THE LAST SONG

by
Nicholas Sparks & Jeff Van Wie

Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks

Version 6.3

FADE IN:
BEGIN CREDITS
1

INT.

CARNEGIE HALL - EVENING

WE SEE small female hands, playing a complicated, classical

melody on the piano, the fingers moving with tremendous
skill, the rhythm alternately passionate and sensuous.
VERONICA "RONNIE" MILLER, (13, wearing formal gown)
concentrates as the piece reaches its climax. She breaks
into an effusive, childlike smile.
In the audience, STEVE MILLER and KIM MILLER, her parents,
join the wild applause.
RONNIE spies her parents and like the young girl she is, she
waves, proud of what she's done.
END CREDITS
2

EXT. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - MORNING

The ocean is glowing gold, as tern darts in and out of the

surf, poking for sand crabs.
3

INT. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - BEDROOM - MORNING

RONNIE, now a pretty eighteen-year-old girl, stands near her

bedroom window, staring at the water, as her mother, KIM
MILLER (40s) pokes her head in.
KIM
Do you want some breakfast? I
found some cereal in the cupboard.
RONNIE
I'm not hungry, Mom.
KIM crosses the room and stands near her daughter.
KIM
You need to eat, sweetie.
RONNIE
I was wrong, Mom. And I don't know
what to do anymore.
KIM
Do you want to talk about it? I'd
love to know what's been going on
with you.

(CONTINUED)

2.
3

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
What about Jonah?
KIM
Brian ran him to the store. He's
like a puppy. His feet are growing
faster than the rest of him.
RONNIE smiles, but it fades as she stares at the candle.
KIM (CONT'D)
I'll tell you what. You can pack
while you talk. Jonah mentioned
that it started with the turtles?
RONNIE
No, not really. Even though I
wasn't there yet, I think the
summer really began with the fire.

CLOSE IN on the sun glowing in a multicolored Votive ... the

sun now changing ... the sun becoming a fire ...
MATCH CUT TO:
4

EXT. CHURCH - EVENING

... that licks at the walls and roof of a small, historic

ocean-front church. Sirens sound in the distance as the fire
comes alive, devouring the building.
There is a haunting orange glow behind a large and intricate
stained glass window of the risen Christ. The orange glows
deeper and deeper, the color ominous and dangerous.
The flames begin to finger the glass, tapping and taunting,
melting, until suddenly the stained glass window ...
... EXPLODES outwards, the fire now out of control ...
While SCOTT THOMAS, (17, panicked) looks on from the street.
Suddenly, a pickup truck skids to a stop. WILL BLAKELEE,
(handsome, 18, beach boy) jumps out and rushes toward SCOTT.
WILL
What the hell did you do?
SCOTT
I was at the beach lighting bottle
rockets and the wind took it! It
wasn't my fault!

(CONTINUED)

3.
4

CONTINUED:
WILL reaches for his cell phone and Scott grabs his arm.
SCOTT (CONTD)
What are you doing? You can't call
the cops! I told you it was an
accident!
(Beat, as SCOTT stares)
C'mon man! You owe me!

WILL debates when he sees MARCUS, TEDDY, LANCE, tattooed and

pierced, with wild hair, along with BLAZE, a 17 year-old Goth
queen, sitting on the hood of a car across the street.
By his expression, it's clear that MARCUS saw everything.
SIRENS begin to sound in the distance ... as an elderly man
comes out of the church, coughing, his sleeves singed. WILL
tries to rush that way when SCOTT grabs his arm to stop him.
He's okay!

SCOTT (CONTD)
He's out! We gotta go!

WILL debates as SCOTT rushes to WILL'S truck.

burns ... and WILL finally runs off, too.

The church

DISSOLVE TO:
5

EXT. CHURCH - LATE AFTERNOON

The church being rebuilt a few months later beneath a hot

June sky. Shirtless workers are pounding shingles and
hammering planks of siding to the walls.
Cars float past the church, ignoring the activity as ...
6

EXT.

STREET IN FRONT OF CHURCH - LATE AFTERNOON

... a dusty station wagon loaded with suitcases slows before

finally making a turn in front of the church.
7

INT. STATION WAGON - LATE AFTERNOON

KIM drives while RONNIE dozes in the front seat, iPod

blaring, head against the window. She's punk-rock beautiful,
with a purple streak in her hair, dark clothes and black nail
polish.
JONAH, RONNIE'S ten-year old brother, plays his Game-boy in
the backseat, ignoring the sound of the piano concerto
playing on the radio. The car hits a pothole and ...

(CONTINUED)

4.
7

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
(Removing her earphones)
Ow! Geez, Mom! Watch your
driving!
KIM
I see your nap put you in a better
mood.

RONNIE hears the music, the same music from the opening,
credit scene, and notes a burned CD with the words, "RONNIE'S
RECITAL: CARNEGIE HALL" hand-stenciled on the case. RONNIE
reaches over to shut it off.
KIM (CONTD)
I like hearing you play.
I don't.
Hey!
8

RONNIE

JONAH
Check that out!

EXT. PIER/BOARDWALK - LATE AFTERNOON

A policeman up ahead, standing beneath a banner proclaiming

the "WILMINGTON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL," is diverting traffic
around the crowd congregated in the street directly ahead.
Off to the side, there is a carnival taking place on the
boardwalk at the head of the pier, complete with a Ferris
wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl and Bumper Cars.
9

INT.

STATION WAGON - LATE AFTERNOON

The car finally works its way past the crowd.

Can we go?

JONAH

KIM
You'll have to ask your Dad.
RONNIE
I'll make sure to do that. And
maybe afterward, we'll all sit
around the campfire and roast
marshmallows.
KIM
Your dad is a good man and he loves
you. You need to give him a chance.

(CONTINUED)

5.
9

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
Just stop with the Oprah therapy,
okay? He left us, Mom. He walked
out on us three years ago.
KIM bites her lip.

She's been down this road before.

KIM
Look ... about this summer. I know
you don't want to be here, but try
to make the best of it.
Whatever.

RONNIE

JONAH
Hey, does Dad know you were
arrested?
RONNIE
He won't care. All he's ever cared
about is the piano.
CUT TO:
10

EXT. STEVE'S STREET - DUSK

10

The station wagon makes a turn and slows. KIM searches for
the right address on the houses along the oceanfront drive.
11

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - DUSK

11

STEVE MILLER, forty-three years old, plays a mismatched-piece

piano in a windowless, recessed alcove off the living room,
his fingers flying across the keyboard.
Photos and laminated clippings of STEVE'S career line the
wall behind him: STEVE performing at Columbia University, a
tour schedules from years ago showing stops in mid-size
cities, a younger STEVE teaching at Julliard.
On the piano are three other photographs: One of he and
JONAH flying a kite, another showing him sitting beside a
young female piano student (RONNIE), and still another of
RONNIE playing at CARNEGIE HALL.
A framed "Gramophone Magazine" article, asks: "CAN A SEVEN
YEAR OLD REALLY PLAY LISZT? YES! (And her name is Veronica
Miller!)"
A car honks, and STEVE gets up and steps out the door ...

6.
12

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - DUSK

12

... revealing a small and weathered beach-front cottage.

JONAH sees STEVE, hops out of the car and races toward him.
JONAH

Dad!

KIM follows from the car, then, reluctantly, RONNIE. JONAH

runs into his father's arms.
STEVE
I missed you so much!
gotten so big!

You've

JONAH sees the ocean beyond the sea-grass speckled dunes.

JONAH
This place is awesome!
(Pulls away and begins to
jog to the shore)
Can I?
STEVE
Yeah, go ahead. Be careful!
KIM finally reaches them as JONAH heads over the dune onto
the flat, wind-swept stretch of sand that leads to the ocean.
STEVE (CONT'D)
You look terrific, Kim.
Thanks.

KIM
You doing okay?

STEVE notices RONNIE as she approaches.

He straightens.

STEVE
Hi, Sweetie. It's good to see you.
RONNIE
I'm not going to play the piano for
you, Dad.
Ronnie ...
It's okay.
Yeah, Mom.

KIM
STEVE
RONNIE
It's okay.

(CONTINUED)

12

7.
12

CONTINUED:

RONNIE walks past him without another word and heads down the
beach, looking out of place in her black jeans and T-shirt.
STEVE and KIM watch her go.
CUT TO:
13

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - DUSK

13

KIM stands near the kitchen window ... STEVE brings her a
glass of iced tea. Outside, JONAH chases seagulls while
RONNIE heads down the beach, toward the carnival.
KIM
She'll be alright. She just needs
a little time to adjust.
I figured.

STEVE

KIM
So this is the place?
character.

It's got ...

STEVE
By character, I assume that means
you noticed the leaky roof and lack
of air-conditioning?
KIM flashes a brief smile, caught.
STEVE (CONTD)
It's not much, I know that. But
it's quiet and the church owns it
and Pastor Harris is letting me use
it for free.
(Beat)
So you and Brian are going to take
the big plunge, huh?
KIM
Look, about that ...
STEVE
It's okay. I understand.
want you to be happy.

I just

KIM drops her eyes before she finally glances out the window.
She sees RONNIE enter the crowd near the carnival, where ...
CUT TO:

8.
14

EXT. CARNIVAL - DUSK

14

RONNIE buys a drink and sees an elderly woman sitting at a

table with a sign requesting donations for the local SPCA.
There are puppies in the box on the table.
RONNIE coos and pets them for a moment, then, when no one is
looking, adds a couple of dollars to the donation box.
RONNIE walks off, sipping her drink, veering through the
crowd and passing "carnies" asking her to "try the game."
On the beach, she sees another crowd watching a night-time
beach-volleyball game in progress. Intrigued, she takes the
stairs to the beach, heading toward the game.
On the steps, she pauses and moves aside for a harried father
leading three little kids in the opposite direction. The
kids are covered in muddy sand. RONNIE smiles as they pass.
On the beach, RONNIE glances up as ...
15

EXT. BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - DUSK

15

... WILL dives and digs, making an amazing save. SCOTT, his
partner, makes an equally impressive set. WILL spikes home a
point. On his wrist, WILL wears a macrame-beaded bracelet.
Though volleys go back and forth, WILL and SCOTT dominate the
game when another volley starts ... Across the court, RONNIE
sees beautiful, athletic ASHLEY and CASSIE cheering.
The crowding group leaves little room near the court but
RONNIE gets closer. With another volley, the ball goes wide
and WILL makes a mad dash for the ball, running hard ...
... and then realizing he can't reach it but out of control,
WILL slams on the brakes before colliding with RONNIE.
Though he keeps her from falling, RONNIE'S drink splashes
over half of her shirt.
Whoa!

WILL
Sorry! Are you okay?

WILL holds her for a second and a couple of people in the

crowd laugh at the spreading stain. RONNIE hears them.
RONNIE
Just ... Let go of me.
WILL lets go and Ronnie steps back, ignoring WILL'S gaze.
She turns and leaves as SCOTT saunters up and sniffs.

(CONTINUED)

15

9.
15

CONTINUED:
WILL
What are you doing?
SCOTT
I'm just checking if you smell. I
mean, the way she blew you off ...

Over his shoulder, WILL glances at RONNIE, then returns to

the game. ASHLEY notices WILL'S interest in the new girl.
BACK TO:
16

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DUSK

16

In the alcove, KIM rubs the top of the mismatched piano.

KIM
I'm glad you were able to fix it.
STEVE
With the way she swung that club,
she really should have gone out for
the golf team. But it still plays
like a dream.
(Beat)
How's Ronnie really doing?
KIM
I don't know. And I don't think
she does, either. She's in this
black, dark, moody phase, she
ignores her curfew, and she won't
talk to me abut it. But ... there
are moments when she's still as
sweet as she ever was. Like with
Jonah. They can argue like cats
and dogs, but she still brings him
to the park every weekend. And
when he was having trouble in math,
she tutored him every night. Which
is strange, because she's barely
passing any of her classes. And I
haven't told you this, but I made
her take the SAT in February. She
missed every single question.
(Beat)
Do you know how smart you have to
be to miss every single question?
STEVE laughs under his breath.
KIM (CONT'D)
It's not funny.

(CONTINUED)

16

10.
16

CONTINUED:
STEVE
It's kind of funny.
KIM
You haven't had to deal with it the
last three years.
STEVE
What did the Judge say about the
shoplifting?
KIM
If she doesn't get into any more
trouble, it'll be expunged from her
record. If not ...
STEVE
You're worried about this.
KIM
She's done it before which is the
problem. And she admitted that.
But this time, she couldn't hold
everything, so she tucked the
lipstick in her pocket. She paid
for everything else and when you
look at the video, it seems to be
an honest mistake ...
STEVE
But you're not sure.
KIM shakes her head.
STEVE (CONTD)
She made a mistake, Kim. And she's
always had a good heart.
KIM
You haven't seen her temper lately.
At that moment, JONAH comes bursting in the door.
JONAH
Dad! I found a really cool
workshop! Come on!
KIM
I've got to get going, anyway.
It's a long drive back. And make
sure Ronnie gets home, okay?
CUT TO:

11.
17

EXT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - STREET - DUSK

17

STEVE watches KIM hug and kiss JONAH goodbye. A moment later,
JONAH comes running back to the house.
JONAH
You ready, Dad?
18

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - DUSK

18

... an unkempt, ramshackle workshop; stained glass piled all

around the room. In the center is a large work-table; on it
are the beginnings of a large stained-glass window.
Tacked to the wall is a picture of the risen Christ that
looks fifty-years-old; it's obviously the same as the church
window that had blown out in the earlier fire.
Beside the picture is a newspaper article, with a photograph
of the burned church. The headline reads, "ILLEGAL FIREWORKS
SUSPECTED IN CHURCH BLAZE," below that: "Pastor injured"
On the shelves, the room is lined with dozens of taxidermy
"fish-mammals" (a strange "melding" of the two species - like
squirrels with bass tails, etc.). Weird, but transfixing.
JONAH
What is this stuff?
STEVE
Art. The man who used to live here
made all this. He did the stained
glass, too.
JONAH glances at the work table in the center of the room.
JONAH
Is this his?
STEVE
No. I'm doing this. It's for the
church down the street.
JONAH
You're making this?
STEVE
The artist who lived here taught me
how when I was supposed to be at
bible study.
JONAH
This is awesome.

(CONTINUED)

18

12.
18

CONTINUED:
STEVE
I missed a lot of bible study.
(Beat)
I can teach you how if you want to
learn. I'd love the help.
JONAH nods before running his hand over the glass.
JONAH
She didn't read any of the letters
you sent her, Dad. And she won't
play the piano anymore, either.
(Beat)
Mom says it's because she has PMS.
STEVE
Do you know what that is?
JONAH
Dad, I'm not a little kid anymore.
It means "Pissed at Men Syndrome".
STEVE
How about we go find your sister?
CUT TO:

19

EXT. CARNIVAL - EARLY EVENING

19

RONNIE wipes her shirt, trying to get the stain out.

Finally, grabbing her drink she turns quickly around, only to
bump into BLAZE CONWAY.
More drink splashes onto RONNIE but she can't believe it. A
pause ... then, BLAZE motions to the now fully soaked shirt.
BLAZE
Sucks being you. But at least the
other side matches.
RONNIE
Oh, I get it. You're being funny.
Surprising RONNIE, BLAZE laughs, then nods toward a booth.
BLAZE
I saw some Nemo shirts over there.
Nemo?

RONNIE

(CONTINUED)

19

13.
19

CONTINUED:
BLAZE
Orange and white fish? Gimpy
flipper? Dad has to find him?
RONNIE
I don't want a Nemo shirt, okay?
BLAZE
Nemo's cool.
RONNIE
Maybe if you're six.
MARCUS calls to BLAZE as he passes with his gang. BLAZE
decides to join MARCUS. Just then, RONNIE sees STEVE
approaching with JONAH.
Wait.

RONNIE (CONTD)
How do I get out of here?

BLAZE continues walking backward pacing MARCUS.

BLAZE
That's up to you. But he knows
what you're wearing.
RONNIE isn't sure what to do as BLAZE keeps going. She ducks
through the crowd, toward the booth selling Nemo shirts and despite her reservations - slips it on over her shirt.
As she gets her bearings again, she sees JONAH standing
before her, eating an ice cream cone. Ignoring him, she
throws the money on the counter, paying for the shirt.
JONAH
Dad's looking for you.
RONNIE
Tell him you didn't see me.
JONAH
Five bucks.
Behind them, STEVE continues to look for RONNIE.
JONAH (CONTD)
He's getting closer.
(Beat)
Now it's ten bucks.
RONNIE digs through her pocket again and hands him the money
before ducking away.

(CONTINUED)

19

14.
19

CONTINUED: (2)

Behind her, RONNIE sees JONAH leading STEVE into the arcade.
As she turns around, BLAZE is leaning against a piling.
BLAZE
Nice shirt.
RONNIE
Someone told me that Nemo's cool.
BLAZE
Maybe if you're six.
20

C'mon.

EXT. CARNIVAL - EVENING - LATER

20

RONNIE and BLAZE weave through the crowd, talking ...

RONNIE
What kind of name is Blaze, anyway?
BLAZE
My real name's Galadriel.
Galadriel?

RONNIE

BLAZE
It's from Lord of Rings. My mom's
weird like that.
BLAZE eyes a group of teens in the distance sitting outside a
small, patio restaurant, eating burgers.
As they get close, RONNIE sees WILL, SCOTT, CASSIE and
ASHLEY, obviously the popular group, celebrating.
The conversations stops as BLAZE and RONNIE pass by. ASHLEY
and CASSIE look them up and down. BLAZE stares at SCOTT as
they pass; SCOTT looks away.
RONNIE
What was that all about?
BLAZE doesn't answer. On the pier, RONNIE notes a group of
people crowding in a circle. They speed up and ...
21

EXT. PIER/CARNIVAL - EVENING

21

... BLAZE and RONNIE push their way in. They see MARCUS
handling a fireball - a hand-made cloth ball held together by
thread and soaked in lighter fluid.

(CONTINUED)

21

15.
21

CONTINUED:

MARCUS moves it between his fingers as LANCE and TEDDY breakdance to loud music, teasing the crowd. It's amazing MARCUS
doesn't get burned.
MARCUS lights a second fireball, then another and performs a
juggling act. The crowd cheers as he finally "hacky-sacks"
one of the fireballs to TEDDY who passes it to LANCE.
Members of the crowd clap and drop money in a hat as RONNIE
leans toward BLAZE.
RONNIE
Who's that?
Just then, PETE JOHNSON, a police officer, moves toward the
crowd. MARCUS puts out the fireball, quickly reaches for the
money and tosses the hat to LANCE, who slips it on.
In that instant, BLAZE moves toward him and kisses him.
MARCUS stares at RONNIE before lighting the fireball again.
BLAZE
That's Ronnie. And this is Marcus.
MARCUS moves the fireball around his fingers, studying her.
MARCUS
You like fire?
MARCUS tosses the fireball at her. RONNIE jumps out of the
way. OFFICER JOHNSON stomps on the ball, extinguishing it.
You three.

OFFICER JOHNSON
Out. Now.

MARCUS
We were just leaving, officer.
The crowd disperses as MARCUS, LANCE & TEDDY move away,
disappearing into the throngs of people. BLAZE follows, as
does RONNIE. They pass carnival game booths as ...
22

EXT. PIER/CARNIVAL - EVENING

22

... WILL takes a final basketball shot at one of the booths,

missing. He adjusts the macrame bracelet as ASHLEY walks up.
ASHLEY
You avoiding us?
WILL
Just messing around.

(CONTINUED)

22

16.
22

CONTINUED:
ASHLEY
You want to get out of here? My
parents are in Raleigh for some
award thing with the governor.
WILL
I'm not so sure that's a good idea.
ASHLEY
I want to know what I did wrong.
WILL
You didn't do anything wrong.
ASHLEY
Then why did you end it?

WILL'S heard this before, but doesn't know what to say.

Without answering, he heads toward SCOTT who's standing at a
nearby table, while CASSIE goes to comfort ASHLEY.
SCOTT
She told you, right? Cassie, me,
Ashley, you. Her parents' place?
WILL
Yeah. She mentioned it.
SCOTT
And we're still here because?
When WILL doesn't answer ...
SCOTT (CONT'D)
See? That's why I don't get you.
Have you even seen Ashley tonight?
She looks like that chick in Maxim.
WILL
I know. We used to go out,
remember?
SCOTT
My point is she's hot. She wants
to "Romance the Stone." She wants
to "Free Willy".
WILL laughs, but still isn't convinced.
SCOTT (CONT'D)
Do it for me, then. Cassie won't go
with me unless you go with Ashley.
C'mon, man! Take one for the team.

(CONTINUED)

22

17.
22

CONTINUED: (2)
WILL
I need a soda. You want one?

After WILL walks off, SCOTT is bumped by MARCUS, who's

walking past with his group. SCOTT whirls, only to see MARCUS
smirking. WILL doesn't realize what's happening.
MARCUS
Whatcha gonna do?
rocket at me?

Shoot a bottle

SCOTT seethes as RONNIE and BLAZE arrive with a crowd that

seems to sense what's coming next. The crowd closes in, teens
sensing blood. ASHLEY and CASSIE push their way in.
SCOTT stares, growing angry, their eyes steady on each other.
In the distance, OFFICER JOHNSON notices the commotion and
begins to run toward them. MARCUS jerks his head forward.
Boo!

MARCUS (CONT'D)

SCOTT reacts with a quick jump back. WILL finally sees

what's going on and rushes back to SCOTT as TEDDY and LANCE
move in ... other teens crowd around.
In the growing tension, the crowd continues to shift and a
LITTLE KID is knocked over. RONNIE reacts on instinct ...
RONNIE
(Shouting)
Just stop! Knock it off! All of
you! Someone's going to get hurt!
RONNIE'S outburst, the shock of it, is enough to stop them.
RONNIE (CONTD)
(To LITTLE KID)
Are you okay? Where's your mom?
Let's go find her.
As OFFICER JOHNSON closes in, MARCUS stares at SCOTT.
MARCUS
I know your secret.
MARCUS finally takes a step away and suddenly jumps off the
boardwalk onto the sand below.
TEDDY and LANCE follow. BLAZE heads to the stairs leading to
the beach, leaving RONNIE behind.
All at once, the KID'S MOTHER comes forward.

(CONTINUED)

22

18.
22

CONTINUED: (3)
KID'S MOTHER
There you are! Are you okay? You
shouldn't run away like that!
RONNIE
(Shouting after BLAZE)
Where are you going?
BLAZE
Bower's Point.

RONNIE debates what to do. As she does, she realizes that

WILL, SCOTT and the group are still staring at her.
STEVE and JONAH suddenly arrive, making things worse.
STEVE
There you are. We've been looking
for you. You ready to go?
No.

RONNIE

RONNIE heads for the beach as OFFICER JOHNSON walks up.

OFFICER JOHNSON
Hey Steve. Kid's causin' trouble
again. You doing okay?
STEVE
I don't know.
(Beat)
This is my son Jonah.
OFFICER JOHNSON
Nice to meet you, little man.
STEVE glances in RONNIE'S direction as she regroups on the
beach with MARCUS, BLAZE and the others.
STEVE
Do you know where they're going?
OFFICER JOHNSON
Could be anywhere. But if she's
with Marcus ...
STEVE thinks about that.
WILL
(To STEVE)
They're going to Bower's Point.

(CONTINUED)

22

19.
22

CONTINUED: (4)
STEVE looks at WILL, then OFFICER JOHNSON.
OFFICER JOHNSON
Let me take care of it.
CUT TO:

23

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATE EVENING

23

STEVE plays the piano in the quiet house, a look of

concentration on his face. The complex melody fills the room
as RONNIE steps inside. OFFICER JOHNSON is behind her.
Go on.

OFFICER JOHNSON

As the door closes, RONNIE stares at her father, furious

before finally crossing the room. STEVE stops playing.
Noting the photographs atop the piano, reminding her of her
past, she grabs the photos and hurls them across the room.
They crash and crack, shards of glass spreading on the floor.
RONNIE
You sent the cops after me? I
can't believe this! I hate you!
STEVE
I know. But I don't take it
personally.
RONNIE waits for more, but there is nothing. Instead, STEVE
begins to play the piano again, seeming to lose himself in
the music. RONNIE turns to walk to her room.
STEVE (CONTD)
Good night, sweetheart.
24

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - LATE EVENING

24

RONNIE abruptly enters. She's angry and flicks on a small

lamp, casting only a dim glow. She opens her suitcase
exposing a copy of Anna Karenina. She rummages for her PJs.
She rips off the Nemo shirt, then the next shirt.
JONAH (O.S.)
Before I get completely grossed
out, you should know I'm in here.
RONNIE lets out a startled sound, then ...

(CONTINUED)

24

20.
24

CONTINUED:
Get out!

RONNIE
This is my room!

JONAH
No, it's our room. Unless you want
to sleep in Dad's room.
Disgusted, RONNIE pulls back the covers and takes a seat.
After a long moment ...
JONAH (CONT'D)
I'm glad you're back. I didn't
like being in here alone.
(Beat)
I kind of miss Mom.
RONNIE gets up and goes to JONAH'S bed. She sits beside him.
She runs a hand through his hair.
I know.

RONNIE
She misses you, too.
CUT TO:

25

EXT. PIER - MORNING

25

Through the morning mist, generators whine amidst a flurry of

activity while the carnival is being packed up. The Tilt-A
Whirl is disassembled and booths loaded onto semi-trucks.
26

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING

26

RONNIE wakes up. She hears the commotion and goes to the
window where she pulls back the curtain.
A RACCOON startles her. She taps the glass, trying to get its
attention, when she notices the bars on the window. She
ponders for a second, then storms into the living room ...
27

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING

... where STEVE softly plays the piano.

cartoons on television, ignores her.

27

JONAH, intent on the

RONNIE
Bars on the window? Like I'm
supposed to be your prisoner?
JONAH
I told you she'd be mad.
On the piano, RONNIE notices the photos - the frames cracked
and glass broken - have been set up again.

(CONTINUED)

27

21.
27

CONTINUED:
STEVE
They came with the house.
RONNIE
I'm sure they did.
They did.

JONAH
To protect the art.

RONNIE
I'm not talking to you.
(To Steve)
You need to stop thinking I'm still
your little girl! I'm eighteen
years old!
JONAH
You're seventeen. You'll be
eighteen in August.
RONNIE
Please stay out of this!
(To STEVE)
I'm old enough to make my own
decisions.
For the first time, STEVE stops playing and looks at her.
STEVE
Fair enough.
That's it?
to say?

RONNIE
That's all you're going

STEVE
Do you want breakfast?
bacon.

I made some

RONNIE makes a face and heads back to her room.

JONAH
She's a vegetarian, Dad. But she's
weird sometimes, so it makes sense.
STEVE
How long has she been a vegetarian?
JONAH
Three years.
RONNIE storms through the living room, her clothes changed,
but still looking ratty. She slams the door shut behind her.

(CONTINUED)

27

22.
27

CONTINUED: (2)
JONAH (CONTD)
Don't worry Dad. She slams the
door at home, too.
STEVE
You want to help me with the
stained glass window today?
CUT TO:

28

EXT.

BEACH - MORNING

28

RONNIE sits on the dune as BLAZE walks up.

RONNIE
Are you just getting in?
BLAZE
Do you have any money?
hungry.

I'm kind of
CUT TO:

29

INT.

BLAKELEE - BRAKE SHOP - MORNING

29

SCOTT and WILL, in uniforms, stand beneath a car lift,

replacing a set of brake pads.
SCOTT
See, you're thinking about this all
wrong. There's a difference
between hooking up, and getting
back together with Ashley again.
WILL
I don't want to get back together
with Ashley.
SCOTT
That's what I'm trying to tell you.
WILL
Why are we still talking about
this?
SCOTT
Aside from the fact that "Harry
didn't get a chance to meet Sally"
last night? Because I'm your
friend. It's obvious you need
help. And I still don't know why
you broke up with Ashley in the
first place.

(CONTINUED)

29

23.
29

CONTINUED:
WILL
Did you see that girl? The one who
stopped the fight? And helped that
little boy?
SCOTT
The vampire chick? Yeah, you
poured her soda all over her,
remember? She thought you smelled.
What about her?
WILL
I don't know. It just surprised
me. I haven't seen her before.
SCOTT
Whatever. Okay, here's what's
going to happen. First, you're
going to relax. Then, we're going
to win the volleyball tournament
later this summer. And then, you're
going to thank me for taking such
good care of you.
WILL
I'm just saying it's a good thing
she stopped the fight. Since
Marcus knows what happened...
SCOTT
I told you. It was an accident.
Look, if he was going to tell the
cops, he already would have, okay?
WILL is conflicted, but says nothing.

30

INT.

SANDWICH SHOP - AFTERNOON

30

BLAZE and RONNIE put their trays on the table and sit.
BLAZE
Shoplifting? That's it? You must
be the world's most boring
teenager.
Why?

RONNIE
What have you done?

BLAZE
It's not what I've done.
I know.
BLAZE takes a seat.

It's what

RONNIE waits, but nothing else comes.

(CONTINUED)

30

24.
30

CONTINUED:
BLAZE (CONTD)
Thanks for this. I'm starving.
RONNIE
Why didn't you go home to eat?
BLAZE
I don't want to talk about it.
MARCUS, LANCE and TEDDY appear as if by magic.
MARCUS
Talk about what? Your mom's sexy
boyfriend again?
BLAZE
Don't be gross.

MARCUS takes a seat beside RONNIE not BLAZE, but reaches for
BLAZE'S sandwich, while TEDDY and LANCE grab the fries.
MARCUS
I want you to come tonight. Without
the cops this time.
CUT TO:
31

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - LATE AFTERNOON

31

STEVE sits on a bench next to JONAH. STEVE uses metal solder

to hold together a couple pieces of glass as JONAH hands the
another piece of glass to STEVE.
STEVE
Perfect. You ready to call it a
day? I'm getting kind of tired.
JONAH
Can we have Veal Marsala tonight?
STEVE
I was thinking more along the lines
of spaghetti.
DISSOLVE TO:
32

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - LATE EVENING

32

STEVE peeks in on a sleeping JONAH. RONNIE is noticeably

missing. Outside, STEVE sees the moon glowing in the sky...

25.
33

EXT.

BEACH - LATE EVENING

33

... where MARCUS, TEDDY, LANCE, and BLAZE are seated around a
bonfire. MUSIC plays from a boom-box and there are empty
bottles of beer in the sand.
A fire ball flies through the air and is caught by LANCE who
rolls it over his hand. LANCE then flicks it to TEDDY, then
to MARCUS who squeezes out the flame.
BLAZE is drunk and snuggling up to MARCUS who watches RONNIE
across the fire. RONNIE is standing apart from the group,
near the water's edge.
MARCUS
Would you get me a beer?
As BLAZE rises unsteadily, MARCUS walks over to RONNIE.
MARCUS (CONTD)
Are we boring you?
RONNIE
I don't drink. That's all.
MARCUS
Just say "no"?
Whatever.

RONNIE

BLAZE digs through the cheap cooler for a beer.

MARCUS
Then what are you doing here?
MARCUS steps forward, slipping his arm around RONNIE.
does, BLAZE notices. She's not happy about it.

As he

RONNIE
I gotta go.
Yeah.

MARCUS
You do that.
CUT TO:

34

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATE EVENING

34

As RONNIE sneaks in the front door. She thinks she's safe

until she sees STEVE watching her from the piano.

(CONTINUED)

34

26.
34

CONTINUED:
STEVE
It's almost two a.m.
unacceptable.
And?

That's

RONNIE

STEVE
There's pasta in the fridge if you
want some.
RONNIE shakes her head as STEVE starts to play again and ...
35

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEACH/DUNE - LATE EVENING

35

... the porch-light flicks off. Outside, the moonlight

illuminates a silhouette of turtle tracks stretching from the
surf, toward the dune behind the house ...
... in the silver light, sea oats wave on the dune as a giant
Loggerhead turtle lays the first of her eggs.
CUT TO:
36

EXT. STEVE'S KITCHEN - MORNING

36

JONAH grabs the Pop-tart from the toaster as STEVE plays the
piano in the alcove. JONAH slathers frosting atop the PopTart, then adds a couple of teaspoons of sugar as well.
STEVE (O.S.)
Make sure you get something good
for you.
JONAH
Got it handled, Dad. And we're
going to fly kites later, right?
After we work on the window?
37

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING

37

As STEVE plays the piano, RONNIE storms toward the door.

STEVE continues to play as he speaks, though more softly.
STEVE
Can we talk?
RONNIE
Talk about what?
STEVE
Last night. What time you came in.
Where you were.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

37

CONTINUED:

STEVE (CONT'D)
Whether you were out with people
who howl at the moon.

27.
37

RONNIE
I don't want to talk about it.
STEVE
That's obvious. But it's not an
answer.
RONNIE
It's none of your business, okay?
JONAH walks out, holding his Pop-Tart.
RONNIE (CONTD)
And would you stop with that!
STEVE
(finally stops playing)
It makes me feel better.
RONNIE
Well, I hate it! Don't you get
that? I don't want to hear it! I
don't even want to see it!
She approaches JONAH and grabs the Pop-Tart off his plate
before leaving the house. The door slams again.
JONAH
She took my Pop-tart.
STEVE
Slight change of plans today.
you any good with a hammer?
38

EXT.

Are

BEACH SHOPS - AFTERNOON

38

RONNIE walks past the shops, looking. In the distance, she

sees BLAZE in a music store. She heads in.
RONNIE
I've been looking all over for you.
BLAZE
I thought we were friends.
RONNIE
What's that supposed to mean?
BLAZE
I saw the way you looked at him.

(CONTINUED)

38

28.
38

CONTINUED:

BLAZE suddenly walks off, bumping into RONNIE as she goes.

Unbeknownst to RONNIE, BLAZE drops two CDs into RONNIE'S bag.
RONNIE is dumbfounded as BLAZE storms out, but finally makes
her way slowly to the door.
As she exits the store, the ALARM begins to sound.
security guard rushes over. Busted.
39

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON

The
39

The alcove has been sealed off with a plywood wall, and STEVE
hangs a painting on it as JONAH looks on.
STEVE
What do you think?
JONAH
It looks like we put up a plywood
wall and hung a picture on it. And
you can't play the piano any more,
either.
STEVE grabs the photo of RONNIE at CARNEGIE HALL and puts it
in the end-table drawer, along with the magazine article.
No.

STEVE
But I can fly a kite.
CUT TO:

40

INT. POLICE STATION - LATE AFTERNOON

40

With RONNIE finished getting processed at the police station,

OFFICER JOHNSON leads her to the chair next to his desk.
OFFICER JOHNSON
Do you want to call your Dad, or
should I?
41

EXT.

BEACH BEHIND STEVE'S HOUSE - DUSK

41

STEVE watches JONAH flying the kite before finally noticing

the remnants of the Loggerhead turtle tracks, leading to the
dune.
STEVE
Hey Jonah! Come here!
turtle nest!

It's a

JONAH, kite still flying, jogs over and ...

(CONTINUED)

41

29.
41

CONTINUED:
STEVE (CONT'D)
Be careful. Don't get too close.
And don't touch.
(Beat)
She must have laid them last night.
From inside, STEVE hears the phone begin to ring.
wincing, and heads inside.

42

INT.

He rises,

STEVE'S HOUSE - DUSK

42

STEVE answers the phone and listens before closing his eyes.
STEVE
Yeah, I'll be right down.
CUT TO:
43

INT.

CAR - EVENING

43

STEVE drives as RONNIE sits in the front seat, JONAH in the

back. It's tense.
JONAH
Mom's going to be mad.
RONNIE
I didn't do it.
STEVE
I believe you.
CUT TO:
44

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - DUSK

44

RONNIE enters the house and starts toward her room, pausing
when she sees the alcove closed in by plywood. She thinks
about that as JONAH goes past her, heading to the kitchen.
Peeking out the door, she sees STEVE sitting on the dune
behind the house.
45

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - DUSK

STEVE sits on the beach under the moonlit sky.
the sea turtle nest when RONNIE walks up.

45
He is next to

RONNIE
Are you mad?
No.

STEVE

(CONTINUED)

45

30.
45

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
Then what are you doing out here?
STEVE
A Loggerhead laid her eggs, and I
don't want any raccoons to get
them. They're endangered and only
one out of 1000 live to maturity.
RONNIE
How would raccoons know they're
here?
STEVE
When a female lays eggs, she
urinates. Raccoons can smell it,
and if they get a chance, they'll
eat every single one of the eggs.
Usually at night.
RONNIE
I saw a raccoon the other day.
STEVE
I've already left a message with
the aquarium. Hopefully, someone
will come by to put up a cage
tomorrow to keep the nest safe.
RONNIE
What about tonight?
STEVE
Sometimes, you have to have faith.
RONNIE
Why did you say you believed me?
STEVE
Because I trust you.
RONNIE
Is that why you built the wall to
hide the piano?
No.

STEVE
I did that because I love you.

RONNIE smiles, touched, and finally takes a seat beside him.

RONNIE
What's going to happen to me?

(CONTINUED)

45

31.
45

CONTINUED: (2)
STEVE
Officer Johnson said he'd talk to
the owner, but I don't know.
RONNIE ponders and then changes the subject.
RONNIE
I don't want anything to happen to
the turtle eggs.
STEVE
So what do you want to do?
CUT TO:

46

EXT.

BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - MORNING

46

Terns dart along the shoreline while the sun comes up as ...
... RONNIE, curled up on a chair near the nest, wakes with
the early morning light. Just then, a figure makes his way
over the dune, carrying stakes and construction tape.
She recognizes WILL, who's wearing a uniform with the name
BLAKELEE BRAKES. He stops when he sees her.
RONNIE
What are you doing here?
WILL
I'm here to mark the nest.
RONNIE
You work for the aquarium?
WILL
I volunteer there, but I work at my
dad's brake shop. My name's Will,
by the way. Sorry about running
into you at the volleyball court.
RONNIE
It's fine. I survived.
How does that tape keep the
raccoons away?
WILL
It doesn't. It's just to let the
people who put up the cages know
where the nest is.
RONNIE
When will they put it up?

(CONTINUED)

46

32.
46

CONTINUED:
WILL
I don't know. Maybe in a couple of
days.
RONNIE
That's not soon enough. Call and
tell them they have to put up the
cage today. Tell them I saw a
raccoon sniffing around the nest.
Did you?

WILL

RONNIE
Just call them, okay?
RONNIE starts back toward the house.
WILL
You didn't tell me your name.
RONNIE
No, I guess I didn't.
WILL smiles and drops the stakes. Grabbing one, he drives it
into the sand and looks up to see RONNIE glance back at him
as she enters the house.
47

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING

47

RONNIE yawns as she enters the kitchen and sees STEVE smile
as he scrapes a portion of the fixings onto a tortilla.
STEVE
Good morning, sweetheart. I didn't
hear you come in.
(Beat)
It's rice, beans and tofu. That's
okay, isn't it?
RONNIE
Why are you being so nice to me?
STEVE
Why shouldn't I be?
JONAH walks in and spying an extra burrito - and the
container of tofu - he turns, his eyes wide.
JONAH
Don't tell me you went over to the
dark side, Dad!

(CONTINUED)

47

33.
47

CONTINUED:
STEVE and RONNIE try to stifle their smiles.
RONNIE
How about a Pop-Tart, instead?
As RONNIE opens the cupboard, STEVE heads to the table.
STEVE
So what's on your agenda today?
CUT TO:

48

EXT. BEACH SHOPS - AFTERNOON

48

RONNIE pauses in front of a window, looking in ...

49

INT. SANDWICH SHOP - AFTERNOON

49

... as RONNIE scans the tables ...

50

EXT. PIER - LATE AFTERNOON

50

... as RONNIE looks up and down the beach. She focuses on a

small figure in black, sitting on a distant dune. RONNIE
heads purposely toward the steps ...
51

EXT. BEACH DUNE - LATE AFTERNOON

51

... and walks until she reaches BLAZE.

BLAZE looks up.

RONNIE
You have to tell the police what
you did.
BLAZE
I didn't do anything.
one who got caught.

You're the

RONNIE
You know I can get in trouble for
this. I told you what happened.
BLAZE stands and brushes the sand from her pants.
Oh, well.

BLAZE

BLAZE walks off, leaving RONNIE in stunned disbelief.

52

EXT. PIER/PARKING LOT - LATE AFTERNOON

52

RONNIE is still walking in a daze as MARCUS suddenly emerges

from behind a parked car. For once, he's alone.

(CONTINUED)

52

34.
52

CONTINUED:
MARCUS
Troubles with Blaze?
RONNIE
What do you know about it?
MARCUS
I know enough not to trust her.
RONNIE
I'm not in the mood for this.
RONNIE tries to move past him.
MARCUS
Don't walk away. I might be able
to talk her out of it. If ...
If what?

RONNIE

MARCUS moves closer, running a finger down her arm.

RONNIE (CONT'D)
Just stay away from me!
CUT TO:
53

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - EVENING

RONNIE enters her room and sits on the bed, visibly upset.
JONAH emerges from beneath the covers.
JONAH
Go ahead and cry.
RONNIE
I'm not crying.
JONAH
It's okay. It doesn't bother me.
JONAH throws the covers back over his head as RONNIE sighs
and wipes a tear from her eye. She focuses out the window
and sees the stakes and barrier tape around the nest ...
along with a raccoon scurrying toward the eggs.
RONNIE
Oh ... crap ...
RONNIE jumps up from the bed and takes off ...

53

35.
54

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING

54

... racing through the living room ...

55

EXT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - EVENING

55

... and bursts through the back door, charging for the dune.
No!
56

Stop!

RONNIE
Go away!

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EVENING

56

The sound startles the raccoon and it scampers away. Behind

her, back at the house, JONAH emerges on the back porch.
JONAH
What is it?
RONNIE
They didn't put up the cage!
57

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - LATE EVENING

57

RONNIE sits under the stars watching the nest as the waves
crash on the beach. She yawns and tries to get comfortable.
58

EXT. BLAKELEE BRAKES - MORNING

58

A well maintained, four-bay car service center ...

Stenciling on the door reads: BLAKELEE'S BRAKES - 800
LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE as RONNIE pushes through it.
59

INT. BLAKELEE - BRAKE SHOP - MORNING

59

She sees WILL and SCOTT, working beneath a lifted car.

WILL walks toward her, wiping his hands.
Hey.

WILL

RONNIE
Thanks for nothing.
WILL
What are you talking about?
RONNIE
You didn't call about the cage!
RONNIE stares at WILL before storming off.

(CONTINUED)

59

36.
59

CONTINUED:
Hold on!

WILL
Wait a minute!

RONNIE doesn't bother turning around.

SCOTT walks up.

SCOTT
What was that about?
WILL watches her leave before heading after her.
SCOTT (CONT'D)
Where are you going, man? We've
got a lot of cars to work on.
WILL leaves the brake shop and ...
60

EXT.

BLAKELEE BRAKES - MORNING

... jumps in his truck.

61

60

He starts the car and ...

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - MORNING

61

... eventually ends up at the beach, where RONNIE stands by

the nest. RONNIE HEARS a truck door slam and looks up as WILL
approaches.
RONNIE
What do you want?
WILL
You didn't let me finish.
call. Twice, in fact.

I did

RONNIE
Yeah, right.
WILL
What's your problem?
RONNIE
My problem is that I had to sleep
outside again last night because
the raccoon came back. The same
one I told you about!
WILL
You really slept outside?
RONNIE, disgusted, turns and starts to walk away.
WILL (CONT'D)
They're coming tomorrow.
(Beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

61

CONTINUED:

WILL (CONT'D)
I just came from the aquarium.
director said they'd put it up
first thing tomorrow.

37.
61
The

RONNIE
That doesn't help my turtles
tonight, does it?
WILL
Your turtles?
Yeah.

RONNIE
My house. My turtles.

For a long moment, WILL simply stares at her.

62

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EARLY EVENING

62

RONNIE is sitting alone and reading in the dim glow of a

small camping lantern when WILL suddenly walks up.
WILL
I figured you'd be here. Your
house, your turtles and all.
Any sign of the raccoon?
RONNIE
Shouldn't you be with your friends,
staring at yourselves in the
mirror?
WILL
That's funny. I'll have to
remember that.
Despite her disdain, WILL takes a seat beside her. WILL notes
the book as RONNIE begins to read again.
WILL (CONT'D)
(quoting from Anna
Karenina)
"Happy families are all alike,
every unhappy family is unhappy in
its own way." I read the book in
English last semester.
RONNIE
Your parents must be proud.
WILL
Probably.
(Beat)
It's a beautiful night, isn't it?

(CONTINUED)

62

38.
62

CONTINUED:
RONNIE finally looks up from the book.
RONNIE
What's with the full court press?
WILL
I like people who like turtles.
And I figured you might want some
company. Even if you haven't told
me your name yet.
Ronnie.

RONNIE
It's short for Veronica.

WILL
All right, Ronnie.
story?

What's your

RONNIE
Why do you care?
WILL
Give me a break.
One sentence.

I'm trying, okay?

RONNIE
I live in New York with my mom, but
she shipped me and my brother here
for the summer to stay with my dad
and now I'm stuck baby-sitting
turtle eggs while a volleyball
player-slash-grease-monkey-slash
aquarium-volunteer tries to hit on
me.
WILL
I'm not hitting on you. I just
felt bad about the cage, and to be
honest, I didn't want you to be out
here alone. It's a public beach
and you never know who might come
walking up.
RONNIE
But you'd protect me, right?
WILL
If it came down to that, yes.
RONNIE wonders if he's serious, but can't help but feel at
least a little flattered.

(CONTINUED)

62

39.
62

CONTINUED: (2)
All right.
story?

RONNIE
Your turn.

What's your

WILL
I'm a volleyball-player-slash
grease-monkey-slash-aquarium
volunteer.
RONNIE, despite herself, laughs. The waves continue to crash
on the beach, the moonlight shines.
WILL (CONT'D)
You're okay if I stay?
RONNIE
It's a public beach.
WILL
What about your dad?
RONNIE glances at the house, noting the lights are on.
RONNIE
I'm sure he knows you're here.
63

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EARLY EVENING

63

STEVE releases the curtains and walks back to the couch.

On the coffee table is sheet music with a few notes penciled
in. STEVE sits and puts his fingers on the end table. As he
pretends to play, WE HEAR the first few notes of the song
he's writing when JONAH enters the room.
JONAH
Hey Dad. What has one eye, speaks
French, and loves cookies right
before bed?
STEVE
I have no idea.
JONAH covers one eye with his hand.
Moi.

JONAH

STEVE laughs.
STEVE
I think we've got some in the
kitchen. How about if I join you?

(CONTINUED)

63

40.
63

CONTINUED:
JONAH and STEVE head to the kitchen.

64

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EARLY MORNING

64

RONNIE opens her eyes and sees JONAH staring at her, inches
from her face. When she jerks back, JONAH nods toward WILL.
JONAH
Who's the stiff?
Nobody.

RONNIE
Just a friend.

Go away.

WILL wakes with the commotion and wipes the sand from his
face before focusing on JONAH.
WILL

Hey.
Hi.

JONAH
I'm her roommate. And you are?

RONNIE
This is my nosy brother Jonah.
Will.

WILL
Nice to meet you.

JONAH
Hey, I know you. You were the guy
who told the cop that Ronnie went
to Bower's Point.
RONNIE turns toward WILL before storming to the house.
WILL
Thanks for that.
WILL quickly rises and goes after her.
WILL (CONT'D)
Ronnie! Wait! C'mon. I'm sorry.
I didn't mean for you to get into
trouble.
WILL grabs her arm and RONNIE whirls to face him.
RONNIE
You and I have nothing in common!
Get it?

(CONTINUED)

64

41.
64

CONTINUED:
WILL
Then why were we both here last
night?
Leave.

RONNIE
Me. Alone.

WILL
Your act doesn't work on me,
Ronnie. You stopped the fight, you
helped that little boy and you read
Tolstoy. And you like sea turtles.
So what?

RONNIE

WILL
So I want to show you something
today.
(Beat)
You'll like it. Trust me.
RONNIE stares at him.
65

INT. WILMINGTON AQUARIUM - MORNING

65

WILL leads RONNIE through the darkened, still- closed

aquarium, past fish-tank-lined walls.
RONNIE pauses before a black lit tank filled with jellyfish
that seem to glow. From there, they go to see three river
otters - in another exhibit - frolicking in the water.
RONNIE smiles at their playfulness and puts her hand to the
glass as otters brush up against it.
WILL slides away, glancing at her as he unlocks a door. He
pushes the door open to reveal ...
66

INT. WILMINGTON AQUARIUM - MORNING

66

... another, large tank, away from the viewing public, where
an injured, Loggerhead swims. The turtle's shell is scarred
and one of the flippers is missing, causing her to bump into
the walls. As WILL watches it, RONNIE finally joins him.
WILL
That's Mabel. She was found a
month ago, barely alive. She was
hit by a boat propeller.
RONNIE
Is she going to be okay?

(CONTINUED)

66

42.
66

CONTINUED:
WILL
I hope so. She's stronger now than
she was. But no one knows if she
can survive in the ocean.
RONNIE
Why did you want me to see this?
WILL
Because I thought you'd like her as
much as I do. Scars and all.
RONNIE wonders if WILL is talking about her as well.
RONNIE
Aren't you supposed to be at work?
WILL
It's my day off.
RONNIE
Working for dad has its perks, huh?
WILL
You might say that.
RONNIE
So what do you usually do on your
day off?
CUT TO:

67

EXT. SMALL PIER - AFTERNOON

67

WILL holds a fishing rod as RONNIE sits beside him, legs

dangling. Above them, lazy clouds roll while an osprey
floats on the updrafts. Water laps gently at the pilings.
RONNIE
Just a good, Southern boy, huh?
Going fishing, watching the clouds.
I feel like you should be wearing a
NASCAR hat and chewing tobacco.
WILL
Don't be a snob. Believe it or not,
the south is great. We have indoor
plumbing and everything. And on
weekends, we go mudding.
Mudding?

RONNIE

(CONTINUED)

67

43.
67

CONTINUED:
WILL
We drive our trucks in the mud.

RONNIE tries to imagine the fun in something like that

without success. All at once, the line goes tight and the
reel bends. WILL hops to his feet and hands the rod to her,
suddenly moving fast, the action getting exciting.
WILL (CONTD)
Okay ... just take it ... hold on
to it!
Now reel it in ... no, not
like that!
RONNIE
I don't know what to do!
WILL
You're doing great!
I can't!

RONNIE

RONNIE begins to laugh and scream, making it into a bigger

deal than it is. As she reels, WILL grabs the net.
WILL scoops the fish and brings it to the deck as RONNIE
dances around the flopping creature.
RONNIE (CONT'D)
It's dying! ... Put it back in the
water!
WILL
I'm trying! I've got to get the
hook out!
RONNIE
Then get it out!
68

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - BEACH - LATE AFTERNOON

68

As RONNIE and WILL walk toward her house.

WILL
So mom's been going crazy trying to
plan my sister's wedding and making
the whole thing perfect. It's been
a little ... tense at the house.
RONNIE
What's your sister like?

(CONTINUED)

68

44.
68

CONTINUED:
WILL
Smart. Lives in New York. A bit
of a free spirit. Pretty much like
another older sister I know.
RONNIE bumps against him before they pause at the dune,
examining the rickety, rusted cage over the turtle nest.
RONNIE
That's going to keep the raccoon
out?
WILL
That's what they say.
to go home yet?

Do you have

RONNIE
Let me guess. You want to take me
duck hunting now.
WILL
That's in the winter.
RONNIE
Tell me you don't kill ducks.
RONNIE stares at him.

WILL doesn't respond.

RONNIE (CONT'D)
Cute, sweet little feathered
creatures, flying toward their
little duck pond, just minding
their own business? And you blow
them out of the sky?
WILL
Not today.
(Beat)
I've got a volleyball game.
on. It's fun.

Come

RONNIE hesitates before finally deciding to go with him.

RONNIE walks beside WILL as STEVE steps outside the workshop.
RONNIE
Evil duck killer.
69

EXT.

STEVE'S WORKSHOP - LATE AFTERNOON

69

STEVE watches them go. JONAH steps outside, still wearing

his safety goggles, looking like a deep sea diver.

(CONTINUED)

69

45.
69

CONTINUED:
JONAH
Need me to follow them, Dad?
an eye on them for you?

Keep

STEVE smiles.
STEVE
I think they'll be okay.
70

EXT.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - LATE AFTERNOON

70

WILL moves through the crowd, RONNIE trailing behind him.

RONNIE notices a few of the other teams and is surprised by
the intensity she sees in their expressions.
RONNIE
They look so serious about this.
Don't they know it's just a game?
WILL
Some do, some don't.
And you?

RONNIE

WILL
I play because I enjoy it.
SCOTT sees WILL and moves toward him.
WILL (CONTD)
Now Scott on the other hand, lives
for volleyball. It's his life.
SCOTT
Where've you been, man? You know
we're playing this weekend for a
higher seed in the tournament.
RONNIE moves into view and SCOTT freezes.
WILL
I'm sorry, man. Time got away from
me. Are we up next?
WILL sees SCOTT staring at RONNIE. Off to the side, CASSIE
and ASHLEY are staring at RONNIE as well.
SCOTT
Oh ... Yeah ... We're up in a
couple of minutes.

(CONTINUED)

70

46.
70

CONTINUED:
WILL
I've got to go.
Go ahead.

RONNIE

WILL heads off with SCOTT.

71

EXT.

SCOTT simply stares at him.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - LATE AFTERNOON

WILL and SCOTT play, making great sets and shots.

of them WILL sees RONNIE and smiles.

71
After one

Suddenly, ASHLEY sits next to RONNIE.

ASHLEY
You and Will, huh? Let me guess.
He took you fishing?
RONNIE
Do I know you?
ASHLEY
No, but I know Will. And I guess
you're his latest project.
RONNIE
What are you talking about?
ASHLEY
New girl, new conquest? It's just
the way he is. He can't help it.
(Beat)
Don't tell me you were actually
falling for it?
RONNIE glances from ASHLEY to WILL. While getting ready to
serve, WILL turns toward them. His brow furrows.
RONNIE
I gotta go.
72

INT.

STEVE'S WORKSHOP - LATE AFTERNOON

72

JONAH, concentrating, carefully solders part of the window,

looking like he has the hang of it. They've made good
progress on the window.
Behind him, STEVE pulls a hot piece of glass from the kiln
and holds it up to the light, checking the color, before
putting it on the table.

(CONTINUED)

72

47.
72

CONTINUED:

Through the window, he spots RONNIE heading toward the house,

looking angry.
STEVE
You think you can handle the next
couple of pieces on your own?
JONAH
Got it covered, Dad.
STEVE leaves the workshop and ...
73

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - LATE AFTERNOON

... knocks at the partially open door.

packing her suitcase.

73

He sees RONNIE

RONNIE
I'm out of here. I'm calling Mom.
That bad?

STEVE

RONNIE
Look ... you can't make me stay,
Okay? I just don't like it here.
RONNIE stares at her father. All at once, there's a knocking
at the door. After a moment, RONNIE moves past him and heads
toward the living room, where she ...
74

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON

74

... opens the door ...

75

EXT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - PORCH - DUSK

75

... and sees WILL on the porch. The last person she wanted to
see.
WILL
What happened? Why'd you leave?
RONNIE scowls and starts to close the door ...
Hold on!

WILL (CONT'D)
Wait!

The door slams shut. WILL knocks again.

Pounds on it.

WILL (CONT'D)
Come on, Ronnie! What did I do?

(CONTINUED)

75

48.
75

CONTINUED:
After a moment, the door swings open.
RONNIE
I'm not going to play your game.
WILL
What are you talking about?
Go away.

RONNIE

RONNIE closes the door again, this time for good.

WILL
I'm not going until you talk to me!
BACK TO:
76

INT.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - BEDROOM - MORNING

RONNIE loads her suitcase on the bed.

her. Two black dresses are laid out.

76

KIM walks up behind

KIM
You didn't give him a chance to
explain.
RONNIE
I wasn't thinking all that clearly.
I think I had some anger management
issues back then.
KIM
So what did you end up doing?
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING
JONAH is standing near the window, staring in the direction
of the turtle nest, as if transfixed. STEVE is reading the
Bible while RONNIE reads Anna Karenina.
JONAH
How long do you think he's going to
sit out there?
STEVE
Why don't you go ask him?
JONAH
He's not my boyfriend.

(CONTINUED)

49.
CONTINUED:
RONNIE
He's not mine either.
JONAH
It's just weird, don't you think?
Sitting out there all alone waiting
for you to talk to him?
STEVE glances up at RONNIE, but RONNIE pretends not to see
it. JONAH continues to stare, talking absently.
JONAH (CONT'D)
I wonder if he'll be out there all
night. And tomorrow, too.
Fine!

RONNIE
I get it! I'll go!

RONNIE heads toward the door.

JONAH turns to his father.

JONAH
What'd I say?
78

EXT.

BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EVENING

78

WILL is tossing tiny shells at the spider crabs when he sees

RONNIE approach. He stands.
RONNIE
You've got my brother completely
wigged out. You should go.
WILL
I just want to know what Ashley
said to you.
RONNIE
She didn't say anything.
WILL
No? Then why'd you run off after
talking to her? Why did it take
you three hours to finally come
outside?
RONNIE continues to stare at him, unimpressed.
WILL (CONT'D)
What did she tell you? That we're
still seeing each other? Because
we're not. We're over.
(Beat)
Talk to me.

(CONTINUED)

78

50.
78

CONTINUED:

RONNIE says nothing as she begins to understand the reason

behind ASHLEY'S comment. But before she can say anything,
WILL throws up his hands.
WILL (CONT'D)
I thought you were different. I
thought ... I don't know what the
hell I thought.
WILL turns and heads toward his truck. RONNIE watches him
go, thinking. She's about to start after him when she
catches a shadowy image on the beach.
As she stares, she sees the flicker of a lighter ... and a
fireball. MARCUS. RONNIE backs away and heads inside.
CUT TO:
79

EXT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - MORNING

79

A pelican skims the gentle swells in morning sunshine as ...

OFFICER JOHNSON, STEVE and PASTOR HARRIS (70s) stand next to
the squad car in the driveway and watch as RONNIE steps
outside. OFFICER JOHNSON nods and they shake before OFFICER
JOHNSON gets into the car.
RONNIE walks toward them.
old man's arms.

Up close, she sees burns on the

STEVE
Ronnie, this is Pastor Harris. This
is my daughter, Ronnie.
Hi.

RONNIE

PASTOR HARRIS
Pleased to meet you.
(To STEVE)
Let me know if you need anything.
I'm going to check on the repairs
at the church.
PASTOR HARRIS walks off, moving slowly and with a limp.
RONNIE
What was that all about?
STEVE
Let's have breakfast first.

(CONTINUED)

79

51.
79

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
Just tell me, Dad.
STEVE
You're not going to be able to go
back to your mom's.
(Beat)
The store owners still intend to
press charges. The arraignment is
set for Tuesday.

80

EXT.

BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - AFTERNOON

80

RONNIE sits by the turtle nest, watching the water when STEVE
walks up and takes a seat beside her.
RONNIE
Was she mad?
STEVE
I'm pretty sure she Godzilla'd the
kitchen. But she'll get over it.
Your mom's a great lady.
RONNIE
Why did you leave us, Dad?
(Beat)
I'm old enough for the truth, okay?
STEVE
After I stopped teaching at
Julliard, I did every show I could.
My dream, you know? Be a famous
concert pianist? But my being gone
was hard on your mom and we just
sort of ... drifted apart.
RONNIE
There was someone else, wasn't
there?
STEVE doesn't deny it, and RONNIE looks toward the sand.
STEVE
I know I should have tried harder
to save the marriage, and I'm sorry
for that. But that doesn't mean I
ever stopped believing in the magic
of love. Or happiness.
RONNIE
That doesn't really help me.

(CONTINUED)

80

52.
80

CONTINUED:
STEVE
Maybe you should go talk to him.
(Beat)
You looked happy yesterday. And he
did, too.

81

INT.

BLAKELEE BRAKES - AFTERNOON

81

WILL and SCOTT are working beneath a car on the lift,

changing a set of brake pads.
SCOTT
I'm just saying you were a little
off, that's all. You know how
important the tournament is to me.
Just keep your head in the game.
You do that, and we're going to
crush Tyson and Landry.
WILL
They haven't lost yet this year.
And they just won junior nationals.
SCOTT suddenly stops as he sees RONNIE standing in the
doorway that leads to the garage bay.
SCOTT
The chick from the Lost Boys is
back.
WILL sees her and approaches.

No smile this time.

WILL
What do you want?
RONNIE
I left because she said I was your
new project. That it's what you
always do.
WILL
She lied.
(Beat)
Look, I've got to get back to work.
RONNIE
I'm sorry. I overreacted.
had a good time yesterday.

And I

For the first time, WILL smiles.

Okay.

WILL

(CONTINUED)

81

53.
81

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
That's it? That's all you're going
to say after I come all the way
over here to apologize? Okay?

All at once, WILL takes a step forward and places a hand on

RONNIE'S hip. Pulling her close, he kisses her. RONNIE
resists a bit at first, then gives in and kisses him back.
When WILL finally pulls back, she's a bit flustered.
WILL meets her eyes.
WILL
The next time you're mad at me,
don't shut me out. I don't like
playing games.
In the background, SCOTT sees the whole thing.
CUT TO:
82

EXT.

BEACH SHOPS - AFTERNOON

82

RONNIE exits a store, smiling to herself, still amazed at

what had just happened.
She's holding a small bag of dried fruit. As she opens the
door, she drops the bag. She picks up the pieces and tosses
them in a nearby trash can.
Up ahead, she sees MARCUS and BLAZE tossing two fireballs
back and forth, obviously practicing. RONNIE ducks back so
they don't see her. Then, turning around, she heads in the
opposite direction ...
83

EXT.

BEACH SHOPS - AFTERNOON

83

... just as BLAZE turns in her direction. BLAZE'S smile

fades. But for the first time, BLAZE looks a tiny bit
guilty.
84

INT.

STEVE'S WORKSHOP - AFTERNOON

84

PIANO music BOOMS -- more melody from the song STEVE is

writing -- blocking out all other sound. STEVE'S eyes are
closed and for a moment, it seems as he's playing the piano.

Dad.
Dad.

JONAH
(Sounding far away)
(Sounding a bit closer)
(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

84

CONTINUED:

JONAH (CONT'D)
(Then, loud, suddenly
stopping the booming
music in STEVE'S head)
Dad! The glass is ready. Didn't
you hear the beeper?
Sorry.

54.
84

STEVE

STEVE puts on his gloves and pulls another piece of handpainted glass from the kiln with tongs. The window is about
a quarter done, and STEVE sets the glass down to cool.
JONAH
Hey Dad. What has one eye, speaks
French ...
STEVE
No cookies until after lunch.
about I make some sandwiches?

How

JONAH
Sandwiches?
STEVE
I'll meet you inside in a couple of
minutes.
JONAH heads to the door as RONNIE walks in.
JONAH
Ronnie's back.
RONNIE
Hey, Jonah. How are you doing?
JONAH
I'm dying of starvation, but dad
won't even let me have a single
cookie. Can you believe that?
JONAH trudges off and RONNIE flashes a brief smile as she
enters. RONNIE looks around the shop, really taking it in
for the first time. She notices the newspaper article and
leans in to read it. STEVE stays quiet, knowing she'll get
around to what she wants to say. Finally, she sighs.
RONNIE
I talked to him.
And?

STEVE

(CONTINUED)

84

55.
84

CONTINUED: (2)
RONNIE
He likes me.
He should.

STEVE
You're a catch.

RONNIE moves toward the window and stares at it.

RONNIE
Why are you making the window for
the church? And yesterday, I saw
you reading the Bible. What's going
on? I mean I know you always went
to that church, as a kid, but ...
STEVE
Pastor Harris was like a father to
me. He was my first piano teacher,
and working with him was ...
amazing. I used to play hours
beneath the original window with
this wondrous light shining around
me. And when the church burned ...
(Beat)
The pastor almost died and the
insurance only covers half the
damage ... and I just couldn't
imagine the church without the
window. It just wouldn't be right,
so I'm going to finish it. I need
to finish it.
(Beat)
I'm talking too much. When can I
meet the young man who likes my
daughter?
85

EXT.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - AFTERNOON

85

SCOTT and WILL have just finished another game and approach
CASSIE and ASHLEY when WILL sees RONNIE in the distance.
SCOTT
You've got to be kidding.
WILL hands the ball to SCOTT and walks past ASHLEY and
CASSIE. ASHLEY isn't happy about it.
Hey.

WILL

RONNIE
Don't kiss me. Just listen.

56.
86

INT.

WILL'S TRUCK - DUSK

86

The truck, with raised wheels, vibrates as RONNIE glances

around. She flips down the visor and sees a photo of WILL
with a beautiful blond who wears a VANDERBILT sweatshirt,
both of them showing off matching macrame-beaded bracelets.
RONNIE
Ten bucks says you posted this on
your facebook page.
You lose.

WILL
That's my sister.

RONNIE
Oh. What's with the matching
bracelets? You always wear it.
WILL
My sister and I both do. We make
them.
WILL doesn't say more and RONNIE gets the sense he doesn't
want to talk about it.
RONNIE
You know my dad won't care if
you're still sweating.
WILL
It's just a few of minutes, okay?
87

EXT.

WILMINGTON STREETS - DUSK

87

The truck passes homes that get progressively larger, with

well-manicured lawns.
88

INT.

WILL'S TRUCK - DUSK

88

RONNIE
Where are we going?
WILL
Could you reach into the glove
compartment and get the remote?
RONNIE opens it up and hands over the remote.
and presses a button ...
89

EXT.

WILL takes it

WILL'S DRIVE-WAY - DUSK

89

... as large, iron gates swing open just before WILL pulls
into the drive.

(CONTINUED)

89

57.
89

CONTINUED:
The drive curves and after a moment, a massive, Georgian
home, with stately columns and flanked by two five car
garages appears.

WILL pulls the truck to a stop in front of the house and gets
out. RONNIE, still staring at the house, can't move. It's the
largest, grandest home she's ever seen. WILL pulls the door
open for her and they ...
... walk up the steps. To one side of the door is a sign
announcing that "THE BLAKELEES DO NOT RECEIVE UNANNOUNCED
VISITORS." WILL pushes the door open ...
90

INT. BLAKELEE MANSION - DUSK

90

... to reveal a massive, marbled foyer, with an intricate,

crystal chandelier and amazing water views off the Great
Room.
RONNIE
You didn't tell me your last name
was Blakelee.
WILL
You didn't ask. Come on. Can I get
you something to drink while I
change?
WILL leads the way, through the foyer ... toward the great
room, that overlooks the intra-coastal waterway ... past the
music room ... past the Billiard room. A female voice calls
out.
Will?

SUSAN (O.S.)
Is that you?

SUSAN BLAKELEE, coiffed, attractive and perfectly dressed,

enters the room, holding a wedding magazine.
Hey mom.

WILL
Where's Dad?

SUSAN spots RONNIE behind her son. By her expression, it's

the first time someone who looks like RONNIE has ever been
inside her home. SUSAN tries to recover. Though she smiles,
there's a definite lack of warmth in her eyes.
SUSAN
He's in the den ... and you brought
company. I'm Susan Blakelee.
WILL
This is Ronnie.

(CONTINUED)

90

58.
90

CONTINUED:
Hi.

RONNIE

WILL
I'm having dinner over there
tonight, okay?
(To RONNIE)
I'll be right back.
WILL heads toward the stairs and for a long moment, neither
SUSAN nor RONNIE say anything to each other.
TOM BLAKELEE walks in, casually dressed and looking friendly.
TOM
I thought I heard someone come in.
I'm Will's dad. So you're the one
he's been talking about.
SUSAN
Will is going to be joining Ronnie
and her family for dinner.
TOM
Don't bother making anything fancy.
The kid lives on pizza and burgers.
Tom ...

SUSAN

TOM
Do you have a second?
show you something.

I want to

SUSAN
I'm sure she's not interested in
your airplane.
TOM
Come on. You like airplanes, right?
RONNIE
Yeah, sure.
91

EXT.

BLAKELEE MANSION - BACK VERANDA - DUSK

91

... a noisy whine sounds as TOM holds a remote in his hands,

excitedly pushing controls back and forth while a small,
remote control airplane buzzes over the water.
TOM
I always wanted one of these
things. Do you want to try?

(CONTINUED)

91

59.
91

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
That's okay.

WILL steps onto the porch, closing the door behind him. Not
only changed, he looks freshly showered.
WILL
You have to forgive my dad. He
sometimes forgets he's an adult.
TOM
At least I'm honest. She's a whole
lot prettier than you let on.
Dad ...

WILL

TOM
It's true. Don't be embarrassed.
(To RONNIE)
He used to be the shyest kid in
town. Couldn't even look at a
pretty girl without his cheeks
turning bright red.
RONNIE smiles.

WILL shakes his head in disbelief.

WILL
I can't believe you're saying this.
TOM
Why not?
(To RONNIE)
Does that bother you?
RONNIE
Not at all.
See?

TOM
She doesn't care.

Through the window, SUSAN watches them, concerned.

92

INT.

WILL'S TRUCK - DUSK

92

WILL closes the door and glances over at RONNIE.

WILL
Sorry about all that.
RONNIE
Don't be. I like him.
(Beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

92

CONTINUED:

93

EXT.

60.
92

RONNIE (CONT'D)
Now about tonight. My family has
this weird tradition.

STEVE'S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING

93

Stars glow over the cottage as a couple of voices sound:

WILL (O.S.)
No, you're lying and I'm sick and
tired of it!
RONNIE (O.S.)
Don't even go there! You're the
one who's lying!
94

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - EARLY EVENING

94

We PAN OVER the dirty plates on the kitchen counter to ...

... RONNIE, WILL, JONAH and STEVE sitting around the table,
each of them holding a playing card to their head, obviously
enjoying a game of Liar's Poker.
RONNIE holds a seven, WILL an eight, STEVE a three and JONAH
a nine.
All have their "game-faces" on. In the middle is a pile of
change. JONAH seems to be winning.
JONAH
You're both lying!
lying all night!

You've been

WILL
A quarter says you don't know what
you're talking about.
WILL throws a quarter into the pot.
STEVE
Bad move, son. It's over.
raise you fifty cents ...

I'll

RONNIE
I'll see that!
The others call. WILL looks at each of them, pausing, trying
to read them. So does RONNIE. All at once, all four of them
bring their cards to the table.
JONAH
You're all liars!

(CONTINUED)

94

61.
94

CONTINUED:
JONAH rakes the money in as they all laugh.
looks at RONNIE. Their eyes linger.

As he does, WILL

WILL
Do you want to go for a walk?
95

EXT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - BEACH - EARLY EVENING

95

It's a beautiful, summer evening on the beach; the moon

hanging over the ocean making the water seem to sparkle, a
light breeze, the waves gently rolling.
WILL and RONNIE walk beside each other, the happy mood from
the game still lingering.
RONNIE
I don't know how he always wins.
think he cheats, but I haven't
figured out how.

WILL
You just need to lie better.
RONNIE
Like you telling me you work for
your dad?
WILL
I do work for my dad.
RONNIE
You know what I mean.
WILL motions to the workshop.
WILL
What's that place?
RONNIE
My dad's workshop. He and Jonah
are making a stained glass window
this summer.
(Beat)
So what's next for you? Are you
going to keep working for your dad?
WILL
Just until the end of August. I'm
going to Vanderbilt in the fall.
Up ahead, a group is clustered on the beach, tending a small
bonfire. The faint strains of music are evident.

(CONTINUED)

95

62.
95

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
You don't sound very excited.
WILL
I wanted to go someplace different,
and I got accepted to a place that
has this incredible environmental
science program, but my mom ... She
wanted me to go to Vanderbilt.
RONNIE
Do you always do what your mom
wants?
WILL
You don't understand. It's a
family tradition. My parents went
there, my sister went there. And my
mom ... She ...
RONNIE waits, knowing something important is coming.
WILL (CONTD)
I had a little brother. Mike. He's
the reason my sister and I wear the
bracelets. Great little guy. So
much fun. Five years ago, Scott and
I had a basketball game, and we
brought Mike with us. Somehow my
mom lost control of the car. Mike
didn't make it. Hell, without
Scott, my mom and I probably
wouldn't have made it either. But
my mom still blames herself, and so
she tries to control things. Even
me. Especially me.
RONNIE glances at the bracelet.
RONNIE
What do the letters mean?

I-M-T-F

WILL
In-My-Thoughts-Forever.
RONNIE
And you said Scott saved you?
WILL
He pulled us out before the gas
tank exploded. But Mike ... He
died on impact.
(Beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

95

CONTINUED: (2)

WILL (CONT'D)
I'll never go to another funeral
again.
(Long beat, remembering)
Now it's your turn for secrets.
What don't I know about you?
Something no one around here knows.

63.
95

It's a moment of truth ...

RONNIE
I used to play the piano.
Used to?

WILL

RONNIE
I don't play anymore.
There's more and WILL knows it, but RONNIE seems hesitant.
At that instant, a shooting star passes overhead and RONNIE
points, breaking the tension.
RONNIE closes her eyes for a moment, then finally opens them.
RONNIE (CONTD)
What did you wish for?
Instead of answering, WILL slides one arm around her back and
takes her hand in his.
They begin to sway to the music, then dance in slow circles.
BACK TO:
96

INT.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - BEDROOM - MORNING

96

KIM watches RONNIE'S reflection in the mirror, transfixed.

The suitcase packed; again WE SEE the black dresses.
KIM
You fell in love with him, didn't
you?
Not then.

RONNIE
Not yet, anyway.
DISSOLVE TO:

97

EXT.

BEACH - AFTERNOON

97

WILL and RONNIE, run along the beach, both of them laughing
and finally collapsing in the sand, where they kiss.

64.
98

EXT. BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - AFTERNOON

98

WILL tries to teach RONNIE to play volleyball. WILL lobs the

ball toward her, RONNIE yelps as she sends the ball flying
off to the side ... The same thing happens again ...
But the next time, she hits the ball well and it goes soaring
over WILL'S head ...
99

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - DOORWAY - AFTERNOON

99

WILL and RONNIE kiss in the doorway and then spill into the
house, ending up against the wall. Finally, reluctantly,
RONNIE puts her hands to his chest.
RONNIE
Stop. My dad might walk in at any
time. And I've got to get my suit.
RONNIE catches her breath, stares at him, then darts for her
room. In her absence, WILL spies the photographs and magazine
article in the end-table drawer.
He pulls them out and looks them over, curious ...
CUT TO:
100

EXT. BLAKELEE MANSION - POOL - AFTERNOON

100

RONNIE suns on her stomach on the diving board, teasing WILL

as he stands on the pool cabana roof.
RONNIE
Anyone can do one flip.
could do one flip.

Even I

WILL
I'd like to see that.
RONNIE
I'm just saying I could. But do
one, if that's all you can do.
I'll pretend to be amazed.
WILL backs up, takes two quick steps and jumps. He does two
flips, looking more graceful than she'd imagined, and dives
in the water with only a slight splash.
WILL swims toward the diving board. He grabs the lip of the
board and starts to bounce it up and down.
RONNIE screams and falls in ... and WILL is there to grab
her. He tries to kiss her as she splashes away.

65.
101

INT.

BLAKELEE MANSION - DAY

101

SUSAN is standing by the window watching WILL and RONNIE not happy - when TOM walks up.
SUSAN
I don't trust that girl.
got an edge to her.

She's ...

TOM
Will seems to like her.
SUSAN
That's what I'm worried about.
102

EXT.

BEACH SHOPS - LATE AFTERNOON

102

RONNIE and WILL walk beside each other, each of them enjoying
a snow-cone. When WILL takes a bite, RONNIE pushes WILL'S
snow-cone up onto his nose and takes off.
WILL laughs and begins to chase her, when MARCUS, BLAZE,
TEDDY and LANCE suddenly round the corner. RONNIE lands in
MARCUS'S arms.
RONNIE struggles, but MARCUS holds tight.
Let me go!

RONNIE

RONNIE struggles but MARCUS won't let her go. WILL rushes
toward them. TEDDY & LANCE step forward, ready to intervene.
MARCUS
Take it easy, Will. I was just
keeping her from falling. And by
the way, how's Scott doing?
WILL freezes. MARCUS finally lets her go and RONNIE rubs her
arms where MARCUS had squeezed too hard. MARCUS and the
others head off.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
See you around, Ronnie. And say
hey to the Judge for me on Tuesday.
When RONNIE finally turns to WILL, she sees him staring at
her, his expression concerned.
103

EXT.

BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - DUSK

103

RONNIE and WILL sit on the dune, near the turtle nest. WILL
is listening intently as RONNIE shakes her head.

(CONTINUED)

103

66.
103

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
And that's all of it. I admitted
everything the first time because I
knew I was wrong, but this time,
I'm innocent. I know you probably
don't believe me.
WILL
It's not that. Nothing surprises
me about Marcus. He's been crazy
since he was a kid. But Galadriel
... She used to be the nicest
girl, but after her mom and dad got
divorced, she just sort of lost who
she was. I feel bad for her, but
what she's doing to you is wrong.
RONNIE
What's going on with Scott and
Marcus? First, they almost fight,
then he says something weird. And
you seem caught in the middle.
WILL
It's nothing.
RONNIE knows there's more but doesn't press it.
WILL (CONTD)
Can I ask you a question?
different subject?

Totally

RONNIE glances at him.

WILL (CONTD)
Why did you stop playing the piano?
I saw the picture and the article.
RONNIE
My dad taught me to play from the
time I was able to walk and when he
left us ... I don't know. It's like
I was so angry at him that the best
way to get back at him was to quit.
WILL
It's not my business, but it seems
like you're only hurting yourself.
You have a gift. Who knows? Maybe
you could go to Julliard?

(CONTINUED)

103

67.
103

CONTINUED: (2)
RONNIE
I could. They still write me.
my dad used to teach there.

And

WILL
Then why don't you go?
RONNIE
Does it matter that much to you?
That I'm not just who you thought I
was? That I'm better?
WILL
You're exactly who I thought you
were. From the first time I saw
you I saw you.
104

EXT. COURT HOUSE - MORNING

104

A stately limestone structure where WE PAN to the words: NEW

HANOVER COURT HOUSE. Men and women hurry up the steps.
105

INT. COURT HOUSE - MORNING

105

RONNIE stands next to a female ATTORNEY. STEVE and JONAH are

in the front row behind her. The court is crowded and among
those present is ASHLEY, who works for another attorney.
ASHLEY sees RONNIE, but RONNIE doesn't notice her.
slips further into the background.

ASHLEY

The stern PROSECUTOR stands at her table, facing the Judge.

RONNIE
Not guilty, Your Honor.
JUDGE
Trial will be set for August 20th.
ASHLEY heads over to confer with the PROSECUTOR as she
watches RONNIE leave.
106

EXT. COURT HOUSE - MORNING

106

As RONNIE and STEVE talk to RONNIE'S ATTORNEY, RONNIE sees

WILL leaning against his truck, holding flowers.
BACK TO:
107

INT.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - BEDROOM - LATE MORNING

107

KIM watches as RONNIE adjusts the strap on her black dress.

(CONTINUED)

107

68.
107

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
That's when I fell in love with
him.
KIM
Because he was there?
RONNIE
No. Because that's when I knew he
loved me too.
(Beat)
But it's strange. We were so
different. We argued about
everything. The only thing we had
in common was that we couldn't get
enough of each other.

108

EXT.

BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - AFTERNOON

RONNIE and WILL stand near the turtle nest.

pointing to the sand near the cage.

108

RONNIE is

RONNIE
You didn't tell me raccoons could
dig under the cage! You're going to
have to stay out here tonight!
WILL
Me? I thought you said they were
your turtles!
RONNIE storms off toward the house.
109

EXT.

BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EVENING

109

As WILL sits by the nest, RONNIE comes up to join him.

sits and hands him a cup of cocoa.

She

CUT TO:
110

EXT.

DIRT ROAD - AFTERNOON

110

WILL'S truck is stuck in the mud and a cable has been

anchored to a nearby tree. WILL is winching the cable as
RONNIE leans out the window.
RONNIE
Up north, we watch fireworks on the
4th of July. We don't get stuck in
the mud.
WILL
Ease down on the gas gently.

(CONTINUED)

110

69.
110

CONTINUED:

The engine revs, but the tires spin. WILL winches again,
then jogs into position for a better view.
Now try.

WILL (CONTD)
A little harder.

RONNIE pushes the accelerator too hard, and the rear of the
truck begins to slide sideways, spraying WILL with mud.
111

EXT. DIRT ROAD - EVENING

111

With lights on the truck's roll cage glowing in the darkness,

WILL drives the truck as it bounces through the mud. RONNIE
is having the time of her life.
WILL makes a sudden, sharp turn, off the muddy track, toward
a small clearing before finally bringing the truck to a stop.
RONNIE
What's going on?
WILL motions out the filthy front window. RONNIE watches as
fireworks begin exploding in the evening sky.
CUT TO:
112

INT. STEVE'S WORK SHOP - AFTERNOON

112

RONNIE and WILL examine the progressing work on the stained

glass window as STEVE and JONAH continue to work. PASTOR
HARRIS is there as well.
WILL
You didn't tell me the window was
for the church that burned.
RONNIE
What does it matter?
WILL
How far would you go to protect a
friend?
RONNIE
What aren't you telling me?
WILL doesn't answer.

PASTOR HARRIS looks over at him.

RONNIE (CONTD)
In the end, you should always do
the right thing. The problem is,
that's also usually the hard thing.

(CONTINUED)

112

70.
112

CONTINUED:
WILL says nothing.

113

EXT.

In the silence, STEVE coughs.

SMALL BOAT ON THE OCEAN - DAY

113

WILL is reeling in a fish, while balancing on the back of the

small boat.
WILL
Put it in reverse! Hurry!
almost out of line!

I'm

RONNIE panicking, slams the throttle forward.

surges and WILL goes flying off the back.

The boat

CUT TO:
114

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING

114

RONNIE sneaks in the door to find her father asleep.

She pulls the blanket up, making him more comfortable.
CUT TO:
115

INT.

WILMINGTON AQUARIUM - DAY

115

RONNIE is staring at the pail of fish and shaking her head,

as if disgusted.
RONNIE
I'm not putting my hand in there.
WILL
(tired of this)
Grab the fish and throw it!
otters need to eat!

The

RONNIE
It looks all slimy! It's gross!
WILL
(Voice rising, frustrated)
Feed the otters!
(Then softly, trying to
charm)
Please feed the otters. They're
starving, baby.
RONNIE grimaces as she reaches in and grabs the fish. As she
tosses it in, an otter jumps. RONNIE screeches.
CUT TO:

71.
116

EXT.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - DUSK

116

As WILL runs toward SCOTT, who's holding up his hands, upset

that WILL is late again. SCOTT sees RONNIE in the distance
and his eyes narrow.
117

EXT.

BLAKELEE MANSION - PARKING COURT - DAY

117

WILL and RONNIE kiss as they lean against WILL'S truck. At

that moment, SUSAN walks out and spots them. SUSAN turns
around and marches inside, but it doesn't matter ...
118

INT.

WILL'S TRUCK - EVENING

118

... because RONNIE and WILL kiss passionately on the front

seat before RONNIE finally pulls back, breathing hard.
RONNIE
I really have to go. Stop kissing
me! I have to watch the nest
tonight in case the raccoon comes
to dig again.
WILL
(just as breathless)
Sorry. I'll stop.
RONNIE leans in to kiss him again before hopping out of the
truck and running to the house. She turns to wave at WILL as
he pulls away, feeling very happy.
That.

JONAH
Was. So.

Gross.

RONNIE jumps, not realizing that JONAH was sitting on the

rocker on the porch.
RONNIE
Oh, hey Jonah. Where's Dad?
JONAH
The church. He's been going there
more and more lately to play. When
he's not sleeping or working on the
window, I mean.
Just then, RONNIE hears the distant sound of a piano while
noticing that a light inside the not-yet-completely-repaired
church is on. RONNIE steps off the porch and ...

72.
119

INT.

CHURCH - EVENING

119

... enters a half-repaired church to see her father playing

the song he'd started to write that summer. Though lovely,
it sounds unfinished, and STEVE pauses and tries again.
PASTOR HARRIS sees RONNIE and smiles before leaving.
realizes that her father didn't know he was there.

RONNIE

RONNIE listens, liking this version slightly better, until

all at once, the keys jam together.
STEVE begins to cough uncontrollably.
RONNIE rushes to him.
Dad?

RONNIE
Are you okay?

STEVE catches his breath, but tries to make light of it.

STEVE
Hey. I didn't hear you come in.
How long have you been here?
Not long.

RONNIE
What's wrong?

STEVE
I must be coming down with the flu
or something.
(Beat)
What time is it?
RONNIE
Just after ten. Are you sure
you're okay?
STEVE
Yeah, I'm fine. Really.
RONNIE isn't so sure she believes him.

STEVE points up.

STEVE (CONTD)
That's where the window will go by
the way. When we get the money to
finish the repairs, that is.
STEVE grabs the sheet music and stands. As he does ...
RONNIE
Was that the song you were playing?
I've never heard it before.

(CONTINUED)

119

73.
119

CONTINUED:
STEVE
It's just something I've been
working on. No big deal.
RONNIE
So ... I guess you couldn't live
without the piano, huh?
(Beat)
It's okay, Dad. I don't care. It's
a gift, right?

120

EXT. BEACH - EARLY EVENING

120

It's a perfect summer evening on the beach as WILL and RONNIE

scamper on the beach carrying flashlights.
Dozens of spider crabs scurry from the light. They move
quickly, looking like something from another world.
RONNIE squeals ...
WILL
They're not going to hurt you.
RONNIE
I said I don't like crabs.
She squeals again and darts out of the way, right into WILL.
He takes her in his arms. Then ...
WILL
I want you to come to my sister's
wedding with me.
RONNIE
Your mom won't want me there.
WILL
So? It's not her wedding. And my
sister will love you. Trust me.
At that moment, they walk past SCOTT. He grabs WILL'S arm.
SCOTT
Dude ... where you been hiding out
lately? First you've been blowing
off practice ...
RONNIE sees ASHLEY & CASSIE with him at the same moment SCOTT
sees her. ASHLEY & CASSIE aren't happy either.
SCOTT (CONT'D)
Oh ... I get it.

(CONTINUED)

120

74.
120

CONTINUED:
WILL
What do you get?
SCOTT
Look, the tournament's coming,
okay? And I need this going into
my senior year. You might not have
needed a volleyball scholarship to
pay for college, but I do.
WILL
Yeah, man. Of course. We're going
to win it all. Catch you later,
all right?
RONNIE and WILL head off.

SCOTT is visibly angry.

RONNIE
What was that about?
WILL
A volleyball tournament. It starts
the day after my sister's wedding.
RONNIE
And it's important to Scott?
help him get a scholarship?

To

WILL
I know there's going to be a lot of
coaches in the stands.
RONNIE
Then make time for practice. Play
games. Do what you have to do to
get ready.
WILL
All right. On two conditions.
First, you try to talk some sense
into Blaze. And number two, dance
with me at the wedding.
121

EXT.

BEACH - DAY

121

BLAZE is sitting on the beach near the pier when RONNIE walks
up.
BLAZE
What do you want?

(CONTINUED)

121

75.
121

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
Marcus hit on me. That's why I
left that night. And you deserve
better than him, okay? You're
smart, you're pretty and he treats
you terrible ... I'm worried about
you. That fire stuff is crazy.
I'm okay.

BLAZE
I've got it handled.

In the silence RONNIE watches her. Finally, she digs some

money out of her pocket and sets it beside BLAZE.
RONNIE
I know you don't have any money to
eat and you won't go to your mom's.
It's all I have. But if you get
hungry again or want a place to
sleep, you know where I live.
RONNIE turns and walks off.
122

INT.

BLAZE watches her, wondering.

STEVE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY

122

RONNIE flings clothes all over when JONAH walks in.

JONAH
Dad's taking a nap again so keep it
down. What's going on?
RONNIE
I don't have anything to wear to
the wedding. And Lord knows, I have
to wear something to that wedding
or Will's mom would string me up.
JONAH
So buy something.
RONNIE
I don't have any money.
JONAH studies her before getting up from his seat.
over and grabs a small tin box.

He heads

JONAH opens it up and pours the contents on the bed.

money: tens and twenties, dollar bills mixed in.

Lots of

RONNIE (CONT'D)
Where'd you get all this?
JONAH starts pointing at the money on the bed.

(CONTINUED)

122

76.
122

CONTINUED:
JONAH
This ten was for when I told dad I
didn't see you at the carnival.
This twenty is what I won playing
liars poker. Dad cashed me in.
This twenty was for when you snuck
in past curfew in New York. This
was for the guy with blue hair ...
RONNIE
You saved it all?
JONAH
I like Will. And besides, you need
it more than I do.

123

INT. DRESS SHOP - AFTERNOON

123

RONNIE works with a SHOP ATTENDANT who pulls several

beautiful dresses off the racks for RONNIE.
124

INT. DRESS SHOP - AFTERNOON - MINUTES LATER

124

RONNIE heads to the dressing room, arms full.

125

INT. DRESS SHOP - DRESSING ROOM - AFTERNOON

125

Several rapid shots of RONNIE in a variety of dresses.

One of them is too formal, one of them is too blue, one of
them makes her look like she's wearing a sack ...
Her expression lets us know she hates them all.
The SHOP ATTENDANT hands her a dress over the dressing room
door but we can't make it out.
RONNIE smiles and it's obvious she loves it.
slip it on and ...
126

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

She begins to
126

Both STEVE and JONAH stare at RONNIE as she enters the living
room in her new dress. Her hair is styled, the purple streak
gone; she looks spectacular.
RONNIE
Do I look okay?
JONAH
You look like you spent two hundred
forty two dollars on the dress.

(CONTINUED)

126

77.
126

CONTINUED:
STEVE
You look wonderful.
RONNIE smiles and smooths her dress ...
CUT TO:

127

EXT.

BLAKELEE MANSION - PARKING COURT - AFTERNOON

127

... then smooths her dress again after stepping out of the
car. STEVE leans across the front seat.
STEVE
I'm proud of you.
that, okay?

Never forget

RONNIE smiles and with a deep breath, she walks up the steps,
toward the mansion and is spotted by a tuxedoed WILL.
He's utterly amazed at how beautiful RONNIE is, and finds it
impossible to turn away.
128

EXT.

BLAKELEE MANSION - BACK LAWN - AFTERNOON

128

RONNIE sits in a white chair overlooking the trellis where

the ceremony will take place. The river shimmers, the
flowers and ice sculptures are spectacular.
The ushers come by, escorting the bridesmaids.
and ASHLEY arrive as well.

SCOTT, CASSIE

ASHLEY scowls.
129

EXT.

BLAKELEE MANSION - BACK VERANDA - DUSK

129

WILL'S SISTER, MEGAN BLAKELEE, and her NEW HUSBAND pose for
yet another photograph as the camera flashes.
WILL continues to stare at RONNIE from afar.
130

INT.

BLAKELEE MANSION - BALLROOM - EVENING

130

The reception is in full swing as MEGAN and her NEW HUSBAND

finish dancing with a dip and then kiss. The crowd claps as
the band starts playing a snappier tune.
The dance floor begins to fill. RONNIE is standing off to
the side when ASHLEY walks up beside her.
ASHLEY
So Will invited you to the wedding,
huh? Good. Have your fun.

(CONTINUED)

130

78.
130

CONTINUED:
ASHLEY motions to SUSAN who's dancing with TOM.
ASHLEY (CONT'D)
But do you honestly think his mom
will ever accept you? Did you know
Megan was engaged twice before
tonight? His mom ran both of them
off.
(Beat)
It's not real. He leaves in a
couple of weeks. Forever.

RONNIE knows ASHLEY just wants to upset her, but the girl has
a knack for knowing exactly what buttons to press.
131

EXT.

BLAKELEE MANSION - BOAT DOCK - EVENING

131

RONNIE leans against the piling, staring at the yacht in the

slip, when WILL walks up.
WILL
There you are. I've been looking
for you. You owe me a dance.
RONNIE
I'm not in the mood.
WILL
What's wrong? Don't shut me out.
132

EXT.

BLAKELEE MANSION - BACK LAWN - EVENING.

132

ASHLEY sees WILL and RONNIE together and frustrated, she

heads over to SUSAN.
BEVERLY
There's something you should know
about Ronnie. Something I learned
when I was working at the
courthouse.
133

EXT.

BLAKELEE MANSION - BOAT DOCK - EVENING

133

RONNIE
Where is this going? You and me? I
live in New York, you'll be going
to Vanderbilt and we'll never see
each other again.
WILL
I don't know where you're getting
this, but you're wrong.
(Beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

133

CONTINUED:

79.
133

WILL (CONT'D)
You ... you make me feel alive. No
matter what you think about me, or
my house, or my mom, or that I'm
going to Vanderbilt. It doesn't
change how I feel about you.

RONNIE, despite her reservation, knows she feels the same

way. She turns to him and he takes her in his arms.
WILL (CONT'D)
(his voice low)
You know I love you, right.
WILL kisses her gently. Their faces linger close. WILL
kisses her again. She leans into him, loving him, too.
WILL (CONTD)
(whispers)
You want to see my dad's boat?
RONNIE
(whispers)
Okay.
WILL leads RONNIE to the yacht and helps her up. But even
before they go inside the cabin, WILL and RONNIE start
kissing. And continue kissing ... needing each other.
WILL pushes her against the cabin, she runs her finger
through his hair. WILL reaches behind him to open the door
when all of a sudden, a fireball goes flying his way.
WILL reacts, pulling RONNIE away and stomps on the fireball
after it bounces off the cabin and lands on the deck. He sees
MARCUS, standing on the dock, lighting another fireball.
WILL
What the hell are you doing?
MARCUS
Why don't you ask Scott?
doing Ronnie?

How you

WILL jumps down and goes after MARCUS; in the brief scuffle,
they dislodge a rope that's supporting the tent and part of
the tent collapses onto the guests.
In the distance, SUSAN is coming down the lawn, shouting for
help as they see what's happening. MEN in tuxedos follow.
MARCUS breaks free and runs into the darkness.
notices the collapsing tent, as does RONNIE.

WILL finally

80.
134

INT.

BLAKELEE MANSION - DEN - LATE EVENING

134

RONNIE sits away from the party as she listens to the

shouting in the room next door.
SUSAN (O.S.)
She ruined your sister's wedding!
And what were you about to do down
there with ... that girl? Did you
know she was arrested?
WILL (O.S.)
She explained that!
SUSAN (O.S.)
Oh, she explained it! She's not
good enough for you! You've got
your whole future ahead of you!
She's low class! Low! Class!
Just then, TOM walks in. In the background, the arguing
continues. TOM isn't happy, but he's kind.
TOM
Do you want me to bring you home?
RONNIE
I think you'd better.
(Beat)
Tell him I said goodbye. And that
I'm sorry it didn't work out.
CUT TO:
135

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING

135

RONNIE is in her pajamas when JONAH pokes his head in.

JONAH
You've got company.
RONNIE
Where's dad?
JONAH
He's still sleeping. And she's
waiting. And she's hot.
136

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING

136

RONNIE walks into the living room. There, she sees MEGAN in
the living room, in a sharp, tailored outfit. Stunning.

(CONTINUED)

136

81.
136

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
I'm sorry about ruining your
wedding.
MEGAN
You definitely made it memorable.
RONNIE
Why are you here?
MEGAN
I want to know if you love him?
RONNIE nods, barely able to look at her.
MEGAN (CONT'D)
Then don't worry about my wedding.
Or my mom. She's been disappointed
with me, too and she always gets
over it.
(Beat)
You should talk to Will.
RONNIE
Where is he?
MEGAN
Watching the nest. Where else? He
said it was his turn. Something
about raccoons digging under the
cage, whatever that means.
(Beat)
And just so you know? We postponed
our honeymoon so we could watch my
little brother play in the
tournament today.

137

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - MORNING

137

As RONNIE walks up to WILL at the nest, WILL stands.

WILL
Look, about last night...
RONNIE
I need you to do something for me.
138

EXT.

BOWER'S POINT - MORNING

138

An isolated sandy beach where BLAZE, in a bikini top, sits

beneath a rickety beach shed, soaking a fireball with lighter
fluid. She absently sets the can aside, unaware that the can
tips over soaking her shirt, just as MARCUS walks up.

(CONTINUED)

138

82.
138

CONTINUED:
MARCUS
Come on. Big crowd today, And I
need some money.
BLAZE grabs her shirt and begins slipping it on.

139

EXT. BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - AFTERNOON

139

A banner reads: TENTH ANNUAL WILMINGTON/CUERVO GOLD BEACH

VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT. AUGUST 10.
TWO PARAMEDICS are leaning on the front bumper of their van,
flirting with a couple of bikinied coeds on a sunny
afternoon.
Among the crowd, we see ASHLEY and CASSIE ... SUSAN and TOM,
MEGAN and her NEW HUSBAND.
RONNIE rises, cheering as ... WILL and SCOTT leave the court
slapping hands.
140

MONTAGE - WILL AND SCOTT'S TREK TO THE FINALS

140

-- As WILL and SCOTT play the last point in their first

match, where they have the lead ... the volley continues ...
WILL makes a diving set and SCOTT drives it home ...
On the scoreboard, BLAKELEE and THOMAS advance, as do LANDRY
and TYSON ...
-- In the next game, WILL and SCOTT serve for the win. The
ball is returned. SCOTT sets and WILL spikes the victory
shot. The match is called in favor of BLAKELEE/THOMAS.
-- WILL and SCOTT walk off the court exhausted. RONNIE
applauds as the scoreboard behind her reads: SEMIFINAL
RESULTS - BLAKELEE/THOMAS 15 - SHORT/KELMER 5.
-- The scoreboard flashes:
TYSON/LANDRY.

FINAL MATCH BLAKELEE/THOMAS ...

END MONTAGE.
141

EXT.

PIER - AFTERNOON

141

As MARCUS drops a hat and lights a fireball.

142

EXT.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - AFTERNOON

142

The scoreboard shows that each team has won one set. The
score is 12-9 in favor of BLAKELEE/THOMAS. WILL dives for the
serve ... SCOTT digs ... and WILL taps it over the net, just
past the outstretched hands of a diving LANDRY.

(CONTINUED)

142

83.
142

CONTINUED:

RONNIE cheers. As she looks around, she sees MARCUS, TEDDY

and LANCE doing their show.
SCOTT
We own these guys! Keep it going!
WILL serves ... ball moving fast ... an ace! Match-point.
RONNIE glances back at the pier ...
143

EXT.

PIER - AFTERNOON

143

... and sees MARCUS juggling three fire balls. MARCUS tosses
one to BLAZE and she catches it. ... and tosses it back ...
Another fireball comes at BLAZE ... and this one hits her
shirt, suddenly igniting it ... MARCUS stares, horrified.
backs away before taking off with TEDDY and LANCE.
144

EXT.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT - AFTERNOON

He
144

RONNIE screams before pushing her way out of the stands ...
WILL turns, and then rushes for the pier as well ...
145

EXT. PIER - AFTERNOON

145

... as WILL tears off his shirt and wraps it around BLAZE.
RONNIE arrives from the stands as BLAZE cries out in pain.
WILL
I've got to get her to the
hospital.
WILL scoops BLAZE into his arms and starts carrying her
toward his truck. As he does, RONNIE follows. Glancing at
the court, she sees SCOTT watching them.
She doesn't see ... the paramedics tearing open the back door
and going for the stretcher ...
146

INT.

HOSPITAL - EVENING

146

WILL and RONNIE are in the waiting room when MARGARET CONWAY,
BLAZE'S mother, leaves the intensive care unit.
MARGARET
Thanks for doing what you did.
RONNIE
Is she going to be okay?

(CONTINUED)

146

84.
146

CONTINUED:
MARGARET
We don't know yet.
CUT TO:

147

EXT.

WILMINGTON STREETS - EVENING

147

WILL'S truck speeds along quiet roads, toward the beach.

148

INT.

WILL'S TRUCK - EVENING

148

WILL looks angry, RONNIE concerned.

RONNIE
Please don't do this.
149

EXT.

BOWER'S POINT - EVENING

149

The truck slides to a halt and the driver's side door opens.
WILL comes out from around the truck, pissed ... and sees a
small bonfire near an old beach shed.
150

EXT.

BOWER'S POINT - EVENING

150

MARCUS, TEDDY and LANCE are drinking beer as ... WILL smashes
into MARCUS like a football player. WILL slams a fist into
MARCUS'S face as TEDDY dives in.
WILL rolls, ending up on top of TEDDY. WILL head-butts
TEDDY, breaking his nose, blood flowing. TEDDY screams.
WILL rises quickly as LANCE rushes him going low, WILL brings
his knee up. LANCE'S head snaps back.
MARCUS gets up as WILL moves in. MARCUS grabs a piece of
burning wood and swings it. WILL knocks it aside and
charges, again landing on top, his eyes wild.
WILL hits MARCUS ... then hits him again ... and again ...
When WILL reels back again, his arm is grabbed.
Stop!

RONNIE
He's not worth it!

After a long moment, WILL gets to his feet and walks ...
151

INT.

BLAKELEE BRAKES - MORNING

... toward SCOTT.

151

SCOTT refuses to turn around.

SCOTT
You didn't have to quit the match.
The paramedics were there.

(CONTINUED)

151

85.
151

CONTINUED:
WILL
I wasn't thinking.
sorry.

Look, I'm

SCOTT
Yeah. Well so am I.
and I needed this.

You owed me

WILL
I don't owe you. I've been
covering for you since the fire and
I'm tired of Marcus playing us.
You need to do the right thing.
You need to tell the truth.
WILL starts walking away.
SCOTT
(shouting)
You want me to ruin my life? You
want me to go to jail! For an
accident?
152

EXT.

BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EARLY EVENING

152

WILL and RONNIE sit together, WILL looking depressed. RONNIE

reaches for his hand.
153

INT.

RESTAURANT - DAY

153

While WILL talks to the hostess, RONNIE sees SUSAN at a table

with a group of women. SUSAN stares angrily at her.
Thankfully, the hostess leads them in another direction.
154

EXT.

BEACH SHOPS - EVENING

154

WILL and RONNIE walk hand in hand. Up ahead are SCOTT,

CASSIE and ASHLEY and as WILL and RONNIE pass, SCOTT turns
his back, ignoring his former friend.
155

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DUSK

155

JONAH carries a birthday cake toward the table, STEVE, JONAH

and WILL sing the last two stanzas ...
STEVE/JONAH/WILL
(singing)
- Happy birthday dear Ronnie!
- Happy birthday to you!
JONAH sets the cake on the table. RONNIE leans over and
blows them out. STEVE coughs as he waves at the smoke.

(CONTINUED)

155

86.
155

CONTINUED:
WILL
What do you want for your birthday?
(Beat)
Come on, I'm leaving Friday.
RONNIE glances at WILL and slowly begins to smile.

156

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EVENING

156

A crowd has gathered around the turtle nest, including half a

dozen people wearing Wilmington Aquarium shirts and WILL,
RONNIE, STEVE and JONAH, all of them anxious.
The exterior lights on the house are off, but the moonlight
shows a smooth pathway leading to the water. One of the
volunteers holds a flashlight near the water's edge.
JONAH
Why is he holding the light over
there?
WILL
So the turtles go toward the water.
(Beat)
Look!
The first of the turtles begin to scamper out ... followed by
another and another ... everyone is excited.
WILL puts his arm around RONNIE and they watch as ...
... three becomes five and six ... then twelve.
Even more turtles crawl toward the moonlit ocean ... the moon
hovering just over the horizon.
157

EXT.

BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EVENING - LATER 157

... the moon is now higher and the crowd is gone. Only WILL,
RONNIE, JONAH and STEVE remain.
JONAH
That. Was. So. Cool.
RONNIE smiles as STEVE begins to cough ... and cough ... for
a moment, it sounds as if he's choking. When he finally
stops, STEVE catches his breath.
I'm okay.

STEVE

(CONTINUED)

157

87.
157

CONTINUED:

But WILL, JONAH and RONNIE are horrified. STEVE'S face is

covered in blood.
BACK TO:
158

INT. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - BEDROOM - AFTERNOON

Both RONNIE and KIM are silent for a long moment.
their black dresses on by now ...

158
Both have

RONNIE
You should have told me.
KIM
Your dad wanted a normal summer
with you.
RONNIE
But if I'd known, I could have done
something.
KIM
No, sweetie. There wasn't anything
you could do.
DISSOLVE TO:
159

INT.

STEVE'S HOSPITAL ROOM - EVENING

159

RONNIE sits on the hospital bed, looking at her father.

STEVE is pale and hooked up to an I.V.
RONNIE
This can't be happening.
make mistakes.

Doctors

STEVE
Not this time. And they've done
everything they could. It's just
an aggressive form and the
treatments didn't work.
RONNIE
(Angry disbelief)
So you brought me here to watch you
die?
STEVE
No. I asked you to come so I could
see you live.
Tears begin to fall down her cheeks.

STEVE takes her hand.

(CONTINUED)

159

88.
159

CONTINUED:
STEVE (CONTD)
I'm so sorry, sweetie.
RONNIE breaks down and leans into her father, crying.

160

INT.

HOSPITAL CAFETERIA - EVENING

160

WILL sits with JONAH at the table, cookies and milk in front
of them. JONAH munches on a cookie, oblivious.
JONAH
What's wrong with Dad?
WILL
I think you need to talk to Ronnie.
JONAH
Why can't you tell me?
WILL glances up to see a stricken RONNIE entering the
cafeteria.
JONAH turns and sees her as well.
JONAH (CONTD)
Can I go see him yet?
RONNIE
He wants to talk to you alone.
I'll walk you there and wait
outside the door, okay?
Cool.

But

JONAH

JONAH gets up, but WILL knows enough to leave them alone.
WILL watches as RONNIE puts an arm around him.
161

INT. HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - EVENING

161

JONAH goes into the room and sees his dad on the bed. As the
door closes, RONNIE turns and sees PASTOR HARRIS in the
hallway, tears on his cheeks.
PASTOR HARRIS
I'm so sorry. I love your father
like my own son.
RONNIE breaks down and he holds her as she cries.
CUT TO:

89.
162

EXT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - EVENING - LATER

162

Heavy clouds drift over the house, looking ominous.

roll steadily over the beach.
163

Waves

EXT. BEACH/DUNE - NEAR THE TURTLE NEST - EVENING

163

RONNIE stands at the turtle nest, absently staring at the

broken eggs and tiny trails left by the baby turtles, when
she hears the front door close.
Though WILL approaches, she doesn't turn.
WILL
Jonah's finally asleep. But
I don't think he understands.
He kept asking when Dad is
coming home.
RONNIE nods, saying nothing.
WILL (CONT'D)
Are you okay?
RONNIE
How do you think I'm doing? I just
found out my Dad is dying and that
he probably won't live to see
Thanksgiving.
WILL
Look, I'll stay tonight ... I'll
stay as long as you need me to. I
can call an advisor or the dean and
explain what's happening ...
RONNIE spins toward him, her voice rising, getting angry.
RONNIE
You can't fix this!
that?

Don't you get

WILL
I'm not trying to fix it.
RONNIE
Yes, you are! But you can't! And
you can't understand what I'm going
through either!
RONNIE feels the tears starting to form.

(CONTINUED)

163

90.
163

CONTINUED:
RONNIE (CONTD)
I was so mean to him! I quit the
piano and I wouldn't talk to him
for three years! And now I can't
get those years back. But maybe if
I'd hadn't been so angry ...
WILL
It's not your fault.

WILL reaches out to her and she pushes him back. WILL holds
her and RONNIE begins to pound on his chest, taking out her
frustration. WILL simply takes it.
Let me go!
alone!

RONNIE
I can handle this

The blows continue until finally, RONNIE'S energies drain

away. She collapses into him.
RONNIE (CONTD)
I don't want you to leave.
164

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING

WILL wakes after spending the night on the couch.

around, he hears the back porch door slam shut.
WILL gets up and heads to the kitchen.
165

EXT.

164
Looking

He sees ...

STEVE'S HOUSE - BACK PORCH - MORNING

165

RONNIE standing on the back porch, looking at the water.

The door squeaks open. Up close, WILL sees her eyes are red,
but she's quiet, as if depression has settled in.
RONNIE
I spoke to the doctor and he said
my dad's in a lot of pain, so they
want to keep him in for a couple
more days. Pastor Harris is with
him now.
I'm sorry.
any sleep?

WILL
Were you able to get

RONNIE
Not really. I finally crawled in
bed with Jonah, but my brain just
wouldn't shut off.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

165

CONTINUED:

91.
165

RONNIE (CONT'D)
And not just because of my dad.
Because of you, too.
(Beat)
I know you're leaving tomorrow ...
WILL
I already told you that I can
postpone it.
RONNIE
I don't want you to. You're about
to start college, and I can't take
that away from you.

In the silence, WILL stares at her.

the macrame bracelet.

Finally, he takes off

WILL
I want you to have this.
RONNIE is touched, but all of a sudden, there is the sound of
breaking glass coming from the workshop.
166

EXT.

STEVE'S WORKSHOP - MORNING

166

The workshop door flings open. RONNIE and WILL see JONAH
forcefully dragging a broken chair outside.
JONAH lifts it up and throws it, looking angry.
lands in the sand.
167

EXT.

The chair

STEVE'S HOUSE - BACK PORCH - MORNING

Jonah!

167

RONNIE

RONNIE and WILL run toward the workshop.

168

INT.

STEVE'S WORKSHOP - MORNING

168

RONNIE enters, WILL a step behind her and they see JONAH
tugging at a heavy crate on the floor.
RONNIE
What are you doing?
JONAH
I can't reach it!
enough!

What's wrong?

I'm not tall

RONNIE
Can't reach what?

(CONTINUED)

168

92.
168

CONTINUED:

For the first time, RONNIE notices the blood on JONAH'S leg
and the torn jeans.
RONNIE (CONTD)
You're bleeding!
JONAH ignores her, still trying to pull the crate. It jerks,
causing one of the mammal-fish to fall off the wall. It
crashes to the floor.
WILL rushes across the room to help.
at him when he gets close.

JONAH rises and pushes

JONAH
I can do it! I don't need you!
JONAH starts to cry, angry and frustrated. Terrified at the
thought of losing his dad, the dad he'd never stopped loving.
JONAH (CONT'D)
Dad told me to finish the window!
Me! That's what we were doing all
summer! You weren't here! All you
cared about were the turtles! But
I was with him every day!
JONAH speaks through tears, his voice breaking.
JONAH (CONT'D)
And now I can't reach the middle
part of the window. I can't finish
it! So I tried the chair, but it
broke and I fell and I got mad and
then the crate's too heavy ...
JONAH finally breaks down completely and RONNIE goes to him.
She takes him in her arms.
RONNIE
Let's get you inside. I want to
check the cut on your leg, okay?
JONAH
What about the window? If I finish
it, maybe Dad will get better.
RONNIE
Can I help?
JONAH
You don't know how.

(CONTINUED)

168

93.
168

CONTINUED: (2)
WILL
Will you show us?

169

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - MORNING

169

JONAH, standing on the crate, shows RONNIE how to cut the

glass by running the glass cutter over it, then gently
tapping it. JONAH places it in the correct spot.
170

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - MORNING - LATER

170

JONAH shows WILL how to properly bend the solder that holds
the glass pieces in place.
171

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - AFTERNOON

171

JONAH shows WILL how to pull the glass from the kiln.
172

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - AFTERNOON - LATER

172

JONAH solders another piece together as another piece of

glass is presented.
173

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - EVENING

173

WILL comes in with fast food as the sun goes down, the window
getting closer to completion.
174

EXT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - EVENING - LATER

174

The stars are out in full as WILL holding a sleeping JONAH in

his arms, pushes open the door. Inside, we can see RONNIE
soldering at the table.
175

INT. STEVE'S WORKSHOP - MORNING

175

The morning sun shines through the window as RONNIE and WILL
stare at the completed project on the table when PASTOR
HARRIS walks in, looking worn out.
PASTOR HARRIS
It's beautiful.
RONNIE
Will you be able to use it?
PASTOR HARRIS
Lord willing. If we can find a way
to finish the repairs.
WILL sees the burns on the Pastor's arms and hands, knowing
what he has to do. He turns to RONNIE.

(CONTINUED)

175

94.
175

CONTINUED:
WILL
There's something I need to tell
you.

176

EXT. BEACH BEHIND THE HOUSE - MORNING

176

RONNIE stares at WILL.

RONNIE
Scott started the fire?
been protecting him?

And you've

WILL
I told you it was an accident.
RONNIE
It doesn't matter! He needs to
take responsibility for what he
did.
WILL
I told him to go the police.
RONNIE
But what if he doesn't? Are you
going to keep covering for him?
WILL
Yes, he's my friend ...
RONNIE
The pastor almost died! And the
church ... I thought you were
better than that.
WILL
Ronnie, I can't.
Then go.

RONNIE
Just go.

WILL
What? ... No, Ronnie.
RONNIE
GO! You're leaving anyway and
we'll never see each other again!
LEAVE! I can't handle all this
right now! And I can't be with
someone I don't trust!
(Beat)
You just need to go. LEAVE!

(CONTINUED)

176

95.
176

CONTINUED:

WILL turns and heads off. As he looks over his shoulder, he

sees RONNIE crying, her back to him.
He stares at her, hating what's happened, hating himself.
177

INT. BLAKELEE MANSION - DEN - AFTERNOON

177

WILL sits in the den, suitcases packed when TOM walks in.
TOM takes a seat beside him, knowing how upset WILL is.
You okay?

TOM

WILL
If I asked you to do something
important for me, something for a
good cause, something big, would
you do it? No questions asked?
TOM simply looks at him, debating.
178

INT.

STEVE'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

178

RONNIE, now wearing the bracelet, sits beside STEVE, who lays
in the hospital bed. JONAH is at the door. Despite his
weakness, STEVE smiles.
STEVE
You really finished the window?
JONAH
It's awesome, dad. You'll see when
you get home. What kind of soda do
you want?
STEVE
Anything's fine.
JONAH leaves the room.

Once he's gone ...

STEVE (CONTD)
Officer Johnson called. They
agreed to postpone the trial.
RONNIE
I can't think about that right now.
STEVE nods.

He should have known.

STEVE
How's Jonah holding up?

(CONTINUED)

178

96.
178

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
Like me. Lost. Confused. Scared.
Barely holding it together.
STEVE
I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to
stay out of the hospital. So you
didn't have to see me like this.
RONNIE
Never say you're sorry about that.
STEVE
You ready to tell me what happened
with Will?
RONNIE shakes her head.
No.

RONNIE
But I want to know something.

Anything.

STEVE

RONNIE
When you said playing the piano
made you feel better, did you mean
that it helped to keep the pain
away?
(Beat)
The truth, Daddy.
Yes.

STEVE

RONNIE's eyes fill with tears as she realizes what she'd put
him through.
STEVE (CONT'D)
Oh, Ronnie. Please don't cry.
It's okay. I'm not mad. Most of
the time, it wasn't that bad. And
I had the kind of summer that I'd
dreamed about when I asked your mom
to let you stay with me.
RONNIE
Oh, Daddy ... I'm so sorry.
RONNIE leans onto STEVE and he runs his hand through her
hair.

(CONTINUED)

178

97.
178

CONTINUED: (2)
STEVE
Shh ... It's okay. Really. I got
to watch you save the turtles, I
had the chance to see you fall in
love, even if it didn't last
forever. And best of all, I got to
know you as a young woman, not a
little girl. I can't tell you how
much joy those things gave me.
JONAH suddenly walks back into the room.
JONAH
Look who I found!
KIM follows immediately behind him.
quickly wipes her face.

RONNIE sits up and

KIM
Hi, sweetie. Hey Steve.
Hi, Kim.

STEVE

KIM
I think we all need to talk.
179

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

179

KIM is cleaning up the kitchen when RONNIE walks in.

KIM
Are you packed yet?
RONNIE
I'm not going back to New York.
KIM
We discussed this.
RONNIE
No, you discussed this. But I'm
staying. And I'm eighteen now.
And you can't force me to go.
KIM
This ... isn't your responsibility.
RONNIE
Then who's is it? He told me what
happened and I know you were angry
with him. But I don't understand
why you couldn't forgive him.

(CONTINUED)

179

98.
179

CONTINUED:
KIM
What exactly did he tell you?

RONNIE stares at her mother, finally beginning to understand.

RONNIE
It wasn't him, was it?
(Beat, getting angry.)
And you let me believe that he just
walked out on us for no reason?
How could you do that?
KIM can't say answer.
RONNIE (CONTD)
You know what? I don't care any
more. But I'm not leaving Dad.
There's no one else who can take
care of him.
KIM
You don't know what you're doing.
RONNIE
Stop talking to me like that! I
know exactly what I'm doing. It's
my choice, and I'm staying here.
At that moment, JONAH walks back in.
JONAH
Who's staying? If she's staying,
I want to stay, too.
KIM
I know you do, sweetie. But you
can't. We've got to go back.
School is getting ready to start.
JONAH
That's not fair! I don't care about
school!
180

INT.

STEVE'S HOSPITAL ROOM - AFTERNOON

180

JONAH is holding STEVE as JONAH cries on STEVE'S chest.

STEVE has tears in his eyes, both of them knowing it's the
last time they'll ever see each other.
JONAH
(crying)
But I want to stay with you, Daddy.
I'll be good. I promise.

(CONTINUED)

180

99.
180

CONTINUED:
STEVE
I know you'd be good.
mom's right.

But your

JONAH
(crying)
It's not fair. It's just not fair.
STEVE
Hey ... I want you to listen to me.
Can you do that?
JONAH finally looks at his father as STEVE holds him.
STEVE (CONTD)
I want you to know that you're the
best son a dad could hope to have
and I'm so proud of you. You're
going to grow up and do wonderful
things. And I love you so much.
JONAH
(crying inconsolably)
I love you, too, daddy. And I'm
going to miss you.
STEVE
I'll miss you, too. But I'm
to watch over you, okay? I
promise. And every time the
shines through the window we
or any window at all, you'll
I'm there, okay?

going
light
built
know

In the doorway, RONNIE and KIM fight back tears as they watch
JONAH and his father talk for the last time.
181

INT.

HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - AFTERNOON

181

RONNIE turns toward her mom.

RONNIE
I need you to do something for me
as soon as you get back home.
182

EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE - MORNING

182

As the Fed-Ex man arrives with a box. As soon as she gets

it, RONNIE starts to tear open the package.
She pulls out a bundle of letters, held together with a
rubber band.

(CONTINUED)

182

100.
182

CONTINUED:
The letters are addressed to her, from her father.

As she walks toward the house, she pulls the first of the
envelopes out and ...
183

INT.

STEVE'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

183

RONNIE helps STEVE into a wheelchair.

STEVE (V.O.)
I don't even know how to start a
letter like this, other than to say
I love you ...
CUT TO:
184

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING

184

RONNIE puts scrambled eggs on the breakfast tray and brings

it to her father in the living room.
STEVE (V.O.)
You have every right to be angry at
what's happened with your mom and
me, and since you won't take my
calls, I decided to try this
instead ...
CUT TO:
185

EXT.

BEACH - AFTERNOON

185

RONNIE helps her father walk on the beach, both of them

moving slowly, both now wearing sweaters.
STEVE (V.O.)
Simply because you and Jonah have
always meant so much to me ...
CUT TO:
186

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING

186

RONNIE carries STEVE'S breakfast on a tray and brings it to

the living room. STEVE, draped in a blanket, looks up from
his spot on the couch.
STEVE (V.O.)
Please understand that none of what
happened had anything to do with
you. Or with Jonah.
CUT TO:

101.
187

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - EVENING

187

STEVE is sleeping, and after pulling up the covers, RONNIE

puts the Bible on the night-stand.
RONNIE sees sheet music and pulls out the pages, recognizing
it as the music she'd heard STEVE playing in the church.
RONNIE studies the music as she wanders down the hall.
STEVE (V.O.)
Sometimes, for reasons that aren't
always clear, marriages just don't
work out ...
RONNIE puts the pages on the coffee table and finds a pencil.
She begins to finish the song.
CUT TO:
188

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EARLY EVENING

188

STEVE and RONNIE stand at the door as Trick-or-Treaters hold

out their bags. RONNIE drops the candy in.
STEVE is now using a cane and looks gaunt.
STEVE (V.O.)
It's not much, I know, and
certainly not enough to make you
understand ...
189

EXT. CHURCH - AFTERNOON

189

STEVE and RONNIE stand on the beach beside PASTOR HARRIS as

they watch the dozens of workers completing the church,
everyone working hard.
They see the stained glass window being framed into place.
PASTOR HARRIS and STEVE look on with amazement.
In the background, TOM BLAKELEE stands on the street.
sees him, wondering ...
STEVE (V.O.)
But I want you to know that I still
believe in miracles. I believe in
the magic of love, and I want you
to believe in it, too. You deserve
that ...
CUT TO:

RONNIE

102.
190

EXT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - BACK PORCH - MORNING

190

RONNIE works on the STEVE'S song, adding to it.

STEVE (V.O.)
And I hope that in your heart,
you'll find some way to forgive me
for leaving. It doesn't have to be
now. But when you're ready, I'll
be waiting with open arms on what
will be the happiest day of my
life.
RONNIE leans back, smiling at what she's added when she hears
her father come out. She hides the music.
Looking up, RONNIE pales.

STEVE can barely stand.

RONNIE
What's wrong?
STEVE
I need to go back to the hospital.
CUT TO:
191

INT. STEVE'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

191

RONNIE sits beside a sleeping STEVE, holding his hand.

hasn't been crying, but she looks tired.

She

RONNIE brushes a loose strand of hair from STEVE'S face as

MARGARET, BLAZE'S mother, knocks.
MARGARET
The door was open. Am I
interrupting?
RONNIE
He's sleeping. How's Blaze?
mean Galadriel?

MARGARET
If you have a minute, she'd like to
talk to you.
RONNIE checks on her father one last time and stands.
crosses the room and ...
192

INT. BLAZE'S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

She
192

... RONNIE enters BLAZE'S room. BLAZE looks up. Her stomach
is still wrapped in gauze, as are her arms and hands.

(CONTINUED)

192

103.
192

CONTINUED:
BLAZE
How's your dad doing?
RONNIE shrugs.

Her expression is answer enough.

I'm sorry.

BLAZE (CONTD)

RONNIE
Are you going to get out soon?
BLAZE
In a couple of days.
I'm glad.

Finally.

RONNIE
Your mom seems nice.

BLAZE
We're getting along better. Kind
of sad that it happened like this,
but that's not why I wanted to talk
to you.
(Beat)
I met with the prosecutor and I
told her what I did to you. All of
it. There won't be a trial.
RONNIE
Thank you. But what's going to
happen to you?
BLAZE
I'll be okay. I had some
information they wanted. About the
way the fire really started at the
church.
(Beat)
Scott didn't do it. Marcus did.
He saw the chance to start the fire
and get away with it, so he did.
He's crazy. I guess I always knew
that, but ... Anyway I'm going to
testify against him.
CUT TO:
193

EXT.

WILMINGTON STREETS - DAY

193

OFFICER JOHNSON leads a hand-cuffed MARCUS, TEDDY and LANCE

toward the police cruiser as the PROSECUTOR looks on.
CUT TO:

104.
194

INT.

STEVE'S HOSPITAL ROOM - AFTERNOON

194

RONNIE is reading another one of the letters from her father

as STEVE sleeps beside her. On STEVE'S lap is the Bible.
When STEVE stirs, RONNIE puts the letter aside and smiles.
RONNIE
Hey. How are you? The doctor said
I can bring you home tomorrow.
Good.

STEVE
The food here is killing me.

RONNIE
That's not funny.
STEVE
You're right. I'm sorry. And I am
feeling better. You, on the other
hand ...
RONNIE
Don't start with me.
STEVE
I was going to say you're
beautiful. Do you know that?
RONNIE
I'm sorry about blaming you, Daddy.
STEVE takes her hand and kisses it.
STEVE
Do you remember when you were
little? You used to watch me
playing for hours ...and then one
day, I heard music and found you
playing a song you'd written
yourself. You were only four years
old. You have such amazing talent.
But you know what? No matter how
bright your star became, I never
cared about the music half as much
as I cared about you as a daughter.
I want you to know that.
RONNIE
I love you, too, Daddy. And I want
to do something for you.
CUT TO:

105.
195

INT.

STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING

195

RONNIE wrestles with a nail on the plywood wall. It's hard

for her to get the claw of the hammer beneath it and the claw
keeps slipping.
Behind her, the door suddenly opens and she sees SCOTT,
looking apologetic.
For a moment, they simply stare at each other.

Finally ...

SCOTT
I'm sorry about your dad. And what
happened with Will. And the way I
treated you all summer.
RONNIE
I'm sorry, too. Did you ever get
your scholarship?
SCOTT
Yeah. But that's not why I'm here.
I wanted to come by to see if there
was anything I could do to help.
RONNIE
I'm having some trouble with this.
SCOTT crosses the room and takes the hammer from her. He
gets the claw beneath the nail, and it comes out with a
squeak. SCOTT moves to the next nail and ...
196

INT. STEVE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON

196

SCOTT stands across the room, leaning against the wall.

STEVE is on the couch, watching as RONNIE sits behind the
piano, playing the song STEVE wrote with soft passion.
For the first time, WE HEAR a good portion of STEVE'S SONG,
and it's both beautiful and complicated.
The music slows, becoming rich and full, then speeds up again
into something almost beyond comprehension.
SCOTT listens, utterly amazed, frozen in place.
STEVE, however, closes his eyes as well and seems to feel the
music as a single tear drifts down his cheek.
The music continues, gradually becoming softer until ...
BACK TO:

106.
197

INT. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - BEDROOM - LATE MORNING

197

... the music finally fades away completely.

For a long moment, there is silence in the room. Both are
fully dressed in black, ready for the funeral, both are
trying and failing to fight back the tears.
RONNIE
I played for him every day. It
made him so happy, and I tried so
hard to make it as beautiful as I
could. I did the very best I
could. I promise.
KIM
I know you did.
beautiful.

And I know it was

RONNIE
I miss him. I miss him so much.
KIM
I know, sweetie. We all do. And he
would have been so proud of you.
RONNIE
You mean about deciding to go to
Julliard?
KIM
No, sweetie. I mean about you
becoming the young woman we both
knew you would be. That's all we've
ever wanted.
(Beat)
Did you get everything packed? We
have to go straight to the airport
after the funeral.
RONNIE nods.

She stays quiet for a moment.

RONNIE
I haven't from Will, Mom. I just
wanted to have the chance to say I
was sorry. I don't know what to do.
KIM
If your dad taught you one thing,
it was that sometimes, you just
have to have faith.
CUT TO:

107.
198

EXT. CHURCH - AFTERNOON

198

People in black are leaving the church after the funeral.

PASTOR HARRIS is shaking hands as people pass.
199

INT.

CHURCH - AFTERNOON

199

RONNIE, dressed in black, is trailed by JONAH and KIM in the

mostly empty church.
Straight ahead, at the back of the church, is the magnificent
stained glass window, glowing in the cloudy light.
On either side of the altar, funeral workers are quietly
removing the flower arrangements.
On the altar, though, is the piano where RONNIE had watched
STEVE play; it too, is surrounded by flowers.
JONAH and KIM hesitate as RONNIE approaches the altar, her
eyes never leaving the window.
Finally, RONNIE steps up and wanders to the piano.
her hand on top of it, remembering.

She runs

Suddenly, the clouds outside seem to have parted, because the

sunlight begins to slant through the window, casting its
spectacular, almost heavenly, light on the piano.
RONNIE smiles.
RONNIE
(whispers)
Hi, Daddy.
Behind her, the doors of the church opens.
and CASSIE also dressed in black, enter.
RONNIE turns around and sees them.
TOM enter as well.

SCOTT, ASHLEY,

A moment later, SUSAN and

SUSAN and TOM walk forward. They pause to express their

condolences to KIM and JONAH. A moment later, SUSAN heads
toward the altar. Her voice is soft and genuine.
SUSAN
I'm so sorry for your loss.
RONNIE
I want to thank you for what you
did for the church. It's what my
dad wanted more than anything.

(CONTINUED)

199

108.
199

CONTINUED:
SUSAN
Scott told me you could play the
piano. That you were wonderful,
and that your dad taught you.
(Beat)
Would you play something to honor
him?

RONNIE goes to the piano and takes a seat. She closes her
eyes ... and begins to play AND SING, STEVE'S SONG, the music
in perfect harmony.
The song, we realize, is finally complete and RONNIE plays.
It continues as the light streams down around her ...
200

EXT. CHURCH - AFTERNOON

200

... and still continues, more softly, as RONNIE leaves the

church, walking beside KIM. Up ahead, JONAH stands beside
BRIAN at the car, fully loaded with suitcases.
RONNIE sees WILL standing off to the side, dressed in a black
suit. She can't read his expression, nor does he move toward
her. She approaches.
RONNIE
I thought you wouldn't go to
funerals.
WILL
I wouldn't have missed it.
sorry about your dad.

And I'm

RONNIE
I'm sorry, too. About the things I
said to you. I didn't mean them.
What happened this summer ...
WILL
The summer meant a lot to me, too.
RONNIE
But it's over?
WILL
Summers always come to an end. I
guess you're heading back to New
York, huh?
RONNIE
Yeah. I'm going to start at
Julliard in January.

(CONTINUED)

200

109.
200

CONTINUED:
WILL
Good for you. Look, I know you've
got to go, but there's something I
want to tell you ...
RONNIE
I already know what your parents
did.
WILL
It's not that. It's something
else. But now isn't the time. How
about I give you a call? After you
get settled in.

RONNIE stares at him, her heart breaking inside, knowing it's

really over, knowing he won't call.
Sure.

RONNIE
Why not?
CUT TO:

201

INT. AIRPLANE - AFTERNOON

As RONNIE stares out the window.
knee, but RONNIE barely notices.

201
KIM puts a hand on her
CUT TO:

202

INT. NYC APARTMENT - BEDROOM - EVENING

202

RONNIE goes to her small bedroom. From her bag, she removes
the macrame bracelet, remembering. She debates whether or
not to put it on before setting it aside.
203

INT. NYC APARTMENT - AFTERNOON

203

Ronnie plays the piano in the living room as KIM looks on.
CUT TO:
204

EXT. NEW YORK CITY - AFTERNOON

204

RONNIE walks with JONAH down the streets. They pass a travel
agency, and RONNIE sees a poster showing Wrightsville Beach.
RONNIE pauses to look at it, fingering the spot on her wrist,
as if remembering, and wanting to wear, the bracelet.
CUT TO:

110.
205

EXT.

JULLIARD - AFTERNOON

205

As students enter the building, WE DISTANTLY HEAR the music

from the funeral . . .
The music begins to rise in volume ...
206

INT.

JULLIARD CLASSROOM - AFTERNOON

206

... and WE SEE hands on the piano (like the opening credit
scene), but the hands are those of a high school girl.
RONNIE plays the music from the OPENING CREDITS, her cell
phone on the piano. She wears the macrame bracelet.
As she plays, he's startled by the ringing of her cell phone.
Grabbing it, she checks the caller ID. It says WILL
BLAKELEE. She hesitates before answering it, wondering
whether she should, wondering what to say if she does.
Rising from the piano bench, she moves toward the window as
it rings a third time and sees a pigeon sitting on the window
sill. She looks at it as she finally answers.
Hello?

RONNIE

WILL (O.C.)
I hate the way it ended between us.
RONNIE
Summer's come to an end, right?
Isn't that what you said?
WILL (O.C.)
I guess I did. How's New York?
RONNIE
It's okay. It's not the same as
the beach, but it's home.
WILL (O.C.)
How's Jonah doing?
RONNIE
What do you want, Will?
WILL (O.C.)
Do you remember when I said I had
to tell you something?

(CONTINUED)

206

111.
206

CONTINUED:
RONNIE
Yeah, I remember.
WILL (O.C.)
Is that a pigeon on the window
sill?
RONNIE
What are you talking about?
WILL (O.C.)
A pigeon. Outside the window.
Look, maybe this will be easier if
you just turn around. I should do
this in person, anyway.

RONNIE gradually comprehends what he's saying and she slowly

turns around, where she sees WILL standing in the doorway.
He snaps his phone shut as she stares, shocked.
RONNIE
What are you doing here?
WILL
My sister lives here, remember?
Actually, I'm staying with her for
a while.
But why?

RONNIE

WILL
Do you remember when I said that
Vanderbilt wasn't my first choice?
That I wanted to go to that school
with the incredible environmental
science program.
RONNIE
I remember.
WILL
Well, the school doesn't normally
make exceptions and it wasn't the
right time to talk about it at the
funeral ...
(Beat)
I've transferred to Columbia.
My mom knew some people and pulled
some strings. Don't ask me how.
It takes a moment for the news to settle. When it finally
does, RONNIE slowly begins to smile. As does WILL.

(CONTINUED)

206

112.
206

CONTINUED: (2)
RONNIE
You're going to go to school here?
In New York?
WILL starts walking toward her.
WILL
The new term starts in January. I
came a little early to get settled
in. I hope you're okay with that.
Considering I couldn't stop
thinking about you.
RONNIE offers a teasing, playful look.
RONNIE
I guess I'm okay with that. But
you do know they don't have a lot
of fishing or mudding around here.
I figured.

WILL

RONNIE
And not a lot of beach volleyball
either. Especially in January.
WILL
I guess I'll just have to make
sacrifices.
RONNIE
Maybe if you're lucky, you'll find
other ways to occupy your time.
WILL reaches her and slowly wraps his arms around her.
WILL
I never stopped loving you, even if
summers do end. And I never will.
RONNIE
I love you, too.
They begin to kiss, their passion evident, the kind of love
that will no doubt last forever.
As we pull back, strangely, it's as if the light through the
window is shining on them.
FADE OUT.