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by John Bradley (johnrushbradley@hotmail.com)
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Rated:
Genre: Horror
User Review: NOT YET RATED
After their parent's death, brothers Hunter and Jacob plan on renovating and selling a family cabin to cover expenses. A malevolent ghost and a strange girl put their renovation in jeopardy and change their lives forever.
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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.
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FADE IN:
|
INT. HOUSE - EVENING |
|
UNKNOWN POV |
|
Everything is fuzzy. A DARK FIGURE has his hands wrapped
around our mouth and nose. |
|
|
WOMAN
(muffled)
Please...No! |
|
|
Several seconds of violent struggling. Our POV goes limp.
The Dark Figure releases his grip. |
|
|
EXT. MATHERS' HOUSE - EVENING |
|
The snow capped Rocky Mountains loom in the background. |
|
A sleepy street in the burbs. A bustling wind kicks up
golden brown leaves. |
|
Several lights are on in the house. A light from the kitchen
illuminates a figure bustling about. |
|
|
INT. MATHERS' KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS |
|
DARLENE MATHERS, 30ish, barefoot and loosened up dress suit,
a woman with a lot on her plate, bustles from the stove to
the fridge, preparing dinner for her family. |
|
|
DARLENE
(yells)
Are you boys behaving up there? |
|
|
|
HUNTER(5) (O.S.)
We're playing hide and seek, don't
ruin it! |
|
|
|
DARLENE
Okay, you have one hour till
dinner's ready. |
|
|
SIZZLE! |
|
Darlene turns. Water boils over from a pot, evaporating on
the hot stove top. Darlene rushes over and lift the pot up. |
|
2.
|
|
|
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INT. HUNTER AND JACOB'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS |
|
A bunk bed, super hero posters, and all kinds of neat toys.
Everything a 5 year old boy could want. |
|
HUNTER(5), a radiant rascal seemingly on an endless sugar
high, has his hands covering his eyes. |
|
|
HUNTER(5)
Twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty.
Ready or not, here I come! |
|
|
Hunter lowers his hands and deviously looks around. He paces
toward the bedroom door. |
|
UPSTAIRS HALLWAY |
|
Hunter(5) creeps out of his bedroom. The parent's bedroom
across from him, stairs leading downstairs, an office, a
closet, and bathroom. |
|
Hunter(5) considers his options. |
|
|
HUNTER(5)
O' where O' where are you hiding? |
|
|
BATHROOM |
|
JACOD(4), dark hair and piercing eyes, a bit of an edge to
him, peeks through the crease of the door, sees Hunter(5)
open the office door. |
|
A pair of eyes deviously peek through the shower curtain.
They belong to BILLY, (6), pale with dark hair. A hint of
darkness behind the innocent façade. |
|
Jacob turns to Billy. |
|
|
JACOB(4)
(whispers)
He's coming! |
|
|
UPSTAIRS HALLWAY |
|
Hunter(5) makes his way towards the bathroom. |
|
|
HUNTER(5)
I hear you in there! |
|
|
3.
|
He enters. |
|
BATHROOM |
|
Hunter(5) goes further in, misses Jacob(4) cowering behind
the door. He sees Billy's silhouette behind the shower
curtain. |
|
Hunter(5) hurries over, swings the shower curtain open. |
|
|
|
A bemused looks strikes Hunter's(5) face. The shower is
empty. He turns, sees Jacob(4) in the doorway. |
|
|
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GIGGLES O.S. |
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Hunter(5) and Jacob(4) both turn. Billy dashes across the
hallway to the boys bedroom. |
|
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BILLY
You guys are too easy! |
|
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KITCHEN |
|
Darlene, at the counter, chops a cucumber on a cutting
board. |
|
PHONE RINGS |
|
Startled, Darlene misses her mark, slicing her finger open.
She recoils. |
|
|
|
|
JACOB(4) (O.S.)
Mommy said a bad word! |
|
|
Darlene grabs a paper towel, squeezes it over her wound. The
phone continues to RING. |
|
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DARLENE
No I didn't, you heard me wrong! |
|
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Darlene rushes to the phone, answers it. |
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4.
|
|
DARLENE
Hello?
(pause)
Why?
(shakes her head)
What were you doing at the cabin?
(sighs)
Okay, I will save you dinner in
the fridge.
(pause)
Love you too. |
|
|
Darlene hangs the phone up. Her eyes shift towards the
stairs. It's quiet upstairs. Too quiet. |
|
HUNTER AND JACOB'S BEDROOM |
|
Hunter(5), Jacob(4), and Billy sit on the floor in the
middle of the room. |
|
|
HUNTER(5)
(to Billy)
You always win at hide and seek. |
|
|
|
BILLY
(smiles)
Yeah, I know. |
|
|
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JACOB(4)
Maybe we should play a different
game. |
|
|
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DARLENE (O.S.)
You boys doing okay? |
|
|
The three boys turn. Darlene stands at the doorway,
blood-soaked paper towel around her finger. |
|
|
|
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HUNTER(5)
What happened to your finger? |
|
|
DARLENE'S POV |
|
Hunter(5) and Jacob(4) stare back at her. Billy is no longer
there. |
|
5.
|
|
DARLENE
It's just a little boo-boo.
Daddy's dealing with a problem at
the cabin, so he's not coming home
till late. |
|
|
|
|
Hunter(5), Jacob(4), and Billy, back where he was, look
disappointed. |
|
|
DARLENE
I'll yell when dinner's ready. |
|
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Darlene exits the room. |
|
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BILLY
I have an idea for a game. |
|
|
Billy stands and hurries to the toy chest, rummages through
it. After a moment, he pulls out a Superman cape. |
|
Hunter(5) and Jacob(4) stare at him quizzically. |
|
|
BILLY
This here is a real cape from
Superman's home planet. It can
give you super powers. |
|
|
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JACOB(4)
(excited)
Really?! |
|
|
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HUNTER(5)
(skeptical)
No it's not. |
|
|
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BILLY
I'll prove it to you. |
|
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Billy ties the cape around his neck, opens the second story
bedroom window. He hops up on the sill. Hunter(5) and
Jacob(4) stare in awe. |
|
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JACOB(4)
(scared)
Be careful, Billy! |
|
|
Billy turns his back to the window and lets himself fall.
Hunter(5) and Jacob(4) gasp. |
|
Billy floats back up, a smile on his face. |
|
6.
|
|
|
Billy floats back in, his feet touch the ground. Hunter(5)
and Jacob's mouths are agape. |
|
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BILLY
Who wants to play with it next? |
|
|
|
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Jacob(4) shoves Hunter(5), grabs the cape Billy, his eyes
transfixed on it. |
|
|
|
Billy and Jacob(4) exchange a smile. Billy helps tie the
cape on Jacob(4)'s back. |
|
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BILLY
We're going to be best friends
forever. |
|
|
A tense moment. Jacob(4) slowly climbs on the window, his
legs shake. |
|
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HUNTER(5)
(nervously)
I'm not sure about this, Jacob. |
|
|
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BILLY
(to Jacob)
You're not chicken, are you? |
|
|
Jacob(4) musters courage at the challenge, shakes his head
'no'. |
|
|
BILLY
Then what are you waiting for? |
|
|
Jacob(4) closes his eyes and drops back. Silence. A loud
THUD! |
|
|
|
Billy smiles and skips out the of the bedroom. Hunter(5)
rushes to the window. |
|
OUT THE WINDOW |
|
7.
|
Jacob(4), unconscious, lies sprawled on the grass below, his
body mangled, blood trickles from his nose. |
|
|
HUNTER(5)
(screams)
Jacob! |
|
|
FOOTSTEPS O.S. rush up the stairs. |
|
|
DARLENE (O.S.)
What happened? What's going on? |
|
|
Darlene's head pokes out the window. |
|
|
DARLENE
Oh my God, Jacob! |
|
|
|
EXT. ROCKY MOUNTAIN MEDICAL CENTER - NIGHT |
|
They quiet night is broken by an ambulance speeds to the
front Emergency Room door. |
|
|
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING |
|
Bright light beams through the windows. A respirator gives a
rhythmic BEEP. |
|
Jacob(4), eyes shut, lies in the bed. His body intertwined
with tubes and machines. |
|
A few feet away |
|
Darlene and Hunter(5) lie asleep in the visitor's chairs.
Despite their sleep, the looks of a long, worry filled night
are still there. |
|
Jacob's(4) eyes slowly blink open. He weakly looks around,
searching for familiarity. He slides the respirator from his
mouth. |
|
|
|
Darlene and Hunter(5) open their eyes. Darlene bolts up,
rushes to Jacob's(4) side and cusps his hand. |
|
|
DARLENE
Are you in any pain? |
|
|
Jacob's(4) eyes search the room. |
|
8.
|
|
|
|
DARLENE
He went to get us breakfast.
(pause)
Jacob? |
|
|
|
|
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DARLENE
Why did you jump from the window? |
|
|
Jacob(4) turns to Hunter(5), who looks down, avoiding eye
contact. |
|
|
JACOB(4)
Billy did it first, he had the
cape -- I saw him fly. |
|
|
Darlene, trying her best to mask anger, shakes her head.
Tears swell in her eyes. |
|
|
DARLENE
Jacob, there is no Billy, you
didn't see anyone fly. |
|
|
|
JACOB(4)
(hurt)
But, he did! I swear! |
|
|
|
DARLENE
Stop!
(softer)
Please, just stop, Jacob. |
|
|
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JACOB(4)
I'm telling the truth! |
|
|
|
DARLENE
Jacob, you're not feeling well. |
|
|
Jacob(4) turns back to Hunter(5) who guiltily stares at the
floor, arms crossed. |
|
|
JACOB(4)
Tell her, Hunter! Tell her about
Billy! |
|
|
Darlene glares at Hunter. His eyes meet hers, filled with
fear. She waits for a response. |
|
9.
|
|
HUNTER(5)
I don't know what he is talking
about. |
|
|
Jacob's(4) eyes penetrate Hunter(5), the betrayal and hurt
evident. |
|
Darlene gently places her hand on Jacob's(4) arm. |
|
|
DARLENE
I promise, sweetie, your father
and I are going to do everything
we can to get you the help that
you need. |
|
|
Jacob(4) sulks. |
|
|
EXT. MATHERS' HOUSE - NIGHT |
|
A full moon partially covered by dark clouds. The street is
quiet. An upstairs light turns off in the house. |
|
|
INT. HUNTER AND JACOB'S BEDROOM - NIGHT |
|
Hunter(5) and Jacob(4), cast on his arm, lie in bed. The
lights off. |
|
The door opens, Darlene enters. She walks up to Hunter(5),
kisses him on the forehead. |
|
|
DARLENE
Sleep well, buttercup. |
|
|
Darlene shifts over to Jacob(4), gives him a look of love
and worry. |
|
|
DARLENE
Your father and I talked it over
and tomorrow we are taking you to
see our friend Dr. Schuster about
your friend Billy. |
|
|
A WHISTLE FROM THE HALLWAY. Jacob(4) turns. Billy peeks in
the door, a devious smile. He giggles and skips away. |
|
|
JACOB(4)
Did you see him, he was just
here--! |
|
|
Darlene shushes him. Kisses his forehead. |
|
10.
|
|
DARLENE
You can talk with Dr. Schuster
about that tomorrow. |
|
|
Darlene meanders to the door. |
|
|
DARLENE
Sweet dreams my angels. |
|
|
She closes the door. Her FOOTSTEPS walk towards her room.
Several moments of silence. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
JACOB(4)
Why did you lie to mom about
Billy? |
|
|
Silence. |
|
|
|
|
HUNTER(5)
I didn't lie. You heard Mom, he's
just an imaginary friend. He's not
real. |
|
|
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JACOB(4)
You know he's real! |
|
|
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HUNTER(5)
You're in enough trouble, I don't
wanna be too. |
|
|
|
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HUNTER(5)
I don't want to talk about it
anymore. |
|
|
Hunter(5) rolls over, turning his back to Jacob(4). Jacob(4)
softly cries. |
|
SERIES OF SHOTS |
|
--INT. THERAPIST OFFICE - DAY |
|
11.
|
Jacob(4) sits in a colorful chair, toys surround him. An
obvious attempt at comfort. |
|
DR. SCHUSTER takes notes as he listens to Jacob(4) speak. |
|
|
DR. SCHUSTER
Tell me when you first met Billy? |
|
|
--EXT. PARK - DAY |
|
Hunter(5) boisterously plays a game of tag with several
neighborhood kids. |
|
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NEIGHBORHOOD KID
Tag, you're it! |
|
|
NEIGHBORHOOD KID tags Hunter(5), They both giggle. Hunter(5)
gives chase. |
|
--INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY |
|
TEEN JACOB, dark clothes, dark hair, socially awkward, sits
at a table by himself. He doodles on a piece of paper. |
|
Several KIDS walk bye, joking amongst themselves. Teen Jacob
watches them. They don't even notice him. |
|
--INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM - DAY |
|
A full court basketball game in progress. |
|
TEEN HUNTER, sharp, tall, and well adjusted, dribbles the
ball past a defender and scores an easy basket. |
|
-- INT. JACOB'S BEDROOM - NIGHT |
|
A pick strums against a guitar. |
|
JACOB, 18, dark clothes, dark hair, hurt in his eyes, plays
his guitar to HEAVY METAL MUSIC. |
|
--INT. BOWLING ALLEY - NIGHT |
|
HUNTER, 19, dashing and charming, giggles with his date
after she rolls a gutter ball. |
|
They exchange a quick kiss. |
|
|
|
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12.
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INT. JACOB'S BEDROOM - DAY |
|
HEAVY METAL PLAYS |
|
Jacob, on his bed, reclines against his headboard. He opens
the window, takes a cigarette out and lights it. Inhales
deeply. |
|
He puts the cigarette down on the sill. He wanders through
his messy room, grabs his guitar. |
|
Jacob strums along to the song, drags from his cigarette. |
|
FAINT KNOCK AT THE DOOR. Jacob looks up, quickly tosses the
cigarette out the window. |
|
The door opens, Hunter recoils, as if assaulted by the
noise. |
|
|
HUNTER
Can you turn it down a bit? |
|
|
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JACOB
(annoyed)
What, I can't hear you? |
|
|
|
|
Hunter marches to the stereo, turns the volume down. Jacob
raises his hands. |
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
Don't worry, I'll let you get back
to rupturing your eardrums
momentarily. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Sorry, Grandpa, was my music
disturbing you during your
programs? |
|
|
Hunter sniffs the air. |
|
|
HUNTER
You better stop smoking in the
house, dad will kick your ass. |
|
|
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|
13.
|
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HUNTER
I'm having a party tonight. |
|
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HUNTER
No, at the governor's mansion. |
|
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|
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HUNTER
Not going to be home till tomorrow
afternoon and everything will be
picked up by then. |
|
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JACOB
Why didn't you tell me? |
|
|
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HUNTER
Isn't that what I'm doing now? |
|
|
Jacob stands, goes to the stereo and turns the volume back
up. Sits back down. Hunter goes right back and lowers it. |
|
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HUNTER
I'm going to miss you. Secretly I
think you're going to miss me too. |
|
|
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JACOB
(sarcastically)
I promise to write you everyday. |
|
|
Hunter chuckles. Jacob cracks a small smile. |
|
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HUNTER
I know you're not into parties.
The fun, social interaction,
uninhibited girls, that's not your
thing. |
|
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JACOB
Yeah, a real sophisticated bunch
your soirees bring out. |
|
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HUNTER
You only have three more weeks to
deal with me and then I'll be in
Vegas. It would mean a lot if you
hung out for a little while and
pretended to enjoy yourself. |
|
|
14.
|
|
JACOB
One, maybe two hours, then I'm
back in my room. |
|
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|
|
Hunter turns the music back up and exits the room. |
|
|
EXT. MATHERS' HOUSE - NIGHT |
|
All of the lights shine from the house The faint sound of
music blares. |
|
A car full of TEENAGERS pulls up to the street and parks.
The kids get out and head up to the front porch. |
|
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INT. MATHERS' LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS |
|
Dim lighting, music playing, a fun atmosphere. |
|
About a dozen or so Teens with red plastic party cups.
Casual dress. Everyone knows everyone. |
|
Jacob, awkwardly wanders in from the kitchen, carrying a cup
of his own. He looks around searching. Sees Hunter, makes
his way towards him. |
|
MARK, 19, short and abrasive, his clothes trying too hard to
impress approaches the brothers. |
|
|
MARK
Look who has risen from his cave. |
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Jacob flips Mark off. Hunter pats Jacob on the back. |
|
|
HUNTER
Glad you're hanging out. |
|
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JACOB
Can't believe I'm saying this, but
I'm really going to miss-- |
|
|
ATTRACTIVE BLONDE and HOT BRUNETTE approach the 3 boys, who
turn. |
|
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ATTRACTIVE BLONDE
We need a third for beer pong. |
|
|
Hunter looks and points at Jacob. |
|
15.
|
|
HUNTER
How about my little brother, Jake? |
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|
Attractive Blonde and Hot Brunette give Jacob a polite, but
disinterested smile. |
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HOT BRUNETTE
C'mon Hunter, we want you to play. |
|
|
|
ATTRACTIVE BLONDE
Yeah, you're the one that's
leaving soon, you gotta play! |
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|
|
|
The two ladies grab Hunter and drag him away. Mark follows.
Jacob watches, no one left. |
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|
HOT BRUNETTE
We wont take no for an answer. |
|
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|
|
Jacob looks around uncomfortably. He meanders through the
party and out the back door. |
|
|
EXT. MATHERS' BACK PORCH - NIGHT |
|
Blackness. Crickets CHIRP. A cigarette smolders. Jacob takes
it out and exhales. |
|
Green patio chairs and a glass table decorate a well kept
back yard. |
|
Jacob lowers his head and closes his eyes and drops his
head. |
|
|
KIDS VOICE (V.O.)
Hey, Jacob! |
|
|
Jacob pops up in his chair, nervously looks around. Silence.
His pulse rises. |
|
|
JACOB
Hello? Is somebody there? |
|
|
|
KIDS VOICE (V.O.)
Don't you recognize my voice? It's
me, Billy! |
|
|
16.
|
Jacob recoils, falling out of his chair. He quickly stands,
his eyes scan around. |
|
|
|
|
KIDS VOICE (V.O.)
Don't you want to play with me? |
|
|
|
JACOB
(yells)
Stay away from me! |
|
|
The back door opens, several party goers look out, snicker
at Jacob. |
|
The Kid's Voice LAUGHS hysterically. Jacob looks around,
scared, confused, embarrassed. Hunter runs out the door to
Jacob. |
|
|
|
|
|
An upstairs window opens. Mark pops his head out laughing, a
walkie-talkie in his hand. He pushes the button. |
|
|
MARK
(kids voice)
Don't you want to play with me? |
|
|
The voice echoes through the other walkie-talkie buried in a
planter. |
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
(angry)
Not cool, Mark. |
|
|
|
MARK
I was just playing a little prank
on Jacob. |
|
|
Jacob storms back to the house. |
|
|
HUNTER
Jacob, he didn't-- |
|
|
17.
|
Hunter puts a hand on his shoulder. Jacob shoves him away,
slams the door as he enters the house. |
|
Hunter looks up, glares a hole through Mark, who offers him
an apologetic smile. |
|
|
EXT. MATHERS' HOUSE - MORNING |
|
A couple red plastic cups litter the front yard. A car
drives bye, a newspaper flies out the window. |
|
|
INT. MATHERS' HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS |
|
Hunter, still in the same clothes from the night before,
rubs the sleep from his eyes as he makes his way towards
Jacob's room. |
|
Hunter KNOCKS...No response. |
|
|
HUNTER
You up, baby brother? |
|
|
Hunter turns the knob. The door is locked. |
|
|
HUNTER
I'm sorry about last night, Mark
was a dick. |
|
|
Silence. |
|
|
HUNTER
I made breakfast. There's a plate
of bacon with your name on it. |
|
|
|
JACOB (O.S.)
Leave it at the door. |
|
|
Hunter smirks, shuffles off to the kitchen. A couple seconds
later, he is back, plate of bacon in hand. He sets it down
outside Jacob's room. |
|
|
HUNTER
I'm hopping in the shower. |
|
|
Hunter walks off and turns into the bathroom, closing the
door behind him. The SHOWER TURNS ON. |
|
Jacob opens his bedroom door, happily looks at the plate of
bacon. He picks it up and takes a bite. |
|
HOUSE PHONE RINGS |
|
18.
|
Jacob groans, grabs the plate of bacon and takes it into the |
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
Jacob answers the phone. |
|
|
|
|
DARLENE (V.O.)
(nervous)
Jacob? |
|
|
|
JACOB
What's going on, Mom? |
|
|
|
DARLENE (V.O.)
I don't know, I'm really scared. |
|
|
|
JACOB
What is it? Tell me what's
happening? |
|
|
|
DARLENE (V.O.)
I've lost your father, he's not
with me anymore. |
|
|
The concern on Jacob's face grows with each answered
question. |
|
|
JACOB
What? What are you talking about,
you lost him? |
|
|
|
DARLENE (V.O.)
He's not with me anymore. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Where's the last place you saw
him? |
|
|
|
DARLENE (V.O.)
We were driving down the
Sidewinder... |
|
|
INTERCUT |
|
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY |
|
An older BMW handles the curvy mountain road. It drives into
a hazy, gray fog. |
|
|
|
19.
|
|
JACOB
Where are you? I'm coming to get
you right now! |
|
|
|
DARLENE (V.O.)
I, I have to go. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Tell me where you are so I can
come get you! |
|
|
|
DARLENE (V.O.)
I love you, Jacob. Tell Hunter
that I love him too. |
|
|
Tears swell in Jacob's eyes. |
|
|
|
CLICK. The call is disconnected. Jacob, in a daze, hangs up.
He stares into space. |
|
The bathroom door opens. Hunter steps out, covered in a bath
towel. He makes his way into the living room, curiously eyes
Jacob. |
|
|
HUNTER
You've barely touched your bacon. |
|
|
No response from Jacob. |
|
|
|
Still no response from Jacob. Hunter steps in front of him,
snaps his fingers. |
|
|
|
Jacob's eyes rise and meet Hunter's. |
|
|
HUNTER
Earth to Jacob, do you copy? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.
|
|
JACOB
Mom called, she sends her love. |
|
|
|
|
The DOORBELL RINGS |
|
Hunter and Jacob's eyes don't break for several seconds. |
|
The DOORBELL RINGS AGAIN |
|
Hunter, with concern and curiosity in his eyes, turns his
attention away from Jacob. He makes his way to the door,
opens it. |
|
Two STATE TROOPERS stand on the other side. |
|
|
STATE TROOPER
Is this the Mathers' residence? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Yes, what's going on? |
|
|
The State Troopers remove and lower their caps. |
|
|
INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - DAY |
|
Pews packed with Mourners, dressed in black. Hunter and
Jacob, both puffy and teary eyed, sit in the front row. |
|
|
STATE TROOPER (V.O.)
We have some unfortunate news. |
|
|
|
HUNTER (V.O.)
What happened? |
|
|
A PRIEST stands at his pulpit. Two closed caskets behind
him. |
|
|
STATE TROOPER (V.O.)
There was a terrible fog on the
Sidewinder. We responded to
several accidents up there today. |
|
|
|
HUNTER (V.O.)
Just say it! |
|
|
|
STATE TROOPER (V.O.)
Your parents are gone. |
|
|
|
21.
|
INT. LAW OFFICE - DAY |
|
Jacob and Hunter sits in chair next to an oak desk. Opposite
them, LAWYER looks over paperwork. |
|
|
JACOB
What does that mean? |
|
|
|
LAWYER
Unfortunately, your parents let
their life insurance policy lapse. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
So we are screwed for money? |
|
|
|
JACOB
The funeral was almost twelve
grand. |
|
|
|
LAWYER
(to Hunter)
Not necessarily. |
|
|
Hunter and Jacob give Lawyer a quizzical look. |
|
|
LAWYER
When's the last time you've been
to your father's cabin in
Firestone? |
|
|
Hunter and Jacob ponder the question. |
|
|
INT. MATHERS' LIVING ROOM - DAY |
|
Jacob sits on the couch, lost in his thoughts. The house is
still, silent. |
|
The front door opens, Hunter enters. |
|
|
JACOB
I still think they're just going
to walk through the front door. |
|
|
Hunter takes a seat next to Jacob, has a serious expression. |
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
I'm not going to U.N.L.V. |
|
|
22.
|
|
JACOB
The semester starts in a week, are
you joking? You've been looking
forward to going there for a year! |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I'm just taking one semester off,
to get everything settled. |
|
|
|
JACOB
That's a big sacrifice. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
You're all I have left and I'm all
you have left. I just want to make
sure everything is settled before
I leave. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Yeah, I appreciate that. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I was thinking you and me could
take a month and fix up the cabin.
If we sell or rent it, that'd help
a ton with our bills. |
|
|
|
JACOB
(laughs)
You and me in a cabin for a month?
That can't be good. |
|
|
|
EXT. WOODLAND ROAD - DAY |
|
Gorgeous scenery. Miles and miles of lush woods,
interspersed with tiny homes and businesses. |
|
A curvy mountain road. A green Jeep speeds along. |
|
INT. HUNTER'S JEEP - CONTINUOUS |
|
Hunter drives. Jacob rides shotgun. A ROCK SONG JAMS on the
radio. |
|
|
JACOB
(angry)
Why is he coming? |
|
|
23.
|
|
HUNTER
Mark's a little rough around the
edges, but he's not a bad guy.
He's volunteering his time to help
us. |
|
|
|
JACOB
He makes me angry just looking at
him. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
We haven't been to that cabin in
like, ten years. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Actually it's been more like
thirteen. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Whatever. My point is who knows
how much shit we're going to have
to fix. We can use all the help we
can get. |
|
|
|
JACOB
I guess you're right. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
So you will play nice? |
|
|
Jacob flips him off. Hunter laughs. |
|
|
JACOB
When's he getting there, anyway? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
He's picking up the U-Haul, so
maybe an hour after us. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Mark might be a total tool, but at
least he's your tool. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
That's the spirit. |
|
|
|
EXT. WOODLAND ROAD - DAY |
|
The Jeep zooms further up the curvy road. |
|
LATER |
|
24.
|
The Jeep crawls along, entering a small town. A sign reads
"Welcome to Firestone, Colorado". |
|
Mom and Pop shops litter what could be generously called
Main Street. If you're looking to escape society, you've
come to the right place. |
|
|
INT. HUNTER'S JEEP - CONTINUOUS |
|
Hunter and Jacob stare out the window, admiring the scenery. |
|
|
JACOB
I don't know how but this town is
smaller than I remember it. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Keep an eyes out for the street. |
|
|
|
JACOB
What's it called again? |
|
|
|
|
Jacob laughs. |
|
|
|
|
JACOB
You passed it three years back. |
|
|
|
|
EXT. SMALL TOWN ROAD |
|
The Jeep brakes hard, the makes a quick u-turn. Drives back
the way they came. |
|
|
EXT. CABIN DRIVEWAY - DAY |
|
A thorny wilderness separates the cabin from an expansive
lake. |
|
The cabin is rustic in appearance, untouched for years.
Neighbors few and far between. |
|
A U-Haul truck is parked in front of the house. Mark stands
by the driver's side door, impatiently fidgeting. |
|
25.
|
Hunter's Jeep pulls up, parks next to the U-Haul. Hunter and
Jacob get out. |
|
|
MARK
Where the hell have you been? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Mark, you're early. |
|
|
|
MARK
The hell I am! You told me one
O'clock. |
|
|
|
|
Mark pulls out his phone, shoves it in Hunter's face. |
|
|
MARK
I have the text right here. |
|
|
Hunter looks it over, realizes his mistake. |
|
|
HUNTER
Awe shit man, I'm sorry about
that. |
|
|
|
MARK
Why haven't you been answering
your phone, I've called like eight
times? |
|
|
Hunter's PHONE BEEPS. He pulls it out of his pocket, shows
it to Mark. |
|
|
HUNTER
Service is pretty spotty out here.
It's non existent going through
the canyon. |
|
|
The three turn and face the cabin, sizing it up. |
|
|
MARK
Jacob, it's good to see you. |
|
|
|
|
A slight hint of hostility in Mark and Jacob's voices.
Hunter notices. |
|
|
HUNTER
Let's get settled in. |
|
|
26.
|
They three make their way to the porch and up the freely
wooden stairs. |
|
|
MARK
Why did your dad just let this
place sit here? He could have
rented or sold it. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I've wonder that myse-- |
|
|
Hunter's foot crashes through a stair. He goes tumbling.
Jacob catches him before he takes a really bad fall. |
|
|
|
|
|
Jacob and Mark help Hunter to the top of the stairs. He
brushes himself off. |
|
|
HUNTER
Yeah, no, I'm fantastic. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Well, I know the first thing that
needs to be fixed. |
|
|
Hunter takes out a key and unlocks the front door. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS |
|
A dusty couch, oak table, old box television. Wood stained
walls, sporadically lined with nature art. |
|
A brick fireplace filled with decades old ash on the
opposite side of the room. |
|
The door opens, the three guys enter. |
|
|
MARK
It's really...rustic. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Some people like rustic. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
(to Mark)
You ready for the grand tour? |
|
|
27.
|
|
MARK
(sarcastic)
It won't take long, will it? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Anyway, here's the living room. |
|
|
The three make their way into the |
|
KITCHEN |
|
Quaint in size. A fridge, stove, microwave, all predating
1970. Hunter leads the way, followed by Jacob and Mark. |
|
Hunter motions to the microwave. |
|
|
HUNTER
This may or may not be an
authentic World War One relic. |
|
|
|
MARK
It's not going to explode if I use
it? |
|
|
|
JACOB
No, but there is a good chance
you'll get cancer from using that
thing. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
(to Mark)
I might have you sign a waiver. |
|
|
Jacob flips a light switch, the bulb comes on. |
|
|
JACOB
At least we have electricity. |
|
|
The bulb explodes. The three jump back. |
|
|
HUNTER
Okay, that's number two on our
list. |
|
|
The three walk up the hallway stairs. |
|
MAIN BEDROOM |
|
A queen sized bed with a large mirror above it, a dresser
off to the side. |
|
The three walk in. |
|
28.
|
|
HUNTER
Our parents old room. That may or
may not be the bed Jacob was
conceived on. |
|
|
|
|
SMALL BEDROOM |
|
Two twin bed, a dresser, and a box of old toys. The three
enter. |
|
|
JACOB
It's like walking into a time
capsule. |
|
|
Hunter's eyes light up, he rushes to the toy box, pulls out
an action figure. |
|
|
HUNTER
My Mega Man! I thought I lost it
when we were kids. |
|
|
|
JACOB
(to Mark)
All Hunter needs now is chocolate
milk and some comic books and we
won't see him for hours. |
|
|
Hunter gets up, heads for the door. Jacob and Mark follow. |
|
|
HUNTER
Hey, Mark, wanna hear about
Jacob's blanket? |
|
|
|
|
BASEMENT |
|
Near pitch black. The door opens, light floods in revealing
the three silhouettes. A chain is pulled, turning on a
spiderweb covered light bulb. |
|
The three stare down into the dingy basement. |
|
|
MARK
Anything down there? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Mostly just old junk, I'd imagine. |
|
|
29.
|
|
|
Mark sniffs the air, a disgusted reaction. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
MARK
You don't smell that? |
|
|
Hunter and Jacob sniff the air, the same look crosses their
faces. |
|
|
HUNTER
It's like rotten hamburger meat. |
|
|
|
MARK
Maybe we can save the basement
tour for later. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Sounds good to me. |
|
|
Hunter shuts the light off, closes the door as the three
leave. |
|
In the darkness, a SHADOW MAN moves from the staircase, back
further into the basement. |
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
Mark, Jacob and Hunter make their way through the room. |
|
|
JACOB
Alright, I'm going to get our
stuff from the Jeep. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I'm going to hit the can, I'll be
out to help in a minute. |
|
|
|
MARK
Right when the work starts. |
|
|
|
|
Mark and Jacob exit the front door. Hunter hurries up the
stairs and enters the |
|
30.
|
BATHROOM |
|
Hunter stands at the toilet, undoes his pants. Pee hits the
water. |
|
Hunter leans back, closes his eyes. |
|
|
MALE VOICE (V.O.)
Stay away. |
|
|
Hunter's eyes pop open, he nervously looks around. |
|
|
|
|
MALE VOICE (V.O.)
Hunter... |
|
|
Hunter zips up his pants, looks around. A tense moment. |
|
KNOCK AT THE DOOR. Hunter jumps, startled. |
|
|
MARK (O.S.)
You almost done in there? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
(snaps)
Jesus, can't a guy take a piss in
pieces? |
|
|
|
|
Mark's footsteps move away. Hunter flushes the toilet,
curiously looks around the room. |
|
|
EXT. CABIN - DAY |
|
The sun hangs high. Light reflects off the lake, brightening
the woods. |
|
The U-Haul and Jeep are parked in the driveway. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - DAY |
|
Hunter, Jacob, and Mark, all on hands and knees scrubbing
the floor. |
|
|
MARK
So why has it been so long since
your parents brought you out here? |
|
|
31.
|
Jacob and Hunter exchange a questioning look, both shrug. |
|
|
HUNTER
They were very busy, I guess. |
|
|
Hunter pushes a chair out of the way, begins to scrub under
it, stops, Something has caught his eye. |
|
Something is wedged in the crack of the wooden floor. He
picks it up, a faded yellow butterfly ear ring. |
|
Jacob glances at Hunter. |
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
Just an old ear ring. Must've been
an old one of Mom's. |
|
|
Hunter pockets the ear ring in his coat pocket, continues
scrubbing. Mark stops, looks around. |
|
|
MARK
You guys seen my cell phone? |
|
|
|
JACOB
I think you left it on the charger
in the big bedroom. |
|
|
Mark gets up, stretches. |
|
|
MARK
Gotta see if I have any missed
texts from the ladies. |
|
|
Jacob rolls his eyes. Hunter smirks. |
|
|
|
Mark hurries up the stairs to the |
|
MAIN BEDROOM |
|
Mark shuffles in, spots his cell phone. He goes to it, picks
it up, searches his message. |
|
|
MARK
No new texts?
(shrugs)
Must be the bad service. |
|
|
32.
|
Mark meanders, looking around. He approaches the window, his
fingers part the curtain. |
|
OUT THE WINDOW |
|
A picturesque view of the lake, a bench right on the shore,
a couple row boats tied to a small dock not far. The raw
Forrest surrounds it. |
|
BACK TO SCENE |
|
Mark stares out, transfixed. |
|
OUT THE WINDOW |
|
A ripple of water in the middle of the lake. |
|
BACK TO SCENE |
|
Mark's face is a mask of confusion. It slowly turns from
confusion, to fear, to horror. But he can't stop looking. He
shakes. |
|
Urine trickles down Mark's leg. |
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
Jacob and Hunter continue at scrubbing the floor. |
|
|
JACOB
Remember that fish I caught on the
lake, that thing was a foot and a
half? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
(laughs)
Dude, that thing was like four
inches. |
|
|
|
JACOB
That's not how I remember it. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Yeah, you were like four, I'm sure
that's how big it seemed in your
mind. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Funny how we remember things
differently from that age. |
|
|
Hunter regards Jacob, realizing the loaded comment. |
|
33.
|
MARK'S SCREAM ECHOES FROM UPSTAIRS |
|
Hunter and Jacob look up, concerned. Mark comes barreling
down the stairs. |
|
|
|
Marry shoves Hunter and Jacob out of the way as he rushes to
the front door. He opens it and bolts out. |
|
Hunter and Jacob slowly go after him. |
|
|
EXT. CABIN DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS |
|
Mark hurries to the U-Haul. Hunter and Jacob exit the house. |
|
|
HUNTER
Mark, where are you going? |
|
|
Without turning back, Mark opens the U-Haul door, gets in
and STARTS it. |
|
Tires spit mud as the truck hauls ass out of there. |
|
The truck flips and tears down the road. |
|
Hunter and Jacob look on in total confusion. Jacob pats
Hunter on the back. |
|
|
JACOB
Looks like we're going to need
another U-Haul. |
|
|
Jacob walks back inside. Hunter watches as the U-Haul turns
the corner and drives out of sight. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - KITCHEN - NIGHT |
|
Hunter stands by the window, staring out at the woods and
the still lake. The moon hovers behind a cluster of clouds. |
|
|
MALE VOICE (V.O.)
(faintly)
Hunter. |
|
|
Hunter shivers, looks to his side. |
|
|
|
34.
|
Hunter jumps, turns to see Jacob standing behind him. |
|
|
JACOB
You're not turning into Mark, are
you? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I didn't hear you come in. |
|
|
|
JACOB
I just wanted to ask, who gets
which room? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I don't know, which one did you
want? |
|
|
|
JACOB
I'd feel weird sleeping in our
parents' old room. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Then you can have our old room,
I'll take theirs. |
|
|
|
|
Jacob turns and starts to walk away. |
|
|
|
Jacob stops and turns back. |
|
|
HUNTER
What happened to Mark, you didn't
have anything to do with that did
you? |
|
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
This wasn't payback for Mark
messing with you at the party? |
|
|
|
JACOB
(Slightly angry)
As much as I enjoyed cleaning up
his piss, no I didn't. I was down
here with you, remember? |
|
|
35.
|
|
|
|
JACOB
Have you heard from him? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
No, he left his phone here. No
one's heard from him. |
|
|
|
JACOB
I'm going to bed, I'll see you in
the morning. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Sweet dreams little brother. |
|
|
Jacob smiles and walks up the stairs. A bedroom door shuts. |
|
Hunter takes one last glance out the window at the lake. He
turns back and shuts the light off. |
|
|
INT. LARGE BEDROOM - NIGHT |
|
Hunter shuffles in, quickly changes into pajama bottoms. He
turns off the light and slides into bed. |
|
Hunter lies there in silence. |
|
|
HUNTER
Love you, Mom. Love you, Dad. |
|
|
His eyes drift close. |
|
DREAM SEQUENCE |
|
|
INT. CAR - DAY |
|
HUNTER'S POV |
|
Everything is fuzzy and out of focus. |
|
Hunter drives. A ROCK SONG PLAYS. |
|
He drives up a curvy canyon road. He turns to the PASSENGER,
an attractive young girl we can't quite make out. |
|
A HORN HONKS. A car is coming right at him. Hunter swerves
out of the way. |
|
|
|
|
36.
|
EXT. TOWN ROAD - MORNING |
|
A HORN HONKS |
|
Hunter, in his pajamas, without a shirt, opens his eyes.
He's in the middle of the road. Headlights come straight at
him. |
|
A truck swerves out of the way not to hit him. Hunter jumps
back, confused, he looks around. |
|
|
ANGRY DRIVER
The hell's wrong with you? Get off
the drugs! |
|
|
Angry Driver floors the gas, sending a plume of smoke in
Hunter's face. |
|
|
EXT. CABIN DRIVEWAY - LATER |
|
Hunter's bare feet tip-toe up the cold dirt driveway. He
gets to the porch and let's himself in the front door. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS |
|
Hunter enters, closes the door slowly, trying not to make
any noise. |
|
|
JACOB (O.S.)
Where'd you go? |
|
|
Startled, Hunter, jumps, turns to see Jacob in the kitchen
with a glass of water. |
|
|
HUNTER
Jesus, you scared me. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Was having a hard time sleeping,
just came down for a glass of
water. You? |
|
|
Jacob stares at Hunter, questioningly. Hunter looks himself
up and down. |
|
|
HUNTER
Guess I just felt like taking a
walk. |
|
|
|
|
37.
|
Jacob shakes his head and walks back up the stairs. Hunter
rubs his hands over his face, meanders to the stairs. |
|
|
EXT. CABIN - DAY |
|
Birds chirp and play, flying from one tree to the next. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS |
|
Jacob, meanders from the stairs, yawns and stretches. He
grabs a glass and pours a glass of orange juice. He turns,
looks toward the |
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
Hunter sits on the couch, his face haggard. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JACOB
Couple of nights, you'll get used
to it here. |
|
|
Hunter stands, makes his way to the door. |
|
|
HUNTER
I need some caffeine in the worst
way. You want a coffee, energy
drink? |
|
|
|
JACOB
Yeah, an energy drink would be
great. |
|
|
Hunter grabs his keys off the table and heads to the front
door. |
|
|
|
38.
|
|
|
Hunter closes the door behind him as he leaves. |
|
Jacob chugs his juice, puts the glass in the sink. Something
catches his eye. He moves toward the window. |
|
OUT THE WINDOW |
|
A young woman sits on the bench overlooking the lake, her
back to the house. She has a book in hand. |
|
A small group of butterflies dance around her. |
|
BACK TO SCENE |
|
Jacob's face fills with intrigue. He watches her for several
moments. He shuffles away towards the back door. |
|
|
EXT. BY THE LAKE - MOMENTS LATER |
|
APRIL KILWELL, 18, intelligent eyes, a genuine to her that
is instantly recognizable. Dressed in a flower print dress,
butterfly ear rings, reading a book of Shakespeare. |
|
Jacob makes his way through the grassy woods. Now only 15 or
so feet from April. |
|
|
|
April turns, startled. She nervously eyes him over. He
realizes she is sizing him up. |
|
|
JACOB
(awkwardly)
Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.
(points back)
I'm staying in the cabin back
there. I saw you out here and
thought I'd say hi.
(pause)
So, hi, I guess. |
|
|
|
|
An awkward pause between them. Jacob looks to escape. |
|
39.
|
|
JACOB
You want to be alone, sorry for
intruding. |
|
|
Jacob turns to leave. |
|
|
APRIL
You just startled me is all, I
don't see many people out here. |
|
|
Jacob turns back. |
|
|
JACOB
You come here often? |
|
|
|
APRIL
It's really peaceful. I like to
come here to read and write
sometimes. |
|
|
|
JACOB
I used to come here as a kid, I
always liked it. |
|
|
April motions back to the cabin. |
|
|
APRIL
Are you living there? |
|
|
|
JACOB
Just for a little while. We're
planning on renovating and leasing
the place. |
|
|
|
|
|
JACOB
My brother and I. Our parents died
and left us the place. |
|
|
April puts her hand on his thigh. |
|
|
APRIL
I'm sorry about your parents, I
know how hard that is. |
|
|
|
|
April nods. They share amount of silence. Jacob regards the
book. |
|
40.
|
|
JACOB
What are you ready? |
|
|
|
APRIL
A tragedy. I love reading,
writing. That's what I want to do,
be a writer. |
|
|
|
|
|
APRIL
Different things, drama, tragedy,
mystery. |
|
|
|
JACOB
What are you writing now? |
|
|
|
APRIL
A story about a misunderstood girl
who falls in love with the wrong
man. |
|
|
|
JACOB
I'm a guitar player. One day I'd
love to be in a band. |
|
|
|
|
TIRES GRIND DIRT |
|
Jacob and April turn. Hunter's Jeep cruises up the driveway,
parks. |
|
|
JACOB
That's my brother, I should
probably get going. |
|
|
|
APRIL
It was nice to meet you... |
|
|
|
|
Jacob extend his hand, April shakes it. |
|
|
|
|
JACOB
Hopefully I bump into you again. |
|
|
41.
|
|
|
They exchange a smile. Jacob hurries back towards the cabin. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER |
|
The front door opens, Hunter enters, struggling to carry
coffee, doughnuts, and energy drinks. |
|
|
HUNTER
Jacob, I'm home. I brought us some
doughnuts. They're probably no
Krispy Kreme's, but we have to
make do. |
|
|
Hunter makes his way into the |
|
KITCHEN |
|
and sets everything on the counter. Listens for a moment,
silence. |
|
|
HUNTER
(yells)
Jacob, you here? |
|
|
The back door opens, Jacob hurries in. |
|
|
|
|
|
Hunter holds up the energy drink and doughnuts. |
|
|
|
Jacob grabs the energy drink, opens and chugs. |
|
|
HUNTER
What were you doing? |
|
|
|
JACOB
(awkwardly)
Just enjoying the scenery by the
lake, that's all. |
|
|
Jacob grabs a doughnut, marches up the stairs. |
|
42.
|
|
HUNTER
We got a lot to do today. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Yes boss, I'm going to shower, eat
and I'll be ready to go. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
You better be. We're behind
schedule as it is. |
|
|
Jacob slams the bathroom door as he enters. A few seconds
later the shower is turned on. |
|
Hunter shakes his head, tired and frustrated. He meanders
toward the window, peers out. |
|
OUT THE WINDOW |
|
The bench by the lake now rests empty. Clouds hover over the
sun. |
|
BACK TO SCENE |
|
Hunter heads to the back door, exits the cabin. |
|
|
INT. BY THE LAKE - MOMENTS LATER |
|
Hunter shuffles through the sparse woods towards the lake.
He approaches the empty bench, looks around. |
|
Something catches his eye. He curiously looks at the ground.
He moves closer to it. |
|
On the ground are a cluster of dead butterflies. He picks
one up, hold it in the palm of his hand. Then places it back
down. |
|
Hunter sadly looks at the sight. He gets up, glances around,
then heads back to the cabin. |
|
|
EXT. UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN COLORADO - DAY |
|
A sprawling campus with nature integrated into the design. |
|
Dozens of students go about their business on the several
walkways that lead through the courtyard. |
|
|
43.
|
INT. UWC BUILDING - DAY |
|
Classrooms occupy the building. School logos and bulletin
boards decorate the walls. |
|
April, hair done, clothes casual but smart, wanders through
the hallway. A small sea of other students do the same. |
|
She consults a piece of paper labeled "Class Schedule".
Looks from that to the numbers on the classroom. No luck. |
|
|
SPEAKER (V.O.)
Welcome students to the new
semester. We hope you're as exited
as we are about a great new year. |
|
|
April, her eyes not focused on where she is going, bumps
into JOCK SENIOR, drops her paper. |
|
|
APRIL
Sorry, I wasn't paying attention
to where I was going. |
|
|
|
JOCK SENIOR
Hey, don't worry about it. |
|
|
He bends down and picks the piece of paper up, hands it back
to her. |
|
|
|
|
JOCK SENIOR
You look lost. |
|
|
|
APRIL
Is it that obvious? |
|
|
He nods. They share a small laugh. |
|
|
|
She nods. |
|
|
JOCK SENIOR
What class are you looking for? |
|
|
|
APRIL
B-321. It's English 322. |
|
|
|
JOCK SENIOR
Pretty impressive for a Freshman. |
|
|
44.
|
|
|
|
JOCK SENIOR
This building can be kind of
confusing. |
|
|
Jock Senior points to a stairwell. |
|
|
JOCK SENIOR
Go one floor up and it will be the
third door on the left. |
|
|
|
APRIL
Thanks, I'm running super late. |
|
|
April turns and hurries to the stairwell. |
|
|
JOCK SENIOR
Hey, do you wanna hang out, go to
a party sometime? |
|
|
|
APRIL
(smiles)
Sure, that'd be great. |
|
|
|
INT. ENGLISH CLASS - MOMENTS LATER |
|
PAUL, 40ish, stands at the front of the class, piece of
paper in hand. |
|
A class of about 20 sits with similar papers in front of
them, all look forward. |
|
|
PAUL
Creative Writing, working in the
literary field is like science,
engineering, Baseball, or anything
else. It requires an innate talent
and a dedication to be successful. |
|
|
The door opens. Paul pauses. The entire class turns and
glares as April awkwardly shuffles in. |
|
|
|
|
PAUL
Take a seat. I was just about to
talk about the importance of
punctuality. |
|
|
45.
|
April takes her seat. |
|
|
APRIL
It won't happen again. |
|
|
Paul's eyes meet hers. They exchange a smile. |
|
|
PAUL
Now, as I was saying... |
|
|
|
EXT. CABIN - PORCH - DAY |
|
A hammer smashes into a corroded wooden stair, breaking it
off and sending it flying. |
|
Hunter raises the hammer, wipes sweat from his brow. Half
the stairs have been broken off. |
|
Hunter brings the hammer up, ready to take the next stair
out. The door opens, Jacob exits. |
|
|
JACOB
All the light bulbs are changed. |
|
|
Suddenly distracted, Hunter brings the hammer down,
connecting squarely with his thumb. |
|
|
|
Hunter jumps up in pain, his face turning red. He paces
around, squeezing his thumb tightly. |
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
(angry)
Why don't you stick your thumb
down and let me do that to you,
then you can ask me that question
again? |
|
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
This really hurts -- can you check
if we have any ice? |
|
|
|
|
46.
|
Jacob walks back in the house. Hunter squirms, still holding
his thumb, writhing in pain. |
|
A few seconds later, Jacob comes back out, empty handed. |
|
|
JACOB
So the freezer no longer makes ice
cubes. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Great. We'll get a new one. |
|
|
|
JACOB
I can run to the store, get you
some Advil. |
|
|
Hunter and Jacob turn. A Prius pulls up the driveway. |
|
|
HUNTER
You order pizza or something? |
|
|
Jacob shakes his head 'no'. |
|
The car pulls up next to Hunter's Jeep and parks. BARBARA
BATELLA, 50, wearing a sharp dress suit and a $1,000 smile,
caffeine seemingly flowing through her veins, exits the car. |
|
|
HUNTER
How can I help you? |
|
|
Barbara's eyes examine the house thoughtfully. She
approaches the steps. |
|
|
|
Jacob offers her a hand, helps up the broken steps. She
shakes his hand. |
|
|
BARBARA
Barbara Batella, real estate
agent. |
|
|
|
|
Barbara grabs Hunter's hands, shakes it. He recoils, thumb
still in pain. |
|
|
HUNTER
Sorry, hammer accident. |
|
|
47.
|
Barbara reaches in her pocket and pulls out two business
cards. Hands one to each of them. |
|
|
BARBARA
(talks fast)
Barbara Batella, best real estate
agent in Firestone. Well, I guess
there are only two of us, but I'm
still the best.
(laughs)
Anyway, a little birdie told me
you two were interested in listing
this wonderful cabin, so I said to
myself, Barbara, why don't you
head over and introduce yourself. |
|
|
|
JACOB
How did you know we were? |
|
|
|
BARBARA
Word travels fast in a small town. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
There's still a lot of work to do
before we're ready. |
|
|
|
BARBARA
Of course, of course. Totally
understandable. Is there any
chance I can take a peek on the
inside? |
|
|
Jacob and Hunter exchange a look, shrug their shoulders. |
|
|
HUNTER
I don't see why not. |
|
|
|
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS |
|
Barbara opens the front door, moseying in, looking over the
room. |
|
|
BARBARA
It's a lot more spacious than it
looks from the outside. |
|
|
Jacob and Hunter follow her in. |
|
48.
|
|
HUNTER
Would you like us to give you the
tour? |
|
|
|
BARBARA
I can show myself around if that
would be copesetic? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Sure. Let us know if you have any
questions. |
|
|
|
|
Hunter and Jacob retreat to the front porch, closing the
door behind them. |
|
Barbara pulls out a tape recorder, shuffles around. |
|
|
BARBARA
Lakeside Avenue cabin, nice
location, needs some work. Kids
own it, could make some good
money. |
|
|
KITCHEN |
|
Barbara shuffles in. She regards the fridge and stove
sourly. Speaks into the recorder. |
|
|
BARBARA
Appliances are horrendous. |
|
|
She makes her way to the window,nooks out. |
|
|
BARBARA
Wonderful view, selling point to
boating enthusiasts. |
|
|
MAIN BEDROOM |
|
Barbara enters, paces around. |
|
|
BARBARA
Nice size master bedroom. |
|
|
She bumps a table, sending a ceramic bowl crashing to the
floor, breaking it into pieces. |
|
|
|
49.
|
She kicks the pieces with her shoe under the bed, quickly
exits the room. |
|
BASEMENT |
|
The door to opens, light floods in, highlighting Barbara's
silhouette. |
|
She carefully goes down the stairs, pulls the chain. She
regards the dingy basement poorly. She puts the tape
recorder to her mouth. |
|
|
BARBARA
Smells like something died down
here. |
|
|
She slowly makes her way down the stairs, reaches the
bottom. She shivers. |
|
|
BARBARA
Heating, possible ventilation
problem in the basement. |
|
|
The light bulb SHATTERS. Barbara shrieks. |
|
MALE WHISPERS. |
|
FOOTSTEPS POUND THE STAIRS. The door opens, Barbara dashes
out. |
|
|
EXT. CABIN - PORCH - CONTINUOUS |
|
Jacob sits on a railing, staring into space. Hunter paces,
looking for something. |
|
|
HUNTER
What did you do with the hammer? |
|
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
The hammer, I left it right here,
now it's gone. |
|
|
|
JACOB
I didn't touch your stupid hammer. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
So it just got up and walked away
on its own? |
|
|
50.
|
The door bursts open, Barbara barrels out. |
|
|
BARBARA
You two are complete assholes! |
|
|
She hops Dow the porch and heads straight for her car. |
|
|
|
|
BARBARA
Don't either of you call me for
anything, you understand? |
|
|
Barbara get in her car, starts it, and speeds away. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - SMALL BEDROOM - NIGHT |
|
Jacob sits on one of the twin beds, stares out the window at
the still lake. |
|
|
HUNTER (O.S.)
Jacob! God dammit! |
|
|
Jacob gets off the bed and shuffles into the |
|
HALLWAY |
|
He looks down at Hunter, who storms around the living room. |
|
|
HUNTER
What did you do with the double A
batteries I bought? |
|
|
|
JACOB
What are you talking about? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I left a brand new pack of
batteries on the kitchen counter
and now they're gone. |
|
|
|
JACOB
(angry)
How come every little thing that
goes wrong, you blame on me? |
|
|
ZAP! All the lights shut off, silence. Pitch black. |
|
|
HUNTER
You don't happen to know where the
breaker is? |
|
|
|
51.
|
INT. CABIN - BASEMENT - MOMENTS LATER |
|
Blackness. The door squeaks open.a dim candle light in
Hunter's hand illuminates him and Jacob. |
|
They shuffle down the creaky stairs. Jacob points to the
wall. |
|
|
JACOB
It's somewhere over there. |
|
|
They make their way toward the wall, reach the breaker.
Hunter opens the box. |
|
Behind them, a Shadow Figure appears. The brothers do not
notice, their breath now visible. |
|
Hunter opens the box, flips the switches back and forth.
Nothing. |
|
|
|
The Shadow Figure creeps towards them. Several tense
seconds. |
|
|
HUNTER
It's freezing down here. |
|
|
The Shadow Figure leans in, blows out the candle. Hunter and
Jacob shriek. Hunter drops the candle. |
|
The two bolt up the stairs and out of the basement. |
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
Hunter and Jacob stand at the top of the stairs, huffing and
puffing. |
|
|
HUNTER
Basement must have a draft, that's
all. |
|
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
You weren't scared, were you? |
|
|
|
JACOB
Me? You're the one who dropped the
candle. |
|
|
52.
|
|
HUNTER
I'll call Atmos tomorrow, get this
figured out. |
|
|
|
JACOB
(challenging)
Wanna go back and get that candle? |
|
|
Hunter shakes his head and marches up the stairs. |
|
|
HUNTER
It's been a bad day, let's just
get some sleep and start again
tomorrow. |
|
|
The main bedroom door slams. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - SMALL BEDROOM - NIGHT |
|
Jacob lies in bed asleep. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - MAIN BEDROOM - NIGHT |
|
Hunter, asleep, tosses and turns, softly mumbles to himself. |
|
DREAM SEQUENCE |
|
|
INT. CAR - DAY |
|
HUNTER'S POV |
|
Like Hunter's last dream, everything is still fuzzy. But,
this time, things are starting to become clearer, more in
focus. |
|
The same CLASSIC ROCK SONG PLAYS. Hunter turns to his
passenger. It is April. She gives him a smile. |
|
|
HUNTER
You look absolutely radiant. |
|
|
|
APRIL
You're going to make me blush. Are
we almost there? |
|
|
Hunter steers the car down a curvy mountain road. |
|
|
HUNTER
Just a few more minutes. |
|
|
53.
|
|
APRIL
It's really pretty out here. |
|
|
|
|
|
INT. CABIN - SMALL BEDROOM - NIGHT |
|
Jacob lies in bed asleep. |
|
BANG! CRASH! GLASS BREAKS! |
|
Jacob pops up in bed, looks around confused, nervous. |
|
ANOTHER LOUD BANG! |
|
A cold sweat starts to form on Jacob's body. He gets up,
creeps to his door, tries to flip the light switch. Nothing. |
|
He grabs a small candle from his nightstand, lights it. |
|
|
|
Jacob creeks the door open, peers into the hallway. |
|
CRASH! |
|
He looks over to the cracked open door of the main bedroom. |
|
|
JACOB
(loud whisper)
Hunter! |
|
|
No response. Jacob nervously shuffles into the |
|
HALLWAY |
|
and down the stairs. The only thing clearly visible is his
candlelit, scared face. |
|
BANG! |
|
Jacob trembles, but continues down. His feet reach the
bottom of the stairs. |
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
He shines the candle around, the room is trashed. Broken
furniture and glass litter everywhere the candle shines. |
|
54.
|
|
|
BANG! |
|
Jacob shines the light towards the noise. The Shadow Figure
bolts away, out of sight. |
|
|
|
a figure approaches Jacob from behind, bumps into him. Jacob
runs, turns. Shines the candle. |
|
It's Hunter, sleep walking, destroying the living room as he
does so. |
|
Jacob grabs Hunter, shaking him violently. |
|
|
|
Hunter's eyes shot open, breathes deeply. He throws Jacob to
the ground. |
|
|
|
hunter looks around, scared and confused. |
|
|
|
Jacob gathers himself, stand, picks up the candle. |
|
|
JACOB
I was about to ask you the same
question. |
|
|
|
|
Jacob shines the candle around so Hunter can survey the
damage. |
|
|
JACOB
You've been destroying the house
in your sleep! |
|
|
|
|
55.
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
I'm sorry, I don't know...I,
don't. |
|
|
BUZZZZ! |
|
All the lights kick on. The electricity is back. Jacob and
Hunter look around in awe. Several tense seconds of silence. |
|
|
|
|
JACOB
That wasn't weird or anything? |
|
|
Jacob blows out the candle, turns and heads towards the
stairs. |
|
|
HUNTER
Jacob, something's happening here. |
|
|
Jacob marches up the stairs. |
|
|
JACOB
What's happening is I'm going to
spend all day tomorrow cleaning
your mess up. At least you don't
have to call Atmos tomorrow. |
|
|
Jacob reaches his room, SLAMS the door. |
|
|
EXT. CABIN - MORNING |
|
A dim morning sun rises above the horizon. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - SMALL BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS |
|
Jacob, sprawled out asleep, rolls over and yawns. He opens
his eyes and looks out on the lake. |
|
NOISES ECHO FROM DOWNSTAIRS. Jacob groans, slides out of
bed. |
|
|
|
HALLWAY |
|
56.
|
Foot pound the stairs. Jacob reaches the |
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
Hunter sweeps broken glass into a dustpan. Most of last
night's damage has been cleaned. Several full trash bags
rest by the front door. |
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
(jokes)
Probably safer if I'm awake, don't
you think? |
|
|
|
JACOB
I could've helped with this. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
We need to talk about what
happened. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Your sleep walking? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
It's more than that and you know
it. There's something here,
there's something in this house. |
|
|
|
JACOB
(angry)
All those years seeing Dr.
Schussed. All the pills. All the
ridicule. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
(compassionate)
Jacob... |
|
|
|
JACOB
No! I done with this conversation! |
|
|
Jacob grabs keys, marches to the front door. |
|
|
HUNTER
Where are you going? |
|
|
|
|
Jacob scowls at Hunter, slams the door as he exits. |
|
57.
|
A few seconds later, the Jeep starts. Tires kick dirt. The
Jeep leaves. |
|
Hunter grabs the trash bag he just threw the glass in, ties
it and tosses it next to the other bags. |
|
|
HUNTER
This is just working out fucking
great. |
|
|
Hunter meanders into the |
|
KITCHEN |
|
He opens the fridge, groans. |
|
|
HUNTER
Great, nothing to eat and he has
the Jeep. |
|
|
He runs his hands across his face, looks towards the window. |
|
OUT THE WINDOW |
|
April sits on the bench, her back to the cabin. |
|
BACK TO SCENE |
|
Hunter stares at her, captivated. He heads toward the back
door. |
|
|
EXT. BY THE LAKE - MOMENTS LATER |
|
April sits, pen in hand, scribbles in a book, deeply
focused. A group of butterflies float around her. |
|
Hunter approaches. |
|
|
|
April doesn't turn. He gets closer. |
|
|
|
Hunter taps April on the shoulder. She jolts, turns.
Hunter's jaw drops. It's the girl from his dreams. He
struggles to speak. |
|
58.
|
|
HUNTER
S...Sorry, I didn't mean to
startle you. |
|
|
|
APRIL
(smiles)
Sometimes I get lost in my own
little world out here. |
|
|
Hunter gazes out on the lake, turns back to April. |
|
|
HUNTER
I can see why. I'm Hunter. |
|
|
|
|
Hunter takes a seat next to her. They look out on the water. |
|
|
APRIL
Beautiful, isn't it? |
|
|
Hunter looks right at April. |
|
|
|
Hunter notices the butterfly earrings on April. |
|
|
HUNTER
Very pretty earrings. |
|
|
April laughs, snorts. |
|
|
|
|
APRIL
I'm just not used to having guys
notice my earrings, that's all. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
My Mom used to have a pair just
like them... |
|
|
Hunter reaches into his jacket pocket, where he put the
found earring before, can't find it. |
|
|
APRIL
So, what are you doing out here? |
|
|
Hunter points to the cabin. |
|
59.
|
|
HUNTER
My brother and I are fixing that
cabin up. |
|
|
|
APRIL
Oh, you mean Jacob? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
(surprised)
You've met? |
|
|
|
|
Hunter points to the notebook. |
|
|
|
|
APRIL
Just some writing I'm doing. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Am I disturbing you? |
|
|
|
APRIL
(smirks)
Sometimes it's good to be
disturbed. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
You wanna take a walk? |
|
|
|
EXT. WOODS BY THE HOUSE - LATER |
|
Hunter and April stroll through the sparse brush, both
giggle like old friends. |
|
They approach the lake and cabin. |
|
|
APRIL
I'm really glad you decided to
come talk to me today. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I hope we can do it again
sometime. |
|
|
|
APRIL
I'm looking forward to it. |
|
|
60.
|
They both stop, eyes connect. Hunter leans in to kiss April,
she closes her eyes. |
|
AN ENGINE ROARS. April opens her eyes, turns, just before
Hunter's lips can connect. |
|
Jacob, behind the wheel of the Jeep, pulls into the driveway
and parks. |
|
|
|
|
APRIL
(disappointed)
Does that mean you have to go? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
You want to come over and check it
out? |
|
|
|
APRIL
I don't want to be a bother. |
|
|
|
|
Hunter grabs her hand and leads her towards the cabin. She
smiles, reluctantly, and follows his lead. |
|
|
INT. CABIN LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER |
|
The house is still, quiet. The back door opens, Hunter and
April enter. She curiously looks around. |
|
|
|
|
APRIL
Wow, I can tell you've done a lot. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
It's still a work in progress, but
we're getting there. |
|
|
They shuffle further in. April examines everything. |
|
|
APRIL
What are you going to do with the
place? |
|
|
61.
|
|
HUNTER
We're hoping to have it ready to
be leased or sold in a couple of
weeks. |
|
|
SMALL BEDROOM |
|
Jacob lies face down in bed, a sour look on his face. |
|
Hunter and April's voices echo up the stairs. Jacob pops up,
rubs his puffy red face. |
|
He gets out of bed, ambles to the door, cracks it open. |
|
|
HUNTER (O.S.)
We came up here with our parents
when we were children. |
|
|
|
APRIL (O.S.)
That sounds like fun. |
|
|
Jacob's face turns red with anger. He creeps out of his room
and shuffles down the stairs. |
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
Hunter and April sit on the couch, turn as Jacob reaches the
bottom of the stairs. |
|
|
|
|
JACOB
(to Hunter)
What are you doing? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I just met April, by the lake and
invited her... |
|
|
A ELECTRIC SPARK. The radio turns on by itself, PLAYING the
same rock song from Hunter's dream. |
|
April jumps up, looking around nervously. |
|
|
HUNTER
We've been having some electrical
problems lately. |
|
|
|
|
April shuffles to the front door. |
|
62.
|
|
HUNTER
You don't have to go. |
|
|
A KNOCK at the door startles them all. April backs away from
the door. Hunter slowly makes his way to it. |
|
ANOTHER KNOCK. Hunter opens the door. Mark stands on the
other side, nervous, his eyes lowered. |
|
|
|
|
MARK
I just came to grab my cell phone. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Okay. You want to come in for a
minute? |
|
|
Mark, his eyes still down, shakes his head 'no'. |
|
Jacob grabs Mark's cell phone from the kitchen counter, runs
it over to him. |
|
|
|
Mark takes the phone and turns to leave. |
|
|
|
Mark pauses, turns to look back inside the house. A look of
sheer terror, he bolts to his car. The engine starts and he
drives away. |
|
|
HUNTER
We're sorry about that, April... |
|
|
Hunter and Jacob turn back, but April is gone, the back door
wide open. |
|
|
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY |
|
Hunter's Jeep bends a curve on the road that leads into
town. |
|
INT. HUNTER'S JEEP |
|
Hunter drives in silence, with a concerned, yet determined
look. |
|
|
63.
|
EXT. FIRESTONE LIBRARY - PARKING LOT - DAY |
|
Hunter's Jeep pulls into the sparsely populated parking lot. |
|
|
INT. FIRESTONE LIBRARY - MOMENTS LATER |
|
Hunter enters the sleepy library. Very quaint, small
townish. A row of three ancient computers. A few rows of
dusty bookshelves. |
|
|
|
Hunter passes a 'Missing Persons' bulletin board with
several fliers thumb tacked next to each other. |
|
KARMI, an older librarian, pushes a cart down an isle, spots
Hunter. |
|
|
KARMI
Hi, can I help you? |
|
|
Hunter nervously shuffles over to her. |
|
|
HUNTER
Yes, actually. I was looking for
anything you have on the
paranormal. |
|
|
Karmi's eyes light up, intrigued. |
|
|
|
Hunter shuffles awkwardly, uncomfortable at the question. |
|
|
HUNTER
I'm looking for stuff on ghosts,
haunted houses, that sort of
thing. |
|
|
Karmi points to a row. |
|
|
KARMI
There are a few books on spirits
and the occult over there. |
|
|
|
|
|
KARMI
Can I take your hand? |
|
|
64.
|
|
HUNTER
(eyebrows rise)
Uh...okay? |
|
|
Hunter sticks out his right hand, Karmi grabs it, closes her
eyes. She hums. |
|
|
HUNTER
What are you doing? |
|
|
|
|
A few seconds of uncomfortable silence for Hunter. |
|
|
KARMI
You have the gift of sight, but
there is another closer to you,
where it is really strong. |
|
|
Hunter yanks his hand away. Karmi opens her eyes. |
|
|
HUNTER
(laughs)
I'm sorry, but I think the whole
psychic thing is nonsense. |
|
|
|
KARMI
(hurt)
I see. I was just trying to help. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I'll just be checking out the
books now. |
|
|
|
KARMI
If you need any help, just let me
know. |
|
|
Karmi ambles away. Hunter heads to the bookshelf. |
|
LATER |
|
Hunter sits alone at a table, reading "How to Know if You're
Experiencing a Haunting". |
|
|
HUNTER
(reads; mumbles)
When a spirit chooses to stay it
is usually for one of two reasons
-- either they are afraid to move
towards the light because of
something terrible they have done
or they have business they must
(MORE)
|
|
65.
|
|
HUNTER (cont'd)
see finished before they leave. |
|
|
|
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - EVENING |
|
Hunter's Jeep cruises along the curvy road. |
|
|
EXT. CABIN - DRIVEWAY - EVENING |
|
Hunter pulls up his Jeep and parks. He gets out and heads to
the front door. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS |
|
The front door opens, Hunter strides in. |
|
|
JACOB (O.S.)
Where did you go? |
|
|
Hunter closes the door, turns. Jacob stands in the living
room, arms crossed, clearly waiting. |
|
|
HUNTER
I had to get out for a while. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JACOB
I don't want to sell this place. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
What are you talking about? After
all the work we've put in. |
|
|
|
JACOB
I want to live here, in the cabin. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I don't think that's such a great
idea. |
|
|
|
JACOB
I like it out here. I don't want
to be anywhere else. |
|
|
66.
|
|
HUNTER
You'll be so far from me, Dr.
Schuster. What will you do for
money? |
|
|
|
JACOB
There's the General Store in
town-- |
|
|
|
HUNTER
--For Christ's sake, you don't
even have a car! |
|
|
|
JACOB
(screams)
Then I'll get one! |
|
|
|
HUNTER
This place won't be good for you,
don't you see that? |
|
|
|
JACOB
Who made you the expert on what's
good for me? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Mom and Dad, when they died,
that's who. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Please, we'll figure something
out. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
This cabin is half mine too, and I
say no. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Well, you can't sell it without
me! |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Jacob, stop acting like a child. |
|
|
|
|
Jacob marches up the stairs. |
|
|
JACOB
By the way, I saw her first. |
|
|
67.
|
|
HUNTER
Is that what this is all about, a
girl? |
|
|
Jacob continues up the stairs. |
|
|
|
Jacob slams his bedroom door. |
|
|
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY |
|
April sits in the middle of the class, writing in a
notebook. |
|
Filled with 20 kids. DITZY BLONDE and OBNOXIOUS BRUNETTE sit
on opposite sides of April. They whisper back and forth. |
|
|
DITZY BLONDE
Jay's having a kegger this
weekend. |
|
|
|
OBNOXIOUS BRUNETTE
He's so hot, I'd make babies with
him. |
|
|
April lets out a tiny grunt, does her best to hide her
annoyance. |
|
Paul gets up from his desk, approaches the front. |
|
|
PAUL
I have everyone's short stories
graded and to put it bluntly they
were lacking. Spell check only
takes a minute and when everyone
sees their grades, you'll
understand that it's a minute well
spent. |
|
|
Paul glances at the clock, sees that it is approaching the
hour. |
|
|
PAUL
Next week I will be covering
subtext -- how to talk about a
subject without ever actually
talking about it. Okay, that's it
for today. |
|
|
68.
|
The class grabs their bags and bolts for the door, murmuring
as they go. |
|
April hangs behind, waits for everyone to leave. Paul
regards her. |
|
|
PAUL
What can I do for you Miss
Kilwell? |
|
|
|
APRIL
I just wanted to say how much I
like your class. |
|
|
|
PAUL
(smiles)
That's always a teacher's favorite
thing to hear. |
|
|
|
APRIL
My dream is to be a writer
someday. |
|
|
|
PAUL
Well, you write, don't you? |
|
|
|
APRIL
(laughs)
Well, yes. |
|
|
|
PAUL
Then you already are. |
|
|
|
APRIL
I meant professionally, silly. |
|
|
|
PAUL
I think you're well on your way --
you're easily the best writer in
the class. |
|
|
April blushes. |
|
|
|
|
PAUL
What do you want to write? |
|
|
|
APRIL
Crime, drama, thrillers. Those are
my favorite. A Time to Kill is my
favorite book. |
|
|
69.
|
|
|
|
|
Paul nods. |
|
|
PAUL
You still have a lot to learn to
get to the professional level. |
|
|
|
APRIL
I know, I wish your class were
longer. I just want to immerse
myself. |
|
|
|
PAUL
Maybe I could give you some
pointers outside of class.
(awkward pause)
If you'd like. |
|
|
|
APRIL
That'd be great! When can you do
it? |
|
|
|
PAUL
I'm all booked up this week till
Saturday. |
|
|
|
APRIL
Saturday would be fine for me. |
|
|
|
PAUL
I know a nice little coffee shop. |
|
|
|
INT. RALPH'S ELECTRONICS - DAY |
|
A handful of overpriced HD televisions displayed up front.
Hunter enters, gazes around. |
|
RALPH,50, more of a mountain man than electronic salesman,
eagerly approaches his potential customer. |
|
|
RALPH
Welcome to Ralph's Electronics,
I've got a great deal on iPads
this week. |
|
|
70.
|
|
HUNTER
No, thanks, I had something
specific I was looking for. |
|
|
|
INT. CABIN LIVING ROOM - DAY |
|
Hunter enters, carrying a large bag from Ralph's. He looks
around, no Jacob. |
|
|
|
No answer. Hunter makes his way to the couch, opens the bag.
he pulls out two high tech digital cameras. He sets them on
the table. |
|
He looks around the room. |
|
|
HUNTER
I'm going to figure out who you
are and what you're doing here. |
|
|
Hunter stands and moseys into the |
|
KITCHEN |
|
His eyes meet the window, continues towards it. |
|
OUT THE WINDOW |
|
Jacob, slumped, sits on the bench by himself. |
|
BACK TO SCENE |
|
Hunter stares at his brother with compassion. |
|
|
HUNTER
We'll figure this out, brother. |
|
|
He walks back to the |
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
and picks up one of the cameras, opens the box. |
|
|
EXT. BY THE LAKE - MOMENTS LATER |
|
Jacob sits on the bench, overlooks the water. His face puffy
and red from a fresh cry. |
|
71.
|
April approaches from the distance. Jacob notices, quickly
cleans his face off. |
|
|
APRIL
Did you want to be alone? |
|
|
Jacob pauses. April turns to leave. |
|
|
JACOB
No, no, it's okay. I just have a
lot on my mind right now. This
seemed like a good place to think. |
|
|
|
APRIL
It's as good a place as any. |
|
|
April takes a seat next to him. |
|
|
JACOB
I just feel so alone in this world
sometimes. |
|
|
She places a hand on his knee. |
|
|
|
|
JACOB
I don't want to sell the cabin. I
want to live here. |
|
|
|
|
|
JACOB
Get away from all the bullshit.
There's nothing out there for me. |
|
|
|
APRIL
There's more than that. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Maybe I'd get to see more of you. |
|
|
April smiles awkwardly, not sure what to say. |
|
Jacob leans in, before she can react, plants a kiss on her
lips. |
|
|
72.
|
INT. CABIN - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS |
|
Hunter watches the kiss between Jacob and April. He is not
pleased. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVIN ROOM - DAY |
|
A hammer bangs a nail into the wall. One, two, three times. |
|
Hunter steps back, looks satisfied. He grabs a glossy deer
painting and hangs it. |
|
The living room interior appears completely transformed.
Jacob enters from the back door. |
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
Since when did you become the home
decor critic? |
|
|
Jacob notices the camera, points to it. |
|
|
JACOB
What are you doing? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Figuring out what's going on here. |
|
|
|
JACOB
What's going on here is you're
being an asshole. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Please, let's not do this again. |
|
|
|
JACOB
You're not my dad, you know? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
(condescending)
Yes, you're a big boy Jacob. |
|
|
|
JACOB
By the way, I saw her first, so
just back off of her. |
|
|
|
|
73.
|
|
JACOB
You like her, I now you do. Just
back off. |
|
|
|
|
Jacob laughs. |
|
|
JACOB
You don't even know. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Jacob, this place isn't good for
you. I was thinking... |
|
|
|
JACOB
What were you thinking? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Maybe you can go back home, let me
finish this by myself. |
|
|
Jacob marches to the table, grabs the Jeep keys. |
|
|
HUNTER
Where are you going? |
|
|
Jacob doesn't respond. He slams the front door as he exits. |
|
The Jeep STARTS,grinds dirt as it pulls out of the driveway. |
|
Hunter sighs, goes to the couch and plops down. He covers
his face with his hands, the stress palpable. |
|
|
MALE VOICE (V.O.)
Hunter...Go. |
|
|
Hunter's head pops up, looks around. |
|
|
HUNTER
Maybe I'm just losing my mind. |
|
|
KNOCK AT THE DOOR |
|
Hunter, curious, gets up and makes his way to the door. He
swings it open. |
|
April shyly stands on the other side of the door. Hunter
reacts surprised. |
|
74.
|
|
HUNTER
If you're looking for Jacob, you
just missed him. |
|
|
|
APRIL
Actually, I came to see you. |
|
|
|
|
April nods. |
|
|
HUNTER
You want to come in? |
|
|
April enters. Hunter shuts the door behind her. |
|
|
|
|
APRIL
It's your brother... |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I know, I saw you two earlier. He
really likes you. |
|
|
|
APRIL
There's someone else and I don't
know how to tell him. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
That will devastate him. |
|
|
|
APRIL
I know, I don't want to hurt him. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Why didn't you say anything
before? |
|
|
|
APRIL
Because...that person's you. |
|
|
Hunter's jaw drops. April offers him a faint smile. |
|
|
APRIL
You're sweet, kind, intelligent,
handsome. You're everything I
could ever want. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I don't know what to say. |
|
|
75.
|
|
APRIL
Do you feel the same about me? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I have dreamt about you every
night since I've been here. I
think about you constantly. |
|
|
April smiles. Their eyes lock. Hunter leans in and they kiss
passionately. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - MAIN BEDROOM - EVENING |
|
Hunter and April lie under the covers, she gently caresses
his chest. She has a sad look. Hunter notices. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
Come on, April, tell me. |
|
|
|
APRIL
You are going to get done
renovating, sell this place and I
will never see you again. |
|
|
|
|
|
APRIL
Well, you are, aren't you? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I don't know. My head is just so
cloudy right now. |
|
|
The front door opens O.S. Footsteps enter the cabin. Hunter
and April nervously pop up. |
|
|
HUNTER
(whispers)
Jacob's back. |
|
|
|
|
|
JACOB (O.S.)
Hunter? Where are you? |
|
|
76.
|
Footsteps come up the stairs. |
|
Hunter hops out of bed and quickly puts on his jeans. |
|
|
HUNTER
(to April)
Just stay here. |
|
|
Hunter rushes to the door just as Jacob turns the handle
open. Hunter slams it shut. |
|
|
JACOB (O.S.)
What the hell? |
|
|
|
|
|
JACOB (O.S.)
You have my cell phone charger in
there. |
|
|
Hunter opens the door, slides out, closing it behind him. |
|
HALLWAY |
|
Jacob looks over his brother suspiciously. |
|
|
JACOB
What's your problem? |
|
|
|
|
Jacob slides past his brother. Opens the door. Hunter can't
stop him in time. |
|
|
JACOB
My phone's about to die. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
It's not what it... |
|
|
MAIN BEDROOM |
|
April is gone. The window slightly cracked open. Jacob grabs
his charger. Hunter looks around in disbelief. |
|
|
|
|
|
77.
|
|
JACOB
I'll be in my room listening to
music. |
|
|
Jacob walks past him, his bedroom door slams. |
|
Hunter curiously looks around the bedroom. He approaches the
window, stares into the cold, dark night. April is no where
to be seen. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT |
|
Hunter, on his laptop, hooks up one of the cameras to it,
downloads. |
|
Jacob shuffles down the stairs, looks disapprovingly at
Hunter. |
|
|
|
|
JACOB
Just don't know why you're wasting
your time. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
Please, let's not start this
again. |
|
|
|
JACOB
And when you find whatever you're
looking for, then what? |
|
|
Hunter is about to answer but pauses, not sure of the
answer. |
|
Hunter's CELL PHONE RINGS. He answers. |
|
|
HUNTER
Mark?
(pause)
Wait, what happened?
(pause)
How far?
(shakes his head)
Alright, we'll be right over. |
|
|
Hunter hangs up. Jacob gives him a quizzical gaze. |
|
78.
|
|
HUNTER
Mark had an accident a few miles
down the canyon. He's stuck in a
ditch. |
|
|
|
|
Hunter grabs his jacket, puts it on. He grabs his keys.
Jacob crosses his arms. |
|
|
HUNTER
He needs our help. |
|
|
|
|
Hunter marches to the front door, opens it. |
|
|
HUNTER
Fine, leave me to do it by myself. |
|
|
Jacob relents. |
|
|
JACOB
I guess I could use the laugh. |
|
|
|
EXT. WOODS BY THE CABIN - CONTINUOUS |
|
Hunter and Jacob exits the house and head towards the Jeep.
They talk, but it is inaudible from this distance. |
|
|
MARK (O.S.)
Please give me your protection
from all evil, father. |
|
|
Mark, crouching down behind some brush, grips a cross
necklace tightly. |
|
He watches the two brothers get in the Jeep. It starts, the
lights turn on and it peels away. |
|
Mark stands, picks up a red gas can. He stares at it
maniacally. He rushes towards the house. |
|
|
EXT. CABIN - PORCH - MOMENTS LATER |
|
Mark slowly makes his way up the stairs, sizing up the
house. He trembles as he gets closer. |
|
79.
|
His hand reaches for the doorknob. A tense moment. The door
slowly opens on its own. |
|
Mark recoils, closes his eyes, mumbles a quick prayer. Gains
his courage. |
|
|
MARK
The evil dies tonight. |
|
|
Mark rushes in. The door slams behind him. |
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM |
|
Mark opens the gas can, rushes around pouring the liquid,
dousing the entire first floor. |
|
The house GROANS. Trembling, Mark pulls a box of matches
from his pocket. |
|
|
|
Mark strikes a match, it is quickly blown out. Mark strikes
another, it too is blown out. |
|
|
MARK
(panicked)
No...no...no... |
|
|
One after another, each match Mark lights is extinguished. |
|
The electricity shuts off. Blackness. Mark screams. |
|
Full on shaking, Mark strikes one last match. A Dark Shadow
Figure stands directly behind him, blows it out. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT |
|
Darkness. The door opens. Jacob and Hunter enter, flick the
light switch on. Hunter holds a phone to his ear, puts it
down. |
|
|
HUNTER
Keeps going to voicemail. |
|
|
|
JACOB
I knew he was fucking with us. |
|
|
Hunter sniffs the air. Then Jacob does too. |
|
|
|
80.
|
|
|
They make their way further in. |
|
|
HUNTER
Did you leave the oven on? |
|
|
Jacob picks up the gas can. The two brothers stare at it
curiously. |
|
LIGHT SOBS. Hunter and Jacob look around. |
|
|
|
The SOBS continue. Jacob and Hunter make their way towards a
closet, swing it open. |
|
IN THE CLOSET |
|
Mark cowers in the fetal position, tears stream down his
face. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - SMALL BEDROOM - NIGHT |
|
The moon shines bright into the darkened room. Jacob lies in
bed, headphones blare heavy metal. |
|
He removes the headphones and gets up, revealing bloodshot
eyes. |
|
He heads to the door. |
|
HALLWAY |
|
Jacob peeks into the main bedroom. Hunter snores. |
|
KITCHEN |
|
Jacob opens the fridge grabs a carton of milk, chugs it. |
|
A LOUD CREAK |
|
Jacob slowly lowers the milk, glances around. He puts the
milk back in the fridge, closes it. |
|
Behind Jacob, the basement door slowly swings open. Jacob
turns. He stares into the blackness. |
|
|
|
81.
|
|
JACOB
Who are you? Why don't you show
yourself to me? |
|
|
|
|
The door swings further open, welcoming Jacob. He walks
towards it, as if in a trance. |
|
His feet reach the steps. The door SLAMS SHUT behind him. |
|
|
INT. FANCY COFFEE SHOP - MORNING |
|
Bustling with yuppie, well decaffeinated, young adults. A
trendy place to be. |
|
The door opens. A nervously happy April, backpack in hand,
enters. Her eyes search around as she ambles through the
crowd. |
|
Her eyes find what they were searching for. A slight smile
cracks her face. |
|
Paul, in a back booth, waves her over. She shuffles towards
him and takes a seat. |
|
|
|
|
PAUL
You find the place okay? |
|
|
April nods. |
|
|
PAUL
I ordered us a couple lattes. |
|
|
|
APRIL
Oh, you're amazing! |
|
|
|
PAUL
That's a great compliment coming
from a future published writer. |
|
|
|
APRIL
(blushes)
Oh, stop. |
|
|
|
PAUL
No, I really mean it. |
|
|
82.
|
An awkward exchange of smiles. April reaches in her book bag
and pulls out a notebook. |
|
|
APRIL
So, what are we working on first? |
|
|
He is about to answer... |
|
|
BARISTA (O.S.)
Two mocha lattes for Paul. |
|
|
|
PAUL
(to April)
Hold that thought. |
|
|
Paul gets up and heads to the counter. |
|
LATER |
|
April takes copious notes, hangs on Paul's every word. Two
long empty latte cups rest on the table. |
|
|
APRIL
So, the conflict put in front of
the protagonist should directly
challenge his flaw, and thus,
overcoming it, completes his arc. |
|
|
|
PAUL
I couldn't have said it better
myself. |
|
|
|
APRIL
It's all so complicated. |
|
|
|
PAUL
It takes years to master. But I
think you're smart enough to do
it. |
|
|
April sighs. |
|
|
APRIL
Can I ask you a personal question? |
|
|
|
|
|
APRIL
Do you have a wife, girlfriend? |
|
|
Paul is slightly taken aback by the question. |
|
83.
|
|
|
|
APRIL
It such a lovely Saturday and I
just wanted to make sure I wasn't
keep you from anyone. |
|
|
|
|
|
APRIL
Why is someone as amazing as you
single? |
|
|
|
PAUL
Guess I'm just waiting for the
right person. |
|
|
Paul's attention to April is interrupted. |
|
Ditzy Blonde and Annoying Brunette, who we met earlier in
Paul's class wait in line. |
|
April notices too. |
|
|
APRIL
Do you want to leave? |
|
|
|
PAUL
I just don't want people to get
the wrong idea. |
|
|
|
|
|
PAUL
Are you free for a few more hours? |
|
|
|
|
|
PAUL
Great, I know the perfect place we
can go. |
|
|
|
INT. CABIN - MAIN BEDROOM - NIGHT |
|
A full moon shines through the curtain drawn window. Hunter,
asleep, tosses and turns in bed. |
|
84.
|
|
HUNTER
(mumbles)
We're almost there. |
|
|
Hunter, eyes still closed, stands and wanders toward his
door. |
|
|
INT. CAR - DAY |
|
Paul drives, April rides shotgun. |
|
|
APRIL
It's further out then I expected. |
|
|
|
PAUL
Don't worry, I will have you home
at a decent hour. |
|
|
They exchange a smile. |
|
|
|
|
EXT. CABIN - DRIVEWAY - DAY |
|
Paul's BMW pulls into the driveway and parks. Paul and April
get out, walk to the front door. |
|
|
APRIL
I've never been out to a cabin
like this. |
|
|
|
PAUL
Perfect place for a writer to get
away. |
|
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
The two enter, Paul shuts the door behind them. Paul points
to the couch. |
|
|
|
April sits on the couch, pulls a notebook from her backpack.
Paul makes his way into the |
|
KITCHEN |
|
85.
|
|
APRIL (O.S.)
I can't tell you how much I
appreciate everything. I've
learned so much today. |
|
|
Paul pulls out a bottle of wine and two glasses. He opens
the bottle and pours the glasses full. |
|
|
PAUL
Don't mention it, really. I've
gotten just as much out of it as
you have. |
|
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
Paul walks back in and hands one of the glasses to April,
who reluctantly accepts. |
|
|
|
Paul clings his glass with hers. |
|
|
PAUL
Think of it as motivation for
being a professional writer. |
|
|
They both take large drinks of their glass. |
|
LATER |
|
Paul and April on the couch, April takes notes. Their wine
glasses empty. |
|
|
APRIL
I never really noticed three act
structure till you broke it down
to me. |
|
|
Paul holds up the near empty bottle of wine. |
|
|
|
April puts her hand up, shakes her head 'no'. |
|
|
APRIL
Three is enough for me. |
|
|
April peeks out the window, sees the sun heading for the
horizon. |
|
86.
|
|
APRIL
I should probably be getting back
soon. |
|
|
|
PAUL
I have a confession, April. |
|
|
|
|
|
PAUL
I think I'm becoming infatuated
with you. |
|
|
April has a nervous smile, both happy and unsure. |
|
|
PAUL
And I think you feel the same way
about me. |
|
|
|
|
Paul puts the wine glass down, leans in and kisses April.
She hesitates before giving in. |
|
The two clumsily fumble to get their clothes off in between
kisses. Paul thrusts. April moans. Something catches her
eye. |
|
Above the fireplace, a picture of Paul, Darlene, Hunter(5)
and Jacob(4) standing by the bench just off the lake. |
|
April's face turns to horror. She shoves her hand into
Paul's chest, stopping him. |
|
|
|
|
APRIL
You are! This is! You lied to me! |
|
|
April points to the picture. Paul sees, gets off of her. He
paces. |
|
|
PAUL
I didn't want to tell you because
I thought...I don't know. |
|
|
Paul looks out the kitchen window. A family of four, fishes
by the lake. |
|
87.
|
|
APRIL
(cries)
I thought I was falling in love
with you! |
|
|
April rushes to the door, Paul goes after her. He grabs her
shirt, ripping it. |
|
|
APRIL
(screams)
Let go of me! |
|
|
He grabs her arms, pinning her. |
|
|
PAUL
Shhh. You need to calm down,
people will hear you. |
|
|
|
APRIL
I don't care, now let go of me! |
|
|
April goes for the door, Paul takes her to the ground, her
butterfly earring falls under the chair. He covers her
mouth. Muffled screams. |
|
|
PAUL
I'm not going to hurt you! |
|
|
April claws at his face. Several tense moments. April goes
limp, her eyes droop. |
|
|
|
Paul gets off April, looks over her dead body in disbelief. |
|
|
|
He paces up the stairs to the |
|
BATHROOM |
|
Looks in the mirror. He turns water on and splashes his
face. |
|
|
EXT. BY THE LAKE - NIGHT |
|
Quiet and moonless. Paul drags April's body, covered in a
blue tarp to a row boat. Two cinder blocks already inside. |
|
ON THE LAKE |
|
88.
|
Paul rows the boat to the center of the lake. The tarp and
cinder blocks next to him. |
|
He stops, ties rope to the tarp and cinder block. With all
his strength, tosses April overboard. |
|
|
EXT. BY THE LAKE - NIGHT |
|
Hunter, illuminated by the moon, eyes closed, suddenly
wakes, startled. |
|
The realization of the dreams, the sleepwalking, everything
slowly sinking in. |
|
|
EXT. CABIN - DRIVEWAY - MORNING |
|
The sun inches over the horizon on a cloudy day. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS |
|
Hunter, dressed for his day, bloodshot and tired eyes,
approaches the small bedroom. |
|
KNOCKS ON THE DOOR |
|
|
HUNTER
I'm heading out to run some
errands, I won't be back till
tonight. |
|
|
No answer. Hunter waits a moment. KNOCKS AGAIN. |
|
|
|
Hunter opens the bedroom door. No Jacob. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER |
|
Hunter looks around, searching. Light from under the
basement door catches his eye. |
|
BASEMENT |
|
Hunter heads down the steps. |
|
|
|
89.
|
Hunter reaches the bottom of the steps. Jacob sits on the
floor, boxes of papers, photos and other random trinkets
scattered about. |
|
|
HUNTER
(concerned)
You're wearing the same clothes as
yesterday -- have you been down
here all night? |
|
|
|
JACOB
I found a few boxes of old stuff. |
|
|
Jacob pulls an old framed picture of the family, the same
one April saw. |
|
|
JACOB
I remember that day you eating so
much ice cream you puked. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I have errands to run, I'm going
to be out most of the day. |
|
|
|
JACOB
Don't stay out too late, big
storm's coming. Could be flash
floods. |
|
|
|
|
Hunter turns and marches up the stairs. |
|
|
EXT. WOODS BY THE CABIN - DAY |
|
A light rain drizzles down. |
|
Jacob shuffles around, searching, spots something. He bends
down and picks up a single Daisy. |
|
|
EXT. BY THE LAKE - DAY |
|
April sits on the bench, pen scribbling in her notebook.
Jacob approaches from behind, April turns. |
|
|
|
Jacob extends the Daisy, hands it to April. |
|
90.
|
|
|
|
|
Jacob takes a seat next to April. |
|
|
|
April blushes, unsure of what to say. |
|
|
JACOB
I like you more than any girl I
have ever met. |
|
|
|
|
|
JACOB
I'm going to move here, we can be
together every day. I know how
lonely you are. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
APRIL
My heart belongs to someone else. |
|
|
|
JACOB
But my heart belongs to you! |
|
|
|
APRIL
(tears eyed)
I'm sorry, I can't be that person
for you. |
|
|
Jacob snatches the Daisy from April and crumbles it. He
stands and marches back to the house. |
|
|
APRIL
I didn't mean to hurt you! |
|
|
Jacob reaches the cabin, slams the door as he enters. |
|
|
91.
|
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY |
|
Hunter's Jeep maneuvers the curvy road. |
|
|
EXT. FIRESTONE LIBRARY PARKING LOT - DAY |
|
Hunter's Jeep pulls into the near empty lot and parks. |
|
|
EXT. FIRESTONE LIBRARY - MOMENTS LATER |
|
Hunter enters, his eyes searching. Karmi assorts books at
the other end of the library. Hunter rushes over to her. She
turns. |
|
|
HUNTER
I'm ready. I'm ready to listen. |
|
|
|
KARMI
There's a lot I have to do... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INT. SMALL OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER |
|
Cramped, scattered with boxes, files and old books. A small
table and two chairs. Hunter sits, Karmi opposite him. |
|
|
KARMI
Give me your hands. |
|
|
Hunter sticks his hands out. Karmi grabs them and closes her
eyes. |
|
|
HUNTER
How does this work? |
|
|
|
|
Hunter sighs, closes his eyes. |
|
|
92.
|
INT. LIBRARY - MOMENTS LATER |
|
Hunter rushes out of the small office and to the small
office towards the front door. He pauses in his tracks. |
|
The 'Missing Person's' board. Hunter reaches, pulls a piece
of paper off. He stares in horror. |
|
|
INT. CABIN BASEMENT - DAY |
|
Heavy rain drops pound the cabin. Jacob sits on the floor,
surrounded by all the boxes, crying. |
|
The basement door swings open. Jacob glances up at it. He
stands and stomps up the stairs. |
|
LIVING ROOM |
|
Jacob enters from the basement, looks around. |
|
|
JACOB
Why do you want me up here? |
|
|
Jacob paces around. His eyes land on a blinking red light
from the camera, set up to capture the entire room. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - MAIN BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER |
|
Jacob sits in front of the computer, camera hooked in. It
downloads. |
|
COMPUTER SCREEN |
|
A perfect shot of the living room in green night vision. The
image fast forwards. |
|
The video stops at the end of Hunter and his argument. Jacob
leaves the house. |
|
KNOCK AT THE DOOR |
|
Hunter opens the door, April enters. |
|
BACK TO SCENE |
|
Jacob watches the scene in anger. The green glow of the
computer screen reflects off his face, a tear rolls down his
cheek. |
|
|
93.
|
INT. UNIVERSITY STAFF BUILDING - EVENING |
|
Rain pours heavy, seen through the windows. |
|
Hunter, his clothes soaked from the rain, marches down a
hall. He reaches a pebbled glass door. It reads:"Dean Mary
Ambrose". |
|
Hunter KNOCKS on the door. |
|
|
DEAN AMBROSE (O.S.)
You may enter. |
|
|
INT. DEAN AMBROSE'S OFFICE |
|
The door opens, Hunter enters. DEAN AMBROSE sits at her
desk. |
|
|
DEAN AMBROSE
How can I assist you? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
My name is Hunter Mathers, I'm
Paul Mathers' son. |
|
|
|
DEAN AMBROSE
Yes, of course, we met at the
funeral. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
I had a favor to ask. |
|
|
|
INT. STORAGE ROOM - EVENING |
|
Hunter sits at a table, sifts through several boxes of files
and paperwork. |
|
A class roster in front of him. He spots the name 'April
Kilwell'. |
|
|
EXT. PSYCHE WARD - EVENING |
|
Rain hammers asphalt. Hunter's Jeep pulls in the packed lot. |
|
|
INT. PSYCHE WARD - VISITING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER |
|
A cold, steel room. Mark, wearing inpatient clothes, sits on
one side of the table, Hunter on the other. |
|
94.
|
|
MARK
I, I can't do this. Dr. Greeley
told me I have acute
schizophrenia, that I'm getting
better. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
What happened to you is real, it's
happening to us. |
|
|
Mark groans, buries his face in his hands. |
|
|
HUNTER
I need to know what happened, the
first day at that cabin. |
|
|
FLASHBACK |
|
The flashback is stilted and choppy, like that of a memory. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - DAY |
|
Hunter, Jacob, and Mark scrub the floor. Hunter pushes the
chair out of the way, finds the yellow butterfly ear ring. |
|
|
MARK
You guys seen my cell phone? |
|
|
INT. MAIN BEDROOM |
|
Mark shuffles in, picks up his cell phone. He wanders
towards the window, looks out. |
|
OUT THE WINDOW |
|
Water ripples in the middle of the lake. The ripples grow
larger. |
|
A head, neck and shoulders slowly rise out, decayed
severely. The rest of the body follows. It is April. She
walks on water towards the shore. |
|
She looks towards the window, her eyes connect with Mark's. |
|
|
|
BACK TO SCENE |
|
Mark weeps in his hands. Hunter, jaw dropped, pulls out the
'Missing Person' flyer of April, shoves it in Mark's face. |
|
95.
|
|
|
Mark shuns the paper, turns away. Hunter just got his
answer. |
|
|
MARK
Get as far away from that place as
you can. |
|
|
|
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - NIGHT |
|
Rain comes down in a flurry. The sides of the road are
flooded. Hunter's Jeep barrels down the road, splashing
water. |
|
INT. HUNTER'S JEEP |
|
The windshield wipers struggle to clear the barrage of
water, making visibility bad. |
|
|
RADIO (V.O)
Massive flooding has been reported
in the cities of Cripple Creek,
Estes Park, Firestone, North
Park... |
|
|
Hunter, a flood of emotions plastered to his face, shuts the
radios off. He presses a cell phone to his ear. |
|
|
HUNTER
Dammit, Jacob, pick up! |
|
|
He puts the cell phone back in his pocket. Hunter leans
forward, struggling to see the road through the heavy rain. |
|
A figure appears in the middle of the road. It's Paul,
waiving at Hunter to stop. |
|
Hunter, jaw dropped, swerves to miss him. The Jeep crashes
violently into the ditch. |
|
|
INT. JACOB'S BEDROOM - NIGHT |
|
Jacob sits cross legged on the floor, teary eyed. He runs a
knife across his arm, slashes it. Jacob raises his arm,
watches the blood drip. |
|
|
96.
|
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - NIGHT |
|
The Jeep rests in the ditch, smoke billows from the engine. |
|
INT. HUNTER'S JEEP |
|
Hunter, dazed, blood trickles from his forehead. The air bag
exploded in front of him. |
|
Hunter comes too, struggles to exit the Jeep. |
|
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD |
|
Hunter emerges from the Jeep, rain immediately soaking him.
He looks around in anger. |
|
|
HUNTER
I hate you Dad! I fucking hate
you! Go to the light and get what
you deserve! |
|
|
Hunter turns, Paul stands on the other end of the road, a
sad, somber look. |
|
|
HUNTER
(yells)
You're a murderer! Leave us alone! |
|
|
Paul turns his back, disappears into the pouring rain.
Vanished. |
|
Hunter reaches in his pocket, pulls out his cell phone,
dials. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - SMALL BEDROOM - NIGHT |
|
Jacob lies on the floor, his arm covered in blood. |
|
|
JACOB
You're not here anymore. Where did
you go, Dad? |
|
|
CELL PHONE RINGS. Jacob picks it up, looks at the Caller
I.D. "Hunter". |
|
Jacob screams. He throws the phone against the wall,
shattering it to pieces. |
|
|
97.
|
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - NIGHT |
|
Hunter, walking along the flooding road, looks down at his
phone. It beeps, dead. |
|
The phone slips out of his hand, is carried away by the
water. |
|
|
|
Hunter struggles to make him down the road. |
|
|
EXT. CABIN - DRIVEWAY - NIGHT |
|
The WIND HOWLS. |
|
Hunter, soaked, battered and exhausted stumbles towards the
porch. |
|
He labors, clearly in pain, makes his was to the front door,
opens it. |
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM |
|
Hunter enters. |
|
|
|
Jacob's fist slams into Hunter's face. Blackness. |
|
Light emerges through the blinks of slowly opening eyes. |
|
Hunter slowly comes to. Jacob slams his fist into Hunter's
face again. |
|
|
|
Hunter wrestles Jacob, gets some distance from him and
stands. He wipes blood from his face. |
|
|
JACOB
Why'd you do it? Why did you take
her from me? |
|
|
The realization sinks in on Hunter. |
|
|
HUNTER
She's not what you think! |
|
|
98.
|
|
JACOB
(screams)
I don't care if she's dead! |
|
|
Hunter's jaw drops, shocked. |
|
|
|
|
JACOB
From the moment I layed eyes on
her. |
|
|
|
HUNTER
She was one of dad's students, he
murdered her, threw her body in
the lake. We have to go to the
police! |
|
|
|
|
|
HUNTER
What's wrong with you? |
|
|
|
JACOB
You'll ruin our father's name.
They'll drag the lake, find her
body, and she'll be gone forever! |
|
|
|
HUNTER
But I thought you-- |
|
|
|
JACOB
I'm going to win her back, and we
are going to live in this house. I
wont let you take that away from
me. |
|
|
Hunter shoves his way past Jacob. |
|
|
JACOB
Where are you going? |
|
|
|
HUNTER
To get the land line, I'm calling
the police. |
|
|
Hunter makes his way up the stairs. Jacob charges him,
shoves him. |
|
|
|
99.
|
Hunter connects with two hard punches to Jacob's face,
staggering him. Hunter reaches the top of the stairs. |
|
Jacob trips him at the top, gets on top of him. They roll
back and forth, fighting for control. |
|
April appears at the end of the hallway. Hunter's eyes
connect with hers. |
|
|
|
|
|
Hunter stands. Jacob shoves him. Hunter goes tumbling
violently down the stairs. Comes to a still rest at the
bottom. |
|
April screams. Jacob turns and sees her. |
|
|
|
April disappears. Jacob, trembling, looks down in horror. |
|
|
|
Hunter lies still, his eyes glossed over. Jacob rushes down
to him, checks him. Nothing. |
|
Once the tears start, the flow like a flood from Jacob. |
|
|
JACOB
I didn't mean to, Hunter. I didn't
mean it! |
|
|
Jacob looks around in frustration. A wave of nausea
overcomes him. |
|
|
EXT. BY THE LAKE - NIGHT |
|
The heavy rain continues down at a steady pace. Lights from
the cabin in the background. |
|
Jacob drags Hunter's body, covered in a blue tarp, towards
the lake. He struggles. |
|
He reaches the small pier with the row boat attached. |
|
100.
|
|
APRIL (O.S.)
Put him here. |
|
|
Jacob turns, April stands solemnly at the edge of the lake. |
|
|
APRIL
I'll take care of him. |
|
|
|
JACOB
I didn't mean for this to happen. |
|
|
|
APRIL
Just leave him and go. |
|
|
Jacob drags Hunter into the water. His body sinks in, floats
toward the deep middle as it descends. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - MORNING |
|
Jacob, catatonic, sits wit his legs cradled in his arms,
rocks back and forth. |
|
He picks up a picture, the one of the family by the lake. |
|
|
INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - DAY |
|
POLICE OFFICER stands by the couch. Jacob, sits, trying to
control tears. |
|
|
POLICE OFFICER
Your brother's Jeep was found
wrecked about four miles back. The
whole area's flooded. We don't
think he made it. |
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INT. CABIN - LIVING ROOM - DAY |
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A small handful of moving boxes rest by the front door. Most
of the house remains in tact. |
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Jacob carries a backpack and guitar and sets them by the
door. |
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KITCHEN |
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Jacob meanders in, makes his way to the window. His jaw
drops. |
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OUT THE WINDOW |
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101.
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Hunter and April, backs to the cabin, hold hands, gazing at
the lake. |
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BACK TO SCENE |
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Jacob bites his lip, turns and walks away. |
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EXT. CABIN DRIVEWAY - DAY |
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Jacob in a U-Haul cruises down the dirt driveway. He pulls
away. |
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Hunter and April watch from an upstairs cabin window. The
U-Haul pulls out of the driveway. Hunter and April vanish. |
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FADE OUT. |
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