FADE IN



Drowning Fish

by

Kimberly Carpenter

FADE IN:

INT. HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY - MORNING

SAPPHIRA, a small girl with long hair, sits alone at a table, her nose buried in a thick psychology book. Her backpack has a Sarah Lawrence pin on it.

She is surrounded by tables filled with two or more students studying or taking quietly together.

IRIS, a busty girl wearing lots of jewelry, whips into a chair across from Sapphira.

IRIS

You will not believe this!

Sapphira does not look up from her book.

SAPPHIRA

What’d you write on the girl’s bathroom wall this week Iris?

IRIS

(slightly annoyed)

This isn’t about me-

SAPPHIRA

(slightly amused)

Now that is something I don’t believe.

IRIS

Sapphira! Fine, I won’t tell you, see if I care.

Sapphira continues reading, smiling, while Iris fidgets, not looking at her.

IRIS

(unable to maintain a silence)

Well, let me just say this-

Sapphira flips a page in her book.

SAPPHIRA

(softly)

So close...

IRIS

Don’t get caught alone with a certain someone.

SAPPHIRA

(still reading)

I maintain a general vigilance for serial killers and vengeful ninjas, but I’ll be sure to employ the buddy system should I wander down any dark alleys.

The bell rings and the two girls begin to gather their things.

IRIS

You so do not appreciate the benefits of having a friend in the know.

SAPPHIRA

I’m sure the CIA can’t wait to add you to its buddy list.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

Iris and Sapphira meet ODILA, wearing thick glasses, and walk together to class.

SAPPHIRA

Morning Odila. How many blood vessels popped out on your mom’s forehead this morning?

ODILA

(morosely)

Two, both my fault.

SAPPHIRA

Maybe your mom should take up yoga until she gets used to the idea of you having your license.

ODILA

No, I almost ran over a nun on a bicycle.

IRIS

How could you miss that?

ODILA

Um, I have unvented rage against the Vatican?

Sapphira opens her mouth, then thinks better of it.

ODILA

It’s these glasses, I just can’t see anything except what’s right ahead of me. My peripheral vision sucks big time.

SAPPHIRA

Maybe you should go ahead and get those contact lenses.

ODILA

(sighing)

Either that or a white cane.

They pass a poster counting down the days to graduation.

IRIS

Man, I can’t wait to get out of this place. When do you two hear from Sarah Lawrence again?

SAPPHIRA

(without a pause)

Two weeks today.

ODILA

My dad still wants me to go to NYU instead. Unbelievable! How could any father not love the idea of an all girls school?

They pass a group of freshman males having a belching contest.

SAPPHIRA

I know I’m sold.

IRIS

I take it you won’t be carpe diem-ing anything before you get shipped of to the nunnery. But if you ever want to clue in…

Iris reaches her class and walks off screen.

SAPPHIRA

(staring after Iris)

I think we need to up her dosage.

ODILA

(sing-song)

“One flew east and one flew west”...

They have reached Sapphira’s class. She looks at the door, which has a cardboard rainbow bordering it.

Odila walks off in another direction for her class.

SAPPHIRA

“And one flew over the cuckoo’s nest.”

Odila waves sympathetically as Sapphira walks in.

CUT TO:

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

Sapphira sits down next to JACK, a dark haired boy drawing in his sketchbook. Jack has three Dr. Pepper cans lined up on his desk, one open.

Behind her sits JASON, a tall thin boy, staring at her covertly.

SAPPHIRA

Lord give us strength…

JACK

(not looking up)

…or caffeine.

Sapphira pulls out a bottle of frappuccino.

SAPPHIRA

Cheers.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY, SAPPHIRA’S LOCKER - DAY

Sapphira walks up to her locker, and opens it.

She dislodges a note, which falls to the floor. She picks it up, flips it open, scans it, then crumples it up and tosses it in a trashcan.

SAPPHIRA

Good grief Iris. Anything for a laugh…

CUT TO:

INT. AUDITORIUM – NIGHT

Odila, in a skirt and blouse, mutters to herself over note cards. She is wearing her glasses. In the background a banner welcomes students to the speech and debate semi-finals.

The rest of the team sits around Odila, studying or chatting.

TEACHER

Alright, everyone for the second round of speeches, time to line up. That’s all Romantic poets and Transcendentalists, people. You are up next!

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

Odila sits alone in a row of chairs next to a closed door in a long hallway. The sign on the door reads “Speech Room 4”. Her note cards are in her lap, she is breathing deeply with her eyes closed.

CONNOR walks in, also dressed up, a pack of note cards sticking out of his pocket. He has an overcoat draped over his arm.

Odila opens her eyes as she hears him walk up.

CONNOR

Sucks being last, doesn’t it.

ODILA

Gives me more time to prepare.

Connor sits down in a chair next to Odila.

CONNOR

Not worth it. Two hours isn’t going to make or break you on content, but it’ll do hell for your nerves.

Odila raises one eyebrow at him.

Conner

But you seem to be managing.

ODILA

(unruffled)

How did your speech go?

Connor stretches his arms over his head, one coming down close to Odila’s shoulders.

CONNOR

Oh, they liked it well enough, I’m sure.

ODILA

Pride goes before a fall…

CONNOR

You sound like Sapphira.

ODILA

Wise beyond my years?

CONNOR

No, bitter.

ODILA

Wait until they post the scores before you go off on me.

CONNOR

You seem to be well prepared for the debate aspect of the evening...what’s your speech on then?

ODILA

Indirection; Hills Like White Elephants and the like.

CONNOR

Ah, Hemmingway.

ODILA

Not just him. Anyone who says one thing and means another.

CONNOR

So, the entire literary world. Broad topic.

ODILA

I don’t like to limit myself.

CONNOR

So what’s your conclusion from all the confusion then?

ODILA

I maintain it works as a literary device, however unrealistic. It’s a tad overused… it makes more sense for people to use when they’re broaching an unpleasant topic, like abortion…

Conner nods his head at the allusion.

ODILA

But when people have something pleasant to talk about they just out and say it. They don’t need defense mechanisms.

CONNOR

You’re giving people an awful lot of credit.

ODILA

Any sort of indirection is giving credit to people’s intelligence …provided they can keep up.

CONNOR

No, I mean not using indirection. That takes a lot of bravery.

Odila gives him a strange look.

ODILA

You are not going to ruin my speech ten seconds before I have to present it.

Connor runs a hand through his hair, sighs, and stands up. He takes his coat off one arm, producing a bouquet of three red roses, which he hands to Odila.

CONNOR

Wouldn’t dream of it.

He walks away. Odila stares after him, turned to stone. Behind her the door opens and a student exits.

Off screen, a voice calls for the next speaker.

Odila blinks, dazed.

ODILA

I am going to kill him.

CUT TO:

EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Odila and Sapphira stare at the open trunk of Odila’s car.

ODILA

(hysterical)

I don’t know what to do – I mean, it’s starting to smell!

SAPPHIRA

(leaning closer to the trunk)

Well, we could push the car into a lake...

She GRINS at Odila, who GLARES at her.

PAN BACK: three wilting roses are lying in the trunk.

SAPPHIRA

Relax, it’s only flowers, it’s not like you have a dead body in there!

ODILA

(solemnly)

Might as well be.

Sapphira looks at Odila worriedly.

CUT TO:

INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Odila and Sapphira are eating.

SAPPHIRA

Right before your speech? That is just evil.

(a pause)

Bastard.

Odila looks up and tries to smile.

ODILA

(forking a meatball)

This was a good idea.

SAPPHIRA

Well, seeing as how we were this close to going Mafioso on your car, chicken parmesan seemed like the only reasonable alternative.

She tries to smile reassuringly. Odila tries to smile back but drops her head into her hands, moaning.

ODILA

What am I going to do?

SAPPHIRA

(thoughtfully)

Well, you could feign ignorance – pretend nothing happened.

ODILA

No! My speech! I totally bombed it! Mr. Barry’s gonna kill me!

SAPPHIRA

That’s what I meant. Just pretend nothing happened. Act confident. One speech can’t drag the team down too much.

ODILA

You’re right.

SAPPHIRA

So what are you going to do about ... the other?

ODILA

I need another breadstick.

CUT TO:

INT. SAPPHIRA’S ROOM - NIGHT

Sapphira is sitting at her desk reading a textbook. The wind is blowing through her open window, making the curtains billow.

Sapphira looks up from her reading at one particularly strong gust, gets up and walks over to the window.

She looks out, rubbing her arms against the chill.

She stands for a minute, then reaches out and closes the window.

CUT TO:

INT. PUBLIC LIBRARY – LATE AFTERNOON

Jason sits at a table copying from a reference book.

Sapphira sits down across from him.

JASON

Hey

SAPPHIRA

(unpacking her backpack)

Natalie’s still sick, but she emailed me all her work so we can just post it and turn it in.

She rubs the bridge of her nose.

SAPPHIRA

God, I hate group reports. Such a waste of effort. Er, no offense.

JASON

Um, none taken.

A pause

JASON

Are you okay? You look…frazzled.

SAPPHIRA

Why, thank you.

She thunks a thick folder down on the table.

SAPPHIRA

I had to walk here, and we all know how good gale-force winds are for your hair.

JASON

I...I could give you a ride home if you like.

He picks up his keys.

SAPPHIRA

(wryly)

Thanks, but shouldn’t we put the report together first?

Jason turns a little red.

JASON

Uh, yeah, that’s what I meant.

He goes back to writing and Sapphira rolls her eyes skyward disdainfully.

CUT TO:

INT. LIBRARY PARKING LOT – EARLY EVENING

Sapphira and Jason exit the library and head to Jason’s car. The wind is blowing and it is clear a storm is brewing.

Jason unlocks the passenger door and opens it for Sapphira, who is carrying an armload of notebooks. He walks around and sits in the drivers seat.

Jason notices that Sapphira is shivering and turns on the heat.

SAPPHIRA

(primly)

Thank-you.

JASON

No problem. You don’t live that far out of the way.

The car pulls out into traffic.

Sapphira looks over her notes, absorbed.

Jason glances at Sapphira, who doesn’t look up.

JASON

Sheesh, you’ve already sent off your college applications, you can stop studying so much now.

SAPPHIRA

I take it you have no respect for the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.

JASON

I just meant you need to lighten up a little. You’re going to shrivel up if you keep your nose buried in a book like that.

SAPPHIRA

Oh, and I suppose you have something more interesting to say than a Nobel Prize winner?

JASON

Well, I mean, uh...

SAPPHIRA

How fascinating.

Sapphira goes back to her book

JASON

(stung)

Not everything is in books you know. Some things you have to go out and learn for yourself.

SAPPHIRA

(coolly)

Books have been the medium of knowledge since the invention of writing. A printed volume is physical recognition that the information within is valid and worthwhile. I have no interest in unpublished materials.

The car reaches Sapphira’s house. Jason jerks the gear into park.

JASON

So you wouldn’t be interested in anything as mediocre as going to a concert with me.

He tosses two tickets in her lap.

SAPPHIRA

(hissing)

Sorry. I have reading to catch up on.

Furiously, she unbuckles her seat belt and wrenches the door open. She gets out of the car and turns around, holding up the tickets.

SAPPHIRA

But thanks anyway. I needed a new bookmark!

She slams the door.

CUT TO:

INT. HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY CLASSROOM – DAY

Sapphira and her class are dissecting cats.

BIOLOGY TEACHER

Alright maggots, today we gut the Darwin rejects. I want their hearts bagged on my desk by the end of class.

Sapphira blanches.

HEATHER

Sapphira, you okay? Want me to cut today?

Sapphira shakes her head.

SAPPHIRA

(blandly)

No, I think this suits me.

CUT TO:

INT. SAPPHIRA’S ROOM – DAY

Sapphira is sleeping in bed, a phone ringing in the background. She reaches forward blindly and pulls the receiver toward her.

SAPPHIRA

I hate you.

ODILA

Sapphira! Well?

SAPPHIRA

(still half asleep)

Ah, Odila. I hate you.

ODILA

What does your letter say?

Sapphira shoots out of bed, fully awake.

SAPPHIRA

Oh my God! It’s the fifteenth!

CUT TO:

EXT. ODILA’S HOUSE – MAILBOX - DAY

Odila stands next to her mailbox, dressed, one hand holding the phone, the other on the mailbox lid.

ODILA

Duh! How could you forget? The mailman practically pepper sprayed me this morning!

SAPPHIRA

Stuff...happened. Oh god, I can’t believe it’s today!

CUT TO:

EXT. SAPPHIRA’S HOUSE -DAY

Sapphira runs out the front door to the mailbox, still holding the phone.

SAPPHIRA

Okay, if the phone goes dead, send help.

ODILA

Ready for the moment of truth?

Sapphira takes a deep breath and opens the mailbox. Her eyes widen. She reaches a shaking hand in and pulls out a large, thick envelope bearing Sarah Lawrence’s return address.

SAPPHIRA

Oh gods.

ODILA

Sapphira, what did you get?

Sapphira hugs the envelope to her chest, her eyes brimming with tears.

CUT TO:

EXT. ODILA’S HOUSE -DAY

Odila hold an identical envelope at arm’s length, almost in shock.

ODILA

The big envelopes...are the good ones, right?

SAPPHIRA

Yeah. The big ones have twelve years worth of sweat and tears in them.

ODILA

Oh my god Sapphira, WE DID IT.

Both burst out laughing, elated.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – DAY

Sapphira and Odila show their letters to Iris.

They are still buzzed from their acceptance and keep randomly laughing and hugging each other.

IRIS

Are you two ever going to stop smiling?

ODILA

Are you kidding? Even my grandmother came out of her room to congratulate me! My mom is calling all my aunts and uncles back in Korea to brag about me! She’s not even waiting for the cheap weekend minutes!

IRIS

Wow. I’m sorry for all the times I called you two bookworms for studying so much...this is really impressive.

SAPPHIRA

Darling, I would forgive you if you had tried to stab me in the neck, I’m so elated right now. At this point I love everyone!

She and Odila hug again.

IRIS

Now if I ever need to find a good optometrist I can go to Odila, and if I ever need a shrink…um, Sapphira can recommend one of her co-workers.

Odila and Iris laugh, even Sapphira smiles.

IRIS

Live it up you two...you finally earned a break.

Sapphira and Odila practically glow.

Jason walks out of a classroom, balks when he sees Sapphira, and walks the other way. Sapphira and Iris see him, Odila does not.

ODILA

Isn’t this the best day of your life?

SAPPHIRA

Y-yeah. Couldn’t be happier.

IRIS

We should celebrate. Let’s go to a movie or something. You no longer have the excuse of having to study to get into college – you made it! It’ll be fun, all the old crowd.

ODILA

Oh, let’s do it! I haven’t been out in forever!

SAPPHIRA

(shaking out of it)

Yeah. Sounds like a lot of fun.

Iris grins widely.

IRIS

I’ll call everyone with the time and place. All you two have to do is bring your super intelligent selves.

ODILA

Iris, you really are a good friend.

FADE TO:

EXT. PARKING LOT OUTSIDE THEATER – NIGHT

Sapphira and Odila pull up in Odila’s car, Odila is wearing her new contacts and keeps rubbing her eyes.

SAPPHIRA

I don’t see Iris’s car, do you?

Odila rubs her eye as she scans the parking lot.

ODILA

No. We aren’t early, are we?

SAPHHIRA

No, we’re bordering on late. Maybe she finally answered the call of the wild.

ODILA

(sighing)

I hope not, she’s got enough holes in her head without “Two for One Tuesdays” at the piercing parlor.

SAPPHIRA

Are you worried she’s going to let evil spirits in...or evil spirits out?

ODILA

Give it up Rasputin, there’s a payphone inside. I’m sure the mother ship let her keep her cell phone on.

CUT TO:

INT. MOVIE THEATER LOBBY - NIGHT

Sapphira is on the payphone with Iris while Odila walks up with the tickets

SAPPHIRA

Iris, what did you say happened to your car?

(pause)

You hit what?

(pause)

Iris, bushes don’t jump.

(pause)

Iris, jumping cacti don’t jump either. That’s just a name. And willow trees aren’t really crying.

(longer pause)

Fine, just don’t get run over yourself, I have to kill you later.

Sapphira hangs up and turns to Odila.

SAPPHIRA

Iris hit some form of mobile shrubbery, has a flat tire, and apparently her license plate fell off at some point during that particular adventure, so she’s looking for it with a glow stick from her cousin’s Skateland party she found in her glove box.

ODILA

I didn’t know Robbie knew how to skate.

SAPPHIRA

It’s the discovery of the ages.

ODILA

So...she’s not coming.

SAPPHIRA

Considering it’s Iris, we’re lucky she was on her way here when she angered the Knights Who Say Nee.

ODILA

The tickets are still refundable, want to surrender?

Sapphira looks out the glass front of the theater and spots Conner and Jason walking in.

SAPPHIRA

Crap! Jason and Conner are here!

Odila whirls around

ODILA

Where? Shit! Hide!

Odila grabs Sapphira by the arm and the two duck behind a cardboard movie display.

ODILA

Do you think they saw us?

SAPPHIRA

Sh!

The two scrunch down, trying not to be seen.

Connor and Jason walk into the theater and beeline to the movie display.

JASON

Um, Sapphira? What are you--?

Sapphira and Odila cringe at being discovered, and attempt to casually walk out from behind the display.

SAPPHIRA

(clearing her throat)

Um, agoraphobia...springs up every now and then…

JASON

Oh, I’m sorry, I had no idea--

SAPPHIRA

Hey! I don’t need your pity! Just because I’m abnormal doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat me like I’m not...not normal!

JASON

Oh, um, I apologize--

SAPPHIRA

Whatever.

She brushes past him.

CUT TO:

EXT. GAS STATION - NIGHT

Iris leans against her car, hanging up her cell phone.

Jack exits the convenience store, holding a six-pack of Dr. Pepper and a bag of M&Ms.

IRIS

Sapphira just called, she and Odila can’t make it.

JACK

Do you still want to go?

IRIS

You kidding? I’d look like we were dating or something.

JACK

Because we make such a cute couple.

IRIS

Of course. Well, can I tempt you with an evening of violence and drugs?

JACK

(holding up the Dr. Pepper)

Caffeine and Grand Theft Auto it is.

CUT TO:

INT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT

Sapphira and Odila walk down the aisle, freaking out.

SAPPHIRA

(darkly)

Iris had better get her car working. By the time I find her, she’s going to need to move faster than she can run.

ODILA

(rubbing her eyes)

This isn’t happening...

SAPPHIRA

Cleopatra Queen, of deni--

ODILA

SHUT UP.

SAPPHIRA

(attempting to reassure them both)

Someone else will show up. They have to. I mean, Iris said she invited at least ten people. Surely, surely it can’t just be us and them.

ODILA

Um, Iris invited ten people?

SAPPHIRA

(resigned)

We’re doomed.

They spy four seats, one on the aisle. Both girls move to sit in the aisle seat.

SAPPHIRA

Hey!

ODILA

No way!

The girls both try to squeeze into the seat, WHISPERING furiously to each other.

ODILA

I’m not taking the bullet for this; you sit next to the boys!

SAPPHIRA

Are you kidding? You were the one that wanted to come tonight!

ODILA

It wasn’t my idea to let the boys come!

SAPPHIRA

You were the one who wanted to “act normal!”

Both continue to try to elbow their way into the seat until Odila slips and falls into it, Sapphira on top of her.

ODILA

Gah!

SAPPHIRA

Holy--!

The girls try to right themselves while not giving up on the seat.

Sapphira, struck with the ridiculousness of the situation, begins to giggle uncontrollably.

ODILA

Um...

SAPPHIRA

What?

Sapphira looks over her shoulder, still in Odila’s lap.

Jason and Connor are standing behind her, holding snack bar goodies and jaws at the floor.

Both girls turn bright red.

ODILA

Uh, we found seats

CONNOR

What, do we have to ration?

SAPPHIRA

(Blushing even more)

Ah, no... Um...

(furiously, to Odila)

You owe me!

She takes the seat next to Odila, Jason sits beside her, Connor in the last seat.

Sapphira grits her teeth and pretends to smile.

The lights go dim, and the previews start.

JASON

(leaning over)

I got you Raisenetts.

A look of utter horror dawns on Sapphira’s face

SAPPHIRA

Uhhh, I... I can’t eat Raisenetts!

Jason looks confused.

SAPPHIRA

(rambling)

Yeah, I’m allergic, it’s this really horrible thing, since childhood, since before I was born really. When my mom was pregnant – well, you don’t want to hear about that now do you? But no, no way can I eat them, crazy things happen when I eat them, you know, I go nuts, which doesn’t make sense because they don’t have nuts in them, why don’t you just eat them, I mean the candy, not the nuts, you already have, OH GOD, I didn’t mean that, well you know what I mean, er-

JASON

(confused and slightly weirded out)

But...you asked for Raisenetts. You gave us two dollars to get them for you.

SAPPHIRA

(coming out of panic mode)

I did?

(pause)

Oh.

She takes the box, opens it and eats one, religiously not looking at Jason.

He stares at her, bewildered, then slowly turns to the screen.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL LIBRARY – MORNING

Sapphira and Odila sit between two shelves of books in the library. Sapphira has her head in her hands. Odila is wearing her glasses again.

SAPPHIRA

Little did Iris know when she called in sick today that she will call in injured tomorrow.

ODILA

How did we not see it coming? How did you not see it coming?! You’re the budding sociologist!

SAPPHIRA

I think I went crazy myself. Oh god, the Raisenetts.

ODILA

Not your finest hour.

SAPPHIRA

And then you wouldn’t come out of the bathroom for ten minutes after the damn movie was over.

ODILA

I was trying to get them to leave!

SAPPHIRA

But they stayed. Dear mother of god I didn’t know anyone had that sort of patience.

ODILA

(quietly)

Sapphira? Why didn’t you tell me about Jason?

SAPPHIRA

(bitterly)

There wasn’t that much to tell. Boy meets girl, boy asks girl out, girl verbally beats the proverbial shit out of boy, girl crawls back into the depths of hell from which she came.

ODILA

At least you held your own.

The bell rings.

The girls stand up and face the end of the bookcase, shoulder to shoulder.

SAPPHIRA

That is the ugliest music I have ever had to face.

Odila takes her hand and squeezes it.

ODILA

Pick a drummer girl, it’s time to march.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY - DAY

Odila and Sapphira have reached Sapphira’s class.

SAPPHIRA

Remember Beowulf?

ODILA

Yeah

SAPPHIRA

Remember Grendle’s mother?

ODILA

Yeah...

SAPPHIRA

I will totally trade.

ODILA

Would you like a sword?

SAPPHIRA

Sepuku?

ODILA

I’ll see what I can do.

They part, Sapphira enters the class.

The classroom is decorated in rainbow colors and motivational posters promoting tolerance and respect. A huge picture of Matthew Sheppard hangs on one wall.

Sapphira slinks to her seat, avoiding looking at Jason, who isn’t looking at her either.

MS. HAHN enters the room.

MS. HAHN

Good morning class.

Silence

MS. HAHN

(undeterred)

Today I thought we’d read some more poetry before you present your writing assignments next week...Just to get us in the mood, you know?

She begins to hand out packets.

MS. HAHN

Now Sappho was a Greek poetess who lived on the island of Lesbos. Her many sensuous poems about the love between women led to the term ‘lesbian’ to describe gay women. Isn’t that interesting?

Sapphira and Jack raise one eyebrow each.

SAPPHIRA

Oh lord, here we go again.

MS. HAHN

‘Sappho’ actually comes from a Greek word that means Sapphire. Let’s see what “gems” we can find in her work, shall we?

Ms. Hahn laughs at her own joke. A few butt kissers in the front row do too.

Sapphira massages one temple with her fingertip.

Sensing Jason looking at her, she glances over her shoulder, but he quickly diverts his gaze.

MS. HAHN

Sapphira!

Sapphira jumps.

MS. HAHN

Would you be so kind as to read the first poem to the class?

Sapphira grits her teeth, then plasters a big fake smile on her face. She picks up the handout.

SAPPHIRA

“Like a sweet-apple

turning red

high

on the tip

of the topmost branch.

Forgotten by pickers.

 

Not forgotten—

they couldn’t reach it.”

MS. HAHN

Very good Sapphira! You read that like you know the throes of love.

SAPPHIRA

(flustered)

Uuuuuuh...

Jason’s head makes a “thunk” sound as it goes down on his desk.

MS. HAHN

Jason!

Jason looks at her like she’s an executioner.

MS. HAHN

Perhaps you would care to read us one of the fragments recovered from the burning of Sappho’s books?

Jason painfully pulls the papers toward him. He reads the first one he finds.

JASON

“Pain

Penetrates me

Drop

By

Drop”

Sapphira sinks lower in her seat.

MS. HAHN

(oblivious)

Isn’t that wonderful?

Sapphira looks sick.

Jack reaches over and plunks a can of Dr. Pepper on Sapphira’s desk.

SAPPHIRA

(whispering)

I love you.

JACK

Grow a dick and move to San Francisco with me.

SAPPHIRA

(sighing)

If only you weren’t gay.

CUT TO:

INT. JACK’S CAR – AFTERNOON

Sapphira and Jack are sitting in his car, drinking frappuccinos. Sapphira’s seat is back and she has her hand over her eyes.

JACK

Wow.

SAPPHIRA

Just when I think people can’t get any more interesting...

JACK

I can’t believe she actually made you stay after class to give you the “it’s okay to be gay” lecture.

SAPPHIRA

That woman is over the rainbow in more ways than one. Odila is going to die when she finds out.

JACK

Where did she even get the theory that you and Odila were “out”?

SAPPHIRA

(darkly)

I have an idea.

A pause.

JACK

One Day of Silence is not enough.

SAPPHIRA

Amen.

She sighs and sits up.

SAPPHIRA

Enough about my life. How’s Kevin?

CUT TO:

EXT. STARBUCKS PARKING LOT - AFTERNOON

The car pulls out.

JACK

He was going bald.

SAPPHIRA

I thought he was seventeen!

JACK

He was.

SAPPHIRA

Jack, how many times have I told you not to find your boyfriends on the internet?

JACK

Shut up.

CUT TO:

MONTAGE – SAPPHIRA ANSWERS HER LETTER

-- Sapphira’s mailbox, the flag up.

-- Her hands open it, she withdraws several bills and one thin envelope of expensive paper. She holds it reverently, and runs one finger over the return address, “Sarah Lawrence.”

SAPPHIRA (V.O.)

Dear Ms. Collins, director of admissions.

-- Sapphira’s hands turn the letter over and touch the seal on the flap.

SAPPHIRA (V.O.)

It was with great pride and happiness that I received your letter of admission. Sarah Lawrence is an exceptional and exemplary school for young women, and I considered it a mark of achievement simply to apply there.

-- Sapphira’s hands toss the bills on the kitchen table, but retain the Sarah Lawrence letter.

SAPPHIRA (V.O.)

I have worked for my entire academic career with the hopes that I may one day enter a university to continue my education and thus better myself both for entrance to the working world, as a citizen of America, and as a member of the human race.

-- Sapphira’s hands open a drawer and withdraw a silver letter opener.

SAPPHIRA (V.O.)

To be accepted to Sarah Lawrence held more than academic significance to me. I would be the first woman of my mother’s family to attend a university. I am also the first in my family of my generation to attend college of any sort, a challenge that my elder sibling and cousins have not yet met.

-- The silver letter opener slowly slides under the envelope flap.

SAPPHIRA (V.O.)

I will always consider being accepted to Sarah Lawrence as one of the highest, proudest moments of my life.

-- The letter opener rips through the rich paper in slow motion, and thousand of tiny bits of paper lint dance above the opened envelope in the sunlight like a cloud.

SAPPHIRA (V.O.)

Unfortunately, due to the shortage of financial aid available from the University, and my own inability to merit a scholarship,

CUT TO:

INT. SAPPHIRA’S BATHROOM - NIGHT

Sapphira is crouched in front of the toilet, the door locked, the letter held in two hands over the toilet, about to be torn and flushed.

SAPPHIRA (V.O.)

I will be unable to accept the offer of admission from Sarah Lawrence University for Women.

--Sapphira’s hands shake, then collapse in her lap, unable to do it.

SAPPHIRA (V.O.)

I will always consider my admittance to be the highest mark of honor and recognition in my academic career.

--Sapphira begins to sob uncontrollably.

FADE OUT

SAPPHIRA (V.O.)

Regards, Sapphira Campbell

FADE IN:

INT. LIBRARY – MORNING

Iris and Odila sit at a table, not talking.

Sapphira walks in and sits down in a chair across from her. She has no book with her. Her shoulders are slumped and her head is down.

IRIS

Want to talk about it?

Sapphira shakes her head.

IRIS

Ah.

A pause.

IRIS

Sucks.

Sapphira nods.

CUT TO:

EXT. FOOTBALL STANDS – NOON

Odila, in glasses, and Sapphira sit in the bleachers watching the track team run laps.

SAPPHIRA

Look at them. Rats in a wheel. They run and they run and they never get anywhere.

ODILA

I think they’re in it for the long-term investment.

SAPPHIRA

(snorts)

Oh, like wanting to see how many laps it takes before you notice the grass has grown.

Sapphira slumps angrily in her seat. Odila looks pained.

ODILA

“Things do not change. We change”

SAPPHIRA

What?

ODILA

Thoreau.

Sapphira stares at her. Odila looks straight ahead.

ODILA

They aren’t running to get anywhere. They’re running because when they stop going around the track, they’re going to be different people. Stronger people.

Sapphira glares at her.

SAPPHIRA

(hissing)

Well if you find the idea so appealing, why don’t you go down there and join them!

Odila stands up slowly and walks down a few steps.

ODILA

I’m not going to Sarah Lawrence. I’m going to NYU. Sarah Lawrence doesn’t really scream pre-med anyway.

Sapphira tries to say something, possibly snippy.

ODILA

Don’t...just...listen, okay? You know why I always wanted to be an optometrist? It was because I’ve gone through so much trouble with my own eyes. I wanted to try and save someone from what I’ve gone through.

She pulls off her glasses and makes an angry motion with them.

ODILA

I can’t see anything Sapphira. Do you have any idea how terrifying that is?

Odila turns around and looks in Sapphira’s direction.

ODILA

But I’m not going to let that stop me.

Odila puts her glasses in her shirt pocket and begins, slowly and painfully, to feel her way down the stairs.

Sapphira stares.

Odila reaches the bottom.

ODILA

(over her shoulder)

And neither should you.

It is unclear if Sapphira hears her.

CUT TO:

INT. GYMNASIUM - DAY

Connor’s gym class is shooting hoops. He is tying his shoe in a corner. The teacher is asleep on the benches, as usual.

Odila walks in, determined, wearing her glasses again. She marches right up to Connor before anyone notices she’s there.

ODILA

You will not recite poetry.

Connor

(startled)

Jesus-! What?

ODILA

You will not recite poetry. And no more flowers.

CONNOR

Odila-

ODILA

You will ring the doorbell. You will come inside. You will meet my parents. You will impress my grandmother. Is this clear?

CONNOR

Yeah - yes.

ODILA

Okay then.

She begins to turn around, then stops and turns back

ODILA

And if the speech and debate team doesn’t make it to state, you will take the blame.

CONNOR

Absolutely.

ODILA

(shakily)

Good. We’re good then.

She turns around stiffly and marches out of the gym.

CONNOR

(grinning hugely)

You better believe we’re good.

He stares after her, so distracted he doesn’t notice the basketball that nails him in the head.

CUT TO:

INT. SAPPHIRA’S ROOM – NIGHT

Sapphira sits at her desk, trying to read a thick book, unable to concentrate.

She sighs heavily and stands up, rubbing her arms. She looks out the window pensively, then opens it and sticks her head out.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE ROOF ABOVE SAPPHIRA’S ROOM

Sapphira, a blanket over one arm, crawls out of her window onto the roof.

She wraps the blanket around herself and slowly leans back to look at the sky.

PAN BACK until Sapphira and her house are lost to view.

FADE TO:

INT. CLASSROOM – DAY

Sapphira sits calmly at her desk. She appears older.

MS. HAHN

I trust everyone is ready to present their creative pieces to the class. Any volunteers?

Jack leans over to whisper something to Sapphira, but is shocked to see she has raised her hand.

MS. HAHN

Ah, Sapphira. You’re presenting...a poem?

Ms. Hahn consults a sheet in front of her.

SAPPHIRA

Um, no, actually. I’ve...I’m presenting a soliloquy.

MS. HAHN

Alright...wow us.

SAPPHIRA

Um...sure.

Sapphira walks behind the podium in front of the class, carrying a heavy book open in front of her. She lays it flat on the podium and opens it to a sheet of looseleaf inside.

SAPPHIRA

I always thought that by studying psychology, I had an edge on people. It’s the perfect life skill, because almost any job requires person-to-person contact, and that’s what psychology is all about. So, I thought I was set. I’d go off to school, get my PhD, get paid for being the endless know-it-all I already was.

But I messed up before I even got started. I read so much about humans I forgot about people. I was so busy reciting facts; I forgot just how little we really know. I think it made me lose a little bit of my own humanity. I know I hurt people. I pinned them to a board like bugs. But I hurt myself the most. Like China, I built a wall around myself and decided everything outside was savage and backwards.

I was a drowning fish, so lost in my own world I didn’t even know what was happening.

I’ve missed so much. I can read a book twice, but I can’t have a day back.

My life philosophy was to get from point A to point B and enjoy the view. I thought once I figured out the answer to everything, life would fall into place. Now I’m not so sure. Maybe some of the best and most beautiful things in life don’t have answers. I don’t really know, but I’m pretty sure I won’t find the answer in a book. Some things I have to figure out for myself, just like everyone else.

CUT TO:

INT. ART MUSEUM - DAY

Sapphira, Odila, Iris, Jack, Jason and several other classmates are following Ms. Hahn as she leads them through the paintings, briefly introducing each one. They stop in front of a large canvas.

MS. HAHN

(checking her program)

And this one is...Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? Painted by Paul Gauguin in 1897. Now over on the other side...

She and the class move on, Sapphira, Odila, Connor and Jason stay, looking at the painting.

Iris moves to join them, but Jack takes her hand and pulls her away.

IRIS

Oy, won’t Kevin be jealous?

JACK

You can have Kevin for all I care. But I wouldn’t recommend him.

Iris laughs at him.

They walk off screen towards the rest of the group, still holding hands.

The four stand, contemplating the painting.

CONNOR

Tough questions.

JASON

I wonder...

He gestures at the painting.

JASON

Is it asking the question or telling the answers?

ODILA

I wonder what it all means?

A long pause.

SAPPHIRA

I don’t know.

FADE TO BLACK

SAPPHIRA

But it’s beautiful.

THE END

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