Address: Goa, India
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INT./EXT. HENRY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
A party. Twenty-one-year-olds are walking around, laughing, chatting, taking shots, puking, falling over and helping each other up - not necessarily in that order - in different rooms of the house and the backyard.
EXT. HENRY'S HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT
There are golden-yellow fairy lights strung up along the walls of the expansive backyard.
KAYLEE (21), reserved and prone to selling herself short, looks tired as she pours soda into a cup at the drinks table. HENRY (21), pissed and meaning business, charges towards her.
HENRY
Your friend's being a real drag, you know that right?
KAYLEE (deadpan)
She's a nice person, I swear.
HENRY
Well, she may or may not be killing the vibe of the evening. This wouldn't have anything to do with Brittany being here, would it?
KAYLEE
Is she here yet?
HENRY
She just walked in.
BRITTANY enters the backyard, mingling with the others. There's a warmness to her, and you feel it in the way she interacts with the other guests and carries herself. The moment you see her, you can tell: she's nice.
Kaylee sees her make her entrance.
KAYLEE Fuck.
She hurries off, leaving her drink behind on the table.
EXT. HENRY'S HOUSE - BACKYARD
Away from the crowd, among a few other partygoers with joints and cigarettes, the passably confident and far from cool, THEO (21) and JAKE (21) stick out, not quite fitting in.
Jake, with a cigarette in his mouth, holds a matchstick and matchbox.
THEO
I tried it a billion times. I'm telling you it doesn't work.
JAKE
Do you need a cigarette?
THEO
I do.
JAKE
Could you light it yourself?
THEO
Nope.
JAKE
So then sit tight and let me light it for you.
THEO
Fine.
Kaylee hurries over and stops right before them.
Jake looks at her.
Hi Kaylee!
JAKE
The match strikes the box and ignites.
KAYLEE
Hi Jake.
JAKE
Ar-..
Theo looks at her, bemused.
THEO
KAYLEE (CONT'D) (to Theo) I need to talk to you.
Are you sure you have the right person?
KAYLEE
It's important.. and urgent, we think.
THEO
We?
KAYLEE
Well me, mostly.
THEO
I don't really appreciate Julia sending you here to deliver a mess-
KAYLEE She didn't send me. But I do need to talk to you.
THEO
About what?
She looks at the smokers behind them, who are looking right back at her.
KAYLEE
Could we go somewhere?
THEO Fine.
Kaylee grabs Theo by the hand.
Jake, who has been noticeably left out of this exchange between the two, looks at their hands intertwined.
Kaylee and Theo leave.
HENRY (O.S.)
Young love.
Henry walks up next to Jake, who flinches as the matchstick burns all the way up to his fingers.
HENRY (CONT'D) So convo-fucking-luted.
Jake takes the cigarette out of his mouth as he watches Kaylee and Theo walk away.
JAKE
Hey Henry, where's Julia?
HENRY
She's getting hammered in the kitchen. May or may not be killing the vibe of the evening.
Jake storms off towards the kitchen.
HENRY (CONT'D)
I'm leaning more towards may.
EXT. HENRY'S HOUSE - BACKYARD
There's music playing and the partygoers in the distance dance to it.
Kaylee is pulling Theo by the hand.
THEO
I think I'd like it if you told me what was going on, Kaylee.
She sees Brittany laughing with a few guests in the distance.
KAYLEE
Let's just find a place with no one around.
She leads him a little further before, Theo stops and Kaylee turns around.
THEO
I'm afraid here will have to do.
Kaylee hesitates.
KAYLEE
You need to get back together with Julia.
Theo is perplexed.
THEO
Are you unaware of the last screamfest that ended with the both of us swearing we would rather die than look at each other again?
KAYLEE
I am not.
THEO
And you think the best thing for me and Julia is more of that?
KAYLEE
Look those weren't some of your finest moments. You said some pretty fucked up things..
THEO
And she did too..
KAYLEE
And she did too but, Theo I've known you for so long. And I've known Julia longer. The two of you.. worked.
THEO
For about forty percent of the time.
KAYLEE
That forty percent was one of the best things that ever happened to her. And I know it was good for you too.
THEO
How would you know?
KAYLEE
You looked.. happy. You don't look happy very often.
THEO
That I can agree with but the rest of this not so fucking much. That last month was terrible for the both of us and I'm pretty sure she's mentioned that multiple times since we broke up.
Theo leans in.
THEO (CONT'D)
So why do you want us to get back together?
INT. JULIA'S ROOM - EVENING
Kaylee sits on Julia's bed.
KAYLEE
Because you could lose him.
In front of an open cupboard, sits JULIA (21). She's tall and attractive, which automatically made her one of the college "it girls", much to her reluctance to live up to that title.
She holds a pair of tops in her hands: one blue, one green. Her fingers caress the fabric of the blue top.
JULIA
He bought this for me, you know. He said it looked very.. me.
KAYLEE
Julia.
Julia stops caressing the top, sets both of them down on the floor and starts walking towards her mirror and make up kit..
KAYLEE (CONT'D)
If the rumors are to be believed, and Brittany does have a crush on Theo.. she's going to ask him out.
..and sits down on a stool.
KAYLEE (CONT'D)
Tonight. And.. apparently they've been talking.
She starts doing her make-up.
JULIA
If he wants to move on, maybe I should let him.
KAYLEE
You would be making a very very big mistake.
Julia stops and slightly turns her head towards Kaylee.
JULIA
And why would I?
KAYLEE
Because he's nice.
She resumes doing her make-up.
JULIA
Nice by comparison. And I have set the bar very low for that comparison.
KAYLEE
He's also nice in general.
Kaylee walks over and kneels next to her.
KAYLEE (CONT'D)
And he cares about you. He understands you. He makes you laugh. He gets you nice things.
JULIA
I got him nice things too.
KAYLEE
And he loved you. He really did.
You feel a soft, innocent sense of envy in Kaylee's description of Theo. She wishes he loved her the way he loved Julia.
Julia stops doing her makeup. She's messed up her eyeliner.
KAYLEE (CONT'D)
He's everything you want. If you let him go, he won't be around anymore. And you could lose everything you wanted, just like that. So, maybe you should get back together with him.
Julia looks at her messy make-up in the mirror, and exhales.
JULIA
Why can't I ever get this right?
KAYLEE
I could help you.
Julia smiles at Kaylee.
JULIA
Thank you, Kaylee. But I think I can manage. I hope. When do we leave for the party?
KAYLEE
Seven-thirty? I need to get home and change.
She stands and starts walking to the door.
JULIA
And do your eyeliner.
Kaylee smiles.
KAYLEE
Oh, I was thinking you could give me a hand with that.
JULIA
I mean, I definitely could. Are you keen on having an eye poked out?
Kaylee stops by the door and turns around to face Julia.
KAYLEE
Could you make it both eyes if it's not too much trouble?
JULIA
I will try my very best.
The two smile at each other.
Kaylee turns to put her hand on the doorknob.
JULIA (CONT'D) Kaylee.
KAYLEE Yeah?
JULIA
I'm not.. a bitch. Am I?
KAYLEE What?
JULIA
Theo called me that. At the Christmas party.
KAYLEE
Julia, that last month was..
JULIA
I know. I know. I said things too. But, am I?
Kaylee smiles.
KAYLEE
Couldn't be one even if you tried. Wear the blue top. I'll see you at seven-thirty.
Julia blows her a kiss goodbye.
Kaylee shuts the door, and Julia looks at the blue and green tops lying on the floor.
JAKE (V.O.)
You called her a bitch at the Christmas party?
EXT. FIELD - AFTERNOON
Theo and Jake are walking. Jake holds a bowl in his hand while Theo holds a stack of letters and notes in his.
THEO
I was discreet about it but, yeah. I think that was the big turning point for the two of us.
JAKE
Do you think she's a bitch?
THEO
No. God no. She just, got on my nerves sometimes. If anything, I thought she was cool. Very cool. A little out of my league even.
JAKE
'A little', you say.
THEO
Ha ha.
Both of them come to a halt.
JAKE
Is this far enough?
Theo looks around.
I suppose.
THEO
Jake places the bowl on the ground. Theo stuffs the papers into it, staring at them for a second before he stands up.
JAKE
Are you okay?
THEO
I didn't realize there were that many.
Shall we?
JAKE
THEO
Might as well.
Theo tries lighting a matchstick with the matchbox we saw earlier.
THEO (CONT'D)
It doesn't light.
Jake takes it from him, and a few strikes later, fire. He drops the match into the bowl. The notes catch fire and smoke appears.
JAKE
Do you feel better?
Theo stares on for a beat.
THEO No.
Jake watches his friend.
JAKE
Let's go back to my place. We have time until the party.
INT. JAKE'S BEDROOM - EVENING
Jake sits on his bed and Theo sits by the window, eating from their respective bowls of noodles. Jake looks at Theo.
JAKE
Is that enough? I could only find one packet.
THEO
It's enough.
Theo puts a forkful of noodles in his mouth.
JAKE
Can I ask you something?
THEO Mm-hmm.
JAKE
In the last month, why did you and Julia fight so much? I don't remember you fighting before that.
THEO
We had fights before. It's just that towards the end, they got.. louder.
JAKE
Why?
THEO
I got sick of her. And I got sick of the things that made me sick of her. Which was pretty terrible, because I was still.. very much in love with her.
Theo twirls his fork in his bowl.
JAKE
I have another question.
THEO Shoot.
JAKE
How did you ask her out?
THEO
Oh. I didn't. Remember the field trip to the planetarium? I was just minding my own business, when she came up to me. We talked for a little bit and then, she asked me if I wanted to hang out. I obliged and.. we did. We hung out. We spent the whole time talking. And I loved talking to her. It was easy. After hanging out so many times, being together.. felt right. It just.. it felt like I found my person.
Jake resonates with that last sentence.
THEO (CONT'D)
And she felt the same way.
Theo looks at his bowl, lost in thought.
THEO (CONT'D)
We knew we were "boyfriendgirlfriend". We didn't even have to say it.
He smiles.
JAKE
Is she going to the party?
THEO
I don't know. Brittany is.
Jake twirls his fork
JAKE
I have another ques-..
THEO (reassuring)
You don't have to do that.
JAKE
What?
THEO
You don't have to ask me if you can ask me a question. You can just ask me the question. I won't have you castrated and hanged, I promise.
JAKE
Okay. How did you.. get her to see you?
Theo stops eating.
Huh?
THEO
INT. HENRY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Jake urgently walks through Henry's house, past other partygoers and some very physically affectionate couples.
INT. HENRY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
The kitchen is spacious and modern. Julia, wearing a fashionable jacket with the green top only slightly peeking through, sits on the floor, eyes wide, with empty bottles and blue plastic cups around her.
Jake walks in and stands before her.
JULIA
Scotty!
Jake.
Jaaaake!
JAKE
JULIA
She's the reason the bottles are empty, and the empty bottles are the reason her speech is slurry.
JAKE
I need you to do something.
JULIA Why do you do that?
JAKE
Do what?
JULIA
The whole, declaring.. or something.. of how you want someone to do a thing or that you're going to ask them to do a thing. It's weird. Kind of always has been.
JAKE
I'm being polite.
JULIA
Excessivelyyy. What do you need me to do?
JAKE
Get back together with Theo.
JULIA
Why?
JAKE
The two of you were.. good together.
JULIA
And you're in love with Kaylee, and you think she's going to ask out Theo.
Jake stares at her, shell-shocked.
INT. HENRY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN
SMASH CUT TO:
Jake is sitting on the floor next to Julia, who is pouring some alcohol into her plastic cup..
JAKE
It's like my existence hasn't even registered to her. ..and then holds the bottle over his cup.
JAKE (CONT'D)
Just soda for me, thank you.
She pours soda into both cups.
JULIA
But you two are friends.
JAKE (perking up) She said that?
JULIA
Maybe.
JAKE
Good friends?
JULIA
She said you were friends, Jake. Moreover, the four of us have hung out a lot. And the two of you ARE close.
JAKE (perking up again) She told you that?
JULIA I know that.
JAKE
I don't know. I just don't think she can see me sometimes.
JULIA
Your theory is that Kaylee is blind?
JAKE Selectively.
JULIA
In all of the time the two of you have been around each other in the last eight months, have you ever pissed her off or rubbed her the wrong way?
She takes a sip of her drink.
JAKE
I don't think so.
JULIA
So then why would she be blind specifically when it comes to you?
Jake stares ahead, lost in thought.
EXT. PARK - EVENING
The massive green park is mostly empty with the exception of a few seniors on their daily walks and a family of three lying on the grass, taking in the serenity around them.
Kaylee paces around, tapping at her phone, and then holds it up to her mouth.
KAYLEE
Hey. I'm here already. When are you guys getting here?
She sends the voice recording with a worried look on her face.
JAKE (O.S.)
They're not coming.
She turns around to see Jake holding two badminton rackets.
KAYLEE
Oh. Hey Jake.
JAKE
Hi Kaylee.
KAYLEE
Are you sure they aren't coming?
JAKE
Theo said he and Julia don't really want to be around each other for a little while.
Her suspicion confirmed, she's saddened by this information. Jake notices that.
He holds out one of the rackets.
JAKE (CONT'D) (smirking)
I'll let you win this time.
She can't help but smirk back.
EXT. PARK - EVENING
The shuttlecock that Jake and Kaylee played their game of badminton with, lies on a flat stretch of green, as their shoes mark the lengthwise boundary of their informal 'court'.
KAYLEE (O.S.)
I still think it landed in your half.
Jake and Kaylee are sitting on the grass looking at it.
JAKE
Kaylee, that is well over the line.
KAYLEE
There's no line, Jake. The line here is an idea at best.
JAKE
I mean the midpoint. (pointing)
From my shoes to yours, dead-center in the middle: that's the midpoint, where the line 'would' be. And the shuttlecock is over the line.
KAYLEE
I think you're losing it.
JAKE
I think you're upset you lost that game.
KAYLEE
Which is understandable because you said you were going to let me win.
JAKE
I thought you could tell I was lying.
She laughs, and gazes into the distance as her smile fades. Jake sees her lost in thought.
JAKE (CONT'D)
Are you okay?
She exhales.
KAYLEE
Do you think they're being stupid? Julia and Theo.
JAKE What?
KAYLEE
I think they are.
JAKE They have problems.
KAYLEE
Well, they shouldn't. How don't they realize that they.. have a chance?
JAKE
To do what?
KAYLEE
To have each other. To see each other through and through, and love what they see. Even the ugly bits.
She brings her knees to her chest and hugs them.
KAYLEE (CONT'D) (under her breath) Wonder what that's like.
There's so much Jake wants to say to her, but you feel him holding himself back.
JAKE
People see you, Kaylee. They do.
He keeps his gaze focused on her, but she never turns and rests her chin on her knees.
KAYLEE
I'm sure.
He watches her lose herself in thought again.
JAKE (V.O.)
I don't know.
INT. HENRY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN
We're back to Julia and Jake at the party.
JAKE
Maybe there's just.. not that much to look at.
He lowers his head, staring into his cup.
She watches him, amused by his statement and sets her drink down on the floor.
JULIA
My advice? The next time there's a girl you fancy, leave the self-pity party and go tell her.
JAKE
What if she tells me she doesn't feel the same way?
JULIA
You'll be older and wiser.
He takes a sip of his soda.
JAKE
Can I ask you something?
JULIA
Fire away.
JAKE
How did you know?
JULIA
About you and Kaylee? I've known for a while. I told Theo about it too and he didn't believe me. You were always very.. bashful around her. More bashful than normal. And doting. Very doting. You were always like..
She raises her hands for comedic effect.
JULIA (CONT'D)
"Hi Kaylee. Is everything okay, Kaylee?" "I'm going to the store. Would you like a bottle of water, Kaylee?"
She drops them.
JULIA (CONT'D)
It was a little adorable actually. And sweet. Very sweet.
JAKE
Did you ever tell her?
JULIA
I was hoping you'd be the one to do that.
JAKE
Guess there's no point in doing that now.
JULIA
You heard.
JAKE
And.. saw. Does she actually like him?
JULIA
Not really.
JAKE
Oh. So why aren't the two of you hanging out right now?
JULIA
We had a disagreement over the top I was wearing.
INT. JULIA'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Kaylee stands by the door.
KAYLEE
What the fuck are you wearing?
The green top, no fashionable jacket.
JULIA
The fall collection, I think.
KAYLEE
Why aren't you wearing the top Theo got you?
JULIA
I didn't feel like it.
Kaylee walks into the living room.
KAYLEE
Okay well, go back and change, and wear the bracelet he got you.
JULIA
Why?
KAYLEE
What do you mean 'why'?
JULIA
Why do you want me to deck myself up with 'Theo mementos'? I like this top. It's chic. I bought it and I'm going to wear it.
You see the frustration in Kaylee's expression.
KAYLEE
I've told you about Brittany. I've told you Theo's been talking to her. And I've told you that you could lose him and potentially never see him again. After everything, Julia, is that what you really want?
Julia waits a beat, seeing through Kaylee's question.
JULIA
Do you like Theo?
KAYLEE What?
JULIA
You did know him before I did. And, when Theo and I were together, a rumor went around that you, had a bit of a soft spot for him. (MORE)
JULIA (CONT'D)
I didn't really think anything of it back then because there's always rumors, about everybody. It's even been going around again actually. (taking a deep breath)
Do you like him, Kaylee?
Kaylee is flustered, her face scrunching.
JULIA (CONT'D) How long?
KAYLEE
You're my best friend.
JULIA (calm but firm)
For how long have you liked him?
KAYLEE
Since before the field trip to the planetarium.
Julia is taken aback.
KAYLEE (CONT'D)
But then the two of you started hanging out and then you started dating and you were so good together. You worked in a way that the two of us, wouldn't have. I was happy for you.
Julia walks over to Kaylee and hugs her.
JULIA
I'm so sorry.
She eases on her embrace.
JULIA (CONT'D)
You kept this to yourself for so long?
Kaylee nods.
KAYLEE
I wanted to tell you and I wanted to talk about it because all of it ate at me for so long but.. I thought it would've messed things up between you and him, and then you and me. I didn't want to mess everything up.
Kaylee lets go of Julia. Julia keeps her hands on Kaylee's shoulder.
JULIA
Nothing could do that, Kaylee. Believe me.
Kaylee smiles.
JULIA (CONT'D)
If I knew back then, I swear I wouldn't have-..
KAYLEE
I know. You're a good friend. Which is why I'm telling you to not just throw this away.
JULIA (smiling)
Are you sure you're not just saying that because you want Theo around?
KAYLEE (smiling)
I'm fairly certain.
Julia's smile fades.
JULIA
I don't know about this. Theo and I worked for a while, but then we didn't, which is what I thought was going to happen. It's what always happens.
KAYLEE
The key difference being, this was the first time where things ended and you really really hated that they did. Deep down you knew that you wanted this to last. You knew you found your person. (beat)
Wear the top he got you. And the bracelet.
JULIA
I think I need to think about it.
Kaylee frowns.
Okay.
KAYLEE
She slowly picks up her purse from where she left it and moves to the front door.
KAYLEE (CONT'D)
You'll do what's right. I know you will.
She opens the door and is half-way out of it.
JULIA
Why do you want things to work out for us so much?
Kaylee stops, turning to Julia..
KAYLEE
I know he wasn't perfect. I know he said things, and that he could be a bit of an idiot sometimes. And he hurt you, which you shouldn't let him forget. But you were so lucky, Julia. I don't think you know what you had. And I don't think you realize that not everyone gets to have that. (beat)
I'll see you at the party.
..and then walks through the door.
Julia lies down on her couch, leans against a cushion and closes her eyes.
JULIA (V.O.)
What are you thinking about?
INT. JULIA'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Theo is laying on Julia's bed looking at the ceiling. Her room is well lit, with sunlight coming in through the window.
THEO Things.
Julia is laying beside him in the same position she was laying on her couch.
JULIA
What kinds of things?
He smirks.
THEO
Oh different kinds of things, Julia. Some of which might prove to be a tad bit too complex for the likes of you.
Julia smiles and punches him in the arm playfully.
JULIA
Tell me.
He waits a beat, bringing himself back from being lost in thought.
THEO
Your art. I think it's really great.
JULIA (smirking)
Why thank you, Theo.
THEO
No, I mean. I really mean that. Don't let.. work or someone that doesn't.. understand what you're doing or doesn't understand how personal it is to you, make you feel like what you're doing isn't important, because it is. You are.. so good at what you do.
JULIA
I didn't know you felt that way.
THEO
I never told you?
She shakes her head.
He turns his head to her.
THEO (CONT'D)
Oh. Guess I should've told you then.
She smiles.
Yeah.
JULIA
THEO
We should do this more often.
JULIA
You mean do nothing?
THEO
Yeah. It's nice.
He rests on his side and faces her.
THEO (CONT'D)
Don't you think?
JULIA
Mm-hmm.
He smiles.
Julia's eyes focus on Theo's and slowly her smile disappears as her face turns serious.
Theo buries his face in the pillow he's sleeping on.
THEO
How are these pillows so soft?
JULIA (CONT'D)
You're going to always be here right?
He slowly lifts his face from out of the pillow.
Her breathing is a little heavier now.
THEO (CONT'D)
How do we keep getting here?
JULIA
I just want to know.
THEO
Why do you have to keep asking me that?
JULIA
Because we're not always like this. She sits up.
JULIA (CONT'D)
I mean we've been fighting so much lately.
Theo sits up.
THEO
We weren't fighting now.
JULIA
I just asked you if you're going to be there.
THEO
What do I do to imply that I won't be?
She tilts her head.
THEO (CONT'D)
I told you I didn't mean that.
JULIA
You never told me why you said it.
THEO
I was an idiot that said the wrong thing.
JULIA
That's not a reason. Why did you even feel like saying I was a bitch in the first place?
THEO
For the billionth time, I was an idio--
JULIA
Just tell me why, Theo!
THEO
For fucks sake!
Theo stands, takes a step towards the door but stops himself and turns around.
THEO (CONT'D)
You wanna know why I said it, right?
JULIA
Yes, I do.
THEO (CONT'D) You really wanna fucking know?
THEO (CONT'D)
I said it because you piss me the fuck off, Julia. (pause)
It's like you don't even think about the things you say sometimes. (MORE)
THEO (CONT'D)
You've been insinuating that I'm going to leave you from the moment we hit three months together and you don't believe me when I tell you that I don't want to do that and after four months of that shit I am fucking tired. It's like you just forgot everything about us. How easy it was be around each other. No pretenses. No pretending. We were ourselves. And at the Christmas party, you joked about me leaving you around everyone from college.
JULIA
I've never had anyone stick around for more than three months. Even when I thought it was going to la-..
THEO
That's because your old boyfriends were idiots! How hard is it for you to see that? You didn't even tell them about your art. Kaylee was the only person in the world that knew, until you told me. Is that not enough of an indication that this is different? I love you for you.
INT. JULIA'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Julia opens her eyes.
THEO (V.O.)
(it pains him to say it)
And sometimes I feel like I don't even know why.
She sits up and rubs them.
JULIA (V.O.)
Why didn't you ever tell me these things bothered you when they bothered you?
CUT TO:
CUT BACK TO:
INT. JULIA'S BEDROOM - MORNING
She's standing now.
JULIA
If being ourselves around each other was one of the founding principles of our relationship how come you never felt comfortable telling me this? You shut yourself off, Theo. You stopped.. talking.. to me. Like you used to. You used to be honest with me about everything, but now it's like I have to fit pieces of a puzzle together just to figure out what you're thinking about.
THEO
Why do you need to know what I'm thinking about?
JULIA
So that I know what I need to do to avoid arguments like these.
THEO
That's common sense, Julia. It's the type of thing people know. How did you think I was going to feel when you said those things? I'm not even asking you tip-toe around stuff, I'm just asking you to be a little fucking considerate.
JULIA
How am I supposed to be considerate when I don't even know what I'm supposed to be considerate about? I know something's off with you only when you blow up at me.
THEO "Something's off"?
JULIA (CONT'D)
That's why I keep asking you how you are. I just want you to talk to me, Theo.
THEO (CONT'D)
So you know when something's "off"? Like I'm insane like some sort of a fucking lunatic.
JULIA
I didn't mean it like that.
THEO
Maybe Julia, your former boyfriends were onto something.
JULIA
Theo, I didn't mean it like that.
THEO
I'm starting to see why they left. They are not the problem here, you are. You see the worst things in people, even when they aren't there. And then you try to convince them that they are.
Julia looks at Theo, heartbroken and defeated.
INT. CORRIDOR TO JULIA'S APARTMENT - EVENING
The door slams shut, and Theo stands a few feet away.
He turns his head slightly as he contemplates going back, but walks down the corridor.
KAYLEE (V.O.)
Why are you pussyfooting around this, Theo? You know this is the right thing to do.
THEO (V.O.)
No. I really.. really.. don't.
EXT. HENRY'S HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT
We're back to Kaylee and Theo at the party.
THEO
I don't even know if I'm good at this whole.. relationship.. thing. I was so terrible to Julia, Kaylee. I hurt her. If we get back together, I am going to keep hurting her because clearly, I can't handle these things. I don't know how to. Things go well, I get scared and then I.. blow up.
KAYLEE
So you're just never going to get into one?
THEO
I don't know. I know I want to put this behind me. I wanted to give it another go, with somebody else but even with that-
BRITTANY (O.S.)
Hi, Theo!
Brittany walks up to Theo and Kaylee, with a warm smile on her face.
KAYLEE Fuck.
THEO
Brittany. Hello.
BRITTANY
Hi, Kaylee. I didn't mean to interrupt.
KAYLEE
But somehow, you did.
BRITTANY
I'll come back later. I wanted to talk to you about something, Theo. It can wait but.. I wanted to talk to you about something.
KAYLEE
I think he'll be tired later.
THEO
You think I'll be tired?
BRITTANY Oh.
THEO (CONT'D)
I'm not fifty.
BRITTANY (to Theo)
Could I talk to you now then?
Theo looks at her, caught a little off-guard.
Kaylee catches his off-guardedness.
KAYLEE
It'd be best if you fuck off.
THEO
Kaylee!
BRITTANY I'm sorry. I'll go.
THEO (CONT'D)
No, Brittany. You don't have to go. Kaylee's just..
He looks at Kaylee
THEO (CONT'D)
I don't know what's gotten into Kaylee actually.
BRITTANY
Oh. So the rumors are true?
KAYLEE
Who told you about the rumors?
THEO
What rumors?
BRITTANY (to Theo)
Are you blind, Theo?
KAYLEE (to Brittany) I will tackle you to the ground.
BRITTANY (to Kaylee)
He doesn't know, does he?
THEO
What the fuck are you two talking about?
KAYLEE (to Theo) Nothing.
Kaylee turns to Brittany.
KAYLEE (CONT'D) He doesn't know. And he doesn't need to.
JAKE (O.S.)
Kaylee, there's something you need to know.
Jake stands a few meters away from the three.
Brittany's face lights up.
BRITTANY
Hi, Jake!
JAKE
Good evening, Brittany.
He walks over.
JAKE (CONT'D) (to Kaylee)
There's something that I have wanted to tell you for a very long time.
JULIA (O.S.)
Don't do it!
Julia hustles towards them, veering left, veering right. Never really walking straight. To be fair, she's hammered.
JULIA (CONT'D)
My judgement was mildly askew. For the love of god don't do it right now.
Other partygoers turn to face the four.
JULIA (CONT'D)
Think it through.
Julia sees Brittany.
JULIA (CONT'D) Hello.
Brittany waves.
Julia turns to Theo and the two make eye-contact.
JAKE
Every time I thought it through, I convinced myself not to. I don't want to wait. Kaylee, considering the rumors aren't true and you don't want to spend the rest of your life with Theo.
THEO
What the fuck?
KAYLEE Whoa whoa whoa.
JAKE
I wanted you to know that over the course of the last eight months, I have completely fallen for you. You're one of my favorite people. I see you through and through and I love everything I see. I just wish I told you sooner.
KAYLEE
You thought I wanted to marry Theo?
BRITTANY
That is what the rumor implies.
KAYLEE
I'm twenty one years old. And more importantly! I'm rooting for him and Julia!
THEO/JULIA
(flustered)
Okay.
BRITTANY
I thought the two of them broke up.
KAYLEE
They did but you aren't going to succeed in keeping them apart.
BRITTANY
Why would I want to keep them apart?
KAYLEE
I've heard the rumor.
BRITTANY
I don't understand.
KAYLEE
What are you? Dense? So you can have him all to yourself.
BRITTANY
I don't like Theo.
THEO
You don't?
BRITTANY
I like Jake.
Everyone turns to Jake.
BRITTANY (CONT'D)
I was going to ask Theo to introduce me to him tonight. You know, to make something happen.
THEO
But you've been talking to me.. for a whole week.
BRITTANY
I wanted to build a rapport with you, before I asked you to introduce me. I thought you could be my wingman.
Julia sniggers and puts her hand over her mouth.
Everyone turns.
Sorry.
JULIA
BRITTANY (to Theo)
Even when we talked, I asked about Jake a lot.
THEO
I thought you were just terrible at socializing.
Brittany shakes her head.
BRITTANY
Sorry, Theo.
Theo looks at her disappointedly. Brittany looks at Kaylee. Kaylee looks at Jake, and Jake turns to Julia.
JAKE
Now what do we do?
JULIA
I don't know. I don't really know what.. this.. is.
HENRY (O.S.)
It's a shit-show.
Henry is standing a few meters away from the group.
HENRY (CONT'D) (heartbroken)
A fucking shit-show. I just wanted to have a nice party. Everyone gets along. Everyone laughs, dances. But somehow..
He raises his hands to helplessly gesture to the group.
HENRY (CONT'D) ..this.
KAYLEE
We're sorry HeHenry raises his hand to silence her.
HENRY
No. Time-out. For all of you.
Theo makes an 'Is he serious?' face.
JAKE
We won't be a bother anymore.
HENRY TIME-OUT. BY THE FLOWERS. NOW.
EXT. HENRY'S HOUSE - BACKYARD
There's music playing but there's no one dancing. Everyone's standing together in their own cliques, talking.
HENRY
You see what you did?
The five are sitting on the ground in a line, with flower pots arranged behind them.
Henry is standing next to them, holding his drink, looking at the little crowds of people.
HENRY (CONT'D)
You've made them all jealous.
KAYLEE
With what?
HENRY
Your.. clique-ness. You're always getting into shenanigans and doing things together. It makes people feel like they're missing out.
JAKE
Other people have cliques.
HENRY
I know. But your clique, cliques the loudest.
Henry turns to the group.
HENRY (CONT'D)
By a longshot. Everyone needs to know what a dysfunctional quirky little group of idiots you are.
BRITTANY
I'm actually new here.
He turns back.
HENRY
If I pointed out to that person and I asked you what their name was, would you be able to tell me? Kaylee?
KAYLEE No.
HENRY
What about that one? Julia?
JULIA Nope.
HENRY
That one over there? Do you know him? Theo?
THEO
I can't tell who you're pointing at.
HENRY Dumb fuck.
JAKE (to Theo) He meant that rhetorically.
HENRY
We've all spent four years with each other. But you know less than half of them. (MORE)
HENRY (CONT'D)
I barely know them too, which is why I wanted us to bond at the party tonight, and hang out. As a group, like a singular group. Like a unit.
He sips his drink.
HENRY (CONT'D)
There'd be a lot less fucking rumors that way, I'll tell you that much.
THEO
What if they don't want to do that?
HENRY
My life is split up into chapters, Theo. This one is almost over. So I wanted to get to know everyone that was in it. If they don't want to do that.. well then I guess it's their loss.
He chugs his drink.
HENRY (CONT'D)
I'm going to go dance. And if you let me dance alone, you don't get invited to the re-unions.
Henry walks away.
It's just the five now. And it's awkward. Very awkward.
BRITTANY
I.. think I should leave.
She stands and faces them.
BRITTANY (CONT'D)
I don't know the four of you very well, but you seem.. tight-knit. I'm going to go dance. I want to get invited to the re-unions.
She turns to head towards the dance floor.
JAKE Brittany.
She turns back.
JAKE (CONT'D)
Why didn't you ever try talking to me?
She smiles.
BRITTANY
I did but, you never really heard me. Now I know why.
She looks at Kaylee. Kaylee looks back nervously.
Brittany then looks at the four, as she walks backwards..
BRITTANY (CONT'D)
I'll see you guys around.
..and heads to the dance floor at the center of the backyard.
Even with just the four, it's still pretty awkward.
So without looking at each other all of them stand up at the same time and walk away.
EXT. HENRY'S HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT
Theo and Jake walk to a part of the garden away from the crowd, as more gather people by the dance floor.
JAKE (in disbelief)
I told her.
Theo pats his pockets and starts pulling out a cigarette.
THEO
Do you still have the matchbox?
JAKE
Theo. I told Kaylee.
Theo stops.
THEO
How come you never told me?
JAKE
I didn't really tell anyone. The thought of her finding out, freaked me out.
Theo smiles.
THEO
Eight months?
Jake nods.
THEO (CONT'D)
I think it's cool that you told her. Ballsy.
Jake smiles.
JAKE
What about Brittany?
THEO
Ah. I don't know. I'm trying not to think about it.
He looks nervous.
THEO (CONT'D)
I don't completely know what I'm doing anymore.
Jake looks at the growing crowd of people on the dance floor.
JAKE
Should we go inside?
THEO
You want to go inside?
JAKE
Well yeah, I mean-
THEO
No, you need to go follow up with Kaylee.
Theo gestures to them walking towards the table with the punch bowl.
THEO (CONT'D)
She didn't really have a chance to respond back there.
Jake turns to look at them and turns back.
JAKE
Are you alright?
THEO
I'm alright.
JAKE
And will you be alright?
Theo smiles.
Jake. Go.
THEO
Jake smiles, and begins heading over to the punch table.
JAKE
I'll tell you how it goes.
THEO
Oh shit. The matchbox!
Jake pulls it out of his pocket and sends it soaring through the air, only to be interrupted by Theo's hand catching it.
Theo watches Jake walk away.
Walking towards the house, he makes nervous frantic attempts to light a match, and another, and another. None light. He throws the box away.
EXT. HENRY'S HOUSE - BACKYARD
Julia and Kaylee walk towards the drinks table.
KAYLEE
Did you know?
JULIA
I had a feeling.
Kaylee keeps her gaze to the ground.
JULIA (CONT'D) What?
KAYLEE
I don't know.
JULIA
Do you think something could potentially happen?
KAYLEE Maybe. They reach the table.
JULIA
What does 'maybe' mean?
KAYLEE
What if I tell him something could happen but then something, doesn't happen. I don't want to hurt him.
JULIA
Tell him that.
KAYLEE What?
JULIA
What you just told me. Tell him that. That way he knows what to expect. Be honest with him.
Julia sees Jake standing behind the two of them, a few meters away with his hands behind his back.
She smiles.
JULIA (CONT'D) Good luck.
Kaylee turns around and sees Jake.
Julia leaves Kaylee, and smacks Jake lightly in the arm to wish him good luck.
Jake walks over, beaming with the excitement of a schoolboy.
JAKE
Hello, Kaylee.
KAYLEE
Hello, Jake.
They're both bashful. So bashful.
JAKE
How have you been?
KAYLEE
You mean, since you last saw me five minutes ago?
JAKE
Something could've happened in those five minutes.
She laughs, but sobers up.
KAYLEE
Why do you do that? Not that it's not nice that you're polite. It's just that sometimes you're overly polite. With everyone.
Jake looks serious, as he briefly ponders.
JAKE
I don't want them to not like me.
She gives him an empathetic smile.
KAYLEE
I've been good, Jake. How have you been?
He smiles back.
JAKE
I've been good too.
Julia watches from the distance, smiling, happy for them.
She takes a look at the other partygoers, and the crowd on the dancefloor dancing to the music.
She doesn't find who she's looking for.
She walks towards the house and peers through a window at a figure rummaging about inside.
INT. HENRY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
In the dimly lit room, Theo opens a drawer and finds a lighter. He quickly lights his cigarette, takes a deep drag and coughs like his lungs are on fire. It's his first time.
He takes another drag. A better attempt, but he's still visibly uneasy.
THEO (under his breath) Fuck.
He's about to take another drag, whenJULIA (O.S.) Theo?
He stares at her standing by the doorway.
Hey.
Hi.
JULIA (CONT'D)
THEO
She sees his cigarette.
JULIA
Can I share that with you?
He hesitates.
Okay.
THEO
She walks over and leans against another tabletop, a few meters away, facing him. He takes a drag, and more throughout the scene.
You feel the urge within them to say something to each other, shyness prevailing until..
THEO (CONT'D)
Did you tell Jake to tell Kaylee?
JULIA
In a way.
THEO
I didn't even know.
JULIA
I told you once I had a suspicion.
THEO
And I didn't believe you. It was sweet, what you did.
JULIA
He's a good dude.
THEO
Yeah. How have you been?
Julia hesitates.
JULIA Miserable. You?
Theo hands her the cigarette.
THEO Miserable.
JULIA
No you're not.
She begins her round of drags. She's a lot more experienced at this than he is.
THEO
Yes I am.
JULIA
You just had a steamy love affair that lasted.. a whole week. It was all in your head but you know.. Theo laughs.
JULIA (CONT'D) ..that's like the next best thing.
THEO
I thought of giving it another go. I knew things between us were irreparable and Brittany 'seemed' interested. I was actually looking forward to it. Either way, I'm pretty sure I would've messed it up.
He looks at her.
THEO (CONT'D)
I have a tendency to do that. This is a month and a half overdue but, I'm sorry.
JULIA
I'm sorry too. For everything. And for being a bitch.
THEO
You weren't a bitch.
JULIA
No, I really.. really was. Kaylee thinks we should get back together. She passes the cigarette back to him. He sniggers.
THEO
She told me.
JULIA
I thought about it.
THEO
And?
JULIA
A very big part of me thinks I need to, deal with certain things. I'm not that much different from who I was when we broke up.
THEO
And I'm not either.
JULIA
Which means whatever happened..
THEO
..would happen all over again. We don't quite know how to fix each other.
The music from the dance floor is much louder now, audible from where they stand. Julia and Theo turn to the window, and walk to it.
They peer outside to see Brittany and Henry dancing together, with others joining in.
THEO (CONT'D)
I used to write letters to you. When we were still together.
JULIA
Letters?
THEO
There were things that I didn't like about you. Small things, big things. I didn't like them about you, so I wrote them down.
JULIA
Oh. Why didn't you just tell me?
THEO
I thought it was just me, in my head, and telling you would make it real. After a point, it was like I forgot how to tell you things. So I didn't. Even the good stuff. It was easier writing it down.
The cigarette's burned out, only the butt left. Theo tosses it onto the floor.
JULIA
I wanted to marry you.
Theo's eyes go wide, as he grins.
THEO
What? Now?
She laughs.
JULIA
No. A few years from now maybe. Whenever. Whenever we were ready. I know how I want the rest of my life to pan out; what I want to do, where I want to do it, for how long. I just wanted to do all of it with you next to me. Or at least I thought I did.
THEO
You never said that before.
JULIA
I didn't want to get ahead of myself. Or get my hopes up.
They look at each other.
Theo sighs.
THEO
What the fuck happened to us?
Julia peers out the window again.
She sees Kaylee and Jake walking toward the dancing crowd.
JULIA
I really hope they have better luck than we did.
THEO
I think they will. I think they're.. much better people than we are.
She laughs.
JULIA
Would you like to go dance?
Julia turns to him.
JULIA (CONT'D)
It beats smoking cigarettes.
THEO
Yeah. I'd like to go dance.
EXT. HENRY'S HOUSE - BACKYARD
Julia ties her jacket around her waist, her green top in full view, as she and Theo walk towards the crowd of people. The music is booming. Everyone's dancing.
THEO
Fair warning. If the dancing gets sensuous, I will run away.
JULIA
Right into Brittany's arms, you mean.
Theo laughs.
THEO
I missed you.
JULIA
I missed you, too.
Julia slows down, coming to a halt.
Theo stops too.
THEO What?
JULIA
After the party, could you tell me about everything you wrote? In the letters.
THEO
That isn't going to be a pleasant conversation.
JULIA
I know. But, tell me anyways. I'll tell you everything I don't like about you too, I promise.
Theo smiles.
Alright.
THEO
JULIA
But after the party.
She walks ahead of him. He doesn't move.
JULIA (CONT'D)
Aren't you coming?
THEO
I.. need a minute.
She looks at him curiously, but that look turns into a smirk.
JULIA
Okay. I'll see you there, Theo.
She walks backwards and turns around, and he watches her disappear into the crowd.
EXT. HENRY'S HOUSE - BACKYARD
Over a tiled pathway, Theo pulls a wrinkly piece of paper from out of his pocket.
He unfolds it, his eyes watery as he reads its contents. We don't see what's been written on this piece of paper.
With a solemn face, he crumples it in his hand and pulls a lighter from out of his pocket.
He turns to the crowd to see Julia twirling Kaylee around. She looks happy.
The lighter ignites and he touches the flame to the paper.
As he watches it catch fire, he drops it to the pathway.
He shifts his gaze from the burning paper to the crowd.
He strides towards it, towards his friends, enthusiasm in his step, while the paper on the ground, burns a bright orange, and slowly turns to ash.
THE END