Épisode Amitié S01E08 - Young Americans Saison 1

Plan sur les couloirs de l’académie. C’est le dernier jour de la session d’été, le jour du départ, il y a des valises un peu partout. On entend la voix-off de Will qui parle du mystère de la vie. On le voit entrer dans sa chambre où Scout est en train de finir ses sacs. Scout essaye alors de le convaincre de venir avec lui passer l’été à Saint-Martin mais Will lui répond qu’il préfère rester pour travailler et se faire de l’argent. Scout part ensuite au restaurant pour son dernier jour de travail.

Finn entre à son tour dans la chambre. Après avoir félicité Will à propos de ses résultats, il lui annonce que sa bourse est annulée. Il lui propose de postuler pour d’autres bourses tout en précisant qu’elles ne pourront lui être attribuées qu’au deuxième semestre ; ce qui signifie que Will devra retourner dans son ancien lycée à la rentrée. Will est dévasté par la nouvelle, il doit tout recommencer à zéro. On le voit quitter l’académie, son sac sur le dos, l’air complètement déprimé.

Plan sur la station. Jake demande à Bella de réparer sa moto avant qu’elle ne rentre à New York.
Un peu plus tard, on retrouve Bella occupée à réparer la moto quand Will arrive. Il lui explique qu’il n’a plus de bourse et qu’il ne sait pas où aller vu que son père l’a rejeté (il parle d’aller à Capeside !). Il demande à Bella de ne rien dire à Scout car il ne veut pas qu’il se sente obligé de l’aider. On entend le beau-père de Bella crier au téléphone, Will en profite pour s’éclipser discrètement.

Plan sur les douches de l’académie. Hamilton demande à Jake de la rejoindre sous la douche en lui assurant qu’il ne la touchera pas, qu’il veut juste profiter des derniers moments qu’il leur reste à passer ensemble avant qu’elle parte pour New York. Jake hésite, puis se laisse tenter et commence même à enlever son soutien-gorge, quand soudain Finn entre et la voit ! Jake, mortifiée, se rhabille rapidement et part en courant, elle passe prendre ses affaires dans sa chambre et s’en va dans la précipitation.

Plan sur le restaurant. Bella cherche Will mais c’est Scout qui est derrière le comptoir. Il comprend tout de suite que quelque chose ne va pas et insiste pour savoir ce qui se passe. Bella hésite puis finit par lui dire que Will n’a plus de bourse, elle lui fait promettre de ne rien dire et repart à la station.

Plan sur la station service. Bella demande des explications à son beau-père qui a l’air très préoccupé. Il lui explique alors que sa mère ne l’a pas mis sur l’acte de propriété de la station service et que le bâtiment va être mis en vente aux enchères la semaine suivante.

Quelques instants plus tard, on retrouve Bella qui s’apprête à monter en voiture quand Jake arrive en courant. Elle lui explique que Finn a découvert qu’elle est une fille et qu’elle a donc besoin de sa moto pour quitter la ville, mais sa moto est en pièces, et Bella lui dit qu’elle doit aller régler une affaire de famille urgente à Carson. Jake la supplie de l’emmener, ce que Bella accepte. Jake enfile rapidement une jupe pour avoir enfin l’air d’une fille. Sur ce, Hamilton arrive et monte en voiture avec Jake et Bella. Ils partent enfin, Jake et Hamilton enlacés, heureux d’être ensemble. Sur la route ils croisent Will qui est en train d’attendre le bus. Bella descend de voiture pour lui parler. Elle lui explique qu’elle va voir sa mère pour lui demander de mettre le nom de son beau-père sur l’acte de propriété de la station service ; le voyant assis sans nul part où aller, elle lui propose de venir avec elle. Lorsqu’il monte en voiture, il découvre alors Jake en fille.

Plan sur le restaurant. Sean cherche Bella, il sait juste qu’elle est partie à Carson mais ne sait pas pourquoi ; il demande à Scout s’il ne l’a pas vue. Scout comprend alors qu’elle est partie voir sa mère.

Plan sur une route de campagne, Bella est au volant ; Will à côté d’elle, comprend qu’elle est en train de réfléchir à ce qu’elle va dire à sa mère. Bella est embarrassée, elle a beaucoup de rancœur envers sa mère mais sait qu’elle doit bien se comporter avec elle pour pouvoir obtenir ce qu’elle veut d’elle (la signature). Sur la banquette arrière, Jake fait prendre conscience à Hamilton qu’elle ne pourra pas revenir à Rawley puisque Finn est au courant de sa supercherie. Il la sert dans ses bras.

Plan sur le restaurant. Scout et Sean réfléchissent à propos de Bella, quand Scout décide de partir lui aussi pour Carson. Il propose à Sean de venir et décident de faire de l’auto-stop ensemble, bien que les relations entre eux soient très tendues.

Plan sur une route de campagne. Bella avoue à Will qu’elle était amoureuse de lui quand elle avait huit ans, elle se rappelle également qu’il était là pour la consoler lorsque sa mère est partie. A l’arrière, Jake, les yeux fermés, a la tête posée sur l’épaule d’Hamilton, dont on voit la peur dans le regard, la peur de la perdre. Puis ils se mettent tous à chanter en cœur la chanson qui passe à la radio, ce qui distrait Bella qui voit au dernier moment la biche en plein milieu de la route, elle donne un grand coup de volant et va s’écraser contre un arbre : la voiture est hors-service. Ils sont donc coincés au beau milieu des bois à des kilomètres de tout et la nuit commence à tomber. Hamilton aperçoit une cabane, ils décident d’y aller dans l’espoir de trouver un téléphone. La cabine est abandonnée et certainement depuis des années : pas de téléphone. Ils sont quand même obligés d’y passer la nuit, faute d’une meilleure idée.

Plan sur la route de campagne. Sean et Scout sont assis à l’arrière d’un pick up, quand Scout aperçoit la voiture de Bella. Ils descendent en vitesse de voiture, et découvrent la voiture encastrée dans l’arbre. Ils n’ont pas le temps de se retourner que le pick up qui les transportait est déjà parti.

Plan sur la cabane. Will, Bella, Jake et Hamilton se reposent quand tout à coup ils entendent du bruit dehors ; ils commencent à paniquer jusqu’à ce qu’ils découvrent Sean et Scout sur le pas de la porte. Ils sont contents de les voir, espérant pouvoir rentrer avec la voiture de Scout et Sean, malheureusement, ils sont définitivement coincés dans la cabine pour la nuit. S’ensuit alors une discussion très animée où tous les secrets sont révélés (la mise aux enchères de la station, le renvoi de Will, pourquoi Jake s’habille en garçon, le lien de parenté Scout-Bella), qui se termine par une bagarre entre Sean et Scout.

Plan sur la cabane au petit matin. Tous se réveillent les uns après les autres, Bella décide de suivre la voie ferrée pour arriver à Carson, Scout se propose pour l’accompagner, ainsi que Sean qui ne voit pas d’un bon œil la relation entre Bella et Scout. C’est finalement toute la bande qui part pour Carson.

On voit différents plans du groupe en train de marcher sur la voie ferrée, Hamilton embrasse Jake, Sean embrasse Bella, ce qui rend Scout très jaloux qui se tourne alors vers Will. Ils arrivent enfin devant la maison de la mère de Bella. Elle décide d’aller parler à sa mère seule, qui est très émue lorsque Bella se présente à elle.

Plan sur le jardin de la maison. La mère de Bella lui apporte une limonade, elle semble assez désorientée mais toutefois ravie de voir sa fille. Bella lui explique pourquoi elle est là, et est sous le choc quand sa mère lui apprend que c’est elle-même qui a mis en vente la station service parce qu’elle a besoin d’argent, et qu’elle aimerait de nouveau fonder une famille avec ses deux filles. Furieuse, Bella s’en va en disant à sa mère qu’elle est déterminée à tout faire pour garder la station service. Bella rejoint ses amis ; comprenant à son visage que ça s’est mal passé, ils essayent de la réconforter et partent. Un homme s’approche de la mère de Bella qui regarde sa fille s’éloigner, on apprend alors que c’est le vrai père de Bella.

Le groupe arrive au centre ville (un camion les a pris en stop pour les ramener), Bella aperçoit alors un écriteau sur la station service « à vendre ». Mr Banks sort de la station, regarde Bella et jette l’écriteau à la poubelle, puis lui sourit.

C’est le moment de partir pour Jake, sa moto est réparée. Hamilton la sert dans ses bras, l’idée de la voir s’en aller lui déchire le cœur. Elle l’invite une fois encore à venir à New York et part.  Sean et Scout se réconcilient par une poignée de mains, et Scout s’en va pour l’aéroport, après avoir essayé une dernière fois de convaincre Will de venir avec lui.

On entend la voix-off de Will, il parle du fait qu’ils ont tous grandi cet été, qu’il n’oubliera jamais les amis qu’il s’est faits.

Plan sur les dortoirs déserts, Finn entre dans la chambre de Scout et Will et accroche une lettre au mur. Une lettre qui annonce à Will qu’il a obtenu une nouvelle bourse pour la rentrée.

Plan sur le centre ville. Scout monte dans le bus quand il entend Will l’appeler. Will vient le rejoindre pour partir avec lui à Saint Martin.

FADE IN:
INT. DORMITORY CORRIODOR- DAY (DAY 1)
It's the last day of Summer Session. The dorm is buzzing with BOYS carrying luggage and boxes filled with their belongings, packing up to go home.
WILL (V.O)
Every day the mystery of life unfolds. And every night we go to sleep not quite sure we solved it.
We find WILL as he TURNS a corner and walks toward his room. A big smile on his face.
WILL (V.O) (cont'd)
But today I woke up sure of one thing...(then) Myself.
INT. WILL & SCOUT'S DORM ROOM- DAY (DAY 1)
Will ENTERS, throws his back pack on the bed. SCOUT is packing his things into a box on his bed. He's dressed in his Friendly's uniform.
SCOUT: Okay. So, what if you paid your own...airfare? Then would you come?
WILL: Look. There's nothing i'd like better than to spend the rest of the summer in St. Martin...
SCOUT: Yeh...
WILL: But i'd feel like a total moocher.
Scout looks at him.
SCOUT: You'd rather stay here alone in an empty dorm?
WILL: Why not? I'll own the place. Besides, I gotta work as much as I can. My scholarship only covers tuition. You know how much books for the Fall Semester are gonna cost me: $780
SCOUT: --I get it...(then) The offer stands.
Scout grabs his back pack-- and his apron...
SCOUT (cont'd): I'm gonna be late for work (looks at Will) My last shift.
WILL: Wow. Right. Okay. Well, i'll see ya' later?
SCOUT: Yeh...Hey-- let's celebrate. Tonight. I don't know. Something...with everyone?
WILL: Yeh. Definitely...
Scout turns to leave. Then--
SCOUT (another attempt): Looks at this way. My parent's aren't gonna be there. And i'd like the company.
Will smiles. Scout heads toward the door, turns back again.
SCOUT (cont'd): Two words...topless beaches.
Will laughs. Scout passes FINN at the door.
FINN: Mr. Calhoun
SCOUT: Hey, Finn. What are you doing for the break?
FINN: Sailing down to Costa Rica and backpacking in the jungle.
WILL: Wow that's so..."Indiana Jones"
As Scout EXITS...
SCOUT (to Finn): I'll see you before I leave?
FINN: I don't set sail 'til tomorrow.
Scout's gone and Finn closes the door behind him.
FINN (cont'd): So, Will. Got a minute?
WILL: Uh-oh. What'd I do now?
Finn smiles.
FINN: Exceed expectations. Impressed you teachers.
Will smiles.
WILL: Thanks. It's been...unbelievable. I feel like I've been through boot camp for high school.
Finn laughs, then...
FINN: Um...There's something I want to talk to you about, Will. Your scholarship...
Will looks at him...
FINN (cont'd): The foundation that sponsors it is making cutbacks in all their spending. One of those cutbacks is the local scholarships. The funding for it has been withdrawn. It happens sometimes.
Will looks at him. Perplexed. Finn reaches into his satchel and takes out a HANDFUL of APPLICATIONS.
FINN (cont'd): Here's twenty-five scholarship applications. I've already applied for a couple myself. These you have to fill out yourself, with an essay.
Finn sets them on the bed. Will picks them up. Will looks at them. Then...
WILL: But, I missed the deadlines for these.
FINN: Yes you did. For Fall semester.
WILL: What does that mean?
FINN: Well...It means, you'll probably have to sit out a semester, go home go to Edmund High, while we work this out.
WILL: Oh...
Will sits on his bed, considering this.
FINN: You know, you can still stay here in the dorms until you figure out what you're gonna do.
WILL: Right.
He looks at Will. Crestfallen.
FINN: Will, I'll do everything I can to move things along as quickly as possble. I've already gotten into it, and as soons as everyone's back for Fall Semester, we'll work it out for Spring...
WILL (upset): So...I'm starting all over again. I thought...I mean. What if...none of this works out?
FINN: Well, that's always a possibility...
Will looks at him. Then...he looks at the applications. Then back at Finn.
WILL: Like finding a needle in a haystack.
FINN: Try lighting a fire.
Just then we HEAR a COMMOTION in the hallway-- and the Door swings OPEN revealing a GROUP OF RAWLEY BOYS--
BOYS: It's FINN!! Get him!!
They come crashing into the ROOM-- like a pack of Indians-- JUMPING on the beds-- throwing water balloons at Finn-- GRABBING pillows and BREAKING them OPEN as a flurry of feathers FLOAT through the air...
Finn LAUGHS with the BOYS-- enjoying the last day of school rituals as we SEE...
Through the falling feathers-- Will-- accross the room. His face is sad. He tries to smile. Finn catches this. They exchange a lool. OFF WILL we...
End Teaser
ACT ONE
EXT. RAWLEY ACADEMY- DAY (DAY 1)
A flurry of last-day-of-school activity-- STUDENTS are moving out-- saying goodbye-- squirting WATER GUNS at each other-- throwing lacrosse balls- general mayhem...
INT. DORMITORY CORRIDOR- DAY (DAY 1)
The hallway is still bustling with the final moments of the Summer Session. Will EXITS his room, through the cacophony of STUDENTS. He walks toward us, his box now full, the weight of the world on his shoulders.
EXT. RAWLEY ACADEMY- DAY (DAY 1)
Will EXITS the front door with the box under his arm and a knapsack on his back. He TURNS, looks back at the school. For the last time. Considering the enormity of his loss. Then, he walks towards us, the school receding in the background, until his FACe fills the FRAME. He takes a deep breath, closing this chapter, and looking toward the future.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP- DAY (DAY 1)
BELLA EXITS the coffee shop as a MOTORCYCLE WHIZZES by-- SPOTS her and PULLS to a STOP. It's JAKE.
JAKE: Hey...
BELLA: Hey, Jake.
JAKE: I was on my way to see you. Something's wrong with my bike-- the engine keeps racing-- and I'm riding it back to New York tomorrow.
BELLA: That's some ride.
Bella looks at the bike-- revs the engine...as she's checking it out--
BELLA (cont'd): So-- Whatta' ya' doing for the rest of the summer?
JAKE: Going home. See my friends-- and my mom's away so-- probably everything I'm not supposed to.
They laugh. Bella fiddles with a part of the bike, then-- SPOTS a CUTE GUY at a nearby table, checking Jake out.
BELLA (quietly): That cute guy-- is so checking you out.
JAKE (looks then): Yeh. But as a guy or as a girl?
BELLA: Oh. Right. (she looks back at him) Um...
JAKE: It gets really confusing. (then) And disconcerting.
They laugh. Then--
BELLA (re: bike): I think it might be a kink in your vacuum line. Can you leave it with me 'til this afternoon?
JAKE: Yeh. I'll give you a ride back.
Bella HOPS on the motorcycle. They take off as we.
EXT. GAS STATION- DAY (DAY 1)
Bella is working on Jake's bike-- parts are scattered everywhere. Clearly the job is bigger than she had anticipated. Will walks up with his box and knapsack. Looking a bit like a hobo.
BELLA: Hey. Runnin' away from home?
WILL: If I had one. (off her look) I just found out the funding for my shcolarship is gone.
BELLA: What?
WILL: Actually, it's been "withdrawn."
She looks at him.
BELLA: Like-- some rich Rawley alum decided to buy a bigger yacht instead?
WILL: Something like that.
BELLA: Oh my God-- Will what are you gonna do?
WILL: Finn thinks it'll get worked out, but I'll probably have to...I don't know. I don't know what I'm gonna do. I just...took off after he told me. I'm not staying in the dorms the rest of the summer, that's for sure. It's too weird now.
BELLA: You gonna go home?
WILL: No. That's all still kinda' incomplete. My dad doesn't want me there. Maybe I'll go back to Capeside for a while.
BELLA: God. Will, I'm so sorry. This is horrible. You can absolutely stay with us if you want, for as long as you need--
WILL: Thanks-- But...Look, don't tell anybody. Especially Scout.
BELLA: Why?
WILL: His biggest problem is being lonely in St. Martin. I don't want him buggin' out about this and feeling obligated to fix it for me.
BELLA: He's your friend. He'd want to know. Besides, if he helped, it wouldn't be out of obligation--
Bella trails off as she HEARS-- CHARLIE, YELLING from inside the station. Will follows Bella's look-- Charlie is on the phone, clearly arguing with the person on the other end.
WILL: What's goin' on?
BELLA: I don't know...
She WATCHES Charlie THROUGH THE WINDOW-- then...
BELLA (cont'd): (to will) I'll be right back...
She goes into the gas station, leaving Will by the curb. Will watches as Bella goes inside. She stands there while Charlie's on the phone. Watching him. Will waits a beat, then...
WILL: (to himself) Bye. Bella.
Will WALKS OFF down the street.
INT. GAS STATION- CONTINUOUS (DAY 1)
Charlie is in a heated conversation as Bella inches into the room.
CHARLIE:(into phone) Yeh-- Well you'll be hearing from me too!
Bella looks at him-- as he listens to a voice on the other end-- silent for a beat--
BELLA: Dad?
He waves her off-- disappears into the back. She stands there. HEARS his SHOUTING OFF SCREEN then...
LOOKS OUT the window-- and SEES that Will is gone. She takes a moment. Torn. Then HEADS outside as we...
INT. DORM BATHROOM- DAY (DAY 1)
Jake & HAMILTON enter the bathroom. Hamilton's in a towel, goes into a shower stall. Jake walks to the mirror, starts futzing with her hair.
HAMILTON: Just hang out a second. I'll be so quick. I won't even use soap.
JAKE: Gross.
Hamilton steps into the shower.
HAMILTON: So, like, I'm not gonna see you for like a month?
JAKE: I want you to come to New York. My mom's gonna be gone until September.
He pokes his head out.
HAMILTON: Hey. I have a better idea.
He turns on the water...
HAMILTON (cont'd): No one's around. Why don't you...join me.
JAKE: Yeh. Right.
HAMILTON: Come on.
She looks at him
JAKE: You're serious.
HAMILTON: Yeh, what's the big deal?
JAKE: Showering together? That's kind of a big deal. More like a freshman year in college kind of thing.
HAMILTON: Make a great story for my freshman year at college.
JAKE: Yeh. Tha's what I'm afraid of.
HAMILTON (puppy dog eyes): It's our last day together.
JAKE: And I have to go pick up my bike...
HAMILTON: Come on. It'll be romantic. I won't even touch you.
Jake looks at her boyfriend, considers this. Realizing how much she's gonna miss him...
JAKE: Don't get too frisky--
HAMILTON (growls): Grrrrr....
She smiles. And finally--
JAKE: And the underwear stays on.
Hamilton smiles wide as Jake begins to disrobe...down to her bra and panties. As she walks toward Hamilton, at the last minute she decides to...lose her bra as...
Suddenly-- Finn walks in. SEES Jake-- all of her. she quickly covers her breasts with her hands.
FINN: Jake?!?
JAKE: Finn!
HAMILTON: (pokes his head out) Finn?!?
FINN: Hamilton?
JAKE: Oh. My. God.
Jake-- MORTIFIED-- throws her shirt on and RUNS past Finn out of the bathroom.
FINN: Jake???
Off his look we...
INT. JAKE'S DORM ROOM- DAY (DAY 1)
Jake runs in, grabs a knapsack, throws some stuff inside and races out of the room to...
INT. DORMITORY CORRIDOR- CONTINUOUS (DAY 1)
As Jake TURNS the corner she RUNS RIGHT INTO Hamilton-- still in a towel.
HAMILTON: Where are you going?
JAKE: OUT OF HERE!
She DASHES past him-- turns back as she runs--
JAKE (cont'd): Oh-- God-- Hamilton-- I'm sorry-- I--
She CONTINUES down the hall--
HAMILTON: Jake, WAIT!
Jake disappears OUT THE DOORS-- Hamilton turns and quickly HEADS back down the hallway to the dorms.
INT. DINER- DAY (DAY 1)
Bella ENTERS to find Scout behind the counter.
SCOUT: Hey.
BELLA: Will around?
SCOUT: No...(then) Thought you came over to say goodbye--
BELLA: Huh?
SCOUT: I leave tomorrow.
BELLA: Oh. Right. I'll. Um. Come by. Late. And we'll...
She looks at him. A beat. As their eyes connect.
BELLA (con'td): (then) Scout-- Did Will come in here?
SCOUT: No. What's up?
BELLA: No. Nothing. He was at the station, then, he left. I thought maybe...
SCOUT: What's going on?
BELLA: I just...We were in the middle of something, and then...I got distracted and...(off Scout's look) It's fine. Really.
SCOUT: Your burst in here looking for Will and....Somehow, I don't believe you.
BELLA: No, I just need to find him.
SCOUT: What the hell's going on?
Bella wants to get out of this but her face gives her away.
BELLA: I promised him...
SCOUT: Promised him? Is he in trouble?
Bella looks at him. Sighs. Finally.
BELLA: He... lost his scholarship.
SCOUT: What?
BELLA: Look. He'd kill me if he knew I told you.
SCOUT: What happened?
BELLA: The money just...went away. You can't say anything. Please. Scout. You can't say a word. He feels really bad about this and-- If you see him--
SCOUT: I won't say anything. I'll tell him you're looking for him.
BELLA: Thanks.
She HEADS back to the station--
SCOUT: I'll see you later?
She turns back-- looks at him--
BELLA: Yeh.
She EXITS. Off Scout's look as he considers this.
INT. GAS STATION- DAY (DAY 1)
Bella ENTERS the office. Charlie come from the back. He's visibly quiet.
BELLA: Dad?
CHARLIE: Hi, baby.
she looks at him.
BELLA: What's wrong?
CHARLIE: Everything's fine. Just...Why don't you finish up with the bike.
BELLA: Charlie. Tell me what's going on?
He looks at her. Then...
CHARLIE: Your mother never added my name to the deed for the gas station.
BELLA: What? Why? I mean, how is that possible?
CHARLIE: That's what I'm trying to figure out. They think they're putting the building up for auction. Next week.
BELLA: Auction?!
CHARLIE: Well I'm not gonna let em'. I'll figure something out.
BELLA: God. I mean, we LIVE here. Can't we just get our name on the deed or something?
Charlie looks at her.
CHARLIE: Yeh. Yeh. Probably. That's probably what's gonna happen. I mean-- If we knew where your mother was-- we could ask her to just sign it over to us...
ON Bella. Considering this...She looks at him--
CHARLIE (cont'd): But...hey, don't worry about it. Okay? It's gonna be fine.
BELLA: Charlie...
CHARLIE: Don't worry about it. It's gonna be fine. Now get outta' here and stop buggin' me.
He smiles. Trying to sound convincing. But Bella's not buying it.
EXT. GAS STATION- DAY (DAY 1)
Bella walks out of the office. Upset about her conversation with Charlie. She looks around the town square. At the gas station. Her house above it. We can see into her bedroom. She looks up into the sky. Squints. A flock of birds take flight overhead. She watches them. Then she looks back at the gas station. Inside at Charlie in the office, looking worried on the phone making calls. She looks around again. Taking it all in. Then...
BELLA: (to herself) Not without on hell of a fight...
End Act One
ACT TWO
EXT. GAS STATION- DAY (DAY 1)
Bella is throwing a back into the truck as...
Suddenly-- Jake ARRIVES. Somewhat crazed and in an obvious rush.
JAKE: Bella. Please tell me my bike is ready.
BELLA: Why? What's the matter?
JAKE: I...Finn...I've kinda been found out and I need to get out of town. Like immediately.
BELLA: Oh. God. Jake. Listen, your bike is...
Bella points to Jake's cycle which is in pieces.
BELLA (con'td):...I'm sorry. Something happened. Actually a couple of things, none of them good. God. What is with today?
JAKE: Uh. I don't know-- Anyway-- How long do you think it will take you.
BELLA: Um. Well. I have sort of a... family emergency-- and I have to go to Carson.
JAKE: Carson. Where's that?
BELLA: It's about 40 miles north.
JAKE: Take me.
BELLA: What?
JAKE: Take me. I can't stay here. Maybe I'll take a train or something from there. I'll figure it out on the way.
BELLA: Where's Hamilton?
JAKE:(upset) Freaking out. But I'll deal with that later.
BELLA: Okay. Um...
She looks at Jake. Her eyes pleading with her. Then....
BELLA (cont'd): (sighs) Whatever. Okay. I guess I could use the company.
As Jake looks at her-- quizzically--
JAKE: Why are you going to Carson?
BELLA: (looks at her) No questions. It's kind of a secret. I don't want to discuss it.
JAKE: Fine with me, girl. (then) Oh. Wait a minute.
Jake unbuttons the bottom of her shirt and ties it up.
JAKE (cont'd): If I'm gonna be run out of town, I wanna' be Bonnie, not Clyde.
Bella laughs. Goes over to her bag, pulls out a wrap skirt and throws it to Jake.
Bella and Jake get into the car. Jake slips the skirt on. She goes through Bella's bag, takes out a lip gloss and starts to apply it. As Bella starts the engine, we HEAR...
HAMILTON: Hey!! Wait up!
They turn to SEE...
Hamilton APPROACHING. He looks at Jake. SEES she's dressed as a girl.
HAMILTON (cont'd): What are you doing?!
JAKE (re: Bella): She knows--
HAMILTON: Obviously-- Where are you going?
JAKE: Hamilton-- I have to get out of here!
HAMILTON: Why?! Finn knows-- who cares-- now we don't have to hide--
JAKE: Do you have any idea how mortified I am?! And I could... get arrested! for fraud or something!
BELLA: Hey guys-- really, I gotta go--
HAMILTON: Where?!
Jake looks at Bella.
JAKE: It's a secret.
HAMILTON: From me?
JAKE: Well. Yeh.
HAMILTON: Wait. You have ANOTHER secret. Besides this one.
JAKE: Um...
HAMILTON: Does it involve you actually bieng a guy pretending to be a girl whose pretending to be a guy? Cause I would not be into that revelation.
JAKE: Uh. No.
HAMILTON: You're not just leaving--
JAKE: Well I don't want to, but--
HAMILTON: Then i'm coming with--
BELLA: (finally) OH FOR GOD SAKES! (to Hamilton) Get in already! Come with. Just don't ask any questions.
He HOPS IN. As they take off--
HAMILTON (to Jake): Wait. Does the secret involve you being a lesbian pretending to be a straight girl pretending to be a guy? Cause that I could be into.
As the three take off together in Bella's truck, we...
EXT. MAIN STREET- DAY (DAY 1)
MOVING WITH THEM down Main Street-- Jake in the front with Bella. Hamilton next to her. Jake looks in the mirror-- applying lipstick. Throws on some shades. Hamilton puts his arm around her. Glad to have her back.
HAMILTON: Don't ever run away from me like that.
She looks at him. Kisses him. Rests her head on his shoulder. The warm summer sun overhead. The wind whipping through their hair. Bella looks over at them. Smiles. The three of them MOVING down the road--Thelma, Louise, and Brad Pitt.
Suddenly-- Bella SPOTS Will sitting at a bus stop. She PULLS OVER to the side-- as Jake puts her head down to hide from Will-- Bella gets out of the truck and CROSSES the street to him--
BELLA: Will--
She sits down next to him.
WILL: Hey.
BELLA: What are you doing? I was looking for you-- Where are you going?
WILL: I don't know.
She looks at his bag. The bus stop.
BELLA: Will. You can't just take off.
WILL: Well-- I've got to go somewhere. I'm kicked out of school. I can't go home. I'm not staying here.
She looks at him.
BELLA: Look-- I'm kinda in a rush here--
WILL: So go--
BELLA: No-- I'm not just leaving you here like this on the street. So listen up. Our building is being auctioned off. I need... my mom to sign over the business to my dad. I'm going to Carson. To find her.
WILL: Oh my God.
She looks at him. Makes a decision.
BELLA: So get in the car. You're coming with us.
Will looks at her. That's all it took.
WILL: Okay...
She grabs his bag.
WILL (cont'd): Let's go.
They cross back over to the car.
Bella opens her door for Will to get in-- Jake sheepishly looks up...Will's eyes POP.
WILL (cont'd): What the hell...
BELLA: Yeh. Jake's a girl. They're not gay.
HAMILTON: Great. Tell everybody.
On Will astonished face we...
EXT. NEW RAWLEY- LATER THAT AFTERNOON (DAY 1)
The late afternoon sun-- Main Street.
INT. DINER- LATER (DAY 1)
Scout is working the counter. He looks up as he SPOTS...
EXT. GAS STATION- SAME (DAY 1)
SEAN. Across the street at the gas station. He's standing talking to Charlie. A beat. Then Charlie goes inside. Sean looks around. Then sits down on the window ledge and looks up as he NOTICES...Scout. Looking at him. He nods. Scout does too. Then, Sean gets up and CROSSES to...
INT. DINER- CONTINUOUS (DAY 1)
Sean ENTERS...
SEAN: Hey. I'm lookin' for Bella. You seen her today?
SCOUT: Yeh. Earlier.
Sean looks worried. Scout presses him...
SCOUT (cont'd): Why-- What's happening?
SEAN: Charlie said she took off to Carson. For the day. He didn't know why. She didn't mention anything about it to me. Did she to you?
As this sinks in...
SCOUT: Um. No.
SEAN: Why would she be going to Carson?
Scout looks at him.
SCOUT: To see her mom?
As Scout starts to come around the counter and take off his apron we...
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD- DAY (DAY 1)
Bella drives with Will in the front seat and Jake and Hamilton in the back. Bella looks ahead as she drives. Contemplative. Will looks over. Watches her.
WILL: Writing your speech?
She looks at him. Smiles.
BELLA: Kinda'... The problem is-- i'm writing hers too.
WILL: What does she say?
BELLA: Um. "sorry," mostly. But mainly it's me talking. And I've got a lot to say. Not much of it's very nice. It's been ten years. I don't know if I remember what she looks like. Or what her voice sounds like. But I have to be careful 'cause... you know, I want her to fix this. (then) I'm just hoping she's changed.
Hamilton leans forward.
HAMILTON: Who's changed?
Jake pulls him back.
JAKE: Hamilton...
HAMILTON: What? Everyone else knows about it. Why can't I?
BELLA: Everyone does not know anything. Don't say that.
Hamilton, getting nowhere with the women, tries Will--
HAMILTON: (regarding the girls) Will. They're freezin' me out, man. Tell me what's going on.
WILL: Hey. Nobody bothered you about your secrets.
Hamilton sits back. Looks at Jake
HAMILTON (cont'd): Okay. Other than running away, what's the plan?
JAKE: Hamilton. That is the plan. To get out of here.
HAMILTON: God. Okay. I don't get it--
JAKE: What don't you get? This whole thing was... a mistake. Alright.
He looks at her. Hurt. Then.
JAKE (cont'd): Not you. Not us. Just everything else I seem to do. They're not gonna let me come back to Rawley next semester.
Hamilton looks at her. Realizing this is true. He puts his arm around her, and holds her tight. Off his look we...
INT. DINER- DAY (DAY1)
Scout and Sean sit in the front window. Mulling over the situation...
SCOUT: How far away is Carson?
SEAN: 'Bout an hour from here.
SCOUT: Did she go alone?
SEAN: I don't know...
Scout get up--
SCOUT: Alright-- I gotta go there.
SEAN: Why?
SCOUT: 'Cuz last week when she got the package from her mom, she just wanted the whole thing to go away and wished she'd never heard from her-- and I pushed it and I told her that she should consider talking to her mom and...
SEAN: Why don't you just stay out of her life? Leave her alone.
Scout looks at him. A beat. Then...
SCOUT: You coming with?
Sean looks at him.
SEAN: You got a car?
SCOUT: No...(then) But I got a thumb.
As the boys EXITS the diner, we...
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD- DUSK (NIGHT 1)
Bella driving-- the warm summer night upon them-- Will has his head back on the seat-- looking up at the MOON overhead, just now appearing in the twilight. Bella looks over at Will.
BELLA: Beautiful, huh?
He nods.
WILL: When I was little... and I'd ride in a car at night, I thought the moon was following me...
Bella smiles. God. She loves this guy.
BELLA: Did I ever tell you... When I was eight. I had a crush on you.
Will laughs.
WILL: No way.
BELLA: Oh yeh. And every time you'd say hello to me I'd blush so red I'd have to turn away and hide my face so you wouldn't see.
WILL: Come on.
They both laugh. A BEAT. Then...
BELLA: And when my mom left... One day I was sitting outside the station on the curb, and I'd been crying, feeling sorry for myself, and you came over and offered me some Red Hots. Remember that?
He looks at her. Smiles.
WILL: I sure do.
Off the two friends, driving together in the night, and Hamilton and Jake, sitting close together in the back seat.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD- DUSK (NIGHT 1)
Scout and Sean sit on the flatbed of a pick-up truck as it MOVES down the country road. A TRUCKER drives up front.
As they FLY past open fields and trees-- Sean WATCHES Scout, looking off in the distance. He follows his gaze. Then looks back and watches him again. Scout looks over at him. The two meet eyes. Then Scout looks away. The two of them-- sussing each other out. Unsure of what lies ahead. And keeping a close watch on the enemy.
INT. BELLA'S TRUCK/EXT. COUNTRY ROAD- DUSK (NIGHT 1)
A HAND on the RADIO turns up the volume. ABBA'S FERNANDO BLASTS out into the night air as Bella's truck MOVES down the highway. Jake her head on Hamilton's shoulder. Her eyes closed. But Hamilton's are wide open, with the fear of losing her. Jake starts to hum...
JAKE: (singing) "Can you hear the drums Fernando..."
Bella looks over at Will. Smiles. Jake OPENS her eyes. Then Will, Hamilton and Bella join in too...
EVERYONE: (singing) " THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THE AIR THAT NIGHT, THE STARS WERE BRIGHT, FERNANDO..."
They all continue singing, lost in the moment of the beautiful night. The stars racing past them overhead. The wind in their hair. Their minds open. Their hearts free.
EVERYONE (cont'd): (singing) "THERE WAS SOMETHING THERE FOR YOU TO SEE, FOR LIBERTY, FERNANDO..."
Bella turns and smiles at Will. Maybe everything will be okay. She turns back and SEES:
BELLA'S POV AHEAD: A DEER standing still in the road. Bella SLAMS on her BRAKES and swerves, but HITS the deer, goes into the woods and CRASHES into a tree.
End Act Two
ACT THREE
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD- DUSK (NIGHT 1)
The truck, now SMASHED into a tree as...Bella looks up-- disoriented, and Will, Jake and Hamilton climb out.
BELLA: Oh my God-- I hit something--
She gets out of the car.
JAKE: Something or someone--
HAMILTON: You hit someone?
BELLA: No-- an animal--
As she looks back... Will SPOTS--
WILL: It's a deer.
As they all see-- a DEER. Lying in the center of the road.
BELLA: OH GOD-- No! Will!
They all RUN into the road, to the deer--
BELLA (cont'd): Oh my god-- Oh my God--
Will leans down closer-- feels it's neck--
WILL: It's still breathing
Bella leans down-- touches it gently--
BELLA: Don't die-- please don't die--
HAMILTON: What should we do--
Jake pulls out a cell phone-- looks at it--
JAKE: No reception. Maybe someone will drive by--
HAMILTON: Let's get out of the road before we get hit.
WILL: Unlikely, we're in the middle of nowhere-- I haven't seen a car in an hour.
Bella is still stroking the deer--
BELLA: Let's move him-- We can't leave him in the road-- Hamilton there's a blanket in the back seat of the truck.
Hamilton goes to get the blanket. Bella, Will and Jake hover around the deer.
JAKE: (looks up into the sky) It's getting dark...
BELLA: Well, we can't just leave him here. There're coyotes out here-- they'll have him for dinner if he can't run.
AT THE TRUCK-- Hamilton GRABS the blanket form the back seat. Looks at the truck. Notices the front is smashed in. And the axle is crooked. As he TURNS he SPOTS....
A CABIN. Off in the woods in the near distance.
BACK ON BELLA, WILL AND JAKE
As Hamilton JOINS them with the blanket. Gives it to Will who slides it under the deer
HAMILTON: Bella, your car's totally wrecked--
BELLA: Yeh. Thanks for the news flash.
HAMILTON: But, there's a cabin up there in the woods. Maybe they have a phone.
JAKE: Or a gun...
WILL: Hamilton-- Help me get him onto the blanket...
BELLA: Be careful.
Will and Hamilton gently push the deer onto the blanket and lift it. Together, they all set out towards the cabin. Bella STOPS. Looks at her car. Shakes her head and continues on with the group.
EXT. CABIN IN THE WOODS- NIGHT (NIGHT 1)
Bella, Will, Hamilton and Jake ENTER the cabin. There's some old beaten up furniture strewn about. A stone fireplace occupies one wall. No one's lived here in year's.
BELLA: Uh, I don't think they have a phone...
They all MOVE into the room-- looking around.
JAKE: Creepy.
HAMILTON: Yeh. (then) How far from the nearest...
WILL: Nearest what? There's nothing for at least twenty miles. And I mean nothing.
JAKE: What are you, a cartographer?
HAMILTON: Maybe we should go back and wait by the road.
JAKE: For who? The Grim Reaper?
BELLA: It's a back road, Hamilton. We should just wait her 'til morning.
JAKE: Are you kidding? Sleep here?
WILL: You got a better idea?
They all look at each other. They don't. Bella looks outside at the deer.
BELLA: (to Will) Think he's gonna die?
WILL: I don't know. I hope not. (then) Let's build a fire. Anyone got any matches?
HAMILTON: God. What are we gonna do for food?
Everyone looks at him.
HAMILTON (cont'd): What? I'm starving.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD/INT. TRUCK- MOVING- NIGHT (NIGHT 1)
Scout and Sean on the flatbed of the pick-up truck-- MOVING down the country road. Scout is looking off into the night as suddenly, he SPOTS...
BELLA'S TRUCK-- as they FLY PAST IT--
SCOUT: Hey!!
He WHIPS around-- STARTS banging on the back window of the cab--
SCOUT (cont'd): Stop! Stop! Pull over!!
Sean sits up-
SEAN: What are you doing?
SCOUT: Bella's truck is back there!
He BANGS on the window again as the TRUCKER pulls over. They hop OFF and Scout TAKES OFF back down the road-- Sean follows. As they reach the truck--
SEAN: --Oh my God-- they had an accident.
SCOUT: Well, where are they?
As they HEAR...WHEELS SCREECHING. They turn to see: The TRUCK SPEEDING OFF--
SEAN: Hey! Wait!
He starts to run after it, but to no avail. He stops. Turns back to Scout.
SCOUT: Unbelievable.
INT. CABIN IN THE WOODS- NIGHT (NIGHT 1)
Jake and Hamilton are lying at opposite ends of a small wooden bench covered by a blanket.
Will and Bella are in front of the fire. Bella resting her head on Will's lap.
BELLA: Will?
WILL: Yeh.
BELLA: What if we lose the station?
WILL: We won't let that happen. We'll figure something out. (then) Though, I guess we can always find a cardboard box to shack up in together.
She smiles. As we HEAR...
A TWIG. SNAP. OUTSIDE. IN THE WOODS. They look up. Bella FREEZES.
JAKE: Okay. What. Was. That?
HAMILTON: Someone here to kill us all.
They all look up. Still. Waiting for another sound. As we HEAR-- LEAVES CRUNCHING.
JAKE: (freaked) This really sucks.
BELLA: Someone's out there.
HAMILTON: Oh, great.
JAKE: Well, go look.
HAMILTON: You go look.
THE FOOTSTEPS--
WILL: They're getting closer.
Will and Hamilton get up. Everyone FREAKS. Will GRABS a TREE BRANCH. As we HEAR someone just outside and the DOOR SWINGS OPEN and--
BELLA, WILL, HAMILTON and JAKE see... TWO FIGURES IN THE DOORWAY AND SCREAM!!
As Sean and Scout step into the light and SCREAM too--
BELLA: Sean?!
SEAN: Bella?!
WILL: Scout?!
SCOUT: Jake?!
They all look at each other. Incredulous.
JAKE: You scared the hell out of us!
BELLA: What are you doing here?!
Scout looks at Jake.
SCOUT: What's he doing in a dress?!
HAMILTON: Never mind that. Let's go home.
SEAN: What happened to your car?
BELLA: The axle's broken. We hit a deer.
Bella points to the deer outside.
SEAN: Wow...
WILL: He's not dead. He just won't get up.
SCOUT: Are you guys okay?
BELLA: We're fine.
JAKE: Okay. Enough with the formalities. Let's go home. Where's your car?
SCOUT: We hitched here. We saw your truck on the road. The guy took off and left us.
WILL: You've got to be kidding me.
HAMILTON: So we're still stranded.
BELLA: Do you have a degree in stating the obvious?
EXT. CABIN IN THE WOODS- LATE (NIGHT 1)
THROUGH THE WINDOWS-- we can SEE the FIRE burning inside...
INT. CABIN IN THE WOODS- SAME (NIGHT 1)
Everyone is now strewn around the room. Will tends to the fire. Sean is off to the side looking out the window. Jake is curled up on the couch. Scout sits next to her. Bella is sitting on the floor next to him. Hamilton digs through his backpack and FINDS... a POWER BAR.
HAMILTON: Paradise.
Everyone looks at him.
WILL: Plan on sharing that?
Hamilton looks at him. Then. Much to his chagrin, begins to slice it up. Scout looks at Jake. Finds it all too weird now. Jake stares him down.
SCOUT: So. I'm a little unclear. (to Hamilton and Jake) About a lot of things. But first, what are you guys doing here?
BELLA: I asked Jake to come with me.
SEAN: You asked him?
HAMILTON: Her--
SEAN: Whatever--
JAKE: (re: Sean) Who are you, anyway?
SEAN: (ignoring her, to Bella) And you just took off without saying anything to me.
BELLA: Well, this was kinda private. And by the way...(to Scout and Sean) I don't appreciated being followed.
SCOUT: Well we don't appreciate being left in the dark.
BELLA: We? What are you two, like, best friends now?
They look at each other. Not quite.
SCOUT: We were worried about you. And Will.
WILL: Why would you be worried about me?
SCOUT: Um, your scholarship?
WILL: (to Bella) You told him?
BELLA: You disappeared with all your stuff-- I was worried...
WILL: Dammit! I specifically asked you not to tell him-- I'm here with you trying to save your ass from being thrown into public auction--
SEAN: What are you talking about?
SCOUT: You're losing the garage?
They look to Bella-- then to Will--
BELLA: Will-- just shut up! God-- Can't anybody keep a secret around here?!
WILL: If you could, maybe I wouldn't look like such a loser!
SEAN: Hey, stop yelling at her. We're your friends. We just wanted to help you.
WILL: You know, too?
SEAN: Why is it such a big secret! It's a scholarship, man, not a life line.
SCOUT: Will-- it's just a setback--
WILL: No, Scout, it's more than that-- I have no options, but you wouldn't know what that's like--
HAMILTON: God-- Stop fighting! You all sound so pathetic.
SCOUT: This coming from a guy who's masquerading as a gay with a guy who's really a girl. (to Jake) Talk about an attention-getter.
HAMILTON: Well, maybe that's why she did it, Einstein, to get attention.
SCOUT: That's really twisted.
JAKE: What would you know about that-- your family was like manufactured from the pages of Life magazine. And, hey, that's my business. Not yours.
SEAN: Scout thinks everything is his business.
SCOUT: Yeh-- well some things are. You just don't...
SEAN: Know about it? Yeh. I do, Scout. I know all about it.
Scout looks at Bella--
SCOUT: Well, good then. I mean, that's what this trip is really about, right Bella? Finding out the truth. About us.
BELLA: God, Scout-- No, that's not what this is about--
SCOUT: Right...
WILL: Scout, this trip has nothing to do with you-- or you and Bella. Not everything's about you. Charlie's losing the gas station. Bella's mom still holds the deed.
BELLA: Will?!
SEAN: Bella, is that true?
SCOUT: Well that's not gonna happen. I'm not gonna let it happen. I can make one call and--
SEAN: You think it's just that simple? Man, I didn't like you from the moment I met you. I thought you were just some rich spoiled asshole, and I was so right.
JAKE: God-- you guys are so screwed up--
HAMILTON: And I thought we had problems.
WILL: Hey-- You were in love with a guy for the entire summer. Talk about problems.
JAKE: And you spent the entire summer trying to be someone you're not.
SEAN: Funny comment, coming from a cross-dressing freak.
SCOUT: Says the friendly townie who doesn't get that his girlfriend really wants to be with some one else.
BELLA: Scout?!
Sean JUMPS UP--
SEAN: What did you say?!
SCOUT: You heard me!
BELLA: Scout! Sean! STOP IT!!!
Sean looks at him. Straight.
SEAN: Come on-- why don't you just admit it-- You're in love with your sister... And that's really sick.
Scout SWINGS at him-- Sean SWINGS back--Scout GRABS him into a HEADLOCK. They ROLL across the room-- tables and furniture go FLYING--
Jake and Bella SCREAM-- Will GRABS Sean-- Hamilton GRABS Scout-- they are pulled apart as...
BELLA: OKAY! THAT'S ENOUGH! I've HAD IT! Everyone just...GO TO BED! NOW!!!
They all look at each other. A BEAT. As they all catch their breath. Then...they all retreat to opposite ends of the room.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CABIN IN THE WOODS- LATER (NIGHT 1)
Everyone's where we last left them. Only now, they're curled up in various positions on the floor or on broken furniture. Scout's asleep. Jake's asleep. Hamilton's asleep. Sean's asleep. Will's staring into the fire. Bella's staring out the window. Contemplative.
End Act Three
ACT FOUR
INT. CABIN IN THE WOODS- MORNING (DAY 2)
ON WILL. He stirs. His eyes OPEN. Looks around. Everyone is still asleep. He gets up.
EXT. CABIN IN THE WOODS- MORNING (DAY 2)
Will EXITS the cabin. Steps out onto the porch. Looks around. Then SPOTS...
THE DEER. It is sitting up now. Licking it's leg.
Will watches. Sits down on the porch, quietly. A BEAT. Then...Bella APPEARS behind him. He turns to her...
WILL: Shhhhh....
He points to the deer. She sits next to him. Smiles. They watch the deer together as...
The others, one by one, Scout, Jake, Hamilton and Sean, drift out onto the porch and joing them. They all sit in silence. Watching the deer lick his wounds. And then. All of a sudden. The deer STANDS. Takes a step. A bit unsteady. Then another. Then...RUNS OFF into the woods.
Bella looks at Will. Smiles. But they all avoid each others' eyes, and turn away from each other, still uncomfortable from the aftermath of last night, as we...
INT. CABIN IN THE WOODS- MORNING (DAY 2)
Bella is by the fireplace putting her shoes on. Sean ENTERS. Will is getting his things together. Scout hangs back in the doorway. Hamilton and Jake are preparing to leave.
SEAN: Guess we should go hang by the road-- someone'll come by and take us home.
Bella looks at him.
BELLA: I'm going to Carson, Sean.
She finishes tying her shoes. Stands.
BELLA (cont'd): I don't have any time to waste. They're auctioning the station next week.
Everyone looks at her.
BELLA (cont'd): I know how to get there. Just follow the train tracks.
WILL: You're gonna walk to Carson?
HAMILTON: Well. We got no car. No phone. And no way outta here.
SEAN: It's at least ten miles from here.
Scout speaks up from the doorway--
SCOUT: I'll go with you.
SEAN: I didn't say I wouldn't
Bella looks at both of them. Smiles. Jake stands.
JAKE: Me too.
HAMILTON: (much to his chagrin) Let's go.
Will smiles. Then nods as we...
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS- DAY (DAY 2)
Nothing but railroad tracks and woods for as far as the eye can see. FIND...
Will, Bella, Scout, Sean, Hamilton and Jake. Walking down the tracks.
MUSIC UP. A MONTAGE FOLLOWS.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS- LATER- DAY (DAY 2)
FIND...Our group. Again. Walking down the tracks. Hamilton and Jake goofing on the tracks. MOVING to the beat. Sean, Bella, Will and Scout walk in single file.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS- DAY (DAY 2)
AN OPEN VISTA
Our group MOVES along the tracks in the distance.
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS- DAY (DAY 2)
A TUNNEL
Our group in silhouette , EMERGES from an old stone tunnel as MUSIC CONTINUES, over which...
CAMERA PANS UP to reveal the long journey that lies ahead...
END MUSIC MONTAGE
EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS- DAY (DAY 2)
The tracks stretch for what look like miles. Bella, Scout, Jake, Hamilton, Will and Sean walking along.
Sean walks up next to Bella with his head down. He looks up at her. Smiles. So does she. Sean leans down and kisses her.
Scout SEES this, turns away and SEES...
Jake and Hamilton holding hands. Hamilton leans into Jake and kisses her. Scout calls out...
SCOUT: You know. That's gonna bother me for a while...
JUST THEN...Will grabs Scout and gives him a big kiss. Everyone busts out laughing.
EXT. STREET IN CARSON- DAY (DAY 2)
The kids walk down the rural street with modest homes. They approach a small clapboard house. The group stands across the street and looks on...
BELLA: That's the address.
Just then-- a WOMAN EXITS the house. Goes to her car in the driveway. Removes some groceries.
ON BELLA. She holds her breath for a beat.
WILL: Is that her?
BELLA: Yeh...
Bella just watches her for a beat. Then.... she turns to the others. Overwhelmed.
BELLA (cont'd): God. I didn't think it was gonna be this easy. I thought... I'd feel.. different-- or something would, I don't know-- happen-- but, we're here now and... she's just there and...
She trails off...
HAMILTON: She's pretty.
Everyone shoots Hamilton a look.
HAMILTON (cont'd): What? She is.
DONNA disappears back into the house. Bella MOVES toward the house and they all start off with her. Then, Bella STOPS, TURNS and faces everyone.
BELLA: Look, you guys... I can do this alone.
And they all watch as Bella crosses the street alone.
As she reaches the curb-- Donna EXITS the house to grab another bag from the porch. Bella continues up the front walkway to her-- just before Donna turns back to go inside...
BELLA (cont'd): Donna...
Donna looks up. A question mark across her face.
BELLA (cont'd): It's Bella.
Donna sets the bag down. Looks at Bella. A moment of shock.
DONNA: Oh my God.
Donna MOVES to her. Hugs her. Bella is caught off guard. She puts her arms around Donna awkwardly. Then...Donna looks at her.
DONNA (cont'd): (tears in her eyes) I didn't know it was you, baby. You're so... (she laughs) Tall.
BELLA: You look the same.
DONNA: Lot more wrinkles and a few more pounds. (a beat) God. I'm glad you came. (then) Damn, girl, you're pretty.
ON THE GROUP-- ACROSS THE STREET ON THE LAWN...
Watching Bella and Donna in front of the house.
WILL: Wow. Ten years.
JAKE: Yeh...
A beat. Then Bella and Donna disappear INTO THE HOUSE.
EXT. HOUSE- SIDE PORCH- MINUTES LATER (DAY 2)
Bella sits in a patio chair. Donna COMES from the house with a glass of lemonade. Hands it to her. She sits down next to her. It's awkward.
DONNA: How's Gracie?
BELLA: Fine. A lot like you.
DONNA: So. You got the gift I sent you.
BELLA: Um. The gift. Yeh. See. I was pretty...emotional at first, you know. I mean, it's been-- God, so long and I... never opened it.
DONNA: Oh. It's... fine. It was just a book, and some perfume and...
She trails off. Looks at her.
DONNA (cont'd): God. I have so many things I want to say to you. I don't know where... to start.
BELLA: Yeh. Me too.
DONNA: I know it might be hard but... I want us to know each other again. And Gracie, too. I want us to...
Bella looks away. Donna smiles awkwardly.
DONNA (cont'd): So-- Are you in school? Oh God-- what a stupid question. Of course you are.
BELLA: Yeh. I am--
DONNA: And how's Charlie?
BELLA: Um. Well, actually, we have sort of a problem. Which is kinda why I came here.
DONNA: Oh God. Is he okay?
BELLA: Well. No. Um... somehow, the gas station is being sold. I guess you never put in Daddy's name. So... If you could just sign it over to us, I'm sure we can work it out. Cuz, it's our home. And we love it there and....
DONNA: Sign it over? To you and Charlie?
BELLA: Yeh.
DONNA: Bella, my father, your grandfather, bought that station a couple of years before he died. And he left it to me. I know the station is for sale. I put if up for sale.
BELLA: What?
DONNA: When I walked away from it, I never meant to give it to Charlie. It'd not his. It belongs to me.
BELLA: But the station is our life.
DONNA: It doesn't have to be. I want to be in your life again. And I don't want to get into anything with Charlie about it. But, I just want you to know that I'm here and--
BELLA: Have you completely lost your mind?
DONNA: Bell-- look at me. I'm not young anymore. I'm tired. And I need that money. This is a lot more complicated than you think.
BELLA: Why did you send me that gift? To get what you wanted?
DONNA: I've never gotten what I wanted.
BELLA: Well, you certainly know how to get rid of what you don't want.
DONNA: I never said I didn't want you.
BELLA: Well then what was it? I don't remember any earth-shattering events that happened that year, or that week, or that day. What changed in your life that made you abandon your kids?
DONNA: God-- You are too young to understand. I'll explain it someday but--
BELLA: No. You won't. You can't. I've lived for ten years pretending that you don't exist and that's been really hard. But it won't be anymore.
She get up--
DONNA: Bella--
Bella turns and walks away. Stops, turns back--
BELLA: And if you think we're gonna let you have our home... you better think again.
She EXITS. Leaving Donna sitting on the porch alone.
EXT. DONNA'S HOUSE- SAME (DAY 2)
ON Will, Scout, Sean, Hamilton and Jake. Sitting on the lawn across the street as...
Bella EXITS the house. Visibly upset...
WILL: Oh no
Bella comes down the front steps and walks away down the street.
Scout, Will, Jake, Hamilton and Sean stand, then take off after her.
ON BELLA. MOVING down the sidewalk. Tears in her eyes. As the group catches up to her... Sean throws his arm around her shoulder. Will comforts her from the other side.
BELLA: (wiping her tears) Take me home...
WILL: Okay.
THEN-- ON THEIR BACKS-- as they MOVE AWAY FROM US, together in a group, these six friends as they disappear in the distance down the middle of the street...
BACK ON DONNA'S HOUSE
Donna comes out onto the porch. Stands there and watches Bella and the group moving away from the house. Stay with her for a beat as...
A BLUE COLLAR GUY walks out of the house. Joins her.
BLUE COLLAR GUY: Who was that?
Beat.
DONNA: Your daughter.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD- DAY (DAY 2)
Sean stands in the road with his thumb out as Bella, Will, Scout, Hamilton and Jake sit together by the curb.
A PICK-UP TRUCK pulls to the side. Sean goes to the window-- talks to the GUY-- waves the rest on, and our group climbs into the back. As the truck takes off down the road...
WILL (V.O)
There were so many things that happened those two days. The thoughts rushed through our heads, but we barely spoke.
EXT. TOWN SQUARE- AFTERNOON (DAY 2)
The afternoon sun sets over New Rawley creating a myriad of colors in the afternoon sky.
In the distance-- we can barely make out... the PICK-UP TRUCK... it MOVES toward us-- CLOSER and CLOSER... and finally rolls into the town square.
In the back... Bella's asleep on Sean's chest. Jake and Hamilton are curled up in a corner. Scout it splayed out across the middle. And Will sits up against the back. Wide awake. Still.
The truck ROLLS to a stop, Hamilton OPENS his eyes. Nudges Jake. Bella and Sean sit up. They all slowly climb out.
SEAN: (to the trucker) Thanks a lot...
As the trucker nods and takes off. Leaving the group standing there... Bella looks up and SPOTS--
A LARGE SIGN ACROSS the FRONT of the GAS STATION. It READS: TUESDAY AUCTION- 2:00
BELLA: Oh my God...
She walks past her friends. Stands in the middle of the street. Just staring at the sign as...
Charlie EMERGES from the office. He SEES Bella. LOOKS at her standing there. Follows her gaze to the AUCTION SIGN. A beat. Then... He turns, and walks over to the sign and RIPS IT DOWN from the building. He crumbles it up and STUFFS it into a TRASH CAN. Then turns back to Bella. And looks at her. Then.... smiles. And she smiles back at him. Another beat. Then he disappears inside.
Bella turns to the group. And MOVES back into the square to join them.
BELLA (cont'd): It's gonna take more than some sign to get us outta' here...
They all look at the gas station. HOLD ON THEM.
WILL (V.O)
There are time when your head is spinning with thoughts. Things you want to say. Things you've said. But there just aren't any words...
Sean puts his arm around Bella...
WILL (V.O) (cont'd)
And there are moments you wish would just go on forever...
Jake leans into Hamilton. Back to reality. Lost in love.
WILL (V.O) (con'td)
Today, as we stood in the center of town together, I still wasn't sure what kind of a day it was, or would turn out to be...
Jake SPOTS her bike. All pieced back together. Sitting near the pumps.
JAKE: My bike.
BELLA: Charlie must have finished it.
Jake turns to Hamilton.
JAKE: I guess I better go. If I don't get home soon, my mom'll put out an APB.
Hamilton looks at her. She smiles.
HAMILTON: It's not funny.
JAKE: What?
HAMILTON: That you're leaving. That's it over.
JAKE: Who said it's over?
He hugs her tight.
HAMILTON: (whispers) Don't stop hugging me first.
She smiles. He lets her go. She looks at him
HAMILTON (cont'd): God, I'm gonna miss you.
JAKE: come to New York. Take the train.
HAMILTON: Oh. I am.
She turns to the group.
SCOUT: See you next semester?
JAKE: If they let me back in.
SCOUT: Ever head of a little thing called The Citadel?
Jake laughs. One last look at Hamilton. And she turns and LEAVES. Hamilton watches her go as she starts her bike and TAKES OFF down the road.
A beat. Hamilton turns to the group.
HAMILTON: Well. See ya when I see ya.
EVERYONE: Bye, Hamilton.
Hamilton turns and LEAVES.
HAMILTON: (turning back) Got a feeling it's gonna be sooner than we think.
He smiles as he CROSSES the street and walks off leaving Sean, Scout, Will and Bella.
BELLA: (to Will) What are you gonna do?
WILL: I'm not sure. But you'll be the first to know.
BELLA: Promise?
WILL: Yeh...
SCOUT: (to Bella) If you change your mind... about me helping...
BELLA: You'll be the first to know.
She hugs Scout. Tight. He turns to Sean. They exchange a look.
SEAN: We cool?
Scout looks at him. Nods.
SCOUT: No hard feelings.
The two of them shake. Then, Sean and Bella MOVE off together into the gas station and disappear inside. Leaving Scout and Will standing together in the town square alone.
WILL: I'm never gonna go anywhere. Am I?
Scout looks at him.
SCOUT: Only if you want to.
A beat. Will looks at him.
WILL: You know, if the tables were turned. I'd help you...
Scout looks at his friend. Smiles.
SCOUT: I know...
They shake hands.
SCOUT (cont'd): I better get going. Gotta catch the next bus to the airport.
WILL: See ya when I see ya.
SCOUT: Last chance for St. Martin.
They share a grin.
WILL (V.O)
I'm not sure if it happened that day.... or that summer... but somehow we all felt a little older, a little different...
And then.... Scout TURNS away. Heads off down the street. Will watches him go. A SERIES OF DISSOLVES as Will WATCHES Scout get farther and farther away.
Then...Will sits on the bench in the center of the town square. Alone. We stay with him.
WILL (V.O) (cont'd)
I knew I'd never forget this summer, or the friends I'd made...
Will looks off into the distance. A Beat. Then he reaches into his bag. Takes out the bundle of applications now in envelopes. He gets up and walks over to a MAILBOX. OPENS it and DROPS the letters inside.
WILL (V.O) (cont'd)
And I knew... I wasn't going to let it end.
INT. DORMITORY CORRIDOR- DAY (DAY 2)
The halls are empty. At one end. Finn APPEARS. He is holding a letter. He MOVES toward us until he REACHES...
INT. WILL & SCOUT'S DORM ROOM- CONTINUOUS (DAY 2)
The door is slightly ajar. Finn knocks. Pushes it OPEN.
FINN: Will?
He looks inside. The room is empty. He MOVES to the bureau, TAPES the letter to the mirror above it. A beat. Then he turns and leaves. As we....
PUSH IN ON THE LETTER WHICH READS;
Dear Mr. Krudski... We are pleased to inform you... the funds for your scholarship have been approved.... We will expect to see you at Rawley Academy in the fall...
EXT. BUS STOP- DAY (DAY 2)
REVEAL... Scout. Sitting on the bus stop. Waiting. He looks down. HOLD ON HIM. Then... We HEAR... A bus APPROACHING. Scout looks down the street. A beat. He starts to get up. Collects his bags. As he HEARS...
WILL (O.S): Scout!
Scout TURNS. Looks up to SEE...
Will. Running towards him. At full speed. Right down the center of the street. He joins Scout. As the BUS pulls up. The two climb on together and we watch as the bus take off and we PULL BACK, AND BACK, AND BACK....
THE END