EXT. OUTSIDE OF RICHS HOUSE – DAY

The door opens to reveal a good natured, teenage male, who appears to have just woken up.

RICH

(Opening door)

What's up, man? Did I sleep through something import-

Whack!

A fist meets the teenager’s face with a silence-shattering crack. He falls to the floor.

OPENING CREDITS

TITLE CARD – DAY 3

INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

Another teenage male is fast asleep on his bed. Well, it’s not so much a bed, as it is a futon, lying beside the wall in a very supped up hard floored basement.

The kid’s name is COLE, he is about seventeen, but could pass for younger due to his youthful appearance.

Everything in his room is a mess. Cans, bottles, chips all over the place.

The calendar on the wall above him reads August 7^th

The doorbell rings

This does not stir COLE’S sleep

The door upstairs is heard opening. COLE’S MOTHER, JOAN walks down the stairs

 

JOAN

Cole?

COLE grunts

JOAN

Someone kids are here to see you.

COLE looks at his clock. He stares at it for a second before he does a double take. He jumps up and gets out of bed.

CUT TO:

INT - COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

COLE walks to the front door, rubbing his eyes. He is still obviously tired.

He opens the front door to reveal three more teenage males. All appear to be the same age as COLE, just in varied heights and weights. There’s GABE, TYLER, and ROB. These characters have no specific attributes to them.

COLE

I am so sorry, guys. I didn't get to sleep until late and I-

GABE

It's fine, Cole. Lets just get started.

COLE

Ok-

The guys begin walking in with equipment in their hands

COLE

I'm going to go upstairs and change-

COLE goes to shut the door when he notices...

The kid who was punched a few minutes ago

His name is RICHARD, you’ll see him a lot throughout this story. He has a guitar and an amp in his hands.

COLE is rather shocked to see this kid at his front door.

COLE (CONTD)

Into some clothes...

     (Beat)

Rich, I didn't know you played.

CUT TO:

INT. GIA'S HOUSE – SOME TIME LATER

A door opens and reveals COLE, our hero, holding flowers with a smile from ear to ear.

COLE

Happy Anniversary

The door slams.

There is an argument going on between COLE, and his Girlfriend of the same age, named GIA. She seems like she would be a nice person.

COLE

End what? Our relationship? Why?

GIA

Because...

COLE

What have I ever done to you to hurt you? I take you places, I treat you right, I listen you talk.

GIA

Go home, Cole.

 

COLE

No, I'm not going to lea-

GIA

It's over, Cole. Goodbye.

COLE

Wait, Gia-

She slams the door, again.

COLE rings the doorbell again

The door swings open

GIA

You just don't get it!

The door slams, again.

A long pause

The door opens again

COLE

I knew you'd change your mind...

GIA

I didn't change anything...

She leaves her house, and shuts it.

GIA

I'm going out

COLE

Where?

GIA

If you must know... I'm going to hang out with Rich.

 

COLE

Rich...? Richard Avery, my neighbor?

GIA

Yes, Richard Avery.

COLE

I was going to take you out

GIA

Past tense.

COLE

I...

She walks to her car and slams the door, and speeds off.

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - NIGHT

COLE is sitting on his bed, very depressed watching his television. He looks at his video camera resting on his dresser and has an idea.

He pops a tape into the VCR

He picks up his remote and begins to watch the tape

He watches and watches until he catches something

ON the tape he notices that in the background of one of the shots he sees RICHARD and GIA talking...

RICH at one point, points toward the camera and GIA nods

RICH than puts his arm around GIA and she puts her face in his chest for solace.

COLE'S expression becomes pure anger

He shuts off the tape. (crawling playing in background)

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 4

INT. RICHARD'S ROOM - DAY

RICH wakes up and looks at his clock. He has a very confused look on his face. There is loud knocking heard downstairs.

The doorbell now starts to ring

RICH

I'm coming!

He gets out of his bed and walks out of his room, and down the stairs, in his boxers and tank top.

INT. RICH'S HOUSE - DAY

He gets to the front door and looks out the window, he recognizes COLE

RICH

Cole?

He opens the front door

RICH

(opening door)

What's up, man. Did I sleep through something import-

Whack!

COLE'S fist meets RICH'S face with a silence shattering crack. RICH falls to the floor.

COLE says nothing, he just walks away, in the opposite direction of his house.

EXT. JUAN'S HOUSE – DAY

JUAN notices COLE walking down the street and grabs his attention

JUAN

Hey, Cole!

COLE stops and looks at JUAN

COLE

I'm not in the mood, Juan!

CUT TO:

INT. GWEN'S HOUSE - DAY

A door opens to reveal COLE looking both depressed and excited. We can only see the back of the head of the person who has opened the door.

CUT TO:

INT. GWEN'S ROOM - LATER

We have closed in on COLES face, on a horizontal. He begins to speak about his troubles

COLE

See that’s why I can never understand women because they truly don't know what they want. I gave that girl everything that I could give her. I treated her with respect, I was always a perfect gentleman to her. What more is there?

(beat)

And now she left me for him.

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 5

INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

COLE is fast asleep in his bed.

The calendar reads AUGUST 9th 2001.

The alarm clock goes off beside him

COLE just picks it up and pulls it from its outlet and tosses it off screen

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - LATER

COLE is just playing his guitar in his room. Passing time.

More time goes by...

COLE is now reading a screenplay.

More time goes by...

COLE is playing Dance Dance Revolution

The phone rings

He picks up the phone...

COLE

Oh. Hey, Gabe. What's up?

CUT TO:

EXT. HOCKEY RINK - DAY

COLE pulls up in a parking spot in a large park.

He begins running toward a hockey rink with his hands full of equipment.

As he's running he notices all his friends (GABE, ROB, TYLER)...

And RICH

He slows down his run to a trot and goes into the rink.

He finds his friend GABE

COLE

Who said you can invite Rich?

GABE

So we invited Rich. Jeez, who put sand in your vagina?

COLE

There is no sand in my vagina. I'm not going to play if he plays.

GABE

Fine, then your not playing.

COLE

Exactly...

(beat)

Wait. What?

COLE

Where the hell did this come from?

COLE

You backstabbers. Fine... I'll leave. But not because i'm unwanted. But because of my utter disgust, and contempt for you traitors!

He picks up his stuff and walks out the rink.

When he reaches his car he throws his stuff into this trunk and slams it.

CUT TO:

EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE AVERY RESIDENCE - NIGHT

COLE pushes RICH outside the backdoor of his house, and away from him

 

 

COLE

 

This has gone too far, Rich. I can't take this anymore. Either I don't see you ever again, or we have to settle this.

RICH

You mean like a competition?

COLE

No, I mean like a War! You vs. Me. Winner packs up and leaves town immediately

RICH

Fine

COLE

Deal?

RICH

Deal!

COLE

Good.

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 2

INT. COLE'S ROOM – DAY

COLE is fast asleep on his bed as we open on DAY 2.

His calendar reads August 6th 2001

 

 

INT. COLE'S ROOM - LATER

COLE is blasting music in his room, shuffling through CDs and tapes, and writing on little pieces of papers when a muffled 'ding dong' is heard in the background

He turns his head toward his door

He doesn't pay it any mind and continues what he's doing

The noise is heard again

He gets up this time and walks into the hallway

INT. COLE'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

He runs down the stairs as fast as he can

INT. COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

COLE runs down the stairs into his den and the doorbell sounds again. He rushes to the door and swings it open

Outside, waiting patiently are GABE, TYLER, and ROB

COLE

I am so sorry about that, you guys. I was upstairs blasting music and I didn't hear the doorbell

GABE

No problem, man

COLE

You guys want to come in?

The guys bring in their instruments shake hands with COLE as we...

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

A montage of the band practicing.

They tune their instruments, joke around with their instruments, seriously practice songs, and jump around.

INT. COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

After the montage the guys are all set to go. COLE walks them to the door

COLE

Thanks a lot for coming guys.

TYLER

Are we doing this again tomorrow?

COLE

If we do we'll have to do it early, I have plans in the early afternoon.

They shake hands and exit. COLE closes the door behind them.

INT. COLE'S ROOM - NIGHT

People begin to show up at COLE'S party. We see that COLE has arranged his room to accommodate for the guests. He welcomes his friends as they enter

A montage of party scenes occurs, all with improvised dialogue

The guys and girls are at the bar talking college.

The guys are getting way too into a video game.

COLE is videotaping people talking about how they are going to miss this next year.

A few people are in a huddle around the couch including GIA. COLE walks over and puts his arm around her for a beat.

COLE continues to videotape people and video tapes RICH entering the room

COLE introduces RICH to everyone briefly

A few shots of RICH fitting right in, by joining in on the video games or talking college with a few guys

GIA and RICH bump into each other at the bar, and they begin talking immediately

COLE catches GIA and RICH'S first meeting on tape, but without it phasing him

People jumping around to music

After a few more shots of everyone having fun the party begins to break up, and people begin to leave, but not without expressing to COLE the fun they just had.

The only one left in the room besides COLE, is RICH who is cleaning up a bit

COLE walks over to RICH and takes some of the GARBAGE out of his hands

COLE

You have fun?

The walk over to the garbage can together

RICH

(Excited)

I had so much fun, Cole, you don't understand. Your friends are really great people.

 

COLE

Yeah, they are.

(Beat)

Hey, Did you meet Gia?

RICH

Yeah, I met her

(beat)

Great girl, really nice.

COLE

Yeah, isn't she. Tomorrow's our year anniversary.

RICH

Really? What'd you get her?

COLE

She told me a few weeks ago that she didn't want anything expensive or material. She says I spend too much money on her

RICH

And in woman talk that means?

COLE

That's what I thought too, but I figured I would go for sentimental for a change, so I made her a mix tape, and I'm taking her to the place where we first kissed, tomorrow.

RICH

(calming)

That's really nice, Cole. I'm sure she'll love that.

COLE

I hope so. But even if, we're so close that if she doesn't like it, it wouldn't change a thing. We're like kindred spirits.

RICH

(Looking at his watch)

Dude, I have to go. I have a busy day ahead of me

COLE

As do I. I'll walk you out

CUT TO:

EXT. COLE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

They exit COLE'S house and walk into the driveway

RICH

Thank you so much for letting me get to you know your friends.

COLE

No problem, dude. Thanks for coming

RICH

I'll talk to you later

RICH runs next door and COLE goes back into his house

INT. COLE'S ROOM - NIGHT

COLE walks into his room, and fall face first onto his bed and falls right to sleep.

CUT TO:

 

TITLE CARD – DAY 3

INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

COLE is fast asleep on his bed

Everything in his room is still a mess from last night.

The calendar reads August 7th

The doorbell rings

This does not stir COLE’S sleep

COLE'S mother enters

JOAN

Cole?

COLE grunts

JOAN

Someone kids are here to see you.

COLE looks at his clock and jumps up

CUT TO:

INT - COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

COLE is late yet again.

COLE

I am so sorry, guys. I didn't get to sleep until late and I-

GABE

It's fine, Cole. Lets just get started

COLE

Ok-

COLE goes to shut the door when he notices...

RICH with a guitar case and ready to play

COLE

Rich, I didn't know you played.

RICH

For like seven years now

GABE

He told us last night, and we invited him to jam with us today. Hope you don't mind.

COLE

I don't mind at all. Come on in.

Everyone walks off screen except for COLE who says to himself

COLE

Seven years?

He follows the guys

Another montage of band practice, except COLE seems very left out of the group.

A few shots of everyone cheering RICH on as he plays the guitar.

A shot of RICH picking out a tab sheet out of a book for the guys to play, with COLE picking one, but everyone totally ignoring him.

After band practice everyone leaves, and COLE goes up into his room

INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

COLE collapses on his bed

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - A FEW HOURS LATER

COLE wakes up and looks at his clock, and panics.

CUT TO:

INT. GIA'S HOUSE - A FEW MINUTES LATER

The door opens and reveals COLE holding flowers with a smile from ear to ear.

COLE

Happy Anniversary

The door slams.

EXT. OUTSIDE GIA'S HOUSE - SAME

COLE rings the doorbell again.

COLE

Gia, I'm sorry I'm late!

GIA

(muffled from behind door)

Go away!

COLE

I am so sorry, Gia. I'll make it up to you.

The door opens

GIA

I can't take this anymore, Cole. You do this to me way to often for you to "make it up to me". Okay? This situation that we are in right now is a perfect analogy for our relationship. Your late, and I'm supposed to forgive you.

COLE

I... Well, I'm begging you to forgive me.

GIA

Begging only works once. When you beg and beg and beg, I'm the one who's being taken advantage of. Cole...

COLE

I know, I'm sorry. And I can't say that enough, I've just been really tired lately...

GIA

Cut it out with the excuses! And It’s not only about you being late, it’s about everything. You treat me like shit, Cole.

(Beat)

I think we should end this

COLE

End what? Our relationship? Why?

GIA

Because...

COLE

Just Because I'm late ever so often? That's such a B.S reason, Gia! What have I ever done to you to hurt you? I take you places, I treat you right, I listen you talk, which by the way is quite a feat to do, considering you talk and talk and talk all the time!

GIA'S jaw drops

COLE

(Realizes what he said)

I didn't mean that... I

GIA

Go home, Cole.

COLE

No, I'm not going to lea-

GIA

It's over, Cole. Goodbye.

COLE

Wait, Gia-

She slams the door, again.

COLE rings the doorbell again

COLE

I'm sorry about the talking, crack. I'm really sorry

The door swings open

GIA

You just don't get it!

The door slams, again.

A long pause

The door opens again

COLE

I knew you'd change your mind...

GIA

I didn't change anything...

She leaves her house, and shuts it.

GIA

I'm going out

COLE

Where?

GIA

It's none of your business

COLE

It's very well my business. Where are you going?

GIA

If you must know... I'm going to hang out with Rich.

COLE

Rich...? Richard Avery, my neighbor?

GIA

Yes, Richard Avery. He, unlike some people I know, offered to take me out today.

COLE

I was going to take you out

GIA

Past tense.

COLE

I...

She walks to her car and slams the door, and speeds off.

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - NIGHT

COLE is sitting on his bed, very depressed watching his television. He looks at his video camera resting on his dresser and has an idea.

He pops a tape into the VCR

He picks up his remote and begins to watch the tape

He sees some funny things, that make him laugh, and over all cheer him up.

ON the tape he notices that in the background of one of the shots he sees RICHARD and GIA talking...

RICH at one point, points toward the camera and GIA nods

RICH than puts his arm around GIA and she puts her face in his chest for solace.

He shuts off the tape.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY OF COLE'S HOUSE - A FEW MINUTES LATER

COLE walks down the hallway of his house and sees his brother standing in the doorway

MARCUS

Hey, bro, what's wrong?

 

COLE

Hey, Marcus. Gia and I just broke up...

MARCUS

(Sympathetic)

Oh, I'm sorry, dude. I know exactly how you feel.

Looks inside his room

MARCUS

Hey, if you want to come inside and talk you can. I know I always wanted someone to talk to when I was depressed.

COLE

Can I?

MARCUS

Sure. What are brothers for?

COLE smirks, and tries to walk in...

The DOOR slams in his face.

 

You can hear Marcus laughing from behind the door

 

CUT TO:

 

TITLE CARD – DAY 4

 

INT. RICHARD'S ROOM - DAY

RICH is fast asleep in his bed.

A Knock at the front door

INT. RICH'S HOUSE - DAY

He gets to the front door and looks out the window, he recognizes COLE

RICH

Cole?

He opens the front door

RICH

(opening door)

What's up, man. Did I sleep through something import-

Whack!

COLE'S fist meets RICH'S face with a silence shattering crack. RICH falls to the floor.

COLE says nothing, he just walks away, in the opposite direction of his house.

EXT. JUAN'S HOUSE - DAY

JUAN is COLE and RICH’S next door neighbor. He’s a little off unfortunately. Not mentally disturbed, but just a tad bizarre. JUAN is sitting on his front stoop with a cat. He appears to be trying to teach the cat a lesson or two.

JUAN

No, Sir Ruffsalot! Dogs say "woof!"

He picks up his cat and holds it close to his face

JUAN

Why can't you just be normal like other dogs?

JUAN notices COLE walking down the street and grabs his attention

JUAN

Hey, Cole!

COLE stops and looks at JUAN

 

COLE

I'm not in the mood, Juan

JUAN

Do you know how to teach dogs to bark? There's something wrong with this one.

COLE

No, Juan, unfoutunetly my dog training skills stop at teaching them how to drive automobiles. If you're looking for someone more talented than me than you seek my next-door neighbor, Richard.

JUAN

Richard, the nice guy?

(Beat)

I hate him!

COLE

Join the club

JUAN

What club?

COLE

Why do you hate him?

JUAN

Well, ever since Sir Ruffsalot was just a little pup, I’ve been trying to feed him what a doggy needs to grow. You know t-bone steaks, and ‘Beggin strips! Well, I noticed that he didn't seem to like those foods and strayed towards yarn, and tuna. But dogs don't yarn. Cats eat yarn!

COLE

Cats don't eat yarn

JUAN

Exactly...

COLE

Yeah, so the point is?

JUAN

So anyway, I've been trying to feed Sir Ruffs some Purina dog chow disguised as yarn. He still wouldn't eat it. Then one day he went missing, and I couldn't find him anywhere. So I run outside screaming for him

(Imitating screaming)

Sir Ruffsalot!

(Into cats ear)

COME BACK TO ME!

COLE

(Beat)

WHY DO YOU HATE RICH

 

JUAN

I found out that Sir Ruffsalot was at Richards house. Drinking milk.

(beat)

I hate that guy.

COLE

(Rolling eyes)

I get it now.

JUAN

And then he had the audiodacity to tell me that my dog is malnurititioned. I hate milk.

COLE

Juan, how is it possible that you are in the same grade as me?

JUAN

-and then on top of that he called my dog a pussy!

COLE

Well, Juan, since I'm such a good friend, I already got him back for you

JUAN

You did?

COLE

Yeah

JUAN

What'd you do?

COLE

Let's say I-

JUAN

I hate that guy!

COLE

Juan, good luck with your ca-dog.

JUAN

Thanks, Cole. You always no how make things right.

COLE

I guess. See you around

JUAN

Ok...

COLE begins to walk away

JUAN

Wait, how do you get into that club?

CUT TO:

INT. GWEN'S HOUSE - DAY

The phone rings, and a hand picks it up

The phone goes to the ear of GWEN, an older looking teenage girl who answers:

GWEN

Hello?

She improvises a conversation with whoever it is on the telephone as she walks around and does some chores.

She walks over to her brother who is hanging out with his FRIENDS at the kitchen table. She picks up an empty glass and places it in the sink.

The doorbell rings

She yells to her brother

 

GWEN

Herby, answer the door!

HERBERT takes offense

HERB

IT'S BALTHAZAAR! And answer it yourself Wench!

GWEN covers the receiver

GWEN

What did I tell you about calling me wench!?

HERB

What did I tell you about calling me Herby!

GWEN

It's your given name!

HERB

Well, I gave you the name Wench, so that's your given name!

The doorbell rings again

GWEN

(Disgusted)

Fine, Herbert. I'll answer the door

She goes back to talking on the phone as she walks to the door and opens it.

The opens to reveal COLE looking both depressed, but excited to see her.

GWEN'S face lights up

GWEN

(Into phone)

I'll call you back.

She presses the off button and places it down near her

GWEN

(Excited)

Cole! Hey! How are you?

COLE

Been better...

CUT TO:

INT. GWEN'S ROOM - LATER

COLES face is horizontal again. He begins to speak about his troubles

COLE

See that’s why I can never understand women because they truly don't know what they want. I gave that girl everything that I could give her. I treated her with respect; I was always a perfect gentleman to her. What more is there?

(Beat)

And now she left me for him. That backstabber. I did nothing but well for him also. I took him into my circle of friends with open arms. I introduced him to everyone he would need to know when he enters my school this year...

(Realizes something)

He's going to be in my school next year. I can't even avoid this kid if I tried. What can I do?

We change angles to reveal that he is lying on GWEN'S lap, in a quasi-fetus position.

GWEN

Well, I don't know what to say about this Richard kid, but back to what you were saying about Gia. You said that woman don't know what they want...

COLE

Uh huh...

GWEN smacks the back of his head

GWEN

Jackass, no one knows what they want. Hell you really don't know what you want either. We've gone through this before when we were going out. That was always your excuse. I didn't know; she didn't know; anyone with a uterus didn't know what she wanted. You seem to place the blame way too easily on the female gender when by now you should begin to realize that maybe it isn't our fault at all. I mean, no offense but how many girlfriends have you gone through that now with their present boyfriends they are perfectly happy, with not a single misogynistic complaint from them.

COLE

But you told me yourself that you were the reason why we failed.

GWEN

I'm not saying just us... What about you and that girl with the mustache...

COLE

Gwen!

GWEN

What?

COLE

Ashley was your best friend!

GWEN

Not after you started dating her...

COLE

You said you were fine with it...

She smacks him again

GWEN

That’s another thing... you can't tell when girls are really upset. How many times have you gotten into an argument with Gia, and she’s let you get your way...

I guarantee you that ninety-nine percent of those times she was really upset and letting you get your way was a way of showing how mad she was at you

COLE starts to think about it

COLE

I guess, but...

(Tosses idea aside)

No, I know when women are upset.

GWEN

Do you?

COLE

Yes, I do...

GWEN

How can you say that when women never tell the truth?

COLE

Hey, whose side are you on anyway?

GWEN

I'm just saying what you said to me a few years ago...

COLE

But it's the truth

She goes to smack him again, but he gets off her lap and narrowly avoids a beating.

CUT TO:

INT. GWEN'S HOUSE - DAY

COLE walks down the stairs rubbing his head, GWEN follows close behind. COLE stops halfway down the staircase and stares at something.

GWEN

Why'd you stop.

COLE

What the hell are they doing?

We see now, that what he is staring at is GWEN'S brother HERB (BALTHAZAAR) and his friends RYDIA, ASH, and BETH are playing DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS on the living room floor, and really getting into it.

BALTHAZAAR

(Powerfully)

Who's story is it this week!?

BETH

I'll do it this week.

BALTHAZAAR

(Powerfully)

I deem you dungeon master!

Everyone playing cheers

BETH

(Emotional)

I don't know what to say?

BALTHAZAAR

Say nothing.

(Out of character)

But don't suck this time.

BETH gets scared.

BETH

I'll try not to.

(Rubs hands together)

This is how it starts... You’re in the town of-

(Beat; thinks)

Um... Cheese

Everyone sighs in disgust

ASH

Cheese, again?

RYDIA

(To BALTHAZAAR)

This is why we shouldn't let him be DM.

ASH

I should be DM this week

BETH just watches them argue

BALTHAZAAR

I see what you mean!

(To BETH)

I'm taking your DM powers away from you...

BETH

NO!

BETH stands up

BALTHAZAAR

Yes, Beth! I decree that you willingly hand back the almighty powers of the Dungeon Master back to the keeper of the...

(Out of character)

Beth, give it back already!

BETH

No, you gave it to me. You deemed me!

BALTHAZAAR

I know, but give it back!

RYDIA

This is why we never get anything done around here.

COLE and GWEN just watch in disgust

BETH

Fine I’ll give it back...

(Beat)

After I hit all your characters with meteors that take a hundred hit points away... unless you beat a twenty on your constitution modifier!

GWEN turns to COLE

GWEN

(Jokingly)

Want to play?

COLE

God no...

They finally finish walking down the staircase. Toward the front door.

GWEN

Are you feeling any better?

The group is still fighting in the background, but now they're getting violent

COLE

Sorta. I just hope I can avoid the two of them long enough for me to not care about them anymore...

The shouting gets louder

GWEN

I see what your saying

BETH runs on screen holding a bunch of books and tries to flee out the front door, but BALTHAZAAR clotheslines BETH to the ground. He picks up the books and almost, hugs them. He then turns to COLE...

BALTHAZAAR

Hey, Cole...

(Scornfully)

What brings you here?

GWEN

Herb!

BALTHAZAAR

Wench!

GWEN

Herb!

BALTHAZAAR

Wench!

She grabs him by the throat.

GWEN

What did you call me?

BALTHAZAAR

(Choking)

I'm sorry!

GWEN

Good

She lets go

COLE

How are you, Balth.

BALTHAZAAR

I'm fine. The usual. Smiting people.

COLE

That’s good I guess.

 

BALTHAZAAR

Is someone getting on your nerves? I can take care of them for you!

COLE

What?

GWEN

Aside from being a complete moron, my brother here is trying to open a prank for hire business with his friends over there.

COLE

I see

BALTHAZAAR

I need the cash, badly!

COLE

(Sarcastically)

I'll keep that in mind.

(To GWEN)

I'm going to get going, I’m really tired

GWEN

Okay. It was nice seeing you again.

COLE kisses her on the cheek, and is about to exit, when GWEN stops him.

GWEN

Cole...

COLE

Yeah?

GWEN

It's not always her fault, you know...

COLE stops for a second, but just turns around and walks out the door.

GWEN and HERB watch as he walks away

Then suddenly...

BALTHAZAAR goes down in pain. BETH stands up with the books in his hands.

BETH

Take that you mancholl.

He walks out of the house too.

HERB stands up in pain

HERB

CHUSA MERA LUND!

 

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 5

INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

COLE is fast asleep in his bed.

The alarm clock goes off beside him

COLE just picks it up and pulls it from its outlet and tosses it off screen

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - LATER

COLE is just playing his guitar in his room. Passing time.

More time goes by...

COLE is now reading a screenplay.

More time goes by...

COLE is playing Dance Dance Revolution

More time goes by...

COLE is now trying to balance a spoon on his nose.

More time goes by...

COLE is just laying on his bed staring at his CD collection listing out loud the tracks on each CD...

The phone rings

He jumps as fast as he can to the phone, thus knocking a lot of things of over. He is not visible for a moment. He climbs back onto his bed with phone in hand. He places it to his ear

COLE

Hello?

His excited expression immediately phases to disappointment

COLE

No, she's not here right now. Can I take a message?

More time goes by...

He is now puffing out one of his cheeks, and poking said cheek with his finger, and pushing the puff to the other cheek.

More time goes by...

He is now playing the guitar, while playing DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION, while trying to balance a spoon on his nose, with his cheeks puffed out

The phone rings again...

He stops playing and picks up the phone...

COLE

SHE'S NOT HERE RIGHT NOW!

The music in the background stops

COLE

Oh. Hey, Gabe. What's up?

CUT TO:

INT. GABE'S HOUSE - SAME

GABE is on the phone talking to COLE

GABE

We're playing hockey in a little while at Bay. You want to come?

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - SAME

COLE is now excited again

COLE

Hell, yeah. Sounds amazing!

CUT TO:

INT. GABE'S HOUSE - SAME

GABE isn't thrilled

GABE

Fine, later.

He hangs up

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - SAME

COLE is confused

COLE

Do I need to give any ri...

(Dial tone)

Hello?

(Beat)

Hello?

He turns off his phone with a very confused look on his face.

CUT TO:

EXT. HOCKEY RINK - DAY

COLE pulls up in his car.

He exits his car and goes to his trunk and gathers some equipment.

The guys are already playing hockey without him, so he runs to get to the rink as fast as possible

As he's running he notices all his friends (GABE, ROB, TYLER)...

And RICH

He slows down his run to a trot and goes into the rink.

He finds GABE

COLE

Who said you can invite Rich?

GABE

So we invited Rich. Jeez, who put sand in your vagina?

COLE

There is no sand in my vagina. I'm not going to play if he plays.

GABE

Fine, then you’re not playing.

 

COLE

Exactly...

(Beat)

Wait. What?

GABE

You said it's either you or Rich, and I chose Rich.

TYLER and ROB skate over.

COLE

Where the hell did this come from?

ROB

Why'd you punch Rich?

COLE

Because he is evil!

ROB

Dude, until you realize how you're acting right now, we don't want you to play with us.

COLE looks at ROB in disgust

COLE

You backstabbers. Fine... I'll leave. But not because I’m unwanted. But because of my utter disgust, and contempt for you traitors!

He picks up his stuff and walks out the rink.

When he reaches his car he throws his stuff into this trunk and slams it.

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

COLE enters his house and walks to JOAN who is sitting at the table.

COLE

Hey, Mom. Do you want me to clean out the Garage for you now? I have some free time...

JOAN

Oh, no, it's fine, dear. Richard volunteered to do it yesterday while you were out. It's all done already.

COLE turns around and walks away disgusted, but is stopped by something his mother says...

JOAN

Don't go out again. We're going over to the Avery's for dinner tonight

COLE'S eyes widen.

CUT TO:

INT. THE AVERY RESIDENCE - NIGHT

COLE sits at the dining room table. On one side of him are his mother, and the other his father. Across from him is RICHARD, who is sitting next to his mother.

COLE is playing with his food

RICH is doing the same

The parents are conversing

JOAN

We went to see that new Spielberg movie: A.I.

 

STEVE

Fantastic movie

JOAN

Awful movie

STEVE

She doesn't like movies that make her think

JOAN

Well you don't like movies that are romantic

STEVE

Because Romantic Movies don't make you think

JOAN

Did you see A.I, Georgia?

GEORGIA

Not, yet.

JOAN

Don't listen to my husband. It's boring.

GEORGIA

Well, my son-

She places her arm around RICH

GEORGIA (CONT'D)

-Wants to see it really badly. Right, Richard?

RICH

(Looking up)

Yeah, Mom.

When Rich looks up, COLE takes a piece of food and flings it at RICH, then quickly goes back to playing with his food

RICH turns to COLE immediately with a look of disgust on his face.

COLE looks up, and pretends to not know why he is looking at him that way.

The parents continue to chat

GEORGIA

I saw that other movie 'The Fast and the Furious'. Wahoo, amazing movie.

JOAN

Really? It looks too... you know, for me.

GEORGIA

That's what I thought too, but, lord, it was exciting.

JOAN

We should go see that, Steve.

RICH is about to speak up

RICH

I didn't think it...

COLE kicks RICH hard. But the parents do not notice it.

RICH stops mid sentence and goes underneath the table to rub his leg.

COLE pretends to be concerned

COLE

What's wrong, Rich?

RICH comes back up from under the table

RICH

Nothing, Cole. I stubbed my toe, that's all.

The phone begins to ring

The phone is a few feet behind COLE

GEORGIA

Oh, Cole, be a dear and grab the phone for me.

COLE

Sure, Ms. Avery

He gets up to get the phone but falls to his face because his shoelaces are tied together

Everyone begins to chuckle at COLE'S expense

COLE stands up and grabs the phone and sits back down. He hands the phone to Georgia.

COLE

Sorry about that. Your son decided it would be funny if he tied my shoelaces together while he was under the table. Isn't he immature?

Everyone looks at COLE

COLE

What?

RICH

Cole, just because you can't tie your sneakers, properly, doesn't mean you should place the blame on your hosts.

STEVE

Yes, what the hell is wrong with you, Cole?

JOAN

You, know he always had this problem...

 

COLE

Mom?!

JOAN

It took him till he was ten years old for him to learn how to tie his shoes. Before then he would make me buy him Velcro sneakers for he wouldn't have to tie anything.

STEVE

Placing the blame only makes you look stupid in the end, son.

COLE gives RICH the evil eye

RICH

So, Cole, tell us about your girlfriend.

COLE'S eyes enrage. But he remains calm. He begins twisting his napkin

COLE

Um... sadly we broke up...

Everyone apologizes

COLE

No, it's fine, it's fine. It happens.

JOAN

So who broke up with whom?

COLE

I really don't want to talk about it...

RICH

Oh, come on, Cole. You brought it up!

STEVE

She was cute. That's unfortunate that you guys broke up... Did you guys... You know?

COLE

DAD!!

JOAN

STEVE!

STEVE

What? We're all mature here!

COLE

I'm finished here.

He takes his plate and walks off screen.

A beat

He walks back into the room

COLE

Dinner was very nice, thank you, Georgia.

He walks back off screen.

CUT TO:

INT. THE AVERY KITCHEN - SAME

COLE enters and puts his plate in the sink begins to wash it off when RICH walks into the kitchen.

RICH

You started it, you know?

COLE

I didn't start anything! Ok? You started everything!

 

RICH

How did I start everything.

COLE

By coming into my life!

RICH

Name one thing...

COLE

I can name a million things you have done to me in the past...

(thinks)

Four days I’ve known you, OK. You have ruined my life, and I’m not just about to sit here and watch you embarrass me further in front of my parents. So if you'll excuse me, I’m leaving.

RICH

That's rather rude of you to do

COLE

You want to see something else rude?

He takes some remaining food off of RICH'S plate and smears it on his face.

COLE

How's that for rude?

He begins to walk out the room

RICH

(very loud)

IT'S OKAY, COLE. EVERY HEALTHY MALE GETS AN UNWANTED ERECTION EVERY NOW AND THEN!!

COLE turns around

COLE

I see how it is

He grabs RICH by the hair and pulls him outside with him

CUT TO:

EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE AVERY RESIDENCE - NIGHT

COLE pushes RICH away from him

COLE

 

This has gone too far, Rich. I can't take this anymore. Either I don't see you ever again, or we have to settle this.

RICH

You mean like a competition?

COLE

No, I mean like a War! You vs. Me. Winner packs up and leaves town immediately

RICH

You're a bigger idiot than I thought.

COLE

Fine. Loser apologizes, and Loser leaves the group!

RICH

Fine

COLE

Deal?

RICH

Deal!

COLE

Good.

COLE pushes RICH onto the grass.

COLE

Let the games begin!

COLE laughs as he runs next door to his house.

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 6

INT. RICH'S ROOM – DAY

RICH is sound asleep in his room.

The calendar reads August 10th 2001

CUT TO:

INT. THE AVERY RESIDENCE - A FEW MINUTES LATER

RICH walks down his staircase and walks to his kitchen table and searches for something.

He then walks to his front door and unlocks it

EXT. OUTSIDE THE AVERY RESIDENCE - SAME

He looks outside and sees the newspaper on his driveway.

He walks down the steps to get it, but trips over something and lands hard on his arms.

While he is down COLE appears right next to him and gives him a pep talk

 

COLE

You best give up right now, because you are going down, Mr. Richard Avery.

RICH

I didn't think we were starting this early. I haven't even brushed my teeth yet...

COLE

That's unfortunate. But you should know better. Did the people in Pearl Harbor get to brush their teeth before they were attacked? It's killing or be killed out here...

RICH

You are really pathetic. You know that, right?

COLE

Pathetic, huh?

RICH

That's what I said.

COLE

Well, we'll see who's pathetic, Dick.

COLE gets up and casually walks away.

RICH gets up and picks up the newspaper, and walks toward his front door. When he reaches the door he grabs the knob and closes the door.

INT. THE AVERY RESIDENCE - SAME

He shuts the door and tries to walk away, but he is stuck to the doorknob.

RICH

That son of a...

He struggles to get his hand off the knob but gives up

CUT TO:

INT. GIA'S HOUSE - DAY

The door opens and COLE is standing outside. He smiles

COLE

Can I come in?

CUT TO:

INT. GIA'S ROOM - DAY

COLE and GIA are sitting on the bed talking

COLE

When I apologized for everything that I did, I meant it...

GIA

I know. I was just frustrated

COLE

You’re the only one I've thought about for the past two days. I've been miserable. I couldn't even think about anyone else.

GIA

That's really sweet.

The doorbell rings

GIA

Hold on a second. Let me answer the door.

COLE

Okay.

GIA leaves the room.

INT. GIA'S HALLWAY - DAY

RICH is at the door with pictures in his hand

He hands GIA four pictures and before COLE can stop him, GIA looks at them.

You can tell that she's upset by them

COLE tries to explain

COLE

It wasn't my fault... He tricked me into...

GIA

Couldn't think of anyone else, huh?

She pushes COLE into RICH and slams the door on them again.

EXT. OUTSIDE GIA'S HOUSE - SAME

COLE tries to open the door

COLE

I... I can explain, I didn't...

He gives up trying to open the door

RICH

Alls fair in Love and War, Cole, my boy.

He rushes him and knocks RICH to the ground.

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 1

INT. COLE'S ROOM – DAY

COLE is lying in bed

The calendar reads August 5th

EXT. GABE'S BACKYARD - DAY

COLE runs, and jumps into the large In ground pool in front of him, splashing everyone in the pool. His friends cheer, when COLE resurfaces.

A montage of poolside madness: Everyone is splashing everyone. People have chicken fights. Marco Polo. Everyone is having a blast.

We pull out to see that we are at a barbeque in GABE'S backyard.

COLE pulls himself out of the pool and runs toward the house, where the grill is.

When he gets to his belongings, he searches for his towel, but can't find it. He looks below, and all around his stuff, when suddenly-

GIA (O.S)

-Looking for this?

COLE looks to his left and sees his beautiful, loving girlfriend, GIA, all smiles, holding his towel

GIA

Come with me

INT. GABE'S HOUSE - DAY

We follow GIA and COLE, hand in hand, sneaking through the quiet house, to the staircase and the stairs.

They make it up to her ROOM

INT. GABE'S ROOM - DAY

GIA jumps right on her bed, COLE stops in the doorway

COLE

Now do you want to tell me why you pulled me away from the pool party?

(Beat; silence)

You did have a reason right?

GIA is checking out GABE'S room

GIA

Not everything requires an explanation. Would the fact that we haven't hung out together since the end of the school year, suffice, mister?

COLE

This again? Dude, we're hanging out two days from now for our anniversary. See I didn't forget!

GIA

I know.

(Beat)

I just- we haven't really talked in a while and I-

COLE

Dude, can't we save this for later?

GIA

(Laughs to herself)

Later?

She sits down on GABE'S bed

COLE walks over and sits beside her

GIA

What?

COLE

What?

GIA

Go back to your party

COLE

You sure?

GIA

Yeah, positive.

(Almost mocking)

We'll talk "later".

COLE

(Beat)

You're sure? And you're fine with this?

GIA

Perfect

COLE

You sure?

GIA

Yes!

COLE gets up and grabs his towel

COLE

It wouldn't hurt to smile a bit-

She turns to him and smiles. COLE feels reassured.

COLE

Come downstairs with me

 

GIA

In a minute. I think I’m gonna use the bathroom first.

COLE

OK. See you down there.

COLE bolts out the door

GIA gets up and walks to the window and looks outside at the pool. From upstairs she can see him run and jump into the crowded waters. She shuts the blinds.

CUT TO:

EXT. COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

A car pulls into COLE'S driveway, and out comes COLE. He locks his car and goes into his house.

INT. COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

COLE walks into his house, and up into his kitchen where he sees his PARENTS, STEVE and JOAN entertaining two guests.

The guests are RICHARD, and his mother GEORGIA

COLE steps forward

STEVE

There you are. Where have you been?

COLE

At G's, She had a pool party. I would've come home sooner if i knew you were entertaining guests...

JOAN

It's quite all right

STEVE

This is Richard Avery, and his mother Georgia Avery. Our new next-door neighbors

The AVERYS stand and put out their hands

COLE

Nice to meet you

He extends his hands and shakes GEORGIA'S, then RICHARD'S.

STEVE

Rich will be attending you're school next in September.

COLE

Really? Are you a junior, or a Sophomore?

GEORGIA

(Laughing)

That's so cute. Rich is short for his age

RICHARD

I guess

GEORGIA

He's going to be a senior like you

COLE

(Embarrassed)

Oh, I'm sorry!

RICHARD

It's all right, you're not the first-

COLE

I really didn't know

RICHARD

It's fine. Seriously.

COLE

Where did you guys move here from?

GEORGIA

Upstate, New York.

STEVE

Cole, why don't you show Richard you're room?

COLE

Ok

RICHARD walks toward COLE and they walk off screen

INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

The door opens, and the light is flicked on to reveal COLE'S Shrine

His walls are filled with posters of bands, movies. He has an enormous CD tower, a Boom box, a TV, a computer... a teenagers dream room

RICHARD is in a stupor. He checks out COLE'S CDs, and posters. He finds a poster of a band and wigs out.

RICHARD

You met NFG!?

COLE

Yeah, three times. I used to have their CD signed also, but it got stolen.

RICHARD

That's awesome!

(Finds something else)

Where is this?

COLE

That's my friend and I on stage with Less than Jake

RICHARD

You got on stage with them?!

COLE

Yeah, I got to sing 'Jen' with them.

RICHARD

This is so f-in amazing!

COLE

Yeah. I'm surprised. You like these bands?

RICHARD

Like 'em? I love them. They never came around to where I lived so I’ve never seen any of them live.

COLE

That really sucks

RICHARD

Tell me about it

(beat)

Dude, you gotta take me to shows.

COLE

Yeah, definitely

COLE checks his beeper, then grabs the phone and begins to dial. RICHARD continues to look at COLE'S wall.

COLE has a conversation with someone on the phone briefly as RICHARD moves over to COLE'S CD collection.

COLE hangs up

COLE

Dude, I gotta go out for a while-

(Beat)

What are you doing tonight?

RICHARD

Nothing, why?

COLE

I'm having some friends over- you're future classmates, actually. If you want to come over and meet them you're more than welcome to.

RICHARD

Really?

COLE

Yeah, like, around eight-ish.

RICHARD

Yeah, sure. I'll be there.

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 2

INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

COLE is still asleep on his

INT. COLE'S ROOM - LATER

COLE is blasting music in his room, shuffling through cds and tapes, and writing on little pieces of papers when a muffled 'ding dong' is heard in the background

INT. COLE'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

COLE sticks his head out and listens for the doorbell. When it finally sounds he looks at his watch and he realises that he was expecting someone.

He runs down the stairs as fast as he can

INT. COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

COLE runs down the stairs into his den and the doorbell sounds again. He rushes to the door and swings it open

Outside, waiting patiently are GABE, TYLER, and ROB

COLE

I am so sorry about that, you guys.

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - NIGHT

People begin to show up at COLE'S party.

A montage of party scenes occurs, all with improvised dialogue, similar to before, with the exception of a few things.

A few people are in a huddle around the couch including GIA. COLE walks over and puts his arm around her for a beat. After a few seconds she gets up and walks away. COLE doesn't pay any mind.

After a few more shots of everyone having fun the party begins to break up, and people begin to leave, but not without expressing to COLE the fun they just had. The only person who doesn't say anything is GIA who walks out with the rest of the girls

The only one left in the room besides COLE, is RICH who is cleaning up a bit

COLE walks over to RICH and takes some of the GARBAGE out of his hands

COLE

You have fun?

The walk over to the garbage can together

RICH

(Excited)

I had so much fun, Cole, you don't understand. Your friends are really great people

COLE

Yeah, they are.

(Beat)

Hey, Did you meet Gia?

The word GIA stirs something in RICH, he seems a bit distant all of a sudden

RICH

Gia? Um...

(Beat)

Yeah, I met her

(Beat)

Great girl, really nice.

COLE doesn't catch RICH's change in behavior

COLE

Yeah, isn't she? Tomorrow's our year anniversary.

RICH

Really? What'd you get her?

COLE

She told me a few weeks ago that she didn't want anything expensive or material. She says I spend too much money on her

RICH

And in woman talk that means?

COLE

That's what I thought too, but I figured I would go for sentimental for a change, so I made her a mix tape, and I'm taking her to the place where we first kissed, tomorrow.

RICH

(Calming)

That's really nice, Cole. I'm sure she'll love that.

COLE

I hope so. But even if, we're so close that if she doesn't like it, it wouldn't change a thing. We're like kindred spirits.

RICH

(Looking at his watch)

Dude, I have to go. I have a busy day ahead of me

COLE

As do I. I'll walk you out

CUT TO:

EXT. COLE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

They exit COLE'S house and walk into the driveway

RICH

Thank you so much for letting me get to you know your friends.

COLE

No problem, dude. Thanks for coming

RICH

I'll talk to you later

RICH runs next door and COLE goes back into his house

INT. COLE'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

COLE walks into his room, and fall face first onto his bed and falls right to sleep.

 

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 3

INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

COLE is fast asleep on his bed

Everything in his room is still a mess from last night.

The doorbell rings

This does not stir COLE’S sleep

COLE'S door opens and his mother JOAN enters.

JOAN

Cole?

COLE grunts

JOAN

Someone kids are here to see you

COLE looks at his clock and jumps up

CUT TO:

INT - COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

COLE walks to the front door and the GUYS (GABE, TYLER, and ROB) are standing there with their equipment

COLE

I am so sorry, guys.

 

COLE goes to shut the door when he notices...

RICH with a guitar case and ready to play

COLE

Rich, I didn't know you played

RICH

For like seven years now

GABE

He told us last night, and we invited him to jam with us today. Hope you don't mind

COLE

I don't mind at all. Come on in.

 INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

COLE collapses on his bed

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - A FEW HOURS LATER

COLE wakes up and looks at his clock, and panics.

He's late to meet his girlfriend.

CUT TO:

INT. GIA'S HOUSE - A FEW MINUTES LATER

The door opens and reveals COLE holding flowers with a smile from ear to ear.

COLE

Happy Anniversary

The door slams.

The door swings open

GIA

You just don't get it!

The door slams, again.

A long pause

The door opens again

COLE

I knew you'd change your mind...

GIA

I didn't change anything...

She leaves her house, and shuts it.

GIA

I'm going out

COLE

Where?

GIA

GIA

I'm going to hang out with Rich.

COLE

Rich...? Richard Avery, my neighbor?

GIA

Yes, Richard Avery. He, unlike some people I know, offered to take me out today.

COLE

I was going to take you out

GIA

Past tense.

COLE

I...

She walks to her car and slams the door, and speeds off.

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - NIGHT

COLE pops a tape into the VCR

He picks up his remote and begins to watch the tape

He watches and watches until he catches something

ON the tape he notices that in the background of one of the shots he sees RICHARD and GIA talking...

RICH at one point, points toward the camera and GIA nods

RICH than puts his arm around GIA and she puts her face in his chest for solace.

COLE'S expression becomes pure anger

He shuts off the tape.

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 4

EXT. RICHARD'S HOUSE - DAY

GEORGIA gets into her car with a shopping list in her hand. She pulls out of her driveway, and as she turns the corner, COLE'S head peaks out from the side of his house. He sneaks over and commences knocking

INT. RICHARD'S ROOM - DAY

RICH is fast asleep in his bed

A Knock at the front door

RICH is still sound asleep

A louder knock at the front door

RICH tosses a bit.

The Knock has gotten progressively louder

RICH finally wakes up and looks at his clock. He has a very confused look on his face as to why someone is waking him this early

The doorbell now starts to ring

RICH

I'm coming!

He gets out of his bed and walks out of his room, and down the stairs, in his boxers and tank top.

INT. RICH'S HOUSE - DAY

He gets to the front door and looks out the window, he recognizes COLE

RICH

Cole?

He opens the front door

RICH

(Opening door)

What's up, man? Did I sleep through something import-

Whack!

COLE'S fist meets RICH'S face with a silence-shattering crack. RICH falls to the floor.

COLE says nothing; he just walks away, in the opposite direction of his house.

EXT. JUAN'S HOUSE - DAY

JUAN notices COLE walking down the street and grabs his attention

JUAN

Hey, Cole!

COLE stops and looks at JUAN

COLE

I'm not in the mood, Juan

CUT TO:

INT. GWEN'S HOUSE - DAY

The door opens to reveal COLE looking both depressed, but excited to see Gwen.

GWEN'S face lights up

 

 

GWEN

(into phone)

I'll call you back.

She presses the off button and places it down near her

GWEN

(Excited)

Cole! Hey! How are you?

COLE

Been better...

CUT TO:

INT. GWEN'S ROOM - LATER

For the last time, COLE is horizontal bitching about his problems.

COLE

See that’s why I can never understand women because they truely don't know what they want. I gave that girl everything that I could give her. I treated her with respect, I was always a perfect gentleman to her. What more is there?

(beat)

And now she left me for him. That backstabber.

GWEN smacks the back of his head

 

 

 

 

 

GWEN

Jack-ass, no one knows what they want. Hell you really don't know what you want either. We've gone through this before when we were going out. That was always your excuse. I didn't know, she didn't know, anyone with a uterus didn't know what they wanted. You seem to place the blame way too easily on the female gender when by now you should begin to realise that maybe it isn't our fault at all. I mean, no offense but how many girlfriends have you gone through that now with their present boyfriends they are perfectly happy, with no mysoginistic complaints from them.

COLE

But you told me yourself that you were the reason why we failed.

GWEN

I'm not saying just us... What about you and that girl with the mustache...

COLE

Gwen!

GWEN

What?

COLE

Ashley was your best friend!

GWEN

Not after you started dating her...

COLE

You said you were fine with it...

She smacks him again

GWEN

That’s another thing... you can't tell when girls are really upset. How many times have you gotten into an argument with Gia, and she’s let you get your way...

COLE

I don't know... a few times

GWEN

I guarantee you that ninety-nine percent of those times she was really upset and letting you get your way was a way of showing how mad she was at you

COLE starts to think about it

CUT TO:

INT. GWEN'S HOUSE – DAY

GWEN and COLE are by the exit, with BALTHAZAAR right beside them.

 

 

BALTHAZAAR

Is someone getting on your nerves? I can take care of them for you!

COLE

What?

GWEN

Aside from being a complete moron, my brother here is trying to open a prank for hire business with his friends over there.

COLE

I see

BALTHAZAAR

I need the cash, badly!

COLE

(Sarcastically)

I'll keep that in mind.

(To GWEN)

I'm gonna get going, I’m really tired

GWEN

Okay. It was nice seeing you again.

COLE kisses her on the cheek, and is about to exit, when GWEN stops him.

GWEN

Cole...

COLE

Yeah?

GWEN

It's not always her fault, you know...

COLE stops for a second, but just turns around and walks out the door.

GWEN and HERB watch as he walks away

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 5

INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

COLE is fast asleep in his bed.

The alarm clock goes off beside him

COLE just picks it up and pulls it from its outlet and tosses it off screen

CUT TO:

EXT. HOCKEY RINK - DAY

COLE pulls up in his car.

The guys are already playing hockey without him, so he runs to get to the rink as fast as possible

As he's running he notices all his friends (GABE, ROB, TYLER)...

And RICH

He slows down his run to a trot and goes into the rink.

He finds his friend GABE

GABE

Jeez, who put sand in your vagina?

COLE

There is no sand in my vagina. I'm not going to play if he plays.

GABE

Fine, then your not playing.

COLE

Exactly...

(beat)

Wait. What?

ROB

Dude, until you realize how you're acting right now, we don't want you to play with us.

He picks up his stuff and walks out the rink.

When he reaches his car he throws his stuff into this trunk and slams it.

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

COLE enters his house.

JOAN

Don't go out again. We're going over to the Avery's for dinner tonight

COLE'S eyes widen.

CUT TO:

INT. THE AVERY RESIDENCE - NIGHT

COLE sits at the dining room table. Everyone is in the same position.

COLE is playing with his food

RICH is doing the same

The parents are conversing

The phone begins to ring

The phone is a few feet behind COLE

 

GEORGIA

Oh, Cole, be a dear and grab the phone for me.

COLE

Sure, Ms. Avery

He gets up to get the phone but falls to his face because his shoelaces are tied together

Everyone begins to chuckle at COLE'S expense

CUT TO:

INT. THE AVERY KITCHEN - SAME

COLE enters and puts his plate in the sink begins to wash it off when RICH walks into the kitchen.

RICH

You started it, you know?

COLE

I didn't start anything! Ok? You started everything!

RICH

How did I start everything.

COLE

By coming into my life!

RICH

Name one thing...

COLE

I can name a million things you have done to me in the past...

(Thinks)

Four days I’ve known you, OK. You have ruined my life, and I’m not just about to sit here and watch you embarrass me further in front of my parents. So if you'll excuse me, I’m leaving.

CUT TO:

EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE AVERY RESIDENCE - NIGHT

COLE pushes RICH away from him

COLE

 

This has gone too far, Rich. I can't take this anymore. Either I don't see you ever again, or we have to settle this.

RICH

You mean like a competition?

COLE

No, I mean like a War! You vs. Me. Winner packs up and leaves town immediately

RICH

You're a bigger idiot than I thought.

COLE

Fine. Loser apologizes, and Loser leaves the group!

RICH

Fine

COLE

Deal?

RICH

Deal!

COLE

Good.

COLE pushes RICH onto the grass.

COLE

Let the games begin!

COLE laughs as he runs next door to his house.

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 6

INT. RICH'S ROOM - DAY

RICH is sound asleep in his room.

CUT TO:

INT. THE AVERY RESIDENCE - A FEW MINUTES LATER

RICH walks down his staircase and walks to his kitchen table and searches for something.

He then walks to his front door and unlocks it

EXT. OUTSIDE THE AVERY RESIDENCE - SAME

He looks outside and sees the newspaper on his driveway.

He walks down the steps to get it, but trips over something and lands hard on his arms.

While he is down COLE appears right next to him and gives him a pep talk

COLE

You best give up right now, because you are going down, Mr. Richard Avery.

RICH

I didn't think we were starting this early. I haven't even brushed my teeth yet...

As he says this, BALTHAZAAR sneaks into RICHARDS house

COLE

That's unfortunate. But you should know better. Did the people in Pearl Harbor get to brush their teeth before they were attacked? It's kill or be killed out here...

RICH

You are really pathetic. You know that, right?

COLE

Pathetic, huh?

BALTHAZAAR sneaks out of the house, but rubs something on the doorknob first.

RICH

That's what I said.

COLE

Well, we'll see who's pathetic, Dick.

COLE gets up and casually walks away.

RICH gets up and picks up the newspaper, and walks toward his front door. When he reaches the door he grabs the knob and closes the door.

INT. THE AVERY RESIDENCE - SAME

He shuts the door and tries to walk away, but he is stuck to the doorknob.

RICH

That son of a...

He struggles to get his hand off the knob but gives up

CUT TO:

INT. JUAN'S BASEMENT - A FEW MINUTES LATER

COLE, BALTHAZAAR, RYDIA, BETH, and ASH are hysterical laughing

COLE

What did you put inside the house.

BALTHAZAAR

Well, lets just say he's going to have some fun brushing his teeth.

CUT TO:

INT. THE AVERY RESIDENCE - SAME

RICH sits on his couch bandaging his hand. He is in some serious pain. He is muttering gibberish to himself.

When he is finally done bandaging his hand he walks to the bathroom.

While in the bathroom he grabs his toothbrush, and his toothpaste. He spreads the green toothpaste onto his toothbrush and begins to brush.

He brushes for a second and begins to scream and grab his mouth.

CUT TO:

INT. JUAN'S BASEMENT - SAME

COLE has a shocked look on his face

COLE

Wasabi? You used wasabi?!

BALTHAZAAR

Yeah, it sorta looks like toothpaste.

COLE

Well, can't he just drink some water?

BALTHAZAAR

Essentially, yes

CUT TO:

INT. THE AVERY RESIDENCE - SAME

RICH runs to his fridge and grabs a bottle of water. He begins to guzzle it, but then spits it out immediately.

CUT TO:

INT. JUAN'S BASEMENT - SAME

COLE slaps BALTHAZAAR "five"

COLE

You really thought of everything, didn't you...

BALTHAZAAR

Yup, yup. That'll be ten bucks

 

COLE

Proud to pay it, my man.

He hands BALTHAZAAR the money.

CUT TO:

INT. THE AVERY RESIDENCE - SAME

RICH goes to grab the milk. He then looks at the expiration date.

He opens the carton and smells it.

It smells fine. He then begins to guzzle it

He collapses on the floor in relief.

CUT TO:

INT. JUAN'S BASEMENT - SAME

COLE and BALTHAZAAR are discussing other plans when...

COLE'S cell phone rings

He answers it

COLE

Hello?

He sinks

COLE

Gia? What's up? How are you?

CUT TO:

INT. GIA'S HOUSE - SAME

GIA is in her pajamas, sitting on her bid with a phone in her hands. She seems excited to be talking to COLE.

GIA

I'm fine...

(Beat)

How are you?

CUT TO:

INT. JUAN'S BASEMENT - SAME

The room has gone silent

COLE

I've been better

(Beat)

I really miss you.

CUT TO:

INT. GIA'S HOUSE - SAME

She laughs

GIA

I miss you, too, Cole.

CUT TO:

INT. THE AVERY RESIDENCE - SAME

RICH is moping up the vinegar on the floor

Something on his table catches his eye

A camera.

He stops moping

CUT TO:

INT. JUAN'S BASEMENT - SAME

COLE is now sitting on the couch deep into his conversation with GIA

 

 

COLE

Definitely. I'll definitely stop by later. What time?

CUT TO:

INT. THE AVERY RESIDENCE - SAME

RICH runs to the phone and begins to dial.

He waits a second for it to ring

Someone answers.

RICH

Hi, this is Richard Avery; may I please speak to Mabel?

(Beat)

Hi, Mabel. Hi, this is Rich Avery.

(Beat)

I'm fine. Um... I need a favor

CUT TO:

INT. JUAN'S BASEMENT - SAME

COLE hangs up the phone with GIA

COLE

She wants to talk.

Everyone cheers

COLE

I'm gonna go over there in an hour. That gives me enough time to get shower and get changed

RYDIA

But what about the war?

 

COLE

Screw the war. I might have my girlfriend back.

He grabs his stuff.

COLE

I'll be back in a few hours. We'll continue then. Balth, you keep thinking of those good ideas.

BALTHAZAAR

Will do.

CUT TO:

EXT. JUAN'S HOUSE - DAY

COLE runs out of JUAN'S house, and walks casually over to his house

As COLE enters his house a car pulls up in front of RICH'S house

EXT. OUTSIDE THE AVERY RESIDENCE - SAME

A girl exits said car and walks up to the front door and rings it.

RICH opens the door and they hug.

RICH

Thanks for coming on such short notice.

MABEL

No problem.

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S BATHROOM - DAY

COLE is doing his hair in the bathroom when he hears the doorbell.

He stops for a second, but then he peeks his head out the bathroom door

INT. COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

COLE runs downstairs to see who it is, and he sees RICH and MABEL sitting on his bed.

COLE

Come to give up already?

RICH

Yeah. It turns out that you were right. You're just too much for me. Listen, as a token of my appreciation, I've brought my friend Mabel over. She's been looking for a boyfriend for a while now, and since you are readily available, I figured...

COLE

You're going to pimp your friend?

RICH

No, I’m not going to pimp my friend! I'm setting you too up, genius.

COLE

I don't need to be set up for your information, because in a few minutes I’m going over to Gia's house and we are probably going to make up...

RICH and MABEL look at each other and smile

RICH

Is that so. Well, I made her drive all the way over here from Lynbrook for at least something. Maybe a dance?

COLE looks at RICH

COLE

Maybe you don't understand...

(To MABEL)

And no offense to you, but,

(To RICH)

I have to go

MABEL breaks into tears

RICH

Great. Look what you did

COLE

What did I do?

RICH

You made her cry

COLE

How did I make her cry?

RICH

You hurt her feelings

COLE

I said no offense...

RICH

Well, sometimes no-offense puts some things in perspective.

COLE

(To MABEL)

Hey, don't cry!

He sits beside her.

RICH

Mabel, don't listen to him. He's a primitive being. He doesn't know how to act in front of women.

MABEL

It's because I’m ugly, isn't it?

RICH

No, not at all! You're very pretty. Tell her, Cole!

COLE

Yeah. You're really pretty. Seriously, I’m very flattered that you came all the way here to meet me, and if it weren't for the given circumstances I would go out with you in a second, but your friend misled you in saying that I was truly available because my heart belongs to someone else.

MABEL

So you really do think I’m pretty?

COLE

You're very pretty

MABEL

Oh thank you so much. I could kiss you.

COLE

Well, that's very sweet, but...

MABEL grabs him, and begins to make out with COLE.

RICH whips out his camera and takes five or six Polaroid’s of this.

MABEL stops kissing him and gets up.

COLE has lipstick all over his face.

MABEL

Thank you, you're sweet!

RICH

Shall we go?

MABEL

Let's.

COLE

What are you going to do with those photos?

MABEL

It was my first kiss. I want to remember it forever.

RICH

Isn't that lovely. Ok, dear, let's go.

MABEL

Bye bye!

COLE

Bye...

They both leave the room

CUT TO:

EXT. OUTSIDE THE AVERY RESIDENCE - SAME

They run over the RICH'S house laughing hysterical

RICH

That was perfect. Thank you so much

MABEL

Anytime, Rich. What's family for?

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S BATHROOM - DAY

COLE enters his bathroom and notices there is lipstick all over his face.

He panics.

He begins trying to rub the lipstick off of his face, but it only smears.

He begins to use water

He begins throwing a temper tantrum trying to get the lipstick off.

COLE

(Calming)

Okay, it's coming off. It's coming off.

CUT TO:

INT. GIA'S HOUSE - DAY

The door opens and COLE is standing outside. He smiles

COLE

Can I come in?

CUT TO:

INT. GIA'S ROOM - DAY

COLE and GIA are sitting on the bed talking

COLE

When I apologized for everything that I did, I meant it...

GIA

I know. I was just frustrated

COLE

Rightfully so, I was a jerk

GIA

(Laughing)

Yeah...

COLE

And I accept that. I just... I've been thinking a lot and I realize that I've been a jerk to you and I really want to start over

GIA

Do you mean that?

COLE

Yes. You’re the only one I've thought about for the past two days. I've been miserable. I couldn't even think about anyone else.

GIA

That's really sweet.

COLE

I was so happy when you called me.

The doorbell rings

GIA

Hold on a second. Let me answer the door.

COLE

Okay.

GIA leaves the room.

COLE occupies himself with one of the stuffed animals on her bed. But then he realizes something.

A quick flash of a scene or two prior

A shot of MABEL grabbing and kissing COLE

Another quick shot of RICH taking pictures

COLE

Shit!

He runs out the bedroom door and into the hallway

INT. GIA'S HALLWAY - SAME

RICH'S, and GIA'S voices are heard in the background as he sneaks down the hallway to see who is at the door.

He sees RICH smiling and laughing, and the back of GIA'S head.

COLE walks over casually

He wraps his arms around GIA'S waist and turns her toward him

COLE

Gia, I think we need to finish talking...

GIA

Wait, Rich says he got some pictures developed from your party...

COLE

Yeah, but that can wait. I really want to finish talking

RICH

Oh, I'm sorry, was I disturbing something?

 

COLE

Yes, actually, so you can trot off now and leave us alone.

RICH

Oh, but I really do want to show you guys these pic-

COLE

Rich, seriously, we need some private time now. We can go through this later

RICH

Well, fine.

COLE

Thank you so much

RICH

But first I just want to show Gia this one picture of you and my good friend Mabel, which I took today...

He hands her a picture

COLE tries to pull it out of her hands, but she won't let go

COLE

Let go of that picture!

GIA

Let me see it, what the hell is wrong with you?

COLE

It's really a bad picture. It doesn't do me justice

GIA

I don’t care... let… me... see it!

COLE tears the picture in half.

COLE

Sorry

COLE sighs in relief

RICH

That's a shame... Good thing I made doubles.

RICH hands GIA four pictures and before COLE can stop him, GIA looks at them.

You can tell that they upset her

COLE tries to explain

COLE

It wasn't my fault... He tricked me into...

GIA

Couldn't think of anyone else, huh?

She pushes COLE into RICH and slams the door on them again.

EXT. OUTSIDE GIA'S HOUSE - SAME

COLE tries to open the door

COLE

I... I can explain, I didn't...

He gives up trying to open the door

RICH

All’s fair in Love and War, Cole, my boy. I'm really sorry, but I had to put you in your place...

COLE

You ruined my life...

RICH

I didn't ruin anything. I can very easily...

COLE doesn't let RICH finish a sentence

COLE

YOU RUINED MY LIFE!

RICH

Will you let me fini-

COLE

NO! You stole my friends! You stole my girl! You have done nothing but wrong theses past five days, and I hate you for it!

RICH

Hate is a really strong...

COLE

You want to hear some other strong words?!

RICH

Not really…

COLE

FUCK YOU!

RICH

Calm down, Cole, you're over reacting abo--

COLE

No I'm not! Why don't you understand? You brainwash my friends, you hit on Gia when you knew she was my girlfriend!

RICH

What do you mean?

COLE

I saw the tape of my party. You were all over her. Why do you think I punched you?! Because you were trying to steal my girlfriend! And just as I was on the verge of getting her back you had to do this!

RICH

We were having a war! And about the tape-

COLE

I don't want to hear it... I never want to see you again. You win!

RICH

Can't we just talk about this rationally?

COLE

I'll talk you!

He rushes him and knocks RICH to the ground

COLE

You want to talk. Here talk!

He punches RICH

COLE

Here, Mr. Fist, what do you have to say?

(In high pitched voice)

I don't know, COLE, how about we just shut up and kick Richards’s ass

(In normal voice)

I agree!

RICH begins to choke COLE and throws COLE off of him

RICH gets up

RICH

I'm not going to fight you

COLE

You're right; you're going to lose to me!

He swings and misses

RICH

Listen. You have everything all mixed up

COLE

You said this is war, so lets have a war!

He swings and misses again

RICH

Asshole, you said this was war! Not me!

COLE

Excuses. Excuses. Looks like you're trying to back out because your afraid you're going to lose!

COLE charges RICH again but RICH gets a nice blow to COLE'S stomach, and knocks the wind out of him

COLE falls to the floor

RICH

Are you going to shut up now!? Huh? Seriously, man. You're acting like a complete asshole. If you would just stop to think for a second, you would realize that I didn't do one thing to you. All of your excuses... what, I took your friends away from you? They were just mad at you for punching me. I told them that you were just irrational, and they've forgiven you, you have just been avoiding them too much to realize that. And I was flirting with Gia? Where did you get that idea? The only reason I was talking to her that night was because she brought up how she was thinking about ending the relationship because of how much of a dick you were to her.  And the only reason she called you up to take you back was because when we hung out that night, I convinced her to give you a second chance. Now if you still have the misconception that I am still the bad guy then you are sadly mistaken! With the exception of the picture thing I have don’t nothing to offend, harass, or harm you. So I want an apology. Or I won't use the proof I have that this has all been one misunderstanding in your favor and tell Gia the truth about you and Mabel.

COLE

I won't apologize

RICH

You are so thick headed! That's why your relationships never work out, and that's why you get into so many fights. You won't accept anything that you don't want to. So now, unless you want to be miserable for the rest of the school year around Gia, and I you are going to have to accept that I was right, and you were wrong...

A long pause

COLE

(Muffled)

I’m sorry

RICH

What was that, I didn't hear you!

COLE

(Still muffled)

I’m sorry

RICH

Louder

COLE

I'm sorry!

RICH

Good. Now let's go fix things...!

CUT TO:

TITLE CARD – DAY 7

INT. COLE'S ROOM - DAY

A shot of COLE'S bed, empty, and made up...

CUT TO:

INT. RICH'S ROOM - DAY

A shot of RICH'S bed, empty, and made up...

CUT TO:

INT. JUAN'S ROOM - DAY

JUAN, and the D & D group are fast asleep on JUAN'S floor, with blueprints and other assorted stuff beside them.

JUAN is snoring

CUT TO:

INT. GIA'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

COLE and GIA are fast asleep on her couch, in each other’s arms. RICH is awake across from them. He looks at his watch, then the calendar across from him...

The calendar reads August 11th

He gets up, stretches and looks at one of the pictures he took, of COLE pushing MABEL away, that was lying on the coffee table.

He is about to walk out of the room when COLE opens his eyes

COLE

(Softly)

Rich...

RICH

(Softly)

Yeah, Cole

COLE

I'm sorry

RICH smiles.

COLE

Thank you very much.

RICH

Don't mention it.

COLE closes his eyes and goes back to sleep in GIA'S arms.

CUT TO:

INT. GWEN'S HOUSE - LATER THAT DAY

GWEN sips a cup of coffee

GWEN

So everything's back to normal?

COLE

Pretty much. Rich and I have settled our differences, and Gina and I have vowed to work out our problems.

GWEN

See. But what I don't understand is why my common sense didn't make you realize how thick headed you were.

COLE

It's more effective coming from those you'd figured wouldn't have you figured out just yet.

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S ROOM - LATER

COLE is on the phone

COLE

Yeah, I can't wait.

The doorbell rings

COLE

(Into phone)

Hold on someone's at the door

He puts the phone down and runs upstairs.

CUT TO:

INT. COLE'S HOUSE - DAY

He runs to the door and looks outside. He is happy to see whoever it is who is outside his door. He opens it quickly.

When the door is open he says:

COLE

Rich. What's up, man?

RICH

I needed to drop something off that I've been meaning to give you.

COLE

What's that?

RICH punches COLE in the face

CUT TO BLACK

 

 

 

THE END