INT. JACKSON VENUE. AFTERNOON
The boys are onstage for sound check. They play the last few notes and a smattering of applause is heard from different locations on the floor and overhead. Kelsey is waiting for Lucas when he climbs down from the drum riser.
There are people up in the roof.
Sure. That's the lighting crew.
Have you ever been up there?
A couple of times, yeah. Do you wanna…go up there?
Kelsey looks at the rigging and her eyes begin to sparkle.
Yep.
Go on. It's fun.
Lucas and Kelsey look at each other and run for the rope ladder near the edge of the stage.
What are you doing?
Don't worry. They won't get too far.
Mike jumps off the stage and goes over to where Michael and Valerie are sitting in the front row. He talks with them briefly and then turns and points at Lucas and Kelsey, who are about 1/3 of the way up the ladder. Valerie drops everything and goes running. Michael and Mike are right behind her. Stephen watched everything with a concerned expression.
Madeline Kelsey Lincoln! You come down here now!
Everyone freezes on the spot. Stephen's, Mike's and Lucas' mouths hang open. Kelsey tries to disappear, tucking her head under her arm. She begins climbing down.
Madeline?
Madeline.
Madeline…
Madeline.
He begins climbing down after Kelsey. When Kelsey reaches the ground, she approaches her mother.
Thank you so much. Nice job, really.
Kelsey…
Too late Mom.
Kelsey walks over and plants herself in front of a still gaping Mike.
Happy now?
I…I'm…I'm really sorry, I never thought…
That's right.
She walks away, towards the dressing room area. Lucas runs by Mike, giving him a dirty look and tries to catch up to Kelsey.
Kelsey! Wait!
INT. JACKSON VENUE - CORRRIDOR. AFTERNOON
Kelsey finally stops. Lucas almost gets whiplash trying to stop without hitting her.
Okay…can I just say…
Kelsey turns to face him. Tears have filled her eyes and she's obviously upset.
What?
That I don't care what your name is, that's not why I like you. You could be called George and I'd still hang around with you. Please don't cry anymore.
Kelsey sighs and wipes at her eyes.
This is embarrassing. Now everybody's gonna tease me.
No, they won't. I'll make sure.
Kelsey's eyes widen. Lucas' expression is very serious and she's not sure what to make of it.
Thank you…
You're welcome.
There is a momentary pause, then each move a little closer to each other. At the same time, Lucas and Kelsey lean forward and their lips meet for a kiss. It's a gentle kiss in a single position. When they part, they continue to look at each other and don't say a word.
Kelsey!
Lucas!
Let's go.
Kelsey takes his hand and they walk back in the direction they came from.
INT. STAGE. AFTERNOON
Stephen watches as Mike paces. Stephen spots Lucas and Kelsey returning and informs Mike.
They're back and they're holding hands. I wouldn't be surprised if Lucas hit you.
I wouldn't be surprised if Kelsey hit me.
Lucas and Kelsey climb the stairs to the stage and approach Mike. Lucas lets go of Kelsey's hand and she positions herself face to face with Mike.
Give me one good reason why I shouldn't push you off this stage right now.
I am so sorry.
That's it?
I never wanted to hurt you and it wasn't my intention to embarrass you. I'm sorry if I did either. I just wanted to know what the big mystery was.
Now you know. Anything else you feel you hafta know?
Yeah, what do we call you now?
Cut to:
INT. JACKSON VENUE - ONSTAGE. NIGHT
The crowd is applauding a song that has just finished.
Okay, so we know this pretty cool girl and we call her Kelsey.
It's not the first name on her birth certificate, but we don't care, we like her anyway.
So this song's for her and she knows why.
Lucas counts off on his sticks and the guys play Madeline.
Cut to:
INT. JACKSON VENUE - BACKSTAGE. NIGHT
In the wings, Kelsey and Valerie are dancing by themselves. Valerie tries to encourage Michael to dance with her, and Kelsey grabs Toby for a partner.
INT. BUS. NIGHT
The bus is on its way down the highway. Mark is driving and the curtains on the sleeping bunks are all closed. It's probably about one or two in the morning. Finally, one of the curtains is flung back in a frustrated manner, and Stephen climbs out of his bunk wearing sweatpants and a rumpled t-shirt. Once on his feet, he looks around the bus, getting himself oriented, and heads for Mark and the front of the bus.
Hey kid, can't sleep?
Gee, how'd you guess? Where are we?
Crossed into Louisiana a little while ago.
Maybe that's it. Let's talk about something.
Like what?
Dunno. I thought maybe you might have an idea.
It's two in the morning Stephen.
You've never been up talking at two in the morning?
Yeah, but it was like before I started working with you guys and we were usually drunk.
And what did you usually talk about?
Girls.
Oh.
Universal subject.
Yep. Tell me about your first girlfriend.
Really?
Why not?
Okay…her name is Stephanie Cullum. We went to high school together. We were partnered together for lab work in biology class.
Why did you like her?
I was never good at science. She wasn't the top student, but she was definitely smarter than me. But when we were working together, she never made me feel stupid or anything.
Stephen nods.
And one day, during the lab, we were talking and she said she wanted to see some movie and none of her friends wanted to go. So I told her I would go with her. And after that, we just sort of fell into a comfortable routine.
And where is she now?
She went to college in California, and I think she's teaching now.
Do you think about her?
Who can think with the screaming hordes you guys attract?
Stephen smiles.
Maybe sometimes. Like now, when it's quiet and I'm alone. Well, you know what I mean.
Yeah.
Good night Steve.
Right. See you later.
Stephen sighs and goes back to his bunk.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS HOTEL. DAY
Stephen, Mike and Lucas are standing outside on a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street. Fans are gathered in the street below. The guys are waving and reading the different signs.
Can you see the one made with all the glitter?
Where?
In the back, towards the left.
Nice work. We should send some passes down.
Can you imagine this place during Mardi Gras?
I'd love to spend a couple of weeks here just listening to music.
Where are we doing the media?
At the venue.
Too bad. How about lunch? Are we going out?
Uncle Mike hasn't said yet.
Let's ask him if we can go to Tipitina's.
Yeah.
Uncle Mike!
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE. DAY
The boys are sitting on the edge of the stage watching the crew go through set up.
That was soooo good. I'm glad we went.
Yeah, the food was excellent.
Oh, how would you know? You barely touched it!
What I had was good.
Mike shakes his head.
Where's Kelsey?
Helping set up for the media. Did Uncle Mike say how it's going to go?
One or two acoustic songs. Some group answers and then each of us will have a table and the reporters will rotate.
Which songs?
Oops. Guess we should discuss that. Any ideas?
Something slow. How about With You In Your Dreams?
And Where's The Love?
Sounds like a plan.
Kelsey materializes out of nowhere.
Alright you guys. Your uncle says you have like fifteen minutes before the conference starts. Some of them are already here though. You'd think you guys were like popular or something.
Lucas smiles and jumps off the stage.
I'm ready. Take me to my public.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM. DAY
Lucas, Mike and Stephen are each seated at round tables. Lucas' table is blue, Mike's is red and Stephen's is green. Each have between eight and ten members of the media (TV, newspaper and radio) at the tables. The camera cuts between the tables as the guys answer questions.
So, what do you like best about New Orleans?
I've only been here a couple of hours buddy. We did have a great lunch though.
We've really been looking forward to playing here in New Orleans.
Why?
Uh, because of this city's great musical heritage. In fact, this afternoon I will have the honor of playing with Camile Baudoin of The Radiators. I asked him if he'd come by so we could jam and I could learn some more about playing slide.
So, any girlfriends?
If I told you, I'd have to kill you.
Next question?
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE. LATER
Stephen and Camile Baudoin are onstage, sitting in chairs, with their guitars. The slide lesson is underway, and the others are watching from various positions on the floor. Lucas and Kelsey have their blades on and are following each other slowly through the aisles. Mike is composing something in a notebook. Michael is on the phone, but has his eye on the stage and Valerie is marking something, occasionally looking up.
That guy is pretty good.
Yep. That's why Stephen wanted to do this.
And it's keeping him busy.
Right. I'm happy for that. Tonight is gonna be hard for him.
Cut to:
Michael is on the phone.
I know it's early in the day. No, there's no problem. But you have to hear this. I think the sound guy is taping it, but listen…
Michael holds the phone out in the direction of the stage. After Stephen finishes a lick, Michael brings the phone back up to his ear.
That was your kid. Pretty cool huh Bry? Ha, ha, caught up? They're my nephews. I've always been proud.
INT. DRESSINGROOM. LATER
Stephen is fidgety and nervous. Mike is sitting, holding a copy of the set list in his hand. Lucas wanders over to Mike.
This can't be good.
I know. We have to go over the set list and I'm afraid to show it to him.
Leave it to me.
Lucas goes over to the dressing room door, opens it and sticks his head out.
Kelsey!! Come 'ere!!
Kelsey arrives seconds later, and tries to catch her breath as she speaks.
Okay, just so you know. I'm not always gonna run when you bellow. I'm not that kind of girl. What's so important you had to scream?
I need your help.
Cut to:
EXT. BEHIND THE VENUE. LATE AFTERNOON
Everyone is on skates, including Kelsey, who holds a video camera.
Okay, we're rolling…what I did on my vacation by Kelsey Lincoln.
Madeline Kelsey Lincoln.
Shut up. I can take you down little man.
Now that I'd pay to see.
So Mike, what does having screaming hordes of females after you do to a person?
Eh? Huh? Speak up, will ya?
Mike's joke gets everyone laughing.
MUSIC: Sometimes
Kelsey continues following the guys around, asking questions, joking with them and keeping the mood light.
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ONSTAGE. NIGHT
The boys are performing the same song.
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - BACKSTAGE. NIGHT
Kelsey is having a "conference" with her mother and Michael.
Okay, so they decided to put it in the encore. Well, Mike did and Lucas thought it was a good idea, and Stephen nodded. So it's in the encore.
Probably the best thing.
If this doesn't work…
Ssh! Don't even think it. Stay positive. Cori and her little sister are supposed to be in the 15th row, near the center aisle. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a lot of information on appearance.
He said it wasn't important.
Such a sweetheart.
Mmhmm. But they should be pretty easy to pick out. A screaming 13-year-old and a forced-to-accompany-her 19-year-old.
We'll find her. Not a problem.
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - FLOOR SEATS. NIGHT
The fans are packed together shoulder to shoulder. The girls are seen only from behind as they jump up and down, scream and dance.
Libby! Stay with me! There are too many people here! I don't want to lose you!
Cori, I can't see!
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ONSTAGE. NIGHT
The crowd applauds the end of the previous song.
It's so cool to see you all here tonight!
The crowd cheers wildly.
We love what we do and we couldn't do it without you! So here we are…
The crowd roars again.
'Cause we couldn't live…A Minute Without You!
Stephen begins playing the guitar intro to A Minute Without You, and his brothers and the other musicians join him. The song is great, with Stephen doing the lead and Mike harmonizing heavily. But as they and the crowd start to get into it, a smile crosses Mike's face and he backs down a little, letting the attention focus more on Stephen. When Stephen comes out of a chorus, begins singing and realizes how loud he is in comparison to Mike, he looks at Mike and gestures with his head towards the microphone with a look of concern. Mike shakes his head, raises his eyebrows and smiles.
Don't ask! Just sing!
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - FLOOR SEATS. NIGHT
Cori's dark head and Libby's brunette ponytail are snaking their way through the crowd. Their faces cannot be seen clearly.
But why now?
You said you can't see! Let's find a better place!
But I like this song!
Cori stops and they face the stage for a few moments.
Yeah, it's nice. The older one's a good singer.
Older one…his name is Stephen.
Oh…I know someone named Stephen.
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - BACKSTAGE. NIGHT
The main part of the concert has ended. The frenzy on the floor is growing with each minute. Lucas keeps peeking out onto the stage, which doesn't help. Stephen is motionless, his eyes searching for something, but he doesn't know what. Mike takes charge, first turning his attention to Valerie and Michael.
And you guys are still here because?
Michael and Valerie look at each other.
Gone. We're gone!
Michael runs off stage and Valerie is hot on his heels.
Lucas, for pete's sake, do you wanna start a riot? Get outta there! Toby…pin his arms or hold him upside down or something, huh?
Mike now turns to Stephen. Kelsey stands next to Stephen, concern on her face. She gently touches his arm.
Stephen…
Mike?
Steve…come on buddy…whether we do you song or not, we still gotta do an encore…Steve…?
Stephen blinks, and puts his hand on Mike's shoulder.
I'm here.
So…Lucas, you listening to this?
Yep.
Kelsey goes over to where Toby has Lucas in a restraining hug, takes Lucas' hand and takes him over to where his brothers are talking.
We'll start with God Only Knows. We'll end with Weird. And your song will go in the middle, okay?
Stephen thinks it over.
Weird is the best wrap. We gotta finish the show as a group. And for you to do two songs after yours, I just didn't think you…
You have a point. We'll go with your plan. It sounds great.
Do you know what you're going to say?
It's burned into my memory…
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - FLOOR SEATS. NIGHT
The front 15 rows are a swarming mass of girls. Nobody is in a seat, let alone their assigned seat. Security keeps a watchful eye, but makes no effort to force the audience back into the chairs. The Patterson sisters are again seen, but from behind, and now Libby is leading Cori.
It's the encore…why don't we escape while we can?
Gah…because…IT'S THE ENCORE! Come on, I know we can get a better view.
Cori looks at her watch.
Stop that. You said your friends weren't going on until 11 or maybe later!
Alright, quit pulling.
Listen, you'll know it's going to start when you hear Lucas on the loudspeaker.
Cut to:
Michael and Valerie emerge from the wings stage right and are thrown by the sight of the mass of girls huddled near the front of the stage.
Shit.
Exactly. We're screwed.
We don't have to be. Security could help.
True.
What was her full name again?
Cori…Corinne…Veronica Corrine Patterson. That's it.
Okay. Let's send forth the masses.
Michael and Valerie each deliver the message to the security force out front.
Veronica…
…Corinne…
…Patterson.
She's 19…
…and she'll be with her 13-year-old sister.
We gotta find her…
…BEFORE Lucas starts psyching them up again!
Go!
Go!
The security team, Michael and Valerie begin snaking their way through the crowd, stopping the older girls and asking them how old they are. Once they have made their way into the center of the mass, they are caught off guard when they hear the sound system crackle.
Oh no…
Not yet Lucas. Not yet…
You're not going home yet, are ya?
The energy level within the mass of girls begins to build.
Ah…Veronica! Veronica Corinne Patterson!
Cori! Cori Patterson! If you can here this, give me a sign!
Cori!
'Cause we're coming back!
Here they are, one more time, Stephen…Michael…and Lucas…Hawthorne!
Michael and Valerie cringe when the wave of sound from the girls' screaming hits them. The boys run onto the stage and the whole mass begins to vibrate with excitement.