Clinker Pilot.pdf

7/28/2019 Clinker Pilot.pdf

1/80

Pilot

Story by

Chinenn Daang

Written & Directed by

Chinenn Daang

2012.

Chinenn

Daang.

All

rights

reserved.

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of

Chinenn

Daang

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2/80

Clinker Pilot

PROLOGUE

FADE IN:

DAY ONE

1 CHICAGO SKYLINE

The sky is almost as bright as the sun. We see the John Hancock

Center from above. Then we see the streets of Chicago.

MONTAGE OF:

2 INT. DARBY MANSIONS - BATHROOM - MORNING

CU - A MUSTACHE

A young man SHAVES off his mustache with a razor. He washes his

hands.

CUT TO:

3 INT. GIBBS TOWNHOUSE - GILLIANS BEDROOM - MORNING

TIGHT ON:

An alarm clock. At 7:05 am, the clock rings. A hand presses

the SNOOZE button.

CUT TO:

4 INT. CITY HALL - HALLS OUTSIDE THE MAYORS OFFICE - DAY

CLOSE ON:

The TV. The caption reads:EDWARD VENTURI WINS MAYOR OF

CHAMPAIGN.A photo of a 40-something year-old man flashes on

the screen.

5 INT. TRAFFORD APARTMENT - BEDROOM - MORNING

CLOSE ON:

A pamphlet that lays on the vanity table. It reads: THE 15TH

McNAMARA MUSIC STUDIO RECITAL. Then down on the paper along

with a few names, we spot the name CELINA CHRISTINE TRAFFORD.

CUT TO:


3/80

6 EXT. ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO - DAY

TIGHT ON:

A tarpaulin that reads:WELCOME TO THE 2014 ARCHITECTURE FIRM

AWARDS.

7 INT. ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO - DAY

A crowd of guests and professionals dressed in tuxedos,

business attires, and cocktail dresses.

END MONTAGE.

8 INT. LINKSYSTEM CUSTOMER SERVICES - OFFICE - DAY

ETHAN DARBY, 27 -- Tall. Slim. Attractive yuppie, dressed in a

dress shirt, necktie and slacks. Looks a little younger than

his age. He is standing opposite his bosss desk. Behind the

desk sits his boss, LAUREN, brunette and sassy. Lauren is

holding a piece of paper which is Ethans leave of absence

note.

LAUREN

Youre requesting for a leave

of absence for ten days? Have

you gone bananas? I cant

accept this.

ETHAN

Why not?

LAUREN

Because its late. And ten

days??? Youre not even ill.

ETHAN

Cmon. Its not like Ive never

requested a vacation leave likethis. You accepted it the last

time I requested for a leave

for a month. And now you wont

consider this?

LAUREN

Ethan, if Ill do that, Ill

lose my job.

ETHAN

Why? Because youre giving me

a leave of absence for ten days?


4/80

LAUREN

Because you didnt do anything

for the past two months. All

you did was twiddle your thumbs

and play Temple Run in your

computer. We cant allow you to

leave work for ten days whenyou barely did anything for

two months.

ETHAN

Fine. How about if I leave

just for today?

LAUREN

Why? You ran out of gratuitous

things to do in your workplace?

Or you got tired playing your

stupid game and decided to snatch

forty winks for the last twelve

hours of your day?

ETHAN

My parents and my sisters are

attending the Architecture Firm

Awards ceremony at the Art

Institute of Chicago. My father

is a recipient and I want tobe there to celebrate his

accomplishment along with my

family. So can you please just

give me the time off? Please.

Just today. Ill be back right

after the ceremony.

Lauren looks at Ethan and contemplates on her decision.

LAUREN

Fine. Be back at 12:45 on thedot.

ETHAN

YES! Thank you! Youre the best!

Ethan gleefully walks out of the room. Lauren shakes her head.

9 INT. GIBBS TOWNHOUSE - GILLIANS BEDROOM - MORNING

GILLIAN GIBBS, 17 -- tall, good-looking, and has pink streaks

in her brunette hair -- is sleeping soundly on her bed, nestled

in her satin blanket.


5/80

Suddenly, someone POKES her on the arm.

GIRL (O.S.)

Happy birthday, big sister!

Gillian sleepily opens her eyes. She looks up and sees her

sister, CHRISTINE, 16 -- taller and more attractive -- sittingon the edge of her bed.

CHRISTINE

Happy birthday, beeyotch!

Gillian YAWNS, and attempts to go back to sleep. Christine

DRAGS her feet to the floor.

GILLIAN

Hey!!! What the hell?!?

CHRISTINE

You gotta come downstairs.

GILLIAN

Why? Whats going on?

CHRISTINE

Its your birthday, potato head!

Now, get up if you dont want

me to drag you down the stairs!

Gillian grunts as she gets out of bed and wears her slippers.

10 INT. GIBBS TOWNHOUSE - DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Gillian and Christine descend down the staircase and find their

parents (VICTORIA, early 40s, leggy like a mom model, and

JOHNNY, mid-40s, overweight, like a retired businessman)

sitting at the dining table, where a birthday cake and some

comestibles are set.

VICTORIA JOHNNY

(kisses Gillian on Happy birthday,

the cheek) Gillian.

Happy birthday, sweetheart.

GILLIAN

Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.

VICTORIA

Blow your cake, sweetie.

Gillian glances at her parents and at her sister. As she blows

the cake, we --


6/80

CUT TO:

11 INT. SALINGER RESIDENCE - NIGELS BEDROOM - MORNING

The alarm clock snoozes for the fifth time. The GUY curled up

in bed turns it off and goes back to sleep AGAIN, groaning.

Then a young LADY approaches the guys bed and yells --

YOUNG LADY(right to his ear)

Nigel! Wake up!

GUYS VOICE

HEY!!! Dont yell at me, Im not

deaf!!!

He goes back to sleep again. The young lady SMACKS him on hiship by a pillow. And then on his face.

YOUNG LADY

Wake up! Waaake uuup!!!!

NEIL SALINGER, early 40s -- steps into the doorstep, holding a

cup of coffee. Dressed in boxers and a loose, old shirt.

NEIL

Is he up already?

The girl looks up to her dad. Then steps the face of --

NATALIE SALINGER, 21. Lovely. Fox-like faced. Dressed in a

college attire. Wears rectangular glasses.

NATALIE

No. This guy is like cooking oil.

Neil disappears from the doorstep for a little while and then

quickly reappears with a MEGAPHONE. He hands it to his

daughter. Natalie speaks right into the sleeping guys ears,

this time, with a megaphone.

NATALIE

NIGEL!!! WAKE UP!!!

GUYS VOICE

Ow!

The GUY sits up. He is --


7/80

NIGEL SALINGER, 17. Natalies brother. Handsome in a guy-next-

door kind of way. From his face we can sense that hes had a

lot of girlfriends. Dressed in a pair of shorts and an old

shirt, he GETS UP.

NIGEL

Did you just yell at me withDads megaphone?

NATALIE

Yes, I did.

(to Neil)

Thanks, Dad.

Natalie returns the megaphone to Neil.

NEIL

No problem.

Natalie opens the curtains. Nigel rubs his eyes to adjust them

from the sunlight.

NIGEL

You didnt really have to do

that, Nat. I dont have a

hearing impairment and school

hasnt started yet.

NEIL

We need you in the car shop, son.

Nigel collapses on his bed.

NATALIE

Cmon, lazybones. Get up. Rise

and shine.

Natalie walks out of the room with Neil, and Nigel covers his

face with a pillow.

12 INT. EXT. TRAFFORD APARTMENT - ESTABLISHING SHOT

We hear the violin playing Vivaldis Spring.

13 INT. TRAFFORD APARTMENT - CELINAS ROOM - MORNING

CELINA TRAFFORD, 16, charming and fragile -- is playing the

violin, facing the vanity table. When she finishes, her mother

CELESTINE emerges and stands on the doorstep.

CELINA

Hey, Mom.


8/80

CELESTINE

Hi, sweetheart. Are you ready

for your recital?

CELINA

A little. Im pretty nervous.

CELESTINE

Well, youve been in too many

recitals already. Im sure that

nervousness will fade away once

youre on stage.

CELINA

Mom, is Dad going to the recital?

CELESTINE

Yes, but Im afraid hell be

running late.

CELINA

Oh, okay.

CELESTINE

Take your time, sweetie.

Celestine smiles reassuringly at her daughter and walks off.

Celina resumes practicing.

14 INT. CITY HALL - HALLS OUTSIDE THE MAYORS OFFICE - DAY

The VENTURI FAMILY and the CITY OFFICERS are watching the news

on the TV, where Edwards face is shown again. Everybody is

cheering for the mayor, EDWARD VENTURI, attractive in his mid-

40s -- holding a glass of champagne like the rest of the people

around him.

Beside him is his father, STANLEY VENTURI, gray-haired in his

early 70s, his hand on Edwards shoulder. Behind him and Edwardstand NICOLE VENTURI, 17, Edwards daughter -- blonde, medium

height, pretty and preppy like a typical mayors daughter;

Nicoles brothers ELIS (16, slightly taller than his sister);

and JIMMY (13, blonde and cute); and their mother, ELSPETH

(mid-40s, blonde, tall, businesslike but friendly. Elegant.

Sophisticated like the US First Lady.)

EVERYONE

Congratulations, Mayor Edward

Venturi! Cheers!

Everyone raises their glass and clink on each others glasses.


9/80

EDWARD

Thank you, thank you!

They take a gulp from their champagne, and then Edward starts

to speak.

EDWARDI would like to thank everyone

for the support; to my wife, my

children, my father; to the

Champaign City Council; the

voters and all the adherents. I

am truly grateful that you chose

me to lead this city. I will make

sure that Champaign will be a

prosperous city and that we will

be able to fulfill the hopes

and dreams of our citizens.

They applaud.

EDWARD (CONTD)

Moreover, I would like to express

my gratitude to each one of you

here for your faith in me and

for making me a part of this

lovely city, and I hope you,

ladies and gentlemen, will helpme build this city with more

security and prosperity. And I

just want to say from the bottom

of my heart: Thank you, Champaign.

I will do everything I can to be

worthy of your trust and faith.

Thank you, thank you, thank you,

and may God bless us all!

They raise and clink their glasses again. Edward kisses

Elspeth on the cheek, and Nicole, Elis and Jimmy look at themin veneration.

15 INT. ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO - DAY

A group of men crowd around EMMANUEL DARBY, early 50s. Looks a

little more mature than his age. Hes holding a glass of scotch

like the rest of the group.

ARCHITECT #1(THOMPSON)

Architect Darby has designed

some of the greatest and most

outstanding buildings in the

country.


10/80

ARCHITECT #2(REED)

Ive heard hes flying to

Edinburgh to design a mansion for

an aristocratic family. Isnt

that right, Architect Darby?

EMMANUEL(modestly)

Yes, Architect Reed. But its

not really necessary to tell

our acquaintances.

THOMPSON

Thats alright, Architect Darby.

Needless to say, youre one of

the best architects in the

country. And probably soon, in

Europe too.

EMMANUEL

(jesting)

Before that, I will have to

compete with you for a Pritzker

first.

THOMPSON

Youre on, Darby.

All of them chuckle.

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ANGLE:

ANNE DARBY, 24 (Gorgeous, like a fashion model. Tall. Casually

dressed. Friendly) is leaning on the tall table, swirling her

half-full of wine glass, glancing at the people around her.

She smiles at some of them.

A middle-aged woman in her 50s approaches Anne.

WOMAN

Hi. Youre Architect Darbys

daughter, right?

ANNE

Yes, maam.

WOMANYour fathers designs are very

artistic and exquisite.


11/80

ANNE

Aww. Thank you, maam.

The woman smiles and then walks away. Suddenly, we see a HAND

poke on Annes shoulder. Meet --

CAITLIN DARBY, 17. Pretty but nerdy with her large rectangularglasses, straight brunette hair and the outfit shes wearing.

One hand is at her back. From this, we notice shes hiding

something.

CAITLIN

Hey, sis.

ANNE

Hey. Where have you been?

CAITLIN

Checked out the museum. Did you

know that Jean Arps Head and

Shell sculpture is a surrealist

work? Its magnificent. Hey,

look what I found.

She flaunts Anne a bottle of an Arneis wine.

ANNE

Thats cool! Where did you getthat?

CAITLIN

Just somewhere.

ANNE

Arent you supposed to return

that?

CAITLIN

Uh, no. Maybe not, maybe later.You must understand why Im a

complete ignoramus to these kinds

of watchamacallit since today is

actually my first time to come to

a museum, despite the fact that

Ive been living in Chicagoland

for 17 years now.

ANNE

But thats not an excuse to steal

a bottle of wine from a museum!


12/80

CAITLIN

Relax! Im not stealing it. Im

just borrowing it. And dont

worry cause Im not going to

drink this, okay? Im still 17

and I cant handle a half-full

glass of wine, how much more abottle.

LORRAINE DARBY, early 50s, beautiful with Italian features --

moves toward her daughters.

ANNE

Mom, where have you been?

CAITLIN

Oh my god, Mom. Are you drunk?

LORRAINE

(taken aback)

WHAT???

ANNE

Mom! Where have you been?

LORRAINE

Talked to some of your fathers

fellow members of the AmericanInstitute of Architects.

ANNE

Youre socializing now?

LORRAINE

Is that socializing?

CAITLIN

Sort of.

ANNES POV

Ethan coming toward them.

ANNE

Wow. Look whos here.

ETHAN

Hey. Wheres Dad?

CAITLIN

Rubbing elbows with his fellow

architects.


13/80

Ethan takes Annes wine and drinks.

ANNE

Hey! Thats mine!

ETHAN

Its mine now too.

ANNE

Youre such a pig.

ETHAN

Thank you. I think Ill take

that as a compliment.

Ethan continues drinking Annes wine. Anne scowls at him. After

Ethan drinks:

ETHAN

Hey, Mom. Is Dad accepting that

project in Scotland?

LORRAINE

I dont know, Ethan. Why dont

you ask your father?

Ethan rolls his eyes and grunts to himself, irritated by his

mothers response.

EMMANUEL walks toward their table.

ANNE/ETHAN/CAITLIN

Hey, Dad.

LORRAINE

So...?

EMMANUEL

Lets go.

LORRAINE

Ethan, could you please call

the chauffeur and tell him to

pick us up?

ETHAN

Yes, maam. Roger that.

Ethan takes out his cell phone and dials a number. Caitlin is

pacing, her wine glass in hand.


14/80

ETHAN

(into the phone)

Rolando? Its Ethan. Please pick

us up at the Art Institute...

Yes, please. Thank you.

As Ethan hangs up, Caitlin bumps into --

ATHENA HAMILTON, mid-20s. Blonde. Bitchy. Supermodel. Caitlin

has accidentally spilled her wine on Athenas dress.

ATHENA

OH MY GOD! My dress!

CAITLIN

Oh my god! I am so sorry.

People cock their heads and watch Athena and Caitlin.

ATHENA

What the hell? Do you know how

much I spent for this dress???

$50,000! And I had it custom-made

from Vera Wang! You are going to

pay for this, you ugly maggot.

As Anne steps into the scene:

ANNE

Excuse me, maam. I apologize

for the intrusion but you are

in no position to speak to my

sister with that impertinent

tone of your voice.

ATHENA

Oh, Im sorry. Do you want to

pay for this dress too? What are

you two ugly people doing hereanyway? This event is for the

upper class, not for the

destitute people!

Ethans phone vibrates on his hands. Anne takes it from him.

ANNE

Thank God. Saved by the bell.

Mom, Dad, Caitlin, Ethan,

lets go.

As Lorraine, Emmanuel, Ethan and Anne storm out, Caitlin stays

behind.


15/80

ATHENA

Hey, look what fell on the

floor.

Caitlin looks down on the floor. She sees nothing.

ATHENA (CONTD)Its your face.

Athena smiles condescendingly at Caitlin and walks off. Anne

reappears. Caitlin tries to hide her indignation.

ANNE

CAITLIN!!!

Anne grabs Caitlin by the hand. Caitlin glowers at Athena,

whos now mingling with some guests.

FADE OUT.

END OF PROLOGUE


16/80

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

16 EXT. SALINGER CAR REPAIR SHOP - ESTABLISHING SHOT

17 INT. SALINGER CAR REPAIR SHOP - DAY

Nigel and Neil are fixing the front bumper of an SUV. Their

hands, arms and faces are now smeared with grease.

NEIL

(in mid-conversation)

So you told your classmates that

your Mom is in Europe? Did they

buy it?

NIGEL

Yeah. Its not like they know a

single thing about my family, do

they? And its the first thing you

told me about Mom anyway.

NEIL

Son, you were seven when you

asked about her. How am I

supposed to tell you? Your Momhas been AWOL since you were

eight months old? Its not like

youd understand what AWOL is.

NIGEL

Yeah. But why wont you just

explain it to me? Id find out

soon anyway.

NEIL

So you really want to know moreabout your Mom?

NIGEL

I dont know. Maybe, but not

now.

Natalie comes in.

NIGEL

Hey, Nat. Wanna fix some tires?


17/80

NATALIE

No, thank you. I have better

things to do.

NEIL

(to Nigel)

Did you know that your sisterfixes tires better than me?

NIGEL

Seriously?

NEIL

When Nat was seven, shed help

me here at the shop.

NIGEL

For real?

NATALIE

Dad!!!

NEIL

What? Im just saying! Why dont

you help us --

NATALIE

No. Theres no way Im goingback to that job. I abhor wheels

and screwdrivers and whatever

you men use for automobile repair.

If youll excuse me, I have a

photo shoot to prepare for.

NIGEL

Break a leg. Literally.

NATALIE

(as she walks out;sarcastic)

Thanks, Nige. You really are a

supportive brother.

Nigel and Neil laugh.

18 INT. GIBBS TOWNHOUSE - LIBRARY - DAY

Gillian steps into the room, a satchel bag hung on her

shoulder. Victoria is seated across her desk doing some

paperwork.


18/80

GILLIAN

Hey, Mom. Are you busy?

VICTORIA

Sort of. Im calculating the

overall expenses of the grocery

last month.

GILLIAN

Mom. May I borrow the car keys?

VICTORIA

Youre going somewhere?

GILLIAN

Yeah. I think so.

Victoria tosses the car keys to Gillian.

GILLIAN

Thanks.

VICTORIA

Dont forget to go to the gas

station, sweetie. You wouldnt

want to get stranded in the

middle of the road on your

birthday.

GILLIAN

Okay. Thanks, Mom!

Christine comes in.

CHRISTINE

(to Gillian)

Youre going out?

GILLIANYeah.

CHRISTINE

To where?

GILLIAN

I dont know.

CHRISTINE

But its your birthday.


19/80

GILLIAN

Exactly. You cant seriously

stay at home and sulk on

your birthday, can you?

CHRISTINE

No, I meant its your birthday,you have to come with me.

GILLIAN

Oh.

CHRISTINE

And youre not gonna drive,

cause I will. Gimme the car

keys.

GILLIANHell no. Im driving. Its my

birthday. You dont even have

a drivers license yet.

CHRISTINE

Yes, I do. I just got them two

weeks ago. Dont worry. Im a

professional. Im not gonna hit

some old man or bump a ten-

wheeler truck. Like you.

Christine gives her sister an evil smile and holds out her palm

as Gillian hands her the car keys.

CHRISTINE

Thank you. Bye, Mom!

GILLIAN

Bye, mother!

CUT TO:

19 EXT. HOTEL - ESTABLISHING SHOT

20 INT. HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY

Elis and Elspeth are perched on the couch while Nicole is

pacing a few yards away from them.

ELIS

(to Nicole)

Will you please stop doing

that? Youre giving me a

headache.


20/80

NICOLE

(sits on the love seat)

Mom, are you really having this

meeting today? Cant you postpone

it or something? Dad just won

mayor and youre welcoming him

with new responsibilitiesalready.

ELSPETH

Honey, were not trying to

torment your father. Were

just --

ELIS

Bombarding him on his first

day as mayor? Mom, tormenting

and bombarding are just the

same thing. The only difference

that those two words have is

the spelling.

ELSPETH

(sighs)

The meeting that well be

having today is not about

tormenting or bombarding your

father with new responsibilitiesbut well be discussing about

those responsibilities. And the

possible events that will take

place during your fathers

tenure.

NICOLE

Like what?

ELSPETH

I dont know. The foundationmaybe.

ELIS

Speaking of which, why dont you

launch a new gym for us guys to

work out at?

NICOLE

Elis, there are gyms in Chicago.

ELIS

Yeah, I know. Am I not allowed

to work out when Im here?


21/80

NICOLE

Youre a sophomore, and youre

awfully sophomoric and germy.

ELIS

Of course Im sophomoric. Im

a high school sophomore. AndIm not germy.

NICOLE

Yes, you are. You didnt take

a shower today and you didnt

brush your teeth. You never

make your own bed and you have

to let Rosa do it for you, and

you didnt even clean your room

before we came here from Chicago.

ELIS

So? That doesnt have anything

to do with looking good and

making chicks dig me.

NICOLE

It does, actually. Nobody wants

to go out with an unhygienic,

inexperienced and vain guy such

as yourself. So if you wantgirls to dig you, you have to

start cleaning your room and

bathe even at least once a day.

ELIS

Hey. Watch what youre saying,

Mom. Youre much worse than me

when you started high school.

NICOLE

That was two years ago,birdbrain.

ELSPETH

You two, listen. If you want

something to do while you wait

for us, you may check in and

get room service, max of $2000.

Are we clear?

ELISSeriously?


22/80

ELSPETH

Yes. Nicole, keep an eye on

your brothers, okay?

NICOLE

Yes, Mom. Bye, Mom.

ELSPETH

Bye, sweetheart.

Elspeth rises from her seat and kisses Nicole and Elis on the

cheek.

ELIS

Bye, Mom.

A lady in uniform escorts Elspeth to a meeting room. We hold on

to Elis and Nicole.

NICOLE

What do we do now?

ELIS

Room service.

CUT TO:

21 INT. WINE BAR - DAY

Ethan is drinking a half-full of stem glass of wine across the

counter.

His friend, BJORN KAUFMANN (26, clean shaven and good-looking)

-- appears beside him.

BJORN

Hey, Ethan.

ETHANHey. Whats up?

Ethan pours a glass of wine for Bjorn. Bjorn stares at the

wine glass for a moment, then looks at Ethan.

ETHAN

What are you looking at?

Bjorn shakes the glass a little and takes a gulp.

BJORN

You okay, bro? You seem a little

off.


23/80

ETHAN

I hate my job.

BJORN

Is that it?

ETHANYeah. I hate my stupid job. My

boss sucks and shes a brain-

dead harpy. My job is making me

a moron and a crappy person.

And the worse thing is the

longer I stay, the crappier I

get.

BJORN

Just quit, man.

ETHAN

Yeah, right. Easy for you to say.

BJORN

Dude, you dont have to worry

about your job. Youre a smart

ass. Youll figure it out.

ETHAN

Why would you say so?

BJORN

Are you really asking me that

question? Im your best buddy,

bro. Ive known you since, what,

preschool? I know every chick

you banged.

Ethan laughs.

ETHANRight.

Ethan consumes his wine.

ETHAN

(then; changing

the subject)

So whats up with you and your

girl toy?

BJORN

What girl toy?


24/80

ETHAN

Oh, cmon. Cut the act, Bjorn.

Didnt you get laid the other

night by that blondie? The one

you told me about?

BJORNOh, you mean Kelly? Of course

not. I would never sleep with

that dame.

ETHAN

(sniggers)

Oh, yeah? Why not?

BJORN

Shes too needy with a screw

loose. Scared the hell out

of me, man.

Ethan laughs hysterically. Bjorn glares at Ethan and then

laughs.

22 INT. DARBY MANSIONS - ANNES ROOM - DAY

Caitlin is perched on the edge of Annes bed. Anne is packing

her things on a suitcase.

CAITLIN

Why do you think the people at

school look at me as a silk-

stocking whippersnapper who

always gets what she wants?

ANNE

Because you own the school.

CAITLIN

But I dont own the school.Grandpa does.

ANNE

And so do Mom and Dad, and so

do we.

CAITLIN

So Im just gonna be subjected

to the ramifications of being

the owner of the school for

the rest of the time being that

Im a student at Montfort? Dont

you think thats fatuous?


25/80

ANNE

It sounds a little fatuous but

it surely doesnt sound like

that to them.

CAITLIN

So what am I supposed to do tostop the people at school from

giving me the VIP treatment?

ANNE

I dont know, Cate. Im

incapable of advising you a

sound solution for that quandary

of yours because I have never

been in your position before.

CAITLIN

Youve gotta be kidding me.

Youre leaving town for the Big

Apple in a matter of hours yet

you cant find me a resolution

of my problem? I must say I am

resented by that condescending

notion.

ANNE

Ugh. Cate, you are exaggeratedlyemotional and I find your choice

of words utterly prolix and

unnecessary.

CAITLIN

Please, Anne. You have to help

me.

ANNE

Caitlin, as much as I want to

help you with your adolescentproblems, I hate to admit that

I really am unable to give you

a leg up.

CAITLIN

Cmon. Not even a word of

advice? Wheres my percipient

big sister? The Mother Teresa

of the Darby family?

ANNE

Mother Teresa of the Darby

family?


26/80

CAITLIN

What? I know youre flattered.

Dont deny it.

ANNE

You are so annoying.

CAITLIN

I know that. Now give me some

of your words of wisdom.

ANNE

In my very honest opinion, you

should start acting like a

normal teenager.

CAITLIN

Whats that supposed to mean?

Arent I a normal teenager?

ANNE

Not in their perspective. You

shouldnt be flaunting your

exorbitant belongings to

your schoolmates.

CAITLIN

I never flaunt my expensivestuff at school.

ANNE

Dont you wear your Harry

Winston choker at school? The

one that Aunt Melanie gave you

on your birthday last year?

CAITLIN

Yeah, but I dont brag about

it.

ANNE

Maybe you dont. But thats

one way of flaunting it. You

may not be doing it

intentionally, but youre

still doing it despite of your

oblivion. Do you understand

what Im trying to point out?

CAITLIN

Sort of.


27/80

ANNE

If you dont want the people at

school to think youre a

decadent, you better stop acting

like one.

CAITLINWhat if I fail?

ANNE

Then try again.

CAITLIN

Ugh. My life would have been

easier if I stayed at Orford

with Nicole. Ever since my

first day at Montfort, I barely

had a close friend cause

everybody thinks Im too rich

to be someones friend.

ANNE

I thought you didnt like being

in Orford because the people are

way too stinking rich to even

notice you?

CAITLINWell, yeah. But Id rather be a

small fish in a big pond than

the big fish in a small pond.

You know what I mean?

ANNE

You know, Cate, you dont have

to worry about what people think

of you cause were not born to

please everyone. Just be yourself.

Let them think what they think ofyou. Just make sure you dont

hurt their feelings or do

something that might drive them

to ostracize you.

Caitlin remains silent and ponders over this.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE


28/80

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

23 INT. HOTEL - RESTAURANT - DAY

Nicole is wolfing down her lunch. As she chews, she noticesa guy a few feet away from her. Then she realizes its her

childhood friend, LANCE HATCHETT, 18 -- lean with messy brown

hair, talking to a waiter.

Lance catches sight of Nicole and marches toward her table.

LANCE

Nicole Venturi?

Nicole looks up and sees Lance standing near the table,

beaming at her.

NICOLE

Lance! Hey, its you!

Nicole rises from her seat and gives Lance a quick hug.

LANCE

Long time no see!

NICOLEYeah! I know, right? How have

you been?

LANCE

Im good. You?

NICOLE

Same.

LANCE

Are you alone?

NICOLE

Yeah.

LANCE

May I lunch with you?

NICOLE

Sure.

Nicole sits on her chair and Lance sits across Nicole.

He motions for a waiter to come. A waiter approaches them.


29/80

WAITER

May I take your order, sir?

LANCE

One spinach, one lasagna, and

one milk tea, please. Thanks.

The waiter writes down Lances order and politely walks away.

LANCE

So I havent seen you in a

while, Nicole. Congratulations

by the way to your father.

NICOLE

Thanks.

LANCE

Do you remember the last time

we saw each other?

NICOLE

Umm... no. Do you?

LANCE

I think it was on my Dads

birthday and you were still 9.

You looked pretty cute back then.

NICOLE

(chuckles with Lance)

Oh. Thanks.

LANCE

You know, youre so

well-mannered that you keep

saying thanks almost everytime

I compliment you. Is that the

effect you get for being thenew mayors daughter?

NICOLE

Oh, I dont know. Its just...

Ive been saying thanks since

early this morning when it was

announced that my father won

the elections.

LANCE

Youre starting to feel worked

up?


30/80

NICOLE

Yeah. I guess so.

LANCE

Hey, are you busy today?

Nicole shakes her head as she takes a sip from her drink.

LANCE

Why dont we come to my house

and hang out?

NICOLE

Just the two of us?

LANCE

Can I invite your brothers?

NICOLE

Yeah, sure. Of course.

Nicole smiles at Lance.

CUT TO:

24 EXT. DELICIEUX FOODIES - PARKING LOT - DAY

Big grocery store, larger than Wal-Marts. Grocery carts line upnear the door to the entrance. Theres a line of shiny BMWs,

Mercedes and Audis in the parking lot.

25 INT. DELICIEUX FOODIES - CHECK-OUT COUNTER - DAY

Christine hefts a load of chips, cereals, drinks and cake

ingredients to the counter.

SALESLADY

Good day, Miss Gibbs. Are you

sure you wanna pay for this?

Christine nods.

SALESLADY

But its your grocery store,

Miss Gibbs.

CHRISTINE

Its fine. Just dont tell my

parents about it. Please?

The saleslady nods and starts loading the grocers in.


31/80

26 INT. GILLIANS CAR - DAY

As I Lay Me Down by Sophie B. Hawkins is playing on the

stereo. Gillian is on the drivers seat, reading a Jane Austen

book. The trunk door suddenly opens and we find CHRISTINE

hefting grocery bags into the trunk.

CHRISTINE

Need some help here, please.

Gillian puts her book on the dashboard and gets out of the

car.

27 INT. PARKING LOT - OUTSIDE GILLIANS CAR - DAY

Gillian and Christine load the grocery bags into the trunk.

GILLIAN

Damn. How many bags are these,

Tin?

CHRISTINE

I dont know. Its not like I

was the one who packed them.

When the two have finally finished loading the bags, Christine

pushes the cart aside as Gillian climbs into the drivers seat.

Then Christine climbs into the front passenger seat and drivesoff.

GILLIAN

So, hows the store?

CHRISTINE

Fine. Same old, same old. Why

are you so worried about the

store? Its your birthday, for

Gods sake. Arent we supposed

to be celebrating?

GILLIAN

Uh-huh? Right. Im just checking.

CHRISTINE

(changing topics)

Hey. Is it true that Mom and Dad

are getting a divorce?

GILLIANWhat? Who said that?


32/80

CHRISTINE

I overheard them arguing the

other day and Mom was

threatening Dad shell get a

divorce if he wont stop

drinking.

GILLIAN

That cant happen. They cant

get a divorce. Whats gonna

happen to us?

CHRISTINE

Look. Dont take it very

seriously, okay? Im not even

sure if Mom meant it. Maybe she

just said that because she was

upset.

GILLIAN

But what if she did? We cant

just simply turn a blind eye to

the possibility that were

going to end up like those young

people who decided to live with

their grandparents because their

parents abandoned them.

CHRISTINE

If one of them would abandon us,

its not gonna be Mom.

GILLIAN

I just hope so. I dont want to

be stuck with Dad in the entirety

of my existence.

CUT TO:


MAX ENDICOTT (17, Nigels best friend, blonde) is roaming

around the car shop with his arms across his chest, like a

supervisor. We see NIGEL working UNDER the car.

MAX

Hey, man. You didnt tell me how

your Dad started this car shop.

NIGEL (O.S.)

You wanna know?


33/80

MAX

Yes. Why would I even ask

in the first place if I didnt

wanna know?

Nigel slides out from under the car, his face, hands and shirt

stained with grease.

NIGEL

Why dont you go ask my Dad?

He started this business anyway

so he can definitely tell you.

Max sits on a chair with the back rest in front of him.

MAX

Cmon, man! Stop being silly.

NIGEL

Alright, alright.

(then)

My Dad started this business

after he got married to my Mom.

MAX

Oh. Thats it?

NIGELYeah.

MAX

Hey, do you know when your

Moms coming home from Europe?

NIGEL

My Moms not coming back.

MAX

What do you mean shes notcoming back? Didnt you tell

me...

NIGEL

Shes not in Europe. We dont

know where she is. She left

us when I was eight months old.

MAX

Wait. You lied? Dude, whydidnt you just tell me the

truth?


34/80

NIGEL

Telling the truth isnt gonna

bring my Mom back.

MAX

And so is lying.

(then)Dont be ridiculous, man. I

thought you were honest.

NIGEL

Then Im sorry that I wasnt.

Thats just too sensitive for

me talk about with other people,

aright?

MAX

So did you ever wanna know

where your Mom is?

NIGEL

I dont know. Shes my Mom. She

gave birth to me. She left us.

I feel betrayed. Maybe part of

me wants to. I really have no

idea. Why are we talking about

this???

MAX

You started being dramatic.

NIGEL

You started the topic.

The boys chortle. Max gives Nigel a headlock.

NIGEL

Hey. Stop it!

CUT TO:

29 INT. HATCHETT MANSIONS - GAME ROOM - DAY

Lance, Elis and Jimmy are playing darts. Nicole is seated on

the bean bag, watching the boys playing.

LANCE

Hey, Nicole. Wanna play?

NICOLE

No, thanks. Not really my thing.


35/80

ELIS

She doesnt play darts. While

Jimmy and I play, she usually

drowns herself in the jacuzzi

and scarfs down a whole box of

Godiva.

NICOLE JIMMY

Elis! Yeah!

Elis, Jimmy and Lance laugh.

LANCE

Seriously?

JIMMY

Yeah. And then she makes some

waffles and she brings them to

her room and then when she comes

out, shes as chunky as Santa

Claus she could stop traffic.

Lance laughs.

NICOLE

Jimmy!

(to Lance)

Dont believe them. Theyre justdestroying me.

ELIS

(to Lance)

Actually, Nicole is good at darts.

Nic, why dont you show us your

guts?

Elis hands Nicole a dart and he gives her a crooked smile. She

glares at him and stands up.

NICOLE

Are you serious about this?

LANCE/ELIS/JIMMY

Yeah.

Nicole composes herself for a moment, concentrating.

ELIS

Now watch this.

Nicole throws the dart to the dartboard at bulls eye.


36/80

LANCE

(clapping his hands)

Wow! That was amazing, Miss

Venturi!

ELIS

See? I told you, shes good,right?

NICOLE

Hey. That was just a lucky shot.

LANCE

Oh cmon, Miss Venturi! You

nailed it!

NICOLE

(snorts)

Thanks.

ELIS

Hey, Lance. Mind if we play

some billiards?

LANCE

No problem.

Elis and Jimmy grab the cue sticks and they start playing.Nicole sits back on the bean bag.

Lance marches toward the mini fridge on the other side of the

room, gets two canned bottles of soda, closes the fridge door

and walks toward Nicole.

LANCE

(to Nicole)

Hey. Have a drink.

Lance hands Nicole a bottle. Nicole takes it from him.

NICOLE

Thanks.

Lance sits on the floor beside Nicole.

LANCE

So what grade are you in now?

NICOLE

Eleventh. You?


37/80

LANCE

Twelfth.

NICOLE

Are you studying here or out of

town?

LANCE

Just here. I prefer to be close

to home. How about you?

NICOLE

I study at Chicago.

LANCE

Wow, Chicago. Big city girl. What

school?

NICOLE

Orford Christian Granz.

LANCE

Orford? Isnt that a private

school?

NICOLE

Yup.

LANCE

Isnt it too pricey to attend

that school?

NICOLE

It can be. Its a private

school after all, but my parents

already got used to it. Ive been

going to that school since

kindergarten so it would be

ludicrous for my parents tocomplain just now.

LANCE

Right. But you forgot one thing.

NICOLE

What?

LANCE

Your Dad is the mayor of

Champaign. So surely he can pay

for it.


38/80

Lance and Nicole let out a chuckle out of this.

NICOLE

Right.

CUT TO:


Natalie ENTERS. Nigel is fixing a car.

NATALIE

Hey. Can I talk to you?

NIGEL

Too late to ask me that question.

Youre already talking to me.

NATALIE

Does Montfort have sports like

soccer, basketball, baseball...

NIGEL

Yeah. Why?

Natalie enters the room and sits on Nigels bed.

NATALIEI want you to try out.

NIGEL

Try out for what?

NATALIE

For the sport that youre good

at.

NIGEL

Which is...?

NATALIE

I dont know.

NIGEL

Why should I do that?

NATALIE

Because Dad is gonna lose his

job. The only thing that can

keep you in Montfort is their

financial aid and a college

scholarship with that sport.


39/80

NIGEL

How is it gonna help Dad?

NATALIE

I already said it. Financial aid.

For sure youre not the only

poor kid in that filthilyexpensive little private school,

so there has to be a financial

aid.

NIGEL

And if theres none?

NATALIE

Then you go to public school.

(then)

So... are we clear?

NIGEL

Ill think about it.

As Natalie walks out of the room:

NATALIE

Hey.

NIGELYeah?

NATALIE

Were counting on you.

Natalie gets out of the room. Nigel sighs.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO


40/80

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

32 EXT. TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER - ESTABLISHING SHOT

We hear the Vivaldi song that we heard before.

33 INT. TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER - FUNCTION ROOM - NIGHT

Celina is playing the song with the violin.

Then after, she puts down the violin and takes a bow. The

audience applauds.

ANGLE ON:

The rest of the Trafford family -- CELESTINE, ABBY, PAULINE and

EMMETT, Celestines husband and Celinas father -- applauding.

34 INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

The Traffords are gathered around the table.

CELESTINE

(to Celina)

Congratulations, sweetheart.

EMMETT

(to Celina)

Congratulations, little girl. You

were terrific.

CELINA

Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.

PAULINE

Hey, Mom, Dad. Are we moving

here in Chicago permanently?

CELESTINE

I dont know, sweetie. It all

depends on your fathers job.

ABBY

So nothings definite yet?

EMMETT

Actually, I spoke with my boss

today. He said I might be

transferring back and forth to

Quebec at no time.


41/80

CELINA

So does that mean that our stay

here is just temporary?

EMMETT

Maybe, maybe not. Nobodys sure

yet.

ABBY

Why cant we just stay here

for good?

EMMETT

Because things just work that

way in my job, sweetie.

CELINA

Why dont you transfer to a

different pharmaceutical

company, Dad? Youve been

working at Abbott since you

were still dating Mom. Dont

you think you should try

something new or work someplace

else?

EMMETT

I wish I could. But I cantleave Abbott.

Celestine and her daughters share a worried look.

MAX (O.C.)

YOURE TRYING OUT FOR THE RUGBY

TEAM???

35 INT. VILLAGE TAP BEER HOUSE - NIGHT

Four guys -- JULIAN SANDLER, PHIL SULLIVAN, MAX and NIGELgathered around the table, drinking.

MAX (CONTD)

Stop screwing with me, Salinger.

NIGEL

Im not screwing with you.

PHIL

Are you for real, dawg? Theres

gotta be some explanation why

you just suddenly decided to

get into sports.


42/80

NIGEL

Guys, whats with the violent

reaction?

MAX

Whats with the sudden decision?

NIGEL

Is there a financial aid in

Montfort?

JULIAN

Yeah. Almost all of us are in

financial aid. Why?

NIGEL

Nothing.

Nigel drinks his beer.

PHIL

Youre lying.

NIGEL

Why do you say so?

PHIL

Cause I saw your face twitchwhen you said nothing.

NIGEL

My face didnt twitch.

PHIL

Yes it did.

JULIAN

Salinger, are you in some kind of

trouble?

NIGEL

No.

MAX

Cmon, bro. Tell us. Weve been

buddies since seventh grade.

NIGEL

My Dads on the brink of getting

a pink slip. I need to play a

sport at school and get a sports

scholarship to college.


43/80

PHIL

For real?

NIGELFor real.

MAXDamn. Thats awful, bro. I feel

sorry about your old man. But

dont sweat it. If your Dad loses

his job, he can totally work for

us as our driver.

They all laugh.

NIGEL

(sardonic)

Thanks, man. Thats really

comforting.

They all laugh again.

36 EXT. VENTURI PENTHOUSE (CHICAGO) - ESTABLISHING SHOT

37 INT. VENTURI PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Nicole, Elis and Jimmy step out of the elevator, entering the

living room.

NICOLE

Buenas noches, Rosa. Were home!

A stout, Hispanic woman in her 30s, ROSA, dressed in a

housemaid attire -- emerges into the living room.

ROSA

Oh, finally!

Rosa and Nicole have a brief embrace.

ROSA

Congratulations to your father,

hija.

NICOLE

Thanks, Rosa. How are things

here?

ROSA

Good, so far.


44/80

Nicole, Elis and Jimmy sit on the couch. Nicole scans a Chicago

Tribunenewspaper.

ELIS

Whats for dinner, Rosa?

ROSAYou havent eaten dinner yet?

JIMMY

Nope.

ROSA

Hmmm... What do you want to eat?

NICOLE

Caviar.

ELIS/JIMMY

Beef burgundy.

NICOLE

Oh-kay. Dinner will be served

in a few minutes.

NICOLE/ELIS/JIMMY

YES!!!

Elis, Nicole and Jimmy collapse on the couch.

ELIS

What day is tomorrow?

NICOLE

Labor Day.

JIMMY

Awesome.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE


45/80

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

DAY TWO

38 INT. TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER - SIXTEEN RESTAURANT -DAY

Upscale restaurant. Rich people smartly dressed crowd the

room, serving themselves with high-class and succulent hors d

oeuvres, entrees and desserts. Smooth music plays in

the background.

ANGLE ON:

Nicole and Celinas table. Seated with them are AIMEE VAN

RENSSALAER, (17, tall and brunette) and ROSEMARY SIMPSON (17,

with Hispanic features).

AIMEE

What do you think is going to

happen in junior year?

ROSEMARY

Exams. Homecoming dance. Prom.

The Orford Foundation Week.

AIMEE

The ball. Dont forget the

annual ball.

NICOLE

Are you attending the ball?

AIMEE

I have to. My mom is a member

of the organizing committee.

How about you guys?

ROSEMARY

Depends.

CELINA

I have no idea. Cotillion balls

are not really my thing.

NICOLE

But surely youd look great on

whatever youre wearing.


46/80

ANOTHER ANGLE:

Caitlin enters the room. She looks for a vacant table. She

walks past Maxs table. Max notices her and he stands up

and approaches her.

MAXHey. Look whos here?! Caitlin

Darby!

CAITLIN

(slightly annoyed)

Hey, Max.

MAX

Are you eating brunch alone?

CAITLIN

Yeah.

MAX

So who drove you here? Oh, wait.

I forgot. You have a limo and a

chauffeur. I totally forgot

youre made of money and you own

the school that Im currently

attending.

CAITLIN

Im not made of money, okay? And

I dont own the school. My

grandfather does. Now, excuse

me. Im starved.

Caitlin walks away. Max follows her.

MAX! Hey. Can you tell your parentsto reduce the tuition a littlebit? You see, majority of the

students in your school are

struggling with financial

problems, not to mention that

Nigels father is on the brink

of losing his job, and if you

dont slim it down as soon as

possible, chances are youll

lose a large number of students

and we would have to transfer

to public school and that would

just be extremely depressing.


47/80

CAITLIN

You know, Max, I admire your

solicitude for those students

whoever they may be, but I cant

help you with that.

MAXWhy? Because you own the school?

CAITLIN

Because Im not a member of the

administration or the board of

trustees. Im a student too,

just like you. If you wish to

evince that dilemma of yours,

you should write a letter to the

administration. And probably a

petition.

MAX

How do I do that?

CAITLIN

I dont know. Figure it out.

Caitlin departs. Max watches after her.

BACK TO CELINA AND NICOLE

Caitlin walks past Celina and Nicoles table. Nicole sees her.

NICOLE

Cate!

Caitlin turns and sees Nicole. Nicole rises and hugs Caitlin.

CAITLIN

Nic! Hey! I missed you!

NICOLE

Me too! Did you come here alone?

CAITLIN

Yeah. Hey, congrats by the way

to your Dad. Mayor, huh? Thats

pretty huge.

NICOLE

Yeah. Thanks!

AIMEE/ROSEMARY

Hey, Caitlin!


48/80

CAITLIN

Hey! Aimee! Rosemary! Long time

no see!

AIMEE

Come sit with us!

Caitlin plops down on a chair next to Nicole.

NICOLE

Cate? Youve met Celina, right?

CAITLIN

Yeah! At Aimees sweet 16th

birthday party.

(to Celina)

Hi.

Celina smiles shyly at Caitlin as she continues eating her

food.

ROSEMARY

Hey, Cate. Are you still a

student in your school -- whats

that name again?

CAITLIN

Montfort? Yeah. I want to goback to Orford but I cant

because of Saturday classes.

AIMEE

Whats wrong with Saturday

classes?

NICOLE

Shes Jewish.

ROSEMARYOh.

CAITLIN

This is amazing, guys. I cant

believe were in high school

and having brunch together. It

seems like yesterday we were

just in fifth grade and Aimee

and I were just these silly

little girls who kept having

petty fights on who should be

Nicoles BFF. Now, we only have

two years left in high school.


49/80

CAITLIN (CONTD)

Time flies so fast, doesnt it?

AIMEE

Dont remind me, Cate.

CAITLINAbout what?

AIMEE

About how time flies fast and

how we always wanted to grab

each others hair and have a

cat-fight when we were eleven.

They all laugh.

NICOLE

Right. But when you recall all

of those stuff, all we can do

is to just laugh at them.

ROSEMARY

Easy for you to say, Nic. You

were the main reason why Aimee

and Caitlin never got along

with each other.

They laugh.

NICOLE

Ouch, Rose! That really hurt!

AIMEES POV

Gillian a few feet away, sitting at a table with Christine,

Victoria and Johnny.

AIMEEHey. You know that girl over

there?

They all turn and look at Gillian. Gillian notices the girls

looking at her. She glowers at them and covers her face with

her hair.

NICOLE

Gillian?

AIMEE

Shes really weird.


50/80

CAITLIN

Really?

AIMEE

Yeah. I mean look at her.

CAITLINShe used to sit by the window

during sixth grade.

AIMEE

Howd you know?

CAITLIN

I had some classes with her.

AIMEE

Oh, yeah. I remember now. She

used to dress like a goth too.

I should go up to her and

congratulate her for getting

herself a new wardrobe.

They all laugh.

ROSEMARY

Lets stop looking at her,

okay? It might seem too obviousthat were talking about her.

CAITLIN

(to Celina)

Hey. What was your name again?

NICOLE/AIMEE/ROSEMARY

Celina.

CAITLIN

Why is she not talking?

ROSEMARY

The girl actually talks, Cate.

But not much when a person she

doesnt know is around. Like

you.

CAITLIN

Oh. Well, Celina, you really

have to talk. Im not gonna

harm you and your captivating

beauty is just going to be

worthless if you wont talk.


51/80

CELINA

Right.

CAITLIN

Finally!

They let out a chuckle out of this.

ANOTHER ANGLE:

The Gibbs family quietly eating their brunch.

CHRISTINE

(referring to Nicole

and her friends)

Do you know those people?

GILLIAN

Yeah. We go to the same school

and they were my classmates in

sixth grade and middle school.

VICTORIA

Why dont you go say hi?

GILLIAN

Why should I?

CHRISTINE

Because theyre your schoolmates.

GILLIAN

So? I dont really need a bunch

of fake friends.

VICTORIA

How do you know that theyre

fake friends? You havent even

spoken to them.

GILLIAN

I did, Mom. Once. And I didnt

like them. I still dont.

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. ORFORD CHRISTIAN GRANZ HIGH SCHOOL - FRESHMAN YEAR

Nicole, Celina, Rosemary and Aimee -- all in identical

school uniforms -- are walking toward the entrance door.

GILLIAN approaches them.


52/80

GILLIAN

(shyly)

Excuse me.

AIMEE

Hi, Gillian. Im surprised

youre not wearing your blackmanicure today. Did you decide

to stop or you just ran out of

it?

Nicole and Rosemary chuckle to themselves.

GILLIAN

Can I... Can I ask you a

question? Do you have the copy

of Mr. Polenskys practice

questionnaires for the moving

exam?

NICOLE

Yeah.

GILLIAN

Can I... borrow?

NICOLE

Yeah. Sure.

Nicole opens her backpack and pulls out her biology

notebook. She hands it to Gillian.

NICOLE

Here you go.

GILLIAN

Thanks.

Gillian walks off. As she walks away from the girls --

AIMEE

(mocking Gillians tone)

Can I... borrow? Thanks.

(in her own voice)

She is so annoying.

Everybody laughs. From Gillians expression, we can sense

that she heard them.

BACK TO PRESENT

Gillian glances at Nicole, Caitlin, Aimee, Rosemary and Celina.


53/80

They are also peering at her. She looks away.

CUT TO:

39 NEW YORK SKYLINE

40 EXT. ANNES LOFT - ESTABLISHING - DAY

41 INT. ANNES LOFT - BEDROOM - DAY

Anne exhales as she takes off her shoes. She goes to the

bathroom and we hear the shower being turned on. She emerges

from the bathroom and collapses on her bed. Her phone rings.

She reaches it from the bedside table and answers it while

lying on her bed. The caller ID says PRISSY.

ANNE

(into the phone)

Priscilla!

42 INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE ANNES LOFT - INTERCUT

CLOSE UP ON:

PRISSY EMBURY, 24, Annes best friend. Slightly tall, blonde

and pretty. She is pacing and shes on the phone, and we

dont know where she is.

PRISSY

Hey, Antonella! Where are you?

ANNE

Hey, Pris! Im in my loft.

PRISSY

I have a surprise for you.

ANNE

What is it?

PRISSY

Get out of your apartment and

youll see.

Anne gets up. She heads to the door.

She opens the door and sees Prissy standing outside.

PRISSY

Hey, foxy lady!


54/80

ANNE

(gives Prissy a bear hug)

Oh my god! Prissy! Youre here!

PRISSY

I am so sorry to bother you at

a time like this.

ANNE

Oh, cmon. Dont be ridiculous,

Pris. Weve been best friends

since fourth grade. Whats up?

PRISSY

Arent you gonna let me in first?

ANNE

Of course!

Prissy comes in and Anne closes the door. Prissy looks around

the barely bedecked room.

PRISSY

Is this where you live?

ANNE

Yes. You sound like you dont

approve of it.

PRISSY

Sort of.

Anne reacts, seriously?

PRISSY

I mean, cmon. Look at this

place. Its too ramshackle

and its not even decorated

yet.

ANNE

Thats because I just got here.

And who cares if its not

decorated? Ive got plenty of

time for that and its not

like Im not gonna get myself

a new apartment.

PRISSY

Good point. Besides, Youre too

attractive to live in an

unattractive place like this.


55/80

ANNE

Well, thank you, my dearest

friend.

(a beat)

Lets go grab a bite to eat.

What do you say?

PRISSY

Id say sure.

CUT TO:

43 INT. SERAFINA RESTAURANT - DAY

A waiter serves Anne and Prissy their main dish.

ANNE

So what brought you here in

the Big Apple, Pris?

PRISSY

My boss in Chicago transferred

me to a branch here. What about

you? Have you started in A La

Mode already?

ANNE

Nope. Not yet. Ill be startingright after Labor Day.

PRISSY

Do you know a model named Athena

Hamilton?

Anne shakes her head.

PRISSY

I hear shes in town and shes

also working at A La Mode. AndI heard shes a total vixen so

you better be careful.

ANNE

Thanks for the tip, Pris. But

I think I can handle vixens.

My Mom is pretty much a vixen

herself.

They both chuckle.

PRISSY

Remember Lawrence Liang?


56/80

ANNE

Of course.

PRISSY

Your quasi-boyfriend since junior

year?

ANNE

(chuckles)

Yeah, yeah. Why? Whats up with

him?

PRISSY

He asked me for the address of

your apartment.

ANNE

Why?

PRISSY

Duh! He wants to come see you!

ANNE

Oh, puh-lease. He doesnt want

to see me. He just wants to

mess with my head. Its what

hes been doing since high

school.

PRISSY

And he wants to be your

boyfriend. Its what hes

been wanting since high school!

ANNE

PRISSY!

PRISSY

What??

ANNE

You cannot say things like

that to me. Theyre not true and

even if you say they are, you

dont have any proof.

PRISSY

What if I do?

ANNE

I still wont believe it.


57/80

PRISSY

What??? Come on! I am literally

going to throw you out the

window.

ANNE

Please do! Feel free to do sobefore its too late!

They both laugh.

ANNE

Im really glad youre here,

Pris.

PRISSY

Yeah. Me too.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR


58/80

ACT FIVE

FADE IN:

44 INT. GIBBS TOWNHOUSE - GILLIANS BEDROOM - AFTERNOON

Gillian is on her bed lying on her stomach, reading NorthangerAbbeywhile Radiohead blasts on the stereo. We hear a knock

from the door. VICTORIA enters, and shes bringing a small box

with a ribbon adorned with a ribbon.

GILLIAN

Hi, Mom.

VICTORIA

Hey, sweetheart. Can you turn

that music down please?

Gillian grabs a remote and she lowers the volume of the stereo.

VICTORIA

Yesterday was your birthday and

I forgot to give you this.

Victoria hands Gillian the small box.

GILLIAN

What is it?

VICTORIA

Open it.

Gillian opens the box. Inside is an antique gold ring.

GILLIAN

Wow. Its beautiful.

VICTORIA

It was your grandfathers. Hewas supposed to give it to

Joshua, but since hes gone now,

I want you to have it.

Gillian removes the ring from the box and slips it into her

finger.

GILLIAN

Its too big for my fingers. But

thank you.

Victoria smiles at her daughter and they hug.


59/80

CUT TO:

45 INT. TRAFFORD APARTMENT - CELINAS ROOM - AFTERNOON

Nicole and Celina are lying on Celinas bed.

NICOLEYou know, Cel, you dont have to

worry if you and your family

would have to go back to Quebec

for your Dads job. We could

still be friends, you know.

CELINA

Yeah, but dont you think its

hard to keep a friendship when

two people are so far away

across the universe? And how

about the esprit de corps

that weve shared since freshman

year? Its going to be wasted.

NICOLE

Its not going to be wasted,

Cel. And look at the bright

side. Youre still here. We

still get to be together and

your Dads decision on movingback to Quebec is still unsure.

Nicole gives Celina a reassuring smile. Celina smiles back, but

she doesnt feel any better.

CELESTINE emerges at the doorstep. Nicole sits up.

CELESTINE

Hi, girls.

NICOLEGood afternoon, Mrs. Trafford.

CELESTINE

Good afternoon too, Nicole. I

heard about your Dad.

Congratulations.

NICOLE

Thank you, Mrs. Trafford.

CELESTINE

Are you planning on following

your fathers footsteps?


60/80

NICOLE

Im not sure. Politics arent

really my area of interest.

CELESTINE

Oh, well. Truth be told, Im

not a big fan of politics either.(offers Nicole a platter)

Would you like some poutines?

NICOLE

What are those?

CELINA

Its our cuisine in Quebec. Its

made of french fries, cheese

curds and gravy.

NICOLE

Oh. Im sorry Im not familiar

with Canadian cuisine most

particularly Quebecs. May I

have some?

CELESTINE

Of course. Cmon. Celina? Come

eat with Nicole.

Celina and Nicole get out of the bed. Then they exit the room.

CUT TO:

46 EXT. DARBY MANSIONS - ESTABLISHING SHOT - DUSK

47 INT. DARBY MANSIONS - ETHANS ROOM - DUSK

Ethan is on his laptop. Caitlin enters.

CAITLINHey, big bro.

ETHAN

Hey, Cate.

CAITLIN

Are you busy?

ETHAN

Nope. Not really.

Caitlin takes a look at the screen of Ethans laptop.


61/80

CAITLIN

Youre writing a resignation

letter?

ETHAN

Yup.

CAITLIN

Why? I thought you loved your

job.

ETHAN

Yes, I did. But not anymore. I

just realized that it sucks.

CAITLIN

So where are you gonna go?

ETHAN

I might gonna stay in New York

for a little while.

CAITLIN

Oh.

ETHAN

So its your first day of school

tomorrow, huh?

CAITLIN

Yeah.

ETHAN

Didnt you mention to me before

that your schoolmates dont want

to be friends with you because

you dont buy them food?

CAITLINYeah. Crazy, right? They said Im

made of money and my mother is

selfish. And did you know that I

ran into one of my classmates at

brunch today? He wants me to tell

Mom and Dad to decrease the

tuition fee cause the students

are having financial troubles.

They want me to be some kind of

spokesperson or something cause

I live with the school

administrators. Can you believe

it?


62/80

ETHAN

You know, Cate, you dont have

to listen to what they say. You

should remember that you own the

school, and that youre above

them. And you dont have to tell

them that cause apparentlytheyre aware of it. Just dont

let them control you and

influence you. In addition to

that, you dont need to go down

to their level to be able to

get along with them.

CAITLIN

But what if I graduate in high

school without any friends?

ETHAN

You have friends, Cate. Youve

got Nicole, dont you?

CAITLIN

Yeah. But we dont go to the

same school anymore. What am I

supposed to do? I dont want to

be an outcast for the rest of

my high school life.

ETHAN

Youre not an outcast. Youre

Caitlin Darby. Everybody knows

that. You dont have to worry

about those kids at school

cause youre on top of them and

they are still in all probability

trying to reconcile themselves

with that actuality.

(a beat; holds out a hand)Understood?

CAITLIN

(high-fives with Ethan)

Understood.

ETHAN

Now, I have to finish this

resignation letter. Go to bed.

You have school tomorrow.

CAITLIN

Alright. Goodnight!


63/80

ETHAN

Night!

Caitlin does a handshake with Ethan. Then she exits the room.

Ethan takes a deep breath as resumes writing his resignation

letter.

CUT TO:

MONTAGE OF:

48 INT. DARBY MANSIONS - BATHROOM - MORNING (DAY THREE)

Caitlin faces herself in the mirror, grooming and primping her

uniform.

49 INT. VENTURI PENTHOUSE - NICOLES BEDROOM - MORNING

Nicole stares at her reflection on the full-length mirror,

wearing her uniform.

50 INT. VENTURI PENTHOUSE - BATHROOM - MORNING

Elis is fixing the necktie of his uniform.

51 INT. SALINGER RESIDENCE - BATHROOM - MORNING

Nigel is applying some gel to his hair.

52 INT. TRAFFORD APARTMENT - CELINAS ROOM - MORNING

Celina is sitting at her vanity table, combing her hair. Then

she takes out a tube of pink lip gloss and applies a fresh coat

to her lips.

53 INT. GIBBS TOWNHOUSE - GILLIANS ROOM - MORNING

Gillian is at the mirror and she puts on a thick eyeliner.

Afterwards, she takes one last look at herself and departs.

54 EXT. ORFORD CHRISTIAN GRANZ HIGH SCHOOL - PARKING LOT - DAY

The highly spacious parking lot is half-filled with students in

identical uniforms, and their own vehicles: silver and black

Volvos, convertibles, automobiles, supercars and motorcycles of

various colors and even limousines.

Somewhere in the lot, we find NICOLE, CELINA and AIMEE chit-

chatting and high-fiving each other. Another limo arrives and

parks in the parking lot.


64/80

55 EXT. MONTFORT CARNER ACADEMY - PARKING LOT - MORNING

In contrast to Orfords opulent ambience, the parking lot is

packed with bikes and handed-down cars.

56 INT. MONTFORT CARNER ACADEMY - LOCKER HALLWAY - MORNING

Students are bustling around their lockers in the narrow halls.

57 INT. ORFORD CHRISTIAN GRANZ HIGH SCHOOL - LOBBY - MORNING

Students enter through the automatic doors that swish open. We

notice GILLIAN trudging down the hall.


Caitlin walks along the hallway, glancing at every thing she

walks by. Then she reaches her locker. She opens the locker

door and takes out some books.

59 INT. ORFORD CHRISTIAN GRANZ HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - MORNING

Aimee, Celina, Nicole and Rosemary are walking down the hall to

their classroom. Aimee BUMPS INTO Gillian. Gillian ducks her

head and continues walking, covering her face with her hair.


Caitlin slams her locker door shut, and NIGEL is right there,

startling her, and smiling flirtatiously at her.

END MONTAGE.

NIGEL

Hey!

CAITLIN

Hey!

NIGEL

Guess what. Im trying out for

the rugby team.

CAITLIN

What? Wow.

NIGEL

Wow? Thats all you can say?

CAITLIN

I mean its awesome. But its a

bit strange that youre trying --


65/80


66/80

CAITLIN

New student?

CHRIS

Yeah.

(a beat)

Im gonna go ahead.

Chris cocks his head and walks off. Caitlin bemusedly watches

him go.

61 INT. ORFORD CHRISTIAN GRANZ HIGH SCHOOL - HOMEROOM CLASS -

MORNING (N-1)

Gillian is seated by the window with her earphones on, and

shes reading Northanger Abbey.

On the other side of the room, Aimee, Celina, Nicole and

Rosemary are seated on one row. Their friend PEYTON BAINBRIDGE

(17, blonde, darling and neighborly) settles on a seat near

them.

NICOLE/ROSEMARY

Good morning, Peyton.

CELINA

Good morning, Peyt.

AIMEE

Morning, Peyt.

PEYTON

Good morning, guys. Hows your

summer?

NICOLE

Awesome.

AIMEEHot.

ROSEMARY

(to Peyton)

You should congratulate Nicole.

Her Dad won the mayoral elections

in Champaign.

NICOLE

Rose, you didnt have to broadcast

that.


67/80

PEYTON

(to Nicole)

Seriously? Congrats, Nic!

NICOLE

Thanks, Peyt!

CUT TO:

62 INT. MONTFORT CARNER ACADEMY - HOMEROOM CLASS - MORNING

Caitlin comes in. As she finds herself an empty seat, HANNAH

TATE (15, tall, blonde and looks like an honor student) walks

toward her.

HANNAH

Hi, Caitlin!

CAITLIN

Hi, Hannah!

HANNAH

Hows your summer?

CAITLIN

Great. How about yours?

HANNAHAwesome.

They chuckle out of this.

HANNAH

I heard about your Dad. Congrats.

CAITLIN

Thanks.

HANNAHI know that our rivalry in the

honor roll the past 2 years was

immensely dire and unequivocally

difficult for you but I would

just like to warn you that this

year, its going to be more

tortuous.

CAITLIN

Hannah, you dont have to take

everything so seriously.


68/80

HANNAH

Thats easy for you to say,

Caitlin, cause you own the

school. Youre from a well-

heeled family and you dont

need to be on top in class,

graduate as valedictorian andget a scholarship to college.

While I, on the other hand, need

those things that arent really

important to you. Id really

appreciate it if you stop

getting in my way in the

honor roll and give me a chance

to be on top instead.

Hannah smiles at Caitlin and she returns to her seat. Caitlin

is thrown off balance. The homeroom teacher, REESE MILLARD,

early 20s and blonde -- enters the room. The class settles

down.

REESE

Good morning, juniors. Im

Reese Millard and I will be

your homeroom teacher for the

rest of the year.

63 INT. MONTFORT CARNER - HALLWAY OUTSIDE HOMEROOM CLASS - MORNING

Chris and Headmaster Fillmore are standing in front of Chris

homeroom classroom. Headmaster Fillmore knocks on the door.

Reese PEEKS outside and sees the headmaster and Chris. She

walks to the door.

REESE

Yes, headmaster?

HEADMASTER FILLMORE

Miss Millard. I apologize fordisturbing your class. I believe

that this student belongs to you.

REESE

Oh! Um... please wait for a moment.

Reese proceeds to her table and then comes back to the

headmaster with a piece of paper that shows the class list.

REESE

Are you Christopher Carlisle

Bacharach?


69/80

Chris nods.

REESE

Alright. Thank you for bringing

him, Headmaster.

HEADMASTER FILLMORENo problem. Anytime.

Headmaster Fillmore leaves. Reese escorts Chris to the room.

64 INT. CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS

The students are now disorderly and noisy.

REESE

Everyone, silence please.

The students turn and then they see Reese and Chris in front.

REESE

Id like you to welcome your new

classmate.

(whispers to Chris)

Mr. Bacharach, please introduce

yourself.

CHRIS(clears throat;

awkwardly)

Hi.

We hear Max and Julian laughing to themselves somewhere in the

room. Chris ignores this.

CHRIS (CONTD)

My name is Christopher Carlisle

Bacharach. You can call me Chris.

Im from George WashingtonNational High School.

ANGLE ON:

Caitlin. She recognizes him.

ANOTHER ANGLE:

Max, Phil and Julian.

MAX

George Washington National High?

Isnt that a public school?


70/80

JULIAN

He must be pretty damn smart to

get accepted in Montfort.

BACK TO REESE

REESEThank you, Chris. Please take a

seat.

Chris saunters down the aisle. He settles on an empty seat two

rows in front of Caitlin and Nigel.

BACK TO CAITLIN

NIGEL

You know that guy?

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. MALL - TACO BELL RESTAURANT - DAY

Caitlin is seated. She is enjoying her chalupas, and then

then takes a sip from her drinks. She then leaves her

unfinished food and her PURSE and then she heads to the

restroom. From afar, we catch sight of CHRIS eating nachos.

He has seen Caitlin leaving her seat and her things

unattended. Minutes later, we see a middle-aged MANapproaching Candaces table, and TAKES Candaces purse.

Chris runs after him.

Chris catches up with him and strikes thumps the robber on

his abdomen. Chris retrieves Caitlins purse and runs back

to the restaurant.

Caitlin arrives on her table, and then panics when she

notices her purse is no longer there. Chris enters. He hands

her her purse.

CAITLIN

You stole my purse?!?

CHRIS

No. Some dude took it but I caught

up with him and got it back.

CAITLIN

Oh. Thanks.

Caitlin half-smiles. She returns to her food. She notices

Chris approaching his table, this time he looks familiar to

her. She calls out to him.


71/80

CAITLIN

Hey.

Chris turns, bewildered.

CAITLIN

You look familiar. Arent youa cantor at the Whitechapel

Synagogue?

Chris nods.

CAITLIN

Do you know me?

CHRIS

Yeah. Youre the daughter of

the architect who designed

Whitechapel.

CAITLIN

Right.

(then)

Thanks again for saving my

purse.

CHRIS

Its okay. Its no big deal.

Chris turns. Then turns back again.

CHRIS

You know, you shouldnt leave

your things unattended next

time. Im not being rude or

anything. Just and advice.

CAITLIN

Yeah. Got that. Thanks again...

CHRIS

Chris.

CAITLIN

Chris.

BACK TO PRESENT

Nigel gapes at Caitlin, waiting for an answer.

CAITLIN

He looks familiar.


72/80

CUT TO:

65 INT. ORFORD CHRISTIAN GRANZ HIGH SCHOOL - HOMEROOM CLASS -

MORNING (N-1)

DARLENE CALDER, the classs homeroom teacher, is standing at

her table. The class is silent as the students pay attention toher.

DARLENE

Any more questions?

(the class remains

silent)

None? Alright. Then welcome

to junior year.

The students cheer for themselves, including Nicole, Celina,

Peyton, Rosemary and Aimee. On the other side of the room,

Gillian rolls her eyes and continues sulking.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FIVE


73/80

ACT SIX

FADE IN:

66 INT. GIBBS TOWNHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Gillian ENTERS the living room and slams the door behind her.VICTORIA is on the couch, reading a magazine.

VICTORIA

Hi, sweetheart. How was your

first day?

GILLIAN

Fine.

VICTORIA

Fine?

GILLIAN

Yeah. Still the usual. Alone.

Friendless. Boring.

VICTORIA

I told you. You shouldve made

friends with those classmates

of yours in middle school.

GILLIAN

Mom, I told you too that I

dont ever wanna be friends

with them. Theyre surly and

pretentious.

Gillian flounces off to the staircase. Victoria sighs.

67 INT. MCNAMARA MUSIC STUDIO - PRACTICE ROOM - DAY

Celina and her fellow violinists are playing Brahms HungarianDances. Their violin teacher, TONY MCNAMARA (mid-30s,

effeminate and bald) is scrutinizing each of his students.

As the students keep playing, Celina suddenly and accidentally

plays a wrong key. The rest of the ensemble continue playing

until Tony notices that something doesnt sound right.

TONY

Stop, stop, stop! What was that?

CELINA

Im sorry, Sir Tony. That was

me.


74/80

TONY

Oh, Celina dear. You really have

to practice more. You keep

playing the wrong notes and I

dont understand why. Is

something bothering you?

Celina smiles bashfully and shakes her head. Tony sighs. He

really quite doesnt understand her.

TONY

Are you sure?

CELINA

Um... Actually, I find it a

little difficult to play the

first violin because of the

slurs.

TONY

You find it a little difficult

to play the first violin because

of the slurs? Celina, dear,

youre already in Suzuki level 4

and now youre telling me youre

having a hassle with the ABC of

the violin such as the slurs?

I was expecting youd be thevirtuoso with things like this.

Celina remains silent as she avoids Tonys stare.

TONY

Everyone, from the top.

The ensemble resumes playing their piece. Celina exhales

deeply.

CUT TO:

68 INT. SALINGER RESIDENCE - NATALIES ROOM - DAY

Nigel is standing on the doorstep. He knocks on the door.

Natalie is on her bed, reading a book. Nigel comes in.

NATALIE

Hey, Nige. Whats up?

NIGEL

I decided to try out for the

rugby team.


75/80

NATALIE

Awesome! Go kill that tryout.

You can do it.

NIGEL

(chuckles)

Thanks.

As Nigel walks out:

NATALIE

Hey, Nigel.

(a beat)

Remember, were counting on you.

Nigel half-smiles as he walks away.

69 EXT. MILLENNIUM PARK - DAY

Aimee, Nicole, Peyton and Rosemary are biking along the park.

NICOLE

Wheres Maggie? I havent seen

her in school today.

ROSEMARY

Shes still in Springfield for

her church summer camp.

AIMEE

Church summer camp? That sounds

like the juvenile version of

the nunnery.

They all laugh. Nicoles phone rings. She answers it.

NICOLE

Guys, hold on a sec.

(into the phone)Mom?

70 INT. CHAMPAIGN CITY HALL - OFFICE - DAY

INTERCUT phone conversation. Elspeth is sitting at Edwards

desk.

ELSPETH

Hi, sweetheart. Did you get my

message?


76/80

NICOLE

The one about reminding Rosa to

marinate the fish?

ELSPETH

No. The one about me and your

Dad not being able to leaveuntil next week.

NICOLE

What? Why?

ELSPETH

Things have been pretty busy

here, sweetheart. Not that we

didnt expect this, cause we

did. We just didnt anticipate

it could get us so tied up here.

Well be back in Chicago by

next week, sweetheart. Please

inform Rosa, okay?

NICOLE

Okay. But Mom --

ELSPETH

Take care, honey.

Elspeth abruptly hangs up. Nicole stares at her phone, crushed.

CUT TO:

71 INT. LINKSYSTEM CUSTOMER SERVICES - OFFICE - DAY

Ethan sets his resignation letter on Laurens desk.

LAUREN

Youre quitting?

ETHAN

Obviously, yes. I am quitting.

LAUREN

Why?

ETHAN

Because I hate my job. It makes

me a crappy person and I dont

wanna be like that until hell

freezes over, and most

importantly, this job sucks.

(MORE)


77/80

ETHAN (CONTD)

Its the worst and most

incongruous line of work that

man has ever established.

Answering phone calls from total

strangers across the globe is

never really my cup of tea andId actually rather feed a herd

of cows than have this futile

job. Call me crazy, whatever

you want but for the record,

this is the only job that made

me absolutely lackadaisical.

So goodbye, Lauren and have a

nice life.

Ethan storms out of the room. Lauren is undeniably nonplussed.

72 INT. ANNES LOFT - DUSK

Anne is lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She goes to a

FLASHBACK.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. RESTAURANT -- Anne and Prissy are eating dinner.

PRISSYDo you know a model named

Athena Hamilton?

Anne shakes her head.

PRISSY

I hear shes in town and shes

also working at that company

you got into. What was that

name again?

ANNE

A La Mode?

PRISSY

Yeah, A La Mode. And I heard

shes a total vixen so you

better be careful.

BACK TO PRESENT

Alarmed, Anne hurriedly gets her laptop. She opens a browser

and types Athena Hamilton A La Mode on the search bar.


78/80

The results come out. There are a few pictures of Athena. She

clicks one of them . The photo enlarges. Then we see Athenas

face, staring right at us.

CU ON ANNES FACE --

She is distraught by her discovery.

CUT TO:

73 EXT. E DARBY ARCHITECTS - ESTABLISHING SHOT

74 INT. E DARBY ARCHITECTS - EMMANUELS OFFICE - DAY

Emmanuel is staring at his drawing, his eyeglasses at the tip

of his nose. He SCRATCHES his head. His secretary LYNN comes in

with a wireless phone.

LYNN

Architect Darby, you have a long-

distance call from Count

Roderick Balfour from Scotland.

Lynn hands Emmanuel the phone. Then she departs.

EMMANUEL

(into the phone)

Hello?

75 INT. HEPBURN MANSIONS - LIVING ROOM - INTERCUT

RODERICK BALFOUR, late 40s -- is sitting on the love seat.

SUPER: EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

RODERICK

Architect Emmanuel Darby, its

me, Roderick Balfour.

EMMANUEL

Good evening, Roderick. I

apologize for not being able

to return your calls.

RODERICK

Its alright, Emmanuel. You must

be incredibly busy meeting new

clients after youve won the

Architecture Firm Awards.

Both chuckle.


79/80

RODERICK

Im looking forward to working

with you, Emmanuel.

EMMANUEL

Likewise, Roderick.

RODERICK

Have you spoken to your wife

about your project here in

Scotland?

EMMANUEL

Yes, I have.

RODERICK

She must be heavy-hearted to

be separated with you in a few

weeks.

EMMANUEL

(dryly)

Yes, she is.

RODERICK

So see you soon, Emmanuel. Have

a good day.

EMMANUEL

Have a good night to you too,

Roderick.

Emmanuel hangs up. We hold on to Roderick. A young GIRL comes

toward him but we dont see her face.

RODERICK

Hello, Alexis. How is my

beautiful daughter doing on her

first day at school?

WE PAN BACK TO REVEAL --

ALEXIS BALFOUR (CLARE ALEXANDRA DARBY), 17. Caitlins identical

twin sister. She has red hair and perfect skin, and she has a

striking resemblance to her twin.

ALEXIS

(with strong Scottish

accent)

Unstimulating. My teacher is a

complete disaster.


80/80

Roderick laughs. A housemaid ENTERS.

HOUSEMAID

Count Roderick, Lady Alexis,

dinner is served.

Roderick stands up. He puts an arm around Alexiss shoulder asthe two exit the living room.

ZOOM:

A picture of the BALFOUR FAMILY: Roderick, Alexis, a woman in

her early 40s (HELEN BALFOUR, Rodericks wife), and a young

man in his 20s (ADRIAN BALFOUR, Alexiss brother).

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE

Clinker Pilot.pdf

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