Last Song, The

7/31/2019 Last Song, The

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THE LAST SONGby

Nicholas Sparks & Jeff Van Wie

Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks

Version 6.3


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FADE IN:

BEGIN CREDITS

INT. CARNEGIE HALL - EVENING1 1

WE SEE small female hands, playing a complicated, classicalmelody on the piano, the fingers moving with tremendousskill, the rhythm alternately passionate and sensuous.

VERONICA "RONNIE" MILLER, (13, wearing formal gown)concentrates as the piece reaches its climax. She breaksinto an effusive, childlike smile.

In the audience, STEVE MILLER and KIM MILLER, her parents,join the wild applause.

RONNIE spies her parents and like the young girl she is, shewaves, proud of what she's done.

END CREDITS

EXT. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - MORNING2 2

The ocean is glowing gold, as tern darts in and out of thesurf, poking for sand crabs.

INT. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - BEDROOM - MORNING3 3

RONNIE, now a pretty eighteen-year-old girl, stands near herbedroom window, staring at the water, as her mother, KIM

MILLER (40s) pokes her head in.

KIMDo you want some breakfast? Ifound some cereal in the cupboard.

RONNIEI'm not hungry, Mom.

KIM crosses the room and stands near her daughter.

KIMYou need to eat, sweetie.

RONNIEI was wrong, Mom. And I don't knowwhat to do anymore.

KIMDo you want to talk about it? I'dlove to know what's been going onwith you.

CONTINUED


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RONNIEWhat about Jonah?

KIMBrian ran him to the store. He'slike a puppy. His feet are growing

faster than the rest of him.

RONNIE smiles, but it fades as she stares at the candle.

KIM (CONT'D)I'll tell you what. You can packwhile you talk. Jonah mentionedthat it started with the turtles?

RONNIENo, not really. Even though Iwasn't there yet, I think thesummer really began with the fire.

CLOSE IN on the sun glowing in a multicolored Votive ... thesun now changing ... the sun becoming a fire ...

MATCH CUT TO:

EXT. CHURCH - EVENING4 4

... that licks at the walls and roof of a small, historicocean-front church. Sirens sound in the distance as the firecomes alive, devouring the building.

There is a haunting orange glow behind a large and intricatestained glass window of the risen Christ. The orange glowsdeeper and deeper, the color ominous and dangerous.

The flames begin to finger the glass, tapping and taunting,melting, until suddenly the stained glass window ...

... EXPLODES outwards, the fire now out of control ...

While SCOTT THOMAS, (17, panicked) looks on from the street.

Suddenly, a pickup truck skids to a stop. WILL BLAKELEE,(handsome, 18, beach boy) jumps out and rushes toward SCOTT.

WILLWhat the hell did you do?

SCOTTI was at the beach lighting bottlerockets and the wind took it! Itwasn't my fault!

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WILL reaches for his cell phone and Scott grabs his arm.

SCOTT (CONTD)What are you doing? You can't callthe cops! I told you it was anaccident!

(Beat, as SCOTT stares)C'mon man! You owe me!

WILL debates when he sees MARCUS, TEDDY, LANCE, tattooed andpierced, with wild hair, along with BLAZE, a 17 year-old Gothqueen, sitting on the hood of a car across the street.

By his expression, it's clear that MARCUS saw everything.

SIRENS begin to sound in the distance ... as an elderly mancomes out of the church, coughing, his sleeves singed. WILLtries to rush that way when SCOTT grabs his arm to stop him.

SCOTT (CONTD)He's okay! He's out! We gotta go!

WILL debates as SCOTT rushes to WILL'S truck. The churchburns ... and WILL finally runs off, too.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CHURCH - LATE AFTERNOON5 5

The church being rebuilt a few months later beneath a hotJune sky. Shirtless workers are pounding shingles and

hammering planks of siding to the walls.

Cars float past the church, ignoring the activity as ...

EXT. STREET IN FRONT OF CHURCH - LATE AFTERNOON6 6

... a dusty station wagon loaded with suitcases slows beforefinally making a turn in front of the church.

INT. STATION WAGON - LATE AFTERNOON7 7

KIM drives while RONNIE dozes in the front seat, iPodblaring, head against the window. She's punk-rock beautiful,

with a purple streak in her hair, dark clothes and black nailpolish.

JONAH, RONNIE'S ten-year old brother, plays his Game-boy inthe backseat, ignoring the sound of the piano concertoplaying on the radio. The car hits a pothole and ...

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RONNIE(Removing her earphones)

Ow! Geez, Mom! Watch yourdriving!

KIM

I see your nap put you in a bettermood.

RONNIE hears the music, the same music from the opening,credit scene, and notes a burned CD with the words, "RONNIE'SRECITAL: CARNEGIE HALL" hand-stenciled on the case. RONNIEreaches over to shut it off.

KIM (CONTD)I like hearing you play.

RONNIEI don't.

JONAHHey! Check that out!

EXT. PIER/BOARDWALK - LATE AFTERNOON8 8

A policeman up ahead, standing beneath a banner proclaimingthe "WILMINGTON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL," is diverting trafficaround the crowd congregated in the street directly ahead.

Off to the side, there is a carnival taking place on theboardwalk at the head of the pier, complete with a Ferris

wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl and Bumper Cars.

INT. STATION WAGON - LATE AFTERNOON9 9

The car finally works its way past the crowd.

JONAHCan we go?

KIMYou'll have to ask your Dad.

RONNIE

I'll make sure to do that. Andmaybe afterward, we'll all sitaround the campfire and roastmarshmallows.

KIMYour dad is a good man and he lovesyou. You need to give him a chance.

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RONNIEJust stop with the Oprah therapy,okay? He left us, Mom. He walkedout on us three years ago.

KIM bites her lip. She's been down this road before.

KIMLook ... about this summer. I knowyou don't want to be here, but tryto make the best of it.

RONNIEWhatever.

JONAHHey, does Dad know you werearrested?

RONNIEHe won't care. All he's ever caredabout is the piano.

CUT TO:

EXT. STEVE'S STREET - DUSK10 10

The station wagon makes a turn and slows. KIM searches forthe right address on the houses along the oceanfront drive.

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - DUSK11 11

STEVE MILLER, forty-three years old, plays a mismatched-piecepiano in a windowless, recessed alcove off the living room,his fingers flying across the keyboard.

Photos and laminated clippings of STEVE'S career line thewall behind him: STEVE performing at Columbia University, atour schedules from years ago showing stops in mid-sizecities, a younger STEVE teaching at Julliard.

On the piano are three other photographs: One of he andJONAH flying a kite, another showing him sitting beside ayoung female piano student (RONNIE), and still another of

RONNIE playing at CARNEGIE HALL.

A framed "Gramophone Magazine" article, asks: "CAN A SEVENYEAR OLD REALLY PLAY LISZT? YES! (And her name is VeronicaMiller!)"

A car honks, and STEVE gets up and steps out the door ...

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EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - DUSK12 12

... revealing a small and weathered beach-front cottage.

JONAH sees STEVE, hops out of the car and races toward him.

JONAHDad!

KIM follows from the car, then, reluctantly, RONNIE. JONAHruns into his father's arms.

STEVEI missed you so much! You'vegotten so big!

JONAH sees the ocean beyond the sea-grass speckled dunes.

JONAHThis place is awesome!

(Pulls away and begins tojog to the shore)

Can I?

STEVEYeah, go ahead. Be careful!

KIM finally reaches them as JONAH heads over the dune ontothe flat, wind-swept stretch of sand that leads to the ocean.

STEVE (CONT'D)

You look terrific, Kim.

KIMThanks. You doing okay?

STEVE notices RONNIE as she approaches. He straightens.

STEVEHi, Sweetie. It's good to see you.

RONNIEI'm not going to play the piano foryou, Dad.

KIMRonnie ...

STEVEIt's okay.

RONNIEYeah, Mom. It's okay.

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RONNIE walks past him without another word and heads down thebeach, looking out of place in her black jeans and T-shirt.STEVE and KIM watch her go.

CUT TO:


KIM stands near the kitchen window ... STEVE brings her aglass of iced tea. Outside, JONAH chases seagulls whileRONNIE heads down the beach, toward the carnival.

KIMShe'll be alright. She just needsa little time to adjust.

STEVEI figured.

KIMSo this is the place? It's got ...character.

STEVEBy character, I assume that meansyou noticed the leaky roof and lackof air-conditioning?

KIM flashes a brief smile, caught.

STEVE (CONTD)

It's not much, I know that. Butit's quiet and the church owns itand Pastor Harris is letting me useit for free.

(Beat)So you and Brian are going to takethe big plunge, huh?

KIMLook, about that ...

STEVEIt's okay. I understand. I just

want you to be happy.

KIM drops her eyes before she finally glances out the window.She sees RONNIE enter the crowd near the carnival, where ...

CUT TO:

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EXT. CARNIVAL - DUSK14 14

RONNIE buys a drink and sees an elderly woman sitting at atable with a sign requesting donations for the local SPCA.There are puppies in the box on the table.

RONNIE coos and pets them for a moment, then, when no one islooking, adds a couple of dollars to the donation box.

RONNIE walks off, sipping her drink, veering through thecrowd and passing "carnies" asking her to "try the game."

On the beach, she sees another crowd watching a night-timebeach-volleyball game in progress. Intrigued, she takes thestairs to the beach, heading toward the game.

On the steps, she pauses and moves aside for a harried fatherleading three little kids in the opposite direction. Thekids are covered in muddy sand. RONNIE smiles as they pass.

On the beach, RONNIE glances up as ...

EXT. BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - DUSK15 15

... WILL dives and digs, making an amazing save. SCOTT, hispartner, makes an equally impressive set. WILL spikes home apoint. On his wrist, WILL wears a macrame-beaded bracelet.

Though volleys go back and forth, WILL and SCOTT dominate thegame when another volley starts ... Across the court, RONNIEsees beautiful, athletic ASHLEY and CASSIE cheering.

The crowding group leaves little room near the court butRONNIE gets closer. With another volley, the ball goes wideand WILL makes a mad dash for the ball, running hard ...

... and then realizing he can't reach it but out of control,WILL slams on the brakes before colliding with RONNIE.

Though he keeps her from falling, RONNIE'S drink splashesover half of her shirt.

WILLWhoa! Sorry! Are you okay?

WILL holds her for a second and a couple of people in thecrowd laugh at the spreading stain. RONNIE hears them.

RONNIEJust ... Let go of me.

WILL lets go and Ronnie steps back, ignoring WILL'S gaze.She turns and leaves as SCOTT saunters up and sniffs.

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WILLWhat are you doing?

SCOTTI'm just checking if you smell. Imean, the way she blew you off ...

Over his shoulder, WILL glances at RONNIE, then returns tothe game. ASHLEY notices WILL'S interest in the new girl.

BACK TO:

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DUSK16 16

In the alcove, KIM rubs the top of the mismatched piano.

KIMI'm glad you were able to fix it.

STEVEWith the way she swung that club,she really should have gone out forthe golf team. But it still playslike a dream.

(Beat)How's Ronnie really doing?

KIMI don't know. And I don't thinkshe does, either. She's in thisblack, dark, moody phase, she

ignores her curfew, and she won'ttalk to me abut it. But ... thereare moments when she's still assweet as she ever was. Like withJonah. They can argue like catsand dogs, but she still brings himto the park every weekend. Andwhen he was having trouble in math,she tutored him every night. Whichis strange, because she's barelypassing any of her classes. And Ihaven't told you this, but I madeher take the SAT in February. She

missed every single question.(Beat)Do you know how smart you have tobe to miss every single question?

STEVE laughs under his breath.

KIM (CONT'D)It's not funny.

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STEVEIt's kind of funny.

KIMYou haven't had to deal with it thelast three years.

STEVEWhat did the Judge say about theshoplifting?

KIMIf she doesn't get into any moretrouble, it'll be expunged from herrecord. If not ...

STEVEYou're worried about this.

KIMShe's done it before which is theproblem. And she admitted that.But this time, she couldn't holdeverything, so she tucked thelipstick in her pocket. She paidfor everything else and when youlook at the video, it seems to bean honest mistake ...

STEVEBut you're not sure.

KIM shakes her head.

STEVE (CONTD)She made a mistake, Kim. And she'salways had a good heart.

KIMYou haven't seen her temper lately.

At that moment, JONAH comes bursting in the door.

JONAH

Dad! I found a really coolworkshop! Come on!

KIMI've got to get going, anyway.It's a long drive back. And makesure Ronnie gets home, okay?

CUT TO:

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EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - STREET - DUSK17 17

STEVE watches KIM hug and kiss JONAH goodbye. A moment later,JONAH comes running back to the house.

JONAH

You ready, Dad?

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - DUSK18 18

... an unkempt, ramshackle workshop; stained glass piled allaround the room. In the center is a large work-table; on itare the beginnings of a large stained-glass window.

Tacked to the wall is a picture of the risen Christ thatlooks fifty-years-old; it's obviously the same as the churchwindow that had blown out in the earlier fire.

Beside the picture is a newspaper article, with a photographof the burned church. The headline reads, "ILLEGAL FIREWORKSSUSPECTED IN CHURCH BLAZE," below that: "Pastor injured"

On the shelves, the room is lined with dozens of taxidermy"fish-mammals" (a strange "melding" of the two species - likesquirrels with bass tails, etc.). Weird, but transfixing.

JONAHWhat is this stuff?

STEVEArt. The man who used to live here

made all this. He did the stainedglass, too.

JONAH glances at the work table in the center of the room.

JONAHIs this his?

STEVENo. I'm doing this. It's for thechurch down the street.

JONAH

You're making this?

STEVEThe artist who lived here taught mehow when I was supposed to be atbible study.

JONAHThis is awesome.

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STEVEI missed a lot of bible study.

(Beat)I can teach you how if you want tolearn. I'd love the help.

JONAH nods before running his hand over the glass.

JONAHShe didn't read any of the lettersyou sent her, Dad. And she won'tplay the piano anymore, either.

(Beat)Mom says it's because she has PMS.

STEVEDo you know what that is?

JONAHDad, I'm not a little kid anymore.It means "Pissed at Men Syndrome".

STEVEHow about we go find your sister?

CUT TO:

EXT. CARNIVAL - EARLY EVENING19 19

RONNIE wipes her shirt, trying to get the stain out.

Finally, grabbing her drink she turns quickly around, only tobump into BLAZE CONWAY.

More drink splashes onto RONNIE but she can't believe it. Apause ... then, BLAZE motions to the now fully soaked shirt.

BLAZESucks being you. But at least theother side matches.

RONNIEOh, I get it. You're being funny.

Surprising RONNIE, BLAZE laughs, then nods toward a booth.

BLAZEI saw some Nemo shirts over there.

RONNIENemo?

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BLAZEOrange and white fish? Gimpyflipper? Dad has to find him?

RONNIEI don't want a Nemo shirt, okay?

BLAZENemo's cool.

RONNIEMaybe if you're six.

MARCUS calls to BLAZE as he passes with his gang. BLAZEdecides to join MARCUS. Just then, RONNIE sees STEVEapproaching with JONAH.

RONNIE (CONTD)Wait. How do I get out of here?

BLAZE continues walking backward pacing MARCUS.

BLAZEThat's up to you. But he knowswhat you're wearing.

RONNIE isn't sure what to do as BLAZE keeps going. She ducksthrough the crowd, toward the booth selling Nemo shirts and -despite her reservations - slips it on over her shirt.

As she gets her bearings again, she sees JONAH standing

before her, eating an ice cream cone. Ignoring him, shethrows the money on the counter, paying for the shirt.

JONAHDad's looking for you.

RONNIETell him you didn't see me.

JONAHFive bucks.

Behind them, STEVE continues to look for RONNIE.

JONAH (CONTD)He's getting closer.

(Beat)Now it's ten bucks.

RONNIE digs through her pocket again and hands him the moneybefore ducking away.

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Behind her, RONNIE sees JONAH leading STEVE into the arcade.

As she turns around, BLAZE is leaning against a piling.

BLAZENice shirt.

RONNIESomeone told me that Nemo's cool.

BLAZEMaybe if you're six. C'mon.

EXT. CARNIVAL - EVENING - LATER20 20

RONNIE and BLAZE weave through the crowd, talking ...

RONNIEWhat kind of name is Blaze, anyway?

BLAZEMy real name's Galadriel.

RONNIEGaladriel?

BLAZEIt's from Lord of Rings. My mom'sweird like that.

BLAZE eyes a group of teens in the distance sitting outside a

small, patio restaurant, eating burgers.

As they get close, RONNIE sees WILL, SCOTT, CASSIE andASHLEY, obviously the popular group, celebrating.

The conversations stops as BLAZE and RONNIE pass by. ASHLEYand CASSIE look them up and down. BLAZE stares at SCOTT asthey pass; SCOTT looks away.

RONNIEWhat was that all about?

BLAZE doesn't answer. On the pier, RONNIE notes a group of

people crowding in a circle. They speed up and ...

EXT. PIER/CARNIVAL - EVENING21 21

... BLAZE and RONNIE push their way in. They see MARCUShandling a fireball - a hand-made cloth ball held together bythread and soaked in lighter fluid.

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MARCUS moves it between his fingers as LANCE and TEDDY break-dance to loud music, teasing the crowd. It's amazing MARCUSdoesn't get burned.

MARCUS lights a second fireball, then another and performs ajuggling act. The crowd cheers as he finally "hacky-sacks"

one of the fireballs to TEDDY who passes it to LANCE.

Members of the crowd clap and drop money in a hat as RONNIEleans toward BLAZE.

RONNIEWho's that?

Just then, PETE JOHNSON, a police officer, moves toward thecrowd. MARCUS puts out the fireball, quickly reaches for themoney and tosses the hat to LANCE, who slips it on.

In that instant, BLAZE moves toward him and kisses him.MARCUS stares at RONNIE before lighting the fireball again.

BLAZEThat's Ronnie. And this is Marcus.

MARCUS moves the fireball around his fingers, studying her.

MARCUSYou like fire?

MARCUS tosses the fireball at her. RONNIE jumps out of theway. OFFICER JOHNSON stomps on the ball, extinguishing it.

OFFICER JOHNSONYou three. Out. Now.

MARCUSWe were just leaving, officer.

The crowd disperses as MARCUS, LANCE & TEDDY move away,disappearing into the throngs of people. BLAZE follows, asdoes RONNIE. They pass carnival game booths as ...

EXT. PIER/CARNIVAL - EVENING22 22

... WILL takes a final basketball shot at one of the booths,missing. He adjusts the macrame bracelet as ASHLEY walks up.

ASHLEYYou avoiding us?

WILLJust messing around.

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ASHLEYYou want to get out of here? Myparents are in Raleigh for someaward thing with the governor.

WILL

I'm not so sure that's a good idea.

ASHLEYI want to know what I did wrong.

WILLYou didn't do anything wrong.

ASHLEYThen why did you end it?

WILL'S heard this before, but doesn't know what to say.Without answering, he heads toward SCOTT who's standing at anearby table, while CASSIE goes to comfort ASHLEY.

SCOTTShe told you, right? Cassie, me,Ashley, you. Her parents' place?

WILLYeah. She mentioned it.

SCOTTAnd we're still here because?

When WILL doesn't answer ...

SCOTT (CONT'D)See? That's why I don't get you.Have you even seen Ashley tonight?She looks like that chick in Maxim.

WILLI know. We used to go out,remember?

SCOTTMy point is she's hot. She wants

to "Romance the Stone." She wantsto "Free Willy".

WILL laughs, but still isn't convinced.

SCOTT (CONT'D)Do it for me, then. Cassie won't gowith me unless you go with Ashley.C'mon, man! Take one for the team.

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WILLI need a soda. You want one?

After WILL walks off, SCOTT is bumped by MARCUS, who'swalking past with his group. SCOTT whirls, only to see MARCUSsmirking. WILL doesn't realize what's happening.

MARCUSWhatcha gonna do? Shoot a bottlerocket at me?

SCOTT seethes as RONNIE and BLAZE arrive with a crowd thatseems to sense what's coming next. The crowd closes in, teenssensing blood. ASHLEY and CASSIE push their way in.

SCOTT stares, growing angry, their eyes steady on each other.In the distance, OFFICER JOHNSON notices the commotion andbegins to run toward them. MARCUS jerks his head forward.

MARCUS (CONT'D)Boo!

SCOTT reacts with a quick jump back. WILL finally seeswhat's going on and rushes back to SCOTT as TEDDY and LANCEmove in ... other teens crowd around.

In the growing tension, the crowd continues to shift and aLITTLE KID is knocked over. RONNIE reacts on instinct ...

RONNIE(Shouting)

Just stop! Knock it off! All ofyou! Someone's going to get hurt!

RONNIE'S outburst, the shock of it, is enough to stop them.

RONNIE (CONTD)(To LITTLE KID)

Are you okay? Where's your mom?Let's go find her.

As OFFICER JOHNSON closes in, MARCUS stares at SCOTT.

MARCUS

I know your secret.

MARCUS finally takes a step away and suddenly jumps off theboardwalk onto the sand below.

TEDDY and LANCE follow. BLAZE heads to the stairs leading tothe beach, leaving RONNIE behind.

All at once, the KID'S MOTHER comes forward.

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KID'S MOTHERThere you are! Are you okay? Youshouldn't run away like that!

RONNIE(Shouting after BLAZE)

Where are you going?

BLAZEBower's Point.

RONNIE debates what to do. As she does, she realizes thatWILL, SCOTT and the group are still staring at her.

STEVE and JONAH suddenly arrive, making things worse.

STEVEThere you are. We've been lookingfor you. You ready to go?

RONNIENo.

RONNIE heads for the beach as OFFICER JOHNSON walks up.

OFFICER JOHNSONHey Steve. Kid's causin' troubleagain. You doing okay?

STEVEI don't know.

(Beat)This is my son Jonah.

OFFICER JOHNSONNice to meet you, little man.

STEVE glances in RONNIE'S direction as she regroups on thebeach with MARCUS, BLAZE and the others.

STEVEDo you know where they're going?

OFFICER JOHNSON

Could be anywhere. But if she'swith Marcus ...

STEVE thinks about that.

WILL(To STEVE)

They're going to Bower's Point.

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STEVE looks at WILL, then OFFICER JOHNSON.

OFFICER JOHNSONLet me take care of it.

CUT TO:

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATE EVENING23 23

STEVE plays the piano in the quiet house, a look ofconcentration on his face. The complex melody fills the roomas RONNIE steps inside. OFFICER JOHNSON is behind her.

OFFICER JOHNSONGo on.

As the door closes, RONNIE stares at her father, furiousbefore finally crossing the room. STEVE stops playing.

Noting the photographs atop the piano, reminding her of herpast, she grabs the photos and hurls them across the room.They crash and crack, shards of glass spreading on the floor.

RONNIEYou sent the cops after me? Ican't believe this! I hate you!

STEVEI know. But I don't take itpersonally.

RONNIE waits for more, but there is nothing. Instead, STEVEbegins to play the piano again, seeming to lose himself inthe music. RONNIE turns to walk to her room.

STEVE (CONTD)Good night, sweetheart.

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - LATE EVENING24 24

RONNIE abruptly enters. She's angry and flicks on a smalllamp, casting only a dim glow. She opens her suitcaseexposing a copy of Anna Karenina. She rummages for her PJs.

She rips off the Nemo shirt, then the next shirt.

JONAH (O.S.)Before I get completely grossedout, you should know I'm in here.

RONNIE lets out a startled sound, then ...

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RONNIEGet out! This is my room!

JONAHNo, it's our room. Unless you wantto sleep in Dad's room.

Disgusted, RONNIE pulls back the covers and takes a seat.After a long moment ...

JONAH (CONT'D)I'm glad you're back. I didn'tlike being in here alone.

(Beat)I kind of miss Mom.

RONNIE gets up and goes to JONAH'S bed. She sits beside him.She runs a hand through his hair.

RONNIEI know. She misses you, too.

CUT TO:

EXT. PIER - MORNING25 25

Through the morning mist, generators whine amidst a flurry ofactivity while the carnival is being packed up. The Tilt-AWhirl is disassembled and booths loaded onto semi-trucks.

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING26 26

RONNIE wakes up. She hears the commotion and goes to thewindow where she pulls back the curtain.

A RACCOON startles her. She taps the glass, trying to get itsattention, when she notices the bars on the window. Sheponders for a second, then storms into the living room ...

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING27 27

... where STEVE softly plays the piano. JONAH, intent on thecartoons on television, ignores her.

RONNIEBars on the window? Like I'msupposed to be your prisoner?

JONAHI told you she'd be mad.

On the piano, RONNIE notices the photos - the frames crackedand glass broken - have been set up again.

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STEVEThey came with the house.

RONNIEI'm sure they did.

JONAHThey did. To protect the art.

RONNIEI'm not talking to you.

(To Steve)You need to stop thinking I'm stillyour little girl! I'm eighteenyears old!

JONAHYou're seventeen. You'll beeighteen in August.

RONNIEPlease stay out of this!

(To STEVE)I'm old enough to make my owndecisions.

For the first time, STEVE stops playing and looks at her.

STEVEFair enough.

RONNIEThat's it? That's all you're goingto say?

STEVEDo you want breakfast? I made somebacon.

RONNIE makes a face and heads back to her room.

JONAHShe's a vegetarian, Dad. But she'sweird sometimes, so it makes sense.

STEVEHow long has she been a vegetarian?

JONAHThree years.

RONNIE storms through the living room, her clothes changed,but still looking ratty. She slams the door shut behind her.

21.

CONTINUED:27 27

CONTINUED


23/113

JONAH (CONTD)Don't worry Dad. She slams thedoor at home, too.

STEVEYou want to help me with the

stained glass window today?

CUT TO:

EXT. BEACH - MORNING28 28

RONNIE sits on the dune as BLAZE walks up.

RONNIEAre you just getting in?

BLAZEDo you have any money? I'm kind ofhungry.

CUT TO:

INT. BLAKELEE - BRAKE SHOP - MORNING29 29

SCOTT and WILL, in uniforms, stand beneath a car lift,replacing a set of brake pads.

SCOTTSee, you're thinking about this allwrong. There's a difference

between hooking up, and gettingback together with Ashley again.

WILLI don't want to get back togetherwith Ashley.

SCOTTThat's what I'm trying to tell you.

WILLWhy are we still talking aboutthis?

SCOTTAside from the fact that "Harrydidn't get a chance to meet Sally"last night? Because I'm yourfriend. It's obvious you needhelp. And I still don't know whyyou broke up with Ashley in thefirst place.

22.

CONTINUED: (2)27 27

CONTINUED


24/113

WILLDid you see that girl? The one whostopped the fight? And helped thatlittle boy?

SCOTT

The vampire chick? Yeah, youpoured her soda all over her,remember? She thought you smelled.What about her?

WILLI don't know. It just surprisedme. I haven't seen her before.

SCOTTWhatever. Okay, here's what'sgoing to happen. First, you'regoing to relax. Then, we're goingto win the volleyball tournamentlater this summer. And then, you'regoing to thank me for taking suchgood care of you.

WILLI'm just saying it's a good thingshe stopped the fight. SinceMarcus knows what happened...

SCOTTI told you. It was an accident.

Look, if he was going to tell thecops, he already would have, okay?

WILL is conflicted, but says nothing.

INT. SANDWICH SHOP - AFTERNOON30 30

BLAZE and RONNIE put their trays on the table and sit.

BLAZEShoplifting? That's it? You mustbe the world's most boringteenager.

RONNIEWhy? What have you done?

BLAZEIt's not what I've done. It's whatI know.

BLAZE takes a seat. RONNIE waits, but nothing else comes.

23.

CONTINUED:29 29

CONTINUED


25/113

BLAZE (CONTD)Thanks for this. I'm starving.

RONNIEWhy didn't you go home to eat?

BLAZEI don't want to talk about it.

MARCUS, LANCE and TEDDY appear as if by magic.

MARCUSTalk about what? Your mom's sexyboyfriend again?

BLAZEDon't be gross.

MARCUS takes a seat beside RONNIE not BLAZE, but reaches forBLAZE'S sandwich, while TEDDY and LANCE grab the fries.

MARCUSI want you to come tonight. Withoutthe cops this time.

CUT TO:

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - LATE AFTERNOON31 31

STEVE sits on a bench next to JONAH. STEVE uses metal solderto hold together a couple pieces of glass as JONAH hands the

another piece of glass to STEVE.

STEVEPerfect. You ready to call it aday? I'm getting kind of tired.

JONAHCan we have Veal Marsala tonight?

STEVEI was thinking more along the linesof spaghetti.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LATE EVENING32 32

STEVE peeks in on a sleeping JONAH. RONNIE is noticeablymissing. Outside, STEVE sees the moon glowing in the sky...

24.

CONTINUED:30 30


26/113

EXT. BEACH - LATE EVENING33 33

... where MARCUS, TEDDY, LANCE, and BLAZE are seated around abonfire. MUSIC plays from a boom-box and there are emptybottles of beer in the sand.

A fire ball flies through the air and is caught by LANCE whorolls it over his hand. LANCE then flicks it to TEDDY, thento MARCUS who squeezes out the flame.

BLAZE is drunk and snuggling up to MARCUS who watches RONNIEacross the fire. RONNIE is standing apart from the group,near the water's edge.

MARCUSWould you get me a beer?

As BLAZE rises unsteadily, MARCUS walks over to RONNIE.

MARCUS (CONTD)Are we boring you?

RONNIEI don't drink. That's all.

MARCUSJust say "no"?

RONNIEWhatever.

BLAZE digs through the cheap cooler for a beer.

MARCUSThen what are you doing here?

MARCUS steps forward, slipping his arm around RONNIE. As hedoes, BLAZE notices. She's not happy about it.

RONNIEI gotta go.

MARCUSYeah. You do that.

CUT TO:

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATE EVENING34 34

As RONNIE sneaks in the front door. She thinks she's safeuntil she sees STEVE watching her from the piano.

25.

CONTINUED


27/113

STEVEIt's almost two a.m. That'sunacceptable.

RONNIEAnd?

STEVEThere's pasta in the fridge if youwant some.

RONNIE shakes her head as STEVE starts to play again and ...

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEACH/DUNE - LATE EVENING35 35

... the porch-light flicks off. Outside, the moonlightilluminates a silhouette of turtle tracks stretching from thesurf, toward the dune behind the house ...

... in the silver light, sea oats wave on the dune as a giantLoggerhead turtle lays the first of her eggs.

CUT TO:

EXT. STEVE'S KITCHEN - MORNING36 36

JONAH grabs the Pop-tart from the toaster as STEVE plays thepiano in the alcove. JONAH slathers frosting atop the Pop-Tart, then adds a couple of teaspoons of sugar as well.

STEVE (O.S.)

Make sure you get something goodfor you.

JONAHGot it handled, Dad. And we'regoing to fly kites later, right?After we work on the window?

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING37 37

As STEVE plays the piano, RONNIE storms toward the door.STEVE continues to play as he speaks, though more softly.

STEVECan we talk?

RONNIETalk about what?

STEVELast night. What time you came in.Where you were.

26.

CONTINUED:34 34

(MORE)

CONTINUED


28/113

Whether you were out with peoplewho howl at the moon.

RONNIEI don't want to talk about it.

STEVEThat's obvious. But it's not ananswer.

RONNIEIt's none of your business, okay?

JONAH walks out, holding his Pop-Tart.

RONNIE (CONTD)And would you stop with that!

STEVE(finally stops playing)It makes me feel better.

RONNIEWell, I hate it! Don't you getthat? I don't want to hear it! Idon't even want to see it!

She approaches JONAH and grabs the Pop-Tart off his platebefore leaving the house. The door slams again.

JONAH

She took my Pop-tart.

STEVESlight change of plans today. Areyou any good with a hammer?

EXT. BEACH SHOPS - AFTERNOON38 38

RONNIE walks past the shops, looking. In the distance, shesees BLAZE in a music store. She heads in.

RONNIEI've been looking all over for you.

BLAZEI thought we were friends.

RONNIEWhat's that supposed to mean?

BLAZEI saw the way you looked at him.

27.

CONTINUED:37 37STEVE (CONT'D)

CONTINUED


29/113

BLAZE suddenly walks off, bumping into RONNIE as she goes.

Unbeknownst to RONNIE, BLAZE drops two CDs into RONNIE'S bag.

RONNIE is dumbfounded as BLAZE storms out, but finally makesher way slowly to the door.

As she exits the store, the ALARM begins to sound. Thesecurity guard rushes over. Busted.

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON39 39

The alcove has been sealed off with a plywood wall, and STEVEhangs a painting on it as JONAH looks on.

STEVEWhat do you think?

JONAHIt looks like we put up a plywoodwall and hung a picture on it. Andyou can't play the piano any more,either.

STEVE grabs the photo of RONNIE at CARNEGIE HALL and puts itin the end-table drawer, along with the magazine article.

STEVENo. But I can fly a kite.

CUT TO:

INT. POLICE STATION - LATE AFTERNOON40 40

With RONNIE finished getting processed at the police station,OFFICER JOHNSON leads her to the chair next to his desk.

OFFICER JOHNSONDo you want to call your Dad, orshould I?

EXT. BEACH BEHIND STEVE'S HOUSE - DUSK41 41

STEVE watches JONAH flying the kite before finally noticing

the remnants of the Loggerhead turtle tracks, leading to thedune.

STEVEHey Jonah! Come here! It's aturtle nest!

JONAH, kite still flying, jogs over and ...

28.

CONTINUED:38 38

CONTINUED


30/113

STEVE (CONT'D)Be careful. Don't get too close.And don't touch.

(Beat)She must have laid them last night.

From inside, STEVE hears the phone begin to ring. He rises,wincing, and heads inside.


STEVE answers the phone and listens before closing his eyes.

STEVEYeah, I'll be right down.

CUT TO:

INT. CAR - EVENING43 43

STEVE drives as RONNIE sits in the front seat, JONAH in theback. It's tense.

JONAHMom's going to be mad.

RONNIEI didn't do it.

STEVEI believe you.

CUT TO:


RONNIE enters the house and starts toward her room, pausingwhen she sees the alcove closed in by plywood. She thinksabout that as JONAH goes past her, heading to the kitchen.

Peeking out the door, she sees STEVE sitting on the dunebehind the house.

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - DUSK45 45

STEVE sits on the beach under the moonlit sky. He is next tothe sea turtle nest when RONNIE walks up.

RONNIEAre you mad?

STEVENo.

29.

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CONTINUED


31/113

RONNIEThen what are you doing out here?

STEVEA Loggerhead laid her eggs, and Idon't want any raccoons to get

them. They're endangered and onlyone out of 1000 live to maturity.

RONNIEHow would raccoons know they'rehere?

STEVEWhen a female lays eggs, sheurinates. Raccoons can smell it,and if they get a chance, they'lleat every single one of the eggs.Usually at night.

RONNIEI saw a raccoon the other day.

STEVEI've already left a message withthe aquarium. Hopefully, someonewill come by to put up a cagetomorrow to keep the nest safe.

RONNIEWhat about tonight?

STEVESometimes, you have to have faith.

RONNIEWhy did you say you believed me?

STEVEBecause I trust you.

RONNIEIs that why you built the wall tohide the piano?

STEVENo. I did that because I love you.

RONNIE smiles, touched, and finally takes a seat beside him.

RONNIEWhat's going to happen to me?

30.

CONTINUED:45 45

CONTINUED


32/113

STEVEOfficer Johnson said he'd talk tothe owner, but I don't know.

RONNIE ponders and then changes the subject.

RONNIEI don't want anything to happen tothe turtle eggs.

STEVESo what do you want to do?

CUT TO:

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - MORNING46 46

Terns dart along the shoreline while the sun comes up as ...

... RONNIE, curled up on a chair near the nest, wakes withthe early morning light. Just then, a figure makes his wayover the dune, carrying stakes and construction tape.

She recognizes WILL, who's wearing a uniform with the nameBLAKELEE BRAKES. He stops when he sees her.

RONNIEWhat are you doing here?

WILLI'm here to mark the nest.

RONNIEYou work for the aquarium?

WILLI volunteer there, but I work at mydad's brake shop. My name's Will,by the way. Sorry about runninginto you at the volleyball court.

RONNIEIt's fine. I survived.How does that tape keep the

raccoons away?

WILLIt doesn't. It's just to let thepeople who put up the cages knowwhere the nest is.

RONNIEWhen will they put it up?

31.

CONTINUED: (2)45 45

CONTINUED


33/113

WILLI don't know. Maybe in a couple ofdays.

RONNIEThat's not soon enough. Call and

tell them they have to put up thecage today. Tell them I saw araccoon sniffing around the nest.

WILLDid you?

RONNIEJust call them, okay?

RONNIE starts back toward the house.

WILLYou didn't tell me your name.

RONNIENo, I guess I didn't.

WILL smiles and drops the stakes. Grabbing one, he drives itinto the sand and looks up to see RONNIE glance back at himas she enters the house.

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING47 47

RONNIE yawns as she enters the kitchen and sees STEVE smile

as he scrapes a portion of the fixings onto a tortilla.

STEVEGood morning, sweetheart. I didn'thear you come in.

(Beat)It's rice, beans and tofu. That'sokay, isn't it?

RONNIEWhy are you being so nice to me?

STEVE

Why shouldn't I be?

JONAH walks in and spying an extra burrito - and thecontainer of tofu - he turns, his eyes wide.

JONAHDon't tell me you went over to thedark side, Dad!

32.

CONTINUED:46 46

CONTINUED


34/113

STEVE and RONNIE try to stifle their smiles.

RONNIEHow about a Pop-Tart, instead?

As RONNIE opens the cupboard, STEVE heads to the table.

STEVESo what's on your agenda today?

CUT TO:


RONNIE pauses in front of a window, looking in ...

INT. SANDWICH SHOP - AFTERNOON49 49

... as RONNIE scans the tables ...

EXT. PIER - LATE AFTERNOON50 50

... as RONNIE looks up and down the beach. She focuses on asmall figure in black, sitting on a distant dune. RONNIEheads purposely toward the steps ...

EXT. BEACH DUNE - LATE AFTERNOON51 51

... and walks until she reaches BLAZE. BLAZE looks up.

RONNIE

You have to tell the police whatyou did.

BLAZEI didn't do anything. You're theone who got caught.

RONNIEYou know I can get in trouble forthis. I told you what happened.

BLAZE stands and brushes the sand from her pants.

BLAZEOh, well.

BLAZE walks off, leaving RONNIE in stunned disbelief.

EXT. PIER/PARKING LOT - LATE AFTERNOON52 52

RONNIE is still walking in a daze as MARCUS suddenly emergesfrom behind a parked car. For once, he's alone.

33.

CONTINUED:47 47

CONTINUED


35/113

MARCUSTroubles with Blaze?

RONNIEWhat do you know about it?

MARCUSI know enough not to trust her.

RONNIEI'm not in the mood for this.

RONNIE tries to move past him.

MARCUSDon't walk away. I might be ableto talk her out of it. If ...

RONNIEIf what?

MARCUS moves closer, running a finger down her arm.

RONNIE (CONT'D)Just stay away from me!

CUT TO:

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - EVENING53 53

RONNIE enters her room and sits on the bed, visibly upset.

JONAH emerges from beneath the covers.

JONAHGo ahead and cry.

RONNIEI'm not crying.

JONAHIt's okay. It doesn't bother me.

JONAH throws the covers back over his head as RONNIE sighs

and wipes a tear from her eye. She focuses out the windowand sees the stakes and barrier tape around the nest ...along with a raccoon scurrying toward the eggs.

RONNIEOh ... crap ...

RONNIE jumps up from the bed and takes off ...

34.

CONTINUED:52 52


36/113

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING54 54

... racing through the living room ...

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - EVENING55 55

... and bursts through the back door, charging for the dune.

RONNIENo! Stop! Go away!

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EVENING56 56

The sound startles the raccoon and it scampers away. Behindher, back at the house, JONAH emerges on the back porch.

JONAHWhat is it?

RONNIEThey didn't put up the cage!

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - LATE EVENING57 57

RONNIE sits under the stars watching the nest as the wavescrash on the beach. She yawns and tries to get comfortable.

EXT. BLAKELEE BRAKES - MORNING58 58

A well maintained, four-bay car service center ...

Stenciling on the door reads: BLAKELEE'S BRAKES - 800LOCATIONS NATIONWIDEas RONNIE pushes through it.

INT. BLAKELEE - BRAKE SHOP - MORNING59 59

She sees WILL and SCOTT, working beneath a lifted car.

WILL walks toward her, wiping his hands.

WILLHey.

RONNIE

Thanks for nothing.

WILLWhat are you talking about?

RONNIEYou didn't call about the cage!

RONNIE stares at WILL before storming off.

35.

CONTINUED


37/113

WILLHold on! Wait a minute!

RONNIE doesn't bother turning around. SCOTT walks up.

SCOTT

What was that about?

WILL watches her leave before heading after her.

SCOTT (CONT'D)Where are you going, man? We'vegot a lot of cars to work on.

WILL leaves the brake shop and ...

EXT. BLAKELEE BRAKES - MORNING60 60

... jumps in his truck. He starts the car and ...

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - MORNING61 61

... eventually ends up at the beach, where RONNIE stands bythe nest. RONNIE HEARS a truck door slam and looks up as WILLapproaches.

RONNIEWhat do you want?

WILLYou didn't let me finish. I did

call. Twice, in fact.

RONNIEYeah, right.

WILLWhat's your problem?

RONNIEMy problem is that I had to sleepoutside again last night becausethe raccoon came back. The sameone I told you about!

WILLYou really slept outside?

RONNIE, disgusted, turns and starts to walk away.

WILL (CONT'D)They're coming tomorrow.

(Beat)

36.

CONTINUED:59 59

(MORE)

CONTINUED


38/113

I just came from the aquarium. Thedirector said they'd put it upfirst thing tomorrow.

RONNIEThat doesn't help my turtles

tonight, does it?

WILLYour turtles?

RONNIEYeah. My house. My turtles.

For a long moment, WILL simply stares at her.

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EARLY EVENING62 62

RONNIE is sitting alone and reading in the dim glow of asmall camping lantern when WILL suddenly walks up.

WILLI figured you'd be here. Yourhouse, your turtles and all.Any sign of the raccoon?

RONNIEShouldn't you be with your friends,staring at yourselves in themirror?

WILLThat's funny. I'll have toremember that.

Despite her disdain, WILL takes a seat beside her. WILL notesthe book as RONNIE begins to read again.

WILL (CONT'D)(quoting from AnnaKarenina)

"Happy families are all alike,every unhappy family is unhappy inits own way." I read the book in

English last semester.

RONNIEYour parents must be proud.

WILLProbably.

(Beat)It's a beautiful night, isn't it?

37.

CONTINUED:61 61WILL (CONT'D)

CONTINUED


39/113

RONNIE finally looks up from the book.

RONNIEWhat's with the full court press?

WILL

I like people who like turtles.And I figured you might want somecompany. Even if you haven't toldme your name yet.

RONNIERonnie. It's short for Veronica.

WILLAll right, Ronnie. What's yourstory?

RONNIEWhy do you care?

WILLGive me a break. I'm trying, okay?One sentence.

RONNIEI live in New York with my mom, butshe shipped me and my brother herefor the summer to stay with my dadand now I'm stuck baby-sittingturtle eggs while a volleyball

player-slash-grease-monkey-slashaquarium-volunteer tries to hit onme.

WILLI'm not hitting on you. I justfelt bad about the cage, and to behonest, I didn't want you to be outhere alone. It's a public beachand you never know who might comewalking up.

RONNIE

But you'd protect me, right?

WILLIf it came down to that, yes.

RONNIE wonders if he's serious, but can't help but feel atleast a little flattered.

38.

CONTINUED:62 62

CONTINUED


40/113

RONNIEAll right. Your turn. What's yourstory?

WILLI'm a volleyball-player-slash

grease-monkey-slash-aquariumvolunteer.

RONNIE, despite herself, laughs. The waves continue to crashon the beach, the moonlight shines.

WILL (CONT'D)You're okay if I stay?

RONNIEIt's a public beach.

WILLWhat about your dad?

RONNIE glances at the house, noting the lights are on.

RONNIEI'm sure he knows you're here.

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EARLY EVENING63 63

STEVE releases the curtains and walks back to the couch.

On the coffee table is sheet music with a few notes penciled

in. STEVE sits and puts his fingers on the end table. As hepretends to play, WE HEAR the first few notes of the songhe's writing when JONAH enters the room.

JONAHHey Dad. What has one eye, speaksFrench, and loves cookies rightbefore bed?

STEVEI have no idea.

JONAH covers one eye with his hand.

JONAHMoi.

STEVE laughs.

STEVEI think we've got some in thekitchen. How about if I join you?

39.

CONTINUED: (2)62 62

CONTINUED


41/113

JONAH and STEVE head to the kitchen.

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EARLY MORNING64 64

RONNIE opens her eyes and sees JONAH staring at her, inchesfrom her face. When she jerks back, JONAH nods toward WILL.

JONAHWho's the stiff?

RONNIENobody. Just a friend. Go away.

WILL wakes with the commotion and wipes the sand from hisface before focusing on JONAH.

WILLHey.

JONAHHi. I'm her roommate. And you are?

RONNIEThis is my nosy brother Jonah.

WILLWill. Nice to meet you.

JONAHHey, I know you. You were the guywho told the cop that Ronnie went

to Bower's Point.

RONNIE turns toward WILL before storming to the house.

WILLThanks for that.

WILL quickly rises and goes after her.

WILL (CONT'D)Ronnie! Wait! C'mon. I'm sorry.I didn't mean for you to get intotrouble.

WILL grabs her arm and RONNIE whirls to face him.

RONNIEYou and I have nothing in common!Get it?

40.

CONTINUED:63 63

CONTINUED


42/113

WILLThen why were we both here lastnight?

RONNIELeave. Me. Alone.

WILLYour act doesn't work on me,Ronnie. You stopped the fight, youhelped that little boy and you readTolstoy. And you like sea turtles.

RONNIESo what?

WILLSo I want to show you somethingtoday.

(Beat)You'll like it. Trust me.

RONNIE stares at him.

INT. WILMINGTON AQUARIUM - MORNING65 65

WILL leads RONNIE through the darkened, still- closedaquarium, past fish-tank-lined walls.

RONNIE pauses before a black lit tank filled with jellyfishthat seem to glow. From there, they go to see three river

otters - in another exhibit - frolicking in the water.

RONNIE smiles at their playfulness and puts her hand to theglass as otters brush up against it.

WILL slides away, glancing at her as he unlocks a door. Hepushes the door open to reveal ...

INT. WILMINGTON AQUARIUM - MORNING66 66

... another, large tank, away from the viewing public, wherean injured, Loggerhead swims. The turtle's shell is scarredand one of the flippers is missing, causing her to bump into

the walls. As WILL watches it, RONNIE finally joins him.

WILLThat's Mabel. She was found amonth ago, barely alive. She washit by a boat propeller.

RONNIEIs she going to be okay?

41.

CONTINUED:64 64

CONTINUED


43/113

WILLI hope so. She's stronger now thanshe was. But no one knows if shecan survive in the ocean.

RONNIE

Why did you want me to see this?

WILLBecause I thought you'd like her asmuch as I do. Scars and all.

RONNIE wonders if WILL is talking about her as well.

RONNIEAren't you supposed to be at work?

WILLIt's my day off.

RONNIEWorking for dad has its perks, huh?

WILLYou might say that.

RONNIESo what do you usually do on yourday off?

CUT TO:

EXT. SMALL PIER - AFTERNOON67 67

WILL holds a fishing rod as RONNIE sits beside him, legsdangling. Above them, lazy clouds roll while an ospreyfloats on the updrafts. Water laps gently at the pilings.

RONNIEJust a good, Southern boy, huh?Going fishing, watching the clouds.I feel like you should be wearing aNASCAR hat and chewing tobacco.

WILLDon't be a snob. Believe it or not,the south is great. We have indoorplumbing and everything. And onweekends, we go mudding.

RONNIEMudding?

42.

CONTINUED:66 66

CONTINUED


44/113

WILLWe drive our trucks in the mud.

RONNIE tries to imagine the fun in something like thatwithout success. All at once, the line goes tight and thereel bends. WILL hops to his feet and hands the rod to her,

suddenly moving fast, the action getting exciting.

WILL (CONTD)Okay ... just take it ... hold onto it! Now reel it in ... no, notlike that!

RONNIEI don't know what to do!

WILLYou're doing great!

RONNIEI can't!

RONNIE begins to laugh and scream, making it into a biggerdeal than it is. As she reels, WILL grabs the net.

WILL scoops the fish and brings it to the deck as RONNIEdances around the flopping creature.

RONNIE (CONT'D)It's dying! ... Put it back in thewater!

WILLI'm trying! I've got to get thehook out!

RONNIEThen get it out!

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEACH - LATE AFTERNOON68 68

As RONNIE and WILL walk toward her house.

WILL

So mom's been going crazy trying toplan my sister's wedding and makingthe whole thing perfect. It's beena little ... tense at the house.

RONNIEWhat's your sister like?

43.

CONTINUED:67 67

CONTINUED


45/113

WILLSmart. Lives in New York. A bitof a free spirit. Pretty much likeanother older sister I know.

RONNIE bumps against him before they pause at the dune,

examining the rickety, rusted cage over the turtle nest.

RONNIEThat's going to keep the raccoonout?

WILLThat's what they say. Do you haveto go home yet?

RONNIELet me guess. You want to take meduck hunting now.

WILLThat's in the winter.

RONNIETell me you don't kill ducks.

RONNIE stares at him. WILL doesn't respond.

RONNIE (CONT'D)Cute, sweet little featheredcreatures, flying toward their

little duck pond, just mindingtheir own business? And you blowthem out of the sky?

WILLNot today.

(Beat)I've got a volleyball game. Comeon. It's fun.

RONNIE hesitates before finally deciding to go with him.RONNIE walks beside WILL as STEVE steps outside the workshop.

RONNIEEvil duck killer.

EXT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - LATE AFTERNOON69 69

STEVE watches them go. JONAH steps outside, still wearinghis safety goggles, looking like a deep sea diver.

44.

CONTINUED:68 68

CONTINUED


46/113

JONAHNeed me to follow them, Dad? Keepan eye on them for you?

STEVE smiles.

STEVEI think they'll be okay.

EXT. BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - LATE AFTERNOON70 70

WILL moves through the crowd, RONNIE trailing behind him.

RONNIE notices a few of the other teams and is surprised bythe intensity she sees in their expressions.

RONNIEThey look so serious about this.Don't they know it's just a game?

WILLSome do, some don't.

RONNIEAnd you?

WILLI play because I enjoy it.

SCOTT sees WILL and moves toward him.

WILL (CONTD)Now Scott on the other hand, livesfor volleyball. It's his life.

SCOTTWhere've you been, man? You knowwe're playing this weekend for ahigher seed in the tournament.

RONNIE moves into view and SCOTT freezes.

WILLI'm sorry, man. Time got away from

me. Are we up next?

WILL sees SCOTT staring at RONNIE. Off to the side, CASSIEand ASHLEY are staring at RONNIE as well.

SCOTTOh ... Yeah ... We're up in acouple of minutes.

45.

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CONTINUED


47/113

WILLI've got to go.

RONNIEGo ahead.

WILL heads off with SCOTT. SCOTT simply stares at him.

EXT. BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - LATE AFTERNOON71 71

WILL and SCOTT play, making great sets and shots. After oneof them WILL sees RONNIE and smiles.

Suddenly, ASHLEY sits next to RONNIE.

ASHLEYYou and Will, huh? Let me guess.He took you fishing?

RONNIEDo I know you?

ASHLEYNo, but I know Will. And I guessyou're his latest project.

RONNIEWhat are you talking about?

ASHLEYNew girl, new conquest? It's just

the way he is. He can't help it.(Beat)Don't tell me you were actuallyfalling for it?

RONNIE glances from ASHLEY to WILL. While getting ready toserve, WILL turns toward them. His brow furrows.

RONNIEI gotta go.

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - LATE AFTERNOON72 72

JONAH, concentrating, carefully solders part of the window,looking like he has the hang of it. They've made goodprogress on the window.

Behind him, STEVE pulls a hot piece of glass from the kilnand holds it up to the light, checking the color, beforeputting it on the table.

46.

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CONTINUED


48/113

Through the window, he spots RONNIE heading toward the house,looking angry.

STEVEYou think you can handle the nextcouple of pieces on your own?

JONAHGot it covered, Dad.

STEVE leaves the workshop and ...

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - LATE AFTERNOON73 73

... knocks at the partially open door. He sees RONNIEpacking her suitcase.

RONNIEI'm out of here. I'm calling Mom.

STEVEThat bad?

RONNIELook ... you can't make me stay,Okay? I just don't like it here.

RONNIE stares at her father. All at once, there's a knockingat the door. After a moment, RONNIE moves past him and headstoward the living room, where she ...

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON74 74

... opens the door ...

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - PORCH - DUSK75 75

... and sees WILL on the porch. The last person she wanted tosee.

WILLWhat happened? Why'd you leave?

RONNIE scowls and starts to close the door ...

WILL (CONT'D)Hold on! Wait!

The door slams shut. WILL knocks again. Pounds on it.

WILL (CONT'D)Come on, Ronnie! What did I do?

47.

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CONTINUED


49/113

After a moment, the door swings open.

RONNIEI'm not going to play your game.

WILL

What are you talking about?

RONNIEGo away.

RONNIE closes the door again, this time for good.

WILLI'm not going until you talk to me!

BACK TO:


RONNIE loads her suitcase on the bed. KIM walks up behindher. Two black dresses are laid out.

KIMYou didn't give him a chance toexplain.

RONNIEI wasn't thinking all that clearly.I think I had some anger managementissues back then.

KIMSo what did you end up doing?

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING

JONAH is standing near the window, staring in the directionof the turtle nest, as if transfixed. STEVE is reading theBible while RONNIE reads Anna Karenina.

JONAH

How long do you think he's going tosit out there?

STEVEWhy don't you go ask him?

JONAHHe's not my boyfriend.

48.

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CONTINUED


50/113

RONNIEHe's not mine either.

JONAHIt's just weird, don't you think?Sitting out there all alone waiting

for you to talk to him?

STEVE glances up at RONNIE, but RONNIE pretends not to seeit. JONAH continues to stare, talking absently.

JONAH (CONT'D)I wonder if he'll be out there allnight. And tomorrow, too.

RONNIEFine! I get it! I'll go!

RONNIE heads toward the door. JONAH turns to his father.

JONAHWhat'd I say?


WILL is tossing tiny shells at the spider crabs when he seesRONNIE approach. He stands.

RONNIEYou've got my brother completelywigged out. You should go.

WILLI just want to know what Ashleysaid to you.

RONNIEShe didn't say anything.

WILLNo? Then why'd you run off aftertalking to her? Why did it takeyou three hours to finally comeoutside?

RONNIE continues to stare at him, unimpressed.

WILL (CONT'D)What did she tell you? That we'restill seeing each other? Becausewe're not. We're over.

(Beat)Talk to me.

49.

CONTINUED:

CONTINUED


51/113

RONNIE says nothing as she begins to understand the reasonbehind ASHLEY'S comment. But before she can say anything,WILL throws up his hands.

WILL (CONT'D)I thought you were different. I

thought ... I don't know what thehell I thought.

WILL turns and heads toward his truck. RONNIE watches himgo, thinking. She's about to start after him when shecatches a shadowy image on the beach.

As she stares, she sees the flicker of a lighter ... and afireball. MARCUS. RONNIE backs away and heads inside.

CUT TO:

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - MORNING79 79

A pelican skims the gentle swells in morning sunshine as ...

OFFICER JOHNSON, STEVE and PASTOR HARRIS (70s) stand next tothe squad car in the driveway and watch as RONNIE stepsoutside. OFFICER JOHNSON nods and they shake before OFFICERJOHNSON gets into the car.

RONNIE walks toward them. Up close, she sees burns on theold man's arms.

STEVE

Ronnie, this is Pastor Harris. Thisis my daughter, Ronnie.

RONNIEHi.

PASTOR HARRISPleased to meet you.

(To STEVE)Let me know if you need anything.I'm going to check on the repairsat the church.

PASTOR HARRIS walks off, moving slowly and with a limp.

RONNIEWhat was that all about?

STEVELet's have breakfast first.

50.

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CONTINUED


52/113

RONNIEJust tell me, Dad.

STEVEYou're not going to be able to goback to your mom's.

(Beat)The store owners still intend topress charges. The arraignment isset for Tuesday.

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - AFTERNOON80 80

RONNIE sits by the turtle nest, watching the water when STEVEwalks up and takes a seat beside her.

RONNIEWas she mad?

STEVEI'm pretty sure she Godzilla'd thekitchen. But she'll get over it.Your mom's a great lady.

RONNIEWhy did you leave us, Dad?

(Beat)I'm old enough for the truth, okay?

STEVEAfter I stopped teaching at

Julliard, I did every show I could.My dream, you know? Be a famousconcert pianist? But my being gonewas hard on your mom and we justsort of ... drifted apart.

RONNIEThere was someone else, wasn'tthere?

STEVE doesn't deny it, and RONNIE looks toward the sand.

STEVE

I know I should have tried harderto save the marriage, and I'm sorryfor that. But that doesn't mean Iever stopped believing in the magicof love. Or happiness.

RONNIEThat doesn't really help me.

51.

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CONTINUED


53/113

STEVEMaybe you should go talk to him.

(Beat)You looked happy yesterday. And hedid, too.

INT. BLAKELEE BRAKES - AFTERNOON81 81

WILL and SCOTT are working beneath a car on the lift,changing a set of brake pads.

SCOTTI'm just saying you were a littleoff, that's all. You know howimportant the tournament is to me.Just keep your head in the game.You do that, and we're going tocrush Tyson and Landry.

WILLThey haven't lost yet this year.And they just won junior nationals.

SCOTT suddenly stops as he sees RONNIE standing in thedoorway that leads to the garage bay.

SCOTTThe chick from the Lost Boys isback.

WILL sees her and approaches. No smile this time.

WILLWhat do you want?

RONNIEI left because she said I was yournew project. That it's what youalways do.

WILLShe lied.

(Beat)Look, I've got to get back to work.

RONNIEI'm sorry. I overreacted. And Ihad a good time yesterday.

For the first time, WILL smiles.

WILLOkay.

52.

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CONTINUED


54/113

RONNIEThat's it? That's all you're goingto say after I come all the wayover here to apologize? Okay?

All at once, WILL takes a step forward and places a hand on

RONNIE'S hip. Pulling her close, he kisses her. RONNIEresists a bit at first, then gives in and kisses him back.When WILL finally pulls back, she's a bit flustered.

WILL meets her eyes.

WILLThe next time you're mad at me,don't shut me out. I don't likeplaying games.

In the background, SCOTT sees the whole thing.

CUT TO:


RONNIE exits a store, smiling to herself, still amazed atwhat had just happened.

She's holding a small bag of dried fruit. As she opens thedoor, she drops the bag. She picks up the pieces and tossesthem in a nearby trash can.

Up ahead, she sees MARCUS and BLAZE tossing two fireballs

back and forth, obviously practicing. RONNIE ducks back sothey don't see her. Then, turning around, she heads in theopposite direction ...


... just as BLAZE turns in her direction. BLAZE'S smilefades. But for the first time, BLAZE looks a tiny bitguilty.

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - AFTERNOON84 84

PIANO music BOOMS -- more melody from the song STEVE is

writing -- blocking out all other sound. STEVE'S eyes areclosed and for a moment, it seems as he's playing the piano.

JONAH(Sounding far away)

Dad.(Sounding a bit closer)

Dad.

53.

CONTINUED:81 81

(MORE)

CONTINUED


55/113

(Then, loud, suddenlystopping the boomingmusic in STEVE'S head)

Dad! The glass is ready. Didn'tyou hear the beeper?

STEVESorry.

STEVE puts on his gloves and pulls another piece of hand-painted glass from the kiln with tongs. The window is abouta quarter done, and STEVE sets the glass down to cool.

JONAHHey Dad. What has one eye, speaksFrench ...

STEVENo cookies until after lunch. Howabout I make some sandwiches?

JONAHSandwiches?

STEVEI'll meet you inside in a couple ofminutes.

JONAH heads to the door as RONNIE walks in.

JONAH

Ronnie's back.

RONNIEHey, Jonah. How are you doing?

JONAHI'm dying of starvation, but dadwon't even let me have a singlecookie. Can you believe that?

JONAH trudges off and RONNIE flashes a brief smile as sheenters. RONNIE looks around the shop, really taking it infor the first time. She notices the newspaper article and

leans in to read it. STEVE stays quiet, knowing she'll getaround to what she wants to say. Finally, she sighs.

RONNIEI talked to him.

STEVEAnd?

54.

CONTINUED:84 84JONAH (CONT'D)

CONTINUED


56/113

RONNIEHe likes me.

STEVEHe should. You're a catch.

RONNIE moves toward the window and stares at it.

RONNIEWhy are you making the window forthe church? And yesterday, I sawyou reading the Bible. What's goingon? I mean I know you always wentto that church, as a kid, but ...

STEVEPastor Harris was like a father tome. He was my first piano teacher,and working with him was ...amazing. I used to play hoursbeneath the original window withthis wondrous light shining aroundme. And when the church burned ...

(Beat)The pastor almost died and theinsurance only covers half thedamage ... and I just couldn'timagine the church without thewindow. It just wouldn't be right,so I'm going to finish it. I needto finish it.

(Beat)I'm talking too much. When can Imeet the young man who likes mydaughter?

EXT. BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - AFTERNOON85 85

SCOTT and WILL have just finished another game and approachCASSIE and ASHLEY when WILL sees RONNIE in the distance.

SCOTTYou've got to be kidding.

WILL hands the ball to SCOTT and walks past ASHLEY andCASSIE. ASHLEY isn't happy about it.

WILLHey.

RONNIEDon't kiss me. Just listen.

55.

CONTINUED: (2)84 84


57/113

INT. WILL'S TRUCK - DUSK86 86

The truck, with raised wheels, vibrates as RONNIE glancesaround. She flips down the visor and sees a photo of WILLwith a beautiful blond who wears a VANDERBILT sweatshirt,both of them showing off matching macrame-beaded bracelets.

RONNIETen bucks says you posted this onyour facebook page.

WILLYou lose. That's my sister.

RONNIEOh. What's with the matchingbracelets? You always wear it.

WILLMy sister and I both do. We makethem.

WILL doesn't say more and RONNIE gets the sense he doesn'twant to talk about it.

RONNIEYou know my dad won't care ifyou're still sweating.

WILLIt's just a few of minutes, okay?

EXT. WILMINGTON STREETS - DUSK87 87

The truck passes homes that get progressively larger, withwell-manicured lawns.


RONNIEWhere are we going?

WILLCould you reach into the glove

compartment and get the remote?

RONNIE opens it up and hands over the remote. WILL takes itand presses a button ...

EXT. WILL'S DRIVE-WAY - DUSK89 89

... as large, iron gates swing open just before WILL pullsinto the drive.

56.

CONTINUED


58/113

The drive curves and after a moment, a massive, Georgianhome, with stately columns and flanked by two five cargarages appears.

WILL pulls the truck to a stop in front of the house and getsout. RONNIE, still staring at the house, can't move. It's the

largest, grandest home she's ever seen. WILL pulls the dooropen for her and they ...

... walk up the steps. To one side of the door is a signannouncing that "THE BLAKELEES DO NOT RECEIVE UNANNOUNCEDVISITORS." WILL pushes the door open ...

INT. BLAKELEE MANSION - DUSK90 90

... to reveal a massive, marbled foyer, with an intricate,crystal chandelier and amazing water views off the GreatRoom.

RONNIEYou didn't tell me your last namewas Blakelee.

WILLYou didn't ask. Come on. Can I getyou something to drink while Ichange?

WILL leads the way, through the foyer ... toward the greatroom, that overlooks the intra-coastal waterway ... past themusic room ... past the Billiard room. A female voice calls

out.

SUSAN (O.S.)Will? Is that you?

SUSAN BLAKELEE, coiffed, attractive and perfectly dressed,enters the room, holding a wedding magazine.

WILLHey mom. Where's Dad?

SUSAN spots RONNIE behind her son. By her expression, it'sthe first time someone who looks like RONNIE has ever been

inside her home. SUSAN tries to recover. Though she smiles,there's a definite lack of warmth in her eyes.

SUSANHe's in the den ... and you broughtcompany. I'm Susan Blakelee.

WILLThis is Ronnie.

57.

CONTINUED:89 89

CONTINUED


59/113

RONNIEHi.

WILLI'm having dinner over theretonight, okay?

(To RONNIE)I'll be right back.

WILL heads toward the stairs and for a long moment, neitherSUSAN nor RONNIE say anything to each other.

TOM BLAKELEE walks in, casually dressed and looking friendly.

TOMI thought I heard someone come in.I'm Will's dad. So you're the onehe's been talking about.

SUSANWill is going to be joining Ronnieand her family for dinner.

TOMDon't bother making anything fancy.The kid lives on pizza and burgers.

SUSANTom ...

TOM

Do you have a second? I want toshow you something.

SUSANI'm sure she's not interested inyour airplane.

TOMCome on. You like airplanes, right?

RONNIEYeah, sure.

EXT. BLAKELEE MANSION - BACK VERANDA - DUSK91 91

... a noisy whine sounds as TOM holds a remote in his hands,excitedly pushing controls back and forth while a small,remote control airplane buzzes over the water.

TOMI always wanted one of thesethings. Do you want to try?

58.

CONTINUED:90 90

CONTINUED


60/113

RONNIEThat's okay.

WILL steps onto the porch, closing the door behind him. Notonly changed, he looks freshly showered.

WILLYou have to forgive my dad. Hesometimes forgets he's an adult.

TOMAt least I'm honest. She's a wholelot prettier than you let on.

WILLDad ...

TOMIt's true. Don't be embarrassed.

(To RONNIE)He used to be the shyest kid intown. Couldn't even look at apretty girl without his cheeksturning bright red.

RONNIE smiles. WILL shakes his head in disbelief.

WILLI can't believe you're saying this.

TOM

Why not?(To RONNIE)Does that bother you?

RONNIENot at all.

TOMSee? She doesn't care.

Through the window, SUSAN watches them, concerned.


WILL closes the door and glances over at RONNIE.

WILLSorry about all that.

RONNIEDon't be. I like him.

(Beat)

59.

CONTINUED:91 91

(MORE)

CONTINUED


61/113

Now about tonight. My family hasthis weird tradition.

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING93 93

Stars glow over the cottage as a couple of voices sound:

WILL (O.S.)No, you're lying and I'm sick andtired of it!

RONNIE (O.S.)Don't even go there! You're theone who's lying!

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - EARLY EVENING94 94

We PAN OVER the dirty plates on the kitchen counter to ...

... RONNIE, WILL, JONAH and STEVE sitting around the table,each of them holding a playing card to their head, obviouslyenjoying a game of Liar's Poker.

RONNIE holds a seven, WILL an eight, STEVE a three and JONAHa nine.

All have their "game-faces" on. In the middle is a pile ofchange. JONAH seems to be winning.

JONAHYou're both lying! You've been

lying all night!

WILLA quarter says you don't know whatyou're talking about.

WILL throws a quarter into the pot.

STEVEBad move, son. It's over. I'llraise you fifty cents ...

RONNIE

I'll see that!

The others call. WILL looks at each of them, pausing, tryingto read them. So does RONNIE. All at once, all four of thembring their cards to the table.

JONAHYou're all liars!

60.

CONTINUED:92 92RONNIE (CONT'D)

CONTINUED


62/113

JONAH rakes the money in as they all laugh. As he does, WILLlooks at RONNIE. Their eyes linger.

WILLDo you want to go for a walk?

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEACH - EARLY EVENING95 95

It's a beautiful, summer evening on the beach; the moonhanging over the ocean making the water seem to sparkle, alight breeze, the waves gently rolling.

WILL and RONNIE walk beside each other, the happy mood fromthe game still lingering.

RONNIEI don't know how he always wins. Ithink he cheats, but I haven'tfigured out how.

WILLYou just need to lie better.

RONNIELike you telling me you work foryour dad?

WILLI do work for my dad.

RONNIE

You know what I mean.

WILL motions to the workshop.

WILLWhat's that place?

RONNIEMy dad's workshop. He and Jonahare making a stained glass windowthis summer.

(Beat)So what's next for you? Are you

going to keep working for your dad?

WILLJust until the end of August. I'mgoing to Vanderbilt in the fall.

Up ahead, a group is clustered on the beach, tending a smallbonfire. The faint strains of music are evident.

61.

CONTINUED:94 94

CONTINUED


63/113

RONNIEYou don't sound very excited.

WILLI wanted to go someplace different,and I got accepted to a place that

has this incredible environmentalscience program, but my mom ... Shewanted me to go to Vanderbilt.

RONNIEDo you always do what your momwants?

WILLYou don't understand. It's afamily tradition. My parents wentthere, my sister went there. And mymom ... She ...

RONNIE waits, knowing something important is coming.

WILL (CONTD)I had a little brother. Mike. He'sthe reason my sister and I wear thebracelets. Great little guy. Somuch fun. Five years ago, Scott andI had a basketball game, and webrought Mike with us. Somehow mymom lost control of the car. Mikedidn't make it. Hell, without

Scott, my mom and I probablywouldn't have made it either. Butmy mom still blames herself, and soshe tries to control things. Evenme. Especially me.

RONNIE glances at the bracelet.

RONNIEWhat do the letters mean? I-M-T-F

WILLIn-My-Thoughts-Forever.

RONNIEAnd you said Scott saved you?

WILLHe pulled us out before the gastank exploded. But Mike ... Hedied on impact.

(Beat)

62.

CONTINUED:95 95

(MORE)

CONTINUED


64/113

I'll never go to another funeralagain.

(Long beat, remembering)Now it's your turn for secrets.What don't I know about you?Something no one around here knows.

It's a moment of truth ...

RONNIEI used to play the piano.

WILLUsed to?

RONNIEI don't play anymore.

There's more and WILL knows it, but RONNIE seems hesitant.

At that instant, a shooting star passes overhead and RONNIEpoints, breaking the tension.

RONNIE closes her eyes for a moment, then finally opens them.

RONNIE (CONTD)What did you wish for?

Instead of answering, WILL slides one arm around her back andtakes her hand in his.

They begin to sway to the music, then dance in slow circles.

BACK TO:


KIM watches RONNIE'S reflection in the mirror, transfixed.The suitcase packed; again WE SEE the black dresses.

KIMYou fell in love with him, didn'tyou?

RONNIENot then. Not yet, anyway.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. BEACH - AFTERNOON97 97

WILL and RONNIE, run along the beach, both of them laughingand finally collapsing in the sand, where they kiss.

63.

CONTINUED: (2)95 95WILL (CONT'D)


65/113

EXT. BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - AFTERNOON98 98

WILL tries to teach RONNIE to play volleyball. WILL lobs theball toward her, RONNIE yelps as she sends the ball flyingoff to the side ... The same thing happens again ...

But the next time, she hits the ball well and it goes soaringover WILL'S head ...

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - DOORWAY - AFTERNOON99 99

WILL and RONNIE kiss in the doorway and then spill into thehouse, ending up against the wall. Finally, reluctantly,RONNIE puts her hands to his chest.

RONNIEStop. My dad might walk in at anytime. And I've got to get my suit.

RONNIE catches her breath, stares at him, then darts for herroom. In her absence, WILL spies the photographs and magazinearticle in the end-table drawer.

He pulls them out and looks them over, curious ...

CUT TO:

EXT. BLAKELEE MANSION - POOL - AFTERNOON100 100

RONNIE suns on her stomach on the diving board, teasing WILLas he stands on the pool cabana roof.

RONNIEAnyone can do one flip. Even Icould do one flip.

WILLI'd like to see that.

RONNIEI'm just saying I could. But doone, if that's all you can do.I'll pretend to be amazed.

WILL backs up, takes two quick steps and jumps. He does twoflips, looking more graceful than she'd imagined, and divesin the water with only a slight splash.

WILL swims toward the diving board. He grabs the lip of theboard and starts to bounce it up and down.

RONNIE screams and falls in ... and WILL is there to grabher. He tries to kiss her as she splashes away.

64.


66/113

INT. BLAKELEE MANSION - DAY101 101

SUSAN is standing by the window watching WILL and RONNIE -not happy - when TOM walks up.

SUSAN

I don't trust that girl. She's ...got an edge to her.

TOMWill seems to like her.

SUSANThat's what I'm worried about.

EXT. BEACH SHOPS - LATE AFTERNOON102 102

RONNIE and WILL walk beside each other, each of them enjoyinga snow-cone. When WILL takes a bite, RONNIE pushes WILL'Ssnow-cone up onto his nose and takes off.

WILL laughs and begins to chase her, when MARCUS, BLAZE,TEDDY and LANCE suddenly round the corner. RONNIE lands inMARCUS'S arms.

RONNIE struggles, but MARCUS holds tight.

RONNIELet me go!

RONNIE struggles but MARCUS won't let her go. WILL rushes

toward them. TEDDY & LANCE step forward, ready to intervene.

MARCUSTake it easy, Will. I was justkeeping her from falling. And bythe way, how's Scott doing?

WILL freezes. MARCUS finally lets her go and RONNIE rubs herarms where MARCUS had squeezed too hard. MARCUS and theothers head off.

MARCUS (CONT'D)See you around, Ronnie. And say

hey to the Judge for me on Tuesday.

When RONNIE finally turns to WILL, she sees him staring ather, his expression concerned.

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - DUSK103 103

RONNIE and WILL sit on the dune, near the turtle nest. WILLis listening intently as RONNIE shakes her head.

65.

CONTINUED


67/113

RONNIEAnd that's all of it. I admittedeverything the first time because Iknew I was wrong, but this time,I'm innocent. I know you probablydon't believe me.

WILLIt's not that. Nothing surprisesme about Marcus. He's been crazysince he was a kid. But Galadriel... She used to be the nicestgirl, but after her mom and dad gotdivorced, she just sort of lost whoshe was. I feel bad for her, butwhat she's doing to you is wrong.

RONNIEWhat's going on with Scott andMarcus? First, they almost fight,then he says something weird. Andyou seem caught in the middle.

WILLIt's nothing.

RONNIE knows there's more but doesn't press it.

WILL (CONTD)Can I ask you a question? Totallydifferent subject?

RONNIE glances at him.

WILL (CONTD)Why did you stop playing the piano?I saw the picture and the article.

RONNIEMy dad taught me to play from thetime I was able to walk and when heleft us ... I don't know. It's likeI was so angry at him that the bestway to get back at him was to quit.

WILLIt's not my business, but it seemslike you're only hurting yourself.You have a gift. Who knows? Maybeyou could go to Julliard?

66.

CONTINUED:103 103

CONTINUED


68/113

RONNIEI could. They still write me. Andmy dad used to teach there.

WILLThen why don't you go?

RONNIEDoes it matter that much to you?That I'm not just who you thought Iwas? That I'm better?

WILLYou're exactly who I thought youwere. From the first time I sawyou I saw you.

EXT. COURT HOUSE - MORNING104 104

A stately limestone structure where WE PAN to the words: NEWHANOVER COURT HOUSE. Men and women hurry up the steps.

INT. COURT HOUSE - MORNING105 105

RONNIE stands next to a female ATTORNEY. STEVE and JONAH arein the front row behind her. The court is crowded and amongthose present is ASHLEY, who works for another attorney.

ASHLEY sees RONNIE, but RONNIE doesn't notice her. ASHLEYslips further into the background.

The stern PROSECUTOR stands at her table, facing the Judge.

RONNIENot guilty, Your Honor.

JUDGETrial will be set for August 20th.

ASHLEY heads over to confer with the PROSECUTOR as shewatches RONNIE leave.

EXT. COURT HOUSE - MORNING106 106

As RONNIE and STEVE talk to RONNIE'S ATTORNEY, RONNIE seesWILL leaning against his truck, holding flowers.

BACK TO:

INT. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - BEDROOM - LATE MORNING107 107

KIM watches as RONNIE adjusts the strap on her black dress.

67.

CONTINUED: (2)103 103

CONTINUED


69/113

RONNIEThat's when I fell in love withhim.

KIMBecause he was there?

RONNIENo. Because that's when I knew heloved me too.

(Beat)But it's strange. We were sodifferent. We argued abouteverything. The only thing we hadin common was that we couldn't getenough of each other.

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - AFTERNOON108 108

RONNIE and WILL stand near the turtle nest. RONNIE ispointing to the sand near the cage.

RONNIEYou didn't tell me raccoons coulddig under the cage! You're going tohave to stay out here tonight!

WILLMe? I thought you said they wereyour turtles!

RONNIE storms off toward the house.


As WILL sits by the nest, RONNIE comes up to join him. Shesits and hands him a cup of cocoa.

CUT TO:

EXT. DIRT ROAD - AFTERNOON110 110

WILL'S truck is stuck in the mud and a cable has beenanchored to a nearby tree. WILL is winching the cable as

RONNIE leans out the window.

RONNIEUp north, we watch fireworks on the4th of July. We don't get stuck inthe mud.

WILLEase down on the gas gently.

68.

CONTINUED:107 107

CONTINUED


70/113

The engine revs, but the tires spin. WILL winches again,then jogs into position for a better view.

WILL (CONTD)Now try. A little harder.

RONNIE pushes the accelerator too hard, and the rear of thetruck begins to slide sideways, spraying WILL with mud.

EXT. DIRT ROAD - EVENING111 111

With lights on the truck's roll cage glowing in the darkness,WILL drives the truck as it bounces through the mud. RONNIEis having the time of her life.

WILL makes a sudden, sharp turn, off the muddy track, towarda small clearing before finally bringing the truck to a stop.

RONNIEWhat's going on?

WILL motions out the filthy front window. RONNIE watches asfireworks begin exploding in the evening sky.

CUT TO:

INT. STEVE'S WORK SHOP - AFTERNOON112 112

RONNIE and WILL examine the progressing work on the stainedglass window as STEVE and JONAH continue to work. PASTORHARRIS is there as well.

WILLYou didn't tell me the window wasfor the church that burned.

RONNIEWhat does it matter?

WILLHow far would you go to protect afriend?

RONNIE

What aren't you telling me?

WILL doesn't answer. PASTOR HARRIS looks over at him.

RONNIE (CONTD)In the end, you should always dothe right thing. The problem is,that's also usually the hard thing.

69.

CONTINUED:110 110

CONTINUED


71/113

WILL says nothing. In the silence, STEVE coughs.

EXT. SMALL BOAT ON THE OCEAN - DAY113 113

WILL is reeling in a fish, while balancing on the back of thesmall boat.

WILLPut it in reverse! Hurry! I'malmost out of line!

RONNIE panicking, slams the throttle forward. The boatsurges and WILL goes flying off the back.

CUT TO:

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING114 114

RONNIE sneaks in the door to find her father asleep.

She pulls the blanket up, making him more comfortable.

CUT TO:

INT. WILMINGTON AQUARIUM - DAY115 115

RONNIE is staring at the pail of fish and shaking her head,as if disgusted.

RONNIEI'm not putting my hand in there.

WILL(tired of this)

Grab the fish and throw it! Theotters need to eat!

RONNIEIt looks all slimy! It's gross!

WILL(Voice rising, frustrated)

Feed the otters!(Then softly, trying to

charm)Please feed the otters. They'restarving, baby.

RONNIE grimaces as she reaches in and grabs the fish. As shetosses i

Last Song, The

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