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The Alexerudd Affair
by Jennifer Grashoff (jennygrashoff@hotmail.co.uk)

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

Something I wrote during Summer 2006. A story about two people who develop a slight attraction at a residential. They figure they'll never see each other again...but they're thrown back together when Nikki, one of the pair, moves to Frank's (the other half) city. They decide to be together but someone else has other ideas. The main inspiration comes from events in real life that happened to the people around me at the time which are exaggerated in the screenplay.


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.



FADE IN:

EXT. BLACKHEART HIGH SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
School students run around like a normal school day. Scene
is silent.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
You always hear about the many
different stories about people
becoming attracted without
warning. I never thought it could
happen to me.
                                                            
GRACE, PERRY, CHASE and MARIE come on and sit as a group.
FRANK walks in and heads to the group.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O)
That's me – Frank Loudon. At this
point, I was in a relationship and
content in it. I had my group of
friends too.
                                                            
CUT TO CLOSE-UP OF GRACE
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
Grace O'Farrell was my girlfriend.
She wasn't perfect but it didn't
stop me from being with her.
                                                            
CUT TO CLOSE-UP OF PERRY
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
Perry Tustin was pretty much my
best mate. Thing is, he wasn't
always the one I turned to.
                                                            
CUT TO CLOSE-UP OF CHASE
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
Chase Wolf and I were mates yet
not very close. Somehow, I found
myself running to him.
                                                            

2.

CUT TO CLOSE-UP OF MARIE
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
Marie Fernley is a pretty good
mate of mine and we're pretty
solid. Yet I still could not tell
her.
                                                            
FRANK walks over to GRACE and holds her. Everyone continues
in AD-LIB.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. CAESAR STATE HIGH SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
School students run around like a normal school day. Scene
is silent.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (V.O.)
You always hear about the many
different stories about people
becoming attracted without
warning. I never thought it could
happen to me.
                                                            
MELINDA, RUSSELL and GAYLE come in and hang out as a group.
NIKKI comes in to join the group.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (V.O.)
This is me - Nikki Rossetti. At
this point, I was single and
content about it. I also had my
group of friends.
                                                            
CUT TO CLOSE-UP OF MELINDA
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (V.O.)
Melinda Tanner was my best friend.
I could've used her presence when
I needed it.
                                                            
CUT TO CLOSE-UP OF RUSSELL
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (V.O.)
Russell Mc Curry had been my rock
for the past few years. Still he
was no help to me.
                                                            

3.

CUT TO CLOSE-UP OF GAYLE
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (V.O.)
I was pretty close to Gayle
Oxford. Still, help was not
deliverable.
                                                            
NIKKI walks over to her friends and sits next to RUSSELL.
Everyone continues in AD-LIB.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
EXT. BLACKHEART HIGH/CAESEAR STATE HIGH PLAYGROUNDS - DAY
                                                            
Screen is split. One half has NIKKI at Caesar State high
school playground. The other half has FRANK at Blackheart
high school playground.
                                                            
                       FRANK
These are the days...
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Before the first gaze...
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. BLACKHEART HIGH SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
FRANK, GRACE, CHASE, MARIE and PERRY are hanging out as they
were earlier.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Hey baby. Gonna go up the hill
tonight?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Yeah.
                                                            
                       CHASE
This French exam shouldn't be too
bad.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Says you! You haven't had Madame
du Marma for the past two years!
                                                            
                       MARIE
Come on! Monsieur Barton was so
much worse than Madame du Marma.
                                                            

4.

                       PERRY
      (Sarcastically.)
Oh really?
                                                            
Bell rings.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. CAESAR STATE HIGH SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI, RUSSELL, MELINDA and GAYLE are hanging out as they
were earlier.
                                                            
                       RUSSELL
This French reading test shouldn't
be too hard.
                                                            
                       GAYLE
I just hope that there isn't a
section about airports. I did
badly in the mocks about it.
                                                            
                       MELINDA
You've revised like crazy - how
can you fail?
                                                            
                       GAYLE
Don't jinx it!
                                                            
Bell rings. NIKKI and her friends get their bags. Everyone
else stays in AD-LIB going to classes.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Are we going to meet up by the
hall after the exam?
                                                            
                       GAYLE
Yeah. Melinda and I will be
finishing a bit before you so we
may hand in our Media Studies
materials before we meet with you
and Russell.
                                                            
                       RUSSELL
Could you hand in my Media Studies
CD to Mr Harris?
                                                            
RUSSELL hands a CD to MELINDA.
                                                            
                       MELINDA
Will do.
                                                            

5.

                       GAYLE
See you guys later.
                                                            
MELINDA and GAYLE walk off. RUSSELL and NIKKI walk to the
Dining Hall.
                                                            
                       RUSSELL
So, tell me about this residential
you're going on?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
It's in a place called Alexlerudd.
I think that's near Foxoff.
                                                            
                       RUSSELL
Wicked. Foxoff is a long way away.
Isn't it expensive?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Yeah but I don't have to pay.
                                                            
                       RUSSELL
Nice. Reckon you'll find a good
looking guy there?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Russ, why do you always presume
that I would reckon to find a good
looking guy on residentials?
                                                            
                       RUSSELL
I don't know. I mean, you haven't
exactly got with anyone yet . . .
                                                            
                       NIKKI
And?
                                                            
                       RUSSELL
      (Hesitates.)
Well . . .
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Look, I'm happy where I am. The
reason I haven't gone out with
anyone is because I haven't found
anyone yet. When that time comes -
      (pauses.)
We will have to see what happens.
                                                            
                       RUSSELL
I hope you will have fun there.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 

6.

EXT. BLACKHEART HIGH SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
We're where we left FRANK, GRACE, PERRY, MARIE and CHASE
earlier.
                                                            
                       MARIE
I mean, you cannot honestly say
that Madame du Marma is worse than
Monsieur Barton! Have you seen
the way that Monsieur Barton
addresses us during our lessons?
                                                            
                       PERRY
At least he doesn't insist on
calling you Master or Miss
whatever-your-surname-is.
                                                            
                       MARIE
At least Madame du Marma doesn't
insist on switching you around the
class at random times in keeping
with desire.
                                                            
MARIE and PERRY's argument continues as they leave the rest
of the group. GRACE kisses FRANK on the cheek and walks off.
FRANK and CHASE walk to the main entrance together.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Do those two ever stop arguing?
                                                            
                       FRANK
The sexual tension between them
should come through any time soon.
                                                            
                       CHASE
      (Hinting.)
Speaking of sexual feelings . . .
                                                            
                       FRANK
What?
                                                            
CHASE clears his throat intentionally as a hint.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Chase?!
                                                            
                       CHASE
You know what I'm on about.
                                                            
                       FRANK
No I don't. Otherwise I wouldn't
be as curious as to what on earth
you are on about.
                                                            

7.

                       CHASE
Come on mate!
      (Coughs to hint.)
You should have some idea.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Moans.)
Chase!
                                                            
                       CHASE
Ghee, do I need to spell it out to
you?
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Shouts.)
Yes! What the hell are you on
about?
                                                            
                       CHASE
Have you and Grace . . . erm . . .
you know . . . err . . . slipped
the rope through the loop?
                                                            
                       FRANK
I beg your pardon?
                                                            
                       CHASE
Have you unleashed the snake?
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Exasperated.)
What?!
                                                            
                       CHASE
Have you performed the deed?
                                                            
FRANK walks at a quicker pace to avoid CHASE. CHASE catches
up to him and steps in front of him.
                                                            
                       CHASE
OK Mr Technical: have you and
Grace . . . err ... slept
together?
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Sighs with
       relief.)
Finally! And no, I haven't slept
with Grace.
                                                            
                       CHASE
What?!
                                                            

8.

                       FRANK
What do you mean by that 'what'?
                                                            
                       CHASE
You've been together for a month.
                                                            
                       FRANK
And?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Surely you should've tested the
water by now.
                                                            
                       FRANK
For future reference, just talk
about sex in a blunt manner.
Besides, loads of trust has to be
built before you can do something
like that.
                                                            
                       CHASE
You've had a month. A month is
ages.
                                                            
                       FRANK
No it isn't.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Yes it is.
                                                            
FRANK walks off frustrated. CHASE chases after him and goes
up to him.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Look mate, can we talk about
something else?
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Sighs.)
Fine.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Didn't you say you were going on a
residential trip?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Yeah. It's in Alexlerudd which is
nearby Foxoff.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Wicked.
                                                            

9.

                       FRANK
It's going to be solid meeting
people from different places.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. CAESAR STATE HIGH SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
We're where we had left RUSSELL and NIKKI earlier.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I will have fun. It's going to be
so cool meeting people from
different places.
                                                            
NIKKI and RUSSELL enter the dining hall.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART HIGH SCHOOL DINING HALL - DAY
                                                            
CHASE and FRANK enter the Dining Hall together. MR
OVERNHIVER comes in and stands on table. AD-LIB between the
exam-awaiting students
                                                            
                       MR OVERNHIVER
OK everyone. When I read out your
name, you will go to the
examination hall.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. CAESAR STATE HIGH SCHOOL DINING HALL - DAY
                                                            
All students including RUSSELL and NIKKI face Mr UNDERDRIVE
who is stood on a table.
                                                            
                       MR UNDERDRIVE
I shall read them out in
alphabetical order. Once your name
is heard, proceed upstairs to the
Hall for your examination.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BALLISTAE TRAIN STATION - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is getting her luggage on the train. She walks to the
door window where she can see RUSSELL, GAYLE and MELINDA.
                                                            

10.

                       MELINDA
I hope you have fun over in
Alexerudd.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I will babes.
                                                            
                       GAYLE
If you meet any fit boys, you know
what to do.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'll see what I can do.
                                                            
The train starts to move. NIKKI waves as the train goes by.
She goes to a seat and sits. She gets out "The Master and
Margarita" and begins reading.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (V.O)
I was on that train thinking that
this was going to be easy. Nothing
could've anticipated what was
about to happen and what would
happen as a consequence.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. MARLIN PARKWAY TRAIN STATION - DAY
                                                            
FRANK as he gets on the train and places his luggage away.
He sits down at a table seat. GRACE pops up by the window.
FRANK turns to see her. GRACE waves frantically as the train
leaves. FRANK waves back. He starts writing in his notebook.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
It wasn't anyone's fault. No one
was to blame. It's not easy saying
it but it is right.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BALLISTAE TRAIN - DAY
                                                            
We're where we had left NIKKI.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (V.O.)
If it were up to me, I wouldn't
have it any other way.
                                                            

11.

                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. MARLIN TRAIN - DAY
                                                            
We're where we had left FRANK.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
Would you have wanted it any other
way? I don't think so.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. CONFERENCE HALL - DAY
                                                            
Everyone is in AD-LIB. Focus on NIKKI as she is sat down by
herself. JESS notices her and sits next to her.
                                                            
                       JESS
By yourself?
                                                            
NIKKI faces JESS.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
The guy I was with went off in a
dash.
                                                            
                       JESS
Your boyfriend?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Oh no! We're just from the same
group.
                                                            
                       JESS
Wicked. What's your name?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Nikki. Yours?
                                                            
                       JESS
Jess. It's nice to meet you Nikki.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Ditto.
                                                            
The door swings open. FRANK comes stumbling through. CUT to
SHORT SHOT of JESS and NIKKI as they notice. CUT to SHORT
SHOT of FRANK as he closes the door and walks towards a
group of boys. CUT to CLOSE-UP shot of NIKKI keeping her eye
on him.
                                                            

12.

                       NIKKI
Do you know who he is?
                                                            
CUT to a MEDIUM SHOT of Frank and the gang.
                                                            
                       JESS
      (O.S)
That's Frank Loudon. I know him
from home. He comes from Marlin.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (O.S)
Cool.
                                                            
                       JESS
      (O.S)
Interested?
                                                            
CUT to CLOSE-UP of NIKKI as she looks back at JESS.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
No. He just caught my eye, that's
all.
                                                            
NIKKI and JESS continue in AD-LIB. CUT to CLOSE-UP of FRANK
as he notices JESS and NIKKI talking. FRANK is noticing
NIKKI in particular. CUT to FRANK's POV.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (O.S)
Who is she?
                                                            
CUT to MEDIUM SHOT of Frank and the boys.
                                                            
                       TOM
Which one?
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Pointing at
       NIKKI.)
Her.
                                                            
                       TOM
You know, I don't know. Do any of
you guys know?
                                                            
                       JOSH
I know her. She's in my group. Her
name is Nikki Rossetti. She comes
from Ballistae.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Neat.
                                                            

13.

                       TOM
Interested?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Oh no. She just . . . struck me as
intriguing.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. CONFERENCE DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
NIKKI is reading "The Master and Margarita" by herself.
Other people are wondering around in AD-LIB. FRANK enters
and sees NIKKI. He is hesitant about going over to her but
clearly wants to.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Should I or shouldn't I?
      (V.O)
I was acting like a complete
school boy. It wasn't as if she
was going to bite.
                                                            
FRANK starts going over to NIKKI nervously.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Err hi.
                                                            
NIKKI looks up and sees FRANK. She places her bookmark in
the book and puts it away. She's clearly just as nervous as
him.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Hi.
                                                            
FRANK sits next to NIKKI bashfully. The atmosphere is tense
because they're both very shy around each other.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (V.O)
I was acting like a complete
school girl. It wasn't as if he
was going to bite.
                                                            
                       FRANK
So . . .
      (Hesitates.)
Enjoying yourself at the
residential?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Yeah it's rather cool.
                                                            

14.

                       FRANK
I saw you at the Media workshop.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You did?
                                                            
                       FRANK
You were really good. I loved what
you had to say to those editors.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
They deserved it entirely. That
dude from The Hitch Boggle was a
total jack arse who really needed
ten times what I did to him.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Yeah totally.
                                                            
They giggle. The chemistry grows.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'm sorry. In all this slight
amusement, I've forgotten my
manners. I'm Nikki.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'm Frank; nice to meet you.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Frank Loudon from Marlin?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Err yes . . .?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I've heard about you. My friend
Jess knows you.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Oh right. I guess I wouldn't be
wrong to assume that you are Nikki
Rossetti.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
How did you know?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Some guy told me. I'm trying to
remember his name.
      (Pauses.)
Ah! That was it! His name is Josh
Mooner.
                                                            

15.

                       NIKKI
Ah, good old Moonie.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Moonie?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Oh, there's a rather funny story
where we dared Josh to do the
moonie against the window of our
forum group.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Did he go through with it?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Hell yeah! He managed to scare a
few kids and made this old woman
faint of shock.
                                                            
NIKKI and FRANK giggle. The chemistry between them continues
to grow.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I reckon we should get him to do
that tomorrow night.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Too right.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. CONFERENCE DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
This is the next night. There is a group of people in a
circle playing Spin the Bottle. The group includes JOSH,
NIKKI, TOM, JUSTIN and JESS among other people. FRANK comes
in.
                                                            
                       JOSH
Hey Frank! Why don't you join us?
                                                            
FRANK is about to leave embarressed.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Oh come on Frank! It won't be fun
otherwise.
                                                            
FRANK turns back and decides to join in. He sits between
NIKKI and TOM.
                                                            

16.

                       JOSH
Right, who was next to spin?
                                                            
                       JESS
It was you mate.
                                                            
                       JOSH
Righty-ho!
                                                            
JOSH spins the bottle. which lands on FRANK. General
laughter ensues.
                                                            
                       NEIL
Go on Moonie! If you can do the
moonie in front of the general
public, you can plant a kiss on a
guy.
                                                            
JOSH goes to FRANK and gives him a peck on the mouth.
Everyone cheers and laughs. JOSH and FRANK sit back down a
little embarressed.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Right, my go!
                                                            
FRANK spins the bottle which lands on NIKKI. FRANK and NIKKI
get bashful. Everyone else laughs.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Come on you two! Get on with it!
                                                            
FRANK and NIKKI share a shy but anticipated kiss. Everyone
else cheers and claps.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Right then! My turn!
                                                            
NIKKI spins the bottle. The game continues in AD-LIB.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. CONFERENCE DORMITRY (MALE) - NIGHT
                                                            
FRANK, TOM, JUSTIN and NEIL are talking in mime.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
It didn't feel wrong. I mean, it
wasn't as if I was cheating on
Grace or betraying anyone. I
wasn't acting on instinct around
Nikki despite the desperate
            (MORE)

17.

                       FRANK (cont'd)
pulling force of it.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. CONFERENCE HALL - DAY
                                                            
JESS is sat next to TOM.
                                                            
                       JESS
Have you noticed?
                                                            
                       TOM
Noticed what?
                                                            
                       JESS
You know - Nikki and Frank?
                                                            
                       TOM
What about them?
                                                            
                       JESS
They are totally digging on each
other.
                                                            
                       TOM
Eh? What makes you think that?
                                                            
                       JESS
'What makes you think
differently?' is the question you
should be asking really. Have you
not seen the way that they behave
around each other? It's so
obvious.
                                                            
                       TOM
Not really. He's with Grace,
innit?
                                                            
                       JESS
It doesn't mean he can't have
chemistry with anyone else.
                                                            
                       TOM
What is it with you girls? You're
always insisting that two people
have chemistry when they don't!
                                                            
                       JESS
You guys are terrible! You can't
even see what's right in front of
you sometimes. Seriously, you
            (MORE)

18.

                       JESS (cont'd)
would miss a car crash even if you
witnessed it.
                                                            
NIKKI goes over to JESS and TOM.
                                                            
                       TOM
I still doubt you, Jess.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
What do you doubt her about?
                                                            
                       TOM
Nothing much . . .
                                                            
                       JESS
      (Quickly.)
It's nothing Nikki. Sit down with
me.
                                                            
NIKKI sits next to JESS. NIKKI seems worried about something
and JESS can tell.
                                                            
                       JESS
You ok?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'm alright.
      (Pauses.)
Well, I'm a bit worried actually.
                                                            
                       JESS
What are you worried about?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Frank. He seemed a bit funny
earlier during lunch.
                                                            
                       JESS
You reckon he's ok?
                                                            
FRANK comes in but is shivering feverishly. He sits next to
NIKKI.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Hey.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Hey Nikki. How's it going?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Actually
      (Pauses.)
I was about to ask you the same
            (MORE)

19.

                       NIKKI (cont'd)
thing. You're shivering.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'll be fine.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'm taking you to First Aid.
You're clearly ill.
                                                            
NIKKI helps FRANK up. He falls but she supports him.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You can't be in here!
                                                            
                       FRANK
Don't be silly.
      (Coughs.)
I'll be fine.
      (Coughs.)
Just let me regain myself.
                                                            
NIKKI stops helping FRANK. He collapses. NIKKI goes down to
him. JESS runs to get ALAN.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Frank! Frank!
                                                            
JESS and ALAN come running to FRANK and NIKKI. TOM joins
them.
                                                            
                       ALAN
What's going on here?
                                                            
                       JESS
He was shivering and stuff. Nikki
told him that he shouldn't be here
but he said he'd be fine.
                                                            
                       TOM
Then he collapsed.
                                                            
                       ALAN
We need to get to First Aid right
now.
                                                            
TOM, JESS and ALAN run to First Aid. NIKKI lifts FRANK up
and runs too.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 

20.

INT. OUTSIDE FIRST AID ROOM - DAY
                                                            
JESS, ALAN, TOM and NIKKI (carrying FRANK) arrive. TOM looks
at the note on the door and rips it off.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (Reads.)
I've just about had enough of
being treated like some nobody. I
deserve the same respect you fancy
snob visitors receive. My darling
has told me that it's about time I
became a man for once. Yours
un-respectfully, I. Freewiener.
                                                            
                       JESS
Oh for crying out loud!
                                                            
                       NIKKI
What the hell are we going to do?
                                                            
                       ALAN
I've got a car. We'll drive to the
hotel.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. CONFERENCE DORMITRY (MALE) - DAY
                                                            
FRANK is shivering in bed. NIKKI is by his side. JESS hands
NIKKI a flannel.
                                                            
                       JESS
How is he?
                                                            
NIKKI begins dabbing the flannel gently on FRANK's forehead.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Not too good. He's still feverish.
                                                            
                       JESS
Alan has tried to contact his
emergency number but we can't get
through.
                                                            
ALAN and TOM come in and stand next to JESS.
                                                            
                       TOM
What do you propose we do?
                                                            

21.

                       NIKKI
We can't leave Frank by himself.
      (Pauses)
I'm going to care for him even if
I have to do it solo.
                                                            
                       TOM
You'll miss out.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Not necessarily. Besides, Frank
needs help.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Who is your worker? I need to
notify her.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Evie Walsh.
                                                            
ALAN swiftly leaves.
                                                            
                       JESS
Is there anything we can do?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You can go if you want. I'll text
you if I get into any difficulty.
                                                            
                       TOM
We'll see you later Nikki.
                                                            
TOM and JESS leave. FRANK curls towards NIKKI.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Gently.)
Ssh!
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Shivers.)
Are you there? Is Nikki there?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'm here.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I want Nikki here.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'm here. I am Nikki.
                                                            

22.

                       FRANK
I cannot see . . . I mean . . .
cannot . . . feel
                                                            
NIKKI holds his hand.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Can you feel me now?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Yes . . . I can . . .
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Rest. I need to find out what's
made you feverish.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Don't . . . j- . . . stay.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. OUTSIDE CONFERENCE DORMITRY (MALE) - DAY
                                                            
ALAN, TOM and JESS wait. NIKKI comes out.
                                                            
                       JESS
How is he?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
He's finally fallen asleep but
he's still rather ill.
                                                            
                       ALAN
It looks as if we've found out
what's made him ill. A mild poison
entered his food.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Shocked.)
Who the hell would do such a
thing?
                                                            
                       JESS
Someone with a grudge?
                                                            
                       TOM
I did see the dinner lady dude . .
. I mean Mike . . . hanging about
his food but I thought nothing of
it.
                                                            
NIKKI realises what has happened.
                                                            

23.

                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
MIKE is pinned against the wall by NIKKI.
                                                            
                       MIKE
What the hell is your game?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
What the hell is my game?! How
about yours!
                                                            
                       MIKE
Huh?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Poisoning Frank! What the hell is
your deal?
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (Genuinely taken
       aback.)
Woah . . . I don't know any
Franks.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Don't play dumb with me. You
poisoned his bloody food! You were
seen at it.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I must've got the wrong person.
                                                            
NIKKI loosens her grip.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       MIKE
I was trying to get a guy. You
know; the person sitting next to
him.
                                                            
NIKKI tightens her grip again.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You were trying to get Josh?
                                                            
                       MIKE
No . . . Mario . . .
                                                            

24.

NIKKI lets go of MIKE roughly.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You are not going to get away with
this.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. CONFERENCE HALL - DAY
                                                            
Everyone is in AD-LIB leaving and carrying their luggage.
NIKKI sits with her bags waiting. She's looking around.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (O.S.)
Having a last look around?
                                                            
NIKKI sees FRANK.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Hey. I thought you had gone
already.
                                                            
                       FRANK
The taxi hasn't turned up yet.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Oh right.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I never really thanked you for
what you did for me.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'm sure you have.
                                                            
                       FRANK
OK. In that case, I haven't
thanked you enough.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Stammering.)
Oh! Well . . . I . . .
                                                            
                       FRANK
I want you to have something.
                                                            
FRANK gives NIKKI a small box.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Open it.
                                                            

25.

NIKKI opens the box and sees a necklace.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Oh my - ! How did you get this?
                                                            
                       FRANK
I gave the money to Alan and he
got it for me.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
It's gorgeous.
                                                            
                       FRANK
It's just a little something to
say thanks: A keep-sake to
remember me by.
                                                            
FRANK puts the necklace on NIKKI.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Stammering.)
Why . . . thanks!
                                                            
                       JOSH
      (O.S)      (Shouts.)
Nikki! Our ride is here!
                                                            
                       NIKKI
That's my que to exit. Goodbye
Frank.
                                                            
NIKKI kisses FRANK on the cheek impulsively but immediately
withdraws.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Your girlfriend is one hell of a
lucky girl. Remember that.
                                                            
NIKKI leaves. JESS goes over to FRANK.
                                                            
                       JESS
She's a lovely girl.
                                                            
                       FRANK
And I'll never see her again.
                                                            
JESS puts her arm around FRANK in comfort.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O)
I left the residential. I was to
return to my normal life except,
from now on, I was to never set
            (MORE)

26.

                       FRANK (cont'd)
eyes on Nikki again.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. COURT ROOM - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is in court inbetween her parents. JUDGE is doing his
business.
                                                            
                       JUDGE
It has been noted that Miss Nicola
Rossetti does not wish to live
with either Mr Henri Rossetti or
Mrs Scarlet Rossetti. At this
moment in time, Miss Nicola
Rossetti is sixteen years of age.
Henceforth, she is legally old
enough to live independently. It
is this Court's decision to allow
Miss Nicola Rossetti to live
independently wherever she may
choose. Mr and Mrs Rossetti must
pay their daughter 25% of their
yearly salary combined. Court is
now adjourned.
                                                            
JUDGE slams the hammer down.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BALLISTAE TRAIN STATION WAITING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI sits alone waiting. GAYLE, RUSSELL and MELINDA rush up
to her.
                                                            
                       GAYLE
We couldn't allow you to leave
without a proper goodbye.
                                                            
                       RUSSELL
We're going to miss you.
                                                            
                       MELINDA
Please don't go.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I would stay but -
      (Pauses.)
This is the way my life is
heading. I must live the path.
                                                            

27.

                       GAYLE
Goodbye Nikki.
                                                            
GAYLE, RUSSELL and MELINDA hug NIKKI one by one then leave.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. NIKKI'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is getting ready for the day.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (V.O.)
It was a new life. With the money
my parents gave me, I moved to a
decent flat where I live with 2
other people. I even managed to
enrol at a local 6th form.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI sees the many people going in and chatting etc. She
takes a deep breath and makes her way in. She bumps into
PERRY who can sense her nerves.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Oh! I'm sorry!
                                                            
                       PERRY
That's alright. Let me guess: a
newbie far away from home?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
How the - ?
                                                            
                       PERRY
I can smell the fear and anxiety a
mile away.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Oh . . . right . . .
                                                            
                       PERRY
Where are you from?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Like you said: far away.
                                                            

28.

                       PERRY
How far would that be?
                                                            
MARIE comes in and links arms with PERRY.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Are you going to introduce me to
your new friend?
                                                            
                       PERRY
Oh. This is Marie. Marie, this is
-
      (Hesitates.)
Err . . . sorry I don't know your
name.
                                                            
MARIE slithers her arm away from PERRY.
                                                            
                       MARIE
You know what? That's so typical
of you.
                                                            
PERRY focuses his attention on MARIE and ignores NIKKI in
the process.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Oh really? I've only bumped into
her.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Yeah? Or are you trying to score
like you did with that middle-aged
waitress?
                                                            
                       PERRY
      (Protests.)
I wasn't trying to hit on her! She
came on to ME!!!
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Quietly.)
Err . . . I'll just
                                                            
                       MARIE
      (Interrupts.)
Not from the way I saw it Perry.
You were practically begging for
it!
                                                            
As MARIE and PERRY continue to argue, NIKKI leaves. CHASE
comes in.
                                                            

29.

                       CHASE
Hey.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Oh hi Chase.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Who was that girl?
                                                            
                       MARIE
What girl?
                                                            
                       CHASE
The girl I saw leaving you two
bull dogs.
                                                            
MARIE and PERRY realise that NIKKI has gone.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Oh shit. We must've scared her
away.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Not surprised. Who was she?
                                                            
                       MARIE
Don't know.
                                                            
                       PERRY
All I know is that she's a newbie
who's far away from home.
                                                            
                       MARIE
She seemed rather nice despite all
that she must've heard.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Well I'm sure we'll see her again.
This 6th form isn't like the
biggest 6th form institution in
the world.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Maybe Grace or Frank has seen this
mystery girl.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM COMMON ROOM - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is reading "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" by herself.
CHASE is checking her out a bit. PERRY comes over.
                                                            

30.

                       PERRY
      (Jokingly.)
Having a good peep?
                                                            
                       CHASE
I can't figure her out. Surely
with no one knowing her, she
would've made a bomb of friends
already.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Beats me. All she seems interested
in is that book.
                                                            
MARIE comes in.
                                                            
                       MARIE
On the prowl again I see, Perry.
                                                            
PERRY turns to MARIE.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Now look here Marie!
                                                            
CHASE goes in the middle.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Can you stop arguing for once?
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (O.S)
I swear that's impossible for
them.
                                                            
GRACE comes into view.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Now, what is this argument about?
                                                            
                       PERRY
Marie thinks that I'm checking out
this girl I met earlier. In all
fairness, it was Chase checking
her out.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Let me see.
                                                            
GRACE sits by where CHASE was and sees NIKKI.
                                                            
                       GRACE
She's a dweeb. Any fool can see
that! What is she trying to pull?
                                                            

31.

                       CHASE
Maybe she's shy? I mean she is far
away from home.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Please. She's a sexual mistress in
disguise.
                                                            
FRANK comes in. GRACE immediately embraces him.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Hey baby. How are you?
                                                            
FRANK subtly breaks free.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Fine. What's going on here?
                                                            
                       PERRY
Chase is checking out a newbie
girl.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Snidely.)
A bloody sexual predator in
disguise if you ask me. No need to
see.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Come on Grace. One peep won't
kill. Y'know, it wouldn't hurt to
be nice about this girl. You don't
even know her!
                                                            
                       FRANK
OK I'll have a peep.
                                                            
FRANK goes by where CHASE and GRACE previously sat. CHASE
stands next to him.
                                                            
                       CHASE
      (Pointing at
       NIKKI.)
It's the girl over there with the
book.
                                                            
FRANK sees and realises who it is. He is surprised but
happy.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Oh my God!
                                                            

32.

                       MARIE
What?
                                                            
                       FRANK
I know her.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Slightly put out.)
You know her? What's that supposed
to mean?
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Bluntly.)
It means I know her.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Ppphft!
                                                            
FRANK goes over to NIKKI who doesn't see him. He puts his
hand over the page she is reading. She looks up and sees
FRANK.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Frank?
                                                            
NIKKI stands up.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Hi Nikki. It's been a while.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I thought I'd never see you again.
                                                            
NIKKI giggles. Her and FRANK hug. MARIE, PERRY, CHASE and
GRACE come over.
                                                            
                       PERRY
You going to reveal her identity?
                                                            
FRANK and NIKKI let go of each other.
                                                            
                       FRANK
OK then. Everyone, this is Nikki.
Nikki, this is Chase, Perry, Marie
and my girlfriend Grace.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Sarcastically.)
Charmed I'm sure.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Shyly.)
Nice to meet you all.
                                                            

33.

Bell rings.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I've got English Literature in
Room 202.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Fake nice.)
Oh really? Me too! Why don't we go
together?
                                                            
NIKKI's no fool - she knows GRACE doesn't like her but is
too shy to say.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Hesitant.)
Err . . .
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Fake nice.)
Come on! Let's go!
      (Overly loving to
       FRANK.)
Bye. See you later baby.
                                                            
GRACE kisses FRANK. GRACE links arms with NIKKI and drags
her away.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Overly cheerful.)
They're getting along well, aren't
they? Like a house on fire!
                                                            
                       PERRY
      (Unconvinced.)
You're joking, yeah?
                                                            
                       MARIE
Of course he was joking you idiot!
                                                            
PERRY and MARIE argue in AD-LIB.
                                                            
                       CHASE
I've had enough of this already
and it's only period 2.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I've had enough negative stuff for
the rest of the week! Let's leave
them to it.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 

34.

INT. OUTSIDE ROOM 209 - DAY
                                                            
Students start to walk out/meet up etc. NIKKI comes out and
is met by CHASE.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Hey Nikki. Seen Grace?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
She went out earlier. She kinda
went out of her way to make it
known that she was seeing Frank.
She kept doing that throughout the
double lesson.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Grace is a tad possessive. I'm
sure you two will get along
eventually. Give it some time.
                                                            
FRANK comes in. NIKKI is startled as he was supposed to be
elsewhere.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Frank? What the - ?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Grace left nearly straight after
she came. She got a bit . . .
annoyed.
                                                            
                       CHASE
I think we need to give Nikki some
tips on Blackheart life.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Good thinking. Nikki, are you free
now?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Sure. Shouldn't we wait for Perry
and Marie?
                                                            
                       CHASE
Last time I saw them they were
clashing swords over some incident
involving fire.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 

35.

INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM COMMON ROOM - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI, FRANK and CHASE are eating lunch together. Sound is
muted.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
Being with her again was amazing.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is with JESS, MARIE and ANNIE hanging out.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
She made friends like there was no
tomorrow.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. CITY CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI and FRANK are sitting on a bench together overlooking
the docks.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
Every second with her seemed like
a day in my heart.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'm so glad that I've come here
and seen you again. You've made
settling in so much easier.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Glad I was able to help.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (V.O.)
There was one person making it
difficult for me from the very get
go.
                                                            
GRACE sits herself on FRANK.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Overly loving.)
I missed you baby.
                                                            

36.

GRACE kisses FRANK. NIKKI looks away.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (V.O.)
It was hard to face the fact that
I couldn't be with Frank. Grace
made it worse.
                                                            
GRACE stops kissing FRANK.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Fake nice.)
So what were you two talking
about?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I was just thanking Frank for
helping me settle in. It's been -
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Interrupts.)
Well when I came to Blackheart,
Frank was so gentle. He was
obviously the best kind of guy.
That's why he's MY boyfriend.
                                                            
NIKKI desperately wants out of this situation - so does
FRANK.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Hesitant.)
Oh . . . err . . . neat
                                                            
                       FRANK
Grace, I need a word with Nikki.
      (Pauses.)
Alone.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Well, anything you have to say to
her can surely be said in my
presence.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Look . . .
                                                            
PERRY comes in.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Perry, could you and Grace leave
Nikki and I to have a private
chat?
                                                            

37.

                       PERRY
Sure. Come on Grace.
                                                            
PERRY grabs GRACE's arm and they leave.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'm so sorry about Grace.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Lies very badly.)
Oh . . . no worries . . . she's
great.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Nikki, never play poker. You'd be
crap at it.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Sighs.)
I'm sorry Frank. I really can't
stand her.
                                                            
                       FRANK
It's as if your arrival has caused
some monster in her.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'm sorry for causing trouble.
                                                            
NIKKI looks down at the ground. FRANK lifts her chin up.
                                                            
                       FRANK
No. It's not your fault.
                                                            
FRANK hugs NIKKI.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Will it get easier?
                                                            
                       FRANK
I don't know.
                                                            
After a while, GRACE pulls NIKKI away and links arms with
her. PERRY stops FRANK stopping GRACE.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Fake nice.)
I think I need a word with Nikki
now.
                                                            
GRACE drags NIKKI away.
                                                            

38.

                       FRANK
Perry! What the hell!? Let me go!
                                                            
                       PERRY
Frank man. What's that whole
hugging thing about?
                                                            
                       FRANK
She needed comfort. She was
distressed.
                                                            
                       PERRY
      (Sarcastically.)
Oh, really?
                                                            
MARIE comes running in.
                                                            
                       MARIE
What's going on here?
                                                            
                       PERRY
Frank was hugging Nikki in front
of Grace for 'comfort'.
                                                            
FRANK's heard enough and leaves angrily.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Who the hell are you to judge
someone for comforting a friend?
                                                            
                       PERRY
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       MARIE
Do you know how hard it's been for
her to settle in? She's had to
settle into a new town where she
knew no one. Grace has made Nikki
feel so inferior and awful.
                                                            
                       PERRY
So she should. She's asking for it
making those moon-eyes.
                                                            
MARIE slaps PERRY. Tense chemistry is building between them.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Don't you dare!
                                                            
                       PERRY
Or what?
                                                            

39.

                       MARIE
I'm gonna . . .
                                                            
                       PERRY
Gonna what? What will you do to
me? Bitch!
                                                            
                       MARIE
You little prat! Sometimes I just
hate you!
                                                            
                       PERRY
Yeah? Well I hate you too!
                                                            
After two seconds, PERRY and MARIE snog spontaneously.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. NEWSAGENTS - DAY
                                                            
GRACE slams NIKKI against a wall.
                                                            
                       GRACE
What was all that about?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
What are you on about?
                                                            
GRACE slams NIKKI again.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Making the move on Frank.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I swear I wasn't. Honestly!
                                                            
                       GRACE
Oh really? Not!
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Please! I haven't done anything
wrong.
                                                            
                       GRACE
You're trying it on with my
boyfriend. Where are you from -
Slagsville?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
We're only friends.
                                                            

40.

                       GRACE
And that's going to end - now! You
are to not talk to him. Don't
speak to him. Don't go near him.
Don't even look at him. Do this
and I'll be happy. Got it?
                                                            
NIKKI nods her head panicked.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Oh, and don't tell anyone.
                                                            
GRACE lets go of NIKKI roughly.
                                                            
                       GRACE
We don't want trouble now, eh?
                                                            
GRACE slaps NIKKI. SHOP ASSISTANT comes.
                                                            
                       SHOP ASSISTANT
Hey you! Stop!
                                                            
GRACE gives NIKKI a glare and walks away. SHOP ASSISTANT
goes up to NIKKI.
                                                            
                       SHOP ASSISTANT
Are you alright? Do you want me to
go after her?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
No. I can't cause trouble. I've
done enough of that.
                                                            
NIKKI walks away.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM COMMON ROOM - DAY
                                                            
JESS and ANNIE are chatting. FRANK comes over to them.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Have you seen Nikki?
                                                            
NIKKI comes in unseen. She sees FRANK and quickly hides.
                                                            
                       JESS
No I haven't seen her.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Shall we tell her that you're
looking for her?
                                                            

41.

                       FRANK
Yeah. Thanks.
                                                            
FRANK leaves. NIKKI goes over to JESS and ANNIE.
                                                            
                       JESS
I hate lying to him Nikki.
                                                            
                       JESS
I'm sorry Jess.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Why do you have to bow down to
Grace? Surely you can still be
friends with him.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
If it bothers her then I guess I
mustn't see him.
                                                            
                       JESS
I agree with Annie. You haven't
actually done anything wrong.
She's being unreasonable.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
She just wants to keep her
boyfriend, that's all. You never
know - she might calm down and be
open to letting me see Frank as a
mate.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Grace calming down? That'll be the
day.
                                                            
MARIE comes in unaware of what's going on.
                                                            
                       MARIE
There you are! Frank's been
looking for you. He's been
continuously trying to see you but
you've never been there.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Lies.)
Oh! Well that's weird.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Come on. Shall we everyone?
                                                            
NIKKI, JESS and ANNIE stand and walk with MARIE. They are
heading to FRANK, CHASE and GRACE. NIKKI stops.
                                                            

42.

                       NIKKI
      (Lies badly.)
Um darn! I forgot - I need to see
my Music teacher. I'll see you
later.
                                                            
NIKKI scuttles off after catching FRANK's eye. FRANK stands
and is about to go after her.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Nikki?
                                                            
GRACE stops him.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Leave her. She had to leave.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Sighs.)
Like me. I have to go too.
                                                            
                       GRACE
You're not going after her, are
you?
                                                            
                       FRANK
I have to take a whiz.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Sarcastically.)
Yeah of course . . .
                                                            
                       CHASE
For goodness sake, let the man
pee!
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM MALE TOILETS - DAY
                                                            
FRANK comes in. PERRY comes out of a cubicle. There is a bit
of friction between the pair.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Hey mate.
                                                            
PERRY washes his hands.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Everything ok?
                                                            

43.

                       FRANK
      (Sarcastically.)
Spectacular.
                                                            
                       PERRY
I'm sorry for what I said last
week. I should've learnt all of
the facts before jumping down your
throat.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Thanks.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Forgiven me enough to tell me
what's up?
                                                            
                       FRANK
It's Nikki. I think she's been
avoiding me.
                                                            
                       PERRY
You serious? Blimey! Why would she
want to do that?
                                                            
                       FRANK
I've no idea. It's been like this
since last week.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM FEMALE TOILETS - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI enters. She wipes away a tear in front of the mirror
and turns away. ANNIE comes in.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Nikki?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
It's harder than I would've
thought.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
This is so unfair. I still can't
believe that this is going on.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I have to believe because I have
to do it.
                                                            

44.

                       ANNIE
Honey, stop this madness! Talk to
him. Tell Grace to stick it up her
beehive. Do what YOU want.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I can't. It'll cause too much
pain.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
THIS is causing you too much pain.
I can't bear seeing you this
unhappy.
                                                            
JESS and MARIE enter.
                                                            
                       JESS
Nikki!
                                                            
                       MARIE
Why did you leave like that?
                                                            
An awkward pause ensues. MARIE is suspicious. The others
realise that they can't hide this from MARIE any longer.
                                                            
                       MARIE
What's going on?
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Jess, do the dreads.
                                                            
                       JESS
Nikki is avoiding Frank
completely.
                                                            
                       MARIE
      (Shocked.)
Why? What did he do?
                                                            
                       JESS
Well as far as I can see, Frank
and Nikki's crime has been being
good friends.
                                                            
                       MARIE
So why the avoiding?
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Nikki has been bullied into it.
                                                            

45.

                       MARIE
      (Shocked.)
Who the hell would want to bully
Nikki?
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Grace. Grace bullied Nikki into
it.
                                                            
                       MARIE
      (Angry.)
This is really beyond the pale.
How could she do this? She's made
settling in much harder than it
should be for Nikki.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Don't we know it!
                                                            
Bell rings.
                                                            
                       JESS
Nikki, what lesson do you have
next?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Photography with Chase.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM MALE TOILETS - DAY
                                                            
We're where we left PERRY and FRANK.
                                                            
                       PERRY
I don't think you should let this
go on. Ask her what's going on. If
she doesn't tell you then ask Jess
or Annie.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Or Marie.
                                                            
                       PERRY
      (Awkwardly.)
Yes or Marie.
                                                            
Bell rings.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I've got a free now. What do you
have?
                                                            

46.

                       PERRY
Maths.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. OUTSIDE BLACKHEART 6TH FORM MALE TOILETS - DAY
                                                            
FRANK and PERRY emerge. ANNIE, JESS, NIKKI and MARIE are
walking together. FRANK and NIKKI see each other. NIKKI
looks away with intent. This is painful for her.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Nikki?
                                                            
FRANK grabs NIKKI's arm.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What's going on?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I can't . . .
                                                            
                       FRANK
What?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I have to go . . .
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Pleads.)
Talk to me! Please?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I can't! I have to leave before
I'm seen.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Seen?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Yes. Seen.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (O.S.)
What's going on here?
                                                            
Everyone turns to GRACE. NIKKI gets herself free and walks
off in a hurry. FRANK, PERRY, MARIE and JESS go to their
respective ways. GRACE is about to leave but ANNIE stops
her.
                                                            

47.

                       GRACE
What the -?
                                                            
                       ANNIE
How dare you!
                                                            
                       GRACE
How dare I what?
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Bullying Nikki.
                                                            
GRACE has absolutely no remorse and shows it.
                                                            
                       GRACE
I'm not bullying. I'm merely
looking out for my own interests.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Since when has intimidating an
innocent young woman in a new town
been looking out for your own
interests?
                                                            
                       GRACE
Did she put you up this? Or is
this your own little crusade?
                                                            
                       ANNIE
You know what? You're only doing
this because Frank might've woken
up, smelt the coffee and realised
what a pathetic, self-centered,
heartless person he has as a
girlfriend.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Grits.)
Take that back.
                                                            
ANNIE has no response other than walking away.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is walking home. GRACE grabs her.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Was Annie's stunt your idea?
                                                            

48.

                       NIKKI
What the -?
                                                            
                       PERRY
      (O.S.)      (Shouts.)
Grace?
                                                            
GRACE lets go of NIKKI.
                                                            
                       GRACE
You were lucky this time.
                                                            
GRACE runs off. NIKKI falls to the ground and is devastated
by everything.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM COMMON ROOM - DAY
                                                            
FRANK is devastated. He thinks awhile. He looks in his bag
and sees a picture of him and NIKKI. They're happy.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O)
I can't remember how long I
thought about what was going
wrong. I couldn't work it out. I
figured that I couldn't let anyone
stop me finding out. I had to know
no matter what and get to the
bottom of it once and for all.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. NIKKI'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is reading 'Selection of Keats'. EMMA and KRIS are
linked arm-in-arm.
                                                            
                       KRIS
Nikki, we're off. We'll see you
later.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Barely
       responding.)
OK. Have fun.
                                                            
                       EMMA
You sure you're going to be ok?
                                                            

49.

                       NIKKI
      (Barely
       responding.)
Yeah . . . fine . . .
                                                            
EMMA goes over to NIKKI. NIKKI looks up to face her.
                                                            
                       EMMA
Cheer up honey. Be happy. You
deserve it.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
OK. Do have fun.
                                                            
EMMA hugs NIKKI.
                                                            
                       EMMA
I will. See you later.
                                                            
EMMA joins KRIS again and they leave. NIKKI reads her book
some more.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Recites.)
'O what can ail thee,
knight-at-arms,
Alone and paley loitering?
The sedge is wither'd from the
lake,
And no birds sing.

O what can ail thee,
knight-at-arms,
So haggard and so woe-begone?
The squirrel's granary is full,
And harvest's done.

I see a lily on thy brow
With anguish moist and fever dew,
And on thy cheeks a fading rose
Fast withereth too.'
                                                            
Door knocks. NIKKI puts her book down and goes up to the
door.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (O.S.)      (Recites.)
'I met a lady on the meads,
Full beautiful- a faery's child,
Her hair was long, her foot was
light,
And her eyes were wild'
                                                            

50.

NIKKI opens the door. FRANK comes in. NIKKI shuts the door.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
What are you doing here? I told
you: I can't talk to you.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Why not? Nikki, I'm going crazy
not talking to you. I don't
understand what's gone wrong
between us. It's as if last week
you discovered some horrible thing
about me.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
It's complicated.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I've got all the time in the
world.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You can't know.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Why not?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You just can't!
                                                            
                       FRANK
No. I'm not going to accept that
you think I can't know. If there's
something going on involving me
then I HAVE to know.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Not always.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What is so awful about telling me?
                                                            
FRANK's really pushing NIKKI here and cracks are showing.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Everyone will get hurt. I can't
have that.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I can't honestly think of a
scenario where no one gets hurt.
                                                            

51.

                       NIKKI
At least this is close enough to
it.
                                                            
FRANK goes to NIKKI and holds her to him. NIKKI relents.
FRANK strokes NIKKI's hair.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What's the use in hurting us both?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
To protect you.
                                                            
FRANK kisses NIKKI's forehead. They look at each other and
they kiss. They stop.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
What was all that about?
                                                            
                       FRANK
I've wanted to do that since we
parted. Couldn't you see? When I
saw you at 6th form for the first
time, I was taken aback but so
happy.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I couldn't have been happier
seeing you again.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What are we doing? We shouldn't be
like this.
                                                            
NIKKI lets go and heads for the door.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
No. We shouldn't.
                                                            
FRANK runs over to NIKKI.
                                                            
                       FRANK
That's not what I meant.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You already have a girlfriend. I
can't split you two up for myself.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Grace has already deadened things
between us.
                                                            

52.

                       NIKKI
You could revive it. I mean,
imagine how Grace would feel if
you . . .
                                                            
FRANK puts his finger on NIKKI's lips to stop her. He
removes his finger from the lips.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I don't care about her. I care
only for you. I'll tell her it's
over. As much as she may want me,
I want you. I can't go on any
further without you.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Are you sure?
                                                            
FRANK gives NIKKI a tender kiss on her lips.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Now are you certain of how sure I
am?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Yeah.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM COMMON ROOM - DAY
                                                            
GRACE is sitting with HOPE, FAITH and CHARITY. FRANK comes
over.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Grace, we need to talk.
                                                            
GRACE goes over to FRANK. GRACE puts her hands on his hips.
NIKKI watches from a distance. GRACE is having a flirtatious
day and this is the last thing FRANK needs. JESS comes in
and stands by NIKKI.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Well talk now. Or maybe we don't
need to talk, if you get my
meaning.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What?
                                                            
MARIE and PERRY come in and stand by JESS and NIKKI.
                                                            

53.

                       GRACE
You know - finally getting down
and dirty.
                                                            
                       FRANK
No. We talk. Nothing else.
                                                            
                       GRACE
What if I say please?
                                                            
ANNIE comes in and stands by MARIE, PERRY, JESS and NIKKI.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Grace, just listen.
                                                            
                       GRACE
What's with Mr Grumpy? Maybe he
needs a loose . . .
                                                            
CHASE comes in and stays by ANNIE, MARIE, PERRY, JESS and
NIKKI.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Grace! Cut it out!
                                                            
                       GRACE
Well the real Frank would go for
it, the tiger.
                                                            
                       FRANK
The real Frank is breaking up with
you.
                                                            
General gasp even from NIKKI and co.
                                                            
                       GRACE
What the -?
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'm dumping you.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Why?
                                                            
                       FRANK
2 reasons: a) I don't want you
anymore and -
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Interrupts.)
She put you up to this, didn't
she?
                                                            

54.

NIKKI is alarmed. So is JESS. So is ANNIE. So is MARIE.
Screw it, everyone is.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Who's 'she'?
                                                            
                       GRACE
Her! The little home wrecker. The
innocent sweetie pie a long way
from home.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Her name is Nikki.
                                                            
                       GRACE
So it IS her! I'll make her pay.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Stay the hell away from Nikki.
Leave her out of this.
                                                            
                       GRACE
No. She got herself in this and I
won't let you squirm her out. I
gave her a warning. She chose to
defy it. Don't blame me for what
happens next.
      (faces CHARITY,
       FAITH and HOPE.)
Let's go girls.
                                                            
GRACE, CHARITY, HOPE and FAITH leave. FRANK turns to see
NIKKI with JESS, MARIE, PERRY, ANNIE and CHASE. NIKKI and
FRANK go to each other. They kiss like they have been
waiting for it for a long time.
                                                            
                       FRANK
It's over now. I'm free to be with
you.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
If that's what you want . . .
                                                            
                       FRANK
Of course it is.
                                                            
FRANK and NIKKI hold each other. Bell rings but they hold
on.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What do we have now?
                                                            

55.

                       NIKKI
I have Film Studies. You have
something else.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I can't be bothered. Want to blow
it off?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Yeah.
                                                            
FRANK and NIKKI hold hands. ANNIE, CHASE, JESS, MARIE and
PERRY go over to them.
                                                            
                       PERRY
That was cool.
                                                            
                       MARIE
That was something.
                                                            
                       JESS
That was intense.
                                                            
                       CHASE
That was smooth.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
That was sexy.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You're telling us!
                                                            
                       NIKKI
What have you guys got?
                                                            
                       PERRY
Marie and I have Art and Design.
                                                            
PERRY and MARIE go.
                                                            
                       CHASE
I have Economics.
                                                            
CHASE leaves.
                                                            
                       JESS
Annie and I have Film Studies with
you.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Not today. We're skiving for a bit
of time alone.
                                                            

56.

                       ANNIE
I'll tell Miss that you've gone to
the Dentist.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Thanks.
                                                            
JESS and ANNIE leave. FRANK and NIKKI go to a seat. He sits
on it whilst she sits on him.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 42 - DAY
                                                            
Two guys are praying. CHARITY, FAITH, GRACE and HOPE burst
in, interrupting their prayers.
                                                            
                       FAITH
Oi Christ bashers! Get out!
                                                            
                       HOPE
Take a hike.
                                                            
                       BOY #1
May the Lord have mercy on your
souls.
                                                            
                       BOY #2
Mercy on your souls on the day of
Judgement.
                                                            
                       CHARITY
Screw your Lord backwards, losers.
                                                            
The poor boys rush off VERY offended. During this, CHARITY
is swiping money from a collection plate.
                                                            
                       GRACE
That twisted little cow. I gave
her a warning! She still took him.
                                                            
                       FAITH
I bet she used the whole:
      (mimicking)
'I am a poor little girl from a
different place and so alone'
routine.
                                                            
                       HOPE
Seriously Grace, you need to get
her back by getting him back on
you.
                                                            

57.

                       GRACE
But how?
                                                            
                       CHARITY
Easy - use a herring. Go out with
someone else but only do it to
make Frank jealous of you.
                                                            
                       HOPE
As soon as Frank starts getting
jealous, he'll be drawn to you and
away from Little Miss Innocence.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Of course! Nikki won't second
guess it. Oh and while we're here.
                                                            
GRACE gets a cuddly devil toy and places it by the cross.
GRACE, HOPE, FAITH and CHARITY snigger off.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM COMMON ROOM - DAY
                                                            
FRANK and NIKKI are getting off. JOSH comes in.
                                                            
                       JOSH
Take your time you two.
                                                            
FRANK and NIKKI stop. They turn to recognise JOSH.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Josh! What are you doing here?
                                                            
                       JOSH
You're not pleased to see me?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
No, I'm just curious.
                                                            
                       JOSH
You remember Tim Cribbs and Sam
Clark? They flooded the 6th form
building during the HMI
inspection. We're off school until
they sort it.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Business as usual.
                                                            

58.

                       JOSH
I see you two finally got it
together - at last!
                                                            
CHASE comes over to the trio.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Hey Chase. Economics finish early?
                                                            
                       CHASE
Yeah.
      (Looks at JOSH.)
You a newbie?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Chase, this is Josh. He's a friend
from where I used to live.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Nice to meet you Josh.
                                                            
                       JOSH
Same here. Oh! Gayle, Russell and
Melinda wanted me to give you
this.
                                                            
JOSH gives NIKKI a letter and she opens it up.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Reads.)
Dear Nikki,
How are you? When we found out
that Josh was going down to
Marlin, we decided to write to
you.
Everything seems to have really
shaken up. Donny Spike got caught
cheating on Kat Bank with Josie
Carly through a public humiliation
set up by Ballistae's answer to
Max + Paddy. We're sure Josh has
told you of Tim and Sam's flood
stunt. They almost drowned a tiny
Year 7 but that was the only
casualty . . . unless you count Mr
Hart's reputation.
Speaking of Josh, his Casanova
ways are far from over. At
Jehenelle's party, he had his
moments with a scornful Kat Bank,
a bored Joy Riley and a rather
drunk Melinda. At this point, she
wants to stress the amount of
alcohol she had consumed.
            (MORE)

59.

                       NIKKI (cont'd)
We miss you terribly and hope
everything is ok.
Lots of love from Gayle, Russell
and Melinda.
                                                            
NIKKI puts the letter away.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Nikki, I need to warn you. You
might want to be careful during
English Literature this afternoon.
Grace has things planned for you.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Bring it on. I can put up with
anything.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
EXT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
GRACE is with FAITH.
                                                            
                       FAITH
Any luck finding a guy to agree to
your herring plan?
                                                            
                       GRACE
No. Barely any guys want to go
near me.
                                                            
NIKKI and JOSH come out joking around as friends.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Who's he?
                                                            
                       FAITH
Apparently he's from Nikki's old
town. He's a bit of a Casanova
over there.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Good. He's the one.
                                                            
                       FAITH
What about -?
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (Interrupts.)
We'll just have to get him alone.
                                                            

60.

                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. BUS STOP - DAY
                                                            
JOSH is waiting by himself. GRACE goes over to him.
                                                            
                       GRACE
I bet you've had a few.
                                                            
                       JOSH
A few what?
                                                            
                       GRACE
Girls. Bet you've had a bit here
and there. I like a guy like that.
                                                            
                       JOSH
I've had the odd conquest back
where I come from.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Have you ever been a herring?
                                                            
                       JOSH
A herring? You mean get off with
someone to make someone else
jealous?
                                                            
                       GRACE
Yeah.
                                                            
                       FRANK
No but if someone asked me nicely
then I would consider obliging.
                                                            
                       GRACE
What if I asked you nicely?
                                                            
                       JOSH
Then I'll see what I can do,
sugar.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM COMMON ROOM - DAY
                                                            
GRACE and JOSH are all snuggled up with CHARITY, HOPE and
FAITH with them. FRANK and NIKKI come in and sit together.
GRACE and JOSH immediately get off with each other.
                                                            

61.

                       FRANK
What's with Grace and Josh?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
From the looks of it, Josh and
Grace are getting off. It's a bit
weird of him though. Josh would
only get off with someone for two
reasons. Knowing Grace, it's
probably the first one.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Which is?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
He got put up to it.
                                                            
CHASE, ANNIE and JESS come over. They notice the love fest
vis-à-vis JOSH and GRACE.
                                                            
                       CHASE
That's gross. We don't need a
public display of re-bound.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Why is she getting off with Josh
when she - ?
                                                            
                       JESS
      (Interrupts.)
She's trying to make Frank
jealous.
                                                            
                       FRANK
She's failing miserably.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Really?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Why ask? I'm over her. How can I
care about her when I care about
you?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Sorry. I thought that usually
happens in relationships and
stuff.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
You serious? Have you never had a
relationship up until now?
                                                            

62.

                       NIKKI
Announce it to everyone then.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Sorry.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
It's ok. I know I'm a bit dim on
the whole subject.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'll be happy to educate.
                                                            
FRANK and NIKKI lightly kiss. GRACE sees and gets annoyed.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Does anyone know where Perry and
Marie are?
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 212 - DAY
                                                            
PERRY and MARIE are in an post-make out state.
                                                            
                       MARIE
No one saw us come in, did they?
                                                            
                       PERRY
No one saw us. You're little
reputation can remain in tact.
                                                            
                       MARIE
What's that supposed to mean?
                                                            
                       PERRY
At least we haven't tarnished your
precious reputation by getting
caught.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Don't get snooty with me! You were
the one who decided to go secret.
                                                            
                       PERRY
That was you, remember? You were
the one who insisted on going
secret in the first place. I only
agreed because if I didn't, we
wouldn't have a relationship.
                                                            

63.

                       MARIE
You're going the right way to
loosing me.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Oh yeah? Well YOU are going the
right way to loosing ME.
                                                            
                       MARIE
If you're just going to be
immature about this then there's
no point in continuing this
discussion.
                                                            
MARIE and PERRY grab the door knob with their hands on each
other.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM COMMON ROOM - DAY
                                                            
We're right where we left ANNIE and co. earlier.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
They're probably tearing each
other's hair out.
                                                            
                       JESS
I swear they're just like Xander
and Cordelia.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Who?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Have you never watched Buffy the
Vampire Slayer?
                                                            
                       FRANK
No.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You've missed out on too much.
                                                            
GRACE grabs JOSH and they get off.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
OK I've only just had breakfast. I
really don't want to chuck it back
out again.
                                                            

64.

                       CHASE
Shall we go off? It's gross being
near those two.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
GRACE and JOSH are together. FRANK and NIKKI come out. GRACE
is about to grab JOSH.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Want to stop the charade and get
over it?
                                                            
                       GRACE
You jealous Frank?
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'm disgusted. Seeing you stick
your tongue down Josh's throat
just to try and make me jealous is
incredibly pathetic.
                                                            
GRACE goes over to FRANK in a seductive way. He is having
none of it.
                                                            
                       GRACE
You can always call me if you get
bored of your latest.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Why don't you get over it? Our
relationship ended. I'm with
Nikki. Get used to it.
                                                            
FRANK and NIKKI leave arm in arm. GRACE gets jealous. JOSH
gets up and is about to leave.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Oi! I need you!
                                                            
                       JOSH
Get some other goon to do it. I'm
moving on.
                                                            
JOSH strides off. FAITH comes over to GRACE.
                                                            
                       FAITH
Plan B?
                                                            

65.

                       GRACE
You better believe it Faith. We're
on to Plan B like chocolate on
cake.
                                                            
                       FAITH
I'll get the girls ready. Do you
want to come too?
                                                            
                       GRACE
Yes. I'm not missing this for the
world.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
EXT. ANNIE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
NIKKI comes out of the door with ANNIE.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Thanks for that dinner. It was
very kind of you.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
My pleasure. You should really
come over more and be my food
guinea pig.
                                                            
                       DANIEL
      (O.S.)      (Whining.)
Why can't I be the pig?
                                                            
DANIEL, ANNIE's little brother, comes in. He's wearing
pyjamas.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Dan, I told you to go to sleep a
couple of hours ago!
                                                            
                       DANIEL
But I wanted pasta.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Maybe you can have pasta tomorrow.
                                                            
                       DANIEL
      (Begging
       childishly.)
Promise? Please? Pretty please...?
                                                            

66.

                       ANNIE
I'll see if Mum and Dad think
you've been good enough to eat
pasta. In the mean time, go to
bed.
                                                            
                       DANIEL
OK. Night Annie! Night Nikki!
                                                            
DANIEL runs up to his bedroom.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Kids, eh? They're seriously the
sweetest things. I wish I had
siblings.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
No you don't.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Well sort of. Anyway, I have to
get back home. With a bit of luck,
I could get back before Emma and
Kris decide to a love session in
my absence.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
OK honey. Thanks for coming.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Thanks for having me. See you!
                                                            
ANNIE shuts the door as NIKKI walks away. She walks along
the street. After a while, she's grabbed by FAITH. FAITH
drags her along the street. She shoves NIKKI down to the
ground. CHARITY pulls at NIKKI's hair and keeps her back.
HOPE gets on NIKKI and slaps her face repeatedly.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Get off! Let go of me!
                                                            
                       CHARITY
This is all in part of your
punishment.
                                                            
HOPE gets off of NIKKI. NIKKI is held down by the shoulders
by CHARITY. GRACE stands over NIKKI.
                                                            
                       GRACE
I hope my girls have been treating
you the way they should be.
                                                            

67.

                       NIKKI
I wondered what the smell of
desperation was. It got strong
when you came.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Oi, shut up! You're going to get a
taste of your own medicine.
                                                            
GRACE, CHARITY, HOPE and FAITH crowd around NIKKI and start
beating her up.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
CHASE is walking along the road talking to FRANK on the
phone.
                                                            
                       CHASE
      (On phone.)
Honestly Frank! That test is
simply impossible to complete . .
. Anyway, what's up with Perry and
Marie? They've been a bit weird
recently . . . You didn't notice?
Blimey you must be in dream world
because I . . .
                                                            
At this point, CHASE has discovered NIKKI. He runs over to
her and sees that she's unconscious.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Oh my God! Oh my God!
                                                            
CHASE is really shocked, frightened, traumatised and upset
at the same time.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. FRANK'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
FRANK is on the phone.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (On phone.)
Chase?
      (Pause.)
Chase?!
      (Long pause.)
CHASE . . . What happened there? .
. . Chase man, are you ok? . . .
            (MORE)

68.

                       FRANK (cont'd)
Come out? What the . . . Calm
down! It can't be that bad . . .
ok I'll be there in a tick.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
FRANK is walking along but doesn't notice NIKKI. He sees
CHASE. CHASE comes over to him.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Frank! Look, I couldn't tell you
this over the phone.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Tell me what? What's going on?
                                                            
                       CHASE
It's Nikki.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Nikki? Is she ok?
                                                            
                       CHASE
Come and see for yourself.
                                                            
CHASE takes FRANK to NIKKI. FRANK is shocked and completely
thrown back. He holds her hand.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Chase, get a taxi pronto. I'm
taking her to my house.
                                                            
CHASE grabs his phone and frantically dials. FRANK looks on
at NIKKI.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. FRANK'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
NIKKI is lying on the bed and is still unconscious. FRANK
comes in with a cotton wool bud in anti-sceptic liquid. He
starts padding gently on her wounds.
                                                            
                       CHASE
      (O.S.)
How is she doing?
                                                            
CHASE comes in next to FRANK.
                                                            

69.

                       FRANK
Still unconscious. I think she'll
wake up soon.
                                                            
                       CHASE
I'll stay here to help you.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. FRANK'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
CHASE is by NIKKI's side. After a bit, she starts to come
around.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Frank! She's waking up!
                                                            
FRANK comes storming in. CHASE gets up for FRANK to sit by
NIKKI.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Where . . . am I?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Ssh! It's ok. You're in my house.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Frank? Is that you?
      (Becomes agitated.)
I was in the street and . . . they
hurt me! I couldn't stop them! I -
I . . .
                                                            
                       FRANK
It's ok Nikki! You're in my house
and you're safe. Chase is here
with us making sure we're ok. You
have nothing to worry about.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Yeah?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Yeah.
                                                            
FRANK and NIKKI kiss. She cuddles up to him. CHASE leaves
the room.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 

70.

INT. FRANK'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
FRANK is having a kip on the sofa. NIKKI is watching him.
She walks over to him and gives him a kiss on the lips.
FRANK wakes up and sees NIKKI.
                                                            
                       FRANK
How are you feeling?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Sore but I'll live.
                                                            
NIKKI sits next to FRANK. He holds her.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Who found me?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Chase did.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Chase? Well if Chase found me, how
did I end up here?
                                                            
                       FRANK
He was on the phone to me. He
found you and told me to come
right away. Can I ask you a
question?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Yeah of course.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Can you tell me what happened?
                                                            
NIKKI faces FRANK and takes a deep breath.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I want you to be perfectly calm
when I tell you this.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You're making me worry. What
happened?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I was walking from Annie's house
after a meal with her. After a
while, I was grabbed and shoved to
the ground. I was pulled along and
shoved before my hair got pulled
and I got repeatedly slapped. Then
            (MORE)

71.

                       NIKKI (cont'd)
they all came around and beat me.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Who's 'they'?
                                                            
NIKKI looks down. This is painful for her to recollect but
she's determined to tell FRANK.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
The girl who pushed me and dragged
me was Faith. The girl who pulled
my hair was Charity. The girl who
repeatedly slapped me was Hope.
The ringleader of it all was
Grace.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I should've known . . .
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'm so sorry.
                                                            
FRANK kisses NIKKI's forehead.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You shouldn't be apologising.
You've done nothing wrong. Don't
let Grace convince you otherwise.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 308 - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is reading to herself. HOPE, CHARITY, FAITH and GRACE
come in. GRACE smacks NIKKI's book out of her hands.
                                                            
                       GRACE
We need a punishment top-up. Turns
out the last one wasn't as
effective as it should've been.
                                                            
GRACE grabs NIKKI's neck and forces her to stand up.
                                                            
                       MARIE
      (O.S)
I wouldn't be doing that if I were
you.
                                                            
MARIE and PERRY stand up. GRACE et al see them.
                                                            

72.

                       GRACE
Two against four. You're
outnumbered.
                                                            
                       CHASE
      (O.S)
I don't think so.
                                                            
CHASE stands. GRACE et al see him.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Chase, you're supposed to be the
Maths whiz. Can't you count?
                                                            
                       JESS
      (O.S.)
Of course he can.
                                                            
JESS stands. GRACE et al see her.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
      (O.S.)
It is you who is mistaken.
                                                            
ANNIE stands. GRACE et al see her.
                                                            
                       GRACE
You can't stop me. You can't stop
me from punishing her.
                                                            
FRANK comes through the door.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I think you better let go of her.
                                                            
GRACE tightens her grip on NIKKI a bit.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Or what?
                                                            
FRANK takes a step forward. GRACE tightens her grip on NIKKI
again. NIKKI is really struggling to breathe.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Struggles.)
Please . . . I can't breathe . . .
                                                            
                       GRACE
Yeah? Well you don't deserve to
breathe you slag!
                                                            

73.

In a fit of anger, FRANK grabs CHARITY by the neck and holds
her at a tight-ish grip. She is clearly faking the extent of
her struggle.
                                                            
                       FRANK
If Nikki doesn't deserve to
breathe then no one else does!
                                                            
                       GRACE
Let her go!
                                                            
                       FRANK
Or what?
                                                            
                       GRACE
Let go of Charity and I'll let go
of the waste.
                                                            
FRANK lets go of CHARITY who goes back to FAITH and HOPE.
FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY go off. GRACE moves towards FRANK,
taking NIKKI with her
                                                            
                       GRACE
You got lucky. Don't think it'll
happen again. Sooner or later, you
will be punished.
                                                            
GRACE throws NIKKI to the floor and runs off. FRANK and the
gang go over to NIKKI who is in a state of shock.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. NIKKI'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is in her room looking at a picture of her and FRANK.
She is lost in thought over him. The door bell rings. NIKKI
goes down to the door and opens it to FRANK. He comes in and
she closes the door.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. NIKKI'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI and FRANK are in bed together after a tad bit of
romance.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Did you have any more trouble?
                                                            

74.

                       NIKKI
No. The day was relatively
Grace-free after that.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'm sorry I couldn't save you.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You did save me! It was you who
managed to bargain with her.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I just couldn't bear to see you in
pain again. It screws me up seeing
someone I care about being in so
much peril.
                                                            
NIKKI holds on to FRANK.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You're great. You know that? I
don't have to worry whilst I'm
with you. I know I'm safe because
I know I can trust you. I know
you'll always be there for me.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'll never let you go.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM COMMON ROOM - DAY
                                                            
FRANK is with JESS, ANNIE and CHASE. GRACE comes up behind
but is unseen.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
You don't mean . . .
                                                            
                       FRANK
I mean.
                                                            
                       JESS
You've only been together for like
a month. That's not very long.
                                                            
                       FRANK
A month is ages.
                                                            
                       CHASE
It wasn't to you a few months ago.
                                                            

75.

                       FRANK
You got me there. Seriously, Nikki
is just exceptional. I look at her
and all I can see is purity and
gentility.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (O.S.)
OK I don't want to wrench all I've
eaten over this!
                                                            
FRANK rises to see GRACE.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Get the hell away from me!
                                                            
                       GRACE
That's not a nice thing to say to
your girlfriend.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Ex girlfriend Grace! In case you
hadn't noticed, we did split up
some time ago.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Sooner or later, you'll get bored
of all that clean-cut crap of
hers. You'll be tempted back to me
like I was a Coheed and Cambria
album in a 75% off sale.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Listen to me: I don't want you.
I'm with Nikki. If you dare harm
her ever again then you're really
going to regret it. I'll make you
regret it.
                                                            
GRACE walks off. FRANK is in a state of anger. JESS, ANNIE
and CHASE go over to him.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Do you want to sit down?
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Sighs)
I'm ok. I'll be ok. I just got
heated up a bit. Grace really
knows how to wind me up very
quickly.
                                                            

76.

                       JESS
I'm not surprised seeing as she
had your girlfriend beaten up and
has made your lives a living hell
for the past month or so.
                                                            
                       CHASE
I don't think he needs reminding
really.
                                                            
PERRY and MARIE rush in. Their hair is a mess and their
clothes are a tad roughed up.
                                                            
                       PERRY
What did we miss?
                                                            
                       JESS
Where were you two? You look like
you've been . . . well . . .
                                                            
                       MARIE
      (Lying terribly.)
We were . . . helping Mr Charles
sort the . . . the . . . caretaker
closet.
                                                            
No one's convinced. CHARITY sneaks behind them but is
unseen.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Right then. Well in all lightness,
Grace came and wound Frank up a
bit.
                                                            
                       MARIE
What is wrong with that girl?
Hasn't she done enough with
getting Nikki beaten up?
                                                            
                       PERRY
      (Panicking.)
I just wish she could leave us all
alone to do what we want. We
shouldn't be scrutinised because
of our actions or our -
                                                            
MARIE covers PERRY's mouth with her hand.
                                                            
                       MARIE
A word?
                                                            
MARIE and PERRY scuttle off.
                                                            

77.

                       CHASE
If I didn't know any better, I
swear that they were up to
something.
                                                            
                       JESS
It doesn't matter much. It's their
little prerogative.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Anyway, I'm sure Billy Guild's
party will be a hoot and two
halves tonight.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 102 - DAY
                                                            
GRACE is with FAITH and HOPE.
                                                            
                       GRACE
I can't believe that he's STILL
with her.
                                                            
                       FAITH
This is getting ridiculous. She
always seems to be one step ahead
of us.
                                                            
GRACE's mobile phone goes off. She answers it.
                                                            
                       GRACE
      (On phone.)
Hello . . . Charity? Where are
you, bitch? . . . You have gossip?
Well spread . . . Yes I know
Billy's having a party . . . oh
good! You've given me a fantastic
idea! Later babycakes.
                                                            
GRACE hangs up.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Looks like a ray of sunshine has
beamed on us. I have to get to
Grant Westwood.
                                                            
                       HOPE
Are you serious? Grant Westwood is
that weirdo drug dealer.
                                                            

78.

                       GRACE
That's why I need him.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. DRUG'S DEN - DAY
                                                            
HELENA, NAMI and LYDIA, drug workers, are circled together.
GRANT, the ringleader of the operation, comes in with GRACE.
                                                            
                       GRANT
Ladies, this is Grace. Grace, this
is Helena, Nami and Lydia. They've
got everything on aphrodisiacs.
                                                            
                       HELENA
Ooh! Is this one trying to boost
her performance Grant?
                                                            
                       GRACE
I want to drug someone else into
hitting the sack.
                                                            
                       NAMI
Got just the thing there lady.
                                                            
NAMI gets out a brown paper bag and gives it to GRACE.
                                                            
                       NAMI
In there is a mixture of different
drugs such as Rohypnol, I-Dopa,
Bethanechol, Trazodone and
Bupropion.
                                                            
                       LYDIA
There's also some Yohimbine,
Ginseng, Ma Huang and
Fenfluramine. You've got some
Apomorphine too in case you want a
sample.
                                                            
                       GRACE
You sure this stuff could work?
                                                            
                       HELENA
Yeah. Use a small amount of
mixture and you should be able to
use it in any situation like a
party or even an ordinary night
in.
                                                            

79.

                       GRACE
Great. Thanks.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. NIKKI'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
NIKKI is getting ready for the party. KRIS comes down the
stairs.
                                                            
                       KRIS
Going out?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Yeah. I'm going to a party.
                                                            
                       KRIS
You meeting lover boy there?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
As a matter of fact, I am. I'm
going to see most of my mates
there too.
                                                            
                       KRIS
      (Smiles.)
I'm glad to see you so happy.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You and Emma have been amazing.
Letting me stay for a small amount
of rent is one thing but to be
there for me when I needed it was
just superb.
                                                            
                       KRIS
Thank you.
                                                            
A horn is heard.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
That'll be my lift. I'll see you
two later.
                                                            
EMMA comes down and stands by KRIS.
                                                            
                       KRIS
Not entirely.
                                                            
                       EMMA
We're going out and staying
overnight tonight.
                                                            

80.

                       NIKKI
Cool. Have fun and I'll see you
tomorrow.
                                                            
NIKKI leaves. EMMA and KRIS cuddle to each other.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BILLY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
It is rather crowded and there are many people here. A CD is
being played. The song playing is I Predict A Riot by The
Kaiser Chiefs. NIKKI and ANNIE are mucking around. CHASE
comes to them.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Hey girls. Wanna dance?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'm waiting for Frank to get here.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Annie! Why don't you come dance?
                                                            
CHASE grabs ANNIE and they dance to the music. NIKKI giggles
as she watches them. JESS goes over to NIKKI.
                                                            
                       JESS
Are you going to dance, my lady?
                                                            
FRANK comes in and holds NIKKI.
                                                            
                       FRANK
She will be with me.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Giggles)
I take it you got here then!
                                                            
                       FRANK
Perry did a no-show so I made my
own way here. Thing is though I
rang Marie to see if she needed a
lift because of Perry's no-show
but she had already gone.
                                                            
                       JESS
You two! Less chat, more dance!
                                                            
FRANK and NIKKI go off to dance. JESS goes over to CHASE and
ANNIE.
                                                            

81.

                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. BILLY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
It's a bit later to earlier. The song playing is Voodoo
Child by Rogue Traders. There's a circle of people dancing
and unaware of what's going on. FRANK is standing by
himself. BILLY goes to him with a drink.
                                                            
                       BILLY
Here! Someone wanted me to give
this to you.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Who was it?
                                                            
                       BILLY
I think it was your girlfriend.
                                                            
FRANK unsuspectingly drinks the drink. GRACE is nearby
sniggering.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Ha! He fell for it. Now all I've
got to do is wait for the effects
to kick in.
                                                            
FRANK begins to stagger a bit. Realising that something is
wrong, he staggers towards the stairs to sit down. GRACE
goes over to him in part of her ploy.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Frank?
                                                            
Out-of-it FRANK thinks its NIKKI not GRACE. In his POV,
NIKKI is standing in front of him.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Nikki. It's you.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Yes. It's Nikki.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I don't feel too good.
                                                            
Back in normal view, GRACE sits on FRANK.
                                                            
Its 10 minutes later. NIKKI is with JESS and ANNIE getting a
drink.
                                                            

82.

                       NIKKI
Have you guys seen Frank? I
haven't seen him since he went to
stop dancing.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Last time I saw him was about 15
minutes ago drinking.
                                                            
CHASE goes over to them.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Do you know where Frank is?
                                                            
                       CHASE
I have no idea. I haven't seen him
for a bit.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
I'm going to find him.
                                                            
NIKKI walks away from them. She wanders through. She opens a
door and finds MARIE and PERRY parting suddenly.
                                                            
                       PERRY
We were just . . . talking.
                                                            
NIKKI isn't a fool. She knows what's going on.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
How long?
                                                            
                       MARIE
      (Sighs.)
The day Grace first threatened
you.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
That makes sense. Everyone is a
bit suspicious of you two.
                                                            
                       PERRY
They are?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Don't worry - I won't say anything
if you don't want me to.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Cheers.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
You haven't seen Frank, have you?
                                                            

83.

                       PERRY
I haven't sorry.
                                                            
                       MARIE
If we see him we'll tell him
you're looking for him.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Thank you.
                                                            
NIKKI shuts the door. She makes her way to the stairs and
sees GRACE and FRANK. She realises what is happening - or so
she thinks - and is shocked. She turns away, grabs her coat
and walks out of the door.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. NIKKI'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
NIKKI is tearfully writing letters. She seals the final one
in the envelope and puts it down with the others in a draw.
She places her apartment key with them and leaves with her
handbag.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM COMMON ROOM - DAY
                                                            
It's a couple of days after the party. JESS, ANNIE, CHASE,
PERRY and MARIE are together.
                                                            
                       JESS
I wonder what's up with Nikki. She
hasn't been answering her mobile
phone. She hasn't been online.
                                                            
                       MARIE
I've tried calling her apartment
but she hasn't been in.
                                                            
                       PERRY
I'm not surprised if she's done a
runner after what she saw.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
What the hell are you on about?
                                                            
                       PERRY
Don't you guys know? Nikki caught
Frank doing the dirty with Grace
at Billy's party.
                                                            

84.

Everyone is shocked.
                                                            
                       JESS
No way!
                                                            
                       PERRY
Yes.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Who told you?
                                                            
                       PERRY
Emma and Kris. They received a
letter from Nikki. Well, they
found it in a drawer. They want us
to collect ours.
                                                            
FRANK comes in. He looks a tad ill but ANNIE wastes no time.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Look at what the cat dragged in.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What?
                                                            
                       ANNIE
You know what, mate. Sleeping with
Grace at that bloody party!
                                                            
                       CHASE
Alright Annie. Let's not be
confrontational here. We need to
hear every account.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I cheated on Nikki? I didn't do
anything with anyone else other
than her!
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Don't try to defend yourself. It's
pathetic
                                                            
As much as ANNIE's anger is well rounded, everyone including
her thinks that there maybe some genuinity in FRANK's
protest.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Frank, tell us what happened
before the heavy session.
                                                            

85.

                       FRANK
I drank a drink that Billy said my
girlfriend had got for me. I drank
it and started loosing it a bit. I
sat on the stairs. After a bit,
Nikki came. When I said that I
didn't feel that good, she said
she'd make me feel better and we
made out.
                                                            
Everyone but FRANK starts realising what's happened to him
and are horrified.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Oh my God!
                                                            
                       FRANK
What?
                                                            
                       CHASE
I think you're drink was spiked at
that party. That's what led to the
heavy session but not with Nikki.
Nikki was asking around for you
and then she found you . . . with
Grace.
                                                            
FRANK is horrified as he realises the truth
                                                            
                       FRANK
No! Please no!
                                                            
                       JESS
I . . . I can't believe it! She .
. . she violated his system.
                                                            
JESS rises and leaves in a storm. The others, concerned of
what she might do, follow her.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 102 - DAY
                                                            
GRACE, FAITH, CHARITY and HOPE are having a laugh and
enjoying themselves. JESS slams the door open and goes over
to GRACE. ANNIE, CHASE, FRANK, PERRY and MARIE follow on
behind.
                                                            
                       JESS
What the hell was all that for?
                                                            

86.

                       GRACE
What the -?
                                                            
                       JESS
      (Interrupts.)
I thought you were a manipulative
cow but I didn't know you were
this sick! Tell me this - where
did you get the drugs from? Grant
Westwood I bet!
                                                            
GRACE has no remorse and is happy to admit to it all.
                                                            
                       GRACE
Him and a few of his druggie
mates. They helped me and got me
what I needed to get back at
Nikki.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Do you realise how pathetic that
is?
                                                            
                       FAITH
It was perfectly necessary.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Why don't you sod off?
                                                            
FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY walk off.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You know what? If I had the
strength I would've had you
praying for mercy.
                                                            
                       GRACE
No I'd be praying for you to go
faster and harder.
                                                            
                       JESS
What on Earth is WRONG with you?
Can't you see what you have done?
Now we may never know where Nikki
has gone.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. SPRAY POINT - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is awaking from a bush. She gets up and starts walking
along the wall. She sits down and looks over at the sea.
                                                            

87.

                       NIKKI
      (V.O)
I used to have everything I could
possibly need. Now I have nothing.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 102 - DAY
                                                            
FRANK, ANNIE, JESS, CHASE, PERRY and MARIE are together.
                                                            
                       FRANK
We need to find Nikki.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
How? We have no idea where she
might've gone.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Maybe the letters will give clues.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Letters?
                                                            
                       PERRY
Yeah. There are letters waiting
for us at Nikki's place. She
must've written them just before
she went on Friday.
                                                            
                       MARIE
I could always go and pick them
up. I know we've all got free
periods but I'm the only one who
can drive. It won't take me very
long to get to Nikki's apartment
and I'll come straight back.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. STAFF CAR PARK - DAY
                                                            
MARIE is by her motorbike but is feeling emotional. PERRY
runs over to her and hugs her for comfort.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Why did Grace have to wreck
everything just to satisfy her
selfish needs?
                                                            

88.

                       PERRY
I wish I could just take you away
from all this. Even when we argue
manically, I care about you.
                                                            
                       MARIE
You do?
                                                            
                       PERRY
Yeah. I know you might not like me
the same way I like you and that's
fine.
                                                            
                       MARIE
I don't know how I feel.
                                                            
MARIE and PERRY let go.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Everything's changing around me
and it's so confusing. I need time
to cool off and think everything
through.
                                                            
                       PERRY
That's ok.
                                                            
                       MARIE
I have to go get the letters. I'll
see you later.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Ok
                                                            
MARIE kisses PERRY on the cheek and they hug again.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM 102 - DAY
                                                            
MARIE, PERRY, ANNIE, JESS and CHASE are reading their
letters. FRANK comes in.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You got them?
                                                            
                       PERRY
      (Holding FRANK's
       letter.)
Yeah. There's a letter here for
you.
                                                            

89.

FRANK reaches out for the letter but then withdraws his
hand.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I can't. I can't read it. Can you
read it to me?
                                                            
                       ANNIE
I will.
                                                            
PERRY hands ANNIE the letter.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
      (Reads.)
I don't want you to think that
I've forgiven you in any way
because I haven't. I can't
understand the reasons why you
were with Grace and I don't think
I want to. I've put up with a lot
of bullies in my life. Grace was
very different for one reason: she
won. I can only blame myself for
being stupid enough for allowing
myself to believe that we were for
real. I guess I am way too naïve
on the romance subject. I hope you
and Grace have a good time
together. There's one thing you
can do for me: Forget about me and
never speak of me again.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Oh God! We had it perfect and I've
lost it all because of a
vindictive ex.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Guys, we can either spend all of
our time moping or we can get on
with it and find Nikki.
                                                            
                       JESS
Chase is right. We need to think
of realistic places that Nikki
might've run off to.
                                                            
                       PERRY
She might've gone back to
Ballistae. I know her friends were
missing her. We could contact Josh
and ask him if she's come back.
                                                            

90.

                       FRANK
She might've gone to Linendown.
She has an Uncle and an Aunt there
that she's close to.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
She might've gone to Teignmouth.
She used to go down there on
holidays.
                                                            
                       JESS
She might've gone to Alexerudd
again. That's where Frank and I
first met her.
                                                            
                                         FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. BLACKHEART 6TH FORM COMMON ROOM - DAY
                                                            
FRANK is with CHASE and PERRY. They all look disheartened.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (V.O.)
We tried Alexerudd, Ballistae and
Linendown but with no luck. Our
hopes were looking slimmer by the
day.
                                                            
MARIE and JESS come in.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Annie should be back in a bit. She
had a dreadful journey back but
she's coming in to see us.
                                                            
                       PERRY
There's one more place to check.
We need to go to Teignmouth. Who's
going down there?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Me.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Are you sure?
                                                            
                       FRANK
She's my girlfriend for goodness
sake. Of course I'm sure.
                                                            

91.

                       JESS
I really think that everyone
should go. One person is not going
to be enough. We're all tired and
testy.
                                                            
                       PERRY
What about Annie?
                                                            
                       ANNIE
      (O.S)
I'll be fine to travel again.
                                                            
ANNIE comes into view.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Are you sure you can travel again?
What about your parents and Dan?
                                                            
                       ANNIE
We all have parents waiting for us
at home. We don't need to go down
this road. We just need to get to
Teignmouth and find Nikki.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. TEIGNMOUTH STATION - DAY
                                                            
JESS, ANNIE, CHASE, PERRY, MARIE and FRANK come out of the
station.
                                                            
                       JESS
Right. I propose we split up into
pairs and search.
                                                            
                       PERRY
Chase and I can go look in the
area where the Ferry sets sail and
Shaldon.
                                                            
MARIE feels a tad stung by PERRY's decision to go with CHASE
rather than her.
                                                            
                       MARIE
Jess and I will go look around the
residential areas and the shopping
centre.
                                                            

92.

                       ANNIE
That leaves Frank and I to hit
Teignmouth beach and Holcombe
beach.
                                                            
                       CHASE
If anyone gets even the smallest
sight of Nikki then get to the
rest of us as soon as possible.
                                                            
JESS and MARIE go one way, CHASE and PERRY go another way
and ANNIE and FRANK go another way.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. TEIGNMOUTH FERRY STATION - DAY
                                                            
CHASE and PERRY are looking around.
                                                            
                       CHASE
What's up with you and Marie?
                                                            
                       PERRY
What makes you say that?
                                                            
                       CHASE
She seemed a bit offended when you
didn't choose to be with her.
                                                            
                       PERRY
I don't know why. It's probably
something up with her in her life.
                                                            
                       CHASE
Have you seen any trace of Nikki?
                                                            
                       PERRY
No. I haven't seen a trace of her
at all.
                                                            
                       CHASE
I think we should continue looking
around.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. TEIGNMOUTH TOWN SQUARE - DAY
                                                            
JESS and MARIE are sitting on a bench.
                                                            

93.

                       JESS
What happened earlier vis-à-vis
Perry?
                                                            
                       MARIE
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       JESS
You seemed a bit annoyed that he
didn't pick you to go with him.
                                                            
                       MARIE
I'm not annoyed. I don't fancy him
or anything if that's what you're
implying.
                                                            
JESS is suspicious but drops the matter.
                                                            
                       JESS
OK. On to more pressing matters,
we still haven't found Nikki.
                                                            
                       MARIE
I think we need to go through the
shops on the other side. If we
still can't find her then we'll
have to go through the others
again.
                                                            
                       JESS
I can only hope that Annie and
Frank have had a bit more success.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. TEIGNMOUTH BEACH - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is walking along. She sees ANNIE and FRANK in the
distance. She panics and runs. ANNIE and FRANK are talking
and oblivious to NIKKI's flight.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Frank, I'm really sorry I had a go
at you. I honestly had no idea
what had happened.
                                                            
                       FRANK
That's ok. If I was in your
position I would've done the same.
                                                            

94.

                       ANNIE
It isn't fair! Nikki had only just
arrived into our town. She was in
a strange, unknown territory she
had no knowledge of. Grace made
everything worse.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. SPRAY POINT - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI is about to go around the rocks. She looks back and
then decides going up the slope instead.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. TEIGNMOUTH BEACH - DAY
                                                            
We are where we had just left ANNIE and FRANK.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
What did you see in Grace?
                                                            
                       FRANK
The way I felt about Grace was
very different from the way I feel
about Nikki. I didn't really fancy
Grace as such but I was interested
so I decided to have a
relationship. I ended up liking
her in the end.
                                                            
FRANK sees NIKKI going up the slope.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
I guess it was different with
Nikki then with Grace. I suppose
Nikki's arrival kind of brought
out the real Grace.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Annie . . .
                                                            
ANNIE sees NIKKI.
                                                            
                       ANNIE
Oh my God!
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'm going after her. You go and
call the group back.
                                                            

95.

                       ANNIE
I have no reception!
                                                            
                       FRANK
Go further along the beach. You'll
find a bar or two soon enough.
                                                            
FRANK runs off. ANNIE runs along the other way with her
phone out.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. SPRAY POINT - DAY
                                                            
NIKKI trips up by a bush and sees the cliff point. She
slowly gets up. She is about to start walking.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (O.S)
Nikki!
                                                            
NIKKI turns to see FRANK.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Frank? What the hell are you
doing? I asked you to forget about
me.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I don't want to forget you.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
Don't try and charm me with
pretend innocence. I know for a
fact that you want Grace. I saw
you two at the party in that
make-out session.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Nikki, you don't understand. It
wasn't what it looked like.
                                                            
                       NIKKI
What was it then? Did she just
accidentally sit on you legs open
and accidentally lodge her tongue
down her throat?
                                                            
                       FRANK
No. It wasn't like that. It was a
mistake. Can't you see that I
don't want her?
                                                            

96.

                       NIKKI
Oh so it's just a
no-strings-attached deal then,
just something to keep your
satisfactions in check because I'm
not good enough.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Why won't you let me explain?
                                                            
                       NIKKI
What is there to explain? You got
off with Grace at Billy's party
simple and true.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You really think? My drink was
spiked. I was under some mixture
of aphrodisiacs mixed together by
some of Grant Westwood's drug
henchwomen. Grace came to me and
pretended to be you. That's what
led to her and me . . .
                                                            
                       NIKKI
      (Interrupts)
I wasn't born yesterday Frank.
Grace and I are wildly different.
You must think so little of me to
sink that low to try and save your
backside.
                                                            
FRANK turns away. We focus on him.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Nikki, there is no lying in what
I'm saying. I think the world of
you. I can't be here without you
and I need you by my side because
. . . there's no other way of
saying this . . . I -
                                                            
FRANK turns and sees no NIKKI. He goes to the edge and sees
no body trace. He looks around and sees nothing of her.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Yells.)
Nikki? Nikki?!
                                                            


THE END


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