by Kerri Philpott

INT. BUS. MORNING

A meeting is underway. In attendance are: Stephen, Mike, Lucas, Kelsey, Valerie and Michael.

Okay, so we've called this meeting to figure out Stephen's love life.

Oh, man, I am so happy I told you guys about this.

I think he should play the song at the New Orleans concert.

The song he wrote for her?

Because of her.

Whatever. The reason or person is not important. You should be thinking about how she's gonna react.

She'll probably be confused...

Overwhelmed...

And possibly hurt.

How you introduce it is gonna be important.

Oh my God.

And don't dwell on the concert too much. Respond to the e-mail, but ask her like if she has decent seats. That way we'll know how to find her.

Okay.

MUSIC: Thinking Of You

MONTAGE: The brothers and Uncle Mike drop their luggage in yet another hotel suite. Valerie and Kelsey enter the room. Kelsey begins discussing something with Lucas. Lucas agrees and looks at Stephen. He and Kelsey each take one of Stephen's hands and drag him out of the room. Mike shrugs and follows.

Cut to:

The brothers are playing through the corresponding part of the song. Stephen stays focused by maintaining visual contact with Mike and Lucas.

Cut to:

15 rows back at the venue. Stephen is hunched over a notebook. Valerie approaches slowly and sits down next to him. She asks to see the notebook. He is hesitant at first, but gives it to her. Valerie goes over the page with genuine interest. As she begins making suggestions, Stephen starts discussing them with her and they start making edits together.

Cut to:

The performance. The boys finish the song. Stephen's performance is great, as usual, but you can tell the effort he's making to stay focused is substantial.

INT. NEW HOTEL SUITE. NIGHT

The brothers and Kelsey are watching television. Michael and Valerie are working at the kitchen/diningroom table. Michael's cell phone rings and he answers it.

Hello? Yep Danielle, he's here.

Mike hears Danielle's name and is off the couch in seconds flat.

Hang on.

As Michael extends his hand with the cell phone in it, Mike arrives to take it from him.

Hey, I was thinking about you. Great, especially now that I'm talking to you. Hmmm, good question. Where are we?

Mike stops and looks around him, trying to think.

Wait, that's not a hard question. I should know where I am.

Everyone in the room raises a hand and flashes the "hang loose" symbol (thumb and pinkie up, other fingers folded down).

Tupelo! We're in Tupelo. Man, I shoulda remembered that because tomorrow we're gonna go and see Elvis' house and stuff. Just a sec.

He looks at the others, all of whom are watching him intently, and smiles.

I'll be in the other room.

Mike goes into one of the bedrooms and shuts the door.

INT. BEDROOM. NIGHT

Mike shuts the door and locks it. He sits on the floor with his back against the door. The conversation cuts between him and Danielle, who's sitting on her bed in Houston.

Okay. Now we're alone. More or less. Where are you?

My dad's house. He had to work late, so I decided to call you.

Don't get in trouble.

I won't.

I wish you had a computer, and we could chat and write. When's your birthday?

Next month. What are you thinking?

I'm thinking it's going to be a long month.

How are things going with your uncle?

Good I think. A friend of his, Valerie, is working as our tutor now, so with one less thing to think about, he actually seems to be getting the hang of it. Everybody's being pretty good about helping each other out.

And what's up with the other monkeys in the zoo?

Valerie has a daughter who may or may not be named Kelsey. I'm working on that. But I think Lucas is smitten.

Smitten? What an odd word...

Lucas is an odd kid. Kelsey seems like a cool girl though, so if she does turn out to be his first girlfriend, it wouldn't be too bad.

What about Stephen and the girl on the computer?

Oh, that one has reached crisis proportions. Stephen found out she's gonna be at our New Orleans concert.

So they'll finally meet then?

It's not that easy. When he introduced himself to her, instead of using his last name, he gave his middle name. She has no idea who he is.

Oh no...what is he going to do?

He wrote her this song...it's a real beautiful song Dani, I wish you could hear it. Sometimes I'm so jealous of the way he puts everything in a song. And we've got him convinced he should sing it in New Orleans.

It's a good idea Mike. He should be truthful. But somebody's gotta be there for her, the girl, this is gonna freak her out.

Yeah, Valerie told Stephen to try and find out what row Cori's gonna be in. Then probably Valerie and Uncle Mike'll go find her while we're onstage.

Sounds like everyone's involved. How's your dad?

Getting a lot of rest. We talk every night. Usually on the phone, or sometimes Stephen sets up a private chat room. God, I wish you had a computer.

Me, too.

INT. MAIN ROOM – HOTEL SUITE. LATER

Mike comes out of the bedroom carrying the phone.

Uncle Mike, you know Danielle's mother pretty well, right?

I guess. Why?

I wanna get Danielle a birthday gift, but uh...

What kind of gift?

Um, a computer.

A computer computer?

That would be correct.

A computer?

Uncle Mike, after the stress-laden yet very short time you've spent involved in our professional lives, you understand our schedule, don't you?

Almost.

Okay, so I'm in Tupelo long enough to see a few sites and risk having my eardrums pierced by the local teenage females and where is Danielle?

Houston.

Mike looks at his uncle with a "don't-you-get-it?" expression. Nothing registers on Michael's face, so Mike approaches his uncle.

As hard as it's going to be, I'd like to pursue a relationship with this girl. She's sweet and intelligent and...

In Houston.

Thank you for participating Lucas.

Nothing big. Something with like Microsoft Office and of course, Netscape Navigator.

What were you thinking of spending?

You mean how much?

Yeah.

Dunno. Can you find out for me?

Yeah, okay. I have a friend I can call. But remind me, or I'll forget. You know I will.

INT. THE BUS. THE NEXT DAY

Everybody climbs back on after their visit to Elvis' house and takes a seat. Valerie sits down next to Stephen.

Did you enjoy seeing the house Stephen?

Mmmmmmm...

Well, you don't have to do the history paper on Elvis. You can pick another musician from the Delta, but you're probably gonna have to do your research on the...com...do you have another draft ready?

Stephen pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket and hands it to her.

I tried to do what you said.

Valerie reads and nods.

No, don't worry. This is good. You got it. I would just rearrange these couple of lines in the middle. Have you got a pen?

Stephen takes a pen out of his pocket and hands it to Valerie, then watches with interest as Valerie rearranges the middle part.

There, like that. Okay?

She looks at Stephen, who looks both worried and hurt. Valerie reaches out and rubs his shoulder.

I can't tell you everything's gonna work out Stephen. I don't know that for sure. But if it was meant to happen, it will. Believe in that.

INT. TUPELO VENUE. DAY

The boys are onstage discussing the show. They don't appear to be agreeing on whatever they're talking about. It's not an argument yet, but the brothers are getting frustrated.

Uncle Mike!

Michael, who had been talking to Toby nearby, comes over.

What's up?

We're trying to decide what Elvis song to do tonight and each of us has our own favorite. We need somebody else to choose.

Okay, what are the choices?

I wanna do Hound Dog.

I wanna do Can't Help Falling In Love With You.

And what's your idea Steve?

Burning Love.

And you know all three? I mean you practiced and they're ready to perform?

The boys nod.

Okay, talk to me about arrangements. I gather Burning Love is pretty guitar heavy.

Of course.

And the other two?

Acapella.

Who sings lead on Hound Dog?

Me! Me! Me!

And how did I guess? I pick that then.

What?!

Oh, you sing lead on practically everything anyway. Give junior a shot.

Mike rolls his eyes and Lucas does a little celebratory dance.

Oh mercy...

Cut to:

INT. TUPELO VENUE. NIGHT

The crowd is screaming.

Okay, so we went and saw Elvis' house today...

The crowed roars.

...and we thought we'd do a little Elvis for you tonight. Would you like that?

The crowd reaction is thunderous.

You heard them Lucas...

1...2...1...2...3...4...

The brothers perform Hound Dog with Stephen and Mike providing Jordanaire-style backup for Lucas' lead.

INT. BUS. NEXT DAY

The boys and Kelsey are crowded around the computer. Stephen has the shooting script for Ferris Bueller's Day Off (http://www.script-o-rama.com) up and is controlling the mouse. Valerie is watching.

Ferris is a classic guys, come on. I'll read Joyce, the mom. Go ahead from where I showed you.

Oh fine. What's this? What's his problem?

He doesn't feel well.

Yeah, right. Dry that one out and you can fertilize the lawn.

That's enough Jeanie.

You're not falling for this, are you? Tell me you're not falling for this.

Is that Jeanie? I can't see that far. Jeanie?

Pucker up and squat Ferris.

Thank you Jeanie. Get to school.

You're really letting him stay home? I can't believe this. If I was bleeding out my eyes, you guys'd make me go to school. It's so unfair.

Please don't be upset with me, Jeanie. Be thankful you're fit and have your health. Cherish it.

Oh, I wanna puke.

That's not how it goes!

And who are Todd and Kimberly? They're not in the movie.

I told you, it's a shooting script. Before edits. Do you remember what Jeanie actually says before she leaves the room?

Somethin' about wanting out of the family.

Double check.

She tosses a videocassette in Mike's direction. Mike snags it easily.

All right, video time!

Michael, who has been working at the table in the front of the bus, looks up.

Video? Is that in the curriculum?

It is now!

She high fives Stephen and anybody else near her.

INT. BIRMINGHAM VENUE - DRESSINGROOM. N I G H T

The boys are on the phone with their father. Mike finishes and hands the phone to Stephen.

Hey Dad, is it set up yet?

I just got the call this morning. Camile Baudoin of the Radiators is going to meet you at sound check.

Did you tell him what I said?

I told him you had heard of him from other players, looked him up on the Internet and wanted to learn what you could from him about slide technique.

Legend? Master? Did you get any of those in?

I believe I used legendary once.

And did he know about us, me?

He said he'd heard a couple of singles, but really hadn't listened. Yet. And then he said yet.

Okay. Done deal then?

It sure is. Are you looking forward to it?

Stephen's eyes grow wide.

I can't wait get to New Orleans.

Cut to:

INT. BIRMINGHAM VENUE - BACKSTAGE. NIGHT

The crowd is frenzied. The boys are just off stage with Toby. Mike is wiping his face with a towel and drying his hair. Stephen throws a brown shirt at Lucas and buttons up the blue/green shirt he's now wearing. Lucas tosses the shirt behind him and someone wearing a crew pass grabs it before it hits the ground.

How's it going down?

God Only Knows.

And finish with Weird.

That's it?

The boys look at each other.

Before they rip up the seats please.

Something old?

How about Why Do Fools Fall in Love? You guys remember that one?

Mike runs over a few lyrics in his head. Stephen's lips move through a chorus.

Yep. Let's do it.

I'm ready. Do your stuff Lucas.

Lucas is handed a microphone and given a cue from a stagehand. He counts off three on his fingers and everyone else covers their ears.

Hey! You guys wanna hear some more?

The crowd applauds wildly. Lucas grins and passes the mic back to the stagehand. He points towards the stage and is signaled by his brothers to lead the way.

Cut to:

INT. BIRMINGHAM VENUE - ON STAGE. NIGHT

Lucas runs onto the stage first, followed by Mike and Stephen. The noise from the crowd is nearly deafening.

Let's do Fools first. While they're screaming. Just in case.

Lucas nods and starts snapping fingers on both hands. Stephen and Mark join him. As they begin singing the ooh-wahs of the intro, the crowd quietens. Mike's eyes grow wide with excitement and he rolls into the song. His brothers join him quickly and smiles spread across their faces as the song comes together. They are really enjoying themselves.

Fade into:

INT. BUS. NIGHT

The boys are still singing, but in their bunks. The curtains are closed though, and no faces are seen, just arms, hands and fingers, snapping to keep time. The only person that can be seen is Mark, who's driving with a big grin on his face. When the song finishes, he lifts his hands for a few seconds to applaud.

Thank you Mark.

When did you guys decide to add that to the show?

About three and a half minutes before we performed it.

It was a good suggestion Lukie.

Yes, it was. Now go to bed and we can continue this in Mississippi in the morning.

EXT. JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI - HOTEL. MORNING

The bus is parked behind the hotel. Stephen, Mike, Valerie, Kelsey, Lucas and Michael get off the bus and begin walking towards the hotel.

How was your first night in the caves Uncle Mike?

Cave? That's a good word for it. I mean the bed is comfortable, but once you close the curtain, it's like a...I dunno, cocoon?

Cave...cocoon...coffin...

Ah, the glamorous rock and roll lifestyle.

Funny. Very funny...Kelsey...

Mike slows down so that he's walking side by side with Kelsey.

I'm supposed to call you Kelsey, right?

They enter the hotel.

INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR. MORNING

The group continues walking.

That's my name.

Really? First name or second name?

It's on my birth certificate.

Mike stops and Kelsey continues walking. Mike waits until he's neck and neck with his uncle before he starts walking again.

You know the truth about her, don't you?

You mean Kelsey?

Her name's not Kelsey.

It is, I've seen her birth certificate.

Seen it? Do you have it? Or maybe a copy?

Mike. This is getting a little pathetic. Get a life.

INT. JACKSON HOTEL. MORNING

The group is waiting, standing in front of the elevators. Mike approaches Kelsey again.

So, do you miss your father?

We see each other when we can. He lives in Houston.

That's too bad. He must miss his little...

The elevator doors open and Kelsey steps in with the rest of the group.

Sweet pea. Nice try though Mike. Now get your butt in here.

She grabs him by the shirt, pulls him into the elevator and the doors close behind him.

INT. JACKSON HOTEL - 14th FLOOR. MORNING

The doors of the elevator open and Mike backs out, still pumping Kelsey for information.

It's something to do with M. Your mother has almost called you something starting with M twice…Melissa?

No.

Michelle?

Uh-uh.

Millicent?

Kelsey wrinkles her nose and shakes her head. The others start walking down the hallway towards the rooms. Kelsey follows, and Mike follows her.

Minnie?

Don't think so.

Mackenzie?

Like Phillips? That would be cool, but nope.

Minerva?

Ugh…no…

Michael stops in front of a door marked Suite Robichaud and unlocks the door.

Myra?

Mike!!!

Michael, Valerie, Stephen and Lucas go into the suite. Kelsey winks at Mike and follows them into the suite. Mike sighs and finally goes in, closing the door behind him.

INT. HOTEL SUITE - LIVINGROOM. DAY

Lucas and Kelsey are sitting on the couch, each absorbed in their own copy of The Outsiders. Stephen has his books spread out on a small table near the window. Mike is at the big kitchen/diningroom table, going over his work with Valerie.

Overall, it was good. Try number three and twenty two again, and then do the review questions, okay?

Yeah, thanks.

Mike gets up from the table.

Okay Lucas and Kelsey, your turn. I've got chapter questions for you.

Lucas and Kelsey get up from the couch and head for the table. Mike doesn't start to walk away until after they've passed him. He walks directly over to Stephen.

Valerie is gonna tell me.

She is not. Give it a rest.

I've got a plan.

The five deadliest words…and here are three of the stupidest…what is it?

When does Mom call us by all three names?

Usually when she's mad.

That's the plan. I get Kelsey to do something that will make Valerie call her by all three names.

I dunno. Somebody could get hurt.

Well, then help me think of something!