Light & Dust

By

Em Turner
1 EXT. BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, EARLY AFTERNOON
Its 1943. The main street of Beaufort is lined by vintage
cars such as 1942 Pontiac Streamliner, 1942 Chevrolet
Convertible, 1937 Austin 14, 1937 Hudson Terraplane and a
1939 Fiat 1100. One or two are driving down the road.
AVA JOHNSON (18 years old, redhead, wearing a floral
summer dress) is walking down the street. She looks to be
daydreaming.

AVA (V.O)
Ive been wearing a mask for
so long, Im not sure of my true
self.

An elderly couple smile as they pass. Ava returns the

gesture.
AVA (V.O)
Im tired of the forced
conversations and the fake
laughter, the lack of
self-expression.
Ava crosses the street, a car stopping for her. The
driver, a middle aged gentleman, and his female passenger,
wave at her. It is becoming clear that she is well known
within the town.
AVA (V.O)
My whole personality is an act,
an attempt to maintain the
reputation that my Mother and
Father depend on.
On the opposite side of the street, after walking for a
few more seconds, Ava stops. We see a girl, around 18,
blonde, sat in the window of a caf. She is with a group
of other people her age, all laughing. Ava is captivated
as she watches her.
AVA (V.O)
I still have time to become the
person I want to be.

2 EXT. JOHNSON FAMILYS HOME, EARLY AFTERNOON

Wrought iron gates (open) lead to a long gravel driveway.
The house at the far end is all white, long pillars
supporting the wraparound porch. Grass covers the ground
and there are trees around the edge of the property.
Ava is walking up the driveway towards the house. First
impressions make it clear that her family has a lot of
money.
 2.

3 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS FOYER, EARLY AFTERNOON

The interior of the house consists of long winding stairs,
dark oak floors and large windows. There are a lot of
indoor plants dotted around. Ava is greeted by her Mother,
LYDIA.
LYDIA
How was your walk, sweetheart?
AVA
Could have been worse.
LYDIA
Did you see any of your friends?

AVA
No, but I did stop by the
library.
LYDIA
Were hosting friends
for afternoon tea
tomorrow. Youre expected to be
there.
Its evident that Avas Mother is uninterested in the
response to her previous question.

AVA
Of course.
4 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS LIBRARY, EVENING

The library has floor to ceiling bookcases, with multiple

chairs in the room. There is a table and chair to one
side, accompanied by a stack of books.
Ava is curled up in an armchair in the corner, the floor
lamp next to it providing the only light in the room. She
is reading For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway.
Her Father, ISAAC, walks in and takes a seat in the
armchair across from her.

ISAAC
Evening, sweetheart. Howre you
feeling about tomorrow?
AVA
Nervous. I have nothing in
common with a single one of them.
They still view me as a child.
ISAAC
Mr and Mrs Kendrick are
bringing their daughter. You
probably know her.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 3.

AVA
For someone who grew up
in Beaufort, I dont know
many people my age here. My
friends live in Jasper.
ISAAC
The school in Jasper was
excellent, look where it got you.
Youll be going to college in New
York City!
AVA
Thats the only positive I can
possibly think of.

Isaac looks disappointed by her lack of enthusiasm.

ISAAC
Ava, please. You only have to
keep this up for the summer. I
need you to continue
behaving respectably. Our
fortune depends on our
reputation.
There is a pause as Ava closes her book and sighs.

AVA
I know. You can trust me.
5 INT. AVAS BEDROOM, LATE MORNING

Avas bedroom is very feminine, all white furniture, pink

walls and a dark oak floor. The bed is large and the
headboard is high with intricate detailing. The bedding is
pink and covered in frills and bows.
Ava is sat at her dressing table, plaiting her hair. A
member of her familys staff, JULIA, knocks at the door
which is ajar.
JULIA
Miss Ava, the first guests
are arriving. Your Mother
has requested you come
downstairs.
AVA
Thank you, Julia.

Ava finishes her hair and reluctantly gets up. After

taking one last look in the mirror, heads out of her room.
 4.

6 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS STAIRS/FOYER

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, she sees the blonde
girl from the previous day in the foyer. She is stood with
a middle-aged couple and Avas parents. Ava descends the
stairs.
ISAAC
Sweetheart, meet Mr and Mrs
Kendrick and their daughter,
ELIZA.
Ava inhales deeply as she shakes their hands.
AVA
Im Ava, its good to meet you.

7 EXT. MARQUEE IN THE GROUNDS OF THE JOHNSONS HOUSE, MIDDAY

The grounds at the back of the house include a large
expanse of grass, flowerbeds lining the base of the porch
foundation and a huge white marquee tent is placed right
in the middle.
Approximately 10 people are seated at the long table in
the marquee. There are white roses as centrepieces. Ava
and Eliza are sat opposite each other.

CHARLES KENDRICK
So Ava, what are your plans for
the Summer?
AVA
I dont really have any. Id like
to relax before I leave for
Barnard.
Lydia has a smug look on her face as her daughter
announces her plans to go to college.

HEATHER KENDRICK
Oh, yes. I hear youll be
studying English Literature, is
that right?

AVA
Yes.
Ava looks shy, like she is afraid of Heather and Charles.
CHARLES
New York is wonderful, Im sure
youll enjoy it.
ELIZA
So, youre being forced into
going to college too?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.

Eliza says this as she reaches for a dish. Her

interjection takes Ava by surprise.
AVA
Im sorry, forced? I need to
go to college to succeed. Plus I
want to go. Dont you?
ELIZA
I dont feel the need.

Eliza shrugs, seeming to not care in the slightest.

CHARLES
Eliza, if you want to enter
the medical profession, you need
to go to college. Nobody is
going to allow you to save lives
if you havent been taught how.
Everyone else at the table laughs as if its the funniest
thing in the world. Eliza rolls her eyes.

Everyone is enjoying their food and making light

conversation. Everyone is laughing and conversing,
although Ava and Eliza look fed up as they make small talk
and shoot looks at each other, like they are both fed up
with the company.

ISAAC
Girls, why dont you head to the
lake and get to know each other
better.

AVA
Good idea. It was lovely to meet
you all.
ELIZA
Ill make my own way home. Thank
you for your hospitality, Mr
and Mrs Johnson.
LYDIA
Youre welcome, dear.

HEATHER
See you later this evening,
darling.
The two girls leave the marquee. They begin walking down a
path to the left, through the trees Once they are out of
ear shot of the guests, Eliza strikes up a conversation.
ELIZA
Do you really want to go to
college?

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 6.

AVA
Yes, why dont you?
ELIZA
I know that I need to go, and
part of me wants to but Im
reluctant because its whats
expected of me.
AVA
I think we just have to make our
parents proud.
ELIZA
So you dont ever want to abandon
your responsibilities as a spoilt
rich girl and move to the city
and live each day as it comes?
AVA
I wouldnt say Im a spoilt
rich girl, but yes I suppose I
do feel like that sometimes.
ELIZA
You and I are the definition of
spoilt. We get everything we want
or need, people want to be our
friends because we have money and
it makes us superior.
8 EXT. JOHNSON FAMILYS LAKE, LATE AFTERNOON

There is a clearing in the trees that leads to a lake.

There are logs as makeshift seats. There is a deck built
across part of the lake, spreading out a metre or two.
The girls arrive at the lake and remove their shoes before
they take a seat on the edge of the deck, dipping their
feet in the water.
AVA
Do you feel as though people only
want to maintain friendships
because theyre afraid to be on
the wrong side of you, as if you
can use money to destroy them?
ELIZA
All the time. I trust few people.

There is a pause as Ava digests what Eliza has said.

AVA
Then why are you telling me all
of this? We met two hours ago.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 7.

ELIZA
Were almost the same person,
Ava. Think about it, weve been
raised the same way, in the same
town, surrounded by the same
self-absorbed people. You
didnt go to school in Beaufort,
did you?
AVA
No, I studied in Jasper.
ELIZA
Do you even have friends here?
Surprised by the bluntness of the question, Ava hesitates
for a second, unsure of how much to reveal to the girl
beside her.
AVA
Does the librarian count?

Avas attempt at making a joke goes unnoticed by Eliza.

ELIZA
No, I mean real friends.

AVA
Ive never had a chance to get
to know the people here.
ELIZA
Ill see what I can do, alright?

Again, Ava hesitates before responding. Its clear that

she is wary of Eliza.
AVA
Alright.

9 EXT. KENDRICK FAMILYS GARDEN, MID MORNING

The grounds of this house are much the same as the
Johnsons, but there are more concrete areas and there is
a greenhouse at the bottom of the garden.

Eliza is sat on a swinging hammock, staring into space.

Heather comes rushing out of the house, flustered and
clearly angry.
HEATHER
Eliza, what are you doing?
You have a tennis lesson in a few
minutes.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 8.

ELIZA
Im thinking.
HEATHER
Is this about college again?
ELIZA
No.
HEATHER
Alright, but Marco has arrived so
you need to get to the courts.
You wont get a personal coach in
Rhode Island.
ELIZA
Fine by me.
Visibly irritated by her Mothers pestering, Eliza storms
off, leaving the hammock swinging violently in the
process.

10 EXT. ROAD IN BEAUFORT, SC, MID MORNING

Ava is walking along a road aligned by chestnut trees. A
red 1935 Chevrolet Standard Six Sedan comes to a stop by
the side of her.

Eliza sticks her head out of the window.

ELIZA
Headed anywhere special?

AVA
The library..
Ava hangs her head in shame as she awaits a reply.
ELIZA
You and that library! Come
with us, were going to Junes
Cafe.
The other two people in the car sit in silence.

ELIZA
They dont bite. Well, Johnny
might if youre not careful.
The boy driving rolls his eyes.

AVA
Only if youre sure Im not
imposing..

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 9.

ELIZA
Just get in. I might as well make
the most of the day since Im
supposed to be in a tennis lesson
as we speak.

Ava looks shocked.

AVA
Wont your Mother be angry?
ELIZA
Yes.
Throwing her head back in laughter, it is again evident
that Eliza is carefree.
Eliza moves into the back of the car, leaving the front
passenger seat free for Ava.
ELIZA
You can sit with Johnny. Be on
your best behaviour, like I said,
he might bite.

The second Ava is in her seat, Johnny begins driving

further down the road.
JOHNNY
Ignore her, Ill leave you be.
Whats your name, sunshine?
AVA
Ava. Nice to meet you.

JOHNNY
Likewise, this is Madison.
Johnny gestures to the girl in the back who hasnt said a
word.

ELIZA
She doesnt take well to new
people.
MADISON
Yes I do. I just dont want to
go to the caf yet again. Hi,
Ava.
ELIZA
Ease up, well go to the barn by
the lake. Ava and I share a
mutual appreciation of lakes,
dont we Ava?
Eliza smirks as Ava looks bewildered.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 10.

AVA
I guess..
11 EXT. LAKE IN BEAUFORT, MID MORNING

There is a rope swing hanging from a tree and the sun is

blazing, a large abandoned barn is the only visible
structure. The lake is much bigger than the one by Avas
house.

JOHNNY
Sorry we made you walk so far, I
couldnt get the car closer.
AVA
Its fine. I like walking.

ELIZA
We can tell, it would have
taken you forever to walk into
the town if you had kept going!

AVA
I know, I dont have much to do
other than my lessons.
Madison spins around with her arms outstretched, as a
gesture to the barn and the lake.
MADISON
You do now! Ava, welcome to our
hiding place. It doesnt look
like much, but it keeps us away
from responsibilities. El, do you
have what we requested?
ELIZA
Of course, I keep a permanent
stock behind the hay bales.

JOHNNY
You do?
Eliza enters the barn and emerges a few seconds later with
a bottle of whisky. Ava is visibly shocked.

AVA
How did you get that?
ELIZA
If your parents are anything like
mine, whisky is always available.
So is champagne, but we keep that
for celebrating.
The four of them spend the rest of the morning talking and
swimming in the lake.
 11.

12 INT. KENDRICK FAMILYS FOYER, LATE EVENING

The foyer of the Kendricks home is also very similar to

the Johnsons but the floor is made up of large black and
white tiles.

Mrs Kendrick stops Eliza before she can escape up the

stairs.
HEATHER
Where have you been?

ELIZA
Out enjoying myself. Is there
a problem?
HEATHER
Youll have plenty of time
to enjoy yourself in Rhode
Island. You need to keep up your
reputation, and that begins with
your lessons.
ELIZA
The point of summer is to have a
break from school. Im going to
college in less than three
months, I want to spend the rest
of my time here with my
friends, doing things that other
people my age do.
HEATHER
Go and see your Father.

Eliza rolls her eyes and walks in the direction of her

Fathers office.
Her Mother watches her leave, desperation clear in her
expression.

13 INT. KENDRICK FAMILYS HOME, CHARLES OFFICE, LATE EVENING

The office is a contrast to the rest of the house that
weve seen so far. The furniture is all dark wood and the
floor is covered in beige carpet.

Charles looks up as Eliza swings the door open and sits

down in a strop.
CHARLES
Hi, El.. I assume your Mother has
had words?

ELIZA
What do you think about my
attitude?

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 12.

CHARLES
As much as she has a point, I
appreciate that you want to have
a normal summer.

ELIZA
No summer of mine will ever be
normal as long as Im
obligated to live up to your
expectations.

Eliza begins to tear up.

CHARLES
Theyre not strictly my
expectations, they are societys
expectations.
ELIZA
The society that you force me to
be a part of.

CHARLES
Ill speak to her, see what I can
do.
ELIZA
I wouldnt waste your time.
Eliza is crying as she leaves the room, heading out of the
house as quietly as possible.
14 EXT. JOHNSON FAMILYS HOME, LATE EVENING

Eliza is outside Avas house, tears still in her eyes. She

begins to climb the structure of the porch up to Avas
room.
15 INT. AVAS BEDROOM, LATE EVENING

Without saying a word, she enters through the window.

AVA
What are you doing?!

ELIZA
I didnt mean to scare you.
AVA
You didnt, I just dont know how
you managed to get in here
unharmed. Whats the matter?
ELIZA
Nothings the matter. Will
your parents hear us talking?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 13.

AVA
Why are you crying and whey have
you just climbed through my
bedroom window at 11 oclock at
night? No, they wont hear. Their
room is on the opposite side of
the house.
ELIZA
Im tired.
Eliza settles on the bed, laying back as Ava hovers
awkwardly on the edge.
AVA
Uh, you can sleep here I
suppose..

ELIZA
No, I mean Im tired of this
whole reputation nonsense.
Today was great, I actually
enjoyed myself but as soon as I
got home I was met with hostility
from my Mother.
AVA
You werent gone for
long..Oh, you skipped your
tennis lesson didnt you?

ELIZA
I stayed out until after dinner
but -

AVA
Eliza, its no wonder your Mother
was unimpressed!
Avas eyes widen as she stares at Eliza as if she has done
something unspeakable.

ELIZA
Its impossible to impress her in
the first place. Im so tired of
trying and going along with this
charade.

AVA
Its something we have to do, as
daughters.
ELIZA
No, we have a choice. Except
we risk losing everything by
choosing the opposite of what we
are told to do.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.

AVA
What do you mean losing
everything?

Eliza throws her hands up in the air in exasperation.

ELIZA
Oh I dont know, our families
could disown us.

AVA
Im not sure that they
would disown us just because we
choose to lead our own lives,
which is what theyre allowing us
to do in a few months anyway.

ELIZA
I wish I was as naive as you.
AVA
Excuse me?

ELIZA
Its not a bad thing, its sweet.
AVA
Im not as naive as you think I
am.
ELIZA
Sure..Is it your Mother always
pushing you to attend your
lessons and dinner parties and
such?
AVA
Its mostly her, yes.

ELIZA
And your Father is more lenient?
Wanting whats best for his
little girl?
AVA
What are you getting at?
ELIZA
I am entirely convinced that
were the same person, Aves.

Ava smiles at the nickname Aves. Only her close friends

and family call her that.
AVA
If it werent for the fact that
youre more straightforward
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.

AVA (contd)
and feisty then I might be
slightly more convinced.

Eliza smirks.
ELIZA
Im glad youve been paying
attention.

The girls smile at each other, a moment of silence falls

between them.
AVA
Eliza, can I say something you
might not want to hear?

ELIZA
Im a guest in this house so itd
be rude if I didnt listen,
wouldnt it?

Despite her cocky attitude, Eliza suddenly seems weak and

vulnerable.
AVA
Try not to go against
your parents wishes and
expectations just yet. I know
its hard but we only have a few
months until we leave for
college. Dont you want to
spend that time making good
memories with them, rather than
fighting?
ELIZA
You may be naive but youre
wise, arent you? Can we sleep
now?
AVA
Of course.
Ava leans back on the bed, so that she is side by side
with Eliza, but not under the covers.
She reaches to turn the bedside lamp off, and a few
seconds later looks down as Eliza holds her hand. They go
to sleep.
 16.

16 INT. AVAS BEDROOM, MID - LATE MORNING

The sun has already risen and the girls are still side by
side, holding hands, but they have moved closer together.

AVA
Eliza, are you awake?
ELIZA
No, are you?

AVA
Okay wise-guy, do you have plans
today?
ELIZA
If its Tuesday then no, Im
supposed to use this day to be
independently productive. Do
you have plans?
AVA
Did you say its Tuesday? I have
a French lesson at ten oclock.
ELIZA
Aves, its nearly eleven..

Ava launches out of bed and pulls her socks and shoes on.
AVA
Stay right here, my Father never
comes in here and Mother has a
lunch meeting every Tuesday. Do
not move from this room, okay?
ELIZA
Cant you skip your lesson?

AVA
Im not you. Ill only be gone a
half hour, stay here.
She exits the room, tripping slightly on her way.

17 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS LIBRARY, LATE MORNING

A young man is sat in a chair next to the table, patiently
waiting with a stack of books in front of him.
AVA
Im so sorry Im late, William!
WILLIAM
Oh its no problem. Your Father
is none-the-wiser.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 17.

AVA
You mean you havent told him?
WILLIAM
I havent. Youre off the hook.
AVA
Thank you, really.
WILLIAM
Its no trouble, Ava. Ill sure
miss this when you leave for New
York.
William grins, his adoration of Ava is clear. They begin
to open the books and spread them across the table.

18 INT. AVAS BEDROOM, MIDDAY

Eliza is sat on Avas bed, waiting for her to return. Out
of the corner of her eye, she spots a photograph. Heading
over to pick up the frame, she sees that its a photo of
Ava and her Dad when Ava was around five or six. They are
both smiling.
Eliza moves over to the bookcase and picks up a copy of A
Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith and settles in a
chair by the window to start reading.
AVA
Enjoying the book?
ELIZA
Surprisingly, yes. I never read
in my spare time, but I
was intrigued.
AVA
By the title? Book titles attract
my attention, they make my
decision for me on whether or not
to read the book itself.
ELIZA
No, no, I wanted to get an
insight into your life, your
interests.
Ava blushes but moves on with the conversation regardless.
AVA
You mean my life outside of daily
responsibilities?
ELIZA
Thats exactly what I mean.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 18.

AVA
I can relate to Francie
actually. Her Mother loves her
children immensely but she thinks
that being harsh is what keeps
them grounded.
ELIZA
She also has a
childlike innocence, I see that
in you.
AVA
Why do you assume Im so naive
and innocent?

ELIZA
You dont fight back, you dont
fight for what you really want.
AVA
What I want is to be successful.

ELIZA
You can be successful in your own
right. I bet you also want to be
around people who make you feel
free, right?
AVA
Right.
ELIZA
And you want to make a life for
yourself, away from Beaufort.
There is a short moment of silence as Ava considers what
she is going to say next.

AVA
The world was hers for the
reading.
ELIZA
Is that a quote from the book?

AVA
Yes. I like to interpret it as
once I leave Beaufort, I can be
whoever I want to be, no acting
necessary.

Eliza processes what Ava has just said but doesnt

respond.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 19.

ELIZA
We never got to go to Junes Cafe
yesterday, wanna go?

AVA
Sure, but I have to be back for
dinner.
19 INT. JUNES CAFE, BEAUFORT, SC, EARLY AFTERNOON

Junes caf is in the style of a diner rather than a caf.

Everything is pastel pinks and greens, booths lining the
outer edge of the room. There is a large counter at one
end, pink stools lining the whole length. The waitresses
all wear pink.

Ava and Eliza are sat in a booth in the far corner.

AVA
Do you come here a lot?

ELIZA
Its a daily adventure for me.
June and I are on a first name
basis, but I think she prefers it
when I dont bring my friends.
They can be too loud.

AVA
I havent been here since before
my Brother left for college.
Eliza looks confused.

ELIZA
Didnt he leave five years ago?
AVA
Yes and he hasnt returned. He
was the first one of us to fly
the nest.
ELIZA
Thatll be us in a few months.

AVA
Arent you scared?
Eliza is hesitant in her answer and looks down at her
sandwich.

ELIZA
No.
Ava also looks down at her plate, avoiding eye contact.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 20.

AVA
Im terrified.
ELIZA
Dont be, you can start again.
Eliza looks up and reaches her hand across the table to
squeeze Avas.
20 EXT. KENDRICK FAMILYS FOYER, LATE AFTERNOON

Eliza walks in the front door, trying to be quiet to avoid

attracting her Mothers attention, not wanting a
conversation, but stops when she sees her entering the
hall.

HEATHER
How was your day?
ELIZA
It was great.

HEATHER
Thats good to hear.
ELIZA
Im going to read before dinner,
Ill see you later..
Eliza heads up the stairs before her Mother can say
anything, visibly relieved yet confused that she didnt
mention her absence the previous night.

As she settles in her chair with the book that she had
borrowed from Ava earlier (A Tree Grows In Brooklyn),
there is a knock at her door.
ELIZA
Yes?

The familys maid, MARTHA, enters the room, smiling. Eliza

looks up from her book.
ELIZA
Hi Martha, what can I do you for?

MARTHA
Miss, I noticed you left last
night and I wanted to check
that you didnt get in too
much trouble upon your return?

Martha looks terrified of Eliza, despite the fact that

Martha is a fully grown adult.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 21.

ELIZA
Why would I get in trouble? Did
you tell anybody?
MARTHA
N-no, no I didnt. Not a soul.
ELIZA
Good. Dont.
Eliza looks back down at her book.

MARTHA
I wouldnt dream of it, Miss. Did
nobody notice?

ELIZA
Dont act surprised, they only
care if I miss a lesson, which
Ive only done once this week.
MARTHA
You really shouldnt miss those.
ELIZA
Martha, please stop trying to act
like my Mother. Youre better
than that.

MARTHA
Oh, Im not trying to be like
her.
ELIZA
I mean stop trying to act like a
mother. Not towards me.
MARTHA
Sorry, Miss. I just care about
you. You need somebody to look
out for you.
ELIZA
That isnt your job.

Eliza gestures towards the door with her hand. She looks
deflated, like being rude to Martha took a lot of effort.
21 EXT. LIBRARY, BEAUFORT, SC, LATE AFTERNOON
Ava is descending the steps from the local library,
struggling to carry a pile of books. William is passing by
and stops at the bottom of the steps.
WILLIAM
Ava! Ava, its me!

Ava looks embarrassed as he hastily walks towards her.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 22.

AVA
Hello, Will. How did you know Id
be here?

WILLIAM
Good guess.
AVA
Really?

WILLIAM
You caught me, I asked Julia.
AVA
Oh.

WILLIAM
What have you got there?
AVA
I picked up some copies of my old
favourites, in French actually.

Will seems overly enthusiastic as he continues, and he

cant stop smiling.
WILLIAM
We can go over them next time, if
youd like?
AVA
Sure. Will, are you alright? You
look a little pale.

WILLIAM
Im great, I have something
to ask you, though.
AVA
Whats that?
William hesitates, coughing slightly then taking a deep
breath.
WILLIAM
Well, I know that Im your
French tutor but Im only a
year older than you and Im only
tutoring you for the Summer and I
was just wondering whether
you would join me for coffee o-or
something? Not now, just..when
youre not busy.
He speeds through the question without taking a breath,
mumbling a lot.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 23.

AVA
Like a date?
WILLIAM
T-thats what I was meaning, yes.
Ava seems to grimace.
AVA
Is that a good idea? I leave
soon.
WILLIAM
Well, I thought that maybe that
wouldnt matter..If youd rather
not then thats okay, we can just
remain friends..
AVA
I think thats probably
best, thank you though, Will.

William looks defeated and ashamed as he starts to walk

away.
Ava stands in the exact same spot, staring after him.

AVA
William? I changed my mind. Are
you busy next Wednesday?
WILLIAM
Wednesday. I can do Wednesday!

He rushes back to where she is stood, reaching his arms

out for her books and awkwardly placing his hand on her
shoulder.
WILLIAM
Here, Ill walk you home.
22 EXT. LAKE, BEAUFORT, SC, MID MORNING
Ava and Eliza are with Johnny and Madison, sitting in the
barn.

Madison is studying Avas face intently.

MADISON
Aves, you look deep in thought.
Everything alright?

Ava looks up in surprise.

AVA
Im just nervous about next week.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 24.

MADISON
Whats happening next week?
AVA
I have a date.

Johnny sits up properly, and very enthusiastically.

JOHNNY
Nice going! Anyone wed know?

AVA
Maybe, his name is William. Hes
a year older than us, he goes to
college in Allendale and wanted
something to do this Summer so my
Father suggested Will could tutor
me in French. He wants me to be
top of my class when I go to New
York.
Eliza looks disgusted.

ELIZA
Not William Miller? Ava, of all
the people!
AVA
Whats wrong with Will?
ELIZA
Hes a clone of every other guy
in this town.

JOHNNY
I wouldnt say every guy.
MADISON
Johnny, youre one of them. Keep
quiet.

Johnny looks offended by this comment.

ELIZA
Aves, if youre going to spend
your Summer with someone at least
find someone you connect with!
AVA
I think we connect, hes a
gentleman.

Ava cowers away from Eliza, who is sat right next to her.
ELIZA
For now, he is. Once you start
trusting him, hell change.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 25.

AVA
Why do you care so much? Besides
its too late, I cant turn him
down now.

ELIZA
You can find someone worth ten
times that.
AVA
Well I havent yet. I want to
enjoy myself.
Eliza rolls her eyes.
ELIZA
You dont need a guy to do that.
Ava is about to retaliate and opens her mouth to speak.
JOHNNY
Ladies, ladies, lets not waste
the whole Summer arguing!
ELIZA
Hes right, but so am I. Dont be
surprised when Will makes a
pass at you on the first date.
All four of them fall silent, Ava looking defeated and
Eliza looking particularly irritated.
23 EXT. BEACH, BEAUFORT, SC, EARLY EVENING

Ava and William are walking along a sandy beach, below the
sand dunes.
WILLIAM
I know this isnt dinner, but I
think this is more romantic,
dont you?
AVA
I think its easier to talk like
this. Wouldnt some guys say this
is too soppy?
WILLIAM
Oh, do you think this is too over
the top?

AVA
No, no, I didnt know if you
thought so.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 26.

WILLAM
Im a romantic at heart, Ava. You
know, I really wish we had more
time.

AVA
Will, this is our first date.
Dont get too ahead of yourself.
WILLIAM
Exactly, its our first date
which means we dont have much
time to go on a second, and a
third..
AVA
Three months is long enough. You
and I both know this wont be a
long term thing, Im leaving.
WILLIAM
So you keep saying. You might as
well enjoy the time you do have
and since Im around, why not
spend that time with me?
AVA
True. But not every waking
minute, okay? I still have
lessons, and other friends.
WILLIAM
You have other friends in
Beaufort?
AVA
Surprisingly, yes.
WILLIAM
Im impressed.
Ava laughs.
AVA
I sense sarcasm.

William bows his head in her direction, smirking.

WILLIAM
I think you should be a
detective.
 27.

24 EXT. JOHNSON FAMILYS HOME, LATE EVENING

In a 1937 Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet, William drives Ava
through the gates to her home, the car Johnny had driven
before is parked outside with a man sat in the drivers
seat.
Ava says a quick goodbye to William before heading inside.
25 INT. AVAS BEDROOM, LATE EVENING

Eliza is sat on Avas bed, reading A Tree Grows In

Brooklyn. She closes the book when the bedroom door opens
and Ava enters.
ELIZA
Dont blow a fuse, I come in
peace. Your Mother told me I
could wait in here.
Ava rolls her eyes as she throws her bag over onto the
bed. It lands next to Eliza.

AVA
Get out, please.
ELIZA
If you really meant that you
wouldnt have said please.
Eliza smirks but Ava sighs deeply.
AVA
El, Im too tired to argue again.
ELIZA
How was your date?
AVA
It was lovely, Im seeing him
again next week.
ELIZA
Why him?

Ava sighs again, reluctant to discuss the topic.

AVA
Not this again. Hes the first
guy Ive gotten to know in
Beaufort, and the only one who
has taken an interest in me.
Eliza raises an eyebrow.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 28.

ELIZA
So youre settling?
AVA
No, Im securing my future. I
should be doing things now that
my future self will be thankful
for.
ELIZA
Whens the wedding? Before or
after your third date?
Ava shoots her a glare and clenches her jaw.
AVA
Youre not funny, Eliza. Why
cant you just be happy for me?
ELIZA
Because I cant stand by and
watch you waste your time with
somebody who doesnt deserve you!
AVA
You dont know Will!

Eliza stands up, throwing her arms around wildly.

ELIZA
No, but I know you!
AVA
Youve known me for less than two
weeks. You cant read my mind.
ELIZA
Are you settling for him because
you think hes going to rescue
you from your parents grasp?
AVA
I havent thought about it like
that.

ELIZA
You cant live in that fantasy,
you have to be independent.
Moving to New York for College is
your chance to re-invent
yourself, dont let William be
the one to do the hard work for
you.
Moment of silence. Ava is looking down at the floor,
studying the rug. Eliza is staring at her.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 29.

AVA
Im sorry.
ELIZA
Why? You didnt do anything
wrong.
Ava looks up to make eye contact.
AVA
I doubted you. You have a point,
even though Id rather not accept
it.
ELIZA
Im not saying dont date him,
just dont move too fast.
AVA
El, what if hes only dating me
because of my wealth?

ELIZA
Try not to think about it. Just
dont let it go too far. He knows
youre leaving, right?

AVA
Of course he knows. How could my
Mother and Father let anyone
forget?
ELIZA
My parents are close to making an
announcement in front of the
entire town of Beaufort.
Ava and Eliza laugh.

AVA
Do you need to stay tonight? I
have a ballet lesson tomorrow
afternoon, though.
ELIZA
No Id better go home, I have
Math bright and early. Before you
worry, I have someone waiting to
drive me home.

AVA
I did wonder why there was a
strange man sat in a car outside
my house so late at night..Eliza,
Im glad we had this talk. It
helped me see straight.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 30.

ELIZA
So am I. I just dont want you to
act in a way you might regret.

The girls share a hug for the first time in the two weeks
theyve been friends. Eliza begins to tear up a little.
Before Ava can notice that Eliza is crying, her friend
leaves in a rush.

26 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS FOYER, EARLY MORNING

Julia opens the door to see William holding a bunch of
flowers.
WILLIAM
Morning, Julia. Im afraid the
flowers arent for you.
JULIA
Ill fetch Miss Ava for you right
away!

Julia rushes up the stairs to find Ava who appears a few

moments later with Julia close behind her, giggling.
AVA
Will? Do you know what time it
is?
WILLIAM
I wanted to get this over and
done with, these are for you.

He presents her with the flowers and she blushes.

AVA
Thanks, Will. Julia please could
you put these in water?

Julia takes the bouquet and hurries into another room.

WILLIAM
I know that we barely know each
other and weve only been on one
date but I want to continue
whatever were starting here, so
I have a crazy proposal. Take me
to New York with you.
Ava chokes on air and her eyes go wide.

AVA
Youre right, that is crazy.
Will, we met a month ago. One
month. Im not going to agree to
you moving six hundred miles
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 31.

AVA (contd)
across country just so we can
continue to go on the occasional
date.

WILLIAM
Please, Ava. We can make this
last longer than the Summer.
AVA
Will, stop. Not everything is
destined to become something
beautiful and long lasting.
Sometimes people like you and I
are bought together to make us
feel better for a short while, we
werent made to be permanent. Im
sorry, but I need to grow as a
person, alone.
WILLIAM
Im sorry too, for assuming that
you wanted a knight in shining
armour.
AVA
Of course I want that someday,
but this is the wrong time.

WILLIAM
Sure, I understand. Ill see you
Tuesday for our lesson? I found a
French copy of A Tree In
Brooklyn.

Ava smiles at the mention of the book.

AVA
We dont have to go back to
acting as if youre just someone
my Father hired to help me brush
up on my French. We both know
theres a little more to it than
that.

WILLIAM
I know, I dont want you to feel
uncomfortable. I came on too
strong before.
AVA
Its okay. Friends?
WILLIAM
Friends.
William looks defeated and hangs his head in shame, trying
to hold back tears.
 32.

27 INT. KENDRICK FAMILYS LIBRARY, LATE AFTERNOON

Eliza is in the family library, doing equations until
Heather enters with a knock.

HEATHER
Sorry to disturb your studies.
ELIZA
I was just finishing up. Do you
need me to do something?
HEATHER
I need you to react calmly when I
tell you were having dinner with
the Johnson family tomorrow
night.
Elizas face lights up and she tries to hold back a grin.
ELIZA
Really?

HEATHER
Yes, why are you so enthusiastic?
You hate these dinners.

ELIZA
Not this time, I want to go. Can
I meet you there?
HEATHER
Wont that be uncomfortable for
you? You hardly know them..Oh
have you been spending time with
their daughter, Ava?
ELIZA
Yes, she doesnt have friends in
Beaufort. I took her under my
wing.
HEATHER
Thats very admirable, dear. It
will be good for our reputation.

Eliza rolls her eyes, despite her Mother grinning from ear
to ear.
ELIZA
This isnt about reputation,
Mother. This is about having
genuine friends.
HEATHER
I thought as much, still, its
good to broaden your horizons.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 33.

HEATHER (contd)
Jonathan and Madison hardly fit
in with our society.

Eliza scoffs in disbelief.

ELIZA
Are you done offending my
friends?

Heather shrugs off her comment, huffing slightly.

HEATHER
Be there by five oclock.
Heather leaves, as Eliza sighs heavily.

28 EXT. LAKE, BEAUFORT, SC, MIDDAY

Ava and Eliza are sat, leaning up against the exterior of
the barn, staring out at the lake.

ELIZA
Maybe you shouldve said yes.
AVA
To William moving to New York
with me?
ELIZA
Yes.
AVA
Yesterday you were telling me not
to move too fast!
ELIZA
All Im saying is that he carries
a torch for you, Aves. Maybe it
wouldnt be a bad thing.
Ava shifts so she is sat looking Eliza directly in the
eye. She begins talking quickly, raising her voice.
AVA
What happened to "you have to be
independent"? Why arent you
fighting this?
ELiza stares her dead in the eye, not moving. She appears
almost threatening.

ELIZA
You want me to tell you that you
shouldnt be with him? That you
did the right thing by saying no?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 34.

AVA
Thats exactly what I want you to
tell me!

ELIZA
Why? Why does my opinion matter
to you?
AVA
You know whats best for me. You
know me better than anyone else
in this stupid town.
ELIZA
No, only you can know whats best
for you. Whats right and wrong.
You have to figure these things
out alone. You wanted to be
independent and that starts with
being the judge of your own
actions. Nobody can hold your
hand through this, Ava.
AVA
But you can advise me. I dont
know, Im confused. I dont know
what I want.

Eliza kisses Ava and then pulls away almost immediately,

causing them both to freeze.
ELIZA
Sorry..

Ava stands up in a hurry, backing away.

AVA
You cant do that, ever. Okay?

ELIZA
Ava, Im sorry. I dont know why
I did that.
AVA
You shouldnt have.

Ava rushes towards her bike which is laying on the ground

and gets on it, pedalling away from Eliza and the lake as
fast as she can.
Eliza remains still, looking shocked with herself. She
rushes to get on her bike too, taking the same route as
Ava had taken seconds before.
 35.

29 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS FOYER, EARLY AFTERNOON

Isaac is organising mail when Eliza comes hurtling through
the door. He jumps in surprise before smiling warmly. The
second Eliza sees him, she comes to a stop, closing the
door quietly.
ISAAC
Hello, Eliza. Nice to see you
again.

Eliza is out of breath.

ELIZA
And you, Sir. Is Ava back yet?

ISAAC
She arrived a few minutes ago,
are you staying before dinner
too?
ELIZA
If thats alright then yes.
Isaac points down the hall.
ISAAC
No problem, Ava is in the family
room, down there and to your
left.
Eliza smiles before walking to where he pointed.

30 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS FAMILY ROOM, EARLY AFTERNOON

This room is like the rest of the house, all white with
dark wood flooring. There is a large fireplace on one
wall, and large doors leading out to the porch.

Ava is curled up in a rocking chair, staring at the floor.

ELIZA
Aves..
AVA
Dont.
ELIZA
I didnt mean to -
Ava interrupts her, her voice harsh.

AVA
Dont say anything. Forget it
happened.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 36.

ELIZA
We have to endure a family dinner
tonight, how can we sit there and
pretend that didnt just happen?

AVA
Easily. Im not discussing this.
Eliza collapses in another chair, sighing. The girls
remain in silence.

31 EXT. JUNES CAF, MID AFTERNOON.

Ava is walking along the street, coming to a stop outside
the cafe. She sees Eliza through the window and walks in,
the bell ringing as the door opens.

32 INT. JUNES CAFE, MID AFTERNOON

There are people in almost every booth, but the room is
fairly quiet.

Eliza is sat alone in the booth they had sat in together

before. She has a milkshake although seems to be staring
at it more than drinking it.
Ava approaches her calmly and quietly.

AVA
Can I join you?
ELIZA
Sure.

Ava sits down opposite Eliza. She takes a deep breath.

AVA
I didnt mean to react so badly,
I was just confused. And scared.

Eliza finally looks up from her milkshake.

ELIZA
I was scared and confused too.
Still am.

Ava looks around the room, taking note of the amount of

people.
AVA
Maybe we should talk somewhere
else..people might hear.
ELIZA
Usual place?
Ava nods and they head out together.
 37.

33 EXT. LAKE, BEAUFORT, SC, MID AFTERNOON

The girls are sat on the ground at the edge of the lake,
their feet dipped in the water.

Ava is pulling at the grass with her hands.

AVA
I have one question, why?

ELIZA
Why did I kiss you?
AVA
Yes. I want to know why.

ELIZA
I dont know.
Ava looks at Eliza, squinting from the sun.
AVA
That isnt an answer.
ELIZA
Up until then I was scared to
take any steps in case they were
the wrong ones.

Ava stares at her, looking confused.

AVA
I dont understand.

ELIZA
I dont know how or why but my
feelings have crossed a line.
AVA
You feel more towards me than you
would in any other friendship?
ELIZA
Think about the way William felt
about you.

AVA
He respected me and wanted to
make me feel special.
ELIZA
Think deeper.
Ava stares back out at the lake.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 38.

AVA
He thinks about me
romantically..I guess.

ELIZA
Exactly.
Avas eyes go wide.
AVA
You do too?
ELIZA
Yes.
AVA
Thats wrong, were both..girls.
ELIZA
I know, but..since we met Ive
been so confused about whats
right and wrong.

AVA
This is wrong, what you feel
isnt normal.

Eliza sighs deeply, putting her head in her hands. After a

few seconds she looks up, at Ava.
ELIZA
Its a battle between what I
know, what Ive been taught by
society, and what I feel.
AVA
And you acted on what you feel,
rather than what you know?

ELIZA
Yes. I cant spend the rest of my
life waiting.
AVA
What if I dont feel the same?

Eliza doesnt respond to this, instead she changes the

subject slightly. Ava is confused by this.
ELIZA
Why did you tell William he
couldnt go to New York with you?
Ava fires an answer back immediately, no hesitation.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 39.

AVA
I need to time to be independent.
ELIZA
No. Be completely honest with
yourself, why did you say no? You
couldve been happy with him.
AVA
He isnt the right person for me.
He doesnt come from the same
world, he could never understand
it.
ELIZA
I could. I do.

AVA
I know you do.
ELIZA
Lets try again, Aves. Why did
you say no to William?
Ava doesnt say anything for a long time.
AVA
He isnt you.
Eliza grins, coming across as slightly arrogant.
ELIZA
I knew youd say that eventually.

AVA
How?
ELIZA
The way you look at me and study
me. Trying to analyse me.
AVA
How did you figure out my
feelings before me?

ELIZA
I told you, I know you.
AVA
What now?

Eliza kisses Ava again, this time nobody pulls away for a
while.
ELIZA
We let ourselves grow. Together.
 40.

34 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS DINING ROOM, MID EVENING.

The Johnson family are seated at the dinner table, talking
and laughing. They look like a normal family.

Lydia looks excited, like she cant wait to share

something.
LYDIA
Did you hear about Tom and Marys
son?

ISAAC
No, is he okay?
LYDIA
Oh Im not sure that he is. Mary
caught him in bed with a man!
Eliza looks angry, like she desperately wants to speak her
mind.

ELIZA
Whats so bad about that?
Lydia eyes widen so much she looks like her head might
explode.

LYDIA
He is clearly not himself! He
needs help!
Isaac coughs slightly, signalling that he is about to
interrupt.

ISAAC
I dont see what the problem is,
hes not causing any harm.
LYDIA
Of course he is, to himself! He
should be locked up.
ISAAC
In a psychiatric ward?

LYDIA
Yes, he is disgracing Tom and
Mary! Mary said that people have
found out and are threatening the
boy.

ISAAC
I wouldve thought they would
defend him..
Lydias jaw drops.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 41.

LYDIA
Why would they? His behaviour is
unacceptable, Isaac.
ISAAC
Hes still their son.
Everyone goes quiet, you could hear a pin drop.
LYDIA
Well I think it is just
despicable.
ISAAC
I dont. I think they should be
happy if hes happy.

LYDIA
You dont think he should get
help?
ISAAC
For having feelings? I admit the
circumstances under which this
was discovered are unfortunate
but hes human. Hes their son.
Nothing else should matter.

Everyone falls silent once again, but Ava stares at her

Father, studying his expressions as he speaks.
35 EXT. KENDRICK FAMILYS HOME, MID MORNING
Ava knocks on the door of Elizas house. Martha opens it.

AVA
Hello, is Eliza here?
MARTHA
She has a lesson but by all means
wait, Miss.
AVA
Thank you.

Ava walks through to the house and into the garden.

36 EXT. KENDRICK FAMILYS GARDEN, MID MORNING
Ava is sat on a bench, hidden partially by a large oak
tree. Eliza comes out of the house, looking around for
her.
ELIZA
Aves? Oh, there you are!
Ava smiles shyly, she still has a wall up when she is
around Eliza.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 42.

AVA
We need to talk..
ELIZA looks scared, vulnerable, opposite to her usual
feisty, confident self.
ELIZA
Are you ending this before youve
given it a chance?

AVA
The opposite. We should tell
people.
ELIZA
By people, you mean..

AVA
Our families. My Father defended
someone in our same situation at
dinner last night.

ELIZA
We cant. Your Father may be
accepting but he is one person.
What did your Mother say?

AVA
She..said that this person should
be locked up. That he needs help.
ELiza throws her hands up in despair.

ELIZA
Exactly. Do you know what our
parents will do to us if they
find out? Let alone the rest of
Beaufort.

AVA
Even Johnny and Madison?
ELIZA
Even them. Theyve been raised
with the same beliefs as everyone
else in this place. We cant
breathe a word, okay?
AVA
When can we? We cant hide it
forever.
ELIZA
We might have to.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 43.

AVA
Thats crazy.
ELIZA
It cant be helped. You want to
spend your life here, right?
AVA
Id make sacrifices.

ELIZA
New York is a big city. Maybe
thats where we can be together
freely.
AVA
Youre not giving up on Rhode
Island, are you?
ELIZA
No, no. Well go to college,
separately. You in New York and
me in Rhode Island. When were
done, well figure out how to
make this work.
AVA
Okay.
They both stop talking, Eliza is deep in thought.
ELIZA
Ava..

AVA
Yes?
ELIZA
Promise me that youll keep us a
secret?
AVA
I promise.
37 MONTAGE - VARIOUS.

38 EXT. ROAD IN BEAUFORT, SC, MIDDAY

Ava and Eliza are cycling down a long winding road,
constantly glancing at each other and smiling and
laughing.
 44.

39 EXT. BEACH IN BEAUFORT, SC, LATE AFTERNOON.

Ava and Eliza are sunbathing, but in the sand dunes out of
sight.

There is a shot of them swimming in the ocean, people

looking on and smiling at the two girls enjoying
themselves.
40 INT. LAKE, BEAUFORT, SC, EARLY EVENING

The girls are in the barn with Johnny and Madison, sat on
the hay bales, drinking whisky.
The four of them take it in turns to slow dance on top of
stacks of hay bales.

41 INT. KENDRICK FAMILYS DINING ROOM, LATE EVENING

The girls are having dinner with their parents and Johnny
and Madison. Everyone is enjoying themselves, laughing,
and Eliza and Ava try to hide their smiles towards each
other.
42 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS LIBRARY, MID AFTERNOON
The girls are crushed into one armchair, both reading.
Eliza is reading an English copy of A Tree In Brooklyn
and Ava is reading the French version.
43 EXT. LAKE, BEAUFORT, SC, MIDDAY
Ava and Eliza are in the barn, laying amongst the hay
bales.
AVA
I wish we had more time.
ELIZA
Me too.
AVA
Six weeks.
ELIZA
Do you think well make it a
year?
AVA
I hope so.
 45.

44 EXT. AVAS BEDROOM WINDOW, LATE EVENING

Eliza is climbing up the side of the house, towards Avas
bedroom.

She knocks on the window and seconds later Ava appears.

ELIZA
Surprise! Can you let me in? Im
scared I might fall to the
ground.

AVA
Hurry. I thought we agreed no
sneaking in through windows? What
if we get caught?

ELIZA
Would it be that strange? Girls
stay at each others houses all
the time. Its normal.

AVA
It might send the wrong signal,
for all we know our parents are
already suspicious.
ELIZA
Ease up, theyre clueless.
Eliza leaps towards Avas bed and collapses in a heap. Ava
is whispering Shh the whole time. Eliza just laughs.
45 INT. AVAS BEDROOM, EARLY MORNING

The girls are in bed, asleep, cuddled up.

There is a knock at the door but nobody wakes up.
Julia walks in.

JULIA
Miss Ava? Would you like
breakfast?
Julia starts smiling from ear to ear. She clears her
throat.
Ava and Eliza bolt upright.
AVA
Julia! What are you -
JULIA
I know. Ive known for weeks.
Julia is still beaming. Eliza blinks, eyes wide.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 46.

ELIZA
How?
JULIA
Ive experienced love too, Miss.
AVA
Im sorry. You must be disgusted
by this.

JULIA
You are who you are and you love
who you love. I wouldnt flaunt
this though, Miss Ava. Be
careful.

AVA
We dont intend to. Please dont
tell my Mother.
Julia doesnt respond to this request.

JULIA
Ill bring breakfast to you.
Julia shuffles out of the room, still smiling. Ava and
Eliza look wary.

46 EXT. LAKE, BEAUFORT, SC, LATE EVENING

Ava, Eliza, Johnny and Madison are in the barn. Drinking
whisky.

MADISON
I should go, I dont want to
worry anyone.
ELIZA
Your parents are so laid back,
you could travel across the
country without warning and they
wouldnt say a word.
MADISON
Mother is taking me to Charleston
tomorrow, I need sleep.
JOHNNY
Ill drive you home. Have a good
evening girls.

Johnny and Madison exit the barn, leaving Eliza and Ava
alone again.
Cut to a shot of Avas and Elizas Dads shining
flashlights and shouting near the location of the lake and
the barn.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 47.

They arrive at the entrance to the barn and see the girls
huddled together amongst the hay bales, drinking.
CHARLES
Get up. Now.
Ava and Eliza scramble to their feet.
ISAAC
Both of you in the car.

Charles looks furious but Isaac looks confused as the

girls rush past them to the car.
For the journey, they all sit in silence, the tension
clear.

47 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS DINING ROOM, LATE EVENING

The four of them enter the dining room, Charles with his
hand firmly gripping Elizas shoulder.

Heather and Lydia are seated, waiting for them. Both look
angry.
HEATHER
Sit.

The men sit down, and Eliza and Ava sit next to each
other. Lydia glares at Ava in disbelief.
LYDIA
Ava, over here.

Ava moves to the seat her mother gestures to, away from
Eliza.
CHARLES
How could you have the audacity
to behave like this?
LYDIA
There is no excuse for this type
of behaviour.

HEATHER
Eliza, you missed a lesson this
afternoon. We have been searching
for you since, and then we find
you doing this.

ELIZA
Doing what?
CHARLES
Drinking, for a start. And with a
girl who we know you have been
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 48.

CHARLES (contd)
having inappropriate relations
with.
ELIZA
How do you know that?
ISAAC
Julia informed us. Its in her
contract to inform us of anything
that could damage us.

Ava hangs her head as if she blames herself.

LYDIA
We have made it clear to the both
of you that we have reputations.
You know the way youre expected
to act.
HEATHER
I have never been so disappointed
in you, Eliza.
Eliza starts crying and hesitates before speaking.
ELIZA
I love her.

HEATHER
You cant. Its wrong. You must
be wired the wrong way in that
head of yours.

AVA
Were human. Our feelings for one
another are normal and healthy.
CHARLES
If it were up to the people of
Beaufort youd both be locked up.
AVA
They dont know, do they?
Besides, it wont change
anything. Theres no cure for
human emotion.
ISAAC
You wont be locked up, not under
our care.

CHARLES
Eliza youre leaving for Rhode
Island in two days. No arguments.
Elizas jaw drops, her eyes go wide. Avas lip starts
quivering and tears form in her eyes.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 49.

ELIZA
What?! Thats not fair!
CHARLES
Would you rather be locked up? In
a psychiatric hospital? Thats
what you deserve.
HEATHER
Were leaving. Lydia, Isaac, we
owe you our deepest apologies for
the way our daughter has behaved
and brought you shame. Eliza?
ELIZA
Im not apologising for loving
Ava. No.
Eliza leaves the room. Heather and Charles are
exasperated.

ISAAC
Let her go.
CHARLES
Sorry again.

Heather and Charles exit the room, Julia lets them out of
the door.
Cut back to Ava, Lydia and Isaac still in the dining room.
Sat in silence.

LYDIA
Go upstairs while we decide how
to handle this.
Ava leaves in a hurry, running up the stairs.

48 INT. AVAS BEDROOM, EARLY HOURS OF THE MORNING

Ava is curled up in bed, crying.
There is a knock at the door. Isaacs face appears.

ISAAC
Aves?
AVA
I didnt think youd want to talk
to me.
ISAAC
Youre my little girl.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 50.

AVA
Dont you hate me?
Isaacs expression softens.

ISAAC
Nothing you do or say could ever
make me hate you.
AVA
Im sorry. I couldnt push my
feelings aside.
ISAAC
I understand, I really do, but I
have something to tell you.

AVA
What?
ISAAC
Youre leaving for New York in
four days.
Ava has a pleading expression.
AVA
Please, no.
ISAAC
Aves, regardless of whether we
let you stay, Eliza is leaving
first.

AVA
Cant you talk to Mr and Mrs
Kendrick?
ISAAC
You know I love you, and I love
that you were happy with Eliza
but it wasnt right.
Ava starts sobbing again. They stay silent as Isaac pats
her shoulder awkwardly.

A short while later, Lydia walks in and sits on the bed

next to Ava and Isaac.
LYDIA
Ava? I heard about Williams
offer. Julia overheard you a
while ago.
AVA
No.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 51.

LYDIA
Hear me out. If you agree and he
moves to New York with you, the
people of Beaufort will assume
you are seeing him and any
rumours of you and Eliza will be
dismissed. Our reputation will
remain in tact.
AVA
You dont know that there are
rumours and I dont want to be
with William.
LYDIA
He could make you happy, why not
try?
AVA
I dont want to hurt him more
than I have.

LYDIA
Consider it. For your own
benefit.
ISAAC
Lets not push her, Lydia. Shes
been punished enough.
LYDIA
No she hasnt, Isaac. Were not
being hard enough on her.

Isaac stands and pulls Lydia up, ushering her out of Avas
bedroom.
49 INT. JUNES CAFE, MID MORNING

The caf is empty.

Eliza walks in and sees Ava sat at their usual table.
She sits down opposite her.

AVA
Im sorry its come to this.
ELIZA
Me too. We dont deserve this.

AVA
No, but we have to accept it.
ELIZA
Eliza, once we initially leave
Beaufort, were free. Nobody is
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 52.

ELIZA (contd)
responsible for us except
ourselves.

There is a pause. Ava looks embarrassed.

AVA
My Mother wants me to take Will
with me.

ELIZA
Ava, no. You cant do that,
please!
AVA
It will make my parents happy.

ELIZA
You dont live to please them.
Not anymore.

AVA
This is going to be so hard. To
just leave it all behind. Why are
they making us say goodbye, El?
ELIZA
Our lives consist of an unfair
balance between pain and beauty.
Were expected to comply with the
beauty aspect, whatever makes us
look good to others.

AVA
Which is why I should accept
Wills offer.
ELIZA
I wont forgive you. Please, Ava.
Wait for me.
AVA
Okay.

Eliza stands up to hug her.

ELIZA
Aves, I love you.
AVA
I love you too. See you next
Summer.
Ava leaves the caf with teary eyes, and Eliza sits back
down as she breaks down in tears.
 53.

50 EXT. KENDRICK FAMILYS HOME, MID AFTERNOON

Ten a half months later, 1944.

Almost a year has gone by since Ava and Eliza left for
college/last saw each other. They have both returned to
Beaufort for the summer.
Eliza is reuniting with her family.

She is stepping out of the car and getting her bags as

Charles and Heather step out of the house.
CHARLES
Eliza! I cant believe youre
home at last.

ELIZA
Only for three months, Father.
Dont get ahead of yourself!
Eliza walks further towards the house. Her Mother and
Father embrace her.
HEATHER
I thought wed see you sooner,
dear.

ELIZA
You saw me at Christmas, in
Delaware.
HEATHER
Well, yes but that was six months
ago, weve missed you!
CHARLES
I bet you were too busy to miss
us!

ELIZA
A little. Its paying off though.
HEATHER
Were so proud of you.

CHARLES
Are you going to tell her?
ELIZA
Tell me what?

HEATHER
We have our annual lunch at the
Johnsons tomorrow.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 54.

ELIZA
Youre letting me go? Ava will be
there.

CHARLES
Enough time has passed. Its been
a whole year, it will be like
seeing an old friend.
ELIZA
Sure.
HEATHER
No excusing yourself from the
table, Eliza. Remember our
reputation. It still matters.

ELIZA
Yes, Mother. I know. Is this why
we spent Christmas in Delaware?
CHARLES
El, lets not read into things.
Cmon, inside. We want to hear
about your studies!
Charles gestures to Martha to get Elizas bags as the
three of them head inside the house.
51 EXT. MARQUEE IN THE GROUNDS OF THE JOHNSONS HOUSE, MIDDAY
Julia opens the door to the Kendricks. Mrs Johnson
appears.

LYDIA
Its so good to see you all!
Eliza, you look so grown up!
Heather and Isaac beam as they all exchange hugs with
Lydia.
ELIZA
Thank you.
LYDIA
Come through to the marquee!
Were waiting on the Wilsons to
arrive.
They all walk outside, and Eliza pauses when she sees Ava
at the table.

She boldly strides straight to the seat opposite her.

ELIZA
Hello, Im Eliza. You are?

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 55.

Ava giggles and blushes, unable to hide how happy she is

to see Eliza.
AVA
Its good to see you, El. Hows
Providence?
ELIZA
Incredible. And Bernard?

AVA
Also incredible.
Isaac eyes them and leans in their direction.
ISAAC
Ladies, remember the rules.
AVA
Yes, Father. We know.
The girls spend the remainder of lunch making small talk
and laughing.
52 INT. ELIZAS BEDROOM, LATE EVENING
Ava climbs in through Elizas bedroom window.

Eliza is sat on her bed, smiling as she watches her

attempt to get in.
ELIZA
Back to our old habits, are we?

AVA
I couldnt resist.
ELIZA
Its been almost a year, Aves.

AVA
You kept the book?
Ava gestures to the copy of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
that is laying on a bedside table.

ELIZA
Ive read it and re-read it
countless times. It was my way of
keeping you by my side when you
were hundreds of miles away.

AVA
You waited for me?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 56.

ELIZA
Being separated didnt change my
feelings. Our parents chose our
paths for us. Stories that arent
true to who we are. It didnt
change anything.
AVA
My feelings didnt change either.

Silence.
ELIZA
The Ava you were when I first met
you would never have done this.

AVA
Done what?
ELIZA
Rebelled against everything that
happened last summer.

AVA
I was tired of my parents
treating me like Im free of
emotion because I feel, all I
ever do is feel. Im so aware of
my feelings. So in-tune with my
self and so alive.
ELIZA
Youve changed so much. I was
frustrated by how sensitive and
naive you were. Those traits
remain but youre a whole new
person.
AVA
I used to hate those traits but
if you take them away you take
away my personality, my vivd
awareness of pain and my
compassion for others. New York
helped me use them as strengths,
not weaknesses. Im not weak
anymore.
ELiza cant hide her smile, she also looks extremely
proud.

ELIZA
Im done hiding us. Im not
ashamed to admit to the people of
Beaufort that I am in love with
you. I am in love with a girl.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 57.

AVA
Are you sure youre ready?
ELIZA
Ill shout it from the rooftops
if I have to.
53 EXT. BEAUFORT, SC, EARLY AFTERNOON
Ava and Eliza step out of a store, and Eliza grabs Avas
hand.
They begin walking down the street and people are giving
them odd looks.
WOMAN 1
Miss Kendrick, Miss Johnson, good
to see you back in Beaufort.
MAN 1
Its nice you stayed in touch
with one another!

They smile in appreciation and keep walking.

MAN 2
Clarke, look at these two dames
holding hands!

MAN 3
Theres something wrong with
them..

Ava and Eliza appear unaffected, they keep walking,

tightening their grip. A woman on the opposite side of the
street starts shouting.
WOMAN 2
You! You should be locked away to
rot! Burn in hell!
Another woman slows as she passes them.
WOMAN 3
Shame on you.

WOMAN 4
I think its admirable. Give it
your best shot, girls.
Multiple people start shouting as they continue down the
street, up until Johnny stops his car next to them at the
end of the main street.
JOHNNY
Get in, lets get you out of
here.
 58.

The girls rush towards the car and get in.

54 EXT. BEACH, BEAUFORT, SC, MID AFTERNOON

Ava, Eliza and Johnny are sat on the sand, staring out at
the sea in silence.
ELIZA
Johnny let me explain.

JOHNNY
Explain what? I know whats going
on here. Madison and I knew the
second it started. Before that,
even.

AVA
You didnt say anything.
JOHNNY
This is complicated, we had to
let you figure it out alone.

Elizas head shoots up to look at him in shock.

ELIZA
You accept it?

JOHNNY
Are you in love?
ELIZA
Yes.

Johnny smiles and throws his arms over their shoulders.

JOHNNY
Then thats all I give a damn
about. Is this why you left early
last Summer?
AVA
Yes. Wheres Madison? Did she
stay in Beaufort?

JOHNNY
We both did. Ive been working
for her Pop and shes helping at
her Moms store.
ELIZA
Oh, the bridal store?
Johnny nods.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 59.

JOHNNY
Shes going to take it over soon.
ELIZA
Hows your relationship going?

JOHNNY
Great. Wait, how did you know?
ELIZA
I didnt until you said that.
Congratulations!
JOHNNY
Thanks, El. Looks like we were
all effected by Ava coming out of
her cage and running wild around
Beaufort last year.
Everyone laughs, hearty, genuine laughs.
55 EXT. FUNFAIR, ALLENDALE, SC, MID EVENING

Ava and Eliza are with Johnny and Madison.

They go on the ferris wheel, bumper cars and play
hook-a-duck.

As they are sharing candyfloss they come to a sudden halt.

AVA
William? Hi, how are you?
WILLIAM
Ava! Wow, you look great. Im
fantastic, how are you?
AVA
Im great..

ELIZA
Im gonna let you two talk.
Eliza grabs onto Madisons arm and tugs her and Johnny
away towards another food truck.

WILLIAM
Ive been hearing rumours yknow.
AVA
Oh..

WILLIAM
Are they true? Are you and Eliza
going steady?
Ava hesitates but lifts her head up high.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 60.

AVA
Yes. We are.
WILLIAM
People sure arent happy about
that. Think something is wrong
with you both.
AVA
And what do you think?

William looks down at the ground, avoiding eye contact.

WILLIAM
I think..Im happy that youre
happy. And now I realise why you
didnt want me to move to New
York with you.
AVA
Oh, no, Will, Eliza wasnt the
reason.

WILLIAM
Maybe not, but you and I both
know you were confused.

Now its Avas turn to avoid eye contact.

AVA
I guess.
WILLIAM
It was nice to see you but Id
better head home. See you around.
William starts to back away.
AVA
Will?
WILLIAM
Yeah?
AVA
Thank you. For understanding.
William smiles before walking away.
56 EXT. KENDRICK FAMILYS HOME, MIDDAY

The Johnson family arrive at the Kendricks house.

AVA
You havent explained why were
here, is this a business thing?

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 61.

ISAAC
No, lets just go in.
Ava, Isaac and Lydia walk towards the house as the door
opens and Charles opens it.
CHARLES
Good afternoon, Eliza said we all
need to be here. Ava, any ideas?

AVA
Im as lost as you are, Mr
Kendrick.
CHARLES
Go through to the family room.

Charles gestures towards the room.

57 INT. KENDRICK FAMILYS FAMILY ROOM, MIDDAY
When they step in, they see Heather sat down and Eliza
stood in the center of the room, ready to make a speech.
ELIZA
Welcome, we need to talk. No
interruptions, hear me out.

HEATHER
Eliza, dear, Martha is almost
finished preparing lunch for us
all.

ELIZA
That can wait. The way you
handled mine and Avas
relationship last Summer was
unacceptable. We realise our
behaviour is frowned upon, as are
our feelings, but you should
support our happiness. Our
feelings remain the same, so I am
asking for you to allow us to be
together with no threats of
making us leave.

Everyone goes silent, digesting everything shes said.

LYDIA
This wont last.

HEATHER
Lydias right, you both leave
again in a couple of months. It
will be the same as last Summer.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 62.

ELIZA
Yes it will be the same in
regards to distance but we want
your support.

Everyone goes silent again, Isaac is looking at everyone

individually.
ISAAC
If we let you be together, it
doesnt mean we fully support
your relationship.
ELIZA
No, I understand that.

Charles throws his arms up in defeat, sighing.

CHARLES
If we say no, youll fight us
anyway. I see no option but to
allow this.

HEATHER
Exactly, allow but not accept.
LYDIA
Dont embarrass us, please. No
dramatic displays of affection in
public. As much as you despise
it, we still have reputations.
AVA
You have a deal.
Everyone leaves the room and heads to the dining room.
Isaac stops Ava after everyone leaves and hugs her.
58 MONTAGE - VARIOUS.

59 EXT. PARK, ALLENDALE, SC, MIDDAY

The girls are walking through a park holding hands. Nobody
pays them any attention. They stop to sit on the grass and
read together. The book is A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.

60 EXT. BEACH, BEAUFORT, SC, EARLY EVENING

Ava and Eliza are rollerskating on the path above the
beach.
 63.

61 INT. LIBRARY, BEAUFORT, SC

The library is empty. There is a record playing, its
They Cant Take That Away From Me by Fred Astaire.

The lyrics are relevant to the fact that Ava and Eliza
were previously kept apart by their parents.
The girls are dancing together.

62 EXT. JUNES CAF, MIDDAY

It is the day of Avas departure. The girls have just left
the caf. They stop directly outside.
ELIZA
Its time again.
AVA
I know. I wish Summer could last
forever.

The girls kiss, not caring who is watching. As they pull

away an elderly lady shuffles over to them.
ELDERLY LADY
This is what I like to see, love
in its purest, truest form. I
was in love with a girl once, her
name was Alison. We let our
parents dictate our lives and it
was my biggest regret. We
reunited when we were in our
sixties but by then it was too
late, she was taken from me at
the age of sixty six. Moral of
the story, let the world know
youre in love.

The lady smiles with fondness and shuffles away again. Ava
and Eliza smile, Eliza staring after the lady.
AVA
Wait for me, until next Summer.
Not until were sixty.

ELIZA
Ill wait.
AVA
Goodbye, El.

Ava leaves Eliza stood on the side of the street as

passers-by look her up and down in disgust.
 64.

63 EXT. BARNARD COLLEGE, MANHATTAN, NY, MID MORNING

Ava and some friends are walking across campus, holding
their books.

They are all talking and laughing when two girls, BONNIE
and MARCIA start squealing and break apart from the group.
Ava follows them with her eyes and stops dead in her
tracks when she sees William.

AVA
William Miller is that you?
William looks up to where her voice came from and shoves
his female friends aside.

WILLIAM
Well this is a coincidence, you
know Bonnie and Marcia?
AVA
Yes, we have some classes
together. I never imagined youd
know them from back home!
WILLIAM
Yeah, hey why dont we all go out
tonight? Dancing or a show?
BONNIE
Dinner and then a show!

WILLIAM
Dinner and then a show it is.
AVA
Its a date.

William smiles eagerly as Ava swoops in for a hug.

64 MONTAGE - VARIOUS.
65 INT. RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NY

William, Ava, Bonnie and Marcia are watching the Rockettes

perform, all appear to be having a great time.
66 EXT. CENTRAL PARK, NY
Ava and William are enjoying a horse and carriage ride in
Central Park.
 65.

67 EXT. STATEN ISLAND

Ava and William visit the Statue of Liberty when its
snowing.

68 EXT. TIMES SQUARE, NY

Ava and William are celebrating New Years Eve in Times
Square. They do the countdown together, and when the ball
drops at midnight, they kiss.

69 EXT. JOHNSON FAMILYS HOME, EARLY AFTERNOON

Five years later, 1949.
Ava and William are now engaged, and are returning to
Beaufort to settle down and plan their wedding.
Ava and William step out of the car and are greeted by
Avas parents and Brother, Spencer.
Spencer strides towards them, arms outstretched.

SPENCER
Welcome home to the happy couple!
Spencer grabs Ava and pulls her in for a bear hug.

AVA
Welcome home to you, too! What
are you doing here?
SPENCER
Im staying for the Summer too.
Figured I should get to know Will
here a little better.
He pats will on the shoulder firmly and Will laughs.

WILLIAM
Good to meet you, Spencer. Lydia,
Isaac, its been too long.
William shakes Isaacs hand and Lydia embraces him.

LYDIA
Im so glad youve decided to
look for a permanent home here,
weve missed having you around!
AVA
Only if we can find a house
thats right for us.
ISAAC
Of course, Aves. Come on, were
long overdue for a family dinner!
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 66.

ISAAC (contd)
Im still shocked that Spencer is
here, let alone you two.

They all walk inside, Spencer takes Williams case and

William grabs Avas and puts a hand on the small of her
back.
70 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS DINING ROOM, EARLY AFTERNOON

Everyone is seated around the table, eating. They all look

content.
WILLIAM
Thank you so much for welcoming
me into your home. As Avas
fiancee, I mean.
Lydia smiles widely, radiating approval.
LYDIA
Its a privilege, William. Youre
going to make a wonderful husband
to our Ava.
SPENCER
I feel under pressure now.

AVA
Do you at least have your eye on
someone?
SPENCER
Maybe.
AVA
Whos the unfortunate girl?
SPENCER
Very funny, Aves. Just a girl I
met at work.
Ava raises an eyebrow and smirks.
AVA
So am I going to have to go to
Washington to meet my future
sister in law or are you bringing
her home to Beaufort?

Spencer coughs to signal his discomfort.

SPENCER
Moving on, whens the wedding?

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 67.

WILLIAM
Not for a while. We want to
secure a home first, play it
safe.

Isaac and Lydia nod in approval.

ISAAC
Thats very smart, Im glad you
have you have a sensible head on
your shoulders, Will.
They continue to eat and make small talk, but Spencer
keeps looking between Ava and William with an undetectable
expression.

71 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS LIBRARY, EARLY EVENING

Ava is stood at a bookcase, selecting what to read. She
runs her fingers along the spines of some books.
Spencer walks in, looking like something is bothering him.

AVA
Youve abandoned Will already?
SPENCER
Dad is telling him all about his
favourite whisky. Hes getting a
full history lesson.
AVA
Oh, okay.

Spencer gestures to the chairs while he awkwardly rubs the

back of his neck.
SPENCER
Can we talk?

AVA
Sure.
They both sit down in armchairs, directly opposite each
other.

Spencer drums his fingers on his knee for a while before

speaking.
SPENCER
Last I heard you were caught in a
relationship with a girl. Eliza
Kendrick, wasnt it?
Avas expression is blank. She stares at her brother, not
saying anything for a few seconds.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 68.

AVA
They told you.
SPENCER
Not until a few days back. They
thought I should know before I
met William.
AVA
Oh. Well now you know everything.

SPENCER
Not everything. Im confused.
Why risk so much just to end up
marrying someone of the opposite
gender?

Ava looks away from him and stares out of the window.
AVA
Eliza and I would never be
accepted, we cant get married,
cant have a family. That was
exactly what I wanted from life.
SPENCER
Makes sense. Its a shame, Aves.
Dad said you were happy.
AVA
I was. But now Im happy with
Will.

SPENCER
I can see that he loves you more
than you love him.
Ava looks up at Spencer and holds his gaze.

AVA
Dont say that. You dont know
that.
SPENCER
Its obvious. But what do I know,
right? I havent been around. Do
what you think is right..
Spencer leaves the room, Ava collapses in a chair,
sighing.
 69.

72 INT. JUNES CAFE, EARLY AFTERNOON

Ava and William are sat in the caf sharing a slice of
cake and a milkshake. Theyre in the same booth that Ava
and Eliza always sat in.

Ava sighs heavily, visibly relaxing her shoulders.

AVA
This week has been so relaxing, I
didnt realise how much I missed
Beaufort.
WILLIAM
You prefer it to New York?
AVA
Definitely. Do you?
WILLIAM
I prefer wherever it is you want
to be.

Ava smiles.
AVA
I know we said wed look for a
house here, but why not try
Jasper too? Its close, and I
know it well enough to know youd
love it.
WILLIAM
Absolutely. As long as we stay in
South Carolina, I dont mind
where we go.
AVA
Okay, Im thinking we need three
bedr -

Ava stops talking suddenly. She looks at the door where

Eliza and an unknown woman enter.
William follows her gaze.

WILLIAM
Eliza! Over here!
Ava glares at William who shrugs. Elizas face goes blank
as her and the woman start navigating through the tables.
They stop in front of Ava and William, and Eliza puts on a
smile.
ELIZA
Ava, William, meet Caroline. My
uh, my girlfriend.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 70.

CAROLINE
Nice to meet you, El has told me
so much about you, Ava!

AVA
She has?
Eliza looks panicked and abruptly changes the subject.
ELIZA
How are you both?
WILLIAM
Great! Were engaged actually,
looking for a house.

Elizas polite smile drops.

CAROLINE
Oh, were looking for a house
too! In Beaufort?

AVA
Or Jasper, Allendale, Colleton.
Its more about the house than
the location.

Eliza nods in agreement. She forces a smile back onto her

face.
ELIZA
When did you two start dating?

WILLIAM
Two years ago. I was in New York
seeing friends when we bumped
into each other.
Eliza looks curious by this comment, but also suspicious
of William.
ELIZA
You just happened to come across
one another in such a big city?

AVA
Actually, Will was on my campus.
His friends Marcia and Bonnie go
to Bernard too.
ELIZA
Oh, that was convenient.
Caroline looks embarrassed by Elizas sarcasm.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 71.

CAROLINE
Do you mind if we join you? It
would be great to get an insight
into Elizas past.

AVA
Sure, take a seat. So what brings
you back to Beaufort? El, your
parents are okay with this?

Eliza and Caroline shuffle into the booth.

ELIZA
Not exactly, but Im hoping that
getting to know Carrie properly
will sway them.

CAROLINE
My parents are much more open to
new things. Theyve always known
I was different.

AVA
Oh, good luck with Elizas
Mother. Itll take a lot of
convincing.

ELIZA
Shell come around, Caroline is
great.
Everyone goes silent as a waitress comes to the table.

Ava sneaks a look at Eliza who turns away from the

waitress and looks straight at her.
Ava awkwardly rubs the back of her neck and looks away
again.

73 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS DINING ROOM, EARLY EVENING

Ava, Will, Spencer, Isaac and Lydia are eating dinner
together.
ISAAC
Ava, I assume after the wedding
youll be starting your writing
career?
AVA
Yes, although Im leaning towards
teaching. Why not use my talent
to inspire?
Lydia looks ready to burst with pride, and Isaac cant
help but grin.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 72.

LYDIA
Thats an excellent idea, honey!
Beaufort needs someone young and
smart to encourage the children.

ISAAC
Will, what about you?
William rests his fork on his plate before he replies.

WILLIAM
I studied law in Allendale so Id
like to get into that.
Isaacs eyes widen with excitement.

ISAAC
Well why didnt you say?! Work
for me!
WILLIAM
Oh, Im not sure about that, Mr
Johnson. Youre one of the best
lawyers in South Carolina.
ISAAC
Exactly! Youll go far working
for me, boy. We have branches in
Jasper, Beaufort, Georgetown,
Berkeley, Charleston, and thats
just the local ones!
Ava is studying her Fathers reaction to this news, and
looks over at Will, grabbing his hand and squeezing his
hand reassuringly.
AVA
Will you should take the offer.
Wed be on great money.

WILLIAM
Sure, thank you, Sir.
ISAAC
I think its time you called me
Isaac.
Isaac grins widely and William smiles. Ava looks nervous
as Lydia studies her.

74 INT. JOHNSON FAMILYS FAMILY ROOM, MID EVENING

Will, Spencer and Isaac are playing cards and drinking
whisky. Ava and her Mother are sat in the chairs, reading
by the fire.
 73.

Ava appears restless and puts her book down. She gets up
and leaves the room. Lydia watches her go and after a few
seconds puts her book down and follows her.

75 INT. AVAS BEDROOM, MID EVENING

Ava is sat on her bed, staring into space, tears starting
to form. Lydia knocks softly at the door and walks in.
LYDIA
You cant marry William.
AVA
Excuse me?
LYDIA
You dont love him.
AVA
Yes I do.
LYDIA
Not as much as you love Eliza.
Ava hesitates while Lydia sits next to her.
AVA
I dont love her. Five years ago
I did, not now.
LYDIA
No, you still do. I know you,
Aves. Your Father and I didnt
agree with your relationship, we
were close-minded and traditional
like everyone else in this town.
Thats the way weve been raised,
its all society knows. We didnt
realise it was possible for a
girl to love another girl like
she would a man. You showed us
that it is. Your love for Eliza
revealed the real you, the Ava
who will fight for what she
believes in. Dont give up now.
You overcame the obstacles once,
you can do it again.
Ava stares at her Mother, shocked by her confession and
her advice.

AVA
You would accept us?
LYDIA
I shouldve accepted it years
ago. From the beginning. I
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 74.

LYDIA (contd)
dismissed your happiness over
fear of opinion.

AVA
I cant hurt Will.
LYDIA
Hell understand. He witnessed
your love for her too, he would
want you to do whats right for
you.
AVA
Its more complicated than that,
even if Will lets me go.

LYDIA
Why? You want to be with her,
yes?

Tears are rolling down Avas cheeks.

AVA
She moved on too. I have to do
whats right for my future, and
that means marrying Will.

Lydia looks sympathetic and pulls her daughter in for a

hug, kissing the top of her head.
LYDIA
Oh, sweetheart. Open yourself up,
dont build a wall around your
feelings. Be bold in who and how
you love. Youll be a better
person for it.
AVA
I cant marry her, we cant have
children. Will can give me both
of those things.
LYDIA
You are too fixated on your
future, a trait that your Father
and I instilled into you. Do you
honestly want marriage and
children? Or do you feel obliged
because thats what we told you
was important.
AVA
Its an expectation.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 75.

LYDIA
Your Father and I just want you
to be happy. Thats all we could
ever want. Tomorrow, go to Eliza,
tell her how you feel.
76 EXT. JOHNSON FAMILYS LAKE, MID MORNING
William is sat on a bench, a few metres from the lake.
Hes reading.

Ava walks out of the clearing and over to him, sitting

next to him.
WILLIAM
Hi, Aves.

William looks up from his book and smiles, resting his arm
on the bench behind her.
AVA
Can we talk?

WILLIAM
Sure.
AVA
I cant do this. I cant get
married.
WILLIAM
Then lets call it off, if youre
not ready well delay a few
years.
AVA
Will, its not just the wedding.
Its us.

WILLIAM
Eliza.
Ava looks down at the ground in shame. William places his
hand over hers.

AVA
Im so sorry, Will. Its not that
I dont love you, I do.
WILLIAM
I understand. You dont love me
as deeply as you love Eliza. When
you told me you didnt want me to
follow you to New York, you said
you needed to grow as a person,
alone. The way you said alone
made it clear that your new found
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 76.

WILLIAM (contd)
friendship was teaching you new
things about yourself. I
shouldve known she would always
be your priority.
AVA
I am so sorry. I didnt mean for
things to end up like this.

WILLIAM
I figured it would end
eventually, and that Eliza would
somehow be the cause.
AVA
Its not her fault, its mine.
She doesnt even know how I feel.
WILLIAM
I think in the back of her mind,
she does know. I also think that
maybe if I hadnt returned to
Beaufort with you, shed have
realised her feelings for you.
Ava looks at him and he smiles at her once again.

AVA
Really?
WILLIAM
Yes. But Ava, shes got Caroline
now. Dont destroy that for her,
not if you love her as much as I
know you do. Leave her be.
AVA
What if I cant?

WILLIAM
Youll do whats right. Im going
to pack, okay? See my own family.

AVA
Ill talk to my Father, about the
job. I owe you.
William smiles and hugs her goodbye before they both begin
walking back towards the house.
 77.

77 EXT. KENDRICK FAMILYS HOME, LATE MORNING

Ava is on her bike, cycling up to the front porch. Charles
is sat on a bench outside the front door, looking out in
her direction.
CHARLES
Ava? Its so good to see you!
AVA
Likewise, Mr Kendrick. Id love
to talk but I need to find Eliza,
is she home?
CHARLES
Shes with Caroline, looking at a
house. Didnt she tell you?
AVA
Yes, she did.
Charles pats the seat next to him, shuffling over to make
space for her.
CHARLES
Sit down, you can wait here for
her.

AVA
Im sorry to rush over
unannounced. I just really needed
to talk to her.

CHARLES
I know what this is about. Youre
still in love with her.
AVA
Yes.

CHARLES
Good. If my daughter has to be
with another woman Id want it to
be you.

Ava looks beyond confused by this statement.

AVA
Youre not angry? You said you
wouldnt ever accept our
relationship.

CHARLES
Over the years, Heather and I,
and your parents, have come to
realise we made a mistake.
Keeping you apart didnt help
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 78.

CHARLES (contd)
anybody. Look at Eliza, shes
with a woman who has no direction
in life, no money.

Ava smiles shyly.

AVA
Money isnt everything, Mr
Kendrick.

CHARLES
No, but I know that you are a
respectable young lady. You were
raised by good people. We know
nothing about this Caroline she
bought home to us. Seems
irresponsible if you ask me,
using our money to survive.
AVA
I worry she doesnt love me
anymore.
CHARLES
Youre her first love, the girl
who changed everything for her.
You win, over and above anybody.
AVA
I have to go, Ill wait for her
to come to me. I dont want to be
the one to destroy her
relationship.
Ava gets up and walks away, towards her bike. Charles is
smiling with fondess.
78 INT. HOUSE IN BEAUFORT, SC, EMPTY ROOM, LATE MORNING

Eliza and Caroline are looking at a house in Beaufort and

are stood in an empty room. Eliza is admiring the
architecture of the ceiling whilst Caroline watches her.
CAROLINE
El, none of these houses weve
looked at are for us.
Elizas head jerks in Carolines direction.
ELIZA
What are you talking about? You
loved the last one, we both did.
CAROLINE
No house is ever going to be
right for us. We cant take this
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 79.

CAROLINE (contd)
further. I can see it in your
eyes, El.

Eliza furrows her brows before shrugging.

ELIZA
See what? Youre nuts, Carrie,
you really are.

CAROLINE
Youre still in love with Ava
Johnson.
Elizas jaw drops, she seems unable to comprehend what
Caroline has said.

ELIZA
Dont be ridiculous.
CAROLINE
Im not being ridiculous. Im
pointing out the truth.
ELIZA
You didnt even know me when I
was with her!

CAROLINE
I know you now, Ive heard you
talk about her. I was there when
you saw her for the first time in
five years.

ELIZA
So what? Are you leaving me?
CAROLINE
Yes, because I respect myself
enough to let myself be loved by
someone who can give their all to
me. I also respect you enough to
give you the chance to be truly
happy.

Eliza continues to stare at Caroline as if shes an

animal.
ELIZA
I cant believe youre leaving,
just like that. After everything
weve been through.
CAROLINE
Youve been through more with
her. I shouldnt have let myself
fall for you in the first place,
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 80.

CAROLINE (contd)
you were only ever compensating
for what you couldnt have with
Ava.

79 EXT. KENDRICK FAMILYS DINING ROOM, MIDDAY

The Kendricks (including Eliza) and the Johnsons
(including Ava and Spencer) and Johnny and Madison are sat
together at the table, but there is no food in sight.

Charles stands up at the head of the table and claps his

hands together to get everyones attention.
CHARLES
Thank you all for agreeing to
this, we need to talk, as people
who love you girls dearly. Ava,
Eliza, all we want is for the two
of you to be happy. We did the
wrong thing all those years ago
and it is our biggest regret as
parents. You were happy, you were
in love, and we sabotaged it. You
girls being in different cities,
hundreds of miles away, was hard
on everyone but we can only
imagine how much heartbreak it
caused you and it was unfair of
us to make that time last longer.
LYDIA
We dont want you to be afraid of
what others think about the
nature of your relationship, we
thought the same but you taught
us so much about love and how
humans were built to love
everyone regardless. We should be
thanking you for opening our
eyes.
ISAAC
We want you home, in Beaufort.
Happy.
The two girls are quiet as they digest this information.
Eliza looks directly at Heather who is staring at her
plate, motionless.

ELIZA
Mother, why are you so quiet?
HEATHER
I need to tell you something.

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 81.

ELIZA
What? Do you not agree with this?
HEATHER
Its not that, Im sorry to say
this now, but..I have cancer.
ELIZA
What?! Did you all know?
Everyone except Ava nods. Eliza starts crying.

HEATHER
Im sorry, El.
ELIZA
No, Im sorry, for not getting
married and giving you
grandchildren, which is all
youve ever wanted. Im so so
sorry.

Eliza is crying and rushes out of the room. Ava follows

her, and everyone still sat at the table smiles slightly.
Lydia reaches for Heathers hand.
80 INT. KENDRICK FAMILYS LIBRARY, LATE AFTERNOON

Heather is sat in an armchair, deep in thought. Eliza

knocks on the door before entering.
HEATHER
Hi, sweetheart. Come here.

Eliza walks over to Heather who pulls her close for a hug.
Eliza squeezes herself into the armchair, right by her
Mums side.
ELIZA
I love you.
HEATHER
I love you too.
ELIZA
How long have you known?
HEATHER
A few months.
ELIZA
Why didnt you tell me?
HEATHER
I didnt want you to feel
obligated to find a man and marry
him immediately. I knew that
wasnt what you wanted.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 82.

ELIZA
But its what you wanted.
Heather sighs and holds Elizas hands together.

HEATHER
At one time, yes it was. But all
I really want is for you to be
your own person, choose your own
story.

ELIZA
And what if I want Ava to be part
of that story?
HEATHER
Then I want that too. Ava is a
wonderful girl.
ELIZA
What about the people of
Beaufort?

HEATHER
Ignore what the rest of the world
thinks. Be with her. Be the
purest, most honest version of
yourself. Living in a small town
like this, surrounded by
close-minded people, doesnt
change your feelings. Despite
what I thought at first, feelings
of love cant be changed. Theyre
untouchable.
Eliza looks ashamed of herself.
ELIZA
Havent I done enough damage, to
the family name and to our
reputation?
HEATHER
I was wrong. Your Father is good
at what he does, he is an honest
businessman. That is what the
locals care about and your
behaviour could never change
that. We took away so much of
your childhood but its not too
late for you to be happy, El.

ELIZA analyses her Mothers face.

ELIZA
Are you sure you agree to this?

(CONTINUED)
 CONTINUED: 83.

Heather nods, smiling. She gestures to the door with her

arm.
HEATHER
Go.

81 EXT. LAKE, BEAUFORT, SC, EARLY EVENING

Ava is sat by the lake with her back to the barn. Eliza
cycles up to the entrance to the barn and rests her bike
against the structure.

ELIZA
You didnt wait for me.
Ava turns suddenly, Elizas voice surprising her.

AVA
What are you doing here?
ELIZA
Taking the advice of my Mother.

AVA
They came around.
ELIZA
You said they would. I didnt
expect them to be so willing, and
I didnt expect it to be six
years down the line.
Ava nods but doesnt say anything. Eliza sits down on the
grass next to her.

AVA
Thank you.
ELIZA
For what?

AVA
Teaching me everything I know
about myself. New York didnt
change me, not really. You did.
It was all you. I never expected
to fall in love with another girl
but I did and it was more than I
couldve ever asked for. You made
me feel so special, so wanted,
and when I was around you I felt
free. Like I could be anything or
do anything. There is nobody in
this world that I am more
grateful for than you.
Eliza smiles and clutches Avas hand tightly.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 84.

ELIZA
No more waiting. Promise?
AVA
I promise.
The two girls kiss for the first time in five years.