still got her fingers hooked in her belt loops.

CASEY

Mia..

MIA

(grins)

Yes?

Casey turns around to face her.

CASEY

(seriously)

Stop trying to get me into trouble.

Despite herself, Casey's gaze drops to Mia's lips. Mia notices and tugs her even closer and leans up to whisper in her ear, body brushing against Casey's.

MIA

(whispers)

Jamie will never find out.

Casey closes her eyes reflexively. Mia pulls back to study her face.

MIA

Okay?

Casey remains silent for a few moments, eyes still closed. Mia places her hands on either side of Casey's face and slowly starts to pull towards her to kiss her.

CASEY

(whispers)

No.

She shakes her head and opens her eyes back up again to look at Mia.

CASEY

No. I can't.

She gently removes Mia's hands from her face and hops down off the bed.

MIA

Casey..

CASEY

(softly)

No.

MIA

(pleading)

Can't we talk...

CASEY

(interrupts)

I said no!

As she puts her shoes back on, Mia climbs down to sit on the bed.

MIA

(voice breaking)

I'm sorry. I just.. I-I don't...

Casey starts to walk out of the room. Mia hangs her head.

MIA

I don't know what I'm doing. I think

I'm going a little crazy.

Casey pauses and sighs, then turns back to kneel in front of Mia.

CASEY

Look, I'm not going to cheat on Jamie.

No matter if I'm attracted to you or

not.

MIA

You're attracted to me?

Casey bites her lip.

CASEY

Honestly... yes. I mean, hell, Mia,

look at yourself.

Mia blushes slightly.

CASEY

But I'm not going to do anything about

it. I'm with Jamie, and if you can't

respect that, then...

MIA

(shakes her head)

No, no. I do. It's just.. I don't

know. I guess walking around together

like we did today.. like we were a

couple... I got a glimpse of what it

would be like to be your girlfriend,

and for a while there I started

pretending that I was. Not Jamie. I

didn't exactly snap back to reality, I

guess.

CASEY

(sighs)

I'm gonna go, okay? I think we need to

just chill on our own for a few days.

Mia's shoulders slump.

MIA

(quietly)

Okay. But I mean... you'll still come

to my concert, right? It would really

mean a lot to me..

(shyly)

A-and it would be nice to have someone

in the audience.. you know?

CASEY

(softly)

Yeah, I'll be there.

She leaves, closing the door quietly. Mia falls back onto the bed and hugs her pillow.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - A MOMENT LATER

Casey enters her bedroom, carrying a couple bags from the museum. She dumps them on the floor and glances at the whiteboard on her wall, where she and Mia wrote lists of what they were thankful for. She stares at her name on the top of Mia's list guiltily, then pulls the board off the wall and slides it under her bed.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S ROOM – LATER

Mia's laying on her bed, talking on the phone, hand over her eyes.

MIA

God, Chris. It's like I can't go

longer than a few days without

screwing something important up.

CHRIS

(on phone)

What happened?

MIA

Casey came over here and I threw

myself at her like some wanton

strumpet.

CHRIS

(on phone)

Sounds hot.

MIA

No, it really wasn't. Well, it kind of

was. I mean, I rubbed myself up

against her for a few minutes, but.. I

tried to manipulate her, Chris.

(starts to cry)

And a couple weeks ago, I promised

Jamie I wouldn't try to interfere or

anything. After I gave my freaking

word to the girl... And not only that

but Casey.. she left, and I don't

think she.. I think I've lost one of

my best friends, a-and.. everything's

just completely blown up in my face

and I don't know how it all got that

way.

CHRIS

(on phone)

Sit tight. I'm coming over and we're

getting drunk.

MIA

(sniffs)

Ok.

CHRIS

(on phone)

Alright?

MIA

Yeah. Bring uh..

(wipes her eyes)

Bring some Bailey's.

CHRIS

I will. See you in a little bit.

She hangs up.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS

Like Mia, Casey's laying on her bed and dialing a number on her phone.

CASEY

Hey. Listen, can you come over? I

kinda wanted to talk.

(pauses)

Ok. See you in five.

CUT TO:

EXT. CASEY'S HOUSE - A MOMENT LATER

Andrea gets out of the car and closes the door.

ANDREA

(to herself)

Ok, Farrell. What did you need to talk

about that couldn't be talked about

over the phone?

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS

The doorbell rings and Casey pulls open the door. Andrea breezes past her inside.

ANDREA

What did you do?

CASEY

(bewildered)

What makes you think I did anything?

ANDREA

Well, what else would happen that you

would need to bypass Jamie and Clark

to talk about?

Casey sighs and closes the door.

CASEY

You want something to drink?

ANDREA

I'll have what you're having.

CASEY

I'm having the strongest bourbon I

have in my bar.

ANDREA

(makes a face)

I'll just have water then.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Chris walks in the front door, carrying a large brown paper bag. Mia's sitting on the couch, hugging a throw pillow. He walks over and begins pulling out bottles and placing them on the coffee table in front of her. She wordlessly grabs the bottle of Bailey's Irish Creme and gets up to head into the kitchen.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S DEN - CONTINUOUS

Andrea's sitting on a tall stool at the counter of Casey's mini bar. Casey's behind the counter, pouring their drinks. She finishes and stands across from Andrea with her hands on the edge of the bar, leaning forward.

ANDREA

So, out with it.

CASEY

(sighs)

I.. I don't really know where to

start.

Andrea takes a sip of her water.

ANDREA

Listen, Casey. You can tell me

anything. Even though I've known Clark

for a long time, and Jamie's like a

little sister to me.. you're Jamie's

girlfriend and kind of a little sister

to me as well, by default.

CASEY

(wryly)

We're the same age, Andrea.

ANDREA

Go with it, Farrell.

Casey takes a big gulp of her drink.

CASEY

I think I have the hots for Mia.

ANDREA

(slowly)

Ooookay.

She plays with the rim of her glass as she waits for Casey to tell her more, but Casey remains silent.

ANDREA

You didn't sleep with her did you?

CASEY

(horrified)

No! Of course not.

She starts shaking her head vigorously.

ANDREA

Well, okay then.

CASEY

Ok.

Andrea drinks silently, waiting as Casey starts fidgeting and tapping her foot. Finally, Casey blows out a breath.

CASEY

That's not wrong, is it?

ANDREA

Being attracted to someone else while

being committed to one person? No.

Name me someone who isn't attracted to

someone else.

CASEY

(nods)

Ok.

Casey takes a drink.

CASEY

(suddenly)

Are you sure?

ANDREA

(exasperatedly)

Yes, Casey, but obviously you think

it's wrong. Is there something else

going on here?

CASEY

No, I-I just.. I guess I feel kind

of... guilty.

ANDREA

Why would you feel that? Have you told

Jamie about this?

CASEY

God, no. Are you kidding me? She's

insecure enough. I do my best to try

and fix that, not make it worse.

ANDREA

Well, I can tell you that no good can

come from hiding things from her.

She's your girlfriend, and you're

supposed to be honest with her.

CASEY

(sighs)

I know. I know.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S ROOM - LATE NIGHT

Mia's drinking directly out of the Bailey's bottle at this point.

MIA

(drunkenly)

She leads me on. She's evil incarnate.

I can't decide whether I want to

strangle her or kiss her senseless.

Chris gives her a grin as he gulps his Screwdriver.

MIA

Don't you smirk at me. This is what I

have been reduced to. Some heartbroken

whiney trollop. Things were perfect

until she and her.. self decided to

roll into my life and throw everything

into chaos. Now it's like I can't

concentrate on anything. I failed my

English exam! Chris, I speak English!

She puts the bottle on her nightstand disgustedly.

CHRIS

And you studied really hard for that

test.

She lays back on her bed and throws a forearm over her eyes.

MIA

I studied with her! And when it came

time to take the test, I couldn't

remember shit! Because I was paying

more attention to her than the damn

textbook! How dare she? How dare she

be so... nice? And sweet and charming

and tall and funny and talented and-

and have those eyes... and..

She trails off.

CHRIS

Mia?

MIA

(sleepily)

Uh?

CHRIS

I'm out. You're about to crash and so

am I, so I'll just see you tomorrow.

She grumbles incoherently and he gets up to leave. Suddenly, Mia's arm shoots out and grabs Chris's car keys from the nightstand.

CHRIS

Wh..

MIA

(mumbles)

Take a cab.

CHRIS

But..

She stuffs the keys in her cleavage as a reply, then rolls over onto her side and pulls the comforter over her head.

CHRIS

Eh. You're right.

He grabs the bottle of Bailey's.

CHRIS

Then I'm taking this.

MIA

(mumbles)

Mmpf.

He flicks off the light and leaves, closing the door behind him.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - MORNING

Casey runs into Jamie on the way to Marine Biology.

CASEY

(smiles)

Hey.

JAMIE

(smiles)

Hey. You're bright and early this

morning.

CASEY

Yeah, well, I wanted to talk to you.

JAMIE

About what?

Casey bites her lip and studies her shoes as they walk.

CASEY

Uh, well um..

(sighs)

N-nothing in particular.. I guess. I

just like having some time to hang out

with you and talk before class.

JAMIE

Me too. Especially since I can't hang

out this week.

CASEY

Yeah. We need to go out somewhere when

you're done being grounded to

celebrate.

JAMIE

Like where?

CASEY

(grins)

I don't know, but I'll think of

something.

JAMIE

Ok.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Mia's still in bed, sleeping. She rolls over onto her stomach and flinches.

MIA

(sleepily)

Ow.

She pulls out Chris's car keys from the front of her shirt.

MIA

(confused)

What the hell?

She throws the keys across the room and sticks her head under her pillow. The phone rings and she groans, reaching out blindly for the phone.

MIA

(hoarsely)

Hello?

CHRIS

(on phone)

Hey, you alright?

MIA

I'm fine. Why?

CHRIS

(on phone)

Because class started like an hour ago

and you're still not here.

MIA

(sighs)

Shit. I really don't want to go. I

have two classes with Casey today.

CHRIS

(on phone)

And the Mia I know wouldn't chicken

out like that. Go to class.

MIA

Alright. Are you going to pick me up

or will I be forced to resort to

public transportation?

CHRIS

(on phone)

You have my car keys, remember? My

car's still at your place. Drive it

over here.

MIA

Alright. See you.

She sits up.

MIA

Damn, where did I throw those keys?

CUT TO:

INT. GEOMETRY - LATER

Class has already started and Casey's sitting in her seat. Mia hurries in and stops just inside the doorway.

HAGGERTY

You're late, Miss Hazelwood.

MIA

(sarcastically)

Really?

He sighs and continues on with the lesson. Mia bites her lip as she surveys the classroom, looking for an empty seat. The only seat available is the one next to Casey. She inhales deeply and hurries over, collapsing in the seat. Casey glances over surreptitiously for a second, but doesn't say anything and turns back to her notebook. As Mr. Haggerty drones on, Casey and Mia are both hyper-aware of each other, and absolutely refuse look at each other or even acknowledge that the other is sitting next to them.

CUT TO:

INT. GEOMETRY - AN HOUR LATER

The bell rings and Casey grabs her things and leaves quickly. Mia watches her go as Chris saunters over.

CHRIS

Is it cold in here, or is it just me?

Mia shoves her things in her messenger bag.

CHRIS

Hung over?

MIA

Yeah. Why did I even come here?

CHRIS

Because my dear, I refuse to let you

flunk out and be forced to live on the

streets.

MIA

Well, let's just say I'm definitely

not looking forward to English.

CUT TO:

INT. ENGLISH - LATER

Mia shuffles into English and picks a seat in the corner. Students stream into the room and take seats as the break winds down. The bell rings, signaling the start of class, but Casey's still nowhere to be found. Mrs. Chesler starts looking around the classroom, mentally taking role.

KAREN

Where's Casey?

A few people look around. She looks at Mia.

KAREN

Mia, do you know if Casey's sick?

MIA

(sullenly)

I don't know.

KAREN

Alright then everyone.. let's get

started.

As she starts a lesson, Mia discreetly pulls out her cell phone and types in a text message.

DEMENTEDBUTRFLY

(IM)

Where are you?

Her finger hovers over the send button.

CUT TO:

EXT. BEACH – CONTINUOUS

Casey's sitting on the sand near the water, watching a few boats and windsurfers zip around in the surf. She sighs and pulls out her cell phone, dialing a number.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Jamie's lying on her stomach on her bed, working on some homework when the phone rings. She rolls over to snatch it up from her nightstand.

JAMIE

Hello?

CASEY

(on phone)

Hey.

JAMIE

(smiles)

Hey, you. What are you up to?

CASEY

Nothing. I'm just hanging out at the

beach in front of my house.

JAMIE

Wait, aren't you supposed to be in

class?

CASEY

I didn't feel too good, so I left.

JAMIE

Oh. Are you okay? You seemed alright

during lunch.

CASEY

Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. A big headache

just kind of sprung up on me in

French. I had to get out of there.

JAMIE

Are you sure everything's okay? Some

people...

CUT TO:

EXT. BEACH - CONTINUOUS

Jamie trails off.

CASEY

What?

JAMIE

(on phone)

Some people are saying that you and

Mia have been avoiding each other all

day. Did something happen between you

two?

Casey bites her lip.

JAMIE

(continues)

Like an argument or something?

Casey rubs the bridge of her nose.

CASEY

No, no. Uh, it's just.. you know

people, they like to pull stuff out of

their asses to talk about. Things have

been kind of quiet and boring lately.

I guess they felt the need to shake

things up with some juicy.. albeit

fake, gossip.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Jamie bites the end of her pencil.

JAMIE

Yeah, that's true.

CASEY

(on phone)

Maybe we'll have to do something

shocking to give them something else

to talk about.

JAMIE

Oh, yeah? Like what?

Casey chuckles and Jamie smiles bashfully.

JAMIE

Nevermind. I already know what's

running through your mind.

CASEY

Well, how do you know? I'll have you

know I was thinking about serenading

you in the middle of the quad.

(teases)

What exactly were you thinking about,

missy?

JAMIE

(laughs)

Uhhh...

CASEY

(laughs)

Yeah, exactly.

They both pause in a comfortable silence.

JAMIE

(gently)

I'm gonna let you go. You should get

some rest.

CASEY

Yeah, that's probably a good idea.

JAMIE

I...

(softly)

I-I hope you feel better.

CUT TO:

EXT. BEACH - CONTINUOUS

Casey smiles to herself.

CASEY

Thanks. I'll call you later.

JAMIE

(on phone)

Ok. Bye.

They both hang up. Casey notices an IM on her screen from Mia. She closes the flip phone without opening up the message.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM – AFTERNOON

Casey strolls in from the beach and sees Conor sitting on the couch, watching some tv. He flicks it off. She starts to head for the stairs.

CONOR

(angrily)

You want to tell me what you spent a

thousand dollars on at the Getty

Museum? What, did you buy a statue?

She stops.

CASEY

(sardonically)

Ohh, just when things were starting to

brighten up.

She turns to face him.

CASEY

On stuff at the gift shop. How did you

know about that?

CONOR

It's on your credit card statement.

CASEY

(nods)

Oh, how nice. You actually took the

time notice. However, like you said,

it's on my statement. Not yours.

CONOR

It's still my concern.

CASEY

When it's not even your money?

He clenches his jaw.

CASEY

It's my money, which I get from my

stipend, from my trust, which I get

from grandma and grandpa. You never

had a hand in it. Besides, what's the

big deal? You have single suits that

are worth more than what I spent at

the museum.

CONOR

I'm a little concerned about your

spending habits. A thousand dollars at

a gift shop. Dresses from high-end

designers for your girlfriend.

CASEY

(shakes her head)

Oh, no. Don't you even complain about

that. You were the one who was worried

she wouldn't look 'respectable'.

She blows out a breath and stalks towards the stairs.

CASEY

I'm having a crappy enough week

already. Can we table this until next

week?

She heads up the stairs without even waiting for his reply.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE – AFTERNOON

The cast pours out of the Playhouse as rehearsal ends.

CLARK

I am so tired from the constant

practicing of fight scenes.

CASEY

(to herself)

Glad to see someone has worse stamina

than me.

CLARK

What?

CASEY

(innocently)

Nothing.

Andrea snickers. Tyler is waiting outside the fence for Clark and Jamie.

CLARK

Dad's here, James.

JAMIE

You go ahead. I'll be there in a

second.

ANDREA

I'll see you guys.

Jamie turns to Casey who fidgets slightly.

JAMIE

So I was thinking.. did you want to

come to church with us on Sunday?

CASEY

Why?

(smiles)

Trying to convert me?

JAMIE

(smiles)

No. There's not really anything to

convert you to; I told you that. But

it's more like.. I don't know. My

dad's going to be there.

CASEY

And you want me to spend some time

with him?

JAMIE

Yeah. I'd really like it if he could

get a chance to know you and learn

that you're not evil incarnate like he

thinks you are.

Casey glances over to Clark and Tyler nervously.

CASEY

Uh..

JAMIE

Please? For me?

Casey gazes at her fondly for a moment, then nods.

CASEY

(gently)

Yeah. Yeah. But if he decides to kill

me, it's your fault and you're out of

the will.

JAMIE

(laughs)

Shut up.

Jamie leans up to reward her with a sweet kiss.

JAMIE

(smiles)

Thank you.

CASEY

No problem.

JAMIE

I better go.

She gives Casey another smile and heads for the gate.

CASEY

(calls after her)

I'll call you!

JAMIE

Ok!

CUT TO:

INT. GREEN ROOM – NIGHT

Mia, along with a rest of the dancers who performed are posing for a group picture for clamoring parents and friends in the green room after the show. Mia blinks after the round of bright flashes go off. The group breaks up and dancers heads to their respective families to talk. Mia runs a hand through her hair and makes her way through the crowd to a corner of the room. She leans against the wall and looks around the room sullenly, seeing Meagan laughing with another friend and her parents. Chris is talking to another dancer and posing for another round of pictures for their parents. Another performer accepts a small

bouquet of flowers from his mom. Mia blows out a breath and starts to turn to leave when Casey emerges from the crowd, with a handful of yellow roses.

CASEY

(quietly)

Hey.

MIA

(smiles)

Hey.

She hands the flowers to Mia, who brings them to her nose.

MIA

These are beautiful.

Casey gives her a small smile.

CASEY

Yeah, I thought you'd like them.

MIA

Thank you.

CASEY

You're welcome.

Mia steps forward and wraps her arms around Casey's neck.

MIA

I-I was worried.. I mean, I didn't

think.. you'd come.

Casey wraps her arms around Mia in return and squeezes.

CASEY

I told you I'd come. I always keep my

word.

Mia pulls back slightly to wipe the unfallen tears from her eyes.

CASEY

And I seem to recall telling you that

I'd always be there to look out for

you. That'll never change.

MIA

I'm so sorry-

CASEY

(shakes her head)

No, no. It's..

She clears her throat.

CASEY

I just needed a few days to kind of

figure things out. But now that...

it's kind of out in the open, I think

from now on, things won't be so....

tense. You know?

MIA

Yeah.

CASEY

I just.. I don't want to lose you as a

friend.

MIA

I don't want to lose you either. I'm

really sorry for the way I behaved.

CASEY

It's alright. I think it's my fault,

actually. Remember how I told you it

was ok to flirt with me?

MIA

Yeah.

CASEY

So, you're not really to blame. I told

you to do it. I didn't exactly realize

I would.. like it so much.

Mia chuckles.

CASEY

So we're ok, now?

MIA

(nods)

Yeah.

CASEY

(smiles)

Ok. Well, I can't really stay long.

I've got some make-up English homework

to do.

MIA

Ok.

CASEY

(seriously)

You did really well tonight. I'm proud

of you.

MIA

(softly)

Thank you.

CASEY

I'll see you tomorrow.

MIA

Night.

She breathes in the scent of her flowers again as she watches Casey leave.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON

Casey walks in afterschool and dumps her backpack on the floor.

CONOR

Casey?

Conor's in the dining room, dressed in khaki slacks and a polo shirt, wearing a golf glove and holding his putter.

CASEY

Yeah?

CONOR

Can you come here? I want to talk to

you.

CASEY

Sure.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

CASEY

Are you going to go play a round?

CONOR

Yeah, but I want to talk to you first.

CASEY

Alright. About what?

He sighs and fiddles with his glove.

CONOR

Look, we have a lot of problems,

Casey. I don't like it.

CASEY

Well, I don't like it either. It's not

like I enjoy getting into constant

arguments.

CONOR

Me neither. I don't really know why

we're always arguing. I don't think we

really spend enough time together. We

can't see eye to eye on things when

I'm away working all the time and

you're off...

She raises an eyebrow.

CONOR

See? I don't even know what you do.

CASEY

Ok, so what are we going to do about

it?

CONOR

Richard's assistant at the firm quit.

He's been looking for a replacement. I

talked to him, and he's going to hire

you.

Casey shakes her head in confusion.

CASEY

Wait, what?

CONOR

(smiles)

You're going to start working at the

firm. It's not exactly what we need,

but it's a step in the right

direction. We'll be able to spend some

more time together.

CASEY

No, wait a minute.

(starts ticking off her fingers)

I have school and homework, I'm

playing varsity soccer, I'm starring

in the school play and I make time to

spend with my girlfriend. When in the

hell am I going to find time to run

around your firm, doing work I'm not

even qualified for?

CONOR

You're a bright kid, Casey.

CASEY

Yes, but that doesn't change the fact

that I'm up to my ears in my schedule

already. I understand that you think

this will help us with our problems,

but it's just going to create more

problems for me individually.

CONOR

Well, clean up your schedule.

CASEY

There's no way you're going to let me

drop soccer. I can't legally drop

school. I've busted my ass off for

this play, and if you think I'm giving

up Jamie, you're insane.

CONOR

The most reasonable thing to drop

would be the play. You want to

continue seeing Jamie, that's fine,

but why waste your time on a silly

little play? This is a tremendous

opportunity, Casey. Not only will we

get to see each other more often, but

you'll gain valuable experience that

will come in handy for your career.

When it comes time to fill out your

college applications, this will be

gold, and you'll instantly be able to

go to any law school you want. This is

your future, Casey.

She crosses her arms and clenches her jaw.

CONOR

Alright?

CASEY

What if I don't want to be a lawyer?

CONOR

(laughs)

What?

CASEY

What if I don't want you to shove me

into this mold of who you want me to

be? What if...

(gasps dramatically)

I want to act for a living?

CONOR

Don't be ridiculous, Casey. Acting is

child's play; being an attorney, now

that's a real living. A living

befitting someone of your status.

CASEY

With the money I'm going to inherit, I

can do anything I please. Why not

acting?

CONOR

So that's what you plan to do with

your life? Run around playing make-

believe and sitting back on your cushy

inheritance?

CASEY

(getting louder)

And the alternative is what? Going to

Yale, like you? Becoming a high-

powered workaholic, like you? Becoming

someone who will never be around for

their kids, like you? Becoming a self-

absorbed greedy asshole, like you?

CONOR

(snaps)

Casey Farrell! You do NOT speak to me

like that. I am still your father!

CASEY

Not by choice.

He reaches out and slaps her, then freezes. She recoils slowly and they both seem equally stunned by what he's done.

CONOR

(shocked)

I...

Suddenly, she reaches out and yanks the golf putter out of his hands and flings it towards the china cabinet across the wall, smashing through the glass door and sending a few pieces of crystal crashing to the ground. She stands there and glares at him for a few more moments, then bolts out the front door.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S CAR - A MOMENT LATER

Casey shuts off the ignition and rests her forehead on the steering wheel for a few moments, before pulling out her cell phone and dialing a number.

CASEY

Hey. Are you home?

(pauses)

Can I come in?

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Mia hangs up the phone and heads to the front door, pulling it open just as Casey reaches the porch.

MIA

(smiles)

Hey.

Her face falls as she notices the lurid bruise forming on Casey's cheekbone.

MIA

What happened?

CASEY

I.. I, uh.. just got into the biggest

fight with my dad, and um..

MIA

Did he...?

Casey remains silent. Mia reaches out and pulls her into a hug.

MIA

Are you ok?

Casey nods, not trusting herself to speak. After a few moments, Mia lets go and pulls Casey inside the house, shutting the door.

MIA

Go on upstairs and wait for me, I'm

gonna get you some ice.

Casey heads for the stairs without a word.

CUT TO:

INT. MIA'S ROOM - A MOMENT LATER

Casey's laying on the bed with a forearm over her eyes as Mia walks in with a bag of ice. Casey starts to sit

up, but Mia puts a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

MIA

No, it's ok. Relax. Just lift your

head up.

CASEY

Ok.

Mia sits cross-legged in the spot where Casey's head was, and guides Casey's head back down to rest on her crossed legs. She gently places the ice on her bruise and Casey sighs and closes her eyes.

CASEY

Thanks.

MIA

You're welcome.

She starts to stroke Casey's hair and studies her face for a few moments.

MIA

Has this happened before?

CASEY

No. Never. I..

Casey's brow furrows.

CASEY

I don't understand w-why he would...

She closes her eyes tighter.

CASEY

I mean, I guess.. I did call him an

asshole to his face or something to

that effect.. but it was just.. out of

nowhere. I..

Mia sniffles quietly.

MIA

(softly)

No, it always seems like it comes out

of nowhere.

Casey opens her eyes to see that Mia is crying more than she is.

CASEY

(gently)

Hey.

MIA

My dad never hit me. But my mom...

before she started popping all the

pills in the medicine cabinet, she was

just.. a very frustrated person. She

was always frustrated, especially with

me. I mean, I can see... she had me

when she was really young and...

CASEY

Hey.

Casey pulls the ice bag off her cheek, and pats the bed, indicating that Mia should lay down next to her, and she does so. Casey pulls Mia over so Mia's head is resting on her shoulder. Mia takes a deep breath to calm herself.

MIA

God, look at me. You come to me

needing some comfort, and then I end

up crying on your shoulder.

CASEY

It's ok.

Casey starts to rub her back soothingly with a hand.

MIA

(blows out a breath)

Parents suck.

CASEY

Yeah, they do. We should ship them all

to the moon.

MIA

Nah, they can stay here. I'll go to

Paris.

CASEY

I love Paris.

MIA

I've still haven't been there. I'm

dying to go.

CASEY

When's your birthday?

MIA

It's in May.

CASEY

I'll take you for your birthday. Paris

really is beautiful in the springtime.

MIA

You will?

CASEY

Yeah.

MIA

(smiles)

Ok.

Mia studies the neck in front of her and draws a finger down Casey's jaw. Casey swallows hard and turns her head towards Mia until they're breathing the same charged air. After another moment, as though pulled by a magnetic force, she ducks her head down and kisses Mia. She pulls back, and Mia gazes at her for a moment, then buries her fingers in Casey's hair and brings their lips together again. Inhibition falls away, and Casey deepens the kiss and rolls them over until she's bracing her body over Mia's. Mia moves her hands from Casey's hair and runs them down her back, pulling her closer. Casey's hands start to wander, and one slips under her shirt to lightly brush Mia's trim stomach, and Mia moans softly into the kiss. This seems to bring Casey out of her haze and she breaks off the kiss, breathing heavily. Mia gets pulled out of her haze as well and her eyes widen slightly as she realizes what they've just done.

MIA

(whispers)

You should go.

Casey looks at Mia uncertainly for a few moments, until Mia gently pushes her back.

CASEY

(at a loss)

I.. I.. yeah. I'll... go.

She climbs off the bed and leaves without another comment. Mia bites her lip and rolls over, burying her face in her pillow.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S CAR - LATER

Casey gets in and closes the door. She blows out a breath and rests her head on the steering wheel again.

CASEY

(mutters)

Pull your shit together, Casey.

She pulls out her cell phone.

ANDREA

(on phone)

Hello?

CASEY

Hey, it's Casey.

ANDREA

Hey, what's up?

CASEY

Nothing. I-I-I just.. I..

ANDREA

(sighs)

What's wrong now?

CASEY

(quietly)

I screwed up.

ANDREA

You slept with Mia, didn't you?

CASEY

No, no.

She shakes her head and pinches the bridge of her nose to fend off the impending headache.

CASEY

I-I kissed her.

ANDREA

(scoffs)

Like that's any better?

CASEY

No, it's not.

ANDREA

Casey, you need to pull your shit

together.

Casey chuckles to herself.

ANDREA

It's not funny.

CASEY

(sobers)

No, it's not. I know. I'm gonna talk

to Jamie.

ANDREA

You're going to tell her, right?

CASEY

Should I?

ANDREA

Hell, yes, you should. And I can't

guarantee she won't blow up and dump

you.

CASEY

Shit. Shit!

She slams the heel of her hand on her steering wheel.

CASEY

That's it. It's over. She's going to

break up with me and never speak to me

again because I can't keep it in my

pants. Why can't I keep it in my

pants?

ANDREA

I thought you said you didn't sleep

with her.

CASEY

You know what I mean. But I didn't

mean for this to happen! It was just..

she was there, and it was like... I

can't explain it.

ANDREA

Well, you better figure out how to

explain it before you talk to Jamie.

If it's somewhat reasonable and you

apologize and beg and grovel and send

her enough flowers, things might not

turn out to be a disaster. If it

does.. well, I don't know what to tell

you.

CASEY

(sighs)

Shit. I know. Alright. Thanks... for..

not chewing my head off.

ANDREA

Oh no, believe me, if things turn for

the worst, I'll yell at you plenty..

at least as much as you deserve.

CASEY

Ok. I'm gonna go figure things out,

and I'll talk to her tomorrow before

rehearsal.

ANDREA

Alright, I'll see you then.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Casey cautiously opens the front door, peeking into the living room. She walks in and heads for the stairs and notices Conor sitting on the couch in the den, a worried frown on his face. She immediately hurries up the stairs and the sound of her door slamming echoes down.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS

Casey falls backward onto her bed and switches on the tv for background noise. She stares at the ceiling and flips the remote in her hand around as she thinks.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Conor approaches her door and tentatively knocks.

CONOR

(muffled)

Casey? Are you alright?

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

She stops fiddling with the remote, but remains silent.

CUT TO:

INT. CASEY'S HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS

CONOR

I-I just... I was really worried that

you.. you would just take off. I'm

glad you came home.

He hears a few muted footsteps, then the door opens.

CASEY

Can you just leave me alone already?

She slams the door in his face. He runs a hand through his hair.

CONOR

(unsure)

Anyways, I'm just glad you're safe. If

you want to talk.. I...

He gives up and leaves.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE – MORNING

Casey adjusts the messenger bag strap on her shoulder as she waits outside of the Playhouse before rehearsal. She checks her watch every few moments and rocks back and forth on her heels.

CUT TO:

EXT. WEST ENTRANCE – CONTINUOUS

Jamie and Clark walk towards the gate.

JAMIE

I can't believe you haven't even read

the scene you're doing today.

CLARK

It slipped my mind.

A few students are loitering outside the gate. They look at Jamie and whisper amongst themselves.

CLARK

What was that?

JAMIE

I don't know. It's been happening all

week.

CLARK

Want me to go kick their asses?

JAMIE

(smiles)

No, it's okay. I'll take care of it.

Sooner or later the gossip mongers

will get a life.

CUT TO:

EXT. PLAYHOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Finally, Casey spots Jamie and Clark heading towards her and she takes a nervous breath.

CLARK

Hey! You're early. You're never this

early for rehearsal.

CASEY

(shrugs)

There's a first time for everything.

JAMIE

Can I talk to you for a minute?

Casey is thrown a little, but nods.

CASEY

Sure.

CLARK

I'm heading inside you guys.

He wiggles his play at them.

CLARK

Still working on the whole memorizing

lines business. See you in a little

bit.

He pulls open the door and walks inside the Playhouse. Jamie pulls Casey's arm and Casey follows her over to a bench.

CASEY

Did you talk to Andrea?

JAMIE

(confused)

No. Why?

CASEY

(relieved)

Oh, uh.. it's just I talked to her

last night and she said.. she was

going to call you.

JAMIE

(shakes her head)

Oh, no. She didn't.

Casey clears her throat nervously. Then Jamie notices the faint bruise on Casey's cheek.

JAMIE

What is that?

CASEY

What?

Jamie reaches out and lightly brushes the bruise with her fingertips. Casey's face flushes.

CASEY

Oh, uh, practice.

JAMIE

Soccer?

CASEY

Yeah, I was trying to steal the ball

from Leah and ended up colliding with

her. She's got a hard head.

JAMIE

(nods)

Oh.

CASEY

So, what did you want to talk about?

JAMIE

Mia.

Casey inhales.

CASEY

O-okay.

JAMIE

Did you go to watch her rehearse last

week?

CASEY

Uh, yeah. Why?

JAMIE

It's just that, ever since then.. I

walk around school and all these

people look at me like they know

something I don't. And all these

stupid rumors keep going around, and

it makes me feel like you cheated on

me and everyone knows about it but me.

CASEY

Ja..

JAMIE

(interrupts)

I know you didn't.

(gently)

I know.

Casey swallows.

JAMIE

But I still worry about it a little.

Let's face it, Casey, you're not

exactly getting everything you need

from me.

Casey opens her mouth to speak but Jamie puts a finger on her lips.

JAMIE

Hold on. Hear me out. I just want you

to know that cheating is one of the

only things that would make me leave

you. I can't ever forgive something

like that. I know it seems harsh, but

I just want to be open and honest with

you about the way I feel about this

sort of thing, because I know that you

try to be honest with me. That being

said, I do trust you. It's just.. you

know.. I can be really insecure with

myself sometimes.

CASEY

I can't imagine why.

Jamie smiles bashfully.

CASEY

I-I.. I would never do something like

that to you.

JAMIE

I know. But I always wonder why you're

with me when there are so many other

girls you can have that wouldn't

hesitate to throw themselves at you.

CASEY

You're kinda crazy, you know that?

It's not about.. gettting some or

anything like that. You.. you give me

more than that.

JAMIE

I do?

CASEY

(smiles)

Yeah. So uh, don't worry about it,

okay?

JAMIE

(smiles)

Ok.

Clark opens up the door.

CLARK

Jamie, I kinda need your help.

Jamie looks at Casey.

CASEY

Go on. I have to call my dad about

something anyways.

JAMIE

Ok.

She gives Casey a gentle kiss before heading inside. Casey watches her go.

CASEY

(to herself)

'You give me more than that'. Nice,

Casey. You figure this out after you

already went ahead and... shit.

She puts her head down in her hands.

CUT TO:

INT. PLAYHOUSE – AFTERNOON

Jamie is on the stage, in her set bedroom, sitting on a chair in front of the vanity. Olivia enters and Jamie stands to face her.

JAMIE

Ay me! What news? Why dost thou wring

thy hands?

OLIVIA

Ah, well-a-day! He's dead, he's dead,

he's dead! We are undone, lady, we are

undone! Alack the day! He's gone he's

killed, he's dead!

JAMIE

Can heaven be so envious?

OLIVIA

Romeo can, though heaven cannot: O

Romeo, Romeo! Who ever would have

thought it? Romeo!

JAMIE

What devil art thou, that dost torment

me thus? This torture should be roar'd

in dismal hell. Hath Romeo slain

himself?

OLIVIA

I saw the wound, I saw it with mine

eyes -- God save the mark! -- here on

his manly breast: A piteous corse, a

bloody piteous corse; pale, pale as

ashes.

JAMIE

O, break, my heart! Poor bankrupt,

break at once!

OLIVIA

O Tybalt, Tybalt, the best friend I

had! O courteous Tybalt! Honest

gentleman! That ever I should live to

see thee dead?

JAMIE

(frustrated)

What storm is this that blows so

contrary? Is Romeo slaughter'd and is

Tybalt dead? My dear-loved cousin, and

my dearer lord? Then, dreadful

trumpet, sound the general doom! For

who is living, if those two are gone?

OLIVIA

Tybalt is gone, and Romeo banished;

Romeo that kill'd him, he is banished.

Jamie gasps in shock.

JAMIE

Oh God! Did Romeo's hand shed Tybalt's

blood?

OLIVIA

It did, it did; alas the day, it did!

Jamie turns away.

JAMIE

O serpent heart, hid with a flowering

face! Did ever a dragon keep so fair a

cave? O nature, what hadst thou to do

in hell, when thou didst bower the

spirit of a fiend in moral paradise of

such sweet flesh? Was ever a book

containing such vile matter, so fairly

bound?

Casey sits in her seat and isn't watching, but rather, listening.

JAMIE

(whispers)

O that deceit should dwell in such a

gorgeous palace.

At this, she glances up at Jamie, then looks away, troubled.

FADE OUT.