Loss Before Love

8/13/2019 Loss Before Love

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LOSS BEFORE LOVE

Written by

Walt Felix


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FADE IN:

EXT. SCHOOL BUS - DAY

We see a classic yellow school bus driving along the road. Itis morning on a school day.

ATTICUS (V.O.)Throughout life, one is forced intocertain, uh... changes. Thesechanges are often forced, and aregenerally quite uncomfortable forthe individual. Each of thesechanges are progressively worsethan the previous. But the whenlife really slaps you in the face,is this little institution called

high school. And it is aninstitution. Youve got cells,gross food, wardens, etc. But themost prevalent of thesesimilarities is a social hierarchy.And believe me, my uncle had a longrelationship with prison, so I knowthese things. Anyway, the luckyones can just suck it up and powerthrough. Im, unfortunately, notone of those people. Butnevertheless, I carry my burdenthrough the valley of darkness. And

I do fear evil. Whether I like itor not.

The bus pulls in to the castle-like school, and the studentspile out. Our hero, ATTICUS WOLFENSTEIN, a blonde withglasses destined for better things, dressed in a cardigan anddress shirt, steps out last.

CUT TO:

BLANK SCREEN

Against black, TITLE CARD: Loss Before Love

CUT TO:

INT. MULDERS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

We see our hero dodging traffic in the busy hallway ofMulders High School. He turns toward the camera.


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ATTICUSThis is my school. Its calledMulders. Its a rather...unfortunate name. Anyway, morningsare pretty hectic around here. Kidsjust arrive in waves. And if youhone your skills you can surf thesewaves. I choose not to becausethere arent many people Id wannasurf around here.

Atticus jumps over someone bending over to get a pencil inthe middle of the hallway. He turns toward the camera.

ATTICUS (CONTD)They like to herd the students inthe cafeterias before school. Thisof course right before they

slaughter us. Now, there are alarge amount of so-calledintellectuals that attend myschool, as it is the best highschool in Kentucky. Which, by theway, is 50 in the country, whichreally says something aboutKentucky as a whole, and theintellectuals who attend theschools. Nevertheless, these socalled intellectuals either refuseto show it in the school setting,or they are just nervous.

Our hero then enters the bland and colorful school cafeteria.He walks over to a group of kids standing around a table. Twoof them are GEORGE and BILLY They arent very memorable. Oneof the kids turns to Atticus.

GEORGEAtticus, what did you get on theComputer Apps test?

ATTICUSIm not sure. I havent checked.Ive been trying to be more

positive, and that wouldnt exactlyfollow that notion.

George laughs.

GEORGEI got a 73.

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ATTICUS73? You got a 73? I did better thanthat in math.

GEORGEHey, its better than I thought Iwas going to do.

ATTICUSWell, thanks for costing me twenty-dollars.

Atticus takes out his wallet, pulls out a bill, and hands itto another kid at the table.

ATTICUS (CONTD)You cant count on anyone anymore.I dont understand. Im Irish. I

was born to gamble.

Atticus looks toward another student at the table.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Billy, did we have any Latinhomework?

BILLYYeah. Exercise A and B on page 130.

ATTICUSWell, uh, Im starting to realize

why they told me not to take Latin.

Suddenly, out hero catches sight of a girl across the room.She is his dream. An incredibly beautiful and tall brunette.She is MARILYN, an adventurous sort-of girl.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Guys, uh, Ill be right back.

Atticus begins walking toward this girl. He turns toward thecamera.

ATTICUS (CONTD)

That young woman over there Ihappen to be madly in love with.Which is really saying somethingbecause the only people Ive everloved are dead. They say if youchase love youll never find it.And Im here to tell you that is100% false. Id been searching fora dame for too long and eventuallylife had some pity on me.

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Im pretty sure she considers meher friend. Though Im not sure ifthats a good thing or not. Hername is Marilyn. But you shouldntcompare her to Monroe, because itsreally no contest. You see, Ihavent has to much luck with theladies. I seem to only attractcrazies.

CUT TO:

INT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT

We see Atticus and his DATE in a dilapidated movie theater.His date has her phone out and is recording the movie.Atticus leans toward her.

ATTICUSUh, you do thats um, illegal,right?

She puts her finger to her mouth in the shhing position.

DATEShh, theres people trying to watchthe movie.

Atticus stares from bewilderment. He nods as if heunderstands.

ATTICUSRight.

Atticus awkwardly moves back to his position. His datecontinues filming.

CUT BACK TO:


Atticus is walking toward Marilyn once more. He shakes his

head profusely.

ATTICUSHyuh...

Atticus arrives at where she is standing with a friend,STACEY, a forgettable girl. They both turn towards our hero.

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ATTICUS (CONTD)


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ATTICUS (CONTD)Yknow, I heard the most ridiculousthing the other day.

MARILYNWhats that?

ATTICUSI heard Frank Sinatra sing Mrs.Robinson.

MARILYNHow awkward was that?

ATTICUSSomehow, more than you wouldexpect. It really sounded likePrince covering Johnny Cash.

MARILYNWith what?

Atticus smiles.

ATTICUSYou ask entirely too manyquestions.

Atticus turn to the camera.

ATTICUS (CONTD)

Did you here that wordplay? Thatwas practically Marxist in style.The comedy was spread evenlythroughout. Most likely with whatPrince used to cover Cash.

Atticus turns back toward the girls.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Did either of you happen to noticethose posters about the fair thing?

MARILYN

No. Is there a fair coming?

ATTICUSYeah, outside of my Science class Ispotted a poster detailing somemusic fair thing coming here nextweek. That itself doesnt soundparticularly interesting, but I didsee this traveling show featured aJohn Lennon bus.

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MARILYNA bus?

ATTICUSYes, a bus. Im assuming this buswill provide general informationabout Mr. Lennon.

MARILYNThat sounds... interesting.

ATTICUSThe poster also mentioned somethingabout a live band.

STACEYWhat kind of music is there?

ATTICUSIm assuming the current top forty.

Atticus turns toward the camera.

ATTICUS (CONTD)That there is Stacey. Or, so Ithink. To be blunt, shes not verymemorable, and I think her name isactually Amy.

Atticus turns back to the girls. Suddenly, a bell sounds fromabove. Atticus waves goodbye, and strolls away. He exits from

the cafeteria and begins his trek to class.

CUT TO:


We see our hero trotting down the hallway. He turns towardthe camera.

ATTICUSNow comes both the most, and uh,and least interesting part of my

day. It starts with Latin. Whichwould be an enjoyable class if theteacher didnt think she was thefunniest thing since CharlieChaplins moustache.

CUT TO:

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We see the Latin classroom full of books and posters. TheMAGISTRA is at her podium. She is telling a story shesobviously told many times before.

MAGISTRA(laughing hysterically)

... and so, I told them the Derbywas moving to Lexington... and theytotally believed me!

She laughs hysterically. No one else laughs. Atticus lookstoward the camera and shrugs.

CUT TO:


We see a class taking notes in an English classroom.

ATTICUS (V.O.)I have one language after another.And Im not sure which one is moreconfusing. I mean, I dont thinkShakespeare particularly caredabout past perfect progressive ofverbs. English is more difficult tounderstand than the dolphin socialhierarchy. And if you havent read

up on it, dolphin societies arefairly complex. And for all intentsand purposes, I think Id fit inbetter with the dolphins.

CUT TO:


We see a boring and dreary Health class. A PowerpointPresentation runs on the screen. Atticus is staring out thewindow, watching the students exit the school for lunch. The

uninspiring teacher, MS. RATZENBURGER is rattling offinstruction.

ATTICUS (V.O.)Health class is about asstimulating as a ham sandwich, andeven less satisfying. And I donteven like ham. After many days ofgazing out the window, Ivememorized every students lunch.

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Ive never been able to use thisinformation, but its therenonetheless.

MS. RATZENBURGER... Mr. Wolfenstein! Mr.Wolfenstein...

Suddenly, Atticus snaps back into reality.

ATTICUSUh, yes, that would be the sweatglands, Ms. Ratzenburger

The class laughs.

MS. RATZENBURGERMr. Wolfenstein, could you please

tell me the parts of the skull?

ATTICUSUh, may I use the rest-room?

MS. RATZENBURGERCan you please answer the question?

ATTICUSIll be sure to work on my bladdercontrol, maam.

Ms. Ratzenburger smirks. She gestures toward the door.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Thank you, maam.

Atticus rises from his seat and strolls toward the door.

CUT TO:


We see our hero sauntering down the hall, hands in pockets,as nonchalant as possible. He turns to the camera.

ATTICUSMy last class of the day, wellevery other day. We have thisalternating schedule in order topile on more work. Anyway, itsmath.

CUT TO:

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ATTICUS (V.O.) (CONT'D)


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We see a dull math class. Complex equations graze thewhiteboard.

ATTICUS (V.O.)Which I initially liked, but I knowdont. Im not sure why. It juststopped appealing to me when it gotdifficult. It also might be due toMr. Albequerque. If youve everwondered where all those Amazonrainforests, they end up in thisclassroom. Sort of like how alldrains lead to the ocean.

The teacher, MR. ALBEQUERQUE rises from his desk which amassive stack of packets and begins passing them out to the

students.

MR. ALBEQUERQUEPlease finish your packet forhomework. It is due next class.

CUT TO:

EXT. MULDERS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

We see out hero exit from the school. He walks down a ramptoward the parking lot. He turns toward the camera.

ATTICUSThere you go. Every other schoolday. Not particularly interesting.In fact, youve probably alreadyforgotten it. Anyway, tomorrow Illsee Marilyn at lunch. Thenhopefully, Ill forget today. I mether about two weeks into school.The courtyard was closed for a face-lift so we were forced to eatinside.

CUT TO:


We see a group of about six talking at a table in thelunchroom. One of them is Atticus old friend, JORDAN.

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ATTICUS (V.O.)The only one of us who had a hintof a social life was namedFernando. I mean, how do you nothave an extensive social life witha name like Fernando? Anyway, hehad a few other friends that satwith us.

Marilyn walks up to the table and sits down. Atticus staresin awe.

ATTICUS (V.O.)Then she sat down. She was the mostbeautiful dame Id ever laid myeyes on. This wasnt just love atfirst sight, it was love at firstglance. Ill never forget, she was

wearing an Abbey Road T-shirt, andI dont think anybody couldve wornit better. At this point I wascontemplating a way to talk to thisgirl. Yknow, talking to girlsreally isnt my forte. But it justso happened I had just startedsketching Paul McCartney the classbefore. And all my previoussketches were done of deceasedpeople, as theyre usually the moreinteresting people. At any rate, myfriend from middle school, Jordan,

thought this very strange. So Ithought I could use this to talk toher...

ATTICUSJordan, youll be happy to knowIve drawn someone living thistime. Paul McCartney.

MARILYNYou drew Paul McCartney?

ATTICUS (V.O.)

Now were in business.

Jordan then takes Atticus sketchbook.

ATTICUSJordan really came through for me.Whether he knew it or not. He tookmy sketchbook and started showingher my sketches.

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Jordan starts showing off Atticus sketches to Marilyn.

JORDANHe has a sketchbook full of a bunchof dead people.

Marilyn studies the sketches.

MARILYNWow! These are great.

JORDANBut theyre a bunch of dead people.

ATTICUSI saw him live in Indianapolis thisyear.

MARILYNReally?

ATTICUSI dont know if it was Paul or Faulwatching, but it probably didntmake much a difference.

Marilyn laughs. Atticus turns to the camera.

ATTICUS (CONTD)You see that? She laughed! I donteven laugh at what I say!

Atticus turns back to the table. They continue talking.

ATTICUS (V.O.)We hit it off after that. Notliterally, but, uh yknow.

CUT TO:

EXT. MULDERS HIGH SCHOOL -DAY

We see our hero walking through the parking lot. He is

looking at the camera.

ATTICUSAmazingly, next lunch, she sat withus again. Even after Fernandoswitched lunches. This is alsosomewhat of a problem. I only seeher every other day. But she doesmake my day. Not like Sudden Impactmake my day.

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Seeing her just makes everythingworth while, yknow. Tomorrow Illsee her, if you hadnt figured thatout already. I might ask her tohomecoming, but if youre betting,you should probably vote foranother guy.

CUT TO:

EXT. MULDERS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

We see our hero with Jordan outside at a lunch table. He istapping the table, as if hes waiting for someone. He looksat his watch.

ATTICUSSitting with Jordan is sort of likesitting alone.

He looks at his watch again

ATTICUS (CONTD)Waiting for Marilyn every otherlunch is really nerve-wracking.Every time I just expect her to sitat the popular freshman table.

Atticus turns around and points toward two circular tables

next to each other. Atticus looks back at the camera.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Ive never understood the twocircular tables.

Marilyn and her friend, uh, Stacey was it, walk to the tableand sit down. Atticus snaps back into reality. As soon asMarilyn sits down, she pulls out her phone.

MARILYNI finally dropped my phone.

She shows Atticus an iPhone with a crack in the screen.

ATTICUSWere you hoping to do so? I couldhave easily done that.

MARILYNNo, I just knew I would, and waswondering when I would drop it.

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ATTICUS (CONT'D)


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ATTICUSYou see, Ive dropped my phone, butI dropped it on the earbud plug inthing, so instead of a broken phoneI have broken earbuds.

They all giggle.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Oh, and Jordan. I got an e-mailabout the Keep Calm and Eat yourCrust shirts.

JORDANYou actually made those?

ATTICUSWell, I designed them. Im too poor

to order them.

MARILYNWhat are you talking about?

ATTICUSIn middle school we would watchthese science videos andoccasionally this family would showup and the mother would sayRitchie, eat your crust!

MARILYN

You mean the Bill Nye?

ATTICUSYou watched those too?

MARILYN(smiling)

Yeah.

ATTICUSSo anyway, we thought Id be funnyif we made shirts that said KeepCalm and Eat Your Crust. I started

a campaign for funding, but itnever went anywhere.

MARILYN(smiling)

Really?

ATTICUSYeah. We made campaign posters andeverything.

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We managed to raise three dollarsand fifty-two cents. But when theteachers noticed it, they took ourfunds for educational purposes.

MARILYNThats not true.

ATTICUSNo, Im serious. I remember theschool bought a pack of pencilswith our money. But they gave emto the front desk, and we never gotto use them.

They all laugh. Stacey then talks to Marilyn quietly.

MARILYN

I don't know. Ill ask them. Heyguys, if someone asks you tohomecoming, do they like you?

ATTICUSOf course not. I only ask the girlsI hate to homecoming.

Marilyn smiles. Suddenly, an alarm sounds from inside.

JORDANIsnt that the fire alarm.

ATTICUSHey, it wasnt me this time.

STACEYShould we leave?

ATTICUSNah. Its probably a false alarm.Or a prankster.

Suddenly, a TEACHER opens the door and enters the courtyard.

TEACHER

Everybody! Into the practice field!

ATTICUSLooks like it was the prankster.

Everyone gets up from their tables and begins walking towardthe practice field.

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ATTICUS (CONT'D)


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ATTICUS (CONTD)So if the school burns down, do Ihave to go to math?

MARILYNWhy did you say it wasnt me thistime when the alarm rang?

ATTICUSI havent told you that story? Thisis a real treat. So Im standing inthe hallway, waiting for the bellto ring, and suddenly, someone Idont know runs up and hugs me. Ipushed back by this, and then as Iregained my ground, my backpack hitthe fire alarm.

MARILYNWhat did you do?

ATTICUSI did what any sensible man woulddo. I got the heck out of there.

Marilyn laughs.

ATTICUS (CONTD)So, eternally, Im will always beknown as the guy that pulled thefire alarm the first week of

school.

They group arrives at the practice field and the group standsaround amongst other students. A fire truck pulls up to thebuilding.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Looks like I will get out of math.

STACEYIs the school actually on fire?

ATTICUS

No, the firemen are conducting asafety seminar.

Stacey smirks. A teacher walks up to the group.

TEACHEREverybody go with their thirdperiod class.

The teacher moves on to another group.

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ATTICUSMy third period is study hall. Andtheres only four other people init.

MARILYNHow are there only four otherpeople in your class?

ATTICUSIts an ECE class.

MARILYNWhats that mean?

ATTICUSIt means, well, uh...

JORDANHes special.

Atticus gives Jordan the look. Suddenly, our heros lunch bagrips, and his PB&J falls to the ground.

ATTICUSFantastic.

Atticus leans down to pick up the sandwich. The group islaughing. Atticus is now cradling his lunch bag.

ATTICUS (CONTD)

Is this what its like to have achild? If so Im never havingchildren.

MARILYNIm never having children. Kids areannoying.

ATTICUSI think youre missing the irony ofthat statement.

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYNYou know what I mean.

ATTICUSI feel obliged to have kids, as Imthe only one who can carry on theWolfenstein name. Although I thinkitd be construed as abuse to passon that name.

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MARILYNI think a fire, drill or no drill,is always chaos.

ATTICUSYeah, I suppose youre right. Theyshould just tell everyone to leave.No alarm, or anything. Just telleveryone to leave.

MARILYNAh, but then theyre curious.

ATTICUSCuriosity is a wonderful thing.Without it we wouldnt cell phones,politics, terrorism, or JoeMcCarthy.

MARILYNIm not sure about McCarthy.

ATTICUSIts quite simple. His parents werecurious about raising a child. Theywere just too curious.

Marilyn laughs. A TEACHER walks by and looks at theminquisitively.

TEACHER

Are you coming from first lunch.

ATTICUSYes, sir.

TEACHERYou do know it was extended?

They both stare at him for a minute.

ATTICUSNo, sir. Thank you.

TEACHER(smiling)

No problem.

The teacher walks away. Atticus turn around to the rest ofthe group.

ATTICUSLunch apparently isnt over yet.

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JORDANSomeone probably shouldve told us.

ATTICUSThey just did. So you wanna goback?

STACEYLets just wait in the hallway.

The group moves to a corner where they stand away. Stacey andMarilyn pull out their phones and start looking through them.Marilyn shows her phone to Atticus.

MARILYNThis is my friend Josh.

Atticus face goes pale. He just nods. She turns the phone

away. Atticus then pulls his phone out and browses throughhis pictures.

ATTICUSEver seen a picture of FrankSinatra made out of crayons?

MARILYNNo.

Atticus shows her the picture. She smiles.

ATTICUS

How about Elvis Presley made ofcandy?

Atticus shows her the picture. She smiles.

MARILYNWhered you take those?

ATTICUSThe Ripleys Believe it or Not inFlorida.

CUT TO:

EXT. EVANSTOWN ROAD - DAY

We see Atticus walking down Evanstown Road, a popular streetin town with plenty of hole in-the-wall shops, with his oldfriend, COOPER.

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ATTICUSCan you believe that! She, sheblatantly show me this picture ofher friend.

COOPERI think youre overreacting.

ATTICUSOverreacting? Im overreacting?That was practically a rejection!

COOPERMaybe she just wanted you to seeher new friend.

ATTICUSThats something a six year-old

shows her parents.

COOPERIt doesnt mean she doesnt likeyou.

ATTICUSNo, but it does mean she doesntlove me.

COOPERAtticus dont freak out. Can I askyou something?

ATTICUSDepends on what it is.

COOPERDo you love her?

ATTICUSOf course. You shouldnt ask suchsilly questions.

Cooper steps in front of Atticus and turns around.

COOPERNo Atticus, do you love her.

ATTICUSWhat do you mean?

COOPERI mean youre just a freshman inhigh school.

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Youre getting ahead of yourself.Youve got a life to live.

ATTICUSYeah, but you heard Ferris.Tomorrow I might wake up a fortyyear-old lonely loser living in hismothers basement. Youve lovedsomebody before. What uh, whatabout Ally?

COOPERAnd now that weve broken up, Irealized I didnt love her.

ATTICUSYoure just in denial. And notyoure not taking a swim

COOPERAtticus, this is puppy love.

ATTICUSYeah, but the puppy is a mastiff.

Cooper smiles.

CUT TO:

INT. BETTER DAYS RECORDS - DAY

We see Atticus and Cooper rummaging through old records in aclassic underground record store.

ATTICUSThis is just silly. The only Dylanthey have is Street Legal and SlowTrain Coming.

COOPERStreet Legal was good.

ATTICUS

Dylan is the most influentialartist in history, and all theyhave are two records.

COOPERNot many people wan to give upDylan.

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ATTICUSUnless its Slow Train Coming. Say,Cooper, do you think I have achance with Marilyn?

COOPERIsnt she dead?

ATTICUSThe other one.

COOPERYou want me to be honest?

ATTICUSNo, Id really like for you to lie.

COOPER

No. I dont think you do.

ATTICUSI appreciate your honesty. Out ofcuriosity, why do you say that?

COOPERBased on what youve told me, Ithink she just wants to be friends.And you should respect that.

ATTICUSI didnt want to fall in love. I

set my standards astronomicallyhigh so I wouldnt. But sheexceeded them.

COOPERThere you are feeling sorry foryourself again. Atticus, you shouldjust let everything play out.

ATTICUSI feel youre giving me mixedinformation here.

COOPERWell, what do you want me to say?

ATTICUSWhat happens is what matters, notwhat you say.

COOPERThen why are we talking right now?

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ATTICUSI don't know. They say talkinghelps, but it hasnt helped me.

Cooper smirks.

CUT TO:

EXT. MULDERS HIGH SCHOOL PRACTICE FIELD - DAY

We see the fair. There are booths for Gibson and GuitarCenter. There is a stage with a band. The whole school isscurrying around. Atticus is standing with Jordan.

JORDANThis is just as boring as I thoughtitd be.

ATTICUSReally? I think I my expectationswerent high enough.

Atticus turns his head to look at Marilyn, who is standing aways away. He turns back.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Im actually quite thankful forthis because it got me out of atrig test.

Atticus points to a bus with John Lennon written across it aways away. It has a booth with a camera, and a line to saidbooth.

ATTICUS (CONTD)So, is the John Lennon bus just oneof those put yourself in a picturecontraptions?

JORDANI wouldnt be surprised Lets gocheck it out.

They both walk over to the booth, where their suspicions arerealized.

ATTICUSWho, who would do this? Its notlike you can go to Facebook andpost the picture and say you had acoffee with John Lennon.

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JORDANDepends on the editing.

ATTICUSNo, no. It doesnt.

Suddenly Marilyn walks up to Atticus and taps him on theshoulder. He turns around in surprise. She is standing with astranger, JENNIFER.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Hello, there.

MARILYNSo this is the John Lennon bus.

ATTICUSYeah, I guess so. It looks like you

can go inside.

MARILYNShould we?

ATTICUSMaybe later.

JORDAN(to Marilyn)

I need to ask you something. Whatexactly is your name?

MARILYNGuess.

Jordan studies Marilyn for a few seconds.

JORDANMarilyn.

MARILYNHow could you tell.

JORDANName tag.

Jordan points to the name tag around her neck.

ATTICUSI might want to check out thebasses they have over there. I playbass, yknow.

MARILYNReally?

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She grabs Atticus right hand and feels the tips of hisfingers. She lets go.

MARILYN (CONTD)Bass players usually have calluseson their fingers.

ATTICUSI actually play bass with my toes.Its a trick I learned from myneighbor.

Marilyn laughs. Atticus looks around and sees Jordan ismissing.

ATTICUS (CONTD)What happened to Jordan?

MARILYNHe just slipped away.

ATTICUSYknow, hes really good at that.

(to the stranger)I dont believe weve met.

JENNIFERJennifer. Nice to meet you.

ATTICUSAtticus. The pleasure is all mine.

So how have you been enjoyingyourselves.

MARILYNItd be a bit better if they didntplay the same song over and overagain.

ATTICUSCut em some slack. Theyre a newband, its the only song they know.

Marilyn and Jennifer giggle.

JENNIFERI think we should stand over there.

The group loves toward a shaded area next to a booth.

ATTICUSWe look suspicious over here.

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MARILYNWell, we are suspicious.

ATTICUSI supposed youre right. Has anyoneelse noticed the guitar playerseems to only know three notes?They should be playing AC/DC songs.

MARILYNWhats wrong with AC/DC?

ATTICUSNothing. Its just all their musicsounds the same. They must figureif they never change anything thentheyll never lose any fans.

MARILYNYoure describing Bon Jovi. Theyvenever changed anything.

ATTICUSThey must have changed if theyregetting progressively worse. Say,have you ever heard of Thin Lizzy?

MARILYNIve only heard the one song.

ATTICUS

The Boys are Back in Town?

MARILYNYeah.

ATTICUSYou should check em out. Theyvegot some really good music.

MARILYNI have a friend who says theirfavorite band is Thin Lizzy.

ATTICUSTheyre usually put in that one hitwonder category with say, uh, RickSpringfield or somebody.

Jennifer pulls out a brand new phone.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Is that the new iPhone?

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JENNIFERYep.

ATTICUSI saw a really interesting shortdocumentary done in New York thatinterviewed people waiting in lineto buy that. Its ridiculous; somepeople had been waiting there forweeks. Its incredible what peoplewill do for a new piece oftechnology.

Atticus pulls out his phone.

ATTICUS (CONTD)I plan on keeping this thing untilit breaks.

JENNIFERHey, you two have the same phonecase.

Marilyn pulls out her phone. They both have an Abbey Roadphone case.

ATTICUSlook at that. Great minds thinkalike.

Atticus and Marilyn put their phones away. The band begins

playing another song.

ATTICUS (CONTD)OK, this is just getting silly.This is the third time theyveplayed that song.

JENNIFERId be fine if it were a good song.

ATTICUSTheyve got a female lead singer.They could play some Fleetwood Mac

or something. Also, it isincredibly hot out here.

MARILYNYoure wearing a cardigan.

ATTICUSYes, but this cardigan is a part ofmy body, and cannot be removed.Say, where is everybody going?

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A large amount of students are walking back to the area wherethe backpacks were placed.

JENNIFERMust be time to go.

ATTICUSI guess time flies when yourestanding around.

The group begins walking back, with Atticus and Marilyn atthe head.

MARILYNYou wanna stop by the Gibson busbefore its time to go?

ATTICUS

Nah. Its probably a bunch of stuffI cant afford. This year my motheris making me ride the bus. And Ihavent rode a bus since thirdgrade.

MARILYNA bunch of eighth grade boys harassme on the bus.

ATTICUSThats not surprising.

MARILYNWhys that?

ATTICUSEighth graders are some of the mostdespicable creatures on this brownEarth.

MARILYNI could agree with that.

ATTICUSI know I was extremely despicable

when I was in eighth grade.

MARILYNNo...

ATTICUSI was. I was that mysteriousawkward guy in the corner that mayor may not have spent time in thehospital.

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MARILYNHave you spent time in thehospital?

ATTICUSThankfully, no. But Ive comeclose.

MARILYNI dont believe that.

ATTICUSAnd you shouldnt, cause its alie.

MARILYNWhat do you want to be when you getout of here?

ATTICUSIm either want to be a writer oran artist.

MARILYNReally? Id like to be a writer,too.

ATTICUSWhat do you write?

MARILYN

Poetry.

ATTICUSIm not creative enough for poetry.

MARILYNYoure plenty creative.

ATTICUSThe one time I wrote poem it was anotch above prose written byMuhammad Ali. Anyway, my mothersays I shouldnt waste a brain on

something like that.

MARILYNThats what my parents say. Itslike, mom, its what Im good at.

ATTICUSUnfortunately schools seldompromote creativity. And when theydo they want you to be teachers.

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MARILYNI couldnt be a teacher. I reallydont like kids. High school,maybe, but anything younger and Ijust couldnt do it. Why didnt yougo into VA?

ATTICUSI didnt start drawing until afterschool started.

MARILYNReally?

ATTICUSYep. I was bored one Friday night,so I drew a picture of BenFranklin. Then Beethoven, then so

on and so one.

There is a bit of silence.

MARILYNDo you have a word that you justhate?

ATTICUSWhat do you mean?

MARILYNI mean like a word that you just

cant stand hearing.

ATTICUSWell, I get queasy when I hear theword blood.

MARILYNI cant stand the word caress.

ATTICUSWhat, did you go to a Catholicschool?

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYNI did actually.

ATTICUSPhew. My condolences.

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MARILYNIt was pretty bad. We had anabstinence class.

ATTICUSThat cant be true.

MARILYNYep, we did. I once threw up inthat class.

ATTICUSReally?

MARILYNYep. They showed us-

ATTICUS

I dont want to know. I might throwup. You see, the thing withabstinence is, if everyonepracticed it, the human race woulddisappear.

Marilyn laughs.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Then gophers would be the dominantspecies.

MARILYN

Gophers?

ATTICUSTheyre very resilient, gophers.

Marilyn and Atticus reach the sea of backpacks.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Alright, I have no idea where I putmy backpack.

MARILYNI put mine on the end.

ATTICUSStrategic placement of backpacksinvolves too much thinking for me.

They start looking through the backpacks.

MARILYNWhat color is it?

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ATTICUSBlack.

MARILYNThat doesnt help.

ATTICUSIm sorry, Ill be sure to but aneon backpack for next time... ahhere it is.

He looks at his black climbing back pack.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Whered you say yours was?

MARILYNAt the end there.

They walk to the edge of the back packs, to a small garden.Marilyn picks up her backpack.

MARILYN (CONTD)What time is it?

Atticus pulls out his phone.

ATTICUSTwo. We still have twenty minutes.

MARILYN

Twenty minutes? What am I carryingthis for?

Atticus smiles. Marilyn puts down her back pack.

CUT TO:

EXT. MULDERS HIGH SCHOOL PRACTICE FIELD - DAY

We see Atticus and Marilyn walking back to the field.

ATTICUS

... No, no. Youre never going toconvince me Led Zeppelin is betterthan the Beatles.

MARILYNIm not saying the Beatles arentincredible, cause they are. Imjust saying musically, Led Zeppelinwas far more advanced than theBeatles.

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ATTICUSAdvanced? People are advanced ontheir taxes. Theyre not moreadvanced, theyre just different.The Beatles sing about relevantthings and Led Zeppelin sings aboutVikings.

Marilyn laughs. They walk by a bench. Atticus motions towardthe bench.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Would you like to sit down?

MARILYNSure.

They both sit down on the bench.

MARILYN (CONTD)Do you, do you ever go EvanstownRoading?

ATTICUSI cant say that I have. What isit?

MARILYNIts when you go around all theshops on Evanstown Road.

ATTICUSIve done that before. I didntknow it had some cute name. So Imassuming youve been to Better DaysRecords?

Marilyns eyes light up

MARILYNYeah, I love that place.

ATTICUSYou and I are probably the only two

at this school that have a recordplayer.

MARILYNYeah, probably... So, I waswondering if youd like to goEvanstown Roading, with me.

Now Atticus eyes light up.

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ATTICUSSure, Id love that. When were youthinking?

MARILYNHow about Saturday?

ATTICUSSaturday, that sounds great!

MARILYNHow about we meet at the mall?

ATTICUSSure, sure. That sounds great! Twoo'clock good?

MARILYN

Perfect. How about I give you mynumber, so you can find me?

ATTICUSSure.

Marilyn pulls out her phone. She digs through her pockets.

MARILYNDo you have a scrap of paper?

Atticus digs through his pockets. He pulls out a folded pieceof paper and hands it to Marilyn.

ATTICUSHere.

Marilyn takes the paper and scribbles her number on it. Shehands it to Atticus. The band has stopped.

MARILYNThere you go-

TEACHER(yelling)

Alright! Everybody to your buses!

CUT TO:

INT. ATTICUS HOUSE - NIGHT

We see our hero at his cluttered desk. He has his phone inhis hand.

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ATTICUS(to himself)

... Ive gotta call her. Why wouldshe give me her number and notexpect me to call her? Thatwouldnt make sense. Then again,what does make sense? Nothing,really/ But what if she thinks itweird? Then shell never talk to meagain. Whenever she sees me shellgive me a strange look. I dontwant that. But she could also thinkI dont care enough about her tocall. I dont want her to thinkthat. This is ridiculous. I shouldjust call. Oh, shes going to tellher friends she has some creepcalling her all the time. She might

even tell the police. Or worse, herparents. Gah, Im being silly. Imgoing to call her.

Atticus unlocks his phone and dials the number. It rings, andrings, and rings. It goes to voice mail. Atticus sighs.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Well, I cant call her again.

CUT TO:

EXT. EAST-END MALL - DAY

We see Atticus standing alone near a pillar outside themodest mall. Its more of a shopping center. He is waiting.He checks his watch. Suddenly, a car pulls up to the mall.Marilyn gets out of the car. Atticus smiles as she walksover. They begin walking away

ATTICUSAnd how are you?

MARILYNIm fine. It took a lot of

convincing for me to be here.

ATTICUSWhy wouldnt your parents want youto be with me? Im the safest guyaround.

Marilyn laughs.

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38/87

MARILYNIs that why you agreed to take me?

Atticus smiles.

ATTICUSIve had my eye on a twenty dollarcopy of The Breakfast Club. Imhoping to get it for ten.

Marilyn laughs.

CUT TO:

INT. BOOK AND MUSIC EXCHANGE - DAY

We see Marilyn and Atticus perusing the record section of the

store. Atticus picks up an Arnold Schwarzenegger workoutrecord and shows it to her.

ATTICUSI wonder how long this has beensitting here.

MARILYNCouldnt be too long.

Atticus puts the record down. Marilyn walks over to a glasscase where they have the more expensive items.

MARILYN (CONTD)(excited)Atticus, come look at this.

ATTICUSWhat is it?

Atticus walks over to the case. A Butcher Beatles album sitsthere. It has a sticker with $600 written on it.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Wow. This wasnt here last time.

MARILYNIve always wanted one of these,but I could never find any.

ATTICUSSix-hundred is pretty good.

MARILYNGood? Its great! Theyre usuallythousands.

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Atticus digs through his pockets. He pulls out a bill.

ATTICUSI have twenty-dollars. But I canemploy my negotiation skills.

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYNIve never seen one in real life. Iwonder how it ended up here?

ATTICUSA few ski masks and an old Chevy.

Marilyn smirks.

ATTICUS (CONTD)

And by looks of hit they ran overit with the Chevy.

MARILYNThey say they were making astatement about Capitol butcheringtheir albums.

ATTICUSCapitol must have taken it thewrong way.

MARILYN

George is the only one who hatedit.

ATTICUSHe was the only vegetarian.

Marilyn turns to him and smiles.

MARILYNMy dad has one of these in hiscollection.

ATTICUS

Your dad collects records?

MARILYNHe has tons. But he never showsanybody.

ATTICUSThen how do you know he has anyrecords?

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MARILYN(smiling)

I take his word for it.

CUT TO:


We see Atticus and Marilyn walking down the bustling street.

ATTICUSYknow, if every street in the citywas like this, Id have no reasonto leave.

MARILYNYou wanna leave?

ATTICUSYeah. You see, theres noopportunity here. What I want to doI cant do here.

MARILYNYou cant write here?

ATTICUSI have no chance of beingsuccessful here.

MARILYNAnd where can you be successful?

ATTICUSNew York.

MARILYNReally?

ATTICUSI went there last year forvacation, and I was hooked. Thepeople, the buildings, the

pollution. Im drawn to it.

Marilyn laughs

ATTICUS (CONTD)I mean, do you want stay here?

MARILYNIm not sure. I like it here. Itslike a big little city.

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ATTICUSIts no Reno.

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYNAnd youve been to Reno?

ATTICUSYeah. I lost all my money inblackjack to some guy in a bluepowdered wig.

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYNI think you should stay.

ATTICUSAnd why should I do that?

MARILYNYoull get homesick.

ATTICUSReally? Ill get homesick? Im sickof home.

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYN

No, youll get homesick. I cantell.

ATTICUSHow exactly can you do that?

MARILYNI can just tell. Youll miss yourhome and youll come back.

ATTICUSIve a feeling you just want me tostay.

MARILYNNo, its just a hunch.

ATTICUSWell, you should go to achiropractor to get it fixed.

Marilyn suddenly stops in front of a guitar shop. Atticusstops as well

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MARILYNYou wanna go in.

ATTICUSI told you, Im scared to touchanything in there.

MARILYN(smiling)

Come on.

She opens the door and walks in. Atticus follows.

CUT TO:

INT. GUITAR EMPORIUM - DAY

We see Atticus and Marilyn enter a fancy guitar shop. Oldguitar and signed albums hang on the walls.

ATTICUSIts like a bakery in here. Youcant sneeze, or breathe, or touchanything.

Marilyn points to back wall where the basses hang.

MARILYNThe basses are back there.

Atticus and Marilyn walk over to the back wall and stare atthe guitars.

MARILYN (CONTD)You like any of them?

ATTICUSWell, I like all of them.

Atticus walks up to on of the guitars and looks at the pricetag. A look comes upon his face.

MARILYN

How much is it?

ATTICUSI could buy half of Nicaragua withthat money.

MARILYNI think you should play something.

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ATTICUSOh, no. I never play in front ofpeople.

MARILYNThen whats the point of playing aninstrument.

ATTICUSIt provides self-actualization.

MARILYNReally? Self-actualization.

ATTICUSYes, it helps with my insecurity.

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYNCmon. Please play something.

ATTICUSI, I cant. Ill embarrass myself.

MARILYNFor me?

ATTICUSDont go there. Thats just cheap.

Marilyn smiles. They stare at each other for a moment.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Oh, alright.

Atticus grabs a guitar and sits down on a nearby stool. Heplays one note. He begins to get up.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Alright, there you go.

MARILYNNo, sit back down. Really play

something.

Atticus sits back down.

ATTICUSAlright.

Atticus sits back down and plays an incredibly complicatedbaseline that even a professional would find impressive.Marilyns eyes light up.

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MARILYNThat was great!

ATTICUSYeah, yeah, yeah.

Atticus rises from the stool and places the guitar back onthe hook.

MARILYNYoure really good!

ATTICUSNo, not really.

MARILYNNo, but you are! You should play infront of people. You should join a

band.

ATTICUSA band? No, no. I couldnt be in aband.

MARILYNWhy not?

ATTICUSEver heard of the Eagles? I dontwanna end up like that.

MARILYNYou have talent, and you should useit.

ATTICUSI will, I will.

MARILYNWhen?

ATTICUSEventually.

Marilyn smirks.

MARILYNYou play better than I ever could.

ATTICUSYou play an instrument?

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MARILYNI once tried to play guitar. Itdidnt end well.

ATTICUSWhy? What happened?

MARILYNLets just say genetic inheritanceof traits is incredible.

ATTICUSWhats that supposed to mean?

MARILYNIt means that natural talent isincredible. You have somewhat likeyou who can play so well, and then

you have me who cant play at all.

ATTICUSThey say if you spend ten-thousandhours doing something, youll be amaster at it.

MARILYNWell, of course but by that timeyoull hate whatever youre doing.I dont think Ive done anythingten-thousand hours of anythingexcept school.

Atticus smiles.

ATTICUSWe better get out of here before weget kicked out.

Marilyn smiles. They both walk out of the guitar store.

CUT TO:


We see Atticus and Marilyn sifting through records.

MARILYNThis place has the most randommusic.

ATTICUSWell, it is a record store.

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Marilyn picks out a record.

MARILYNI mean, who ever heard of the TheStewarts?

ATTICUSThats my favorite sitcom.

Marilyn smirks. Atticus pulls out a record.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Well, look at this.

Marilyn turns her head.

MARILYNWhat is it?

ATTICUSI think you should see this.

Marilyn walks over to where Atticus is standing. She sees heis holding a Beatles Butcher cover with the trunk stickerover it. Her eyes light up.

MARILYNLet me see that.

Marilyn takes the record.

ATTICUSIs there a way to tell if itsreal. Arent there a lot ofJapanese fakes?

MARILYNQuite a few. Quick, pull up yourphone and look to see how to tellif its real. I think itssomething about a black circle.

ATTICUSIm sorry to tell you the next

eclipse isnt until 2087.

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYN(smiling)

Cmon, we dont have much time. Westill need to walk back to themall.

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ATTICUSAlright, alright, alright.

Atticus pulls out his phone and begins tapping away. A fewseconds pass.

MARILYNWhat have you found out?

ATTICUSOnly what I already knew. Sprintsservice is terrible.

Marilyn smirks. Atticus phone finally loads.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Ah, finally.

He scrolls through the page.

ATTICUS (CONTD)It says here that on the right sideof the album we should see aRingos turtleneck under thesticker.

Marilyn studies the right side of the album.

MARILYNI dont see it.

ATTICUSLet me take a look.

Atticus moves next to Marilyn and studies the album. Hepoints to an area of the album.

ATTICUS (CONTD)What about this?

Marilyn studies the spot Atticus is pointing at.

MARILYNI dont see anything.

ATTICUSLook again. Im pretty suresomethings there.

Marilyn studies the spot yet again.

MARILYNWell, maybe....

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ATTICUSNever-mind, theres nothing there.

MARILYNYeah, youre right.

CUT TO:


We see Atticus and Marilyn standing in front of the mall,waiting for their parents. Atticus is holding a bag from therecord store with the record in it.

ATTICUSI, I had fun. This was definitelybetter than my average Saturday.

MARILYN(smiling)

I had fun too.

ATTICUSSo, uh, you wanna do this againsometime.

MARILYN(smiling)

Sure. Sounds great.

ATTICUSI was also wondering, uh, can I askyou something?

MARILYNSure

ATTICUSWould you, uh, like to go tohomecoming with me?

A deadly silence comes over the two.

MARILYNWell, uh, I, I, would love to. ButAdam already asked me, and uh, Isaid yes.

Another deadly silence.

ATTICUSOh, well. That, thats OK. Thatsfine.

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Another silence for some time. Marilyns parents car pullsup. She turns to atticus.

MARILYNWell, uh, bye.

ATTICUSBye,

She opens the door and gets in. They drive off. Atticusstands there, alone.

CUT TO:

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

We see Atticus and Cooper sitting in front of a window across

from each other in a quaint coffee shop.

COOPERWow, that, thats something.

ATTICUSSomething? That, thats more thansomething! Its ridiculous! She ledme like a pig to a slaughterhouse!I was cut up for bacon!

COOPERI wouldnt go that far...

ATTICUSI would go much further. I would goas far as Chile.

COOPERNow youre just being silly. Thishappens to everyone.

ATTICUSDid you get led on by the mostbeautiful woman on Earth, just tohave your heart thrown against a

wall, spat on by a llama, crushedby an Irish step team, and finallypeed on by a stray beagle.

COOPERYknow, you dont take muchseriously.

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ATTICUSI, I dont take much seriously.This is about as serious as Iveever been about anything.

Cooper laughs.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Wha, why are you laughing?

COOPER(laughing)

The absurdity of that laststatement was astounding.

ATTICUSYknow, I dont think youre takingme seriously.

COOPERAlright, Atticus. What do you wantto know?

ATTICUSI want your advice on what to do.I, I respect your opinion.

COOPERYou wanna know what I think?

ATTICUS

Well, yeah I just asked.

COOPERI think you should wait in thecorner.

ATTICUSWhy should I stand in the corner? Ididnt do anything wrong.

Cooper smirks.

COOPER

You know what I mean.

ATTICUSI know, I know. Its just Ivewaited all my life. I expect tolook out the window to see cowsrunning home any second now.

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COOPERWell, I dont think you should getinvolved any more.

ATTICUSI think its too late for that kindof thinking.

COOPERDont forget you asked for myopinion.

ATTICUSI can assure you my short termmemory is in tact. Hey, do youthink I should go to the gametonight?

COOPERTheres a game?

ATTICUSYeah, football. Big rival game. Thewhole school goes.

COOPERSo why wouldnt you go?

ATTICUSThe only reason Id go would be tosee her, but I dont know if she is

going, or if Ill see her at all.

COOPERI think you should go. Itd be nicefor you to go to a social event.

ATTICUSWhat are you, my shrink?

COOPERThats certainly what it feelslike.

ATTICUS(teasingly)

Oh, ha, ha.

CUT TO:

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EXT. MULDERS HIGH STADIUM - NIGHT

We see our hero standing on the bleachers of the stadium forthe big rival football game. It is bitterly cold. Billy isstanding next to him. Atticus leans to Billy.

ATTICUSHow many points do they score witha basket, again?

BILLYTwelve, I think.

Atticus nods.

BILLY (CONTD)Im going to get some nachos.

ATTICUSGodspeed.

Billy heads down the bleachers. Atticus stands in the cold.Suddenly, Marilyn and Stacey come up the bleachers with somestrangers. Marilyns eyes light up when she sees Atticus.

MARILYNYoure here!

ATTICUSI am.

MARILYN(teasingly)Since when do you come to socialevents?

ATTICUSWhat is it with people thinking Imanti-social? Im plenty social.

Marilyn smiles. She stands up next to him on the bleachers.

MARILYNHow long have you been here?

ATTICUSToo long. Its much too cold for mybody. Im going to keel over anyminute now. How did you like yourrecord?

MARILYNI enjoyed it.

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ATTICUSIm sure you did.

MARILYNSo, uh, you wanna go with us?

Marilyn motions to a group of about four other. Its Staceyand Jennifer, as well as two boys that are stranger.

ATTICUSSure, Id love to.

Marilyn smiles. They move over to an empty space at the topof the bleachers. They all sit in an oval. One of them, a bigbrown-haired guy, RILEY, leans toward Atticus.

RILEYMy names Riley.

ATTICUSAtticus.

Riley leans back to normal. Atticus points to the otherstranger, a blonde, STEVE.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Arent you the guy Mrs. R had tosplit us because we didnt workwell together? Steve, right?

STEVE

Yep.

They shake hands.

ATTICUSNice to meet you, Steve.

STEVEYou, too.

RILEYSo, uh, has anyone else noticed thescoreboard?

They all look over to the scoreboard. It is malfunctioning.The scores flash different random symbols.

ATTICUSOnly the best at Mulders HighSchool.

STEVESo, shall we continue our game?

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ATTICUSWhat game?

MARILYNTruth or dare.

ATTICUSDear God...

STACEYCmon, itll be fun.

ATTICUSLoads.

JENNIFERAlright, Marilyn, truth or dare?

MARILYNTruth.

JENNIFERHows your relationship with Adam?

MARILYN(smiling)

Its great!

There is a pause.

RILEY

Thats it?

ATTICUSThats quite an eventfulrelationship.

Atticus raises his eyebrows.

MARILYNAlright, Ill take a dare.

STACEYIve got one.

Stacey whispers something into Marilyns ear.

MARILYNNo. I wont do that.

RILEYWhat did she ask?

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MARILYNSomething I dont want to repeat.

ATTICUSIf you dont wanna repeat it, Iwill.

Marilyn smirks.

RILEYSomeone needs to be kissed tonight.Itll complete the feel of thewhole thing.

MARILYNId kiss Adam if he were here.

STACEY

Ive only seen you kiss once ortwice.

MARILYNYoure probably the only personwhos ever seen us kiss.

Atticus tries to ignore this by watching the game.

MARILYN (CONTD)We dont usually kiss aroundpeople.

Atticus sighs to himself.

CUT TO:

EXT. MULDERS HIGH STADIUM - NIGHT

It is later. Stacey, Riley, and Steve have left. The game isalmost over.

JENNIFERWhats the score?

ATTICUSBackwards C to horizontal line.

MARILYNThats what it was an hour ago.

ATTICUSSlow game.

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MARILYNIt is so cold.

ATTICUSWe dont need an update. It wascold ten minutes ago, and tenminutes before that. Its notgetting any warmer. Would you likemy coat?

MARILYNI thought your body cant stand thecold.

ATTICUSIll sacrifice my body for my ears.

Atticus takes off his heavy coat, and gives it to Marilyn.

She puts it on.

MARILYNWow, this is warm.

ATTICUSIt certainly is.

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYNIm sorry.

ATTICUSNo, no. Its fine.

Atticus looks back over the bleachers. A news van is sittingthere.

ATTICUS (CONTD)That must be the intern. They saidhey guy, we need some stock footageof the neighborhood. Can you getit? Guys says yes, but instead ofgetting the shot he goes and gets abeer.

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYNWhat?

Atticus points to the van.

ATTICUSThat van back there.

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JENNIFERYou see, youre funny sometimes.

Atticus just stares, confused.

CUT TO:


We see a class sitting quietly. It is test day for theupperclassman, so the freshman do nothing. Atticus is sittingnext to Jordan.

ATTICUSThis was is just silly.

JORDAN

What?

ATTICUSHaving to sit here for three hoursdoing nothing.

JORDANIm fine with it.

ATTICUSIm fine with it too, I, I justdont understand it.

JORDANWhat dont you understand?

ATTICUSTheyre trying to make kids bequiet, by giving them nothing todo. This goes against thefundamentals of childhood. If aparent is annoyed at their kid, yougive em a rattle to shut em up.This is completely going againstwhat these kids were taught.

JORDANI wasnt taught that way.

ATTICUSReally?

JORDANIf I cried, my parents just left methere.

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Atticus nods.

ATTICUSYknow, that thats reallyinteresting...

The teacher gets up from her desk.

TEACHERAlright, bells going to ring inabout five minutes.

The students pick up their backpacks and begin walking towardthe door. Atticus and Jordan do so. A girl walks up toAtticus.

GIRLAtticus... I know a girl who likes

you, but she has a boyfriend now.

Jordan laughs. Atticus remains silent.

CUT TO:


It is lunch that same day. Atticus, Stacey, Jordan, andMarilyn are in the middle of eating.

JORDAN

So, does anybody know if I canstill buy a homecoming tickettomorrow?

ATTICUSYou got somebody to go with?

JORDANYeah...

ATTICUSGood for you.

JORDANAre you going?

ATTICUSIm not sure. I dont have much ofa reason to go.

JORDANDo you not have a date?

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ATTICUSNope. I think Id rather spend thenight with a record player and oldMiles Davis albums.

JORDANDid you ask anybody?

Atticus takes a drink of his water.

ATTICUSI could never ask anybody.

JORDANWhy?

ATTICUSI would choke. I would end up

asking them for their pencil orpaper, or something.

JORDANI think you just hate everybody.

ATTICUSThats a part of it.

There is a deadly silence at the table.

CUT TO:


We see the surge of people trying to escape to their buses atthe end of the day. Atticus, after quite a struggle managesto make it outside. Suddenly, Marilyn walks up next to him.

MARILYNUh, can we talk?

ATTICUSLike, now?

MARILYNNo, no. You no the coffee shop onEvanstown?

ATTICUSYes.

MARILYNHow about we meet there tomorrow?Around three?

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ATTICUSThats fine.

MARILYNOK, great. Well, Ill see youthere.

Marilyn walks ahead and disappears into the crowd. Atticuswalks into his bus and steps in.

CUT TO:


We see Marilyn stepping into the coffee shop. She looksaround for Atticus. She sees him sitting in a two-persontable by the window. She walks over. Atticus looks up at her.

She sits down. There is a moment of silence.

ATTICUSSo, uh, what did you wanna talkabout?

MARILYNI, um, I just wanted to tell youhow sorry I am. For, well,yknow...

ATTICUSOh, no, no, no. Dont worry about

it. I completely understand.

MARILYNReally?

Atticus nods.

ATTICUSOh, yeah. Youve found someone youtruly like, and youre happy. AndIm happy for you.

MARILYN

Well, its just Ive felt sort ofbad about he whole thing.

ATTICUSDont think twice. Everything'sfine. Im fine, youre more thanfine. Everything is A-OK.

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MARILYNOK, then. Thank you. Youve made mefell a whole lot better.

ATTICUSNo problem.

There is a long silence.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Can I buy you a coffee?

MARILYNOh, no, Ive really got to begoing. Adams taking me to see amovie.

ATTICUS

What movie?

MARILYNIm not sure. Its a surprise.

Another silence.

MARILYN (CONTD)Well, Id better go.

Marilyn rises from the table and walks out of the coffeeshop. Atticus is left despondent.

CUT TO:


We see Atticus and Cooper at the same coffee shop, sitting atthe same table.

COOPERHave you even seen this guy in reallife?

ATTICUS

I havent seen him at all.

COOPERI thought you said she showed you apicture of him.

ATTICUSIt was taken on a bus when it wasbright outside. I saw a black blob.

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Unfortunately I was unable towitness his unparalleled beauty.

COOPERAt least she tried to apologize.

ATTICUSApologize! I was on her list ofdaily errands!

COOPERDo you think thats what she wastrying to convey?

ATTICUSI havent figured that out yet.

COOPER

This is a classic example of over-analyzing.

ATTICUSMaybe, but, but I cant help it.Its in my nature. I could over-analyze a Dr. Seuss book.

COOPERAt least shes happy.

ATTICUSShe is. And thats great. But, I

would prefer it if we were bothhappy.

COOPERYoure not happy that shes happy?

ATTICUSThats not what I meant.

COOPERThats what it sounded like.Atticus, you really need to stoplying to yourself.

ATTICUSMe? Lying to myself? What are youtalking about? I dont lie tomyself.

COOPERThere it is.

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ATTICUSHa, ha.

COOPERIts my personal opinion you shouldjust back away. Shes obviouslyvery in to this guy.

ATTICUSI think hes more in to her...

Cooper smirks.

COOPERJust let her be.

ATTICUSThats hard to do when Im thinking

of her every waking moment. Andwhen Im not awake, I dream of her.

COOPERHave you ever heard the quote ifyou love someone let them go?

ATTICUSI cant let her go if I dont haveher in the first place.

COOPERAtticus, you know what I mean.

ATTICUSYeah, yeah, yeah.

COOPERIm not so sure you do.

ATTICUSWould you follow your advice if youwere in my situation?

COOPEROf course not. Id probably do

something rash and stupid. Thatswhy Im telling you this.

ATTICUSI know. Its just... difficult.

COOPERIf it were easy, would it be worthit?

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ATTICUSNo, but itd certainly beappreciated. Say, do you have adate to your homecoming.

COOPERYes.

ATTICUSWhats her name?

COOPERAbby.

ATTICUSTreat her well.

COOPER

Why wouldnt I?

ATTICUSJust remember it.

COOPERWhat about your homecoming?

ATTICUSWhat about it?

COOPERAre you going?

ATTICUSWhy would I go?

COOPER(teasingly)

I thought you might have a date.

ATTICUSYoure not funny, yknow.

COOPER(smiling)

Thought I might try my hand at somesarcasm.

ATTICUSYou should leave it to theprofessionals. I probably wont goto some silly dance. Its below me.

CUT TO:

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INT. MULDERS HIGH SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT

We see the busy homecoming dance. Atticus is away from thecrowd, sitting in a row of chairs. He has a drink. He watchesthe patrons. He sees couples dancing to a slow song. Hesighs. Suddenly, Marilyn walks over and sits down a fewchairs away. They both stair ahead. Its very awkward.

CUT TO:


We see Cooper and Atticus at the usual spot.

COOPERWait, why was she alone?

ATTICUSI havent told you? Adam is aneighth grader at the middle schoolacross the street.

Cooper almost spits out his coffee.

COOPERWhat?

ATTICUSYep. Shed rather date a child thanme.

COOPERAtticus, that was only a year ago.

ATTICUSYeah, dont remind me.

COOPERAt any rate, thats quiteinteresting.

ATTICUSIts more than interesting. Im

pretty sure its illegal.

COOPERHow?

ATTICUSIsnt he underage, or something.

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COOPERI dont think you know what thatmeans.

ATTICUSMe neither.

There is a moment of silence.

COOPERIm glad you went.

ATTICUSThanks, ma.

COOPERYou made a point. You showed hershe didnt get to you.

ATTICUSBut the only reason I went was tosee her.

COOPERWhether it was your intent or not,you sent a message.

ATTICUSIt doesnt seem like it did me anygood. Yknow, Ill only see her forabout another month.

COOPERWhys that?

ATTICUSShes switching from health to gym.Shell have last lunch.

COOPERWell, what are you going to do?

ATTICUSIm not sure yet. What do you think

I should do?

COOPERIve said it before and Ill say itagain. Let time do its job. Idoubt this relationship will lastvery long.

ATTICUSHow can you tell?

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COOPERHes probably young and naive.Hell get himself in enoughtrouble.

CUT TO:

INT. MARILYNS ROOM - NIGHT

Its pitch black. We can here Marilyn and Adam kissing in theroom. Suddenly, MARILYNS FATHER bursts in holding a belt andturns on the lights to reveal what you expected. Marilyn andAdam break apart and turn to him with startled faces. Thereis a moment of deadly silence. Marilyns fathers facechanges to anger. He lashes at Adam with the belt. Adam fallsto the floor.

MARILYNS FATHERGoddamnit! Goddamn, boy!

Marilyns father hits Adam again. Marilyn is on the verge oftears.

MARILYN(distressed)

Please stop!

He hits him again. Adam manages to scramble out the openwindow.

CUT BACK TO:


Atticus and Cooper are sitting in the usual spot.

ATTICUSIf only. Anyway, I doubt that.Theyre very careful about that.

COOPERI didnt you spied on them.

ATTICUSHa, ha. She loves to talk all aboutit at lunch. As if to spite me.

COOPERYou definitely need to wait. Goodthings come to those who wait.

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ATTICUSThats what you say to a six-yearold in the Toys R Us line.

COOPERAnd they always end up gettingtheir toy. If it happens, ithappens. But you shouldnt rush.Dont worry about losing- nothinggood gets away. Yknow who saidthat?

ATTICUSI knew you werent that poetic.

COOPERJohn Steinbeck. Author of Grapes ofWrath, Of Mice and Men...

ATTICUSI know who he is.

COOPERHe wrote in a letter to a friendwho was pining for a girl.

ATTICUSPining is such a strange word. Dogspine. Not people. People obsess.

COOPER

No, you obsess.

ATTICUSAm I not a person?

COOPERRight now youre acting more like adog.

ATTICUSNah, I prefer Oak.

Cooper smirks.

CUT TO:


We see Atticus, Marilyn, Jordan, and Stacey talking andeating lunch. Atticus looks unhappy. Marilyn is babblingabout Adam. Suddenly, its next lunch, on the next day, samecamera angle. Everyones clothes are different.

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Then the next day, and the next, and the next, and the next.We arrive at the final day of lunch together. Atticus isalone at a table. Suddenly, Marilyn and Stacey arrive at thetable. Marilyn has a blanket wrapped around her.

STACEYWell, Atticus, this is the last dayof lunch. After this, well neversee each other again.

Atticus nods. Stacey and Marilyn sit down at the table.Marilyn takes out her phone and turns it on. Her lock screenis a picture of Adam.

STACEY (CONTD)Aww, thats so cute.

Atticus rolls his eyes.

MARILYNMe and Adam watched Pulp Fictionlast night.

ATTICUS(under his breath)

Did he have parental guidance...

MARILYNWhat?

ATTICUS

Oh, nothing.

MARILYN(smiling)

He was trying to cuddle and I waslike, Adam, I wanna watch themovie. I dont wanna do anything.

Marilyn and Stacey laugh.

ATTICUSSo, might I ask you why you have ablanket?

MARILYNBecause its cold.

ATTICUSI mean Im tired but I dont bringa bed with me.

Marilyn laughs. She then stands up and unfolds the blanket.It is a colorful cover with pictures of the four Beatles.

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ATTICUS (CONTD)Thats quite a cover.

MARILYNIm staying over at Adams, so Ineeded to bring it.

She sits back down.

ATTICUSAnd nobody questions this?

MARILYNThe teachers dont. But kids in myclass walk up to me and say why Ihave a blanket and Im like, do youknow how cold it is?

ATTICUSYou do understand there is such athing as a coat?

MARILYNBut blankets are warmer.

ATTICUSTouche. Anyway, we got to playkickball yesterday in Health.

STACEYThats probably what were doing.

MARILYNI hate physical activity. You thinksince Im wearing boots I wonthave to do anything.

ATTICUSTell em you have a cold. Anyway, Ithink Im the first person inhistory to catch a kickball with myface.

Marilyn smiles.

MARILYNHow did you do that?

ATTICUSThe ball bounced out of my arms,hit my face, and then I caught. Myglasses went flying across theroom. It was incredible.

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JORDANI was there. It was reallysomething.

MARILYNI am like, not athletic at all. Iplayed soccer a little bit inmiddle school.

ATTICUSI played soccer once. We had pinkjerseys and called ourselves theTornadoes.

MARILYNReally?

ATTICUS

Yep. And we never won a singlematch. I also played basketballyears ago. I was about a foottaller than everyone else.

Marilyn laughs.

ATTICUS (CONTD)No, its true. I took three stepsand I was across the court.

MARILYNDid you win anything there?

ATTICUSFunnily enough we still losteverything. Speaking of losing, howwas everyones winter break?

MARILYNWhat does that have to do withlosing?

ATTICUSLong story.

MARILYNOh, well, mine was fine. I got somenew shoes and some new music.

ATTICUSI got quite a bit of music. I wentfrom 300 songs to 1300.

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MARILYN(laughing)

I have 4000.

Atticus puts on a surprised look,

ATTICUSI couldnt even name 4000 songs,let alone own them. Do you everlisten to a song and think, Ididnt know I had that?

MARILYNAll the time. This is the onlyreason to justify having an iPodand an iPhone.

ATTICUS

Now let me ask you this, how muchof it is pirated?

MARILYNOh, 100%.

Atticus nods.

CUT TO:


We see Marilyn and Atticus walking from lunch together.Atticus notices a piece of paper lying on the ground. Hepicks it up, and reads it.

ATTICUSAP Biology chapter seven studyguide. Poor kid wont know what tostudy.

MARILYNYou should keep that until you haveBiology.

Atticus smiles. He raises the paper into the air.

ATTICUSExcuse me sir, Im one step aheadof you. Ill be so prepared forchapter seven. All my other gradeswill be terrible, but Ill acechapter seven.

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MARILYNThats not true.

ATTICUSYoure right, I wont ace chapterseven.

Atticus puts the paper in a book hes holding.

ATTICUS (CONTD)I dont think I even take AP Bio.

MARILYNArent you in MST?

ATTICUSI am, but I dont think I take APBio. Ill take MST Bio. Two

completely different subjects.

MARILYNWhats the difference?

ATTICUSIn AP you dissect a worm, in MSTyou dissect a frog. Speaking ofclasses, what did you wanna take?

MARILYNNext year?

ATTICUSYeah.

MARILYNIm not quite sure. I know junioryear Im going to take Psychology.

ATTICUSReally? I was planning on takingthat, too. I find psychologyfascinating.

MARILYN

Me too.

ATTICUSIn Senior year you can take FilmStudies.

MARILYNSo you just watch movies?

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ATTICUSAbsolutely. Sounds like the bestclass ever. Next year Im takingplay-writing.

MARILYNTheres a play-writing class?

ATTICUSYep. Play-writing one, two andthree.

MARILYNThat sounds really cool.

ATTICUSIm sure it will be.

Atticus and Marilyn arrive a the hallway they part ways.Atticus to the left and Marilyn to the right. They both stop.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Well, this is it.

MARILYNYep.

ATTICUSIts been real. And its been fun.And its been real fun.

MARILYNI completely agree.

ATTICUSWell, uh, goodbye.

MARILYNBye.

They turn and begin walking in the opposite direction. Aftera few steps, Atticus stops, turns around, and runs towardMarilyn.

ATTICUSMarilyn!

Marilyn turns around. Atticus reaches her.

MARILYNYeah.

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ATTICUSMarilyn, theres something I reallyhave to ask of you.

MARILYNShoot.

Atticus kisses her on the cheek. Marilyn is bewildered.

ATTICUSRight, thank you.

Atticus nonchalantly walks away, leaving a frazzled Marilynstanding there.

CUT TO:

INT. COFFEE SHOP

We see Atticus and Cooper in the usual spot in the coffeeshop. Cooper takes a drink of his coffee

COOPERDamn. I mean wow. That, thatsreally something...

ATTICUSBu, but that was the last time Idsee her. I dont think it was thatridiculous. Was it?

COOPEROh, no. It was quite daring. So shejust stood there?

ATTICUSI dont know. I didnt dare turnaround.

COOPERDid you try to look cool as youwalked away?

ATTICUSNaturally.

COOPERHmmm...

ATTICUSWhat?

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COOPERI knew this would happen.

ATTICUSKnew what would happen?

COOPERThat youd do something silly.

ATTICUSBut I was sending a signal.

COOPERAtticus, say you and Marilyn dohook up. How do you think Adamwould feel? I mean, what did youthink would happen?

CUT TO:


We see Atticus and Marilyn standing in the hallway of before.Atticus kisses Marilyn on her cheek. Marilyn grabs his faceand they kiss passionately.

CUT TO:


We see Atticus and Cooper in the usual spot. Atticus openshis mouth up to speak, he then stops and thinks.

COOPERExactly.

ATTICUSSo what am I supposed to do?

COOPERAtticus, do you follow my advice?

ATTICUSOf course.

COOPERYou know what I mean.

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ATTICUSI take your suggestions, along withothers, and I put them in a lotterywhere I draw out the suggestion Iuse.

Cooper smirks.

COOPERAtticus, Im going to give you thebest advice Ive ever given you.

Atticus pulls out a pen and paper.

COOPER (CONTD)Dont listen to my advice.

Atticus looks up from his paper with a confused look.

ATTICUSWhat?

COOPERDont listen to me. Now, Ive gottago volunteer at the shelter.

Cooper stands up from his chair and puts on his coat

ATTICUSBu, but, whats that supposed tomean?

COOPERIm sorry, Atticus, I really haveto go.

Cooper begins walking away. Atticus turns toward him.

ATTICUSCooper, thats a paradox! Itdoesnt make sense! Please explain!

Cooper exits the coffee shop. Atticus turns around. He throwsa napkin across the table.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Not again...

CUT TO:

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INT. ATTICUS HOUSE - NIGHT

We see Atticus working at his cluttered desk. Suddenly, hisphone lights up with a text. Its from Marilyn. It says youwanna come over sometime? Atticus puts a confused look onhis face. He types his response you do know who youretalking to? A few moments pass by. A response comes up,Atticus, right? Atticus smiles. He types his responseSure, when were you thinking? A few moments pass. Howabout Wednesday? Atticus types Sounds great. Anotherresponse My bus number is 0723. Atticus smiles. He leansback in his chair.

CUT TO:

I/E. SCHOOL BUS - DAY

We see Atticus stepping on to an unfamiliar bus. He hands anote to the driver. He walks down the aisle until he seesMarilyn. She waves at him. Atticus smiles. He sits down nextto her.

ATTICUSWhy, hello, there.

MARILYNHi.

ATTICUSSo, whats all this about.

MARILYNIll tell you when we get there.So, what do you normally do on thebus?

ATTICUSI stare out the window and thinkpoetic thoughts.

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYN

I normally just listen to music,but my earbuds are broken.

ATTICUSYou wanna use mine? We can share.

Marilyn smiles.

MARILYNThat sounds fine.

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Atticus smiles.

ATTICUSReally? Great!

Atticus takes out his earbuds and his phone. Marilyn take oneof the earbuds and puts it in her ear. Atticus turns on hisphone on and begins playing music. Marilyn puts a confusedlook on her face.

MARILYNIs this Dan Fogelberg? Are youforty?

Atticus smiles.

ATTICUSIt was just a phase. I only liked

two or three songs, and somehow Iended up with five albums.

MARILYN(smiling)

How?

ATTICUSI assumed because I like two songsId like the rest of his work. Iwas soundly disappointed.

Marilyn laughs.

MARILYNDont you have any Beatles orsomething?

ATTICUSWe cant listen to the Beatles.

MARILYNWhy?

ATTICUSAll my Beatles stuff is in stereo,

wed have to relay the musicalinformation to each-other.

Atticus scrolls through his music again.

ATTICUS (CONTD)Ah, heres one of my favorites.

Atticus plays Sam Cookes Under Paris Skies.

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MARILYNSam Cooke?

ATTICUSI love all his music, but this ismy all time favorite song of his.

MARILYNFunny, Ive never heard thisbefore.

ATTICUSIts from one of his more obscurealbums. Not very well received.Anyway, the Parisian music isreally wonderful here.

MARILYN

Its nice. Very... alluring.

ATTICUSYknow, thats the perfect word.Alluring.

CUT TO:


Atticus and Marilyn enter her house. It is an uninspiringplace, with hardwood floors and an odd red wallpaper. They

sit their backpacks by the door. Marilyn walks over to thecouch. She pats the spot next to her.

MARILYNSit down.

ATTICUSAlright.

Atticus walks over to the couch and sits down.

MARILYNWe need to talk.

ATTICUSOK, uh, what about?

MARILYNYou do know what you did could haveeasily got you suspended?

ATTICUSAh, but it didnt.

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Marilyn smirks.

MARILYNAtticus, you know I really likeAdam, right.

ATTICUSOh, but of course.

MARILYNSo, why did you do that?

ATTICUSWell, it was the last time Id seeyou, so, well, uh, I took a shot inthe dark.

MARILYN

Atticus, there is a fine linebetween brave and stupid.

Atticus just stares in amazement.

MARILYN (CONTD)Youre a good friend, and Id likeit to stay that way. Cant yourespect that?

ATTICUSYeah, uh, I can respect that.

Marilyn smiles.

MARILYNGreat. So were still friends?

ATTICUSUh, of course.

They hug awkwardly.

CUT TO:


We see Atticus alone at the usual spot. He is waiting forCooper. He taps on the table. He takes a drink of his coffee.He turns around to look at the door. But Cooper does notcome.

CUT TO:

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INT. GUITAR EMPORIUM - DAY

We see Atticus sitting on a stool, playing a bass from thewall. His eyes are closed as he plays a beautiful piece. Hesuddenly stops, and sighs.

CUT TO:


We see Atticus standing on the sidewalk, waiting to cross thebusy street. He looks both ways, and cross. He enters BetterDays.

CUT TO:


We see Atticus perusing the jazz section of the quaint recordstore. After some digging, Atticus comes across Miles DavisKind of Blue.

CUT TO:

EXT. EVANSTOWN ROAD

We see Atticus step of Better Days, bag with record in hand.He looks around. He begins walking toward Book and Music

Exchange.

CUT TO:

INT. BOOK AND MUSIC EXCHANGE - DAY

We see Atticus looking through the classics section. He comesacross a copy of Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath. He picks itup and studies it. He turns it over and reads the back.

CUT TO:


We see Atticus walking down the busy road, reading his newlypurchased copy of The Grapes of Wrath.

CUT TO:

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They both get their belongings together and stand back up.

ATTICUSSay, arent you in my Gym class?

Emmas eyes light up.

EMMAYeah, Red three, right?

Atticus smiles.

ATTICUS(smiling)

Yeah.

They start walking together.

ATTICUS (CONTD)So, you like New York?

EMMALove it. I went there a few yearsago with my family.

ATTICUSReally? I went on vacation therelast year...

They continue walking and talking.

FADE OUT.

THE END

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Documents

Loss Before Love