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Brevard

The document is a screenplay that begins with a chaotic scene of a car crash involving three teens who flee from the police into a cornfield. The narrative progresses through the lives of these adolescents, exploring their relationships, social struggles, and personal traumas in the small town of Brevard, North Carolina. Central themes include friendship, love, and the impact of violence and economic hardship on youth, highlighting the dynamics and conflicts among the characters, particularly involving James, Dart, and Amy.

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BREVARD written by Barry Canty WGA REGISTERED (310) 867-1041 Cantybp10@yahoo.com
FADE IN: OVER BLACK The sound of a speeding automobile CRASHING. POV A SMALL VIDEO CAMERA -- The floor of the vehicle’s back seat. Smoke and the sound of disoriented passengers scrambling about. TEEN BOY (O.S.) Ya’ll alright?! An approaching POLICE SIREN. ADOLESCENT GIRL (O.S.) I can’t hear nothing. I can’t hear! The driver steps on the gas, but they go nowhere. ADOLESCENT BOY (O.S.) What’re we gonna do? We’re caught. The driver tries to open his door, but it’s jammed. TEEN BOY (O.S.) I told ya’ll I ain’t going back to Brevard! (beat) C’mon, get your asses out! They grab their belongings and exit from the passenger side. EXT. CRASHED VEHICLE - CONTINUOUS Still from the POV of the video camera, as it is carried across a two-lane road, narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic. A glimpse of a STATE TROOPER screeching to a halt in his cruiser and jumping out, as the camera is taken into a CORN FIELD. EXT. CORN FIELD - CONTINUOUS Several rows of stalks, then finally a clearing. TEEN BOY (O.S.) You remember how we said we’d do it? (beat) Get over here, Amy! ADOLESCENT GIRL (O.S.) What? I can’t... (CONTINUED)
2. CONTINUED: The camera is dropped to the ground. We see nothing but dead stalks and dirt. We hear someone rummaging through a bag. TEEN BOY (O.S.) Hurry the hell up! Only nervous breathing for a few moments. Then something falling to the ground, followed by someone being shoved. TEEN BOY (O.S.) (CONT’D) Don’t you pussy out on me! We hear the girl begin to weep. ADOLESCENT BOY (O.S.) I love you. ADOLESCENT GIRL (O.S.) I love you too. Sounds of the two adolescents kissing as they sob, followed by the shuffling of feet. One of the kids inadvertently kicks the camera and it turns upright. We can now make out the ADOLESCENT BOY, white, 12, as he points a GUN at the face of the ADOLESCENT GIRL, black, 12. ADOLESCENT BOY Now shut your eyes. FADE TO BLACK Insert Title Card: Last Week EXT. BREVARD - DAY Late Spring in picturesque western North Carolina. One side of this small mountain town is made up of retirees and middle class families. We see Brevard College, Pisgah National Forest, the Brevard Music Center and groups of tourists. The other side, mostly populated by blacks and other poorer long-term residents, is still reeling from the effects of the stagnating local economy. This side of Brevard is where we will spend our time. UNEMPLOYED YOUNG MEN loiter and argue outside a small bar. A group of DELINQUENT BOYS congregate in a public housing community, and pass a joint while others sell drugs. HOMELESS MEN and WOMEN sleep in empty fields framed by pristine views of the Appalachian skyline.
3. EXT. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH - DAY The sounds of the gospel standard “Rough Side of the Mountain”. INT. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH - CONTINUOUS JAMES ROBERTS, white, 12, tall and lanky in chinos and a polo, hides in the rear and watches the all-black SENIOR CHOIR rehearse. He’s in awe and mouths the words to the song. DART (O.S.) Psst. NAPOLEON "DART" HUNTER, white, 13, a short, tightly wound bundle of kinetic energy, dressed in a fitted baseball cap, skinny jeans and brightly colored high-tops, stands just outside the entrance on his skateboard. DART (CONT’D) Come on. I don’t wanna be late. The choir finishes and James applauds before ducking out. EXT. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH - CONTINUOUS James and Dart descend the steep hill adjacent to the building on their skateboards. AMY (V.O.) Napoleon Abraham Hunter was born on Christmas day. He’s one of my best friends in the entire world. Most people think he’s crazy, but they don’t know ‘bout everything he’s been through. He got his nickname cause when he was little, he used to dart around the house and his mama couldn’t catch him. (beat) She killed herself two years ago and, for some reason, Dart got it in his head he should try and kill himself too. SMASH CUT TO: INT. DART’S BEDROOM (FLASHBACK) - NIGHT Dart sits on the edge of the bed holding a pistol to his temple, his hand shaking. He pulls the weapon down and looks at a framed picture of himself with his late MOTHER in their Sunday best. Dart puts the gun back up to his head. (CONTINUED)
4. CONTINUED: AMY (V.O.) His hand shook so hard, that when he pulled the trigger, the bullet whizzed right past him. Dart FIRES and misses. Dart’s father, JAKE HUNTER, 33, bursts in, snatches the revolver and backhands the boy before throwing him out. END FLASHBACK EXT. BREVARD - DAY James and Dart continue on their skateboards. Dart throws a rock at a group of LATINO DAY LABORERS. AMY (V.O.) He couldn’t hear in his right ear for a few days, but after that he was fine. I don’t think he’ll try it again, me and James won’t let him. Dart curses the Latinos as they pass a group of WINOS. AMY (V.O.) (CONT’D) James Roberts is my boyfriend, and the love of my life. (beat) We've been going together for 3 months, 22 days, 13 hours, 44 minutes and 57 seconds. (three second beat) 45 minutes now. James and Dart reach the grounds of the abandoned ECUSTA PAPER MILL and climb through a hole in the fence. AMY (V.O.) (CONT’D) He’s sort of shy and quiet but that’s okay, most people talk too much anyway. He’s the sweetest and smartest boy I’ve ever met, so smart he even skipped a grade. He tells me he loves me everyday, even in front of his best friend, Dart. (beat) Dart is 13, James and me are 12. We live in Brevard, North Carolina, population 6,700. JAMES I hope she shows up. (CONTINUED)
5. CONTINUED: DART You know she will. Dart pulls the building door open and kicks James in the butt to get him to go inside. INT. ECUSTA PAPER MILL - CONTINUOUS The vacant interior of what used to be the town’s largest employer. Dart and James come to a stop and casually lean on one of the many pieces of obsolete machinery. AMY (V.O.) Dart’s in love with me, even though he knows I love James. I don't wanna hurt his feelings, and we'll always be friends, but... We're meeting today cause Dart told me if I don't dump James and go with him he’ll hurt himself. JAMES Hope she knows where to come. Dart lights a menthol cigarette. DART Would you stop your goddamn yapping, nigga? I told you I texted her 20 minutes ago. JAMES Did she reply? DART Jesus God Almighty, James. Look. Dart shows James the message from Amy on his cell phone: I’m gonna pretend to be sick so I can leave early. The boys hear the creaky doors open and they quickly straighten up. The object of both their affections, AMY WILSON, black, 12, enters. Amy is tall and thin, pretty but not prissy. AMY Hey, ya’ll. DART JAMES Hey, Amy. Hey, Amy. Amy approaches and nervously looks the boys over, unsure what to say. An awkward silence. (CONTINUED)
6. CONTINUED: JAMES (blurting it out) If you wanna stop going with me, I'll understand. I just want us all to be happy again. Amy takes James’ comment in and slowly begins to speak. AMY I’ll be your be your friend for life... Dart, but James is my boyfriend. DART You fucking slut. Dart storms out as Amy and James embrace. EXT. ECUSTA PAPER MILL - CONTINUOUS Dart skates away. Amy and James exit shortly after. AMY I hope he’ll be all right. JAMES Dart’s not so bad anymore. He’ll be okay. James takes Amy’s backpack and they walk. AMY You have a good day? JAMES It was fine. Yours? AMY It was good. (beat) Your Internet still down? I posted a video on my Facebook last night and you didn’t make a comment. JAMES Daddy told me I’m spending too much time on there. He made me cancel my account this morning. AMY That sucks. I’m sorry. (beat) You wanna come over and do homework? (CONTINUED)
7. CONTINUED: JAMES I gotta check with daddy to see if he has any chores for me to do first. Amy laughs at James. AMY You do chores more than I do, and I’m a girl. Amy snatches James’ skateboard and rides ahead of him. EXT. HOME OF JAMES ROBERTS - MOMENTS LATER Amy and James stop in front of this old but well-kept ranch- style home. MR. ROBERTS, late 30’s, blue collar, waits for his son on the porch. He’s not happy. AMY Hey, Mr. Roberts! MR. ROBERTS Hey, Amy. (beat) James, you come on in here now. I need to speak to you before I go to work. JAMES Yessir! (to Amy) He must’ve found out about me and Dart skipping. AMY He won’t be too mad, will he? JAMES He probably won’t believe me when I tell him this is the first time. He’ll say it’s just the first time I got caught. James and Amy hug. JAMES (CONT’D) I love you. James walks across the yard toward the front door. MR. ROBERTS Get off that grass, boy! I just put fertilizer down!
8. EXT. WILSON HOME - NIGHT A crumbling split-level with a dead lawn. Supper time. INT. WILSON HOME - CONTINUOUS Amy eats with MR. WILSON, 42, hometown boy, short and wiry with a gentle manner, MRS. WILSON, 40, heavy-set, nurse’s uniform, and her brother, TOMMY, 7. Amy hasn’t touched her food and Mrs. Wilson watches her daughter disapprovingly. MRS. WILSON If you didn’t want all that, you shouldn’ta put so much on your plate. Are you trying to be skinny like those little white girls at your school? MR. WILSON You feeling better, honey? Amy nods. Her mobile phone rings from across the room. It’s on the counter where the Wilsons keep them during meals. Amy’s mother is annoyed, but Mr. Wilson rises to answer it. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Hello, James. JAMES (O.S.) Sorry for calling during supper, sir. MR. WILSON It’s all right, son, just don’t make it a habit. Here she is. Amy pops up and runs to take the phone. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Try not to stay on too long. AMY Okay, Daddy. (to James) Hello? DART (O.S.) Amy, it’s me. I had James call since your daddy don’t like me. Amy steps around the corner to another room. AMY That’s not true and you know it. (CONTINUED)
9. CONTINUED: DART (O.S.) Whatever. We’re getting suspended three days for skipping. Let’s meet up after supper. AMY Where? DART (O.S.) Little Harlem. Here’s your boy. AMY Everything all right? JAMES (O.S.) Yeah, everything’s fine. I’ll come by quarter after seven. Bye. James hangs up before Amy can ask anymore questions. She returns to the table and her mother waits for an explanation. AMY I had asked James to help me with my math. I’m gonna go over there after I clean the kitchen, if that’s okay. MR. WILSON Of course it is. Mrs. Wilson is surprised by her husband’s hasty approval. MRS. WILSON And what time are you planning on being home on this school night? AMY By my curfew. Amy quickly eats her dinner. EXT. WILSON HOME - LATER Amy runs out with her backpack over her shoulders as James waits on his skateboard. James has a baseball cap pulled low on his head, shielding his face. AMY Hey. JAMES You ready? (CONTINUED)
10. CONTINUED: AMY That hat doesn’t match your outfit. Plus, it keeps me from seeing your pretty blue eyes. Amy pulls the cap from James’ head. JAMES No, Amy... Amy gasps when she sees a large purple bruise under James’ right eye. AMY Who hit you in the face? James tries to get his hat back, but Amy won’t give it up. JAMES Nobody. I thought daddy had finished whipping me for skipping today, but when I turned around to say I’m sorry, he caught my cheek with his fist. Amy turns around and stomps back toward the house. JAMES (CONT’D) Where you going? AMY To tell my daddy about what he did. JAMES Amy, stop! James runs after Amy and grabs her arm. JAMES (CONT’D) It’s my fault for getting in trouble. If your daddy finds out what I did, he might not let me by your boyfriend anymore. Amy thinks it over for a few moments. She kisses James’ bruise, then gives his cap back to him. He takes Amy by the hand and they walk to his skateboard. EXT. BREVARD STREET - CONTINUOUS James and Amy reach the entrance to a public housing community at the base of a small mountain. They hop off the skateboard and prepare to walk. (CONTINUED)
11. CONTINUED: AMY I hate coming to Little Harlem at night. Especially since Lucy’s brother got shot up here during Christmas. JAMES We’ll be okay, it’ll be quick. EXT. LITTLE HARLEM - CONTINUOUS Identically depressing one-story apartment buildings. The white and black RESIDENTS play loud music from their cars, loiter in front of their apartments and service the drive through drug traffic. Amy and James walk past with their heads lowered. The mentally ill and perpetually inebriated ROBERT HALL, black, 68, stands at his usual spot under a street lamp. Robert holds a bible in one hand and a brown-bagged pint of cheap liquor in the other. He spots James. ROBERT HALL White man done took everything else from us, now he invading our neighborhoods too. Guess they got tired of driving to the black side of town for they dope. Robert looks toward a group of poor WHITE RESIDENTS. ROBERT HALL (CONT’D) Ain’t the white neighbors I used to dream bout having, tell ya that much. EXT. DART’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS Amy and James look through the large bay window of the messy three-bedroom and see Dart in the living room. INT. DART’S APARTMENT (LIVING ROOM) - CONTINUOUS Dart feeds GRANDMAMA HUNTER, 90 and senile, macaroni with cheese and fish sticks, while rapping along with a music video. The song comes to an end. VJ Houston hip-hop ain’t been quite the same since the death of Chad Butler, aka Pimp C. Rest in peace. Dart spots his friends outside. He lets them in then walks back to his seat. (CONTINUED)
12. CONTINUED: DART Don’t slam my door. AMY How you, Grandmama Hunter? Amy gives Grandmama Hunter a hug and kiss. GRANDMAMA HUNTER Aww, it’s so good to see you, sweety. You’re prettier every time you come over here. AMY Thank you. James stands by Dart, bashful. DART Don’t be rude to my grandmama, go say hello. James does as he’s told and Dart walks down the short hallway. He peeks into the master bedroom and sees his father, JAKE HUNTER, is passed out with his haggard GIRLFRIEND. Note: Dart refers to his father by his first name. INT. JAKE HUNTER’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Dart searches the pockets of the various pairs of pants scattered across the floor. He finds a small bag of crystal meth in one pair and leaves it, but takes a half a pack of cigarettes from another. INT. DART’S APARTMENT (LIVING ROOM) - CONTINUOUS Amy chats with Grandmama Hunter and James sits quietly on the sofa as Dart re-enters. DART You all done, Grandmama? GRANDMAMA HUNTER I sure am, just enjoying talking to this pretty girlfriend of yours. Amy smiles and Dart rolls his eyes as he takes his grandmother’s plate to the sink. (CONTINUED)
13. CONTINUED: DART I keep telling you, she ain’t my girlfriend, Grandmama. GRANDMA HUNTER But yesterday morning you told me she was gonna be soon. Amy and James exchange uncomfortable glances. Dart loudly drops the plate in the sink with the other dirty dishes. DART You want your Butter Pecan ice cream? GRANDMAMA HUNTER No, I’m fine. You cooked us another good dinner tonight. You leave some for your daddy? DART (under his breath) Unfortunately. GRANDMA HUNTER What’s that? DART Yes, ma’am, I did. You gonna be alright here or you want me to put you to bed? GRANDMA HUNTER In a little bit. DART Okay, well, we’re fin’ to go study now. Dart kisses his grandmother. Amy and James say goodbye and all three exit. EXT. DART’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS Dart locks the front door then whips around to his friends. DART What the fuck took ya’ll so long? You were twenty goddamn minutes late! Amy and James are silent. Dart lights a cigarette and walks away. He finally turns around and looks at Amy. DART (CONT’D) Me and James are leaving Brevard. (CONTINUED)
14. CONTINUED: AMY What? DART We can’t live in this town no more. You know we all hate it. Our families, these people, and now we’re getting suspended. AMY What are you talking about? DART Look at James’ face! How many straight A students are getting back handed by they daddies? AMY It was an accident, he didn’t mean to. DART (to James) Is that what you told her? (to Amy) It won’t no accident. Amy is confused. JAMES But he apologized right after he did it. DART Ain’t no way we gonna hang around and let his daddy start beating on him like Jake does me. We gotta be out, and the only way I'm coming back is in a fuckin’ body bag! Amy is angry at James for lying to her. AMY When’d ya’ll decide this? DART Tonight. (beat) And we want you to go with us. Amy slowly shakes her head no. JAMES Please, Amy, I love you. What am I gonna do out there without you? (CONTINUED)
15. CONTINUED: (2) AMY But, I mean, it’s just a few days. DART You think we’re ever gonna get outta Brevard if we don’t leave now? AMY When we graduate we might be able to go to college, you don’t know. DART On whose dime? Your mama and daddy gonna be able to pay for you? Are James’? No one ever leaves this town. Our mamas and daddies were born here and so was theirs. AMY But Dart... DART We’re gonna end up just like ‘em. Dying in the same place we lived in all our lives. Amy looks the boys over and shakes her head. AMY Ya’ll are crazy. DART Fuck that bitch, if the she don’t wanna go. Let her stay here, she can have it. AMY Napoleon Hunter, don’t you speak to me like that! Amy looks at James, but he drops his head. She’s too frustrated to continue. AMY (CONT’D) I’m going home. I was supposed to be back fifteen minutes ago. (beat) James... Amy can’t finish her thought and walks away. DART We leave from my house, tomorrow morning at 8:00 sharp! Decide tonight if you’re going or not!
16. INT. WILSON HOME - LATER Amy enters from Dart’s apartment. Her parents argue in their bedroom. AMY I’m home! No one responds. Amy sits at the family computer in the living room and gets on the Internet. MRS. WILSON (O.S.) I told you we should’ve left before Amy started middle school! How are we gonna stop this house from being foreclosed on, when you can’t even find a job? MR. WILSON (O.S.) We still have that money we put into Amy’s college fund to hold us over for a little while. Amy pulls up a blog she has created. We see her musings on James, Dart, Brevard, etc. She begins typing: I know James doesn’t want to leave Brevard, he’s just letting Dart push him around. I don’t think they’re serious about leaving, but I don’t want to be left here all alone. MR. WILSON (O.S.) (CONT’D) She’s such a good student, she’ll be able to get a scholarship somewhere. You just gotta trust me. MRS. WILSON (O.S.) I have trusted you and look where it got me! MR. WILSON (O.S.) We’ll talk about this later. I think I heard Amy come back in. Amy quickly erases her page history and switches to a different website. Mrs. Wilson steps outside to have a smoke and Mr. Wilson joins his daughter. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Hey, baby girl, how long you been home? AMY I just walked in right when ya’ll were coming out your bedroom. Amy pulls up a chair for her father. (CONTINUED)
17. CONTINUED: MR. WILSON Was James able to help you with your math? Amy nods. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) How’s Dart doing? I worry so much about that boy. Does he still know he’s welcome to stay over here any time things get too crazy in Little Harlem? AMY Yes. (beat) How was your job interview? MR. WILSON I thought it went good. The drive was longer than I expected, so I was a little late, but I think they liked me. AMY Mama said it’s two hours. MR. WILSON About that, yeah. (off Amy’s reaction) But that don’t mean I won’t be able to make it home in time for dinner every night. Amy is relieved to hear this. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Oh, and I been meaning to apologize for not being able to get you a new cell phone yet. I know all the kids are going crazy over that latest iPhone. AMY I didn’t ask for a new phone, daddy. MR. WILSON I know. And I thank you for that. Mr. Wilson kisses his daughter on the forehead. AMY Are we still gonna watch the Braves tomorrow night? Who’s pitching? Mr. Wilson grins appreciatively at the change of subject. (CONTINUED)
18. CONTINUED: (2) MR. WILSON You’re supposed to be the one keeping up with the Atlanta’s rotation, not me. You been slacking? Mr. Wilson tickles Amy and they both laugh. AMY Maybe just a little. EXT. BREVARD MIDDLE SCHOOL - MORNING The start of another school day. INT. CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS STUDENTS recite the Pledge of Allegiance then take their seats. As roll call begins, Amy enters and hurries to her desk. AMY I’m sorry. I missed the bus and daddy had to bring me. As soon as Amy settles, her phone vibrates in her pocket. She waits for her TEACHER to direct her attention toward another part of the room and peaks at the message. The text from Dart: Look out the window. Amy turns around and sees Dart hiding next to a tall shrub. INTERCUT AMY AND DART -- Amy faces the front and receives another text from Dart: Got keys to Jake’s car! Dart holds up the keys as Amy composes a text message with the phone concealed in her pocket. Dart waits for Amy to respond. His phone finally vibrates: Where’s J? Dart quickly replies: Turning in his math homework. That dork! Amy can’t help but smile as James finally appears next to Dart. JAMES She coming? (CONTINUED)
19. CONTINUED: DART Anybody see you? JAMES No. DART I still can’t believe you did that. JAMES I spent my time working on it. I at least wanna get credit, so I won’t be behind at our new school. DART New school? Boy... JAMES What’s she saying? Dart types: What’s the deal, woman? Three SCHOOL HOOLIGANS approach James and Dart. HOOLIGAN #1 What up, D? Dart slaps hands with the boys. DART Trying to get the hell outta Dodge, that’s what’s up. HOOLIGAN #2 Heard about ya’ll getting a three-day suspension. That’s cool. What’s up, James? JAMES Hey. HOOLIGAN #1 We’re having a Rock Band tournament at Lamont Washington’s. Ya’ll should come by. Dart isn’t interested in talking to the boys. DART Maybe. The kids depart and Dart gets a text from Amy: I can’t go with ya’ll. Dart shows the message to James. (CONTINUED)
20. CONTINUED: (2) DART (CONT’D) That’s it. Fuck her black ass, let’s go. Dart walks off, but James stays behind. Amy’s eyes fill with tears as she scans the classroom, trying to avoid looking toward the window. She can’t resist, and turns around in time to see James’ heartbroken expression before he limps away. Amy dries her eyes and unpacks her books. She raises her hand. AMY May I go to the bathroom? TEACHER Late this morning and you’re already asking to be excused? Amy doesn’t know what to say. The Teacher sees her tears. TEACHER (CONT’D) If you’re not back here in three minutes, you’re spending the rest of your morning with Principal Miller. EXT. CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS Amy exits and leans back against the door, her mind racing. AMY (V.O.) School was gonna be over in two weeks, anyway. (beat) Me and James could come back to Brevard at the end of summer, if we didn’t like it. Even if Dart didn’t want to. Amy gently sets the pass against the wall and sprints down the empty hallway. EXT. BREVARD MIDDLE SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS Amy bursts through a side exit and sees Dart and James skating away with backpacks thrown over their shoulders. AMY I can’t believe you two buttholes were gonna leave me! The boys turn around. James quickly skates back to Amy. (CONTINUED)
21. CONTINUED: JAMES I’m sorry. Amy wraps her arms around James' neck and kisses him. AMY I love you, James Roberts. I wasn’t gonna let you get away. JAMES You sure you wanna go? Amy nods. They kiss again. DART Well come on then, yall're making me sick. EXT. WILSON HOME - LATER Amy, Dart and James climb a fence into the backyard. They walk toward Amy’s bedroom window. AMY Be quiet now, my daddy’s home. Dart and James prop a ladder against the house and Amy climbs up. JAMES Careful. INT. AMY’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Amy quietly packs a bag and can hear Mr. Wilson arguing on the phone with her mother. MR. WILSON (O.S.) I’m gonna call them as soon as I can get off this phone with you. It’s just now half past nine. (beat) Bye. Amy grabs clothes, her small video camera, lip gloss, a family photo and her iPod. Mr. Wilson makes another call. MR. WILSON (O.S.) (CONT’D) Hello? This is Rodney Wilson, following up on an interview I had for the plant manager position yesterday morning. I know you’re looking to fill it soon so... (beat) (MORE) (CONTINUED)
22. CONTINUED: MR. WILSON (O.S.) (CONT’D) Oh, okay. I understand completely, this recession is hell, you got that right. Amy stops packing at the sound of her father’s bad news. She contemplates going to comfort him. DART Hurry up, girl. Amy finishes and climbs out with her bag. EXT. BREVARD STREET - MOMENTS LATER The kids are a block away from Amy’s house. JAMES What all did you bring? Amy shows James what’s in her bag. AMY What about ya’ll? JAMES Just my computer, some clothes, daddy’s GPS and my bible. Amy smiles at this and kisses James on the cheek. DART I brought gear and grub. Dart shows Amy and James a gym bag full of wrinkled clothes and junk food. DART (CONT’D) And Jake’s pistol, cause you never know when you might need to shoot something. JAMES What’re we gonna do about money? DART We’ll hustle us up some dough, don’t you worry. The rest of the world ain’t like Brevard, they actually got jobs that pay more than whatever a Mexican’ll take. AMY Where’s your daddy’s truck? DART Little Harlem, where you think? (CONTINUED)
23. CONTINUED: Dart’s surliness doesn’t dampen Amy’s enthusiasm. AMY Where ya’ll wanna go? (beat) Last night I thought about what I should change my name to. How about Vanessa, or maybe Marilyn -- Amy’s so plain. Ya’ll think I could be a Rihanna? DART (snickering) Yeah, and maybe you can get James to slap you around some too. Amy punches Dart in the arm. JAMES This is our chance to become completely new people. We can do whatever we want, come and go as we like. DART We do need to decide where to go first, though. JAMES I always wanted to see what Idaho was like. No one to bother you, all that open space. I bet houses are cheap out there. AMY But it’d be so boring. JAMES I think we’d like it. AMY Maybe. Where do you wanna go, Dart? DART I’d like to live in a big city, like Houston. We won’t have to deal with a bunch of hicks like here and there’s more to do. I just like big cities better. AMY And we can make stops on the way. It’ll be like that old MTV show, “Road Rules”. (to Dart) What’s Houston like? (CONTINUED)
24. CONTINUED: (2) DART Never been. But I know it’s cool. EXT. DART’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS Dart, Amy and James approach. Dart’s father, Jake, argues with his Girlfriend as he stands beside a GRAND WAGONEER. JAKE Bitch, I know you’re hiding my keys cause you don’t want me to go nowhere. Now give ‘em here, goddamnit! The kids duck behind a car. GIRLFRIEND I don’t have your fucking keys, Jake! But I’m glad you don’t neither, cause all you’re gonna do is go smoke up your disability check and come back here horny trying to get some. The kids watch Jake push his girlfriend aside and go back in the apartment. She follows him inside. DART C’mon. The kids sprint to the Grand Wagoneer. As they’re getting into the vehicle they hear: JAKE What in the hell do ya’ll think ya’ll doing? Jake stands on the front porch. JAKE (CONT’D) Dart, son, why do you have my keys? GIRLFRIEND (O.S.) See, I told you I wasn’t hiding ‘em! JAKE Shut up, bitch, before I come in there and really give you something to scream about! Jake saunters over. JAKE (CONT’D) Give ‘em here. (CONTINUED)
25. CONTINUED: Dart doesn’t move. DART We’re leaving Brevard. JAKE Good. I’ll draw you a goddamn map. Just don’t think you’re doing it in my truck. Dart grips the keys tighter. JAKE (CONT’D) Did you get into my stash, boy? Cause you’re acting like one of these nigger crackheads around here. No offense, Amy. (palm out) Put the damn keys in my hand now, before I slap fire out your little ass. Dart stands pat. Jake laughs, lights a cigarette and blows smoke in his son’s face. He then turns back to the house. The kids exhale nervously, but Jake pivots back around and PUNCHES Dart square on the chin. Dart lands on his back and bangs his head against the cement. The keys fall from his hand. AMY Dart! James and Amy run to Dart’s side, but Jake pushes them away and starts kicking his boy. JAKE Get up off your ass and pick up them keys! JAMES Mr. Hunter, stop! He’s hurt. JAKE He’s gonna hurt more if he don’t do what I say. Jake kneels next to his boy. JAKE (CONT’D) Don’t show out in front of your friends, when you’re too light in the britches to back it up. Jake suddenly lands face down on the concrete. James has jumped on his back. (CONTINUED)
26. CONTINUED: (2) Jake throws James to the ground and resumes beating Dart. James and Amy watch helplessly. JAKE (CONT’D) Hand me them fucking keys! AMY Stop, Mr. Hunter, stop! Other RESIDENTS congregate as Jake continues pummelling the kid. After a few moments, he hears the sound of a GUN COCK. He looks up and sees Amy pointing his .22 at him. Jake smiles and lets go of Dart. JAKE Well I’ll be goddamn, Amy. Is that my pistol you got there? Never figured you for the gun-slinging type. Amy’s hands shake as Jake stays on his knees and slowly comes toward her. JAKE (CONT’D) But I can see your daddy never taught you the proper grip. Jake is eye level with Amy and less than a foot away. JAKE (CONT’D) If you let me show you what you’re doing wrong, I promise to give you a beating that’s only half as bad as what Dart’s getting. Jake turns back toward his son just in time to see the bottom of DART’S FOOT coming straight toward his face. Dart connects with his kick and his father falls on his side. Amy drops the weapon and backs away. Dart stands over Jake and STOMPS him repeatedly. Amy and James eventually pull Dart off his father, who’s now unconscious. James retrieves the .22 and Dart spits on Jake before getting behind the wheel of the truck. Amy joins him up front and James gets in back. Dart spots something on the ground and opens his door to pick it up. It’s his father’s wallet. Dart pockets it without his friends noticing.
27. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart slowly pulls away from the apartment. AMY Dart, you’re bleeding everywhere. Amy takes a Kleenex from her bag, wets it with water and starts to clean Dart’s bruised face. DART Get off me. AMY It’s not as bad as it looks, it’s just a lot of blood. Dart pushes Amy away. DART I know it ain’t bad, I’m the one it was done to! Why don’t you get in the back with your man so I can concentrate on driving? Amy can’t believe Dart is mad at her. DART (CONT’D) Go’on! AMY I was just trying to help you. Amy throws more Kleenex at Dart, then goes and sits beside James. Dart cries tears of relief and anger as he dabs at his wounds. Through the rear window, Amy watches the onlookers disperse as the vehicle exits Little Harlem. DISSOLVE EXT. EASTERN TENNESSEE - MORNING The sun rises from behind the Appalachian mountains. EXT. TENNESSEE FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS No traffic this morning. The Grand Wagoneer approaches.
28. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Amy drives as Dart sleeps with his head in her lap. James is in the back. Amy brushes Dart’s hair from his face and blows on his scabbing bruises. Amy checks the clock in the console and it’s stuck on 11:00 p.m. She turns on her phone to get the correct time and immediately receives an incoming call from her father. Dart’s head pops up and Amy shows him the caller ID. DART Turn off your damn phone, girl. Amy powers down her mobile. DART (CONT’D) And keep it off unless you need to use it. AMY Sorry. (beat) And good morning. Sleep good? Dart looks to the back seat and is disappointed to see James. DART Hell no. Dart covers James’ nose and mouth. James wakes up as Dart snickers. JAMES Good morning, ya'll. Dart stretches, then lets his window down and sticks his head out. He leans back in after a few seconds. DART So I been holding out on ya’ll. And that ain’t right. AMY What’re you talking about? Dart digs in his pocket and tosses his father’s wallet to Amy. Inside are credit and debit cards along with $50 cash. DART How bout we go shopping to celebrate our freedom? (CONTINUED)
29. CONTINUED: AMY Okay! EXT. OUTLET MALL - LATER Amy steers the Grand Wagoneer into the parking lot. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS The kids are excited. AMY Looks like they’re just opening too. JAMES You think we could get a bite to eat first? Dart takes the $50 from the wallet and gives it James. DART Breakfast is on Jake. Let’s go. INT. OUTLET MALL - LATER The kids have just scarfed down a large meal of pancakes, bacon, eggs and grits. Dart let’s out a loud burp. DART So that’s what a $30 breakfast tastes like. Amy answers Dart’s burp with one of her own. DART (CONT’D) Not bad. James turns on his laptop. DART (CONT’D) What you doing? JAMES Seeing if I can get a signal from that Radio Shack we passed on the way in. DART You and that World of Warcraft stuff. JAMES That ain’t why. I have a History paper I need to e-mail. (CONTINUED)
30. CONTINUED: DART You’re one of kind, you know that James Roberts? Dart messes James’ hair and stands. DART (CONT’D) Well me and Amy are going shopping. Think you’ll have time to join us when you’re finished with class? JAMES I’ll try. TWENTY MINUTES LATER -- Amy and Dart walk past various chain stores. AMY How long we gonna stay up in Houston? DART I don’t know. Is there some place you wanna go after? AMY This is my first time outta Transylvania County, except for a field trip to Raleigh in third grade. I wonder how long it would take us to get to California. Maybe a couple weeks? DART Not that long, but awhile. AMY Let’s go out there then, after Houston. DART We’re gonna have to make some cash first, it might take a couple months. (beat) Where does James wanna go? AMY I don’t know. Dart stops. He tries to decide how to say what’s on his mind. AMY (CONT’D) What? (CONTINUED)
31. CONTINUED: (2) DART Let’s leave James here and go to California. AMY Huh? A beat. Dart looks over his shoulder. DART Nothing. I was just kidding. Here he comes. James approaches. DART (CONT’D) You get your assignment in on time? JAMES Why ain’t ya’ll bought nothing yet? AMY Cause I wanted to wait for you. Let’s go in here. They have girls and boys stuff. Amy takes James by the hand and Dart follows. INT. STORE - MOMENTS LATER A trendy shop with clothing for teens and young adults. CUTE SALESPEOPLE wear trendy outfits and headsets. Amy, James and Dart are in side-by-side fitting rooms. Dart emerges sporting the latest in urban wear. DART Check this out, ya’ll. Amy steps out in a summer dress and James in an outfit similar to Dart’s. DART (CONT’D) Like a pimp! (to James) You’re looking gangsta too, Jimmy boy. That’s more like it. (to Amy) Why didn’t you put on the outfit I picked? AMY (rolling her eyes) Okay... (CONTINUED)
32. CONTINUED: Amy goes back into her fitting room. A SALESGIRL, 15, has her eye on Dart. SALESGIRL Who do people tell you that you favor? DART Oh you know who. But they only tell me if they flirting. The Salesgirl blushes. DART (CONT’D) What’s your name? SALESGIRL Rochelle. DART My name’s Chad. I was named after Pimp C from UGK. Rest in peace. ROCHELLE Ya’ll from Houston? DART Nope, but that’s where we going. ROCHELLE What happened to your face? DART Got into a fight with some gangbangers. ROCHELLE You alright? DART You think this is bad? You should see their faces. AMY (O.S.) Dar...uh, Chad, try on what I picked out for you. DART Gimme a second. (to Rochelle) How old are you? ROCHELLE 15. You? (CONTINUED)
33. CONTINUED: (2) DART Same. ROCHELLE You look younger. DART It’s cause of my height. But don’t let that fool you into thinking I’m short all over. Rochelle giggles. DART (CONT’D) Wait here and tell me how I look when I come out. Dart goes back into the fitting room. JAMES I like what you picked out for me, Amy. AMY I knew you would. You got yours on yet, Dart? DART Hold on. Amy steps out wearing a trashy, hip-hop video inspired outfit, while Dart and James are in pastel colored Polos and slacks. DART (CONT’D) You look hot! ROCHELLE (to Amy) That’s cute on you. AMY My daddy would kill me if he saw me in this. DART Well we ain’t gotta worry bout that no more, now do we? (beat) Let’s just buy everything and we can take back what we don’t like. Ya’ll got these stores in Texas? (CONTINUED)
34. CONTINUED: (3) ROCHELLE I think so. Amy and James hurry back into their fitting rooms. DART (to Rochelle) Gimme your number. We might hang around here for a few more hours. ROCHELLE All right. Rochelle puts her information into Dart’s phone. AT THE REGISTER -- Rochelle, Amy and James fold the last of the four bags of clothes. Dart hands her the credit card. ROCHELLE (CONT’D) Says on this your name is Jake Hunter. DART It’s my daddy’s. He just lets me use it whenever me and friends wanna go shopping. ROCHELLE Cool. Rochelle swipes the card. The kids go tense as they wait to see what will happen. A beat. DART Everything all right? The transaction goes through. DART (CONT’D) Never mind. AMY Is it okay if I use a dressing room to change? JAMES You’re putting on your new clothes already? ROCHELLE I’ll go get you some scissors to cut the tags. (CONTINUED)
35. CONTINUED: (4) Amy hustles toward the fitting rooms. DART Let’s change too. I think it’s only right. JAMES If ya’ll both are doing it. They head back to the fitting rooms. EXT. OUTLET MALL - LATER Amy, James and Dart walk to the truck in new outfits. Amy films them with her video camera. AMY I think we look good. We should have our own show, don’t you think? I’m prettier and smarter than all those girls on “Jersey Shore”. DART Don’t point that thing at me, you know I don’t like being recorded. AMY It could be about two good-looking lovers and their real cool best friend. Dart almost smiles and Amy kisses him on the cheek. JAMES Thanks for the clothes, Dart. I’ll pay you back when we get jobs. AMY You better call that girl, she liked you. Dart snatches the video camera and turns it off. DART I don’t trust her, she was being too nice. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s calling the police in Brevard right now. AMY What’re you talking about? DART Just get in the truck. (CONTINUED)
36. CONTINUED: Dart watches Amy and James climb into the back seat together and his mood goes even more sour. EXT. TENNESSEE HIGHWAY - MOMENTS LATER The Grand Wagoneer approaches. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart drives and watches James and Amy cuddling in back. He grits his teeth and abruptly pulls off the road into an empty field. JAMES What’s wrong? DART I gotta take a leak. JAMES Do you have to drive so fast? The shocks on this thing are awful. DART I’ll slow down then. Dart slams on the brakes. Amy and James almost slide out of their seats. EXT. EMPTY FIELD - CONTINUOUS Dart puts the Grand Wagoneer in park and James and Amy quickly get out. Dart opens his door and dangles his legs from the vehicle. He lights a cigarette, unzips his pants and pees out onto the ground. Amy and James walk toward a shade tree. After a few moments, they hear the Grand Wagoneer accelerating. When they turn around, they see Dart driving straight toward them. Dart laughs and plows ahead. James and Amy are confused and can’t decide if they should run or stay put. Dart comes within a few feet of them and turns the car away just enough, narrowly missing Amy’s toes. He puts the vehicle in reverse. Dart pulls back past his friends and is again facing them. He revs the engine then circles the couple. DART That was a close one back there at the mall with that scheming bitch. (MORE) (CONTINUED)
37. CONTINUED: DART (CONT'D) I hope we can make it all the way to Houston, but it ain’t gon’ be easy with everybody trying to catch us. Dart brings the car to a stop. DART (CONT’D) If we get caught, are ya’ll willing to kill yourselves so we don’t have to go back to that goddamn town? James and Amy stare at Dart in quiet disbelief. A beat. AMY What? DART Don’t play dumb, you heard me. (to James) What’s up? James looks at Amy and weighs the question. DART (CONT’D) If you think your daddy was mad when you skipped school, think of what he would do after this. James touches his injured cheek. A beat. JAMES Yes. Yeah, I’ll do it. AMY Ya’ll serious? DART Dead. Amy stares at James and Dart. After a long silence, she slowly nods her head. Pleased with their compliance, Dart jumps out of the car. DART (CONT’D) James, you shoot Amy first, since you two are in love, then yourself. I’ll be the last to die, since I’m the oldest. Dart holds out his hand and James places his on top. Amy puts her hand in as well. (CONTINUED)
38. CONTINUED: (2) AMY (V.O.) I knew Dart was just talking big, and he didn’t really mean anything by it. He just wanted to scare us into not going back. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - MOMENTS LATER James is at the wheel, Amy up front and Dart in back. DART I ain’t saying we should kill ourselves, cause I sure as hell don’t wanna die. But like my granddaddy told me before he passed: “Napoleon, sometimes it’s best not to have an easy way out of something, cause then you won’t stick to your first decision.” So now we ain’t got no easy way out. James starts the car and they roll down the empty highway. EXT. TENNESSEE HIGHWAY - DAY A sign reads: Nashville I-24 North. The Grand Wagoneer approaches. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS James drives, Dart is in the passenger seat and Amy in back. AMY We should all write something for our families, just in case. When we get a signal we can post them to my blog. DART Nobody reads your damn blog, girl. AMY Uh-huh, I had two page views last month. DART Yeah, from me and James. Amy is disappointed by this realization. DART (CONT’D) Ah... but I guess it ain’t a half stupid idea. Amy takes out James’ laptop. (CONTINUED)
39. CONTINUED: AMY Wanna do yours first? Amy hands Dart the computer. Insert Dart’s note as he composes: Dear Grandmama, I want to make a new life for myself and had to leave Brevard. I hope you won’t be too sad about this and miss me too much. Tell Jake I’m sorry for raising my hand to him, and that I love him. I love you too Grandmama. Your grandson, Dart. Amy is bent over a note pad. AMY (CONT’D) You finished? DART Don’t it look like I’m finished? AMY Wanna hear the first draft of mine? DART Sure don’t. Dart tosses the computer back to Amy. EXT. WILSON HOME - NIGHT Through the front window we see the Wilsons with MR. and MRS. ROBERTS in the living room. INT. WILSON HOME - CONTINUOUS The television is turned to the local news. MRS. WILSON I can’t believe Amy would go and do something like this. It’s not like her. None of them had a reason to. MR. ROBERTS It was Dart who convinced them to go, I know it. I never should of let James run with him. But I felt sorry for the boy, since he lost his mama and all. MR. WILSON I’m sure Amy only went because it was what she wanted to do. Let’s not start blaming folks. (CONTINUED)
40. CONTINUED: MRS. ROBERTS Damn it, Rodney, we all know he’s the one to blame. Shit, they even took his daddy’s truck! And speaking of that sonofabitch, why isn’t he here? MR. WILSON He said he couldn’t make it. MRS. ROBERTS Couldn’t make it? Couldn’t make it?! MRS. WILSON You hear his gun’s come up missing too? MRS. ROBERTS What? MR. WILSON I just think the best thing for us to do is stay calm. The police will find them. MRS. ROBERTS Question is, will they find ‘em before Dart does something stupid? My friend, Ralphetta, who works down at the Walgreens, said his Grandmama hasn’t filled his prescription for the pills he’s supposed to be on for three months now. (beat) What’s my James gonna do if he decides to flip out? MR. ROBERTS And why are ya’ll so calm? MR. WILSON Because we raised out daughter to make good decisions. MRS. ROBERTS You ain’t done raising her yet, Rodney. And I’m sure you didn’t plan for a lunatic like that Hunter boy to come along neither. A report about Amy, James and Dart comes on. MRS. WILSON Turn this up. (CONTINUED)
41. CONTINUED: (2) NEWS ANCHOR In local news, three Transylvania county children are believed to have run away from their homes in Brevard yesterday afternoon. (beat) Their names are Amelia Wilson, Napoleon Hunter and James Roberts. The father of one of the boys reported his car stolen in connection to the incident. Jake and Grandmama Hunter appear on screen. They stand in front of their apartment. MRS. ROBERTS I can’t believe it. JAKE I don’t know what come over them kids. But it’s only been one night and I already miss my son. I tried to provide a loving home for Napoleon, but I guess it won’t enough. MRS. WILSON Oh, come on! REPORTER Why do you think they would want to run away from Brevard? JAKE I have no idea. It was good enough for everyone else grow’d up here. I don’t know bout his two little friends, you can’t always account for how other people raise their children, but this ain’t like my son. (beat) But they’ll get caught. I just got a call my credit card they stole was used at a mall down in Chattanooga. Mrs. Roberts turns the TV off. MRS. WILSON Tennessee? What are they doing in Tennessee? Where are they going? Mr. Roberts takes out his phone. (CONTINUED)
42. CONTINUED: (3) MR. ROBERTS Who knows? I’m calling my cousin who works for the Sheriff’s department outside Chattanooga to have him tell his people to be on the look out. (beat) You think anybody’s gonna give a damn about what happens to three poor kids from the mountains? EXT. TENNESSEE HIGHWAY - DAY The Grand Wagoneer approaches heading south. They have somehow managed to get completely turned around. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS A sign reads: Alabama State Line 25 miles. James drives, Dart is next to him and Amy is asleep in back. Dart takes the GPS off the dashboard and sees it isn’t working. DART Your daddy’s janky GPS is broke. Dart tosses the gadget to James. DART (CONT’D) You know where we’re at? JAMES I think we’re going toward Nashville. DART That sign just said Alabama’s coming up. James sees the car is on empty. JAMES (re: the gas meter) Dart. Amy wakes up. AMY I don’t feel good. (beat) My, tummy...stomach, hurts. I need to use the bathroom. (CONTINUED)
43. CONTINUED: DART Stop whining for a second. (beat) We gotta pull over at the next station or we’re gonna run outta gas. JAMES I see something up there. EXT. GAS STATION & CONVENIENCE STORE - CONTINUOUS James pulls to the pump at this independently owned shop. The kids hop out and Dart tosses James his father’s wallet. DART Fill it up. Amy holds her stomach as she heads toward the store. JAMES You alright, Amy? James swipes the credit card but it doesn’t work. He tries it again and gets the same result. JAMES (CONT’D) Something’s wrong. DART (to Amy) Wait for me. (to James) Try debit. The PIN is my birthday. James tries the debit card twice and it doesn’t work either. DART (CONT’D) Shit. Amy, come back here! Amy stops and reluctantly turns around. Dart takes the wallet from James. JAMES You think he reported it? Amy reaches the boys, still holding her stomach. DART We been cut off. The cards ain’t good no more. (CONTINUED)
44. CONTINUED: JAMES What're we gonna do? We only have $20 left and we need to save that. Dart takes out the $20, chucks the wallet and gets back in the car. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS James sits down in the passenger seat. JAMES Dart? Dart rummages through his bag and pulls out the .22 revolver. DART Guess we’ll just have to take what we need. (beat) Get back in here, Amy. JAMES Dart thinks we should... DART Oh we’re gonna rob em, and we might as well get food while we’re here. (to Amy) This old place’ll let you pay after you fill up, so James is gonna handle that. Me and you are going inside. Amy drops her head. DART (CONT’D) We ain’t got no other choice. (beat) And since girls never go to jail, you’re carrying. AMY Jaa-aames. JAMES He’s right, they won’t be watching you. And I can’t go cause you never pumped gas before. Dart slides the revolver over the top of the seat to Amy. (CONTINUED)
45. CONTINUED: DART We all gonna get out at the same time like ain’t nothing going on. On three. (beat) Three. INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - CONTINUOUS A STORE CLERK, male, 60’s, is the only one working. He watches sports highlights on a television mounted over the elevated cashiers stand. Amy and Dart enter. Amy stops dead in her tracks, but Dart jerks her to continue walking. They continue toward the food and snack section and Dart points Amy to where he wants her to go. Amy still feels sick and cannot wait any longer. She runs to the restroom. INT. RESTROOM - CONTINUOUS Amy bursts into the filthy, windowless lavatory and pushes open the door to the only stall. Unflushed excrement floats amid the last available pieces of toilet paper. Amy holds her breath, flushes with her foot, drops her pants and the .22 then squats. INTERCUT STORE AND RESTROOM -- Dart pretends to shop. Amy strains to move her bowels as beads of sweat form on her forehead. The Store Clerk hasn’t looked away from the television. Dart grows more impatient. Amy cannot bring herself to use the bathroom. She gives up, trudges to the sink, washes her hands and reaches for paper towels that aren’t there. INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - CONTINUOUS Amy reenters feeling worse than before. Dart nods to her and they start down separate aisles. Dart slips a few candy bars into his bag, along with a pack of tobacco and looks up to check Amy’s progress. Amy stands in the middle of the aisle nervously watching the clerk. She picks up a pack of cookies and drops them. (CONTINUED)
46. CONTINUED: Dart curses her under his breath and walks to another aisle. He speeds up his pace and soon his bag is full. Dart points Amy to the soft drink section. Dart peeks outside and sees James motioning the tank is full as the sun goes down behind him. Dart and Amy casually walk toward the door. The Store Clerk finally takes a look at his young customers, but before he can speak, Amy pulls out the revolver and begins to cry as she half-heartily waves the weapon around. AMY Sorry sir, but we don’t have money. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER James guns it out of the parking lot. Dart celebrates their heist while Amy sobs in the back. DART Now that was the shit! Wheew-hoo! You see the way that girl waved that gat around in there? They pass a sign that reads: Alabama State Line 1 mile. DART (CONT’D) I didn’t know she had it in her. (beat) I’m proud of you, chica! Hey, we’re about to cross the border into Alabama. They approach then pass the Welcome to Alabama sign as darkness sets in. DART (CONT’D) I was getting tired of Tennessee anyway! They ride a bit further and Dart comes down from his adrenaline high. DART (CONT’D) Let’s pull over and hide. The police will expect us to try and outrun ‘em, and drive right past us. EXT. POND - CONTINUOUS The Grand Wagoneer approaches the secluded body of water that is illuminated only by moonlight. James parks the vehicle in a spot where it can’t be seen from the road.
47. INT./EXT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS Dart gets out. A police cruiser with its SIREN on drives this way. Dart crouches beside the vehicle, and the cop continues past them. DART Turn on the headlights. James hits the lights and they shine out over the water. JAMES (to Amy) You wanna eat now? Amy doesn’t respond and continues crying. INTERCUT INT. CAR AND DART -- Dart surveys his surroundings and stuffs a huge wad of tobacco in his mouth. He sniffs his armpits and slaps at a mosquito on his neck. The sounds of the various insects combine to create an early evening symphony. DART I’ma take a bath! Dart removes his shoes and waits to see if James and Amy heard him. There is no answer, so he continues to undress down to his underwear and wades into the water. James is in the back with Amy. He wipes the tears from her cheeks and eyes. JAMES Want a piece of this? James offers Amy a candy bar. AMY No, thank you. JAMES Don’t cry, everything’s gonna be fine. (beat) I’m happy we decided to run away. AMY Kiss me, James. Amy grabs James by the back of his neck and kisses him deeply. They lie down. (CONTINUED)
48. CONTINUED: Dart frolics in the moonlit water. Amy takes off James’ shirt and then her own. Dart bathes. James is on top of Amy and their pants are around their ankles. JAMES I love so much you. Amy squeezes her eyes shut in response to the unfamiliar pain. JAMES (CONT’D) I’m gonna stop. AMY No, it’s okay. JAMES You sure? Amy nods. AMY (V.O.) I hadn’t planned on losing it, but since James and me were gonna be together forever, I didn’t think it was that big a deal. Dart gets out of the water and lets himself air dry. Amy still has her eyes closed as the pain begins to subside. After a few moments, she finally looks up and is startled when she sees Dart standing outside the window staring at them. Amy squirms and pushes James away. He turns and Dart continues to casually peer in. They both quickly begin dressing. Dart saunters around to the other side of the truck and leans back against the driver’s side door. He lights a cigarette and chuckles to himself. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER The kids leave the pond and get back onto the interstate. Dart drives while Amy and James sit in the back, too embarrassed to speak.
49. EXT. ALABAMA - VARIOUS Night time images from the eastern part of the state. EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT The Grand Wagoneer cruises down the dark highway. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart drives while Amy and James sleep in back. Dart sees a digital sign ahead that reads: To Avoid Traffic Stoppage Due to Vehicle Drug Search Take Exit 19 Detour. Dart notices they just passed Exit 18. The next exit is 1/4 mile ahead. DART Police are so stupid. Why would they warn people ‘bout something like that? Dart takes Exit 19 and scrolls through music on Amy’s iPod as he steers down the winding exit ramp. EXT. EXIT 19 - SAME TIME Traffic is backed up forty yards from the merge lane. POLICE OFFICERS have pulled over ten cars and are searching each one. To the side of the road, several MOTORISTS are in handcuffs. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart finally checks the road and is shocked to see the officers and motorists. He takes his foot off the gas. DART It was a goddamn trap! (to James and Amy) Hey, wake up! They don’t respond. DART (CONT’D) Wake the fuck up! JAMES What? What’s going on? DART Look! James sees what’s happening. (CONTINUED)
50. CONTINUED: JAMES Amy, wake up! Dart brings the car to a complete stop in the middle of the exit ramp. AMY What’s wrong? DART Get the gun. James scrambles over the seat and pulls Dart’s backpack from the floor in front. He unzips the bag and carefully takes out the revolver. AMY Oh, my God. James stares at the weapon a moment then looks to his best friend. Dart keeps his eyes on the road and lets his foot off the brake. James and Amy exchange frightened glances. DART James, you got that pistol ready? James doesn’t respond. DART (CONT’D) James! JAMES Yeah! James looks back at Amy and then turns to Dart. JAMES (CONT’D) I got an idea. Dart snatches the gun from James. DART Are you gonna chicken out on me? JAMES I ain’t chickening out, just listen!
51. EXT. TRAFFIC STOP - MOMENTS LATER OFFICER FELICIA POTTER, black, 37, spots the Grand Wagoneer parked in the breakdown lane. She shines her flashlight on the vehicle and approaches. Potter looks into the driver’s side window. Dart is in the passenger seat and James and Amy in the back. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS Dart holds the revolver between his legs. POTTER You kids all right? DART Hello, ma’am. Our car ran outta gas and our daddy went to find the nearest station. Potter shines her flashlight on the gas meter. It’s been smashed and is on E. POTTER We’re starting to see a lot more of these with gas prices how they are. Which way did he go? DART Back there. Potter shines the light on Dart’s face. She holds it there a moment and then moves the light over to James. After a short pause, she shines the light on Amy. POTTER You three are brother and sister? JAMES, DART & AMY Yes ma’am. POTTER Blood relatives? DART No, ma’am. We’re with our stepdaddy. AMY But we all live together. We’re from Brevard in North Carolina. Where you from? (CONTINUED)
52. CONTINUED: POTTER I’m from a place called Hueytown, outside Birmingham. Where’s your daddy taking you? A beat. The kids aren’t sure what to say. JAMES To see his family in New Orleans. POTTER Did your daddy not see there’s a service station right up there? Potter points to the SERVICE STATION next to a nearby overpass. DART No, ma’am. I don’t think he did. Potter opens the door and sits in the driver’s seat. POTTER How old are you kids? DART Me and my brother are 12 and 13, we was born ten months apart, and my sister’s 12. POTTER What’s your names? A beat. DART Chad, but everybody calls me Pimp C. Potter holds in her laugh. AMY Mine’s Rihanna. POTTER Like the singer? AMY Yes ma’am. POTTER My daughter loves her. (to James) And you? (CONTINUED)
53. CONTINUED: (2) JAMES Uh, James, er, Jimmy. POTTER Nice to meet ya’ll. I’m Officer Potter. (beat) Well...Pimp C, why don’t you and Jimmy step out of the car? Dart looks back at James and Amy. POTTER (CONT’D) Go on. Dart shields the gun and he and James do as they’re told. EXT./INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS The boys stand on the passenger side. Dart slides the revolver into his front pocket. Potter turns to Amy. POTTER Rihanna, have you ever driven before? Amy isn’t sure how to answer. POTTER (CONT’D) C’mon now, you can tell me the truth. You won’t get in any trouble. AMY Yes ma’am, I have. But only in the empty Costco parking lot with my daddy. POTTER Good, come up here then. Potter steps out of the car and opens Amy’s door. As she stands beside the vehicle, Amy looks through the windows at Dart and James and they exchange confused glances. Dart coughs to cover the sound of him cocking the gun and James’ body stiffens. POTTER (CONT’D) What are you waiting for? Most 12-year- old girls would jump at a chance to drive. AMY Ma’am? (CONTINUED)
54. CONTINUED: POTTER That’s right, you’re driving and your brothers and me are gonna push. C’mon boys. James and Dart are relieved. Dart quietly takes the gun off cock and both boys run around back to help Potter. Amy grips the wheel tightly then finally exhales and takes the car out of park. POTTER (CONT’D) (laughing) Pimp C, huh? Why do you white kids always copy the wrong black folks? EXT. SERVICE STATION - MOMENTS LATER James, Dart, and Potter push the Grand Wagoneer into the parking lot and up to a pump. POTTER Now I’m gonna go back and wait for your father. I can’t believe he left ya’ll on the side of the road like that. What’s his name? DART Joey Roberts. He looks a lot like Jimmy here. POTTER Ya'll don’t go anywhere. I'll come back when I find him. DART Yes ma’am, we'll wait right here for ya. POTTER Here's something to hold you over. Get yourselves some sodas or candy bars. Officer Potter hands Amy a $20 bill. POTTER (CONT’D) You look like three tired puppies. DART Thank you, ma’am, we will. AMY Mrs. Officer, ma’am? Mind if I take a video of you? (CONTINUED)
55. CONTINUED: POTTER You gotta make it quick, sweety. Amy hurries out of the car. Dart and James stand on either side of Potter. Amy hits record and gives her camera to the officer. AMY Just turn it around and point it at us. Potter extends her arm and stares uncomfortably into the camera. POTTER What do you want me to say? AMY Your name is fine. POTTER I’m Felicia Potter of the Troy, Alabama police department. AMY Thank you! Potter hands the camera back to Amy. She tips her hat and walks off down the highway. Amy and James run toward the store. JAMES We should only spend five and save the rest. AMY Can we spend ten? JAMES Okay. AMY You want anything, Dart? Dart ignores the question. He has spotted an old junker parked in the service area with New Hampshire license plates and goes to have a closer look. 15 MINUTES LATER -- Amy sits in the passenger seat of the Grand Wagoneer and James in the back while they wait for Dart. (CONTINUED)
56. CONTINUED: Dart closes the rear door of the truck and gets into the passenger seat. They all smile at how well that went as Amy starts the car. EXT. CENTRAL ALABAMA - DAY Sunrise the following morning. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - DAY Dart drives. James reads and Amy fights off sleep in back. Empty junk food wrappers and soda bottles are strewn about. Dart watches Amy in the rearview mirror. DART I’m so sleepy. Mind if we change drivers? AMY I’m tired of riding in this car, when are we gonna get to Houston? DART I’m pulling over, I gotta take a nap. James spots an empty church parking lot next to the highway. JAMES How about there? DART You would pick a church. EXT. CHURCH PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS Dart pulls the car onto the gravel and drives around behind the building. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS Dart turns the car off and reclines his seat. Amy and James are still in the back. AMY I’m gonna take a nap too. Amy lays her head in James’ lap and is quickly asleep. James gently places her head on the seat and gets out. EXT. CHURCH - CONTINUOUS James wanders away from the vehicle and spots a playground area. (CONTINUED)
57. CONTINUED: INTERCUT JAMES AND GRAND WAGONEER -- Amy and Dart sleep. James walks to the swing set and hops on. Dart and Amy continue sleeping. After a few seconds, Dart’s eyes pop open. DART Amy, you wake? AMY No. DART I can’t sleep up here, it ain’t comfortable. AMY I’m sorry. Dart turns around and closes his eyes again. A few more seconds pass and his eyes open. DART Amy, you sleep? AMY Yeah. DART You think there’s enough room back there for both of us? (beat) Mind if I come back there? AMY No. James continues swinging and debates jumping off at the peak before changing his mind. Dart tries to get comfortable in the back seat. He eventually situates himself and gently shakes Amy. DART Amy. Amy, wake up. Amy mumbles and turns away. (CONTINUED)
58. CONTINUED: (2) DART (CONT’D) Amy, I wanna talk. (beat) Amy, can we talk? I wanna tell you something. (beat) Amy? Amy still doesn’t respond. DART (CONT’D) Amy, wake up for a second. Amy slowly rolls back over. She can barely lift her eyelids. AMY Hey, Dart. Do you need help with your Geography homework? DART What? Dart realizes Amy is dreaming. DART (CONT’D) I couldn’t get comfortable up there. (beat) You tired? AMY Um-huh. DART I have something I wanna tell you. AMY Okay. A beat. DART Amy, I love you. Amy begins snoring quietly. DART (CONT’D) You hear me? Frustrated, Dart sits up and looks out the windows. DART (CONT’D) Where’s your boyfriend? (CONTINUED)
59. CONTINUED: (3) Dart watches Amy a moment longer then begins to KISS and GROPE her. Amy awakens from this rough handling and tries to push Dart off, but can’t move him. DART (CONT’D) What's wrong? Why didn't you act this way with James? Dart grabs both of Amy's wrists with one hand and starts trying to unbutton her jeans. DART (CONT’D) You little slut. AMY James! Dart covers Amy’s mouth and starts sliding her pants off with his free hand. After he finishes removing the pants, he begins tearing at her underwear. Amy fights back with all her strength. Dart releases Amy’s arms and tightens his hand over her mouth. He checks for James and then returns his attention to Amy, but she manages to break free. AMY (CONT’D) James! (beat) James! JAMES (O.S.) I'm right here. James has the .22 pointed at the back of Dart's head. Amy pulls up her pants and scrambles over to the front seat, as James keeps the gun pointed at his best friend. Dart slowly turns around and James PISTOL WHIPS him. EXT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS Amy crawls out of the truck as James backs away from the vehicle. Dart dresses then slowly gets out. James cocks the weapon as Amy comes around to the passenger side to join him. Dart stands and spits out a mouthful of blood. He leans back against the truck. DART What the hell you doing? (beat) (MORE) (CONTINUED)
60. CONTINUED: DART (CONT'D) You think she ran away just to be with you? Why would she come all this way with the two of us if she didn't love us both? James looks at Amy suspiciously. DART (CONT’D) She wanted it just as much as I did. Ain’t that the truth, Amy? (beat) She just started to scream cause she saw you. Amy gathers herself and lunges toward Dart, slapping and kicking him, as he stands pat with his eyes on James. James pulls Amy off, not convinced by her show of emotion. JAMES You two get in the car. Dart, you're driving. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER They pull back onto the highway. James is alone in the back, still holding the gun on Dart. JAMES Is what he said true? AMY No! But what're you gonna do? I don't want you to hurt him. JAMES Just tell me the truth, Amy. AMY I am. (to Dart) Tell him! Dart keeps his eyes on the road, refusing to look at his accuser. A beat. DART She ain't lying. (beat) I'm sorry. A tear runs down Dart’s face. (CONTINUED)
61. CONTINUED: DART (CONT’D) I just get so jealous. You got each other and I feel lonely. AMY But Dart, you have us. DART It ain’t the same. JAMES That still don’t make what you did okay. (beat) I don’t think we wanna ride with you anymore. Amy and me will find our own way to Houston. AMY Can’t we just ride with him there at least? He didn’t mean nothing by what he did. JAMES He just tried to...rape you. AMY If he was really trying to, he wouldn’t have apologized like he just did. James is unsure what to do. A beat. He lowers the gun. DART I'll be okay. We just need to get some place and everything’ll be fine. (beat) Will ya’ll ever be able to forgive me? AMY Yes. Dart looks at James in the rearview mirror but he isn’t moved by the apology. Amy smiles hopefully at the two boys. She is still a bit shaken, but tries to be cheerful. AMY (CONT’D) So where we gonna stop next? EXT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS The kids drive west toward the mid-morning sun. (CONTINUED)
62. CONTINUED: AMY (V.O.) I knew James believed me, he just wanted to believe Dart too. I forgave Dart cause I know he wasn’t trying to hurt me - it was kinda my fault for being alone with him like that. But James knew I was sorry and wouldn't do it again. (beat) All I know is that we’re headed toward a big new city and I have the boy that I love with me, ready to protect me. EXT. NORTHEAST ALABAMA - DAY Later the same day. The Grand Wagoneer approaches. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart drives, Amy is up front and James asleep in back. Dart tries to play some music. DART Your iPod sucks, man. We ain’t been able to use this damn thing for more than half this trip. AMY Let’s just listen to the radio then. Amy scrolls the dial and stops on the first signal. DJ (O.S.) We’re gonna pay some bills right now, but I wanna remind you of the county fair today outside Muscle Shoals. Get on out there and ride the rides and have yourself some cotton candy. Today is the first day, and the weather couldn't be more perfect. Did I mention it’s free for kids under 15? Dart looks over at Amy to see if she heard. DART Well? AMY What? DART Wanna go? (CONTINUED)
63. CONTINUED: AMY (smiling) Napoleon Abraham Hunter. I can’t believe you wanna go to a county fair. DART Just shut up and ask your man if it’s alright. AMY James! JAMES I’m awake. Yeah, I’ll go. AMY How do we get there? DART I don’t know. Amy spots an OLDER BLACK MAN standing by the road up ahead. AMY Maybe we should ask him if he knows where it is. EXT. HIGHWAY - SAME TIME XAVIER MADDOX, black, 58, in need of a shave, dressed in jeans, black hat and trench coat, is on the side of the road trying to hitch a ride. He holds a guitar case and expertly rolls a cigarette. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - SAME TIME DART We don’t need to ask nobody, we can figure it out. AMY You already got us lost once. JAMES He reminds me of our janitor, Ernest. I bet he'll be nice. EXT. HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS The car pulls over to Xavier and Amy leans out of the window. AMY Hello, sir. (CONTINUED)
64. CONTINUED: XAVIER Maddox. Xavier Maddox. AMY Hi, Mr. Maddox. My name’s Amy, that’s James and over there’s Dart. XAVIER Hi there. DART (growling) Amy. Amy pulls her head back inside. DART (CONT’D) Why you using our real names? AMY It can’t hurt nothing, he ain’t the police. DART You best hope you’re right. Dart pops up from the driver's side window and sits on the door, looking over the roof of the truck at Xavier. DART (CONT’D) We were wondering if you could tell us how to get to the fair outside Muscle Shoals. XAVIER You kids not from here? AMY No, we’re from...out of town. DART (ducking his head back in) Don’t tell him that. XAVIER Muscle Shoals just happens to be my destination too. I’d be glad to come with you and show you the way. AMY Okay! (to James) (MORE) (CONTINUED)
65. CONTINUED: (2) AMY (CONT'D) You hear that? Mr. Maddox is gonna ride with us to the fair. Amy gives Xavier her front seat and gets in back. Dart watches Xavier suspiciously as he loads his belongings. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER Amy, Dart, James and Xavier. Xavier’s guitar is propped between he and Dart in the front seat. AMY Are you a guitar player, Mr. Maddox? XAVIER That I am. I’m what you call a Blues Man. JAMES Do you have the blues? XAVIER Not anymore, but I used to. AMY Why? XAVIER Darling, everybody gets the blues at one time or another. You just can’t let ‘em get ya down. Dart isn’t interested in this sort of talk. DART How close are we to the fair? Dart hits a patch of uneven highway and Xavier’s guitar case is thrown open, revealing what’s really inside: some old clothes, several bottles of cheap booze, beat up paperback novels and no guitar. Xavier laughs to himself and relaxes. The kids are not sure what to make of him now. Xavier goes to light a cigarette and spots Dart’s pack of Kools. He puts his hand-rolled cigarette in the boy’s mouth and lights it. XAVIER Those goddamn Menthols are more addictive than regular cigarettes, that’s why they sell ‘em to niggas. (CONTINUED)
66. CONTINUED: Xavier tosses the Kools out the window and opens a small bottle of Scotch. He offers some to Dart. The boy takes a big swig and can barely stay on the road from coughing. XAVIER (CONT’D) Easy there, Dart, you gotta sip it. (beat) Any for you, James? JAMES No, thank you. XAVIER Don’t think I’m being a chauvinist by not offering you any, Amy, but Scotch is more of a man’s drink. AMY Says who? I wanna try. Xavier looks to Dart and James and both shrug their shoulders. Amy snatches the bottle and sips from it. A beat. AMY (CONT’D) Not bad. Xavier laughs as Amy tries to hide the fact that her eyes are watering. XAVIER Already drinking the boys under the table. You’re my kinda girl, Amy. Dart is annoyed at being shown up. XAVIER (CONT’D) So what you doing down here from North Carolina? Visiting kin folk? Dart tries to figure out how Xavier knows where they’re from. Xavier lights a cigarette for himself. XAVIER (CONT’D) (off Dart’s reaction) Your inspection sticker. I’ve done so much traveling, I got almost every state’s memorized. AMY What’s your favorite place in the whole world you been to? (CONTINUED)
67. CONTINUED: (2) XAVIER I'd have to say where I grew up. Good ole Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Don't ever forget your homes, kids. Xavier smacks the back of Dart’s head to make sure he’s paying attention. XAVIER (CONT’D) You listening? Home is like your mamma: no matter how bad you treat her or how long you leave her for, she'll always welcome you back. (beat) When you heading home to the Tarheel State? DART We don't know yet. XAVIER Well don't stay gone too long. The Grand Wagoneer passes a sign that reads: Muscle Shoals Next Exit. DART How close are we to the fair? XAVIER It should be coming up here on your right. EXT. FAIR GROUNDS - MOMENTS LATER A parking lot packed with PARENTS and excited KIDS. The Grand Wagoneer approaches. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart finds a parking spot close to the street. AMY You wanna come with us? Dart stares daggers through Amy. XAVIER I would love to, honey, but I need to be on my way.
68. EXT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS The kids and Xavier get out. AMY You sure? XAVIER Yeah, but I thank ya for asking. Say, you kids wouldn’t happen to have a few dollars Uncle Xavier could borrow to get himself some lunch, would ya? AMY Yes. Amy digs in James’ pocket and pulls out ten dollars before he can object. She gives the money to Xavier. JAMES If we’re letting you borrow it, how are you gonna pay us back? Xavier only smiles. AMY Be quiet, James. XAVIER You kids have a good time, and make it back home safely. Xavier kisses Amy on the cheek and shakes hands with James. Dart slaps Xavier five. Xavier gives the boy his tobacco and rolling papers. Xavier places his hands on Dart’s shoulder and looks into the boy’s eyes. He shakes his head, troubled by what he sees. Xavier heads off toward the road. AMY Mr. Maddox! Amy hands Dart her video camera and she and James run to stand beside Xavier. AMY (CONT’D) Okay, we’re ready. Dart hits record. (CONTINUED)
69. CONTINUED: AMY (CONT’D) How much further to your house? XAVIER A little ways down the road. (beat) You take care of these boys, okay? AMY I will. XAVIER Okay, gotta go. Xavier walks away from the kids. AMY Bye, Mr. Maddox, it was nice meeting you! Dart records Xavier disappearing into the distance. DART Ya’ll ready or what? AMY This is gonna be cool. JAMES I hope it really is free. They walk toward the gate. DART Shit. I forgot something in the truck. Go head, I’ll catch up. Dart jogs back to the Wagoneer and gets the .22. He tucks it and runs to catch up with his friends. EXT. MUSCLE SHOALS FAIR - LATER James, Amy and Dart have chosen the bumper cars first. Dart holds the gun in his right pocket and stares angrily at his best friend. CUT TO: EXT. STRIP CLUB - SAME TIME The small brick building next to a two-lane highway is beside a busy truck stop. Several rigs are parked out front.
70. INT. STRIP CLUB - CONTINUOUS A clientele consisting primarily of TRUCKERS watches weary- eyed DANCERS perform on the tiny stage. The music isn’t loud enough to drown out the various profanity-laced conversations taking place. Over in front of the television at the bar, Xavier downs half the water in his small glass and motions to the FEMALE BARTENDER, late 40’s. XAVIER Hey there, sweety. Could you turn up the news on that TV? The bartender nods and points the remote at the small flat screen. When she isn’t looking, Xavier discreetly pours Scotch from one of his small bottles into his glass. EXT. MUSCLE SHOALS FAIR - SAME TIME James and Dart compete at the skeet-shoot for stuffed animals as Amy watches. James wins and selects a big pink elephant for his girlfriend. The boys step back from the game and Dart puts his arm around James’ neck. He pushes Amy away. DART Why don’t you go get lost for awhile? Let me hang out with my best friend. I did know him first, in case you forgot. AMY All right. You boys behave. Amy walks off and Dart tightens his hold around James’ neck. They come to the edge of the concession stand and go around the back. Dart shoves James forward and stares at him. Dart keeps his right hand on the gun in his pocket. DART You having a good time, James? JAMES Yeah. Aren’t you? DART Right. Dart continues to fiddle with the weapon. (CONTINUED)
71. CONTINUED: JAMES So what’s up? Dart glares at James for a long beat. DART What is this thing that happened with Amy gonna do to our friendship, James? JAMES I don’t know. (beat) You really sorry? DART What you mean by that? JAMES I don’t know, just asking. I guess God’s the only one who’ll ever know for sure. DART Right. James waits for Dart to continue. A beat. JAMES Shouldn’t we make sure Amy’s all right? DART She’ll be okay. (beat) Let’s talk seriously for a second. What were you planning on doing back there when you had that gun on me? Were you gonna shoot me? JAMES No. Dart you know I’d never do that. Me, you and Amy are like family. Brothers and sisters fight all the time, and that’s all that was -- a fight. Dart chuckles. DART I knew you were full of shit. You ain’t got enough thug in ya to bust a cap in somebody.
72. INT. STRIP CLUB - SAME TIME Xavier watches TV and nods to the local SHERIFF’S DEPUTY, who has taken a seat at the end of the bar. EXT. MUSCLE SHOALS FAIR - SAME TIME Dart and James continue talking. JAMES Would you have shot me? DART That’s a stupid question. Dart turns his back to James and pulls the gun out to look at it. James peeks around the corner of the concession stand, looking for Amy. Dart faces James and holds the gun behind his back. DART (CONT’D) I told you she’ll be okay! JAMES Sorry. You wanna go back to the skeet shoot? DART I think we can make everything right again. You just have to trust me, alright? Dart grabs the back of James’ neck. INT. STRIP CLUB - SAME TIME Xavier sneaks more liquor and flirts with the bartender. The NEWS ANCHOR begins a segment. NEWS ANCHOR Next is a story from our Nashville affiliate, regarding a convenience store robbery in Tennessee yesterday, that is connected to a case of three teenage runaways from a small town in North Carolina. A REPORTER does a stand up outside the convenience store. REPORTER Thank you. I have to begin by adding a recent development. (MORE) (CONTINUED)
73. CONTINUED: REPORTER (CONT'D) A blog written by Amy Wilson, the 12-year- old girl who ran away with her two best friends, was recently discovered. On the blog, Amy, along with her 13-year-old friends Napoleon “Dart” Hunter and James Roberts, talks of committing suicide if any attempt is made to return them to their poor hometown in the mountains of Appalachia. Xavier charms the bartender and glances over her shoulder at the TV. NEWS ANCHOR Now how did authorities come across this blog? REPORTER Police here discovered a wallet belonging to the father of one of the boys. When he was contacted and heard the description of the assailants, a simple Internet search of their names was done. Photos of Amy, Dart and James appear. Xavier recognizes the kids’ faces and drops his glass. EXT. MUSCLE SHOALS FAIR - MOMENTS LATER Amy meanders about and is eventually joined by James and Dart. INT. DEPUTY’S CAR (MOVING) - SAME TIME Xavier is in the front seat with the Sheriff’s Deputy from the strip club as they speed toward the fair grounds. XAVIER Speed up, man! They enter the parking lot and Xavier jumps out before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Xavier is trailed by the Deputy as he runs through the entrance and frantically looks around for the kids. He spots a FAIR EMPLOYEE and gives her a description. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER The kids have just left the fair. They enter Mississippi without even noticing. James drives, Dart is in the passenger seat and Amy is in back with her pink elephant. (CONTINUED)
74. CONTINUED: DART You know I let you win that skeet shoot, don’t ya? I didn’t wanna embarrass you in front of your woman. James laughs at the lie. DART (CONT’D) Remember that time we went hunting with Luke Nelson’s daddy? Who shot that duck? JAMES That duck was already dead. DART But I still blasted his ass. Click- clack! JAMES I guess you did. Remember the time Kenny Whiteside’s cat come in my front yard and you shot it with my BB gun? DART See, I’m telling ya. I’m a helluva marksman. AMY Didn’t Kenny’s cat only have three legs? DART Shut up, girl. AMY And it was blind in one eye too. They all laugh. EXT. MUSCLE SHOALS FAIR - SAME TIME Xavier, the Deputy and others search the fair grounds for the kids as the sun goes down. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - NIGHT Later that evening. The kids ride on as the sun finally goes down. AMY Can we stop? (CONTINUED)
75. CONTINUED: DART What for? We ain’t been on the road but three, four hours since the fair. AMY I need to get something for tomorrow. DART We don’t got no money, so we’re just gonna have to go hungry. AMY I’m not talking about food. JAMES What do you need to get? AMY I can’t say, it’s personal. Amy leans back in her seat, dejected. DART Oh, I bet I know what it is. Is it that time of month? Amy ignores Dart. DART (CONT’D) Is it? That's so nasty. AMY It means I’m a woman now. DART That don’t make you a woman. AMY Yes, it does. I can have children now. DART Antoinette Johnson had two kids before she was 15, and she ain’t no woman. (beat) What I don’t understand is, why you don’t bleed to death? A POLICE SIREN blares and the kids freeze as the CRUISER approaches. The car gets right beside them then passes. As soon the car is out of sight: (CONTINUED)
76. CONTINUED: (2) DART (CONT’D) We’re ain’t pulling over to get no goddamn Maxi-pads. EXT. WILSON HOME - SAME NIGHT Through the large bay window we see Mr. and Mrs. Wilson having a heated discussion with Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. The men have been drinking. INT. WILSON HOME - CONTINUOUS The two fathers are drunk, and it’s only increased their anger. Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Roberts have grown weary trying to keep them calm. MR. ROBERTS Jake Hunter doesn’t even have the decency to come see us about the kids. Bottom line: He don’t respect our families. MR. WILSON That man’s a bum. MR. ROBERTS Rumor is, he raised his hand to Amy. MRS. ROBERTS Now don’t go spreading gossip. MR. WILSON Who told you that? MR. ROBERTS Doesn’t matter. Question is, what’re we gonna do, Rodney? (finger to Mr. Wilson’s chest) What are you gonna do? Mrs. Wilson hands her husband a bottle of water. MRS. WILSON He’s not gonna do anything except pass out, and hopefully start talking with some sense when he wakes up in the morning. Mrs. Wilson puts her arm around her husband, but he SHOVES her into the wall. (CONTINUED)
77. CONTINUED: MRS. ROBERTS Rodney! (to Mr. Roberts) Do something. Mrs. Wilson retreats to the bedroom and Mrs. Roberts follows. Mr. Roberts downs another shot of liquor. Mr. Wilson tosses his beer bottle then grabs car keys. MR. WILSON Come on. EXT. DART’S APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER Mr. Wilson’s car screeches to a halt and he and Mr. Roberts jump out, ready to rumble. Jake lounges on the porch with his Girlfriend. JAKE What’s up, boys? Thought I told ya’ll I don’t sell dime bags no more. But if it’s something stronger you’re looking for... Messrs. Wilson and Roberts are upon Jake before he can even get to his feet. They PUNCH, KICK and STOMP him with a crazed ferociousness. INT. DART’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS Jake’s girlfriend runs inside as she watches the men take out their frustrations on her boyfriend. Even the crowd of jaded RESIDENTS who have gathered to see the latest neighborhood spectacle are surprised by the brutality of the attack. Jake’s girlfriend watches the men through a window. She dials 911, but only lets the phone ring twice before hanging up -- maybe he’s getting what he deserves. She checks on Grandmama Hunter then goes to bed. EXT. CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI - DAY The following morning. The Grand Wagoneer approaches. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart drives, James and Amy sleep in back. The bright sun shines on Amy’s tired face. She wakes up from a dream, surprised to still be in the truck. (CONTINUED)
78. CONTINUED: Amy feels moisture on the back of her new pants and sees they’re stained with blood. AMY We gotta stop! EXT. CONVENIENCE STORE - MOMENTS LATER James jumps out of the Grand Wagoneer and helps Amy. INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - CONTINUOUS Amy and James enter. Amy grabs a box of tampons. JAMES But we spent the last of our money at the fair. Amy slips the box under James’ shirt and they head toward the exit. An EMPLOYEE, female, 40ish, has seen what Amy and James have done and blocks the door. The kids turn around. AMY Give ‘em to me. Amy rips open the box and the contents scatter across the floor. She picks up a tampon and continues toward the rear as the Employee follows. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - SAME TIME Dart tries to see what’s taking so long and gets out. INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - SAME TIME The Employee reaches Amy and snatches the tampon. She drags her to the front of the store. EMPLOYEE You kids better get outta here before I call the cops! Dart enters. AMY But I just need one! DART Let her go! (CONTINUED)
79. CONTINUED: The Employee is about to push the small boy out of her way until Dart lifts his shirt, revealing the .22 in his waistband. She releases Amy’s arm. James and Amy run to the parking lot. DART (CONT’D) Now don’t you call the police on us. Dart picks up several tampons from the floor and backs out. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER Dart speeds away from the convenience store. James is with Amy in back. DART Ya’ll are so goddamn stupid! All you had to do was grab ‘em and run out. Anybody chasing us? AMY I tried, but she saw me! DART You’re gonna get us caught! Make sure ain’t nobody coming. James looks out the rear window. The coast is clear. AMY I’m sorry, Dart, it’s all my fault. DART Damn right it was! (beat) What are you gonna do with that thing now? AMY I have to put it in. Ya’ll close your eyes. DART I’m not closing my eyes, bitch, I’m driving. AMY Well, don’t look, okay. Close your eyes, James. Amy unzips her pants. (CONTINUED)
80. CONTINUED: DART Stupid. Fucking stupid, bitch! Dart reaches over the back seat and SLAPS Amy across the face. Amy’s shock at being hit by her friend is greater than any pain she might feel. JAMES She said she was sorry. You can’t hit a girl like that. DART Ya’ll have pissed me off so bad, that I don’t wanna hear another peep from you for the rest of the day. Yeah, don’t say nothing, not a single word, till sundown. You hear me? All I want is a nod! James and Amy are quiet until: JAMES (to Amy) You gonna be alright? DART That’s it! Dart turns the car off the road. EXT. HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS Dart jumps out, reaches through the rear driver’s side window and snatches James by his hair. Dart tries to pull him through, until James opens the door and falls to the ground. Dart punches James repeatedly in the back of the head while he’s down. James eventually gets to his feet and charges Dart, lifting him up then slamming him to the ground. The two boys grapple and James overpowers Dart. James then climbs on top and pummels Dart into submission. James chokes his best friend with both hands and the boy’s face goes purple. He looks up and sees Amy stumbling away from the car in a daze. James slowly releases his grip and follows after Amy. JAMES I’m sorry, I’m sorry. It’s gonna be okay. James turns Amy around and kisses her. They share a long embrace then James suddenly collapses. (CONTINUED)
81. CONTINUED: Dart has struck him with a jagged piece of asphalt from the side of the crumbling highway. He slams the mini boulder to the ground and it shatters into pieces. Dart grabs one of James’ legs and starts dragging his limp body. DART What you waiting for? Help me get him in the car. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - MOMENTS LATER Dart is behind the wheel with Amy crying next to him. James lies in the back seat, unconscious and bleeding from the back of his head. DART Quit crying, he ain’t dead. (beat) Now let’s get this show back on the road. Dart keys the ignition and peels out. EXT. MISSISSIPPI - VARIOUS The region transitions to night and back to sunrise again. EXT. TRUCK STOP - EARLY MORNING A combination truck stop/restaurant. The Grand Wagoneer emerges from the light fog and parks in the far end of the lot. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS Dart is up front. Amy is in the back with James, who is still unconscious. DART Come on. A patch of dried blood is under James’ head. AMY James? Amy makes sure he’s still breathing. AMY (CONT’D) We’re just running inside to use the bathroom. We’ll be right back.
82. INT. TRUCK STOP - CONTINUOUS Dart leads Amy toward the restrooms. They pass the ATTENDANT, late 50’s. ATTENDANT Morning. DART How you? (to Amy) Hurry up, woman. Amy enters the restroom and Dart stands century outside. He glances at a television tuned to CNN inside the restaurant. DART (CONT’D) Holy shit! Pictures of Amy, Dart and James are on the screen followed by a photo of the Grand Wagoneer along with the license plate number. Dart picks up the important snippets as he drifts into the restaurant: CNN ANCHOR Three kids from North Carolina...suicide pact...store robbery...Alabama and heading west. Dart can’t contain his excitement. DART Hell, yeah! IN THE REAR OF THE RESTAURANT -- Highway patrolman TROOPER TODD DAVENPORT, white, 39, watches the report as he eats his breakfast. Davenport sees Dart from behind and takes note of the boy’s enthusiastic reaction, but isn’t sure what to make of it. He returns his attention to the TV. INT. TRUCK STOP RESTROOM - SAME TIME Amy exits the stall and walks to the sink. She washes her face and neck and checks her reflection in the mirror. She’s startled by how bad she looks. AMY (V.O.) I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing anymore. I missed daddy so much. I even missed Brevard.
83. INT. TRUCK STOP - SAME TIME The CNN report comes to an end and it occurs to Dart he might be recognized. He lowers the brim of his hat and steps into a blind spot where he can watch for Amy but not be seen. INT. TRUCK STOP RESTROOM - SAME TIME Amy takes out her phone. She debates for a moment then powers it on. She has several voice messages and texts from concerned friends. She gets an incoming call from her father. Amy silences the ringer, fearing Dart might hear. Mr. Wilson hangs up but immediately calls back. Amy decides to answer. MR. WILSON (O.S.) Amy? Amy, you okay? Can you hear me? (beat) I just want you to know that nobody here is mad at you we just... Amy hangs up. A beat. She takes a deep breath then dials *67 and her father’s number. MR. WILSON (O.S.) (CONT’D) Hello? (beat) Hello? (beat) Hello? Amy? Amy turns her phone off. INT. TRUCK STOP - SAME TIME Trooper Davenport finishes eating and heads to the restroom. INT. TRUCK STOP RESTROOM - SAME TIME Amy turns the handle to exit. INT. TRUCK STOP - SAME TIME Dart can only see the door of the women’s restroom as he casually shop lifts first aid supplies. Trooper Davenport is a few feet from the men’s room as the door to the women’s begins to open.
84. INT. TRUCK STOP RESTROOM - SAME TIME Amy is about to step out, then remembers something. She turns back around and flushes the toilet. INT. TRUCK STOP - SAME TIME Trooper Davenport enters the men’s room and Amy exits the women’s right after his door closes. Dart quickly walks over. DART We’re famous. AMY What? Dart hurries her to the door. DART We made the news. All three of our mugs were just on that TV in there. They even found out bout your blog and everything. (laughing) I guess somebody other than me and James does read it. They exit. Davenport comes out of the restroom and sees a Grand Wagoneer in the parking lot. He freezes until the truck drives away, revealing its NEW HAMPSHIRE PLATES. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER The kids travel along a two-lane highway through the morning fog. Amy drives and Dart is in the back seat with James, who is beginning to regain consciousness. DART Good news, best friend! Open your eyes and listen to what I’m saying. Dart sits James upright. He grabs one of his white T-shirts and wets it with alcohol. DART (CONT’D) You are looking at the Notorious D-A-R-T! Dart cleans the blood from James’ face and head and fashions a crude bandage around it. (CONTINUED)
85. CONTINUED: JAMES Ah, that stings. (beat) What are you talking about? INT. TRUCK STOP - SAME TIME Davenport picks up some snacks for the road and heads to the register. DAVENPORT Don’t see how folks can afford to drive all the way down here from New Hampshire with these gas prices. ATTENDANT New Hampshire? Who? DAVENPORT Folks in that Grand Wagoneer. ATTENDANT Them kids didn’t sound like they was from no New Hampshire to me. DAVENPORT Parents are probably from around here then. Down visiting family. ATTENDANT Can’t say. Didn’t see ‘em come in. DAVENPORT Oh. ATTENDANT You through playing detective and ready to pay me? DAVENPORT Yes sir. INT./EXT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER Dart tosses his blood stained T-shirt out the window and puts his arm around James. Dart has wiped most of the blood from his friend’s head and face. James is still very groggy. DART You’re good as new, Jimmy boy, good as new. (CONTINUED)
86. CONTINUED: Dart pours water into James’ mouth, but half the liquid ends up on his shirt. Dart then kisses his best friend’s head and gets blood on his lips. He wipes his mouth on James’ clothes. Amy watches the boys in the rearview mirror. She tries to hide her concern. AMY Feeling better? DART He’s fine, just got his bell rung, that’s all. JAMES Did they say we were going to jail or anything like that? DART Nope. (beat) Man, I hope Jake saw it. Now, whenever we go back to Brevard to visit, we’ll be celebrities. JAMES When we get to Houston can we find a Bojangles? I’m craving their dirty rice. AMY They don’t have Bojangles there. DART How do you know? This is your first time outta North Carolina. AMY (under her breath) My daddy went there to see his cousin William last year and told me. Dart realizes he’s losing Amy. DART But you might be right. It’s my first time outside North Carolina too. (beat) James, Amy. I wanna apologize for the way I been acting since we left. I swear I’ll be better once we get off the road and out this vehicle. (CONTINUED)
87. CONTINUED: (2) James smiles but Amy isn’t so sure. DART (CONT’D) What ya’ll wanna do when we get to Houston? JAMES Maybe go fishing. You wanna go fishing when we get there? DART Fishing’s for hicks, we’re going to the city. Houston has lots of cool shit to do. You seen all the videos. JAMES We can still go fishing, though. DART (friendly) James, don’t start acting like a ‘neck when we get to H-Town. Leave that mountain shit in the mountains. We’re gonna need to blend in. AMY How much longer do you think it’ll be till be get there? Dart spots James’ bible on the floor of the back seat. He picks it up and slowly peels it open. AMY (CONT’D) Dart? Dart doesn’t look up. DART Should be there by manana. EXT. TRUCK STOP - SAME TIME Trooper Davenport checks his tire pressure then gets in his cruiser. INT. STATE TROOPER’S CAR - CONTINUOUS Davenport keys the ignition and scans the license plates of the cars in the parking lot. All are from neighboring states. (CONTINUED)
88. CONTINUED: DAVENPORT New Hampshire, huh? Might make a good road trip someday. Davenport drives off in the opposite direction of the kids. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER Dart quietly flips through the bible as Amy watches him curiously. DART How often do you pray, James? JAMES I say thanks before every meal and at night before I go to bed. Sunday and Wednesday service too of course. DART You mind if I say a prayer for us, to thank God for the good luck we had on this trip so far? And to bless us before we get to Texas? AMY When was the last time you even went to church? JAMES Reverend Foster says the place to find the biggest sinners is at Sunday service. (to Dart) I think saying a prayer’s a good idea. Dart sticks his tongue out at Amy. INT. STATE TROOPER’S CAR (MOVING) - SAME TIME Davenport rides along with no destination, lost in thought. He passes local residents heading to work and kids waiting to catch the bus to school. Davenport picks up his radio. DAVENPORT This is Davenport. (beat) This is no biggie, just curious. Can you run a license plate for me? DISPATCH (O.S.) Go ahead. (CONTINUED)
89. CONTINUED: DAVENPORT It’s from New Hampshire and it’s license number... DISPATCH (O.S.) Did you say New Hampshire? DAVENPORT That I did. And it’s not a big priority, so if it can’t be done don’t worry about it. DISPATCH (O.S.) I’ll do my best. EXT. DIRT ROAD - MOMENTS LATER The kids have parked under a tree. Amy and James sit before Dart as he stands holding the bible with one hand the .22 with the other. Amy inspects James’ head wound and is stunned by the size of it. DART My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I know I ain’t spoke to you since mama died, and I know I’m wrong for that. But Lord, I loved mama so much that I was mad at you for taking her away. (beat) But being on this trip has showed me that your plan was to put me with my new family. I now see that Amy and James are the brother and sister I shoulda had all along. It took me getting out of Brevard to recognize it. (beat) So as we start our new lives together, I beg you to look over us and protect us from people who wanna hurt us and break up our family. And I ask for your forgiveness for all the things I done and for all the mistakes I’m still gonna make. Thank you, Lord. James has tears in his eyes. JAMES AMY Amen. Amen. EXT. TWO-LANE HIGHWAY - SAME TIME Davenport has pulled his car to the side of the road to assist with a minor accident caused by the fog. (CONTINUED)
90. CONTINUED: DISPATCH (O.S.) Davenport? I got an interesting hit on those New Hampshire plates. (beat) You there? (beat) Davenport? Davenport doesn’t hear the dispatcher. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER The kids are back on the highway. Dart drives, James is up front and Amy in back. James still looks bad, but he’s trying to be in good spirits. JAMES How we gonna decide which school to go to in Houston? DART How’re you gonna decide, you mean. I ain’t going back. JAMES I wanna keep going to school. I liked it. DART If that’s what you wanna do. But, shit, I might wanna go back too. Who knows? Amy is happy to see the boys getting along. AMY We could all be in the same grade. DART Only if genius here let’s himself be held back like ole Dart was. James and Amy can’t help but laugh. EXT. TWO-LANE HIGHWAY - SAME TIME Davenport speeds away from the traffic accident with his sirens blaring. INT. STATE TROOPER’S CAR (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Davenport heads in the same direction as the kids. (CONTINUED)
91. CONTINUED: DISPATCH (O.S.) Should we have a road block set up? DAVENPORT Hell no! These kids wrote on that blog that they’ll kill themselves if they’re about to get caught. DISPATCH (O.S.) What are you planning on doing then? DAVENPORT Stop talking to you for one. Other than that, I don’t know yet. Davenport turns off his radio. INTERCUT DAVENPORT AND THE KIDS -- Amy, Dart and James. DART Hey, did you know the schools in Houston got metal detectors? So we ain’t gotta worry about nobody bringing a gun in or nothing like that. Amy takes out her video camera and hits record. She points it at Dart. AMY How’s your day going so far, Mr. Hunter? Dart turns to Amy and smiles. DART It’s going good. AMY Is it all right that I’m recording you? DART Don’t mind at all. Davenport weaves through the small amount of traffic here as the fog begins to clear a bit. He’s over 85 m.p.h. now and kills his siren once he’s passed the other cars. Amy, James and Dart. Amy continues recording. (CONTINUED)
92. CONTINUED: AMY We’ll be in Mississippi soon. (to Dart) Is that right? Is that the next state? DART We’re in Mississippi. Been here for awhile. (beat) M-I-cricka letter-cricka letter - I- cricka letter-cricka-- AMY M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I. DART That’s wrong. It’s M-I-cricka letter-I- cricka letter-cricka letter-I-P-I. You can’t spell for shit, girl. AMY I thought that was right. (beat) Is Oklahoma after this? DART I think so. We should be crossing the Mississippi River in a couple hours. We’ll be out west then. The kids stop at a red light. Dart looks in the rearview mirror and sees a Mississippi State Trooper (Davenport) pull up behind him. Davenport pretends to not pay attention to the car in front of him. The light turns green and the kids pull away. Davenport stays put until the honking of cars forces him to get moving. Dart continues watching the State Trooper. DART (CONT’D) Yes sir, we’ll be on the west side by the end of the day. Davenport waves the cars behind him around to put a cushion between him and the kids. He watches Dart make a right turn while everyone else goes straight. Dart checks the rearview and doesn’t see any cars behind them now. James struggles to stay awake. (CONTINUED)
93. CONTINUED: (2) AMY (to James) You wanna lay down back here? You sleepy? JAMES I’m fine. Thank you though. Dart reaches back over his shoulder and takes Amy’s hand. DART Go head and take a nap like your man, baby girl. I’ll hold it down for awhile. Davenport has finally taken the same right turn as the kids. DAVENPORT Dispatch, I want you to contact the local PD and see if they can get some unmarked cars out here. Set up a phoney fender bender or something to make them stop. You got that? DISPATCH (O.S.) Will do. The kids pass through another intersection with four-way lights. DART Seriously, Amy, you can... Dart looks back at Amy and she has quickly fallen asleep, without even bothering to turn off her camera. He looks into the passenger side mirror and sees the Mississippi State Trooper run a red light behind him. Davenport immediately knows he’s being too aggressive. DAVENPORT Shoot! Dart keeps his eye on Davenport and accelerates. James and Amy give up trying to get some shut eye. JAMES Why you going so fast? DART Mississippi police is back there. JAMES They after us or just out? (CONTINUED)
94. CONTINUED: (3) DART Can’t tell. But I know how to find out. Dart signals and pulls off the road. Davenport sees what the kids are doing and has no choice but to continue past them. The kids watch Davenport continue driving. Dart turns the car around and heads in the opposite direction. DART (CONT’D) Guess I’m just paranoid. (beat) We gotta get on a faster road. Take us forever to get to Houston at this rate. JAMES And we’re going the wrong way too. (beat) We passed a sign a ways back saying the Interstate was in the direction we were just going. DART For real? All right. Dart turns into a parking lot. He circles back to the exit and waits for traffic to pass, so he can make a left turn. After this last car, Dart will be able to get back on the highway. The vehicle gets closer and Dart sees it’s Davenport. DART (CONT’D) Shit! I knew he was after us! Dart speeds away in the opposite direction of Davenport. INT. STATE TROOPER’S CAR (MOVING) - SAME TIME Davenport knows his cover has been blown. He does a three- point turn in the middle of the road and hits his siren as he heads after the kids. INTERCUT DAVENPORT AND THE KIDS -- AMY What’re we gonna do? DART Got no choice but to try and outrun him. (CONTINUED)
95. CONTINUED: JAMES In this thing? Dart knows it’s unlikely, but guns it anyway. DAVENPORT (into his radio) Goddamn it, they saw me. Might as well let the police in the area know. Try to set up a road block if you can and I’ll do my best to catch ‘em. Davenport quickly approaches top speed and is soon within a dozen yards of the kids. Dart looks around the slow-moving cars ahead of him and sees there is no oncoming traffic. He decides to pass and makes it back into his lane before they go into a curve. Davenport prepares to pass as well but is thwarted by the oncoming traffic. Dart checks his mirrors and Davenport isn’t there. JAMES We lose him? DART Looks like it. Davenport leans on his horn and the cars finally pull aside to let him through. The kids ride in silence. James and Amy make eye contact and he assures her everything will be okay. Dart’s eyes are locked on the rearview mirror as they continue to pick up speed. Amy finally looks at the road in front of them. AMY Dart! Dart swerves to avoid hitting a group of SCHOOL CHILDREN waiting to catch the bus. He runs off the elevated road and CRASHES into a ditch. Dart and James are thrown into the dashboard. The side of Amy’s head slams against the back of the driver’s seat and she falls to the floor as the vehicle fills with smoke. DART Ya’ll all right? Amy touches her ears. (CONTINUED)
96. CONTINUED: (2) AMY I can’t hear nothing. I can’t hear! The rest plays out in silence from Amy’s POV. Dart unsuccessfully attempts to drive out of the ditch. Amy watches Dart yell that he’s not going back to Brevard. He tries his door but it’s jammed, so he kicks James’ door open. EXT. TWO-LANE HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS They tumble out with their belongings and run across the road into a CORN FIELD on the other side of the highway. Davenport speeds toward them. EXT. CORN FIELD - CONTINUOUS The fog is heavier here as the kids run deep into the patch of long stalks. Amy and Dart have to hold on to James so he can keep up. They eventually make their way to a clearing. Dart asks James a question and yells something at Amy. AMY What? I can’t... Dart drags Amy closer to James and she drops everything she was carrying. BY THE HIGHWAY -- Davenport looks out over the corn field from the elevated road, but the fog prevents him from seeing much of anything. He wades in. BACK AT THE CLEARING -- Still from Amy’s POV with no sound. James continues searching his bag and Dart yells at him to hurry up. James finds the .22 and Amy realizes what is about to happen. James struggles to load the weapon and accidentally drops the bullets. Dart can’t hide his disgust, but his best friend is eventually able to retrieve the bullets. James then freezes. (CONTINUED)
97. CONTINUED: Dart shoves him and James regains his composure. He expertly cocks the pistol, steps to Amy and gently places the revolver against her forehead. Amy’s body stiffens. James lowers the gun and takes it off cock. He tells Amy that he loves her. Amy reads his lips. AMY (CONT’D) I love you too. They share a kiss through their tears. James pulls back the hammer and raises the gun again. He tells Amy to close her eyes. FADE TO BLACK Silence. BANG! Amy’s hearing returns. She opens her eyes and sees James has killed himself with a bullet through the chin. Davenport hears the gun fire and picks up his pace. He yells into his radio. DAVENPORT We have shots fired! I’m in the corn field off highway 98. Blood has splattered on Amy and Dart. Both kids are in shock and stare down at their dead friend in disbelief. They hear Davenport in the distance. Dart kneels with his back to Amy and wrenches the .22 from James’ hand. When he turns around, Amy is gone. DART Amy! Get your ass back here now! Amy! Dart takes off after her. INTERCUT AMY, DART AND DAVENPORT -- Amy zigzags through the corn stalks, looking back over her shoulder for Dart. Davenport reaches the clearing and is shocked by the gruesome sight. DAVENPORT James... (CONTINUED)
98. CONTINUED: (2) Davenport drops to his knees to check for a pulse, but the child is dead. Davenport fights back tears and struggles to his feet. He then doubles over and vomits. Dart hunts Amy. DART You know you ain’t getting away from me! We made a promise to go together, Amy! Amy crouches and watches Dart head in the wrong direction. DART (CONT’D) Don’t make me shoot you! Davenport hears Dart’s voice as he continues throwing up. He regains his composure and takes off toward the sound. The fog is beginning to clear and Amy tries to figure out which direction the highway, and safety, is. Dart stops and turns around. DART (CONT’D) Amy! I hear you! Davenport picks up Dart’s voice. DAVENPORT Dart? Amy? Don’t do it! Dart breaks into a sprint through the stalks. Amy hears Davenport. She looks back and spies Dart heading in her direction. Davenport climbs atop a small mound, but when he scans the field, still cannot see anyone. Amy decides to stop running and find a place to hide. Davenport, still on the mound, looks back toward the highway and sees traffic has stalled because a car has hit the Grand Wagoneer. A SCHOOL BUS full of MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS is among the vehicles. From their high vantage point, the kids can see everything. DART (O.S.) Damn you, Amy! Dart raises the gun above his head and FIRES into the air. (CONTINUED)
99. CONTINUED: (3) With that Davenport is finally able to pinpoint Dart’s location. He draws his weapon, waves to the BUS DRIVER to get the kids out of here then takes off. Several students begin recording video and snapping photos with their phones. Amy bunches stalks together to create a better hiding place, and she can see Dart getting closer. Davenport moves in Dart’s direction at a steady clip. DAVENPORT Dart! Dart hears his name and turns to look, without realizing he is a few feet from Amy. He tries to decide what to do. Amy doesn’t even breath as bugs crawl over her arms and face. Davenport continues heading toward the kids. DAVENPORT (CONT’D) Amy?! You all right? Davenport doesn’t see anyone and abruptly changes directions. DAVENPORT (CONT’D) Dart! Dart sees Davenport and cocks his weapon. DART Amy! Amy clenches her teeth as sweat drips into her eyes. DART (CONT’D) Amy! (beat) Bitch! Dart puts the gun to his temple and his hand shakes violently. He steadies the pistol with his free hand and manages to hold it still. Dart FIRES. Amy watches Dart fall to the ground a few feet from her. Davenport hears the shot behind him and reverses course again. Amy crawls over to her dead friend. AMY Oh, Dart... (CONTINUED)
100. CONTINUED: (4) DAVENPORT (O.S.) Amy?! Dart?! AMY Why did they have to chase us? (beat) Why didn’t they just let us go? Amy reaches for the .22. The weapon is warm to the touch and bloody. She picks it up and examines it, torn between keeping her promise or staying alive. Davenport is on his radio. He has slowed a bit and still cannot see Amy or Dart. DAVENPORT (deflated) I think I lost them. At least one of them is dead, maybe two. Get some people over here! Amy sits Indian style next to Dart with the gun in both hands, weeping uncontrollably. She can hear Davenport. DAVENPORT (CONT’D) Amy! Amy carefully slides the barrel of the gun into her mouth. She fingers the trigger and is startled when Davenport stumbles upon her. They lock eyes and neither can utter a word... DISSOLVE EXT. BREVARD - VARIOUS Nothing has changed since we were last here. INT. LOCAL NEWS STUDIO - DAY Two ANCHORS. ANCHOR #1 Hello Transylvania County and welcome to the 5 o’clock news. Our top story again today is the tragic case of the three youths who ran away from Brevard last week. (beat) (MORE) (CONTINUED)
101. CONTINUED: ANCHOR #1 (CONT'D) The story is receiving national coverage, in part due to the circulation of video and photos taken by Mississippi middle school students who witnessed the violent conclusion from their school bus. We see samples of the media in question. ANCHOR #1 (CONT’D) Reporters from around the country have descended upon the area, and are giving the region a brand of attention many locals are unhappy about. Clips of REPORTERS being spurned in their attempts to interview BREVARD RESIDENTS. ANCHOR #1 (CONT’D) There has yet to be an official statement from the parents. However, members of the media received word this afternoon that the father of one of the kids will be speaking to the press. (beat) We now go live outside the home of Rodney and Elizabeth Wilson. EXT. WILSON HOME - SAME TIME A sizable media contingent waits on the front lawn. INT. WILSON HOME - CONTINUOUS Mr. Wilson wears a clean button down and his hands shake as he attempts to finish the knot on his necktie. Mrs. Wilson watches the commotion in her front yard from a nearby window. BREVARD POLICE are here as well. The TV is turned to news coverage of the “Brevard Three”. Mr. Wilson spots her husband struggling with his clothes and crosses to the bathroom to help. MRS. WILSON You know you don’t have to do this. They manage to get the tie on properly. MR. WILSON Turn that TV off. Mr. Wilson heads to the door. He takes a deep breath and steps outside.
102. EXT. WILSON HOME - CONTINUOUS Mr. Wilson is barely out the door when REPORTERS begin hurling questions at him. He decides against descending the stairs of the front porch and takes a small slip of paper from his pocket. MR. WILSON I decided to speak to ya’ll today, not to answer your questions ‘bout what happened with my daughter and her two friends. (beat) Because I know this ain’t nothing but a way to hold people’s attention between commercials to you folks, and as soon as the next tragedy goes down you’ll be outta here. (beat) People like us are only good to remind the rest of ya’ll how nice you got it. Ain’t no globalization benefitting us, we ain’t part of no ‘New World Economy’. We’re just a bunch of regular folks who feel like we been left behind. Mr. Wilson chucks his notes. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Sniffing round here like we some kinda exotic people, living the way we do, talking like way we talk. Didn’t nobody give a damn bout this side of Brevard, where don’t no tourists come and don’t no retirees decide to settle, until what them kids did. (beat) But since you won’t leave us be like we asked and let the community mourn its losses, I felt I had to... A CAMERA MAN places a muddy boot on the bottom step of the porch to balance himself. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Now I was kind enough to allow you people on my property, but I asked you to respect my home. Please remove your foot from the porch. Mrs. Wilson cracks the front door open and watches her husband. (CONTINUED)
103. CONTINUED: The Camera Man doesn’t hear Mr. Wilson’s request. Mr. Wilson stomps down the stairs, grabs the Camera Man’s leg and throws him to the ground. Mrs. Wilson runs out of the house. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) What you want from us?! You got your story! Mr. Wilson pushes members of the various news crews in an attempt to drive them out of his yard. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Go back to New York! Go back to L.A.! We don’t want your attention! Mrs. Wilson tries to restrain her husband. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Where were ya’ll at when the paper mill went bankrupt five years ago and 600 people lost their jobs? When Dupont shut down? When kids in elementary school started selling meth and crack? (beat) You want a story to report, I’ll give ya a story! From a bedroom window upstairs, Amy watches the commotion in her front yard. INT. AMY’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Amy is dressed in pajamas and in the throws of PTSD. AMY (V.O.) I know that what we went through was terrible, and that people want me to say how much it was a mistake, and it was. (beat) But I don’t feel too bad, cause I did what I did with one of my best friends in the world and the boy that I loved. No one can understand that. I’ll never have two people like them again. Amy sees her father punch and kick several people as the Brevard Police run out of the house. (CONTINUED)
104. CONTINUED: AMY (V.O.) (CONT’D) I guess if I could talk to a girl my age, I would tell her not to run away from home, no matter how bad where she’s from is, I mean of course I would. The Police grab Mr. Wilson and he slugs one of them. He’s eventually wrestled to the ground and put in handcuffs. AMY (V.O.) (CONT’D) I just miss Dart and James so much, and don’t know if I’m gonna be able go on without them. Amy crawls back under the covers of her unmade bed. FADE TO BLACK A montage of the video footage Amy has taken over the past eight days. FADE OUT Insert title card: “I’m afraid of children my own age. They kill each other. Did it always used to be that way?” From “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. Published 1951 THE END

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Brevard

  • 1.
    BREVARD written by Barry Canty WGA REGISTERED (310) 867-1041 Cantybp10@yahoo.com
  • 2.
    FADE IN: OVER BLACK Thesound of a speeding automobile CRASHING. POV A SMALL VIDEO CAMERA -- The floor of the vehicle’s back seat. Smoke and the sound of disoriented passengers scrambling about. TEEN BOY (O.S.) Ya’ll alright?! An approaching POLICE SIREN. ADOLESCENT GIRL (O.S.) I can’t hear nothing. I can’t hear! The driver steps on the gas, but they go nowhere. ADOLESCENT BOY (O.S.) What’re we gonna do? We’re caught. The driver tries to open his door, but it’s jammed. TEEN BOY (O.S.) I told ya’ll I ain’t going back to Brevard! (beat) C’mon, get your asses out! They grab their belongings and exit from the passenger side. EXT. CRASHED VEHICLE - CONTINUOUS Still from the POV of the video camera, as it is carried across a two-lane road, narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic. A glimpse of a STATE TROOPER screeching to a halt in his cruiser and jumping out, as the camera is taken into a CORN FIELD. EXT. CORN FIELD - CONTINUOUS Several rows of stalks, then finally a clearing. TEEN BOY (O.S.) You remember how we said we’d do it? (beat) Get over here, Amy! ADOLESCENT GIRL (O.S.) What? I can’t... (CONTINUED)
  • 3.
    2. CONTINUED: The camera isdropped to the ground. We see nothing but dead stalks and dirt. We hear someone rummaging through a bag. TEEN BOY (O.S.) Hurry the hell up! Only nervous breathing for a few moments. Then something falling to the ground, followed by someone being shoved. TEEN BOY (O.S.) (CONT’D) Don’t you pussy out on me! We hear the girl begin to weep. ADOLESCENT BOY (O.S.) I love you. ADOLESCENT GIRL (O.S.) I love you too. Sounds of the two adolescents kissing as they sob, followed by the shuffling of feet. One of the kids inadvertently kicks the camera and it turns upright. We can now make out the ADOLESCENT BOY, white, 12, as he points a GUN at the face of the ADOLESCENT GIRL, black, 12. ADOLESCENT BOY Now shut your eyes. FADE TO BLACK Insert Title Card: Last Week EXT. BREVARD - DAY Late Spring in picturesque western North Carolina. One side of this small mountain town is made up of retirees and middle class families. We see Brevard College, Pisgah National Forest, the Brevard Music Center and groups of tourists. The other side, mostly populated by blacks and other poorer long-term residents, is still reeling from the effects of the stagnating local economy. This side of Brevard is where we will spend our time. UNEMPLOYED YOUNG MEN loiter and argue outside a small bar. A group of DELINQUENT BOYS congregate in a public housing community, and pass a joint while others sell drugs. HOMELESS MEN and WOMEN sleep in empty fields framed by pristine views of the Appalachian skyline.
  • 4.
    3. EXT. BETHEL BAPTISTCHURCH - DAY The sounds of the gospel standard “Rough Side of the Mountain”. INT. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH - CONTINUOUS JAMES ROBERTS, white, 12, tall and lanky in chinos and a polo, hides in the rear and watches the all-black SENIOR CHOIR rehearse. He’s in awe and mouths the words to the song. DART (O.S.) Psst. NAPOLEON "DART" HUNTER, white, 13, a short, tightly wound bundle of kinetic energy, dressed in a fitted baseball cap, skinny jeans and brightly colored high-tops, stands just outside the entrance on his skateboard. DART (CONT’D) Come on. I don’t wanna be late. The choir finishes and James applauds before ducking out. EXT. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH - CONTINUOUS James and Dart descend the steep hill adjacent to the building on their skateboards. AMY (V.O.) Napoleon Abraham Hunter was born on Christmas day. He’s one of my best friends in the entire world. Most people think he’s crazy, but they don’t know ‘bout everything he’s been through. He got his nickname cause when he was little, he used to dart around the house and his mama couldn’t catch him. (beat) She killed herself two years ago and, for some reason, Dart got it in his head he should try and kill himself too. SMASH CUT TO: INT. DART’S BEDROOM (FLASHBACK) - NIGHT Dart sits on the edge of the bed holding a pistol to his temple, his hand shaking. He pulls the weapon down and looks at a framed picture of himself with his late MOTHER in their Sunday best. Dart puts the gun back up to his head. (CONTINUED)
  • 5.
    4. CONTINUED: AMY (V.O.) His hand shook so hard, that when he pulled the trigger, the bullet whizzed right past him. Dart FIRES and misses. Dart’s father, JAKE HUNTER, 33, bursts in, snatches the revolver and backhands the boy before throwing him out. END FLASHBACK EXT. BREVARD - DAY James and Dart continue on their skateboards. Dart throws a rock at a group of LATINO DAY LABORERS. AMY (V.O.) He couldn’t hear in his right ear for a few days, but after that he was fine. I don’t think he’ll try it again, me and James won’t let him. Dart curses the Latinos as they pass a group of WINOS. AMY (V.O.) (CONT’D) James Roberts is my boyfriend, and the love of my life. (beat) We've been going together for 3 months, 22 days, 13 hours, 44 minutes and 57 seconds. (three second beat) 45 minutes now. James and Dart reach the grounds of the abandoned ECUSTA PAPER MILL and climb through a hole in the fence. AMY (V.O.) (CONT’D) He’s sort of shy and quiet but that’s okay, most people talk too much anyway. He’s the sweetest and smartest boy I’ve ever met, so smart he even skipped a grade. He tells me he loves me everyday, even in front of his best friend, Dart. (beat) Dart is 13, James and me are 12. We live in Brevard, North Carolina, population 6,700. JAMES I hope she shows up. (CONTINUED)
  • 6.
    5. CONTINUED: DART You know she will. Dart pulls the building door open and kicks James in the butt to get him to go inside. INT. ECUSTA PAPER MILL - CONTINUOUS The vacant interior of what used to be the town’s largest employer. Dart and James come to a stop and casually lean on one of the many pieces of obsolete machinery. AMY (V.O.) Dart’s in love with me, even though he knows I love James. I don't wanna hurt his feelings, and we'll always be friends, but... We're meeting today cause Dart told me if I don't dump James and go with him he’ll hurt himself. JAMES Hope she knows where to come. Dart lights a menthol cigarette. DART Would you stop your goddamn yapping, nigga? I told you I texted her 20 minutes ago. JAMES Did she reply? DART Jesus God Almighty, James. Look. Dart shows James the message from Amy on his cell phone: I’m gonna pretend to be sick so I can leave early. The boys hear the creaky doors open and they quickly straighten up. The object of both their affections, AMY WILSON, black, 12, enters. Amy is tall and thin, pretty but not prissy. AMY Hey, ya’ll. DART JAMES Hey, Amy. Hey, Amy. Amy approaches and nervously looks the boys over, unsure what to say. An awkward silence. (CONTINUED)
  • 7.
    6. CONTINUED: JAMES (blurting it out) If you wanna stop going with me, I'll understand. I just want us all to be happy again. Amy takes James’ comment in and slowly begins to speak. AMY I’ll be your be your friend for life... Dart, but James is my boyfriend. DART You fucking slut. Dart storms out as Amy and James embrace. EXT. ECUSTA PAPER MILL - CONTINUOUS Dart skates away. Amy and James exit shortly after. AMY I hope he’ll be all right. JAMES Dart’s not so bad anymore. He’ll be okay. James takes Amy’s backpack and they walk. AMY You have a good day? JAMES It was fine. Yours? AMY It was good. (beat) Your Internet still down? I posted a video on my Facebook last night and you didn’t make a comment. JAMES Daddy told me I’m spending too much time on there. He made me cancel my account this morning. AMY That sucks. I’m sorry. (beat) You wanna come over and do homework? (CONTINUED)
  • 8.
    7. CONTINUED: JAMES I gotta check with daddy to see if he has any chores for me to do first. Amy laughs at James. AMY You do chores more than I do, and I’m a girl. Amy snatches James’ skateboard and rides ahead of him. EXT. HOME OF JAMES ROBERTS - MOMENTS LATER Amy and James stop in front of this old but well-kept ranch- style home. MR. ROBERTS, late 30’s, blue collar, waits for his son on the porch. He’s not happy. AMY Hey, Mr. Roberts! MR. ROBERTS Hey, Amy. (beat) James, you come on in here now. I need to speak to you before I go to work. JAMES Yessir! (to Amy) He must’ve found out about me and Dart skipping. AMY He won’t be too mad, will he? JAMES He probably won’t believe me when I tell him this is the first time. He’ll say it’s just the first time I got caught. James and Amy hug. JAMES (CONT’D) I love you. James walks across the yard toward the front door. MR. ROBERTS Get off that grass, boy! I just put fertilizer down!
  • 9.
    8. EXT. WILSON HOME- NIGHT A crumbling split-level with a dead lawn. Supper time. INT. WILSON HOME - CONTINUOUS Amy eats with MR. WILSON, 42, hometown boy, short and wiry with a gentle manner, MRS. WILSON, 40, heavy-set, nurse’s uniform, and her brother, TOMMY, 7. Amy hasn’t touched her food and Mrs. Wilson watches her daughter disapprovingly. MRS. WILSON If you didn’t want all that, you shouldn’ta put so much on your plate. Are you trying to be skinny like those little white girls at your school? MR. WILSON You feeling better, honey? Amy nods. Her mobile phone rings from across the room. It’s on the counter where the Wilsons keep them during meals. Amy’s mother is annoyed, but Mr. Wilson rises to answer it. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Hello, James. JAMES (O.S.) Sorry for calling during supper, sir. MR. WILSON It’s all right, son, just don’t make it a habit. Here she is. Amy pops up and runs to take the phone. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Try not to stay on too long. AMY Okay, Daddy. (to James) Hello? DART (O.S.) Amy, it’s me. I had James call since your daddy don’t like me. Amy steps around the corner to another room. AMY That’s not true and you know it. (CONTINUED)
  • 10.
    9. CONTINUED: DART (O.S.) Whatever. We’re getting suspended three days for skipping. Let’s meet up after supper. AMY Where? DART (O.S.) Little Harlem. Here’s your boy. AMY Everything all right? JAMES (O.S.) Yeah, everything’s fine. I’ll come by quarter after seven. Bye. James hangs up before Amy can ask anymore questions. She returns to the table and her mother waits for an explanation. AMY I had asked James to help me with my math. I’m gonna go over there after I clean the kitchen, if that’s okay. MR. WILSON Of course it is. Mrs. Wilson is surprised by her husband’s hasty approval. MRS. WILSON And what time are you planning on being home on this school night? AMY By my curfew. Amy quickly eats her dinner. EXT. WILSON HOME - LATER Amy runs out with her backpack over her shoulders as James waits on his skateboard. James has a baseball cap pulled low on his head, shielding his face. AMY Hey. JAMES You ready? (CONTINUED)
  • 11.
    10. CONTINUED: AMY That hat doesn’t match your outfit. Plus, it keeps me from seeing your pretty blue eyes. Amy pulls the cap from James’ head. JAMES No, Amy... Amy gasps when she sees a large purple bruise under James’ right eye. AMY Who hit you in the face? James tries to get his hat back, but Amy won’t give it up. JAMES Nobody. I thought daddy had finished whipping me for skipping today, but when I turned around to say I’m sorry, he caught my cheek with his fist. Amy turns around and stomps back toward the house. JAMES (CONT’D) Where you going? AMY To tell my daddy about what he did. JAMES Amy, stop! James runs after Amy and grabs her arm. JAMES (CONT’D) It’s my fault for getting in trouble. If your daddy finds out what I did, he might not let me by your boyfriend anymore. Amy thinks it over for a few moments. She kisses James’ bruise, then gives his cap back to him. He takes Amy by the hand and they walk to his skateboard. EXT. BREVARD STREET - CONTINUOUS James and Amy reach the entrance to a public housing community at the base of a small mountain. They hop off the skateboard and prepare to walk. (CONTINUED)
  • 12.
    11. CONTINUED: AMY I hate coming to Little Harlem at night. Especially since Lucy’s brother got shot up here during Christmas. JAMES We’ll be okay, it’ll be quick. EXT. LITTLE HARLEM - CONTINUOUS Identically depressing one-story apartment buildings. The white and black RESIDENTS play loud music from their cars, loiter in front of their apartments and service the drive through drug traffic. Amy and James walk past with their heads lowered. The mentally ill and perpetually inebriated ROBERT HALL, black, 68, stands at his usual spot under a street lamp. Robert holds a bible in one hand and a brown-bagged pint of cheap liquor in the other. He spots James. ROBERT HALL White man done took everything else from us, now he invading our neighborhoods too. Guess they got tired of driving to the black side of town for they dope. Robert looks toward a group of poor WHITE RESIDENTS. ROBERT HALL (CONT’D) Ain’t the white neighbors I used to dream bout having, tell ya that much. EXT. DART’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS Amy and James look through the large bay window of the messy three-bedroom and see Dart in the living room. INT. DART’S APARTMENT (LIVING ROOM) - CONTINUOUS Dart feeds GRANDMAMA HUNTER, 90 and senile, macaroni with cheese and fish sticks, while rapping along with a music video. The song comes to an end. VJ Houston hip-hop ain’t been quite the same since the death of Chad Butler, aka Pimp C. Rest in peace. Dart spots his friends outside. He lets them in then walks back to his seat. (CONTINUED)
  • 13.
    12. CONTINUED: DART Don’t slam my door. AMY How you, Grandmama Hunter? Amy gives Grandmama Hunter a hug and kiss. GRANDMAMA HUNTER Aww, it’s so good to see you, sweety. You’re prettier every time you come over here. AMY Thank you. James stands by Dart, bashful. DART Don’t be rude to my grandmama, go say hello. James does as he’s told and Dart walks down the short hallway. He peeks into the master bedroom and sees his father, JAKE HUNTER, is passed out with his haggard GIRLFRIEND. Note: Dart refers to his father by his first name. INT. JAKE HUNTER’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Dart searches the pockets of the various pairs of pants scattered across the floor. He finds a small bag of crystal meth in one pair and leaves it, but takes a half a pack of cigarettes from another. INT. DART’S APARTMENT (LIVING ROOM) - CONTINUOUS Amy chats with Grandmama Hunter and James sits quietly on the sofa as Dart re-enters. DART You all done, Grandmama? GRANDMAMA HUNTER I sure am, just enjoying talking to this pretty girlfriend of yours. Amy smiles and Dart rolls his eyes as he takes his grandmother’s plate to the sink. (CONTINUED)
  • 14.
    13. CONTINUED: DART I keep telling you, she ain’t my girlfriend, Grandmama. GRANDMA HUNTER But yesterday morning you told me she was gonna be soon. Amy and James exchange uncomfortable glances. Dart loudly drops the plate in the sink with the other dirty dishes. DART You want your Butter Pecan ice cream? GRANDMAMA HUNTER No, I’m fine. You cooked us another good dinner tonight. You leave some for your daddy? DART (under his breath) Unfortunately. GRANDMA HUNTER What’s that? DART Yes, ma’am, I did. You gonna be alright here or you want me to put you to bed? GRANDMA HUNTER In a little bit. DART Okay, well, we’re fin’ to go study now. Dart kisses his grandmother. Amy and James say goodbye and all three exit. EXT. DART’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS Dart locks the front door then whips around to his friends. DART What the fuck took ya’ll so long? You were twenty goddamn minutes late! Amy and James are silent. Dart lights a cigarette and walks away. He finally turns around and looks at Amy. DART (CONT’D) Me and James are leaving Brevard. (CONTINUED)
  • 15.
    14. CONTINUED: AMY What? DART We can’t live in this town no more. You know we all hate it. Our families, these people, and now we’re getting suspended. AMY What are you talking about? DART Look at James’ face! How many straight A students are getting back handed by they daddies? AMY It was an accident, he didn’t mean to. DART (to James) Is that what you told her? (to Amy) It won’t no accident. Amy is confused. JAMES But he apologized right after he did it. DART Ain’t no way we gonna hang around and let his daddy start beating on him like Jake does me. We gotta be out, and the only way I'm coming back is in a fuckin’ body bag! Amy is angry at James for lying to her. AMY When’d ya’ll decide this? DART Tonight. (beat) And we want you to go with us. Amy slowly shakes her head no. JAMES Please, Amy, I love you. What am I gonna do out there without you? (CONTINUED)
  • 16.
    15. CONTINUED: (2) AMY But, I mean, it’s just a few days. DART You think we’re ever gonna get outta Brevard if we don’t leave now? AMY When we graduate we might be able to go to college, you don’t know. DART On whose dime? Your mama and daddy gonna be able to pay for you? Are James’? No one ever leaves this town. Our mamas and daddies were born here and so was theirs. AMY But Dart... DART We’re gonna end up just like ‘em. Dying in the same place we lived in all our lives. Amy looks the boys over and shakes her head. AMY Ya’ll are crazy. DART Fuck that bitch, if the she don’t wanna go. Let her stay here, she can have it. AMY Napoleon Hunter, don’t you speak to me like that! Amy looks at James, but he drops his head. She’s too frustrated to continue. AMY (CONT’D) I’m going home. I was supposed to be back fifteen minutes ago. (beat) James... Amy can’t finish her thought and walks away. DART We leave from my house, tomorrow morning at 8:00 sharp! Decide tonight if you’re going or not!
  • 17.
    16. INT. WILSON HOME- LATER Amy enters from Dart’s apartment. Her parents argue in their bedroom. AMY I’m home! No one responds. Amy sits at the family computer in the living room and gets on the Internet. MRS. WILSON (O.S.) I told you we should’ve left before Amy started middle school! How are we gonna stop this house from being foreclosed on, when you can’t even find a job? MR. WILSON (O.S.) We still have that money we put into Amy’s college fund to hold us over for a little while. Amy pulls up a blog she has created. We see her musings on James, Dart, Brevard, etc. She begins typing: I know James doesn’t want to leave Brevard, he’s just letting Dart push him around. I don’t think they’re serious about leaving, but I don’t want to be left here all alone. MR. WILSON (O.S.) (CONT’D) She’s such a good student, she’ll be able to get a scholarship somewhere. You just gotta trust me. MRS. WILSON (O.S.) I have trusted you and look where it got me! MR. WILSON (O.S.) We’ll talk about this later. I think I heard Amy come back in. Amy quickly erases her page history and switches to a different website. Mrs. Wilson steps outside to have a smoke and Mr. Wilson joins his daughter. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Hey, baby girl, how long you been home? AMY I just walked in right when ya’ll were coming out your bedroom. Amy pulls up a chair for her father. (CONTINUED)
  • 18.
    17. CONTINUED: MR. WILSON Was James able to help you with your math? Amy nods. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) How’s Dart doing? I worry so much about that boy. Does he still know he’s welcome to stay over here any time things get too crazy in Little Harlem? AMY Yes. (beat) How was your job interview? MR. WILSON I thought it went good. The drive was longer than I expected, so I was a little late, but I think they liked me. AMY Mama said it’s two hours. MR. WILSON About that, yeah. (off Amy’s reaction) But that don’t mean I won’t be able to make it home in time for dinner every night. Amy is relieved to hear this. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Oh, and I been meaning to apologize for not being able to get you a new cell phone yet. I know all the kids are going crazy over that latest iPhone. AMY I didn’t ask for a new phone, daddy. MR. WILSON I know. And I thank you for that. Mr. Wilson kisses his daughter on the forehead. AMY Are we still gonna watch the Braves tomorrow night? Who’s pitching? Mr. Wilson grins appreciatively at the change of subject. (CONTINUED)
  • 19.
    18. CONTINUED: (2) MR. WILSON You’re supposed to be the one keeping up with the Atlanta’s rotation, not me. You been slacking? Mr. Wilson tickles Amy and they both laugh. AMY Maybe just a little. EXT. BREVARD MIDDLE SCHOOL - MORNING The start of another school day. INT. CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS STUDENTS recite the Pledge of Allegiance then take their seats. As roll call begins, Amy enters and hurries to her desk. AMY I’m sorry. I missed the bus and daddy had to bring me. As soon as Amy settles, her phone vibrates in her pocket. She waits for her TEACHER to direct her attention toward another part of the room and peaks at the message. The text from Dart: Look out the window. Amy turns around and sees Dart hiding next to a tall shrub. INTERCUT AMY AND DART -- Amy faces the front and receives another text from Dart: Got keys to Jake’s car! Dart holds up the keys as Amy composes a text message with the phone concealed in her pocket. Dart waits for Amy to respond. His phone finally vibrates: Where’s J? Dart quickly replies: Turning in his math homework. That dork! Amy can’t help but smile as James finally appears next to Dart. JAMES She coming? (CONTINUED)
  • 20.
    19. CONTINUED: DART Anybody see you? JAMES No. DART I still can’t believe you did that. JAMES I spent my time working on it. I at least wanna get credit, so I won’t be behind at our new school. DART New school? Boy... JAMES What’s she saying? Dart types: What’s the deal, woman? Three SCHOOL HOOLIGANS approach James and Dart. HOOLIGAN #1 What up, D? Dart slaps hands with the boys. DART Trying to get the hell outta Dodge, that’s what’s up. HOOLIGAN #2 Heard about ya’ll getting a three-day suspension. That’s cool. What’s up, James? JAMES Hey. HOOLIGAN #1 We’re having a Rock Band tournament at Lamont Washington’s. Ya’ll should come by. Dart isn’t interested in talking to the boys. DART Maybe. The kids depart and Dart gets a text from Amy: I can’t go with ya’ll. Dart shows the message to James. (CONTINUED)
  • 21.
    20. CONTINUED: (2) DART (CONT’D) That’s it. Fuck her black ass, let’s go. Dart walks off, but James stays behind. Amy’s eyes fill with tears as she scans the classroom, trying to avoid looking toward the window. She can’t resist, and turns around in time to see James’ heartbroken expression before he limps away. Amy dries her eyes and unpacks her books. She raises her hand. AMY May I go to the bathroom? TEACHER Late this morning and you’re already asking to be excused? Amy doesn’t know what to say. The Teacher sees her tears. TEACHER (CONT’D) If you’re not back here in three minutes, you’re spending the rest of your morning with Principal Miller. EXT. CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS Amy exits and leans back against the door, her mind racing. AMY (V.O.) School was gonna be over in two weeks, anyway. (beat) Me and James could come back to Brevard at the end of summer, if we didn’t like it. Even if Dart didn’t want to. Amy gently sets the pass against the wall and sprints down the empty hallway. EXT. BREVARD MIDDLE SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS Amy bursts through a side exit and sees Dart and James skating away with backpacks thrown over their shoulders. AMY I can’t believe you two buttholes were gonna leave me! The boys turn around. James quickly skates back to Amy. (CONTINUED)
  • 22.
    21. CONTINUED: JAMES I’m sorry. Amy wraps her arms around James' neck and kisses him. AMY I love you, James Roberts. I wasn’t gonna let you get away. JAMES You sure you wanna go? Amy nods. They kiss again. DART Well come on then, yall're making me sick. EXT. WILSON HOME - LATER Amy, Dart and James climb a fence into the backyard. They walk toward Amy’s bedroom window. AMY Be quiet now, my daddy’s home. Dart and James prop a ladder against the house and Amy climbs up. JAMES Careful. INT. AMY’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Amy quietly packs a bag and can hear Mr. Wilson arguing on the phone with her mother. MR. WILSON (O.S.) I’m gonna call them as soon as I can get off this phone with you. It’s just now half past nine. (beat) Bye. Amy grabs clothes, her small video camera, lip gloss, a family photo and her iPod. Mr. Wilson makes another call. MR. WILSON (O.S.) (CONT’D) Hello? This is Rodney Wilson, following up on an interview I had for the plant manager position yesterday morning. I know you’re looking to fill it soon so... (beat) (MORE) (CONTINUED)
  • 23.
    22. CONTINUED: MR. WILSON (O.S.) (CONT’D) Oh, okay. I understand completely, this recession is hell, you got that right. Amy stops packing at the sound of her father’s bad news. She contemplates going to comfort him. DART Hurry up, girl. Amy finishes and climbs out with her bag. EXT. BREVARD STREET - MOMENTS LATER The kids are a block away from Amy’s house. JAMES What all did you bring? Amy shows James what’s in her bag. AMY What about ya’ll? JAMES Just my computer, some clothes, daddy’s GPS and my bible. Amy smiles at this and kisses James on the cheek. DART I brought gear and grub. Dart shows Amy and James a gym bag full of wrinkled clothes and junk food. DART (CONT’D) And Jake’s pistol, cause you never know when you might need to shoot something. JAMES What’re we gonna do about money? DART We’ll hustle us up some dough, don’t you worry. The rest of the world ain’t like Brevard, they actually got jobs that pay more than whatever a Mexican’ll take. AMY Where’s your daddy’s truck? DART Little Harlem, where you think? (CONTINUED)
  • 24.
    23. CONTINUED: Dart’s surliness doesn’tdampen Amy’s enthusiasm. AMY Where ya’ll wanna go? (beat) Last night I thought about what I should change my name to. How about Vanessa, or maybe Marilyn -- Amy’s so plain. Ya’ll think I could be a Rihanna? DART (snickering) Yeah, and maybe you can get James to slap you around some too. Amy punches Dart in the arm. JAMES This is our chance to become completely new people. We can do whatever we want, come and go as we like. DART We do need to decide where to go first, though. JAMES I always wanted to see what Idaho was like. No one to bother you, all that open space. I bet houses are cheap out there. AMY But it’d be so boring. JAMES I think we’d like it. AMY Maybe. Where do you wanna go, Dart? DART I’d like to live in a big city, like Houston. We won’t have to deal with a bunch of hicks like here and there’s more to do. I just like big cities better. AMY And we can make stops on the way. It’ll be like that old MTV show, “Road Rules”. (to Dart) What’s Houston like? (CONTINUED)
  • 25.
    24. CONTINUED: (2) DART Never been. But I know it’s cool. EXT. DART’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS Dart, Amy and James approach. Dart’s father, Jake, argues with his Girlfriend as he stands beside a GRAND WAGONEER. JAKE Bitch, I know you’re hiding my keys cause you don’t want me to go nowhere. Now give ‘em here, goddamnit! The kids duck behind a car. GIRLFRIEND I don’t have your fucking keys, Jake! But I’m glad you don’t neither, cause all you’re gonna do is go smoke up your disability check and come back here horny trying to get some. The kids watch Jake push his girlfriend aside and go back in the apartment. She follows him inside. DART C’mon. The kids sprint to the Grand Wagoneer. As they’re getting into the vehicle they hear: JAKE What in the hell do ya’ll think ya’ll doing? Jake stands on the front porch. JAKE (CONT’D) Dart, son, why do you have my keys? GIRLFRIEND (O.S.) See, I told you I wasn’t hiding ‘em! JAKE Shut up, bitch, before I come in there and really give you something to scream about! Jake saunters over. JAKE (CONT’D) Give ‘em here. (CONTINUED)
  • 26.
    25. CONTINUED: Dart doesn’t move. DART We’re leaving Brevard. JAKE Good. I’ll draw you a goddamn map. Just don’t think you’re doing it in my truck. Dart grips the keys tighter. JAKE (CONT’D) Did you get into my stash, boy? Cause you’re acting like one of these nigger crackheads around here. No offense, Amy. (palm out) Put the damn keys in my hand now, before I slap fire out your little ass. Dart stands pat. Jake laughs, lights a cigarette and blows smoke in his son’s face. He then turns back to the house. The kids exhale nervously, but Jake pivots back around and PUNCHES Dart square on the chin. Dart lands on his back and bangs his head against the cement. The keys fall from his hand. AMY Dart! James and Amy run to Dart’s side, but Jake pushes them away and starts kicking his boy. JAKE Get up off your ass and pick up them keys! JAMES Mr. Hunter, stop! He’s hurt. JAKE He’s gonna hurt more if he don’t do what I say. Jake kneels next to his boy. JAKE (CONT’D) Don’t show out in front of your friends, when you’re too light in the britches to back it up. Jake suddenly lands face down on the concrete. James has jumped on his back. (CONTINUED)
  • 27.
    26. CONTINUED: (2) Jake throwsJames to the ground and resumes beating Dart. James and Amy watch helplessly. JAKE (CONT’D) Hand me them fucking keys! AMY Stop, Mr. Hunter, stop! Other RESIDENTS congregate as Jake continues pummelling the kid. After a few moments, he hears the sound of a GUN COCK. He looks up and sees Amy pointing his .22 at him. Jake smiles and lets go of Dart. JAKE Well I’ll be goddamn, Amy. Is that my pistol you got there? Never figured you for the gun-slinging type. Amy’s hands shake as Jake stays on his knees and slowly comes toward her. JAKE (CONT’D) But I can see your daddy never taught you the proper grip. Jake is eye level with Amy and less than a foot away. JAKE (CONT’D) If you let me show you what you’re doing wrong, I promise to give you a beating that’s only half as bad as what Dart’s getting. Jake turns back toward his son just in time to see the bottom of DART’S FOOT coming straight toward his face. Dart connects with his kick and his father falls on his side. Amy drops the weapon and backs away. Dart stands over Jake and STOMPS him repeatedly. Amy and James eventually pull Dart off his father, who’s now unconscious. James retrieves the .22 and Dart spits on Jake before getting behind the wheel of the truck. Amy joins him up front and James gets in back. Dart spots something on the ground and opens his door to pick it up. It’s his father’s wallet. Dart pockets it without his friends noticing.
  • 28.
    27. INT. GRAND WAGONEER(MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart slowly pulls away from the apartment. AMY Dart, you’re bleeding everywhere. Amy takes a Kleenex from her bag, wets it with water and starts to clean Dart’s bruised face. DART Get off me. AMY It’s not as bad as it looks, it’s just a lot of blood. Dart pushes Amy away. DART I know it ain’t bad, I’m the one it was done to! Why don’t you get in the back with your man so I can concentrate on driving? Amy can’t believe Dart is mad at her. DART (CONT’D) Go’on! AMY I was just trying to help you. Amy throws more Kleenex at Dart, then goes and sits beside James. Dart cries tears of relief and anger as he dabs at his wounds. Through the rear window, Amy watches the onlookers disperse as the vehicle exits Little Harlem. DISSOLVE EXT. EASTERN TENNESSEE - MORNING The sun rises from behind the Appalachian mountains. EXT. TENNESSEE FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS No traffic this morning. The Grand Wagoneer approaches.
  • 29.
    28. INT. GRAND WAGONEER(MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Amy drives as Dart sleeps with his head in her lap. James is in the back. Amy brushes Dart’s hair from his face and blows on his scabbing bruises. Amy checks the clock in the console and it’s stuck on 11:00 p.m. She turns on her phone to get the correct time and immediately receives an incoming call from her father. Dart’s head pops up and Amy shows him the caller ID. DART Turn off your damn phone, girl. Amy powers down her mobile. DART (CONT’D) And keep it off unless you need to use it. AMY Sorry. (beat) And good morning. Sleep good? Dart looks to the back seat and is disappointed to see James. DART Hell no. Dart covers James’ nose and mouth. James wakes up as Dart snickers. JAMES Good morning, ya'll. Dart stretches, then lets his window down and sticks his head out. He leans back in after a few seconds. DART So I been holding out on ya’ll. And that ain’t right. AMY What’re you talking about? Dart digs in his pocket and tosses his father’s wallet to Amy. Inside are credit and debit cards along with $50 cash. DART How bout we go shopping to celebrate our freedom? (CONTINUED)
  • 30.
    29. CONTINUED: AMY Okay! EXT. OUTLET MALL - LATER Amy steers the Grand Wagoneer into the parking lot. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS The kids are excited. AMY Looks like they’re just opening too. JAMES You think we could get a bite to eat first? Dart takes the $50 from the wallet and gives it James. DART Breakfast is on Jake. Let’s go. INT. OUTLET MALL - LATER The kids have just scarfed down a large meal of pancakes, bacon, eggs and grits. Dart let’s out a loud burp. DART So that’s what a $30 breakfast tastes like. Amy answers Dart’s burp with one of her own. DART (CONT’D) Not bad. James turns on his laptop. DART (CONT’D) What you doing? JAMES Seeing if I can get a signal from that Radio Shack we passed on the way in. DART You and that World of Warcraft stuff. JAMES That ain’t why. I have a History paper I need to e-mail. (CONTINUED)
  • 31.
    30. CONTINUED: DART You’re one of kind, you know that James Roberts? Dart messes James’ hair and stands. DART (CONT’D) Well me and Amy are going shopping. Think you’ll have time to join us when you’re finished with class? JAMES I’ll try. TWENTY MINUTES LATER -- Amy and Dart walk past various chain stores. AMY How long we gonna stay up in Houston? DART I don’t know. Is there some place you wanna go after? AMY This is my first time outta Transylvania County, except for a field trip to Raleigh in third grade. I wonder how long it would take us to get to California. Maybe a couple weeks? DART Not that long, but awhile. AMY Let’s go out there then, after Houston. DART We’re gonna have to make some cash first, it might take a couple months. (beat) Where does James wanna go? AMY I don’t know. Dart stops. He tries to decide how to say what’s on his mind. AMY (CONT’D) What? (CONTINUED)
  • 32.
    31. CONTINUED: (2) DART Let’s leave James here and go to California. AMY Huh? A beat. Dart looks over his shoulder. DART Nothing. I was just kidding. Here he comes. James approaches. DART (CONT’D) You get your assignment in on time? JAMES Why ain’t ya’ll bought nothing yet? AMY Cause I wanted to wait for you. Let’s go in here. They have girls and boys stuff. Amy takes James by the hand and Dart follows. INT. STORE - MOMENTS LATER A trendy shop with clothing for teens and young adults. CUTE SALESPEOPLE wear trendy outfits and headsets. Amy, James and Dart are in side-by-side fitting rooms. Dart emerges sporting the latest in urban wear. DART Check this out, ya’ll. Amy steps out in a summer dress and James in an outfit similar to Dart’s. DART (CONT’D) Like a pimp! (to James) You’re looking gangsta too, Jimmy boy. That’s more like it. (to Amy) Why didn’t you put on the outfit I picked? AMY (rolling her eyes) Okay... (CONTINUED)
  • 33.
    32. CONTINUED: Amy goes backinto her fitting room. A SALESGIRL, 15, has her eye on Dart. SALESGIRL Who do people tell you that you favor? DART Oh you know who. But they only tell me if they flirting. The Salesgirl blushes. DART (CONT’D) What’s your name? SALESGIRL Rochelle. DART My name’s Chad. I was named after Pimp C from UGK. Rest in peace. ROCHELLE Ya’ll from Houston? DART Nope, but that’s where we going. ROCHELLE What happened to your face? DART Got into a fight with some gangbangers. ROCHELLE You alright? DART You think this is bad? You should see their faces. AMY (O.S.) Dar...uh, Chad, try on what I picked out for you. DART Gimme a second. (to Rochelle) How old are you? ROCHELLE 15. You? (CONTINUED)
  • 34.
    33. CONTINUED: (2) DART Same. ROCHELLE You look younger. DART It’s cause of my height. But don’t let that fool you into thinking I’m short all over. Rochelle giggles. DART (CONT’D) Wait here and tell me how I look when I come out. Dart goes back into the fitting room. JAMES I like what you picked out for me, Amy. AMY I knew you would. You got yours on yet, Dart? DART Hold on. Amy steps out wearing a trashy, hip-hop video inspired outfit, while Dart and James are in pastel colored Polos and slacks. DART (CONT’D) You look hot! ROCHELLE (to Amy) That’s cute on you. AMY My daddy would kill me if he saw me in this. DART Well we ain’t gotta worry bout that no more, now do we? (beat) Let’s just buy everything and we can take back what we don’t like. Ya’ll got these stores in Texas? (CONTINUED)
  • 35.
    34. CONTINUED: (3) ROCHELLE I think so. Amy and James hurry back into their fitting rooms. DART (to Rochelle) Gimme your number. We might hang around here for a few more hours. ROCHELLE All right. Rochelle puts her information into Dart’s phone. AT THE REGISTER -- Rochelle, Amy and James fold the last of the four bags of clothes. Dart hands her the credit card. ROCHELLE (CONT’D) Says on this your name is Jake Hunter. DART It’s my daddy’s. He just lets me use it whenever me and friends wanna go shopping. ROCHELLE Cool. Rochelle swipes the card. The kids go tense as they wait to see what will happen. A beat. DART Everything all right? The transaction goes through. DART (CONT’D) Never mind. AMY Is it okay if I use a dressing room to change? JAMES You’re putting on your new clothes already? ROCHELLE I’ll go get you some scissors to cut the tags. (CONTINUED)
  • 36.
    35. CONTINUED: (4) Amy hustlestoward the fitting rooms. DART Let’s change too. I think it’s only right. JAMES If ya’ll both are doing it. They head back to the fitting rooms. EXT. OUTLET MALL - LATER Amy, James and Dart walk to the truck in new outfits. Amy films them with her video camera. AMY I think we look good. We should have our own show, don’t you think? I’m prettier and smarter than all those girls on “Jersey Shore”. DART Don’t point that thing at me, you know I don’t like being recorded. AMY It could be about two good-looking lovers and their real cool best friend. Dart almost smiles and Amy kisses him on the cheek. JAMES Thanks for the clothes, Dart. I’ll pay you back when we get jobs. AMY You better call that girl, she liked you. Dart snatches the video camera and turns it off. DART I don’t trust her, she was being too nice. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s calling the police in Brevard right now. AMY What’re you talking about? DART Just get in the truck. (CONTINUED)
  • 37.
    36. CONTINUED: Dart watches Amyand James climb into the back seat together and his mood goes even more sour. EXT. TENNESSEE HIGHWAY - MOMENTS LATER The Grand Wagoneer approaches. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart drives and watches James and Amy cuddling in back. He grits his teeth and abruptly pulls off the road into an empty field. JAMES What’s wrong? DART I gotta take a leak. JAMES Do you have to drive so fast? The shocks on this thing are awful. DART I’ll slow down then. Dart slams on the brakes. Amy and James almost slide out of their seats. EXT. EMPTY FIELD - CONTINUOUS Dart puts the Grand Wagoneer in park and James and Amy quickly get out. Dart opens his door and dangles his legs from the vehicle. He lights a cigarette, unzips his pants and pees out onto the ground. Amy and James walk toward a shade tree. After a few moments, they hear the Grand Wagoneer accelerating. When they turn around, they see Dart driving straight toward them. Dart laughs and plows ahead. James and Amy are confused and can’t decide if they should run or stay put. Dart comes within a few feet of them and turns the car away just enough, narrowly missing Amy’s toes. He puts the vehicle in reverse. Dart pulls back past his friends and is again facing them. He revs the engine then circles the couple. DART That was a close one back there at the mall with that scheming bitch. (MORE) (CONTINUED)
  • 38.
    37. CONTINUED: DART (CONT'D) I hope we can make it all the way to Houston, but it ain’t gon’ be easy with everybody trying to catch us. Dart brings the car to a stop. DART (CONT’D) If we get caught, are ya’ll willing to kill yourselves so we don’t have to go back to that goddamn town? James and Amy stare at Dart in quiet disbelief. A beat. AMY What? DART Don’t play dumb, you heard me. (to James) What’s up? James looks at Amy and weighs the question. DART (CONT’D) If you think your daddy was mad when you skipped school, think of what he would do after this. James touches his injured cheek. A beat. JAMES Yes. Yeah, I’ll do it. AMY Ya’ll serious? DART Dead. Amy stares at James and Dart. After a long silence, she slowly nods her head. Pleased with their compliance, Dart jumps out of the car. DART (CONT’D) James, you shoot Amy first, since you two are in love, then yourself. I’ll be the last to die, since I’m the oldest. Dart holds out his hand and James places his on top. Amy puts her hand in as well. (CONTINUED)
  • 39.
    38. CONTINUED: (2) AMY (V.O.) I knew Dart was just talking big, and he didn’t really mean anything by it. He just wanted to scare us into not going back. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - MOMENTS LATER James is at the wheel, Amy up front and Dart in back. DART I ain’t saying we should kill ourselves, cause I sure as hell don’t wanna die. But like my granddaddy told me before he passed: “Napoleon, sometimes it’s best not to have an easy way out of something, cause then you won’t stick to your first decision.” So now we ain’t got no easy way out. James starts the car and they roll down the empty highway. EXT. TENNESSEE HIGHWAY - DAY A sign reads: Nashville I-24 North. The Grand Wagoneer approaches. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS James drives, Dart is in the passenger seat and Amy in back. AMY We should all write something for our families, just in case. When we get a signal we can post them to my blog. DART Nobody reads your damn blog, girl. AMY Uh-huh, I had two page views last month. DART Yeah, from me and James. Amy is disappointed by this realization. DART (CONT’D) Ah... but I guess it ain’t a half stupid idea. Amy takes out James’ laptop. (CONTINUED)
  • 40.
    39. CONTINUED: AMY Wanna do yours first? Amy hands Dart the computer. Insert Dart’s note as he composes: Dear Grandmama, I want to make a new life for myself and had to leave Brevard. I hope you won’t be too sad about this and miss me too much. Tell Jake I’m sorry for raising my hand to him, and that I love him. I love you too Grandmama. Your grandson, Dart. Amy is bent over a note pad. AMY (CONT’D) You finished? DART Don’t it look like I’m finished? AMY Wanna hear the first draft of mine? DART Sure don’t. Dart tosses the computer back to Amy. EXT. WILSON HOME - NIGHT Through the front window we see the Wilsons with MR. and MRS. ROBERTS in the living room. INT. WILSON HOME - CONTINUOUS The television is turned to the local news. MRS. WILSON I can’t believe Amy would go and do something like this. It’s not like her. None of them had a reason to. MR. ROBERTS It was Dart who convinced them to go, I know it. I never should of let James run with him. But I felt sorry for the boy, since he lost his mama and all. MR. WILSON I’m sure Amy only went because it was what she wanted to do. Let’s not start blaming folks. (CONTINUED)
  • 41.
    40. CONTINUED: MRS. ROBERTS Damn it, Rodney, we all know he’s the one to blame. Shit, they even took his daddy’s truck! And speaking of that sonofabitch, why isn’t he here? MR. WILSON He said he couldn’t make it. MRS. ROBERTS Couldn’t make it? Couldn’t make it?! MRS. WILSON You hear his gun’s come up missing too? MRS. ROBERTS What? MR. WILSON I just think the best thing for us to do is stay calm. The police will find them. MRS. ROBERTS Question is, will they find ‘em before Dart does something stupid? My friend, Ralphetta, who works down at the Walgreens, said his Grandmama hasn’t filled his prescription for the pills he’s supposed to be on for three months now. (beat) What’s my James gonna do if he decides to flip out? MR. ROBERTS And why are ya’ll so calm? MR. WILSON Because we raised out daughter to make good decisions. MRS. ROBERTS You ain’t done raising her yet, Rodney. And I’m sure you didn’t plan for a lunatic like that Hunter boy to come along neither. A report about Amy, James and Dart comes on. MRS. WILSON Turn this up. (CONTINUED)
  • 42.
    41. CONTINUED: (2) NEWS ANCHOR In local news, three Transylvania county children are believed to have run away from their homes in Brevard yesterday afternoon. (beat) Their names are Amelia Wilson, Napoleon Hunter and James Roberts. The father of one of the boys reported his car stolen in connection to the incident. Jake and Grandmama Hunter appear on screen. They stand in front of their apartment. MRS. ROBERTS I can’t believe it. JAKE I don’t know what come over them kids. But it’s only been one night and I already miss my son. I tried to provide a loving home for Napoleon, but I guess it won’t enough. MRS. WILSON Oh, come on! REPORTER Why do you think they would want to run away from Brevard? JAKE I have no idea. It was good enough for everyone else grow’d up here. I don’t know bout his two little friends, you can’t always account for how other people raise their children, but this ain’t like my son. (beat) But they’ll get caught. I just got a call my credit card they stole was used at a mall down in Chattanooga. Mrs. Roberts turns the TV off. MRS. WILSON Tennessee? What are they doing in Tennessee? Where are they going? Mr. Roberts takes out his phone. (CONTINUED)
  • 43.
    42. CONTINUED: (3) MR. ROBERTS Who knows? I’m calling my cousin who works for the Sheriff’s department outside Chattanooga to have him tell his people to be on the look out. (beat) You think anybody’s gonna give a damn about what happens to three poor kids from the mountains? EXT. TENNESSEE HIGHWAY - DAY The Grand Wagoneer approaches heading south. They have somehow managed to get completely turned around. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS A sign reads: Alabama State Line 25 miles. James drives, Dart is next to him and Amy is asleep in back. Dart takes the GPS off the dashboard and sees it isn’t working. DART Your daddy’s janky GPS is broke. Dart tosses the gadget to James. DART (CONT’D) You know where we’re at? JAMES I think we’re going toward Nashville. DART That sign just said Alabama’s coming up. James sees the car is on empty. JAMES (re: the gas meter) Dart. Amy wakes up. AMY I don’t feel good. (beat) My, tummy...stomach, hurts. I need to use the bathroom. (CONTINUED)
  • 44.
    43. CONTINUED: DART Stop whining for a second. (beat) We gotta pull over at the next station or we’re gonna run outta gas. JAMES I see something up there. EXT. GAS STATION & CONVENIENCE STORE - CONTINUOUS James pulls to the pump at this independently owned shop. The kids hop out and Dart tosses James his father’s wallet. DART Fill it up. Amy holds her stomach as she heads toward the store. JAMES You alright, Amy? James swipes the credit card but it doesn’t work. He tries it again and gets the same result. JAMES (CONT’D) Something’s wrong. DART (to Amy) Wait for me. (to James) Try debit. The PIN is my birthday. James tries the debit card twice and it doesn’t work either. DART (CONT’D) Shit. Amy, come back here! Amy stops and reluctantly turns around. Dart takes the wallet from James. JAMES You think he reported it? Amy reaches the boys, still holding her stomach. DART We been cut off. The cards ain’t good no more. (CONTINUED)
  • 45.
    44. CONTINUED: JAMES What're we gonna do? We only have $20 left and we need to save that. Dart takes out the $20, chucks the wallet and gets back in the car. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS James sits down in the passenger seat. JAMES Dart? Dart rummages through his bag and pulls out the .22 revolver. DART Guess we’ll just have to take what we need. (beat) Get back in here, Amy. JAMES Dart thinks we should... DART Oh we’re gonna rob em, and we might as well get food while we’re here. (to Amy) This old place’ll let you pay after you fill up, so James is gonna handle that. Me and you are going inside. Amy drops her head. DART (CONT’D) We ain’t got no other choice. (beat) And since girls never go to jail, you’re carrying. AMY Jaa-aames. JAMES He’s right, they won’t be watching you. And I can’t go cause you never pumped gas before. Dart slides the revolver over the top of the seat to Amy. (CONTINUED)
  • 46.
    45. CONTINUED: DART We all gonna get out at the same time like ain’t nothing going on. On three. (beat) Three. INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - CONTINUOUS A STORE CLERK, male, 60’s, is the only one working. He watches sports highlights on a television mounted over the elevated cashiers stand. Amy and Dart enter. Amy stops dead in her tracks, but Dart jerks her to continue walking. They continue toward the food and snack section and Dart points Amy to where he wants her to go. Amy still feels sick and cannot wait any longer. She runs to the restroom. INT. RESTROOM - CONTINUOUS Amy bursts into the filthy, windowless lavatory and pushes open the door to the only stall. Unflushed excrement floats amid the last available pieces of toilet paper. Amy holds her breath, flushes with her foot, drops her pants and the .22 then squats. INTERCUT STORE AND RESTROOM -- Dart pretends to shop. Amy strains to move her bowels as beads of sweat form on her forehead. The Store Clerk hasn’t looked away from the television. Dart grows more impatient. Amy cannot bring herself to use the bathroom. She gives up, trudges to the sink, washes her hands and reaches for paper towels that aren’t there. INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - CONTINUOUS Amy reenters feeling worse than before. Dart nods to her and they start down separate aisles. Dart slips a few candy bars into his bag, along with a pack of tobacco and looks up to check Amy’s progress. Amy stands in the middle of the aisle nervously watching the clerk. She picks up a pack of cookies and drops them. (CONTINUED)
  • 47.
    46. CONTINUED: Dart curses herunder his breath and walks to another aisle. He speeds up his pace and soon his bag is full. Dart points Amy to the soft drink section. Dart peeks outside and sees James motioning the tank is full as the sun goes down behind him. Dart and Amy casually walk toward the door. The Store Clerk finally takes a look at his young customers, but before he can speak, Amy pulls out the revolver and begins to cry as she half-heartily waves the weapon around. AMY Sorry sir, but we don’t have money. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER James guns it out of the parking lot. Dart celebrates their heist while Amy sobs in the back. DART Now that was the shit! Wheew-hoo! You see the way that girl waved that gat around in there? They pass a sign that reads: Alabama State Line 1 mile. DART (CONT’D) I didn’t know she had it in her. (beat) I’m proud of you, chica! Hey, we’re about to cross the border into Alabama. They approach then pass the Welcome to Alabama sign as darkness sets in. DART (CONT’D) I was getting tired of Tennessee anyway! They ride a bit further and Dart comes down from his adrenaline high. DART (CONT’D) Let’s pull over and hide. The police will expect us to try and outrun ‘em, and drive right past us. EXT. POND - CONTINUOUS The Grand Wagoneer approaches the secluded body of water that is illuminated only by moonlight. James parks the vehicle in a spot where it can’t be seen from the road.
  • 48.
    47. INT./EXT. GRAND WAGONEER- CONTINUOUS Dart gets out. A police cruiser with its SIREN on drives this way. Dart crouches beside the vehicle, and the cop continues past them. DART Turn on the headlights. James hits the lights and they shine out over the water. JAMES (to Amy) You wanna eat now? Amy doesn’t respond and continues crying. INTERCUT INT. CAR AND DART -- Dart surveys his surroundings and stuffs a huge wad of tobacco in his mouth. He sniffs his armpits and slaps at a mosquito on his neck. The sounds of the various insects combine to create an early evening symphony. DART I’ma take a bath! Dart removes his shoes and waits to see if James and Amy heard him. There is no answer, so he continues to undress down to his underwear and wades into the water. James is in the back with Amy. He wipes the tears from her cheeks and eyes. JAMES Want a piece of this? James offers Amy a candy bar. AMY No, thank you. JAMES Don’t cry, everything’s gonna be fine. (beat) I’m happy we decided to run away. AMY Kiss me, James. Amy grabs James by the back of his neck and kisses him deeply. They lie down. (CONTINUED)
  • 49.
    48. CONTINUED: Dart frolics inthe moonlit water. Amy takes off James’ shirt and then her own. Dart bathes. James is on top of Amy and their pants are around their ankles. JAMES I love so much you. Amy squeezes her eyes shut in response to the unfamiliar pain. JAMES (CONT’D) I’m gonna stop. AMY No, it’s okay. JAMES You sure? Amy nods. AMY (V.O.) I hadn’t planned on losing it, but since James and me were gonna be together forever, I didn’t think it was that big a deal. Dart gets out of the water and lets himself air dry. Amy still has her eyes closed as the pain begins to subside. After a few moments, she finally looks up and is startled when she sees Dart standing outside the window staring at them. Amy squirms and pushes James away. He turns and Dart continues to casually peer in. They both quickly begin dressing. Dart saunters around to the other side of the truck and leans back against the driver’s side door. He lights a cigarette and chuckles to himself. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER The kids leave the pond and get back onto the interstate. Dart drives while Amy and James sit in the back, too embarrassed to speak.
  • 50.
    49. EXT. ALABAMA -VARIOUS Night time images from the eastern part of the state. EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT The Grand Wagoneer cruises down the dark highway. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart drives while Amy and James sleep in back. Dart sees a digital sign ahead that reads: To Avoid Traffic Stoppage Due to Vehicle Drug Search Take Exit 19 Detour. Dart notices they just passed Exit 18. The next exit is 1/4 mile ahead. DART Police are so stupid. Why would they warn people ‘bout something like that? Dart takes Exit 19 and scrolls through music on Amy’s iPod as he steers down the winding exit ramp. EXT. EXIT 19 - SAME TIME Traffic is backed up forty yards from the merge lane. POLICE OFFICERS have pulled over ten cars and are searching each one. To the side of the road, several MOTORISTS are in handcuffs. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart finally checks the road and is shocked to see the officers and motorists. He takes his foot off the gas. DART It was a goddamn trap! (to James and Amy) Hey, wake up! They don’t respond. DART (CONT’D) Wake the fuck up! JAMES What? What’s going on? DART Look! James sees what’s happening. (CONTINUED)
  • 51.
    50. CONTINUED: JAMES Amy, wake up! Dart brings the car to a complete stop in the middle of the exit ramp. AMY What’s wrong? DART Get the gun. James scrambles over the seat and pulls Dart’s backpack from the floor in front. He unzips the bag and carefully takes out the revolver. AMY Oh, my God. James stares at the weapon a moment then looks to his best friend. Dart keeps his eyes on the road and lets his foot off the brake. James and Amy exchange frightened glances. DART James, you got that pistol ready? James doesn’t respond. DART (CONT’D) James! JAMES Yeah! James looks back at Amy and then turns to Dart. JAMES (CONT’D) I got an idea. Dart snatches the gun from James. DART Are you gonna chicken out on me? JAMES I ain’t chickening out, just listen!
  • 52.
    51. EXT. TRAFFIC STOP- MOMENTS LATER OFFICER FELICIA POTTER, black, 37, spots the Grand Wagoneer parked in the breakdown lane. She shines her flashlight on the vehicle and approaches. Potter looks into the driver’s side window. Dart is in the passenger seat and James and Amy in the back. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS Dart holds the revolver between his legs. POTTER You kids all right? DART Hello, ma’am. Our car ran outta gas and our daddy went to find the nearest station. Potter shines her flashlight on the gas meter. It’s been smashed and is on E. POTTER We’re starting to see a lot more of these with gas prices how they are. Which way did he go? DART Back there. Potter shines the light on Dart’s face. She holds it there a moment and then moves the light over to James. After a short pause, she shines the light on Amy. POTTER You three are brother and sister? JAMES, DART & AMY Yes ma’am. POTTER Blood relatives? DART No, ma’am. We’re with our stepdaddy. AMY But we all live together. We’re from Brevard in North Carolina. Where you from? (CONTINUED)
  • 53.
    52. CONTINUED: POTTER I’m from a place called Hueytown, outside Birmingham. Where’s your daddy taking you? A beat. The kids aren’t sure what to say. JAMES To see his family in New Orleans. POTTER Did your daddy not see there’s a service station right up there? Potter points to the SERVICE STATION next to a nearby overpass. DART No, ma’am. I don’t think he did. Potter opens the door and sits in the driver’s seat. POTTER How old are you kids? DART Me and my brother are 12 and 13, we was born ten months apart, and my sister’s 12. POTTER What’s your names? A beat. DART Chad, but everybody calls me Pimp C. Potter holds in her laugh. AMY Mine’s Rihanna. POTTER Like the singer? AMY Yes ma’am. POTTER My daughter loves her. (to James) And you? (CONTINUED)
  • 54.
    53. CONTINUED: (2) JAMES Uh, James, er, Jimmy. POTTER Nice to meet ya’ll. I’m Officer Potter. (beat) Well...Pimp C, why don’t you and Jimmy step out of the car? Dart looks back at James and Amy. POTTER (CONT’D) Go on. Dart shields the gun and he and James do as they’re told. EXT./INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS The boys stand on the passenger side. Dart slides the revolver into his front pocket. Potter turns to Amy. POTTER Rihanna, have you ever driven before? Amy isn’t sure how to answer. POTTER (CONT’D) C’mon now, you can tell me the truth. You won’t get in any trouble. AMY Yes ma’am, I have. But only in the empty Costco parking lot with my daddy. POTTER Good, come up here then. Potter steps out of the car and opens Amy’s door. As she stands beside the vehicle, Amy looks through the windows at Dart and James and they exchange confused glances. Dart coughs to cover the sound of him cocking the gun and James’ body stiffens. POTTER (CONT’D) What are you waiting for? Most 12-year- old girls would jump at a chance to drive. AMY Ma’am? (CONTINUED)
  • 55.
    54. CONTINUED: POTTER That’s right, you’re driving and your brothers and me are gonna push. C’mon boys. James and Dart are relieved. Dart quietly takes the gun off cock and both boys run around back to help Potter. Amy grips the wheel tightly then finally exhales and takes the car out of park. POTTER (CONT’D) (laughing) Pimp C, huh? Why do you white kids always copy the wrong black folks? EXT. SERVICE STATION - MOMENTS LATER James, Dart, and Potter push the Grand Wagoneer into the parking lot and up to a pump. POTTER Now I’m gonna go back and wait for your father. I can’t believe he left ya’ll on the side of the road like that. What’s his name? DART Joey Roberts. He looks a lot like Jimmy here. POTTER Ya'll don’t go anywhere. I'll come back when I find him. DART Yes ma’am, we'll wait right here for ya. POTTER Here's something to hold you over. Get yourselves some sodas or candy bars. Officer Potter hands Amy a $20 bill. POTTER (CONT’D) You look like three tired puppies. DART Thank you, ma’am, we will. AMY Mrs. Officer, ma’am? Mind if I take a video of you? (CONTINUED)
  • 56.
    55. CONTINUED: POTTER You gotta make it quick, sweety. Amy hurries out of the car. Dart and James stand on either side of Potter. Amy hits record and gives her camera to the officer. AMY Just turn it around and point it at us. Potter extends her arm and stares uncomfortably into the camera. POTTER What do you want me to say? AMY Your name is fine. POTTER I’m Felicia Potter of the Troy, Alabama police department. AMY Thank you! Potter hands the camera back to Amy. She tips her hat and walks off down the highway. Amy and James run toward the store. JAMES We should only spend five and save the rest. AMY Can we spend ten? JAMES Okay. AMY You want anything, Dart? Dart ignores the question. He has spotted an old junker parked in the service area with New Hampshire license plates and goes to have a closer look. 15 MINUTES LATER -- Amy sits in the passenger seat of the Grand Wagoneer and James in the back while they wait for Dart. (CONTINUED)
  • 57.
    56. CONTINUED: Dart closes therear door of the truck and gets into the passenger seat. They all smile at how well that went as Amy starts the car. EXT. CENTRAL ALABAMA - DAY Sunrise the following morning. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - DAY Dart drives. James reads and Amy fights off sleep in back. Empty junk food wrappers and soda bottles are strewn about. Dart watches Amy in the rearview mirror. DART I’m so sleepy. Mind if we change drivers? AMY I’m tired of riding in this car, when are we gonna get to Houston? DART I’m pulling over, I gotta take a nap. James spots an empty church parking lot next to the highway. JAMES How about there? DART You would pick a church. EXT. CHURCH PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS Dart pulls the car onto the gravel and drives around behind the building. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS Dart turns the car off and reclines his seat. Amy and James are still in the back. AMY I’m gonna take a nap too. Amy lays her head in James’ lap and is quickly asleep. James gently places her head on the seat and gets out. EXT. CHURCH - CONTINUOUS James wanders away from the vehicle and spots a playground area. (CONTINUED)
  • 58.
    57. CONTINUED: INTERCUT JAMES ANDGRAND WAGONEER -- Amy and Dart sleep. James walks to the swing set and hops on. Dart and Amy continue sleeping. After a few seconds, Dart’s eyes pop open. DART Amy, you wake? AMY No. DART I can’t sleep up here, it ain’t comfortable. AMY I’m sorry. Dart turns around and closes his eyes again. A few more seconds pass and his eyes open. DART Amy, you sleep? AMY Yeah. DART You think there’s enough room back there for both of us? (beat) Mind if I come back there? AMY No. James continues swinging and debates jumping off at the peak before changing his mind. Dart tries to get comfortable in the back seat. He eventually situates himself and gently shakes Amy. DART Amy. Amy, wake up. Amy mumbles and turns away. (CONTINUED)
  • 59.
    58. CONTINUED: (2) DART (CONT’D) Amy, I wanna talk. (beat) Amy, can we talk? I wanna tell you something. (beat) Amy? Amy still doesn’t respond. DART (CONT’D) Amy, wake up for a second. Amy slowly rolls back over. She can barely lift her eyelids. AMY Hey, Dart. Do you need help with your Geography homework? DART What? Dart realizes Amy is dreaming. DART (CONT’D) I couldn’t get comfortable up there. (beat) You tired? AMY Um-huh. DART I have something I wanna tell you. AMY Okay. A beat. DART Amy, I love you. Amy begins snoring quietly. DART (CONT’D) You hear me? Frustrated, Dart sits up and looks out the windows. DART (CONT’D) Where’s your boyfriend? (CONTINUED)
  • 60.
    59. CONTINUED: (3) Dart watchesAmy a moment longer then begins to KISS and GROPE her. Amy awakens from this rough handling and tries to push Dart off, but can’t move him. DART (CONT’D) What's wrong? Why didn't you act this way with James? Dart grabs both of Amy's wrists with one hand and starts trying to unbutton her jeans. DART (CONT’D) You little slut. AMY James! Dart covers Amy’s mouth and starts sliding her pants off with his free hand. After he finishes removing the pants, he begins tearing at her underwear. Amy fights back with all her strength. Dart releases Amy’s arms and tightens his hand over her mouth. He checks for James and then returns his attention to Amy, but she manages to break free. AMY (CONT’D) James! (beat) James! JAMES (O.S.) I'm right here. James has the .22 pointed at the back of Dart's head. Amy pulls up her pants and scrambles over to the front seat, as James keeps the gun pointed at his best friend. Dart slowly turns around and James PISTOL WHIPS him. EXT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS Amy crawls out of the truck as James backs away from the vehicle. Dart dresses then slowly gets out. James cocks the weapon as Amy comes around to the passenger side to join him. Dart stands and spits out a mouthful of blood. He leans back against the truck. DART What the hell you doing? (beat) (MORE) (CONTINUED)
  • 61.
    60. CONTINUED: DART (CONT'D) You think she ran away just to be with you? Why would she come all this way with the two of us if she didn't love us both? James looks at Amy suspiciously. DART (CONT’D) She wanted it just as much as I did. Ain’t that the truth, Amy? (beat) She just started to scream cause she saw you. Amy gathers herself and lunges toward Dart, slapping and kicking him, as he stands pat with his eyes on James. James pulls Amy off, not convinced by her show of emotion. JAMES You two get in the car. Dart, you're driving. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER They pull back onto the highway. James is alone in the back, still holding the gun on Dart. JAMES Is what he said true? AMY No! But what're you gonna do? I don't want you to hurt him. JAMES Just tell me the truth, Amy. AMY I am. (to Dart) Tell him! Dart keeps his eyes on the road, refusing to look at his accuser. A beat. DART She ain't lying. (beat) I'm sorry. A tear runs down Dart’s face. (CONTINUED)
  • 62.
    61. CONTINUED: DART (CONT’D) I just get so jealous. You got each other and I feel lonely. AMY But Dart, you have us. DART It ain’t the same. JAMES That still don’t make what you did okay. (beat) I don’t think we wanna ride with you anymore. Amy and me will find our own way to Houston. AMY Can’t we just ride with him there at least? He didn’t mean nothing by what he did. JAMES He just tried to...rape you. AMY If he was really trying to, he wouldn’t have apologized like he just did. James is unsure what to do. A beat. He lowers the gun. DART I'll be okay. We just need to get some place and everything’ll be fine. (beat) Will ya’ll ever be able to forgive me? AMY Yes. Dart looks at James in the rearview mirror but he isn’t moved by the apology. Amy smiles hopefully at the two boys. She is still a bit shaken, but tries to be cheerful. AMY (CONT’D) So where we gonna stop next? EXT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS The kids drive west toward the mid-morning sun. (CONTINUED)
  • 63.
    62. CONTINUED: AMY (V.O.) I knew James believed me, he just wanted to believe Dart too. I forgave Dart cause I know he wasn’t trying to hurt me - it was kinda my fault for being alone with him like that. But James knew I was sorry and wouldn't do it again. (beat) All I know is that we’re headed toward a big new city and I have the boy that I love with me, ready to protect me. EXT. NORTHEAST ALABAMA - DAY Later the same day. The Grand Wagoneer approaches. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart drives, Amy is up front and James asleep in back. Dart tries to play some music. DART Your iPod sucks, man. We ain’t been able to use this damn thing for more than half this trip. AMY Let’s just listen to the radio then. Amy scrolls the dial and stops on the first signal. DJ (O.S.) We’re gonna pay some bills right now, but I wanna remind you of the county fair today outside Muscle Shoals. Get on out there and ride the rides and have yourself some cotton candy. Today is the first day, and the weather couldn't be more perfect. Did I mention it’s free for kids under 15? Dart looks over at Amy to see if she heard. DART Well? AMY What? DART Wanna go? (CONTINUED)
  • 64.
    63. CONTINUED: AMY (smiling) Napoleon Abraham Hunter. I can’t believe you wanna go to a county fair. DART Just shut up and ask your man if it’s alright. AMY James! JAMES I’m awake. Yeah, I’ll go. AMY How do we get there? DART I don’t know. Amy spots an OLDER BLACK MAN standing by the road up ahead. AMY Maybe we should ask him if he knows where it is. EXT. HIGHWAY - SAME TIME XAVIER MADDOX, black, 58, in need of a shave, dressed in jeans, black hat and trench coat, is on the side of the road trying to hitch a ride. He holds a guitar case and expertly rolls a cigarette. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - SAME TIME DART We don’t need to ask nobody, we can figure it out. AMY You already got us lost once. JAMES He reminds me of our janitor, Ernest. I bet he'll be nice. EXT. HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS The car pulls over to Xavier and Amy leans out of the window. AMY Hello, sir. (CONTINUED)
  • 65.
    64. CONTINUED: XAVIER Maddox. Xavier Maddox. AMY Hi, Mr. Maddox. My name’s Amy, that’s James and over there’s Dart. XAVIER Hi there. DART (growling) Amy. Amy pulls her head back inside. DART (CONT’D) Why you using our real names? AMY It can’t hurt nothing, he ain’t the police. DART You best hope you’re right. Dart pops up from the driver's side window and sits on the door, looking over the roof of the truck at Xavier. DART (CONT’D) We were wondering if you could tell us how to get to the fair outside Muscle Shoals. XAVIER You kids not from here? AMY No, we’re from...out of town. DART (ducking his head back in) Don’t tell him that. XAVIER Muscle Shoals just happens to be my destination too. I’d be glad to come with you and show you the way. AMY Okay! (to James) (MORE) (CONTINUED)
  • 66.
    65. CONTINUED: (2) AMY (CONT'D) You hear that? Mr. Maddox is gonna ride with us to the fair. Amy gives Xavier her front seat and gets in back. Dart watches Xavier suspiciously as he loads his belongings. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER Amy, Dart, James and Xavier. Xavier’s guitar is propped between he and Dart in the front seat. AMY Are you a guitar player, Mr. Maddox? XAVIER That I am. I’m what you call a Blues Man. JAMES Do you have the blues? XAVIER Not anymore, but I used to. AMY Why? XAVIER Darling, everybody gets the blues at one time or another. You just can’t let ‘em get ya down. Dart isn’t interested in this sort of talk. DART How close are we to the fair? Dart hits a patch of uneven highway and Xavier’s guitar case is thrown open, revealing what’s really inside: some old clothes, several bottles of cheap booze, beat up paperback novels and no guitar. Xavier laughs to himself and relaxes. The kids are not sure what to make of him now. Xavier goes to light a cigarette and spots Dart’s pack of Kools. He puts his hand-rolled cigarette in the boy’s mouth and lights it. XAVIER Those goddamn Menthols are more addictive than regular cigarettes, that’s why they sell ‘em to niggas. (CONTINUED)
  • 67.
    66. CONTINUED: Xavier tosses theKools out the window and opens a small bottle of Scotch. He offers some to Dart. The boy takes a big swig and can barely stay on the road from coughing. XAVIER (CONT’D) Easy there, Dart, you gotta sip it. (beat) Any for you, James? JAMES No, thank you. XAVIER Don’t think I’m being a chauvinist by not offering you any, Amy, but Scotch is more of a man’s drink. AMY Says who? I wanna try. Xavier looks to Dart and James and both shrug their shoulders. Amy snatches the bottle and sips from it. A beat. AMY (CONT’D) Not bad. Xavier laughs as Amy tries to hide the fact that her eyes are watering. XAVIER Already drinking the boys under the table. You’re my kinda girl, Amy. Dart is annoyed at being shown up. XAVIER (CONT’D) So what you doing down here from North Carolina? Visiting kin folk? Dart tries to figure out how Xavier knows where they’re from. Xavier lights a cigarette for himself. XAVIER (CONT’D) (off Dart’s reaction) Your inspection sticker. I’ve done so much traveling, I got almost every state’s memorized. AMY What’s your favorite place in the whole world you been to? (CONTINUED)
  • 68.
    67. CONTINUED: (2) XAVIER I'd have to say where I grew up. Good ole Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Don't ever forget your homes, kids. Xavier smacks the back of Dart’s head to make sure he’s paying attention. XAVIER (CONT’D) You listening? Home is like your mamma: no matter how bad you treat her or how long you leave her for, she'll always welcome you back. (beat) When you heading home to the Tarheel State? DART We don't know yet. XAVIER Well don't stay gone too long. The Grand Wagoneer passes a sign that reads: Muscle Shoals Next Exit. DART How close are we to the fair? XAVIER It should be coming up here on your right. EXT. FAIR GROUNDS - MOMENTS LATER A parking lot packed with PARENTS and excited KIDS. The Grand Wagoneer approaches. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart finds a parking spot close to the street. AMY You wanna come with us? Dart stares daggers through Amy. XAVIER I would love to, honey, but I need to be on my way.
  • 69.
    68. EXT. GRAND WAGONEER- CONTINUOUS The kids and Xavier get out. AMY You sure? XAVIER Yeah, but I thank ya for asking. Say, you kids wouldn’t happen to have a few dollars Uncle Xavier could borrow to get himself some lunch, would ya? AMY Yes. Amy digs in James’ pocket and pulls out ten dollars before he can object. She gives the money to Xavier. JAMES If we’re letting you borrow it, how are you gonna pay us back? Xavier only smiles. AMY Be quiet, James. XAVIER You kids have a good time, and make it back home safely. Xavier kisses Amy on the cheek and shakes hands with James. Dart slaps Xavier five. Xavier gives the boy his tobacco and rolling papers. Xavier places his hands on Dart’s shoulder and looks into the boy’s eyes. He shakes his head, troubled by what he sees. Xavier heads off toward the road. AMY Mr. Maddox! Amy hands Dart her video camera and she and James run to stand beside Xavier. AMY (CONT’D) Okay, we’re ready. Dart hits record. (CONTINUED)
  • 70.
    69. CONTINUED: AMY (CONT’D) How much further to your house? XAVIER A little ways down the road. (beat) You take care of these boys, okay? AMY I will. XAVIER Okay, gotta go. Xavier walks away from the kids. AMY Bye, Mr. Maddox, it was nice meeting you! Dart records Xavier disappearing into the distance. DART Ya’ll ready or what? AMY This is gonna be cool. JAMES I hope it really is free. They walk toward the gate. DART Shit. I forgot something in the truck. Go head, I’ll catch up. Dart jogs back to the Wagoneer and gets the .22. He tucks it and runs to catch up with his friends. EXT. MUSCLE SHOALS FAIR - LATER James, Amy and Dart have chosen the bumper cars first. Dart holds the gun in his right pocket and stares angrily at his best friend. CUT TO: EXT. STRIP CLUB - SAME TIME The small brick building next to a two-lane highway is beside a busy truck stop. Several rigs are parked out front.
  • 71.
    70. INT. STRIP CLUB- CONTINUOUS A clientele consisting primarily of TRUCKERS watches weary- eyed DANCERS perform on the tiny stage. The music isn’t loud enough to drown out the various profanity-laced conversations taking place. Over in front of the television at the bar, Xavier downs half the water in his small glass and motions to the FEMALE BARTENDER, late 40’s. XAVIER Hey there, sweety. Could you turn up the news on that TV? The bartender nods and points the remote at the small flat screen. When she isn’t looking, Xavier discreetly pours Scotch from one of his small bottles into his glass. EXT. MUSCLE SHOALS FAIR - SAME TIME James and Dart compete at the skeet-shoot for stuffed animals as Amy watches. James wins and selects a big pink elephant for his girlfriend. The boys step back from the game and Dart puts his arm around James’ neck. He pushes Amy away. DART Why don’t you go get lost for awhile? Let me hang out with my best friend. I did know him first, in case you forgot. AMY All right. You boys behave. Amy walks off and Dart tightens his hold around James’ neck. They come to the edge of the concession stand and go around the back. Dart shoves James forward and stares at him. Dart keeps his right hand on the gun in his pocket. DART You having a good time, James? JAMES Yeah. Aren’t you? DART Right. Dart continues to fiddle with the weapon. (CONTINUED)
  • 72.
    71. CONTINUED: JAMES So what’s up? Dart glares at James for a long beat. DART What is this thing that happened with Amy gonna do to our friendship, James? JAMES I don’t know. (beat) You really sorry? DART What you mean by that? JAMES I don’t know, just asking. I guess God’s the only one who’ll ever know for sure. DART Right. James waits for Dart to continue. A beat. JAMES Shouldn’t we make sure Amy’s all right? DART She’ll be okay. (beat) Let’s talk seriously for a second. What were you planning on doing back there when you had that gun on me? Were you gonna shoot me? JAMES No. Dart you know I’d never do that. Me, you and Amy are like family. Brothers and sisters fight all the time, and that’s all that was -- a fight. Dart chuckles. DART I knew you were full of shit. You ain’t got enough thug in ya to bust a cap in somebody.
  • 73.
    72. INT. STRIP CLUB- SAME TIME Xavier watches TV and nods to the local SHERIFF’S DEPUTY, who has taken a seat at the end of the bar. EXT. MUSCLE SHOALS FAIR - SAME TIME Dart and James continue talking. JAMES Would you have shot me? DART That’s a stupid question. Dart turns his back to James and pulls the gun out to look at it. James peeks around the corner of the concession stand, looking for Amy. Dart faces James and holds the gun behind his back. DART (CONT’D) I told you she’ll be okay! JAMES Sorry. You wanna go back to the skeet shoot? DART I think we can make everything right again. You just have to trust me, alright? Dart grabs the back of James’ neck. INT. STRIP CLUB - SAME TIME Xavier sneaks more liquor and flirts with the bartender. The NEWS ANCHOR begins a segment. NEWS ANCHOR Next is a story from our Nashville affiliate, regarding a convenience store robbery in Tennessee yesterday, that is connected to a case of three teenage runaways from a small town in North Carolina. A REPORTER does a stand up outside the convenience store. REPORTER Thank you. I have to begin by adding a recent development. (MORE) (CONTINUED)
  • 74.
    73. CONTINUED: REPORTER (CONT'D) A blog written by Amy Wilson, the 12-year- old girl who ran away with her two best friends, was recently discovered. On the blog, Amy, along with her 13-year-old friends Napoleon “Dart” Hunter and James Roberts, talks of committing suicide if any attempt is made to return them to their poor hometown in the mountains of Appalachia. Xavier charms the bartender and glances over her shoulder at the TV. NEWS ANCHOR Now how did authorities come across this blog? REPORTER Police here discovered a wallet belonging to the father of one of the boys. When he was contacted and heard the description of the assailants, a simple Internet search of their names was done. Photos of Amy, Dart and James appear. Xavier recognizes the kids’ faces and drops his glass. EXT. MUSCLE SHOALS FAIR - MOMENTS LATER Amy meanders about and is eventually joined by James and Dart. INT. DEPUTY’S CAR (MOVING) - SAME TIME Xavier is in the front seat with the Sheriff’s Deputy from the strip club as they speed toward the fair grounds. XAVIER Speed up, man! They enter the parking lot and Xavier jumps out before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Xavier is trailed by the Deputy as he runs through the entrance and frantically looks around for the kids. He spots a FAIR EMPLOYEE and gives her a description. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER The kids have just left the fair. They enter Mississippi without even noticing. James drives, Dart is in the passenger seat and Amy is in back with her pink elephant. (CONTINUED)
  • 75.
    74. CONTINUED: DART You know I let you win that skeet shoot, don’t ya? I didn’t wanna embarrass you in front of your woman. James laughs at the lie. DART (CONT’D) Remember that time we went hunting with Luke Nelson’s daddy? Who shot that duck? JAMES That duck was already dead. DART But I still blasted his ass. Click- clack! JAMES I guess you did. Remember the time Kenny Whiteside’s cat come in my front yard and you shot it with my BB gun? DART See, I’m telling ya. I’m a helluva marksman. AMY Didn’t Kenny’s cat only have three legs? DART Shut up, girl. AMY And it was blind in one eye too. They all laugh. EXT. MUSCLE SHOALS FAIR - SAME TIME Xavier, the Deputy and others search the fair grounds for the kids as the sun goes down. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - NIGHT Later that evening. The kids ride on as the sun finally goes down. AMY Can we stop? (CONTINUED)
  • 76.
    75. CONTINUED: DART What for? We ain’t been on the road but three, four hours since the fair. AMY I need to get something for tomorrow. DART We don’t got no money, so we’re just gonna have to go hungry. AMY I’m not talking about food. JAMES What do you need to get? AMY I can’t say, it’s personal. Amy leans back in her seat, dejected. DART Oh, I bet I know what it is. Is it that time of month? Amy ignores Dart. DART (CONT’D) Is it? That's so nasty. AMY It means I’m a woman now. DART That don’t make you a woman. AMY Yes, it does. I can have children now. DART Antoinette Johnson had two kids before she was 15, and she ain’t no woman. (beat) What I don’t understand is, why you don’t bleed to death? A POLICE SIREN blares and the kids freeze as the CRUISER approaches. The car gets right beside them then passes. As soon the car is out of sight: (CONTINUED)
  • 77.
    76. CONTINUED: (2) DART (CONT’D) We’re ain’t pulling over to get no goddamn Maxi-pads. EXT. WILSON HOME - SAME NIGHT Through the large bay window we see Mr. and Mrs. Wilson having a heated discussion with Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. The men have been drinking. INT. WILSON HOME - CONTINUOUS The two fathers are drunk, and it’s only increased their anger. Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Roberts have grown weary trying to keep them calm. MR. ROBERTS Jake Hunter doesn’t even have the decency to come see us about the kids. Bottom line: He don’t respect our families. MR. WILSON That man’s a bum. MR. ROBERTS Rumor is, he raised his hand to Amy. MRS. ROBERTS Now don’t go spreading gossip. MR. WILSON Who told you that? MR. ROBERTS Doesn’t matter. Question is, what’re we gonna do, Rodney? (finger to Mr. Wilson’s chest) What are you gonna do? Mrs. Wilson hands her husband a bottle of water. MRS. WILSON He’s not gonna do anything except pass out, and hopefully start talking with some sense when he wakes up in the morning. Mrs. Wilson puts her arm around her husband, but he SHOVES her into the wall. (CONTINUED)
  • 78.
    77. CONTINUED: MRS. ROBERTS Rodney! (to Mr. Roberts) Do something. Mrs. Wilson retreats to the bedroom and Mrs. Roberts follows. Mr. Roberts downs another shot of liquor. Mr. Wilson tosses his beer bottle then grabs car keys. MR. WILSON Come on. EXT. DART’S APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER Mr. Wilson’s car screeches to a halt and he and Mr. Roberts jump out, ready to rumble. Jake lounges on the porch with his Girlfriend. JAKE What’s up, boys? Thought I told ya’ll I don’t sell dime bags no more. But if it’s something stronger you’re looking for... Messrs. Wilson and Roberts are upon Jake before he can even get to his feet. They PUNCH, KICK and STOMP him with a crazed ferociousness. INT. DART’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS Jake’s girlfriend runs inside as she watches the men take out their frustrations on her boyfriend. Even the crowd of jaded RESIDENTS who have gathered to see the latest neighborhood spectacle are surprised by the brutality of the attack. Jake’s girlfriend watches the men through a window. She dials 911, but only lets the phone ring twice before hanging up -- maybe he’s getting what he deserves. She checks on Grandmama Hunter then goes to bed. EXT. CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI - DAY The following morning. The Grand Wagoneer approaches. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Dart drives, James and Amy sleep in back. The bright sun shines on Amy’s tired face. She wakes up from a dream, surprised to still be in the truck. (CONTINUED)
  • 79.
    78. CONTINUED: Amy feels moistureon the back of her new pants and sees they’re stained with blood. AMY We gotta stop! EXT. CONVENIENCE STORE - MOMENTS LATER James jumps out of the Grand Wagoneer and helps Amy. INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - CONTINUOUS Amy and James enter. Amy grabs a box of tampons. JAMES But we spent the last of our money at the fair. Amy slips the box under James’ shirt and they head toward the exit. An EMPLOYEE, female, 40ish, has seen what Amy and James have done and blocks the door. The kids turn around. AMY Give ‘em to me. Amy rips open the box and the contents scatter across the floor. She picks up a tampon and continues toward the rear as the Employee follows. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - SAME TIME Dart tries to see what’s taking so long and gets out. INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - SAME TIME The Employee reaches Amy and snatches the tampon. She drags her to the front of the store. EMPLOYEE You kids better get outta here before I call the cops! Dart enters. AMY But I just need one! DART Let her go! (CONTINUED)
  • 80.
    79. CONTINUED: The Employee isabout to push the small boy out of her way until Dart lifts his shirt, revealing the .22 in his waistband. She releases Amy’s arm. James and Amy run to the parking lot. DART (CONT’D) Now don’t you call the police on us. Dart picks up several tampons from the floor and backs out. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER Dart speeds away from the convenience store. James is with Amy in back. DART Ya’ll are so goddamn stupid! All you had to do was grab ‘em and run out. Anybody chasing us? AMY I tried, but she saw me! DART You’re gonna get us caught! Make sure ain’t nobody coming. James looks out the rear window. The coast is clear. AMY I’m sorry, Dart, it’s all my fault. DART Damn right it was! (beat) What are you gonna do with that thing now? AMY I have to put it in. Ya’ll close your eyes. DART I’m not closing my eyes, bitch, I’m driving. AMY Well, don’t look, okay. Close your eyes, James. Amy unzips her pants. (CONTINUED)
  • 81.
    80. CONTINUED: DART Stupid. Fucking stupid, bitch! Dart reaches over the back seat and SLAPS Amy across the face. Amy’s shock at being hit by her friend is greater than any pain she might feel. JAMES She said she was sorry. You can’t hit a girl like that. DART Ya’ll have pissed me off so bad, that I don’t wanna hear another peep from you for the rest of the day. Yeah, don’t say nothing, not a single word, till sundown. You hear me? All I want is a nod! James and Amy are quiet until: JAMES (to Amy) You gonna be alright? DART That’s it! Dart turns the car off the road. EXT. HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS Dart jumps out, reaches through the rear driver’s side window and snatches James by his hair. Dart tries to pull him through, until James opens the door and falls to the ground. Dart punches James repeatedly in the back of the head while he’s down. James eventually gets to his feet and charges Dart, lifting him up then slamming him to the ground. The two boys grapple and James overpowers Dart. James then climbs on top and pummels Dart into submission. James chokes his best friend with both hands and the boy’s face goes purple. He looks up and sees Amy stumbling away from the car in a daze. James slowly releases his grip and follows after Amy. JAMES I’m sorry, I’m sorry. It’s gonna be okay. James turns Amy around and kisses her. They share a long embrace then James suddenly collapses. (CONTINUED)
  • 82.
    81. CONTINUED: Dart has struckhim with a jagged piece of asphalt from the side of the crumbling highway. He slams the mini boulder to the ground and it shatters into pieces. Dart grabs one of James’ legs and starts dragging his limp body. DART What you waiting for? Help me get him in the car. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - MOMENTS LATER Dart is behind the wheel with Amy crying next to him. James lies in the back seat, unconscious and bleeding from the back of his head. DART Quit crying, he ain’t dead. (beat) Now let’s get this show back on the road. Dart keys the ignition and peels out. EXT. MISSISSIPPI - VARIOUS The region transitions to night and back to sunrise again. EXT. TRUCK STOP - EARLY MORNING A combination truck stop/restaurant. The Grand Wagoneer emerges from the light fog and parks in the far end of the lot. INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS Dart is up front. Amy is in the back with James, who is still unconscious. DART Come on. A patch of dried blood is under James’ head. AMY James? Amy makes sure he’s still breathing. AMY (CONT’D) We’re just running inside to use the bathroom. We’ll be right back.
  • 83.
    82. INT. TRUCK STOP- CONTINUOUS Dart leads Amy toward the restrooms. They pass the ATTENDANT, late 50’s. ATTENDANT Morning. DART How you? (to Amy) Hurry up, woman. Amy enters the restroom and Dart stands century outside. He glances at a television tuned to CNN inside the restaurant. DART (CONT’D) Holy shit! Pictures of Amy, Dart and James are on the screen followed by a photo of the Grand Wagoneer along with the license plate number. Dart picks up the important snippets as he drifts into the restaurant: CNN ANCHOR Three kids from North Carolina...suicide pact...store robbery...Alabama and heading west. Dart can’t contain his excitement. DART Hell, yeah! IN THE REAR OF THE RESTAURANT -- Highway patrolman TROOPER TODD DAVENPORT, white, 39, watches the report as he eats his breakfast. Davenport sees Dart from behind and takes note of the boy’s enthusiastic reaction, but isn’t sure what to make of it. He returns his attention to the TV. INT. TRUCK STOP RESTROOM - SAME TIME Amy exits the stall and walks to the sink. She washes her face and neck and checks her reflection in the mirror. She’s startled by how bad she looks. AMY (V.O.) I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing anymore. I missed daddy so much. I even missed Brevard.
  • 84.
    83. INT. TRUCK STOP- SAME TIME The CNN report comes to an end and it occurs to Dart he might be recognized. He lowers the brim of his hat and steps into a blind spot where he can watch for Amy but not be seen. INT. TRUCK STOP RESTROOM - SAME TIME Amy takes out her phone. She debates for a moment then powers it on. She has several voice messages and texts from concerned friends. She gets an incoming call from her father. Amy silences the ringer, fearing Dart might hear. Mr. Wilson hangs up but immediately calls back. Amy decides to answer. MR. WILSON (O.S.) Amy? Amy, you okay? Can you hear me? (beat) I just want you to know that nobody here is mad at you we just... Amy hangs up. A beat. She takes a deep breath then dials *67 and her father’s number. MR. WILSON (O.S.) (CONT’D) Hello? (beat) Hello? (beat) Hello? Amy? Amy turns her phone off. INT. TRUCK STOP - SAME TIME Trooper Davenport finishes eating and heads to the restroom. INT. TRUCK STOP RESTROOM - SAME TIME Amy turns the handle to exit. INT. TRUCK STOP - SAME TIME Dart can only see the door of the women’s restroom as he casually shop lifts first aid supplies. Trooper Davenport is a few feet from the men’s room as the door to the women’s begins to open.
  • 85.
    84. INT. TRUCK STOPRESTROOM - SAME TIME Amy is about to step out, then remembers something. She turns back around and flushes the toilet. INT. TRUCK STOP - SAME TIME Trooper Davenport enters the men’s room and Amy exits the women’s right after his door closes. Dart quickly walks over. DART We’re famous. AMY What? Dart hurries her to the door. DART We made the news. All three of our mugs were just on that TV in there. They even found out bout your blog and everything. (laughing) I guess somebody other than me and James does read it. They exit. Davenport comes out of the restroom and sees a Grand Wagoneer in the parking lot. He freezes until the truck drives away, revealing its NEW HAMPSHIRE PLATES. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER The kids travel along a two-lane highway through the morning fog. Amy drives and Dart is in the back seat with James, who is beginning to regain consciousness. DART Good news, best friend! Open your eyes and listen to what I’m saying. Dart sits James upright. He grabs one of his white T-shirts and wets it with alcohol. DART (CONT’D) You are looking at the Notorious D-A-R-T! Dart cleans the blood from James’ face and head and fashions a crude bandage around it. (CONTINUED)
  • 86.
    85. CONTINUED: JAMES Ah, that stings. (beat) What are you talking about? INT. TRUCK STOP - SAME TIME Davenport picks up some snacks for the road and heads to the register. DAVENPORT Don’t see how folks can afford to drive all the way down here from New Hampshire with these gas prices. ATTENDANT New Hampshire? Who? DAVENPORT Folks in that Grand Wagoneer. ATTENDANT Them kids didn’t sound like they was from no New Hampshire to me. DAVENPORT Parents are probably from around here then. Down visiting family. ATTENDANT Can’t say. Didn’t see ‘em come in. DAVENPORT Oh. ATTENDANT You through playing detective and ready to pay me? DAVENPORT Yes sir. INT./EXT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER Dart tosses his blood stained T-shirt out the window and puts his arm around James. Dart has wiped most of the blood from his friend’s head and face. James is still very groggy. DART You’re good as new, Jimmy boy, good as new. (CONTINUED)
  • 87.
    86. CONTINUED: Dart pours waterinto James’ mouth, but half the liquid ends up on his shirt. Dart then kisses his best friend’s head and gets blood on his lips. He wipes his mouth on James’ clothes. Amy watches the boys in the rearview mirror. She tries to hide her concern. AMY Feeling better? DART He’s fine, just got his bell rung, that’s all. JAMES Did they say we were going to jail or anything like that? DART Nope. (beat) Man, I hope Jake saw it. Now, whenever we go back to Brevard to visit, we’ll be celebrities. JAMES When we get to Houston can we find a Bojangles? I’m craving their dirty rice. AMY They don’t have Bojangles there. DART How do you know? This is your first time outta North Carolina. AMY (under her breath) My daddy went there to see his cousin William last year and told me. Dart realizes he’s losing Amy. DART But you might be right. It’s my first time outside North Carolina too. (beat) James, Amy. I wanna apologize for the way I been acting since we left. I swear I’ll be better once we get off the road and out this vehicle. (CONTINUED)
  • 88.
    87. CONTINUED: (2) James smilesbut Amy isn’t so sure. DART (CONT’D) What ya’ll wanna do when we get to Houston? JAMES Maybe go fishing. You wanna go fishing when we get there? DART Fishing’s for hicks, we’re going to the city. Houston has lots of cool shit to do. You seen all the videos. JAMES We can still go fishing, though. DART (friendly) James, don’t start acting like a ‘neck when we get to H-Town. Leave that mountain shit in the mountains. We’re gonna need to blend in. AMY How much longer do you think it’ll be till be get there? Dart spots James’ bible on the floor of the back seat. He picks it up and slowly peels it open. AMY (CONT’D) Dart? Dart doesn’t look up. DART Should be there by manana. EXT. TRUCK STOP - SAME TIME Trooper Davenport checks his tire pressure then gets in his cruiser. INT. STATE TROOPER’S CAR - CONTINUOUS Davenport keys the ignition and scans the license plates of the cars in the parking lot. All are from neighboring states. (CONTINUED)
  • 89.
    88. CONTINUED: DAVENPORT New Hampshire, huh? Might make a good road trip someday. Davenport drives off in the opposite direction of the kids. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER Dart quietly flips through the bible as Amy watches him curiously. DART How often do you pray, James? JAMES I say thanks before every meal and at night before I go to bed. Sunday and Wednesday service too of course. DART You mind if I say a prayer for us, to thank God for the good luck we had on this trip so far? And to bless us before we get to Texas? AMY When was the last time you even went to church? JAMES Reverend Foster says the place to find the biggest sinners is at Sunday service. (to Dart) I think saying a prayer’s a good idea. Dart sticks his tongue out at Amy. INT. STATE TROOPER’S CAR (MOVING) - SAME TIME Davenport rides along with no destination, lost in thought. He passes local residents heading to work and kids waiting to catch the bus to school. Davenport picks up his radio. DAVENPORT This is Davenport. (beat) This is no biggie, just curious. Can you run a license plate for me? DISPATCH (O.S.) Go ahead. (CONTINUED)
  • 90.
    89. CONTINUED: DAVENPORT It’s from New Hampshire and it’s license number... DISPATCH (O.S.) Did you say New Hampshire? DAVENPORT That I did. And it’s not a big priority, so if it can’t be done don’t worry about it. DISPATCH (O.S.) I’ll do my best. EXT. DIRT ROAD - MOMENTS LATER The kids have parked under a tree. Amy and James sit before Dart as he stands holding the bible with one hand the .22 with the other. Amy inspects James’ head wound and is stunned by the size of it. DART My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I know I ain’t spoke to you since mama died, and I know I’m wrong for that. But Lord, I loved mama so much that I was mad at you for taking her away. (beat) But being on this trip has showed me that your plan was to put me with my new family. I now see that Amy and James are the brother and sister I shoulda had all along. It took me getting out of Brevard to recognize it. (beat) So as we start our new lives together, I beg you to look over us and protect us from people who wanna hurt us and break up our family. And I ask for your forgiveness for all the things I done and for all the mistakes I’m still gonna make. Thank you, Lord. James has tears in his eyes. JAMES AMY Amen. Amen. EXT. TWO-LANE HIGHWAY - SAME TIME Davenport has pulled his car to the side of the road to assist with a minor accident caused by the fog. (CONTINUED)
  • 91.
    90. CONTINUED: DISPATCH (O.S.) Davenport? I got an interesting hit on those New Hampshire plates. (beat) You there? (beat) Davenport? Davenport doesn’t hear the dispatcher. INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER The kids are back on the highway. Dart drives, James is up front and Amy in back. James still looks bad, but he’s trying to be in good spirits. JAMES How we gonna decide which school to go to in Houston? DART How’re you gonna decide, you mean. I ain’t going back. JAMES I wanna keep going to school. I liked it. DART If that’s what you wanna do. But, shit, I might wanna go back too. Who knows? Amy is happy to see the boys getting along. AMY We could all be in the same grade. DART Only if genius here let’s himself be held back like ole Dart was. James and Amy can’t help but laugh. EXT. TWO-LANE HIGHWAY - SAME TIME Davenport speeds away from the traffic accident with his sirens blaring. INT. STATE TROOPER’S CAR (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS Davenport heads in the same direction as the kids. (CONTINUED)
  • 92.
    91. CONTINUED: DISPATCH (O.S.) Should we have a road block set up? DAVENPORT Hell no! These kids wrote on that blog that they’ll kill themselves if they’re about to get caught. DISPATCH (O.S.) What are you planning on doing then? DAVENPORT Stop talking to you for one. Other than that, I don’t know yet. Davenport turns off his radio. INTERCUT DAVENPORT AND THE KIDS -- Amy, Dart and James. DART Hey, did you know the schools in Houston got metal detectors? So we ain’t gotta worry about nobody bringing a gun in or nothing like that. Amy takes out her video camera and hits record. She points it at Dart. AMY How’s your day going so far, Mr. Hunter? Dart turns to Amy and smiles. DART It’s going good. AMY Is it all right that I’m recording you? DART Don’t mind at all. Davenport weaves through the small amount of traffic here as the fog begins to clear a bit. He’s over 85 m.p.h. now and kills his siren once he’s passed the other cars. Amy, James and Dart. Amy continues recording. (CONTINUED)
  • 93.
    92. CONTINUED: AMY We’ll be in Mississippi soon. (to Dart) Is that right? Is that the next state? DART We’re in Mississippi. Been here for awhile. (beat) M-I-cricka letter-cricka letter - I- cricka letter-cricka-- AMY M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I. DART That’s wrong. It’s M-I-cricka letter-I- cricka letter-cricka letter-I-P-I. You can’t spell for shit, girl. AMY I thought that was right. (beat) Is Oklahoma after this? DART I think so. We should be crossing the Mississippi River in a couple hours. We’ll be out west then. The kids stop at a red light. Dart looks in the rearview mirror and sees a Mississippi State Trooper (Davenport) pull up behind him. Davenport pretends to not pay attention to the car in front of him. The light turns green and the kids pull away. Davenport stays put until the honking of cars forces him to get moving. Dart continues watching the State Trooper. DART (CONT’D) Yes sir, we’ll be on the west side by the end of the day. Davenport waves the cars behind him around to put a cushion between him and the kids. He watches Dart make a right turn while everyone else goes straight. Dart checks the rearview and doesn’t see any cars behind them now. James struggles to stay awake. (CONTINUED)
  • 94.
    93. CONTINUED: (2) AMY (to James) You wanna lay down back here? You sleepy? JAMES I’m fine. Thank you though. Dart reaches back over his shoulder and takes Amy’s hand. DART Go head and take a nap like your man, baby girl. I’ll hold it down for awhile. Davenport has finally taken the same right turn as the kids. DAVENPORT Dispatch, I want you to contact the local PD and see if they can get some unmarked cars out here. Set up a phoney fender bender or something to make them stop. You got that? DISPATCH (O.S.) Will do. The kids pass through another intersection with four-way lights. DART Seriously, Amy, you can... Dart looks back at Amy and she has quickly fallen asleep, without even bothering to turn off her camera. He looks into the passenger side mirror and sees the Mississippi State Trooper run a red light behind him. Davenport immediately knows he’s being too aggressive. DAVENPORT Shoot! Dart keeps his eye on Davenport and accelerates. James and Amy give up trying to get some shut eye. JAMES Why you going so fast? DART Mississippi police is back there. JAMES They after us or just out? (CONTINUED)
  • 95.
    94. CONTINUED: (3) DART Can’t tell. But I know how to find out. Dart signals and pulls off the road. Davenport sees what the kids are doing and has no choice but to continue past them. The kids watch Davenport continue driving. Dart turns the car around and heads in the opposite direction. DART (CONT’D) Guess I’m just paranoid. (beat) We gotta get on a faster road. Take us forever to get to Houston at this rate. JAMES And we’re going the wrong way too. (beat) We passed a sign a ways back saying the Interstate was in the direction we were just going. DART For real? All right. Dart turns into a parking lot. He circles back to the exit and waits for traffic to pass, so he can make a left turn. After this last car, Dart will be able to get back on the highway. The vehicle gets closer and Dart sees it’s Davenport. DART (CONT’D) Shit! I knew he was after us! Dart speeds away in the opposite direction of Davenport. INT. STATE TROOPER’S CAR (MOVING) - SAME TIME Davenport knows his cover has been blown. He does a three- point turn in the middle of the road and hits his siren as he heads after the kids. INTERCUT DAVENPORT AND THE KIDS -- AMY What’re we gonna do? DART Got no choice but to try and outrun him. (CONTINUED)
  • 96.
    95. CONTINUED: JAMES In this thing? Dart knows it’s unlikely, but guns it anyway. DAVENPORT (into his radio) Goddamn it, they saw me. Might as well let the police in the area know. Try to set up a road block if you can and I’ll do my best to catch ‘em. Davenport quickly approaches top speed and is soon within a dozen yards of the kids. Dart looks around the slow-moving cars ahead of him and sees there is no oncoming traffic. He decides to pass and makes it back into his lane before they go into a curve. Davenport prepares to pass as well but is thwarted by the oncoming traffic. Dart checks his mirrors and Davenport isn’t there. JAMES We lose him? DART Looks like it. Davenport leans on his horn and the cars finally pull aside to let him through. The kids ride in silence. James and Amy make eye contact and he assures her everything will be okay. Dart’s eyes are locked on the rearview mirror as they continue to pick up speed. Amy finally looks at the road in front of them. AMY Dart! Dart swerves to avoid hitting a group of SCHOOL CHILDREN waiting to catch the bus. He runs off the elevated road and CRASHES into a ditch. Dart and James are thrown into the dashboard. The side of Amy’s head slams against the back of the driver’s seat and she falls to the floor as the vehicle fills with smoke. DART Ya’ll all right? Amy touches her ears. (CONTINUED)
  • 97.
    96. CONTINUED: (2) AMY I can’t hear nothing. I can’t hear! The rest plays out in silence from Amy’s POV. Dart unsuccessfully attempts to drive out of the ditch. Amy watches Dart yell that he’s not going back to Brevard. He tries his door but it’s jammed, so he kicks James’ door open. EXT. TWO-LANE HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS They tumble out with their belongings and run across the road into a CORN FIELD on the other side of the highway. Davenport speeds toward them. EXT. CORN FIELD - CONTINUOUS The fog is heavier here as the kids run deep into the patch of long stalks. Amy and Dart have to hold on to James so he can keep up. They eventually make their way to a clearing. Dart asks James a question and yells something at Amy. AMY What? I can’t... Dart drags Amy closer to James and she drops everything she was carrying. BY THE HIGHWAY -- Davenport looks out over the corn field from the elevated road, but the fog prevents him from seeing much of anything. He wades in. BACK AT THE CLEARING -- Still from Amy’s POV with no sound. James continues searching his bag and Dart yells at him to hurry up. James finds the .22 and Amy realizes what is about to happen. James struggles to load the weapon and accidentally drops the bullets. Dart can’t hide his disgust, but his best friend is eventually able to retrieve the bullets. James then freezes. (CONTINUED)
  • 98.
    97. CONTINUED: Dart shoves himand James regains his composure. He expertly cocks the pistol, steps to Amy and gently places the revolver against her forehead. Amy’s body stiffens. James lowers the gun and takes it off cock. He tells Amy that he loves her. Amy reads his lips. AMY (CONT’D) I love you too. They share a kiss through their tears. James pulls back the hammer and raises the gun again. He tells Amy to close her eyes. FADE TO BLACK Silence. BANG! Amy’s hearing returns. She opens her eyes and sees James has killed himself with a bullet through the chin. Davenport hears the gun fire and picks up his pace. He yells into his radio. DAVENPORT We have shots fired! I’m in the corn field off highway 98. Blood has splattered on Amy and Dart. Both kids are in shock and stare down at their dead friend in disbelief. They hear Davenport in the distance. Dart kneels with his back to Amy and wrenches the .22 from James’ hand. When he turns around, Amy is gone. DART Amy! Get your ass back here now! Amy! Dart takes off after her. INTERCUT AMY, DART AND DAVENPORT -- Amy zigzags through the corn stalks, looking back over her shoulder for Dart. Davenport reaches the clearing and is shocked by the gruesome sight. DAVENPORT James... (CONTINUED)
  • 99.
    98. CONTINUED: (2) Davenport dropsto his knees to check for a pulse, but the child is dead. Davenport fights back tears and struggles to his feet. He then doubles over and vomits. Dart hunts Amy. DART You know you ain’t getting away from me! We made a promise to go together, Amy! Amy crouches and watches Dart head in the wrong direction. DART (CONT’D) Don’t make me shoot you! Davenport hears Dart’s voice as he continues throwing up. He regains his composure and takes off toward the sound. The fog is beginning to clear and Amy tries to figure out which direction the highway, and safety, is. Dart stops and turns around. DART (CONT’D) Amy! I hear you! Davenport picks up Dart’s voice. DAVENPORT Dart? Amy? Don’t do it! Dart breaks into a sprint through the stalks. Amy hears Davenport. She looks back and spies Dart heading in her direction. Davenport climbs atop a small mound, but when he scans the field, still cannot see anyone. Amy decides to stop running and find a place to hide. Davenport, still on the mound, looks back toward the highway and sees traffic has stalled because a car has hit the Grand Wagoneer. A SCHOOL BUS full of MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS is among the vehicles. From their high vantage point, the kids can see everything. DART (O.S.) Damn you, Amy! Dart raises the gun above his head and FIRES into the air. (CONTINUED)
  • 100.
    99. CONTINUED: (3) With thatDavenport is finally able to pinpoint Dart’s location. He draws his weapon, waves to the BUS DRIVER to get the kids out of here then takes off. Several students begin recording video and snapping photos with their phones. Amy bunches stalks together to create a better hiding place, and she can see Dart getting closer. Davenport moves in Dart’s direction at a steady clip. DAVENPORT Dart! Dart hears his name and turns to look, without realizing he is a few feet from Amy. He tries to decide what to do. Amy doesn’t even breath as bugs crawl over her arms and face. Davenport continues heading toward the kids. DAVENPORT (CONT’D) Amy?! You all right? Davenport doesn’t see anyone and abruptly changes directions. DAVENPORT (CONT’D) Dart! Dart sees Davenport and cocks his weapon. DART Amy! Amy clenches her teeth as sweat drips into her eyes. DART (CONT’D) Amy! (beat) Bitch! Dart puts the gun to his temple and his hand shakes violently. He steadies the pistol with his free hand and manages to hold it still. Dart FIRES. Amy watches Dart fall to the ground a few feet from her. Davenport hears the shot behind him and reverses course again. Amy crawls over to her dead friend. AMY Oh, Dart... (CONTINUED)
  • 101.
    100. CONTINUED: (4) DAVENPORT (O.S.) Amy?! Dart?! AMY Why did they have to chase us? (beat) Why didn’t they just let us go? Amy reaches for the .22. The weapon is warm to the touch and bloody. She picks it up and examines it, torn between keeping her promise or staying alive. Davenport is on his radio. He has slowed a bit and still cannot see Amy or Dart. DAVENPORT (deflated) I think I lost them. At least one of them is dead, maybe two. Get some people over here! Amy sits Indian style next to Dart with the gun in both hands, weeping uncontrollably. She can hear Davenport. DAVENPORT (CONT’D) Amy! Amy carefully slides the barrel of the gun into her mouth. She fingers the trigger and is startled when Davenport stumbles upon her. They lock eyes and neither can utter a word... DISSOLVE EXT. BREVARD - VARIOUS Nothing has changed since we were last here. INT. LOCAL NEWS STUDIO - DAY Two ANCHORS. ANCHOR #1 Hello Transylvania County and welcome to the 5 o’clock news. Our top story again today is the tragic case of the three youths who ran away from Brevard last week. (beat) (MORE) (CONTINUED)
  • 102.
    101. CONTINUED: ANCHOR #1 (CONT'D) The story is receiving national coverage, in part due to the circulation of video and photos taken by Mississippi middle school students who witnessed the violent conclusion from their school bus. We see samples of the media in question. ANCHOR #1 (CONT’D) Reporters from around the country have descended upon the area, and are giving the region a brand of attention many locals are unhappy about. Clips of REPORTERS being spurned in their attempts to interview BREVARD RESIDENTS. ANCHOR #1 (CONT’D) There has yet to be an official statement from the parents. However, members of the media received word this afternoon that the father of one of the kids will be speaking to the press. (beat) We now go live outside the home of Rodney and Elizabeth Wilson. EXT. WILSON HOME - SAME TIME A sizable media contingent waits on the front lawn. INT. WILSON HOME - CONTINUOUS Mr. Wilson wears a clean button down and his hands shake as he attempts to finish the knot on his necktie. Mrs. Wilson watches the commotion in her front yard from a nearby window. BREVARD POLICE are here as well. The TV is turned to news coverage of the “Brevard Three”. Mr. Wilson spots her husband struggling with his clothes and crosses to the bathroom to help. MRS. WILSON You know you don’t have to do this. They manage to get the tie on properly. MR. WILSON Turn that TV off. Mr. Wilson heads to the door. He takes a deep breath and steps outside.
  • 103.
    102. EXT. WILSON HOME- CONTINUOUS Mr. Wilson is barely out the door when REPORTERS begin hurling questions at him. He decides against descending the stairs of the front porch and takes a small slip of paper from his pocket. MR. WILSON I decided to speak to ya’ll today, not to answer your questions ‘bout what happened with my daughter and her two friends. (beat) Because I know this ain’t nothing but a way to hold people’s attention between commercials to you folks, and as soon as the next tragedy goes down you’ll be outta here. (beat) People like us are only good to remind the rest of ya’ll how nice you got it. Ain’t no globalization benefitting us, we ain’t part of no ‘New World Economy’. We’re just a bunch of regular folks who feel like we been left behind. Mr. Wilson chucks his notes. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Sniffing round here like we some kinda exotic people, living the way we do, talking like way we talk. Didn’t nobody give a damn bout this side of Brevard, where don’t no tourists come and don’t no retirees decide to settle, until what them kids did. (beat) But since you won’t leave us be like we asked and let the community mourn its losses, I felt I had to... A CAMERA MAN places a muddy boot on the bottom step of the porch to balance himself. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Now I was kind enough to allow you people on my property, but I asked you to respect my home. Please remove your foot from the porch. Mrs. Wilson cracks the front door open and watches her husband. (CONTINUED)
  • 104.
    103. CONTINUED: The Camera Mandoesn’t hear Mr. Wilson’s request. Mr. Wilson stomps down the stairs, grabs the Camera Man’s leg and throws him to the ground. Mrs. Wilson runs out of the house. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) What you want from us?! You got your story! Mr. Wilson pushes members of the various news crews in an attempt to drive them out of his yard. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Go back to New York! Go back to L.A.! We don’t want your attention! Mrs. Wilson tries to restrain her husband. MR. WILSON (CONT’D) Where were ya’ll at when the paper mill went bankrupt five years ago and 600 people lost their jobs? When Dupont shut down? When kids in elementary school started selling meth and crack? (beat) You want a story to report, I’ll give ya a story! From a bedroom window upstairs, Amy watches the commotion in her front yard. INT. AMY’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Amy is dressed in pajamas and in the throws of PTSD. AMY (V.O.) I know that what we went through was terrible, and that people want me to say how much it was a mistake, and it was. (beat) But I don’t feel too bad, cause I did what I did with one of my best friends in the world and the boy that I loved. No one can understand that. I’ll never have two people like them again. Amy sees her father punch and kick several people as the Brevard Police run out of the house. (CONTINUED)
  • 105.
    104. CONTINUED: AMY (V.O.) (CONT’D) I guess if I could talk to a girl my age, I would tell her not to run away from home, no matter how bad where she’s from is, I mean of course I would. The Police grab Mr. Wilson and he slugs one of them. He’s eventually wrestled to the ground and put in handcuffs. AMY (V.O.) (CONT’D) I just miss Dart and James so much, and don’t know if I’m gonna be able go on without them. Amy crawls back under the covers of her unmade bed. FADE TO BLACK A montage of the video footage Amy has taken over the past eight days. FADE OUT Insert title card: “I’m afraid of children my own age. They kill each other. Did it always used to be that way?” From “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. Published 1951 THE END