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THE LUNCHROOM
Episode Four
"The Trouble With Truth"
Written by
Bruce Snyder
Created by
Bruce Snyder
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Bruce Snyder
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Vincent Biga
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Edward Drogos
STORY EDITOR
Rebecca Parker
CAST LIST
Will Cooper.................................
Joel Mayberry...............................
Brian Vandele...............................
Brock Warner................................
Reicther....................................
Casey Jennings..............................
Chris Hughes................................
Ellen Conner................................
Cathy Matthews..............................
Mr. John Parker.............................
Ms. Diane Ballard...........................
GUEST CAST LIST
Principal Bob Stevens.......................
Nadine Santos...............................
Arthur Winchester...........................
Elizabeth Hughes............................
Margie Mayberry.............................
Dr. Bill Ramsey.............................
Dominic DeVito..............................
White Rapper Guy............................
Tom Lawrence................................
Copyright © Bruce Snyder
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. MAYBERRY HOUSE - NIGHT
Establishing shot.
CUT TO:
INT. MAYBERRY HOUSE - GARAGE - NIGHT
A RED JEEP sits in the middle of the garage.
CUT TO:
INT. JEEP - BACKSEAT - CONTINUOUS
JOEL MAYBERRY and CATHY MATTHEWS are lying naked under a
blanket (the blanket is covering Cathy up to her chest
at this point.) Both are sweating and out of breath.
It's apparent that they've just had sex.
JOEL
(nervous)
You know it's weird. All my life I
thought losing my virginity would
"change" me. You know, that I would
feel different.
CATHY
Do you?
Joel pauses.
JOEL
Sadly no.
Cathy giggles.
JOEL
But it was still fantastic none the
less.
Cathy pauses for a second.
CATHY
Yeah, I guess.
JOEL
What was that?
CATHY
What was what?
JOEL
That look.
CATHY
(nervous)
What look? I didn't give any look.
JOEL
Yes you did!
CATHY
(overlapping)
No I didn't. I resent your false
accusations.
JOEL
Bullshit. You gave a look of doubt
when you said it was good.
CATHY
You are so paranoid! I did no such
thing!
JOEL
Yes you did. I said it was
fantastic, you paused, looked funny
and said "yeah I guess."
Cathy looks guilty as she knows he's right.
JOEL
So it was true!
CATHY
It was good, baby. Don't get me
wrong. It was just that...
Beat.
JOEL
It's just what? Tell me!
CATHY
You know what? Forget I said
anything and let's just snuggle.
JOEL
No, I want to know!
CATHY
C'mon, snuggle with me. I'll even
let you see my boobs again.
JOEL
Cathy, how am I suppose to become a
better lover if I don't learn from
my mistakes? So please just tell me.
CATHY
Joel, I'm not goin -
JOEL
(overlapping)
Was my..."thing" too small?
CATHY
I'm not having this conversation!
JOEL
(overlapping)
Did I go too fast?
Cathy is growing angrier by the second.
CATHY
(angry)
Joel! I said to sto -
JOEL
(overlapping)
Or did I go too long?
Cathy gives him a look.
CATHY
You really want to know?
JOEL
Definitely.
Beat. Cathy gets the courage to say it.
CATHY
You've got to be more gentle in the
future.
Joel's confused.
JOEL
What do you mean?
CATHY
You know, don't..."do it" quite has
hard next time.
JOEL
I don't think I was doing it that
hard.
CATHY
Well you were. Seriously, it was
like you were drilling for oil or
something. And let me tell you my
vagina is not a source of fossil
fuel.
Awkward silence.
CATHY
Still glad you asked?
JOEL
Not really.
She giggles.
CATHY
C'mon, here baby.
She moves over and lays her head on his chest. He wraps
his arms around her.
CATHY
You may have gone too hard, but you
still get points for having us
do it in the jeep.
Joel finally laughs, relieving all the tension.
JOEL
Really?
CATHY
Oh yeah. I love how spontaneous you
are. I never imagined our first
time occurring in the back of a
jeep.
JOEL
Yeah, fuck candles, roses, and
fancy hotel rooms. Spontaneous sex
in the backseat of a Jeep is so
much more romantic.
They kiss.
CATHY
Jesus, someone coming!
They hide under the covers. The front doors open and
MARGIE MAYBERRY and her boyfriend, DR. BILL RAMSEY
enter. Both are dressed very fancy, Bill wearing a TUX
while Margie wears a black dress.
MARGIE
Oh it's a shame I couldn't find
Joel. I'm sure he would have loved
to come to the ceremony. I mean
it's not every year your named
"Dentist of the Year."
BILL
You know this year we had to
move it to a bigger place because
of the high attendance.
Joel and Cathy are now terrified.
JOEL
Gulp.
CATHY
(whispering)
Shit! Where's our clothes.
JOEL
(ashamed)
...on the floor of the garage.
Cathy's eyes grow wide with fear.
CUT TO:
EXT. MAYBERRY HOME - SECONDS LATER
The Jeep pulls out of the garage and begins to drive
away.
BILL (O.S.)
Oh! I forgot my jacket!
MARGIE (O.S.)
I think it's in the back dear.
BILL (O.S.)
Whew. That's a relief. I'll just
reach back and ge - OH MY GOD!!!
The jeep starts to swerve all over the place.
SMASH CUT TO:
OPENING CREDIT SEQUENCE:
Marvin Gaye's "Ain't That Peculiar" plays over the
credits.
AFTER CREDITS:
FADE IN:
EXT. HUGHES HOUSE - NEXT MORNING
Establishing shot.
CUT TO:
INT. HUGHES HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME
ELIZABETH HUGHES comes rushing in from the kitchen, with
CHRIS HUGHES right behind her. While she seems to be in
a frantic search for her keys, Chris is angrily clasping
a piece of paper.
CHRIS
C'mon, mom! Just sign off on the
papers!
ELIZABETH
I just feel a little uneasy on
singing off on papers that will
send my only son back to London.
CHRIS
What's so bad about London? We
lived there for ten years!
Remember? It was that place we
lived before we came to America.
ELIZABETH
Look Chris, you may feel like this
is the right thing to do...but I
don't.
Chris sighs.
CHRIS
Mom not this again...
ELIZABETH
I think your just running away.
Running away from your problems...
like Kate.
CHRIS
This is not about Kate!
Beat.
ELIZABETH
Can't you just think it over?
CHRIS
I've done more then enough thinking.
ELIZABETH
What about your class mates? How do
you think they'll feel about all
this?
CHRIS
With the exception of my friends,
my class mates are complete
assholes. In fact, certain friends
aren't the nicest either.
(under breath)
Especially Reicther.
ELIZABETH
They're not that bad.
CHRIS
You don't understand mom. You grew
up in England. Everyone is friendly
to anybody. This is America. If
your not a complete prick then
you're either gay, slow, or a
foreigner.
She's about to say something.
CHRIS
This isn't the time for a joke
about Cousin Walter mom.
She stops herself and gets back on subject.
ELIZABETH
I'm sure these people aren't really
assholes.
CHRIS
Oh but they are!
ELIZABETH
Give them some credit. You've
practically been in hiding for
months. You've been very moody. And
you've lost someone very close to
you. With all that you've got to
lighten up on them a bit. Because
their probably not use to dealing
with all that.
CHRIS
Well...they should try harder.
Elizabeth sighs.
ELIZABETH
They're going to have plenty of
time because your staying.
CHRIS
Mom!
ELIZABETH
I'm not signing the slip and that's
final!
She leaves. Chris is left very angry. He kicks the
bottom of one of the walls.
CHRIS
FUCK!!!
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - MINUTES LATER
(The following sequence is seen through the eyes of a
VIDEOCAMERA.)
CASEY JENNINGS is standing in front of a series of
lockers, holding what appears to be a fake microphone
(the kind little kids use.) He appears to be giving a
newscast of sorts. Operating the camera, is BROCK
WARNER. Throughout this sequence, he is heard but never
seen.
CASEY
Being a social outca -
BROCK (O.S.)
Wait! Which one is record again?
CASEY
(annoyed)
It's the big red button that has
REC on it.
Beat.
BROCK (O.S.)
Um...Oh here it is!
Suddenly EVERYTHING goes black.
BROCK (O.S.)
Oops. I think I turned it off.
Casey grunts in frustration. The camera is turned on and
everything is back to normal. A beep is heard and REC
appears in the top right corner of the screen.
BROCK (O.S.)
Okay...Go!
CASEY
Being a social outcast isn't easy.
But yet this band of misfits
somehow manage to escape the
negativity and remain friends.
During this whole bit of dialogue, BRIAN VANDELE has
walked up to one of the lockers to put his books away.
Brian turns toward the camera.
BRIAN
Casey...what the fuck are you doing?
CASEY
Making an audition tape.
BRIAN
For what? America's most retarded
videos?
Brock laughs off screen.
BROCK (O.S.)
Zing! Oh Brian you are the master
of one liners.
Brian is proud of his work.
CASEY
No, this is an audition tape for
the school TV news team. We have to do
an audition where we introduce
ourselves and then do a news story.
Mine's about "Getting to know those
at CHS."
BRIAN
(shit eating grin)
Wow. Any more boring and I think I
would have to voluntarily stab eyes
out.
Brock laughs even harder.
BROCK (O.S.)
I love this guy. It's one zinger
after another with him.
Casey's has grown furious.
CASEY
It's not boring! There is some
actual interesting stuff to people
here you wouldn't think of. Besides
the news team thing will look good
on a college resume.
BRIAN
But you already do everything else!
Wrestling, peer helping, chess club,
French club, choir, cadet teaching,
intern...isn't that enough already?
Casey is about to speak but realizes Brian's right.
Trying to cover he goes after Brian.
CASEY
All right smart ass, it's time I
put you on the spot.
BRIAN
Me?
CASEY
Your going to be my first
interviewee.
BROCK (O.S.)
I think you meant to just say
"interview."
CASEY
(to Brock)
QUIET YOU! One more word and I'll
take away your Pokemon.
Beat.
BROCK (O.S.)
I'll be good.
CASEY
Okay, are we still rolling?
BROCK (O.S.)
Yep. Your good.
Casey straightens up.
CASEY
I'm joined now by one of those
"misfits," Brian Vandele.
Brian shoots him a look.
CASEY
Now, Brian. Not long ago, you tried
to kill yourself. You mind telling
us why?
BRIAN
I'm going to have to file that
question under None of your fucking
business category.
Casey leans into him.
CASEY
(whispering)
C'mon, Brian. You reveal that I'll
definitely get on the team.
BRIAN
I'll tell you the same thing I told
the three shrinks my mother sent me
too: lick my balls, doc.
CASEY
Fine. If you won't reveal it.
Casey shuffles through a pile of index cards with
questions on them.
CASEY
Who or what influences you in your
daily life?
Brian thinks a bit and then smiles.
BRIAN
I am heavily influenced by my
mother. In fact this morning she
gave me a bit of useful advice. She
said son, if a man puts rims on
their fed ex truck it means their a
drug dealer.
Brock bursts out laughing, while Brian gives the camera
a devilish grin. Casey is fed up.
CASEY
If your not going to take this
seriously!
BRIAN
This is a bunch of bullshit Casey
and you know it!
(We no longer in the Hand Held Camera's POV.)
Casey and Brian begin to argue. Brock tries to pull them
apart to no avail. As this goes on, ARTHUR WINCHESTER
and ELLEN CONNER walk by as we follow them down the
hall. Arthur holds a contraption that appears to be a
plastic plate wrapped in foil.
The two are in the middle of a petty argument.
ELLEN
Arthur, I am telling you that hair
shampoo is not going to protect
that egg! It's just going to
plummet to the ground and get head
and shoulders on everyone.
Beat.
ARTHUR
Oh, Ellen. You whole logic just
goes to further prove why I'm so
much smarter then you.
Ellen is offended.
ARTHUR
Trust me. I'm much better at this
kind of thing. Now I if wanted some
left wing bullshit opinion about
gay marriage or hear about how
great the symbolism is in Nathaniel
Hawthorne's work is...then I'll
consult you.
Ellen is pissed. Before Arthur walks away:
ARTHUR
Oh by the way. I thought our date
went really well last week and I
was thinking that maybe we could do
it again this Friday.
Ellen shoots him a "you've got to be kidding look."
Ellen walks away.
ARTHUR
Was it something I said?
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - LOCKERS - SECONDS LATER
Ellen, still angry, walks up to her locker and begins to
put her stuff away. Two lockers beside her, Joel appears
and he's in a smiling mood.
Once he begins to hum a cheerful tune, Ellen takes
notice.
ELLEN
You seem awfully cheerful...and
frankly it's rubbing me the wrong
way.
JOEL
Sorry, I'm just really happy.
Joel's big smile seems to hint at something. This "hint"
makes Ellen curious.
ELLEN
Oh? And what are you so happy about?
Joel seems conflicted to tell her.
JOEL
I don't know if I'm allowed to say.
Ellen disappointed turns back to her locker.
ELLEN
All right whatever.
(beat)
Man I can't believe what a jerk
Arthur can be som -
JOEL
(unable to
contain it)
ME AND CATHY HAD SEX!
Joel is extremely giddy and bouncy as he announces it.
He apparently doesn't notice some of the other students
lingering around nearby lockers. Some of the them give
Joel a look. Ellen is stunned and turns her full
attention to Joel.
ELLEN
Oh my God! Congratulations...I guess.
(beat)
Let me double check: this is a good
thing right?
JOEL
Very good.
ELLEN
Oh, then congratulations ARE in
order!
As the two laugh it up, a Puerto Rican student named
DOMINIC DeVITO comes up and starts to put away his
things in his locker (which is right next to Joel's.)
Ellen and Joel completely ignore him for the time
being.
ELLEN
This so weird!
JOEL
Yeah I know. I'm the first member
of the Gang to legitimately lose
their virginity.
ELLEN
Legitimately?
JOEL
Oops. I've said too much.
ELLEN
Wait a minute. I could've sworn
that Will told you were strongly
against sex before marriage.
JOEL
Well, I was. But I thought to
myself, why am I being so nervous
and uptight about this. I love
Cathy and doing it with someone you
love is a beautiful thing.
ELLEN
Aw, that's beautiful Joel.
JOEL
Plus my mom got us a membership to
a gym so now I look fantastic naked.
They laugh. Dominic occasionally looks over, interested
in what their saying especially when Joel says "Cathy."
DOMINIC
(to himself)
Cathy?
ELLEN
(to Joel)
So did you guys...you know, have
any "problems" your first time out?
JOEL
Well for starters I didn't last
long. I only went an hour and
fifteen minutes.
Ellen is amazed.
ELLEN
Only an hour and fifteen minutes?
Joel, most guys are lucky if they
can last ten seconds on their first
time.
Joel seems more proud of this fact now.
JOEL
Well, I do practice a lot when I
get the chance.
During this small conversation, Dominic has grown
increasingly more angry. Just as Joel finishes that
last part of the conversation, Dominic taps him on the
shoulder. Joel turns to him.
JOEL
Yes?
DOMINIC
How dare you talk about MY Cathy
like that!
Dominic PUNCHES Joel who hits the floor instantly.
Ellen tends to Joel, while a MALE TEACHER runs over and
grabs Dominic.
MALE TEACHER
Break it up, Dom!
The teacher pulls him away as Ellen gives a puzzled
look. Most people have stopped what they are doing to
check it out.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - LATER
CLOSE UP ON CHRIS' FACE:
During the next monologue, we still up and close on
Chris's face.
CHRIS
Maybe my mom's right. Maybe I am
just being hard on everybody. I
mean they're trying their best. Oh,
I don't know what to do. What do
you think, Dante?
The CAMERA pulls back to reveal a 6'7 black African
exchange student, DANTE. He shrugs to what Chris says.
DANTE
I speak no good English.
Dante leaves. Chris sighs and continues to walk.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - LATER
Casey and Brock are walking down the hallway. Brock
fiddles with the camera, while Casey has a big smile on
his face.
CASEY
I think that last segment went well.
BROCK
Call me crazy, Case. But isn't it
against the law to steal from the
school?
CASEY
That's for the courts to decide.
Besides if the gym teacher didn't
want me to steal his whistle then
he should have given me an
interview.
Casey pulls a WHISTLE out from his pocket and blows on
it.
BROCK
Face it, Casey. No one wants to
give you an interview.
Casey waves him off. Chris turns the corner which Casey
notices.
CASEY
There's Chris Hughes over there.
Chris comes over.
CASEY
How ya' doing, Chris?
CHRIS
I'm actually pretty upset because
my mom -
CASEY
(overlapping)
That's great!
(to camera)
Chris here is probably one of the
most well known students here at
CHS.
Chris smiles, flattered.
CASEY (CONT'D)
You see Chris' girlfriend, Kate
Davidson, kill herself not too
long ago and he's been quite
sadden over the whole thing. Right
Chris?
Chris is silent. Quietly furious at this insensitive
remark.
CASEY
I mean people keep bugging him and
bringing up the horrible incident.
And it just doesn't bother him one
bit. Does it buddy?
Chris stares at him.
CUT TO BLACK.
TITLE CARD: "37 Seconds Later..."
FADE IN:
INT. HALL - SAME
Same spot except now Casey is nursing a black eye and
sobbing to himself. Brock stands, looking awkward.
CASEY
I just don't understand why he had
to hit so hard.
BROCK
Give it up, Casey. It's hopeless.
CASEY
I'm not giving up hope just yet. I
mean how hard is it to get one
decent interview around here?
CUT TO:
INTERVIEW MONTAGE
(During this montage, Casey asks questions off camera
so he's never actually seen during this. Whoever he
interview just gives their answers straight into the
camera.)
INT. BALLARD'S ROOM - LATER
Ballard sits at her desk.
CASEY (O.S.)
What's most memorable thing that
you were taught growing up?
Ballard thinks.
BALLARD
When I was little and went to
Sunday school my teacher told us we
all have a little piece of God
inside of us.
Beat.
BALLARD
I use to think...Man, I hope I have
his thumb.
CUT TO:
INT. PARKER'S ROOM - LATER
MR. JOHN PARKER sits at his desk, with his feet propped
up.
CASEY (O.S.)
Many people think that your methods
for teaching -
A CELLPHONE starts to ring.
PARKER
Hold on one second.
He pulls a phone out of his pocket and answers.
PARKER
Hello?
(beat)
Oh hey. What's going on?
(beat)
Uh-huh.
(beat)
Uh-huh.
(beat)
Uh-huh.
(beat)
All right. Good bye and tell your
wife I hope she finds the body.
Parker hangs up.
PARKER
You were saying, Mr. Jennings?
CUT TO:
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - LATER
PRINCIPAL BOB STEVENS stands by his giant office window.
CASEY (O.S.)
What were your dreams when you were
younger?
Stevens looks out the window to think. After a second:
STEVENS
When I was young and fat I used to
dream about scooping out my fat
with a teaspoon.
(beat)
I was a deeply disturbed child.
CUT TO:
INT. LUNCHROOM - LATER
Reicther is sitting at a lunch table. This time we do
see Casey, who sits right next to him. He has his face
buried in his hands out of frustration.
Reicther smiles and stares at the camera. Casey finally
lifts his and takes another look at a PIECE OF PAPER
that is in front of Reicther.
CASEY
Um, Reicther...maybe you can you
explain this little theory you've
been working on.
(indicates paper)
Which is titled "What does a ham
sandwich have to do with the death
of Christ?"
REICTHER
Glad you asked. But I warn your
audience that this will be long and
I'll be using big words they may
have never heard before.
Casey's face drops to his hands again.
CUT TO:
INT. MUSIC ROOM - LATER
A WHITE GUY who dresses and talks like he's trying to
be a rapper is slumping down in one of the chairs.
CASEY (O.S.)
So let me get this straight...your
going to college to become a
minister?
WHITE GUY
Ain't no thing but a chicken wing!
Long silence. Casey is stupefied.
CASEY (O.S.)
Have you even held a bible before?
WHITE GUY
I've done more then holding. I've
read it.
CASEY
You've read the bible?
WHITE GUY
Shit, nigga. I've read that thing
three times and it contradicts
itself like a motherfucka'.
Casey hangs his head.
CASEY
(to Brock)
Shut it off. Just, shut it off.
CUT TO:
INT. HALLWAY - SCHOOL - LATER
Ellen is rushing down the hallway looking around for
Will.
ELLEN
(to herself)
Where the hell are you Will?
She continues on and enters the Teen Center.
CUT TO:
INT. TEEN CENTER - MINUTES LATER
Ellen enters the teen center and by a stroke of luck
sees that WILL COOPER is standing next to the coke
machines. She is less thrilled to see is new love
interest, NADINE SANTOS right by his side.
ELLEN
(sarcastic)
Hey, there's the happy couple.
WILL
(to Nadine)
How could you do it?!
NADINE
It was in a past relationship! What
does it matter!?
Ellen now looks uncomfortable, realizing she's entered
an awkward moment.
WILL
It's just the principle of the
matter, Nadine!
NADINE
Okay, first off it happened once!
It's not like I'm doing under the
Glenn Miller bridge for quarters or
anything like that!
Ellen isn't sure what to do.
ELLEN
Excuse me, I just need to -
WILL
(overlapping)
That still doesn't change the fact
that you did it!
NADINE
C'mon, why can't you just forget
about? Let's do that. Just forget
about it and move on.
ELLEN
I'll come back when your -
WILL
(overlapping)
You don't have to leave Ellen.
This'll only take a minute.
(to Nadine)
I can't forget. Every time I'm with
you all I can think about is that
guy and what you did to him.
Nadine gets teary eyed
NADINE
(struggles)
I-I-I'm...sorry.
She walks away crying. Long beat. Will's apparently not
proud of what's transpired while Ellen still looks
uncomfortable.
ELLEN
Thanks for that.
WILL
For what?
ELLEN
For giving me my daily serving of
awkward moments.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL - NURSE'S OFFICE - LATER
Joel is lying there, knocked out. After a few seconds
he awakens and struggles to sit up. When he does he
spots something in the distance.
JOEL'S POV:
Across the hall from the Nurse's station is Principal
Stevens' office. Outside of his office sits, Dominic.
Joel, enraged, stands and heads out of the room.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL - OFFICE HALL - CONTINUOUS
Joel comes out of the nurse's station and stands in
front of a preoccupied Dominic. When he finally notices
Joel he seems unimpressed.
DOMINIC
What the hell do you want?
JOEL
Well for starters how about this:
why the fuck did you sucker punch
me for?
DOMINIC
Fuck you, like I need to explain.
JOEL
Actually you do. Because I have a
massive, thumping headache and what
feels like a very large swelling
around my eye. And here's the best
part: I've never even met you
before. Hell, I don't even know
your name. Yet I've apparently done
something to you that made you want
to cold cock me.
DOMINIC
I'm sorry. I probably should have
introduced myself before I kicked
your ass.
JOEL
I wouldn't say you kicked my -
DOMINIC
(overlapping)
Yeah I did.
(beat)
My name is Dominic DeVito and I
kicked your ass because you were
making fun of my girl.
JOEL
The hell I was!
DOMINIC
Yes, you were. You were telling
that redhead that you had sex with
Cathy.
JOEL
I think there's been a
misunderstanding. I was talking
about MY girlfriend, Cathy Matthews.
You must've thought I was talking
about a different Cathy.
DOMINIC
No, that's that the right Cathy.
Joel is confused.
JOEL
But...I'm pretty sure she's my
girlfriend. See.
Joel reaches in his pocket and pulls out his wallet. He
flips it open and shows her a picture of him and Cathy
together. Dominic is now puzzled.
DOMINIC
I'm starting to get confused.
JOEL
Ditto.
DOMINIC
To be honest, Cathy's not really my
girlfriend. It's just that we...
ya' know,...
Dominic is hinting at something that Joel doesn't
understand.
JOEL
What are you getting at?
DOMINIC
Let's just say I got to know Cathy
in a biblical sense.
Joel shrugs it off.
JOEL
Yeah, right.
DOMINIC
I'm serious. In fact that's the
whole reason she refuses to see me
anymore.
Joel still seems skeptic, but this news is still peaking
his interest.
JOEL
All right let's say in theory I do
believe you and you did have sex
with her. Why would she stop seeing
all of a sudden?
Beat.
DOMINIC
I can't be for sure but...I heard
she got pregnant.
Joel has a serious look on his face now. It no longer
amuses him, but instead concerns him.
DOMINIC
After I heard that I've tried
contacting her but never can get a
hold of her. When I see her in the
halls she just ignores me.
Joel, still in shock, sits in the chair next to Dominic.
JOEL
That would explain the crazy eating
habits and mood swings she's been
having.
Dominic is now shocked as he realizes he might be a
father. Both men start to stare off into nothing,
shocked at the news they've heard.
DOMINIC
This day just got a whole lot
shittier.
CUT TO:
INT. STUDY HALL - LATER
A very empty class with only about twelve students
scattered around the room, talking and/or writing. It's
monitored by Ms. Ballard. Near the back of the room,
Ellen sits to a distressed Will who's mind is elsewhere.
Ellen tries to break the tension.
ELLEN
So what do you have planned tonight?
WILL
(sarcastic)
Touching myself from 6:05 to 6:08.
ELLEN
Wow. Thanks you so much for sharing.
WILL
Pleasure's all mine.
ELLEN
Seems like it will be later tonight
at least.
Will shakes his head at her witty retort.
ELLEN
I think I sense a great disturbance
in the love life of William G.
Cooper.
Will doesn't say anything.
ELLEN
Would it have something to do with
that fight you and Nadine had this
morning?
Will looks a little uncomfortable.
ELLEN
If you don't mind me prying.
WILL
Actually I do.
ELLEN
Doesn't matter. I really want to know.
Ellen laughs, but Will doesn't.
ELLEN
I'm sorry. I'm just being my bitchy,
sarcastic self. Anything to wipe
that sad sack look off your face.
Beat. Will looks around.
WILL
All right. See a few years back,
Nadine dated this guy named Obree.
Ellen bursts into laughing.
ELLEN
Obree? Obree sound like the weird
kid who plays by himself.
WILL
Can I tell the story?
ELLEN
Sorry, sorry. Go on with your Obree
filled story.
WILL
Anyway, Nadine knew this guy and
they dated for a while. Eventually
she...eventually she gave the guy a
handjob.
Beat.
ELLEN
...And?
WILL
What do you mean "and?" She gave a
guy a handjob! A guy named Obree
for fuck's sake.
ELLEN
Sure anything involving an Obree
sounds disturbing especially tug
jobs. But I don't see why you're so
mad at her.
WILL
C'mon!? How come no one understands?
A rage filled Will just stares ahead after that. Ellen
realizes it's time to get serious.
ELLEN
Will, let me ask you a question. Do
you know this guy?
WILL
...No.
ELLEN
Do you know what this guy looks
like?
WILL
...No.
ELLEN
Do you know anything about this guy
at all?
WILL
...His name is Obree.
ELLEN
Then he's just some high school kid
you've never met. Think of it as
ostrich syndrome: If you don't see
it, then it isn't there.
Beat. Will seems a little bit better.
WILL
That's a good point, even though I
only understood half of it.
(beat)
God, what am I doing? I'm getting
so upset over something so
insignificant.
Ellen is about to say something but she seems
uncomfortable saying it. Almost like it pains her.
ELLEN
You should just go to her,
apologize and tell her how much you
love her.
WILL
Your right. Thank, Ellen. You're a
really good friend.
Ellen smiles, but it barely masks her displeasure with
her previous statement.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL - MAIN OFFICE - LATER
TOM LAWRENCE is sitting at the front desk answering the
phones. In the background we see others, students and
adults, scurrying around filling forms and doing
anything to keep busy.
This serenity is broken when the front door swing open
to reveal a very angry Chris. Upon seeing him, everyone
tenses up (some even hide) after what happened last time.
TOM
(into phone)
I'll call you right back.
Tom hangs up and gathers up the courage to stand up to Chris.
TOM
Uh, Chris...I hate to be the one to
tell you this but after your last
"outburst" Principal Stevens would
like to keep your appearances in
the office limited.
CHRIS
Don't worry I'll make this quick. I
just want to talk to the idiot that
marked absent third period in the
computer! Because of that Mr.
Osborne gave me a Friday detention!
Chris' voice slowly gets louder and Tom becomes more scared.
TOM
(stuttering;
nervous)
Ju-Just go down the hall and it's
the third door on your left.
Chris leaves. Tom sighs in relief.
TOM
(under breath)
That guy's turned into an asshole.
Chris has almost left the room when he hears the comment,
he keeps walking but seems a tad bit affected by the
remark.
CHRIS
Who's responsible for the tardy
slips?
VOICE (O.S.)
I am.
Chris turns to one of the many doorways to see a very
voluptuous, stunningly beautiful, blonde girl named
LORELEI. Chris is so taken aback by her beauty that he
is rendered speechless.
LORELEI
Do you have something to say?
CHRIS
Yeah...what's a girl like you doing
in a place like this?
Both smile at each other.
FADE TO:
BEGIN SONG (Howie Day - "Collide")
EXT. AUDIO/VISUAL ROOM - AFTER SCHOOL
Casey is impatiently pacing outside of the room. After a
few seconds, the doors opens and the AV TEACHER comes
out. He can barely stand as he is laughing so hard.
CASEY
So? What's the verdict?
AV TEACHER
(laughing)
No friggin' way.
Casey seems disappointed and defeated. He walks away as
the teacher continues to laugh.
FADE TO:
INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - SECONDS LATER
Nadine is getting her stuff from her locker. It's obvious
that she's still broken up about her fight with Will.
Suddenly a single dandelion appears by her shoulder.
She turns and sees Will holding it.
NADINE
(confused)
Will?
WILL
I'm dumb...Will you forgive me?
Nadine smiles and quickly embraces him.
FADE TO:
INT. SCHOOL - PARKING LOT - MINUTES LATER
Ellen is sadly making her way to her car. Her face is a
bit red and puffy as she is fighting back tears.
FADE TO:
INT. MAYBERRY HOME - LIVING ROOM - MINUTES LATER
Joel is sitting in the armchair, contemplating something.
The front door is unlocked and Cathy slowly steps in.
Joel does not change his demeanor.
CATHY
Hope you don't mind but I used that
key under the mat.
She notices something is wrong.
CATHY
What's the matter baby?
Just as she says that, Dominic steps in from the kitchen.
At the sight of him, Cathy's mouth is left wide open with
pure shock.
CATHY
What's going on here?
JOEL
You tell me.
Long beat. Cathy is about to cry.
JOEL
And while your at it...why don't
you tell me about your baby AND
your miscarriage.
Her lips tremble and the tears just rolling off her cheek.
SMASH TO BLACK.
END OF EPISODE
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