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                   SWANS CROSSING- HOLD ON TO SIXTEEN      
                         by Christopher Angelo
                                (c) 1998

                  Episode #3: "A BROTHER AND A SISTER"      

CAUTION! This story contains some profanity and mature subjects.


				        ACT ONE

INT.-POLICE STATION-NIGHT

Garrett uses the phone.  He is talking to Jonathan Adams.

GARRETT.  I know...but one thing led to another, and he got into a fight.  
Now were in the police station.   In the custody of the law.  According 
to Swans Crossing

GARRETT.  [Sighs]

INT.-CELL-NIGHT

JT is sleeping on the cot, when he is awakened by a beating of a night 
stick, against the bars.

COLT.   Time to wake up...

JT.  [Startled]  Wha....

JT darts up

JT.  Whoa!

JT turns around

JT.  Christ!

COLT.  We let you sleep for 2 hours.  

JT.  I am not where Im supposed to be....am I?

COLT.  Well...considering the fact that...

JT feels the bars in front of him

JT.   Bars....?  A police uniform?

JT.  Sir...you have the wrong guy.

COLT.  [Opens cell door]  They want you in the front room for questioning.

JT.  But I didnt do it.  

JT looks in the mirror in front of him and notices blood.

JT.  Jesus.  [He turns on sink and washes]

JT.  This is blood.  

JT.  Im covered.

COLT.  Im not gonna tell you again.  

JT.  But, sir.

COLT.  Listen...guy...Im a police officer, not your friendly forest 
ranger.  

JT.  [Stares at Colt]

COLT.  Now come on....out of there.  Most people like it when I say that.

INT.-STATION-NIGHT

JT is escorted by Colt to the front desk

JT.  [Taking his seat]  I kept telling him, he has the wrong guy.  

GARRETT.   [Rubs his head]  Where have you been all my life?

JT.  Its not funny.  This could go on my criminal record, man.

GARRETT.  [In his face]  Good...Im glad.

JT.  I have to call my parents.  [Reaches for the phone]

GARRETT.  Save it for the Tonys, hombre.

Sheriff Lotts approaches the desk

LOTTS.  Okay, just a few questions, first.  First of all...Ill need your 
names and ages.

GARRETT.  Garrett Booth, Sixteen years old.  

LOTTS.  And your address, Mr. Booth?

GARRETT.   6401 Walker Lane.

LOTTS.  [Looking at JT]

JT.  Yeah...um...

JT.  JT Adams...

PAUSE

Garrett looks at JT

JT.  And Im sixteen years old.  

JT.  Sixteen and three quarters.

LOTTS.  Have you had a lot to drink, JT?

JT.  Well... you see...

GARRETT.  The punch was spiked, sir.  Someone spiked the punch

LOTTS.  I see.  JT...your address, sir.

JT.  1923 Port Road.  Right by the big field.

LOTTS.  Yes, sir.  I am aware of that.

JT.  Just checking.

GARRETT.  Dont mind his behavior....after all, he still thinks that he 
is a brownie.

LOTTS.  [Folds arms]  Ill keep that in mind, Mr. Booth.  

Lotts starts to behave more like a bad ass sheriff by the minute.

LOTTS.  Now...you boys realize that I am going to ask you a very crucial 
set of questions.  Im not gonna lie:  this is only a way to help you 
explain tonights behavior.  If its explainable, you can go home without 
a scratch.  If its not....wont be an easy morning...I promise you that.

Garrett and JT nod their heads.

LOTTS.  Great...now.....Officer Capshaw informed me that the principal 
and several other students easily picked you out as the gentleman who 
caused the whole situation.  He also told me you gave him a rough 
experience.  Is what he says true?

Lotts presses a button, which starts some sort of recording device

GARRETT.  Me?  No, sir.....I mean.  I cannot hold true to those two 
previous statements. Mitch Duquesne started the situation when he saw 
his girlfriend with JT.  I was on my best behavior with Officer Capshaw, 
though I said a few choice phrases that he may have deemed not wanting.

LOTTS.  What did you tell him?

GARRETT.  I told him he should give kids like me a break....because I 
mean...Im sixteen, right?  Besides which..all I was doing was protecting 
the honor of my friends.

JT.  Youre not my friend, so give me a break.

LOTTS.  I just want to remind you both that youre on tape.

JT.  [Shrugs shoulders]  Tape me.....sorry sheriff.

LOTTS.  When you say you were protecting the honor of your friends...can 
you elaborate?

GARRETT.  This guy wanted to beat the crap out of JT.  I didnt want to 
let him.

LOTTS.  Officer Capshaw told me that you used very frank language towards 
him, which did not match your explanation before...about giving kids a 
break.  Now...Garrett...what did you tell him?  

GARRETT.  Alright, listen.  I may have lost  my cool just a little, but 
I basically meant that he should just ease up, you know.  Thats all.  
The old adrenaline was pumping.

JT.  [Looks at Garrett]  Just tell him you stinked the officer.

LOTTS.  I need you quiet, JT.

GARRETT.  I dont know what he means.

LOTTS.  Now, I want you to tell me right here what you said to him...

GARRETT.  I just lost my cool once.  I used some words....like....oh, I 
dont know...should I really say it..I mean...I dont want to have an 
eternal record of this.

LOTTS.  Nobody will listen to this except me and a few other officials.

GARRETT.  May I ask...what type of officials?

LOTTS.  Anyone in the records department.

GARRETT.  Anyone like...Officer Norfolk?  

LOTTS.  Officer Norfolk transferred to NYPD six months ago.   Is there 
anything else youre worried about?

GARRETT.  [Sighs]  Are you kidding?  That pretty much means that harm is 
a long way away from here.

LOTTS.  Not quite...we dont know what you said.

GARRETT.  [Waves his hand]  I said the FUDGE word a couple of times...
thats pretty much it.

JT. [Laughs]  Ha!  Ha!  Get a load of that...the FUDGE word.

LOTTS.  [Stands up]  Im going to make a note of that on your record.

Garretts parents, Grant and Cornelia

GRANT.  A record?

JT and Garrett turn around and acknowledge the parents.

GRANT.   What kind of record?

LOTTS.  A permanent one.

GRANT.  My son is not a criminal.

LOTTS.  I never said he was, sir.

GRANT.  Well, a permanent record is a criminal record, right?

CORNELIA.  My son could never engage in a criminal act.

LOTTS.  [Folds arms]  My officer claims he was verbally assaulted, and 
to a certain degree was being prevented from executing his duties.  That 
shows cause for punishment.

GARRETT.  I wasnt preventing anybody.

GRANT.  Quiet, son.  Now, listen...officer Lotts.  I would appreciate it 
if youd just do me a favor.

LOTTS.  Such as...

GRANT.  I would respect it if youd...kind of look over the situation.

LOTTS.  Its not gonna happen.

GRANT.  What wont happen?

CORNELIA.   Grant, dont.  [Folds arms]

LOTTS.   I am not going to override anything for you.  I dont care what 
kind of connections you have to this town.

GRANT.  I am asking you to do that as a personal favor, Sheriff.

LOTTS.  The answer is no.

GRANT.  So what youre trying to tell me is that you are oblivious to 
the fact that this gentleman is a minor and cannot have a criminal 
record filed against him.

LOTTS.  Thank you for advising me on how I should do my job.

GRANT.  Hay, listen sheriff.  I only have one advisory for you...

LOTTS.  Oh, yeah.  And what would that be...

GRANT.  You should be hearing from my attorney.

Grant pulls out a check for the bail

GRANT.  Thats for him, as well.  [Points to JT]

LOTTS.  He will be released as soon as I question him.

CORNELIA.  Come on, Grant.  He has to do his job.

GRANT.  Im gonna call his father, and hes gonna be down here as quick 
as lightning.  I just want you to know that.

LOTTS.  Can you please leave with your son, Mr. Booth?

GRANT.  Fine by me.  But dont worry, well be back.

A PAUSE

GRANT.  Son...

GARRETT.  Yes, dad.

GRANT.   Get up.

Garrett gets up out of his seat like a jackrabbit.

Then he splits, with his parents.

INT.-HALLWAY-NIGHT

CORNELIA.  I dont understand why you have to be so obnoxious with him.

GRANT.   Cornelia...

CORNELIA.  This is the police station.  

GRANT.  Cornelia....[Points to Garrett]  he is a child..and this man 
wants to execute a criminal record on file.  That is against state law.  

CORNELIA.  But hes the sheriff.  He can do what he wants.

GRANT.  That man cannot run this town the way he wants to.  I mean, for 
a minute, I thought we were in the twentieth century.

GARRETT.  Its okay, dad.  Ill take the blow.

GRANT.  Oh, no you wont.  Youre going away to college, arent you?

GARRETT.  [Pauses]  Right.

GRANT.  Theres no way some college is gonna accept him if this man has 
a mark on his record.

CORNELIA.  Is that the way youre gonna be for the rest of his life...
sweeping up after him?

GRANT.  Cornelia...

CORNELIA.  Hes almost eighteen.  Then hell be on his own.   He needs 
to learn for himself.

GARRETT.  Mom?

GRANT.  Cornelia.  Could you be quiet for two seconds?

 Sydney notices them and starts conversation.

SYDNEY.  Oh my God...is everything okay?  Did they put you in jail?

GRANT.  Where is my daughter?

SYDNEY.  Lisa drove her home.  

GRANT.  And is Lisa okay?

SYDNEY.  Lisas fine.  

GRANT.  Thats excellent.  Lets go home.

SYDNEY.  Is it possible if I can talk to your son for one second?

GRANT.  [Folds arms]  How long is a second in your book?

SYDNEY.  Really quick.  I promise.  

GRANT.  Im gonna start up the car.  If hes not there within two 
minutes...

SYDNEY.  I know...Im gonna be brief.  Very brief.

GRANT.  Come on, Cornelia.

Grant and Cornelia split.

SYDNEY.  Thanks....

Sydney and Garrett embrace

SYDNEY.  Jesus Christ, you had me scared.

GARRETT.  Oh, come on...its nothing.

SYDNEY.  So soon you forget where you hail from

GARRETT.  It doesnt matter, your mother owns this town.

SYDNEY.  Your point?

GARRETT.  Youre my girlfriend.

SYDNEY.  Apparently my mother isnt up to par with acknowledging that.  
Even if it did mean all the votes.

GARRETT.  All I know is that I managed to escape the fury of the tempest 
with nothing but a scar.

SYDNEY.  A scar?

GARRETT.  Sheriff Lotts wants to place my profile in his little black 
book.

SYDNEY.  Well, what a memorable night this turned out to be.

Sydney pulls out a kerchief and wipes Garretts nose in anger

SYDNEY.  Your nose is still bleeding.

GARRETT.  Dont try to say that Im at fault.  You think I realized that 
Mitch individual was gonna show up?

SYDNEY.   Thats not the only item of concern.

GARRETT.  Then what is?

SYDNEY.  Why dont you ask your little sister.  She was in tears trying 
to figure out who the mysterious woman in JTs little corner was.

GARRETT.  You didnt.....tell her, did you?

SYDNEY.   [Raises her eyebrow] Just a prisoner of my own love.

GARRETT.  At a girl.  My plan may still have hope yet.

SYDNEY.  Your plan may...but will you?

GARRETT.  Well just have to see about that.

The horn honks

SYDNEY.  Wear some decent clothes tomorrow.  My brothers not into blood.

GARRETT.  Oh, God...Andrew...

SYDNEY.  Andrew whom I loveth.

The horn honks again

SYDNEY.  Am I keeping you from something?  Here...[Kisses him on cheek]

SYDNEY.  Such a fool am I.

GARRETT.  It was good of you to hold yourself back like that.....given 
my sisters emotional tendencies.

SYDNEY.  Given the walking distance from here to the school parking lot.

GARRETT.  Right...I should go.

He splits

SYDNEY.  [Aloud to herself]  Way to go, Sydneykins.

The door opens

CHANTELL.  Well, its official?

SYDNEY.  Whats official?

CHANTELL.  Amanda Hutton?

Sydney turns around to face Chantell, whos with Lisa and Neal.

SYDNEY.  Whats she talking about?

NEAL.  Amanda is missing.  Her parents filed a police report two hours 
ago.

SYDNEY.  What?  You talked to them.

LISA.  We heard it on the radio while we were driving up here.

SYDNEY.  She wasnt even at the dance.  She was at home.  How could 
someone take her out of her house?

NEAL.  Thats what everyone else was trying to figure out.

SYDNEY.  Wasnt she supposed to be your little date?

NEAL.  I went over there, and her dad said she was upstairs and couldnt 
come down.  So, I left. 

SYDNEY.  You left?

NEAL.  I wasnt exactly on his guest list.

SYDNEY.  Werent you curious as to why she couldnt come down?  

NEAL.  Not really.

SYDNEY.  You werent in a brooding shell or anything.

NEAL.  Nah...

SYDNEY.   Well, you seemed interested in going out on a date with her, 
but when it came right down to her personal security....

NEAL.  He had his shotgun out.  

Chantell and Lisa stare at him

NEAL.  It could of been underneath his jacket.

SYDNEY.  Too bad MacGyver wasnt there.   Lord knows at least he would 
of made a phone call.

LISA.  I bet that if we put our collective heads together, theres no 
telling what we could come up with.

SYDNEY.  Speak for yourself, Haggstrom.

Lisa rageth.  Unusual

LISA.  Why dont you shut up.   

Sydney looks at Lisa

SYDNEY.  Excuse me....

LISA.  Youve been nothing but a bitch all night long.  Oh no, somebody 
take my boyfriend to the hospital....Make sure he gets to lay down 
straight

SYDNEY.   You would do the same thing , Lisa.

LISA.  Or what about....If you touch him Im gonna slap you, Officer.  

SYDNEY.  Drop it...

LISA.  And now Amanda?  Since when have you cared about her purpose in 
life?  You barely talk to her in the halls.  And all of a sudden, youre 
concerned.

SYDNEY.  [Shifts into her Kendall persona]  WHAT OF IT!

LISA.  I think its strange.  And I think youre strange.

SYDNEY.  [Folds her arms]   I may be a bitch...but do you here me 
complaining?

LISA.  You need to seriously make a change...Sydney.  I hope I live long 
enough to see that.

NEAL.  Hay, listen.  Would you people focus?

Sydney and Lisa turn to Neal

SYDNEY.  Look at the man blow up!!!  

LISA.  What is it, Neal?  Im sorry.

NEAL.  Theres a possibility...a very huge one...that shes not nearby.  
At least not in Swans.

LISA.  So...where do you think she is?

NEAL.  I dont know, but whoever dragged her went a long way.

SYDNEY.  How do you figure?

NEAL.  They had checkpoints in six different places this evening, 
because there wasnt enough employable security at the school.  The 
police stepped in, instead.  

SYDNEY.  Whyd it take them so long to get to the fight?

NEAL.  Because...they were focusing on areas outside of the dance...where 
possible post-activities could take place...

CHANTELL.  Where?

NEAL.  Like the Walker Estate.

CHANTELL.  You mean that condemned piece of property that edges the town?  
Who would go there...its marked.

NEAL.  Who cares?  Everyone still hangs out there, anyways.  

SYDNEY.  Wait a second...how do you know there was so much police 
activity there.

NEAL.  I had a police scanner.  And I know the password for the SC 
police.  

LISA.  For real?

NEAL.  [Nods head awkwardly]

SYDNEY & LISA.  [Exchange glances like twins]  What is it?

NEAL.  [Shakes head]

CHANTELL.  Sell out...

NEAL.   Its been proven recently that some really bad seeds do business 
at Camp Walker...and thats near where....

NEAL..  The rape took place.

LISA.  Wait a second...you mean...the one that killed the girl?

NEAL.   Thats the one.

CHANTELL.  Oh, yeah...Jesus Christ...almost ten years ago to a T.  This 
same night.  Who were the parties?  Tom Brentwood, quarterback man...
and some other chick.

SYDNEY.  Cristina....Cristina Vasquez.   Oh, my God.

NEAL.  What?

SYDNEY.  Amanda told me some guy kept blasting her with these answering 
machine messages that kept referring to her as....that certain girl.  
She couldnt understand why...

NEAL.  Whoa, whoosh.  You say that he referred to her as Cristina?

SYDNEY.  [Nods head]

NEAL.   Well, thats brilliant.  Obviously, we know that theres some 
guy with a scheme on his hands.....I may not be good with psychology, but 
he probably wanted to duplicate what happened ten years ago with....
someone else.

NEAL.  Jesus, Sydney.  I think you gave us the key.  

SYDNEY.   That went way over my frame of consciousness.

NEAL.  Its Tom Brentwood...revisited.

NEAL.  Tom Brentwood came back to make a second harvest.  Back to Swans 
Crossing.

SYDNEY.  Actually...Amanda said something about Rich.

NEAL.  Rich....Macpherson?  Whats he got to do with this?

SYDNEY.  She thinks hes stalking her.   

NEAL.  Why?

SYDNEY.  Shes seen Rich through her window at night.

INTENSE MUSIC  PLAYS

NEAL.  Her bedroom window?

SYDNEY.  Yes...

COLT.  Rutledge.

SYDNEY.  [Turns around]  Yes?

COLT.  Its the mayor...your mother...calling.

INT.-HOTEL ROOM-NIGHT

OWEN.   I dont know if I should be doing this.

KITANA.  Its plain and simple...you just take your little shirt off...
and...

Kitana starts to unbutton Owens shirt

KITANA.  Ill lead the way.

OWEN.  Kitana, I dont think so.

Kitana stares

OWEN.  And...Im sorry.  

OWEN.  Very sorry.

KITANA.  Well, maybe if we just go a little bit slowly.....itll relax 
you more.

OWEN.  How can we go slow if were already down to frontal nudity?

KITANA.  Because..  these are the moments I like to cherish.  

OWEN.  I cant.

KITANA.  Come on, Owen.  Dont you want to see me naked?

OWEN.  [Puts finger on her nose]  Its tempting.  But I dont think Im 
ready.

OWEN.  Maybe some other time.

KITANA.  [Folds arms]  You mean to tell me you want to stay a virgin?

OWEN.  [Drops jaw]  What?  Now my sexuality becomes an issue?

KITANA.  Thats what you are...arent you?

OWEN.   What...a..a..

KITANA.  Virgin...

OWEN.  Well, yes.  In a way.

KITANA.  In a way.  Youre either full blown or immune.

OWEN.  Hay, listen.  Its not my fault I made my own decision.  What 
happens if I want to stay like this for awhile.

KITANA.  How long are we talking about?

OWEN.  Twenty years.  

KITANA.  But, Owen...that would make you thirty-five years old.  Thats 
such a sick concept.

OWEN.  Cant I be a virgin for a prolonged period of time?  

KITANA.  Why dont you just face it...youre not on a mission.  Youre 
just scared. 

KITANA.  Couple of years from now...youll mature...youll score...and 
youll totally forget about me.

OWEN.  Its not true.  I want to wait.  I wanna wait until I get married.

KITANA.   [Shakes head]  I dont know, Owen....theres just...

OWEN.  Theres just what?

KITANA.  Theres not a lot of girls whore gonna go for that kind of 
thing.  

OWEN.  Why not?

KITANA.  Hell, they might think youre some kind of mental retard or 
something.

OWEN.   Not everyone will think that, right?

KITANA.  Well, waddya wanna do....hitch yourself to a walrus or 
something?

OWEN.  No, Kitana.  I just want someones close friendship.  Without so 
many complexities.   Whats wrong with having a friend?

KITANA.  That only works in a Snow White world, Owen.  It like...doesnt 
apply to reality.  You want a friend...get a guy.  Be a fag for all I 
care!

Kitana puts her shirt back on

OWEN.  Whatever I just said to you was one hundred percent true.  It has 
nothing to do with you personally....I would say that to any girl.

KITANA.  Would you say it to a woman?

OWEN.  Yes.

KITANA.  Liar.  You wouldnt say it to a woman.  Youd just stay there 
and let her take advantage of you.

OWEN.  Thats not the game I play.

KITANA.  Whatever game it is....I dont want a part in it.  

OWEN.  You have to understand....

KITANA.  Roll your own die...hopefully youll land on your own two feet.

OWEN.  Kitana....

KITANA.  [Turns around] 

OWEN.  Whether you hate my guts or whether you dont mean it...Ill 
always remember you.  

KITANA.  [Turns back]

OWEN.  Ill always remember you.

Music plays

KITANA.  [Opens the door and leaves]  

OWEN.  Dont forget about me...Kitana.

KITANA.  [Slams the door]

OWEN.  [Tears can be seen somewhere in his eyes]  Kitana!

Owen takes his fist and slams it on the dresser drawer.

INT.-CLOSET-NIGHT

The closet door opens.  We see a girl with her eyes shut, waiting for 
something.

KITANA.  Save it, Kit.

DINA.  [Opens eyes]  Isnt it my turn?

NOTE:  KITANA IS DINA AND DINA IS KITANA.  THE TWINS ARE BACK TO NORMAL.

DINA.  Lets just get out of here.  Put your blouse back on.

KITANA.  Whoa, whoosh...wait a second.  You didnt just drag me up here 
for nothing.  

DINA.  You can just forget about it.  

KITANA.  Why?

DINA.  He couldnt get stimulated.  

KITANA.  So what, hes my boyfriend.

DINA.  According to the game.

KITANA.  Suppose I didnt want to play your game anymore.

DINA.  Dont be silly, Kitty.

KITANA.  No, Im very serious.  I want out.

DINA.  [Shrugs shoulders]  Its over.  Owen is toast.

KITANA.  You better get over this duality obsession of yours.  Its 
driving my love life into an ocean.

DINA.  Dont be silly, Kit.  You had no love life to begin with.  The 
sooner you realize that, the sooner youll understand.

DINA.  Come on.

FOCUS ON KITANA AS DINA LEAVES.

DINA.  Ill meet you at the bus-stop.

EXT.-RICHS CAR-EARLY MORNING

Richs car is smacked up against a tree in the forest  Rich Awakens

RICH.  Ow!

Rich feels his head

RICH.  God!

RICH.  What the........

Rich tries to turn the ignition but finds that the engine wont start

RICH.  Great!  

Rich opens the door and surveys the situation.  His car has broken down 
after the impact of the accident.  But what worries him most is...

RICH.  Wheres....Cristina!  

RICH.  [Yells]  Cristina.....

RICH.  Shes alive and still....[kicks car]  kicking

Rich kicks the car some more.

RICH.  Thought I had you....

Rich gives the car another kick.

RICH.  I thought I had you.   

Kicks car

RICH.  Now we have to start over.

Kicks car

RICH.  Do things the hard way.

Kicks car again.

RANGER.  Excuse me, son.

RICH.  [Turns around, startled]  What?

RANGER.  Whys your car here?

RICH.   Pardon?

RANGER.  Why is your car here?  This is a state park.

RICH.  Yeah, well.   It went out of control and I got into a bit of a 
crash.

RANGER.  Your car went out of control?  For two miles?

RICH.  Yes, sir.

RANGER.  Come with me, sir.

RICH.  I cant just...

RANGER.  [Raises voice]  Come with me, sir.  

RANGER.  [Talks into radio]  Ranger to base.....can you send down an 
officer?

VOICE ON RADIO.   Ten-four.

RANGER.  Youre gonna come to the ranger base with me.....

RICH.  You know, I still didnt get your name.

RANGER.  Larry.   

RICH.  Okay, Larry.  Why are we going to your little base?

RANGER.  Because youre violating state and county laws by bringing your 
automobile into a state park.  

RICH.  I didnt even realize this was a park until...NOW!

RANGER.    Let me tell you, kid.  See that car....it aint goin home 
with you.  

RICH.  And what exactly do you mean by that?

RANGER.  Listen, buddy.  There are seven forms of wildlife that are near 
the stages of extinction, and they do not live in the trees.......
Instead...they crawl, and one of the places that they could of crawled 
is right under your 14-inch tires.  So, without further ado, get your 
faggot ass over to the ranger base with me.  Or Ill have you down on 
the ground faster than you can say endangered species.

RICH.  I didnt realize park rangers had ways with words.

RANGER.   Come on, kid.   I hate to have to hurt you.  And I will hurt 
you.

Rich and Ranger walk off.

INT.-RUTLEDGE MANSION-DAY

Margaret walks around fixing up things for her sons arrival....Sydney 
follows her astutely.

MARGARET.  You should be ashamed of yourself.

SYDNEY.  I have a good explanation.

MARGARET.   I dont care....you should of at least called.  I had to 
call the station.

SYDNEY.  Its just that...everything happened so fast.  The one second,  
I was dancing, and the next...major red-letter event.

MARGARET.  You have family coming in.

SYDNEY.  I just wanted to tell you it was all unexpected.

MARGARET.  You have family coming in.  

SYDNEY.  Im just sorry...really sorry...about how the way last night 
went down.  And I just want you to know that if this leads to a breakdown 
in our mother-daughter relationship....rest assured Ill have to accept 
that.

MARGARET.  [Looks at Sydney]  A breakdown

SYDNEY.  Well, you know...the usual breakdown symptoms....no cellular 
telephone...black-eyed peas and rice for dinner.  

MARGARET.  Actually, I was just thinking in the dimensions of....lets 
say....love life.

SYDNEY.  [Shakes head]  Oh, no.   Now, wait a second, mother.   Just 
because he did what he did....it had nothing to do with my love for him.   

MARGARET.  Sydney Orion Rutledge.

SYDNEY.  Nothing at all.  I swear.

MARGARET.  Do you want me to add more guidelines as to your punishment?

SYDNEY.    Well...not really.

MARGARET.  Then I suggest that you find alternate forms of frivolity in 
the next few weeks, other than being with Garrett Booth.

SYDNEY.  WHAT?  You cant take me away from my boyfriend.

MARGARET.  Do you want no telephone along with it?

SYDNEY.  I was just trying to say....

MARGARET.  Youre not getting anywhere with this.

SYDNEY.  Splitting us apart is not the solution.

MARGARET.  [Pouts]

SYDNEY.  I assure you.

MARGARET.  When your brother arrives here,  he is not going to see you 
and I arguing....do you understand?

SYDNEY.  I dont know.

MARGARET.  Well, youd better.  And as far as Natan is concerned.

SYDNEY.  Oh...hes in Chicago, right?

MARGARET.  If you want to live here any longer.

SYDNEY.  How wonderful, a lie.

MARGARET.  Sydney...I mean it.

The doorbell rings.

SYDNEY.  Garrett was supposed to come over to meet my brother.   Is that 
okay?

Margaret ignores her

SYDNEY.  Mother?

Sydney walks over to the door, and answers it.

Its Mila, JT, and Neal

SYDNEY.  Oh my God...are you guys alright?

MILA.  Im fine.  Clays still in the hospital.

SYDNEY.  Oh, God.

MILA.  Can we come in?

SYDNEY.  But of course.

They walk in and she closes the door.

JT.   Holy retro-rockets, this headache is killing me.

SYDNEY.  How did things go at the police station?

JT.  Oh yeah, about that.

MILA.  Oh my God...JT...are you in trouble?

JT.  No, no.   They just want me to perform.....

MILA.  Perform what?

SYDNEY.  [Raises her eyebrows]  Not...

JT.  [Finishing Syds sentence]  Community service.

A collection of wows

NEAL.  Now how does it feel to have absolutely tarnished your rep around 
here?

JT.  To tell you the truth....[plops on couch and relaxes]  its better 
than what I was expecting.  

SYDNEY.   Oh, really.  Have you talked to Glory lately?

JT.  I dont have to.  Shell wind down, eventually.

SYDNEY.    God....not a worry in the world.

JT.  It doesnt matter....I was totally off the wall.   It wasnt 
really me.

SYDNEY.   Im sure Glory will be dying to hear that, among other things.

JT.   One thing I know about her...shes not the type of person who 
makes quick judgements.

MARGARET.   Sydney, darling.

SYDNEY.  Yes, mother.

MARGARET.   Could you get a trash bag and pick up all the weeds outside 
before Andrew arrives.  Hank suddenly caught the flu.

SYDNEY.   The east garden or the west one?

MARGARET.  Wherever you find them.

SYDNEY.  [Feigning contentment]  Sure.

Sydney slowly exits the room

JT.  So...I hear you were quite the show.

MILA.  [Sits on couch and lets back hair]  Im gonna be famous again...
this time more famous than Ive ever been before.

JT.  What are you worried about?  Youve already reached your threshold.

MILA.   Dont you see, JT.....that was when I was a child star.   People 
dont even know me any more because I have a different face.  I want 
them to recognize me again.  

JT.  I can just imagine things are so difficult for you , Mila.

MILA.  Not that difficult.

JT.  Thats my whole point....you just breeze through everything, without 
any instruction manuals.

MILA.  Well...I guess you can say it hasnt been that tough of a ride.

JT.  Lucky you.

MILA.  What, are you jealous?

JT.  [Throws his hands up]  Lifes too short for that type of mentality.  
Im just astonished.

NEAL.  Well, we all have it pretty easy.   At least for now.

JT.  I guess you can say so.  I mean.....whenever  disaster strikes....
our vaults open.

NEAL.  [Laughs]  Wicked, isnt it?

MILA.  You guys are starting to freak me out.   I thought at least 
youd congratulate me and wish me a little bit of luck.

JT.  Why...are you going on tour tomorrow?

MILA.  No...but I have an appointment at Mark Chappells studio this 
afternoon.

NEAL.  What about Clay?

MILA.  Hes....in better shape.

JT.  What, Clay got hurt, too?

MILA.  No...someone threw a rock at him.  One of Mitchs friends.

JT.   Something tells me that Mitch doesnt belong in this town.

MILA.   Mitch used to be cool....until he started hanging around the 
city.

JT.  Hes always been a regular rash collection

The doorbell rings

NEAL.   I got it.

MILA.   There was a time when he was very sweet.

JT.  [Nods his head]  Was it longer or shorter than a minute.

NEAL.  Hay...look whos here.

SAJA.  Greetings, and salutations.

NEAL.  What are you up to?

SAJA.  Flying higher than an eagle.

NEAL.  Its funny, JT.   Saja claims he too was poisoned by the punch.

JT.  Get out...

SAJA.  The lights were out in the holy palace.

JT.  How bad were you?

SAJA.  I thought I was dancing on the ceiling.  

SAJA.  For a little while.

JT.  Well...now I suppose Im not the only fool.

SAJA.  Kidding?  Right?

JT.  Hmmm...  [Breaks into a giggle]

JT.   You know...that stuff was pretty much wretched.   I think it 
tasted like Bristols, what do you think?

SAJA.  I dont consider those type of things.

MILA.   If Mama ever caught me drunk.....you guys would definitely see 
the last of this little girl.

JT.   Does that mean youre allowed to take punch at school dances?

MILA.   Well....I guess I always thought it was gonna be clean when I 
took it.

JT.   One year later, at the senior prom.

Neal and JT laugh in unison.

The doorbell rings.

MILA.  Sorry.  Its not gonna happen.

Neal and JT laugh again.

NEAL.  Hay, watch your back, Rosnovsky.

MILA.  It will never happen.

SAJA.  I guess Id better get that.

MILA.  Its not like punch gets spiked at every dance.

NEAL.  Dont worry, Mila.   Well buddy up when the time comes.

Saja walks to the door and meets Lisa.

LISA.  Hi...

SAJA.  Hay..

They embrace, and everybody goes ooooh

LISA.  You guys....God.

NEAL.  Hay..wheres the music?

LISA.  Why is Sydney picking up weeds in the [laughs]  backyard?

MILA.  [Loudly]  Her mother told her to...I guess she wanted to keep 
her busy.

NEAL.  Somebody ask Mrs. Rutledge if we can play with the tuner.

Ralph enters from the kitchen.

MILA.  Look, guys.  Its Ralph.

JT.  Hay, Ralph.  Can we play some music?

RALPH.  Oh, hello.   I didnt realize the welcome wagon arrived.

MILA.  Perhaps you can help us pick out a station.

RALPH.  But I think some of the Mayors records are still on the 
carousel.

JT.  So just press another button.

RALPH.  Oh...well I guess that.   Maybe if I....

Ralph walks over to the radio tuner and powers it up.

Crackles are heard.

MILA.  Lisa...what station do you wanna here?

LISA.  I dont know..you decide.

MILA.  Put on some hip-hop.

JT.  No...the college station.   [Disgusted]  Hip-hop.

RALPH.  Well, now...wait a second.

SAJA.  Oh, how you all have fallen prey to the pits and snares.

RALPH.  Well, this is one.   Oh, rats.  Such a small button.

JT.  Press hard.

RALPH.  Give me one second.

LISA.  Go, Ralph.

Ralph hits the button, and the hip-hop station comes on.

JT.  Oh no, not that.

MILA.  Yeah.  Woo-hoo!

JT.  What is this attempt at aesthetic bliss?

MILA.  This is the hit song of the week.

JT.  Yeah..as in hit hard...by a train.

EXT.-RUTLEDGE MANSION-DAY

Sydney picks up more weeds, hating every moment of the task.

SYDNEY.  Uggh!  I hate picking up these weeds, because theyre so dirty, 
my hands are so black, and I smell like old socks.

SYDNEY.  And mom wants me to be happy.

SYDNEY.  Daddys coming home.

Then from out of nowhere, a luxurious looking white vehicle pulls up to 
the Rutledge driveway at least five or ten miles over the residential 
speed limit.

SYDNEY.  Maybe I should just go in....let it fly.

Then a horn honks.

SYDNEY.  [Turns around]

SYDNEY.  [In awe]  Oh, my God!

INT.-LEXUS-DAY

ANDREW.  Well, Ill be.  My little sister awaits.

SYDNEY.  [Gets up and walks toward Andrew]  

Then she runs

ANDREW.   Sydney!

SYDNEY.  Andrew.....

SYDNEY.  [By Andrew and the car]  Hay!

She meets him and they embrace.

ANDREW.  God...its been so long.

ANDREW.  [While embracing Sydney]  So long....

*******************************************************************

				         ACT TWO

EXT.-RUTLEDGE MANSION-DAY

Sydney and Andrew stop embracing.

SYDNEY.  God!  [Near tears]

ANDREW.  What?  What is it,  whats wrong...Sydney?

SYDNEY.  Oh..nothing....its just that.   Everything in my life is 
starting to crumble again.

ANDREW.  Oh, God... not you...Syd.   I thought I was the one with the 
emotional problems

SYDNEY.  Well, apparently were all human.   But lets get off that 
subject.  How are things going in your life?

ANDREW.   I dont know.....the trials and tribulations of nearing the 
age of thirty.

SYDNEY.  Oh, please.  You...grow old?   Maybe if you stay here long 
enough the aging process will slow down.

ANDREW.   On the flipside of things, I just bought myself a Kawasaki.

SYDNEY.  Really.  Where is it?

ANDREW.  It should be flying down here tomorrow afternoon.   

SYDNEY.  Wow...a jet ski goes airborne.

ANDREW.  That bitch goes everywhere with me....or didnt you know?

SYDNEY.  Ughh!  Could you please not use that word in front of my 
friends?

ANDREW.  What, bitch?  I was using it as a noun.

SYDNEY.  I dont care, its disgusting.  What if mom heard it?

ANDREW.  She would say the same thing.....Dirty mind....nice Lexus.

Andrew points to his latest investment.

SYDNEY.  [Admiring car]  Lovely.  So....where are they gonna send the 
thing?

ANDREW.  What?  My jet ski?  The choppers gonna land at the front 
field.

SYDNEY.  You mean...where the PA boxes are?

ANDREW.  Thats the one, Sydney-O.

SYDNEY.  [Folds arms]  Oh, God...

ANDREW.  Hay, Sydney-O.   Whats up with the weed detail?

SYDNEY.  [Puts arms on hip, as if she was one of the Ronettes]  Dont 
even ask.... mother wants to keep me sedated.

ANDREW.   So...whaddya say there, Syd.   You gonna ride shotgun with 
me on the water?

SYDNEY.  I dont know?  Ive only...tanned on the beach.

ANDREW.  Not when Next Tuesday rolls around.

SYDNEY.  What?  Youre gonna strap me?

ANDREW.  If I have to.

SYDNEY.  I tend to be a hard catch.  

ANDREW.  Hay, Sydney....do me one favor.

SYDNEY.  Whats that?

ANDREW.  Dont cry....just because Im around.

SYDNEY.   [Extends her hand]  Come with me,  you grownie.

Andrew puts his hand in Sydneys and they walk off.

INT.-RUTLEDGE MANSION-DAY

MUSIC:  HALLOWEEN-SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES

GARRETT.  God, J...T..You know, the patio tends to get very dirty during 
the summer.

JT.  Stow it.

GARRETT.  And all those cockroaches in the kitchen...just waiting to 
jump out of the pantry.

JT.   They are not going to place me in a clean-up program.   My lawyer 
wont permit it.   

GARRETT.  Your what?   Cut me a break.....techno-geek, you cant even 
speak yet.

MILA.   He can be smarter than you, sometimes.

JT.  Give this little kid some credit.

GARRETT.  [Gets up from seat]  Oh, fine....oh...fine.

Sydney opens door

SYDNEY.  Hay, everyone.   Know what its time for?

SYDNEY.  [Turns around to Andrew]  Stick your head in.

ANDREW.  What?

SYDNEY.  [Nudges Andrew inside]  My brother.

A collection of hays from the crowd.

GARRETT.  [Running to Andrew]  Hay, studmuffin.   Its been a long 
lonely time.  

He extends his hand, waiting for a shake.

ANDREW.  Is that you, little boy?

GARRETT.  Not so little, anymore....old man.

ANDREW.  [Shakes hand]  How the hell are you, Garrett Booth?  The 
little punk with the bicycle.

GARRETT.  I...have better ways to get around, now.

ANDREW.  Oh, yeah.  What kind of car you drive?

GARRETT.  A 1983 IROC-Z.  Newly built, and well kept.   Bought it for 
3K.

ANDREW.  Thats it?

GARRETT.   Yeah...Check it out,  Im saving for my own private jet.

ANDREW.   Dont feed me that.  Youre valuable, but not anything to 
leech off of.

JT.  Hes joshing you.

GARRETT.  But its all true.   Theyre fetching a retired Grummond Goose, 
and painting my name on it.

SYDNEY.  Hes not lying.

GARRETT.   Dont worry....Sydney and I will charge you small pesos for 
a weekend jaunt.

ANDREW.  Oh, Jesus.  Dont tell me the two of you are an item.

Sydney walks over to Garrett and holds him tight.

SYDNEY.  Meet your new brother in-law.

GARRETT.    No pictures please.

ANDREW.  No way...[Puts hands on his face]

MILA.  [Waves arms]  Hay, Andrew.   

JT.   Hay...you know who this is?

ANDREW.   [Looks at Mila]  I dont....

MILA.  Watch out for the cookie cops....

ANDREW.  Hell....youre Cynthia Daniel.

MILA.  [Walks up to Andrew]  No, actually, Im Mila Rosnovsky.  Cynthia 
Daniel was only the name of a [laughs] character I played.

She extends her hand

Andrew shakes it.

ANDREW.  But you did her so well.   It was the perfect role for you.

MILA.  [Curtsies]  Thank you.

ANDREW.  And you should of won that award.

MILA.  Most definitely.

ANDREW.  They should make a reunion show for....what was it called?

 MILA.  [Sighs]   TOWER ACRES.....you mean, you dont remember?

ANDREW.  Well, I only tuned in because of.....the plots.....

JT.  You remember me too, right?  JT...

GARRETT.  Soon to be county property.
 
ANDREW.  Cant you stay out of trouble for one second?

JT.  Considering the way fates been working around here these days?

NEAL.   Even with me offering a helping hand....

ANDREW.  Atwater...

NEAL.  You got it straight.

SYDNEY.  Two people you might not remember from last time.....[points 
to Saja]  thats Sophias little brother, Bobby

SAJA.  Please...

SYDNEY.  Ah...Saja the conjurer.  

SAJA.  Konnichiwan.

ANDREW.  [Confused]

SYDNEY.  Dont question the great warrior.

SAJA.  I have continually noticed a slight marking underneath your left 
eyebrow, and I was wondering if it was there since birth.

ANDREW.  Actually, I was asking myself the same question.

SYDNEY.  [Sarcastic]  You two should make the best of friends.

SAJA.  We must get to the bottom of that.

SYDNEY.  Oh...and thats...

LISA.  [Walks over to Andrew]  Hi, Im Lisa.

ANDREW.  Hello, Lisa.

LISA.  Its so nice to finally meet you....Sydneys told me so much 
about you and your life.   When you were younger.

ANDREW.  Really....even when my mom first burped me.

LISA.  [Embarrassed]  Ay, yi yi!  I shouldnt of said anything.

SYDNEY.  Its okay, Lisa.   Weve all been through infantile stages.

LISA.  Youre so red.

ANDREW.  I was in the Bahamas one weekend...

LISA.  [Passioned]  Really?

SYDNEY.  So, all thats missing is the woman herself.  

SYDNEY.  Wheres mom?

LISA.  Oh, my God.   Did she go hide?

SYDNEY.  [Yells]  Mother!

SYDNEY.  Where is she?

INT.-DRESSING ROOM-DAY

Margaret is crying, with her face down.  Sydney walks in

SYDNEY.  Mom...whats the matter?

MARGARET.  [Turns to Sydney, bawling]  Everythings so perfect, now.

SYDNEY.  Of course, mom.   Andrews here, and so are all my friends.  

MARGARET.  But thats just the thing.   Wheres your father?

SYDNEY.  [Holding Margaret, calming her down]  Mom!  You cant let this 
bother you now....especially not when an important guest has arrived.

MARGARET.  But I just dont understand....he said he was coming back...
he said he was going to bring back lots of presents....and gifts....but 
where did he go?  I mean, if its been this long...

SYDNEY.  You are going to have to get over daddy, and youve gotta get 
over him fast...really fast....because youre the mayor..and people 
expect you to be there when something important is happening.  And right 
now, something important is happening....your son is here.

MARGARET.  Sydney...

MARGARET.  [Cries, but less intensely]  I met someone in Las Vegas.

SYDNEY.  [Tries to hold herself back]  What?  You met someone?

MARGARET.  His names Wally.  And I met him in Las Vegas...at a bar in 
Las Vegas.

SYDNEY.  Mother, no.  

MARGARET.  Its true...thats why Ive been so upset, Sydney.  I 
couldnt hold back my emotions any longer.

SYDNEY.  Did you two?

MARGARET.  [Nods head]  

SYDNEY.  Whats all this about emotions....you were just hot for some 
guy, and you laid yourself on the table for him?

MARGARET.  [Yelling]  What?

SYDNEY.  No.   We cant fight.  But its the truth.

MARGARET.  How dare you come across saying something like that.

SYDNEY.  How dare you cheat on your husband.  I mean, the two of you 
arent even divorced yet, and here you are,  giving some guy in Vegas 
the time of his life.  

MARGARET.  Sydney....

SYDNEY.  Are you my mother?  Is this my life?

SYDNEY.  [Grabs a perfume bottle and throws it against the wall]

MARGARET.  [Yells]  No...

SYDNEY.  Come back downstairs when you turn into a person.  Or else, 
I want you to leave this house.

Sydney walks out of the dressing room

SYDNEY.  You have five minutes.

INT.-RUTLEDGE MANSION-DAY

Sydney walks downstairs, ready to roll.

SYDNEY.  Shes just fine....she was just taking a shower...so she could 
look nice for you all.

MILA.  But...she looks nice, already.

SYDNEY.  [Gritting teeth]  She wanted to wash something out of her hair.

INT.-GLORYS ROOM-DAY

Glory is tossing around in her bed, with her night gown still on.   
Chantell walks in.

CHANTELL IS A WHITE GIRL WITH A BROOKLYN ACCENT.  

CHANTELL.  Hi....

GLORY.  You got here so soon.

CHANTELL.  I know, you were crying.   

CHANTELL.  [Sits on bed]  Its the worst thing in the world when 
someone has to cry right after a school dance.

GLORY.  Its as if....you were expecting the whole night to be one big 
fantasy from above...and then you get one big nightmare.

CHANTELL.  [Fluffs her red hair]  As you know, the first thing you have 
to do is take a shower and do something.  

GLORY.  Like what?

CHANTELL.  I dont know...go get a tan.

GLORY.  I dont think Im quite ready to show off my body, yet.

CHANTELL.  Why?  Youd probably look good.

GLORY.  Thank you.  Although, I really dont have....any bikinis.

CHANTELL.  What?

GLORY.  I know, I should get one.  

GLORY.  Id probably look stunning.

CHANTELL.  Besides which, guys like little short girls with a full 
package.

GLORY.  [Turns around, confused]

CHANTELL.  Oh, no...honey...I did not in any way, shape, or form mean it 
like that.  I was just trying to tell you that....its awful silly not 
to wear one.

GLORY.   I have not one.

CHANTELL.  Youre lying.

GLORY.  No...

CHANTELL.  You have to have one, girlfriend.   Havent you gone through 
puberty, yet?

GLORY.  [Laughs]  Oh, my God.  Stop trying to make me laugh.  Im 
absolutely miserable.

CHANTELL.   Miserable.  About what?

GLORY.  Well....JT.

CHANTELL.  Why?  Its not as if the two of your were gonna last, anyway.

GLORY.  [Worried]  What?

CHANTELL.  Oh, please.  I knew something was going to happen along the 
line.  

GLORY.   In other words, Chantell...you just prophesized it.

CHANTELL.  Like clockwork.

GLORY.  [Disgruntled]  Superb.

CHANTELL.  No, no.   Sweetheart, dont get me wrong.   [Puts arm around 
her]  Sweetheart....lets be a little objective.  I mean,  pretend you 
were someone else seeing him for the first time, right?  What qualities 
would strike you?

GLORY.  Well....I know for a fact that hes nice.  I mean, no one can 
deny that.

CHANTELL.  Of course not.

GLORY.  Hes brilliant.....he knows what he wants and does the best he 
can to fulfil his desires.

CHANTELL.  Ill say.  

GLORY.  And hes athletic.

CHANTELL.  Stop right there.  JTs not athletic.

GLORY.  Well...why do you say that?

CHANTELL.  Hes been warming the football bench for the past two years.   
Or have you been too obsessed with your emotions to recognize that?

GLORY.  Its true.  But at least he tries.  I mean...one of these days, 
hell meet his goals.

CHANTELL.   You see, again....I have to stop you right there.   One of 
these days?  When JT says that, what does that sound like to you?

GLORY.  It sounds like hes keeping himself open to opportunity.

CHANTELL.  [Slowly]  It also sounds like his head is in the clouds, 
Glory.   Way in the clouds.

GLORY.  [Shakes head]  No, no.  Youve got it all wrong.

CHANTELL.  As if dreaming were an occupation.

GLORY.   Thats not him.   

CHANTELL.  Okay.  He never dreams at all.

GLORY.  [Smirks]  Well...maybe...

GLORY+CHANTELL.  Just a little.  

CHANTELL.  Yeah, just a little.  A whole lot.   As in, too much for 
his own good.  And I hear him talk sometimes, as well.....I feel like 
Im a prisoner on Venus.

GLORY.  This is not the right person to criticize JT in front of .....

CHANTELL.  Listen to me....sometimes....the guy is off the wall.   
Talking about robots doing this, and solar powered that.

GLORY.  What?

CHANTELL.  [Laughs]  I kid you not, I started talking to him about 
cafeteria food...you know...just to make conversation,  and he tries to 
ramble on about how trapping heat from the sun could keep everything 
fresh, and instill a better working environment.

GLORY.  No.

CHANTELL.  Just the other day, girlfriend.  You sure the guy doesnt 
trip on a regular basis?

GLORY.   He has a very creative mind, and sometimes he tends to run away 
with his imagination.  But that doesnt mean he fails at every single 
thing he performs.

CHANTELL.  [Waves hands in air]  Well, of course not, Glory.   I wasnt 
at all trying to compare your boyfriend to a loser.  

GLORY.  [Tossing around]  I know.

CHANTELL.  But is that the type of person you want to live your life 
with day to day?

GLORY.  Well....I was kind of thinking about that.

CHANTELL.  About what, Glory?

GLORY.  Whether or not I should be with him...

CHANTELL.  Oh, really.

GLORY.  I mean, at least maybe for a little while.  Because, especially 
now, hes encountering this stage in his life when he thinks hes 
like....invincible to every one of lifes problems.  

CHANTELL.  So, its not just the fact that he cheated on you.

GLORY.  Well, I have my doubts as to whether he cheated on me or not.  
The main thing is....he wants me to move with him and get married or 
something.  And I dont know if my parents would approve.   And not only 
that, hes trying to become someone else.  Someone that I cant even 
identify with.

CHANTELL.   Maybe you should go to the beach, and meet someone else.

CHANTELL.  For a date.  Just one date.

GLORY.   Sounds like a great attempt at revenge.

CHANTELL.  And why the hell not.  After all, youd just be making 
contacts.  Its not as if youd be tasting thirty-one flavors like some 
other person.

GLORY.  But would it work?

CHANTELL.  Of course it will.   Ive tried it many times.  With slight 
variations.

GLORY. You know, half the time I wonder if your advice is true to the 
heart.

CHANTELL.  Why dont you put your swimsuit on and put Chantell to the 
test.

The phone rings.

CHANTELL.  [Picks up phone]  Booth residence.   No, shes not here right 
now. 

GLORY.  [Waves arms]  JT?

CHANTELL.  She should be back by six tonight.  Probably at the mall or 
something.

GLORY.  Is it JT?

CHANTELL.  Whos this....OH......JT Adams.  Ill have to tell her you 
called.

GLORY.  [Falls back in her bed]  

CHANTELL.  [Hangs up]

CHANTELL.  Oh...youre not gonna give up so fast.   

GLORY.  [Shakes head]  He wants to apologize, doesnt he?

CHANTELL.  Who cares.  Let him suffer for awhile.  

GLORY.  [Gets out of bed]  Is this the part where Im supposed to be 
jumping up and down.

CHANTELL.  Is this your closet?

GLORY.  Yes....

CHANTELL.  [Gets out a hanger]  Ah....and here they are.  This isnt 
too bad.

GLORY.  Throw it.

CHANTELL.  [Throws Glory the swimsuit]  Dont forget to take a shower 
first.

GLORY.  Oh, and Chantell.

CHANTELL.  What?

GLORY.  Can you come with me?

CHANTELL.  Oh, I dont know, Glory.   I have this little...thing.

GLORY.  Oh come on.  For a few hours.

CHANTELL.  I dont know if I can.

GLORY.  Maybe Ill attract somebody for you.

CHANTELL.   A nice exhibit at wishful thinking.

GLORY.  [Sits on bed again, taking off socks]  I cant do this on my 
own, you know.   Look at me.

CHANTELL.  Ill tell you what...you use my cellular phone.  And if you 
have any problems, call Chantell.  You have my number, dont you?

GLORY.  I guess so.

CHANTELL.  [Takes phone out of her purse]   Make sure you put it buy you 
when you lay on the towel.  

GLORY.  [Sighs]  

CHANTELL.  Seriously.  This is very expensive.   I bought it at the 
Electronics Boutique.  Okay?

GLORY.  Fine.

CHANTELL.  [Makes a signal with her hands]  Word to the Swan.

INT.-RUTLEDGE MANSION-DAY

LISA.   Are you sure everythings alright with your mom?

SYDNEY.  Positive.  

MILA.  So...shouldnt she be down by now?

SYDNEY.   Are you kidding?  Do you know how long it takes to rinse out 
the Apple Pectin?

Lisa, Andrew, and Garrett

ANDREW.  With phones, its not as complicated as you think.  Timing is 
everything.  Planning ahead...an item of mass importance.

LISA.  So you could...pretty much wire mine without me knowing it.

ANDREW.  Basically.

LISA.  ...Theres...no way.   I would of found out already.

ANDREW.  Impossible.

GARRETT.  Hay..ah...I hate to interrupt you guys conversation, but, I 
was wondering if I could ask you a question.

LISA.  [Folds arms]

GARRETT.  Big brother Andrew, that is.

LISA.  Oh, how lovely.   Make Lisa leave.

GARRETT.  Pretty please with a cherry on top.

LISA.  [Turns around]  Saja?  

SAJA.  Yes, madam.

LISA.  Make conversation.

She grabs his hand and takes off with him.

GARRETT.  So, uh...

ANDREW.  Shes got a lot going for her.

GARRETT.  Oh, yeah.   I was meaning to tell you that even though Sydney 
and I...

ANDREW.  Sydney?   No, no, no.   

GARRETT.  What?  You mean...the fact that she and I are dating...

ANDREW.  Friend...I was trying to tell you about that other girl

GARRETT.  What...you mean....Lisa?

ANDREW.  Shes an absolute fox.

GARRETT.   Tell me about it.  

ANDREW.  So, whats the scoop on her?

GARRETT.  The scoop?  Well....it may be a little known fact, but Lisa 
is one of those people whose beauty serves as a source of intimidation.   
To give you an example...you see how she had to drag Saja into her 
conversation?  Its not because shes a drag, its because whenever a 
guy looks at her, he turns into stone.   

SYDNEY.  Okay, everyone.

Mrs. Rutledge walks down the stairs.

ANDREW.   Mom?

MILA.  How sweet....

MARGARET.  Andrew....

ANDREW.   Hi, mom.

MARGARET.   [Walks off stairway]  Well, it seems like its been so 
long.....

ANDREW.  I  know.

MARGARET.  [Dramatically]  An eternity, son.

ANDREW.  [Nods head]

MARGARET.  How long has it been, Sydney?

SYDNEY.  Four years.

MARGARET.  My God....your hair is straight.  Your shirt is ironed.   I 
have a nice young man inside my house again.  

MARGARET.   Youll have to excuse me if this is making me emotional....
but you look so much like your....

SYDNEY.  Mom?

MARGARET.  Its true..Sydney...doesnt he look just like Peter?   One 
of you guys...take out the photo album and go to my wedding pictures.  

JT.  Is it over here?

MARGARET.  The next one.

JT.  [Pulls out an album from the drawer]

MARGARET.  Andrew...darling...come over here and give this poor woman 
a hug.

ANDREW.   [Walks over and hugs Margaret]

MARGARET.   You too, Sydney.

SYDNEY.  [Joins in to hug]

JT.  Here it is ,right here.

MILA.  Wow!  The resemblance is amazing.

We see a black and white picture of Peter Rutledge...who looks almost 
exactly like Andrew...as if before the show was taped, Andrew took a 
black and white photo with the Mayor.

Focus on the Rutledge 3, who continue hugging, and Sydney..who has a 
doubting expression on her face.

EXT.-SWAN HOUSE-DAY

Sandy Swan walks out to her Mazda 626, looking depressed, and shoves 
her library books in the car.

So-called friend Jessica Greenfield walks by.

JESSICA.  Hay....

SANDY.  What do you want?  And why do you keep following me?

JESSICA.  Isnt it plainly obvious?  I dont have a life, anymore.

SANDY.  Youre obviously not going to find anything here.

Sandy opens the car door

JESSICA.  Oh, yeah.  I almost completely forgot.  Far be it from me to 
besiege you with my personal problems.

SANDY.  Excuse me?

JESSICA.  [Pouts]  Oh..you know, the usual cream of the crop.  Rents 
due, car gets repossessed...your roommate decides to go home to mom 
and dad.

SANDY.  Im sorry to hear all that.  

JESSICA.  I second that notion.  

SANDY.  [Starts engine]  Bye, now.

JESSICA.  [Changes moods]  Sandy!!

SANDY.  What?

JESSICA.  They...kicked me out of my apartment and I have no place to 
go.  And Rich wont let me move in to his place.  Im..on the streets 
right now.

SANDY.  So why dont you stalk a happy person?

JESSICA.  Dont be silly.  We have common ground.  Dont you see?  We 
are both near the brink of breaking down, completely.   We need 
restoration.  

SANDY.  Im fine where I am, right now.

JESSICA.  Why cant you just admit the truth, Sandy.

SANDY.  [Stares]

JESSICA.  Youre a troubled teen.  Me...Im twenty-one years old.  I 
have to eat chopped liver on stale bread.

SANDY.  [Takes foot off brake]

JESSICA.  Hay!

SANDY.  [Stops car]

JESSICA.  Can I at least ride around with you?

SANDY.  [Shifts into park]  If I take you  to your destination, will 
you stop harassing me?

JESSICA.  [Runs into car, opening door]  Oh, cool....

JESSICA.  [Sits down and closes door]  Okay.   Make a right turn on 
that side street, head towards the 62, and away we go...

SANDY.   Hold up....thats not anywhere near Swans Crossing.

JESSICA.  [Clears throat]  Okay, my friend.  Now, its fully official.   
Youre being hijacked.

SANDY.  [Sighs]  

JESSICA.  If you choose to ignore this, you will be terrorized by me for 
the rest of your natural life.

INT.-SYDNEYS ROOM-DAY

NEAL.  Have there been any more reports on Amanda?

LISA.  No...just the one radio announcement from last night.

NEAL.  That figures.   This town will not frown down on anything.  If 
its a normal little girl gets lost affair, and she doesnt mean 
anything to anybody, you can just forget about the milk  carton.

Sydney and Lisa pouts

NEAL.  No offense.  But its true.

LISA.  Maybe its a good thing.  What would happen if everyone started 
having a cow over Amanda?  

SYDNEY.  Maybe we could track her down.

LISA.  But then, your brother would get dragged into the whole thing.

SYDNEY.  That reminds me....Im supposed to pick out a restaurant for 
tonight.

LISA.  Oh..you guys are eating together.  How sweet!

NEAL.  Could we  focus on Amanda for one split second.   

NEAL.  I called her parents five minutes ago, and they said shes still 
not home.  If shes not back by now, that means she could be in some 
serious trouble.  God knows where she could be now.  And by tonight....
everyone will know.  

LISA.  Tonight?  

SYDNEY.  Looks like we better get this search party thing under way.

SAJA.  [Walks in with map]  Sorry I couldnt make it up any sooner.  I 
was enthralled in conversation.

SYDNEY.  Whats up with the map.

NEAL.  Its a map of all the danger zones in Swans and in Walker County.  

SAJA.  Okay..from what I see here, the deepest bodies of water would be 
Chesapeake Bay at 43 degrees longitude and Crimson Lake.

He lays the map flat out on the table.

NEAL.  The most unwatched areas are in these woods....by where the old 
brook starts.

SYDNEY.  Wait a second...isnt that where...Barek lives now?

LISA.  Yeah...I just talked to Callie the other night, and she just 
came back from his house.   

SYDNEY.  Barek would shoot the first person that went there.

SYDNEY.  Or around there.

NEAL.  How much of a stretch is it?

SAJA.  [Closes eyes]  Five miles.

NEAL.  [Shakes head]

Saja takes out a red pen and scratches off the area.

NEAL.  Well, then...the next dangerous area would be the Walker Estate, 
and the police were there on patrol all night

SAJA.  Isnt there an older Walker Estate in the south part of the 
county.  The one that was erected in 1682?

NEAL.  I did some research on that as well, and there are so many 
obstacles in making it over there that you would give up after five 
minutes.  Besides which...the whole ground is swamp and hard to walk on.

SAJA.  What about boots?

NEAL.  [Shakes head]  Youd have to wear gear designed for camping 
expeditions....that place does not attract a lot of people.  

Neal looks at Saja

NEAL.  What?  Are you going to prove me wrong.

SAJA.  We shouldnt overlook all the golden possibilities.

NEAL.  Do you realize that youd have to park yourself on a fifty foot 
ledge,  make it down the drop, go through a cave type squeeze and then 
drop another twenty feet...what..you think he suffocated her through a 
squeeze hole?  Hed be lucky enough if he  made it through there.  You 
have to be the weight of a stick.  

SAJA.  Anything is possible.

NEAL.  Well, then...why dont you just pack a lunch and lead an 
expedition over there, and see how far your little legs can carry you, 
my friend.

SAJA.  I try to reason with him and look where the hell it gets me.

LISA.   Maybe Crimson is the right place to start.....

SYDNEY.  I guess that pretty much leaves us with the areas outside of 
Swans Crossing.

NEAL.  Well, finally...were getting somewhere.

Focus on an upset Lisa, and Saja.  All of a sudden the room is divided 
up into Sydney-Neal and Lisa-Saja.

SYDNEY.  [Claps hands]  Great..lets telephone the Las Vegas police 
department.  Las Vegas is Richs number one spot.

NEAL.  Lets not get carried away.

SYDNEY.   Whatever do you mean?  Dont you know that Rich loves to 
gamble.

The door opens suddenly.

ANDREW.  [Knocks on door]  What are you guys talking about.

LISA.  Oh...nothing too important.  [Giggles]

ANDREW.  [Walks inside]  Really.

LISA.  [Folds arms]  Yeah.  [Giggles]

ANDREW.   Whats the latest tip.

NEAL.  I dont know.

LISA.  Whats the latest drain.  [Giggles]

SYDNEY.  Translation.

ANDREW.  Say, Lisa.  Why dont you join me downstairs for a little....
something more..

SC SCORE PLAYS

LISA.  Grown up?

ANDREW.  [In Syds ear]  Mother still has the wetbar...does she not?

SYDNEY.  Dont be a jerk.

ANDREW.  So are you game or not?

More SC music plays

LISA.  Let me think about that.   

NEAL.  Lisa?

LISA.  Im sorry, Neal.  But you have to understand.  [Yells slightly]  
Im still young.

Andrew and Lisa exit, leaving the original three Swans.

SYDNEY.  Who cares about her...shes a new Swan.

NEAL.  Look...we have to get on the radio...tap into the duplex system 
if we have to.

SAJA.  Oh, no.  Are you thinking what Im thinking?

NEAL.  Its the only way.

SAJA.  But..youll jam everything in town with equipment like yours.  

NEAL.  Thats why we have to go to the University.  Under level three.

SAJA.  Level three.

SYDNEY.  I love that talk.

NEAL.  Oh, by the way.   You cant come with us.

SYDNEY.  Why not?

NEAL.  You dont have a code registry.

SYDNEY.  [Grits teeth]  Well..make one up

Neal & Saja exchange glances.

SAJA.  Our apologies......my dark-haired pet.  

NEAL.  We have to go quick.  

They head for the door

Then they walk back

NEAL.  Out the window.

CAMERA FOCUSES ON SYDNEY

SYDNEY.  Dont bother.  Its sealed shut.

SYDNEY.  All of them.  

SYDNEY.  So do I come...or not?

EXT.-DARK HIGHWAY-NIGHT

Amanda walks slowly down the pedestrian stretch..much like in hitchhiker 
movies.  The late-night lovers headed for Newport Beach on her back....
trucks with cargo passing her by.  Sleepy-eyed..she keeps going.  With 
a slight tear in her eye.

FLASHBACK:

RICH.  Help me tonight...Cristina.

RICH.  Help me...

RICH.  Help me...

SAUNDERS.  Are you lying to me,  Amanda?

SYDNEY.   One of these days.....you wont have a trench to hide in.

SANDY.  Sydney has a point.

RICH.  One man...one woman...and a blackbird.

Then we hear a horn

Someone driving a 62 Chevy and offering her a ride.

GUY.  Hay.

AMANDA.  Hi.

GUY.  Whats your name?

AMANDA.   Amanda.

GUY.  [Romantically]  Well, Amanda.  You look absolutely devastated.  

AMANDA.  Thats what they all tell me.

GUY.  [Laughing]  Is that so.  Well how about putting an end to that 
devastation as we both know it.

AMANDA.  [Concerned]  Actually...I have a few more miles...and then..

GUY.  [Laughing]  A few more miles?  To where?   The rest station?

AMANDA.  I can manage.

GUY.  Get in...I mean it.

AMANDA.  I dont know if I should.

GUY.   Trust me.   Youre not doing anything illegal.

AMANDA.  No, its not that.  Its just that....I have no idea where I 
am...and I dont know where Im going.

GUY.  [Laughs]  Well...this here isnt the most lit up part of town.  
But youre close.

GUY.  [Opens car door]   Welcome to my comforting cabin...on behalf of 
the township of Tremondale.

AMANDA.  Tremondale.  Wheres Tremondale?

GUY.  Are you serious?  You really dont know where youre at?

AMANDA.  No.  And youre scaring me.  

Amanda starts walking away from car.

GUY.  [Drives up more]  Well, wait a second.  Where do you need to go?

AMANDA.  Swans Crossing.

GUY.  Say what?  Hay...did someone dump you?

AMANDA.  [Keeps walking]

GUY.  [From his car]  Oh, God.

GUY.  [Screams] Hay!

AMANDA.  [Turns around]

GUY.  Im not gonna let you go ahead and keep walkin on your lonesome.   
Its too unpredictable out here.   

AMANDA.  [Keeps walking]  

GUY.  Hay!! Come on now!

AMANDA.  [Keeps walking]

GUY.  Get in here...I say.

AMANDA.  [Walks faster]

GUY.  [Drives up faster]  Listen, little girl.  You tell me how to get 
to this place youre going to.  I dont care how long it takes...but 
well do it.

AMANDA.  No, just leave me alone.  I want to be alone.

Amanda runs for the bushes as fast as she can...leaving the poor kid 
alone on the street

Another car comes up honking

GUY#2.  Hay, come on.

GUY.  God.  [Slams on accelerator]

INT.-RUTLEDGE WETBAR-DAY

LISA.  [Sips out of shot glass]  What is this?

ANDREW.  Damned if I know.

LISA.  [Laughs]  Really....I want to know.  I dont particularly drink.  
Well, actually, I was in Nice this one summer, and we went around the 
circle with the drag...and when it was my turn....I vomited.

ANDREW.  [Laughs]  No.

LISA.  While I was making a pass at someone.   In front of all my stupid 
cousins who knew this guy.   A lesson in ultimate control.  And a true 
story.

ANDREW.  You must have been devastated.

LISA.   Oh, my God.  You should have seen the God awful look on my face.  
It was horrendous.

SYDNEY.    Okay...move it out.

Margaret, Mila, and JT look up from the photo album

MARGARET.  Sydney..

SYDNEY.  The partys over.

MARGARET.  Sydney...what are you talking about?

SYDNEY.  Therell be more fun, later.

ANDREW.  Looks like my sisters cut lip is coming back to haunt her.

LISA.  [Laughs a little]  She frets at everything.

JT.  [Getting up]  Thats a real score, Sydney-O.

SYDNEY.  Hay, listen.   We appreciate the long welcome wagon.  But this 
really has to wrap up.

MILA.  But we just came in five minutes ago.

GARRETT.  Sydney....

SYDNEY.  [Puts finger on her lips and]

SYDNEY.  [Silently]  Trust me.

MARGARET.  You can consider yourself grounded for the rest of the month.

SYDNEY.   If it comes to that.

MARGARET.  Excuse me?

SYDNEY.  Now were even.  

GARRETT.  [To Sydney]  Are you sure you know what youre doing?

SYDNEY.  Im gonna tell you something and youre not going to believe 
it.

MILA.  Bye, bye...Syd.   Call me tonight.....late if you must.  Momma 
wont care.

MARGARET.  How could she?

ANDREW.  Its okay, mom.  This is Sydney were talking about.

Sydney looks back at Andrew, whos with Lisa.  Lisa looks back at Sydney.

SYDNEY.  [To Garrett]  Quick....the back door.

GARRETT.  I dont understand.  What is this all about....?

SYDNEY.   Amanda....and Rich Macpherson.

The music plays

SYDNEY.  Oh, my God.

INT.-NANCYS BEDROOM-DAY

Nancy watches an episode of The Cosby Show

THEO.  So..I have all that..plus...[shows off his Monopoly money]..
fifty bucks.

CLIFF.  Do you plan on having a girlfriend?

THEO.  Of course.

CLIFF.   [Takes the remainder of Theos monopoly money]

NANCY.  [Laughs her ass off]

The phone rings

NANCY.  [Picking up her Mickey Mouse phone]  Robbins.

MITCH.  Hay...

NANCY.   Oh, God.  Not you.

MITCH.  Im in jail.

NANCY.  How convenient.

MITCH.  Hay...do you realize how bad things are around here?  And the 
food.....the food is the worst part.

NANCY.  Oh, let me guess.

MITCH.  [Laughs]  

NANCY.  Am I supposed to?

MITCH.  Its not that high.   It really isnt.

NANCY.  Why are you there?

MITCH.  [Laughs]

NANCY.  I said...why are you there?

MITCH.  You know about the fight last night?

NANCY.  No.  I left early.  With somebody.

MITCH.  What?  You what?

INT.-CELL-DAY

WARD.  Okay..Verducci...youre up.

MITCH.  [Banging against cell]  What?

INT.-NANCYS ROOM-DAY

NANCY.  Now its my turn to laugh like crazy.

NANCY.  [Hangs up]

INT.-CELL-DAY

MITCH.  [Throws phone on ground]  

WARD.  Get out...now.

MITCH.  I gotta call her back.

WARD.  Get out...

MITCH.  I gotta call her back now....

WARD.  Five minutes a phone call.

MITCH.  I think that rule sucks, Mr. Prison Ward.   I think you should 
give me the benefit of the doubt.

WARD.  [Opens door]  Come on.

MITCH.  No.

MAN.  Hay, come on...man...its my turn.

MITCH.  Whats it to you?

MAN.   Why dont you just relax.

MITCH.  Whatd you say?

MAN.  I said, relax.

Mitch cocks his fist back and gives the man a swing.

WARD.  All right...now.

The man blocks the punch and tries to punch Mitch.  He gets him.

But Mitch takes him and pushes him against the wall.

WARD.  [Runs to Mitch and holds him back]

WARD.  [On the radio]  Officer Lotts....to Cell PHS.

MITCH.  [Pushes ward]  Youll never catch me.....youll never catch me.

WARD.  [Grabs on to Mitchs neck]  

MITCH.  I was supposed to call her back.

LOTTS.  Okay, whats the big idea.

WARD.  He threw that man on the ground.

LOTTS.  Okay...come with me.

MITCH.  [Breathing fast]  Wait a second...the phone.

LOTTS.  You heard him.  Youre time is up.

MITCH.  But I have to use the phone.

LOTTS.  [Extends his hand]

MITCH.  You dont understand.

LOTTS.  Times up.

MITCH.  [Tries to attack him]  No!

Lotts takes a stick..possibly a shocker...out of his back pocket and 
whaps him.

MITCH.  [Falls to floor]  Oh!

EXT.-NO MANS LAND-DAY

Sydney and Garrett run out together.

GARRETT.  Hay..whats all this about Amanda?

NEAL.  Shes missing in action, man.

GARRETT.  So how come everybody else doesnt know?

NEAL.  Are you kidding...at a time like this.

GARRETT.  Are you a complete idiot?

NEAL.  Do you want a hole in your head?

GARRETT.  Youre asking me that question?

SAJA.  Gentleman...please.  If we dont get cracking right away...
theres no telling how escalated this whole thing can get.

GARRETT.  What are they doing, anyways?

SAJA.   We will attempt cellular telephone transmission on a particular 
frequency.

GARRETT.  How nice for you.  Dont you think that maybe telling Officer 
Moore would be a better idea.

NEAL.  Shes a public service aide.

GARRETT.  I know...but I hate everyone else in the Swans Crossing 
sheriffs division.

NEAL.  We should go.

GARRETT.  Wait a second...guys...I mean...theres no way that people 
are gonna here your 800 megahertz transmission.  You cant just talk 
over a phone line like that.  

NEAL.  They wont be audible.  

GARRETT.  What?

SAJA.   Teenage suicide.

GARRETT.  Whats he saying?

NEAL.  Were gonna reach them subliminally.   Over lower type cellular 
phone waves.

GARRETT.   Oh yeah..and whats your medium...grade A swiss.

NEAL.  Come on...Saja.  We dont need this guy.

GARRETT.  I hope your car has legs of steel...because before you have 
a chance of reaching your destination...the whole towns gonna know.  

SYDNEY.  Dont do that.

GARRETT.  Please....lower type cellular waves.

SYDNEY.  [Shrugging shoulders]  It could work.

GARRETT.  Cut me a break, Sydney.   The only thing that could work with 
those punks is an insanity plea.

Garrett walks the other way

GARRETT.   Without a shadow of a doubt.

SYDNEY.  Where are you going?

GARRETT.  Back inside the house.  Is that  alright with you?

SYDNEY.  Garrett Booth...if youre going where I think youre going....
you can forget about me as your pretty little steady.

GARRETT.  Where do you think Im going?

SYDNEY.  To tell my mother.

GARRETT.  Is that so.   Well maybe Im not going to tell your mother.  
Maybe Im just going inside to make a telephone call...did that ever 
strike you as a possibility?

SYDNEY.  Who are you calling?

GARRETT.  The appropriate authorities.

SYDNEY.  Garrett...no.

GARRETT.  Au revoir...Miss Sydney.  
 
SYDNEY.   Ughh!

GARRETT.  Oh and...hay.

SYDNEY.  Not talking to you.

GARRETT.  Might need to take off that sports jacket if it gets too hot.

Garrett walks off

SYDNEY.  Well, youve done it.  This time, you pushed the limit.

SYDNEY.  Garrett!!  [Runs inside after Garrett]

EXT.-STOREFRONTS-DAY

Sandy and Jessica walking along the sidewalk close to destination.

SANDY.  I dont know how I let you talk me into this.

JESSICA.   ..Just have a nifty persuasion complex.

SANDY.  Jess...when you talk...you dont even make sense.

JESSICA.  Hold on a second...I think were coming upon it.

SANDY.  How wonderful.

JESSICA.  Kiss my ass.  She moved.

SANDY.  She...or they?

JESSICA.  Nah.

JESSICA.  Mind if I jump in front of you?

SANDY.  You seem to be a known expert at that.

JESSICA.  [Walks in front of Sandy]  Eschue me.

JESSICA.  I thought it was over there....see I knew it from the time 
we got out of the car, I just wanted to double check because, well.....
Im an obsessive compulsive and all that...and I have to do things more 
than once at a time.

SANDY.  [Breathes out]  Does lunch come with this expense?

JESSICA.  [Knocks on window]  Mellow out, kid.

The blinds open and a face peeks out

JESSICA.  [Waves her hand]  Yeah..its me.  

WOMAN.  Who is that?

JESSICA.  Its Jessie.  Jessie G.

SANDY.  [Folds arms]

WOMAN.  [Nods her head]

JESSICA.  Look at that.  She recognizes me.  You know its been almost 
two years..you know that, dont you?

INT.-STOREFRONT-DAY

The woman speaks with a heavy Eastern type accent

WOMAN.  Well, look at you.  

JESSICA.  Not a lot of people enjoy that.

WOMAN.  Dont be ridiculous.  You look like a blonde Pebbles.

SANDY.  [Ad-libbing, without sound]  A blonde Pebbles?

JESSICA.  Well, that sounds mighty fine comin out of your little 
mouth...but for everyone else...I think my....true beauty finishes...
well...second to last.

WOMAN.  Oh, no.  You cant possibly be telling me that no one doesnt 
whistle at a vixen such as yourself.

JESSICA.  Yeah, well.  I think thats a result of my.....

Jessica cocks her head down

SANDY.  [Thinking Jess is gonna say sexuality]  Jess....

Then puts her head back up

JESSICA.  Glass eye.  

JESSICA.  Yeah, you see....Fatima.   

Fatima folds her arms

JESSICA.  Ah...Fati~ma.  Yes, well.   I think it would be appropriate 
to get a matching one in my right side as well.  

FATIMA.  So you saying you want me to glass your eye.

JESSICA.  Oh, please.

FATIMA.  You want me to glass your eye, right?  And you keep stumbling 
in here like a tramp out of nowhere, and you expect me to fill all your 
little orders?

JESSICA.  It would really be a great favor.

FATIMA.  Well, forget it.  FORGET it.

JESSICA.  [Pulls out a crisp ten dollar bill]  Im willing to 
accommodate your service fee.

FATIMA.  Hay listen...Fatima will do your hair for that...but no 
glassing eye.  Okay?

JESSICA.  But I dont want a hair job.  I want an eye job.

FATIMA.  Ay, I can see all the little buggies in your scalp screaming 
for attention.  You go in the dark room for therapy.

JESSICA.  But, Miss Fatima.

FATIMA.  I dont want to argue with you.  Now sit...or go.

JESSICA.  [Sighs]

FATIMA.  You have two minutes.

SANDY.   Who is she anyway?

FATIMA.  I am FaTi~Ma.   

SANDY.  She is FaTi~Ma.  Now I understand.

JESSICA.   [Nudges her]  Go ahead...ask her something.

SANDY.  So, FaTi~Ma.  Where do you come from?

FATIMA.  Ah, phh!  Ask me something.

SANDY.  You mean...youre from the East.

FATIMA.  Yes, dear.

SANDY.  [Shrugs shoulders]  Can you charm snakes?

FATIMA.  What kind of question is that?

SANDY.  An inquisitive one.

FATIMA.  Do me a favor, young lady.  Hold out your palm.

SANDY.  [Looks at Jessica]

JESSICA.  Go ahead...she wont hurt you.

FATIMA.  I give you ten more seconds to go to the dark room...or you 
can forget about glassing the eye.

JESSICA.  Certainly.

Jessica whispers something into Sandys ear...laughs..and splits for 
the darkroom.

SANDY.  [Holds out palm]  Okay....ready.

FATIMA.  [Places her hand on her palm, her fingers touching]  Yes...oh 
yes.

SANDY.  [Eyes closed]  Let me know when you find anything.

FATIMA.  Oh, yes.  This is very intriguing.

SANDY.  You find anything?

FATIMA.  Your lifeline is as long as a swans neck.

SANDY.  [Opens eyes]  As what?

FATIMA.  A swans neck...a swans neck.  Are you a Swan?

SANDY.  Well....I guess so.  Yes...I am a swan.  A full fledged swan.  
As a matter of fact..my name is Swan...Sandy Swan.

FATIMA.  That is not your name.

SANDY.  Yes it is.  Would you like to see my drivers license?

FATIMA.  [Laughs]  You cannot tell when Im serious...or when Im not.

SANDY.  [Laughs]  Oh, yeah.  I should have known.

FATIMA.  So let me ask you, Miss...Swan.   Have you any wings?

SANDY.  Well.....

SANDY.  [Twinkles her eye]  Not on me right now.

FATIMA.  Would you like to have wings?

SANDY.  [Shrugs shoulders]  Well...

FATIMA.  Be honest with yourself.  Remember...I can see your true 
selfhood.

SANDY.  [Nods head]  Yes...I would like to have wings.  I would like to 
have wings...right now.  The sooner the better.

FATIMA.  Well, come inside, my dear woman.  There is hope for you yet.

INT.-DARKROOM-DAY

JESSICA.  [Sings...wearing headphones]   GO..AND DONT YOU TAKE 
ANOTHER PIECE OF MY HEART, NOW..BABY

INT.-CANDLE ROOM-DAY

It looks mystical.

SANDY.  Wow...look at all these candles.

FATIMA.   [Runs to bookshelf and pulls out book]  Here it is.

SANDY.  What?

FATIMA.  The book.

SANDY.  The book of what?

FATIMA.  Where is restoration...it has to be here somewhere.

SANDY.  Wait a second...I dont understand...are you some sort of....

FATIMA.  Lets not waste another moment.

SANDY.   I dont know.

FATIMA.  [Lays the book down on the center table]   Not another moment.  
This must be done now...right away....before all promise fades.

SANDY.  Translation?

FATIMA. Quickly...quickly.  

INT.-DARKROOM-DAY

Jessica still listening to her Janis Joplin tape

JESSICA.  [Sings...wearing headphones]  BABY....CRY-BABY!!!   CRY-CRY 
BABY!!

JESSICA.  [Takes off headphones]  Come on...gypsy baby!

INT.-FATIMA ROOM-DAY

Fatima puts the candles around Sandy, yellow, green, red, and orange....
as if to cast a spell.

FATIMA.  Very well...restoration.

SANDY.   Yes..youve been hooked on that.

FATIMA.  Quiet...quiet.. you must be quiet.   Now....you must become a 
Swan again.   And in order for me to make you one, you must tell Fatima 
exactly what is going on.

SANDY.  Are you a witch?

FATIMA.  You must tell me what is going on....

SANDY.  [Gets up]  I dont know if I should go through with this.

FATIMA.  Dont be silly.  Everyone tells me that...but when I am done....
they never turn away.

SANDY.  But doesnt the magic turn back on you?

FATIMA.  Only when you use it in an evil way.  

SANDY.  My birthright.   The town of Swans Crossing.   It doesnt belong 
to Sydney or Lisa....it belongs to me.   

SANDY.  It belongs to me.

SANDY.  Give me back my name.

Fatima cites the Restoration spell

FATIMA.  Va esch dibi jibbe  de est gi o a rei dei ia ma li  

FATIMA.  Vufas!!  Va esch!!

The only light now comes from the glow of the candles.  Sandys head 
lays flat on the table.

                            TO BE CONTINUED...

                      (c) 1998 Christopher Angelo  

If you have any questions, comments, etc. email Chris at Tytell@aol.com


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