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The Girl In Question
by Wil Carpenter (thelovableone7@hotmail.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Drama   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED

On his true love's last day in the country before moving abroad, Francis October battles against all odds to win her heart. (Drama/Comedy)


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



THE GIRL IN QUESTION

FADE IN:

EXT. FRONT PORCH, BEACH HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The sun beats down on us from the sky. A few seagulls fly
through the cloudless sky. Everything is clear. Calm.
                                                            
A girl sits on a deckchair, beside the porch. She is wearing
a swimming costume, as you do at the beach. She's
sunbathing. She's gorgeous, her figure is near-enough
perfect, and not only that, but she has a pretty face.
                                                            
She sighs, removing the sunglasses that were perched on her
nose. She tilts her head towards us. This is CHLOE.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
My name is Chloe. I'm here to tell
you about someone I'm here to tell
you about the last day anyone saw
him. I'm here to tell you about
Francis October.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN, OCTOBER HOUSEHOLD - NIGHT
                                                            
We are looking out at the back garden from the kitchen
window. It looks quiet and peaceful. We slowly pull back to
reveal:
                                                            
THE UNTIDY KITCHEN
                                                            
Plates are piled up on the sink. Cups lie everywhere. The
place is filthy. Coffee stains mark the worktops. It is a
disgusting site.
                                                            
Someone stands in the middle of the kitchen. Looking out of
the window. Frozen stiff. He is tall, skinny and mildly
attractive. He has a fringe dropped in front of his right
eye-line. This is FRANCIS OCTOBER.
                                                            
CUE MUSIC: "EDGE OF 17" - STEVIE NICKS
                                                            
Francis starts dancing to the music. He is terrible, so the
sequence is clearly meant to be fun and lighthearted.
Francis dances for the duration of the song, and when it
finishes, we:
                                                            
 

2.

INT. KITCHEN, OCTOBER HOUSEHOLD - DAY
                                                            
Francis sits at the dining table. He is eating a bowl of
soggy cereal, and reading a magazine. The magazine is
perched against a pile of folded clothes.
                                                            
A man enters the room. He is smaller than Francis, but looks
tough, and pug-like. Francis glances at him for a
split-second, before turning back to his cereal. This is MR.
OCTOBER.
                                                            
                       CHLOE (V.O)
This is start of our tale. The
morning of the last day. It starts
off like any other. With
Francis...and his dad.
                                                            
Mr. October looks at his son with a look that resembles
disgust. He sees the magazine. It appears to be a film
magazine. He snorts.
                                                            
Francis looks up at his dad, and the older October is
shaking his head. Tutting. Disgusted.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
What?
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
You are seventeen years old,
Francis. Why are you reading trash
about movies that you will never
even watch?
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
I like to know what's happening in
the film industry, sir. It's a
sort of hobby.
                                                            
Mr. October laughs.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
A hobby?
                                                            
He sighs.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
Boy, you have no respect for me,
do you? I bring you into this
world, and what do you do?
                                                            
Francis opens his mouth to answer, but Mr. October stops
him.
                                                            

3.

                       MR. OCTOBER
Wait, don't answer. I'm gonna tell
you what you don't do first. You
don't play sports, like your old
man did. You don't get, like, a
girlfriend, or anything. What do
you actually do, Francis?
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Nothing, sir...
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
Exactly, and do you know why that
is, boy?
                                                            
Francis shakes his head, too scared to speak.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
Because you are a waste of space.
A disappointment. That's what you
are. A little speck of shit on
what is otherwise a good
existence. That is exactly what
you are.
                                                            
Mr. October leans in close to Francis, and pulls the
magazine away from his son.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
You are nothing. Nothing at all. I
brought you into this world. I
think I should just, I don't
know...take you out of it.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
But, you didn't bring me into this
world.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
Excuse me? Are you answering me
back?
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
No, sir. I was just pointing out
that you didn't bring me into this
world. Mum did. I mean, she's the
one who pushed.
                                                            
Mr. October reaches out, and hits Francis in the face. More
of a knock than a full-on punch or slap, but it must hurt.
Francis shows no signs of pain. He just takes it.
                                                            
Mr. October drops the magazine, and it hits the floor.
                                                            

4.

Francis stares at his dad. He is completely still. Unchanged
by the older man's actions. He expected something like this.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
Get out. Now!
                                                            
Francis gets up. Reaching down, he picks up his magazine,
and walks away. He disappears into the next room.
                                                            
 
EXT. FRONT PORCH, BEACH HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Chloe sits on her deckchair, and sighs. The sun is intense.
It's hot. She looks back at us, and smiles, slightly.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Francis was always good at coping.
He never mentioned much about what
happened between him and his
father. He was always more
interested in helping everyone
else with their problems to worry
about his own.
                                                            
 
INT. BEDROOM, OCTOBER HOUSEHOLD - DAY
                                                            
Francis walks into his room. He tosses the magazine onto a
large pile of back issues, which sits on the floor. He
throws himself backwards onto his bed.
                                                            
                       CHLOE (V.O)
Francis, like every teenager,
spent a lot of time in his
bedroom. Doing God only knows
what.
                                                            
Francis reaches down onto the floor, and picks up a large
book. It is a graphic novel. Alan Moore's "Watchmen". He
begins to flick through it.
                                                            
CUE MUSIC: "THE GEEKS GET THE GIRLS" - AMERICAN HI-FI
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
"Human bean juice"...
                                                            
He laughs.
                                                            
                       CHLOE (V.O)
Oh, yeah. Another thing about
Francis is this. He reads comic
books. Not comic books that little
kids reads, I mean, graphic novel
            (MORE)

5.

                       CHLOE (cont'd)
types. Like "Watchmen", "Sin City"
and "The Punisher". The darker.
The better.
                                                            
Francis shuffles on his bed, until he is against the wall
beside the window.
                                                            
                       CHLOE (V.O)
He once told me how "Batman" was
never as camp or fun as the old TV
series. He used to explain that it
was dark and gritty, filled with
sex, violence, drugs...and
spandex.
                                                            
Francis' phone starts to ring. He puts down "Watchmen" and
starts looking for it. His bedside table is a swamp of
comics, pens, pads, portable game systems and more.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Come on. Come on. Where are you?
                                                            
He finds it under a calculator. Still beeping away. He
answers it.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Yo, this Francis O! Hey, Chloe.
How are you?
                                                            
                       CHLOE (V.O)
Oh, yeah. That's me on the other
end of the phone. As if you needed
telling.
                                                            
Francis gets off his bed. He starts pacing around the room.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Yeah, that's good. I'm great. What
are you doing later? Oh, yeah. I
know all about that. It's your
last day. It's gonna be special. I
swear on my dear sweet mother's
grave.
                                                            
Francis listens as Chloe says something over the phone.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS (Cont'd)
Yes. I was aware that my mother
isn't dead. I was speaking
figuratively. Okay. I'll meet you
around twelve. Okay. Bye.
                                                            

6.

Francis hangs up the phone and tosses it aside. He sits down
on his bed, and hugs his knees. He sighs.
                                                            
                       CHLOE (V.O)
Now, I'm going to let you in on a
little secret. Francis is in love
with a girl. Now, the girl in
question has no idea about
this...which is quite strange
because she's smart enough to have
worked it out by this point. I'm
giving myself way to much credit.
                                                            
Francis looks up at his wall. In the centre, is a photograph
of him and Chloe. They are at a party. Laughing. Having fun.
They are clearly very good friends.
                                                            
Francis smiles. He stands, picking up his phone, and walking
out of his bedroom.
                                                            
 
EXT. FRONT PORCH, OCTOBER HOUSEHOLD - DAY
                                                            
Francis walks out of the front door, pulling on a jacket. He
heads down the street. He reaches into his pocket, and pulls
out his mobile phone. He dials in a number, and waits.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Hey, Joel. I need your help,
mate...
                                                            
 
INT. LIVING ROOM, JOEL'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
A tall, ginger-haired guy stands in front of Francis, who is
seated on a sofa. The tall guy is looking down at him. This
is JOEL.
                                                            
                       JOEL
No! No! No!
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Please. I will really do it. This
time. I swear I will.
                                                            
                       JOEL
But, the problem is, you won't!
You've been saying "I'm going to
do it today" every single day for
the last seven years, mate.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
But, I'm serious this time, Joel.
                                                            

7.

Joel sighs, and holds his head in his hands.
                                                            
CUE MUSIC (QUIET): "FRIEND IN ME" - RANDY NEWMAN
                                                            
                       JOEL
What are you going to say to her
then?
                                                            
Joel lowers his hands, and begins impersonating Francis.
                                                            
                       JOEL
Oh, I've been mates with you for
the last ten years. I've fancied
you for the last seven. I finally
decided to pull my finger out the
day before you leave the country
forever. Will you go out with me?
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
What have I got to lose?
                                                            
                       JOEL
Well, she may never want to speak
to you again. But, I can't
guarantee that. I suppose she
could do what most women do. And
I'm only speaking from experience.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
What could she do, then?
                                                            
                       JOEL
She could cut your balls off, and
fry them in a pan.
                                                            
Francis stares, in shock.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Are you trying to say that you've
had your...
                                                            
                       JOEL
No! God, no! Although, there was
this one girl, Jessica, who...
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
I don't think I really want to
know.
                                                            
Joel sits down next to Francis, and sighs again.
                                                            
                       JOEL
So, what have you bought her?
                                                            

8.

                       FRANCIS
Nothing. Why?
                                                            
                       JOEL
Jesus Christ! We're talking about
finding your way to a woman's
heart. It's not bloody rocket
science. Is it?
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
I suppose not.
                                                            
                       JOEL
I'm not telling you that you have
to buy her something. I'm just
saying that it might surprise her,
and make her realise how much you
like her.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
I might. I don't know just yet. I
just know that today has to be the
day.
                                                            
Francis sighs.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS (Cont'd)
What should I say? I don't know
how to talk to her as a beautiful
girl. I only know how to talk to
her as a friend.
                                                            
Joel sighs.
                                                            
                       JOEL
Talking to her as a friend, and as
a beautiful girl is exactly the
same thing. I mean, you already
thought she was beautiful when she
was your friend, right?
                                                            
Francis nods.
                                                            
                       JOEL (Cont'd)
So really, you've always been
talking to her as though she were
a beautiful girl. Right?
                                                            
Francis nods.
                                                            
                       JOEL (Cont'd)
Hey!
                                                            

9.

Francis looks directly into Joel's eyes.
                                                            
                       JOEL (Cont'd)
You don't nod when I talk to you,
okay? You answer.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Yeah. I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       JOEL
So, what are you going to say to
her?
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
I don't know.
                                                            
Joel cradles his forehead in his hands.
                                                            
                       JOEL
Jesus Christ! You are going to
tell her you like her, you dense
prick! You tell her you like her,
and that you don't want her to go!
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
It's not like that's going to stop
her, though.
                                                            
                       JOEL
That's not the point of doing it!
My God! Have you not been
listening? You tell the dumb bitch
that you love her. If she even
remotely likes you back, she will
consider staying. Even if it's
only for a second, she'll consider
it.
                                                            
Francis stares at Joel.
                                                            
                       JOEL
But, I guarantee you that second
will be the most painful,
heart-wrenching second of your
life. And hers. In that second,
you'll understand if and why you
truly love her. It'll hurt when
she goes, but wounds heal in time.
                                                            
Joel bows his head, as Francis stares at him. Joel rocks
backwards and forwards in silence.
                                                            

10.

                       FRANCIS
What's wrong?
                                                            
                       JOEL
Nothing. Nothing at all.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
So, what are we going to do?
                                                            
Joel sits upright. He's thought of something.
                                                            
                       JOEL
I know exactly who we need to go
and see. They can solve all your
problems.
                                                            
 
INT. FRONT PORCH, BEACH HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Chloe stands at the edge of the beach, letting the waves
wash past her. She breathes in, deeply.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Joel was Francis' best friend. In
fact, apart from me, he was
probably Francis' only friend. But
Joel didn't have all the
answers...but he knew two guys who
did...
                                                            
 
EXT. MAIN ENTRANCE, SHOPPING CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
Two guys stand outside the entrance, chatting. One of them
is larger than the other, and wears a a baseball cap on
backwards.
                                                            
The smaller of the two looks a bit strange at first glance,
but upon closer inspection looks almost identical to his
friend. This is LIAM and CRAZY STU.
                                                            
                       CHLOE (V.O)
Liam and Crazy Stu. They were just
two of the most random people you
could ever meet. Liam was a sweet
enough guy, but he had no real
respect for anyone. Stu, though,
he was just...Stu. If anyone ever
had a problem, they'd go to Liam
and Crazy Stu.
                                                            

11.

                       LIAM
Well, Crazy Stu, here we are.
Shitburg, UK. Or Milton Keynes.
Whichever works for you.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Yeah. Shitburg, UK!
                                                            
                       LIAM
Crazy Stu, you're a man of
integrity, are you not?
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
No. I don't do anything grity at
all. Ever!
                                                            
                       LIAM
No, you moron. It means you follow
a moral code. But, anyway, that's
all beside the point. I would like
you to summerise for the good
people of Shitburg, UK exactly
what you think of "Doctor Who". If
you will...
                                                            
Crazy Stu stares at Liam.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
So, what? I can say whatever the
hell I like about "Doctor Who" and
you won't hit me if I say mean
shit?
                                                            
                       LIAM
Will you just hurry up before I
change my mind?
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Will you always answer a question
with another question?
                                                            
                       LIAM
Will you just hurry up and start?
                                                            
Crazy Stu takes a few steps forward, and clears his throat.
He takes in a few deep breathes and then cracks his
knuckles.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Dr. Who! Dr. Who! Dr. Who! Hey!
The Tardis! Dr. Who! Dr. Who! Dr.
Who! Hey! The Tardis!
                                                            

12.

Crazy Stu starts humming the "Doctor Who" theme tune.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Dr. Who!
                                                            
                       LIAM
Doc...
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Dr. Who!
                                                            
                       LIAM
Hey!
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
The Tardis!
                                                            
Liam sits down to watch Crazy Stu, as he begins jumping
around shrieking the "Doctor Who" theme tune.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Exterminate!
                                                            
As Crazy Stu continues his Dalek impressions and theme tune
shrieks, a group of girls approach, entraced by the
disturbing display. All of the girls are really pretty. They
are JOSIE, SANDY, CHENICE and STACEY.
                                                            
They stare at Crazy Stu for a few moments, and then look at
Liam. Liam looks back, smiles and waves. Liam gets up and
moves over to Crazy Stu, whispering into his ear. Crazy Stu
looks over at the girls, and freezes.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Christ! Why are girls always
sneaking up on me? Is it because
I'm just so damn sexy the world
just has to get a look?
                                                            
All of the girls are still staring at Crazy Stu and Liam.
Liam looks around to make sure they aren't looking at anyone
else.
                                                            
                       LIAM
What?
                                                            
                       CHENICE
We wanted to see what was going
on.
                                                            
                       SANDY
And now we have...so let's go
before he starts singing again.
                                                            

13.

                       LIAM
Hey, babe. I don't sing.
                                                            
All of the girls stare at Liam, in utter shock.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
He serenades.
                                                            
The girls continue to stare.
                                                            
                       LIAM
What? Have I got some sort of skin
defect where all of my acne is
blown into gigantic proportions?
                                                            
                       STACEY
Oh, my God! He called Sandy
"babe"!
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
At least he didn't call her
"bitch" or anything like that. I
got court-martialled for calling
this girl a bitch once.
                                                            
                       LIAM
That's because she was your
prosecutor. You were in court, and
you called your prosecutor a "fine
assed bitch". That is just
something you don't do.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
So, what the hell were you guys
doing if you weren't singing and
dancing?
                                                            
                       LIAM
Isn't it plainly obvious what we
were doing?
                                                            
                       JOSIE
No. Otherwise, I wouldn't have to
ask you, would I?
                                                            
                       LIAM
We're baking bread! Why can nobody
see that? Crazy Stu has one in the
oven, right now.
                                                            
Liam pats Crazy Stu's stomach. Crazy Stu stares at him,
confused.
                                                            

14.

                       CRAZY STU
Dude, I'm not pregnant.
                                                            
Liam sighs, and leans against the wall. No one has
understood his joke, because it clearly isn't meant to be
funny.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Faggot.
                                                            
Liam looks over at the girls. Points at Sandy.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Anyway, at least I didn't call any
of you, "tits".
                                                            
Turns to Josie.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Right, jugs?
                                                            
The girl's gasp.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Holy shit! You called that bitch,
jugs!
                                                            
                       LIAM
And you called her a bitch, you
idiot!
                                                            
Josie turns back to the girls.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
So, who wants to kick their asses?
                                                            
All of the girls nod. They turn back to Liam and Crazy Stu.
                                                            
CUE MUSIC: "KICK SOME ASS" - STROKE 9
                                                            
Chenice and Stacey both trip up Crazy Stu, and start hitting
him.
                                                            
Liam raises his arms defensively as Josie and Sandy approach
him.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Hey, come on! It's not like I said
anything offensive. Did I?
                                                            
                       SANDY
You called me "babe"!
                                                            

15.

Sandy kicks Liam in the balls, and he clutches them in pain.
His eyes bulging.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Crazy Stu! Help! The babe just
kicked me in the balls!
                                                            
Crazy Stu tries to stand up.
                                                            
                       CHENICE
Oh, no you don't!
                                                            
Chenice knocks him back down again, and Stacey continues
kicking him.
                                                            
                       STACEY
You're not going anywhere!
                                                            
Josie moves towards Liam.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
You called my best friend "babe"!
                                                            
Josie kicks Liam in stomach, and then pulls him back up.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
And then you called me "jugs"!
                                                            
She kicks him hard in the face.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Crazy Stu! Help! The gorgeous one
just kicked me in the face!
                                                            
Crazy Stu is being thrashed to-within-an-inch-of-his-life.
He tries to move, but Chenice stands on his back, and he
crashes back into the floor.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
Come on, girls. Let's go!
                                                            
Josie and Sandy move off, followed by Chenice and Stacey,
who both stick their tongues out at Liam.
                                                            
Liam crawls over to the beaten form of Crazy Stu, and sighs,
patting his friend on the head. Crazy Stu groans from the
pain.
                                                            
                       LIAM
I was expecting to do a lot of
things today, but I never expected
to get beaten up by the "Powerpuff
Girls".
                                                            

16.

Crazy Stu tries to nod, but it hurts too much. Liam picks
himself up off the ground, and looks around.
                                                            
Francis and Joel run over to Liam, grabbing him.
                                                            
                       LIAM (Cont'd)
Please, no! I'm in enough pain
already!
                                                            
                       JOEL
We've been looking for you guys
all morning.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Well, why the bloody hell couldn't
you find us five minutes ago when
we had the fucking "Charlie's
Angels" beating the shit out of
us?
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
We were looking for you, because
apparently you can solve all of my
problems.
                                                            
                       JOEL
What are you doing getting into
fights? You know if you win a
fight against a girl, you get the
stuffing knocked out of you by her
hard-ass boyfriend.
                                                            
                       LIAM
They started on us. It's not like
I called her "babe" or anything.
                                                            
Crazy Stu hangs his head in shame.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
That is the exact reason why they
beat the shit out of us. You don't
call a girl anything like that
unless you're close to them...or
unless they ask you.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Come on, "babe" is not an insult.
"Slut" is.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Or "Bitch".
                                                            

17.

                       JOEL
Or just plain old "woman".
                                                            
Crazy Stu stares at all three of them.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
And they call me "crazy"?
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Anyway, that's not why we came
here.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Why did you come here?
                                                            
                       JOEL
Francis, here, wants to confess
his undying love to the girl of
his dreams. Two problems with
that, though. The first is, he's
too scared to do it. The second
is, she leaves the country
tonight.
                                                            
Liam and Crazy Stu stare at Joel, and then tilt their heads
to stare at Francis.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
I think you're buggered, mate.
                                                            
                       LIAM
But, I suppose we could help you.
What's the girl's name?
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Chloe.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Don't we know a Chloe?
                                                            
                       LIAM
Yeah, that chick who's leaving
tomorrow morning! Shit, you came
to the right place, my boy! We're
in charge of the party tonight!
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Really?
                                                            
                       JOEL
I forgot to mention that.
                                                            

18.

                       FRANCIS
Yeah! You did!
                                                            
                       LIAM
The reason we're doing it is
because, Crazy Stu, here knows
exactly how to cook fine French
cuisine. Don't you, Crazy Stu?
                                                            
Crazy Stu stares at Liam.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
No...
                                                            
                       LIAM
Oh, shit, man! I fucked up! You
just get the discount at
McDonald's, right?
                                                            
Crazy Stu nods, and turns to face Francis.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Flowers.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
What?
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Flowers. That's all I can think of
right now. Get her flowers...oh,
and some of those little
chocolates. Whatever the hell they
call them...
                                                            
                       LIAM
McCoy's Hot & Spicy!
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
No, you fucking moron! Milk Tray!
Or something like that!
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Right. Thanks.
                                                            
Francis turns to Joel.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
I'll see you later. I've gotta go
and have lunch with her, and then
I'm gonna go and buy all this
stuff. Flowers and chocolates.
Flowers and chocolates.
                                                            

19.

Francis runs off.
                                                            
Joel's eyes meet with Crazy Stu's, and both smile. They
begin to laugh maniacally. Liam looks at them, confused, and
begins laughing himself.
                                                            
 
INT. CAFE - DAY
                                                            
Chloe sits at a table, in the corner of the cafe. Opposite
her is another girl. Very attractive and sweet-looking, this
is BIANCA. They are talking.
                                                            
CUE MUSIC: "WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN' GOIN' ON" - JERRY LEE LEWIS
                                                            
                       CHLOE
So, what did you say to her after
that?
                                                            
                       BIANCA
I called her a bitch, and she ran
off crying.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
And there I was thinking you
didn't have it in you to be mean.
That break up really did you good,
you know that, don't you?
                                                            
                       BIANCA
Yeah. I just wish I could talk to
him...you know, find out where we
went wrong.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Don't worry. I'm sure he's
suffering for breaking up with
you.
                                                            
Francis appears. He's out of breath, having run all the way
from meeting with Liam and Crazy Stu.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Hi.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Hey.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Hi, Bianca.
                                                            
                       BIANCA
How've you been, Francis?
                                                            

20.

                       FRANCIS
Fine, and you?
                                                            
                       BIANCA
I've been good.
                                                            
Francis sits down beside Chloe.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
What is everyone having? I'm
paying.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
No, I'm paying. Least I can do,
considering its your last day in
jolly old England.
                                                            
                       BIANCA
I have no objections either way.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Right, so one cheeseburger with
fries...
                                                            
                       BIANCA
Make that two.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Three.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Three cheeseburgers with fries.
Okay.
                                                            
Francis gets up, and walks over towards the counter. Once he
is out of earshot, Bianca leans in towards Chloe.
                                                            
                       BIANCA
I think he likes you.
                                                            
Chloe looks over her shoulder at Francis, and then shakes
her head slightly.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
No. That's the problem. He
doesn't.
                                                            

21.

                       BIANCA
He does. I can tell he does. He's
probably liked you for longer than
you've liked him. He's just like
you. He won't admit it to anyone,
except those he knows he can
trust.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
I don't know.
                                                            
                       BIANCA
You should just go for it. Today
is your last chance.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
I will...later.
                                                            
Francis comes back, carrying a tray. On the tray sit three
burger boxes, and three chip packets and three drinks.
                                                            
He smiles at Chloe. She smiles back.
                                                            
 
INT. JOEL'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Joel backs away. Liam and Crazy Stu approaching him.
                                                            
                       JOEL
No! No! No! Not here!
                                                            
                       LIAM
Why not?
                                                            
                       JOEL
Because it's my house. You're not
holding a bloody party in my
house.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Why not?
                                                            
                       JOEL
Because my mum and dad would kill
me if they found out.
                                                            
Liam laughs.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Did you hear that, Crazy Stu? The
hard nut's scared of mummy and
daddy.
                                                            

22.

                       JOEL
Fuck you.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Look, it's our way of saying
goodbye to Chloe. Your house is
the only house we can use. Come
on, man. For old time's sake.
                                                            
Joel stares at them for a few seconds.
                                                            
                       JOEL
Alright. Just for tonight. Just,
please, don't invite too many
people.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Don't worry about none of that
shit. Smooth sailing, man.
                                                            
 
EXT. FLOWER SHOP - DAY
                                                            
Francis approaches the entrance to the flower shop. He
stands motionless for a few moments, and then moves towards
the doorway.
                                                            
Two figures approach him. One of them is smallish, with
spiked hair and a mean face. The other is biggish, with
spiked hair, and a kinder face.
                                                            
They are POUNDER and BIG HEAD.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Hey! Francis!
                                                            
Francis turns towards them.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Hi.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Don't "hi" me!
                                                            
                       BIG HEAD
Yeah, don't "hi" him!
                                                            
                       POUNDER
I've heard some interesting things
today.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Like what?
                                                            

23.

                       POUNDER
Like that you fancy Chloe. You
know, Francis, these things do not
pass by me.
                                                            
                       BIG HEAD
Yeah, he likes to know what's
going on with girls like Chloe.
                                                            
Francis frowns.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Girls like Chloe?
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Yeah.
                                                            
                       BIG HEAD
Girls he's been out with in the
past. He likes to know what's
going on with them.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
And I'm not too happy about what
I've been hearing.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
And what have you been hearing,
Pounds?
                                                            
                       POUNDER
I've been hearing that you like
another girl, who's been the
object of your desires while you
pluck up the courage to ask out
Chloe. Her name was Jessica or
something. It sounds like you're
gonna break a girl's heart
today...and I reckon it'll be
Chloe's. You see, all that stuff
about you and Jessica...
                                                            
Pounder moves close to Francis.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
...It's enough to make me think
there's something going on between
you and her.
                                                            
Francis is defiant. He loves Chloe, and he means to prove
it.
                                                            

24.

                       FRANCIS
I don't like her, okay? She's not
my type at all. She's a bit full
of herself, anyway. She's pretty,
but she's not exactly smart.
                                                            
He pauses, composing himself.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
I love Chloe. No one else.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Well said, mate. Just be sure you
don't change your mind, alright?
Because if you break her
heart...I'll kill you.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Yeah, okay.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Be seeing you.
                                                            
Pounder turns and walks away. Big Head smiles.
                                                            
                       BIG HEAD
See you around.
                                                            
Big Head follows Pounder.
                                                            
Francis watches them go, and then heads into the flower
shop.
                                                            
 
EXT. FRONT PORCH, OCTOBER HOUSEHOLD - NIGHT
                                                            
Francis walks up the pathway, a bouquet of flowers clutched
in his hand.
                                                            
                       AIMEE (O.S)
Are they for me?
                                                            
Francis turns around to find a girl standing before him. She
is only slightly younger than him. She is AIMEE. His cousin.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Well, if it isn't my dear little
cousin. How've you been, Aimee?
                                                            

25.

                       AIMEE
I've been better. I just wanted to
know if you were going to that
girl's party tonight...but I don't
really think I need to ask.
                                                            
She nods at the flowers.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Yeah. I am.
                                                            
                       AIMEE
You like her, don't you?
                                                            
Francis smiles, weakly.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Yeah. Yeah, I do.
                                                            
                       AIMEE
You two are perfect for each
other. So amazingly perfect, it's
untrue. You just don't know it.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Thanks for saying that.
                                                            
                       AIMEE
I like someone, too. I don't think
I've got any chance with him,
though. Besides, people say he's
crazy.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Just make sure he's the right guy
for you.
                                                            
                       AIMEE
Yeah. I ain't gonna see him
tonight, though. I've don't know
where he's gonna be tonight.
                                                            
She bows her head. She's upset, but she's trying to hide it.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Why don't you come to the party
with me? You never know, he might
be there, and you could do
something about it. That's what
I'm gonna do.
                                                            

26.

                       AIMEE
Yeah. I might do that. I'll see
you there, though. Don't want that
Chloe girl to see you with someone
else, do you? Even if I am your
cousin.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
See you there.
                                                            
                       AIMEE
Oh, by the way. It's at Joel's
house, now. Change of plans or
something.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Okay. Thanks.
                                                            
Aimee turns and starts to walk away. Francis looks down at
the bouquet in his hand for a few moments, and then turns to
her.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Aimee!
                                                            
                       AIMEE
Yeah, Francis?
                                                            
Francis pulls a single flower from the bouquet and tosses it
at Aimee. She catches it.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Here.
                                                            
Aimee smiles.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Keep your chin up.
                                                            
Francis turns and enters his house.
                                                            
 
EXT. FRONT PORCH, BEACH HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Chloe is looking up at the sun. She turns back to us after a
few moments.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
This is it. The end is upon us
now. All that's left is wrapping
everything up.
                                                            
 

27.

INT. KITCHEN, OCTOBER HOUSEHOLD - NIGHT
                                                            
Francis enters the kitchen, placing the flowers in the sink
bowl.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER (O.S)
Boy!
                                                            
Francis turns to find his father approaching. But something
is different about him. He's not speaking aggressively. He's
being quite calm.
                                                            
CUE MUSIC: "EVERYBODY HURTS" - R.E.M.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Yes, sir.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
I've just got some things to say
to you before I go.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Go?
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
Yeah. I'm leaving. No point in me
staying around here. All I do is
hurt you. Upset your mother. I
gotta get outta here, and clear my
head.
                                                            
Mr. October puts a hand on Francis' shoulder.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
I don't know if I'm coming back.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Dad...
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
No, don't say anything.
                                                            
Francis goes quiet.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
I just want you to know. I didn't
mean none of that crap I said this
morning. You can be whatever you
want to be. I'm proud of you. You
were the greatest thing that ever
happened to me in my fucking
dismal existence. You kept me
going. I know I've done a lot of
            (MORE)

28.

                       MR. OCTOBER (cont'd)
bad things, but I didn't mean to
hurt you. i don't want to hurt you
like I've hurt everything else.
You're my son...and I love you.
                                                            
Francis stares at his father. Awestruck.
                                                            
Mr. October reaches down, and hugs his son. Holding back
tears.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
Now, tonight, you go out there and
you tell this girl you love her.
You don't make any mistakes. Okay?
Don't do it for me...do it for
yourself.
                                                            
Mr. October breaks away, and looks into his son's eyes.
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
Goodbye.
                                                            
Mr. October turns and walks towards the front door. He opens
it, and turns back to Francis.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Dad, please...don't go...
                                                            
                       MR. OCTOBER
I'm sorry.
                                                            
Mr. October disappears out of the front door, which closes
behind him.
                                                            
Francis wipes the tears from his face, and stares at the
space where his father was standing only moments ago.
                                                            
Francis looks down at the flowers leaning in the sink, and
smiles, weakly.
                                                            
 
INT. JOEL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
People have arrived for the party. It's not much of a party,
but then it was arranged by Liam and Crazy Stu, so we can't
expect much.
                                                            
CUE MUSIC: "IT'S TRICKY" - RUN DMC
                                                            
Some people are dancing around. Liam and Crazy Stu,
included. Chloe and Bianca sit on a sofa. Aimee is in the
corner, watching Liam and Crazy Stu. Joel approaches Liam
and Crazy Stu, and drags Crazy Stu aside.
                                                            

29.

                       JOEL
I thought you said this was going
to be a party.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Look, it's not my fault if Liam
doesn't invite anyone. I was busy
preparing everything.
                                                            
                       JOEL
All you've done is plug in the
speakers, and drink beer.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
A fact I'm very proud of.
                                                            
Joel pushes past Crazy Stu and grabs Liam.
                                                            
                       JOEL
Who else is coming?
                                                            
                       LIAM
Well, we've got Francis...these
two guys me and Crazy Stu
know...any woman who wants to see
the old Liam charm. The usual
crowd.
                                                            
                       JOEL
It's like a bloody graveyard in
here. Where is everyone.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Look, it isn't my fault that no
one on this Earth wanted to be
here tonight.
                                                            
                       JOEL
Oh, forget it.
                                                            
Joel moves towards the kitchen.
                                                            
                       BIG HEAD (O.S)
Joel!
                                                            
Joel turns to find Pounder and Big Head walking towards him.
                                                            
                       JOEL
Big Head, how've you been?
                                                            
                       BIG HEAD
Not bad. Not bad at all.
                                                            

30.

Pounder moves forward, towards Joel.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Where is she?
                                                            
                       JOEL
I don't want any trouble tonight.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Neither do I. I've just got
something to show her.
                                                            
Joel points towards where Chloe and Bianca are sitting.
                                                            
                       JOEL
Don't start a fight, though,
Pounds. Not tonight.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Don't worry.
                                                            
Pounder walks towards Chloe and Bianca. Bianca notices him,
and leans close to Chloe.
                                                            
                       BIANCA
It's Pounder.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Crap.
                                                            
Pounder stands in front of the girls.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Hi.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Hi.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Listen. There's something you need
to hear before you go.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
What is it?
                                                            
Pounder indicates Bianca.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Can we speak in private, please?
                                                            
                       BIANCA
No. Anything you can say to her,
you can say to me, as well.
                                                            

31.

                       CHLOE
Yeah.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Alright.
                                                            
Pounder pulls out a tape recorder.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
You know that Francis guy? The one
you like so much...
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Yeah.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
I'm gonna tell you now. He doesn't
like you back. I thought I'd give
you a little warning.
                                                            
                       BIANCA
Oh, fuck you, you liar! He does
like her. It's pretty obvious.
                                                            
Pounder reaches towards the stereo, and turns the volume
dial down.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
I've got proof.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Really?
                                                            
Pounder clicks the "play" button on the tape recorder.
                                                            
                       POUNDER (V.O)
There's something going on between
you two.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS (V.O)
I don't like her, okay? She's not
my type at all. She's a bit full
of herself, anyway. She's pretty,
but she's not exactly smart. I
like someone else, okay?
                                                            
Pounder clicks the "stop" button.
                                                            
Chloe sits in stunned silence. Clearly hurt.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
I'm sorry.
                                                            

32.

Pounder turns and walks away, grabbing Big Head as he goes.
                                                            
                       POUNDER
Come on. We're leaving.
                                                            
They leave.
                                                            
Joel turns the music back up.
                                                            
                       BIANCA
Are you okay?
                                                            
                       CHLOE
I'm fine.
                                                            
                       BIANCA
Listen, how do we even know that
was Francis talking about you?
                                                            
                       CHLOE
I'm going out for some air.
                                                            
Liam and Crazy Stu are back dancing again. Chloe stands, and
walks out. Bianca stays. Joel sits beside her.
                                                            
                       JOEL
What was all that about?
                                                            
                       BIANCA
She's in love with someone...and
she thinks he hates her.
                                                            
                       JOEL
I know someone who loves her.
                                                            
                       BIANCA
Who?
                                                            
                       JOEL
A friend of mine.
                                                            
                       BIANCA
Oh...
                                                            
They sit in silence.
                                                            
                       JOEL
I know someone who likes you, too.
                                                            
                       BIANCA
Oh, no one likes me. I'm not
pretty or anything.
                                                            

33.

                       JOEL
You're right. You're not pretty.
                                                            
She looks at him. Hurt.
                                                            
                       JOEL
You're beautiful.
                                                            
He moves in to kiss her.
                                                            
CUE MUSIC: "DON'T CHA" - PUSSYCAT DOLLS
                                                            
Liam and Crazy Stu start head-banging to the music. As they
get into a steady beat, the girls from earlier enter the
room. Josie, Chenice, Sandy and Stacey.
                                                            
Liam notices them, and stops head-banging. He nudges Crazy
Stu, who stops as well.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Hi.
                                                            
                       CHENICE
Hi.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Me and Crazy Stu have something to
say to you extremely...attractive
young....bitc...women...
                                                            
                       SANDY
And what's that?
                                                            
                       LIAM
We're sorry about this morning. We
didn't mean none of that stuff. We
were just...I don't know what we
were doing...
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Sorry.
                                                            
                       STACEY
I don't know if sorry's gonna cut
it.
                                                            
Josie nudges Stacey.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
It's better than nothing.
                                                            
                       CHENICE
We accept your apologies.
                                                            

34.

Crazy Stu looks over at Aimee in the corner of the room. She
is still looking at him.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
I'll be right back.
                                                            
Crazy Stu moves off in the direction of Aimee.
                                                            
Liam turns to the girls and smiles.
                                                            
                       LIAM
Anyone for a dance?
                                                            
Crazy Stu sits down next to Aimee, as Liam and the girls
start dancing to the music.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Hi. You're Aimee, right?
                                                            
                       AIMEE
Yeah. I'm Francis' cousin.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Where is he? He was supposed to be
here ages ago.
                                                            
                       AIMEE
I don't know.
                                                            
Crazy Stu starts making popping noises in his mouth.
                                                            
                       AIMEE
You really are crazy, aren't you?
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
No. I'm not the crazy one. Liam,
over there, he's crazy. I just
called Crazy Stu, because I'm
crazy enough to be his friend. I
hate it. I mean, he's a great
friend, but he's an idiot. He's an
asshole. He's ruined my life more
than once...I was happy, once.
Then, it came down to choosing
between Liam and my life...for
some stupid reason, I chose Liam.
                                                            
                       AIMEE
I don't think it was a stupid
choice.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Who'd you figure that?
                                                            

35.

                       AIMEE
If you hadn't made that choice...I
never would have fallen for you.
                                                            
Crazy Stu stares at her.
                                                            
                       CRAZY STU
Excuse me?
                                                            
 
EXT. FRONT PORCH, JOEL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Francis opens the front door, and enters the house.
                                                            
 
INT. JOEL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Francis moves through the house. He is looking for Chloe. He
reaches the back window, and looks outside, into the back
garden. Chloe stands outside on the grass, looking up at the
sky.
                                                            
 
EXT. BACK GARDEN, JOEL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Francis approaches Chloe. The bouquet clutched in his hand.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Chloe.
                                                            
Chloe turns to face him. Angry, and upset.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
What do you want?
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
How long have we been friends?
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Since we were five.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
And how long ago is that?
                                                            
Chloe glares at him.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
What do you want, Francis?
                                                            

36.

                       FRANCIS
I came to tell you something. As
this is probably gonna be the last
chance I'll ever get.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
What's the point? You've already
said enough about me today.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
What?
                                                            
She's in his face now, furious.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
You think that just because my
ex-boyfriend asks you about me,
you have to start acting like I'm
nothing? I know how you feel about
me now. You're an asshole.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Hang on a minute. What did Pounder
say to you?
                                                            
                       CHLOE
He recorded you saying how much
you hate me.
                                                            
Francis is shocked.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
I didn't say anything bad about
you. He started asking me if I
liked this other girl, and I gave
him an honest opinion.
                                                            
Chloe steps back. Francis steps towards her.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
Chloe. I love you. I've always
loved, and will always love you.
You're my best friend. You are
perfect. In my eyes you can do no
wrong.
                                                            
Their eyes lock. They move closer. Longingly close.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
You're my angel.
                                                            
He moves in to kiss her, but she pulls back.
                                                            

37.

                       FRANCIS
What?
                                                            
                       CHLOE
I can't. I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS
What do you mean?
                                                            
She looks into his eyes.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
I don't love you.
                                                            
Before he can say anything, she's gone. Francis' hands go
limp, and the bouquet of flowers drops from his grasp,
landing on the dirt below.
                                                            
He drops to his knees, and cradles his head with his hands.
He sits in the garden and cries. His spirit has been
defeated.
                                                            
 
INT. FRONT PORCH, BEACH HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Chloe sits in silence staring towards us.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
That was the last time anyone saw
Francis October. The next day, his
house was abandoned. Joel told me
all of the details I didn't
already know. Bianca, too. But
then since that night, Joel and
Bianca have become inseperable.
                                                            
Chloe starts to stand.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Liam and Crazy Stu knew where
Francis went, but refused to tell
anyone, because they felt they
owed him some dignity. As it turns
out, Stu really was crazy. He was
crazy about Aimee.
                                                            
Chloe stands straight, looking towards us.
                                                            

38.

                       CHLOE
Anyway, that's my story. The story
of the girl in question. I suppose
I have just one last thing to add
before I go.
                                                            
She sighs.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
I was angry that night, and I
realise now that I loved him.
Francis. I loved Francis more than
anyone in the world. I regret what
happened that night. I just...wish
there was some way I could talk to
him.
                                                            
She smiles, weakly.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
But then, he's probably forgotten
all about me. But I'll always
remember him. Francis October.
What I would give to just hear his
voice one last time...
                                                            
Chloe turns away from us, and walks back towards the beach
house.
                                                            
                       FRANCIS (O.S)
Chloe.
                                                            
Chloe freezes. Francis stands in front of her. Smiling.
Chloe stares at him. In total shock.
                                                            
                       CHLOE
Francis?
                                                            
SMASH TO: BLACK.
                                                            
CUE MUSIC: "DICE" - FINLEY QUAYE
                                                            
ROLL CREDITS.
                                                            


THE END


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