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LOSING MY AMBITION by Zach Hyatt
FADE IN:
INT. WILL PARKER'S BEDROOM – MORNING.
The room is dimly lit with only the early morning sunlight shining through the blinds providing illumination. The most noticeable aspect of the room is a large bump underneath a comforter on a futon, presumably WILL. A rolling cart with a video game console on the bottom and a TV on the top with a DVD player stacked above it sits in the center of the room. A desk is off to the side of the bed with a computer and a cordless phone sitting on top of it. Piles of sports, music, and entertainment magazines are scattered on the desk. Clothes lay everywhere, sprawled on the carpet.
WILL (V.O.)
My life was like clockwork.
The bump under the covers begins to toss and turn.
WILL (v.o.) (CONT'D)
Every day blended into the next.
There’s a calendar hung up on the wall beside movie posters and sports pennants. All of the days are crossed off up until June 4th. Scribbled across that box is “LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!”
Then, an alarm goes off. Immediately, the bump groans.
A hand tumbles out from underneath the comforter, reaching for a digital clock on a nearby nightstand. The snooze button is hit and the noise subsides.
JANE (O.S.)
(yelling, sing song)
Time to get up, Will!
The bump mutters something, but it is muffled. Then, the comforter goes flying off the futon and WILL rolls out of bed. He is young, not yet eighteen, and fairly average as far as looks and build. His hair is sticking up everywhere right now, and his eyes seem a little blurry. As he stands in front of his futon clad only in a pair of boxers, he looks completely exhausted.
WILL
One more day.
Slowly, he moves about his room, picking up clothes from the piles, and then exits the room.
CUT TO:
INT. THE BATHROOM - MOMENTS LATER.
WILL shuts the door behind him, taking a moment to look in the mirror. He looks burnt out. After a few beats, he pulls himself away. WILL hangs up some onto a towel rack, reaches a hand in to turn on the water, waits for a few seconds, and then gets in.
WILL (V.O.)
I don't remember when it started, really, but it felt like for the longest time, I was stuck in this funk. Like, I was happy enough, I guess, but I was unsatisfied. No matter what I did, it seemed like I was stuck in this boring routine that, although fun for a little while, had gotten too tiring. Maybe it was the fact that I was just finishing my junior year, the alleged toughest year of high school. Maybe it was because I had been single for six months, which was starting to bother me. I don't know. It just didn't feel right.
WILL goes about his morning routine, showering, getting dressed, brushing his teeth, et cetera.
CUT TO:
INT. DOWNSTAIRS IN THE PARKER HOUSE – LATER.
WILL walks down the steps towards the front door with a book and notebook in hand. He is wearing typical summer clothing, somewhat preppy in nature.
Enter JAMES PARKER, late forties, WILL'S FATHER. He is dressed in a business suit and carrying a briefcase. He intercepts WILL about to leave.
JAMES
Morning, son. Go say hello to your mother and get something to eat.
WILL
You going to the office?
JAMES
No, Will, I told you, I have a seminar today and won’t be home until tomorrow night. Take care of your mother, now, you hear?
WILL
(apathetic)
Yeah, Dad.
JAMES
Maybe when I get back, I'll let you drive the Mercedes.
WILL
(muttering)
Bribery: a father’s last resort to have a healthy relationship with his son.
(fake cheer)
Great, Dad! Have a good day at work!
JAMES opens the front door and walks out to his car. He turns and waves goodbye. WILL shuts the door, rolling his eyes.
CUT TO:
INT. THE KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS.
Sitting at a large wooden table is JANE PARKER, mid forties, WILL's MOTHER. She is sipping coffee and reading some romance novel, not looking up as WILL enters.
WILL
Hey.
JANE
(one breath)
Get something to eat before you go, don’t forget a pencil, don't take too long picking up Trey, go straight to school, come straight home -
WILL
Mom, it's the last day of school. You really expect me to come home right away?
JANE finally puts the book down, looking up at WILL.
JANE
You have plans?
WILL
Maybe.
JANE
What are they?
WILL
I said maybe, I don't know.
JANE
Then why does it matter?
WILL
It doesn't, forget it.
WILL grabs a bagel, then walks off towards the front door.
JANE (O.S.)
Good luck on your finals.
WILL
(mumbles)
Yeah, right.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE PARKER'S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER.
WILL walks towards his car parked next to the sidewalk. It's used, not nearly as nice as his dad's car, but nice enough that his parents probably paid for it. He gets inside and turns on the car. The radio blasts some local punk music.
His POV: WILL begins to drive through the neighborhood. He glances at the similar houses that line the streets, almost getting lost in his own thoughts.
WILL (V.O.)
My parents bothered me sometimes, but I guess that's typical of most people my age. Dad was always going somewhere, and Mom seemed too busy doing chores or reading to be really involved. Most of my childhood was spent in front of a TV, which acted as my babysitter. Don’t get me wrong, they’re good parents. They try and all. I just didn't feel much of connection with them. I don't know if that contributed to my frame of mind or anything, but it certainly didn't help matters, you know?
After a bit, WILL pulls up into the driveway of another two-story house. He honks the horn, then impatiently taps his fingers on the wheel, turning away and munching on the bagel he had gotten earlier.
The front door opens and out walks TREY SANDERS, who looks like the typical California teenager: bleach blond hair, dark tan, total trendy pretty boy type. TREY has no supplies for the last day of school. He notices WILL is not looking, so he sprints for the car and slides onto the hood, scaring WILL.
TREY
Good morning, Will!
WILL honks the horn, shaken.
WILL
Dammit, Trey, get in the car!
TREY laughs, hops off the car, and gets in.
TREY
Hello to you, too, sunshine.
(beat)
Hey, do we have time to stop at Starbucks?
WILL
I guess, but we gotta make it quick. I want to review my history notes before the final.
TREY
Don't worry about it.
WILL starts the car back up, sending them on their way.
WILL
I don't really care about it, but my parents will kill me if I don't get a B in that class.
TREY
You know history. You should have an A.
WILL
Thanks, Mom.
TREY
Whatever. You're smart, Will. If you gave a crap, you could do really well.
WILL
Don't even start with me about my potential, okay?
TREY
Somebody's a little cranky this morning.
(beat)
Yeah, so, I got that job at the video store.
WILL
Really? Cool. My dad’s still nagging me to find a job. It sucks, I don't want to work.
TREY
I don't want to, either, but I can't always be out and about, and I might as well make some cash instead of sitting at home by myself. That place is boring with nobody around. I mean, you can only watch the Matrix by yourself so many times.
WILL
What about your dad’s place?
TREY
Please. I’m not that desperate.
WILL
(changing subjects)
Kevin coming in for the summer?
TREY
Nah, he's got some auditions he needs to be in L.A. for. He said he'd give me a call if he can come in town for a few days, but knowing how he is, I doubt he'll end up coming.
WILL
That sucks.
TREY
Yeah.
There is a silence for a while. After a few seconds, they reach the coffee house. WILL parks.
WILL
All right, you got five minutes. Go.
TREY
(salutes)
Aye, aye, captain.
TREY hops out of the car and walks in, while WILL sits back, fiddling with the radio, looking bored.
WILL (V.O.)
Trey was my best friend. I’ve known him since first grade. He was different back then. I mean, he's the same guy, but he wasn't always Joe Cool. He was just Trey. I remember when he had braces and this really bad mushroom hair cut. Then, during junior high, puberty hit and he transformed into Kevin Junior. Kevin's his older brother. He graduated six years ago. Kevin was really popular. Trey kind of inherited that when he grew out of his awkward stage. I guess I was jealous, sometimes, but I didn't envy the fact that he went from girl to girl. I'd rather just stick to one girl, but Trey wasn't the long-term relationship type, I guess.
By this time, TREY has exited Starbucks, a cup in one hand, a slip of paper in the other. He has a grin from ear to ear as he opens the car door.
TREY
All right, I'm set. Let's roll.
WILL just stares at him.
TREY (CONT'D)
What?
WILL
Are you going to tell me that you got the cashier's number or do I just have to assume that's what's on that piece of paper?
TREY
(smirks)
It's me, buddy. What do you think?
WILL
Oh.
(beat)
Don't be too hard on yourself. Better luck next time.
WILL laughs, so TREY gives him a punch in the arm.
TREY
What? What? I don't think I heard you?
TREY puts his drink in the cup holder, then slams the piece of paper on the window shield facing WILL.
TREY (CONT'D)
Digits.
WILL
Do you want a cookie?
TREY
You wish you had skills that that, Will. I just slid on up to that girl, flashed a smile, you know, did a little smooth talking…I told her I was twenty-four.
(beat)
Was that bad?
WILL begins pulling out, then starts driving towards the school.
WILL
You're such a dumbass.
TREY
That hurts.
WILL
Yeah, I'm sorry, I keep forgetting you’re such a sensitive guy.
(beat)
So what's going on tonight?
TREY
Becker's.
WILL
(sighs)
Of course.
TREY
What, you don't want go?
WILL
No, I do, it's just…
WILL trails off, not sure what to say. He just keeps driving. TREY looks at him.
TREY
You know what you need?
WILL
Trey, don't. I know what you're going to say.
TREY
You need a girl.
WILL
We've had this conversation a thousand times.
TREY
Okay, look. You're always so tired of the same things, right? Then mix it up! Hook up with some girl, get some excitement in your life. I know there's stuff you haven't done -
WILL
That's not the point.
TREY
I'm just saying, you wouldn't be so blah if you were getting a little play.
WILL just rolls his eyes. They pull up in the school parking lot, park, and begin to get out. As they walk towards the school, they pass many groups of people in the parking lot or outside the front of school. Cliques are visible: groups of preps, skaters, jocks, nerds, stoners, wiggers, etc. As WILL and TREY walk towards the school, various people say hello. TREY slaps hands with most of the guys, whereas WILL just kind of nods. TREY smiles and says hello to the girls, saying something along the lines of "call me" or "we should hang out" or "I'll see you around." WILL simply gives a shy smile and says hello. Finally, they walk into the school.
CUT TO:
INT. WILL'S FIRST CLASS – LATER.
The classroom desks are spaced out for finals. A teacher leans against a desk, giving instructions, while the rows of students pass back examinations down their rows. WILL begins another narration as the students frantically bubble in their answer sheets.
WILL (V.O.)
I was glad school was almost over. I used to be a better student, but lately, I had just stopped caring so much. I'd never drop out or anything, but I just got tired of it. Everybody always tells me I could do so much better, like I'm some genius or something, but I'm not. The whole education system just bugs me, because it's not even about learning. It's all just a bunch of fact memorizing and number crunching… just about organization and information regurgitation, not actual knowledge. I don’t want to deal with that crap. I guess that’s why some people say I'm lazy. I just consider myself selectively motivated.
WILL plays with his pencil, eyeing the clock, which reads 8:05.
DISSOLVE TO:
The clock now reads 10:05. A bell rings. Kids shuffle out of their seats and place their papers on the teacher's desks. The buzz of noise begins as the door opens and they stream out into the hallway.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS.
WILL walks through the hallways, shuffling along. A few people pass by who say hello and he replies or nods, but doesn't really stop to talk. Then, a voice calls out to him.
JASON (O.S.)
Will!
WILL turns to face JASON HEXTALL, a physically large jock. He slaps WILL on the back, grinning.
JASON (CONT'D)
I owe you big time. That tutoring really paid off. I think I passed my math test.
WILL
Glad I could help.
JASON
You don't know how much this means to me, man. I need that 2.0 or I'm off the football team next fall.
WILL
I know. Don't worry about it.
JASON
I'll be sure to remember you when I turn pro.
WILL
Right. I'll talk to you later, okay?
JASON
See ya.
WILL keeps on walking.
BECKER (O.S.)
Will!
Recognizing the voice, WILL turns, spotting SCOTT BECKER, with his girlfriend, ALEXIA, against a locker, arm in arm. WILL walks through the crowd to go over to them.
WILL
Hey.
BECKER has a look about him. He has long black hair with blue highlights. His pants are very baggy and he’s wearing a concert T-shirt from some local band. At first glance, he appears to be just some stoner.
BECKER
Party at my place, eight o'clock.
WILL
Yeah, I figured.
BECKER
(smiles)
Am I that predictable?
WILL
Hey, did you ever decide which colleges you're applying for?
BECKER
I don't know. My dad's really pushing me to go East Coast, but he refuses to pay for NYU, which is the only place I'd want to go out there. He wants me to go Ivy League and give up the band, but… Fuck him, you know?
WILL
Yeah.
BECKER
Plus, Alexia's destined for Julliard, and I couldn't bear to leave her.
WILL
Congrats, Alexia. You’ve got him whipped.
ALEXIA
Thanks.
WILL
So, you wanna stick with theatre, not go Hollywood?
ALEXIA
Yeah, Hollywood’s not my thing.
WILL
Well, Trey's brother is out there, so if you ever change your mind, you should talk to him.
ALEXIA
I'll do that.
A bell rings.
WILL
All right, I gotta jet. I'll see you two tonight.
BECKER
Later.
ALEXIA
Bye.
WILL walks off, heading to his next class.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE SCHOOL - A FEW HOURS LATER.
WILL and TREY are heading towards WILL's car. WILL seems a lot less enthused than TREY.
TREY
Freedom!
WILL
One more year.
TREY
We are gods now. We own this school.
WILL
Yeah.
TREY
(singing loudly)
School's out for summer!
School's out forever!
GIRL (O.S.)
Whoo! Sing it, Trey!
TREY turns around, seeing a shapely blond and a perky redhead. They give TREY a hug, then give WILL one, although he seems a little less comfortable.
WILL
Hey, Ashley, Allison.
ASHLEY, the blond, is clinging to TREY. Allison, the redhead, walks with WILL.
TREY
So, you ladies going to Becker's tonight?
ASHLEY
Uh huh.
TREY
He's got that great sound system over there for his band, and I think I might have to do a little kareoke tonight. What do you think?
ASHLEY
Oooh, sounds fun. But what would you sing?
TREY
Oh, I don't know, maybe that old Right Said Fred song…
WILL
Oh, God, here we go.
ALLISON
Wait, I don't remember that song.
WILL
Run away, trust me.
The group has reached WILL's car and TREY hops onto the hood. He turns around, facing ASHLEY, and begins to sing again, doing a little dance.
TREY
(singing)
I'm too sexy for my shirt!
Too sexy for my shirt!
So sexy it hurts!
TREY takes off his shirt, whipping around, tossing it to WILL. He drops to his knees on the car and begins to do a little bump and grind for ASHLEY, who is cheering him on. ALLISON watches, laughing. WILL appears to be embarrassed.
WILL
Yeah, okay, that's enough of that.
WILL drags TREY off the car.
TREY
Come on, bro, you're cramping my style!
WILL
And you’re staining my hood.
ASHLEY
It's okay, Trey, we've got to go now anyway.
(seductive)
Maybe you could show me a little more of that tonight at Becker's?
TREY
(off her tone)
I think that could be arranged.
ALLISON
Bye, Will. Bye, Trey.
ASHLEY
Later, boys.
The girls walk off as TREY leans against the hood of WILL's car, staring.
TREY
Mmm mmm mmm. Would you look at that? Damn!
(beat)
You know, I think Allison is into you.
WILL
What?
TREY
You heard me. You oughta try and hook up with her tonight. She's nice.
WILL
(indifferent)
Yeah, she's cool and all.
TREY
Plus, she's best friends with Ashley, so we can do the group thing without anybody having to be a third wheel.
WILL
Yeah, I know.
TREY
So are you gonna do it?
WILL
I don’t know. Maybe. I'll see.
TREY
Aww, my little boy's growing up.
WILL
Yeah, yeah. Just get in the car, Trey.
CUT TO:
Ext. a strip mall – post finals.
WILL and TREY wander around the local outdoor mall. It’s a typical boardwalk strip: name brand clothing stores, eateries, music shops, sporting good stores, etc. WILL and TREY talk as they window shop.
WILL
Do you ever get tired of this?
TREY
Tired of what?
WILL
This. The whole high school kids bumming around suburbia thing.
TREY
Dude, that’s what it’s all about… getting drunk, getting laid, getting high. When you’re forty, you’ll wish you had days like this. You’ve got nothing to do and all the time in the world to do it in.
WILL
There’s got to be more to life than this.
TREY
Like what?
WILL
I don’t know. Planning for the future.
TREY
Will Parker, you’ve lost your mind.
WILL
No, I’m serious. What about college?
TREY
What about it?
WILL
Don’t you ever worry about life after high school?
TREY
Why bother? I’ll end up at juco and major in business or marketing like everybody else. Or maybe I’ll just go to L.A. and stay with Kevin.
WILL
See, you might not have the loftiest goals, but even you have some sort of plan. Me? I don’t have a clue.
TREY
Shit, Will, you’re gonna go to college, right?
WILL
I guess, but I don’t know where or what I’d want to study. I haven’t looked at a single one of those brochures that my mom made me pick up from counseling.
TREY
It’s no big deal.
WILL
How can you say that? It’s the future. It’s everything. If I don’t find a direction soon, I’ll go nuts.
TREY
You’re starting to scare me, bro. You’re not gonna flip out and disappear into the woods and go back to nature, are you?
WILL
No, no, I’m fine. I just wonder if I’m wasting my life.
TREY
Will, you’re seventeen. Enjoy it. You’ve got all of your twenties to worry about your place in the word.
WILL
I guess you’re right.
TREY
Of course I am. I’m quite the authority on how to enjoy yourself to the fullest. I’m deceptively intelligent, you know.
(beat)
Oh, look! A corn dog stand!
TREY sprints off screen in quest of a delicious deep fried treat. WILL is left standing in the middle of the crowd dumbfounded. Eventually, he disappears into the sea of people walking around.
CUT TO:
EXT. BECKER'S HOUSE – NIGHT.
WILL and TREY stand outside a large three story house in a richer neighborhood. They have both changed clothes into nicer attire. The front door is ajar, so the boys just walk in without knocking.
WILL's POV: The place is already pretty packed with kids, mostly upperclassmen. Music is playing loudly in the background. The house is very nice with lots of fancy artwork and expensive furniture in almost every room. As they walk around, a few kegs roll by.
BECKER (O.S.)
Hey, boys.
TREY
Becker! What's up?
TREY gives an enthusiastic handshake into a semi-hug, slapping him on the back.
BECKER
Not much, my friend. You guys up for some pool?
TREY
Strip?
WILL
Why must you always try and get naked at these things?
BECKER
Nah, I don't think any of the girls want to play just yet. Maybe after a few drinks. We can play for money or something, I guess.
TREY
You're loaded and you rock at pool. Must you make us look even poorer?
BECKER
All right, for fun then.
TREY
I'm in. Will?
WILL
I guess so.
The three begin to walk through the spacious house, passing crowds of people as BECKER navigates through them and heads upstairs. They run into JASON, who is talking with a cheerleader type, BRITNEY.
JASON
Hey, guys.
BECKER
(nods)
Jason.
TREY
You up for some eight ball?
JASON
(checks watch)
Yeah, if we make it quick. I got a chug contest with some of the football guys in half an hour.
BECKER
You're not driving, are you?
JASON
I was going to. I'll be sober by the end of the night, it's cool.
BECKER
No, it's not cool. Crash here.
JASON
All right. Works for me.
(aside)
Come on, Britney.
The group continues upstairs.
CUT TO:
INT. THE GAME ROOM – LATER.
The game is in mid-progress. WILL and BECKER are on team, TREY and JASON on the other. TREY has just sunk a difficult shot and is rubbing it in WILL’s face.
TREY
(cocky)
You like that?
WILL
Just play, man.
The door opens and ASHLEY and ALLISON enter.
ASHLEY
Hey, everybody!
ALL
Hey.
Trey walks over to her, giving her a hug. He pulls back.
TREY
You missed it, babe, I just schooled these boys with my excellent shot.
ASHLEY
(coy)
Really? Are you good with the stick?
TREY
The best.
TREY gives a little wink, causing ASHLEY to giggle. WILL looks over, noticeably uncomfortable.
ALLISON
Hi, Will.
WILL
Hi.
TREY and ASHLEY are close, again, and she whispers something in his ear. He turns to the guys.
TREY
You know, we’ve got all night. I'll play some other time. I'll catch up with you boys later.
JASON
Yeah, I gotta get ready for the contest.
BRITNEY
I hate watching pool anyway.
JASON
Let's go.
BECKER
Hmm. I guess we could still play, Will. Just finish it off?
WILL
Sure.
(to Allison)
Do you wanna play?
ALLISON
Well, I don't know how, but you could teach me.
TREY shoots a glance to WILL and mouths, "Go for it." He exits with ASHLEY, JASON and BRITNEY not far behind. ALEXIS stands up, walking over to BECKER.
ALEXIA
I'll play, too.
BECKER
Good. We’re even.
WILL hands ALLISON his pool stick.
ALLISON
Which ball should I go for?
WILL
I don't know, whatever you think you can get in.
ALLISON
Okay.
She bites her lip, leaning over the table, ready to strike at a ball. Her form is terrible, as she has two hands on the shaft of the stick, ready to poke the ball.
WILL
No, no, no, not like that.
ALLISON
Sorry.
WILL
It's okay, here, let me show you.
Unconsciously, WILL reaches around her waist to help her properly grip the stick. He realizes what he has done and slowly backs off.
ALLISON
Thanks.
ALEXIA
This is random, but you know, Allison, you should've auditioned for the musical this year.
ALLISON takes her shot, missing slightly. She looks up.
ALLISON
Really?
ALEXIA
Yeah. I mean, I don't know how well you can act, but you've got a great voice.
ALLISON
Thanks. I don't know, though, theatre's more your thing.
ALEXIA
You should think about it.
ALLISON
I will.
BECKER
All right, hon, your shot.
The foursome continue to play pool for a while, taking turns and making small talk, as WILL goes into another narration.
WILL (V.O.)
I was hesitant to take Trey's advice as far as Allison went. I mean, she was really sweet, and she was cute, but…
(beat)
I guess I'm just afraid of rejection. I mean, I've had a couple girlfriends before, but I used to get all these stupid crushes that led nowhere when I was a little younger. I've learned to not be as open with my feelings. It's easier to not get hurt that way.
ALLISON makes a shot and hugs WILL, celebrating. He gives an sheepish grin.
WILL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The last serious relationship I had was with this girl Heather. We went out for five months and broke up last January. Things were going great between us, but she had a lot of problems at home. Her step-dad was abusive. Eventually, she had to break up with me because she and her mom moved to get away from him. It took me a while to get over that. I always wondered if I could’ve done more to help.
BECKER takes a shot, missing. He looks astonished. ALEXIA comforts him, chiding him playfully and then rubbing his shoulders. He laughs, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
WILL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I really envied Becker. Not for the money, which he didn't even want. He totally went against the snobby rich kid stereotype, to the point where a lot of people who didn't know him assumed he was some slacker pothead. Well, Becker was probably going to be accepted into Ivy League schools and never touched anything other than the occasional beer. I respected all that, but what I envied was his relationship with Alexia.
BECKER wraps his arms around ALEXIA's waist, resting his head on her shoulder from behind. They rock back and forth, dancing slowly to their own music. WILL lines up a shot, noticing them from the corner of his eye.
WILL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Trey could get any girl he wanted, but Becker found one girl and stuck with her. For as long as I'd known him, Alexia was with him. They were best friends. It was really cool to see, because I always assumed that whole high school sweetheart thing was a joke. Like, nobody could stay with one person, especially once college came. But Becker and Alexia truly loved each other. They were soul mates. Maybe it's sappy, but I envied that. I didn't want to be a player like Trey. I wanted to find "the one" like Becker had.
The game ends. The four walk over to the nearby chairs and sit down, relaxing.
BECKER
That was fun.
ALLISON
I think I'll have to do that again sometime. Thanks for teaching me, Will.
WILL
No problem.
ALEXIA
Scott, you should probably go set up for the performance later.
BECKER
Right.
ALLISON
Oh, your band is playing tonight?
BECKER
Yeah, we just did this new song for our demo tape, and I wanted to try it out.
(beat)
I'll catch up you later, Will.
He takes ALEXIA by the hand and the two exit.
WILL
Wait a second -
WILL turns back to ALLISON, who is smiling nervously. He looks around, realizing they are now alone in the room.
ALLISON
So…
WILL
(exhales)
Heh. Well. You wanna go back downstairs?
ALLISON
No, this is nice. We can just talk. I've never really gotten to talk to you before.
WILL
Not too much to say.
(self-depreciating)
I'm a pretty boring person, I guess.
ALLISON
No.
WILL
No?
ALLISON
(sweetly)
No.
WILL
Oh. Thanks.
(beat)
So -
ALLISON
Can I ask you something, Will?
WILL looks a little nervous. It's been a while since he's been alone with a girl.
WILL
Sure.
ALLISON
Do you think I'm pretty?
WILL
Uh… yeah. Yes, definitely.
ALLISON
That's sweet.
WILL
Why - why do you ask?
ALLISON
Well, promise you won't tell?
WILL is getting a little more comfortable now. He relaxes.
WILL
You can trust me.
ALLISON
Well, okay…
(beat)
I have this huge crush on Trey, but I don't think he'd go for me because Ashley's so much prettier. I don't care if she likes him, but I just want him to think I'm good enough to be with him, too.
WILL is deflated. He tries to act like he expected this.
WILL
Well, you know how Trey is.
ALLISON
You know him pretty well, so I wanted to ask you something personal.
(beat)
Does he go for threeways?
WILL tries not to choke.
WILL
What?
ALLISON
Well, Ashley and I always said we'd never let a guy come between us, so if I could get Trey to like me…
WILL is numb.
WILL
Oh. Well, I'm sure he wouldn't mind.
ALLISON
Really? Cool.
WILL
Yeah.
ALLISON
Thanks a lot, Will. You're a great friend.
He cringes at the word. She gives him a nice, platonic hug.
ALLISON (CONT'D)
Well, I'm gonna go try and find them before it's too late. I'll see you around!
ALLISON exits, leaving WILL sitting alone in the room.
WILL
Idiot.
He puts hands on his head and looks down.
WILL (CONT'D)
Friend. Friend. Always the friend. Trey gets to be the meat in a hot girl sandwich and I get to be a good friend.
(sighs)
Ugh.
Slowly, he picks himself out of the chair and walks out of the room and down the steps. JASON is nearby, stumbling around.
JASON
Will! Hey, man!
WILL
Hi, Jason.
JASON
You don't look so hot.
WILL
No, I'm good. Don't worry about it.
JASON
You should've seen me, man! I won! I am the king!
(beat)
Here, take this, you'll feel better.
JASON grabs a plastic cup of beer, handing it to WILL.
WILL
Listen, if anybody asks, I'm outside getting some air, okay?
JASON
Sure thing, bro.
JASON stumbles off, heading back to the keg. WILL watches, a sad look on his face.
WILL
This is downright depressing.
He heads to the front door, walking out without a single person saying anything to him as he exits.
CUT TO:
EXT. BECKER'S HOUSE – CONTINUOUS.
WILL walks to the front steps and sits down, moping.
WILL
Another fun filled summer. Great.
He looks down, kicking at a rock on the ground. WILL takes a sip, winces a bit from the taste, then looks back up towards the sky.
WILL (CONT'D)
I guess I just have to accept my role in life, huh? I'm the friend. Becker is the musician. Jason is the jock. Trey is the ladies' man. I'm just the friend.
(beat)
It's pathetic.
WILL chugs the rest of the cup's contents then places it down beside him.
WILL (CONT'D)
This monotony is killing me.
WILL shakes his head, groaning. He sits in silence for a few moments, sulking. Then, there is a noise from across the street. WILL looks up, hearing it. The front door of a house on the other side of the street opens and a girl walks out with a sketch pad and pencil in her hand. This is CAMERON.
WILL slowly stands up, gazing across the street. The girl has yet to notice him. Then, she looks up.
Eye contact.
Will's POV: A blond haired girl looks up from her sketchpad. She has fine features and a very soft look. She looks a little young, but her eyes look very, very old. She has an enigmatic appearance about her… something not quite definable. The corners of her lips almost turn up before she quickly turns away.
WILL brings a hand to his chest, feeling if there is still something there. She turns back, seeing him. She smiles.
WILL barely has time to react. No words come out as he tries to shout out across the street but… nothing.
She frowns, looking a little upset at his lack of response, then turns back towards the house she came from. She is gone. WILL stumbles over the words, but it is too late.
WILL (CONT'D)
(whispers)
I - I'm Will.
WILL lingers there for a moment, scratching his head. He continues to stare at the spot where CAMERON once occupied, as if to wonder if she was ever there at all. He looks back down at the empty cup of beer.
WILL (CONT'D)
Get a grip, man.
Slowly, he turns and walks back inside. He is immediately met at the door by TREY.
TREY
Dude, this party rocks!
(beat)
You okay?
WILL
(fake smile)
Yeah, I just needed to reacquaint myself with the shubbery out front.
TREY laughs, slapping him on the back.
TREY
What a puss. Come on, Becker's band is getting ready to play.
TREY walks off, leaving WILL to stand there alone for a moment. He realizes the door is still left wide open and turns to gaze out it one more time.
He looks for a beat, waiting. Nothing.
Then, he closes the door, and walks off into an adjoining room, where the majority of the party's inhabitants are crowded together. BECKER and four previously unseen guys have their instruments and amps all set up, ready to go.
WILL takes a quick look around. TREY has already submerged himself between ALLISON and ASHLEY, an arm around them both. JASON is passed out on the couch with BRITNEY on his lap. ALEXIA sits off to the right of the band, a proud smile on her face. WILL finds a place to sit down, a glum look on his face.
BECKER takes the mic from the stand.
BECKER
Are you guys having fun tonight?
A cheer goes up.
BECKER (CONT'D)
Good. Just remember, I charge double the face value of anything broken.
A collective laugh from the crowd.
BECKER (CONT'D)
This song's a new one the boys and me came up with, and it’s dedicated it to my wonderful girlfriend, my muse, Alexia.
With that, BECKER and his band launch into an emo song. The band is good. Not great, but good. BECKER especially seems to have a flair for being a frontman.
BECKER (CONT’D)
(singing)
You've heard it all before.
It doesn’t change a thing.
They say it's wrong,
they say it's done,
but you know it's all the same.
Times they haven't changed
the man you think you are,
and now you're stuck, and well, you're fucked,
and what did you expect?
You haven't learned at all,
and once again you fall
into this mess, and now you're pissed,
because you think you caused it all.
She said it's over,
and I lost my smile.
She said it's over,
and I'm in denial.
She said it's over,
and this will take me a while
to put myself back together again.
You think you tried so hard,
but you didn't do a thing.
You're just another failure in the never ending string
of disappointment.
So where do you go from here
when it hurts too much to breathe,
and all you are is all you are,
and that's absolutely nothing?
I know it's not my fault.
I know I'm not to blame,
but my heart is bleeding,
and I'm feeling so much pain.
I guess I should've known,
but I refused to see,
and now I'm left here alone,
trying to forget
desperately.
She said it's over,
and I lost my smile.
She said it's over,
and I'm in denial.
She said it's over,
and this will take me a while
to put myself back together again.
I can still see her face in my sleep
haunting me so beautifully,
and it tears me up inside
knowing she doesn't want to be with me.
I guess that's the way things go
when you're too young to know,
or at least that's what they want me to believe.
She said it's over,
and I lost my smile.
She said it's over,
and I'm in denial.
She said it's over,
and this will take me a while
to put myself back together again.
I told myself I would move on.
I told myself I could be strong.
I told myself that she was gone.
Then yesterday I saw her,
and now I had to write this song.
She said it's over,
and I lost my smile.
She said it's over,
and I'm in denial.
She said it's over,
and this will take me a while
to put myself back together again.
The song ends. There is a brief silence and then thunderous applause. The band seems pretty satisfied, especially BECKER, who is beaming with pride.
ALEXIA runs and embraces him, and the two share a tender kiss in front of everybody.
WILL finds himself watching, before he is suddenly snapped back into reality by TREY tapping him on the shoulder.
TREY
Will. Can I borrow your car?
WILL
For what?
TREY
Allison and Ashley need to be home.
WILL
Already?
TREY
I don't know, I’m sure they gave some logical reason, but I was… preoccupied, if you know what I mean. So, can I?
WILL reluctantly fishes into his pocket. He gives TREY a hard look and then tests him.
WILL
What’s the capital of New Hampshire?
TREY
Dude, I wouldn’t know that whether I was sober or not.
(stern, sincere)
I’m fine.
WILL is satisfied. He tosses TREY the keys.
WILL
Don't take too long.
(beat)
And don't get any stains on the seats, okay?
TREY raises an eyebrow at him, then laughs, nodding. He exits off screen, leaving WILL alone once again to ponder his thoughts. He's not alone for long, however, as BECKER strolls by.
BECKER
Hey. Having fun?
WILL
Sure.
BECKER
Right. I can tell you're bored.
WILL
Not bored, just… dissatisfied. Not with your party, I mean, just…
(at a loss)
I don't know.
BECKER
I know what you mean. Don't dwell on it too much. You have the whole summer ahead of you. Just kick back and don't worry so much, all right?
WILL
Yeah.
(beat)
Hey, Becker, how come the cops never come bust us up? At everybody else’s place, they show up after fifteen minutes.
BECKER
One of the few perks of being my father’s son, I guess.
BECKER walks off. WILL walks around and plops himself down on a couch in a room with a couple of other people. He doesn't engage in conversation, instead just sitting there looking bored.
DISSOLVE TO:
THE SAME SCENE - HOURS LATER.
WILL gazes at a clock on the wall. It's almost three in the morning. He looks around, noticing the rest of the room is empty. Rubbing at his eyes, he stands up.
WILL
Hello?
WILL begins to walk around, looking for his friends. Nobody seems to be around. A few stragglers are left passed out in the hallways. WILL heads upstairs and walks past many closed doors. Finally, he finds a room with a an open door and walks in.
CUT TO:
INT. BECKER'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS.
JASON is sprawled out on a futon. TREY is laying down on a huge air mattress. BECKER is on his bed. The whole room is dark except for by a desk, where one lamp is still on. WILL tries to find a place to walk without stepping on anybody, but he accidently wakes up TREY.
TREY
(soft)
Hey, man. Turn off the light before you go to bed.
Silently, WILL turns off the desk light. He looks around in the dark for a place to sleep, but all of the spots are taken. Defeated, WILL pulls out the chair from the desk and curls up in it.
CUT TO:
INT. BECKER'S HOUSE – THE NEXT AFTERNOON.
The boys are sitting in one of the living rooms from earlier. A couple of boxes of pizza sit on a glass table. The television set in front of them is hooked up to some video game system. JASON and TREY sit on a couch in front of the TV, playing, while BECKER and WILL each sit in recliner chairs on opposite sides of the couch.
WILL
Becker?
BECKER
Yeah?
WILL
Did anybody move in around here that you know of? Like, recently?
BECKER
Move in?
WILL
Yeah, like a new family or something?
BECKER
Nope.
WILL
You sure?
BECKER
I would've noticed, I think.
WILL
Hmm.
BECKER
Why?
WILL
No, it's nothing, forget it.
TREY
(to TV)
Come on, baby, come on… die, die, die! You see that, Jase? Hah!
(to Will)
What's the deal?
WILL
Nothing. Don't worry about it.
TREY
Tell.
WILL
It's no big deal. I just saw someone last night… or I thought I did. I’m not sure.
TREY
Lay off the crack, Will. Oh, I have your keys…
TREY reaches into his pocket with one hand and flings the keys to WILL, who catches them, as TREY quickly gets his hand back on the control.
JASON
(to TV & Trey)
Here we go, come on… yes!
TREY
No! Man, I give up. This sucks.
TREY throws down the controller.
JASON
So what's on tap for today, boys?
BECKER
Well, my parents should actually be home for once today, so you guys can't crash here for much longer. Sorry.
JASON
It's okay.
TREY
Yeah, no problem.
BECKER
Alexia's got this audition she has to go to and I told her I'd take her, so I need to leave soon.
JASON
My car’s out front. I can go whenever.
TREY
Yeah, Will, you're taking me home.
BECKER
Okay then.
The four stand.
WILL
Guess we'll see you later.
BECKER
See ya.
JASON heads out first, then WILL and TREY exit.
CUT TO:
INT. WILL'S CAR – LATER.
TREY is in the front passenger seat, playing with the buttons on his door.
WILL
You're like a child, you know that?
TREY
Sorry.
WILL pulls into TREY's driveway and parks.
WILL
See ya.
TREY
Okay, then. Pick me up at eight.
TREY starts to get out of the car.
WILL
What?
TREY
Oh, I forgot, we're going to Shady's tonight.
(preventive)
Trust me, you need it.
WILL tries to say something, but TREY closes the door and walks off before he can.
WILL
Shady's?
(groans)
I hate it when he does that.
CUT TO:
INT. THE PARKER'S HOUSE – LATER.
WILL walks inside, throwing down his keys on the kitchen table.
WILL
I'm home.
JANE (O.S.)
Dinner will be ready at six, hon. Your father should be home shortly.
WILL
I'm going out tonight.
JANE (O.S.)
Where?
WILL
Shady's with Trey.
WILL's MOM walks into the scene, carrying a basket of laundry.
JANE
That dance club downtown?
WILL
Yeah.
JANE
Really, Will, you were just with your friends last night. Your father and I never see you anymore. You're only around to eat or get money.
WILL
Mom, it's summer -
JANE
Exactly, so you have two months to do whatever you want, but you don't need to be going out and partying every night, or whatever it is you do.
WILL
Mom -
JANE
You could spend some quality time with your father, or help me around the house -
WILL
(fed up)
Stop! Just… stop.
WILL walks away from her, heading towards the steps and up to his room.
JANE
Will! Will, I'm talking to you! Will!
CUT TO:
INT. WILL'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS.
WILL turns on some loud music and throws himself down on his futon. He buries himself beneath the comforter.
CUT TO:
INT. WILL'S BEDROOM – LATER.
A knock on the door is heard.
JAMES (o.S.)
Son? Dinner.
WILL mumbles a response and throws the cover off.
CUT TO:
INT. THE KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
All three family members sit at the table. JANE is engrossed in another romance novel. JAMES is reading the newspaper. WILL stares blankly at a small television set. All eat in silence.
WILL takes a good look at both his parents, eating their food, making no conversation.
WILL
I see where I get my exciting personality.
With that remark, he stands up, walks to the sink, and tosses a half-full dish into it.
WILL (CONT'D)
I'm going to go take a shower and change clothes. Then I'm picking up Trey. I'll be home later. Okay?
Neither parent looks up from their reading material.
JANE
Be home by eleven, dear.
JAMES
He's almost eighteen, Jane.
(beat)
Eleven thirty.
WILL
Whatever.
He shakes his head, walking off.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHADY'S – NIGHT.
WILL and TREY stand dressed to kill outside of a fairly large building complex. There is a small line forming to get in. Most of the other people look around their age or a little older.
WILL
This place always depresses me. The little kids walking around smoking and all -
TREY
They cleaned it up a little. It’s sixteen and up now. This is as good as it gets for the next few months, unless you finally get a fake ID.
Finally, they're at the door, where they hand a large man their money and have their hands stamped.
CUT TO:
INT. SHADY'S — CONTINUOUS.
WILL's POV:
The place is nice, upscale, and two stories tall. A winding black staircase in each corner of the building leads up to the second level, which has a glass floor that acts as the bottom level's ceiling. It's crowded, but not so crowded that you can't move. Random hip hop/pop tunes play in the background. It's loud, too. Yell to hear the person next to you loud.
TREY (O.S.)
Welcome to paradise!
WILL scans the place. He looks intimidated.
TREY (CONT'D)
If you don't find a single girl tonight, you are officially the saddest man alive.
End WILL's POV. He feigns confidence.
WILL
Don't worry about it.
TREY
Now you're talking. Onward, pimp!
WILL laughs as the two head out onto the dance floor.
TREY dances as he walks, coming up behind random. Most are receptive to him. WILL just walks through in a daze.
TREY (CONT'D)
I have a mission of my own, Will. Meet me over at the water stand in an hour.
WILL
What? I can't hear you?
TREY's hand is grabbed by some random girl. He turns to WILL quickly.
TREY
(yelling)
Water stand, one hour!
(beat)
Have fun, Will!
And with that, TREY disappears into a sea of people. WILL turns around, a bit dejected, and works his way through another crowd of bodies. He starts scanning the place again, trying to be casual about it.
WILL
(to himself)
Stop being so picky, just go up to a girl and dance.
WILL can't quite bring himself to do it. He keeps passing up many opportunities, and the look on his face shows he's regretting it each time. Finally, he makes it off the other side of the dance floor and sits down at a table off to the side.
WILL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I had been there for five minutes and already I was miserable. I don't know why, but I was just too… I don't even know what I was. I just didn't think that anything good could come of it. It looked cool when I walked in, but then when I was out there, it was frightening.
WILL puts his head down on the table for a few seconds. After a few beats, he looks up and something catches his eye.
WILL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
But then I saw her.
WILL's POV:
In the distance, CAMERON is standing by herself, glancing at the floor. She is dressed up and looking very good, more so than the moonlit view from before. She is not dressed too revealing or wearing much make up. She is relying on pure, natural beauty, and it’s working on WILL.
WILL (CONT'D)
(soft)
Oh, my God…
He rises, slowly, trying to get a closer look and make sure he's definetely seeing who he thinks he is. An awed smile comes across his lips.
WILL (CONT'D)
Oh man…
Just then, CAMERON looks up. WILL gulps, realizing that as she does so, her eyes come in direct contact with his. For a moment, there is nothing. The background music fades to a whisper. All there is is CAMERON looking at WILL and WILL looking back.
WILL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I don't know if I believe in love at first sight.
(beat)
But love at second sight? Oh yeah.
Slowly, the two begin to walk towards each other. WILL laughs to himself in disbelief. Finally, they meet, standing inches apart. She gives him a friendly smile.
CAMERON
I was wondering when you were going to come over.
(extends hand)
I'm Cameron.
WILL shakes it, numbly.
WILL
I'm… I'm Will.
(beat)
And there goes everything I planned to say.
She laughs.
CAMERON
Don't worry, I'm not exactly an expert at picking up guys at clubs. This is my first time here. I feel kind of lost. Not my normal idea of fun.
WILL
Yeah, same here. My friend dragged me along. You by yourself?
CAMERON
Yeah… all my friends are up in Los Angeles.
WILL
You're from L.A.?
(awed)
Wow. I've lived in California all my life and I've never been there. Just spent seventeen years in the same little suburb, a couple hours away and never made the commute. Can you believe that?
CAMERON
It's wild, but it's beautiful. I mean, once you get past all the smog and traffic and everything.
They start to walk back to a table, continuing to talk, and then sit down across from each other.
WILL
So, you're from L.A., but you're here? Why? This is probably the most boring town in all of Southern California.
CAMERON
Well, I'm staying with my aunt for the summer.
WILL
Oh. So the other night…
CAMERON
Her house. You live at that big one?
WILL
No, that's one of my friends’ house. I was taking a breather from a party.
There is a brief pause as neither is quite sure what to say.
CAMERON
I'm disappointed. No cheesy pick up lines?
WILL
Sorry, I already used them on the other fifty girls I stalked before you.
CAMERON
I see.
WILL
Yeah, it's a rough crowd tonight.
CAMERON
Tell me something. And answer honestly, okay?
WILL
Yeah, sure.
CAMERON leans in closer. Her nose squinches up as she asks the question.
CAMERON
What are you passionate about?
WILL opens his mouth to answer, but then pauses. He looks at her for a moment, totally speechless.
WILL
Hmm.
CAMERON
Well?
WILL
What am I passionate about? I… I don't know.
(beat)
Nothing, I guess. What kind of an icebreaker is that?
CAMERON gives him a look.
CAMERON
Oh, come on. I’m serious. Think about it. There's got to be something.
WILL
No, no, I don't think there is. Like, I've tried so many different things, but I always lose interest. I get bored. It's not like I hate things, I just don't feel passionate about anything, I guess.
(beat)
That's kind of sad, isn't it?
CAMERON
Well, you're only, what, seventeen?
WILL
Yeah.
CAMERON
You've got your entire life to find something.
WILL
I guess so.
CAMERON places a hand on his.
CAMERON
I didn't mean to depress you. I was just curious. I don't like simple questions.
WILL
No, it's okay, I just haven't had anybody ask me something meaningful like that in a while.
He laughs it off, trying to lighten the mood.
WILL (CONT'D)
What about you? You have an answer?
CAMERON
Art.
WILL
Really?
CAMERON
It's just amazing. You can see the world through so many different eyes. You get a whole new perspective on everything.
(beat)
Some people can say more with one piece of art than most can say in their entire life with words. It's that kind of power that draws me in.
WILL
So art's your passion, but what else do you like?
CAMERON
(whimsically)
Sunsets, rainstorms, and good literature.
WILL looks down, sensing this girl is over his head.
WILL
Well, don't I feel simple now.
CAMERON
Why, what do you like?
WILL
Watching too much TV, sleeping in, eating too much fast food, and just being out of my house.
CAMERON
That's not simple, it's just…
WILL
Average.
He sighs, saddened, but again CAMERON reaches a hand towards him, playing with a strand of his hair.
cameron
Do you know why I asked you, Will?
(beat)
Your eyes.
Will
My eyes?
Cameron
You have this look in your eyes that drew me in. It sounds crazy, I guess, but it just looked like you had this desire burning in them… like you were searching for something. And I just found that completely infectious.
(beat, awkward smile)
I guess that’s kinda crazy and totally freaked you out, huh?
WILL looks at her for a beat. He considers what she’s said.
will
Actually… no. That’s the strange thing. When I first saw you the other night, I felt this… spark… something I haven’t felt in a long time. I don’t know how else to explain it.
CAMERON rises, taking WILL’s hand in hers as she does so.
cameron
You know, we’ll have plenty of time for talking later.
WILL considers the meaning of having “plenty of time” for a moment. Then, with a wink, CAMERON gets him to stand up.
cameron
Let’s dance.
They walk into the sea of people, and while it does not part for them, they somehow squeeze past all the bodies and settle comfortable into the middle of it all, moving to their own beat. While those around them dance to the fast music, WILL and CAMERON do their own thing, holding each other tenderly. There is a genuine chemistry between them, a rare connection that seems to separate them from all those around them.
BEGIN DANCE MONTAGE.
1. WILL and CAMERON with stupid grins on their faces as they swing dance recklessly, laughing.
2. WILL and CAMERON fast dancing closely together.
3. WILL spinning CAMERON. As she spins back towards him, there is an awkward moment where it seems as if they are about to kiss. CAMERON waits for it, but WILL hesitates. There is the slightest hint of disappointment in her face. She places her head on WILL’s shoulder and wraps her arms around his neck. WILL looks a little regretful, holding CAMERON a little tighter.
END DANCE MONTAGE.
WILL (v.o.)
Only two days before, I’d have never believed something like this was possible. As nice as they might sound, I was sure that these type of chance meetings were the things of fairy tales and movies, not real life. But the truth is, they exist. They’re possible. All too often, people are too blind or scared to act on any impulses and they miss out on what could have been. Meeting Cameron made me wonder what could have been’s I had already passed up.
cut to:
int. shady’s - the water stand – later.
TREY stands leaning against the wall by a crowd of sweaty teens purchasing water. He holds an empty bottle in one hand. TREY glances at his watch.
Trey
Where is he? Something must’ve happened.
TREY is concerned, trying to look over the crowds of people, hoping to locate WILL. Unsuccessful, he slumps back against the wall, crossing his arms over each other.
TREY (CONT’D)
Come on, Will. Don’t do this.
CUT TO:
INT. SHADY’s - DANCE FLOOR – LATER.
WILL and CAMERON seem to be in their own little world, oblivious to everybody around them. Then, CAMERON pulls away, still holding onto WILL’s shoulders, but backing away enough to look him in the eye.
CAMERON
Can we take a break? I’m a little thirsty.
WILL
No problem.
(beat, realizing)
Oh crap!
CAMERON
What, what is it?
(joking)
Let me guess, you just spotted your girlfriend and now you have to run out on me?
WILL isn’t even listening. He starts to panic.
WILL
What time is it?
CAMERON
I don’t know, I don’t have a watch on… Will?
WILL grabs her hand and begins to rush through the masses of people. Several times, he is blocked off and has to change directions. He is growing frustrated. Finally, he makes it through the crowd with CAMERON and hurries over to the water stand. TREY immediately spots him and confronts him.
TREY
It’s been an hour and a half, Will! Where the hell have you been?
WILL
I’m sorry. I lost track of time.
CAMERON
Will?
WILL
Oh, sorry. Trey, this is Cameron. Cameron, this is Trey, the guy I came here with.
TREY
Hey.
(to Will)
All right, this place is crowded with freshman. I can’t work in this enviornment. I used my cell to call around, and I found out that there’s a party about ten minutes from here. So… let’s go.
CAMERON gives a quizzical look.
TREY (CONT’D)
What, were you two not done?
WILL
I don’t know… were we?
CAMERON shrugs.
WILL
Okay, wait, I think I have an idea. Did you drive here?
CAMERON
No, I had my aunt drop me off. She was going to pick me up at eleven.
WILL
Good. If I drop off Trey at the party, would you maybe want to go somewhere else… just you and me?
TREY
Hold up. Why aren’t you going to the party?
WILL
To be honest, I really don’t feel like putting up with that stuff right now. My head’s still ringing from the noise here. But I drove you here, and I made you wait, so I’ll take you to the party if you want to go.
TREY looks a little upset, but he says nothing. CAMERON looks pleased.
CAMERON
Great. Let me just call my aunt and let her know.
WILL nods, smiling as she exits. He turns to TREY.
WILL
God, she’s amazing.
TREY
(dubious)
You’ve known her for ninety minutes and she’s amazing?
WILL
Well, I saw her outside the other night, too. She moved from L.A. to live with her aunt in Becker’s neighborhood. It was really weird. Neither of us had to say anything. It was just like an unspoken connection. Like… fate or something.
TREY
Will, don’t do this to yourself.
WILL
Do what?
TREY
Build her up like that.
WILL
Whatever, Trey. You don’t know her.
TREY
Neither do you.
Before any more words can be exchanged, CAMERON returns. She grabs WILL’s arm, smiling.
CAMERON
All set.
cut to:
ext. shady’s - the parking lot - moments later.
The trio come up to WILL’s car. TREY is heading for the passenger side door, but WILL cuts him off and opens it for CAMERON. She gets in, leaving TREY standing there for a beat. He glares at WILL.
WILL
Get in the car, Trey.
TREY starts to say something, but then stops himself, opens the back door, and gets in. WILL walks around, gets in, and starts the car up. As they drive, the small talk begins.
CAMERON
So, Trey, have you and Will been friends for a long time?
Trey
Yeah.
CAMERON
I see.
(beat)
So are you the one who always drags him to Shady’s?
TREY
I don’t drag him anywhere. He came of his own free will.
WILL turns around, glaring at TREY.
WILL
What’s with you? Are you still pissed that I made you wait? Jesus, get over it. I’m sorry -
TREY
Far be it from me to say, but perhaps you should be more concerned with, oh, I don’t know, the road, than what’s with me.
WILL turns around, noticing the car has swerved into the opposite lane with a car approaching. He yells out and turns the wheel. The car swerves, barely avoiding a crash. TREY simply shakes his head. CAMERON looks a little upset, even guilty. She can sense something’s up.
A few seconds of silence go by.
TREY
Left.
WILL turns into a neighborhood per TREY’s request.
TREY
Next block. It’s the house on the corner with all the cars by it.
WILL slows the car, pulling up as close to the house as he can get. The noise streaming from the party is audible from out in the car. TREY gets out of the car, then leans down to talk through WILL’s open window.
TREY
(still annoyed)
Thanks for the ride. Nice meeting you, Cameron. Be good to my friend.
(acidic)
He hasn’t had a date in a long time, either, so don’t set your expectations too high.
(beat)
Night.
TREY turns away sharply, leaving WILL bewildered. CAMERON gives a concerned look, putting a hand on WILL’s.
CAMERON
Maybe you should go talk to him. We can do this some other time.
WILL
No. No, I don’t know what his problem is, but I’m not going to let it ruin my night. I’m with Trey twenty four/seven. He can survive without me tagging along for a few hours. I mean, Trey, he’s always going to be there.
CAMERON
Okay then. Where to?
WILL
Let’s see, a good place to just sit around and hang out…
CAMERON
Oh! I know! When I first came in town, my aunt showed me the most wonderful spot. In front of the art museum, there’s a big hill overlooking a lake. It’s a great view.
WILL
Sounds good to me.
cut to:
EXT. the ART MUSEUM – LATER.
WILL has parked his car near the top of the hill just outside the front entrance of the art museum, which is closed and totally abandoned. He pops open the trunk and pulls out a blanket and flashlight used for emergencies and places the blanket across the hood and the flashlight standing up on the top of the car, providing light. Finally, he takes CAMERON’S hand and helps her up onto the hood of the car, then climbs up himself.
WILL
I finally got you all to myself.
CAMERON
I thought it was the other way around.
WILL
So is this when you handcuff me to the bumper of my car and take my wallet?
CAMERON
Trey was right, you don’t get out much, do you?
(laughs)
So tell me about yourself, Mr. Average.
WILL
I’d tell you my life story, but you’d be asleep in about five minutes. What’s to tell, really?
CAMERON
Anything. Just start talking about the first thing that comes to you.
WILL struggles to think of something. Finally, something comes to him. He looks uncertain for a moment, but then decides to go ahead and bring it up.
WILL
Do you see this scar?
We zoom in to see the slightest of lines underneath his left eye.
WILL
And this?
He rolls up the sleeve of his left arm, pointing to a similiar mark on his elbow.
WILL
When I was four years old, I found this wounded bird on the side of the road coming home from preschool. I showed it to my mom and we brought it home and took care of it. I grew really attached to it, right? Well, finally, it was all better, and I was going to take it in for show and tell. I told my mom this, but instead of letting me take it, she released the bird without telling me. I was so mad, I climbed up onto the top of our garage and ran off, thinking I could fly away. I broke my fall on an inflatable pool.
WILL pauses, looking up to CAMERON. She looks like she’s ready to cry for some reason.
WILL
It was so stupid. I don’t know why I did it… I was so mad at my mom for not listening to me, and I thought maybe I could just fly away like the bird did.
(beat, embarassed)
You know, I never told anybody this, not even Trey.
CAMERON brushes the back of her hand against his cheek.
WILL
So, I bet you’re wishing you hadn’t told me to talk about whatever came to me, huh?
CAMERON
Shh.
WILL
You think I’m stupid, right?
CAMERON
I think you’ve got a lot of stories you’ve never shared, Will. And I don’t think you’re stupid.
WILL
(over the top)
Where have you been all my life, Cam?
CAMERON
(coy)
Waiting for you.
WILL smiles sheepishly, reclining back against the hood of the car, staring up the sky.
WILL (V.O.)
It sounds cliche, but that night, everything looked a little different. The stars in the sky seemed a little brighter…
CUT TO:
EXT. THE ART MUSEUM - EARLY MORNING.
WILL is awakened by a gentle push from CAMERON.
CAMERON
(whispering)
You’re gonna miss it, Will.
His POV: CAMERON’s doe eyes stare down at him for a moment. WILL gives a disoriented grunt, then follows CAMERON’s gaze to what is in front of him…
The sun rising on the horizon.
WILL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
And when I saw the sun rise for the first time in ages the next morning, it seemed to radiate in a way I had never seen before. It was as if Cameron had taken the pallate of my world and painted it with entirely new colors. I didn’t remember much when I woke up… we had talked for a few hours about anything and everything, and then I must’ve dozed off. All I remembered was the warmth of her head on my shoulder and the way her hair smelled.
CUT TO:
INT. WILL’S CAR – LATER.
CAMERON is sitting in the passenger seat with the blanket curled around her. WILL breaks his focus on the road every few seconds to glance over at her. She yawns, reaching out to pat down a patch of his hair that’s sticking up.
WILL
I can’t believe we were out all night. My parents are gonna kill me. Do you think your aunt will be mad?
CAMERON
No, she knows I don’t go out much, so she’s usually pretty cool about it.
WILL
Wow.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAMERON’S AUNT’S HOUSE – LATER.
WILL parks in the driveway, gets out, and opens the door for CAMERON. He walks with her to the door, then stops short.
WILL
I can’t tell you enough how great it’s been.
(beat)
Can I get your number?
CAMERON smiles. She’d be happy to oblige.
CAMERON
Do you have a pen?
WILL quickly jogs back to his car, opens it up, and scavages for a pen in one of the compartments. Finding one, he races back to the doorstep, grinning. CAMERON takes it from him, grabbing his right palm, and proceeds to write her number. He looks at it, then to her, as satisfied as any seventeen year old boy could be.
WILL
Well, I guess I’ll talk to you later.
CAMERON
I guess so.
WILL wraps his arms around her, hugging her tightly. Then, as they are about to let go, CAMERON pauses, turns her head, and lightly kisses WILL on the lips. He barely has time to react. Their first kiss is brief and closed lip, but tender. Finally, CAMERON breaks away, smiles, and opens the front door, walks in, and closes it. WILL stands there for a beat, a huge smile on his face.
As he begins to walk back to his car, he gazes longingly at the numbers imprinted on his hand.
WILL
(mockingly)
Digits.
Reminded of TREY after using his phrase, he stops dead in his tracks. Suddenly, a voice shouts out to him.
BECKER (O.S.)
Will? What are you doing here?
WILL turns around to see BECKER in his front yard dressed in a bathrobe, holding a newspaper in one hand. The two both walk towards each other, meeting in the middle of the street.
WILL
Oh, hey, Becker.
BECKER
Correct me if I’m wrong, but did I just see you with a member of the opposite sex? I am astonished.
WILL
That’s Cameron. She’s staying with her aunt for the summer. I was with her all last night -
BECKER gives him a sidelong glance.
WILL
We fell asleep on the hood of my car.
BECKER
Well, congrats, man. You have this beaming smile on your face that I’m quite familiar with.
WILL
Yeah? Were you like this when you first met Alexia?
BECKER
Worse. I couldn’t walk straight.
WILL
Look, I really gotta get home, my parents are probably freaking out right now. Give me a call later if you want to hang out. And if you hear from Trey, tell him to call me, okay?
BECKER
Sure thing. See ya.
As WILL walks back to his car, we linger on BECKER, who pulls out a package from one of the large pockets of his bath robe. The mail address is mostly blocked by his fingers, but “New York City, NY” is visible. He sticks it into the mailbox and raises the flag.
BECKER
(softly to himself)
Please do well, please do well, please do well…
CUT TO:
int. the parker’s house – later.
WILL enters the house through the front door. The buzz from his night with CAMERON has yet to wear off, and as such, he is forgetting he is walking into his house after being gone all night. The voice of his parents’ in another room brings him back to reality.
jane (o.S.)
I’m really worried about Will, honey. This isn’t like him at all.
JAMES (o.S.)
It’s those damn kids he’s always hanging around with, that’s what the problem is. Trey is off gallavanting with a different girl each week, that Jason kid is a lush, and that boy with the blue hair, what’s his name? Don’t even get me started!
WILL hears all of this. He looks upset at the way his father is speaking about his friends. However, he decides to pretend he doesn’t hear as he makes his entrance into the kitchen.
WILL
(nonchalent)
Hey.
Both of his parents turn around from their seats, surprised. His mother looks relieved, his father furious.
JANE
Oh, Will! I was worried sick! We even called the police. Where have you been?
Will
It was nothing, Mom -
JAMES
Nothing? You’re gone all night and it’s nothing? Now you listen to me, young man -
JANE
Now, James, dear -
WILL
Relax. I was fine. I dropped Trey off at a party after we left Shady’s and then I went to the art museum with this girl -
JAMES
With a girl!? Until seven thirty in the morning! What do you think you’re doing, Will!?
WILL
No, it’s not like that -
JANE
(worried)
Oh, my God. Did you use protection?
WILL
Mom, nothing happened.
JAMES
So, you think you’re a grown up now, huh? You think because you’re going to be a senior that you’re a big man, that you can take the car and stay out all night and screw some girl you met at a club and come home and act like nothing happened!?
WILL
(yelling)
Is anybody listening? I said nothing happened! I’m sorry I didn’t call and I’m sorry I came home way past curfew but come on! It wasn’t like I was out doing drugs or killing people, I was hanging out with a girl who quite possibly could be the most amazing girl I’ve ever known… can’t you just be happy for me?
WILL storms off to his room. The door slams.
JAMES
He comes home at seven in the morning and I’m supposed to be happy for him?
cut to:
INT. WILL’s BEDROOM – LATER.
WILL is sitting on his bed, a notebook and pencil in hand. Music plays softly in the background. His hand moves swiftly, as if a fire has finally been lit under him.
WILL (v.o.)
That morning, I did something I hadn’t done for the longest time. I wrote. I mean, really wrote. Not the kind of bullshit writing you do in school, but real honest to God, from the heart, genuine writing… the kind of stuff I had done when I was younger, when I had wanted to be an author. It felt good to have the desire to do something like that. I guess I owed Cameron for that.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. WILL’s BEDROOM - HOURS LATER.
WILL has moved with his notebook onto his computer. He glances from the paper to the monitor furiously, pausing every once in a while to make a correction or cross something out in the notebook. The clock on the computer shows it is 12:35: he’s been at this for hours.
Faintly, we he hear a phone ring. WILL is too absorbed in his writing to notice. We cut in closer to get a look at the caller ID screen:
SANDERS, TREY.
We hear the tap-tap-tap of the keyboard as the ringing eventually subsides.
CUT TO:
WILL’s BEDROOM - STILL LATER
WILL stands up from the keyboard, stretching. He looks very proud of himself. The printer begins to whir.
WILL
I gotta call Cameron. This is amazing.
He picks up the phone, looks at his hand, then dials. WILL begins to pace as he waits for the phone to be answered. Finally, his face lights up.
WILL
Cameron? Hi, it’s Will. How are you? Good. I wanted to thank you - I mean, not just for last night, but for what you said. I was kind of moved to actually do something after you talked to me about being passionate about something, and I started writing again. Listen, I know we just went out last night and all, but… are you busy tonight? You’re not? Would you, I don’t know, wanna get a bite to eat and see a movie or something? You would? Great. Pick you up at seven? All right, see you then. Bye.
WILL hangs up, beaming like a little kid. By this time, the printer has finished. He grabs the thick stack of paper and eyes the manuscript. WILL seems content.
WILL
Maybe I can fly after all.
CUT TO:
INT. A LOCAL COFFEE HOUSE - LATER THAT AFTERNOON.
WILL and BECKER sit at a table drinking from giant mugs. In the background, we can see ALEXIA on a small stage preparing to perform.
BECKER
Thanks for making it on such short notice, Will.
WILL
No problem. I needed to get out of the house anyway.
BECKER
Why, what happened?
WILL
I’ll explain afterwards. I want to see your girl perform first.
Our attention shifts to the stage, where ALEXIA stands, a nervous smile on her face. She takes the microphone in her hand, giving a friendly “welcome” smile to the small crowd.
ALEXIA
Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming. I’d like to start with an original piece of poetry.
ALEXIA begins to recite several other pieces, soundless. Her reserved nature disappears on stage. She is very expressive. Although her words are not heard, she appears to be every bit the great actress she is credited for.
WILL watches her, seemingly able to appreciate it more now than ever.
WILL (V.O.)
Watching Alexia recite poetry and monologues was amazing. I had always known she was talented, but now, I saw deeper. I saw the look in her eyes when she spoke, the spark in them… the same look Cameron had when we had talked for the first time… the same look I remembered Becker having on his face while performing at his party… and that’s when it hit me.
(beat)
That spark was the sign of their passion. The look on their faces reflected the genuine appreciation they had for their passion. It was like they were embracing life and for those fleeting seconds, nothing else mattered. All was well. This was living.
(beat)
I think, for just a moment, I was finally able to share that appreciation. And I was eternally grateful.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE THE COFFEE HOUSE – LATER.
WILL walks beside ALEXIA and BECKER, who have their arms around each other. They stop by their cars, in the middle of some casual conversation.
WILL
That was really great, Alexia. I’m glad I came.
ALEXIA
Thanks. Hey, what’s this I hear of a romantic interest in your life all of a sudden?
WILL
He told you, huh?
BECKER
She has her ways of getting information out of me.
WILL
That’s okay. I’ve got a date with her tonight, actually. Sort of a celebration.
ALEXIA
Of what?
WILL
She inspired me to start writing again. I used to all the time when I was younger. I guess it was the only thing I ever really enjoyed and stuck with for any length of time. She struck a nerve with our conversation last night, and I found myself pouring out my heart on paper because of it.
BECKER
That’s fantastic.
WILL
Yeah, I just hope my parents don’t freak out and let me go. I sort’ve stormed out of the house after I finished writing and left without telling them. They were already mad at me for getting home this morning without calling, so who knows how they’ll react to this but…
He pauses, then recalls BECKER’s words to him from before.
WILL
Fuck them, you know?
BECKER chuckles to himself, nodding.
BECKER
Yeah, I know.
WILL
Well, I better get going. I have to get ready before the big date!
ALEXIA
Have fun, Will. Thanks for coming!
BECKER
Talk to you later.
WILL gets in his car and begins to back out, when suddenly he is stopped.
BECKER (O.S.)
Wait, Will! I almost forgot!
WILL stops and sticks his head out the window.
BECKER (O.S.)
Do you know what’s wrong with Trey? I called him to see if he wanted to come, but he didn’t talk much and said he was busy.
WILL
I don’t know anything about Trey. He left in a pissy mood last night. I haven’t talked to him since. Sorry. See ya.
WILL’s mood darkens with the mention of TREY. He stares into the rear view mirror for a few seconds, trying not to let it get to him. After a few beats, he shakes it off and drives away.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAMERON’s AUNT’S HOUSE – NIGHT.
WILL pulls into the driveway, steps out, and retrieves a bouqet of roses from the passenger side. He checks himself in the side door mirror, braces himself for a moment, then forces himself to relax and walk up to the door.
He rings the doorbell, then steps back, nervously tapping his foot on the doorstep. After a few seconds, it opens, and CAMERON appears. WILL is awed once again. He becomes an awkward wreck.
WILL
Wow… you… wow. Uh, flowers… for you.
CAMERON smiles, takes them, and ushers WILL in.
CAMERON
Thanks, Will. That’s sweet. Come in, meet my aunt. I’ll go put these in some water.
WILL
(stuttering)
O – O - Okay.
WILL aimlessly walks through the house, looking around like in a dream. The house is nice. It’s not quite as lavish as Becker’s, but it’s almost as large. It’s packed with lots of sculptures and paintings, some famous replicas, some original works CAMERON did herself. CAMERON’S AUNT enters. She looks a good ten years younger than WILL’s parents.
AUNT
You must be Will. I’m Cameron’s aunt, but I suppose you knew that, hmm?
WILL
Oh, hello, Mrs. -
AUNT
Anne, call me Anne. I’m not that old, am I?
(beat)
I know I was a bit lenient with Cam last time, but I’d appreciate it if you brought her home at a more reasonable hour this time - by midnight, perhaps?
WILL
Oh, of course, I’m sorry -
ANNE
No need to apologize, Will. Cam told me everything. It’s not a big deal.
WILL is surprised to hear this. He is grateful that at least one adult doesn’t appear to be against him. Then, CAMERON re-enters.
CAMERON
I’m ready. Let’s go.
ANNE
Have fun, dear.
CAMERON
Bye!
CAMERON gives her aunt a quick peck on the cheek as WILL begins to leave. ANNE’s hand on CAMERON’s shoulder stops her before she too exits.
ANNE
(soft)
Did you tell him yet?
CAMERON rolls her eyes, shakes her head no, and then walks off.
CUT TO:
INT. AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT – LATER.
CAMERON and WILL are seated at a candle lit table away from most of the dinner crowd. They are halfway through their meals and in the midst of conversation.
WILL
- And then I left without even telling them goodbye. They drive me crazy sometimes. I mean, they’re nice people. My friends say they’re cool for parents and all, but sometimes, I just can’t stand to live with them. What about you, what are your parents like?
CAMERON
My parents?
CAMERON winces.
WILL
Oh, is this not a good subject? I’m sorry -
CAMERON
No. No, it’s okay, really. It’s just… I don’t talk about it much. I never knew my father. He left my mom before I was born. My mom died a year ago from cancer. It was real sudden.
WILL
Damn, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to –
CAMERON
It’s okay. You didn’t know.
(beat)
I stayed with my grandparents until I finished out the school year, then moved out here to be with Aunt Anne. My mom grew up around here. My grandparents are real sweet, but they aren’t capable of raising a seventeen year old girl.
WILL
You seem to be coping pretty well, considering. How do you do it?
CAMERON
I’m not saying I’m glad any of it happened, far from it. It sucks, and I was miserable for a long time, but eventually, I realized it’s pointless to be bitter about the cards we’ve been dealt. You just have to accept it and be thankful for what you have. It might suck, but it’s all you’ve got.
WILL
You amaze me, you know that?
CAMERON blushes.
CUT TO:
INT. THE MOVIES – Later.
CAMERON is cuddled close to WILL in the back corner of the theater. Her head rests on his shoulder and WILL’s hands wrap around her. He squeezes her hand tightly, puts his head down on hers, and kisses her forehead gently. They both have a look of complete bliss on their faces.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MOVIE THEATER – later.
WILL and CAMERON walk out from the theater holding hands. It is now dark and pouring rain.
CAMERON
Look! It’s raining!
WILL
Want me to go get the car and pull up?
CAMERON
Are you kidding? Come on!
CAMERON tugs at his hand and begins to run out from the cover they were under and into the parking lot, dragging WILL behind her. They head for the car, splashing water everywhere, laughing and yelling. Finally, they make it, but not before getting soaked.
WILL
I can’t believe I just did that.
CAMERON
Oh, come on. You never do that?
WILL
Uh, no. Unlike Extraordinary Cameron, Average Will usually has an umbrella or stays inside when it’s raining.
CAMERON
How ordinary.
WILL
Story of my life.
(beat)
Well, we have half an hour. You want to go home now or what?
CAMERON
Actually, if you wouldn’t mind too terribly much, can we go to the video store? I’ll be up all night anyway, so I might as well have something to watch.
WILL
Sure.
CUT TO:
INT. THE LOCAL VIDEO STORE – LATER.
At the counter, TREY is in uniform working. He notices WILL and CAMERON walk into the store, still wet, but turns away. They don’t notice him, as they are laughing and talking in their own little world.
CAMERON
Pop quiz. Top five teen movies, 1980’s.
WILL
Nice one.
(thinks)
Okay, I think I’ve got five.
CAMERON
Let’s hear them.
WILL
Five, Heathers.
CAMERON
Ah, of course.
WILL
Four, Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
CAMERON
If you say because of the Phoebe Cates pool scene, I’ll kill you.
WIll
In that case, moving on… three, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
CAMERON
Classic.
WILL
But misleading. Not once when I’ve skipped have I ever encountered the same kind of hijinx. Which brings me to number two… The Breakfast Club.
CAMERON
Another excellent choice. What’s the connection?
WILL
Back in junior high, Trey and I purposely got in enough trouble to warrant a Saturday detention… you know, to check it out, see if it’d be anything like in the movie.
CAMERON
And?
WILL
Total disappointment. Hilarity did not ensue.
CAMERON
How sad. And number one?
WILL
(beat)
Say Anything.
CAMERON is a little surprised.
CAMERON
Hmm. A closet hopeless romantic?
WILL
Yeah, yeah. Keep it quiet. If the guys find out, they’ll revoke my membership to the gym.
CAMERON
(playful)
Shut up and help me find what I’m looking for.
WILL
Which is?
CAMERON
Breakfast at Tiffany’s. What can I say, I love Audrey.
TREY (O.S.)
Classics, one aisle to the right, three rows back.
CAMERON and WILL turn, seeing TREY. WILL’s expression changes immediately. CAMERON senses the tension.
CAMERON
Thanks, Trey. I’ll be right back.
She rather briskly walks off to find the movie, leaving TREY and WILL in an awkward silence.
After a long, uncomfortable pause, TREY speaks.
TREY
I tried to call you before, but you never picked up.
WILL
I was busy.
TREY
So what’s her deal?
WILL
What are you talking about?
TREY
I don’t know, you always go for the girls with baggage. Heather and her stepdad, for instance. You always go for the girls who you think need to be saved.
WILL
You know, Trey, sometimes, you can be a real asshole.
TREY
And sometimes you can be really oblivious. Do you realize last night was the first time I didn’t ride shotgun in your car?
WILL
Is that what you’re pissed about? Jesus, Trey!
TREY
You know what? Forget it. Forget I said anything. It’s obvious you’re not concerned with anything but your new obsession. Just remember who tried to help you. I hope you’re real happy, Will. Try not to forget to invite me to the goddamn wedding, okay?
WILL
And I thought I was supposed to be the melodramatic one. God, Trey, get a grip. It was one night.
(beat)
And besides, this time, I think I’m the one who’s being saved.
TREY rolls his eyes, still displeased. CAMERON bounds back into the scene with a video tape in hand. She apprehensively approaches the boys.
CAMEROn
Found it. You ready, Will?
WILL
Yeah. I was just saying goodbye.
WILL leads CAMERON away to the front counter, where another worker checks them out. TREY watches them go, sulking.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAMERON’s AUNT’s HOUSE – MIDNIGHT.
WILL and CAMERON stand on the front doorstep, kissing. WILL breaks away slowly.
CAMERON
As much fun as this has been, you do realize we can’t do this every night for the rest of the summer, right?
WILL
(joking)
Every other night?
CAMERON
(laughs, pushes him away)
Goodnight, Will.
WILL
Night.
WILL gives her one more quick kiss goodbye, lingers for a moment, then lets her go.
CUT TO:
DATE MONTAGE BEGINS.
WILL (V.O.)
Cameron and I spent a lot of time together the next few weeks. We hung out practically every day.
1. WILL and CAMERON are at a park. They have a makeshift picnic set up. WILL is eating a sandwich, but CAMERON has skipped straight to dessert. She grabs a can of whipped cream, shakes it, and sprays WILL in the face with it. He freezes for a beat, then jumps on her. The two wrestle for the can, laughing.
2. At the zoo – CAMERON is making faces at the monkeys who imitate her. WILL, eating an ice cream come, begins to crack up. In doing so, he drops the cone. CAMERON laughs, then gives him a mocking sad face.
3. WILL and CAMERON inside the art museum. CAMERON is leading him around, explaining pieces. WILL pretends to fall asleep, which gets him a punch on the arm.
4. At a community theater, WILL, CAMERON, BECKER, and ALEXIA are watching a production together. WILL nudges BECKER and motions tot he girls. The boys share a knowing smile.
5. On a go-kart track – CAMERON speeds around the track with WILL in the passenger seat, screaming.
6. The beach – sundown. WILL and CAMERON are laying on a blanket together, watching the sunset. They kiss.
END DATE MONTAGE.
CUT TO:
INT. WILL’s BEDROOM – days later.
WILL is sprawled on his bed, phone in hand.
WILL (V.O.)
When we weren’t together, we were on the phone a lot. It was great. Cameron was one of the few girls I could talk to, I mean really talk to. We told each other everything. After a few weeks, I felt like I knew her better than most of my friends. And I think she probably knew me better than I knew myself. She could read me as good as anybody else, except maybe Trey.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE LOCAL VIDEO STORE -- MORNING
TREY sits on the sidewalk. Behind him, a large “CLOSED” sign hangs on the door. He looks up as an old man walks up to the door with keys and begins to unlock it. With a tired look on his face, TREY begins to rise and enter.
WILL (V.O.)
Trey… Trey and I still weren’t on good terms. He was busy working a lot, and I was pretty busy myself with Cameron. I felt bad, because we had never resolved our problem, but I didn’t think it was a big deal. He had other friends - parties to go to, girls to hook up with. I assumed without me around, he’d just be free to do even more things, things I might’ve held him back from.
(beat)
Worst case scenario, I’d sit down and talk to him at the next get together at Becker’s. I mean, we weren’t talking at the moment, but we’d work it out eventually. We’d always be best friends, right?
CUT TO:
ext. a playground – dusk.
WILL sits on a swing in the playground of an elementary school. He is barely moving. In the background, little kids play, parents nowhere in sight. WILL appears deep in thought.
A voice nudges him out of his reflection.
CAMERON (o.s.)
Is this seat taken?
WILL turns around, surprised. He didn’t expect company.
CAMERON
I called your house. Your mom said you’d be here.
WILL
You talked to my mom? Ugh. How horrible was she?
CAMERON
She was nice, Will.
WILL
Yeah, I’ll bet.
CAMERON sits down in the swing next to WILL facing the opposite direction.
CAMERON
Whatcha thinking about?
WILL
Stuff.
CAMERON
What kind of stuff?
(beat)
I’m not the enemy, Will. You can talk to me.
WILL
It just went by so fast.
CAMERON
What did?
WILL
Everything. This. Childhood.
CAMERON
Oh.
WILL
It’s just so damn scary to me how fast we grow up. There are kids I know, kids I’ve known since I was five getting sent to rehab or getting abortions… like we’re miniature adults all of a sudden.
CAMERON
Well, we’re not little kids anymore, Will.
WILL
I know, but…
(beat)
At those stupid parties, I start to think it’s all just a dream. Any second, I’ll wake back up and be a little kid again.
CAMERON
But you never wake up.
WILL
What the hell happened? Where did the time go?
CAMERON
You don’t plan it. It just happens.
WILL
I know, but sometimes I wish it didn’t. It was easier back then. Simpler. You didn’t worry about finding a job or getting into college or if some terrorist was going to blow you up.
WILL has to stop. He is getting himself worked up and doesn’t want CAMERON to see.
WILL
Look at those kids. Totally content. Not a care in the world. I miss that. They’re so naïve. But it’s temporary. Ten years from now, he’ll OD on heroin and she’ll get raped… or something equally tragic. And they have no idea.
WILL gets up from the swings and starts to walk away. CAMERON stands and stops him.
CAMERON
Growing up isn’t all bad, Will.
WILL
What makes you say that?
CAMERON
Little kids can’t do this.
She leans in and kisses him deeply. Soon, they are making out passionately.
CUT TO:
INT. BECKER’s - DAYS LATER.
The party is packed, even more so than last time. Various teens whir by, beer cups in hand, yelling, talking, and just generally being young and stupid. WILL and CAMERON enter. BECKER notices them and waves them over to where he and ALEXIA stand.
BECKER
Will! Hey!
WILL
Hey. You remember Cameron.
CAMERON
Hi.
ALEXIA
Scott was just telling me he had some news to share, but he was waiting for you and Trey to arrive.
WILL
Is he here yet?
BECKER
Trey? No. He should be soon.
On cue, TREY enters with three girls: ALLISON and ASHLEY from before, as well as another one of their friends.
TREY
Let’s get this party started!
A bunch of people rush to meet TREY. WILL looks on with a look of disdain. BECKER notices.
BECKER
Still haven’t spoken to him, have you?
WILL can’t even reply.
BECKER
Trey! Come over here!
TREY
(aside)
Excuse me, ladies.
(to group)
Becker! Alexia!
(beat, eyeing WILL)
Tony, Maria.
BECKER
I wanted to make an announcement. The band and I made a few demo tapes and I sent them off to New York to a bunch of club owners. Well, today, I finally got a positive response.
Alexia
Scott, that’s incredible!
BECKER
I still have to tell the other guys, but this one club wants us to be their house band, and the owner said he could get us some other gigs in the area, too. A lot of big music producers scout the club out, too, so there’s a chance that after a few months, we could get signed by a label!
WILL
Wow.
TREY
Congrats, man.
CAMERON
That’s awesome.
ALEXIA
Wait, when would you go to New York? It’s the middle of summer and then we’ve got senior year.
BECKER
I thought about it, and I decided I want to go now. School will always be there if I want to finish later. An opportunity like this only comes once in a lifetime.
ALEXIA
And what do you expect me to do!?
BECKER
(as if it’s obvious)
Come with me.
WILL, CAMERON, and TREY look visibly uncomfortable seeing an argument between the golden couple break out. They don’t want to just leave, but they hate to watch it happen. ALEXIA is devastated by BECKER’s nonchalant answer, almost to tears.
ALEXIA
You think I can just pick up and move to New York with you now? Scott, I’ve got another year of school. How do you expect me to even have a chance at Julliard if I don’t finish high school! My entire life is here!
BECKER
I’m sorry, ‘Lex, but I can’t turn this down. If I don’t do this, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
ALEXIA
Then you’ll have to do it without me.
ALEXIA storms off, trying not to completely break down. CAMERON bites her lip, begins to head towards her, then turns to WILL.
CAMERON
I should talk to her. She needs to talk to another girl about this kind of thing. I’ll find you later.
CAMERON walks after ALEXIA, leaving the three guys standing there, dumbfounded at what just went down. The silence is broken by JASON running into view, staggering around, drunk per usual.
JASON
Whooo! Party!
(beat)
Did I miss something?
BECKER
(soft)
My band’s going to New York to play at a club on a permanent basis.
JASON
Then why so glum, my man?
WILL
Alexia.
JASON
(realizing)
Oh. Sorry, dude.
He pats BECKER on the back, then walks off, still staggering a bit. BECKER walks the opposite way, heading upstairs to his room to sulk. TREY and WILL are left standing alone.
WILL
I guess this isn’t the best time, but I need to talk to you, Trey.
TREY
No, you made me wait before. Now it’s your turn. Besides, I think Becker needs some company right now.
TREY walks off, rejoining his crowd. WILL stands in place, watching, then turns and heads up the stairs, slowly dragging his feet as he goes.
CUT TO:
INT. BECKER’s BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS.
BECKER sits on his bed, guitar in hand, unplugged. He absentmindedly strums a few notes, staring into space. WILL knocks on the door, which is half closed, and the gentle tapping opens it the rest of the way. He steps in, hesitant.
WILL
Can I come in?
BECKER
I guess.
WILL
You going to be okay?
BECKER
What the hell just happened?
WILL sits down beside BECKER on the bed.
WILL
You’ll talk to her. It’ll be okay.
BECKER
I didn’t even think about it… that she’d have to change her plans, too. I mean, I just assumed she’d jump at the chance. This is something we’ve dreamt of.
WILL
You have to understand her point of view, Becker. She’s got too much to give up here.
BECKER
Yeah, but I’ve got too much to lose by not going. I can’t do it without her, either… I can’t imagine a single day without her, let alone a year.
WILL
You can’t expect her to leave now, Becker. It’s asking too much. But you can’t let that stop you. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. If you give this up…
BECKER
I’d regret it for the rest of my life. I have to go, Will. This is what I’ve waited my whole life for, to get away from all this crap here with my folks and the money and just play… but at what cost? I can’t lose her, Will.
WILL
You and Alexia really love each other, don’t you?
BECKER
Yeah.
WILL
Then you’ll be able to work through it in the end.
BECKER
I don’t know, Will. This isn’t a fairy tale. Not everything is a guaranteed happily ever after.
WILL
Look, you and Alexia have will have to talk about this when she calms down. Just let her come to terms with this right now, and maybe tomorrow or in a few days, the two of you can properly deal with it… together. Until then, don’t drive yourself crazy over it.
BECKER
Easy for you to say.
(beat)
Promise me one thing, Will.
WILL
What’s that?
BECKER
Don’t ever take a single moment with Cameron for granted. You never know when life will get in the way.
WILL
Hey, man, it was one fight - the relationship isn’t over. You two are too close to let one thing ruin everything.
BECKER
I could say the same for you and a certain party guest, couldn’t I?
WILL
I know, I know. I’m working on it.
CUT TO:
INT. BECKER’S HOUSE, DOWNSTAIRS - SAME TIME.
CAMERON and ALEXIA sit on a sofa. A tissue box is between them. CAMERON has an hand on ALEXIA’s arm, trying to comfort her.
ALEXIA
- I can’t believe he’d do such a thing. He didn’t even consult with me first, he just made up his mind and tried to make up mine, too!
CAMERON
He probably wanted it to be a surprise. It was a huge thing for him. He didn’t have time to think it over. This is his dream, Alexia, you know that.
ALEXIA
We were going to do this together. After high school. He knows I can’t leave now. I’ve got auditions for community theater, I’ve got the fall and spring productions… it’s my senior year, for christ’s sake! I’m not ready for this yet!
CAMERON
But he is.
ALEXIA
I know, but… oh, God, why is it so complicated? I thought we were beyond this.
CAMERON
If it were easy, it wouldn’t be real.
Suddenly, there is a loud shriek. Everybody turns.
BRITNEY (O.S.)
Becker! Help!
WILL and BECKER race down the steps. ALEXIA and CAMERON come in from the other room. At the bottom of the steps, a frantic BRITNEY stands, shaking.
BECKER
What is it?
BRITNEY
It’s Jason! I can’t find him anywhere!
BECKER
You have his keys, right?
BRITNEY
I did before, but he must’ve grabbed them out of my pocket when we were dancing.
WILL
Do you have any idea where he might’ve gone?
BRITNEY
The last time I saw him, he was looking for pizza in the fridge. He said you were out.
BECKER
Let’s go! Come on!
A large group of people rush out the front door. WILL, CAMERON, and ALEXIA go into WILL’s car; BECKER takes BRITNEY and TREY. A few other cars follow behind them as they drive out of the neighborhood in hot pursuit.
cUT TO:
INT. WILL’s CAR - MOMENTS LATER
CAMERON
Do you think he’s all right?
WILL
I don’t know, Cam. If he is, Becker’s going to kill him for driving. That’s his one rule - if you get trashed at his house, you either stay the night and sleep it off or have someone sober drive you home. Jason ought to know better.
ALEXIA
I don’t know why he lets people have alcohol in his house anyway. It’s not as if he ever drinks.
CUT TO:
INT. BECKER’S CAR - SAME TIME.
BECKER
Please let him be okay. I will never throw another party in my life, just let us find him on the side of the road passed out and perfectly fine, please…
BRITNEY
I’m so sorry… so sorry…
She’s hysterical. TREY numbly puts a hand on her hand, squeezing it. Her sobs quiet.
CUT TO:
EXT. A STRIP MALL - MOMENTS LATER.
A car is parked halfway through the front window of a pizza parlor. Glass is shattered everywhere. An ambulance and a police car are parked nearby. WILL and BECKER both pull up, looking on with horror.
POLICEMAN
Kids, I’m going to have to ask you to back up.
BECKER
He’s our friend.
The policeman tries to hold them back as the EMT’s load a bloodied, unconscious JASON onto a gurney.
POLICEMAN
Really? Well, would you happen to know why his BAL is over three times the legal limit?
An awkward pause.
CAMERON
Is he -
POLICEMAN
They’re taking him to County General now. It’s too early to tell, but he looked pretty bad. I suggest you kids either head home or head to the hospital - it’s going to be a long night. I’ve got to contact the parents now, if you’ll excuse me.
The ambulance and the policeman pull away. The group is just left standing there, alone, looking around in shock.
After a long pause, they go back to the cars and exit.
SLOW CUT TO:
INT. HOPSITAL WAITING ROOM – LATER.
BECKER and ALEXIA sit in two chairs off in a corner, talking quietly to each other. CAMERON is separate from them, next to BRITNEY, who has fallen asleep on her shoulder. TREY is pacing down the nearby hallway back and forth. WILL is nowhere to be found.
CUT TO:
INT. THE HOSPITAL CAFATERIA - SAME TIME.
The cafeteria is completely empty, save for WILL, who sits glummly at a table with a styrofoam cup of coffee in his hand. After finishing the cup, he crushes it in his hand, then bangs his head against the table, resting his forehead there. He keeps it there for several beats until footsteps are audible and he looks up.
TREY
You want to talk, we’ll talk.
WILL
Not now, Trey. Not tonight. Tomorrow.
TREY
There is no tomorrow, Will. It’s now or never. I am tired of keeping this bottled up. You want to talk? This is it.
WILL
Jesus, Trey, haven’t we been through enough?
TREY
No, Will. We’ve still got one more circle of hell to go through.
WILL
What the hell is your problem?
TREY
My problem? You know why you’re so depressed right now? It’s not because Jason’s hurt, but because you weren’t there to stop it before it happened. You want to be the hero, Will? You failed.
WILL
Fuck you.
TREY
No, fuck you. I’m sick of this bullshit, Will. You’re so goddamn oblivious, aren’t you? You can’t even see what’s going on between us. Do you know what this is even about?
WILL
You being bitter about me spending time with my girlfriend?
TREY
You’re so goddamn self absorbed, Will. It makes me sick. A few weeks ago, when you dropped me off of that party, I was doing some thinking. I was mad at you for ditching me, yeah, but I would’ve gotten over it. Then I sat at that party and realized I was tired of it - everything. Those people. There’s not a single one of them I can even stand to look at anymore. I have to put on a fucking act every time I’m even near any of them, and I hate myself for it.
WILL
And this is my problem how?
TREY
You’re the only genuine friend I have, Will. Jason and Becker are friends, but it’s not the same. We’ve been through more. Yet to see you know… you’re so wrapped up in yourself that you’ve ignored everything and everyone else. Well, I’m done being around for your little soul-searching sessions. I’m done listening to you ramble on in meticulous detail about your problems. If Cameron can put up with that bullshit, then good for her - she’s a better person because of it. But I’m done, Will. I’m done.
Before WILL can even respond, TREY walks out. WILL is left with his mouth agape, stunned beyond belief. As TREY leaves, CAMERON enters.
CAMERON
I’ve been looking for you, Will… Will? Are you okay?
WILL
It’s over.
CAMERON
What?
WILL
Ten years of friendship. Just thrown away. I can’t believe this, Cam. I figured we’d talk, work it out. Instead, he bitches me out and storms off. And that’s it.
CAMERON
I’m so sorry, Will.
WILL
What the hell happened, Cameron? This night has been a total disaster.
CAMERON
The world’s an imperfect place. Bad things happen… and they suck… but there’s nothing we can do about it.
WILL slowly rises to his feet.
WILL
I don’t know what I’d do without you, Cam.
(beat)
Let’s go home.
Arm in arm, the two begin to exit.
CAMERON
Jason’s parents are here now. He should be in surgery already. Britney was staying with them. Alexia and Becker took Trey home.
WILL
Did they talk?
CAMERON
Yeah. I’m not sure how they’re going to work it out, exactly, but Becker’s going to New York with the band and Alexia’s staying here.
WILL
God.
CAMERON
I think they’ll be okay. It might be a rough at first, but they’ll be okay.
WILL
Promise me we won’t end up like that.
CAMERON
Like what?
WILL
Let’s just promise we’ll never let anything keep us apart.
CAMERON gives WILL a glance. She seems to think he’s just being a good boyfriend. WILL is dead serious.
CAMERON
I promise.
She kisses WILL on the cheek, then clings to his arm as they head out the door. They are about to walk out of the hospital when a voice calls out.
DOCTOR (O.S.)
Cameron?
CAMERON turns around, surprised.
CAMERON
Oh, hi, Dr. Ramone.
DOCTOR
What are you doing here tonight?
CAMERON
A friend was in an accident.
DOCTOR
I’m sorry. Well, I’ll let you go, you must be tired. Oh, and Cameron…
CAMERON
Yes?
DOCTOR
I do need a decision about… the thing we discussed when you come in for your next treatment tomorrow.
CAMERON
Uh, yeah, of course. Goodnight.
CAMERON turns and leaves in a hurry. She glances at WILL, seeing if he noticed what was said or not. TREY was right; he is very self-absorbed. He didn’t catch a thing.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAMERON’s AUNT’s HOUSE – LATER.
WILL parks in the driveway. He and CAMERON get out, share a quick kiss at the front door, and then WILL shuffles his feet back to the car. He stays in the driveway for a long pause, staring blankly straight ahead. Then, he pulls out and drives, but in the opposite direction from every other time he has left her house.
As he drives aimlessly, we hear his narration.
WILL (V.O.)
I guess this is what I get for wishing things weren’t boring, huh? In the span of a few hours, everything was beginning to crumble. I saw the one couple I thought would always last practically break up. I saw a good friend nearly die and end up in critical condition. But worst of all, I had my best friend abandon me. I felt awful. I had Cameron, but I was unsatisfied. Was I doomed to walk around for the rest of my life always miserable about something?
It’s frightening, really. I came to this realization that I would never be completely happy. I’d never be content about anything. I was scared. I had no clue what the rest of the summer held. I thought this was as bad as it could get.
I didn’t know a goddamn thing.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. WILL’s HOUSE - EARLY MORNING.
WILL walks through the front door, rubbing his eyes. As his vision focuses, he sees both of his parents standing in front of him, looking very displeased.
JANE
I thought we went over this last time, Will.
WILL
It’s been a long night, okay? Can we talk about it in the morning?
JAMES
No, we cannot. Consider yourself grounded for the rest of summer. Your car priviledges are also gone unless your mother or I give your permission otherwise.
WILL
What the hell are you talking about!?
JAMES
You better take the base out of your voice, young man.
WILL
You’re not even going to listen to me?
JANE
We gave you a chance. You abused your priviledges. I’m sorry, honey, but that’s how it is.
JAMES
Summer is halfway over, and what have you done? Sat around in your room or gone out with your friends. Did you get a job? Did you take any summer classes? No. You’re just sitting on your ass wasting away.
WILL
Do you know what I’ve been through tonight?
JAMES
I don’t care about whatever trivial teenage problems you’ve been out all night contemplating, Will. You broke curfew, you disobeyed us. Now you pay the price.
WILL can’t believe it. For a moment, he is frozen there. Then, anger overtakes him. He pushes past his dad to the stairs, heading for his room.
CUT TO:
INT. WILL’s ROOM – CONTINUOUS.
WILL grabs a bag from his closet and begins to toss clothes into it.
JANE (O.S.)
Will? What are you doing?
Rushing, WILL exits his room with as much as he can carry in a single bag. He stomps down the steps, where his father stands, waiting.
JAMES
What the hell do you think you’re doing?
WILL
Leaving. Jason’s in the hospital, Alexia and Becker broke up, and Trey and I just ended our friendship. I’ve been through enough tonight. I don’t need to deal with your bullshit on top of it.
JAMES
Will -
WILL
No. Goodbye.
WILL reaches for the doorknob, but is met by his father’s hand on his shoulder. WILL turns to him, furious, and forcefully swipes his father’s hand away. WILL storms out the front door, walks with a purpose to his car, throws the bag in, climbs in, revs the engine, and drives off. His dad is left standing on the front stoop, staring into the dark road.
JAMES
(soft, incredulous)
How was I supposed to know?
CUT TO:
EXT. BECKER’S HOUSE – LATER.
WILL stands at BECKER’s front door. BECKER has the front door open, and he holds a broom in one hand. He has been trying to clean up.
WILL
- So I thought maybe I could stay here. It’s close to Cameron and all, and you’re really the only one I could go to.
BECKER
Well, I have to finish cleaning up. You can help me. I guess you can crash here for now. I talked to my parents -- I had to tell them what happened, and about New York. They’re coming in earlier now, but not for another day. Then they’re driving me to the airport and I’m gone. You’re on your own after that.
WILL
They’re going to let you go?
BECKER
They don’t care anymore. They gave up on me a long time ago.
WILL
I know how you feel.
CUT TO:
INT. BECKER’s HOUSE - MORNING
WILL and BECKER continue to clean up the mess made from the previous night. As they sweep and collect trash, they talk.
BECKER
Hell of a day last night, huh?
WILL
What happened, Becker? One day we’re all sitting around, laughing, and nothing’s wrong. Then you turn around and everything’s upside down.
BECKER
Welcome to the end of innocence, my friend.
WILL
Think we can go to the hospital later today and check on Jason?
BECKER
He should be out of surgery. I don’t know if they’ll allow visitors, but… I have to see him before I leave. I just feel guilty.
WILL
It’s not your fault, Becker. It was out of your hands.
BECKER
I still feel like shit, though.
WILL
Me too, man. Me too.
CUT TO:
INT. THE HOSPITAL - THAT AFTERNOON.
We see BECKER sitting in the waiting room, talking with two adults, presumably MR. and MRS. HEXTALL. He is quite emotional in his apology. WILL walks down the hallway, finally stopping at a room with the door half-open. He glances at the number, then peers in.
It’s Jason’s room. He lays there, heavily bandaged, with several machines hooked up to him. His eyes are open. Barely, but open.
JASON
(breathless)
Will? Is that you?
WILL
Hi, Jase.
WILL walks into the room, closing the door behind him. He comes closer, hesitant.
JASON
Not too pretty, is it?
He tries to sit up to face WILL, but can’t.
WILL
Are you going to be okay?
JASON
I cracked a few ribs… broke my back… doctors aren’t sure if I’ll regain feeling below the waist or not. I can move my neck a little, that’s a good sign. But I think my football career is over.
WILL
Can you walk?
JASON doesn’t reply. He sniffs in hard, trying to hold back tears.
JASON
(choking up)
I don’t think so, Will. If I can, it won’t be for a long, long time.
WILL takes JASON’s hand and squeezes it. JASON lets out a few sobs, letting himself get it out. WILL looks at him and his eyes begin to swell.
WILL
We were scared for you, Jason. What you did -
JASON
It was stupid. I know. Believe me, I know.
WILL
I mean, you could’ve died, Jason. Or killed someone else.
JASON
I don’t know what I’ll do when I get out, Will. My football scholarships were the only way I could get into college. Now I’m screwed. I’ll have to try to bust my ass in school, but I don’t think I can do it. I’m not smart like you, Will.
WILL
We’ll help you, Jase. You’re smarter than you give yourself credit for.
JASON
Then how come I wasn’t smart enough to realize how stupid I was last night? God, Will. Football is my life. Do you know what it feels like to have your love taken away from you?
WILL
No, I don’t.
JASON
(hopeful)
I guess I could try and get into broadcasting or coaching or something like that, but… I don’t know.
(beat)
I know one thing, though. I’m never going to take another drink again. I swear it, Will. I’m never touching alcohol again. It’s not worth it. It’s just not worth it.
A nurse walks in, sees WILL.
NURSE
I’m sorry, I’ll have to ask you to leave now. Visiting hours are over now.
WILL
Okay.
(to Jason)
Did Becker tell you that he’s leaving for New York tomorrow night?
JASON
Yeah, he came in here while you were with my parents. Is he talking to them now?
WILL
Yeah.
JASON
Make sure he knows it’s not his fault, it’s mine. Okay?
WILL
Sure thing. Bye.
With a half-smile, WILL walk out. He is almost down the hallway when he sees a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye.
WILL
Cameron?
From the opposite side of the hallway, CAMERON turns around, surprised. She is wearing a hospital gown. WILL begins to walk to her.
CAMERON
Oh, hi, Will.
WILL
What are you doing here?
CAMERON
Uh, it’s nothing. Just a routine check up.
(beat)
Would you want to come over later, after I get done here?
WILL
Sure. Do you want me to wait for you?
CAMERON
No, that’s okay. I won’t be long.
WILL
Okay, I’ll be at Becker’s. I gave you the number before, right?
CAMERON
Yeah. I thought that was your car I saw in his driveway this morning. Didn’t you go home last night?
WILL
Long story. I’ll tell you about it later.
CAMERON
Okay. Bye.
WILL and CAMERON kiss goodbye. WILL continues towards the exit, where BECKER is ready for him. WILL turns back once, a quizzical look on his face, then shrugs it off and goes.
CUT TO:
INT. CAMERON’s AUNT’s HOUSE – NIGHT.
CAMERON is lying on the couch, watching TV. She looks flushed. WILL is pacing back and forth above the couch.
WILL
I really didn’t plan this whole leaving home thing very well. I don’t know where I’m going to stay after tonight. Once Becker leaves, I don’t think his parents will want me around.
CAMERON
You should go home, Will. Talk to your parents. Work it out.
(beat)
But not tonight. Stay here.
WILL
What?
CAMERON
I told you, Will, my aunt drove up to my grandparents. She won’t be back until morning.
WILL
You want me to spend the night? To do what?
CAMERON
(mocking)
So I can paint your nails and do your hair, of course!
(winks)
What do you think I want to do?
WILL can’t believe what he is hearing. He tries to act casual.
WILL
Oh. Well, okay. Let me just run across the street and tell Becker that I’ll be home in the morning.
CAMERON
You could just call.
WILL
No – no, that’s okay. I’ll be right back. You – you don’t go anywhere.
CAMERON indulges him. WILL tries to exit coolly, but fails miserably.
CUT TO:
int. cameron’s aunt’s house – moments later.
WILL rushes back in, locking the door behind him. The lights have all been dimmed. CAMERON has changed into a slip. She waits at the foot of the steps leading upstairs.
WILL
Wow. Very subtle.
CAMERON
Oh, shut up and make love to me.
WILL
Well, if you insist…
He wakes over to her and scoops her up into his arms. She nods, impressed. WILL takes a step up – and promptly trips, dropping her.
WILL (CONT’D)
Shit! Sorry.
CAMERON starts to giggle.
CAMERON
You sure know how to put a girl in the mood, Romeo.
WILL
Ineptitude is part of my charm. Come on.
CUT TO:
int. cameron’s room – continuous.
CAMERON is on the bed – waiting. WILL has shed his clothes and is standing in his boxers. He freezes.
CAMERON
What? What’s wrong?
WILL
Condom. I had them – I mean, not that I expected this or anything, but I had them just in case it ever did, but – they’re at home.
WILL is frustrated. CAMERON just gives him a smile and points to the top drawer of her nightstand. WILL walks over, opens it, and looks inside.
CAMERON
(off his look)
What? A girl never knows when some inept sweetheart might sweep her off her feet.
(smiles)
Always be prepared. Didn’t they teach you that in Boy Scouts?
WILL laughs. He reaches into the drawer, then turns off the lamp on top of the nightstand. Everything is dark now. Only outlines are visible. WILL climbs up onto the bed. He and CAMERON begin to kiss and caress.
WILL
Wait. Before we do this, I want to say this first.
(beat)
I love you, Cameron.
CAMERON
Will, you don’t have to say that just because we’re going to have sex.
WILL
No, I know. I wanted to say it. I mean it, Cam. I love you.
CAMERON
I love you, too, Will. I love you, too.
The dialogue stops. WILL and CAMERON continue to fumble around in the dark. From the sound of it, it is awkward at first. After a few beats, CAMERON lets out a soft moan.
CUT TO:
int. the airport – later.
The previously unseen MR. and MRS. BECKER are chatting with a few other people just outside the security check leading to the gate to New York. BECKER is a few feet away from them, a carry on-bag one in hand and his guitar case in the other. WILL stands next to him, looking through the big glass window at the plane. ALEXIA is there, too, standing close to BECKER
WILL
There it is, Becker. Your future.
ALEXIA
Promise me you’ll call.
BECKER
I will.
ALEXIA
Just because we’re not going to be together doesn’t mean I’m not your friend, Scott. I’ll always be here.
BECKER
I know, babe.
ATTENDENT (o.s.)
Flight 1847 to New York is now boarding. First call for Flight 1847.
WILL
I guess this is it, huh, Becker?
BECKER
If things don’t smooth out for you, don’t hesitate to come out and stay with me, all right? Oh, and, Will, do me a favor.
WILL
What’s that?
BECKER
Call me Scott.
WILL smiles. They shake hands, but it turns into a hug. WILL breaks it off after a few seconds. ALEXIA gives BECKER an even bigger one, and it’s BECKER who has to break this one away. He looks at them both, grinning.
BECKER
See you guys.
ALEXIA
Bye, Scott.
WILL
See ya.
BECKER turns and walks over to his parents. His dad tries to slip him some cash, but BECKER refuses. He pats his dad on the back, kisses his mom on the cheek, then walks towards the plane, not once looking back.
ALEXIA
He’s really going.
WILL
I gotta figure out where I’m going to stay. Do you think his parents will mind dropping me back off at their house to get my car?
ALEXIA
They’re taking me home already, so I doubt it.
(beat)
This has been some crazy summer, huh, Will?
WILL
It’s not over yet.
WILL puts an arm around ALEXIA and the two walk over to MR. and MRS. BECKER, who wave goodbye to the people they were talking to and go.
CUT TO:
INT. THE BECKERS CAR – LATER.
As they pull into the neighborhood, WILL’s attention goes to the house across the street: Cameron’s aunt’s. ANNE is standing on the sidewalk, face down. An ambulance passes by, leaving the neighborhood. WILL does a double take.
MR. BECKER
Another goddamn ambulance.
WILL
Let me out.
WILL opens the side door and jumps out before the car has even completely stopped. He runs over to ANNE, who is crying hysterically.
WILL
Anne? Anne!?
ANNE
I knew I shouldn’t have left her alone. I thought she could handle it.
WILL
What are you talking about?
ANNE
She’s gone, Will.
WILL
What?
ANNE
Cameron’s gone.
ANNE reveals a folded up piece of paper and hands it to WILL.
ANNE
She left you this.
WILL freezes. His mind can’t comprehend. It’s too sudden. He doesn’t understand. He takes the letter, unfolds it, and begins to read.
CAMERON (V.O.)
Dear Will,
I wanted to tell you the truth, but I was afraid. I didn’t want to ruin anything. Finding you here was the best thing that ever happened to me. When I moved here, it wasn’t just to come back to the place where my mother was born. It was to die where she had lived. I was diagnosed four months ago with the same type of cancer that took her life. It wasn’t bad at first, and I had treatment for it, but it began to spread. The other day at the hospital, I had to make a decision with the doctor: undergo a new, tougher treatment that might do more damage to my health or stop treatment and wait to die.
I chose neither.
I refused to watch myself wilt into a weak, helpless person. I also refused to undergo a treatment I knew would do more harm than good. My mother suffered so badly before she passed. I didn’t want to go through that, Will. I had to do this myself.
I hope someday that you can understand why I didn’t have the heart to tell you sooner. I knew it would only make things harder if you knew the truth. Please forgive me.
I only wish I could’ve seen you one last time to tell you just how much you’ve meant to me in my final moments. You became my passion, Will.
Love always, Cameron.
WILL is speechless. He lets the paper fall to the ground.
ANNE
I came home half an hour ago and found her upstairs. She overdosed on sleeping pills and died in her sleep.
WILL
No…
ANNE
Oh, God, Will -
WILL
No, this isn’t happening - this isn’t real!
He drops to his knees. The tears begin to flow as the realization comes. He cannot deny the truth. WILL is crushed. He reaches for the crumbled paper, gripping it tightly.
WILL
We promised… we promised…
Shaking, he stands, then begins to run off down the road. ALEXIA and the BECKERS drive by, yelling out to him, but to no avail.
Tears streaming down his face, WILL begins to run as hard as he can as far away as his legs will take him. As he does, we hear his narration.
WILL (V.O.)
In an instant, your world is never the same. You never see it coming - any of it. You refuse to believe anything bad could ever happen - to you, your friends, your family. But it does. And when it does and you’re not prepared, it hits like you a brick wall. I lost it when it sunk in… I absolutely lost it. My mind was so clouded, my heart was racing. My brain wasn’t functioning right. All I could think about was Cameron and the feeling inside me like someone had ripped out my heart and left a giant hole.
And then I remembered the promise we had made that night at the hospital. And the story I had told her the first night we were together.
And that’s when I knew what to do.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILL’s HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER.
WILL slowly rises from a crouching position on the roof. He looks out over the edge. It’s a long way down. The promise echoes in his head.
WILL (V.O.)
Let’s just promise we’ll never let anything keep us apart.
WILL closes his eyes, breathing hard. He slowly begins to take several steps, his arms outstretched.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILL’s HOUSE – FLASHBACK.
A young WILL begins to walk towards the edge of the roof, arms outstretched. He nears the edge, looks down, and then begins to leap…
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. WILL’s HOUSE - REAL TIME.
… and WILL jumps off the roof, landing with the weight of his body on his leg, with a sickening thud. The force of impact knocks him unconscious. A pool of blood from his head begins to form on the ground. We hear the front door slam open.
JANE (o.S.)
What was that sound? Oh my god… James! James! Call 911! Oh, my God! Will!
SLOW FADE TO:
INT. THE HOSPITAL - WEEKS LATER.
WILL lays in bed, his left leg in a cast. His face is covered in bruises. A doctor in regular clothes sits in a chair next to him, notebook in hand.
WILL
And that’s basically it. That’s how I ended up in here.
DOCTOR
I’m glad we finally got you to open up, Mr. Parker. That’s quite a story.
WILL
It’s funny, isn’t it, that I can remember all these stupid little details but I can’t remember a single thing from the time I was born until I was five.
DOCTOR
Will, I’m a doctor, not a psychiatrist. I work in the psychology ward here. They asked me to come in because of your situation. I deal with a lot of kids on a daily basis… sick kids. Kids who feel worthless and find no reason to live. You’re different, Will.
WILL
So you don’t think I’m crazy?
DOCTOR
Not any more than any other normal seventeen year old.
WILL
I just lost it, you know? It was like the entire world just caved in on me, and I couldn’t bear it anymore.
DOCTOR
And now?
WILL
After talking about it, I feel a little better. I still feel a little empty inside… and I still feel shitty about what’s happened… but I think I survived the jump for a reason. Like, it was a sign that I’ve got some more living to do.
DOCTOR
I’m glad to hear it. I might recommend a little trauma counseling none the less, but I think all in all, you’ll be okay. You just need some time to cope. You’ve experienced quite a lot in a short span. The mind and body can only take so much before they break down.
WILL
Tell me about it.
(beat)
So, I can leave whenever I want?
DOCTOR
You’re a free man, Will. Go wherever your crutches might take you. But may I make one suggestion.
WILL
What?
DOCTOR
You missed the funeral while recovering, correct? Well, I think it’d be in your best interest to say farewell to your Cameron. You’ll never have this part of your life finished if you don’t.
WILL
I don’t know if I have the strength, doc.
DOCTOR
Think of everything she taught you, Will. Everything you gained from being with her. You owe her a goodbye.
WILL
Yeah, I guess you’re right.
DOCTOR
I’ll leave you be, now. I believe you have some other visitors.
The doctor exits.
TREY (O.S.)
Will -
Apprehensively, TREY enters. He looks washed out from the events of the past few days.
TREY
I know this isn’t the best time, but I’m leaving for the airport to go to L.A. to stay with my brother for the rest of the summer and… I didn’t want to leave before I talked to you.
WILL looks at him, saying nothing.
TREY
We’ve been through a lot, you and I. This has been one hell of an experience. We’ve both been through hell. And I think we can agree this stuff is a lot harder to get through alone. Our friendship isn’t perfect, Will. Neither are we. But we’ve both seen too much fall apart this summer to let this crumble, too.
WILL
Yeah.
TREY
I need to go out to L.A., clear my head. I’ve been living a lie for too long, and I’m tired of it. When I come back, I’m starting over. I’m going to be the person I really am. I’m tired of being a joke.
WILL looks at him. TREY is sincere. WILL considers this for a few beats.
WILL
And I’m tired of trying to be a hero. I need to be able to save myself before I can save the rest of the world.
TREY
You feel bad about not being able to help Cameron, don’t you?
WILL
I know I couldn’t have done anything, but… part of me tries to justify that I could’ve. I feel like I let her down.
TREY
The only way you could ever let her down is if you ignored what she taught you, Will. I didn’t know her well, but I know how much she meant to you.
WILL
She was amazing.
TREY
I was jealous of you, you know.
WILL
Are you serious? Trey Sanders, big pimp on campus, jealous of Will Parker?
TREY
That’s another thing. The whole reputation. There’s something you ought to know if I’m going to be real.
(beat)
I’m still a virgin.
WILL
What? But - but you’ve told me - in sordid detail - about all the girls you’ve been with.
TREY
I never went all the way. The girls didn’t care. They were usually too scared to really do it, and if people thought we did it, it’d look just as good.
WILL
You’re telling me I have more sexual experience than you?
TREY
Woah, woah, woah. You and Cameron?
WILL
(realizing)
I had sex with a dead person.
TREY
She was still alive when it happened.
WILL
But still…
They share a quiet laugh. Then, there is an awkward silence. WILL fumbles to find the right words, but TREY stops him.
TREY
I gotta go, Will. This is for you.
He hands WILL a hardbound notebook.
TREY
Cameron told me you were writing again when she returned Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I figured you could use this.
WILL
Thanks.
TREY
See ya, Will.
WILL
See ya.
(beat)
Wait. Trey?
TREY
Yeah?
WILL
Once this all blows over, you think I could come out to Los Angeles and visit?
TREY
Will Parker leaving the suburbs and going to the big city? That’ll be the day.
TREY stops. WILL is serious.
TREY (CONT’D)
Yeah. I’m sure Kevin wouldn’t mind.
WILL
Thanks. I don’t mean for this. For everything.
TREY
Don’t ever scare me like that again, bastard.
They hug.
TREY
Take care, bro.
TREY exits, trying to leave before he gets emotional. Almost as soon as he does, WILL’s parents walk in.
WILL
Hi.
JANE
Oh, Will, we were so worried -
WILL
I’m okay, Mom. Really.
JAMES
We had no idea what you were going through, son. I guess we forgot what it’s like to be seventeen. I think it must be twice as hard these days for you young people. There’s so much more going on… it’s amazing you held it together as long as you did.
WILL
Thanks, I think.
JANE
Your father and I talked it over. If you need to, you can take a semester off from school. We can work something out… correspondence classes so you don’t get behind. That way, you can take it easy and go back whenever you’re ready.
WILL
Thanks. I think I need that.
JAMES
Are you ready to come home now?
WILL
Yeah, Dad. There’s just one place I need to stop first.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE CEMETARY – LATER.
WILL steps out from his dad’s Mercedes. As his parents wait in the car, WILL takes a bouquet of roses with him. Beneath them, he is still clutching the hardbound notebook TREY gave him. WILL walks through the gate, then stops abruptly by a tree. He can see the headstone in the distance and freezes.
WILL
(to himself)
Come on. You need to do this.
WILL slowly begins to walk towards the headstone. His breathing becomes heavier as he steps right in front of it.
He places the roses down on the grass in front of the headstone, then stands back. WILL bites his lip, trying to find the words. His voice becomes shaky.
WILL
I still can’t believe you’re really gone. It seems unfair that I only got to know you for such a short time… but there’s not a single minute I regret being with you. You opened my eyes to the world, Cameron. You made me look at myself and figure out just exactly what my passion is.
I was passionate about you, but there’s more to it than that. My passion… is life. Living. Just being able to enjoy those little things with you -sunrises, soft rains, a good old movie - that’s living. I’ve taken a lot of things for granted: friends, family, even you.
You made me realize life is way too precious to spend bitching about all that’s wrong. Sometimes, it sucks, but we have to be thankful for what we have, right?
WILL pauses. This is the hardest thing he’s ever had to do.
WILL
The flowers are cheap… from the hospital gift shop. You deserve so much more, but it was the best I could do. I’m sure you won’t mind too much.
I just wanted to tell you that I owe you greatly for the things you’ve done. You made me a better person for meeting you, and I thank you for that.
WILL wipes away a tear, shaking his head.
WILL
You’ll always be my angel. I love you, Cameron. I always will.
This is too hard for him. WILL closes his eyes, turns, begins to walk away… no. He can’t. He turns back one last time, swallows hard…
WILL
Goodbye, Cameron.
There. Closure. He is freed. WILL begins to walk away. Suddenly, it starts to drizzle. Without warning, the rain begins to pour down harder and harder. WILL turns up to the sky, confused. He holds the notebook over his head for a moment, then stops, puts it down, and continues to walk, letting himself get soaked. He smiles, a content, peaceful smile as he walks back to the car and gets in.
JANE
Ready, son?
WILL
Yeah.
JAMES starts the car. In the backseat, WILL starts to fumble around for something. He grabs a pen out of the pocket of the back door, opens the notebook, and glances out the window as the car begins to drive away. He closes his eyes for a moment, taking everything in, then opens them, a flicker in his pupils… an idea has been born. An ambition found.
WILL brings the pen to paper and begins to write.
“My life was like clockwork…”
FADE OUT.
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