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TEARS DON’T FALL

By
Joshua Dean

(c) 2009
FADE IN.
SUPERIMPOSE on a black screen:
"INSANITY: A spectrum of behaviors characterized by certain
abnormal mental or behavioral patterns which may manifest as
violations of societal norms, including becoming a danger to
themselves and others.
It can be the result of severe stress, loss, extreme
betrayal, or even typical stress and anxiety, among other
causes."
FADE IN:

EXT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- ESTABLISHING- DAY

Outside, a nice 2-story home. A pretty young woman, JESSICA


CHAMBERLAIN (23), boasts curly chest-length hair and a
low-cut white top as she walks from her blue Corvette to the
front door of the house.

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- KITCHEN- DAY


Inside, an attractive woman, ABIGAIL CHAMBERLAIN (41) flips
bacon on the stove. She has a look of anger on her
face. In walks Jessie, who strides toward the kitchen
table, to see DOUG CHAMBERLAIN (44), a good-looking man,
looking very professional, and RYAN CHAMBERLAIN (15), a
rather scruffy-looking boy, sipping on orange juice, with a
German Shepherd puppy, KAISER, at his side.

JESSIE
Hey, am I late?
RYAN
No, I don’t have to be at school
for about 25 minutes.

JESSIE
Good.
She goes to sit down. She looks at Doug. He looks
depressed. Jessie bites her lip.

JESSIE
What’s wrong, Dad?
Doug just glances at her.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.

DOUG
I have this meeting I can’t get out
of tonight.
ABBIE
(interrupting)
Yeah, because you absolutely have
to go. You can’t skip it. Yeah,
right, Doug.
DOUG
Abbie, if I could get out of it, do
you really think I’d miss our
anniversary?
Ryan looks at Jessie. The incoherent shouting has
begun. Jessie just closes her eyes. She knows what she has
just started. She looks at Ryan.
JESSIE
(barely audible)
You ready, Ryan?

Ryan just nods, annoyed.

EXT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- DAY


Jessie and Ryan walk out of the door and toward Jessie’s
car.
RYAN
Tonight’s gonna be fun.

JESSIE
Shut up, Mr. Saturday Detention.
They get into the car. Jessie drives off.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL- DAY


A typical single-level small town high school, but there are
only a few people outside.
Jessie’s corvette pulls up, and Ryan opens the door.

JESSIE
Are you gonna need a ride home?
RYAN
I dunno.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 3.

JESSIE
Well, if you do, call me. But I
don’t get off work til 2.
RYAN
Okay, I’ll call you.
Jessie pulls away. Ryan starts toward the school.

EXT. STATLER’S DINER- ESTABLISHING- DAY

A typical small town diner. Roughly twenty cars are


parked. It is obvious that they are in breakfast rush.
Jessie pulls into the parking lot and gets out of the car,
to walk into the building.

INT. STATLER’S DINER- KITCHEN- DAY


Jessie walks through the door, and the owner, MAC STATLER
(53), looks at her, surprised.

STATLER
You’re almost an hour early!
JESSIE
Yeah, I know. Parents are
fighting, so I figured I’d come in
early and have breakfast.
STATLER
Well, eat something and then you
can clock in early if you want.

INT. STATLER’S DINER- LOBBY- DAY


Jessie sits at a table, a plate of pancakes and hashbrowns
in front of her. In walks RACHEL FOSTER (25), a very pretty
blonde woman. She walks up to Jessie’s table.

RACHEL
Hey, sexy, what’s up?
JESSIE
Not much, other than Mom and Dad
arguing.
RACHEL
Isn’t it their anniversary? Sounds
like a rough morning for you.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 4.

JESSIE
Well, first, my hot water wouldn’t
work, then I go to pick up Ryan,
only to start a huge argument
between my parents, Ryan’s giving
me shit for it, I came in early,
and now I’m eating my pancakes.
Rachel just looks at her, with a "that’s too bad"
expression.
RACHEL
Well, the pancakes are worth it.
Jessie smiles. Rachel grabs Jessie’s fork and takes a bite
of her pancakes.

LATER
Rachel races around the floor, carrying trays of
food. After she maneuvers around a few crowded tables, she
arrives at the table the food is for, and in the process of
putting the tray down lets out a loud, painful groan, spills
soup all over her apron. From across the restaurant, Jessie
looks over, sees Rachel’s dilemma, and walks over to
help. Statler comes out of the kitchen to see the mess. He
instantly realizes what it is.
STATLER
All right, Rachel, there’s another
apron in the back. Take five. And
Jess, can you get this lady some
more soup?
Jessie nods at him. Rachel walks toward the back. Jessie
looks at the customer.

JESSIE
I’m sorry, hun. She has
arthritis. It kind of... I’ll get
you some more soup.

INT. STATLER’S DINER- BREAKROOM- DAY


Rachel takes off her apron, and then holds her hands
together, in pain. Jessie walks in.
JESSIE
You all right?
She looks back and snarls, but not particularly at Jessie.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.

RACHEL
Damned arthritis, anyway.

Jessie offers a faint, sympathetic smile.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL- DAY


The bell rings.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL- DAY


Ryan and a few other teens walk out of a door labeled
"DETENTION." Ryan, books in hand, walks to his locker. He
puts his books away, and pulls out his cell phone. He
presses a button twice, and then puts the phone to his ear.
JESSIE
(v.o.)
Hello?

RYAN
Hey, I think I’ll take you up on
that ride, sis. And I have to tell
you something.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL- DAY


Jessie’s car pulls up. She is still in uniform. Ryan,
sitting on a bench outside, sees her and walks to the
car. He gets in, and Jessie pulls away.

JESSIE
So, what’s going on?
RYAN
Higgenson is making me go see a
shrink... tonight.

INT. JESSIE’S CAR- DAY


Jessie looks at Ryan awkwardly, confused.

JESSIE
What in the hell do you need to see
a shrink for?

RYAN
The quack thinks I’m bipolar.
He pulls out a paper from his pocket.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 6.

RYAN
A Dr. Madeleine Childers.
JESSIE
Higgenson’s a moron. Everyone
knows that, even him.

RYAN
Agreed. But I can’t go back to
school until she signs this paper.

JESSIE
It’ll be all right. I’ll just have
to explain to our mother that your
principal lacks a fully-funtional
brain.

RYAN
Agreed, once again.
JESSIE
So what possessed him to do this,
anyway?

RYAN
Bret Richter was picking on some
kid... for the last week, and I got
sick of hearing the douchebag’s
voice yesterday, and pushed him up
against a locker, telling him to
leave the kid alone.
JESSIE
Who’s the kid?

RYAN
Oh, I don’t know. His mom’s some
rich shrink or something, in
Hammond.

JESSIE
Well, I’m being dragged to a rave
with Rachel and Desi tonight.
Ryan just looks at her, in awe.

RYAN
Yeah, I can just see you at a rave.
Jessie rolls her eyes, just mildly annoyed, and smiles.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.

JESSIE
(half-serious)
Shut up.

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- HALLWAY- DAY


Abbie is carrying laundry down the hallway, holding a phone
between her ear and her shoulder.
ABBIE
I don’t know, you could have told
them about this over a month ago.
(pause)
What do you mean there’s nothing
you can do, you can ski---

Jessie and Ryan walk into the doorway. Abbie puts the
laundry down.
ABBIE
Well, look, Doug, I have to
go. I’m trying to do laundry.
(pause)
Yeah, love you too. Bye.
Jessie looks down, and Ryan strolls to his room, as Kaiser
trails him. Abbie looks at Jessie, after laying the phone
on the laundry basket.

ABBIE
What?
JESSIE
(shrugging it off)
Nothing. I have to call
Rachel. That party tonight. She
says I have to go.
She reaches for her cell phone, only to realize it is not in
her pocket. She looks at Abbie, in disbelief.
JESSIE
Can you call my phone?
Abbie picks the phone back up and dials a number. It rings
two or three times, and then:
RACHEL
(v.o.)
Hello? Jessie’s phone.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 8.

ABBIE
Hey. Jessie left her phone at
work, huh?
RACHEL
Oh, hey, Abbie.
ABBIE
Hey, Rach. We’re on our way.
Jessie looks at her.

JESSIE
"We"?
ABBIE
Yeah, I’m hungry and don’t feel
like cooking.
RACHEL
Well, see you in a few minutes.
ABBIE
Okay, Rach.

EXT. STATLER’S DINER- DUSK


The sun is lowering, not setting yet, but it is getting
somewhat dim for 6PM. Jessie pulls up, with Abbie in the
passenger seat.

INT. STATLER’S DINER- LOBBY- DUSK

Jessie and Abbie walk into the doorway, at the counter is


Rachel, holding her phone up. Abbie sits at a booth, and
Jessie walks toward Rachel. All of a sudden, PATRICK, the
evening manager, 36 and good-looking, but cocky about it,
grabs the phone. Rachel looks at him with a bewildered
expression.
PATRICK
(condescending)
Rachel, you know better than to use
your phone when you’re wor---

JESSIE
Patrick, it’s my phone. I left it
here by mistake when I got off
work.

CLOSE UP ON PATRICK

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 9.

He looks both flustered and annoyed. Rachel smiles and grabs


the phone back, to hand it to Jessie. But Abbie catches
Patrick’s eye, sitting at the booth, and he appears to have
forgotten that Jessie and Rachel exist. Not even holding a
waiter’s pad, he walks up.

PATRICK
What would you like to drink, miss?
ABBIE
Mrs. And a Pepsi, please.

He looks back, and Jessie and Rachel are well out of


earshot.
PATRICK
And what will a young beauty like
you be having for dinner?
ABBIE
Excuse me?
PATRICK
Oh, I was just commenting on how
attractive you are.
Jessie and Rachel are distracted, talking.
RACHEL
Plus, Travis is gonna be there.
JESSIE
So? I told you I don’t want to come
off too clingy.

RACHEL
Jess, it’ll be fine. Besides, I
already promised him you’d be
there.

JESSIE
Rachel! Why?
RACHEL
Because. You two don’t hang out
enough.

JESSIE
Rachel, seriou---
Jessie’s phone rings, she looks and answers it.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.

JESSIE
What, Ryan?
(pause)
Oh, sorry. Yeah, I’m on my way.

She closes the phone.


JESSIE
I’ll be back.
RACHEL
Okay, I get off at 8.
Jessie walks up to Abbie and Patrick.
JESSIE
Hey, I’ve gotta run Ryan to
Hammond. Want me to come back and
pick you up, Mom?
ABBIE
No, Jess... I can---
(looks at Patrick)
I can walk. Actually, take Ryan to
that party with you, okay?
Jessie looks at her, jaw dropped and shaking her head,
disgusted.

JESSIE
(with disgust)
Mom! Oh... my... god!
She walks off. Rachel looks over at Patrick and Abbie,
instantly realizing Jessie’s problem.

EXT. CORNFIELD- NIGHT


An isolated clearing, flooded with teenagers and young
adults, kegs, a bonfire and all the fixins. Rachel pulls up
in a blue Pinto. She gets out and walks up to two young
women, DESARIEE, 23, and MONIKA, 24. Desariee is dressed
slutty, while Monika is just stylin’. The girls all have to
yell to hear eachother, due to the very loud partiers.

DESARIEE
Rachel! Where’s Jess?!?
RACHEL
She had to take her little brother
to Hammond, then she’ll be here!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 11.

MONIKA
(slight British accent)
Good, because that wanka’ Travis is
freaking over her!

RACHEL
Yeah, she didn’t seem too thrilled
about that!
DESARIEE
She’ll be fine, Rach!

Suddenly, Jessie’s car pulls up. She gets out and starts
looking around for her friends.
DESARIEE
Jessie, over here!

Jessie looks over to see them waving, and then goes to join
them. Rachel glares at her.
RACHEL
About time, Jess!

MONIKA
Don’t listen to this slag! She got
here about two minutes before you
did! Didn’t you, Rachel?!?

RACHEL
(under her breath)
Yeah, yeah, British bimbo.
JESSIE
Sorry, I had to drop Ryan off in
Hammond! I think I have to pick
him up in a couple hours, too!
RACHEL
Yeah, I know. Your mom stayed at
the diner until close. He took her
home.
JESSIE
Oh, god.

Desariee points to a beefy young hunk.


DESARIEE
Forget about that for a little
while, Travis is over there waiting
for you!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 12.

Jessie looks over, and then rolls her eyes at her friends,
followed by walking over in the direction Desariee pointed
to meet TRAVIS McCUTCHEON, 23, a VERY handsome young man.
TRAVIS
Hi.
JESSIE
Hello. What have you been doing
today?

TRAVIS
(in a joking tone)
Working... and jerkin’ it to your
picture.
Jessie laughs lightly.

JESSIE
Sounds a lot more fun than my day.
TRAVIS
Tell me about it.

JESSIE
You sure? It’s a weird one.
TRAVIS
Yeah.

JESSIE
It’s my parents’ anniversary, and I
think my mom is cheating on my dad,
with my boss.

TRAVIS
WOW, that is a weird one. Where’s
your dad?
JESSIE
Some business meeting he couldn’t
get out of.

EXT. TRASK INDUSTRIES- NIGHT

A sleek, tall building.


13.

INT. TRASK IND.- HALLWAY- NIGHT


Doug Chamberlain and his boss, VERNE TRASK, 53, and looking
well for his age, walk up to an elevator.
DOUG
Well, that didn’t last half as long
as I’d expected.
TRASK
Well, I’d mentioned that it was you
and Abbie’s anniversary, so they
sped it up.
DOUG
You didn’t have to do that, Mr.
Trask.

TRASK
You shouldn’t have to spend your
anniversary at work. I’d ordered
some roses, they should be on your
desk.

DOUG
Thank you, Mr. Trask.
Trask smiles, and the elevator door opens. The two get in
the elevator, the door closes.

EXT. CORNFIELD- NIGHT


Jessie and Travis have found their own clearing in the
cornfield, and they are using it to their advantage. They
are making out, hot and heavy, Travis on top of Jessie.
Suddenly, Jessie’s phone rings.
JESSIE
Shit, it’s Ryan.

TRAVIS
Ignore him.
He continues kissing her neck, while she resists lightly.

JESSIE
I can’t, he’s stuck in Hammond.
I’ve got to take him home.
Travis looks pissed. He gets off of Jessie and stands up.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.

TRAVIS
Fine. Go.
Jessie gets up and looks at him, irritated.
JESSIE
You don’t have to get all pissy.
TRAVIS
Well, maybe if the little fucker
even had any friends, you wouldn’t
have to pick him up.
JESSIE
Are you seriously going to react
like this?

Travis scoffs.
TRAVIS
Like what?
Jessie storms away. Her phone is still ringing, she answers.

JESSIE
I’m on my way, kid.
RYAN
Well, it’s gonna be another half
hour. I just wanted to let you know
so you could start up here.
JESSIE
Okay, I’ll see you when I get
there.

RYAN
Okay, bye.
JESSIE
Bye.

She hangs up, and catches up with Rachel and company. Rachel
is tipsy at the very least.
JESSIE
Hey, I’ve gotta go!
RACHEL
You haven’t even been here two
hours!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.

JESSIE
Yes, I have! You’re drunk! I have
to go pick Ryan up!
RACHEL
No, I’m not!
DESARIEE
I’ll keep her under control! But
come back!

JESSIE
Okay, bye, you guys!
She walks back to her car.

EXT. HAWTHORNE- NIGHT


A nice, attractive two-story therapist’s office.

INT. HAWTHORNE- DR. CHILDERS’ OFFICE - NIGHT

Ryan is sitting on the couch while DR. MADELEINE CHILDERS,


52, sits in a chair and talks with him.
RYAN
And I regularly shake my head at
everything the jocks do.
Childers smiles.
CHILDERS
Well, Ryan, it sounds to me like
you just have conformity issues,
which is not a bad thing. You just
don’t want to be exactly like every
other football playing drone in
your class.

RYAN
See?
CHILDERS
Yeah, I agree. Your principal is a
windbag.
Childers’ phone rings. She answers it.
CHILDERS
Hello?
(pause)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 16.

CHILDERS (cont’d)
Yeah... well, I’m in the middle
of--- all right, I’m on my way.
She hangs up the phone and walks to the hallway.

CHILDERS
Alex?!?
Enter DR. ALEXANDRA WALKER, 38, very good looking for a
psychiatrist pushing 40.

ALEX
Yeah?
CHILDERS
I have to go, we have to get to the
airport. Rick’s parents were just
in an accident. Can Ryan here sit
in your office until his sister
gets here?
Alex looks past Childers and to Ryan.

ALEX
Sure. It’s this way.
She motions for him to follow. He gets up and walks toward
her.

CHILDERS
Thanks.
ALEX
No problem.
Alex and Ryan walk toward the hallway.

INT. HAWTHORNE- DR.WALKER’S OFFICE- NIGHT

A VERY nice office, well furnished and lit. Alex and Ryan
enter the room, and Alex walks to her chair. Ryan sits on a
couch.
ALEX
So you’re Ryan Chamberlain?
RYAN
Yeah.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 17.

ALEX
I’m Alex Walker. I believe you know
my son Les.
Ryan looks up at her, somewhat surprised.

RYAN
Yeah, I know him, he’s th---
ALEX
The reason you’re here? Yeah. He
told me about yesterday.
(brief pause)
Thank you. He gets a lot of crap at
school... and he can’t help it, you
know?

Ryan nods respectfully.


RYAN
Well, nobody deserves to deal with
that crap, gay or straight.

ALEX
Thanks... He likes you.
Ryan looks taken back. Alex closes her eyes and laughs
quietly.

ALEX
NOT like that. I mean, he likes
that someone actually cares enough
to not watch him go through that.

Ryan looks relieved, and shrugs.


RYAN
He’s an alright person. He never
bothers those guys.

ALEX
Well, maybe you’d like to come out
to our house sometime, I mean, I’ve
heard you’re kind of a loner, so...
A knock at the door.

ALEX
Come in!
Jessie walks into the room.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 18.

JESSIE
Hey, kid. You ready?
Ryan looks at Alex.
RYAN
Well-
ALEX
Yeah. We were just talking to pass
the time. Your brother seems pretty
defensive.
Jessie chuckles, then puts her hand out.
JESSIE
Yes, he is. Jessica Chamberlain.

Alex reaches back and the two shake hands


ALEX
Alex Walker.

JESSIE
Now, I hate to rush, but I have to
get Ryan home and I have to get to
my friends.
RYAN
Hold on, I have to use the
bathroom.
Ryan gets up and walks out of the room.
ALEX
Your brother’s a pretty cool kid.
JESSIE
You know, outside of my friends,
you are the only adult that has
ever said that.

EXT. CORNFIELD- RAVE- NIGHT


Rachel is sitting down, drinking a beer. Her phone rings
again. She answers.
RACHEL
Jess?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 19.

JESSIE
(v.o.)
Hey, I’ll be there in a few
minutes, I just have to drop Ryan
off.

RACHEL
Ok... but you’re missing the real
party. A bunch of rednecks are
fighting.

INT. JESSIE’S CAR- HIGHWAY- NIGHT


JESSIE
Wow. Sounds fun- not.

RACHEL
I know, right?
Jessie hears a beep on her phone.
JESSIE
Rache, someone’s calling me. I’ll
see you in a few minutes.
RACHEL
(v.o.)
Okay, bye.

JESSIE
Bye.
She hits the "switch" button.

JESSIE
Hello?
DOUG
(v.o.)
Hey, are you at the house?
JESSIE
No, Mom had me pick up Ryan. Why?
DOUG
I got out of the conference. I’m
coming home to surprise your mom.
There is a tinge of worry in Jessie’s voice.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 20.

JESSIE
Oh, that’s sweet... Where are you?

INT. DOUG’S CAR- NEIGHBORHOOD- NIGHT

Doug pulls onto a residential street.


DOUG
About two blocks from the house.

JESSIE
(v.o.)
Well, I’m about to drop Ryan off,
so I’ll see you in a few minutes.
DOUG
Okay, Jess. Bye.
JESSIE
Bye, Dad.

INT. JESSIE’S CAR- NIGHT


Ryan looks at Jessie.
RYAN
So what was that about?

JESSIE
Dad’s home.
Ryan smiles.

RYAN
Cool.
JESSIE
No... not cool.

Ryan looks up at her, puzzled.

EXT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE-NIGHT

Doug pulls up to the house, gets out with a bouquet of red


roses in hand. He walks up to the house.
21.

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- LIVING ROOM- NIGHT


Doug walks into the doorway. Abbie is nowhere to be found.
He starts to walk up the stairsand hears low, moaning
sounds. He continues to walk toward the bedroom door, and
the sounds get louder. He stands at the door a moment, and
then kicks the door in, to find Patrick and Abbie having
sex.
CLOSE-UP on his fist, clenching the roses tightly, snapping
some of them.

EXT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE-NIGHT


Jessie and Ryan get out of the car and slowly walk up to the
house. As they get to the house, they hear low SCREAMS.
Jessie starts running for the house, Ryan darts after her.
Jessie hears her mother SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER from
upstairs, and dashes up the steps.

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- BEDROOM- NIGHT

Jessie runs to the door to find a dead Patrick, beaten to a


pulp, and Doug beating Abbie’s face in. Before Jessie can do
anything, Ryan runs past her and jumps on his father’s back,
trying to pry him off of Abbie. Ryan scratches toward Doug’s
eyes, but to no avail: Roses still in hand, Doug slams Ryan
into the wall, the rose stems gashing his stomach. Jessie
grabs a lamp and SLAMS it onto her father’s head, who is
knocked unconscious as the glass shatters, and then focuses
on her mother. Abbie is at her death throes, choking up
blood by the mouthful. Jessie looks down in horror, covered
in tears and running nose.

JESSIE
No, Mom, hang on! Just hang on,
dammit! Ryan, call 911! Call them,
dammit!

Ryan can not move, but struggles to pull his cell phone from
his pocket. Camera is TIGHT on Jessie, as she checks her
mother’s pulse.
RYAN
Hello, I need an ambulance.
Somebody’s been killed and my
mother’s hurt. My name’s Ryan
Chamberlain, I’m at 317 East
Winchester Road. Hurry, please! My
mom’s bleeding to death.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 22.

Jessie all of a sudden looks blank, and her tears stop


coming. She is trying to cry but can’t.
JESSIE
She’s dead. Sh- she- she’s dead.

EXT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- STREET- NIGHT


A powder blue Pinto speeds up to the house, which is
surrounded in medical buses and police cars, along with 2
news vans. Rachel gets out of the car and rushes toward the
house. DETECTIVE TOM CULLEN, 30, stops her.
CULLEN
Miss, you can’t go in there.

Rachel pushes him back and runs into the house.


RACHEL
Get off me, I’m here for Jessie!

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- KITCHEN- NIGHT


She finds Jessie, sitting at the kitchen table.
RACHEL
Jessie, baby, I’m so sorry. Where’s
Ryan?
Jessie looks at her helplessly.
JESSIE
(flatly, emotionless)
They’re loading him on a stretcher.
His rib is cracked.
Rachel looks down.
RACHEL
And him?
JESSIE
They took him away about 10 minutes
ago.

Rachel moves toward Jessie, arms open. Jessie collapses on


her shoulder.
JESSIE
And the worst part is I can’t even
cry. I’ve tried, I just can’t.
23.

Being a good friend, Rachel holds Jessie. Rachel looks


devastated, while Jessie retains a blank, emotionless look
as her brother is taken down the staircase on a stretcher.

INT. POLICE STATION- INTERROGATION CELL- NIGHT


Dr. Alexandra Walker walks into an interrogation room. Doug
Chamberlain is sitting in a chair at the table.

ALEX
Mr. Chamberlain?
He doesn’t answer.

ALEX
My name’s Alex Walker. I’m a
forensic psychologist.
He shrugs at her.

DOUG
So?

INT. POLICE STATION- NIGHT

Detective Cullen walks up a staircase with a female


detective, ELEANOR MAPP, 51, with short gray hair, who looks
a little shaken for a seasoned detective.
CULLEN
Ellie, go to Chief Crane’s office,
he’s waiting for you.
Mapp walks that way. Cullen continues toward the hallway and
walks into the other side of the interrogation room, and
watches through a twoway mirror as Walker continues her
interview with Doug Chamberlain, joining two other
detectives, WASHBURN, 51, and CURTIS, 46.
ALEX
Why would you do this to your
children?

DOUG
What, took a worthless whore out of
their lives?
ALEX
No, you took their mother from
them. A simple divorce might’ve
done the trick, Doug.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 24.

DOUG
On our anniversary. Our FUCKING
ANNIVERSARY!
ALEX
And do you know that Ryan is going
to have scars for the rest of his
life? And that’s not counting the
emotional ones. Same with Jessie,
she can’t even cry, you’ve messed
her head up so badly.

DOUG
It doesn’t matter. They’ll probably
grow up like her anyway. I
should’ve killed them too.

Alex shudders at what Doug has just said. She closes her
eyes tightly, then gets up and bangs on the door.
ALEX
Washburn! Open up!

Washburn walks around to the door and lets her out, and
proceeds to shut and lock the door.
ALEX
I can’t do this. I met both of
those kids earlier. And they’re
already fucked up, this is just
gonna make it worse. I just can’t
listen to him talk about killing
those kids.

Washburn sighs in agreement.


WASHBURN
Yeah, I should’ve pulled you out of
there five minutes ago.

Alex nods in agreement, and looks angered beyond belief.


ALEX
I’ve gotta get home, Ralph.
WASHBURN
Okay. Go ahead, I’ll lock him up.
Alex walks away. Washburn goes back into the room. Cullen
looks at him.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 25.

WASHBURN
It’s too much for her.
CURTIS
But she’s a shrink. She does this
all the time.

WASHBURN
Well, as it turns out, Alex met
both of those kids tonight.

CURTIS
Well, evidently, she likes
them. Good thing you pulled her
out when you did. She can’t be on
this case.

CULLEN
Mapp, either. She’s definitely
shaken.
Washburn turns his back to everyone and looks at Chamberlain
through the mirror.

WASHBURN
What a night.
Superimpose: TWO YEARS LATER

INT. MISSOURI STATE PENITENTIARY- WARDEN’S OFFICE- DAY


Warden JOHN LENNEVALD, 58, with a very TEXAN demeanor, sits
at his oak desk going through papers. The papers deal with
the murders of Abigail Chamberlain and her lover. He is
shuffling through them, shaking his head. His intercom
beeps. He answers.
LENNEVALD
Yes?

RECEPTIONIST
(v.o.)
The officers are here to transport
Doug Chamberlain to Ridgemont.

LENNEVALD
Send ’em back.
26.

INT. MISSOURI STATE PEN- HALLWAY- DAY


The RECEPTIONIST buzzes two police officers, MATTSON and
VALMONT, through the doors. They walk down through the halls
until getting in the warden’s office.

MATTSON
Warden Lennevald? Sergeant Ronald
Mattson. This is Officer Valmont.
He shakes Lennevald’s hand. Lennevald looks him square in
the eyes.
LENNEVALD
Now, son, are you prepared to move
this monster? Or do you even know
what you’re dealin’ with?

MATTSON
We are fully aware of the inmate’s
tendencies, and of his past.
LENNEVALD
Okay, then I’m about to be rid of
him. Now, Alex Walker tried to
convince the jury that Chamberlain
was psychotic before. I’m sure
she’ll be glad her efforts have
finally paid off.

MATTSON
He’ll be under maximum security,
sir.
LENNEVALD
It’s not his being there I’m
worried about. It’s his getting
there. The last thing those two
kids in Litchfield need is
Chamberlain escaping and coming
after them, as Ms. Walker swears up
and down he would if given the
chance.
MATTSON
We’re well prepared to transport
him, sir.
LENNEVALD
If you say so.
27.

INT. MISSOURI STATE PEN.- CHAMBERLAIN’S CELL- MORNING


A dark, undecorated cell. Doug Chamberlain sits on his bed,
looking almost catatonic. He has a flashback of his wife’s
betrayal- and his revenge. After a moment, Lennevald turns
the corner at the end of the hallway, followed by Mattson
and Valmont. Lennevald reaches the cell, and looks at
Chamberlain with a spiteful look in his eyes.
LENNEVALD
Chamberlain, you better be ready
for the psych ward.
Lennevald looks down the hallway and sees a young black
guard, GRAHAM, 24.
LENNEVALD
Graham! Get another guard, we have
to shackle Chamberlain up.
Graham looks at him and walks down the hallway, looking
somewhat peeved. Chamberlain stares at Lennevald.

DOUG
Shackles don’t scare me, you know
that, Johnny.
Lennevald smirks at him.

LENNEVALD
I don’t care if you’re scared or
not, you heartless sack of shit.
I’m making sure you don’t get
loose.

Chamberlain smirks.

INT. HAMMOND POLICE DEPT- DAY

Detective Washburn sits at his desk, going through paperwork


and photos- he is currently working a child rape and murder
case. He looks more worn than when we last saw him. He looks
down at the papers in disgust.
WASHBURN
Heartless son of a bitch.
Suddenly, Detective Cullen walks into the room.
CULLEN
Hey, Ralph. Guess who’s being moved
to Ridgemont?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 28.

Washburn just looks up at him, curiously.


WASHBURN
Who?
CULLEN
Doug Chamberlain. Looks like Alex
finally convinced them that he was
a nut.
WASHBURN
Alex is retired. She’s the last
person who would go to the judge
with anything. She’s got enough to
deal with teaching those college
brats. Anyway, when is he being
transferred?

CULLEN
As we speak. They loaded him in the
transport car ten minutes ago.
WASHBURN
So? What does this have to do with
me?
CULLEN
I’d figured you’d wanna keep a tab
on it.

WASHBURN
Because of him, a good shrink can’t
even be consulted on a case
anymore. And one of my best cops
left, not to mention everything
else he’s done to this town. I
don’t even want to hear that man’s
name ever again.
CULLEN
Okay... sorry. I’m just gonna go
cal---
WASHBURN
Do not bother Alex with this. Or
Jessica Chamberlain. Those kids
don’t even need to think about
their father. And even if he does,
do NOT tell Ellie Mapp.
Cullen looks back at him, somewhat intimidated.
29.

EXT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- DAY


A very posh, attractive college. Class is definitely in
session, so very few people are outside.
ALEX
(v.o.)
We all have these thoughts.

INT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- WALKER’S CLASSROOM-DAY


Alex Walker is at the front of a huge stadium-style room
filled with desks and students from the first step all the
way up. Alex continues her lecture.

ALEX
But, honestly, can I say something?
I think Freud mostly just liked to
hear himself talk. Just because you
have brief moments of extreme anger
every once in a while... that does
not mean you’re bipolar or
psychotic. It just means... you’re
human.
Jessie, now 25, is sitting at a desk in the back row, not
paying very heavy attention. Suddenly the bell rings. Alex
looks up at the clock, and then back to her students.
ALEX
Okay, guys, just hand me your
papers on the way out.

Jessie gets up and joins the crowd walking down the steps to
the exit. When she reaches Alex, Alex stops her.
ALEX
You were drifting off again.
Jessie licks her lip, as if preparing to say something, but
Alex interrupts.
ALEX
Believe me, I understand. But, I’ve
been covering for you for two weeks
now, Jessie. I can’t just keep
giving you 90s when you don’t pay
attention in here.

JESSIE
Well, we’re kind of in a sore
subject- anger issues and
psychosis?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 30.

Alex looks down.


ALEX
I know.
Jessie just looks down, almost in guilt.

JESSIE
I’m sorry, Alex, I ju-
Alex lifts her hand up.

ALEX
Don’t be. It’s all right. What,
with the anniversary last week, it
makes sense.

JESSIE
No, I shouldn’t react like this.
ALEX
It’s all right. I’ll see you
tomorrow, Jess.

Jessie looks confused and baffled.


JESSIE
But tomorrow’s Friday, you don’t
have class.

Alex nods in agreement.


ALEX
Yeah, but you need to retake that
test. You’re my favorite student,
Jess, but I can’t keep giving you
the easy out.
(pause)
Is your brother gonna be at my
house tonight?

JESSIE
I don’t think so, but he and Les
were gonna go to the mall with a
couple girls from school.

ALEX
Okay... I can pick them up after if
you want.
JESSIE
Actually, that’d be great.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 31.

ALEX
So tomorrow at... 2. How’s that
sound?
Jessie inches toward the door.

JESSIE
That sounds good.
ALEX
Okay, bye.

JESSIE
Bye.
She walks out of the classroom.

EXT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- DAY


On the curb in front of the building sits Rachel’s Pinto.
She has a pair of ear buds on, listening to mp3s as she
waits for Jessie. At the entrance, Jessie walks out of the
door and immediately spots Rachel’s car. She walks up to the
car, gets in, unbeknownst to Rachel, and then SLAMS the
door, causing Rachel to jump and let out a small scream. She
turns around to see Jessie, grinning. She forces a laugh.
RACHEL
You... bitch.
Rachel starts the car and pulls away.
RACHEL
So, how was your day?

JESSIE
Not too bad. But Walker is getting
on my ass about things.

RACHEL
Eh, I never really cared for that
woman. She’s always so serious.
JESSIE
Yours?

RACHEL
I broke a couple of dishes today.
Statler was mad. Damn arthritis.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 32.

JESSIE
Why do you still work there? You
know I can get you hired down at
the shop.

RACHEL
Well, yeah, I’m just a loyal
employee. That has to be the only
reason I’ve held that job for 4
years.

JESSIE
No kidding. So what do you want to
do tonight? I’m off work.
RACHEL
Well, Des and Monika are going to
the dance club in Hammond. We could
join them.
Jessie nods.
JESSIE
Okay.
The sound of a SCHOOL BELL carries over into:

EXT. HAMILTON HIGH- DAY

Dozens of teenagers are outside, and some are still walking


out of the doors. Ryan Chamberlain, now 17, is walking out
and joined by LES WALKER, also 17, a rather skinny boy with
short blond hair, and HEATHER KEPPLE, 17, a reddishbrown
haired tomboy who still manages to stun the boys around her.
Following close behind is HAILEY KEPPLE, 15, Heather’s
somewhat lookalike tagalong little sister. They walk out to
the main sidewalk and then turn to their left.
HEATHER
And then, he told me I couldn’t
change in the locker room because
he thinks I’ll do things with the
other girls.
LES
I can’t believe they’d pull that on
you, Heather.
RYAN
Yeah, you oughta pour a pound of
sand down the prick’s gas tank.
(to Les)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 33.

RYAN (cont’d)
You should too, you have to change
in the bathroom every day.
LES
Ryan, that’s different.
RYAN
No, it’s not. I’m gonna take it up
with Brandywine in the morning.

Heather just looks at him, with a "Why?" expression on her


face.
RYAN
What? My friends won’t stand up for
themselves. You guys leave me no
choice.
Ryan smiles, almost triumphantly.
LES
So what’s Jessie doing tonight?

RYAN
Drinking, looking at pictures of
Mom and Dad... and not crying. It’s
become a sort of standing
arrangement, you should know that
by now.
HEATHER
(sarcastic)
Hmmm... you sound sympathetic. What
do you mean by not crying?

LES
Oh, now you did it, Heather.
RYAN
She hasn’t been able to shed a
single tear in two years. No matter
what happens, she’ll sit there,
blank, but she just can’t make
herself cry.

It’s only now that Hailey finally speaks.


HAILEY
That’s weird... and sad.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 34.

RYAN
Yeah. Well, unless she plans
something with Rachel, that’s what
she’s doing.
LES & HEATHER
(in unison)
Sorry I asked.

RYAN
It’s ok. She’ll come around...
eventually.
HAILEY
Well, here’s our turn.

HEATHER
Yeah, we’re gonna go get ready. You
gonna meet us out there, or---
Heather and Hailey turn onto a road.

RYAN
Yeah, I’ll have Rachel drop us off.
Jessie’s car is still in the shop.
HEATHER
Well, okay. See you later, Ryan.
Bye, Les.
RYAN
Later.

LES
Bye.
HAILEY
Bye, guys.

RYAN
(faint smile)
Later, kid.
Ryan and Les continue down the road they were walking on.

LES
Heather has a thing for you, dude.
Ryan shoots him a "What?" look.

RYAN
No she doesn’t. Les, you really
need a life. We need to get you a
boyfriend.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 35.

LES
What, so Bret and his minions can
come after us with torches? I don’t
think so.

RYAN
Look, if you man up and meet
somebody, maybe I’ll man up and ask
Heather out.
Les puts his hand out.

LES
Deal.
RYAN
I didn’t think it would work,
dammit!

HIGHWAY- LATE AFTERNOON


A rural road, separating two sets of woods. In the woods
where Valmont and Mattson are laying, both with bulletholes
in their foreheads, Chamberlain is nowhere to be seen.

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- BATHROOM- DAY

Jessie stands in the bathroom, prepping her hair. Kaiser,


now fully grown, stands behind her. After a moment, she
opens a cabinet under the sink to reveal a bottle of
whiskey. She pulls it out, takes a long hit of whiskey,
and puts it on the sink. She is so used to alcohol now
that she doesn’t even need a chaser. She looks at herself
for a moment, somewhat depressed.
Suddenly, we hear a door open and SLAM, followed by
FOOTSTEPS. Kaiser immediatly darts away.

JESSIE
Hello, Ryan!
He just walks past the doorway, followed by Les, who stops
to see Jessie. Kaiser follows Ryan.

LES
Hi, Jess.
Jessie looks back quickly.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 36.

JESSIE
Oh, hey, Les. I didn’t see you
there. How was school?
LES
Fine.
JESSIE
Your mom’s on my case again.
LES
That’s mom.
JESSIE
So, anything interesting happen
today?

LES
Not really. Just more flirting
between Ryan and Heather.
JESSIE
Well, she better be the one to make
the move. Because Ryan may act
like a badass, but he’s a big baby.
LES
Could’ve fooled me.

JESSIE
Well, he’s protective of you. Of
course you wouldn’t think so.
RYAN
(distant, v.o.)
What the hell are you two talking
about?!

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- RYAN’S BEDROOM- DAY

Ryan lays on his bed, Kaiser laying on him.


JESSIE
(v.o.)
Nothing! Just people pretending to
be something they’re not!
Ryan rolls his eyes, and pets the dog.
RYAN
(to himself)
Whatever.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 37.

(to Kaiser)
Yes, I love you, buddy. You’re my
boy, Kaiser.
Ryan hears a car horn HONK loudly.

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- BATHROOM- DAY


Jessie hears the horn.

JESSIE
That’s Rachel. You ready?
Les nods.
JESSIE
Ryan! You ready?!
RYAN
(v.o.)
Yeah, just let me get my iPod!

JESSIE
Lock the door on your way out!
Jessie and Les go down the staircase.

EXT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- STREET- SUNSET


The sun is almost fully gone. Twilight fills the
sky. Across the street, a shadowed person stands behind a
tree, watching Rachel’s Pinto outside, and Jessie and Les
walking out of the door. They leave it open, and Ryan
shortly follows, and locks the door. The three get into the
car, and Rachel drives off. The person continues to watch
Rachel’s car until it turns a corner.

INT. CLUB TEAL- NIGHT


A very stylish, hip club. At the bar, a bartender hands
Desariee a drink. CAMERA follows her as she makes her way
through the crowd and to a table, where Jessie, Rachel, and
Monika are sitting. She sits down.

DESARIEE
So, who’s taking my shift over when
I go to Seattle this week?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 38.

JESSIE
I’m taking two of them, and Laurie
is taking the rest.
DESARIEE
I feel sorry for you, Jess. That
uppity bitch gets on my nerves.
MONIKA
So, Jessie, you going to Chase’s
birthday party Tuesday night?

JESSIE
Nope, gotta work.
MONIKA
You always have to work.

JESSIE
Hey, don’t blame me, I usually have
Tuesdays off. Blame her.
Jessie points at Desariee, who in return, gives her a
playful dirty look. Rachel looks over at the doorway. She
looks appalled.
RACHEL
Oh, shit.

Jessie and Monika look over. In walks Travis


McCutcheon. Jessie is instantly aggravated.

INT. WHITEOAKS MALL- FOOD COURT- NIGHT

Katy Perry’s "Hot ’n Cold" plays as Ryan, Heather, Les, and


Hailey all sit at a table, eating chinese food.
RYAN
So, what did your mom say?

HEATHER
She won’t leave the keys.
RYAN
Why?

HEATHER
She thinks I’ll go joyriding or
something. My mom doesn’t like me
very much.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 39.

RYAN
Well, Alex worships the ground Les
walks on.
LES
She does not. She actually
worships her job.
RYAN
So, Jessie and Rachel will be out
all night. Probably getting
hammered.
LES
It’s okay. Mom’s gonna pick us
up. She’s just waiting for me to
call her.

Hailey spots a sign at the Old Navy.


HAILEY
Heather, will you come with me real
quick? There’s a sale over there.

HEATHER
All right. I’ll be right back, Ry.
Heather and Hailey start to walk away.

LES
I thought you were gonna ask
Heather out.
Ryan quickly counteracts Les’ attack.

RYAN
I thought you were meeting a guy.
Les nods, defeated.

INT. CLUB TEAL- NIGHT


At Jessie’s table, Travis is next to her, pleading. Rachel
looks annoyed, Desariee is on the dance floor, and Monika is
giving Travis a spiteful, condescending look.

TRAVIS
Jess, you know how badly I miss
you.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 40.

JESSIE
Really? You miss me? Because last
I remember, you said you couldn’t
stand me. You said that I needed
to just "get over it." You don’t
just get over causing your mother’s
death, Travis!
TRAVIS
Your mom was a whore. You didn’t
cause anything. If anything, it
was your little nutbag brother.
Rachel glares at Travis.
RACHEL
Hey! Don’t talk about my boy. I
will personally drop-kick your ass
on that one, Travis!
TRAVIS
Oh, stay out of this, you stupid
psycho!

JESSIE
Excuse me? You don’t talk to her
like that and still expect me to
take you back. And if Ryan’s name
comes out of your mouth again,
Rachel won’t have to kick your
ass. I’ll do it for her.
TRAVIS
Whatever.

He starts to walk away. Monika has a strong expression of


disgust on her face.
MONIKA
Yeah, you’d better leave, you self-
righteous prick!
Monika looks over at Jessie.
MONIKA
What a worthless choad.

Jessie nods heavily.


JESSIE
Yeah.
41.

INT. WHITEOAKS MALL- FOOD COURT- NIGHT


Heather and Hailey come out of the Old Navy with a bagful of
clothes. They walk back toward the table where Les and Ryan
are still eating.
HAILEY
Listen to me, tomorrow, I’m gonna
give you a makeover that will have
Ryan drooling.
HEATHER
Hailey, I really don’t know about
all this.

HAILEY
Ssh. We’ll talk about it later at
home. You’ll agree, I promise.
The two sit back down. Ryan looks at Heather.

RYAN
What in the hell are you doing with
those clothes?
HEATHER
(looking at Hailey)
See?
(to Ryan)
I figured I’d change up my style a
little bit.

Ryan looks confused. He is completely oblivious to Hailey’s


plan.
RYAN
Is this about the gym class thing?

HEATHER
No, I just figured I’d wear
something other than torn jeans and
t-shirts every once in a while.
RYAN
Don’t conform on me now, Heather.
We hear a loud VOICE.
BRET
(o.s., distant but loud)
Yeah, whatever, you little chicken
shit! Who cares?
Ryan puts his head down. He isn’t ready for this.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 42.

RYAN
Richter’s here, isn’t he?

Hailey nods. Ryan exhales.


HEATHER
Let’s get out of here.

EXT. WHITEOAKS MALL- BACK LOT- NIGHT


Ryan and Les walk out of the door, followed by the
girls. They start to walk around to the front, when Bret
comes out of the door.

BRET
Hey, fags.
Ryan stops for a moment, but then keeps on walking.
BRET
Oh, I’m sorry, I meant "fag, lesbo,
douchebag, and psychopath."
Ryan stops again. He turns around.
HEATHER
Ignore him, Ryan.
RYAN
No.
Ryan starts walking toward him very fast.

BRET
What are you gonna do,
psycho? Kill me like you’ll kill
your wife, or... husband, I mean?

Ryan stops, less than a foot away from Bret.


RYAN
You are really workin’ my last
nerve, Richter.

Bret goes to hit him. Ryan catches his arm, trips him, and
starts kicks him once in the side. Ryan turns around and
begins walking away. Just as they are about to turn the
corner, they hear footsteps. Bret is being helped up, by
four big jocks.

Ryan, Les, Heather and Hailey turn around, to see the five
looking at them, ready to attack.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 43.

LES
Oh, great.
FRONT LOT.
"Supermassive Black Hole," by Muse, begins to play as Ryan
and company RUN down a set of stairs, trying to elude Bret
and his minions. Bret and his friends are running after
them.

INT. CLUB TEAL- NIGHT


Desariee and Rachel are dancing to "Supermassive Black
Hole," Jessie and Monika are still at the table, getting
hammered on mixed drinks.

JESSIE
(somewhat tipsy)
I can’t believe he had to pull out
the family card.
MONIKA
(still somewhat sober)
Jessie, he is an idiot, and is not
worth your time. If you take him
back, I’ll lose a little bit of my
respect for you.

JESSIE
I’m not gonna take him back,
Monika.
MONIKA
I hope not. So, would you like me
to take Desariee’s shift with you
tomorrow, instead of Laurie?
JESSIE
You know, I would really like
that.
Desariee walks up to them and grabs her purse.
DESARIEE
It’s 10:30, I gotta go. I have to
leave for Seattle at 6:00 in the
morning.
Jessie stands up to hug her. Desariee throws her purse onto
her shoulder and hugs Jessie.
44.

EXT. WHITEOAKS MALL- NIGHT


Ryan, Heather, Hailey, and Les are hiding at a fire
exit. They are watching as Bret and his pals, having given
up on catching Ryan, are driving away.

As soon as they are gone, the four come back up from the
stairs, and Les pulls out his cell phone and makes a call.
ALEX
(v.o.)
Hello?
LES
Hey, Mom. We’re ready.
ALEX
All right, I’ll be there in a
minute.

EXT. CLUB TEAL- GARAGE- NIGHT

Across the street from the club, there is a four-level


parking garage. Desariee walks out of the club. Travis is
standing outside.
DESARIEE
What are you still doing here?

TRAVIS
Asking for your help.
DESARIEE
Help with what?

TRAVIS
Can you tell Jessie that I’m sorry?
Desariee begins to walk across the street.

DESARIEE
No. After what you said about her
brother, and even mentioning her
mother? You need your ass
drop-kicked.
45.

INT. PARKING GARAGE- THIRD LEVEL- NIGHT


Desariee walks toward her car, Travis following like a lost
puppy. Desariee looks annoyed, Travis looks desperate.
DESARIEE
Besides, if you really cared about
her, you’d leave her alone.
TRAVIS
I love her, I want to be with her.

Desariee turns around and looks him up and down.


DESARIEE
No. You just want your dick wet.

She turns back around and continues walking to her


car. Travis checks out her backside as she unlocks her car
door.
TRAVIS
Desariee.

From behind him, we see Travis drop his pants. Desariee


turns around, appalled at first, and then looks down with a
stunned look.

INT. CLUB TEAL- NIGHT


"Shake It," by Metro Station, plays as Rachel continues to
dance. She moves over to Jessie, and snaps her fingers in
Jessie’s face. Jessie looks up.

RACHEL
C’mon. Get out of this
depression. Dance a little!
JESSIE
No, I don’t wanna---
RACHEL
Oh, no you don’t. I brought you
out here to have a good time.

She pulls Jessie to the floor. Jessie reluctantly starts


dancing.
INTERCUT WITH DESARIEE AND TRAVIS IN THE GARAGE.
We see from a POV, rather distant from them as Travis has
Desariee propped up against a car, humping her.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 46.

In the club, Jessie and Rachel are really moving.


In the garage, Travis moans loudly, and then stops. He gets
off of Desariee, takes a breather, and then begins walking
away. Desariee looks much more appalled than Rachel did
earlier.

DESARIEE
Where are you going?
TRAVIS
Back to the club.
DESARIEE
What? You’re just gonna shoot and
leave me here?

TRAVIS
I know you too well, Desi. You
can’t resist a big piece of meat.
DESARIEE
Fuck you.

TRAVIS
Just did, slut.
STALKER POV

Travis starts walking off.


CLOSEUP on Desariee. She feels used, and it is
obvious. She shows a strong display of revoltion. She
starts to follow after him.

EXT. CLUB TEAL- GARAGE- NIGHT


Desariee exits the garage, and Travis is nowhere to be
seen. After a moment, she turns around and goes back
inside.

INT. PARKING GARAGE- THIRD LEVEL- NIGHT


Desariee walks up to her car, and tries to open the
door. It is locked. She shrugs and pulls out her
keys. She unlocks the door and gets into the car. On the
dash, she notices a rose, just laying there. She looks at
it a moment, and a hand grabs Desariee’s throat.
INTERCUT WITH 1/2-SECOND FLASHES OF JESS AND RACHEL DANCING.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 47.

Desariee chokes a moment, but grabs her assailant’s hand,


and with effort pulls it to her mouth, where she bites down
HARD, not quite drawing blood. FLASH. The hand jerks back,
giving Desariee just enough time to open the door and try to
make a run for it. FLASH. But just as she gets out of the
car, the hand grabs her ankle, pulling her back. FLASH. The
door SLAMS on her shin, both smashing the bone and breaking
the skin. FLASH. She begins trying to crawl away from the
car, SCREAMING.
DESARIEE
Help! Somebody help!
FLASH
We see a knife come up and JAM into clothed flesh OVER and
OVER, totalling about three times.

CLOSE on Desariee’s face as she takes her dying


breaths. From Desariee’s point of view, we see her killer
toward the car, but not much more than a silhouette, tall,
slim, with short hair... very fitting description of Doug
Chamberlain. He opens the door.

INT. CLUB TEAL- NIGHT


A song ends, and Rachel and Jessie sit down next to Monika,
who has found herself some hunky male company.

JESSIE
Okay, Rachel. I danced. Three
songs in a row. Satisfied?
RACHEL
Yeah, I guess so. I’m actually
beat... and drunk.
JESSIE
Yeah. I can smell it. Monnie, you
ready?
Monika doesn’t even respond. She is too busy talking to her
male friend.
JESSIE
Monnie...
(still nothing)
Monika!
She turns around, sharply.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 48.

MONIKA
What?

JESSIE
Are you ready to go?
MONIKA
Um...

She looks at her friend, not wanting to disappoint, but she


also sees Jessie’s desire for her to leave with them. She
sighs.
MONIKA
(reluctant)
Yes. Chad, can I give you my
number?
CHAD
(sincere)
Sure. I’ll call you.

Monika smiles and pulls out a pen.


MONIKA
(softly)
Yes! Well, I’ll talk to you soon
then, okay?
Chad nods and smiles, genuinely attracted to Monika. The
three girls get up and start walking away.

EXT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- NIGHT


A silver CLS550 pulls up to the house, with Alex Walker at
the wheel, Les in the passenger seat, and Ryan getting out
of the back.

ALEX
Okay, I’ll see you later,
Ryan. Tell Jess not to forget
about tomorrow, okay?

Ryan smiles at Alex.


RYAN
Okay, I will. See you tomorrow,
dude.

LES
Ok. Don’t make too big of a scene
with the whole Heather thing,
please?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 49.

RYAN
Me? Not make a scene? Alex, he
should know better than that by
now, right?

Alex laughs, amused.


ALEX
Seriously, kid, don’t get into any
trouble, okay?

Ryan rolls his eyes, with a smile.


RYAN
Okay, I won’t.
ALEX
All right. Good kid. Well, good
night, Ry.
RYAN
’Night, you guys.

Alex pulls away, Ryan goes to the door, unlocks it, and goes
inside.

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Ryan walks in and toward the couch, but before he can sit
down, Kaiser comes in and jumps Ryan, knocking him to the
couch and licking his face, like any loving dog seeing his
owner return after being gone all day.

RYAN
Dog, I don’t know what I’m gonna do
with you.

EXT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- NIGHT

Rachel’s car pulls up, and Jessie gets out of the passenger
side.
RACHEL
Okay, call me tomorrow, and I’ll
take you to pick up your car.
JESSIE
Okay. You sure you can make it
home? You can stay here, you know.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 50.

RACHEL
I’ll be all right. You go get some
sleep. You have Walker hounding
you, remember?

JESSIE
Oh, shit. I forgot about
that. All right. I’ll call you
tomorrow.
RACHEL
K. Bye, Jess.
JESSIE
Bye.

Jessie walks up to the door, and Rachel waits for her to get
inside. Jessie gets in, and Rachel drives away.

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Jessie walks into the kitchen, and gets a popsicle out of


the freezer. She goes back into the living room. Ryan is
nowhere to be seen, so Jessie goes upstairs to make sure he
is home. She goes to his doorway, pushes the door open, and
he is laying there, asleep. Kaiser is on the floor next to
the bed, asleep. Jessie smiles, and turns around. She goes
back down the stairs, and sits down on the couch. After a
moment, she picks up a photograph of her mother. She stares
at it a minute, a shamed look on her face.
JESSIE
I’m sorry, Mom. I should’ve
stopped you. I’m sorry.

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- RYAN’S BEDROOM- NIGHT


Ryan is sleeping soundly. But his door is slowly creaking
open. He shows signs of hearing it, but is still in fairly
deep sleep. As the door continues... we see Doug
Chamberlain, standing in the doorway!
He looks down at his son.

DOUG
Ryan.
Ryan slowly starts to awaken. He looks up and sees his
father. He looks alarmed for a split-second, but being the
master he is of hiding emotions, he immediately drops the
look.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 51.

RYAN
(half-asleep, dazed)
What are you doing here?

DOUG
I just came to see my son.
Ryan sits up and looks up at Doug.

RYAN
You can’t be here. If Jessie sees
you, she’ll call the cops.
Doug smiles.

DOUG
Oh, Jessie won’t be calling anyone.
RYAN
(somewhat alarmed)
What?

DOUG
Give me a hug, son.
RYAN
What?

DOUG
What, you can’t give your ol’ man a
hug after not seeing him in two
years? Geez.

RYAN
(still half-asleep)
Okay.
Ryan reaches his arms out, but still looks weary about
it. Doug embraces his son. But in one hand, we see a
razor- sharp knife! While hugging Ryan, Doug slowly pulls
the knife back. Ryan is smiling, somewhat relaxed in his
father’s arms. Doug continues pulling the knife back before
JAMMING it into Ryan’s back! Ryan SCREAMS in pain and
shock.

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- LIVING ROOM- NIGHT


Jessie, dozed-off on the couch, hears this nerve-shaking
scream and darts up the stairs and into Ryan’s
bedroom. Ryan is sleeping soundly, still tossing and
turning, Kaiser awakens, hearing Jessie’s panting, and looks
up at her, alert. Jessie is both relieved, and aggravated.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 52.

JESSIE
(to herself)
God damn it!
She backs up onto the wall, and slowly slides down, holding
her head down in her hands.
JESSIE
Get a grip, Jess.

EXT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- DAY


It is a bright, peaceful day outside. Schoolkids are
walking past the house.

INT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- JESSIE’S BEDROOM- DAY


Jessie is asleep, soundly on her bed. We see her bottle of
whiskey sitting on her bedside table. Her phone rings. She
slowly awakens and reaches for her phone. When she gets it,
it reads "Rachel." She answers.

JESSIE
Hello?
RACHEL
(v.o., rather dull)
Hey. Did I wake you?
JESSIE
Yeah.
RACHEL
Well, I have some news. And you’re
not gonna like it, but I’d rather
you hear it from me than see it on
the news.

JESSIE
What, Rachel? What’re you talking
about?
RACHEL
Well, first of all... I’m telling
you the smaller part. And you have
to promise me you won’t hold a
grudge.
JESSIE
Okay. No grudge.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 53.

RACHEL
Desi slept with Travis last night.
JESSIE
What? I mean, that’s bogus, but
how is that newswort---

RACHEL
There’s more. She’s dead, Jessie.
JESSIE
(disbelief)
What?
RACHEL
They found her car in an alleyway
in Hammond, late last night. She
was stabbed three times, and her
leg was crushed.
JESSIE
Oh, my God. Well, do they know who
did it?

RACHEL
They think so. Travis.
JESSIE
What? No. Travis is fifty other
things, but he’s not a kill-
RACHEL
They found blood. And semen. All
in the same spot where Desariee was
parked last night. Nobody saw
Travis after he left the club last
night.
Jessie looks heartbroken. But, as usual, no tears.
RACHEL
I’m gonna come pick you up. Can
you be ready in fifteen minutes?
JESSIE
Yeah. I’ll be ready.

She hangs up the phone, and looks down in disbelief.


DISSOLVE TO:
54.

EXT. HAMILTON HIGH- DAY


Ryan walks toward the school, backpack on his
back. Classmates in the background are pointing at him...
we can hear whispers.
GIRL #1
There’s the psycho-boy.

BOY #1
Bret’s gonna cave his head in.
Ryan continues walking, ignoring the whispers.
GIRL #2
Just like his psycho father.
He finally reaches Hailey, who is sitting on a bench.
HAILEY
Hey, Ryan.

RYAN
Hey, kiddo. Where’s your sister?
HAILEY
Inside, eating breakfast.

Ryan shrugs.
RYAN
I’m not really a breakfast eater.

HAILEY
Yeah, me either.
RYAN
Oh, today is gonna be lovely.

HAILEY
Ignore the prick.
Ryan offers her a polite, but halfhearted smile. Alex’s
Mercedes pulls up. Les gets out of the car.

ALEX
Now, I’m gonna have Jessie take you
home later, so can you just go to
Ryan’s for a little bit?

LES
Sure, Mom.
Alex sees Ryan and waves.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 55.

ALEX
Hi, kid!
Ryan waves back.
RYAN
Hey, Alex.
Les walks toward Ryan and Hailey, as Alex drives away.
LES
You look tired. Rough night?
RYAN
Is it ever not a rough night?

EXT. CLUB TEAL- ROAD- DAY


Rachel’s car drives past the club. Jessie is in the
passenger seat. They drive past an alleyway, where
Desariee’s car sits, surrounded by caution tape and police
officers. Jessie looks out the window, gloomily.

EXT. ROGERS AUTO REPAIR- DAY


Rachel’s car pulls in and Jessie gets out of the car. She
walks up to the building.

INT. HAMILTON HIGH- DAY


The school BELL sounds. Among other teens, Heather comes
out of a classroom and goes down the hallway. She gets in
her locker and puts her books away. She looks down the hall
and spots Ryan, putting his books away. She walks upto him.
HEATHER
Hey, there!

Ryan just looks at her, dull expression.


RYAN
(flatly)
Oh. Hi, Heather.

HEATHER
(sarcastic)
You seem happy to see me.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 56.

RYAN
What? Oh, no. Sorry, I’m just
tired. Jessie kept me up all
night. Nightmares.

HEATHER
Oh. Why does she have those
nightmares so often, anyway?
RYAN
Ooh. Sore subject. Forgot you’ve
only been here a couple months.
(pause)
Okay, you know my mom died a couple
years ago.
HEATHER
Yeah...
RYAN
Well, you haven’t heard the
whole---

Suddenly, Bret Richter interrupts.


BRET
The whole story? You haven’t told
your little girlyfriend what your
daddy did?

Ryan turns around and glares at Bret.


RYAN
Richter, I swear... you’d better
back off. Now.
BRET
Why? You gonna kill me like your
dad killed your mommy?

Heather’s eyes widen.


RYAN
I... am nothing... like my father.
BRET
Really? Then why are you on Haldol?
That’s not a painkiller.
This catches Ryan off guard, and his expression shows it.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 57.

RYAN
How did you...
One of Bret’s minions behind him holds up a prescription
bottle and shakes it back and forth in his hand, taunting
Ryan, who glares at him coldly. The crowd starts to stare
at Ryan and Bret.
BRET
You should be careful not to drop
stuff like this. Anybody could
pick it up.
Ryan doesn’t even look at Heather, but she knows he is
talking to her.
RYAN
Get Brandywine. Now.
Heather runs down the hallway.
RYAN
You seem to know what those are
for. So I’d suggest you give ’em
back. Right now.
Bret smirks evilly.
BRET
Nah, I’d rather see your true
colors. I wanna see you snap.
Ryan chuckles.
RYAN
No, hahaha... you don’t.
Heather returns with VERONICA BRANDYWINE, 43, and very
attractive for her age.
BRANDYWINE
What’s going on here?
Bret isn’t even looking at her, and speaks in a sort of
sing-song voice.

BRET
Chamberlain here doesn’t have his
pills. He’s about to snap.
BRANDYWINE
Do you have his pills?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 58.

BRET
What are you gonna do? Suspend me?
BRANDYWINE
Oh, no, Bret. That’s too
easy. I’d rather stick you in
detention for 15 days.
BRET
Throw the pills.

His pal behind him tosses the bottle to the


floor. Brandywine points at Bret and his friend.
BRANDYWINE
My office, now.

The two troublemakers start to follow Brandywine down the


hall. Bret glares at Ryan.
RYAN
I’m gonna get you where it hurts,
Chamberlain.

Ryan and Heather glare at him.


BRANDYWINE
(not even facing Bret)
You won’t be getting anyone. Ryan,
come see me after class.
Heather looks at Ryan.
HEATHER
C’mon, let’s go to lunch.

The two begin to walk away.

EXT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- DAY

Jessie pulls up at a parking spot, gets out of her car and


locks it up. She walks toward the doorway.

INT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- LIBRARY- DAY

Alex Walker is flipping through papers near a photocopier


when Jessie walks in. She hears the door, and nods to
Jessie. Jessie walks toward her.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 59.

ALEX
Hey, you ready to do this, or you
need a few minutes to look some
stuff over?
JESSIE
I’m as ready as I’m gonna be.
ALEX
Oh, yeah.
(pause)
Sorry. I heard... this
morning. You all right?
JESSIE
Yeah. But it seems like death
follows me.
ALEX
It’s not you, Jess. It’s this
whacked-out world we live
in. Well, I’ll go grab you an
answer sheet. Just have a seat,
anywhere.
JESSIE
I’m surprised we’re doing this in
here and not your office.
ALEX
Figured you didn’t want to be in a
big room all alone.

Alex walks away. Jessie looks around a moment, and then


sits at a table. She looks at her wallet. Inside, there is
a picture of herself, Abbie, Doug, and Ryan. They all look
happy. She closes her eyes a moment, and then flips the
photo, revealing one of herself and Desariee, grinning into
the camera. She looks as if she is going to cry, but, as
usual, no tears come out.
ALEX
(v.o.)
Hey, here’s your test and answer
sheet. Hello? Jess?
Jessie flinches and looks up at her.
JESSIE
Oh! Yeah, thanks.

She gets her booklet and answer sheet in order, and starts
taking her test. Alex just looks at her, with sorrow, and a
hint of responsibility.
60.

INT. HAMILTON HIGH- BRANDYWINE’S OFFICE- DAY


Veronica Brandywine sits at her desk, going through
paperwork. A KNOCK at the door.
BRANDYWINE
Come in!
The door opens, revealing Ryan.
RYAN
You wanted to see me.
BRANDYWINE
Yeah, but I didn’t expect you until
after 3.

RYAN
Study Hall.
BRANDYWINE
Oh. Okay. Sit down.

Ryan sits in a comfortable-looking chair.


BRANDYWINE
I did stick Richter with 3 weeks
detention.

RYAN
So what am I getting stuck
with? I’m sure he made up some---
BRANDYWINE
Your friend Heather dispelled
everything Bret said. I just
wanted to have a little personal
chat with you.
RYAN
Um... okay.

INT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- LIBRARY- DAY


Jessie is still doing her test, her answer sheet is over
halfway done. Alex is sitting down at a computer, working.
61.

EXT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- DAY


A fancy black car pulls up in the parking lot, and a woman
with a flattop gets out of the car. It is Detective Eleanor
Mapp. She walks up to the building.

INT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- LIBRARY- DAY


Alex sits at the computer, and Mapp walks into the
Library. She catches Jessie’s eye. Jessie doesn’t appear
to know who she is, but Mapp definitely looks familiar to
her.
MAPP
Dr. Walker?

Alex turns around and looks at Mapp, who approaches her.


MAPP
Detective Ellie Mapp.
Alex nods.

ALEX
Yeah, I know who you are. What are
you doing here?
MAPP
Privately.
Jessie watches as Mapp and Alex walk outside of the
library. She can see their silhouettes, still at the door.
ALEX
So what’s going on, Detective?
MAPP
Doug Chamberlain.
Alex ponders a moment, then looks back in Jessie’s
direction.

INT. HAMILTON HIGH- BRANDYWINE’S OFFICE- DAY

Ryan is still in the chair, and Brandywine is still talking


with him.
BRANDYWINE
I know how hard the last couple
years have been on you, and your
sister. And I know what people say
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 62.

BRANDYWINE (cont’d)
about you guys. Don’t listen to
them. You’re so much better than
your parents.

RYAN
I know I’m not my father. But
thanks for your candor.
BRANDYWINE
Don’t mention it. And be careful
with those pills. You know you’re
not supposed to have them on you.
RYAN
I kno---

BRANDYWINE
I’m not saying anything. Just
don’t get caught with them again.
RYAN
Okay. You got it.

BRANDYWINE
Okay, you can go.
The bell rings.

BRANDYWINE
Well, I guess you can go
anyway. School’s out.
Ryan gets up and walks to the door. He goes into the
hallway, where Heather and Hailey are waiting.
HEATHER
What did she want?
RYAN
Just to give the reassuring pity-
party everyone else gives me.
HEATHER
So she wanted to be nice. Nothing
wrong with that, Ryan.

RYAN
No, but I’m sick of either being
treated like a freak or a fragile
little glass ornament.
63.

INT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- LIBRARY- DAY


Alex strides back into the Library and approaches Jessie.
ALEX
We have to talk. Right now.

JESSIE
What’s wrong?
ALEX
Hopefully just a car crash.
Jessie looks disturbed. She and Alex walk away.

INT. HAMILTON HIGH- STAGE- DAY

The drama club is cleaning the stage. Les is among


them. His phone rings. He takes it out of his pocket. It
reads "MOM." He answers.
LES
Hello?
ALEX
(v.o.)
Hey, Les. Is Ryan around you?

LES
No, but I’ll be near him in a min-
ALEX
Hold on. I need you to do me a
favor.

LES
Okay, what?
ALEX
Get Ryan to stay at our house
tonight. Don’t let him go home,
whatever you do.
LES
What’s going on, Mom?

ALEX
Just don’t let him go home. And
don’t act like there’s anything
wrong.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 64.

LES
Mom, you know how he is, I can’t
just convinc---
ALEX
Okay, but you cannot tell him this.
His dad’s missing. And I do know
how he is. The last thing he needs
is to be searching the streets for
his father and getting himself
killed.

LES
Okay... So, whatever it takes?
ALEX
Within reason, yeah.

LES
Okay. Is Jess alright?
ALEX
Yeah. She doesn’t know everything
yet. I just had to call you before
he went home. See if Mrs. Kepple
will take you to the house. I’ll
give her some money.
LES
All right. I’ll do that.
ALEX
Okay. I’ve gotta talk to Jess.

LES
All right. Bye.
ALEX
Bye, baby.

Les hangs up the phone, and looks irritated.


LES
Oh, shit.

INT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- WALKER’S CLASSROOM-DAY


Alex hangs up her phone. Mapp is sitting with Jessie.
JESSIE
How did this happen? I thought
they were transferring him to
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 65.

JESSIE (cont’d)
maximum security. What, that rule
doesn’t apply until he gets there,
or what?

MAPP
Jessie, believe me. I’m just as
mad about this as you are.
JESSIE
Oh, no. You’re not.
(pause)
Still so sure Travis killed
Desariee?
MAPP
No. Not as sure as we were
earlier.
JESSIE
This is beautiful. Me and my
brother are gonna be shish-kebobs
by the time the night’s over.

MAPP
No, you’re not.
ALEX
Okay, Ryan’s staying at my place
tonight. You can too, if you want.
JESSIE
I’d rather not. I can stay with
Rachel tonight.

ALEX
Does he know where Rachel lives?
JESSIE
No. She moved into a new apartment
almost a year ago.
ALEX
You think there’s any way you can
get out of working tonight?

JESSIE
No. It’s me and Monika, though.
She’s a tough cookie. Once Rachel
hears about this, she won’t leave
my side.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 66.

MAPP
Okay, where do you work, Jessie?

JESSIE
Mark’s Record Store, downtown.
MAPP
(to Alex)
And I have your address in case I
need to get there.
ALEX
Okay.
(to Jessie)
It’s gonna be okay, Jess.

JESSIE
I hope so.

INT. HAMILTON HIGH- DAY

Ryan, Heather and Hailey are outside, sitting on the bench.


RYAN
I can’t wait to get home and see my
dog. He’ll flip when I get there.

HAILEY
He’s a sweet dog. I’m a cat
person, though.
RYAN
Yeah... I like cats.
Les comes outside and meets up with them.
HEATHER
What’s up, dude?
LES
Heya, Heather. Hey, Ryan, you wanna
crash at my place tonight?

RYAN
Um, sure, maybe. I dunno.
LES
You guys want to come over tonight?

HAILEY
Sure. I’ll use your internet.
Les rolls his eyes.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 67.

POV- Across the street, behind a bush.


Ryan pulls out his cell phone and starts typing.
HEATHER
Yeah, I have nothing better to do.

Ryan puts his phone away. Les’ phone beeps, he pulls it


out. He reads the message, which says "Dude, WTF r u doing?
I told u 2 drop th me/Heathr thing." Les smirks. Ryan
doesn’t suspect a thing.

EXT. MARK’S RECORDS- DAY


Jessie parks behind the building and gets out of the
car. She walks into the building.

INT. MARK’S RECORDS- DAY


Monika is with a customer, who has selected a large stack of
CDs. Jessie puts her purse under the counter and walks up
to Monika.
JESSIE
Hey, there.
MONIKA
Oh, hi, Jess. How are you, today?
JESSIE
You don’t want to know.
MONIKA
Yeah, I heard about Des. That
bastard, Travis. Imagine if you
went with him last night?
JESSIE
Haha, there’s more to worry about
than Travis.
Monika just looks at her awkwardly.

EXT. WALKER HOUSE- ESTABLISHING- DAY


A very nice, stylish house, surrounded by fields. There are
woods deep in the backdrop, but no houses are anywhere
close. An SUV pulls up to the house. Ryan, Heather, Les,
and Hailey get out. and walk into the house. The SUV drives
away.
68.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- DAY


Les is the last one to enter the house, he locks the door
and pulls the shade shut. Ryan makes his way to the couch
and relaxes. He appears more at home and relaxed here than
we’ve seen him in his own house. Hailey instantly goes for
the computer in the corner of the room, and Heather sits in
a recliner. Ryan grabs the remote and turns on the TV.
"Poltergeist" is playing.
LES
Well, I’m gonna go make something
to eat. Guys?
RYAN
Um, yeah... you got any popcorn?

LES
Butter, Kettle, Cheddar, or
Caramel?
RYAN
Butter.

Les walks into the kitchen. Ryan’s eyes are fixed on


Heather. She starts to turn her head. Nervous, he jerks
his in the direction of the TV. Heather smirks.
HEATHER
Actually, didn’t you say there’s a
shortcut to the lake?
RYAN
Um, yeah, through the woods in the
backyard. It leads right to a spot
where Jessie and I used to hang out
when we were kids.
HEATHER
You wanna go?

LES
(from kitchen)
I don’t think we should leave.
HEATHER
I meant just me and Ryan...
Hailey just looks at Heather and Ryan. Ryan looks
surprised, and a little flustered.
KITCHEN

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 69.

Les stands at the counter, thinking. He tries to think of


an excuse, and sighs.
LES
Um, sure... But don’t be gone too
long. It’s gonna be dark soon.

He bites his lip, with an expression of regret.


LIVING ROOM

Hailey scoffs.
HAILEY
Well, what am I gonna do?
Heather chuckles at her.

HEATHER
The same thing you’re
doing. Besides, we probably won’t
be gone an hour.

Les enters the room.


LES
Can you do me one favor, Ryan?
RYAN
What, man?
LES
Call me when you get there.
RYAN
Why?
LES
I was gonna order some food, and I
figure you’d like it to be hot.

RYAN
So you mean... call you when we’re
on our way back?
LES
Yeah, sorry.
Ryan and Heather get up and walk for the door.
RYAN
(whispering)
He’s acting weird.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 70.

JESSIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD- SUNSET


The sun is setting, giving the sky an eerie orange glow.

EXT. CHAMBERLAIN HOUSE- DUSK

From a distance, we see the silhouette of a person,


approaching the Chamberlain house. The person tries to open
the door, but it is locked. The person proceeds to kick the
door in and move inside. Off screen, we hear Kaiser
BARKING, then BOOM. A gun has fired, and Kaiser’s barking
comes to a halt.
INT. MARK’S RECORDS- DUSK
Rachel walks into the store, there are about five or six
customers browsing the selection, and two talking with
Monika. She goes behind the counter and into the back room,
to find Jessie, hitting the bottle. She looks disappointed.
RACHEL
Jessie, what the hell are you
doing? You’re on the clock.
JESSIE
No, I’m not. I’m on break.
RACHEL
Give me the bottle.
JESSIE
I have to talk to you.
RACHEL
What?
JESSIE
It’s my fault.

RACHEL
What’s your fault?
Monika comes back into the room.
JESSIE
It’s all my
fault. Desi. Mom. Patrick.
Monika sits down next to Jessie.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 71.

MONIKA
Jess, it’s not your fault. You had
nothing to do with what Travis---
JESSIE
It wasn’t fucking Travis!
Rachel shows a faint look of understanding... and horror.
RACHEL
(worried)
Then who was it?
JESSIE
(buzzed)
Who the fuck do you think,
Rachel? He’s out.

RACHEL
How?
MONIKA
Your father?

JESSIE
They were moving him, and he
disappeared. The cops, too.
RACHEL
Where’s Ryan?
JESSIE
He’s staying at Alex Walker’s house
tonight. He doesn’t know.

RACHEL
You’re staying with me tonight.
JESSIE
I know.

MONIKA
Why doesn’t Ryan know?
RACHEL
He’d either go and get himself
killed or locked up, that’s why.
MONIKA
Wait, what are you doing here,
anyway, Rachel?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 72.

RACHEL
Oh, yeah. I got fired.
JESSIE
(laughing)
I knew that was coming.

RACHEL
(to Monika)
She’s drunk.

A bell TINGS.
MONIKA
You take care of her, I’ll take
care of the customers.

Monika walks out of the room. Rachel takes the bottle to a


hand sink, and pours it out.
INT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- WALKER’S CLASSROOM- NIGHT
Alex is at her desk grading papers. There is a police
scanner on her desk, and it is on.
OFFICER #1
(v.o.)
Mavis, that 911 on Elmhurst. We’ve
got a 10-40, a dog was shot dead.
Over.
This catches Alex’s attention.
ALEX
(to herself)
Elmhurst?
MAVIS
(v.o)
Elmhurst? The old Chamberlain
house, Mike? Over.

OFFICER #1
10-4.
Alex pulls out her cell phone and dials Les. Ring...
ring... ring... Alex is looking somewhat worried.
LES
(v.o.)
Hello?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 73.

ALEX
Les, listen to me. Do not let Ryan
leave the house, under any
circumstances.

LES
Oh, God. What now?
ALEX
His dog’s dead.

LES
Great.
He looks out the window, Ryan and Heather are already gone,
nowhere in sight.

INT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT


A little girl, roughly 6 or 7, walks into the shop. Monika,
behind the counter, looks over at her and smiles.
MONIKA
Hi, Kristen.
KRISTEN
Hi. Is Jessie here?
MONIKA
Yeah, she is. I’ll go get her for
you, sweetheart.
Monika walks toward the back room.
BACK ROOM

Jessie is running CDs through a resurfacing machine. Rachel


is watching the end of "Poltergeist" on TV. Monika walks
into the room.

MONIKA
Hey, Jess. You have a visitor.
Jessie gets up, looking nervous. She appears to think it is
Mapp. Rachel follows.

MAIN ROOM
Jessie walks out of the room, sees Kristen, and smiles.
JESSIE
Hi, sweetie!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 74.

She walks toward the counter. Monika and Rachel stand at


the doorway.
RACHEL
Who’s that?

MONIKA
A little girl who has cancer. She
really likes Jess a lot. She says
she likes being able to talk to
someone who doesn’t automatically
start crying.
Rachel smiles slightly.
RACHEL
Well, she always has wanted to be a
kids shrink.
JESSIE
So how are things going?
KRISTEN
Well, I’ve been getting sick a lot
more, but I’ve been okay.
JESSIE
I’m so sorry, sweetie.

KRISTEN
Well, we found this doctor. He
said they’re gonna do an
operation. He said it’s early
enough that I can still get rid of
it.

JESSIE
Really? I hope so, because I don’t
wanna lose a friend like you.

Rachel smiles at this.


KRISTEN
Well, I heard Mommy talking. She
said all the other doctors were
just trying to take all our money
and let me die anyway. This doctor
doesn’t even want a lot of
money. Why would people want me to
die?
Rachel starts tearing up, and goes back into the stock room.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 75.

JESSIE
Kristen, some people shouldn’t be
allowed to be in charge of
things. But it looks like you’ve
found one who really wants to help.

Jessie walks around the corner and hugs Kristen.


JESSIE
You’re gonna be okay. I
promise. So where is your mommy,
anyway?
KRISTEN
She’s next door at the candy
shop. I told her I wanted to come
see you.

Jessie shows her expression of sadness, but, as usual, no


tears come out. In walks a weather-beaten looking woman,
TRACY VENABLE, 28. She is wearing slutty clothes, and she
is extremely skinny, showing obvious signs of drug abuse.

TRACY
Come on, Kristen.
Kristen turns around, and in the process, accidentally
knocks a vase to the ground, shattering it. Rachel walks
out to see the commotion.

TRACY
God damn it, Kristen, you ruin
everything!
Kristen sulks back. Jessie’s eyes widen in anger.

KRISTEN
(sincere)
I’m sorry.

Jessie kneels down and grabs Kristen.


JESSIE
Listen to me, don’t apologize, you
did nothing wrong. You were just
dealt the wrong hand. Hey, we just
got some kids movies in... go over
and pick out a couple.
TRACY
We don’t have the money for
childish thi---

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 76.

JESSIE
Oh, don’t worry... you can keep
your precious money.
Jessie points over to a corner of the shop.

JESSIE
Go ahead, sweetie, go over and pick
a couple out. You can have them.
Kristen walks over to the movies. Jessie turns toward
Tracy.
JESSIE
Don’t you dare blame that little
girl for your fuck-ups. Don’t
think the whole town doesn’t know
how Kristen got that cancer. Do
you realize how lucky you are to
still have her? And how damn lucky
you are to find a doctor who’s
gonna help? If I ever hear of you
abusing that girl in any way...
ever again, so help me
God. Understand?
Tracy glares at Jessie.

LAKE- NIGHT
A peaceful lake, surrounded by rocks and grass, near the
woods. The sky is a glowing blue color, not fully dark yet,
but close. Ryan and Heather come out of the woods and
toward the rocks.

HEATHER
So, you never finished telling be
about your mom.
RYAN
Do you really want to ruin such a
nice night with such a sore
subject?
HEATHER
Sorry...I’ll drop it.
RYAN
Okay... My dad was gone on business
on their anniversary, he came home
early. He caught her in bed with
Jess’s boss. Jessie and me, we got
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 77.

RYAN (cont’d)
home. There was blood
everywhere. Jessie knocked Dad
out... and Mom died about 10
seconds later.

Heather just looks at him, stunned.


RYAN
THAT’s why Jessie can’t cry, and
has nightmares every night. It
fucked her head up so badly...
HEATHER
Now I can see why you wanted to
change the subject.

Ryan points over to a wooded area.


RYAN
So, over behind those trees, you
see that bridge?

HEATHER
Yeah?
RYAN
Jess and me used to come down here
almost every day... she was like 14
or 15, I was 6 or 7, we’d climb up
and would hang from the support
bars. Jessie was on the gymnastics
team, she loved it. I could never
last more than a couple minutes...
I actually broke my ankle over
there.
Heather smiles.

INT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT


Jessie stands behind the counter, sorting through CDs. She
looks over at the clock. 8:45.
JESSIE
(to herself)
45 minutes.
Rachel walks out of the back room.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 78.

RACHEL
Hey, Jess. Monika gave me some
money, I’m gonna go pick up a
pizza. Pepperoni cool with you?

JESSIE
Rach, I’m really not hungry.
RACHEL
You’re eating
something. Pepperoni?

Jessie laughs, conceding.


JESSIE
Sure.

Rachel approaches her.


RACHEL
Hey. It’s gonna be okay.
Jessie smiles faintly and nods.

RACHEL
I’ll be back.
Rachel begins to walk away. Before she can get to the door,
however:

JESSIE
Rachel?
Rachel turns around.

JESSIE
Be careful.
Rachel smirks.

RACHEL
Always.
She walks out of the door.

EXT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT


Rachel walks out of the shop. A figure watches her as she
goes down the street and to her car. She gets in and drives
away. The figure watching her until she turns a corner,
then proceeds to move toward the record store. Jessie still
stands behind the counter, shuffling through CDs.
79.

INT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT


Jessie looks at the clock again. 8:48. She sighs.

JESSIE
This is gonna be a long night.
She sits down on a stool behind the counter, holds her
forehead in her hands, and closes her eyes.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- NIGHT


Hailey and Les are sitting at opposite sides of the couch,
watching TV. Les looks particularly nervous. He gets up
and walks toward the kitchen. He looks out the window.
He ponders a moment, and then goes back into the living
room.

INT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT


Jessie continues to sit on the stool, head in her
hands. She looks up at the clock- 9:06, and then glances
out the window, and then turns. Suddenly, her head jerks
back toward the window. She looks startled. From her POV,
we see a MAN across the street. Jessie leans closer to the
window; it is DOUG! He stares at her with steely, cobalt
eyes. Jessie’s eyes widen, her jaw drops.
In the back room, Monika is doing computer work when
suddenly, she hears Jessie SCREAMING. She runs to the main
room, and Jessie is freaking out, but doesn’t look fully
awake. Monika runs to her and grabs her.
JESSIE
He’s here! No... NO!

MONIKA
Jessie, are you okay? What is it?
JESSIE
Look!

Monika looks across the street. Nobody is there. She looks


back at Jessie, and notices that she has just woken up.
MONIKA
Jessie, you fell asleep. You were
having a nightmare. Nobody’s here.
Jessie is still frantic, and almost hyperventilating.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 80.

JESSIE
Christ...

MONIKA
It’s okay.
In walks Rachel with a pizza box. She immediately looks at
Jessie.

RACHEL
Jess, you okay?
Jessie nods, still edgy.

LAKE- NIGHT
Heather sits in Ryan’s lap on some rocks.
RYAN
So, Hailey actually thought she was
gonna make you look like a prep?
Heather chuckles.
HEATHER
I guess so.

RYAN
Yeah, right.
Ryan’s phone rings. Ryan rolls his eyes and reaches into
his pocket.

RYAN
I know it’s Les.
He pulls out the phone and answers.

RYAN
Hello?
LES (V.O.)
Hey, can you go ahead and head
back? It’s pretty late.
RYAN
Les, you are the one who’s been
pushing me into all this---

LES
Look, there’s something very
important I have to tell you, but
you have to come back here.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 81.

RYAN
Les, what are you talking about?
Heather looks at him, puzzled.
LES
Look, my phone’s going dead, I’m
gonna go put it on the charger.
RYAN
Yeah, mine only has one battery
bar, too. Okay, we’ll head
back. We’re coming now.
Heather gets up, as does Ryan.
RYAN
Something ain’t right.
The two proceed for the woods.
MAPP (V.O.)
You’ve reached Ellie Mapp. I’m
sorry I can’t answer the phone
right now, please leave a message
and I’ll get back to you.

INT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- WALKER’S CLASSROOM- NIGHT

Alex holds the phone to her ear.


ALEX
Hello, this is Alex Walker. I need
to speak with you
immediately. When you get this,
call me at 828-9103.
She hangs up. She thinks a moment, and then calls another
number. Ring... ring... ring...

WASHBURN
(v.o.)
Washburn.
ALEX
Hey, Ralph, it’s Alex. Have you
heard anything on Chamberlain?
WASHBURN
How’d you know about that?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 82.

ALEX
What do you mean, "how?" Mapp came
and told me and Jessie this
afternoon.

WASHBURN
Alex, Doug Chamberlain is dead.
ALEX
So you caught him?

WASHBURN
What do you mean "caught him?" We
just found out about him being
missing half an hour ago. It looks
like he got ahold of one of the
cops’ guns, and they shot each
other dead.
ALEX
So why did Mapp come to my office
earlier?

WASHBURN
Mapp? Wha-, Alex, are you talking
about Ellie Mapp? She was kicked
off the force almost two years ago,
when Chamberlain killed her brother
and Abbie.

Alex’s eyes widen in realization and terror.


WASHBURN
Alex? You there?

ALEX
Yeah, Ralph, I gotta call you back.
She hangs up and frantically dials Les.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- LES’ BEDROOM- NIGHT


Les’ cell phone sits on his bed, ringing. Nobody is in the
room. The phone continues ringing.

INT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- WALKER’S CLASSROOM- NIGHT


Alex paces frantically.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 83.

ALEX
Come on, Les.

LES
(v.o.)
Hey, this is Les. Either I’m
sleeping or something, leave a
message. I’ll call you back.

Alex hangs up and goes through her contacts, finding


"Ryan." She calls him, but it doesn’t even ring. It goes
directly to voicemail.
RYAN
(v.o.)
It’s Ryan. Leave a message.
Alex begins FREAKING OUT.
ALEX
Goddammit!

INT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT


The main shop lights are off. The store is closed. Jessie,
Rachel and Monika are in the back, finishing up their pizza.

MONIKA
So, its been a hell of a day,
hadn’t it?

JESSIE
You can say that again.
MONIKA
Yeah, well I’m gonna go have a
cigarette before we close up.

JESSIE
Yeah, I’m gonna go wash up. Can
you throw all this out, Rach?
Monika walks outside. Jessie stands up.

RACHEL
Yeah. Don’t be too long, I’m ready
to get out of here... You sure you
don’t wanna pick Ryan up?

JESSIE
Nah, he’s better off at Alex’s.
Rachel nods.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 84.

RACHEL
M’kay.
Jessie walks out of the room, into the bathroom.

EXT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT


Monika stands out front, puffing away at a cigarette. She
looks down at her car. There is a sheet of paper under her
windshield wiper.

MONIKA
Oh, great.
She walks down toward the car.

INT. MARK’S RECORDS- BATHROOM- NIGHT


Jessie splashes water on her face.
JESSIE
You’re gonna be fine.
Suddenly, her phone rings. She pulls it out, it reads "Alex
Walker," she answers.
JESSIE
Hello?
ALEX
(v.o.)
Jess, it’s Alex!

JESSIE
Yeah, I kno---
ALEX
Jessie, listen to me. I need you
to drive out to my house right now,
get Ryan and Les, and go to the
police station.
JESSIE
Why?

ALEX
Your father’s dead, Jess. But
listen, Mapp isn’t a cop. She’s
Patrick Hargrove’s sister.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 85.

JESSIE
Well, what is she doing here?
ALEX
I think she killed your father and
the cops moving him. Patrick was
your boss, right? You are how
Abbie met him. So in her eyes,
it’s your fault.
JESSIE
What? That’s crazy.
ALEX
Look, Jess, after something like
that, some people are capable of
anything. You just have to go get
them, right now. It’ll be at least
half an hour before I can get back
to town.

EXT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT

Monika is standing in front of her car. She grabs the


paper. It is a note that says "Gotcha," with a rose
attached.
MONIKA
What the hell?
She turns back around and makes her way back to the shop.
She slowly walks toward the door. When she finally reaches
the door, she pulls out her key and unlocks it. Suddenly,
Mapp, switchblade in hand, appears behind Monika and GRABS
her, bashing her head into the glass door. Monika begins to
fight back, but Mapp slashes her across the chest and stabs
her in the belly, proceeding to SLAM her to the
ground. Jessie rushes out of the bathroom to see
this. Mapp RUSHES toward her, but Monika GRABS Mapp’s leg,
trying to pull her to the ground.
MONIKA
Jess, go!
Suddenly, Mapp turns around and swiftly GASHES Monika’s
throat. Jessie, mouth agape, runs for the back room, but
Mapp catches her and grabs her by the hair, preparing to
stab her, but before she can, Rachel comes out of the room
and DECKS her with a mop handle. Enraged and flustered,
Mapp punches Rachel in the face, and as she is thrown back,
Mapp jams the knife in Rachel’s chest. Rachel
gasps. Jessie elbows Mapp in the jaw and pulls the wounded

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 86.

Rachel into the back room, proceeding to shut and lock the
door.
JESSIE
Hold on, Rachel.

She props Rachel up in a corner of the room and looks over


at the back door, and then back to Rachel.
RACHEL
(barely breathing)
Jessie, go. Just leave.
JESSIE
No.
Mapp begins to bust the door in. Jessie looks at the door,
realizing that it is only a matter of seconds before Mapp
gets through. Jessie looks over at a panic button at the
back door. She grabs a broom and props the back door open
and runs to Rachel.
JESSIE
(whispering)
Rachel, I’ll be right back, I
promise.
RACHEL
(choking)
Just go.
Jessie unlocks the door, suddenly Mapp falls into the open
door and to the ground. Jessie darts over her and heads for
the door, but Mapp grabs her leg, tripping her. Jessie
kicks at her, hitting her in the face.
JESSIE
Get off of me!
The blow causes Mapp to lose grip on Jessie’s leg. She
scoots back and gets up, running for the door, Mapp in hot
pursuit.

EXT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT

Jessie DARTS around the building, making sure Mapp is still


chasing her. She goes around to the back door, gets in, but
Mapp pulls her back by the hair. Jessie elbows Mapp in the
chest and breaks free, managing to get in the door. She
pulls it shut just as Mapp is about to get in. Jessie SLAMS
the panic button in. An alarm goes off. In the main room,
the doors latch, and gates begin to shut behind the doors,

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 87.

preventing any entry. Jessie looks out the peephole. Mapp


is gone. After a moment, Jessie rushes toward Rachel,
kneeling down next to her.
JESSIE
I’m here, Rach.

EXT. PHOENIX UNIVERSITY- NIGHT


Alex DASHES out of the building and runs for her car. She
gets in and starts the motor, and then proceeds to pull out
of the parking lot.

WOODS NEAR THE HIGHWAY- NIGHT

Police are scattered around the crime scene, led by Ralph


Washburn and Cullen. An officer’s radio goes off.
DISPATCHER
We just had an alarm go off at
Mark’s Record Store. Nobody’s shut
it off. Over.
Washburn hears this, and grabs the walkie.
WASHBURN
Mavis, this is Washburn. Have you
been able to contact anyone in the
store? Over.
DISPATCHER
Not yet, Washburn. We’re still
trying.

CULLEN
What the hell was that about,
Ralph?

WASHBURN
That’s where Chamberlain’s daughter
works. Something ain’t right, and
it’s got something to do with Mapp.
Washburn storms away.

CULLEN
What? Ralph? What the fuck are
you talking about?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 88.

WASHBURN
Just come on!

INT. WALKER HOUSE- NIGHT

Heather and Ryan walk into the house.


Les walks down the stairs. He walks up to Ryan and Heather.
LES
Hey, guys, I’ll be back down in a
minute, I spilled butter all over
me. I’m gonna take a shower.
RYAN
(annoyed)
Okay, dude. Happy jacking.
Disgusted, Heather punches Ryan on the shoulder.
HEATHER
Hey, don’t be such a dick.

RYAN
What, it was a joke!
He grins and nods.

RYAN
(sincere)
Okay. I’m sorry, buddy. Cool?
Les shakes his head and goes upstairs.

LES
Jackass.
Ryan looks at Heather.

RYAN
So what do you wanna do tomorrow?

EXT. WALKER HOUSE- BACKYARD- NIGHT

Outside, Mapp watches Ryan and Heather through the backdoor


window as they go to the couch. She looks over and sees
Hailey at the computer desk. She twists the doorknob. It
is unlocked.
89.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- NIGHT


Ryan and Heather continue cuddling on the couch. In the
background, we see Mapp slowly sneak inside.
HEATHER
Maybe go to a movie?
RYAN
Yeah, I could do that. We really
oughta find someone for Les. I
kinda get sad seeing him alone like
this.

DEN

At the computer desk, Hailey decides to chime in. Behind


her, we see Mapp slowly sneaking past, as Hailey sits,
oblivious.
HAILEY
Awww... the little jerk boy is just
a big softy at heart!

LIVING ROOM
Ryan shrugs and rolls his eyes, as Heather grins.

HEATHER
You love him, don’t ya?
Ryan just looks at her, wincing.

RYAN
He’s my best friend, of course I
do. I hate seeing him get hurt.

UPSTAIRS
Les walks out of his bedroom with a change of clothes and a
towel, and to the bathroom, as Mapp watches from the top
step. As Les enters the bathroom, Mapp walks up behind him.

INT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT


Jessie holds Rachel, still barely alive, in her arms. She
pulls her cell phone out, and starts to dial 911, but her
phone says "New Message- Desariee." Jessie opens it. It is
a video of Ryan and Heather sitting on the couch, that

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 90.

suddenly cuts to Les heading into the bathroom. Suddenly,


the video stops. The words "No cops" cover the
screen. Jessie and Rachel gaze at the message in terror.
RACHEL
(demanding)
Jess, go. Now.
JESSIE
They’ll be here in a minute, I
promise.

Jessie gently lays Rachel down and runs out the back door.

EXT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT

Jessie runs to her car, gets in, starts it, and takes off.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- BATHROOM- NIGHT


The door slowly opens. Mapp begins watching Les through the
curtain.

LIVING ROOM
Ryan and Heather are talking, as Hailey logs out of her
webpage.
RYAN
Well, people act like I’m gonna
grow up to be a whackjob like him,
and that Jess is gonna be a slut
like Mom. It pisses me off, so
badly.
HEATHER
Don’t listen to people,
Ryan. They’re full of shit.

RYAN
I know... but... what if they’re
right?

HEATHER
They’re not. Now you’re just being
stupid.
Ryan snickers.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 91.

RYAN
Heather, you’re so damned
optimistic, I swear.
HEATHER
Things can’t stay bad forever.
Ryan nods.
RYAN
Yeah, I guess you’re right.

BATHROOM
Les gets out of the shower and wraps a towel around his
waist. He walks up to the mirror and goes to wipe it off-
only to see that someone already has. He looks suspicious
at first, then shrugs it off.
LES
(to himself)
Fuckin’ Ryan.

LIVING ROOM
Ryan walks into the kitchen.

RYAN
You want a soda?
HEATHER
Sure.

RYAN
Hailey?
HAILEY
Nah, thanks. I actually need to go
to the bathroom, whenever Les
finally gets out.

UPSTAIRS

Les, now fully dressed, but still with wet hair, walks out
of the bathroom and into his bedroom. He puts his deodorant
on and cracks his knuckles, while behind him, Mapp slowly
moves from his closet and out into the hallway. Les puts a
necklace on and makes his way into the hall. As he passes
the bathroom, he is YANKED inside, and the door slams
shut. Mapp puts him in a hold, hand over his mouth, and

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 92.

moves him in front of the mirror. With an EVIL grin, she


lifts her knife.
Les’ eyes widen as he is about to witness his own
murder. The knife comes up and down, up and down, up and
down, his eyes tighten as he cringes in pain. Suddenly, his
eyes dilate, and Mapp drops him to the ground.

LIVING ROOM

Ryan and Heather look up, puzzled by the THUD. Suddenly,


they hear the water start back up. They look at each other
suspiciously.

HIGHWAY- NIGHT

Alex’ CLS550 DASHES past a sign labeled "Litchfield- 15"

INT. CLS550

Alex drives, glancing at her watch, and then looks at the


road, a look of fear and determination covers her face.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Hailey walks up to Ryan and Heather.


HAILEY
How much longer is he gonna be?
RYAN
You know, that’s a pretty damn good
question. Les! Hurry the fuck up!
A moment passes.
RYAN
You know, just go in there. It’s
no big deal.
Heather looks at Ryan, annoyed. Hailey shrugs and makes her
way to the bathroom. Ryan and Heather continue talking.

RYAN
Geez, he takes forever.
Heather chuckles.
93.

UPSTAIRS
Hailey knocks at the door, it suddenly cracks open. The
sound of the shower continues.
HAILEY
Les? I’m coming in there!
She slowly starts to push the door open.

LIVING ROOM
Ryan stands at the window, looking outside, while Heather
remains seated on the couch.
HEATHER
You know, you should give him a
break, he puts up with your shit
every day too, you kno---
Suddenly, we hear Hailey’s piercing SCREAM. Ryan and
Heather look at each other for a split second, then DART up
the stairs.

UPSTAIRS
The two catch up with Hailey at the bathroom door.

RYAN
Hailey, what?
But Ryan looks over and stops dead in his tracks. He drops
to his knees as Heather and Hailey begin SCREAMING, but it
is inaudible, as if Ryan can’t hear them. His jaw drops and
he looks at Les’ body, mutilated. As Heather and Hailey
continue to scream, and plead for Ryan to come on, he
doesn’t hear them, nor do we. We just see them, SCREAMING,
as Ryan is in total shock, on his knees, staring at his dead
best friend.

INT. JESSIE’S CAR- NIGHT


Jessie, flooring the pedal, turns onto a country road.
94.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- BATHROOM- NIGHT


Ryan remains staring at Les’ body. Suddenly, a rose on the
bathtub catches his eye, just like the roses that gashed his
stomach two years ago.

RYAN
No.
Just as suddenly, he hears Heather and Hailey’s pleas to
flee, and looks back and forth from Les, to the rose, to the
girls. He begins shaking momentarily. He grabs his head.
RYAN
FUCK!!!
He turns to Heather.

RYAN
Okay, we have to go, now.
Hailey goes first, down the stairs, closely followed by
Heather and Ryan, when suddenly, at the bottom of the steps,
Mapp GRABS Hailey and goes to stab her, but Ryan moves past
Heather and punches Mapp in the face, releasing
Hailey. Ryan looks at her, shocked.
RYAN
You?
(pause)
Go to Les’ room! The rose trellis!
The three make their way to the bedroom, Mapp DIRECTLY
BEHIND RYAN.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- LES’ BEDROOM- NIGHT


Ryan manages to shut the door, but Mapp’s arm sticks through
the opening, grabbing at him. Heather and Hailey rush to
his aid, barricading the door with a dresser and
chairs. Ryan runs to the window and opens it.
RYAN
Hailey, go. Climb down and run
toward town, don’t stop.

Hailey climbs out of the window and begins climbing down the
trellis.
HEATHER
Ryan, who is that?!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 95.

RYAN
Some cop.
HEATHER
Why is she doing this?

RYAN
I don’t know! I don’t fucking
know, okay?
Suddenly, Mapp’s fist BLASTS through the door.

RYAN
Go, Heather. Now!
Heather climbs out of the window and starts down the
trellis. Hailey has already reached the bottom, but waits
for Heather. Ryan looks over at the doorway. Mapp is
moving the dresser! Ryan runs to the window and starts to
climb out.
Ryan starts to get out of the window, when suddenly, he is
YANKED back in. Heather looks down at Hailey, and then
begins climbing back up, in an effort to help Ryan.
HAILEY
Heather, what the fuck are you
doing? Come on!

As she reaches the top, she sees Ryan and Mapp struggling.
HEATHER
Ryan!
She gets halfway inside as Mapp slams Ryan into a wall, and
grabs Mapp’s head from behind, begins clawing at her
forehead. Knife still in hand, Mapp JAMS the knife below
Heather’s shoulder, in her upper chest, and tries to pull
her in to finish the job. However, Ryan TACKLES Mapp, who
elbows Heather and pushes her out of the window. Heather
FALLS the two stories to the ground. With Mapp on the
ground, Ryan rushes for the window.
RYAN
Hailey, get her out of here! Get
her---

Suddenly, Mapp BLASTS Ryan’s head into the window glass,


breaking the glass, and gashing Ryan’s head, while knocking
him unconscious.
96.

EXT. WALKER HOUSE- NIGHT


Jessie pulls up to the Walker house and sees Hailey
struggling to get Heather away from the house. Jessie gets
out and runs to her.

JESSIE
Hailey! Where’s Ryan and Les?
HAILEY
Les is dead and Ryan’s upstairs.

JESSIE
Okay, come on. You get her legs.
Jessie picks Heather up by her shoulders, and Hailey carries
her by the legs, and they move her to the car and put her in
the back seat.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- LES’ BEDROOM- NIGHT


Mapp watches from a window, an unconscious Ryan in the
background. She then looks at Les’ wall and sees a katana,
and smiles.

EXT. WALKER HOUSE- NIGHT

Jessie shuts the back passenger door.


JESSIE
The keys are in the car. Drive
into town and get the police. I’m
going after Ryan.

HAILEY
No, we can wait for you!
JESSIE
NO. I am not letting anyone else
die because of me. Just go, now!
Hailey runs to the driver seat, as Jessie opens the glove
compartment to reveal a sharp-bladed stiletto, grabs it, and
runs into the house.
97.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- BATHROOM- NIGHT


Mapp lays Ryan in the bathtub and leaves the bathroom,
katana in hand.

LIVING ROOM
Jessie glances through the room, stiletto in hand, watching
for Mapp. Jessie makes her way into the kitchen, continuing
her search, as Mapp sneaks past behind her,
undetected. Jessie then moves up the stairs, watching for
Mapp.

DEN

Mapp stands in front of the computer, looking at the


ceiling, as if she is trying to figure out where something
is. She takes the katana out of its case, revealing a
razor-sharp- and extremely thick- blade.

BATHROOM
Jessie walks in to see Les’ mangled body. She covers her
mouth, and then notices Ryan. She tries to wake him up.
JESSIE
Ry. Ryan, come on.

DEN
Mapp traces the distance from the stairs to the bathroom
with her eyes. She gets the sword ready.

BATHROOM
Jessie continues shaking Ryan, and he slowly shows signs of
consciousness.
JESSIE
Come on, Ryan, we gotta go.

He barely starts to move, and suddenly- the blade BUSTS


through the bathtub, breaking the area, and BARELY missing
Ryan’s torso, by maybe a centimeter or two. Now, Ryan is
WIDE awake. He darts out of the tub. Jessie leads him out
of the bathroom and down the steps.
98.

DOWNSTAIRS
They go toward the kitchen, as Mapp is trying to pull the
katana back out, it appears to be stuck. Giving up, she
pulls the switchblade from her pocket, and follows Jessie
and Ryan out the back door. She catches Jessie’s foot, and
pulls her back, but Jessie JAMS the blade of her stiletto
into Mapp’s torso. Jessie proceeds to get up and dart out
of the door.

EXT. WALKER HOUSE- BACKYARD- NIGHT


Jessie and Ryan run through the backyard and into the woods,
Mapp not quite keeping up, but not losing them, either.

WOODS BEHIND THE WALKER HOUSE- NIGHT


Ryan and Jessie continue running. Mapp is out of sight, but
they are taking no chances.
RYAN
Why the fuck is she doing this,
Jessie?
JESSIE
Our dad killed her brother.

RYAN
What?

EXT. WALKER HOUSE- NIGHT

Alex’s car comes rushing from down the street. She pulls
in, gets out of the car with the motor still running, and
dashes into the house.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- NIGHT


Alex runs into the doorway, and begins searching for Ryan
and Les. Suddenly, broken ceiling and shards of drywall
catch her eye in the den.

ALEX
(faint)
Oh, no.
She darts up the stairs.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 99.

ALEX
Les! Ryan!

She looks in the bedrooms, then moves toward the bathroom.


ALEX
Ryan!
She turns and sees Les’ mangled body, along with the
destroyed tub. She drops to her knees, crying, without
sobs. Her eyes are heavily glazed over from tears.
ALEX
No... Les. No.

She looks down at her son, from the face, and then down to
his mutilated groin. She cannot hold it back anymore. She
begins BAWLING.
ALEX
(screaming)
NO!

LAKE- NIGHT
Mapp walks through the woods, searching for Jessie and
Ryan. We follow her as she walks under a small railroad
bridge, but as she passes the bridge, we stop, and move up,
to reveal Jessie and Ryan, clinging to the bottom of the
bridge, arms and legs wrapped around the support bars. They
look extremely frightened. Jessie watches as Mapp searches
for them, and then comes to a dead end at the
lake. Unbeknownst to Jessie or Ryan, a dark gray rat comes
down on the bridge and begins walking toward Ryan. Mapp is
very agitated at not finding her prey.
MAPP
(irritated)
Hmmph.
Jessie glances over at Ryan- and sees the rat, moving for
Ryan’s hand. Her eyes widen in fear. Ryan, still watching
Mapp, is oblivious. Mapp turns around and begins walking
back toward the bridge.
JESSIE
(low hiss)
Ryan!

Ryan looks at her. She tilts her head toward the rat,
trying to warn Ryan. Ryan looks over, and in disbelief,
drops his jaw and rolls his eyes.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 100.

RYAN
(low whisper)
Shit!
Jessie looks down at Mapp. She is slowly walking underneath
them. The rat is now by Ryan’s hand, sniffing at
it. Jessie and Ryan watch the rat, in pure
terror. Suddenly, as Mapp walks underneath the two and past
them, the rat starts to shift its attention elsewhere. Ryan
sighs with relief, and Jessie smiles, relieved. But just as
quickly as the rat shifted its attention away, it comes back
and BITES Ryan’s hand, causing him to bleed profusely. He
shuts his eyes tightly and bares his teeth in pain, but
still manages to hold on. Jessie glances down at Mapp, who
is about 10 feet away. We see the blood start to lubricate
Ryan’s hand, and his grip weakens. Mapp is just almost away
when Ryan realizes he is fighting a losing battle.

RYAN
(to himself)
Murphy, you law-making son of a
bitch.

Ryan falls to the ground, crippling himself on the hard


ground. Mapp turns around and slowly approaches
him. Jessie’s stiletto is in Mapp’s hand. Mapp chuckles,
malevolently.

MAPP
It doesn’t look like you’re gonna
squirm away now, you little
bastard.
Jessie looks down in total, unadulturated horror, and tries
to get down in time to help Ryan, who, bloodied, bruised and
beaten down, is defiant as ever.
RYAN
(unafraid)
Fuck you.

Mapp lifts the knife, and JAMS it into Ryan’s chest. Jessie
is almost down from the bridge, but too late. Mapp lifts
the knife and slams it into Ryan, over, and over, and
over. Ryan begins convulsing.

JESSIE
(screaming)
Ryan! No! Noooo!!!
She sobs, but no tears leave her eyes.
101.

INT. WALKER HOUSE- LES’ BEDROOM- NIGHT


Alex is looking through Les’ things when she hears Jessie’s
screams through the open window. She moves for the
window. The bridge is barely visible from her view, but she
sees figures moving around. She runs into her bedroom,
pulls a handgun from her dresser, and runs down the stairs.

INT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT

The building is surrounded in police cars. Washburn and


Cullen are watching as coroner’s assistants load Monika into
a body bag. A pair of paramedics rush out of the back room
with Rachel, being rushed out on a stretcher, barely
conscious. Washburn looks down at her.

WASHBURN
Rachel. Guys, how’s she holding
up?
PARAMEDIC #1
She’s alive, but she’s
critical. She could go at any
time.
WASHBURN
Get her to the hospital. Where the
fuck is Jessica Chamberlain!?

EXT. MARK’S RECORDS- NIGHT


Jessie’s car pulls up. Hailey looks back at Heather.
HAILEY
I’ll be right back.
She gets out of the car and rushes toward the
building. However, a policeman stops her.

COP #1
Kid, you can’t go in there.
HAILEY
Get the fuck off me! You have to
get to the Walker house, now!

Washburn runs out of the door and to Hailey.


WASHBURN
Kid, you talkin’ about Alex
Walker’s house?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 102.

HAILEY
Yeah, Jessie and Ryan are out
there, some woman tried to kill us,
Jessie stayed to help Ryan. My
sister’s bleeding in the car!
Washburn rushes out to the car, Heather’s wound is bleeding
profusely.

WASHBURN
Get this girl in a bus! I need
backup at Alex Walker’s house, now!
WOODS BY THE LAKE- NIGHT

Jessie runs through the woods near the lake. Images of her
mother, her father, Desariee, Monika, Les, Rachel, and Ryan
race through her head. She stops, on her knees, in front of
a large oak tree, near the water. She buries her face into
her fists, tugging at her hair, and baring her teeth.

JESSIE
(softly)
Fuck.
Mapp walks through the woods, searching for Jessie. Jessie
continues sitting by the tree, when Mapp walks past. Jessie
silently gets up, and rushes Mapp from behind. Mapp
stumbles, but picks herself up and fights Jessie. Jessie
presses her thumbs into Mapp’s throat.
JESSIE
God damn you! You heartless bitch!
Mapp stabs Jessie in the thigh, causing her to loosen her
grip enough for Mapp to overpower her. She bashes Jessie’s
jaw with her elbow. The two are now close to the
water. Mapp pulls Jessie’s head toward the water and begins
to drown her.
MAPP
You call me heartless, you little
slut? Look at what you
caused! You’re such a chickenshit
you caused all of this! You knew
it was coming! You didn’t stop any
of it!
Jessie begins choking on the water.
JESSIE
(barely audible)
Rachel- Ryan had nothing- do with
this.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 103.

Mapp smirks.
MAPP
(angrily)
No, they had everything to do with
this. You took away everything
that ever mattered to me. I was
just returning the favor.
Jessie’s expression begins to blanken, and her vision starts
to blur. She appears to stop breathing when we hear a loud
gunshot. Mapp turns around to see Alex, gun pointed at the
air, steaming. Mapp chuckles, amused at Alex.
ALEX
What the hell are you laughing
at? I should shoot you right
now...
MAPP
Do it. They’re all dead, what does
it matter?

ALEX
No, that wouldn’t be good enough.
Mapp smiles.
ALEX
What the hell are you smiling
about?
MAPP
Did you like my work on your
son? Oh, nothing towards you.

ALEX
You...
MAPP
It was done to hurt his little
friend. And you shouldn’t blame me
anyway. You should blame her.
Mapp tilts her head back, toward a motionless Jessie.

ALEX
Why? They didn’t do this.
MAPP
She killed my brother. My whole
world was destroyed.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 104.

ALEX
She is NOT her father. He killed
your brother, not her.
MAPP
Oh, come on, Walker. She set the
little affair up. The twisted
little bitch.
Alex snarls at Mapp, gun pointed directly at her.

ALEX
You’re crazier than Doug
Chamberlain ever was.
MAPP
Now you get it.

Alex glances behind Mapp, obviously meant for Mapp to see.


ALEX
Thought you said Jessie was dead.

Mapp turns around, and Alex rushes her. Mapp turns around
and catches Alex’s arm, throwing her into the water. Jessie
suddenly grabs Mapp’s leg and swings her onto the
ground. Jessie gets on top of Mapp and begins punching her,
over, and over, and over. Alex swims for the rocks, as
Jessie bloodies Mapp’s face. Suddenly, Mapp KICKS Jessie in
the stomach, knocking her toward the water, Mapp picks the
stiletto up from the ground and runs toward Jessie. The
blade is just inches from Jessie’s face when...

BAM!
Mapp looks down and sees a bullet in her torso. She looks
up toward Alex, who is holding the smoking gun. Mapp
smiles, and cocks her head up, challenging Alex. Alex cocks
her gun. Mapp smiles, up for the challenge. Alex snarls,
prepared. Suddenly, Mapp DIVES for Jessie. BOOM! A bullet
penetrates Mapp’s chest, on the left. She is still going
for Jessie. BOOM! Another bullet into Mapp’s knife-hand
shoulder. She drops the knife, and continues falling on
Jessie. BAM! Another bullet, in Mapp’s calf. Mapp lands
on Jessie, who pushes her off, onto the dirt, and starts to
back herself up. Alex helps Jessie up to her feet. Jessie
and Alex look down at Mapp.
ALEX
Your femoral artery is bleeding
out. You’ll be alive for roughly
fifteen more minutes, but you won’t
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 105.

ALEX (cont’d)
be able to move fast enough to get
help.
MAPP
You wanna kill me, bitch? Do it!
ALEX
I just did. Just be glad you’ll
only feel a tiny fraction of the
pain you’ve caused us.

MAPP
(faint)
Fraction? I’ve felt it for two
years.

JESSIE
I didn’t kill your brother. He put
himself in that position.
Jessie spits on Mapp.

JESSIE
Let’s get out of here.
Jessie begins to walk away. Alex glares at the dying Mapp
for a moment, and then follows.

LAKE- NIGHT
Jessie and Alex come out of the woods. They approach the
bridge, where Ryan’s body lies. Approaching sirens WAIL as
Jessie kneels down next to him and pulls his head and
shoulders into her lap, caressing his face. A blank, broken
expression covers her face. Alex sits on the rocks by the
water and pulls her phone out. She dials Washburn. Ring...
Ring...

WASHBURN (V.O.)
Alex? I’m headed to your house
right now, where are you?
ALEX
It’s all over, Ralph. She’s dead.

WASHBURN
Christ. What about Jessie and
Ryan?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 106.

ALEX
Jessie’s alive. Ryan and Les are
dead.
WASHBURN
God damn it. Alex, I’m sorry...
Jessie sobs, holding Ryan in her arms. A single tear falls
from each eye as she cradles Ryan.
JESSIE
I’m so sorry, kid. I love you so
much.
She kisses Ryan’s forehead and continues to cradle
him. Alex hangs up her phone, and stares at the water. The
sirens are very close now, and masking any low sounds. Alex
continues to look at the water. Suddenly, she notices a
shadow eclipsing her own. Her eyes widen as Mapp’s arm
BURIES the blade in Alex’s chest. Alex screams. Jessie
turns around.
JESSIE
Alex?! Alex!
Ryan’s body weighs Jessie down as Mapp drops Alex and moves
for her. Just as Mapp is about to stab Jessie, Ryan, with
all his strength, pulls himself up and jams his fingers into
Mapp’s chest wound. Behind him, Jessie moves away. Mapp
lets a loud groan. Jessie’s hand grabs a large rock. Mapp
elbows Ryan in the nose, knocking him back to the
ground. She lifts the knife to stab him when suddenly...
Jessie BLASTS Mapp in the face with the rock, knocking her
to the ground. Jessie continues wailing on her with the
rock. Ryan is barely breathing, but looking on as Jessie
beats Mapp’s face over and over with the rock. Mapp’s face
is now a bloody pulp. Jessie, worn out, gets off of Mapp’s
bloody, almost faceless body, and moves toward Alex, who is
still breathing and barely conscious.

JESSIE
We’re gonna get you to a hospital,
both of you.
Ryan sighs with relief, but his breathing is still
shallow. He stares at Mapp’s body. A glimmer catches his
eye. She is still clutching the blade, and attempting to
get up.
RYAN
(horrified)
Jess.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 107.

Jessie turns to look at Ryan, and sees the horrified


expression on his face. She looks toward Mapp, and slowly
puts Alex down. Mapp watches as Jessie gets up and walks
toward her. Jessie kneels down on Mapp’s body, with a look
of pure determination. Jessie slowly lifts the knife out of
Mapp’s hand, and lifts it above her head. With a scream of
relief, Jessie JAMS the knife into Mapp’s face, lifts it up
and jams it back, and over again as she continues
screaming. She is now fully crying, for the first time in
two years. Over Jessie’s sobs, the opening to "Tears Don’t
Fall" by Bullet For My Valentine starts to play. Hold on
Jessie’s blood-soaked, crying face for ten seconds. Cut to
black, continue song over ending credits.
FADE OUT.
THE END.

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