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Broken Heart at the Party

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Louis Sihler
Louis Sihler

Carter watches a group of young adults party and jump off a cliff into the water below. His girlfriend Katie tries to get him to jump with her but he refuses. Later at a party, Mara catches her boyfriend Van cheating on her with their teacher Ms. Walsh. Distraught, Mara crashes her car. She finds herself disoriented and unable to get help from others. Carter appears and claims he's not there to hurt her, though she doesn't recognize him. There is an instant attraction between them when their bodies collide.

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FADE IN: EXT. CLIFF TOP--DAY A group of impetuous YOUNG ADULTS are partying. Beer cans tossed on the ground. CARTER (20), born in Britain and feeling out-of-place, sits on a rock watching the others jump from the cliff into the water below. He's dry and a bit tipsy from the alcohol. YOUNG MAN C'mon Carter, quit being such a pussy. The young man laughs, then jumps over the side with two others. Carter shakes his head and waves them off. His eyes shift back to the a beautiful brunette walking around in a skimpy bikini. She smiles seductively and saunters over. KATIE (20), loves to be noticed. She's Carter's on and off again girlfriend, with many others in- between. KATIE Jump with me, please. She tries to pull Carter up by his hand, but he pulls away. CARTER Not now. He's irritated. Katie scowls at Carter, shrugs and walks away. She sets her sights on another equally handsome young man. Her hips sway back and forth as she slowly walks up to, JASON (22), a flirty, group leader type. KATIE
You'll jump with me right, Jason? Runs her hand seductively up Jason's bare, muscular chest. Jason smirks and glances over at Carter who seems indifferent to Katie's behavior. KATIE Looks like I may have to move on to a real man. Her eyes focus back on Carter who's ignoring her antics. JASON Hey Dude. Your girl wants to jump. Jason puts his arm casually around Katie's shoulders. The others are now focused on the tension concerning Carter's unwillingness to jump. Carter chugs down the rest of his beer and tosses it with the other cans. CARTER You all are bloody nincompoops. He stands up and sways a bit. CARTER You want me to jump? Fine. He runs towards the edge but trips before jumping off. Carter tumbles over the side. The group runs to the edge, traumatized. Their expressions are masked in horror. SUPER: ONE MONTH LATER EXT. MOUNTAINS - DAY
A steep cliff with sparkling water below. MARA (VO) Did you ever have that feeling that you weren't whole? That something or someone was missing from your life. That no matter who you were with, you always felt alone? The sun percolates through the overhead leaves of a tree; everything is full of life. Sparkling. SUPER: SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN MARA (VO) Sometimes, I feel there is someone else out there that feels the same way I do. But until we find each other, until we come together as one, we are just empty shells. INT. MARA'S BEDROOM - DAY An energetic, scatter-brained, bottle-bleached blonde ASHLEY (18) scans through her cell phone. MARA CROWE (18), vulnerable, introverted, and imperfectly beautiful, stands at her closet. Pushes hangers full of clothing back. MARA Absolutely not, Ashley. I'm not going. SLAMS closet door shut. Snarled look. ASHLEY You have to go. I mean really, Mara. It's our last year. Who knows if we will even see each other again and you want to ruin the moment.
Flops down on the bed. Looks up at Mara with sad puppy dog eyes. Mara rolls her eyes. Picks up and waves a college pamphlet-- MARA We're going to the same college, Ash. We'll see each other every day. At first relenting... ASHLEY I know. (beat) But you need to go! You know Van wants to go. He'll go regardless. BOUNCES back up, grabs her cell phone once again. ASHLEY (CONTD) See, lookie-- Waves phone at Mara. Shows her the text message sent to everyone... ASHLEY See. "Going to killer party this weekend." MARA So what! Van's a big boy. He can do what he wants. Looks at her own phone. Unnerved, tosses it across the desk. MARA He never even mentioned the party to me. ASHLEY I don't know why you make this whole relationship so
complicated. You know you love Van. And he loves you. Mara maintains a dead stare. About to cry at any moment. MARA He's never said he loves me. (beat) It's been one year and I've never heard these words. (beat) Am I not lovable? A question mark floods her face. MARA And why does he think he has to cheat on me? ASHLEY Like every other guy in the world, he's an ass. But even you have to admit, he has a sweet looking one. Gives Mara a quick hug. ASHLEY I'm sure somewhere in that sex-filled brain of his, he loves you. And don't forget, I love you. Your parents love you. What more do you need? Mara chuckles to herself. Shakes her head in disbelief. MARA Yep, my parents love me alright. So much so they scheduled their family vacation without me while we graduate.
Ashley winces. ASHLEY Man, that blows. Ashley grabs Mara's lipstick. Puts some on. ASHLEY Gotta run. Don't forget, we're going shopping this weekend for wicked party outfits. Ashley waves and exits. MARA Ash, I said.... Mara looks back at her phone. No new messages. INT. CROWDED HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Mara stands in front of her cluttered locker. RAMBUNCTIOUS STUDENTS fill the hallway. VAN (18), big in physique and ego, owns the place. BOYS and GROUPIES crowd around him as he walks. Van spots Mara. Holds everyone up. VAN Hey, babe. He slips his arms around Mara's waist. Pulls her back. Nuzzles her neck like a fawning dog. MARA Hey, what's up— She scoots away from Van. SLAMS the locker shut. VAN Okay. What's wrong now?
He smiles and winks at a pretty girl walking past, irritating Mara. Leans against a locker as if bored. MARA You didn't tell me about any party. And that you're going! Van shakes his head. Rolls his eyes. Returns a head nod to a FRIEND that goes past. The friend accidentally bumps into Mara. Keeps on walking. Irritates her even more. VAN First, you don't even like who's having the party. Mara silently mouths blah, blah, blah as Van continues. VAN Second, you said you were done partying. And third, you can come if you want. It's not like I was trying to sneak out on you. MARA Whatever, Van. As it turns out, I'm going. Mara sashays away. Mixes in with the crowd. Surprised, Van catches up. Grabs her hand. Rubs it sensually. Tries to entice her. VAN Maybe we can have a little more fun than usual at the party. Mara shakes his hand loose. Gives him a "dream- on" look. MARA
Let's just go to class. Van sighs. Opens the door to the classroom. CLASSMATES give him an onset of welcomes. He enters. Let's the door SLAM in Mara's face. EXT. PARTY HOUSE - NIGHT Music blares. Beer cans and red cups litter the grass. TEEN BOYS drink on the porch. Watch everyone come and go. Mara and Ashley approach. Whistles and catcalls ring out. Ashley smiles and sway her hips. Mara tugs her dress down. FRONT ROOM Mara and Ashley enter. Loud music. Smoke permeates. Teens everywhere. Shouting. ASHLEY Cool. She grips Mara's hand. Leads her down the hallway. KITCHEN Two open coolers and a bottle of whisky sit on the counter with a keg on the floor. A line of TEENS, shot glasses in hand, toast MS. WALSH (40s), a large-breasted woman wearing junior high fashions - a MILF wannabe. She answers by tossing back her shot. Let's a loud YELL... MS. WALSH Ashley and Mara! Stumbles over to the girls. Throws her arms over their shoulders. Slurs her speech. MS. WALSH Great to see you.
Stunned, the girls stare at her exposed cleavage. Ashley recovers first. Smiles. ASHLEY Hey, Ms. Walsh. Mara ducks out. Ms. Walsh stumbles while she grabs two cups. MS. WALSH Where'd your friend go? Hands the cups to Ashley. Points to the keg. Stumbles out of the room. ASHLEY (to herself) Why can't my mom be that cool? Ashley fills her cup with beer. Takes a long swallow. Fills a cup for Mara. LIVING ROOM Ashley hunts down Mara. ASHLEY Here. Drink this. It'll loosen you up! Mara throws a look of worry at Ashley as she takes the cup. MARA You're right. She downs her beer. MARA Better get me a refill. She watches Ashley go to the kitchen.
MS. WALSH WAHOO! Ashley returns. Hands Mara her beer. ASHLEY Toast to an adventurous night! Mara nods and downs her beer. ASHLEY That feels better. Let's go find our men. BACKYARD DECK Mara looks around. Sees a group of guys playing beer pong. The guys look at Mara. Look at each other. Continue playing. MARA Hey, anyone know where Van is? No one answers. The guy holding the ball shrugs. No one else looks at her. Mara presses on. MARA Okay. Where is he? GUY ONE Try upstairs. The player with ball nudges him. Shakes his head. Neither meet Mara's stare. MARA Whatever...
She marches away. Heads upstairs. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY Sitting and standing COUPLES crowd the hallway. Mara weaves around them. Tries to shield her face from their kissing. Whispers loudly... MARA Van. Nothing. Now louder, more agitated... MARA Van. A guy against the wall nods towards the master bedroom. Goes back to kissing girl. Mara's face goes sour. She strides to the end of the hallway. Stares at the door. Pauses. SLOWLY turns the doorknob. Opens the door a crack. Eyes adjust to the dim lighting. MASTER BEDROOM Mara sees two bodies on the bed. Clothes strewn about including Van's shirt by the door. Hears moans. Gasps of pleasure. She feels along the wall. Finds the light switch. Light floods the room. VAN What the fuck, dude. MARA I'm not a dude, asshole. Mara stands still. Shocked. Van looks up. Shakes his head. Pulls a pillow over his face. Humiliated. Ms. Walsh rolls off of Van. Covers herself with a sheet. Looks sheepishly at Mara.
MS. WALSH Mara-I, uh-uh... Mara holds her hand up. She acts as if she didn't just walk in on her boyfriend cheating, again. MARA Sorry, Mrs. Walsh. I didn't mean to interrupt. Mara looks at Van. MARA It's over...like really over this time. A few tears roll down her cheek. Brushes them away. Walks to the door. Looks back one last time. SLAMS the door shut. HALLWAY Mara kicks off her heels. Rushes down the hall bumping into people. VAN (OS) Mara. Mara. Come back. MASTER BEDROOM Van scrambles to put on his pants and shirt. Runs out bare-footed. HALLWAY Mara pushes people out of the way as she runs down the steps. PARTY ROOM Mara smacks into people as she scurries over to Ashley who's talking with FRIENDS. MARA I have to go.
ASHLEY Mara, what's wrong? Mara shakes her head. Races away. Ashley tries to follow, but drunkenly loses her balance. ASHLEY Mara! Ashley props herself against the wall. Mara gives a cursory wave of the hand. Yells back... MARA We'll talk tomorrow! Mara plows through groups of teens. Rushes out the front door. FRONT OF HOUSE Mara jumps into her car. Jams the key into the ignition. Takes off. INT. MARA'S CAR - NIGHT Mara drives down an unlit dirt road. Too fast for the conditions. Tears fill her eyes. She leans her forehead on steering wheel. FLASHBACK - MASTER BEDROOM SCENE Clothes tossed about the room. Sounds of ecstasy. Van and Ms. Walsh lying naked on the bed. BACK TO PRESENT TIME Mara lifts her head. HONKING draw her confused eyes back to the front. The white light is blinding.
CRASH! Sounds of metal echo in the darkness. Everything goes black. EXT. FRONT PORCH OF MARA'S HOUSE- NIGHT Mara stands on her porch. Looks around. Rubs her face, totally disoriented. Her parent's car pulls into the driveway. Mara looks relieved. Runs to greet them. The CROWES (both 40s) carry take-out bags. Look at one another lovingly. Then walk right past her! MARA Mom! Dad! Mara follows behind them up the porch. MARA Mom, wait! I need help. Softly cries. Her parents disappear into the house. The front door closes. The porch light goes off. Darkness surrounds her. EXT. PARTY HOUSE - NIGHT Mara now stands on the front lawn. No one's around. Only one car in the driveway. She stands frightened and confused. Yells. MARA Hello! No answer. MARA HELLO!
Eyes tear. Desperation. MARA Anyone? Help me, PLEASE! Screams at the house. MARA AAARGHHH! Walks forward. The front door opens. Ms. Walsh walks out. Relief. MARA Ms. Walsh, something's wrong. I need help. She rushes towards Ms. Walsh. Ms. Walsh strolls past. Doesn't look at Mara. Now Mara speaks barely above a whisper. MARA Ms. Walsh, can you help me? Ms. Walsh gets into her car. Leaves. Mara collapses to the ground. Sobs. VOICE Mara. A soft, whispery British accent flows through the night. Mara lifts her head. Eyes still have tears. She looks around. Nothing. MARA Guys, it's not funny anymore. She stands. Body rigid. Tries to appear unafraid. Her eyes betray her.
She notices a movement in the wooded area off to her side. She looks over her shoulder towards the house. Then back to the wooded area. MARA Hello? Her voice quivers. Another soft whisper, as if not to startle her. VOICE Mara. Mara begins to walk backwards towards the house. Eyes dart left and right. Anticipates an imminent attack. Carter walks from the shadows to the middle of the driveway. Mara cocks her head as if she vaguely recognizes him. Trembles. But can't take her eyes off him. Carter walks closer. Stops when Mara steps backwards. His eyes meet her's. CARTER Mara, I'm not going to hurt you. Mara looks around. Makes sure they're alone. MARA How...how do you know me? CARTER Long story. One you're not ready to hear. Not just yet, anyway. Takes another step closer. Mara holds up her hand-- MARA Just stay there.
She inches further back. Wipes away the tears. MARA I'm a black belt in karate. Inches out her chest as if prepared to fight. Carter nods. Runs his fingers through his hair. Reveals his own stress. CARTER Good to know. But you won't need it. I said I'm not going to hurt you. Takes a few more steps closer. Panic takes over. Mara runs. MARA Help! Somebody, help me! Magically, Carter appears directly in front of her. She tries to stop from plowing into him, but her body smacks into his. Carter grabs her shoulders to prevent her falling. There's an instant attraction between them. Their eyes search one another's. Carter quickly lets her go. She looks back to where he was standing, then back to him in front of her. MARA Carter, how...how did you do that? She stands shocked. MARA Do I know you? Carter shrugs. Rubs his hands over his face.
CARTER I'm not really sure how we know each other. I have an idea, but, bloody hell, I could be wrong. Mara wipes away the last remaining tears. MARA Did Van have something to do with this? Someone from the party? Carter shakes his head. CARTER If you're like me, it will all come back to you. Then you'll understand. Mara steps backwards. Looks back at the house once again. MARA I'm going back inside. Maybe Ashley or someone else from the party will know what's going on. She turns. Walks closer to the house. Looks over her shoulder at Carter. Turns her head to the front again. Screams, as she again runs into Carter... MARA AHHHHH! Afraid. MARA You... you were just there. Looks back where Carter was, then forward to him. CARTER
Mara, just listen. Okay? Mara slowly nods. CARTER I'm not going to hurt you. Holds his hands out. Shows her he has no weapon. CARTER Just look around. See anyone else? Motions to the lack of people around. Mara looks from side-to-side. Takes in what Carter tells her. MARA Where is everyone? Afraid, she keeps her chin up to appear brave. Carter shrugs. CARTER Home, school, work-- wherever their everyday lives take them. Are you cold? Afraid? He goes to rub away the goose bumps that have formed on Mara's arms, then stops himself. Mara shakes her head. Maintains a few steps distance between her and Carter. MARA Of you... no. I've seen enough slasher movies to know that if you were actually going to kill me, it probably would've happened already. I mean I could run to the house-- Motions to the party house behind them. MARA
But I would probably trip and fall or you would catch up to me anyway. So, what's the sense, right? Mara lets out a big SIGH. Rubs her face MARA Maybe I'm asleep right now and this is a nightmare? Looks at Carter for confirmation. He shakes his head. Suddenly angry... MARA Then tell me, Carter, what the fuck is going on? Did someone drug me? Is this all a big prank and everyone's going to come out laughing? And how the HELL do I know your name? Frustrated. Mara walks to the porch. Carter follows. FRONT PORCH CARTER I don't know how to tell you... you'll have to remember, like I did. Frustration shows. Mara spins around to face Carter once again. MARA Remember what? Am I dead? Deflated, Mara sits down on the wicker sofa. Leans back. Closes her eyes. CARTER
Remember how you got here. And, no, you're not technically dead. He leans back against the porch railing. Waits for Mara's response. Mara's eyes fling open. She stares straight at Carter. Shakes her head. MARA Not technically dead? What the fuck? She looks around at her surroundings once more, then back to Carter. She whispers... MARA Where am I? Carter looks as though he's searching for the answer himself. Finally, his eyes meet Mara's. CARTER Somewhere in between this life and the next. Mara looks away from Carter. A range of emotions cross over her face--confusion, sadness, anger. Her eyes go back to Carter. MARA How? Carter shakes his head. CARTER I don't have any answers. People come and people go. None have ever come back. Carter takes a step closer to Mara. CARTER Are you okay?
Worried, his hands reach towards her. But he stops mid-way, seemingly afraid to comfort her. His fists clench, then drop to his sides. Mara shrugs. MARA I... I don't know. I really don't know what to think right now. CARTER Do you remember what happened? Mara moves closer to Carter. The closer they get to one another the less stress is evident on their faces. MARA Maybe. I don't know. This is all so damn confusing. She rubs her hands over her reddened face. MARA I was at a party. Looks back at empty house. MARA Van and I had another fight. Eyes dart around. MARA Everyone was partying, but I know I wasn't drinking. I think I had one beer. Looks out to the front yard. Concentrates. Carter watches her. Patiently waits. MARA
I found Van in bed with another girl. Well, really, another woman. Sniffles. MARA I really thought that maybe he loved me... but I know I was wrong. Really, really wrong. Carter whispers... CARTER Did you love him? Mara shrugs. MARA I don't know. Maybe not. I felt hurt when I found him with Ms. Walsh, but not devastated. I already knew he had cheated on me. In fact, the whole time. Looks at Carter. MARA Maybe I'm not lovable. Wipes eyes as they begin to tear up again. MARA My parents, Van, everyone that's supposed to love me... doesn't. Carter shakes his head. CARTER I doubt that very much. Maybe Van wasn't the right one for you. And your parents... I don't know. Damn, my parents haven't
shown me love since I was a toddler. Mara nods like she understands. Carter looks as depressed as she does. He sits down on the porch steps. Stares off into the night. Mara chuckles in a sad way. MARA We're a happy pair. She sits down beside Carter. MARA So now what? Are we stuck here forever? Carter shakes his head. CARTER I've been all over, but somehow I arrived here when you did. We can certainly go somewhere less painful. Mara looks intrigued. MARA So it was like you knew I was here or did something happen to bring you here? Carter stares straight ahead as if some great event were happening. CARTER I-- I guess. It’s like I was meant to be there for you. Carter stands up. Motions for Mara to follow. He's antsy. Looks for a way to stop the conversation.
CARTER For the moment, why don't we go somewhere. Anywhere but here. Mara's uneasy. She's being cautious. Watches Carter walk down the driveway, turn and wait for her. Mara looks back at the house. Considers the silence of the world that has been with her since she's arrived. She glances back at Carter, the only person in her world now. His smile seems to smack true. Mara stands up and follows. EXT. MARA'S FAMILY HOME - DAY Mara stands in her front yard. Sorrow floods her being. Carter stands discreetly back. Mara's mother comes out the front door with a suitcase. MARA Mom, I'm here. Look! Mara waves her arms. Tries to get their attention. MARA Please, mom. Can't you feel me? I'm here. Her tone is soft. She's lost hope of her mom knowing she's there. Carter looks away as Mara begins to softly cry. The front door of the house opens. Her father comes out with another suitcase. Mara rushes towards him.
MARA Dad! She stops right before she runs into him. Mrs. Crowe walks over to her husband. She looks sad. MRS. CROWE Do you think this is the right thing to do? Maybe we should wait. Searches her husband's face for an answer. He kisses her on the forehead. MR. CROWE The doctors said there's nothing we can do. We planned this ages ago. I'm sure if Mara could talk, she'd tell us to go. He kisses his wife once more. MR. CROWE The hospital has our numbers. If anything should happen, they'll call and we'll fly back on the first plane. He puts his hand on Mrs. Crowe's back. Leads her to the car. MR. CROWE After everything we've been through, we deserve this vacation in Hawaii. Mrs. Crowe nods her head. Smiles. Gets into the car. Mr. Crowe puts the suitcases into the trunk. Looks back at the house once more. Joins his wife. Drives away.
Mara watches in silence. Then looks down to the ground. Her spirit broken. Carter approaches Mara. Gently rubs her back. She feels comforted by his touch. MARA I can't believe they still left. See how much I matter? Mara looks at Carter. Devastated. He smiles. Lightly touches her cheek. Softly brushes a piece of hair back from her face. Mara seems soothed by his touch. A faint smile plays on her lips. CARTER You matter more than you realize. He takes her hand. Leads her away. EXT. CLIFF SIDE - DAY They stand on top of a jagged rock cliff overlooking the water. Her voice quivers. MARA Carter, where are we? Carter takes a few steps forward. Looks over. CARTER This is where it all happened. He looks once more at the water below. Walks back and stands by Mara's side. MARA Where are we and what happened?
Her fingers stroke his arm. He looks pacified by her gentle touch. Carter takes hold of Mara's hand. Intertwines their fingers. CARTER This is an old granite quarry-- Motions to the cliffs. CARTER Where I took the dare to jump. MARA Is that how you ended up here? You know where we're at? CARTER Yep. They kept egging me on. Telling me not to wimp out. Man up. Just jump. So, I did. Mara looks captivated. MARA Do you remember the jump and fall? Carter nods. Takes another step closer. CARTER I started running from back there-- Points to the tree behind them. CARTER I must've tripped on something because instead of jumping, I ended up tumbling over the cliff. I
think I hit every single rock and edge on the way down. He hangs his toes over the edge. Mara panics. MARA What are you doing? Carter sounds desperate. CARTER I gotta try again. Leans further over cliff. MARA No, WAIT! He jumps! MARA Carter! Don't leave me! Moments pass. Mara stares in horror. MARA Carter! She's completely heartbroken. She crumples to the ground, sobbing. CARTER Mara. Carter approaches her from behind. Instantly wraps her up in his arms. He pulls her up to him, hugging her tightly. CARTER I didn't leave. I'm right here. Mara elbows him in the stomach and pushes away. MARA
Why the hell did you do that? Isn't one bad accident enough? And you have to do it again! Carter tries to reach out to her. But she brushes him off. Takes a step away. CARTER I knew nothing was going to happen. It's not like the real world. Here nothing can happen to us. He reaches for Mara. She allows him to hold her hand. MARA You did that before? Her hand clenches into a fist. CARTER Well, yeah. Sheepish look. Hangs head. CARTER Several times. Each time I do it, nothing happens. I just end up back here. Completely dry, unhurt. As if I had never jumped. Sly look. MARA Yeah, well, just don't do that again. Notices Carter's cunning look. Pulls hand away. Clasps both hands together in front of her abdomen. CARTER C'mon.
Grabs for Mara's hand. CARTER You can come with me this time. Mara vigorously shakes her head no. Scoots feet back a few more steps. Terrified. MARA Hell no! CARTER Okay, I won't push you today. Smirks at Mara still backing away. CARTER Mara, you won't get hurt. Mara shakes her head-- MARA I'm not doing that. Not in this lifetime or whatever life we are in right now. Carter shrugs. CARTER Okay. Let's do something else then. Holds out his hand. Mara has a look of skepticism. CARTER I promise to be nice-- Makes a big x over his heart. Playful glint in his eye. CARTER C'mon.
Holds hand out. Shakes it for Mara to take. She slowly reaches out. CARTER Gotcha. Grabs Mara's hand. Runs back to the cliff. She screams... MARA Carter! Tries to pull her hand loose. Stumbles as she tries to get away. Carter doubles over laughing. MARA You're not funny! Rips her hand away from his. Carter straightens back up. CARTER Okay, I'm done. Shit, Mara. Loosen up a bit. Mara looks hurt. She crosses her arms over her chest and turns away. Suddenly a DISHEVELED TEENAGER with an anorexic body and darkened eyes manifests fifty yards away. She looks alarmed and afraid. Stares at Mara and disappears! Mara stands stunned. CARTER Did I say something wrong? MARA I...I saw someone. Mara points to where the girl was standing. MARA
A girl. She looked awful. CARTER Oh. Another one. MARA Another what? CARTER Remember, I told you how I could never talk to anyone because they'd come and go too quickly? Well you just saw an example. Mara looks back at Carter, frightened. CARTER Just let it go. We've got each other haven't we? MARA Yes, but for how long? CARTER I don't know, but right now we’re all each other has. C’mon, I have somewhere I want to take you. Carter puts his arm around Mara's shoulder. Leads her away. EXT. RURAL HOUSE - DAY Mara looks at the surroundings. Sees a farmhouse at the end of a long driveway surrounded by pasture. Carter gazes out across the field. MARA Uhmmm, Carter, where are we? Carter nods his head towards the farmhouse.
CARTER That's my mum and dad's house. It used to be mine too, but I don't know if I'll ever get back there again. MARA You don't think you'll ever get back to England? Waves her hand at him. MARA You know since you have the whole accent thing going on. Carter laughs, a deep hearty laugh. CARTER That whole accent thing? Waves hand like Mara did. CARTER Well, Mara, I hate to burst your bubble, but we aren't in England. MARA We're not? Sounds and looks disappointed. MARA Okay then, where are we? Looks back at the house. CARTER Sorry, we're still in the U.S. MARA You were visiting?
Carter shakes his head no. CARTER We moved here. Wiggles finger toward the house. CARTER I was about ten. But you're right about one thing. I was born in England. Mara nods. Looks away. Eyes Carter out of corner of her eye. Carter smiles CARTER Come on, let's go. They turn away, Carter's hand on the small of her back EXT. DIRT PATHWAY - DAY Silence. Carter and Mara now feel comfortable with one another. They walk along a wooded pathway. The sun shines brightly, the weather is near perfect. Mara glances over at Carter as they walk. MARA Will I ever remember how I got here? Carter nods. CARTER It's scary though. Smiles weakly at Mara. MARA Why are we here? What's the reason? Why haven't we gone somewhere else?
Carter shrugs. CARTER I wish I had the answers, but I don't. Maybe this is where we're supposed to be. Like you, when I saw my mum I would scream for her, but she never answered back. After a while, I gave up. Mara nods. MARA My parents use to do that in my before life too. I guess alive, dead, or being here doesn't change how they act towards me. Carter questions her with his eyes. MARA They were caught up in their own world. I was just there. They loved getting pieces of artwork and sculptures from around the world, things they could sit around and claim as theirs. Sort of like they did with me. I was a trophy child to be gawked at, but not touched. Mara looks down to the ground, then back to Carter. MARA Just like when they dust off their statues. They would buy me a new outfit, thinking that bit of attention made it all pretty and better. But in the end, none of that
mattered. We were just empty and lifeless. Carter lightly touches Mara's hair, brushes it back out of her eyes. His hand strokes her cheek. She leans into his hand. CARTER I'm sorry. Mara shows a faint smile. Carter leans over. Tenderly kisses her on the cheek. FLASHBACK Bright lights. Sound of metal crashing. A scream. BACK TO PRESENT TIME A loud, piercing scream erupts from Mara. MARA AAARRRGGHHH! Carter puts both hands on Mara's arms. Gently shakes her. CARTER Mara! Mara! Mara slowly opens her eyes. Carter stands in front of her. Look of concern. MARA I remember. I remember everything. She's in shock. Carter leads her over to a large rock. They both sit down. He keeps hold of her hand. CARTER Do you want to talk about it?
Lightly brushes her hair out of her eyes, leaves his hand on her cheek. Mara feels comforted. MARA Ummmmhh... She closes her eyes. Tightly grips Carter's hand. CARTER It's okay, Mara. Mara smiles when Carter says her name. Her grip loosens. Carter moves his hand away from Mara's face. Tilts her chin so their eyes meet. Holds her other hand. CARTER You can tell me. I know what you're going through. MARA I saw my car get hit by another car. Well, really, it was a big truck. Carter gently squeezes her hand. Encourages her. MARA I remember lying on the ground looking up at the stars. I felt the blood running down the side of my face and tried to wipe it away, but I couldn't move my hand. Mara subconsciously wipes at her head. MARA I heard a guy screaming and then he was looking over me. He didn't seem to be hurt too bad, maybe a small
lump on his forehead. He had a cell phone and was talking to someone, telling them what had happened and where we were. Takes a deep breath. Let's it out slowly. MARA It seemed like hours--but I'm sure it wasn't--before I heard the sound of sirens. Two police officers were kneeling beside me, telling me that everything was going to be all right. I could tell by the looks they kept giving each other that everything wasn't as peachy as it seemed. Eyes dart around, recollection. MARA Moments later, another vehicle pulled up, and everyone started scrambling. There were now four other people talking to me, asking me what my name was and if I remembered what happened? But I couldn't speak. A pained expression. Mara looks away from Carter's gaze. CARTER Mara. Lightly touches Mara's cheek. She looks up at him. CARTER You remembered the accident.
Mara nods, still demonstrating shock. CARTER What about after everyone got there? Do you remember anything after that? Carter tilts his head. Look of curiosity. MARA The paramedics strapped me onto a bed and put me inside the ambulance. I felt them sticking something in me. Looks at her arm. MARA They were talking on the phone with someone. All I heard was they didn't know if I was going to make it there in time. She gazes up at Carter. Sorrow in both their eyes. MARA Once again, I was alone. Leans forehead on Carter's shoulder. Carter slowly shakes his head. He speaks in barely a whisper. CARTER You will never be alone again, Mara. MONTAGE BEGINS: CARTER AND MARA BONDING EXT. TRAIL IN THE WOODS - DIFFERENT DAY Carter and Mara walk. Talk. Joke around. Carefree and comfortable with one another.
EXT. OPEN FIELD - DIFFERENT DAY Carter and Mara sit and talk in a field of grass, flowers, blue sky. They laugh. Smile. Become increasingly close. EXT. THE CLIFF - DIFFERENT DAY Carter and Mara hold each other close, watch the water ebb and flow. The love they feel can be seen on their faces. MONTAGE ENDS EXT. WOODED TRAIL - DAY Carter and Mara walk along a dirt pathway. Give each other romantic looks. MARA Carter, how do we know what day it is? Looks at Carter. Smiles affectionately. CARTER I have no clue. Why, Mara, are you tired of our long walks to nowhere? Doubt falls on Carter's face. Questions Mara with eyes. Mara bumps her shoulder against his arm. Rubs his hand soothingly. MARA No, I'm not sick of us hanging out. Just curious as to what is going on in our other life. CARTER Okay, that I can deal with. Takes hold of Mara's hand. Both tranquil.
MARA How were you able to see into our other life? You know, see what your friends and family were doing? Glances at him out of the corner of her eye. His gaze is downwards. CARTER I just concentrated hard on seeing my mum. Somehow, I ended up watching her at a hospital. I couldn't see myself--or if it was even me that she was visiting. But I saw my mum lying with her forehead down on the side of a bed. Lifts eyes. Meets Mara's. CARTER Is that what you want to do, Mara? Mara looks doubtful, then nods. Both stop. Turn to one another. CARTER Okay. I can try to help. Seems unhappy with this request, but holds out his hands to her. Mara places both hands in Carter's. Takes a deep breath. Gazes up at him. CARTER Concentrate hard. Think about who you want to see the most. It's easier to pick one person out. I picked my mum, and that's most likely why I saw only her.
Mara squeezes eyes shut. Grips Carter's hands tightly. MARA Okay, I'll try. Concentrates. Opens eyes. Stomps foot. MARA Mmmmmmmmmmmhhh! I can't. Damnit! CARTER Mara. Just concentrate. You can do this. I did it. You can too. Tone is soothing. Places forehead against hers. Mara's eyes shut. Her eyeballs dart. Breathing speeds up. Chest quickly rises up and down. A few moments pass. CARTER You're all right. Calm down. Tone soothes. Softly rubs Mara's cheek. Mara slowly opens eyes. Blinks a few times. Sees Carter. Gently touches his hand on her cheek. CARTER Did you see what you wanted? Look of apprehension. Drops hand away from her cheek. MARA I saw my mom and dad. A look of relief crosses over Carter's face. MARA
They were looking at a picture scrapbook. I couldn't see the photos, but they were laughing and crying all at the same time. Carter nods. MARA Then I saw bouquets of flowers all around our living room. It was like they were preparing for or had already been to a funeral. Wipes cheek when teardrops fall. MARA Does that mean I-I'm... Carter's thumb lightly caresses Mara's cheek. Wipes tears. CARTER Mara, shush. Mara lays head on his chest. Carter hugs her. CARTER That doesn't mean anything. You're still here, so your body, at least, is still alive. Mara nods, still sad. CARTER They probably were well wishes that friends and family sent, not that your mum and dad were giving up. Carter slightly leans her back and tilts her chin. Mara looks up.
She runs her fingers through his hair, brushes it back. Carter closes his eyes, peaceful. Leans down. Lips touch hers softly. The kiss instantly deepens. CARTER Uhhmmmmm... Lost for words. CARTER Wow. Mara giggles. MARA I would have to agree with that, Mr. Ashwood. CARTER How did you know my last name? MARA (surprised) I...I don't know! Like your first name, I just knew it. Carter touches Mara's cheek ever so gently. CARTER Did you ever get that feeling that we've... MARA Done this all before? CARTER Right. He's not surprised she knew his thoughts. CARTER
But...I just don't get how that could be? Bends over, kisses Mara ever so lightly on the lips. Mara shrugs. MARA Maybe it's the place? Maybe there is such a thing as fate? Bites lower lip. Looks at Carter with dreamy expression. CARTER Maybe we're here to help each other get through this. Kisses Mara again. CARTER But whatever it is, it feels right. Keeps head close to hers. CARTER I wanna take you someplace. Pulls Mara's hand so she follows. Has a gleam in his eye. MARA Wait. Tugs back. They stop. MARA Where do you wanna take me? CARTER You'll see in a second.
Grips Mara's hand tighter. Pulls her along once again. EXT. CLIFF TOP - DAY A vast open space with grass. Trees in the distance. A waterfall. MARA Carter, NO! Digs heels into the ground. Tugs hand out of his grasp. CARTER Do you trust me? Stares intently at Mara. Lips touch hers. She melts into him. CARTER Now give me your hand. Holds out his hand. Mara slowly put her's in his. CARTER Look at me. Mara looks up. Scared. Carter lightly touches her cheek. Runs his finger down the side of her face. CARTER I promise nothing will happen. I would never let you get hurt or leave you. Okay? Mara nods. Turns towards the cliff. She has a look of panic. MARA I-I don't think I-I can. Pulls back a bit.
Carter keeps a firm hold on Mara's hand. CARTER Yes, you can, Mara. Both stand on the edge of the cliff. Carter jumps with Mara. CARTER AND MARA Aarrrrggghhhh!! They hit the water with a huge splash. Come back up to the surface, hands clasped together. They laugh. Moments later, both stand back on the edge of the cliff. Clothes and hair are completely dry. MARA Let's do that again! Smiles. Pulls Carter to the edge. MONTAGE BEGINS - CARTER AND MARA HAVE FUN TOGETHER They jump from the cliff. Play around in the water. Hug and kiss in and out of the water. MONTAGE ENDS EXT. CLIFF SIDE - DAY Mara and Carter are together on a grassy area by the cliff. She sits while Carter lies his head in her lap. He closes his eyes. CARTER Mara. Mara runs her fingers through his hair. MARA
Mmmmm-hhhmmmm. CARTER Mara, do you wanna go back? MARA Into the water? CARTER No. To our other selves. Our other lives. Mara looks startled by question. She keeps her hand on his head. Stops combing her fingers through his hair. MARA I don't know. Do you? Carter opens his eyes. Gazes upwards. Looks at the sky, then to Mara. CARTER I did. I really did at one point. But now, I just don't know. Sits up, pulls Mara closer. Nestles nose along her neck, softly kisses her cheek. CARTER What if we both were able to go back, but couldn't find one another? Or what if we went back and didn't remember each other? Leans head on Mara's shoulder, one hand on her thigh. CARTER What if only one of us goes back and the other can't? Mara looks confused. MARA
I-I don't know. Carter, what are you getting at here? Carter lightly touches Mara's cheek. She slowly lifts her eyes to look at him. CARTER It's just when I think I've found the person that I've spent my whole life looking for, and it happens to be somewhere in between life and death, I'm not quite sure if I want to go back to the way things used to be. Mara gives Carter a soft smile. MARA I know the feeling. Part of me wants us to go back. I mean we have our entire lives ahead of us. But then, I don't want to leave what we have here. CARTER Mara. Studies her face. Grasps her hand. Looks directly into her eyes. CARTER I love you. Mara searches Carter's eyes. MARA I love you, too. Her voice is soft, she trembles. Their bodies meet with heated passion. They kiss as if their hunger is finally being satiated.
Carter carefully leans Mara back onto the grass. Clothes disappear. Soft kisses. Light touches on skin. Come together as one. EXT. GRASSY AREA - DAY Mara and Carter lay next to one another. Happy. Carter leans up on one arm, stares lovingly at Mara. Her eyes are closed. His fingers lightly trace the outline of her face, go along the collarbone, and softly graze the side of her breast, before coming to rest on her stomach. MARA Carter, do you think we were the only ones ever to have experienced this in the in between? Rests her hand on his. Carter lightly chuckles. CARTER If you mean sex, or making love, or fu- Mara puts her hand over Carter's mouth. MARA Yes, that's what I mean. Gives Carter a playful, even evil, look. Carter pulls Mara's hand away. Kisses it. Holds it. CARTER I'm not sure. If there hasn't been, we could always make it two times that something like that happened here.
Kisses Mara's neck. Lets go of her hand. Lightly caresses her skin with fingertips down to her stomach. Moves lips closer to her ear. CARTER Or three times. Light kisses along her neck. Mara softly moans with pleasure. CARTER Or maybe four. Rolls over on top of her body. Lips melt together. MONTAGE BEGINS: CARTER AND MARA TOTALLY IN LOVE -- Cliff side with water falling. Reservoir below. -- Mara and Carter walk along trail. Laugh. Talk. -- Mara and Carter by the cliff kiss, hold one another. MONTAGE ENDS EXT. THE PARTY HOUSE - DUSK Realizing something drastic is happening, Mara panics... MARA CARTER! Now Carter is alarmed... CARTER MARA! MARA! MARA CARTER! I can't see you! Where are you? Cries frantically.
CARTER MARA! COME BACK! Don't leave me alone! I need you! Mara, I love... Fades away. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY MRS. CROWE Mara. Mara. Mara. Can you hear me? Mara. Can you hear me? Mara. Mara squints her eyes open. Bright lights all around. Her mother stands over her. A DOCTOR in a white lab jacket with a stethoscope is by her side. DOCTOR Okay, Mara. I want you to blink once for yes and twice for no. Can you do that? Roughly pats her leg to grab her attention. Mara blinks her eyes once. MRS. CROWE WHOA! She did it! The doctor methodically continues his questioning. DOCTOR Do you remember what happened? Mara blinks her eyes one time. MARA (VO) How could I forget what happened? There was a car accident. Carter was
there, and now, he's completely alone again. I feel like half of me is missing. I feel lost. I miss his touch, the sound of his voice, having him near me. MRS. CROWE Are you in pain? Grabs a tissue from the box. Dabs Mara's eyes. MARA (VO) Of course, I'm in pain. My heart is completely broken without Carter at my side. DOCTOR I'm going to order some more testing to be completed tomorrow morning. I think she may be on the road to recovery. Pats Mara's leg again. DOCTOR (CONTD) I'll check up on you a little later. And Mara...Welcome back! Shakes mother's hand. Walks out. Mara has tears in her eyes. Devastated to be back without Carter. SUPER: "ONE WEEK LATER" INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY Mara lies on her bed. Looks less than enthused. Her mom sits on the chair. Looks through a vacation pamphlet. The doctor stands beside the bed, clipboard in hand.
DOCTOR Mara, I know it's been six months since you've arrived, but I would like you to try and say the first thing that comes to your mind. Waits with curiosity in his eyes. MARA (VO) SIX MONTHS! What the hell? Mother squeezes Mara's hand. MRS. CROWE Come on, Sweetie. You can do it! MARA Ccccc. Mother smiles. Doctor looks pleased. MRS. CROWE That's good. Lightly pats Mara's shoulder. MARA Cccc…Car. Tone is scratchy and hoarse. MARA (VO) Fuck, his name is not Cccc, dipshit. MARA Cccccc-arter. Doctor looks confused. Mother looks distraught. She didn't say mom. Slower and more pronounced...
MARA Cccarter. MRS. CROWE Carter? Looks at Mara confused. Mara nods. DOCTOR Does she know a Carter? Is there one in the family? Writes on the chart he's holding. Mrs. Crowe shakes her head. MRS. CROWE No, not that I can remember. I know there's a Van, who's her boyfriend. But I don't even remember a Carter at her school. She's never mentioned the name before. Mara gives her a look of disgust. Louder... MARA Carter. Looks at her mother. Mrs. Crowe pats Mara's arm-- MRS. CROWE I'm not sure what you mean? Mrs. Crowe shoots a quizzical look at the doctor. DOCTOR I'm just happy to hear Mara use her voice. As it continues to strengthen, maybe she can even explain this Carter mystery.
Pats Mara's head. Leaves. Mara speaks in a whisper. MARA Carter. MRS. CROWE Yes, okay. Just let your voice rest. Let's not overstrain it. Picks up vacation pamphlet. Starts to read again. Mara sinks into the pillows. Frustrated. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - ANOTHER DAY Mara sits up in her bed. Mrs. Crowe checks her cell phone. BETH (30s), a speech therapist, stands at the foot of the bed. BETH Okay Mara, we're going to try this again. It's been seven days. You know the routine. Let me hear some more words, all right? Smiles at Mara. Mara looks at her mother. Mother smiles. Nods her head. Goes back to her phone. Mara swallows hard. MARA I... Pauses, swallows again. Voice sounds strained... MARA
I want to see Carter. BETH Well, Mara, you will have to tell us who this Carter is. Beth offers a friendly smile. Mrs. Crowe doesn't look up. MARA His name is Carter Ashwood. Voice crackles. Takes a break. MARA I h-have to find him. Looks back and forth at the women. MRS. CROWE Mara, I don't remember anyone by that name. Are you sure you've met him? Looks at Mara with concern. MRS. CROWE (CONTD) Do you remember your friends from home? MARA Ashley. A cold hard stare at mother. MRS. CROWE What about...? Mara holds up her hand. Look of disgust. Foulness in tone... MARA Van? Yes, I remember him. Mother nods. Pessimistic. Goes back to her phone.
Mara looks at Beth. BETH What can you tell me about this...this Carter Ashwood? Curious look. MARA Carter was in an accident at a granite quarry. I don't know all the details, but he supposedly slipped on something and fell over the highest cliff there. Beth nods. BETH That story sounds familiar. I think he may have been here. Looks back and forth between Mara and Mrs. Crowe. BETH (CONTD) There are so many that come and go, but unless I have direct contact with them for speech issues, I don't get the chance to follow their case. MARA He's here? More enthusiasm. Beth shakes her head. BETH I'm not sure. It was a while ago that I had heard about his accident. MRS. CROWE
Maybe you heard about it on the news? Looks at Mara. Skeptical. MRS. CROWE The description you gave was so general, it could have been anyone. Mara's has a stare down with her mother. MARA He has a small scar from a dog bite. It's on the backside of his thigh on the left-hand side. Beth and Mrs. Crowe look at one another. Both shrug. BETH Well, Mara. I am so happy with your progress today. You are doing remarkably well. I'm going to confer with your physician and physical therapist. Maybe we can have you out of here by the end of the week. Gives Mara a light hug. MRS. CROWE You mean we may actually get to go home again? Ecstatic. Look of joy. BETH If everything comes back positive, then I don't see the issue with Mara returning home and finishing therapy closer to where you live.
Pats the bed. BETH Mara, get some rest. Walks out the door. MRS. CROWE Isn't that great. I get to go home. Starts to text. Mara looks devastated. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NEXT DAY Mara sits on the bedside chair. Beth looks over her chart. BETH That was a really good session, Mara. Your strength is coming back. Looks pleased. Mara nods. Gives Beth a weak smile. BETH Well, after yesterday's conversation. I asked around about this Carter fellow that was here. Mara gets excited. MARA Was? What do you mean? Beth nods. BETH Now, you didn't hear this from me-- Mara shakes her head.
BETH But he came in about a month before you. It seemed he had some accident like the one that you told me about. I don't know all the details, but apparently they've moved him down to the floor below us. It's for a transition to leave. Mara looks puzzled. A tone slightly above a whisper... MARA Thank you. Beth smiles. Nods. Leaves room. INT. MARA'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY Mara sits on the bed. Stares blankly out the window. Thinking. Mrs. Crowe watches TV. A strained silence fills the room. MRS. CROWE Aren't you excited? You're about to go home. Strolls happily over to the bed. Mara manages a lopsided smile. Fails to be happy. MARA Yep, that's great. MRS. CROWE What's wrong? Mrs Crowe's cell phone rings. She looks. Smiles brightly. Looks back to Mara. MRS. CROWE
I thought you'd be happy to see everyone. Gives Mara's shoulder a light squeeze. Lets go. Stands by the window. Looks bored. MRS. CROWE Dad said that Ashley and Van called several times to make sure that everything was still going well and that you'd be back soon. Mara, deflated... MARA Yeah. Nods. Stares past mother. MRS. CROWE What's going on in there? Lightly pats the top of her head. MRS. CROWE You seem lost in thought. MARA Just thinking. That's all. Another failed attempt at a smile. MRS. CROWE Why don't we take a short stroll? I think you need to get out of your room for a while. Takes robe off the door hanger. Hands it to Mara. Not needing any further encouragement, Mara throws on her robe and bolts out the door. INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - DAY
Mrs Crowe strains to catch up with Mara as Mara strides to the elevator. Both women get on. Elevator descends. INT. HOSPITAL, NEXT FLOOR DOWN - DAY Mara surges from the elevator. Mother's behind. - Mara exhibits determination as she quickly scans every door's clipboard. Mrs Crowe breathes heavily as she finally catches up. MRS. CROWE Mara, what on earth are you doing? MARA Searching. MRS. CROWE I can see that, but why? Mara ignores her. Keeps looking at names. When Mara finally reaches the last door, she finds what she's looking for. The clipboard reads "Carter Ashwood." Mrs. Crowe gives Mara a worried look. MRS. CROWE Mara, why are we standing outside this door? Mara points to the door. MARA He's here. Mrs. Crowe looks. MRS. CROWE Who's here? MARA Carter Ashwood.
Her hand lingers on the door. Mrs. Crowe looks panicked. MRS. CROWE This is preposterous! Let's go back to your room. Tries to take hold of Mara's hand. She quickly pulls it away. Mara jabs the clipboard... MARA No! HE. IS. HERE. Mrs. Crowe pauses, not knowing what to do next. MARA Look! For Christ's sake. Are you blind or something? It says Carter Ashwood! The door opens. Mara turns around, hopeful. A NURSE wheels an IV machine. Grabs the same clipboard. MARA Ummmmhh. Excuse me. Nurse turns. Nods. MARA Is this Carter Ashwood's room? Can I see him? Nurse shakes her head. NURSE He's not here, Miss. Sits IV pole against wall. Pushes door open to next room.
MARA Where did he go? Did he go home? Do you have an address? Tell me! MRS. CROWE Mara! You need permission. NURSE I'm sorry, Miss. I can't help you there. Disappears into the next room. MRS. CROWE Okay, you found out what you came for. Let's go back. Grips Mara's hand. Pulls her down the hall to the elevator. Mara hangs her head. Her arm goes limp. Heartbroken, she obediently follows her mother. INT. MARA'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY Mara and her mother enter the room. MRS. CROWE Well I hope you're satisfied. This whole business gives me the creeps. Suddenly Mara gets enraged. MARA You don't believe me, do you? MRS. CROWE You must admit it's a little fanciful saying you know someone you never met.
MARA But I did meet him. Mara rushes out the door before Mrs. Crowe can stop her. Again, she strides as fast as she can to the elevator. Mrs. Crowe in her haste crashes into a wheelchair. Gets detained. The elevator door opens. Mara slips past the couple emerging. Hits the button to the lower floor. The door closes just as Mrs. Crowe reaches it. INT. HOSPITAL, NEXT FLOOR DOWN - DAY Mara strides as quickly as she can to the nurse's desk. A SENIOR STAFF MEMBER is at the counter doing paperwork. MARA I need some information. You've GOT to help me. Sensing Mara's urgency, the staff member gives Mara her full attention. STAFF MEMBER How can I assist? MARA I need to find a patient who was moved from the end room on the left. She points in the direction of Carter's room. MARA His name is Carter Ashwood. STAFF MEMBER
Yes, an ambulance was here today. He's been taken to a private residence. MARA Can you tell me where? STAFF MEMBER Are you a family member? MARA No, I'm a friend. STAFF MEMBER I'm afraid I can't give out any further information. Hospital protocol. You'll have to get in touch with his family. MARA Can you give me their contact details? STAFF MEMBER I'm afraid I can't give out any private numbers. I'm very sorry. Do you have your friend's cell phone number? You might try calling that. Mrs. Crowe approaches. Mara tries to think of a solution. Her mother queries the administrator. MRS. CROWE Has she been pestering you about a Carter Ashwood? STAFF MEMBER She asked a question. I'm happy to assist. MRS. CROWE
Did she tell you she knew him? STAFF MEMBER That he was a friend. MRS. CROWE Ever since she's emerged from her coma she's had this vivid imagination about this boy she's never met. I'm sorry she's bothered you. STAFF MEMBER No problem. Mrs. Crowe speaks to Mara. MRS. CROWE Let's go. Again she firmly grasps Mara's arm. They walk to the elevator. A tear emerges from Mara's eye. SUPER: "THREE DAYS LATER" INT. MARA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT MRS. CROWE Aren't you happy to be back in your own room? Puts vase of flowers on the desk. Looks at all the other vases full of flowers around the room. Mara doesn't respond. She lies down on the bed. Closes eyes. Depressed. Mrs. Crowe throws a worried look Mara's way. MRS. CROWE Have you thought about where you might want to go to school after you finish
this quarter of high school? In almost a whisper... MARA Nope. MRS. CROWE Mara, I know you've been through a lot, but you can't let some illusory guy hold you back. MARA He's no illusion. And I will find him. Turns off the lamp. Rolls over on her side away from her mother. MRS. CROWE I'm sorry, but I think you need some counseling or some sort of trauma support group. Walks out without waiting for a response. Closes door. Mara stares at the wall. MONTAGE BEGINS EXT. MARA'S BEDROOM - DAY -- Looks up cliff diving accident reports on the laptop. -- Lays on her bed, stares at the ceiling. -- Looks out her bedroom window, helpless and hopeless. -- Carter Ashwood with address is shown on Mara's laptop screen.
MONTAGE ENDS SUPER: TWO WEEKS LATER EXT. CROWE FAMILY DRIVEWAY - DAY Mara sits in her car with the driver's side door open. Mrs. Crowe stands outside the door. MRS. CROWE Be safe and make sure you call when you get there. I'm so proud of you. Finally getting over this Carter business and moving on. You're going to love college. Steps away from the car. Mara closes the door. She presses Carter's address into the GPS. Backs the car out. Drives off. EXT. CARTER'S FAMILY HOME - DAY Large "For Sale" sign. Rope across entrance. Mara's car stops at the entrance. Gets out. Stands at the fence. Looks around. Devastated. She returns to her car. Consults a map. Leaves. EXT. TRAIL IN A WOODED AREA - DAY Mara walks along a path that leads to the cliff. EXT. CARTER AND MARA'S CLIFF - DAY A male figure stands alone looking out over the cliff. Mara rubs her arms. A look of anticipation crosses her face.
She watches him. Lightly treads until she's right beside him. They both stare straight ahead. MARA Great view, isn't it? Carter glances at Mara. Then back to the water. Tone of boredom... CARTER It is. Mara shuffles her feet. Sneaks a peak at Carter. MARA Ummmmmhhh... Lets out a held in breath. Looks back at Carter once more. He stares straight ahead. MARA Ummmmmmhhh... Do you remember me? Carter glances at Mara. Looks at her head to toe. CARTER No. Looks away. Mara looks sad. MARA Oh. Takes a side step away. MARA Sorry, I... ummmmmmmhhhh... I thought we'd met before. CARTER Guess you were wrong.
MARA Well I'm, Mara. Holds out her hand. Carter looks at her outstretched hand. Ignores it. CARTER Have a nice day, Mara. Walks away. Mara's face reddens. MARA Carter, you have to remember. Carter stops. Mara turns around. Softly approaches as if he were a wild animal. Touches his hand. FLASHBACK: CARTER AND MARA On the cliff, Carter and Mara laugh and play around with each other. Carter takes her hand and leads her over to the edge. He brushes back the hair out of her eyes and kisses her lightly on the lips. One more smile. One more kiss on her hand that he holds tight. They jump together. FLASHBACK ENDS Hands are by their sides. Vision evaporates. Carter looks sorrowful. MARA I know you saw it. Carter speaks in a harsh and loud tone... CARTER It's over, Mara. Just go home.
Mara's eyes glisten with tears. MARA Why? Reaches for Carter. He moves away. CARTER Whatever happened there, stays there. MARA No! Shakes head. Wipes tears away. Frustrated. MARA I should just walk away, but I can't. Damnit! Why can't I let you go? CARTER There's nothing left to let go. I don't know why we were put together in that place, but you're here in the real world now. Tries to put physical and emotional distance between them. Mara cries softly. MARA I gave everything to you. No one can ever take your place in my life or my heart, Carter...EVER! Reaches for his arm. He doesn't move away. Gently caresses his arm. Carter closes his eyes. Soothing look on his face.
Bodies come closer together. Lean towards each other. KATIE (20), model beautiful, taps Mara on the shoulder. KATIE Are you okay? Mara quickly turns around. Surprised. MARA Yeah. Fine. I'm okay. I was just talking to... Turns back around. Carter is gone! Mara looks around the perimeter. No sight of him. Stunned, Mara recovers... MARA I...I was just looking at the water. KATIE Yeah, it's a great place to visit. Just be careful. This is a steep cliff. Mara steps forward. Looks over the edge at the water down below. MARA Have you ever jumped from here? Katie gives a sad nod. KATIE It was awhile ago. We were all acting stupid, and my boyfriend got hurt when he jumped. Mara looks scared. Steps back, away from the edge.
MARA Really? That's horrible. Katie laughs lightly. KATIE Yeah. Everyone dared Carter to jump without looking. So he took the dare, then slipped and tumbled over the cliff. Mara's shocked. MARA Are you referring to Carter Ashwood? Katie slowly nods. Full attention on Mara. KATIE You know him? MARA I-ummmmhh... Rubs hand over face. MARA We met at the hospital. KATIE Really. Were you volunteering? Mara looks away. Rolls her eyes. MARA Yes. Katie smiles sweetly. KATIE Oh, that's sweet of you. I'm sure Carter appreciated the help and company.
Looks at cell phone. KATIE Better get going. Nice talking to you. Waits for Mara to answer. MARA Mara. Tries to appear friendly. KATIE I'm Katie. Bye, Mara. Waves, walks back down the trail. Disappears around the bend. Mara looks around. MARA Carter? Eyes scan the tree line once more. MARA Carter, she's gone. Waits for him to pop back up. Walks toward the trail. Looks back at the cliff. Raises hand. MARA Take care, Carter. Eyes tear up. Turns. Disappears down the trail. INT. MARA'S BEDROOM - DAY Mara and Ashley sit on the bed. ASHLEY So, tell me about this Carter guy. Mara shrugs.
MARA It's hard to explain. ASHLEY You met at the hospital. He likes you, you like him. What's the problem? Mara blows out a sigh. MARA It's not that easy. If I tell you a secret, promise not to tell anyone? Ashley sits up. Nods. Looks excited. MARA I...ummmmhh... well you know how you believe in soulmates, spiritual stuff? Ashley nods. MARA Well, I sort of met Carter when I was in a coma... He was in one too. Mom thinks I'm crazy. Chuckles. MARA Maybe I am. Ashley's stunned. ASHLEY So, what you're saying is that you met this Carter between here... Taps finger on bed. ASHLEY And there.
Points to the sky. Mara shrugs. MARA Yeah, I guess. I have no clue where we were. But I do know that everything was perfect between us. Then, we get back here... Motions to the world around them. MARA And he wants nothing to do with me! (beat) I had even applied and got accepted to the college near his house. Ashley cringes. ASHLEY You're not going to school with me? Pouts. ASHLEY Look, change schools. Come with me. Forget about him. Mara shakes her head. MARA I already paid the deposit. I thought for sure he would feel the same. Looks sad. ASHLEY Should I get someone to kick his ass?
Mara laughs. MARA I'll pass on that. Ashley gets up. Reaches down to give Mara a hug. ASHLEY I gotta go. Still doing shit for the sorority party. You're coming too. No backing out. Walks towards door. Looks back to Mara. Mara shrugs. MARA I have to... Ashley opens the door. ASHLEY Forget him, Mara. As she exits... ASHLEY See you tomorrow. Mara lays back. Looks up at ceiling. EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - NEXT DAY Ashley runs over to Mara's car. Wraps Mara in a tight hug. ASHLEY YAY! You made it. MARA Only because you wouldn't let me be. Mara smiles. Looks around the campus. ASHLEY
I know. Takes Mara's hand. Leads her to the sorority house. ASHLEY You need to get back out. Circulate and enjoy yourself. Opens the front door. Motions for Mara to go inside-- ASHLEY C'mon, I want you to meet everyone before it gets crowded. INT. LARGE GREAT ROOM - DAY Music plays. Several GIRLS dance around while setting up for the party. Ashley yells over the music... ASHLEY Hey, this is Mara. Two of the girls rush over. Give Mara a hug. GIRL ONE It's so great to finally meet you. MARA Aahhh, you too. Both sorority girls scamper off when, ELISSA, a beautiful, bitchy-looking girl, comes over. ELISSA Since you're here early, you can help. Shoves tray full of food towards Mara. ELISSA
Over there. Points finger in the direction of the food table. Walks away. ASHLEY Yeah, don't mind Elissa. Takes tray from Mara. Sets it down. Motions for Mara to follow. Looks around at the others who are working. Voice is low... ASHLEY She can be a bitch. MARA That's okay; it's not your fault. Ashley winces after Mara's comment. Mara follows Ashley back down the hallway. ASHLEY Well, it sorta is. Opens bedroom door, waves Mara through. INT. ASHLEY'S BEDROOM - DAY MARA Why? Sits down on the bed. ASHLEY You remember I told you Van attends college here, right? Walks around. Doesn't look at Mara. Mara grimaces. Nods head. Waves for Ashley to continue.
ASHLEY Well... he's coming tonight. Elissa got all excited because she totally has the hots for him. Looks at Mara, then quickly away. Rambles everything out, fast... ASHLEY I got mad at her this week and told her that you were coming. And you're his ex- girlfriend. And that you were coming here so you could get back together with him. Mara gives Ashley an evil glance. MARA You know there's no way in hell that I would ever, ever, ever go back to that two-timer! ASHLEY I know. And I would probably beat you over the head if you did. But I was so mad at Elissa that I had to say something to piss her off. Mara shakes her head. MARA No biggie. Big sigh. MARA When she sees that I have no interest in him...that I'm not here to take her little boy toy away, then
maybe she'll forgive you for being a bitch. Playful smile. Ashley picks up a pillow. Slugs Mara in the shoulder-- ASHLEY I'm not a bitch. Well...not all the time. Bounces on toes over to the closet. ASHLEY I have an extra, ultra- sexy, make- guys-want-to- drool dress if you want to wear it? Pulls out a slinky black dress. Mara holds up her hand. MARA I'll pass. I like my comfy jeans and T-shirt. Ashley shrugs. Puts dress back. ASHLEY One other thing. I'm leaving this room for you in case you want to get away from the party. I'm making this room off limits to everyone else. There are three other bedrooms they can play around in. Grabs Mara's hand. Leads her out of the room. ASHLEY Let's get back out there and get everything ready
before the shit hits the fan. INT. FRONT ROOM - NIGHT Crowds of PEOPLE. Big party scene. Sex. Booze. Music. Mara and Ashley walk around talking to different groups of people. Ashley stops to talk to a BOY, Mara walks away. Van stands directly in Mara's path. VAN Mara! It's been awhile, baby. Attempts to stroke her cheek. Mara slaps Van's hand away. MARA Hey, Van. How's Ms. Walsh? VAN You still mad at me for that? It was so long ago, baby. We have so much time to make up for. Reaches for Mara again. Mara leans away. MARA We... Points back and forth between the two. MARA Have no time to make up. There will never, ever, ever, ever be another us. Tries to get past him.
Van grabs the tail end of Mara's shirt. VAN Mara. You can't just walk away. Ashley knocks Van's hand off of Mara. Steps in between. ASHLEY Okay, okay. Enough! Holds onto Mara's hand. ASHLEY Fuck Van, move on. Can't you tell? She doesn't want anything to do with you! Points to Elissa across the room. ASHLEY See that foxy chick over there? The one in the tight dress. She wants you bad. Go make her night. Pulls Mara away while Van looks over at Elissa. INT. FRONT ROOM - NIGHT The crowd is thick. People are loud and obnoxious. Mara leans against the wall watching Ashley talk to another GUY. Mara rubs her arms and frantically scans the room. ELISSA Katie! High pitched squeal, runs toward the door. Mara looks over to the door. Surprised look. Carter is behind Katie!
KATIE Issie. Gives Elissa a big hug. ASHLEY Mara. Waves hand in front of Mara's face. Nods head towards Katie. ASHLEY That's Elissa's cousin. She's okay, but a bit of a bitch like Elissa. MARA Yeah, I know. ASHLEY You know her? Looks at Mara. MARA Looks the part. That's all. What about the guy? ASHLEY What guy? Looks over at Elissa and Katie. ASHLEY I don't see any guy. Mara looks back over at the girls. Then all around the room. Confused look. Shakes her head. MARA Never mind. Hey. Tugs Ashley's hand to get her attention. MARA I'm gonna go back to your room for a minute.
Leaves before Ashley can respond. INT. ASHLEY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Mara walks around. Rubs her arms. Runs fingers through her hair and over her face. Stressed. INT. FRONT ROOM - LATER The party gets louder and crazier. Mara stands alone, soda can in hand. Watches Katie and Elissa dance seductively with one another amidst MALE ONLOOKERS. Suddenly behind Mara... CARTER Boo. Mara jumps. MARA What the hell! First, you tell me to go away. That it's over. Then you show up with Katie! What are you trying to do to me? I should hit you! CARTER I know. It's my fault. I felt that I needed to discourage you. It all seemed too far-fetched. Too unworkable. Focuses on Mara, then glances at girls dancing. MARA I wasn't going to come tonight, but Ashley insisted. Carter nods. Keeps steady gaze. Unsettles Mara.
MARA Stop looking at me. You're weirding me out! CARTER I can't help myself. I think it's all too crazy. Then you show up and I find myself attracted to you all over again. I...I just can't stop myself. MARA This is just so over-the- top loony. CARTER I know. Maybe I should just leave. MARA No! I don't want you to leave! Ever!...I mean, I just want to talk some more. Try to understand all this. Get a handle on things. Motions to Katie dancing with girls and guys seductively. MARA And what about her? Aren't you jealous? I mean she's showing off in front of a horny bunch of bonehead jocks. CARTER Who? Her? Motions to Katie. CARTER We were never that tight. Mara looks skeptical.
MARA That's not what she told me. She said you were her boyfriend. Carter shakes his head. CARTER Her and I are off more than we are on. Right now, it looks to be a permanent off. Mara's watches everyone dance. Looks over at Carter. MARA So do you wanna dance? Carter slowly shakes his head. Looks away from the dancers to the person behind Mara. It's Van! He sneaks up and grabs her hand. VAN Hey, Baby, let's dance. Mara forcefully pulls her hand away. Stumbles. Almost falls on her backside. MARA No! VAN C'mon, Mara. Just one. Staggers toward her. MARA Stay the fuck away! Looks back for Carter. He's gone! MARA Shit, Van! Look what you've done!
Van scratches his head. Gives Mara a look of "What the fuck?" Watches as Mara turns and disappears into the dancing crowd. INT. DANCE FLOOR - NIGHT CARTER So, about that dance. Appears behind Mara. MARA Where did you disappear to? Rubs her arms. Turns. Faces Carter. MARA I can't handle all your disappearing acts. Can't you just stay in one place? CARTER Sorry. I've been here waiting for you. Mara puts her hands on her hips. MARA What if I would've danced with, Van? What then? CARTER I had to find out. MARA Oh, so now you're testing me! Carter smiles, reaches for Mara. CARTER But you wouldn't have.
She finds herself suddenly engulfed in a warm, whoosy feeling. She looks imploringly at Carter as he starts to dance to the music. Almost in spite of herself, Mara finds herself responding in kind. Both sway without touching. Mara reaches for Carter. He shakes his head. He looks sad. A girl bumps Mara from behind. She stumbles into Carter. FLASHBACK: CARTER AND MARA Carter and Mara stand on the cliff. Carter has her hand in his. Runs his fingers through her hair. His hand cups the base of her neck. Leans down to kiss her softly. Mara pulls him closer, deepens the kiss. Carter breaks the kiss. Leans his forehead on Mara's shoulder. Whispers... CARTER I've always loved you. BACK TO SCENE Mara stands alone amongst the other dancers. She shakes her head. Perturbed. Looks around the room. Then strides to the front door. EXT. FRONT YARD OF SORORITY HOME - NIGHT Mara walks down the steps. GUYS are hanging out. Ashley follows. ASHLEY Mara, come back in.
Rushes down the steps. Pulls Mara's hand to follow. Mara looks around for Carter. Nothing. Then follows Ashley. Disheartened. INT. FRONT ROOM - NIGHT ASHLEY Last week a girl got attacked out there. Just don't go back out by yourself. Mara's shocked. Looks back at Katie dancing. Shakes head. Angry at Carter. MARA I'm tired. Fakes a yawn. MARA I'm gonna crash for awhile. Walks towards the hallway. INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT Mara walks down the hallway alone. Stops outside of Ashley's bedroom. Opens door. CARTER Leaving the party so soon? Mara turns around. Smacks Carter on the chest. MARA You scared me. Motions for him to follow her into the room. Shuts and locks the door. ASHLEY'S BEDROOM MARA
You can't keep leaving me like this. It scares me. I...I just don't want to lose you again. CARTER Are you staying in this empty room all alone? Stands behind Mara. Wraps arms around her waist. Pulls her snug against his body. Nibbles on neck. MARA I-ummmhhh... Last sound is seductive. Runs hands along the front of Mara's body. Mara has a look of lust. Her body trembles. MARA Are you staying this time? Carter walks Mara to the bed. Turns her around, face-to-face. CARTER I. Kisses Mara once. CARTER Wouldn't. Kisses Mara again. CARTER Be any where else. They lie together on the bed. LATER Mara wakes up. Looks at Carter asleep beside her. She softly brushes back the hair from his face.
He gently grabs hold of her hand, pulls her closer. They snuggle with one another. Fall back to sleep. INT. ASHLEY'S BEDROOM - MORNING The dawn sunlight enters the room. The full length mirror on the opposite wall shows Mara lying alone. INT. ASHLEY'S BEDROOM - LATER Mara wakes up to an empty bed. Rises and dresses. A knock sounds on door. Ashley enters. ASHLEY Hey, you never came back last night. MARA Did you see a guy come out of here? Ashley bounces on her toes. ASHLEY You had a guy in here last night? Who? MARA Carter. I have to go find him. Motions for Ashley to follow. Leaves room. INT. FRONT ROOM - MORNING PEOPLE walk around. Cleaning. Mara and Ashley slip around them. ASHLEY Maybe he left. What does this Carter guy look like? Mara looks around. Spots Katie talking with Elissa.
MARA He's still here. Walks toward the front door. Ashley follows. ASHLEY How do you know? EXT. FRONT PORCH OF SORORITY HOUSE - DAY A few people outside pick trash up off the lawn. Mara walks down the steps. Turns around to face Ashley. MARA Because he came with Katie and she's still here. Ashley has a look of confusion. Then realization sinks in. Yells just a bit too loud. ASHLEY Oh. My. God. Your fucking Katie's boyfriend! MARA Shhh! Looks around to make sure no one heard. MARA He said they're finished. Ashley's face is full of doubt. ASHLEY Has it ever occurred to you that he's a player? Mara waves Ashley off. MARA I gotta go find him.
Walks away from the house. EXT. MARA'S CAR - LATER Mara sits in her car. Ashley stands outside the driver's door. ASHLEY I wish you'd stick around instead of pursuing this jerk. Reaches through open window. Gives Mara a hug. Mara shrugs. MARA He's not a jerk. He's...I don't know what he is. But I know I love him. That's all. Bye. Mara revs the motor. Ashley shouts... ASHLEY Should I ask Katie about their relationship? Mara shakes her head. MARA No way. Don't talk to Katie or Elissa about any of this. Looks at her watch. MARA Gotta run. ASHLEY Okay. Call me when you get home. Ashley steps away from the car. Mara peels off.
INT. MARA'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT Mara's asleep. Tosses and turns. VISION BEGINS EXT. CLIFF SIDE - DAY Carter lies with his head in Mara's lap. BACK TO SCENE Mara still asleep. Whispery voice... CARTER (OS) Mara... Mara. I love you. INT. MARA'S DORM ROOM - DAY Mara tries to study. Can't. A knock on the door. Runs to answer. It's Ashley. MARA Ashley, this is a surprise! Gives Ashley a hug. Pulls her into the room. ASHLEY Hey, Mara. Sounds downhearted. Looks around the room. ASHLEY How are you? MARA I'm good... I think. Sits on the bed. Motions for Ashley to sit. MARA What's wrong?
Ashley sits beside Mara. Eyes dart to the floor, then back to Mara. ASHLEY Have you seen Carter since the party? Mara shakes her head. Shrugs. Offers a small smile. Ashley lets out a large sigh. ASHLEY I just don't know how to tell you this. MARA Tell me what, Ash? What is it? I can handle it. She looks concerned at Ashley's behavior. MARA He's with Katie right now? Isn't he? Mara's shoulders slump. She looks at the floor. Then to Ashley for an answer. Ashley sighs and shakes her head. ASHLEY No, that's not it. Mara breathes a sigh of relief. MARA Then what is it? Ashley rubs her face in frustration. Looks at Mara. ASHLEY I got worried when you said Carter only shows up at
certain times and never calls. Mara nods. Motions for Ashley to continue. ASHLEY I didn't want some guy using my best friend, so after you left I talked to Elissa and Katie. Mara has a look of anger and disbelief. MARA I specifically told you not to! Now what have you done? Jesus Christ, Ashley! Mara gets up. Walks around. Throws her hands in the air. MARA Christ, Ashley! What kind of a friend are you? I knew this would happen. Did you think that they would support him and me being together? They probably fed you a ton of lies. Ashley gets angry. ASHLEY Will you listen to me just once for God's sake! Stop being so bull headed. I'm trying the best I can to help you out of this mess you're in. MARA Mess! You call the best relationship I've ever had in my life a mess? You're the one creating the mess, not me.
Ashley grabs Mara by the shoulders and forces her down on the bed. ASHLEY Just shut up for a moment and hear me out. Okay! After that you can kick me out if you want. Mara finally submits. Weakly... MARA Okay. What is it? ASHLEY I don't know exactly how to tell you, but I asked Katie about Carter. Looks sympathetic. Mara with venom and dislike... MARA Oh really? And what did Katie have to say? ASHLEY That it couldn't have been Carter that visited you. I mean it could of been, but not here. She hits the bed. ASHLEY I mean not physically here! Mara has a look of confusion. MARA What the hell are you talking about, Ash? I'm the one he visited, not Katie.
ASHLEY Carter is still in a coma. Looks at Mara intently. Watches for a reaction. Mara laughs. MARA Are you kidding me? That's what they told you? Ashley has a look of irritation. ASHLEY Mara, I'm serious. We can meet Katie. She'll show you. Mara nods. MARA Oh, okay. We'll do that. Stands up. Paces back and forth. Voice gets louder... MARA If he's supposedly still in a coma, then how the fuck was he able to visit me? Come on, Ashley, explain that to me! Ashley shudders. Yells back... ASHLEY I'm trying to figure that out! Mara takes a few deep breaths to calm down. MARA One thing I just don't understand. Why can't you and my mom just accept that I love him? When we're together it's so perfect.
I finally found someone who loves me and everyone tells me I'm nuts. Am I? ASHLEY Mara, everyone loves you. Mara shakes her head no. MARA It's not the same love that I feel with Carter. ASHLEY But Mara, he's still in a coma. He had his accident a month before you had yours. Looks directly at Mara, sympathetically. MARA Just to show you that he's okay and not just some figment of my imagination, call Katie. Tosses Ashley the cell phone. ASHLEY All right. Let's settle this once and for all. I'm tired of arguing with you. Ashley dials. EXT. PRIVATE RESIDENCE - LATER Mara's car pulls into the driveway. She parks. Mara and Ashley exit. Katie and Elissa wait by front door. Mara and Ashley approach. Katie and Mara glare at each other. The front door opens. NIALL (20s), who resembles Carter, comes out.
Ashley nudges Mara. Mara shrugs. NIALL Katie, this is a surprise. Looks around at all the girls. KATIE Hey, Niall. Gives Niall a hug. Announces to the others. KATIE This is Carter's brother. Turns back to Niall. KATIE How's Carter doing? Niall shrugs. NIALL About the same. KATIE So, he hasn't been up and about? Walking along the cliffs, partying? She directs a smug expression and smirk towards Mara. NIALL Uhhhh...No. Why on earth would you ask a question like that? Looks confused. Glances back and forth between the girls. KATIE This girl... Points at Mara.
KATIE She keeps insisting she's been with Carter. That he met her at a party. That they snuggled in the grass. She even claims he showed her where he jumped. Niall looks over at Mara. Shoots her a look of disbelief. NIALL I'm sorry, Miss. That can't be true. Carter has been in a coma ever since his accident. There's been a nurse here 24 hours a day monitoring his condition. Mara shakes her head back and forth. Her body trembles. MARA No...no...no! Looks back a forth between Niall and Katie. MARA You're all just saying that. She stares at Katie. MARA You're just mad because he wants me more than he ever wanted you. Tears roll down her cheeks. Hands shake. KATIE I don't know how you know those little details about Carter, but... Spats out Mara's name with hatred...
KATIE Sorry, Mara. You're in a fantasy world. To think that Carter has been anywhere else than that damn bed--the bed he'll probably spend the rest of his life in--is the ravings of an idiot. Looks over at Niall. His expression shows shock and disappointment. KATIE Sorry Niall, but he's never coming back. The only thing that keeps him here is that God-forsaken machine. Rubs face in frustration. KATIE I'm outta here. Tows Elissa back to her car. Speeds away. ASHLEY I'm sorry, Niall. If I would've known she'd react like that, I would have never asked her to come. Niall shakes his head. NIALL Katie has always been a bitch. I don't know why Carter was with her. He always told me that he didn't love her. That she wasn't the one. Glances over and studies Mara. NIALL I'm not really sure what to think about all this.
Mara nods her head. Wipes away tears. NIALL Do you actually believe Carter contacted you? Interested, he takes a few steps closer to Mara. ASHLEY Mara was in a coma at the same time as Carter. Ashley takes hold of Mara's hand. ASHLEY They were in the same hospital at the same time. NIALL Really? More interested. NIALL Is that how you met? Or is that the right word? Connected maybe? Mara closes her eyes. Takes a deep breath. MARA He was there when I crashed my car. He was there when I ended up in the place called the in between. He was with me every day I wasn't here. We went to the cliffs. He told me how he slipped and fell. He even described the small piece of jagged rock he hit his head on when he tumbled down. Stops and takes a deep breath.
MARA He told me your family moved here when he was ten. He got bit by the neighbor's dog and has a small scar at the top of his thigh. He was supposed to go to college the semester after his accident. He was undecided about what he was going to study. He wanted to go back to England because everyone here was a "bloody nincompoop." Says the last two words in a British accent imitating Carter. Niall chuckles at Mara's impersonation. NIALL Those are his words. Every time we went to the stone quarry, he would say that's how his friends acted when they jumped off the cliff. Shakes head. Looks at the ground. Then back at Mara. NIALL You know, as crazy as it all sounds, I believe you. I think somehow, someway, you and Carter have communicated. Gives Mara a sorrowful look. NIALL Would you like to go inside and visit Carter? Motions toward the house. Mara nods. Follows Niall. Ashley trails.
INT. RESIDENCE - DAY Mara goes right to a bedroom with a closed door. Stops. MARA He's in here, isn't he? NIALL How did you know? MARA I can always sense when Carter is present. Lightly taps on the door. MARA I get this tingling feeling when he's around. NIALL Wow. Amazing. Niall opens the door. Enters. INT. CARTER'S BEDROOM - SAME Mara stands motionless in the doorway. Stares at Carter lying on the bed. An IV pole, ventilator, and EKG machine sit by the bed. CAROL, a nurse, checks a chart. NIALL You can step out, Carol. She nods and leaves. Niall motions for Mara to enter. Ashley respectfully stays outside the room. Niall tries to joke around. NIALL
It's okay if you go closer. I promise he won't jump up and bite you. Mara tenderly nears the bedside. Stares at Carter. Runs her fingertips along the side of his face. Across his chin. Lightly rests them on his lips. Brushes back his hair. MARA I love you. She closes her eyes. Speaks softly... MARA I don't know if I can go on without you. FLASHBACK BEGINS EXT. BASE OF CLIFF - DAY Carter and Mara play in the water. Laugh. CARTER I love you. MARA I love you too. They kiss. FLASHBACK ENDS. Mara wipes away copious tears. Gently touches Carter's cheek. Kisses him on the lips. Whispers... MARA I'll always love you. Steps away from the bed. She walks to the door. Glances back at her soulmate lying helplessly on the bed. Exits the room.
EXT. FRONT LAWN - DAY Mara is slumped on the stoop, crying. Unable to move. Ashley comforts her. Niall stands in the front doorway. ASHLEY Are you okay? Lightly touches Mara's shoulder. Mara shrugs. Blank expression. MARA He's never coming back. Shakes her head. Rises to her feet. She looks weathered and worn. She looks at Niall. Then over to parking area. Whispers... MARA I need to go... Thank you, Niall. Niall walks over to Mara. Hugs her tightly. NIALL Please, stay in contact, Mara. My parents are heading back to England and I'm going back soon myself. But if you want to see Carter, Carol will be here. Mara nods. MARA Thanks, Niall. I appreciate that... very much. Walks listlessly back to car. Ashley follows.
Mara drives away. Niall stands watching. - Wondering. MONTAGE BEGINS INT. CARTER'S ROOM - DAY Mara sits in the bedside chair. Massages Carter's hand Mara softly wipes Carter's face with a towel. Mara reads a book to Carter. Mara's eyes are closed. Her head is on the bed by his hand. She gets up and exits. MONTAGE ENDS SUPER: ONE WEEK LATER Mara sits beside Carter's bedside. She's holding his hand. Niall is talking with Carol in the background. The door opens. Dressed in a suit, MRS. ASHWOOD (late 40's) enters. She displays the facial features of Niall and Carter. Her mannerisms resemble a corporate CEO. She looks at Mara, then to Niall. Her tone is spiteful. MRS. ASHWOOD Niall, who is this girl? She looks at Mara. Irritation grows on her face. NIALL Mother, this is Mara. She…ummmmm… Niall's tongue-tied, unable to explain Mara's presence. He looks pleadingly at Mara. Her eyes are on Mrs. Ashwood. Mara stands. Walks over to the older woman.
MARA Hi. Mara extends her hand. MARA I'm Mara. Mrs. Ashwood ignores Mara's hand. Walks over to Carter's bedside. MRS. ASHWOOD Niall, I asked you a question. I expect a response. Glares at Niall. Dismisses Mara standing there. Niall gathers his courage. NIALL Mara was in a coma, too. Just like Carter. They were in the same hospital and had a connection. She knows intimate details about him that you couldn't possibly know unless you were in his inner circle. Like soulmates. She even knows exactly what he says when he's irritated. Right down to his favorite phrase "bloody nimcompoop." Mrs. Ashwood scoffs at the insinuation. MRS. ASHWOOD That's nonsense. Your brother was with that girl, Katie. You of all people, Niall, should know that girls, such as this…
(She waves her hand at Mara.) This Laura, Mara, whatever her name is. Girls like her will only want one thing, money. Just because your brother is incapacitated at this time, they think they can come in and say that they love him, or he loves them. Mrs. Ashwood turns away from them. She looks down at Carter, but doesn't touch him or have a look of sorrow that a mother should. MRS. ASHWOOD Niall, please see this girl out. Mara takes a step closer to Carter's bed. MARA Mrs. Ashwood, what Niall say is true. I was in a coma, that's where Carter and I met. I know it sounds bizarre and unrealistic, but it's the truth. I'm not here for money. I didn't even know Carter had any such fortune. I... Mara stops talking when Mrs. Ashwood's hand comes up. MRS. ASHWOOD Niall, I said see this girl out. Her tone makes it clear there will be no more discussion. NIALL
Mara. Please! Come with me. Niall motions for her to follow. MARA Mrs. Ashwood, if you would just listen. (she begins shouting) Goddamit! I love Carter and he loves me! You can't do this! Niall grabs Mara by the shoulders and forces her from the room. Mara resists but sees it's futile. INT. HALLWAY. CONTINUOUS MARA Niall, let me explain it to her! She tries to go back. Niall stands in front of the door. NIALL Mara, can't you see you've already caused enough trouble? Just go! She looks at Carter's door once more, then to Niall. His finger flicks towards the exit. Mara nods and walks away. SUPER: "TWO DAYS LATER" INT. MARA'S DORM ROOM - EARLY MORNING Mara's cell phone rings. She stares blankly. Then answers it. ASHLEY
Mara, it's me. I need to tell you something. Please answer. MARA I'm here. Ashley sounds as if she's crying ASHLEY I... ummmhhh... I don't know how to tell you this. Lets out a deep sigh. ASHLEY When's the last time you saw Carter? MARA Two days ago. Why? Did something happen? Did he wake up? Small bit of excitement. More alert ASHLEY You know Niall's parents are leaving, right? Mara nods. MARA That's why I haven't been over there. I wanted to give them some time alone. ASHLEY Mara, he didn't wake up. Mara's smile fades. ASHLEY I found out from Katie that the reason his parents came back was because the doctors told them there is
nothing more they can do. They're letting him go, Mara. They're taking him off his life support... this evening at seven. Mara slumps to the ground, shocked. MARA I need to go. I need to stop them. ASHLEY It's futile. They signed the papers. His parents aren't allowing anyone else to be there. This time, Mara, you really have to let him go. Ashley cries. MARA I...I can't... I love him. Hangs up. Mara sits staring blankly at the wall. INT. PRIVATE RESIDENCE - DAY Mara, Carol, and Niall talk in the front room. MARA I have to see him. You can't do this. Mara cries. CAROL I understand. But you have to leave, Mara. I don't want to have to call the authorities. But I will. Mara looks at Niall.
MARA Why are you giving up? I haven't. Mara sobs into her hands. NIALL I'm sorry, Mara. This is what the doctors suggest. It's my parent's wishes to let him go naturally. They came to take him back to England...to bury him there. Tears fill his eyes. Mara looks up. Jolted. MARA You never said anything about their intention. NIALL I didn't have the heart. MARA You're just going to let your brother go? Just like that? NIALL I don't have a choice. MARA Don't I count for anything? I'll never see him again. Never be able to visit his grave. NIALL I'm afraid this is a family matter. Mara becomes hysterical. MARA
Family matter! Fuck that! He loves me. He told me so. We want to be together. CAROL Mara, you're going to have to leave. Now! Takes Mara by the arm to the front door. Opens it for her. Mara looks back at Niall. NIALL I'm truly sorry, Mara. He walks away. Mara walks out the door. Shattered. INT. MARA'S DORM ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON Mara walks over to her closet. Takes out a box. Looks at photos of her and Ashley. Smiles. Laughs. Cries at them. Puts them away. Writes Ashley's name on the box. Takes out three pieces of paper. Writes letters of goodbye to her mother, father and Ashley. Puts them on top of the box. Cell phone rings. Mara hits the button on last ring. Ashley frantic and crying... ASHLEY Mara? Mara, I know you're there. Your answering machine didn't pick up. Silence. ASHLEY Goddamit, Mara. Answer me!
Sobs into the phone. Mara stares at the phone. Stays silent. ASHLEY I'm leaving right now. I'll be there shortly. We'll work everything out. Cries. Mara doesn't answer. She tosses the room key on the table. Walks out. Clock on the wall shows 6:30pm. EXT. CLIFF PARKING LOT - EVENING Mara stands in the parking lot. The wind blows her hair. PEOPLE are in hoodies and long pants. Mara's wears a thin T-shirt, shorts, and no shoes. EXT. WOODED TRAIL - CONTINUOUS Mara walks down the path towards the cliffs. The trees are almost bare. The sky is gray. No life in anything around her. EXT. CLIFF SIDE - CONTINUOUS Mara approaches her and Carter's cliff. PEOPLE are there, they look at her, then melt away. ONE MAN ON THE CLIFF remains. He sits 50 yards away looking at the water. Mara walks closer. Two more steps and she's at the edge. Rocks start to tumble over. Mara holds out her arms. Closes her eyes.
CARTER (OS) You're here. Mara smiles. FLASHBACK BEGINS EXT. CLIFF SIDE - DAY Mara and Carter play with one another. Smiles and laughter. FLASHBACK ENDS Mara leans over the cliff. The man sizes her up. Shouts... MAN ON CLIFF What are you doing? Gets up. Makes a run to grab Mara. She jumps. MAN ON CLIFF No!!! MARA Yes. CARTER (OS) Open your eyes. Mara opens her eyes. The water comes closer. The pointed rock looms ahead. Mara smiles. Twists her body. Hits the rock. Tumbles down into the water. Goes under. INT. PRIVATE RESIDENCE - CONTINUOUS Carter's mother, father, and Niall cry as they stand around Carter's bed. The attending PHYSICIAN stands by the ventilator, finger on switch. Silently counts to five. Shuts the machine off.
The sound of the EKG machine begins to slow, until the sound of a flatline can be heard. EXT. CLIFF SIDE - DAY Mara stands on top of the cliff. She is dry and unharmed. The sky is a transcendent blue. The waters iridescent. Everything vibrates with energy. Like her. She rubs her arms. A clear and vibrant voice rings out... CARTER(OS) Mara. Mara turns. Carter stands on the trail. Smiles a thousand suns. Arms open to the universe. Mara runs. Crashes into him. Hugs him with every ounce of energy she can muster. Carter madly plants kisses all over Mara's face. Leans back and smiles. CARTER I've been waiting for you...forever and ever and ever. They walk towards the cliff and disappear! FADE OUT

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Broken Heart at the Party

  • 1. FADE IN: EXT. CLIFF TOP--DAY A group of impetuous YOUNG ADULTS are partying. Beer cans tossed on the ground. CARTER (20), born in Britain and feeling out-of-place, sits on a rock watching the others jump from the cliff into the water below. He's dry and a bit tipsy from the alcohol. YOUNG MAN C'mon Carter, quit being such a pussy. The young man laughs, then jumps over the side with two others. Carter shakes his head and waves them off. His eyes shift back to the a beautiful brunette walking around in a skimpy bikini. She smiles seductively and saunters over. KATIE (20), loves to be noticed. She's Carter's on and off again girlfriend, with many others in- between. KATIE Jump with me, please. She tries to pull Carter up by his hand, but he pulls away. CARTER Not now. He's irritated. Katie scowls at Carter, shrugs and walks away. She sets her sights on another equally handsome young man. Her hips sway back and forth as she slowly walks up to, JASON (22), a flirty, group leader type. KATIE
  • 2. You'll jump with me right, Jason? Runs her hand seductively up Jason's bare, muscular chest. Jason smirks and glances over at Carter who seems indifferent to Katie's behavior. KATIE Looks like I may have to move on to a real man. Her eyes focus back on Carter who's ignoring her antics. JASON Hey Dude. Your girl wants to jump. Jason puts his arm casually around Katie's shoulders. The others are now focused on the tension concerning Carter's unwillingness to jump. Carter chugs down the rest of his beer and tosses it with the other cans. CARTER You all are bloody nincompoops. He stands up and sways a bit. CARTER You want me to jump? Fine. He runs towards the edge but trips before jumping off. Carter tumbles over the side. The group runs to the edge, traumatized. Their expressions are masked in horror. SUPER: ONE MONTH LATER EXT. MOUNTAINS - DAY
  • 3. A steep cliff with sparkling water below. MARA (VO) Did you ever have that feeling that you weren't whole? That something or someone was missing from your life. That no matter who you were with, you always felt alone? The sun percolates through the overhead leaves of a tree; everything is full of life. Sparkling. SUPER: SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN MARA (VO) Sometimes, I feel there is someone else out there that feels the same way I do. But until we find each other, until we come together as one, we are just empty shells. INT. MARA'S BEDROOM - DAY An energetic, scatter-brained, bottle-bleached blonde ASHLEY (18) scans through her cell phone. MARA CROWE (18), vulnerable, introverted, and imperfectly beautiful, stands at her closet. Pushes hangers full of clothing back. MARA Absolutely not, Ashley. I'm not going. SLAMS closet door shut. Snarled look. ASHLEY You have to go. I mean really, Mara. It's our last year. Who knows if we will even see each other again and you want to ruin the moment.
  • 4. Flops down on the bed. Looks up at Mara with sad puppy dog eyes. Mara rolls her eyes. Picks up and waves a college pamphlet-- MARA We're going to the same college, Ash. We'll see each other every day. At first relenting... ASHLEY I know. (beat) But you need to go! You know Van wants to go. He'll go regardless. BOUNCES back up, grabs her cell phone once again. ASHLEY (CONTD) See, lookie-- Waves phone at Mara. Shows her the text message sent to everyone... ASHLEY See. "Going to killer party this weekend." MARA So what! Van's a big boy. He can do what he wants. Looks at her own phone. Unnerved, tosses it across the desk. MARA He never even mentioned the party to me. ASHLEY I don't know why you make this whole relationship so
  • 5. complicated. You know you love Van. And he loves you. Mara maintains a dead stare. About to cry at any moment. MARA He's never said he loves me. (beat) It's been one year and I've never heard these words. (beat) Am I not lovable? A question mark floods her face. MARA And why does he think he has to cheat on me? ASHLEY Like every other guy in the world, he's an ass. But even you have to admit, he has a sweet looking one. Gives Mara a quick hug. ASHLEY I'm sure somewhere in that sex-filled brain of his, he loves you. And don't forget, I love you. Your parents love you. What more do you need? Mara chuckles to herself. Shakes her head in disbelief. MARA Yep, my parents love me alright. So much so they scheduled their family vacation without me while we graduate.
  • 6. Ashley winces. ASHLEY Man, that blows. Ashley grabs Mara's lipstick. Puts some on. ASHLEY Gotta run. Don't forget, we're going shopping this weekend for wicked party outfits. Ashley waves and exits. MARA Ash, I said.... Mara looks back at her phone. No new messages. INT. CROWDED HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Mara stands in front of her cluttered locker. RAMBUNCTIOUS STUDENTS fill the hallway. VAN (18), big in physique and ego, owns the place. BOYS and GROUPIES crowd around him as he walks. Van spots Mara. Holds everyone up. VAN Hey, babe. He slips his arms around Mara's waist. Pulls her back. Nuzzles her neck like a fawning dog. MARA Hey, what's up— She scoots away from Van. SLAMS the locker shut. VAN Okay. What's wrong now?
  • 7. He smiles and winks at a pretty girl walking past, irritating Mara. Leans against a locker as if bored. MARA You didn't tell me about any party. And that you're going! Van shakes his head. Rolls his eyes. Returns a head nod to a FRIEND that goes past. The friend accidentally bumps into Mara. Keeps on walking. Irritates her even more. VAN First, you don't even like who's having the party. Mara silently mouths blah, blah, blah as Van continues. VAN Second, you said you were done partying. And third, you can come if you want. It's not like I was trying to sneak out on you. MARA Whatever, Van. As it turns out, I'm going. Mara sashays away. Mixes in with the crowd. Surprised, Van catches up. Grabs her hand. Rubs it sensually. Tries to entice her. VAN Maybe we can have a little more fun than usual at the party. Mara shakes his hand loose. Gives him a "dream- on" look. MARA
  • 8. Let's just go to class. Van sighs. Opens the door to the classroom. CLASSMATES give him an onset of welcomes. He enters. Let's the door SLAM in Mara's face. EXT. PARTY HOUSE - NIGHT Music blares. Beer cans and red cups litter the grass. TEEN BOYS drink on the porch. Watch everyone come and go. Mara and Ashley approach. Whistles and catcalls ring out. Ashley smiles and sway her hips. Mara tugs her dress down. FRONT ROOM Mara and Ashley enter. Loud music. Smoke permeates. Teens everywhere. Shouting. ASHLEY Cool. She grips Mara's hand. Leads her down the hallway. KITCHEN Two open coolers and a bottle of whisky sit on the counter with a keg on the floor. A line of TEENS, shot glasses in hand, toast MS. WALSH (40s), a large-breasted woman wearing junior high fashions - a MILF wannabe. She answers by tossing back her shot. Let's a loud YELL... MS. WALSH Ashley and Mara! Stumbles over to the girls. Throws her arms over their shoulders. Slurs her speech. MS. WALSH Great to see you.
  • 9. Stunned, the girls stare at her exposed cleavage. Ashley recovers first. Smiles. ASHLEY Hey, Ms. Walsh. Mara ducks out. Ms. Walsh stumbles while she grabs two cups. MS. WALSH Where'd your friend go? Hands the cups to Ashley. Points to the keg. Stumbles out of the room. ASHLEY (to herself) Why can't my mom be that cool? Ashley fills her cup with beer. Takes a long swallow. Fills a cup for Mara. LIVING ROOM Ashley hunts down Mara. ASHLEY Here. Drink this. It'll loosen you up! Mara throws a look of worry at Ashley as she takes the cup. MARA You're right. She downs her beer. MARA Better get me a refill. She watches Ashley go to the kitchen.
  • 10. MS. WALSH WAHOO! Ashley returns. Hands Mara her beer. ASHLEY Toast to an adventurous night! Mara nods and downs her beer. ASHLEY That feels better. Let's go find our men. BACKYARD DECK Mara looks around. Sees a group of guys playing beer pong. The guys look at Mara. Look at each other. Continue playing. MARA Hey, anyone know where Van is? No one answers. The guy holding the ball shrugs. No one else looks at her. Mara presses on. MARA Okay. Where is he? GUY ONE Try upstairs. The player with ball nudges him. Shakes his head. Neither meet Mara's stare. MARA Whatever...
  • 11. She marches away. Heads upstairs. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY Sitting and standing COUPLES crowd the hallway. Mara weaves around them. Tries to shield her face from their kissing. Whispers loudly... MARA Van. Nothing. Now louder, more agitated... MARA Van. A guy against the wall nods towards the master bedroom. Goes back to kissing girl. Mara's face goes sour. She strides to the end of the hallway. Stares at the door. Pauses. SLOWLY turns the doorknob. Opens the door a crack. Eyes adjust to the dim lighting. MASTER BEDROOM Mara sees two bodies on the bed. Clothes strewn about including Van's shirt by the door. Hears moans. Gasps of pleasure. She feels along the wall. Finds the light switch. Light floods the room. VAN What the fuck, dude. MARA I'm not a dude, asshole. Mara stands still. Shocked. Van looks up. Shakes his head. Pulls a pillow over his face. Humiliated. Ms. Walsh rolls off of Van. Covers herself with a sheet. Looks sheepishly at Mara.
  • 12. MS. WALSH Mara-I, uh-uh... Mara holds her hand up. She acts as if she didn't just walk in on her boyfriend cheating, again. MARA Sorry, Mrs. Walsh. I didn't mean to interrupt. Mara looks at Van. MARA It's over...like really over this time. A few tears roll down her cheek. Brushes them away. Walks to the door. Looks back one last time. SLAMS the door shut. HALLWAY Mara kicks off her heels. Rushes down the hall bumping into people. VAN (OS) Mara. Mara. Come back. MASTER BEDROOM Van scrambles to put on his pants and shirt. Runs out bare-footed. HALLWAY Mara pushes people out of the way as she runs down the steps. PARTY ROOM Mara smacks into people as she scurries over to Ashley who's talking with FRIENDS. MARA I have to go.
  • 13. ASHLEY Mara, what's wrong? Mara shakes her head. Races away. Ashley tries to follow, but drunkenly loses her balance. ASHLEY Mara! Ashley props herself against the wall. Mara gives a cursory wave of the hand. Yells back... MARA We'll talk tomorrow! Mara plows through groups of teens. Rushes out the front door. FRONT OF HOUSE Mara jumps into her car. Jams the key into the ignition. Takes off. INT. MARA'S CAR - NIGHT Mara drives down an unlit dirt road. Too fast for the conditions. Tears fill her eyes. She leans her forehead on steering wheel. FLASHBACK - MASTER BEDROOM SCENE Clothes tossed about the room. Sounds of ecstasy. Van and Ms. Walsh lying naked on the bed. BACK TO PRESENT TIME Mara lifts her head. HONKING draw her confused eyes back to the front. The white light is blinding.
  • 14. CRASH! Sounds of metal echo in the darkness. Everything goes black. EXT. FRONT PORCH OF MARA'S HOUSE- NIGHT Mara stands on her porch. Looks around. Rubs her face, totally disoriented. Her parent's car pulls into the driveway. Mara looks relieved. Runs to greet them. The CROWES (both 40s) carry take-out bags. Look at one another lovingly. Then walk right past her! MARA Mom! Dad! Mara follows behind them up the porch. MARA Mom, wait! I need help. Softly cries. Her parents disappear into the house. The front door closes. The porch light goes off. Darkness surrounds her. EXT. PARTY HOUSE - NIGHT Mara now stands on the front lawn. No one's around. Only one car in the driveway. She stands frightened and confused. Yells. MARA Hello! No answer. MARA HELLO!
  • 15. Eyes tear. Desperation. MARA Anyone? Help me, PLEASE! Screams at the house. MARA AAARGHHH! Walks forward. The front door opens. Ms. Walsh walks out. Relief. MARA Ms. Walsh, something's wrong. I need help. She rushes towards Ms. Walsh. Ms. Walsh strolls past. Doesn't look at Mara. Now Mara speaks barely above a whisper. MARA Ms. Walsh, can you help me? Ms. Walsh gets into her car. Leaves. Mara collapses to the ground. Sobs. VOICE Mara. A soft, whispery British accent flows through the night. Mara lifts her head. Eyes still have tears. She looks around. Nothing. MARA Guys, it's not funny anymore. She stands. Body rigid. Tries to appear unafraid. Her eyes betray her.
  • 16. She notices a movement in the wooded area off to her side. She looks over her shoulder towards the house. Then back to the wooded area. MARA Hello? Her voice quivers. Another soft whisper, as if not to startle her. VOICE Mara. Mara begins to walk backwards towards the house. Eyes dart left and right. Anticipates an imminent attack. Carter walks from the shadows to the middle of the driveway. Mara cocks her head as if she vaguely recognizes him. Trembles. But can't take her eyes off him. Carter walks closer. Stops when Mara steps backwards. His eyes meet her's. CARTER Mara, I'm not going to hurt you. Mara looks around. Makes sure they're alone. MARA How...how do you know me? CARTER Long story. One you're not ready to hear. Not just yet, anyway. Takes another step closer. Mara holds up her hand-- MARA Just stay there.
  • 17. She inches further back. Wipes away the tears. MARA I'm a black belt in karate. Inches out her chest as if prepared to fight. Carter nods. Runs his fingers through his hair. Reveals his own stress. CARTER Good to know. But you won't need it. I said I'm not going to hurt you. Takes a few more steps closer. Panic takes over. Mara runs. MARA Help! Somebody, help me! Magically, Carter appears directly in front of her. She tries to stop from plowing into him, but her body smacks into his. Carter grabs her shoulders to prevent her falling. There's an instant attraction between them. Their eyes search one another's. Carter quickly lets her go. She looks back to where he was standing, then back to him in front of her. MARA Carter, how...how did you do that? She stands shocked. MARA Do I know you? Carter shrugs. Rubs his hands over his face.
  • 18. CARTER I'm not really sure how we know each other. I have an idea, but, bloody hell, I could be wrong. Mara wipes away the last remaining tears. MARA Did Van have something to do with this? Someone from the party? Carter shakes his head. CARTER If you're like me, it will all come back to you. Then you'll understand. Mara steps backwards. Looks back at the house once again. MARA I'm going back inside. Maybe Ashley or someone else from the party will know what's going on. She turns. Walks closer to the house. Looks over her shoulder at Carter. Turns her head to the front again. Screams, as she again runs into Carter... MARA AHHHHH! Afraid. MARA You... you were just there. Looks back where Carter was, then forward to him. CARTER
  • 19. Mara, just listen. Okay? Mara slowly nods. CARTER I'm not going to hurt you. Holds his hands out. Shows her he has no weapon. CARTER Just look around. See anyone else? Motions to the lack of people around. Mara looks from side-to-side. Takes in what Carter tells her. MARA Where is everyone? Afraid, she keeps her chin up to appear brave. Carter shrugs. CARTER Home, school, work-- wherever their everyday lives take them. Are you cold? Afraid? He goes to rub away the goose bumps that have formed on Mara's arms, then stops himself. Mara shakes her head. Maintains a few steps distance between her and Carter. MARA Of you... no. I've seen enough slasher movies to know that if you were actually going to kill me, it probably would've happened already. I mean I could run to the house-- Motions to the party house behind them. MARA
  • 20. But I would probably trip and fall or you would catch up to me anyway. So, what's the sense, right? Mara lets out a big SIGH. Rubs her face MARA Maybe I'm asleep right now and this is a nightmare? Looks at Carter for confirmation. He shakes his head. Suddenly angry... MARA Then tell me, Carter, what the fuck is going on? Did someone drug me? Is this all a big prank and everyone's going to come out laughing? And how the HELL do I know your name? Frustrated. Mara walks to the porch. Carter follows. FRONT PORCH CARTER I don't know how to tell you... you'll have to remember, like I did. Frustration shows. Mara spins around to face Carter once again. MARA Remember what? Am I dead? Deflated, Mara sits down on the wicker sofa. Leans back. Closes her eyes. CARTER
  • 21. Remember how you got here. And, no, you're not technically dead. He leans back against the porch railing. Waits for Mara's response. Mara's eyes fling open. She stares straight at Carter. Shakes her head. MARA Not technically dead? What the fuck? She looks around at her surroundings once more, then back to Carter. She whispers... MARA Where am I? Carter looks as though he's searching for the answer himself. Finally, his eyes meet Mara's. CARTER Somewhere in between this life and the next. Mara looks away from Carter. A range of emotions cross over her face--confusion, sadness, anger. Her eyes go back to Carter. MARA How? Carter shakes his head. CARTER I don't have any answers. People come and people go. None have ever come back. Carter takes a step closer to Mara. CARTER Are you okay?
  • 22. Worried, his hands reach towards her. But he stops mid-way, seemingly afraid to comfort her. His fists clench, then drop to his sides. Mara shrugs. MARA I... I don't know. I really don't know what to think right now. CARTER Do you remember what happened? Mara moves closer to Carter. The closer they get to one another the less stress is evident on their faces. MARA Maybe. I don't know. This is all so damn confusing. She rubs her hands over her reddened face. MARA I was at a party. Looks back at empty house. MARA Van and I had another fight. Eyes dart around. MARA Everyone was partying, but I know I wasn't drinking. I think I had one beer. Looks out to the front yard. Concentrates. Carter watches her. Patiently waits. MARA
  • 23. I found Van in bed with another girl. Well, really, another woman. Sniffles. MARA I really thought that maybe he loved me... but I know I was wrong. Really, really wrong. Carter whispers... CARTER Did you love him? Mara shrugs. MARA I don't know. Maybe not. I felt hurt when I found him with Ms. Walsh, but not devastated. I already knew he had cheated on me. In fact, the whole time. Looks at Carter. MARA Maybe I'm not lovable. Wipes eyes as they begin to tear up again. MARA My parents, Van, everyone that's supposed to love me... doesn't. Carter shakes his head. CARTER I doubt that very much. Maybe Van wasn't the right one for you. And your parents... I don't know. Damn, my parents haven't
  • 24. shown me love since I was a toddler. Mara nods like she understands. Carter looks as depressed as she does. He sits down on the porch steps. Stares off into the night. Mara chuckles in a sad way. MARA We're a happy pair. She sits down beside Carter. MARA So now what? Are we stuck here forever? Carter shakes his head. CARTER I've been all over, but somehow I arrived here when you did. We can certainly go somewhere less painful. Mara looks intrigued. MARA So it was like you knew I was here or did something happen to bring you here? Carter stares straight ahead as if some great event were happening. CARTER I-- I guess. It’s like I was meant to be there for you. Carter stands up. Motions for Mara to follow. He's antsy. Looks for a way to stop the conversation.
  • 25. CARTER For the moment, why don't we go somewhere. Anywhere but here. Mara's uneasy. She's being cautious. Watches Carter walk down the driveway, turn and wait for her. Mara looks back at the house. Considers the silence of the world that has been with her since she's arrived. She glances back at Carter, the only person in her world now. His smile seems to smack true. Mara stands up and follows. EXT. MARA'S FAMILY HOME - DAY Mara stands in her front yard. Sorrow floods her being. Carter stands discreetly back. Mara's mother comes out the front door with a suitcase. MARA Mom, I'm here. Look! Mara waves her arms. Tries to get their attention. MARA Please, mom. Can't you feel me? I'm here. Her tone is soft. She's lost hope of her mom knowing she's there. Carter looks away as Mara begins to softly cry. The front door of the house opens. Her father comes out with another suitcase. Mara rushes towards him.
  • 26. MARA Dad! She stops right before she runs into him. Mrs. Crowe walks over to her husband. She looks sad. MRS. CROWE Do you think this is the right thing to do? Maybe we should wait. Searches her husband's face for an answer. He kisses her on the forehead. MR. CROWE The doctors said there's nothing we can do. We planned this ages ago. I'm sure if Mara could talk, she'd tell us to go. He kisses his wife once more. MR. CROWE The hospital has our numbers. If anything should happen, they'll call and we'll fly back on the first plane. He puts his hand on Mrs. Crowe's back. Leads her to the car. MR. CROWE After everything we've been through, we deserve this vacation in Hawaii. Mrs. Crowe nods her head. Smiles. Gets into the car. Mr. Crowe puts the suitcases into the trunk. Looks back at the house once more. Joins his wife. Drives away.
  • 27. Mara watches in silence. Then looks down to the ground. Her spirit broken. Carter approaches Mara. Gently rubs her back. She feels comforted by his touch. MARA I can't believe they still left. See how much I matter? Mara looks at Carter. Devastated. He smiles. Lightly touches her cheek. Softly brushes a piece of hair back from her face. Mara seems soothed by his touch. A faint smile plays on her lips. CARTER You matter more than you realize. He takes her hand. Leads her away. EXT. CLIFF SIDE - DAY They stand on top of a jagged rock cliff overlooking the water. Her voice quivers. MARA Carter, where are we? Carter takes a few steps forward. Looks over. CARTER This is where it all happened. He looks once more at the water below. Walks back and stands by Mara's side. MARA Where are we and what happened?
  • 28. Her fingers stroke his arm. He looks pacified by her gentle touch. Carter takes hold of Mara's hand. Intertwines their fingers. CARTER This is an old granite quarry-- Motions to the cliffs. CARTER Where I took the dare to jump. MARA Is that how you ended up here? You know where we're at? CARTER Yep. They kept egging me on. Telling me not to wimp out. Man up. Just jump. So, I did. Mara looks captivated. MARA Do you remember the jump and fall? Carter nods. Takes another step closer. CARTER I started running from back there-- Points to the tree behind them. CARTER I must've tripped on something because instead of jumping, I ended up tumbling over the cliff. I
  • 29. think I hit every single rock and edge on the way down. He hangs his toes over the edge. Mara panics. MARA What are you doing? Carter sounds desperate. CARTER I gotta try again. Leans further over cliff. MARA No, WAIT! He jumps! MARA Carter! Don't leave me! Moments pass. Mara stares in horror. MARA Carter! She's completely heartbroken. She crumples to the ground, sobbing. CARTER Mara. Carter approaches her from behind. Instantly wraps her up in his arms. He pulls her up to him, hugging her tightly. CARTER I didn't leave. I'm right here. Mara elbows him in the stomach and pushes away. MARA
  • 30. Why the hell did you do that? Isn't one bad accident enough? And you have to do it again! Carter tries to reach out to her. But she brushes him off. Takes a step away. CARTER I knew nothing was going to happen. It's not like the real world. Here nothing can happen to us. He reaches for Mara. She allows him to hold her hand. MARA You did that before? Her hand clenches into a fist. CARTER Well, yeah. Sheepish look. Hangs head. CARTER Several times. Each time I do it, nothing happens. I just end up back here. Completely dry, unhurt. As if I had never jumped. Sly look. MARA Yeah, well, just don't do that again. Notices Carter's cunning look. Pulls hand away. Clasps both hands together in front of her abdomen. CARTER C'mon.
  • 31. Grabs for Mara's hand. CARTER You can come with me this time. Mara vigorously shakes her head no. Scoots feet back a few more steps. Terrified. MARA Hell no! CARTER Okay, I won't push you today. Smirks at Mara still backing away. CARTER Mara, you won't get hurt. Mara shakes her head-- MARA I'm not doing that. Not in this lifetime or whatever life we are in right now. Carter shrugs. CARTER Okay. Let's do something else then. Holds out his hand. Mara has a look of skepticism. CARTER I promise to be nice-- Makes a big x over his heart. Playful glint in his eye. CARTER C'mon.
  • 32. Holds hand out. Shakes it for Mara to take. She slowly reaches out. CARTER Gotcha. Grabs Mara's hand. Runs back to the cliff. She screams... MARA Carter! Tries to pull her hand loose. Stumbles as she tries to get away. Carter doubles over laughing. MARA You're not funny! Rips her hand away from his. Carter straightens back up. CARTER Okay, I'm done. Shit, Mara. Loosen up a bit. Mara looks hurt. She crosses her arms over her chest and turns away. Suddenly a DISHEVELED TEENAGER with an anorexic body and darkened eyes manifests fifty yards away. She looks alarmed and afraid. Stares at Mara and disappears! Mara stands stunned. CARTER Did I say something wrong? MARA I...I saw someone. Mara points to where the girl was standing. MARA
  • 33. A girl. She looked awful. CARTER Oh. Another one. MARA Another what? CARTER Remember, I told you how I could never talk to anyone because they'd come and go too quickly? Well you just saw an example. Mara looks back at Carter, frightened. CARTER Just let it go. We've got each other haven't we? MARA Yes, but for how long? CARTER I don't know, but right now we’re all each other has. C’mon, I have somewhere I want to take you. Carter puts his arm around Mara's shoulder. Leads her away. EXT. RURAL HOUSE - DAY Mara looks at the surroundings. Sees a farmhouse at the end of a long driveway surrounded by pasture. Carter gazes out across the field. MARA Uhmmm, Carter, where are we? Carter nods his head towards the farmhouse.
  • 34. CARTER That's my mum and dad's house. It used to be mine too, but I don't know if I'll ever get back there again. MARA You don't think you'll ever get back to England? Waves her hand at him. MARA You know since you have the whole accent thing going on. Carter laughs, a deep hearty laugh. CARTER That whole accent thing? Waves hand like Mara did. CARTER Well, Mara, I hate to burst your bubble, but we aren't in England. MARA We're not? Sounds and looks disappointed. MARA Okay then, where are we? Looks back at the house. CARTER Sorry, we're still in the U.S. MARA You were visiting?
  • 35. Carter shakes his head no. CARTER We moved here. Wiggles finger toward the house. CARTER I was about ten. But you're right about one thing. I was born in England. Mara nods. Looks away. Eyes Carter out of corner of her eye. Carter smiles CARTER Come on, let's go. They turn away, Carter's hand on the small of her back EXT. DIRT PATHWAY - DAY Silence. Carter and Mara now feel comfortable with one another. They walk along a wooded pathway. The sun shines brightly, the weather is near perfect. Mara glances over at Carter as they walk. MARA Will I ever remember how I got here? Carter nods. CARTER It's scary though. Smiles weakly at Mara. MARA Why are we here? What's the reason? Why haven't we gone somewhere else?
  • 36. Carter shrugs. CARTER I wish I had the answers, but I don't. Maybe this is where we're supposed to be. Like you, when I saw my mum I would scream for her, but she never answered back. After a while, I gave up. Mara nods. MARA My parents use to do that in my before life too. I guess alive, dead, or being here doesn't change how they act towards me. Carter questions her with his eyes. MARA They were caught up in their own world. I was just there. They loved getting pieces of artwork and sculptures from around the world, things they could sit around and claim as theirs. Sort of like they did with me. I was a trophy child to be gawked at, but not touched. Mara looks down to the ground, then back to Carter. MARA Just like when they dust off their statues. They would buy me a new outfit, thinking that bit of attention made it all pretty and better. But in the end, none of that
  • 37. mattered. We were just empty and lifeless. Carter lightly touches Mara's hair, brushes it back out of her eyes. His hand strokes her cheek. She leans into his hand. CARTER I'm sorry. Mara shows a faint smile. Carter leans over. Tenderly kisses her on the cheek. FLASHBACK Bright lights. Sound of metal crashing. A scream. BACK TO PRESENT TIME A loud, piercing scream erupts from Mara. MARA AAARRRGGHHH! Carter puts both hands on Mara's arms. Gently shakes her. CARTER Mara! Mara! Mara slowly opens her eyes. Carter stands in front of her. Look of concern. MARA I remember. I remember everything. She's in shock. Carter leads her over to a large rock. They both sit down. He keeps hold of her hand. CARTER Do you want to talk about it?
  • 38. Lightly brushes her hair out of her eyes, leaves his hand on her cheek. Mara feels comforted. MARA Ummmmhh... She closes her eyes. Tightly grips Carter's hand. CARTER It's okay, Mara. Mara smiles when Carter says her name. Her grip loosens. Carter moves his hand away from Mara's face. Tilts her chin so their eyes meet. Holds her other hand. CARTER You can tell me. I know what you're going through. MARA I saw my car get hit by another car. Well, really, it was a big truck. Carter gently squeezes her hand. Encourages her. MARA I remember lying on the ground looking up at the stars. I felt the blood running down the side of my face and tried to wipe it away, but I couldn't move my hand. Mara subconsciously wipes at her head. MARA I heard a guy screaming and then he was looking over me. He didn't seem to be hurt too bad, maybe a small
  • 39. lump on his forehead. He had a cell phone and was talking to someone, telling them what had happened and where we were. Takes a deep breath. Let's it out slowly. MARA It seemed like hours--but I'm sure it wasn't--before I heard the sound of sirens. Two police officers were kneeling beside me, telling me that everything was going to be all right. I could tell by the looks they kept giving each other that everything wasn't as peachy as it seemed. Eyes dart around, recollection. MARA Moments later, another vehicle pulled up, and everyone started scrambling. There were now four other people talking to me, asking me what my name was and if I remembered what happened? But I couldn't speak. A pained expression. Mara looks away from Carter's gaze. CARTER Mara. Lightly touches Mara's cheek. She looks up at him. CARTER You remembered the accident.
  • 40. Mara nods, still demonstrating shock. CARTER What about after everyone got there? Do you remember anything after that? Carter tilts his head. Look of curiosity. MARA The paramedics strapped me onto a bed and put me inside the ambulance. I felt them sticking something in me. Looks at her arm. MARA They were talking on the phone with someone. All I heard was they didn't know if I was going to make it there in time. She gazes up at Carter. Sorrow in both their eyes. MARA Once again, I was alone. Leans forehead on Carter's shoulder. Carter slowly shakes his head. He speaks in barely a whisper. CARTER You will never be alone again, Mara. MONTAGE BEGINS: CARTER AND MARA BONDING EXT. TRAIL IN THE WOODS - DIFFERENT DAY Carter and Mara walk. Talk. Joke around. Carefree and comfortable with one another.
  • 41. EXT. OPEN FIELD - DIFFERENT DAY Carter and Mara sit and talk in a field of grass, flowers, blue sky. They laugh. Smile. Become increasingly close. EXT. THE CLIFF - DIFFERENT DAY Carter and Mara hold each other close, watch the water ebb and flow. The love they feel can be seen on their faces. MONTAGE ENDS EXT. WOODED TRAIL - DAY Carter and Mara walk along a dirt pathway. Give each other romantic looks. MARA Carter, how do we know what day it is? Looks at Carter. Smiles affectionately. CARTER I have no clue. Why, Mara, are you tired of our long walks to nowhere? Doubt falls on Carter's face. Questions Mara with eyes. Mara bumps her shoulder against his arm. Rubs his hand soothingly. MARA No, I'm not sick of us hanging out. Just curious as to what is going on in our other life. CARTER Okay, that I can deal with. Takes hold of Mara's hand. Both tranquil.
  • 42. MARA How were you able to see into our other life? You know, see what your friends and family were doing? Glances at him out of the corner of her eye. His gaze is downwards. CARTER I just concentrated hard on seeing my mum. Somehow, I ended up watching her at a hospital. I couldn't see myself--or if it was even me that she was visiting. But I saw my mum lying with her forehead down on the side of a bed. Lifts eyes. Meets Mara's. CARTER Is that what you want to do, Mara? Mara looks doubtful, then nods. Both stop. Turn to one another. CARTER Okay. I can try to help. Seems unhappy with this request, but holds out his hands to her. Mara places both hands in Carter's. Takes a deep breath. Gazes up at him. CARTER Concentrate hard. Think about who you want to see the most. It's easier to pick one person out. I picked my mum, and that's most likely why I saw only her.
  • 43. Mara squeezes eyes shut. Grips Carter's hands tightly. MARA Okay, I'll try. Concentrates. Opens eyes. Stomps foot. MARA Mmmmmmmmmmmhhh! I can't. Damnit! CARTER Mara. Just concentrate. You can do this. I did it. You can too. Tone is soothing. Places forehead against hers. Mara's eyes shut. Her eyeballs dart. Breathing speeds up. Chest quickly rises up and down. A few moments pass. CARTER You're all right. Calm down. Tone soothes. Softly rubs Mara's cheek. Mara slowly opens eyes. Blinks a few times. Sees Carter. Gently touches his hand on her cheek. CARTER Did you see what you wanted? Look of apprehension. Drops hand away from her cheek. MARA I saw my mom and dad. A look of relief crosses over Carter's face. MARA
  • 44. They were looking at a picture scrapbook. I couldn't see the photos, but they were laughing and crying all at the same time. Carter nods. MARA Then I saw bouquets of flowers all around our living room. It was like they were preparing for or had already been to a funeral. Wipes cheek when teardrops fall. MARA Does that mean I-I'm... Carter's thumb lightly caresses Mara's cheek. Wipes tears. CARTER Mara, shush. Mara lays head on his chest. Carter hugs her. CARTER That doesn't mean anything. You're still here, so your body, at least, is still alive. Mara nods, still sad. CARTER They probably were well wishes that friends and family sent, not that your mum and dad were giving up. Carter slightly leans her back and tilts her chin. Mara looks up.
  • 45. She runs her fingers through his hair, brushes it back. Carter closes his eyes, peaceful. Leans down. Lips touch hers softly. The kiss instantly deepens. CARTER Uhhmmmmm... Lost for words. CARTER Wow. Mara giggles. MARA I would have to agree with that, Mr. Ashwood. CARTER How did you know my last name? MARA (surprised) I...I don't know! Like your first name, I just knew it. Carter touches Mara's cheek ever so gently. CARTER Did you ever get that feeling that we've... MARA Done this all before? CARTER Right. He's not surprised she knew his thoughts. CARTER
  • 46. But...I just don't get how that could be? Bends over, kisses Mara ever so lightly on the lips. Mara shrugs. MARA Maybe it's the place? Maybe there is such a thing as fate? Bites lower lip. Looks at Carter with dreamy expression. CARTER Maybe we're here to help each other get through this. Kisses Mara again. CARTER But whatever it is, it feels right. Keeps head close to hers. CARTER I wanna take you someplace. Pulls Mara's hand so she follows. Has a gleam in his eye. MARA Wait. Tugs back. They stop. MARA Where do you wanna take me? CARTER You'll see in a second.
  • 47. Grips Mara's hand tighter. Pulls her along once again. EXT. CLIFF TOP - DAY A vast open space with grass. Trees in the distance. A waterfall. MARA Carter, NO! Digs heels into the ground. Tugs hand out of his grasp. CARTER Do you trust me? Stares intently at Mara. Lips touch hers. She melts into him. CARTER Now give me your hand. Holds out his hand. Mara slowly put her's in his. CARTER Look at me. Mara looks up. Scared. Carter lightly touches her cheek. Runs his finger down the side of her face. CARTER I promise nothing will happen. I would never let you get hurt or leave you. Okay? Mara nods. Turns towards the cliff. She has a look of panic. MARA I-I don't think I-I can. Pulls back a bit.
  • 48. Carter keeps a firm hold on Mara's hand. CARTER Yes, you can, Mara. Both stand on the edge of the cliff. Carter jumps with Mara. CARTER AND MARA Aarrrrggghhhh!! They hit the water with a huge splash. Come back up to the surface, hands clasped together. They laugh. Moments later, both stand back on the edge of the cliff. Clothes and hair are completely dry. MARA Let's do that again! Smiles. Pulls Carter to the edge. MONTAGE BEGINS - CARTER AND MARA HAVE FUN TOGETHER They jump from the cliff. Play around in the water. Hug and kiss in and out of the water. MONTAGE ENDS EXT. CLIFF SIDE - DAY Mara and Carter are together on a grassy area by the cliff. She sits while Carter lies his head in her lap. He closes his eyes. CARTER Mara. Mara runs her fingers through his hair. MARA
  • 49. Mmmmm-hhhmmmm. CARTER Mara, do you wanna go back? MARA Into the water? CARTER No. To our other selves. Our other lives. Mara looks startled by question. She keeps her hand on his head. Stops combing her fingers through his hair. MARA I don't know. Do you? Carter opens his eyes. Gazes upwards. Looks at the sky, then to Mara. CARTER I did. I really did at one point. But now, I just don't know. Sits up, pulls Mara closer. Nestles nose along her neck, softly kisses her cheek. CARTER What if we both were able to go back, but couldn't find one another? Or what if we went back and didn't remember each other? Leans head on Mara's shoulder, one hand on her thigh. CARTER What if only one of us goes back and the other can't? Mara looks confused. MARA
  • 50. I-I don't know. Carter, what are you getting at here? Carter lightly touches Mara's cheek. She slowly lifts her eyes to look at him. CARTER It's just when I think I've found the person that I've spent my whole life looking for, and it happens to be somewhere in between life and death, I'm not quite sure if I want to go back to the way things used to be. Mara gives Carter a soft smile. MARA I know the feeling. Part of me wants us to go back. I mean we have our entire lives ahead of us. But then, I don't want to leave what we have here. CARTER Mara. Studies her face. Grasps her hand. Looks directly into her eyes. CARTER I love you. Mara searches Carter's eyes. MARA I love you, too. Her voice is soft, she trembles. Their bodies meet with heated passion. They kiss as if their hunger is finally being satiated.
  • 51. Carter carefully leans Mara back onto the grass. Clothes disappear. Soft kisses. Light touches on skin. Come together as one. EXT. GRASSY AREA - DAY Mara and Carter lay next to one another. Happy. Carter leans up on one arm, stares lovingly at Mara. Her eyes are closed. His fingers lightly trace the outline of her face, go along the collarbone, and softly graze the side of her breast, before coming to rest on her stomach. MARA Carter, do you think we were the only ones ever to have experienced this in the in between? Rests her hand on his. Carter lightly chuckles. CARTER If you mean sex, or making love, or fu- Mara puts her hand over Carter's mouth. MARA Yes, that's what I mean. Gives Carter a playful, even evil, look. Carter pulls Mara's hand away. Kisses it. Holds it. CARTER I'm not sure. If there hasn't been, we could always make it two times that something like that happened here.
  • 52. Kisses Mara's neck. Lets go of her hand. Lightly caresses her skin with fingertips down to her stomach. Moves lips closer to her ear. CARTER Or three times. Light kisses along her neck. Mara softly moans with pleasure. CARTER Or maybe four. Rolls over on top of her body. Lips melt together. MONTAGE BEGINS: CARTER AND MARA TOTALLY IN LOVE -- Cliff side with water falling. Reservoir below. -- Mara and Carter walk along trail. Laugh. Talk. -- Mara and Carter by the cliff kiss, hold one another. MONTAGE ENDS EXT. THE PARTY HOUSE - DUSK Realizing something drastic is happening, Mara panics... MARA CARTER! Now Carter is alarmed... CARTER MARA! MARA! MARA CARTER! I can't see you! Where are you? Cries frantically.
  • 53. CARTER MARA! COME BACK! Don't leave me alone! I need you! Mara, I love... Fades away. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY MRS. CROWE Mara. Mara. Mara. Can you hear me? Mara. Can you hear me? Mara. Mara squints her eyes open. Bright lights all around. Her mother stands over her. A DOCTOR in a white lab jacket with a stethoscope is by her side. DOCTOR Okay, Mara. I want you to blink once for yes and twice for no. Can you do that? Roughly pats her leg to grab her attention. Mara blinks her eyes once. MRS. CROWE WHOA! She did it! The doctor methodically continues his questioning. DOCTOR Do you remember what happened? Mara blinks her eyes one time. MARA (VO) How could I forget what happened? There was a car accident. Carter was
  • 54. there, and now, he's completely alone again. I feel like half of me is missing. I feel lost. I miss his touch, the sound of his voice, having him near me. MRS. CROWE Are you in pain? Grabs a tissue from the box. Dabs Mara's eyes. MARA (VO) Of course, I'm in pain. My heart is completely broken without Carter at my side. DOCTOR I'm going to order some more testing to be completed tomorrow morning. I think she may be on the road to recovery. Pats Mara's leg again. DOCTOR (CONTD) I'll check up on you a little later. And Mara...Welcome back! Shakes mother's hand. Walks out. Mara has tears in her eyes. Devastated to be back without Carter. SUPER: "ONE WEEK LATER" INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY Mara lies on her bed. Looks less than enthused. Her mom sits on the chair. Looks through a vacation pamphlet. The doctor stands beside the bed, clipboard in hand.
  • 55. DOCTOR Mara, I know it's been six months since you've arrived, but I would like you to try and say the first thing that comes to your mind. Waits with curiosity in his eyes. MARA (VO) SIX MONTHS! What the hell? Mother squeezes Mara's hand. MRS. CROWE Come on, Sweetie. You can do it! MARA Ccccc. Mother smiles. Doctor looks pleased. MRS. CROWE That's good. Lightly pats Mara's shoulder. MARA Cccc…Car. Tone is scratchy and hoarse. MARA (VO) Fuck, his name is not Cccc, dipshit. MARA Cccccc-arter. Doctor looks confused. Mother looks distraught. She didn't say mom. Slower and more pronounced...
  • 56. MARA Cccarter. MRS. CROWE Carter? Looks at Mara confused. Mara nods. DOCTOR Does she know a Carter? Is there one in the family? Writes on the chart he's holding. Mrs. Crowe shakes her head. MRS. CROWE No, not that I can remember. I know there's a Van, who's her boyfriend. But I don't even remember a Carter at her school. She's never mentioned the name before. Mara gives her a look of disgust. Louder... MARA Carter. Looks at her mother. Mrs. Crowe pats Mara's arm-- MRS. CROWE I'm not sure what you mean? Mrs. Crowe shoots a quizzical look at the doctor. DOCTOR I'm just happy to hear Mara use her voice. As it continues to strengthen, maybe she can even explain this Carter mystery.
  • 57. Pats Mara's head. Leaves. Mara speaks in a whisper. MARA Carter. MRS. CROWE Yes, okay. Just let your voice rest. Let's not overstrain it. Picks up vacation pamphlet. Starts to read again. Mara sinks into the pillows. Frustrated. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - ANOTHER DAY Mara sits up in her bed. Mrs. Crowe checks her cell phone. BETH (30s), a speech therapist, stands at the foot of the bed. BETH Okay Mara, we're going to try this again. It's been seven days. You know the routine. Let me hear some more words, all right? Smiles at Mara. Mara looks at her mother. Mother smiles. Nods her head. Goes back to her phone. Mara swallows hard. MARA I... Pauses, swallows again. Voice sounds strained... MARA
  • 58. I want to see Carter. BETH Well, Mara, you will have to tell us who this Carter is. Beth offers a friendly smile. Mrs. Crowe doesn't look up. MARA His name is Carter Ashwood. Voice crackles. Takes a break. MARA I h-have to find him. Looks back and forth at the women. MRS. CROWE Mara, I don't remember anyone by that name. Are you sure you've met him? Looks at Mara with concern. MRS. CROWE (CONTD) Do you remember your friends from home? MARA Ashley. A cold hard stare at mother. MRS. CROWE What about...? Mara holds up her hand. Look of disgust. Foulness in tone... MARA Van? Yes, I remember him. Mother nods. Pessimistic. Goes back to her phone.
  • 59. Mara looks at Beth. BETH What can you tell me about this...this Carter Ashwood? Curious look. MARA Carter was in an accident at a granite quarry. I don't know all the details, but he supposedly slipped on something and fell over the highest cliff there. Beth nods. BETH That story sounds familiar. I think he may have been here. Looks back and forth between Mara and Mrs. Crowe. BETH (CONTD) There are so many that come and go, but unless I have direct contact with them for speech issues, I don't get the chance to follow their case. MARA He's here? More enthusiasm. Beth shakes her head. BETH I'm not sure. It was a while ago that I had heard about his accident. MRS. CROWE
  • 60. Maybe you heard about it on the news? Looks at Mara. Skeptical. MRS. CROWE The description you gave was so general, it could have been anyone. Mara's has a stare down with her mother. MARA He has a small scar from a dog bite. It's on the backside of his thigh on the left-hand side. Beth and Mrs. Crowe look at one another. Both shrug. BETH Well, Mara. I am so happy with your progress today. You are doing remarkably well. I'm going to confer with your physician and physical therapist. Maybe we can have you out of here by the end of the week. Gives Mara a light hug. MRS. CROWE You mean we may actually get to go home again? Ecstatic. Look of joy. BETH If everything comes back positive, then I don't see the issue with Mara returning home and finishing therapy closer to where you live.
  • 61. Pats the bed. BETH Mara, get some rest. Walks out the door. MRS. CROWE Isn't that great. I get to go home. Starts to text. Mara looks devastated. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NEXT DAY Mara sits on the bedside chair. Beth looks over her chart. BETH That was a really good session, Mara. Your strength is coming back. Looks pleased. Mara nods. Gives Beth a weak smile. BETH Well, after yesterday's conversation. I asked around about this Carter fellow that was here. Mara gets excited. MARA Was? What do you mean? Beth nods. BETH Now, you didn't hear this from me-- Mara shakes her head.
  • 62. BETH But he came in about a month before you. It seemed he had some accident like the one that you told me about. I don't know all the details, but apparently they've moved him down to the floor below us. It's for a transition to leave. Mara looks puzzled. A tone slightly above a whisper... MARA Thank you. Beth smiles. Nods. Leaves room. INT. MARA'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY Mara sits on the bed. Stares blankly out the window. Thinking. Mrs. Crowe watches TV. A strained silence fills the room. MRS. CROWE Aren't you excited? You're about to go home. Strolls happily over to the bed. Mara manages a lopsided smile. Fails to be happy. MARA Yep, that's great. MRS. CROWE What's wrong? Mrs Crowe's cell phone rings. She looks. Smiles brightly. Looks back to Mara. MRS. CROWE
  • 63. I thought you'd be happy to see everyone. Gives Mara's shoulder a light squeeze. Lets go. Stands by the window. Looks bored. MRS. CROWE Dad said that Ashley and Van called several times to make sure that everything was still going well and that you'd be back soon. Mara, deflated... MARA Yeah. Nods. Stares past mother. MRS. CROWE What's going on in there? Lightly pats the top of her head. MRS. CROWE You seem lost in thought. MARA Just thinking. That's all. Another failed attempt at a smile. MRS. CROWE Why don't we take a short stroll? I think you need to get out of your room for a while. Takes robe off the door hanger. Hands it to Mara. Not needing any further encouragement, Mara throws on her robe and bolts out the door. INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - DAY
  • 64. Mrs Crowe strains to catch up with Mara as Mara strides to the elevator. Both women get on. Elevator descends. INT. HOSPITAL, NEXT FLOOR DOWN - DAY Mara surges from the elevator. Mother's behind. - Mara exhibits determination as she quickly scans every door's clipboard. Mrs Crowe breathes heavily as she finally catches up. MRS. CROWE Mara, what on earth are you doing? MARA Searching. MRS. CROWE I can see that, but why? Mara ignores her. Keeps looking at names. When Mara finally reaches the last door, she finds what she's looking for. The clipboard reads "Carter Ashwood." Mrs. Crowe gives Mara a worried look. MRS. CROWE Mara, why are we standing outside this door? Mara points to the door. MARA He's here. Mrs. Crowe looks. MRS. CROWE Who's here? MARA Carter Ashwood.
  • 65. Her hand lingers on the door. Mrs. Crowe looks panicked. MRS. CROWE This is preposterous! Let's go back to your room. Tries to take hold of Mara's hand. She quickly pulls it away. Mara jabs the clipboard... MARA No! HE. IS. HERE. Mrs. Crowe pauses, not knowing what to do next. MARA Look! For Christ's sake. Are you blind or something? It says Carter Ashwood! The door opens. Mara turns around, hopeful. A NURSE wheels an IV machine. Grabs the same clipboard. MARA Ummmmhh. Excuse me. Nurse turns. Nods. MARA Is this Carter Ashwood's room? Can I see him? Nurse shakes her head. NURSE He's not here, Miss. Sits IV pole against wall. Pushes door open to next room.
  • 66. MARA Where did he go? Did he go home? Do you have an address? Tell me! MRS. CROWE Mara! You need permission. NURSE I'm sorry, Miss. I can't help you there. Disappears into the next room. MRS. CROWE Okay, you found out what you came for. Let's go back. Grips Mara's hand. Pulls her down the hall to the elevator. Mara hangs her head. Her arm goes limp. Heartbroken, she obediently follows her mother. INT. MARA'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY Mara and her mother enter the room. MRS. CROWE Well I hope you're satisfied. This whole business gives me the creeps. Suddenly Mara gets enraged. MARA You don't believe me, do you? MRS. CROWE You must admit it's a little fanciful saying you know someone you never met.
  • 67. MARA But I did meet him. Mara rushes out the door before Mrs. Crowe can stop her. Again, she strides as fast as she can to the elevator. Mrs. Crowe in her haste crashes into a wheelchair. Gets detained. The elevator door opens. Mara slips past the couple emerging. Hits the button to the lower floor. The door closes just as Mrs. Crowe reaches it. INT. HOSPITAL, NEXT FLOOR DOWN - DAY Mara strides as quickly as she can to the nurse's desk. A SENIOR STAFF MEMBER is at the counter doing paperwork. MARA I need some information. You've GOT to help me. Sensing Mara's urgency, the staff member gives Mara her full attention. STAFF MEMBER How can I assist? MARA I need to find a patient who was moved from the end room on the left. She points in the direction of Carter's room. MARA His name is Carter Ashwood. STAFF MEMBER
  • 68. Yes, an ambulance was here today. He's been taken to a private residence. MARA Can you tell me where? STAFF MEMBER Are you a family member? MARA No, I'm a friend. STAFF MEMBER I'm afraid I can't give out any further information. Hospital protocol. You'll have to get in touch with his family. MARA Can you give me their contact details? STAFF MEMBER I'm afraid I can't give out any private numbers. I'm very sorry. Do you have your friend's cell phone number? You might try calling that. Mrs. Crowe approaches. Mara tries to think of a solution. Her mother queries the administrator. MRS. CROWE Has she been pestering you about a Carter Ashwood? STAFF MEMBER She asked a question. I'm happy to assist. MRS. CROWE
  • 69. Did she tell you she knew him? STAFF MEMBER That he was a friend. MRS. CROWE Ever since she's emerged from her coma she's had this vivid imagination about this boy she's never met. I'm sorry she's bothered you. STAFF MEMBER No problem. Mrs. Crowe speaks to Mara. MRS. CROWE Let's go. Again she firmly grasps Mara's arm. They walk to the elevator. A tear emerges from Mara's eye. SUPER: "THREE DAYS LATER" INT. MARA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT MRS. CROWE Aren't you happy to be back in your own room? Puts vase of flowers on the desk. Looks at all the other vases full of flowers around the room. Mara doesn't respond. She lies down on the bed. Closes eyes. Depressed. Mrs. Crowe throws a worried look Mara's way. MRS. CROWE Have you thought about where you might want to go to school after you finish
  • 70. this quarter of high school? In almost a whisper... MARA Nope. MRS. CROWE Mara, I know you've been through a lot, but you can't let some illusory guy hold you back. MARA He's no illusion. And I will find him. Turns off the lamp. Rolls over on her side away from her mother. MRS. CROWE I'm sorry, but I think you need some counseling or some sort of trauma support group. Walks out without waiting for a response. Closes door. Mara stares at the wall. MONTAGE BEGINS EXT. MARA'S BEDROOM - DAY -- Looks up cliff diving accident reports on the laptop. -- Lays on her bed, stares at the ceiling. -- Looks out her bedroom window, helpless and hopeless. -- Carter Ashwood with address is shown on Mara's laptop screen.
  • 71. MONTAGE ENDS SUPER: TWO WEEKS LATER EXT. CROWE FAMILY DRIVEWAY - DAY Mara sits in her car with the driver's side door open. Mrs. Crowe stands outside the door. MRS. CROWE Be safe and make sure you call when you get there. I'm so proud of you. Finally getting over this Carter business and moving on. You're going to love college. Steps away from the car. Mara closes the door. She presses Carter's address into the GPS. Backs the car out. Drives off. EXT. CARTER'S FAMILY HOME - DAY Large "For Sale" sign. Rope across entrance. Mara's car stops at the entrance. Gets out. Stands at the fence. Looks around. Devastated. She returns to her car. Consults a map. Leaves. EXT. TRAIL IN A WOODED AREA - DAY Mara walks along a path that leads to the cliff. EXT. CARTER AND MARA'S CLIFF - DAY A male figure stands alone looking out over the cliff. Mara rubs her arms. A look of anticipation crosses her face.
  • 72. She watches him. Lightly treads until she's right beside him. They both stare straight ahead. MARA Great view, isn't it? Carter glances at Mara. Then back to the water. Tone of boredom... CARTER It is. Mara shuffles her feet. Sneaks a peak at Carter. MARA Ummmmmhhh... Lets out a held in breath. Looks back at Carter once more. He stares straight ahead. MARA Ummmmmmhhh... Do you remember me? Carter glances at Mara. Looks at her head to toe. CARTER No. Looks away. Mara looks sad. MARA Oh. Takes a side step away. MARA Sorry, I... ummmmmmmhhhh... I thought we'd met before. CARTER Guess you were wrong.
  • 73. MARA Well I'm, Mara. Holds out her hand. Carter looks at her outstretched hand. Ignores it. CARTER Have a nice day, Mara. Walks away. Mara's face reddens. MARA Carter, you have to remember. Carter stops. Mara turns around. Softly approaches as if he were a wild animal. Touches his hand. FLASHBACK: CARTER AND MARA On the cliff, Carter and Mara laugh and play around with each other. Carter takes her hand and leads her over to the edge. He brushes back the hair out of her eyes and kisses her lightly on the lips. One more smile. One more kiss on her hand that he holds tight. They jump together. FLASHBACK ENDS Hands are by their sides. Vision evaporates. Carter looks sorrowful. MARA I know you saw it. Carter speaks in a harsh and loud tone... CARTER It's over, Mara. Just go home.
  • 74. Mara's eyes glisten with tears. MARA Why? Reaches for Carter. He moves away. CARTER Whatever happened there, stays there. MARA No! Shakes head. Wipes tears away. Frustrated. MARA I should just walk away, but I can't. Damnit! Why can't I let you go? CARTER There's nothing left to let go. I don't know why we were put together in that place, but you're here in the real world now. Tries to put physical and emotional distance between them. Mara cries softly. MARA I gave everything to you. No one can ever take your place in my life or my heart, Carter...EVER! Reaches for his arm. He doesn't move away. Gently caresses his arm. Carter closes his eyes. Soothing look on his face.
  • 75. Bodies come closer together. Lean towards each other. KATIE (20), model beautiful, taps Mara on the shoulder. KATIE Are you okay? Mara quickly turns around. Surprised. MARA Yeah. Fine. I'm okay. I was just talking to... Turns back around. Carter is gone! Mara looks around the perimeter. No sight of him. Stunned, Mara recovers... MARA I...I was just looking at the water. KATIE Yeah, it's a great place to visit. Just be careful. This is a steep cliff. Mara steps forward. Looks over the edge at the water down below. MARA Have you ever jumped from here? Katie gives a sad nod. KATIE It was awhile ago. We were all acting stupid, and my boyfriend got hurt when he jumped. Mara looks scared. Steps back, away from the edge.
  • 76. MARA Really? That's horrible. Katie laughs lightly. KATIE Yeah. Everyone dared Carter to jump without looking. So he took the dare, then slipped and tumbled over the cliff. Mara's shocked. MARA Are you referring to Carter Ashwood? Katie slowly nods. Full attention on Mara. KATIE You know him? MARA I-ummmmhh... Rubs hand over face. MARA We met at the hospital. KATIE Really. Were you volunteering? Mara looks away. Rolls her eyes. MARA Yes. Katie smiles sweetly. KATIE Oh, that's sweet of you. I'm sure Carter appreciated the help and company.
  • 77. Looks at cell phone. KATIE Better get going. Nice talking to you. Waits for Mara to answer. MARA Mara. Tries to appear friendly. KATIE I'm Katie. Bye, Mara. Waves, walks back down the trail. Disappears around the bend. Mara looks around. MARA Carter? Eyes scan the tree line once more. MARA Carter, she's gone. Waits for him to pop back up. Walks toward the trail. Looks back at the cliff. Raises hand. MARA Take care, Carter. Eyes tear up. Turns. Disappears down the trail. INT. MARA'S BEDROOM - DAY Mara and Ashley sit on the bed. ASHLEY So, tell me about this Carter guy. Mara shrugs.
  • 78. MARA It's hard to explain. ASHLEY You met at the hospital. He likes you, you like him. What's the problem? Mara blows out a sigh. MARA It's not that easy. If I tell you a secret, promise not to tell anyone? Ashley sits up. Nods. Looks excited. MARA I...ummmmhh... well you know how you believe in soulmates, spiritual stuff? Ashley nods. MARA Well, I sort of met Carter when I was in a coma... He was in one too. Mom thinks I'm crazy. Chuckles. MARA Maybe I am. Ashley's stunned. ASHLEY So, what you're saying is that you met this Carter between here... Taps finger on bed. ASHLEY And there.
  • 79. Points to the sky. Mara shrugs. MARA Yeah, I guess. I have no clue where we were. But I do know that everything was perfect between us. Then, we get back here... Motions to the world around them. MARA And he wants nothing to do with me! (beat) I had even applied and got accepted to the college near his house. Ashley cringes. ASHLEY You're not going to school with me? Pouts. ASHLEY Look, change schools. Come with me. Forget about him. Mara shakes her head. MARA I already paid the deposit. I thought for sure he would feel the same. Looks sad. ASHLEY Should I get someone to kick his ass?
  • 80. Mara laughs. MARA I'll pass on that. Ashley gets up. Reaches down to give Mara a hug. ASHLEY I gotta go. Still doing shit for the sorority party. You're coming too. No backing out. Walks towards door. Looks back to Mara. Mara shrugs. MARA I have to... Ashley opens the door. ASHLEY Forget him, Mara. As she exits... ASHLEY See you tomorrow. Mara lays back. Looks up at ceiling. EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - NEXT DAY Ashley runs over to Mara's car. Wraps Mara in a tight hug. ASHLEY YAY! You made it. MARA Only because you wouldn't let me be. Mara smiles. Looks around the campus. ASHLEY
  • 81. I know. Takes Mara's hand. Leads her to the sorority house. ASHLEY You need to get back out. Circulate and enjoy yourself. Opens the front door. Motions for Mara to go inside-- ASHLEY C'mon, I want you to meet everyone before it gets crowded. INT. LARGE GREAT ROOM - DAY Music plays. Several GIRLS dance around while setting up for the party. Ashley yells over the music... ASHLEY Hey, this is Mara. Two of the girls rush over. Give Mara a hug. GIRL ONE It's so great to finally meet you. MARA Aahhh, you too. Both sorority girls scamper off when, ELISSA, a beautiful, bitchy-looking girl, comes over. ELISSA Since you're here early, you can help. Shoves tray full of food towards Mara. ELISSA
  • 82. Over there. Points finger in the direction of the food table. Walks away. ASHLEY Yeah, don't mind Elissa. Takes tray from Mara. Sets it down. Motions for Mara to follow. Looks around at the others who are working. Voice is low... ASHLEY She can be a bitch. MARA That's okay; it's not your fault. Ashley winces after Mara's comment. Mara follows Ashley back down the hallway. ASHLEY Well, it sorta is. Opens bedroom door, waves Mara through. INT. ASHLEY'S BEDROOM - DAY MARA Why? Sits down on the bed. ASHLEY You remember I told you Van attends college here, right? Walks around. Doesn't look at Mara. Mara grimaces. Nods head. Waves for Ashley to continue.
  • 83. ASHLEY Well... he's coming tonight. Elissa got all excited because she totally has the hots for him. Looks at Mara, then quickly away. Rambles everything out, fast... ASHLEY I got mad at her this week and told her that you were coming. And you're his ex- girlfriend. And that you were coming here so you could get back together with him. Mara gives Ashley an evil glance. MARA You know there's no way in hell that I would ever, ever, ever go back to that two-timer! ASHLEY I know. And I would probably beat you over the head if you did. But I was so mad at Elissa that I had to say something to piss her off. Mara shakes her head. MARA No biggie. Big sigh. MARA When she sees that I have no interest in him...that I'm not here to take her little boy toy away, then
  • 84. maybe she'll forgive you for being a bitch. Playful smile. Ashley picks up a pillow. Slugs Mara in the shoulder-- ASHLEY I'm not a bitch. Well...not all the time. Bounces on toes over to the closet. ASHLEY I have an extra, ultra- sexy, make- guys-want-to- drool dress if you want to wear it? Pulls out a slinky black dress. Mara holds up her hand. MARA I'll pass. I like my comfy jeans and T-shirt. Ashley shrugs. Puts dress back. ASHLEY One other thing. I'm leaving this room for you in case you want to get away from the party. I'm making this room off limits to everyone else. There are three other bedrooms they can play around in. Grabs Mara's hand. Leads her out of the room. ASHLEY Let's get back out there and get everything ready
  • 85. before the shit hits the fan. INT. FRONT ROOM - NIGHT Crowds of PEOPLE. Big party scene. Sex. Booze. Music. Mara and Ashley walk around talking to different groups of people. Ashley stops to talk to a BOY, Mara walks away. Van stands directly in Mara's path. VAN Mara! It's been awhile, baby. Attempts to stroke her cheek. Mara slaps Van's hand away. MARA Hey, Van. How's Ms. Walsh? VAN You still mad at me for that? It was so long ago, baby. We have so much time to make up for. Reaches for Mara again. Mara leans away. MARA We... Points back and forth between the two. MARA Have no time to make up. There will never, ever, ever, ever be another us. Tries to get past him.
  • 86. Van grabs the tail end of Mara's shirt. VAN Mara. You can't just walk away. Ashley knocks Van's hand off of Mara. Steps in between. ASHLEY Okay, okay. Enough! Holds onto Mara's hand. ASHLEY Fuck Van, move on. Can't you tell? She doesn't want anything to do with you! Points to Elissa across the room. ASHLEY See that foxy chick over there? The one in the tight dress. She wants you bad. Go make her night. Pulls Mara away while Van looks over at Elissa. INT. FRONT ROOM - NIGHT The crowd is thick. People are loud and obnoxious. Mara leans against the wall watching Ashley talk to another GUY. Mara rubs her arms and frantically scans the room. ELISSA Katie! High pitched squeal, runs toward the door. Mara looks over to the door. Surprised look. Carter is behind Katie!
  • 87. KATIE Issie. Gives Elissa a big hug. ASHLEY Mara. Waves hand in front of Mara's face. Nods head towards Katie. ASHLEY That's Elissa's cousin. She's okay, but a bit of a bitch like Elissa. MARA Yeah, I know. ASHLEY You know her? Looks at Mara. MARA Looks the part. That's all. What about the guy? ASHLEY What guy? Looks over at Elissa and Katie. ASHLEY I don't see any guy. Mara looks back over at the girls. Then all around the room. Confused look. Shakes her head. MARA Never mind. Hey. Tugs Ashley's hand to get her attention. MARA I'm gonna go back to your room for a minute.
  • 88. Leaves before Ashley can respond. INT. ASHLEY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Mara walks around. Rubs her arms. Runs fingers through her hair and over her face. Stressed. INT. FRONT ROOM - LATER The party gets louder and crazier. Mara stands alone, soda can in hand. Watches Katie and Elissa dance seductively with one another amidst MALE ONLOOKERS. Suddenly behind Mara... CARTER Boo. Mara jumps. MARA What the hell! First, you tell me to go away. That it's over. Then you show up with Katie! What are you trying to do to me? I should hit you! CARTER I know. It's my fault. I felt that I needed to discourage you. It all seemed too far-fetched. Too unworkable. Focuses on Mara, then glances at girls dancing. MARA I wasn't going to come tonight, but Ashley insisted. Carter nods. Keeps steady gaze. Unsettles Mara.
  • 89. MARA Stop looking at me. You're weirding me out! CARTER I can't help myself. I think it's all too crazy. Then you show up and I find myself attracted to you all over again. I...I just can't stop myself. MARA This is just so over-the- top loony. CARTER I know. Maybe I should just leave. MARA No! I don't want you to leave! Ever!...I mean, I just want to talk some more. Try to understand all this. Get a handle on things. Motions to Katie dancing with girls and guys seductively. MARA And what about her? Aren't you jealous? I mean she's showing off in front of a horny bunch of bonehead jocks. CARTER Who? Her? Motions to Katie. CARTER We were never that tight. Mara looks skeptical.
  • 90. MARA That's not what she told me. She said you were her boyfriend. Carter shakes his head. CARTER Her and I are off more than we are on. Right now, it looks to be a permanent off. Mara's watches everyone dance. Looks over at Carter. MARA So do you wanna dance? Carter slowly shakes his head. Looks away from the dancers to the person behind Mara. It's Van! He sneaks up and grabs her hand. VAN Hey, Baby, let's dance. Mara forcefully pulls her hand away. Stumbles. Almost falls on her backside. MARA No! VAN C'mon, Mara. Just one. Staggers toward her. MARA Stay the fuck away! Looks back for Carter. He's gone! MARA Shit, Van! Look what you've done!
  • 91. Van scratches his head. Gives Mara a look of "What the fuck?" Watches as Mara turns and disappears into the dancing crowd. INT. DANCE FLOOR - NIGHT CARTER So, about that dance. Appears behind Mara. MARA Where did you disappear to? Rubs her arms. Turns. Faces Carter. MARA I can't handle all your disappearing acts. Can't you just stay in one place? CARTER Sorry. I've been here waiting for you. Mara puts her hands on her hips. MARA What if I would've danced with, Van? What then? CARTER I had to find out. MARA Oh, so now you're testing me! Carter smiles, reaches for Mara. CARTER But you wouldn't have.
  • 92. She finds herself suddenly engulfed in a warm, whoosy feeling. She looks imploringly at Carter as he starts to dance to the music. Almost in spite of herself, Mara finds herself responding in kind. Both sway without touching. Mara reaches for Carter. He shakes his head. He looks sad. A girl bumps Mara from behind. She stumbles into Carter. FLASHBACK: CARTER AND MARA Carter and Mara stand on the cliff. Carter has her hand in his. Runs his fingers through her hair. His hand cups the base of her neck. Leans down to kiss her softly. Mara pulls him closer, deepens the kiss. Carter breaks the kiss. Leans his forehead on Mara's shoulder. Whispers... CARTER I've always loved you. BACK TO SCENE Mara stands alone amongst the other dancers. She shakes her head. Perturbed. Looks around the room. Then strides to the front door. EXT. FRONT YARD OF SORORITY HOME - NIGHT Mara walks down the steps. GUYS are hanging out. Ashley follows. ASHLEY Mara, come back in.
  • 93. Rushes down the steps. Pulls Mara's hand to follow. Mara looks around for Carter. Nothing. Then follows Ashley. Disheartened. INT. FRONT ROOM - NIGHT ASHLEY Last week a girl got attacked out there. Just don't go back out by yourself. Mara's shocked. Looks back at Katie dancing. Shakes head. Angry at Carter. MARA I'm tired. Fakes a yawn. MARA I'm gonna crash for awhile. Walks towards the hallway. INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT Mara walks down the hallway alone. Stops outside of Ashley's bedroom. Opens door. CARTER Leaving the party so soon? Mara turns around. Smacks Carter on the chest. MARA You scared me. Motions for him to follow her into the room. Shuts and locks the door. ASHLEY'S BEDROOM MARA
  • 94. You can't keep leaving me like this. It scares me. I...I just don't want to lose you again. CARTER Are you staying in this empty room all alone? Stands behind Mara. Wraps arms around her waist. Pulls her snug against his body. Nibbles on neck. MARA I-ummmhhh... Last sound is seductive. Runs hands along the front of Mara's body. Mara has a look of lust. Her body trembles. MARA Are you staying this time? Carter walks Mara to the bed. Turns her around, face-to-face. CARTER I. Kisses Mara once. CARTER Wouldn't. Kisses Mara again. CARTER Be any where else. They lie together on the bed. LATER Mara wakes up. Looks at Carter asleep beside her. She softly brushes back the hair from his face.
  • 95. He gently grabs hold of her hand, pulls her closer. They snuggle with one another. Fall back to sleep. INT. ASHLEY'S BEDROOM - MORNING The dawn sunlight enters the room. The full length mirror on the opposite wall shows Mara lying alone. INT. ASHLEY'S BEDROOM - LATER Mara wakes up to an empty bed. Rises and dresses. A knock sounds on door. Ashley enters. ASHLEY Hey, you never came back last night. MARA Did you see a guy come out of here? Ashley bounces on her toes. ASHLEY You had a guy in here last night? Who? MARA Carter. I have to go find him. Motions for Ashley to follow. Leaves room. INT. FRONT ROOM - MORNING PEOPLE walk around. Cleaning. Mara and Ashley slip around them. ASHLEY Maybe he left. What does this Carter guy look like? Mara looks around. Spots Katie talking with Elissa.
  • 96. MARA He's still here. Walks toward the front door. Ashley follows. ASHLEY How do you know? EXT. FRONT PORCH OF SORORITY HOUSE - DAY A few people outside pick trash up off the lawn. Mara walks down the steps. Turns around to face Ashley. MARA Because he came with Katie and she's still here. Ashley has a look of confusion. Then realization sinks in. Yells just a bit too loud. ASHLEY Oh. My. God. Your fucking Katie's boyfriend! MARA Shhh! Looks around to make sure no one heard. MARA He said they're finished. Ashley's face is full of doubt. ASHLEY Has it ever occurred to you that he's a player? Mara waves Ashley off. MARA I gotta go find him.
  • 97. Walks away from the house. EXT. MARA'S CAR - LATER Mara sits in her car. Ashley stands outside the driver's door. ASHLEY I wish you'd stick around instead of pursuing this jerk. Reaches through open window. Gives Mara a hug. Mara shrugs. MARA He's not a jerk. He's...I don't know what he is. But I know I love him. That's all. Bye. Mara revs the motor. Ashley shouts... ASHLEY Should I ask Katie about their relationship? Mara shakes her head. MARA No way. Don't talk to Katie or Elissa about any of this. Looks at her watch. MARA Gotta run. ASHLEY Okay. Call me when you get home. Ashley steps away from the car. Mara peels off.
  • 98. INT. MARA'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT Mara's asleep. Tosses and turns. VISION BEGINS EXT. CLIFF SIDE - DAY Carter lies with his head in Mara's lap. BACK TO SCENE Mara still asleep. Whispery voice... CARTER (OS) Mara... Mara. I love you. INT. MARA'S DORM ROOM - DAY Mara tries to study. Can't. A knock on the door. Runs to answer. It's Ashley. MARA Ashley, this is a surprise! Gives Ashley a hug. Pulls her into the room. ASHLEY Hey, Mara. Sounds downhearted. Looks around the room. ASHLEY How are you? MARA I'm good... I think. Sits on the bed. Motions for Ashley to sit. MARA What's wrong?
  • 99. Ashley sits beside Mara. Eyes dart to the floor, then back to Mara. ASHLEY Have you seen Carter since the party? Mara shakes her head. Shrugs. Offers a small smile. Ashley lets out a large sigh. ASHLEY I just don't know how to tell you this. MARA Tell me what, Ash? What is it? I can handle it. She looks concerned at Ashley's behavior. MARA He's with Katie right now? Isn't he? Mara's shoulders slump. She looks at the floor. Then to Ashley for an answer. Ashley sighs and shakes her head. ASHLEY No, that's not it. Mara breathes a sigh of relief. MARA Then what is it? Ashley rubs her face in frustration. Looks at Mara. ASHLEY I got worried when you said Carter only shows up at
  • 100. certain times and never calls. Mara nods. Motions for Ashley to continue. ASHLEY I didn't want some guy using my best friend, so after you left I talked to Elissa and Katie. Mara has a look of anger and disbelief. MARA I specifically told you not to! Now what have you done? Jesus Christ, Ashley! Mara gets up. Walks around. Throws her hands in the air. MARA Christ, Ashley! What kind of a friend are you? I knew this would happen. Did you think that they would support him and me being together? They probably fed you a ton of lies. Ashley gets angry. ASHLEY Will you listen to me just once for God's sake! Stop being so bull headed. I'm trying the best I can to help you out of this mess you're in. MARA Mess! You call the best relationship I've ever had in my life a mess? You're the one creating the mess, not me.
  • 101. Ashley grabs Mara by the shoulders and forces her down on the bed. ASHLEY Just shut up for a moment and hear me out. Okay! After that you can kick me out if you want. Mara finally submits. Weakly... MARA Okay. What is it? ASHLEY I don't know exactly how to tell you, but I asked Katie about Carter. Looks sympathetic. Mara with venom and dislike... MARA Oh really? And what did Katie have to say? ASHLEY That it couldn't have been Carter that visited you. I mean it could of been, but not here. She hits the bed. ASHLEY I mean not physically here! Mara has a look of confusion. MARA What the hell are you talking about, Ash? I'm the one he visited, not Katie.
  • 102. ASHLEY Carter is still in a coma. Looks at Mara intently. Watches for a reaction. Mara laughs. MARA Are you kidding me? That's what they told you? Ashley has a look of irritation. ASHLEY Mara, I'm serious. We can meet Katie. She'll show you. Mara nods. MARA Oh, okay. We'll do that. Stands up. Paces back and forth. Voice gets louder... MARA If he's supposedly still in a coma, then how the fuck was he able to visit me? Come on, Ashley, explain that to me! Ashley shudders. Yells back... ASHLEY I'm trying to figure that out! Mara takes a few deep breaths to calm down. MARA One thing I just don't understand. Why can't you and my mom just accept that I love him? When we're together it's so perfect.
  • 103. I finally found someone who loves me and everyone tells me I'm nuts. Am I? ASHLEY Mara, everyone loves you. Mara shakes her head no. MARA It's not the same love that I feel with Carter. ASHLEY But Mara, he's still in a coma. He had his accident a month before you had yours. Looks directly at Mara, sympathetically. MARA Just to show you that he's okay and not just some figment of my imagination, call Katie. Tosses Ashley the cell phone. ASHLEY All right. Let's settle this once and for all. I'm tired of arguing with you. Ashley dials. EXT. PRIVATE RESIDENCE - LATER Mara's car pulls into the driveway. She parks. Mara and Ashley exit. Katie and Elissa wait by front door. Mara and Ashley approach. Katie and Mara glare at each other. The front door opens. NIALL (20s), who resembles Carter, comes out.
  • 104. Ashley nudges Mara. Mara shrugs. NIALL Katie, this is a surprise. Looks around at all the girls. KATIE Hey, Niall. Gives Niall a hug. Announces to the others. KATIE This is Carter's brother. Turns back to Niall. KATIE How's Carter doing? Niall shrugs. NIALL About the same. KATIE So, he hasn't been up and about? Walking along the cliffs, partying? She directs a smug expression and smirk towards Mara. NIALL Uhhhh...No. Why on earth would you ask a question like that? Looks confused. Glances back and forth between the girls. KATIE This girl... Points at Mara.
  • 105. KATIE She keeps insisting she's been with Carter. That he met her at a party. That they snuggled in the grass. She even claims he showed her where he jumped. Niall looks over at Mara. Shoots her a look of disbelief. NIALL I'm sorry, Miss. That can't be true. Carter has been in a coma ever since his accident. There's been a nurse here 24 hours a day monitoring his condition. Mara shakes her head back and forth. Her body trembles. MARA No...no...no! Looks back a forth between Niall and Katie. MARA You're all just saying that. She stares at Katie. MARA You're just mad because he wants me more than he ever wanted you. Tears roll down her cheeks. Hands shake. KATIE I don't know how you know those little details about Carter, but... Spats out Mara's name with hatred...
  • 106. KATIE Sorry, Mara. You're in a fantasy world. To think that Carter has been anywhere else than that damn bed--the bed he'll probably spend the rest of his life in--is the ravings of an idiot. Looks over at Niall. His expression shows shock and disappointment. KATIE Sorry Niall, but he's never coming back. The only thing that keeps him here is that God-forsaken machine. Rubs face in frustration. KATIE I'm outta here. Tows Elissa back to her car. Speeds away. ASHLEY I'm sorry, Niall. If I would've known she'd react like that, I would have never asked her to come. Niall shakes his head. NIALL Katie has always been a bitch. I don't know why Carter was with her. He always told me that he didn't love her. That she wasn't the one. Glances over and studies Mara. NIALL I'm not really sure what to think about all this.
  • 107. Mara nods her head. Wipes away tears. NIALL Do you actually believe Carter contacted you? Interested, he takes a few steps closer to Mara. ASHLEY Mara was in a coma at the same time as Carter. Ashley takes hold of Mara's hand. ASHLEY They were in the same hospital at the same time. NIALL Really? More interested. NIALL Is that how you met? Or is that the right word? Connected maybe? Mara closes her eyes. Takes a deep breath. MARA He was there when I crashed my car. He was there when I ended up in the place called the in between. He was with me every day I wasn't here. We went to the cliffs. He told me how he slipped and fell. He even described the small piece of jagged rock he hit his head on when he tumbled down. Stops and takes a deep breath.
  • 108. MARA He told me your family moved here when he was ten. He got bit by the neighbor's dog and has a small scar at the top of his thigh. He was supposed to go to college the semester after his accident. He was undecided about what he was going to study. He wanted to go back to England because everyone here was a "bloody nincompoop." Says the last two words in a British accent imitating Carter. Niall chuckles at Mara's impersonation. NIALL Those are his words. Every time we went to the stone quarry, he would say that's how his friends acted when they jumped off the cliff. Shakes head. Looks at the ground. Then back at Mara. NIALL You know, as crazy as it all sounds, I believe you. I think somehow, someway, you and Carter have communicated. Gives Mara a sorrowful look. NIALL Would you like to go inside and visit Carter? Motions toward the house. Mara nods. Follows Niall. Ashley trails.
  • 109. INT. RESIDENCE - DAY Mara goes right to a bedroom with a closed door. Stops. MARA He's in here, isn't he? NIALL How did you know? MARA I can always sense when Carter is present. Lightly taps on the door. MARA I get this tingling feeling when he's around. NIALL Wow. Amazing. Niall opens the door. Enters. INT. CARTER'S BEDROOM - SAME Mara stands motionless in the doorway. Stares at Carter lying on the bed. An IV pole, ventilator, and EKG machine sit by the bed. CAROL, a nurse, checks a chart. NIALL You can step out, Carol. She nods and leaves. Niall motions for Mara to enter. Ashley respectfully stays outside the room. Niall tries to joke around. NIALL
  • 110. It's okay if you go closer. I promise he won't jump up and bite you. Mara tenderly nears the bedside. Stares at Carter. Runs her fingertips along the side of his face. Across his chin. Lightly rests them on his lips. Brushes back his hair. MARA I love you. She closes her eyes. Speaks softly... MARA I don't know if I can go on without you. FLASHBACK BEGINS EXT. BASE OF CLIFF - DAY Carter and Mara play in the water. Laugh. CARTER I love you. MARA I love you too. They kiss. FLASHBACK ENDS. Mara wipes away copious tears. Gently touches Carter's cheek. Kisses him on the lips. Whispers... MARA I'll always love you. Steps away from the bed. She walks to the door. Glances back at her soulmate lying helplessly on the bed. Exits the room.
  • 111. EXT. FRONT LAWN - DAY Mara is slumped on the stoop, crying. Unable to move. Ashley comforts her. Niall stands in the front doorway. ASHLEY Are you okay? Lightly touches Mara's shoulder. Mara shrugs. Blank expression. MARA He's never coming back. Shakes her head. Rises to her feet. She looks weathered and worn. She looks at Niall. Then over to parking area. Whispers... MARA I need to go... Thank you, Niall. Niall walks over to Mara. Hugs her tightly. NIALL Please, stay in contact, Mara. My parents are heading back to England and I'm going back soon myself. But if you want to see Carter, Carol will be here. Mara nods. MARA Thanks, Niall. I appreciate that... very much. Walks listlessly back to car. Ashley follows.
  • 112. Mara drives away. Niall stands watching. - Wondering. MONTAGE BEGINS INT. CARTER'S ROOM - DAY Mara sits in the bedside chair. Massages Carter's hand Mara softly wipes Carter's face with a towel. Mara reads a book to Carter. Mara's eyes are closed. Her head is on the bed by his hand. She gets up and exits. MONTAGE ENDS SUPER: ONE WEEK LATER Mara sits beside Carter's bedside. She's holding his hand. Niall is talking with Carol in the background. The door opens. Dressed in a suit, MRS. ASHWOOD (late 40's) enters. She displays the facial features of Niall and Carter. Her mannerisms resemble a corporate CEO. She looks at Mara, then to Niall. Her tone is spiteful. MRS. ASHWOOD Niall, who is this girl? She looks at Mara. Irritation grows on her face. NIALL Mother, this is Mara. She…ummmmm… Niall's tongue-tied, unable to explain Mara's presence. He looks pleadingly at Mara. Her eyes are on Mrs. Ashwood. Mara stands. Walks over to the older woman.
  • 113. MARA Hi. Mara extends her hand. MARA I'm Mara. Mrs. Ashwood ignores Mara's hand. Walks over to Carter's bedside. MRS. ASHWOOD Niall, I asked you a question. I expect a response. Glares at Niall. Dismisses Mara standing there. Niall gathers his courage. NIALL Mara was in a coma, too. Just like Carter. They were in the same hospital and had a connection. She knows intimate details about him that you couldn't possibly know unless you were in his inner circle. Like soulmates. She even knows exactly what he says when he's irritated. Right down to his favorite phrase "bloody nimcompoop." Mrs. Ashwood scoffs at the insinuation. MRS. ASHWOOD That's nonsense. Your brother was with that girl, Katie. You of all people, Niall, should know that girls, such as this…
  • 114. (She waves her hand at Mara.) This Laura, Mara, whatever her name is. Girls like her will only want one thing, money. Just because your brother is incapacitated at this time, they think they can come in and say that they love him, or he loves them. Mrs. Ashwood turns away from them. She looks down at Carter, but doesn't touch him or have a look of sorrow that a mother should. MRS. ASHWOOD Niall, please see this girl out. Mara takes a step closer to Carter's bed. MARA Mrs. Ashwood, what Niall say is true. I was in a coma, that's where Carter and I met. I know it sounds bizarre and unrealistic, but it's the truth. I'm not here for money. I didn't even know Carter had any such fortune. I... Mara stops talking when Mrs. Ashwood's hand comes up. MRS. ASHWOOD Niall, I said see this girl out. Her tone makes it clear there will be no more discussion. NIALL
  • 115. Mara. Please! Come with me. Niall motions for her to follow. MARA Mrs. Ashwood, if you would just listen. (she begins shouting) Goddamit! I love Carter and he loves me! You can't do this! Niall grabs Mara by the shoulders and forces her from the room. Mara resists but sees it's futile. INT. HALLWAY. CONTINUOUS MARA Niall, let me explain it to her! She tries to go back. Niall stands in front of the door. NIALL Mara, can't you see you've already caused enough trouble? Just go! She looks at Carter's door once more, then to Niall. His finger flicks towards the exit. Mara nods and walks away. SUPER: "TWO DAYS LATER" INT. MARA'S DORM ROOM - EARLY MORNING Mara's cell phone rings. She stares blankly. Then answers it. ASHLEY
  • 116. Mara, it's me. I need to tell you something. Please answer. MARA I'm here. Ashley sounds as if she's crying ASHLEY I... ummmhhh... I don't know how to tell you this. Lets out a deep sigh. ASHLEY When's the last time you saw Carter? MARA Two days ago. Why? Did something happen? Did he wake up? Small bit of excitement. More alert ASHLEY You know Niall's parents are leaving, right? Mara nods. MARA That's why I haven't been over there. I wanted to give them some time alone. ASHLEY Mara, he didn't wake up. Mara's smile fades. ASHLEY I found out from Katie that the reason his parents came back was because the doctors told them there is
  • 117. nothing more they can do. They're letting him go, Mara. They're taking him off his life support... this evening at seven. Mara slumps to the ground, shocked. MARA I need to go. I need to stop them. ASHLEY It's futile. They signed the papers. His parents aren't allowing anyone else to be there. This time, Mara, you really have to let him go. Ashley cries. MARA I...I can't... I love him. Hangs up. Mara sits staring blankly at the wall. INT. PRIVATE RESIDENCE - DAY Mara, Carol, and Niall talk in the front room. MARA I have to see him. You can't do this. Mara cries. CAROL I understand. But you have to leave, Mara. I don't want to have to call the authorities. But I will. Mara looks at Niall.
  • 118. MARA Why are you giving up? I haven't. Mara sobs into her hands. NIALL I'm sorry, Mara. This is what the doctors suggest. It's my parent's wishes to let him go naturally. They came to take him back to England...to bury him there. Tears fill his eyes. Mara looks up. Jolted. MARA You never said anything about their intention. NIALL I didn't have the heart. MARA You're just going to let your brother go? Just like that? NIALL I don't have a choice. MARA Don't I count for anything? I'll never see him again. Never be able to visit his grave. NIALL I'm afraid this is a family matter. Mara becomes hysterical. MARA
  • 119. Family matter! Fuck that! He loves me. He told me so. We want to be together. CAROL Mara, you're going to have to leave. Now! Takes Mara by the arm to the front door. Opens it for her. Mara looks back at Niall. NIALL I'm truly sorry, Mara. He walks away. Mara walks out the door. Shattered. INT. MARA'S DORM ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON Mara walks over to her closet. Takes out a box. Looks at photos of her and Ashley. Smiles. Laughs. Cries at them. Puts them away. Writes Ashley's name on the box. Takes out three pieces of paper. Writes letters of goodbye to her mother, father and Ashley. Puts them on top of the box. Cell phone rings. Mara hits the button on last ring. Ashley frantic and crying... ASHLEY Mara? Mara, I know you're there. Your answering machine didn't pick up. Silence. ASHLEY Goddamit, Mara. Answer me!
  • 120. Sobs into the phone. Mara stares at the phone. Stays silent. ASHLEY I'm leaving right now. I'll be there shortly. We'll work everything out. Cries. Mara doesn't answer. She tosses the room key on the table. Walks out. Clock on the wall shows 6:30pm. EXT. CLIFF PARKING LOT - EVENING Mara stands in the parking lot. The wind blows her hair. PEOPLE are in hoodies and long pants. Mara's wears a thin T-shirt, shorts, and no shoes. EXT. WOODED TRAIL - CONTINUOUS Mara walks down the path towards the cliffs. The trees are almost bare. The sky is gray. No life in anything around her. EXT. CLIFF SIDE - CONTINUOUS Mara approaches her and Carter's cliff. PEOPLE are there, they look at her, then melt away. ONE MAN ON THE CLIFF remains. He sits 50 yards away looking at the water. Mara walks closer. Two more steps and she's at the edge. Rocks start to tumble over. Mara holds out her arms. Closes her eyes.
  • 121. CARTER (OS) You're here. Mara smiles. FLASHBACK BEGINS EXT. CLIFF SIDE - DAY Mara and Carter play with one another. Smiles and laughter. FLASHBACK ENDS Mara leans over the cliff. The man sizes her up. Shouts... MAN ON CLIFF What are you doing? Gets up. Makes a run to grab Mara. She jumps. MAN ON CLIFF No!!! MARA Yes. CARTER (OS) Open your eyes. Mara opens her eyes. The water comes closer. The pointed rock looms ahead. Mara smiles. Twists her body. Hits the rock. Tumbles down into the water. Goes under. INT. PRIVATE RESIDENCE - CONTINUOUS Carter's mother, father, and Niall cry as they stand around Carter's bed. The attending PHYSICIAN stands by the ventilator, finger on switch. Silently counts to five. Shuts the machine off.
  • 122. The sound of the EKG machine begins to slow, until the sound of a flatline can be heard. EXT. CLIFF SIDE - DAY Mara stands on top of the cliff. She is dry and unharmed. The sky is a transcendent blue. The waters iridescent. Everything vibrates with energy. Like her. She rubs her arms. A clear and vibrant voice rings out... CARTER(OS) Mara. Mara turns. Carter stands on the trail. Smiles a thousand suns. Arms open to the universe. Mara runs. Crashes into him. Hugs him with every ounce of energy she can muster. Carter madly plants kisses all over Mara's face. Leans back and smiles. CARTER I've been waiting for you...forever and ever and ever. They walk towards the cliff and disappear! FADE OUT