02x18 - The Lonesome Road

[bunniefuu]

LUCAS: (v.o) Previously on One Tree Hill.

[INT. JAMES SCOTT APARTMENT – FRONT DOOR – EVENING]

(The front door opens to Taylor.)

NATHAN: (Squinting) Do I know you?

TAYLOR: (Standing in the rain, completely soaked.) Well you should, I’m your sister-in-law.

CUT TO:

[INT. JAMES SCOTT APARTMENT – BEDROOM – DAY]

(Nathan is standing with his arms crossed, glaring at Taylor.)

NATHAN: We agreed to keep what happened between us a secret.

TAYLOR: (Brushing him off.) Relax, Nathan, Haley doesn’t have a clue.

CUT TO:

[EXT. SAWYER RESIDENCE – FRONT DRIVE – EVENING]

(Jake and Peyton are standing near her car, playing with Jenny.)

NIKKI: (v.o) Jenny’s mine now. (sh*t of her smirking face.) Hand her over.

JAKE: Forget it(!)

CUT TO:

[INT. TAGARRO RESIDENCE – ANNA’S BEDROOM – EVENING]

(Anna is confessing to Felix.)

ANNA: The rumours, they weren’t rumours.

(Close-up of Felix squinting.)

ANNA: I’m gay(!)

CUT TO:

[INT. ROE RESIDENCE – LUCAS’ BEDROOM – EVENING]

(Brooke looks around at her belongings in Lucas’ bedroom with astonishment.)

BROOKE: This is all my stuff, I don’t understand.

LUCAS: I,… had my mom talk to your parents and they said that you could stay here till the summer.

CUT TO:

[INT. ROE RESIDENCE – BROOKE’S BEDROOM – EVENING]

(It’s a little later and Brooke is getting settled in.)

BROOKE: Thank you, Karen. You know you saved my life, right?

KAREN: I’m not gonna make it easy on you and sometimes you’re not gonna like me for it.

(Brooke pulls Karen into a hug.)

KAREN: (Shocked) Oh(!)

BROOKE: (Pleased) It’s just like having a real mom.

CUT TO:

[INT. DAN SCOTT MOTORS – DAN’S OFFICE – EVENING]

(Dan is messing around with something in the ceiling. Cut to Lucas, watching him secretly.)

CUT TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S CAR – THE ROAD – DAY]

(Nathan takes his wedding ring off and looks at it.)

FADE TO BLACK:

END OF PREVIOUSLY ON:

OPENING CREDITS ROLL:

FADE IN:

[EXT. THE ROAD – NATHAN’S CAR – DAY]

(Nathan’s still driving. His car passes the camera.)

CUT TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S CAR – THE ROAD – DAY]

(Nathan’s phone rings and he flips it open, looking at the screen. He’s slightly confused as he speaks.)

NATHAN: Hello?

TAYLOR: (Through the phone.) Think fast, what’s in a gin and tonic?

NATHAN: (Frowning) Taylor?

CUT TO:

[INT. GEROGIA – THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – DAY]

(Taylor is sitting at a bar, now a brunette.)

TAYLOR: Can you believe two guys already fell for that one, today? Drunks are so easy(!)

CUT TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S CAR – THE ROAD – DAY]

NATHAN: Let me guess; you’re in a bar.

TAYLOR: (Through the phone.) Oh, not just any bar.

CUT TO:

[INT. GEORGIA – THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – DAY]

TAYLOR: I will have you know, I am in Athens, Georgia at The famous Swinging Donkey.

CUT TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S CAR – THE ROAD – DAY]

NATHAN: What happened to Florida?

CUT TO:

[EXT. THE ROAD – NATHAN’S CAR – DAY]

(Nathan drives past.)

TAYLOR: (Through the phone.) Oh, Florida’s still there, I’m just not in it.

(He drives past a sign saying: ‘SLICKLIZZARD: POP. 112’.)

TAYLOR: So, how bout you?

CUT TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S CAR – THE ROAD – DAY]

(Nathan glances at the sign.)

NATHAN: Well, I think I just passed a place called Slicklizzard, Alabama.

CUT TO:

[INT. GEROGIA – THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – DAY]

TAYLOR: Which means you went chasing after my sister. (Nods) Tell me she’s sitting next to you.

CUT TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S CAR – THE ROAD – DAY]

(Nathan pauses for a b*at.)

NATHAN: No, I’m afraid not.

CUT TO:

[INT. GEORGIA – THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – DAY]

(Taylor is honestly saddened by the news.)

TAYLOR: I’m sorry, Nathan.

CUT TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S CAR – THE ROAD – DAY]

(He looks at his wedding ring and shrugs stiffly.)

NATHAN: Yeah.

CUT TO:

[INT. GEORGIA – THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – DAY]

(Music starts up and so does Taylor. She looks around and then back again.)

TAYLOR: Listen, I gotta run.

CUT TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S CAR – THE ROAD – DAY]

NATHAN: What’s going on?

CUT TO:

[INT. GEROGIA – THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – DAY]

TAYLOR: Don’t ask. (Smiles) I’ll see you when I see you.

(She hangs up the phone, jumps up and turns around.)

CUT TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S CAR – THE ROAD – DAY]

(Nathan hangs up too and shuts his phone. He thinks before smiling slightly.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. NATHAN’S APARTMENT – SIDE OF THE BUILDING – DAY]

(Lucas, Peyton and Jake – who’s carrying Jenny – walk around the side of Nathan’s apartment building. Lucas has keys.)

JAKE: You sure about this, Luke?

LUCAS: (Looks back at Jake for a b*at.) Yeah, trust me. I talked to Nathan before her left. He said it was OK. (Opens the door.)

PEYTON: How’s he doing anyway?

(All three of them enter. Lucas looks at the mess and sighs.)

PEYTON: Not so good, I guess.

LUCAS: Yeah, well, I mean, I offered to clean this but it’s a good place to hide out for the next couple of days.

(Jake sets Jenny’s carrier down on a table.)

LUCAS: So, get settled(!) I gotta run over to the dealership before school. What time are you meeting with your lawyer today?

JAKE: Oh, a couple of hours. (Lucas nods.) I’m sorry I had to drag you into this mess, I just, I couldn’t involve my parents, you know?

LUCAS: I told you; if you need me, call me. (Jake nods.) Alright? (Gives Peyton the keys.) See ya.

(Lucas leaves and Peyton closes the door behind him with a sigh.)

CUT TO:

[EXT. DAN SCOTT MOTORS (STOCK) – SIGN – DAY]

(sh*t of the sign and the building.)

CUT TO:

[INT. DAN SCOTT MOTORS – DAN’S OFFICE – DAY]

(Lucas enters Dan’s office, holding a folder. He slows down and looks up at the ceiling tile that Dan had his head stuck up the night before.)

(Dan enters.)

DAN: Hey, Lucas. What’s up?

LUCAS: (Turning quickly.) Oh,… (Looks down at the folder.) nothing. I’m just… dropping some papers off for you to sign. (Puts them on the desk.)

DAN: (Smiling) Everything OK?

LUCAS: Yeah, I guess I just didn’t get much sleep last night.

DAN: Yeah, I noticed you’re up early. (Puts a folder on his desk.) Been working yourself pretty hard lately.

(Looks at him pointedly.)

LUCAS: (Evasively) I’ll be fine. (Nods)

DAN: …I’ll tell you what; take the day off tomorrow. Bet you haven’t been to the Rivercourt in a few days. Don’t wanna lose your stroke.

LUCAS: (Shrugs) It has been a while.

DAN: (Nods once) Done(!) I’m heading off to a meeting. I’ll see ya later.

(Dan walks away. Lucas watches him and walks to the doorway to make sure he’s really going. When he’s gone, Lucas shuts Dan’s office door, drops the blinds over it and twists the ones at the window closed.)

(He walks to Dan’s desk and climbs it. Discreetly, he lifts the ceiling tile and looks around. He sees a gym bag and opens it. Inside is a lot of money and a notebook.)

(Lucas flips through it.)

CUT TO:

[EXT. KAREN’S CAFÉ (STOCK) – DAY]

CUT TO:

[INT. KAREN’S CAFÉ – COUNTER – DAY]

(Lucas is sitting at the counter with Andy.)

ANDY: Cash?

LUCAS: (Nods) …Yeah. (Looks back to make sure that nobody’s eavesdropping.)

ANDY: How much?

LUCAS: Too much to count while my head was in the ceiling.

ANDY: Did you find anything else?

LUCAS: There was a notebook in one of the bags. I didn’t get a good look at it but it… looked like a ledger.

ANDY: (Nodding) Makes sense. Gotta keep track of all the money.

LUCAS: Yeah, but I’m just wondering; I mean, why keep it all in the ceiling. Why not keep it in a bank where it’s safe?

ANDY: Well, there’s two reasons to hide money, Lucas. (Lucas nods.) Either you don’t want Uncle Sam to know you have it, or you don’t want him to know how you got it.

(Lucas nods and thinks.)

LUCAS: I gotta get that ledger.

ANDY: (Quickly) No, you don’t(!)

LUCAS: Andy(!)

(Andy looks away for a b*at.)

ANDY: We gotta get that ledger.

(Lucas nods, smiling.)

(A doorbell rings off-screen.)

CUT TO:

[INT. TAGARRO RESIDENCE – FRONT DOOR – DAY]

(Anna answers the door to a girl.)

ANNA: (Shocked) Darby(!)

DARBY: (Smiling) Hi, Anna.

ANNA: (Trying to look pleased.) What’re you doing here?

DARBY: I got your e-mail. (Anna breaks eye contact.) Can I come in?

(Anna looks behind but doesn’t let Darby enter.)

DARBY: (Still smiling) Or we could just… stand out here until someone sees us, starts some rumours and then you can move again.

ANNA: Darby.

DARBY: (Sincerely) I’m sorry. That wasn’t funny. (Sadly) Maybe this was a bad idea. (Makes to leave.)

ANNA: (Grabbing hold of her arm.) No(!) (Pause as they look at each other.) (Nodding) It’s good to see you. Come on in.

(Darby smiles and enters.)

(Anna closes the door, her face set.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. LAWYER’S OFFICE – DAY]

JAKE: (v.o) OK, look just… tell me what-

CUT TO:

[INT. LAWER’S OFFICE – DAY]

(Jake and Peyton are sitting at the table with a lawyer.)

JAKE: -is going on because there’s no way that a judge would give Nikki custody of Jenny(!)

LAWYER: (Sits back as Jake stands up.) Judge has already ruled. Jake, a warrant’s been issued for your arrest(!) (Jake struggles with the facts.) Right now, the police are our there and they’re looking for you and your daughter. Trust me,… trust me when I tell you this is your only option.

(Jake looks at him and the lawyer sits back again.)

JAKE: Can you just… tell me the truth here? (The lawyer nods.) If I give up my daughter today, how long until I get her back? How long until Jenny’s safe?

(Peyton looks at the lawyer expectantly.)

LAWYER: (Sighs) …Two months. Maybe three.

(Jake moves away, scoffing and shaking his head.)

JAKE: And if I don’t give her up?

LAWYER: You go to jail, and you stay there until you do.

(Jake nods and looks away. He doesn’t know what to do.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – DAY]

(Nathan walks up to the building.)

CUT TO:

[INT. THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – BAR – DAY]

(Nathan walks up to the bar and smiles. Taylor is standing there with her back to him.)

NATHAN: How bout a gin and tonic?

(Taylor turns around and smiles.)

TAYLOR: How bout I see some ID?

(Nathan holds up his fake ID and puts it on the bar. Taylor laughs.)

TAYLOR: So, what brings you to town, sailor?

NATHAN: (Sighs) I just wanted to check out The Swinging Donkey; see if it’s really as… classy as everybody says it is.

TAYLOR: Hmm, what d’ya think?

NATHAN: Not so much.

(Taylor smiles.)

NATHAN: But, it does have one thing I’m kinda craving.

TAYLOR: (Gasps) I know, gin and tonic. (Takes a glass.)

NATHAN: (Smirking) Yeah, that too.

(Taylor smiles at him, which he returns.)

TAYLOR: I guess my phone call worked. (Pours him a glass.) You staying the night?

NATHAN: I don’t know. Haven’t thought that far ahead.

TAYLOR: Well, I’m house-sitting the apartment upstairs. You’re welcome to stay with me if you like. (Sets the glass in front of him.)

(Nathan looks at her.)

TAYLOR: What d’ya say? (Smiles at him.)

NATHAN: Sounds like a plan.

(Taylor smiles and puts a straw into his glass.)

FADE TO BLACK:

COMMERCIAL SET:

FADE IN:

[EXT. SAWYER RESIDENCE – FRONT DOOR – DAY]

(Nikki is standing at Peyton’s door and knocking. Peyton opens it. Nikki looks in, not so discreetly, to see if Jake’s there.)

PEYTON: Now why is it the garbage men always forget to pick up the white trash?

NIKKI: I need to talk to Jake.

PEYTON: (Amused) Right(!)

NIKKI: No police, no lawyers, just me and Jake. The Rivercourt, six o’clock.

(Peyton closes the door behind her and steps out onto the porch. She crosses her arms.)

NIKKI: By the way,… the police are watching you right now. (Peyton raises her eyebrows.) And you should know, as long as you help Jake hide Jenny, you’re an accessory. That means when you’re caught with my daughter, you’re gonna get arrested. But don’t worry; you can always go to college after prison. (Smiles and walks away.)

(Peyton watches her leave, slightly worried.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. STREETS – DAY]

(Anna and Darby are walking through town.)

ANNA: So, I guess you told everybody back at school. (Darby looks at her.) About us.

DARBY: No. Just me.

ANNA: How did people take it?

DARBY: (Nods) It was pretty divided; still is I guess. (Looks at Anna pointedly.) Some people don’t wanna be seen with me. That part sucks. But I guess you find out who your real friends are.

(Anna looks away.)

DARBY: Look, um,… you know, the truth is, Anna, there were some pretty dark days after you left… and it hasn’t gotten much easier. But do I regret being with you? Coming out? No. (Smiles and shakes her head.) Not for a minute.

(They smile at each other. Darby looks ahead and laughs.)

DARBY: And you know what makes it always better? (Points) Vanilla lattes, extra foam.

ANNA: (Points back.) A-you know, we should probably… head back.

(Lucas comes around the corner and spots them.)

LUCAS: Hey, Anna.

ANNA: (Smiles tightly.) Hey, Lucas. Ha-oh, um,… (Points to Darby who isn’t smiling.) um, this is… Darby. She’s, um… Actually, Lucas, Darby’s the girl I told you about.

(Darby smiles.)

ANNA: From my old school.

LUCAS: Oh my God! I’ve heard so much about you.

DARBY: Really?

LUCAS: Yeah, you’re different than I imagined, but…

DARBY: Oh, thought I’d be more butch?

LUCAS: OK, I didn’t mean…

DARBY: (Laughs) Just kidding.

(Darby looks at Anna.)

ANNA: Well, I was just giving Darby the Tree Hill grand tour, do you wanna tag along?

LUCAS: I’d love to, but I gotta go meet someone so… call me tomorrow, OK?

(Anna nods and smiles.)

LUCAS: (Looking at Darby.) Pleasure to meet you, Darby.

(Darby nods and Lucas leaves.)

DARBY: So that’s the famous Lucas, huh?

ANNA: Mmm.

DARBY: He’s cute. (Takes her arm and they walk.) So who’s the better kisser? (Anna laughs.) Me or him?

ANNA: Stop(!)

(They laugh and walk.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. ROE RESIDENCE (STOCK) – DAY]

CUT TO:

[INT. ROE RESIDENCE – BROOKE’S BEDROOM – DAY]

(Brooke is lying on her bed, flicking through a magazine. Bevin steps into the doorway. Brooke lowers the magazine as she looks up and smiles.)

BROOKE: (Sits up, happily.) Bevin! Hi!

BEVIN: I have always imagined this room, (Walks in and looks around.) just darker and with Lucas on the bed.

(Brooke laughs.)

BEVIN: Anyway, get dressed.

BROOKE: What for?

BEVIN: It’s a surprise.

BROOKE: I can’t, I have to work. I promised Karen I’d help her out at the café.

BEVIN: Well, the cheer squad’s throwing a party tonight and… (Bevin sits next to Brooke on the bed.) you kinda need to be there. The squad has some serious concerns, Brooke. Ever since you started this whole… presidency thing, you’ve been… drifting.

BROOKE: (Looks away and sighs.) I am still your captain, OK? I promise.

BEVIN: Then prove it. Please(!) We miss you.

(Brooke struggles to say no.)

BROOKE: Well, Karen did say she only needed me for a few hours so I guess I could do both. (Brooke looks at Bevin questioningly.)

(Bevin smiles.)

BROOKE: What do I wear to a cheer intervention anyway?

(Bevin squeals happily and they get off the bed to find something to wear.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. MOTEL – NIKKI’S ROOM – DAY]

(Jake knocks on Nikki’s door. She answers it.)

NIKKI: (Shocked) Jake(!) How did you find me here?

JAKE: Oh, I guess I’m just better at this than you are. You wanted to talk, let’s talk.

NIKKI: I told you to meet me at six o’clock, it’s only five.

JAKE: Like I’m gonna fall for that(!)

NIKKI: Jake, look, you’ve gotta stop this; the hiding, all of it. (Pause) I have a right to my daughter(!)

JAKE: (Shakes his head and shrugs.) You’re not getting her.

NIKKI: Fine, well, I guess it’s time that I tell you something that, at the moment, is… kinda relevant.

JAKE: (Straightens and crosses his arms.) OK, this should be good. (Waits)

NIKKI: She’s not your daughter.

(Jake frowns.)

NIKKI: Think about it,… we always used protection.

(Jake stares at her for a while before scoffing.)

JAKE: Nice try. (Shakes his head.) I guess it was just a matter of time before you thought of that one, huh?

NIKKI: (Seriously) It’s the truth.

JAKE: No(!) This is the only truth, no matter what, Jenny is, and she will always be, my daughter. (He levels a glare at her.) I’m done here.

(Jake walks away and Nikki watches him.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – SIGN – EVENING]

(Close-up of the neon sign of the bar. The camera slowly pans to the entrance.)

CUT TO:

[INT. THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – BAR – EVENING]

(Taylor is pouring Nathan some alcohol.)

TAYLOR: OK, get into the game, little girl(!) (Sets the bottle down.) I always knew you were a lightweight but this is getting embarrassing!

NATHAN: (Mock offended.) I’m just warming up!

TAYLOR: You’ve been warming up for the past two hours. Drag out of the bullpen and DO A sh*t!

NATHAN: (Laughing) OK.

(He nods at her and downs the contents of the sh*t glass. Taylor follows suit.)

NATHAN: Ohh. (Groans)

(Taylor laughs.)

(Music starts up.)

TAYLOR: Whew!

NATHAN: How did you end up here?

TAYLOR: What, at this dream job? I don’t know, it’s kinda what I do best.

NATHAN: Bartending?

TAYLOR: Find random places to party. Next week, it’ll be someplace else. Lucky me(!) (Laughs)

(Nathan smiles.)

TAYLOR: You’re not wearing your wedding ring.

NATHAN: (Looks at his finger.) Neither is Haley.

TAYLOR: Nathan, you should know that before I called you,-

RANDOM GIRL: (o.s) Taylor, come on, we need you now!

(Nathan and Taylor both turn to face the disembodied voice.)

TAYLOR: We’ll talk about this later, I gotta get to work(!)

NATHAN: I thought you said your shift was over(!)

TAYLOR: Somebody’s gotta pay for these drinks(!) (Puts a cowboy hat on.) Something tells me you’re gonna enjoy this.

(Music starts up and Taylor climbs onto the bar, along with other girls. They start dancing in much the same way as ‘Coyote Ugly’.)

(The crowd cheers as they watch the bartenders. Nathan is enjoying it. Taylor takes a drink and a girls jumps off the bar and walks over to Nathan, putting a cowboy hat on him and dragging him off his stool.)

(Nathan climbs onto the bar and the girls switch their attention onto him. The crowd claps and cheers. He’s handed a glass which he drinks from. Nathan barely moves but they continue to dance around and with him.)

FADE TO:

[INT. ROE RESIDENCE – BROOKE’S BEDROOM – EVENING]

(Brooke enters her bedroom quietly. Karen is already standing in the other doorway and flips the light on. Brooke turns to her and Karen stands there, her arms crossed.)

BROOKE: (Smiling, slightly pissed.) Karen. Hi(!)

KAREN: Did you have fun tonight?

BROOKE: (Walks forward.) Not really(!) The party was kind of weak but I had to be there. Apparently I’ve been drifting.

(Karen makes a motherly face.)

KAREN: You been drinking?

BROOKE: No, drifting. (Takes her coat off.)

(Karen clears her throat and walks further into the room.)

KAREN: No, Brooke, I’m asking you if you’ve been drinking tonight.

BROOKE: (Slurring) …Just a little.

KAREN: I expected you at the café.

BROOKE: I know, I lost track of time. I’m sorry.

KAREN: (Shaking her head.) Well, sorry isn’t good enough(!) I advanced your salary and… I’d like you to return the money I gave you.

BROOKE: (Long pause.) I… kind of spent it.

(Karen sighs.)

KAREN: Got to bed. You’re grounded.

BROOKE: Grounded?(!) (Laughs) I’ve never been grounded in my whole life(!)

KAREN: Well there’s a first time for everything.

BROOKE: (Scowls) Well, you’re not my mom.

KAREN: No. (Shakes her head.) But right now, you’re my responsibility.

(Karen smiles and leaves.)

BROOKE: (Quietly to herself.) But I was drifting. (Falls onto the bed, feeling a head-rush coming on.)

(She smiles contentedly as she falls asleep.)

CUT TO:

[INT. DAN SCOTT MOTORS – ENTRANCE – EVENING]

(sh*t of the security system. Lucas types in the code and presses enter. Andy is with him, keeping a watch out. Lucas takes out the keys and moves to the door.)

ANDY: OK, are there any security cameras?

LUCAS: Uh, no, just the alarm.

(Andy nods and Lucas gets the door open. Andy follows Lucas inside. Everything is very dark and barely distinguishable.)

ANDY: OK, remember what I said; in and out, we do this fast.

LUCAS: (Whispering.) Yeah.

(Lucas shines his torch on a wall as they round the corner. It falls on Dan and Lucas and Andy jump. It’s just the cardboard cut-out of his grinning self.)

(Lucas glares and lowers the torch, grumbling as he goes along. They enter the office.)

ANDY: OK, just grab the ledger. I’ll stay here and keep an eye out. (Waits by the door.)

(Lucas lifts the ceiling tile and looks around. The place is empty.)

ANDY: What’ve you got?

LUCAS: It’s gone(!)

(The camera zooms in on Andy’s face.)

ANDY: What, the ledger?

LUCAS: All of it(!)

(Andy realises what that means. Lucas continues to search to no avail.)

FADE TO BLACK:

COMMERCIAL SET:

FADE IN:

[EXT. ANDY’S CAR – STREETS – EVENING]

(Andy and Lucas are sitting in the car. Lucas has a hand to his head, distressed that he lost it after being so close.)

LUCAS: I don’t understand. (Pause) It was right there a few hours ago.

ANDY: Ah, he knows. (Throws his arm up.) Dan, he knows and he moved it.

LUCAS: (Shakes his head.) So what do we do?

ANDY: Oh, that’s it, no, no, game over.

LUCAS: So Dan wins?

ANDY: As much as I would love to keep playing this little game with Dan, it just got serious. (Lucas shakes his head.) If he knows you found that money, there’s no telling what he’s gonna do.

LUCAS: (Smirks) I’m his son, Andy.

ANDY: And look what he just did to his brother! This guy’s got no conscience, Lucas. (Sighs) I think it’s time you move back in with your mother.

LUCAS: I can’t! (Looks at him.) Come on, Andy. We’re so close(!)

ANDY: (Sighs deeply.) You have to find out if I’m right, OK? If there’s any chance that he’s on to you, you have to get out.

LUCAS: I will. I promise.

ANDY: And one more thing; if your mother asks me anything about this, I’m not gonna lie to her. Understood?

(The camera pans to Lucas as he nods. They both sigh.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. ROE RESIDENCE (STOCK) – DAY]

(Camera pans down from the trees to show the house.)

CUT TO:

[INT. ROE RESIDENCE – BROOKE’S BEDROOM – DAY]

(Brooke is sitting at her vanity, putting on some lipstick.)

KAREN: (o.s) Brooke!?

BROOKE: Yeah?

(Karen enters the room.)

KAREN: (Looks at all of Brooke’s beauty things.) What’s this?

BROOKE: Just some stuff I ordered from the ‘mark.’ magalogue. Pretty great, huh?

KAREN: Are you-are you going somewhere?

BROOKE: Just out for a quick run, but you never know who you’re gonna see. (Smiles)

KAREN: Aren’t you forgetting something?

(Brooke looks down and spots it.)

BROOKE: Lip-gloss(!) (Picks it up.)

KAREN: Brooke, you’re grounded(!) That means you don’t get to head out for quick runs.

BROOKE: Since when does grounding apply to fitness?

KAREN: Since now.

BROOKE: That’s a little harsh, if you ask me.

KAREN: I’m not asking.

BROOKE: (Shrugs) OK, so what am I supposed to do here?

KAREN: Lucas does chores.

BROOKE: (Disbelieving) Chores?

(Karen holds out a list to Brooke.)

KAREN: Here’s a list.

(Brooke takes the list. There are nine to-do’s on it. If Brooke follows it all, there’ll be nothing left for Karen to do.)

(Karen waits amusedly.)

BROOKE: (Studying the list.) So what, I pick the one I wanna do?

KAREN: Sure,… and after you’ve finished with it, keep on picking until they’re all done. (Turns and walks to the door.)

BROOKE: (Smiling) OK, no offence, I didn’t come here to be a cleaning lady, lady.

KAREN: Well, then,… I’ll help you pack your bags and we’ll call your folks.

BROOKE: So I’m, like, imprisoned here?

KAREN: You can leave the house to go to school and to go to work.

BROOKE: What work? I don’t even have a job(!)

KAREN: Oh, but you do have a job. Until you pay me back the money I gave you, you have a job at the café.

(Karen smiles and leaves. Brooke turns to face her mirror, gaping. She pouts and examines the list.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL (EST) – DAY]

(Students walk around the grounds.)

CUT TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – WHITEY’S OFFICE – DAY]

(sh*t of the doorway as Lucas appears in it.)

LUCAS: (Sighs) You wanted to see me, coach?

(Cut to Whitey leaning on his desk and Peyton, sitting in a chair opposite him.)

WHITEY: (Indicates Peyton.) Take a seat next to your partner in crime here.

(Lucas looks at Peyton who smiles tightly at him. He walks in slowly and sits down.)

WHITEY: (Stops leaning on the desk and approaches them.) Well now, Bonnie and Clyde, (Peyton laughs nervously.) I guess you’re wondering why I called you here.

(Peyton and Lucas look at each other.)

CUT TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S APARTMENT – FRONT DOOR – DAY]

(The door opens and Lucas enters.)

JAKE: (Gets up from the counter.) Hey, Luke, I was just actually-

(He pauses as he sees Whitey enter behind Lucas. He doesn’t say anything, just glares lightly.)

LUCAS: He just… wants to talk to you for a minute, Jake.

(Jake gets it. Looking annoyed, he breaks eye contact and nods his head.)

LUCAS: I’ll leave you two alone. (Backs out of the apartment and closes the door behind him.)

JAKE: I already know my options, coach.

WHITEY: (Walks forward.) From what I’ve heard, you’ve only got one option.

JAKE: I can’t give her away(!)

WHITEY: (Laughs) Son, you’ve got a good chance of getting her back.

JAKE: I can’t take chances like that.

WHITEY: (His smile falls.) It beats the alternative, doesn’t it?

JAKE: Does it?

(Whitey doesn’t reply and Jake turns away. Whitey sits in a stool and takes his cap off while Jake opens the fridge and takes out bottles.)

JAKE: (Turning back.) Coach, you remember last year? (Hands a bottle to him.) Beginning of the season? (Sits down.) We had that away game at Bear Creek?

WHITEY: (Nods) Yeah, I remember.

JAKE: It was right after Jenny was born… and my parents were out of town all week, I couldn’t watch her, so… I decided to let Nikki have her, for the night. (Whitey nods.)

JAKE: So I get home from the game and I call Nikki; there’s no answer. I go to her house and she’s not home. So I,… I looked everywhere, I called her friends. Then finally, after about an hour, I find her car and it’s parked across the street from some bar. (Whitey looks down.) Nikki was passed out in the front seat, the keys were still in the ignition and there was frost all over the windows; I couldn’t even see her… and then I look in the back seat,… and there she is, my little girl.

(Whitey looks down.)

JAKE: She’s shivering. She didn’t even have a blanket on her, coach.

WHITEY: Jake, I-

JAKE: One night. (Whitey looks up.) All she had to do was look after Jenny for one night. She couldn’t do it. (Pause) And now they want me to give her my daughter for three months… worth of nights?

(Whitey sighs. Jake’s made his point and it can’t be argued with. Jake keeps an eye on Whitey as he takes a drink from the bottle of water and shakes his head.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. TAGARRO RESIDENCE – ANNA’S BEDROOM – EVENING]

(Anna enters her bedroom with Darby.)

DARBY: So how’d it feel when you came out to Lucas?

ANNA: Terrible(!) Scary. Still feels scary.

(Darby nods.)

ANNA: What about you? When you told your parents.

DARBY: Huh, well, uh, (Sits on Anna’s bed.) believe it or not, I practised in the mirror first. And then when I thought I had it all memorised, (Anna sits too.) I went downstairs, took a deep breath, and I told them I loved them very much but I had something I needed to tell them about myself.

ANNA: How did they take it?

DARBY: Honesty? Not as well as I’d hoped. I think they’re still trying to process how it affects their lives.

ANNA: What d’ya mean?

DARBY: Well, um, I read this book about coming out, and it said that for some parents, finding out your child is gay is like losing a loved one. All the dreams they might have had just vanish; (Pause) no weddings, grandchildren. (Pause) So I think when I told them, I shattered some of those dreams for them.

(Anna looks down.)

ANNA: Yeah.

DARBY: Even though things are still kinda weird, I don’t think I’ve ever been closer to them. (Smiles) Coz at the end of the day, (Sighs) I know they still love me.

(Anna shakes her head slightly.)

DARBY: I know that… that’s what worried me the most. (She’s almost crying.) That they wouldn’t…

ANNA: Well you’re braver than me, Darby.

DARBY: No I’m not. (Pause) Look,… I didn’t come here to get you to come out to your parents. I came here to help you understand that when you finally do, you’re gonna be OK.

(Darby gets off the bed and smiles.)

DARBY: I’m gonna go. Long drive.

(Anna stands.)

ANNA: I’m glad you came.

DARBY: Yeah, (Nods) me too. (Pause) I miss you.

(Anna looks down but doesn’t say it back. They hug and Darby kisses her on the cheek before leaving.)

CUT TO:

[INT. THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR (EST) – EVENING]

(People are milling around outside the bar.)

CUT TO:

[INT. THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – GAMES – EVENING]

(Nathan and Taylor are standing in front of an arcade type basketball game. He throws the ball and it goes through the hoop.)

TAYLOR: So this is you’re ‘A’ game, huh?

(She throws a ball and misses.)

NATHAN: You know what my dad always told me? Forget about practice; as long as you come to play, (Taylor sh**t again and gets it in this time.) on game day when the stakes are high, odds are you’ll come out a winner. Last time was just a practice round.

(They both throw balls.)

TAYLOR: Since when are you taking advice from your dad?

NATHAN: (Smiles) I know, alright. But if there’s one thing he knows about, it’s winning. (He picks up a ball and throws it again, then watches as it hits the floor.)

TAYLOR: OK, so what are the stakes tonight?

NATHAN: Well, (Tosses the balls between his hands.) if I make this sh*t, (Taylor nods.) we go upstairs.

TAYLOR: (Studies him.) And do what?

NATHAN: Whatever I want.

TAYLOR: And if you miss?

(Nathan just throws the ball and watches it go through the hoop.)

NATHAN: Let’s go.

(Taylor laughs as they leave.)

FADE TO BLACK:

COMMERCIAL SET:

FADE IN:

[INT. THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – APARTMENT – EVENING]

(Nathan and Taylor enter the apartment. Nathan takes her hand and pushes her up against the wall. He is extremely close to kissing her before he stops and hits the wall behind her lightly.)

NATHAN: I can’t do this.

(Taylor looks at him.)

TAYLOR: Because of Haley?

NATHAN: No. (Pause) Because of me.

TAYLOR: …Haley called me;… right after you left Austin.

(Nathan stops leaning on the wall and assesses her.)

NATHAN: Were you planning on telling me this before or after we had sex?

TAYLOR: We weren’t gonna have sex, Nathan. I knew that; I was just waiting for you to figure it out.

NATHAN: (Nods) Oh,… so what, you’re like my, uh,… my guardian angel?

TAYLOR: (Shakes her head.) No, it’s not that. It’s just,… you’re lost,… and lonely, and I’m pretty good at making people forget how lonely they really are.

NATHAN: (Smirking) Right,… that’s a nice way of describing what you’re really good at.

TAYLOR: (Visibly hurt.) Sleep if off, Nathan. You have a long drive tomorrow.

NATHAN: What’re you gonna do?

TAYLOR: Apparently, what I do best. (She opens the door and walks out.)

(Nathan closes his eyes and sighs.)

FADE TO:

[INT. SCOTT RESIDENCE – DAN’S OFFICE – EVENING]

(sh*t of a piece of paper going through the shredder. It’s an invoice on a used vehicle purchase. Lucas is walking down the hall and hears the noise of the shredder. He looks into the room and Dan sees him.)

DAN: (Discreetly stopping the shredding.) Hey, Lucas, come on in. (He stuffs the rest of the papers into a blank folder.)

LUCAS: Uh, hey, um, (Holds a book up and enters.) I was just,… returning a book.

DAN: What you got there? (Holds out his hand.)

(Lucas hands it over.)

DAN: Oh, ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’. Sherlock Holmes. Since when’re you a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle?

LUCAS: (Shrugs) Since I can remember.

(Dan puts the folder into a drawer.)

LUCAS: Every kid wants to be Sherlock Holmes at some point. (Has a glint in his eye.)

DAN: Well, not me. (Sits down.) I was always partial to Professor Moriarty.

LUCAS: (Amused) …You do realise he was the villain.

DAN: That’s one interpretation. (Smirks)

(Lucas nods.)

LUCAS: Well, um,… thanks for letting me borrow it. (Sets the book down and turns away, leaving the office.)

(Dan eyes his retreating back with a smirk.)

FADE TO:

[INT. ROE RESIDENCE – THE KITCHEN – EVENING]

(Brooke is on her knees, cleaning the floor of the kitchen with a sponge. Lucas enters, sees her and pauses; watching her amusedly.)

LUCAS: Hey, Cinderella.

(Brooke looks at him.)

LUCAS: (Laughs) You hanging in there?

BROOKE: (Sighs) I take it you’ve heard.

LUCAS: Well, my mom can cr*ck the whip.

BROOKE: I can’t believe she actually grounded me. I thought she liked me.

LUCAS: Oh, Brooke, she does like you. Hey, she cares enough about you to ground you.

(Brooke scoffs. Lucas grins and shakes his head.)

LUCAS: (Walking over to look at the list.) So what number are you up to, huh? Three?

BROOKE: Four(!) Mop the kitchen floor.

LUCAS: (Laughs quietly.) And you’re using a sponge?

BROOKE: (Looks at him slowly.) Is that wrong?

(Lucas laughs louder and walks around to the kitchen door. Brooke straightens up.)

LUCAS: (Takes the mops and brings it around.) OK,… Brooke, (Sets the mop in front of him.) this is a mop.

(Brooke looks at it quizzically.)

LUCAS: (Still highly amused.) Look, I’ll tell you what, alright; you take the evens, I’ll take the odds. And I’ll bet we can bust this out in like… half hour.

(Brooke inclines her head, gratefully.)

BROOKE: Thanks, Luke.

LUCAS: (Smiles) Anything for you.

(Brooke’s expression changes slightly but she still doesn’t get it.)

CUT TO:

[EXT. TAGARRO RESIDENCE (EST) – EVENING]

ANNA: (v.o) Mom,… dad-

CUT TO:

[INT. TAGARRO RESIDENCE – ANNA’S BEDROOM – EVENING]

(Anna is standing in front of her mirror, talking into it.)

ANNA: -you know I love you… but there’s something I have to tell you about myself. (She’s finding it hard to continue.) When I asked if we could move here, I told you it was because I couldn’t take the rumours… but really,… I was just running away from my life.

(The camera is closing in slowly.)

ANNA: From who I am. (Pause) Because,… the rumours,… they were all true. I like girls. You’ve always taught me to be proud of who I am. That’s not so easy for me because… I haven’t been able to accept who I am. (Pause) Until now.

(The camera pans so that it’s looking at Anna, not her reflection.)

ANNA: And I want you to know that this is hard for me… because I love you so much… and I never wanna disappoint you.

(The camera zooms out to show Anna’s parents are there, blurry, but listening and taking in every word.)

ANNA: (Nods) But I have to stop disappointing myself, too. And,… I just… (Nods) I hope you still love me.

FADE TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – EVENING]

(Jenny is in her carrier. Jake hovers above her.)

JAKE: Hey, beautiful. I have to do something tonight. And I need you to know that I have searched from the bottom of my heart and I truly believe that this is the best thing for you. For us.

(Peyton is standing behind them.)

JAKE: I just hope that some day, you’ll be able to understand that.

(Peyton looks away.)

(Jenny makes a noise and Jake kisses her on the cheek. She starts playing on her own as he stands and turns to Peyton.)

PEYTON: You’re leaving?!

JAKE: (Nods) I’m sorry, Peyton.

PEYTON: No, I’ll go with you.

JAKE: No(!) No, you can’t.

PEYTON: (Distraught) We can be together(!)

JAKE: Yeah, I wish we could… (Indicates Jenny.)

PEYTON: (Tears in her eyes.) Well then at least tell me where you’re going(!) Please(!) Maybe I can help.

JAKE: I can’t (Gestures) tell you right now. But h-I need y-I need you to know something. I-look, I’ve never been happier than when I’m with you. OK, I’ve never… felt this much of… everything. (Peyton looks away.) And if I could, I would stay with you here forever.

(Peyton struggles to let him go.)

JAKE: But I just can’t.

(They kiss.)

JAKE: You’re the only person I can truly count on.

(Peyton looks at him.)

JAKE: That’s why I need you to do one last thing for me.

(Peyton considers for a b*at before nodding. She smiles sadly at him and he hugs her.)

FADE TO BLACK:

COMMERCIAL SET:

FADE IN:

[EXT. THE SWINGING DONKEY BAR – THE SIGN – DAY]

(The camera pans down from the sign and to the side walk. Taylor exits from the bar.)

TAYLOR: Sneaking away without saying goodbye? That’s original.

(Nathan is packing the boot of his car.)

NATHAN: (Shuts the boot and takes the keys out.) I, uh,… didn’t think you’d wanna see me.

(Taylor nods.)

NATHAN: I’m really sorry, Taylor, for what I said. How I acted.

TAYLOR: It’s OK. You get one free pass with me. Next time, watch your back. (Smiles)

NATHAN: (Grins) I had fun, though,… before that.

TAYLOR: I know you did. (Pause) But after a while, all the parties just… blend together. You know, sometimes I just wish I could start over.

NATHAN: (Smiles) You can. We all can, right?

TAYLOR: …Not me. Once people think of you a certain way, you’re never gonna be able to change their minds. I am who I am and I have to live with that. (Pause) But you, nobody’s put a label on you yet. You can still be whoever you wanna be.

NATHAN: Without Haley. (He looks saddened.)

TAYLOR: If she’s not gonna be there for you, you have to start being there for yourself.

NATHAN: (Putting on a brave face.) I don’t know if I can.

TAYLOR: You can(!) (Nods) And you will, just… wake up every morning and live your life.

NATHAN: What happens if she comes back?

TAYLOR: Well, then, it’ll be your decision. (Smiles)

(She walks forward.)

TAYLOR: Get home safe, Nathan. (Hugs him.) Try not to go dancing on any bars.

NATHAN: (Seriously) I won’t if you won’t.

(Taylor smiles but it falls as she considers. She nods. Nathan gets into the car. Taylor sighs as she contemplates her life.)

(Nathan drives off and Taylor watches him.)

FADE TO:

[INT. TREE HILL POLICE STATION – ENTRANCE – DAY]

(Jake enters the station slowly. Phones ring and policemen are just hanging around. Jake walks up to the desk and a cop, looking through a red folder, acknowledges him.)

COP: Can I help you?

JAKE: Yeah, I’m Jake Jagielski. There’s a warrant out for my arrest.

(He nods and looks down.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. SCOTT RESIDENCE – FRONT DOOR – DAY]

(Anna walks up to the front door and knocks. Lucas answers the door and shuts it behind him.)

LUCAS: Hey, Anna, what’s up?

ANNA: Um,… I told my parents.

LUCAS: You told them?(!)

(Anna nods, smiling.)

LUCAS: That’s huge! How’d they take it?

ANNA: Um,… I’m not sure, really. They, they cried a lot (Lucas nods understandingly.) but,… I think it was just because they were trying to understand,… then, when I was finished, (Smiles) they told me they loved me. Which is all I really wanted to hear.

LUCAS: I am… so proud of you, Anna.

ANNA: There’s more; I told my parents that… they always taught me to be proud of myself (Lucas smiles and nods.) and the only way for me to do that is… if I go back to my boarding school and finally be who I am.

LUCAS: (The smile’s gone.) Oh,… does that mean you’re leaving?

(Anna nods.)

ANNA: Yes. (Pause) I wanted to stop in and see Peyton, but,… she’s got enough to deal with right now. Tell her I’ll call her soon?

LUCAS: I will. (Anna smiles and nods, waiting for him to say something else.) I am gonna miss you so much.

(Anna smiles happily.)

LUCAS: You’ve been a great friend.

ANNA: You, too. I’m a better person for knowing you, Luke.

(Lucas laughs at the immense compliment. He hugs her.)

LUCAS: How bout one last game of horse, huh?

ANNA: (Smiles up at him.) That sounds perfect.

(He laughs and they walk onto the court where a basketball is just waiting for them; on the wet ground. He picks up the ball and looks at her before throwing it and watching it go through the hoop.)

FADE TO:

[INT. KAREN’S CAFÉ – DINING AREA – DAY]

(The bell rings and the door opens. Bevin rushes in in her heels.)

BEVIN: (Holding up a flier for a party.) Tell me you love me. (Brooke looks at her, puzzled.) And tell me you did not just touch that half eaten bagel.

BROOKE: No, I don’t; (Shoves the plate under her nose.) yeees, I did.

(Bevin fends her off.)

BROOKE: (Smiling) And why are you waving that thing around in my face?

BEVIN: Because it happens to be an invitation to the biggest party of the year.

BROOKE: Thanks, but I think I’ll pass. And for the record, there have been, like, six ‘biggest parties’ of the year this month, so get a new rating system.

BEVIN: But this one is a ‘can’t miss’.

BROOKE: And so was the last one.

BEVIN: No, the last one was a ‘shouldn’t miss’. (Holds out the paper.) Just look at the invitation and I won’t say another word.

(Brooke takes the flier and gapes.)

BROOKE: This is a ‘Courtney Ryan’ party. This is a ‘can’t miss’(!)

BEVIN: Told ya. The party starts at, like, nine so meet us there around… eleven thirty? (She turns to leave and Brooke has a silent squealing moment.) Oh, and Brooke, (Brooke waits.) welcome back. (Exits)

(Brooke quickly clears the dirty dishes away. She completely misses the fact that Karen’s standing there, having witnessed the entire scene.)

FADE TO:

[INT. DAN SCOTT MOTORS – DAN’S OFFICE – DAY]

(Lucas is walking past Dan’s office when Dan calls to him.)

DAN: Lucas!

(Lucas stops and turns into the office, seeing somebody up a ladder, fitting something to the wall.)

DAN: Come on in.

(Lucas watches the guy fitting a camera to the wall.)

LUCAS: What’s all this?

DAN: I thought it was time to upgrade the security system. Too many people know the pass-code to the main alarm.

LUCAS: (Nods) Oh, that’s a good idea. (Crosses his arms.)

DAN: Besides, (Smirks) outside of the family, you never know who you can trust these days.

(Lucas squints.)

DAN: I got you something. (Holds out a book to him.)

(Lucas takes it from him. It’s a book titled: ‘MEMOIRS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES: A. CONAN DOYLE’)

DAN: Thought you’d like it since you’re into Sherlock Holmes. I marked my favourite story for you.

(Lucas opens it at the page. It’s chapter 13 ‘The Final Problem’.)

DAN: Have you read that one?

LUCAS: Yeah, a long time ago.

DAN: It wasn’t very popular with the fans, but,… I think it’s some of Doyle’s most honest work.

LUCAS: Why’s that?

DAN: (Stands) Because he wrote what he was feeling. He got tired of writing that character; The Snoop. All the sneaking around… all the deception. (Lucas is very aware that Dan knows about what he and Andy got up to.) But he knew when it was time to end it. That’s why, in the end, the great Sherlock Holmes falls to his death.

LUCAS: Well, I think maybe you missed the point.

DAN: (Smirking) Did I?

LUCAS: When Sherlock Holmes falls off the cliff, he pulls… Professor Moriarty down with him. (They smirk each other down.) You see, he sacrificed himself to bring down the bad guy. (Dan smirks some more.) That’s the point I think Doyle was trying to make.

DAN: (Smiles and turns around.) Well, like I said, that’s one interpretation.

(Lucas turns to leave.)

DAN: Hey, Lucas.

(Lucas stops and turns back.)

DAN: (Looks up at the camera.) I’ll be seeing you.

(Lucas looks at the camera and leaves. Dan smirks. Lucas looks back once, still continuing on his way.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. TAGARRO RESIDENCE – ANNA’S CAR – DAY]

(sh*t of the side of Anna’s car.)

CUT TO:

[INT. ANNA’S CAR – DAY]

(Anna looks into the mirror and adjusts it. She looks at herself and sighs.)

ANNA: Ready?

CUT TO:

[EXT. THE STREETS – ANNA’S CAR – DAY]

(Anna drives off.)

FADE TO:

[INT. TREE HILL POLICE STATION – INTERROGATION ROOM – DAY]

(Jake is sitting there.)

COP: Jake Jagielski, you have the right to remain silent.

(Jake stands and closes his eyes. Another cop behind him puts handcuffs on him. He nods and looks away.)

FADE TO:

[INT. SAWYER RESIDENCE – FRONT DOOR – DAY]

(Peyton opens the front door to two police officers and Nikki.)

COP 1: (Handing Peyton a search warrant.) Ma’am, we have a warrant to search the property.

(They enter without being invited.)

COP: (v.o) Anything you say may be used against you in the court of law.

(Nikki smiles smugly at Peyton. They approach Jenny’s carrier and the first cop pulls back the blanket. Inside, is a basketball and clue blanket.)

(Peyton smirks as Nikki’s smile falls.)

COP 1: (v.o) You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning (Nikki looks at her.) now, or in the future.

(Nikki stomps out.)

COP 1: (v.o) If you can not afford an attorney,… one will be appointed to you.

FADE TO:

[INT. TREE HILL POLICE STATION – INTERROGATION ROOM – DAY]

(Jake is still looking at the cop.)

COP: Do you understand your rights as I have explained them to you?

JAKE: (Thinks for a b*at before nodding.) I do.

(The first cop looks at him while two others take him away.)

FADE TO:

[INT. ROE RESIDENCE – KITCHEN – EVENING]

(Karen enters the kitchen to find Brooke at the sink, washing the dishes.)

KAREN: (Pleased) Brooke, you’re home.

BROOKE: (Shrugs) Yeah, I’m grounded, remember?

KAREN: (Considers) Not anymore. I think you’ve learned your lesson. (Smiles and exits the kitchen.)

(Brooke smiles and nods as she continues to wash the dishes.)

FADE