'AUTUMN BURNS BRIGHTLY'

Written by Paul Bird & Tyler Henderson

First Draft

EXT. SHANTY HOUSE. The small shack of a house draped in the dark winter night. A baby cries. INT. SHANTY HOUSE. BEDROOM LUKE (18) sleeps in bed. He stirs at the distant cries of a baby in the next room. He rises from the bed. Rubs both his eyes they are red and he sighs from exhaustion. HALLWAY Luke exits the bedroom and stumbles through the dark. He enters another smaller room. Inside there is a cot. In which a baby sleeps. Luke picks the baby up and begins to rock it back to sleep. His cold disparaged stare lingers off out the window and into the abyss of the dark. HARD CUT TO: EXT. BUS STOP. SUMMER. A beautiful young girl in a high school uniform leans against the bus stop. This is SUMMER, 17. She hides her face in the shade. She notices a person approaching. Luke. Younger than when we last saw him dressed also in a high school uniform. He leans against the opposite side of the bus stop. Catches her eye. He opens his mouth to say something; A ford pulls up with a Frat boy type in the drivers seat. The girl breaks off from the bus stop, gives Luke one last look and gets in. The ford takes off and Luke is left standing there. Alone. INT. HOME. Luke comes through the door, the house is a messy, small housing commission home. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy)

2.

His mothers sits on the couch her head in her hands. CANDICE(39) A heavy drinking problem and a once upon a time violent relationship has aged her greatly. She wears bad makeup. CANDICE Where have you been? He heads off to walk past her. LUKE School. I got to school on weekdays. CANDICE That little shits in there tell him this isnt a boarding house. And to stop raiding my fridge, I dont have the money to feed everybody in the neighbor hood. Luke ignores her and wades through the mess of clothes in the hallway towards his room. INT. LUKES ROOM. Luke finds his best friend RICHARD sitting on his bed playing an outdated video game. Whats up. RICHARD *

* *

Luke reaches into his backpack and produces two cans of spray paint. RICHARD (CONTD) Whered you get this? LUKE Stopped at the store. RICHARD You dont have any money, man. LUKE No I dont. Richard smiles at him. RICHARD Do you Know what its like sitting here starving. She wouldnt give me food, so I took her bottle. Then she got mad. Luke chuckles. *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) RICHARD (CONTD) Couldnt catch old quick Dick though. She gave me a packet of shapes. LUKE So are we heading out? RICHARD Depends. Are you allowed out? LUKE Kidding me? Shell be out in an hour. He throws the spray cans over at Richard. LUKE (CONTD) When did you leave? RICHARD Fourth. Only suckers stay for Maths. EXT. HOME. DUSK. Luke and Richard shimmy out of the window as quietly as possible.

3.

* * * * * *

Richard picks up his bike, which he has skillfully placed by the window. LUKE Finds his bike over by the drive way, directly in view of the front door. He looks back to Richard, who smiles. RICHARD Go on now, son. Luke tries to creep over to the bike and picks it up. Hes stopped by the sound of the screen door busting open. CANDICE Oh, where the fuck do you think youre going!? Oh, shit. RICHARD * * *

Luke jumps on his bike and the two take off down the street. Candice yells obscenities at them. Luke laughs.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy)

4.

They both pedal hard and are away and out of her sight soon enough. Luke smiles wide as he lets his bike coast. Wind blowing hard against him. EXT. DELAPIDATED HOUSE. The run down two story sits rotting in its place. The boys pull there bikes up in front of it. RICHARD You ever come here alone? LUKE All the time. RICHARD Get the fuck out of here, you wouldnt come here alone. The dump the bikes and jump the fence. INT. DELAPIDATED HOUSE. The inside is a rotted out shell of what use to be a house. The walls are adorned with tags, spray painted by the boys over the years. From the back pack they produce two bandannas which they use to cover their faces. They begin tagging separate walls. RICHARD Have you seen the new substitute for Ms. Keely? Shes something. LUKE I dont do Social Studies. I dumped it for art. RICHARD Trust me. You want to do social studies. Luke shrugs. LUKE You know that blonde chick thats in your grade? * * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) RICHARD The one youre talking about so specifically? No. I know of many blonde girls in my grade. LUKE I seen her with Thomas and that. RICHARD Oh, oh. Yeah, her. LUKE You know her name? RICHARD I know her name, yeah. LUKE You want to tell me? RICHARD Why do you want to know so bad, Maybe I like her. Im not going to tell you her name if I like her. What if I want her to have my babies. Richard playfully shoves Luke. Yeah. A beat goes by. LUKE (CONTD) So whats her name? RICHARD I think its something like Summer. We can see the hint of interest in Lukes eyes. Richard stops. RICHARD (CONTD) Do you really come here alone? EXT. PARK. LUKE

5.

* * * *

Summer sits alone by a park bench. Behind her Luke approaches and hops over the bench and sits next to her. SUMMER Are you alright there? He smiles.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE

6.

Yeah.

SUMMER Okay. I think Im going to go. LUKE Whos that guy over there? Im sorry? That guy. He points. Angle on a frat boyish dude playing rugby or something. LUKE (CONTD) The one I always see you with. SUMMER I dont know why youd always see him with me, I dont know him. LUKE Is that right? SUMMER That is correct. Luke puts a cigarette in his mouth, kind of showing off. LUKE I heard he thinks hes your boyfriend. SUMMER I dont know why hed think that. LUKE Yeah thats what I thought Crazy. SUMMER Crazy, indeed. She snatches the cigarette from his mouth. SUMMER (CONTD) Theyre bad for you. Whats your name? Im Luke. LUKE SUMMER LUKE

SUMMER My names...

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE I know. Summer. SUMMER You know my name? LUKE Youre a very popular subject with some of the guys. SUMMER Yeah I bet you guys entertain numerous topics, right? LUKE Maybe not as much as wed like to think. So hes not your man. Does that mean you dont have one? Maybe. Maybe? SUMMER LUKE

7.

SUMMER Yeah, Maybe I do, Maybe I dont. Dont you like a little mystery? LUKE I like to have everything figured out, you know. SUMMER Variables scare you. What? LUKE

SUMMER You dont like what you cant control. LUKE Oh. Maybe something like that. What are you doing after school, can I give you a ride somewhere? SUMMER You have a car? LUKE I have a bike. Is that not cool enough? I can get you to where youre going on a bike you know.

8. SUMMER I have no doubt. Im sure the bike is of sound quality. But, no, Im sorry. She smiles. So does he. His confidence being shattered. No? LUKE

SUMMER No, I cant go anywhere with you. My parents would flip. And he... Pointing to the frat boy rugby player. Who has just scored a try and spikes the ball. Hes very Macho. SUMMER (CONTD) May get upset. That guy? Yeah. LUKE SUMMER

LUKE I wouldnt want to make him upset. Why would your parents flip? She gets up ready to leave. SUMMER Because youre trouble. The frat boy calls out to her. Summer! FRAT BOY

She begins to walk over to him. Luke watches her go. When she reaches the frat boy there is a discussion we cant here. He looks over to Luke. There is a brief moment of tension between them. Luke just smiles. EXT. CARNIVAL. NIGHT. The carnival shines bright neon lights into the night sky. Summer is walking with the Frat boy and few of his friends. The all Joke and clown around. The frat boy is very comfortable with Summer, but she is not so comfortable with him.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy)

9.

Summer looks bored. The boys want to go to the dodge em cars, summer doesnt, they leave her. Summer stands alone in the crowd. She feels a tug on her hand. VOICE Psst, its me. She looks down and is lead by someone out of the crowd to a more quieter spot. It is Luke. LUKE You remember my name? SUMMER Are you stalking me? LUKE I was here with Rich. Luke turns as if to find Richard standing over his shoulder. LUKE (CONTD) He was just here, you know what hes like. SUMMER I dont really. LUKE Well, I know what hes like. Hes like that. So wheres the peeps? Who? SUMMER * *

LUKE Your boyfriend and the Wu tang clan. SUMMER Oh, them. We were just hanging out. LUKE Yeah? Why dont you hang out with me. SUMMER Why dont I. LUKE I dont know, thats why I asked. SUMMER You just want what you cant have. Thats it right. Thats the attraction here. *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) He acts mockingly offended. LUKE You think thats all I am? That the attraction I may or may not feel for you is completely defined by wether I can have you or not. Yes I do. SUMMER

10.

LUKE Well, youre wrong. I dont want you because I cant have you. You dont? SUMMER

LUKE No, Maam. I want you because hes got something he doesnt deserve. He nods to the frat boy through the crowd. LUKE (CONTD) And why should he have so much while others have so little. CUT TO: EXT. CARNIVAL. NIGHT. LATER. He tries to win her a teddy at one of the games. He fails miserably. He tries the one where he has to use a hammer to ring the bell. He fails at that one. She laughs at him. They play the game where you throw balls at the bottles and try to knock them down. She tries first. He tries second. Luke wins her a giant teddy bear. She hugs it tightly, thanks him. Even gives him a hug. EXT. BEACH. NIGHT. The night is dragging on and the carnival is close to closing. They sit together in the sand and share some hot chips. In the background the lights of Carnival are seen shutting down. SUMMER So you like it here, youve been here long? * * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE What? In Gold Coast? Yeah. SUMMER

11.

LUKE Ive been here since I was a little kid. We came here, it was mum, me and my old man. SUMMER Youre parents are still together? LUKE No, no, no way. My old man, he left when I was young. He was gone like... He cant think. Something. Yeah? LUKE (CONTD) SUMMER

* * * * * *

LUKE Fell off the earth. SUMMER So you dont know what he did, like after he left? LUKE No. I remember he use to tell me about when he ran a trawler at the coast up north, he always seemed fond of it. Though, he use to tell me he hated summer. SUMMER He hated summer? Luke smiles. LUKE It was stinking hot. And it would be like that for days and weeks and months on end. Then when you just got sick of it, just enough to pray for the rain. The heavens would open up. SUMMER Is that a good thing.

* *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE Youd think. But no, it would rain, and rain for days. And it would pour and it would flood and youd be miserable all over again. He said Son, Summer does nothing but make you miserable. SUMMER Maybe he was right. LUKE He was an arsehole. She laughs. SUMMER He sounds great. LUKE He left a lasting impression on this place. People know me, because they remember him. He casts a long shadow. SUMMER Is that why youre, like you are? LUKE Hows that? SUMMER You know, I mean, at school. Youre a little stand offish. LUKE Stand offish? Cold. SUMMER

12.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LUKE Its cold in the shadow of ghosts. SUMMER I didnt know my dad. LUKE You didnt? SUMMER Yeah, he died, Mum died. When I was youngish. I just have no memory of him. LUKE So who do you live with, now?

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) SUMMER I stay in a foster home. LUKE Really? Hows that? Terrible. SUMMER

13.

This makes him laugh. LUKE Sorry, I didnt mean to laugh at that. SUMMER Its okay. As soon as I can. Im out of there. LUKE So youre boyfriend, is he going to be mad that you ditched him? SUMMER Hes not my boyfriend. Hes not my anything, hes a guy I know. From school. LUKE Okay. Cool. SUMMER Its nothing. LUKE Does he think that? SUMMER Sometimes he thinks he owns me. LUKE He doesnt own you? SUMMER No way jose. Im on my own. LUKE Is that right? SUMMER Yeah, it is. He might be mad. But hes not a guy who wants to spend time with me because we like the same things. I know what he wants. LUKE Yeah, he might still be mad, though. * * * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) SUMMER You scared of him, tough guy? LUKE Who? Me? I aint scared of nobody. No? SUMMER

14.

LUKE No way. Not me. SUMMER I have to go to the bathroom. Will you wait for me? LUKE Where am I going to go? I got to stay and watch this guy. He nods to the giant stuffed teddy. She leaves him alone for a minute. A beat goes by. He talks to the teddy bear. LUKE (CONTD) So what do you think? Im doing alright, right? Behind Luke The frat boy and his friends show up. They dont say anything. Luke can sense there are people behind him. He turns and sees... The three much larger guys bearing down on him. LUKE (CONTD) Hey, fellas. Luke is slowly getting up out of his seat. Notices all three of these guys are sizing him up. LUKE (CONTD) Come on now, we dont have to -The fratboy knocks him on his ass with a hook. Luke thinks about getting up for a minute. But its not a fair fight. Not one he could win. The frat boys get amped. They kick and beat on him as we slowly pull out. Thomas just stands back and watches his boys beat on Luke. CUT TO: *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) BLACK. LUKE (V.O.) Oh, shit. Yup. EXT. BEACH. NIGHT, LATER.

15. * * *

Summer returns from the bathroom about a minute and half later. All that is left is a bloody and bruised Luke and the teddy bear laying in the sand. SUMMER Oh, Jesus. Are you alright? She runs to his side. Lukes eyes are bulging black and the bridge of his nose split. LUKE He was mad. SUMMER Thomas? Hes such a prick, why would he even bother -LUKE I think they where jealous, they didnt get there hands on stuffy. Summer cocks her head, confused. Im sorry? SUMMER *

Luke getting up nurses his bruised ribs. LUKE Oh, thats him. He points to the teddy bear laying in the sand. EXT. CONVIENCE STORE. NIGHT. Summer runs out holding a small bag of ice. She places it on Lukes bad eye. SUMMER Does that hurt? Yeah. He laughs. It does. LUKE (CONTD) LUKE *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) SUMMER Im sorry. I really am. LUKE It was worth it. She looks at him quizzically. LUKE (CONTD) I mean I got to spend more time with you. He takes the ice pack from his face. They share a moment in the street light. He leans in for the kiss. She pulls away. SUMMER Its not that easy. She pushes the ice pack back onto his eye. SUMMER (CONTD) But you can walk me home. EXT. STREET. They walk together in the middle of the street. Two silhouettes under street lights. INT. LUKES HOUSE. Luke comes through the front door, early hours of the morning. His mother is in the kitchen, frying eggs. Luke looks around the Kitchen it is a mess. LUKE Mum, what are you doing, its two in the morning. CANDICE Me, What about you. Where have you been? LUKE I went out to the carnival. You know I-Her jaw drops as she turns to see his face. CANDICE What happened to you? Come here.

16.

17. She inspects it. LUKE It was nothing. CANDICE Nothing? How many little punks did this. You didnt let one guy do this to you did you? LUKE There where a few. CANDICE What did you do? Get smart to them. I told you, you have a smart mouth. And one day someones going too-She shrugs. CANDICE (CONTD) Well look at your face. She hands him a bottle of alcohol she has been swigging. I know. LUKE

CANDICE Put that on your cut. Luke tries to take a swig, Candice snatches the bottle out of his hand. CANDICE (CONTD) Jesus Christ, boy. He sits down. CANDICE (CONTD) You want some eggs? Sure. LUKE

CANDICE You know who came by today? A police officer, I think his name was Taylor, You know him? LUKE No, I dont. CANDICE Well he came by and said someones been spray painting up in that old house on the corner.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE

18.

And?

CANDICE He says a few people have said theyve seen Rich come in and out of there. You ever been in there? LUKE No, Mum, I havent. CANDICE Well he was very familiar with your last name. And if you get caught up there, he can do whatever he wants with you. Im not coming to get you out of jail. I wont do it. She turns back to the eggs, they sizzle. CANDICE (CONTD) I use to have to get your father from jail. INT. LUKES ROOM. Laying on his single bed he stares up at the spinning fan, a small smile on his bruised face, hes unable to sleep. Thinking about her. INT. RICHARDS GARAGE. Lukes face. Still busted up. RICHARD (O.C.) You know what I would of done? I would drug em to the ocean and drowned em. Richard is playing darts with a picture of a celebrity on his wall. RICHARD (CONTD) Beat the shit out of them. You should of called me. I know that fella. Thomas? Drives a ford escape. What a douche. Yeah. Luke smiles. Douche. LUKE (CONTD) LUKE * *

* * * * * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) RICHARD You think this kind of girl would date you. Richard throws a dart. LUKE What does that mean? Richard walks to the dart board. RICHARD I know right now youre viewing the world through rose tinted glasses. But may I adjust your view a little? He removes the dart. Shoot. LUKE

19.

* *

RICHARD Summer is Thomas girl, yes? No. LUKE *

Richard stops turns to Luke. No? Luke shrugs. Shes not. LUKE RICHARD

RICHARD Well hes interested enough in her to do that to you. Am I right? LUKE Id say you are correct. Richard walks back to his original spot. RICHARD Guys like that dont like girls we like. He doesnt know girls we like. Because hes a different class of person. Which means Summer is a different class of person. You know what Im saying? I dont. LUKE

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) RICHARD Summer likes guys who drive Ford escapes. Luke shrugs. LUKE Whats your point? RICHARD I love you like a brother. He throws another dart. RICHARD (CONTD) But what would she see in you? LUKE That I cant answer. RICHARD My point is, even she does find an attractive trait in you. You think her friends, hell, her parents would be okay with her being with a guy like you? Wow. LUKE

20.

RICHARD I say it because I love you. Richard hands Luke the darts and they switch places. LUKE You know what I think? RICHARD Luke, my boy, amaze me. LUKE I think she likes me because Im different. EXT. PHONE BOOTH. Summer stands alone in a phone booth. Her eyes red and puffy shes been crying. Out of the darkness Luke atop his push bike. He cruises and stops in front of her. She exits the phone booth and buries her head into Lukes chest. *

21. SUMMER My phone died. LUKE You knew my number off by heart. She nods yes. LUKE (CONTD) What happened? You alright? Im okay. SUMMER

Doesnt want to talk about it. LUKE Tell me what happened? She pulls away from him. SUMMER I went for a ride with Tom. You what? LUKE

SUMMER I just went for a ride with him. I wanted to talk to him. You know, Just tell him that I wasnt interested, I just want to be friends. That sort of thing. And he tried to kiss me and I told him no. I pulled away. He started putting his hands on me. Shes starting to swell up. SUMMER (CONTD) And I told him I dont want that, I dont like him like that. I told him I like you. And he got really mad and he started yelling and he kicked me out of his car. Shes crying now, she buries her head back into Lukes chest. Luke half smiles. She said she likes him. SUMMER (CONTD) Are you mad? She looks up at him. LUKE Nods his head yes.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) SUMMER (CONTD) LUKE

22.

At me? No. EXT. SUMMERS HOUSE.

Luke walks her to the front door. Hugs her goodbye. Its a long hug, she takes her time letting him go. EXT. LUKES HOUSE. Luke stands by the street light near his home. Cigarette in his mouth. SUMMER (V.O.) Youre not going to do anything, are you? LUKE (V.O.) Is that what you want me to do. Nothing? INT. RICHARDS GARAGE. Richard is half asleep. Spread across an old couch. Luke appears at the door, Doesnt enter. Richard is startled when he notices him standing there. RICHARD Shit, dude. What are you, fucking batman. Richard notices something is wrong. RICHARD (CONTD) You all right? LUKE What are you up to? RICHARD I was just watching Oz Aerobics. Now Im sleeping. LUKE I need a ride up to Hedges ave. EXT. RICHARDS BACK YARD. Richard and Luke approach an dirt covered sheet, it is pulled away to reveal an old dusty dirt bike. * *

23. EXT. RICHARDS GARAGE. LATER. Richard sees Luke off at the door. RICHARD You sure you dont want me to come? LUKE Ill be alright. EXT. SERVICE STATION. UPPER CLASS NEIGHBOURHOOD. Thomas and his two friends congregate around his big truck. Talking. There talking is drowned out by the whine of a dirt bike approaching. THOMAS Turns to look at the street. His eyes meet... LUKE Stepping off the bike. THE THREE FRAT BOYS Take a few steps forward towards Luke. Thomas rises off the bonnet of the car. LUKE Takes the long walk across the street and through the parking lot of the service station. He walks with a purpose. The other two frat boys size him up, as he approaches, his eyes never leave Thomas. They stand there in the tension for an excruciating beat, and then cool as a cucumber; LUKE Wanna fight? CUT TO: EXT. PHONE BOOTH. Summer looks up at him with pleading eyes.

24. SUMMER Please. Im alright, okay. You dont need to do anything, dont buy into his macho bullshit. It means nothing. EXT. SERVICE STATION. UPPER CLASS NEIGHBOURHOOD. The two frat boys stand back and watch. Thomas sheds billabong sweatshirt. Hands it to one of his boys. THOMAS Dont jump in, Im going to fuck this clown up. Luke raises his hands. They slowly clench into tight fists. EXT. PHONE BOOTH. She places a hand on his cheek. SUMMER All he wants is a rise out of you. EXT. SERVICE STATION. UPPER CLASS NEIGHBOURHOOD. A fist lands square on Thomas jaw. He reels back. Another follows. Smacking him right in the nose. It breaks. LUKE A man possessed. So full of rage, his eyes almost roll over white. THOMAS Throwing his hands up for cover, pummeled by fists. He eventually hits the ground. But Luke continues to beat the shit out of him. THOMAS His defensive arms grow lifeless. His voice a cracked whimper; Stop. THE TWO FRAT BOYS Their smiles have faded. Worried looks now replace them. THOMAS

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE

25.

Tired and out of breath, still hacks punches into Thomas face. FRAT BOY Dude, stop. Luke does. Breathes heavy. THOMAS Lies in a mess of himself. FRAT BOY (CONTD) Jesus Christ. Luke steps back from what he has done. Stares down stone faced. INT. BATHROOM. The faucet runs cold water over bloody hands. Luke stares in the bathroom mirror. Candice is standing behind him in the doorway. Glass in hand. Luke sighs, Looks down at his swollen knuckles. LUKE Im just like him. Arent I? Candice raises her glass, shoots him a dead smile. She walks away. INT. LUKES ROOM. He sits on the bed. Stares at the wall. FADE TO BLACK. A beat in the darkness. EXT. LOCAL PUB/DINER. NIGHT. Summer is on her break from work, she sits outside on a crate, checking her phone. A rock lands at her feet. She looks out across the almost empty parking lot. Another rock. * * * * * * *

26. She sees Luke standing near the corner of the building. Some time has passed. His face no longer bruised or hurt. Summer runs to him and they embrace. LUKE You finish soon? SUMMER Almost closed. Hurry up. EXT. LOCAL PUB. Luke waits for her outside. She eventually emerges. EXT. SUMMERS HOUSE. He walks her to the sidewalk, but doesnt dare come any further. LUKE So is this where I leave you? SUMMER I guess so, Romeo. Summer gives him a kiss and eventually heads inside. He watches her go. After a beat he turns to keep walking. Behind him the back window of Summers house opens and Summer sticks her head out. She whistles at him. LUKE Turns back. From the window she waves him over. He looks over his shoulder, too good to be true. Smiles knowingly. Sneaks over the lawn to the window and sneaks in. INT. SUMMERS ROOM. He plugs his Ipod into a small speaker. LUKE (Hushed) Listen to this. LUKE

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy)

27.

A cool ass Soul song starts to play. He clicks his fingers. Summer sits on the bed and watches. Cant help but smile at him. He out stretches his hand, like one cool motherfucker. She places hers in his and he gently pulls her to her feet. They are close. Eyes meet. His hand slides around her waist and he pulls her in closer and they... Begin to slow dance. She rests her head against his shoulder. And the band plays on. EXT. SUMMERS HOUSE. EARLY MORNING. He slides out. She kisses him through the window. He turns to leave and she pulls him back for another. EXT. DELAPIDATED HOUSE. Luke climbs the fence. INT. DELAPIDATED HOUSE. Luke looks at a giant tag that reads something like Fuck the world. He shakes the can in his hand and begins to spray over it. CUT TO: INT. SHANTY HOUSE. KITCHEN. Luke boils a bottle, the baby sits in his arms. He watches the bottle in the water (Hes too poor to afford a microwave). He kisses the baby on the forehead. INT. DELAPIDATED HOUSE. He spray paints feverishly, his clothes stained with paint. Empty can at his feet he accidentally kicks. INT. SHANTY HOUSE. Luke paces the hallway, nursing the baby. *

28. INT. DELAPIDATED HOUSE. Luke takes a step back, in awe of his artwork, which we do not see. EXT. ROAD. Luke rides his motorbike through the back streets. He speeds along, wind blowing at his shirt. EXT. SUMMERS HOUSE. Luke and Summer take off on the bike. EXT. LOOKOUT. A beautiful visage of the ocean and beach. Summer looks out over the water. Luke watches her. Her hair blowing in the wind. LUKE I tried to call you, yesterday. She turns from the view. SUMMER Oh, I know. I was busy, so I didnt call you back. She turns back. As if it was an acceptable explanation. LUKE Studying or... SUMMER I finished A brief History of Time yesterday. He smiles at her. LUKE I dont know that one. SUMMER I know you dont. But its a big one. For me anyway. Really hard to get my head around. I just dont want to get to uni and look stupid. LUKE How could you ever. He cant help but notice how beautiful she looks.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE (CONTD) Its nice to be out here with you. Just standing still. He moves beside her, sees what she sees; The ocean, a dying sun. SUMMER Were not standing still. Were not? LUKE

29.

SUMMER No. Were on a planet, thats constantly orbiting a star. Weve travelled about 3000 kilometers since we started talking about this. LUKE I swear to god, youre just a hot rain man sometimes. He smiles at her. INT. RICHARDS GARAGE. Luke is rummaging through shelving cluttered with old tools and magazines. LUKE Shes just been distant with me lately. We dont talk. Richard sits on the couch. RICHARD What did you use to talk about anyway? She wants to be an astronaut. LUKE A physicist. RICHARD Still a world away from you buddy. Luke frowns, keeps looking. LUKE Are you sure theres cans in here? Luke comes across a black medical bag, which he unzips.

* *

30. RICHARD

Im sure.

Finds a BENT SPOON. Black residue on it. Luke looks at it puzzled. RICHARD (CONTD) You find it? Luke quickly puts the spoon back. LUKE No, not yet. INT. LUKES HOUSE. Luke is laying on his couch, he checks his phone. LATER Luke still on the couch, hasnt moved. He stares at his phone. LATER He lays on the couch with the phone sitting on his forehead. Eventually frustration sets in and he storms off the couch. EXT. LOCAL PUB/DINER. Luke approaches the side of the pub. Where a few workers Are having there breaks. LUKE Hey, man. Summer working tonight? WORKER Yeah, shes in there. You want me to get her for you? Please. LUKE TIME CUT: Summer exits. She doesnt look happy to see him, and its clear she has taken her to time to come out. LUKE (CONTD) You dont want to talk to me anymore? She fiddles with her phone.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) SUMMER Its not that. Silence. He searches her face for an answer. SUMMER (CONTD) Last week I woke up and I felt sick. Then the next day I felt sick again. And the day after that. And I realised. You know, Im late. This floors him. SUMMER (CONTD) You see what I mean. If I had of called you and told you, I would of got silence on the other end of the phone. LUKE Its scary. SUMMER Yeah, I know. Im dealing with it too. LUKE We can do this, though, right? She shrugs cant find the right words. SUMMER I dont know if I want to do this with you. LUKE What does that mean? SUMMER You are who you are. He shrugs. LUKE And who am I? SUMMER Youre not. I dont know. Shakes her head. SUMMER (CONTD) Youre not the kind of person I pictured myself starting a family with.

31.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE Dont do that. Im sorry? SUMMER

32. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LUKE Thats not you talking. SUMMER What do you mean? My lips are moving. LUKE Thats youre parents, thats your friends. I see the way they look at me. They dont like me in their homes. SUMMER Because they where scared of this happening. LUKE Its a little late for forward thinking. SUMMER You dont think I know that? Jesus. What are we going to do? LUKE Ill get a job. Well get a place. Where? SUMMER

LUKE Wherever you want. You pick a place, well go there. You dont like it. Fuck it. Were gone. Whatever you want to do. Well do it. SUMMER I wish I could live in that dream world with you. She turns back inside. Luke is left standing there. EXT. LUKES HOUSE. PORCH. NIGHT. Luke hurls an old TV off the porch and onto the cement pavement of the driveway. The screen cracks and shatters. Candice appears out of the front the door.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) CANDICE What the hell is wrong with you? Lukes stares her down. CANDICE (CONTD) You just want to throw my shit around? Fine. But Im calling the cops. She turns back inside. LUKE Summers pregnant. Bullshit. Luke says nothing. CANDICE (CONTD) Its yours? LUKE I think so. CANDICE You fuck up. Now what are you going to do. LUKE I can take care of it. CANDICE No, you cant. Youre barely seventeen. Youre not smart enough to look after yourself, how could you raise a child, Luke? Luke rests his head against the wall. CANDICE (CONTD) You think that girls going to be by your side. Shes going to sit back for the rest of her life now and watch you work like a dog to feed her and that baby. You will sweat and bleed in the mud and that will be all you ever do. She lights up a cigarette. CANDICE (CONTD) And you know what, I should of known, I should of seen it coming. Its carved into your bones, you Hillgers. CANDICE

33.

* *

* *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE What does that mean? CANDICE You are a culmination of bad decisions. You are your fathers child.

34.

A beat. She disappears back inside then returns with a fifty dollar note. CANDICE (CONTD) Get out of my house. Youre old enough to have a kid, youre old enough to do it on your own. Luke stares at the money. Needs it. The $50 dollar note a cruel reminder, that he is worth the exact same amount he was worth to his father. LUKE Looks back to his mother. He turns and leaves. EXT. SUMMERS HOUSE. A hand raps at her window. Inside the light turns on. Summer slides open the window. Luke stands outside in the night. What? SUMMER * * * * *

LUKE I, uh, I need somewhere to stay. SUMMER Is that suppose to be funny? LUKE I wasnt trying to tell a joke, but if youd like me to, I know one. SUMMER Once they find out about this, Im out on my arse, myself. So what makes you think theyd let you stay here? LUKE Mum kicked me out. SUMMER Im sorry about that.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) She reaches out for the window. Starts to close it. SUMMER (CONTD) But how am I suppose to help you? INT. RICHARDS GARAGE. Richard is breaking open a speaker with a screw driver. RICHARD Its not much, man.

35.

He pries the side off and coins and notes spill out onto the desk. RICHARD (CONTD) But its what I was saving for my own escape out of here. LUKE Ill send it back to you as soon as I can. Luke sits across from Richard, watching. Richard gives him a reassuring smile. RICHARD I know you will. He places the small amount into Lukes hands. RICHARD (CONTD) Where are you going to go? EXT. ROAD. Luke sits on his motorbike. Watches the light turn from red to green. He takes a moment. The light casts a green shadow on his face. LUKE (V.O.) I always heard the old man headed back up north. INT. DELAPIDATED HOUSE. Luke stands in front of his artwork. A beautiful ode to summer. The mines. LUKE (V.O.) * *

In his hand he holds a black can of spray paint. He begins to cover his artwork.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE (V.O.)

36.

Or Sydney.

EXT. DELAPIDATED HOUSE. Luke holds a bottle of alcohol, and stuffs a wet rag inside. He lights it. The flames dance. He holds the bottle in his hand ready to throw it. Thinks about it for a long time. Just as his resolve strengthens... CUT TO: EXT. BACK STREET. WOODS. Lukes bike glides through the empty street. Early morning sun creeping over tall trees. LUKE (V.O.) Or maybe Ill just float. EXT. HOUSE. A large two story house. Luke confers with a young man out the front. They are looking over Lukes bike. YOUNG MAN I dunno, it looks pretty rusty. LUKE You told me four hundred over the phone. YOUNG MAN You told me it was near new. LUKE Ive hardly ridden it. Its been sitting in a shed. EXT. TRAIN STATION. PLATFORM. NIGHT. Luke nods off resting his head on his backpack. EXT. LONG EMPTY ROAD. Luke walks it, backpack on his shoulder. * * * * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) EXT. DOCKS. MORNING.

37. * * * *

Luke waits nervously, wiping his sweaty palms on his jeans. As an older man appraches him. This is ROBIN (40). Luke? Luke extends a hand. Thats me. LUKE ROBIN

ROBIN Robin. Nice to meet ya, mate. Likewise. LUKE

ROBIN So, you want to come and work for me? LUKE Id like to. ROBIN Alright. You done this kind of work before? No. LUKE

ROBIN You have any experience on the water? No. LUKE

ROBIN Well what do you have? LUKE Confidence. ROBIN Youre confid -Cant help but stifle a laugh. The kid is Audacious. ROBIN (CONTD) Okay. Well see if you can impress me.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) EXT. TRAWLER. OPEN WATER. The Trawler floats over the calm ocean. ROBIN (O.C.) Come on, hurry it up will ya? The men work hard. Robin is barking orders.

38. * * * *

Luke works hard to keep up but is pretty lost, and looks even worse in comparison to the other guy aboard. They are throwing crab cages into the water. Luke sweats and the sun bears down. MONTAGE: - Luke gets better at his job. - Luke butts heads with a work colleague. Intercut with montage; Luke at a phone booth, slides a couple of coins in and dials a number. LUKE Mum. Its me. - Luke counts his money. LUKE (V.O.) Nah, Im up north. - Luke stashes it in a speaker, much like Richard. LUKE (V.O.) Ive been working. - Early morning, Luke is there before anybody. LUKE (V.O.) Got a place. - Luke living in his rather small place, all he can afford. Alone. The silence is deafening. INT. SHANTY HOUSE. Luke, Present day, stands over the babies cot. His hand on the babies stomach.

39. He looks over the wall, pinned with photos of Summer, her family and one special photo of the two of them together. Taken when his face was busted up. The photos tell us a story we are not privy to. Summers pregnancy, photos show her belly becoming bigger. A recent photo with Thomas. EXT. PAYPHONE. Luke enters the booth and unravels a crumpled piece of paper with a phone number scrawled across it. Luke dials the number. It rings... He waits. Finally it picks up. Hello? LUKE

A voice over the other end of the phone. Hello. VOICE (O.S.)

LUKE Ugh, is Richard there? VOICE (O.S.) Richard? Um, let me check. Luke hears the phone being set down. A minute passes. Hello? VOICE (CONTD)

LUKE Yeah, Im still here. VOICE Ugh, Sorry, man, theres no Richard here. Luke frowns. LUKE Okay, thanks anyway. The phone is promptly hung up. Luke hangs up his. INT. LUKES SHACK. He sits on the couch flipping the channels. The blue light from the TV illuminating his face. It is a lonely existence.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) INT. DINER.

40.

Luke sits across from Summer. Its a sunny day outside. They share a meal. SUMMER If I went missing would you come and look for me? Luke sips his coke. Of course. LUKE

SUMMER And if you couldnt find me. Say a year went by. LUKE Id keep looking. SUMMER You would. You know it happens. Sometimes people just disappear. Not because their hurt, just, theyre not happy. LUKE You think so? Hes only half listening. Playing with his food. SUMMER Would you think that? If you couldnt find me after a year. LUKE It wouldnt be the first thing I thought of. I mean now it will be. If you disappear. Im going to think, well thats what that conversation was about. SUMMER Ha, yeah. I should of thought of that. Now Ive put that into the forefront of your mind. She plays with her food. SUMMER (CONTD) But youd still keep looking? LUKE Of course. What if I went missing? You? SUMMER *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE

41.

Yeah, me.

SUMMER Well that depends. Did you go of your own free will? INT. LUKES SHACK. Luke now a sleep in front of the TV. Conan gives a monolgue. EXT. DOCKS. Luke is finishing a day on the trawler. He comes off the boat tired, relieved to be on dry land. His co worker, James, approaches. JAMES Done for the day? Yeah. LUKE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

JAMES Okay, before you go, Robin said he wants his boat cleaned. You got that, right? Luke looks over his shoulder back to the boat. Sighs. Okay. LUKE

EXT. DOCKS. EARLY MORNING. Luke arrives late, The crew waiting for him. Robin stands impatient. ROBIN Where you been, new kid? Luke raises his shoulders defeated, out of breath. LUKE Sorry. I slept in. Robing shakes his head. EXT. TRAWLER. Lukes working. Robin stands behind him.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) ROBIN Why where you late this morning, kid? Next time Ill leave you behind. LUKE I stayed back and washed the boat. Robin smirks. ROBIN Well, what the hell for? LUKE James said that you-Luke gets it. LUKE (CONTD) Never mind. My fault. Wont happen again, boss. Good. EXT. DOCKS. Luke leaving after another day, tired. James appears. JAMES Hey, Kid. You going to clean the boat again? Luke tries to walk away. James gets in his way. JAMES (CONTD) Come on, man. You dont like jokes. LUKE Maybe I dont like you. JAMES Alright, youre a wanker, I get that. I mean I knew that, but now I confirmed that. ROBIN

42. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

James opens his mouth to say something else, Luke crosses his jaw with his right hand. James hits the ground, Robin grabs him in a bear hug. CUT TO: INT. PUB. Robin sits Luke down.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) ROBIN The fuck was that? LUKE Its none of your business. ROBIN Im your employer arent I? Then you fighting with my other employees is my business. LUKE It wasnt my fault. ROBIN Oh, it isnt? I thought you hit him. Alright. Luke goes to stand. ROBIN Woah, where you going? LUKE I dont need this shit. ROBIN But you need this job, dont you? Luke swallows his pride. ROBIN (CONTD) Thought so. Kid, you cant go round punching all your problems. It doesnt work out. Youll get arthritis. LUKE Well it shut Jimmy up. ROBIN Jimmy hasnt got much of a jaw. The rest of the world? Im not so sure. Heres something Ill tell you. Luke sighs, plays with a coaster. ROBIN (CONTD) What you dont want to hear my story? Fuck you, then. Get another job. Rob? LUKE LUKE

43. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) ROBIN Well listen then. My old man was a head buster. Busted mine all day. Anybody in my neighbourhood. If you stole something, hed find you. And hed bust your head. And this reputation he gets among the people of my street, it isnt one of a man full of violence. Which he was. But one of a Gaurdian, you know someone you could go to. He was heavily involved in the neighbourhood watch. One night, someone tries to break into his house. Im young. He extends a hand to show his height. Waist high. ROBIN (CONTD) We were all young. These guys get into the house and Dad chases them out to the street. Four of them. They fought. He fought. So much noise and commotion, half the street are out there in their boxer shorts. And you know, they all watch. No one helps. But they watch. But the old man, hes not as young as he use to be. He gets tired easy, and... Robin shrugs, Shakes his head. ROBIN (CONTD) You know, all he did. All the reputation he had. End of the day. The street just stood there and watched him die. Robin looks deep into Lukes eyes. ROBIN (CONTD) Violence begets violence, kid.

44. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Luke looks like Robin has placed a thousand bricks on his shoulders. It weighs on him. INT. LUKES SHACK. MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. Luke stumbles around in the dark searching for his phone. He picks it up; Hello. LUKE

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

45. LUKE (CONTD) Huh? Whose this? Over the phone we hear; CANDICE Its your mother. I have some news. CUT TO: INT. DINER. Summer works away at the counter its near closing. Shes serving cake to an older lady. OLDER LADY Youre getting a bit further a long now, young Summer. And she has quite a few months have passed and this baby is almost ready to drop. OLDER LADY (CONTD) You might want to hurry that man up to get a ring on your finger. SUMMER Yes, well, well have to see about one wont we. Summer forces a smile, turns and goes to wipe down some tables. THE OLDER LADY Enjoying her cake. Behind her Summer COLLAPSES onto the floor. BACK TO: INT. LUKES SHACK. MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. Luke is stunned on the phone, still trying to shake the cobwebs. CANDICE She just collapsed. The babys fine, but they kept her over night. Dont know whats wrong. LUKE Why are you telling me this? CANDICE Shes been out here doing it on her own. Shes by herself, son.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) A beat, static over the line. CANDICE (CONTD) I know what thats like. She hangs up. He throws the phone at the wall. INT. SHANTY HOUSE.

46.

Luke sits in the room by the cot, rocks it gently. The baby sleeps. EXT. DOCKS. Luke looks out over the water. Robin approaches. Studies him. ROBIN You alright, kid? Luke shrugs. LUKE Just thinking. A long awkward beat. ROBIN You want to know something? Sure. LUKE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ROBIN (CONTD) LUKE * * * * * *

ROBIN Im not good at advice, so Im not going to give you any. But I will tell you this; Never ask for a lighter burden. Robin pats Luke on the shoulder. ROBIN (CONTD) Ask for broader shoulders. He checks his watch. Okay? Alright.

ROBIN Now get back to fuckin work.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) INT. TRAIN. DAY. Luke alone on the train. His heavy bag sits next to him. EXT. STREET. LUKES FAMILY HOME.

47. * *

Luke walks towards his family home. His mother sits on the porch, not much has changed since he left home, except the noticeably absent drink in Candices hand. CANDICE Well, if it isnt my favorite Child. LUKE Is this my welcome home, party? His mother rises from her chair. CANDICE What part of the world have you been to see? Luke rests his bag on the ground. LUKE I didnt get far. Ascends the porch. CANDICE It is good to see you. They hug. INT. KITCHEN. Luke places his bag on the table. Removes a bottle of Johnny Walker. LUKE I got you something. Candice follows him in. CANDICE Oh, thats nice of you. What-She stops in her tracks. CANDICE (CONTD) Thank you, son. He holds the bottle out to her. * * * * * * * * * * * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE Youre not going to take it? CANDICE You know what? Why dont you keep it in your room for me. She fakes a smile. Oh. LUKE

48. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

He puts it back in the bag. Okay. LUKE (CONTD)

CANDICE Im a big fan of water these days. INT. LUKES ROOM. Luke sets the bag on his single bed. Looks around his room. A childs room. EXT. SHANTY HOUSE. MORNING. Luke approaches the door. Knocks. The door opens, Summer stands before him. Heavily pregnant. A long beat. Summers face registers shock. Luke is about to speak. She slams the door in his face. INT. SHANTY HOUSE. She rests her head on the closed door. Smiles. EXT. SHANTY HOUSE. MORNING. Luke shrugs. Takes a seat on the porch. CUT TO: EXT. SHANTY HOUSE. NIGHT. Luke still sits on the porch. The door behind him opens.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) SUMMER Are you retarded? LUKE Hows that? SUMMER If I slam the door in your face, its usually a sign. LUKE Yeah, I know. SUMMER And the sign reads Fuck off. LUKE I just came to talk to you. SUMMER I dont want to talk to you, you disappear for almost eight months. What is wrong with you? LUKE We need to work something out. SUMMER Ive worked something out. It doesnt involve you. LUKE I have a right to be here. SUMMER No, you dont. You gave that up. Theres nothing here for you. Luke steps down off the porch. She watches him go. LUKE You where happy to see me though. Right? Summer looks on dumbfounded. LUKE (CONTD) That first second you opened the door. She shakes her head, no. LUKE (CONTD) A little bit. I think you were, just a little bit. SUMMER And if I was?

49.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE Talk to me. INT. SHANTY HOUSE.

50.

They sit across from each other at the kitchen table. Its awkward. LUKE Its a nice place. SUMMER Its a shit hole and its all I can afford, thanks for bringing it up. LUKE Youre not still working are you? SUMMER My last shift was on Tuesday. It was getting a bit much for me. LUKE I can see that. How are you going to stay here? A beat. SUMMER I dont know. LUKE Its good to have a plan. She gets up from the table opens the cupboard. SUMMER You know I dont have everything figured out. But I cant just get up and leave when Im not happy with how things are. She tries to reach the cereal on the top shelf. Her condition makes it hard and she cant quite reach. Lukes hand reaches up and grabs it for her. LUKE I know. But Im here now. He hands her the cereal. LUKE (CONTD) So let me help. There faces close. Tension is electric. *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) SUMMER You should go. EXT. SHANTY HOUSE. NIGHT. She sees him off at the door. LUKE Can I come back tomorrow? SUMMER Im going to be busy. Theres still a lot of prenatal care. EXT. RICHARDS GARAGE. Luke hops the fence, the place looks in bad shape. Rich! LUKE

51. * *

* * *

Luke approaches the door. LUKE (CONTD) Rich! Its me. He bangs on the door. The door swings open. INT. RICHARDS GARAGE. Luke pokes his head in. The garage is bare. INT. LUKES HOUSE. KITCHEN. Luke sits at the kitchen table, his mother is cooking eggs. LUKE You seen Richard? Candice doesnt turn from the the stove. CANDICE You mean lately? LUKE Yeah, Lately. CANDICE Not since. Shit, not since June. She places a plate in front of him.

52. CANDICE (CONTD) You going to start looking for work. Luke leans back in his chair. LUKE Ive been here for a day. He rubs his eyes. LUKE (CONTD) Im going to look tomorrow. INT. LOGGING YARD. Luke tries to talk to someone, he holds a resume in his hand. INT. OFFICE SPACE. Luke wears a tie and bobs his knee up and down nervously. Waiting to talk to someone. EXT. SHANTY HOUSE. Luke helps Summer down the steps. EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE. Luke talks to a man wearing a hard hat. EXT. BUS STOP. Luke sits alone at the bus stop. EXT. LUKES HOUSE. LATE AFTERNOON. Lukes returning home from another day of job hunting, A skinny man sits on the porch, he looks a lot like Rich, only thinner and a little older. RICHARD Whos that coming up the drive way? The skinny man is Richard and he looks like shit. RICHARD (CONTD) It cant be! The greatest escape artist the world has ever known! He engulfs Luke in a hug.

53. RICHARD (CONTD) Brother man. TIME CUT: EXT. LUKES HOUSE. LATE AFTERNOON. They sit on the porch together, The pleasantries and hellos done with. RICHARD So you want to make some money? LUKE What kind of money? RICHARD Fast money. Youve been out here looking. LUKE Yeah Ive been looking for work. I dont know what youre talking about though. RICHARD Come on, man. You know me, Ive only ever steered you down the right path and Im telling you this is the one you need to take. LUKE What kind of work is it? RICHARD Work? Please, Im talking making bucks for almost nothing, all you have to do is go for a ride with me. You can drive? LUKE I can drive. RICHARD Then your golden. Luke thinks for a minute. LUKE I dont know if I need money that bad. RICHARD Youll know. Soon enough. Luke looks at him. Thinks.

54. EXT. SUBURBAN ESTATE. NIGHT. A lone figure in a hoody walks up towards a parked car. LONE FIGURE Jimmys with the lock. Its Luke hidden under the hood. EXT. SHANTY HOUSE. EARLIER. Luke is ascending the steps. The front door opens, Out steps a familiar face. Thomas. With Summer behind him. Luke stares at him. Thomas stares back. His nose has a permanent crook in it. Thanks to Luke. Luke watches Thomas leave in his car, turns to summer. SUMMER You want to fight about this inside? INT. SHANTY HOUSE. They stand inside. Arguing. SUMMER Dont look at me like that. Hes just lending me money. LUKE If you need money, Ill get you money. You dont need his. SUMMER Did you forget, or something? You left me here by myself. Points to stomach. SUMMER (CONTD) With this. I was alone. There where things I wanted to do too. I wanted to study. And he came and offered me a hand. A beat. SUMMER (CONTD) As a friend. He stares at her.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) INT. RICHARDS GARAGE. Luke walks in. Richard sits on the bare floor. Plays solitare, he has a black medical bag next to him. RICHARD Luke, my boy! How are ya? LUKE I want to take you up on that offer. Richard smiles. EXT. SUBURBAN ESTATE. NIGHT.

55.

Luke gets the door open slides in. Starts prying wires loose. Trying to start it. CUT TO: INT. LUKES ROOM. The door opens slowly. Candice enters. Lukes bag sits on the end of the bed. INT. CAR. Luke sits at a light. The red shining in on his face. Looks nervously into the rearview. He waits. Watches a car pass by. The lights turns green so does the shade of it on his face. He takes off. INT. LUKES ROOM. Candice unzips the bag. The bottle of liquor sits there in front of her. INT. RICHARDS GARAGE. LATER. Richard counts out the money on the floor. Slides a pile to Luke. RICHARD There you are my son. Hows that for quick cash, huh? * * * * * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) Luke looks down at his pile. Smiles. INT. LUKES HOUSE. Luke enters quietly, trying to sneak. The sound of steak sizzling in the kitchen gets his attention. Luke turns the corner, Finds; CANDICE Cooking at two in the morning. Drink in hand. Mum. She turns to him. Son. CANDICE LUKE

56.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LUKE I see you found that bottle. CANDICE Its a funny correlation. Anytime youre around, I have this uncontrollable thirst. LUKE Jesus, really? What? CANDICE

LUKE Its two in the morning and youre pulling this shit. CANDICE Oh, Im sorry I have a hard time raising a problem child by myself. Luke eyes the bottle at the end of the counter. CANDICE (CONTD) Your father only ever gave me fifty dollars for you. Thats all you where worth to him. Luke nudges the bottle towards the edge of the counter.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE Funny. You tried to hand me a fifty when you told me to get out of your house. He pushes the bottle of the edge and it smashes on the kitchen floor. LUKE (CONTD) So tell me again how you and dad are so different. INT. LUKES ROOM.

57. * * * * * * * * * * *

He is blasting music from his computer, counting his money. EXT. SHANTY HOUSE. Luke walks up the drive way. Thomas car is there. Luke holds a garbage bag in his hand, inside the money is wrapped up. He doesnt even get to the steps before Summer appears at the door. SUMMER Youre here. LUKE I told you Id come back. SUMMER Yeah, I know, I just didnt expect, you know, him, to be here as well. LUKE The rent due already? SUMMER No, he came to talk to me about -Notices the package in Lukes hand. SUMMER (CONTD) Whats that? LUKE Its a gift. He points to her stomach. For him. She smiles. LUKE (CONTD)

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) SUMMER

58.

Him?

LUKE Wishful thinking, You could call it. So, the landlord, does he mind if I come in? SUMMER You really want to do that? LUKE Youre right. Bad idea. You want me to come back another time. He hands her the stack. She peeks inside. SUMMER This is a lot. I know. LUKE

SUMMER Thank you, Luke. I do appreciate it. Oh! She fishes in her pocket. SUMMER (CONTD) I forgot. I got this for you. She hands him a picture of her ultrasound. Luke takes it in his hand. Stares at it. SUMMER (CONTD) Its, um, we went last week. Hes in awe at it. Summer takes the moment and plants a kiss on his forehead. SUMMER (CONTD) We done something right. She turns and walks inside. After a beat. Thomas emerges from the house. Luke turns to go. Wait. THOMAS

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Luke stops turns back. THOMAS (CONTD) I need to talk to you. Lukes fist closes tight. Thomas takes a seat.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) THOMAS (CONTD) What did you come back for? LUKE I dont want to have this conversation with you. THOMAS Well were going to have it. You know I never told her about what happened with us. LUKE Nothing happened with us. THOMAS Is that what you want to call it? I thought if she ever found out, she might think of you different. LUKE So why didnt you tell her? THOMAS I dont have to. Youre already a non factor. LUKE Is that right? THOMAS Look what youve done to her. What kind of future youve left her to. LUKE Constantly having to rely on you? Im actively working on changing that. THOMAS I bet you are. What kind of life can you give her. What can you do? LUKE Does your parents money make you the better person to raise my child? THOMAS I just want my girl back and Ill take her with the baggage with youve placed on her. LUKE She never wanted you.

59.

* * * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) THOMAS Maybe. But I dont think its so black and white. You already left once. LUKE But your forgetting one thing. I came back. THOMAS Its too late. Youre only here to watch the ship sink. And its beautiful, because... Thomas stands up. THOMAS (CONTD) Im going to take them from you. Thomas takes a small jewelry box from his pocket. THOMAS (CONTD) And all you can do is watch. Luke stares down at the box. Thomas pockets it. THOMAS (CONTD) Now get the fuck out of here. INT. BUS. Luke sis at the back, staring at the ultrasound. INT. SHANTY HOUSE.

60.

* * * * * * * *

* * *

Luke removes the pictures of Summer and Thomas from the wall. The baby stirs, he looks over at the kid. Thinks for a minute. Looks down at the photo. Thomas smile stares back him. He places the photo in a draw. EXT. STREET. Luke has a long rectangular cardboard box over his shoulder, it looks heavy. He carries it across the street. EXT. SHANTY HOUSE. Luke knocks at the door. Box still on his shoulder. After a beat summer opens it. *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE

61.

Whats up.

Summer looks puzzled. Nods to the box. SUMMER What is up? LUKE I brought you a present. SUMMER Is it a yard glass in that big package of yours? I dont think I could drink one that big. LUKE If thats what you wanted youre going to be severely disappointed. SUMMER Im always disappointed. Even if the package is big. LUKE Look, this is nice, I really do enjoy our conversations, but can I bring this inside? Its heavy as shit. INT. SHANTY HOUSE. LATER. Luke and Summer put together a rather nice looking cot. Luke is doing most of the work. LUKE Harder than I thought it would be. Summer flips through the instructions. SUMMER I dunno, its really strange, someone seems to of mapped out individual steps on this piece of paper. Could be useful. Luke strains trying to tighten a bolt at an awkward angle. LUKE Dont mock me, woman. He finishes piecing together the last piece. Looks proudly on his work. LUKE (CONTD) There, finito.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) SUMMER Finely done, sir. Thank you. He thinks. LUKE (CONTD) Hey, um, do you want to maybe catch a movie or something? Tonight. SUMMER I cant tonight, I have to see, uh. She trails off. Thomas? LUKE LUKE

62.

SUMMER Yes, Thomas. You say his name like you want to vomit it out. LUKE It tastes bad. SUMMER Yeah, well were having dinner, to talk about some things. LUKE The rents going up? SUMMER No, God, I hope not. Hes already giving me enough. Im not sure, he said it was important. Right. LUKE *

Luke fumbles with the allen key. SUMMER Hey, whats wrong with you? LUKE Nothing. I just -SUMMER You just what? LUKE Maybe I dont like him.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) SUMMER Funny, he feels the same way about you.

63.

He gives her a second. His face tells the story and the story is hes not joking around anymore. LUKE Im worried. Worried? SUMMER * * * * * * * * * * *

LUKE That Im not going to a part of the kids life. Your life. I dont want you guys to disappear. Disappear? SUMMER

LUKE Its scary. Im aware. SUMMER

She stands with great effort goes to the kitchen and opens the fridge. SUMMER (CONTD) I once had this boyfriend, who got me pregnant and then ran away. Can you believe that? The words sting him. He cant help but flinch. She pulls out a carton of juice. SUMMER (CONTD) Same guy, had daddy issues. Did the exact same thing his father did to him. Crazy how the world works. She looks back at him. Sees he is hurt. SUMMER (CONTD) Im sorry. I didnt mean all of that. I was just trying to make light of the situation. INT. RICHARDS GARAGE. NIGHT. Richard is half asleep. His arm slung over a couch, the only piece of furniture hes managed to get into the garage. Track marks line his bare arm.

* *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) Luke leans in the door way. Rich. Nothing. Rich! Richard stirs. LUKE (CONTD) LUKE

64.

Luke looks around, Knocks on the door so hard it almost falls off its hinges. LUKE (CONTD) Richard Lancaster, its the police. Richard jumps from his chair, tries to find a hiding spot in the bare garage. Gets his senses. RICHARD Oh, fuck you, man. This is bullshit. He sleepily moves back to the couch. Lay down face first. LUKE I need your help. His response muffled by the couch. Im busy. RICHARD *

LUKE You look it. Luke comes off the door jam. Its much some want LUKE (CONTD) a job, buddy, I dont know how money you need. But I need more. Im only asking if you in, because were pals.

RICHARD When do we leave? Now. LUKE

Richard rolls off the couch. RICHARD Youre an arsehole.

65. EXT. PARKING LOT. Full of cars. Richard and Luke stand between them. RICHARD No, forget this, man, this is not how we do things, You and me are smarter than this. LUKE So we can do it. RICHARD No, were smart enough to know that if we do this, well probably get caught. Are you out of your mind? LUKE I need the money. RICHARD Not that bad. LUKE If you want to leave you can leave. RICHARD You drag me all the way out here, just to tell me I can leave? He gives Luke a playful slap and pinch of the cheek. RICHARD (CONTD) Hurry up and pick one. LUKE Eyes widen as he sees the right car. REVERSE Thomas Ford Escape. LUKE There it is. TIME CUT: EXT. PARKING LOT. Luke is getting ready to try and work his way into the ford. Richard stands beside him. Half sleepy, desperately trying to talk Luke out of it.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) RICHARD

66.

No. He shakes his head.

RICHARD (CONTD) Too new. Could have an alarm. You should trust me on this one. He grabs his throat. RICHARD (CONTD) God Im thirsty. Can you listen to what I have to say? Shoot. LUKE

RICHARD This car is too new, it probably has an alarm. LUKE You already said that. RICHARD I know I said it. I said it again because youre not listening to me. Luke rocks the car. No alarm. RICHARD (CONTD) It could still have an alarm. Luke rocks it harder. LUKE Im convinced. CUT TO: INT. SHANTY HOUSE. Summer sets down a cup of coffee in front of Luke. SUMMER You really do look awful. He looks up to her, he really does look awful. Thank you. LUKE * * * * *

SUMMER I havent seen him, I mean I dont usually hang out with him anyway. He could be anywhere.

67. Luke sips the drink. LUKE Could be anywhere. SUMMER Why are you so worried about him?

EXT. PARKING LOT. Richard is trying his best t stay awake. RICHARD Im so goddamn tired-A red and blue light flashes behind them. Shit. LUKE

They break off into a sprint in seperate directions. EXT. STREET. Luke runs his heart out, hes fast. He turns a corner, down an alley and through... EXT. PARK. Through the park and over the fence into... EXT. BACKYARD. Through the backyard, tripping over childrens toys. him a cop scales the fence, with ease. THE COP Grabs onto Lukes shirt swings him around. Luke slams into the brick wall of the house. Hard. He falls onto the concrete pathway, coughs and gasps the last bit of wind escaping him. The cop tries to keep Luke down. LUKE Kicks and scrambles out of the cops grasp. Gets back up and takes off around the corner. Behind

68. EXT. STREET. He keeps sprinting. TIME CUT: EXT. SUBURBS. Luke has ran himself into a nice neighbourhood. He stops out of breathe, dry heaving. Leans against a street light. Shit. LUKE

A long moment. He sits down in the gutter. INT. SHANTY HOUSE. Summer places the milk back in the fridge. LUKE No, reason. Luke is a bad liar. LUKE (CONTD) But he has his habits. He sits quietly for a minute. Watches her finish making herself a cup of tea. LUKE (CONTD) How was last night? SUMMER With Thomas? It was fine. How was your little conversation outside with him. LUKE We really cleared things up. Summer sits at the table with him. SUMMER Im glad. Because I need to tell you something. Summer shifts uncomfortably. SUMMER (CONTD) The only time Ive been this scared to tell someone something was when I told my parents about the baby.

69. She rubs her stomach. SUMMER (CONTD) I was terrified. Thomas sat right there with me. And you where gone. Luke leans back in his chair. SUMMER (CONTD) There was something my foster mother said to me, as I was sitting there, I thought what a trivial thing to bring up you know. She didnt ask about my studies, or my future. She asked, what was I going to do about having a child out of wedlock. Isnt that fucked up? Luke cant help but laugh a little. SUMMER (CONTD) She was worried about me getting married. Who has that at the top of their priorities? LUKE Old fashioned, I guess. SUMMER But after that I never gave it another thought. I couldnt. You know, too much to worry about. She pauses. SUMMER (CONTD) But then came last night. Summer-LUKE

SUMMER I have to tell you. It was too much for me. All of this. You. Touches her tummy. Her. A girl? SUMMER (CONTD) LUKE

Summer nods. Luke cant help but smile at the thought. SUMMER I tried on my own for so long. didnt want any help. I

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) Shakes her head. SUMMER (CONTD) I waited for a long time to hear from you. I know. LUKE

70.

SUMMER And Tom was there, when you werent. LUKE And last night? SUMMER He asked me something that I never expected. From anybody. Something I didnt even like the idea of. Luke feels the fear inch up his spine. SUMMER (CONTD) And then he said those words. And I -Dah Dah Dee Dum. Lukes phone starts to ring in his pocket. LUKE Shit, Im sorry. He checks it. Answer it. SUMMER

LUKE Are you sure? SUMMER Go ahead. I need some courage anyway. Luke gets up from the table. Hello. LUKE * *

He walks to the window. Luke. Yeah? CANDICE LUKE

71. CANDICE Where are you? LUKE Im with Summer, why? CANDICE The police just kicked down my door. What? LUKE

CANDICE They just kicked down my door with an arrest warrant, Luke. What the fuck is going on? LUKE Mum. I have to go. CANDICE Go? Where are you going to go? Luke looks back at Summer. She stares at him. Time slows. Her beauty freezes him in his spot. CANDICE (CONTD) Are you there? Theyll probably show up at Summers looking for you. Luke! will you answer me? Summer sees the worried look on Lukes face. SUMMER Is everything okay? Im here. Huh? LUKE CANDICE

Luke peers out the window. There is a car across the street. Two plain clothes detectives have exited the car. Luke breathes deeply. Looks back at the love of his life. Into the phone. LUKE Ill be here. He hangs up. Looks back to the window. Turns to Summer. SUMMER Whats wrong?

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) LUKE I messed up again. SUMMER Whats happening. There is a loud knock on the door. SUMMER (CONTD) Whos that? LUKE Just listen for a second. I lost you. I should of dealt with that a long time ago. But dont keep me out of her life. I wasnt around my father, look how I turned out. COP (O.S.) Open up, its the police. SUMMER Why are the police here? LUKE I wish I could just stay right here with you. COP (O.S.) If you dont open up, were going to kick it in. The knocking continues, Louder. SUMMER Luke, you should open the door.-The cops begin KICKING in the DOOR. SUMMER (CONTD) Please, open the door -The lock cracks. LUKE Can you do one thing for me. What? SUMMER

72.

LUKE Forgive me. The police barge through the door. We lose sound. Luke steps backwards, raises his hands in the air. Doesnt stop looking into Summers eyes.

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) The cops rush him and pin him to the ground. Cuff him. SUMMER

73.

Watches it all from her chair. The police try to talk to her, the other escorts Luke up and out of the house. Her eyes begin to swell with tears, she tries to get to Luke and the police officer restrains her. EXT. SHANTY HOUSE. Luke is shoved outside with his hands cuffed behind his back. Thomas ford is just pulling up. Thomas gets out of his car. His eyes meet Lukes. They pass each other as Thomas heads towards the house worried. Luke turns and looks back; Summer at the doorway, in all the excitement, her water has broke. Luke is shoved into the car. The door closed behind him. INT. COP CAR. Through the window; Summer staring at him through the doorway, her eyes filled with FEAR. A pool of water has gathered at her feet. Her water broken, she collapses. Thomas catches her. Summer and Thomas become specks in the distance, as the car pulls away. Luke in the back, alone, begins to sob quietly. GAURD (V.O.) (Prelap) Hillgers, you got a phone call. INT. WATCHHOUSE. PHONE. Luke sits cuffed to a desk. Hes handed the phone by and officer off screen. Yeah? LUKE * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) Candices voice from the other end. CANDICE How are you? He cant help but laugh. LUKE How do you think I am? Im stuck in here. A long moment of silence. CANDICE Im going to post your bail.

74.

A beat. He places his forehead on the desk, stares at his shoes. LUKE Mum, you dont have to do that. CANDICE Im not doing it for you. I would let you sit in there if this was just about you. But its not about you anymore. EXT. WATCHHOUSE. Luke exits. LUKE (V.O.) Why isnt it about me, mum? Candice waits in the parking lot. Her sitting idle. CANDICE (V.O.) There was an accident. INT. CANDICES CAR. Luke stares out the window, almost lifeless. INT. HOSPITAL. HALLWAY. Luke sprints up the hallway. Hes stopped by a nurse. NURSE Excuse me, sir. LUKE Is she okay, what happened?

* *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) INT. WATCHHOUSE. PHONE. Luke sits, head still on the desk. CANDICE (V.O.) She went into labour. Tom drove her. Luke closes his eyes. Holds his breath. CANDICE (V.O.) They had an accident. Opens his eyes. Tears fall onto his boots. INT. HOSPITAL. The Nurse stands in front of him. NURSE Im sorry, sir. Shes... Shes having trouble finding the words. Gone. NURSE (CONTD)

75.

Lukes heart breaks. He sits in the chair, cant hold back his tears. NURSE (CONTD) Im really sorry, sir. A long beat. He cries. The Nurse stands there awkwardly. NURSE (CONTD) But would you like to meet your daughter? He looks up with his red eyes. TIME CUT: INT. HOSPITAL. The nurse walks the long corridor, holding in her hands a small infant. Wrapped in a blanket. Luke watches form the other end of the corridor. Rubs his hands on his pants. Nervous. They get closer. Luke is trying to stay calm. The nurse places the baby girl in Lukes arms. He looks down into her eyes. * *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) NURSE She doesnt have a name yet. SUMMER (V.O.) (Prelap) You want to hear something romantic? EXT. BEACH. NIGHT. The carnival behind them. Luke and Summer walk together through the sand. Sure. Okay. LUKE SUMMER

76.

She stops him in his tracks. SUMMER (CONTD) Hold out your hands. He does. SUMMER (CONTD) Okay. Every Atom in your body came from a star that exploded. She takes his right hand. SUMMER (CONTD) And the Atoms you have in this hand. She lifts up the other. SUMMER (CONTD) Came form a different star than the ones in this one. INT. HOSPITAL. Luke holds the baby. Rocks it gently. SUMMER (V.O.) You and I couldnt be here if stars hadnt exploded. Tears still falling. *

Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) INT. CANDICES CAR. LATER.

77.

Luke a couple of days later sits in the back seat with the baby in a car seat. Candice drives. CANDICE She needs a name. Luke looks on thoughtfully. SUMMER (V.O.) Because the elements that are needed for life. They werent created at the beginning of time. They were created in the stars. Autumn. EXT. BEACH. NIGHT. Summer looks beautiful in the moonlight. SUMMER And thats really the most poetic thing I know about the universe. Luke stares at her, hanging off her words. INT. SHANTY HOUSE. Luke laying in bed. SUMMER (V.O.) Stars died. Pull back to reveal the empty side of the bed. Where Summer should be. He reaches over and feels the empty space. INT. BABYS ROOM. Autumn, asleep in her crib. SUMMER (V.O.) So you could live. * LUKE

78.

THE END