Remember That One Novel I wrote? Draft Three Beginning

<I wrote this thing for a thing that I'm entering into... yeah...>

Understanding

Mona Carter didn’t have nightmares. Not ones she remembered, anyway. Besides, if a dream was better than reality, it couldn’t count as a nightmare. Nightmares were supposed to be worse.

The glass of the window was cool, but then again, windows usually were. Mona’s forehead felt relatively hot against the glass. She very much preferred to be outside at night, but that would require traversing one squeaky bedroom door, one long hallway, one flight of stairs, one living room, and one locked back door. Not only would she have to do so silently, but in the dark in a house that she’d been living in for less than two days. She supposed that she could climb out the window, but she didn’t feel like jumping from the second floor of a building and the window was probably squeaky anyway.

Goodness. Two days past and she was already going insane. She shivered.
Mona turned away from the window to the lonely room. It wasn’t really lonely perse, but it was different. Different, strange, and not hers. She sat down on the bed, the blankets a little ruffled in the middle where Mona had fallen asleep on top.. The walls of the room were plain white and incredibly monotonous. For a moment, Mona imagined herself taking a black marker to those terrible, white walls.
The scene outside the window wasn’t likely to have changed, but she couldn’t help go to it again, wanting to see the thin lawn that separated her old home from their neighbor. Instead, the expanse of grass, the tall trees at the edges, the fields beyond that; all mocked her. She wasn’t at home, comfortable, and wasn’t even allowed the familiar, close, red-brick wall of the next house over.
“Gosh.” Mona whispered. “Nostalgic for a brick wall.” She rolled her eyes at herself.

Introduction

Hello, reader, my name is Emily Shepherd. I was born in ------------ on October 6th, 1994 and have lived in -------------- for my entire childhood.

The school year of 2010-2011 was my sophomore year at Bear River High School. I took Seminary all three trimesters of that year and filled the larger part of the Seminary notebook I was given at the beginning of the year with notes and musings (not many doodles, though, because I’m no good at doodling). Apart from the usual 59 minute long class periods I spent in the Seminary building, I also spent a good deal of my free time there as well.

The Seminary building at our high school is one of the best places to spend free time. They keep it at a reasonable temperature, the water is holy, and sometimes the Seminary teachers will talk to you, granted that you aren’t loud and annoying and also as long as you don’t bring a crowd along or if they don’t have something they actually have to be doing.

My first impression of Seminary teachers was that they were, 1) weird, 2) dorky, 3) they enjoyed shaking your hand a bit too much, and 4) they all wear glasses. I was pretty much correct in my assumption apart from them ALL wearing glasses, but I was wrong to think that their kind of weird/dorkiness was a bad kind. Actually, I’d go as far as to say that they are actually smarter than they look (It‘s probably all of that holy water that they drink).

Lunella and the Ukulele

Evanna nearly fell to the ground as she got out of the driver’s seat of the car, none too gracefully.

“There should be little idea fairies that converge on you and kick you in the face when you have horrible ideas.” she said bitterly. Matt climbed from the passenger side looking traumatized.

“It wasn’t that bad.” He said unconvincingly.

“You must have fainted, there, halfway through. There’s a reason I just barely passed my driving test and haven’t driven since.” Evanna said, slamming the car door shut.

“How on earth did you get places?” Matt asked. He too closed his door and they walked together toward the short, red-brick building.

“Bicycles.” Evanna said. “They are infinitely easier to manage than cars.” Evanna opened the door at the front of the building and walked through in front of Matt. There was a woman at the desk who looked up as they walked in.

“Mr. and Mrs. Ames?” She asked. Matt nodded. “Alright, have a seat over there.” She indicated a large, open space to their right that had several chairs and squishy looking couches. Matt and Evanna moved over to them and sat in two arm chairs.

Matt checked his watch and then folded his arms, assuming a position of waiting. Evanna grabbed a magazine at random from the table in the midst of the chairs and couches and opened it to a page in the middle. Matt looked at her for a moment before staring up at the ceiling in the corner of the room.

They waited for ten minutes, neither one moving more than an inch until a door on the other side of the space opened and an over-weight woman emerged from the room and hurried out of the building, looking suspiciously at Matt and Evanna. Next, a tall man with a wrinkled face and crazy eyebrows walked out of the room.

“Welcome!” He said enthusiastically. Matt and Evanna stood up and walked to the door. The man stood to one side as they entered.

The inside of the room was dominated by a two couches and two arm chairs, all facing a table in the middle that housed a box of tissues.

“Have a seat.” The man said, closing the door behind them. Evanna sat on the couch closest to the door. Matt remained standing to shake the man’s hand.

“Dr. Hayward.” He said, shaking the man’s hand and then turning to look uncertainly at the space on the couch next to Evanna.

“Go ahead, sit next to your wife.” Dr. Hayward said, smiling broadly. Matt sat down next to Evanna, but not close enough to touch her. Dr. Hayward sat down in an arm chair across the table from them.

“So, what can I do for you?” He asked, crossing his legs and hooking his hands together over his knee. Matt looked at Evanna.

“I’m pregnant.” She said. Dr. Hayward nodded.

“Okay.”

“We have some concerns.” Matt said. Dr. Hayward raised his eyebrows.

“Really?” He seemed genuinely interested.

“My husband isn’t particularly convinced that I have the adequate…. skills to raise this child.” Evanna said.

“And?”

“And my wife isn’t entirely sure that I’m going to be a good influence once the child is born.” Matt said. Neither looked at each other.

“And?” Dr. Hayward asked again.

“And I’m not particularly sure I can survive staying married to my husband throughout this pregnancy. Especially if I’m going to get extremely emotional.” Evanna said. Her eyes were cold.

“But?”

“But we have decided to try sticking it out anyway, for the sake of the child.” Matt finished.

“That seems like a good plan.” Dr. Hayward said, uncrossing his legs and leaning forward.

* * *

Lunella ran as fast as she could across the carpet of the living room. Reaching the hard surface of the kitchen floor, she shifted her weight and slid nearly all the way across the kitchen. As soon as she stopped sliding, she abruptly changed directions and slid part of the way down a hallway and hopped up onto the carpet of the room at the end of the hall.

She flipped the light on and strode into the room. Voices followed her from the kitchen.

“Lu, you need to stop being so rambunctious.” Her mother’s voice said.

“She’s not hurting anything, Evanna.” Her father’s voice said.

“I hope you’re not trying to undermine my authority.” She said.

“Stop being so defensive. If you keep trying to contain her, she’ll just try harder to break free.” He said emotionlessly.

“I don’t need a lesson on parenting from you, Matt.” Her mother said coldly. Lunella closed the door to her room and grabbed a book of the small shelf that stood near it.

* * *

Lunella’s face burned red as her English teacher raised his eyebrows.

“Excuse me?” He said, trying to sound passive.

“I disagree.” She said again, she kept her voice level, ignoring the blush creeping over her. “I think that if a character has an opinion, it should be a fact that it’s their opinion.”

“I don’t have time for this.” he said, turning away from her. Lunella continued to watch him as he went on with his lesson.

* * *

Lunella sat expressionlessly in the councilor’s office as her parents followed a large man into the room. They sat down on either side of her. She knew that she was not going to be needed to speak, so she sat quietly while her parents argued and the councilor tried to make a plan of action. Lunella wasn’t sure exactly what the goal was, but she supposed it was to prevent her from disagreeing with everyone all the time.

* * *

Lunella picked up the ukulele out of the box that her aunt had handed to her.

“It’s a ukulele.” Her aunt, who looked a lot like her mother, said unnecessarily. “I thought you’d like to learn how to play it.” Lunella nodded and strummed the strings once. Her aunt looked pleased.

* * *

Lunella glanced around the dark living room, making sure that the light down the hallway in her parents’ bedroom was off and then slowly opened the front door. Her mother had forgotten to lock it again.

Outside, she walked up the front sidewalk and across the road to the house with the tall columns in the front. She walked around the house and down the hill that was behind it. In the back of the house was a small side door. She knocked on it four times and then paused and knocked once. The door opened into darkness and Lunella hurried through.

A moment later, a light was turned on and Lunella was standing amongst three boys all dressed in black t-shirts and jeans. She bumped her fist against each of the boys’ and then followed them across the cement floor to a circle of couches. One of the boys was holding a ukulele and another a small hand drum.

They all sat down the couches and the other boy grabbed a small, electronic keyboard.

“So, Lu, did your parents give you permission to play at the dance on Saturday?”

“Nope.” Lunella said, offering no further explanation.

“Maybe your parents can talk to them, Roger?” One of the other guys said. Roger flipped the switch on his keyboard.

“Lu’s parents are almost as insane as she is.” He said, winking at Lunella. “I don’t think my parents would be able to convince them of anything.” Lunella smiled. The other boy shrugged. Lunella took out her ukulele out of it’s case, which had been hanging from a strap at her side. Roger counted off and they started playing.

* * *

Lunella sat uncomfortably on the couch in Dr. Hayward’s office in between her parents. He was just closing the door and sat down across the little table from them.

“It’s very nice seeing you all, once again.” He said, smiling. “It’s been a long year, hasn’t it?” No one answered him, but both of Lunella’s parents looked as if they agreed.

“How old are you, now, Lunella?” He asked, looking at her.

“Seventeen.” She replied, looking past his head at a strange painting on the wall behind him.

“Junior?” He asked.

“Yes.”

“That’s nice.” He said. “Anything special going on soon?” Lunella glanced at her mother, who was wearing the familiar cold frown on her face.

“Maybe.” She said, hopefully.

“No.” Her mother said, looking angry that Lunella had brought it up.

“Why not?” Dr. Hayward asked.

“Because, I’m exercising my authority as a parent to not allow my child to do certain things.”

“The thing about parental authority is that it’s a two-person thing.” Lunella’s father said quietly.

“You just want her to go because I don’t think she should.” Her mother snapped.

“No, I just see how important this is to Lu and want her to be able to do something.” Her father was starting to sound annoyed.

“She does plenty of things.” Her mother shot at him. Lunella looked back at the painting.

“She does not.” Her father countered. “She is never allowed to leave the house after six and all she does is sit in her room and read books!”

“There’s nothing wrong with reading books. I read books constantly throughout high school and I was obviously good enough for you once upon a time!”

“You’re still good enough for me!” Her father finally allowed his voice to become raised, but did not yell. “You just need to learn a little compromise and teamwork!” Her mother was silent. Lunella’s face was red again. Dr. Hayward’s eyebrows were raised as far as they could go.

“I think,” his voice was quiet in comparison to her parents’. “that it’s important for a couple to make decisions together.”

* * *

Lunella stood in the hallway, clutching her ukulele to her. Her mother stood before her, fuming.

“If that’s the way you feel, then you can just leave.” She said quietly. Lunella’s shock showed on her face. Her mother turned to the front door and opened it. Lunella couldn’t think of anything to do but walk through the door.

* * *

Lunella stood backstage, alone. The sounds of people shouting and talking drifted over her, slightly muffled, from the gym. She stood staring into the darkness, her ukulele in her hands. The door to the back of the stage opened and her three band-mates walked in. Roger looked relieved to see her.

“Your parents have been calling everyone trying to find you.” He said.

“No.” Lunella said, looking at them. “I know that my mother didn’t call anyone.” Roger looked uncomfortable.

“Well, yes, it was your dad who called, but I’m sure your mom wants to find you too.”

“No.” Lunella said, turning back towards the entrance to the actual stage. “Let’s play.” The three boys followed her onstage.

* * *

An hour later, Lunella walked out of the high school, into the cool air. She paused for a moment, looking around her, and then started walking. A voice called out from behind her.

“Lu!” She turned and saw her father hurrying toward her. His face was hidden in the dark, the outside light on the building behind him. When he reached her, he pulled her toward him in a tight hug. She held out her ukulele with one hand to prevent it from being crushed and awkwardly held her other arm out to her side.

“Dad.” She said emotionlessly.

“Lu, I’m so glad I finally found you.” her father said, pulling back and holding her shoulders. “I’m so sorry.”

“I’m not going back home.” She said flatly.

“Neither am I.” He said, sounding more sure about it than he’d ever seemed about anything else. “I should have left a long time ago. There was no need for you to have to live with what you did.”

“You’re taking me away?” Lunella asked.

“Yes.”

“Won’t we need our stuff?”

“We’ll get new stuff.” Her father grinned. “Your mother can sell the stuff she doesn’t want to keep.”

(Happy Birthday, Ruby[@kadabrafreak890])

Proposal Scene

Mona soon gave up on trying to anticipate when Septimus was going to get on with it. He ate dinner with them that night at Brother White’s house and then went home. He visited Mona nearly every day after he was finished with his college classes. Mona stopped thinking that it was going to happen every moment, but wasn’t about to forget about it. She was determined not to be the least bit surprised when it happened.

On a Wednesday two weeks later, Septimus suggested that they go to the park. Mona wasn’t suspicious of this because he was constantly asking her to go places with him, trying to fake her out. When they got to the park, Septimus reached into the back seat of his car and casually pulled out a Scrabble box. Mona only raised her eyebrows and got out of the car.

All the kids were still in school, so there weren’t any people in the park. Septimus walked out onto the soccer field and sat down. Mona followed him and sat down across from him. The sun was behind a cloud, so it wasn’t too bright to sit out of the shade.

Septimus opened the box and set up the game. He offered the bag to Mona first. She took out her seven letters and didn’t look at Septimus, so she didn’t see as he pulled his tiles out of his pocket instead of the bag.

Her first letters were P G N U I O G. She immediately saw the word “GOING”. She looked at Septimus, who had finished setting up his tiles.

“You first.” He said, watching intently as she arranged her first word on the board. She was already thinking about her next word so only half paid attention as Septimus used her I to spell out the word “WILL”.

Her next letters were L A E P N, which she added to U and P. She used the first G in her first word to spell the word “PLUG” vertically above the G and started drawing her tiles again. Septimus used her U and spelled the word “YOU”. Mona scoffed to herself. She wondered if Septimus was purposefully using small words so that she would win.

Her next tiles made U S A E P N L. It took her a few minutes of looking at the board to spell the word “PANG” using the last G in her first word. The bag was still over by Septimus and she was about to ask for him to pass it to her when she realized what word he was spelling next.

Using the A in her last word, he spelled the word “MARRY”. There was a jolt in her stomache. She looked up at Septimus, who was reaching into his pocket and pulling out two more tiles and a piece of paper. The two tiles were M and E and the small, square piece of paper had a penciled question mark. He placed them down beneath the word “MARRY”. She stared at it. He reached into his pocket again and pulled out a ring with a tiny silver star on one side instead of some sort of rock. He placed that next to the question mark.

Mona’s mind felt like it was exploding. Apparently he was more clever than she’d given him credit for. She stared at the ring for several minutes.

“I didn’t get it with a stone because I know that you like simplicity.” He said, quietly.

“Simplicity is the best sophistication.” Mona responded just as quietly.

“So?” He asked. Mona looked up at him.

“No.” She said. His face fell and he looked extremely confused. “I’m kidding. Yes.” She said, her eyes twinkling. At least she was able to get out of it with her dignity still in tact.

“Oh, good.” He said, relieved. “Great!” He said. He picked up the ring and Mona’s hand and he slid the ring onto her finger.

“Perfect fit.” She said. “How’d you manage that?”

“David had Annalise sneak into your room and get a couple of your rings for me, and then I went and told the ring people which fingers you wore them on and they figured it out from that.” He said.

“Sneaky.” Mona said, shaking her head. Septimus grinned. They put the Scrabble game away and walked back to the car, slowly. Mona was still trying to get over her shock, but she surprised herself by feeling happy. More happy than she had felt in a long time.

Septimus drove her back home and they went in to have dinner. Annalise looked a little anxious, but as soon as they came in and she noticed the ring on Mona’s finger she immediately relaxed. David didn’t seem surprised at all.

“It was my brilliant planning.” He said as they sat around the table. He sounded as if he were addressing the slight doubt that Annalise had had and her now relief, even though no one had even said anything. “Why shouldn’t it have worked?”

“Oh, please.” Mona said. “You’re still convinced that you know everything.”

“Not everything.” David said, smiling at Mona. “Just enough.”

* * *

Without the permission of either Mona or Septimus, David and Brother White decided to throw a party for them. They invited all of Mona’s friends, including the ones she had had before her family had been murdered.

Septimus didn’t really have any friends, and his parents were living in New York and not speaking with him, so Mona introduced him to everyone she knew. Taavi, Devin, Mindi, and Toby came as well, arriving via a white van that dropped them off and drove away quickly.

All the Seminary teachers came to congratulate Mona and also to have their weekly game of headache, which was watched by many. Mona and Maureen took Septimus aside and taught him how to play, later inviting Harry and Ginge to join them.

At sunset, Annalise made everyone go inside and sent Mona and Septimus out in the back yard to watch the sunset. Mona made Septimus climb her favorite tree and sit on the large branch.

“Are you sure this will hold both of us?” He asked.

“It held me and David when I was sixteen.” Mona said, laughing at the look of unease on his face.

“If you insist.” He said. There weren’t any clouds in the sky, so the sunset wasn’t really the most spectacular she had ever seen, but she had always like the color orange.

“Sunsets are a little lame.” Septimus said.

“Yeah, I know.” Mona said. “They’re never as amazing as one would be left to believe.”

“They’re better in paintings and books.” He said. Mona didn’t disagree with this. They sat silently for a few minutes.

“How long will you be at school?” Mona asked.

“Well, I’ve been doing night school for nearly seven years, now.” He said. “It will probably take another year or so and then a year of interning until I can actually go out and get a job.”

“Or open your own clinic.” Mona said. “Though I don’t really know much about that. I could ask my therapist. He’ll probably know more about it.”

“Thanks.” He said, putting an arm around her.

“Hey, this is my future too.” Mona said, lightly elbowing him in the stomach.

“Great.” He whispered, squeezing her shoulders tightly. She felt his lips on her forehead. She leaned against him put all her weight on him, closing her eyes, content. He put his other arm around her and pulled her into his arms.

About Screenplay

The previous three posts are the screenplay I wrote for Script Frenzy in April. I based it off of the novel I wrote for NaNoWriMo, but, just in case you've read my novel, it really doesn't have much in common besides the characters and setting and stuff like that. The capitalization was kind of weird because I used a screenplay writing program, so it made it weird, and it's kind of hard to read at first. Enjoy.

Screenplay Part 1

Ext. Street - AfTERNOON

Mona Carter is seen walking along a sidewalk. She carries a backpack and a violin and keeps her head down. Music plays in the background (credits). She walks past houses with lots of trees in the front yards and kids playing with balls. As the music fades, Mona is passed by several police cars and a van. These vehicles turn into a driveway that she has almost reached. The house is set back farther from the road than those near it (the closest houses are fair distance away) and the driveway is pretty long and big. Mona stops, looks confused, then makes her way up the front sidewalk to the house. She walks through the open front door into the entrance hallway. Police are doing police stuff and ignoring her. Again, Mona is confused. She slowly makes her way along the hallway. She walks into the kitchen, which is strangely empty. She then looks around another corner into the living room. Seven bodies are seen lying on the floor, arranged in no particular way, and covered in blood. Mona is shown frozen and shocked.

MONA

What...?

A man in a blue suit is seen standing near Mona. He holds a small, black notebook and is writing. When he hears Mona speak he turns to her, standing in the doorway to the kitchen.

MR. BRIGHT

Who are you?

MONA

I live here.

The man looks confused.

Mr. BRIGHT

That wasn’t the question.

Mona finally looks away from her dead family.

MONA

Oh… Sorry. I’m Mona…. I live here.

mr. BRIGHT

(Sarcastically)

Oh really? Um…

He looks around as if thinking.

Mr. BRIGHT

Why don’t we go in here?

He gestures back into the kitchen. Mona turns and the man follows. Mona takes off her violin and her backpack and sets them down in the corner of the kitchen next to a garbage can. Both sit at the kitchen table. The man turns his notebook to a clean page.

Mr. BRIGHT

Your full name.

MONA

Mona L. Carter.

Mr. BRIGHT

L?……. Lora, Linda, Leanne…

MONA

Lisa.

Mr. BRIGHT

You’re kidding.

MONA

Does it look like I’m laughing?

Mr. BRIGHT

Oh… Sorry…

MONA

It’s fine.

Mr. BRIGHT

Okay… Um… One moment.

The man leaves the room. Mona leans forward to read what the man has written in his notebook. The notebook is shown. All that is written is her name on the top line in All caps. Mona sits back slowly. One hand raises to her mouth and she starts chewing her nails. The man reenters followed by another man in a navy blue, official looking jacket. He holds out his hand for Mona to shake. She looks at the hand for a second and then shakes it. Both of the men sit down.

Mr. BRIGHT

(gesturing to Mona)

This is Mona Carter.

Mr. BLAIRE

My name is Charles Blaire and this is my associate, John Bright.

Mona nods and there is a silent moment where Mona shifts in her chair, Mr. Blaire pulls out an identical notebook to that of Mr. Bright, who is scribbling at the top of the page, absently.

MR. BLAIRE

(Kindly)

Well, I’m going to ask you a few questions, is that okay?

Mona glances around.

MONA

Um, I guess so.

MR. BLAIRE

Where were you at around 3:00 PM this afternoon?

MONA

At school.

MR. BLAIRE

It’s almost 6:00. Did it take you three hours to get home? How far away is the school?

MONA

The school is only about a mile away, and I stayed after.

MR. BLAIRE

For what reason?

MONA

I have Orchestra for my last period of the day and we decided to extend our rehearsal… For… Fun…

Mr. Bright looks confused and Mr. Blaire looks suspicious. Mona blushes and looks down.

MR. BLAIRE

Is there any way I can verify this?

MONA

Um, you could ask my Orchestra teacher, Miss Dunne.

Both men started writing in their notebooks.

MR. BRIGHT

Did you do this sort of thing often?

MONA

Occasionally, yes.

MR. BLAIRE

How many days of school do you have left?

MONA

Today was the last day.

MR. BLAIRE

But, on the last day of school, don’t you just hang out and sign yearbooks and stuff?

MONA

Yes, but the Orchestra decided to rehearse anyway.

Mr. Bright coughs.

MR. BRIGHT

ANYWAY, have there been any strange people around the house lately, or has anyone in your family been acting strangely?

MR. BLAIRE

(Pointedly)

Have YOU been acting strangely?

Mona laughs and the two men look very confused. Mona sees that they don’t understand and stops laughing.

MONA

(Embarrassed)

We're good children. A little crazy, but, you know, what can you do?

No one says anything.

monA

No weird people around... not that I pay that much attention or even care. Not that anyone else really cares either, it's not like we put security cameras all over the place to watch for strange people...

There's an awkward silence.

Mona

...and it depends on how you define “strange”.

MR. BLAIRE

Not normal?

MONA

Not normal, as in compared to other people or compared to you?

Mr. Blaire stops looking confused and looks a bit annoyed.

MR. BLAIRE

You. And you’re not that strange.

MONA

You have no idea.

Mr. Bright coughs again.

MR. BRIGHT

Well, if we have any further questions, we’ll be back.

Mr. Bright and Mr. Blaire stand up and each shake Mona’s hand again before exiting the kitchen. As soon as they leave, Mona sinks lower into her chair and looks depressed (understandably).

INT. Kitchen - LATER

Mona has not changed position. Another man’s head is seen slowly poking into the room via the door to the living room. Mona, who has been staring out into space looks over at the head. The man is a bit short with hair approaching long. He enters the room, walks up to the table and shakes Mona's hand without saying anything. He reaches into a shoulder bag that he is carrying and pulls out a black folder and a pencil, then he sits down in the chair opposite Mona.

Jason Lomax

My name is Jason Lomax and I work for The Utah Department of Human Services: Division of Child and Family Services.

Jason opens the black folder and spreads some papers out onto the table.

JaSON

You can just call me Jason.

Mona nods.

Mona

Okay.

JaSON

Are you?

Mona looks confused. Jason stares intently at her. Mona begins to look uncomfortable.

MonA

(hesitantly)

What?

Jason

Okay. Are you okay? You look a bit pale.

Mona self-consciously brushes her hair out of her eyes and adjusts her glasses.

Mona

I'm fine.

Jason

I doubt that...

Mona blushes and looks down at her hands.

Jason

You aren't going to be able to stay here.

Mona

Well... I kind of gathered that.

Jason

I'm going to take you to a place to stay until we can find somewhere for you to go permanently.

Mona nods.

Jason

So, you might want to go find some things to take with you. We'll come back here sometime with luggage so that you can pack properly, but for now just bring your essentials.

Mona stands, grabs her backpack and violin, and walks to the front of the house and upstairs to her room. She is seen walking into the room, flipping on the light switch, and then standing, looking lost.

Cut to Jason watching Mona leave the kitchen and then looking down to read some papers.

Ext. Outside Mona's house - DUSK

Mona walks out the door with her backpack and violin. Jason closes the door behind her and follows her to the street in front of the house where his small, white car is parked. He opens the trunk and puts her stuff inside, then walks around to the passenger side and opens Mona's door for her. He gets in and starts the car. As they pull away, Mona turns her head to the window and starts to cry, silently.

Int. Government facility for orphaned children, Mona's room - NIGHT

The outline of a figure in a bed is seen in the moonlight. The figure gets restless, tossing and turning, until it sits straight up. Mona is breathing heavily and the shine of tears can be seen on her face. She puts her head in her hands and sobs.

INT. Dr. Steinbeck's office - DAY

Mona sits in an office on a couch facing a desk. She scans the pictures on the walls and desk then nervously bites her nails. She reads the name carved on a piece of wood that was sitting on the desk. "Douglas L. Steinbeck". An older man wearing a very expensive looking suit opens a door behind her and walks to his desk. Mona doesn't move.

Dr. steinbeck

Good morning, Mona.

Mona

Good morning.

Dr. STEINBECK

How are you feeling? Did you sleep well?

Mona

(expressionless)

Define "well".

Dr. STEINBECK

Is it something you would like to experience every night?

MonA

No.

Dr. STEINBECK

Okay...

There is a silence as the Dr. thinks. He pulls out a notebook and a pen and starts to write in it.

Dr. STEINBECK

How long have you been here?

Mona

Four days. Shouldn't I by lying down on this couch or something?

Dr. Steinbeck laughs.

Dr. STEINBECK

Will it make you feel more comfortable?

MonA

No... just wondering, because in most movies or TV shows, the person seeing a psychiatrist is always laying down...

She looks away, out the window that is behind the desk. Dr. Steinbeck stares at her thoughtfully and continues writing.

Dr. STEINBECK

How would you rate your overall mood?

Mona is shown thinking.

Mona

I'd say a four.

Dr. Steinbeck nods as he jots down some more notes.

Dr. STEINBECK

Okay, and how would you rate your mood four days ago?

MonA

Four.

The Dr. begins writing and then stops. He looks up at her and seems confused.

Dr. STEINBECK

You don't feel any better.

MONA

Oh... I don't know, I never was very good at rating things...

The Dr. looks exasperated.

Dr. STEINBECK

Okay, can you at least tell my why you picked a four?

MonA

It's the first number that came to my mind. Plus, I didn't want to say seven or eight, because that's what people always say. I'd reserve the top half of that spectrum to be reserved for happy people, and I'm kind of a pessimist, so I picked a number in the lower half.

The Dr. is seen scribbling something in his notes out and then looks up at Mona again, thinking.

DR. STEINBECK

So, can you tell me what happened to you four days ago?

MonA

I came home, my family had been murdered, I came here. I'm sure you've read about it in my file.

Mona points to a plain black folder sitting on the desk. The Dr. looks a little embarrassed.

DR. STEINBECK

Yes, but the point was for you to share your feelings a little bit in the telling so that I could see how you are dealing.

MonA

Um, I suppose I feel the same as everyone else in this situation. I really don't see how dwelling on it is going to help.

Dr. STEINBECK

If you keep things bottled up inside, then you're eventually going to explode. Sometimes you need to talk about things so that you can move on.

Mona

Yeah, well, sometimes talking about things doesn't really help. Also, I promise not to explode.

Dr. STEINBECK

How do you know your stress won't just keep building?

MonA

I'm a white personality.

DR. STEINBECK

No one can escape stress, not even white personalities.

monA

What's your point?

Dr. STEINBECK

Just because someone brilliant came up with four slots to categorize people in, doesn't meant that everyone fits in with the stereotype.

monA

I know that, but people generally do.

dr. STEINBECK

I had the feeling that you were an exception.

Mona looks doubtful, Dr. Steinbeck raises an eyebrow.

monA

How would you know?

DR. STEINBECK

I'm a psychiatrist. It's my job to know these things.

mona

(sarcastically)

Really?

Dr. STEINBECK

(also sarcastically)

I don't know. I'm making things up.

MonA

How unfortunate.

Dr. STEINBECK

Why aren't you concerned about the death of your family?

Mona

Nothing I can do about it.

Dr. STEINBECK

Yes, but doesn't it scare you or anger you.

Mona

I guess if I think about it, but I don't really want to, you know? Why think about something that makes me sad or afraid. I'm just moving on.

The Dr. absently rubs the side of his face with his hand.

Dr. STEINBECK

Aren't you concerned that you aren't going to see them ever again?

Mona

Personally, I believe in an afterlife, so... not too worried about it.

dr. STEINBECK

Don't you have doubts?

Mona

Sometimes, yes, but if it's there isn't life after death, why waste my life worrying about it?

Dr. STEINBECK

True... but what if their deaths had something to do with you? Shouldn't you worry about it then?

Mona

I doubt that it does.

Dr. STEINBECK

You should never ever doubt what nobody is sure about.

monA

You didn't just quote Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.

dr. STEINBECK

It's a great film.

MONA

Yes it is.

The two look at each other for a long time with blank expressions on their faces.

Int. David Sandson's home office - EVENING

David Sandson is sitting at a desk in a room surrounded with bookshelves. The phone rings.

David

Hello, David Sandson speaking.

David listens to a voice speaking. He looks surprised and then excited.

DavID

Really? That's good! Well, not that this situation came to be but...

David cuts off in mid-sentence and listens.

david

That soon? Okay... Certainly... Of course. You are very welcome... goodbye.

David hangs up the phone and then stands up from his desk. He exits the office and runs through a living room into a dining room. His wife, Annalise, is sitting at the table reading the newspaper. He calmly takes the newspaper from her, takes her hand, and drags her into the living room. He then picks her up and starts spinning.

Annalise

(laughing)

What?

David

I didn't want to break anything.

AnnALISE

No, I meant, why are you so... jubilant?

David sets Annalise down and grins at her.

INT. GOVERNMENT FACILITY FOR ORPHANED CHILDREN, MONA'S ROOM - MORNING

Mona is sitting on her bed with her back against the wall. She is reading Redwall by Brian Jacques. There is a knock on her door.

Mona

Come in.

Jason opens the door a little a sticks his head in.

JasON

Hey, I was wondering if you could come down to the office so that we could talk to you.

Mona

Yup.

Jason holds the door open and Mona walks through. There's a montage of them walking silently down hallways and stairs and then finally into the door of an office. There is a woman sitting at a desk and three chairs in front of the desk. Mona and Jason sit down. The woman looks up at them from behind some papers.

Woman

Mona, we have found a suitable placement option for you.

The woman hands Mona a file. Mona opens it.

Mona

(Reading)

David and Annalise Sandson. Tremonton, Utah... Where is that?

Jason

Box Elder county. In the North.

Mona nods and then laughs.

Mona

(Kidding)

People live up there?

Nobody laughs. Mona looks away and coughs.

Jason

We'll be leaving tomorrow morning to stop by your house to grab your stuff and then it'll take us two hours to get up there.

Mona nods and there is an awkward silence.

INT. Dr. steinbeck's office - LATER

Dr. STEINBECK

Oh, Tremonton...

Sits thinking. Mona sits somewhat uncomfortably. Suddenly, he turns to his computer and starts typing. After a moment, he hits a key and grins.

Dr. STEINBECK

There is a former pupil of mine that is currently practicing in Tremonton. I'm going to contact him and refer you to him.

monA

What? Why? I'm fine.

Dr. STEINBECK

I don't think that you are fine. Professionally, I think that you still need to undergo therapy. Unprofessionally, I think it will be hard for you to adjust to this environment change, even if you don't show it. I think that, eventually, you are going to appreciate someone to talk to and you might not be comfortable with talking to whomever you are being placed with.

Mona looks disgruntled.

Mona

Talking hasn't helped so far.

dr. STEINBECK

It hasn't been that long!

Mona

It's been almost two months!

Dr. STEINBECK

Has it? Hm...

Mona looks away, disgruntled.

Ext Street/Jason's car - morning

Mona and Jason are sitting in Jason's car. They pull into Mona's driveway. Jason looks at Mona. Mona looks forward. They get out of the car, Mona grabbing her backpack out of the trunk, while Jason grabs a large suitcase, and walk up to the front door. Jason pulls a key out of his pocket, unlocks it, and holds the door open for Mona. Without hesitation, Mona walks up the stairs to her bedroom. Jason follows and stands in the doorway. Mona fills the suitcase with clothes, then starts to fill her backpack with books from her bookshelf. Jason watches in disbelief.

Jason

What are you doing?

Mona looks up from situating books.

MonA

They're mine. I'm not leaving them.

Jason

Um, isn't there anything else you want to take with you besides books and clothes?

Mona looks thoughtful.

Mona

Good point... I'll need some paper.

She turns to a desk and pulls out a binder, several notebooks, some pens, pencils, and Sharpies, and her scriptures. She finds places for all these things in the suitcase, then stands back to look at her accumulation of luggage. She thinks for a moment and then goes to her closet. She takes out a long, black dress inside a clear clothing protector bag. In the bottom of the bag is a pair of knee-high black socks, a black shirt, and a pair of flat, black dress shoes. Jason is shown looking confused and amazed.

jasON

What is that for?

MonA

It's my Orchestra concert dress.

jason

Why on Earth do you need it?

MONA

(offended)

I made this...

Jason

(skeptical)

You're kidding.

Mona

No. I'm not and I'm taking it with me.

Mona carefully folds the dress to fit in the little space left in the suitcase. She then lifts it off the bed and sets it on the floor. She zips up her backpack and puts it on her shoulders, grabs the handle at the top of the suitcase, and begins to drag it toward the door. Jason resignedly moves out of the way and follows Mona back out to the car, locking the door behind them, and helping Mona get the huge suitcase into the trunk of his car. They both get into the car and this time Mona stares straight forward as they drive away.

ext. Freeway - DAY

Montage of Mona and Jason in the car, looking at things around them, driving, the car on the road. At the end of the montage, they exit the freeway and start driving down a seemingly endless road.

Mona

Are you sure you know where you're going?

jason

Yes. I looked it up on Google Maps before we left.

Mona laughs dryly and looks away.

ext. Street outside the Sandson house. - lATER

The car stops in front of a house. Mona and Jason look at the house for a long time. Jason turns off the car.

Mona

Allons-y.

Jason

What?

mona

Let's go, in French.

Jason

You speak French?

Mona

Oui.

Jason

Wow...

Mona

Not really, I'm kidding.

Jason

What? Then how did you know that?

Mona

Doctor Who?

Jason

Doctor What?

monA

No, Doctor WHO.

Jason

What's that?

Mona

British TV show... I'd explain, but I don't think we really have the time right now.

Jason

Oh, yeah. Right...

They both get out of the car and Mona puts on her backpack and violin, and Jason grabs the suitcase. They walk up to the door and Jason knocks.

int. Living room - CONTINUOUS

David is sitting on the couch reading the Ensign. Annalise is sitting on the arm of said couch, reading a book. They here the knock on the door. They both look at the door and then at each other. Trying to appear calm, David stands up and walks to the door, Annalise following. He opens the door and Jason and Mona are standing there. They all stare at each other for a while.

Mona

(with fake enthusiasm)

Hi!

David and Annalise look at each other, unsure. Jason smiles.

Jason

Hello.

He shakes David's and Annalise's hands, then looks expectantly at Mona. She looks confused for a moment.

MonA

Oh.

She holds out her hand to shake. David hesitates and Annalise nudges him. He shakes the hand. Annalise shakes it as well.

Jason

This is Mona. Mona, David and Annalise.

Mona

Yeah, I know. I read the file.

Mona leans toward them slightly.

Mona

Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.

David and Annalise look concerned.

Mona

(dissapointed)

Kidding.

Mona looks away. David and Annalise look uncomfortable and Jason looks a little impatient.

Jason

Anyway, how about we come inside and chat a little.

David and Annalise are shaken out of their discomfort and they move out of the way for Mona and Jason to enter. They set Mona's stuff down by the door and sit down on the couch. David and Annalise sit in arm chairs facing the couch.

AnnaliSE

So, you're Mona? It's very nice to meet you.

David just nods.

Mona

Nice to meet you too.

There is an awkward silence again.

Jason

As you probably know, my name is Jason Lomax. I'm Mona's social worker in the Foster Fare system. I have some papers here...

Jason pulls the papers out of his shoulder bag (which he is always carrying), and he puts them on the coffee table that sits in between them...

Jason

You have general information, and there's summaries of the police reports...

Jason looks at Mona a bit embarrassed. Mona looks over quickly.

Mona

Oh, yeah. I never got to see those. May I take a look?

Jason hands Mona some papers and she begins to read them.

Jason

Also, there's a recommendation here from Dr. Steinbeck to visit...

Mona interrupts while still reading the police reports.

Mona

Disregard that.

Jason

Not a chance.

Mona

Dang it.

David

What?

Jason

Mona's therapist from child and family services has recommended that she see a pupil of his who works here in Tremonton.

David

Really... who?

Jason

(reading)

Stephen Sharp.

Mona starts laughing. Everyone looks at her. She stops laughing and looks up at them with an expressionless face.

Mona

This is pretty funny reading.

She indicates the police reports she is holding. David and Annalise look confused. Jason looks amused.

Mona

Kidding.... tough crowd.

David looks like he is about to say something in response, but Annalise interrupts him.

ANNALISE

I've heard of Doctor Sharp... Didn't he set up his office here a few months ago?

David

I don't know...

Jason

Dr. Steinbeck is a very good man, so his recommendations can be trusted.

Mona

(sarcastically)

Right.

David looks confused. Annalise smiles uncomfortably. Mona continues to stare at the police reports. Jason keeps pulling out papers.

int. liVING ROOM - lATER

Jason gets into his car, waves and pulls away. David and Annalise wave back. Mona just stands behind them. They all walk back into the house and close the door. David and Annalise sit back down on their chairs and Mona hesitantly follows. There is a bit of a silence. David gestures to Mona's violin case.

David

You play the violin?

Mona

No, I just carry it around for fun.

David hesitates.

David

You're kidding....?

Mona

Yes.

David

Okay. Yeah, it's just that you look like you're totally serious, so I get thrown off...

Mona

You're a teacher, aren't you?

David

Yes. I'm a Seminary teacher.

Mona

Seminary? Oh...

David

(a bit defensive)

What's wrong with that?

Mona

Nothing... I just didn't really like Seminary much.

david

We'll change that.

Mona looks doubtful.

int. KitCHEN - eVENING

Mona, David, and Annalise are sitting on kitchen counters. David and Annalise are sitting on either side of the kitchen sink. Mona is sitting next to the fridge on the counter perpendicular to the counter with the sink. There is silence.

David

So... you like music?

Mona

Everyone likes music.

David

Um... That's probably true...

Mona

Probably...

They all look away from each other.

int. Mona's bedrooom - NIGHT

Mona sits up in bed, gasping for breath. She takes one deep breath and swallows. She gets up out of bed and goes to the window. She stares at the dark outline of some mountains for a while. She turns and gets back into bed, curling up into a tight ball, holding the blankets closely to her.

eXT. Front lawn - morning

Mona sits against a tree, reading. She wears a black jacket despite the obvious summertime. She looks distant.

int. liVING ROOM window - MOMENTS LATER

Annalise comes to stand by the window. She is shown watching Mona for a few moments before she turns away.

int. davID's OFFICE - afternoon

David sits at his desk, typing on a laptop. Mona sits uncomfortably on a folding chair next to, and a little bit behind, him. He is pointing at the computer screen and gesturing quite a bit with his hands.

David

...and then you have to enter the name into this box. Then, you do it all over. Indexing sounds fun, right?

He looks back at Mona, who scratches the side of her face and adjusts her glasses.

Mona

I think I prefer Email surveys...

DavID

What?

Mona gestures questioningly at the laptop. David slides it closer to her. She slides closer to the desk and starts to type rather quickly. She presses the enter key and waits. She types something in.

Mona

See? List of random questions. You answer them all, and send them to cool people. They send them back, and you laugh at how hilarious you all are.

David looks doubtful.

David

It's sort of just a waste of time.

Mona

Yeah, at least we aren't doing drugs.

David

Hm...

Mona

I like to think of it as writing in a journal.

David

What? Why? Journals are like a personal history. Email quizzes are... Eh...

Mona uses the touch pad and starts scrolling. A ridiculously long list of emails, all from the same person, is shown on the screen.

Mona

Do you know what this is?

David

A lot of wasted time?

Mona

No. This is every email quiz I've ever done/received from the last six years.

David

Why on Earth did you save them?

Mona

For the same reason you keep a journal.

David

I doubt that.

Mona

The way that I answer these questions, much like what you write about in your journal, reflects the person I was when I did them. Reading back through the quizzes that I did when I was in the sixth grade, is like looking back in time.

David

Okay, then...

Mona

Well, it sounds more fun than Indexing.

David

Indexing is important work.

Mona

Like math class? Necessary evils and all that jazz?

DavID

Um, no...

David looks away.

inT. LivinG ROOM - The nEXT DAY

Mona is walking toward the front door. David comes out of the kitchen, almost running into her.

David

Where are you going?

MONA

Outside to read.

David

Haven't you been reading that book all week?

Mona

Yes. I haven't finished it yet.

David

Have you read it before?

MONA

Yes. Several times.

DaviD

Why don't you go visit the public library? It's not that far away.

Mona

Where is it?

David

Walk two blocks North and a block East.

Mona

Cool... Should I be home at any particular time?

David

Um... Before dinnertime?

Mona

Cool... Cool, cool, cool.

Mona slips out the front door. David stands looking at the door for a while before walking across the living room to his office.

InT. Dining Room - evening

Mona, David, and Annalise sit at the dinner table, eating food.

Annalise

So, I called Dr. Sharp's office today...

Mona

(hopefully)

And nobody answered?

Annalise

No...

David

Did they want us to come in?

Annalise

Yes.

Mona

Dang it.

Annalise

The person on the phone said that they had Mona's name in their computer under "Schedule appointment".

Annalise says this using air-quotes. Mona grumbles under her breath. David goes back to his food.

Int. Dr. Sharp's office - DAY

David and Annalise stand unsure by the door into the office. Mona walks up to a man behind a desk. The man looks up.

Mona

Hi.

Alonzo

Hello...

Mona

My name is Mona. What is your name?

Alonzo

Alonzo...

Mona

Awesome! Allons-y Alonzo!

David

What?

Mona

It's "Let's go" in French.

Alonzo

I've had someone say that to me once... Why?

Mona laughs uncontrollably for a moment while David and Annalise look uncomfortable.

Mona

Google it.

Alonzo looks thoughtful.

AlONZO

Oh, yeah. Mona Carter. I'm supposed to show you in as soon as you get here.

Mona

Molto Bene.

Alonzo stands up from his desk and starts walking down a hallway.

AloNZO

What?

Mona

It's Italian for "very good".

Alonzo looks confused. David looks at Annalise questioningly. She shrugs. Alonzo reaches the end of the hallway and opens a door. Mona, David, and Annalise walk through the door into an office. Dr. Sharp is sitting at his desk, typing on a laptop. He looks up as they walk in the door. He stands up.

Dr. Stephen Sharp

Have a seat.

Mona

I can have it? Really?

Dr. SHARP

For now, but you have to keep it where it is.

Mona

Good answer.

Dr. SHARP

Thank you.

They all sit down and Dr. Sharp interlocks his fingers together and puts his elbows on his desk.

Dr. SHARP

Now, I've read some of Dr. Steinbeck's notes...

Mona

Oh, great...

Dr. Sharp looked up at Mona, surprised, but amused.

Dr. SHARP

They are very interesting.

Mona

I'm sure...

Dr. SHARP

(mischievously)

Yes. I'm quite anxious to take some notes myself.

Mona fakes a look of horror. Dr. Sharp laughs. David and Annalise pretend to look amused, but are obviously uncomfortable.

Dr. SHARP

Now, Dr. Steinbeck has recommended that Mona come to see me on a regular basis...

Mona

Of course.

Dr. SHARP

...which will be free of charge.

David

What? Why?

Dr. SHARP

Because Mona was recommended by a doctor from The Division of Child and Family Services, the Department of Human Services pays for her therapy.

David and Annalise nod, understandingly.

Mona

Or, they could save their money for people who actually need it.

Dr. Sharp smiles at Mona as if she is an adorably naive child. Mona glares at him.

Dr. SHARP

Hey, Mona, why don't you step out in the hallway for a second while I talk to David and Annalise?

Mona

I don't really know.

Dr. SHARP

What?

Mona

I don't know why I don't... I just don't.

Dr. Sharp laughs again and makes shooing motions with his hands. Mona looks confused, gets up, and walks out the door. Dr. Sharp waits until the door has closed and then looks at David and Annalise very seriously.

Dr. SHARP

Now, I've also been told that my services may also be offered to you free of charge.

David

What? You think we need Counseling?

Dr. SHARP

I think you may need a little help understanding your foster child. You don't have to come that often, just once or twice when I deem it necessary.

David

I'm a high school teacher. I like to think that I have a pretty good understanding of teenagers.

Dr. SHARP

You'd like to think that wouldn't you?

David

Um, excuse me?

Dr. SHARP

How long have you been a teacher?

David

Only a year.

DR. SHARP

Interesting...

David

What?

Dr. SHARP

What were your first impressions of Mona?

David

She's a bit...

int. Alonzo's desk- conTINUOUS

Mona stands behind Alonzo, who is typing into a laptop.

Alonzo

Doctor What?

Mona

Who. Doctor Who.

Alonzo

Okay...

Alonzo types something in and then uses a wireless USB mouse to select something on the screen. Mona points at the screen.

Mona

Wikipedia is good...

Alonzo selects a result with the mouse and begins to read.

int. Dr. SHARP'S OFFICE - coNTINUOUS

daviD

.... she's very non-typical.

Dr. SHARP

Well, that's kind of obvious. Tell me about her. What does she like to do?

Annalise

She reads a lot...

David

She likes the internet.

Dr. SHARP

Does she like music?

David

She plays the violin.

Dr. SHARP

Really? Have you heard her play? Does she practice?

David

Not that I've seen...

Annalise shakes her head.

Dr. SHARP

How long has she been staying with you?

DaVID

A week.

Dr. SHARP

Have you sat down and talked with her?

David

About what?

Dr. SHARP

Anything. Everything. She's just gone through a traumatic experience. Have you asked her about her life previous to this?

David

She's very elusive. She doesn't talk about something if she doesn't want to. besides, what are we supposed to talk about?

Dr. SHARP

Have you talked to her about religion? Did you go to church on Sunday?

David

It was Stake Conference, and we decided not to go. All she said about religion was that she didn't like Seminary that much, and she was very skeptical about the importance of certain church related projects.

Dr. SHARP

Such as?

David

Indexing.

Dr. SHARP

Well, she's a teenager. I would be extremely surprised if she was even remotely interested

David

It's important work. It's not always supposed to be fun.

Dr. SHARP

Maybe you should talk to her about the importance of obeying commandments or something?

David

I tried.

Dr. SHARP

What do you teach?

David

Seminary.

Dr. SHARP

Well, then it should be easy for you to draw her into religious conversation.

David

She doesn't seem to want to talk about things. She's very unwilling to bring the topic of religion up.

Dr. SHARP

But you're a teacher. You must have a way of dealing with children who are unwilling to do things.

David

Well, she's not exactly refusing to do anything, it's just hard to be pull her into a conversation about something you want to talk about, because she always has a way of steering it in a completely random direction.

Dr. SHARP

Come on!

DAVID

You know how teenagers are. It probably hasn't been that long since you were one yourself. How old are you?

Dr. SHARP

I'm 26.

David

Doesn't it take, like ten years to get a degree?

Dr. SHARP

It took me eight years, and I graduated from high school when I was 16.

David

How long have you been practicing?

Dr. SHARP

I've been here for three months, but I had to have an entire year internship, and I went on a mission.

David

Impressive.

Dr. SHARP

That's not the point.

Screenplay Part 2

Int. AloNZO'S DESK - ConTINUOUS

Alonzo

So, it's a British television show...?

Mona

Yeah... Pretty brilliant, actually.

AlonZO

Interesting...

Alonzo scrolls down on the screen.

Alonzo

So is this, like the new popular thing?

mona

Ha! Hardly. It started in the 60's, so not really new; and there aren't many people who like science-fiction TV shows these days.

Alonzo

I bet you have tons of internet friends that do, though.

Mona

Oh, yeah. What is the internet for, but for the uniting of people with similar interests?

Alonzo

I'm pretty sure they created it so that teachers could make students do more research papers.

Mona

No kidding, right?

int. dr. SHARP'S OFFICE - contINUOUS

Dr. Sharp is just finishing his questioning of David and Annalise. They stand up and both shake his hand.

Dr. SHARP

Now, I'd like to talk with Mona alone.

David and Annalise exit the office and walk down the hallway. They find Mona and Alonzo speaking about something that is on Alonzo's laptop.

David

Dr. Sharp will see you now.

He indicated the open doorway they had just exited

Mona

Not unless I'm invisible.

David

Right...

Mona walks past David and Annalise back down the hallway and into Dr. Sharp's open door. She closes it.

Dr. SharP

Oh, hello again. Please sit down.

Mona

Darn. I don't get a seat this time?

Dr. Sharp laughs. He opens a notebook and grabs a pen. Mona looks suspicious.

Mona

Are you writing notes on me now? Do I have to stop being clever and start being emotional?

Dr. SHARP

I don't know. Do what you want.

Mona

That's a new one.

Dr. SHARP

How would you say you've been adjusting to your life with the Sandsons?

Mona

Would you like me to rate it on a scale from 1 to 10?

Dr. SHARP

That would be most helpful.

mona

Well, that's too bad. I'm horrible at rating things.

Dr. Sharp looks amused.

Dr. SHARP

I know Dr. Steinbeck loves having people rate things.

Mona

Oh, yeah, I know. I would just pick whatever number came to my mind, then he'd want me to explain why I said that number. He didn't like that too much.

Dr. SHARP

Like how there is no "I don't know" option on multiple choice tests?

Mona

Or how there is a right answer for questions that say, "What do you think is the best answer"?

Dr. SHARP

It just doesn't make sense.

Mona

Exactly.

Dr. SHARP

Although, David was sort of right.

Mona

How do you mean?

Dr. SHARP

He said that it was hard to talk to you about stuff because you were really good at changing the subject. You never answered my question.

Mona

I don't know how to answer it. I don't know how adjustable I am. It's not something I've thought about before.

Dr. SHARP

How are you feeling? How well did you sleep last night?

Mona

Those were the first two questions Dr. Steinbeck asked me.

Dr. SHARP

Well?

Mona

I don't know. I don't normally sleep "well".

Mona makes air quotes with her fingers.

Dr. SHARP

Why not?

Mona

(sarcastically)

Obviously because I choose not to.

Dr. SHARP

Why don't you sleep well, Mona?

Mona looks uncomfortable. She looks at her hands.

MoNA

I... I don't know. I just don't.

Dr. SHARP

You know, so why don't you tell me?

Mona

The negative connotations surrounding psychiatrists make me disinclined to entrust you with my greatest secrets.

Dr. SHARP

I bet you aren't scared of dentists.

Mona

My dentist was the coolest.

Dr. SHARP

So, why can't your psychiatrist be?

Mona

I don't know you.

Dr. Sharp stares at Mona for a long time, then looks down at his notebook and smiles.

Mona

Why are you smiling?

Dr. Sharp looks up at Mona, and then tips his notebook up so that Mona can see the blank sheet of paper. Mona raises her eyebrows.

Dr. SHARP

Well, Mona. I suppose you may go now. According to what Alonzo has entered into the schedule, your appointments are set for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Mona

Saturdays?

Dr. SHARP

Yes.

Mona looks disappointed as she stands up and leaves the room.

int. Store - day

Mona stands next Annalise who is browsing through a rack of clothes. Annalise pulls out a shirt, grimaces, and puts it back.

Annalise

This is ridiculous.

Mona

Do you want to know a secret?

Annalise

Yes.

Mona

Shop for shirts in the guy's section. Also, if you buy pants that are the same brand, same type, same size, et cetera, then you don't have to worry about trying them on.

Annalise

Hm... Okay, we're buying clothes for you anyway, so why don't you go ahead. Lead on.

Mona walks through the maze of clothing racks to the wall where shelves of folded pairs of pants were stacked. She looks around a little and finds the brand she is looking for. She grabs a few pairs of pants that are her size and hands them to Annalise.

Mona

Pants: done.

Annalise

Nice.

Mona

Very.

Mona then walks back through the girl's section and across an isle to the boy's section. There is a table with a bunch of folded up t-shirts. Most are plain colors, but some have pictures of guitars and stuff on them. Mona grabs several small sized shirts and turns to Annalise.

Mona

We are done.

Annalise

You're a genius.

Mona

Actually, my IQ isn't high enough, but thanks anyway.

Annalise laughs. They walk to the front of the store to a check-out station.

Annalise

Want a treat or something?

Mona

Sure.

Mona grabs a package of Nerds. Annalise laughs. Mona grins.

Annalise

Nice.

Mona

Oh, yeah.

int. Kitchen - EVENING

Mona helps Annalise cook dinner.

Mona

Who's coming over for dinner again?

annalise

The Andersons. They live next door.

Mona

Oh, yeah, the house with the ramps all around the front lawn and the skater kid?

Annalise

Yes. His name is Taavi.

Mona

That's pretty cool.

annaLISE

Yeah, he's a nice kid and he actually cleans up pretty nice for church on Sundays.

Mona

Those kids who's hair is held down solely by their mothers' spit?

Annalise laughs.

Annalise

No, I'm sure he does it all on his own. He walks himself to church even.

Mona

Nice.

David enters the kitchen.

David

I'm taking you to register for school tomorrow.

Mona

Cool, cool, cool.

The doorbell rings. David walks to the door and opens it. A somewhat normal looking man and woman, accompanied by a boy with long hair, a t-shirt with two giraffes forming a heart with their necks on it, skinny jeans, and converse.

Mrs. Anderson

Hello, David, how are you?

David

I'm great.

Mr. Anderson

Thanks for having us.

They walk into the kitchen.

Annalise

Hi!

Mrs. aNDERSON

Hello.

Mr. Anderson sees Mona.

Mr. AnDERSON

Who's this?

David

This is Mona. She's our foster child.

Mr. AndERSON

That's great!

Mona tries not to look doubtful.

Mrs. ANDERSON

What grade are you in?

Mona

I'm a senior.

Mr. ANDERSON

Really? Taavi is a senior as well. That's so cool.

Mona and Taavi eye each other. They nod their greetings.

Annalise finishes her dinner-making and they all go into the dining room. Mona ends up sitting at the far end of the table across from Taavi.

Mona

Awesome shirt.

Taavi

Giraffes love giraffes who...

Mona

love giraffes.

Taavi

I think we can raise the Nerdfighter population in Tremonton to two.

Mona

Is there really no one else?

Taavi

I've tried to do some missionary work, but people just aren't converting.

Mona laughs.

int. david's car - day

Mona sits in the passenger side seat of David's car. Mona is humming something under her breath. David keeps glancing over at her.

David

So, have you thought about what classes you're going to take?

Mona

Not really.

DaVID

Why not?

Mona

I'd have to look at my transcript to see what classes I still need to take. I don't need that many more credits to graduate.

David

Are you taking Seminary?

Mona

I might as well. I've been taking it for three years, so I might as well graduate from Seminary.

David

Why didn't you like Seminary?

Mona

I don't know. I just thought it'd be cooler or something.

David

I think it's pretty cool.

Mona

It might be. I don't know. My teachers were just... Ugh.

David

How so?

Mona

Well, I only had two different teachers because I kept getting the same teachers. It just reminded me too much of Sunday school. I thought that, because they were professionals, they'd be better at teaching it, but they weren't really.

David

Well, I hope you find our teachers more professionals.

Mona

Yeah.

Mona looks away

Int. Counselor's office - day

Mona and David sit next to each other on a couch. There is a desk in front of them and behind the desk sits a short woman.

Mrs. Davies

Okay. According to your transcript, you need your English 12 credit.

Mona

I don't have to take English 12, do I?

Mrs. DAVIES

No. You can take AP Literature...

Mona

Oh, good. Yes, AP Literature it is.

Mrs. Davies looks a little annoyed at the interruption, but writes something down on a piece of paper.

Mrs. DAVIES

You also need to take US Government.

Mona

Okay.

Mrs. Davies

And you have to take either a math class or a science class.

Mona

Ugh, but I already have all my math and science credits.

Mrs. DAVIES

Yes, but you have to have one.

mONA

Lame-sausage...

Mrs. DAVIES

What?

mONA

Do you have a list of classes I can look at?

Mrs. Davies gives Mona a packet. Mona flips through the packet for a moment.

Mona

Does Psychology count as a science credit?

Mrs. DAVIES

I don't think so.

Mona

Why? It's a science... sort of.

Mrs. DAVIES

I'm not sure that will qualify. I can check, though.

Mona

Could you? That would be fantastic.

Mrs. Davies turns to her computer and starts researching. Mona continues to look through the packet.

David

You could take Sculpting.

Both laugh.

Mrs. DAVIES

I think we can count Psychology as a Science class, because you don't need any more Science credits.

Mona

Seriously? That's awesome.

Mrs. DAVIES

That's all for your classes in terms of requirement. You have thirteen class slots left, anything you had in mind?

Mona

Orchestra; three trimesters.

Mrs. Davies nods and writes on her piece of paper.

David

Seminary; three trimesters.

Mona looks at David, who raises his eyebrows challengingly.

Mona

Yeah, whatever.

Mrs. Davies

Anything else catch your eye?

Mona looks back at the packet.

Mona

Cinema, Digital Media, Web Page Design II..

Mrs. DAVIES

Okay... you have three class spots left.

MONA

Do I need any more credits?

Mrs. Davies consults her paper.

Mrs. DAVIES

No.

Mona

Do I have to put classes there?

mrs. DAVIES

What will you do for those class periods?

Mona

It could be my study period. I would probably go to the library.

DaviD

Or you could hang out in my office. Or help out in my class.

Mona

Yeah... I promise not to be a bad child.

Mrs. DAVIES

Technically, we can't force you into any class... Fine.

David holds out a hand and Mona high fives it.

int. liviNG ROOM - NIGHT

Mona, David, and Annalise sit on the couch watching the TV.

David

Are you sure about this?

Mona

Yes.

AnnalISE

It's on at 11?

David

It's probably because nobody wants to watch.

Mona

Hey! Be nice.

David

Sorry.

The Television screen is shown. The opening theme for Doctor Who is playing.

ext. froNT LAWN - DAY

Mona is sitting under her favorite tree, reading. Next door, Taavi walks out of the house with his skateboard and sits on the curb. He takes out a cell phone and starts texting someone. Mona looks up from her book and sees Taavi.

Mona

Hey.

Taavi looks over at her.

Taavi

Hey. Did you watch the Vlogbrothers video for today?

Mona

Nope. I haven't watched any all summer. Nobody in this world believes in Youtube anymore.

Taavi

You should come over sometime and catch up.

Mona

That'd be cool.

Taavi

Are you doing anything today?

Mona

Actually, I have to go see my psychiatrist later.

Taavi

Cool. Is your shrink Stephen Sharp?

Mona

Yeah.

Taavi

Apparently he's pretty cool.

Mona

Eh, he's not bad, for a shrink.

Taavi

Cool... Can I come with you?

Mona

Sure. Actually, David and Annalise have just started trusting me enough to let me walk there, so you could accompany me.

TaaVI

Sweet. Awesome.

ext. STREET - afterNOON

Mona and Taavi walk up to the front door of Dr. Sharp's office building. Alonzo looks up as they walk in.

Alonzo

Hey, Mona. Who's your friend?

Mona

This is Taavi. He's my neighbor.

Taavi

Hi.

Alonzo

Dr. Sharp is in his office.

Mona nods and walks down the hall. Taavi follows. Dr. Sharp looks up from his desk as they walk in. He looks confused.

Dr. SHARP

Did I miss something? Is it bring your friends to therapy day or something?

Mona

Yes. I can't believe you missed the memo.

Dr. SHARP

Me neither.

TaaVI

Is it okay for me to be here?

Dr. SHARP

Yeah, it's cool. It's not like Mona answers questions truthfully anyway.

Mona

Right.

Mona and Taavi sit down.

Taavi

I've never talked to a shrink before.

Dr. SHARP

We like being called psychiatrists or therapists sometimes.

TaaVI

Really? That's cool.

Mona

You usually start out by asking me how I slept.

Dr. SHARP

Yes, I do... am I really becoming that predictable? Should I change things around a bit?

Mona

I don't know. You're the one with a college degree.

Dr. SHARP

That's true.

Taavi

If it's not working, then maybe you need to adjust your routine to fit the person.

Mona

Yeah, coming from the person, you should definitely try something new, like, how about we ask you questions?

Dr. SHARP

This should be interesting.

taaVI

What is your relationship status on Facebook?

Dr. SHARP

How do you know I even have a Facebook?

Taavi

I can just tell these things... You're single.

Dr. SHARP

Why do you say that?

TaaVI

No wedding ring and we're asking the questions here.

Dr. SHARP

Sorry and yes, I am single... Though I don't know why that matters.

Taavi

It doesn't.

Dr. SHARP

Oh.

Mona

My turn with a question. Do you have a Twitter account?

Dr. SHARP

Um.. yes...

Mona

Seriously? Cool. You should write down your username for me so I can follow you... if I get on the internet anytime soon.

Dr. Sharp looks confused, but pulls out a pad of sticky notes and writes something down on it. He hands it to Mona. She slowly smiles evilly. Dr. Sharp looks regretful.

TaaVI

My turn. Can we call you Stephen?

Dr. SHARP

If you really want to...

Mona

Really? Cool, so if we, like, see you on the streets...

Mona and Taavi burst into laughter, Stephen rolls his eyes.

Stephen

Let's not let this reverse of rolls get out of hand, shall we?

Mona

Yes, quite. Okay, why did you become a psychiatrist?

StePHEN

I don't know, it's just what sounded fun and interesting, so I did it.

Mona

But when you were 16? It's interesting that that's the career path you chose.

Taavi

Very interesting. Maybe it's because you have a superiority complex?

Stephen

I don't know, okay!

Mona

Touchy... Taavi, your turn.

Taavi

Do you ever leave this office? Like, do you make house calls?

Stephen

Sometimes, if one of my patients is being particularly difficult,

Stephen looks pointedly at Mona.

Stephen

(cont.)

I go to their home or school to talk with their teachers and/or parents about their environment.

Mona

Are you implying something here?

TaaVI

He's totally just messing with us.

StepHEN

Oh, I wouldn't be so sure.

Mona

Oh, please. That's ridiculous.

Stephen

You're so sure about everything, aren't you?

Mona

I dare you.

Stephen looks slightly taken aback, but leans forward in his desk and narrows his eyes.

Stephen

You sure you want to do that?

Mona

I triple-dog-dare you.

Taavi

Ooooh.

Stephen

You brought this upon yourself.

Mona

I feel like we should be spitting in our hands and shaking on this.

int. living ROOM - moRNING

Mona sits on the couch with her backpack on her lap. David rushes into the room and puts a shoulder bag that contains his laptop and his jacket on the coffee table. He rushes out of the room again.

Mona

You could have got ready last night. Then you wouldn't be rushing.

David sticks his head out of his office and glares at her.

David

I thought I was ready.

His head disappears again and Mona shakes her head. He comes back out of the office a few minutes later with a notebook and a bunch of papers and stuffs them into his shoulder bag. He puts the jacket on and grabs all his stuff.

DaVID

Come on, we're gonna be late.

Mona

It's only 7:20 and it will take five minutes to get there. Calm down.

Mona follows David out the door and into the car. They drive to the school and park in the Seminary building parking-lot, which is in between the Seminary and the actual school building. They get out of the car and walk into the Seminary building. They walk through the foyer and up to a door. David pulls out a key and unlocks it, then turns on the light as he walks in. The room is filled with desks.

David

Not sure what you're going to do for a half an hour, but...

He unlocks another door and puts all the stuff he has in his hands on the desk inside. Mona watches him arrange things for a minute then sits down at one of the desks. She begins to look around. Several minutes later, a tall, blond man with glasses walks into the room. He looks around and sees Mona sitting.

Richard White

Hi!

Mona

Hello.

Richard White

What's your name?

Mona

Mona.

Richard White

Oh, YOU'RE Mona?

Mona

Apparently.

RichARD WHITE

Oh, it's very nice to meet you!

Mona

I'm sure.

Brother White shakes Mona's hand enthusiastically. David sticks his head out of his office.

David

Ah, Brother White! First day of school, excited?

Richard WHITE

Yes! Always!

They both laugh. Mona raises an eyebrow.

RicharD WHITE

So, this one's yours...

David looks at Mona for a second.

David

Yeah. Never thought of it that way...

Richard WHITE

Aww, that's so awesome.

Mona

Did you just awe?

Richard WHITE

(with fake seriousness)

I've known David for over a year now, and I find his finally becoming a parent a very adorable and momentous thing.

Mona laughs. She tries to stop, but fails. Brother White grins at David. David rolls his eyes.

David

Um, Mona, why don't you go find your first class?

Mona

(still trying to stop laughing)

Yeah, I probably should. I hope they have maps.

RichaRD WHITE

Yeah, maps are very useful.

MOna

That and you get to laugh at all the people the first day, walking around with their maps. Hilarious.

Brother White starts to laugh. Mona smiles and leaves the room.

Int. English Class - day

Mona sits on the front row of desks. There is a man in a suit and bow-tie standing at the front of the room. The bell rings and a few people begin to trickle into the room. The man looks down at Mona.

Mr. Dubois

You seem like an enthusiastic pupil. What is your name?

Mona

Mona Carter.

Dubois

That's a nice name... Mona... Like Da Vinci?

Mona

Exactly.

dubois

That's pretty cool. So, do you like English?

MonA

Yes. It's my second favorite subject.

DuboiS

Don't tell me your first is math.

Mona

No. It's Orchestra. Why? Does the English department here have a strong rivalry with the math department?

Dubois

Not really, but I think it'd be pretty funny if we did. Rivalries are exciting.

Mona

Unless they get violent.

Dubois

I doubt it will come to that. The teachers who are tough enough to fight people are all Health teachers.

Mona

The English teachers are nerds, math teachers are dorks, and science teachers are geeks.

Dubois

See, you know how this works.

The bell rings. The classroom is filled with children.

Dubois

Alright, quiet down children.

One boy raises his hand. Mr. Dubois raises his eyebrows at the kid.

Boy

Are you wearing a bow-tie?

Dubois

No.

Boy

What? Yes you are.

Dubois

Then, why did you ask?

A girl from the back of the class raises her hand, but doesn't wait for Mr. Dubois' acknowledgment.

Girl

I think bow-ties are a crime against fashion.

Dubois

Well, you don't have to wear one.

Girl

Why do you wear one?

Dubois

Because The Doctor wears a bow-tie.

Mona

YES!

Mr. Dubois grins at Mona.

Dubois

Are you a Who fan?

Mona

Proudly so.

Boy

What are you talking about?

Dubois

You're right. This isn't the time or place to discuss the secrets of the universe.

He winks at Mona, who laughs again.

int. Orchestra/band room - day

Mona pushes open the door to a large, open room. There are people milling around aimlessly. The bell rings, they all sit in a huge circle on the floor. Mona stands off to one side. A woman enters the room and is greeted by many voices. She smiles and puts a hand up for silence.

Miss Martin

Thank you, guys. Everybody take a disclosure and read through it, because I don't want to.

She hands a stack of papers to someone. She then looks over at where Mona is standing.

Miss MARTIN

Hello.

Mona

Hello.

Everyone looks at Mona.

Ben

Hey, there's a new girl.

Henry

New girl!!!

Gingevere

Awesome!!

Harry

Miss Martin, can we keep her?

Miss Martin laughs.

Miss MARTIN

What's your name?

Mona

Mona Carter.

Miss MARTIN

Cool. What do you play?

Mona

Violin.

Miss martin

Nice.

Ben

YAY!

Taavi Anderson

Come on, you guys, it's not like she's a new species of animal.

Maureen

You'd think she was.

Mona

Hey, Taavi.

TaAVI

Hey, Mona. How's it going?

Mona

Pretty solid.

Taavi

Cool.

Mona

Cool, cool, cool.

TaaVI

Have you seen Stephen lurking around anywhere?

mona

Nope. Either he chickened out, or he's a very talented stalker.

MisS MARTIN

Anyway people, Let's not be too loud.

Mona

So, Taavi, is it okay if I come over to borrow your computer today after school?

Taavi

Do you think David will give me a ride?

Mona

I think he will. He's not mean.

Taavi

Cool.

mona

Cool, cool, cool.

int. Seminary Building - day

Mona walks into the foyer of the Seminary building. There are people standing in large groups around the doorways of the classrooms. The Seminary teachers stick out on account of their being taller than the students and wearing suits. David and Brother White look over at Mona as she enters the building.

RicharD WHITE

Hey! Seminary!

MONA

Are you sure?

Richard WHITE

Yes.

Mona

Oh, good... So, what are all these people standing around for?

David

There is a list of names on each of the doors, the names of what students are in which class.

Mona

Oh, so I have to go around to each door and find out what class I have?

David

No.

Mona

Why not?

david

Because I already looked...

Mona

Just couldn't help yourself, could you?

David

It was Brother White's idea.

Richard WHITE

Hey, don't blame me!

mona

So? Who's class? Come on, the suspence is killing me.

David

You're in my class.

Mona squints one eye at David, he looks embarrassed.

Mona

Cool, so I can go sit down now? I've been walking around all day.

David

Yeah...

Mona walks to David's door and has to shove through a bunch of people to get in. She sits in the desk in the very center of the front row. She takes a book out of her backpack and begins to read. Taavi Anderson walks into the room and sits down next to Mona.

Taavi

This should be fun.

Mona

I thought you were against Seminary?

Taavi

Not really, I just didn't really feel like it, but now I do.

Mona

Okay, then. Whatever makes you happy.

taavi

Oh yeah.

The room fills with students. The bell rings. David closes the door and goes to the front of the room. He leans on a podium with wheels that has been placed in front of the desks.

taavi

Hey, Brother Sandson.

DavID

Hi, Taavi. I thought you didn't likw Seminary?

TaAVI

I changed my mind.

David

Good.

taavi

Could you possibly give me a ride home after school?

David

Um... sure.

TaaVI

Thanks.

david

Yup. Okay, children, quiet down.

Mona

Mr. Dubois says that.

Maureen slams the book she's reading. Everyone looks at her.

MaUREEN

Oh, I know. Bow ties are cool.

Mona

Amen.

David

What?... Never mind. It's time to start class.

int. dr. SHARP'S OFFICE - DAY

StePHEN

So, how was your first week of school?

Mona

Meh.

StepheN

I'm sure you have opinions on everything.

Mona

Yeah, I'm just too lazy to voice them at the moment.

StePHEN

Yeah, I hear you... I've been stuck in this office all day.

Mona

You want to go get some tacos?

StepHEN

What?

Mona

Tacos.

StePHEN

That would be totally unprofessional.

Mona

Oh, please.

StePHEN

And awkward.

Mona

Get over yourself and live a little.

Stephen looks a little bit unhappy.

StephEN

Why are you so set on getting out of this office?

Mona

I'm not set on getting out of here, but it's jut super stuffy ad it would be nice to not have to be here all the time.

StePHEN

Not really, I thought it was quite airy.

Mona

This office is designed to shut out the world, right?

StePHEN

I suppose it is, yes.

Mona

It's claustrophobic.

StepHEN

You're claustrophobic?

Mona

Extremely.

Stephen

Hm, interesting... Maybe a foray out into the world would be informative...

Mona

I don't know about informative, but it would definitely be better than being stuck in here.

Stephen

Tacos?

Mona

I don't like tacos.

StEPHEN

But you...

Mona

That was just the first thing that came to my mind... We should go to the library.

Stephen

Um... Okay.

Stephen stands up from his chair, taking the jacket that had been thrown over the back of it, and putting it on. Mona stands also.

Ext. Sidewalk - DAY

Mona and Stephen walk down the sidewalk side by side. Mona is whistling cheerfully, Stephen looks unnatural with his hands deep in his jacket pockets. A man walks in the opposite direction. He runs into Mona who falls sideways and backwards toward Stephen. Stephen whips his hands out of his pockets and catches Mona before she hits the ground. The man continues walking. Stephen lifts Mona back into a standing position.

Mona

That was awkward.

StephEN

Not really.

Mona

It is now.

Stephen blushes.

Mona

See?

StephEN

It's not awkward, but because you made it awkward, I couldn't help...

Stephen abruptly closes his mouth and looks embarrassed.

Mona

Welcome to my world.

Stephen

Teenagers can blame hormones.

Mona

We can blame any number of things. It doesn't really do any good.

Stephen

True.

Mona

Shall we continue?

They continue to walk.