EXT. SIDEWALKS. NIGHT.
LANDON and JAMIE stroll hand in hand as 311's "All Mixed Up" blares on the soundtrack.They aren't in the lovey-doviest of moods. JAMIE stares ahead blankly. LANDON's eyes are wandering. BELINDA and TRACIE emerge from one of the shops they pass. They're both giggling.
BELINDA
I was so drunk. I don't remember anything.
All four stop and glance at each other. Then TRACIE and BELINDA go on their way and LANDON and JAMIE resume walking. (If you pause, JAMIE kinda gives BELINDA this morose stare and LANDON is looking at DEAN who is still inside the shop.)
LANDON
That's great. From Citizen High to Citizen Low.
LANDON finally turns his attention to JAMIE. He gives her a look like, "Okay... what's up with my girlfriend tonight?" JAMIE keeps her eyes ahead, still emotionless, and doesn't say anything.
LANDON
Are you worried about your college applications?
JAMIE shakes her head.
JAMIE
No.
They head into the alley. They're no longer holding hands.
JAMIE
I'm not applying to college.
LANDON
I thought you said...
JAMIE
No. You assumed.
LANDON
Gonna take a year off? Try the peace corp thing?
JAMIE
(softly)
No.
LANDON
Okay.
They stop. JAMIE turns to face him.
LANDON
What are you gonna do?
She doesn't answer right away. He looks at her worried.
JAMIE
I'm sick.
LANDON
I'll take you home. You'll be better tomorrow --
JAMIE
(shaking her head)
No, no.
She sighs.
JAMIE
Landon.
She pauses slightly.
JAMIE
I'm sick.
He doesn't know what she means by that. He looks at her helplessly.
JAMIE
I have leukemia.
He smiles and kinda laughs thinking what she's just told him can't possibly be true. Then, serious:
LANDON
No. You're -- you're 18. You're perfect.
JAMIE
No. No. I found out two years ago. I've stopped responding to treatments.
She shrugs and looks at him sadly. LANDON bites his bottom lip.
LANDON
So why didn't you tell me?
JAMIE
The doctor said I should go on and live life normally as -- as best I could. I -- I didn't want anybody to be wierd around me.
LANDON
Including me?
JAMIE's eyes well up with tears.
JAMIE
Especially you!
LANDON doesn't say anything.
JAMIE
You know, I -- I was getting along with everything fine. I accepted it. And then you happened.
She stares down and sucks in a deep breath. She looks at him again.
JAMIE
I do not need a reason to be angry with God.
LANDON stares at her heavy-hearted still not saying a word. She turns and runs away from him. Switchfoot's "Dare You To Move" kicks up on the soundtrack. LANDON inhales sharply, trying not to cry watching her leave him.
Welcome to the planet...
FADE TO:
EXT. BEAUFORT. NIGHT.
Welcome to existence...
FADE TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY. NIGHT.
LANDON drives along the highway in his Camaro.
Everyone's here
Everyone's here
Everybody's watching you now
CUT TO:
EXT. MR. CARTER'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Everybody waits for you now
LANDON screeches his car to a stop in front of his dad's house.
What happens next?
LANDON exits the car.
What happens next?
He circles around the back of the car.
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
LANDON hurries up the lawn to his father's front door all upset.
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
He rings the doorbell.
I dare you to move
He knocks loudly after a second of waiting and stands back.
I dare you to move
He knocks again.
LANDON
Dad, open the door!
Like today never happened
LANDON gives up and turns around. The porch light goes on as he retreats, wondering what he's going to do now.
Today never happened before
MR. CARTER steps onto the porch and LANDON spins around to face him. Switchfoot fades.
MR. CARTER
Landon?
LANDON sighs.
LANDON
I need your help.
MR. CARTER
(concerned)
What's wrong? Are you okay?
LANDON
It's my girlfriend. Jamie. She's --
He pauses.
LANDON
She's got cancer, okay? And I need you to come and see her right now.
MR. CARTER
Okay, will you calm down?
LANDON
Can you help me or not?
MR. CARTER
I don't -- I don't know her case. I don't know her history. I'd have to talk to her physician. I'm a cardiologist, I can't --
LANDON
You know, just forget it. I knew it.
He turns around again to go.
MR. CARTER
Would you wait? Landon, wait!
A blonde appears on the porch in her nightgown. LANDON's car door slams shut. The Camaro revs up and screeches off. MR. CARTER sighs. Switchfoot's "You" strikes up on the soundtrack.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY. NIGHT. CONTINUOUS.
LANDON is making the long trek back home, driving along unhappily.
There's always something in the way
There's always something getting through
But it's not me... it's you
It's you
It's all that I know
It's all that I know
I find peace when I'm confused
And I find hope when I'm let down
He stares at the empty road ahead on the verge of tears.
Not in me... me in you
It's in you
It's all that I know
It's all that I know
FADE TO:
EXT. LANDON'S HOUSE. SUNSET.
In you
CUT TO:
EXT. LANDON'S BACKYARD. SUNSET. CONTINUOUS.
LANDON stands alone, staring at nothing in particular. He's pensive, standing beside the water.
It's all that I know
It's you...
Switchfoot fades as ERIC approaches.
ERIC
Hey.
He steps up beside LANDON.
ERIC
Your mom called me. Talk to me, man.
LANDON
About what?
ERIC
About you. About Jamie.
LANDON
What's there to talk about? She's the best person I've ever known.
He turns to look at ERIC sadly, then faces forward again.
ERIC
I didn't understand.
LANDON glances at him for a moment, then replies:
LANDON
It's okay, man. It's okay.
They do their handshake like before -- only now in a gentler way. LANDON rests a hand on ERIC's shoulder and turns away, hanging his head.
CUT TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE. DAY.
LANDON strolls up to JAMIE's front porch. The porch is covered with bouquets of flowers. (Awww.) LANDON sets two more bouquets down. As he retreats, he sees REVEREND SULLIVAN coming up the sidewalk with some RANDOM LADY.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
It's so nice to see you again. You're welcome. Watch yourself.
The random woman goes. REVEREND SULLIVAN turns to LANDON. He eyes the porch display.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Landon.
LANDON
I'm not going anywhere. Please tell Jamie that.
He leaves. REVEREND SULLIVAN considers LANDON's words.
CUT TO:
EXT. LANDON'S GARAGE. DAY.
LANDON fixes something in the hood of his Camaro and pulls down the hood to find JAMIE standing there. He stares at her, grim. The two approach each other slowly, awkwardly.
JAMIE
I'm -- I'm so sorry. I really should've told you sooner.
LANDON
No, I made you do too many things. I kept you out --
JAMIE
No, no, no. If anything, you kept me healthy longer.
She looks at him sadly. LANDON looks down for a second, then up at her, trying to work up the nerve to finally ask:
LANDON
(softly)
Are you scared?
Aw. His lower lip trembles. :(
JAMIE
To death.
LANDON averts his eyes. He can't believe that she'd be joking about something like this. JAMIE takes a step forward, smiling weakly.
JAMIE
Lighten up.
LANDON looks at her miserably.
LANDON
It's not funny.
The two stare at each other. JAMIE shuts her eyes and places her forehead against his. She tugs gently at his necklace. Both stay that way for a moment -- foreheads touching, eyes closed. She finally breaks away to look up at him. Still holding onto his necklace, she replies:
JAMIE
I'm scared of not being with you.
Tears fill her eyes. LANDON's gaze falls on hers compassionately.
LANDON
Oh, baby, that'll never happen, okay?
He cups her face. She nods. He hugs her tightly. As the two embrace, LANDON promises:
LANDON
I'll be here.
Saddest. Scene. Ever. Jonathan Foreman's version of "Someday We'll Know" begins.
90 miles outside Chicago...
CUT TO:
INT. LANDON'S LIVING ROOM. SAME DAY -- LATER.
MRS. CARTER is sitting on the couch reading. LANDON approaches her.
LANDON
Mom?
MRS. CARTER looks up.
MRS. CARTER
Hm?
LANDON
Um... can you do me a favor?
CUT TO:
MRS. CARTER is teaching LANDON how to dance. He falters occasionally, stepping on her foot and stuff. Jonathan Foreman is still singing:
Can't stop drivin' I don't know why
Too many questions I need an answer
Two years later you're still on my mind
Whatever happened to Amelia Earhart?
Who holds the stars up in the sky?
Is true love just once in a lifetime?
Did the captain of the Titanic cry?...
LANDON spins his mother and the scene FADES TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S BALCONY. NIGHT.
LANDON is spinning JAMIE now. The two dance together. It's the sweetest thing in the world. So much love. The song continues:
Oh, someday we'll know
If love can move a mountain
Someday we'll know
Why the sky is blue
Someday we'll know
That I was the one for you
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Someday we'll know why Samson loved Delilah
One day I'll go dancin' on the moon...
The camera pans up to the trees.
FADE TO:
EXT. DOCKS. AFTERNOON.
The sun is setting. JAMIE is asleep, resting on LANDON's shoulder. They're sitting on a bench by the water. JAMIE's sweater is hanging slightly off her shoulder. LANDON gently strokes her arm and notices the sweater. He places it back and kisses her forehead. (Awww.)
Someday you'll know that I was the one for you...
FADE TO:
EXT. CEMETARY. DAY.
The song fades. LANDON is getting JAMIE's telescope to put in his Camaro's trunk. DEAN pulls into the cemetary in his truck. LANDON looks up as DEAN cuts the ignition and gets out of his auto. He stands up and narrows his eyes, crossing his arms across his chest. DEAN approaches him timidly. He's still a good distance away. LANDON unfolds his arms and places them on his hips.
DEAN
So, um... I talked to Eric.
LANDON nods. Awkward pause.
DEAN
Need some help with this stuff?
LANDON
Sure.
He grabs the telescope stand and hands it to DEAN. He picks up JAMIE'S telescope.
FADE TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE. DAY.
LANDON measures JAMIE's telescope and marks something down on a clipboard.
FADE TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE. DAY.
LANDON hauls a large cardboard-y telescope looking thing to JAMIE's house.
FADE TO:
INT. JAMIE'S BEDROOM. DAY.
JAMIE sleeps peacefully. How cute, there's a giant stuffed animal panda bear in the background. In real life, Mrs. Moore's nickname for Mandy is "Panda Bear" -- coincidence or a purposefully well thought out plan by the prop guys? Anyway, JAMIE's Bible sits on her nightstand next to her bed. She also has a pink phone. Wow, even JAMIE likes talking on the phone. Well, with a boyfriend as adorable as LANDON, who wouldn't? ;) Speaking of LANDON, he's outside electric sawing. JAMIE opens her eyes and sits up. She looks very tired. LANDON's outside hammering loudly now. Did LANDON even know she was sleeping? He's disturbing her quiet time. Mean boy. :p JAMIE goes over to her window and pulls back the curtain. LANDON's down below making measurements and writing down stuff. Telescope stuff surrounds him. REVEREND SULLIVAN enters JAMIE's room.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Jamie, what's that boy doin' in the yard?
JAMIE turns to her father, suddenly looking very, very sick.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
(worried)
Jamie, what's the matter?
JAMIE doesn't answer him. She faints, collapsing into REVEREND SULLIVAN's arms.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
(panicked)
Jamie, honey?!
CUT TO:
EXT. ROAD. DAY.
An ambulance speeds along, siren wailing.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL. NIGHT.
LANDON sits by JAMIE's side, sad, holding her hand. She's fast asleep. He glances at REVEREND SULLIVAN in the hallway, talking to a doctor. A nurse enters the room, marks something down on her clipboard, picks up a pitcher on a table next to JAMIE's bed, and leaves. LANDON watches JAMIE resting peacefully, tubes tied up to her. He glances at the beeping monitor, then sighs softly.
FADE TO BLACK. FADE TO:
LANDON and JAMIE are both asleep now. LANDON still holds on to her hand. JAMIE moves slightly. LANDON stirs and settles down to observe her quietly.
FADE TO BLACK. FADE TO:
LANDON sleeps beside JAMIE now, on her bed, his arm over her, subtly stroking her arm. He opens his eyes to look up at her. (Aaw.)
FADE TO BLACK. FADE TO:
INT. HOSPITAL. MORNING.
REVEREND SULLIVAN peers into his daughter's hospital room to find LANDON sitting by JAMIE's side. LANDON settles back into his chair, his eyes closing. REVEREND SULLIVAN enters the room. LANDON struggles to stay awake, but his eyes keep closing on him. REVEREND SULLIVAN rests a hand on LANDON's shoulder.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Landon.
He takes his hand away.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Go on home, son.
LANDON
I'm not tired.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
I need just a minute with her.
LANDON takes a moment before he leans forward to kiss JAMIE's hand. She awakes and turns to him. Taking her hand, he tells her:
LANDON
(gently)
I'll be back, okay?
JAMIE nods.
JAMIE
Okay.
LANDON gets up and goes. JAMIE shuts her eyes. REVEREND SULLIVAN settles into the chair LANDON was in. He rubs his forehead. JAMIE looks over at him and frowns.
JAMIE
(softly)
Daddy... so serious.
REVEREND SULLIVAN shakes his head 'no' and takes her hand. He chuckles.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Do you remember when you were about um, five or six, and you said you hated gravity and you wanted to jump off the roof and fly?
JAMIE smiles and laughs.
JAMIE
I was so angry at you for making me come down.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Honey, if I kept you too close, it's because I wanted to keep you longer.
JAMIE frowns again.
JAMIE
Dad.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
You know, when I lost your mother... I was afraid that my heart would never open again.
He pauses.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Jamie, I couldn't look at you for days... But then...
JAMIE
I love you so much.
REVEREND SULLIVAN bows his head down, crying quietly. She places a hand on his head and he places his hand over hers.
CUT TO:
EXT. LANDON'S HOUSE. (CLOUDY) DAY.
LANDON sits in a chair on his porch lost in thought. BELINDA approaches. He springs up from his seat.
BELINDA
Hi.
LANDON
Hey.
She hands him a packet of pictures.
BELINDA
I wanted to give you these.
LANDON takes them.
BELINDA
They're pictures from the play.
They both pause.
BELINDA
(apologetic)
I'm sorry about the fliers.
LANDON
Hey, it doesn't matter.
BELINDA
(quietly)
Yeah.
(sadly)
I guess you're with who you should be.
LANDON looks confused.
BELINDA
It's like she chose you.
LANDON
Yeah.
He smiles.
LANDON
I don't even know why.
BELINDA, near tears, replies:
BELINDA
I do.
She smiles weakly.
BELINDA
Well --
She grabs his shoulders and kisses his cheek then hurriedly walks off. LANDON waits a moment before he opens the packet. Then he turns and walks the other way.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S HOSPITAL ROOM. DAY.
JAMIE opens her eyes slowly and spots LANDON sitting by the window. He's drumming his fingers against his forehead and reading a magazine. Balloons and flowers decorate the room. JAMIE smiles and sighs contentedly. LANDON looks up. He smiles back.
LANDON
Hey.
He shuts the magazine and walks over to her.
LANDON
How you feelin'?
He leans down to kiss her cheek.
JAMIE
I'm okay. How are you?
LANDON sits down on her bed, careful not to sit on her.
LANDON
Pretty good.
JAMIE
I have something for you.
LANDON
You do?
JAMIE nods.
JAMIE
Mmhmm.
She reaches behind her to grab a book. She hands it to him. He looks over it dubiously.
JAMIE
(smiling)
Don't worry. It's not a Bible. It was my mother's. It's got quotes from our favorite books, quotes by famous people. Her thoughts.
LANDON leans forward to kiss her fingers. They're holding hands. (Aaaw.)
JAMIE
(softly)
C'mon.
LANDON smiles.
LANDON
Okay. Let's check it out.
He flips to a page.
LANDON
(gently)
Okay.
(reading)
'What is a friend? It's a single soul dwelling in two bodies.' Aristotle.
JAMIE
Mmm. Mm mm.
She points to another passage in the book.
LANDON
(gently)
Okay.
(reading)
'Find out who you are and do it on purpose.'
JAMIE looks up at him thoughtfully.
LANDON
That's Dolly Parton.
JAMIE
(smiling)
I always thought she was smart.
LANDON smiles and turns the pages.
LANDON
(reading)
'Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous.'
JAMIE shuts her eyes.
LANDON
(reading)
'Love is never boastful or conceited.'
JAMIE begins reciting with him:
BOTH
'It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and it is not resentful.'
LANDON sighs. JAMIE opens her eyes. He shuts the book.
JAMIE
You know what I figured out today?
LANDON
What?
JAMIE
Maybe God has a bigger plan for me then I had for myself. Like, this journey never ends. Like, you were sent to me because I'm sick... to help me through all this.
LANDON begins running his fingers over her cheek. She shuts her eyes and responds to his gentle caress. Then she looks up at him.
JAMIE
You're my angel.
(So sweet.) She smiles. He stares down at her lovingly, about to cry. The two kiss. When they part, they gaze affectionally at each other.
FADE TO:
EXT. HOSPITAL PARKING LOT. DAY.
LANDON's Camaro pulls into one of the empty spaces of the parking lot.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY. DAY. CONTINUOUS.
JAMIE's in a wheelchair. She's being wheeled out of her room by a MALE NURSE (Mr. Adam Shankman, ;)) when LANDON approaches.
LANDON
Hey. What's goin' on?
JAMIE
Landon, I get to go home. Please thank your father for me.
REVEREND SULLIVAN is exiting her hospital room as the MALE NURSE wheels JAMIE away. LANDON turns to him.
LANDON
What does she mean?
REVEREND SULLIVAN Your father's been trying to reach you. He's gonna pay for private home care.
REVEREND SULLIVAN walks off. LANDON stands for a moment deep in thought.
CUT TO:
EXT. MR. CARTER'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
LANDON knocks gently on his dad's door. He circles the porch, his hands in his jean pockets. The door opens. MR. CARTER looks at him sadly. LANDON exhales a shaky breath, his eyes already starting to tear up.
LANDON
Thank you.
MR. CARTER nods and puts his hand on LANDON's shoulder firmly. LANDON pulls him closer and embraces him beginning to sob. (Awww.)
LANDON
Sorry.
MR. CARTER
(quietly)
That's all right, Landon.
FADE TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S BACKYARD. NIGHT.
LANDON is hard at work with the telescope he's building for JAMIE. REVEREND SULLIVAN gazes at him from the window. Shortly after, he exits the house and approaches LANDON with a mug in one hand and a lantern in the other.
LANDON
(firm)
Listen. I gotta finish this tonight.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Here. Something hot.
He sets the mug down on the table LANDON's working on. LANDON looks up.
LANDON
Okay. Well, I'm almost finished with the rocker. Did she order the mirrors?
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Yeah.
He points to something.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
They're in here.
LANDON
Great.
The two head for the garage.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
What are you gonna use for the side bearings?
LANDON
I'm using an old phonographic turntable.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
So you think you can get all this done by tomorrow, Landon?
FADE TO:
EXT. STAR-SPRINKLED NIGHT SKY.
FADE TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S BALCONY. NIGHT.
LANDON and JAMIE stand holding each other.
JAMIE
Thank you.
LANDON
You're welcome.
She glances behind her to admire the telescope LANDON has built for her.
JAMIE
It's beautiful.
LANDON
Okay, it's time. Go check it out.
She turns back to him.
JAMIE
(softly)
Okay.
LANDON
Okay.
They part. He places his hands in his coat pockets. The medley of Switchfoot's "Only Hope" begins playing on the soundtrack. JAMIE looks through the telescope. LANDON watches her silently. She breaks away to look at the night sky. He follows her gaze. After a moment, LANDON's eyes fall back to JAMIE. He tilts his head. She adjusts the telescope knob as she looks through it once more. A comet shoots across the sky.
JAMIE
(whispering)
Wow.
She smiles.
JAMIE
There it is.
LANDON smiles.
JAMIE
Come here. Come... look.
He walks over to her.
JAMIE
Come here. Come look. Quick.
He gently moves her aside and still holding onto her hand peers into the telescope. She looks up at the night sky again.
LANDON
Wow. That is cool.
He grins.
JAMIE
Mmhmm.
She's now sitting in a chair. He kneels beside her.
LANDON
Do you love me?
(::shivers:: Yes. ::pause:: Oh, he's not asking me, is he?) Her eyes fall on him.
JAMIE
Mmm.
He smiles and takes her hand.
LANDON
Will you do something for me then?
JAMIE
(smiling)
Anything.
LANDON
Will you marry me?
JAMIE nods, smiles. She's nearly crying. LANDON returns the grin. They kiss. He runs a hand through her hair.
& I lift my hands and pray to be only yours...
FADE TO:
EXT. CHURCH. DAY.
I know now you're my only...
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH. DAY. CONTINUOUS.
The church doors open and JAMIE, linked arm-in-arm with REVEREND SULLIVAN, enter. Everyone turns in their seats to watch the two.
...hope
LANDON takes a moment before he looks up at JAMIE, momentarily stunned, then settling into a smile, pleased. JAMIE and her father slowly make their way down the aisle. JAMIE observes the crowd as she passes them by.
I give you my empathy
I'm giving you all of me
I want your symphony
Singing in all that I am
She finally looks at LANDON and smiles.
At the top of my lungs
I'm givin' it back
& I lay my head back down
MR. CARTER watches JAMIE as she approaches the front of the church.
& I lift my hands and pray
JAMIE passes by ERIC, DEAN, and MRS. CARTER. The two ladies take a moment to smile at each other.
To be only yours
I know now you're my only hope
JAMIE and her father reach LANDON at last. JAMIE hands her bouquet to someone and faces LANDON, smiling. He returns the smile. The two bring their hands together. REVEREND SULLIVAN begins reading:
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous.
LANDON
(whispering; to Jamie)
I love you.
JAMIE
(whispering; to Landon)
I love you.
(Aaw. ::cries:: Damn you two and your cuteness!)
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Love is never boastful nor conceited.
LANDON smiles and kinda happily sighs at JAMIE. (Awww.)
REVEREND SULLIVAN
It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and it is not resentful.
FADE TO:
The crowd. DEAN and MRS. CARTER both observe the ceremony in silence, pleased.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins, but delights in the truth.
The camera pans over more of the guests. JAMIE's student from the sister school, SALLY.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
It is always ready to excuse. To trust. To hope. And to endure whatever comes.
(As LANDON and JAMIE say their vows, the scene fades between the two of them. Sometimes their words overlap each other.)
LANDON
I, Landon Rollins Carter,
JAMIE
I, Jamie Elizabeth Sullivan, do solemnly swear,
LANDON
Do solemnly swear to take Jamie Elizabeth Sullivan,
JAMIE
To take Landon Rollins Carter,
LANDON
As my lawfully wedded wife,
JAMIE
As my lawfully wedded husband,
LANDON
To honor and to cherish her,
JAMIE
All...
LANDON
All the days of my life.
JAMIE
...of my life.
The two gaze at each other sadly. (::sobs:: God, this is depressing.)
FADE TO:
LANDON gently places a ring on JAMIE's finger.
FADE TO:
JAMIE places a ring on LANDON's finger.
FADE TO:
The two smile at each other as the camera pans down the aisle and outside.
LANDON
(voice-over)
Jamie and I had a perfect summer together with more love than lots of people know in a lifetime.
The camera pans up to the trees.
LANDON
(voice-over)
And then she went... with her unfailing faith.
Sigh.
FADE TO:
EXT. BEAUFORT. SEASIDE. DAY.
FADE TO:
EXT. ROAD. DAY. CONTINUOUS.
An Explorer drives past a sign that says 'Beaufort'. The driver is, of course, LANDON, who stops the car across the street from JAMIE's house. He exits the car, a bag slung over his shoulder. He's quite stylish -- sportin' some shades and he's gone very preppy. He makes his way over to the house.
LANDON
(voice-over)
It's been four years, but the vision of Jamie walking towards me...
LANDON is on the porch now. He rings the doorbell.
LANDON
(voice-over)
...will stay with me forever.
He removes the sunglasses. A middle-aged woman answers the door. Apparently she's the HOUSEKEEPER -- so says the credits anyway.
HOUSEKEEPER
Hello, Mr. Carter. Come in.
LANDON
Thank you.
He steps inside and into the living room.
HOUSEKEEPER
Have a seat, please.
LANDON
Thank you.
He sets his bag down on the couch, then sits down himself as she leaves the room. He sighs. REVEREND SULLIVAN enters the living room. To his right, on the mantel, is a wedding picture of LANDON and JAMIE. ::sniff::
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Landon.
He chuckles.
LANDON
Hey.
LANDON rises from the couch.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
You look good.
The two embrace.
LANDON
Aw, thank you. You too.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
I'm gettin' by.
LANDON laughs. They both sit down. LANDON returns to his seat on the couch while REVEREND SULLIVAN sits in a chair across from him. He removes his glasses.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
What's new, Landon?
LANDON
Well, I got into medical school.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Your mother told me that. We're so proud of you. Jamie would've been proud of you, too.
LANDON's face falls.
LANDON
Listen.
He reaches into his bag and pulls out the book JAMIE gave him in the hospital -- her mother's book of quotes.
LANDON
I want you to have this.
He hands REVEREND SULLIVAN the book.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Oh, Landon.
He takes the book.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
Oh my. Thank you.
LANDON
I'm sorry she never got her miracle.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
She did.
He pauses.
REVEREND SULLIVAN
It was you.
LANDON exhales slowly.
FADE TO:
EXT. DOCKS. SUNSET.
LANDON strolls the docks silently.
LANDON
(voice over)
Jamie saved my life. She taught me everything about life, hope, and the long journey ahead.
Mandy Moore's "Cry" begins playing on the soundtrack.
LANDON
(voice over)
And I'll always miss her.
LANDON stops and takes in the gorgeous view.
LANDON
(voice over)
But her love is like the wind.
He shuts his eyes.
LANDON
(voice over)
I can't see it.
His eyes reopen.
LANDON
(voice over)
But I can feel it.
LANDON reflects, smiles.
I'll always remember
It was late afternoon
It lasted forever
And ended so soon...
The End. Fade to credits.