IMAGINARY by Curtis James Coffey · IMAGINARY by Curtis James Coffey. FADE IN: INT. LEAH'S ROOM -...

IMAGINARY

by

Curtis James Coffey

FADE IN:

INT. LEAH'S ROOM - DAY

The bedroom is filled to the brim with stuffed animals andfigurines.

The walls painted lavender, covered with all kinds offantasy artwork, handmade, all framed and hung meticulously.

Bed neatly made, the sheets a flowery cascade.

It is quickly clear, this is not just the room of a normalteenage girl - it's a sanctuary of creativity. A place whereimagination flows. An escape.

In the corner of the room, a canvas.

A HAND makes deliberate strokes along it, washing the blankwhiteness with color.

The work is done feverishly, but at the same time, withcare.

LEAH MINUCCI steps back from the canvas, setting her brushdown, looking at it with a smile on her face.

She stands strong for a 16 year old. Her eyes showing an agemuch greater than herself. She's a cute girl, a slightshadow hanging over her.

LEAHAnother to be framed.

She smiles at the canvas - a vast field of pastel-coloredflowers amidst the drop of a purple sky.

NANCY (O.S.)Let's go, Leah! If you miss thebus I can't give you a ride today!

With a heavy sigh, Leah prepares herself to leave the safetyof her bedroom.

NANCY (O.S.)Matt won't take you either!

LEAH(to herself)

As if I'd want him to.

2.

Leah stuffs a couple books into her backpack and slowlyopens her door, peeking out into the hallway before leaving,cautiously closing the door behind herself.

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

Leah sits down at the counter, her mother, NANCY, makingtoast.

Nancy is perhaps in her early 40s, but has not aged well atall.

A bruise on her cheek, she's an unhappy victim, andeverything about how she carries herself shows it.

LEAHAnother good night between you andMatt, huh?

NANCYIt's not your business, Leah.

LEAHYou're my mother.

NANCYAnd he's my husband. I'm the adultand you're the child.

MATT enters the kitchen, Leah and Nancy both falling silent.

He's a tall, stocky, blond haired, quasi-redneck lookingguy.

He completely ignores Leah, focusing on Nancy.

MATTWhat'd you make me?

NANCYNothing, yet. I just made sometoast for Leah.

MATTYeah? I'll have it, then.

Matt grabs the toast and begins to eat it.

LEAH(sheepishly)

She made it for me, Matt.

3.

Matt turns to Leah, shocked by her audacity.

MATTWhat was that?

Leah doesn't say anything, she looks down at the counter.

MATTYou can mumble it but you can'tsay it to my face?

NANCYLet's just try and have a goodmorning.

MATTShut up. I'm not talking to you.

Leah continues to sit there, becoming more visibly afraid.

Matt spits the partially eaten food at Leah and tosses theplate down in front of her.

MATTGrow a pair next time. I'm goingto work.

Matt storms out of the kitchen. The front door opens andslams shut.

Leah begins to furiously wipe the chewed up food off ofherself, disgusted.

Nancy lights up a cigarette, shaking her head.

NANCYYou know better than to make himmad.

LEAHEverything makes him mad. I'm gladyou stand up for your daughter.

Leah gets up from the counter, grabs her backpack andleaves.

Nancy stands there a moment before grabbing a bottle ofpills from atop the sink and downs two of them with a heavysigh, closing her eyes.

4.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL, COURTYARD - DAY

Leah walks through the courtyard, not a friend by her side.

She's the eccentric girl that everyone knows about andstares at, but nobody actually talks to for some reason.

Various HIGH SCHOOLERS murmur to each other about her andpoint as she makes her way to an empty bench and sits down,taking out a book and waiting for the first bell to ring.

As she's reading, JOHN walks past the bench. He's a typicalhigh school boy, light build, athletic, handsome.

Leah looks up and stares, her eyes longing for him.

He looks over to the bench and their eyes meet brieflybefore he looks away and continues talking to his FRIENDS.

Leah buries her face back in her book, blushing.

The bell rings and she gets up, stuffing her book into herpack.

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

Leah sits in the back of the classroom by the window, anotebook open.

The TEACHER stands at the white board, scribbling down notesand lecturing the STUDENTS.

Leah scribbles something on her notepad, but it isn't notes.No, she's doodling again.

She glances out the window.

Outside, she sees herself in a flowing lavender dress,running around the large oak tree, happily being chased by aFAUN.

They're laughing and having a good time.

TEACHER (O.S.)Isn't that right, Leah?

Back to reality.

Leah snaps her attention to her Teacher at the front of theroom.

5.

LEAHI'm sorry, what?

TEACHERDaydreaming again?

The Teacher walks back to her desk and looks at her notepad.

TEACHERInteresting notes. Unfortunatelythis isn't art class.

The students in the class giggle.

TEACHERWould you mind telling the classhow a faun is part of worldgeography?

More laughter.

Leah slinks down in her desk, embarrassed.

TEACHERKeep your head out of the clouds.You're no bird. Now I mean it, payattention.

The Teacher returns to the front of the class and continueson.

Leah glances out the window once more.

There's nothing out there but the oak tree, rustling in thewind.

INT. LEAH'S ROOM - NIGHT

Another blank canvas, another night of painting.

Leah stands there, swiftly moving her brush, quicklycreating the scene from school that she saw from inside theclassroom.

The oak tree, the faun, and herself. It's a bright, happypainting.

Outside her room, somewhere in the house, Matt is screamingat Nancy and throwing things around.

Leah closes her eyes, breathing deep.

6.

She continues painting, trying to take her mind off ofwhat's going on just outside the safety of her room.

All goes quiet for a moment, and then the loud sound of asmack breaks the silence, followed by Nancy crying out.

Leah drops the paint brush on the floor, breathing heavily.

She looks towards her bedroom door which thus far hasremained closed.

LEAH(whispering to herself)

Please stay away. Please. Please.

A shadow fills the underside of her door and the handlejiggles.

Thankfully, the door is locked.

Leah slowly and quietly makes her way towards her bed,crawling under the covers, shutting her eyes.

The door handle continues to jiggle.

BAM!

Matt punches the door.

MATT (O.S.)I'm taking the lock off this doortomorrow! You hear me?

Matt punches the door again.

Leah covers her head with her pillow, curling into a ball.

EXT. FIELD OF PAPER FLOWERS - DAY

It's an endless field of pastel colored flowers, clearlymade from tissue paper.

As the wind blows, they rustle together in a strange sort ofharmony.

Leah lays in the center of the field, looking up at thepurple colored sky with cotton candy-like clouds.

LEAHIt's strange, I find myself heremore and more as each day passes.

7.

PETER THE FAUN (O.S.)You sound surprised, as if youhaven't created all that surroundsyou.

Leah sits up to see PETER THE FAUN standing close by, asmile on his face, playing his flute.

LEAHYou again. I know you.

PETER THE FAUNAs you rightly should.

LEAHYou were outside my classroomtoday.

PETER THE FAUNWas I?

Peter the Faun winks at Leah and continues playing hispeaceful melody.

LEAHIt's beautiful.

PETER THE FAUNIt'll wake you soon.

LEAHI'd rather it didn't, if it's allthe same.

PETER THE FAUNBut you must.

LEAHI built this world to escape thatnightmare.

PETER THE FAUNBut it's where you belong, Leah.For now.

LEAHWhat's your name?

PETER THE FAUNDon't you know?

Leah closes her eyes, thinking.

8.

Peter the Faun continues playing his flute.

Leah smiles.

LEAHPeter. Your name is Peter.

PETER THE FAUNTime to wake up now.

Peter the Faun begins blowing hard on his flute, creating anawful annoying pitch.


Leah opens her eyes, her alarm clock blaring. It's morning.

With a groan she rolls over and shuts off the alarm clock,sighing heavily as she prepares to leave her sanctuary.

LEAH(to herself)

Peter. Peter the Faun.

As Leah gets dressed, she stops, looking at her painting ofthe oak tree.

She touches the faun on the canvas, smiling.

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

Leah enters the kitchen where Nancy sits at the table,smoking a cigarette and drinking, her lip freshly busted.

LEAHAnother souvenir?

Matt quickly steps behind Leah and cracks her over the backof the head, causing her to cry out.

MATTJust keep giving me reasons, girl.Keep right on pushing.

Leah's eyes water from the pain and she looks at Nancy, wholooks away.

MATTYou hoping she's going to saysomething? Grow up. I pay foreverything around here. Withoutme, you two skanks would be on the

(MORE)

9.

MATT (cont'd)streets.

Matt tosses Leah's bedroom door handle on the counter.

MATTNo more lock on your door.

Leah quickly grabs a bottle of water out of the fridge andleaves the kitchen.

MATTGet your ass to school before Ichange my mind.

Leah quickly leaves.

Nancy takes her pills and finishes off her drink.

NANCYDid you have to hit her?

MATTExcuse me? What was that?

NANCYNothing. What do you want forbreakfast?

MATTNothing. You two have ruined myappetite. You need to do somethingabout that daughter of yoursbefore I do. I'm sick of hermouth.

NANCYOkay.

MATTOkay what?

NANCYI'll talk to her.

MATTI'm going to work. Why don't youmake yourself useful today andclean the house, huh?

Matt leaves the kitchen and Nancy pours herself anotherdrink.

10.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL, GUIDANCE OFFICE - DAY

Leah sits across from her guidance counselor, MR. POWELL, anolder fellow with a warm face and kind eyes.

He holds a textbook in his hands which has been covered withall sorts of doodles, apparently done by Leah.

MR. POWELLFor some reason your behavior iscausing concern among some of yourteachers, Leah.

LEAHThey're just drawings.

MR. POWELLI know that. And there's nothingwrong with having an imagination.I'll tell you a secret. Can I?

Leah shrugs her shoulders.

MR. POWELLUs adults would give anything tohave our imagination back. Forsome reason when we grew up, welet it run away from us. We wereall so focused on being grown upsthat we lost our inner child.That's an important part of who weare as humans, Leah. Don't evermake our mistake and let yours go.

Mr. Powell winks at Leah and she half-smiles.

MR. POWELLNow, having said that, I stillhave a job to do. Perhaps you arespending a little too much time inyour head. Some is good, but toomuch can be bad for you. The linesbetween reality and fantasy cansometimes start to blur. Do youunderstand?

LEAHWhy does that have to be a badthing?

MR. POWELLIt doesn't. But you are in school,and the point is to get aneducation so you can really be

(MORE)

11.

MR. POWELL (cont'd)something special when you becomean adult. Maybe just try to paymore attention in class, okay? Andmaybe keep the doodling on schoolproperty to a minimum.

LEAHI'll see what I can do, Mr.Powell.

MR. POWELL'atta girl.

Mr. Powell hands her textbook back to her and then leansback in his chair, looking at her more seriously.

MR. POWELLIs everything all right at home,Leah?

Leah looks down at the floor, shrugging as she stuffs thetextbook back into her pack.

LEAHIt's all right I guess.

MR. POWELLYou don't have to talk to me, butit's what I'm here for. If youever need anything, my doors arealways open. Even if you just needsomeone to listen. I promise I'lldo my best to help in whateverways I can.

LEAHThanks, Mr. Powell. But really,there's nothing you or anyone elsecan do for me right now.

MR. POWELLYou sure?

LEAHYeah. My mom just needs to wakeup, you know?

MR. POWELLWhat do you mean by that?

LEAHNothing.

12.

Leah stands up and slings her pack over her shoulders,preparing to leave.

LEAHWill you write me a pass back toclass? I'd hate to get bitched atfor being late.

MR. POWELLOf course! We wouldn't want that.

Mr. Powell takes a piece of paper off his desk, scribbles onit, signs it, and hands it to Leah.

LEAHThanks. I'll see you around.

MR. POWELLTake care of yourself, Leah. Andremember what I said.

LEAHWill do.

Leah leaves the office and Mr. Powell sits there a moment,twiddling his pen, thinking.

INT. LIBRARY - DAY

Leah sits in the corner of the library, between twobookshelves, a mountain of books piled on either side ofher.

She's browsing through a book in her hand.

The LIBRARIAN walks over to her, a confused look on herface.

LIBRARIANYou know the checkout limit isfour at any given time, right?

LEAHI know. I'm just looking throughthem. I'll put them all back, Ipromise.

LIBRARIANTrying to figure out which ones totake home, huh?

13.

LEAHSomething like that.

With a smile, the Librarian walks away, continuing her work.

Leah buries her face back into the book in front of her.

JOHN (O.S.)Leah?

Leah looks up to see John walking towards her.

She instantly blushes.

JOHNThat's a lot of books you got,there.

LEAHYeah. I didn't know you read.

JOHNI'm not stupid, you know.

LEAHNo, wait. That's not what I meant.I just -

John smiles and leans down by her, looking at the piles ofbooks around her.

JOHNRelax. I'm just teasing you.What've you got here?

John begins going through the piles of books -- Mostlyfantasy and horror, with a few art-based books thrown in forgood measure.

JOHNInteresting.

LEAHI can never decide what to read. Ilike to keep my options openbefore I decide, I guess.

JOHNGot any favorites picked out yet?

Leah motions to the book she has in her hand.

14.

LEAHI think this one. And I'm not surebetween these two.

Leah grabs two other books from the pile.

John grabs them both and looks at them.

JOHNThis one.

John hands one of the books to Leah and she reaches to grabit.

Their hands briefly touch and Leah quickly grabs the book,pulling her hand away, blushing even more.

LEAHSorry. I wasn't trying to gropeyou or anything.

John chuckles.

JOHNAre you always this nervous andshy?

LEAHYes. No. I don't know. I don'thave a lot of friends so I spend alot of time alone.

JOHNAnd you come here.

LEAHI don't come here all the time oranything. I'm not a total nerd.It's just someplace to go that'sbetter than home.

John begins scooping up the books on the ground.

JOHNI'll give you a hand putting theseaway.

John walks away, disappearing behind some shelves.

Leah quickly gets to her feet.

LEAHWait. I'll come with you.

15.

Leah walks the same direction John did, rounding theshelves.

John is nowhere to be seen.

LEAHWhere'd you go?

The library is deathly quiet.

LEAHJohn?

Her response comes in the form of a flute being played.

It's an all-too familiar tune.

Leah begins weaving through the bookshelves, which havequickly turned into a maze-like setup.

With every step she takes, the library changes, becomingolder and larger the farther she weaves in and out of thebookshelves.

LEAHHello? Anyone there?

The flute continues to play, and Leah continues heading tothe direction of the noise.

LEAHPeter, is that you?

As she rounds another corner, she finds herself in thecenter of the library, a large open area.

Peter the Faun sits in the center on a golden stool, playinghis flute.

He sees Leah and stops playing, smiling.

PETER THE FAUNI was beginning to worry the bookshad swallowed you up.

LEAHWhat are you doing here?

PETER THE FAUNI should be asking you that verything. You're in my world, Leah.

16.

Leah looks around and then returns her gaze to Peter theFaun.

LEAHThis isn't real, is it?

PETER THE FAUNThat depends on your perception ofreality, doesn't it? It's as realas your mind makes it.

Peter the Faun smiles and resumes playing his flute.

Leah gets closer to him, sitting down in front of him.

LEAHIs there something wrong with me?

Peter the Faun stops playing and looks at Leah.

PETER THE FAUNHow do you feel?

LEAHPeaceful.

PETER THE FAUNHave you got a fever?

LEAHI don't believe so.

Peter the Faun shrugs.

PETER THE FAUNThen I wouldn't say there'sanything wrong with you.

LEAHHow long can I stay?

PETER THE FAUNIt's time for you to leave now,Leah.

LEAHWhat? Why? I don't want to go.

PETER THE FAUNI don't make the rules. Wake up.It's time to go.

LIBRARY - NIGHT

17.

Leah suddenly snaps up at a desk in the library, fullyawake.

The Librarian stands beside her.

LIBRARIANDid you hear me, young lady?

Leah looks at the Librarian, confused.

LEAHWhat? I'm sorry.

LIBRARIANI said it's time for you to go.We're closing.

Leah quickly stands up, fumbling for the books on the tablein front of her.

LEAHI'm sorry. I didn't mean to keepyou waiting.

In her hurry, Leah drops some of the books and quickly ducksdown to grab them.

LEAHI'm sorry. I'm not trying to makea mess.

The Librarian puts a kind hand on Leah's shoulder.

LIBRARIANIt's quite all right, dear. Noneed to be so nervous. Come on,I'll check these out for you.

The Librarian grabs a couple of the books from Leah and witha smile, leads her up front to check them out.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Leah enters her house and slowly makes her way through theliving room, trying to create the least amount of noisepossible.

NANCY (O.S.)You're late! Dinner's on thetable!

18.

With a groan, Leah sets her books down on the coffee tableand makes her way to the kitchen.

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

Leah enters the kitchen and joins Matt and Nancy at thetable who are already halfway through their meals.

In front of Matt sits two empty beer cans. He cracks open athird.

MATTWhy the hell are you so late?Where have you been?

LEAHI was at the library.

MATTDoing what?

LEAHReading.

Matt reaches across the table and smacks Leah across thehead.

She immediately looks down at the floor, blinking awaytears.

MATTDon't be such a smart ass.

NANCYI'm sure that's exactly what shewas doing, Matt. She loves toread.

Matt glares at Nancy in warning, and she returns hercomplete attention to her food.

Matt then continues eating.

MATTWe of course know she wasn'tmeeting a boy though, don't we?What dumb ass would go aftersomething like that.

That stings Leah.

Nancy looks over to her daughter.

19.

NANCYAren't you going to eat something,hunny?

LEAHI'm not hungry.

Matt grabs the last piece of meat from the tray and puts iton his plate.

MATTGood. More for me.

Leah glances over to her mother.

LEAHMay I be excused?

MATTWhat for? Don't you enjoy ourcompany?

Leah looks back down at the floor.

MATTI asked you a question, retard.

Leah continues to sit there quietly.

MATTSo, the school called today. Betyou can guess why, Leah.

Leah looks over to her mother, her eyes wide with fear.

MATTDon't look at her. She's not goingto help you. Apparently they'reconcerned about the conditions ofyour home life.

NANCYThat's not exactly what theysaid...

MATTThat's pretty much what they said.What kind of bullshit are youfeeding these people, Leah? Don'tyou get enough attention? Gottastir up some shit to get somemore? Need some sympathy?

20.

LEAHI didn't do anything.

NANCYThey just said that you've beendistracted in class lately andjust wanted to check and make sureeverything was okay.

Matt slams his hand down on the table to silence Nancy.

MATTDon't sugarcoat this, Nancy. She'stelling lies about us. About me.

Matt looks at Leah, fire burning behind his eyes. He'sfuming.

Leah looks at him, terrified.

LEAHI haven't said anything to anyone.I swear to God!

MATTIt's all right. We're going tohandle this later. I'll reallygive you something to tell them.

NANCYMatt, don't. It was nothing.

Matt grabs Nancy's plate and slings it across the kitchen,shattering it.

MATTI told you to shut your mouth. Nowclean it up.

Nancy gets up and begins to pick up the broken pieces ofglass.

Matt looks at Leah, smiling.

MATTYou go on up to your room. Enjoyyourself while you can. I'll be upafter I finish eating to handlethis little situation.

Leah's lip begins to tremble and she gets up, leaving thekitchen.

21.


Leah dashes into her room, slamming the door behind her andgoes to lock the door.

It's gone.

LEAHDamn it.

Leah frantically looks around her room for something tobarricade the door with, tears flowing down her face.

There's nothing that will help.

As she continues to look around, something catches her eyes.

The window!

She rushes over to the window and opens it.

She looks back towards her bedroom door and then begins toclimb out.

Her bedroom door bursts open and Matt charges in.

MATTGoing somewhere?!

Matt quickly crosses the room and grabs Leah, pulling herback inside.

She screams.

EXT. BEACH - DAY

Leah sits in the sand on the beach, once again in herlavender dress.

She looks out to the emerald green sea, the sun resting onthe horizon, casting a brilliant blaze of orange and yellowonto the purple sky.

Countless sail boats fill the water with a variety ofdifferently shaped and colored sails.

Multi-colored seagulls fly all around, squawking gently.

Peter the Faun stands next to Leah, placing his hand on hershoulder.

22.

PETER THE FAUNYou just can't stay away, can you?

LEAHI have no choice, it seems. It'swhere my mind takes me. It must bewhere I'm meant to be.

PETER THE FAUNCareful, you may get stuck here.

LEAHWould that be such a bad thing?

PETER THE FAUNI don't know. You tell me.

Leah looks at Peter the Faun and smiles. She returns hereyes to the sea in front of her.

LEAHI don't think so. It's sobeautiful here. It doesn't hurt.

PETER THE FAUNDon't be fooled, Leah. Thedarkness you hold inside you caneasily pierce this thin veil ofserenity in your mind. It can'talways be a retreat.

LEAHBut right now, it is. That's allthat matters to me. Are thereothers here?

PETER THE FAUNYou know the answers better thanI, Leah.

LEAHCan I meet them?

PETER THE FAUNWhen you are ready, you will.

LEAHYou're not very helpful. Youalways seem to be speaking incircles.

23.

PETER THE FAUNI'm simply a guide of sortscreated by your mind. I don't holdall of the answers. If I talk incircles, it's because you're notready for all the answers. Onlyyou can unlock your own secrets.

LEAHThat's an interesting way to lookat it.

PETER THE FAUNIt's the only way to look at it.

Leah continues to watch the boat on the sea, calming movingacross the water.

The sun hasn't moved.

LEAHThe sun doesn't move.

PETER THE FAUNI hadn't noticed.

Leah looks at Peter the Faun.

LEAHIf this is all in my mind, don't Ihave control over it?

PETER THE FAUNInteresting question. Would youlike me to play you a song?

Leah smiles.

LEAHOf course.

PETER THE FAUNExcellent.

Peter the Faun raises his flute to his mouth and begins toplay a quiet, sad tune.

Leah closes her eyes, listening hard.

Tears slowly flow down Leah's face as the song comes to afinish.

24.

PETER THE FAUNApologies. I didn't mean to makeyou cry.

Leah shakes her head.

LEAHNo, no. It was beautiful, Peter.

PETER THE FAUNShall we take a walk?

LEAHI'd like that.

Peter the Faun offers his hand and Leah graciously takes it,standing up.

The two begin to walk along the beach, the waves quietlycrashing beside them.

PETER THE FAUNYou know your visit must come toan end soon.

LEAHWhy does it always seem so short?

PETER THE FAUNYou can only stay for just so longeach time. Otherwise your mind maybecome confused.

LEAHConfused how?

PETER THE FAUNConfused in a way that you mayhave a hard time separating yourdreams from reality.

LEAHMy guidance counselor saidsomething similar to me today.

Peter the Faun ignores that remark.

PETER THE FAUNWe will need your help one day.

LEAHWith what?

25.

PETER THE FAUNAgainst the darkness.

Leah looks around the sunny environment.

LEAHI see nothing dark here.

PETER THE FAUNIt's there. Just beyond theborders. Growing closer every day.

LEAHAnd what happens then?

Peter the Faun stops walking.

PETER THE FAUNThis is as far as we go this time.

LEAHWhat?

CRASH!

Leah turns to the sea and sees two sailboats crash into eachother.

They slowly begin to sink.

LEAHOh, no. They're crashing! Come on,we have to help them!

Leah turns to Peter the Faun, but he's gone.

CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!

Leah looks back to the sea.

All the boats are crashing into one another and sinking.

CRASH! CRASH!


Leah awakens in her bed, her eye blackened.

Downstairs, Matt is screaming and throwing things around -thus the source of the crash.

Leah groans and buries her head underneath her pillow.

26.

LEAHSo much for sleeping in.

There's a knock on her door.

She tenses.

LEAHWhat?

The door opens and Nancy steps in.

NANCYIt's me, sweetie.

Leah rolls over and looks at her mother, who crosses theroom and sits down on the bed with her.

LEAHWhat's he doing down there?

NANCYHe's just have one of his moments.I guess one of his other workershas been neglecting some of theiraccounts so they're losing money.

LEAHHe does realize smashingeverything in sight accomplishesnothing, right?

NANCYApparently not.

Leah examines her mother closely.

LEAHYou're awfully sober this morning.

Nancy looks at her daughter, unsure of what to say.

NANCYYes, well, I wanted to make sureyou were all right after lastnight's episode.

LEAHBecause you certainly did nothingto stop it.

Leah rolls back over in her bed, facing away from hermother.

27.

NANCYWhat could I have done?

LEAHHe's not my dad. He has no rightto put his hands on me.

NANCYHe just would have beat me, too.

LEAHAt least it would have showed youcared for once.

Nancy sits there a moment, stung by Leah's words.

She stands up.

NANCYI do care, whether you believe itor not. I'm doing my best, youknow. You could help.

Nancy quickly leaves the room, her eyes welling up.

LEAHYou're the parent. You should betaking care of me.

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

Nancy enters the kitchen and grabs her bottle of pills offthe window sill.

She pours herself an alcoholic drink and takes her pillswith it.

Matt enters the kitchen.

MATTWaste no time getting trashed.

Nancy doesn't say anything.

Matt grabs a beer out of the fridge.

NANCYEverything okay with work?

MATTYou're funny.

28.

Nancy finishes her drink.

NANCYListen, about last night -

Matt shoots Nancy a look, stopping her mid-sentence.

MATTYou got something to say aboutthat, Nancy?

NANCYIt's just...I don't know. I guessnot.

MATTYeah. Didn't think so. Grow up.Jesus.

Matt leaves the kitchen.

Nancy pours herself another drink.


Once again, Leah is painting.

However, this time she is moving much slower. She is takingher time. Concentrating.

As the hours tick by and the paint runs out, she finallysteps back, looking at her work.

On the canvas is an elaborate castle scene.

She smiles.

LEAHThe perfect place to live.

Setting down her brush and taking off her apron, Leahgathers up a notepad and leaves the room.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

Leah walks through the living room, heading for the frontdoor.

Matt and Nancy are sitting there, watching TV.

Nancy looks like a zombie, drunk and drugged out of her

29.

mind.

Matt looks over to Leah.

MATTAnd where do we think we're going?

LEAHThe park.

MATTWhat for?

LEAHJust something to do. Somewhere togo.

MATTYou don't like being home withyour mother and me?

LEAHIt's the weekend. Normal kids goout on weekends.

MATTYou're not normal. You don't evenhave any friends. You spend allyour time in your room paintingyour little fairy pictures andwhen you're not doing that, you'rereading.

Leah looks to the ground, unsure of what to say.

LEAHI'll be home by dark.

MATTWhat makes you think I'm going tolet you go?

LEAHI was telling my mother. Not you,Matt.

NANCYGO. I don't care what you do.

Matt looks over to Nancy, irritated.

30.

MATTAfter the shit she pulledyesterday, you're going to let hergo out?

NANCYShe's just a kid. She needs alife. At least someone in thishouse should be happy.

MATTHave another drink.

Seeing the opportunity, Leah quickly exits the house.

MATTYou're not back by dark, youbetter stay gone, cause your asswill be toast!

EXT. PARK - DAY

Leah sits on the park bench, sketch pad on her lap, drawingthe lake scene in front of her.

Gorgeous blossoming trees surround the lake, their strayleaves scattering in the wind.

As Leah sketches, a HOBO approaches her.

HOBOCan you spare any change?

Leah looks up at the Hobo.

LEAHI'm sorry, I don't have anythingon me at all. I don't even have ajob.

HOBOThat's all right. That's quite allright. Do you mind if I sit withyou a minute?

LEAHPlease do.

Leah moves her pack out of the way and the Hobo sits downbeside her.

31.

HOBOWhat are you working on?

LEAHJust doing some doodling.

HOBOCan I take a look?

LEAHSure.

Leah hands the Hobo the sketch pad and he looks at herdrawing of the late.

HOBOThat's lovely.

LEAHThank you.

The Hobo continues going through the pages of the sketchbook.

He hands it back to her.

HOBOThose aren't just simple littledoodles, young lady. You've gotquite the talent. Don't go wastingit and throw it all away.

LEAHYou're very kind. Can I ask yousomething?

HOBOSure.

LEAHHow did you...you know. Why areyou homeless?

The Hobo thinks for a moment, trying to piece together theright words to say.

HOBOI was foolish, I guess. At onepoint in my life I had it all.House. Car. A lovely wife. Thehead of a large business. Then Igot greedy and stupid and it allcame crashing down around me.

32.

LEAHHow long has it been?

HOBOThree years. In a way I'mgrateful, I suppose. It taught mea lot about myself and howprecious life really can be. Itake nothing for granted now.

LEAHDo you think you'll ever bounceback?

HOBONo. No, it's too late for me. Ihad my time to shine. I'veaccepted my fate. I'm contentliving out the rest of my dayslike this. People see me andthink, "I'll never let that happento myself." It makes me feel goodin a way that I can affect peoplelike that.

LEAHI guess that's good.

HOBONo matter how tough life gets,it's important not to give up. Youcan make anything positive. Justremember that there's alwayssomeone worse off than you.

With that, the Hobo stands up.

HOBOI'll be on my way now, I think.Thanks for the chat, young lady.You've quite the gift. Don't beafraid to pursue that. Don't takeno for an answer.

LEAHBest of luck to you, sir.

With a wink, the Hobo turns and walks away.

Leah returns to her sketch pad and continues drawing.

As she continues drawing, something catches her eye acrossthe lake.

33.

In the distance, by one of the trees, she sees Peter theFaun.

He puts his flute to his mouth and starts to play, the musiclightly carrying over across the lake to her.

She slowly stands up, stunned.

LEAHWake up, Leah. You're dreaming.You fell asleep on the bench.

Leah pinches herself, but she doesn't wake.

The music from Peter the Faun's flute gets louder.

Leah quickly gather up her stuff and begins to make her wayaround the lake to the other side.

As she gets closer, the music gets louder.

She finally reaches the tree and the music stops.

LEAHPeter?

Leah rounds the tree -

Only to find John sitting there, listening to his I-Pod.

He looks up at her, surprised, and pulls out his earbuds.

JOHNI'm sorry, what? I couldn't hearyou.

Leah immediately blushes.

LEAHOh, I'm sorry. I thought you weresomeone else.

JOHNOh, that's okay.

Leah quickly turns to leave.

JOHNHey, you're Leah, aren't you?

Leah slowly turns back around to face John, avoiding eyecontact.

34.

LEAHHow do you know my name?

JOHNI've seen your artwork around theschool. Plus we have Geometrytogether, remember?

LEAHOh, yeah. Right. Duh.

JOHNYour work is really good.

Leah blushes even more.

LEAHThanks. Your football is reallygood. Er, I mean you play well.

Leah silently curses herself for sounding stupid.

JOHNThanks, but it's really nothingspecial. Anyone can play football.Not a lot of people can be anartist.

LEAHI'm not really an artist.

JOHNWell I disagree. What brings youout here? Meeting your boyfriend?

LEAHNo, I don't have one of those. Ijust come out here to draw and getout of the house, you know?

JOHNYeah, I know what you mean. Youmaybe want to take a walk?

Leah's face turns positively crimson and she smiles a bit,toothy smile.

She looks up at John, still smiling, but the smile slowlyfades.

Something behind him catches her eye.

On the other side of the lake, standing on the top of one of

35.

the trees is a large BIRD-LIKE MAN - ASHRAH - flapping hiswings.

JOHNWhat?

John turns around to see what Leah is looking at.

JOHNWhat are you looking at?

John sees nothing on the other side of the lake, just treesand benches.

LEAHYou don't see it?

JOHNSee what?

LEAHI'm sorry, I have to go.

Leah quickly walks away.

JOHNWait, what about our walk?

LEAHI'm sorry!

Leah continues walking away, not looking back.

John watches her a moment and then looks back over the lake,trying to see what she says.

There's nothing.

JOHNWhat the hell?


Leah rushes through the front door, slamming it behind herand races up the stairs.

Matt watches her as she goes.

MATTQuit slamming the doors! You gothome just in the nick of time!

36.


Leah enters her room and closes the door.

She tosses her bag down on her bag, grabs a stack of sketchpapers and begins rifling through them.

She freezes as she reaches one.

She slowly brings it closer, examining it.

On the page is a charcoal sketch of a large, black bird-man,amidst a sky filled with crows.

She slowly sets the paper down and sits on her bed, staringblankly across the room.

NANCY (O.S.)Dinner is almost ready!

MATT (O.S.)Get your ass down here!

LEAHI'm not hungry!

MATT (O.S.)I'm not interested! Let's go!

With a sigh, Leah gets up from her bed.

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

Leah begrudgingly joins Matt and Nancy at the table.

MATTHome just in time. Cutting itawful close, aren't we, Leah?

LEAHI guess.

MATTDon't test my limits.

LEAHI'm not trying to.

MATTGood. Now, isn't this a nicefamily dinner?

37.

Nancy takes out her bottle of pills and begins to open it, aglass of wine in front of her.

Leah quickly snatches the bottle out of Nancy's hands.

NANCYWhat are you doing?

LEAHWhat are YOU doing? How long areyou planning on taking these? Andwith alcohol? Are you trying tokill yourself?

NANCYGive them back, Leah. Right now.

LEAHNo.

NANCYHave you forgotten that I am stillyour mother?

LEAHStart acting like it, then! Justonce I'd like to see you sober.

MATTGive Nancy back her pills.

Leah glares at Matt and sees the anger building in his eyes.

LEAHScrew you.

Without hesitation, Matt swings.

Leah ducks out of the way and quickly gets up from thetable, running through the house, popping pills the entireway.

Matt and Nancy get up and run after her.

NANCYDon't take those! They'll hurtyou, baby!

LEAHLet's see how you like it!

Leah rushes up the stairs, Matt and Nancy charging afterher.

38.

MATTGet back here, you little bitch!


Leah bursts into her room, slamming the door behind her -not that it will do much good.

She finishes the bottle before Matt and Nancy break in.

Leah shakes the empty bottle in front of them.

LEAHToo late.

Matt smacks her hard across the face, laying her out acrossthe floor.

Nancy rush to Leah's side, gripping her unconsciousdaughter's hand.

NANCYOh, baby. Why did you do this toyourself?

Nancy turns back to Matt.

NANCYCall the paramedics!

MATTShe's fine. I didn't hit her thathard.

NANCYShe just took an overdose of mymedication you idiot! She needsthe hospital!

MATTIt's her own fault. I'm notwasting my money on an ambulanceride.

NANCYThen get the car ready and we'lltake her!

MATTShe's your daughter. You do it,you drunken whore.

39.

With that, Matt leaves the bedroom.

Nancy kisses the top of her daughter's head.

NANCYHold on, sweetie. I'm going totake care of you.

EXT. FIELD OF PAPER FLOWERS - DAY

Leah once again wakes up in the field of paper flowers, inher lavender dress.

She looks around, smiling.

The wind rustles the flowers and she closes her eyes,listening. She is at peace.

PETER THE FAUN (O.S.)Back once more, I see.

Leah opens her eyes to see Peter the Faun standing in frontof her, his arms crossed.

LEAHI plan on staying this time.

PETER THE FAUNYou haven't got much choice now,have you? At least, not yet.

LEAHWhat do you mean?

PETER THE FAUNIn due time, Leah. In due time.We've got a long journey ahead ofus. Best get moving.

LEAHI'm content where I am, if youplease.

Peter the Faun extends his hand.

PETER THE FAUNIf YOU please, there's more to seeand much to do.

Frowning, Leah takes Peter the Faun's hand and stands up.

The two begin walking through the field.

40.

LEAHWhere are we going?

PETER THE FAUNTo the heart of it all.

LEAHTo do what?

PETER THE FAUNTo make your choice.

LEAHAnd that would be?

PETER THE FAUNI wouldn't know, would I? Thechoice is yours, after all. Ican't pretend to know the choiceyou're going to make when the timecomes for you to choose.

LEAHYou have an interesting way ofspeaking, Peter.

PETER THE FAUNYes, you do.

Leah leans down and picks a flower from the ground, lookingat it in wonder.

She smells it, a look of wonder on her face.

LEAHIt smells so good!

PETER THE FAUNDid you want it to smell bad?

LEAHWell, no. I just didn't expect itto smell of anything at all.

PETER THE FAUNInteresting.

Leah places the flower in her hair.

LEAHAre we going to meet others?

41.

PETER THE FAUNI expect we certainly will. If youwant to, that is.

LEAHAgain with your riddles. You knowI don't fully understand all ofthis yet, don't you?

PETER THE FAUNAll in good time, dear Leah. Allin good time.

Peter the Faun smiles and winks at Leah.

The two reach the edge of the field, a large forest standingbefore them.

LEAHThrough here?

Peter the Faun gently squeezes Leah's hand.

PETER THE FAUNThis is the Enchanted Forest. Donot be frightened.

LEAHI'm not. Shall we go in?

PETER THE FAUNWe shall.

The two step into the forest.


Nancy returns to Leah's room and leans down to try and pickher up.

She struggles and struggles but she just doesn't have thestrength, nor the coordination, to pick up her daughter offthe floor.

She cries in frustration.

NANCYMatt! I can't pick her up! I needyour help!

MATT (O.S.)Oh, for Christ's sake!

42.

Matt thunders up the stairs and enters the room, shovingNancy out of the way.

MATTMove.

Matt scoops up Leah and leaves the room with her.

MATTGet off the floor!

Nancy composes herself and gets to her feet, following Matt.

EXT. LEAH'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Matt throws Leah in the back seat of the car, closing thedoor.

Nancy stumbles out of the house, fumbling with her car keys.

NANCYMatt, I really don't think I'mable to drive.

MATTThat's your problem, isn't it?

NANCYThat's not fair!

Matt gets right in Nancy's face.

MATTI'm not the one that forces you toget plastered every day. If shedies it's on you. I did my part.Grow up and be a parent.

Matt shoves past Nancy and goes back inside, slamming thedoor behind him.

NANCYWhy don't you try being a real manyou piece of shit! If it wasn'tfor you, I wouldn't be like thisand she wouldn't have done this!It's all your fault!

NEIGHBORS standing outside watch Nancy's tirade.

She turns around, seeing them.

43.

NANCYAnd what do you all think you'relooking at?!

Nancy gets in the car, starts the engine, and drives off.

EXT. ENCHANTED FOREST - DAY

Leah and Peter the Faun step through the forest.

It's a lush explosion of life - Huge trees taller thanskyscrapers. Countless plants and flowers, all accented bythe bright powerful rays of the sun which beam through thecanopy beautifully.

Birds and frogs sing proudly and dart around. In thedistance comes the sound of running water.

LEAHIt's gorgeous here.

PETER THE FAUNWere you expecting anything less?

LEAHYes. I mean, no. Well, I don'tknow, really.

PETER THE FAUNSlow down, you're confusingyourself.

LEAHThere's just so much here!

Leah looks around in amazement.

Giant mushrooms loom all around in shades of red andturquoise.

LEAHDo we have to leave here?

PETER THE FAUNOh, yes. There is much for us todo and the journey ahead is stillquite long.

LEAHAre you going to start explainingyourself or what?

44.

PETER THE FAUNExplain myself? What is there toexplain about myself that youdon't already know? I am Peter theFaun and I am your friend. Whatelse is there?

LEAHI meant about why I'm here.

PETER THE FAUNOh, you know that answer muchbetter than I do.

Leah stops walking, frowning at Peter the Faun.

Peter the Faun stops walking and faces Leah, shrugging hisshoulders.

LEAHYou're avoiding and I don't likeit.

PETER THE FAUNPerhaps you'll like this.

Peter the Faun takes up his flute and begins to play a tune.

Leah listens, smiling at the sweet notes Peter the Faun isplaying.

Suddenly, a huge grouping of butterflies of all shapes,sizes and colors come dancing around Leah and Peter theFaun.

Leah begins to laugh, extending her arms as the butterfliesdance around and perch themselves on her.

Peter the Faun continues to play whilst smiling himself.

Suddenly, a long, slimy red tongue whips through the air,snatching one of the butterflies.

LEAHHey!

The tongue whips back into the mouth of a large yellow toadwith black spots.

The toad - FRANCIS - burps.

The butterflies scatter.

45.

FRANCISSorry 'bout tha'.

Peter the Faun looks over to Francis, shaking his head.

PETER THE FAUNUncalled for, Francis.

FRANCISCouldn't help meself. All in theinstincts, dontcha know.

LEAHSpit it back out!

FRANCISI can't.

LEAHCan!

FRANCISCan't!

Leah gets right in front of Francis.

LEAHOpen your mouth.

Francis purses his lips tightly, shaking his head.

LEAHOpen.

Francis slowly takes a step back, but quicker than expected,Leah shoves her hand inside Francis' mouth and pulls out hislong, slimy tongue.

The butterfly quickly flies out and away.

Leah releases Francis' tongue.

FRANCISBut I'm so hungry!

PETER THE FAUNWe don't eat our friends, Francis.

FRANCISWha' am I s'pose ter eat, then?

LEAHPlants.

46.

Francis scoffs at Leah and turns his attention to Peter theFaun.

FRANCISWha' she doin' here, anyway?

LEAHDo you know who I am?

FRANCISAye. We all do.

Francis returns his attention to Peter the Faun.

FRANCISShe goin' ter fix our lil'problem?

PETER THE FAUNI imagine so, should she sodesire.

LEAHI would appreciate it if you guyswouldn't talk about me like I'mnot standing right here.

FRANCISWould ya like some company to theedge o' the forest? Things've gota bit dodgy 'round these partslately. Might get lost and findyerselves on the wrong side o' thebark, if ya know what I mean. I'dhate for somethin' ter happen terthe wee lass.

LEAHAgain, still standing right here.

Peter the Faun turns his attention to Leah.

PETER THE FAUNApologies, my dear. Leah, this isFrancis, King of the Toads in thisforest.

FRANCISNot like ya need a properintroduction. Already saw it fitter cram yer hand in me mouth.Poor manners these humans havenowadays.

47.

LEAHYou were eating the butterfly!

FRANCISAnd I'll do it again as soon asyer not lookin'!

LEAHYou won't!

FRANCISI will!

LEAHWon't!

Peter the Faun raises his hands the interject.

PETER THE FAUNIf I make a suggestion. We've gota lot of ground to cover and themore time you two waste with yourpetty bickering, the more thedarkness spreads.

FRANCIS(Quietly under his breath)

Will.

LEAHI'm not going anywhere with himunless he promises not to eatanything more.

FRANCISWell then I s'pose yer not gettin'very far then, are ya?

Peter the Faun kicks Francis' side and he grunts.

Francis looks up at Peter the Faun in anger.

FRANCISOi! You kicked me!

PETER THE FAUNStop being stubborn, Francis.

FRANCISOh, fine!

48.

LEAHShake on it.

Leah extends her hand.

After rolling his eyes and sighing, Francis extends histongue and grips Leah's hand with it, shaking.

LEAHEw!

Leah wipes the slime off on her dress.

FRANCISOh, ya didn't have any problemwhen ya were rippin' it out o' memouth!

PETER THE FAUNStop!

FRANCISThis way.

Francis hops off.

Leah and Peter the Faun follow him.

INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT

Nancy runs inside the hospital, looking around frantically.

NANCYI need help! My daughter is out inthe car! She took a lot of pills!I can't carry her! Please, someonehelp get her!

An ORDERLY rushes over to her.

ORDERLYWhere is she, ma'am?

NANCYRight out here in my car!

The Orderly rushes outside.

Nancy stumbles a bit, clutching her head and groaning.

A NURSE rushes over to Nancy.

49.

NANCYI'm fine. Just help my daughter.

The Orderly enters the hospital with Leah in his arms.

ORDERLYI need a stretcher, here!

The Nurse runs around the corner and returns a moment laterwith one.

The Orderly sets Leah down on it and the Nurse beginspushing it back towards the emergency room.

Nancy struggles to keep the pace.

NURSEWhat did she take?

Nancy struggles to answer the question, fighting to stayconscious herself.

NURSEYou need to stay with me so I canhelp her! What did she take?

NANCYOxycodone.

The pushes the stretcher into an operating room.

Nancy tries to answer but DR. SAMSON steps through the doorsto stop her.

DR. SAMSONI know you're worried but youcan't be back here. I'm Dr.Samson, I'll be taking care ofyour daughter. Have a seat out inthe lobby and let us work.

Dr. Samson returns to the operating room, letting the doorsclose behind him.

Nancy drops to her knees, breathing heavily, trying to stayalert.


Thinking that the other two aren't looking, Francis shootsout his tongue, snagging a dragonfly.

50.

LEAHHey!

FRANCISWha'?

LEAHI saw that! We had an agreement!

FRANCISYou can take yer agreement andshove it straight up yer -

A HUGE BIRD swoops down suddenly, scooping up Francis andcarries him off.

PETER THE FAUNFrancis!

LEAHLet him go!

The bird climbs high up into the air, coming to rest highabove the canopy atop a huge, thick tree that is coveredwith mushrooms growing along its trunk.

PETER THE FAUNWe have to save him! Come on!

Leah and Peter the Faun run through the forest until theyreach the huge tree.

They look up. It seems to climb forever.

LEAHNow what?

PETER THE FAUNYou have to get up there!

LEAHMe? What about you?

Peter the Faun looks down at his hooves, simply shrugging.

PETER THE FAUNYou're having a laugh, right?

Leah once again looks up at the towering tree.

LEAHIt's so high! How am I supposed toget up there?

51.

PETER THE FAUNClimb.

LEAHThere are no limbs to grab onto.

Peter the Faun touches one of the mushrooms.

PETER THE FAUNThese wind around the entire tree.They go all the way up.

LEAHThey won't hold my weight.

PETER THE FAUNThey will if you believe theywill.

Leah just sort of looks at Peter the Faun, dumbfounded.

PETER THE FAUNYou can do it. Believe inyourself. You are stronger thanyou know.

With a sigh, Leah approaches the trunk and grips a mushroom.

Closing her eyes, she lifts herself up - and the mushroomholds.

PETER THE FAUNI told you. Everything you everneed is inside you, Leah! Nowclimb! Save Francis before it'stoo late!

LEAHWhat about the bird?

PETER THE FAUNI'll distract her!

Determined, Leah begins the long climb to the top.

EXT. TREE TOP - DAY

The top of the tree is flat. There are no branches. Noleaves. Just a large bird nest.

Francis cowers between two large speckled bird eggs as thelarge bird circles above, cawing.

52.

FRANCISDon't eat me. Don't eat me. Don'teat me.

The sound of Peter the Faun's flute echoes through the air.

The large bird takes off towards the sound.


Peter the Faun runs through the forest, playing an annoyingtune.

The large bird flies over head, swerving in and out of thetrees, chasing him.

It swoops down, trying to snatch him up with its talons.

Peter the Faun ducks out of the way.

EXT. TREE TOP - DAY

Leah pulls herself up to the top of the tree and onto thelarge nest, gasping for air.

FRANCISFinally! I was nearly bird food,doncha know!

LEAHHow about a, "Nice to see you?Thanks for saving my life?"

FRANCISCan't be arsed, dearie. Can't bearsed. Let's go!

Leah turns around and Francis pounces onto her back. Shestagger.

LEAHWhat are you doing?

FRANCISI can't climb down meself!

LEAHYou're a frog!

PETER THE FAUN (O.S.)She's coming back! Hurry!

53.

FRANCISIt's yer fault!

LEAHHow?!

The large bird appears, squawking.

Leah stumbles back from fright, bumping into one of thelarge eggs.

It rolls to the edge of the nest and then falls.

With a high pitched roar, the large bird charges Leah,slamming into her, knocking her off the top of the tree,tumbling to the earth far below.

INT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Leah lays in a hospital bed, her eyes slowly open.

Nancy sits in a chair beside the bed, holding her hand.

Leah looks around, confused.

LEAH(groggy)

Where am I?

NANCYThe hospital, sweetie.

Leah rubs her eyes with a groan.

LEAHWhy couldn't you just let mesleep?

NANCYNo mother could.

LEAHWhen did you decide to take aninterest in being my mother again?Is it because I used up all yourpills?

This cuts Nancy, but she pushes through it.

NANCYI know I haven't been the bestmother lately -

54.

LEAHI can't even remember the lasttime we did something together.The last time you didn't have adrink in your hand or pills inyour mouth.

NANCYI remember.

Leah looks at her mother, surprised - waiting for anexplanation.

NANCYThe fair was in town a few yearsago. I remember you had gottensick. It was the last weekend itwas going to be there and youinsisted you had to go. I told youno so many times but you cried andpouted and insisted - so I tookyou. Matt met us there. Do youremember?

LEAHBefore he moved in with us andshowed us what he really is.

NANCYWe were there maybe an hour. Itwas chilly out. You kept coughingand sneezing. I knew you weremiserable and running a fever -but you insisted you were having agreat time.

LEAHOf course I was. I was at thefair.

NANCYYou wanted a gold fish. The threeof us stood there for an hourtrying to sink a ball into one ofthose little bowls. When Mattfinally got one in, you fell tothe ground from your fever and wehad to take you home. But you gotyour fish.

LEAHProbably the only decent thinghe's ever done for me.

55.

Nancy takes Leah by the hand.

NANCYI do love you, Leah. Very much. Inever want to see you hurt. Inever want you to end up like me.Afraid and pathetic and - -useless.

LEAHYou don't have to be that way. Wecan leave. Tonight. We can justget in the car and drive far away,just you and me. It'll be like itwas.

A tear steams down Nancy's face.

NANCYWe'd never make it. This is whereI have to stay. I made my choicesand I'm okay with that. But youpromise me something.

LEAHWhat?

NANCYAs soon as you can, you get away.Run as far and fast as you can.Don't look back.

LEAHI'll take you with me.

NANCYI cant leave Matt. Througheverything, I do love him.

LEAHHow can you love something likethat?

Nancy leans over her daughter and kisses her on theforehead.

NANCYYou need to rest. I'll be righthere.

56.

With a heavy sigh, Leah nods her head and closes her eyes,drifting away.

TIME LAPSE

It's much later in the night.

Leah once again opens her eyes. She looks over to Nancy -asleep.

From somewhere in the hospital, Leah hears the faint soundof a flute being played. She perks her ears, listeningintently.

She looks out into the hallway.

Ashrah glides past the door, glancing into her room beforemoving on.

Leah slowly sits up in bed.

LEAH(whispered)

Hello?

Leah pulls the IV out of her arms and slowly climbs out ofbed, stumbling as she tries to find her balance, stillgroggy and light-headed.

She steps out into the hall to see a trail of black feathersskittled down the hall. She follows them.

LEAH(whispered)

Is someone here?

Leah continues stumbling down the hallway, gripping the wallfor extra support.

The music from the flute grows louder the further she goes.

She stops dead as she rounds the corner - Ashrah is floatingabove a young CHILD, flapping his wings as the child sleeps.

LEAHWho are you? What do you want?

Ashrah turns and looks at her, his red eyes burning deepinto her soul.

Fear grips Leah and she slowly begins to back up - rightinto Dr. Samson.

57.

DR. SAMSONWhat are you doing out of bed?

Leah turns around and faces the doc, startled.

LEAHDon't you see -

Leah turns to point to the Child sleeping in the bed, butthere's no Ashrah.

DR. SAMSONYou need to be resting, Leah.Come, let me help you back to yourroom.

LEAHNo, you don't understand. It wasright there. You didn't see it?

DR. SAMSONYou're just a little out of you.Some more rest and you'll be fine.

LEAH(quietly)

He was there again. I know he was.

INT. NANCY'S CAR - DAY

It is now morning and Nancy and Leah are heading back home.

NANCYDon't ever try anything like thisagain, Leah. You're too importantto just throw yourself away onpills.

LEAHI could say the same to you.

NANCYI need them. I have a prescriptionfor them.

LEAHRight. Got yourself topped offwhile you were at the hospital,did you?

Nancy looks at her daughter.

58.

LEAHA whole night sober. You mustreally be feeling it, huh?

NANCYCan't we just have a nice quietride together?

LEAHCan't you just stop taking them?

NANCYYou know how I hurt when I don'thave them.

LEAHIt's called addiction. They haveclasses for it. Maybe you shouldlook into them.

NANCYMaybe you should remember yourplace, Leah. I get it, you'reconcerned. I'm an adult. I'm yourmother. You do as I say, not as Ido. Period.

LEAHMoodiness is kicking in, I see.

NANCYHush.

The two sit in silence for a few moments. Leah is clearlyangry. The silence doesn't last long.

LEAHI thought maybe this would havewoken you up. I guess not.

NANCYYou don't get to do that.

LEAHDo what?

NANCYWhat you're trying to do. Just no.Stop.

LEAH'kay.

59.

The silence continues.

NANCYSchool tomorrow.

LEAH'kay.


Leah and Nancy step inside the house.

Matt looks up from the couch at them, a beer in his hand.

MATTHey! The suicidal pill-popperreturns! How'd it feel to be yourmother for a day?

Leah just glares at Matt, who begins to chuckle.

MATTDid you really need MOREattention, Leah?

LEAHNo.

MATTSo you really were trying to killyourself? How sweet. And pathetic.

LEAHI'm going to sleep.

Leah begins to climb up the stairs.

MATTNext time try using a razor blade!It's a more sure-fire way to getthe job done!

Nancy glares at Matt.

MATTWhat? If she hates her life somuch, who am I to stop her fromtapping out? I'm being"supportive."

NANCYWhatever, Matt.

60.

Nancy storms past Matt and heads to the kitchen.

Matt chuckles yet again.

MATTThat's right! Wouldn't want tomiss a dose! Maybe I'll get luckyand you'll both end up offingyourselves.

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

Leah sits in class, doodling on her paper.

She looks across the room to see James looking back at her.

Their eyes meet. He smiles. She blushes, looks away.

The phone in the class rings and the Teacher answers it.

TEACHERLeah, Mr. Powell in the guidanceoffice wants to see you.

LEAHShould I take my stuff with me?

TEACHERYou might as well.

Leah scoops up her stuff and exits the classroom.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL, GUIDANCE OFFICE - DAY

Leah steps in the doorway of Mr. Powell's office and knocks.

He looks up from his desk with a smile, motioning for her toenter.

MR. POWELLCome on in, Leah. Close the doorbehind you, if you would.

Leah closes the door behind her and sits across from Mr.Powell, who maintains his smile.

MR. POWELLSo, how are you doing?

LEAHI'm fine.

61.

MR. POWELLAnything going on?

Leah shrugs, shaking her head.

Mr. Powell sighs, finally losing the smile.

MR. POWELLLook, I'm sure you already knowwhy I've called you down here,Leah. I would appreciate it if youwould just level with me. I justwant to listen to what you have tosay. It's my job to follow up onthese kinds of things.

LEAHWhat kinds of things?

MR. POWELLYour hospital visit.

Leah looks down at the floor.

MR. POWELLYou want to talk about it at all?

LEAHWhat's there to say?

MR. POWELLThere's plenty to say. Thequestion is whether or not youwant to say anything at all.

Leah shrugs again, not looking up at Mr. Powell.

MR. POWELLIf you don't want to talk to me, Ican set it up so that there'ssomeone you can talk to. I havefriends in the field...but youhave to talk, Leah. Someone needsto determine if -

LEAHIf I'm crazy?

MR. POWELLNo! No, of course not, sweetie.That's not it at all. We just allwant to know if you're going totry to hurt yourself again. Maybeyou might need some more serious

(MORE)

62.

MR. POWELL (cont'd)help. We just want what's best foryou - to make sure you're allright.

Leah looks up at Mr. Powell finally.

LEAHReally? Since when has thatmattered to anyone?

Mr. Powell leans forward, listening intently.

MR. POWELLDo you really feel like nobodycares about you?

LEAHIt doesn't bother me. I do mything. I have my painting. And mydreams. God, do I dream. I dreamsome really crazy stuff. I have anentire world in my head. You knowthe best part about it? I'm wantedthere. I'm content there. It'speaceful. I don't have to worryabout where the next blow is goingto come from or how I'm going tobe made fun of that day. I thinkof my mother as sober and I don'tfret over whether or not she'sgoing to make herself comatose.

MR. POWELLIs that why you took those pills,to prove a point?

LEAHI guess. Not like it did muchgood. She's right back to poppingthem like candy. For the brieftime I was in the hospital though,she was almost how she used to be.

MR. POWELLHow did she used to be?

LEAHShe used to be my mother.

63.

Tears stream down Leah's face and she takes a moment tocompose herself.

Mr. Powell offers her a tissue, but she declines.

LEAHI'm fine.

MR. POWELLTell me about this dream world.

LEAHIt's nothing. Silly. Every kid hasthis sort of thing in their mind.I know I'm a bit old for it, butit's all I can do to keep going.

Mr. Powell nods his head, processing and collecting histhoughts.

MR. POWELLHow much time do you spend in yourhead?

LEAHThis really isn't important, Mr.Powell. I'm missing class. I'mfine, really.

MR. POWELLYou're not fine, Leah. Look atyou. I hate to say it, and I don'twant you to take it the wrong way,but you're a wreck. Your homeenvironment is not healthy. I haveto report it to somebody.

Fear encompasses Leah.

LEAHNo. No, you can't do that. If youbring someone to our house...he'llkill me, Mr. Powell. I know hewill. He'll kill us both.

MR. POWELLThen we need to get the policeinvolved.

64.

LEAHI've only got two more years andthen I can go. Just leave italone. I shouldn't have saidanything.

MR. POWELLAre you working?

Leah shakes her head.

MR. POWELLWhere can you go without anymoney? Even college costs to stayon campus. A lot. You can't do iton your own. You need help andyour home life clearly isn't fitto do it for you. Let me help you.

LEAHI appreciate your concern, butjust drop it. Please. I'm beggingyou. You don't know what it's likefor me.

MR. POWELLI'm trying to understand. Talk tome some more.

LEAHNo. I'm done talking. Write me apass back to class, please.

Leah stands up and extends her hand for Mr. Powell to put apass in it.

With a sigh, Mr. Powell writes the pass. He holds on to it.

MR. POWELLIt's completely your decisionwhether or not you talk to me. ButI sincerely hope you do, Leah.Sometimes it's helpful just tohave someone to talk to, to liftsome of that burden.

LEAHYou're not going to report any ofthis, right?

MR. POWELLAs much as it goes against mybetter judgment, for you - fornow, I won't. You must come see me

(MORE)

65.

MR. POWELL (cont'd)every day, now. If I begin to feellike things are getting worse oryou're in more danger, I have toreport it. Not only for my job,but for my own person.

LEAHI can take care of myself. I'vebeen doing it long enough now.

Leah grabs the pass out of Mr. Powell's hand and leaves theguidance office.

Mr. Powell leans back in his chair with a sigh, rubbing hiseyes, thinking about what is right for him to do.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL, HALLWAY - DAY

As Leah walks down the hallway, the bell rings, and STUDENTSpour out into the hall, making their way to their nextclass.

Leah swiftly moves through the ocean of people, untouched,unnoticed - until she bumps into John.

LEAHOh, shit. I'm sorry. I didn't meanto.

John looks at her, smiling, and again Leah blushes, lookingdown.

JOHNIt's all right. I was actuallyhoping I would run into you.

LEAHWhat? Why?

JOHNI wanted to ask you to the dancein a couple weeks.

Leah looks up at John, her eyes wide with shock andexcitement.

LEAHWhy? I mean, you really would wantto go with me?

John chuckles.

66.

JOHNYeah, of course. I wouldn't haveasked if I didn't.

LEAHBut...why?

JOHNWhy not?

Leah looks down again, shrugging.

JOHNIs that a no?

LEAHNo! I mean, not no as in I'm notgoing. No as in yes it's not a no.Er, ah you know. Right? You doknow?

JOHNI'm pretty sure you're trying tosay yes?

Leah nods, a huge smile spreading across her face.

JOHNGreat. Can I have your cellnumber, then? I'll text you later.

LEAHOh, I don't have a cell. I cangive you my house phone and youcan call, but you really don'twant to do that.

JOHNOkay?

LEAHNevermind. Why don't you give meyour number?

JOHNSure.

John takes Leah by the hand -- she breathes in sharply outof nervousness and excitement -- He writes his number downon her hand.

JOHNCall me.

67.

With a smile and a wink, John walks away, heading for class.

Leah stands there, beaming. She looks down at the number onher hand and slowly begins walking though the hall in adaze.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL, COURTYARD - DAY

Leah sits on a bench in the courtyard, staring down at herhand, a large smile on her face. She's lost in the moment.

The sound of large beating wings snaps her out of her dazeand she looks across the courtyard.

Ashrah flaps above the courtyard, his feathers raining downupon the crowd of STUDENTS, who completely disregard them.

Leah quickly stands up and backs up - tripping herself withthe bench and knocking her on her back.

LEAHOw.

Of course, several students see this and begin to laugh ather.

Leah slowly gets back on her feet and scrambles to flee thecourtyard.


Leah sits nervously on her bed, looking at her painting onAshrah. After a few moments, she tosses it to the floor.

Getting up from her bed, she goes to her desk and picks upher phone, looking at her hand and dialing the number on it.

LEAHHey, it's Leah. You gave me yournumber at school. Of course youknow that, though. Right. Um. I'lljust call you later. You must bebusy.

Leah hangs up the phone, biting her lip.

She looks around her room at all her paintings and begins topull them all down, tossing them to the floor.

68.

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

Leah enters the kitchen to see Nancy sitting at the table,drink in hand, bottle of pills on the table in front of her.

LEAHWhat's this?

Nancy glances over at Leah, shrugging.

NANCYNothing you need to worry abouthunny. I just have a headache, isall.

Leah stares at her mother in disbelief, fighting back tears.

LEAHIt's nice to see I mean so much toyou, mom.

NANCYIt's not like -

Leah storms out of the kitchen.

NANCYLeah!

INT. LIVING ROOM

Leah races past Matt and runs out the front door.

MATTWhere the hell does she thinkshe's going?!

EXT. PARK - DAY

Leah sits on a bench at the park, staring out across thewater.

She leans her head back, closing her eyes.

In the distance, the sound of a flute.

Leah shakes her head to try to shake the sound away. Itgrows later.

LEAHI don't need you anymore.

69.

PETER THE FAUN (O.S.)But we need you, Leah.

Leah turns her head to see Peter the Faun standing thereright before her.

She quickly gets up in shock.

LEAHYou can't be here.

Peter the Faun looks around, perplexed.

PETER THE FAUNWhy not?

LEAHBecause you're not real!

PETER THE FAUNAnd yet here I am. I'm as real asyou make me, Leah. I exist. Youhear me. You see me. Reach out.You'll feel me. We need your help.

Leah shakes her head, backing up.

LEAHNo. None of this is real. None ofit. I don't need you. I can livemy own life in my own world.

PETER THE FAUNYou've been doing that from thestart. The question is, whichworld is more real, Leah?

LEAHJust leave me alone. I can't dothis anymore. It's time for me togrow up! Just stop it! Go away!

Leah looks around. She's alone at the park. All is quiet.

INT. LEAH'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Leah walks through the front door and into the living room,where Matt is sitting in his recliner, apparently waitingfor her, a big smile on his face.

MATTDid you have a good time?

70.

Leah looks down at the floor, shifting her feet.

MATTOh, don't worry. I'm not mad.Actually, I haven't been so amusedby you in a long time.

LEAHWhat did you do?

MATTOh, nothing. Somebody called foryou today.

Leah's heart drops.

MATTOh boy. What did he say his namewas? James? Jim?

LEAH(whispered)

John.

MATTJohn! That's it! I can't believeyou actually had the balls to talkto a guy, let alone give him yournumber. The guy must be a totalfaggot.

LEAHHe's not.

MATTNo? He sounded like it to me.Maybe he's just a fat ass, then.You a chubby chaser, Leah?

LEAHNo.

MATTYou're a sensitive girl. Some guycould just come into your life,walk all over you, and leave youcompletely broken. What kind offather would I be if I allowedthat to happen?

LEAHYou're not my father.

71.

Matt laughs.

MATTThank God for that, right? I'd behorribly disappointed. In anycase, you don't gotta worry. Idon't think he'll be callingagain. Ever. In fact, I doubthe'll even talk to you.

Leah's eyes water and she turns away, storming up thestairs.

Matt continues laughing, quite proud of himself.


Leah throws herself onto her bed, sobbing.

She looks down at the number on her hand and cries harder.

PETER THE FAUN (O.S.)Wake up already!

EXT. HOT AIR BALLOON - DAY

Leah opens her eyes and find herself lying in a hot airballoon with Peter the Faun looking down at her.

PETER THE FAUNDidn't think you were ever goingto come around. You're missing allthe good parts.

Peter the Faun extends his hand and Leah takes it, climbingto her feet.

She looks out - countless brightly colored hot air balloonsfill the sky, as do several multi-colored winged creaturesof all sorts - some resembling people.

The sun lights the sky magnificently, causing the balloonsto shine brightly. The land far below is bright green andlush with life.

Leah takes everything in, smiling. She turns.

LEAHHow did we get here?

72.

PETER THE FAUNAfter your encounter with thathorrible bird, Francis and I hadto carry you out of the forest. Heled us all the way through, blesshis heart.

LEAHVile frog.

PETER THE FAUNCome now. You shan't talk aboutyour friends in such a manner.Moving onward, we stuffed youinside this basket and off werose. It's the fastest way to getacross the land, don't you know.

LEAHBut where are we going?

PETER THE FAUNwhy do you insist on askingquestions for which you alreadyknow the answers?

LEAHWhy can't you ever just talkstraight with me?

PETER THE FAUNIs this a question game? I do soenjoy playing games while I'mtraveling. Makes the time go muchquicker.

LEAHI want an answer, Peter.

With a sigh, Peter the Faun points out and Leah looks to thedirection he's pointing.

In the vast distance shrouded by fog and darkness, is theoutlines of a large black castle.

LEAHAnd what are we going to do whenwe get there?

PETER THE FAUNYou'll know what to do when thetime comes.

73.

LEAHIs it a long journey?

PETER THE FAUNYou've got plenty of time.

LEAHPlenty of time for what?

PETER THE FAUNTo choose. Go on. Best get a moveon!


Leah wakes up in her room, slowly rousing herself.

She looks at the clock - 3:15am.

With a groan, Leah gets out of bed and heads out of herroom.

INT. KITCHEN

Leah walks into the kitchen to find Nancy sitting there,several empty bottles of beer in front of her, as well as abottle of pills.

She's staring into the abyss.

LEAHThis what you've been doing allnight? I'm glad you're so on thewagon.

Nancy doesn't say anything, just continues staring out.

LEAHMom?

Leah approaches Nancy and touches her shoulder.

LEAHMom?

Nancy snaps out of her trance and looks up at Leah, smiling.

NANCYOh, it's you. Why are you justgetting home so late?

74.

LEAHI'm not. I've been home sincedark.

NANCYOf course you have. Always such agood girl, Leah.

Leah grabs the bottle of pills from the table.

LEAHI think you've had enough. Timefor bed, Mom.

Leah turns away from her mother and opens the fridge,looking for something to drink.

NANCYI can't even really remember whatlife was like before Matt anymore.Isn't that something? Seems likeit's always been this way.

Leah stops searching for something to drink and looks atNancy.

NANCYThank God for you. Don't know whatI would do if I didn't have youaround to keep me sane.

LEAHGo to bed, Mom.

NANCYThe child parenting the parent.Such a twist.

Nancy gets up from the kitchen table and leaves the kitchen,leaving Leah standing there, baffled.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

Leah takes some books out of her locker and crams them intoher book bag.

As she slams the locker and looks away, she catches aglimpse of John just down the hall - who spots her and,looking slightly afraid, turns the other way and leaves thehallway.

Tears well up in Leah's eyes and she fights through the sea

75.

of students in the hallway and throws herself inside thegirls bathroom.

INT. GIRLS BATHROOM

Leah rushes inside one of the stalls and barricades herselfinside, crying quietly to herself.

SOMEONE moves in the stall next to her.

PETER THE FAUN (O.S.)No tears, Leah.

Leah's eyes widen, her ears perk up.

LEAHPeter?

PETER THE FAUN (O.S.)Leah?

LEAHThis is the girls bathroom!

PETER THE FAUN (O.S.)So it is!

LEAHYou can't be in here.

PETER THE FAUN (O.S.)Where? In the girls bathroom? Orin your world? I won't get caught,I promise.

LEAHLeave me alone today.

PETER THE FAUN (O.S.)Have you made your decision yet?

LEAHThis is not the time or place totalk about that, Peter!

GIRL (O.S.)Why do you keep calling me Peter?All I asked was for some toiletpaper.

Leah sits there silently, horrified.

76.

GIRL (O.S.)Hello?

Leah grabs some toilet paper and hands it under the stall tothe GIRL sitting next to her.

GIRL (O.S.)(quietly)

Weirdo.

The toilet next her flushes and the girl apparently exitsthe stall and the bathroom.

Slowly and quietly, Leah opens her stall door and peeks herhead out, looking around to make sure nobody else is in thebathroom.

Shaking her head, Leah steps out from the stall and makesher way to the sink, splashing water on her face.

LEAHGet it together, Leah.

Leah continues to splash water on her face and glances inthe mirror - only to see Ashrah's reflection in the mirror,just outside the window.

Leah quickly looks over at the window - nothing is there.

LEAHStop. Just stop it.

Leah storms out of the bathroom.

Outside, a black feather slowly floats past the window.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL COURTYARD - DAY

John makes his way around the courtyard, wanderingaimlessly.

Leah runs up to him from behind.

LEAHJohn!

John ignores her and keeps walking.

LEAHJohn, please wait.

With a sigh, John stops walking and turns to face Leah.

77.

LEAHI heard that you called lastnight.

JOHNI don't want to talk about it.Forget about the dance.

LEAHWhy are you being like this?

JOHNYour dad told me I was neversupposed to talk to you again, andif I called the house looking foryou, he'd kick my ass. You seemlike a cool girl, but it's notworth it. I'm sorry. I'll see youaround.

John walks away from Leah, leaving her standing there, hurt.

INT. LEAH'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY

Leah walks through the door to find Nancy sitting on thecouch, waiting for her, a smile on her face for the firsttime in ages.

LEAHWhere's Matt?

NANCYThey're working late out of towntonight, and since he's going tohave to be back first thing in themorning, he's just staying there.

LEAHIt's just us tonight, then?

NANCYIt's just us.

Leah beams.

NANCYGo get changed. We're going outtonight.

LEAHReally?

78.

NANCYReally. Go on!

Leah races upstairs to go get ready.

EXT. ICE CREAM PARLOR - NIGHT

Leah and Nancy sit outside, enjoying ice cream together.

LEAHThat was an amazing movie. Did youlike it?

NANCYIt was interesting.

LEAHYou didn't like it, did you? I'msorry. We could have gone to seesomething else.

NANCYAbsolutely not. That's what youwanted to see, that's what we saw.It was just different. very artsy,I suppose. How's your ice cream?

LEAHIt's good. Want to try?

Nancy leans forward to take a lick and right as she does,Leah smears the ice cream over her nose, laughing.

Nancy stands up, smiling.

NANCYThat is it!

Nancy chases Leah across the parking lot with her ice cream,both of them laughing and hollering excitedly.

INT. LEAH'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Leah and Nancy are curled up on the couch together, candlesburning, enjoying the peace and quiet.

NANCYToday was fun. We should do itmore often.

Leah smiles, her eyes starting to tear up.

79.

NANCYWhat's wrong? Why are you crying?

LEAHYou don't know how long I'vewanted my mother back. For thefirst time since I can remember, Ifeel like a normal girl shouldwith her parents.

Leah snuggles up on Nancy, embracing her tightly.

NANCYYou mean the world to me. I don'tmean to be a bad mother. I reallydon't. It's just -

LEAHWhy don't we leave? Right now.We'll pack a few bags and hit theroad. He'll never find us and itcan be like this all the time.

NANCYOh, how I wish sometimes. It's notthat simple, Leah. You just don'tunderstand.

LEAHNo, you don't understand how Ifeel all the time.

NANCYBelieve me, I do, sweetie. I do. Ipromise I'm going to make a bettereffort. I promise. I haven't feltso alive in years.

LEAHYou going to keep this promise?

NANCYYes.

Nancy wipes the tears from Leah's face.

NANCYCome on, time for bed. School inthe morning.

LEAHCan't I stay home with you?

80.

NANCYSchool's important. At leasttomorrow is Friday! Come on. Offto bed.

Leah kisses her mom on the cheek and stands up.

LEAHI love you, mommy.

NANCYLove you too, princess.

Leah makes her way upstairs to her room.

After a moment, Nancy opens up her purse and takes out herbottle of pills.

EXT. LABYRINTH ENTRANCE - DAY

Leah and Peter the Faun stand before the entrance of a largelabyrinth.

The large black castle looms ahead in the distance.

PETER THE FAUNCloser still every day. In fact,we're nearly there, as long as wecan make it through here. Thatshouldn't be a problem for you, ofcourse. You do know the way.

Leah looks at the challenge ahead.

LEAHSay I do know how to get though,then what? What happens then? Wego to this castle and what? Beatthe bad guy?

PETER THE FAUNI always knew you had the answersinside. now you're beginning tounderstand.

LEAHI understand nothing. Why is thiseven hear? Does it even matter?

Peter the Faun is taken aback.

81.

PETER THE FAUNWe're all very disappointed tohear you say that.

LEAHThat's just tough, isn't it? Ican't be expected to fixeverything. You an do thisyourselves.

PETER THE FAUNAnd how, dear Leah, if I may be sobold, do you expect us to do that?This is your creation. It is yourundoing.

Leah looks past the labyrinth to the looming black castle.

LEAHIt doesn't seem so bad. Why notlet it be?

Peter the Faun picks up his flute and plays a quick, sharptune.

PETER THE FAUNPrepare yourself.

LEAHFor?

With a brash neigh, a flying horse, SERENITY dives down fromthe sky, landing with a soft thud, wings flapping brazenly.

LEAHWhoa.

PETER THE FAUNYou refuse to acknowledge thedarkness you've allowed tomanifest here Climb on.

LEAHIs it safe?

Serenity looks to Peter the Faun.

SERENITYI have no time for her games,faun. What you ask of me isdangerous and if she does nottrust me, I will not waste theeffort.

82.

PETER THE FAUNNo, no. Of course not. She trustsyou, Serenity.

Peter the Faun turns back to Leah, smiling.

PETER THE FAUNIt's perfectly safe, I assure you.I'll be waiting right here foryour return. I can't make itthrough the maze without you,after all.

LEAHYou're not coming?

PETER THE FAUNSerenity is a proud beast. It isenough shame for her to carry evenone passenger.

With some hesitation, Leah slowly approaches Serenity.

LEAHIt's lovely to meet you.

Leah bows her head.

SERENITYI'm a Pegasus, not a hippogryph.Climb on and let's get this overwith.

Peter the Faun helps Leah climb on to Serenity.

PETER THE FAUNGo easy on her.

SERENITYHold on tight, little girl.

Serenity bucks, then takes off running.

Leah graps her as tightly as she can.

With a few flaps of her wings, Serenity soars into the air.

83.

EXT. SKYLINE - DAY

Serenity soars through the sky, Leah holding on tight.

Up, up, and away, zooming past the black castle and cruisesover the land beyond.

SERENITYLook down and see. What once was abright, lush world is now a placeof darkness and decay - spreadinglike wild fire.

Leah looks down at the world below, shrouded in shadow andfog - virtually a desert, everything is dead and crumbling.

Thunder roars, rain starts to pour. The wind howls.

LEAHWhat's happened? Where's it comingfrom?

SERENITYIt pours from that castle - wherethe castle came from, only you cananswer that. And only you can fixwhat's been done before it's toolate.

Serenity circles around, heading back towards the castle.

Lightning cracks, thunder rumbles.


Serenity lands gracefully and Leah climbs off of her, withPeter the Faun's help.

PETER THE FAUNNow you must understand thegravity of our situation.

SERENITYI hope you're not wasting timewith her, Peter. I'll do nothingfurther.

Serenity gallops off and launches herself into the nightsky, heading away from the black castle.

Leah looks to Peter the Faun, who motions to the labyrinth.

84.

PETER THE FAUNShall we begin, love?

LEAHActually, I don't think that willbe needed.

Leah shifts her feet uncomfortably.

PETER THE FAUNLeah?

LEAHThis is all going to go away now.Things will go back to the waythey were. Better, even.

Peter the Faun motions to the labyrinth.

PETER THE FAUNThis is the only way.

LEAHI won't be back, Peter. Things arebetter now.This...darkness...it'll all begone. This isn't my life. Thiscan't be my life. I need to livein the real world, where I'mneeded. Where I'm supposed to be.

PETER THE FAUNYou're needed here. By your logic,which doesn't all together makemuch sense, you're supposed tostay here.

LEAHI'm going, Peter. I promise you,this will all be gone. I justcan't stay here.

PETER THE FAUNDon't you understand? There is no"here" without you.

LEAHYou'll live on in my paintings.I'll be watching.

Leah moves forward and kisses Peter the Faun on the cheek, atear running down her face.

85.

LEAHThanks for always being there whenI needed you.

PETER THE FAUNI'm always here. Need has nothingto do with it.

Leah looks into Peter the Faun's eyes and smiles.

LEAHGoodbye, Peter the Faun.

Leah turns and begins to walk away.

PETER THE FAUNIf things were really fixed, thiscastle wouldn't be standing herebefore me!

LEAH(calling back)

Give it time!

PETER THE FAUN(to himself)

We're running out of that.


Leah wakes up in her bed, smiling.

The sun is already out. Birds are chirping outside. It'sgoing to be a beautiful day.

INT. KITCHEN

Leah enters the kitchen, dressed and ready for school.

Nancy is already up and about, cooking something on thestove.

LEAHMorning.

Nancy turns and greets Leah with a smile.

NANCYGood morning. I'm making eggs.

LEAHI don't eat eggs, mom.

86.

NANCYSince when?

LEAHSince I decided I was against theslaughter of little baby chickens.This happened years ago.

NANCY(frowning)

Oh. Guess I forgot.

Leah approaches her mom and kisses her on the cheek.

LEAHThe gesture is still appreciated,mom.

Nancy smiles again.

Leah turns to leave.

LEAHI'll be late if I eat, anyway.Think of something for us to dothis weekend!

NANCYOkay! Bye!

LEAHBye!

Nancy continues to smiles for a moment longer, then looks atthe clock.

Her smile fads and she takes the pan of eggs and throws itinto the sink.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE OFFICE - DAY

Leah sits across from Mr. Powell, beaming.

LEAHYou should see her, Mr. P. It'slike she's my mother again. Theway she used to be. I hadn't seenher smile in years and she'ssmiley and happy and we're goingto keep doing stuff. We're doingsomething this weekend. I thinkshe's finally snapped out of it.

87.

Mr. Powell smiles.

MR. POWELLThat's really excellent news,Leah. I can't tell you how much itplease me to hear that.

Leah's smile fades.

LEAHWhy do I feel a "but" coming on?

MR. POWELLI just...don't want you to get tooexcited just yet. Thesetransitions take time. Change isnever fast and it's never easy.She'd probably going to have a fewmore relapses. She'll have hergood days and her bad days. Youneed to expect that and not gettoo bummed out when they happen.

LEAHNo, I know. I'm not going to. It'sjust...

MR. POWELLI know, it's an exciting thing.You've been waiting for this for along time, haven't you?

Leah nods her head, then begins fidgeting with her hands.

LEAHMaybe now she'll finally see thatshe needs to leave Matt. She'llsee that she can do it. shedoesn't need him. We'll have eachother and we'll do things on ourown.

MR. POWELLMy fingers are crossed for you,Leah. They really are. However, Ithink your mother is going to needa lot of help to do that. Outsidehelp. Maybe she should seesomeone.

LEAHMy mom's not crazy, Mr. Powell.She doesn't need to see anyone.

88.

MR. POWELLI've never said that word to you.You see me. Does that make youcrazy? I don't think so. Sometimespeople just need someone on theoutside to talk to. It's easier tohave your eyes opened when there'sanother person helping you do it.

LEAHCan't I do that?

MR. POWELLDoesn't really work that way. Notonly are you her daughter, butyou've been going through all ofthis abuse and trauma with her.She sees you as biased, whethershe means to or not.

LEAHI guess I can understand that.

MR. POWELLWe'll talk more about that alittle later down the road. In themean time, I'm just glad you hadsuch a great time with yourmother. Here's to a great weekendwith her, as well!

Mr. Powell and Leah both smile brightly at one another.

EXT. LEAH'S HOUSE - DAY

Leah walks up the sidewalk to her house - Matt's vehicle isin the driveway.

From outside, Matt can be heard shouting.

LEAHOh, no.

Leah slowly and cautiously makes her way up to the frontdoor.

INT. LEAH'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY

Leah walks into the living room.

Matt is standing over Nancy - who has a shiner - screaming.

89.

MATTI mean, really. That's reallycool. I'm out busting my dick tosupport your lazy, good fornothing as and your equallyuseless daughter, and you're outhaving a grand old time with MYmoney!

NANCYI - I just thought -

MATTThere's the problem! You"THOUGHT!" You're too stupid tothink!

LEAHShe's not stupid, Matt.

Matt turns around at Leah, practically snarling.

MATTThere you are! I've been waitingfor you. You put her up to it,didn't you? Just one more way foryou to piss me off, right?

Leah doesn't say anything, her courage gone.

MATTGot nothing to say? I bet you hadplenty to say when you werefilling her head with ideas on howto blow my money.

LEAHI'm going to my room.

Leah heads for the stairs.

MATTYeah, you just wait up there forme. I'll up be up to take care ofyou after I finish with this slugdown here.

Leah climbs the stairs, trying to hold back the tears soMatt doesn't see her cry.

90.

INT. LEAH'S BEDROOM

Leah curls up into a ball on her bed, burying her face inher pillow and gripping a stuffed animal tightly.

TIME LAPSE

Leah peeks her head out from under the pillow - listening.The house is unnaturally quiet.

Leah gets off her bed and slowly walks out of her room.

INT. HALLWAY

Leah creeps down the hallway.

The door to her parents room is partially closed, the soundsof Matt snoring emanating from them.

Leah heads for the stairs.

INT. LIVING ROOM

Nancy is sitting up on the couch, asleep.

Leah makes her way over to her, curling up next to her.

LEAHYou don't have to stay down here,you know. You can come up to myroom with me.

Nancy doesn't respond.

Leah sits up and examines her mom - then notices the emptybottle of pills in Nancy's hand as well as the empty beerbottles on the coffee table.

LEAHMom?

Leah shakes Nancy.

LEAHMommy? Wake up.

Leah shakes Nancy more violently, then checks her pulse.

LEAHMATT!

91.

INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT

Leah and Matt sit across from each other in the waitingroom. Leah's is devastated, Matt is pissed.

MATTI can't believe you dragged me outof bed for this.

LEAHShe overdosed, Matt. What was Isupposed to do?

MATTLet the junky choke to death onher own puke.

LEAHIt's your fault she's like this.You did it!

MATTExcuse me?

Leah has finally found her nerve. She stands, fuming.

LEAHYou heard me. Your constant abuseand berating. That's why she's a"junky" as you call it. I hopeyou're proud! It takes a real bigman to kick around a couple ofgirls! Your daddy really raisedyou right, huh? Such a catch youturned out to be!

Matt stands up in a rage, then examines his surroundings,catching himself.

MATTYou're real tough while there'sall these people around, aren'tyou? Finally found your voice.

Matt leans in real close, lowering his voice to a whisper.

MATTWe'll see how tough you are onceyou get home. And good luckgetting there. I'm not drivingyou.

Matt gets out of Leah's face and heads for the door.

92.

MATTI'm out of here. Don't bother tocall if she wakes up.

Matt leaves and Leah sits back down in her seat.

Dr. Samson steps into the waiting room.

DR. SAMSONHello again, Leah.

Leah stands up.

LEAHHow is she? Can I see her?

DR. SAMSONI've got her vitals stable, butbeyond that, I can't do much else.we just have to wait. Where's yourdad?

LEAHThat scumbag is not my dad. It'sjust me.

DR. SAMSONYou can see her. Come on.

Leah follows Dr. Samson out of the waiting room.

INT. NANCY'S ROOM

Dr. Samson ushers Leah into the room and exits, closing thedoor behind him.

Leah makes her way to Nancy, hooked up to IV's and sleep,grips her hand, crying.

LEAHWe were supposed to run awaytogether. Everything was going tobe so much better. We can't dothat if you don't wake up.

Nancy doesn't stir. Her monitors don't fluctuate.

LEAHYou're in your own world nowthough, aren't you?

Leah leans down and kisses her mother's hand, a tear runningdown onto it.

93.

LEAHI love you, mommy. Be seeing you.

Leah leaves.

EXT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT

Leah walks through the hospital doors, into the night.

With a deep breath, she steps out onto the street -- rightinto traffic.


Peter the Faun stands right in front of the entrance, juststaring at it.

Leah approaches him from behind. He doesn't turn to greether.

PETER THE FAUNI knew you'd come back.

LEAHIs there ever anything you don'tknow?

PETER THE FAUNNot unless you really don't wantme to.

Leah gently touches Peter the Faun's shoulder.

LEAHWhat do you say, old friend? Onelast adventure?

Peter the Faun turns, smiles.

PETER THE FAUNLast adventure? My dear, this issimply our new beginning.

The two pass through the gates leading into the labyrinth.

INT. LABYRINTH - DAY

Leah and Peter the Faun make their way through thelabyrinth, Leah leading with hardly the slightest bit ofhesitation.

94.

LEAHIt's strange. I've never been herebefore and yet...I feel like Iknow the way.

PETER THE FAUNAs it very well should be. Is thisnot a fabrication of your very ownimagination? Everything here isyour creation, whether you'reaware of it or not.

LEAHI guess.

The two wind through the twisted, curving passages,surrounded by sand, stone, and cobwebs.

The place grows dim as the darkness looms overhead.Lightning flashes.

PETER THE FAUNThe deeper we get, the more thedarkness will pervade.

LEAHThere's no going back, Peter.

PETER THE FAUNNo. Indeed not.

Finally, they reach the end of the labyrinth, the gate tothe castle just up ahead.

Standing guard in front of that gate - a hulking MINOTAUR.

PETER THE FAUNBest if you let me do the talking.

Leah and Peter the Faun slowly approach the Minotaur, andPeter the Faun graciously bows.

He looks over to Leah.

PETER THE FAUN(whispered)

Bow!

With a sigh, Leah bows.

MINOTAURState your business.

95.

Leah and Peter the Faun straighten up.

PETER THE FAUNGood sir, we have come to pay yourmaster a visit.

MINOTAURThe master isn't seeing visitors.

PETER THE FAUNBe that as it may, we've come along way and would be veryappreciative if -

MINOTAURI know it is no easy task to makeit this far and for that I commendyou. However, the master is nottaking visitors and I must ask youto turn around and go back fromwhere you came.

LEAHNo.

The Minotaur grunts, becoming angry.

MINOTAURDo not test my patience. Faun,control your mortal while she is aguest in our world.

LEAHA guest in your world? A guest? Inyour world? I created this entireworld. I am the master. It is YOUthat is a guest in MY world. Youand your master. And you have overstayed your welcome. Now standaside.

Peter the Faun stands there, both flabbergasted and amused.

The Minotaur raises his spiked mace.

MINOTAURNow you've -

LEAHMOVE!

With the blast of Leah's voice, the Minotaur goes flyingthrough the gate and shatters on the ground like glass.

96.

She stands there, shocked.

PETER THE FAUNYou're beginning to understand.

The sky grows pitch black and the lightning cracks, the windpicking up.

PETER THE FAUNWe mustn't tarry! There's not muchtime left!

INT. BLACK CASTLE - DAY

Leah and Peter the Faun step inside the Black Castle, itsentrance hall standing before them.

The ceiling reaches high. The floors decorated with allkinds of dark, twisted furniture. The walls are covered withGothic art. The main staircase lies straight ahead of them,twisting and curving its way to the main door.

PETER THE FAUNIt was so beautiful, once.

LEAHThis has always been here?

PETER THE FAUNdo you not recall? 'Twas one ofyour first creations.

Leah thinks hard.

LEAHNo. I have no memory of thisplace.

PETER THE FAUNYou're hiding it.

Leah slowly begins to back away, fear gripping her.

LEAHI can't do this. we shouldn't havecome here. We need to go. We haveto get out of here. Now.

Leah turns towards the door and pulls on it. It doesn'tbudge.

97.

PETER THE FAUNDo not be afraid. You're strongerthan this. Always remember howstrong you are, Leah. We can dothis. YOU can do this.

Leah pulls on the door one final time before collapsing tothe floor, crying.

LEAHI'm not, Peter. I try so hard allthe time to prove that I am andthat I can do anything I put mymind to, but I'm tired. I'm tiredof lying to myself. I'm tired ofhiding and just being okay.

Peter the Faun crouches next to Leah and places a comfortinghand on her shoulder.

PETER THE FAUNYou've allowed yourself to comethis far. Don't stop yourself now.Don't let the darkness win.

Leah sits there quietly, lost in thought.

PETER THE FAUNCome on, Leah. we have to keepmoving. On your feet!

Peter the Faun stands up and offers Leah his hand. After amoment of hesitation, she takes it and is pulled back up.

LEAHLead the way.

Peter the Faun and Leah climb the twisted stairs.

The main door bursts open and out jumps Matt, only he'sbecome a twisted GOBLIN creature.

Leah stops dead, fear once again taking her.

GOBLIN MATTAnd where do you think you'regoing, little girl? We're nottaking any visitors!

Peter the Faun looks at Leah, who just stares,terror-stricken.

98.

GOBLIN MATTWhat's the matter, girl? cat gotyour tongue? Shall I rip it out ofyour mouth for you?

Matt cackles. It's an ugly sound.

PETER THE FAUNStand aside, goblin!

GOBLIN MATTSilence, Faun, or I'll tear yourlegs off and have them for stew.You have no power here.

Peter the Faun's legs begin to quiver and Matt laughs again.He looks to Leah.

GOBLIN MATTIsn't this cute. You've come allthis way just to turn around. Allthese creature resting all theirhopes and dreams on you, and whatdo you do? You disappoint. Peopleshall always remember Leah, thebig disappointment! No go! I'llnot warn you again!

Anger wells up inside Leah. She tightens her fists.

GOBLIN MATTAw, look. She's getting upset. Isthe little baby going to cry?Squirt out a few tears. It's beenso long since I've tasted them!

He cackles.

LEAHI'm not afraid of you.

Matt stops laughing.

GOBLIN MATTWhat did you say?

LEAHI'm not afraid of you!

GOBLIN MATTI'll show you fear, girl!

With a snarl, Goblin Matt rushes forward.

99.

LEAHNO!!

The word is roared as if from a lion - the room shaking fromit.

Goblin Matt covers his ears and cries out, suddenlyterrified - and begins shrinking. Down, down, down. To thesize of a baby, sitting there crying.

Peter the Faun looks at Leah, smiling proudly.

PETER THE FAUNI knew you would find the strengthinside you.

LEAHI will fear no more.

PETER THE FAUNYour true test lies just beyondthat door.

LEAHLet's go.

Leah presses forward, but Peter the faun does not move.

She looks back, puzzled.

LEAHAren't you coming?

Peter the Faun shakes his head, smiling.

LEAHWhy not?

PETER THE FAUNIt's not my place. This you mustdo on your own. You don't need meanymore.

LEAHBut I want you with me.

PETER THE FAUNI apologize but that's just nothow it's going to be. I'm so proudof you, Leah. Never forget howstrong you truly are.

100.

LEAHWill I see you after?

Peter the Faun smiles, but it is apparent he's holding backtears. He shrugs.

PETER THE FAUNOnly time will tell. get in there,Leah. Save this world. Your world.

LEAHHow will I know what to do?

PETER THE FAUNYou'll know.

Leah moves towards Peter the Faun, leans in, and kisses hischeek. A tear streams down his face.

LEAHFarewell, Peter the Faun. Can Iask of you one final thing?

PETER THE FAUNOf course, my lady.

LEAHPlay me a song.

Peter the faun smiles and picks up his flute. He plays.Soft. Beautiful. Somber.

Leah turns to the door and closes her eyes, preparingherself with the sound of Peter the Faun's swan song.

With a deep breath, eyes still closed, Leah opens the doorsand walks through them.

INT. THRONE ROOM - DAY

The throne room is a large, dome-like room with a huge glasswindow over looking the land. In the center sits a black,spiny pedestal, a dark crystal resting on top. In the backsits a large black throne.

Leah enters, taking everything in.

A FIGURE stands at the crystal pedestal, their back to Leah.

Ashrah swoops down from the ceiling, landing with quietgrace.

101.

Leah backs up a bit.

FIGUREI must admit, I didn't think you'dcome this far. Ashrah disagreedwith me, of course.

The Figure's voice is female with just the slightest tingeof darkness behind it, but it sounds quite familiar...

LEAHAshrah?

Ashrah expands his wings, identifying himself.

FIGUREI thought you'd be brighter.

The Figure turns, revealing herself to be DARK LEAH - acarbon copy of Leah, although much paler, bleaker, dark.

DARK LEAHAlthough I suppose I am the bestof you, after all. I shouldn'texpect much.

Leah's eyes widen, her chin trembling.

LEAHWh - Who are you?

DARK LEAHI'm you. You're me. One in thesame. Only not.

Dark Leah makes her way over to Leah, circling her slowly,taking her in.

DARK LEAHAll the pain and hate and sadnessand guilt that lives inside you,eating away at your soul like apestilence - gave birth to me. Youcreated me, Leah.

LEAHYou're the one poisoning thisplace.

DARK LEAHYOU'RE the one that has poisonedthis place. I'm simply theembodiment of what's inside you.

(MORE)

102.

DARK LEAH (cont'd)Look in a mirror, you know it tobe so.

LEAHI didn't want this to happen...

DARK LEAHTut! Come.

Dark Leah offers her hand and after some hesitation, Leahtakes it.

Dark Leah leads Leah over to the crystal.

Ashrah follows.

DARK LEAHHave you any idea what this is?

LEAHNo.

DARK LEAHThis is the heart of it all. Thepower source that keeps all ofthis running. The hand of God, ifyou will. And if this is the handof God, the one who controls it,is God.

Leah reaches out to touch it, but it shocked.

DARK LEAHTut. It is not yours to touch. Notanymore. You handed it over to melong ago, Leah.

LEAHYou're killing it.

DARK LEAHYou've killed it, remember?

LEAHNo.

DARK LEAHYes. Accept it.

LEAHIt's not too late to fix.

103.

Dark Leah laughs.

DARK LEAHIf only that were true.

Dark Leah walks away from the crystal and stands in front ofthe huge window, looking out over the land. The sky black,spreading as far as the eye can see.

DARK LEAHIsn't it gorgeous?

Leah doesn't move. She just stands there, staring at thedark crystal.

Dark Leah turns to Leah.

DARK LEAHStill in denial? Go ahead, keepstuffing it deep down inside you.Let it consume you, it'sdelicious!

Leah looks up at Dark Leah, a tear rolling down her cheek.

LEAHI forgive you.

Dark Leah shakes her head as if fighting nausea.

DARK LEAHYou're talking foolish now.

Dark Leah takes a few steps towards Leah.

LEAHI can't keep it inside anymore.

Dark Leah stumbles as she walks to Leah, clutching herstomach as if sick. She groans.

DARK LEAHAshrah, take her away.

Ashrah takes off into the air, but does not grab Leah. Hesoars towards the large window.

DARK LEAHWhat are you doing, you stupidbird!

104.

SMASH!

Ashrah smashes through, disappearing into the darkness.

LEAHCome here. I have something foryou.

Dark Leah wretches.

Leah takes the final few steps towards her and then wrapsher arms around her, embracing her tightly.

Dark Leah cries out.

LEAHLet it go. Let it all go.Forgiveness. Forgiveness is whatwe need. I love you.

Dark Leah begins to cry black tears.

The wind begins to roars, blowing violently through thebroken window.

Slowly, Dark Leah brings her arms up - and returns the hug.

In a brilliant flash of light, the two become one. All isstill.

Leah stands there, alone, collecting herself. She looksaround. The darkness is still looming outside.

PETER THE FAUN (O.S.)(whispered)

You'll know what to do.

Leah looks at the dark crystal and slowly walks up to it.

She slowly reaches out and touches it - it begins to glow.Brighter, brighter, brighter - BOOM!

BLAST TO WHITE

The blinding white light slowly begins to fade and with that- the darkness is gone.

Leah stands in a throne room no longer dark. The crystal inthe center now a bright, beautiful gem.

Leah makes her way to the window and looks out into the landbeyond - the sky is blue. The sun is shining brightly.Everything is green and alive. Her world restored. Lush.

105.

Vibrant.

Ashrah flies back inside the window, now a gorgeous whiteinstead of black.

LEAHIt's perfect.

ASHRAHI knew you'd come if I called. Youalways said you would.

Leah looks at Ashrah, realization hitting her.

LEAHYou were really there, weren'tyou? All this time.

Ashrah nods his head humbly.

ASHRAHYou will stay this time?

Leah looks back out the window at all the beauty outside.

LEAHThis is where I belong, isn't it?What more could I need?

NANCY (O.S.)Leah.

Leah's eyes widen and she turns.

Nancy stands there - no longer beaten. No longer abused. Nolonger sad or strung out. Just gorgeous and full of life.

Leah smiles brightly and the entire room seems to brightenwith it.

FADE OUT.

IMAGINARY by Curtis James Coffey · IMAGINARY by Curtis James Coffey. FADE IN: INT. LEAH'S ROOM -...

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Transcript of IMAGINARY by Curtis James Coffey · IMAGINARY by Curtis James Coffey. FADE IN: INT. LEAH'S ROOM -...