FITTING IN by RICHARD J MOYA (rick@moyamedia.com) FIRST DRAFT March 22, 2001 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- "FITTING IN" FADE IN: EXT. MAYFIELD HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING (FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL) The school is peaceful, quiet, serene. Nobody is present. Nothing is moving except for tree leaves in a gentle breeze. All is silent. A car pulls into the parking lot. CAR DOOR opens. A girl's legs, feet clad in strappy sandals, swing out of the driver's seat. They stand and walk toward the school. The door closes. LEGS - FROM BEHIND walk briskly up a set of stairs. As they walk, we see more of the girl's body - she is dressed stylishly, has a designer backpack, styled hair. She is a senior - she has a class pin on her backpack. She walks toward the main doors. FROM ABOVE She stops. Stares at the doors for a long moment. Then walks toward them slowly. FROM BEHIND She pushes the door open and goes inside - INT. MAIN HALL - SAME And suddenly, we are transported from the regular, peaceful, ordinary world, all the way back into the World of High School, which exists only in our memories and John Hughes movies. We follow the girl as she walks past pretty girls talking, leaning against the wall - Jocks flexing and shoving each other - Listless slackers in line at the vending machines - Freshmen chasing each other around - Mayfield High is a veritable U.N. of clique representation. She makes a broad turn, pushing a door open into the - LOCKER HALL - SAME Obviously the popular hall - filled with khakis, button shirts, and makeup. People gaze at her curiously, wondering who this chick thinks she is infiltrating their territory, as she makes her way down the hall to her locker. She opens it and peers into a mirror on the locker door - And in it we finally see the face of KAT PETERS, made up, cute, but annoyed. She strokes her reflection and sighs. KAT First day of the rest of your life. She removes her backpack and turns away from the locker. She looks up and down the hall, then reaches up to run a hand through her hair. A hand snatches her wrist in mid-flight. HAND is connected to LARA MITCHELL, pretty and popular. She is upset. LARA How many times? Don't do that. You'll totally flatten your hair. Do it like I showed you. WIDER VIEW to show both. Kat sighs and lifts her hair up from underneath and behind. LARA Isn't that better? KAT Tell me again why I let you force me to primp and preen. Lara sighs. She looks down the hall and points. DOWN THE HALL a girl wearing all black, with dyed black hair to match, sits against a wall, scribbling in a spiral notebook. LARA (O.C.) That's what you could have been. Alienated and hostile. Rebelling against society, being an individual just like everybody else. Lara continues talking as Kat puts books into her locker. LARA (continued) Nobody really gives a fuck about them. Not even their own. Because how can you care about someone who complains all the time? She points again, in a different direction. LARA (continued) That's what you were. A girl stands from her bottom locker. She has straight, mousy hair and wears fashions two years old. She looks around the hall, as if for friends, as she pulls her backpack on. LARA (O.C.) (continued) Nobody. Nothing. Trying desperately to succeed but failing miserably because you were so far out of the loop. Lara cocks her head thoughtfully. LARA (continued) We don't think about those too often. They just coexist with us on a lower plane. Like pets. Kat closes her locker and puts her backpack on. Lara turns to her. LARA (continued) This is what you are now. And it's because you let me tell you what to do. You've taken the smart route to finishing high school. You're going to be popular. KAT And what's so different about being popular? LARA People care about us. We matter to everyone, even to the freaks who reject everything we stand for. KAT But we're carbon copies too, right? LARA Absolutely. The difference is we have influence. I know this. That's how I made it to the top. Now you know this. She looks Kat up and down and gives her a quick ten-second make over - smooths eyebrows, picks off a stray eyelash, straightens the collar, adjusts the backpack straps. She stares at the red scrunchie on Kat's wrist. LARA (continued) What the fuck are you doing? KAT What? LARA That. It totally doesn't match your outfit. Lara sets her backpack on the ground. She bends over, digging through it. She comes up with a white scrunchie. LARA (continued) Here. Put that away before anybody sees. KAT This is ridiculous. LARA So is the popular clique. But you have to know how to work it to be accepted into it. Kat takes the white scrunchie and swaps it with the one on her wrist. KAT I guess you know how to work it. LARA I didn't fall into the crowd by accident. You have no idea how hard it is to stay on top. Kat reaches around her back to put the red scrunchie away. Lara glares at her. LARA On the ground. Kat stares back, not moving. KAT Does it really matter? LARA Shit. What have I spent the whole summer telling you? Everything matters, from where you sit in class to how you eat your pizza. Even your name. There are no Kathleens in my peer group. You do it the way I do it, or you're different. And I don't care what you've learned from Sesame Street, different sucks dick. And it's definitely not popular. Kat slowly moves the backpack off her shoulders and onto the ground. She bends over it. LARA (continued) Why did you come to me if you were just going to fight me on this? We've worked so hard all summer, and now you're just going to fuck yourself? Kat stands. She points to the goth chick down the hall. KAT That's Anne Finkel. In sixth grade, she was the butt of every joke by Dave Part and his friends. They made fun of her because she dressed different, got good grades, didn't go to dances or parties. The girl looks up from her notebook at Lara and Kat. Almost contemptuously, like she can hear what Kat's saying. She looks back down, writing furiously. KAT (O.C.) (continued) She always got angry about it. Why should she do anything the way everyone else was doing it? She was her own person, and nobody else was going to make her change that. Kat looks at Lara, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. KAT (continued) Now she's insignificant because of her refusal to be normal. And quarterback Dave is one of the most revered people in school. LARA How do you know all this shit? KAT Anne Finkel was my best friend. Lara glances at the goth chick again. Trying to make it fit. But she can't. She shakes her head and turns back. LARA Well, at least you dropped her. KAT No. She dropped me, seventh grade, because I wouldn't let go of this. I'm not going to be insignificant. Kat looks down. Speaks softer now. KAT (continued) But I don't feel ready for the big leagues yet. This is harder than I thought. Lara softens. LARA It gets easier. I promise. Okay? Now let's go to breakfast. Kat stands. KAT We've only got ten minutes until class. LARA What have I told you about going to class? Kat recites by rote. KAT Never walk in more than a minute before the bell, and never walk in alone. LARA Very good. We need to make a cameo at least. People will see you and ask, and I can talk you up. Plus, you'll get to practice talking to people other than me. Lara exits. Kat remains for a moment, terrified. KAT God help me. She picks up her backpack and follows Lara. INT. CAFETERIA - MORNING The cafeteria is nearly empty, save about twenty people all at one table - the heart of the popular clique. The big guys - football players - have trays covered with food and shovel it into their faces. The others sip from paper cups of juice. Lara enters, closely followed by Kat. They pass the service area and head straight for the table. LARA Hello everybody! Lara sits between two other girls. Kat stops for a moment, then sits next to the only other empty chair. She looks over at Lara. KAT'S POV Lara chats improv. with the other girls, oblivious to Kat sitting by herself. KAT glares at Lara the abandoner. MALE VOICE (O.C.) Is this seat taken? Kat turns to see ROB BRADLEY, star running back, ruggedly and conventionally handsome, holding a tray. He smiles at her. She opens her mouth ... and before our eyes, Kat Peters transforms from a naive, insecure girl into Miss Popularity. But ... from now on, everything she says sounds stilted and wrong out of her mouth. KAT It's all yours. WIDER VIEW Rob puts his tray down and sits. ROB Don't think I've seen you around before. I'm Rob. KAT Kath... I'm Kat. You're the Rob that broke all those yardage records last year, right? Rob grins, mock-sheepishly. ROB Guess I made it into the papers a couple of times. KAT Must be cool to be idolized by half the student body. ROB Sometimes. I mean, I don't have groupies ripping my shirt off or anything, but sometimes being the center of attention sucks. I have to be perfect all the time. Kat looks over at Lara, still chatting with the other girls. ROB (continued) You must be from around here if you know who I am. KAT Oh, I've always come to Mayfield. Been here four years. ROB Really? How come I haven't seen you? Kat freezes. Then she remembers the line Lara made up. KAT Well, I never hung out with anyone here before. All my friends were at Alamo High, but they graduated last year. Rob nods and turns to his food. Kat sits back in her chair, relieved. Lara stands and walks to Kat. On her arm is HEATHER SILER, a tall cheerleader. LARA Heather, this is Kat. We met this summer at work. HEATHER Really? You worked at the Gap? KAT Banana Republic. We took lunch together like every day. LARA This girl is crazy for Hot Dog on a Stick. Every day it's the fried cheese for lunch. HEATHER Oh my god, those are so fattening. I love them! They all fake laughter. Lara turns to Kat, nodding toward the door. LARA We've got first in fucking Timbuktu. We should go. KAT Okay. She stands. KAT (continued) Nice to meet both of you. HEATHER Oh, yeah! Definitely. ROB Me too. See you around. INT. MAIN HALLWAY - MORNING Kat and Lara walk side by side through a crowd of students. They don't look at each other as they talk. LARA You're doing really well, Kat. Did you know you were talking to Rob Bradley? KAT I wasn't totally culture blind before I met you. I read the paper. LARA So you know he's an icon on campus. KAT He knows it too. Lara allows herself a chuckle. LARA Yeah, he's not the most modest guy in the world. But I think he kinda likes you. Kat stops walking. Lara continues. KAT What makes you think that? LARA The little things. I dated him last October. Kat runs to catch up with Lara, who hasn't slowed even for a second. KAT Am I encroaching on your territory? I mean - LARA No fucking way. Rob and I are a thing of the very distant past. In fact, I think it would be perfect if you hooked up with him. Kat's jaw drops in shock. Lara sees it and laughs. LARA Not like that. I mean if you went out with him, even just for a little while. KAT How do you figure? LARA Who you date is a huge part of your popularity. You date a nobody, you plummet. You date a long-standing member, it's practically guaranteed. And Rob is way up there. KAT Because of his connection to you. LARA Naturally. Kat nods and looks down the hall. Suddenly, her eyes pop, because walking toward them - She has just gotten her first glimpse of JAY MORA, an eighteen-year- old Latin Adonis. Okay, maybe not quite, but he's definitely got charm oozing out his ears, even though he's dressed like a total slacker. He looks up. Their eyes meet. Oh my God. Kat's jaw drops a fraction of an inch. He grins at her. The Perfect Grin. She starts to smile back - but remembers Lara standing not a foot to her left. Quickly - but smoothly - she turns her head away. Jay passes them, only watching long enough to see Kat lean close and whisper in Lara's ear - obviously slamming him. And just seconds into his first day at Mayfield. He shakes his head, chuckles. JAY Popular chicks. INT. ADMINISTRATION LOBBY - MORNING The first bell is ringing as Jay pulls the door open and steps inside. Your standard waiting room for high school bigwigs more important than you. A large, curved desk dominates the space, rather overpowering the frail-looking secretary sitting behind it. She looks up at him. SECRETARY Hi. You're new here. JAY Yes, I am. Mora. SECRETARY Oh, good. I just lost that file. One second. Have a seat. Not as frail as she looks. Jay grins to himself as he pulls a chair up to the desk. The secretary rummages through a box on top of the desk, then dives underneath it. She comes up with a manila folder - more standard office fare. SECRETARY On the floor. Right where it was supposed to be. Let's see ... R.J. Mora? JAY That's me. SECRETARY That your full name or do you have more than one letter each? Jay smiles. She's actually a tough old bird. JAY Everyone calls me Jay. Three letters, not just one. SECRETARY Good enough. Look over this, make sure we didn't screw anything up, and sign at the bottom. She passes the top sheet of paper over to Jay. He scans it. SECRETARY We normally like our new students to come in the Monday before school starts to take care of all this stuff. So what's your excuse? JAY I'm an Air Force brat. My dad wasn't released from duty at Kirtland until last Friday, so of course we all had to stay with him until he could move with us. SECRETARY Ah. Keeping the family a unit. Don't you just hate that? Jay chuckles as he signs the form and passes it back. She looks it over, then sets it on the desk and takes more papers out of the folder. SECRETARY Okay, these are your I-promise-if-I-hurt- myself-by-being-a-jackoff-on-school- property-I-won't-try-to-sue contracts. Read them if you want, but they're standard. JAY I trust you. SECRETARY Oh, did you want a school tour? JAY Yeah. Actually, that'd be great. SECRETARY All right then. I'll go get Brad. You're going to like him, I think. But then, everybody does. She stands and leaves the room. Jay shakes his head as he signs the forms. Great - right after that snob in the hall, now some popular jock is going to drag him around. MALE VOICE You're Jay, right? Jay turns around - and his jaw hits the floor in surprise - Because standing behind him is BRAD AMES, a skinny, pale kid, looking for the world like his mother picked out his clothes that morning. He sticks a hand out. BRAD (continued) I'm Brad. I'm supposed to show you around the school. Jay swallows his surprise and shakes the hand offered. INT. MAIN HALLWAY - SAME Brad shoves the administration door open and walks out. Jay follows. The instant the door is shut, Brad turns around. BRAD Okay, I just want to make this clear. I don't play football, my folks don't have money, and I'm not smooth and urbane, so I don't get invited to parties. So don't bother asking. He turns and starts down the hall. Jay follows him. JAY Is this a frequent problem? BRAD It seems like every time I get a tour they always want to know where the big scene is. I'm too busy learning for that. Brad is really pissed off about this. Sounds like one too many popular kids have come through this guy. JAY Well, don't worry. I'm with you. BRAD You're a nerd? Jay can't even find the words. Brad notices his shock. BRAD Well, that's what I am. What we call ourselves, even. But you don't dress like one of us. You kinda dress more like a skater. JAY I wear what's comfortable. It doesn't have to match some group. BRAD Hey, whatever you say. It's cool. Being the office pet, I see all kinds of stuff. There's something going on at MHS, I know about it. JAY Really. BRAD Call me Deep Throat, because I get all the hidden secrets. I've got tabs on the nerds, jocks, preps, pops, slackers, cowboys, freshmen, drama freaks, band geeks, and every other group there is. JAY Huh. I don't really like cliques. BRAD Whoo. You're gonna hate it here, then. This place is more stratified than the Middle East. That's where the jocks sit for lunch over there - He points as he talks. BRAD (continued) The populars kinda spread out down the middle here, the wannabes sit on that side, the gangbangers have the steps. Here's Queen Lara's bench. JAY Who? BRAD Lara Mitchell. Top of the pops, with an ego to match. She always sits here, and anyone unfortunate enough to be here first gets blasted down. JAY How bad could she possibly be? Brad just stares at Jay for a moment. BRAD You're new here, I'll let it go. Some people are good at cutdowns, but Lara Mitchell will wither your soul. Let me see your schedule? Finally, the real tour. Jay gladly passes it over. Brad scans it. BRAD Math, English, history, Spanish.... Aha! Band geek. You'll be eating up at that end - Jay snatches the schedule out of his hand. What a waste of time. JAY Or maybe I won't. Thanks anyway, man. He turns and storms off. Brad looks after him. BRAD Hey! What about the tour? Jay doesn't bother looking back. BRAD Well, all right. But don't come crying to me for directions. Band geek! INT. CLASSROOM - LATE MORNING Kat enters the classroom and looks around. Desks on both sides face an empty center aisle. KAT'S POV Heather waves to her from the middle of one side. She points to an empty desk next to her. Kat walks to the desk and sits down. She sets her backpack on the desk behind her. HEATHER Another fun-filled year of English. This class drives me crazy. KAT Better English than math. Heather makes a face. HEATHER They both suck. School sucks. God, I would so rather be at the mall right now. Today of all days, when they get the new fall wardrobes out, of course I gotta be in this worthless place. The bell rings. The door bursts open and BECKY WILSON, a tall, unkempt woman in her forties, rushes in, carrying many bags. MRS. WILSON I hate it when people are late to my first class. Even worse when it's me, eh? The class giggles. Mrs. Wilson makes her way across the room, going between desks, to get to her own. MRS. WILSON (continued) Let me get myself together for one minute, and we'll start. Heather leans over to Kat's desk. HEATHER So you're at BR, right? Got any insights on what's new and hot?. Caught in another lie. Kat manages to climb out of it more smoothly this time. KAT Not really. They try to keep it secret from us, too. I guess they're supposed to have some new tops, beige, burgundy. HEATHER Ugh. Burgundy is so over. KAT I know what you mean. Mrs. Wilson makes her way to the front of the room, notebook in hand. MRS. WILSON OK, now that the lateness problem is under control - The door creaks open. Mrs. Wilson glares at it. MRS. WILSON All right, what's your excuse? It's Jay. Standing in the doorway, that Perfect Grin on his face. He fakes an English accent. JAY Dreadfully sorry, your Honor, but I'm new in town and I don't know my way around and I just know that next time it's off with my head and I'll never do it again. MRS. WILSON Proper deference. Good. Let me see your schedule. Kat stares across the room, transfixed. He's just as gorgeous as he was before, only now no Lara. KAT'S POV Jay approaches the podium in the front and hands his schedule to Mrs. Wilson HEATHER (O.C.) God. Kat turns to look at Heather, gazing at Jay with disdain. HEATHER (continued) Some people's fashion sense. You know what I mean? KAT Yeah. Or lack thereof. HEATHER I don't know what he's thinking! I mean, who's gonna be seen dead with him? KAT But at least he'll be comfortable. Kat snickers - but her heart's not in it. Heather doesn't notice, giggles along with her. Jay steps away from the podium. He looks around, then heads for the desk behind Kat. Kat stares for a second, then pulls her backpack off the desk. Jay grins at her and slides into the seat. MRS. WILSON OK, now that we've taken care of all the lateness - She slowly looks toward the door. Gazes at it for a moment. Then turns back. MRS. WILSON We can get on with today's class. I'm Rebecca Wilson. If it were up to me, you'd call me Becky, but school rules say you have to call me Mrs. Wilson. She leans forward conspiratorially. MRS. WILSON (continued) Personally, I don't care what you call me. But it's better for your grade if you keep the bad names to yourself. The class laughs. MRS. WILSON (continued) Today you'll learn about your classmates. We work in groups a lot in here. The more people you know, the less likely you'll be angry at me for pairing you with someone you don't know. However, there's still a chance someone will be angry at me today. Mrs. Wilson walks to Kat's side and points down the rows. Kat half-glances back. She knows her partner will be Jay. She glances at Heather. Heather knows it too. She shrugs helplessly and mouths an apology. Mrs. Wilson reaches Kat's row. She points at Kat and Jay together. MRS. WILSON Turn your desks. It'll be easier. Kat begins to pick up her desk and turn it. Then she sees Jay in a regular chair next to her, grinning. JAY Why lift desks when this is even easier? KAT Of course. You look like someone who likes to find the easy way. This from the girl who snubbed him rather than explain it to her friend. JAY Doesn't everybody? He extends his hand. JAY My name's Jay Mora. Kat shakes it. KAT Kat. Peters. JAY Kat short for what? KAT Kathleen. Is Jay short for something? JAY Juan. But nobody calls me Juan except my mom when she's really mad. Do you have a middle name? KAT Of course. It's Megan. What's yours? Jay grins wider. JAY Juan. Kat's eyes narrow as she tries to figure this out. Then she realizes. KAT All right, Mr. Mysterious, what's your first name? JAY Why do you think I go by Juan? KAT Come on. I told you my middle name. JAY That's your own judgment. I choose not to reveal my first name. The perfect grin again. JAY (continued) At least not until we've gotten to know each other better. KAT I see. So this is all a ploy to get me in the sack. JAY You know, you're the first really cynical popular girl I've met. KAT What are you talking about? JAY Almost all popular girls wear some kind of mask. They can't show you what's really on their face or they won't get any candy. Kat glances over at Heather, talking amiably about nothing with another girl. JAY (continued) You're the first one I've met who's really shown me her face. The others just try to scare me off with the Wolfman or whatever. KAT Nice analogy. Did you script that? JAY I wrote it in my journal last November. Always wanted to say it to somebody. KAT Well, I'm happy to have accommodated you. JAY All I was saying is that we've barely known each other two minutes. Only my parents know my first name. KAT Not even girlfriends? JAY None to speak of. KAT Why's that? JAY Why? Interested? KAT Give me a break. I believe it was you talking about our short acquaintance. JAY There is such a thing as love at first sight. Kat looks down to hide her blushing. JAY (continued) I mean, come on. I am one sexy son of a bitch. As much as she wants to agree, Kat snorts derisively. KAT OK, so all I've learned is that Jay Mora is not modest. JAY Well, what else do you want to know? INT. CAFETERIA - LUNCH TIME Kat and Lara are in line at the snack bar. They advance as they talk. Lara doesn't look at Kat. LARA So do you feel like a sheep yet? KAT If I were wearing wool, I probably would. When are you popular enough to be yourself? LARA That's an oxymoron. But you'll get used to it. Heather tells me you're in her English class. KAT Is that all she told you? Lara turns around and stares at Kat. LARA What's more to tell? KAT Well, this guy in our class - LARA You fell for an unpopular boy, right? KAT I thought she'd notice right away. Lara faces forward in line. LARA Heather's so busy trying to play the game herself that she doesn't always notice the little slip-ups others make. KAT Which is why you paired us up right away. LARA No offense at all, Kat. I felt it would be safer for someone so new to have a more oblivious second contact. Easier to make mistakes and get away with them. She won't even notice you trying to ignore him because she'll be too busy doing it. They reach the front of the line. KAT You really do know what you're doing. Lara calls to the server. LARA Cheese pizza! She turns back to Kat. LARA You wanted in, and you talked to the best. And the best teachers turn out the best students. KAT How come we have to eat cheese pizza? LARA Toppings are dangerous. You don't want to accidentally bite into an anchovy or a jalapeno. Cheese is safe. Everybody likes cheese. The server arrives with Lara's pizza. She pays, takes the plate and looks at Kat. LARA (continued) It's as plain and unthreatening as we are. Lara leaves. Kat watches her go, then turns to the server. KAT I'll have the same. INT. LOCKER HALL - END OF SCHOOL Kat puts books into her locker. Lara approaches from behind her and leans over her shoulder. LARA Look who's coming over! Kat glances at Lara, then looks down the hall. KAT'S POV Rob Bradley saunters up to her, a cheesy grin on his face. He never takes his eyes off of Kat. ROB Hey, Kat. Lara. LARA Hi, Robbie. KAT Hi. ROB I just wanted to make sure you girls were coming to the game on Friday. We could use your support. Kat glances back at Lara, who winks and grins. Kat turns back to Rob. KAT Of course we are. Wouldn't want to miss another record-breaker. ROB Awesome. Maybe I'll see you there. KAT Maybe. Rob grins, turns and ambles off. Lara moves next to Kat. LARA Exactly right. Are you sure you're new to this and you're not just playing with me? KAT Positive. That wasn't too corny? LARA On the border. But it was still good. Kat shuts her locker. She and Lara walk down the hall side by side. KAT I've never been to a football game before. LARA You'll start going all the time now. KAT Is it really that much fun to watch great big guys pummel each other? LARA Fuck, no. We don't go for the game. KAT Then why go? LARA To be seen. I thought I taught you better than that. It's all about being seen. KAT I didn't know I had to pay five bucks a week for it. LARA Come on, girl. You buy a whole new wardrobe and you're worried about spending a little more? KAT It just seems kinda stupid. LARA Everything does from the outside. That's how the unpopular people justify their existence. EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - EVENING Lara's car pulls into a parking spot. INT. CAR She and Kat wear green and yellow Mayfield Trojans shirts. Kat wears a yellow scrunchie on her wrist. KAT So here I am at my first Mayfield football game. LARA It's an important one. The first game of the season is the make-or-break point in popularity. If you're there and do everything right, you're in. KAT So how does it look from your end? LARA What do you think? You've only made friends with like everyone already, not to mention Rob Bradley wants you. It's guaranteed. KAT Provided I don't fuck up. LARA Exactly. She looks at Kat. LARA Tonight, I think hair up. KAT Think so? LARA Let me see it. Kat puts her hair in a high ponytail and wraps the yellow scrunchie from her wrist around it. LARA You look like you're about to go to a football game. KAT Perfect. LARA Let's go. They get out of the car and walk to the gate. INT. STADIUM Lara walks along the top of the stands, Kat one step behind. The opposing school's marching band plays under them. LARA The key to football is to pay marginal attention to the game. That way, your brain doesn't go numb, but you can still cheer if we do something right. Kat points down at the band on the field. KAT Do we cheer for the band? Lara stops walking. She turns and looks at Kat. LARA What the fuck kind of a question is that? KAT Our band's good. They played at the fine arts assembly last year. LARA You went to that? KAT It was mandatory, after all. LARA You'll find a way to avoid it this year. Listen carefully. Band geeks, drama freaks, and all other artsy types are the lowest forms of life in high school. They're below the frog you dissected in freshman biology. OK? The only time it's acceptable to talk to them is if a teacher pairs you up for a project. KAT You're serious. LARA Do you see any band geeks in this clique? Lara looks down the stands and waves. LARA Let's go talk to Heather. She walks down a set of stairs. Kat sighs, then follows her. BOTTOM OF STANDS Heather leans against a railing, wearing a green and yellow cheerleader uniform, sipping out of a sport bottle. Lara and Kat approach behind her. Lara calls out in a sing-song voice. LARA Who's that Spartan looking all bored? Heather giggles and turns around. HEATHER It's me. Except I'm a Trojan. She rolls her eyes, then hugs Lara and Kat over the railing. HEATHER (continued) God, I can't believe they named our school mascot after a condom. Kat can't believe Heather is really this stupid. She glances at Lara over Heather's shoulder. Lara nods knowingly. LARA Yeah, brilliant move by the school board. So how are you? HEATHER You said it. I'm bored. Onate's band sucks! Why don't they just get off the field and let the game start? Kat looks out at the field. KAT'S POV Band members in gray uniforms hack their way through a pre-game show. The Mayfield band, in green and black, kneels on the track in front. KAT They really do suck. Why isn't our band playing? HEATHER Like that'd be much better. They do halftime. At least I can get out of the stadium for that part. LARA Oh, come on. You know you want to jump one of those band geeks. All three giggle. HEATHER Yeah, you know, that fat tuba player is just so hot. I want him right here and now on the field. LARA But isn't that guy with the flute hotter? KAT I don't know about you two, but I'd do that guy with the sax. Kat points and giggles. As the other two continue laughing, she stops, and her face slowly falls in horror. KAT'S POV She is pointing directly at Jay, in full uniform, holding a saxophone. HEATHER God. Isn't that the guy who sits behind you in English? KAT Yeah, I think so. Lara looks at Kat and raises her eyebrows. Kat shrugs helplessly. Heather is oblivious. HEATHER That guy is so messy! He looks like he slept in his clothes and just rolled out of bed in time for school. KAT What bed? He probably just sleeps in his car in the parking lot. Heather snickers. Lara is still looking at Kat. LARA Let's go get a Coke or something. See you later, girl. HEATHER Bye. Wait for me at halftime? LARA Sure. Lara and Kat hug Heather, then turn and head up the stairs. INT. STADIUM BATHROOM Kat enters the bathroom. She slumps against the wall next to the sinks. Lara follows her in. She checks under the stall doors for feet, then moves to the mirror. She pulls a brush out of her purse and brushes her hair vigorously, not looking at Kat. LARA That's the guy. It's not really a question. Kat nods. KAT I really thought this guy liked me. I've never felt that before. LARA It's one of the perks and one of the nuisances of being popular. You get a lot of attention, but you have to break a few hearts. KAT What about mine? LARA You'll learn to ignore it. KAT I don't want to ignore it. It's how I feel. Lara puts the brush down and looks at Kat. LARA You're going to have to make a decision. Is it more important to you to be popular or to get the things you wished for before you were? You can't have both. And it seems to me you were wishing pretty fucking hard for popularity before. KAT I wouldn't have come to you otherwise. LARA Don't think that I can't feel for you. I really do. This has got to be hard. KAT What are you talking about? I barely know that guy. LARA What? Kat looks up and half-smiles. Lara grins widely. LARA Girl, you had me going for a second. KAT I want to be popular. I've wanted it all my life. Things like this are my inner wannabe re-emerging. LARA You are so way better at this game than some people in the clique. KAT I had a great teacher. Lara and Kat smile at each other. They hug. LARA I'm glad you're staying with us. KAT You couldn't drag me away. LARA Not even with a band geek? They laugh. Lara steps back and puts the brush away. LARA Let's go get that Coke. INT. BIG HOUSE - SAME NIGHT A huge party, to celebrate Mayfield's first victory. All the required football party items are present - beer, beer, loud music, and beer. Popular kids - mostly football players - are all over the place, mingling. Lara and Kat enter. A few drunk football players shout a greeting. FOOTBALL PLAYERS LARA! Strong arms grab Lara by the waist and swing her off to one side. She squeals in protest. Kat watches her go. A arm, clad in a letter jacket, snakes around her shoulders. WIDER VIEW The arm is connected to Rob Bradley. He smiles at Kat. ROB Hey, Kat. KAT Hey yourself. ROB I'm glad you could make it. KAT Well, thanks for the invitation. Is this your house? ROB No. My folks live in town. This is Sara's place. He points toward the middle of the room. Kat looks. KAT'S POV A girl with red hair sits in a large recliner, the "power chair" in an arrangement of furniture. Lara enters and sits on the couch nearest her. They talk MOS. ROB (O.C.) During football season, her mom goes to stay with her dad at the base on weekends. Makes this place a perfect party spot. Rob walks Kat over to the bar. KAT And her parents don't mind? ROB They do it on purpose. I think her dad was a Mayfield football star a long time ago. The only thing we can't do is drive home after. He picks up two cups and hands one to Kat. ROB I made this hoping you'd show up. KAT What's in it? ROB It's called a Battery Acid. KAT No, what did you put in it? ROB Like to make you ride me till dawn? Nothing. I'm not one of those jackasses you read about in the paper. KAT I'm sorry. This is my first party. ROB Really? KAT I mean - I mean my first Mayfield party. I was teasing you. I didn't mean to make you feel bad. ROB I'd never take advantage of you. I want you to like me on your own. Kat accepts the drink from Rob and takes a sip. It burns and she makes a face, but manages to get it down. ROB The first sip is kinda strong, but it tastes great after that. KAT Is that because you're already too drunk to notice the taste? They laugh. LIVING ROOM - LATER The party has dispersed a bit. Kat sits by herself on the couch, tracing the wood grain in the coffee table with her finger. But not very well - her finger walks the line shakily, like it's had too much to drink at its first party. She hears the front door open and looks up. Jay enters the room warily. He sees Kat and walks toward her. KAT Hi, Jay. What are you doing here? JAY Crashing the party. He sits down on the couch next to her. JAY (continued) I came to make sure you were OK. I've seen my share of party victims and didn't want you to be one. KAT Oh, that's so sweet of you. But don't worry, I'm one hundred percent. A crashing noise comes from the kitchen. She turns to look, then turns back to Jay. KAT You should go. 'Cause you're a band geek, and you're not supposed to be here. She gently brushes the side of his face with her hand. And this is where we realize that Kathleen is back, if only temporarily. KAT But you sure are a cute band geek. JAY Yep. You're drunk. He stands and pulls her to her feet gingerly. JAY (continued) Come outside with me. Let's get some fresh air. EXT. HOUSE Kat and Jay walk through a field, the house behind them. He keeps one arm around her as she looks up at the sky. KAT Look at all the stars. KAT'S POV An endless black sky, filled with uncountable stars. KAT (O.C.) (continued) Out here, you can see so many of them. Billions of stars, lighting up the night. She points up. KAT (continued) That one there looks so small and feeble. But you know it's really bright up close, so bright you can't even stand to look at it. She stumbles, and her legs give out. Jay lowers her gently to the ground and sits beside her. KAT (continued) All I've ever wanted is to be a star. To shine up in the sky with all the rest of them. I guess feeble is better than not at all. JAY You shine brightly. Everybody does in their own way. Kat shakes her head. KAT No. Lara says you're not allowed to shine your own way. You have to do it like everybody else. Different people aren't stars. JAY Why is what Lara says so important? KAT Because she's the brightest. She's that one. Kat points up. Jay looks. JAY'S POV Kat is pointing at the North Star. KAT (O.C.) She's the star that all the others have to dress to. What she says goes. Kat turns to look at Jay. KAT Maybe she's right. Maybe I'd shine brighter if I didn't like you so much. JAY What? A figure comes out of the house behind them. ROB (O.C.) Kat! Are you out here? Kat turns to look, then turns back to Jay. KAT I gotta go. Thanks for watching out for me. She kisses Jay on the nose and stands up. KAT See you Monday. She turns and runs back to the house. Jay watches her go, then turns back and puts a hand to his nose. INT. ENGLISH CLASS - MONDAY MORNING The bell rings to end class. Everyone scrambles to put their stuff away and get out now. Kat lifts her backpack onto her desk, talking improv. to Heather. Jay stands behind her and leans forward. JAY How are you feeling? Kat looks at Heather. Raises an eyebrow. She's way out of his league, and he should know that already. KAT Fine. Why do you ask? JAY Well, you looked fit to ralph Friday night. HEATHER What are you smoking, geek boy? They both ignore her. KAT Oh. No, I was fine. Now Heather's more confused. HEATHER Kat, what is this lame-o talking about? Remember how I said stuff doesn't sound right out of Kat's mouth anymore? KAT He crashed the party. Poor thing couldn't stand it if I was drunk. Jay's mouth drops open. JAY I just wanted to make sure you ... KAT Yeah, well I'm fine, OK? See me sitting here? I didn't die. Now you can keep on staring. Heather giggles. HEATHER Yeah, spazz-o, and try not to drool all over her bag. Both the girls get up and leave Jay standing, still agape, still not quite sure who or what exactly this chick is. He falls back into his own desk, lost in thought. INT. HALLWAY - LATER Jay walks aimlessly past lockers, eyes still in the distance, Kat still on his mind. He doesn't see Brad standing in his path until he runs over him. Brad hits the ground hard, losing his books, his calculator, other nerd objects. BRAD Hey, watch it! Jay kneels down to help Brad clean up the mess. JAY Sorry, man. I was somewhere else. BRAD Yeah, I know. Lost in your own little world of formations and eighth notes. Jay stands up. Brad watches ... Jay's a lot bigger than he is. He speaks quickly. BRAD (continued) It's all right, I wasn't paying attention either. He gets the last of his books and stands too. Not sure he likes the way Jay's looking at him. BRAD See you around. He turns, starts to walk away. JAY Wait a sec. He stops. Winces. Then turns around slowly. Jay walks over to him, puts a hand on his shoulder. JAY You said you know all about what's going on in all the different cliques, right? BRAD Yeah. But I thought you weren't interested in cliques. JAY I'm not. Just one of the girls in the popular group. BRAD You're not serious. Jay nods. Brad sighs exasperatedly. BRAD Man, just give up. A popular girl would sooner be seen dating a babboon than a band geek. Jay looks off into the distance again. JAY Thing is I don't think this chick's your standard breed of popular. There's something weird going on there. BRAD She cute? Jay grins. BRAD And you think you have a shot at this. JAY I'd like to think so. She seemed into me until this morning. BRAD All right. What's her name? JAY Kat Peters. At the mention of Kat's name Brad shakes his head frantically. BRAD Anyone but her, please! I could tell you whatever you wanted to know about Lara Mitchell, I could give you reams of files on Heather Siler or Sara McGinnis, but there's nothing on Kat Peters. I mean zero. JAY Sorry. She's the one I'm interested in. BRAD She's been giving the gossip community fits. She just popped on the radar last Monday, didn't have any origin whatsoever. No buzz, no hype. We even get that for new freshmen, but not here. We already gave up on it. JAY Think you could revive the search? BRAD Why? What's in it for me? JAY Come on. Haven't you ever wanted to see the popular clique crumble? BRAD Nope. That's wannabe territory, and I'm happy where I am. If you want to switch over from the band geeks, though ... Jay gets a firmer grip on Brad's shoulder, shoves him back into the locker. Not hard, but enough to remind this dork who's bigger. Brad remembers. BRAD Well, I guess I have fantasized about the fall of Queen Lara once or twice. Jay lets him go, straightens out his shirt. JAY Thanks, Brad. You're a good guy. He turns, walks away. Brad adjusts the collar, watching him go. BRAD Hey! Jay turns around. BRAD You're really not any kind of band geek, are you? JAY No. He grins. JAY (continued) I'm an anarchist. INT. MAIN HALL - FRIDAY, LUNCHTIME Lara sits on her bench, big enough for two but hers alone, her plate on the second seat. Kat sits beside her, on a railing that surrounds several large planters. LARA What I can't figure out is why he came to the party in the first place. He knew he didn't belong. KAT He just showed up there at the end, I think. LARA Just for you, huh. You sure you were ignoring him? KAT Not well enough, I guess. He must have figured out I liked him at least a little. Lara picks up her plate to take a bite of pizza. LARA Sounds like that's over, though. Heather thinks all your cutdowns on him this week are ingenious. A popular girl - younger, a sophomore, maybe - comes over and tries to sit next to Lara, nonchalantly, like she's not doing anything wrong. Lara turns, glares up at her. LARA Who the fuck are you? The girl stares back at Lara for a second. Looks like she's on the verge of tears. Then runs away. Kat doesn't flinch. KAT She's actually doing most of them. I just tell him to back off. I wish I could think of a way to turn him off without hurting his feelings, though. He's a nice guy. LARA Band geeks don't have feelings. Understand that and you'll feel better. Besides, you do anything else you might compromise your standing. You don't think it's just me who has you sitting there, I hope. KAT Yeah, I know. LARA And there's another thing. Why the fuck did you tell him that you're basically still in training? KAT I was drunk. It came out. LARA That is the last thing you need right now, for anybody, I don't care how insignificant, to know that you were a wannabe who begged me for lessons. KAT Sorry! I'd never been drunk before. And I didn't expect him to come waltzing into the party any more than you did. Lara raises an eyebrow. KAT I'm serious! You think I'd tell a band geek about my first party and then invite him? I'm trying to get in, not to get kicked out. It makes sense. Lara nods. LARA You better hope he doesn't leak. KAT He won't. LARA Remember, you're out of friendly mode and in bitch mode now. KAT Come on. Who's he going to tell? LARA Gossip spreads. It doesn't matter. Kat thinks about this. KAT I still think he won't tell. Like I said, he's a nice guy. Plus, I'm not sure I gave him enough to piece that together. LARA Whatever you think. It's your ass. She folds her now empty plate and stands. LARA (continued) I'll be right back. KAT Want me to save your seat? Lara looks around and smirks. LARA They all know what's going to happen to them if they take it. She turns and walks off. Kat leans back against the planter behind her. She murmurs to herself. KAT Sorry, Jay, I'm not interested. No, too late for that. Sorry, Jay, I can't be seen with you. True but too harsh. Sorry, Jay, I just found out I'm gay. She chuckles at this last one. ROB (O.C.) What's so funny? Kat looks up. Rob is standing in front of her, grinning, hands in his pockets. ROB Were you talking to yourself? KAT Just thinking about this joke Lara told me. He sits down next to her on the railing, eyeing Lara's bench warily. ROB Let's hear it. KAT Oh, I can't tell it like she does. It would just come out wrong. ROB Yeah, Lara's a funny chick. He looks down sheepishly. ROB (continued) Hey, listen. What are you doing tonight? Kat plays dumb. KAT Tonight? Isn't there a game? ROB No, this week it's Saturday. I was thinking about going to see a movie tonight. Was wondering if you wanted to come along. Kat smiles and blushes. Flattered, even though she knew it was coming. She doesn't answer right away, though. Rob's starting to panic. ROB (continued) I mean, it's always more fun to see a movie with someone else than by yourself, and I could always get Dave or someone to come with me, but I was hoping ... KAT Sure. It sounds like fun. Rob's face lights up. ROB Yeah? Great. Should I pick you up? KAT 318 Turtleback. You know where it is? ROB I can find it. I'll be there at 8. KAT OK. Rob stands, still grinning like a maniac. ROB See you then. He backs away, kind of half-waves. Kat waves back. She watches him go, her own smile growing. Talks to herself again. KAT Sorry, Jay, I'm already seeing someone else ... Lara sits down on her bench. She glances at Kat, then looks in the same direction. LARA'S POV Rob sits down on his own railing, still grinning, as another football player pats him on the back enthusiastically. She looks back at Kat. LARA He asked you out. Kat just nods. The smile hasn't left her face either. LARA It fucking well took him long enough. He asked me the first day last year. Of course you're new. Plus now you've got a true excuse out of anything your band geek tries to do. Focus on Rob and by next week you'll be going "Jay who?" Kat looks at Lara. Still playing the mother, even though it's not her game anymore. But she nods again. INT. LOCKER HALL - AFTER SCHOOL Kat loads her books into her locker. Jay approaches her from behind. Puts his mouth right next to her ear, affects a deep voice. JAY Hi. Kat jumps about three feet. She turns around, socks him in the arm, not hard but not exactly playing either. KAT God, you scared the shit out of me. JAY Never a good way to start when trying to ask someone out. Oh boy. She turns back to her locker. KAT Look, Jay, I'm flattered that you're interested in me ... JAY Hey, can you at least hear me out before you reject me? She sighs. He takes that as a sign to continue. JAY What are you doing tonight? KAT Going to a movie. JAY With who? She whirls around, mouth open ... No. She can't bring herself to tell him. KAT A couple friends. I very much doubt you'd be welcome. Jay winces. JAY Yeah, probably not, the way what's-her-face treats me in English. She'll be there, I'm guessing. KAT That's the plan. JAY Any chance of you ditching that party and coming out with me instead? She wants to. But she turns away before he can see it. KAT None. Sorry. I really can't. She grabs her backpack, puts it on, heading for the door. KAT (continued) Do good tomorrow. JAY What? She turns, walks backwards. KAT Halftime. Whatever it is you do. She waves and heads out the door. Jay watches her go. Maybe. If she didn't have plans already he might have had a chance. He nods to himself, walks off. INT. DINER - NIGHT Your typical greasy spoon kind of place. Vinyl booths, dark wood tables, ugly wallpaper with a yellowing design. A few truckers sit here and there, and ranchera music plays in the background. Oh yeah - everyone is Mexican, and there's not one young face in the joint. So Kat and Rob look really out of place when they walk in, not hand in hand but pretty close to it. She's kind of nervous, but he's been here before - he waves to the hostess and the line cook as they go to a booth in the back. Kat slides in, glancing around uneasily. KAT I've never been here before. ROB Most people don't know it exists. That's why I like it. KAT So you can go somewhere to escape your groupies? Rob chuckles. ROB I figure they'd never come here looking for me. It's not nearly glamorous enough. KAT I was thinking this probably isn't the most impressive place to take a first date. ROB Yeah, but I have a feeling you're not impressed the same way as other girls. The waitress comes to the table. ROB Know what you want? Kat looks over the menu frantically ... it's all in Spanish. KAT Not exactly ... ROB What do you like normally? KAT Anything, Mexican's good ... ROB You're not on a diet or a vegetarian or anything else I should know? KAT No, just a normal eater. ROB All right. He turns to the waitress and orders improv. in completely fluent Spanish. Kat's mouth drops open watching him. He speaks it like he grew up across the border. The waitress walks away and Rob turns back to Kat. He grins at the look on her face. ROB What? KAT I didn't know you could speak Spanish like that. ROB My mom's from Hatch. That's all they speak on the farms there. I just picked it up growing up, like English. KAT It was incredible. ROB See? I knew you weren't the same as other girls. It's a cheesy line, and Kat knows it, but it works. She blushes and looks away. ROB (continued) That's why I sat next to you that first day, you know. I figured you were different, and in a good way. And I wanted to get to know you better. KAT What do you think so far? ROB I like it. I mean, I like you. A lot. And I've had a lot of fun tonight. You're great to be with, you're funny, you're smart, and you don't treat me like just another piece of meat. He reaches across the table and takes her hands. ROB (continued) What I'm trying to say is I want to see you again. KAT You want to go steady. Is that what's coming out? ROB That makes it sound like we're growing up in the fifties. Kat fakes a high-pitched voice. KAT Gee, Robbie, I'd love to wear your letter sweater! They both laugh. Then she looks into his eyes. Serious, but pleased. This is a Kat we've never seen before. There's a gleam there, she's happy, but ... does it have anything to do with Rob? Or is it just that now she knows she's made? KAT Yes. I'll go out with you. Rob grins, a real grin, not his cheesy one, across his whole face. ROB You mean it. She nods. ROB You just made me very happy. KAT Who's to say you're the only one? They look at each other for a moment. Then he leans over the table and kisses her. It's warm, it's deep ... but there's something missing ... INT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - SATURDAY NIGHT Mayfield's quarterback takes a snap, goes back, hands off to to the running back - Rob, hidden behind his helmet and pads. He's running hard - breaks a tackle, burns another purple-clad defender - heading for the end zone. Kat and Lara, standing against the railing, scream and point along with the rest of the crowd. Kat wears a green football jersey with Rob's number on it - his alternate. There's no stopping Rob now. He's already at the 20, now the 10, and now he's in the end zone. A whistle blows, the crowd goes crazy, the band plays the fight song. Rob jumps into a linebacker's arms - because after all you don't beat Clovis every day. Especially not - what does that scoreboard say - 42 to 10? Then he looks over at the crowd. ROB'S POV The surging crowd, but mostly that green jersey in the front row. He reaches up, pulls his helmet off. And blows a kiss. Amid the chaos in the stands, Kat stops screaming. So does Lara. They look at each other. KAT Was that ... LARA Yep. That's all yours. I've never seen him do that before. Not even for her. Kat catches the edge in Lara's voice. But she shakes it off, blows one back to Rob. LARA (continued) You sure you didn't give it up to him last night? Five touchdowns, that's not just skill, that's a man inspired. Kat blushes. KAT No, we didn't do that. LARA If you say so. Is your geek ever gonna be jealous when he hears. Kat glances over at the band section. KAT'S POV Jay playing along with the fight song, oblivious to her gaze. Kat turns to look at Lara again. KAT Knock it off. He's not my geek, I don't want him. LARA Not bad. I actually believe it. Kat's voice - and eyes - drop about fifty degrees. KAT Why shouldn't you? Lara sizes this up. Then she shrugs. LARA No reason. Just that you were crying over him in the bathroom little over a week ago. Kat smirks, looks out at the field. KAT Come on. That's history. It's over. LARA All right. But she's still not convinced. She follows Kat's gaze. ON THE FIELD The Mayfield team kneels at midfield in a rough circle, the coach standing in the center, either singing their praises or cursing at them. LARA (O.C.) Normally we wouldn't cheer so much. But since you just started going out with Rob it's probably safe to ... KAT (O.C.) Lara. Her tone of voice startles Lara. She turns to look at Kat. If Kat's eyes were cold before, now they make Lara feel like she just spent the night in a walk-in freezer. But she speaks genially. KAT It's cool. Okay? I can do this. And this is why Lara's shocked - because Kat is totally confident, no more of this insecure little baby following her around. All she can do is nod. LARA Sure. Great. INT. LOCKER HALL - MONDAY MORNING Jay leans against the wall next to Kat's locker. He looks down the hall. JAY'S POV The doors, the same ones Kat disappeared from, closed, the early morning in the background. JAY looks down, muttering improv. to himself. What's he going to say to her? Can't screw up this try too. A loud click - the doors opening. Jay looks up. THE DOORS Sure enough, that's Kat coming in through the doors. Somehow she looks even cuter than she has before. The sun hitting her hair. The smoothness of her walk. How corny. But Jay's taken by it. She's coming toward him. Looking right at him - and smiling. Jay stands up straight. Takes a step. But then Rob walks past him. And heads right for Kat. This can't be good. Jay watches, slack-jawed. She opens her arms. Rob goes into them. Picks her up, spins her around like you see in the romance movies. And then - yes, ladies and gentlemen, she really is kissing him. Jay can't believe his eyes. He's too late. How humiliating. And how painful. He watches them for a moment longer, then shakes it off and beats a hasty retreat. INT. ENGLISH CLASS - LATER Jay sits slumped in his desk, staring off into space. She wasn't really ... Kat comes in the room, alone, heads for her desk. She sits without looking at Jay. He leans forward. JAY Hey, who was that guy I saw you with earlier? She whirls around, startled. But recovers fast, looks at him coolly. KAT What are you talking about? JAY This morning, you were with some guy, just after ... I saw you, when I walked past your locker. KAT Oh. You mean my boyfriend. Emphasizing the last two words. Jay notices. He knew that. But still, it's all he can do not to flinch. JAY Really? What's his name? She turns around, facing forward in her seat, not looking at Jay from here on. KAT Rob. JAY You mean Rob the football player Rob? KAT The one and only. JAY Man, that guy was incredible Saturday night. When did you start going out? KAT Friday. Jay lets this sink in. Realizing she'd gone out with him that night. JAY So I guess you inspired him then. KAT I guess so. JAY Did he go out with that group of friends on Friday? She hesitates answering. Not long, but we catch it. KAT Oh. Yeah, he was there. Now Jay knows for sure there was no group. He nods to himself. JAY Cool. Well, congratulations. He slumps back in his seat again. Kat hears the door open and looks up. It's Heather, bouncing into the room. Same brainless attitude, but there's something slightly different about her today. She reaches Kat's desk and leans over, hugs her over the railing. HEATHER I heard about you and Rob. That is so totally cool! I'm so jealous of you. He like barely even talks to me. She sits down in her seat and turns to Kat - And from this angle we can see what's different about her. Her hair. Still blonde, but the style today is identical to Kat's. HEATHER So how was it? Was he totally romantic and sweet? Did you do it? Jay jerks forward at this. Kat smacks Heather on the arm. KAT That's none of your business! HEATHER Come on! I thought I was your friend. KAT Well, I'm not going to tell you right here in the middle of class. HEATHER Ohhhh. She makes a little nod in Jay's direction. Kat raises her eyebrows. Heather stifles a giggle. Jay slumps back again, buries his face in his hands. Great. Kat cocks her head, looks at Heather quizzically. Noticing the identical hairstyle now. KAT Hey, did you cut your hair? HEATHER Oh, yeah. Just a little trim. It was so long it was starting to get on my nerves. KAT It looks really good. HEATHER You like it? She reaches up to run a hand through her hair - And she's wearing a scrunchie on her wrist. HEATHER (continued) I was just thinking I needed something that was easier to take care of. But I didn't wanna look like a total spazz either. So I thought, hey, Kat's got nice hair and it looks easy, so why don't I try that? Kat's not sure what to make of this. She's never had an impersonator before. Fortunately, before she has to answer, the bell rings. Heather smiles at her and turns to face forward in her seat. INT. MAIN HALL - LUNCHTIME Lara sits on her bench, looking into the distance. Kat's on the bench beside her - but Kat's otherwise occupied right now, feeding candy to Rob, sitting on the pole beside her. How sickening. Lara's trying very hard to not watch. She pops the last of her pizza in her mouth. Chews it slowly, offering a sidelong glance to Kat and Rob's fascinating discourse. KAT You're just so cute. You know that? ROB You're cuter. KAT Of course you say that. You're biased. ROB Guilty. Lara rolls her eyes. She folds her plate and stands. LARA I'll be right back. Have to hit the little girls' room. KAT Wait up, I'll join you. She half stands, turns to Rob. KAT Save our seat, OK? ROB Anything for you, babe. They kiss goodbye like it was graduation. Lara turns away, starts walking. Kat runs to catch up with her after a moment. KAT Sorry. Lara shrugs, not looking at Kat. LARA He's not my boyfriend. Still bitter? Kat shrugs it off. KAT Hey, did you notice Heather's new haircut on Monday? LARA Sure did. KAT What do you think? LARA It's the same as Amber's. She gestures. Kat turns to look. KAT'S POV Three girls (two in cheerleader skirts) share a railing, chatting. All of them have Kat's hairstyle. LARA (continued) And Ashley's. And Kristie's. Kat turns back to Lara. KAT What's the deal with this? I thought one copycat was weird. Now all these others? Lara raises an eyebrow at Kat, then looks forward again. LARA You ever play King of the Mountain in elementary school? KAT Sure. LARA OK. You're still playing it. Kat falters a step. Trying to put this together. Lara doesn't slow even a second. Still doesn't look at Kat. LARA (continued) Look around you. Try to count the people who have their hair done like mine. You can't, it's too many. High school is one big, fucked-up version of King of the Mountain, and all these people are trying to get to the top. They'll do whatever it takes, look like me, or failing that the one closest to me. KAT Me. LARA You do catch on fast. These people would stab their own mothers in the fucking back if it would put them where I am. Even as they call me Queen Lara behind my back, they either want me or they want to be me. So I have to remind them that this is my mountain and they had better back the fuck down. By any means necessary. KAT Excluding force. LARA I don't believe I was ever that specific. Kat looks over at Lara disbelievingly. KAT Did you ever see that movie Heathers? LARA She was altogether too cocky. Rule number one of badmouthing is you never tell the target beforehand. She chuckles. LARA (continued) We should be so lucky to have our Miss Siler overdose on Sleepinol. Lara pushes open the bathroom door and goes in. Kat follows. INT. LOCKER HALL - AFTERNOON Jay steps through the door, just barely, lets it fall closed behind him. A few pops look at him questioningly as he takes a tenative step forward, eyes locked on something. JAY'S POV Kat and Rob cling to each other in front of Kat's locker. We can't hear what they're saying, but judging by their body language he's going overseas to war. Jay watches, slightly pained, but looking for an opening. Rob finally separates himself from Kat, heads down the hall. He passes Jay without so much as looking. Jay glances back to watch him leave, then looks back. Kat's still at her locker, putting books away. Jay moves quickly, walks up behind her. JAY Can I talk to you? Kat sighs. KAT What is it? JAY You've been blowing me off for three weeks. KAT Yeah, because I have a boyfriend. Loud enough to draw an audience. Now the pops are definitely watching. Jay is determined. JAY I thought we were going to be friends. Kat turns slowly, looks at him. We've never seen this kind of disdain in her eyes before. In fact, she kind of looks like Lara. Sounds like her, too. KAT You're kidding, right? How does one respond to this? Jay can't do anything except watch Kat tear him apart in front of the whole school. KAT (continued) You mean to say that because our English teacher paired us up in the beginning of the year for a project, I'm supposed to be your buddy? God, find a clue! I don't want you around me. You don't know how to dress, your hair looks like you styled it with a garden weasel, and you find comfort in wearing an ugly uniform and wandering around a football field with a bunch of other dorks on the weekends. In fact, you're probably late for dork rehearsal now. Why don't you go there? The assembled crowd oohs loudly. A few people high-five. Jay glances around, then looks despairingly at Kat. No sympathy. Eyes just as cold, glaring now. He slowly turns away. Walks back the way he came, pops catcalling all the way. Kat watches him for a moment, then turns back to her locker. A RANDOM POPULAR GUY steps up, puts an arm around Kat's shoulders. GUY Remind me not to make you mad. Kat smiles at him. KAT As long as you don't try to make a move on me, I think you're fine. The guy grins back, withdraws his arm. GUY That was intense, Kat. I haven't even seen Lara unload on someone like that. And I've seen her get pretty pissed. Man, there's no way she's better than you. This catches Kat off guard. KAT Really. GUY No shit. It was awesome. Catch you tomorrow. Kat half-waves, lost in thought. She stares into her locker mirror. KAT My mountain ... A slow smile fills her face. Now this is significance. This is power. She closes the locker and leaves. INT. MAIN HALL - LUNCHTIME Lara walks forward briskly, pizza in hand. Clearly upset. LARA'S POV Kat's sitting on her bench. That's not so bad. What's bad is that Rob is sitting on it right next to her. Kat looks up casually, almost flippantly. KAT Hey. Lara doesn't answer. Looks at Rob. LARA You're in my seat. Rob starts to stand up, an apology on his lips. But Kat stills him with a hand on his knee. KAT We were here first. There's a seat right there. Pointing to the railing, a spot next to where Heather eats. Heather cowers, as if to avoid Lara's inevitable eruption. But she doesn't help Lara either. Lara turns to Heather. LARA You believe this? They're in my fucking seat. Heather trembles, doesn't look up. Speaks almost inaudibly. HEATHER Well, you shouldn't have come to lunch so late. Now Lara's shocked. She glances around at the other pops. Every single one avoids her gaze. Not one lifts a finger to defend her honor. The transfer of power is absolute. She turns back to Kat, who looks up calmly, defiantly. LARA You fucking bitch. Kat doesn't flinch. KAT They do say the highest compliment a student can pay her teacher is to surpass her. Lara glares for a moment, murder in her eyes. Then she whirls, storms out. LOCKER HALL - SAME Lara yanks her locker open with a force indicating she may not have had to unlock it first. She glares at the inside of the door, covered in pictures of her and that fucking wannabe. She seizes one, rips it off the door, tears it to shreds. Looks at the blank spot on the door. Or it should be blank. There's a folded square of notebook paper there. Lara plucks it from the door, unfolds it. We only see fragments of the note as Lara scans over it: "I need your help ..." "... wanted to be you ..." "I know you can make me ..." "... help me reach my dream." "Sincerely, Kathleen Peters." Yes, it's that note. Lara re-folds it, tucks it into her pocket. She closes the locker door and leaves. EXT. MAYFIELD HIGH - PRACTICE FIELD - EARLY Brad sits on a low wall, a manila folder in his hands. Band practice has just ended; students carrying instruments trudge past him steadily. He stands up as Jay approaches. BRAD I finally found something on your friend. JAY She doesn't want me. I was wrong. BRAD Yeah, I heard about the way she blasted you. Only nobody actually knew your name. It was just "some band geek." JAY I suppose you set the record straight. BRAD Nah, what's the point. They'd have all forgotten your name by now anyway. JAY You're all heart. Brad waves the folder. BRAD Since I have it anyway, do you want to see? Jay takes it from him. JAY Since you went to so much trouble. BRAD Hey, this was tough. I got a lucky break. If you'd told me her name was Kathleen it would have been a lot easier. JAY You couldn't find a Kathleen Peters? BRAD Kathleen Peters has been a wannabe ever since I've known her. How was I supposed to know she'd taken the next step? JAY Come on. BRAD Did I mention that if you called her something that wasn't Kathleen, she kicked you in a rather unpleasant place? Jay grimaces. JAY Okay. He opens the folder and flips through. First is a transcript. Pretty standard, mostly Bs. Next is a counseling record, talking about colleges. The word "unsure" is circled. The next page takes Jay by surprise. It's a photocopy of the note. He takes it from the folder. JAY What's this? BRAD My break. It seems that your girl was paying Queen Lara to make her popular. Jay looks up, alarmed. JAY What? BRAD Yeah. It'll be all over school by lunch. JAY She'll be devastated. Can't you do anything to stop it? Brad raises an eyebrow. BRAD That's a stupid question. It's gossip. Jay looks at him a second more, then goes back to the folder. BRAD (continued) Think of it as payback. JAY I don't hold grudges. Besides, I still like her. Brad shrugs. BRAD Then turn the page. Jay flips it - At the top of the next page is the header "BEGINNING BAND." Below that, a group picture, mostly sixth graders. Circled in red is a very familiar, very cute girl, holding a saxophone. Jay stares at it, agape. BRAD She only did it the one year. I guess it wasn't cool enough. Jay looks up. JAY Why are you showing me this? BRAD For your confidence. It gives you a common link. Jay looks back at the photo. JAY How'd you know about this? BRAD I told you, I've always got my eyes and ears - Jay points to it. JAY This is you! Brad starts for a moment, mouth still open. He closes it. Finally nods. BRAD Long time ago. JAY Awww! You were the flute guy! Brad snatches the page out of his hand. BRAD Shut the fuck up! INT. ENGLISH CLASS - LATER The bell rings to end class. Kat closes her book and turns to Heather, also putting stuff away. Jay observes in b.g. KAT What's your plan for the weekend? I was thinking we could check that new shoe place at the mall. Heather doesn't look up from her bag. HEATHER I don't know. I'm kinda busy this weekend. KAT Yeah? Got a date? HEATHER No. Just ... stuff. Kat's leery of this. Heather doesn't skip out on shopping for "stuff." Jay knows it too. He reaches down, into his bag, taking out the folder. KAT What kind of stuff? Heather stands abruptly. HEATHER I gotta go. I'm gonna be late for class. She exits hastily, not looking back. Kat watches her go, peeved. She packs her stuff hastily. Jay leans forward, folder in his hand. JAY You might want to see this. KAT Fuck off. She stands and follows Heather, just as quickly. Jay slides back into his seat, looks down at the folder in his hand. Then back up at Kat, leaving the room. She's in for so much pain and doesn't even know it. He aches for her. INT. LOCKER HALL - AFTERNOON Kat and Lara walk down the hall together. Still not looking at each other. KAT And then she just runs out of the room. Like I've got some kind of disease or something. Can you believe that? Lara chuckles smugly. LARA That's Heather. Always leaping to do whatever the rumor of the day says is the new in thing. Kat loses a step. This time Lara slows to keep pace. KAT What rumor? LARA Oh, it's probably nothing. You know those gossip circle shits, latching on to any scandalous possibility. Kat stops walking. She puts a hand on Lara's arm to stop her. They face off. KAT This could ruin me. I know it. You know it. You have to tell me what they're saying. This catches the ear of a passing SNOTTY POPULAR GIRL and her friend. SNOT Like she told you how to do everything else? The snot's friend giggles. Kat turns to look at them, eyes wide, but they don't look back. She turns back to Lara. KAT They weren't talking about ... Lara smirks. Kat goes white. Then red. KAT. You. Told. LARA I told you it was hard to stay on top. You know, all the fucking backstabbing. Kat glares at Lara. So angry she can hardly get the word out. KAT Why? Lara speaks quietly to match. LARA Why did you risk it in the first place? It's not that different. I'm not about to lose my mountain to anyone, especially not to someone I pulled out of obscurity. KAT I didn't think ... LARA No. You didn't. I as much as told you that if you fuck with me, your ass is going down in flames. I don't play nice or fair. I never said I did. And that's why I'm still on top. KAT But you destroyed me. LARA I can't have you trying to take over again, can I? With your delusions of grandeur, there's no telling how far you'd try to go. Lara steps closer to Kat, only microns between them. Leans over, whispers into Kat's ear. LARA Face it. You fucked yourself. I guess this wasn't what you really wanted. She stands straight again, looking levelly at Kat. Kat's fists clench. Lara sees it. LARA Go ahead. Take a swing. You know a fight between us means you're out on your ass. KAT I'm over anyway. LARA So you have nothing to lose. They continue to stare each other down for a few moments. We've never seen Kat so ready to kill. Any more intense and she might burst into flame. But Lara is as cool as ice. She folds her arms, raises an eyebrow. Then Kat whirls, runs for the exit. Lara watches her go. For a second, she almost looks sorry. But then it's gone, and she turns and leaves the other way. INT. KAT'S ROOM - NIGHT Kat lies on her bed, clutching her pillow. The room is dark except for a bedside lamp, but we can tell she's been crying. And she's probably not done yet. The phone rings. She glances at it. Rings again - and stops. She wipes her eyes, falls back. A knock at the door. FEMALE VOICE (O.C.) Honey? Can I come in? KAT Sure. The door opens. Kat's mom, JAN PETERS, 40, still in her office clothes, steps inside, holding a cordless phone. She closes the door behind her. JAN That's probably the tenth hangup tonight. Do you want to tell me what's going on? KAT Yeah. Before, when I was answering, it was teasing and cursing. JAN Oh my. She sits on the edge of the bed. JAN What happened? Kat opens her mouth to spill ... but can't. KAT Lara and I got in a big fight. And everyone's on her side. So now I'm the laughing stock of the school. The phone rings. They both look at it. JAN You want to take this? Kat shakes her head no. Jan presses the hook button on the phone, puts it to her ear. JAN Hello? ... Yes, she's here, but I don't think she wants to talk to anyone. ... OK, just a second. She lowers the phone, covers the mouthpiece with her hand. JAN Are you speaking to anyone? He didn't hang up, I see that as a positive sign. Kat sits up, dropping the pillow. KAT Is it Rob? JAN I don't know. That's what I would think at a time like this. KAT OK. Jan hands the phone to Kat, then stands and leaves. Kat waits for the door to close before she puts the phone to her ear. KAT Hello? JAY (O.C.) Is it true? Not Rob. Kat glares at the phone. Almost hangs up ... but puts it back to her head. KAT You asshole. Who is this? JAY (O.C.) I can't tell you my first name. KAT I don't care what name you give me - Then she realizes who it is. Slows a beat. KAT What do you want? JAY (O.C.) I just want to know if it's true. If you really wrote the note. KAT You saw it? JAY (O.C.) I tried to tell you earlier, in class. Kat closes her eyes. KAT How did you get this number? JAY (O.C.) It was on the note. KAT So now you know. This clears up a mystery. We are all that shallow. She wipes her eyes. Listens to silence for a moment. Jay finally clears his throat. JAY (O.C.) I'm sorry. Kat is incredulous. KAT Sorry for what? I deserved this, didn't I? After I completely humiliated you this week, I had this coming. Is that why you're calling me? To make me feel guilty, fish for an apology? I'm sorry, but you called at a bad time. JAY (O.C.) No, that's - KAT But if it makes you feel any better, no, I didn't like doing it. I did it anyway, and if that makes me stupid, then feel free to mock me. God knows everybody else is. JAY (O.C.) Kat, listen - KAT Look, I don't really feel like talking right now. JAY (O.C.) Wait - But Kat's already hanging up the phone. She stares at it for a moment, extended at arm's length, then lets her arm fall as she flops back down. She lies there silently for a moment. Shattered. Destroyed. All she'd ever wanted for herself in ruins. Truly a heart-rending moment. As superficial as she is you can't help but feel sorry for her. Another knock at the door, more insistent than before. ROB (O.C.) Kat? Kat glances at the door. She sits up, moves to the edge of the bed. KAT Come in. The door opens. Rob steps inside. For a moment, he stays in the doorway, just looking in. Kat gazes back, not sure what to think just yet. But Rob looks completely heartbroken, and not just because his girlfriend is a phony. He takes a tenative step inside, opens his arms. Kat hesitates for a moment, then stands and goes into them. Now her sobs really come. She buries her face in Rob's shoulder, her body wracked by loud, violent heaves. Rob holds on tight. It looks like he's got a few tears of his own coming. He's really not a bad guy after all. EXT. PARK - SAME Across the street from Kat's house. Kat and Rob are sitting together in the grass. He leans back, supporting himself on his arms. She leans back against his chest. KAT I guess I went a little too far. I mean, I knew she was the best, the number one, but I didn't really think about what could happen to me. I trusted her with my life, I really did. Rob chuckles. ROB You can't give Lara your entire life like that. She'll take it over. She's a complete power freak. If she's not in control, she flips out. KAT Yeah, I sure learned that the hard way. ROB You think it's a coincidence she dumped me right after we won state last year? Kat turns to look at Rob. KAT Really? Rob nods. ROB I was getting more attention than she was. She couldn't take it. So she put me in my place. Almost like it was a game. Kat sighs. KAT It's all a game to Lara. She's the king of the mountain, and the rest of us are just dirt clods for her to step on. ROB Yeah, but sometimes she wants to try to make something out of the dirt. I wasn't cool before she started going out with me. Now you're using me to move up in the ranks. She twists around. KAT You knew? He shrugs. ROB I figured it out earlier today. KAT Oh my God. I'm so sorry. ROB It's OK, at least I felt like it was my decision. KAT Not with her? He shakes his head. ROB I knew she was playing with me the whole time. Just trying to see how cool she was, if she could give me life, make me just as popular. And when she did - He looks off into the distance. ROB That's probably why she agreed to do it, to take you on. See if she was so good she could bring in a wannabe and make her into something. And you were. And it turned out you were a natural at her game, in fact way better than she was. KAT I was better, wasn't I? She looks up into the sky. KAT'S POV A vast star field, radiating out from the brilliance of the North Star. KAT (O.C.) That was me. For about three hours yesterday afternoon, I was the biggest and the brightest. I was the focal point. Rob looks at her. ROB Better that than never, isn't it? She looks down, rubs her eyes. KAT I'm not sure. Being that high just meant I had farther to fall. And now I'll never be able to face any of those people again, never mind talk to them. I'm a joke. Rob leans forward, puts his arms around her shoulders. She reaches up, takes his hands in hers. They sit together in silence for a moment. Then Rob breaks it. ROB Do you love yourself? She looks back at him. KAT What? ROB It's a simple question. Do you love yourself? Kat looks up at the sky for a moment. Then she rests her head on his arm. KAT No. I don't. ROB Why not? She doesn't answer right away. Chooses her words carefully. KAT Because I'm not everything that I should be. ROB What do you think that is? Kat chuckles. KAT If I knew that I probably wouldn't be crying right now. I thought I should be popular and cool. Look where that got me. ROB I felt the same way when she dumped me. It's a fall from grace. First you're always on her arm, and all of a sudden she doesn't want anything to do with you. Then all her cronies start to shy away, and you feel like you're nothing. KAT Start questioning your self-worth, think about how to hide from the teasing on Monday, stuff like that? He nods. ROB But I thought about it, long and hard, and it occurred to me that Lara's not me. And it doesn't matter what she thinks, it matters what I think. And I thought I was a pretty good guy. She glances back at him. KAT Now I know why I thought you were cocky. ROB Well, cocky's cocky. That's a completely different thing. You gotta be a little cocky if you're ever gonna make it as an athlete. But aside from that, I realized that I could just be me and people would like me. She shoves against him a little bit, annoyed. KAT Of course you - ROB Yeah, of course I can say that, I'm a big sports star, led the Fighting Trojans to victory and all that crap. But I'm not talking about all the toadies and dick-suckers out there. I'm saying self-love leads to love from others. Kat never thought of it that way. She looks back to the sky. ROB There's a couple guys on the team who only do it because of the image you get being a football player. Dave Part - KAT Dave Part was all-city first team last year - ROB Dave Part would have played the violin if it would have made him cool. He happens to be good at football, but he doesn't want to be out there. I play football because I love it, and you'll notice I get a lot more respect. KAT Dave Part never went out with Lara Mitchell, though. ROB Lara Mitchell also never told the cheerleaders that Dave had a small dick. Kat winces. KAT No way. Even Lara wouldn't stoop that low. ROB You are the last person that should be doubting me right now. It's true. She looks down. KAT OK. So you love football. Right there, that makes you cool. I'm sure that the field hockey team loves field hockey, and nobody's lining up to take them to Prom. ROB I don't care who wants to go out with me because of football. What I care about is working with the team and playing into December. If football was the bane of society, I'd still play it. It's not about pleasing others. It's about pleasing myself. KAT That sounds so selfish. ROB At least it's honest. And it's better than trying to please others so they'll do your bidding. That just leads to all the angst and frustration that the grunge bands were singing about. If we could just be true to ourselves, high school would be a lot easier. Kat looks back at Rob again. KAT Are you sure you're a football player? Rob laughs. She turns all the way around in his arms, to face him better. KAT OK, so now the million dollar question is what am I? I've been trying to be popular so long I don't know what my self is. ROB I can't answer that question. That's why it's your self. But I can tell you to do what you want, and it will help you find out who you are. She nods. They sit in silence for a long moment. Not looking at each other. Finally Rob clears his throat. Looks up at her. ROB So what about us? She looks at him. KAT What do you mean? ROB Well, I still like you, and I'm here, if you still want me. But I kinda think - She looks at the ground, ashamed. KAT No. I was using you. I mean, you're a great guy, I like you a lot, but this just feels wrong. It felt wrong before. I can't keep hurting you, knowing there's nothing more there. He nods. KAT If it helps, I'll tell everyone you dumped me when you found out I was a liar. ROB No more games. You owe yourself the truth. Kat looks at him in shock - But he's dead serious. He'll take the hit for her. ROB How about one last kiss? She nods, slowly. KAT OK. They lean forward, kiss. Again, it's warm, it's deep ... but there's obviously something missing. And now we know what that something is. They separate, smile at each other, and stand up. They cross the street hand in hand, up to Kat's front door. She turns and hugs Rob for what might be the last time. She clearly feels comfortable in his arms. Rob knows it. He doesn't want to let go. But he does, takes a step back down the front walk. ROB Are you coming to the game tomorrow? Kat shakes her head. KAT I don't think I can. ROB Yeah. OK. He nods, walks down to his car. He's about to get in when - KAT Rob! He turns back to her expectantly. But she doesn't move from the step. KAT Thanks. For everything. And I'm sorry about all this. Rob shrugs. ROB It's cool. We're still buds? KAT If that's OK. ROB Definitely. He grins, the real one, not the cheesy one. ROB (continued) See you Monday. He gets into his car, starts it, waves. Kat waves back as the car drives out of sight. Then she turns her gaze one more time to the sky. KAT True to myself. She points up. KAT'S POV Her finger traces a path from Polaris to Arcturus and back. Finally settles on a dark patch in between. Kat lets her hand drop. Nods to herself. Then goes inside. INT. MAIN HALL - MONDAY MORNING Lara walks from the cafeteria. Just as self-assured and calm as always. A few ASS-KISSERS trail just behind her. ASS-KISSER 1 She was such a bitch! How did you put up with her for so long? ASS-KISSER 2 Didn't you hear how much she was paying her? It's like half my parent's salary at least. LARA I don't know where she got it. She didn't have a job or anything. Lara smirks ... she knows where this is going to go. ASS-KISSER 2 You don't think she was fucking Rob for money, do you? ASS-KISSER 1 Oh my God, I so wouldn't put that past her. ASS-KISSER 2 Why would he do that? She's such a slut. LARA I felt sorry for her. ASS-KISSER 1 Why? She didn't deserve it, that bitch. ASS-KISSER 2 You don't need that hanging on to you. I mean, she could have dragged you down with her! Ruined you for life! ASS-KISSER 1 I wouldn't be surprised if she was still going to try something. A door-opening click. Lara looks up and suddenly stops dead, the smirk falls from her face. The ass-kissers grind to a halt too, looking at what it is. LARA'S POV Dirty white sneakers stand just inside the front door, slamming as it closes. Above it, comfortable jeans, frayed at the bottom, by no means fashionable. An untucked T-shirt, too big, a cartoon on the front. It's Kat - or should we say Kathleen - hair tied straight back, no makeup, no frills, just clean and honest. And that annoyed look on her face is finally gone. It's probably the most beautiful we've ever seen her. She takes a step toward Lara. Then another. Lara matches her, waving the ass-kissers back. Now they're face to face. But oddly enough, this is not a prelude to a fight. Lara's not angry, just very calm. Neither is Kat. She seems almost relaxed. LARA So it's over. Kat nods. LARA You're OK with that? KAT Yeah. I think I finally figured out how to do this thing my way. LARA You sound like fucking Sinatra. She smiles. Kat smiles back. KAT Thanks anyway. And I'm sorry. LARA You don't have to - The slap completely catches Lara by surprise. WHAP! Dead across the face. She reels back, hand to her cheek. Looks up at Kat in shock. Weren't they just ... Sure enough, nothing's changed in Kat's face. Still relaxed, calm ... even understanding. Then Lara remembers her threat. Kat's just finishing her game. LARA YOU FUCKING CUNT! She hurls herself at Kat. INT. HALLWAY - AFTER SCHOOL The door in front of us reads "TROJAN TRAP." Underneath, in pen, some wiseacre has written "WITH RESERVOIR TIP." As the last bell rings, it slams open, and Lara rushes out, obviously happy to finally be out of that hellhole. As other students shuffle out - with piercings, marker-covered jackets, shaved heads, tattoos - it becomes clear that Trojan Trap is in-school suspension. Kat's the last one to leave. She looks a little beaten up - after all, Lara's stronger than she is. She adjusts her backpack straps, the way she likes them, scans the hall quickly. Then she heads for daylight - the exterior door at the other end, the afternoon sun shining through an inset window. But she stops a few feet away, takes a deep breath, much the same as on her first day. Yes - this is another dramatic rebirth for Kat. She pushes the door open and heads out. EXT. WINDING SIDEWALK We hear the marching band drumline, heavy beats with a swing, as Kat makes her way down the deserted sidewalk behind the school. She unconsciously walks in time with the beat, swaying a little. The drums stop as she rounds a corner, past a wall, stepping onto - PRACTICE FIELD The Trojan Band, 200 members strong, stands in formation as Kat walks toward them. Four whistle blasts, and they're moving, playing a raucous jazz tune. Kat stops a few yards short of the front corner, watches, listens. They really are excellent, everyone in line and step, the music taking over. A line in front separates, spins away - And Jay runs forward through the space. Sets up on the number 40, where someone's placed a mic stand, and proceeds to play the hell out of his horn. Wow. Kat's blown away. She never knew a high school kid could play like that. BRAD (O.C.) He's good, isn't he? Kat turns her head. Brad's standing a step back, watching the show. He smiles at her, moves up beside her. BRAD (continued) Alvarez threw a hissy fit when the new guy took first chair. KAT Ricky Alvarez is still playing? I remember how pissed off he got when I beat him in sixth grade. BRAD Some things never change. Jay finishes his solo, pumps a fist, runs back to his place in line. BRAD (O.C.) So you made it. KAT (O.C.) Yeah, and then I promptly went down in flames. The phoenix of Mayfield High. BRAD (O.C.) It's not so bad. At least now you get to rise from your ashes. Kat glances over at Brad. KAT How come you never went for it? You know the game at least as well as Queen Lara. He shakes his head, grins. BRAD I guess I just never had the ambition for it. Too much work involved. KAT Not like getting good grades. BRAD It doesn't cost anything to study. Maybe five bucks a week for coffee. KAT But they treat those football players like gods. You could be buff. Brad gives her a look. Flexes a spindly arm. BRAD There's not much there. KAT Hence the work. Come on. You could just pass up a chance to be a football hero? BRAD Heroes bore me. I like being a nerd. It's more true to me anyway. Kat chuckles. KAT Be yourself. How come nobody told me that before I got totally humiliated? BRAD Hey, when's the last time you listened to the flute guy? Even in kindergarten you would pull out my bottom blocks and try to put them on the top. Kat laughs. The song ends. Band members run to form a rough arc in front of the drum major podium. BRAD I guess you know he likes you. Kat nods. BRAD I'm sure I'll hear about the whole thing later. KAT Or you'll make it up. Brad smiles. BRAD Close enough. With one last callback, the band breaks, heads off the field. BRAD See you later. He turns, heads for the winding sidewalk. Kat glances back, watching him for a moment. Then faces the field. Jay is walking toward her, sax in hand. She matches him, meets him at about the 20. JAY I was hoping I'd get to see you today. You weren't in English. KAT Brad didn't tell you? JAY Tell me what? Kat gestures to the spot on her face that hurts the most. JAY Shit, what happened? KAT Lara Mitchell and I had some unfinished business. JAY You mean she kicked your ass. Kat shrugs. KAT I started it. She was just stronger than I thought. But now we're reconciled. JAY Wait a second. You had to have a fight to make up for the last fight? KAT In a way. Jay shakes his head in disbelief. JAY Popular chicks. KAT Stop calling me that. I'm done with that whole scene. JAY Why'd you do it anyway? Kat looks down. KAT I just felt so empty inside. For the longest time, I thought I needed to have something more to make it feel right. I thought popularity was the only way to go. JAY You didn't see it was all just a bunch of children putting on a show? KAT Well, they've got that propaganda going for them that everyone wants to be part of it, save a few exceptions. So I worked hard at it, I tried everything to get there on my own. And when that didn't work, I used begging and pleading. You read it. Jay nods. KAT First day of school was my coming-out party. And all that was going through my head all morning was, This doesn't feel right. I tried to just ignore it, but I couldn't figure it out, not until I crashed. She puts a hand to her heart. KAT I realized I had to do what's in here to feel right. JAY In your boob? She hits him, playing this time. He dances away, then moves back. Serious again. JAY So you burned your bridges with Lara. KAT The other day, after I found out about the note, I was pissed, ready to pop her. She knew it. Told me that if I hit her our friendship was over, and with it my popularity. I didn't hit her then, I guess trying to cling to what shreds of it I had left. I figured I could sit out in the rain for a while and then get back into it. JAY You'd never be where you were, though. KAT I didn't care. I'd still be in the group. But over the weekend, I realized that the dark clouds never really leave you. And I realized that a group full of phonies jockeying for more power wasn't a group I particularly wanted to be in. JAY Took you long enough. She shoves him. KAT Tell me Alvarez hasn't challenged you for your chair yet. JAY Has that guy always been an asshole? KAT He'll never get it. You're phenomenal. JAY I aim to please. But you still didn't tell me why you took a swing. KAT I decided I wanted to be free. I didn't want to be gossip fodder for the rest of the year, the girl who bought her way in. This way it comes in intense blasts, I'm the girl who bitch-slapped Queen Lara for about a week, and then I can start over. JAY Are you always acting? KAT I learned how this summer. And I got pretty good at it. But no, not anymore. I'm just going to be myself. It's what everyone's been saying lately. JAY Sounds like good advice. She nods. KAT I thought so. Besides, I'm tired of trying to fit in. From here on, I'm just going to do what feels right. JAY And what's that? Kat leans forward and presses her lips to his. Holy shit. Jay doesn't quite know what to make of this. That's not saying he doesn't like it, but still ... After a second of no response, she pulls away. KAT Not quite ... Jay takes a moment to compose himself - clears his throat, adjusts his collar. Sets the saxophone down on the grass. JAY Well, how about this? He takes hold of her waist, pulls her close, dips her a little bit. She puts her arms around his neck, smiles up at him. KAT Looks promising. I'm not going to try to describe their kiss. It would take far too long, and frankly I don't possess the literary skills. Let's just say that it makes the ones Kat shared with Rob look like the first story I ever wrote back in second grade. Because this one, folks, is real. Nothing missing here. They finally separate, and - is that a smile on Kat's face? She sure looks happy. For real at last. They walk off the field, arms around each other. JAY You know, Kat - KAT Don't call me that. Lara insisted on it, and I never really liked it. JAY OK. Megan. Stressing the name. She pokes him in the side. KAT How about you? You still haven't told me your first name. Jay clears his throat. JAY Uh ... it's ... Rafael. KAT Rafael? Really? He nods. KAT And you don't like that? I think it's cool. JAY It sounds like a friggin' pirate or something. I don't need anyone thinking I'm going to rip off their corset. She laughs. JAY Anyway ... as I was saying - KAT If you say "This could be the start of a beautiful friendship," I'm going to have to smack you or something. JAY Oh, you think you can take me, Tyson? She shoves him away. KAT Bring it on, glass jaw! Jay sets the horn down again, drops into a boxer's stance, shuffling and feinting. When Kat laughs, he tackles her. Over her shrieking laughter - FADE OUT. THE END