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(OLD DRAFT) The Other Side
by John Bradley (johnrushbradley@hotmail.com)

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

Two college friends rent a haunted house. They get more than they expected when their lives get intertwined with the house's former residents.


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



FADE IN:

INT. RASOR FAMILY KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
DARLENE, thin, striking, (30s), dressed in a t-shirt, sweats
and slippers bustles through the kitchen.
                                                            
The idyllic dream of being a new Mom replaced by the
sobering reality.
                                                            
Pots boil on the stove. Darlene puts a pan in the oven.
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            
JAKE,(5), dark hair, innocent eyes, dressed in a Power
Rangers shirt sits on the floor watching TELEVISION and
plays with his toys.
                                                            
BABY ADDISON crawls around in a play pen a few feet away.
                                                            
LAUNDRY ROOM
                                                            
Darlene hurries from the kitchen, a laundry basket against
her hip. She moves clothes from washer to dryer.
                                                            
Her eyebrows raise, wrinkling her forehead. Her hand
massages her temple as she scuttles back to the kitchen.
                                                            
                       JAKE (O.S.)
Mom!
                                                            
Darlene's eyes roll. She walks in the living room.
                                                            
                       DARLENE
Yes, Jake.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Why is Daddy not coming back home?
                                                            
                       DARLENE
      (confused)
What? What are you talking about,
Dear?
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (sad)
Billy told me that Daddy isn't
coming back home.
                                                            
Darlene shakes her head in bewilderment.
                                                            

2.

                       DARLENE
Daddy's coming back home in half
an hour sweetie, don't worry. Tell
your "friend" that he doesn't know
what he's talking about.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Ok.
                                                            
KITCHEN
                                                            
Darlene goes back to cooking. She picks up the knife on the
cutting board and chops vegetables.
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            
Jake turns from the TELEVISION to the other side of the
room, intently looks.
                                                            
                       JAKE
My Mommy says you don't know what
you're talking about.
                                                            
The room stares back, empty except for the lifeless
furniture.
                                                            
PHONE RINGS
                                                            
Darlene puts down the knife and scuttles to the living room.
                                                            
She hurries past Jake and Baby Addison, answers phone.
                                                            
                       DARLENE
Hello?
(beat)
Hey Sis, how ya doing?
                                                            
She dashes back into the kitchen.
                                                            
BILLY, (8), pale, mischievous, knickers and suspenders,
enters from the hallway. A little older and bigger than
Jake.
                                                            
He struts up to Jake and stands over him. Jake looks up and
smiles. Billy grins back deviously.
                                                            
Baby Addison stares at Billy; eyes wide with a child's
fascination.
                                                            
Darlene's PHONE CONVERSATION can be faintly heard O.S.
                                                            
                       BILLY
Hey, buddy.
                                                            

3.

                       JAKE
Mommy said you were wrong about
Daddy, he is coming home.
                                                            
                       BILLY
Did she?
                                                            
Jake innocently nods yes.
                                                            
                       BILLY
      (CONT'D)
Your Mommy lied.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (offended)
She did not!
                                                            
                       BILLY
You remember she said Santa was
giving you presents but I showed
you it was just her and Daddy?
                                                            
Jake pouts his lips. He looks back up, Billy waits.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yeah.
                                                            
A beat.
                                                            
                       BILLY
Say Jake, how would you like to
play a game with me?
                                                            
                       JAKE
What kind of game?
                                                            
Billy stands. He flails his arms boisterously as if running
a small town carnival game.
                                                            
                       BILLY
A game where you win cotton candy.
You like cotton candy right?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yeah!
                                                            
                       BILLY
Let's play.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Let me ask Mommy first.
                                                            

4.

                       BILLY
      (nervously)
Oh, you needn't do that.
                                                            
KITCHEN
                                                            
Darlene sits at the kitchen table, still on the phone; the
conversation happy.
                                                            
                       JAKE (O.S.)
      (yelling)
Mom, can I play a game with Billy?
                                                            
Darlene covers the mouth piece. Her face cringes.
                                                            
                       DARLENE
Sure thing, Jake.
                                                            
Darlene uncovers the mouth piece of the phone.
                                                            
                       DARLENE
      (CONT'D)
Oh nothing, Jake just asked me if
he could play a game with his
imaginary friend. I guess he's at
that age.
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            
Billy stands there, joyfully smiles.
                                                            
                       BILLY
Splendid!
                                                            
                       JAKE
So what's the game?
                                                            
                       BILLY
It's called CANDY MAN.
                                                            
                       JAKE
How do you play?
                                                            
Billy motions Jake to follow. They tip-toe to the doorway of
the kitchen. Billy points. Jake's eyes follow.
                                                            
                       BILLY
Do you see that knife right there?
                                                            
KITCHEN COUNTER
                                                            
The knife ominously sits on the cutting board.
                                                            

5.

Jake eyes the knife, then back at Mr. Billy and nods.
                                                            
                       BILLY
      (CONT'D)
Take that knife, without your
Mommy seeing you, run some water
on it in the sink, and bring it
here.
                                                            
Jake regards Billy, who assures him. He moves cautiously
past Darlene, who does not notice. He grabs the knife and
takes it to the sink, runs water over it.
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            
Jake scurries back with the knife.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Ok, now what?
                                                            
Jake follows Mr. Billy's finger.
                                                            
Typical white electrical socket is shown.
                                                            
Jake glances from the electrical socket back to Billy,
confused.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (cont'd)
I don't get it.
                                                            
                       BILLY
Now, you go up to that, close you
eyes and stick the knife in and
twist around and around and
around, until I tell you to stop.
                                                            
                       JAKE
How does that make cotton candy?
                                                            
                       BILLY
      (angrily)
Just do what I say!
                                                            
Jake squints down and scrunches his lips, wounded.
                                                            
                       BILLY
      (kindly)
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell.
Have I ever lied to you Jake?
                                                            
Billy brushes up against Jake, gently strokes the top of his
head.
                                                            

6.

                       JAKE
I guess not.
                                                            
                       BILLY
You trust me don't you?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yeah.
                                                            
                       BILLY
Then just close your eyes, stick
the knife in and spin. You'll have
cotton candy before you know it.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Ok.
                                                            
Jake paces towards the electrical socket. He turns back to
Billy, who smiles and motions him to continue.
                                                            
Jake's eyelids shut, the knife stuck out blindly.
                                                            
He struggles, forces the knife in the electrical socket. He
spins the knife around, pops the plastic cover.
                                                            
                       BILLY
That's it, you're doing splendid!
Just spin it a little faster.
                                                            
Jake spins the knife violently. SPARKS EXPLODE, as the knife
grinds through the exposed wire.
                                                            
                       BILLY
      (CONT'D)
You're almost there!
                                                            
MORE SPARKS shoot out. Suddenly, electricity flows through
his body and he falls to the ground, electrocuted.
                                                            
Billy strolls to Jake and stands over his electrocuted body
with a satisfied malevolence.
                                                            
Jake shakes on the floor, not breathing.
                                                            
Billy walks toward the hall. He reaches a confused Baby
Addison. He reveals his true deathly decomposed form, then
exits.
                                                            
BABY ADDISON SCREAMS.
                                                            
KITCHEN
                                                            
Darlene sits, still on the phone.
                                                            

7.

                       DARLENE
Love you too, Sis.
                                                            
Darlene hangs up. She gets up from her chair and walks to
the cutting board.
                                                            
Her body freezes, eyes dart back and forth across the
counter. Her jaw drops. Baby Addison CRIES.
                                                            
                       DARLENE
      (concerned)
Jake?
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            
Darlene hurries in. She is horrified to see Jake lying on
the ground, next to the electrical socket that has been
violently torn up; knife gripped tightly in hand.
                                                            
                       DARLENE
Jake! Oh my God!
                                                            
Darlene rushes to his side and cradles him. She puts her ear
to his mouth. Her face turns to a pathetic mess.
                                                            
                       DARLENE
      (CONT'D)
Don't do this to me Jake!
                                                            
Darlene performs CPR. After several seconds, Jake COUGHS and
slowly opens his eyes.
                                                            
                       DARLENE
      (CONT'D)
Are you ok? What were you doing?
                                                            
Jake shakes the cobwebs out. He leans up and looks at
Darlene. Tears roll down her cheeks.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (blankly)
Mommy, where's my cotton candy?
                                                            
 
EXT. HENNING ASYLUM YARD - EVENING
                                                            
HAND HELD SHOT - HENNING ASYLUM
                                                            
HUNTER PETERSON, (18), slightly muscular, clear complected,
easy going disposition, stands in front of Henning Asylum, a
three story tall, large, dilapidated building ominously
inhabiting the land. Two foot tall grass surrounds it.
                                                            

8.

No one has cared for the building in decades. The type of
place one would not enter unless dared. No other buildings
or evidence of humanity.
                                                            
Hunter's eyes are ambitious, his body language confident. He
is a natural in front of the camera.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Hi, I'm Hunter Peterson and the
incredibly handsome, single, STD
free person operating the camera
is Jake Rasor.
                                                            
JAKE, (18), with dark, messy hair, nervous, turns the
HAND-HELD CAMERA to his face, awkwardly smiles and waves. He
turns the camera back.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
We are standing outside Henning
Asylum.
                                                            
Hunter motions to the building.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
Closed in the 1960s, this building
housed the mentally ill,
physically disabled, homeless, and
many others that society outcast
for nearly one hundred years.
                                                            
Hunter ambles along the side of the building.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
The conditions the patients were
subjected to, by today's
standards, would be considered
inhumane. At its height, this
building housed twelve hundred
people.
                                                            
Hunter stops. Cracked cement stairs lead up to two large red
doors. Eroded by time.
                                                            
 
INT. HENNING ASYLUM - NIGHT
                                                            
HAND-HELD SHOT, NIGHT VISION - FOLLOWING HUNTER
                                                            
A dark, tangled maze of rooms and corridors. CLAUSTROPHOBIC.
                                                            

9.

Hunter carefully steps through a long, dark, winding
hallway. All the lights are out; the night vision casting a
green hue. Hunter holds a voice recorder.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Is there anyone here who used to
be a patient?
                                                            
Hunter stands still. The CAMERA PANS around the empty, run
down room. WATER DRIPS ON METAL.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
We are not here to harm you or
disrespect you. We just want to
see a sign of your presence and to
give you a chance to pass on a
message.
                                                            
A LOUD METALLIC NOISE
                                                            
CAMERA TURNS 180 degrees and looks down the other end of the
hallway. No one there.
                                                            
                       JAKE (O.S.)
What was that?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
That wasn't you?
                                                            
                       JAKE (O.S.)
It came from the other end of the
hallway down there.
                                                            
Hunter eases back the way they came from.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Are you trying to let us know
you're here? Can you do that
again?
                                                            
Another LOUD METALLIC NOISE. Hunter looks around, confused.
A massive, rust-streaked steel door behind Hunter rests,
slightly ajar.
                                                            
All of a sudden that DOOR SLAMS on it's own. Hunter jumps
back in terror. Both Hunter and Jake let out a scream.
                                                            
 

10.

INT. SCHOOL COMMONS - DAY
                                                            
Jake sits at a booth, eats. The tables around them bustles
with people. Hunter, in nursing students uniform, strolls
over and plops down.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
That was amazing.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I'm glad your first ghost hunt
went so well.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Dude, you have completely changed
my perception about life and
death.
                                                            
                       JAKE
My pleasure.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What's it like to see dead people?
Is it scary?
                                                            
Jake turns. GHOST ONE, a young, sorrowful man in his 20's,
wearing dirty, faded clothes paces by casually. His skin
slightly bloated, with a blueish hue.
                                                            
                       JAKE
It's kinda weird to be honest.
                                                            
Ghost One looks at Jake and Hunter, reveals gray eyes, with
deep bags underneath and a large, jagged scar accross his
throat. Jake quickly turns back to Hunter.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I can imagine.
                                                            
Ghost One walks away, searches aimlessly.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
Well, if you're interested, I have
an idea about our second
documentary.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yeah, definitely.
                                                            
 

11.

INT. JAKE'S DORM BUILDING - DAY
                                                            
ALTERNATIVE MUSIC PLAYS.
                                                            
Looking sharp. Hunter strolls down a hallway past a group of
fetching, young college coeds. They exchange flirtatious
smiles. Hunter reaches Jake's room and KNOCKS ON THE DOOR.
                                                            
                       MARK (O.S.)
It's unlocked.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE'S DORM ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Hunter enters. MARK, thin, 18, dressed in pajamas with
disheveled hair, the look of a typical freshman stoner sits
on the couch playing an ON-LINE SHOOTING GAME.
                                                            
The room seams sanitary, but slightly unorganized, posters
of musicians and sports teams on the wall.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey.
                                                            
Mark does not take his eyes off the TELEVISION.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Mark, it's Friday night, shouldn't
you be out scarring old people?
                                                            
                       MARK
      (dry)
Ha ha, funny. I have a lot of
studying to do tonight.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (sarcastically)
How's studying going?
                                                            
                       MARK
      (condescendingly)
So, what's this Jake was telling
me about you two trying to find a
haunted house to live in?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Well it's pretty self explanatory.
We want to rent a space to live
that's inhabited by the undead.
                                                            
                       MARK
Thanks for the explanation. What I
meant was, why're you doing it?
                                                            

12.

                       HUNTER
To make a documentary.
                                                            
                       MARK
About what--two college kids who
like to sit in the dark and talk
to themselves?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
We could make one about you
playing video games all day and
masturbating in your own tears.
                                                            
                       MARK
Whatever.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
This is an awesome, original
idea--you just can't see that.
                                                            
The bathroom door opens and Jake shuffles out, fresh from
the shower, covered in a towel.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
Did you get fresh and clean just
for me?
                                                            
                       JAKE
I was thinking about you the whole
time.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
You know you like the attention.
                                                            
Jake sits on the couch next to Hunter and Mark.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Any luck yet?
                                                            
                       JAKE
No, I got nothing. This isn't as
easy as I thought it would be.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What's the problem?
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (frustrated)
I'm running out of ideas. I mean,
what do you suggest I do? I've
looked through every house for
rent ad, not a single one of them
mentions they're haunted. Do you
            (MORE)

13.

                       JAKE (cont'd)
expect me to call every place and
ask, oh by the way is this place
haunted?'
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Ok, let's all just take a deep
breath. I'm sure we can think of
something.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hmm.
                                                            
Mark appears to have come up with an idea.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What are you thinking?
                                                            
                       MARK
Have you guys thought about
calling a realtor? My Aunt Mary is
one--she might be able to help you
guys out.
                                                            
Hunter looks at Jake. They both appear encouraged.
                                                            
 
INT. COLLEGE HOUSE PARTY - NIGHT
                                                            
Jake and Hunter weave through a sea of people. RAP MUSIC
blares. A black light casts a purplish glow.
                                                            
Hunter slides through the room. Jake stiffly follows, his
eyes dart around nervously.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Thanks for inviting me--I've never
been to a party like this.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I told you it would rock. I'm glad
you're having a great time.
                                                            
Hunter and Jake reach the kitchen. The keg rests on a small
kitchen table A handful of people wait in line. Two guys,
JOCK ONE and JOCK TWO pour the beer.
                                                            
 
INT. COLLEGE HOUSE PARTY - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jake and Hunter, beer cups in hand, move through the party.
Attractive, scantily dressed women dance with guys. Hunter
gets right into the action and dances.
                                                            

14.

Jake stands back away from the action. He looks longingly at
Hunter. No one notices him. He slinks away, escapes to the
back patio.
                                                            
 
EXT. COLLEGE HOUSE PARTY BACK PATIO - LATER
                                                            
Jake sits alone, sulking, pounds a beer. The dark green
patio furniture is messy and unkept. The back door opens and
Hunter stumbles out.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
There you are.
                                                            
Jake turns.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (unenthusiastic)
Here I am.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What're you doing out here--the
party's inside?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Just came out for some fresh air.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Well come back in--I want to
introduce you to some people.
                                                            
The back door opens and two luscious college girls, COURTNEY
and JESSICA exit. They both ogle Hunter.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Hey ladies--what are you up to?
                                                            
                       JESSICA
The other girls are getting
jealous cause all the guys are
paying attention to us.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I can see that.
                                                            
                       COURTNEY
It's not our fault we like showing
our tits and making out.
                                                            
Jake and Hunter both lean forward and gulp. Cartoonish.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Oh wow.
                                                            

15.

                       HUNTER
I can see why they would be
jealous.
                                                            
Courtney and Jessica smile.
                                                            
                       JESSICA
      (provocatively)
You guys wanna see them?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Hell yeah!
                                                            
Courtney and Jessica lift up their shirts, showing their
breasts. After a few seconds they put their shirts down and
giggle.
                                                            
Hunter has a childlike grin. Jake's mouth hangs open,
accompanied by a blank stare.
                                                            
                       JESSICA
      (to Hunter)
Have you ever had a triple kiss?
                                                            
They both saunter up to Hunter and caress his chest.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
No, but I'd really love to.
                                                            
Courtney and Jessica lean in and make out with Hunter. Jake
squirms in his chair.
                                                            
                       COURTNEY
      (to Hunter)
We're going to have fun with you
tonight.
                                                            
The two girls walk Hunter back into the party. Jake's face
shows his losing battle against his emotions.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENTUCKY WOODS - DAY
                                                            
We descend through an isolated stretch of thickly wooded
trees till we reach a windy road, a single car driving.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
MUSIC PLAYS
                                                            
Hunter drives his beat up, cheap, four door car down a
country road. Jake rides shotgun. Surrounded by trees;

16.

civilization seems distant. Jake examines a paper with the
directions.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
This place is pretty far from
school.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Are you complaining?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
No, I'm just saying.
                                                            
                       JAKE
You make it sound like haunted
houses are easy to find.
                                                            
They pass a rustic, dilapidated farm house. Jake examines
the address.
                                                            
An ominous, aging gray house appears on the right. Hunter
and Jake can't take their eyes off of it.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (CONT'D)
I'm pretty sure we're here.
                                                            
Hunter pulls the car into the winding, dirt driveway.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Are you sure this is the address?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yep, says so right here?
                                                            
Hunter looks around.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Where's the owner then?
                                                            
Jake shrugs. Hunter parks.
                                                            
 
EXT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
It is a dark, cloudy, mucky day. Jake and Hunter get out and
stretch. They amble towards the house, eye it over. Paint
chips away, revealing spots of old, decaying wood.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Creepy
(beat)
I like it!
                                                            

17.

A car pulls into the dirt driveway. Hunter and Jake turn.
The car parks.
                                                            
WARNER, a slightly disheveled, middle aged woman with pained
eyes gets out. Her gaze eerily fixated on the house; she
takes a few steps towards Jake and Hunter.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Hi, Ms. Warner? I'm Jake, we spoke
on the phone.
                                                            
Warner hesitantly takes her gaze away from the house and
turns it towards Jake and Hunter.
                                                            
                       WARNER
      (matter-of-factly)
So, you're interested in renting
the house?
                                                            
Jake recoils slightly, looks nervously at Warner, then the
house, then back at Warner. She gives Jake a very serious
stare.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Hi, I'm Hunter and yes we are.
                                                            
                       WARNER
You spoke with Mary Reinholz? Do
you know why I left this property?
                                                            
                       JAKE
She explained it to me, yes.
                                                            
                       WARNER
      (shakes her head)
What the hell are you doing here
then?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
We're just interested in the
paranormal is all. I mean, is your
house haunted?
                                                            
                       WARNER
      (coldly)
Yeah.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Well great, that's exactly what
we're looking for.
                                                            
Jake and Hunter look nervously at one another.
                                                            

18.

                       JAKE
Can we have a tour?
                                                            
Warner reaches in her pocket and pulls out a key. She hands
it to Hunter, folds her arms and stands like a rock.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
You're not coming in?
                                                            
Warner looks at the house and then back to Hunter. She
flatly shakes her head no.
                                                            
Hunter and Jake amble towards the front door. The WIND GUSTS
AND HOWLS as they walk up the stairs.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
The DOOR CREAKS OPEN. Hunter and Jake enter. Dusty, unkept
furniture remains. No one has been there for years.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Did you see the way she looked at
this place--she wouldn't even step
inside?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Do you think she was faking that?
                                                            
Hunter and Jake walk through the living room.
                                                            
                       JAKE
No, she is legitly scared of this
place.
                                                            
They continue further in.
                                                            
KITCHEN
                                                            
The interior of the house is old and mostly wooden. Hunter
looks through the cupboards.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
There's a ton of space.
                                                            
Jake moves to the window and looks out.
                                                            
JAKE'S POV
                                                            
A ghoulish feeling emanates from the foggy, untouched woods.
                                                            

19.

                       HUNTER (O.S.)
Hey, come check this out!
                                                            
Jake turns. No one there.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Where are you?
                                                            
                       HUNTER (O.S.)
Up here.
                                                            
HALLWAY
                                                            
Jake walks up the stairs, then by two rooms and a bathroom.
He gets to the last bedroom on the left, turns and Hunter is
there, waiting.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (smiling)
I so call this room.
                                                            
                       JAKE
What, no coin flips?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Let's check out the basement.
                                                            
 
INT. THE BASEMENT - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Hunter and Jake open the basement door.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Where's the light?
                                                            
Hunter and Jake slowly continue down the stairs. Hunter
pulls a cord.
                                                            
A naked light bulb dangling from the ceiling sparks to life.
They descend down the stairs.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
You so need to take the basement
as your room.
                                                            
The basement is quite large, filled with row after row of
boxes, paintings, and antique furniture. There is even an
ancient piano in the back.
                                                            
Jake surveys the room. The basement is shadowy, unsettling.
                                                            
                       JAKE
No chance in hell.
                                                            

20.

                       HUNTER
I bet you'll get a lot of activity
down here.
                                                            
POP!
                                                            
The room goes dark.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Damn light bulb, must've been
thirty years old.
                                                            
Hunter and Jake pull their cell phones, use them as
flashlights. Hunter BUMPS into something.
                                                            
PIANO PLAYS
                                                            
                       JAKE
Holy shit!
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (laughs)
Cool. My grandpa had a piano like
this.
                                                            
A dark, human shaped shadow stands behind them, hands at
it's side, stares at the two with piercing eyes.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I don't like it down here.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Well, I think this place is
exactly what we are looking for.
                                                            
 
EXT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S DRIVEWAY - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jake and Hunter walk out the front door. Warner stands by
her car, a cigarette smolders in her mouth. She looks as if
she has been in deep thought.
                                                            
They walk up to her and she stares frankly at them both.
Hunter hands Warner the key.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
So we had a few questions.
                                                            
                       WARNER
I can't do it.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What?
                                                            

21.

                       WARNER
I can't rent this place to you.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Wait, why?
                                                            
                       WARNER
I can't let what happen to my
family happen to anybody else.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
No offense Ms. Warner, but if you
weren't going to rent the place
anyway, why did either of us show
up?
                                                            
Ms. Warner takes a drag of her cigarette and solemnly looks
at the ground.
                                                            
                       WARNER
      (defeated)
I came against my better judgment.
(beat)
I needed the money.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Look, Ms. Warner, we really want
the place--we promise to be
careful.
                                                            
                       WARNER
I said no!
                                                            
                       HUNTER
But why?
                                                            
                       WARNER
      (shakes her head)
I can't be responsible for ruining
your lives.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Please, I think we can both help
each other out. This is what we
want.
                                                            
                       JAKE
It's perfect.
                                                            
Warner looks back and forth.
                                                            

22.

                       WARNER
Alright. You want it, you can have
it.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Ms. Warner, I know you don't wanna
tell us what happened, but we're
wondering if you could so we know
what we're in for.
                                                            
                       WARNER
When my husband and I first moved
in here I would hear and see
things. Footsteps when no one else
was home, noises that made no
sense, shadows that I couldn't
explain.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
We've seen those things before.
                                                            
                       WARNER
My marriage to my husband quickly
deteriorated. He became convinced
that I was having an affair and
tried to kill me.
                                                            
Warner pulls down the top of her shirt and reveals two
large, bullet sized scars at the top of her chest.
                                                            
 
INT. U-HAUL TRUCK - DAY
                                                            
Jake, Hunter and Mark are in the U-Haul truck. Hunter
drives.
                                                            
                       MARK
You did not get a four bedroom
house for eight hundred a month!
                                                            
                       JAKE
It's true.
                                                            
                       MARK
I thought you told me the place
was nice.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
It is
(beat)
sorta.
                                                            

23.

                       JAKE
She's giving us a great deal
because it's haunted.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (smirking)
That's hilarious.
                                                            
                       JAKE
What is?
                                                            
                       MARK
That she's willing to lose money
over this malarkey.
                                                            
                       JAKE
So do you think she's crazy or
stupid?
                                                            
                       MARK
I'm not sure, but she's got to be
one or the other.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (seriously)
So which one do you think we are?
                                                            
Mark's brow furrows. Jake and Hunter stare.
                                                            
                       MARK
Neither, you two are just faking
it.
                                                            
Jake and Hunter laugh.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENTUCKY BACK ROAD - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
The U-Haul truck drives further down the road.
                                                            
 
EXT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S DRIVEWAY - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
The U-Haul truck crawls to a stop.
                                                            
 
INT. U-HAUL TRUCK - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Mark looks up at the house.
                                                            
                       MARK
Place has a lot of character.
                                                            

24.

                       HUNTER
      (smiling)
We're doing a ghost hunt tonight,
you're welcome to stay.
                                                            
 
EXT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Hunter, Mark and Jake get out of the U-Haul and walk towards
the house. Jake pulls a key from his pocket.
                                                            
                       MARK
What you mean is sit in your
living room all night, in complete
darkness, asking figments of your
imagination to speak into a
microphone.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Something like that.
                                                            
Jake sticks the key in the lock.
                                                            
                       MARK
Thanks for the offer, but I'm
going to have to pass. I have more
important things to do like clip
my toe nails and count my change
jar.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S HALLWAY - LATER
                                                            
Mark and Jake carry a dresser up the stairs to Jake's room.
They struggle with the heavy dresser, battling not to drop
it. They get in the room. It is almost completely set up.
                                                            
JAKE'S BEDROOM
                                                            
Jake and Mark maneuver the dresser towards the corner and
set it down. Jake wipes sweat from his brow.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (relieved)
Almost done.
                                                            
                       MARK
Yeah, it's been a good workout.
                                                            
Mark puts his hands on his side and exhales..
                                                            

25.

                       JAKE
Thanks Mark, we appreciate the
help.
                                                            
FOOTSTEPS COME UP THE STAIRS. Hunter enters.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Hey, I bought us some pizza--come
get it while it's hot.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER AND JAKE'S KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Hunter, Jake and Mark sit at the dinning table, pizza boxes,
empty plates and soda cans scattered about.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (finishing a joke)
Then Invisible Man says, I don't
know, but my ass sure does hurt.
                                                            
Jake and Mark laugh their pants wet. Mark reaches in his
pocket, searches.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey, have you guys seen my phone?
                                                            
                       JAKE
You might have taken it out in my
room.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (disappointed)
You mean I have to go all the way
up the stairs?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I know, it's tough.
                                                            
Mark stands and stretches.
                                                            
                       MARK
I just wish you had told me before
I ate all that pizza.
                                                            
Hunter and Jake smile at Mark as he jogs up the stairs.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (sarcastically)
Careful of the ghosts.
                                                            
                       MARK
I'll keep my eye out.
                                                            
 

26.

INT. JAKE'S BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Mark searches through the room. He sees his cell phone on
the dresser, picks it up and slips it in his pocket.
                                                            
Mark gazes out the window at the pond and forest. He paces
towards the window, his eyes never deviate, as if in a
trance.
                                                            
MARK'S FACE
                                                            
stares, eyebrows raised in curiosity. Confusion quickly
turns to shock, to horror.
                                                            
MARK'S FEET
                                                            
Urine trickles down Mark's shaking leg. He slowly backs away
from the window.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Mark runs down the stairs, each step faster than the last.
He passes Jake and Hunter, who are perplexed.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Where you going, Mark?
                                                            
Mark keeps running, ignoring Jake, out the front door.
                                                            
 
EXT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S DRIVEWAY - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Mark runs, arms pumping, terrified. He gets in the U-haul.
Jams the key in the ignition. The ENGINE STARTS. Jake and
Hunter run out, wave their arms at him.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What are you doing?
                                                            
 
INT. U-HAUL TRUCK - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Mark still has a look of terror. He backs the truck up, then
speeds out of the driveway.
                                                            
JAKE AND HUNTER'S DRIVEWAY
                                                            
Hunter looks at Jake in confusion.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Is he really taking our U-Haul?
                                                            

27.

                       JAKE
Yeah, I think he is.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
That's one weird guy.
                                                            
The U-haul truck speeds down the road and out of sight. Jake
and Hunter walk back in the house.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Jake and Hunter move cleaning supplies to the middle of the
room.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Can't we just hire a maid?
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (smiles)
That's why I got Addison to come
down.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
That's cool your little brother's
coming to help.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I told him we'd pay him forty
bucks. You're in for twenty right?
                                                            
Hunter gazes around the dirty house.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Oh yeah.
                                                            
KNOCK AT THE DOOR
                                                            
                       JAKE
That's gotta be Addison.
                                                            
Jake walks to the door and opens it. ADDISON (14), thin,
holding onto the last of his youthful innocence enters.
                                                            
                       ADDISON
Hey.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Thanks for coming.
                                                            
Addison walks in, sees what he got himself into. Jake peers
outside; Darlene gives him a polite wave from the car, then
drives away. Jake closes the door.
                                                            

28.

                       ADDISON
This is a big place--I should've
asked for more than forty.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Too late now.
                                                            
Hunter reaches his hand out. Addison shakes it.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Hey Addison, I'm Hunter.
                                                            
                       ADDISON
Nice to meet you.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Alright, who's ready to do some
cleaning?
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - LATER
                                                            
Jake, Addison and Hunter, on their hands and knees, scrub
the filthy floor. A bucket of water sits between them.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Can you believe Mark?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
That was weird.
                                                            
                       ADDISON
What happened?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Our friend Mark totally freaked
out here and ran away.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Like really, what's his deal?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
He was your friend first, don't
ask me.
                                                            
                       ADDISON
      (sarcastically)
Are you saying he saw a ghost?
                                                            
Jake and Hunter exchange a glance. Addison laughs. Hunter
turns.
                                                            

29.

                       HUNTER
You believe in ghosts?
                                                            
                       ADDISON
About as much as I believe in
Santa Clause.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I'm glad you never had to go
through what I did.
                                                            
                       ADDISON
Jake, you're so gullible--you
believe in anything.
                                                            
                       JAKE
That's not true.
                                                            
                       ADDISON
You believe in UFO's.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Well yeah, that's because they
exist!
                                                            
                       ADDISON
I love you Jake--I just think
you're crazy.
                                                            
                       JAKE
One day you'll believe.
                                                            
Hunter scrubs around some furniture along the trim. He comes
across a dirty spoon covered in maggots, GAGS.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Disgusting!
                                                            
                       JAKE
What?
                                                            
Jake and Addison walk over and look at what Hunter has come
across.
                                                            
                       ADDISON
Ew.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
That's filthy.
                                                            
                       JAKE
What do you expect--no one's lived
here in years?
                                                            

30.

Hunter gingerly picks up the spoon.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Dude, where's the trash?
                                                            
KITCHEN
                                                            
Hunter walks in holding the spoon. He heads straight to the
trash and throws it away. He steps on something. Then bends
down and picks it up.
                                                            
HUNTER'S HAND
                                                            
holds an old, faded, blue and yellow butterfly pin.
                                                            
Hunter's face scrunches as he curiously gazes at it, then
pockets it and leaves the kitchen.
                                                            
 
INT. APRIL'S BATHROOM - DAY
                                                            
APRIL, (20's), sweet and slender, adjusts her flower printed
dress and butterfly pin in front of the mirror.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM (O.S.)
Come pour us a drink, will ya?
                                                            
April scurries down the stairs into the
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            
Upper middle-class, 1950's décor.
                                                            
WILLIAM, (20's), thick, well dressed, shakes his empty glass
for April to fill.
                                                            
BENJAMIN, (20's), sweet disposition, sits across from
William.
                                                            
April grabs William's glass.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Can I get anything for you,
Benjamin?
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
Of course you can--get him what
I'm having.
                                                            
April grabs William's glass and scuttles away into the
                                                            
KITCHEN
                                                            

31.

                       WILLIAM
Boy, this bourbon's running
straight through me.
                                                            
William stands and struts to the bathroom. Benjamin gets up
and paces to April, her back to him.
                                                            
He wraps his hands around her waist. She closes her eyes.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - LATER
                                                            
Addison stands with his hand extended. Two $20 bills placed
in his palm.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Thanks again -- I don't know what
we would have done without you.
                                                            
Addison puts the money in his pocket.
                                                            
                       ADDISON
Hardest forty dollars I have
earned in my life.
                                                            
                       JAKE
The only forty dollars you've
earned in your life.
                                                            
                       ADDISON
Whatever!
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jake and Hunter are putting away the cleaning supplies. A
KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Got it.
                                                            
Jake walks to the front door and opens it; Darlene is on the
other side. She stands stiffly; gives Jake a flat, toothless
smile.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (CONT'D)
Hey, Mom.
                                                            
                       DARLENE
Is Addison ready?
                                                            

32.

                       JAKE
In a minute--he's in the shower.
                                                            
Darlene's eyes gaze around the inside of the house, avoids
Jake.
                                                            
                       DARLENE
Ok.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Do you want to wait inside?
                                                            
Addison walks by, freshly showered.
                                                            
                       ADDISON
Hey Mom, ready to go?
                                                            
                       DARLENE
Yes. maybe next time.
                                                            
Addison walks out the door.
                                                            
                       JAKE
See ya guys.
                                                            
                       DARLENE
Love you Jake.
                                                            
                       ADDISON
See you bro.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Goodbye Addison.
                                                            
Jake watches as Darlene and Addison get in Darlene's car.
The car starts and pulls out down the driveway.
                                                            
Hunter stands behind Jake, keenly aware of the frosty
exchange.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Hunter picks up his cell phone and dials.
                                                            
                       MARK (V.O.)
Hey, this is Mark. I'm not here
right now, please leave a message.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Mark, we're really worried about
you. Call me back.
                                                            
 

33.

INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
                                                            
Jake enters the front door, down and lethargic. Hunter
sprints up to him, eager and bright-eyed. The complete
opposite.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Jake, I have some great news!
                                                            
                       JAKE
What's that?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
It's a literary contest--I won a
ten thousand dollar grant!
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (melancholy)
Good for you.
                                                            
Hunter notices something off about Jake.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What's wrong?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Someone stole my backpack today.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Oh dude, that's terrible.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I had $400 worth of books in there
and my flash drive with everything
on it. I'm totally fucked on a
biology paper tomorrow.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I'll help you out man--just let me
know what you need.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Thanks Hunter, you're a really
great friend.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (smiling)
We're still on for tonight, right?
                                                            
 

34.

INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Jake and Hunter set up video cameras. Jake places a small
red ball on the floor, puts tape around it.
                                                            
KITCHEN
                                                            
Hunter sets up a series of flashlights along the counter.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Can you make sure all the windows
are closed?
                                                            
                       JAKE (O.S.)
Yeah, can do.
                                                            
HALLWAY
                                                            
Jake heads up the stairs and checks each room one by one.
Jake gets to his room, which is all set up now with an
X-Files poster and counter culture art.
                                                            
He stares out the open window. It is a windy, dark, cloudy
night.
                                                            
                       HUNTER (O.S.)
Jake, where are you?
                                                            
Jake is hesitant to break his concentration, but does. He
shuts the window.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Coming.
                                                            
Jake exits his room.
                                                            
He jogs down the stairs. Hunter stands at the bottom,
fiddles with two audio recorders.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Everything set?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yup.
                                                            
Hunter hands Jake a recorder.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Let's get started.
                                                            
Jake turns off all the lights. The house is pitch black,
except for a small amount of moonlight.
                                                            
 

35.

INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - LATER
                                                            
Jake holds a camera with a small green night vision screen.
He follows Hunter.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I would like to speak to the
person or entity that scared our
friend Mark the other day.
(beat)
Can you make your presence known
to us?
                                                            
Hunter and Jake stop. The house CREAKS.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
You hear that?
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (whispering)
Sounded like it came from
upstairs.
                                                            
HALLWAY
                                                            
Hunter creeps up the stairs; Jake behind him. They get to
the top.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Oh wow, I am definitely getting a
cold chill.
                                                            
Hunter rubs his arm and moves it towards the camera.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Dude, you're covered in
goosebumps.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (holds up
       microphone)
If there is someone here, talk
into this blinking red light. I
can capture your voice on it.
                                                            
Silence.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Let's grab the ball, see if they
can move it.
                                                            

36.

                       HUNTER
Good idea.
                                                            
Hunter heads down the stairs while Jake stands and waits.
                                                            
Moments later Hunter heads back up with the ball. He puts it
on the floor.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
If you're here can you move that
ball for us? It's really easy.
                                                            
They stare at the ball. Wait. Nothing happens.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (whispering)
I can definitely feel something.
                                                            
The ball rolls a couple of inches. Hunter and Jake jump,
excited.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Oh my God, did you get that?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yeah!
(beat)
I think so.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Thank you for that sign. Just to
show everyone all the windows and
vents are closed and off.
                                                            
Hunter and Jake walk by a couple of vents and they are
closed. They walk by Hunter's bedroom and the windows are
closed.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
As you can see, there is no draft
that could have made that ball
move.
                                                            
They walk by Jake's room. The window is wide open; the
curtains blow tauntingly. Hunter turns to Jake.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
God dammit! Turn the camera off.
                                                            
Jake looks totally astonished and disheartened.
                                                            

37.

                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
You were supposed to close all the
windows!
                                                            
                       JAKE
I did.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
God, what is this, your first
investigation?
                                                            
                       JAKE
I'm sorry, I thought I closed
them.
                                                            
Hunter turns the light on as he walks down the hallway.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Too late to start over now.
                                                            
JAKE'S BEDROOM
                                                            
Hunter STOMPS LOUDLY down the stairs. Jake, defeated, steps
in his room and stares out the open window. The pond and the
forest stare back. Jake slams the window shut.
                                                            
 
INT. FLASHBACK APRIL'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
April, on her hands and knees, scrubs the floor with a large
sponge. A KNOCK AT THE DOOR. April puts down the sponge,
gives a SIGH, gets up and answers the door.
                                                            
A POSTMAN stands there with a small package in his hand.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Hello.
                                                            
                       POSTMAN
April Kilwell?
                                                            
                       APRIL
Yes.
                                                            
Postman hands April a clipboard.
                                                            
                       POSTMAN
Sign here please.
                                                            
April signs the clipboard and Postman hands her a package.
                                                            

38.

                       POSTMAN
      (CONT'D)
Have a good day.
                                                            
April tries to hide the utter sadness with a pleasant smile.
                                                            
                       APRIL
You as well.
                                                            
April closes the door and walks to the kitchen table,
curiously looks over the package. She tears it open. A small
bag of caramels inside. She opens the card that goes with it
and it reads: "Sweets for the sweetest person I know."
                                                            
April puts her hand over her mouth, covers a flattered
smile.
                                                            
                                         END FLASHBACK
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Jake sits at his desk, pen in hand, does homework. He puts
the pen down and rubs the bridge of his nose. He gets up,
stretches.
                                                            
OUT JAKE'S WINDOW
                                                            
April sits on the bench next to the pond with her back to
the house. Jake stares at her, mesmerized.
                                                            
A LOUD VIBRATING SOUND
                                                            
He turns and grabs his cell phone. He flips it open, looks
through a message and puts it down. He looks out the window
again and April is gone.
                                                            
Jake's eyes dart back and forth. Disappointed he does not
see her, he grabs his headphones and iPod.
                                                            
A KNOCK AT THE DOOR. Hunter enters.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Hey.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I'm gone tonight, so you'll have
the entire house to yourself. Go
in the living room, get naked and
get some Asian hookers over here.
                                                            

39.

                       JAKE
Wow thanks, I was going to do that
anyway.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Really?
                                                            
                       JAKE
What do you think I do when you're
not home?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I'll be back sometime Sunday, I'll
take you bowling or something if
you want.
                                                            
Hunter smiles and walks out of Jake's room.
                                                            
 
INT. HOUSE KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Dimly lit, deathly quiet. Jake eats a bowl of cereal. There
is a dark, creepy atmosphere to the house.
                                                            
Jake stops. He rests his hand against his head and closes
his eyes. A LOUD CREAK. Jake jumps, opens his eyes and looks
around.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (quietly)
What the fuck?
                                                            
Jake stands, a BLACK SILHOUETTE behind him. Jake turns
around and the shadow disappears.
                                                            
Jake's eyes shift back and forth.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Who's here?
                                                            
Jake's breaths heavy. A BANG. His eyes become wide.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (CONT'D)
Don't go anywhere, I'll be right
back.
                                                            
HALLWAY
                                                            
Jake runs up the stairs and to his room. He grabs his voice
recorder on the table, fumbles to turn it on.
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            

40.

Jake runs downstairs and hits play on the recorder.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Ok, this is Jake Rasor and it's
1:15am. I'm encountering some
activity in the kitchen and living
room.
                                                            
Jake cautiously walks through the room, then stops.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (CONT'D)
Can you give me a sign of your
presence?
                                                            
FOOTSTEPS rattle upstairs. Jake gets an excited look and
bolts up the stairs, then slowly down the hallway.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (CONT'D)
Where are you?
                                                            
JAKE'S BEDROOM
                                                            
He walks in. A BANGING SOUND.
                                                            
                       JAKE
If you're here, speak into this
red light.
                                                            
Jake stands silently for several seconds, breaths heavy.
                                                            
Jake hits the rewind button and then the play.
                                                            
                       JAKE (V.O.)
into this red light.
                                                            
                       ADDISON (V.O.)
      (heavy breathing)
I believe.
                                                            
Shocked, Jake physically recoils. He hits the rewind button,
then the play button.
                                                            
                       JAKE (V.O.)
into this red light so that I can
hear you.
                                                            
                       ADDISON (V.O.)
      (heavy breathing)
I believe.
                                                            
A LOUD BUZZ startles him. He looks around.
                                                            

41.

                       JAKE
What was that?
                                                            
The BUZZING SOUND goes off again. Jake looks around and sees
his CELL PHONE VIBRATE. He picks it up.
                                                            
The caller ID reads: "Mom."
                                                            
Jake's head pops back and his eyebrows scrunch together, he
answers.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (CONT'D)
Why are you calling so late?
                                                            
Darlene, in tears, struggles to speak.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (CONT'D)
What is it Mom? What's wrong?
                                                            
                       DARLENE (V.O.)
I'm sorry Jake, Addison's dead.
                                                            
Jake has a blank stare and bites his lip. Silence for
several seconds.
                                                            
                       DARLENE (V.O.)
      (CONT'D)
Jake, are you there?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yeah.
                                                            
Tears softly stream.
                                                            
                       DARLENE (V.O.)
I'm so sorry.
                                                            
                       JAKE
What, what happened?
                                                            
                       DARLENE (V.O.)
He got hit by a truck riding his
bike. He passed before he reached
the hospital.
                                                            
                       JAKE
God dammit!
                                                            
                       DARLENE (V.O.)
I know it's tough, Jake.
                                                            

42.

Jake punches his wall as hard as he can.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I will be down there soon.
                                                            
                       DARLENE (V.O.)
No, please just stay home tonight
and get some rest. I couldn't
stand it if something happened to
you too.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Fine.
                                                            
                       DARLENE (V.O.)
Are you ok?
                                                            
Jake hangs up. He lets out a loud WAIL, then wipes the
tears. He glances over at the voice recorder. He picks up
the recorder and presses play.
                                                            
                       ADDISON (V.O.)
      (heavy breathing)
I believe.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Hunter cruises down the road to his house. The RADIO PLAYS.
He whistles to the song. He pulls in the driveway and parks.
                                                            
 
EXT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Hunter gets out and continues to whistle as he walks up the
porch. He opens the door and walks in the house.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Jake, sweetie, I'm home!
                                                            
No answer. Hunter looks around the house in shock. Clothes,
shoes and trash litter the room.
                                                            
KITCHEN
                                                            
Dirty dishes fill the sink and stains dirty the counter.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Oh, what the fuck?
                                                            

43.

Hunter's face contorts. He marches toward Jake's room. He
KNOCKS LOUDLY. No answer. Hunter swings the door open.
                                                            
JAKE'S ROOM
                                                            
Jake sits in his swivel desk chair with his back to Hunter.
His eyes bloodshot red, his face pale and unshaven. A total
train wreck.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Looks like you had one hell of a
weekend buddy--I wish I had been
here for it.
                                                            
Hunter pauses and stares blankly at the back of Jake's
chair. Jake does not move or respond, his expression remains
unchanged.
                                                            
Jake slowly swivels his chair. He glares right into Hunter's
eyes. Hunter loses his breath; his face turns to worry and
concern.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
Jesus man, what's going on?
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (darkly)
Addison's dead.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What?
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (slowly and darkly)
My little brother, Addison was
riding his bike and got hit by a
truck.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Oh my God, I'm so sorry.
                                                            
Hunter rushes up to Jake and squats next to him, puts his
hand on his knee.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
I'm sorry about everything I just
said, I didn't know.
                                                            
                       JAKE
How do you do it Hunter?
                                                            

44.

                       HUNTER
Do what?
                                                            
                       JAKE
How do you get everything to work
in your favor every single time?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
That's not true.
                                                            
Jake looks over at the recorder on his desk. He gets up out
of his chair and walks to his door.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Where are you going?
                                                            
                       JAKE
I need some fresh air.
                                                            
Jake stomps out of his room.
                                                            
 
EXT. BY THE POND - LATER
                                                            
Jake sits on an old wooden bench, overlooking the pond. He
reflectively gazes into the water.
                                                            
He is lost in his thoughts. Tears lightly stream from his
eyes. Jake picks up a blade of grass, and slowly tears it to
pieces.
                                                            
April stands behind Jake, looks curiously at him. She wears
a faded orange dress with yellow flower prints, a blue and
yellow butterfly pin. She timidly moves towards him.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Hi.
                                                            
Jake jumps, caught off guard. His eyes squint, nervously. He
doesn't quite know what to make of her.
                                                            
She gazes at his puffy, red face. Jake's facial expression
turns to embarrassment and he quickly wipes his cheek.
                                                            
                       APRIL
      (CONT'D)
You don't need to do that--we all
cry sometimes.
                                                            
April gracefully walks next to Jake; his face filled with
anguished vulnerability.
                                                            

45.

                       JAKE
I thought I was alone.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Do you mind if I sit next?
                                                            
Jake forces a slight smile and shakes his head. He is
instantly transfixed.
                                                            
                       JAKE
No, go ahead.
                                                            
April sits. She extends her hand.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I'm April.
                                                            
Jake reaches out and shakes her hand. Electricity.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I'm Jake.
                                                            
                       APRIL
This is my favorite place to come
and think when I have things going
on. It's really peaceful, don't
you think?
                                                            
                       JAKE
I've seen you out here before.
                                                            
They sit there for a couple of seconds, both look away from
each other and at the pond. April swings her legs back and
forth.
                                                            
                       APRIL
      (CONT'D)
So, what are you doing out here.
if you don't mind me asking?
                                                            
                       JAKE
My little brother Addison was
killed a couple nights ago.
                                                            
April looks at him with pity.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Oh my God, I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Some people are just born with
tragedy in their blood.
                                                            

46.

                       APRIL
Grief makes you feel that way. You
can't change what happens out
there, only what's inside.
                                                            
Rain begins to drizzle.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Well, if you want, you're welcome
to come over to my house for a
bit.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
The lock to the front door turns and opens. Jake holds the
door open. April walks in right behind him.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Come on in.
                                                            
Jake closes the door. The living room is significantly
cleaner than before.
                                                            
                       HUNTER (O.S.)
Hey Jake, I just wanted to
apologize. I did some cleaning
and...
                                                            
Hunter strolls in and is surprised to see April. He smiles
and looks from April to Jake.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I didn't realize we had company.
                                                            
                       JAKE
No worries. Hunter this is April.
April, Hunter
                                                            
Hunter shakes April's hand. They give each other a pleasant
smile. She bites her lower lip. Hunter lets go and looks
back at Jake.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Sorry about earlier--I was a real
jerk.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Don't worry about it.
                                                            

47.

                       HUNTER
I was just making some dinner for
Jake and I, but there is more than
enough for a third.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Yeah, that would be nice.
                                                            
Something catches his eye.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I like that pin.
                                                            
Hunter points at the pin on her dress.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Thanks.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S KITCHEN - LATER
                                                            
Jake, Hunter and April are at the dinning table with empty
plates in front of them. The lighting in the room is dim;
creating an intimate setting.
                                                            
                       JAKE
So April, tell us more about
yourself.
                                                            
                       APRIL
What do you want to know?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What do you want to be?
                                                            
                       APRIL
I've always wanted to be an author
or a poet--maybe both.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I think you'd be good at that.
                                                            
                       APRIL
What about you guys--what would
you like to be?
                                                            
                       JAKE
I'm working on becoming a ghost
hunter.
                                                            
                       APRIL
What's that?
                                                            

48.

                       HUNTER
You don't watch a lot of
television do you?
                                                            
                       APRIL
No, not really.
                                                            
                       JAKE
It means I go to haunted places
and try to capture evidence of
spirits.
                                                            
                       APRIL
How did you decide on that?
                                                            
                       JAKE
I have been able to see and
communicate with spirits my entire
life.
                                                            
                       APRIL
That's amazing.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Jake really opened my eyes to the
supernatural.
                                                            
                       APRIL
What about you Hunter?
                                                            
Hunter leans back, scrunches his lips and his eyes gaze
upward. He brings his gaze back; April and Jake curiously
look at him.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Whatever I do, I want to change
the world.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Everyone thinks of changing the
world, but no one thinks of
changing himself.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Leo Tolstoy.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Wow, I'm impressed.
                                                            
Jake looks back and forth, a single eyebrow slightly raised.
                                                            

49.

                       HUNTER
A person who wont read has no
advantage over one who can't read.
                                                            
April crosses her arms and gives Hunter an arrogant smirk.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Mark Twain.
                                                            
Hunter's charming, easy going smile spreads.
                                                            
THUNDER CACKLES. The lights go out, leaving the house in
darkness.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Scary.
                                                            
LIGHTNING ILLUMINATES the room for a split second, reveals a
dark, 6 foot tall figure with sinister eyes behind the
couch, watching them. Then back to darkness.
                                                            
Hunter and Jake reach into their pockets and pull their cell
phones out. FOOTSTEPS move around them.
                                                            
                       APRIL
What was that?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Sounded like footsteps.
                                                            
A LOUD MOAN ECHOES through the room.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Dude, that's seriously not funny.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
That's not me, I swear!
                                                            
                       APRIL
      (shaky)
What's going on?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I don't know. There's some candles
in the kitchen--I'm gonna grab
them.
                                                            
Hunter begins to walk away, when all of a sudden he lets out
a SCREAM.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Are you alright?
                                                            

50.

                       HUNTER
I don't know, my back really
hurts.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Let me see.
                                                            
Hunter limps back towards Jake and April, lifts his shirt.
Jakes shines his cell phone light. Three large scratches
puff up on Hunter's lower back.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Oh my God!
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What is it?
                                                            
                       JAKE
You got attacked--there are three
large scratches.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I must leave.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Need someone to walk you back?
                                                            
                       APRIL
No, I'm fine--I just need to
leave.
                                                            
Jake and Hunter walk April to the door, both still nervous.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I'm really sorry about all of
this.
                                                            
THUNDER CRACKLES.
                                                            
April opens the door and hurries out. Jake closes the door
behind her. The lights flicker back on.
                                                            
Jake and Hunter look at one another puzzled.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Hunter lying in bed, tosses and turns. Moonlight shines in.
                                                            
 
EXT. BY THE POND - NIGHT
                                                            
DREAM SEQUENCE
                                                            

51.

A light fog hovers. Moonlight shines down. Still and
lifeless. The house in the distance.
                                                            
A GUST OF WIND rustles the trees.
                                                            
DIRT GROUND BY POND
                                                            
A hand shoots up from underneath the Earth. The hand plants
itself, and a person slowly lifts himself out from under the
ground.
                                                            
Hunter gets all the way out and staggers to stand. He
brushes dirt off. He has dried blood on his head and on his
clothes.
                                                            
Hunter stands silently, his mouth ajar, looks over his arms
and then the rest of his dirty, blood covered body.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What the fuck?
                                                            
Hunter staggers up the wooded path back.
                                                            
Hunter approaches. The house shrouded in darkness. Suddenly
the porch light flickers on; welcomes Hunter to step inside.
                                                            
He walks up the steps, reaches in his pocket, searches for
his keys. He can't find them. He reaches for the doorknob,
but the door swings open on its own.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Hunter walks into the pitch black house, not bothering to
close the door behind him.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (yelling)
Jake!
(beat)
Jake, you home?
                                                            
Hunter waits for an answer, but none comes. He walks up the
stairs.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
Jake?
                                                            
He reaches Jake's room and opens the door. No one.
                                                            
HUNTER'S BEDROOM
                                                            

52.

Hunter paces from Jake's bedroom to his own. He takes off
his muddy shoes.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What is going on?
                                                            
Someone is in Hunter's bed, under the covers. Fear strikes
Hunter's face.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
Jake, is that you?
                                                            
Hunter creeps to the bed and shakes the person's leg. The
figure stirs.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
Jake?
                                                            
A black mass, pops up. Hunter screams.
                                                            
                                         END DREAM SEQUENCE
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Hunter twists and turns in bed.
                                                            
GLASS BREAKS and FURNITURE CRASHES DOWNSTAIRS
                                                            
Hunter pops wide eyed, covered in a cold sweat.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (softly)
What the fuck?
                                                            
Shadows and light play across the floorboards from the gap
under the door.
                                                            
Hunter gets up, shuffles to the door and opens it. The noise
stops. He stares down at the living room. Jake's BEDROOM
DOOR CREAKS OPEN, startles Hunter. Jake and Hunter exchange
a glance.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (nervously)
Was that you?
                                                            
Hunter shakes his head no.
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            

53.

The room is trashed. Every piece of furniture has been
flipped and tossed. Hunter and Jake enter.
                                                            
They observe the scene in horror.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I'm starting to think we may be
haunted.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Dude, I just had the craziest
dream.
                                                            
Hunter looks at Jake in disbelief.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Tell me all about it while we
clean this mess up.
                                                            
Jake looks over Hunter strangely. Hunter notices.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
What?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Doing some late night digging?
                                                            
Hunter looks down, examines his dirt covered pajamas. His
expression is a vacant expanse of confusion.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Jake and Hunter, dressed in formal black suits with white
undershirts, drive through the backwoods. Jake blankly
stares out the passenger window.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
That was a nice service--Addison
would have liked it.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yeah.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
How's your Mom?
                                                            
                       JAKE
I don't know.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
You two didn't talk much.
                                                            

54.

                       JAKE
We talked all we needed.
                                                            
Hunter's face scrunches, taken aback. They both sit silently
for a few seconds.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (CONT'D)
When I was thirteen I told my Mom
I was able to see the dead--she
didn't believe me. The next
several years of my life all my
free time was spent in hospitals,
churches and psychiatrists
offices.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I'm sorry man--I didn't know.
                                                            
                       JAKE
It's hard to have a healthy
relationship with someone when
they think you're crazy.
                                                            
Hunter looks at Jake sympathetically.
                                                            
Jake's eyes suddenly become wide; he raises a pointed
finger.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Look out!
                                                            
Hunter turns. BENJAMIN, 90, old and decrepit shuffles down
the road , back to them. The charm and good looks of his
youth decades removed.
                                                            
Hunter jerks the wheel, the car careens off the road. A TIRE
EXPLODES.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (cont'd)
Holy shit!
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (shaken)
Where the hell did that old man
come from?
                                                            
                       JAKE
I don't know.
                                                            

55.

                       HUNTER
That old man's gonna get himself
killed.
                                                            
A beat.
                                                            
                       JAKE
You have a spare right?
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Jake empties out his pockets, putting the contents on his
dresser. He stares at a picture of Addison.
                                                            
Jake steps to the window and peers out. April sits on the
bench, stares at the pond. Jake smiles and exits his room.
                                                            
 
EXT. BY THE POND - DAY
                                                            
Sunlight dapples the flickering autumn leaves.
                                                            
April sits on the bench by the pond. She looks off; her gaze
going past the visible horizon.
                                                            
Jake, behind April, walks towards her down the wooded path,
still in his black suit, dirty and slightly undone. He
smooths out his shirt.
                                                            
April turns. Jake walks right up to her and the bench.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Is this seat taken?
                                                            
                       APRIL
Only by you.
                                                            
Jake takes a seat. Butterfly's criss cross the pond.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Beautiful isn't it?
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (looking at April)
Very.
                                                            
April eyes Jake up and down. A look of realization.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Did you just get back from the
funeral?
                                                            

56.

                       JAKE
      (nodding)
Yeah.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I'm sorry, I didn't realize.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Don't worry about it.
                                                            
                       APRIL
You alright?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yeah, you know, I'm doing good.
Hanging in there.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I'm glad. It's good you have
friends like Hunter to help you
through it.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yeah, Hunter's been great.
                                                            
April takes her hand and rubs it against Jake's arm. He
closes his eyes for a moment and smiles.
                                                            
                       APRIL
      (CONT'D)
I'm glad you're doing ok.
                                                            
                       JAKE
You know what really got me
through this?
                                                            
                       APRIL
What's that?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Meeting you.
                                                            
April looks down and gives an embarrassed smile.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I really haven't done anything.
                                                            
                       JAKE
You've done more than you know.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Really?
                                                            

57.

                       JAKE
Yeah, really.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Thanks, I'm glad I got to meet you
too. I've been very lonely for a
long time now.
                                                            
                       JAKE
You don't have to be.
                                                            
Jake gazes into April's eyes. He leans in, attempts to kiss
her. She pauses for a brief moment; then surrenders,
accepting his advance.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Hunter gazes out the window, jealous, cold.
                                                            
Jake and April share a kiss.
                                                            
 
EXT. BY THE POND - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Jake looks adoringly at April.
                                                            
                       JAKE
How would you like to go somewhere
with me?
                                                            
                       APRIL
Where?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Come with me to my school.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I don't know.
(beat)
I mean, am I allowed to go there?
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (amused)
Don't worry, with me you are.
                                                            
 
INT. SCHOOL COMMONS - DAY
                                                            
Jake and April stroll, side by side, down the long winding
hallway. She gazes around, soaks in the new scenery. Jake
ogles April, soaks her in.
                                                            

58.

Only a small handful of students meander about.
                                                            
April's eyes catch Jake; she gives him a slight smile.
                                                            
                       JAKE
So, how do you like it?
                                                            
                       APRIL
It's really big.
                                                            
They reach a group of tables and sit. Even though they are
quiet, both seem comfortable.
                                                            
Ghost One stumbles by. He paces around, head turns, looks
for something or someone that was lost long ago.
                                                            
Jake's brow furrows. He looks on sympathetically at the lost
soul. April notices Jake's demeanor.
                                                            
                       APRIL
What's wrong?
                                                            
It takes a beat for Jake's concentration to break.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Nothing.
                                                            
                       APRIL
You can tell me--I want to know.
                                                            
Ghost One approaches the two. He looks at Jake, who returns
his stare.
                                                            
                       GHOST ONE
Have you seen Jamie, she was
supposed to meet me here?
                                                            
Jake shakes his head, "no".
                                                            
                       GHOST ONE
      (sad)
I drove here through a hail storm
to meet her here--it's supposed to
be our first date. I can't find
her.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       GHOST ONE
Thanks anyway.
                                                            
Ghost One walks away, looks back and forth as he goes.
                                                            

59.

                       APRIL
Jake?
                                                            
Jake snaps out of it and turns to April.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Sorry.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Were you just talking to a spirit?
                                                            
Jake nods his head, "yes".
                                                            
                       APRIL
Who was it?
                                                            
                       JAKE
A guy who died in a car accident a
long time ago.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Why is he here?
                                                            
                       JAKE
The night he died he was supposed
to have a date with a girl named
Jamie. He was supposed to meet her
here. He died in a car accident on
the way.
                                                            
                       APRIL
That's terrible.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Some spirits are just residual
energy, reliving a single moment
over and over. Others are
conscious energy that exist in a
fog.
                                                            
Jake looks at her, not knowing how to answer. Mark walks
through the Commons, has not noticed Jake and April.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Hey, Mark.
                                                            
Mark turns, notices. He walks uncomfortably towards them.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey, I really gotta get going.
                                                            
Mark and April's eyes meet. They look at each strangely.
Jake senses this.
                                                            

60.

                       JAKE
Mark, this is April--April, Mark.
                                                            
Recognition sets in. Without saying a word, Mark's sprints
away. Did he just remember he left something on the stove?
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (cont'd)
What's your problem man?
                                                            
Jake turns to an embarrassed April.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (cont'd)
I'm sorry about that--he's been
acting really weird lately.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Hunter puts up laundry. His eyes glance out the window.
                                                            
Benjamin struggles up the driveway. Finally reaches the
destination of his long walk. The same package cradled in
his arms.
                                                            
 
EXT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S DRIVEWAY - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Benjamin gently places the package on the porch. He looks
up, reflectively.
                                                            
                       BENJAMIN
I hope you like them.
                                                            
Benjamin hobbles away, makes it several feet down the
driveway. Hunter bursts out the door.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (politely)
Can I help you?
                                                            
Benjamin keeps walking. He recognizes him from the road. He
looks down at the package. An old brown wallet next to it,
dropped. Hunter examines it.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
                                                            
Jake walks back in the front door, still in his black suit.
He has a smile from ear to ear.
                                                            

61.

                       HUNTER
Hey buddy, what've you been up to
all day?
                                                            
Jake walks over to the couch and sits next to Hunter.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (smiling)
Hanging out with April.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Doing what?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Just hanging out, talking. I
really like her.
                                                            
HUNTER'S PHONE RINGS.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (on phone)
Hello?
                                                            
Hunter's eyes squint, confused, like the person on the other
end is yelling at him in Chinese.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (cont'd)
Ok Mark, calm down.
(beat)
We'll be right over.
                                                            
Hunter hangs up. Jake's eyebrows raise in inquiry.
                                                            
                       JAKE
What?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Mark's in trouble, he needs us at
his place.
                                                            
                       JAKE
April and I saw him earlier
today--he was acting weird as
shit.
                                                            
 
EXT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S DRIVEWAY - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Hunter's car storms out.
                                                            
Mark lurks in the shadows, waits for the two to leave.
Completely on edge.
                                                            

62.

He hurries to the house, a red gas can in hand.
                                                            
The WIND HOWLS as he nervously approaches the door. He takes
a moment to consider his situation.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
The door slowly CREAKS open. Life entering the lifeless
house. Mark turns on a light.
                                                            
He takes one last second to consider. He opens the gas can
and splashes the liquid on the floor.
                                                            
He runs through each room individually, till the can is
empty.
                                                            
Mark pulls out a book of matches. He lights one. It quickly
burns out. A second one, the same result.
                                                            
PARANOIA sets in. He tries one after another in quick
succession. Nothing.
                                                            
CHILLING LAUGHTER
                                                            
Mark's face contorts to terror. He runs for the front door,
which remains ajar. The DOOR SLAMS in his face.
                                                            
The LAUGHTER CONTINUES. Mark runs to the back door; it
refuses to open. Mark SCREAMS.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - LATER
                                                            
The door opens, Jake and Hunter enter.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I'm about ready to cut Mark off.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What's that smell?
                                                            
                       JAKE
Did you leave the stove on or
something?
                                                            
They both look down, streaks criss cross the floor.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Dude, that's gasoline.
                                                            
They are flabbergasted.
                                                            

63.

DISTANT CRIES
                                                            
                       JAKE
You hear that?
                                                            
HUNTER'S ROOM
                                                            
Hunter and Jake open a closet door. Mark cradles himself in
the fetal position, scared shitless.
                                                            
 
EXT. BY THE POND - DAY
                                                            
April sits on the bench. Lost among falling autumn leaves.
She has a notebook in her hand. A golden sun reflects off
the pond.
                                                            
CLOSE UP - NOTEBOOK
                                                            
                       APRIL (V.O.)
      (reading)
When I get where I'm going
there'll be only happy tears. I
will shed the sins and struggles I
have carried all these years. I'll
leave my heart wide open. I will
love and have no fears. When I get
where I'm going don't cry for me
down here.
                                                            
Hunter walks towards April, behind her. As he gets closer,
she turns her head to look at him. They both exchange
pleasant smiles. Hunter waves.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I'm not interrupting your alone
time am I?
                                                            
April shakes her head.
                                                            
                       APRIL
No, not at all.
                                                            
Hunter sits. She shyly turns. Hunter reaches in his pocket
and pulls out several caramel candies. He extends his hand.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I saw you out here and thought you
could use some candy.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I love these.
                                                            

64.

April grabs the caramel's. She unwraps one and puts it in
her mouth.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I don't know why, but I thought
you'd like these.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I used to have someone close who
would get these for me.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Sorry if that brought back any bad
memories.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Don't, that was sweet of you.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER AND JAKE'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Hunter sets up a camera alongside the couch. Jake walks down
the stairs.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Where you off too?
                                                            
                       JAKE
The computer lab for a few hours
before it closes. I've been really
behind.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Yeah, well I'm sure your
professors understand.
                                                            
                       JAKE
They have, I think I'm ready to
head back and get some work done.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
That's great, man.
                                                            
Jake walks to the door and opens it.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I'll see you in a few.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
See ya buddy.
                                                            
Jake walks out the door.
                                                            

65.

Hunter finishes setting up the camera and walks into the
kitchen. He opens the fridge and grabs the milk. He pours
himself a glass and drinks.
                                                            
A KNOCK AT THE DOOR
                                                            
Hunter puts his milk down and walks to the front door with a
grin.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
Someone forgot his keys.
                                                            
Hunter opens the door. April stands there, one arm rubs the
other, feet shuffle.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Hey.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (surprised)
April.
(beat)
You just missed Jake.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Yeah?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
He went to school to do some work.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I know, I saw him leave.
                                                            
Hunter shakes his head, bewildered.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Oh.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Actually, I came to see you.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Uh...
                                                            
                       APRIL
Can I come in?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Yeah, of course.
                                                            
April walks in. Hunter closes the door. Hunter stands there
awkwardly, not sure what to say or do next.
                                                            

66.

                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
What's going on?
                                                            
                       APRIL
      (nervously)
Well, I uh just had something to
tell you.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (giggles)
Well, what?
                                                            
                       APRIL
Jake's a really nice guy and I
know he's going through a rough
time right now.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Yeah, he's handling it pretty
well, considering the
circumstances.
                                                            
                       APRIL
It's just that there's someone
else and I don't know how to break
it to him.
                                                            
Hunter eyebrows raise. He turns and rubs a hand against his
forehead.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Wow, Jake will be devastated. He
really likes you.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I know, that's what makes it so
tough.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Why didn't you tell him from the
get-go?
                                                            
                       APRIL
It's complicated.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Why is being honest complicated?
                                                            
                       APRIL
Because the other guy is you.
                                                            

67.

Hunter's jaw drops, momentarily stunned. She meets his gaze
and gives a slight smile.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What?
                                                            
                       APRIL
Don't tell me you didn't know!
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I didn't!
                                                            
Her voice seductive as silk.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I've seen the way you look at me.
You haven't seen the way I look at
you? Am I wrong?
                                                            
Hunter looks down and nods.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
No, you're right. I think you're
gorgeous. But this isn't right.
Jake is one of my closest friends.
This can't happen.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Just because Jake met me before
you did does not mean he owns me
or you. I like you. I like you a
lot and I think you feel the same
about me.
                                                            
He looks at her intently, his eyes searches hers.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (confused)
I don't know. I don't know what to
do.
                                                            
April gently moves towards Hunter. She spreads her fingers
across his chest. Hunter leans in and kisses her.
                                                            
THE LIVING ROOM CAMERA
                                                            
Hunter set up captures all the action.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER AND JAKE'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
The whole house is dark. The front door opens and Jake
shuffles in.
                                                            

68.

                       JAKE
Hunter?
(beat)
Must be asleep.
                                                            
The house responds in silence. Jake walks up the stairs.
                                                            
JAKE'S BEDROOM
                                                            
Pitch black, showing only his silhouette. He quickly
undresses and lays down under his covers.
                                                            
Jake's eyes close.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Jake lies asleep. The room is dark, except for moonlight
streams through the window. BIG BAND MUSIC, from downstairs,
begins to play. Jake turns and tussles. He opens his eyes.
                                                            
Jake gets out of bed and cautiously walks towards the
bedroom door and opens it.
                                                            
HALLWAY
                                                            
Jake slowly peers into the dimly lit hallway.
                                                            
Down the stairs, the living room is alive and vibrant. MUSIC
radiates up.
                                                            
Jake looks down. It is transformed into something out of the
1950s. The record player sits prominently by a wooden bar.
Musty and square furniture, as if out of a old 50s
television show is placed throughout.
                                                            
The grand piano from the basement is restored and proudly
displayed.
                                                            
Jake walks down the stairs. His eyes dart back and forth.
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            
Jake walks over to a fuzzy, square, light blue couch and
sits. A smile crosses his face. This isn't his first rodeo.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Couldn't play something good, huh?
Rob Zombie? Manson?
                                                            
The MUSIC stops. The RECORD PLAYER SKIPS. It is a
disturbing, ominous sound.
                                                            

69.

Jake is unimpressed.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (laughing)
Cute.
(beat)
So, what do you want?
                                                            
Behind Jake, the BASEMENT DOOR CREAKS as it slowly swings
open. Jake turns and stares at the open door.
                                                            
BASEMENT DOOR
                                                            
Darkness emanates from the basement, intelligently summoning
Jake towards it.
                                                            
Jake stands and shuffles towards the basement door. His eyes
are riveted by the darkness.
                                                            
BASEMENT
                                                            
Jake walks down the stairs. He pulls the cord to the naked
bulb. The light flickers on and off, before settling.
                                                            
Jake continues his descent down the stairs. His head turns
when he reaches the bottom.
                                                            
JAKE'S
                                                            
eyes grow wide and his face slightly quivers.
                                                            
William Kilwell's body dangles lifeless from a noose.
                                                            
A chair is kicked over a couple of feet away from him. His
neck is contorted in a sickly manner.
                                                            
Jake eases towards the dangling body. He cautiously reaches
his hand out and touches William's chest. His body swings
back and forth. BASEMENT DOOR SLAMS.
                                                            
Jake recoils, turns his back to William. William's body
moves; his hands raise and remove the noose. He quietly
drops to the ground.
                                                            
Jake reaches the bottom of the stairs and looks up. Behind
him, William picks up the knocked over chair and sits. Jake
turns and sees William in the chair, glaring at him.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
Have a seat.
                                                            
William motions Jake to a chair near him. Jake ambles
towards it, never takes his eyes off William, and sits.
                                                            

70.

                       JAKE
What do you want?
                                                            
William reaches in his shirt pocket and pulls out a pack of
cigarettes. He takes one and puts it in his mouth.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
We need to have a talk.
                                                            
William's stare is penetrating, unwavering.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Incandescent light fills the room, painting the furniture
and walls a radiant yellow.
                                                            
Hunter lies in bed. He rustles around gently, a smile on his
face. He reaches his arm over; feels the coldness on the
other side of the bed.
                                                            
The alarm clock on the nightstand reads: "9:30am".
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Hunter shuffles blindly down the stairs and into the
kitchen. He opens the, fridge, grabs a glass and pours
himself some orange juice. He turns on the TELEVISION.
                                                            
                       NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
Reports of expected extreme
Thunderstorms later this
evening...
                                                            
CRIES O.S.
                                                            
Hunter turns, noticing the sound.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Hello?
(beat)
Jake?
                                                            
Hunter puts the glass down and walks in the living room. No
one is there. The CRIES continue. Hunter looks at the
basement door.
                                                            
BASEMENT
                                                            
Hunter slinks down the stairs. Jake sits on some boxes with
his head buried in his hands.
                                                            

71.

                       HUNTER
Jake?
                                                            
Jake looks up, face puffed out, both eyes and cheeks beat
red. He looks like a hot mess; a pathetic figure really.
Hunter is overwhelmed at the sight.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Hey man, sorry if I interrupted. I
just didn't think you'd be home--
(beat)
that you'd be in class right now.
                                                            
                       JAKE
What's the point?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
To graduate college after all the
hard work you put in.
                                                            
Jake swings his arms wildly.
                                                            
                       JAKE
That's a fucking fantastic reason!
                                                            
Hunter walks over and sits.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What's going on man, you seemed
like you were doing well?
                                                            
                       JAKE
She dumped me.
                                                            
He opens his mouth; it takes a while for the words to come
out. A fraction of a second too long.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (nervously)
What?
                                                            
                       JAKE
She's seeing someone else and just
wants to be friends.
                                                            
Hunter appears apprehensive; tries to navigate the
conversation as if it were a mine field.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I'm sorry man.
                                                            

72.

                       JAKE
It always comes down to I like
you, but there is just someone
better! Every fucking time!
                                                            
                       HUNTER
It happens man.
                                                            
Jake looks up with an angry, accusing glare.
                                                            
                       JAKE
That's not true. It never happens
to you. It always, without
exception happens to me!
                                                            
                       HUNTER
That doesn't mean that it'll never
happen to me or that it'll always
happen to you.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (angrily)
Yes it does!
                                                            
Hunter takes a step back. He wants to get away.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
You know what, I get it. You are
angry right now and nothing I say
will change that.
                                                            
                       JAKE
God, you know what Hunter, I would
literally kill someone just to
live your life for one fucking
week. To have everything go my
way.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Fuck,
(beat)
you can kill me Jake.
                                                            
                       JAKE
What?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
You're so melodramatic! I can't
take it anymore.
                                                            
Jake's face turns red.
                                                            

73.

                       JAKE
Oh my God, I'm so sorry. What was
I thinking? Let's talk about your
problems Hunter. What was the
worst thing that happened to you
last week, you didn't get laid?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (proudly)
Actually, I got laid last night.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (sarcastically)
That's good, I'm really happy for
you buddy.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Thanks.
                                                            
                       JAKE
So what, your worst problem in
life is hearing about my actual
problems? How do you ever get
through it you poor man?
                                                            
Jake and Hunter eye each other. Hunter stands.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I'm heading to school to work on
our documentary. We're still doing
that right?
                                                            
                       JAKE
I guess.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
We got this house for a reason and
I want to finish what we started.
I'll leave, we'll both cool down,
then when I get back we can have a
civilized conversation.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Alright.
                                                            
Hunter walks up the basement stairs.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I'll see you in a few hours.
                                                            
Hunter closes the door and walks out.
                                                            
 

74.

EXT. RURAL ROAD - EVENING
                                                            
A DISTANT RUMBLE OF THUNDER
                                                            
Storm clouds come in, back lit by the descending sun. A
light drizzle begins. Hunter's car cruises down the road.
                                                            
 
INT. SCHOOL LIBRARY - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Hunter sits in front of a computer in the school library.
There is a lot of activity going on around. His computer is
in the corner, isolated from everyone else.
                                                            
Hunter has headphones on and is listening to MUSIC.
                                                            
CLOSE UP - COMPUTER SCREEN
                                                            
Hunter types in: "Property Records" and then the address for
his house.
                                                            
An image appears saying "Property Records between 1927 and
1966 were lost in the fire of 67."
                                                            
Hunter, exacerbated, slams his fist on the desk. A thought
pops in his head. He reaches in his pocket and pulls out
Benjamin's wallet.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
                                                            
Jake sits on the couch with a disheartened, empty look. He
gazes around trying to figure out what his next move is.
                                                            
Jake notices the camera, still set up. He stands and paces
towards it. He takes the camera off the stand and examines
it.
                                                            
He gazes at the area in the living room the camera shot. The
same spot of Hunter and April's tryst.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE'S BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jake takes the camera and hooks it up to his computer.
                                                            
Jake sits in his desk chair and leans back, crossing his
fingers and resting his hands on top of his head. A green
lamp on his desk casts a sickly hue over his face.
                                                            
Jake clicks open a file.
                                                            
VIDEO PLAYS
                                                            

75.

Hunter finishes setting up the camera and walks out of frame
to the door. A few seconds later Hunter walks back in with
April.
                                                            
                       JAKE
What the fuck?
                                                            
                       HUNTER (V.O.)
What's going on?
                                                            
                       APRIL (V.O.)
      (nervously)
Well, I uh just had something to
tell you.
                                                            
                       HUNTER (V.O.)
      (giggles)
Well, what?
                                                            
                       APRIL (V.O.)
Jake is a nice guy and I know he
is going through a rough time
right now.
                                                            
JAKE'S FACE
                                                            
The image of Hunter's betrayal reflects off the black ocean
of his pupils.
                                                            
                       APRIL (V.O.)
It's complicated.
                                                            
                       HUNTER (V.O.)
Why is being honest complicated?
                                                            
                       APRIL (V.O.)
Because the other guy is you.
                                                            
Hunter and April make out. Jake is overcome with sorrow.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jake reaches in a cabinet and grabs a bottle of liquor. He
grabs a shot glass and slams it on the counter.
                                                            
Jake opens the bottle and is about to pour it in the glass.
He then thinks better of it and drinks straight from the
bottle.
                                                            
JAKE'S BEDROOM
                                                            

76.

Jake stomps back upstairs with liquor in hand. He sits in
front of his computer and watches Hunter and April have sex.
A rage rises in him like a tide. Jake knocks back the
bottle.
                                                            
 
INT. BENJAMIN'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
The place is small and lonely, that of an old man with no
family. Benjamin watches old black and white TELEVISION
shows.
                                                            
HEAVY KNOCKS AT THE DOOR
                                                            
Irritated, Benjamin slides out of his recliner and shuffles
to the door.
                                                            
Benjamin swings the door open as Hunter is in mid knock.
                                                            
                       BENJAMIN
Listen kid, if you're selling
candy I ain't buying.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Actually, I had something of yours
I wanted to give back.
                                                            
Hunter reaches in his pocket and pulls out the wallet.
Benjamin snaps it and flips it open. A handful of bills
still there.
                                                            
                       BENJAMIN
Thanks. First time I've ever seen
a wallet returned with all the
money in it.
                                                            
Benjamin goes to close the door. Hunter blocks it with his
foot.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
You dropped it in front of my
house.
                                                            
Benjamin's look becomes serious.
                                                            
                       BENJAMIN
What do you want?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
A few minutes of your time.
                                                            
                       BENJAMIN
At my age that's asking a lot.
                                                            

77.

                       HUNTER
Please.
                                                            
Benjamin leads Hunter in. They each take a seat.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Why were you at my house
yesterday?
                                                            
                       BENJAMIN
Because I could never let her go.
                                                            
 
INT. APRIL AND WILLIAM'S HOUSE - EVENING
                                                            
FLASHBACK
                                                            
April, in the 1950s decorated living room, on her hands and
knees cleans; a lonely, desperate look plastered on her
face.
                                                            
A KNOCK AT THE DOOR
                                                            
April lifts her head. She puts her cleaning things down and
saunters over to answer the door.
                                                            
April opens the front door; Benjamin stands there.
                                                            
                       BENJAMIN
Hey April.
                                                            
April's entire lonely, desperate look instantly melts away.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Benjamin.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Is William still at work?
                                                            
                       BENJAMIN
He said it was going to be a late
night.
                                                            
No sooner is the door shut than they're all over each other.
He kisses her; a soft, warm kiss that lovers share. He backs
her up to the couch. One hand behind her head, eyes half
closed, sulky lips parted.
                                                            
She arches, moaning, fumbling with his fly.
                                                            
 

78.

EXT. TILE FACTORY - EVENING
                                                            
William furiously stomps through the dirt parking lot. He is
dressed in his work clothes. He looks angry and disgruntled.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
Stupid fucking Joe--thinks him and
his bank can foreclose on my
business!
(beat)
He's got another thing coming.
                                                            
William reaches his blue pre-war Ford truck. He unlocks the
door and gets in. The ENGINE ROARS. The tires spit dirt as
he tears away.
                                                            
 
INT. APRIL AND WILLIAM'S HOUSE - LATER
                                                            
April and Benjamin, half naked, cuddle affectionately on the
couch. Benjamin plays with April's hair. She traces a finger
across his bicep.
                                                            
                       BENJAMIN
That was amazing.
                                                            
                       APRIL
You're amazing.
                                                            
There is a short, comfortable silence between them.
                                                            
                       BENJAMIN
Can I ask you something?
                                                            
                       APRIL
Of course.
                                                            
                       BENJAMIN
If I asked you to leave and come
away with me, would you?
                                                            
April rolls over, face to face with Benjamin. They lock
eyes. April shakes her head yes.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Yeah--yeah I would.
                                                            
 
INT. WILLIAM'S TRUCK - EVENING
                                                            
William pulls up to the dirt driveway. The truck door slams
as he gets out. He marches to the porch.
                                                            
 

79.

INT. APRIL AND WILLIAM'S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
The front door swings open and William enters. April and
Benjamin freeze. All three of them look at each other in
shock.
                                                            
William's expression quickly turns to rage. Benjamin and
April's turn to fear. You don't want to get caught in
William's cookie jar.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
      (to Benjamin)
Leave, now!
                                                            
Benjamin grabs his underwear and quickly puts it on. He
scurries towards the door. William glares at April the
entire time.
                                                            
                       APRIL
      (to Benjamin)
Please, don't leave me alone with
him!
                                                            
Benjamin looks desperately at April, as if to apologize.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
Out, now!
                                                            
Benjamin looks at April for one last second, then runs past
William on his way out.
                                                            
William closes the door. April trembles; her expression
grave. She stares deep into William's dead eyes.
                                                            
                       APRIL
William please.
                                                            
William grabs April by the neck. She struggles intensely.
                                                            
 
INT. APRIL AND WILLIAM'S HOUSE - LATER
                                                            
April lies there, motionless, her eyes still, not breathing.
William calmly and emotionlessly lays a tarp on the ground.
He leans over and rolls April's body.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE WOODS BY THE HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
It is a quiet, still night. Moonlight illuminates the woods.
William drags April's body, wrapped in the blue tarp. His
face calm and expressionless.
                                                            

80.

William gets the tarp in front of the pond, struggles to
lift it on his shoulders. He throws the tarp as far as he
can into the pond. He lights a cigarette. The tarp slowly
sinks out of sight.
                                                            
                                         END FLASHBACK
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE'S BATHROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Jake, in front of the mirror, looks deeply into his own
reflection. He has on white rubber gloves and bleaches his
hair to match Hunter's. He is lathered, clearly out of his
mind.
                                                            
                       JAKE
This is what she wants? I'm gonna
give it to her.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Mark lies asleep, sedated. The door CREAKS OPEN, Hunter
enters. He takes a seat next to Mark, shakes him.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Wake up buddy.
                                                            
Mark's eyes blink open, none too pleased to see Hunter.
                                                            
                       MARK
What are you doing here?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I came to find out what happened
that day we moved--why did you try
to burn our house down?
                                                            
                       MARK
I'm sick--they have me on
medication now.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Something happened--I need to
know.
                                                            
                       MARK
Nothing happened! You need to
leave. Now!
                                                            
Hunter gets up, grabs Mark's shoulders and shakes. He wont
take no for an answer.
                                                            

81.

                       HUNTER
I NEED to know what you saw! I'm
not asking. Something's going on
and I think we are in trouble.
                                                            
Mark buries his face in his hands.
                                                            
                       MARK
Ok.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER AND JAKE'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
FLASHBACK
                                                            
SOUNDLESS
                                                            
Mark gets out of his seat and jogs up the stairs.
                                                            
JAKE'S BEDROOM
                                                            
Mark looks around for his cell phone. He finds it and
pockets it.
                                                            
Mark attention turns to the window and glides toward it. He
gazes curiously at the forest and the pond in the
background.
                                                            
MARK'S POV
                                                            
The water in the pond ripples. The rippling becomes more
intense. April rises out of the water, in her
translucent-ghostly form. Her features, the same as her
normal form, but pale, ghastly and see through.
                                                            
Urine runs down his shaking leg.
                                                            
April walks out of the pond and steps on land. She turns her
head up towards the house, looking directly into Mark's
eyes. Mark turns and runs down the stairs.
                                                            
                                         END FLASHBACK
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Mark and Hunter are where we left them. Hunter looks at Mark
in awe. Mark stares down at his feet, chokes back tears.
                                                            
                       MARK
I was afraid no one would believe
me.
                                                            

82.

                       HUNTER
Maybe you were afraid you would
believe yourself.
                                                            
Hunter takes out the picture he printed of April and puts it
in front of Mark's face.
                                                            
Mark turns and examines the picture. His face contorts and
he shutters. Marks puts a hand in front of the picture and
turns.
                                                            
                       MARK
That's her.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Are you sure?
                                                            
                       MARK
I'll never forget that face as
long as I live. Who is she?
                                                            
Hunter gets up and walks towards the front door.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (CONT'D)
What's going on?
                                                            
Hunter appears disturbed by the thoughts running through his
head. He leaves without answering Mark's question.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENTUCKY BACK ROAD - NIGHT
                                                            
Hunter's car races down the empty back roads. RAIN POUNDING
DOWN HARD.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
A flood of emotions runs through Hunter. His windshield
wiper struggles to clear the rain and give him a clear view.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
I can't believe the whole time...
                                                            
Hunter leans forward and squints to see the road through the
heavy rain.
                                                            
TRUCK ENGINE ROARS
                                                            
Startled, Hunter looks up at the rear view mirror.
                                                            

83.

William's blue pre-war Ford truck rages towards him. The
truck swerves erratically as it approaches.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
What the fuck?
                                                            
The truck slams into his rear making him swerve.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (cont'd)
Hey!
                                                            
Hunter speeds up, but is outmatched. The truck slams into
him again, spins him on the slick road.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENTUCKY BACK ROAD - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Hunter's car drives straight into a deep ditch. It slams
hard in a furry of muffled smoke.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Hunter looks up, dazed, as the truck zooms by. All of a
sudden, it evaporates into thin air.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Jake paces, drunk, hurt and on the verge of
hyperventilating. His eyes gaze around, they become fixated
on a dark green aluminum baseball bat.
                                                            
He picks the bat up and walks up to his mirror. He stares
into his own eyes, his expression a rage. He swings the bat,
smashing the mirror.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENTUCKY BACK ROAD - NIGHT
                                                            
Hunter walks down the road in the pouring rain, a couple of
small lacerations on his face, his cell phone pressed to his
ear.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Come on man, pick up!
                                                            
Hunter slams his phone shut.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
God damn it!
                                                            
 

84.

EXT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S DRIVEWAY - LATER
                                                            
WIND HOWLS as Hunter staggers towards his house. The
pounding rain has turned the ground into a mud bath.. He
pauses just outside the door, breaths, psyches himself up.
He opens the door.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Hunter walks in.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Jake, man you'll never...
                                                            
The green baseball bat slams into Hunter's face.
                                                            
Blackness.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
HUNTER'S POV
                                                            
Light emerges through the blinks of slowly opening eyes.
                                                            
Hunter opens his eyes, blood flows from his nose. He rubs
his hand across it and examines the blood. He sits up,
groggy and confused.
                                                            
Jake stands over him with a baseball bat in hand. His hair
is bleach blond and spikey, mirroring Hunter's. He is
dressed like Hunter as well.
                                                            
Jake wobbles back and forth, sloppy drunk. He looks
menacingly at Hunter. His eyes are dark and hollow, much
like his soul.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (woozy)
What the fuck man? What the fuck
is wrong with you?
                                                            
Jake drunkenly swings the bat. Hunter quickly crawls out of
the way, the bat misses widely.
                                                            
Jake's voice becomes low and intense.
                                                            
                       JAKE
What's wrong with me? What the
fuck is wrong with you?
                                                            

85.

Jake pauses and lowers the bat down to his side. His
contempt for Hunter cannot be contained.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (yelling)
Seriously dude, this isn't fucking
cool!
                                                            
Hunter crawls backwards till he reaches the wall. Jake
follows, not letting Hunter get much distance. Hunter slides
his back to the wall and slowly stands up.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (CONT'D)
Don't you fucking swing that bat
at me again!
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (defiantly)
Or what?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Test me and find out!
                                                            
                       JAKE
What, you'll take it away just
like you did April?
                                                            
A sudden realization comes over Hunter. He goes from anger
to fear to regret in a matter of seconds.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (CONT'D)
You think I'm fucking stupid?
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Jake, man, you don't understand.
                                                            
                       JAKE
The difference between you and me
is I'm honest. You cut my hands
off and ask me to clap with a
smile on your face.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
No, it's not like that!
                                                            
                       JAKE
Oh yeah, I saw you two have quite
a bit of fun. That was one of the
best porns I've ever watched.
                                                            

86.

                       HUNTER
Jake, that wasn't real man--SHE'S
DEAD!
                                                            
There is an intense moment of silence as Hunter waits for
Jake to absorb his words. Jake laughs hysterically.
                                                            
                       JAKE
I know April is dead--I've known
from the moment I saw her.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (horrified)
You knew?
                                                            
Jake swings the bat at Hunter's kneecap. Hunter tries to
block, but it connects and buckles his knees. Hunter limps
towards the kitchen.
                                                            
                       JAKE
No, the only thing not real here
is you! You were never really my
friend!
                                                            
                       HUNTER
Jake, if you swing that bat at me
again, I'm gonna have to hurt you.
                                                            
Hunter's words are full of conviction; but his eyes overcome
with doubt. Jake pauses, gives Hunter a condescending look
and chuckles.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (makes barking
       sounds, like a
       terrier)
That's all I hear coming from you.
                                                            
Jake swings the bat. Hunter ducks and it misses. Hunter
furiously charges Jake and tackles him. The bat goes flying.
The two wrestle violently, trying to gain control.
                                                            
Hunter ends up on top. Jake reaches in his pocket and pulls
out a pocket knife. He swings it wildly at Hunter. Hunter
knocks the knife away.
                                                            
Hunter controls Jake's arms and has him pinned. Jake
struggles but cannot break the grip.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Let me go!
                                                            

87.

                       HUNTER
You're trying to kill me!
                                                            
Hunter looks up and sees April standing there observing in
curiosity. Hunter lightly releases his grip on Jake and
looks in horror at April.
                                                            
                       HUNTER
      (at April)
You're not real!
                                                            
                       APRIL
      (sadly)
I am real.
                                                            
April turns, blinks back the water brimming in her eyes.
                                                            
Hunter releases his grip. Jake grabs the knife and swings it
wildly at Hunter, stabbing him in the neck. Hunter is caught
off guard. He drops to the ground. Blood gushes.
                                                            
                       APRIL
      (CONT'D)
No!
                                                            
Jake looks up at April, who has tears streaming. Jake crawls
over Hunter and holds his bloody, dying head.
                                                            
                       JAKE
      (crying)
I'm so sorry! I didn't mean too! I
didn't mean too!
                                                            
Hunter cannot speak, but looks desperately into Jake's eyes.
Jake is covered in blood. A sick GURGLE comes from Hunter.
                                                            
Hunter groggily looks at April. Hunter stares into her eyes
and gives a slight smile. Jake looks back and forth at them
with disgust. He gently lays Hunter's head on the floor.
                                                            
Jake puts his hands on his hips, closes his eyes. He turns.
Hunter is on the floor, motionless and lifeless. His
expression wide-eyed, but not afraid.
                                                            
April is gone. Jake looks around in frustration. A wave of
nausea overcomes him.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE POND BY THE HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Soggy brown leaves litter the ground. The rain has been
reduced to a light drizzle. Jake drags Hunter's body through
the woods in blue tarp.
                                                            

88.

Jake struggles to move the body. Tears roll down his face
and he does not bother to wipe them away.
                                                            
Jake looks up towards the pond. April stands there,
watching. She looks calm and peaceful. Jake is only twenty
yards away from her. He drags the body the rest of the way.
                                                            
                       APRIL
Put him in here.
                                                            
April motions towards the pond.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Are you crazy, they'll find him?
                                                            
                       APRIL
      (knowing)
They wont.
                                                            
Jake looks at her, scared, perplexed.
                                                            
                       JAKE
What are you?
                                                            
April looks hurt at the question. She shrugs her shoulders.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I'm just me.
                                                            
Jake and April stare at one another for several seconds.
                                                            
                       APRIL
      (CONT'D)
I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt
you.
                                                            
                       JAKE
You made me kill my best friend.
                                                            
                       APRIL
I didn't make you do anything.
                                                            
Jake's shakes his head and looks away. He grabs the blue
tarp and drags it into the pond. April and Jake slowly watch
Hunter's body sink into the black abyss.
                                                            
                       APRIL
      (CONT'D)
He's with me now.
                                                            
Jake turns and stares at her in disbelief. He looks unable
to speak. She evaporates. Jake looks around the woods,
terrified and alone.
                                                            
 

89.

EXT. DRIVEWAY - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jake walks back to the house. He looks completely perturbed.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE'S LIVING ROOM - MORNING
                                                            
Jake, catatonic, sits on the couch. His eyes bloodshot, hair
disheveled, clothes covered in dirt and blood.
                                                            
The anger completely drained from him.
                                                            
Sunlight viciously gleams in through the window. Jake bites
his upper lip and looks in deep thought. He stands and walks
towards the kitchen.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jake goes through under the sink, throws things about. He
grabs bleach, a bucket and other cleaning supplies. He puts
on a pair of rubber gloves and walks to the spot Hunter
died.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jake vigorously scrubs the blood stains off.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jake finishes cleaning. He takes the gloves off and throws
it in the bucket, that's water is now blood red. He walks
the bucket over to the sink and washes his hands.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jake walks into Hunter's room. He gazes around
nostalgically. He sits on Hunter's bed.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Jake, on his couch, looks at his feet, somber. Two uniformed
officers, VETERAN OFFICER and ROOKIE OFFICER, stand in front
of him.
                                                            
                       VETERAN OFFICER
We found his car off of Road 34
wrecked in a ditch.
                                                            

90.

                       JAKE
Oh my God.
                                                            
                       ROOKIE OFFICER
You didn't see him that night?
                                                            
                       JAKE
No.
                                                            
                       VETERAN OFFICER
So, when is the last time you saw
Hunter?
                                                            
Jake rubs his hand on his chin and looks around.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Four days ago on Thursday, we were
just chit chatting in the kitchen.
                                                            
                       ROOKIE OFFICER
It looks like he may have wrecked
during the big storm.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jake walks Officer One and Officer Two to the front door,
opens it and they walk out.
                                                            
 
INT. HUNTER'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Jake and Mark pack up Hunter's things. There are several
boxes by the door.
                                                            
Jake picks up a picture of him and Hunter, arms wrapped
around each other in front of Henning Asylum, smiling, their
whole lives ahead of them.
                                                            
Mark walks behind Jake and watches.
                                                            
                       MARK
Are you doing alright man?
                                                            
Jake turns around quickly, stunned. He puts down the
picture.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Yeah, I guess. I'm doing about as
well as I can be doing.
                                                            
                       MARK
I think I know what happened.
                                                            

91.

                       JAKE
      (nervously)
Oh yeah?
                                                            
                       MARK
I think it was the lady in the
pond who got him.
                                                            
                       JAKE
What? What are you talking about?
                                                            
                       MARK
That day we were moving in and I
ran out of the house, I saw a
woman appear from the pond, out of
no where.
                                                            
Jake gives Mark a questioning look.
                                                            
                       JAKE
You don't actually believe you saw
that, do you?
                                                            
Mark looks at him as if he has lost his mind.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (in disbelief)
What? You were always the one
trying to convince me this stuff
was real!
(beat)
Now you're saying it's not?
                                                            
                       JAKE
You were right Mark, it is all
made up.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hunter came to me that night and
said he thought you guys were in
danger from something in this
house. That's the last time I saw
him.
                                                            
Jake smiles and shakes his head.
                                                            
                       JAKE
Don't be an idiot.
                                                            
Jake picks up a box of Hunter's things and walks out of his
room.
                                                            
 

92.

INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Jake walks down the stairs and to the front door. He drops
the box down next to some other ones.
                                                            
 
INT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Jake slowly walks from the front door to the kitchen, gazing
around the house, which is now mostly empty. He goes into
the kitchen and looks out the window.
                                                            
His eyes flinty and hard are riveted to the sight.
                                                            
JAKE'S POV
                                                            
Hunter and April sit on the bench in front of the pond
together, happy and radiant. They hold hands, talk and
laugh.
                                                            
BACK TO SCENE
                                                            
Jake turns away from the window, disgusted. He walks out of
the house, leaving us alone in the dark, empty room.
                                                            
 
EXT. JAKE AND HUNTER'S DRIVEWAY - EVENING
                                                            
The dying light casts a crimson glow. Jake and Mark drive
away from the house in a U-Haul truck. Jake stares at the
house in the rear view mirror; his eyes fixated on the
retreating structure.
                                                            
The U-Haul truck reaches the end of the driveway and turns
away.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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