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Bullied
by Joseph Osborne (joeyowey23@hotmail.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Drama   User Review: **1/2
When everything he's ever loved is lost and those responsible are never judged Tom is pushed to his limits. A story about two high school students out to stand up for themselves and be heard, no matter the cost and no one is innocent. Arnold said it best "i should have stayed home today."


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. This is an original idea i have been working on for years, any attempt to steal my work is plagiarism so with that being said, enjoy.



BULLIED

FADE IN:

INT. AFTERMATH - DAY
                                                            
(inside the school after massacre)
                                                            
Sounds of screams and gunshots whisper faintly in the
background for a few moments.
                                                            
                       KURTIS (VO)
These walls now clean still scream
and present the pains of a past
that wont soon be forgot, my name
is Kurtis and i am telling you
this disturbing tale in hopes that
someday you can carry on my
beliefs and succeed where I
failed. To understand the true
tragedy I'll have to start you at
the beginning...
                                                            
                                         FADE OUT
                                                            
 
EXT. DAY AT THE PARK - DAY
                                                            
Tom walks to merry go round.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (nervously)
Hi my name is tom, can i play with
you guys?
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
What do you want?
                                                            
Tom begins to shift uncomfortably.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (nervously)
I thought we could be friends.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
      (sarcastically)
Sure you just have to do one
thing.
                                                            
bully 2 moves in behind tom.
                                                            

2.

                       TOM
Sure what is it?
                                                            
Bullies begin to laugh.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
Stand still and close your eyes.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (confused)
Huh? just stand still and close my
eyes?
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
that's all.
                                                            
tom shuts his eyes

Bully waits ten seconds and pushes Tom, Tom lands hard on a
rock, begins to bleed from leg, and scratches his face.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (sobbingly)
Ouch why did you do that? That
really hurt.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
      (loudly)
Because we never wanted you to
play with us, you look like a
loser with your glasses.
                                                            
                       BULLY 2
Ya kid your own parents probably
don't even want you.
                                                            
Tom runs off crying, the others laughing at him.
                                                            
Tom runs down his driveway, Mrs. Lewiston stops gardening as
she sees tom.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (concerned)
Oh My God tom, what happen to you,
are you okay?
                                                            
Tom hugs his mom crying harder.
                                                            
                       TOM
They were pretending to be my
friend but they just started
making fun of me and calling me
names.
                                                            

3.

                       MRS. LEWISTON
It's gonna be okay sweetie.
                                                            
                       TOM
Do you love me?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Of course I do honey, why would
you think I didn't?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (sniffling)
One of the bullies said that you
didn't want me and you hated me.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Thomas I promise you that I will
always love you, no matter what
happens, your my son and i will
always be proud of that, now come
on lets go get you cleaned up.
                                                            
Tom walks into the house, his mom following close behind.
                                                            
Tom and his mom walk to the bathroom, his mom cleans up his
wound and puts a band aid on it, Tom winces as he feels the
cold washrag on his scratched face.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
why don't you get some rest and
I'll wake you up when dinner's
ready, okay?
                                                            
Tom nods and walks off to the living room resting on the
couch, tom rolls over facing the window outside and watches
the sunset, a single tear rolls down his cheek which he
quickly wipes away.
                                                            
                                         SLOW FADE BLACK
                                                            
 
INT. DINNER - NIGHT
                                                            
Tom slowly opens his eyes and yawns, he blinks a few times
to let his eyes adjust, there are sounds of his mom working
in the kitchen.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Tom its dinner time, go wash up,
your father will be home soon.
                                                            

4.

Tom slowly gets up and makes his way to the bathroom, he
looks in the mirror and looks at his injury, He turns faucet
on, in the background we can hear toms dad walking in.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Hey hon I'm home, Phew what a day.
                                                            
Mr. lewiston takes his coat off and sits down.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Are you okay?
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Yeah it was just a long day, glad
to be home,you wouldn't believe
how stupid people can be, just
never mind it doesn't matter how
was your day, did you do anything
fun.
                                                            
MR. Lewiston picks up a copy of local newspaper and begins
to look through
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Oh not really, I mean just my
usual gardening and dropped tom at
the park
                                                            
Mr. Lewiston stops flipping and sets his sights on one story
in particular.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Just goes to show you never really
know someone.
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston turns and looks at him slightly confused.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
What are you reading about?
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
There's a story in the paper about
a kid i used to go to school with,
the nicest kid in the world, had
high hopes, was a good grade
student.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (curiously)
So what is he doing now?
                                                            

5.

                       MR. LEWISTON
Well it says here he was arrested
for the murder of his high school
sweetheart, this is wild.
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston walks around table and stands behind Mr. L,
reading the article over his shoulder.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
I'll tell you what if you had said
back then that he was capable of
this I would have laughed at you.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO BATHROOM
                                                            
Tom stares blankly at himself in the mirror.
                                                            
the bathroom light goes off and tom walks out into the
hallway
                                                            
                                         CUT TO KITCHEN
                                                            
Mr. and Mrs. Lewiston stop and turn to look at tom
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Hi honey are you feeling better
                                                            
mrs. lewiston continues to prepare
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Hey how's my favorite little bear?
                                                            
Tom looks at the ground, does not respond to his father and
sits down, his father becomes concerned
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
hey buddy are you okay? what's
wrong?
                                                            
Tom looks up not knowing what to say, suddenly his mom cuts
in.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Okay dinner is ready, let's eat.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
      (sarcastically)
Dinner looks delicious, i will
never get sick of eating Mac 'n
cheese with hot dogs.
                                                            

6.

                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (playfully)
Well good we'll have it the rest
of the week.
                                                            
Mr. Lewiston gives a fake smile and continues to eat.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
so kiddo what happened today at
the park?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
listen tom you don't have to....
                                                            
Mr. Lewiston slams his fist on table, Tom and his mom both
jump.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
      (annoyed)
GODDAMMIT JILL JUST LET THE KID
TALK!!!
                                                            
                       TOM
      (quivering)
I got pushed down by a bully.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Did you fight back?
                                                            
                       TOM
No I just ran home, should I fight
back?
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
yeah, you never back down son you
hear me, now next time this
happens I want you to stand your
ground.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Okay that's quite enough of that.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Enough of what? I'm trying to
teach him something, every time I
try to talk to him like this you
bite my head off.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Trying to teach him what? How to
solve his problems with fists and
violence like your father taught
you.
                                                            

7.

                       MR. LEWISTON
      (raising voice)
You shut your mouth, my father
taught me everything I know and he
was a good man who was never
afraid to fight for what he
believed in.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (quietly)
Please stop fighting guys.
                                                            
Tom starts to shift uncomfortably, Mrs. Lewiston scoffs.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
your father was nothing but a no
good lousy drunk.
                                                            
Mrs. lewiston moves toward the sink, her husband grabs her
and strikes her, Tom takes off toward his room.
                                                            
Tom runs into his room and hides under his covers, listening
to his parents argue and wishing this hell would stop.
                                                            
                       KURTIS (VO)
Tom had to listen to this a lot,
his father wasn't a bad man by any
means He just had a temper, He
never hit Tom though or Jill until
that night. The fight did not last
long and when it was over it was
like it never happened.
                                                            
 
EXT. MADE A FRIEND - DAY
                                                            
ONE WEEK LATER
                                                            
Tom stands alone in the backyard bored.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Tom honey, are you okay?
                                                            
                       TOM
Ya just a little bored.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Why don't you go back to the park
and play?
                                                            
Tom gets a look of shock for a moment and turns away
silently.
                                                            

8.

                       MRS. LEWISTON
Are you still worried about the
bullies?
                                                            
Tom continues to stand there and look away trying to ignore
his mother hoping she will just let it go.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Listen honey you can't just sit
here by yourself because you are
scared of some kids. I know they
hurt you but you can not let them
win, you have to go out and be
yourself.
                                                            
                       TOM
But mom since we moved here I
don't have any friends.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Oh honey you'll meet new friends I
promise, but you have to get out
and have fun and be sociable.
                                                            
                       TOM
But what if I get hurt again?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
you'll be just fine sweet heart,
just stay away from those kids and
they should leave you alone okay.
Now go get in the car I will be
right there.
                                                            
Tom, resistant at first walks to the car and gets in, his
mother follows.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO PARK
                                                            
Car drives up and stops in front of the park entrance.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO INSIDE THE
CAR
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Now you go have fun and remember
what I told you.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (still not sure)
Okay mom I will.
                                                            
Tom gets out of the car, the car drives away.
                                                            

9.

                       TOM
      (to himself)
Okay you can do this, just avoid
those kids alright I can do that.
                                                            
Tom walks into the park and heads toward the slide, He
starts to relax a little more.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (in background)
Hey stop it, leave me alone.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
Ha ha ha stupid kid, are you dumb
or something we said give us your
lunch.
                                                            
Tom turns to see the commotion and spots a kid in trouble, a
nervous feeling in his stomach makes him cringe, He takes a
deep breath and starts to walk toward the situation.
                                                            
                       TOM
hey leave him alone.
                                                            
The bully turns toward Tom, Tom stands his ground firm and
brave.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
Well well well, look what we have
here, a hero, didn't you get
enough last week?
                                                            
Tom tries to stay firm and brave, the sounds of the park
fade and soon all he can hear is his own heartbeat and
remembers what his father had said last night after the
fight
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON (VO)
Stand your ground son, never back
down, because if you let them walk
on you once your going to be a
victim your whole life. I will
always be here to guide you son.
just be brave and fight back.
                                                            
Slowly the sounds start to flow back and the bully is saying
something, tom can't quite make it out and then suddenly he
snaps out of it and the bully pushes him.
                                                            
                       TOM (VO)
      (to himself)
Calm and steady, fight back.
                                                            

10.

Tom lets go a battle cry and pushes the bully, the bully
flies back and lands in crap, everyone laughs.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
      (steaming)
Ooh I will get you back, do you
hear me tom, I'll get you and you
will wish you were never born.
                                                            
                       TOM
You should probably take a shower
you smell like dog crap.
                                                            
Everyone laughs at the bully, his friends help him off the
ground and they leave.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Hey thanks you really saved my
butt there, you are really brave.
                                                            
                       TOM
My dad taught me to never back
down, the name's Tom, how bout
you?
                                                            
Tom stretches his hand for John to shake, He shakes his
hand.
                                                            
                       JOHN
John, John Seymore, glad to meet
ya, do you wanna hang out with me?
                                                            
                       TOM
Ya sure, what kinds of things do
you like to do?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Well I like to explore in the
woods and go on adventures, I'm
looking for a Bigfoot.
                                                            
Tom arcs his head to the side out of confusion and wonder.
                                                            
                       TOM
A what?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Come on are you telling me you've
never heard of the legend of
Bigfoot?
                                                            

11.

                       TOM
Nope can't say that I have, it
sounds cool though lets look and
you can tell me about it.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Okay cool, well the Bigfoot is
this creature that lurks in the
woods and they have a sighting of
a huge footprint near here.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (interested)
Wow that's pretty cool, so have
they ever actually caught this
thing?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Nope and I'm hoping to be the
first one.
                                                            
John and Tom head to the woods on the other end of the park,
while making there way over to the woods they are stopped by
the voice of Johns mom.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
John, come on it is time to go
home now dinner is ready.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Well I gotta go now, see you at
the park next time right?
                                                            
                       TOM
yeah, see ya around.
                                                            
John runs toward his mom, and Tom sees his mom and makes his
way over to the car.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Hey Tommy did you have fun today?
                                                            
                       TOM
Oh yeah I did.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Any trouble?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (excitedly)
Nah I took care of the bullies and
guess what else mom?
                                                            

12.

                       MRS. LEWISTON
What?
                                                            
                       TOM
I made a friend, his name is John.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (happy)
Honey that's great I'm so proud of
you, see I told you you would make
friends.
                                                            
                       TOM
Ya he was getting picked on but I
stood up for him and knocked a
bully into some poop, it was
funny.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Tom violence isn't always the
right answer,you know that right?
so tell me about your new friend.
                                                            
                       TOM
I actually don't know a whole lot
about him.
                                                            
Tom stares out the window of the car.
                                                            
                       TOM
I wonder what his story is.
                                                            
 
INT. JOHN'S HOME LIFE - NIGHT
                                                            
INSIDE THE KITCHEN
                                                            
Johns mom and john are sitting at the table, John is eating
some pizza rolls, his mother is going through the mail.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
So buddy what did you do today at
the park anything interesting?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (with mouth full)
Mhmm I had lots of fun.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Don't eat with your mouth full, so
what did you do that was so fun.
                                                            
John swallows pizza roll takes sip root beer.
                                                            

13.

                       JOHN
Sorry momma, I met a friend today
at the park, he saved me from
these bullies, he knocked them
down, it was awesome.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Why were kids picking on you?
                                                            
                       JOHN
They wanted my lunch.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
So Tom saved you huh, what's tom
like?
                                                            
                       JOHN
He seems nice and he's pretty
smart, I told him about Bigfoot
and we explored the woods in
search, he's interested in that
stuff too.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore finds letter addressed to them from overseas.
                                                            
A look of sadness falls over her face and john can't help
but notice.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Mom are you okay?
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Of course honey.
                                                            
                       JOHN
What's that?
                                                            
John points to letter that his mom is gripping tightly.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
It's from your father.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (excited)
That's from dad, ooh can I read
it.
                                                            
John's mom opens the envelope and unfolds the paper and
begins to read it.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
I'll read it to you.
                                                            

14.

                       MRS. SEYMORE
It says Dear John and Bev. I miss
you....
                                                            
                       JOHNS DAD (VO)
I miss you so much, it is hell
over here and every moment I wish
I was home with you, grilling up
some burgers in the backyard with
friends. I have never been so
scared in my life, I mean gunfire
rings out constantly throughout
the night, the children are
strapped with bombs and guns, It
is so terrible. I have to make
this short but I just wanted to
say I love you and hopefully I
will be home soon, be good john
and remember to listen to your
mother and do good in school in
September because I want you to be
something with your life. loves
and kisses.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
From yours forever, Lt. David
Seymore U.S. Army.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Hey mom?
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore begins to shake.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
      (trembling)
Yes sweetie?
                                                            
                       JOHN
When is daddy coming home?
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Soon sweetie soon, I promise, now
go get ready for bed.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Okay.
                                                            
John gets ready for bed and crawls in to bed, his mom tucks
him in.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Did you brush?
                                                            

15.

                       JOHN
Of course I did, good night mom.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Good night.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore leaves, John pulls out a picture of him and his
father at a Red Sox game.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Good night dad.
                                                            
John closes his eyes and sleeps.
                                                            
 
EXT. JULY 4TH - DAY
                                                            
3 WEEKS LATER
                                                            
Tom and John run around in the woods behind Tom's backyard
and Tom's dad stands on the grill, Tom's mom is sitting with
Mrs. Seymore in the lawn chairs with a margarita in her
hand.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
So Beverly tell me about yourself.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Well what do you wanna know?
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
everything, what do you do, where
are you from, how long you been
here?
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
well I'm from here in the granite
state born and raised I met my
husband David in high school.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Where is he today?
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
David is in the service, he's been
in Iraq for about a year now.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Well I'm glad he's serving his
country, when does he get out?
                                                            

16.

                       MRS. SEYMORE
He was already supposed to be out
already but they sent him back the
bastards, he's been through
enough, and John could use some
father figure.
                                                            
Mr. Lewiston turns back to his grill, Mrs. Seymore shifts in
her chair looking embarrassed.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
We didn't mean to upset you, here
would you like another drink?
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Sure that sounds nice and hey
don't worry yourself, it isn't you
I'm just worried about my husband.
                                                            
Mrs.lewiston gets up and heads inside to get more drinks.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Hey where did the kids go?
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
I think they went into the woods
to play.
                                                            
Mr. Lewiston nods and flips the burger on the grill.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO WOODS
                                                            
Both boys are crouched and remain stealthy as if to sneak up
on something.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Okay so here's the plan we are
gonna look for clues to it's
existence, okay?
                                                            
                       TOM
So what exactly does it look like?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (whispering)
Shh you'll blow our cover man, now
you're looking for anything out of
the ordinary like giant footprints
or indentations in the ground or
brush.
                                                            

17.

                       TOM
      (quietly)
Oh okay lets do this.
                                                            
Branches snap and the boys turn, Tom has a look of shock on
his face.
                                                            
                       TOM
What was that?
                                                            
                       JOHN
I have no idea but whatever it
was, it was huge.
                                                            
Some twigs snap again and the boys jump, there is a growl
unlike anything they've heard.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (concerned)
Um I really don't want to get
eaten tonight can we just leave it
alone?
                                                            
John picks up a rock and prepares to throw it.
                                                            
                       TOM
Are you crazy you're going to get
us killed.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I read somewhere that they like to
throw stones, here help me.
                                                            
John hands a rock to Tom.
                                                            
                       TOM
Are you sure about this?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yeah of course man, you're not
scared are you?
                                                            
                       TOM
Me scared, of course not.
                                                            
Both boys throw their rocks, they hit what ever it is but
can not see, all they hear and feel is footsteps and trees
being pushed aside, they become scared and run out of the
woods.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO BACKYARD
                                                            
The boys come running toward their parents.
                                                            

18.

                       MRS. LEWISTON
Boys whats wrong?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (out of breath)
There's something in the woods, it
chased us and it's gonna eat us.
                                                            
The parents look at each other confused.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
It could be that bear coming back,
just stay away from the woods okay
guys.
                                                            
The boys nod, still trying to catch their breath.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Alright now the food is ready and
the show is about to begin.
                                                            
Tom and John grab a plate of food and a seat and watch the
fireworks.
                                                            
                       JOHN
hey mom can I sleep over here
tonight?
                                                            
John's mom looks at Mr. and Mrs. lewiston.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
i don't mind as long as its okay
with toms parents
                                                            
                       TOM
Can he mom can he?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Sure why not.
                                                            
                       TOM
YAY!!!
                                                            
The boys run in the house and get ready for bed.
                                                            
                       TOM
Alright man I'm tired, goodnight,
my mom is making pancakes in the
morning, here let's watch a movie.
                                                            
Tom puts in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles two: Mystery of the
Ooze.
                                                            

19.

Tom slips off to a deep sleep.
                                                            
 
INT. THE DREAM - NIGHT
                                                            
LATER THAT NIGHT
                                                            
Tom is tossing and turning, he is having a nightmare.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN) (VO)
you're parents don't even want you
loser.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON (VO)
I'll always love you Tom.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO HALLWAY
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Why did you do it Tom why, you're
a monster.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Tom you don't have to do this man
there's another way.
                                                            
Tom, now older in his dream, is stumbling around, confused
and covered in blood.
                                                            
                       TOM
Don't you see you have it wrong
it's the only way. ha hell i only
wish i had done this earlier
                                                            
Kids in the background are running and screaming in fear of
Tom.
                                                            
Tom is laughing maniacally, his face drenched with blood,
the hallway spins faster and faster, Young Tom rolls in his
sleep.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (screaming)
NO NO!! HELP ME, DON'T DO THIS.
                                                            
The dream intensifies, Tom's shouts wake up John who is now
desperately trying to wake Tom up.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (shouting)
TOM, TOM WAKE UP MAN, HEY COME ON
YOU'RE SCARING ME!
                                                            

20.

Toms mother is woken up by the commotion and comes running
into the room.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
What's going on in here?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Tom's having a nightmare and he
won't wake up from it.
                                                            
Tom gets dizzier and dizzier, he finally snaps out of it and
when he does he throws up.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Tommy you're okay now, it was just
a bad dream honey.
                                                            
Tom wipes off his mouth and begins to breath heavily.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dude what was your dream about?
                                                            
                       TOM
Oh man it was terrible, i was
covered in blood and everyone was
running and and..
                                                            
Tom begins to shake violently.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (reassuring)
Shh it's okay, it was just a dream
you're okay you're okay.
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston hugs Tom close, she looks concerned, Tom
eventually calms down and goes back to sleep.
                                                            
John rolls over and goes back to sleep, Toms mother stands
in the doorway for a few moments watching over the boys,
then she turns out the light.
                                                            
 
INT. FIRST DAY OF 5TH GRADE - DAY
                                                            
MONDAY MORNING
                                                            
Tom's alarm clock starts ringing, Tom winces and rolls back
to bed, his mom comes in and opens the curtains forcing him
up
                                                            

21.

                       MRS. LEWISTON
Come on sweetie you don't want to
be late for your first day at the
new school.
                                                            
Tom slowly gets up, trying to give a sarcastic smile toward
his mom.
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah that would be tragic huh?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Aren't you excited?
                                                            
                       TOM
well I'm a little nervous I mean
what if I don't make friends.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
what about John? you guys are
friends.
                                                            
                       TOM
I know just I don't want to mess
up my first day.
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston smirks and pats Tom on the shoulder.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Well then I guess you better go
brush your teeth because no one
likes a smelly set of teeth.
                                                            
Tom begins to laugh and nods, he heads off to get ready.
                                                            
                       TOM
Okay mom.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO KITCHEN
                                                            
Tom walks in dressed and ready for school.
                                                            
                       TOM
alright you happy?
                                                            
Tom's dad walks in to the kitchen.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Hey bud are you ready to rule the
halls, if you have my genes you'll
have to beat away the girls with a
stick because they'll be after ya.
                                                            

22.

Mr. lewiston winks at Tom, Tom returns it.
                                                            
                       TOM
Ya I know I'm gonna be the ladies
man.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Alright ladies man well you need
to come eat breakfast.
                                                            
Tom sits down and eats some eggs and toast with a tall glass
of milk.
                                                            
                       TOM
So do you really think the kids
will like me?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Of course now hurry up and finish
you're gonna miss the bus.
                                                            
Tom takes a couple more bites and finishes his milk, then he
heads out to the bus stop.
                                                            
Tom is now outside he sees John at the bus stop and goes
over to say hi, Tom gives him a high five.
                                                            
                       TOM
What's up man, are you ready for
5th grade?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Ya I can't wait, I just hope we
don't have any idiots in our class
you know like those jerks by the
park.
                                                            
                       TOM
Ha I know, that's alright we're
way cooler than them so we'll get
the friends and success.
                                                            
A school bus rolls up and picks them up, they step on and
suddenly the smiles they once wore are no longer there. the
bullies are on the same bus.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
Hey kid,oh this is going to be a
fun year. Well for me anyway.
                                                            
The bullies begin to laugh, Tom and John sit down in the
back far away.
                                                            

23.

The bullies move to the back of the bus and surround the two
boys.
                                                            
John shifts uncomfortably, feeling obligated and threatened
Tom drops his bag.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (shouting)
Why don't you just leave us alone,
we didn't do anything to you and
you pick on us.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
      (Mockingly)
why don't you leave us alone, ha
ha you guys don't get it do you,
in this school We rule the halls
and you are just crap underneath
our feet.
                                                            
The bus driver has had enough.
                                                            
                       BUS DRIVER
Hey knock it off back there, move
away from those boys and sit down
or tomorrow you will walk to
school.
                                                            
Glen gets in tom's face really trying to intimidate him.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
      (whispering)
I would watch my back if I were
you, because that bus driver won't
always be there to save you.
                                                            
Glen pushes Tom.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dude you have to be careful I
think he means it.
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah I know, phew look we're at
school.
                                                            
Tom and John get off the bus and walk in to the main lobby
to pick up their class list.
                                                            
                       JOHN
What do you have first?
                                                            
Tom unfolds his schedule and peers at it.
                                                            

24.

                       TOM
Looks like Math.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dude me too, ha that's sweet.
                                                            
Tom and John carefully make their way to the classroom, when
they get there Tom struggles to read the name.
                                                            
                       TOM
What's her name? Mrs. Cal-I-Han.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
It's Calihan, now excuse me you
need to get in the room so I can
take attendance.
                                                            
Tom and John shuffle into their seats, Mrs. C makes her way
to the front of the room.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (whispering)
Why is she walking funny?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (snickering)
I have no clue.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Okay class quiet down now, okay so
my name is Mrs. Calihan but you
can just call me Mrs. C now we're
going to start division and I have
here a sheet that will help you.
                                                            
Mrs. C hands out division table sheets to everyone.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Now who would like to start with a
simple one, Tom what is 4 divided
by 2?
                                                            
Tom is startled like a deer in the headlights.
                                                            
                       TOM
I don't know.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Well just try.
                                                            
                       TOM
well uh um is it 6?
                                                            

25.

The class begins to laugh hysterically, Tom slumps in his
seat, completely embarrassed.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
no that is completely wrong, does
anyone in here know what it is,
Glen do you have a guess.
                                                            
Tom and John both cringe, Glen gives them a crooked smile.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
Well the answer to your question
is 2 Mrs. C, say Tom does it hurt
to think?
                                                            
Glen walks to her desk and hands Mrs. C a book.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
Here's my math book from last
year.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Well better late than never, now
please go back to class.
                                                            
Glen begins to exit.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
See ya around Tommy boy.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
So let's continue shall we.
                                                            
About an hour later the bell finally rings.
                                                            
LATER ON THE WAY HOME
                                                            
Tom slowly get's on the bus, he sits down and puts his head
in his hands.
                                                            
The bus pulls up to Tom's stop, Tom gets off and walks to
the house, while in the house he goes straight to his room
and collapses on the bed.
                                                            
Tom's mom enters tom's room.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Tom, are you okay? how was your
first day?
                                                            
Tom says nothing and keeps his head buried in his pillow.
                                                            

26.

                       MRS. LEWISTON
That bad huh?
                                                            
Tom slowly rolls over facing his mom and wipes his nose
                                                            
                       TOM
yeah, it was horrible, even from
the start at math class.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
What happened in math class?
                                                            
                       TOM
I messed up on a question and the
teacher was mad and I saw the
bully again, he said he'd be
seeing me around.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
what about your other classes?
                                                            
                       TOM
well..
                                                            
FLASHBACK
                                                            
                       TOM (VO)
in reading we will have book
reports every month, and this
teachers a little crazy
                                                            
Tom walks into the room where his English class is and picks
a seat near the back, a few moments later a wild looking man
appears in the door looking at the kids, Tom and the rest of
the class assume this is their teacher.
                                                            
Mr. Sandusky comes busting through the door with a pirate
sword and jumps on the desk, the kids are startled.
                                                            
                       MR. SAN
      (pirate voice)
ARRRG, aye mates welcome to
reading class where your
imagination can stretch where ever
you want it to, I'm your Captain
Mr. Sandusky.
                                                            
The kids begin to laugh, Mr. Sandusky gets off his desk and
grabs a piece of chalk and begins to write something on the
board.
                                                            

27.

                       MR. SAN
Okay that being said I think we're
going to have a lot of fun in this
class. the first book we will be
reading will be My Side of the
Mountain by Jean Craighead George,
the story about a boy named Sam
who runs off into the Catskill
mountains to live on his own.
                                                            
                       TOM (VO)
I like reading class, Mr. Sandusky
is pretty funny.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON (VO)
Tom what is that red mark on your
face from?
                                                            
                       TOM
Well my next class is Gym, I have
that with John, our teacher is a
little hyper and doesn't like me I
don't think.
                                                            
Tom is dressed in shorts standing on the line listening to
the teacher.
                                                            
                       PE TEACHER
      (screaming)
Okay listen up you girl scouts now
today we're going to start our
dodge ball unit, you are gonna
listen to every word I have to
say, you got that.
                                                            
The kids look concerned, Tom turns to John.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (whispering)
yikes what is this guys issue, he
acts like he was a drill sergeant
or something, psycho much.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (laughing)
Yeah I'm pretty sure he has got
some serious issue going on.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (Mocking)
I'm big and tough and scary and..
                                                            
Whistle blows.
                                                            

28.

                       PE TEACHER
Tom Lewiston
                                                            
Mr. Johnson throws a heavy dodge ball at Tom's face, Tom
doesn't see it and turns just in time for it to hit him in
the face knocking him to the ground.
                                                            
                       PE TEACHER
First rule of dodge ball, if you
are hit you're out, first rule of
this class, never interrupt me
when i am speaking or accidents
seem to happen, try to pay more
attention Tom, now get up you
maggot and give 3 laps around the
gym, the rest of you remember your
number.
                                                            
Tom gets up holding his face in pain and begins to jog.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON (VO)
Oh i see, well did you enjoy lunch
                                                            
Tom gets in line for his food, he steps forward with a smile
on his face, the lunch lady slaps some suspicious looking
mess of meat and god knows what else, Tom looks disgusted
and then moves forward to sit at his table.
                                                            
                                         CUT BACK TO PRESENT
TIME
                                                            
                       TOM
It actually looked like something
out of the movie Aliens.
                                                            
Tom makes a face of disgust and fear.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
I'm sure it will get better
sweetie, do you want me to let you
rest until dinner?
                                                            
                       TOM
I actually have some reading to
do, I have to read the first
chapter.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Okay well your father should be
home shortly, just let me know if
you need anything.
                                                            

29.

Tom nods and pulls out his book and begins to read. a few
pages in he falls asleep.
                                                            
 
INT. DADS GETTING WORSE - NIGHT
                                                            
LATE AT NIGHT
                                                            
Tom is sleeping when he is scared awake by a loud crash, he
sits up quickly.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Do you have any idea what time it
is, where the hell have you been?.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
      (annoyed)
Aw Jesus Christ Jill, I stayed
after work with some of the guys
for a drink or two, why are you
giving me shit, I'm the one that
pays for this crap.
                                                            
Tom slides out of bed and gets closer to the door to listen.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (yelling)
This isn't just a couple of beers
after work now, it's 2 in the
morning, you have a serious
problem.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
      (raising voice)
shut up, always with this I have a
problem bullshit, maybe every now
and then I get a little stressed,
is that okay with you? should I
ask you next time if I can be
stressed so you feel better?
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston walks to the bedroom and grabs a pillow and
throws it at her husband.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
You sleep on the couch tonight,
talk to me in the morning when you
are sober and i will tell you
this, if you don't get better and
try to get help me and Tom are out
of here.
                                                            

30.

Mrs. Lewiston walks down the hall and sees Tom's shadow
under the door, Tom tries to back away and get back in bed
but she opens the door too quick, Mrs. Lewiston sits on the
bed next to Tom.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (softly)
Mom are you okay?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (Sobbing)
I don't know Tom, I'm sorry we
woke you up.
                                                            
                       TOM
What's wrong with Dad, why is he
yelling?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Daddy's sick and he needs help.
                                                            
                       TOM
What kind of sick, like a cold?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Sort of, he likes to drink this
special drink too much, listen I
don't want you to worry about him
just keep doing good in school.
                                                            
                       TOM
But mom I don't want to leave dad.
                                                            
Tom hugs his mom and she tucks him into bed.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Go back to bed Tom. you have
school in the morning.
                                                            
Tom's mom leaves the room and heads to bed, Toms dad is in
the bathroom throwing up, then he lays on the couch, Tom
sneaks out of his room and walks to talk to his dad.
                                                            
                       TOM
Dad? are you okay?
                                                            
Mr. lewiston looks hard into the darkness trying to adjust
his eyes.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Tom, is that you? what are you
doing up so late?
                                                            

31.

                       TOM
The yelling woke me up.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
      (dissappointed)
ah boy, I'm sorry buddy, come over
here.
                                                            
Tom sits on the couch next to his dad on the couch.
                                                            
                       TOM
Did you take your medicine?
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
      (confused)
medicine?
                                                            
                       TOM
Mom said you were sick, I don't
want you to be sick because I
don't want to leave you like mommy
said.
                                                            
Mr. Lewiston begins to choke up.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
You know what buddy, you and mom
don't have to leave, you know why?
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston walks in but stops at the edge to listen.
                                                            
                       TOM
Why?
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Because starting right now, I'm
going to work to get better.
                                                            
                       TOM
But how come you got sick in the
first place?
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
you know I really don't know but I
do know that I love your mom and
very much and that's all I need,
not this drink.
                                                            
Mr. lewiston pours the booze down the drain, Mrs. Lewiston
comes around and gives him a hug.
                                                            

32.

                       MR. LEWISTON
I'm so sorry about this, I promise
it will never happen again.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (sobbing)
I'm sorry too, I love you so much,
you can sleep in the bed tonight
if you still want to.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Hm I don't know, you snore a lot.
                                                            
Everyone laughs and Tom goes off to bed, his parents go to
bed together.
                                                            
 
INT. TROUBLE OVERSEAS - NIGHT
                                                            
TWO DAYS LATER AT JOHNS HOUSE
                                                            
Both Tom and John are sitting at the table working on
separate classes homework.
                                                            
                       TOM
Dude this book is pretty cool, I
think reading class is my favorite
class, could be my strength.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Well we know dodge ball is
definitely not it.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (laughing)
Shut up man, I swear him and Mrs.
C hate me.
                                                            
Mrs.Seymore walks into the kitchen, she turns on the t.v.
for the evening news.
                                                            
                       ANCHOR
Hello and welcome to tonight's
edition of the World News. Today
the Dow Jones dropped 50 points,
are we sinking into a recession?
Investor experts say no. On the
other side of the world there is
trouble overseas as a car bomb
exploded today just outside of
Baghdad killing seven U.S.
soldiers and 5 civilians.
President bush assures Americans
that we are doing the right thing.
            (MORE)

33.

                       ANCHOR (cont'd)
Next up we will tell you about how
this upcoming storm will effect
you at the pump.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore clicks off the T.V. and brings dinner out to
the table.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Alright guys it's time to eat
dinner, clear off the table.
                                                            
The boys clear the table of their books and homework and
Mrs. S puts the food on the table. John starts to reach for
a roll but is slapped away by his mom.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
You know we always say grace
before dinner, why don't you do it
tonight.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Really? Alright.
                                                            
They all fold their hands and close eyes.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dear lord, thank you for this
plentiful meal we are about to
receive, we ask that you watch
over us and guide us from evil,
also to watch over daddy and make
sure he makes it home safe soon.
Amen.
                                                            
the prayer sets off a flashback for Mrs. S to the day her
husband left her.
                                                            
Mr. Seymore gets his stuff packed to drive to the base, he
stops and looks at his wife.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Please promise me something
                                                            
                       JOHNS DAD
I promise i will come back to you,
your love will keep me going over
there when I'm stuck in the middle
of hell.
                                                            
A younger John runs up to his dad and hugs his legs, crying
furiously.
                                                            

34.

                       JOHN
Please don't go daddy I don't want
you to go.
                                                            
Mr. Seymore, with a tear in his eye picks up his son.
                                                            
                       JOHNS DAD
It will be okay buddy, you have to
be strong for me, you're gonna be
the man of the house for a while.
you have to take care of your
mother.
                                                            
                       JOHN
But dad I don't want you to go,
I'm scared.
                                                            
                       JOHNS DAD
I know You're scared son but you
have to do this for me, and don't
worry about me I will be just fine
and before you know it I'll be
back home and we'll be grilling
burgers and drinking eggnog and
guess what, this year I'll let you
snow blow and shovel the porch,
but you have to hang in there for
me.
                                                            
Mr. S puts John back down on the floor. John tries to stop
crying but it doesn't work.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
I'll pray every night so the lord
brings you back safely.
                                                            
                                         END FLASHBACK
                                                            
                       JOHN
Mom, mom are you okay, hello mom,
anybody in there. earth to mom do
you copy.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore snaps out of it, she shakes her head then turns
to look at the boys.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
      (dazed)
Huh, what, did you say something?
                                                            

35.

                       JOHN
I said are you alright, you sort
of spaced out there for a minute,
could you pass the mash potatoes?
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore shakes it off and passes the potatoes to John.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Sorry I was just thinking about
your father.
                                                            
John stops scooping the potatoes and looks up with a sad
look on his face.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I really miss him, I want to do
good so when he comes home he'll
be happy and want me to help him
with the grill.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
I miss him to sweetie, he promised
he would be back and he wouldn't
lie.
                                                            
John hugs his mom and they cry for a few minutes, then they
resume dinner, the rest of the night is silent.
                                                            
 
INT. TROUBLE AT SCHOOL - DAY
                                                            
2 WEEKS BEFORE HALLOWEEN
                                                            
Tom shuffles into math class, looking stressed and expecting
nothing less than a horrible hour of getting ridiculed.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Today we will have a quiz on
Division and this will be the
first test so make sure you try
your best. after this week
progress reports will go home.
                                                            
The class groans and Tom clears his desk, to prepare for the
test, Mrs. C hands out the test.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Now class you only have an hour,
when the bell rings I will collect
the test.
                                                            
Tom does the test, the hour of class is up and Mrs. C
collects the tests.
                                                            

36.

                       MRS. C
Okay class I certainly hope you
tried your best on this because it
will effect your grade quite a
bit, have a nice day.
                                                            
                       JOHN
So dude what are you going to be
for Halloween this year?
                                                            
                       TOM
Well nothing if I do bad on the
test, man I hate this class, she
is so mean and for no reason.
                                                            
Tom starts to pack up and move into the hall and spots glen
across the hall, Tom sighs and keeps walking expecting
something.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
Hey Tom, where you going dude, I
wanna talk to you.
                                                            
Tom tries to run but Glen's friend trips him and he stumbles
into Mrs. C who spills coffee on herself.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (to glens friend)
Hey watch where you're going you
big idiot.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
What did you call me, look at this
mess you made.
                                                            
                       TOM
No Mrs. C I wasn't talking to you,
I'm sorry about the coffee, I have
to get to class.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
No you go to the office!
                                                            
Tom stops, turns around, looks at her confused.
                                                            
                       TOM
For what? he tripped me and the
coffee was an accident.
                                                            

37.

                       MRS. C
That is it, I have had enough of
your backtalk, go to the office
right now. it is that or a
detention.
                                                            
Tom looks at john who has been standing there the whole time
with a look of confusion and then turns to head to the
principals office.
                                                            
                       TOM
This is ridiculous, I did nothing
wrong.
                                                            
Tom walks to the secretary and gets her attention.
                                                            
                       TOM
Excuse me, miss?
                                                            
                       SECRETARY
Yes can I help you?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (annoyed)
Yeah I got sent down here for
accidentally knocking over a cup
of coffee onto Mrs. C and it was
while I was getting chased by a
bully so I guess that means I get
in trouble.
                                                            
                       SECRETARY
You know what, you did nothing
wrong, just go back to class okay
sugar.
                                                            
Tom's face is flushed with relief and he turns to walk out
the door.
                                                            
                       TOM
Thank you so much, it has been a
rough year and it is nice to know
that someone is on my side.
                                                            
As tom is leaving Mrs. C comes into the office. furious and
stained with hot coffee.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
      (screaming)
Just where do you think your
going.
                                                            

38.

                       TOM
      (annoyed)
I'm going back to class because i
did nothing wrong.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
I told you to go here to the
principal, and you were very rude
and unconcerned about the mess you
made.
                                                            
                       TOM
Look lady I don't know why you
have a problem with me but this
was an accident and I was calling
glens friend the idiot because he
is the one who tripped me.
                                                            
Tom walks passed her and out the door, Mrs. C shouts as he
exits.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
I'm calling your parents. I want a
parent teacher conference.
                                                            
                       TOM
Go ahead I don't care anymore.
                                                            
Tom all riled up heads to English class which he is late
for, he walks in the door and heads to his seat.
                                                            
                       MR. SAN
Alright class why don't you work
at the worksheet I just handed to
you for the remainder of class
okay.
                                                            
Tom puts his head down, Mr. Sandusky walks over to see if he
is okay.
                                                            
                       MR. SAN
Tom? are you okay? why are you
late for class?
                                                            
Tom picks up his head and looks at Mr. Sandusky.
                                                            
                       TOM
I am late because my stupid math
teacher sent me to the office for
spilling coffee on her.
                                                            
                       MR. SAN
Did you do it on purpose?
                                                            

39.

                       TOM
No, there's this bully named Glen
that keeps chasing me and pushing
me saying he will beat me up. So
he was chasing me through the hall
and his friend tripped me which
threw me into Mrs. C who started
yelling, I was not back talking
her, I was calling the bully an
idiot and Mrs. C yelled and sent
me to the office. She said she was
going to call my parents and set
up a meeting about my constant
behavior.
                                                            
                       MR. SAN
That doesn't sound good, tell you
what, you tell me when it is and I
will defend you there.
                                                            
                       TOM
Really, you would do that?
                                                            
                       MR. SAN
Yeah I would, I'll get you caught
up on missing work tomorrow okay.
                                                            
The bell rings and Tom gets on bus and goes home.
                                                            
 
INT. PHONE CALL HOME - NIGHT
                                                            
Tom is listening to music really loud in his room trying to
release some frustration, in the kitchen the phone begins to
ring, Mrs. L picks it up.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Hello
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Hi, is this Toms mother?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Yes, how can i help you?
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Oh, this is Mrs. C Tom's math
teacher and i have become
concerned with his behavior in
class and would like to schedule a
Parent teacher conference
                                                            
Tom cuts off the music and listens to the conversation
                                                            

40.

                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (concerned)
Behavior? what sort of behavior?
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Well, he doesn't seem to be
understanding some of the material
and he is rude to me, he pushed me
today and called me a jerk.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
That doesn't sound like Tom at
all, are you sure?
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Yes I'm afraid i am sure
Mrs.Lewiston, so when is good to
meet with you and your husband, I
was hoping for next Monday at 3:00
PM.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
I'll be able to make it but my
husband works late.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
That's fine, I will see you and
young Tom at 3pm.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Have a good night.
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston hangs up the phone, as does tom, Mrs. Lewiston
starts to walk down the hall to talk to Tom and he opens his
door.
                                                            
                       TOM
Mom you can't honestly believe
her, she is full of it.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
So tell me what happened.
                                                            
                       TOM
Those jerks that always pick on me
and John were waiting for me after
class and i tried to run but one
of them tripped me and I stumbled
into Mrs. C and spilled her coffee
on her, I looked back and said hey
watch it jerk to the kid and Mrs.
C told me to go to the office and
I said I had to get to class sorry
but she yelled at me so I went to
            (MORE)

41.

                       TOM (cont'd)
the office and the principal
wasn't there so as she saw me
leaving she screamed about calling
you.
                                                            
Tom sits on the bed and buries his head in his hands.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
So it was only an accident.
                                                            
Tom nods his head and sighs deeply.
                                                            
                       TOM
she is impossible.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
I'm not mad at you, so what is
this about you not understanding
the material?
                                                            
                       TOM
well I mean I got stuck on a
couple of questions but I thought
I did pretty well on this test.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Well, You've had quite a day, get
some sleep, enjoy the weekend and
we'll worry about this on Monday.
                                                            
Tom rolls over and is asleep in minutes.
                                                            
 
INT. PARENT TEACHER MEETING - DAY
                                                            
Tom is sitting alone in a conference room with Mrs. C and is
uncomfortable, he shifts and looks at the clock it reads
3:05 his mom is late. finally the door opens and his mom
walks in.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
sorry I'm late, did I miss
anything?
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston sits down next to Tom.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Well actually we were just...
                                                            
She is interrupted by Mr. Sandusky walking in the door. he
nods at tom and reaches out a hand to Mrs. Lewiston.
                                                            

42.

                       MR. SAN
Hello you must be the mother of
this brilliant child.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Yes, who are you?
                                                            
                       MR. SAN
My name is Mr. Sandusky, I am
Tom's English teacher.
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston shakes his hand and smiles.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Yes of course I have heard a lot
about you. it is really nice to
finally meet you.
                                                            
Mrs. C is annoyed and clears her throat, the others look at
her.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Fantastic now that we know each
other can we please get to the
issue at hand?
                                                            
Tom's mom and Mr. San sit down
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Now we are here to discuss Tom's
behavior.
                                                            
                       MR. SAN
And what exactly would that be?
                                                            
                       MRS. C
His rudeness and disregard for
others.
                                                            
Tom talks over her.
                                                            
                       TOM
Listen I wasn't trying to be
disrespectful, that coffee thing
was an accident.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Tom just like in class, when I am
talking YOU are not, are we clear.
                                                            
Tom puts his head down
                                                            

43.

                       MR. SAN
Why exactly do you think it was a
personal attack?
                                                            
                       MRS. C
      (annoyed)
What exactly are you doing here?
                                                            
                       MR. SAN
I'm defending a smart kid from an
accusation based on one opinion.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Well let's talk about the smart
part for a second shall we
because, frankly I am concerned he
might not get the material.
                                                            
Mrs. C pulls out toms latest test which he failed and shows
it to Tom's mom.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
If Tom fails another test he will
fail for the quarter.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
well what can he do?
                                                            
                       MRS. C
well I could make up some extra
credit assignments. but he is
going to have to improve his
attitude.
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston gets a page and looks at it, she puts it back
in her pocket and starts to get up.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
I really don't have anymore time
are we about done here.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
I've said all i need to say, Tom i
will see you in class.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Nice to meet you both, come on Tom
let's go.
                                                            
Tom and his mom get up and walk out of the room, Mrs. C
packs up some papers.
                                                            

44.

                       MR. SAN
So tell me something, what do you
have against the kid?
                                                            
                       MRS. C
He is rude and I have seen kids
like that, they don't go anywhere
in life.
                                                            
                       MR. SAN
Who the hell are you to judge
character, Tom has some serious
writing talent, so he is
struggling in math and he spilled
coffee on you, you're really going
to ruin his chance to succeed over
a grudge.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
He's a dreamer, he'll waste
whatever talent you think he has
on drugs, you watch.
                                                            
Mrs. C walks out of the room, Mr.Sandusky is left there in
the room shaking his head in disbelief someone could be that
cold.
                                                            
 
EXT. HALLOWEEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Tom gets ready and puts his batman costume on
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
You're going to be safe tonight
right, check your candy, don't
talk to strangers...
                                                            
                       TOM
Mom relax I'll be fine.
                                                            
Tom puts his mask on.
                                                            
                       TOM
For I am the caped crusader and no
one will harm another on my watch.
Hiya!
                                                            
Tom throws out a kick and slips on the floor falling on his
back. his mom laughs and helps him up.
                                                            

45.

                       MRS. LEWISTON
Alright Batman you better get your
pillowcase, your sidekick will be
here soon.
                                                            
Tom runs down the hall with arms outstretched like he is
flying, as he is retrieving his pillowcase John's mom pulls
up.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Tom they're here.
                                                            
Tom runs to the door.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Hey hey, now where do you think
your going without giving your
mother a hug.
                                                            
Tom runs and gives his mom a quick hug and then takes off
out the door, then he gets in the van.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Hey man what's up, who are you
supposed to be?
                                                            
                       TOM
I am the caped crusader, you know
Batman.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (confused)
Um who?
                                                            
Tom looks at John in utter shock. he shakes his head and
looks down.
                                                            
                       TOM
Are you being serious, you have
never heard of batman? Man and I
thought I was sheltered, he is the
best superhero ever.
                                                            
                       TOM
So what are you supposed to be?
                                                            
John looks at himself, He looks puzzling at Tom.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (proudly)
A killer tomato
                                                            

46.

                       TOM
Huh?
                                                            
                       JOHN
A killer tomato.
                                                            
                       TOM
Like the vegetable?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yeah it's a movie I used to watch,
it's really a good movie.
                                                            
Tom rolls his eyes and laughs.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Okay are you guys ready for the
first house.
                                                            
the van comes to a halt in front of a white house decorated
with spiderwebs and flashing lights, even the caped crusader
is nervous but slowly him and his veggie sidekick knock on
the front door.
                                                            
An elderly man answers the door with a bowl of candy.
                                                            
                       TOM
Trick or Treat.
                                                            
The old man silently puts the candy in the bowl with a
crooked smile on his face as he retreats back into his home.
the boys look at each other terrified and run back to the
van screaming.
                                                            
                       TOM
Wow that guy was really kind of
creepy.
                                                            
The kids look at the candy and then they give it to John's
mom.
                                                            
                       TOM
My mom warned me about taking
strangers candy, could you check
this.
                                                            
John's mom pulls out a cell phone, Tom's mom is on the other
line.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Well he did good, just like you
told him to do.
                                                            

47.

Tom looks puzzled.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Alright, phew, that is a big
relief thank you for doing this
for me.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Hey I'm a mom too you know, you
have every right to be worried.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
It's just his first night away
from home and so many things could
go wrong.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Really It's okay I understand,
here do you want to talk to him.
                                                            
John's mom gives the phone to Tom.
                                                            
                       TOM
Mom?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Yes, sorry sweetie I just had to
make sure you listened, go have
fun with your friend and I will
see you later.
                                                            
Tom hangs up the phone and gets back in the van and they
drive to the next house.
                                                            
                       JOHN
So how was the meeting with your
mom and Mrs. C?
                                                            
                       TOM
It didn't go so well, she wouldn't
even let me defend myself.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Did you try asking for help on
what you don't understand?
                                                            
                       JOHN
You don't understand mom, she
hates Tom, no one knows why but
she's got it out for him.
                                                            
In the driving seat, Johns mom rolls her eyes.
                                                            

48.

                       MRS. SEYMORE
I'm just saying try and cover all
the bases so when the dust settles
you aren't to blame.
                                                            
Tom and John get out and trick or Treat.
                                                            
                       TOM
wow dude that guy had a lot of
candy.
                                                            
                       JOHN
yeah I know.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (sarcastically)
and some killer vegetables in his
yard.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Ha ha very funny, keep laughing
Batman someone will recognize me.
                                                            
They knock on a door and an elderly man answers smiling.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
Ooh I see, we have batman, and a
killer tomato, ha I remember when
that first came out, it was a good
one, happy Halloween.
                                                            
Tom looks at John in shock and John triumphantly smiles and
nods his head.
                                                            
                       JOHN
see man I told you someone would
recognize me.
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah I guess so, you proved me
wrong.
                                                            
In the dim light of the street light down the road a figure
stands and the boys both stop in fear.
                                                            
                       JOHN
What is that? who is that?
                                                            
The figure doesn't move, it is close to the next Trick or
Treating house, the boys slowly approach it with caution.
                                                            

49.

                       JOHN
You don't think that's Glen do
you?
                                                            
                       TOM
I have no clue, I hope not.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Well we're almost to the next
house, let's just hurry along.
                                                            
Tom and John hurry to the house and out of breath knock on
the door, get their candy but while this happens their safe
haven which is the van drives forward.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Concerned)
Oh no, now we have to get by Glen.
                                                            
The boys take a deep breath and book it for the van, Glen
who is dressed like Michael Meyers pursues them into the
shadows wielding a plastic knife but finally the boys reach
the van frantically try to get in the door and finally jump
in.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Are you guys okay, what happened?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (out of breath)
Glen was chasing us down the road
with his knife, can we go home
now?
                                                            
                       JOHN
yeah I don't want to be out here
anymore, I have enough candy for
tonight.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Okay, okay we'll go.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (frustrated)
I'm getting so sick of that jerk,
he never leaves me alone, i swear
I'll get him back one of these
days for all of it.
                                                            
Tom slams his seat with his fist and takes a deep breath.
                                                            

50.

                       JOHN
It's alright Tom everything will
be better for us in High School.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (quietly)
Yeah I hope you're right man, I
really hope I pass math, if I
don't I'm done for.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
when do report cards come home?
                                                            
                       TOM
I'm not sure, maybe a week or two.
                                                            
Tom lets out a deep sigh and silently stares out into space.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Well at least we got a good hour
of trick or treating in before we
got chased.
                                                            
Tom smirks slightly. He turns his head toward John looking
at him with heavy eyes.
                                                            
                       TOM
Always looking on the bright side.
                                                            
The van rolls up to Tom's house and he gets out waves
goodbye and heads into his house. he doesn't say to anyone
and goes straight to his room to change and goes to bed
without eating his candy.
                                                            
 
INT. NEW KID IN SCHOOL - DAY
                                                            
The Monday after Halloween, with barely any sleep all
weekend, Tom stumbles into school exhausted and ready to
sleep through math class. In his drunk like stumbles he
bumps into a kid he's never seen.
                                                            
                       TOM
Oh sorry man, I didn't see you
there.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (nervously fast)
No no it was my fault sorry, see
ya gotta go can't chat places to
be people to talk to.
                                                            

51.

Paranoid, frank makes his way down the hall leaving Tom
confused and now late for class.
                                                            
Tom hurries into the door but and into his seat.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Tom you're late, what a surprise.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (thinking)
This is it, stand up for yourself.
                                                            
                       TOM
Actually this is the first time
I've been late.
                                                            
Mrs. C stops writing on the board, puts the marker down and
turns around to face Tom.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       TOM
Oh I was just telling you, this is
the first time I've been late to
your class. I just thought that
fact was relevant.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
You know with the way your grade
is you should hold your comments
to yourself.
                                                            
Tom smiles proudly and Mrs. C turns to the board and
continues writing their assignment.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dude nice, you stood up for
yourself.
                                                            
                       TOM
yeah I know, I think it's because
I'm so tired lately that I won't
let her bully me.
                                                            
Running on empty Tom begins to sway in his seat trying his
hardest to stay awake and keep his head up. he loses the
battle and lays his head down.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
      (yelling)
TOM, excuse me, Tom.
                                                            

52.

Tom tries with all his might to lift his head.
                                                            
                       TOM
What?
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Am I boring you with my lesson?
                                                            
Tom smiles at john, looks at Mrs. C and nods his head and
then returns his head to the desk.
                                                            
The class chuckles and tries to hold back laughter.
                                                            
                       TOM
I really don't feel that well can
I go to the nurse.
                                                            
                       MRS. C
Fine whatever just get out of my
classroom.
                                                            
Tom exits and goes to the nurses office.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (groggy)
Hi nurse Stevens.
                                                            
Tom sits down in a chair, Nurse Stevens walks over to him.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Wow Tom you really don't look
well, what hurts?
                                                            
Tom begins to cough, and sniffles a couple of times.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (miserable)
Everything, my head feels warm and
I can't smell.
                                                            
Nurse Stevens takes a thermometer out of the package.
                                                            
                       NURSE
well here let's take your
temperature.
                                                            
Nurse puts thermometer under his tongue.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Now hold that there for a minute
and I will be right back.
                                                            

53.

Tom nods his head, and the nurse leaves the room, tom begins
to peer around the room to occupy himself, his eyes begin to
get heavy then the nurse walks back in and takes the
thermometer from his mouth.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Well the good news is you don't
have a temperature.
                                                            
Tom puts his head down and groans.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Tom? is there something you want
to talk about?
                                                            
Tom just sits there and mumbles.
                                                            
                       TOM
Please don't make me go back
there. please.
                                                            
Nurse Stevens sits down next to Tom and puts a hand on his
shoulder.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Oh come on I'm sure class can't be
too rough. Is there something else
going on?
                                                            
                       TOM
No, I'm just tired.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Well you don't look so well, maybe
you should try lying down and see
how you feel after lunch.
                                                            
                       TOM
okay, thank you.
                                                            
Tom lies his head down, he closes his eyes but he doesn't
sleep, in what seems like a second the bell for lunch rings,
Tom slowly lifts his head and walks toward the cafeteria.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Hey man, where you been?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (quietly)
Nurses office.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dude you don't look so good.
                                                            

54.

                       TOM
I feel fine I was just tired and
wasn't in the mood for her
nonsense.
                                                            
                       JOHN
yeah it wasn't just you today she
was just straight up cranky.
                                                            
Tom and John get in line for lunch
                                                            
                       JOHN
So dude you never really explained
why you were late this morning,
what happened to you?
                                                            
Tom Chuckles
                                                            
                       TOM
I was late because this morning I
wasn't paying attention and I
bumped into this kid and had to
help him pick up his stuff, he was
really strange and skittish, I
didn't even catch his name.
                                                            
John shakes his head and laughs as they walk to their table,
all of the sudden they see frank skittishly walking, shaking
looking paranoid, Tom points him out.
                                                            
                       TOM
Dude that's him
                                                            
Tom and John look on as he is getting laughed at and feeling
more uncomfortable.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Wow, what's his story?
                                                            
                       TOM
I don't know, hey let's invite him
to our table, get to know him a
little bit.
                                                            
John nods his head in agreement.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey kid.
                                                            
Frank whirls around startled and looking for the voice.
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah you, come sit with us.
                                                            

55.

Twitching nervously Frank slowly makes his way over and sits
down.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey, remember me? I was the one
who bumped into you this morning,
my name is Tom.
                                                            
Tom holds his hand out to shake and Frank looks at him
curiously and eventually extends his own.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Nervously)
My name's Frank.
                                                            
Frank looks around as if he is a runaway prisoner.
                                                            
                       JOHN
My names John, so Frank, mind if I
ask why you are frantically
looking around.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (whispering)
They're watching us, I know
they're secret and they want me
dead.
                                                            
Tom and John look at each other confused and bit concerned,
then the bell rings, Frank takes off quickly and somewhat
stealthy and he turns to Tom and John pointing to his ears
and then around the room.
                                                            
 
INT. REPORT CARDS/GOING UP NORTH - DAY
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston wakes Tom up Saturday morning at 11:00am.
                                                            
Tom winces as his mom lets light into the room.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (yawning)
Why are you so cruel?
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston chuckles and points at the clock
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
you're wasting the day away kiddo.
                                                            
Tom sits up and rubs his eyes.
                                                            

56.

                       TOM
It's Saturday, what can I do but
sleep?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (excited)
Well now since you asked, there
are lots of things you could do,
you could take out the trash for
your little old mom, Doesn't that
sound like fun?
                                                            
Tom starts to laugh and smiles, eventually getting out of
bed and stretching.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (Jokingly)
O' joy, what am I sitting around
here for? there is much fun to be
had.
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston Pats him on the shoulder and they both walk
out of the room laughing.
                                                            
Tom walks to the kitchen, puts his shoes on and grabs the
garbage to take it the street.
                                                            
Tom walks back in the house and runs to get his mom, smiling
from ear to ear
                                                            
                       TOM
      (excited)
Mom look it's snowing,
                                                            
Tom points out the window, Mrs. Lewiston looks out the
window, Mr. Lewiston is in the bathroom throwing up,
hungover. Mrs. Lewiston goes to tend to him.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Tom could you get me a towel and a
glass of water and bring them in
here?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (quietly)
Yeah, sure
                                                            
with disappointment on his face he gets the towel and the
glass of water and meets his mom in the bathroom where his
father is shaking and curled on the floor. Tom chokes up and
hands his mom the towel and water then walks away from the
room.
                                                            

57.

Mrs. Lewiston Wipes the drool from her husbands face as he
lies there in pain, she puts the glass to his lips and tips
it ever so gently.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (whispering softly)
Come on sweetie you have to try to
drink some water.
                                                            
still shaking Mr. Lewiston takes in a small sip and forces
it down his throat. He then returns to the floor
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston takes in a deep breath and stands up bringing
his arm with her.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
      (groaning)
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Come on we're going to get you
some help so you can feel better
once and for all.
                                                            
Mr. Lewiston struggles to his feet being led by his wife, he
walks out of the room and winces at the light.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (loudly)
Tom!
                                                            
Tom comes running into the room.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
There you are, do you mind
spending a while a John's house?
                                                            
                       TOM
How long are talking, like
overnight?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
No, more like a few days, me and
your father are going north for
business.
                                                            
                       TOM
Alright, I'll ask him, what kind
of business?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
It's complicated, just go call
him.
                                                            

58.

Tom runs to the phone and calls John, we don't hear the
conversation. He hangs up and returns to his mom.
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah he says it's fine.
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston nods and gets her boots on, then she goes to
her room to pack some bags for the trip.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Son, I'm sorry about this, just
promise me something.
                                                            
                       TOM
What?
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
Fight for what you believe, never
give up.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (casually)
Fine, I promise.
                                                            
Mrs. Lewiston comes walking in with two packed bags.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Alright, lets get going, be good
Tom.
                                                            
                       TOM
I will be, Don't worry about it.
                                                            
John's mom pulls up in the driveway and John comes into the
house.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey man, just give me a second to
pack some clothes and my
toothbrush alright.
                                                            
                       JOHN
It's cool man, take your time. Hi
Mrs. L, I'll make sure he stays
out of trouble.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Well, thank you John, Sorry but we
have to get going. bye boys.
                                                            
                       TOM
Bye mom, be safe.
                                                            

59.

Mrs. Lewiston rushes her and her husband to the car and
drives off.
                                                            
Tom comes back out and has his duffel bag ready, they get
into Johns care and begin to drive down the driveway. Tom
checks the mail before they leave and he grabs his report
card and they head to Johns house.
                                                            
LATER THAT NIGHT AT JOHN'S HOUSE.
                                                            
Tom and John are sitting at the dinner table, John is
looking over his report card.
                                                            
                       TOM
So, how'd you do?
                                                            
                       JOHN
all B's
                                                            
                       TOM
Nice man, even in math?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yeah but it was almost a C so I
must not have done so good on that
test. how'd you do?
                                                            
                       TOM
Don't know, too scared to look.
                                                            
John starts laughing, Tom pulls out the envelope.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Come on man, gotta know sometime,
just open it, I bet you did fine.
                                                            
Tom nervously takes a deep breath and begins to rip open the
envelope. he unfolds it and looks but does not speak.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Was I right?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (quietly)
Well... I got an A in English, a
C+ in gym and well I failed Math
so no you weren't right.
                                                            
Tom just sits a look of disbelief on his face, shortly after
that the phone rings and its for Tom.
                                                            
John's mom walks and hands Tom the phone.
                                                            

60.

                       MRS. SEYMORE
It's your mother.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (still in shock)
Hi mom, how is everything?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Fine, just wanted to check on ya,
I saw the mailman come, did you
get your report card?
                                                            
Tom puts his head down on the table.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (muffled)
Yeah, I got an A in English and a
C+ in gym.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Good, good and how about math?
                                                            
Tom sinks his head lower and does not speak a word.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Tom are you there?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (quietly)
Yeah I'm here, I failed math mom.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
You what!! How did you do that I
thought you were getting extra
help.
                                                            
                       TOM
I was supposed to be but she
wouldn't give me any.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Did you tell her you were having
trouble?
                                                            
                       TOM
well I did once but she didn't
help, I'm telling you she hates
me, that's why I failed.
                                                            

61.

                       MRS. LEWISTON
I don't believe this, she is not
to blame here, I'm sure if you
just ask for extra credit she will
be glad to give it to you.
                                                            
                       TOM
She won't, she's mean and she
doesn't care if I fail or not.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
      (annoyed)
Tom I can't deal with this right
now, I having enough trouble
taking care of your father without
you making up stories and being
lazy.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (angry)
You really don't believe me?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
No I don't, just try harder and
she will pass you, stop screwing
around in class and listen.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (raising his voice)
This sucks you never believe me on
anything, ever, you just always
assume I'm lying, well I don't
wanna talk to you.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
I don't hate you Tom, I love you
and maybe when we come home you'll
want to talk to me, just don't say
something you'll regret.
                                                            
Tom hangs up without saying goodbye and throws the phone on
the table.
                                                            
                                         SWITCH TO CAR
DRIVING IN RAIN
                                                            
                       KURTIS (VO)
Tom had no idea but his life was
about to take a complete U-Turn
                                                            

62.

                                         SPLIT SCREEN, TOM ON
THE LEFT AND HIS
MOMS CAR ON THE
RIGHT
                                                            
Tom just stares at the wall reminiscing trying to figure out
what just happened, so much anger that he stands up throws a
glass at the wall and it travels slow motion.
                                                            
Toms mom shakes her head in anger and regret, not paying
attention to the slippery conditions she is driving on, at
the same time the glass leaves the table the tires begin to
slide.
                                                            
Tom and John sit there watching the cup sail slowly, Mrs.
Lewiston Grips the wheel and tries to correct her slide, and
suddenly headlights are coming around the bend, fear
overcomes her face.
                                                            
Tom yells but his voice fades and so does the horn from the
car in the other lane and for a moment times seems to stop,
the glass hits the wall shattering and Tom's mom's car slams
head on into the truck totaling her car.
                                                            
Tom breaks down and begins to cry, about two hours pass and
the only sound is that of the ambulance arriving on the
scene of the accident. Time finally returns to normal.
                                                            
                                         CUT BACK TO ONLY
JOHN'S HOUSE
                                                            
                       TOM
I'm really sorry about your glass,
and all the yelling, good night.
                                                            
Tom goes to bed.
                                                            
 
INT. BREAK DOWN - NIGHT
                                                            
Tom lies in the bed asleep but having a nightmare.
                                                            
He is awaken by the flashing red and blue lights shining in
from outside, he walks to the hallway to see what is going
on.
                                                            
A cop is knocking on the door, Mrs. Seymore answers it.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
yes?
                                                            

63.

                       POLICE OFFICER
Good evening Ma'am, do you know a
Jillian and Richard Lewiston?
                                                            
Tom sneaks down to the hall concerned.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Yes, is everything okay?
                                                            
Tom runs to meet Mrs. S and the police officer.
                                                            
                       TOM
Are my mom and dad coming home
soon?
                                                            
Police officer ripky tries to find his nerve.
                                                            
                       POLICE OFFICER
Son I'm afraid your parents were
involved in a deadly car accident
earlier tonight, around 6:00pm
                                                            
Tom's eyes widen and his breathing slows, he begins to
stumble and lose his sense of balance.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Tom I am so sorry.
                                                            
The voices all around Tom begin to fade and he becomes
unresponsive. Police officer ripky and Mrs. Seymore become
concerned.
                                                            
                       POLICE OFFICER
      (Distorted)
Tom. Tom? can you hear me? I think
he's going into shock.
                                                            
Tom does not answer, he slips further and further into shock
and stares blankly like a zombie.
                                                            
Tom doesn't say another word,hours pass and He does not
sleep, just sits there lifeless.
                                                            
                       KURTIS (VO)
Tom completely shut himself off
from the world that night. He just
sat there and blamed himself, he
did not sleep often and when he
did he just had dreams about the
accident and the fight he had with
his mom moments before. for months
Johns mom would find him in the
corner shaking in a cold sweat,
            (MORE)

64.

                       KURTIS (cont'd)
still not speaking.
                                                            
John's mom comes into the check on Tom one night because she
hears him crying and finds him in the corner shivering.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Tom? Tom are you okay, please talk
to me, we're so worried about you,
it was not your fault.
                                                            
Tom doesn't even acknowledge he presences and continues
shaking.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Please Tom, you haven't said a
word in 3 weeks.
                                                            
Tom ignores her but stops shaking and lays back in the bed.
                                                            
Concerned about Tom, Mrs. Seymore is unable to sleep. she
just paces back and forward down the hallway trying to think
of anything to help Tom.
                                                            
John walks in to try to get tom to talk.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dude, I know your going through a
really really terrible time right
now but if you ever need to talk
I'm here.
                                                            
Tom rolls away from facing john and starts to cry softly,
the first sign of life from him in almost a month.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
I've picked out some clothes for
you for tomorrow.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore sets down a black suit for tom to wear to his
parents burial.
                                                            
 
INT. THE FUNERAL - DAY
                                                            
Tom is dressed in his black suit waiting in his room.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Tom?
                                                            
Startled, Tom jumps and turns, facing Mrs. Seymore.
                                                            

65.

                       MRS. SEYMORE
      (softly)
It's time to go.
                                                            
Looking at the ground, Tom takes a breath and walks out to
the car.
                                                            
In the car, Tom stares out the window as the car drives
toward the church, outside he sees trees and more
depressingly a child walking with her parents.
                                                            
As they begin to pull up and Tom can see the church,
everything just hits him at once and begins to
hyperventilate.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Tom are you okay? Mom He's
hyperventilating
                                                            
The car comes to a stop, Mrs. Seymore hands tom a paper bag
to breathe into and tries to calm him down.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Tom, remember ten deep breathes.
                                                            
Tom follows the instructions and eventually gets back to
normal breathing.
                                                            
They all get out of the car and tom begins to tear up.
Inside there is a lot of people to support young Tom,
included in this group is Officer Ripky
                                                            
                       POLICE OFFICER
How's he doing?
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
He still hasn't spoken and he is
still having nightmares.
                                                            
Officer Ripky kneels down to tom and puts his hand on toms
shoulder.
                                                            
                       POLICE OFFICER
Hey bud, you are going to be okay,
if you ever need anything you just
ask.
                                                            
Tom just sighs and then runs to his seat and sits down.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Thank you Officer, you have been
really kind, this has been a
extremely rough month for him.
                                                            

66.

Officer Ripky pulls a business card out of his pocket and
hands it to Mrs. Seymore.
                                                            
                       POLICE OFFICER
Listen I don't know if you would
be interested in this but if Tom
is having nightmares and
anti-social behavior, you might
give Dr. Harris a call, he is a
psychiatrist who works really good
with children.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Thank you so much I think I will
do that, I'm at a loss on how to
help him through this.
                                                            
                       POLICE OFFICER
He's strong, I think he'll pull
through but just be there for him
to talk to and that's all you
really can do, the rest is up to
Tom.
                                                            
Officer Ripky walks off to have a seat and Mrs. Seymore
finds Tom and sits next to him as the preacher begins the
services.
                                                            
                       PREACHER
We're gathered here today to lay
to rest Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Lewiston, two loving parents who
will be dearly missed. Lord we ask
you to ascend these souls to your
palace in the sky and may you
watch over young Thomas and
deliver him from evil, and give
him the strength to carry on and
let him find comfort in that he
will one day be reunited with his
parents in the holy kingdom, Amen
                                                            
The service continues and the choirs sing songs to honor the
deceased, then people line up to say there goodbyes, Tom is
hesitant to get in line.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Tom, It's okay, you take as long
as you need, I will sit here with
you if you want.
                                                            
Tom thinks about it and then takes a deep breathe and gets
in line to say his goodbyes. with every step he takes his

67.

heart beats harder and his legs become heavier, the sounds
around him start to fade until he can only hear the
amplified sounds of his heart beating. finally he makes it
to the coffins and is frozen in fear and absolute sadness.
Tom flashes back to a few years ago when he came home with
tears in his eyes and a cut on his face what his mom said
that day.
                                                            
                                         FLASHBACK
                                                            
                       TOM
They said that you guys didn't
love me and that you didn't want
me anymore.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Son I will always love you no
matter what and I will always be
here for you whenever you need me.
                                                            
                       TOM
Promise?
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
I promise.
                                                            
                                         BACK TO REAL TIME
                                                            
Tom remembers what his father said to him about not backing
down and living life, suddenly it becomes way too much for
Tom to keep in and he finally breaks down, too weak to fight
back he falls to his knees and begins to cry uncontrollably,
everyone there avoids looking at this poor kid, Tom
continues to cry against His mothers coffin and then for the
first time in just about a month Tom speaks.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (softly)
Goodbye.
                                                            
 
INT. DR. HARRIS - DAY
                                                            
Tom and Mrs. Seymore are sitting in a waiting room,
receptionists are answering phones. Tom looks around
nervously.
                                                            
A door opens and an older gentleman with glasses and a piece
of paper steps out.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Thomas Lewiston?
                                                            

68.

Tom looks at Mrs. Seymore.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
That's us pal, don't be scared Dr.
Harris is a very nice man.
                                                            
Dr. Harris walks over and kneels down.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Tom? I'm Dr. Harris, you don't
have to be afraid, no one here
will hurt you, so what do you say
I show you my cool office and we
have a talk?
                                                            
Tom looks at Mrs. Seymore and she nods, Tom gets up and
still unsure shuffles slowly toward the office.
                                                            
Inside the office Tom takes a seat on the lazy boy recliner.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
So, Tom did anyone explain to you
how this works? why you're here?
                                                            
Tom shakes his head.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
You're just here to talk, and the
way this works is I will answer
your questions you have and listen
to anything you want to tell me
and it will be just me and you, no
one else will hear about it.
                                                            
Tom looks up at Dr. Harris.
                                                            
                       TOM
Anything?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
That's the way it works, you talk
and it's only between you and me,
do you have any questions?
                                                            
Tom looks at the ground
                                                            
                       TOM
They sent me because of my parents
didn't they?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Do you want to talk about it?
                                                            

69.

Tom shakes his head
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Then we don't have to, talk about
anything you feel like talking
about, I won't pressure you to
talk about that if you don't want
to.
                                                            
                       TOM
Really?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Really, so what do you want to
talk about?
                                                            
                       TOM
What kind of Dr. are you?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Well I got my masters in
psychology to study peoples minds
and behaviors and I also have a
associates degree in animal
science.
                                                            
                       TOM
Animals huh? Do you believe in
Bigfoot?
                                                            
Dr. Harris chuckles and reaches in his desk searching for
something, he pulls out a giant cast of a footprint. Toms
eyes widen. Dr. Harris puts it on the desk in front of him.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Does that answer your question?
                                                            
                       TOM
Whoa, is that thing real?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
      (proudly)
Yup, it sure is, I retrieved that
in northern NY, about 30 miles
past some small town called
Saranac Lake in the Adirondack
Mtns. We had been out there for
about 4 hours before we heard
these weird sounds but it was too
dark to see so we waited til
morning and there it was, we made
a mold of it and I brought it home
with me.
                                                            

70.

Tom becomes more interested and starts to loosen up a bit,
still so very far from recovery but Tom smirks.
                                                            
Tom is exhausted and yawns deeply.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
You look exhausted.
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah I haven't slept in a month, I
keep having these weird
nightmares.
                                                            
Dr. Harris scratches something down on a piece of paper.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Could you tell me about these
dreams?
                                                            
                       TOM
I really don't remember them, just
that I'm in a school and people
are running around like something
bad has happened.
                                                            
Dr. Harris keeps penciling away on his notepad
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Is there anything else you can
tell me?
                                                            
                       TOM
Sorry, that's all i remember.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
So lets talk about school, do you
have a favorite class?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (unsure)
well I like to write i guess.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
So you like English, what other
classes do you have? Math?
                                                            
Tom rolls his eyes in disgust.
                                                            
                       TOM
I hate that stupid old bat
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Your teacher? Why?
                                                            

71.

                       TOM
Because she hasn't been nice to me
from day one, she's got a stick up
her ass or something, excuse my
language.
                                                            
Dr. Harris takes notes, Tom becomes uncomfortable and begins
to tap his left foot on the floor.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Tom? are you okay? Lets take a
breather for a minute, just relax,
is there anything else you would
like to talk about, we have about
20 minutes left in our
appointment.
                                                            
                       TOM
I hate school, and the kids,
there's a bully that has been
picking on me for years, his name
is glen and I just want to hit
him.
                                                            
                       TOM
No offense but it's been a really
bad day and I don't want to talk
about anything anymore, can I just
call it quits for today.
                                                            
                       TOM
see ya
                                                            
Dr. Harris sighs and closes his notebook. Tom gets up and
leaves the office.
                                                            
 
INT. WRITE IT DOWN/ SUSPICIOUS LETTTER - DAY
                                                            
THREE WEEKS LATER
                                                            
Inside the Doctors office, it is the end of the visit and
Tom stands up.
                                                            
                       TOM
See ya later Doc.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
Hold on a second Tom.
                                                            
Tom stops and turns to face Dr. Harris, Dr. Harris pulls a
notebook off of his desk.
                                                            

72.

                       DOCTOR H
I wanted to give this to you.
                                                            
Tom takes the book with a look of confusion as he examines
it.
                                                            
                       TOM
And what exactly is this?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
It's your journal, I want you to
try it out.
                                                            
Tom laughs.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
No seriously, I know that
sometimes you shut yourself off
from the world, well now you don't
have to bottle it up, when you
feel or see something write it
down.
                                                            
                       TOM
Alright I'll give it a try, have a
good day Dr. H.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR H
You too.
                                                            
Tom walks out of the office to meet Mrs. Seymore and then
they head to the car begin the journey home.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
So bud, what's the verdict?
                                                            
                       TOM
Well, he says I need to write
more, in this journal. When ever I
feel something, but he says I'm
doing better.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
I'm happy to see you doing better.
                                                            
The car pulls to a stop at a red light outside a playground,
He sees a little boy playing on a basketball court, he is no
older than 6, his dad lifts him on his shoulders and passes
him the ball so he can slam dunk it, Tom is inspired to
write and opens to the first blank page.
                                                            

73.

                       TOM (VO)
      (thinking)
title? The drive home, on my drive
home I saw a small boy playing
basketball with a man I presumed
to be his father, it made me think
back to when I was younger and my
father had played catch with me, I
am really beginning make progress
I guess but it doesn't feel like
it, I have still so many questions
that I believe Dr. Harris will
never be able to answer like.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore pats Tom on the shoulder, it startles Tom out
of his thought.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
You alright over there?
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah, I'm just writing.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Just making sure, you know you can
tell me anything right?
                                                            
                       TOM
Of course, I promise I'm fine.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Alright.
                                                            
Tom resumes his writing.
                                                            
                       TOM (VO)
Questions like, why does this hurt
so bad and when will it end. What
is my purpose? Why do I deserve to
live and not my parents? All these
questions and never any answers,
just silence, I don't understand
the society we live in where
people take each other for
granted, their lives for granted
like seeing a sunset, or taking a
walk and telling the love of your
life how you feel, or just coming
home from school and having your
parents to catch you when you fall
after a hard day. But
unfortunately I will never
experience another moment with my
mom or dad and I can't help but
            (MORE)

74.

                       TOM (cont'd)
think this is all my fault, that
if I didn't fight with her on the
phone then she would still be
alive, I still want that
sometimes, I wish everyday that
when I walk in the door my mom and
dad would be there and I could
take back those awful things I
said to her, the last moments
between mother and son, but
everyday I open that door and the
only one standing there is me.
                                                            
The car pulls up to the house, Tom closes his note book and
goes into the house.
                                                            
                                         IN THE HOUSE
                                                            
Tom heads for his room, John is playing on the computer.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Hey man what's up? What is that
thing?
                                                            
John points to notebook still in Toms hands.
                                                            
                       TOM
Oh, this, this is my super manly
journal that I'm supposed to pour
my soul and feelings into.
                                                            
Both boys begin to laugh.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (jokingly)
Oh yeah, real manly dude.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
John, Tom, go wash up, dinner's in
five.
                                                            
Tom and John race to the bathroom, pushing and shoving, and
laughing, meanwhile in the kitchen Mrs. Seymore prepares a
bowl of peas and grabbing the mail, there's another letter
from John's dad and she pulls that out and puts the rest of
the mail down.
                                                            
Tom and John still goofing off, come barreling into the
kitchen making it sound like a stampede.
                                                            

75.

                       MRS. SEYMORE
Whoa, whoa, let's slow it down a
little, the neighbors are going to
call the police and tell them that
we kidnapped a couple of elephants
from the zoo.
                                                            
everyone laughs, and the boys have a seat at the table, Mrs.
Seymore sets the bowl of peas on the table and pulls out the
envelope.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Got another letter from your
father.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (excited)
Sweet can I read it.
                                                            
Johns mom hands him the envelope and he tears it open
quickly and unfolds the letter.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Okay ready, it says...
                                                            
                       JOHNS DAD (VO)
Dear John, I have some very
important news to tell you and
everyone, well here it goes, I am
supposed to be getting out by
Christmas, keep your fingers
crossed. John, I really hope you
are doing well and I am proud of
you for hanging in there, well i
really miss you guys but i have to
go, love you all, sincerely Lt.
David Seymore U.S, Army.

P.S. Tell Tom I said Hang in
there.
                                                            
                       TOM
Tell Tom I said hang in there? how
the heck could he even know about
that?
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore sits at the table and fidgets with her
silverware.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
      (Nervously)
Well they must get the news out
there.
                                                            

76.

Tom stares defensively and suspiciously at her for several
minutes and then eventually gives it up and resumes his
meal.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (excitedly)
Do you really think he'll be home
for Christmas mom, oh man that
would be great, we could open
presents, eat turkey, and go
sledding!
                                                            
Tom looks at Mrs. Seymore for her answer, He sees a tear
start to form and Mrs. Seymore quickly wipes it away.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
I don't know but I sure do hope
so.
                                                            
                       TOM
Well I am wicked tired all of the
sudden, I think I'll go to bed
early tonight.
                                                            
Tom gets up, clears his dishes and heads to his room.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Good night man.
                                                            
Tom grabs his journal and starts a new page.
                                                            
                       TOM (VO)
Tonight at dinner was strange, how
did Mr. Seymore know about what
happened and why was Mrs. Seymore
acting so suspicious?
                                                            
Tom closes the book, and shuts off the lights. He lies there
in the dark wide awake, confused, he eventually falls
asleep.
                                                            
 
INT. KURTIS - DAY
                                                            
Tom is in his room sitting on the bed, the world around him
flashes by in fast forward, Tom just remains looking out the
window.
                                                            
                       KURTIS (VO)
Tom grew extremely distant toward
Mrs. Seymore, being suspicious of
her every move, but it was only
her, Tom became good friends with
Dr. Harris who thought he was
            (MORE)

77.

                       KURTIS (cont'd)
doing better, John remained the
same, years passed with Tom doing
the same routine, school, home to
his room, his appetite changed,
it's like he was a ghost, the
shell of a hollow human, well
that's what everyone else said, I
met Tom his second year of high
school.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO SCHOOL
                                                            
We see Tom sitting at the lunch table with john in the
morning before class, both of them a few years older now.
                                                            
                       TOM
Dude, did you get your schedule
for this semester?
                                                            
John looks briefly through a stack of papers, and then
abandons the search.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I don't have it with me but I know
I have English first and Science
last.
                                                            
                       TOM
Sick so at least I'll get along
with one person in class.
                                                            
Glen walks into the cafeteria and pushes some kid knocking
his books to the ground.
                                                            
Tom grits his teeth and clenches a fist.
                                                            
                       TOM
God I hate that asshole, I wish
someone would just shut his mouth.
                                                            
The bell rings and Tom and John head off to English with
Mrs. Waterson.
                                                            
When they get there, there is a student in one of the seats,
Tom and John pick a seat in the back. the second bell rings
and everyone sits down for class.
                                                            
                       MRS. W
alright class, it's the first day
and what i like to do is get to
know everyone by having them stand
up and share a little bit about
themselves. So lets start here, My
            (MORE)

78.

                       MRS. W (cont'd)
name is Helen, I like to read and
spend time with my cat Wiggles.
                                                            
The class snickers and Mrs. Waterson grabs her clipboard of
names.
                                                            
                       MRS. W
Okay how about you?
                                                            
She points to Tom.
                                                            
Annoyed and reluctant Tom stands up by his desk.
                                                            
                       TOM
Okay what exactly am I supposed to
do?
                                                            
                       MRS. W
Well, tell us who you are, what
you like to do, what you want to
be when you grow up.
                                                            
Tom thinks for a second the nods his head.
                                                            
                       TOM
Alright, well my name is Tom, I
like to play on the computer, when
I grow up I want to work in the
paranormal field, and I like to
hang out with my friends.
                                                            
Glen stifles some laughter.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
What friends, you have none.
                                                            
Tom rolls his eyes and sits down without incident. John
stands up.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'd like to go next if that's
okay.
                                                            
                       MRS. W
Yeah that's perfect. What do you
like to do?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Well, My name is John, I'm friends
with Tom and...
                                                            

79.

                       BULLY(GLEN)
More like lover.
                                                            
                       JOHN
And I like to play video games and
hang out with Tom and Frank.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
      (coughing)
Queer, homo.
                                                            
Kurtis who has been getting gradually more annoyed with Glen
finally stands up.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Hey, C-cup you got a problem? Why
don't you shut your mouth.
                                                            
Class gasps and everyone is shocked including Glen who is
offended by the comment.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
What the hell did you just say to
me?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
You heard me turkey neck, leave
these kids alone, huh what did
they do to you?
                                                            
Glen, increasingly frustrated about the fat jokes clenches a
fist.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
Do you know who I am?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
      (sarastically)
Santa! but the question is what do
you really know about me?
                                                            
Tom and everyone else can no longer stifle their laughter
and begin a sudden burst of laughter out loud. Glen gets red
in the face and stands up. And for a moment Glen and Kurtis
stare each other down.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
I'm gonna give you a break since
you're new but you better watch
your back in the future.
                                                            
Kurtis chuckles, and cringes, the class the laughs.
                                                            

80.

                       KURTIS
You know what pal, why don't you
go drown your sorrows in a tub of
ice cream. Allow me to introduce
myself, my name is Kurtis, I'm
from none of your business U.S.A.
and I love to stand up for people
and I used to have a hot temper.
                                                            
Mrs. Waterson is speechless.
                                                            
The bell rings and the kids start to pack up, Tom thinks
about thanking Kurtis but decides not to at the moment.
                                                            
LATER THAT DAY AT LUNCH
                                                            
Tom and John are sitting at their usual spot, they see
Kurtis grab his lunch and start looking for a place to sit,
Tom waves him over.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey Kurtis, dude come sit with us.
                                                            
Kurtis takes his seat.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
How goes life guys?
                                                            
                       TOM
Don't know about life but class
was sure entertaining.
                                                            
Kurtis chuckles slightly.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Yeah honestly I don't like to
resort to that sort of behavior
but I have bad days just like
everyone else.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Glen's been picking on us for
years since middle school.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
That's alright, they usually give
it up after they're embarrassed,
but honestly that wasn't how i was
raised.
                                                            
                       TOM
So why the move here?
                                                            

81.

Kurtis tenses up and becomes slightly uncomfortable.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Needed a fresh start.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Why?
                                                            
Kurtis feeling a panic coming over him tries to redirect the
conversation with a joke. He puts his hand on John's
shoulder.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Sorry man I just don't get that
personal on the first date.
                                                            
It works, the three of them begin to laugh.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
So what's your story Tom?
                                                            
                       TOM
Not much of a story, more like a
tiny journal entry.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Ya know, it might sound kind of
girlish but I keep a journal.
                                                            
                       TOM
So do I, my doctor.. I mean I
write my thoughts down in it.
                                                            
Kurtis picks up on the change in tone and the doctor but not
wanting to invade privacy he doesn't ask Tom about it.
                                                            
The bell rings and the boys head their separate ways. Kurtis
took his time, fighting away the tears that were itching to
get out.
                                                            
 
INT. INCIDENT IN CLASS - DAY
                                                            
Tom and John walk into their last class of the day science,
they grab a seat in the corner with Kurtis.
                                                            
Their Teacher Mr. Platsbury sluggishly makes his way to the
desk.
                                                            
                       MR. P
Okay class we're going to talk
about the different types of trees
today, now we were going to go
outside but it looks like the
            (MORE)

82.

                       MR. P (cont'd)
weather has other plans.
                                                            
Kurtis gets ready for the lecture and pulls out a notebook,
not write notes but instead he pulls about a piece of paper
with a title on the top that says "if i could turn back
time"
                                                            
Distracted by his own thoughts, Kurtis does not see Jack the
classmate who sat behind him creeping up slowly.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (Whispering)
Hey Kurtis
                                                            
Kurtis almost jumps out of his skin, and drops his pencil,
he picks it up and class resumes.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
      (laughing)
Dude what are you doing you scared
the shit out of me!
                                                            
                       JACK
      (shyly)
I'm sorry, I was just wondering if
I could borrow a pen and maybe
your notes.
                                                            
Kurtis finds an extra pen and then looks at the empty page
titled notes and smiles.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Well here's a pen but the notes
are non-existent.
                                                            
A spitball comes whizzing into frame and strikes Jack right
in the face. The culprits begin to chuckle, Kurtis is not
amused.
                                                            
                       JACK
Please stop doing that.
                                                            
                       MR. P
Something more interesting then
class that you want to share Jack?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (quietly)
I just didn't understand some of
the material so i asked Kurtis if
he would let me use his notes and
then someone hit me with a
            (MORE)

83.

                       JACK (cont'd)
spitball.
                                                            
                       MR. P
Listen I understand that down
there in room 119 they like to
baby you but I'm not here to be
your friend and I have no trouble
failing you, now if your done
whining I'd like to get back to my
job.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Excuse me?
                                                            
The bullies begin to make mooing sounds and fat gestures,
Mr. P lets it happen.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
what your not going to do anything
about that but you'll yell at jack
for nothing.
                                                            
                       MR. P
Jack was fooling around with you
and disturbing my class.
                                                            
Kurtis shakes his head in frustration and turns around to
face Jack.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
      (sarcastically)
Yeah Jack, I mean god forbid you
don't understand something, or
even you know, even better, when
you get picked on by morons, it's
your fault.
                                                            
Mr. Platsbury crosses his arms.
                                                            
                       MR. P
You got a problem Kurtis, say it
right now.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
As a matter of fact I'm glad you
asked, the problem is that this
crap school hires anyone for
teachers, it's a waste of tax
money and you're a fucking
asshole.
                                                            

84.

                       MR. P
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
You heard me, you play favorites
and prey on the weak, it's not our
fault that you hate your job, you
know what I'm out of here I can't
take this crap anymore.
                                                            
Kurtis packs up his bag and begins walking toward the door.
                                                            
                       MR. P
Where the hell do you think your
going?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
I'm getting out of here, I could
learn more from the discovery
channel.
                                                            
                       MR. P
      (yelling)
Hey, I'm not done with you here.
                                                            
Kurtis stops, turns around slowly and looks at Mr.
Platsbury.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
      (calmly)
Well I'm done with you.
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah, go Kurtis, run while you
can.
                                                            
Kurtis turns back toward the door marches right out, as he
leaves the class applauds him. Mr. P. picks up the phone and
dials the office. Kurtis exits the rear of the building
toward the parking lot, gets in his car and drives away. As
he drives away he looks in the mirror and smiles.
                                                            
 
INT. MENTAL BREAKDOWN - DAY
                                                            
Tom and John sit at the usual meeting table, Tom is fighting
to keep his eyes open. Kurtis comes to the table bringing
his girlfriend.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Hey guys what's up?
                                                            

85.

                       JOHN
Hey man, not too much, is this
your girlfriend?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Yeah this is Katie, I told her she
had to finally come to school
early and meet you guys.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Oh, hi it's good to finally meet
you, for a while there we thought
Kurtis was making you up.
                                                            
Everyone laughs except for Tom who is still zoning out.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Is he okay?
                                                            
John and Kurtis turn and look at Tom slumped in his seat.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Dude, you alright?
                                                            
Tom doesn't even hear him.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
      (loudly)
Tom!
                                                            
Tom slowly lifts his head, looking sick and weak.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Dude, seriously what's wrong with
you?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (quietly/
       incoherently)
Sick, no sleep, so tired,
nightmares.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Dude maybe you should see a
doctor.
                                                            
                       TOM
Nah, I'll just sleep through
science along with all my other
classes.
                                                            

86.

                       JOHN
      (concerned)
Dude when's the last time you got
any sleep?
                                                            
Tom struggles to keep himself awake and shakes himself to
wake up
                                                            
                       TOM
I don't know, weeks maybe.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Oh my god, that's not good at all.
                                                            
Tom is startled because he had not noticed Katie until now,
he looks at her tired and confused.
                                                            
                       TOM
Who are you?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Tom this is Katie, you know my
girlfriend.
                                                            
                       TOM
How long has she been standing
there?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Ever since I got here, I
introduced her, you really don't
remember?
                                                            
                       TOM
No, I don't, well it's good to
finally meet you.
                                                            
Weary and tired, Tom extends his hand and shakes Katie's.
                                                            
                       KATIE
It's good to meet you too, so did
you say you were having
nightmares?
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah, terrible, same one for a
week straight.
                                                            
Katie sits down at the table.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Have you gone to see a doctor
about it?
                                                            

87.

                       TOM
      (tired)
Yup, good old Doc. Harris.
                                                            
                       KATIE
How long have you been seeing him?
                                                            
Tom laughs.
                                                            
                       TOM
Too long.
                                                            
                       TOM
Why is it that you're so curious
about me?
                                                            
                       KATIE
I didn't mean to upset you, I was
only trying to help.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
We're worried about you man.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (angry)
What's there to be worried about,
I'm just really tired and I have
my bad days like everyone else and
i wish everyone would get off my
back and stop watching me like I
am some sort of nutcase
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dude, what are you even talking
about? No one thinks you're a nut,
you just haven't been yourself
lately and we are a little
worried.
                                                            
Tom stumbles to his feet and gets his backpack.
                                                            
                       TOM
I'm telling you, I'm fine! never
better.
                                                            
The bell rings and it is time for class, Tom balances
himself, takes a deep breath and storms off to class.
                                                            
In English class John sits next to Tom who is still dizzy
and tired but no longer angry.
                                                            

88.

                       JOHN
Hey man, look I didn't mean to
make you mad earlier.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey, it wasn't even you, I just, I
don't know man, I'm losing it.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Is it the same nightmares you were
having before?
                                                            
                       TOM
Dude, just don't worry about it,
I'll be fine.
                                                            
Kurtis comes into class and sits next to Tom.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
That's funny because you don't
look alright.
                                                            
                       TOM
Dude I'm just tired, alright, now
if you fellas don't mind im just
going to rest my eyes for a
second.
                                                            
Tom puts his head down, but passes out instantly, he is
woken up 30 minutes later.
                                                            
                       MRS. W
Tom?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Dude.
                                                            
Kurtis shakes Tom awake, but Tom slips back out of
consciousness.
                                                            
Mrs. W. becomes concerned and calls the nurse.
                                                            
Tom begins to shake and roll in his desk like he was having
a nightmare. when he finally snaps to he is surrounded by
people and glen and his friends are laughing at him.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
      (mockingly)
Did the little baby have a
nightmare, ooh boohoo.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Tom are you okay? you passed out.
                                                            

89.

Tom tries to get his breath back, he looks around confused
and spots Glen laughing with his friends and Tom clenches a
fist.
                                                            
                       TOM
You shut your fat mouth right now
Glen!!
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
Ooh I'm really scared of the kid
that has nightmares. Tell me do
you piss yourself at night too.
                                                            
Tom starts to shake and attempts to lunge toward Glen but
Kurtis grabs him.
                                                            
                       TOM
Let go of me man!
                                                            
                       KURTIS
It's not worth it, Tom he's
nothing man let it go.
                                                            
Tom continues to try to free himself but soon realizes that
Kurtis has too strong a grip and gives up.
                                                            
                       TOM
I swear, some day I will get you
back for this, I swear it.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
I left you a little surprise you
locker.
                                                            
Glen grins and Tom just glares at him and clenches his teeth
to the point where they begin to bleed a little.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Dude you're bleeding, maybe you
should go to the nurse.
                                                            
Tom wipes the blood from his lip and spits the rest on the
ground.
                                                            
                       TOM
I'm fine!
                                                            
The bell rings, the rest of the class hoping for a fight
slowly files out of class but it goes on without incident.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Hey man, what was that all about.
                                                            

90.

                       TOM
I'm so sick of his shit.
                                                            
Tom punches his locker in anger and makes a few passerby's
jump and look.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Don't even worry about him, if you
let him bother you, he wins.
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah because you've dealt with
bullying so much.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Actually, yeah I have a lot from
where I came from.
                                                            
Tom frustratingly tries to remember his combination but can
not get it under his condition.
                                                            
                       TOM
Which is?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
It's in the past, let it stay
there.
                                                            
                       TOM
I forgot you're the mysterious one
with the skeleton's in his closet.
Am I right?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Not exactly. look we should get to
class, we have an assembly this
afternoon so at least we don't
really have to deal with Mr.
Platsbury.
                                                            
Tom gives up on his locker and picks up his bag to go to
class
                                                            
                       TOM
      (sarcastically)
Well I'm glad you can always look
on the bright side of the world.
                                                            
Tom storms off, Kurtis just shakes his head and walks the
other way.
                                                            

91.

LATER AT LUNCH
                                                            
Tom gets in line to get his food, still in a fowl mood from
earlier but calmer. Tom gets his pizza and takes a seat at
the usual table.
                                                            
                       TOM
Listen, I'm sorry I flipped out
earlier but I haven't been
sleeping well lately, the
nightmares are becoming more
violent.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Forget it man, I know you were
just taking it out on whoever was
there, are you feeling a little
calmer now?
                                                            
                       TOM
Not much.
                                                            
                       TOM
What's this assembly that we have
later?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
I'm not sure, but it's better than
science.
                                                            
Tom laughs and then dips his pizza in a some ranch dressing
and eats it.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Do you at least remember your
locker combo again?
                                                            
Tom puts his head down and starts laughing.
                                                            
                       TOM
Screw you man, yeah I remember it,
I have to get my science crap out
of there before class.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
You actually did that crap? I
swear he's about as useful as
dissolving toilet paper.
                                                            
                       TOM
I don't get it. aren't you worried
about failing.
                                                            

92.

                       KURTIS
Nope, don't need the class, the
only class i needed to graduate
was 11-2 English because I never
took it. Nothing short of a
disaster will stop me from
graduating.
                                                            
The bell rings, Tom and Kurtis head to Tom's locker to
retrieve his science homework. Tom is turning his combo and
gets it when John walks down the hall distracting Tom while
he opens his locker.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Sgoin' on buddy, ready for
Science?
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah I just have to grab my.
                                                            
Tom stops dead as he looks in his locker and finds a series
of newspaper clipping from his parent's car accident
including the picture of the scene.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Tom?
                                                            
Tom begins to shake violently, the voices around him become
distorted and his balance becomes increasingly terrible.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (shakey)
That son of bitch!
                                                            
Tom falls to the floor and continues to shake.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (distorted)
Tom? can you hear me?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
      (distorted)
Somebody call an ambulance.
                                                            
Someone gets the nurse and ten minutes later paramedics
arrive.
                                                            
                       PARAMEDIC
Son, can you hear me? do you know
where you are?
                                                            
The paramedic flashes his light in Tom's eyes who is
unresponsive.
                                                            

93.

                       PARAMEDIC
He's not responding, get the
stretcher.
                                                            
The stretcher is brought in and Tom is loaded on it. He
begins to fade in and out of consciousness, In the ambulance
he tries to lift his head.
                                                            
                       PARAMEDIC
Whoa whoa, take it easy you're on
the way to the hospital.
                                                            
Tom finally passes out and is out for several hours, when he
wakes up he doesn't open his eyes but he can hear people
talking.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Is he going to be okay?
                                                            
                       PARAMEDIC
He had a pretty close call there,
another spell like that and he
might have a heart attack, are you
family?
                                                            
                       JOHN
The only family he has right now,
his parents died a few years ago,
me and my mom have been taking
care of him since.
                                                            
                       TOM
John?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yeah, it's me, you really scared
us there.
                                                            
                       TOM
John you need to do something,when
you get home look in your mom's
room in her dresser. You'll find
the truth.
                                                            
 
INT. TRUTH/ NEVER THE SAME - DAY
                                                            
John gets back home after visiting Tom in the hospital who
has been there for 2 days now, he walks to his room but
stops at his mom's door.
                                                            

94.

                       TOM (VO)
Look in her dresser, that's where
you'll find the truth.
                                                            
John thinks for a moment and then decides to look, he pulls
open the first drawer and finds an envelope and underneath
that is paper made to look old and dirty and a pen.
                                                            
Beneath that he finds an unfinished letter supposedly signed
by his father but was in his mom's handwriting, as he pieced
it together most of them were in her writing.
                                                            
The front door opens, John shoves everything back in the
drawer and leaps to his room.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
John, Tom, anybody home?
                                                            
John comes out of his room trying to act like everything is
fine.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Hey mom, how was your trip?
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore puts her purse down on the counter and sits
down at the kitchen table.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
It was fine, wheres Tom?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Oh he's at the hospital, he had a
mental breakdown at school, I
tried to get a hold of you but you
wouldn't answer the phone.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
What? is he okay?
                                                            
                       JOHN
He's still not all there but I
need to go get him, I'll be back.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Are you okay?
                                                            
John starts to walk out the door, with the keys to his car.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Just freaking peachy.
                                                            
John slams the door, gets in his car and drives to the
hospital.
                                                            

95.

John walks in the hospital to Tom's room, Tom is getting his
shoes on.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Hey, ready to go home?
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah I guess.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You feeling alright?
                                                            
                       TOM
As good as I will. Did you find
what you were looking for?
                                                            
                       JOHN
You'll find out later, lets get
the hell out of here, it smells
like death.
                                                            
Tom is discharged and they walk out of the hospital and into
John's car.
                                                            
                       TOM
Time for some real food, that
hospital crap went right through
me.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yeah well my mom is home from her
trip and she's making a big
dinner, and we're going to have a
big talk.
                                                            
                       TOM
Listen man I wanted to tell you
but I didn't know how.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yeah well it's her that should
have told me.
                                                            
After a few minutes of silence they finally arrived at the
house, when they got in, Tom hits the fridge and gets two
cold sodas.
                                                            
                       JOHN
So do you think you're going to be
ready for school tomorrow?
                                                            

96.

                       TOM
Nope, the doctor thought that
after what happened me going back
would not be healthy so he gave me
this note for staying home for a
week, I need you to give this to
the office tomorrow.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yeah I think I can do that.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore walks into the kitchen and John Immediately
went silent.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Hey Tom are you feeling better?
                                                            
                       TOM
No offense but after what happened
that's a very stupid question.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
You're right, I'm sorry, do you
want to talk about it?
                                                            
                       TOM
Nope
                                                            
Tom finishes his soda and throws in the trash and walks
toward his room.
                                                            
                       TOM
You know I'm a little tired, I'm
going to go lay down.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Okay, John do you want to help me
shop for groceries?
                                                            
                       JOHN
No but I will if you need me to.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
I would really appreciate it.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Lets get going then because Kurtis
wanted to hang out today.
                                                            
They drive to the store, John stares out the window the
whole time trying to comprehend what he had found out.
                                                            
While in the store John runs into Katie.
                                                            

97.

                       KATIE
John? hey over here.
                                                            
John whirls around a few times and finds a familiar face.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Hey Kate, what are you doing here?
                                                            
                       KATIE
Oh, not much just doing some light
shopping.
                                                            
                       JOHN
What's in there?
                                                            
John points to the bag in her hand.
                                                            
Katie panics and quickly hides the bag from sight.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Oh this, no this is nothing, this
is just, yeah it's nothing, I have
to go but I'll see you in school
tomorrow.
                                                            
Katie hurries off toward the registers.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (to himself)
Hm, that was weird.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore comes from behind him with a cart full of
groceries.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Okay, I'm done, let's check out
and go home.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Sounds good to me.
                                                            
They check and bag their groceries and pack everything in
the car, they both get in and drive toward home.
                                                            
After a few moments of staring out the window John turns to
his mother.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
      (thinking)
She couldn't have lied about dad's
letters, could she? what about the
pen and the handwriting? Nah, I'm
losing it.
                                                            

98.

The car pulls up to the house, Tom meets them in the
driveway to help with groceries.
                                                            
John, still unsure of his suspicions gets lost in thought.
Tom pats him on the shoulder.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey, you alive over there?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Huh? oh yeah I was just thinking.
                                                            
                       TOM
Anything specific?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Not sure yet, we'll find out
later.
                                                            
As John comes back to reality and grabs a paper bag full of
groceries, a folded up flag is partially uncovered. John's
breathe is taken away.
                                                            
                       JOHN (VO)
      (thinking)
NO, IT CAN'T BE, IT'S NOT TRUE, I
DON'T BELIEVE IT!!
                                                            
Still in shock he shakes his head in denial and slams the
trunk door.
                                                            
                       TOM
John? You okay?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (disoriented)
Huh? yeah, I guess, I don't really
know right now, I can't breathe I
need to lay down for a few.
                                                            
                       TOM
Too much caffeine, maybe you
should go to decaf.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (mumbling)
Yeak sure that's what it is.
                                                            
John stumbles up the steps and into the house, His mom is in
the kitchen and stops him from tipping over.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Easy there, are you alright?
                                                            

99.

                       JOHN
      (annoyed)
Yeah, I'm fine, wake me up when
dinner is ready please, I'm going
to lay down.
                                                            
John stumbles down to his room and lays down but doesn't
shut his eyes.
                                                            
Millions of fearful thoughts of his dad flood his head and
hours pass by in an instant, Tom comes into the room.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey, dinner's ready.
                                                            
John takes a deep breath and gets up.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Alright, I'm coming
                                                            
Tom and John walk down the hall to the table and sit down,
John is nervous and fidgety.
                                                            
                       TOM
Okay seriously dude, what is your
malfunction?
                                                            
                       JOHN
I took your advice, I looked.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (quietly)
Oh, I see.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'm still not sure what to think,
maybe it's all a coincidence.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore walks into the room holding a envelope, a
letter from John's dad. The sight of the envelope makes
John's stomach turn.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Your father wrote to us again.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore hands him the envelope. he opens it.
                                                            
                       JOHN
It reads, I am sorry but this
horrible battle continues to rage
on and I will not make it home for
Christmas, I am growing more and
more tired of this fight. John I
hope you are doing good and having
            (MORE)

100.

                       JOHN (cont'd)
fun in high school, tell Tom I
said hello, and tell your mother
that I miss her very much. I am
almost out of candle light so I
must say goodbye, no more like see
you later. I love you always and
wish only the best for you,

Signed Lt. David Seymore U.S.
Army.
                                                            
John notices a smudge of ink which means it was written
recently, He looks at his mother who has a ink mark on her
hand. john rips up the letter.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
      (shocked)
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (yelling)
It's not from him, Dad's dead, how
could you lie to me all these
years.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
      (Nervous)
What, I don't know what you're
talking about.
                                                            
John slams his fist into the table, the impact startles Mrs.
Seymore and Tom.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (yelling)
Enough Bullshit already, You have
an ink smudge on your finger and
so does the letter, I found this
paper and a black ink pen in your
drawer, still wanna deny things, I
suppose you can explain the folded
up flag in your car.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
John, I.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You what? Huh, let's hear more
lies, how could you not tell me,
Did you think I wouldn't find out?
I didn't want to believe it at
first that my own mother would
            (MORE)

101.

                       JOHN (cont'd)
betray me like this.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore Collapses to the floor and begins to cry.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
      (sobbing)
I'm so sorry son.
                                                            
                       JOHN
A little late for apologies don't
you think, dad's gone and I never
even got to see him and say
goodbye, why, just answer me that,
why the hell would you do that?
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
I couldn't tell you, after that
last letter he sent us and you
were so excited, I was afraid that
if I told you that you would shut
down, lose your faith and your
father would have wanted you to be
happy.
                                                            
John leans against the wall and the news finally hits him
like a brick, his eyes begin to fill with tears.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
I swear to you if I could go back.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (screaming)
Well you can't, what's done is
done and you made your decision,
you have to live with that, the
knowledge that you just destroyed
my life and deceived me, how can I
trust you now, nothing from now on
will ever be the same for us.
                                                            
John punches the wall and walks to his room.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE BIG IDEA - DAY
                                                            
4 DAYS LATER
                                                            
After school, Kurtis comes to John's house to check on Tom,
John and Kurtis walk in the house.
                                                            

102.

                       KURTIS
He can't be sleeping, It's 2 in
the afternoon.
                                                            
John laughs and shakes his head.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yeah well what would you do if had
the week off?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Good point.
                                                            
They walk into John's room which is pitch black.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Tom? man is it dark in here,
where's your light?
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'm not really sure, I can't see.
                                                            
Kurtis makes his way over to the window and throws open the
blinds. Tom cringes instantly as his eyes are blinded with
light.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Ah, that's better.
                                                            
                       TOM
You guys suck.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Well good morning Dracula, come
on, you've been in bed all week
and now it's time for some
sunshine.
                                                            
Tom stretches and slowly forces himself out of bed.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Time to hack it up man.
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah yeah yeah I'm coming, just
hold your horses.
                                                            
Tom finally gets up and dressed and the three boys walk
outside.
                                                            
Tom squints in pain as he steps in to the light. John and
Kurtis both laugh at him.
                                                            

103.

                       KURTIS
Enjoying your vacation much?
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah I guess, just been thinking a
lot you know, about life and
stuff.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Oh yeah? that's pretty deep, have
written anything new in your man
journal?
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah, say don't you have one too?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Sure do, write in it as much as I
can, it helps me clear my mind,
you guys wanna see it.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Sure why not, might learn
something about you finally, any
big secrets in there?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
No the big secrets stay in the
vault.
                                                            
Kurtis Goes into his bag and pulls out a notebook, when he
pulls it out a picture slides out from a page and falls to
the ground.
                                                            
                       TOM
Who's this?
                                                            
Kurtis realized what happened and reaches for the picture
but Tom beats him to it.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Hey, be careful with that, give it
back.
                                                            
                       TOM
Easy, is this like a girl you
liked or something.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
No, she was a friend, I looked to
her for inspiration, just forget
it I don't want to talk about it.
                                                            

104.

                       TOM
Why is it that you won't share
anything about yourself, you have
so many secrets, we're supposed to
be friends but you won't trust us.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
It's not that, I just, I can't
talk about it, alright man, just
serve the hack.
                                                            
                       TOM
What about your journal?
                                                            
Kurtis tosses Tom the journal and puts the picture in his
bag.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Here, keep it, I started a new
one, now come on fellas let's play
some two hit kill.
                                                            
John and Tom can see that Kurtis is holding a enormous
burden but they don't push it, instead Tom serves the hack.
                                                            
                       TOM
So, what kind of trouble did Glen
get in for what he did?
                                                            
Kurtis kicks the hack over to John and ignores Tom.
                                                            
                       TOM
Did he get suspended or what?
                                                            
Kurtis looks at Tom with an apologetic expression.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
I'm sorry Tom, he actually didn't
get in any trouble.
                                                            
Tom's mouth drops and his eyes widen in shock.
                                                            
                       TOM
Excuse me, did I just hear you
correct, that he did not get in
any trouble for what he did to me.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Unfortunately they didn't do
anything about it, they say that
they can't take action without
proof.
                                                            

105.

                       TOM
Proof? so in other words what you
are telling me is that even though
they know he did it and I wound up
in a fucking hospital bed that
they just turned their backs and
looked away instead of dealing
with this.
                                                            
Kurtis sighs and nods his head.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Yeah, that's what happened.
                                                            
Tom shakes his head is disbelief and scoffs.
                                                            
                       TOM
Unbelievable, I almost die and he
gets a free pass from punishment.
                                                            
Everyone is silent for a few moments, suddenly Kurtis's
cellphone starts to ring, he answers it.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Hello.
                                                            
                       KATIE
      (stressed)
Hey Kurtis, what are you doing
right now?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Just hanging out with John and
Tom, are you okay? you sound sad.
                                                            
                       KATIE
I don't know, I haven't been
feeling good and me and my mom got
in a huge fight, could we just
meet somewhere please.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Yeah I'll pick you in 15 minutes.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Okay, I love you so much Kurtis,
bye.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Love you too.
                                                            
Kurtis hangs up the phone and zips up his backpack.
                                                            

106.

                       JOHN
Everything alright?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Yeah I think so, she's just not
feeling good lately and she wants
me to come over there so I can
make her feel better, you know?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yeah, actually I bumped into her
at the store a few days ago, she
was acting scared and kept hiding
something in a bag and when I
asked about it she took off.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Hm, that's strange but I'm sure if
it was something big she would
have told me, anyway i gotta go
guys but I'll see ya later.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Alright dude, take it easy, tell
Katie I said hi.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Will do, hey Tom, are you gonna be
okay?
                                                            
Tom gives him a crooked, almost malevolent smile.
                                                            
                       TOM
Oh I think I'll be just fine,
don't worry about it, go take care
of your girl.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Alright, see you later man, call
if you need to.
                                                            
Kurtis gets in his car and drives off to meet Katie.
                                                            
Tom smiles and begins to chuckle maniacally.
                                                            
                       JOHN
What's so funny?
                                                            
                       TOM
Oh, just a little scheme of
vengeance that occurred to me.
                                                            

107.

                       JOHN
What is it?
                                                            
Tom continues to think and rubs his hand together as if he
were washing them.
                                                            
                       TOM
Something I've had inside for
quite sometime but now, Oh now I
can see clear as day what needs to
be done.
                                                            
Tom looks at John and his smile grows bigger, John is a
little taken aback.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey. I don't know about you but I
could go for some tasty food, what
say you we hit up the BK?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yeah, sure, are you okay Tom?
you're kind of scaring me.
                                                            
Tom chuckles and with a huge smile approaches John and pats
him on the shoulder.
                                                            
                       TOM
Never better buddy never better,
let's bounce.
                                                            
They get into Johns car and drive off, Tom rolls down the
window and cranks the radio.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Okay, now I know something is up,
what are you scheming in that head
of yours?
                                                            
                       TOM
All in good time my friend, all in
good time, I will tell you this
though, my plan is fail proof and
it will solve everything.
                                                            
They drive for about five minutes jamming out to some tunes
and they finally roll up to the BK, John parks the car and
they go inside.
                                                            
                       JOHN
What are we getting?
                                                            

108.

                       TOM
Some hot tasty french fries and
some Rodeo Burgers, huh, huh, you
know what I'm saying, just like
the good old days.
                                                            
Tom plays the air guitar and starts headbanging, John starts
laughing and joins in on drums.
                                                            
They carry on for a few minutes and then stop and laugh,
they finally reach the front of the line and place their
order.
                                                            
                       BK CASHIER
Hi welcome to Burger King, what
can I get for ya?
                                                            
                       TOM
Could we get 4 rodeo burgers and 2
medium fries.
                                                            
                       BK CASHIER
Here or to go?
                                                            
                       TOM
Here please.
                                                            
                       BK CASHIER
Okay your total is 8.72.
                                                            
John hands the cashier a Ten and the cashier punches some
buttons and returns his change and a printed receipt.
                                                            
Tom and John pick up there order and pick a seat.
                                                            
                       TOM
I'm telling you dude my dream last
night explained everything, it's
like a cloud has been lifted from
my eyes.
                                                            
Tom eats a handful of fries and starts to unwrap his burger.
                                                            
                       TOM
It's one I've been having but it
never made sense and I always just
thought it was a nightmare, but
last night I saw my parents again
and we were happy, I had a
flashback of my mom saying she is
always proud of me, and my dad, my
dad was telling me to never back
down because the world will walk
all over you, instill fear and
            (MORE)

109.

                       TOM (cont'd)
demand respect. they also said I
would see them again soon.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Mhmm, and this has what to do with
getting revenge? what was your
fool proof plan?
                                                            
                       TOM
Alright already I'm getting to it,
be patient. I don't know if you
remember but on July 4th when we
were kids I had that nightmare,
you know the one with all the
screaming and running and blood.
                                                            
                       JOHN
How could I forget, you were
rolling and yelling in your sleep,
scared the hell out of me.
                                                            
                       TOM
Ha ha, yeah that's the one, well I
didn't know it back then but that
kid covered in blood is me, I
think it was a premonition of the
days to come.
                                                            
John puts his burger down and looks at Tom with a raised
brow, confused and a bit concerned.
                                                            
                       JOHN
So you're telling me that you're
going to be covered in blood?
                                                            
                       TOM
Not necessarily, I'm saying we get
our vengeance on everyone who's
wronged us and suffered no
consequence.
                                                            
                       JOHN
So you want to kill people?, and
how do we do this exactly?
                                                            
Tom slaps the table in his excitement.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (Excited)
Well I'm glad you finally asked
because it's really an en genius
plan, we are going to wait one
week from today and then we go in
            (MORE)

110.

                       TOM (cont'd)
there and we murder every last son
of a bitch responsible for our
torment.
                                                            
John becomes interested and leans on his elbows listening
intently.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Okay, let's say for a minute that
I actually consider this, I have a
few concerns, like how we get
passed the front door with a gun
and penetrate the lock down system
and the second is of course, where
exactly are we going to get guns?
                                                            
Tom scoffs.
                                                            
                       TOM
Where are we going to get guns?
Dude we live in America, Praise
the lord and pass the ammunition.
And as far as your other concern,
are you ready because here comes
the genius part.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Lay it on me man.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (Whispering)
A decoy.
                                                            
Tom smiles and leans back in his seat.
                                                            
                       JOHN
A decoy?
                                                            
                       TOM
Mhmm, that's right you heard me, a
decoy.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Okay I think I'm with you but
explain.
                                                            
                       TOM
Well, what happens in theory when
there is a "intruder" in the
building.
                                                            

111.

                       JOHN
Well they would lock down the
school, shut the lights off, have
everyone hide and be away from the
windows.
                                                            
                       TOM
And, this is a safety measurement,
yes?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Yeah, that's what I'm saying dude,
our raid would be over before it
began, do you know how hard it
would be to actually break down
the doors?
                                                            
                       TOM
Very true, unless, unless of
course the killers are locked in
the classrooms with the victims.
                                                            
John's eyes widen and his jaw drops.
                                                            
                       JOHN
How?
                                                            
                       TOM
You have a decoy who is willing to
take a fall to set the school into
lock down meanwhile, You and I are
conveniently in the rooms with the
highest populations, Aka the
library and the Cafeteria. Then
when everything is in lock mode we
open fire to a locked room full of
helpless victims.
                                                            
John starts to smirk and puts his hand over his mouth in
shock.
                                                            
                       TOM
I know, I know I am a genius, now
all we need is a Decoy.
                                                            
Suddenly behind them they see Frank making a scene. Tom
looks at John and they both smile.
                                                            
 
INT. DECOY/ NO ONE IS INNOCENT. - DAY
                                                            
Tom wakes up for his first day back to school.
                                                            

112.

                       JOHN
Vacation's over, time to get your
ass out of bed.
                                                            
Tom rolls back over groaning but John flips the light on.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (yawning)
Alright, alright I'm up.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Don't you remember, we are going
to get our decoy today.
                                                            
Tom shoots straight out of bed like it was Christmas
morning.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (Excited)
Oh yeah, that's right.
                                                            
Tom scrambles to throw his shoes and backpack on, Mrs.
Seymore comes walking in to check on them.
                                                            
                       MRS. SEYMORE
Are you guys ready for school?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (coldly)
Yeah, we don't need your help,
thanks.
                                                            
John walks out of the room, Mrs. Seymore sighs and shakes
her head, on the way out Tom stops in front of her.
                                                            
                       TOM
That right there is your own damn
fault.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore looks up and Tom follows John out the door.
                                                            
Mrs. Seymore watches out the window as the boys drive off
toward school.
                                                            
                                         SWITCH TO INSIDE
CAR.
                                                            
                       TOM
So you're up for this right?
                                                            
                       JOHN
You know at first I thought you
were joking but you convinced me,
I might be nervous but it has to
            (MORE)

113.

                       JOHN (cont'd)
be done.
                                                            
                       TOM
You're damn right it does, can I
get an amen.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Amen, sir.
                                                            
The car pulls up to the school, Tom smells the fresh scent
of a recent rain storm.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (Irish accent)
Me thinks it's gonna be a good day
lad.
                                                            
They get out of the car and walk into the school, they head
for their usual table and sit down at it.
                                                            
Frank walks in the cafe, bugging out more than ever before,
he makes his way over to the table.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Hey frank.
                                                            
Frank almost leaps out of his shoes, He twitches and
frantically looks around.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (paranoid)
Hey, hey guys.
                                                            
                       TOM
Are you alright?
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (Raising voice)
No, I'm not alright, are you
kidding me, they're after all of
us, they know where you live,
sleep, how often you take a shit,
the day is here, they're coming,
you all called me crazy but it
will happen.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dude, have you been taking your
Medication lately.
                                                            

114.

                       FRANK
      (psychotic)
No, no I haven't and those pills
are the only defense I have
against them reading my thoughts
and controlling my brain. My
doctors are in on it I swear, they
said my mom owed them 40 dollars
for a supposed visit, they're just
trying to get to me, so they said
that they wouldn't give me my
pills until the money was paid,
but we can't pay them, Oh god
they're here aren't they, I know
it, I know they are.
                                                            
Tom looks at John and smiles and then leans in to whisper to
frank.
                                                            
                       TOM
Yes they are here Frank, and we
don't have much time.
                                                            
Franks eyes widen in fear and he becomes even more paranoid,
looking behind him frequently.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Oh Jesus, they're after you too?
                                                            
Tom and John both nod, playing into Franks delusions.
                                                            
                       TOM
Frank, we need your help to stop
this, now we know who the
impostors are but we need guns to
stop them, do you know where we
can get some?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Yeah, yeah actually I have a bunch
at my house.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (shocked)
You do?
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (loudly)
Yeah, duh i have four 9
millimeters, a modified automatic
pistol, and a rifle.
                                                            

115.

                       JOHN
Dude, you might want to keep that
a little quieter.
                                                            
                       TOM
Frank, where did you get all that
hardware?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Duh, we live in America, Praise
the lord.
                                                            
                       TOM
And pass that ammunition, Amen, so
Frank we're going to need some of
those guns and as much ammo as you
can sneak without suspicion, see
we have a plan but we need your
help.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Yeah of course I will help you
bring down the forces of evil.
                                                            
                       TOM
I thought you might, so when you
go home today. grab the guns and
meet me at my house, can you do
that for us?
                                                            
Frank smiles and winks at Tom and then nods his head. Tom
just grins from ear to ear.
                                                            
Frank gets his bag and heads off down the hallway mumbling
to himself, John cracks open two cans of Root Beer.
                                                            
                       TOM
Well my friend, this one is for
you, ha ha our first step on the
golden road to judging the guilty
is now complete.
                                                            
John wipes away a fake tear from his eye as he clinks the
can.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Man that was deep, really deep, it
just touched my soul.
                                                            
Tom and John start laughing.
                                                            

116.

                       TOM
      (laughnig)
Oh bite me, and let's not pretend
that either of us have souls.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Ha, okay now I'll drink to that,
cheers.
                                                            
They both take a nice big gulp of soda and then the bell
rings.
                                                            
                       TOM
You know what, for the first time
I think ever I am actually excited
for class, it will give me a
chance to choose the guilty from
the innocent.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Wait I thought you said no one was
innocent?
                                                            
                       TOM
Precisely, just making sure you're
still focused.
                                                            
LATER THAT DAY IN SCIENCE.
                                                            
                       MR. P
Damn it Jack I am sick of you
causing a scene in my class.
                                                            
                       JACK
But, it wasn't me, those kids keep
picking on me, why do you always
yell at me and not them.
                                                            
                       MR. P
Because the only thing I saw was
you disturbing the class, and also
it is not my job to be your
friend.
                                                            
Tom pulls out a piece of lined paper with a list of names on
it, and next to Mr. P Tom writes the word GUILTY in all
caps.
                                                            
The bell rings and Tom and John drive home and anxiously
wait for Frank to arrive.
                                                            

117.

                       JOHN
I still can't believe how easy it
was to get guns.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (Anxious)
Yeah, what a country, hey didn't
he say he would be here at like
2:45?
                                                            
Kurtis arrives and walks over to say hi.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Hey guys, what are you guys up to?
                                                            
Frank arrives and skittishly walks over to Tom, John and
Kurtis with a duffel bag full of guns and ammo, he hands
them the bag and turns right back around.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
What's in the bag?
                                                            
Tom and John look at each other trying to decide to tell him
or not.
                                                            
                       TOM
Revenge Kurt, Revenge.
                                                            
Tom unzips the bag and pulls out a fully loaded 9 MM hand
gun.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
      (concerned)
What the hell is that thing for?
                                                            
Tom smiles and points the gun at Kurtis who immediately puts
his hands in front of his face, Tom laughs.
                                                            
                       TOM
For target practice.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Jesus man, don't point that thing
at me.
                                                            
Tom aims the gun down, relaxes his grip and laughs.
                                                            
                       TOM
BANG, ha, relax man the safety's
on.
                                                            

118.

                       TOM
Listen carefully because the next
decision could end or save your
life, on Friday at noon when half
the student body will be in the
Library we will initiate a
massacre that this small hick town
will never forget so my suggestion
is that you don't go to school
that day.
                                                            
Kurtis, now scared and confused is speechless, he gets in
his car and goes home and into his bedroom.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
      (To himself)
What should i do? do i tell or do
i stand by and hope that the plan
goes to hell.
                                                            
Kurtis stares into a mirror contemplating his actions and
the noise fades and slowly "If Today was your Last day" by
nickelback plays.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO TOM AND JOHN
                                                            
Tom and John are holding the guns and laughing, Mrs. Seymore
comes to check on them, she see's them playing with the
guns, she looks for a moment and then turns away.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO KURTIS
                                                            
Kurtis is pacing back and forward in his room, the world
flashes by him, He picks up a picture and looks at the back
where it says R.I.P. 4-20-99, the music fades to the
background
                                                            
                       KURTIS
      (depressed)
I wish you were here.
                                                            
The phone rings, It's Katie, the Nickelback song is lightly
in the background.
                                                            
                       KATIE
I love you Kurtis, I have to tell
you something.
                                                            
Kurtis pauses and wipes away a tear from his eye.
                                                            

119.

                       KURTIS
Shh, I need you to know how much I
love you, and whatever it is,
tomorrow will be here.
                                                            
Kurtis takes a deep breathe and fights back the tears.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Are you okay?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
I will be, and so will you, listen
you have to do something but you
can't ask questions, just trust me
and believe that in the end
everything will be alright.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Kurtis what are you talking about?
you're starting to scare me.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Shh, just listen to me, it is very
important that you do not go to
school on Friday,please I need you
to promise me.
                                                            
                       KATIE
What? I don't understand what's
going on, you don't want me to go
to school on Friday, but why? What
aren't you telling me?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Please just promise me, Please.
                                                            
                       KATIE
Okay, I trust you, I will stay
home, will you please tell me
what's wrong.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
It doesn't matter, just remember
that no matter what I love you and
will always love you.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Listen, don't worry, it will all
be okay, but I have to go, tell me
tomorrow.
                                                            
Kurtis hangs up, he stands up and looks at the mirror in
front of him.
                                                            
 

120.

INT. BLOODY CONCLUSION. - DAY
                                                            
Kurtis has been up all night, his alarm sounds and he clicks
it off.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO TOM AND JOHN
                                                            
Tom packs his backpack full of guns and ammo.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Today is the big day huh?
                                                            
Tom looks up from his bag and looks at John for a moment and
finally nods in pride.
                                                            
                       TOM
I've been waiting for this day for
six years, I'm just so tired but
today will be justified.
                                                            
John licks his lips because his mouth is dry.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (nervously)
I think i have cotton mouth.
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah I'm kind of nervous too, well
anxious anyway, but hey just
remember what we are doing is
right and when the smoke finally
clears people will remember us
forever.
                                                            
Tom pats John on the shoulder and finishes getting ready.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Alright, I'm ready, let's do this.
                                                            
Tom and John slowly make their way to the car and drive to
school.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO KURTIS
                                                            
                       KURTIS
      (thinking)
Why am i just sitting here? I
should go and stop them.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO TOM AND JOHN
                                                            
The car arrives at the school, John puts it in park but
neither of them move right away.
                                                            

121.

                       JOHN
No turning back right?
                                                            
                       TOM
No, not now.
                                                            
They get out of the car and follow their routine, when they
get to the table it is empty, Frank and Kurtis are no where
to be found.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Well it looks like you scared
Kurtis into silence.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (quietly)
Yeah, it looks like.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You alright man?
                                                            
                       TOM
I'm fine, I'm just focusing on the
mission ahead of us.
                                                            
                       TOM
You remember the plan right?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (excited)
Yeah, I can't believe this is it,
you know at first I thought I
would feel guilty but now I just
feel at peace.
                                                            
                       TOM
Like we're doing the only thing we
have left to do.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I was going to go with excited but
yeah that one too.
                                                            
The bell rings, they go to class, John is smiling but tom is
expressionless.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO KURTIS
                                                            
Kurtis is still sitting on the bed, trying to find the right
thing to do, He looks at the clock and it say 11:45.
                                                            
                                         CUT BACK TO SCHOOL
                                                            

122.

Tom and John are both getting into their positions just like
the plan, Tom in the library and John in the Cafe.
                                                            
Suddenly Mr. P walks into the Library, Tom smiles and lets
go a sigh of relief.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO KURTIS
                                                            
                       KURTIS
      (thinking)
What if they're right, what if
these people do deserve this, wait
no, that's wrong, no one deserves
to die like that but what can I
do?
                                                            
                                         CUT BACK TO TOM
                                                            
Tom looks at the clock in the library, it says 11:56.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (quietly)
Okay only four more minutes and
then it will all be over.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO JOHN IN THE
CAFE
                                                            
John is just sitting there tapping his foot in anticipation
and watching the clock and it reads 11:59 and a giant smile
forms on his face.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO FRONT DOOR OF
SCHOOL
                                                            
Noon on the dot like clock work Frank comes walking through
the front doors of the school wielding a hunting rifle fully
loaded, The secretary sees it and follows protocol.
                                                            
                       SECRETARY
      (frantic)
Lock the building down we have an
intruder, this is not a drill, I
repeat this is not a drill.
                                                            
The building goes into full Intruder lock down, as the doors
are being locked and lights shut off Tom and John patiently
wait for the right moment, Then without warning Tom stands
up and pulls his handgun out of the bag and begins firing.
                                                            
Moments after shots are fired the police arrive with a full
tactical team.
                                                            

123.

                                         CUT TO TOM
                                                            
                       TOM
Not one of you is innocent, Don't
move a muscle Mr. P, you're next.
                                                            
Tom takes aim on his running target and shoots him in the
leg, Tom then walks over and stands over him.
                                                            
                       MR. P
Please, you don't have to do this,
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       TOM
No I do have to do this, You're
guilty.
                                                            
Without remorse or hesitation Tom puts a bullet through Mr.
P's head, the blood splatters on the glass behind him, Tom
just turns and looks at the rest of them.
                                                            
                       BULLY(GLEN)
Please don't hurt me.
                                                            
Tom laughs, and then puts 4 bullets into glen center mass,
He then has to reload the clip and a student takes that
brief moment as a time to escape, he runs for it and makes
it through the door.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey! Get back here, there's no
getting away.
                                                            
Tom gives chase to the stray victim and shoots him dead in
the hall and everyone tries to escape, Tom just shoots at
random trying to hit whoever he can.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Tom!
                                                            
Tom stops firing and turns around to see Kurtis standing
there.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (shocked)
Kurtis? what are you doing here?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
I'm here to stop you, it doesn't
have to be like this.
                                                            

124.

                       TOM
No, Can't you see this is the only
way, it's right, it's justified..
isn't it?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
No, Tom it's not the only way, and
it's not too late to end this
without any more blood.
                                                            
Tom's hand holding the gun begins to shake, kids all around
him are screaming and hiding.
                                                            
                       TOM
They're guilty, they deserve
judgment.
                                                            
Kurtis takes a step toward tom very slowly so he doesn't
spook him, He takes out a picture from his bag.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
You asked me once who this was, do
you still want to know?
                                                            
Tom is confused and nods his head.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Alright, now I will say they
deserve judgment but not this Tom,
the girl in this picture, her name
is Rachel and I met her in 6th
grade, best person you would ever
meet, kind, ambitious, Smart, some
people said she might have been
the reincarnation of Ann frank, do
you know what happen to this
innocent girl Tom?
                                                            
                       TOM
What?
                                                            
                       KURTIS
She was shot dead, Receiving the
kind of judgment you're giving
today, she was eating lunch, just
an innocent bystander to a
tragedy, yeah Tom I transferred
here from Colorado, there's my big
secret, now come on man give me
the gun, stop now before another
innocent soul dies.
                                                            

125.

                       TOM
      (sobbing)
No, I can't do that, I need to do
this, it's the only way.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
Tom, listen to me, give me the gun
man come on it's over, just let
go.
                                                            
                                         SPLIT SCREEN TO THE
TACTICAL TEAM
                                                            
On the left Tom and Kurtis are staring down, Tom still has
the gun but is starting to lower it. On the other side we
see the tactical team closing in around the cafe.
                                                            
                       POLICE OFFICER
Son, this is Officer Ripky, you
are surrounded, I'm going to need
you to put down your weapon and
come out quietly.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Fuck you!
                                                            
Officer Ripky nods to the rest of the team and they kick the
door in and take aim at the perpetrator. John stops cold and
for a moment it looks like it may be over.
                                                            
                       POLICE OFFICER
Son it's over now just put down
the gun.
                                                            
John begins to lower his weapon but soon smiles at the
officer and raises his gun quickly, The Tactical team has no
choice but to take him out, Officer ripky looks away in
regret.
                                                            
                                         CUT BACK TO JUST TOM
AND KURTIS.
                                                            
Tom and Kurtis both look toward the direction of the shots
and just when Tom is about to surrender his gun, the shots
trigger a memory of the locker and the crash photos and out
of a fit of rage one shot is fired into Kurtis's stomach.
                                                            
Kurtis Cough's up blood and stammers backwards, Tom is
horrified and covers his mouth. Kurtis falls to the ground
losing blood fast.
                                                            

126.

Tom is in a very unstable state of mind, he blocks out the
sounds of the screams and sees a hallucination of his
parents in vibrant white glow, Tom starts to cry.
                                                            
                       TOM
I'm so sorry mom, I didn't mean
any of those awful things I said
to you, I miss you so much.
                                                            
                       MRS. LEWISTON
Tommy It's okay, it doesn't hurt
anymore.
                                                            
Mr. Lewiston smirks and both parents hold out there hands.
                                                            
                       MR. LEWISTON
It's time to come home buddy, just
let go.
                                                            
Tom sniffles and stands up.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (sobbing)
Okay dad, okay, I'm so sorry.
                                                            
Officer ripky makes his way to the stairs and people are
being evacuated out the back.
                                                            
Tom takes a deep breath, wipes the tears away from his eyes
and cocks the gun, then he holds to his head.
                                                            
Officer Ripky makes it to the top of the steps and The last
gunshot rings out, Tom is killed instantly, he falls to the
ground.
                                                            
                       POLICE OFFICER
Nooooo!
                                                            
He rushes to Kurtis to check him for a pulse, Kurtis is
alive for a few moments, in those moments Katie calls him
but he does not answer.
                                                            
                                         SWITCH TO KATIE
                                                            
                       KATIE
Listen Kurtis, I know things have
been kind of weird lately but we
really need to talk, I love you
very much, please call me back,
I'm worried about you.
                                                            
She hangs up the phone, then walks to her bathroom and looks
at the pregnancy test on the sink, It's positive.
                                                            
 

127.

INT. FINAL WORDS - DAY
                                                            
We start at the scene in the beginning in the school.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
In the next years to comes America
went through some big changes, In
a time where another recession
seemed unavoidable we received
hope as well as the first African
American president of the United
States. Gas returned to normal and
the prayers of millions of mothers
and brothers throughout the
country were answered in 2010 when
the war in the middle east finally
ended, after the massacre the
country finally took a hard look
into what their kids were doing in
schools, Programs like Friends of
Rachel finally got the attention
needed and they started to push
forward and try to create the
chain reaction she wanted to so
much to happen, and as for us,
well Tom was right about us, they
never forgot, and My son graduated
the top of his class, I couldn't
have been more proud.
                                                            
Graduation ceremony, Kurtis Jr. gets to the podium to speak,
the crowd cheers him on.
                                                            
                       KURTIS JR.
Hey everyone, they asked me to
give a speech so here it goes,
first I would like to take a
moment of silence to honor those
17 people that lost their lives...
                                                            
moment of silence.
                                                            
                       KURTIS JR.
You know, when you graduate you
start thinking about what's next
and what didn't I do, I regret
that I never knew my dad, I'm told
he was great man and I know if he
were here today in my position he
would say, Life is a series of
steps, some are big and some are
small, but the best way to conquer
those steps is not through
independence and anger but through
            (MORE)

128.

                       KURTIS JR. (cont'd)
unity and understanding, so Cheers
dad I hope you're proud.
                                                            
Kurtis Sr. is smiling, he watches on as his son receives his
diploma and holds his mother tight.
                                                            
                       KURTIS
I am proud son I am proud.
                                                            
Kurtis turns toward the camera.
                                                            
Kurtis fades away and the last thing we see is his grave, it
says Here lies Kurtis James, under it says "unity and
understanding can conquer all evil."
                                                            


THE END


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From Joe Date 3/8/2012 ***1/2
for my first script i am extremely proud of this and an update is that it will begin filming spring 2012 in RI i am excited and if anyone would like to help with funding or locations email me at joeosborne73@yahoo.com or find our page on facebook which will be up very soon

From Nick Hanks Date 12/18/2009 ***
I'm gonna give you three stars for this one. That extra star is for the first v.o line, I gotta tell you that that was rivetting. It immediately pulled me in. When someone can write a line like that is when we can distinguish talent. What a line. Other than that my interest kinda fizzled away. Look, it's obvious that you haven't been doing this very long so I'm gonna be gentle. You need to get a book on format and really study it. Your script had alot of what writers call "telling it like it is" dialogue which is not good. You would do better to let actions explain almost everthing and dialogue it very sparsely. If you looked at a professional script you'd notice that there is usually very little dialogue, (depending on genre). So all in all, I really liked your first line of dialogue, hope you find these points helpful.

From Adam Green Date 5/18/2009 *1/2
Okay, there is quite alot wrong with this but first I'll write some of the good points. It's a decent story and the characters are quite well-written. Now for the problems: The formatting is terrible. Your scene headings should only tell the location, not what's going on in the scene. For example 'INT. AFTERMATH' is not a scene heading. It should just be 'INT. SCHOOL'. Also there should be a new scene whenever the location changes. For example you can't write that Tom gets off the bus and then he's in the house, you should insert a new scene for the house part. Finally, the punctuation is just generally poor. The bright side is that these problems are easily solved. Just search the web for examples of professional screenplays and then re-write it.


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