NAN

Nat! You left this on the table.

NAT

Thanks.

NAN

Race ya!

NAT

Hey.

FRANZ

Emil, your story was very vivid this time. "The cannon ball smashed the side of the ship, splintering the hull."

DAN

Another sea battle. What a surprise!

FRANZ

Perhaps this will be your last tale of the rough journey west. Tommy, I enjoyed these four sentences immensely but your story was over before it started.

TOMMY

I like to leave you wanting more.

FRANZ

I do. A full page by tomorrow.

NAN

A "C"? Franz I checked my spelling twice.

FRANZ

Your spelling was all correct Nan. That wasn't the problem. I've tried to teach you proper grammar is important but these are creative writing assignments. If you wish to write a story about dissecting worms

BESS

You wrote a story on worms?

NAN

Dissecting worms.

FRANZ

You've given me a very scientific step by step account, but I want your story to show me how you feel about dissecting worms.

FRANZ

Listen, this story has a few spelling errors, there are some punctuation problems, but the author manages to create a mood. He uses words to paint a picture in your head "The jungle air was sweltering hot. Yet the boy stood frozen, chilled by the beast's raspy growl…"

ISAAC

That's you're story, Nat?!

FRANZ

"Slowly the boy turned. Two yellow eyes peered at him from the bush." Do you see how we're right there with the tiger?

NAN

So when you're reading my story you want to be right there dissecting worms?

FRANZ

Exactly!

NAN

Oh.

JO

Cufflinks?! They're just beautiful.

LAURIE

Aren't they?

AMY

Bess chose them herself. She insisted on paying for them. Saved up weeks and weeks of her allowance.

JO

Then it really is a special birthday gift.

LAURIE

Yes, it is!

BESS

Oh Aunt Jo, Father is taking me to see a recital in Boston. Just the two of us.

LAURIE

Well I needed someplace to show off my cufflinks.

BESS

The Cheshire Quartet is giving a series of recitals, and they're playing Mozart, who happens to be our favorite.

LAURIE

We'll go one day this week. As long as you complete your assignments.

BESS

All right I'll get to it just before dinner.

JO

Well it seems you had a really nice birthday.

LAURIE

It was just marvelous, Jo. The ballet we attended.

AMY

Gisele, third row center.

LAURIE

The lead dancer, she performed with such…

NICK

Good news. I took a look at that back fireplace you couldn't use.

JO

You didn't lower yourself down the chimney did you?

NICK

Didn't have to. All it needed was a new latch to hold the flute.

JO

Oh. Wonderful!

AMY

You're so lucky, Jo. Always having someone so handy around.

JO

Amy, I do pay Nick to do the repairs around the school. That reminds me…

JO

I believe it's that time.

NICK

Thanks. Excuse me folks for interrupting.

LAURIE

Oh, that's quite all right.

JO

So I'm sorry Laurie, you were saying about the ballet.

LAURIE

That's not important.

JO

Oh, well maybe after dinner.

LAURIE

Really Jo, it's not that important. Nick, why don't you join us. If that's all right?

JO

Of course.

LAURIE

Give me someone to talk to. Once you get these two sisters started I can barely get a word in.

AMY

Laurie!

NICK

I'd like to, but I'm afraid I got plans.

JO

Oh. Well maybe next time then.

NICK

Sure.

AMY

Plans? I guess we can't expect a man like that to sit around talking in the parlor with us all night.

JO

I suppose.

NAN

I can do math just fine. You can give me any science experiment. Writing, I just go blank.

NAT

That's because you're letting your imagination get all blocked up.

NAN

Well how do I unblock it?

NAT

Well you know what I do? As soon as I think of an idea I write it down. Try not to worry if it's any good.

NAN

Your stories are always good.

NAT

Not true. I have a whole box of terrible stories under my bed.

NAN

What are you keeping them for?

NAT

One day I hope to rewrite them. You know make them better.

NAT

Well I better let you get back to your work.

NAN

Nat? Dan?

JO

Well you're up early.

DAN

Yeah I had to start my chores.

NICK

Morning.

JO

Morning.

DAN

You're just getting home now?

NICK

I must have just lost track of time.

DAN

Where you been?

JO

Dan! What Nick does when he's not working is his own business.

DAN

Sorry.

NICK

That's all right Dan. I better get to work.

FRANZ

All right, settle down. I started reading you stories at recess and I must say there's one that made quite an impression.

DAN

What'd you write about this time Nat?

FRANZ

Nat's written a fine story, but the author I'm speaking of is Nan. You've made quite a breakthrough. Your writing is now suddenly filled with colour and vitality.

NAN

It wasn't much.

FRANZ

Nonsense. It's a wonderful tale of…

NAN

Don't. I mean please don't read it out to the class Franz. It's private.

FRANZ

It really is very good.

STUFFY

You finally wrote something decent.

NAN

Please Franz.

FRANZ

I'll respect your wishes, of course.

NAT

I knew you could do it Nan.

LAURIE

Thanks again for dinner, Jo. Delicious as usual.

JO

Well I can't take credit for it, but I'll tell Asia you said so.

LAURIE

Thanks for your company.

JO

I wish Nick could have been there. I don't know how he's working today, after being up all night.

LAURIE

All night?

JO

Um hum! Came home this morning and went straight to work.

LAURIE

What do you think he was doing?

JO

I don't know. It's none of my business Laurie.

LAURIE

Nick's a sensible fellow. I'm sure he's not into any trouble.

JO

I don't imagine.

LAURIE

Perhaps I could keep an eye on him. He could be in some situation here in town.

JO

Laurie, he's a grown man.

LAURIE

I know but certain behavior can reflect bad on the school.

JO

I suppose.

LAURIE

I'll look out for him then.

JO

It's really not necessary.

LAURIE

Please, Jo I insist.

JO

All right.

JO

Hello everyone.

NAT

Hello Mrs. Jo.

JO

I have wonderful news. I just came from town where I saw Mr. Abbott. He's the editor of the Concord Chronicle. He's planning to do a special edition to commemorate the history of Concord.

NAT

Sounds great Mrs. Jo.

JO

You haven't heard the important part. He's accepting stories from all the students at all of the local schools. The best one from each school will be printed in the special edition.

NAT

Printed?

JO

Uh hum.

NAT

In the paper?

ISAAC

I bet he picks the one you write, Nat.

NAT

Maybe, but everyone's got a chance.

JO

That's right. In fact today Franz introduced me to a brand new writing talent.

JO

A young lady.

NAN

Me?

JO

That's right. I read your story Nan.

ASIA

I read it too. It was so exciting. That part when the white stallion broke through the gate.

JO

Oh and then he charged through the thunderstorm.

ASIA

And when he jumped the ravine.

ASIA

You just knew he was going to find his owner on the other side.

JO

And sure enough, there he was, broken leg, soaked to the skin. You had me on the edge of my seat Nan.

ISAAC

Sounds like a good story Nan.

NAT

You stole my story!

NAN

Please don't tell.

NAT

And you went through my things.

NAN

I was desperate. It was getting really late and I couldn't think of anything to write. And you have that whole box full of stories.

NAT

So you took one and you cheated?

NAN

I feel terrible about it Nat. Please! Look I'll go tell Franz and Mrs. Jo right now. It'll be really hard and embarrassing. I'll probably be in big trouble, but if that's what you want me to do, all right.

NAT

Just don't do it again, okay?

NAN

I promise.

NICK

C'mon, C'mon.

LAURIE

Whoa there.

NICK

Laurie.

LAURIE

What brings you here? Running errands for Plumfield?

NICK

Nah. Works done for the day. I'm here on my own time.

LAURIE

I see. Well Nick tell me, what does a town like Concord have to offer a single young gentleman these days? You know it's not the most lively place. Not much to offer in the way of entertainment.

NICK

Well that depends on where you go.

LAURIE

Where do you go? Forgive me. I've been here for quite some time.

NICK

It ain't all that exciting. I play poker at the Tavern. You must be pitching something a little more…

LAURIE

Oh, not at all. Poker sounds real interesting. Do you win much?

NICK

I do all right.

LAURIE

I see.

NICK

I like to win, but I go more for the company. A few fellas sitting around, having a few laughs, some beers. Laurie I gotta go. I'll see you around.

BURKE

You know it pains me to do this to you guys.

NICK

Yeah. You're hating every minute of it.

BURKE

You know me, Riley. You know I like a poker challenge.

SIMON

Mr. Lawrence.

NICK

Laurie. Is everything all right?

LAURIE

Everything's just fine. I just stopped by to uh…

BURKE

Pull up a chair?!

LAURIE

I'm not here to play. I'm not very experienced. I was wondering, perhaps I could watch.

BURKE

Watch?

LAURIE

If you gentlemen don't mind.

BURKE

Hell no! You can watch all you like Mr. Lawrence.

LAURIE

Thank you, but please everyone call me Laurie, Theodore, Teddy, Ted.

BURKE

Whatever suits you. As long as you sit down soon. This deck's getting cold.

NICK

You can sit by me.

BURKE

The game fellas is five card stud.

NICK

Let's see some better cards this time!

JO

Working on your story about Concord?

JO

For the contest in the Chronicle.

NAN

Oh, no. I'm studying a bug.

JO

A bug?

NAN

Don’t' worry, it's dead.

JO

Nan I want to let you know how delighted I am about the progress in your writing. It's really exciting. Now all you have to do is apply yourself, and the possibilities will be endless.

NAN

I don’t know, Mrs. Jo. That might be the only good story in me.

JO

Don’t' be silly. I think the next one will be even better and I can't wait to read it.

BURKE

C'mon Riley. What'd you got?

NICK

Pair of ladies.

LAURIE

You won.

NICK

Yep.

BURKE

Todl you Riley wasn't bluffing.

GUY#1

I'll see you guys tomorrow.

SIMON

Poor fella, hasn't won a game all week.

BURKE

Got an empty space at the table.

LAURIE

I, uh.

NICK

You don't have to play if you don't want to.

BURKE

You've been watching us professionals, Laurie. You can see it don't take much to play.

SIMON

C'mon Laurie.

BURKE

Buy a few chips and we can get started.

GUY#2

There's lots of room to play.

LAURIE

I suppose there's time for a hand or two…Got lots of money.

BURKE

Let's play cards.

NAN

Nat!

NAT

Yeah.

NAN

Are you finished your story yet?

NAT

No I was just getting started.

NAN

I've been working on mine for hours. I can't think of anything to write. Well can you help me out a little bit? You know get me started?

NAT

I don't know I should be starting my own.

NAT

All right. So what have you got?

NAN

Well there's this one idea.

NAT

Well it's gotta be about Concord right? What do you like about it? Something special about the folks here, some place you like to go to, or something special in Concord's history.

NAN

History?

NAT

Something famous. Like the Minute Men fighting the British in the Revolutionary war.

NAN

War. I can write about the battle. "Bang! Blood gushing from the corroded artery."

NAT

That's a start but try to imagine like you were there. Try to explain it in a way folks won't expect.

NAN

What do you mean?

NAT

Uh, I don’t know. Let's say you were a squirrel or something. You were minding your own business eating nuts when in storm these British soldiers and the Minute Men come to meet them. And there you are a squirrel caught in the middle of it.

NAN

A squirrel? I don't want to be a squirrel Nat.

NAT

Okay then what do you want to be?

NAN

I don't know, something better. Like a fox or a bird.

NAT

Yeah a bird. That's even better because you can start off on the ground and then fly up in the sky and see the battle from all over.

NAN

I like this.

NAT

So you could be nibbling seeds in the town square.

NAN

Wait. All right go on.

NAT

Okay.

NAN

This is good.

NICK

I finished mending that fence today.

JO

Oh yeah. Thank you.

NICK

All right. I'll see you then.

JO

Yeah we'll see you.

NAT

Oh wait a minute. Read that one back to me.

NAN

"As the men of Concord"

NAT

The valiant men of Concord.

NAN

"As the valiant men of Concord stood, smoke still blowing"

NAT

Swirling.

NAN

"swirling from their muskets, the bird flew skyward, proud, triumphant, free." How can a bird be proud and triumphant, it didn't do anything? It just watched.

NAT

The bird is a symbol Nan.

NAN

A symbol?

NAT

Look Nan it's getting late and I haven't started my own story. Sorry.

NAN

A symbol.

LAURIE

I said "Turn this boat around. My wife's pearls have been stolen. We must alert the authorities in Miorta." He just stared, coldly, while I threatened him. Finally he spoke "No comprendo anglais."

BURKE

Hey Riley. Where you been?

LAURIE

Nick.

NICK

Laurie. I thought you had your fill of this last night.

LAURIE

I just stopped by for a few hands.

BURKE

He just won a big pot.

LAURIE

After I lost the first two. I just got lucky.

BURKE

No sir. Luck had nothing to do with it. I was watching you. You knew Simon was bluffing. You held in to the end, and watched the rest of us fold.

LAURIE

Well I did get a sense.

BURKE

The look on Simon's face when you put down your straight. You just going to stand there Riley?

LAURIE

Nick, excuse me. I'm in your seat.

NICK

That's all right.

LAURIE

Whose deal?

GUY#3

Mine.

BURKE

Make 'em good, son.

GUY#3

Always.

JO

Well? What did he say?

FRANZ

He hasn't finished reading them, but he promised he'd come right out and tell us once he's made his decision.

EMIL

There's no contest anyway. We all know Nat's story's going to win.

NAT

I don't know about this one.

FRANZ

Your work did seem less polished, Nat.

NAT

Well I needed more time to go through it.

JO

Well I think all of your stories were marvelous.

LAURIE

Hello everyone.

BESS

Father.

JO

Oh, hello.

LAURIE

JO how are you? Sweetheart?

BESS

When are we going to Boston?

BESS

For the recital.

LAURIE

Oh yes.

BESS

Can we go tonight?

LAURIE

Tonight? I can't. I've suddenly gotten so busy.

JO

Amy told me you've been working late a few nights.

LAURIE

Yes. You know how things can pile up. We can go tomorrow Bess. Perhaps you're Aunt Jo will bring you into town again.

JO

I'd be delighted.

LAURIE

And you and I can ride to Boston together.

BESS

Do you promise?

LAURIE

I promise.

JO

Laurie can I speak with you?

JO

I'm just wondering, did you happen to see Nick in town?

LAURIE

Oh yes. I should have told you. He's simply enjoyig some time with his friends at the Tavern.

JO

At the Tavern?

LAURIE

Oh I wouldn't worry.

JO

But Nick can be impulsive. He's not responsible like you are.

ABBOTT

May I have your attention everyone? Let me commend your students Mrs. Baere. I enjoyed every story, but one was so inventive, so stirring. It's called "Freedon Takes Flight In Concord" written by Miss Anthea Harding.

NAN

I won?

JO

Nan I'm so proud of you.

ABBOTT

Such an accomplished young writer. Perhaps you could come in to town again. I'd like to arrange some time for an interview.

NAN

You want to interview me?

BURKE

Raise.

NICK

I'm out.

SIMON

Me, too.

BURKE

Laurie?

LAURIE

I'll see your raise.

BURKE

Two pair.

LAURIE

Three queens.

BURKE

Riley you're to blame for introducing this fellow.

NICK

Yeah well we should call it a night.

BURKE

What are you talking about. It's early. I want a chance to win my money back.

NICK

Another time Burke.

SIMON

Maybe we ought to get going.

LAURIE

Well if he wants to continue losing gentlemen. Who are we to stop him?

NICK

Can I talk to you for a second?

NICK

Laurie you should go home.

LAURIE

I don't want to go home, I'm having a good time.

NICK

Of course you are, you're winning. Burke and that other fella, they've been holding back, but once they start playing for real…

LAURIE

That's real money on the table.

NICK

I know how this works. They start off all friendly like and then when you get comfortable, maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow they pull out all the stops and you end up losing your shirt.

LAURIE

Yeah I didn't realize you had such a problem with me playing here.

NICK

I don't have a problem, I j7ust don't want to see you get taken.

LAURIE

Yeah well I appreciate that but I can handle myself. Maybe you should concentrate on your game. I couldn't help but notice you haven't won a round all night.

BURKE

Fellas, are you in?

LAURIE

I'm in.

NICK

I'm in, too.

FRANZ

Aunt Jo, may I have a moment? Something's been on my mind but I haven't mentioned it because I'm not sure. Here. This is a story Nan wrote a month ago titled "Intestines". "Food goes into your stomach where it gets all churned up. Then it's pushed into a long tube called intestines." Now this is "Freedom Takes Flight In Concord', "As the valiant men of Concord stood, smoke still swirling from their muskets, the bird spread it's wings and soared skyward, proud, triumphant, free."

JO

It's a big improvement.

FRANZ

I'm always pleased when students make big strides. Nan's made "big" strides, too big.

JO

You don't think she's done her own work.

FRANZ

No.

JO

I'll speak to her. Thank you, Franz.

BESS

The Cheshire Quartet. They're playing Mozart. I just love Mozart, Nan. Don't you?

NAN

He's all right.

BESS

All right? He's only the most brilliant composer in the world, and he's our favorite. Father's and mine.

JO

My goodness Bess. Don't you look lovely.

BESS

Thank you Aunt Jo. Father's always liked this colour on me.

JO

Bess, would you mind waiting for me downstairs for me? I'd like to speak to Nan before we go into town.

BESS

Sure. Bye Nan.

NAN

Have fun.

NAN

You want to speak to me Mrs. Jo?

JO

Yes. You know I just finished reading your story again. Very carefully this time. I couldn't help but notice your choice of words, your vocabulary, the imagery. It was really quite sophisticated.

NAN

Oh well you know.

JO

You know like the bird for instance. What a beautiful metaphor.

NAN

Metaphor?

JO

You know a symbol.

NAN

Oh right. I used the bird as a symbol.

JO

I just don't know how you thought fo such things.

NAN

Well the stuff just kind of came to me.

JO

She cheated all right.

FRANZ

She confessed?

JO

No. I can just tell.

FRANZ

Did you accuse her?

JO

No. I want her conscience to do the trick.

FRANZ

Well I don't know, Aunt Jo. This story's going to be published in the newspaper. Mr. Abbott is going to interview her and with all the attention Nan's getting I don't think her conscience is going to rise to the occasion.

JO

You're right. Maybe she needs a little push.

JO

Nan.

NAN

I'm just going to start my chores.

JO

Oh good. Listen, Franz and I were just thinking maybe we should invite Mr. Abbott here to Plumfield. He could conduct the interview in front of the class instead of in his office.

NAN

Why would he want to do that?

JO

Well so we could see journalism in progress. And Nan this is a very big deal. Not everyday one of our students gets published. Right Franz?

FRANZ

Yeah. It'll be quite an event. There you'll be in front of everyone answering questions about you and how you wrote your story.

JO

Everyone will be watching and listening. It will be very exciting.

NAN

That's a great idea Mrs. Jo. Let's invite him.

JO

I'll speak to him while I'm in town.

NAN

Great.

SIMON

Raise.

BURKE

I'll see your raise and raise you two more.

NICK

Too rich for my blood.

NICK

You've had a pretty good run today, Laurie. Why don't you quit while you're ahead?

BURKE

All right, gentlemen. Pair of aces.

SIMON

Not my day.

BURKE

Didn't think I was holding those two aces did you?

LAURIE

No I didn't.

SIMON

Well that's it for me.

BURKE

Leaving already?

SIMON

I know when to quit.

NICK

See you around Si.

SIMON

See you boys.

LAURIE

Well, I should be leaving as well.

BURKE

Not you, too?

LAURIE

Well, I'm afraid I've made other plans.

BURKE

Ah, don't leave me with all these amateurs.

NICK

Laurie, if you got to leave.

BURKE

You're not like Simon, Laurie. You play smart like me. You know how to pace yourself.

LAURIE

Well, I suppose I could squeeze in a few more rounds.

BURKE

All right, gentlemen, ante up.

NAN

Nat. I know you helped me out. Will you please just listen to me? I know you made a few suggestions.

NAT

Suggestions? That was my story.

NAN

I was already writing about Concord.

NAT

C'mon Nan. Everyone was writing about Concord. That was mine, my ideas.

NAN

No. Your idea was for me to be a squirrel. I came up with the bird.

NAT

Big deal.

NAN

It is a big deal and that's why you're so mad.

NAT

What?

NAN

You're just jealous. It's always "Oh, what a wonderful story Nat wrote. Isn't he talented." And finally I wrote something good for a change and you can't stand it.

NAT

Is that what you think? Cause then you're fooling yourself about that one too.

JO

Whoa.

BESS

Mother, what are you doing here?

AMY

Don't worry. I'm not coming along. I only came to see you off.

JO

Bess is so excited Amy.

BESS

Is Father ready?

AMY

He must have just stepped out.

BESS

He's not here?

AMY

I'm sure he'll be back any minute.

BESS

I wonder where he is.

SIMON

Are you looking for Laurie Mrs. Lawrence? Well he's at the Tavern.

JO

The Tavern?

AMY

My husband?

SIMON

Well I just left him there. Good day ladies.

GUY#1

I'm out.

BURKE

It's just you and me now Laurie. What's it going to be?

LAURIE

That's your raise. I raise you four more.

BURKE

That just cleaned you out.

BURKE

Raise, raise you two more.

LAURIE

You can't do that.

BURKE

We didn't say. There aren't limits.

LAURIE

I don't have it.

LAURIE

Wait, wait. I'll write you an IOU.

BURKE

Don’t' believe in them.

LAURIE

Well there must be something.

BURKE

Suppose they'll do.

LAURIE

My cufflinks.

NICK

Laurie, don't.

LAURIE

I'll win them right back.

BURKE

Full house. What'd you know?

BURKE

Not so fast, I've got one too. My lucky ladies beat your jacks.

NICK

All right Burke. Laurie, let's go.

LAURIE

I'll win them back. Here I've got my watch. Just one more game.

NICK

Laurie it's over.

LAURIE

Don't.

LAURIE

Bess, Bess, sweetheart please I want to talk to you.

BESS

(crying) Let go of me. I never want to see you again.

NICK

Laurie you got to go talk to them.

LAURIE

I can't.

NICK

You have to explain.

LAURIE

How can I explain gambling away my daughter's gift?

NICK

It's pretty clear to me. You wanted to sit around, play cards, have a few laughs with the fellas. You let things get away from you.

LAURIE

I wanted to be one of the guys.

NICK

Laurie playing cards at the Tavern. That might not be the thing for you. But you know going to the ballet might not be the thing for me. But neither way makes you or me any less of a man.

LAURIE

You make it sound so simple Nick but they won't understand.

NICK

Yes they will. They love you Laurie. I never meant that much to anybody but if I did I know there'd be nothing we couldn't get over. I spoke to Burke, he's willing to sell you back his cufflinks.

LAURIE

He is?

NICK

Well you know Burke. He'll probably charge four times what Bess paid for them.

LAURIE

I don’t care. I want them back. Thanks Nick.

AMY

How could he do this? How could he lie to me Jo? Telling me he was working when he's been out gambling.

JO

Amy.

AMY

It's just so unlike him.

JO

I know. Maybe Laurie was drawn into it. Listen when Nick started spending so many nights in town I encouraged Laurie to look after him. Maybe Nick…

LAURIE

No Jo. Neither you nor Nick are to responsible. It was my choice to join the game. In fact Nick made every effort to keep me out of trouble. If it weren't for him I would have made an even bigger fool of myself and lost a great deal more money.

NICK

Don't be so hard on yourself.

LAURIE

I can't be hard enough. Amy I'm sorry. I've behaved very poorly and shown a remarkable lack of judgement. I'll do whatever I can to make things right. I hope you can forgive me.

AMY

I'm not the one you should be asking for forgiveness.

LAURIE

Bess, sweetheart. I know I've hurt you terribly. I'll do anything to take back what I've done, betting on cards, losing your gift.

BESS

It's not just the cufflinks. It's you. I never thought you could do something like that.

LAURIE

I made a foolish and thoughtless mistake but I promise to try to never disappoint you like that again. You don't have to answer me now but there's another recital tomorrow and I hope you'll do me the honor or letting me escort you.

LAURIE

All right, then. Bess, I love you more than anything else in the world.

STUFFY

Imagine a whole story in the newspaper just about you.

BOY

I never knew anyone famous before.

NAN

Nat. You know your going to write a lot of great stories. Probably have folks writing about you all the time. This might be my only chance.

ABBOTT

I thought you'd like to see this. It's a test sheet I've printed of your story. This is how it will appear in the Chronicle tomorrow. Do you see your name there?

NAN

Yes, thank you.

ABBOTT

Nan I think I was most taken by your use of the bird in the story. First the way it allowed you to describe the battle from different perspectives. From different points of view.

NAN

You mean how it looked from all over?

ABBOTT

Yes and by the end of course you used the bird as a symbol. Could you talk a little about that? Tell me what did you want the bird to represent?

NAN

Oh the way it flies, with it's wings and everything. Up and down in the sky. It was kinda, it was sorta…

NAT

You remember Nan. You told me when the bird spread it's wings and flew up in the sky it felt so free and powerful like nothing could stop it. The future was wide open to him, just like the Minute Men felt fighting for an independent country.

NAN

That's what I meant, exactly.

ABBOT

I see.

NAN

Nat. Why did you help me like that?

NAT

Because you're my friend.

JO

Oh, Laurie. It's nice to see you.

LAURIE

I've come to take Bess to the recital.

JO

I know, but I'm afraid she hasn't left her room all day.

BESS

I'm ready.

LAURIE

Are you sure?

BESS

Yes and after all they're playing Mozart and he is our favorite, Father.

LAURIE

Yes, yes he is. Shall we?

BESS

Your cufflinks?

LAURIE

I couldn't bare losing such a precious gift.

JO

Have a wonderful time.

JO

Bye bye. I'm sorry Nick.

NICK

For what/

JO

For asking Laurie to look after you.

NICK

I can look after myself.

JO

I know but we care about you. You're very important to this school.

NAN

It's not my story Mrs. Jo. Nat helped me and he wrote it when I couldn't.

JO

Well I'm glad you're finally telling me.

NAN

I know I should have told you sooner but I got caught up in all the fuss and you being so proud of me.

JO

Nan as long as you're trying your best I'm always proud of you. And you should be proud of yourself. Do you understand?

NAN

But the newspaper, the story's already being printed.

JO

Maybe we can still make it.

NAT

Good morning Mrs. Jo.

JO

Good morning Nat. I just picked up a few copies of the special edition. I thought you might like to look at it. It's on page 3.

NAT

Oh sure I guess.

NAN

Great story. Did you write it yourself?

NAT

Well actually a friend gave a few suggestions.

NAN

Really?

NAT

Yeah the bird.

NAN

That's my favorite part.

NAT

Race ya!