Part 1
RANDOM BOY
Yeah!
RANDOM BOY #2
Come on!
RANDOM BOY #3
Whooo!
CUT TO:
The credits. The Breeders' "Cannonball" kicks up on the soundtrack. A car is heard approaching, tires screeching.
CUT TO:
EXT. CEMENT FACTORY. NIGHT.
A car headlight flashes and goes out. BELINDA exits her car and shuts the door. She's parked beside DEAN's truck. ERIC's jeep pulls up on the other side of her car.
BELINDA
(to someone off-screen)
Hey. Is he here?
Okay, ERIC just got there and WALKER rode with her, so who is she asking? ::shrug:: The camera is panning away from her. TRACIE exits the passenger side of DEAN's truck. DEAN gets out of the driver's side.
DEAN
Is he here yet?
WALKER
Nope.
TRACIE
(to Dean)
Maybe you scared him.
ERIC
Hey, I gotta take a massive piss.
WALKER goes to tie his shoe on BELINDA's bumper so his back is facing ERIC who's walking ahead.
WALKER
Dude, any excuse for you to pull that thing out.
LANDON is just arriving at that moment in his badass Camaro. ERIC waves his hand like 'Don't you dare be lookin'" and turns away from LANDON's car. Jonny Was (or West, Gould, & Fitzgerald as they're known on the soundtrack) is blaring "So What Does It All Mean?" from LANDON's radio. Haha. Clever writers. LANDON's listening to himself singing.
Your smile was a drug
Your style was money
So what does it all mean?
The camera pans back to TRACIE and DEAN, who are currently macking, TRACIE's back pressed against the side of DEAN's truck. LANDON exits his car and slams the door.
LANDON
Okay. Anyone got any beer?
TRACIE
We finished 'em all back at school. Besides, you've had enough.
LANDON smiles as he passes by the two lovebirds. He greets DEAN with a handshake. TRACIE and DEAN get back to kissing as soon as LANDON goes.
BELINDA
I've got one.
LANDON's smile fades.
BELINDA
It's not cold, but it's yours if you want it.
ERIC goes to sit on the hood of DEAN's truck.
ERIC
Yeah, all you gotta do is sit up, beg, roll over, and shake that booty.
He laughs and punches LANDON playfully.
BELINDA
Thanks a lot, Eric.
ERIC
Anytime, anywhere.
He chomps the air.
WALKER
This is gonna be sweet, man.
DEAN
(smiling)
I'm glad I thought of it.
TRACIE pushes DEAN away from her.
TRACIE
You guys are animals just 'cause he's new.
DEAN
Hey! Shh! You've been talkin' shit the whole time here. Why don't you be quiet?
He shoves her against the truck roughly and walks away.
LANDON
(to Dean)
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
TRACIE
(to Dean)
What is the matter with you?
LANDON
You know how it is. Nobody's forcin' him to show up.
TRACIE
Dean.
BELINDA
(agreeing with Landon)
Yeah. But if he doesn't, I wanna go back to the dance.
DEAN
Hey. Hey Belinda, I've got an idea. Why don't you go back to the dance by yourself?
ERIC laughs.
BELINDA
I wasn't talking to you, Dean.
DEAN grabs his balls and looks at her smugly.
LANDON
(to Belinda)
Hey, you know I don't dance.
He goes to join DEAN by his Camaro.
ERIC
It's true. I've seen the man bust a move and it just ain't pretty. But a brother like myself is ready to get his freak on, so what you say, baby?
He goes to 'get his freak on' with BELINDA. She pushes him off her.
BELINDA
Oh. Why don't you put your freak away before you hurt somebody?
TRACIE
Like yourself.
WALKER
Oh, that sucks.
CLAY's jeep pulls up.
DEAN
Hey.
He starts clapping. He's like a giddy little schoolgirl.
ERIC
Aw yeah.
DEAN
He's here!
ERIC
Oh, here he comes. Here he comes.
DEAN
He's here.
DEAN laughs.
WALKER
All right. Here he comes. Here he -- oh oh. Yeah.
LANDON looks up at DEAN and smiles. Grinning, DEAN rolls his forehead against LANDON's. It's kinda cute. (Even though I still think DEAN is an asshole and shouldn't get any love. ;))
WALKER
Hey, check out the Safari Joe truck.
CLAY parks the jeep.
ERIC
Oh, I can't wait to see you fly.
CLAY exits his jeep and waves at everyone.
CLAY
Hi.
BELINDA
Hey.
ERIC
Hey, nice shirt, Opie.
DEAN and LANDON laugh. CLAY's face falls and he shakes his head.
DEAN
You're late. I -- I thought I said be here at 10.
He checks his watch.
DEAN
But you know, when I say 'Be here at 10', be here, okay? You think you can remember that next time?
CLAY gives him a look like, "Psh. Whatever. You're not intimidating." DEAN leaves him to walk ahead. He laughs.
DEAN
If there is a next time.
He shoves LANDON playfully.
DEAN
Come on.
WALKER approaches him. They do their little macho man handshake and skip on ahead. WALKER and ERIC laugh. TRACIE and BELINDA trail behind holding hands.
CLAY
(to Landon)
Is he always like that?
LANDON throws an arm around CLAY.
LANDON
Always, man. So how 'bout it?
He spreads his arms like they're wings.
LANDON
You ready to fly?
TRACIE breaks away from BELINDA to catch up to DEAN.
TRACIE
Wait up, baby.
DEAN
Whooo!
LANDON hops away from CLAY to join his buddies.
TRACIE
(to Dean)
Let me get on your back. Giddy up, giddy up.
CLAY is checking out the water as everyone makes their way to the platform. LANDON catches up to ERIC. TRACIE's getting a piggyback ride from DEAN.
DEAN
Whooo!
Everyone reaches the platform. DEAN sits down and TRACIE gets off him. The others crowd around. DEAN explains the task to CLAY.
DEAN
Okay. Here's the deal: You're gonna jump from up there into here.
LANDON takes off his coat and shoots CLAY a devilish look.
DEAN
That's it. Then you're one of us. Okay?
CLAY nods.
DEAN
You ready?
CLAY
Yeah.
DEAN
Yeah?
CLAY smiles.
CLAY
Yeah.
DEAN
All right.
DEAN stands up.
DEAN
All right.
He puts his hands around CLAY's neck.
DEAN
Let's do this, okay?
CLAY nods, looking uneasy. DEAN walks away from him. TRACIE is right behind him holding his hand.
DEAN
Whooo!
LANDON looks up at CLAY who's now looking worried.
LANDON
Hey, it's cake, man. Hell, I'm jumpin' with ya.
CLAY's eyes go to the platform. It's quite a jump.
CLAY
Now, how -- how deep is this?
LANDON
I don't really know. Let's go find out, huh?
He grins. DEAN laughs. LANDON walks ahead.
ERIC
Let's do it.
CLAY takes off his jacket and shirt. (There's another shirt under it.) He once again eyes the platform. LANDON leads the way. Up the platform ladder they go. Everyone's watching. ERIC does the handshake thing with DEAN.
ERIC
(laughing)
Yeah! Shit, yeah!
DEAN
Whoo!
WALKER
Come on, let's go!
DEAN laughs again.
DEAN
Jump.
CLAY and LANDON are now at the top of the platform several feet above the water.
CLAY
Uh, have you done this?
LANDON
Yeah, man. We've all done this.
ERIC
I hope you had your Wheaties this morning.
DEAN
Hey, you guys gonna do this sometime tonight or...
LANDON
On three. One.
DEAN and TRACIE kiss. ERIC looks up at LANDON and CLAY with a smile on his face.
LANDON
Two. Three!
On three, CLAY goes falling forward. LANDON smiles. He stays put on the platform.
DEAN
Whoo! Yeah.
TRACIE
Whoo! Oh my God.
Everyone's talking at once, cheering and laughing. CLAY lands in the water with a thud and a big splash.
ERIC
Ohhh. Yeah.
He claps madly. Everyone is still laughing and cheering. A moment passes then CLAY's body floats to the surface facedown. The cheering stops.
TRACIE
(alarmed)
Oh my God.
WALKER
Oh, shit.
BELINDA
(worried)
He's hurt. Landon! He's hurt!
TRACIE
What happened? Is he okay?
BELINDA
Landon, get down here.
LANDON
(quietly, troubled)
What the hell?
He races down the platform and to the water as TRACIE begins yelling at DEAN.
TRACIE
Dean! Dean, what the heck?!
BELINDA
You guys, he's hurt.
ERIC
(to Landon)
Come on, man!
TRACIE
Dean, is he okay? Dean, you idiot, I told you!
ERIC
In the water, come on.
WALKER
Landon, get him outta the water.
ERIC
Hurry up!
LANDON splashes into the water.
TRACIE
(panicking)
Is he dead? Is he dead? What are we gonna do?
DEAN
(to Landon)
Come here, come here.
LANDON has reached CLAY and is struggling to swim them both to shore.
LANDON
Help me!
Everyone's yelling at once.
BELINDA
Hurry, get him over here.
LANDON
There's a lead pipe in here. He must've hit it.
ERIC
Come on, get him out of the water!
(his voice cracks)
Hurry up!
LANDON reaches shore.
DEAN
Get over here. Watch his head! Watch his head.
ERIC
Come on, get him out.
A SECURITY GUARD shines a flashlight their way. He's several feet away from them.
SECURITY GUARD
Hey, who's down there?
Hearing that, DEAN's pretty much, 'Screw LANDON' and begins shouting at TRACIE:
DEAN
Come on! Tracie, come on!
WALKER pulls BELINDA up to drag her away.
LANDON
Eric!
DEAN
(to Tracie)
Go!
The SECURITY GUARD speaks into a walkie talkie as he races towards them:
SECURITY GUARD
Hey, we got some trespassers. You better get a squad car out here.
WALKER
Come on, Landon.
DEAN
Come on!
WALKER
Eric!
DEAN, BELINDA, and WALKER are all running back to the cars.
DEAN
You guys, just leave him!
WALKER
Come on, forget about him!
ERIC is the only one helping LANDON, who still hasn't gotten CLAY out of the water.
ERIC
Give me his arms. Give me his arms.
LANDON hands CLAY over to ERIC. ERIC pulls CLAY ashore.
LANDON
Watch his head.
ERIC
It's all right. I got him. All right, come on. We gotta get outta here.
LANDON hops ashore. ERIC helps him up.
LANDON
Go!
ERIC
Landon, come on!
LANDON
Get outta here!
LANDON kneels beside CLAY. ERIC runs to join the others.
TRACIE
(to Dean)
I told you not to do this!
They reach DEAN's truck and clambor inside. CLAY is coughing and moving his head from side to side. LANDON grabs him to make him stop moving.
LANDON
(urgently)
Calm down. Shhh!
DEAN revs up his truck. BELINDA is panting, trailing behind WALKER. She looks back at LANDON and CLAY.
WALKER
Belinda, come on! Let's go!
DEAN drives off.
WALKER
Come on! Get in! I'm drivin'!
He hops into the driver's side of BELINDA's car and shuts the door. LANDON is holding CLAY down. CLAY has stopped coughing.
LANDON
(horrified)
Oh, shit.
BELINDA gets into her car sadly. WALKER floors it. They're outta there. A siren wails as ERIC, panting, reaches his jeep. He throws open the door and gets in, revving the engine. LANDON looks down at CLAY, holding his head in his hands. CLAY has a nasty gash on his forehead and his nose is bleeding. LANDON stares down at him anxiously. Still, he bolts. CLAY moves slightly. LANDON grabs his shoes and jacket and hops off the dock. He races to his Camaro, tosses his stuff inside and hurriedly gets in himself, slamming the door.
LANDON
Dammit.
The car screeches off. Fuel's "Empty Spaces" blares on his stereo. He circles the Camaro around, nearly colliding with the cop car. The cop car screeches and turns to follow. The chase is on.
This is the way
Is the way
I fill your spaces now
It's the way
'Cause all that's been left for me is to fight to fill your empty spaces now
Now!
LANDON
Shit.
LANDON has nowhere to turn. He drives wildly trying not to crash into anything. He glances behind him. The cop is right on his tail. Soon the cop is right alongside him. They exchange another look. The cop pulls up ahead of LANDON to cut him off. LANDON turns and smashes into a water barrel. Waters splashes up and over the now damaged Camaro. LANDON coughs and moves painfully. The cop approaches him and shines a flashlight on LANDON's face. LANDON's forehead is bleeding. He turns to look at the cop wearily.
COP
Keep your hands on the wheel.
LANDON turns away, shuts his eyes, and places his hands on the steering wheel.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE TO:
EXT. BAY. MINUTES BEFORE SUNRISE.
A boat travels to shore. Birds caw.
FADE TO:
EXT. LANDON'S HOUSE. MORNING.
MRS. CARTER's station wagon is parked out front of their one story home.
CUT TO:
INT. LANDON'S KITCHEN. MORNING. CONTINUOUS.
MRS. CARTER rises from the table, an empty plate in her hand. She sighs as she makes her way to the sink. She turns to see LANDON limping around the corner. A bandage covers his forehead. He sighs. MRS. CARTER turns her back to him again. LANDON slowly eases himself into a chair at the table and picks up a fork. However, if you'll notice in the movie, there is nothing there for him to eat.
LANDON
You know, momma, my leg really hurts today. I don't think I can go anyplace.
MRS. CARTER spins around.
MRS. CARTER
Maybe I should call your father.
LANDON looks at her, sulking.
LANDON
No.
She gives him a disapproving look.
LANDON
Okay, I'm not talking to him. There's no way.
MRS. CARTER
This has gotta stop between you and him. You can't do that. You need a father.
LANDON ignores her and turns to his fork. Oh yes, looking at your eating utensil will surely solve all your problems. Hahah.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
(off screen)
Let us be thankful today...
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH. MORNING.
REVEREND SULLIVAN is at the podium. He continues his speech:
REVEREND SULLIVAN
That a young life was saved by our Lord. And let us pray for the lives of the others involved who are clearly not on the path of righteousness.
BELINDA shifts uncomfortably in her seat and looks over at LANDON who clearly doesn't want to be there either. REVEREND SULLIVAN nods. LANDON scratches his forehead. The choir rises and begins to sing from their booklets.
CHOIR
(singing)
Let the light
From the lighthouse
BELINDA observes the choir thoughtfully.
CHOIR
(singing)
Let it shine on me
I wonder
LANDON shifts in his seat wanting so badly to leave. His eyes finally land on the choir.
CHOIR
(singing)
I wonder
If the light
JAMIE's eyes meet LANDON's. He's instantly both surprised and curious.
CHOIR
(singing)
From the lighthouse
Would shine
Would shine
Would shine on me
JAMIE
(singing)
Here is my thought
This is my plea
Lord let your holy light shine on me
I wonder will you
LANDON looks up at JAMIE again, now upset.
JAMIE
(singing)
Hear my prayer
I know I'm not worthy, but I need your help
Lord shine your light
Shine it this way
LANDON moves uncomfortably again, but his eyes stay fixated on JAMIE. BELINDA turns her attention to LANDON again, now bitter. JAMIE is looking at LANDON again.
JAMIE
(singing)
Shine it so I can see which way to take
My faith is in you
BELINDA looks up at JAMIE.
JAMIE
(singing)
To bring me through
I have one question
CHOIR
(singing)
I wonder
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL CAMPUS. DAY.
CHOIR
(off screen, singing)
I wonder...
Their song fades and is replaced by Noogie's "Friday On My Mind." Students cover the campus, girls do flips.
Monday morning feels so bad
Everybody seems to nag me...
A RANDOM GIRL strolls past LANDON, greeting him with a flirty smile. He returns the grin. He's sitting down, surrounded by his pals. ERIC, TRACIE, and WALKER stand; DEAN is on the left of him sucking on a straw, and BELINDA is on the right, placing his crutches down since LANDON was momentarily distracted.
ERIC
So, how's the leg, man?
LANDON
It's uh, it's good.
TRACIE applies foundation.
TRACIE
I can't believe you were in jail.
LANDON kinda shrugs.
ERIC
So, I mean, what'd you tell 'em?
DEAN takes a swig of Coke. I honestly think he could care less what happened to LANDON.
LANDON
Oh, I just said it was a nice night for a drive, ended up hangin' out at the cement factory, found Gephardt, you know, tried to give him some help, got a little spooked, then I figured I oughta leave before they thought I had anything to do with it and I split.
ERIC
Gotta hand it to you, man. You're a Jedi Master of bullshit, man.
They bump fists all macho like and LANDON chuckles. BELINDA watches the two, smiling.
TRACIE
(derisively)
Damn, that Jamie Sullivan sure has style.
LANDON and BELINDA both turn to see the "style" TRACIE's looking at. DEAN goes back to sucking on his straw.
BELINDA
Yeah. I wore that dress in the fourth grade.
JAMIE is carrying a box filled with stuff. She's walking towards the school just minding her own business.
ERIC
Hey, it's the quiet ones you gotta watch out for. I mean, hey man, she might put it on a brother like a poptart.
Everyone cracks up, except for BELINDA, who looks insulted as though he directed that comment towards her. Meanwhile, audiences everywhere wonder what the hell ERIC means.
ERIC
A little maintinence, she might not look too bad, you know.
JAMIE is now passing by them.
BELINDA
(to Jamie)
Nice sweater.
JAMIE stops.
JAMIE
(sweetly)
Thank you.
LANDON looks at her. She looks back. ERIC tries very unsuccessfully to suppress his giggles. JAMIE leaves. They all burst into laughter as soon as she's gone, except BELINDA and TRACIE (who watches her go).
ERIC
(mocking Jamie)
'Thank you.'
More laughter. Whatever.
CUT TO:
INT. PRINCIPAL KELLY'S OFFICE. DAY. CONTINUOUS.
LANDON jangles his keys noisily and impatiently. PRINCIPAL KELLY sets two empty beer bottles on his desk. LANDON glances from them to the principal like, "WTF?" The principal sets two more empty beer bottles on the desk and leans back in his chair.
PRINCIPAL KELLY
A student claims you were drinking on school property Saturday night. Lucky for you, Clay Gephardt isn't talking. The owners of the factory aren't pressing trespassing charges. At least not today. I told 'em I'd arrange approriate punishment.
LANDON
(bored)
What, are you gonna expel me?
PRINCIPAL KELLY
Not yet. Besides attending all your regular classes, you will help our janitorial staff after school.
LANDON
For pay.
Hee! I love the way LANDON's mind works.
PRINCIPAL KELLY
For the inner satisfaction it brings.
That really seems to piss LANDON off.
PRINCIPAL KELLY
On Saturday mornings, you will tutor disadvantaged students at our sister school. And finally, you will participate in the drama club's final event.
LANDON
The spring play?
PRINCIPAL KELLY nods smugly. LANDON gives him a dirty look.
PRINCIPAL KELLY
It's time for you to start experiencing other things. Start spending time with other kinds of people.
Skycopter 9's "Anything You Want" kicks up on the soundtrack.
PRINCIPAL KELLY
Don't blow it, Landon.
Damn. Shane sure does look hot when he's angry.
CUT TO:
INT. STARS AND PLANETS. DAY. CONTINUOUS.
LANDON leans on a crutch for support as he sweeps the floor. The building is filled with students. JAMIE is there as an instructor. LANDON's got his headphones on. He's listening to Skycopter 9's "Anything You Want." She's holding up something for a small audience.
JAMIE
This is a very simple device made of plastic wrap, a coat hanger, and white-out. Does anyone know what it is?
LANDON
It's a star friend.
She looks over at him. He gazes back. (I love the way this is lit. The light's all shining down on him and his pose is sexalicious.) She's surprised he knew that. She turns back to her students.
JAMIE
This is a star friend and it will help you locate stars and planets with your naked eye.
ERIC, DEAN, and WALKER enter the building. DEAN mocks LANDON sweeping.
JAMIE
Mercury and Jupiter can be seen just over the West Southwestern horizon after sunset.
LANDON spots his friends and smiles. The three boys pass by JAMIE. DEAN leans towards her.
DEAN
Bet you could see angels up there flying around.
JAMIE stops her lecture to look at him. ERIC laughs. The boys continue to LANDON. DEAN and LANDON greet all macho handshake and hug.
JAMIE
In fact, there are some things that could be called miraculous.
They direct their attention towards her.
JAMIE
Einstein said the more he studied the universe, the more he believed in a higher power.
DEAN
Well, if there is a higher power, then... why is it He can't get you a new sweater?
ERIC laughs.
JAMIE
(sweetly)
He's too busy looking for your brain.
ERIC
Ohhh.
He speaks "spastically" according to my closed captioning. He laughs again. DEAN shoves him.
LANDON
Hey, laugh. It's a joke, man.
JAMIE returns to her lecture.
DEAN
Man, come on. Let's just get outta here.
He picks up LANDON's other crutch. LANDON's given up on sweeping and is leaning against the risers.
LANDON
I can't. Gotta stay.
ERIC
Come on, man. Principal Kelly's gone. Let's make some moves.
LANDON
Uh... I...
DEAN leans on the crutch imitating LANDON.
DEAN
Ah. C'mon. Come on.
He hobbles off. (Hey, uh, thief much?) LANDON scowls.
ERIC
Come on, man.
He follows DEAN. JAMIE picks up a book in the background.
WALKER
I don't know. The custodian thing kinda suits you, you know. It works.
He goes to join the other two.
LANDON
Oh. Well, thanks buddy. Thank you.
JAMIE looks up and stares at LANDON.
Hey you, gotta get yourself together...
LANDON turns to look at her. She looks down. He looks away and walks off. JAMIE goes back to teaching. She flips to a page in the book she's holding.
JAMIE
If you look at this chart right here you'll see Halley's comet.
CUT TO:
EXT. BELINDA'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
LANDON pulls up alongside BELINDA's house in the station wagon. He stops the car.
LANDON
Okay. So, I'll see you at school.
BELINDA
Well, my parents aren't home if you wanna come inside.
LANDON sighs.
LANDON
Come on, Belinda. Nothin's changed.
BELINDA
I know. I just thought that...
LANDON
It's over.
BELINDA
(agreeing)
Yeah. Whatever.
She sighs loudly and exits the car. She slams the door and walks back to her house with her arms folded across her chest.
LANDON
(quietly; to himself)
O...kay.
He drives off.
FADE TO BLACK.
CUT TO:
INT. LANDON'S BEDROOM. MORNING.
MRS. CARTER is trying (unsuccessfully) to wake LANDON up.
MRS. CARTER
(sweetly)
Good morning, Landon.
(slight pause)
Landon.
He squints, but doesn't wake up.
MRS. CARTER
Wake up. Come on. Up, up, up, up!
LANDON's eyes open suddenly. He groans. Beck's "Where It's At" kicks up on the soundtrack.
MRS. CARTER
Up.
LANDON
(mumbling)
It's Saturday. No school.
He shuts his eyes.
MRS. CARTER
Tutoring.
LANDON opens his eyes again slowly.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROAD. MORNING. CONTINUOUS.
A bus drives along a pretty much deserted road.
CUT TO:
EXT. SISTER SCHOOL. MORNING. CONTINUOUS.
The bus stops in front of a one-story building and opens its doors.
CUT TO:
INT. SISTER SCHOOL. MORNING. CONTINUOUS.
LANDON is attempting to play tutor, but his student is clearly bored. In the background, JAMIE seems to be having more success with hers.
LANDON
Okay, let's try this again.
He pulls the book closer to his student and points at something on the page, asking:
LANDON
Which of these are similar triangles? This one or that one, huh?
No reply. The bored kid, LUIS, taps his pencil, annoyed.
LANDON
What do you think?
LUIS stands up and gripes:
LUIS
Man, I think this is bullshit!
JAMIE and her student look up to see him leave, surprised. JAMIE turns to look at LANDON. Her student watches her.
LANDON
(to himself)
That makes two of us.
JAMIE finally looks away. LANDON shuts the book.
CUT TO:
INT. BUS. AFTERNOON.
LANDON shuts his CD player and Onesidezero's "Tapwater" blares through his headphones as he looks at nothing in particular, brooding. JAMIE watches him from her seat a few rows ahead on the other side of the bus. After a moment of staring, she finally gets up and goes over to him. He looks up at her like, "WTF? What is she doing here?" She sits down and smiles at him.
JAMIE
Hey.
LANDON ignores her and looks out the window.
JAMIE
Do you wanna buy some raffle tickets? I'm trying to raise enough money so we can buy Jefferson some new computers.
LANDON turns to her to simply answer:
LANDON
No.
He goes back to looking out the window. JAMIE tries again:
JAMIE
So I saw you in there with Luis. And I know it can be very difficult, but maybe you should try backing into it from somewhere else.
She waits for his response. He doesn't say anything. JAMIE still doesn't give up on him.
JAMIE
Are you gonna go visit Clay Gephardt?
Nothing.
JAMIE
That would be a 'no'. You do know that they moved him from the hospital to that rehab place on Oak Street?
LANDON's had enough. He tears off his headphones and snaps angrily:
LANDON
Is this your idea of small talk or something? Because if it is, your social skills need some work, okay? No one forced him to jump.
JAMIE
It's called peer pressure.
LANDON
And how do you know about that? You read it in your precious book?
JAMIE looks down at the Holy Bible in her lap and shuts her eyes for a second. When she re-opens them, she answers:
JAMIE
Please don't pretend like you know me, okay?
LANDON
But I do. I do. We have all the same classes in the same school since Kindergarten. Why, you're Jamie Sullivan.
He smiles at her viciously.
LANDON
You sit at lunch table seven, which isn't exactly the reject table, but it's definitely in self-exile territory. You have exactly one sweater. You like to look at your feet when you walk. Oh, and yeah, and for fun, you like to tutor on the weekends and hang out with the cool kids from the Stars and Planets. Now how's that sound?
JAMIE nods.
JAMIE
Thoroughly predictable.
She shrugs.
JAMIE
Nothing I haven't heard before.
LANDON
You don't care what people think about you?
JAMIE
No.
JAMIE rises to return to her seat. LANDON watches her go. He puts his headphones back on as "Tapwater" blares on the soundtrack.
Don't throw your life away
Everything will come to you
If you still believe in all those things you try to do
Don't throw your life away
Everything will come to you
If you still believe in all the things you try to do
CUT TO:
EXT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY.
A sign announcing 'Auditions' hangs over the entrance of the building. ERIC pulls up in his jeep. Soul Hooligan's "Numb In Both Lips" plays loudly on his stereo. LANDON is in the passenger side. ERIC parks the car in front of the school.
ERIC
Hey, I don't know what your problem is, man.
He reaches behind him to get LANDON's crutches as he continues:
ERIC
Miss Garber got some nice hooters goin' on, man.
LANDON
Bullshit.
He takes his crutches from ERIC.
LANDON
Thanks.
LANDON opens the door and gets out of the jeep.
ERIC
I just can't wait to really see you in some stage make-up. That's gonna be kinda cool.
He chuckles. LANDON shuts the door and leans in to remind him:
LANDON
Just be back in an hour, okay? Don't flake.
ERIC
Hey man, tell 'em maybe do like West Side Story, you know. We get that nice big booty lookin' girl from Selena, you know.
He positions his hands like he's making a declaration and announces dramatically:
ERIC
Maria! Maria!
LANDON strolls off, smiling.
CUT TO:
INT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY. CONTINUOUS.
MRS. GARBER
This year's spring musical is a story of burning passions and blazing tommyguns written by our very own Eddie Zimmerhoff.
She stands in front the students involved with the play (who sit in chairs against the wall). Everyone turns to look at EDDIE, who smiles.
MRS. GARBER
With words and music by Jamie Sullivan. It follows the rise and fall of Tommy 'the Gun' Thornton in prohibitionary New York. Eddie, perhaps you -- Mr. Carter, better late than never.
LANDON scowls in greeting, leaning on his crutches for support.
MRS. GARBER
Please join us.
LANDON
Sure.
He makes his way over to a seat on the right side of the room. JAMIE eyes him curiously. EDDIE's not looking thrilled.
MRS. GARBER
Now then, let's see, Jamie will be our Alicia, the mysterious club singer.
LANDON glances at JAMIE (who's looking very, very happy about her part) before shutting his eyes and leaning back against the wall.
MRS. GARBER
Sally will be playing Caroline.
JAMIE
(whispers, smiling; to Sally who sits next to her)
Congratulations.
MRS. GARBER
And Landon will read Tommy Thornton.
LANDON's eyes open immediately. He smiles.
LANDON
Wha -- ?
He chuckles.
LANDON
No. No. See, I -- I didn't plan on acting or anything.
(He's so cute in this scene!)
CUT TO:
All the play people sit in a circle on chairs. LANDON drums his fingers on his play booklet as SALLY reads:
SALLY
'When did you know, Tommy?'
LANDON, looking mightily annoyed, turns to her to say:
LANDON
(blankly)
'Know what?'
SALLY
'That we were in love?'
LANDON sighs and the two both look down at their booklets.
LANDON
(reading the lines with absolutely no emotion whatsover)
'Love? Uh... baby, believe me, you don't wanna go falling in love with a guy like me.'
JAMIE watches him.
SALLY
'It's too late, Tommy. I'm crazy about you. I'm breathing it, drinking it all in. Aren't you?'
LANDON laughs slightly.
LANDON
'Yeah, I -- I don't know what I'm drinking, dollface, but if this is love, pour me another glass?'
He chuckles again. EDDIE looks like he wants to murder him. Bwa!
MRS. GARBER
Mr. Carter, are you trying to be bad at this?
LANDON
Oh, no. It just comes naturally.
He grins. Everyone laughs.
MRS. GARBER
All right, everybody, let's go to the end.
JAMIE finally stops staring at LANDON, looking down and shaking her head, smiling.
CUT TO:
EXT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY. CONTINUOUS.
LANDON's waiting impatiently for ERIC, propped up on his crutches. EDDIE and JAMIE are in the background walking side by side down the steps of the building.
EDDIE
Don't even pretend like you're not gonna be great. I mean, you're so pretty.
JAMIE
(quickly)
Okay. I'll see you tomorrow.
EDDIE
All right. See ya.
He leaves. LANDON's all grumpy. JAMIE notices him and goes to join him, exchanging "bye"s with another girl on her way. LANDON glances at her like, "Ugh, not her again," and faces ahead.
JAMIE
So, would it kill you to try?
LANDON
Yup. And I'm too young to die.
JAMIE sighs quietly.
JAMIE
Okay, so you don't care about classes or graduating, but you like school because you're popular and you'll never be on top again.
LANDON
That's thoroughly predictable.
JAMIE
Your act only works on an audience.
LANDON ponders this as she goes. He checks his watch and looks up. JAMIE gets in her car, buckles up, and revs the engine. LMAO. From the expression on her face and the fact he's standing right in front of her car, you almost think she wouldn't have any problem running him over. LANDON hops out of the way and heads for the driver's side of her car. JAMIE rolls down her window.
LANDON
Are you feeling Christian?
He gives her his best puppydog eyes "Please?" face. Well, how could she refuse?
CUT TO:
JAMIE's driving.
JAMIE
(off screen)
Seatbelt.
LANDON gives her a look as though she's just asked him to jump into a tub full of live crabs. He sighs as he complies with her request. JAMIE smiles and turns on the radio. Rachael Lampa's "If You Believe" fills the car.
I close my eyes...
LANDON gives JAMIE another look as if to say, "There's no way in hell I'm listening to this." He changes the station. Extra Fancy's "No Mercy" blares.
No mercy...
JAMIE switches it back.
Do you believe that dreams come true? There's one that's waiting --
LANDON goes back to his song.
Too late...
Pauseworthy moment. LANDON has smiley eyes and covers his mouth with his hand, trying to conceal the fact that he's pleased he's won. Cuuute.
JAMIE
I forfeit.
LANDON
Thank you.
JAMIE
42.
LANDON
42? What do you -- what do you mean, 42?
JAMIE
42 is befriend somebody you don't like.
She looks at him. He's all, "O...kay."
JAMIE
It's a to-do list I have exempt from my life.
LANDON
What, like getting a new personality?
(Ha. Jeez, he's mean.)
JAMIE
Mm. Spend a year in the peace corp. Make a medical discovery.
LANDON
That's ambitious.
JAMIE
Be in two places at once. Get a tattoo.
LANDON
What's number one?
JAMIE
I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
LANDON chuckles. He looks out the window and spots the party posse hanging out at some Burgers place by ERIC's jeep. LANDON glances from JAMIE to them all, "Uh oh." TRACIE, WALKER, and DEAN chat amongst themselves (and ERIC is sitting in the jeep). LANDON leans forward so they won't see him. JAMIE looks out his window and then at him knowingly.
No mercy
Don't worry, I won't kill you!
They pass by his friends and LANDON gets up again.
CUT TO:
EXT. LANDON'S PORCH. DAY.
LANDON and ERIC are rehearsing the school play 'Thornton's Way'.
ERIC
(reading flatly)
'I've come to see if you're ready.'
LANDON leans on his crutch for support as he reads from the booklet.
LANDON
'Take a good look, lady, 'cause the only thing I'm ready for is a dirt nap.'
ERIC
(still reading badly)
'Ready to look inside your heart, Tom Thornton?'
LANDON sets his crutch down as ERIC continues:
ERIC
'Your words have been heard and not just by me.'
ERIC places the crutch underneath the bench he's sitting on. LANDON tries reciting the lines without the help of the booklet.
LANDON
'When you walked into...'
He can't remember. ERIC encourages him to go on.
LANDON
Aw, shit.
He opens the booklet.
LANDON
(reading)
'When you walked out of the rain and into my club,
He snaps the book shut.
LANDON
That wasn't just a coincidence, was it?'
ERIC
'Nothing's coincidence, baby.'
He shuts his book.
ERIC
'You know you're the only one who can make me sing.'
He jumps up suddenly and starts humping the air.
ERIC
Oh yeah, Miss Garber! Oh, you gonna put Eric in all your plays.
LANDON looks the other way trying to keep a straight face. ERIC flips on his back and humps the air some more.
ERIC
(high-pitched)
Eric, I'm gonna put you in all my plays!
LANDON
Come on. Come on, man. Come on.
ERIC's laughing.
LANDON
(serious)
Do you know I got 3 weeks to memorize this stuff?
ERIC
Man, you couldn't pull this off if you had 3 months, man. DeNiro couldn't even make this shit work.
LANDON
Look, I didn't write it, okay?
ERIC
No, but you're the one who's gonna make a jackass outta hisself in front of the whole town, the school, your friends...
LANDON
Look, I don't have a choice. So, would you just help me out, please?
ERIC stands up and places a hand on LANDON's shoulder.
ERIC
You know I'm just bustin' on you, right? I'm gonna be there opening night, front row, and you could count on it. With tomatoes.
ERIC laughs. LANDON smiles.
LANDON
Thanks, man.
They do a li'l macho man handshake. MRS. CARTER pulls up in the station wagon and exits, her arms full of paper bags.
MRS. CARTER
Landon? Boys, can you help me with these groceries?
LANDON
Yeah.
ERIC
No problem.
They toss their scripts aside on the bench and go to help her out.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
LANDON emerges from a classroom and shuts the door behind him. He looks around to see if anyone he knows is there before approaching Jamie who is emptying her locker.
LANDON
Jamie.
JAMIE glances behind her and sighs. She turns back to her locker.
JAMIE
(smiling)
What do you want, Carter? I've known you for years, you've never been the first one to come up and say hello.
LANDON
I need help with my lines.
She shuts her locker and faces him, her arms full of books.
JAMIE
(surprised)
Landon Carter's asking me for help?
LANDON
Yeah.
JAMIE
(nods)
Okay. I'll pray for you.
She goes on her merry way. LANDON follows her.
LANDON
(smiling)
Jamie, no, look. You really need help.
JAMIE
You've obviously never asked anybody for help before, right?
LANDON
(under his breath)
No.
RANDOM GIRL
(off screen)
Hey Landon.
LANDON doesn't pay any attention to her. Two girls pass by them.
JAMIE
A request like yours requires flattery and groveling. It can't be all about you. It has to be for the common good of everybody.
LANDON
It is for the common good.
They stop walking. JAMIE turns to face him.
LANDON
Okay, Eddie Zimmerhoff deserves the best.
He sighs.
LANDON
Please?
JAMIE
Okay. One condition though, Carter.
LANDON
What's that?
JAMIE
You have to promise you won't fall in love with me.
He chuckles.
LANDON
(very Shane West)
That's not a problem.
JAMIE
Okay. I'll see you this afternoon after school.
LANDON
Okay.
She leaves. He sighs again and heads in the opposite direction.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S KITCHEN. AFTERNOON.
JAMIE is making tea as REVEREND SULLIVAN paces around the kitchen.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Landon Carter's coming here? The boy's dangerous. He's careless. He's the worst kind of bully.
JAMIE smiles slightly.
JAMIE
Daddy, what about forgiveness? You know, I -- I thought we had discussed that I was gonna be able to decide how I wanted to spend my time in my life.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Well, it's him I don't trust, not you.
CUT TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S PORCH. AFTERNOON. CONTINUOUS.
LANDON rings the doorbell. His play booklet is folded in the front pocket of his pants.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S KITCHEN. AFTERNOON. CONTINUOUS.
JAMIE looks up from her stirring. She grabs a towel to dry her hands.
CUT TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S PORCH. AFTERNOON. CONTINUOUS.
The front door creaks open.
LANDON
Uh, hey.
JAMIE
Hi.
LANDON
So, you gonna keep me out here all afternoon or what?
JAMIE smiles.
JAMIE
Come on in.
The two bump arms as he enters. JAMIE shuts the door.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S FOYER. AFTERNOON. CONTINUOUS.
JAMIE
My script is in my room, so I'll be right down.
She starts up the stairs.
JAMIE
Make yourself at home.
LANDON
Oh, yeah.
LANDON watches her go, then mumbles to himself:
LANDON
That's not likely.
He walks into the living room, checking out the pictures on the mantle and on top of the piano. He turns to the other side of the room, tilting his head to get a better look at a small Jesus Christ statue.
LANDON
Wow. That is one scary lookin'...
He spins around to see REVEREND SULLIVAN standing there.
LANDON
Jes --
REVEREND SULLIVAN
No, Jamie's father. Hello, Mr. Carter. I understand you've managed to win the lead in the school play. Congratulations.
LANDON
Listen, thanks for letting me come over and run lines with Jamie.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
I didn't let you.
LANDON
Oh.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
It's a school night. Let's get one thing straight, Mr. Carter. You think that on Sundays, I don't see you from where I stand.
LANDON looks at Jamie's father, growing increasingly uncomfortable.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
But I see you. I'll be in my office just here.
He leaves the way he entered the room. LANDON's all, "Ughhh."
JAMIE
(off screen)
Ready?
LANDON
Yeah. Let's go.
Matthew Hager's "Enough" kicks up on the soundtrack as LANDON walks over to her.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL CAMPUS. DAY.
LANDON's party posse -- minus LANDON -- are all there: WALKER, ERIC, BELINDA, TRACIE, and DEAN. ERIC and DEAN do the handshake greeting. ERIC moves on to hug BELINDA.
BELINDA
And how are you?
WALKER and DEAN do the handshake thing. LANDON strolls up casually. Matthew Hager's "Enough" is still raging on the soundtrack. DEAN turns to see LANDON.
DEAN
Landon! Where've you been?
LANDON
Nowhere, man.
They do the macho high-five-y handshake then lean in all close.
DEAN
Hey, come here. Listen.
LANDON
What's up?
DEAN throws an arm over LANDON's shoulder.
DEAN
Are we cool?
LANDON
Yeah, sure.
DEAN nods. The bell rings. The two boys walk on up to class.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROAD. NIGHT.
LANDON's driving the Camaro, all angry. Matthew Hager's "Enough" is still blaring on the soundtrack.
I can't stand it
He slows the car when he spots JAMIE making her way into the cemetary.
There's something wrong here
LANDON
What the hell?
There's something wrong
He cuts the ignition and hops out of the car. He ambles down the hill to join her in the cemetary.
LANDON
Hey!
She spins around, perplexed. They both look at each other wondering the same thing.
LANDON
What are you doing here?
JAMIE
I should ask you the same question.
LANDON
Well, do you normally walk by yourself in the cemetary at night?
She shrugs.
JAMIE
Maybe.
She turns to go.
LANDON
Where you goin'?
She looks back and shining her flashlight in his eyes answers simply:
JAMIE
Come and see.
He hobbles after her.
CUT TO:
JAMIE sets a telescope down.
LANDON
Okay, what is that?
JAMIE
This is my telescope. I built it when I was twelve.
LANDON looks somewhat impressed.
JAMIE
Take a look.
LANDON peers into the telescope.
LANDON
Saturn. Very cool.
JAMIE
Yeah. I'm planning on building a larger one so I can see the comet Hyakutake. It comes this spring, but nobody knows when it's coming back.
LANDON
(sarcastic)
Ah. Nature's miracles.
Hurt, JAMIE looks at the ground.
LANDON
I get it.
JAMIE
Get what?
LANDON motions to the telescope.
LANDON
That you're into all this stuff.
JAMIE
This... stuff. I -- I have my beliefs, I have faith, but don't you?
LANDON
No. There's too much bad shit in this world.
JAMIE
Without suffering there'd be no compassion.
LANDON
Yeah, well tell that to those who suffer.
JAMIE sighs and shakes her head.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL. DAY.
Two students exits the doors.
ERIC
(off screen)
Oh, my goodness.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
LANDON and all his pals -- DEAN, ERIC, TRACIE, WALKER, and BELINDA -- hang around the lockers. ERIC checks out two girls as they pass the group of friends.
ERIC
See, this is what I love about early spring.
DEAN holds ERIC back.
ERIC
Where those legs been hiding all this winter?
LMAO. Too funny. Even the girls are checking out the legs. BELINDA laughs.
BELINDA
She's trashy.
TRACIE notices someone strolling up.
TRACIE
Well, if it isn't the Virgin Mary.
LANDON turns to see who she's referring to.
DEAN
Oh, dude, here comes your leading lady.
LANDON braces himself as JAMIE approaches.
JAMIE
Hey Carter. So, I'll see you after school?
DEAN and TRACIE look at LANDON waiting for his response.
LANDON
Well, in your dreams.
ERIC winces. JAMIE looks at him -- not hurt or angry or upset -- just like, "Well, okay." LANDON smirks at her. ERIC laughs.
ERIC
Ouch.
JAMIE kinda nods and goes on her way. LANDON's face falls.
ERIC
(high-pitched)
Hi. Where's your sweater?
LANDON smiles. DEAN laughs. The bell rings. DEAN and TRACIE kiss and then she goes. LANDON and DEAN grab their bags.
LANDON
Let's get outta here.
Everyone makes their way to their classes.
CUT TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE. LATER. SAME DAY.
LANDON parks the station wagon in front of JAMIE's house. He's not happy. He cuts the ignition and exits the car.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S LIVING ROOM. SAME DAY.
JAMIE is practicing "Only Hope" on the piano. REVEREND SULLIVAN sits, reading. They both look up when the doorbell rings.
CUT TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S PORCH. SAME DAY.
LANDON rings the doorbell again. The door swings open. JAMIE isn't pleased to see him. LANDON looks at her guiltily. Before he can say a word she shuts the door. LANDON leans against her house.
LANDON
Come on, Jamie. Open the door. Please.
He knocks. The door re-opens. He backs up.
LANDON
Whoa.
JAMIE joins him on the porch.
JAMIE
What do you want?
She shuts the door behind her.
LANDON
You're not in a good mood.
JAMIE
You don't miss a thing.
LANDON
Listen, Jamie, I was hopin' we could run lines together.
JAMIE
(nods)
Okay, but just not so anybody knows, right?
LANDON
Well, I just figured we could surprise everyone with how good I get.
JAMIE
Like we could be secret friends?
She smiles. LANDON's face lights up.
LANDON
Exactly. Exactly. It's like you're reading my mind.
JAMIE
Great. Um. Maybe you could read mine.
Her face goes blank. His face falls. She turns to go back inside.
LANDON
Jamie. Jamie, I can't just be your friend.
JAMIE
Landon, look, I thought I saw something in you. Something good. But I was very wrong.
She shuts the door. LANDON sighs and heads down the steps.
LANDON
Jamie, DAMMIT!
The door suddenly swings open and REVEREND SULLIVAN steps onto the porch, mighty pissed off. LANDON turns back to look at him. REVEREND SULLIVAN has his hands placed on his hips. Cold's "No One" kicks up on the soundtrack.
LANDON
Sorry.
He walks off.
CUT TO:
EXT. LANDON'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Cold's "No One" is still blaring.
I can't ever really believe
CUT TO:
INT. LANDON'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
LANDON, laying on his side on his bed, is flipping through his yearbook unhappily. He finally lands on the page he's looking for. He stares down at JAMIE's picture. The caption reads:
Jamie Sullivan
Red Cross; Stars and
Planets; Drama Club
Ambition: To witness a miracle.
LANDON considers the ambition. He shuts the yearbook.
No one was sent to get me
And I'm all alone
No one was sent to get me
And I'm all alone
No one got left here
Well, I'm fine
No one got left here
Well, I'm fine
No one got left
CUT TO:
INT. SISTER SCHOOL. DAY.
LUIS twirls a basketball. LANDON sits on the table.
LANDON
You know the answer?
LUIS looks the other way, bored.
LANDON
Look, man, I know you know.
In the background, JAMIE teaches her student. LANDON sighs and stands up. He directs his attention out the window at the basketball court.
CUT TO:
EXT. BASKETBALL COURT. DAY. CONTINUOUS.
LANDON and LUIS stand a few feet apart from each other and several feet away from the basket. LUIS is still holding the basketball.
LANDON
Okay, it's you, me, and the basket. Okay, we form the three corners of a triangle. Now take a step towards the basket.
LUIS does so. At the exact same time, LANDON copies his move.
LANDON
Now am I at the same angle to you and the basket as before?
LUIS
Yeah.
LANDON
Are you?
LUIS
Yeah.
LANDON
So what did we just make?
LUIS
Uh... a similar triangle?
LANDON
Yes. Yes.
JAMIE walks over to the window to watch the two boys.
LANDON
Okay, make me an isosceles.
LUIS takes a huge step to the left.
LANDON
You got it. Two sides the same.
He smiles.
LANDON
Okay, enough of this. Let's play.
LUIS smiles and tosses the basketball to LANDON. New Radicals' "Mother, We Just Can't Get Enough" kicks up on the soundtrack. LANDON tosses the ball at the hoop and it goes in. After he retrieves the ball, he tosses it back to LUIS. JAMIE's seen what she wanted to see. She turns away from the window.
CUT TO:
INT. LANDON'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
LANDON paces back and forth reading from 'Thornton's Way'. A pencil rests behind his ear and one is in his mouth. (Hee.) He takes the pencil out of his mouth.
CUT TO:
INT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY.
EDDIE observes, playbook in hand, as MRS. GARBER helps position LANDON and SALLY for the upcoming production.
There's somethin' about you...
CUT TO:
JAMIE steps from behind a curtain. SALLY lightly taps LANDON's right shoulder.
CUT TO:
SALLY pushes LANDON's left shoulder, just a tad more aggressive.
CUT TO:
SALLY shoves LANDON's right shoulder again, now standing on the other side of him.
CUT TO:
SALLY goes back to her original position, and goes to push LANDON again when MRS. GARBER stops her.
Tears me inside out whenever you're around
CUT TO:
MRS. GARBER demonstrates her idea of the perfect shove -- quick, rough.
There's somethin' about you...
CUT TO:
SALLY tries again.
CUT TO:
MRS. GARBER shows SALLY how to approach him, all dramatic.
That makes me fly
CUT TO:
SALLY mimics MRS. GARBER's walk.
You're a heart attack
Just the kind I like
CUT TO:
MRS. GARBER pulls LANDON aside.
There's somethin' about your kiss
Haunting and strange
CUT TO:
INT. LANDON'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
LANDON reads from the book aloud. He takes the pencil from behind his ear to write something down.
It made me feel so good
I get a feeling
You get a feeling
CUT TO:
INT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY.
MRS. GARBER is explaining more play stuff to LANDON.
We get a feeling like we're alive
CUT TO:
SALLY shoves LANDON again. And again. And again.
CUT TO:
INT. LANDON'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
LANDON reads more from the play and looks up.
Oh, mother...
CUT TO:
INT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY.
MRS. GARBER positions JAMIE in a chair. LANDON watches them, a cute as hell bored expression on his face, his head resting in his hand.
We just can't get enough
We just can't get enough
CUT TO:
MRS. GARBER shows JAMIE how to walk to the bar.
CUT TO:
JAMIE mimics MRS. GARBER's walk to the bar.
And lover,
CUT TO:
LANDON and JAMIE watch MRS. GARBER stroll past them. JAMIE cracks up.
We just gotta get it up
We just gotta get it up
CUT TO:
INT. LANDON'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
LANDON looks down at his outfit, reciting more lines.
CUT TO:
INT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY.
MRS. GARBER positions JAMIE's head and JAMIE's eyes fall on LANDON, whose back is turned to her.
This world ain't got too much time
CUT TO:
INT. LANDON'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
LANDON takes a huge bite from a sandwich he now has, back to pacing and reading.
CUT TO:
INT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY.
MRS. GARBER positions JAMIE's head to face sideways. LANDON checks JAMIE out. Haha. His face kinda reads like, "Hm. Not bad."
But baby, I'm fine
'Cause baby, you're mine
CUT TO:
MRS. GARBER places JAMIE's hands as though she's about to pray.
CUT TO:
INT. LANDON'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
LANDON marks something down in his playbook with his pencil.
CUT TO:
INT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY.
LANDON and SALLY are stylin' in their costumes. LANDON sets a drink down.
We just gotta get it up
SALLY shoves him once more. And then once more after that.
Come on and give up
You better give up
CUT TO:
INT. LANDON'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
LANDON recites some more from the play.
Give up your life
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.
Amidst the crowd, LANDON and JAMIE slo-mo pass each other by, looking at one another as they go. Oh, yah.
There's somethin' about you
You tear me inside out whenever you're around
There's somethin' about you
JAMIE looks back at LANDON.
That makes me fly
You're a heart attack
Just the kind I like
JAMIE faces forward again and keeps walking.
There's somethin' about your kiss
CUT TO:
EXT. REHAB PLACE ON OAK STREET. DAY.
LANDON observes a guy on a wheelchair on his way to the building.
Haunting and strange
It made me feel so good...
CUT TO:
INT. CLAY'S ROOM INSIDE THE REHAB PLACE. DAY.
The TV is on. It replaces New Radicals. The show is something in black & white and very loud. CLAY watches it as though he could care less what's on. LANDON enters the room, his head hung in shame. CLAY acknowledges his presence then turns back to the TV.
LANDON
I came to say I'm sorry.
CLAY shrugs.
CLAY
Well, you did. You feel better?
LANDON
No. I feel like shit.
CLAY
You know what? I -- I actually thought I wanted to be your friend.
He smiles and shakes his head.
CLAY
And now I have no idea why. No idea.
On the TV something blows up.
LANDON
I made that jump once. And thought I was a badass. I remember actually saying that I -- I meant to bellyflop.
CLAY
Did it hurt?
LANDON
Like hell.
CLAY
(coldly)
Good.
He smiles slightly. LANDON returns the smile.
LANDON
So, I guess I'll see you at school then.
CUT TO:
EXT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. NIGHT.
A 'Thornton's Way' banner hangs over the door. People shuffle inside the building.
LANDON
(off screen; as Tommy)
Pour me a drink, Joey.
CUT TO:
INT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. NIGHT.
Obviously the play has already begun. Everyone's looking very stylish up on stage. The camera pans across a couple guys playing a game of cards; a couple behind them enjoys martinis. Someone behind a curtain stands so you only see her outline. A waitress strolls over to the bar where LANDON and SALLY stand. LANDON was talking to the bartender behind the counter. SALLY stands a foot in front of him, her back turned on him, hands on her hips, looking all pouty. LANDON looks down at the hat in his hands before he fixes his gaze on her. He's not happy either.
SALLY
(as Caroline)
You promised me, Tommy. No more of your no-goodnik schemes.
She turns to face him and says sadly:
SALLY
(as Caroline)
You promised me we'd go to Paris.
As LANDON says his next lines, the camera cuts to EDDIE and MRS. GARBER by the curtain. EDDIE checks out the crowd while MRS. GARBER looks anxiously at the performers on stage. A MAN (MR. CARTER) enters the play quietly, looking up at LANDON and SALLY on stage as he heads to a seat. In the audience scattered about are TRACIE and DEAN (who sit side-by-side), ERIC (who's a row in front of them asleep), WALKER, BELINDA, and MRS. CARTER.
LANDON
(as Tommy)
I'm not gonna sit on my keister and watch all the fat cats in this town get rich, okay? Trust me.
We finally get back to LANDON and SALLY onstage. SALLY is now looking away annoyed, her arms folded.
LANDON
(as Tommy)
This is a sure thing.
SALLY sighs. LANDON picks up his drink. When SALLY says her next line, the camera shows a close-up of MRS. CARTER. Behind her, PRINCIPAL KELLY watches the play all grumpy. Haha.
SALLY
(as Caroline)
That's it.
SALLY walks a few paces ahead. Behind her, the shadow girl is dancing. She turns back to LANDON.
SALLY
(as Caroline)
We are through.
BELINDA takes a picture as SALLY snaps:
SALLY
(as Caroline)
Go ahead and run your booze,
She walks back to LANDON. He sets his drink down and ignores her, looking the other way.
SALLY
(as Caroline)
You big dope!
She shoves him roughly. He turns to look at her angrily. She strolls past him and declares:
SALLY
(as Caroline)
And I hope you drown in it.
She stops abruptly. A mysterious hooded stranger stands in her way. REVEREND SULLIVAN watches, intrigued.
SALLY
(as Caroline)
So.
SALLY checks out the girl; LANDON checks out his hat again.
SALLY
(as Caroline)
You must be the new girl he's hired.
She looks at LANDON.
SALLY
(as Caroline)
The singer?
LANDON directs his attention to the two ladies.
SALLY
(as Caroline; to "the singer")
You want some free advice about this one?
She looks at LANDON bitterly.
SALLY
(as Caroline)
Stay far away.
LANDON isn't happy to hear that.
SALLY
(as Caroline)
He's nothin' but trouble.
As SALLY says her next line, the camera cuts back to EDDIE and MRS. GARBER. EDDIE smiles, MRS. GARBER mouths the lines.
SALLY
(as Caroline)
And cheap spats.
SALLY leaves. The singer looks at LANDON and smiles.
FADE TO:
The audience. TRACIE looks bored, DEAN doesn't care about the play at all, and ERIC is snoring.
LANDON
(off-screen; as Tommy)
Look, I ain't blamin' you.
FADE TO:
LANDON sits up on stage. Apparently he's been shot. It's hard to tell. There's only the tiniest speck of blood on him. Still, his left arm stays unmoved, as though it's been paralyzed.
LANDON
(as Tommy)
I ain't askin' for forgiveness either.
JAMIE takes off her hood, looking at LANDON as she does so. Ah yes, she's the mysterious club singer, remember? LANDON sighs softly.
LANDON
(as Tommy)
I just did what I had to.
JAMIE removes her cloak to reveal a gorgeous ice-blue evening gown. LANDON finally turns to look at her and is quite taken aback. JAMIE stares back as she sets the cloak aside. LANDON can't turn his attention away from her. He's so tongue-tied, he's forgotten his lines. His voice is somewhat shaky when he remembers:
LANDON
(as Tommy)
When you walked out of the rain,
In the audience, REVEREND SULLIVAN looks troubled.
LANDON
(as Tommy)
And into my club,
JAMIE sits down. The two don't take their eyes off each other.
LANDON
(as Tommy; softly)
That wasn't just a coincidence, was it?
JAMIE shakes her head 'no'.
JAMIE
(as Alicia)
Nothing's coincidence.
TRACIE, DEAN, and especially ERIC (now wide awake) are suddenly fascinated by the play.
LANDON
(as Tommy; gently)
Your face... you looked so familiar. Like this dame I knew once, only...
He inhales sharply.
LANDON
(as Tommy)
It wasn't real, it was a dream.
JAMIE
(as Alicia)
Tell me about this dream girl.
LANDON gazes at her silently for a moment. He's seemed to have the lost the power of speech. He looks down. In the audience, MR. CARTER waits expectantly for the next line.
LANDON
(shakily)
Well, I don't... remember.
He looks at her again. EDDIE and MRS. GARBER are shown once more. MRS. GARBER is all, "Uh oh."
LANDON
All I know...
JAMIE watches him thoughtfully, patiently.
LANDON
Is you're beautiful.
JAMIE is stunned by this. REVEREND SULLIVAN looks around like, "Okay... what's going on?" BELINDA is so upset. LANDON can't remember what he's supposed to say now.
MRS. GARBER
(whispering sharply)
The song! The song!
LANDON
(as Tommy; gently)
The dream...
(sadly)
Help me to remember.
JAMIE looks at him nervously.
LANDON
(as Tommy)
Will you sing for me?
(Aw. God, this scene is perfect.) LANDON holds her arm. She brushes him away as someone at the piano begins playing "Only Hope."
JAMIE
(singing)
There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold
JAMIE looks at LANDON.
JAMIE
(singing)
But you sing to me over and over and over again
MRS. CARTER watches the play, all emotional. JAMIE stands and strolls to the bar.
JAMIE
(singing)
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
She puts her hands in prayer position.
JAMIE
(singing)
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
LANDON looks at her pensively.
JAMIE
I know now
She looks at LANDON as she sings this part:
JAMIE
(singing)
You're my only hope
She walks back over to LANDON and sits down, singing to him:
JAMIE
(singing)
Sing to me the song of the stars
LANDON's eyes stay fixed on her.
JAMIE
(singing to the audience)
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
(to Landon)
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again
She rises and crosses in front of him.
JAMIE
(singing)
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope
She circles around him.
JAMIE
(singing)
I give you my destiny
I'm givin' you all of me
I want your symphony singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs
I'm givin' it back
She walks towards the audience. LANDON looks like he's about to cry.
JAMIE
(singing)
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope
She looks back at LANDON and rejoins him. Sitting down, she finishes the song. LANDON, more than anything else anxious, tentatively leans over to kiss her, and when they part, he gives her the most yumful-est look in all the friggin' land. Oh my Lord. The audience cheers. JAMIE looks at him, both disquieted and bemused. BELINDA is all, "No! Why?!" LANDON licks his lips and stares at JAMIE like, "Oh my God, I can't believe I actually kissed her!" The curtain closes. BELINDA is all unhappy. REVEREND SULLIVAN is agitated. The rest of the audience is pleased. Behind the curtain, LANDON and JAMIE continue to stare at each other.