EDGEMONT
EPISODE #5-59
"Things Change"
AS-PRODUCED SCRIPT
February 3, 2004
Prepared by:
Line 21 Media Services Ltd.
#122 - 1058 Mainland Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 2T4
Phone: (604) 662-4600
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. LAUREL'S APARTMENT – MORNING
MARK walks through the living room. MAGGIE enters and puts her jacket on as Mark rummages for socks in a cardboard box.
MARK
Hey, was I having a really great fantasy, or did Laurel come back from Japan last night?
MAGGIE
She did, and knowing you, you're having a really great fantasy.
MARK
So where is she?
MAGGIE
She said she had to get to school.
MARK
She doesn't have classes.
MAGGIE
I don't know. Don't forget to lock up when you leave.
MARK
Yeah.
Maggie walks to the door and leaves. TRAVIS enters and approaches Mark.
TRAVIS
I need five bucks.
MARK
Hey, good for you. I need a pair of socks.
TRAVIS
What am I supposed to do for lunch?
MARK
Make something.
TRAVIS
Out of what?
(opens fridge door)
There's nothing in here except yogurt and crap.
MARK
Hey, don't touch anything on the right. It's Maggie's.
TRAVIS
So what am I supposed to eat?
MARK
Buy some groceries, man.
TRAVIS
With what? I don't have any money.
Mark turns to face Travis and speaks to him earnestly.
MARK
Look, Travis, you're the one who decided not to move to Calgary, so if you're serious about living on your own, why don't you stop whining about stuff and figure out a few things for yourself?
TRAVIS
I'm not whining.
MARK
Where are my damn socks?
Travis looks down at his feet, guiltily.
MARK
Hey.
TRAVIS
They were the only clean ones.
MARK
Yeah, and they're mine.
TRAVIS
Look, I'm going to be late, just give me some money.
Mark holds up five dollars. As Travis nears, Mark tackles him and steals his socks back.
TRAVIS
Hey!
MARK
Hold still.
TRAVIS
Lay off, doofus!
MARK
Look. If you want to stay here with me, you stop being a pain in the ass.
FADE OUT
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. JENNIFER'S GARAGE -- MORNING
JENNIFER sips her morning coffee as CHRIS enters. He takes in her bleary-eyed appearance and smirks.
JENNIFER
Don't say it.
CHRIS
I didn't say anything. So how late did you end up staying?
JENNIFER
Just before last call.
CHRIS
Party girl. How did you get home?
JENNIFER
I got home with Erin and those guys.
Jennifer puts down her coffee and moves across the room.
CHRIS
You know, coffee’s a diuretic. It's just going to end up making you feel worse.
JENNIFER
You're enjoying this, aren't you?
CHRIS
Yeah, just a little.
JENNIFER
What?
CHRIS
I got a letter from McGill this morning.
JENNIFER
You got in?
CHRIS
Unconditional early acceptance.
She embraces Chris, truly happy for him.
JENNIFER
Great! Congratulations.
CHRIS
It's all coming together. After pre-med at McGill, I've got a good shot at med school at Toronto or McMaster. You got your application off to Ryerson, right?
JENNIFER
Not yet.
CHRIS
When's the deadline?
JENNIFER
I'm not sure.
CHRIS
Shouldn't you find out?
Trying to avoid the conversation, Jennifer puts on her coat.
JENNIFER
Yeah, I will.
Jen's head is pounding.
INT. CAPTAIN JAVA – MORNING
LAUREL enters, preoccupied with getting her cellphone to work. SHANNON stirs her coffee at the counter when she spots Laurel.
SHANNON
Laurel?
LAUREL
Hey!
(embracing Shannon)
How are you?
SHANNON
What are you doing here?
LAUREL
Oh, I managed to get an appointment with the counselor about picking up some courses.
SHANNON
No, I mean here. You're supposed to be in Japan.
LAUREL
Oh, they don't own me.
(beat)
So I take it that you are no longer a pariah?
The truth is Laurel is in barely coping mode and the last thing she wants to talk about is Japan.
SHANNON
Yeah, I moved back home. My parents and I are working on it.
LAUREL
Well, you couldn't have better timing, considering the body count at the apartment.
SHANNON
Well, how are you?
LAUREL
Jet-lagged, exhausted...but at least I made enough money for university. I think I can probably pick up enough credits to get into U.B.C. in the fall.
(checks her watch)
Um, but I have got to catch up with you later? I've got an appointment.
SHANNON
Okay.
Laurel makes an escape, not bothering to get a coffee.
INT. SCHOOL -- CORRIDOR – DAY
ERIN and BEKKA walk down the hall together. Erin recounts their night out at the bar.
ERIN
He just threw himself at the first bimbo who gave him the time of day.
BEKKA
Why wasn't Gil inside the club with you?
ERIN
The idiot got himself carded.
BEKKA
And you just left him outside on the sidewalk?
Bekka and Erin stop at the foot of the stairs.
ERIN
Like I was going to miss out because he can't grow himself a beard?
ANIKA approaches.
ANIKA
So…sounds like you all had a good time.
Erin moves to her locker. She smiles as she finds a heart-shaped balloon attached to the outside.
INT. SCHOOL -- REFRESHMENT AREA – DAY
Shannon stands with Jennifer as she gets a drink from the pop machine.
SHANNON
I heard you rocked.
JENNIFER
I made a complete fool of myself. I don't even know what made me get up there.
SHANNON
So what did Chris think?
JENNIFER
He had already gone. He had to get up early, so I figured, how many times do I get to go to a club?
Jennifer comes to life recounting just how great last night was.
SHANNON
Before last night, zero.
Jennifer grabs her books from a nearby table.
JENNIFER
Exactly, so I stayed with Tracey and Kevin, and then Eddie came over--
SHANNON
Eddie?
INT. SCHOOL -- CORRIDOR – CONTINUOUS
Jennifer and Shannon start down the hallway.
JENNIFER
The lead guitar and vocals in the band.
(beat)
So Eddie comes over and he says he's going to play this song that I requested, and before I know it, he's got me up onstage, and then he talked me into doing a duet. What a laugh.
SHANNON
Chris isn't going to believe this.
JENNIFER
Chris isn't even going to find out.
SHANNON
He's going to hear about it from somebody.
Off Jennifer’s nervousness at the thought.
INT. SCHOOL-- CORRIDOR -- DAY
TRACEY talks to KEVIN excitedly as she relates her news.
TRACEY
It's a go. Mr. Ravenson gave me the green light. We launch the show tomorrow at 3:15.
KEVIN
My girlfriend, the big-time radio producer.
TRACEY
Yeah, right.
KEVIN
Seriously. I think you're amazing. I mean, not only are you totally hot, but you're really smart, too.
Tracey smiles at Kevin. She kisses him on the cheek and heads up the stairs.
TRACEY
You so say the right things.
KEVIN
(calling after her)
What should I wear?
TRACEY
It's radio!
Mark passes Tracey on the stairs and greets Kevin.
MARK
What's up, man?
KEVIN
Tracey's doing the show on relationships, "Mars and Venus." We're the first couple.
MARK
Mickelson, you're braver than I thought.
CRAIG approaches Mark and Kevin as they stand by the lockers.
CRAIG
What's this about Laurel being back?
MARK
Another sighting. This is encouraging. I distinctly remember her arriving home in the middle of the night, and then she was gone this morning. I don't even think she slept.
KEVIN
Why is she back?
MARK
You know as much as I do, man.
INT. SCHOOL -- CORRIDOR -- DAY
Travis boasts to Bekka as they walk towards the lockers.
TRAVIS
No parents, no curfews. I can do whatever I want.
BEKKA
But don't you and Mark have Laurel's room? What if she kicks you out?
TRAVIS
Like Mark would let that happen.
(Travis turns to Bekka)
Hey, why don't we go over at lunch, just you and me? I'll show you around.
BEKKA
(questioningly)
Are you allowed?
MITCH eavesdrops and chimes in
MITCH
Allowed what?
BEKKA
To have friends over to the apartment.
TRAVIS
Yeah, it's my place. I can do what I want.
MITCH
Sweet.
INT. CAPTAIN JAVA – DAY
Mark looks around the coffee shop. He spots Laurel and moves to her.
MARK
Ah, the elusive Laurel Yeung.
LAUREL
Hey.
Laurel gives Mark a warm hug.
MARK
Where were you this morning? You disappeared. I was going to make you pancakes, breakfast in bed.
LAUREL
In what bed?
MARK
Ah, good point. We've got something to work out there. I think no one expected you back this soon.
Laurel looks away, preoccupied. She changes the subject.
LAUREL
What a stupid morning. Now, all I want to do is finish high school, and they're only letting me take one course, a career prep. How lame can you get?
They take a seat at an empty table nearby.
MARK
They can't stop you from graduating.
LAUREL
That's what I said. I've got a meeting with Ravenson at 2:00.
Mark leans in, eager to reconnect.
MARK
So tell me what happened. I mean, tell me everything. I want to know why you're back so early.
LAUREL
You're about the 10th person to ask me that this morning. Can we talk about it later?
MARK
Yeah, sure.
LAUREL
Listen, uh, about the apartment--
MARK
Yeah, who'd have thought we'd be roommates?
Laurel hesitates for a moment, then awkwardly tries to continue.
LAUREL
I kind of just can't deal with crowds right now.
MARK
I'm a crowd?
LAUREL
I just need some space.
Mark's getting an increasing sense of disconnect, but he convinces himself it's just Laurel's fatigue talking.
MARK
Look, what you probably need is sleep. Why don't you go home and get some shut-eye before this thing with Ravenson?
INT. SCHOOL -- REFRESHMENT AREA – DAY
Erin describes last night to a couple of GIRLS. Chris approaches.
ERIN
Then, after their set, the band actually invited her over to sit with them. I mean, who knew Jen could sing like that?
CHRIS
Sing like what?
ERIN
Oh, didn't she tell you? As soon as you left, Eddie got her up onstage.
CHRIS
(confused)
Eddie?
ERIN
Yeah, you know, the lead guy of the band.
(to the girls)
She was amazing. Everyone thought so. When we left, Eddie was still trying to get her up to sing.
CHRIS
I thought she left with you.
ERIN
Is that what she said?
Chris's tight jaw says yes. He walks quickly away.
ERIN
Whoops. Trouble in paradise.
Erin turns to see Gil standing behind her. She brushes past him.
ERIN
Go away.
GIL
Two minutes, that's all I'm asking for.
INT. SCHOOL -- CORRIDOR – CONTINUOUS
Erin moves to the staircase, Gil hot on her heels.
ERIN
You've got one.
GIL
Did you get the balloon?
Erin stops and turns to face Gil.
ERIN
55 seconds.
GIL
Look, I'm sorry, okay? I don't know why I started talking to that girl last night, but it was wrong, totally wrong. Erin, you're the only girl I want to be with and I'm going to do everything I can to prove that to you. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
Erin looks at her watch.
ERIN
Time's up.
She heads away, leaving Gil dangling.
INT. SCHOOL -- CORRIDOR – DAY
Jennifer comes down the stairs as Chris approaches.
CHRIS
So do you take requests?
JENNIFER
Not after last night.
Jennifer moves to her locker.
CHRIS
I heard you were amazing.
JENNIFER
More like idiotic.
CHRIS
So how did you get home?
Caught in a lie, she comes clean, with an edge of resentment.
JENNIFER
Eddie walked me, the singer.
CHRIS
From the band. Yeah, I know.
JENNIFER
He happened to be going the same way, and it turned out he's a huge blues fan, so I played him some of my dad's records.
CHRIS
You invited him in?
Jennifer responds flippantly.
JENNIFER
My mom was home. It was no big deal.
CHRIS
(unrelenting)
Then why did you lie to me?
JENNIFER
Because I knew you'd react exactly like this.
She slams her locker shut and walks off, leaving Chris fuming.
INT. SCHOOL -- CORRIDOR -- DAY
Gil and Kevin move down the hall.
GIL
"Apologize." Great advice, dude, thanks.
KEVIN
Well, what exactly did you say to her?
GIL
I totally put myself on the line. I was sincere and, I think, very touching. I even gave her a balloon.
They put their bags down on a table.
KEVIN
Come on, dude, last night was all about getting Erin drunk so she'd put out.
GIL
Mickelson, that is so reductive.
(beat)
What choice do I have? I mean, we're totally stuck in first gear. Last night was supposed to be "the night."
They walk off, passing Anika, who has been listening the entire time.
INT. MAGGIE & LAUREL'S APARTMENT – DAY
Music blares in the apartment as Travis' friends enjoy a mini-party. WAYNE approaches two girls who are standing nearby.
WAYNE
In a year or two, I'm going to get a place like this, and you're both invited.
Laurel enters and looks around in disbelief.
LAUREL
What on Earth?
WAYNE
(spotting Laurel)
Hi, Laurel. Welcome back.
Laurel walks into the kitchen, in shock over the number of people in her apartment.
MITCH
Bean sprouts, tofu? Travis, you got any real food?
(to Laurel)
Uh, hi.
LAUREL
Where is Travis?
INT. LAUREL'S BEDROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Travis and Bekka are on the bed, wrestling playfully over a videogame.
TRAVIS
That's mine, give it to me.
Laurel opens the door and spots Travis and Bekka on the bed, kissing.
LAUREL
Travis!
Bekka moves away from Travis.
LAUREL (cont'd)
I don't believe this.
BEKKA
Don't you knock?
LAUREL
Out.
TRAVIS
But it's my room.
LAUREL
It's my room and that's my bed.
Travis makes a face and moves towards the door.
LAUREL (cont'd)
Get out and take your party with you.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. CAPTAIN JAVA – DAY
Laurel and Mark move through the coffee shop discussing Travis.
LAUREL
Travis has got to go.
MARK
He's just a kid. Give him a break.
LAUREL
Fine, then I'll go.
MARK
What are you talking about?
LAUREL
Look, I have the money. I mean, maybe I should just get a place of my own.
Mark tires to reason with Laurel.
MARK
Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait. Don't you think you're overreacting just a little?
LAUREL
No. I come home, expecting to have the place to myself, only to see it overrun with walking hormones.
Maggie approaches them.
MAGGIE
Mark, he's your responsibility.
Mark turns to Maggie and defends himself.
MARK
Hey, wait a minute. All I said was that he could crash for a while.
MAGGIE
I don't want to lose a perfectly good roommate because you can't keep your brother under control.
MARK
I'm not his mother.
MAGGIE
He's only 15. Somebody has to look after him, and if it isn't going to be you, you better figure out who.
Mark hangs his head.
LAUREL
Forget it. I'm moving out.
Laurel begins to walk away but Mark stops her.
MARK
No, Laurel...stay. I'll talk to Travis.
Mark heads out.
INT. SCHOOL -- GIRLS' WASHROOM – DAY
Tracey defends Gil to Erin.
TRACEY
Erin, you left him stranded on the sidewalk for three hours in the rain. He apologized and he gave you a balloon.
ERIN
A lousy balloon.
TRACEY
He's trying. What more do you expect?
ERIN
I expect him to prove to me that I can trust him. That he really has changed.
TRACEY
How is he supposed to do that if you don't give him a chance?
ERIN
His apology was sort of sweet. He's been so great lately.
Anika emerges from a stall and smiles sarcastically at Erin and Tracey.
ANIKA
Gil Kurvers, the perfect gentleman.
ERIN
Well...yes.
ANIKA
Erin, Erin, Erin. You poor naive thing.
INT. SCHOOL -- CORRIDOR – DAY
Travis is walking down the stairs with a friend when Mark spots him.
TRAVIS
(mid-sentence)
…totally awkward…
MARK
What's this I hear about a party?
TRAVIS
Yeah, you should talk to Laurel, man. All I did was have a few friends over and she totally flipped out on me.
MARK
Travis, it's Laurel's place.
TRAVIS
It's our place, too.