Brave New World

ACT ONE: MOVING ON FORWARD

EXT. A PARK. AFTERNOON

FADE IN:
"On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons starts playing.
Then, an animated sequence begin.
A clear August sky, with only two fluffy clouds floating
peacefully through. Underneath the sky, a lake, surrounded
by a range of green hills, its water clear as a mirror.
Everything looks calm and peaceful under the warm August
sun...
Blue letters appear on the screen:
Buxton, North Dakota
August
Then, a park. Its grass touches the clear blue lake, its
trees swaying back and forth on the warm summer breeze. Its
almost empty, with only a few people here and there, but it
looks very calm and peaceful. On a bench by a narrow path a
couple is sitting. The girl is explaining something to her
boyfriend, who then kisses her rapidly. A nurse in a pink
uniform is pushing an old woman in a wheelchair down the
path as they pass the couple.
Further on, on the grass near the lake - a young boy lying
on the ground. His name is Damien and hes 18 years old.
Hes wearing a black T-shirt with the logo from "The Hunger
Games" on it and holding a copy of "To Kill a Mockingbird",
seemingly reading. He reaches to his pocket and takes a
Snickers bar out, takes one hard bite, then flips the page
of the book.
Music starts toning down. Live-action sequence.
As Damien flips the page of his book, a Golden Retriever
jumps on him, pushing him on the ground as he starts licking
the boys neck. Damiens laughing, though struggling to push
away the dog. The dogs name is Skit and hes been Damiens
best friend for the past five years.
DAMIEN
Skit! Skit! Wait...
The dog isnt listening, just jumping happily around his
owner. He barks with joy.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

2.

Then - a girls voice from the distance. We can hear soft

steps slowly setting on the grass.
LUCY
(cheerfully)
Get up, you lazy jerk! Get done
with the book, we come with beer!
The girls name is Lucy (18) and shes Damiens high school
best friend. She comes slowly towards her friend, three
other people following behind her, all of them with plastic
bags in their hands, through which we see packs of chips,
chocolate, M&Ms, beer. The first person behind her is Joe
(20), Lucys long-term boyfriend. Then, behind them, a boy
with a guitar named Jim (18) and another skinny boy walking
slowly beside him. His name is Steve (19) and hes also one
of Damiens few friends.
Lucy approaches her friend, leaning down to give him a hand
as Damien gets up from the grass. The dog is now running
around them, while Damien cleans himself up from the peaces
of grass stuck on his clothes. He leans down one last time
to get his book and starts walking with Lucy towards a
wooden table with two long benches from the sides.
DAMIEN
This really is our last weekend
here. Doesnt it feel weird?
LUCY
It feels more than weird. But on
the other hand its also
liberating. I mean, lets be
honest, how much more of this
hell-hole can you really take?
DAMIEN
I guess youre right... (pauses)
But it somehow feels like were
gonna miss this place more than we
think, you know...
They finally get to the table and sit down. Lucy leaves the
plastic bag she had in her hands on the table and sits
opposite of her friend, leaving place for her boyfriend to
sit next to her. Steve finds himself next to Damien, while
Jim takes his shoes off, makes himself confortable on top of
the table and starts getting his guitar ready.
LUCY
So, when are you planning on going?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

3.

DAMIEN
My fathers driving me there on
Monday. I need to get settled in
the dorm before the ISO meeting.
LUCY
Oh, yes. I almost forgot we had
that meeting. Though, are we still
doing that?
DAMIEN
Yeah, why not...? It would be an
amazing way to make new friends.
Besides, I need extra-curriculars.
LUCY
Yeah, it always looks good on a
CV... But if my schedule turns out
being too stressful, I dont think
Ill do much good for the
organization, so Ill probably
leave...
JOE
Hey, you also need to find time for
your awesome boyfriend. (leans on
to kiss her while smiling)
DAMIEN
(sarcastically)
Yes, Lucy! Your awesome boyfriend.
(to Joe) And how often to you
actually plan on coming?
JOE
As often as I can. I dont think I
can spend another moment away from
my cute girl.
Lucy gives Damien an ashamed look as he and Steve try to
hide their laughter.
JAMES
Hey, I got a song ready. Lets go!
Lets sing!
LUCY
(clapping)
Yes! Music is what we need!
DAMIEN
Im not really...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

4.

STEVE
Yeah, me neither...
JAMES
Oh, yes you are! Its your last
weekend home, so we have to make
this an awesome memory. Now stop
bitching about it like little girls
and get ready, because this song is
awesome!
He puts the guitar in his lap, leans of comfortably above it
and starts playing. The song is "We Owned the Night" by Lady
Antebellum. He sings along, with Lucy following him. He then
gives Damien and Steve a weird look, making them smile and
start singing along with them.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE DOCK. AFTERNOON

Moments later we see Damiens footsteps as goes down the

dock. The dog, Skit, is sitting there peacefully, his eyes
set on the high hills behind the water. Damien gets next to
his dog, puts his legs in the water and starts petting him.
The dog turns around with a sad look in his eyes.
DAMIEN
(smiling)
Hey, buddy...Whats wrong?
The dog makes a whining sound, one of those sounds a dog
always makes when its sad. Damien puts his head closer to
the dogs and they sit in silence, looking at the clear
lake, at the hills behind it, at the perfect August sky.
DAMIEN (contd)
You know what I want, Skit? I want
this whole new world to really be
as promising as everybody says it
is. (pause) I want to be able to
enjoy myself more. I want to make
nice with people and make more
friends. I want... I want the true
experience...
He looks at the dog with sad eyes.
DAMIEN (contd)
Is that too much to ask for?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

5.

The dog makes a whining sound again and gets closer to his
owner, who puts his hand behind his neck and pets him, his
eyes filling with tears.
DAMIEN (contd)
Its been a hard road were walking
down, Skit. (pauses) And now I just
want people to like me. Not all of
them, but at least some...
Steps on the dock. We see Steve coming from behind, without
Damien noticing him.
STEVE
What are you doing here alone?
He sits next to his friend, takes his shoes and his socks
off and puts his legs in the water, too. Damien looks at him
surprised, then slowly turns to the side to wipe off his
tears, as he says:
DAMIEN
Oh, I just... I came to pick up
Skit and ended up talking to him...
STEVE
What is it with you and this dog?
DAMIEN
Hes...well, hes my best friend...
I grew up with him... I have to say
a proper goodbye...
Steve smiles at his friend. The sit in silence, until:
STEVE
Youre a good guy, Damien. (pauses)
You really should know that. Dont
let jerks like Joe make you think
otherwise...
Damien smiles as he tries not to cry and doesnt say
anything.
STEVE (contd)
You deserve the best. You probably
deserve it more than any one of
us...
Damien smiles and turns to his friend.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

6.

DAMIEN
Thank you. I really appreciate
this.
Steve gives him a fist bump.
STEVE
Always, dude. Youre like a brother
to me, you know that. (pushes him
lightly and smiles) My long-lost
twin brother. Separated at birth,
remember?
Damien chuckles, as the camera starts moving backwards and
we can only see them from behind. Steve is explaining
something inaudibly to Damien, while the dog starts running
around again. Damien turns over, the camera moves further.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE COLLEGE CAMPUS. DAY 1

"Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars starts playing.

A college campus on a clear September day. Students are
going down the long pathways to the study buildings, when a
boy rushes with his bike, turning from one side to the other
in order to fight his way through the crowd. Further on two girls are dancing to the rhythm of the song, while two
guys are swaying while sitting on the grass. Two colleagues
meet in front of a building and start a conversation, a boy
jumps over a group of hippie friends with his skateboard,
making them angry, a student is running after a professor,
who doesnt seem to enjoy the conversation, since the
student is desperately trying to ask him for a favor.
CUT TO:
INT. THE DORM ROOM. DAY 1

A busy hallway, with students settling in. Most of them are

looking for their rooms, carrying boxes and suitcases as
theyre trying to move in. In front of one room, two girls
are standing, making conversation, smiling. Two guys with
skateboards pass them by, passionately discussing their
hobby. A girl meets them and gives them a flier for a party,
before moving down the hallway and spreading the papers.
From down the hallway Damien and his father Mason (45)
appear. Damien is holding a cardboard box in his left hand,
with the words "Shelves & Stuff" written with a dark marker
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

7.

on it, while pulling a big blue suitcase with the other

hand. His father comes from behind him, carrying another
cardboard box and heavy black bag. Damien looks around,
searching for the right room, before finally stopping in
front of one that has the number 309 written on the door.
DAMIEN
Its here.
INT. DAMIENS DORM ROOM. DAY 1

He opens the door and goes in, his father following him. He
puts the carboard box on the bed on the left side of the
room and leaves the suitcase in front of the desk by the
window. He turns to his father and points to the bed.
DAMIEN
You can just leave it here, Ill
take care of it later.
MASON
Are you sure? I have time, I can
help you unpack.
DAMIEN
No, its really fine. Ill do it
later today. I like unpacking on my
own, it calms me down.
Awkward silence. They stand far from each other, Damien near
his bed and his father all the way by the door, and just
look at one another uncomfortably.
MASON
Did you call your mom?
DAMIEN
Oh, Ill do it later. I told her we
could skype this afternoon.
MASON
Good...good...
DAMIEN
Yeah...
Awkwardness again.
MASON
So...erm...do you want to go check
the cafeteria? Maybe grab a bite or
two? I know Im hungry...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

8.
DAMIEN
Yeah...sure... Im kind of hungry,
too, so lets...

They leave the room, with Damien closing the door behind
them, and step into the hallway again.
INT. A HALLWAY. DAY 1

They try to fight their way through the crowd. The students
are still there, but it somehow feels like theres more of
them now. Some of them chasing one another throughout the
place, while other just walking up to their rooms wearing
only towels around their waists. A nerdy girl walks scared
and confused down the hall, eventually hitting Damien. Her
books fall down and she starts panicking. Damien bends down
to help her pick her things up, while the girl fixes her
glasses. He smiles at her and she just looks at him ever
more scared than before, on the verge of crying, and runs
away. Damien chuckles and keeps walking with his father.
MASON
Wow, youre a real gentleman. (no
answer; awkward silence) Do you
know where the cafeteria is?
DAMIEN
Wait...let me check...
He puts his hand in his left back pocket and takes out a map
of the campus. They stand still for a minute until Damien
looks for the place, moving around the paper with his index
finger.
DAMIEN (contd)
It says here its in the building
E, which is supposed to be right
next to this one...
They take a right turn and continue down the hallway. Damien
puts the campus map in his back pocket.
MASON
So...are you excited? How are you
feeling?
DAMIEN
Excited. (pauses) I mean... Im
really looking forward to it.
Mason puts his hand on his sons shoulder and stops. Damien
stops, too, giving his father a confused look. He then takes
Damien by his head and looks him into his eyes.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

9.
MASON
Im really proud of you son.
(pauses) Top of your class, getting
into one of the best colleges...
(pauses) You make me proud.
DAMIEN
(rolls his eyes)
Dad, just...dont do this, please.
Its already weird enough, I
mean... (pauses) Lets just go,
have a nice sandwich, talk about
the weather or my subjects and
just... (pauses) okay?

Mason looks at him sadly and nods with his head, reluctantly
accepting his sons idea. They then start moving again. They
reach the end of the hallway. Damien opens the door before
them and they step out onto the busy campus.
INT. THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICE. DAY 1

There are three big lines of students. The room is very

small, with a big desk at the end, where three women are
working with the students separately. It seems to be very
hot in the room, as the students are all trying to fan their
faces with notebooks and fliers. They are all having
conversation about the stay there.
At the end of the third line, an angry girl is standing,
yelling at the office worker. Her name is Andranne (23) and
shes an exchange student from Qubec. Shes wearing a short
light blue dress. Her face is covered in sweat as she tries
to wipe it off with a paper tissue thats almost completely
torn apart. She gets even angrier because of the heat, her
face turning red as shes trying to explain something to the
woman in front of her.
ANDRANNE
(angrily)
Yes, but I sent you the document a
month ago, it has to be here, with
all the other ones!
ISO WORKER
I understand, but I cant seem to
find it anywhere, Im sorry. Are
you sure you sent it to us?
ANDRANNE
(more angrily)
Yes, Im sure, Im not stupid!
Connard! I sent you the stupid
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

10.
ANDRANNE (contd)
document a month ago and you even
sent me another one of your stupid
e-mails thanking me for it. (in
French) I dont know what one
should do here in order to get
things right!
ISO WORKER
Okay, miss. Please dont get angry.
I will try and check the other
office.

The ISO worker takes one of the documents in front of her

and leaves the desk. Andranne leans on the counter and
takes one deep angry sigh. Shes obviously very hot at this
point, trying to cool off with a notebook. She then hears an
unknown voice from behind her:
ALRIC
(in French)
They always do this stupid
bureaucracy crap. Its just how
their system works.
Andranne turns around to see the person. His name is Alric
(20) and hes another student from Qubec. Hes standing
calmly behind her, with papers in his hand. Hes wearing a
black T-shirt with the "Hunger Games" logo on it, similar to
the one that Damien was wearing back home. He smiles and
greets her politely, raising his arm for a handshake.
Andranne smiles back at him.
ALRIC
(in French)
Alric. Nice to meet you.
ANDRANNE
(in French)
Andranne. Likewise.
ALRIC
(in French)
So, what seems to be the problem
here?
ANDRANNE
(in French)
This stupid bitch apparently
doesnt have the signed contract
form I sent her a month ago. I hate
this stupid workers, they have no
idea what theyre doing and theyre
still so rude.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

11.

Alric starts laughing. Andranne looks at him weirdly at

first, but then smiles a bit too. The woman then comes back.
ISO WORKER
I am very sorry for the
inconvenience. Your document was
apparently received by my boss, who
had it in his office. We found it
now and everything is in order.
Heres your student card.
Andranne gives the ISO worker on last angry look, before
she hands her a document she signs and hands her the student
card. She puts the pen down angrily and takes the card.
ISO WORKER
Once again, I am very sorry.
ANDRANNE
Yeah...whatever...
She puts the signed document in the folder shes carrying,
takes everything she has from the desk and steps aside,
making way from Alric, whose turn it is to get the documents
in order. He turns to her a couple of times, reluctant to
ask her for a cup of coffee, while the ISO worker types on
her computer. Then, finally:
ALRIC
Oh...erm...do you maybe want to
grab a cup of coffee after Im done
with this? Or maybe a beer?
Andranne looks at him weirdly. She then smiles after
thinking about the idea for a couple of seconds. Alric
smiles back as he absent-mindedly takes and signs the
document the woman is handing him.
ANDRANNE
Id love that.
Alric smiles back at her, puts the document in his back
pocket and politely greets the woman, before going out of
the office with Andranne.
INT. A HALLWAY. DAY 1

They walk down the hallway as Alric stops for a second in

front of a dark window to check his hair. Andranne smiles.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

12.

ANDRANNE
(in French)
I really dont get it. These things
always happen to me. Lost
documents, changed deadlines, late
scholarships... (angrily) Its just
so frustrating!
ALRIC
(steps aside from the mirror)
Oh, please, forget all about it.
These things happen all the time,
its the system. Especially these
lost workers that dont even want
to be here, but have to show up,
because they all want to get the
money... Its a crazy bureaucratic
world and you should be as calm as
you can. (smiles) Which is why Im
taking you out for a daily drink.
Andranne smiles back at him as Alric opens the door in
front of them and shows her to go before him. They step
outside the main building and walk down the stairs.
EXT. THE COLLEGE CAMPUS. DAY 1

10

ALRIC
Do you know if there are any bars
here?
ANDRANNE
Not really. I havent been here
that long. Dont you?
ALRIC
Let me think a bit...
They both stand in front of the building for a second,
looking around, trying to think of places until Alric
finally remembers.
ALRIC
Oh, wait! Theres this one pub here
on campus. Its really close and
pretty cheap. I like it, lets go
there.
ANDRANNE
Wherever you lead me, mister.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

13.

They take a left turn by the building and start walking

around campus. Its a sunny September day and there are a
lot of students walking passing them by.
ANDRANNE (contd)
So, what brings you to New Haven?
ALRIC
Well...Im not really sure, to be
honest. (pauses) I just wanted to
go away from Qubec for a while. I
mean, dont get me wrong, I
completely love the city. But
living there for the past 20
years...it tends to get sort of
boring sometimes... (pauses) And I
really needed a change, so I
googled "Best linguistics colleges
nearby" and here I am... (pauses)
How about you?
ANDRANNE
Well, Im actually doing my
masters degree. I wanted to do it
somewhere away from Canada and,
like you said, this is one of the
best linguistics colleges nearby...
ALRIC
Oh, so you study linguistics, too?
Which languages?
ANDRANNE
Well, my primary language is
German, but Im also doing French
and English translation studies. I
want to do a masters degree in
translation and the program here is
actually pretty good. What about
you?
ALRIC
Actually, I study German as well!
What an amazing coincidence!
ANDRANNE
Really? Thats cool. Maybe we could
take some subjects together.
ALRIC
Yes, definitely... (pauses) So, my
primary subjects is German, but I
want to do historical development
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

14.

ALRIC (contd)
of languages in the future, so I
plan to put more emphasis on
developmental linguistics. More
specifically, Slavic languages... I
always found they extremely
fascinating...
ANDRANNE
Slavic? Thats a really interesting
area of studies... Have you studied
any of those languages?
ALRIC
I actually started with Czech a
couple of years ago. I didnt
really like it at first and I
thought it was a bad choice, but
after going to a summer school in
the Czech Republic, I fell in love
with the language and everything it
represents. Now I also started
learning Polish a bit and Im
trying to take up Russian, but
well see how itll all work out.
They take another left turn.
ALRIC
Oh, were here.
He opens the door of the bar and Andranne goes in. He
follows her.
CUT TO:
INT. ALRICS ROOM. EVENING

11

A dark room with dimmed red light. "Hang on to Your Love" by

Sade starts playing. Alric leaves his laptop back on the
coffee table and takes a joint from his friends hand. His
friend is Michel (24). The two are just lying in Alrics
room, passing a joint between themselves.
MICHEL
(in French)
Damn it, you bastard! Youre gonna
leave us all here to be bored to
death.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

15.
ALRIC
(in French)
Oh, please! Youll survive without
me. Besides, its only a year.
MICHEL
(in French)
Ha, I know you! Youre just saying
its only a year, but youre going
to be awesome there and the
teachers are going to fall in love
with you and theyll practically
beg you to stay.
ALRIC
(in French)
Oh, but I could never stay long
without you, mister. Ill miss you
too much.

They both start laughing uncontrollably. Alric then starts

choking, so he takes a sip of water from a bottle thats
next to the table on the ground.
MICHEL
(in French)
No, seriously. Youre very lucky,
dude. Cherish every moment of it.
Because theres nothing big here.
You need to reach for the stars, or
youll end up like me. 24 years
old, still struggling to get my art
out on the street, while selling
weed on the side just to have money
to buy booze and more weed. Its a
bullshit life, a paradox.
Alric takes the joint.
ALRIC
(in French)
Well, mommy sure told you how
important high school is. Do you
finally admit she was right?
Michel gives him a sarcastic look before taking the joint
from his hand and chuckling. Alric takes another sip of the
water, as stare at each other in silence, so Alric offers
his friend the bottle:
ALRIC (contd)
(in French)
Do you want some?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

16.

MICHEL
(in French)
Sure, why not?
He takes the bottle and passes Alric the joint.
ALRIC
(in French)
Thank you for this. This is the
best going-away party a friend
could ask for.
MICHEL
(in French)
I know you, dude. I know what you
crave. And you wanted to invite all
your friends, even that jerk
Hubert.
ALRIC
(in French)
Oh, God, I did! Im so glad I
didnt, though. He wouldve made me
feel so down.
MICHEL
(in French)
Of course he would, hes a stupid
little bitch. He cant even stop
lying to himself about his feelings
for you. You dont deserve that.
You deserve much more. And if I
ever have weird feelings for you,
Ill be sure to tell you.
ALRIC
(in French)
Thank you, this means a lot. I
really appreciate it. (drinks water
again) The thing is, I dont even
think I like him that much anymore.
It was just a boring McDonalds
obsession. I dont think I ever
really liked him, I just had
nothing to do with myself.
MICHEL
(in French)
Im happy you finally got that,
bitch! He was just a distraction.
And not even a big one, at that.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

17.

ALRIC
(in French)
Definitely not big. (starts
laughing) Oh, God, so small! It
seems unbelievable now.
They both laugh as they finish the joint. Alric puts another
song on. Its "Kiss of Life" by Sade.
MICHEL
(in French)
Oh, dude, do we still have to
listen to this depressing old lady?
ALRIC
(in French)
Sade is not a depressing old lady.
Shes such an authentic singer. I
love her voice and her songs,
theyre so sensual, you know.
MICHEL
(in French)
Oh, screw you and youre
sensuality, man! (pauses) You
really are leaving... (looks at his
deeply again)
ALRIC
(in French)
I really am...
We see a close shot of Alrics face. He seems to be staring
somewhere in the distance. Hes thinking deeply about the
move.
CUT TO:
INT. SULLIVANS PUB. DAY 1

12

Alric and Andranne are sitting at one table, drinking beer.

They seem a little drunk already.
ANDRANNE
So, were all inside my fathers
car, six of us, Im driving down an
open road with fields on every
side, my friend Alison is yelling
at me for being too drunk, Im
yelling at her to stop yelling at
me, our friend Marie keeps telling
us she needs to throw up in the
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

18.

ANDRANNE (contd)
back, so her boyfriend is trying to
make her not puke and the other two
girls are just giggling in the
back. So, I got really angry, took
a sudden turn left, stopped the car
and got out of it. I started
walking down the dark highway,
while I head Alison yelling "Come
back! Andranne, dont be a baby,
come back!" but I was just so angry
that I gave her the middle finger
and said "You drive yourself home,
bitch!" and just walked the rest of
the way home.
ALRIC
No! No, you didnt! (starts
laughing) You didnt actually leave
your fathers car in the middle of
nowhere with your five friends in
there and just walked home.
ANDRANNE
I did. Not one of my proudest
moments, I admit. My father wanted
to kill me the next day. I was
grounded for six weeks, had no
allowance, nothing! It was a mess!
ALRIC
(laughingly)
Okay, this is hands down the
funniest drunken story Ive ever
heard. Which is so weird, because
you dont strike me at all as the
"wild child" type.
ANDRANNE
Oh, poor Alric. If you knew me
during my golden high school days,
you would say "How did this girl
get to a masters degree? I
remember her, she was a total
slut!"
They both start giggling..
ALRIC
Okay, Im getting us another round.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

19.

ANDRANNE
Wait, Im not sure if we should
drink anymore. Also, Im hungry.
ALRIC
Well, how about I order us some
onion rings and some fries to go
with the drinks? Hm?
ANDRANNE
Okay then, were staying. Youre
amazing, you get me so well. (takes
her phone from her bag) Though, you
might also prove to be a bad
influence.
ALRIC
I am nothing but bad influence.
(chuckles)
He then goes to the bar, leaving Andranne. She takes her
phone and gets online in order to get herself occupied.
A little bit further, at the bar:
ALRIC
Could I get another round of beer,
some onion rings and some fries,
please.
BARTENDER
Coming right up. (leaves)
Alric is waiting impatiently for the food, playing with his
fingers on the wooden counter, occasionally turning around
to see if Andranne is alright. Shortly after, the bartender
gives him the beers and leaves again. He once again turns to
Andranne, who gives him signs that shes fine, then looks
at her phone. Alric starts staring at the TV above the bar,
where a football match is on and gets lost in the moment
because of the alcohol. He then hears a voice:
LAURA
Wow, you seem really into sports.
Alric turns over.
there. Its Laura
university. Shes
drinking red wine

He notices a girl with red hair sitting

(23), a literature student at the
wearing a black shirt and jeans and
alone at the bar.

ALRIC
Excuse me? Oh, no! Not at all. Im
just... Well, Im just drunk and I
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

20.

ALRIC (contd)
got so into this game. In reality I
cant even stands sports, all
sorts. To me its just meaningless
running and jumping around, its
weird...
LAURA
(chuckles)
I was just kidding. You dont
strike me as the sports type
anyway, though that comment was a
bit too harsh. (she pauses, then
gives him her hand) Im Laura, by
the way. I study literature here.
ALRIC
(fast)
Oh, Alric! (they shake hands)
Really nice to meet you.
LAURA
So, Alric, what is the reason
youre drunk at 2 in the afternoon,
trying to watch a basketball game?
ALRIC
Well, Im an international student,
part of an exchange program. And
since this is my first week here,
and probably the only one that
wont be extremely demanding and
exhausting, I decided to enjoy life
to the fullest. (pauses; takes a
sip of his beer) And you? What are
you doing alone at a bar in the
middle of the day, drinking red
wine?
LAURA
Oh, Im actually working. I... I
have some papers to grade for this
class Im teaching and red wine
helps me concentrate better.
ALRIC
(surprised)
Oh, youre also a teacher? That
is... truly fascinating.
LAURA
Actually, not as fascinating as it
sounds. I mean, I used to love
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

21.

LAURA (contd)
teaching, but after a series of
uninterested students who wouldnt
even let be inspired at all, it
started feeling more like an
obligation more than a full-filling
job. I also feel like my potential
is completely underused. (pauses)
But, then again, it pays the bills
and keeps me close to my books.
(smiles forcefully)
ALRIC
Wow...that is...very negative...
(smiles) But I like the way youre
thinking. Its always good to keep
the optimism up.
BARTENDER
(comes back)
Heres your rings and fries.
(smiles) Enjoy!
ALRIC
Thanks. (to Laura) It was nice
meeting you, Laura. Have fun with
the tests and if you decide to take
a short break and maybe party a
little, were on that table there,
so feel free to join us. (points to
the table)
LAURA
Thanks for the offer. Maybe some
other time.
ALRIC
Sure.
He smiles politely, then takes the plates and the beer and
leaves. Laura is watching him as he gives Andranne the
fries and the onion rings. She smiles, takes a sip of her
red wine and gets back to grading the papers.
CUT TO:
INT. DAMIENS DORM ROOM. DAY 1

13

The door opens. An exhausted Damien comes in, throwing

himself on the bed, before finally finding some strength to
take off his shoes. Hes lying with his eyes closed for a
moment, but soon stands up rapidly and gets on top of his
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

22.

desk. He opens the window, leans comfortably on it, spreads

his legs on the desk and takes a cigarette out. He lights
it, takes a deep drag and looks over at the big campus. He
seems to be thinking very much.
A few moments later, someone opens the door.
roommate Jasper (19). Hes African-American,
green T-shirt and jeans and holding a guitar
hand. He stops for a second as Damien starts
throws away the cigarette.

Its Damiens
wearing a light
in his left
panicking and

JASPER
(closes the door)
Dont worry, I dont mind the
smoking. (he leaves the guitar on
the bed) I personally opt not to do
it, but I have nothing against
smoking in this room. (he smiles)
Please, feel free to light another
one. And calm down. I dont bite.
Damien looks at him confusedly. He takes another cigarette
and lights it reluctantly.
JASPER (contd)
(continued)
My name is Jasper, by the way. I
guess Im your roommate.
They shake hands.
DAMIEN
Damien.
JASPER
Nice to meet you, Damien. I just
hope youll talk more during the
year. I would hate it if we lived
here like strangers.
DAMIEN
(confusedly)
Yeah...Im sorry. I really am. You
just... you caught me off-guard and
I feel a bit weird. But Ill
definitely talk more, I swear.
JASPER
Cool. Well, I gotta run now. Just
got here to leave the guitar,
but... erm... theres a small party
tomorrow night at Sullivans and my
bands going to play, so take a few
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

23.

JASPER (contd)
friends and see you there at nine,
okay?
DAMIEN
Oh, Im not... I dont know...
JASPER
Please, man! Its your last week of
freedom. Cherish it. See you
tonight.
They shake hands again and Jasper leaves. Damien sits
weirdly at the window, still smoking his cigarette. He feels
distracted by what just happened, still finding it weird to
accommodate to his new life.
CUT TO:
INT. DAMIENS ROOM. NIGHT

14

A dark night. Only a corner of the bedroom is bright by a

small lamp of the desk. On the bed, under the blanket,
trying to cover his ears to block the screams that come from
downstairs as tears are walling down his cheek, a
10-year-old Damien is lying.
CUT TO:
INT. A KITCHEN. NIGHT

15

A big squared kitchen table. Mason is angrily hitting it on

one side of the room, visibly drunk. His face is red from
anger. Opposite of him - his wife Nancy, standing with her
arms crossed. Shes angry, too, but unlike him, she doesnt
show it, just calmly stares at her drunk husband.
MASON
(yelling)
Im trying, but what can I do when
hes such a weirdo?
NANCY
Well, you might start by not
calling your son a weirdo, Mason.
Hes already having a hard time
with the kids in school making fun
of him, he doesnt need to hear it
from his father, too.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

24.

MASON
Im really trying here, Nancy.
NANCY
No, youre not. Youre doing
anything but trying, mostly
drinking. To be honest, the only
thing you seem to care about is
being drunk as of late. (pauses)
Honestly, if you took half an hour
at home and maybe spend some actual
time with your son instead of just
giving him money for whatever he
wants, he wouldnt have such a hard
time at school and wouldnt get
into fight when people say "Youre
dads a drunk fool!" to him.
MASON
Oh, so Im the only one to blame?
What about you? If you were such an
exemplary parent, why didnt you
teach your son how to make friends?
Nancy gets angrier, leans over the kitchen table, her hands
firmly set on the marble. She raises her voice, while back
in his room, little Damien is still trying to block the
sounds.
NANCY
(angrily, yelling)
Dont even dare point your finger
at me, you selfish son of a bitch!
Do you have any idea the roles I
have in this life? I have to be the
boss when I go to work and control
over 40 people in my department.
Then I get back home and have to be
the housewife, because god forbid
the almighty Mason comes home drunk
and he doesnt find food on the
table. Then I have to be the
teacher, because Damiens having a
hard time learning equations, so
who else can help him learn them? I
have to be his mother before he
goes to school and his father
whenever he has a problem with
another kid or when he wants to
learn how to ride a bike. And in
all that I get no help from you
whatsoever. Youre just out, all
day, hitting bars while you still
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

25.

NANCY (contd)
can, not coming back days on end,
so that when you finally do, you
either yell at the poor boy, or
just pass on the couch. I mean, how
could you not? You have to stay
until last call, because if not
your friends will call you "gay"
and God forbid youre ever "gay"!
All of a sudden - silence.
CUT TO:
INT. DAMIENS ROOM. NIGHT

16

As soon as the yelling stops, little Damien takes the pillow

off his head and raises his head curiously from under the
blanket. He stand up scared and starts walking towards the
door, slightly opening it so only a small ray of light comes
in from the hallway, and tries to listen better to whats
going on downstairs.
CUT TO:
INT. A KITCHEN. NIGHT

17

Mason shakes his head in despair and sighs. On the other

side of the squared marble table, Nancy is staring at him
with eyes full of anger. Shes shaking.
MASON
Im sorry. Ill...
NANCY
(trying to sound calm)
No, you wont. Stop saying you
will, because you wont. Youll
forget about it tomorrow. (sighs)
Look, Mason. I dont need you. I
dont even care about you anymore.
But Damien does. The boys having a
hard time socializing and I really
cant be there all the time every
day. He needs his dad. He needs
someone to teach him how to ride a
bike or how to throw a ball or how
to punch a kid in the face. And if
youre not up for the job - because
it doesnt seem like you are - then
simply pack your things and leave.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

26.

NANCY (contd)
There wont be a difference to it,
anyway. (pauses) Weve already
gotten used to our absence...
Mason is standing still, looking at her, as Nancy crosses
her arms once more and leaves the kitchen.
CUT TO:
INT. DAMIENS ROOM. NIGHT

18

Damiens still looking through the slightly opened door. He

then hears footsteps approaching and runs to his bed. He
lies down, covers himself with the blanket and pretends hes
asleep. His mother Nancy is in the hallway. She notices the
open door and goes inside the room. She sits next to him,
gives him a kiss on the forehead and lies down.
NANCY
We can make it on our own, big
buddy. Just you and me. Like
always...
She then starts crying and gives him another kiss on the
cheek. She covers him with his blanket and leaves the room,
taking one last look at her boy with tears in her eyes,
before slightly closing the door, but leaving a small space
open, so light can come from the hallway. Damien opens his,
gets from under the blanket and starts sobbing silently.
CUT TO:
INT. DAMIENS DORM ROOM. DAY 1

19

He finishes his cigarette and throws it down the window.

Hes eyes are read - hes been crying. He sits there in
silence for a brief moment, looking at the campus that
spreads beneath his window, then stands up, grabs a towel
and some cosmetics and goes into the hallway and towards the
bathroom to take a shower.
ACT TWO: THE FOREIGNERS

20

27.

INT. THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICE. AFTERNOON

21

People talking inaudibly while we only see a blurry image of

the left side of Damien face. As the image gets clearer, we
notice how nervous he is. His left eye is shaking softly,
hes playing with his fingers, pealing off the skin around
his nails. In front of him, two young people are standing the boy, Joseph (20) is the head of the International
Students Office. The girl standing next to him is Katherine
(19), his most trusted adviser and second in hand.
The two appear to be explaining the rules of the
organization for the newest recruits. We get another look at
Damiens nervous face. He tries to switch his legs without
anybody noticing, hes moving in his chair, visibly
uncomfortable. Hes not listening to anything, until Joseph
mentions his name.
JOSEPH
Damien is one of our new recruits.
Hell be in part of the orientation
team and the mentor section. (turns
to Damien) So, Damien, would you
mind telling us something about
yourself? Who you are, what your
interests are, why youre part of
the ISO...the normal, boring stuff.
DAMIEN
(smiles)
Hello, everybody. (waves shyly) Im
Damien. Im a freshman at this
university. I actually just moved
in today, which wasnt a very smart
thing to do, but I wanted to spend
as much time as I could in my
hometown. I come from North Dakota,
which I know sounds weird, but its
actually a very nice state.
Erm...what else... Im interested
in all things supernatural,
especially TV shows about weird
natural events like "The X Files"
or about superheroes like
"Smallville". Erm... I joined this
organization because I think...
Well, I think its going to be an
amazing opportunity for meeting
people outside your normal bubble
in class. Erm... well, thats about
it. If you have any questions, feel
free to ask me...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

28.

JOSEPH
(smiles)
Thanks, Damien. (he turns a page in
his folder) So, what Damiens job
consists of... (turns to him) like
I already informed you in the
e-mail - is basically finding
compatible people and putting them
together as mentor and mentee. The
idea of the mentorship program is
for people to become closer before
the beginning of the year and help
each other throughout the semester
with the integration. Katherine
here was last years mentor
coordinator, so shell fill you in
and answer all your questions.
KATHERINE
Hi, everybody.
JOSEPH
As far as orientation week is
concerned, weve planned a trip to
Bear Mountain for the weekend.
Katherine has more details
concerning the trip, which will
take place from Thursday to Sunday,
since we have a long weekend, and
shes already made a Facebook
event, so youll all receive
invitations. (to Katherine) Would
you like to fill the in?
KATHERINE
Hi, once again. Im Katherine and
Ive been with the ISO for the past
two years. Im part of the
orientation and mentoring team, so
I was in charge of organizing the
trip to Bear Mountain. Like Joseph
already told you, its going to
take place over four days this
weekend. Erm...as far as the
accommodation is concerned, weve
already booked a youth hostel with
double rooms. Weve also secured a
lot of food and alcohol, so were
going to party hard! (smiles;
raises her hand in a fast; pauses
shyly and clears her throat) The
point of the trip is for people to
get to know each other better and
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

29.

KATHERINE (contd)
its good if as many students as
possible come, because this is
where everybody truly bonds and
makes friends that will last until
the end of their stay here or even
longer.
Damien starts touching his nails again. He seems very
disturbed. Hes not listening to what Katherine is saying.
A few moments later the meeting is over. The tables are not
in the middle of the room like, but on the sides, with
snacks and beer on them. Katherine is standing in front of
everybody with cards in her hand, while both the ISO
volunteers and the exchange students all stand in the middle
of the room.
KATHERINE
In my hand I have a couple of cards
with info about your mentors and
mentees. Im going to give each one
of you the right card and you need
to find your partner. On this cards
I have printed the five things that
you have most in common, so they
will serve as conversation starters
or simply topics.
Alric and Andranne stand in the far corner of the room,
both visibly drunk.
ALRIC
(in French)
I bet this will turn out in one
weirdo freak show. These volunteers
always get over-excited when it
comes to games like this, but the
games never really work.
ANDRANNE
(in French)
Shut up! And give the girl a
chance. She seems nice...
ALRIC
(in French)
I never said she wasnt nice, I
just said that I dont feel like
talking to some weird freshman who
"wants to make friends" right
now...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

30.

Everybody moves across the room, with cards in their hands.

Katherine keeps handing the cards to the students that still
havent got one, while the others are looking for each other
in the crowd. Alric and Andranne take their cards and read
from them:
ANDRANNE
I got someone named...Lucy?
LUCY
(from behind her)
Oh, thats me. (she smiles, they
shake hands) Nice to meet you.
ANDRANNE
Yeah, nice to meet you, too. Oh, it
says here youre a fan of science
fiction. Have you ever watched
"Orphan Black"?
LUCY
(excited)
Are you kidding me? I love that
show! I watched it twice already,
now I cant wait for season 3 to
begin!
Alric reads his card. The name "Damien" is written on it. He
looks around in the crowd, turning his head left and right,
but cant seem to find him. Andranne and Lucy are talking
inaudibly next to him, laughing about their cards.
ALRIC
(absent-minded)
Ill be right back.
Andranne smiles at him as he tries to push his way through
the crowd and get to the tables. He opens a beer and puts a
couple of peanuts in his mouth, then leans on the table and
takes a sip from the beer. A moment later hes approached by
Damien, who looks at him shyly.
ALRIC (contd)
(smiles)
So...youre Damien, I guess?
DAMIEN
Yes. And youre...Alr...Alric?
ALRIC
Yeah, Alric. Its not that
difficult to pronounce, you know.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

31.

DAMIEN
Yeah...sorry, Im just... Im just
kind of nervous, to be honest...
ALRIC
(smiling)
No, Im sorry. That was very rude
of me. (pauses) This is a weird
meeting...
DAMIEN
(chuckles)
Yeah, I know. I mean, Katherine had
an amazing idea, but putting it to
practice has proven a
bit...difficult.
Alric looks at him with a sneaky smile for a second, then:
ALRIC
How about we grab a few beers, get
behind this building and smoke a
joint? Theres no better way to get
to know each other.
DAMIEN
(hesitantly)
Okay, sure. Why not. Ill get the
beer...
ALRIC
And Ill meet you outside
EXT. BEHIND THE MAIN COLLEGE BUILDING. AFTERNOON

22

Damien and Alric walk down the path behind the main college
building, with beer in their hands. From time to time,
Damien takes a sneaky look at Alric, but almost instantly
turns his head. Alric finds a place on the concrete, sits
down comfortably, his legs one above the other. Damien
follows shortly after, shyly sitting next to him. He gives
Alric his beer and watches as he opens it with his teeth.
ALRIC
What? Stop looking at me like that.
I have very strong teeth.
DAMIEN
(smiling)
If you say so...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

32.

ALRIC
Here. (gives him the beer) Cheers!
DAMIEN
Cheers!
They both take a sip and sit in silence for a moment. Then,
Alric takes his card and reads from it.
ALRIC
So...Damien...dearest Damien... I
see that youre interested in TV
shows... Favorites, now!
They both take a sip of their beer while Alric is trying to
roll a joint.
DAMIEN
(smiling)
Are you sure you want to talk about
this?
ALRIC
Come on, its on the card! Lets
get to know each other better
through our interests!
DAMIEN
(laughs)
Okay...well, my favorite TV show is
"Smallville". Oh, and "Doctor Who".
I just love "Doctor Who".
ALRIC
Jeez, are you kidding me? You have
a weird taste. I mean,
"Smallville"s really cool, but
"Doctor Who"? I tried watching it
twice and I just...I couldnt... It
was too much bullshit for me.
DAMIEN
Hey! Never say that about "Doctor
Who"! Its a great show! Im so
obsessed with it, I even started
buying fan T-shirts and all that
crap a couple of years ago.
ALRIC
(laughs)
Okay, okay. Im not saying anything
against it.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

33.

Silence. Damien drinks the beer while Alric is struggling

with the joint.
DAMIEN
(looking at Alrics T-shirt)
So...The Hunger Games...Big fan?
ALRIC
Huge! I love those movies. When I
was in the cinema watching the last
one, there was this scene where
everbody does the Mockingjay
sign... (chuckles) So, I stood up
in the middle of the theater and
did it with them. It was amazing!
Damien smiles, but doesnt say anything. Alric is still
making the joint, trying to make it look perfect. He then
smiles, lights it, takes the first three drags and gives it
to Damien.
DAMIEN
Do you do this often? Smoke joints?
ALRIC
Yes, very often. I shouldve
written it in my interests, maybe
it wouldve been on this freaking
card.
DAMIEN
Come on, the cards are not that
bad. And its actually a nice
integration game.
ALRIC
Maybe. (takes another drag) I dont
know, Im sorry. Im just a bit on
edge. This whole...change.
(yelling) Brave new world!!!
(laughs) It feels so strange to be
away from home. And in Connecticut,
at that!
DAMIEN
Well, Connecticut is not such a bad
state. And this is a really good
university.
ALRIC
Yeah...I know...Dont mind me, Im
drunk.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

34.

DAMIEN
Already?
ALRIC
Always.
DAMIEN
(laughs; pauses)
Hey, your turn.
ALRIC
(confused)
My turn?
DAMIEN
Favorites.
ALRIC
Oh, yes! Well, my favorite and the
best television show ever is,
obviously, "Mad Men". I also love
"Breaking Bad" and "The Sopranos"
and "Six Feet Under" will always
have a special place in my heart.
DAMIEN
Really? "Mad Men"? Nothing ever
happens on that show.
ALRIC
Thats the beauty of it! Its not
your typical melodrama about people
stabbing each other and cheating on
each other and stealing from one
another. It does have all the
elements of a drama, but does it
way more subtly. And when you watch
it, you actually feel like youre
in the 60s. Its amazing how that
show just...I dont know, makes you
feel the era somehow...
DAMIEN
Wow. (takes a drag)
ALRIC
(looks at him)
What?
DAMIEN
Nothing...just... Youre really
passonate about this.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

35.
ALRIC
Yeah, well. Television and
languages are probably the only
things Im good at. But, on the
upside, Im really good at both of
them. Like seriously good.
DAMIEN
I believe you.

A pause. They look at each other and smile. They keep

passing the joint. Alric then takes his phone out and plays
"Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac. He starts swaying to the tune.
DAMIEN (contd)
Whats this?
ALRIC
(in disbelief)
Whats this? How can you even ask
me? Who thought we were compatible,
really? (takes his phone) This, my
friend, is the best band of all
time and it carries the name
Fleetwood Mac. Come on. (he stands
up) Lets dance.
He takes Damien by the hand and starts swaying around while
singing along. Damien starts laughing.
ALRIC
(continued)
Seriously? Thats your dance? Dear
God! I need to teach you so much.
Here, move your arms and your head
like this.
He shows him how to move.
ALRIC
(continued)
Close your eyes. It feels better.
Damien listens to him. Both of them sway to the rhythm with
closed eyes. A light breeze touches Damiens hair. Hes
smiling. Alric then sits down and turns off the music.
DAMIEN
Why did you turn it off?
ALRIC
Oh, you liked it? Thats good. Now
I feel proud of myself.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

36.

DAMIEN
(sits down)
Do you smoke?
ALRIC
Sure. (he takes one of his
cigarettes) Youre a fun one,
Damien.
DAMIEN
(lights his cigarette)
Really? I dont think so.
ALRIC
Well, you might be kind of boring,
but in general, I really like you.
Were gonna have fun together. I
can feel well be good friends...
DAMIEN
(smiles)
Id love that.
ALRIC
Now give me the stupid lighter.
Mine broke.
Damien smiles and lights his cigarette.
CUT TO:
ACT THREE: HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS

23

EXT. AN ORPHANAGE. DAY

24

The outside of an orphanage. It looks like a small park with

bad grass and a swing set. There are also some trees, but
most of them have very few branches and leaves. Behind the
trees theres a giant window with colorful letters and
drawings of cartoon characters. Right next to it we see
Damien, sitting between two walls in a space that looks only
big enough to fit two people. Hes smoking a cigarette.
We then see Lucy coming down the small pathway and
approaching Damien. She gives him a warm kiss on the cheek,
takes the earplugs from her ears and sits next to him,
lighting a cigarette after she breathes out. She must have
been running, because shes almost out of breath.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

37.

LUCY
Sorry Im late. Its my father...
DAMIEN
Oh, sure, no problem. Is everything
alright?
LUCY
Yeah, hes just bothering me with
the college stuff.
DAMIEN
He still disapproves of the law
program?
LUCY
Yeah...I mean, I get his point.
(takes a drag) He thinks that law
is a family business, something you
inherit from your parents and since
we dont have any lawyers or judges
in our family, he doesnt think it
would be the best idea for me. I
mean, hes probably right, but I do
like social sciences. (takes
another drag) And its always the
same story with him...
DAMIEN
Well, do you have any other
choices?
LUCY
Yeah, he suggested microbiology.
Which, of course, seems like a good
choice, but its gonna take me so
long to finish it. And there is too
much science in all of that...
DAMIEN
Well, you might end up liking it.
LUCY
I do like it already. I just... I
dont know. (pauses) I wouldnt
want to do it for the rest of my
life, you know? (pauses) Argh,
screw it! Everything is so weird
and everything just makes me so
angry. Can we talk about something
else? Hows your life?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

38.
DAMIEN
Its okay. Weird, really.
LUCY
What happened?
DAMIEN
My father happened. He came to see
us yesterday and mother made lunch
for us and everything. (pauses) He
wants to start a relationship.
LUCY
What? Now?
DAMIEN
I know, its so messed up. Though,
you have to give him some credit.
It only took him 18 years to
remember he had a son. And now all
of a sudden before going to
college, he wants us to be friends.
He keeps asking me what Im planing
to do with prom and if I have
thought about my major. (takes a
drag) I think hes just jealous
that Im closer to my mother and
now he kind of wants to show me
that he can be there for me, too...
LUCY
Argh! Hes such a prick.
DAMIEN
Kind of. I mean, I get his concerns
and I get where all that comes
from, but its just... I feel weird
around him. I dont know how to
talk to him at all. Hes not my
father, when you think about it.
Hes just some stranger thats been
paying for the bills for the past
18 years and now all of a sudden
wants to be my BFF. I mean, I still
just see him as this drunken face
of authority. I dont know. (he
takes a drag; pauses) How are
things with you and Joe, by the
way?
LUCY
(pauses)
Okay...I guess. Hes... Joe is a
very difficult person.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

39.
DAMIEN
Youre telling me about it. He did
forbid you to see me, because I was
a "bad influence" after all...
LUCY
Yeah...(pauses) And he promised
hed change but... I dont know...
DAMIEN
Why, whatd he do this time?
LUCY
(sighs)
Well, I told him yesterday that I
want some space, because I really
want to get ready for the
university exam since its in two
months and I just really need to
study, especially with all this
pressure that my parents are
putting on me.
DAMIEN
And what did he say?
LUCY
The usual. That he loves me and
that he wants to spend every
breathing moment with me.
DAMIEN
And you dont think thats weird,
because...?
LUCY
(pauses; sighs)
I know it is... Damn it...

Awkward silence. Damien lights another cigarette, Lucy takes

one more, too. They both smoke without talking. Then:
DAMIEN
Did you get a prom dress already?
LUCY
No, not yet. My aunt and my mother
are taking me to Fargo next week,
Ill look for something there.
Another pause. All of a sudden Lucy starts crying. Damien
puts his arm around her and they both smoke their cigarettes
in silence.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

40.
DAMIEN
Its supposed to get better...
LUCY
Well, it somehow feels like its
only getting worse... I just...
Damn it, everything is so messed
up... My father and college and Joe
with his late night
calls...(pauses) He called me last
night, high as a kite. Probably
drunk, too, probably. He started
crying on the phone, telling me how
much he loves me. He said that life
seems impossible without me and
that he would kill himself if I
ever left him. Then he started
asking me who Im with and if Im
doing anything with you and how
dare I choose you before him... He
started talking about the cheating
again and he was crying like a
little bitch... It was a mess... It
was a freaking mess...

Damien hugs her and she leans on his shoulder.

LUCY (contd)
I just... I want someone to tell me
that everything is going to be
fine... I just want to hear those
words, no matter how simple they
are or how stupid they might
sound...
DAMIEN
Well...everything is going to be
fine... Everything will get
better...
They put out their cigarettes and keep sitting hugged.
CUT TO:
INT. DAMIENS DORM ROOM. EVENING

25

Damiens lying on his bed, watching a TV series on his

laptop. He reaches out to his left and takes some popcorn.
He then reaches to the right and takes some M&Ms. Jasper
then comes out of the shower with only a white towel on. He
turns the lights on, approaches Damien and takes one of the
earphones out of his ear.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

41.

JASPER
Earth to Damien.
DAMIEN
(clicks pause)
Oh, sorry...Didnt see you there at
all... I had a pretty long day and
I just wanted to... I really needed
to relax with some TV shows.
JASPER
(smiles)
Yeah, well... Now Im here, so keep
me company until I go out...
DAMIEN
Oh, where are you going?
JASPER
To Sullivans. Theres really not
that many good places that serve
cheap alcohol here, you know.
DAMIEN
Yeah...I guess so...
JASPER
You want to join?
DAMIEN
Thanks, but... Not tonight. Im
exhausted. And a friend of mine is
coming to see me, so I guess Im
going with Movie Night today. But
Im definitely coming to your gig
tomorrow...
JASPER
Youre a weird dude, Damien.
(pauses) But sure, tomorrow works,
too. (he gets up and starts getting
dressed) You know, you seem a
little...stiff. Relax, man. Youre
in college now. You need to enjoy
yourself as much as you can. Before
you know it, youll be married and
the hangovers wont be so easy to
handle.
DAMIEN
Yeah, I know. I just... I was never
really into going out to crowded
bars. I dont really feel that well
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

42.

DAMIEN (contd)
when Im surrounded by a lot of
people...
JASPER
Are you kidding me? This whole
university will make you feel
surrounded by a lot of people.
Whether its in class or on campus
or at those party those guys from
ISO organize - there are always
people here, trust me...
DAMIEN
(smiles)
I guess thats true.
A knock on the door.
DAMIEN (contd)
Come in.
Lucy comes in with a plastic bag with snacks.
LUCY
Hey, why are you...why are you in
bed?
JASPER
Hes exhausted. Long day.
LUCY
Argh, you already started saying
that to people? (to Jasper) He
always says hes exhausted when he
wants to get out of something or be
left alone.
JASPER
(smiles)
Yeah, figured as much. Im Jasper,
Damiens roommate.
LUCY
(smiling)
Lucy. Its really nice meeting you.
JASPER
Yeah...nice meeting you, too.
(pause; he smiles) You know, I was
just telling your friend Im going
out to Sullivans, but hes too
busy being exhausted. Maybe you can
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

43.

JASPER (contd)
convince him and then the two of
you can join me for some beers and
tequila? Maybe even some darts?
LUCY
(smiles)
As tempting as that sounds, Im
gonna have to pass. Id love to
come, but Movie Night seems just as
interesting. Besides, we need some
time for just the two of us and we
wont get that at Sullivans. But
thanks for inviting us.
JASPER
Sure... Anytime... (pauses; smiles)
Okay, I have to go now. It was...
Im glad I met you, Lucy.
LUCY
(chuckles)
Yes...Im glad I met you, too.
He gives her a kiss on the cheek then leaves the room. Lucy
smiles and keeps staring at him, even as the door closes.
DAMIEN
You have a boyfriend.
LUCY
(distracted)
I know. I was just... Never mind.
(she sits on the bed and pushes
him) Make me some place to sit.
Damien moves closer to the wall and Lucy sits next to him.
She takes some M&Ms and the popcorn.
LUCY
So, how was day 1 at college?
DAMIEN
Fine, I guess. It was weird with my
father. We had lunch together at
the cafeteria.
LUCY
Mason still trying to be a parent?
DAMIEN
Yeah...but its kind of nice. Im
getting more used to it now.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

44.

DAMIEN (contd)
Besides, it seems like hes really
trying.
LUCY
Maybe he has changed.
DAMIEN
Maybe. (pauses) I dont know. Well
see. How was your first day?
LUCY
It was awesome. I finally
registered for classes, though most
of them are biology and chemistry
and other natural sciences. But Im
kind of looking forward to them.
DAMIEN
So, you decided to go with
microbiology anyway?
LUCY
Im not sure. But I might. It wont
be such a bad idea. (puts an M&M in
her mouth) Hey, where did you
disappear at the ISO meeting?
DAMIEN
Yeah, my mentee... He wanted to
ditch the whole thing, so we went
out, got high and danced.
LUCY
Danced? (surprised) You, Damien
Fitzgerald Dunham danced? (laughs)
I cant even imagine that!
DAMIEN
(embarassed)
Stop making fun of me. (pushes her)
It was actually really nice. He
played this song by Fleetwood Mac
and... (smiles) I dont know, it
felt good to just...you know, let
go and sway on the open air...
LUCY
(in disbelief)
Nice? Sway? (looks at him) What
happened to you?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

45.
DAMIEN
Why? Whats wrong now?
LUCY
Since when do you dance with
strangers and think its nice?
DAMIEN
Hey, it happens on occasion.
LUCY
No, it never happens. What does
this guy have over you?
DAMIEN
Nothing, jeez! Maybe this is a new
version of myself. You should be
more supportive.
LUCY
Yeah, Ill believe that when I see
actual long-term results. No
support until you prove to me that
you can actually be chill for
longer than a month...
DAMIEN
Okay, if you want to be mean, you
better go with my roommate to that
pub thing and Ill just get back to
my "Doctor Who" episodes.
LUCY
Dont be ridiculous. Lets just
find a nice movie to watch.
DAMIEN
How about "The Grand Budapest
Hotel"? Have you seen it yet?
LUCY
No? Is it any good?
Should be.
online?

DAMIEN
Wanna look for it

LUCY
Sure. (she pauses and smiles) Im
glad you had fun today, D. I really
want you to be...well, happy. And
if it involves dancing to...
"feet-like whatever" songs, then so
be it.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

46.

DAMIEN
Its "Fleetwood Mac". And thank
you. That means a lot.
She gives him a kiss on the cheek and makes herself more
comfortable next to him. She takes another M&M and puts it
in while smiling at him.
EXT. THE COLLEGE CAMPUS. DAY 2

26

"Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" by Coldplay starts playing.

A sunny day. The sky is clear, there are no clouds. Students
are walking down the streets of the college campus with
binders in their hands and backpacks. Some of them are
riding bikes to class. Alric and Andranne walk past a long
line of students.
ALRIC
So, how was it with you mentor?
ANDRANNE
It was fine, I guess. She seems
nice enough, very friendly. Though,
somehow scared, but I guess thats
just because shes a freshman. What
about you?
ALRIC
Well, hes pretty weird, actually.
But I like him. I made him dance to
"Rhiannon", it was so funny.
ANDRANNE
(laughs)
Poor boy. He mustve felt violated.
ALRIC
Oh, hell be fine. (pauses) But
seriously, he seems like a really
nice guy. I really like him.
ANDRANNE
Do you like him or do you like him?
Because, you know, as far as I saw
him, he wasnt that bad looking.
ALRIC
Oh, stop it! I dont think sexually
about every guy I see.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

47.

ANDRANNE
Yes, you do.
ALRIC
Okay, I do. And I have thought
about him that way, but hes
just... Hes just weird and doesnt
seem like my type at all. Besides,
I dont think hes gay anyway.
ANDRANNE
(smiles sarcastically)
Okay, if you say so. But if it
turns out he plays for our team
even occasionally, I think you
should give it a try.
ALRIC
Like I said - not my type.
ANDRANNE
Just give it a chance, jeez! Its
not like its gonna kill you.
She makes a mocking face at him as he shakes his head in
disagreement. They then enter a big college building.
INT. A HALLWAY. DAY 2

27

A hallway in a college building. The place is full of

students. Everybody is rushing to class, checking their
schedules on the board or trying to explain something to the
people working at the door. Alric and Andranne come in.
ALRIC
Do you know where the lecture is?
ANDRANNE
I have no idea. And its not a
lecture, as far as I know. I think
its just some type of seminar for
contemporary German.
ALRIC
Lets go check the timetable.
They go to the far left side of the building, where they
find the schedule for the lectures. Alric manages to find
the classroom.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

48.
ALRIC
(continued)
Here it says 13B, which is supposed
to be on the second floor.

The two climb up the stairs, trying to push through the big
line of people going up and down. They get to the second
floor and finally find the classroom 13B.
INT. A CLASSROOM. DAY 2

28

A small classroom. There are only 8 benches in the room,

four on each sides of the conformed space. In front of the
big desk stands Thomas (30), a lecturer from Germany. He has
his long black hair in a ponytail and is wearing a green
T-shirt and dark red trousers. Hes looking at something on
the desk, which is full with papers.
Alric and Andranne enter the room and look for a place to
sit. They find free seats at the left side in the first row,
so they leave their books on the desk. Thomas then stands
up, goes up to the door to close it and gets back to the
middle of the classroom. He doesnt say anything, just
writes down his name on the green board, before turning to
the class to address them.
THOMAS
(in German)
Hello, everybody. My name is Thomas
Mayer. Im 30 years old and Im
originally from Regensburg, which
is in Bavaria. I will be your
lecturer in Contemporary German, a
class that consists mostly of
reading exercises and writing
essays. The point of this class is
to improve your writing and
communication skills. I will be
speaking German all the time
throughout the lessons, so if
anyone doesnt understand me
completely, dont be afraid. Youll
see that in two weeks youll
understand more than you think.
He goes back to the desk, takes the printed papers and hands
halves of them to both sides of the classroom, so that the
students can take one each then pass them along.
THOMAS
(continued; in German)
What our classes will consist of
are mostly printed stories, essays
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

49.

THOMAS (contd)
or poems that were going to
analyze in class or at home. Every
lesson we will have a different
topic of conversation and you will
have to either express your opinion
verbally in front of the class, or
write an essay at home on the given
subjects. We will also hold debates
about current affairs, especially
events concerning Germany. At the
beginning of every lesson one of
you will hold a short presentation
which will initiate the debate. The
debate will last 45 minutes, before
we switch to our next topic of
conversation, which will be
connected to our reading exercises.
Do you have any questions? (silence
in the classroom) Okay, then. Lets
start with todays subject.
He turns to the board and writes down the following words in
German: "THE FORGETFULNESS OF LOVE OR HOW A FEELING FADES".
He then turns to the classroom again.
THOMAS (contd)
(continued; in German)
This is the topic of conversation
for our first lesson. On the papers
that I just handed out to you you
will find a poem by Bertolt Brecht
called "Die Erinnerung an die Marie
A." The poem is about how a feeling
fades with time, so I want you to
read it, think about the lines that
are connected to forgetfulness and
write a short story or an essay on
the topic that you have on the
board. You have 40 minutes to do so
and after that, you will give me
the papers so I can check them at
home. You may start now.
Close-up view of the paper in Alrics hands. We can read the
first few verses of the poem.
CUT TO:

50.

EXT. A STREET. WEE HOURS

29

An empty street in the wee hours. Theres a big building

under which a man is sitting. He has curly blond hair and is
holding a bottle of gin in his right hand. His name is
Laurence (20). We can only see half his face, brightened by
a street lamp, but the other half is under a shadow. Its
raining and it has been raining for a long time, since the
mans clothes are wet. Hes wearing a blue shirt, which is
now see-through because of the rain.
Footsteps are approaching. We see Alric holding a bottle of
red wine in his hand, also soaking wet from the rain. He
comes under the building and sits right next to the man. He
makes himself comfortable, takes out one cigarette and
lights it. Laurence tries to start a conversation in French.
LAURENCE
You smoke too much.
ALRIC
So?
LAURENCE
So, it will kill you. The smoking.
Its not good for you.
ALRIC
There are far worse things than a
couple of cigarettes.
The two guys sit close to each other, but without their
bodies touching. They dont speak. Laurence turns from time
to time and looks at Alric, but he seems to be mad at him
about something and doesnt move his head at all.
LAURENCE
If youre not going to talk to me,
why did you come here?
ALRIC
Because of the rain. And because
you are drunk and its never good
when youre drunk.
LAURENCE
(smiles)
I love it how you still want to
take care of me.
ALRIC
Somebody has to, since you
obviously dont care at all about
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

51.

ALRIC (contd)
yourself. And your dear friend
Sacha even less.
Uncomfortable silence. Alric
takes three big sips of wine
Laurence still keeps looking
from his face. He then tries

is smoking his cigarette. He

and makes a strange face.
at him, not moving his eyes
to sit closer to him.

LAURENE
(smiling)
Im sorry.
ALRIC
Its hard to believe you are, since
your smiling and Im pretty sure
you have no idea what youre
supposed to apologize for.
LAURENCE
(getting closer to Alrics
face)
For the way I treated you. And for
the things I said to you.
Alric turns around. Their faces are extremely close to one
another, with their noses touching. Alric is still angry,
Laurence is still smiling. He then kisses Alric on the lips
and turns away. He stops smiling.
LAURENCE
You dont care about me anyway, why
should I explain myself in front of
you?
ALRIC
I dont care?
LAURENCE
No. Youre just like all the other
people in my life. Pretending to be
my friend while they can get
something out of me, then leaving
me to follow their own interest.
Youre just like them. Youre
abandoning me, too.
Alric stares at him with anger in his eyes. Laurence turns
around again and smiles at him. Alric gets even angrier and
lights another cigarette. They sit uncomfortably in silence.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

52.
ALRIC
Theres nothing to abandon. You
were never my friend.
LAURENCE
I wasnt? I thought you said I
was...
ALRIC
We know that a friendship between
us is impossible. Not when there
are sparks flying out.
LAURENCE
I didnt say anything about
sparks...
ALRIC
You didnt have to.

Their noses touch again and their faces are really close.
They stare in each others eyes. After a while, Laurence
touches Alric on his cheeks. He then takes him violently by
the chin, and kisses him passionately. Alric responds to the
kiss. Soon, Laurence turns away and takes a sip of the gin.
LAURENCE
Youll be gone soon.
ALRIC
Well, this was supposed to be a
short summer thing. We both knew
that.
LAURENCE
I hate this.
ALRIC
What?
LAURENCE
The fact that our relationship has
an expiration date.
ALRIC
It didnt have to. You just decided
to end this before it even began.
LAURENCE
(stares at him and pauses)
You keep trying to convince
yourself that Im the bad guy. Im
not.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

53.

ALRIC
Then show me a single sign of
goodness.
Laurence stares at him, then takes him violently and starts
kissing him. He moves to the neck and Alric is moaning in
ecstasy. He puts his hands underneath Alrics shirt,
passionately moving them up and down his body. Alric takes
him by the neck and starts kissing him.
LAURENCE
(smiling)
Am I being good enough, mister?
CUT TO:
INT. A CLASSROOM. DAY 2

30

Back to the classroom. Alric is writing very fast, while the

other students give in their papers and leave the room.
ANDRANNE
(whispers)
Hey, are you almost done?
ALRIC
(whispers)
Yes, just two more sentences.
He continues writing. Thomas picks up the rest of the papers
from the class and looks at his wrist watch.
THOMAS
Im sorry, you two. You have to
hand in the papers. Class is
dismissed.
Alric finishes his last sentence fast and gives Thomas the
paper. He looks at the title: "THE LAST SIGN OF GOODNESS"
and smiles.
THOMAS (contd)
(continued; in German)
This seems like a really
interesting title. (in English)
Listen, I told some of the other
students, too, especially the ones
that are interested in writing,
that Im also holding a writing
seminar throughout the year. I
still dont know when and where
itll take place - that will be
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

54.

THOMAS (contd)
decided after we know the number of
students - but I would like you to
join. If you have an interest in
writing, of course. If not,
then...well, I guess Ill have to
get used to seeing you guys only in
class... (he smiles)
Alric and Andranne look at each other briefly.
ANDRANNE
Sure...well think about it...
ALRIC
I love writing for sure, but I
never really thought about a
writing seminar. That could prove
to be really interesting.
THOMAS
You think so? (he smiles, full of
hope) Im glad. So, give it a
little thought, maybe come up with
ideas about what we could do during
our meetings and what topics we
should cover and let me know, okay?
Im open to any suggestions.
ANDRANNE
Okay, sure.
ALRIC
No problem.
THOMAS
Thanks a lot. See you soon, guys.
ANDRANNE
See you.
ALRIC
Goodbye.
Andranne and Alric leave the classroom.
INT. A HALLWAY. DAY 2

31

They go back to the hallway, where there are a lot of

students passing by.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

55.

ANDRANNE
What did you think about the topic?
ALRIC
I really liked it. It was very
subjective and I could finally
write something deep about my
connection to my ex. The topic was
very philosophical, too, which I
found extremely interesting. What
about you?
ANDRANNE
It was okay. (pauses) Though, to be
honest, it seemed a bit trivial to
me. All you ever talk about with
friends is love, all you ever seem
to discuss in class is about love.
I dont know...I just think there
are bigger things we could right
about.
ALRIC
(smiles)
Who hurt you so much?
They both laugh as they get out of the building.
EXT. THE COLLEGE CAMPUS. DAY 2

32

The stand in front of the college building and take one

cigarette each. They light them.
ALRIC
So, you think we should join the
writing seminar?
ANDRANNE
I dont know. I mean, why not? It
could be a nice way to practice
German. Although, Im not doing it
if you dont want to do it.
ALRIC
Then lets do it. It would be nice
to do something outside he studies.
Besides, that teacher is not only
super cute, but also looks like
hes very nice.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

56.

ANDRANNE
Argh, I knew you checked him out!
ALRIC
Of course I did! You know me, I
have to keep my options open.
He puts out his cigarette and gives Andranne a kiss on the
cheek.
ALRIC
Im sorry, I have to run. I dont
want to be late for my Czech class.
But meet me after at Sullivans?
Maybe we could get a few beers
before going to that concert thing.
ANDRANNE
Argh, if you make me get drunk
again in the afternoon and keep on
drinking till morning, Im going
to kill you.
ALRIC
Oh, come on! We dont have anything
to study for anyways. Its not like
you have anything smart to do. And
we need to get in shape for that
trip this weekend. (looks at his
watch) Crap! I gotta go. Bye!
He runs inside, while Andranne finishes her cigarette.
INT. A CLASSROOM. DAY 2

33

Students are running around the classroom, trying to find a

place to sit. In storms Alric, almost completely out of
breath. Hes been running, but luckily the professor still
isnt here. He looks around to find a place and notices
Laura sitting in one of the middle rows. He goes up to her.
ALRIC
Hey, remember me?
LAURA
Hi! Yes, of course I do.
ALRIC
May I sit next to you?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

57.
LAURA
Yes, sure. Please do.
ALRIC
Thank you. (he sits down) Argh, Im
so out of breath! I thought I was
going to be late.
LAURA
Oh, dont worry. Even if you are,
its only the first lesson.

Alric smiles at her. Uncomfortable silence.

LAURA
So, what did you do yesterday? How
did the drinking go?
ALRIC
(smiles)
Oh, crap...that... Yeah, that was
fun. (he laughs) We got pretty
drunk and then we had this meeting
we had to get to, you know, to meet
our mentors and stuff. But it was
pretty good, I had a nice time...It
was a nice way to begin the year
(laughs again; pauses) How about
you? Did you manage to grade all
the papers?
LAURA
Actually, I did. But I wanted to
kill myself. These kids...I
sometimes think theyre actually
illiterate. I mean, the things I
read on those papers. They didnt
even know what the word renaissance
means, let alone give examples
about it. It was horrible.
They both smile at each other. The professor comes in. Her
name is Ala Lukov. Shes 55 years old, her hair is almost
completely white. Shes dressed in a long black skirt skirt
and a light blue jumper. She has her glasses on her head.
PROF. LUKOV
Hello, my dear students. My name is
Ala Lukov and I will be teaching
you Czech 103.
She turns to the board to write down her name and the name
of the class.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

58.
PROF. LUKOV
Im really not a strict teacher,
though I do respect hard work and
discipline...

Alric is writing things down, while the professor speaks

inaudibly. He turns over to Laura and smiles.
CUT TO:
INT. DAMIENS DORM ROOM. DAY 2

34

Damien is carrying his laptop across the room. We see his

mother Nancy (43) on the screen. Hes explaining to her
every corner of the room as he goes.
DAMIEN
And this is my bed, which is
surprisingly comfortable. I slept
like a baby last night.
He leaves his laptop on the desk and sits in front of it.
NANCY
(on camera)
And how do you like the school?
DAMIEN
It seems interesting. I mean, I
havent had any classes yet,
because they all start on Monday,
but it seems like the program is
really good. Most of the other
students seem to like it.
NANCY
And are you making friends there?
DAMIEN
(shily)
Mom! (pauses) Yes, I am. My
roommate Jasper seems really nice,
Im going to see his band play
tonight. Lucy is here, which
is...you know... more than helpful.
And I also meet my mentee
yesterday. His name is Alric and
hes from Canada.
NANCY
Im very glad to hear that.
(pauses) And how were things with
your father?
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

59.
DAMIEN
How are they always? (pauses) I
mean, hes trying. But, 18 years is
a really long time and...you cant
make up for them in two weeks
time... I still need to adjust to
the fact that I actually have a
father.
NANCY
You know, he blames me for not
having a relationship with you. He
thinks I made you a mommas boy.
DAMIEN
So what if you did? At least you
were there. And its only natural
that I be closer to you.

Jasper walks in. Hes sweaty and hes breathing fast.

JASPER
Dude, weve just been practicing
the new flash mob number. Its
going to be awesome, you have to
join us!
DAMIEN
Hey, mom, this is my roommate
Jasper.
JASPER
Oh, hey, Mrs. Duncan. Its a
pleasure to meet you. Im sorry, I
didnt see you there.
NANCY
(on camera)
Nice to meet you, too, Jasper.
Dont worry about it.
DAMIEN
Okay, moms. I have to go now. Talk
to you soon, okay?
NANCY
Okay, honey. Bye. Take care!
DAMIEN
Bye.
He waves at her and then closes his computer. He turns to
Jasper, whos changing on his bed.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

60.

DAMIEN
So, what about this flash mob?
JASPER
Oh, dude, you have to come and join
us! Its gonna be amazing! I dont
usually like things like that, but
this is...its grand, man!
DAMIEN
Yeah, I could. I mean, Lucy always
says that I dont know how to
dance, so itll be nice to actually
learn some steps.
JASPER
Yeah...ask Lucy to come, too. Im
sure shell love it. (pauses) Hey,
whats the deal with her? I mean,
is she single, is she into someone
- whats going on?
DAMIEN
(smiles)
She actually has a boyfriend.
JASPER
(sadly)
Oh...well, what can you do...
DAMIEN
(smiles; pauses)
Though, if you ask me, they
shouldnt spend another second
together.
JASPER
(curiously)
Really? Why...wh-...whats going
on?
DAMIEN
Well, between me and you... hes a
real jerk. And really pathetic. I
mean...he says he loves her, but in
reality its just an obsession, it
has nothing to do with love.
Knock on door. Theyre both surprised.
JASPER
Were you waiting for someone?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

61.

DAMIEN
No, were you?
Jasper shakes his head no.
DAMIEN
Come in!
The door opens and Lucy comes in.
DAMIEN (contd)
Oh, God! Its you.
LUCY
Yeah, of course its me. Who else
could it be? (to Jasper) Hi,
Jasper.
JASPER
Hey.
DAMIEN
I wasnt expecting you at all
today.
LUCY
Yeah, most of my classes were
canceled, so I decided to come.
(sits on desk) Do you have any
plans for the day?
DAMIEN
Actually, I was supposed to meet
Katherine at the ISO and Jasper
wanted to grab a beer or two
afterward. Wanna join?
LUCY
Sure, why not. I have nothing
better to do anyway.
Uncomfortable silence.
DAMIEN
Is...are you...is everything
alright?
LUCY
Yeah...everythings...I dont know.
Its my father.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

62.

DAMIEN
Is this about class again?
LUCY
Yeah... I had to choose all my
subjects today and we had a huge
fight on the phone... I just took
Intro to Biology, Chemistry 101 and
some other natural science crap.
DAMIEN
No humanities?
LUCY
Nope. None. He wouldnt let me. He
said I needed to "invest in my
future".
Uncomfortable silence again. Lucy finds a pen on the desk
and starts putting it in her fingers and playing with it.
Damien takes her by the hand and pets her. Jasper looks at
her, then takes his guitar in his hands.
JASPER
Well...lets think of a song that
will make you feel better.
He checks his guitar. Lucy smiles. He starts playing "Hey,
Jude" by the Beatles.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE COLLEGE CAMPUS. DAY 2

35

Alric and Laura come out of class together. They walk down
the stairs and laugh about their class. Alric then points in
the direction of Sullivans and Laura nods in agreement.
They both turn right and go to the pub.
CUT TO:
INT. A HALLWAY. DAY 2

36

Thomas is standing in front of a pin board with a bunch of

papers in his hand. On the flier it says "German Writing
Seminar". He takes one look at the flier, then pins it on
the board. He then walks down the hallway and gives the rest
of the fliers to the students.
CUT TO:

63.
EXT. THE COLLEGE CAMPUS. DAY 2

37

Damien is walking fast towards the college building. Hes

pushing himself through the crowd and running up the stairs
of the building.
CUT TO:
INT. SULLIVANS PUB. DAY 2

38

The door opens. Lucy comes in, Jasper walking behind her,
holding the door. She finds a table nearby and points
towards it. Jasper goes to the bar to get drinks. The music
stops. Lucy puts her stuff on the table, checks her hair in
on the lower part of the dart board and sits down. She
notices Andranne sitting a couple of tables further and
waves at her. Andranne waves back. Soon, Jasper comes back
with a pint of beer and two glasses. He puts them on the
table. Lucy smiles at him.
LUCY
Thanks! Though, this is too much.
JASPER
(sitting down)
Theres no such thing as too much
beer.
LUCY
Well, ask me after Ive thrown up
and then tried to pee and fell in
my own vomit while peeing.
JASPER
(laughs)
Did that really happen to you?
LUCY
(nods)
Junior year. Actually, it was the
summer before that. My boyfriend
was gone on a vacation with his
friends, so I finally had a week
alone with Damien and we decided
that the best thing we could do was
buy beer and get drunk in our old
school every day. The school had
been closed for years, because it
was being renovated, but in reality
they just changed the location to
this weird warehouse-like space and
thats where we stayed.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

64.
JASPER
You studied in a warehouse?
LUCY
(laughs)
More or less. (takes a sip of beer)
So, we decided to get drunk and we
only knew this one store at the end
of town that would sell beer to
underage people. Wed go there
every night, buy a six-pack,
sometimes even two and a pack of
cigarettes, sit on the steps in
front of the old school building
and just talk endlessly about life,
make jokes about our parents and
plans about the future. Four hours
later, we were so drunk we could
barely stand on our feet. (smiles)
It was a really nice time. (pauses;
takes another sip) So this one day
we did the same thing - drink,
talk, laugh, plan - and by the end
of the night, I started feeling, so
I had to throw up. I go up to this
corner behind the main school
building, which was like our
outdoors toilet, Damiens holding
my head and my hair and Im puking.
Five seconds later, I yell at him
"Move! I need to pee! I need to pee
bad!" and he goes back to our
place. So, I take my panties of,
kneel down and as Im peeing, I
feel gravity pulling me down. The
next thing I know...(starts
laughing) Im down in my puke and
the pee, yelling "Help!" (they both
laugh) Damien gets up and tries to
help me, but as he approaches, I
say "Wait! Im naked! Dont come
closer! Im naked!" (they stop
laughing; she pauses) Oh, that was
one of the best weeks weve had.
(takes another sip of beer)
JASPER
You seem pretty close to Damien.
LUCY
Oh, we are. I mean, at first we
hated each other, but we became
really close sophomore year. Hes
my best friend.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

65.
JASPER
What changed?
LUCY
Well, first of all we were the only
two people in our class smoking, so
we used to hide together on breaks
in a building and smoke cigarettes
together. Then I had this surgery
because of a cyst in my neck and
Damien came to visit me every day,
bringing me juice and everything,
which was really unexpected,
because I thought Im just one of
those smoking friends. But, as it
turned out, he genuinely liked me,
so weve been best friends ever
since.
JASPER
That sounds really...amazing. Ive
never had a "best friend" like
that. I mean, Ive had friends, I
have friends, but never a "best
friend" like you call him.
LUCY
(takes a sip)
Really? Thats sort of sad... I
cant imagine my life without
Damien. I mean...he saved me.
JASPER
Saved you?
LUCY
Yeah...when I first started going
to high school, I was a loser.
Nobody would talk to me, nobody
would even approach me. And at this
one house party Damien just came up
to me and said "Wow, these people
are lame!" and we just started
talking. I remember how happy I was
that night that somebody finally
talked to me. Then he disappeared
for a year...I mean, he was there,
but we didnt talk, we just had
angry fall-outs in class. But I
still remember that first time he
talked to me and how it all felt.
(pauses) Hes an amazing person. I
just dont think he believes in
that yet...
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

66.

JASPER
Yeah, I think hes a pretty cool
guy, too. I mean, he was very weird
the first time I tried to talk to
him, but I just think hes scared
and he needs some time.
LUCY
Scared of what?
JASPER
Of everything. People, mostly.
Like, he panics every time someone
says "Hi!" to him, but the moment
you start a conversation with him,
no matter how confused he is, he
starts feeling a bit more at ease
and you can actually have a nice
chat.
LUCY
Thats true. (takes another sip)
Oh, there he is! (waves)
Damien walks to the table with Katherine.
DAMIEN
Hey, whats up? (to Jasper) Oh,
this is Katherine. (to Katherine)
Kat, this is my roommate Jasper.
Katherine and Jasper shake hands and smile at each other.
DAMIEN
(continued)
So, what have you guys been doing?
LUCY
Nothing...mostly talking about
life. How was the meeting?
DAMIEN
It was good. A bit boring, but at
least we managed to finish
everything for the trip this
Friday.
KATHERINE
Yes! We finally made all the
arrangements, booked the hotel, the
band, organized the menu. Its
gonna be a nice couple of days.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

67.

DAMIEN
Okay, Im gonna go get some snacks,
because Im starving. Can you order
food here?
KATHERINE
Yes, you have sandwiches. You can
also get some onion rings or fries.
Just ask the bartender.
DAMIEN
Okay, cool. Ill be right back
then.
He leaves the table, while Katherine sits with the others.
They start talking inaudibly.
A couple of tables further, Alric, Andranne and Laura are
sitting. They are passing a cowboys hat from one head to
the other, laughing. Theyre visibly drunk.
ALRIC
(to Laura)
Okay, Laura. Your turn.
LAURA
(takes a sip)
Ask away!
ALRIC
(thinking)
Hmm...(remembers) Oh! I got it!
Worst haircut youve ever had!
LAURA
(laughs)
Oh, easy! I was sixteen and I was
with my first girlfriend, so that
was the beginning of my "lesbian
phase". My girlfriend was...well,
stereotypically lesbian - short
hair, piercings, earrings, mens
clothes - you name it. (burps)
Gosh! Im sorry...erm... Oh, yeah.
So, I was really under her
influence and I decided to cut my
hair a little bit, make it look
like a bit like hers, but instead I
cut it uneven and it looked...well,
mostly scary. And when I asked my
mother to give me money for a new
haircut, she said "No! You made
this, youre wearing this!" (they
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

68.

LAURA (contd)
all laugh) Argh, my mother can be
such a bitch!
ALRIC
Everybodys mother gets to be a
bitch at some point in our lives.
Its basic maternal nature.
LAURA
Yes, but mine stayed that way.
(takes a sip) Oh, I remember! I was
also a vegetarian because of that
girlfriend. Gosh, I really wanted
to be like her! (they all laugh
again)
ALRIC
(takes a sip)
Well, I used to have long hair.
ANDRANNE AND LAURA
(laughing)
What?!
ANDRANNE
When was this?!
ALRIC
Well, it was all through primary
school and a bit in high school.
But it looked so weird. I dont
know how I couldve thought that it
was okay to have my hair like that!
It was always very oily and one
side of it was curled up on the
inside and the other one on the
outside. It looked horrible.
(laughs) Oh, but I loved it. I
remember when my father told me for
the first time that I have to get a
haircut. I wanted to kill myself, I
cried myself to sleep. (laughs) And
then I finally did get that
haircut, but...!
ANDRANNE
Oh, theres a but!
LAURA
This is my favorite game ever!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

69.
ALRIC
Buuuuut...the hairdresser was in a
hurry, because it was her last day
at work and she had a ton of
clients, but wanted to close early,
so she just gave me one of those
mushroom-like haircuts, you know,
like we used to have our hair
during the 2000s, when our mothers
took us to the hairdresser? So,
yeah, I had to go to school with
that haircut for the next...I dont
know, two months?

The three laugh uncontrollably. Then Alric takes a sip of

his beer and stands up.
ALRIC
(continued)
I need to go pee.
He goes across the bar, while Andranne and Laura continue
their conversation.
At the bar, he sees Damien.
ALRIC (contd)
Hey, kiddo! How are we today?
DAMIEN
(pleasantly surprised)
Oh, Alric! Hey...erm...I didnt see
you here. Im fine, and you.
ALRIC
Same as yesterday, man. Pretty
drunk, but in good health. (laughs)
I had fun the other day.
DAMIEN
Yeah...me, too. We should do that
again some other time.
ALRIC
Oh, definitely! How about tonight?
Are you coming to the band...thing?
DAMIEN
Sure.
ALRIC
Cool...then I guess Ill see you
there.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

70.
DAMIEN
Yeah, see you.

He gives Alric his hand, ready for a handshake, but Alric

hugs him strongly. He then goes to the bathroom, while
Damien keeps looking at him.
BARTENDER
Hey, dude! Your onion rings.
DAMIEN
(confused)
Oh...thanks...thank you, man.
He takes the plate and keeps staring at Alric, whos having
a hard time getting in the bathroom. He then goes back to
the table where Lucy, Katherine and Jasper are sitting,
leaves the onion rings on the table and gets in the
conversation.
ACT FOUR: A NAMELESS BAND

39

INT. SULLIVANS PUB. NIGHT

40

A big crowd. People are standing near the bar, sitting on

tables, talking and drinking. The band is setting up for the
gig. The door of the pub opens and Alric, Andranne and
Laura come in laughing. They look around, notice that
someone is leaving their table and run fast to get it.
Someone else has also noticed the table, but Alric shows
them its already theirs. They sit down.
ALRIC
Im gonna go get drinks and snacks.
Who wants what?
ANDRANNE
Well...I want a burger, actually.
Can you check if they have one?
ALRIC
Sure. Do you also want fries with
it?
ANDRANNE
Yes. Definitely.
LAURA
Id just like some onion rings and
a beer. Im not feeling that hungry
yet.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

71.

ALRIC
Oh, Im starving! Im getting a
burger as well. (takes money out of
his pocket) Okay, I have enough to
pay now, so you can get the next
round.
He turns away and just as hes about to leave, he notices
Damien, Lucy and Katherine walking in. He waves at them.
Damien comes to meet him halfway. Since theres noise in the
pub, Alric leans over to talk to him.
ALRIC (contd)
(loudly)
Go sit on that table. (points in
the direction of the table) You
wont find anything else free. And
itd be nice if you joined us.
DAMIEN
Okay, thanks.
They part ways. Damien, Lucy and Katherine go to sit on the
table, while Alric goes to the bar to order. Lucy stops for
a second, looking for Jasper. She sees him across the room
with the other band members, trying to find the right cords.
He turns for a second, but she feels embarrassed and rushes
to her table.
Over at the bar, Alric is waiting for his order, when Thomas
comes right next to him.
THOMAS
Can I get a beer, please?
ALRIC
Hey...Mr. Mayer.
THOMAS
(pleasantly surprised)
Hi, Alric. Please, dont call me
Mr. Mayer. It makes me feel old and
you dont need to feel old when
youre 30. Its just...
depressing...
ALRIC
(smiles)
Okay, then. Thomas. What made you
come to some college band gig?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

72.

THOMAS
The cheap booze. And the youth. I
like being around young people. It
makes me feel timeless.
ALRIC
(chuckles)
I bet it does.
THOMAS
So, I read your story.
ALRIC
Really? What did you think of it?
THOMAS
I liked it. I really did. Its
probably the best stories in your
group. I mean, of course, there are
some grammatical mistakes and some
sentences need modification, but
all in all it was a really well
written piece. It was very
cohesive, really up to the point
and I could feel it was deeply
personal. Well done.
ALRIC
Thanks. Really, thank you so much.
I just wrote it really fast, but I
was remembering past love and
things while I was doing so, so it
wasnt too hard to make it
subjective.
THOMAS
No, it was really good. (to the
bartender) Thanks. (takes his beer)
I really loved the abstract part of
it and the conversation between the
characters. It was very
existential, almost Kafkaesque. I
think you have a real talent.
ALRIC
Thanks a lot.
THOMAS
So, have you thought about my
workshop? (takes a sip) Because I
think it would be amazing to have
you as an addition to the group.
Maybe we could work more on
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

73.

THOMAS (contd)
pointers and you could get a chance
to explore your style some more.
ALRIC
Actually, I have thought about it
and I think its a really good
idea, but to be honest, Im a bit
skeptical about how it would look
in practice. Though, I would like
to join, I definitely would.
THOMAS
Well, tell me your concerns. Maybe
you could help me make the whole
seminar a little better.
ALRIC
Okay, well...first of all, theres
a problem with the concept. A
writing seminar does seem
interesting, but not many students
would apply, because its an
extra-curricular that doesnt bring
any credits and its in German.
THOMAS
So, what would you do?
ALRIC
First of all, Id find a way to
make it more appealing to students.
Not call it a writing seminar, but
like a workshop. Also say that at
the end of the workshop, you get
some sort of document of
recognition. Students love getting
certificates, even if its just for
attendance. Especially if its just
for attendance. It makes us feel
like we did a good job and it
always looks good on a CV.
THOMAS
Yes, the millennial generation.
ALRIC
Exactly. And make it in English. It
would be good for foreigners to
practice their English and for
English speaking students to
practice their writing skills. That
way, it wont be that limited to
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

74.

ALRIC (contd)
only a few German-speaking people,
but to every student of the
university thats interested in
writing. (to the bartender) Thanks,
man. Keep the change. (he gives him
money)
BARTENDER
Oh, cool. Thanks, dude!
Alric takes the plates, but notices that it will be hard to
carry them all alone to the table.
THOMAS
Do you want some help with that?
ALRIC
Yes, thank you. Id really
appreciate it.
Thomas takes two plates while Alric takes the third one and
the beer pint. They go together to the table, leave the
things on it and Thomas gets ready to leave.
ALRIC
No, Thomas. Please, stay. Unless
youre waiting for someone.
THOMAS
No, not really. But I wouldnt want
to bother you and your friends.
ANDRANNE
No, nonsense. Please, just take a
sit here. Itll be fun.
THOMAS
(sitting down)
Thanks. Thank you a lot. Its a bit
weird, you know. Im a 30-year-old
guy who just moved here from
Germany and I dont really know
anyone.
LUCY
And what do you teach?
THOMAS
Im actually leading this
lectureship in Contemporary German.
Its not a full class, but just
like a seminar for developing
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

75.

THOMAS (contd)
reading, writing and conversational
skills in German.
ANDRANNE
Yeah, were taking part in that
course.
THOMAS
Yes. And from what I could see
today in class, theyre gonna be
one of the best. (smiles; pauses)
So, how do you all know each other?
ANDRANNE
Well, I know Alric from class,
which you;re already familiar with.
Lucy here... (points at her) ...is
my mentor.
LUCY
Nice to meet you. (they shake
hands)
ANDRANNE
This is Damien, Alrics mentor and
this is Laura, shes in the same
Czech class as Alric.
ALRIC
Oh, guys, whens the band starting?
I really want to see if theyre any
good.
DAMIEN
Actually, my roommates a bass
player in the band.
LUCY
Yeah, I also think hes the lead
singer.
Alric and Andranne eat their sandwiches, while Thomas
smiles uncomfortably and takes a sip of his beer.
ANDRANNE
These burgers are actually really
good.
ALRIC
I know, right? Who wouldve
thought...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

76.

DAMIEN
Oh, there they are.
LUCY
(jumping)
Oh, Im so excited!
The band comes out. Jasper stands in front of the mic, his
bass in his hands.
JASPER
Hey, everybody. Id like to thank
all of you for coming tonight. You
seem like a really nice
crowd...erm... well, our band
actually doesnt have a name yet,
because weve only been practicing
for...like a month or so... erm...
Oh, also, if we suck, please dont
throw things at us. It will only be
bad for our self-confidence. And
weve been working really hard, so
just cut us some slack, okay?
(smiles) Okay, I hope you enjoy
this. The first song is one by
Coldplay. Its called "Yellow" and
its one of my favorite songs, so
here it goes...
He sets his guitar and the music starts playing. Alric
finishes his burger and looks at Damien. He gives him a sign
to go out with him and smoke a cigarette. Damien nods in
agreement.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE SULLIVANS. NIGHT

41

The music is playing in the background. Alric goes out

first, takes a cigarette from his pack and looks for a place
to sit. Damien follows him as he sits on the concrete next
to the door. Alric takes his lighter out, lights his
cigarette, then offers it to Damien. Damien takes it and
nods thankfully. They look at each other and smile. No one
says anything. Then:
ALRIC
This is a really good campus. Looks
very American.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

77.

DAMIEN
(laughs)
Yeah, extremely American. (pauses)
Hey, can I ask you a question? I
mean, you dont need to answer if
you think its inappropriate, its
just been on my mind since I met
you.
ALRIC
Sure, fire away. (smiles)
DAMIEN
(reluctantly)
Okay...erm...are you... are you
into guys?
ALRIC
(chuckles)
Oh, you mean if Im gay? Yes. I am.
I am 150% gay. You?
DAMIEN
(shily)
Well...I dont know... Im not
sure... Not yet, I guess...
ALRIC
(chuckles)
Oh, kiddo, you are. Maybe not 150%,
but you definitely are.
DAMIEN
Is it obvious?
ALRIC
It wasnt, until you said "not
yet". Thats what I used to tell
people when theyd ask me. It was a
really strange time for me.
DAMIEN
It does feel strange. (pauses)
Though, Id appreciate it if you
didnt mention this to anyone.
ALRIC
Oh, dont worry. I wont. I mean,
Id tell you that you shouldnt be
ashamed of it and that you should
accept it, but youll understand
that yourself. It just takes time.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

78.

DAMIEN
Have you ever hated yourself for
it?
ALRIC
For being gay? No. Never. I mean,
there were some times when Id
think about what my life would be
like if I were straight, but I
never wanted to change or anything.
I think that this is the way Im
supposed to be and maybe if I were
different it would be just as good,
but I like myself like this. I like
my life like this. I dont want
anything to be different.
DAMIEN
But, how can you be so accepting of
it? Doesnt it feel weird?
ALRIC
It never did. It only felt weird
when Id tell other people, but to
me, this has always been my
reality. And to me this is the
normal life, the normal feeling. I
could never feel something for a
girl, so my entire life has been
just a long journey of self
analysis and exploration. But this
is my reality and its very
colorful and it sometimes seems
crazy, but its the way I was
programmed and I cant imagine my
life without it. Its like my
television shows. I wouldnt be
myself without them.
DAMIEN
Thats a strange comparison.
ALRIC
It might be. But I remember this
one time when a friend of mine
asked me and I told her that I am
indeed gay, she said "I dont know
why, but I feel like I can finally
see you completely, like youre a
complete person". And she was
right. I mean, of course my
sexuality isnt something that
defines me, there are a lot of
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

79.

ALRIC (contd)
stuff that is much more important
to me than that, but it is a part
of me and living a lie or hiding
just made me appear incomplete, I
guess.
DAMIEN
(smiles)
I wish I was as brave as you.
ALRIC
Oh, youll get there. (pauses) Have
you ever been with a boy?
DAMIEN
(shyly)
No. Not physically, I mean. I did
have feelings for this friend once
and they were really strong. I
spent all my days with him and I
really loved him, but he never even
looked at me that way and I guess
that just made me more closed, you
know? But Ive never even kissed a
guy.
ALRIC
(smiles)
Oh, kiddo. You never know until you
do it. Trust me. I had a thousand
fantasies in my head before
actually doing anything and it
looked magical, but in that moment
when youre actually there, doing
it, facing it - it feels completely
different. (puts out his cigarette)
Lets go inside. I want to see the
band. (stands up)
DAMIEN
Yes. Sure.
He stands up, puts out his cigarette and follows Alric
inside.
CUT TO:

80.

INT. SULLIVANS PUB. NIGHT

42

The band is playing "Sex on Fire" by Kings of Leon, as Alric

and Damien are trying to make their way through the big
crowd. In the front row a couple of students are dancing and
singing to the song. Others are sitting and looking at the
band, enjoying the music. Alric and Damien finally make
their way to the table. Lucy is clapping happily while
looking at Jasper, while Andranne and Laura are talking.
Thomas is trying to listen to Katherine, but the music is
too loud.
KATHERINE
(to Damien and Alric)
Hey, where were you guys?
DAMIEN
Outside, smoking.
KATHERINE
Oh, okay. I thought you went
somewhere.
DAMIEN
Where would we go?
KATHERINE
I dont know. Home.
THOMAS
(to Alric)
Are you alright, Alric? You seem a
bit off.
ALRIC
(confused)
Yeah...Im completely fine. Dont
worry. I just feel dizzy from that
cigarette, tends to happen
sometimes.
He turns and looks at Damien, whos looking at him, too.
They both smile to each other. Then Alric turns away and
looks at the band, while Damien stares at him with a sad
look on his face. Katherine is telling him something, but he
doesnt seem to be very interested or paying a lot of
attention.
CUT TO:

81.

EXT. THE COLLEGE CAMPUS. DAY 3

43

A sunny day. We see the main college building. Damien is

standing outside with Katherine, smoking.
KATHERINE
And I thought they were pretty
good. I mean, the set list was a
bit boring, but they played well.
DAMIEN
Yeah, they had the same set list
that every other wannabe band has
when they start playing.
In the distance, we see Alric walking. Damien notices him
too. He puts out his cigarette really quick and takes a
chewing gum. Alric approaches them and takes his headphones
off.
ALRIC
Hey, guys. How are you? Did you
have fun last night.
DAMIEN
Hey! Yeah...it was good... You?
ALRIC
Yeah...it was fine, I just thought
that the set list was a bit dj
vu. It seems to me like every
wannabe band has the same set list
when they start playing.
KATHERINE
Thats exactly what we thought.
DAMIEN
So, what brings you here? Do you
have classes?
ALRIC
No, actually, I was looking for a
place to scan this. Do you know
where I can do that? Its a
confirmation of my arrival which I
need to send back to my university.
DAMIEN
Oh, come down to ISO, I can do it
for you. (takes the paper)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

82.
ALRIC
Really? Oh, youre very sweet.
Thanks.
DAMIEN
(to Katherine)
Ill be right back.

He leaves with the paper in his hand and Alric follows him
up the stairs and into the building.
CUT TO:
INT. THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICE. DAY 3

44

Damien and Alric enter the room. Damien goes up to the

scanner, while Alric sits down on the red sofa in the
corner.
DAMIEN
I...erm... I wanted to apologize
for... well, all the questions. Im
really sorry if I offended you.
ALRIC
Are you kidding me? Its completely
fine, dont worry at all. I liked
the questions. And you should know
that I dont get offended easily.
Not even if you call me bad words
or anything.
DAMIEN
(chuckles)
Okay, Ill remember that.
He takes out the paper and gives it to Alric.
DAMIEN (contd)
(continued)
Here. Its done. I sent it to your
e-mail address, so youll have it
when you get home.
ALRIC
(standing up)
Oh, thank you. Really, youre a
lifesaver.
DAMIEN
(shyly)
So...erm...you want some coffee or
something?
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

83.

ALRIC
No, actually, I cant. But thanks.
I have to run, Im meeting
Andranne and Laura to go thrift
shopping.
DAMIEN
(disappointed)
Oh...okay...well, maybe some other
time...
ALRIC
Definitely.
He starts going and Damien follows him.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE COLLEGE CAMPUS. DAY 3

45

Damien and Alric leave the building. They go down the stairs
and stand in front of it. Alric takes a cigarette out and
lights it. Damien just looks at him.
DAMIEN
I hope youll come to the trip this
Thursday.
ALRIC
Oh, definitely. I wouldnt miss it
for the world.
DAMIEN
Good. Then, I guess Ill see you
this weekend.
ALRIC
(smiles)
Oh, youll be seeing a lot of me,
kiddo. You might even get bored.
He puts his headphones on. "Talk" by Coldplay starts
playing. He hugs Damien and leaves. Damien stares at him as
hes leaving.
DAMIEN
I dont think Ill ever get bored.
Alric is walking down the same path he came by. Damien puts
his hands in his pocket and goes back into the building.
CUT TO:

84.
INT. DAMIENS DORM RROM. DAY 3

46

Jasper is sitting on the bed, playing the guitar. He stops,

picks up the pencil thats lying on the bed and writes notes
down on his music sheet.
CUT TO:
INT. LUCYS ROOM. DAY 3

47

Lucys lying in bed with a book in her hand. Shes going

through the pages. Its a biology book. Joe is lying next to
her in his underpants, talking. Lucy rolls her eyes.
CUT TO:
INT. AN OFFICE. DAY 3

48

Thomas is seen working on the papers that the students wrote

in class. Hes writing notes with a red pen. We read one
that says "sentence too long to keep track".
CUT TO:
EXT. A STREET IN NEW HAVEN. DAY 3

49

Alric, Andranne and Laura are walking around the streets,

going from shop to shop. Theyre looking at clothes.
Andranne tries on a dress, but Alric disapproves of it.
They get out of the shop and keep walking down the street.
CUT TO:
INT. THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICE. DAY 3

50

Damien is sitting in front of his computer, looking at

Alrics profile on Facebook. He hesitates a bit at first,
but in the end he clicks on the "Add Friend" button and
nervously waits to see if Alric accepts it.
CUT TO:
EXT. A PARK. AFTERNOON

51

The animated sequence starts again.

Damien and Alric are jumping around to the rhythm of
Coldplays "Talk". At one point, they both stop, look at each
other and smile.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

85.

DAMIEN
Im scared of the future.
ALRIC
Dont be. (pauses) Its a brave new
world, kiddo.
He winks. They start jumping around again. We see a clear
August sky, with only two clouds floating around. Damien
closes his eyes as the summer breeze blows on his face
peacefully. They keep on jumping, swaying, dancing...
FADE OUT.
THE END