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.

Screenplay Part 3

EXT. LIBRARY - DAY

Mona and Stephen stare up at the library. Mona looks over at a swing set. She walks to it and sits down on one of the swings. Stephen continues to stare at the library. He turns to say something and notices that Mona isn't standing there. He walks to the swing set and sits in the other swing. Mona starts swinging as high as she can. Stephen rocks back and forth slightly.

Stephen

At first, I thought that this was going to be sort of like a movie. We sit on the swings and become extremely nostalgic for simpler times. I guess not...

Mona

If this were like a movie, I'd be pouring out my every feeling to you while staring off into the distance. I'd probably also end up crying.

Stephen

Normal people don't actually swing on swings any more.

Mona

Keyword: normal.

Stephen

Touche.

Mona

People ride roller coasters for fun. Swings are just less dramatic, so people like them less, even though they are free. Also, if people wanted a place to sit that is hanging from something, maybe they should get a hammock.

Stephen

You know, Mona, you're less passive than you like to make yourself seem.

Mona

I never claimed to be passive. In fact, I'm extremely opinionated, as you probably know, I'm just too lazy to do much about it. Sometimes, I'm even too lazy to complain.

Stephen

I can't help but think that your relationships are either extremely easy or nonexistent.

Mona

Nonexistent, mostly. Why?

Stephen

Because, you don't care enough to cause conflict because of disagreement, but you also don't care enough to provide input. So, the friends you make and keep would most likely be people who also don't care. This way you can both not care together, making it easy. But, with anyone even a little bit clingy or dependent, someone who requires even a little bit of effort from you to make the relationship work, it wouldn't work because you don't care enough.

Mona

All I got from that was that I don't care. I already knew that.

Mona stops swinging and slowly comes to a stop. Stephen turns sideways in his swing. Mona raises an eyebrow.

Stephen

Do you even want people to like you?

Mona

It's kind of irrelevant if they do.

StephEN

Yes, but everyone cares.

Mona

Yeah, I know. I can't escape from caring, but it's not that hard to suppress.

stephEN

Someday people are going to start liking you more than you believe is possible and you're going to want to put effort into the relationship. What happens if you find yourself so out of practice that you fail?

Mona

People don't like sarcastic cynics.

StephEN

Mona, you are very likable, you just have to see that for yourself.

Mona

You like me?

Stephen looks embarrassed.

StepheN

I just said that you were likable. There you go making things awkward again.

Mona

I'm an awkward person. What are you, like 30? That's a little creepy.

stephen

(defensively)

I'm 25.

Mona

Still, that's 8 years...

Stephen

It's not that big of a gap, and why are we having this conversation?

Mona

You brought it up... Now I know why you don't like to leave the office.

Stephen

Why?

MONA

You said it yourself, it's not professional.

StePHEN

So?

Mona

You have a habit of hiding yourself behind your profession.

StepHEN

I'm supposed to be detached.

Mona

You have a hard time being yourself anywhere else.

StepHEN

Oh, please.

Mona

Why don't we talk about your feelings?

StepHEN

Why?

Mona

Because you're important too.

STEPHEN

What?

Mona

Do you have a girlfriend?

StEPHEN

No...

Mona

Why not?

StEPHEN

Uh, I don't know.

Mona

Maybe you need a girlfriend.

StEPHEN

No. I don't.

Mona

You need a girlfriend you can talk to and who will understand you.

StePHEN

Why on earth...

Mona

Do you like anyone?

Stephen glares at Mona.

Stephen

Alright then. Maybe I need a girlfriend. Are you volunteering?

Mona laughs.

Mona

You said it yourself, I'd be horrible in a relationship.

Stephen

Or are you afraid to try.

Mona

Yes. Definitely.

StephEN

Wimp.

Mona

Are you trying to pressure me into a relationship with you? I'm still a minor, so that's creepy.

stephen

That's true... I'm sure I can wait until... when's your birthday?

Mona

October 6th.

Stephen

Only two months...

Mona

Seriously. Creepy. Plus, I'm incapable of romantic feelings, so I really don't think this is going to work out.

Stephen

You're probably right... wait, are you breaking up with me?

Mona

Yes.

Stephen

Wow... my first ex...

Mona

Me too.

Mona holds her hand up. Stephen high-fives it.

Mona

I think our hour therapy session is over...

Stephen

I think we accomplished a lot, don't you?

MonA

Oh, definitely.

int. enGLISH CLASS - day

Mr. Dubois adjusts his bow-tie.

Dubois

Your homework is to write a biography for someone you live with.

Mona

Does it have to be a serious biography.

dubois

I don't know. I'm not the author.

Mona taps the side of her nose.

Mona

Secret message received.

int. SeminARY BUILDING - Day

Mona follows David as he walks out of his room, across the foyer, and into the main office. She holds a mini notebook, open, and a pencil. David looks annoyed.

David

Why don't you write this thing on Annalise?

Mona only laughs evilly. Brother White is already in the office.

RicharD WHITE

I want to help you write it.

Mona

Cool. Okay.

DAvID

Heaven, help me...

Mona

Oh, you'll like it.

Richard WHITE

True dat.

int. Brother White's office - day

Mona and Brother White sit at a desk in front of a laptop. They are giggling. Mona types something into the computer. They both laugh hysterically.

Richard WHITE

No, wait... how about this?

He reaches toward the laptop and types something. Mona laughs so hard that she puts her face in her hands. David walks into the room.

DaVID

Mona, it's time to go...

Mona and Brother White start laughing harder as David enters.

David

What?

Mona

(laughing)

Nothing... nothing...

Richard WHITE

Just... Nothing...

Both dissolve into laughter again. David looks annoyed.

David

You're not writing my biography are you?

Brother White and Mona just laugh. Mona hits CTR+S to save the document and stands up. She grabs her backpack from the floor and continues to laugh as she follows David outside and into his car.

int. dR. SHARP'S OFFICE - day

Mona opens the door of the office and walks in. Dr. Sharp looks up. He smiles.

STEPHEN

Hello!

Mona

Still creepy, I see.

Stephen

Just being nice.

Mona

Riiight. Well, since everyone wants me so badly, I might as well become a hermit and live out in a cave or something.

Stephen

Good thing I'm kidding then.

Mona

Oh are you?

Stephen

You'd like for me not to be wouldn't you?

Mona

You only want me to want you to want me.

StepHEN

What are you, like, in third grade?

Mona

I liked the third grade...

stePHEN

I cried a lot.

Mona

I can picture that.

StepheN

Thanks.

Mona

My pleasure.

Stephen

You don't seem to take pleasure in many things.

Mona

I'm not good at many things.

StepheN

That doesn't mean you shouldn't do them.

Mona

Yeah, yeah. blah blah blah. I know the whole shtick.

StephEN

Well then?

Mona

I do the things I like. I'm sort of okay at them. I don't do other stuff because I don't care for it, or I'm just lazy.

StePHEN

For shame...

Mona

I never claimed to be a good sort of person.

STEPHEN

I don't think we've even begun to see what sort of person you are.

ext. sidEWALK - afTERNOON

Taavi and Mona walk down the sidewalk in front of the public library.

TaavI

Are we being followed?

Mona

What?

Taavi

That guy who walked into the library right after we did. He walked out a few seconds after we did and now he's walking behind us.

Mona

Seriously?

Taavi

Yeah. Need I tell you not to look back?

Mona

No, I'm good.

TaavI

Good. Well, we have several options.

Mona

Really? What are they?

Taavi

We can just walk home, we could try to lose him, we could confront him, or we could walk to the police station.

Mona

Let's not walk home, just because I don't want to die in my sleep... I'm not good at confrontations, although we could pretend to be hardcore and beat him up for following us... The police station idea would be funny... Nah, I say we try to lose him.

Taavi

Cool, cool. Alrighty, Mona, try to keep up.

Taavi grins at Mona and picks up the pace at which he is walking. They are shown walking to main street of the town and cutting through parking-lots and around buildings. The stalker is shown expressionlessly following them everywhere.

int. The Sandson home - evening

David and Annalise sit in the front room reading. David looks up at the door.

David

Weren't they just going to the library to turn in a book? They should have been back by now.

annaLISE

They are a little late, but I'm sure they're fine.

David

Are you sure they're not...

Annalise

Ew, no. Mona isn't like that.

David

That's what they always say.

Annalise

No, seriously. I asked her if she had a boyfriend before she came here and she laughed, and then I asked her if she had liked anyone and she laughed even harder.

David

What's that supposed to mean?

AnNALISE

Well, then she proceeded to explain to me that she didn't find people attractive. She says she's completely opposed to anything romantic or sexual.

David

Um... okay, so....

Mona and Taavi burst through the door, slamming it behind them. David and Annalise look alarmed.

mona

We're not as sneaky as I thought we were.

TaavI

No kidding. Seriously, I know this town better than anyone.

DAvid

What are you talking about?

moNA

I think we are being stalked.

AnNALISE

What?

DavID

Yeah, right.

MonA

No, seriously.

TaaVI

Yeah, we went everywhere trying to lose him and he was still there before we started running.

DaviD

When was that?

TaavI

A few blocks away from here. We just decided to start running in attempt to lose him before we got here, but I wouldn't be surprised if he now knows where we live.

DaviD

Why didn't you go to the police station?

Mona

We thought about it, but we wanted to try our hands at being ninjas.

Annalise

Okay, so what are we going to do about this now?

David

I don't know...

int. Police Station - day

Mona, Taavi, and David stand in front of a desk. Mona is writing on a form.

Taavi

Under "comments" should we write that we'd kind of like to not be murdered in our sleep?

Mona

Yes.

David

No!

Mona

Dang it.

Mona hands the paper to a woman sitting behind the desk.

woman

Thank you for your time. Your report will be reviewed.

David drags Mona and Taavi toward the door before they have a chance to complain.

int. SeminaRY BUILDING - day

A circle of tape in the middle of the foyer is shown. Mona is laying on her stomach on one end and Brother White is doing the same on the other. There are marbles scattered all around the circle and also in two piles, one by Mona and the other by Brother White. Mona takes a shooter marble and proceeds to shoot at the marbles in the circle. She misses all of them.

Mona

fudge-muffin...

Richard WHITE

You aren't very good at this.

Mona

Not even remotely.

Richard WHITE

It was a good idea, though.

Mona

I know, right? Next week we should play Poker.

Richard WHITE

Gambling is bad.

Mona

Who says we'll be gambling? We'll just be playing a game.

Mona grins. Brother White shakes his head and shoots four marbles out of the circle.

Mona

Darn!!!

int. DAvID'S CAR - afterNOON

Mona and David are driving home from school.

david

So, how's your biography coming along?

Mona

It's finished.

David

Really?

monA

Yeah...

David

You can't have possibly wrote about my childhood or anything.

mONA

Why not?

David

You didn't even ask me about any of it.

Mona

I asked Annalise.

David

She doesn't know about a lot of my childhood.

Mona

She gave me your mom's phone number.

DavID

You called my mom?!

Mona

She's a very nice lady.

David

I don't believe that.

Mona

You will when you read it.

David looks thoughtful. Then he looks afraid.

David

Did Brother White see it?

Mona

He helped write it.

David

The finished work?

Mona

Yes.

David

I'm afraid.

Mona

Oh, don't be. It's one of the greatest works I ever wrote.

David

Oh, please...

int. enGLISH CLASS - day

Mr. Dubois is passing biographies back to people. He finishes just as the bell rings. Mona approaches his desk.

Dubois

I realize that I haven't given yours back to you yet Mona.

Mona

Okay.

Dubois

I need it for a little bit longer.

Mona

Okay.

Mona leaves.

int. seminary BUILDING - day

Mr. Dubois walks into the foyer of the Seminary building. He goes to the main office. In the room through the back of the main office is where the Seminary teachers are eating lunch. The teachers all look up as he walks in. Mr. Dubois waves.

DavID

Oh, hey Brother Dubois. How are you doing?

Dubois

I'm great. How are you?

David

I'm wonderful. I didn't see you at church last week.

Dubois

Oh, yeah. The whole family was sick, so I stayed home.

David

That's too bad... so, what can I do for you?

Dubois

I was just wondering if I could talk to you about Mona.

All the teachers look surprised and curious.

DAVID

Mona is in your English class, isn't she?

DuboiS

Yes. I just finished grading her biography of you.

David glances at Brother White.

David

Really?

Dubois

Yes, it was quite interesting.

David looks pointedly at Brother White. Brother White smiles.

RicharD WHITE

Wait until you read it, David. It's great.

David

I'm sure it is...

Dubois

Actually, it is. Mona is the most talented writer I've ever taught and, having known you for a while now, I think she has captured you perfectly, considering she's only known you for a few months.

David

What.. really?

Dubois

Yes.

David

So, you decided to bring it to me and tell me this?

Dubois

Well, I also was hoping to talk to you about home teaching this month as well...

David laughs and stands up from the table. Mr. Dubois hands him Mona's biography.

int. dr. SHARP'S OFFICE - day

David and Mona sit in the chairs facing Stephen's desk. Stephen Sharp is writing something in a notebook. David is looking uncomfortable and Mona is looking bored.

StePHEN

So, how's school been?

Mona/David

Fine.

They look at each other and raise their eyebrows.

StepheN

That's good.

There is an awkward silence.

Mona

Why is it so awkward?

Stephen

I blame David.

David

What?! Why?

Mona

Because Stephen and I are the constant. It's never awkward until we introduced to variable: you.

StephEN

What is this, a science project?

David

Stephen?

Mona rolls her eyes.

Mona

(exasperatedly)

Dr. Sharp, then.

Stephen

She's probably right, though.

Mona

Thank you.

David

Well, that's too bad, isn't it. The last time I let you walk anywhere, you got yourself in trouble.

Mona

Not technically, my fault.

Stephen

What happened?

Mona

Taavi and I were stalked.

Stephen

Seriously?

David

Yeah, so, now you're grounded from walking.

Mona starts laughing. Stephen hides a grin.

David

You get to crawl now.

MONA

This should be fun.

David

No. You know what I mean.

Mona

Thank goodness that I do.

David

Yeah.

int. MOnA'S BEDROOOM - night

Mona stands at her window, staring out into the night. She is standing completely still. The face of a man suddenly appears in front of hers on the other side of the window. Mona jumps back, her mouth open. The man puts a finger to his mouth, indicating quiet. He then reaches into his coat and pulls out a hand gun. Mona freezes. The man points to the latch on the window and then beckons to Mona. Mona slowly walks forward and unlatches the window. She opens it all the way.

MAn

(whispers)

Good. Now, take out the screen as quietly as possible.

Mona unhooks the screen and carefully lifts it into the room. The man puts away his gun and climbs into the room. He is followed by two other men. He again indicates that Mona should be quiet.

Man

(whispering)

One of these gentlemen are going to help you out of the window. There will be more waiting below.

Mona looks at the man for a moment and then nods. The man step away from the window and wait pointedly for Mona to move toward it.

Man 2

I'll hold on to your arms and lower you down.

Mona sits on the window sill. She holds her arms out and the man holds onto her elbows. He lowers Mona down slowly, letting his hands slide down her arms until he is holding her wrists. He leans as far out of the window as possible.

Man 2

I'm going to let go now.

He lets go and Mona drops to the ground. Her legs collapse as she hits the ground, but she is caught by a man standing on the ground waiting.

Mona

Um, thank you? I guess?

The man chuckles a little. The other three men climb out of the window. They start to walk toward the street. Several more men join them, one is holding Taavi around the shoulders. He is covering Taavi's mouth with a gloved hand.

Man 3

We found this young man wen he dropped out of a window next door.

Taavi mumbles something from behind the glove. The first man (who seems to be the leader) gestures for Taavi to be released. The man holding him lets go. Taavi straightens calmly and goes to stand by Mona.

Mona

Hey, Taavi.

Taavi

Yeah, interesting how I pick this moment to wander over to my window and look over at your house in time to see strange men creeping into your bedroom window.

Mona

Interesting.

Man

Shh.

Mona and Taavi are herded to the sidewalk in front of their houses. They walk a block down the street to where a white van is parked. The group walks casually up to the van. The leader pushes the unlock button on a key-chain. One of the men pulls open the sliding side door. From farther up the street, Stephen Sharp appears. He keeps his head down and his hands in his pockets. He is nearly to the white van when he glances up. He stops in shock as he recognizes Mona and Taavi.

Stephen

What?

Several of the men pull out their guns and point them at Stephen.

Man

Stop wasting time.

Mona and Taavi are shoved into the van. One of the men grab Stephen by the coat and pull him into the van as well.

int. mysterious building

Mona, Taavi, and Stephen are sitting in the corner of a completely empty room. Mona tries not to look cold. Stephen looks over at her, takes off his jacket, and drapes it around her shoulders. Mona looks up at him gratefully.

Taavi

You guys are so cute together.

Stephen

Oh, please.

Taavi

She did turn 18 last week.

Stephen

It was your birthday last week? I totally missed it?

Mona

I purposefully didn't tell anyone. I don't really believe in birthdays. The only reason Taavi knew was because David marked it on his calender so that he wouldn't forget and he gave me a book that I've wanted for a while, that I had to show to Taavi.

Stephen

Hang on. How can you not believe in birthdays?

Mona

I don't believe they should be celebrated. I didn't do anything, apart from causing my mother nine months of discomfort and a few hours of excruciating pain at the end. And it's like, why do people need yet another reason to be selfish... doesn't make sense...

Mona trails off and looks away.

Stephen

Are you rambling?

Mona

Probably.

Stephen

You're afraid?

Taavi

It'd be kind of stupid not to be.

Stephen

Yeah, I suppose so, but... Mona is just so controlled all the time. I didn't think I could imagine her giving up even a fragment of that control to fear.

Mona

It's not exactly a choice.

Stephen

Well, sometimes...

Mona

Sometimes, but not now. Some fear it is absolutely impossible to dispel, no matter how much you rationalize.

StepheN

This is spoken from experience?

Mona

I'm probably not in as much control as you'd like to think.

Taavi

What were we even talking about?

Stephen

Birthdays?

Taavi

Oh, yeah, I was just saying how cute you guys are together.

Mona

Meh.

TaaVI

No seriously. The psychiatrist who thinks he can see everything and the nerd girl who refuses to fit stereotypes.

Stephen

"The psychiatrist who thinks he can see everything"? Really?

Mona

Calling me the nerd girl is fitting me into a stereotype and if I'm refusing to fit into them... That's like an oxymoron.

Taavi

Okay, how about this: The mysterious girl who doesn't seem to fit into the idea of how people should perceive things and the psychiatrist who...

Stephen

...is unfortunate enough to be her therapist?

Mona

No: the psychiatrist trying desperately to be normal?

Stephen

I'm not sure that this is working.

Taavi

Yeah, I suppose I should have thought about it a bit more before I brought it up, but the point is that you...

Taavi points at Stephen.

Taavi

... are obviously attracted to her nonconformity and she's attracted to your intelligence.

Mona

Um...

Stephen

She conforms a lot more then I originally thought, but...

Taavi

She still intrigues you.

Stephen and Mona look slightly uncomfortable.

Taavi

Oh brother. Just admit it and move on. Now's as good a time ans any.

Stephen

It's a little cliche, actually.

Mona

That's what I was thinking. The damsel in distress, vulnerable and needy. The dashing hero, her brave protector.

StephEN

Ooh, so now I'm dashing.

Mona

It's a bit of a stretch, but... yeah.

Stephen

Hey!

The door on the opposite side of the room opens and several men walk in. Mona, Stephen, and Taavi stand up, Stephen putting a hand on Mona's shoulder and pushing her behind him a little.

Mona

My dashing protector.

Stephen looks embarrassed and Taavi laughs a little. The men form a line with their leader standing forward.

Mortimer

Um, I have to apologize.

Mona, Taavi, and Stephen look confused. Mortimer looks embarrassed.

MortIMER

There was a mistake made in our surveillance.

Mona

You kidnapped the wrong people? That's rich...

Stephen

I won't be shot if I laugh, will I?

mortimer

I feel personally responsible for this situation, and I'm willing to negotiate a trade.

Taavi

Of?

Mortimer

You don't say anything about anything you might have heard or seen and we'll let you go.

Mona

Well, I agree, even if you two don't.

MortimeR

You'll have to blindfolded, but, we'll try to take you to somewhere you can find your way home from.

Stephen

That's extremely kind of you.

MortiMER

I apologize again.

ext. street - day

Mona, Stephen, and Taavi are standing on a street corner taking off blindfolds.

Stephen

Hey! My office!

Mona

Which means we still have to walk a mile to get home.

Stephen

We can use the phone in my office.

Mona

Do none of us have cell phones?

Taavi

I have to get a job first.

Stephen

I sit in an office all day...

Mona

It's a wonder you aren't fat.

Stephen

Thanks.

They walk to the office door. Alonzo pulls up in his car and gets out.

Alonzo

Hello... You're a little late Dr. Sharp.

Stephen

Long story.

Mona

Hey, Alonzo.

AlonZO

Hi... The reason you're here is probably part of the long story, right?

Mona

Yeah...

They all walk into the office.

int. the SANDSON HOME - Day

David sits in his office with the phone to his ear.

David

Mona? Where on earth have you been?!

Mona

I was kidnapped.

DaVID

(Sarcastically)

Riight.

Mona

No, seriously. I have Taavi and Dr. Sharp here to testify.

David

You can't expect me to believe this.

Mona

Annalise would believe me.

DavID

You're serious.

Mona

As serious as a heart attack.

David

By who?

Mona

By whom. We don't actually know.

David

And how is it that you are no longer kidnapped?

Mona

They set us free.

David

Why would they go through the trouble of kidnapping you and then setting you free?

Mona

Apparently, they got the wrong person.

David

What? There's no way.

Mona

Apparently there is. I'm not lying to you. What would I have to gain?

David

So now you're just sitting in Dr. Sharp's office, having a grand old time. Fine and dandy?

Mona

I was just kidnapped, you idiot.

David

What's your point.

Mona

I could be traumatized for all you know.

David scoffs.

David

You're not.

Mona

You had better be thankful that I'm not.

Stephen is heard in the background of the telephone call.

Stephen

Don't you think he could be treating you this way because he knows you?

Mona

He doesn't know me half as well as he thinks he does.

David

So, what you're telling me is that I should be rushing up there, running into the office, and embracing you with relief?

Mona

No, Annalise will do that.

DavID

What am I suppose to do?

Mona

Drive.

David

Great.

int. high school auditorium - night

Mona walks out onto the stage in her black Orchestra dress holding her violin and her bow. Other members of the Orchestra follow her. They sit in their chairs which are already set up in the Orchestra formation. Mona sits next to her stand partner, who is arranging their music on their stand. Everyone adjusts and then sits silently, waiting. The crowd begins to quiet down. the Concert Master of the Orchestra walks out on stage and plays an A. The rest of the Orchestra proceeds to make final intonation adjustments. The Concert Master sits down.

Miss Martin walks out on stage. The audience applauds. Miss Martin bows. She steps up onto the stand and holds up her arms. The Orchestra prepares itself. The Orchestra plays.

ext. in front of the high school - night

Mona, David, Annalise, Taavi, and Mr. and Mrs. Anderson walk along the sidewalk running the length of the high school toward the Seminary building.

mR. aNDERSON

That was nice.

Taavi

If you like that sort of thing.

Mrs. ANDERSON

Being a member of the Orchestra yourself, are you even allowed to make that sort of comment.

Mona

He's right. You sort of have to be a musician to truly appreciate that sort of thing.

David

I can appreciate it, I think.

Mona

Not in the same way as the musicians do. If I weren't one, I'd probably hate classical music.

Taavi

Amen.

Annalise

Well, when you think of how much work goes into it.

Mona

Exactly.

David

A lot of work goes into everything.

Annalise

The point is that this is the type of work that you couldn't have done, so, you appreciate that these students have taken out years of their lives to pursue the cultivation of this talent.

Taavi

I like her.

Mona

She makes us sound so awesome when she says it.

Annalise

You are awesome, and thank you, Taavi, I like you too.

Taavi

Aww.

Mona

Thank you.

David looks grumpy. They reach the Seminary building parkinglot and get into their separate cars.

int. Dr. Sharp's Office - day

Mona sits comfortably in one of the chairs across the desk from Stephen Sharp.

Stephen

Ugh, ever since you mentioned it, this office seems stuffy.

Mona

I told you so.

Stephen

It's only when you're in here. Any other time, with any other person, it's fine, until you come in. Then it seems hot and...

Mona

It sounds super creepy when you say it that way, you might want to stop while you're ahead.

Stephen

We should go somewhere...

mona

Hawaii.

Stephen

What? No. That's not what I meant.

Mona

I know I was kidding.

Stephen

You never look like you're kidding.

mona

Sorry.

Stephen

Did you know that we have a museum in this town?

Mona

You want to take me to a museum.

Stephen

You're totally the kind of person who would love museums.

Mona laughs.

Mona

You're right. What type of museum is it?

Stephen

It's an art museum.

Mona

Cool. I know nothing about art and I'm a terrible artist, but what the heck? Art.

Stephen

Cool.

Mona

Cool, cool, cool.

int. Art Museum - Day

Mona and Stephen walk along a hallway. The walls are covered in paintings and plaques of information about the art. The hallway turns a corner and opens into a small room. The room is also covered in art. There is a square pillar of sorts in the middle with a huge painting hanging on each of the four sides. There are fake trees and plants in between every painting. On the far side of the room, there is a bench in the middle of two huge, fake trees. Mona and Stephen sit down on them and stare at the painting on the side of the square pillar facing them. There is an awkward silence.

Stephen

You know, Mona...

Mona

Oh, I know.

Stephen

Really?

Mona

Oh, yes.

StepHEN

What do you know?

Mona

I know that I'm the strangest person to whom you've ever given therapy. I also know that you have enjoyed this "learning experience".

Mona does air quotes with her fingers.

Stephen

Is it weird that I'm not surprised that you knew exactly what I was going to say?

Mona

Kind of weird, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

Stephen

I like you.

Mona

What?

Stephen

I've discovered the secret.

Mona

The secret to what?

Stephen

Spontaneity.

Mona

Oh, you weren't planning on professing your undying love for me in such a direct manner.

Stephen

You can't read my mind if I don't do what I plan on doing.

Mona

You have to be careful with that. You either plan, knowing you'll disregard that plan when you get around to doing the thing, or you don't plan at all, and I know that you are the type of person that likes to plan.

Stephen

My undying love? Did I say that?

Mona

No, but you thought it.

Stephen

(sarcastically)

Right.

Mona

It's okay.

Stephen

It is?

Mona

Yeah, because, I kind of like you too.

Stephen

Was that a proclamation of undying love that I just heard?

Mona

I don't know about undying, but...

Stephen

This is new for you. You're not a romantic at all.

Mona

Yeah, I kind of feel like a hypocrite.

Stephen

Wow.

Mona

Yeah. Wow.

There is another awkward silence. At the end of it, Mona and Stephen both try to start speaking at the same time. They both remain silent for a few seconds longer.

Mona

Does it really have to be this awkward?

Stephen

I don't think it should be.

Mona

Oh.

Mona looks away, but Stephen continues looking at Mona's face.

Stephen

I don't get why people wouldn't like you.

Mona turns back and looks Stephen in the eye. Stephen reaches forward and lightly touches Mona's cheek.

Mona

That was weird.

Stephen

Yeah.

They continue to stare at each other. They slowly lean forward and kiss. They break away and Mona blushes.

Mona

That was kind of gross.

Stephen

Yeah, but a good gross.

Mona

I didn't know there was such a thing, but you're kind of right.

Stephen grins. He leans back and watches as Mona looks embarrassed. He takes her hand and examines it.

Stephen

Nerd girls...

Mona

Yeah, what about us?

Stephen

Who knew they could be such a huge, underutilized source of attraction?

Mona

Underutilized? Please. Nerdy people get married and stuff all the time, normal people just haven't taken notice of them for such a long time that they tend to not notice.

Stephen

Unappreciated?

Mona

Maybe...

Mona reaches up to push a piece of hair that had fallen in front of her face back. It falls in front of her eyes immediately once she puts her hand down. Stephen reaches up and holds it gently in place as he gazes into Mona's eyes.

Mona

Is it just me, or are we being incredibly cliche?

StePHEN

How do you mean?

Mona

Don't you ever watch movies? T.v.?

Stephen

Not much.

Mona

This would make a great love scene for a movie.

Stephen

Exciting.

Mona

Not really.

Stephen

Why not?

Mona

Because most people will have walked out of the movie by the time it reached this point.

Stephen

I'm sure you're not that boring.

Mona

You're sure, but you really have no idea.

Stephen

Who's your favorite character?

Mona

Me.

StepheN

What? Not that hot psychiatrist, what's his name?

Mona

Nah, the psychiatrist was a little annoying, really.

Stephen nudges Mona playfully.

StePHEN

You say that, but you don't mean it. You like it.

Mona blushes again.

Stephen

And another thing. I've never seen you embarrassed and in the last five minutes, you've blushed about sixteen times.

Mona

I can't help it.

Stephen

No, actually, you can't.

Mona

Something about blood rushing.

Stephen

Actually, the system in your body that makes you blush is the same system that activates your fight or flight response.

Mona

Really?

Stephen

When you're embarrassed, your body releases adrenaline, which speeds up your breathing and heart rate to prepare you to run from danger. It causes your pupils to dilate to allow you to take in as much visual information as possible. It slows down your digestive process so that the energy can be redirected to your muscles. All when you're feeling embarrassed.

Mona

Interesting.

Stephen

Also, the blood vessels in your face dilate and more blood flows there, making them appear more red.

Mona

Stupid fight or flight.

Stephen

Exactly.

There is an awkward silence in which they both stare down at their entangled hands. Then Stephen looks back up at Mona and laughs.

Mona

What?

Stephen

You're Mona.

Mona

Yeah.

StePHEN

I just realized how awkward this is.

Mona

Just barely?

Stephen

Yeah... I'm so old.

Mona

Just eight years.

Stephen

It sounds like so much...

Mona

It sort of is, but I suggest not dwelling on it.

Stephen

That might be better.

Mona

Yeah.

Mona grins and then leans forward again.

Fade to black.