Music Tech
Fade In
INT. – OUTSIDE JJ’S HOTEL ROOM – MORNING
SANDRA, mid-thirties, is standing outside the hotel room. She talks into the camera.
SANDRA
Hi. I’m Sandra Grove and today I’m here to meet up and coming indie-rock band ‘Chasing Shadows’ as they record their debut album ‘As Far As They Reach’.
SANDRA turns and knocks on the door. JJ, eighteen, opens the door.
SANDRA (continued)
Hi, there.
JJ (smiling)
Hey. We’ve been expecting you. Come on in.
JJ holds the door open. The camera follows SANDRA as she walks inside the hotel room. JJ closes the door.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S HOTEL ROOM – MORNING
JJ and SANDRA stand in the middle of the room. BENNY, seventeen, is sitting with his back against the settee. He has a guitar in his hands. APRIL and ZACK, both seventeen, are standing next to the television.
JJ
This is Benny. As you can see, he’s our guitarist.
BENNY
(puts hand up to them) Hey.
JJ
(points to APRIL) That’s my gorgeous girlfriend, April. She happens to be our bassist.
APRIL
Hi.
JJ
And last but not least, we have Zack. (pauses) What do
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you do again?
ZACK (sighing)
Hilarious, JJ.
BENNY
He’s our drummer.
JJ
(turns to face the camera) He’s a bit shy.
Cut to
INT. – RECORDING STUDIO – MORNING
JJ is standing in the middle of the room, singing into a microphone. He has a seat of headphones on. He finishes singing the song, then he removes the headphones and faces the camera.
JJ
I think my voice sounded dodgy towards the end there.
Cut to
INT. – HOTEL CAFÉ – MORNING
JJ and SANDRA are sitting at a table together, with SANDRA conducting an interview with JJ.
SANDRA
You’ve all known each other a very long time. What made you decide to form a band?
JJ
Well we’ve always shared a love of music. I love writing songs and performing. One day, we thought we’d give it a shot. Look at us now.
Cut to
INT. – RECORDING STUDIO – MORNING
BENNY is standing in the middle of the room, playing the guitar to the song that JJ was previously singing. He has a set of headphones on.
Cut to
INT. – HOTEL CAFÉ – MORNING
BENNY and SANDRA are sitting at a table together, with SANDRA conducting an interview with BENNY.
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SANDRA
What’s it like playing at gigs? And what is the largest crowd you’ve ever played to?
BENNY
Gigs are amazing. I love them. I think it’s a great feeling knowing that the people in the crowd are there to see you. They’re our amazing fans. The largest crowd we’ve ever played to was about a thousand people. Normally, we get around six hundred, which is a decent sized crowd. We’ve got another gig in a few days, which’ll be good.
Cut to
INT. – RECORDING STUDIO – AFTERNOON
APRIL is standing in the middle of the room, playing the bass to the song that JJ had sung to previously. She has a set of headphones on.
Cut to
INT. – HOTEL CAFÉ – AFTERNOON
APRIL and SANDRA are sitting at a table together, with SANDRA conducting an interview with APRIL.
SANDRA
You’ve been on tour quite a lot these past few months. Do you find yourself missing the people back home?
APRIL
Touring is quite hectic. You don’t get a lot of time to yourself to think about that really. I miss my family, but I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do and for that, I am happy.
Cut to
INT. – RECORDING STUDIO – AFTERNOON
ZACK is sitting in the middle of the room, playing the drums to the song that JJ previously sung. He has a set of headphones on, with a pair of drumsticks in his hands.
Cut to
INT. – HOTEL CAFÉ – AFTERNOON
ZACK and SANDRA are sitting at a table together, with SANDRA conducting an interview with ZACK.
Page 3
SANDRA
You’ve all got squeaky clean reputations. There must be something you’ve done that you’re not telling us.
ZACK
(smiles) No. There’s nothing secret about us. We just like to have a laugh and make good music…
Opening Titles
Cut to
EXT – FRONT OF COLLEGE – MORNING
Students are walking towards the main entrance, whilst others are locking up their bikes in the bike shed. JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are walking towards the main entrance. JJ is holding APRIL’S hand. They pass a group of girls, who scream in excitement. JJ puts his hand up to them.
BENNY
(faces JJ) Why do you get all the attention?
JJ
Because I’m amazing.
They walk inside the building. FREDDIE, seventeen, comes onto the grounds. He has his rucksack on his back. He stops and looks at the main entrance. He takes a deep breath, then walks towards it. School bell rings.
Cut to
INT. - MR SMITH’S CLASSROOM - MORNING
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are sitting at computers, along with three students. There is a spare computer next to JJ. Headphones are connected to each of the computers. MR SMITH, late thirties, is standing at the front of the class with FREDDIE, who is standing nervously.
MR SMITH
All right, everyone. I’d like to introduce you to Freddie.
FREDDIE puts his hand up to them.
MR SMITH (continued)
He shall be joining us from now on. Please be kind to him and treat him with the respect that he deserves. (faces
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FREDDIE) You may sit down.
FREDDIE walks across the room and he sits next to JJ, who nods to him.
FREDDIE (whispering)
Hey.
MR SMITH
I have taken some of the thriller opening sequences made by the Media studies students and stripped the sound off them. I want you all to try and compose your own soundtrack for them. Work your magic, people.
They all switch the computer monitors on and put on the headphones. They load up the correct software and begin composing the soundtracks. JJ watches FREDDIE as he begins work on his own.
JJ
Some decent work you’ve got going on there.
FREDDIE
(removes the headphones) Sorry?
JJ
I was just saying that you’ve got some pretty decent work going on there.
FREDDIE (smiling)
Thanks.
JJ
You’re Freddie, right?
FREDDIE nods.
JJ (continued)
I’m JJ.
FREDDIE
You look familiar. You’re the lead singer of Chasing Shadows.
JJ
That’s me.
FREDDIE
You’re playing a gig tonight, aren’t you?
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JJ
Yeah. Just down the road. Sold about five hundred tickets so far. (brings out a ticket) Take this.
FREDDIE takes hold of the ticket.
FREDDIE
Aw, dude are you sure? I can pay if you want?
JJ
Nah, it’s cool. Think of it as a gesture of good will.
Cut to
INT. - COLLEGE CANTEEN - MORNING
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are sitting at a table, talking to each other. There is a spare seat at the table. JULIAN and CHRISSIE, both seventeen, are standing close to JJ’S table. JULIAN rubs CHRISSIE’S arm.
FREDDIE walks to a vending machine. He puts some money inside it and makes a selection. A can of coke comes out of it. FREDDIE picks up the can, opens it and takes a sip. JJ looks across to FREDDIE.
JJ (loudly)
Freddie! Over here!
FREDDIE turns around. He sees JJ sitting at the table with BENNY, APRIL and ZACK, and walks over to them.
JJ (continued)
Freddie, my man. Take a seat.
FREDDIE
(sits at the table) Cheers.
JJ
Freddie, I’d like you to meet Benny, April and Zack.
FREDDIE
Hi. (takes a sip of drink) Great fan of the music.
JJ smiles.
APRIL
So, what made you come here?
FREDDIE
I have no idea actually. My Mum said we were moving, so
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here I am.
ZACK
That’s a little weird.
BENNY (nods in agreement)
Yeah.
They hear the noise of CHRISSIE slapping JULIAN across the face. The room falls silent, and all the students turn to face them.
CHRISSIE (angrily)
What is your fucking problem?! Keep your hands to yourself, yeah?
JULIAN
Calm down. I was only joking.
CHRISSIE
Prick.
CHRISSIE storms off. The room fills with chatter again. FREDDIE takes another sip of drink. He becomes aware that
JJ is glaring at JULIAN. APRIL looks across to BENNY and he nods.
BENNY
(faces FREDDIE)I’ll show you around.
FREDDIE and BENNY get to their feet.
FREDDIE
It was nice meeting you.
APRIL
And you.
FREDDIE puts his rucksack on his back, then he walks away with BENNY. JJ faces APRIL. She realizes his intention.
Cut to
INT. - COLLEGE CORRIDOR - MORNING
FREDDIE and BENNY are walking slowly down the corridor. FREDDIE has his hands inside his trouser pockets.
FREDDIE
Why’d JJ go funny back there?
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BENNY
He hates people like that. There’s nothing to worry about. He’ll be fine soon.
FREDDIE
Do you know the girl?
BENNY
Her name’s Chrissie. We’re in the same Drama group. Her biggest problem is that she never knows when to shut up.
Cut to
INT. – COLLEGE LIBRARY - MORNING
JJ and APRIL are standing in an empty aisle, quietly talking to each other. APRIL has a textbook in her hands.
APRIL (whispering)
You can’t honestly expect me to do this, JJ.
JJ
Oh, come on. You know I wouldn’t ask you to get involved if I didn’t think there was another way. (pauses) He can’t get away with treating people like this.
APRIL (sighs)
All right. I’ll do it.
JJ
Thanks, babe. I love you.
JJ leans forward and kisses APRIL on the lips. She responds. JJ pulls away.
JJ (continued)
I’m not expected back in lesson for a few minutes yet. Wanna have some fun?
APRIL smiles. She puts the textbook on a shelf. She walks towards the door. JJ smiles as he walks after her.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE THE BOYS TOILETS – AFTERNOON
FREDDIE is standing with his back against the wall, listening to music on his iPod. He is waiting for BENNY to finish in the toilet. BECKY, seventeen, walks down the corridor. She smiles at FREDDIE as she passes him. BENNY comes out from the toilet. FREDDIE takes the headphones
Saturday, 6 March 2010
7
out of his ears.
FREDDIE
What took you so long?
They walk down the corridor.
BENNY
I had a curry last night. Completely destroyed my bowel.
FREDDIE
Nice.
BENNY
You wanted to know.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE THE HALL – AFTERNOON
JULIAN is standing with his back against the wall. He has his phone in his hands, which is playing music. APRIL walks towards him. He wolf whistles at her.
APRIL
Julian.
JULIAN
Hey, babe. I can’t help but notice that fine arse of yours.
JULIAN spanks APRIL. She moves his hand away from her bottom.
APRIL
There’s a time and a place for that.
JULIAN (flirting)
Oh, yeah? When’s that?
APRIL
I’m free tonight. (moves closer to him) I’ll call you when I’m free.
APRIL kisses JULIAN on the cheek, then she turns and walks away. JULIAN smiles to himself.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – AFTERNOON
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The front door opens and FREDDIE walks inside the house. He closes the door behind himself. ALISON, early forties, comes out from the kitchen. She walks towards him.
ALISON
How was it?
FREDDIE
It was cool. (pauses) Where’s Dad?
ALISON
At work. They asked him to work extra hours.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S KITCHEN – EVENING
FREDDIE, RICKY and ALISON are sitting at the table, quietly eating their dinner. ALISON sighs.
RICKY
(turns to face her) What’s up with you?
ALISON
It’s just not working, is it? The move. Us. Everything.
RICKY
The move was your idea. I was perfectly happy where we were.
ALISON
It seemed like the right thing to do at the time, okay?
FREDDIE
Guys, can you stop it?
RICKY and ALISON argue over the top of FREDDIE.
RICKY (shouting)
We wouldn’t have needed to move in the first place if you didn’t sleep with my fucking boss!
FREDDIE
Hello.
ALISON
It’s not my fault you never showed me any affection. He showed me what it was like to have someone care for me.
FREDDIE
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Are you guys listening?
.
RICKY
Affection?! He didn’t give a flying toss about you! You were just his shag doll. Fucking women is his hobby.
FREDDIE sighs. He gets to his feet and he walks out of the room. They can hear the noise of the front door opening and closing as FREDDIE leaves the house.
ALISON (sighing)
Great. Now look what you’ve done.
RICKY
How was it my fault?! You’re the one who won’t stop going on about it.
Cut to
INT. – AUDITORIUM – EVENING
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are on the stage, playing a song. ZACK is drumming, APRIL is playing bass, BENNY is playing guitar and JJ is singing. Flashing lights brighten up the stage. There are hundreds of teens around the stage, dancing. FREDDIE walks inside the room. The song ends. The crowd cheers.
JJ (excitedly)
Cheers, guys!
JJ spots FREDDIE standing in the crowd. He nods to him. FREDDIE puts his thumb up to him.
Cut to
EXT. – ALLEY – NIGHT
APRIL and JULIAN are walking down the alley, laughing and joking with each other. JULIAN has his arm around APRIL’S shoulders. They stop walking. JULIAN smiles at APRIL, then kisses her on the lips. She responds. She pulls away from him.
APRIL (smiling)
Cheeky.
JULIAN goes to kiss APRIL again, but she moves out of the way.
JULIAN
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What’s wrong?
APRIL
We should slow down. The night’s still young.
JULIAN
(shakes his head) You’re all the same. You flirt to get our attention and then play hard to get. You’re not doing it to me.
JULIAN forces himself onto APRIL. He kisses her on the neck.
APRIL
What are you doing?
JULIAN
Hold still.
JULIAN unzips his trousers. APRIL kicks him in the crotch. He groans and drops to his knees. APRIL runs away. JULIAN gets to his feet and runs after her. He grabs hold of APRIL and pushes her against the wall. She screams.
JULIAN
Think you could get away from me, eh?
APRIL (struggling)
Get off me!
JULIAN
You’ll thank me for this.
JULIAN lowers APRIL’S trousers. He is unaware that JJ, BENNY and ZACK are standing at the end of the alley. JJ has a baseball bat in his hands.
JJ
Interrupting something, are we?
JULIAN quickly turns to face them. APRIL pulls up her trousers. JJ walks towards JULIAN.
JULIAN
What the fuck are you doing here?
JJ
The question is, what were you doing with my girlfriend?
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It sure didn’t look like you were being friendly.
JULIAN (nervously)
Look, mate. It’s not what it seems.
JJ
Mate? I’m not your fucking mate.
APRIL picks up a brick from off the floor. She hits JULIAN round the back of the head with it. He stumbles forward. JJ hits JULIAN in the face with the baseball bat. He drops to his knees.
APRIL throws the brick down and stands with BENNY and ZACK. BENNY puts his arm around her waist. JJ hits JULIAN in the stomach with the baseball bat. He screams from the agony.
JJ
You still wish you treated girls badly, do ya?
JULIAN cries.
JJ (shouting)
Are you listening?!
JJ hits JULIAN in the stomach with the baseball bat again. He groans. JJ hits him for the third time. JULIAN falls onto his back.
JULIAN (tearfully)
No! No, I don’t. Please. Don’t hurt me.
JJ
(turns to face BENNY) Bring the brick.
BENNY
Okay.
BENNY picks up the brick. JULIAN slowly crawls away. JJ walks after him.
JJ
Where do you think you’re going?
JJ hits JULIAN in the back with the baseball bat. He screams. JJ then turns to face ZACK. He nods to him. ZACK runs over to JULIAN and he jumps on his back. JULIAN screams out in pain. He kicks JULIAN in the face,
breaking his nose. He continuously kicks JULIAN. He is in
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a bloody mess.
BENNY
JJ, stop this.
JJ stands with ZACK. He holds the baseball bat out to him and he grabs hold of it. ZACK hits JULIAN in the back with it.
JJ
Let’s go.
They quickly run away, leaving JULIAN alone on the floor.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
FREDDIE is laying on the bed, playing a game on his PSP. A bedside lamp is on. There is a knock on the door. RICKY steps inside the room. He closes the door behind himself. FREDDIE pauses the game.
FREDDIE
Hey, Dad.
RICKY
I’m sorry you had to hear that earlier. Your Mum and I were out of order. (pauses) It’s just we’re going through a rough patch at the moment. Things will get better. I promise.
FREDDIE
It’s okay.
RICKY sits on the edge of the bed.
RICKY
How about I take you out for the day on Saturday? Just the two of us. We can go in town if you like.
FREDDIE
Yeah. Sounds cool.
RICKY
I better leave you to it. (gets to his feet) I’m downstairs if you want me.
FREDDIE
Bye, Dad.
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RICKY walks out of the room and he closes the door behind himself. FREDDIE sighs.
Cut to
EXT. – WOODS – NIGHT
A small fire has been lit. BENNY and APRIL are sitting around it. BENNY has his arm around APRIL’S shoulders. APRIL wipes tears away from her eyes. JJ and ZACK are standing the opposite end of the fire to BENNY and APRIL. They each have a can of beer in their hands, which they are drinking from.
ZACK
I got some of his blood on my trainers. Gonna cost me sixty quid to get a new pair.
BENNY
(gets to his feet and walks to ZACK) All what’s happened and you care about your trainers?
JJ
Benny.
BENNY
No! April almost got hurt tonight and you’re treating it like a joke.
ZACK grabs hold of BENNY and he pins him against a tree.
ZACK
Speak to me like that again…
BENNY
Or what? You’ll do the same to me?
ZACK lets go of BENNY, who straightens himself out. JJ sits next to APRIL. She rests her head against his arm.
JJ (softly)
I’m sorry. I didn’t think this through. (pauses) I love you. You know that, right?
APRIL nods. She wipes the tears away from her eyes. Fade to black.
Cut to
INT. – COLLEGE CANTEEN – MORNING
Page 15
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are sitting quietly around a table. APRIL has a scratch on her forehead from the previous night. FREDDIE sits at the table.
FREDDIE
Great performance last night, guys.
BENNY (casually)
Any favorites?
FREDDIE
Well the guitarist was pretty awesome. (notices APRIL’S scratch) What happened to you?
APRIL
Had a fall on my way home last night. It’s nothing to worry about.
JJ
Freddie, do you play an instrument?
FREDDIE
I play the guitar from time to time. I’m not in a band or anything like that.
JJ
We’ve booked the hall at the end of the day for band practice. You should come along and show us what you’ve got.
FREDDIE
(smiles) Awesome. I might just do that.
ZACK (muttering)
Jesus Christ.
ZACK gets to his feet and he walks across the room. FREDDIE gets to his feet and hurries after him.
FREDDIE
Hey, Zack.
ZACK stops and turns to face him.
FREDDIE (continued)
I don’t know what I’ve done, but I get the feeling you don’t like me. But if you let me get to know you better…
ZACK
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You’re right.
FREDDIE (smiling)
Great!
ZACK
I don’t like you. I don’t wanna be your friend so why don’t you fuck off to where you came from?
ZACK turns and walks out of the room, leaving FREDDIE standing on his own. BENNY stands next to him.
BENNY
Don’t worry about him. He’ll come around.
FREDDIE
Yeah.
Cut to
INT. – COLLEGE COMPUTER ROOM – MORNING
FREDDIE is sitting at a computer on his own. He is browsing across the website for the Chasing Shadows band. He looks at a photo of JJ. He is unaware that BECKY is standing next to him.
BECKY
You’re not gonna find out much about them from there. You’re better off asking them in person.
FREDDIE quickly clicks off the website.
FREDDIE
(turns to face her) I was just checking out what tracks they had.
BECKY sits next to him.
BECKY
They used to have a fifth band member, but he left a while ago.
FREDDIE
Why did he quit?
BECKY
Dunno. He just left. It was like he’d never been a part of the band. They never talk about him. (pauses) I’m Becky.
FREDDIE
What took you so long?
They walk down the corridor.
BENNY
I had a curry last night. Completely destroyed my bowel.
FREDDIE
Nice.
BENNY
You wanted to know.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE THE HALL – AFTERNOON
JULIAN is standing with his back against the wall. He has his phone in his hands, which is playing music. APRIL walks towards him. He wolf whistles at her.
APRIL
Julian.
JULIAN
Hey, babe. I can’t help but notice that fine arse of yours.
JULIAN spanks APRIL. She moves his hand away from her bottom.
APRIL
There’s a time and a place for that.
JULIAN (flirting)
Oh, yeah? When’s that?
APRIL
I’m free tonight. (moves closer to him) I’ll call you when I’m free.
APRIL kisses JULIAN on the cheek, then she turns and walks away. JULIAN smiles to himself.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – AFTERNOON
Page 9
The front door opens and FREDDIE walks inside the house. He closes the door behind himself. ALISON, early forties, comes out from the kitchen. She walks towards him.
ALISON
How was it?
FREDDIE
It was cool. (pauses) Where’s Dad?
ALISON
At work. They asked him to work extra hours.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S KITCHEN – EVENING
FREDDIE, RICKY and ALISON are sitting at the table, quietly eating their dinner. ALISON sighs.
RICKY
(turns to face her) What’s up with you?
ALISON
It’s just not working, is it? The move. Us. Everything.
RICKY
The move was your idea. I was perfectly happy where we were.
ALISON
It seemed like the right thing to do at the time, okay?
FREDDIE
Guys, can you stop it?
RICKY and ALISON argue over the top of FREDDIE.
RICKY (shouting)
We wouldn’t have needed to move in the first place if you didn’t sleep with my fucking boss!
FREDDIE
Hello.
ALISON
It’s not my fault you never showed me any affection. He showed me what it was like to have someone care for me.
FREDDIE
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Are you guys listening?
.
RICKY
Affection?! He didn’t give a flying toss about you! You were just his shag doll. Fucking women is his hobby.
FREDDIE sighs. He gets to his feet and he walks out of the room. They can hear the noise of the front door opening and closing as FREDDIE leaves the house.
ALISON (sighing)
Great. Now look what you’ve done.
RICKY
How was it my fault?! You’re the one who won’t stop going on about it.
Cut to
INT. – AUDITORIUM – EVENING
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are on the stage, playing a song. ZACK is drumming, APRIL is playing bass, BENNY is playing guitar and JJ is singing. Flashing lights brighten up the stage. There are hundreds of teens around the stage, dancing. FREDDIE walks inside the room. The song ends. The crowd cheers.
JJ (excitedly)
Cheers, guys!
JJ spots FREDDIE standing in the crowd. He nods to him. FREDDIE puts his thumb up to him.
Cut to
EXT. – ALLEY – NIGHT
APRIL and JULIAN are walking down the alley, laughing and joking with each other. JULIAN has his arm around APRIL’S shoulders. They stop walking. JULIAN smiles at APRIL, then kisses her on the lips. She responds. She pulls away from him.
APRIL (smiling)
Cheeky.
JULIAN goes to kiss APRIL again, but she moves out of the way.
JULIAN
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What’s wrong?
APRIL
We should slow down. The night’s still young.
JULIAN
(shakes his head) You’re all the same. You flirt to get our attention and then play hard to get. You’re not doing it to me.
JULIAN forces himself onto APRIL. He kisses her on the neck.
APRIL
What are you doing?
JULIAN
Hold still.
JULIAN unzips his trousers. APRIL kicks him in the crotch. He groans and drops to his knees. APRIL runs away. JULIAN gets to his feet and runs after her. He grabs hold of APRIL and pushes her against the wall. She screams.
JULIAN
Think you could get away from me, eh?
APRIL (struggling)
Get off me!
JULIAN
You’ll thank me for this.
JULIAN lowers APRIL’S trousers. He is unaware that JJ, BENNY and ZACK are standing at the end of the alley. JJ has a baseball bat in his hands.
JJ
Interrupting something, are we?
JULIAN quickly turns to face them. APRIL pulls up her trousers. JJ walks towards JULIAN.
JULIAN
What the fuck are you doing here?
JJ
The question is, what were you doing with my girlfriend?
Page 12
It sure didn’t look like you were being friendly.
JULIAN (nervously)
Look, mate. It’s not what it seems.
JJ
Mate? I’m not your fucking mate.
APRIL picks up a brick from off the floor. She hits JULIAN round the back of the head with it. He stumbles forward. JJ hits JULIAN in the face with the baseball bat. He drops to his knees.
APRIL throws the brick down and stands with BENNY and ZACK. BENNY puts his arm around her waist. JJ hits JULIAN in the stomach with the baseball bat. He screams from the agony.
JJ
You still wish you treated girls badly, do ya?
JULIAN cries.
JJ (shouting)
Are you listening?!
JJ hits JULIAN in the stomach with the baseball bat again. He groans. JJ hits him for the third time. JULIAN falls onto his back.
JULIAN (tearfully)
No! No, I don’t. Please. Don’t hurt me.
JJ
(turns to face BENNY) Bring the brick.
BENNY
Okay.
BENNY picks up the brick. JULIAN slowly crawls away. JJ walks after him.
JJ
Where do you think you’re going?
JJ hits JULIAN in the back with the baseball bat. He screams. JJ then turns to face ZACK. He nods to him. ZACK runs over to JULIAN and he jumps on his back. JULIAN screams out in pain. He kicks JULIAN in the face,
breaking his nose. He continuously kicks JULIAN. He is in
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a bloody mess.
BENNY
JJ, stop this.
JJ stands with ZACK. He holds the baseball bat out to him and he grabs hold of it. ZACK hits JULIAN in the back with it.
JJ
Let’s go.
They quickly run away, leaving JULIAN alone on the floor.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
FREDDIE is laying on the bed, playing a game on his PSP. A bedside lamp is on. There is a knock on the door. RICKY steps inside the room. He closes the door behind himself. FREDDIE pauses the game.
FREDDIE
Hey, Dad.
RICKY
I’m sorry you had to hear that earlier. Your Mum and I were out of order. (pauses) It’s just we’re going through a rough patch at the moment. Things will get better. I promise.
FREDDIE
It’s okay.
RICKY sits on the edge of the bed.
RICKY
How about I take you out for the day on Saturday? Just the two of us. We can go in town if you like.
FREDDIE
Yeah. Sounds cool.
RICKY
I better leave you to it. (gets to his feet) I’m downstairs if you want me.
FREDDIE
Bye, Dad.
Page 14
RICKY walks out of the room and he closes the door behind himself. FREDDIE sighs.
Cut to
EXT. – WOODS – NIGHT
A small fire has been lit. BENNY and APRIL are sitting around it. BENNY has his arm around APRIL’S shoulders. APRIL wipes tears away from her eyes. JJ and ZACK are standing the opposite end of the fire to BENNY and APRIL. They each have a can of beer in their hands, which they are drinking from.
ZACK
I got some of his blood on my trainers. Gonna cost me sixty quid to get a new pair.
BENNY
(gets to his feet and walks to ZACK) All what’s happened and you care about your trainers?
JJ
Benny.
BENNY
No! April almost got hurt tonight and you’re treating it like a joke.
ZACK grabs hold of BENNY and he pins him against a tree.
ZACK
Speak to me like that again…
BENNY
Or what? You’ll do the same to me?
ZACK lets go of BENNY, who straightens himself out. JJ sits next to APRIL. She rests her head against his arm.
JJ (softly)
I’m sorry. I didn’t think this through. (pauses) I love you. You know that, right?
APRIL nods. She wipes the tears away from her eyes. Fade to black.
Cut to
INT. – COLLEGE CANTEEN – MORNING
Page 15
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are sitting quietly around a table. APRIL has a scratch on her forehead from the previous night. FREDDIE sits at the table.
FREDDIE
Great performance last night, guys.
BENNY (casually)
Any favorites?
FREDDIE
Well the guitarist was pretty awesome. (notices APRIL’S scratch) What happened to you?
APRIL
Had a fall on my way home last night. It’s nothing to worry about.
JJ
Freddie, do you play an instrument?
FREDDIE
I play the guitar from time to time. I’m not in a band or anything like that.
JJ
We’ve booked the hall at the end of the day for band practice. You should come along and show us what you’ve got.
FREDDIE
(smiles) Awesome. I might just do that.
ZACK (muttering)
Jesus Christ.
ZACK gets to his feet and he walks across the room. FREDDIE gets to his feet and hurries after him.
FREDDIE
Hey, Zack.
ZACK stops and turns to face him.
FREDDIE (continued)
I don’t know what I’ve done, but I get the feeling you don’t like me. But if you let me get to know you better…
ZACK
Page 16
You’re right.
FREDDIE (smiling)
Great!
ZACK
I don’t like you. I don’t wanna be your friend so why don’t you fuck off to where you came from?
ZACK turns and walks out of the room, leaving FREDDIE standing on his own. BENNY stands next to him.
BENNY
Don’t worry about him. He’ll come around.
FREDDIE
Yeah.
Cut to
INT. – COLLEGE COMPUTER ROOM – MORNING
FREDDIE is sitting at a computer on his own. He is browsing across the website for the Chasing Shadows band. He looks at a photo of JJ. He is unaware that BECKY is standing next to him.
BECKY
You’re not gonna find out much about them from there. You’re better off asking them in person.
FREDDIE quickly clicks off the website.
FREDDIE
(turns to face her) I was just checking out what tracks they had.
BECKY sits next to him.
BECKY
They used to have a fifth band member, but he left a while ago.
FREDDIE
Why did he quit?
BECKY
Dunno. He just left. It was like he’d never been a part of the band. They never talk about him. (pauses) I’m Becky.
6
FREDDIE
Freddie.
BECKY
I saw you yesterday. You were hanging outside the toilets.
FREDDIE
Yeah. I was waiting for a friend. I remember seeing you.
BECKY
JJ’s having a party this weekend. If you get invited, I’ll see you there. (gets to her feet) Was nice speaking to you.
FREDDIE watches BECKY as she walks out of the room. She passes BENNY, who walks inside the room. He walks towards FREDDIE.
BENNY
There you are. I couldn’t find you. (pauses) Is everything all right?
FREDDIE
You had a fifth band member. Why don’t you ever talk about him?
BENNY
It’s not my place to say.
FREDDIE
What’s wrong about saying why he left?
BENNY
(leans forward) Don’t you dare mention this in front of the others.
FREDDIE
Why?
BENNY
It’s for your own good.
Cut to
INT. – MR SMITH’S CLASSROOM – MORNING
FREDDIE, JJ, BENNY, APRIL, ZACK and the students are sitting around their computers, composing their soundtracks for the thriller openings. They each have a
Page 18
set of headphones on. MR SMITH is sitting at his desk, typing something into his laptop. JJ places a folded piece of party in front of FREDDIE. FREDDIE opens it and sees the word ‘Party’ written on it. He takes the headphones off, along with JJ.
FREDDIE (whispering)
When is it?
JJ
Saturday. Seven o’clock.
MR SMITH lowers his laptop lid.
MR SMITH
That’s all we’ve got time for today, folks. We’ll pick this up at the start of next week. (pauses) Freddie, do you mind if I have a word?
FREDDIE
Sure.
All the students switch the computer monitors off and leave the room. FREDDIE gets to his feet and stands by MR SMITH’S desk.
MR SMITH
I listened to your rough cut and I have to say it’s very good. Much better than the standard we were expecting. Do you come from a musical background?
FREDDIE
I’ve played instruments in the past, but nothing else.
MR SMITH
It’s interesting. (pauses) There is a presentation evening next Thursday. Some top education ministers will be present. We were hoping for some students to showcase some of their work. I’d love for you to be there.
FREDDIE (surprised)
I’m not sure what to say.
MR SMITH
Yes seems the appropriate answer here. But if you can’t make it, other arrangements can be made.
FREDDIE
No. I’ll be there.
Page 19
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE MR SMITH’S CLASSROOM – AFTERNOON
ZACK is standing with his back against the wall. He waits for FREDDIE to leave the classroom. He grabs hold of FREDDIE and pushes him against the wall.
FREDDIE
Whoa, Zack.
ZACK
Stay the fuck away or you’ll regret it.
ZACK lets go of FREDDIE. FREDDIE watches ZACK as he walks away.
Cut to
INT. – HALL – AFTERNOON
ZACK is sitting at a drum kit, which is on the stage. He has a pair of drumsticks in his hands. BENNY and APRIL are standing in front of him. BENNY has his guitar strapped around his shoulders and APRIL has hold of the bass. JJ is sitting with a microphone in his hands.
BENNY
I checked with Chrissie to make sure that she could come to the party. She’s visiting her grandparents during the day and won’t be back until the early evening. She says she has to get ready and won’t be there until about ten.
JJ
That’ll be better for us. (faces APRIL) Sound good enough for you?
APRIL
Yeah.
JJ
(turns back to face BENNY)Good work, Benny.
BENNY
I wouldn’t advise doing it until late. About midnight. Most people will be out of it by then. (pauses) I don’t understand what she’s done wrong.
ZACK
She’s a bitch who can’t keep her mouth shut.
Page 20
JJ
You’ve done your bit, now leave it.
FREDDIE suddenly bursts inside the room. They all turn to face him.
FREDDIE
Sorry, I’m late. One of the performances overran in Drama. (walks onto the stage) What did I miss?
JJ
We were waiting for you.
FREDDIE walks over to BENNY.
FREDDIE
Do you mind if I have a go?
BENNY
Sure.
BENNY un-straps the guitar and hands it to FREDDIE, who straps it around his shoulders.
FREDDIE
It’s been a while since I last played.
FREDDIE plays the guitar. APRIL and ZACK recognize the song as their own and play their instruments. JJ gets to his feet and sings the song. BENNY stands on the edge of the stage, watching them. They finish a moment later. BENNY claps at them. FREDDIE takes off the guitar and hands it back to BENNY.
BENNY
Cheers.
JJ
Not bad. Not bad. Glad you learnt one of our songs.
FREDDIE
Had to play something you’d recognize. (pauses) I used to be in a band about a year ago. We had our own Myspace page and played at a few gigs. The other band members lost interest in it so it fell apart. (pauses) I have some songs at home if you’re interested in using them.
JJ
Yeah. That’ll be cool. Thanks, mate.
Page 21
FREDDIE
I’ll bring them to the party if you want.
ZACK
(gets to his feet) You invited him to the party?
JJ
Yeah.
ZACK
You have got to be kidding me.
ZACK gets down from the stage and storms out of the room. He slams the door shut.
JJ
I’ll have a word with him.
JJ also gets down from the stage. He walks out of the room and quietly closes the door behind himself. Silence.
FREDDIE
What did I do?
APRIL
Nothing.
APRIL looks to BENNY for reassurance.
BENNY
(nods in agreement) Yeah, of course.
FREDDIE smiles awkwardly.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE THE HALL – AFTERNOON
ZACK, outraged, is pacing up and down the room. JJ is standing with his back against the wall, watching him.
ZACK
He’s getting too close to us, JJ. I don’t like it. What if he finds out? He can ruin everything.
JJ
It won’t get that far.
ZACK
(faces JJ) How do you know? He’s only been here a few
Page 22
days and he’s a part of us. How much longer do you think it’ll be before he does find out?
JJ
If he finds out, I’ll take care of him, okay? (pauses) Have faith in me.
Cut to
EXT. – SHOPPING CENTRE CAR PARK – MORNING
FREDDIE and RICKY climb out of RICKY’S car, which is parked next to the ticket paying machine. RICKY locks the car and walks with FREDDIE towards the entrance of the shopping centre.
RICKY
I’ve been given strict instructions by your Mother not to spend too much today. If my spending gets too excessive, you have to stop me.
FREDDIE
Shouldn’t she be more worried about me?
RICKY
You’re not the one who got a parking ticket last time.
Cut to
INT. – CLOTHES SHOP – MORNING
FREDDIE and RICKY walk inside the shop. They browse through the clothing. FREDDIE looks across to a sunglass rack. He picks up a pair of sunglasses and tries it on.
FREDDIE
(turns to face RICKY) How do I look?
RICKY
Smashing. We need a photo of that.
RICKY brings out his phone. He loads up the camera and takes a photo of FREDDIE wearing the sunglasses.
FREDDIE
Your turn.
FREDDIE takes off the sunglasses and hands them to RICKY, who puts them on. FREDDIE takes hold of RICKY’S phone. He takes a photo of RICKY wearing the sunglasses.
Page 23
FREDDIE (continued)
Those’ll be on Facebook later.
Cut to
INT. – FAST FOOD RESTAURANT – AFTERNOON
FREDDIE and RICKY are sitting at a table, eating a burger. They have a portion of chips and a drink in front of them. They have a few bags of shopping on the floor next to them.
RICKY
How many of you are going to this party tonight?
FREDDIE
A few of us I think. I’m not too sure. I don’t want it to be too crowded.
RICKY
I take it there will be alcohol there.
FREDDIE
Some. JJ said we have to bring our own.
RICKY
I’ll pick some up for you on the way to the party. But don’t tell your Mum.
FREDDIE (smiling)
Cheers.
RICKY (reluctantly)
Are there any girls going? (pauses) Girls that you like?
FREDDIE
One. I’ve only spoken to her a few times. Her name’s Becky.
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE JJ’S HOUSE – EVENING
RICKY’S car pulls up outside the house. FREDDIE climbs out of the car with a bag with several cans of alcohol in his hands. He turns to face RICKY.
FREDDIE
Cya, Dad.
FREDDIE closes the car door. RICKY drives away. FREDDIE
Page 24
turns and looks at the house. He hears music playing loudly inside the house. He takes a deep breath, then walks across the front garden. He knocks on the door. JJ opens the door. He has a can of beer in his hands.
JJ (loudly)
Freddie! It’s good to see you, man.
FREDDIE
Hey.
JJ
Come in.
JJ holds the door open for him.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S HALLWAY – EVENING
FREDDIE walks inside the house. JJ closes the door. Drunken teens are making out in the hallway.
FREDDIE
I brought some booze.
JJ
Ah. Cheers, bud. I’ll go stick ‘em in the kitchen.
FREDDIE keeps a can of beer for himself. He hands the bag to JJ, who walks across the hallway, towards the kitchen. FREDDIE opens the can and takes a sip of it.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S LIVING ROOM – EVENING
Music is playing loudly inside the room. Drunken teens are talking amongst their selves, whilst others are kissing on the settee. FREDDIE walks inside the room. He has the can of beer in his hands. He looks at everyone and sees BECKY standing on her own. He makes his way across the room. She spots him.
BECKY (smiling)
Hey!
FREDDIE
Are you okay?
BECKY
Freddie.
BECKY
I saw you yesterday. You were hanging outside the toilets.
FREDDIE
Yeah. I was waiting for a friend. I remember seeing you.
BECKY
JJ’s having a party this weekend. If you get invited, I’ll see you there. (gets to her feet) Was nice speaking to you.
FREDDIE watches BECKY as she walks out of the room. She passes BENNY, who walks inside the room. He walks towards FREDDIE.
BENNY
There you are. I couldn’t find you. (pauses) Is everything all right?
FREDDIE
You had a fifth band member. Why don’t you ever talk about him?
BENNY
It’s not my place to say.
FREDDIE
What’s wrong about saying why he left?
BENNY
(leans forward) Don’t you dare mention this in front of the others.
FREDDIE
Why?
BENNY
It’s for your own good.
Cut to
INT. – MR SMITH’S CLASSROOM – MORNING
FREDDIE, JJ, BENNY, APRIL, ZACK and the students are sitting around their computers, composing their soundtracks for the thriller openings. They each have a
Page 18
set of headphones on. MR SMITH is sitting at his desk, typing something into his laptop. JJ places a folded piece of party in front of FREDDIE. FREDDIE opens it and sees the word ‘Party’ written on it. He takes the headphones off, along with JJ.
FREDDIE (whispering)
When is it?
JJ
Saturday. Seven o’clock.
MR SMITH lowers his laptop lid.
MR SMITH
That’s all we’ve got time for today, folks. We’ll pick this up at the start of next week. (pauses) Freddie, do you mind if I have a word?
FREDDIE
Sure.
All the students switch the computer monitors off and leave the room. FREDDIE gets to his feet and stands by MR SMITH’S desk.
MR SMITH
I listened to your rough cut and I have to say it’s very good. Much better than the standard we were expecting. Do you come from a musical background?
FREDDIE
I’ve played instruments in the past, but nothing else.
MR SMITH
It’s interesting. (pauses) There is a presentation evening next Thursday. Some top education ministers will be present. We were hoping for some students to showcase some of their work. I’d love for you to be there.
FREDDIE (surprised)
I’m not sure what to say.
MR SMITH
Yes seems the appropriate answer here. But if you can’t make it, other arrangements can be made.
FREDDIE
No. I’ll be there.
Page 19
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE MR SMITH’S CLASSROOM – AFTERNOON
ZACK is standing with his back against the wall. He waits for FREDDIE to leave the classroom. He grabs hold of FREDDIE and pushes him against the wall.
FREDDIE
Whoa, Zack.
ZACK
Stay the fuck away or you’ll regret it.
ZACK lets go of FREDDIE. FREDDIE watches ZACK as he walks away.
Cut to
INT. – HALL – AFTERNOON
ZACK is sitting at a drum kit, which is on the stage. He has a pair of drumsticks in his hands. BENNY and APRIL are standing in front of him. BENNY has his guitar strapped around his shoulders and APRIL has hold of the bass. JJ is sitting with a microphone in his hands.
BENNY
I checked with Chrissie to make sure that she could come to the party. She’s visiting her grandparents during the day and won’t be back until the early evening. She says she has to get ready and won’t be there until about ten.
JJ
That’ll be better for us. (faces APRIL) Sound good enough for you?
APRIL
Yeah.
JJ
(turns back to face BENNY)Good work, Benny.
BENNY
I wouldn’t advise doing it until late. About midnight. Most people will be out of it by then. (pauses) I don’t understand what she’s done wrong.
ZACK
She’s a bitch who can’t keep her mouth shut.
Page 20
JJ
You’ve done your bit, now leave it.
FREDDIE suddenly bursts inside the room. They all turn to face him.
FREDDIE
Sorry, I’m late. One of the performances overran in Drama. (walks onto the stage) What did I miss?
JJ
We were waiting for you.
FREDDIE walks over to BENNY.
FREDDIE
Do you mind if I have a go?
BENNY
Sure.
BENNY un-straps the guitar and hands it to FREDDIE, who straps it around his shoulders.
FREDDIE
It’s been a while since I last played.
FREDDIE plays the guitar. APRIL and ZACK recognize the song as their own and play their instruments. JJ gets to his feet and sings the song. BENNY stands on the edge of the stage, watching them. They finish a moment later. BENNY claps at them. FREDDIE takes off the guitar and hands it back to BENNY.
BENNY
Cheers.
JJ
Not bad. Not bad. Glad you learnt one of our songs.
FREDDIE
Had to play something you’d recognize. (pauses) I used to be in a band about a year ago. We had our own Myspace page and played at a few gigs. The other band members lost interest in it so it fell apart. (pauses) I have some songs at home if you’re interested in using them.
JJ
Yeah. That’ll be cool. Thanks, mate.
Page 21
FREDDIE
I’ll bring them to the party if you want.
ZACK
(gets to his feet) You invited him to the party?
JJ
Yeah.
ZACK
You have got to be kidding me.
ZACK gets down from the stage and storms out of the room. He slams the door shut.
JJ
I’ll have a word with him.
JJ also gets down from the stage. He walks out of the room and quietly closes the door behind himself. Silence.
FREDDIE
What did I do?
APRIL
Nothing.
APRIL looks to BENNY for reassurance.
BENNY
(nods in agreement) Yeah, of course.
FREDDIE smiles awkwardly.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE THE HALL – AFTERNOON
ZACK, outraged, is pacing up and down the room. JJ is standing with his back against the wall, watching him.
ZACK
He’s getting too close to us, JJ. I don’t like it. What if he finds out? He can ruin everything.
JJ
It won’t get that far.
ZACK
(faces JJ) How do you know? He’s only been here a few
Page 22
days and he’s a part of us. How much longer do you think it’ll be before he does find out?
JJ
If he finds out, I’ll take care of him, okay? (pauses) Have faith in me.
Cut to
EXT. – SHOPPING CENTRE CAR PARK – MORNING
FREDDIE and RICKY climb out of RICKY’S car, which is parked next to the ticket paying machine. RICKY locks the car and walks with FREDDIE towards the entrance of the shopping centre.
RICKY
I’ve been given strict instructions by your Mother not to spend too much today. If my spending gets too excessive, you have to stop me.
FREDDIE
Shouldn’t she be more worried about me?
RICKY
You’re not the one who got a parking ticket last time.
Cut to
INT. – CLOTHES SHOP – MORNING
FREDDIE and RICKY walk inside the shop. They browse through the clothing. FREDDIE looks across to a sunglass rack. He picks up a pair of sunglasses and tries it on.
FREDDIE
(turns to face RICKY) How do I look?
RICKY
Smashing. We need a photo of that.
RICKY brings out his phone. He loads up the camera and takes a photo of FREDDIE wearing the sunglasses.
FREDDIE
Your turn.
FREDDIE takes off the sunglasses and hands them to RICKY, who puts them on. FREDDIE takes hold of RICKY’S phone. He takes a photo of RICKY wearing the sunglasses.
Page 23
FREDDIE (continued)
Those’ll be on Facebook later.
Cut to
INT. – FAST FOOD RESTAURANT – AFTERNOON
FREDDIE and RICKY are sitting at a table, eating a burger. They have a portion of chips and a drink in front of them. They have a few bags of shopping on the floor next to them.
RICKY
How many of you are going to this party tonight?
FREDDIE
A few of us I think. I’m not too sure. I don’t want it to be too crowded.
RICKY
I take it there will be alcohol there.
FREDDIE
Some. JJ said we have to bring our own.
RICKY
I’ll pick some up for you on the way to the party. But don’t tell your Mum.
FREDDIE (smiling)
Cheers.
RICKY (reluctantly)
Are there any girls going? (pauses) Girls that you like?
FREDDIE
One. I’ve only spoken to her a few times. Her name’s Becky.
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE JJ’S HOUSE – EVENING
RICKY’S car pulls up outside the house. FREDDIE climbs out of the car with a bag with several cans of alcohol in his hands. He turns to face RICKY.
FREDDIE
Cya, Dad.
FREDDIE closes the car door. RICKY drives away. FREDDIE
Page 24
turns and looks at the house. He hears music playing loudly inside the house. He takes a deep breath, then walks across the front garden. He knocks on the door. JJ opens the door. He has a can of beer in his hands.
JJ (loudly)
Freddie! It’s good to see you, man.
FREDDIE
Hey.
JJ
Come in.
JJ holds the door open for him.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S HALLWAY – EVENING
FREDDIE walks inside the house. JJ closes the door. Drunken teens are making out in the hallway.
FREDDIE
I brought some booze.
JJ
Ah. Cheers, bud. I’ll go stick ‘em in the kitchen.
FREDDIE keeps a can of beer for himself. He hands the bag to JJ, who walks across the hallway, towards the kitchen. FREDDIE opens the can and takes a sip of it.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S LIVING ROOM – EVENING
Music is playing loudly inside the room. Drunken teens are talking amongst their selves, whilst others are kissing on the settee. FREDDIE walks inside the room. He has the can of beer in his hands. He looks at everyone and sees BECKY standing on her own. He makes his way across the room. She spots him.
BECKY (smiling)
Hey!
FREDDIE
Are you okay?
BECKY
5
I’m good, thanks. How are you?
FREDDIE
I’m great. (pauses) There’s way too many people here.
CALVIN, nineteen, walks inside the room. He has his hands inside his trouser pockets. He spots BECKY standing with FREDDIE and walks over to them.
CALVIN
Hey, babe. (goes to kiss BECKY, but she moves out of the way) What’s wrong?
BECKY
I told you not to come here.
CALVIN
Don’t be like that. I’m just trying to be friendly.
BECKY
Well you can go be friendly to someone else because I’m not interested.
CALVIN grabs hold of BECKY’S arm.
FREDDIE (defensively)
Hey, get off her!
CALVIN
(lets go of BECKY)Looks like you have an admirer. Here’s some advice for you. Don’t bother. She’ll only piss you around.
CALVIN turns and walks out of the room.
FREDDIE
(faces BECKY) Are you okay?
BECKY
I’m gonna go.
BECKY walks towards the door.
FREDDIE
(walks after her) Becky, wait.
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE JJ’S HOUSE – EVENING
Page 26
BECKY is sitting on the edge of the pavement, crying. She wipes the tears away from her eyes as FREDDIE sits next to her. He still has the can of beer in his hands.
BECKY (tearfully)
That was my ex. We broke up a few weeks ago. He always belittles me. You’d think he’d have something better to do with his time, but no.
FREDDIE
You don’t have to put up with this.
BECKY
They say that, but I still do. (pauses) My parents split up at the start of the year. I spent a lot of time next door because I couldn’t bear hearing them fight. That’s how I met Calvin. He was living there at the time. He was there for me, but it didn’t take me long to discover he was just like the other guys. (wipes the tears away from her eyes) You must think I’m crazy.
FREDDIE
Not at all. I know what you went through. My parents almost broke up. They still might.
BECKY
You’re different from all the other guys I’ve met.
FREDDIE slowly leans forward and kisses BECKY on the lips. She responds.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
JJ is standing in the corner of the room, drinking from a can of beer. BENNY walks inside the room. He sees CHRISSIE drinking from a bottle of wine. She is visibly drunk. BENNY walks over to her.
CHRISSIE
Hey, babe. (holds the bottle of wine out to him) You should try some of this. It’s great!
BENNY
No, thanks. (pauses) Do you mind if I have a word?
CHRISSIE
Sure!
Page 27
BENNY puts his arm around CHRISSIE’S waist and guides her
across the room. She loses her balance, but BENNY keeps her upright. She giggles.
CHRISSIE (continued)
I love you.
BENNY
That’s nice.
JJ nods to BENNY, who acknowledges him. JJ takes a mouthful of beer.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
BECKY is sitting on the edge of the bed. FREDDIE is looking around the room. He spots of a photo of JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK standing together on JJ’S desk. He picks it up and looks at it.
BECKY
Did you lock the door?
FREDDIE
Yeah.
FREDDIE places the photo back on the desk, then he sits next to BECKY. They kiss. BECKY brings out a condom from her handbag, which is on the floor.
FREDDIE (nervously)
I can’t believe it’s happening.
BECKY
Relax. You’ll be fine.
They kiss again. FREDDIE takes off his t-shirt whilst BECKY opens the condom.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – NIGHT
BENNY and CHRISSIE are standing against a wall, kissing passionately. CHRISSIE gropes BENNY. He pulls away.
CHRISSIE
What’s the matter?
Page 28
BENNY
You’re drunk.
CHRISSIE
I know what I’m doing.
CHRISSIE kisses BENNY on the neck. JJ, APRIL and ZACK stand at the end of the street. JJ has a can of beer in his hands, whilst ZACK has a baseball bat in his hands.
JJ
Nice night, don’t you think?
CHRISSIE suddenly pulls away from BENNY.
JJ (continued)
You had fun tonight, right? You got free booze, had a dance. You were almost gonna get laid.
CHRISSIE doesn’t answer him. JJ throws his can of beer at her. The contents spill onto the floor. CHRISSIE jumps.
JJ (angrily)
Fucking answer me, bitch! Am I that much of a twat that you don’t wanna talk to me?
CHRISSIE
No.
JJ
Did you have fun?
CHRISSIE
Yes. I did.
JJ
Was it too much to ask for? I mean, I was just trying to make conversation. (faces APRIL) Is there anything you wanna say to her?
APRIL
No.
JJ
(faces BENNY) What about you?
BENNY shakes his head.
CHRISSIE (concerned)
Page 29
What are you doing? (faces BENNY) Benny, what’s happening?
JJ
(turns and slaps CHRISSIE across the face) Shut up!
JJ clicks his fingers. ZACK hits CHRISSIE in the face with the baseball bat. She drops to the floor. ZACK hits her in the back.
APRIL
(holds out her hand) My turn.
ZACK hands the baseball bat to her. APRIL repeatedly hits CHRISSIE with the baseball bat. BENNY looks away. She raises the baseball bat into the air again, but JJ grabs hold of it.
JJ
That’s enough.
APRIL lets go of the baseball bat. JJ holds out the baseball bat to ZACK, who takes hold of it.
JJ (continued)
Bring the can.
BENNY picks up the can of beer from off the floor. JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK run away, leaving CHRISSIE on the floor in a bloody mess.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S KITCHEN – MORNING
JJ is standing with his back against a worktop. He has a bowl of cereal in his hands, which he is eating from. FREDDIE walks inside the room.
FREDDIE
Hey.
JJ
Good night?
FREDDIE
Sorry about your room.
JJ
Don’t sweat it, man. (pauses) Was last night your first
Page 30
time?
FREDDIE
Yeah.
JJ
How was it?
FREDDIE (smiling)
It was good.
JJ
(laughs) Can’t blame you. She’s hot stuff.
FREDDIE
I came down last night. You, April and Benny weren’t here.
JJ
Yeah. We had something that needed sorting out. (pauses) Maybe you can tag along next time.
FREDDIE
Sure. But only if you guys want me to. I get the feeling Zack hates me.
JJ
Zack’ll come around at some point. Just gotta give him time.
JJ finishes eating his breakfast. He puts the bowl in the sink, then turns back to face FREDDIE.
JJ (continued)
Since moving here, is there someone who’s pissed you off? Like really irritated you?
FREDDIE
Why do you want to know?
JJ
I’m just curious, that’s all. There’s people I come across. People who annoy the fuck out of me.
FREDDIE (reluctantly)
There was this one guy. Last night, he was out of order to Becky. I think his name’s Calvin.
JJ
Page 31
Calvin. I think I know him. He’s Becky’s ex?
FREDDIE
(nods) Yeah.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – MORNING
The front door opens and FREDDIE walks inside the house. He closes the door behind himself. He walks up the stairs. ALISON comes out from the living room.
ALISON
Freddie, we’d like a word.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S LIVING ROOM – MORNING
RICKY and ALISON are sitting together on the settee. FREDDIE sits on the floor, in front of them.
ALISON
You’ve been spending a lot of time out at the moment. That’s good, but you’re not telling us where you’re going.
FREDDIE
I don’t have to tell you everything.
ALISON
I know that. But if something happened to you, how are we supposed to know if you’re not telling us everything?
FREDDIE
(faces RICKY) Dad.
RICKY
Your Mother’s right.
ALISON
Freddie, we’re doing this because we care about you.
FREDDIE
(gets to his feet)Just mind your own business, all right?
FREDDIE turns and storms out of the room. RICKY and ALISON hear FREDDIE walking up the stairs. RICKY pulls her in for a hug.
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ALISON
I don’t know what to do.
RICKY
Give him time.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – EVENING
FREDDIE is laying on his bed, playing a game on his PSP. His phone is on top of his desk. It rings. FREDDIE pauses the game. He gets to his feet and picks up his phone. He sees that JJ is ringing him. He answers the phone.
FREDDIE
Hey.
JJ
You coming out?
Cut to
EXT. – ALLEY – EVENING
JJ is standing alone in the alley. He has a watch on his right wrist. He checks the time. FREDDIE walks over to him. JJ brings out a packet of cigarettes. He takes out a cigarette and holds the packet out to FREDDIE.
JJ
Want one?
FREDDIE
No, thanks.
JJ puts the packet away. He brings out a cigarette lighter and lights the cigarette. He takes a puff out of the cigarette, then flicks it away.
JJ
I hate smoking.
FREDDIE
(looks around) What’re we doing here?
JJ
You’ll see. (checks the time on his watch) He should be here any minute now.
FREDDIE
FREDDIE
I’m great. (pauses) There’s way too many people here.
CALVIN, nineteen, walks inside the room. He has his hands inside his trouser pockets. He spots BECKY standing with FREDDIE and walks over to them.
CALVIN
Hey, babe. (goes to kiss BECKY, but she moves out of the way) What’s wrong?
BECKY
I told you not to come here.
CALVIN
Don’t be like that. I’m just trying to be friendly.
BECKY
Well you can go be friendly to someone else because I’m not interested.
CALVIN grabs hold of BECKY’S arm.
FREDDIE (defensively)
Hey, get off her!
CALVIN
(lets go of BECKY)Looks like you have an admirer. Here’s some advice for you. Don’t bother. She’ll only piss you around.
CALVIN turns and walks out of the room.
FREDDIE
(faces BECKY) Are you okay?
BECKY
I’m gonna go.
BECKY walks towards the door.
FREDDIE
(walks after her) Becky, wait.
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE JJ’S HOUSE – EVENING
Page 26
BECKY is sitting on the edge of the pavement, crying. She wipes the tears away from her eyes as FREDDIE sits next to her. He still has the can of beer in his hands.
BECKY (tearfully)
That was my ex. We broke up a few weeks ago. He always belittles me. You’d think he’d have something better to do with his time, but no.
FREDDIE
You don’t have to put up with this.
BECKY
They say that, but I still do. (pauses) My parents split up at the start of the year. I spent a lot of time next door because I couldn’t bear hearing them fight. That’s how I met Calvin. He was living there at the time. He was there for me, but it didn’t take me long to discover he was just like the other guys. (wipes the tears away from her eyes) You must think I’m crazy.
FREDDIE
Not at all. I know what you went through. My parents almost broke up. They still might.
BECKY
You’re different from all the other guys I’ve met.
FREDDIE slowly leans forward and kisses BECKY on the lips. She responds.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
JJ is standing in the corner of the room, drinking from a can of beer. BENNY walks inside the room. He sees CHRISSIE drinking from a bottle of wine. She is visibly drunk. BENNY walks over to her.
CHRISSIE
Hey, babe. (holds the bottle of wine out to him) You should try some of this. It’s great!
BENNY
No, thanks. (pauses) Do you mind if I have a word?
CHRISSIE
Sure!
Page 27
BENNY puts his arm around CHRISSIE’S waist and guides her
across the room. She loses her balance, but BENNY keeps her upright. She giggles.
CHRISSIE (continued)
I love you.
BENNY
That’s nice.
JJ nods to BENNY, who acknowledges him. JJ takes a mouthful of beer.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
BECKY is sitting on the edge of the bed. FREDDIE is looking around the room. He spots of a photo of JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK standing together on JJ’S desk. He picks it up and looks at it.
BECKY
Did you lock the door?
FREDDIE
Yeah.
FREDDIE places the photo back on the desk, then he sits next to BECKY. They kiss. BECKY brings out a condom from her handbag, which is on the floor.
FREDDIE (nervously)
I can’t believe it’s happening.
BECKY
Relax. You’ll be fine.
They kiss again. FREDDIE takes off his t-shirt whilst BECKY opens the condom.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – NIGHT
BENNY and CHRISSIE are standing against a wall, kissing passionately. CHRISSIE gropes BENNY. He pulls away.
CHRISSIE
What’s the matter?
Page 28
BENNY
You’re drunk.
CHRISSIE
I know what I’m doing.
CHRISSIE kisses BENNY on the neck. JJ, APRIL and ZACK stand at the end of the street. JJ has a can of beer in his hands, whilst ZACK has a baseball bat in his hands.
JJ
Nice night, don’t you think?
CHRISSIE suddenly pulls away from BENNY.
JJ (continued)
You had fun tonight, right? You got free booze, had a dance. You were almost gonna get laid.
CHRISSIE doesn’t answer him. JJ throws his can of beer at her. The contents spill onto the floor. CHRISSIE jumps.
JJ (angrily)
Fucking answer me, bitch! Am I that much of a twat that you don’t wanna talk to me?
CHRISSIE
No.
JJ
Did you have fun?
CHRISSIE
Yes. I did.
JJ
Was it too much to ask for? I mean, I was just trying to make conversation. (faces APRIL) Is there anything you wanna say to her?
APRIL
No.
JJ
(faces BENNY) What about you?
BENNY shakes his head.
CHRISSIE (concerned)
Page 29
What are you doing? (faces BENNY) Benny, what’s happening?
JJ
(turns and slaps CHRISSIE across the face) Shut up!
JJ clicks his fingers. ZACK hits CHRISSIE in the face with the baseball bat. She drops to the floor. ZACK hits her in the back.
APRIL
(holds out her hand) My turn.
ZACK hands the baseball bat to her. APRIL repeatedly hits CHRISSIE with the baseball bat. BENNY looks away. She raises the baseball bat into the air again, but JJ grabs hold of it.
JJ
That’s enough.
APRIL lets go of the baseball bat. JJ holds out the baseball bat to ZACK, who takes hold of it.
JJ (continued)
Bring the can.
BENNY picks up the can of beer from off the floor. JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK run away, leaving CHRISSIE on the floor in a bloody mess.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S KITCHEN – MORNING
JJ is standing with his back against a worktop. He has a bowl of cereal in his hands, which he is eating from. FREDDIE walks inside the room.
FREDDIE
Hey.
JJ
Good night?
FREDDIE
Sorry about your room.
JJ
Don’t sweat it, man. (pauses) Was last night your first
Page 30
time?
FREDDIE
Yeah.
JJ
How was it?
FREDDIE (smiling)
It was good.
JJ
(laughs) Can’t blame you. She’s hot stuff.
FREDDIE
I came down last night. You, April and Benny weren’t here.
JJ
Yeah. We had something that needed sorting out. (pauses) Maybe you can tag along next time.
FREDDIE
Sure. But only if you guys want me to. I get the feeling Zack hates me.
JJ
Zack’ll come around at some point. Just gotta give him time.
JJ finishes eating his breakfast. He puts the bowl in the sink, then turns back to face FREDDIE.
JJ (continued)
Since moving here, is there someone who’s pissed you off? Like really irritated you?
FREDDIE
Why do you want to know?
JJ
I’m just curious, that’s all. There’s people I come across. People who annoy the fuck out of me.
FREDDIE (reluctantly)
There was this one guy. Last night, he was out of order to Becky. I think his name’s Calvin.
JJ
Page 31
Calvin. I think I know him. He’s Becky’s ex?
FREDDIE
(nods) Yeah.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – MORNING
The front door opens and FREDDIE walks inside the house. He closes the door behind himself. He walks up the stairs. ALISON comes out from the living room.
ALISON
Freddie, we’d like a word.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S LIVING ROOM – MORNING
RICKY and ALISON are sitting together on the settee. FREDDIE sits on the floor, in front of them.
ALISON
You’ve been spending a lot of time out at the moment. That’s good, but you’re not telling us where you’re going.
FREDDIE
I don’t have to tell you everything.
ALISON
I know that. But if something happened to you, how are we supposed to know if you’re not telling us everything?
FREDDIE
(faces RICKY) Dad.
RICKY
Your Mother’s right.
ALISON
Freddie, we’re doing this because we care about you.
FREDDIE
(gets to his feet)Just mind your own business, all right?
FREDDIE turns and storms out of the room. RICKY and ALISON hear FREDDIE walking up the stairs. RICKY pulls her in for a hug.
Page 32
ALISON
I don’t know what to do.
RICKY
Give him time.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – EVENING
FREDDIE is laying on his bed, playing a game on his PSP. His phone is on top of his desk. It rings. FREDDIE pauses the game. He gets to his feet and picks up his phone. He sees that JJ is ringing him. He answers the phone.
FREDDIE
Hey.
JJ
You coming out?
Cut to
EXT. – ALLEY – EVENING
JJ is standing alone in the alley. He has a watch on his right wrist. He checks the time. FREDDIE walks over to him. JJ brings out a packet of cigarettes. He takes out a cigarette and holds the packet out to FREDDIE.
JJ
Want one?
FREDDIE
No, thanks.
JJ puts the packet away. He brings out a cigarette lighter and lights the cigarette. He takes a puff out of the cigarette, then flicks it away.
JJ
I hate smoking.
FREDDIE
(looks around) What’re we doing here?
JJ
You’ll see. (checks the time on his watch) He should be here any minute now.
FREDDIE
4
Who?
CALVIN comes into the alley. FREDDIE spots CALVIN as he walks towards him.
JJ
(nods to CALVIN) Good to see you, mate.
CALVIN
And you. (looks at FREDDIE) What’s he doing here?
JJ
He’s a friend. I understand you two had a disagreement last night.
CALVIN
We did, but it’s sorted now. Why does it concern you?
JJ
Because Freddie’s a good friend and what bothers him, bothers me.
FREDDIE
JJ. It’s sorted.
JJ
(chuckles) That’s what I like about Freddie. He forgives and forgets. But not me.
ZACK walks into the alley with a baseball bat in his hands. CALVIN spots it.
CALVIN
(faces JJ) Oh, come on. You can’t be serious.
JJ
I’m not gonna do it. Freddie is. Now get on your knees.
CALVIN stands still. ZACK hits CALVIN in the stomach with the baseball bat. He groans and drops to his knees.
FREDDIE
I said I didn’t like him, but I don’t want anything bad to happen to him.
CALVIN (desperately)
Mate. I’m sorry.
ZACK holds the baseball bat out to FREDDIE.
Page 34
JJ
Prove yourself.
FREDDIE takes hold of the baseball bat and he faces CALVIN.
CALVIN
Please. Just listen to me. You don’t have to do this.
FREDDIE tightens his grip on the baseball bat. He raises the baseball bat into the air, ready to strike CALVIN. He hesitates.
JJ (forcefully)
Do it.
FREDDIE lowers the baseball bat. He turns to face JJ.
FREDDIE
I can’t do it.
JJ takes hold of the baseball bat. He turns and hits CALVIN in the face with it. CALVIN falls to the floor.
FREDDIE (shocked)
What the hell do you think you’re playing at?!
JJ holds the baseball bat out to ZACK, who takes hold of it. He hits CALVIN repeatedly. He then stomps on CALVIN’S head. FREDDIE shoves him. ZACK turns and punches FREDDIE in the face.
JJ
That’s enough.
FREDDIE (furiously)
How can you live with yourself for doing this?!
JJ
Don’t forget who you’re talking to, Freddie. I’ve looked out for you ever since you started here.
FREDDIE
It was all of you. Right from the start. (faces ZACK) That’s why you told me to back off. I can’t believe I didn’t listen. (pauses) How many times have you done this? Tell me. I want to know.
JJ
Page 35
You don’t need to know the facts.
FREDDIE
I can’t believe I’m hearing this.
JJ
What we do is take out the scum who bring bad names for us. The youth of today. The police don’t give a fuck, so it’s down to us to do something about it.
FREDDIE (furiously)
You have no right choosing who deserves to be punished. No right!
JJ
Don’t make an enemy out of us, Freddie.
FREDDIE
Fuck you! Fuck the lot of you! I don’t need you. I’m out.
FREDDIE turns and runs away. ZACK picks up a brick from off the floor. He slowly walks towards CALVIN and repeatedly hits him round the back of the head with it.
JJ
Come on. Let’s get outta here.
JJ and ZACK walk away, leaving CALVIN laying on the floor in a bloody mess.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – EVENING
FREDDIE runs down the street. Exhausted, he stops and falls back against the wall. He breaks down in tears.
Cut to
EXT. – WOODS – EVENING
A small fire has been lit. JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are sitting quietly around it. BENNY is poking a stick into the fire.
ZACK
I knew he wouldn’t have the bottle for this.
JJ
I admit it. I made a mistake in trusting him. But now we need to put things right.
Page 36
APRIL
He knows what we’ve been doing. He could go to the police.
ZACK
That’s why he needs to be taken care of.
BENNY (surprised)
You’re going to kill him?
JJ
We have no choice. (pauses) I’ll do it.
Fade to black.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
FREDDIE is laying on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. He hears a car pulling up outside the house. He climbs out of the bed and walks to the window. He opens the curtains and sees JJ standing next to his car, which is parked by the edge of the road.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S CAR – NIGHT
JJ gets in the driver’s seat, whilst FREDDIE gets in the front passenger’s seat. They put their seatbelts on.
FREDDIE
Where are we going?
JJ
You’ll see.
JJ switches the engine on and he drives down the street.
Cut to
EXT. – WASTE DISPOSAL GROUND – NIGHT
JJ parks the car close to the entrance of the waste ground. He gets out of the car, along with FREDDIE.
JJ
The others seem to think you’ll go blabbing about what you saw earlier. I personally don’t think you will, but they’re not taking any chances. They want you dead.
Page 37
FREDDIE
I can’t be around you guys knowing what you’ve done. It’s wrong.
JJ
I want to help you, Freddie, but I can’t until you give me your word that you’ll keep quiet.
FREDDIE
I can’t do that.
JJ
I never told you what happened to Richard. He was a brilliant guitarist, but he was too much like you. Why should you be good to people when all they do is mess you around and talk about you behind your back? It’s pointless. (pauses) Anyway, when he found out what we were doing, he become a liability. He was my best mate.
FREDDIE
That’s when you should’ve stopped.
JJ
Why should we? We’re at the top of our game, Freddie boy. We have our album out soon. The fans. They love us.
FREDDIE
What did you do to Richard?
JJ
I had no choice. (walks to the back of the car and opens the boot) What’s your decision?
FREDDIE
No.
JJ
You’ll have to understand that this is nothing personal.
JJ brings out a baseball bat from the boot. He swings the bat and misses FREDDIE. He hits the back left window and smashes it. FREDDIE charges at JJ and pushes him into the side of the car. JJ swings the baseball bat repeatedly, each time missing FREDDIE and causing more damage to the car. FREDDIE drops to the floor.
JJ is suddenly distracted by his phone ringing. FREDDIE picks up a rock off the floor. He gets to his feet and hits JJ in the face with it. He sprints out of
the waste disposal ground. JJ brings out his phone from
Page 38
his trouser pocket. He sees that ZACK is ringing him and answers the phone.
JJ (furiously)
Fucking prick! I almost had him! (pauses) Oh, piss off!
JJ cuts the call. He puts the phone away. He then hits the windscreen of the car with the baseball bat.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – NIGHT
The front door opens and FREDDIE walks inside the house. He closes the door behind himself. He walks across the hallway, towards the kitchen.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S KITCHEN – NIGHT
FREDDIE walks inside the room. He switches the light on and walks to the cupboard under the sink. He opens it, then brings out a dustbin bag.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S BATHROOM – NIGHT
FREDDIE walks inside the room. He switches the light on. He closes the door and locks it. He removes all his clothes and puts them inside the dustbin bag. There is a knock on the bathroom door. ALISON is outside the room.
ALISON
Are you okay?
FREDDIE
I’m fine.
ALISON
You won’t be too late to bed, will you?
FREDDIE
No.
ALISON
Goodnight.
FREDDIE
Goodnight, Mum.
CALVIN comes into the alley. FREDDIE spots CALVIN as he walks towards him.
JJ
(nods to CALVIN) Good to see you, mate.
CALVIN
And you. (looks at FREDDIE) What’s he doing here?
JJ
He’s a friend. I understand you two had a disagreement last night.
CALVIN
We did, but it’s sorted now. Why does it concern you?
JJ
Because Freddie’s a good friend and what bothers him, bothers me.
FREDDIE
JJ. It’s sorted.
JJ
(chuckles) That’s what I like about Freddie. He forgives and forgets. But not me.
ZACK walks into the alley with a baseball bat in his hands. CALVIN spots it.
CALVIN
(faces JJ) Oh, come on. You can’t be serious.
JJ
I’m not gonna do it. Freddie is. Now get on your knees.
CALVIN stands still. ZACK hits CALVIN in the stomach with the baseball bat. He groans and drops to his knees.
FREDDIE
I said I didn’t like him, but I don’t want anything bad to happen to him.
CALVIN (desperately)
Mate. I’m sorry.
ZACK holds the baseball bat out to FREDDIE.
Page 34
JJ
Prove yourself.
FREDDIE takes hold of the baseball bat and he faces CALVIN.
CALVIN
Please. Just listen to me. You don’t have to do this.
FREDDIE tightens his grip on the baseball bat. He raises the baseball bat into the air, ready to strike CALVIN. He hesitates.
JJ (forcefully)
Do it.
FREDDIE lowers the baseball bat. He turns to face JJ.
FREDDIE
I can’t do it.
JJ takes hold of the baseball bat. He turns and hits CALVIN in the face with it. CALVIN falls to the floor.
FREDDIE (shocked)
What the hell do you think you’re playing at?!
JJ holds the baseball bat out to ZACK, who takes hold of it. He hits CALVIN repeatedly. He then stomps on CALVIN’S head. FREDDIE shoves him. ZACK turns and punches FREDDIE in the face.
JJ
That’s enough.
FREDDIE (furiously)
How can you live with yourself for doing this?!
JJ
Don’t forget who you’re talking to, Freddie. I’ve looked out for you ever since you started here.
FREDDIE
It was all of you. Right from the start. (faces ZACK) That’s why you told me to back off. I can’t believe I didn’t listen. (pauses) How many times have you done this? Tell me. I want to know.
JJ
Page 35
You don’t need to know the facts.
FREDDIE
I can’t believe I’m hearing this.
JJ
What we do is take out the scum who bring bad names for us. The youth of today. The police don’t give a fuck, so it’s down to us to do something about it.
FREDDIE (furiously)
You have no right choosing who deserves to be punished. No right!
JJ
Don’t make an enemy out of us, Freddie.
FREDDIE
Fuck you! Fuck the lot of you! I don’t need you. I’m out.
FREDDIE turns and runs away. ZACK picks up a brick from off the floor. He slowly walks towards CALVIN and repeatedly hits him round the back of the head with it.
JJ
Come on. Let’s get outta here.
JJ and ZACK walk away, leaving CALVIN laying on the floor in a bloody mess.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – EVENING
FREDDIE runs down the street. Exhausted, he stops and falls back against the wall. He breaks down in tears.
Cut to
EXT. – WOODS – EVENING
A small fire has been lit. JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are sitting quietly around it. BENNY is poking a stick into the fire.
ZACK
I knew he wouldn’t have the bottle for this.
JJ
I admit it. I made a mistake in trusting him. But now we need to put things right.
Page 36
APRIL
He knows what we’ve been doing. He could go to the police.
ZACK
That’s why he needs to be taken care of.
BENNY (surprised)
You’re going to kill him?
JJ
We have no choice. (pauses) I’ll do it.
Fade to black.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
FREDDIE is laying on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. He hears a car pulling up outside the house. He climbs out of the bed and walks to the window. He opens the curtains and sees JJ standing next to his car, which is parked by the edge of the road.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S CAR – NIGHT
JJ gets in the driver’s seat, whilst FREDDIE gets in the front passenger’s seat. They put their seatbelts on.
FREDDIE
Where are we going?
JJ
You’ll see.
JJ switches the engine on and he drives down the street.
Cut to
EXT. – WASTE DISPOSAL GROUND – NIGHT
JJ parks the car close to the entrance of the waste ground. He gets out of the car, along with FREDDIE.
JJ
The others seem to think you’ll go blabbing about what you saw earlier. I personally don’t think you will, but they’re not taking any chances. They want you dead.
Page 37
FREDDIE
I can’t be around you guys knowing what you’ve done. It’s wrong.
JJ
I want to help you, Freddie, but I can’t until you give me your word that you’ll keep quiet.
FREDDIE
I can’t do that.
JJ
I never told you what happened to Richard. He was a brilliant guitarist, but he was too much like you. Why should you be good to people when all they do is mess you around and talk about you behind your back? It’s pointless. (pauses) Anyway, when he found out what we were doing, he become a liability. He was my best mate.
FREDDIE
That’s when you should’ve stopped.
JJ
Why should we? We’re at the top of our game, Freddie boy. We have our album out soon. The fans. They love us.
FREDDIE
What did you do to Richard?
JJ
I had no choice. (walks to the back of the car and opens the boot) What’s your decision?
FREDDIE
No.
JJ
You’ll have to understand that this is nothing personal.
JJ brings out a baseball bat from the boot. He swings the bat and misses FREDDIE. He hits the back left window and smashes it. FREDDIE charges at JJ and pushes him into the side of the car. JJ swings the baseball bat repeatedly, each time missing FREDDIE and causing more damage to the car. FREDDIE drops to the floor.
JJ is suddenly distracted by his phone ringing. FREDDIE picks up a rock off the floor. He gets to his feet and hits JJ in the face with it. He sprints out of
the waste disposal ground. JJ brings out his phone from
Page 38
his trouser pocket. He sees that ZACK is ringing him and answers the phone.
JJ (furiously)
Fucking prick! I almost had him! (pauses) Oh, piss off!
JJ cuts the call. He puts the phone away. He then hits the windscreen of the car with the baseball bat.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – NIGHT
The front door opens and FREDDIE walks inside the house. He closes the door behind himself. He walks across the hallway, towards the kitchen.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S KITCHEN – NIGHT
FREDDIE walks inside the room. He switches the light on and walks to the cupboard under the sink. He opens it, then brings out a dustbin bag.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S BATHROOM – NIGHT
FREDDIE walks inside the room. He switches the light on. He closes the door and locks it. He removes all his clothes and puts them inside the dustbin bag. There is a knock on the bathroom door. ALISON is outside the room.
ALISON
Are you okay?
FREDDIE
I’m fine.
ALISON
You won’t be too late to bed, will you?
FREDDIE
No.
ALISON
Goodnight.
FREDDIE
Goodnight, Mum.
3
FREDDIE hears ALISON walking back inside her bedroom. Silence.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – MORNING
FREDDIE is laying on his bed, asleep. He slowly opens his eyes. He gets to his feet and stands in front of the mirror. He sees a few minor scratches on the side of his face. He touches them.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – MORNING
FREDDIE walks down the stairs. He has his rucksack on his back, which he places on the floor. He hears the television playing from inside the kitchen.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S KITCHEN – MORNING
RICKY and ALISON are sitting at the kitchen table, eating their breakfast. The television is playing quietly in the background. FREDDIE slowly walks inside the room.
ALISON
Morning, love. Sleep well?
FREDDIE nods.
RICKY
Made quite a lot of noise last night. Was everything all right?
FREDDIE
Yeah. I just couldn’t sleep.
FREDDIE sits at the table. He watches the television.
RICKY
I could’ve sworn I heard a car stop at the house. Around midnight. (faces FREDDIE) Know anything about that?
FREDDIE
No. I don’t.
RICKY spots the scratches on the side of FREDDIE’S face.
RICKY
Page 40
Cor, what have you been getting up to?
ALISON also notices the scratches. She gets to her feet and walks to FREDDIE. She examines the scratches.
ALISON
What happened?
FREDDIE
It’s nothing.
ALISON looks across to RICKY, who shrugs. FREDDIE picks up the television remote and changes the channel. The news is playing. FREDDIE switches the volume up as the NEWS REPORTER speaks into the camera.
NEWS REPORTER
This news has just come in. A body was discovered in the small village of Willingford last night.
RICKY
That’s where we live.
ALISON
Shush.
NEWS REPORTER
Police identified the victim as nineteen year-old Calvin Philips. He was found brutally beaten in what appears to be the worst attack the village has ever experienced. Police are asking for witnesses to come forward as to what happened.
FREDDIE quickly gets to his feet and he runs out of the room. ALISON picks up the television remote and switches the television off. She places them back on the table.
ALISON (whispering)
Do you think Freddie had something to do with it?
RICKY
You can’t suggest something like that.
ALISON
Ever since we’ve moved here, Freddie’s been acting out of character. The scratches on his face. Maybe Freddie got caught in a fight with him.
RICKY
Page 41
Alison, do you know how ridiculous that sounds? You need to stop making wild accusations.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S BATHROOM – MORNING
FREDDIE bursts inside the room. He runs to the toilet and vomits inside it. He flushes the chain, then turns the tap on and washes his hands.
Cut to
EXT. – FRONT OF COLLEGE - MORNING
FREDDIE walks towards the entrance of the building with his hands inside his trouser pockets. He is listening to music on his iPod. JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are standing by the front gates. They watch FREDDIE as he walks inside the building.
JJ
(faces ZACK) Did you bring it?
ZACK nods.
Cut to
EXT. – QUAD – MORNING
FREDDIE and BECKY are sitting at a bench, talking quietly. BECKY’S handbag is on the table.
BECKY
I can’t get my head around what happened to Calvin. We only spoke on Saturday. (pauses) Are you okay?
FREDDIE
I’m fine. Just haven’t slept much.
BECKY
If you wanna talk…
BECKY holds out her hand. FREDDIE holds it.
BECKY (continued)
I’ll listen.
FREDDIE smiles.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE MR SMITH’S CLASSROOM – MORNING
Page 42
BENNY is standing with his back against the wall, patiently waiting. MR SMITH walks down the corridor, towards the classroom. He has a bottle of water in his hands.
MR SMITH
You’re here early.
MR SMITH unlocks the classroom door. He walks inside the room. BENNY follows him inside the room.
Cut to
INT. – MR SMITH’S CLASSROOM – MORNING
MR SMITH sits at his desk. He faces BENNY, who stands in front of him.
MR SMITH
So what can I do for you?
BENNY
It’s not me. It’s Freddie. He’s really struggling on his coursework at the moment.
MR SMITH
If he’s got a problem, why can’t he talk to me about it?
BENNY
He was embarrassed. He was getting so uptight about not getting his work done on time for today’s lesson.
MR SMITH
What part’s he struggling on?
BENNY
I dunno. From the looks of things, pretty much all of it. Can you go talk to him?
MR SMITH
I’ll see what I can do.
BENNY
Thanks. This’ll mean a lot to him.
BENNY turns and walks out of the room. MR SMITH sighs.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE THE COLLEGE LIBRARY – AFTERNOON
Page 43
FREDDIE and BECKY are holding hands as they walk down the corridor. They stop outside the library.
FREDDIE
I’ll see you at the end of the day.
BECKY
See you.
They both kiss. BECKY walks inside the library. FREDDIE walks down the corridor. He sees ZACK standing at the end of the corridor. Terrified, FREDDIE turns and runs down the corridor. He accidentally runs into MR SMITH, who is carrying a folder. He drops the folder on the floor.
FREDDIE (apologetically)
I’m so sorry.
MR SMITH
Not to worry. Accidents happen.
FREDDIE crouches down and picks up the folder. He turns and sees that ZACK is nowhere to be seen. FREDDIE hands the folder back to MR SMITH.
MR SMITH (continued)
You seem to be a little jumpy today. Nothing bothering you, is there?
FREDDIE
No, just feeling a little rough.
MR SMITH
I trust it won’t affect your performance tonight. I’m counting on you.
FREDDIE
(laughs) I have to get going now.
FREDDIE walks past MR SMITH, who watches him.
MR SMITH
Oh, Freddie. That reminds me.
FREDDIE turns back to face him.
MR SMITH (continued)
Benny spoke to me this morning. He said you were having trouble with your coursework.
Page 44
FREDDIE
No. Everything’s fine.
MR SMITH
I wonder what came over him. (pauses) Oh well. I’ll let you carry on.
MR SMITH watches FREDDIE as he walks away.
MR SMITH (murmuring)
Strange.
Cut to
INT. – COLLEGE CORRIDOR – AFTERNOON
JJ, BENNY and APRIL are standing in the corridor, quietly talking to each other. ZACK comes into the corridor. He walks over to them.
JJ
How’d it go?
ZACK
I can’t do it here. Too many people.
APRIL
It needs to get done.
JJ
(faces BENNY) You do it.
BENNY
Why me?
JJ
Because Freddie trusts you.
BENNY
I can’t.
JJ grabs hold of BENNY and pushes him against the wall.
JJ
Do you wanna go to prison?
BENNY shakes his head.
JJ (continued)
If we don’t take care of him now, we’ll be spending the
Page 45
rest of our fucking lives there. (lets go of BENNY) Give us a call when it’s done.
Cut to
EXT. – FRONT OF COLLEGE – AFTERNOON
FREDDIE walks out of the building, with his hands inside his trouser pockets. He walks towards the entrance of the college grounds, but stops when he sees JJ, APRIL and ZACK standing there, staring at him. BENNY comes up behind FREDDIE.
FREDDIE
They’re always following me.
BENNY
Come on. I know a place we can go.
BENNY leads FREDDIE through a passage.
Cut to
EXT. – WOODS – AFTERNOON
FREDDIE and BENNY are walking slowly across the woods. FREDDIE is walking slightly ahead of BENNY.
FREDDIE
How much further do we have to go?
BENNY
Just a little more.
BENNY stops walking. FREDDIE takes a few further steps. He realizes that BENNY has stopped walking. He turns to face him.
FREDDIE
Benny.
BENNY
They told me to take care of you.
FREDDIE
Will you?
BENNY
Do I really look like the type of person who’d take a life? (pauses) I’ve been looking out for you all day. Making sure they couldn’t get to you.
Page 46
FREDDIE
I never asked for this.
BENNY
And you think I did? I don’t enjoy hurting people.
FREDDIE
Then why do you do it?
BENNY
I don’t have a choice. I used to get bullied a lot. But then I met JJ. He promised me that he could put an end to it, so I let him help. I didn’t realize what that meant at the time. I was only fourteen. (pauses) The bully’s name was Jack Parker. They brought him to the exact place you’re standing now.
FREDDIE
What happened to him?
BENNY
JJ gave me a knife. He wanted me to cut out Jack’s tongue so he couldn’t speak again. He said that I refused, the bullying would continue. I looked Jack in the eye and for the first time ever, I was in control. He was the one afraid. Not me.
FREDDIE
You didn’t.
BENNY
I put the knife in his mouth and cut from one side of the tongue to the other. I knew it was wrong, but at the same time, it felt good. I thought it would stop after that, but it still went on. Look at me now. There’s nothing left of me.
FREDDIE
You could’ve refused. You never had to let it get this far.
BENNY
If I’d refused, I’d be in the same position as you are now. Running.
FREDDIE
There’s always a way out. No matter how hard things get.
BENNY
Page 47
You don’t get it, do you? Even if I don’t kill you, they’re still gonna come after you. They’re not gonna stop until you’re dead.
FREDDIE (reluctantly)
So what happens now?
BENNY
I don’t have a choice, do I? If I let you go, they’d come after me.
FREDDIE
So that’s it? You’re just gonna kill me and hope that everything’s gonna get better again? What about my parents? How do you think they will feel?
BENNY picks up a log from off the floor.
BENNY
I’m sorry, Freddie.
FREDDIE
You would be, wouldn’t you? You’re all caught up in your jumped up little world to realize that you’re not the best. You’re the worst especially after what you’ve done. Fucking scum.
BENNY cries. He wipes the tears away from his eyes. FREDDIE also gently cries.
FREDDIE (furiously)
Oh so now you’re crying, I’m supposed to feel sorry for you? You’re gonna fucking kill me! It’s not fair! (exhales) I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.
BENNY
Freddie.
FREDDIE (tearfully)
You don’t have to do this. I’ll go. I promise you’ll never see me again. I’ll keep my mouth shut.
BENNY
How do I know I can trust you?
FREDDIE
Have I let you down so far?
BENNY shakes his head.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – MORNING
FREDDIE is laying on his bed, asleep. He slowly opens his eyes. He gets to his feet and stands in front of the mirror. He sees a few minor scratches on the side of his face. He touches them.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – MORNING
FREDDIE walks down the stairs. He has his rucksack on his back, which he places on the floor. He hears the television playing from inside the kitchen.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S KITCHEN – MORNING
RICKY and ALISON are sitting at the kitchen table, eating their breakfast. The television is playing quietly in the background. FREDDIE slowly walks inside the room.
ALISON
Morning, love. Sleep well?
FREDDIE nods.
RICKY
Made quite a lot of noise last night. Was everything all right?
FREDDIE
Yeah. I just couldn’t sleep.
FREDDIE sits at the table. He watches the television.
RICKY
I could’ve sworn I heard a car stop at the house. Around midnight. (faces FREDDIE) Know anything about that?
FREDDIE
No. I don’t.
RICKY spots the scratches on the side of FREDDIE’S face.
RICKY
Page 40
Cor, what have you been getting up to?
ALISON also notices the scratches. She gets to her feet and walks to FREDDIE. She examines the scratches.
ALISON
What happened?
FREDDIE
It’s nothing.
ALISON looks across to RICKY, who shrugs. FREDDIE picks up the television remote and changes the channel. The news is playing. FREDDIE switches the volume up as the NEWS REPORTER speaks into the camera.
NEWS REPORTER
This news has just come in. A body was discovered in the small village of Willingford last night.
RICKY
That’s where we live.
ALISON
Shush.
NEWS REPORTER
Police identified the victim as nineteen year-old Calvin Philips. He was found brutally beaten in what appears to be the worst attack the village has ever experienced. Police are asking for witnesses to come forward as to what happened.
FREDDIE quickly gets to his feet and he runs out of the room. ALISON picks up the television remote and switches the television off. She places them back on the table.
ALISON (whispering)
Do you think Freddie had something to do with it?
RICKY
You can’t suggest something like that.
ALISON
Ever since we’ve moved here, Freddie’s been acting out of character. The scratches on his face. Maybe Freddie got caught in a fight with him.
RICKY
Page 41
Alison, do you know how ridiculous that sounds? You need to stop making wild accusations.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S BATHROOM – MORNING
FREDDIE bursts inside the room. He runs to the toilet and vomits inside it. He flushes the chain, then turns the tap on and washes his hands.
Cut to
EXT. – FRONT OF COLLEGE - MORNING
FREDDIE walks towards the entrance of the building with his hands inside his trouser pockets. He is listening to music on his iPod. JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are standing by the front gates. They watch FREDDIE as he walks inside the building.
JJ
(faces ZACK) Did you bring it?
ZACK nods.
Cut to
EXT. – QUAD – MORNING
FREDDIE and BECKY are sitting at a bench, talking quietly. BECKY’S handbag is on the table.
BECKY
I can’t get my head around what happened to Calvin. We only spoke on Saturday. (pauses) Are you okay?
FREDDIE
I’m fine. Just haven’t slept much.
BECKY
If you wanna talk…
BECKY holds out her hand. FREDDIE holds it.
BECKY (continued)
I’ll listen.
FREDDIE smiles.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE MR SMITH’S CLASSROOM – MORNING
Page 42
BENNY is standing with his back against the wall, patiently waiting. MR SMITH walks down the corridor, towards the classroom. He has a bottle of water in his hands.
MR SMITH
You’re here early.
MR SMITH unlocks the classroom door. He walks inside the room. BENNY follows him inside the room.
Cut to
INT. – MR SMITH’S CLASSROOM – MORNING
MR SMITH sits at his desk. He faces BENNY, who stands in front of him.
MR SMITH
So what can I do for you?
BENNY
It’s not me. It’s Freddie. He’s really struggling on his coursework at the moment.
MR SMITH
If he’s got a problem, why can’t he talk to me about it?
BENNY
He was embarrassed. He was getting so uptight about not getting his work done on time for today’s lesson.
MR SMITH
What part’s he struggling on?
BENNY
I dunno. From the looks of things, pretty much all of it. Can you go talk to him?
MR SMITH
I’ll see what I can do.
BENNY
Thanks. This’ll mean a lot to him.
BENNY turns and walks out of the room. MR SMITH sighs.
Cut to
INT. – OUTSIDE THE COLLEGE LIBRARY – AFTERNOON
Page 43
FREDDIE and BECKY are holding hands as they walk down the corridor. They stop outside the library.
FREDDIE
I’ll see you at the end of the day.
BECKY
See you.
They both kiss. BECKY walks inside the library. FREDDIE walks down the corridor. He sees ZACK standing at the end of the corridor. Terrified, FREDDIE turns and runs down the corridor. He accidentally runs into MR SMITH, who is carrying a folder. He drops the folder on the floor.
FREDDIE (apologetically)
I’m so sorry.
MR SMITH
Not to worry. Accidents happen.
FREDDIE crouches down and picks up the folder. He turns and sees that ZACK is nowhere to be seen. FREDDIE hands the folder back to MR SMITH.
MR SMITH (continued)
You seem to be a little jumpy today. Nothing bothering you, is there?
FREDDIE
No, just feeling a little rough.
MR SMITH
I trust it won’t affect your performance tonight. I’m counting on you.
FREDDIE
(laughs) I have to get going now.
FREDDIE walks past MR SMITH, who watches him.
MR SMITH
Oh, Freddie. That reminds me.
FREDDIE turns back to face him.
MR SMITH (continued)
Benny spoke to me this morning. He said you were having trouble with your coursework.
Page 44
FREDDIE
No. Everything’s fine.
MR SMITH
I wonder what came over him. (pauses) Oh well. I’ll let you carry on.
MR SMITH watches FREDDIE as he walks away.
MR SMITH (murmuring)
Strange.
Cut to
INT. – COLLEGE CORRIDOR – AFTERNOON
JJ, BENNY and APRIL are standing in the corridor, quietly talking to each other. ZACK comes into the corridor. He walks over to them.
JJ
How’d it go?
ZACK
I can’t do it here. Too many people.
APRIL
It needs to get done.
JJ
(faces BENNY) You do it.
BENNY
Why me?
JJ
Because Freddie trusts you.
BENNY
I can’t.
JJ grabs hold of BENNY and pushes him against the wall.
JJ
Do you wanna go to prison?
BENNY shakes his head.
JJ (continued)
If we don’t take care of him now, we’ll be spending the
Page 45
rest of our fucking lives there. (lets go of BENNY) Give us a call when it’s done.
Cut to
EXT. – FRONT OF COLLEGE – AFTERNOON
FREDDIE walks out of the building, with his hands inside his trouser pockets. He walks towards the entrance of the college grounds, but stops when he sees JJ, APRIL and ZACK standing there, staring at him. BENNY comes up behind FREDDIE.
FREDDIE
They’re always following me.
BENNY
Come on. I know a place we can go.
BENNY leads FREDDIE through a passage.
Cut to
EXT. – WOODS – AFTERNOON
FREDDIE and BENNY are walking slowly across the woods. FREDDIE is walking slightly ahead of BENNY.
FREDDIE
How much further do we have to go?
BENNY
Just a little more.
BENNY stops walking. FREDDIE takes a few further steps. He realizes that BENNY has stopped walking. He turns to face him.
FREDDIE
Benny.
BENNY
They told me to take care of you.
FREDDIE
Will you?
BENNY
Do I really look like the type of person who’d take a life? (pauses) I’ve been looking out for you all day. Making sure they couldn’t get to you.
Page 46
FREDDIE
I never asked for this.
BENNY
And you think I did? I don’t enjoy hurting people.
FREDDIE
Then why do you do it?
BENNY
I don’t have a choice. I used to get bullied a lot. But then I met JJ. He promised me that he could put an end to it, so I let him help. I didn’t realize what that meant at the time. I was only fourteen. (pauses) The bully’s name was Jack Parker. They brought him to the exact place you’re standing now.
FREDDIE
What happened to him?
BENNY
JJ gave me a knife. He wanted me to cut out Jack’s tongue so he couldn’t speak again. He said that I refused, the bullying would continue. I looked Jack in the eye and for the first time ever, I was in control. He was the one afraid. Not me.
FREDDIE
You didn’t.
BENNY
I put the knife in his mouth and cut from one side of the tongue to the other. I knew it was wrong, but at the same time, it felt good. I thought it would stop after that, but it still went on. Look at me now. There’s nothing left of me.
FREDDIE
You could’ve refused. You never had to let it get this far.
BENNY
If I’d refused, I’d be in the same position as you are now. Running.
FREDDIE
There’s always a way out. No matter how hard things get.
BENNY
Page 47
You don’t get it, do you? Even if I don’t kill you, they’re still gonna come after you. They’re not gonna stop until you’re dead.
FREDDIE (reluctantly)
So what happens now?
BENNY
I don’t have a choice, do I? If I let you go, they’d come after me.
FREDDIE
So that’s it? You’re just gonna kill me and hope that everything’s gonna get better again? What about my parents? How do you think they will feel?
BENNY picks up a log from off the floor.
BENNY
I’m sorry, Freddie.
FREDDIE
You would be, wouldn’t you? You’re all caught up in your jumped up little world to realize that you’re not the best. You’re the worst especially after what you’ve done. Fucking scum.
BENNY cries. He wipes the tears away from his eyes. FREDDIE also gently cries.
FREDDIE (furiously)
Oh so now you’re crying, I’m supposed to feel sorry for you? You’re gonna fucking kill me! It’s not fair! (exhales) I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.
BENNY
Freddie.
FREDDIE (tearfully)
You don’t have to do this. I’ll go. I promise you’ll never see me again. I’ll keep my mouth shut.
BENNY
How do I know I can trust you?
FREDDIE
Have I let you down so far?
BENNY shakes his head.
2
FREDDIE (continued)
Then why would I start now?
BENNY (reluctantly)
I’m sorry.
FREDDIE
There isn’t another way, is there?
BENNY
No.
FREDDIE
I’ve never been this nervous in my life. (looks at his hands) My hands are shaking. (exhales) I’m ready.
FREDDIE closes his eyes. BENNY tightens his grip on the log. He swings the log and hits FREDDIE in the stomach. He groans and drops to his knees. BENNY hits him again. FREDDIE drops to the floor.
Distraught, BENNY raises the log into the air. He is about to hit FREDDIE, but then drops the log onto the floor. He takes a few steps back and sits on the floor. FREDDIE slowly raises himself up to his feet.
BENNY (tearfully)
I’m so sorry.
FREDDIE limps past BENNY.
BENNY (continued)
I’ll try and buy you some time.
FREDDIE stops and looks at BENNY. He turns and limps into the distance. BENNY brings out his phone. He rings JJ, who answers the phone.
JJ
Is it done?
BENNY
Yeah. Everything’s been taken care of.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – AFTERNOON
FREDDIE walks slowly inside the room. He closes the door behind himself. He stands in front of the mirror and lifts his t-shirt up. His chest is badly bruised. He
Page 49
lowers the t-shirt, just as RICKY walks inside the room.
RICKY (relieved)
There you are.
RICKY brings out a set of car keys. He chucks them to FREDDIE, who catches them.
RICKY (continued)
Wanna take a look?
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S GARAGE – AFTERNOON
RICKY leads FREDDIE inside the garage. FREDDIE’s car is parked inside it. FREDDIE looks at the car.
RICKY
What do you think of it?
FREDDIE
It’s awesome!
RICKY
All the insurance has been paid for and your first lesson is next week.
FREDDIE turns to face RICKY
RICKY (continued)
Wanna take it out for a spin?
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S CAR – AFTERNOON
The car is parked in a lay-by. RICKY is sitting in the driver’s seat and FREDDIE is sitting in the front passenger’s seat. They have their seatbelts on.
RICKY
Did you know that lad Calvin?
FREDDIE (reluctantly)
He’s Becky’s ex. He was at the party the other night.
RICKY
What was he like?
FREDDIE
Page 50
At first, I thought he was a bit of a dick. But he’s not so bad. (pauses) I can’t believe what happened to him.
RICKY
That’s life unfortunately. Things happen that we have no control over. (checks the time on the dashboard) What time does your thing start?
FREDDIE
Seven.
RICKY
We better head back. Give you enough time to get ready.
RICKY switches the engine on and he drives down the street.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S GARAGE – AFTERNOON
RICKY parks the car inside the garage. He gets out of the car, along with FREDDIE, who strains from the bruising on his chest.
RICKY (concerned)
What’s up?
FREDDIE
Nothing. I’m fine.
FREDDIE walks out of the garage. RICKY shrugs and locks the car.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – EVENING
FREDDIE is standing in front of the mirror, looking at his reflection. He is wearing casual clothes. He fluffs his hair up and walks out of the room.
Cut to
INT. - NEWSAGENTS – EVENING
FREDDIE is standing in the refrigerated section, browsing through the sandwiches. He picks one up. He also picks up a bottle of soft drink, then walks to the till, where the SHOPKEEPER is standing behind.
SHOPKEEPER
Page 51
All right, mate?
FREDDIE
Yeah, thanks.
FREDDIE brings out his wallet as the SHOPKEEPER scans the two items.
SHOPKEEPER
That’ll be three pound ten, please mate.
FREDDIE opens his wallet.
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE THE NEWSAGENTS – EVENING
FREDDIE walks out of the newsagents. He has the sandwich and the drink in his hands. He opens the sandwich and eats it as he walks down the street.
Cut to
INT. – HALL – EVENING
Some student artwork is on display. There is a table with a laptop on it. It is playing FREDDIE’S soundtrack from his coursework. There are several guests looking around the room and also some talking to members of staff.
MR SMITH is talking to RAY, early fifties. FREDDIE walks inside the room. He looks around the room. MR SMITH leads RAY over to FREDDIE.
MR SMITH
This is, Freddie. He’s a student on the Media Tech course.
FREDDIE
Hi.
RAY
Hello.
RAY holds his hand out and FREDDIE shakes it.
MR SMITH
Freddie composed the soundtrack to the thriller opening sequence you watched.
RAY
It was very good.
Page 52
FREDDIE (smiling)
Thanks.
MR SMITH
Would you care to explain how you did it? From the planning stages to the final version.
FREDDIE
Well, the first thing I did was I watched through the video to get an understanding to the feel of the video. I experimented with a few of the sounds and it sorta went from there really.
RAY
Does it help having a background knowledge of music to take this subject?
FREDDIE
I’ve always played instruments in the past and its definitely helped me. But as long as this is what you wanna do, there’s no reason why anyone can’t take this subject.
MR SMITH
Thanks for that, Freddie.
RAY
It was nice meeting you.
FREDDIE
And you.
MR SMITH leads RAY away. FREDDIE stands by the table with the laptop on the top of it.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – EVENING
FREDDIE is walking slowly down the street. He can hear a live performance playing loudly from inside the music venue. He walks towards it.
Cut to
INT. – AUDITORIUM - EVENING
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are on the stage, playing a song. ZACK is drumming, APRIL is playing bass, BENNY is playing guitar and JJ is singing. Flashing lights brighten up the stage. There are hundreds of teens around
Page 53
the stage, dancing. FREDDIE walks inside the room. He makes his way to the front of the crowd.
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK spot FREDDIE standing amongst the crowd. They stop performing the song. FREDDIE turns and walks out of the room. ZACK gets down from the stage. The crowd scream in excitement. ZACK pushes his way through the crowd and makes his way to the door.
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE THE MUSIC VENUE – EVENING
FREDDIE sprints out of the building and sprints down the street. ZACK bursts out of the building. He spots FREDDIE running in the distance. He runs after him.
Cut to
EXT. – ALLEY – EVENING
FREDDIE runs into the alley. Out of breath, he looks for a place to hide. He ducks behind a bin. ZACK runs into the alley. He looks for FREDDIE, but is unable to find him. He turns and runs back out of the alley. FREDDIE breathes a sigh of relief.
Cut to
INT. – DRESSING ROOM – EVENING
JJ is sitting on the settee, with APRIL sitting with her head resting against his arm. BENNY is standing with his back against the dresser. ZACK bursts inside the room. Outraged, he punches BENNY in the face.
ZACK (furiously)
You told us you’d fucking taken care of him!
JJ
He has no intention to go to the police. He’s playing games on us.
ZACK
(turns to face JJ) None of this would’ve happened in the first place if you hadn’t spoken to him!
JJ gets to his feet. He grabs ZACK by the scruff of the neck and he pushes him against the wall.
JJ
This is not my fault. And if you ever speak to me like that again, Freddie won’t be the only one running. You
Then why would I start now?
BENNY (reluctantly)
I’m sorry.
FREDDIE
There isn’t another way, is there?
BENNY
No.
FREDDIE
I’ve never been this nervous in my life. (looks at his hands) My hands are shaking. (exhales) I’m ready.
FREDDIE closes his eyes. BENNY tightens his grip on the log. He swings the log and hits FREDDIE in the stomach. He groans and drops to his knees. BENNY hits him again. FREDDIE drops to the floor.
Distraught, BENNY raises the log into the air. He is about to hit FREDDIE, but then drops the log onto the floor. He takes a few steps back and sits on the floor. FREDDIE slowly raises himself up to his feet.
BENNY (tearfully)
I’m so sorry.
FREDDIE limps past BENNY.
BENNY (continued)
I’ll try and buy you some time.
FREDDIE stops and looks at BENNY. He turns and limps into the distance. BENNY brings out his phone. He rings JJ, who answers the phone.
JJ
Is it done?
BENNY
Yeah. Everything’s been taken care of.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – AFTERNOON
FREDDIE walks slowly inside the room. He closes the door behind himself. He stands in front of the mirror and lifts his t-shirt up. His chest is badly bruised. He
Page 49
lowers the t-shirt, just as RICKY walks inside the room.
RICKY (relieved)
There you are.
RICKY brings out a set of car keys. He chucks them to FREDDIE, who catches them.
RICKY (continued)
Wanna take a look?
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S GARAGE – AFTERNOON
RICKY leads FREDDIE inside the garage. FREDDIE’s car is parked inside it. FREDDIE looks at the car.
RICKY
What do you think of it?
FREDDIE
It’s awesome!
RICKY
All the insurance has been paid for and your first lesson is next week.
FREDDIE turns to face RICKY
RICKY (continued)
Wanna take it out for a spin?
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S CAR – AFTERNOON
The car is parked in a lay-by. RICKY is sitting in the driver’s seat and FREDDIE is sitting in the front passenger’s seat. They have their seatbelts on.
RICKY
Did you know that lad Calvin?
FREDDIE (reluctantly)
He’s Becky’s ex. He was at the party the other night.
RICKY
What was he like?
FREDDIE
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At first, I thought he was a bit of a dick. But he’s not so bad. (pauses) I can’t believe what happened to him.
RICKY
That’s life unfortunately. Things happen that we have no control over. (checks the time on the dashboard) What time does your thing start?
FREDDIE
Seven.
RICKY
We better head back. Give you enough time to get ready.
RICKY switches the engine on and he drives down the street.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S GARAGE – AFTERNOON
RICKY parks the car inside the garage. He gets out of the car, along with FREDDIE, who strains from the bruising on his chest.
RICKY (concerned)
What’s up?
FREDDIE
Nothing. I’m fine.
FREDDIE walks out of the garage. RICKY shrugs and locks the car.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – EVENING
FREDDIE is standing in front of the mirror, looking at his reflection. He is wearing casual clothes. He fluffs his hair up and walks out of the room.
Cut to
INT. - NEWSAGENTS – EVENING
FREDDIE is standing in the refrigerated section, browsing through the sandwiches. He picks one up. He also picks up a bottle of soft drink, then walks to the till, where the SHOPKEEPER is standing behind.
SHOPKEEPER
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All right, mate?
FREDDIE
Yeah, thanks.
FREDDIE brings out his wallet as the SHOPKEEPER scans the two items.
SHOPKEEPER
That’ll be three pound ten, please mate.
FREDDIE opens his wallet.
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE THE NEWSAGENTS – EVENING
FREDDIE walks out of the newsagents. He has the sandwich and the drink in his hands. He opens the sandwich and eats it as he walks down the street.
Cut to
INT. – HALL – EVENING
Some student artwork is on display. There is a table with a laptop on it. It is playing FREDDIE’S soundtrack from his coursework. There are several guests looking around the room and also some talking to members of staff.
MR SMITH is talking to RAY, early fifties. FREDDIE walks inside the room. He looks around the room. MR SMITH leads RAY over to FREDDIE.
MR SMITH
This is, Freddie. He’s a student on the Media Tech course.
FREDDIE
Hi.
RAY
Hello.
RAY holds his hand out and FREDDIE shakes it.
MR SMITH
Freddie composed the soundtrack to the thriller opening sequence you watched.
RAY
It was very good.
Page 52
FREDDIE (smiling)
Thanks.
MR SMITH
Would you care to explain how you did it? From the planning stages to the final version.
FREDDIE
Well, the first thing I did was I watched through the video to get an understanding to the feel of the video. I experimented with a few of the sounds and it sorta went from there really.
RAY
Does it help having a background knowledge of music to take this subject?
FREDDIE
I’ve always played instruments in the past and its definitely helped me. But as long as this is what you wanna do, there’s no reason why anyone can’t take this subject.
MR SMITH
Thanks for that, Freddie.
RAY
It was nice meeting you.
FREDDIE
And you.
MR SMITH leads RAY away. FREDDIE stands by the table with the laptop on the top of it.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – EVENING
FREDDIE is walking slowly down the street. He can hear a live performance playing loudly from inside the music venue. He walks towards it.
Cut to
INT. – AUDITORIUM - EVENING
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK are on the stage, playing a song. ZACK is drumming, APRIL is playing bass, BENNY is playing guitar and JJ is singing. Flashing lights brighten up the stage. There are hundreds of teens around
Page 53
the stage, dancing. FREDDIE walks inside the room. He makes his way to the front of the crowd.
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK spot FREDDIE standing amongst the crowd. They stop performing the song. FREDDIE turns and walks out of the room. ZACK gets down from the stage. The crowd scream in excitement. ZACK pushes his way through the crowd and makes his way to the door.
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE THE MUSIC VENUE – EVENING
FREDDIE sprints out of the building and sprints down the street. ZACK bursts out of the building. He spots FREDDIE running in the distance. He runs after him.
Cut to
EXT. – ALLEY – EVENING
FREDDIE runs into the alley. Out of breath, he looks for a place to hide. He ducks behind a bin. ZACK runs into the alley. He looks for FREDDIE, but is unable to find him. He turns and runs back out of the alley. FREDDIE breathes a sigh of relief.
Cut to
INT. – DRESSING ROOM – EVENING
JJ is sitting on the settee, with APRIL sitting with her head resting against his arm. BENNY is standing with his back against the dresser. ZACK bursts inside the room. Outraged, he punches BENNY in the face.
ZACK (furiously)
You told us you’d fucking taken care of him!
JJ
He has no intention to go to the police. He’s playing games on us.
ZACK
(turns to face JJ) None of this would’ve happened in the first place if you hadn’t spoken to him!
JJ gets to his feet. He grabs ZACK by the scruff of the neck and he pushes him against the wall.
JJ
This is not my fault. And if you ever speak to me like that again, Freddie won’t be the only one running. You
1
got that?
ZACK nods. JJ lets go of him.
JJ (continued)
Now fuck off.
ZACK walks out of the room, closing the door behind himself. JJ runs his hand through his hair.
BENNY
I’m sorry, JJ.
JJ
(faces BENNY) You need to put this right.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – EVENING
The front door opens and FREDDIE walks inside the house. He closes the door behind himself. He turns as RICKY and ALISON come out of the kitchen. They are smartly dressed.
ALISON
We’re just popping out for a meal. We’ll be back later.
RICKY (concerned)
Are you all right? You look exhausted.
FREDDIE
I’m fine.
RICKY
Just checking.
ALISON
(opens the front door) If you need us, give us a call.
ALISON walks out of the house. RICKY taps FREDDIE on the shoulder as he walks out of the house. He closes the door, locking it. FREDDIE walks up the stairs.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – EVENING
FREDDIE is sitting on the edge of the bed with his phone in his hands. Dread. His phone rings. He looks at it and sees that BECKY is ringing him. He answers the phone.
Page 55
FREDDIE
Hey.
BECKY (tearfully)
Freddie.
FREDDIE
Becky, what’s up?
BECKY
My Dad. He tried breaking into the house again. Can we meet?
FREDDIE
(gets to his feet) Yeah, sure. Where are you?
BECKY
At the park. Please hurry.
FREDDIE
I’ll be there as soon as I can. I love you.
The call cuts out. FREDDIE puts the phone away as he hurries out of the room.
Cut to
EXT. – PARK – EVENING
BECKY is sitting alone on a swing, gently rocking it. Her eyes are red from where she has been crying. FREDDIE comes onto the park. He hurries across to BECKY, who gets to her feet. They hug.
FREDDIE
Are you okay?
BECKY
(cries) I’m so sorry.
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK walk onto the park and surround FREDDIE and BECKY. ZACK has a baseball bat in his hands.
JJ
The things people do for love.
FREDDIE (furiously)
You had no right getting her involved with this.
JJ
Page 56
If you went along with us in the first place, we wouldn’t have to. (pauses) Have you told Becky about the other night?
BECKY (whispering)
Freddie, what are they talking about?
JJ
Your perfect boyfriend was there when Calvin died.
FREDDIE
You asked me if there was someone I didn’t like. You never said what were going to do to them.
JJ
I was hardly gonna give ‘em a hug now, was I?
FREDDIE
I’m sorry. You can take me, but please. Don’t harm her.
JJ
Now where would the fun be in that? You’ve caused a lot of trouble these past few days and because of that, you’re gonna have to make a choice. Save the girl you love or… Benny.
ZACK suddenly grabs hold of BENNY, who struggles.
BENNY (nervously)
JJ. You can’t do this.
JJ
Make your choice, Freddie, cos the clock is ticking.
FREDDIE
Why are you doing this?
JJ
Because I can!
JJ clicks his fingers. APRIL grabs hold of BECKY. She struggles.
FREDDIE
Get off her!
JJ
(brings out a knife) Now, now, Freddie. Play by the rules.
Page 57
FREDDIE (desperately)
Let her go. Please.
JJ
Is that your final choice?
FREDDIE cries. He wipes the tears away from his eyes.
BECKY (softly)
It’s okay, Freddie.
FREDDIE
I’m sorry.
JJ
Time is of the essence, Freddie.
ZACK
He’s not gonna choose.
JJ
(faces APRIL) Make a choice.
APRIL
I think we should keep her.
JJ
Fair enough.
JJ punches BENNY in the stomach. He groans. ZACK pushes BENNY to the floor.
FREDDIE
No!
BECKY looks away as ZACK raises the baseball bat into the air and repeatedly hits BENNY. FREDDIE runs at ZACK and tackles him. They both fall to the floor. FREDDIE punches ZACK in the face repeatedly. JJ walks towards FREDDIE, with the knife in his hands. BECKY breaks free from APRIL. She runs at JJ.
APRIL
JJ!
JJ turns around, stabbing BECKY in the stomach. She looks down at her chest and collapses to the floor. FREDDIE lets go of ZACK and hurries over to BECKY.
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FREDDIE
Hold on, Becky. I’m gonna get you some help.
JJ, APRIL and ZACK run away. FREDDIE brings out his phone and dials for an ambulance.
BECKY (weakly)
Freddie. I love you.
FREDDIE
I love you too. Just stay with me.
Fade to black.
Cut to
INT. – HOSPITAL WARD – EVENING
FREDDIE is sitting on a seat outside BECKY’S hospital room. His eyes are red from where he has been crying and his clothes are covered in blood. A NURSE, early twenties, crouches to FREDDIE’S height. She has a clipboard and pen in her hands.
NURSE
What’s her name?
FREDDIE doesn’t answer her.
NURSE (continued)
We need to know her name so we can contact her family.
FREDDIE
Becky. Her name’s Becky Rodgers.
The NURSE writes BECKY’S name down. FREDDIE gets to his feet and walks down the corridor.
NURSE
You can’t leave until the police get here!
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL – EVENING
FREDDIE runs out of the building and runs across the car park. Two security guards come running out of the building. They see FREDDIE running into the distance. One talks into their walky-talky.
Cut to
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INT. – JJ’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
JJ and APRIL are laying on the bed, kissing passionately. APRIL’s handbag is on the floor, and JJ’S phone is on the desk. JJ pulls away.
JJ
Fancy a shot?
APRIL nods. JJ opens his bedside drawer and brings out a condom. They remove their trousers and underwear. JJ uses the condom. He gets on top of APRIL.
APRIL
Is it in yet?
JJ
Shut up. I’m trying.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – NIGHT
The front door opens and FREDDIE walks inside the house. He closes the door and switches the hallway light on. He walks up the stairs.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
FREDDIE puts on a clean t-shirt and hoody. He sees a photo of him and BECKY posing together, on his desk. He picks it up and gently runs his finger across BECKY’S face.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
JJ and APRIL are on the bed, making love. JJ is thrusting onto APRIL, who moans. JJ squeals as he comes. He lays next to APRIL. His breathing heavy. APRIL pulls up her trousers.
JJ
Did you come?
APRIL (disappointed)
What do you think?
JJ
ZACK nods. JJ lets go of him.
JJ (continued)
Now fuck off.
ZACK walks out of the room, closing the door behind himself. JJ runs his hand through his hair.
BENNY
I’m sorry, JJ.
JJ
(faces BENNY) You need to put this right.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – EVENING
The front door opens and FREDDIE walks inside the house. He closes the door behind himself. He turns as RICKY and ALISON come out of the kitchen. They are smartly dressed.
ALISON
We’re just popping out for a meal. We’ll be back later.
RICKY (concerned)
Are you all right? You look exhausted.
FREDDIE
I’m fine.
RICKY
Just checking.
ALISON
(opens the front door) If you need us, give us a call.
ALISON walks out of the house. RICKY taps FREDDIE on the shoulder as he walks out of the house. He closes the door, locking it. FREDDIE walks up the stairs.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – EVENING
FREDDIE is sitting on the edge of the bed with his phone in his hands. Dread. His phone rings. He looks at it and sees that BECKY is ringing him. He answers the phone.
Page 55
FREDDIE
Hey.
BECKY (tearfully)
Freddie.
FREDDIE
Becky, what’s up?
BECKY
My Dad. He tried breaking into the house again. Can we meet?
FREDDIE
(gets to his feet) Yeah, sure. Where are you?
BECKY
At the park. Please hurry.
FREDDIE
I’ll be there as soon as I can. I love you.
The call cuts out. FREDDIE puts the phone away as he hurries out of the room.
Cut to
EXT. – PARK – EVENING
BECKY is sitting alone on a swing, gently rocking it. Her eyes are red from where she has been crying. FREDDIE comes onto the park. He hurries across to BECKY, who gets to her feet. They hug.
FREDDIE
Are you okay?
BECKY
(cries) I’m so sorry.
JJ, BENNY, APRIL and ZACK walk onto the park and surround FREDDIE and BECKY. ZACK has a baseball bat in his hands.
JJ
The things people do for love.
FREDDIE (furiously)
You had no right getting her involved with this.
JJ
Page 56
If you went along with us in the first place, we wouldn’t have to. (pauses) Have you told Becky about the other night?
BECKY (whispering)
Freddie, what are they talking about?
JJ
Your perfect boyfriend was there when Calvin died.
FREDDIE
You asked me if there was someone I didn’t like. You never said what were going to do to them.
JJ
I was hardly gonna give ‘em a hug now, was I?
FREDDIE
I’m sorry. You can take me, but please. Don’t harm her.
JJ
Now where would the fun be in that? You’ve caused a lot of trouble these past few days and because of that, you’re gonna have to make a choice. Save the girl you love or… Benny.
ZACK suddenly grabs hold of BENNY, who struggles.
BENNY (nervously)
JJ. You can’t do this.
JJ
Make your choice, Freddie, cos the clock is ticking.
FREDDIE
Why are you doing this?
JJ
Because I can!
JJ clicks his fingers. APRIL grabs hold of BECKY. She struggles.
FREDDIE
Get off her!
JJ
(brings out a knife) Now, now, Freddie. Play by the rules.
Page 57
FREDDIE (desperately)
Let her go. Please.
JJ
Is that your final choice?
FREDDIE cries. He wipes the tears away from his eyes.
BECKY (softly)
It’s okay, Freddie.
FREDDIE
I’m sorry.
JJ
Time is of the essence, Freddie.
ZACK
He’s not gonna choose.
JJ
(faces APRIL) Make a choice.
APRIL
I think we should keep her.
JJ
Fair enough.
JJ punches BENNY in the stomach. He groans. ZACK pushes BENNY to the floor.
FREDDIE
No!
BECKY looks away as ZACK raises the baseball bat into the air and repeatedly hits BENNY. FREDDIE runs at ZACK and tackles him. They both fall to the floor. FREDDIE punches ZACK in the face repeatedly. JJ walks towards FREDDIE, with the knife in his hands. BECKY breaks free from APRIL. She runs at JJ.
APRIL
JJ!
JJ turns around, stabbing BECKY in the stomach. She looks down at her chest and collapses to the floor. FREDDIE lets go of ZACK and hurries over to BECKY.
Page 58
FREDDIE
Hold on, Becky. I’m gonna get you some help.
JJ, APRIL and ZACK run away. FREDDIE brings out his phone and dials for an ambulance.
BECKY (weakly)
Freddie. I love you.
FREDDIE
I love you too. Just stay with me.
Fade to black.
Cut to
INT. – HOSPITAL WARD – EVENING
FREDDIE is sitting on a seat outside BECKY’S hospital room. His eyes are red from where he has been crying and his clothes are covered in blood. A NURSE, early twenties, crouches to FREDDIE’S height. She has a clipboard and pen in her hands.
NURSE
What’s her name?
FREDDIE doesn’t answer her.
NURSE (continued)
We need to know her name so we can contact her family.
FREDDIE
Becky. Her name’s Becky Rodgers.
The NURSE writes BECKY’S name down. FREDDIE gets to his feet and walks down the corridor.
NURSE
You can’t leave until the police get here!
Cut to
EXT. – OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL – EVENING
FREDDIE runs out of the building and runs across the car park. Two security guards come running out of the building. They see FREDDIE running into the distance. One talks into their walky-talky.
Cut to
Page 59
INT. – JJ’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
JJ and APRIL are laying on the bed, kissing passionately. APRIL’s handbag is on the floor, and JJ’S phone is on the desk. JJ pulls away.
JJ
Fancy a shot?
APRIL nods. JJ opens his bedside drawer and brings out a condom. They remove their trousers and underwear. JJ uses the condom. He gets on top of APRIL.
APRIL
Is it in yet?
JJ
Shut up. I’m trying.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – NIGHT
The front door opens and FREDDIE walks inside the house. He closes the door and switches the hallway light on. He walks up the stairs.
Cut to
INT. – FREDDIE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
FREDDIE puts on a clean t-shirt and hoody. He sees a photo of him and BECKY posing together, on his desk. He picks it up and gently runs his finger across BECKY’S face.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
JJ and APRIL are on the bed, making love. JJ is thrusting onto APRIL, who moans. JJ squeals as he comes. He lays next to APRIL. His breathing heavy. APRIL pulls up her trousers.
JJ
Did you come?
APRIL (disappointed)
What do you think?
JJ
end
(pulls up his trousers) No need to get all pissy over it. Bitch.
JJ’S phone bleeps. JJ gets to his feet and walks to the desk. He picks up the phone and sees he has a message from an unknown number. ‘You’re next’. JJ scoffs and throws the phone back down.
APRIL
Who was that?
JJ
Some twat.
APRIL’S phone bleeps. APRIL brings out her phone from her handbag. She sees that she has a message and reads it.
JJ (continued)
Let me see.
APRIL hands the phone to JJ, who reads the message.
APRIL
Who’s doing this?
The lights flicker on and off.
APRIL (nervously)
JJ, I’m scared.
JJ rings the number on his phone. It dials, but goes to answer phone.
JJ (furiously)
Wait til I find out who it is.
The doorbell goes off.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S HALLWAY – NIGHT
JJ walks cautiously down the streets. APRIL follows closely behind him. The doorbell rings again. JJ opens the front door. He sees that no one is there. He smirks.
APRIL
Who is it?
JJ
Page 61
(turns to APRIL) No one. Probably a bunch of school kids.
APRIL spots FREDDIE as he walks inside the house. He has a baseball bat in his hands.
APRIL (screaming)
Watch out!
JJ turns around, just as FREDDIE hits him in the stomach with the baseball bat. He groans and drops to his knees. FREDDIE closes the front door.
JJ (groaning)
Freddie. Listen to me.
FREDDIE raises the baseball bat into the air and hits JJ in the stomach again.
FREDDIE
That was for Becky and everyone else you’ve hurt.
JJ
It weren’t me. It was Zack. He made me do this.
FREDDIE raises the baseball bat into the air.
JJ (desperately)
Please.
FLASHBACK of FREDDIE remembering CALVIN pleading. FREDDIE drops the baseball bat. He turns and opens the door. He walks out of the house.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – NIGHT
The front door opens and RICKY steps inside the house, followed closely by ALISON. ALISON closes the door as RICKY switches the hallway light on.
RICKY
I take it Freddie’s not in.
ALISON
I don’t like it. He’s always out.
RICKY
(walks towards the kitchen) He’s gotta grow up at some point.
Page 62
There is a knock on the front door. ALISON opens it and sees a POLICE OFFICER standing in the doorway of the house.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – NIGHT
FREDDIE is sitting alone on a bench, staring at the ground. His phone rings. He brings it out and sees that ALISON is ringing him. He answers the phone.
FREDDIE (quietly)
Hey.
ALISON
Freddie. Where are you?
FREDDIE
Near the park.
ALISON
Okay. I’ll come pick you up.
FREDDIE
Can we still talk?
ALISON
Of course I can.
FREDDIE
If I did something bad, would you stand by me?
ALISON
We know what’s happened. The police are with your Dad now.
FREDDIE
(cries) I’m so sorry. I should’ve listened to you.
ALISON
We’ll put things right. I promise.
FREDDIE
Why did I have to be so stupid?
FREDDIE wipes the tears away from his eyes. He looks up and sees ZACK standing in the street. He has a knife in his hands.
Page 63
FREDDIE (continued)
Mum, I have to go now.
ALISON
I’ll be with you in a few minutes. (pauses) I love you.
FREDDIE
I love you too.
FREDDIE finishes the call. He gets to his feet and puts the phone away. ZACK walks over to him.
FREDDIE (continued)
Do me a favour. Make it quick.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY’S CAR – NIGHT
ALISON is driving the car down the street. She looks out of the window in search of FREDDIE. She pulls the car over and takes off her seatbelt.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – NIGHT
ALISON climbs out of the car. She sees FREDDIE laying on the floor, in a pool of blood. She runs over to him.
ALISON (desperately)
Freddie!
ALISON gets on her knees and holds onto FREDDIE. She cries.
FREDDIE (weakly)
Mum.
ALISON
It’s okay, baby. I’ve got you. (looks around) Somebody help me!
A MAN, mid-thirties, comes running over to them. He sees FREDDIE laying in a pool of blood. He brings out his phone and rings for an Ambulance. ALISON faces FREDDIE again.
ALISON (tearfully)
It’s okay. Help’s on its way. You’re gonna be fine. I promise.
Page 64
FREDDIE
I’m…sorry.
ALISON
You’ve got nothing to be sorry about.
FREDDIE loses consciousness.
ALISON (desperately)
Stay with me, Freddie. Stay with me.
FREDDIE opens his eyes.
FREDDIE
Sorry.
FREDDIE passes away. ALISON looks at his body.
ALISON
Freddie?
ALISON realises that FREDDIE is dead. She bursts into hysterics and strokes his hair. Sirens can now be heard in the distance. A crowd also gathers around them.
ALISON (tearfully)
My baby. How could they?
JJ’S phone bleeps. JJ gets to his feet and walks to the desk. He picks up the phone and sees he has a message from an unknown number. ‘You’re next’. JJ scoffs and throws the phone back down.
APRIL
Who was that?
JJ
Some twat.
APRIL’S phone bleeps. APRIL brings out her phone from her handbag. She sees that she has a message and reads it.
JJ (continued)
Let me see.
APRIL hands the phone to JJ, who reads the message.
APRIL
Who’s doing this?
The lights flicker on and off.
APRIL (nervously)
JJ, I’m scared.
JJ rings the number on his phone. It dials, but goes to answer phone.
JJ (furiously)
Wait til I find out who it is.
The doorbell goes off.
Cut to
INT. – JJ’S HALLWAY – NIGHT
JJ walks cautiously down the streets. APRIL follows closely behind him. The doorbell rings again. JJ opens the front door. He sees that no one is there. He smirks.
APRIL
Who is it?
JJ
Page 61
(turns to APRIL) No one. Probably a bunch of school kids.
APRIL spots FREDDIE as he walks inside the house. He has a baseball bat in his hands.
APRIL (screaming)
Watch out!
JJ turns around, just as FREDDIE hits him in the stomach with the baseball bat. He groans and drops to his knees. FREDDIE closes the front door.
JJ (groaning)
Freddie. Listen to me.
FREDDIE raises the baseball bat into the air and hits JJ in the stomach again.
FREDDIE
That was for Becky and everyone else you’ve hurt.
JJ
It weren’t me. It was Zack. He made me do this.
FREDDIE raises the baseball bat into the air.
JJ (desperately)
Please.
FLASHBACK of FREDDIE remembering CALVIN pleading. FREDDIE drops the baseball bat. He turns and opens the door. He walks out of the house.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY AND ALISON’S HALLWAY – NIGHT
The front door opens and RICKY steps inside the house, followed closely by ALISON. ALISON closes the door as RICKY switches the hallway light on.
RICKY
I take it Freddie’s not in.
ALISON
I don’t like it. He’s always out.
RICKY
(walks towards the kitchen) He’s gotta grow up at some point.
Page 62
There is a knock on the front door. ALISON opens it and sees a POLICE OFFICER standing in the doorway of the house.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – NIGHT
FREDDIE is sitting alone on a bench, staring at the ground. His phone rings. He brings it out and sees that ALISON is ringing him. He answers the phone.
FREDDIE (quietly)
Hey.
ALISON
Freddie. Where are you?
FREDDIE
Near the park.
ALISON
Okay. I’ll come pick you up.
FREDDIE
Can we still talk?
ALISON
Of course I can.
FREDDIE
If I did something bad, would you stand by me?
ALISON
We know what’s happened. The police are with your Dad now.
FREDDIE
(cries) I’m so sorry. I should’ve listened to you.
ALISON
We’ll put things right. I promise.
FREDDIE
Why did I have to be so stupid?
FREDDIE wipes the tears away from his eyes. He looks up and sees ZACK standing in the street. He has a knife in his hands.
Page 63
FREDDIE (continued)
Mum, I have to go now.
ALISON
I’ll be with you in a few minutes. (pauses) I love you.
FREDDIE
I love you too.
FREDDIE finishes the call. He gets to his feet and puts the phone away. ZACK walks over to him.
FREDDIE (continued)
Do me a favour. Make it quick.
Cut to
INT. – RICKY’S CAR – NIGHT
ALISON is driving the car down the street. She looks out of the window in search of FREDDIE. She pulls the car over and takes off her seatbelt.
Cut to
EXT. – STREET – NIGHT
ALISON climbs out of the car. She sees FREDDIE laying on the floor, in a pool of blood. She runs over to him.
ALISON (desperately)
Freddie!
ALISON gets on her knees and holds onto FREDDIE. She cries.
FREDDIE (weakly)
Mum.
ALISON
It’s okay, baby. I’ve got you. (looks around) Somebody help me!
A MAN, mid-thirties, comes running over to them. He sees FREDDIE laying in a pool of blood. He brings out his phone and rings for an Ambulance. ALISON faces FREDDIE again.
ALISON (tearfully)
It’s okay. Help’s on its way. You’re gonna be fine. I promise.
Page 64
FREDDIE
I’m…sorry.
ALISON
You’ve got nothing to be sorry about.
FREDDIE loses consciousness.
ALISON (desperately)
Stay with me, Freddie. Stay with me.
FREDDIE opens his eyes.
FREDDIE
Sorry.
FREDDIE passes away. ALISON looks at his body.
ALISON
Freddie?
ALISON realises that FREDDIE is dead. She bursts into hysterics and strokes his hair. Sirens can now be heard in the distance. A crowd also gathers around them.
ALISON (tearfully)
My baby. How could they?
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