THE MAN UPSTAIRS

Written by Jason Byram

FADE IN:

(Music plays through the following)

INT. ROOM- DAY

CLOSE ON: A family potrait, everyone smiling, there seems to be a Mother and Father infront and one teenage girl about 16 smiling.

CIRCLE OUT slowly.

"MAIN TITLES APPEAR"

Still focused on the picture.

SMASH-CUT TO:

INT. ROOM- NIGHT

A young woman's head pops up, blood on her face as she screams.

CUT BACK TO:

INT. ROOM- DAY

Still Zooming/Circling out of the picture as the main titles come. As we circle out we the picture is on a coffee table of some sort.

SMASH-CUT TO:

INT. ROOM- NIGHT

TWO little children sleeping peacefully in the one double bed.

CUT BACK TO:

INT. ROOM- DAY

We're far from the Potrait now which behind it is pinkish wall paper.

SMASH-CUT TO:

INT. ROOM- DAY

Telephone ringing.

CUT TO:

INT. TV SCREEN- DAY

CLOSE ON: Tv reporter.

REPORTER

Tragedy!

CUT TO:

INT. ROOM- DAY

Far from the potrait we can still see the family smile.

(Music stops)

EXT. MENTAL HOME- NIGHT

Its stormy and rainy out. A man in a nightgown runs out the gates of a mental home. His face unseen. He runs across the road almost getting knocked down by a car. He runs into the woods.

EXT. ISOLATED MANCHION- DAY

A POST-MAN walks up the almost neverending steps to this huge rich manshion. He finally gets to the door and puts the mail in through the letter box.

He turns around and walks back down the steps.

INT. ISOLATED MANCHION- DAY

A man, MR. ADRIAN BISHIOP, 42, BUISNESS MAN/FAMILY MAN, STERN, FILTY RICH walks to the door, bends down and picks up the mail. He looks at the letters.

INT. KITCHEN- DAY

Adrian returns into the kitchen and sits down having breakfast with his family as the maid cleans the counter. He puts the mail on the table he opens one letter.

ADRIAN

Bills.

His wife MRS. ERICA BISHOP, 38, RICH, BITCH laughs.

ERICA

As usual.

Adrian throws the bill at the other side of the table. He opens up a diffrent letter and reads.

ADRIAN

Dear Mr. Adrian and Erica Bishop. We have invited you to our the Hemsleys dinner party this Saturday night.

Adrian and Erica smile.

ADRIAN

We expect you to be there at Nine Pm sharp. Maybe after dinner and some lounging about we can get down to buisness, real buisness yours sincerlly Jennifer Williams, head of Paramount Inc.

Erica smiles at Adrian.

ERICA

We've hit the big time!

Adrian and Erica hug each other their children MELISSA BISHOP 8 and MICHAEL BISHOP 8 are more than displeased.

MELISSA

Does this mean another babysitter... again.

ERICA

Oh yes the babysitter, I'll go call.

Melissa looks down.

ADRIAN

Its for the best baby.

She still looks down and sighs.

INT. BEDROOM- DAY

A hot girl arises from her sleep with pep she smiles and stretches. She runs to her window and opens it and looks around her peacefull neighbourhood with a smile on her face the sun is shining and there isn't a cloud in the sky.

She runs to her dresser and picks up a frame in the fram is a picture of a young handsome man. She kisses the picture. Her phone rings the young girl JESSICA SHAW, 16, SEXY, CUTE, POPULAR, PEPPY answers.

JESSICA

Hello?

VOICE

Jess? Uh! I totally have to P.L of Dizzy's tomorrow.

JESSICA

Why do you have to pull out of Dizzy's tomorrow. Its like the newest club ever. You have to be there.

VOICE

I can't. You know my mom "You gotta make some extra cash" "Money don't grow on trees"

JESSICA

Lets not forget the latest "Stop whoring around with them boys"

VOICE

No Jess that was your mom.

JESSICA

Oh yeah.

Jessica laughs.

VOICE

Anyways. About the extra cash thing, she set me up... babysitting.

Jessica hysterically laughs.

VOICE

Shut up! And I have to babysit... this Saturday, only its a huge house, they're filty rich. I need somebody else.

Jess is serious.

JESSICA

No.

VOICE

You know you're gonna.

JESSICA

Not even.

VOICE

Pretty please.

JESSICA

Absolutley not.

EXT. ISOLATED MANCHION- DAY

Jessica stands there with her friend with a frown.

JESSICA

Whore.

Jessica's friend SARAH WILKINS, 16, SEXY, POPULAR stands there smiling.

SARAH

It maybe true, but this place is huge, they obviously have big bucks. We're gonna get payed, and I mean paaayed.

They both gigle.

Adrian and Erica walk down the huge steps and see the two girls.

ERICA

Hello there girls. House is there. Children in the living room. Food in the fridge. We'll be back in about an hour. Go.

Jessica and Sarah stands there staring at her.

ERICA

Now.

Jessica and Sarah walk up the huge stairs.

Erica and Adrian step into the limo its drives off.

JESSICA

Please, it'll take an hour to get up these stairs.

Sarah gigles.

JESSICA

I cannot believe I am missing the opening of Dizzy's for this.

Sarah shakes her head.

SARAH

Stop giving me grief about Dizzys. Its tomorrow, give me grief about it tomorrow when we have to stay late in this old manchion.

Jessica shakes her head.

JESSICA

Shut up or you'll freak me out.

They continue walking and get to the door.

INT. HALLWAY- DAY

Sarah opens the door. It creeks.

SARAH

Hello?

Jessica rolls her eyes and walks in ahead of her.

SARAH

Little children?

No answer. Jessica stands infront.

JESSICA

Little children get your asses out here now!

Melissa and Michael run to the hallway infront of Jessica. Jessica turns to Sarah.

JESSICA

See. If it worked with my mom. It'll work for me.

Sarah smiles at the little children.

SARAH

Aw, aren't you just the cutest.

The children smile.

SARAH

Lets go watch some videos.

MICHAEL

Yay!

MELISSA

Yay!

Jessica shakes her head, closes the door and follows behind.

INT. CAR- NIGHT

Jessica is riding to school in a car with her MOM.

Jessica's Mom is fiddling with the radio.

RAIDO --

(from raido)

Our sources tell us, this man is crazy and to stay away from him as he is an escaped Mental Patient.

Jessica turns it down.

JESSICA

Boring. We need some tunes.

JESSICA'S MOM

Hey the news is very educational Jess.

JESSICA

Mom you need to get with it!

Jessica smiles and puts on some tunes.

JESSICA

Wooh!

Jessica's Mom rolls her eys.

WE HEAR A SCHOOL BELL RING.

EXT. HIGH-SCHOOL- DAY

The school bell rings.

INT. HIGH-SCHOOL HALLWAY- DAY

Jessica and Sarah come out of a class.

JESSICA

...and i'm like if your such a good actor why didn't she believe you?

SARAH

I know James is such an ass.

They laugh when KYLE MATTEWS, 17, SENIOR, HOT, STAR QUATER-BACK, JESSICA'S GIRLFRIEND, POPUALR walks up to Jessica and puts his arm around her, they three begin walking.

KYLE

Dizzy's gonna be tight tonight.

Sarah looks at Jessica with a frown.

SARAH

You didn't tell him?

KYLE

Tell me what?

Jessica stands infront of him.

JESSICA

Baby, we cant make it. We have to...

(under her breath)

babysit.

Kyle laughs a bit. Jessica looks embasrrased.

KYLE

Well then if we're not gonna get a chance tonight. We better do it now.

Sarah looks weirded out.

SARAH

Do what now?

Kyle and Jessica kiss passionatley. Sarah stands a little uncomfortable.

SARAH

Sorry I asked.

Kyle breaks the kiss.

KYLE

Umm... baby I gotta get to practice. See you tommorrow?

JESSICA

For sure.

KYLE

Ok bye baby.

Kyle walks away. Jessica sighs and stares infront of her.

JESSICA

I hate you.

Sarah smiles and puts her arm around Jessica.

SARAH

Come on girlfriend.

They walk away smiling.

INT. JESSICA'S BEDROOM- DAY

Jessica dances a bit in her bedroom as music plays. She's getting ready and dressed. She begins putting on her earings. She dances a little more.

INT. SARAH'S BEDROOM- DAY

Sarah is talking to her mother MRS. WILKINS.

MRS. WILKINS

This will be good for you.

SARAH

Yeah, money, money and oh yeah money.

Mrs. Wilkins frowns.

MRS. WILKINS

And responsibilty don't forget that one.

SARAH

How can I? You remind me every two minutes. I'm sixteen. Not very mature.

Mrs. Wilkins smiles.

MRS. WILKINS

You're growing up. Fast. Time to get mature.

Sarah sighs and walks to her dresser and puts on her jacket. She stands infront of her mirror.

SARAH

Whatever.

Mrs. Wilkins looks shocked.

MRS. WILKINS

And you are not going out of this house dressed like the biggest slut in California!

Sarah turns shocked to her mother.

SARAH

Mom!

Mrs. Wilkins walks out of her room.

MRS. WILKINS

Change!

Sarah frowns.

SARAH

Bitch.

Mrs. Wilkins calls back.

MRS. WILKINS

I heard that!

Sarah runs and slams her door.

INT. JESSICA'S BEDROOM- SUNDOWN

Jessica seems to be on the phone while looking in the mirror.

JESSICA

I thought you said you'd be over here by now?

SARAH

I know. Its my stuff old mom.

JESSICA

Why what happend?

SARAH

She's making me change. She doesn't want me looking like the biggest slut in California or so she says.

JESSICA

That woman should take the stick out of her ass.

SARAH

You mean truck.

Jessica laughs.

SARAH

Ok I'm hanging up and I'm on my way.

JESSICA

Ok see ya.

Jessica hangs up.

EXT. ISOLATED HOUSE- NIGHT

Jessica and Sarah get out of the cab and close the door. They both have small bags with them.

JESSICA

Creepy.

SARAH

Come on. Its time for the long walk.

They gigle and walk up the almost neverending steps.

INT. HALLWAY- NIGHT

The doorbell rings. Adrian goes and answers.

ADRIAN

Come in.

Sarah and Jessica step in.

JESSICA

Your house is amazingly... huge.

Adrian smiles.

ADRIAN

Thank you, and your late, which means we are late.

SARAH

Sor-ry!

Sarah scoffs.

INT. LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Erica and Adrian stand infront of the sitting Jessica and Sarah.

ERICA

We should be home about one-ish. Children in bed by nine thirty at the lastest.

JESSICA

Yeah. Ok.

Adrian and Erica start walking. Erica turns around at the door frame.

ERICA

Oh and... have a nice night... girls.

Erica smiles and walks away.

JESSICA

Oh we will.

They hear the limo drive away.

JESSICA

Freak.

Jessica looks down.

JESSICA

What time is it?

Sarah looks at her watch.

SARAH

Eight 57. Oh yeah late my ass. Fucking asswipe.

Melissa is at the door.

MELLISA

Fucking asswipe?

Sarah is very startled.

SARAH

Huh!

Jessica smiles and stands up and walks over to her.

JESSICA

Melissa, Oh sweety, fucking asswipe is what- it means- Am a... cease the day.

Melissa smiles.

MELISSA

Cool. Jessica your a fucking asswipe. You too Sarah.

Jessica and Sarah fake smile.

SARAH

Oh you are so nice.

JESSICA

Too kind sweetie.

Melissa smiles and walks to the couch and sits down.

MELISSA

Camp starts tomorrow. Camp LadyBird. I'm going. I am so excited.

Jessica and Sarah smile.

JESSICA

Thats nice.

Melissa smiles.

MELISSA

Best thing about it is I dont have to lisnten to my mommy and daddy wrestle.

Sarah and Jessica are shocked and laugh a bit.

JESSICA

So... you hungry? And where's Michael?

MELLISA

Michael's upstairs playing. And am sure, I'm hungry.

INT. KITCHEN- NIGHT

Sarah puts some "Jumbo" Popcorn on the stove. She accidently burns her hand and quickly removes.

SARAH

Shit!

We see the shadow of a man move behind her as she runs her hand under a tap. She's oblivious.

SARAH

Fucking stove.

INT. LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Jessica and Melissa sit down on the couch. Theres a space left in the middle of them. Sarah comes in and sits in the middle with the bowl of popcorn.

Sarah checks her watch.

SARAH

Oh Melissa sweety, its nine fourty five, your supposed to be in bed, hear you take the popcorn and I'll take the pops and I'll read you some bedtime stories.

Melissa smiles and takes the popcorn.

MELISSA

Ok.

Sarah gets the pops and walks out of the living room.

Jessica sits there alone.

JESSICA

What to do what to do.

Melissa and Sarah leave the living room.

Jessica looks at her nails.

RING RING. The phone rings. Jessica looks shocked. Jessica picks the phone up.

JESSICA

He-hello?

KYLE

(from phone)

Do you want to die to night?

Jessica laughs.

JESSICA

Very funnt jerk off.

KYLE

Hey baby whats up?

JESSICA

Your dick will be when I'm through with you.

Kyle laughs.

KYLE

A little phone sex then is it?

Jessica smiles.

JESSICA

Oh you know it. What are you doing?

KYLE

Stroking my dick.

Jessica laughs.

KYLE

What are you doing?

Jessica's hands slips down her top.

JESSICA

Coressing my breasts.

KYLE

Umm.

Beep beep.

JESSICA

Shit.

KYLE

What? We were getting there.

JESSICA

Call waiting. Crap. Hold on.

KYLE

Ok.

Jessica clicks a button.

JESSICA

Hello?

A voice hysterically laughs like a mad man.

JESSICA

He-hello?

MAN

I'm upstairs with the children... you'd better come up!

Beep beep beep beep. He hung up.

BANG! From upstairs. Jessica immediatley stands up and looks around.

JESSICA

Sarah!

SARAH

(O.S.)

Yeah?!

JESSICA

Are you Ok up there?!

SARAH

Fuck off Jess. I'm in the bathroom crappin.

Jessica smiles.

JESSICA

Fine. Ok.

Jessica sits back down. And beeps through Kyle.

JESSICA

Kyle? Kyle are you there?

KYLE

Sorry babe. Dizzy Dens awaits.

Kyle hangs up.

Jessica looks annoyed.

JESSICA

Shit!

Jessica turns up the TV really loud.

INT. CHILDREN'S BEDROOM- NIGHT

Sarah's reading Melissa and Michael a bed time story. They're both next to eachother in a double bed.

SARAH

And no-one believe Katie, so the Stacey said to Katie "If your a real witch, prove it" and the next morning when Stacey and her gals woke up they were shocked to see the faces of their dead loved ones right infront of them.

Melissa and Michael look terrified. Sarah smiles.

SARAH

Are you guys Ok?

Melissa nods.

MELISSA

Fine.

Shes panting.

Sarah turns off the lamp beside the bed. Melissa and Michael turn over and close their eyes. Sarah stares at them smiling.

THEN! Quietly a Man steps out of a closet behind Sarah, he walks to the door and locks it with the key. Then quietly walks back into the closet and cloes the door.

Sarah smiles and stands up. She turns around and walks to the door. She puts her hands on the nob turns it and pulls back. It doesn't open. She laughs a bit.

SARAH

Very funny Jess. Let me out and quit bein the bitch, you know thats my job.

Sarah laughs and pulls at the door again.

SARAH

Jessica! Open the fucking door!

Sarah walks to the far side of the room and looks out the window she opens it. As she opens it the Man quietly steps out of the closet and unlocked the door. He walks out the door and SLAMS it shut. Sarah immediatly turns around frightend. She runs to the door and pulls at it.

ITS LOCKED!

SARAH

JESSICA!!!

Sarah looks terrified.

She bangs on the door.

INT. LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Jessica has the TV turned up the the full. Ver loud.

INT. CHILDREN'S ROOM- NIGHT

Sarah is crying and banging at the door hard.

SARAH

JESS!!!

INT. LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Jessica sits their a little worried.

RING RING! The phone rings.

Jessica picks it up and slowly answers worried.

JESSICA

Hello?

The Man laughs hysterially again.

MAN

Your friends up there. With the children.

BANG BANG!- from upstairs.

Jessica is now terrified.

JESSICA

Why are you doing this?! Who a-

BEEP BEEP! He has hung up.

JESSICA

Fuck!

Jessica looks around and trys to calm herself down.

INT. CHILDREN'S BEDROOM- NIGHT

Sarah is bent down the by the door crying. The children seem to by asleep.

The door begins to open. A man in black, we cant see his face comes in.

Sarah stands up terrified and looks up at the man.

SARAH

Who the fuck are y-

The gloved hand comes over her mouth. He closes the door with his leg and slams her on the bed with the children.

INT. LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

The phone rings again. Jessica picks it up.

JESSICA

Fuck off!

Jesscia slams it back down.

It rings again she answers annoyed.

JESSICA

Hello?!

The Man laughs hyserically again.

MAN

Maybe you should check on the children.

JESSICA

Why are you doing this?!

MAN

I'm upstairs with the children you'd better come up!

He laughs hysterically again. Jessica is terrified. BEEP BEEP- He has hung up. Jessica puts the phone down and stands up about to walk to the stairs when.

RING RING! RING RING!

She runs to the phone and answers it.

JESSICA

Leave me the fuck alone!

Man laughs hysterically again.

MAN

You have deathwish!

Jessica is terrified she hangs up! BANG!- from upstairs. Jessica looks up. BANG!- again. Jessica looks up.

Jessica sits down.

JESSICA

Sarah what the hell are you doing up there?!

INT. CHILDREN'S BEDROOM- NIGHT

Sarah is hoverd in a corner with blood splatters on her face. The Man whispers something in her ear. Then he laughs quietly.

He goes over and opens the door. He drags her over to the door by her hair, (WE ONLY SEE HER HEAD) and sticks her head out the door.

SARAH

We're fine. You know just playing Jessica!

JESSICA (O.S)

Ok.

BANG! A sharp pole is put through Sarah's Neck.

SARAH

(Cant talk but mouthing)

Jessss!

Sarah's hands reach out. Her hand is between the door and the door frame. The Man walks back and has his leg up against the door read to slam it while her head is there. BANG! - he does.

INT. LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Jessica sits there watching Tv a little calmer now. RING RING! RING RING! - its the phone again. She picks up.

JESSICA

He-hello?

Its the Man again he laughs hysterically.

MAN

I'm upstairs with the children you'd better come up and save them.

JESSICA

Whatever dickwad.

MAN

You have a deathwish.

JESSICA

Just leave us alone.

She slams the phone down annoyed. And then picks it up again and calls the Operator.

OPERATOR

You're call has been put through. This is Karen speaking how can we help you.

JESSICA

Hi am, I'm babysitting two children and am I keep getting rather disturbing harasing phone calls, he wont stop lauhging and saying the same phrase over and over again.

OPERATOR

Ok Ok Miss, what we want you to do is keep him on the phone so the police can trace the call and arrest him. You're gonna be Ok in this. Ok?

JESSICA

Yes. Thanks.

OPERATOR

Just remember keep him on the phone.

JESSICA

Ok bye.

OPERATOR

And we'll immediatly call you back with news.

JESSICA

Ok thank you, bye.

OPERATOR

Bye now miss.

Jessica hangs up. And begins bitting her nails. Scared. Terrified. Not knowing whats happening or if he really is upstairs with the children.

INT. CHILDREN'S BEDROOM- NIGHT

Sarah lies dead on the floor. Her limbs have been severd.

The Man walks over to the sleeping children.

INT. LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Jessica waits. RING RING! - the phone has rang again. Jessica waits a second, takes a deep breath and picks up.

JESSICA

Hello?

Its Him again. He laughs hysterically.

MAN

I'm upstairs with the children, come up please.

JESSICA

What do you want?!

MAN

You to come upstairs.

He laughs again.

JESSICA

Why are you doing this?!