Youth in Revolt PDF
Youth in Revolt PDF
Youth in Revolt PDF
WRITTEN BY
GUSTIN NASH
NICK (V.O.)
Mom gives drivers tests at the
Department of Motor Vehicles.
Nick sits at the kitchen table reading the paper. He watches
with nausea as Estelle piles liver onto his plate.
NICK (V.O.)
She used to keep Dad up to date on
all the motor statutes he was
violating. This is one of the
reasons they got divorced.
JERRY, early 40s, saunters in wearing a TRUCKERS DO IT IN
OVERDRIVE shirt and boxers. His gut hangs over the elastic,
but he is completely devoid of an ass.
NICK (V.O.)
Moms boyfriend, Jerry is a long
distance trucker, though his
ultimate ambition is to be on state
disability.
Jerry absently smacks Estelles butt. Waddles over to the
breakfast table. He snatches the Funnies from the paper in
Nicks hands.
NICK (V.O.)
Ive been struggling to think of a
commendable thing to say about
Jerry.
Jerry gives an asinine chuckle at the cartoon. Nick glares.
NICK (V.O.)
No luck. His grey matter registers
at cretin and the needle doesnt
budge.
EXT. GEORGE TWISPS HOME - DAY
GEORGE TWISP, 41, scruffy and greying, waters the foliage
outside the house with a high powered hose.
NICK (V.O.)
Dad is a copywriter for
agricultural magazines.
In the drive, Nick slaves over the duty of washing the rims
of his dads BMW 325i.
NICK (V.O.)
Hed like to own a more prestigious
model of BMW, but, as he often
reminds me, he is burdened with
crippling child support payments.
4.
YOUTH IN REVOLT
INT. ESTELLES KITCHEN - DAY
Nick regards Jerry from across the dining room table. There
is the off-screen sound of a cretin slurping Cheerios.
Reveal Jerry reading Sports Illustrated, scratching his balls
with one hand and shoveling in cereal with the other. Estelle
is washing dishes when she spies something out the window.
ESTELLE
Jerry? Where did that car come
from?
Jerry looks over his shoulder and they all take a moment to
appreciate the slab-sided Lincoln in the drive.
JERRY
It's a '62 Lincoln convertible.
Like the one Kennedy was shot in.
NICK
Except his was black and yours is
white. And dirty.
JERRY
See that. I was going to take you
and your mom for a spin after
breakfast. But now I guess it'll
just be her and me. You have your
smart mouth to thank for that.
NICK
Damn it. I guess I'll just have to
hang out all alone at the book
depository.
JERRY
The what?
ESTELLE
Jerry, I don't understand. What
happened to the Chevy-Nova?
JERRY
Sold it to a sailor on the Alameda
Naval Air Base. A man should never
own a car for more than three
months, Estelle. That way he always
gets the thrill of owning a new
automobile!
Jerry smiles with cretin pride. Nick looks to his mother and
disturbingly enough, she seems turned on by his car-owner
savvy.
6.
LEFTY (V.O.)
I might have to kill myself.
EXT. HILLS ABOVE UC CAMPUS - DAY
In the clearing, a UC JOCK stands behind his ASIAN
GIRLFRIEND, kissing her neck and removing her clothes.
NICK (V.O.)
I hope you have a good reason.
Reveal Nick and his friend LEFTY, 16, belly down in the grass
overlooking the clearing. Lefty watches the copulating couple
with a pair of binoculars.
LEFTY
My sister said she saw Millie
Filbert holding hands with some
college guy.
NICK
I dunno, Lefty. I think your sister
is just waging psychological
warfare.
LEFTY
Well it's working. What am I gonna
do, Nick? I'm obsessed. I think
about Millie so much my balls ache.
NICK
Maybe your just not wacking off
enough.
As if in response, Lefty passes the binoculars off to Nick
and then turns over onto his back and unzips his pants.
As Lefty jerks it, Nick looks with nonchalance...
THROUGH THE BINOCULARS
The couple hump in the grass, her legs in the air.
LEFTY (O.S.)
So, Ive been taping my pecker to
my right leg at night.
NICK (V.O.)
In case you havent heard, Leftys
erect member takes a dramatic turn
midway up the shaft.
9.
LEFTY (O.S.)
Then I look at this issue of Better
Homes and Gardens that has a girl
that looks just like Millie until
it gets good and hard. I think it's
starting to straighten out.
NICK
Why don't you just have your
parents take you to the dick
doctor?
LEFTY (O.S.)
Are you kidding? It would kill them
to know that I even get hard-ons.
NICK
Still, you might want to get it
fixed before asking Millie out.
LEFTY (O.S.)
True. What if I shove it up the
wrong hole?
Nick gives a dubious glance in Leftys direction.
NICK (V.O.)
Leftys grasp of the female anatomy
is somewhat tenuous; he imagines
there are orifices galore down
there.
INT. ESTELLES KITCHEN - DAY
JERRY
Nick, you little shit, get down
here!
Jerry hollers from the kitchen where Estelle gapes out the
window. Nick calmly joins them from upstairs.
ESTELLE
Nick, do you know anything about
this?
She points out the window and they all take in the Chevy and
the sailors oh-so-subtle note on the hood.
NICK
Oh, yeah. Those sailors came by.
They want their money back. I guess
there was a banana in the
transmission.
JERRY
You tell them when I was coming
back?
10.
NICK
Now why would I do that?
Jerry seeths inwardly at Nicks mock innocence.
ESTELLE
What are you going to do, Jerry?
JERRY
I think Ill go get the Lincoln
washed.
ESTELLE
You're leaving? What happens when
the sailor comes back for his nine-
hundred dollars?
JERRY
Just tell him he bought the car
with my standard guarantee. Thirty
days or thirty feet. Whichever
comes first. I'm in the right.
And on cue comes the ring of the doorbell and the
simultaneous pounding of angry Navy fists on the back door.
They peer out the window and find the fleet on the front
steps.
NICK
Oh, look. The sailors are here.
Jerry first starts to dart one way and then another,
searching for a hiding space as he hisses.
JERRY
Get rid of them!
And then the front door gets kicked open and a mob of sailors
pour in. Jerry flees. A HANDHELD CAM chase as he heads for
the back and is cut off by the sailors coming in.
Jerry bolts up the stairs.
NICK
Jerry, where are you going? Just
tell them you are in the right.
INT. ESTELLES HOME - CONTINUOUS
They manage to grab Jerry by the legs and haul him down the
stairs. Jerry loses his grasp step by step, crying with a
sound not unlike E.T. when the flashlight hit him in the
cornfield.
The two big guys with bad haircuts hold Jerry off the ground
while the earnstwhile Chevy owner goes through his pockets.
11.
SAILOR #1
Sixty-three lousy dollars.
JERRY
Thats my life savings!
One of the sailors pokes Jerry in the gut hard and he
whimpers.
ESTELLE
Don't hurt him! Nick, call 911!
SAILOR #1
Touch that phone, kid, and you lose
your left nut.
Nick raises his hands. You dont have to tell me twice.
JERRY
Please. Please don't hurt me. It's
all I got, guys. I swear. Take the
Lincoln!
SAILOR #1
I don't want the Lincoln. I want my
nine-hundred dollars. I'm taking
the sixty-three, which means you
owe me another eight hundred and
thirty.
NICK
Eight hundred and thirty seven,
actually.
SAILOR #1
Exactly. Have it by tomorrow or
you'll be found in the trunk of
your new used piece of shit at the
bottom of the Bay.
And with that they release him and Jerry crumples to the
floor like an abandoned marionette.
INT. ESTELLES KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
The three of them watch the fleet pile into a Navy van that
reads FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. The moment they pull out, Jerry
dusts himself off and puts on a pretense of being unfazed.
JERRY
Wow, those guys are even dumber
than I thought. They actually think
I'm stupid enough to let them
muscle me into paying.
12.
ESTELLE
Jerry, what are you talking about?
We need to call the police!
JERRY
I'm not some tattle-tale like your
son.
Nick rolls his eyes.
ESTELLE
Then for God's sake, Jerry, just
sell the Lincoln and pay them!
JERRY
Can't. It's in The Code.
ESTELLE
What code? The vehicular code?
JERRY
Code of the streets, Babe. Code of
the streets.
ESTELLE
Then what are you planning to do?
Jerry takes a seat at the kitchen table and adopts The
Thinker pose. He strokes his chin as Nick and Estelle await
his brilliant solution with breathless anticipation.
I/E. LINCOLN - DAY
NICK (V.O.)
We are going to Ukiah for a last
minute vacation.
Jerrys got on a hat made from Coors beer cans. Hes behind
the wheel of his Lincoln convertible.
NICK (V.O.)
Jerry says we'll be staying in a
cabin on Clear Lake that's owned by
a friend of his.
Estelle dumps in the cooking gear and closes the trunk. Her
halter top looks like an advertisement for Droop City. Nicks
in the back. Estelle waves at the neighbors like shes Miss
Corn Dog of 1954.
ESTELLE
Goodbye, everyone! Were going on
vacation!
JERRY
Lets blow!
13.
She hops up front with Jerry. He fires up the Lincoln and the
radio roars to life with HILLBILLY MUSIC.
NICK (V.O.)
I'm not sure how this is the
solution to his problem. But I've
decided to go along with it, seeing
as I'm not rooting for him anyway.
As they pull out, Jerry tosses his beer bottle at the garbage
can at the end of the drive and it once again misses and
shatters on the street behind them.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
The Lincoln makes its way upstate, and dips into the mist
covered hills of Ukiah.
EXT. RESTLESS AXLES TRAILER PARK - DAY
Theyve pulled to a stop. Estelle stares in horror.
ESTELLE
Jerry...? You said it was a cabin.
In the back, Nick removes his sunglasses to regard the long,
green, turd of a trailer. Some concrete dwarves in the grass.
A dusty canvas awning over a small cement patio. A decrepit
picket fence with a sign that reads: MY GREEN HAVEN.
Estelle looks as if shes about to cry. Jerry puts his arm
around her.
JERRY
Cmon Estelle. Its real cute on
the inside.
INT. MY GREEN HAVEN - NIGHT
Substitute cluttered for cute. The three of them are crammed
around a dining surface as accommodating as an airplane tray
table. 3-D religious art hangs on the wall above them.
JERRY
I say the kid does the dishes and
we retire to the master bedroom.
Jerry pushes out and disappears into the back. Nick watches
him with loathing. Estelle smiles apologetically.
NICK
Mom? Do you really like Jerry?
Her smile fades.
14.
ESTELLE
Nick, how many men do you think
there are whod be interested in a
forty-one year old woman with two
brats, no money, and stretch marks?
And with that she excuses herself, leaving Nick to ponder.
NICK (V.O.)
Mom is a realist about everything.
Except her age. Shes forty-three.
INT. MY GREEN HAVEN - LATER
Nick washes dishes in the toilet-like sink. The trailer
shakes from the two adults flogging the mattress in the back.
EXT. RESTLESS AXLES TRAILER PARK - DAY
An old crone, MRS. SAUNDERS, makes her way up the walk. She
gets to the door of My Green Haven and bangs on the screen.
INT. MY GREEN HAVEN - DAY
Nick sleeps on a pull out cot. He bolts upright at the
banging, his hair going in all directions.
MRS. SAUNDERS (O.S.)
Its your neighbor, Mrs. Saunders.
Church services begin at seven
fifteen prompt. Donuts will be
served.
Nick glances down at the morning wood elevating his boxers.
Mrs. Saunders narrows her eyes at Nick through the screen
door and takes off.
EXT. MY GREEN HAVEN - DAY
Nick steps out of the trailer in a bathrobe, toiletries in
one hand, towel in the other. He heads off down the wooded
path.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
The serene melodies of rousing HYMNS float from the well-
attended congregation in the meeting hall.
WE TRACK across the trees as Nick makes his way down the
path. He slows to observe the sun coming through the canopy
overhead. He glances off the path and comes to a sudden stop.
A grape arbor flanked by Corinthian columns set against the
blue of Clear Lake. A chestnut haired SHEENI SAUNDERS stands
facing the water, her head tilted down to read the book in
her hands. The wind coming off the lake blows her dress just
enough to give a hint of the shapely thighs underneath.
15.
NICK
Thanks a pantsful.
EXT. RESTLESS AXLES TRAILER PARK - DAY
A dusty road. Nick totes a watermelon and a paper bag. He
watches as Sheeni works on a Popsicle. Full lips that cry out
to be kissed.
NICK
You dont have to go to services?
SHEENI
No. Much to the consternation of my
fanatical parents I have converted
to atheism. Fortunately my brother,
Paul, paved the way for such
transgressions.
NICK
Paul is an atheist too?
SHEENI
Buddhist, I believe, though we have
not seen him in some time. I myself
am looking forward to being free of
parental bondage.
NICK
Likewise.
SHEENI
Well, your mother seems very nice,
though your father I think might be
rather dim.
NICK
Jerry and I share no blood links of
any kind.
As they pass the meeting hall there comes a surge of HYMNS in
chorus.
NICK
Sounds rather zealous.
SHEENI
Yes, even though I am no longer a
believer I always found the
services wonderfully aerobic.
NICK
You could say the same thing about
sex.
Sheeni stops. She looks at Nick intently.
17.
SHEENI
Nick, are you going to turn out
like all the other young men and
have nothing on your mind except
carnal pleasures?
NICK
I hardly ever think about sex.
SHEENI
Really? I think about it all the
time. Its the hormones at work,
you know.
She resumes walking. Nick follows her with confusion.
EXT. SAUNDERS MOBILE HOME - DAY
They regard the two story Pacemaker mobile home.
NICK
Wow. A second floor.
SHEENI
Yes. Father bought it so that he
could look down upon the world. For
him, Christian humility has always
been a struggle.
Sheeni relieves him of the watermelon.
SHEENI
Well, it was nice to meet you,
Nick.
She trudges down the slate path to the home.
NICK
Sheeni? Do you want to come to the
beach with me?
She turns around. Gives a little smirk.
SHEENI
What a thoughtful invitation. Id
love to, Nick. Wait for me in the
living room.
INT. SAUNDERS MOBILE HOME - DAY
A lot more space than My Green Haven. Dark paneling and
somewhat more tasteful religious art.
SHEENI
Back in a moment.
18.
She rolls over onto her stomach, exposing her exquisite back.
Nick straddles her, hands shaking as he smooths sweet oils
into her tanned flesh.
Flashing super: Thundering Erection
SHEENI
My, you get turned on easily.
Nicks hands freeze.
SHEENI
Oh, dont stop, Nick. We all have
our hormones to deal with. Girls
are fortunate in that it doesnt
show. For all the world knows, my
vagina could be moist with desire
as we speak.
NICK
Is it?
SHEENI
Thats none of your business, Im
sure. Shall you do my front too?
NICK
Im up for it.
She rolls over onto her back, her young breasts straining up
against the yellow spandex.
SHEENI
I hope you dont find it too
stimulating, Nick.
NICK
Im coping.
He starts in on her flawless legs, gliding on the oil all the
way within a fingers reach of her sweet apex.
With each daring pass, he comes closer to that final split.
Finally the hand swerves too late, and lightly grazes the
softly yielding vee.
SHEENI
Uh, Nick. Maybe you better do the
top now.
Nick moves up, lubricating her arms, shoulders and neck. He
smooths the oil on the soft undulating foothills.
SHEENI
Thanks, Nick.
20.
She rolls back onto her stomach with finality and goes back
to her book. Nick hovers above her a moment, then painfully
returns to his own reading.
EXT. RESTLESS AXLES TRAILER PARK - DAY
They make their way down the path. Nick totes the beach bag.
SHEENI
Breathless is one of my favorite
films, though it might be eclipsed
by Rebel Without a Cause. I often
wonder what American cinema would
be like today had Dean done more
than three.
Nick nods, and for a beat they trek on in silence. He glances
down at her hand and fumbles for it with his own.
SHEENI
Oh, Nick. You seem very nice. But
in fairness, I should tell you that
I have a boyfriend.
Nick becomes sickeningly pale.
NICK
Whats his name?
SHEENI
Trent Preston.
NICK
Whats he like?
SHEENI
Seventeen years of age, six-two,
fluent in French, plays the piano,
a champion swimmer, and writes
Futurist Percussive poetry.
They stop at the gate to the Saunders home.
NICK
Im not familiar with Futurist
Percussive poems.
SHEENI
I could recite one of Trents if
youd like.
NICK
Please do.
She takes a dramatic pause.
21.
SHEENI
RamDam 12/ Sizzle mop/ Crunch down/
Safety net/ Hot! Hot! Hot!/ Void.
She gives a slightly amused smile at Nicks blank expression.
NICK (V.O.)
If thats poetry, Im a turkey
scrotum.
INT. MY GREEN HAVEN - NIGHT
TIME LAPSE of Nick thrashing about in bed. During this
montage there is the constant ticking of a clock.
NICK (V.O.)
Here is an hour by hour account of
the worst night of my life.
Nick flipping through a Penthouse under the covers.
NICK (V.O.)
1 AM. I decide it is just a case of
puppy love and look forward to the
interesting women I shall meet in
the future.
EXT. MY GREEN HAVEN - NIGHT
A light comes on in the window.
INT. MY GREEN HAVEN - DAY
Nick at the dining table, writing a note.
NICK (V.O.)
2 AM. I conclude the only way out
is suicide. I begin to pen a
poignant suicide note. Sheeni will
see Trent for the shallow pedant he
is and always treasure my memory.
JERRY (O.S.)
Turn off the damn light!
EXT. MY GREEN HAVEN - NIGHT
Nick paces about back and forth in the yard.
NICK (V.O.)
3 AM. I decide I am too chicken for
any of the manly, violent means of
suicide. I shall swallow sleeping
pills. Where to get them, though?
22.
SHEENI
Okay, lover. Breaks over. Lets
go!
Nick lays in the grass a moment, watching after her.
EXT. SAUNDERS MOBILE HOME - DAY
Nick walks Sheeni to the gate. She turns around to face him.
NICK
When can I see you again?
SHEENI
Get up early tomorrow and you can
shower with me in the ladies room.
Five minutes to six. If you dare.
Nick grins with excitement.
INT. MY GREEN HAVEN - NIGHT
Nick dines at the tray table with Jerry and Estelle.
ESTELLE
So whats this Sheeni girl like?
NICK
Shes the Encyclopedia Britannica.
JERRY
Shes got a nice rack.
ESTELLE
Jerry!
Jerry chuckles. Nick stares at him, perhaps resolving to
murder the trucker in his sleep.
INT. MY GREEN HAVEN - LATER
Nick lies below us on the cot, unable to sleep with the
anticipation of the imminent loss of his virginity.
EXT. MY GREEN HAVEN - NIGHT/DAY
Another perfect California summer dawn, a pale moon lingering
in the blue morning sky. Nick emerges from My Green Haven in
his robe. He starts off down the path.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
The trailer park is relatively silent save for birds and the
distant sound of dogs barking.
27.
JERRY
Whats your cash price?
GEEZER
I said in the ad. Thousand dollars
firm.
JERRY
Thousand, huh? That must be with a
guarantee.
GEEZER
As is, where she is.
JERRY
I dont know. Those rusty propane
tanks are a fire hazard. The roof
probably needs work. I couldnt go
above eight hundred.
The geezer ponders the bad news. Estelle shakes her head and
goes inside the RV to inspect.
ESTELLE (O.S.)
There are mouse droppings in all
the closets, Jerry.
GEEZER
I might take nine fifty.
JERRY
Nine hundred.
Sheeni lets out a squeal of delight. They all turn their
attention to where she has discovered a box full of squirming
PUPPIES.
She brings one of them over.
SHEENI
Look, Nick!
She shows him the ugly little pug. Short droopy ears, a tiny,
batlike face.
NICK
Great.
SHEENI
(to the geezer)
How much?
GEEZER
Ten dollars.
Sheeni turns to Nick pleadingly. Nick fishes through his
wallet.
30.
NICK
All I have is a Subway card with
four stickers.
GEEZER
Sold.
NICK
No doubt close to the dogs actual
value.
SHEENI
Oh, thank you, Nickie!
She plants a kiss on his lips and promptly turns her
attention to the dog, who licks her face affectionately. Nick
looks on with appropriate jealousy.
SHEENI
Im going to name him Albert.
(pronounced Al-bear)
GEEZER
That dont sound like any kind of
name for a dog.
SHEENI
(scowling defensively)
Ill have you know Ive named him
after the deceased French writer,
Albert Camus. Author of LEtranger
and other works of existential
brilliance.
The geezer looks to Nick with an expression of I stand
corrected. Nick returns with a nod that says You have no
idea.
INT. LINCOLN (MOVING) - DAY
The Lincoln now tows the rusty RV behind it. Nick watches
Sheeni continue to fawn over Albert.
INT. CAFE - DAY
Nick and Sheeni dine over coffee and a plate of donuts. Nick
watches her play with Albert in her lap.
NICK
Sheeni, I think I love you.
SHEENI
Well, your hormones certainly do.
And oddly enough, my hormones like
you too.
31.
Sheeni releases Albert and the mutt paws at her legs. Her
eyes well up with tears, a few theatrical sniffles.
NICK
Sheeni? Its... Its okay. We can
visit each other when I get a
drivers license.
SHEENI
I hope thats true, but.. Its not
that. Its...
NICK
What?
SHEENI
Its my parents. Theyre... I fear
they will never allow me to keep
Albert.
NICK
Oh.
Nick tries to hide his hurt. Picks up the paper with
annoyance.
SHEENI
(sniffling)
Nick, honey. Why dont you take
Albert? He could be our love child.
NICK
No way.
SHEENI
At least you could consider it,
honey. For me. Ive never asked you
for anything before.
NICK
Maybe I could take him, but Id
have certain conditions. I would
have to be the only dad on the
scene.
(matter of fact)
Trent would have to go.
SHEENI
Thats asking a lot. Trent worships
the ground I walk on.
NICK
Its your choice. Life with me and
the dog you love. Or a pet-free
existence with a shallow,
egotistical poet.
32.
Estelle takes a deep breath and tries to let the matter rest.
JOANIE
Up to anything scandalous these
days, Nick?
NICK
I was going to ask you the same
thing.
JOANIE
What do you mean?
Nick puffs out his chest. Joanie looks down at her boob-job.
JOANIE
Not that its any of your business,
but Ive taken a class to improve
my posture.
Nick rolls his eyes.
ESTELLE
I think Joanie looks very nice. And
she has a new boyfriend too.
NICK
Did you meet him in posture class?
ESTELLE
Nick met a nice girl in Ukiah.
JOANIE
Really now? Are you on each others
Myspace pages?
NICK
Hardly. Sheeni believes the
internet will be the end of
literacy.
JOANIE
So its to be a torturous snail
mail exchange, huh?
NICK
More like the occassional collect
call.
ESTELLE
Collect calls? And just who do you
expect to pay for that?
Jerry kicks the dog away from his sock. Albert growls and
prepares for another charge.
37.
JERRY
Hey, Nick. Want to learn how a car
is put together?
NICK
No, thanks. Auto mechanics doesnt
interest me.
JERRY
See, Estelle, I told you the kid
was queer-eeAAAAHHHHH!
Jerry lurches backward in the chair and lands on the floor,
revealing that Alberts teeth have a firm grasp on Jerrys
sack. The dog shakes the scrotum in his jaws.
JERRY
Damn it! The dog!
He tries to swipe Albert with his beer bottle, but the dog
retreats into the house, leaving Jerry rolling around on the
floor.
Joanie and Nick exchange a smile. The phone rings. Estelle
gets up to answer it.
ESTELLE
Nick, put the dog in the basement.
INT. BASEMENT - NIGHT
Nick stoops to secure the leash around the piping. He regards
the little pug. Albert WHIMPERS and cocks his head.
The door at the top of the stairs opens and Estelle descends
the first few steps.
ESTELLE
Nick, that was your father on the
phone. He lost his job.
NICK
How unlike him.
ESTELLE
Watch your smart mouth. This means
the end of child support.
NICK
Which means...
ESTELLE
Youll have to start going to...
(distorted)
Oakland Public School.
In Nicks eyes the fear of a sentence worse than death.
38.
NICK
Well, though hes taken a disliking
to Jerry.
SHEENI
And you, Nickie? How are you?
NICK
I regret, Love of My Life, my
father has lost his job and I will
now be forced to go to public
school.
SHEENI
How unfortunate. What did he do?
NICK
Hes a writer - sort of. He writes
advertising copy.
SHEENI
Really?
(pensive beat)
Nick, I suggest we look at your
fathers firing as a blessing in
disguise.
NICK
How so?
SHEENI
I propose we get your father a job
here in Ukiah and you can come and
live with him.
NICK
Brilliant. Not that Im fond of
Ukiah, but Id live in a drainage
culvert to be with you.
SHEENI
Oh, Nickie. Now, I happen to know
Progressive Plywood is looking for
an assistant editor. It would be
perfect for your father.
Nick furrows his brow with skepticism.
NICK
I had no idea you had knowledge of
the employment opportunities of
trade magazines.
SHEENI
The owner is the father of a friend
of mine.
40.
NICK
Anyone I know?
SHEENI
Okay, its Trents father. So what?
NICK
So why would Trent want to help my
father move to Ukiah?
SHEENI
I told you, darling. Trent harbors
you no ill will. I will have him
call your father up pretending to
be a head hunter.
NICK
Very well, but I dont see how I am
to live with him. My mother values
my indentured servitude.
SHEENI
You must influence her to send you
away. I feel this will require
being in a constant state of open
revolt on your part.
NICK
What do you want me to do?
SHEENI
I propose you rent the film Rebel
Without a Cause as soon as
possible. You must emulate James
Dean...
CLOSE ON her GLOSSY LIPS.
SHEENI
...You must be bad, Nickie. Be
very, very bad.
A glint of resolve in Nicks eyes.
NICK
I will, darling. I will!
And in pre-lap comes the DING DONG of the doorbell.
INT. ESTELLES LIVING ROOM - DAY
Joanie and Nick sit in the Chevy Nova watching Rebel Without
a Cause through the windshield.
41.
Estelle enters the living room with tears streaming down her
face and a police officer, LANCE WESCOTT, 45, with a flattop,
watery red eyes, and assorted guns, flashlights, and billy
clubs.
ESTELLE
Kids? This is Officer Lance
Wescott. He has some bad news.
After a beat, Nick rolls down the window.
LANCE
Your mothers friend Jerry had a
heart attack in a bar in Dallas.
Hes dead.
Estelle sobs, but isnt joined by her children. She turns to
Lance.
ESTELLE
Will they be sending his
belongings?
LANCE
Uh... Im afraid theyve already
been sent. To his wife.
Beat. Nick looks to Joanie. They both look to their mother.
ESTELLE
His... His wife?!?
She bursts into tears and collapses into Officer Lance
Wescotts arms.
LANCE
There, there, Maam. Its going to
be okay.
Nick watches his mother sobbing against the cops chest for a
beat before he rolls up the window and he and Joanie resume
watching the movie.
Estelles cries of despair become...
INT. NICKS ROOM - NIGHT
....the cries of ecstasy coming through the wall along with
the repeated exclamation of Lances name.
Nick rolls over in bed. Bloodshot eyes. He hauls himself out
of bed.
NICK (V.O.)
I have decided to create a
supplementary persona named
Franois.
42.
ESTELLE
Where do you think youre going?
NICK
Out!
The screen door slams behind him.
INT. GARAGE - DAY
The garage door rattles upward, illuminating the cardboard
box of paint supplies. Nick bends down and picks up a can of
aerosol spray-paint. He shakes it.
EXT. ESTELLES HOME - DAY
Nick sprays the trailer in wide sweeping motions.
EXT. ESTELLES HOME - EVENING
Joanie and Nick sun bathe in the lawn chairs. Estelle stands
over them.
ESTELLE
What the in Gods name has gotten
into you?!? Jerry paid good money
for that trailer!
NICK
And just what makes you so sure it
was me?
ESTELLE
Who the hell else would write such
a thing?
Estelle gestures to the trailer, which we can see has been
defaced with the words GODS PERFECT ASSHOLE.
ESTELLE
And just how do you explain this?
She holds up a semi-nude Polaroid of Lacey.
NICK
Thats Lacey.
ESTELLE
And just who the hell is Lacey?
NICK
Dads girlfriend.
Estelle stares at the photo, face contorted by revulsion and
envy.
45.
ESTELLE
His girlfriend? What are you doing
with a picture like this of your
fathers girlfriend?
JOANIE
Cmon, Mom, all boys his age have
pictures like that to...
ESTELLE
When I want your opinion on raising
my child, Ill ask for it.
(to Nick; morbidly
curious)
And whats this Lacey tart like?
NICK
Well, she likes fast cars and takes
a lot of naps with dad.
Super: (True)
NICK
She likes to sit on Dads lap while
he eats and blow in his ear.
Super: (Not true)
NICK
And she calls him Thunder Rod and
he calls her Sugar Puss.
Super: (True; believe it or not)
At this point Estelle has turned bright red.
ESTELLE
You are confined to your room until
school starts, you sick pervert.
She stalks off. Joanie glances over at Nick with amusement.
NICK
I wish I was leaving with you
tonight.
JOANIE
Your day will come. I never thought
mine would, but it did. Was all
that stuff about Lacey and Dad made
up?
NICK
I wish. Did you really take a
posture class?
46.
JOANIE
Implants. I wanted them all my
life.
INT. NICKS ROOM - DAY
A knock on the door. Lefty enters the room and Nick pulls the
headphones off his ears.
NICK
Hey, Lefty.
LEFTY
Whats with your mom, Nick? She
gave me the third degree just to
come up here.
NICK
I vandalized Jerrys trailer and
she found my picture of Lacey.
LEFTY
Well, good thing I stole this from
the bookstore then.
Lefty unzips his backpack and produces a large hardbound
volume titled Lovemaking for Advanced Gourmets.
LEFTY
I was reading it all last night.
Boy, having sex is a lot more
complicated than I thought. Did you
know you were supposed to stick
your pinkie in her bumhole?
NICK
You lie.
LEFTY
No way, man. Here, I got the page
marked.
Lefty flops down on the sofa next to Nick and the two of them
flip through the manual.
NICK
Yeah, but Im not sure I should try
this on Sheeni. I think this book
is for people whove been married
so long theyre disgusted by the
sight of each other.
They regard the illustrated figures of men and women in
various states of foreplay.
47.
LEFTY
Are we really supposed to be
that... uh... big?
NICK
I think these illustrations are
disproportionate for emphasis.
LEFTY
Maybe we should compare.
NICK
Perhaps we should. Just for the
sake of research.
Nick and Lefty get to their feet and stand opposite each
other like a pair of duelists. They simultaneously undo their
belts and pull their pants and underwear to their feet.
They straighten. Leftys eyes fall to Nicks crotch. He gets
a hint of concern in his expression.
Nick stares at Leftys, tilting his head to compensate for
the curvature.
The door behind them opens and Estelle appears toting Nicks
lunch. She lets out a scream. The boys turn to face her,
pants around their ankles.
ESTELLE
PERVERTS!
She hurls the tray of food at them. Lefty bolts. Nick hastily
tries to pull up his pants as his mother chases him around
the room, grabbing up objects and hurling them his way.
ESTELLE
FRIGGIN GODDAMN PERVERTS!
INT. ESTELLES HOME - HALLWAY - DAY
Lefty emerges from the room and takes off.
ESTELLE
You wont get away! Im calling
your parents! PERVERTS!
Nick bursts from the room, desperately trying to buckle his
pants. Estelle is hot on his heels, wielding the hardbound
sex manual as they round the bannister.
ESTELLE
In my house! How dare you!
She catches up to Nick at the top of the stairs and cracks
him upside the head.
48.
NICK
Whats this I hear about you being
unemployed?
GEORGE
Yes, but my condition is only
temporary. I can change it.
NICK
I hope you do. We need the money.
GEORGE
Nick, there are more important
things in life than money.
NICK
I know, Dad. Like getting a good
education. And being able to
respect your parents.
GEORGE
Ive got two words for you. Safe
sex.
NICK
Thanks, Dad.
He hangs up the phone.
EXT. OAKLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL - DAY
Intimidating PUNK MUSIC. School bus doors fold open and Nick
steps off. The MUSIC pounds from the boom box resting on the
hood of the Mustang GT where a pack of SKINHEADS follow Nick
with their eyes.
Nick walks past them, glancing over at the assembly of ASIAN
GANGSTERS glaring at him from their perch on the wall.
INT. OAKLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
Nick pushes past a fight where two kids throw each other
against the lockers. He smiles at a pair of PUNK ROCK GIRLS.
One of them flips him off. Nick heads into...
INT. BOYS ROOM - DAY
And as Nick steps into the bathroom, we follow his eyes...
SWISH TO... a CRIP selling a bag of dope to a GOTH FRESHMAN.
SWISH TO... a LATIN KING vandalizing the wall with the words
LATIN KINGS WERE HERE.
SWISH TO... a pack of WIGGERS as one of them gives the others
a butterfly knife show-and-tell.
50.
NICK
You can use my house if you want.
LEFTY
Really?
NICK
Sure. My Mom and Lance are going to
a movie and Im planning on
stealing Jerrys trailer and
torching it in a parking lot, so
youll have the whole house to
yourself.
LEFTY
Right on.
Albert finishes his business and they resume walking.
NICK
So where you headed anyway?
LEFTY
Dr. Browerlys office. My parents
are making me see a shrink now.
NICK
He asking lots of weird questions?
LEFTY
You bet your left nut he is! He
asked if I had any lustful thoughts
toward my sister.
NICK
What did you tell him?
LEFTY
I told him about beating off once
with her brassiere.
NICK
What did you tell him that for?
LEFTY
You dont know what its like. I
think they release chemicals in
their office to make you tell the
truth.
NICK
Sounds like a professional. He must
be very expensive.
LEFTY
I wouldnt know. The bill goes to
your house.
52.
NICK
My mom is paying for your therapy?
LEFTY
I guess so. It was your cyclops I
was staring at.
NICK
Yes, but it was your idea.
LEFTY
Thats true. Gee, maybe I am gay.
NICK
Dont be retarded. We were doing
research for our girlfriends.
LEFTY
Oh, right. I forgot. Thats a
relief. So youll leave the door
open?
NICK
Yeah, just dont blow your load on
my sheets.
LEFTY
Thanks a pantsful, Nick.
NICK
Dont mention it. See ya, Lefty.
INT. NICKS ROOM - DAY
Nick hunches over his desk doing homework, headphones over
his ears. Estelle knocks and enters. Nick pulls the
headphones down around his neck.
ESTELLE
Lance and I are walking down to the
movie theater. Theres TV dinners
in the freezer. Oh, and Nick - your
father got a job in Ukiah.
NICK
Mom? Do you think it might be a
good idea if I moved in with him?
ESTELLE
Nick, that just wouldnt work. I
depend on that child support money
to eat.
NICK
But shouldnt you depend on the
child support money for, you
know... child support?
53.
ESTELLE
Watch your smart mouth.
She slams the door.
EXT. ESTELLES HOME - DAY
NICK (V.O.)
The plan is simple.
Nick places two full cannisters of gasoline into the trunk of
the Lincoln.
Nicks behind the wheel, backing up the car.
NICK (V.O.)
Tow Jerrys trailer to a remote
parking lot in Berkeley and burn it
to the ground.
The hitch ball grinds under the trailer socket.
NICK (V.O.)
Thus evicting myself from my
mothers clutches and into the arms
of My One And Only Love.
Nick fires up the V-8 engine and shifts into drive, pulling
forward. He cuts across the lawn.
NICK (V.O.)
Franois wanted to torch the
trailer where it sits, but Ive
convinced him a parking lot will
reduce the risk of collateral
damage.
The trailer clips the corner of the house. Chunks of stucco
fall and the galvanized downspout shudders and writhes,
collapsing the long rain gutter running across the front of
the home.
Nick guns it, and with a lurch the trailer splinters free. He
dodges the birch tree, but plows over the smaller Asian pear.
The Lincoln bounces the curb and catapults into the street,
the trailer weaving back and forth, smashing parked cars.
INT. LINCOLN (MOVING) - DAY
Nick cruises along sedately. He plays with the radio and
settles on the Sex Pistols.
He looks up just in time to see the red light and slams on
the brakes, nearly jack-knifing the trailer.
The light turns green and the car lumbers up the long hill.
54.
LANCE
He was also wearing a tee shirt
with the words: Im single, lets
mingle.
Nick glances down at the lettering on his shirt. Oops.
Estelle bursts into tears.
ESTELLE
What am I going to do? My only son
will be sent to prison!
Lance takes Estelle in his arms and smirks at Nick.
ESTELLE
Oh, Lance, cant something be done?
LANCE
Tell you what, Estelle. Ill make
out that Nick reported the car and
trailer stolen before the fire.
Itll be less suspicious. But I
could take some serious heat for
this.
ESTELLE
Oh, Lance! Youre wonderful! How
can I possibly repay you?
LANCE
Ill think of something, Estelle.
He gives her ass a playful squeeze. She lets out a giggle.
LANCE
Now the kid better not be here when
the detectives start coming around.
Id send him away for a while. A
long while.
ESTELLE
He can go make his fathers life
miserable!
Nick suddenly brightens.
NICK
But I like it here.
ESTELLE
Youre going, buster!
She snatches up the phone and dials. Georges groggy voice
can be heard answering. Estelle screams into the phone.
57.
ESTELLE
Youre son just burned down half of
Berkeley! Come and get the little
brat!
LANCE
Wait a minute, Estelle, arent you
going to punish him? Id say he
deserves a good hiding.
ESTELLE
(cupping the squawking
phone)
Hes too much for me anymore. Can
you do it, Lance, darling?
Lance gives Nick another smirk.
INT. NICKS ROOM - NIGHT
Nick lets out a yelp of pain as Lance brings a broken tree
limb against his bare bottom. WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!
NICK (V.O.)
I dont scream much. I am making a
painful sacrifice for The Woman Of
My Dreams. My suffering possesses a
beauty which elevates it above this
sordid scene.
With the final blow the tree limb cracks in half. Nick looks
over his shoulder.
NICK
Are you through?
Lance looks around the room. Picks up an umbrella and
considers it in his hand. Nick hangs his head.
EXT. ESTELLES HOME - NIGHT
We find Nick waiting in the drive with a pile of suitcases
beside him.
LEFTY (O.S.)
Psst. Nick.
Nick finds Lefty lurking in the shrubs that divide his
mothers lawn from the neighbors. He limps to his friend.
NICK
I was wondering what happened to
you. Did you get to blow your wad?
LEFTY
No. I did not get to blow my wad.
58.
NICK
Did you get interrupted?
LEFTY
No. Worse.
NICK
Whats worse than being
interrupted?
LEFTY
Millie is a lesbian.
NICK
WHAT?!?
LEFTY
The only reason she wanted to hang
out with me is because she heard
that I showed you my slinky and
thought I was gay too.
NICK
Sorry, man. I didnt have a great
night either.
LEFTY
Well, I dunno what youre gonna do,
but Im giving suicide serious
consideration this time.
NICK
Or you could just fake it and then
hide out in Ukiah with me. Then
later come back and maybe Millie
Filbert will boink you out of pity.
LEFTY
Hey, thats not a bad idea. Thanks
a pantsful, Nick.
A pair of headlights swing into the drive and Lefty ducks out
of sight. The headlights turn out to belong to George Twisps
BMW.
The drivers side window rolls down to reveal Nicks dad.
Lacey leans over Georges seat to wave at Nick through the
window and show him some of her cleavage.
LACEY
Hiya, Nick!
NICK
Hi, Lacey. Hi, Dad.
The trunk pops open.
59.
NICK
Is there any way I could sit up
front with Lacey, Dad? Moms
boyfriend beat me pretty badly.
GEORGE
Sorry, Nick. In this car, faggots
get the back seat.
I/E. BMW 325I (MOVING) - NIGHT
Nick is in the back, crowded in by his belongings and Albert.
They ride in tense silence until they pass the sight of the
fire, where FIRE FIGHTERS sift through the ash.
GEORGE
My God. Look what youve done.
Lacey turns to look at Nick over the seat. They share a
smile.
EXT. UKIAH - ESTABLISHING - DAY
Morning peers over the distant hills.
INT. GEORGES MANUFACTURED HOME - DAY
The BMW pulls into the drive of the house - a plywood
rectangle perched on cement blocks. Aluminum windows. A swamp
cooler on the shallow-pitched roof. They all emerge from the
car.
GEORGE
Go ahead and bring your stuff
inside. Lacey and I need a nap.
Cmon, Sugar Puss.
Nick watches longingly as George leads Lacey into the home.
As he places his hand on Laceys ass, he looks back over his
shoulder and throws a smug look in Nicks direction.
NICK (V.O.)
What a competitive asshole.
EXT. SAUNDERS MOBILE HOME - DAY
Nick reaches the door and gently knocks. But its Sheenis
ogre of a father who answers the door and stares at Nick
sternly.
NICK
Uhm, hello. Is Sheeni available?
MR. SAUNDERS
She most certainly is not. As a
matter of fact, weve banned you
from her life, Nick Twisp.
60.
NICK
Excuse me?
MR. SAUNDERS
Trent Preston informed us that not
only were you moving here to pursue
my daughter, but that youre not
even mentally-handicapped, and thus
molested my wife in the shower of
sound mind and body.
NICK
That rat-fink-fuck!
MR. SAUNDERS
You watch your language. This is a
Christian home. Were sending
Sheeni to Les cole des Arts and
Literatures in Santa Cruz.
NICK
Santa Cruz! But shell be miserable
without me. Were in love.
The ogre snorts in condescending amusement.
MR. SAUNDERS
Then I guess its a good thing
Trent is going there too. Shell
have someone to console her.
And with that, Mr. Saunders slams the door so hard in Nicks
face that the entire two story mobile home rocks back and
forth.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Nick makes his way past the arbor, crestfallen. Sheeni
emerges from the shadows in a hooded sweatshirt over a
lavender dress.
SHEENI
Nick! Oh, Nick!
Nick lights up at the sight of her and they embrace. They
kiss passionately. He works his way to her neck and starts to
reach under the sweatshirt.
SHEENI
I had to sneak away just to see
you.
NICK
Thats okay. I had to burn down
half of Berkley.
61.
SHEENI
That was you? Nick, are you out of
your mind?
NICK
I felt a grand gesture was
required, darling.
Sheenis expression indicates that she is touched, but it
turns to troubled.
SHEENI
Nick, Trent betrayed us.
NICK
Franois will kill him later.
SHEENI
Whos Franois?
NICK
Nevermind. The point is we must
elope.
Sheeni takes a step back at the notion.
SHEENI
I dont know, Nick. I do love you,
but I dont want to spend the rest
of our lives on the run.
NICK
Its a small price to pay.
She takes another step back.
SHEENI
I... I cant, Nick.
NICK
What?!? But, Sheeni. I just dont
get it. Im here. Alberts here
too.
SHEENI
I know, Nick, and Ive been longing
for you so. But well just have to
find another way. The car is
already packed.
Nick nods glumly and Sheeni seems overcome with remorse.
SHEENI
Nick Twisp, I will not allow you to
accept defeat so easily!
(MORE)
62.
SHEENI (cont'd)
When the time is right, you must
make your way to Santa Cruz. And
then we will make love.
Nick lifts his gaze with renewed determination.
NICK
Or we could consummate here in the
woods.
SHEENI
Did you bring the consumer reports?
Nick just blinks blankly.
SHEENI
Then it will have to be Santa Cruz.
I really must go now, darling.
NICK
Well... Goodbye, Sheeni. I love
you.
SHEENI
I love you too. Squeeze darling
Albert for me.
She pulls her hood over her head. Nick watches wistfully as
she slips away into the forest.
NICK (V.O.)
I have endured a five million
dollar beating for nothing.
(beat)
I have been stabbed. Stabbed in the
back.
INT. GYMNASIUM - DAY
Two WRESTLERS slam down onto the mat below us.
NICK (V.O.)
I do not have a friend within a
hundred miles. This is a daunting
thought if you think about it.
WE TRACK down the row of other students, starting with a
THREE HUNDRED POUND BEHEMOTH. The row seems to descend in
weight class, until we reach Nick at the very end.
CUT TO:
Nick does his best to not be pinned by DWAYNE CRAMPTON, who
out-weighs him by at least 40 pounds.
63.
NICK
Did Sheeni tell you that was me?
PAUL
She didnt have to.
NICK
Why? Was I an arsonist in a
previous life?
PAUL
No. But Sheeni was.
NICK
My God. What did she burn?
PAUL
Men. Men and boys.
Paul hands the joint out to Nick. He regards it dubiously.
INT. GEORGES MANUFACTURED HOME - DAY
An empty hallway. PSYCHEDELIC SOUND plays.
Nick comes around the corner, literally floating down the
hall. He breaststrokes through the air toward us.
INT. GEORGE AND LACEYS ROOM - DAY
He passes just under the door frame and comes down, feet
touching carpet. He looks into the mirror and finds Franois
lounging on the bed behind him.
NICK
My God, Franois! What was Paul
smoking?
FRANCOIS
Shut up and go with it.
Nick shrugs and opens the top dresser drawer, revealing
Laceys lingerie.
Nick starts dancing, doing a strip tease for himself. WE PAN
AROUND the room, and when we reach Nick again, hes wearing
nothing but a pair of Laceys thongs.
He models in front of the mirror, regarding his bulging T.E.
He removes a C-cup bra and holds it high. He uses the elastic
straps to fasten the bra onto his head.
He starts dancing up a storm to the cheesy Vengaboys
rendition of BRAZIL in his head. Waving arms. Bicycling leg
movements.
65.
NICK
What about Dwayne?
GEORGE
Hes bunking with you.
NICK
Dad!
GEORGE
You working on strike two?
Nick leans back and glares in silent protest as everyone
takes their seats at the table.
INT. NICKS ROOM - NIGHT
Nick tries to shut out the sound of Dwayne getting into the
creaky bed behind him.
DWAYNE
Say, Nick. You wanna sleep in bed
with me? Itll be tons warmer.
NICK
No thank you, Dwayne.
A knock at the door. Lacey enters.
LACEY
This came for you, Nick.
Nick sits up in bed to receive the letter. As Lacey leaves,
he tears through the wax seal and unfolds its contents.
DWAYNE
Is it a love letter, Nick?
NICK
I dont know, its in French. Say,
why does your mother give you
sleeping pills?
DWAYNE
Cuz otherwise Id stay up all
night playin Nintendo Wii. Say,
Nick, can I walk Albert?
NICK
I dont know. Dogs dont grow on
trees.
DWAYNE
Pleeease, Nick?
67.
NICK
Okay. But it will cost you one
sleeping pill per walk.
DWAYNE
Whatchu want them pills for, Nick?
NICK
You never know when sedatives will
come in handy.
EXT. GEORGES MANUFACTURED HOME - DAY
Nick emerges from the home. He makes his way down the road.
EXT. MY GREEN HAVEN - DAY
He stops at the familiar sight of My Green Haven. He gets an
amused smile and sighs with nostalgia.
The front door of the trailer opens and Lefty emerges. Nick
furrows his brow in confusion as Lefty locks the door and
comes down the path.
NICK
Lefty?
LEFTY
Oh. Hey, Nick!
NICK
Lefty, what are you doing here?
LEFTY
I live here. The guys only
charging me fifty in cash a month.
NICK
I mean, what are you doing in town?
LEFTY
I did what you told me, Nick. I
threw my backpack off the pier and
reported my own suicide. I even
left a note.
NICK
Wow, Lefty, Im kinda impressed.
Faking your suicide is pretty
ballsy.
Lefty joins Nick in his walk down the road.
LEFTY
So where you headed?
68.
NICK
Redwood High School.
LEFTY
Can I come?
NICK
Why would you want to go to school
if you didnt have to?
LEFTY
Its weird, Nick, but school seems
like a pretty fun place to hang out
once you get rid of classes and
homework.
NICK
I can see this stunt really has
liberated your mind.
LEFTY
Im telling you, Nick: killing
myself was the best thing that ever
happened to me.
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
A rowdy cafeteria. Lefty and Nick dine in the corner. Nick
has an open French textbook as he tries to decipher Sheenis
letter. An Indian boy, VIJAY JOSHI, 16, makes his way to
them.
VIJAY
May I sit at your table?
LEFTY
Sure. Im Lefty and this is Nick.
VIJAY
I am Vijay Joshi.
Vijay sits and shakes their hands.
VIJAY
I see you both have been rejected
by the socially elite of our
school. Ukiah is a cultural
wasteland compared to India. Though
some of the girls are very
attractive.
NICK
Do you have a girlfriend?
VIJAY
Not at the moment. But I am
optimistic. How about you?
69.
NICK
Yes, but she transferred.
VIJAY
You dont mean Sheeni Saunders. I
heard she was interested in some
brilliant fellow in the Bay Area.
LEFTY
Hey, thats you, Nick.
VIJAY
Im surprised. You are not at all
what I imagined.
Nick narrows his eyes.
VIJAY
So how is Sheeni?
NICK
I dont know. She sent me this
letter. But its in French.
VIJAY
Shall I translate it for you?
NICK
You speak French?
VIJAY
I speak French, English, Hindi,
Marathi, and Urdu.
LEFTY
That must come in handy.
Nick hands over the letter and Vijay starts reading it
silently. He chuckles as he reads and Nick squints his eyes
at him in annoyance.
Vijay picks up on it, clears his throat and reads aloud.
VIJAY
Dear, Nick...
INT. SHEENIS DORM ROOM - SUNSET
In Nicks imagination, Sheeni puts pen to paper at her desk
which affords a view of the sun setting on the ocean.
SHEENI (V.O.)
...I am writing you from my room in
Santa Cruz. Surprisingly, boarding
school has proven to be a welcome
liberation as well as...
70.
SHEENI (V.O.)
Trent has taken up windsurfing and
has been designated target number
one by all the girls. I am still
very angry at him for the betrayal
but he claims he wants to mend our
friendship.
The figure falls into the surf and the crowd of watching
BIKINI-CLAD GIRLS gasp in horror.
SHEENI (V.O.)
I guess we shall see.
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
VIJAY
(reading)
All in all, Im happy and look
forward to further growth in this
rich, intellectual environment.
Vijay sets down the letter. Nick waits a beat, staring in
disbelief.
NICK
Thats it? Nothing else about me?
Vijay picks up the letter again.
VIJAY
Oh yes... Love to you and Albert.
(setting down the letter)
Whos Albert?
NICK
Albert is our dog. This is a
disaster. What the hell does she
mean Trent wants to mend the
relationship?
VIJAY
I dont know, but this Taggarty
girl sounds very uninhibited. I
wonder if shes made it with a
Hindu yet.
LEFTY
Heather sounds like a babe. You
think if I grew a beard Id pass
for college age?
NICK
Ive got to get to Sheeni as soon
as possible. If I dont Trent
Preston is going to mindfuck her
into thinking she doesnt like me.
72.
LEFTY
And then hell probably fuck her in
other ways. Did you know youre
supposed to put your pinkie in a
girls bumhole, Vijay?
NICK
Will you shut up and help me out?
LEFTY
Sorry, Nick. What should we do?
NICK
I suggest we steal my fathers BMW
and take a trip to Santa Cruz.
Vijay, youll have to be our
translator.
VIJAY
But what will we tell our parents?
LEFTY
You can tell your father you are
staying at Nicks house for the
weekend. And visa versa.
NICK
Good thinking.
VIJAY
But what if we are caught?
NICK
To hell with it, Vijay. Its time
to take action!
THREE CUTS. The JINGLE as Nick removes his Dads keys from
the bureau. The trunk SLAMMING closed with the sleeping bags
inside. The ROAR of the engine as Vijays hand turns the key
in the ignition.
I/E. BMW 325I (MOVING) - DAY
As Vijay drives, Lefty holds up a road map in the back seat.
Nick places a CD in the stereo and TAKE FIVE fills the car.
LEFTY
What is this music, Nick?
NICK
Its Dave Brubeck.
(to Vijay)
I thought a person as cultured as
yourself would appreciate it.
73.
VIJAY
You want culture? I will give you
culture.
Vijay puts in his own CD and Ravi Shankars TARANA blasts
from the speakers.
Nick gives Vijay a grin of approval. MUSIC PLAYS OVER...
EXT. REDWOOD FORESTS - DAY
WE FLY through the forest to keep up with the Beamer.
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - DAY
The BMW passes cars on the Golden Gate Bridge.
EXT. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - DAY
The Beamer navigates the winding curves of the highway where
green hills meet the Pacific Ocean.
EXT. COLE DES ARTS ET LITTRATURE - DUSK
The car pulls to a stop in the parking lot, the school
looming beyond, slightly obfuscated by a light drizzle. The
music cuts out with the engine.
EXT. COLE DES ARTS ET LITTRATURE - GROUNDS - DUSK
The grouping of BOYS part as we move through them. Finally,
we reach the center of their attention...
Sheeni, Taggarty, and Heather standing together in their
coats.
SHEENI
Nickie?
Nick, Vijay, and Lefty are noticeably shorter than the older
boys around them.
NICK
Hello, Sheeni.
(to Taggarty and Heather)
Hi, Im Nick.
TAGGARTY
Oh. So youre Nick.
HEATHER
Weve heard so much about you.
NICK
And this is Vijay. And this is
Lefty. Lefty goes to USC.
74.
LEFTY
And Im not gay.
SHEENI
Nick, I knew youd come!
Sheeni glances over at the disapproving MATRON. She leans in
close.
SHEENI
...but you must wait in the car
until we can sneak you in.
Nick nods in understanding.
INT. GIRLS DORM - HALLWAY - NIGHT
An empty hall. The SNEAKY STRINGS of NIGHT ON BALD MOUNTAIN.
Sheeni rounds the corner at the far end. As she and Heather
sneak the boys down, the other OCCUPANTS of the floor giggle
in French and dart from door to door in near-undress.
INT. SHEENIS DORM ROOM - NIGHT
A cement cubicle just big enough for a bunk bed, two small
desks, an army surplus dresser, and a stuffed armchair.
Sheeni pulls a nightgown from the dresser.
HEATHER
Lefty, should maybe sleep in my
room. Its pretty crowded in here.
LEFTY
Your roommate wont mind?
HEATHER
Oh, Darlene went home for the
weekend.
Lefty gulps and picks up his grip. He pauses in the hallway.
LEFTY
Well, see you guys in the morning.
The door closes and Vijay and Nick exchange a knowing glance.
SHEENI
Pardon me, everyone.
Sheeni steps into the tiny closet to change. Vijay and Nick
regard the...
WALL OF TAGGARTYS CONQUESTS
a series of mug shots of sullen-looking TEENAGE BOYS. Most of
them have been given a grade of C- or below.
75.
NICK
Theres your competition.
VIJAY
A distinguished group I would be
happy to join.
The two boys turn around and watch in hot-blooded bliss as
Taggarty searches for her misplaced nightie.
INT. GIRLS BATHROOM - NIGHT
The two boys brush their pearlies over the grungy sink.
VIJAY
I am in a state of sexual frenzy.
What is your plan?
NICK
We drape a blanket over the lower
bunk for Sheeni and me. You tackle
Taggarty on the top bunk. Heres a
condom. I slipped two to Lefty,
leaving us with four.
VIJAY
What if they dont go for it?
NICK
Theyll go for it. You can cut the
sexual tension in that room with a
knife.
INT. SHEENIS DORM ROOM - NIGHT
SHEENI
Dont be silly, darling. Not with
others in the room.
(leaning in to whisper)
We must wait until everyone falls
asleep.
Nick tries to appear unconcerned. She gives him a kiss and
climbs into her narrow bed.
As Nick and Vijay prepare their sleeping bags on the floor,
they watch Taggarty climb up to her bunk in the sky.
TAGGERTY
Goodnight boys. Do you need the
light on to take off your clothes?
NICK
No.
(flipping off the light)
We can find our zippers in the
dark.
76.
FRANOIS
Now is our chance.
NICK
Chance for what?
FRANOIS
To confront our nemesis. We must go
to the boys dorm and kill Trent
where he sleeps.
NICK
I suppose we should at least get a
look at him. To see what were
dealing with.
FRANOIS
Very well.
(stubbing out his
cigarette)
You see what we are dealing with...
and zen I wll deal wiz it.
And with that he cocks the Thompson for dramatic flare.
INT. GIRLS DORM - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Nick emerges from the room in nothing but his underwear and a
whindbreaker. He creeps down the hall.
EXT. ECOLE DES ARTS ET LITTERATURE - GROUNDS - NIGHT
The school SECURITY VAN crawls by in the background, a
searchlight sweeping the grounds.
The moment it is out of sight, Nick darts from the bushes of
the girls dorm and races across the campus to the boys
dorm.
INT. BOYS DORM - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Nick makes his way down the hall, checking the names on the
colored paper cut-out shapes that adorn the doors.
He stops and backtracks when he spots the door that boasts
the names TRENT and ED.
Nick knocks on the door.
It opens inward to reveal a bare-chested, hulking athlete in
a pajama pants. This is ED SOLOMON.
NICK
Trent?
ED
No. Who the hell are you?
78.
NICK
I am Nick Twisp.
ED
Oh, so youre Nick.
NICK
Is Trent here?
ED
You just missed him, Nick. He just
grabbed a couple condoms and left.
NICK
Did he say where he was going?
ED
I think he said he was going to
Heathers room.
NICK
But thats where Lefty is. Who are
you?
ED
Ed. Ed Solomon. Trents roommate.
NICK
Oh, so youre Ed.
ED
Whats that supposed to mean?
NICK
Nothing. Its just that Sheeni
mentioned Trent has a thing for a
guy named Ed, and that he touches
the guy when he falls asleep. But
obviously if that were you, youd
know about it. Must be a different
Ed Solomon. Take care now.
Nick takes off running and Ed stares after him.
EXT. ECOLE DES ARTS ET LITTERATURE - GROUNDS - NIGHT
The security van continues to make its rounds. We find Nick
crouching behind the steps to the boys dorm.
He pulls the hood of his windbreaker over his head and takes
a deep breath.
As the searchlight passes by, he makes a break for it.
TRACK with Nick as he darts from one form of cover to the
next, perhaps accompanied by the imagined sounds of mortar
blasts and machine gun turret fire.
79.
NICK
Thanks. Oh, and Id be careful with
those condoms. Trents roommate Ed
said that Trent pokes holes in them
so that he can get Sheeni pregnant
and be with her forever.
And with that piece of disturbing info, he leaves them.
INT. GIRLS BATHROOM - NIGHT
There is the CLAP of thunder outside as Nick throws open the
door to the girls bathroom. He looks around with murderous
rage.
There comes the sound of someone vomiting.
Nick kicks in the stall and finds BERNICE LYNCH, 17, a thin
platinum haired girl with six earrings per lobe. She hurls
into the toilet again and turns around to find Nick.
BERNICE
Who are you?
NICK
Im Sheenis friend, Nick. Sorry to
disturb you.
BERNICE
Thats OK. It was something I ate.
So wait, are you Sheenis
boyfriend?
NICK
Uh, yeah.
BERNICE
My names Bernice. Bernice Lynch.
Not that you asked.
NICK
Nice to meet you Bernice. Actually,
I think Trent Preston mentioned
you. He said you were frumpy, but
now that Ive met you, I can see
Trent is a lying bastard.
BERNICE
Thanks. And Trent can go to hell
for all I care. Sheeni too.
NICK
You dont like Sheeni?
81.
BERNICE
Personally, I hate her guts. Well,
pardon me, Nick. I feel like
throwing up some more now.
NICK
You didnt happen to see Trent
Preston did you?
She waves him away as she bends over the sink to hurl again.
Then lifts her face and smiles through the dripping bile.
BERNICE
I did actually. I think he was on
his way to Sheenis room.
Nicks eyes widen in alarm.
INT. SHEENIS DORM ROOM - NIGHT
Nick enters the dark room to the sound of the bed squeaking.
Vijay and Taggarty grunt away on the top bunk.
He watches the moon lit forms thumping together.
He turns his attention to the sleeping beauty on the bottom
bunk. He moves toward her.
She blinks, waking and smiles at the sight of him.
NICK
Sheeni?
SHEENI
Yes, darling.
NICK
Was Trent here?
SHEENI
Yes, Nick.
Nick hangs his head.
SHEENI
But I sent him away again.
Nick stares into her eyes to discern her honesty, but he
finds nothing but adoration.
SHEENI
Because I want you, darling. Not
even Trent can match the
industriousness and tenacity with
which you have pursued me.
82.
She smiles. Nick smiles too. She reaches out to pull him into
her bed as...
The door to the room slams open and they are suddenly backlit
by the harsh beam of the matrons flashlight.
MATRON
Qest que cest passer ici?!?
Nick bolts upright, smacking his head against the top bunk.
He lands on the floor, where he gets a view of... Trent
standing behind the matron. The blinding light makes his
features difficult to make out but his white teeth are
definitely smiling diabolically.
EXT. GIRLS DORM - NIGHT
The boys come out of the front door of the dormitory, the
matron, flanked by SCHOOL SECURITY GUARDS, hot on their
heels. The girls in the dorm appear on the balcony in droves,
cheering the boys escape.
Vijays pants fall to his ankles, tripping him up.
Nick and Lefty grab Vijay by the arms and pull him up again
as if he were a wounded war buddy in a retreat from the
Vietnamese Army.
They reach the Beamer at the edge of the grounds. Nick gets
in first. Lefty dives through the back window, legs kicking.
Vijay slams the door just as the matron and her security team
catches up to them. The authorities bang on the windows as
Nick peels out.
INDIAN POP blares from the car. They speed off into the
night.
I/E. BMW 325I (MOVING) - NIGHT
Lefty lets out a holler of joy.
LEFTY
I did it three times! Two long ones
and a quickie.
NICK
Great. Just great. How about you,
Vijay?
VIJAY
It was difficult to tell with that
condom, Nick. Why did you buy such
thick ones?
NICK
That brand was top-rated by
Consumers.
83.
VIJAY
Well, shes safe. No organism could
penetrate those walls.
NICK
You think the girls are in trouble?
VIJAY
They will likely notify their
parents. Perhaps even expel them.
NICK
Thats it! Expel them. Then Sheeni
will have to come back to Ukiah.
The car sputters. Nicks eyes go to the gas gauge.
EXT. HIGHWAY 101 - RAINING - NIGHT
The rain is coming down again. Nick shivers in his underwear.
Vijay isnt in much more and Leftys sheet is drenched.
VIJAY
What will we do?
NICK
Well, we cant stay in the car.
Sooner or later Highway Patrol is
going to come by and ask for our
non-existent drivers license.
LEFTY
But we have no money!
VIJAY
I have no shoes! Ill catch
pneumonia and die a indeterminate
proto-quasi-virgin!
EXT. HIGHWAY 101 - RAINING - NIGHT
A couple coins are inserted into a roadside pay phone. There
is ringing on the other end.
ESTELLE (V.O.)
Hello?
NICK
(into phone)
Mom? Its Nick. Im sorry to wake
you, but Im hoping youll help
your only son. Especially seeing as
it would really piss off Dad.
A long beat.
84.
ESTELLE (V.O.)
Where are you, Nick?
EXT. HIGHWAY 101 - RAINING - NIGHT
The three boys are still standing in the rain by the pay
phone. The three of them huddle under their only windbreaker.
A pair of headlights appear in the rain. The headlights flash
twice and Nick runs out into the road.
POV TRUCK DRIVER
Nick waving frantically in nothing but tightie-whities.
The truck pulls to a stop and the passenger door opens to
reveal, the driver, a man named WALLY RUMPKIN, a seven foot
tall giant in a plaid shirt and bib overalls. He looks down
at our three waylaid adventurers.
WALLY
Pardon me. But is one of you Nick
Twisp?
The two other boys exchange confused glances, not entirely if
this is how people go missing.
NICK
Yeah. Im Nick.
WALLY
Im Wally. Im a friend of your
moms.
Nick nods, not yet sure whether or not this gentle giant is
actually blushing with shyness or red with agitation at being
sent on a midnight mission.
WALLY
So, uhm, uh... Your mom says you
need a ride. Did I mention Im a
friend?
Nick breaks into a smile. Finally the Gods have cut him a
break.
INT. ESTELLES KITCHEN - NIGHT
Wally and Estelle watch the three semi-clothed boys shovel in
fried liver with no complaint.
ESTELLE
Wally was a friend of Jerrys. He
came to help me in my time of
mourning.
85.
NICK
What happened to Lance?
Estelles face registers none of your business, but a kind
look from Wally and she softens.
ESTELLE
Lance is busy training to be a
detective. He isnt around as much
as he used to be.
Nick nods and goes back to eating.
ESTELLE
Mr. Rumpkin is very smart. Ask him
a question, Nick.
NICK
Okay. Mr. Rumpkin, what famous
actress was married to Frank
Sinatra, Artie Shaw, and Mickey
Rooney?
LEFTY
Whoever she is, she sure gets
around.
WALLY
Ava Gardner.
Estelle smiles with pride. Nick and the other boys regard the
gentle giant with admiration. He bashfully averts his eyes.
ESTELLE
Thats nothing. You should see what
he did with the living room.
INT. ESTELLES LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Nick and the other two boys pause in the doorway.
Where once the Chevy occupied the space, the living room was
now fairly returned to its normal uncluttered state with all
the furniture placed back in the original positions.
At some point Wally must have sawed a hole in the wall shared
by the living and dining areas because the Chevy now occupies
that hole and has been painted and decorated such that it has
achieved an almost seamless blend with the wall.
Estelle goes and takes a seat on the couch.
ESTELLE
Go ahead, Wally. Show them.
Wally blushes before he flips a switch and the tail lights
come on, giving the living room a warm, flattering glow.
86.
Lacey rolls her eyes and heads for the bedroom. Nick sits
down with Dwayne at the breakfast table.
DWAYNE
Nick, you got a girlfriend?
NICK
Yes, I do.
DWAYNE
If you asked your girlfriend as a
favor, would she do it with me?
NICK
Guys dont share their girlfriends.
DWAYNE
I get ya. Youre worried cause
your girlfriend might get knocked
up. What if I pull out, Nick?
Nick seethes inwardly. There comes a ruckus from the back
bedroom and Lacey emerges.
LACEY
Its not my fault, you tight-assed,
critical, nonfeeling, sexist drunk.
GEORGE (O.S.)
Sticks and stones. It doesnt
bother me if you sleep on the couch
from now on.
LACEY
Does it bother you that youre a
selfish, uptight, boring lover?
NICK
You forgot lousy driver!
George appears in the doorway.
GEORGE
Thats strike two, jerkoff!
Nick hangs his head. George moves about the kitchen chugging
from a jug of zin. Lacey picks up the ringing phone.
LACEY
Hello?
(pause)
Thank you.
Lacey hangs up the phone.
88.
LACEY
They found your car in Davenport,
George. Go pick it up.
GEORGE
Look whos wearing the pants this
morning.
Lacey takes a seat next to Nick and sighs.
LACEY
Nick, I feel for you. It must be
tough being a teenager in this
house.
NICK
My mother wasnt any better.
LACEY
Your mom has had a difficult time.
She has had a great deal to put up
with. Im starting to appreciate
that now.
GEORGE
Are you by any chance referring to
me?
LACEY
If the shoe fits, suck on it.
George swills some zin and mumbles ominously.
GEORGE
Well see whos sucking on what
soon.
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
VIJAY
I spoke with Taggarty this morning.
She requested a wallet sized photo.
Nick looks up glumly from his lunch. Lefty has his feet up on
the table, his facial growth is almost respectable.
LEFTY
Congratulations, Vijay. That makes
it official. Welcome to the club.
Nick narrows his eyes at the two non-virgins.
NICK
What grade did you receive?
89.
VIJAY
A C+. Which I feel is perfectly
satisfactory given the conditions.
LEFTY
I guess this means theyre not
being expelled.
VIJAY
No, apparently they convinced the
matron it was all quite innocent.
NICK
Are you kidding? She had her
flashlight trained on your Hindi
boner!
A beat. Lefty and Vijay seem taken aback by the outburst.
VIJAY
No need to be jealous, Nick.
Nick stands and collects his lunch tray.
NICK (V.O.)
If Im to get Sheeni expelled and
sent back to me I will need a
partner in crime.
INT. REDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL - COMPUTER LAB - DAY
Nick enters the computer lab and finds an open machine.
NICK (V.O.)
Luckily, Franois has a girl on the
inside.
Nick begins typing and speaking out loud.
NICK
Dear Bernice, it was nice meeting
you this weekend in the bathroom.
INT. BERNICES ROOM - DAY
Bernice reads the letter.
NICK (V.O.)
I just want you to know I now see
why you loath Sheeni Saunders so
strongly.
INT. HEADMASTERS OFFICE - DAY
Sheeni, Taggarty, and Heather sit across from the HEADMASTER
as the matron describes the events.
90.
NICK (V.O.)
I too have come to despise the
snooty, pretentious brunette and in
all honesty you should probably get
her expelled. I am happy to help in
that regard.
INT. BERNICES ROOM - DAY
NICK (V.O.)
I have included a number of
sleeping pills with this note.
Bernice dumps the pills from the envelope.
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
NICK (V.O.)
You must introduce one of these
into her breakfast beverage each
day.
Bernice sits next to Sheeni, despite the fact shes being
ignored. Bernice drops a pill into Sheenis coffee
nonchalantly.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
Sheeni watches the INSTRUCTOR.
NICK (V.O.)
She may be intelligent, but she is
not likely to pass her courses when
shes falling asleep in class.
Sheenis head slips off her hand as she drifts off. We MOVE
across the classroom to where Bernice scribbles in her
notebook.
NICK (V.O.)
Since meeting you, I have come to
realize my interest in Sheeni was
only a transient adolescent
infatuation. I like you more than I
can say. Take courage. Together we
will outsmart these cake eaters.
A view of the notebook shows her to be scribbling Nicks name
with hearts. She flips through pages of obsession.
INT. REDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL - COMPUTER LAB - DAY
Nicks fingers fly across the keys. He looks pleased with
himself.
NICK (V.O.)
Affectionately yours, Nick.
91.
NICK
Paul is our friend. He makes
beautiful music for the acrobats.
Theyre naked.
GEORGE
Whos naked? Is Lacey naked?
NICK
Dont be afraid, Dad. Goodbye.
He hangs up the phone and pulls out the cord.
He joins Paul in working Laceys feet.
NICK
Dad is afraid.
LACEY
He is on the wrong path. I have
felt that for some time.
INT. NICKS ROOM - NIGHT
Nick watches the headlights from the arriving BMW travel
across the walls.
They go out. He listens to the front door being keyed
followed by his father bellowing.
Nick gets up and wanders into...
LIVING ROOM
where Paul stands between George and Lacey.
PAUL
Okay, George, just calm down.
George lunges and Paul socks him in the eye, dropping him to
the floor.
GEORGE
You are in serious trouble. Youve
assaulted me and I know for a fact
that you two were having naked
orgies with my son. That child is
only twelve years old.
George gets to his feet.
NICK
Im sixteen, Dad.
94.
GEORGE
Shut your pie hole!
(turning to Lacey and
Paul)
That boy is an underaged minor. Im
going to have you arrested and
charged with child molesting.
LACEY
Dont be an idiot, George. No one
was naked.
GEORGE
When you get out of prison, you
will both have to register as sex
offenders. You will never be able
to get a decent job again.
PAUL
Ive never had a decent job. I
dont think Id want one.
LACEY
Lets go, Paul. George, Ill pick
up the rest of my things tomorrow.
GEORGE
Not until you pay me the rest of
the money you owe.
LACEY
I paid you all your money!
GEORGE
Not the extra charges.
She gets up in his face.
LACEY
Fuck-your-stinking-extra-charges.
As Lacey and Paul depart, Nick turns and dreamily wanders
back toward his room.
GEORGE (O.S.)
Using bad language in front of a
minor. The judge will hear about
that too.
Nick gets back into his room and closes the door behind him.
SWISH TO... Dwayne playing Nintendo naked. He looks over his
shoulder.
DWAYNE
Whats all the ruckus about?
95.
NICK
Dwayne! Please cover yourself.
DWAYNE
You wanna play Nintendo all night?
NICK
Of course not. Im tired. Lets go
to sleep.
Nick unplugs the Nintendo and climbs into bed. Dwayne just
sits there on the floor, naked as a clam.
INT. NICKS ROOM - THE DEAD OF NIGHT
NICK (V.O.)
A strange night. I dreamed of
wrestling for what seemed like
hours with an amorous walrus...
Nick squirms with an amorphous blob, they wrestle against the
red abstract background.
INT. NICKS ROOM - MORNING
Nicks bleary eyes snap open and wander to the floor, where
his pajamas lie in a crumpled pile.
NICK (V.O.)
There is only one explanation: I
have been Dwayned.
A pillow whacks across a blubbery face.
NICK
Wake up! I know what you were doing
last night, you disgusting beast!
DWAYNE
Dont be mad, Nick. I like you.
Dwayne throws off his sheets. Nick shudders at the sight.
...which is when Mrs. Crampton barges in..
MRS. CRAMPTON
Boys, time to get-- AHH! Dwayne!
Wheres yer pajamas?
DWAYNE
Nick made me take them off, Mom. He
took off his too.
MRS. CRAMPTON
You leave my son alone. Dont go
corupt him with yer nastiness!
96.
NICK
We werent doing anything, Mrs.
Crampton. It was just hot last
night.
MRS. CRAMPTON
If you get hot, boys, open a
window. Dont go takin off yer
pajamas. Thats nasty.
INT. GEORGES MANUFACTURED HOME - DAY
Nick dials on the phone. Behind him, Dwayne eats breakfast,
cheerfully kicking his feet back and forth under the chair.
TAGGARTY (V.O.)
Bonjour.
NICK
Taggarty? Its Nick.
INT. SHEENIS DORM ROOM - DAY
Taggartys at her desk. Her thick rimmed glasses almost make
her look studious. WE INTERCUT.
TAGGARTY
Hey, Nick. I suppose you want to
talk to Sheeni.
NICK
If you please.
Taggarty crosses to the bunks, where Sheeni is curled up
among the sheets as if in some Renaissance portrait.
TAGGARTY
Its your would-be-lover.
Sheeni sleepily takes the phone.
SHEENI
Nick?
NICK
Hello, My Beloved. How are you?
SHEENI
Not so well. I have been afflicted
with some kind of chronic fatigue.
NICK
Perhaps you are home sick. You do
sound rather blue.
97.
SHEENI
Im not home sick, Nick. In fact,
Im not very happy with you.
NICK
Me? What did I do?
SHEENI
You know damn well, Nick. Youve
been spreading rumors about Trent.
And he doesnt deserve it.
NICK
Doesnt deserve it!?! Id have to
claim he has genital warts to sink
to his level.
SHEENI
Well, whatever you said to Ed
Solomon, it was enough to get him
to give Trent a black eye.
NICK
Sheeni, I just dont get it. This
guy has cock-blocked at every turn
and youre taking his side?!?
SHEENI
Cock-blocked?
(sighs)
Well have to resume this another
time, Nick. Its been an
emotionally exhausting weekend. My
parents are in an uproar over Paul.
Hes moved some floozie in with him
up in the studio over the garage.
NICK
Laceys not a floozie.
SHEENI
Lacey? You know her?
NICK
Of course. Shes my fathers ex-
girlfriend. I think that might make
you my stepmother-in-law.
SHEENI
Nick. Dont be gross.
NICK
Sorry. At any rate, Ill let you
go. Well have plenty of time to
settle this tomorrow.
98.
SHEENI
Tomorrow?
NICK
Yes, Sheeni, Thanksgiving. Ill be
coming for dinner, of course.
SHEENI
Dont even think it, Nick. You know
my parents dont approve of you.
NICK
Im confident they will learn to
love me. After all, Im practically
family.
SHEENI
Nick, you must dismiss this
Thanksgiving notion from your mind.
I remain firm on this issue.
Goodbye.
CLICK. Nick regards the phone defensively. He puts it down
and takes a seat at the table.
He glares at Dwayne as they eat breakfast. There comes a
knock at the front door.
NICK
Dont move, blubber boy, Ill get
it.
I/E. GEORGES MANUFACTURED HOME - DAY
A POLICE OFFICER stands on the steps. Nick goes wide eyed at
the sight of him and visibly slumps.
POLICE OFFICER
Is George Twisp in?
NICK
Uh, Im pretty sure hes sleeping
off a hangover, Officer. Is he
under arrest?
POLICE OFFICER
Under arrest? No, Im the officer
working the case of his stolen car.
NICK
Ah.
POLICE OFFICER
You can tell your pop that the CD
he found in his car is Ravi
Shankar.
99.
NICK
Excuse me?
POLICE OFFICER
Indian music. So were a checkin
the INS files, see if we can get
some prints that match. You
wouldnt know anyone who might have
stolen the car who listens to this
crap, would ya, son?
NICK
No, and Im not sure I like the
implication. Ravi Shankar is
beloved by many Caucasian...
DWAYNE (O.S.)
What about Vijay Joshi?
Nick stands stiff as a board. The officer peers around him at
Dwayne sitting inside.
DWAYNE
Im pretty sure hes Injun.
The officer makes a note.
POLICE OFFICER
(to himself)
Vijay Joshi. Well look into it.
Thank you, boys.
Nick gives a weak smile and closes the door.
NICK (V.O.)
Mrs. Crampton complained to Dad
that I tried to corrupt the fat
pervert cohabitating with me.
EXT. GEORGES MANUFACTURED HOME - DAY
Nick totes boxes of belongings from the house to the
Cramptons dilapidated camper.
NICK (V.O.)
He has deemed it strike three, but
is only banishing me as far as Mrs.
Cramptons condemned trailer.
INT. CAMPER - NIGHT
A view of the thin birch walls. We come to rest on Nick,
shivering under an electric blanket. Theres a blob of snot
on his upper-lip.
100.
NICK (V.O.)
No matter. Tomorrow I will be
reunited with My Everlasting Love.
And I will not be stopped. Not by
an outbreak of the plague, nor by a
cruel return of the ice-age. Not
even by the Gods themselves.
EXT. GEORGES MANUFACTURED HOME - DAY
The velvet voices of the Rat Pack come from the home.
Nick emerges from the Camper wrapped in the electric blanket.
He scurries into the house.
INT. BATHRROOM - DAY
Nick showers.
Nick straightens his Garcia tie in the mirror. He applies
hair gel.
Nick examines the whitehead on his brow. He pinches and a
glob of puss smacks the mirror.
INT. GEORGES MANUFACTURED HOME - HALLWAY - DAY
He emerges into the hall and dances with an invisible partner
into the...
LIVING ROOM
where the phone RINGS. He flips off the stereo with the
remote and snatches up the phone.
NICK
Twisp residence.
ESTELLE (V.O.)
Nick?
NICK
Oh. Hey, Mom. Whats up?
ESTELLE (V.O.)
Nickie, I have some bad news!
Nick sighs.
NICK
Okay. Im ready. What is it?
ESTELLE (V.O.)
Im afraid Lance and Wally got into
a terrible row. He tried to arrest
Wally and Wally broke Lances jaw.
101.
NICK
Whats the bad news?
ESTELLE (V.O.)
The Berkeley police know you
started the fire. Lance told them
where you are.
Nick glances up and sees the black and white patrol car
pulling up outside.
ESTELLE (V.O.)
Nick, theyre coming to arrest you!
He slams down the phone.
EXT. GEORGES MANUFACTURED HOME - DAY
The window slides open and Nick comes crawling out, leaping
to the ground. He takes off running through the woods.
EXT. MY GREEN HAVEN - DAY
Nick pounds on the door.
LEFTY (O.S.)
Nick?
Nick turns to find Lefty coming up the path with two bags of
groceries under his arms.
NICK
Lefty, have you seen Vijay, today?
LEFTY
Nick, havent you heard? Vijays
been arrested.
NICK
Arrested?!?
LEFTY
For grand theft auto. They found
his prints in your fathers car.
NICK
Thats terrible. Did he go quietly?
LEFTY
No. He said you were his accomplice
and now the Ukiah police are
looking for you!
We linger a beat on Nicks blank expression. Then -
102.
LACEY
What interesting flowers, Nick. Who
are they for?
NICK
Uh, Mrs. Saunders.
Lacey leads him by the hand into the chintz-bedecked parlor.
Sheenis larger-than-life father and 5,000 year old mother
sit cross-legged on the floor, running their hands over the
hooked rug.
LACEY
Mr. and Mrs. Saunders, you remember
Nick Twisp, dont you?
Mrs. Saunders coos and takes the flowers. Her husband squints
up at him.
MR. SAUNDERS
You are very, very tall.
PAUL
No hes not, Dad. He just appears
tall because you are on the floor.
MR. SAUNDERS
I can feel the floor pushing
against me. Can you feel it too,
tall youth?
Nick glances over at Mrs. Saunders who is now eating the
flowers.
LACEY
Paul served an appetizer earlier.
PAUL
Yes, its a recipe I picked up in
the Southwest. Stuffed mushrooms.
Nick smiles with amusement.
TAGGERTY (O.S.)
Hello, Nick.
Taggarty makes her entrance down the stairs, cloaked in a
green cape.
TAGGERTY
How is the star-crossed persistent
lover?
She greets him with a casually intimate kiss.
104.
NICK
Okay, I guess. Wheres Sheeni?
TAGGERTY
Upstairs, Nick. She saw you coming
and hid in her room.
INT. SHEENIS ROOM - NIGHT
Nick knocks and enters to find Sheeni sprawled on the bed
with a book.
NICK
Dinner is almost ready, My Love.
SHEENI
I do not intend to be party to my
brothers absurdities. He has
allowed you in and drugged my
parents.
NICK
I think they are deriving some good
from the experience.
Sheeni finally looks up from her book.
SHEENI
What are you doing here, Nick? I
expressly asked you not to come.
NICK
To hell with that. What do I have
to do to prove my love to you? My
friends have gotten laid and Im
pretty sure neither one of them was
beaten with a tree trunk, raped by
a walrus, or had to contend with
the likes of Trent Preston!
SHEENI
You were raped by a walrus?
NICK
Sheeni, I have shown restraint, I
have committed crimes, I have
traveled to the lengths of the
state and still you wont give me
this one little thing.
SHEENI
Sex, Nick. Why dont you just say
it? Thats what you want. You want
me to have sex with you.
105.
NICK
(beat)
Well... YEAH!
A beat as Nicks open admissions makes her consider his
point. She sighs and shakes her head.
SHEENI
How is my dog?
NICK
Excellent. He should be coming out
of the oven right about now.
She tosses the book at him, but he dodges it successfully.
SHEENI
I hate you, Nickie!
She stands up and tries to slap him. He grabs her wrists and
pulls her to him.
NICK
I hate you too.
They share a long, intense kiss.
They break away and she smiles in spite of herself.
INT. SAUNDERS MOBILE HOME - NIGHT
The Saunders and extended family take their seats at the
polished mahogany table crammed with turkey, yams, mashed
potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
They all lower their heads and Lacey leads them in prayer.
LACEY
Dear Lord...
Mr. Saunders emits a long, low, fog horn of a fart that ends
badly.
The others exchange glances but he and his wife still have
their heads solemnly bowed.
LACEY
Dear Lord, thank you for this
bounty. Help us to be tolerant of
others - especially the boyfriends
and girlfriends of our immediate
relations. Amen.
EVERYONE
Amen.
106.
And with that, the doorbell rings. Taggarty gets up and opens
the door.
TAGGARTY
Oh, Trent, you made it.
Nick glances up with a start as TRENT PRESTON makes his
entrance. Hes not quite the deity Nicks expected, but
rather a fairly plain, blond with slightly androgenous
features and a certain flamboyance. His black eye, courtesy
of Ed Solomon, still remains.
TRENT
Hello, Taggarty. Hello, Everyone.
Mr. Saunders grunts his acknowledgement as he takes the
pitcher and pours water into his own lap.
SHEENI
Trent, darling, this is Nick.
Trent swivels slowly around and they lock eyes.
TRENT
Nick, at last we meet.
NICK
Hello, Trent.
TAGGARTY
Have a seat, Trent.
TRENT
Im sorry, Taggarty, I cant stay.
I have bad news.
SHEENI
What is it?
TRENT
Bernice Lynch has tried to commit
suicide.
Sheeni and Taggarty gasp. Nick swallows hard.
TRENT
She swallowed a number of sleeping
pills, and is now in a coma.
SHEENI
The poor girl.
TRENT
Theres more. Before I left school,
I searched her room.
108.
NICK
Did you obtain proper authorization
from the officials?
TRENT
No, Nick, I acted on my own
initiative. In Bernices closet, I
found this letter.
He dramatically extracts the letter from his pocket.
TRENT
In the letter, the writer
instructed Bernice to begin
sedating Sheeni with drugs he
himself supplied.
TAGGARTY
Nick, you didnt!
NICK
Well, you see...
SHEENI
Nick! You could have killed me!
MR. SAUNDERS
Who died?
TRENT
No one yet, Mr. Saunders.
Mrs. Saunders points a liver spotted finger in his direction.
MRS. SAUNDERS
ARREST HIM!
TRENT
I cant arrest him. But I have
called the Santa Cruz Police. They
are on their way here now.
Nick places his napkin next to his plate and stands.
NICK
Well, I shall be going now. Please
continue without me.
TRENT
Nick, I suggest you remain here and
face the consequences like a man.
Nick stops in front of Trent.
109.
NICK
Thank you for that unsolicited
counsel, Trent. And please, do drop
dead.
The other guests murmur their shock. Nick stops in the
doorway.
NICK
Goodbye, Sheeni. I did it all for
you.
SHEENI
You are completely contemptible,
Nick Twisp. I never wish to see you
again.
With the dreadful proclamation ringing in his ears, Nick
leaves.
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Nicks silhouette figure racing through the trees.
NICK (V.O.)
Here I am, reviled by friends and
family. Relentlessly pursued by
three police jurisdictions.
Nick stops at the edge of the woods to catch his breath.
NICK (V.O.)
Fronois suggests we flee the
country. But where to go? Mexico?
Canada? India, perhaps?
He looks up the road which has been blocked off by flashing
squad cars.
EXT. LOS ANGELES - ESTABLISHING - DAY
The downtown high-rises protrude from the layer of smog. In
pre-lap, someone pushes a door BUZZER repeatedly.
INT. JOANIES APARTMENT - DAY
Joanie opens the door and finds Nick on her doorstep.
NICK
Uh, Hi, Joanie. Hows it going?
JOANIE
Nick?
110.
LANCE
No matter, theyll get you
eventually.
NICK
Let me make it easy. Ill be at
Redwood High School tomorrow
morning. Round up your donut
dipping friends. Im turning myself
in.
Nick slams down the phone before Lance can respond.
I/E. BUS (MOVING) - DAY
Nick sits by the window, the suitcase on the seat next to
him.
EXT. UKIAH - DAY
And the bus flies past the sign that says WELCOME TO UKIAH.
EXT. UKIAH BUS STOP - NIGHT
Nick steps off the bus and finds Lefty loading his belongings
underneath.
NICK
Lefty?
Lefty lifts his eyes and sees his friend.
LEFTY
Nick? What are you doing here?
Everyone and their mothers mother
is looking for you.
NICK
They have me soon enough. Where are
you going?
LEFTY
Home. Im done being dead, Nick.
Heather and I are going back to
Oakland for Christmas. You should
have heard how glad my parents were
that I didnt kill myself. They
were even happier when they found
out Im not gay.
NICK
Thats great, Lefty.
LEFTY
Yeah, being in love is pretty
great. So whats your plan, Nick?
113.
NICK (V.O.)
My only comfort regarding my
untimely death is knowing my
friends and family will do just
fine without me.
We move from Lacey and Paul, the latter of which is wailing
away on the trumpet, to Lefty, his head hung low. Heather
pulls his head to her breasts.
NICK (V.O.)
As it would turn out Heathers
vaginal canal is slightly
misshapen...
INT. HILLS ABOVE UC CAMPUS - FLASHFORWARD - DAY
Lefty humping Heather in the grass ala the scene in which we
met him.
NICK (V.O.)
...and thus completely compatible
with Leftys otherwise incongruent
penis.
HEATHER
A little to the right... a
little... RIGHT THERE! RIGHT THERE!
RIGHTTHERERIGHTTHERERIGHTTHERE!
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
...where we find Vijay glancing over at Taggarty as she
smokes a cigarette.
NICK (V.O.)
Vijay would eventually manage to
pin the car theft on me. But had
lost the attention of Taggarty
forever. Who by the way...
INT. SHEENIS DORM ROOM - FLASHFORWARD - NIGHT
NICK (V.O.)
...never would find her perfect A.
Taggarty at her wall. Ed Solomon lounges in the bed behind
her.
NICK (V.O.)
And would therefore start grading
on a curve.
With a quick stroke of her pen, she changes Eds grade from a
B minus to a B plus.
117.
NICK/CARLOTTA (cont'd)
The greater the love, the stronger
the passions, the more reckless the
crimes.
Sheeni lets go a slight, wistful smile.
SHEENI
Yes, Carlotta. Nick had wonderful a
way of making me feel worthy of the
pursuit.
NICK/CARLOTTA
My dear, if theres one thing the
demise of Nick Twisp has taught me,
its that self worth comes from
within.
Sheeni gives a pensive nod.
SHEENI
Would you like to stay the night,
Carlotta? We can reminisce of our
departed.
NICK/CARLOTTA
Oh, my. A kind offer, but I really
must...
SHEENI
Its just... I dont think I could
bear to be alone tonight.
Carlotta does her best not to look conflicted, but it shows.
INT. SHEENIS ROOM - NIGHT
Carlotta hurriedly finishes tucking herself in while Sheeni
brushes in the bathroom.
Carlotta hastily switches out the light. Sheeni emerges in a
few small scraps of flimsy black lace.
NICK/CARLOTTA
Goodness. What an attractive
negligee.
SHEENI
Do you like it? I bought it in
Santa Rosa last fall. I had hoped
to wear it for Nick.
NICK/CARLOTTA
Oh, darling, Im sure he would have
found it most... Appealing.
Sheeni crawls into bed. She cuddles close.
120.
SHEENI
I like lying here with you,
Carlotta.
NICK/CARLOTTA
You do?
SHEENI
I cant think of anyone Id rather
lie here with.
Carlotta furrows her brow.
SHEENI
Except maybe Nick. If Nick were
here, what do you suppose he would
do to me?
NICK/CARLOTTA
Make love to you I would think.
SHEENI
Then why dont you?
NICK/CARLOTTA
Pardon?
SHEENI
Take off that silly wig and make
love to me!
Sheeni tugs off the wig and tosses it across the room.
NICK
Sheeni! You knew!
SHEENI
Of course, Nick. Did you really
expect to fool your soul mate with
such a disguise?
Nick swoons, grasping her gauze-glazed nakedness.
SHEENI
Take me darling!
And as they engage in a feverish kiss, ROUSING HYMNS surge.
The church chorus joyful song rings Hallelujah.
The two lovers are entwined before an abstract RED
BACKGROUND.
LAS VEGAS OF THE BODY
Into the NICKS PENIS nightclub where champagne bottles POP
with the ringing in of a new era, and the Leopards ROAR, and
the stage erupts with fireworks.
121.
FRANOIS
What do I sink? I sink nows are
chance to run for ze hills.
Nick lowers his arms and furrows his brow.
NICK
What do you mean?
FRANOIS
Nick, we are young, yes? Is the
world not our oyster? Beaucoup des
filles. Do you not want to know
what it is like to make love to
another girl?
NICK
I do, but... Weve come so far.
What about Sheeni?
FRANOIS
Forget Sheeni. Yes, she will always
be ze first conquest, but all zis
time you saught zis was ze end, ze
one and only, when in fact it is
only ze beginning.
Nick lifts his eyebrows with dawning epiphany.
In the reflection we can see behind Nick as Albert leaps onto
the love seat and barks at the sound of approaching sirens.
Nick runs to the window just in time to see half a dozen law
enforcement vehicles pull up.
NICK
Sheeni, the police are here!
He ducks down from the window as a chopper buzzes overhead.
NICK
Quick! Maybe I can sneak out the
back!
MEGAPHONE (O.S.)
NICK TWISP! WE HAVE YOU SURROUNDED!
NICK
I dont understand. How do they
even know Im alive?
SHEENI (O.S.)
Well, I called them of course.
Nick spins to face her. Shes standing in the doorway and
theres not a hint of wrong-doing in her face.
123.
NICK
Well, thanks a pantsful!
SHEENI
But, Nickie, it had to be done.
NICK
But... but why?
SHEENI
I cant very well marry a wanted
man, honey. Look at it this way, in
a few months youll be a free man
and we can be together in Paris.
Nick looks to Franois in disbelief. But the Frenchman just
rolls his eyes.
FRANOIS
You might as well break it to her
now, Nick.
A long pensive beat as Nick contemplates telling her he may
never see her again. But behind Sheenis air of control, Nick
finally sees the vulnerability hes had in his hands all
along.
NICK (V.O.)
Franois is right of course, but on
the other hand, why be cruel? After
all, Sheeni had managed to give me
hope every step of the way. And if
hope is what Sheeni would now need
to go on, well then...
NICK
As always, you are right, my love.
Sheeni beams. Franois smacks his forehead with hand.
FRANOIS
Merd.
The Frenchman in the mirror sticks the barrel of the Thompson
in his mouth and blows himself OUT OF FRAME just as...
...the front door bursts open and the FBI AGENTS surround
Nick.
EXT. SAUNDERS MOBILE HOME - DAY
The agents lead Nick to the caravan of law enforcement parked
in the road.
124.
NICK (V.O.)
Arrested? Ha. It may not appear so,
but the truth is... Ive got the
world on a string.
Sheeni emerges from the home, Albert barking in protest.
Nick strains against his cuffs to look over his shoulder at
her.
SHEENI
Write often, Nickie.
NICK
I will, darling.
SHEENI
And dont worry about Albert. Hell
be waiting for you too.
NICK (V.O.)
As Franois would remind me, Im
intelligent, healthy, virile, not
violently ugly... On the whole I am
splendidly equipped for this great
adventure we call the human
existence.
The FBI agents shove Nick into the back of their black
Saturn.
INT. SATURN(MOVING) - DAY
Nick watches out the back window as the car pulls away. A
view of Sheeni waving in the road, Albert at her feet.
NICK (V.O.)
Besides, what jury would convict a
teenager who acted out of love?
And even if I do get to spend the
next few months of my youth getting
Dwayned by the inmates of the
California Juvenile Correctional
System, I did get my thirty two
minutes of lovemaking with one of
the most outstanding girls of this
or any other epoch.
Nick turns to face the front while behind him the waving
figure gets ever more distant. A pensive moment as he
actually questions...
NICK (V.O.)
But was it all worth it?
Nick revisits those thirty two minutes in his mind and it
brings a smirk to his face.
125.
NICK (V.O.)
You bet your left nut it was.
And as Tom Jones SHES A LADY kicks in, we...
FADE OUT.