Transcription
POM POM MASSACREbyAmin Osman
FADE IN:EXT. PRACTICE AREA -- DAWNCLOSE on a POM-POM.moment, very still.Red and white, iconic, and for theIN SLOW-MOTION, the pom-pom begins to shake, the streamersrattling in the early-morning breeze.ANGLE: A SNEAKERIn SLOW-MOTION still, the pristine white sneaker lifts offthe ground-DISSOLVE TO:ANGLE: A CHEERLEADER, FROM BEHINDAs she gracefully lifts off the ground, starting a routinethat’s clearly been practiced many a time. Her short redskirt lifts slightly as she jumps, offering a glimpse ofwhatever inevitably tempting underwear lies beneath.DISSOLVE TO:ANGLE: THE SKYThe pom-poms RISE INTO FRAME, the colors popping against thegreyish morning sky. The streamers’ RUSTLING can be heardvery faintly as they are shaken, and they slowly DESCEND OUTOF FRAME asTHE CHEERLEADERLANDS on the ground. She extends her arms out horizontallyand TURNS TOWARDS CAMERA. For the first time, we see herface-- and it’s a beautiful one. Tall, blue-eyed, and ofcourse, blonde, this is AMBER TURNER.Amber does a graceful cartwheel, then impresses us furtheras she transitions into a backflip.CLOSE on Amber’s hair. Glints of the rising sun shinethrough her blonde mane.Amber finishes her backflip, a smile of self-assured pride onher face. She’s serene and on top of the world, untilA BULLETRips its way through her chest. There’s hardly time to seethe blood blossoming against the white of her shirt beforeAmber, ROCKED by the bullet’s impact, ungracefully teeters
2.back and FALLS OUT OF FRAME.ANGLE: THE GROUNDAmber’s body lands with a sickening THUD. Her right arm laysextended toward the CAMERA, pom-pom still in hand. Theconvulsions of her dying body make the pom-pom shake in agrotesque mockery of her routine.And then, the pom-pom stops.CUT TO BLACK.OVER BLACK:NESS (V.O.)“It’d be funny if they buried herin uniform.”FADE IN:INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE -- DAYCREDITS OVER:VANESSA “NESS” KENDRICK, 17, slumps resignedly in a chair.She’d be attractive if her face wasn’t set in a permanentlybored expression. She’s dressed in dark clothing-- not punk,not goth, just nondescript. Perfect for not standing out.NESS(to someone)What? Was that too morbid for you?PAN across the austerely-decorated office to reveal DR.MILCH, 42, an icy-looking woman in a grey suit and similarlydrab hairstyle. She sits at her desk, notepad in hand.DR. MILCHI didn’t say anything.NESSYeah, but your eyes are SpanishInquisitioning me here.This joke gets no reaction.Ness slumps further in her seat.DR. MILCHI find it interesting that yourbest friend was murdered and youhave nothing concrete to say aboutit.
3.NESS(testy)Aren’t you supposed to just takeeverything I say and interpret it?DR. MILCHYes, but I feel we’ve workedtogether long enough for me to knowthat your joke isn’t all you haveto say on the subject.Beat.NESS(annoyed)Well what do you expect? First ofall, she isn’t-- wasn’t-- my bestfriend.Dr. Milch is silent.NESS (CONT'D)The last time I even talked to herwas four months ago!(beat)Besides, Spencer’s my best friend.DR. MILCHYet you’ve referred to Amber Turneras your best friend on at leastthree occasions since you startedseeing me.Ness is thrown.Beat.NESS(challenging)Are you sure?DR. MILCHI’m observant.NESS(unnerved)I can see that.meant “former”.Well, if I did, IHer guard goes down a little.NESS (CONT'D)Yeah, it’s true, we have history.So we were both slaves to the BabyHooker industry once--
4.DR. MILCH(interrupting)Vanessa. Calling it that is notgoing to make it any easier for youto discuss it. They were what theywere.(beat)Beauty pageants.Ness gives her a withering glare.NESSLike I said, the Baby Hookerindustry. Yes, Amber and I walkedthe walk and waved the wave. Butthat was, like, six years ago. Shemoved away, and I.(this is difficult)well, you know what happened.Dr. Milch nods.NESS (CONT'D)We snail mailed, but that didn’tlast. Despite what the Spice Girlssay, friendship does, in fact, end.DR. MILCHAnd when she came back last year?NESSWhen she came back last year, herginormous boobs and sudden love ofpom-poms pretty much nixed anychance at a rekindling.DR. MILCHYou ran in different circles?NESSShe ran in circles. I was more ina line. A line of me and Spencer.DR. MILCHHow did that make you feel?NESSI wasn’t jealous, if that’s whatyou’re getting at.(beat)I really wasn’t.(MORE)
5.NESS (CONT'D)Sure, she was popular, but having acircle made up of bitches and daterapists doesn’t exactly strike meas the best kind of geometry tofind yourself in.Dr. Milch smiles to herself.DR. MILCHAlright, I see.(beat)How did your mother deal with thenews? She was close to Amber’smother, no?NESS(smirking)My mom?SMASH CUT TO:INT. NESS’ MOTHER’S HOUSE -- EARLIER THAT DAY (FLASHBACK)KENDRA PLOTKIN, 39, sits at her kitchen table, holding aGLASS OF SCOTCH close to her heart. Her buxom chest shakesas she sniffles, tears streaking her heavy eye makeup. Nesssits across from her. She’s uncomfortable.NESSMom, are you gonna be OK?Kendra can’t meet her daughter’s eyes. Ness slowly,awkwardly places her hand on her mother’s hand-- but KendraLEAPS out of her chair and grabs her expensive-looking purse.KENDRAI have a hair appointment.She stifles one last sob and races out of the room.RETURN TO:INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE -- PRESENT DAYDr. Milch’s eyebrow is raised.DR. MILCHA hair appointment?NESS(a bit apologetic)For a body wave. She wanted tolook good for the funeral.
6.Dr. Milch’s disapproval is barely hidden.DR. MILCHAnd your father?Ness smiles and shrugs.FLASHBACK TO:INT. NESS’ FATHER’S HOUSE -- THE PREVIOUS NIGHT (FLASHBACK)TOM KENDRICK, 43, holds Ness tight and whispers to her.Ness’ stoic facade is in danger of crumbling as a SINGLE TEARfalls from her eye.NESS (V.O.)“He was great. He always is.”RETURN TO:INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE -- PRESENT DAYNESSSo, reaction-wise, my parents werepretty much status quo.DR. MILCHHow does that make you feel?Ness laughs wryly.NESSYour favorite question.know. Stable, I guess?I don’tDR. MILCHVery well.(beat)When was the last time you andAmber spoke?Ness is uneasy.She sighs.NESSIt was the week she moved back.She came to find me when I waspracticing gymnastics.FLASHBACK TO:
7.INT. MORGAN HIGH GYM -- DAY -- ONE YEAR AGO (FLASHBACK)Ness walks in, wearing a leotard. Free of her drab attire,you could actually see her being a former pageant girl.She lowers herself onto a mat and does a painful-lookingSPLIT, before jumping up and climbing onto the BALANCE BEAMS.She balances between them, doing a SERIES OF STRETCHES,FLIPS, ETC. hardcore gymnastics stuff that demonstrates howgreat of an athlete she is. She’s about to do one last FLIPwhen the silence is shattered:Vanessa?AMBER (O.S.)Ness turns and nearly falls of the beams when she seesAMBERLooking amazing and smiling nervously.AMBER (CONT'D)Vanessa, it’s me. It’s Amber.Ness keeps her face emotionless, but it’s clear in her voicethat she’s unnerved.Hi.NESSAMBER“Hi”? Is that all? Come down andgive me a hug, you freak!Though Amber meant this lovingly, it’s struck the wrong chordwith Ness. She clings to the beam.NESSNo, that’s. I’m good here.AMBER(a little sad)Okay. Okay, I get it. I know wesorta lost touch and stuff, butlike, I’m back now. So I’m gonnakeep coming back here every day.If only to watch you practice,‘cause. wow, you’re awesome.Ness smiles faintly.
8.AMBER (CONT'D)But also because I miss you.miss us.INess is unable to respond. Amber continues, veering into“nervous babble” territory.AMBER (CONT'D)I’m gonna go catch up with all theother girls, but I will be backtomorrow. I mean, you have to comeoff of those beams sometime, andhey, friendship never ends, right?(beat)Who are we to doubt the wisdom ofthe Spice Girls?Amber turns to leave. As she does, Ness’ face molds intosomething resembling a hopeful smile. Amber turns backtoward Ness just in time to catch her smile.AMBER (CONT'D)We have a smile! Dude, I just knowwe’ll be painting each others’nails before the week is over.Amber winks at her and departs, leaving Ness awash in a seaof conflicting emotion.RETURN TO:INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE -- PRESENT DAYNESSShe never came back. I don’t knowwhat happened. She probably heardfrom the other girls that I was afreak now, that my parents split upand my best friend is a 19-year-oldloser. And that I’m in therapy formy(air quotes)“inability to have meaningfulsocial interactions.” All thatgood stuff.(beat)So you see what I mean when I saythat she’s in the “former”category.Dr Milch starts to say something--
9.NESS (CONT'D)(looking at her watch)And I think our time is up.DR. MILCHI’m not sure-But she’s interrupted by a SMALL BELL RINGING.NESSThat would be the alarm indicatingthat our time is up.Ness gathers her bag and jacket quickly.DR. MILCHWhere are you headed so fast?NESS(the irony dripping)Amber’s funeral.DR. MILCH(sympathetically)Good luck with that. I’ll see younext week, Vanessa.Ness heads toward the door, talking as she walks.NESSSame time, same place. Same deepseated emotional insecurities. Yougot it, Doc.Ness leaves the room, shutting the door. Only when she isalone does Dr. Milch allow herself a small smile.END CREDITSINT. ALL THE REST FUNERAL HOME -- AFTERNOONSoberly-dressed MOURNERS quietly file their way through theroom. Soft CLASSICAL MUSIC plays and beautiful flowers adornthe room- it’s a dignified, if somewhat bland affair.A CASKET on a platform sits in the corner of the room. Nessstands in front of it, lost in her thoughts. PAN across thecasket’s OPEN TOP to revealAMBERLooking surprisingly good for a corpse. Angelic and serenein a white dress, her body rests in peace.
10.Ness looks at Amber’s face. She tried valiantly to fightback her tears, but they start flowing anyway. She looksaway, perhaps to see if anyone has caught her crying, when-AMBER (O.S.)Oh, come on Vanessa, the dressisn’t that bad.Ness whips her head back to the casket and sees that, againstall reason, Amber’s EYES ARE OPEN and she’s TALKING CHEERILY.AMBER (CONT'D)(looking down at herself)I mean, it’s no prom dress, butnothing to cry about. Like, on alist of things to be buried in, I’drank it about a 7.(beat)Maybe an 8, if there were morecleavage.Ness opens her mouth to talk, but the words don’t come out.She looks on in horror as Amber keeps talking.AMBER (CONT'D)Seriously, do you not have anythingto say? I mean, look at me-- I’mdefying the laws of nature, theleast you could do is say “hey”!Ness speaks, but it’s barely a whisper.Amber?NESSAmber nods sadly.AMBERHe put something in me.(beat)I tried to take it away.why I’m here.That’sNess shakes her head in confusion.AMBER (CONT'D)I don’t think it worked.(scared)It’s still in here.Amber looks down at her chest, tears filling her eyes.follows her gaze.Ness
11.CLOSE on Amber’s chest, where a RED STAIN is forming.AMBER (CONT'D)I thought I could hide it but itdoesn’t work that way.The stain SPREADS ACROSS HER CHEST.AMBER (CONT'D)(agitated)Don’t you get it? You can’t stopcaring. It just doesn’t work thatway!Ness starts hyperventilating, tears streaming from her eyes.CLOSE on the stain as it starts PULSING. Something insideAmber’s chest is growing. and a RUMBLING GROAN echoesthroughout the room. Ness looks around, trying to see ifanyone else has noticed. But the mourners are peaceful,talking quietly to one another.Suddenly, just as it is so loud that nothing else can beheard, the RUMBLING STOPS. Silence blankets the room.Amber’s face relaxes, a tiny smile playing across it.AMBER (CONT'D)Here it comes.The stain on Amber’s chest BURSTS OPEN and a RAIN OF RED,WHITE AND BLUE CONFETTI EXPLODES from it. Somewhere in thedistance, the NATIONAL ANTHEM can be heard playing.Touchdown!AMBER (CONT'D)Amber laughs quietly to herself.the CONFETTI rains down on her--Ness stands, petrified, asSMASH CUT TO:INT. ALL THE REST FUNERAL HOME -- SAME TIMENess stands in the same place at the casket, lookingfreaked. until she notices that there’s NO MUSIC playing,NO CONFETTI. She looks at the casket and is stunned to seethat IT IS CLOSED. Ness lets out a yelp of nervous laughter.SPENCER (O.S.)Well, I see we need to work on yourfuneral manners.
12.Ness looks up to see SPENCER, 19, standing on the other side.His penetrating blue eyes glint behind his glasses andunruly, unnaturally black hair. His clothing style can onlybe described as completely inappropriate for the funeral.SPENCER (CONT'D)For real, Ness. The giggles arekind of gauche. Now I love a goodmixed message, but-NESS(confused)Spencer. How-- what are you doinghere?SPENCER(deadpan)I’m here for banjo lessons.Ness is still puzzled.Spencer laughs.SPENCER (CONT'D)What do you mean, what am I doinghere?NESSSpence, you didn’t exactly singAmber’s praises when she was alive.SPENCERWell, she’s dead now. I felt likeI should be here. It’s a respectthing.(beat)Besides, I’m mostly here to lendmoral support. I mean, Amber, shewas. I know you were close.(beat)Not as close as we are, mind you,but-Ness crosses over to his side and engulfs him in a tight hug.SPENCER (CONT'D)Plus, I knew there’d be groping.Ness lets go of him and slaps his shoulder.NESSThanks, Spence.It means a lot.
13.SPENCERHey, there was nothing good on MTVtoday anyway.(beat)Or ever, actually.Ness attempts a smile, then turns and stares back at thecasket.NESSIt’s just so-She stops talking as she notices something.ANGLE: NESS’ POVBehind the casket, a YOUNG GIRL stares angrily at Ness andSpencer. After a few seconds, she walks away.NESS (CONT'D)That was.SPENCERAmber’s sister.NESSHow did you know?Obituary.old.SPENCERSaid there was a 10-year-NESSWe used to baby-sit her.Touching.SPENCERNess looks back to where the little girl was:The girl goes up to a SAD-LOOKING WOMAN clutching a CRYINGBABY in her arms, and whispers something into her ear. Thewoman turns her eyes toward Ness and Spencer, glaring.Ness gulps nervously.NESSThat’s Amber’s mom. And babybrother, I guess. God, I didn’teven know she had one.Spencer quickly moves behind Ness until only his head can beseen as he looks over her shoulder.
14.SPENCERShe doesn’t look too happy.Ness slowly turns to face Spencer and raises an eyebrow.SPENCER (CONT'D)(realizing)Well that was incredibly dumb.(beat)I just meant. now. She doesn’tlook too happy at us. Inparticular.NESSWho knows what Amber and the restof the girls have said about me.She looks down at Spencer’s clothing.and reads: “IT’S PROBABLY MY FAULT.”HIS T-SHIRT is blackNESS (CONT'D)Your shirt isn’t helping either.SPENCER(looking down at it)What? It’s. ironic. Whatever,I’m not here for her. I’ve got adate right after this, and I don’thave time to change.NESS(teasing)Oh, just stopped by to say “hi”,then?SPENCERPretty much.NESSHow sweet of you.(beat)And I actually kind of mean that.Spencer grins.SPENCERThen I actually kind of thank you.(beat)Well, I better head off.NESSYour date awaits?
15.SPENCERThat she does.NESSWho is she? Wait, let me guess.Chunky, low self-esteem, easilyimpressed by mildly inventivewitticisms?SPENCERThat’s my type. Also, she’s easy.Ness shakes her head.NESSSometimes I wonder why I’m friendswith you.Beat.SPENCER‘Cause I’m the only guy who canmake you giggle at a funeral?Ness laughs in spite of herself.SPENCER (CONT'D)As always, it’s been a hoot.(beat)You sticking around here?NESSYeah, my mom’s somewhere and I haveto keep an eye on her.(beat)And I want to be here for theburial. I-- I have to. You know?SPENCEROkay, but you’re only torturingyourself.He shoots her a lopsided grin and walks away.EXT. CEMETERY -- LATERANGLE: THE BURIAL SITEThe cold light of a sunless day casts a bleak air on thefuneral proceedings. FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, and otherMOURNERS gather around the CASKET as it is lowered into theearth. The FAINT CHANTING of a PRIEST can be heard as weWIDEN TO REVEAL
16.NESSStanding apart from the others, observing things from adistance. As she scans the scene, something catches her eye:A DETECTIVEStands at a respectful distance from the burial, surveyingthe proceedings and occasionally jotting down notes on a pad.Solemn-looking.Ness is so busy watching him that she does not notice when ABALD MAN steps into FRAME beside her. His face is unseen.BALD MANNot the reunion I was hoping for.Ness jumps a little and turns to see who her mysteriouscompanion is. PAN across her shoulder to reveal ELIOT TOILE,age 43. Dapper-looking in a black suit, Eliot neverthelessbears the beaten-down look of a man who’s past his prime andknows it. His strangely bald head is offset by his kindlyblue eyes.Excuse me?NESSWho are you?ELIOT(inspecting her)I could ask the same of you. Imean, for one thing, combat boots?Could you be any more clichéd?(beat)Your hair’s still nice, though.Color’s a little harsh, but thenagain. you seem to be projectingan overall harsh aesthetic.NESSWho the fu-ELIOTLanguage, little Nessie.Ness stops, her mind racing.recognition.Her eyes gleam withNESS“Nessie”? Who-- Eliot?ELIOTIn the fabulous flesh, my dear.
17.Ness’ confusion melts away as a genuine smile radiates fromher face-- she’s beautiful. She hugs Eliot, hard. He laughsas he gently pushes her away.ELIOT (CONT'D)Now I love hugs, but I have afeeling Mrs. Turner wouldn’tapprove.NESSTrust me, at this point there’s notmuch else I could do to piss heroff.ELIOTNonsense. I’m sure she’s happyyou’re here. You and Amber were soclose back in the day. Youwouldn’t even let me style yourhair unless you sat together.Ness lets out a harsh chuckle.NESSYeah, well Amber and I weren’texactly close before it.happened. Things change.ELIOT(surveying the burial)No kidding.(beat)What about the others?Ness laughs bitterly.NESSNot so much with the changing.They’ve just traded in pageants forpom-poms.ELIOTMy girls are cheerleaders now?NESSSome of us.She nods her head toward the burial.NESS (CONT'D)See for yourself.Eliot looks out, and we PAN ACROSS THE CEMETERY to find
18.THE CHEERLEADERSSIX OF THEM stand near the burial, chattering softly. TheirCHEER UNIFORMS and made-up good looks stand out garishlyagainst the desolate atmosphere of the cemetery.ELIOT(incredulous)Oh my God, is that Jessica? And -Delilah?(beat)Wait, why are they in uniform?NESSTheir version of the twenty-one-gunsalute. Honoring a fallen comrade.ELIOTAmber was a cheerleader too?NESSAmber was the cheerleader.ELIOTThe heftiest girl in the YoungDelights Beauty Pageant? Nowthere’s a twist ending I didn’t seecoming.NESSHaven’t kept up with the town news?ELIOTIf there’s a loop, then I’m out ofit. I left for L.A. a little whileafter Amber moved away and you-(awkward)-- stopped competing.Ness ignores his mention of her former career.NESSWhat are you doing out there?ELIOT(embarrassed)Styling girls’ hair in beautypageants. I learned pretty quicklythat my skill set is limited.Eliot shrugs and lapses into thoughtful silence.
19.ELIOT (CONT'D)(looking at thecheerleaders)But would you look at them. Like apyramid with no apex. Bet they’refalling apart, those poor girls.NESSYou wouldn’t say that if you knewthem.ELIOTOh, hush. Where’s your pageantsolidarity?Ness sighs.Beat.Buried.NESSEliot smiles sadly at his old favorite.silence, watching the funeral.They stand inDISSOLVE TO:EXT. NESS’ FATHER’S HOUSE -- ESTABLISHING -- NIGHTAn angular, modern house with a lush garden surrounding it.Ness wearily walks up the pathway to the front door. She isabout to put her key in the door when she hears a RUSTLINGNOISE from the bushes. Ness stops and looks around.ANGLE: NESS’ POVBut as she scans the garden, she sees nothing unusual.Ness rolls her eyes and turns back to the door, only to seethat it is ALREADY OPEN and A SHADOWY FIGURE stands in thedoorway!Ness SHRIEKS and backs away when the Figure flips a switchnear the door and the PORCH LIGHT comes on. revealing theFigure to be Ness’ dad, TOM.TOMHoney, what’s wrong?NESSI thought.She breaks down laughing, realizing her paranoia.
20.INT. NESS’ LIVING ROOM -- LATERTom reads a newspaper while Ness flips through channels onTV. The DRONE of the TV and the RUSTLING of newspaper areall that we hear. Tom puts his newspaper down and begins towatch his daughter. He looks like he wants to say something,but he doesn’t-- he picks his paper back up instead. Beat.Then he puts it down again and starts to speak:NESS(immediately)I’m fine, Dad.TOMAre you sure?No answer.Beat.TOM (CONT'D)How was the funeral?NESSIt was. funeral-esque.Tom sighs, frustrated.He tries a new approach:TOMHow was your mother?NESSShe wore a veil and cried for twohours straight. Then she insistedon taking Amber’s mom out fordrinks.TOMAt her daughter’s funeral?NESSGuess that’s just how Mom rolls.Tom rolls his eyes.Awkward silence, then--NESS (CONT'D)Eliot was there. Remember him?Tom smirks and makes a “limp wrist”.TOMThe hairdresser guy?
21.NESSThe one and only. We’re going todo lunch. Catch up.Tom nods.Beat.TOMHoney, if you want to talk about it-Ness MUTES the TV and turns to face Tom.NESSDad. I appreciate the at-home Dr.Phil treatment. But in case youforgot, I already have Dr. Milch.(beat)And if I tell you all my feelings,I won’t have anything interestingleft to tell her. Then she’llaccuse me of avoiding my problemsand not opening up to people.TOM(miffed)But. you are avoiding yourproblems. And you’re not openingup to me.NESSTrue, but Dr. Milch won’t know thatwhen I let all these pent-upfeelings out at our next meeting.Tom can’t help but laugh nervously at his daughter’s logic.TOMI see now how your mind works.(beat)And it’s very, very odd.Ness shrugs and turns the TV back on. Tom watches her,worried. THE RINGING OF A SCHOOL BELL TAKES US TO:EXT. MORGAN HIGH SCHOOL -- MORNINGThe bell keeps RINGING as STUDENTS pour into Morgan HighSchool, a run-down relic of academia far past it’s prime.PUSH IN on the main doorway as we find Ness, standing on thesteps. Nervous, she takes a deep breath and enters.
22.INT. MORGAN HIGH SCHOOL -- HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUSTRACK with Ness as she wanders the hallways. STUDENTS fillthe area, greeting each other, comparing homework answers,etc. but Ness navigates the crowd alone. She walks by rowsand rows of LOCKERS, lost in her own thoughts. but she’sRIPPED from her reverie when she passes byAMBER’S ENORMOUS FACEStaring out from the wall of lockers.Ness STOPS, and WE TRACK with her as she walks backwardsuntil she reaches Amber’s face again. She nervously turnsher head and breathes a sigh of relief as she sees that theimage of Amber-ANGLE: THE LOCKERSIs in fact a GIANT PORTRAIT. This is the AMBER ALTAR FLOWERS, POSTCARDS, PICTURES, and other trinkets decoratethis makeshift temple set up where Amber’s locker used to be.It’s both touching in its haphazardness and hilarious in itsgaudiness-- a souped-up tribute to a larger-than-life memory.Ness approaches it, curious. She scans the various picturesadorning the lockers. One in particular catches her eye:CLOSE ON THE PICTUREUnder a banner reading “YOUNG DELIGHTS BEAUTY PAGEANT” standsgroup of mostly blonde pre-teen girls, opulently dressed inpageant wear and too young to be wearing that much makeup.You’d have to look pretty close before you could pick YOUNGNESS out of the crowd.Ness stares in disbelief, so lost that she doesn’t noticeSpencer come up. He makes a disgusted face at the picture.SPENCERHello, Baby Stepford Wives.Ness turns, annoyed.NESSGood morning to you too. Whateverhappened to respecting the dead?SPENCERI’m still cool with the concept,but when the dead are so clearlyasking to be mocked.
23.Ness shakes her head.SPENCER (CONT'D)I’m serious.(re: the picture)Dude, who was your sponsor, theHitler Youth?NESS(halfhearted)Shut up.She’s too engrossed with the tribute to really be engaged inthe banter. She takes in all its elements.NESS (CONT'D)This is insane.After one last look, they start walking down the hall and weTRACK with them.SPENCERYeah, I just feel bad for whoever’slocker is behind that thing.NESSWait, how come you’re in schooltoday? It’s Monday, shouldn’t yoube nursing a hangover somewhere?SPENCEREh, I figured I’d take in a class.Maybe throw some spitballs.NESSSounds productive.did your date go?Oh, hey, howSpencer thinks.SPENCERWell, I wore a condom.it went well.So I thinkNess grimaces.NESSGo to class.Spencer smiles and leaves in the opposite direction. Nessshakes her head and starts walking again when she BUMPS intoTHE DETECTIVE
24.The same one who was at the funeral. This is DETECTIVESTEVEN PAGE, 34, and not having a very good day.PAGESorry.He walks away, but Ness follows him.NESSYou were at the funeral, right?Page stops.Yeah.PAGEWhat’s it to you?NESSNothing, I. I was there.there too.I wasPAGEI’m sorry for your loss, miss.Beat.NESSSo. how’s the investigationgoing?PAGE(eyebrow raised)None of your business.He turns to leave.NESSNo, I just-Page turns back to her.PAGELook. I appreciate your concern.(beat)Actually, not really. But Ifigured I’d be polite. So whydon’t you be polite too and let mego. I got a room full ofcheerleaders to question and notnearly enough caffeine in my systemto make that task bearable.
25.NESSCan I-. I mean, I just wanted toknow if you knew anything yet.PAGEYou a witness?No.NESSPAGEWere you close to Amber Turner?Ness can’t answer that.PAGE (CONT'D)(more intense)Do you have anything to tell methat’s more important than theinterrogation I have to be at?Ness is again silent.PAGE (CONT'D)Didn’t think so.He turns and leaves. TRACK with him as he walks down thehall, leaving Ness in his wake. She stands quietly, and wecan still hear her say:NESSI knew her.Follow Page as he turns a corner and entersINT. MORGAN HIGH -- CONFERENCE ROOM -- CONTINUOUSPage enters and surveys the room. He’s nervous. PAN acrossthe room until we find the object of his trepidation:A table, full of seated CHEERLEADERS. We’ll get to know themindividually later, but for now they present a beautiful,vacuous and united front.PAGEUm. thank you, ladies, for comingin.They remain silent.
26.PAGE (CONT'D)I wanted to ask you some questionsabout Amber Turner. We couldreally use your input.One of them, JESSICA, speaks up. She’s glacially cool-clearly the de facto queen bee now that Amber’s gone.JESSICAWe don’t think it’d be appropriate.PAGE(stunned)I’m sorry?JESSICASo soon after her dying andeverything.Another one, MARCY, nods in agreement.MARCYYeah, I mean, it’s totes not coolto talk about friends behind theirbacks.JESSICAEspecially dead friends.MARCYSo we abstrain.Jessica turns to Marcy.JESSICA“Abstrain”? It’s abstain, moron.Marcy giggles apologetically at Page.Sorry.MARCYI’m here for my looks.She winks at him.JESSICALike I said, we don’t really wantto talk about it. Grief’s apersonal thing. And if we tell youabout it.MARCYThen it’s not personal.
27.Jessica shoots an icy smile at Page.JESSICABut good luck with theinvestigation.MARCYWe’re totally cheering for you.Page is at a loss.Okay.He gathers himself, then--PAGEYou wanna play it that way?He strides over to Jessica and puts his hand on her shoulder.PAGE (CONT'D)I think it’s time for a littledivide-and-conquer.SMASH CUT TO:INT. CONFERENCE ROOM -- LATERMONTAGE of the cheerleaders being interrogated individually.Start with Jessica, sitting across from Page.PAGEHow long did you know Amber?JESSICASince we were five.Marcy now sits in the seat.PAGEWould you say you were close?MARCYOnce she let me borrow herleggings. Even though she knew Idon’t really wear underwear thatoften.A new cheerleader, DELILAH, African-American and striking,sits opposite Page.PAGEDid Amber frequent any dangerouslocations, or associate with anysuspicious individuals?
28.DELILAHDo band geeks count?PAGEBand geeks?DELILAHSuspicious ones.Now, cheerleader number four, DEENA- loud and lovable.DEENAHas anyone ever told you you looklike a moodier William Shatner?What?PAGEDEENAYou really do.PAGEI-- thank you. But back to thequestion-Jessica sits in the chair again.PAGE (CONT'D)Did Amber have someone special inher life? A boyfriend, maybe?JESSICAWhat, one who secretly beat her upbut she never dumped ‘cause hissweet gangster lovin’ hurt so good?No. She didn’t live in a Lifetimemovie.Marcy now.MARCYWell, I think she might have had aguy, but it was before she movedhere. I could tell you about it.Page leans forward.MARCY (CONT'D)Maybe over dinner?Page rears back.
29.DEENAI don’t think I can talk aboutthat. Secrets are like, crucial.You can’t just be all revelatory.Once I told everyone about howJessica used to worship GeorgeMichael, and now I can’t listen to“I Want Your Sex” without thinkingabout pom-poms and rug burn.(beat)So I guess. no comment?Deena is apologetic.Page slumps.PAGEIs there anything at all you couldtell me? Anything?MARCYDoes Italian sound good?DELILAHI plead the fourth.Wait, fifth.DEENAOhmygod please don’t tell Jessica Itold you about the George Michaelthing. Oh, and I don’t knowanything. Really.It’s Jessica’s turn to answer.All she does is shrug.INT. MORGAN HIGH -- HALLWAY -- LATE AFTERNOONPage leans against a wall, utterly defeated. Somethingcatches his eye, and he walks down the empty hallway up tothe Amber Altar. He stares at the gigantic portrait.PAGE(to the portrait)I hate your friends.NESS (O.S.)Join the club.Page turns to see Ness at her locker.NESS (CONT'D)Seriously, there’s an anthem.PAGEReally not in the mood, kid.are you still doing here?What
30.NESSGymnastics practice.(beat)What, was your mission impossible?Could have told you that thismorning.Page lets his guard down.PAGEThey’re just so-- I mean I’ve neverseen so much. I don’t know. It’snot going well, that’s for damnsure. Chief’s gonna be pissed.NESS(sympathetic)Can’t get blood from a stone-coldbitch. I think that’s how theexpression goes.Page snorts.He turns to Ness.PAGEAlright. I’m Detective Page.Here’s the deal. I can’t talkright now, it’s migraine time. Butif you think of anything that couldhelp, come on down to the station.Page can’t believe what he’s just said.NESSI don’t think I’d be much help.PAGE(shrugs)Yeah, but what have I got to lose?He starts walking away.PAGE (CONT'D)(to himself)Chance
NESS That would be the alarm indicating that our time is up. Ness gathers her bag and jacket quickly. DR. MILCH Where are you headed so fast? NESS (the irony dripping) Amber's funeral. . ALL THE REST FUNERAL HOME -- AFTERNOON Soberly-dressed MOURNERS quietly file their way through the room. Soft CLASSICAL MUSIC plays and beautiful flowers adorn
