The Days First Light By Chic Scaparo

Chic Scaparo 216 John St. Ilion, NY 13357 315-868-0070 chicscaparo@gmail.com

FADE IN: EXT. WOODED AREA - DAY A young man digs frantically into the earth with his bare hands and a tire iron. His long, dark, sweat soaked hair whips wildly in his face. He wipes his muddy, tear stained cheeks with his free hand and looks nervously behind him. He looks back and continues to dig. INT. HOUSE - DAY SUPER: "YESTERDAY" Eleven year-old ALEX WESTONs purple and white DCShoes ride upon an old tattered skateboard. He rolls on a hardwood floor into a kitchen, kicks down on the back of the board and catches the front with his hand. LAURA WESTON is an attractive lady in her early forties. She places candles upon a birthday cake. Laura is professionally dressed in a business suit and has perfectly groomed dark hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. Through her brown, thin-framed eyeglasses, her green eyes are mesmerizing. LAURA Alex! I told you a thousand times not to ride that thing in the house. (beat) Now get cleaned up, your father should be home any minute. Holding his board, the fair haired and wide-eyed Alex, walks over to the island in the middle of the kitchen and swipes a load of frosting from the side of the cake. The writing on the cake reads: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX." Laura quickly taps his hand as Alex shoves his frosted finger into his mouth. Laura squeezes His cheeks together and very lovingly gives him a peck on the lips.

(CONTINUED)

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LAURA (calmly) Are you going to get cleaned up or am I gong to bring all of your presents back to the store? Alex looks to the ceiling deep in thought. ALEX Hmm...lets see. A door slams in the other room. MADISON (O.S.) OK where is he? Wheres the birthday boy? Into the kitchen walks MADISON WESTON. She has long beautiful blond hair and electric blue eyes; her bright smile lights up the room. She wears jeans and a spaghetti strap top. Madison sets her backpack down on a chair as Alex drops the skateboard and rushes over to greet her. The two hug each other tightly. She pulls away keeping both hands on his shoulders. MADISON So I hear its your birthday. ALEX Yep. MADISON Well, I think I have something for you. She grabs her backpack. Laura watches with a smile on her face. Madison fishes through the bag while Alexs eyes grow large with anticipation. Madison slowly pulls out a DRAGONS TEAR NECKLACE. It is a shiny red oval shaped glass with one metal band wrapped around the outside connecting to a leather strap for the neck. ALEX COOL! MADISON Turn around so I can put it on you.

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Alex turns and Madison ties the leather strap behind his neck. DRIVEWAY - SAME A blue, four door, BMW 5 Series pulls into the driveway. KITCHEN LAURA That must be your father. Alex turns to Madison and gives her a hug. ALEX Thanks sis. MADISON Youre welcome little brother. Whos your favorite sister? ALEX Youre my only sister. They laugh as Alex runs out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Laura walks from the kitchen and through the dining room as she opens the front door and sees THOMAS WESTON closing the trunk of his car. He holds a gift-wrapped box and his jacket is draped over his arm. Tom is a classic "tall dark and handsome" very well dressed businessman in his middle forties. Laura meets him at the front entrance and greets him with a kiss. TOM So wheres the birthday boy? LAURA Hes getting cleaned up. Laura and Tom walk into the kitchen while Madison talks on her cell phone. She pours herself a glass of orange juice, places the container back into the refrigerator and closes the door.

(CONTINUED)

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MADISON Hi daddy. TOM Hi honey. Tom sets the gift down on the kitchen table and loosens his tie. Laura looks in the oven. MADISON (to parents) David says hi. (to phone) OK, I love you too. Madison ends the call and hurries out of the kitchen. LAURA Maddy! Madison disappears up the stairs. LAURA I really think we should have a talk with her soon. Tom opens a bottle of beer. TOM Lets wait until tomorrow. Its Alexs birthday. Laura pulls the dinner out from the oven and sets it on the stove. LAURA I suppose youre right. Tom sets his beer down on the counter and pulls Laura in for another kiss. They remain close. TOM Maybe we could sneak away for the weekend. LAURA I think that sounds like a great idea. Laura gives Tom quick peck on the lips and pushes him away.

(CONTINUED)

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LAURA Now help me set the table. LIVING ROOM - EVENING All four family members are gathered around Alex as he sits on the sofa. There is an array of gifts and wrapping paper scattered around the room. Alex tears one more gift open; it is a music CD. ALEX Thanks Maddy. Madison smiles. ALEX So dad whats that? There is yet another gift which sets on the side of Toms lounge chair. TOM Oh that, its just something I picked up at the store. Alex holds out his hands and shrugs his shoulders. TOM I suppose you want it huh? ALEX Thats the idea. Tom chuckles as he reaches for the gift and hands it to Alex. ALEX Thanks! Alex aggressively tears at colorfully decorated paper housed in an open box. His at the board trying to pry the wrapping paper. Within the is a semi-exposed skateboard excitement is obvious as he pulls it from its case.

LAURA Hold on honey, let me get something for you to open that with. Laura stands and walks out of the room. Madisons phone rings from the kitchen.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: MADISON Who is it mom? LAURA (OS) Its David. MADISON Oh! Answer it! KITCHEN SAME. LAURA Hello? (beat) Hi David. Good thank you. (beat) He sure is, hold on a sec. (sets phone down) Alex its for you. Alex rushes into the kitchen and picks up the phone. ALEX Hello? (beat) Thanks David! Maddy bought me this real cool necklace and now Im opening my new skateboard.

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Laura walks by with a pair of scissors and winks at Alex. ALEX OK gotta go. MADDY! Alex sets the phone down and runs into the living room. Madison walks in and picks it up. MADISON Hello? INTER CUT - TELEPHONE CONVERSATION - MADISON AND DAVID DAVID PIERSALL is a very handsome 19 year old with dark eyes and dark hair just below his ears. He lies on his bed in his dorm room with music playing quietly in the background. DAVID Im definitely going to be home this weekend. My roommates girlfriend is going to be here so I told them they could have the room to themselves.

(CONTINUED)

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MADISON Good. I miss you. Its been like three Weeks since Ive seen you. DAVID I know I miss you too. Ill be there on Friday night so dont make any plans. MADISON I wont, but I have to go, Ill call you later. I love you. DAVID I love you too. Bye. BACK TO SCENE Alex runs by with his new skateboard as Madison ends the call. She quickly follows him through the sliding glass doors into the well-lit back yard. Alex drops his board on the concrete surrounding the pool and attempts a few tricks. Madison stares at him with a loving smile. LIVING ROOM - LATER Madison straightens the furniture and Laura places wrapping paper and other items into a garbage bag. Tom sits comfortably in his chair and watches television. LAURA So have you decided on what college Youre going to? MADISON Not yet. LAURA Dont you think its time to start? Madison stops what she is doing and sighs. LAURA Madison, youre going to graduate before you know it. And your grades dont look so great either.

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MADISON I have one B! One goddamn B! LAURA And that will be the difference between a good school and a great school. And dont you talk to me that way, ever! (beat) Maybe you have too many distractions in your life. Madison looks confused. MADISON And whats that supposed to mean? There is a long moment of silence as Laura looks to Tom and back to Madison. LAURA Your father and I feel that you and David should stop seeing each other until youve finished school. MADISON What! (looks to Tom) Is that true? Tom uses the remote to turn the television off. He sits up. TOM Maddy it would probably be for the better, just until school is over. Madison becomes emotional and shakes her head in disbelief. MADISON I cant believe this. How can you do this to me? LAURA Maddy, were only thinking of your future. MADISON My future? David IS my future! Alex is now awake and slowly walks down the stairs. looks at his family with sleepy eyes. He

(CONTINUED)

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ALEX Whats going on? Tom stands and walks over to Alex. TOM Nothing Alex, go back to bed OK pal. ALEX Whys Maddy crying? Madison looks at Alex and walks over to him. She holds out her hand and Alex takes hold of it. MADISON Come on little brother, everythings fine. She wipes her eyes with her free hand and leads Alex up the stairs. Laura and Tom stand in silence. ALEXS BEDROOM - SAME Alex climbs into bed. Madison sits on the edge and brushes the hair away from his eyes. The walls in Alexs room are plastered with posters. There are many toys and sports equipment scattered about. Next to Alexs dresser is a covered cage with a parakeet inside. MADISON Ya know little brother, I dont know what Id do without you. ALEX But you have David. MADISON But you are my favorite guy in the whole wide world. She smiles a moment at Alex and gives him a kiss on the forehead. MADISON Goodnight. Madison stands and walks to the door.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: ALEX Dont forget Oscar. Madison lifts the cover of the cage. ALEX Someday I want to be a bird just like him. So I can fly and deliver newspapers, itd be so much faster. And I would get WAY better tips. MADISON Good night Oscar. (lowers cover) OK now you get to sleep. ALEX Good night Maddy. (beat) Whos your favorite brother? MADISON The cutest boy in the world. Madison smiles as she slowly closes the door. MADISONS BEDROOM - LATER

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The house is quiet as Madison lies on her bed and weeps. EXT. COLLEGE PARKING LOT - DAY David has a small gift and a travel bag over his shoulder. He walks to the back of his FOUR DOOR CAR, opens the trunk and tosses the bag in. He closes the lid and walks to the driver side door. David sits in the driver seat and sets the gift on the passenger seat. He turns the key and drives off. INT. DAVIDS CAR - LATER It is a beautiful sunny day as David drives through the country. Music plays loudly while he navigates the curves in the windy rural road. His cell phone rings. David struggles frantically as he reaches into his pants pocket to retrieve the phone. He puts it to his ear. INTER CUT TELEPHONE CONVERSATION - DAVID AND MADISON

(CONTINUED)

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DAVID Hello? Madison is driving in her car. MADISON Hi David, where are you? DAVID Just about an hour away. Whats up? MADISON Well, I was thinking you should stop by later when my parents are asleep. You know, like before. DAVID Are you sure? I was hoping to see Alex, I have a present for him. (beat) Is everything OK? MADISON Yeah, everythings fine. I just want you all to myself tonight thats all. Besides, you can see Alex tomorrow. DAVID All right. Do you want me to call first? MADISON Nope. Ill be home, just stop by. I miss you. Madison ends the call and continues to drive. David smiles knowingly and tosses his phone on the passenger seat next to the gift for Alex. MADISONS BEDROOM - NIGHT Madison sits at her computer and types. She wears a white tank top and girls purple boxer briefs. Her hair is pulled back and thin-framed glasses protect her blue eyes. There is a sharp tap on her window. Madison smiles as she stands up, walks over to the window and slides it open. She looks out to see David standing on her lawn.

(CONTINUED)

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MADISON (quietly) Hi. David smiles and gives a subtle wave. PARENTS BEDROOM Tom rolls over in a sound sleep. The clock on the nightstand reads: 12:05 am. MADISONS BEDROOM David is half-way through the window when Madison stops him with a long, slow kiss. She pulls away. MADISON Ive missed you. DAVID I can tell. Madison kisses him again. As David makes his way through the window, Madison never loses contact with his lips. When he is all the way in the room she unbuttons his shirt and slides it off his shoulders. Madison removes her glasses, sets them on a desk and lets her hair down. David reaches for the bottom of Madisons tank top and pulls it over her head revealing only her bare back and sexy boxer briefs. Madison stands on her tiptoes and continues to kiss David. They slowly make their way over to the bed and lie down. They continue to kiss and caress each others bodies in a hungry, yet gentle way. EXT. WESTON HOUSE - EARLY MORNING Light has begun to touch the night sky as we hear birds chirping.

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ALEXS BEDROOM An alarm goes off as the numbers on the clock read: 5:00 am. Alex rolls over and stops the alarm. SERIES OF SHOTS David slowly opens his eyes and rolls over toward Madison. She remains asleep. Alex ties his sneakers. Alex opens the front door to a bundle of newspapers. He grabs the bundle and closes the door. Alex eats a bowl of cereal. His bag full of newspapers hangs on a chair next to his new skateboard. MADISONS ROOM Madison is now awake. David kisses her. DAVID I should get going. MADISON (whining tiredly) No, I dont want you to go. DAVID I know, but your parents will be up soon. David gets out of bed and slowly puts on his jeans. Madison watches from her bed wrapped in a comforter. DRIVEWAY Alex jumps on his new skateboard and skates away with his newspapers. MADISONS BEDROOM David leans in only inches from Madisons face. DAVID Ill see you in a few hours.

(CONTINUED)

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MADISON I love you. David kisses Madison on her forehead. DAVID I love you too. David climbs back out the window as Madison rolls over and falls back asleep. EXT. SUBURBAN RURAL ROAD - LATER David walks along the road of a heavily wooded area. He approaches his car tucked off the road in the trees. He enters the car and drives off. David grabs his iPod and plays music as he drives. The area has many homes spaced a few acres apart and is curvy. His cell phone begins to ring as he looks around the car to answer it. He pats in his pockets; no phone. He opens his center console; no phone. He moves the gift and sees the phone. reads MADDY. The name on the phone

David grabs the phone. Just before he answers it there is a loud THUMP outside of his car. He loses control of the car for just a moment and screeches to a stop on the side of the road. With both hands on the wheel and a stunned look on his face David exhales, unbuckles his seat belt and slowly opens the car door. Upon Davids first step out of the car he looks down to see a section of a newspaper lying at his feet. He slowly raises his head to see many more sections of newspapers scattered along the road. He apprehensively walks to the back of the car. We see the shoeless foot of a young boy bent awkwardly behind him. David slowly scans the body to see it is Alex Weston who lies behind the car.

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David quickly falls to his knees and places his ear to Alexs motionless chest. He then reaches to his neck to check for a pulse. David begins to perform CPR on Alex. He presses on his chest and blows air into his lungs. DAVID Come on little buddy, come on! He presses on his chest and blows air into his lungs. DAVID Come on Alex, you gotta wake up! He presses on his chest and blows air into his lungs. It is no use; Alex is dead. David falls face first upon Alexs chest and begins to sob. DAVID Im so sorry Alex. Im so sorry. After a few moments David slowly lifts his head and scans the area. He stares for many moments into the early morning sun. The newspapers are blowing all over the road and into the grass just past the shoulder of the road. Alexs skateboard is only a few feet away. With tears in his eyes, David stands and begins to pick up the newspapers. His pace quickens as he frantically gathers all of the newspapers in sight. David gently removes the bag from around Alexs neck and stuffs the newspapers into it. He opens the trunk of his car and places the bag inside. He grabs the skateboard and does the same. David stands over Alex. His tears have disappeared and he breathes heavily. David reaches down and lifts Alex into his arms. He walks over to the trunk of his car and slowly sets Alex into the trunk along side of his skateboard and undelivered newspapers. He closes the lid.

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INT. DAVIDS CAR David turns the key, takes a deep breath and drives off. As the car pulls away there is a section of a newspaper lying in the tall grass off the road. INSERT - NEWSPAPER ARTICLE AND PHOTO THE PHOTO IS OF ALEX WITH A PARTY HAT ON AND THE CAPTION READS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX WESTON. CARRIER OF THE MONTH. BACK TO SCENE David continues to drive. We can only hear the wind rushing through his windows. He passes a hidden POLICE CAR tucked away in the woods. The police car pulls out and follows David closely as he sees the car in his mirror. They continue to drive. The lights turn on. David drives for a while before he pulls slowly over to the side of the road. He waits with his hands gripping the wheel tightly. The POLICE OFFICER walks cautiously up to the door. David rolls the window down. OFFICER License and registration please. David fumbles through his glove compartment and produces his registration and opens his wallet for his license. He hands them to the officer. OFFICER You know why I pulled you over? DAVID No sir. OFFICER Goin a little fast on these roads. Ya never know whos gonna be in the way. The officer looks concernedly at David.

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OFFICER Everything all right? David wipes his cheek and nods. DAVID Ah, yeah, girlfriend stuff. A long pause as the officer scans David and the car. OFFICER Ill be right back. The officer walks back to his car as David waits nervously. His hands shake as he clinches them into fists. He looks in the mirror at the lights continue to flash behind him. He looks straight ahead. The road is empty and the sun is rising higher above the trees. He looks to the mirror again. Alex is sitting in the back seat. David turns in shock. Alex is gone and the officer is walking towards him. David turns quickly forward and rubs his eyes. loudly. OFFICER (hands back items) OK, no ticket today, you seem to have enough on your plate. (beat) But you have to go slower on these roads, youre bound to get somebody killed. David looks down and nods. He looks back to the officer. He exhales

DAVID OK officer, thank you. The police officer tips his hat and walks away. David watches in the mirror as he stops at the rear of the car. He looks closely at something for a few seconds and walks back to David. OFFICER You gonna get some air in those tires?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DAVID Yes sir. The officer nods and returns to his car.

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He turns the lights off and drives by David down the road. David looks into an empty back seat. EXT COUNTRY ROAD - LATER David turns off of the main road and onto a dirt road; dust rises from his tires. The road has less turns and the woods are very dense. He turns onto another dirt road and into a small clearing surrounded by many trees. His car comes to a stop. WOODS - LATER David digs aggressively with his bare hands and a tire iron. He is covered with dirt and sweat. On the ground behind him is the bag of newspapers, the skateboard and the gift. David breathes heavily as he sits back on his heels and stares into the shallow grave before him. He stands and walks to the car; he reaches into the trunk for Alex. David walks back to the empty space and carefully sets Alex in his shallow grave. He stares blankly at Alex in the ground. GRAVE - LATER David places the last of the dirt on the grave and pats it down with his hands. His face is lined with streaks of mud-stained tears as he he grabs some leaves and twigs and places them upon Alexs grave. He pauses for a moment and looks around at the loneliness and finality of his actions. David stands and walks to the car. The trunk is still open. He reaches up to close it when he notices a raven perched atop the hood of his car. David pauses for a moment as the bird seems to be staring right through him. He closes the trunk and gets into the car. The bird flies off when his door slams shut.

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We see the back of Davids car as he drives down the dirt road and out of the woods. EXT./INT. SUBURBAN HOME - DAY SUPER: "SEVEN YEARS LATER" There is a moving van in the driveway as several people carry boxes and other items into the large white house. Madison grabs a small box from the van and she walks inside. She makes her way into the living room and sets the box on the sofa. Madison opens the box and pulls out a framed photograph of her and Alex smiling cheek to cheek. She pauses for a moment and touches the photograph. She turns to the fireplace and sets the photograph next to a larger framed photograph of her and David on their wedding day. She is startled by two hands on her shoulders. DAVID Hey I didnt mean to scare you. Madison turns and embraces David. David looks at the photograph for a moment. Madison slowly pulls away and looks into his eyes. MADISON I know. There is a long pause as David looks back at the photo and then to Madison. DAVID You hungry? MADISON Not really. Madison walks back over to the sofa and pulls out a photo of the entire wedding party. She looks at the picture for a long moment. MADISON He would loved to have been there. Turning to David. MADISON He thought the world of you David.

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There is a loud CRASH in another room. Madison and David rush into the kitchen. Their new silverware is scattered all over the floor. A MALE MOVER stands over the mess; he holds an empty box. MOVER It just tore open at the bottom. Madison and David look relieved and begin to pick up the silverware. MADISON Mustve sealed it wrong. Dont worry about it, well clean it up. The mover sets the empty box on the counter top and walks out of the room. MOVER Im really sorry about that guys. DAVID No problem, nothings broken. Madison and David continue to pick up. HOUSE - NIGHT It is very dark as David walks down the stairs. He enters the kitchen, opens a cupboard and grabs a glass. He opens the refrigerator door and pulls out a container of water. The light of the refrigerator is the only light in the room. He fills the glass and sets the container back inside. David closes the door and immediately sees Alex Weston. His dark and sunken face terrifies him. David inhales deeply and drops the glass. It smashes on the floor. He looks down to the floor and quickly back up. Alex is gone. David stands in shock. He looks back down to the floor and sees blood coming out from the bottom of his foot. He exhales and shakes his head. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Madison reads a book as she lies in bed. David enters the room with a glass of water.

(CONTINUED)

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MADISON What was that? David walks over to the bed and sets the water on the nightstand. DAVID Nothing. The glass just slipped out of my hand, thats all. Madison removes her glasses, closes her book and lays her arm over Davids chest. MADISON The first broken glass in our new house. She raises her head for a kiss. David kisses her. MADISON You have to be more careful, we dont want anyone getting hurt. David reaches over and turns off the light. EXT. DRIVEWAY - MORNING David is dressed in a suit and tie and carries a briefcase. He walks to his new, BLACK BMW SUV, when suddenly a newspaper lands at his feet. He looks up to see a YOUNG BOY riding by on his bicycle delivering the morning paper. David reaches down and picks it up. He opens the door of his SUV and tosses the newspaper on the passenger seat. The front door of the house opens and Madison yells from the steps. MADISON David! Dont forget my parents are coming for dinner tonight so pick up a nice bottle of wine. (smiles) I love you. DAVID I love you too. He gets in, closes the door and drives off.

22. INT. SUV David drives with music playing. His car is in perfect order and spotless. He places an earpiece for his cell phone in his ear. His cell phone BEEPS. INSERT - CELL PHONE - ONE NEW MESSAGE FROM JOHN. David reads the message and sets the phone down on the passenger seat. EXT./INT. CITY PARKING GARAGE - LATER Traffic is heavy when David pulls into a parking garage. He stops to retrieve a ticket from an automated teller machine and drives into the darkness of the garage; he parks his SUV. He grabs his briefcase and newspaper and opens the door. The door stops suddenly. JOHN MARRIOTT surprises David. John also wears a suit and tie and is very well groomed. JOHN Hey buddy you dont call, you dont write, whats going on? Is it over? Are we through? David gets out of the SUV and closes the door. The two men begin to walk through the parking garage. DAVID Just really busy with the move HONEY. JOHN Oh yeah, I almost forgot, youre Mr. Married now. No more fun for you right? DAVID Whatever Mr. Every days a keg party. JOHN Thats right man. I get more by mistake then most do on purpose.

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DAVID Right. Thats what you always say. JOHN Hey just because I didnt marry a hotDAVID (pointing at John) Hey! watch it. They laugh as they approach the elevator. The doors open and they step in. There are a few people in there with them. As David gets in he turns and faces out. In the short distance we see Alex. He points at David. The doors begin to close. David reaches out and stops them. David drops his briefcase and newspaper and rushes out of the elevator. He runs to the spot where Alex was standing. No one is there. direction. David stands wide eyed looking in every

John catches up to David carrying both briefcases. JOHN Are you OK Dave? David breathes heavily. DAVID (stammering) I, I thought I saw something. JOHN What? Whatd you see? David wipes some sweat from his brow. DAVID Nothing. It was nothing. JOHN You sure? DAVID Yeah. Im fine. JOHN If you say so.

(CONTINUED)

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John hands David his briefcase and the two walk back to the elevator; they are alone as they step inside. David turns and faces out to a lifeless parking garage. The doors close in front of him. On the ground, outside of the elevator doors, lies the forgotten newspaper. It is face up with the photo of Laura Weston and others looking into the camera. INSERT HEADLINE: LAURA WESTON AND MOTHERS FOR MISSING CHILDREN HOLD BENEFIT THIS WEEKEND INT. DAVID AND MADISONS HOUSE - NIGHT The table is set for four as Madison lights candles in the center. The doorbell rings. David hurries down the stairs and answers the door. Laura stands at the door. Her hair is still very well groomed but with much more gray throughout. The edges of her once young and beautiful eyes have wrinkled slightly and her previously sparkling appearance has darkened some. DAVID Hello Laura. Laura enters and offers her cheek for David to kiss. David kisses her and closes the door behind them. Laura begins to remove her coat but David kindly finishes for her. He hangs it up on a coat rack. DAVID So wheres Tom? LAURA Oh, he had some business to take care of. Madison walks in from the dining room. MADISON Hey mom. The two embrace and exchange kisses. MADISON Wheres dad? DAVID Business.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: MADISON I cooked so much food. (beat) Well, youll just have to take some home for him then. Laura smiles and nods. She looks around the house.

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LAURA Well the place looks great. Laura walks into the dining room and is surprised by a beautifully decorated table. LAURA Oh Maddy this is too much. You didnt have to go to all of the troubleMADISON Nonsense! You sit here. Madison takes Lauras hand and walks her to the head of the table. David and Madison sit on either side. David reaches for the bottle of wine. He pours a glass for Laura and Madison and then himself. Laura finishes hers right away. DAVID Laura would you like another? With wide eyes and an empty glass she nods. David pours her another glass. Madison looks puzzled. MADISON Mom, whats wrong? Laura takes a healthy sip and sets the glass down. LAURA Your father and I are getting a divorce. MADISON Youre what! David takes a healthy sip himself. LAURA We havent been getting along so well the past few years. So weve decided to call it quits. David stands to pour another round.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: MADISON David, sit down! He pours himself another one. MADISON Why havent you said anything before? LAURA (drinks) Your father and I thought it would be better if we waited.

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Madison looks down at the table in thought. She looks up. MADISON Its because of Alex isnt it? LAURA Now Madison, thats not it. David exchanges glances with both Laura and Madison. He stands and grabs the bottle of wine. LAURA Leave it! David slowly sets the bottle down, grabs his glass and walks out of the room. KITCHEN - SAME We can hear some talking from the dining room. David sips his wine and sets it down. He walks over to the sink and begins to clean some dishes. SERIES OF SHOTS - DAVID IN THE KITCHEN Through the darkness of the back yard, David stands at the window and he is illuminated by the light over the sink. The kitchen window quickly draws closer as David sips his wine. The window becomes steadily closer when David rinses a plate. The window is quickly upon us. David sets the plate in the drainer. (CONTINUED)

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The window SMASHES and David is struck in the face. There is glass everywhere. Madison and Laura rush through the door. David holds his face in shock. On the floor, surrounded by glass, lies a LARGE CROW. Blood runs from a small cut on Davids cheek. Madison grabs a towel and goes to him; she dabs his cut. MADISON Are you OK? What happened? DAVID (stammering) I, I dont really know. Laura walks over to the sink and looks down. We see the crow lying on the floor. It begins to move slowly. It gathers itself and stands. The calm bird suddenly takes flight out through the window flying very close to Lauras face. Laura jumps nervously as the bird disappears though the empty space in the wall. EXT. HOUSE - SAME From the dark back yard we see the stunned family standing in the window. They slowly fade into the distance as the light from the window dims. EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARKING LOT - DAY A bell rings to signify the end of a school day. Many children are rushing around and some are in line to board a school bus. Madison walks with TERRI ROBINSON. Terri is an attractive black woman in her late twenties. She has kind dark eyes and a beautiful smile. The two ladies are casually dressed but stylish and carry large handbags. MADISON Then the damn thing just got up and flew away.

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28.

TERRI And it hit David? MADISON Yeah, right on his cheek. Terri arrives at her SPORTY RED, TWO DOOR car. She presses the remote to unlock it and she opens the door. TERRI You want to have a drink somewhere? Madison looks at her watch. MADISON Shit! No I cant I have to meet David. We have to meet with my doctor, were trying to have a baby. TERRI A baby huh? MADISON Yeah! Well weve been trying for a while and we just want to make sure, well, ya know - that were both OK to make one. Terri sets her belongings into her car. TERRI Oh Im sure you guys are plenty fertile enough to make a little David or Maddy. MADISON I certainly hope so. The two ladies embrace. TERRI If you need me just call. MADISON I will. Ill see you tomorrow.

29. INT. DOCTORS OFFICE - LATER Madison and David sit alone in a very ordinary office. Only a few documents are hung on the walls and some equipment is very neatly arranged on shelves. The only sound is the HUM of the bright fluorescent lights. The door opens and in walks DR. GERALD DONOVAN. He is a very tall man with a balding head and glasses. He wears a traditional white doctors coat and many pens fill his pocket protector. He sits in the chair behind his desk and removes his glasses. DR. DONOVAN Well Mister and Misses Piersall, there doesnt seem to be anything wrong physically. Youre both very healthy, youre both EXTREMELY fertile and test show that everything is normal. MADISON So whats taking so long? DR. DONOVAN That, I cant answer. I think you may just have to keep trying. Madison looks to David. MADISON Did you put him up to this? DAVID No, but I think we should do what the doctor says. Madison punches his arm. The doctor puts his glasses on and smiles. DR. DONOVAN Ill have reception schedule you for a follow up in six weeks. Hopefully youll be coming in for your first prenatal appointment. MADISON Well thank you doctor. I guess its time we get started. David smiles. Doctor Donovan stands and the three shake hands. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DR. DONOVAN If you have any other questions you just have to give us a call. And remember, practice makes babies. PARKING LOT - SAME

30.

Madison sits in her SILVER, FOUR DOOR CAR. She talks with David through the window while he stands and leans in. MADISON So when do we get started? DAVID I havent seen you this excited since college. MADISON David this is important to me. TO US! DAVID I know it is. Ill be home right after I go to the gym. I promised John I would meet him there. MADISON Alright. Ill see you later then. David leans in and kisses her. MADISON I love you. DAVID I know, I love you too. Madison starts the car, smiles, and pulls away. David stands for a moment and watches her drive away. In the trees David notices an unusually large amount of black birds lingering above him. They make no sound as they sit motionless. David looks around and then back up; he shakes his head and walks away. EXT./INT. RURAL ROAD - NIGHT David drives along with only the lights of his SUV breaking the darkness ahead. There are FLASHES of lightening in the distance. Rain spots his windshield. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

31.

David lowers the radio and turns the wipers to intermittent. The SUV passes over a bridge. It begins to rain much harder. David switches the wipers to high but that doesnt help much for the rain is relentless. Visibility is about 50 feet or less. Lightening hits close by and quickly illuminates the area. There is a loud CLAP of thunder. Lightening hits again and reveals Alex sitting in the passenger seat next to David. He slams on the breaks and swerves to the side of the road. The rain continues to pour. David turns on the interior light. There is no one in the car with him. Only the sound of the pounding rain and the motion of the wipers fill the air. David puts a hand over his eyes and rubs his face. He exhales and turns the interior light off. He is Immediately STRUCK in the rear of his SUV by an oncoming vehicle. Davids BMW spins off the side of the road and tumbles down an embankment. His SUV makes two revolutions and comes to rest on its wheels. David sits unconscious in his vehicle as the rain beats the heavily dented roof. INT. CHURCH - DAY The church is filled to capacity. Wedding music plays on the organ. DRESSING ROOM - SAME David faces a mirror and adjusts the tie on his tuxedo. John places his hand on Davids shoulder. JOHN Are you sure you want to do this? DAVID Absolutely. David turns to John.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DAVID How do I look? JOHN Like a man ready for his funeral. ALEX (O.S.) Hey thats my brother youre talking to.

32.

We see A 15-YEAR-OLD ALEX wearing a tuxedo standing behind John. DAVID You tell him Alex. David goes to put his hand on Alexs head but Alex grabs his arm. ALEX Watch the hair. David raises his hands and pulls back. DAVID Sorry man. An ALTAR BOY opens the door. ALTAR BOY Were getting started. DAVID Well be right there. David faces Alex and places his hands on Alexs shoulders. DAVID You ready? ALEX Me? Im not the one getting married. DAVID I guess youre right. David brushes Alexs shoulders and straightens his tie. DAVID OK then, lets go. David pats Alex on the back. The door opens and the two walk into a very bright light.

33.

INT. HOSPITAL - DAY David lies in bed with a bandage on his head. Madison sits beside him reading a book. The beeping of the monitors dominate the sound in the room. DAVID (scratchy voice) Alex. Alex. David sits up quickly. DAVID (loudly) ALEX! Madison rushes over to him. MADISON David. David looks at Madison with distant eyes. He lies back down. MADISON David are you OK? Why were you yelling Alexs name. DAVID (closes eyes) I had a dream. MADISON What dream? What happened? DAVID I dont remember. David falls back to sleep. Madison sits by Davids side throughout the night and as the sun breaks the darkness through the window. David wakes again and sees Madison through blurry vision. Maddy? DAVID Maddy?

Madison rises from her seat and rushes to his side. She takes his hand.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DAVID What happened? MADISON You were in an accident. Youve been asleep for almost two days. DAVID Im sorry Maddy. David drifts back to sleep. MADISON Sorry about what David? David? Im sorry.

34.

The beeping continues to grow louder in the back ground as Madison stands confused and alone in the room. HOSPITAL - LATER David sits up in bed and sips a drink from a straw. Madison stands next to him and holds the cup. There are voices and some commotion in the hallway. The room door opens quickly and Davids worried mother, KATHERINE, hurries to his bedside. She wears a large fluffy fur coat. Her dark brown hair is flawless and her make-up appears to be professionally done. She is a classy and beautiful woman. KATHERINE Oh my God David are you OK? David sets his drink down on a stand. He nods his head "yes" and swallows. DAVID Im fine, just a little shaken up. Davids father, MARCUS, walks in from the doorway. In a long black coat and a tailored suit he places his hand on Katherines shoulder. He has professionally groomed salt and pepper hair and very strong features. MARCUS We flew in as soon as Madison called. You gonna be alright? DAVID Yeah, Ill be fine. Katherine lovingly touches Davids cheek.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: KATHERINE My poor baby. Look at your head.

35.

David looks at Madison out of the corner of his eye. She smiles and winks. DAVID Ill be fine mom dont worry. KATHERINE Well your father and I will be staying for a few days until I know your OK. DAVID Really you dont have to... MADISON -I think thats a great idea. We have a guest room that youd love. KATHERINE Madison thats very sweet, but with Marcuss business calls and everything weve decided it would be better if we stayed at a hotel. David needs his rest. A cell phone rings. Marcus reaches into his coat pocket and stops the ringing. KATHRINE See. MARCUS We have a very nice hotel downtown. Well be fine. (to David) So how long do you have to stay in the hospital? At that moment DOCTOR FITZGERALD enters the room holding a clipboard. He is an extremely young looking black man with physicians coat on. DR. FITZGERALD Hes free to go home as soon as we get a signature. (hands David clipboard) David suffered a severe concussion and a pretty heavy laceration to his forehead. He just needs plenty of rest and he can do that at home.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

36.

David reaches for the clipboard. DAVID That shouldnt be a problem. David signs the papers and hands the board back to the doctor. DR. FITZGERALD Just get plenty of rest and if you can, take a few days off from work. Other than that take some acetaminophen for pain and well see you in two weeks. If headaches persist give us a call right away. DAVID Will do. Dr. Fitzgerald nods to the family and exits the room. David sits up slowly and drapes his feet over the edge of the bed. DAVID Well you heard the man, looks like Ill be taking a small vacation. (stands slowly) And Maddy, we might need to take a few days off, but I promise Ill work extra hard from now on. David and Madison laugh. His parents look confused. KATHERINE What are you talking about? Kathrine looks at Madison and David. KATHERINE Are you trying to have a baby? Am I going to be a, a GRANDMOTHER?! Katherine is beside herself with excitement. Marcus shakes his head. David interrupts. DAVID Now mom we havent gotten that far yet, but we are trying. Madison looks at David.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

37.

KATHERINE (to Marcus) Oh honey were going to be grandparents. I hope its a boy no a girl. Aw hell it doesnt matter, Im going to be a grandma! HOSPITAL HALLWAY - LATER A NURSE pushes David in a wheelchair. His mother is still going on about the news and has completely forgotten why she has come to town. KATHERINE If its a boy we can name him Marcus and if its a girl maybe Katherine... David holds Madisons hand and they both smile to each other as they exit the hospital. BATHROOM - NIGHT A steamed mirror sits above a sink full of hot water. Madison splashes water on her face. She blindly reaches for a towel and dries herself. She sets the towel on the edge of the sink and leaves the room. As Madison enters the bedroom she removes her hair tie and releases her ponytail. David lies motionless on the bed with a bandage on his head. Madison sits at her vanity and brushes her hair. We see David in the mirror. She stops for a moment and stares at his reflection. Madison stands and walks back into the bathroom. The towel that once set on the sink is now on the floor. She bends down and picks the towel up. A shadow moves through the room. Madison stands quickly. No one is there. She faces the mirror. David lies still on the bed. MADISON(O.S.) DAVID, DAVID! Madison hurries to the bedroom. She leans on the bed as David wakes quickly. He is groggy and his eyes squint.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

38.

MADISON You have to come with me, into the bathroom. DAVID What? What is it? Madison takes David by the hand and leads him into the bathroom. He rubs his eyes. David slowly raises his head. His eyes widen as he looks at the mirror. Written in the steam on the mirror is: "FAVORITE BROTHER" The room spins and goes black. BATHROOM - LATER David lies on the floor as Madison sits next to him. He slowly opens his eyes. MADISON You OK? DAVID Yeah I think so. What happened? MADISON You fainted. DAVID I mean the mirror. David sits up and leans against the wall. MADISON I dont know David I just dont get it. Im trying to figure out how it got there. It doesnt make sense. David gets up slowly, walks into the bedroom and lies down on the bed. Madison lies next to him and rests her arm on his chest. He stares blankly at the ceiling. MADISON Everythings just been so strange lately. David has a distant look in his eyes.

39.

EXT. HOUSE YARD - DAY The day is cloudy and damp as David rakes leaves. Hundreds of Blackbirds sit upon power lines, rooftops, tree limbs and fences. David pauses for a moment and scans the army of birds; they are all completely silent. His cell phone rings and David answers. DAVID Hey John. (beat) Not too bad. Should be back next week, probably on Monday. David looks to the sky once again as a few birds begin take flight. The birds begin to fly in sync forming a CYCLONE directly overhead. The silence is quickly absorbed into the funneling black hole terrorizing Davids eardrums. The funnel becomes darker and louder. The birds call out in piercing screams. A bird SWOOPS out of the sky nearly missing him. DAVID (nervously) Lemme give you a call back. David quickly closes the phone and places it in his pants pocket. Another bird flies toward David. He ducks. The birds begin to dive bomb David one after another. He runs to the shed in the back of the yard and takes cover from the assault. The noise is deafening as the sky grows dark with birds. David closes the doors and stands in fear of the attack. As David stands in the dark. The screams from the birds are penetrating Davids ears; he covers them with his hands muffling the sound. The shrieking slowly turns to silence. David stands in sudden stillness and quiet. There is a loud THUD on the roof of the shed. David quickly looks up. Another THUD. Followed by another and another, until the sound becomes a constant smattering of THUDS pounding the rooftop like a heavy hail. David opens the doors of the shed revealing a thick down pour of black birds.

40.

YARD - LATER David walks through the motionless sea of blackbirds with Madison and a CONSERVATION OFFICER. There are many other people gathered around the property and some OFFICIALS assessing the situation. CONSERVATION OFFICER Well its safe to say Ive never seen anything like this before. Cant really tell you the cause because I just dont know quite yet. The officer squats down and moves a bird with a wooden stick. CONSERVATION OFFICER (looks up) Could be sever bird flu, some exotic disease. Well have to do some tests to find out exactly. At that moment, the bird he is examining stands, spreads its wings, and flies away. Throughout the lawn, one by one, the once dead birds become reanimated and begin to fly away. The noise is deafening as people run for cover. Madison and David run into the shed and watch as the sky becomes black with once lifeless birds in flight. David and Madison each have a look of shock on their faces as they watch the unexplainable. BEDROOM - NIGHT David lies in bed and watches television as Madison walks out of the bathroom. She wears a silk bathrobe and towel dries her hair. Madison sits at the foot of the bed. MADISON I wish I knew what was happening David. First your accident, then the mirror and now the birds. (looks to David) What does it all mean? Do you think maybe Alex is trying to reach us? Is he sending us messages? David sits up and gets close to Madison. He caresses her back.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

41.

DAVID I dont know honey. Everything has been a little weird the past few weeks, but do you really believe that Alex is trying to reach us from another place? I mean is that really possible? Madison continues to dry her hair. She stops, drops her arms and stares blankly into the floor. David moves her hair away from her neck and begins to kiss her. DAVID You know we really should get some practice in. Madison slowly turns her head as David slides the robe from her shoulders. They kiss. BEDROOM - LATER David lies silently in bed. A shadow cuts the light from the bathroom. David looks quickly toward the bathroom; nothing is there. Madison remains fast asleep as David slowly gets up from the bed. He walks to the hallway, looks in both directions and down the stairs. He slowly approaches the top of the stairs and places his hand on the railing. A sound comes from the kitchen. David makes his way down the stairs and into the kitchen. An overhead light shines down from the ceiling and covers a small area of the counter top. David slowly approaches the counter. Encompassed in a circle of light is Alexs dragon tear necklace. David scowls in disbelief and grabs the necklace. A shadow runs through the kitchen. David hurries through the kitchen and into the living room. It is empty and quiet. The house remains still and eerily quiet. David stands alone in the kitchen waiting nervously. A sound in the living room. David slowly walks through the darkness of the house and into the next room. He stops and looks at the necklace once again. He looks up.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

42.

Alex is starring up at him. His face is decomposing and his hair is thin and patchy. Davids eyes grow large. Alex raises his hand and strikes David in the face. David sits up quickly in bed. He breathes heavily and is covered in sweat. Madison lies motionless. The bathroom light is still on. EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - DAY It is a warm but cloudy day as the threat of rain lingers in the sky. Laura Weston sits in her car wearing dark sunglasses as tears roll down her aging face. Fifty feet from her car are a group of young children playing in the school playground. She can hear some laughter and yelling in the distance. Laura wipes the drying salty streams away from her cheeks and clears her throat. She turns the key igniting her car engine and begins to drive toward the fenced-in group of kids. As she passes by, her attention is drawn to a YOUNG BLOND BOY who looks strikingly like her dead son Alex. Laura becomes entranced with the child. Her focus is entirely on the boy and not on the road. There is a SCREAM. Laura slams the breaks. A WOMAN rushes over to Lauras car. She leans down to attend to a DEAD DOG bloodied from the grill of Lauras car. Laura hurries out of her car and to the dog. Horrified, Laura covers her mouth and screams into her hands and begins to weep. The woman attending to the dog looks at Laura with tears in her eyes. She begins to pet the dog as her shoulders heave from sobs. Cars are stopped in the road and bystanders gather around gawking at the sad scene on the street. The children gather at the fence and watch the incident. Laura begins to calm herself . She slowly scans the area and stops once again on the blond boy. He holds on to the metal weave of the fence with one hand, while the other holds a skateboard. Laura removes her sunglasses and the two make eye contact. She smiles at him lovingly and the boy looks away uncomfortably. Lauras expression grows from that of a (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

43.

loving mother to something far more sinister. She quickly replaces her sunglasses and watches the boy hop on his skateboard and roll away. DOCTORS OFFICE - DAY Madison and David sit in anticipation of the Doctors arrival. The door opens as Doctor Donovan walks into the room. He sets some paperwork on the desk and sits down. Madison takes hold of Davids hand. DR. DONOVAN So David I heard about your accident. How are you feeling? DAVID Much better Doc. A little headache some days, but better. DR. DONOVAN Well the accident may have slowed you down some but it definitely didnt slow your swimmers. The two look oddly at the Doctor. DR. DONOVAN What I mean is - congratulations youre going to have a baby. The couple become ecstatic and overcome with joy. They kiss and hug each other. MADISON So now what? Now what do we do? DR. DONOVAN Well at this point you eat healthier, exercise regularly. Dont drink alcohol, dont smoke and the nurse will help you with everything else youll need. MADISON (excitedly) Thank you Dr. Donovan, Thank you! DR. DONOVAN No need to thank me you two did all of the work. Just take good care of that baby. (looks to David) (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

44.

DR. DONOVAN (contd) And you take care of both of them. DAVID Will do Doc. Thanks again. DR. DONOVAN Congratulations. The three shake hands and the excited couple exit the office. INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT A dinner table is occupied by David, Madison, Katherine and Marcus. Both couples are very well dressed and they share a bottle of wine. David raises his glass. DAVID Id like to make a toast. The other three soon follow Davids lead and raise their glasses. Madison looks at David with a wide smile on her face. DAVID To my extremely beautiful wife. (he nods) To my very well dressed and successful parents. Katherine gives David a "go on" expression and he grins. DAVID Whom I love dearly for giving me all the love AND money a boy could ever need. Marcus smiles wide with pride and confidence. DAVID And to your new grandchild who should be born in about eight months and two weeks. Katherine gives no time for the toast as she excitedly sets her drink down and rushes over to hug and kisses David and Madison. KATHERINE Oh my God Im so happy! Im going to be a grandmother! I cant (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

45.

KATHERINE (contd) believe it. Oh congratulations you two, congratulations! Katherine finally settles down and takes her seat. She is beaming with love and excitement. Again the couples raise their glasses and clink them together in a toast. KATHERINE So I guess you have been trying after all. Im so happy I could spit. They all laugh. RESTAURANT - LATER Dessert plates and wine glasses are empty upon the table. They all sit back in their chairs full from the food and drink. A cell phone rings. Marcus reaches into his pocket and looks at the screen of his phone. MARCUS Would you excuse me? He stands and walks off. KATHERINE So have you two given any thought to names yet? Madison and David look at each other in surprise. MADISON Wow. I guess not. Weve been so busy we hadnt even thought about it. KATHERINE Well I know one nice name if you have a girl. Katherine winks. At that moment Marcus sits back at the table and sighs. Katherine drops her shoulders and tilts her head toward him. Marcus nods a few times. MARCUS It looks like our visit will be cut short. I have to be in London in two days.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

46.

KATHERINE Business as usual right, Marcus. Marcus reaches over and takes his wifes hand. MARCUS But now we have to buy gifts for our new grandson so we need the extra money. She pulls away. KATHERINE You mean, granddaughter. Marcus directs his attention to David and Madison. MARCUS So David youre going to be a father. Thats a big step and I know youre ready. Madison I never had to worry about you. Youve always been the responsible one. (smiling) Congratulations you too, when I get back well celebrate again. As for now I have to catch the first flight out in the a.m. so we have to say goodnight. A waiter delivers the check. David stops him. Marcus reaches for it and

DAVID Not this time Dad. I got it. Marcus raises his hands in surrender as David takes the check. David places his credit card into the leather check presenter and hands it to the waiter. INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - LATER Madison quietly walks into the teachers room. It is empty except for Terri sitting alone; she reads a newspaper and is unaware of Madisons presence. MADISON HEY!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

47.

TERRI (jumps) MADDY! You scared the hell out of me. Madison holds back a smile. She walks slowly around the table. TERRI Maddy, whats up? Whats going on. Terri stands. TERRI Maddy? MADISON IM PREGNANT! Terri screams and embraces Madison. TERRI Oh my God Im so happy for you. They hug for a few second and pull away. TERRI So what do you want a boy or a girl? Madison sits down with a huge smile on her face. MADISON Wow, I havent even thought about that yet. TERRI Oh come on you have too! She stares at the floor for a moment in silence. She looks up. MADISON A boy, definitely a boy. And I know exactly what Ill name himAt that moment the door opens quickly as another TEACHER nervously enters the room. TEACHER 1 Madison.

48.

SCHOOL OFFICE - SAME Madison is followed by Terri as she hurries through the door and picks up the telephone. MADISON Hello? Madison has a look of serious concern. She turns to Terri and grabs her hand. MADISON Ill be right there. Madison hangs up the phone and rushes out of the office. TERRI (follows Madison) Maddy whats going on? MADISON That was my father. He thinks they found Alex. TERRI WHAT? TEACHERS ROOM - SAME The two enter as Madison grabs her purse. MADISON In the woods. They found the remains of a boy the same age. Madison hurries out of the room. INT. MADISONS CAR - LATER Madison has her cell phone to her ear. MADISON Come on David answer. INTER CUT - TELEPHONE CONVERSATION - DAVID AND MADISON DAVID (sits at desk) Hello?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: MADISON David my father just called. He thinks they found Alex. DAVID WHAT? WHERE? MADISON Somewhere in the woods outside of town. David shifts uncomfortably. DAVID Really? (beat) Wow. So when? Madison has a curious look on her face. MADISON David, I dont know. Just please meet me at the police station. DAVID (stammers) Right, ah, OK. DAVIDS OFFICE David ends the call and and sits back in his chair.

49.

He exhales heavily and stares off into the quiet office. INT. POLICE STATION - LATER A busy police station is filled with officers and FBI agents. Madison enters and immediately sees her parents. Laura is pacing the floor and Tom is sitting with his head in his hands. Laura notices Madison. She hurries to her and they embrace. LAURA (pulls away) Maddy I dont know if I believe them. After all of these years Im not sure I want to believe them. David discretely slips into the room and approaches Tom.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

50.

DAVID Tom. Tom slowly raises his head from its rest, stands and shakes Davids hand. DAVID So whats the word? TOM Were just waiting on the dental results. Its possible it might not be him. I received a call from someone I know in the coroners office who said they may have found him. David grows nervous and distant. Toms voice drifts into nothing more than a muffle that blends in with the myriad of noises throughout the station. His breathing becomes quicker and deeper. The room has become a random compilation of voices, footsteps, printers and phones. MADISON David. David looks up and calms himself. MADISON Are you OK? DAVID (stammers) Im fine. How are you guys? Laura looks at David and nods a couple of times. Madison looks to her father and then to her mother. MADISON I think were OK. The familys attention is drawn to MICHAEL CAVALIER. He is a young looking FBI agent with short, dark hair and a serious, yet boyish demeanor. AGENT CAVALIER Mr. Weston? Tom stands with a look of certain sadness in his eyes. TOM Yes.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: AGENT CAVALIER Im agent Cavalier would you all please follow me?

51.

The family follows Michael through the door and down a short hallway. Agent Cavalier opens another door; the family enters the room and sits around a large table. A second AGENT approaches Agent Cavalier in the hallway; they speak quietly and briefly. The agent hands Michael a file and walks away. Agent Cavalier enters the room, closes the door and sits. AGENT CAVALIER First of all, Im not sure who called you and told you we found your son. They had no authority to do so and we will be investigating the matter. Second, I am very sorry to tell you that the dental records of the boy we found today do not match that of your sons. Laura begins to weep heavily as Madison places her arm around her. Tom stands and looks out the window. David exhales heavily. AGENT CAVALIER Again I am sorry that you had to go through this once again. You were not supposed to be notified until we knew for sure. Laura continues to sob as the rest of the family remains silent. AGENT CAVALIER Please, if you dont receive a call from us do not expect the information to be accurate. Agent Cavalier stands and walks to the door, he turns to the family. AGENT CAVALIER Again, I am very sorry. Agent Cavalier exits the room leaving the family in a state of painful realization. David scans the room and the pain on the faces of his loved ones. He looks as distressed as he does relieved. Rain begins to hit the window.

52.

INT. OFFICE - DAY David sits at his desk and works on his computer. John approaches and looks over his cubicle. JOHN Hey man. David looks up quickly. JOHN You OK? DAVID Yeah, Im fine. Just really busy. David shuts his screen off. JOHN Busy huh? Busy looking at porn maybe? DAVID Yeah. Looking at porn. JOHN Well I dont know how youd want to look at porn with such a beautiful wife at home. John moves toward David and sits on his desk. He picks up a photograph of Madison. JOHN So speaking of your beautiful wife hows she doing? David takes the photo from John and sets it on his desk. DAVID Not so great these days. Theres been a lot going on the last few weeks. John stands and hangs his arms over the wall of the cubicle again. JOHN Shits been pretty weird for you lately. Did you cheat on Maddy in college or kick her dog or something? You sure have some pretty shitty karma. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

53.

(beat) Hey but look on the bright side, youre going to have a baby. I guess your boys can swim after all. DAVID I guess youre right. I am going to be a father arent I? David gets lost in his thoughts for a moment. JOHN Well buddy Im getting out of here. You coming to happy hour? DAVID Cant do it. I have a ton of work to catch up on. John gets off the cubicle and starts to walk away. JOHN Alright man Ill see you Monday. (beat) You sure youre OK? youve been a little out of it lately. Yeah. DAVID Im fine JOHN Keep it together.

OK man.

David watches John as he turns down a hall. He leans forward and turns on his computer screen. It is a CSI home page. INT. BATHROOM - LATER David walks into a very well lit bathroom. It is empty as most everyone has gone home for the weekend. He enters a stall, pulls down his pants and sits. The lights in the bathroom are bright and humming. The haunting voice of Alex Weston drifts through the air. ALEX(O.S.) Lets play hide and seek. David looks up.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DAVID Excuse me? ALEX I bet you cant find me. David looks under the dividers. There are no feet. DAVID Alex?

54.

David pulls his pants quickly and rushes out of the stall. He quickly opens each door to reveal empty stalls. He looks at the exit as the door slowly closes. David runs out into the hallway and looks both ways. No one is there. David arrives back at his desk and sits down. ALEX Im still hiding. David stands and scans the room. David becomes frantic as he begins to search for Alex. He searches cubicles, closets, offices and both mens and womens bathrooms. David exits the bathroom once again and stands alone in the hallway; he pants heavily. Down the empty, dimly lit hallway, the door to stairwell is slowly closing. Again, he hears his voice. ALEX Look at my new skateboard... There is the haunting sound of a childs laughter floating in the air. ALEX ...its my birthday present. STAIRWELL David runs down the hallway to the door. David quickly opens the door and enters the stairwell. There is laughter from above. He runs up the stairs. The door closes slowly in front of him. Through the window we can see Alex riding his skateboard down the hall. More laughter. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

55.

ALEX Its my new skateboard. HALLWAY David yanks the door open and rushes through. DAVID Alex! Alex! Alex stops in front of an elevator and kicks up his board. The doors open as he looks down the hallway at David running towards him. David freezes in his tracks. Alex looks sadly at David as a tear rolls down his cheek. Slowly, his face begins to crack and peel. His young face begins to decompose as he enters the elevator. DAVID Alex! David runs quickly. He turns to enter the elevator and SMASHES into a JANITOR. David lands on the floor. DAVID (looks up) Did you see him? Did you see the boy? The Janitor has an odd look on his face as David sits wide eye and sweaty. JANITOR A boy? David stands quickly and stops the elevator doors from closing. He looks in to an empty elevator. DAVID Yeah a boy. Around ten or eleven. blond hair, skateboard. The Janitor shakes his head. JANITOR No. I didnt see any boy. David breaths heavily. He looks down the hallway and back to the elevator. The doors close.

56.

EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY David drives along a dirt road as his new rental car kicks up dust in its wake. The sun is high and the day is warm and bright. The vehicle comes to a stop as David exits and walks to the back. He opens the hatch and retrieves a shovel. David stands over a small mound of grass. He begins to dig. GRAVE - LATER David is sweaty and dirty. He stands above a hole in the earth and breaths heavily. David tosses the shovel aside and steps into the shallow grave of Alex Weston. As he straddles the bones, there are some remains of decaying newspaper, a rotting and dirty newspaper bag, and the skateboard. David falls to his knees and begins to sob heavily. His tears turn into thin trails of mud on his cheeks as he wipes his face with his soil covered hands. DAVID Im sorry Alex. Im so sorry. Ill make it right I promise. Im going to bring you home like I shouldve done in the first place. There is a sound behind him. David turns his head. A shovel moves silently through the air and STRIKES David in the face. He falls unconscious into the grave. Above David, holding the shovel, is John. He sets the shovel in front of him and rests his chin on his glove covered hands. JOHN I knew you were up to something ol buddy, didnt think it was this though. This is much worse. Thought you might be cheatin on that hot wife of yours, but definitely not this. John begins to toss dirt into the grave.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

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JOHN I guess now Ill have to go visit that lonely woman you left vulnerable and all alone. Maybe tell her you were having an affair or something. The dirt covers Davids face. JOHN Im sure shell need some comforting. Maybe someone to help father that baby of hers. Tosses more dirt. JOHN You know Dave, I always thought she was too good for you. And apparently I was right. Seeing how you went and killed her little brother and all. John tosses the last of the dirt on the grave and drops the shovel. The grave isnt as full and matted down as the previous one. The dirt lays loosely atop David and Alex. JOHN What a stand up guy you are. He tosses some branches and leaves onto the mound and walks to Davids rental. John gets behind the wheel. He turns the key, puts it in drive and pulls toward a heavily wooded area and parks the vehicle. John tosses some leafy branches on and around the vehicle and walks out of the woods. He stops at the grave. JOHN Well I guess this is it Dave. Just like I always hoped. Me and Maddy. Ill be sure to take good care of her for ya. John shakes his head and laughs an eerie, satisfied laugh. GRAVE - LATER The remainder of the days light is slowly fading behind the trees. It is quiet and the air is breezy. The grave lies under a few dry leaves that blow lazily in the wind.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

58.

A short distance away a DOG is sniffing the area and walking closer to the grave. It begins to focus its efforts in the earth covering David and Alex. The Dog stops above the grave and begins to dig frantically. As the dirt scatters into the coming night, the earth moves slowly below the determined paws of the canine. It continues to dig. The hole becomes deeper. A few fingers from a hand break the surface. INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT John sits triumphantly yet sympathetically next to an emotional Madison. She holds her head in her hands. John rubs her back slowly as she weeps. JOHN We were supposed to meet tonight at the gym like we always do. He just never showed up. Madison lifts her head to reveal her tear filled eyes. MADISON Hes never done this. Something must be wrong. I called the police, I have to wait 24 hours before I can file a missing persons. Madison raises her teary eyes to John. MADISON Do you think...do you think theres someone else? Youre his best friend he would tell you right? JOHN I dont know Madison. He has been acting strange lately. Madison stands and walks to the kitchen. KITCHEN Madison opens the cupboard door and retrieves a glass. She walks to the sink and fills it from the faucet. As she drinks the water she notices Johns reflection in the window. She sets the glass down on the counter and turns nervously towards him. He has a lustful look in his eyes as he creepily inches his way closer to Madison.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

59.

Madison looks confused. John moves closer. Madison shifts uncomfortably. John slowly raises his hand and brushes a loose strand of hair back behind Madisons ear. JOHN You know that Dave of yours might not be such a great guy after all Madison. He moves closer and presses himself against her breasts. MADISON (nervously looks away) John please stop. John reaches his arms to either side of Madison and traps her against the counter. He slowly moves in for a kiss. Madison tries to duck under his arm but is over powered by Johns strength. He grabs her shoulders and forces a HARD KISS on Madisons unwilling lips. She turns her head quickly from side to side in hopes of avoiding his unwelcome advance. Madison manages to free herself and slaps John in the face. She hurries to the living room and retrieves a METAL POKER from the fire place. John walks calmly into the room where Madison awaits him holding the poker in a defensive stance. JOHN Things arent what they seem Maddy. Youre making a big mistake here. MADISON GO! He walks slowly toward Madison. MADISON If you come any closer to me I swear Ill stab you in your fucking heart! John changes his direction and holds up his hands in surrender. JOHN OK, OK. But did you ever wonder what hap-

(CONTINUED)

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60.

Madison picks up a small lamp and throws it at John barely missing his head. MADISON LEAVE! NOW! John ducks. He shakes his head. He walks to the door and SLAMS it behind him. EXT. STREET - SAME David sits in his rental a short way from his house. He watches John exit the house and enter his car. The car lights illuminate and John slowly backs out of the driveway and drives away. David follows him. They drive out of the quiet neighborhood as the lights of the city approach them in the night. David keeps a safe distance behind John. Once in the city John stops at a corner shop and exits the car. David stops the car for a moment to see John inside of the store. John places a six-pack of beer on the counter and David drives off. John walks out of the store carrying the beer. He gets in and drives away. John makes his way out of the city and on to a rural road. The road is much darker and windier. John arrives at his home. The house is hidden by tall bushes that surround his property. His driveway is long and curves away from the view of the road. Johns car disappears into the garage. INT. GARAGE - SAME John leans back in his seat and rests his head. He closes his eyes. He runs his hands through his hair and he exhales loudly. DAVID (O.S.) Hey buddy. John opens his eyes quickly. David grabs the back of Johns head and slams it repeatedly against the steering wheel until his face is covered in blood and he is unconscious. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

61.

David rests Johns head on the seat and releases the hair form his grasp. The gash on Johns forehead is oozing blood and he is completely motionless. David opens the driver side door and pushes Johns limp body into the passenger seat. He scans the garage for a moment and notices a golf bag in one corner. David walks to the bag, releases a hand towel from its hook and walks back to the car. He begins wiping the steering wheel and dashboard of Johns blood. He tosses the blood soaked towel on Johns lap and gets in. EXT./INT. JOHNS CAR ON A DARK ROAD - LATER The headlights from Johns car break the darkness of the night. David drives calmly with John slouched next to him. His lights illuminate a SIGN on the road ahead. INSERT - ROAD SIGN HORN LAKE 2 MILES BACK TO SCENE GRAVEL ROAD - LATER The stones car. David bushes. He approaches under the wheels grumble from the weight of the turns his high beams on showing many trees and drives slowly through the darkness as he a lake in the short distance.

David stops the car, pulls the emergency break and exits while the motor still runs. He leans head-first back into the car and reaches for John. David pulls John back into the driver seat and tucks his legs under the dash. He pulls the seat belt tight around the body and locks it in place. Johns head is hanging down and his mussy hair is saturated with blood. David reaches for the towel on the floor and he wipes his hands clean. David rolls all of the windows down and switches off the head lights. David reaches over John, puts the car in drive and closes the door. The car idles in park for a minute as David looks at Johns bloody face shaded blue from the bright glow of the light on (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

62.

the radio and dashboard lights. He leans back into the car, grabs the six-pack of beer and then releases the emergency break. The car rolls forward toward the deep, black lake before it. The decline to the lake is steep enough for the car to generate enough speed that it SPLASHES heavily when it hits the surface. The water spills quickly into the open windows as the car is welcomed into its watery grave. David stands in the dark as the car sinks into the lake. He twists the cap off of a bottle and takes a long pull from it. The car disappears completely. INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER Madison is in tears as she talks on the telephone. A very exhausted David walks through the door. She looks up to him with surprised relief and stands. MADISON (to phone ) Oh thank God hes here. I call you back. She hangs up the phone and rushes over to David. They embrace tightly. MADISON Oh my God where have you been? She steps back and looks at her dirty, sweaty and blood stained husband. MADISON And what the hell happened? David sits on a chair in the foyer and Madison takes a knee next to him. DAVID (removing a shoe ) Well funny you should ask. MADISON Come on David, I was scared outta my mind! He laughs.

(CONTINUED)

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63.

DAVID I stopped at a bar to have a couple beers and clear my head a little, but I ended up having a few more then I expected. And...I got myself into a fight. MADISON Well, it looks like you lost. DAVID I lost, but you should see the other guy. Madison reaches to the cut on his face. MADISON Do you need a doctor? It might need stitches. David takes her hand and smiles. He kisses her fingers. DAVID No honey Im OK. Just wanna get cleaned up and get some rest. MADISON It looks like someone hit you with a goddamn snow shovel. David looks at Madison and sighs. He stands and begins to walk up the stairs. DAVID It sure felt like it. MADISON John was here. He stops. MADISON I kicked him out. He came on to me. (a beat ) He scared me David. David turns and looks hard at Madison. DAVID Did he touch you? Madison shifts uncomfortably and becomes teary eyed.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: MADISON He tried to David. I had to...I had to keep him away with the fire poker.

64.

David goes to Madison and she falls into his arms and becomes emotional. David holds her tightly and rubs her back. DAVID OK Maddy. Ill take care of it. You wont ever have to see him again. I swear it. (beat) Ever! David releases Madison and kisses her on the forehead. He holds her at arms length. DAVID I love you Maddy and Ill never let him near you again. David smirks. DAVID A fire poker? I wish I saw that one! MADISON It wasnt funny David. David pulls Madison in for a longer embrace. SHOWER David stands with his head under the downpour of hot steamy water. He leans against the tile wall with his arms outstretched as blood and dirt wash away from his body. IMAGE FLASHBACKS Newspapers scattered on the ground. Alexs skateboard. Alex in the grave. Alex in Davids SUV. Alex in the kitchen. David digging frantically. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: The shovel flying through the air. BACK TO SCENE

65.

David JUMPS as he is startled by a hand on his shoulder. He turns to see Madison stepping into the shower with him. She begins caressing his arms and chest as they begin to kiss. INT. KITCHEN APARTMENT - DAY Laura is thumbing through photos of her family as she separates pictures of Alex and places them in a pile on the table. She pauses on one photo in particular. The picture is of Alex sitting on his bed holding his skateboard and he is surrounded by other gifts. Also in the photo is the bird cage, a few posters and a computer. Laura touches the photo as she holds an empty look in her eyes. It is as if she is staring right through the picture. Laura stands and walks out of the room with the picture. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Laura stands in a doorway looking at the bed and a dresser with a single lamp on a table. The room is decorated as close to Alexs original room from their previous home. She looks down at the photo. LONG PAUSE. Then back to the room. Laura turns and walks away from the room. EXT./INT. CAR - LATER Sunlight blazes through the windshield as Lauras sunglasses protect her eyes. The photo sits beside her on the passenger seat. She takes occasional glances at the photo as she weaves her way through traffic. INT. BAR - NIGHT Country music oozes from an old jukebox in a dark corner near a vacant pool table. The room is dark with some dim light illuminating small circular spaces along the bar. A few people occupy the establishment drinking alone and silent. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

66.

Among them is Tom Weston. He has a beer and a shot of whiskey in front of him. He is disheveled and unshaven. He stares blankly into the silent television behind the bar. Tom drinks his shot. The door to the bar opens and TWO GUYS walk in. They sit next to Tom and order a couple of drinks. On the TV a news REPORTER is behind a news ticker. The headline reads: "MISSING GIRL ALERT." Tom looks to the bartender. TOM Hey, can you turn this up a little? The bartender takes the remote control and turns up the volume. REPORTER Yesterday, ten year-old, Sadi WilsonINSERT: TV WITH PHOTO OF A YOUNG GIRL. REPORTER -was reported to have missed her ride home from this school The reporter opens his stance revealing an elementary school in the background. REPORTER - Donovan Elementary. The girls mother stated that she has not called anyone close to the family and she is very concerned for her safety. Tom waves his hand at the screen and turns his head. TOM Turn it off. Its shit. Those poor parents. (beat) Lemme have another one huh. Tom pushes the shot glass forward. The bartender hits the mute button and grabs a bottle of whiskey. GUY 1 Little shit is probably just playing hooky.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

67.

GUY 2 Nah, some pervert probably playin uncle diddle fingers with her in his basement. They laugh. Tom overhears the banter between the two men. He raises his head in disbelief and looks at them disgustedly. GUY 2 What the fuck you lookin at? TOM Thats someones kid youre talkin about. Someones missing her right now. Guy 2 looks to his friend and back at Tom. He takes a long pull from his bottle and sets it down on the bar. GUY 2 Yeah, but I sure bet whos ever got her aint missin an inch Tom BOLTS from his chair and is upon the man in a flash. The two men land on the floor as Tom begins to throw hard punches to his face. Guy 1 rushes to pull Tom off his friend, but in Toms fury he turns quickly and lands a solid hit to the mans nose laying him out on the floor. The bartender and a couple other Men pounce on Tom and put an end to his assault. Tom is restrained and breathing heavily. He looks to the man lying bloodied and beaten on the floor and then to the television. INSERT: TV WITH PHOTO OF A YOUNG GIRL. EXT./INT. CAR - DAY Laura sits in her car looking through the windshield into the playground of an elementary school. The children are all running around and playing. FLASHBACK

68.

EXT. WESTON HOUSE - DAY The day is warm and sunny. Laura is watching Alex and Madison as they toss a football in the backyard. They are laughing and running around the yard. Madison overthrows Alex and the football lands at Lauras feet. Laura reaches down and retrieves the football as Alex runs up to her. Laura attempts to give the ball to him but he refuses. ALEX Throw it to me. Alex begins to run. LAURA Oh I dont know honey. ALEX (running) Cmon. Laura places her fingers on the laces and heaves a long toss. The ball stays in the air for a few moments as Alex continues to run. Alex dives to catch the ball. He stands with his arms raised holding the ball in one hand. ALEX Touchdown! Madison laughs. Laura smiles. BACK TO SCENE The children schoolyard. from most of as they both street. have started to walk out of the fenced-in The young blond boy from earlier is separate the group; he walks with only one DARK HAIR BOY wear backpacks and turn down a less occupied

Laura starts her car and begins to drive slowly behind the two boys. She accelerates and drives past them watching in her rear view mirror as they get further away.

69.

INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY Tom sits on the edge of a bed with a bottle of whiskey. The room is illuminated only by the faint glow of an end table lamp and a TV on mute. The flicker of the TV covers Toms face with a blue light. He lifts the bottle to his lips and drinks. He shakes off the burning as his face reacts to the sensation. A bright white light interferes with the blue light on his face and Tom turns his head to look into it. There is silhouette in the bathroom doorway of a woman. She is dressed in short skirt and leather coat She walks up to Tom and grabs the bottle from him and takes a long pull. Her hair looks quickly put together and her make-up is heavy. She hands the bottle back to Tom and grabs her purse from a chair by the door. She exits without saying a word. Tom sits motionless staring at the blue light of the TV. INT. TOMS CAR - NIGHT Tom drives the same BMW he owned a few years ago. It has a few dings in the paint and the interior is cluttered. He has a lost look in his eyes as the lights of the city reflect off of his face. He approaches a YELLOW TRAFFIC LIGHT and accelerates through the intersection just as it turns red. A police car is stationary on his right as it waits for the light to turn. It quickly turns the corner and engages its roof lights and follows Toms car. The lights reflect brightly into Toms eyes from the mirrors; he squints and shakes his head. He pulls to the curb. The police car pulls behind him as the light continue to blind Tom in the mirrors. Tom rolls the window down as the officer walks up to the car. OFFICER Do you know why I pulled you over?

(CONTINUED)

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TOM No sir. OFFICER Looked like you were goin a little fast through that intersection. (beat) Tryin to beat the light Im guessing. Tom shrugs and sits motionless with his hands on the steering wheel. OFFICER Can I have your license and registration? Tom reaches into his pocket for his wallet and hands the officer his license. OFFICER Registration? Tom leans over to his glove box and retrieves his registration card. The Police Officer takes a few moments to look at the license. OFFICER Mr. Weston. TOM Yeah? OFFICER Mr. Weston, Im one of the officers on the scene when, well, when your son Alex disappeared. Tom squints as he looks up the Officer. TOM Im sorry officer I really dont remember too many faces from that day. OFFICER I understand sir. I have a young boy myself and, well... (beat ) ...well I guess I dont REALLY understand, but(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: The officer hands Tom his license and registration. OFFICER -you take it a little easier. Slow down and get yourself home safely. Tom nods to the officer as he accepts his belongings. The officer tips his hat and walks away. The lights continue to flash in Toms eyes. EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - DAY

71.

David is running in the hot afternoon sun. The trail is void of people and the day is windy. There are a few hawks circling David overhead; they seem to follow him as he continues on the trail. He looks up to the hawks a couple of times as he runs. The hawks begin to fly unusually close to David as he runs on. One hawk SWOOPS down nearly hitting David. Another does the same, and another. The last hawk SMASHES David directly in the chest knocking him off balance. His shirt is torn and he is bleeding. David covers his head and runs frantically from the attacking birds. He looks over his shoulder and then back again; he stops suddenly. David looks to see Alex standing in front of him. The hawks have halted their attack but continue to circle above and the air is still. Alex looks as he did before he died. His face is smooth and young, but his eyes have an emptiness to them. Alex begins to circle David multiple times. With each full pass HE BEGINS TO GROW SLIGHTLY IN STATURE. ALEX You have to tell them. DAVID This isnt real. He continues to circle AND GROW.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

72.

DAVID Youre not here. Alex stops circling and now stands eye to eye with David. ALEX (angrily) You have to tell them! The day grows dark, and thick clouds swiftly accumulate to dominate the sky. There is a loud CLAP of thunder. DAVID This isnt real! David looks back and Alex is no longer front of him. Eerie, haunting sounds fill the air. dark nightmarish mountain. David looks around the David looks up nervously.

Alex appears out of thin air in front of David. He is gruesome and frightening. His voice is deep and guttural. ALEX TELL THEM! Alex lunges at David knocking him into an abyss of darkness and he falls for a few seconds as he disappears into the black. MOUNTAIN SIDE - LATER David wakes to the late day sun tucking itself behind the treetops. He is covered in scratches, cuts and blood. With much effort David gets to his feet. He holds himself in pain and stares up at the large cliff he has fallen down. It is a steep, rocky incline of 40 feet. and looks back to the cliff. He begins his painful ascent. INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT Madison is making dinner as she hears the entrance door close in the front of the house. She looks up. He scans the area

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

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MADISON Hey your late, I hope your hungry. DAVID (O.S.) I know. And Im very hungry! David enters the kitchen and sits in a chair. MADISON (shocked) What the hell happened to you? She walks over to a disheveled, dirty and blood stained David. DAVID I fell off a cliff on the trail. MADISON First you get beat up in a bar and now youre falling off cliffs? (beat) What the hells going on? DAVID (shaking his head) I dont know. I was attacked by hawks on the trail. MADISON What? Birds, AGAIN! You were attacked by birds, again! (beat) Hawks dont attack people, do they? DAVID Apparently so. MADISON Who knows what kind of disease you might have. You have to go to a hospital. David has a blank stare in his eyes. MADISON Ya know Alex loved birds. You remember Oscar? Maybe hes communicating with you. trying to tell you something. You ever think of that?

(CONTINUED)

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DAVID Hmm. (shakes head) No, never crossed my mind. Madison goes to the sink and wets a towel. David and cleans his face. Comes back to

MADISON You need to get in the shower, and this time I wont be joining you. David stops her and eyeballs the food. DAVID Im pretty hungry. MADISON I suppose you are. (walking to the stove) So lets eat and well get you to the ER after. DAVID I dont need to go to the ER Ill be fine. She hands David the towel and kisses him on the forehead. MADISON Whatever you say tough guy. The two sit for an awkward dinner together. INT. HOTEL BATHROOM - NIGHT Tom looks into the mirror at his disheveled and worn down face. He is scruffy and his once bright eyes have become sunken and dark. The water is running and steam slowly creeps its way to the mirror blurring his image. Tom reaches to the water and splashes it on his face. He fills his hand with shaving cream and grabs a razor. INT. HOTEL ROOM DOOR - CONTINUOUS Tom reaches for his coat and keys and exits the room into a bright sunny day. The door closes behind him leaving a dark and empty room behind.

75. INT. BEDROOM - DAVID AND MADISONS HOUSE - DAY The room is being remodeled and there are drop cloths, rags and torn wall paper strewn about. Madison and David are working diligently as they ready the room for their unborn son. Madison stops scraping at the wall and turns to David who is pulling at the corner of the carpet. MADISON So you definitely think this will be finished by the time I have him? He continues to pull at the carpet. DAVID Definitely. But if its not... (tugging) ...I really dont think hes gonna mind. MADISON Well of course Alex wont mindDavid slowly looks over his shoulder as Madison turns toward the wall and continues scraping. MADISON - Hell only be a few days old. David looks back to the rug pulls one hard tug. The carpet gives way and David is catapulted backwards SMASHING into a step ladder. Upon the step ladder is a pair of scissors. The scissors become airborne as David lands on his back. The scissors begin their descent pointing directly at Davids face. He rolls out of the way as they STICK into the floor right next to his head. MADISON Jesus David are you OK? Madison rushes over to his side as the scissors loom large in the foreground. He sits up and rests on his elbows. scissors and chortles. David looks at the

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DAVID Yeah, Im fine. The doorbell rings.

76.

David and Maddy make their way down the stairs and open the door. Tom Weston is standing at the door with a gift and a bottle of wine. He is well dressed and groomed to perfection. David and Madison smile with much happiness. reaches out and hugs her father. She pulls away excitedly. MADISON Oh my God look at you! You look great! Tom hands the bottle to David. TOM (to David) Look at you. What the hell happened? David touches the marks on his face. DAVID Long story. MADISON Well come in, come in! LIVING ROOM - LATER David, Madison and Tom sit together sharing a glass of wine. TOM Well, I called an old colleague of mine and asked him if they were hiring. He told me to come on in and hed see what he could do. So I meet with him next week. Tom reaches for his glass and stops before he drinks. TOM Hey, have you heard from your mother? Ive been trying to reach her for a few weeks now. (CONTINUED) Madison

CONTINUED:

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Tom looks to David and David shrugs his shoulders and gives a quick shake of his head. MADISON I talked to her a couple of days ago. She said she was organizing another benefit for that missing girl...Sadi is it? DAVID I think thats her name. MADISON But she seemed OK. TOM Well I was just hoping we could get together and talk. Its been a long time and God knows the way things ended MADISON Daddy dont do that to yourself. Mom just got so caught up in finding Alex I think she forgot about all of us. Davids phone buzzes in his pocket. He looks at the number.

DAVID Excuse me, I gotta get this. David exits the room and answers. DAVID (quietly) Hey Terri whats up? INTER CUT - TELEPHONE CONVERSATION - DAVID AND TERRI TERRI Hi David. Were all set here just waiting on you guys. DAVID Thats great. Toms here but I cant find Laura. TERRI Well I guess youll just have go without her.

(CONTINUED)

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DAVID Yeah, I guess so. OK Ill get them moving well see you in twenty. TERRI OK, see you then. Back to scene. David walks into the living room. Madison and Tom look up. MADISON Who was it? DAVID Well, when Tom showed up I made a quick call to a nice place downtown, thought maybe the three of us could go get something to eat. They just called back and said we could get in, if we leave now. TOM Oh no, no. You two go I dont want to be a bother. Madison stands and reaches her hand to her father. MADISON Thats nonsense! Youre going. Tom takes hold of her hand and stands. TOM No really you DAVID We wont take no for an answer Tom. Of course youre going. TOM OK, you win. EXT. RESTAURANT - LATER David drives Madisons four-door sedan and pulls into a parking spot right near the door of the restaurant.

79.

INT. SUV - SAME MADISON Whend ya find this place? heard of it. I never

DAVID Just some people talking about it at work so I thought wed give it a shot. MADISON It looks nice. They exit. TOM Itd be nice if your mother could join us. MADISON I know, but lets just enjoy our time together. DAVID Yeah itll be fun. The three enter the restaurant and walk down a dimly lit hallway. It is very empty and quit. MADISON Well this doesnt strike me as a busy new restaurant. They continue walking until they reach a very dark room. Madison gives David an odd look and then to Tom. Both men are holding back smiles. The room erupts with lights and shouts from friends and coworkers. Banners, streamers and balloons are strewn around the room. Terri emerges from the crowd and gives Madison a hug. DAVID Terri wanted to throw you a surprise baby shower. TERRI Well, you havent had a lot of time to yourself so I figured, why not!

(CONTINUED)

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80.

MADISON You really shouldnt have, BUT thank you! DAVID We tried to get your mom here but as you know, she said she was totally caught up with the benefit. MADISON Thank you guys! It really means a lot to me. Madison enters the room to many hugs and different faces. INT. SUPER STORE - DAY Laura walks the isles of the store with a shopping cart full of birthday items; party hats, colored streamers, wrapping paper, soda etc. She stops in front of the cake mixes. FLASHBACK Alex walks over to the island in the middle of the kitchen and swipes a load of frosting from the side of the cake. The writing on the cake reads: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX." Laura quickly taps his hand as Alex shoves his frosted finger into his mouth. Laura squeezes His cheeks together and very lovingly gives him a peck on the lips. LAURA (calmly) Are you going to get cleaned up or am I gong to bring all of your presents back to the store? BACK TO SCENE Laura removes a box of chocolate cake from the shelf, sets it in the cart and continues down the isle. INT. DAVID AND MADISONS HOUSE - EVENING David and Madison are looking at a BIRTHING BOOK when the doorbell rings.

(CONTINUED)

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David walks to the door and opens it to two Detectives. The tallest of the two is DETECTIVE PARKS. Dressed nicely in a conservative tan suit. He has short light brown hair and a solid jaw. His age is undefinable but is wrinkling around the eyes. The other is DETECTIVE ALLEN. He has blond hair and blue eyes with a much younger appearance. DAVID Can I help you? DETECTIVE PARKS Hello Im Detective Parks this is Detective Allen. Were investigating the disappearance of John Mariott. May we come in? DAVID Ah, sure, sure. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS Detective Parks sits while Detective Allen stands to his side with a notepad and a pen. David and Madison are both seated. DETECTIVE PARKS So you say he was here about a week ago? MADISON Yes, he was here. My husband was late coming home and John thought it was appropriate to Madison looks uncomfortably to David as she shifts in her seat. DETECTIVE PARKS Go on. MADISON Well, he thought that he could come on to me. He tried telling me that David wasnt the man I thought he wasDETECTIVE PARKS Meaning?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

82.

MADISON I dont know exactly. I kicked him out. He was making me very uncomfortable. Detective Parks looks to Detective Allen as he writes something down. DETECTIVE PARKS David your wife says you were late. Where were you? DAVID Well, I went out after work for a few beers. DETECTIVE PARKS Did those few beers have anything to do with the marks on your face? DAVID Not exactly. Took quite a fall off the mountain when I was running the other day. There are a few moments of awkward silence as Detective Allen writes in his notepad and Detective Parks stares blankly at David and Madison. DETECTIVE PARKS (to David) When was the last time you saw John? DAVID Ah, that day. The day he was here. We work together. We usually go to the gym after work. I wanted to get a beer and he wanted to workout. So he didnt come with me. DETECTIVE PARKS Did you find that odd? DAVID Not really. DETECTIVE PARKS Do you find it odd that he hasnt been to work for a while.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

83.

DAVID Sure. I called his phone a few times but it kept going to his voice mail. (beat) Hey, Johns a pretty loose guy. He could be on a beach somewhere with a woman he doesnt really know. (chortles) Hell show up. Probably right before he gets fired. DETECTIVE PARKS (stands) I hope youre right. (hands business card) Heres my card, call if you hear from him. Mrs. Piersall, Mr Piersall, have a nice evening. The two Detectives walk to the door as Madison opens it for them. Detective Parks turns to David. DETECTIVE PARKS Hey ah, what bar did you say you were at that night? DAVID I dont think I did. Detective Parks waits in silence. DAVID Oh. It was Slims just outside of town. Detective Parks nods to Madison and exits as she closes the door behind him. MADISON What do you think happened to him? DAVID I dont know honey. I dont really know.

84.

LAURAS APARTMENT - DAY Laura walks through the front door with a few full shopping bags. She has a bright smile on her face as she kicks the door closed. KITCHEN Laura unpacks the bags revealing items such as ice cream, party favors, colored plates, birthday candles, balloons, wrapping paper, table cloth and streamers. She puts the ice cream in the freezer. LAURA We dont want you melting now do we? She blows up balloons. She kicks one and laughs. She hangs up a HAPPY BIRTHDAY banner and puts plates, napkins and cups on the table. Next to the last cup is the picture of Alex she was holding earlier. Laura stops and stares at it and smiles an odd, confused smile. She touches the picture with her finger over Alexs face. INT. BAR - DAY Detective Parks enters Slims Tavern from the bright noonday sun. The tavern is dark and only the sound of a quiet television is audible. Three men drink quietly as they watch the television from bar stools. The bartender stands when Detective Parks approaches the bar. BARTENDER What can I do for ya? Detective Parks reaches into his coat and shows his badge. DETECTIVE PARKS Hey there. You familiar with David Piersall by any chance? (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: The bartender looks and nods. BARTENDER Yeah hes been in here a few times. DETECTIVE PARKS Was he here a couple of days ago? BARTENDER That I cant be sure about. dont work here everyday. I

85.

The detective slides his badge back into his coat. DETECTIVE PARKS Who works nights? BARTENDER That would be Lilly or Amy, sometimes both. Detective Parks scans the lonely bar for a few moments and looks back at the bartender. DETECTIVE PARKS They workin tonight? BARTENDER Yeah, Im sure one of em are. DETECTIVE PARKS Alright, Ill stop back. The bartender reaches behind him grabs a DRINK CHIP and tosses it to Detective Parks. He catches it in the air. BARTENDER Have one on the house. DETECTIVE PARKS Thanks. He turns and walks out. INT. SCHOOL - DAY Madison is wearing reading glasses and grading student papers. She sits alone at her desk with music playing in the background from a small portable stereo. There is a soft knock on the door and Terri enters the room with a cup of coffee.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: MADISON Hey you. TERRI Hey Maddy. (sets coffee on desk ) Here I brought you a cup of coffee. Thanks. MADISON What about you?

86.

TERRI If I have another cup I might pull a Beavis and start running around with my shirt up over my head. Terri imitates Beavis. TERRI I am the great cornholio. They share a quick laugh. Madison takes a sip of coffee. MADISON I cant thank you enough for the shower. It was really very sweet of you. TERRI Hey, youd do the same for me. Terri grabs a graded paper from the pile on the desk and looks it over. TERRI So any word from your mother yet? Madison leans back in her seat, removes her glasses, and places them on the desk. MADISON Not since last week. Im guessing shes pretty caught up with Sadi. (beat) Shes never be able to stop blaming herself for what happened to Alex so, she just keeps trying to help people. (beat) Sometimes I worry about her ya know? Shes just never been the same since. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

87.

TERRI I feel so bad for you guys. I would never know how to handle something like thaThat moment a chair slides quickly across the room and SMASHES into the wall under the chalkboard. The two woman jump in fright. The room is silent except for the sound of the music. They look at each other with wide eyes and shock and back to the chair. The coffee cup tips and coffee spills on her papers. Madison and Terri hurry to dry it up. As they separate the stained papers from the dry ones Madison stops on one that stands out. It is a paper written by a boy named ALEX SMITH. The paper is clean except for coffee stains that highlight three words. INSERT - PAPER "CLOSE" "BURIED" "WOODS" BACK TO SCENE Madison looks at Terri and tilts the paper her way. takes it from her and looks back at Madison. Terri

The stereos volume suddenly becomes extremely loud and distorted. They quickly look to the stereo as Madison hits the volume button several times in an attempt to turn it down; it continues to stay at max level. Papers begin to swirl madly around the room. Desks are overturned and chairs slide wildly out of control. Terri hurries to the wall outlet and pulls the plug. It becomes completely silent in the room as everything becomes still once again. The two woman give each other a confused, concerned look. Terri breaks the stare and looks past Madison with raised eyebrows and wide eyes at the chalkboard.

88.

TEACHERS LOUNGE - LATER David knocks on the door. Terri opens it and he enters the room to see Madison sitting in a chair holding a glass of water with both hands. Madison stares blankly at the floor. David calmly walks to her and kneels down beside her. places his hand on her leg. She turns with tears in her eyes and looks back to the floor. David looks at Terri. Terri continues to hold the door. He

David stands and walks out the door as Terri follows him and shuts it behind her. The school hallway is quiet and there is a janitor sweeping at the far end. They walk in his direction. DAVID OK so what the hell happened? Terri just keeps walking. As they pass the janitor he gives David an odd look. David looks back to Terri. DAVID Terri, you want to tell me whats going on? Terri stops at the classroom door and looks at David concernedly. She reaches for the door handle and opens the door. David slowly walks through the entrance to witness the aftermath of Madison and Terris frightening experience. The room is in complete shambles with overturned desks and chairs and papers scattered all over the floor. Terri reaches for the coffee stained paper and hands it to David. INSERT - PAPER "CLOSE" "BURIED" "WOODS" BACK TO SCENE DAVID What the hells this?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: TERRI Thats not the worst of it. She turns her head to the chalkboard. David follows her gaze. Written upon the chalkboard is "FAVORITE BROTHER" TEACHERS LOUNGE - SAME

89.

David and Terri cautiously enter the room. David kneels down once again and strokes Madisons hair. DAVID Lets go home Maddy. We can come and get your car later, OK? Madison continues to stare blankly at the floor. MADISON (whispering) Whats going on David? She slowly turns her head towards David. MADISON Whats going on? David helps her stand. DAVID I dont know honey. I just dont know. INT. JOHNS HOUSE - DAY Detective Parks opens the front door and enters Johns home. It is empty and silent. The house is in perfect order and the furniture is very modern and tasteful. There is some art on the walls and sculptures on pedestals. Detective Parks walks to the main window of the living room and looks out. He turns and looks the empty room over. The remote control lies on the sofa; he grabs it and turns on the TV. ESPN is on the screen. Detective Parks leaves the TV on and walks to the bedroom. He stops at the bathroom and looks in; nothing out of place.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

90.

He enters the bathroom and opens the mirrored cabinet. There is a Razor, shaving cream, toothpaste, ibuprofen and a few other items. The Detective closes the door and opens the drawer of a plastic storage bin. He removes a small leather toiletry bag and unzips it. Within the bag are mini travel items; the detective looks perplexed. He exits the bathroom and enters the main bedroom. The bed is made and there are no clothes out of place. He opens the closet door to reveal two empty suitcases. Detective Parks enters the kitchen. There are some breakfast dishes left in the sink and a frying pan on the stove top. On the counter next to the toaster is a phone charger. The detective picks the charger up and shakes his head. The door from the mudroom to the garage opens, and the detectives hand reaches out to turn on the light. The area is empty except for a mountain bike, golf bag, hockey sticks, basketball and some tools. He descends the small set of stairs and stands quietly in the middle of the garage. He looks around the garage scanning the walls and the floor. There is some dried mud stuck to the pavement which trails from the main lift-door. He squats down to get a closer look and notices a few small droplets of blood scattered on the pavement. He stands and dials his phone. INT. PRINCIPALS OFFICE - DAY Madison, Terri and David sit with PRINCIPAL, MICHAEL GOODSON and VICE PRINCIPAL, ANDY WATERS. Michael wears a sweater over his shirt and tie. His short hair has gone to salt and pepper and he is clean shaven. Andy wears a jacket and collared shirt with no tie. He has a short, very well groomed dark beard, hair just past his ears and glasses. He stands by Michaels side. Madison still looks shaken from the experience and Terri is in disbelief. ANDY So you mean to tell me that we had a haunting in our school? Some supernatural occurrence that threw desks around and made papers fly?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

91.

TERRI Thats exactly what were saying. ANDY How do you expect me to believe that? TERRI Because were two grown adults. One by the way who is pregnant, and the other has been way too freaked out by this whole experience to have anymore patience MICHAEL OK, OK. Just relax Miss Robinson. Weve all watched Ghost Finders or whatever new show is out these days. The room becomes quiet as the conversation pauses. MICHAEL I have to say that Im not completely shocked by what youre saying. Madison and David look up in attention. MICHAEL Ive had some things happen to me in my life... (beat) ...that I just cant explain. BUT He looks to Andy. MICHAEL - Were not going to be talking about this any more. Its not like we can report it to the police or call the papers. (looks to Andy) Andy, whether you believe it or not, its over. Andy turns away and shifts uncomfortably. silence in the room. MADISON But what about Alex? There is a long

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

92.

The group turns to Madison with confused looks upon their faces. DAVID Honey what do you mean? Madison becomes teary eyed. MADISON We have to find him. Hes out there somewhere. Alex is reaching out to me... (turns to David ) ...TO US! Terri kneels at Madisons side and rubs her back. TERRI Oh Maddy. Madison starts to weep heavily. David looks at the two principals as Madison rests her head on Terris shoulder. INT. LAURAS APARTMENT - NIGHT Laura picks up her cell phone and dials Madisons phone number. She gets her voice message. LAURA Hi honey its mom. I just wanted to see how you were feeling, and, well to remind you that Alexs birthday is coming up. Give me a call when you get a chance. Love you sweetheart and say hi to David for me. She ends the call. Laura is standing in a kitchen heavily decorated for a party; she is accompanied by a couple of wrapped presents. She looks at the phone for a few seconds and dials another number.

93.

INT. TOMS CAR - NIGHT Toms cell phone rings and he looks at the name on the screen. He answers the call. INTER CUT - TELEPHONE CONVERSATION - LAURA AND TOM TOM Hello Laura. LAURA Hi Tom. BACK TO SCENE Laura stands in her kitchen holding the picture of Alex with the phone on her shoulder. INT. DAVID AND MADISONS HOUSE - NIGHT The front door opens and Madison and David enter the house. Madison remains sullen as David gently guides her to the stairs. They walk up the stairs and into the bedroom. David turns down the bed and Madison slides under the covers fully clothed. DINING ROOM - LATER David sits at the table with his laptop; only the light of the screen illuminates his features. INSERT COMPUTER SCREEN David looks at a website that projects longitude/latitude coordinates. David moves the cursor around the screen as the map zooms into a selected area. BACK TO SCENE He sits back in his chair and absorbs the image on the screen.

94.

EXT. OUTDOOR PARK WITH WATER FOUNTAIN - EARLY EVENING Tom sits upon a bench with a small bouquet of flowers at his side. There are many people strolling the park and tossing coins into the fountain. Laura stands 30 yards from Tom and stares for just a few moments. She begins to walk his way. Tom notices her and stands to greet her. They embrace each other for a few moments and pull away slowly. TOM Hi. LAURA Hi. Tom reaches down to the bench and retrieves the flowers; he hands them to Laura. She accepts them with a smile and brings them to her nose and inhales. LAURA (exhales) Still my favorite. Tom nods and smiles and extends his arm for Laura to sit. She sits and Tom follows her lead. The couple sit quietly for a few moments as spectators to the busy scene in the park. TOM How have you been? OK. LAURA Pretty busy.

TOM I hear youve been tied up with Sadis case? Laura is taken somewhat off guard but recovers he composure. LAURA Yes. It has taken up most of my free time. TOM Have you spoken with Maddy?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

95.

LAURA Well, off and on. message recently.

I Left her a

TOM Theyre really excited about the baby. A long moment of silence. Laura turns toward Tom and stares into his eyes. Beyond him her gaze is drawn to a group of young boys on skateboards. The blond boy from the school is mixed in amongst the group. She is locked on to the boy as he skates by oblivious to her stare. The boy turns into Alex. Laura becomes so entranced on Alex and his friends that their laughter and shouts are the only sounds she can hear. Laura? TOM Laura?

Laura breaks her focus and looks back at Tom. TOM Are you OK? Laura is clearly shaken and upset. LAURA (stammering) Ah, I, I have to go. She stands quickly forgetting her flowers and looks back. LAURA Ill call you, Tom. Tom stands and watches hopelessly as Laura swiftly disappears into the crowd. INT POLICE STATION - DAY Detective Allen walks amongst a few uniformed officers and plain clothed detectives. He carries a yellow manila envelope. Detective Allen opens a closed door and enters an office. Detective Parks sits behind his desk.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

96.

Hey!

DETECTIVE PARKS Dont you knock?

Detective Allen turns and knocks on the door. DETECTIVE PARKS Whatta ya got? Detective Allen tosses the envelope on the desk. DETECTIVE ALLEN Its his blood alright. Detective Parks opens the envelope and reads its contents. DETECTIVE PARKS Well this is more than a missing persons now isnt it. DETECTIVE ALLEN It sure looks that way. DETECTIVE PARKS What else you get? DETECTIVE ALLEN Nothing. Only prints in the garage were Mariotts. (beat) Not a whole lot to go on. Detective Parks slides the report back into the envelope and sits back in his chair. DETECTIVE PARKS But its more than we had. There is a knock at the door and a woman enters holding a white envelope. WOMAN This just came in. Addressed to you no return address. Detective Parks looks up and pauses for a moment; reaches out and takes the envelope. He holds it up to the light and then tears the end to retract the letter. He reads it. He looks up to the woman.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

97.

DETECTIVE PARKS When did this come in? WOMAN Just today thats why Im giving it to you. DETECTIVE PARKS Regular mail? WOMAN Yep. Detective Parks looks to Detective Allen and hands him the envelope. He takes it and reads. INSERT LETTER 33.916013,-117.839355 Alex Weston BACK TO SCENE DETECTIVE ALLEN Latitude, longitude coordinates? DETECTIVE PARKS Thats my guess. DETECTIVE ALLEN Lets check it out. The men quickly exit the office. INT. LAURAS APARTMENT - EARLY EVENING There is rock music playing on the stereo while Laura is busy hand whipping a mix in a mixing bowl. She has a BIG SMILE on her face and her eyes have a glassy, lost look of craziness in them. She wears an apron, her hair is falling out of her ponytail and her make-up is smudged. The kitchen is in complete disarray with dirty dishes and empty boxes scattered about. Laura speaks in a "June Cleaver" style. LAURA Not long now and the cake will be finished. I know how much you like chocolate cake honey. And this (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: LAURA (contd) music. Isnt this your favorite kind of music? Im always telling you to... (mockingly, holding hand to mouth) ...turn that damn thing down. (turns and smiles) But I dont mind really its what makes us kids. And were only kids once, right? She begins to mix more frantically and her eyes widen. She looks to the ceiling. LAURA Now I remember on your last birthday you... (waves pointer finger through the air) ...SWIPED a bit of frosting from the cake. But not this time, no. Youre gonna have to wait until I cut it, the proper way. Laura continues to quickly whisk the batter.

98.

Her hair is wild and chocolate cake batter is spattering her apron. She mixes faster, and faster, and faster. The mixing bowl flies from her hand and its contents spill out on to the floor. She stares for a long moment at the overturned bowl on the floor. She begins to weep. She continues to hold the whisk as her head falls and her shoulders bounce heavily. Her sobs become loud and heavy. She looks up slowly with heavy tears pulling the make-up from her eyes and down her cheeks. Lauras sobs slowly turn into a chuckle and escalate into uncontrollable laughter. She lifts the chocolate covered whisk to her mouth and licks it. She breaths heavily as her laughter ceases and she licks the whisk once again. She looks down to the mess on the floor. LAURA (calmly) Thats OK honey Ill just make another one. Whats a birthday without a birthday cake, right? (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

99.

Laura picks up the bowl from the floor, sets it on the table and places the whisk in it. She walks over to a cabinet and opens a door; it is packed full of boxes of birthday cake mix. She reaches in and retrieves a box. LAURA Oh look honey, chocolate, your favorite. Laura walks back to the mixing bowl. LAURA It should be finished in no time. Can you wait a little while longer? Laura turns to the table; the blond boy from the school yard is sitting in a chair. His hands are tied to the arms of the chair and his mouth is covered with duct taped. He is terrified. Laura walks over to the boy and brushes his hair from his face. She leans in only inches away from his ear. LAURA Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Alex, happy birthday to you. She leans in and gives him a long, uncomfortable kiss on the cheek. LAURA I know its tradition to sing that while the candles are on top of the cake, but I just couldnt contain myself. Lord knows with all the trouble Ive had making that damn thing it could take days before its done. She stands and grabs the mixing bowl and gives the boy a very creepy smile through her make-up covered face. Laura looks at the boy for a few moments. Her eyes are slowly drawn from the boy and into a dark room behind him. A figure slowly begins to materialize and walk towards her. She stands mesmerized. She drops the mixing bowl.

100.

EXT. RURAL ROAD - SAME A caravan of police cars and other official vehicles turn from a paved road onto a dirt road that lead into the woods. The vehicles come to a stop stirring up clouds of dust. SERIES OF SHOTS - SLOW MOTION The whisk falls to the floor. Alex appears as a young boy in full health and walks slowly into the kitchen. The K-9 unit exit their vehicles as dogs sniff the area. Laura falls to her knees. The grave is being dug up. Laura reaches to Alex as he approaches and embraces her. An officer in the shallow grave retrieves a newspaper bag and hands it to Detective Parks. LAURAS APARTMENT Laura holds Alex and weeps heavily for many moments. He slowly pulls away and rests his hands on her shoulders. Laura becomes calm and wipes her make-up smudged tears from her face. ALEX Im OK. LAURA I know honey. Youre here with me now. The two share a moment as Laura basks in her elation. ALEX But I have to go. Laura begins to look worried and tightens her grip on his shirt. LAURA What do you mean? going? Where are you

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

101.

Alex opens his stance and turns to reveal the boy in the chair. The boys head hangs down and he is unconscious. ALEX I have to go home. LAURA (extreme nervousness ) What do you mean? Alex, you ARE home! Youre with me! Alex touches her cheek and immediately relaxes her. ALEX My new home. Alex turns and slowly walks away. looks at his mother. ALEX He needs to go home too. Alex smiles lovingly at his mother. ALEX I love you mommy. Laura smiles and watches Alex as he walks backwards into the room he appeared from. He slowly begins to dematerialize. LAURA I love you too sweet heart. you too. I love He stops by the boy and

With the turn of her head, Lauras fleeting moment of happiness slowly subsides as she looks upon the unconscious boy in the chair. She stands and begins to untie the boys restraints. He begins to stir, and through foggy eyes, he notices his hands are being freed. Laura leans in and very gently removes the tape from his mouth. He is paralyzed with fear and stares motionless at the disheveled, wild woman. She speaks softly.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

102.

Go home.

LAURA Go to your mother.

The boys frightened face softens as he absorbs Lauras words and then he quickly stands and runs out of the house. A warm smile slightly wrinkles the edges of Lauras mouth as she watches him leave. EXT./INT. FBI FIELD OFFICE - LATER A few marked and unmarked police cars come to a stop at a set of doors. Detective Parks exits his car and enters the building. Immediately upon entering he is accompanied by Agent Cavalier. Parks hands him a file. They walk quickly as Cavalier opens the file. AGENT CAVALIER So whatta we have? DETECTIVE PARKS Thats the letter that came in with the GPS coordinates to the location. AGENT CAVALIER What about the body? DETECTIVE PARKS We should know for sure pretty soon. Forensics is checking dental now. Agent Cavalier stops abruptly and looks Parks in the eyes. AGENT CAVALIER Do not let this out. (beat) I will contact the family myself. He continues walking again and Detective Parks keeps pace. AGENT CAVALIER We dont need another screw up like last time. They continue to walk down the hallway.

103. EXT. LAURAS APARTMENT - SAME Laura sits on her front steps as three police cars quickly pull to the curb. Six police officers exit with guns drawn. Laura remains calm and smiling. SERIES OF SHOTS Madison answers her phone and a look of shock covers her face. A couple of officers push Laura to the ground and handcuff her. Tom answers his phone and his face shows immense sadness. With one side of her face to the ground Laura continues to smile. Madison collapses and David catches her. Tom sits slowly and covers his eyes with his free hand. Laura is put into the back seat of a police car. BACK TO SCENE The rear of the police cars fade slowly into the distance. EXT. CEMETERY - DAY It is a bright sunny day. a grave site. There are many people gathered at

Nearest the grave are Madison and David along side of Tom and Laura Weston. Tom stares stoically at the grave. Laura continues to have a slight smile on her lips. Madison weeps. David has his arm around Madison. Just off to the side of the grieving family is Agent Cavalier and a uniformed officer. The priest gives the eulogy as the attendees mourn for the death of Alex Weston. Birds scatter in flight. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

104.

David looks up quickly and then back to Madison who continues to weep. David looks back to the HEADSTONE. INSERT HEADSTONE ALEX WESTON TAKEN FROM US TOO SOON - WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU BACK TO SCENE The priest finishes the eulogy and bends down to say a few inaudible words to the family; he walks away from the grave site. Tom stands and assists Laura up from her chair. Under her coat-covered wrists we see the slightest glimpse of stainless steel handcuffs. The two walk off together. Madison and David remain seated as friends and family disperse. Madison looks up at David with tears in her eyes. MADISON I miss him so much. She rests her head on his shoulder as David keeps his arm around Madison. He stares for a long moment at the grave. David stares blankly at the stone in an attempt to restrain his emotions; a single tear rolls down his face. Madison and David sit in front of Alexs gravestone. Many birds begin to land on the surrounding chairs, gravestones and trees. A single jet-black raven perches atop of Alexs stone. It scans the area then stops on David and Madison. The raven CAWS. THE END