Camera One
Written by Chas Andres
Fade In
Steve's FBI HQ movie set Int. Day
You are abruptly looking at a Director's Clapboard, with The Gamma File, scene five; take six, written on it in chalk.
Steve (O.S.)
Aaaannnd. Action!
The Clapboard comes down, and gets out of the way of the camera. What is revealed to the viewer is a set resembling an FBI Headquarters, or at least as close to one as High School students could make it. Two people, DAVE, a tall, athletic looking boy of 16, and JAMES, a shorter, but thinner boy of about 15, are sitting at computer terminals.
DAVE
UmmmDavis? I think you better have a look at this
JAMES
What's wrong, Dave?
STEVE (running from OS)
Cut! Stop rolling! Come on James! His name isn't Dave, Remember? His name is Stan! If you can't say his name right for god's sake we'll never finish this scene, much less the movie!
Suddenly RAY (another lanky boy of 16, but less muscular) walks onto the set, obviously frustrated. He throws up his hands in frustration, and leans against one of the desks on the set.
DAVE
Steve? Maybe if my name was Davis, and his name was Stan this we might remember the lines better. Dave and Davis sound a lot alike, don't you think?
RAY
Steve? This movie really sucks. Who would believe that an FBI agent would be 16 years old?
STEVE (Annoyed)
Look. Let's just get through this one scene, okay? Dave, this time, you are Agent Davis. James?, you are Agent Stan. Got that?
JAMES
Got it
STEVE
Okay. Scene 5, take 7, Aaaannnd action!
DAVE
ummm.. Stan? I think you might want to take a look at this
JAMES
What's wrong, Davis?
At this point, Dave just bursts into laughter.
DAVE (Laughing)
I'm sorry, Steve. This is just too funny.
STEVE
Okay, okay. You win. It's time for sports anyway. Let's cut until tomorrow.
Dave breathes out a sigh of relief, and takes off the coat and tie that he was wearing. He heads down to the locker room while everyone else was putting away the equipment.
CUT TO:
RAY, JAMES, and STEVE all talking while taking down the tripod and cleaning up the set.
RAY
Dude, this movie isn't gonna work. That big buffoon is ruining it for everyone else.
STEVE
You mean Dave?
RAY
Do you know another buffoon?
STEVE
Yeah, but who else is gonna play the agent? He's perfect for the part. Besides, he's not in any scenes with you till the end, remember?
JAMES
Look. I know Dave better then both of you, and if you want him to do any work, don't set up the shoots for right before sports. He's a (holds up arms to signify quotation) 'Big track star', remember?
STEVE
Yeah, but shooting around him isn't an option. I have to get this movie finished by
Steve is cut off by Ray
RAY
The Concord Area Film Festival and Exhibition
JAMES
It's all you've talked about for weeks. That and Laura. You really have to broaden your horizons, man.
STEVE
Yeah, I know. (He lightens up a little now) I guess I should be paying some attention to my math grade, huh?
RAY
So what if you're failing math? I'm failing EVERYTHING and I'm still alive.
At this point, everything is picked up, and they are ready to go their separate ways, and to play their respective sports.
STEVE
That's not the point. Anyway, catch you guys after baseball practice!
JAMES
See ya, Steve!
Everyone walks off the set, and the camera pans following Steve as he walks down the hall, and as soon as he leaves sight
CUT TO
Baseball Diamond ext. late afternoon.
CU Catcher squatting behind home plate. There is no batter. A ball hits his glove, and he throws it back to the pitcher, who is revealed to be Steve.
CATCHER
Okaythe count is full, two on, and two out. Game tied at 4-all in the bottom of the ninth. What do you throw?
STEVE
Sinker. Low, but in the zone.
CATCHER
Let's see it
Steve throws a sinker, low, but in the zone.
CATCHER
Hey, nice job Steve! Struck 'im out!
Steve takes a hammy bow on the mound, and then steps off and heads over to the bench. He gets a drink of water, and then heads inside with the rest of the team. Players in the background are talking about the big game next Friday. Steve is obviously thinking about something else. Suddenly DAVE creeps up behind him.
DAVE
So which are you thinking about now? Laura, or your movie?
STEVE
Knock it off, Dave. You know I'm pitching in the Fay game a week from Friday. I need to concentrate.
DAVE
And since when have you ever cared that much about winning a game? Come on, Steve. I know you better than that!
STEVE
Sighyou win again. Come on, let's go get a soda in town. We can talk about the movie.
DAVE
Sounds good
They both head inside.
CUT TO
Int. Dunkin' Doughnuts Late Afternoon
Dave and Steve are sitting in a booth drinking a soda, and eating a doughnut.
DAVE (sneaky-like)
Remember that English test? Last Week? When I was the only one who passed, and with an A no less?
STEVE
Yeah. I wondered about that one. First English test of the year you beat me on. How did you pull that one off?
DAVE
You can't tell anyone
STEVE (bites into a doughnut)
Hey man, you can trust me.
DAVE
Okay(looks around to make sure that nobody is listening). I broke into the faculty computer network
STEVE (coughs on doughnut)
WHAT?!?
DAVE
Shhhh! You can't tell anyone! Anyway, I got in and out, and ended up with the A.
STEVE (sarcastic)
Yeah, but you can get canned for something like that
Steve is cut off as JAMES walks in, and sits down.
JAMES
Hey guys. I knew I'd find you two here. 'sup?
STEVE
Just having a doughnut, talking about my movie. Wanna sit down?
JAMES
Sure. Sounds cool. Hey, what'cha doing this weekend? Sox are playing the Rangers in case anyone's interested
STEVE
Love to go, but I'm broke. Spent the last of my birthday money on this damn doughnut.
JAMES
Fine, you've made your point. Dave? How about it?
DAVE
I'mbusy this weekend. Besides, you know how I feel about baseball.
STEVE
I'm gonna head off, guys. See you tomorrow.
JAMES
Bye
As Steve heads out the door, he turns around at the sound of James' voice.
JAMES
Hey, let me know when you get some dough.
STEVE (laughs)
Sure thing, James
Steve heads out the door. Camera Fades to Black.
Fade up
Laura's Room Int. Evening
Fade up from black to reveal Teenage Girl's Room, complete with pink telephone, and posters of pop stars. Suddenly the phone rings, and the camera pans over to reveal LAURA, a fairly tall girl of about 15, with dark brown hair, sitting at her desk. A phone rings, and she reaches over to answer it.
LAURA
Hello? Oh! Hi Steve! I can't really talk nowOh; sure, I'll go to a movie with you Friday night! Let me just check
Laura's calendar already has 'Go out with Steve' written on it.
LAURA: (To the phone)
Yeah, that'll be great. Okay, see ya then! Bye
Laura puts down the phone. She seems happy, but goes back to her homework.
CUT TO
Ray's Room int. eve.
Another room, this time in visible disarray with pictures cut out from magazines all over the wall. Some hard rock/punk number (STP) is playing loud in the background. In the foreground, we can see RAY and CHRISTY lying on a bed together, side-by-side. Smoke hangs in the air, and they are talking about Steve.
RAY
So then he says that I, of all people, am going to be in his movie! What kind of fucked-up thing is that? I can't act or anything. Besides, I'd have to play across from Dave! That kid really pisses me off
CHRISTY
Lighten up, dude. You can't suck THAT bad. I mean, I've met Steve, and he wouldn't have picked you if you were that bad. In fact, I'd love to be in that movie. Do you think he has a part for me?
RAY
Why you'd WANT to be in his movie is beyond me, but if you want to, you'll have to ask him yourself. After school tomorrow, you can head over to Woodward, and try to catch him after baseball practice
CHRISTY
ummmI have tomorrow off from school anyway, so I think I'll head over earlier, if that's okay with you
RAY
With me? Sures'no problem
FADE TO BLACK
Steve's room int. Morning
FADE UP to alarm clock in Steve's room. It flips from 6:59 to 7:00 and lets out a sharp trill. PAN TO Steve's bed, where he is waking up for school. He gets out of bed, and walks into the bathroom. You hear water start to come out of a showerhead
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Scene 7 - int. Morning.
STEVE sitting in the back seat of a car, obviously on his way to school. He is carpooling with RAY and JAMES. RAY is riding shotgun.
JAMES (in a very good mood)
So THEN I told him that if he didn't give me my books back before class, I'd throw his scrawny little.
STEVE (frustrated)
I get the idea. You've only told that story every morning for the past three weeks. Meanwhile, I have to shoot my movie this afternoon without anyone playing the female lead. This just isn't gonna work!
RAY
ummm you know Christy, right?
STEVE
Sure I know her. Why?
RAY
Well, she's stopping by your shoot this afternoon to see if she can get a part.
STEVE
Doesn't she have school or something?
RAY
She has the day off.
STEVE
Again?
RAY
She goes to a private schoolthey get off for all those small holidays we never hear about.
STEVE
Like
RAY
I donno. Ask her sometime
STEVE
I think I will
CUT TO
EXT. School parking lot. Morning.
LS of the car pulling up into the traffic circle. The three boys get out, and walk into the schoolhouse.
CUT TO
Schoolhouse, int. morning.
MS Steve entering door to what appears to be the grade hangout. Many of his friends are there, including Dave.
DAVE
Hey Steve! Ready for that math test today?
STEVE (Urgent)
What math test?
DAVE
Don't you pay attention to ANYTHING in class? We've been reviewing for the test for almost a week!
STEVE
Oh well I did catch that our beloved math teacher drew 157 zeros on the board last class
A Bell rings, signifying the start of classes. All the kids mull out of the room, and head for their first period.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Scene 10 - Int. Doughnut Shop. Afternoon
Again, we see Steve and Dave in a booth, eating a doughnut, and drinking a soda.
STEVE
Question three. question three I think I gotthe square root of X plus 3.
DAVE
Cool. I got the same. Maybe you passed one for once.
STEVE
Or maybe you just got that one wrong
At this moment, the door to the doughnut shop opens, and in steps AIMEE. She is striking a teenage girl, about 16, with long blonde hair. She starts walking towards Steve and Dave.
DAVE (looks over at AIMEE)
umgotta go, man. Catch you later.
STEVE
Why? You were gonna go over the rest of the test with me! I still haven't figured out if I passed or not!
DAVE (walking away)
Later, man. Okay?
STEVE
Okay, fine. Be that way.
AIMEE walks over, and sits down across from Steve.
AIMEE
Hey Steve. How's the movie going?
STEVE
Just fine, Aimee. In fact, I think I finally found someone to play the female lead today.
AIMEE
Really? Who?
At this point, RAY bolts in the door, and runs up to Steve.
RAY (talking a mile a minute)
Steve! Christy says you gotta put her in your movie or else she'll be upset and if she's upset that's not good for me and then I won't be in your movie so you gotta put Christy in, okay?
STEVE
Whoa, slow down, man. First of all, Christy has the part. She was great, and you can tell her that. Second of all, Ray, this is Aimee. I don't believe you two have met
AIMEE (seductive)
Very nice to meet you, Ray.
RAY
Yeah, yeah, yeah. (Blows off Aimee) Thanks, Steve. I'll go tell Christy.
Ray leaves the doughnut shop. Aimee is noticeably upset. She is obviously not used to being blown off by anyone.
AIMEE
What's his deal?
STEVE
Who, Ray? He's okay. He's just preoccupied most of the time.
AIMEE
By what?
STEVE
Well, nothing big usually. He seems to live in his own little world, where he only sees what he wants to. (pregnant pause) Care for a doughnut?
AIMEE
No, thanks but I gotta go. See you later!
STEVE
Alright. Bye!
As Aimee is leaving the Doughnut shop, she runs right into James, who is noticeably impressed and amazed. As she leaves, James goes and sits down next to Steve.
JAMES
Who was THAT?
STEVE: (chuckles)
THAT was Aimee remember? With Dave?
JAMES: (amazed)
SHE'S Aimee? Wow! I never thought
STEVE
It's best not to think. Anything else is just a waste of your time.
JAMES
Yeah, sure. That's exactly what I'm gonna do. Just sit here and forget about her!
STEVE (sighs)
Do what you want.
JAMES
I will, thank you.
Steve shakes his head, and drinks from his soda.
FADE TO BLACK
Outside strip mall ext. aft.
FADE UP to reveal Cristy standing next to a dumpster behind some suburban strip mall. A car is parked next to her. As we are at a wide angle, we can see in the background another, sleeker, car pull up. Two men get out, completely in shadow, and there is an exchange of money for something in a brown paper bag. Christy gets the bag, and as the men leave, Christy goes over to her car, puts the bag in the trunk, and drives away.
WASH TO WHITE
WASH DOWN TO
Carpool int. Morning.
Steve in the car, obviously on his way to school again in the next morning. Everyone has taken their same seats as the day before. Camera stays on Steve for a while with him staring off into space. THEME comes up in background. (Theme will either be 'Push It', or 'The Skulls theme'). James then nudges Steve back to reality
JAMES
Steve? Wake up! We're almost there!
STEVE
(startled) Wha? Oh. Thanks, James.
JAMES
No problem, man. Say, you gonna be at the doughnut shop later today?
STEVE
I donno. I got a movie to shoot.
JAMES
Well, Is Aimee gonna show up?
STEVE
(Cheers up a bit. Obviously thinks this whole thing is funny)
Aimee? Sure. She's there almost every day. (Pauses for a sec) Gonna go see her?
JAMES
Possibly, possibly
RAY (OS)
Aimee? Why'd you want to go see her? No offense or anything, but she's not exactly the nicest girl out there.
JAMES
I know, I know There's just something about her, tho
STEVE
(finishes line) That gives her some sort ofaura?
JAMES
yeah something like that.
RAY
I have absolutely no idea what you guys are talking about.
STEVE
You wouldn't.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Woodward Halls int. day
Steve walking through the halls at Woodward. He appears to be going to another classroom, when MATH TEACHER beckons him into his office. Steve is nervous, but has no choice. They sit down, and the teacher begins talking.
MATH TEACHER
Steve? I've had a chance to review your latest test, and I still don't think you're quite grasping the concepts that I'm trying to get across you.
STEVE
(uncomfortable) Ifailed again?
MATH TEACHER
Yes, I'm afraid so. You didn't miss them all, though, so you did better than last time.
STEVE
(shakes his head)
I can't believe it. I really thought that I understood everything on that test. Even after I took it.
MATH TEACHER
Well, you only got one of the problems correct. Steve? I think you're going to have to come in after school for extra help if you plan to pass Algebra this year.
STEVE
After school? I really need to have that time free to shoot my movie. It's the only time that everyone can be there. Can't we do this during a study hall some time?
MATH TEACHER
Sorry. All of my free periods are booked up. All I have left is afternoons.
STEVE
Okaythanks for trying to help
MATH TEACHER
No problem. See you at 4.
Steve walks out of the teacher's office, and down the hall.
CAMERA CUTS TO
Library int. day.
CU Dave. He is standing in the school library.
DAVE
So basically this translates to 'Steve's movie is in deep shit'
CUT TO CU STEVE
STEVE
Exactly! Can you believe him? (Starts into teacher impersonation) I'm sorry, but all my periods are full. Like hell they are! (dolly back)
Steve kicks a recycling bin he is standing next to, and goes and sits down on a nearby chair.
STEVE
Just because I don't understand anything that goes on in class doesn't mean that I'm gonna pay MORE attention to it AFTER school? Where does he get these ideas?
DAVE
To be fair, you are failing math...
STEVE
So? Ray hasn't passed a test ALL YEAR, and you don't see him taking boredom classes after school!
RAY (OS)
I beg to differ. Remember that test on 'The Rise of Peter the Great?' C minus! (He seems happy)
STEVE
Oh yeah. For some reason I forgot that triumph. (Sarcasm, of course)
Steve sighs, and picks up a book and starts to leaf through it.
DAVE
So when are you going to go?
STEVE
(matter-of-factly)
Never
DAVE
Never?
STEVE
Because I'm going to ace the next math test so fast it'll make his head spin.
RAY
And until then?
STEVE
Well, I'll just have to avoid him, now won't I?
FADE TO
Steve's movie set Int. Aft.
MS Christy delivering what we perceive to be lines in Steve's movie. Ray is in the background. We don't see any cameras, set pieces, etc, but we get the feel they are there from Christy's stiff posture, and a bit of stumbling in her voice.
CHRISTY
II don't know why you didn't tell me about this discovery earlier, Jim. If you knew that the government was dealing with the mob through The Gamma File, why didn't you say anything?
STEVE
(OS) Cut! Print it! Excellent take, Christy.
Steve is walking onto the set to shake hands with her.
CHRISTY
Thanks, Steve. I'm really glad to be in your movie and allIt's gonna really turn out good in the end.
STEVE
Yeah, well, I really hope so.
DAVE
(walks onscreen)
Gotta go, man. Track meet in an hour.
STEVE
Sounds good, Dave. Catch you around.
FADE TO
Doughnut Shop, Int. Aft.
JAMES is sitting alone at a table, munching on a doughnut. There is evidence that he has been here awhile. Finally, we see someone enter the door.
JAMES
Aimee?
DAVE
Nooo It's Dave
James goes all pale
JAMES:
Dave? UmmmHow'd your track meet go? (sheepish grin)
DAVE
It went pretty good. Hey, why are you lookin' for Aimee?
JAMES
ummm...what gave you the idea I was looking for her?
DAVE
Well, you were asking if she had come in a few seconds ago
JAMES
Who? Me? I have no interest in her. None at all. I mean, you guys just broke up and all.
DAVE
Hey man. You can do what you want. I don't care.
JAMES
Youdon't care?
DAVE
Nope. I'm over her. You can do what you want, man. It's your funeral.
JAMES
(wary)
Okay
DAVE
Mind if I sit down?
JAMES
Be my guest. (James sits down, there is awkward silence) Sohow was the track meet?
DAVE
Umm. You asked that already.
JAMES
Oh, yeah, rightLet's talk about(awkward silence)Aimee!
DAVE
Let's not
JAMES
nonono. There's Aimee right there!
At this, Aimee enters the door to the doughnut shop, and starts walking toward Dave and James. Dave gets up, and walks toward the door. (and toward Aimee) They get to a point where they are facing each other, and one of them has to move. They look at each other for a second, in silence, and then Dave moves on toward the door and leaves. <Dramatic moment> Aimee stands there for a few more seconds, and then walks toward James.
AIMEE
Hey James
JAMES
Pretty good.
Aimee looks a bit startled, but James doesn't catch his mistake.
AIMEE
Have you seen Ray around today?
JAMES
Ray? Nope. Haven't seen him today.
At this point, Steve walks into the room, a bit surprised to see James and Aimee talking together.
STEVE
Hey James, Aimee. What are you guys talking about?
AIMEE
Oh, I was just wondering where Ray was these days. Does he hang out here a lot?
STEVE
(sitting down)
Ray? He only comes around when there's something important to say. Why? I can tell him something for you if you want
AIMEE
Nosorry. I was just curious, I guess. Well, I have to go. See you guys around later!
JAMES
Where are you going?
AIMEE
OhI'm just going homeI promised my parents.
With that, Aimee heads out the door, and leaves down the street.
JAMES
Way to go, man. You scared her off. Right before I was about to make a move, too.
STEVE
I think she's gonna go look for Ray.
JAMES
Ray? What's she see in him? He certainly hasn't been very nice to her.
STEVE
Beats the hell out of me. I've never understood girls. All I know, is I got a date with Laura tomorrow, a game to pitch in a week, and a movie to make.(folds arms in his lap in success)
JAMES
Yeah, I know. Well, see you around. I guess I'll go do my homework.
STEVE
Catch you later
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP TO
Dave's room, int. Eve.
Dave right now is not very happy, and you can tell that from his facial expression. He is sitting at his desk, staring into emptiness. He then gets out a picture that you cannot see, looks at it, runs his finger over it, and puts it away. After a few seconds, he seems to get an idea, and jumps up to get some paper.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Steve's room, int. eve.
We see Steve hang up the phone on its receiver, and look back at his desk. On it is the screenplay for his movie. He goes through it, changing Davis to Stan, and visa versa, when the phone rings again. He sighs, and goes to pick it up.
CUT TO
Dave's Room, Int. Eve.
Dave's room. On a desk chair, we see DAVE talking on the phone.
DAVE
Steve? It's me, Dave. Why didn't you call me yet? I asked you to at school, remember?
CUT TO
Steve's room Int. Eve.
STEVE
Oh. Hey, Dave. Sorry, it just slipped my mind.
CUT TO
Dave's Room, Int. Eve.
DAVE
Listen, I have a really exiting proposition for you. I really don't have it all worked out, but if you call me later tonight, you won't be disappointed, okay?
We wait here, and pause for a few seconds.
DAVE
Okay. Call you later, then.
Dave hangs up the phone, and breathes a sigh of relief. He gets up, and goes over to his bed and plops down. He puts his hands over his eyes, and the camera fades to black
FADE UP TO
Ray's Room, Int. Eve.
Ray is lying on his bead, staring into space. The shot is overhead, so it appears that is looking directly into the camera. Some sort of music is playing the background faintly. Suddenly, Christy walks into the room. She goes over, and sits on the bed next to Ray.
CHRISTY
Ray? What's wrong? You look like something is troubling you
RAY
Nonothing really. I donno. I guess I'm just thinking about stuff.
CHRISTY
Well, are you up for doing me one tiny favor?
RAY
What sort of favor?
CHRISTY
Oh, nothing big. I just need to give a package to someone tomorrow night, and I scheduled an appointment to get my hair done at the same time. I was hoping that you might go drop it off for me.
RAY
What's in this 'package'?
CHRISTY
Oh, nothing big. Just some books that I borrowed from a friend. He needs to get them back to the library before he owes too big a fine.
RAY
Sure, I guess. Hey, want to go get a pizza or something afterward? We can make a night of it.
CHRISTY
Anything you want(Christy starts running her hand through Ray's hair in affection)
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Aimee's room, Int. Eve.
Aimee is sitting at her desk, twirling a phone cord in her fingers, obviously wondering what to do. She has a phone number on her desk, but she seems very afraid to call it. Almost as if it's the first boy she's ever called again. After a few moments of his, however, she calls the number, and breathes a great sigh of relief.
CUT TO
Ray's room, Int. Eve.
Ray is sitting exactly where we left him, on his bed, next to Christy, when the phone rings. He lets it ring four or five times, and then sighs, and picks it up.
RAY
Yel-lo. Oh, hey Aimee. Tomorrow night? Look, I have a girlfriend AND plans. NoI'm not really interested. Okay. Good night.
Ray hangs up the phone, and sits back down on the bed.
RAY
(to Christy, now)
You know I'm beginning to think that some girls really do try too hard.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP
Laura's Room, Int. Eve.
FADE UP to reveal Laura in her room, at her desk, much like Aimee was doing in the last scene. She is working on some homework, when the phone rings again.
LAURA
Hello? Aimee! How are you doing? (pause)
Tomorrow night? Sorry, but I'm going out with Steve.
CUT TO
Aimee's room, Int. Eve.
Aimee at her desk
AIMEE
Okaythat's fine. Hey, Laura, do you know Ray at all? (Pause) Yeah, I know he seems like a creep, but I really can't stop thinking that there's something else under all that
FADE TO BLACK
WASH DOWN TO
Steve's room, Int. Eve.
STEVE lying in bed, tossing a baseball into the air, and catching it again, absentmindedly. After a few tosses, he gets bored, and goes over to call Dave.
STEVE
(On the phone)
Is Dave home? Yeah, I just need some help on the math homework. (Steve holds) Dave! You made up that scheme yet?
CUT TO
Dave's room. Int. Evening.
DAVE
Steve? YeahI just didn't have all of this together beforewell, I'm sure you can understand about that. Anyway, remember that test I aced? Well I have an equally amazing plan for next Friday's dance, and I need your help, seeing as how close it is.. Listen, you know those vending machines down by the gym?
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP TO
Woodward Halls, Int. Morning.
A crowded schoolhouse hallway, in front of a generic classroom. The in-between class rush is going on, and students off all ages are rushing off to one class or another. In the doorway to the nearest classroom, The Math Teacher stands, with his books in his hand. He does not look happy, but you get the idea that he never looks any nicer. As the last students file in, the math teacher takes one last look around, and then shuts the door. Cue 'Education Remix'. Out of the next classroom, Steve pops out, looks around, and then bolts down the hallway to safety. He enters the library, and you see him sit down at a computer and begin typing. After a few seconds, however, the camera turns to show Dave entering the library. After seeing Steve, he runs up to him
DAVE
Steve? What are you doing here? Our whole math class is coming here in three seconds to use the computers! You'd better clear out!
Steve, at this, panics, and sees the math class slowly filtering in.
STEVE
Oh crap.
He runs toward the nearest bookshelf, and manages to duck behind it just before the math teacher enters the room.
POV SHOT of Steve, crouching behind the bookshelf, looking out to see when the math teacher is leaving. He is currently lecturing, as the students are gathered around a computer, and his words are replaced by the 'Teacher's voice' from the Charlie Brown Cartoons
We now switch angles, and the sound of the real teacher's voice returns. We now see Dave standing next to a computer, looking on. Also clearly visible, however, is a white notebook on the table, saying 'Steve's Math Notes + Musings'
Back to Steve's POV shot. The voice returns, etc. Now, he notices his mistake, and sees his book lying mere inches away from the math teacher. His head reels in panic, and he is mumbling incoherent expletives to himself. Luckily, however, The math class returns to the classroom, and on the way out, Dave manages to knock Steve's binder onto the floor, and kick it out of sight.
Cut to low-angle shot of the binder on the floor, and Steve ducking out from behind the shelf, and coming over and picking up the binder. He breathes a sigh of relief, and walks out of the library. End 'Education Remix'.
FADE OUT
FADE UP TO
Ext. The front of the doughnut shop, late afternoon.
Steve is standing in front of the doughnut shop, leaning up against the post near to door. He takes a quick glance at his watch, and then resumes his looking. After a few seconds, he spies someone, waves to them, and then begins to get ready to move. At this point, Laura enters the scene.
STEVE
Hi Laura
LAURA
Hi Steve. Ready to go?
STEVE
Yeah hey, we have a good amount of time before the movie starts, and it's a pretty nice day. Want to go for a walk for a bit?
LAURA
Sure.
We see Steve and Laura; holding hands, walk past the front of the doughnut shop, and away. Inside the plate glass window, we see James, and again, evidence that he's been there awhile.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Montage of long shots of Steve and Laura walking around concord, over a bridge, enjoying each other's company, etc. This will be tracked to 'Waste' (phish)that will help set the tone
In the middle of one of the shots, however, Steve's cell phone rings. The music stops, and Steve seems more then a little pissed at having to take the call. Laura doesn't care much.
STEVE
Hello?
CUT TO
Int. Busy Government-looking hallway payphone, Late Aft.
RAY is on a payphone, looking even more pissed then Steve does, and that says something. You can sense that he is in deep trouble.
RAY
Steve? You gotta listen to me, man! Yeah, I KNOW you're on a date, but you're the only one I could call. My parents would be way to pissed off to come bail me out. No, literally. I'm in jail. Yeah. Turns out that Christy was a dealer, and she's gotten me into it, too. Hey, I'm not that crazy, man! Noshe just gave me a package to deliver, and all of a suddenPOW! The cops were on me, and now I'm looking at 3-5 as an adult.
CUT TO
Steve back on his cell, Laura looking on, in growing confusion.
STEVE
Okaynow you listen to me. You're gonna be all right. Just stay there, and I'll figure out what to do after my date, okay? Yeah, I think you can handle three hours in jail. The change'll do you some good. Okay? See ya.
Steve hangs up the cell phone, and puts it in his pocket. He and Laura continue on their way, and the camera stays stationary as they walk away, Steve explaining the situation to Laura in his own way
LAURA
What was that all about?
STEVE
Oh, that. Quite sad, actually. It was my uncle Herbert calling from the retirement home. You see, ever since we've put him in there last winter, he has these delusions that he's been put in jail
FADE TO BLACK
Int. Gov't Office, Night.
FADE UP to reveal Ray and Steve sitting in a government-looking room inside the courthouse.
STEVE
So waitChristy framed you?, well, where is she now?
RAY
Damned if I know. I think she skipped town leaving me holding the goods.
STEVE
Well, did you know she was a dealer?
RAY
Hell no! I only realized that about the time the cops jumped me, and shoved me in a squad car.
STEVE
Damn. Unless you can prove that she set you up, you're gonna be put away for a long time.
RAY
YeahThey posted bail for me, but I sure don't have enough to cover it.
STEVE
Well, I don't either. You know I'd pay it for you, but I'll never see enough money to cover that!
RAY
Well, do you have any friends rich enough who might care to bail me out?
CUT TO
Int. Aimee's room, evening.
As Aimee is doing her homework, the phone rings. She reaches over, and picks it up.
AIMEE
Hello. Oh, Hi Ray! You're where? Jail? Oh my god, is there anything I can do?
FADE OUT
FADE UP TO
Int. Doughnut shop. Afternoon.
Steve and James are sitting at their favorite table; remnants of doughnuts and sodas are strewn in the background
JAMES
So? Have you seen her recently?
STEVE
(obviously preoccupied)
Who?
JAMES
(frustrated)
Aimee!
STEVE
Oh. Right. No, haven't seen her since Friday. Sorry. Ray talked to her, though. She bailed him out of jail! Wasn't that nice of her?
JAMES
How come you don't even notice her? It seems like she likes you enough.
STEVE
Oh, I donno. I'm justpreoccupied right now. I need to keep Ray from ending up in the slammer, not to mention finding a new female lead for my movie now that Christy skipped town.
JAMES
Nothat's just it. You never seem to notice her.
STEVE
Yeah, I guess I just think of her more as a friend.
JAMES sighs, and shakes his head
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
A darkened room at Dave's house, int. night.
DAVE, STEVE, and JAMES are all sitting around a table, in what appears to be a basement room somewhere. (Dave's house).
DAVE
Okay. Next Friday is the dance, and we have to prepare everything by then. Let's get down to business. (Dave pulls out a map of the school, drawn crudely on lined paper) Here's Phinneas Hall, where the dance is going to be. Here's the vending machine, where we're going to hit it. And here is where we're going to set up our base of operations. (Intercut scenes of actual locations, and drawings of the map while Dave is speaking)
JAMES
Sowhat are our roles going to be in this?
DAVE
Here's how it's going to work. Steve guards the entrances, while we take down the machine. Then, we pass the goodies through the locker room here, and bring them up to the location where we're going to sell them. Steve recruits buyers
STEVE
So I don't have to actually break into anything?
DAVE
No. We take care of that.
JAMES
This whole think seems kinda risky. You know they're gonna find the vending machine eventually, and isn't it likely that one of our customers will turn us in?
STEVE
I take it that's my department.
DAVE
Exactly. Your job is to make sure that anyone who you let in is very loyal, and won't turn us in, even if it meant hot water for them.
JAMES
All this over Candy and Soda? Dude, we can make more money in a day working at Wal Mart.
DAVE
It's the principle of the thing, really. I think that Woodward will let us get away with it, and we should jump on the chance while we still have it. We're only young once, you know. Let's seize the day.
STEVE
Just make sure you don't break the machines too much. I don't want to have more of my friends end up in jail this week...
CUT TO
RAY walking on the street somewhere in Boston, Ext. Day.
Ray is walking along a residential street, looking at mailbox numbers. He walks from house 203, to house 205, and back again. Then he takes out a piece of paper (of which there is a close-up of) that says: 204 Comm. Ave, Brookline. He sighs, and puts it back.
RAY
No wonder she never invited me to her house.
Ray walks away down the street.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP TO
Christy, sitting on a train, Int. Day.
Christy is sitting alone on a train seat, the train shooting off to points beyond. She sighs, and reaches into her purse, and pulls out what is revealed to be a copy of Steve's movie script, The Gamma File. She peruses it with a quick once-over, and leaves it lying on the seat. She then gets up, and walks down the isle. End with a CU of the abandoned script.
Cross-dissolve to
Aimee and Laura, sitting in the library at her school, Int. Day.
Aimee is sitting on one of the chairs, a magazine in her hand. She's obviously disinterested with it. Laura is next to her, also on a chair, but no even pretending to be reading.
LAURA
You know, Aimee, with Christy gone, Steve needs a new lead actress for his movie.
AIMEE
I don't know. I'm really not that good an actress. I don't know if he'd want me there.
LAURA
You really should give it a try. I mean, Steve had a part for me, and I'm really not that great an actress either.
AIMEE
But he's your boyfriend. That's different.
LAURA
Well, whoever's the new lead gets to star opposite Ray
AIMEE
Who owes me a favor
LAURA
Well, thanks to you, he's out on bail until his hearing. That's another reason why Steve is desperate. He's got a real time limit now.
AIMEE
Well, I think I'll go check it out after school anyway. At least I'll get to see Ray
LAURA
I'll come with you. It'll be fun.
AIMEE
Yeah
CROSS-DISSOLVE TO
Steve's movie set again, Int. Aft.
Steve, in front of a camera. He's looking at Ray and Aimee now, doing a scene that was once done between Christy and Ray.
AIMEE
II don't know why you didn't tell me about this discovery earlier, Jim. If you knew that the government was dealing with the mob through The Gamma File, why didn't you say anything?
STEVE
Cut! Great work, Aimee! You'll be much better that Christy ever was!
AIMEE
Thanks (blushes a bit)
STEVE
Ray, are you okay with the switch?
RAY
As long as none of that footage taken of me and that bitch Christy are ever shown, you could replace her with the Abominable Snowman and I wouldn't care less.
STEVE
Great, then. Aimee, you're in. Meet us here tomorrow at five, and we can begin shooting.
AIMEE
You got it.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP TO
Dave's secret room, Int. Night.
FADE UP TO REVEAL rows and rows of black clothing, ties, headsets, walkie-talkies, and other spy gear, lined up on the table. Dave is standing over them, explaining each one
DAVE
Here's our wardrobe for the big night. We dress in jeans and a tee shirt, but have these waiting in our lockers. Comes complete with black gloves and a matching hat.
JAMES (OS)
We put them there the day before in school, right?
DAVE
That's the idea.
STEVE
(coming on screen)
What are these things for? (Points at the walkie-talkies)
DAVE
Here you have your standard issue Motorola walkie-talkies. Good for a range up to two miles, plenty big enough for what we're planning.
STEVE
Sweet!
JAMES
Are we gonna have any time to dance? I mean, it is a dance, after all.
DAVE
Yeah, sure. Near the end, after we sell out.
JAMES
OkayI still don't get this plan, though. It seems pretty risky for something so stupid.
DAVE
Yeah, but it'll be fun. How many times do you think we'll have an opportunity like this? This is our only chance, man.
STEVE
Damn, I have a busy day on Friday. I still haveta pitch in the Fay game, you know.
DAVE
Good. You have an excuse to go to your sports locker, then.
Dave pats Steve twice on the back, nods, and walks offscreen. James picks up a walkie-talkie, and begins to play with it. Steve goes and sits down.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Math Teacher's office, Int. Day.
Good CU of the math teacher, sitting on his chair, staring straight at the camera. He stares for a good 10 seconds, and then starts to talk. (A clock ticks ominously in the background)
TEACH
Steve, how come you haven't been in class all week?
CUT TO
Steve, sitting in a chair, nervous, with his best guilty look on his face
STEVE
UmI wasn't feeling too well, and I figured that I could study better on my own than in your class, because when I'm sick, I can't concentrate on lectures
TEACH
Are you aware that this school has a policy requiring all students to attend classes? Surely this isn't news to you.
STEVE
No Sir.
TEACH
Plus, you're failing the course. You would think that instead of ditching class, you might want to attend some of the classes and try to pull your grade up. I even set up help sessions after school. How many of those have you attended? One? Two?
STEVE
None, Sir. You see, they conflict with my academically rigorous schedule
TEACH
Here's the bottom line, Steve. We have a test on Friday. Now, I personally don't care if you attend class at all this week, or for the rest of the year, for that matter, but if you fail this test you fail the term. If you fail the term, your academic status at this school will be evaluated, and I will recommend that you be asked to leave. Is this crystal clear?
STEVE
Yes Sir.
TEACH
Good. You may go, now.
STEVE
Thank you, Sir.
Steve leaves the room, and exits down the hall.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP TO
RAY, riding in the back of the carpool this time, next to STEVE. (Int. Car. Morning)
RAY
You know what else? When Christy left, she stole a bracelet from my mom's dresser. Guess what? Turns out that bracelet was all she got from her grandmother, who brought it back with her from Russia after the revolution. She's dead now.
STEVE
Wow. That's terrible, man.
RAY
And now because of her I'm going to get locked away for 3 to 5, throwing away any possible chance of me ever succeeding in life. I mean, it's one thing to get shut in the slammer for something ya did, but this just fucking sucks.
STEVE
Hey, I'm gonna find a way to get you off, man. I mean, you had no clue it was there, right? There's gotta be some way around the rap
RAY
I doubt it. The mentality these days is that all kids are druggies until proven otherwise. Mandatory sentencing, remember? Even if it is circumstantial, there gonna throw the book at me.
JAMES (OS)
What if you find Christy, and get it out of her? She couldn't have gone far.
RAY
She's gone, I'm sure of that. She's smart enough to get the hell out once the water heats up. She's probably a thousand miles away by now.
STEVE
Yeah. She's long gone by now. We're gonna have to use Ray's innocence to try and plead his case.
JAMES
Can't you hire a lawyer at least?
RAY
My parents couldn't afford a lawyer even if they cared enough about keeping me out of jail to get one. They think that I stole the bracelet, and sold it to buy more drugs. Now I'm going to have to use a public defender, and all those hacks know are plea bargains.
Steve shakes his head.
STEVE
I don't know what to tell you, man. Have you asked Aimee for help?
RAY
She's already done too much for me, especially considering how we've barely met. Plus, I just know she's gonna want some favor for all this. I can't handle that.
STEVE Well, I'm going to ask my parents to help you. Maybe they'll believe you're innocent.
RAY
Thanks. That'd be great.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO:
The living room of a house somewhere in New England, later revealed to be one of Steve's movie sets. (int. day)
RAY
Sorry, Jen. But I really have to go. Five minutes from now, the Feds'll be all over me, and then that will be the end of me, as well as our secret.
AIMEE
Take me with you, Jim. Please!
RAY
You really shouldn't get yourself messed up in my problems.
AIMEE
But I really want to come with you!
At this point, Aimee goes over to Ray, and puts her head on his shoulder, trying to be more convincing.
RAY
(Disgusted)
Cut, cut! Steve, is this really necessary?
AIMEE
(pissed)
Of course it is! I have to try and convince you to take me with you, remember?
STEVE
Ray, I really like the way Aimee is handling the scene. Can you just play along with it?
RAY
(sighs) I guess so.
STEVE
Great. Take two, everyone.
Everyone goes back to places, while the camera
CROSS DISSOLVES TO
Montage of Shots, Aimee fawning all over Ray, with Ray disgusted, and refusing all advances. (There She Goes Again by the Las in the bkrd)
Music still playing, Steve signals for Ray to step down, and James to step up. The same deal happens, but in reverse, with James all over Aimee, but Aimee wanting no part of it. Steve compliments Aimee, and shuns both of the male actors for their shenanigans. As song fades out, camera
CUTS TO
Steve's Room, Int. Eve.
CU Math book, Steve studying from it, scrawling notes onto a piece of paper. Camera dollies back, to reveal Steve sitting by his desk. Steve is very frustrated, and nothing seems to be going right. He flips on the TV next to him for second, checks out the score of the baseball game, sighs, and goes back to his math. Suddenly, he hears his mom call him for dinner.
MOM
Steve! Dinner!
STEVE
Coming mom!
Steve shuts his book, and bolts out the door, and as you hear his footsteps on the stairs,
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Ray's room. Int. Eve.
Ray is sitting on his bed, a deck of cards in his hands. Every 3 seconds or so, he flips a card, aiming for the wastebasket. After a few seconds, the phone rings.
RAY
(into phone)
Hello? Oh, Hello Aimee. Thanks for all of your help. (Pause) Friday night? Yeah, I guess I'll be there. Sure. S'no problem.
Ray hangs up the phone, sighs, and continues flipping cards
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP TO REVEAL
Math Class, the next day, int. morning.
POV SHOT the teacher, as the students file in the door. Steve is last in line, looking sullen and sulky. He does sit down, and open his book. You get the image that he's trying to work anyway.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Steve and Ray, walking down the hallway between classes
STEVE
Yeah, I'm sorry about that, but my parents really can't afford to get you a lawyer right now.
RAY
Yeah, I figured that. I did a little sleuthing, though, and you know what? Christy's street address is a phony!
At this point Dave walks down the hall toward Steve.
DAVE
Remember Friday night, Steve.
STEVE
I remember, I remember.
Dave walks away
RAY
Friday night? That's the other thing. Last night, Aimee called me up and asked if I was going to the dance on Friday.
STEVE
I think she really likes you, Ray.
RAY
Yeahand after paying my bail and all I really can't say noman, this sucks!
STEVE
Well, I can talk to her if you want.
RAY
Really? That'd be great. Thanks a lot. Anything I can do for you?
STEVE
How are you at Trinomials?
RAY
Fairly good, actually. Considering how much I've failed
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Int. Doughnut shop. Afternoon.
Again, we see James sitting in a booth, all by himself. After a few seconds, though, Steve and Aimee come through the door, Steve playing mister-big-shot-director.
STEVE
You were great out there, Aimee! The way you handled that dinner scene was pure genius!
AIMEE
Thanks.
JAMES
Hey Aimee! How's it going?
AIMEE
Pretty well. Turns out that I have a flair for the dramatic arts. (hint of sarcasm)
JAMES
Well, I figured that.
STEVE
Anyone want some sodas? I'll go get some. Made a few bucks yesterday.
AIMEE
You Steve? How?
STEVE
Oh, my mom had a flowerbed that needed weeding. Nothing much.
JAMES
I'll have a coke, then.
AIMEE
Sounds good.
Steve walks OS to get the drinks, and Aimee sits down next to James.
JAMES
SoAimeehow's things?
AIMEE
Ohgood, I guess.
JAMES
Yeahme too. Been hanging out here a lot.
AIMEE
Yeah.
JAMES
You going to the dance on Friday?
AIMEE
Yeah. Should be fun.
JAMES
Yeah.
At this point, Steve returns back from the counter, sodas in hand.
STEVE
SoAimeesame time tomorrow?
AIMEE
Sounds good, but no shooting Friday.
STEVE
Don't worry. Got my game to pitch.
JAMES
And your math test.
STEVE
And my math test.
AIMEE
You and Laura are going to the dance, right?
STEVE
(seductive)
Well, I'm going, but I don't know if Laura can make it.
James chokes on his soda
AIMEE
Oh, that's too bad. Why can't she come?
STEVE
Oh. Well, um, she's not all that big on dancing, really.
AIMEE
Yeah, I guess she never really does much at dances.
JAMES
Well, I'm going to be there too, Aimee.
AIMEE
So's Ray.
STEVE
Really?
AIMEE
Yeah.
CUT TO
Dave, sitting alone in his room, int. night.
The door is closed, the windows are closed, and the only light shines from a lone desk lamp. Dave slowly opens a drawer, takes out a picture of Aimee, and runs his finger along her face. Then he puts it away, and puts his face down in the beam of light.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP TO
A mall somewhere in suburbia, ext. night.
Aimee and Laura are outside, loitering in the entrance to the mall, as you see countless teens do every night.
AIMEE
I heard that you weren't going to the dance.
LAURA
Well, Steve hasn't asked me yet, but I'll probably go anyway. I was just waiting for him first. Why? Who told you I wasn't going?
AIMEE
Steve.
LAURA
Steve said that I wasn't going?
AIMEE
Yeah.
LAURA
Butthat doesn't make any sense at all!
AIMEE
I don't knowSteve sure is subtle sometimes. Maybe this is a message.
LAURA
WowI mean, we have been distant recently, but we've never been too close. I really didn't see this coming.
AIMEE
It's always who you least suspectTake my advice, and beat him to it.
LAURA
Break up with him?
AIMEE
What else could this be about? Can't you see that?
LAURA
I don't knowit seemed like everything was fine on Saturday.
AIMEE
Well, do as you will, but if you want my advice, (Aimee makes a cut-throat motion on her neck)
CUT TO
Int. Small office, day.
In the office, Ray is there meeting with the public defender. He is sitting down, and Ray is pacing around the room.
PD
And where are your parents?
RAY
They haven't spoken to me in days.
PD
Well, I guess I'll deal with you, seeing as how the court views you as an adult anyway. So. How are you going to plead?
RAY
Not guilty. I didn't do it. I was framed, and I'm not going
to cop a plea!
PD
Listen, kid. I've dealt with a hundred of these. You were caught with the goods, and now you're gonna get put away. You have two choices, the easy way, or the hard way.
RAY
I was delivering a paper sack, and some cops jumped me. There's no way they'd believe that I never looked in that damn sack?
PD
Kid, I'm gonna play devil's advocate against your story for a minute. If it wasn't you who put the drugs in the sack, who was it?
RAY
I've told you! My girlfriend was a dealer, but I didn't know it, so she gave me the sack to deliver, and when she heard I was caught, she skipped town!
PD
(Groans)
They're never going to believe that old chestnut. It's too convenient.
RAY
But that's the truth!
PD
Are you sure it happened that way? Couldn't it have been different? Maybe you were meeting someone who wanted some of your cocaine, and when the cops jumped you, you made up that girlfriend story to save your ass? Could it have happened that way?
RAY
Hey, There's no way I made up that story, and if you're gonna be my lawyer, the first thing you gotta do is to believe your client, got it?
PD
But if you go up there with that zany story
RAY
That zany story is the truth.
PD
Okay, I'll do what you want. It's your life, and it's certainly your 3 to 5.
RAY
Now we're talking.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Steve's room, int. night.
Steve is standing next to his bed, practicing his pitching moves.
STEVE
Top of the first, one on, one out. Count is 3 and 2. Steve sets back, and fakes a throw. Fastball inside! Batter pops up for the out!
The phone rings, and Steve goes over to pick it up.
STEVE
Hello. Oh, Hey Laura!
CUT TO
Laura's room, int. eve.
LAURA
Soare we going to go to the dance together? (Pause) Yeah, I was wondering why you didn't ask me earlier. Okay, well I'll call back later about a ride, then. Bye.
Laura hangs up the phone.
AIMEE (OS)
Nice job.
Camera pans over to reveal Aimee sitting on a chair in Laura's room
AIMEE
Now, all we have to do is wait for the dance.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP TO
Steve in the carpool with Ray and James again. Int. Car morning.
STEVE
Yeah, that was odd. Laura's never asked about going anywhere before. She's usually too shy.
JAMES
(mocking)
She must've known you were going with Aimee.
STEVE
I'm not going with Aimee!
JAMES
Well, you were gonna dance with her when you got there.
RAY (OS)
Just as long as I don't have to.
STEVE
For your information, my personal life is none of your business
RAY
You brought it up.
STEVE
Justforget about it. (To James) I don't see you going to the dance with anyone.
JAMES
That's because the only girl I'd ask is gonna dance with you.
STEVE
Geez! I told you that I'm going with Laura!
RAY
Sorry James, but Aimee asked me to take her anyway.
JAMES
She's going with you?
RAY
You can have her for all I care. She's not my type.
James
Thanks.
STEVE
(changes the subject)
Ray! How's your case going?
RAY
Not too bad. I convinced that hack of a public defender to let me plead 'not guilty'
STEVE
That's good.
RAY
Yeah.
JAMES
Well, we're here anyway. Five minutes late for class.
STEVE
Nice! I got Math first!
JAMES
Come on. Don't want to be too late!
Everyone gets out of the car
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Int. Math classroom, morning.
You are looking outside the door to the classroom from the inside. The students are filing in, and Steve is last in line. As he begins entering the door, Dave grabs him, and pulls him away.
CUT TO
Int. Hallway. Morning.
STEVE
What the hell?
DAVE
Come on. We need to talk.
Dave and Steve run off to the library, and go to a table in the back. They sit down.
DAVE
Listen. I've changed a few things for tomorrow night.
STEVE
Yeah?
DAVE
Here's how it's gonna work. Now, James is alone in the room with the goods. You are on recon, and are not going to come near the joint at all. My new job is to guard the door, and make sure that we don't get busted.
STEVE
Isn't that your old plan?
DAVE
Except that it didn't have the guarding part
STEVE
I see.
DAVE
We're all meeting in the locker room a half hour before the dance. Be there.
STEVE
Gotcha.
DAVE
Great. (Gets up) Bring your clothes.
STEVE
Don't worry.
CUT TO
Int. Crowded lunchroom. Midday.
Aimee and Laura are sitting at a table, eating lunch.
LAURA
So what are we going to show Steve at the dance?
AIMEE
Just leave it to me.
LAURA
Have you spoken with him since last night?
AIMEE
Not since you called.
LAURA
I still don't know if he wants to break up with me.
AIMEE
Well, that's what we're going to find out at the dance.
LAURA
How are we going to do that?
AIMEE
Just leave it to me.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Int. Hallway. Midday.
Steve is walking down the hall, talking with some friends, when, yet again, the math teacher pulls him aside.
TEACH
Steve
STEVE
Yes?
TEACH
Come over here a second.
STEVE
Sure.
Steve goes over to the Math Teacher
TEACH
Are you ready for the test tomorrow? You weren't in class.
STEVE
Yeah, I'm ready for the test
TEACH
Just checking, cuz you know how much that test counts.
STEVE
Yeah, I know.
TEACH
Okay
CUT TO
CU Catcher's mitt, ext. bball diamond, aft.
A baseball screams past the mitt, and into the backstop.
CATCHER
Geez, Steve! What's the matter with you today?
STEVE
Sorry. Just thinking about other things.
CATCHER
Well, the game's tomorrow, and I hope that's what you're thinking about.
STEVE
Yeah, I'm ready for the game.
CATCHER
Well, I hope so. Our placement in the tournament depends on how well we do in that game.
STEVE
Yeah, I know.
CUT TO
Much like in the opening, you see a Director's Clappard, with The Gamma File, scene twelve, take three, written on it in chalk.
Steve (O.S.)
Aaaannnd. Action!
The Clappard gets out of the way to reveal Aimee and Ray lying on the lawn, side by side.
AIMEE
That must have been a tough day yesterday, with all of those hacker problems.
RAY
Hey, I deal
AIMEE
But today, it's just us, and the sweet surroundings of nature.
At this point, Ray grimaces, and makes a disgusting face.
STEVE
(Running onscreen)
Cut cut cut! Ray, you can't act like sad sack when your girlfriend says something romantic!
RAY
I don't know if I like this part anymore.
STEVE
Well, since we shot all of these scenes with your last girlfriend who ran away and never came back, we're all just a little bit testy. Let's just get through 'em, and move on.
AIMEE
Maybe we should just call it quits for today.
STEVE
Great idea. See you all back here Monday.
CUT TO
Ray's room, int. night.
Ray is on the phone, fuming.
RAY
Listen, you hack, I don't care what you know about indictments, There's no way that I'm gonna cop a plea. None. (Pause) Yeah? You know what? Fuck you, you're fired!
Ray slams down the phone, and yells down the stairs,
RAY
Mom! Do you have any friends who are lawyers?
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Steve, lying on bed, face down.
You see Steve, unable to deal with stuff, lying on his bed with the light on. Suddenly the phone rings. It only rings once, and the machine answers it.
MACHINE
Hey. You have reached the home of Steve. He's pretty pissed off right now, and quite tired, so leave a message, cuz he's not gonna pick up. Beep.
DAVE
Hey Steve, it's Dave. Just remember. Bring the stuff, and meet us in the locker room at seven. Oh. (Envious) And tell James not to tell Aimee.
The phone clicks, and 10 seconds later, rings again.
MACHINE
Hey. You have reached the home of Steve. He's pretty pissed off right now, and quite tired, so leave a message, cuz he's not gonna pick up. Beep.
LAURA
Hey Steve. Laura Calling. Just wanted to see what time you'd pick me up for the dance so please pick up if you're there. (Pause)Okay, well I guess I can get my own ride. See you there!
The phone hangs up. Then it rings again
CUT TO
Aimee's room, int. night.
Aimee is sitting at her desk, doing homework when the phone rings. She picks it up.
AIMEE
Hello? Oh. Hey Ray. How's it going? (Pause) Tomorrow? Yeah, I can get out of school
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP TO
Ray's room, int. almost pitch black, around 2:00 AM
Ray is sleeping in bed, when suddenly the phone awakens him with a start. He goes over to answer it.
RAY
I told you not to call back, you hack! (Pause) Christy? Where the hell are you? Look, we really need to talk. Yeah. (Pause) New York? Great! I'll meet you in Central Park tomorrow at 3, seeing as I'm going to be in the city anyway. Of course I'm not in jail! Why would you think that? Okay. See you tomorrow. Bye.
Ray goes back to bed
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Steve in the same position, but obviously the next morning
In the background, the alarm flips to 7:00, and buzzes, Steve gets up (cue The Great Escape theme music.) Steve goes over to his math book on the desk, and flips to a page. He holds it in his hand, so he can read it, and marches off to the bathroom.
CUT TO
Steve coming out of the bathroom, still holding his book
CUT TO
Steve going downstairs, then eating breakfast, then grabbing his stuff and walking outside, all while reading the math book. He goes outside, gets in his carpool, (with the book) End music with crane shot as carpool drives off into the distance.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Int. School hallway, morning.
Dave, Steve, and James are all standing around, talking.
STEVE
Soyou ready for the math test?
DAVE
Yeah, sure.
STEVE
It's a real important one.
DAVE
You guys ready for tonight?
JAMES
I'm ready!
STEVE
So important that it's the difference between passing and failing the course.
DAVE
Hey, you guys seen Ray today?
JAMES
He wasn't in our carpool, so I think he might be sick or something.
STEVE
Forget it. I'm gonna go study some more.
Steve leaves the room. James shrugs his shoulders.
CUT TO
Int. Ray's room, morning.
Ray is rummaging around his room, collecting important stuff, and putting it in a backpack.
RAY
(yells)
Mom! I'm not going to school today!
No answer
RAY
I'm gonna take the express train to New York City!
No answer
Ray shrugs his shoulders, and slings the backpack on his shoulder. He walks down the stairs.
CUT TO
Int. Math Class, morning.
The math class files in the door, take a test from the teacher, and sits down. Steve is last in line, holding up his book, cramming to the last second, when he takes a test from the teacher, throws down his book, takes a seat, and begins furiously writing.
CUT TO
Ext. storefront in Concord, MA, morning.
Aimee is standing outside the store, waiting, when Ray shows up with his backpack.
RAY
You get out of school?
AIMEE
Yeah. Funny time for a date, though.
RAY
It's all the time I got. You want to be back by the dance, right?
AIMEE
Of course, don't you?
RAY
Yeah. That's why we haveta move fast. The train ride from New York is 3 hours, so if we leave at 4, we can make the dance.
AIMEE
We're going to New York?
RAY
I thought you wanted to go on a date?
AIMEE
Well, yeah, but
RAY
Let's go. We need all the time we can get.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Int. Math Class, morning.
Steve is finishing up his math test, and hands it to the teacher. He looks confident, and walks out of the classroom, where Dave, who finished earlier, is waiting for him in the hall
CUT TO
Int. School Hallway. Morning.
DAVE
You done obsessing about that test yet?
STEVE
Yeah, I think I did OK. You?
DAVE
Yeah, sure. You ready for tonight?
STEVE
Of course.
DAVE
Good. See you there, then.
STEVE
After my game.
DAVE
Yeah. After your game.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
Int. Train car. Morning.
Ray and Aimee take a seat on the train. Aimee sits down next to Ray, who then scoots away from her, and looks out the window.
AIMEE
I thought this was a date.
RAY
Of sorts
AIMEE
What do you mean by that?
RAY
I'm meeting with a Lawyer in New York, and I thought you might like to come along.
AIMEE
That was very nice of you, Ray.
RAY
Yeah, I guess so.
AIMEE
And after we meet with the lawyer?
RAY
Well, I have one other errand to run, at about three. After that, it's up to you.
AIMEE
Well, do you need my help for this other errand?
RAY
Of course.
CUT TO
Steve, in study hall, int. Day.
Steve is sitting in a desk, drawing a plan for the next shoot of his movie, when Dave comes by.
DAVE
Dude, I think you should look at the roster for the game today.
STEVE
What? Why?
DAVE
Cuz they've penciled in Gannon as the starter.
STEVE
Let me see that!
Steve goes running out of the room
CUT TO
Int. Lawyer's office, day.
Ray is standing in a small office, looking at a lawyer.
LAWYER
Thanks, for coming by. Please sit down.
Ray sits down.
LAWYER
Look, Ray, you explained your situation to me over the phone, and I think you've got a good chance of getting off.
RAY
Yeah, seeing as how I have a new plan to get me off.
LAWYER
How so?
RAY
Well, Christy called me last night, and she's meeting me in the park at three. I think one good turn deserves another, don't you?
CUT TO
Int. Baseball coach's office, day.
Steve is arguing with the coach about his lineup change. The coach is sitting in a chair, while Steve is yelling at him.
STEVE
Sowhy did you scratch me as your starter?
COACH
Well, to be fair, you weren't throwing strikes yesterday, and I could tell you were under a lot of pressure. I thought it was too much, so I bumped you a few days.
STEVE
But this is the Fay game!
COACH
And that's why we couldn't lose it.
STEVE
So what game do I get to pitch?
COACH
The first game in the tournament. That was Gannon's game, but he agreed to switch. Is that okay?
Steve is taken aback.
STEVE
Yeahthat's great! You won't regret it!
COACH
I sincerely hope not.
STEVE
I haveta go to class nowbye!
Steve walks out the door.
CUT TO
Ext. Central Park. Day.
Aimee and Ray are sitting on a park bench, next to a tree by an entrance to the park. They are waiting for Christy.
RAY
Okay Aimee. Just play along, and follow my lead.
AIMEE
Okay.
They stay sitting down for a few more seconds, than Christy walks over, wearing dark sunglasses.
CHRISTY
Hey Ray.
RAY
Oh! Christy. Really nice to see you. Meet Aimee. She's my new girlfriend, one who won't flee by night.
AIMEE
Hi.
CHRISTY
About thatyou see, I'm really sorry for leaving so abruptly. I just hadmade some plans that I forgot about.
RAY
That's understandable.
CHRISTY
Well, look, I want to make it up to you. There's this place that I know, uptown a ways, we can have a really good time there.
RAY
Actually, I have to be back in Concord by 7:30.
CHRISTY
Why?
RAY
School dance.
CHRISTY
But you're not going to jail?
RAY
(laughs)
ME go to jail? Hell, I'm not the one surrounded by cops right now! (Pause) C'mon Aimee. Sorry, Christy, but we've gotta take off. See you in 3 to 5!
Aimee and Ray leave, but camera stays on Christy, with what just happened sinking in. She sits down on the bench, and begins to cry.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP TO
Aimee and Ray, int. diner. Day.
Aimee and Ray are sitting in a booth in a diner, talking. Ray is in a very good mood, and will even put up with Aimee.
AIMEE
So now can our date begin?
RAY
Whatever you say. (Laughs) Poor Christy.
AIMEE
Did you mean all that stuff you said?
RAY
All what stuff?
AIMEE
(seductively)
About how I'm your girlfriend.
RAY
You? Ha ha ha! No! I just wanted to piss off Christy.
AIMEE
Oh. Well, why did you invite me to New York then?
RAY
Cuz Steve had a math test.
AIMEE
And?
RAY
Well even going with you is more fun than being alone. Besides, I owed you a favor, and now I don't.
AIMEE
But you're still going to the dance, right?
RAY
Sure
CROSS-DISSOLVE TO
Int. Locker room, evening.
Dave and James are both sitting on a bench, alone, when Steve walks in the door, elated.
STEVE
We beat 'em 5-4 In Extra innings! Yes!
DAVE
Quiet down, Steve. We don't need any extra attention. You all ready?
STEVE
Well, I haveta get my stuff out of my locker, but then, yeah, I'll be ready.
DAVE
Good. Get your stuff on, and meet us by the machine in five minutes.
STEVE
Gotcha.
Dave and Steve walk out of the room.
CUT TO
The outside of the school, ext. night.
Ray is leaning against the side of the school building, next to Aimee and Laura.
LAURA
So you got off?
RAY
If I didn't yet, I will shortly. With Christy in custody, my chances are great.
AIMEE
Yes, Laura, and he took me with him to New York, too.
LAURA
You did?
RAY
Needed the company.
LAURA
ah.
AIMEE
We had a lot of fun, didn't we?
RAY
Hell, any day I don't have to go to jail is a good day.
LAURA
Aimee, when are you going to tell me your plan?
Aimee puts a finger to her lips, Laura shuts up.
RAY
What plan?
AIMEE
Nothing you need to worry yourself with. C'mon. Let's go inside.
The three head inside the door.
CUT TO
Int. Near vending machine, night
Dave, all decked out in his commando-burglar gear, walkie-talkie in hand, standing in the shadows next to the vending machine. He gives a hand signal, cueing the beginning of the song 'Hey Man Nice Shot'. Wide sweeping shot of Steve, James, and Dave all move into position around the vending machine, passing equipment along in a 'conveyor-belt' style. Dave uses a crowbar, and suddenly they pry open the coke machine, getting out almost a hundred cans, these, they run back to their lockers, and hide them. Cue end of music.
CUT TO
Int. Phinneas Hall, dance has begun. (Fast music in bkrd)
Ray is standing against the wall, listening to music. Something suddenly gets his attention, and he walks OS.
CUT TO
Ray walks over to Phinneas Hall lobby, and gets a soda. Here, there are cliques of friends, talking about stuff, etc. Ray isn't really fitting in anywhere, until he sees Steve waving him a flight of stairs. Ray goes. (Music fades off)
CUT TO
Int. stairway night.
Ray and Steve sneaking up a flight of stairs. (Faint music in bkrd)
RAY
What's all this about?
STEVE
Want to buy some soda or snacks?
RAY
Dude, why would I? They got free soda downstairs.
STEVE
They do?
RAY
Yeah, that's one of the reasons why I come to these dances.
STEVE
Damn! You'd have thought that Dave would have investigated this.
RAY
Why? What's up?
STEVE
Dave just broke into the vending machines, and is selling the loot up here.
RAY
Really? Dave? I'd have thought he'd be too sane to pull such a stunt.
STEVE
Yeah, really.
RAY
So you're the valet, I see.
STEVE
Yup.
RAY
Who else is in this?
STEVE
James
RAY
He pulled James into this? What's his job?
STEVE
He's the one manning the room
RAY
Dave isn't?
STEVE
Nope. He's the door guard. James is all by himself with the goods.
RAY
(Suddenly it dawns on him) Shit! That's what this is all about!
STEVE
What?
RAY
It's obvious! He's pulling a Christy! Dave is setting up James to take the fall!
STEVE
Why?
RAY
I don't know yet. That's what we're gonna find out.
CUT TO
Phinneas Hall lobby, int. night. (Fast music playing in bkrd)
Aimee and Laura are standing next to a wall, talking.
LAURA
So what do I have to do now?
AIMEE
Okay. It's quite simple, really. I'll have Steve dance with me, and you can go over and be really pissed. Break up with him on the spot.
LAURA
Yeah, but what if he doesn't want to break up with me? I don't want to ruin things on a hunch.
AIMEE
You want proof? Come on, let's find Steve, and I'll give you some proof.
Laura and Aimee walk OS
CUT TO
CU James, separating sodas, and putting prices on them with a black marker. Suddenly, the door opens.
JAMES
Steve? You got a buyer?
DAVE: (OS)
See, Mr. Thomson? There he is, and isn't that soda from the coke machine?
MR. T: (OS)
It certainly looks as much.
James freezes.
CUT TO
Ray and Steve, standing right where Aimee and Laura were a few seconds ago.
STEVE
What could possess him to do something like that?
RAY
If you ask me, here comes your answer right now.
Aimee walks on screen
AIMEE
Hey guys.
STEVE
Hello Aimee
RAY
hey
AIMEE: (seductive)
Boy, you guys look like you need to dance. Anyone want to dance with me?
STEVE
Sure.
AIMEE
(fake sorrow)
aww, too bad there's no slow music right now. Maybe later, though.
STEVE
Yeah.
AIMEE
See you guys.
STEVE
Bye.
Camera follows Aimee over to the foot of the stairwell, where Laura was 'hiding' out of sight.
AIMEE
Was that enough proof for you?
LAURA
(sad)
Yeah, I guess so.
At this moment, Mr. Thomson comes down the stairs, dragging James by the arm, with Dave smugly walking behind him.
CUT TO
Ray and Steve, standing in their spot.
STEVE
Shouldn't we warn James?
RAY
(looks over toward the stairs)
Too late.
The caravan of Mr. Thomson, James, and Dave head by, and out the door.
RAY
Nothing we can do now. I think we should focus our attention on dancing. This is a dance, after all.
STEVE
I can do that later. Cover for me.
Steve runs out the door, and follows James.
Ray shrugs his shoulders, and heads back into the dance.
CROSS DISSOLVE TO
James, sitting forlornly on a bench in Mr. Thomson's office, while the Principal himself was sitting at his desk. Dave and Steve standing on opposite sides of the desk, glaring at each other.
MR T
Normally, I'd save administrative matters such as this for the school day, but this is a very serious accusation. Just so that all you boys know, I have had one of my maintenance men look at the machine, and it has indeed been broken into, the contents removed, and quite a bit of damage was done to the machine.
James groans OS
DAVE
Well, you found h