Posted by nickmoschetto
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INT. JEREMY’S HOUSE - DAY
Jeremy(17) sits on the edge of his bed with his shoulders on his knees and his hand over his mouth. The phone on table across from him is ringing. Jeremy sits staring at it. His red eyes water up. The answering machine begins playing.
GREG (V.O.)
Jeremy please pick up! Please. She ain’t coming back. Never. I haven't slept in days, I can barely breath any more. I can’t do this! It will never get better! I need you right now! Please! I cant keep doing this. I just cant. Pick up. Please.
The machine beeps.
MACHINE
End of message.
FADE TO:
INT. CAR - EVENING
Jeremy drives through a dense forest under an orange sky. Soft music plays on the radio. He drives past a lake with the sun peaking over it. There are two boys standing with there feet in the water. Jeremy stares at the boys then keeps driving. He passes two boys slightly older riding bicycles. One of them is wearing a helmet and the other is not. Jeremy drives past them. His phone rings and he answers.
JEREMY
Hey.
MOTHER
Hey, are you almost there?
JEREMY
Yeah like ten minutes.
MOTHER
I’m so sorry this happened. I know this cant be easy. Are you sure you don't want me to come up with you?
JEREMY
Yeah positive.
MOTHER
Alright. If you need me to come get you just call... Jeremy?
JEREMY
OK thanks.
He shuts the phone and throws it in the passengers seat. He continues driving. He passes two boys on opposite sides of the road. They are both walking opposite directions. Jeremy drives past them then turns onto a small dirt road and parks on the grass. Jeremy turns the radio off and reaches in the glove compartment. He pulls out some skittles and tosses a handful in his mouth. In front of him there is a small private cemetery. He gets out of the car, closing the door behind him and walks up a very small hill to the grave stones spread randomly from one another. Jeremy walks up to one with a large framed picture of a skinny tan boy with short hair with a huge smile on his face. The boy appears to be laughing. Jeremy reads the grave stone. “GREGORY HANSON, BELOVED SON, GRANDSON, FRIEND AND BROTHER. YOU WILL BE MISSED.” Jeremy looks down at the grave to see that it has no flowers on it. He walks over to the grave next to it and picks up some flowers then drops them on Greg’s grave. His cell phone rings and he answers it.
JEREMY (CONT’D)
What now?
MOTHER
Are you there?
JEREMY
Yes. I told you I was almost there. What do you want?
MOTHER
I just get worried. Are you paying your respects?
JEREMY
I don’t know. How long does that take?
MOTHER
As long as you need.
JEREMY
Well I think I’m done here.
MOTHER
Oh my god! Jeremy, your brother just let the dog drink bleach. I need to go.
The line goes dead. Jeremy shuts the phone and puts it in his pocket. He stares down at the grave. A girl about his age in a black dress walks up next to him.
NATALIE
How you doin?
JEREMY
Good I guess. I mean my best friend just killed himself. So not great and I missed the funeral.
NATALIE
Me too. Volleyball practice.
JEREMY
Tennis.
Jeremy nodes his head down.
NATALIE
You don't have to pretend to be sad on my account. I do the same thing.
JEREMY
I just don’t know why he did it. He was so happy back home. He left me a note.
Jeremy reaches in his pocket and pulls out a note.
GREG (V.O.)
I am not sorry for leaving you like this. I cannot be sorry about anything anymore. You keep saying things will get better, but I cant wait for that. You have been a good friend.
NATALIE
I got a note too.
She reveals a large piece of paper with red stains on it that reads “THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT BITCH!!!”. Jeremy looks at his small piece of paper that the note was written on. It was obviously torn from the paper Natalie holds.
JEREMY
You must be Natalie.
NATALIE
Oh. I’m popular.
She smiles.
NATALIE (CONT’D)
You must be Jeremy.
JEREMY
Damn. He talked about both of us.
She holds up her note.
NATALIE
Very differently though.
Jeremy notices the stains.
JEREMY
Is that blood?
NATALIE
Yeah, that was my first guess. My others were ketchup or corn syrup but I don’t think he consumed either on the day of the act.
JEREMY
How did he die?
NATALIE
Wow you really want to know that? It was the most horrific thing I have ever seen and I have seen some sick shit. I think there is a video in the internet somewhere.
JEREMY
Jesus.
NATALIE
Yeah. So why are you here?
JEREMY
My friend just died.
NATALIE
Yeah but why come all the way up here?
JEREMY
To pay my respects.
NATALIE
Did your mother tell you that?
Jeremy smiles then looks up at the sky. The sun is almost gone.
JEREMY
Its going to get dark in like five minutes.
NATALIE
Are you scared of the dark?
Jeremy smiles.
JEREMY
Not quite.
NATALIE
Are you driving back home?
JEREMY
No, I’m staying with Greg’s family up here.
NATALIE
They’re probably all asleep by now.
JEREMY
Yeah, you know those manic depressives.
Natalie laughs. Jeremy smiles.
NATALIE
What’s your plan B.
JEREMY
I didn't think that far ahead.
NATALIE
You could stay at my place tonight.
The ghost of Greg appears next to Jeremy.
GREG
Man she is something ain't she. A beautiful sociopath. You should go with her. Just look how I turned out.
Jeremy stares blankly at Greg.
GREG (CONT’D)
You wanna know how I died? Go to this web site.
NATALIE
Uh you OK?
Greg disappears.
JEREMY
Yeah, fine.
NATALIE
So you wanna go?
JEREMY
Do you always invite total strangers to your house?
NATALIE
Your not a stranger. I have heard more shit about you then can be crammed into a lifetime. But the answer to the question is yes.
JEREMY
Yeah lets go.
FROM OVER THE TREES THE SUN DISAPPEARS.
FADE TO:
INT. NATALIE’S ROOM - NIGHT
Jeremy sits on the bed with Natalie next to him. The ghost of Greg sits in a chair across from Jeremy.
NATALIE
So what do you wanna do?
Greg starts laughing. Jeremy looks over at him.
JEREMY (TO GREG)
What the hell is so funny?
GREG
You man. Your shyness. Know what? You might actually live through her.
JEREMY
Well thanks.
GREG
Don’t be scared. Just pretend I’m not here or stop pretending I am.
Natalie swings her feet in the air and tilts her head back.
NATALIE
Oh, what to do?
JEREMY
We could...
Greg gestures to Jeremy to hurry up.
JEREMY (CONT’D)
Play chess?
NATALIE
I’m not a big chess person.
JEREMY
I’m pretty tired. I think I’m going to go asleep.
Natalie’s jaw drops.
NATALIE
Are you gay?
JEREMY (SURPRISED)
No. Why?
NATALIE
No reason. Well good night.
FADE TO:
INT. NATALIE’S ROOM - MORNING
Jeremy awakens on the floor with his phone ringing in his pants. Natalie is not in the room. He pulls it out and answers it.
JEREMY
Hello?
MOTHER
Where are you?
JEREMY
At somebodies house.
MOTHER
Who’s house. Miss Hanson said you didn't show up last night.
JEREMY
Well that's good because at least shes not seeing things.
MOTHER
Who's house are you at?
JEREMY
Tell the truth I don’t know.
MOTHER
What?!
JEREMY
I’m just kidding. An old friend. I didn't want to be driving at night so I dropped by here. You know how dangerous the roads are at night.
MOTHER
OK. But don't stay there again. Go strait to the Hanson’s.
JEREMY
OK. Bye.
Jeremy shuts the phone.
INT. NATALIE’S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Jeremy walks down the stairs and into the kitchen. Natalie is sitting at the counter next to a woman in her early thirties. The woman looks up at him.
LEXI (CALMLY)
Hey you didn't tell me you had a friend over.
JEREMY
You didn't?
NATALIE
Thought it would be a fun surprise.
LEXI
What’s your name?
JEREMY
Jeremy.
LEXI
I’m Natalie’s...
NATALIE
Sister.
LEXI
Mother.
JEREMY
Ah...
LEXI
So when did you two meet?
JEREMY
Oh we’re...
NATALIE
In thirty minutes it’ll be about nine hours.
Lexi looks up at Jeremy and shrugs her eyebrows at him.
LEXI
Lucky you.
NATALIE
He is Greg’s friend.
LEXI
Now Jerry if you haven't already noticed which I know you already have my daughter is a little slut.
NATALIE
Oh shut up like your any better.
LEXI (WHISPERING)
She takes on after her mother.
JEREMY
OK.
LEXI
She still got that weird in between the sheets thing?
JEREMY
I... I don't..
Lexi pulls out a cigarette, lights it and starts smoking. She holds one out to Jeremy.
LEXI
Want one?
JEREMY
No thanks.
LEXI
What’s wrong kiddo? First one night stand with your dead best friends ex?
She puts the second one in her mouth and lights it.
NATALIE
He needs to be going. He’s going to see Greg’s family.
JEREMY
Your not going?
NATALIE
You kidding? Those people would crucify me.
JEREMY
Alright well thank you for everything.
LEXI
Aww how cute he says thank you.
JEREMY
Nice meeting you both.
LEXI
I’m Lexi by the way.
JEREMY
Yeah, bye.
Jeremy exits out the front door. Lexi laughs.
LEXI (LAUGHING)
He is running for the hills right now!
CUT TO:
EXT. HANSON HOUSE - MORNING
Jeremy pulls into the driveway, turns it off and gets out, shutting the door behind him. Jeremy takes a step backwards to get a full view of the house. He stands gazing at the house for a minute.
JEREMY (TO HIMSELF)
What the hell are you doing her Jeremy?
Greg’s mother opens the front door and runs out crying to Jeremy.
MS.HANSON
Jeremy oh sweetie!
JEREMY
Miss Hanson I am so sorry.
MS.HANSON
We both lost someone so close to us.
She hugs him tight. He looks over her shoulder to see Greg’s younger brother leaning against the bricks. The boy is tall and about one year younger then Jeremy.
MS.HANSON (CONT’D)
Come on inside sweet heart. You must be starving.
She releases Jeremy and walks in the house. Jeremy walks over to Greg’s brother Kyle. The hug and release.
JEREMY
How you been holding up?
KYLE
I should be asking you that.
JEREMY
Better than I expected.
KYLE
Yeah me too.
JEREMY
That's good. How’s your mom?
KYLE
At least it wasn't you, then she would really be upset.
JEREMY
Yeah I guess.
KYLE
Wanna go inside and see the family?
JEREMY
No, not really.
KYLE
Didn't think so. Lets go get something to eat.
CUT TO:
EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD - DAY
Jeremy and Kyle walks on the side of the road eating cheeseburgers as cars drive past them.
KYLE
So why did you come down here?
JEREMY
I don’t know. Closure I guess.
KYLE
I thought you guys weren't close anymore.
JEREMY
That depends on who’s point of view your looking from.
A black BMW pulls over next to them. The window rolls down.
NATALIE
You kids want some candy?
JEREMY
You stalking me now?
NATALIE
Had to apologize for this morning.
JEREMY
Why? I think your moms really nice.
NATALIE
Stop right there buddy.
KYLE
Hey Natalie!
NATALIE
What’s goin on cutie pa tootie?
KYLE
Showing Jeremy around. Hey how did you two meet.
NATALIE
I stopped by Greg’s grave last night. Just to see how he’s doing.
KYLE
I told you Jeremy was going to be there last night.
Jeremy looks at Natalie. Natalie chews her gum smiling.
NATALIE
Get in the car.
Jeremy grins.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR - DAY
Kyle sits in the front seat with Jeremy behind him. Greg appears next to Jeremy.
GREG
Pussy.
JEREMY
What are you talking about?
GREG
Why are you so scared of everything?
JEREMY
Because I don’t want to end up like you.
GREG (LAUGHING)
Wow that one really hurt!
JEREMY
Good now leave me alone.
GREG
Your goanna be just like me. Just give it time. And hey if you don’t like her I think you got a shot with her mom.
Greg winks.
JEREMY
You didn't.
Greg smiles. Jeremy laughs.
NATALIE
What the hells so funny.
JEREMY
Nothing. Just... Remember those rabbits Greg had like five years ago. Butt-plug and...
KYLE
...Piss-machine!
JEREMY
Yeah, what happened to them?
KYLE
They both killed themselves.
The car gets silent. Greg nods. Jeremy’s cell phone rings and he answers it.
JEREMY
Hey.
MOTHER
Where are you? Ms. Hanson said you just took Kyle and left her.
JEREMY
We just went out for a walk.
MOTHER
She is crying under the table right now.
JEREMY
Are you kidding me?
MOTHER
Just get back there.
JEREMY
I will don’t worry.
He shuts the phone.
JEREMY (CONT’D)
Your...
KYLE
Mom is crying under the table.
JEREMY
Happens often?
KYLE
Yeah.
CUT TO:
INT. HANSON HOUSE - DAY
Jeremy, Kyle and Natalie walk through the front door.
KYLE
Mom!
JEREMY
Mrs. Hanson!
They walk into the kitchen. Ms. Hanson walks up to the boys smiling. There is eyeliner smeared around her eyes.
MS.HANSON
Hello.
JEREMY
Are you OK?
MS.HANSON
Yes, I’m fine. What would make you think I wasn't?
JEREMY
Nothing.
MS.HANSON
Oh. Who is your friend?
Jeremy looks at the kitchen counter and sees an empty bottle of pills.
KYLE
This is...
NATALIE
I’m Marilyn. Marilyn Manson.
Mrs. Hanson walks in front of her.
MS.HANSON
Marilyn Manson. What a lovely name.
Ms. Hanson smiles at her and walks back into the kitchen. Jeremy and Kyle look back at Natalie.
MS.HANSON (CONT’D)
Is any one hungry?
JEREMY
I’m not.
KYLE
Me neither.
MS.HANSON
What about Marilyn?
NATALIE
No thank you.
MS.HANSON
Oh. Well all this food will go to waste.
Ms. Hanson pulls a large pan of food out of the oven and walks over to the trash can with it.
MS.HANSON (MUMBLING) (CONT’D)
No food for them. Just a waste of time.
She throws the whole pan in the trash. Jeremy, Natalie and Kyle walk away.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - EVENING
Jeremy, Kyle and Natalie walk on the sidewalk through the neighborhood.
NATALIE
So why did you and Greg stop talking anyway?
JEREMY
You mean he never told you?
NATALIE
One of the few things he left out.
JEREMY
I enrolled in a new school. Left all my old friends. Stopped answering his calls.
NATALIE
Why did you go to a new school?
KYLE
Jeremy got into one of the best schools in the country.
NATALIE
Really? Impressive.
JEREMY
I just had to get away from him. I realized if I stayed around him I would be in the same position as him.
Kyle walks in front of Jeremy. Jeremy can see cigarette burns on the back of Kyle’s neck.
FLASH TO:
INT. HANSON HOUSE - NIGHT
Jeremy and Greg sit on a couch in the living-room playing video games.
GREG
Man I’m really glad you came down to visit. We haven't hug out in a long time.
JEREMY
I know. Long time.
GREG
How’s that school going for you?
JEREMY
Its great, I’m really happy.
Kyle walks in the room from the kitchen.
KYLE
Hey Greg where’s the popcorn?
GREG
Shut up. Hey come here.
Kyle walks over to Greg.
GREG (CONT’D)
You wanna see a something funny?
JEREMY
Sure.
Greg holds out the controller to Kyle.
GREG
Wanna play?
KYLE
Sure.
Kyle reaches down to take the controller. Greg grabs the hair on the back of his head and pulls him down to the floor. Kyle falls to his knees and yells.
GREG (LAUGHING)
See? He acts like a baby.
JEREMY
What the hell are you doing?!
Ms. Hanson walks in the room.
MS.HANSON
Gregory! Let him go now!
Kyle punches Greg in the groin.
GREG
Shit!
Kyle gets to his feet and tries to run away. Greg lunges for him and grabs his arm.
JEREMY
Greg let him go!
Greg throw Kyle to the floor and kneels over punching him.
MS.HANSON (CRYING)
I’m calling the police!
She runs inside the kitchen. Jeremy stands up and rushes to Greg as he continues beating Kyle. Kyle punches Greg in the face. Greg falls back. Kyle crawls to his knees shaking. Greg grabs a candle holder from the television stand. He raises it to swing at Kyle. He swings it down but Jeremy catches his wrist. Jeremy pulls Greg back and slams his wrist against the wall. The candle holder falls to the ground. Greg shakes Jeremy’s hand off his wrist.
GREG
Let me go!
JEREMY
Your crazy god damn it!
Kyle runs into the kitchen. Ms. Hanson walks out of the kitchen. Jeremy and Greg stare at each other. They hear police sirens in the distance. Greg runs to the front door and out.
FLASH TO:
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - EVENING
Jeremy looks at the scar and then looks down. They walk through a playground with children running around, going down the slide and playing tag.
FLASH TO:
EXT. PLAYGROUND - DUSK
Jeremy and Greg sit on the swings next to each other laughing. Greg is smoking a cigarette.
FLASH TO:
EXT. PLAYGROUND - EVENING
Jeremy walks slightly ahead of Kyle and Natalie. A dirty, skinny, homeless man walks around the corner to him.
JEREMY (SCREAMING)
Jesus Christ!
The homeless man gets closer. Jeremy walks backwards. Kyle walks over to the man.
KYLE
Sup Reggie?
REGGIE (MUMBLING)
Where Greg?
KYLE
Already told you he died.
REGGIE (MUMBLING)
He die. Shit me. How get me pills?
KYLE
I got um for you. But I cant get them any more.
REGGIE (MUMBLING)
Whaa?
KYLE
I told you Greg cant get them any more because he is dead.
REGGIE (MUMBLING)
Just give me.
Kyle holds out five pills in his hand. Reggie grabs them immediately. Reggie reaches in his pocket and pulls out three pennies and a nickle. He holds them out to Kyle.
KYLE
No thanks. Those are for free.
Reggie starts walking away. He turns around for a second.
REGGIE (MUMBLING)
Next time you tell Greg see me! Bye bye!
Reggie walks off.
JEREMY
My god this place is weird.
NATALIE
If only you had more time. Then you could see how fucked up we really are.
FLASH TO:
INT. JEREMYS HOUSE - NIGHT
Jeremy picks up the phone and holds it to his ear.
MACHINE
You have twenty-seven new messages. First message.
Jeremy lies down on his bed and picks up a drawing pad and a pencil and starts drawing.
GREG (V.O.)
Oh my god Jeremy I have been trying to reach you all day. You have no idea what it is like over here. These people are crazy. Its like I walked on to the island of misfit children and their all trying to make me like them. Jeremy you have to come see me. You need to see these people. Jeremy pick up the phone. Pick up. Pick up.
Jeremy puts the pad down of the night stand next to his bed. There is a sad face drawn on the pad.
FLASH TO:
I/E. HANSON HOUSE - DAY
Greg and Jeremy stand by the front door holding skateboards.
GREG
Hey mom, we’re going to the skate park!
MS.HANSON
How are you getting there?
GREG
Seth’s mom is taking us!
MS.HANSON
Be back soon!
They walk out the front door.
JEREMY
So who’s this Seth guy?
GREG
He’s like twenty-five but his mom drives him everywhere. Be nice because he can kind of loose his mind.
A car waits by the curb. Greg and Jeremy get in the back seats. A odd looking man with a mustache turns and looks back at Jeremy.
GREG (CONT’D)
Hey thanks for taking us.
JEREMY
Yes, thank you. I’m Jeremy by the way.
SETH’S MOTHER
Hello Jeremy. Nice to meet you. We have heard so much about you.
SETH
Are you that kid that Greg pissed on your hat and you wore it around all day in the sun.
SETH’S MOTHER
Oh and everyone called you...
GREG (LAUGHING)
Jerry piss-ring!
JEREMY
That's me.
She drives down the road.
GREG
So Seth what have you been up to?
Seth does not reply. They drive passed a car wreck. Police are helping a woman out of her car. She has blood all over her face and is screaming and crying.
SETH (YELLING)
Ha-ha! What idiots! There goanna die! Stupid people!
Jeremy opens his mouth and grins. Him and Greg look at each other shocked.
SETH’S MOTHER
Seth that’s not nice.
SETH
I don’t care. They shouldn't drive so stupid then.
EXT. SKATE PARK - RAINY AFTERNOON
Greg and Jeremy sit outside under a walkway. Greg is smoking a cigarette. He holds the cigarette out to Jeremy.
GREG
Here.
JEREMY
I thought you would know this by now. I don’t smoke.
GREG
Not even cigarettes?
JEREMY
Like nothing at all.
GREG
My god. What’s up your ass?
JEREMY
Why do you always do that?
GREG
What?
GREG (CONT’D)
You just need to chill. Are you not getting any?
JEREMY
You act like fuckin Bob Marly. Like you don’t give a shit about anything. I come all the way up here to see you and you treat me like shit. I mean do you think I like talking to you on the phone for hours about my feelings or you’ll cry.
GREG
Hey if you don't give a shit about me you shouldn't have come.
JEREMY
Maybe I would like to visit if you would just act like you used to. Instead you put on this fake persona and try to convince everyone your Jamaican.
GREG
Well I’m glad we’re out in the open now.
They both cross there arms and stare strait ahead. Seth walks out the door soaked in sweat. He walks over to them holding his skateboard.
SETH
What’s up guys? You two angry or something? Hey check it out. I learned this new trick from this guy in there. Check it.
Seth tosses the board on the ground and steps on it. He bends his knees and pushes down on the back of the board. The board shoots out from under his feet and he jumps off almost falling down.
SETH (CONT’D)
Damn almost had it.
He runs off the get his board. Jeremy and Greg both give a faint smile.
FLASH TO:
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - EVENING
Jeremy, Natalie and Kyle walk around a huge pond.
NATALIE
Are you OK? You seem to be a little zoned out.
JEREMY
I don’t think I am OK. Its been a rough week. I just cant get used to this?
NATALIE
Get used to what? You haven't seen him in forever.
JEREMY
Death. This was like a wake-up call that I’m not going to live forever. I better get to living now.
NATALIE
Your not like Greg.
Greg appears next to Jeremy.
JEREMY
I just have this terrible feeling I’m going to die young and it scares the hell out of me.
They keep walking in silence. Jeremy’s phone rings. He answers.
JEREMY (CONT’D)
Yeah.
MOTHER (SCARED)
Jeremy what happed? There are police here. They keep asking questions. They said you did something terrible.
JEREMY (CALM)
Don’t worry. I’ll be home soon.
He shuts the phone.
JEREMY (CONT’D)
I’m going to need to leave soon.
KYLE
Come back to the house first. I have something to give you.
CUT TO:
INT. HANSON HOUSE - EVENING
Jeremy and Kyle walk in the house and go strait up the stairs. Kyle walks ahead of him. Jeremy reaches the top of the stairs and looks around. He walk slowly into Greg’s bed room.
FLASH TO:
INT. GREG’S ROOM - NIGHT
Greg sits on the bed sobbing.
GREG (CRYING)
Jeremy! Please pick up the phone, I really need to talk to you right now! Please! I’m going to kill my self.
JEREMY (V.O.)
What do you want?
GREG
Thank god you picked up. I really need to talk to someone.
JEREMY (V.O.)
What? What do you need to tell me?
GREG
I’m just so out of it right now. I was just about to do it.
JEREMY (V.O.)
Why? Why do you keep saying that?
GREG
Because I just cant take life anymore. I just cant.
JEREMY (V.O.)
Stop saying that.
GREG
You think I’m kidding.
JEREMY (V.O.)
Well what am I supposed to think? You cant just keep making threats.
GREG
So do you want me to kill myself?
JEREMY (V.O.)
No. Don’t you think its a little selfish to treat people you care about like this.
GREG
I don’t care. I don’t care about anything anymore.
JEREMY (V.O.)
Oh stop being so melodramatic. Its pathetic. You cant try and control everybody with death threats. You try and make me pick up the phone or you say you’ll kill yourself. How fucking selfish.
GREG
I’m going to. I’m goanna teach her a lesson.
JEREMY (V.O.)
Oh don’t bring this back to her. Your not in love your just obsessed. If your going to do this then its your choice not mine and this is not my fault.
Jeremy hangs up.
FLASH TO:
INT. HANSON HOUSE - EVENING
Jeremy walks out of the room and into the bathroom and stares at the bathtub.
FLASH TO:
INT. GREG’S BATHROOM - NIGHT
Greg lies in the bathtub with all of is cloths on. His hands are tied behind his back and a rope attached to a large weight is around his neck. The weight rests on the side of the tub. He looks up at the ceiling. The tub is completely full with water. He starts breathing heavily. His eyes start watering up and turn red. He takes a deep breath in and pulls his neck forward. The weight drops in the tub. Greg plunges under the water.
JUMP CUT TO:
DEEP WATER
Greg sinks down into dark water. His eyes are open. He tries to inhale but chokes. He sinks further down and it gets darker. Natalie swims up out of the blue. She has scaley flippers instead of legs. She swims to Greg and touches her had to his face. He opens his mouth and blows bubbles out.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. GREG’S BATHROOM
Greg gasps for air. He is out of the bathtub lying on his mother lap on the floor. His mother his crying heavily. Greg breaths extremely heavy. He crawls over to the bathtub and leans over it. He vomits.
INT. GREG’S BATHROOM - NIGHT
Jeremy vomits in the toilet. He stands up and leans against the wall.
JEREMY
Fuck!
Kyle leans in the room.
KYLE
Everything OK?
JEREMY
Amazing. Why are we here?
Kyle holds out a folded piece of paper. Jeremy’s phone rings. Jeremy picks up the phone and throws it in the toilet. Jeremy grabs the paper frustrated.
KYLE
You sure everything’s alright?
JEREMY
I need to get out of here.
Jeremy walks past Kyle in a rush.
EXT. NATALIE’S HOUSE - DUSK
Natalie opens the door. Jeremy is standing outside.
NATALIE
What’s up?
JEREMY
I’m leaving.
NATALIE
Why? Can’t you stay longer?
JEREMY
No. No, I don’t think I can.
NATALIE
Come with me.
Natalie walks out the door, leaving it open behind her.
LEXI (DISTANT)
Natalie close the damn door!
FADE TO:
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DUSK
Natalie and Jeremy walk down the dark street. They walk across a lawn to a backyard fence.
JEREMY
Greg used to take me here. I thought they would have sold it by now.
NATALIE
They would have but we keep fucking it up so they cant. Give me a boost.
Jeremy grabs Natalie’s legs and lifts her up. She climbs over the fence. Jeremy jumps up and lifts his body over the fence. They walks around to the back and climb in through a window. The house is almost completely dark.
NATALIE (CONT’D)
We need to hurry. There’s not much light left.
Natalie walks through the living-room to a closet next to the bathroom. She opens the closet and pulls out a bunch of candles and two lighters. She sits down on the floor. Jeremy sits down next to her and they start lighting candles.
FLASH TO:
INT. CAR - DAY
Jeremy and Greg sit in the back seat of Seth’s car silent with angry looks on there faces. Seth is sweating hard.
SETH
Man, I did good out there today. I need a beer.
SETH’S MOTHER
No Seth we need to take them home.
SETH
I did real good today and I need a beer!
SETH’S MOTHER
We’ll get you one later.
SETH
Look there’s a bar right there.
Seth points at a bar ahead.
SETH’S MOTHER
Seth after we drop them off.
SETH
I’m old enough to drink and I’m going to have a drink!
Seth leans over and grabs the wheel from his mother. Everyone in the car screams.
JEREMY (SCREAMING)
God damn it!
The car swerves into a ditch. Seth’s mother slams on the breaks. Everyone jolts forward. The car comes to a compleat stop. Seth turns around in his seat.
SETH
You guys want anything? Like a beer. I can buy you a beer... Because I’m old enough.
JEREMY (POLITELY)
No thanks Seth I’m fine. You want anything Greg?
GREG
No.
JEREMY
You enjoy though.
Seth gets out of the car and walks across the street to the bar. Seth’s mother sits shocked with tears running down her face. She screams and slams her head into the steering wheel.
JEREMY (CONT’D)
You gotta be kidding me!
Jeremy and Greg get out of the car.
GREG
You thought I was exaggerating about this place.
JEREMY
Do you have a phone?
GREG
No they took my cellphone away.
Jeremy walks across the street and into a phone booth. He pulls two quarters out of his pocket and places them in the slot. He picks up the phone and dials his mother. It rings twice.
MOTHER
Hello?
JEREMY
Hey where are you?
MOTHER
I’m going to have dinner with a friend like thirty minutes from you.
JEREMY
Can you get me? I cant stay here anymore.
MOTHER
Of course. Where are you?
JEREMY
I’m at a bar right now.
MOTHER
What? Why are you at a bar?
JEREMY
Long story. Its right on the road to his house. Please get here.
MOTHER
I’ll be there soon.
Jeremy hangs up the phone and walks out of the booth. Greg approaches him.
GREG
How long is it going to take her to get here?
JEREMY
Thirty minutes.
GREG
Oh my god. Is she taking a helicopter?
JEREMY
Shes in the next town visiting a friend.
GREG
You think I changed. You did. I stayed the same.
JEREMY
You know what? Yeah I did change. People change! People grow the fuck up! Everyone else does. There's only so much pot you can possibly smoke. I really hope you will grow up eventually.
A big bearded man tosses Seth out the front door of the bar. Seth’s nose is bleeding and his eye is bruised.
SETH
He started it!
Seth gets up and walks over to Greg. A car pulls in to the parking lot. Jeremy walks to the car and opens the door.
GREG
Hey Jeremy! Your right. I was just kidding before. You should still come back and visit.
JEREMY
Maybe.
Jeremy gets in the car and they drive off.
MOTHER
What happened?
JEREMY
I just cant take him. I thought I could but I cant.
MOTHER
Well you did the right thing by trying. He needs you allot more then you need him.
JEREMY
I just had to get out of there. I wasn't going to call. I thought you were back home or busy. Thank you for coming.
MOTHER
Jeremy whenever you need me, whenever your in trouble just call me and I will be there.
Jeremy looks at his mother.
CUT TO:
INT. EMPTY HOUSE - NIGHT
Jeremy and Natalie lie on the floor kissing. The room is entirely lit by candles. Greg’s ghost sits next to them smiling with his chin in his hands. Jeremy looks over at Greg.
GREG
Don’t mind me.
JEREMY
Why are you here. Isn't there something better you could be doing?
GREG
Come on. The two people who impacted my life the most. How could I miss this?
NATALIE
Is everything OK?
Jeremy looks back at Natalie.
JEREMY
Yeah. Yeah everything is fine.
Jeremy kisses Natalie.
GREG
Isn't it funny how you let a dead guy make all of your decisions for you?
Jeremy’s eyes turn to Greg with out moving his head. Greg disappears. Sirens become louder from the distance.
NATALIE
What’s that?
JEREMY
I don’t know. Don’t worry about it.
The sirens get right outside the house then pass. Then they stay in one place.
NATALIE
They just stopped.
Jeremy gets off of Natalie and they go to the window. There are two police cars at Ms. Hanson’s house.
NATALIE (CONT’D)
Holy shit Jeremy. Are you in trouble.
Jeremy is picking the candles up off the floor.
JEREMY
Hurry. Get the candles away from the windows. They could see us in here.
They hear a bump on the wall.
NATALIE
Did you hear that?
Jeremy puts his finger over his lips. Natalie get quiet. Jeremy walks very slowly out of the room. It is completely dark except light from the police cars through the window. Jeremy looks down to see a foot sticking out from behind a corner. Jeremy lunges around the corner grabbing a boy about his age and throwing him to the ground.
FEZ (SURPRISED)
Woo! Chill bra!
JEREMY
Who are you?
Natalie walks in the room.
NATALIE
Hey Fez.
FEZ
What’s going on Natalie?
Fez gets up off the ground.
JEREMY
Sorry.
FEZ
No problem bro. Hey everyone roll in.
Two boys and a girl walk around the corner with flashlights.
BOY
Whaz up?!
FEZ
Dude there's cops at Greg’s house. You guys know what happened?
NATALIE
I don’t. What about you Jeremy?
Jeremy looks back at Natalie.
JEREMY
No. No I don’t.
FEZ
Oh hey man we haven't met. I’m Fez. This is Jay, Kevin, Lara and May.
GROUP
Hey.
JEREMY
Jeremy.
Jeremy holds out his hand. Fez gets in close and hugs Jeremy tight. Jeremy looks surprised.
FEZ
Jeremy? Jeremy piss-ring Jeremy?
JEREMY
Yeah that's me.
LARA
Oh. Your the guy all the black people beat up because Greg said you were in the KKK as a joke.
JEREMY
Yes, also me.
JAY
And the guy that Greg pulled your pants down and pushed you into that girl with the bottom locker.
JEREMY
Anything else? Really? Any more stories you would like to share?
FEZ
Na.
JAY
Hey did anyone notice the police outside?
JEREMY
You have to be kidding me.
Everybody but Jeremy and Natalie sit in a circle on the floor.
FEZ
Come sit in the circle. There's a much better energy down here. We would be outside if it wasn't for the cops.
Natalie looks at Jeremy with a worried look.
NATALIE
Jeremy could I talk to you in the other room for a minute?
Jeremy and Natalie walk into the room.
JEREMY
What?
NATALIE
Are you going to tell me you have nothing to do with the police outside?
JEREMY
Yeah pretty much.
NATALIE
Why are you lying to me?
JEREMY
My god just back off!
Jeremy walks out into the living room. Fez and the others are sitting on the floor smoking out of a bong. Jay holds it up to Jeremy.
JAY
Want a hit?
JEREMY
Sure.
Jeremy sits down in the circle and takes the bong and lighter from Jay. He puts his mouth on it, lights the bowl and inhales. Jeremy coughs. Smoke comes out his nose. They all laugh. Natalie watches from the doorway. Jeremy starts laughing. He passes the bong and lighter to his left.
FAST-FORWARD AS THEY TALK AND SMOKE
LATER
Jeremy tilts his head back and then forward. His eyes are red and mouth is open. He looks across the circle and sees Greg across from him.
JEREMY
Wow.
GREG
What’s wrong?
FEZ
Its good ain’t it.
JEREMY (LAUGHING)
You know, I always thought I would die before Greg. He was so... invincible and I was so... not. He could do anything and it don’t, not, didn't even fays him. I was so scared of anything, everything. He was my braver side. And when I got into my new school I let that side slip away. I threw away my best friend for a school and imagine my surprise when I got kicked out.
NATALIE
What?
GREG
Well you never told me that.
Jeremy laughs hysterically.
JEREMY (LAUGHING)
Yeah I know! My fifth week in school this girl I know handed me a bottle of pills and told me to hold on to them. And I just remember the police walking in the class and searching me like I was a criminal. It just bough something out in me I never thought possible. And that might explain why the police are here because I burned down her house.
Everyone in the group seems shocked. Natalie walks in front of Jeremy.
NATALIE
What?
Jeremy laughs and picks up the bong. Two police officers kick in the door and run in the house screaming. Everyone stands up. Jeremy turns around and throws the bong at the cops. It smashes on ones face. The cop screams and falls to the ground.
FEZ
Run!
Jeremy runs into the screen door and breaks through it, falling to the ground. Everyone in the group runs past Jeremy. There is a sound of screeching tires.
COP
Hey the kids driving away.
The police run out the front door. Natalie pulls Jeremy to his feet.
NATALIE
Come on we gotta go.
JEREMY
Yeah OK.
FADE TO:
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
SOFT MUSIC
Jeremy’s car drives quickly with police cars behind it. The car pulls over. Police get out of their cars and walk cautiously to the car with their guns drawn. The one in front flashes his flashlight on Kyle who is sitting behind the wheel.
CUT TO:
EXT. LAKE - DAWN
Jeremy sits on the sand holding Natalie. They both have tears in there eyes and are looking straight ahead.
INT. CAR - CONTINUOUS
Jeremy’s mother drives down the road near the lake.
EXT. PLAYGROUND - OVERCAST DAY
Jeremy and Greg sit on the swings next to each other.
JEREMY
So you don’t have any plans for the future?
GREG
No way man. I’m living in the present.
JEREMY
And what are you gonna do?
GREG
I’m gonna sit here and swing life away until the end.
JEREMY
And nothing is ever going to change?
GREG
Things wont change unless we make them.
They both give a little smile and continue rocking back and forth.
CUT TO BLACK
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