mlee727@aol.com
07-25-2001, 03:25 AM
INT. EASTLAND -- MORNING
It is Monday, March 29, 1982. Jo and Blair are walking down the hall. People are still snickering and making jokes. Jo is trying not to pay any attention.
BLAIR
Jo, why are people snickering?
J0
Pay no attention.
BLAIR
What aren't you telling me?
J0
Nothing. Come on.
BLAIR
Is this how it's been for you? People like that making jokes?
JO
I don't want to talk about it.
BLAIR
Jo.
JO
I don't want to talk about it, Blair.
BLAIR
And me? Why didn't you say anything?
JO
What was I gonna say?
BLAIR
I don't know.
Natalie and Tootie walk over to her.
NATALIE
How is she?
JO
Scared.
BLAIR
I'm not scared...I'm...
Blair hears someone accidentally dropping a book. She jumps.
BLAIR
What was that?
JO
Someone dropped a book.
BLAIR
Oh.
They walk on. Blair starts freaking out. She stands, completely frozen. Tootie, Natalie and Jo surround her.
JO
Come on, Warner. Don't let her win.
BLAIR
She won. And apparently the entire school agrees.
TOOTIE
Only half.
Blair gives her a look. Tootie smiles.
TOOTIE
Sorry.
Blair takes a deep breath and moves--slow. She reaches for Jo's hand. Jo grabs it. They walk to the classroom. Blair freezes.
BLAIR
Oh G-d.
JO
You've done this before.
BLAIR
Yes, but the last time I did it, it didn't end well.
Jo opens the door to the classroom. Blair jumps. She closes her eyes.
JO
Look, friendly faces.
SUE ANN
Blair, we saved you a seat.
JO
See.
Blair opens her eyes.
MRS. CAUBLE
Blair, it's gonna be okay. You're sitting with your friends.
BRIANNE
As long as she sits no where near Jo.
TARYN
It's not Jo's fault.
NANCY
Shut up, you two. We need to get Blair in class first.
MRS. CAUBLE
Let's get Blair seated. Truce?
The class exchanges looks.
BRIANNE
Come on Blair.
ELIZABETH
Warner, get inside.
TOOTIE
Blair, Blair-
Soon, everyone in the class joins in chanting Blair's name. Natalie and Jo join in. Blair laughs. Jo, Natalie and Tootie start to help Blair as she slowly moves into the classroom. Mrs. Cauble gets up to help Blair. She slowly moves to an empty seat next to Sue Ann. Jo takes an empty seat behind Blair. The class cheers. Blair is laughing.
BLAIR
Apparently, I'm two.
Jo sits next to her. Tootie and Natalie walk back to the door.
TOOTIE
Good luck.
Natalie and Tootie leave.
NANCY
So what are we doing?
SUE ANN
I studied so, I want for the nineties. And I'm really looking forward to the nineties. Especially, when it's 1999. Cause I'm plan on partying like it's 1999. So, 90's.
NANCY
I think eighties. I like this decade, so far.
JO
I want a hundred.
BLAIR
Oooo, over confidient.
JO
Hey, I have a 98.99. I can't end on a 98.99. It's just not right.
SUE ANN
What about you, Blair?
BLAIR
Well, considering the massive amounts of trauma I've sustained, I'll head into the eighties with flying colors.
NANCY
Alright, here's to doing well.
They click their pencils together as Mrs. Cauble hands out the tests. Blair stares at her test. She is starting to get nervous. She keeps looking at the door.
BLAIR
I can't. What if she comes-what's that? Geez, Nanc, do you have to write so loud. Warner, snap out of it. You can do this. I know you can.
SUE ANN
Blair, you alright?
MRS. CAUBLE
Blair?
BLAIR
I'm fine.
Blair takes a deep breath. She looks down at her test and continues.
INT. LOUNGE -- LATER
Blair is talking to Jason on the phone. Studying in the lounge when the phone rings. She looks up at the phone. She gets up to answer it.
BLAIR
It's horrible Jason. I mean people are being so awful...some people are hating Jo, some are hating me. I don't...why?
JASON
I don't know.
Mrs. Garrett walks into the lounge.
MRS. GARRETT
Blair, we're gonna start getting ready for dinner. You wanna help?
BLAIR
(to Mrs. Garrett)
Yes. Hang on.
Mrs. Garrett walks out. Blair turns back to the phone.
BLAIR
Listen, sweetie, I'm gonna go. What are your plans for the weekend.
JASON
Seeing you. We decided that today.
BLAIR
What?
JASON
Well, your dad got an apartment across the hall from your mom...well, you know your dad--
BLAIR
Do I? He's now in Japan for the next month.
JASON
Is he gonna come to see you testify?
BLAIR
Probably not.
JASON
Sorry.
BLAIR
Nothing new.
JASON
Well, me, Seth, Ally, Chris and Dina are gonna share that apartment. It's pretty big.
BLAIR
Oh my....I know it's big but, still-
JASON
So, any suggestions?
BLAIR
For what?
JASON
Sharing a small apartment with four other people.
BLAIR
I'll write you a list.
JASON
Thanks. Bye.
BLAIR
Bye.
JASON
Blair.
BLAIR
Yeah.
JASON
I love you.
Blair smiles.
BLAIR
I love you too.
Blair and Jason hang up. Blair walks out of the lounge.
INT. EVERGREEN MANOR -- DAY
April 3, 1982. Ally, Christine, Dina, Seth and Jason are setting up stuff in their apartment when there is a knock at the door. Blair is resting on the couch.
DINA
I still can't believe your father went to Japan.
BLAIR
Yep. He decided we had enough father daughter bonding and that now it was time for him to go to Japan and eat raw fish.
DINA
Parents suck.
BLAIR
They do.
CHRISTINE
You're mom is cool.
SETH
She made us brownies-
(off Blair's shocked look)
Which she bought from the market.
BLAIR
Thought so. Yeah, my mom has been amazing. It's been hard. She went back to Manhattan to check on the house, but...she calls every night.
ALLY
Awww.
BLAIR
I love it. It's what I've wanted for the past seventeen years. A parent that is totally there for you. Unfortunately, it took getting shot for one parent to be there for me...I wonder what it would take to get my dad to stick around.
ALLY
I don't wanna think about it.
CHRISTINE
Me neither.
SETH
So, any suggestions on how to live in harmony?
BLAIR
No, because I live in a small room with three other girls everyday...24 hours a day, 7 days a week for nine months. You guys are doing it for two days every weekend for the next two months.
SETH
Show off.
BLAIR
And you're doing it voluntarily.
CHRISTINE
Wait, no, didn't you tell me that you did pay off the debt and you all decided to live together again?
BLAIR
Kinda...we have this strange thing where we like each other. They're like my best friends or something and-I mean, we won't be living together forever.
SETH
As long as there is paint for you to sit in.
BLAIR
They told you that?
SETH
Yes.
BLAIR
It was Jo's fault. Which by the, it's her birthday tomorrow.
CHRISTINE
So what's she gonna do?
BLAIR
We're planning a dinner. Me, Mrs. Garrett, Tootie, Nat and Jo...there's this really nice pizza place-
DINA
There are nice places in Peekskill?
BLAIR
Yes.
DINA
You know, we had a horrible time trying to find a place closer to your school.
BLAIR
What? The Motor Inn or the Union Hotel didn't do it for you?
DINA
No.
BLAIR
But the dinner should be nice though, we really need time to just be a group again.
The group continues to talk.
INT. SANTA LUCIA'S -- NIGHT
It is April 4, 1982. Blair, Mrs. Garrett, Tootie, Natalie and Jo are sitting and eating. Jo is quiet while everyone else is talking.
BLAIR
Jo? Are you okay?
J0
Yeah.
BLAIR
You're quiet.
TOOTIE
It's your birthday.
J0
I have to testify...I can't believe I have testify...I just wish-
BLAIR
Nope.
J0
What?
BLAIR
We're not talking about this.
J0
I really think we should.
BLAIR
No.
J0
I mean, I'm turning 18 and this is a horrible-
BLAIR
Did I ever tell you guys about this crush I had in elementary school? Crazy, huge. He was so gorgeous. His name was-
(looking at Jo)
Greg Vinson.
Jo remembers this. Slowly, she smiles.
J0
Greg Vinson.
BLAIR
Yeah, I still think I have a shot with him, don't you?
Jo laughs.
J0
Only if your name was Blaine.
TOOTIE
What?
NATALIE
Blaine?
J0
Greg Vinson would never like anyone at this table.
TOOTIE
Why not?
J0
He's gay. Blair had a crush on a gay man. He hit on Seth.
BLAIR
He asked Seth to the senior prom. Seth turned him down. But I loved that kid...he can't be gay. He was my first kiss.
This is almost too much for Jo to handle. Her eyes widen. This is her dream come true.
J0
Maybe you made him gay. One kiss from Blair and bam, run to the other side.
Jo continues ripping into Blair. Tootie and Natalie are cracking up. Mrs. Garrett pulls Blair back.
MRS. GARRETT
(whispering)
Good job.
BLAIR
(whispering)
I do what I can.
J0
Really, maybe that's why Blair can't keep a relationship going-
BLAIR
Maybe because after me, they don't feel they can do any better.
JO
Or any worse.
Blair laughs. Jo is on fire.
INT. COURTHOUSE -- DAY
Monday, April 5, 1982. Jo, Blair, Tootie, Natalie, Mrs. Garrett, Monica, David, Nancy and Sue Ann are watching as Cindy testifies. The defense is cross examining her.
DEFENSE
Cindy, Cindy, Cindy. Can you explain to the court in the fall of 1978? You and Ms. Warner were up for Harvest Queen? Can you explain to the court what that is?
CINDY
It's like homecoming queen for everyone who isn't a senior. Oh, Blair and I had an argument.
DEFENSE
In which she called you a lesbian?
CINDY
No, no she never said the word lesbian.
DEFENSE
But what she did say caused you contemplate your sexuality?
CINDY
Well, I was young and I-
DEFENSE
Answer the question.
CINDY
Yes.
DEFENSE
And may I ask you what your sexual orientation is?
PROSECUTION
Objection.
CINDY
I'll answer. I'm heterosexual.
DEFENSE
But Ms. Warner's comments were enough to make you think otherwise.
CINDY
I was 12. Blair was 14. She's grown up since then.
DEFENSE
I would like the jury to note that the comment of one 14 year old girl was enough to make a 12 question her sexuality. Blair Warner's malicious intent to harm Ms. Webster was evident. Blair Warner has the power of influence.
CINDY
But she apologized. She's my best friend now.
DEFENSE
No further questions.
JUDGE
You may step down.
PROSECUTION
The prosecution calls Mrs. Edna Garrett.
Mrs. Garrett walks up to the stand as Cindy walks to Blair. Blair stands. Cindy and Blair hug as Cindy takes a seat next to Blair.
CINDY
I let you down.
BLAIR
No, you didn't.
CINDY
But, the Harvest Queen thing.
BLAIR
They asked.
CINDY
You're not malicious.
BLAIR
Cindy, how much did my comment hurt you?
CINDY
At the time, a lot.
BLAIR
I'm really sorry. Then maybe it was malicious at the time.
CINDY
You're not Blair. Believe me, I've called you a lot worse.
BLAIR
Like what?
CINDY
Nothing.
BLAIR
Let's discuss that later.
CINDY
Remember a f
They watch as Mrs. Garrett testifies.
INT. PRISON -- LATER
Jo is sitting with Sophie.
SOPHIE
How was your birthday?
JO
Good. I wish you had been there.
SOPHIE
Me too.
JO
Aren't you scared?
SOPHIE
A little.
JO
Sophie, I can't visit you anymore.
SOPHIE
Why not?
JO
Too hard. Soph, I can't do this anymore.
SOPHIE
I can't believe-
JO
I can't...I'm sorry. It's just...I can't...goodbye.
Jo gets up and walks out. Sophie reacts.
INT. CLASSROOM -- MORNING
Thursday, April 8, 1982. It is a few days later. Blair, Nancy, Sue Ann and Jo are sitting together. Mrs. Cauble is passing out the tests.
NANCY
Alright, 90. I'm smokin'.
SUE ANN
Wow, I got a 96.
JO
95.
Blair gets hers. She stares at it. Her eyes widen and her mouth drops.
JO
Blair? What did you get?
Blair turns and shows them.
BLAIR
A hundred and five.
They are shocked.
SUE ANN
You got the bonus.
BLAIR
Uh-huh.
MRS. CAUBLE
Congrats, Blair.
BLAIR
You didn't just give me this score cause you feel bad?
MRS. CAUBLE
I don't feel that bad.
Blair laughs. Mrs. Cauble smiles at her. Blair turns to her friends. She is truly excited.
JO
I guess you can't be airbrain anymore.
BLAIR
I don't know how I did it?
JO
You know this stuff.
INT. KITCHEN -- LATER
Mrs. Garrett, Tootie and Natalie are setting up for lunch when Blair races in holding up her test. Jo is following behind.
BLAIR
One hundred and five.
MRS. GARRETT
Congratulations.
Blair hugs Mrs. Garrett.
BLAIR
I did it.
NATALIE
Congratulations, Blair.
TOOTIE
Oh, that's terrific.
BLAIR
Wow. Oh, what do you want me to do?
MRS. GARRETT
Nothing. Sit. You are not doing work. I never thought I'd ever say that to you.
BLAIR
No, no. I'll serve food.
MRS. GARRETT
I don't want you to tire yourself.
BLAIR
I'm not an invalid. Besides, you let me work once-
MRS. GARRETT
But I changed my mind.
JO
Let her. Less work for us.
Blair smiles.
MRS. GARRETT
Alright, you can serve. Blair Warner asking to work? I must be dreaming.
BLAIR
Mrs. Garrett, I can't thank you enough for standing up for me at that trial.
MRS. GARRETT
Blair, you are a lot of things. But vicious is not one of them. But you've grown up.
BLAIR
Why are they doing this? They're bringing up stuff that--it was ninth grade and obviously Cindy's not too traumatized because we're friends.
MRS. GARRETT
You're gonna through this.
BLAIR
I hope so...cause right now, I'm not so sure.
MRS. GARRETT
Take it one step at a time. Right now, set the tables.
Mrs. Garrett tosses her some tablecloths. Blair catches them and smiles. She starts setting the tables.
INT. COURTHOUSE -- AFTERNOON
It is Monday April 12, 1982. Charlie, Rose, Blair, Tootie and Mrs. Garrett are sitting and watching. Amy, Jessie, Sue Ann, Nancy, Molly and Cindy are behind them. They are watching Jo on the stand. She is being questioned by the prosecution.
PROSECUTION
Did you ever hear or witness acts of cruelty upon Sophie caused by Ms. Warner?
JO
Cruelty? I think it's the other way around.
PROSECUTION
Has Ms. Warner ever been mean to you?
JO
Yeah.
PROSECUTION
Did that affect you?
JO
Are you kidding? Her insults are stupid. Come on, she's a rich snob from Manhattan who's biggest insult is to tell people to turn blue.
BLAIR
(sarcastic)
Thanks, Jo.
JO
Besides, that's the fun of our friendship. I mean, don't you have friends like that? It's not vicious. It's fun. It's who can top who. And I always win.
BLAIR
She's lying under oath.
TOOTIE
No, she's not.
JO
But what it comes down to is, Blair Warner despite any fault she has, is always going to be one of my best friends. That's why I'm not defending Sophie. Blair's the better friend.
BLAIR
(sincere)
Thanks, Jo.
PROSECUTION
Describe your friendship with the defendant?
JO
Well, she's...we fought. Of course. I was always the one that was filled with anger.
PROSECUTION
Could she have been hiding it?
JO
Maybe. I mean, okay, went I first came to Eastland I'd hear rumors. Sophie was depressed or what have you. We had these two other close friends, Amy and Jessie that just got fed up with her. She was more sensitive than I was. Someone could look at her wrong and she'd cry. I protected her a lot.
PROSECUTION
Do you think her never telling anyone could've driven her over the edge?
JO
Yeah, I do. Blair did not push over the edge. It's the image of Blair Warner that pushed her over the edge.
PROSECUTION
Explain.
JO
Blair Warner has everything, monetarily speaking. She's got money to burn and she shows it off. And to me, it's an annoyance. It's all the fluff. It's a mask. But for Sophie...she wanted that life more anything.
PROSECUTION
She wanted to be rich.
JO
Oh, yeah.
PROSECUTION
You think the defendant did it out of jealousy.
JO
I do and she was teased. But Blair throws her money around as a way to keep people from hurting her. Sophie saw it as another mean thing to add on to her why I hate Blair list.
PROSECUTION
No further questions.
The defense gets up.
DEFENSE
You hit Ms. Warner once, didn't you?
JO
Yes, I did.
DEFENSE
Why?
JO
She...she doesn't...I'm sorry Blair.
Blair smiles. She motions for to go ahead.
JO
She was yelling about religion and G-d and how she didn't believe in him and she was criticizing me for my belief.
DEFENSE
Which is strong?
JO
Very. Anyway, she was yelling and being over the top and in a...I hit her.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner caused someone to hit her. Ms. Warner's words caused someone to do something she wouldn't have done normally. Ms. Warner caused Jo here to go over the edge. Motivation.
JO
I think being decked is a bit different then being shot.
DEFENSE
You said Ms. Warner tossed her money. Could Sophie had seen that as nasty.
JO
Maybe.
DEFENSE
Answer.
JO
Yes.
DEFENSE
So, Ms. Warner could have pushed her over the edge and caused her to commit the crime.
JO
It was premeditated. She brought ammunition to school.
DEFENSE
Yes. This poor girl had been ruthlessly teased tortured by Ms. Warner that she was pushed-
JO
No, she was not-
DEFENSE
Over the edge. She was driven to commit murder because of Ms. Warner.
Blair sits silently. Everyone looks at her as she sits almost motionless.
INT. GIRLS BEDROOM -- NIGHT
Tootie, Natalie and Blair are asleep. Jo is awake. Blair starts to toss and turn.
BLAIR
Oh, G-d. No!
Jo bolts out of bed and shakes Blair.
JO
Blair, wake up.
Blair bolts upright. She starts crying.
BLAIR
Oh, Jo.
Jo hugs her.
BLAIR
Jo, when are they gonna stop. I want...I was on the stand and everyone..I wanna die.
JO
Blair, you're okay?
Jo comforts her while Blair sobs. Natalie and Tootie wake up. Mrs. Garrett walks into the room.
MRS. GARRETT
Sweetie? Are you okay?
JO
She had another nightmare.
BLAIR
What if she's right? What if I'm really that horrible? I can drive someone to kill?
Blair is crying. The group reacts. Jo holds Blair.
INT. COURTHOUSE -- MORNING
It is 9:00am. Tuesday April 13th, 1982. The courtroom is packed. In the midst of it are Jo, Natalie, Tootie, Mrs. Garrett, Sue Ann, Nancy, Molly, Cindy, Dina, Ally, Christine, Charlie, Rose and Monica. There are various teachers sitting there. Blair is sitting in between her mom and Christine. She has a big pair of dark sunglasses on.
CHRISTINE
How are you?
BLAIR
Good. How do I look?
CHRISTINE
Wonderful. Your hair looks wonderful blonde. And your eyes look big and puffy.
BLAIR
You can tell?
CHRISTINE
Did we just meet? When your parents got divorced, you wore sunglasses 24/7. I don't think you'll be able to wear them.
Blair reluctantly takes them off to reveal her noticably red and puffy eyes. They look almost scary. All you can see is the brown of her eyes and the skin around her eyes are incredibly swollen.
CHRISTINE
Poor thing.
BLAIR
That's the problem with having eyes like mine. I look like an alien.
Christine comforts her. David sneaks in behind Blair and grabs a seat behind her.
CHRISTINE
You're gonna get through this.
BLAIR
I hope so. I want it to be over.
Her eyes well up. Christine hugs her. Blair starts to cry again. Blair feels someone tap her on the shoulder. Blair and Christine stop hugging. Blair turns. She smiles at the sight of her father.
BLAIR
Daddy.
DAVID
You think I'd miss this?
BLAIR
I thought you were.
DAVID
I go where my princess needs me.
BLAIR
And I so need you.
Blair and David hug.
PROSECUTION
The prosecution calls, Blair Warner.
David and Blair stop hugging. Blair stands up and walks to the stand. She puts her hand on a book.
BALIFF
Do you Blair Warner solomnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you G-d?
BLAIR
I do.
Blair sits.
BALIFF
State your full name and age to the court.
BLAIR
My name is Blair Nicole Warner and I'm 17.
PROSECUTION
Did you ever or do anything that you can see why she would want you dead?
BLAIR
No.
PROSECUTION
Do you remember what happened that day?
BLAIR
Yes. I remember it clearly.
PROSECUTION
If you feel comfortable-
BLAIR
I was taking a test. She came in the room loaded with ammunition and held a gun to my head. Jo Polnachek talked her out of shooting me. Sophie walked to the teachers desk and shot me. And now I being put on trial-
DEFENSE
Objection.
JUDGE
Ms. Warner, stay focused.
PROSECUTION
So do you think she was doing it get attention.
BLAIR
I do.
PROSECUTION
Did you have any idea that Sophie might be hurt by anything you may have said?
BLAIR
No. I had no way of knowing that Sophie was offended. I can do everything except read minds. And fly.
PROSECUTION
If Sophie said to you, "Blair, what you're saying is hurting me", you would've stopped.
BLAIR
Of course. I'm not a bully. I just have a big mouth. I shouldn't be punished for that.
PROSECUTION
No further questions, your honor.
The defense stands up.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner, have you ever been teased?
BLAIR
Yes.
DEFENSE
What names have you been called?
PROSECUTION
Objection. What does this have to do with anything?
DEFENSE
You'll see.
JUDGE
I'm curious. Continue.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner?
BLAIR
Well the former best friend of the defendant calls me an air brain.
DEFENSE
Anything else.
BLAIR
Easy, slut, bimbo. Blondie. Snob. Fat. And of course it's always fun having the same last name as a major studio.
DEFENSE
Did it hurt?
BLAIR
Yeah.
DEFENSE
Did it make you want to hurt someone?
BLAIR
Objection.
JUDGE
Overruled. You can't say that.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner, did you ever want to hurt someone who called you a slut or easy. You do look like you've been around.
PROSECUTION
Objection.
JUDGE
Don't harass her, sustained.
BLAIR
Yes, I did want to hurt them.
DEFENSE
Did you ever want to shoot them?
Blair is silent.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner, did you make you want to snap? Did it push you to the edge.
PROSECUTION
Objection.
JUDGE
Overruled. Answer the question.
BLAIR
Yes. There's a big difference between wanting to and doing it. Everyone says, "oh, I want to kill her" but only the truly sick actually do it.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner, you got Ms. Joanne Polnachek to hit you. So you could drive someone to snap, can you not?
BLAIR
Yes. I didn't get her to.
DEFENSE
But words hurt her enough to where she did.
BLAIR
Are you saying it's my fault she shot me? Yes, Jo hit me. But she didn't take a gun and shoot me. She apologized and showed remorse.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner, the truth you drove someone to commit a violent act. You drove Sophia Benton to kill. Simple as that. This was a non-violent young woman and then she met you.
BLAIR
I don't have the much power.
DEFENSE
Did or did you not drive her to kill?
BLAIR
No.
DEFENSE
You're constant ridicule and constant verbal abuse about how she would never be as accomplished or as perfect as you ruined her self confidence and self esteem and forced her to take the only action she felt necessary. You had taken away her best friend and reduced her to nothing.
Monica stands up.
MONICA
Objection!
JUDGE
Quiet.
Monica sits.
BLAIR
But-
DEFENSE
No further questions.
JUDGE
You may step down.
BLAIR
(to Sophie)
I hope you rot it hell.
JUDGE
Ms. Warner. Jury will disregard that last remark.
Blair gets up and leaves the stand. Sophie gets up and races to her. The guards rush to her. Blair stands there staring at her, not moving. Sophie starts screaming obscenities at her and flipping out. Sophie grabs Blair by the neck. Everyone is stunned. Jo gets up and races to Blair.
JO
Let her go!
The guards restrain Sophie. Blair puts her hand up to her neck. The guards drag her off, kicking and screaming.
JUDGE
Put her confinement. Ms. Warner, are you okay?
Blair stands there, not saying anything. All color and emotion seems to have drained from her face.
JO
Blair?
Monica and David rush to Blair's side.
JO
Say something.
MONICA
I know that look.
DAVID
Sweetie?
JO
I know it too.
MONICA
You wanna go outside.
Blair slowly nods. She leaves the courtroom. Monica and David walk out after her.
EXT. COURTHOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER
Blair walks outside. Monica and David rush to her side. They hold her. Blair breaks down.
INT. HOTEL -- NIGHT
April 13. Blair is sitting by herself, zoning. Ally, Christine, Dina, Seth and Jason walk over to her and sit by her. Blair looks at them. There is so much pain in her eyes, it is overwhelming. They all exchange looks. No one quite knows what to say. Ally picks up a bowl of nuts from a nearby table.
ALLY
Nut?
Blair laughs through her tears. She lets go of Christine and takes one. Blair zones out. Her voice becomes hollow and empty. Almost as if someone else has taken over.
BLAIR
I wanna kill Sophie. If I had a gun...can I get one? Maybe they'll let me flip the switch. I can do it over and over and over-
DINA
Blair, please.
BLAIR
I can make her life a living hell. It's what she's doing to me.
ALLY
I think her life is hell.
BLAIR
I want to visit her and I wanna...I wanna gun and I want to see her bleed.
CHRISTINE
Warner. Stop.
BLAIR
Yeah, it's sick. I must've been something bad in a past life. A dictator. Something truly awful and I'm being punished for my sins.
The group sits silently. Everyone is stunned.
INT. SUE ANN AND NANCY'S DORM ROOM -- NIGHT
Sue Ann and Nancy are studying when there is a knock at the door.
SUE ANN
It's open.
Seth walks in.
SUE ANN
Seth, you aren't allowed in here?
SETH
Well, Blair's gonna kill me.
Seth sits next to Sue Ann. Sue Ann and Nancy get worried.
SUE ANN
What?
SETH
Blair...she's...something's wrong.
SUE ANN
What?
SETH
We're afraid she might do something...just keep an eye on her? Please.
SUE ANN
Of course.
NANCY
You think she might attempt suicide?
SETH
I don't know, but I've known her for eighteen years and I have never seen what I saw tonight.
SUE ANN
Oh...oh, Seth.
SETH
I don't know what will happen. And you can't tell her I told you this. She'll never speak to me again.
SUE ANN
I can't keep this a secret.
NANCY
Me neither.
SETH
Just keep an eye on her. If we lose her...we make jokes about how she didn't go to Manhattan with the rest of us, but the truth is...she's a huge chunk of our group. She's the meat.
SUE ANN
She's a big part of Eastland too.
SETH
Tonight frightened me. What I saw in her eyes and just everything.
Seth falls silent. Nancy and Sue Ann exchange looks. Sue Ann comforts Seth.
INT. BATHROOM -- EVENING
Friday April 16. Blair grabs her robe and steps out of the shower. She puts on the robe and walks to the sink. She wipes away the steam from the mirror and stares at herself. She looks worn and tired. She looks like she's been sobbing for days straight. She sighs and opens up the cabinet next to the mirror. She takes out some moisturizer and sets it on the sink. Next to the moisturizer is a bottle of pills. She looks at it and takes it out. She reads the label. It is Mrs. Garrett's blood pressure pills. The label says "take three times, daily." She puts it back and reaches for her moisturizer. She opens it and starts to put it on. She stops and is stunned at what she sees, she looks horrible. Her eyes are puffed up. She looks back at the open cabinet. Mrs. Garrett's pills seem to be calling her. She reaches for them and opens them. She gets a glass of water and pours the entire bottle into her hand. She brings the pills up to her mouth along with the water. She puts several pills in her mouth and brings the water to her lips. She glances up at herself and freezes. It's a sad sight, her mouth full of pills, her hand has more and she is holding the water. She spits all the pills back into her hand.
BLAIR
What the hell am I doing?
She puts the water down and holds onto the pills. She looks at the empty bottle.
BLAIR
Help. Mrs. Garrett! Natalie!! Someone please come here? Jo!! Tootie!! Anyone!!
She can't let go of the pills. Natalie runs into the bathroom.
NATALIE
What? Blair?
(noticing)
Oh my G-d.
Natalie walks over to the sink and looks at the empty bottle.
NATALIE
How many have you taken?
Blair opens her hand to reveal all of the pills.
BLAIR
None. I tried twelve. Couldn't swallow.
NATALIE
Blair.
Natalie holds out her hand.
NATALIE
Give them to me.
Blair gives Natalie all of the pills. Natalie puts them back into the bottle and closes it. Blair walks over to the toilet and closes the lid. She sits down and puts her head in her hands. She looks up at Natalie. Her hands are still covering the bottom half of her face. She is breathing deeply. Natalie kneels down to her and tries to comfort her.
INT. GIRLS BEDROOM -- LATER
Blair and Natalie are sitting on Blair's bed.
NATALIE
Why?
BLAIR
Why?
NATALIE
I know why...but, Warner-
BLAIR
Why...how can someone hate me so much?
NATALIE
You're asking the wrong person.
Blair smiles.
BLAIR
You look good.
NATALIE
Sue Ann told us...Seth told Sue Ann and Nancy about what happened at the hotel cause he was upset and then Sue Ann freaked out and told us...told me. Actually. Me and Cindy. Molly, Tootie and Jo don't know. We figured Molly and Tootie have the biggest mouths and Tootie would watch you like a hawk. And Jo...well-
BLAIR
Yeah. Great. I'm gonna kill Seth.
NATALIE
No. He was worried about you. We all are. And it's really hard for me to keep this from Tootie. I haven't even written it in my diary. Cause that's the first place Tootie would look.
Blair smiles.
NATALIE
Smiling? I haven't seen that in a while.
BLAIR
Please don't tell anyone. What happened tonight?
NATALIE
I-
BLAIR
Please. Not Seth, Sue Ann, Cindy....Ally...anyone. Please, Nat.
NATALIE
You should tell Mrs. Garrett.
BLAIR
I will...I promise. But Nat, I need your word. Please.
NATALIE
Another secret I have to keep from Tootie?
BLAIR
I'm sorry. But I feel like I'm drowning, here.
NATALIE
You will get through this. Blair, you're a fighter. I know you will and you got us to help you.
BLAIR
Look what I just did? What the hell is wrong with me?
Blair puts her head in her hands. Natalie hugs her. Blair hugs back. Tootie and Jo walk into the room. Blair and Natalie stop hugging.
JO
Is everything okay here?
BLAIR
Just talking.
Mrs. Garrett walks into the room.
MRS. GARRETT
Hey, girls.
BLAIR
Hey.
MRS. GARRETT
Can I ask you girls a question?
TOOTIE
No.
Mrs. Garrett gives Tootie a look.
MRS. GARRETT
Do any of you have high blood pressure?
Natalie and Blair exchange a look. Tootie and Jo are equally puzzled.
TOOTIE
No?
J0
Why do you ask?
MRS. GARRETT
Cause I went to take my medicine and the bottle cap was partially open and I know it's always tight and some of the pills were wet and some were in the sink. A few were on the floor?
J0
That's strange.
MRS. GARRETT
Very. Maybe I spilled some pills or something. It seems kinda strange.
Natalie gives Blair a look.
NATALIE
(aside, to Blair)
Tell her.
BLAIR
(aside, to Natalie)
No.
MRS. GARRETT
You girls doing alright?
NATALIE
Okay.
J0
Great.
MRS. GARRETT
Good night.
Mrs. Garrett walks out. Blair reacts.
INT. MRS. GARRETT'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT
Mrs. Garrett is resting and reading. There's a knock at the door.
MRS. GARRETT
Come in.
Blair pokes her head in.
BLAIR
Are you busy?
MRS. GARRETT
Of course not, come in.
Mrs. Garrett puts her book down as Blair walks in and shuts the door behind her. She walks over to Mrs. Garrett's bed and lies down on it, next to her. She hands Mrs. Garrett a check.
MRS. GARRETT
What's that?
BLAIR
A check...for your next prescription of blood pressure medicine.
MRS. GARRETT
What?
Blair gives her a look.
MRS. GARRETT
You took them, didn't you? I knew it. Oh, sweetie.
Mrs. Garrett puts her arm around Blair. Blair slides down and rests her head on Mrs. Garrett's lap.
MRS. GARRETT
We can't lose you.
BLAIR
What possible good can I be doing? If I'm as horrible as people are saying-
MRS. GARRETT
I'd miss you. You make my life more fun. Just when I think I have completely figured out, you change on me.
BLAIR
I'm sorry.
MRS. GARRETT
For what?
BLAIR
Tonight. Crazy, huh? I mean really, Blair Warner contemplating suicide? How would that look? I mean, seriously.
MRS. GARRETT
The world would lose it's model of perfection.
BLAIR
Exactly. Mrs. Garrett, can I tell you something? I know I'm not perfect. But I like to believe it. The more I believe it, the better I feel. Does that sound wierd?
MRS. GARRETT
Not at all.
BLAIR
So I always try to look perfect and act perfect and I think I do a good job. I think. I'd like to think.
MRS. GARRETT
Sometimes, you can be annoyingly perfect...but, you know it's tolerable.
BLAIR
When can I think I'm perfect again?
MRS. GARRETT
Soon.
BLAIR
I miss it. I miss looking in the mirror and saying, wow Warner you look gorgeous.
Jo walks in.
JO
You took those pills, didn't you?
BLAIR
Nat told?
JO
No, you just did.
BLAIR
Smooth.
JO
Why would you do that?
Jo sits on the bed.
BLAIR
I don't know.
JO
Do you realize how hard I'm fighting for you..typical Blair, I guess.
Blair gets up.
BLAIR
What's that supposed to mean?
JO
Selfish.
MRS. GARRETT
Jo.
JO
I'm fighting alone, Blair! Not too many people are by my side. And you went through all the trouble of getting better just to die! How would that look!
MRS. GARRETT
Jo, that's enough.
BLAIR
No, she's right.
Blair gets up and walks over to Jo.
BLAIR
It is selfish.
JO
G-d, I can't do this anymore Blair. And when you pull stuff like this, it doesn't seem worth the trouble.
BLAIR
I'm sorry.
JO
Not enough.
Jo storms out. Blair sits back down on Mrs. Garrett's bed. She cries.
INT. LOUNGE -- LATER
Jo is sitting and zoning. She is still stunned by what happened. Blair appears in the doorway. She walks over to Jo and sits next to her. Jo doesn't even look at her.
BLAIR
I'm sorry. It was stupid and...and I...you know me, I don't do stuff like that..it's just, my life..this whole thing...Jo, please. Do you think I'd normally do something like that? Unless something was wrong?
J0
You know, I'm havin' it rough too.
BLAIR
I know.
J0
Yeah, but you don't care.
BLAIR
I would. I should. Jo, please. You know I care.
J0
This...I...I-what about not letting her win.
BLAIR
I know...she is. Jo, you and I have not talked or laughed together in months. We've fought, but not about the stuff we used to. Jo, we are being torn apart. We say otherwise, but Jo...this whole thing..you know it just as well as I do. We had fun and laughed at your birthday. But that was once. And it was forced.
J0
No...I guess it was.
BLAIR
It was. I feel like I'm drowning and I'm hanging on to you, but you're drowning too and you're not holding on to anyone.
J0
Who would I hold on to? You? Jessie and Amy? Hardly.
BLAIR
We have to force each other not to talk about it and it won't end anytime soon. Even after the verdict is read. Although, why hasn't she taken the stand in her own defense?
J0
Her lawyers don't think it would be a good idea. They're afraid of what she might say or do.
BLAIR
Oh.
J0
I can't...I can't lose you too Blair.
BLAIR
You're not.
J0
I almost did.
BLAIR
But you won't.
J0
How do I know?
BLAIR
You don't.
J0
Have you sought professional help?
BLAIR
I was supposed to, but I didn't. I don't do well with talking about my personal problems and Dr. Cordan came to talk to me and my parents. And then my parents started fighting, then it turned into marriage counseling for the already divorced.
J0
Oh. Go see one.
BLAIR
I don't want to see a therapist. A Warner never sees a therapist.
J0
If the Warner pulled what you just did, I think they would. Go see one, Blair.
BLAIR
Will you come?
J0
I don't need one.
BLAIR
Excuse me?
J0
I'm fine. You're the one who's losing her mind.
BLAIR
Okay, let's what happened to you in the last three months. One best friend went on a shooting rampage where she killed four and injured many others including me....another best friend. And the two best friends you thought would be there for you, Amy and Jessie, have been no where. You need help just as much as I do.
J0
I can't afford it.
BLAIR
I'll pay for it.
JO
I won't let you.
BLAIR
Then I won't go.
Jo and Blair stare at each other.
JO
You're stubborn.
BLAIR
Learned from the best.
Jo smiles.
JO
Alright.
BLAIR
Smiling? I'll make your appointment, you make mine.
JO
We know each other way too well.
BLAIR
We do.
JO
Deal.
BLAIR
And hopefully one day, we can walk down the halls of Eastland together singing the theme song to the Beverly Hillbillies.
Jo laughs. The two sit quietly.
INT. LOUNGE -- AFTERNOON
Saturday, April 24th. 1982. Blair is sitting on the couch studying when the phone rings. She gets up and picks up the phone.
BLAIR
Hello?
CHRISTINE
Blair? It's Chris.
BLAIR
Hey, what's the news?
CHRISTINE
Can you come over to the apartment?
BLAIR
When?
CHRISTINE
Now.
BLAIR
Now?
CHRISTINE
Right now.
BLAIR
Is everything okay?
CHRISTINE
Great.
BLAIR
Okay. Chris, you're not telling me something.
CHRISTINE
I am. Come on over.
BLAIR
Christine.
CHRISTINE
Come over.
BLAIR
Okay...I haven't driven in awhile.
CHRISTINE
It's down the street.
BLAIR
Okay, I'll come over.
They hang up. Blair is confused. She walks out of the lounge. We cut to:
INT. EVERGREEN MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
Christine hangs up. Behind her are Dina, Ally, Seth, Jason, Tootie, Jo, Natalie, Mrs. Garrett, Monica, David, Sue Ann, Cindy, Molly and Nancy.
CHRISTINE
She's on her way over.
MONICA
I don't know if I like the idea of her driving.
J0
(joking)
No one does.
MONICA
You know what I mean, It's only been six weeks.
DAVID
Monica, the doctors said six weeks.
MONICA
But what if she gets into an accident.
DAVID
It's down the street.
MONICA
So?
INT. EVERGREEN MANOR -- LATER
Everyone is still sitting when there is a knock at the door.
CHRISTINE
She's here.
Christine walks over to the door and opens it. Blair walks in. She's a bit stunned to see everyone.
BLAIR
Hello, everyone.
ALLY
Gemini!
BLAIR
Is this an intervention?
CHRISTINE
Did you do something?
BLAIR
I dunno?
TOOTIE
You got into college!
They all look at Tootie.
DINA
Alright, someone lock that girl in the closet.
BLAIR
What?
ALLY
You heard her.
BLAIR
But guys, that would assume I applied. Most colleges really only accept people that applied to the school. They're crazy like that.
NATALIE
She doesn't get it.
JO
It's the blonde.
BLAIR
Shut up.
CHRISTINE
Alright, alright. Sit.
Blair sits.
DINA
We applied for you.
DAVID
You didn't think we wouldn't let our daughter go to college. You're going to college.
BLAIR
But I didn't think I was going to after being shot in the chest and all.
MONICA
That's where you're wrong.
BLAIR
But the SAT's...I wanted to take those again.
ALLY
Blair, you did great on them. What? You got a 1440.
BLAIR
Yeah, no...I know...but I did worse than Jo. It's the principal of thing.
JO
Why are we friends?
BLAIR
But how did it happen?
NANCY
Well, all of us knew what schools you wanted to apply to.
MRS. GARRETT
And I talked to the college counselor and sent all the schools your transcripts and got your letters of recommendations. I wrote you an amazing letter, if I do say so myself.
JO
She lied, she said you were a hard worker.
BLAIR
Blah, blah, blah.
DAVID
And I talked to all of the schools, they knew your situation and decided to make an exception.
ALLY
We filled out your apps-
BLAIR
Essays? You guys wrote my essays? And the interviews? How do they know how perfect I am until I meet me?
(raises her hand)
Shut up, Jo.
JO
That's just too easy.
MONICA
Well, they understood the situation-
NANCY
And exempted you from all interviews. I mean, normally, they would require it...but you were in an extraordinary circumstance.
TOOTIE
And Natalie and I put together your art portfolio.
JO
Surprise, surprise. Who knew you had talent?
MRS. GARRETT
And I got some of your work...very nice term papers.
TOOTIE
And here are your acceptances. You got 8.
Tootie hands them to Blair. Blair sorts through them.
BLAIR
Langley. I got into Langley.
JO
Congrats, Warner.
ALLY
You got into your first choice.
BLAIR
I got into Langley. Oh, I'm happy. Wow.
DAVID
I did talk to them a bit.
NATALIE
Jo, tell her.
BLAIR
What?
JO
Say hello to one of your new classmates.
Blair reacts.
BLAIR
I can never get away from you.
JO
I know...and I've tried everything. Shut up, Blair.
BLAIR
Too easy.
They laugh. Blair is still stunned.
INT. LOUNGE -- LATER
Blair is sitting by herself looking at all of the envelopes. Some thin, some thick. She is holding the Langley one. She is still stunned by what had happened earlier that evening. Jo walks into the lounge. She looks at Blair and sits next to her.
J0
You know, you didn't get into Harvard. Amy got into Harvard. You didn't get into Harvard. Jessie got into Princeton. You didn't get in there either.
Blair laughs.
BLAIR
Thanks. You knew about this?
J0
Yeah. What did you think one of the reasons I got so pissed at you when you tried to do yourself in was? I knew you had gotten into these schools. You got a future, Warner.
BLAIR
I'm still so stunned. To be honest, I hadn't even thought of college. I knew I was supposed to, but-
J0
I know. So you gonna choose Langley?
BLAIR
Yeah, I wanna be close to you.
Jo laughs.
J0
Congratulations.
BLAIR
Thank you. And thank you for this. I mean-
Blair starts to choke up again.
J0
My G-d, are you gonna cry again? You're breaking my record.
BLAIR
But this is good crying. This is...I'm so touched and...who knew you guys cared...cause I-I-I knew you cared...but-
J0
I know.
BLAIR
And at least we don't need to be roommates anymore.
J0
Thank G-d.
BLAIR
I was a good roommate.
J0
On what planet.
BLAIR
My planet.
J0
Well, you're wrong.
Jo and Blair laugh.
BLAIR
Am not. Grease monkey.
J0
Air head.
BLAIR
That's just mean.
J0
You're no Ivy League.
BLAIR
Neither are you.
J0
Tootie told?
BLAIR
Of course.
J0
You think her mouth ever stops moving?
BLAIR
No. You got rejected from Harvard, Brown, Yale-
J0
I couldn't have gone anyway. Couldn't afford it.
BLAIR
Yeah, Jo...if you got into Harvard I would my life savings that your mother would somehow find a way to get you through school. Call it a hunch.
J0
Well, you know....you don't know.
BLAIR
I know.
They are laughing.
J0
Bite me.
Blair smiles.
BLAIR
Really? Can I?
J0
No.
BLAIR
Please? Only a little. Right there...on your arm.
J0
Get away from me.
The two are cracking up. Mrs. Garrett walks into the lounge.
MRS. GARRETT
Oh my. I haven't heard that sound come out of you two in a while.
BLAIR
Hey, Mrs. Garrett.
MRS. GARRETT
You two okay?
J0
Yeah.
MRS. GARRETT
Have you two made the therapy appointments yet?
J0
How does she know?
BLAIR
I figured she'd make sure both of us did it. Yep, both are in early May on the same day.
MRS. GARRETT
I'm proud of you two for doing that. You need it.
BLAIR
Thanks.
J0
Blair needs it more.
BLAIR
Do not.
J0
Do too.
BLAIR
Not.
J0
How's your blood pressure?
BLAIR
How's Sophia?
MRS. GARRETT
You two are getting back to normal. Can you two promise me something? No matter what, you two never stop being friends. You've been to way too much.
Blair and Jo exchange a look. Blair puts her arm around Jo.
BLAIR
Promise.
J0
You're touching me.
BLAIR
Mrs. Garrett asked you a question?
J0
I'll answer when you stop touching me.
Blair removes her arm. She laughs. Jo smiles.
J0
I promise. Warner, I can't lose you. And when I thought I did, twice...I just...I wished there was something I could've done. Told someone...stopped.
BLAIR
I wouldn't have believed you. If you said something...no way would I have believed you. Things like that just don't happen at Eastland.
J0
Exactly.
INT. COURTHOUSE -- DAY
Monday, April 26, 1982. Jessie, Jo, Amy, Charlie, Rose and Mr. Parker are sitting in the front row. Jason, Blair, Ally, Dina, Christine, Sue Ann and Seth are sitting in the second row. Molly, Tootie, Natalie, Cindy, Nancy and Mrs. Garrett are sitting in the third row. Sophie is in shackles.
JO
She's in shackles. She's...she looks like an animal.
JESSIE
It's real...you know. This whole time I kept this isn't happening. I don't know this girl, but I'm looking at her and I know her. I feel like we're playing a game and at the end we just all go April Fools.
JO
It's almost May.
JESSIE
I just...she actually did this.
AMY
Okay, I know were not as touchy-feely as the Manhattanites over there...but maybe we could for next five minutes, hold onto each other?
Jo and Amy hug.
JESSIE
Can I get in on this?
Amy smiles. She and Jo stop hugging. Amy reaches for Jessie. The three friends hold each other close.
ALLY
How sweet?
CHRISTINE
It's times like these when you need friends.
ALLY
We should have a dinner. The Bronx girls meets the Manhattanites.
BLAIR
Sounds good.
DINA
No. I refuse to eat with them.
CHRISTINE
They're gonna need it. It's their best friend up there. No matter what and what if it was one of us.
The foursome exchanges looks.
BLAIR
Well, you're once again, the sweetheart of the group.
DINA
Stop it.
Christine smiles.
JUDGE
Will the defendant please rise?
Sophie stands. Christine, Ally and Dina grab hands. Jason holds Blair tight. Seth and Sue Ann hold on to each other as well.
JUDGE
Has the jury reached a verdict?
JURY FORMAN
Yes, your honor.
JUDGE
What say you?
JURY FORMAN
We the jury in the case of the people versus Sophia Benton, we find the defendant guilty of first degree murder and sentence her to the penalty of death by lethal injection.
Jo's face falls. Amy and Jo start sobbing. Jessie comforts them both.
AMY
Oh...G-d.
JO
Soph. How could you do this?
JUDGE
Sophia, looking around this courtroom I see young faces of people ready to start the rest of their lives. College, graduation and I look at you and I see a monster. You should be starting a life and usually I feel that death is too harsh for a young girl of your age. But in this case, I don't feel the punishment is harsh enough. You committed a heinous crime and you inflicted emotional and physical pain on everyone you came into contact with. You deserve nothing but a painful death. I'm sentencing your death to June 16, 1982. Court has now been adjourned.
Jo, Amy and Jessie stand up as Sophie looks back.
SOPHIE
I'm sorry, guys.
JO
No. You brought in on yourself. I can't help you now.
SOPHIE
I'm scared now.
JO
You should be.
AMY
How could you?
SOPHIE
I don't know.
JESSIE
How could you not know?
AMY
Soph....G-d, I just...what the hell is wrong with you?
JESSIE
Amy.
AMY
No. Blair Warner did nothing wrong. Why don't you take some responsibility for what you did.
SOPHIE
I don't want to die.
JO
Not my choice. Neither did the people you killed.
Sophie looks at Blair. Blair stands up with her friends.
SOPHIE
Blair?
BLAIR
Yes.
SOPHIE
I am so sorry. For what I did to you.
Blair is silent. Sophie stands there waiting for a reply.
BLAIR
What are you waiting for a reply? Sorry, dear this princess doesn't accept apologies.
DINA
Heh, yeah.
BLAIR
(sarcastic)
Thanks, Dina.
SOPHIE
Blair.
BLAIR
No...I can't...you made...you're a monster to me.
JO
Sophie, what do want from her? What do want from me? You want us to say it's okay. You want Blair to say, sure, you almost blew my brains out and made my life a living hell, but I forgive you? I don't blame her for not forgiving you. She has no reason to. Frankly, I'd be concerned if she did.
SOPHIE
I wish I could take it back.
DINA
You can't. So deal with it.
SOPHIE
Shut up.
DINA
Hey, I'm not afraid of you. Everyone else might be...but I ain't afraid. You almost took someone that means so much to me and I hope you rot in hell.
SOPHIE
Listen-
DINA
What are you gonna do? Shoot me?
Dina looks at her with a cold stare. Blair, Christine, Jason, Seth and Ally are stunned. They look at her.
JO
Goodbye.
SOPHIE
Are you gonna come?
JO
No. I can't. I'm graduating high school that day.
Sophie gets led out. Jo breaks down.
BLAIR
Jo.
Jo gets up and walks out. Amy and Jessie exchange a look and walk out. Blair reacts.
ALLY
Dina?
CHRISTINE
I can't believe you-
BLAIR
Good job.
DINA
Hey, I do what I can.
Blair and Dina hug tightly.
SETH
There's a definite advantage to having no mute button.
DINA
You're telling me.
JASON
I say we leave this court now.
ALLY
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury...let's eat.
SETH
Here, here.
Seth puts one arm around Ally and the other around Christine. The three walk out. Jason puts his arm around Blair. Blair grabs Dina's hand. They follow Christine, Ally and Seth outside. People start leaving.
EXT. EASTLAND -- DAY
Jo is sitting with Amy and Jessie under a tree. She is zoning.
AMY
I can't believe...it's...this is really happening.
JESSIE
What now?
JO
I don't know.
AMY
Do we just forget?
JO
How?
AMY
I don't know.
JESSIE
You know though, on the flip side...the three of us are going somewhere. Harvard, Princeton, Langley...top three. We did real well. And we'll keep doing well. And one of us didn't make it...but where we all come from, three out four not bad.
JO
The Manhattanites are six out of six....all going to college. All doing-
JESSIE
But they're different. And that's to say the rich would never do that. And it's more publicized when your poor...but Jo, since when do you compare yourselves to them. Isn't that what Soph did?
Blair walks over to them.
BLAIR
This seat taken.
JO
Where are the Manhattanites?
BLAIR
In the parking lot. I wanted to get you three. Invite you three to lunch.
JO
I don't know. I don't think I can tolerate Dina.
JESSIE
I can.
BLAIR
I won't let you. Guys, she cares. I mean, if she had a self mute button the world would be a safer place. But my world would be really boring. I was thinking, G-d if Ally or Chris or Becker had just gotten news they were sentenced to die...it would...it would kill me. Despite how heinous what they did was, the fact of the matter is that this someone I grew up with and I can't do a thing to stop what's gonna happen. And we know you three had nothing to do with it. And we'd like to invite you three to lunch. Please.
JESSIE
Does Dina want us there?
BLAIR
No.
JESSIE
I'm there.
Blair laughs as Jessie gets up.
JO
Jess.
BLAIR
Come on.
AMY
Why not, Jo? I'll go too.
Amy gets up. All three look at Blair.
BLAIR
Jo?
Blair holds out her hand. Jo looks at it. She reluctantly grabs it as Blair pulls her up. They walk off.
To be continued....
It is Monday, March 29, 1982. Jo and Blair are walking down the hall. People are still snickering and making jokes. Jo is trying not to pay any attention.
BLAIR
Jo, why are people snickering?
J0
Pay no attention.
BLAIR
What aren't you telling me?
J0
Nothing. Come on.
BLAIR
Is this how it's been for you? People like that making jokes?
JO
I don't want to talk about it.
BLAIR
Jo.
JO
I don't want to talk about it, Blair.
BLAIR
And me? Why didn't you say anything?
JO
What was I gonna say?
BLAIR
I don't know.
Natalie and Tootie walk over to her.
NATALIE
How is she?
JO
Scared.
BLAIR
I'm not scared...I'm...
Blair hears someone accidentally dropping a book. She jumps.
BLAIR
What was that?
JO
Someone dropped a book.
BLAIR
Oh.
They walk on. Blair starts freaking out. She stands, completely frozen. Tootie, Natalie and Jo surround her.
JO
Come on, Warner. Don't let her win.
BLAIR
She won. And apparently the entire school agrees.
TOOTIE
Only half.
Blair gives her a look. Tootie smiles.
TOOTIE
Sorry.
Blair takes a deep breath and moves--slow. She reaches for Jo's hand. Jo grabs it. They walk to the classroom. Blair freezes.
BLAIR
Oh G-d.
JO
You've done this before.
BLAIR
Yes, but the last time I did it, it didn't end well.
Jo opens the door to the classroom. Blair jumps. She closes her eyes.
JO
Look, friendly faces.
SUE ANN
Blair, we saved you a seat.
JO
See.
Blair opens her eyes.
MRS. CAUBLE
Blair, it's gonna be okay. You're sitting with your friends.
BRIANNE
As long as she sits no where near Jo.
TARYN
It's not Jo's fault.
NANCY
Shut up, you two. We need to get Blair in class first.
MRS. CAUBLE
Let's get Blair seated. Truce?
The class exchanges looks.
BRIANNE
Come on Blair.
ELIZABETH
Warner, get inside.
TOOTIE
Blair, Blair-
Soon, everyone in the class joins in chanting Blair's name. Natalie and Jo join in. Blair laughs. Jo, Natalie and Tootie start to help Blair as she slowly moves into the classroom. Mrs. Cauble gets up to help Blair. She slowly moves to an empty seat next to Sue Ann. Jo takes an empty seat behind Blair. The class cheers. Blair is laughing.
BLAIR
Apparently, I'm two.
Jo sits next to her. Tootie and Natalie walk back to the door.
TOOTIE
Good luck.
Natalie and Tootie leave.
NANCY
So what are we doing?
SUE ANN
I studied so, I want for the nineties. And I'm really looking forward to the nineties. Especially, when it's 1999. Cause I'm plan on partying like it's 1999. So, 90's.
NANCY
I think eighties. I like this decade, so far.
JO
I want a hundred.
BLAIR
Oooo, over confidient.
JO
Hey, I have a 98.99. I can't end on a 98.99. It's just not right.
SUE ANN
What about you, Blair?
BLAIR
Well, considering the massive amounts of trauma I've sustained, I'll head into the eighties with flying colors.
NANCY
Alright, here's to doing well.
They click their pencils together as Mrs. Cauble hands out the tests. Blair stares at her test. She is starting to get nervous. She keeps looking at the door.
BLAIR
I can't. What if she comes-what's that? Geez, Nanc, do you have to write so loud. Warner, snap out of it. You can do this. I know you can.
SUE ANN
Blair, you alright?
MRS. CAUBLE
Blair?
BLAIR
I'm fine.
Blair takes a deep breath. She looks down at her test and continues.
INT. LOUNGE -- LATER
Blair is talking to Jason on the phone. Studying in the lounge when the phone rings. She looks up at the phone. She gets up to answer it.
BLAIR
It's horrible Jason. I mean people are being so awful...some people are hating Jo, some are hating me. I don't...why?
JASON
I don't know.
Mrs. Garrett walks into the lounge.
MRS. GARRETT
Blair, we're gonna start getting ready for dinner. You wanna help?
BLAIR
(to Mrs. Garrett)
Yes. Hang on.
Mrs. Garrett walks out. Blair turns back to the phone.
BLAIR
Listen, sweetie, I'm gonna go. What are your plans for the weekend.
JASON
Seeing you. We decided that today.
BLAIR
What?
JASON
Well, your dad got an apartment across the hall from your mom...well, you know your dad--
BLAIR
Do I? He's now in Japan for the next month.
JASON
Is he gonna come to see you testify?
BLAIR
Probably not.
JASON
Sorry.
BLAIR
Nothing new.
JASON
Well, me, Seth, Ally, Chris and Dina are gonna share that apartment. It's pretty big.
BLAIR
Oh my....I know it's big but, still-
JASON
So, any suggestions?
BLAIR
For what?
JASON
Sharing a small apartment with four other people.
BLAIR
I'll write you a list.
JASON
Thanks. Bye.
BLAIR
Bye.
JASON
Blair.
BLAIR
Yeah.
JASON
I love you.
Blair smiles.
BLAIR
I love you too.
Blair and Jason hang up. Blair walks out of the lounge.
INT. EVERGREEN MANOR -- DAY
April 3, 1982. Ally, Christine, Dina, Seth and Jason are setting up stuff in their apartment when there is a knock at the door. Blair is resting on the couch.
DINA
I still can't believe your father went to Japan.
BLAIR
Yep. He decided we had enough father daughter bonding and that now it was time for him to go to Japan and eat raw fish.
DINA
Parents suck.
BLAIR
They do.
CHRISTINE
You're mom is cool.
SETH
She made us brownies-
(off Blair's shocked look)
Which she bought from the market.
BLAIR
Thought so. Yeah, my mom has been amazing. It's been hard. She went back to Manhattan to check on the house, but...she calls every night.
ALLY
Awww.
BLAIR
I love it. It's what I've wanted for the past seventeen years. A parent that is totally there for you. Unfortunately, it took getting shot for one parent to be there for me...I wonder what it would take to get my dad to stick around.
ALLY
I don't wanna think about it.
CHRISTINE
Me neither.
SETH
So, any suggestions on how to live in harmony?
BLAIR
No, because I live in a small room with three other girls everyday...24 hours a day, 7 days a week for nine months. You guys are doing it for two days every weekend for the next two months.
SETH
Show off.
BLAIR
And you're doing it voluntarily.
CHRISTINE
Wait, no, didn't you tell me that you did pay off the debt and you all decided to live together again?
BLAIR
Kinda...we have this strange thing where we like each other. They're like my best friends or something and-I mean, we won't be living together forever.
SETH
As long as there is paint for you to sit in.
BLAIR
They told you that?
SETH
Yes.
BLAIR
It was Jo's fault. Which by the, it's her birthday tomorrow.
CHRISTINE
So what's she gonna do?
BLAIR
We're planning a dinner. Me, Mrs. Garrett, Tootie, Nat and Jo...there's this really nice pizza place-
DINA
There are nice places in Peekskill?
BLAIR
Yes.
DINA
You know, we had a horrible time trying to find a place closer to your school.
BLAIR
What? The Motor Inn or the Union Hotel didn't do it for you?
DINA
No.
BLAIR
But the dinner should be nice though, we really need time to just be a group again.
The group continues to talk.
INT. SANTA LUCIA'S -- NIGHT
It is April 4, 1982. Blair, Mrs. Garrett, Tootie, Natalie and Jo are sitting and eating. Jo is quiet while everyone else is talking.
BLAIR
Jo? Are you okay?
J0
Yeah.
BLAIR
You're quiet.
TOOTIE
It's your birthday.
J0
I have to testify...I can't believe I have testify...I just wish-
BLAIR
Nope.
J0
What?
BLAIR
We're not talking about this.
J0
I really think we should.
BLAIR
No.
J0
I mean, I'm turning 18 and this is a horrible-
BLAIR
Did I ever tell you guys about this crush I had in elementary school? Crazy, huge. He was so gorgeous. His name was-
(looking at Jo)
Greg Vinson.
Jo remembers this. Slowly, she smiles.
J0
Greg Vinson.
BLAIR
Yeah, I still think I have a shot with him, don't you?
Jo laughs.
J0
Only if your name was Blaine.
TOOTIE
What?
NATALIE
Blaine?
J0
Greg Vinson would never like anyone at this table.
TOOTIE
Why not?
J0
He's gay. Blair had a crush on a gay man. He hit on Seth.
BLAIR
He asked Seth to the senior prom. Seth turned him down. But I loved that kid...he can't be gay. He was my first kiss.
This is almost too much for Jo to handle. Her eyes widen. This is her dream come true.
J0
Maybe you made him gay. One kiss from Blair and bam, run to the other side.
Jo continues ripping into Blair. Tootie and Natalie are cracking up. Mrs. Garrett pulls Blair back.
MRS. GARRETT
(whispering)
Good job.
BLAIR
(whispering)
I do what I can.
J0
Really, maybe that's why Blair can't keep a relationship going-
BLAIR
Maybe because after me, they don't feel they can do any better.
JO
Or any worse.
Blair laughs. Jo is on fire.
INT. COURTHOUSE -- DAY
Monday, April 5, 1982. Jo, Blair, Tootie, Natalie, Mrs. Garrett, Monica, David, Nancy and Sue Ann are watching as Cindy testifies. The defense is cross examining her.
DEFENSE
Cindy, Cindy, Cindy. Can you explain to the court in the fall of 1978? You and Ms. Warner were up for Harvest Queen? Can you explain to the court what that is?
CINDY
It's like homecoming queen for everyone who isn't a senior. Oh, Blair and I had an argument.
DEFENSE
In which she called you a lesbian?
CINDY
No, no she never said the word lesbian.
DEFENSE
But what she did say caused you contemplate your sexuality?
CINDY
Well, I was young and I-
DEFENSE
Answer the question.
CINDY
Yes.
DEFENSE
And may I ask you what your sexual orientation is?
PROSECUTION
Objection.
CINDY
I'll answer. I'm heterosexual.
DEFENSE
But Ms. Warner's comments were enough to make you think otherwise.
CINDY
I was 12. Blair was 14. She's grown up since then.
DEFENSE
I would like the jury to note that the comment of one 14 year old girl was enough to make a 12 question her sexuality. Blair Warner's malicious intent to harm Ms. Webster was evident. Blair Warner has the power of influence.
CINDY
But she apologized. She's my best friend now.
DEFENSE
No further questions.
JUDGE
You may step down.
PROSECUTION
The prosecution calls Mrs. Edna Garrett.
Mrs. Garrett walks up to the stand as Cindy walks to Blair. Blair stands. Cindy and Blair hug as Cindy takes a seat next to Blair.
CINDY
I let you down.
BLAIR
No, you didn't.
CINDY
But, the Harvest Queen thing.
BLAIR
They asked.
CINDY
You're not malicious.
BLAIR
Cindy, how much did my comment hurt you?
CINDY
At the time, a lot.
BLAIR
I'm really sorry. Then maybe it was malicious at the time.
CINDY
You're not Blair. Believe me, I've called you a lot worse.
BLAIR
Like what?
CINDY
Nothing.
BLAIR
Let's discuss that later.
CINDY
Remember a f
They watch as Mrs. Garrett testifies.
INT. PRISON -- LATER
Jo is sitting with Sophie.
SOPHIE
How was your birthday?
JO
Good. I wish you had been there.
SOPHIE
Me too.
JO
Aren't you scared?
SOPHIE
A little.
JO
Sophie, I can't visit you anymore.
SOPHIE
Why not?
JO
Too hard. Soph, I can't do this anymore.
SOPHIE
I can't believe-
JO
I can't...I'm sorry. It's just...I can't...goodbye.
Jo gets up and walks out. Sophie reacts.
INT. CLASSROOM -- MORNING
Thursday, April 8, 1982. It is a few days later. Blair, Nancy, Sue Ann and Jo are sitting together. Mrs. Cauble is passing out the tests.
NANCY
Alright, 90. I'm smokin'.
SUE ANN
Wow, I got a 96.
JO
95.
Blair gets hers. She stares at it. Her eyes widen and her mouth drops.
JO
Blair? What did you get?
Blair turns and shows them.
BLAIR
A hundred and five.
They are shocked.
SUE ANN
You got the bonus.
BLAIR
Uh-huh.
MRS. CAUBLE
Congrats, Blair.
BLAIR
You didn't just give me this score cause you feel bad?
MRS. CAUBLE
I don't feel that bad.
Blair laughs. Mrs. Cauble smiles at her. Blair turns to her friends. She is truly excited.
JO
I guess you can't be airbrain anymore.
BLAIR
I don't know how I did it?
JO
You know this stuff.
INT. KITCHEN -- LATER
Mrs. Garrett, Tootie and Natalie are setting up for lunch when Blair races in holding up her test. Jo is following behind.
BLAIR
One hundred and five.
MRS. GARRETT
Congratulations.
Blair hugs Mrs. Garrett.
BLAIR
I did it.
NATALIE
Congratulations, Blair.
TOOTIE
Oh, that's terrific.
BLAIR
Wow. Oh, what do you want me to do?
MRS. GARRETT
Nothing. Sit. You are not doing work. I never thought I'd ever say that to you.
BLAIR
No, no. I'll serve food.
MRS. GARRETT
I don't want you to tire yourself.
BLAIR
I'm not an invalid. Besides, you let me work once-
MRS. GARRETT
But I changed my mind.
JO
Let her. Less work for us.
Blair smiles.
MRS. GARRETT
Alright, you can serve. Blair Warner asking to work? I must be dreaming.
BLAIR
Mrs. Garrett, I can't thank you enough for standing up for me at that trial.
MRS. GARRETT
Blair, you are a lot of things. But vicious is not one of them. But you've grown up.
BLAIR
Why are they doing this? They're bringing up stuff that--it was ninth grade and obviously Cindy's not too traumatized because we're friends.
MRS. GARRETT
You're gonna through this.
BLAIR
I hope so...cause right now, I'm not so sure.
MRS. GARRETT
Take it one step at a time. Right now, set the tables.
Mrs. Garrett tosses her some tablecloths. Blair catches them and smiles. She starts setting the tables.
INT. COURTHOUSE -- AFTERNOON
It is Monday April 12, 1982. Charlie, Rose, Blair, Tootie and Mrs. Garrett are sitting and watching. Amy, Jessie, Sue Ann, Nancy, Molly and Cindy are behind them. They are watching Jo on the stand. She is being questioned by the prosecution.
PROSECUTION
Did you ever hear or witness acts of cruelty upon Sophie caused by Ms. Warner?
JO
Cruelty? I think it's the other way around.
PROSECUTION
Has Ms. Warner ever been mean to you?
JO
Yeah.
PROSECUTION
Did that affect you?
JO
Are you kidding? Her insults are stupid. Come on, she's a rich snob from Manhattan who's biggest insult is to tell people to turn blue.
BLAIR
(sarcastic)
Thanks, Jo.
JO
Besides, that's the fun of our friendship. I mean, don't you have friends like that? It's not vicious. It's fun. It's who can top who. And I always win.
BLAIR
She's lying under oath.
TOOTIE
No, she's not.
JO
But what it comes down to is, Blair Warner despite any fault she has, is always going to be one of my best friends. That's why I'm not defending Sophie. Blair's the better friend.
BLAIR
(sincere)
Thanks, Jo.
PROSECUTION
Describe your friendship with the defendant?
JO
Well, she's...we fought. Of course. I was always the one that was filled with anger.
PROSECUTION
Could she have been hiding it?
JO
Maybe. I mean, okay, went I first came to Eastland I'd hear rumors. Sophie was depressed or what have you. We had these two other close friends, Amy and Jessie that just got fed up with her. She was more sensitive than I was. Someone could look at her wrong and she'd cry. I protected her a lot.
PROSECUTION
Do you think her never telling anyone could've driven her over the edge?
JO
Yeah, I do. Blair did not push over the edge. It's the image of Blair Warner that pushed her over the edge.
PROSECUTION
Explain.
JO
Blair Warner has everything, monetarily speaking. She's got money to burn and she shows it off. And to me, it's an annoyance. It's all the fluff. It's a mask. But for Sophie...she wanted that life more anything.
PROSECUTION
She wanted to be rich.
JO
Oh, yeah.
PROSECUTION
You think the defendant did it out of jealousy.
JO
I do and she was teased. But Blair throws her money around as a way to keep people from hurting her. Sophie saw it as another mean thing to add on to her why I hate Blair list.
PROSECUTION
No further questions.
The defense gets up.
DEFENSE
You hit Ms. Warner once, didn't you?
JO
Yes, I did.
DEFENSE
Why?
JO
She...she doesn't...I'm sorry Blair.
Blair smiles. She motions for to go ahead.
JO
She was yelling about religion and G-d and how she didn't believe in him and she was criticizing me for my belief.
DEFENSE
Which is strong?
JO
Very. Anyway, she was yelling and being over the top and in a...I hit her.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner caused someone to hit her. Ms. Warner's words caused someone to do something she wouldn't have done normally. Ms. Warner caused Jo here to go over the edge. Motivation.
JO
I think being decked is a bit different then being shot.
DEFENSE
You said Ms. Warner tossed her money. Could Sophie had seen that as nasty.
JO
Maybe.
DEFENSE
Answer.
JO
Yes.
DEFENSE
So, Ms. Warner could have pushed her over the edge and caused her to commit the crime.
JO
It was premeditated. She brought ammunition to school.
DEFENSE
Yes. This poor girl had been ruthlessly teased tortured by Ms. Warner that she was pushed-
JO
No, she was not-
DEFENSE
Over the edge. She was driven to commit murder because of Ms. Warner.
Blair sits silently. Everyone looks at her as she sits almost motionless.
INT. GIRLS BEDROOM -- NIGHT
Tootie, Natalie and Blair are asleep. Jo is awake. Blair starts to toss and turn.
BLAIR
Oh, G-d. No!
Jo bolts out of bed and shakes Blair.
JO
Blair, wake up.
Blair bolts upright. She starts crying.
BLAIR
Oh, Jo.
Jo hugs her.
BLAIR
Jo, when are they gonna stop. I want...I was on the stand and everyone..I wanna die.
JO
Blair, you're okay?
Jo comforts her while Blair sobs. Natalie and Tootie wake up. Mrs. Garrett walks into the room.
MRS. GARRETT
Sweetie? Are you okay?
JO
She had another nightmare.
BLAIR
What if she's right? What if I'm really that horrible? I can drive someone to kill?
Blair is crying. The group reacts. Jo holds Blair.
INT. COURTHOUSE -- MORNING
It is 9:00am. Tuesday April 13th, 1982. The courtroom is packed. In the midst of it are Jo, Natalie, Tootie, Mrs. Garrett, Sue Ann, Nancy, Molly, Cindy, Dina, Ally, Christine, Charlie, Rose and Monica. There are various teachers sitting there. Blair is sitting in between her mom and Christine. She has a big pair of dark sunglasses on.
CHRISTINE
How are you?
BLAIR
Good. How do I look?
CHRISTINE
Wonderful. Your hair looks wonderful blonde. And your eyes look big and puffy.
BLAIR
You can tell?
CHRISTINE
Did we just meet? When your parents got divorced, you wore sunglasses 24/7. I don't think you'll be able to wear them.
Blair reluctantly takes them off to reveal her noticably red and puffy eyes. They look almost scary. All you can see is the brown of her eyes and the skin around her eyes are incredibly swollen.
CHRISTINE
Poor thing.
BLAIR
That's the problem with having eyes like mine. I look like an alien.
Christine comforts her. David sneaks in behind Blair and grabs a seat behind her.
CHRISTINE
You're gonna get through this.
BLAIR
I hope so. I want it to be over.
Her eyes well up. Christine hugs her. Blair starts to cry again. Blair feels someone tap her on the shoulder. Blair and Christine stop hugging. Blair turns. She smiles at the sight of her father.
BLAIR
Daddy.
DAVID
You think I'd miss this?
BLAIR
I thought you were.
DAVID
I go where my princess needs me.
BLAIR
And I so need you.
Blair and David hug.
PROSECUTION
The prosecution calls, Blair Warner.
David and Blair stop hugging. Blair stands up and walks to the stand. She puts her hand on a book.
BALIFF
Do you Blair Warner solomnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you G-d?
BLAIR
I do.
Blair sits.
BALIFF
State your full name and age to the court.
BLAIR
My name is Blair Nicole Warner and I'm 17.
PROSECUTION
Did you ever or do anything that you can see why she would want you dead?
BLAIR
No.
PROSECUTION
Do you remember what happened that day?
BLAIR
Yes. I remember it clearly.
PROSECUTION
If you feel comfortable-
BLAIR
I was taking a test. She came in the room loaded with ammunition and held a gun to my head. Jo Polnachek talked her out of shooting me. Sophie walked to the teachers desk and shot me. And now I being put on trial-
DEFENSE
Objection.
JUDGE
Ms. Warner, stay focused.
PROSECUTION
So do you think she was doing it get attention.
BLAIR
I do.
PROSECUTION
Did you have any idea that Sophie might be hurt by anything you may have said?
BLAIR
No. I had no way of knowing that Sophie was offended. I can do everything except read minds. And fly.
PROSECUTION
If Sophie said to you, "Blair, what you're saying is hurting me", you would've stopped.
BLAIR
Of course. I'm not a bully. I just have a big mouth. I shouldn't be punished for that.
PROSECUTION
No further questions, your honor.
The defense stands up.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner, have you ever been teased?
BLAIR
Yes.
DEFENSE
What names have you been called?
PROSECUTION
Objection. What does this have to do with anything?
DEFENSE
You'll see.
JUDGE
I'm curious. Continue.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner?
BLAIR
Well the former best friend of the defendant calls me an air brain.
DEFENSE
Anything else.
BLAIR
Easy, slut, bimbo. Blondie. Snob. Fat. And of course it's always fun having the same last name as a major studio.
DEFENSE
Did it hurt?
BLAIR
Yeah.
DEFENSE
Did it make you want to hurt someone?
BLAIR
Objection.
JUDGE
Overruled. You can't say that.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner, did you ever want to hurt someone who called you a slut or easy. You do look like you've been around.
PROSECUTION
Objection.
JUDGE
Don't harass her, sustained.
BLAIR
Yes, I did want to hurt them.
DEFENSE
Did you ever want to shoot them?
Blair is silent.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner, did you make you want to snap? Did it push you to the edge.
PROSECUTION
Objection.
JUDGE
Overruled. Answer the question.
BLAIR
Yes. There's a big difference between wanting to and doing it. Everyone says, "oh, I want to kill her" but only the truly sick actually do it.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner, you got Ms. Joanne Polnachek to hit you. So you could drive someone to snap, can you not?
BLAIR
Yes. I didn't get her to.
DEFENSE
But words hurt her enough to where she did.
BLAIR
Are you saying it's my fault she shot me? Yes, Jo hit me. But she didn't take a gun and shoot me. She apologized and showed remorse.
DEFENSE
Ms. Warner, the truth you drove someone to commit a violent act. You drove Sophia Benton to kill. Simple as that. This was a non-violent young woman and then she met you.
BLAIR
I don't have the much power.
DEFENSE
Did or did you not drive her to kill?
BLAIR
No.
DEFENSE
You're constant ridicule and constant verbal abuse about how she would never be as accomplished or as perfect as you ruined her self confidence and self esteem and forced her to take the only action she felt necessary. You had taken away her best friend and reduced her to nothing.
Monica stands up.
MONICA
Objection!
JUDGE
Quiet.
Monica sits.
BLAIR
But-
DEFENSE
No further questions.
JUDGE
You may step down.
BLAIR
(to Sophie)
I hope you rot it hell.
JUDGE
Ms. Warner. Jury will disregard that last remark.
Blair gets up and leaves the stand. Sophie gets up and races to her. The guards rush to her. Blair stands there staring at her, not moving. Sophie starts screaming obscenities at her and flipping out. Sophie grabs Blair by the neck. Everyone is stunned. Jo gets up and races to Blair.
JO
Let her go!
The guards restrain Sophie. Blair puts her hand up to her neck. The guards drag her off, kicking and screaming.
JUDGE
Put her confinement. Ms. Warner, are you okay?
Blair stands there, not saying anything. All color and emotion seems to have drained from her face.
JO
Blair?
Monica and David rush to Blair's side.
JO
Say something.
MONICA
I know that look.
DAVID
Sweetie?
JO
I know it too.
MONICA
You wanna go outside.
Blair slowly nods. She leaves the courtroom. Monica and David walk out after her.
EXT. COURTHOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER
Blair walks outside. Monica and David rush to her side. They hold her. Blair breaks down.
INT. HOTEL -- NIGHT
April 13. Blair is sitting by herself, zoning. Ally, Christine, Dina, Seth and Jason walk over to her and sit by her. Blair looks at them. There is so much pain in her eyes, it is overwhelming. They all exchange looks. No one quite knows what to say. Ally picks up a bowl of nuts from a nearby table.
ALLY
Nut?
Blair laughs through her tears. She lets go of Christine and takes one. Blair zones out. Her voice becomes hollow and empty. Almost as if someone else has taken over.
BLAIR
I wanna kill Sophie. If I had a gun...can I get one? Maybe they'll let me flip the switch. I can do it over and over and over-
DINA
Blair, please.
BLAIR
I can make her life a living hell. It's what she's doing to me.
ALLY
I think her life is hell.
BLAIR
I want to visit her and I wanna...I wanna gun and I want to see her bleed.
CHRISTINE
Warner. Stop.
BLAIR
Yeah, it's sick. I must've been something bad in a past life. A dictator. Something truly awful and I'm being punished for my sins.
The group sits silently. Everyone is stunned.
INT. SUE ANN AND NANCY'S DORM ROOM -- NIGHT
Sue Ann and Nancy are studying when there is a knock at the door.
SUE ANN
It's open.
Seth walks in.
SUE ANN
Seth, you aren't allowed in here?
SETH
Well, Blair's gonna kill me.
Seth sits next to Sue Ann. Sue Ann and Nancy get worried.
SUE ANN
What?
SETH
Blair...she's...something's wrong.
SUE ANN
What?
SETH
We're afraid she might do something...just keep an eye on her? Please.
SUE ANN
Of course.
NANCY
You think she might attempt suicide?
SETH
I don't know, but I've known her for eighteen years and I have never seen what I saw tonight.
SUE ANN
Oh...oh, Seth.
SETH
I don't know what will happen. And you can't tell her I told you this. She'll never speak to me again.
SUE ANN
I can't keep this a secret.
NANCY
Me neither.
SETH
Just keep an eye on her. If we lose her...we make jokes about how she didn't go to Manhattan with the rest of us, but the truth is...she's a huge chunk of our group. She's the meat.
SUE ANN
She's a big part of Eastland too.
SETH
Tonight frightened me. What I saw in her eyes and just everything.
Seth falls silent. Nancy and Sue Ann exchange looks. Sue Ann comforts Seth.
INT. BATHROOM -- EVENING
Friday April 16. Blair grabs her robe and steps out of the shower. She puts on the robe and walks to the sink. She wipes away the steam from the mirror and stares at herself. She looks worn and tired. She looks like she's been sobbing for days straight. She sighs and opens up the cabinet next to the mirror. She takes out some moisturizer and sets it on the sink. Next to the moisturizer is a bottle of pills. She looks at it and takes it out. She reads the label. It is Mrs. Garrett's blood pressure pills. The label says "take three times, daily." She puts it back and reaches for her moisturizer. She opens it and starts to put it on. She stops and is stunned at what she sees, she looks horrible. Her eyes are puffed up. She looks back at the open cabinet. Mrs. Garrett's pills seem to be calling her. She reaches for them and opens them. She gets a glass of water and pours the entire bottle into her hand. She brings the pills up to her mouth along with the water. She puts several pills in her mouth and brings the water to her lips. She glances up at herself and freezes. It's a sad sight, her mouth full of pills, her hand has more and she is holding the water. She spits all the pills back into her hand.
BLAIR
What the hell am I doing?
She puts the water down and holds onto the pills. She looks at the empty bottle.
BLAIR
Help. Mrs. Garrett! Natalie!! Someone please come here? Jo!! Tootie!! Anyone!!
She can't let go of the pills. Natalie runs into the bathroom.
NATALIE
What? Blair?
(noticing)
Oh my G-d.
Natalie walks over to the sink and looks at the empty bottle.
NATALIE
How many have you taken?
Blair opens her hand to reveal all of the pills.
BLAIR
None. I tried twelve. Couldn't swallow.
NATALIE
Blair.
Natalie holds out her hand.
NATALIE
Give them to me.
Blair gives Natalie all of the pills. Natalie puts them back into the bottle and closes it. Blair walks over to the toilet and closes the lid. She sits down and puts her head in her hands. She looks up at Natalie. Her hands are still covering the bottom half of her face. She is breathing deeply. Natalie kneels down to her and tries to comfort her.
INT. GIRLS BEDROOM -- LATER
Blair and Natalie are sitting on Blair's bed.
NATALIE
Why?
BLAIR
Why?
NATALIE
I know why...but, Warner-
BLAIR
Why...how can someone hate me so much?
NATALIE
You're asking the wrong person.
Blair smiles.
BLAIR
You look good.
NATALIE
Sue Ann told us...Seth told Sue Ann and Nancy about what happened at the hotel cause he was upset and then Sue Ann freaked out and told us...told me. Actually. Me and Cindy. Molly, Tootie and Jo don't know. We figured Molly and Tootie have the biggest mouths and Tootie would watch you like a hawk. And Jo...well-
BLAIR
Yeah. Great. I'm gonna kill Seth.
NATALIE
No. He was worried about you. We all are. And it's really hard for me to keep this from Tootie. I haven't even written it in my diary. Cause that's the first place Tootie would look.
Blair smiles.
NATALIE
Smiling? I haven't seen that in a while.
BLAIR
Please don't tell anyone. What happened tonight?
NATALIE
I-
BLAIR
Please. Not Seth, Sue Ann, Cindy....Ally...anyone. Please, Nat.
NATALIE
You should tell Mrs. Garrett.
BLAIR
I will...I promise. But Nat, I need your word. Please.
NATALIE
Another secret I have to keep from Tootie?
BLAIR
I'm sorry. But I feel like I'm drowning, here.
NATALIE
You will get through this. Blair, you're a fighter. I know you will and you got us to help you.
BLAIR
Look what I just did? What the hell is wrong with me?
Blair puts her head in her hands. Natalie hugs her. Blair hugs back. Tootie and Jo walk into the room. Blair and Natalie stop hugging.
JO
Is everything okay here?
BLAIR
Just talking.
Mrs. Garrett walks into the room.
MRS. GARRETT
Hey, girls.
BLAIR
Hey.
MRS. GARRETT
Can I ask you girls a question?
TOOTIE
No.
Mrs. Garrett gives Tootie a look.
MRS. GARRETT
Do any of you have high blood pressure?
Natalie and Blair exchange a look. Tootie and Jo are equally puzzled.
TOOTIE
No?
J0
Why do you ask?
MRS. GARRETT
Cause I went to take my medicine and the bottle cap was partially open and I know it's always tight and some of the pills were wet and some were in the sink. A few were on the floor?
J0
That's strange.
MRS. GARRETT
Very. Maybe I spilled some pills or something. It seems kinda strange.
Natalie gives Blair a look.
NATALIE
(aside, to Blair)
Tell her.
BLAIR
(aside, to Natalie)
No.
MRS. GARRETT
You girls doing alright?
NATALIE
Okay.
J0
Great.
MRS. GARRETT
Good night.
Mrs. Garrett walks out. Blair reacts.
INT. MRS. GARRETT'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT
Mrs. Garrett is resting and reading. There's a knock at the door.
MRS. GARRETT
Come in.
Blair pokes her head in.
BLAIR
Are you busy?
MRS. GARRETT
Of course not, come in.
Mrs. Garrett puts her book down as Blair walks in and shuts the door behind her. She walks over to Mrs. Garrett's bed and lies down on it, next to her. She hands Mrs. Garrett a check.
MRS. GARRETT
What's that?
BLAIR
A check...for your next prescription of blood pressure medicine.
MRS. GARRETT
What?
Blair gives her a look.
MRS. GARRETT
You took them, didn't you? I knew it. Oh, sweetie.
Mrs. Garrett puts her arm around Blair. Blair slides down and rests her head on Mrs. Garrett's lap.
MRS. GARRETT
We can't lose you.
BLAIR
What possible good can I be doing? If I'm as horrible as people are saying-
MRS. GARRETT
I'd miss you. You make my life more fun. Just when I think I have completely figured out, you change on me.
BLAIR
I'm sorry.
MRS. GARRETT
For what?
BLAIR
Tonight. Crazy, huh? I mean really, Blair Warner contemplating suicide? How would that look? I mean, seriously.
MRS. GARRETT
The world would lose it's model of perfection.
BLAIR
Exactly. Mrs. Garrett, can I tell you something? I know I'm not perfect. But I like to believe it. The more I believe it, the better I feel. Does that sound wierd?
MRS. GARRETT
Not at all.
BLAIR
So I always try to look perfect and act perfect and I think I do a good job. I think. I'd like to think.
MRS. GARRETT
Sometimes, you can be annoyingly perfect...but, you know it's tolerable.
BLAIR
When can I think I'm perfect again?
MRS. GARRETT
Soon.
BLAIR
I miss it. I miss looking in the mirror and saying, wow Warner you look gorgeous.
Jo walks in.
JO
You took those pills, didn't you?
BLAIR
Nat told?
JO
No, you just did.
BLAIR
Smooth.
JO
Why would you do that?
Jo sits on the bed.
BLAIR
I don't know.
JO
Do you realize how hard I'm fighting for you..typical Blair, I guess.
Blair gets up.
BLAIR
What's that supposed to mean?
JO
Selfish.
MRS. GARRETT
Jo.
JO
I'm fighting alone, Blair! Not too many people are by my side. And you went through all the trouble of getting better just to die! How would that look!
MRS. GARRETT
Jo, that's enough.
BLAIR
No, she's right.
Blair gets up and walks over to Jo.
BLAIR
It is selfish.
JO
G-d, I can't do this anymore Blair. And when you pull stuff like this, it doesn't seem worth the trouble.
BLAIR
I'm sorry.
JO
Not enough.
Jo storms out. Blair sits back down on Mrs. Garrett's bed. She cries.
INT. LOUNGE -- LATER
Jo is sitting and zoning. She is still stunned by what happened. Blair appears in the doorway. She walks over to Jo and sits next to her. Jo doesn't even look at her.
BLAIR
I'm sorry. It was stupid and...and I...you know me, I don't do stuff like that..it's just, my life..this whole thing...Jo, please. Do you think I'd normally do something like that? Unless something was wrong?
J0
You know, I'm havin' it rough too.
BLAIR
I know.
J0
Yeah, but you don't care.
BLAIR
I would. I should. Jo, please. You know I care.
J0
This...I...I-what about not letting her win.
BLAIR
I know...she is. Jo, you and I have not talked or laughed together in months. We've fought, but not about the stuff we used to. Jo, we are being torn apart. We say otherwise, but Jo...this whole thing..you know it just as well as I do. We had fun and laughed at your birthday. But that was once. And it was forced.
J0
No...I guess it was.
BLAIR
It was. I feel like I'm drowning and I'm hanging on to you, but you're drowning too and you're not holding on to anyone.
J0
Who would I hold on to? You? Jessie and Amy? Hardly.
BLAIR
We have to force each other not to talk about it and it won't end anytime soon. Even after the verdict is read. Although, why hasn't she taken the stand in her own defense?
J0
Her lawyers don't think it would be a good idea. They're afraid of what she might say or do.
BLAIR
Oh.
J0
I can't...I can't lose you too Blair.
BLAIR
You're not.
J0
I almost did.
BLAIR
But you won't.
J0
How do I know?
BLAIR
You don't.
J0
Have you sought professional help?
BLAIR
I was supposed to, but I didn't. I don't do well with talking about my personal problems and Dr. Cordan came to talk to me and my parents. And then my parents started fighting, then it turned into marriage counseling for the already divorced.
J0
Oh. Go see one.
BLAIR
I don't want to see a therapist. A Warner never sees a therapist.
J0
If the Warner pulled what you just did, I think they would. Go see one, Blair.
BLAIR
Will you come?
J0
I don't need one.
BLAIR
Excuse me?
J0
I'm fine. You're the one who's losing her mind.
BLAIR
Okay, let's what happened to you in the last three months. One best friend went on a shooting rampage where she killed four and injured many others including me....another best friend. And the two best friends you thought would be there for you, Amy and Jessie, have been no where. You need help just as much as I do.
J0
I can't afford it.
BLAIR
I'll pay for it.
JO
I won't let you.
BLAIR
Then I won't go.
Jo and Blair stare at each other.
JO
You're stubborn.
BLAIR
Learned from the best.
Jo smiles.
JO
Alright.
BLAIR
Smiling? I'll make your appointment, you make mine.
JO
We know each other way too well.
BLAIR
We do.
JO
Deal.
BLAIR
And hopefully one day, we can walk down the halls of Eastland together singing the theme song to the Beverly Hillbillies.
Jo laughs. The two sit quietly.
INT. LOUNGE -- AFTERNOON
Saturday, April 24th. 1982. Blair is sitting on the couch studying when the phone rings. She gets up and picks up the phone.
BLAIR
Hello?
CHRISTINE
Blair? It's Chris.
BLAIR
Hey, what's the news?
CHRISTINE
Can you come over to the apartment?
BLAIR
When?
CHRISTINE
Now.
BLAIR
Now?
CHRISTINE
Right now.
BLAIR
Is everything okay?
CHRISTINE
Great.
BLAIR
Okay. Chris, you're not telling me something.
CHRISTINE
I am. Come on over.
BLAIR
Christine.
CHRISTINE
Come over.
BLAIR
Okay...I haven't driven in awhile.
CHRISTINE
It's down the street.
BLAIR
Okay, I'll come over.
They hang up. Blair is confused. She walks out of the lounge. We cut to:
INT. EVERGREEN MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
Christine hangs up. Behind her are Dina, Ally, Seth, Jason, Tootie, Jo, Natalie, Mrs. Garrett, Monica, David, Sue Ann, Cindy, Molly and Nancy.
CHRISTINE
She's on her way over.
MONICA
I don't know if I like the idea of her driving.
J0
(joking)
No one does.
MONICA
You know what I mean, It's only been six weeks.
DAVID
Monica, the doctors said six weeks.
MONICA
But what if she gets into an accident.
DAVID
It's down the street.
MONICA
So?
INT. EVERGREEN MANOR -- LATER
Everyone is still sitting when there is a knock at the door.
CHRISTINE
She's here.
Christine walks over to the door and opens it. Blair walks in. She's a bit stunned to see everyone.
BLAIR
Hello, everyone.
ALLY
Gemini!
BLAIR
Is this an intervention?
CHRISTINE
Did you do something?
BLAIR
I dunno?
TOOTIE
You got into college!
They all look at Tootie.
DINA
Alright, someone lock that girl in the closet.
BLAIR
What?
ALLY
You heard her.
BLAIR
But guys, that would assume I applied. Most colleges really only accept people that applied to the school. They're crazy like that.
NATALIE
She doesn't get it.
JO
It's the blonde.
BLAIR
Shut up.
CHRISTINE
Alright, alright. Sit.
Blair sits.
DINA
We applied for you.
DAVID
You didn't think we wouldn't let our daughter go to college. You're going to college.
BLAIR
But I didn't think I was going to after being shot in the chest and all.
MONICA
That's where you're wrong.
BLAIR
But the SAT's...I wanted to take those again.
ALLY
Blair, you did great on them. What? You got a 1440.
BLAIR
Yeah, no...I know...but I did worse than Jo. It's the principal of thing.
JO
Why are we friends?
BLAIR
But how did it happen?
NANCY
Well, all of us knew what schools you wanted to apply to.
MRS. GARRETT
And I talked to the college counselor and sent all the schools your transcripts and got your letters of recommendations. I wrote you an amazing letter, if I do say so myself.
JO
She lied, she said you were a hard worker.
BLAIR
Blah, blah, blah.
DAVID
And I talked to all of the schools, they knew your situation and decided to make an exception.
ALLY
We filled out your apps-
BLAIR
Essays? You guys wrote my essays? And the interviews? How do they know how perfect I am until I meet me?
(raises her hand)
Shut up, Jo.
JO
That's just too easy.
MONICA
Well, they understood the situation-
NANCY
And exempted you from all interviews. I mean, normally, they would require it...but you were in an extraordinary circumstance.
TOOTIE
And Natalie and I put together your art portfolio.
JO
Surprise, surprise. Who knew you had talent?
MRS. GARRETT
And I got some of your work...very nice term papers.
TOOTIE
And here are your acceptances. You got 8.
Tootie hands them to Blair. Blair sorts through them.
BLAIR
Langley. I got into Langley.
JO
Congrats, Warner.
ALLY
You got into your first choice.
BLAIR
I got into Langley. Oh, I'm happy. Wow.
DAVID
I did talk to them a bit.
NATALIE
Jo, tell her.
BLAIR
What?
JO
Say hello to one of your new classmates.
Blair reacts.
BLAIR
I can never get away from you.
JO
I know...and I've tried everything. Shut up, Blair.
BLAIR
Too easy.
They laugh. Blair is still stunned.
INT. LOUNGE -- LATER
Blair is sitting by herself looking at all of the envelopes. Some thin, some thick. She is holding the Langley one. She is still stunned by what had happened earlier that evening. Jo walks into the lounge. She looks at Blair and sits next to her.
J0
You know, you didn't get into Harvard. Amy got into Harvard. You didn't get into Harvard. Jessie got into Princeton. You didn't get in there either.
Blair laughs.
BLAIR
Thanks. You knew about this?
J0
Yeah. What did you think one of the reasons I got so pissed at you when you tried to do yourself in was? I knew you had gotten into these schools. You got a future, Warner.
BLAIR
I'm still so stunned. To be honest, I hadn't even thought of college. I knew I was supposed to, but-
J0
I know. So you gonna choose Langley?
BLAIR
Yeah, I wanna be close to you.
Jo laughs.
J0
Congratulations.
BLAIR
Thank you. And thank you for this. I mean-
Blair starts to choke up again.
J0
My G-d, are you gonna cry again? You're breaking my record.
BLAIR
But this is good crying. This is...I'm so touched and...who knew you guys cared...cause I-I-I knew you cared...but-
J0
I know.
BLAIR
And at least we don't need to be roommates anymore.
J0
Thank G-d.
BLAIR
I was a good roommate.
J0
On what planet.
BLAIR
My planet.
J0
Well, you're wrong.
Jo and Blair laugh.
BLAIR
Am not. Grease monkey.
J0
Air head.
BLAIR
That's just mean.
J0
You're no Ivy League.
BLAIR
Neither are you.
J0
Tootie told?
BLAIR
Of course.
J0
You think her mouth ever stops moving?
BLAIR
No. You got rejected from Harvard, Brown, Yale-
J0
I couldn't have gone anyway. Couldn't afford it.
BLAIR
Yeah, Jo...if you got into Harvard I would my life savings that your mother would somehow find a way to get you through school. Call it a hunch.
J0
Well, you know....you don't know.
BLAIR
I know.
They are laughing.
J0
Bite me.
Blair smiles.
BLAIR
Really? Can I?
J0
No.
BLAIR
Please? Only a little. Right there...on your arm.
J0
Get away from me.
The two are cracking up. Mrs. Garrett walks into the lounge.
MRS. GARRETT
Oh my. I haven't heard that sound come out of you two in a while.
BLAIR
Hey, Mrs. Garrett.
MRS. GARRETT
You two okay?
J0
Yeah.
MRS. GARRETT
Have you two made the therapy appointments yet?
J0
How does she know?
BLAIR
I figured she'd make sure both of us did it. Yep, both are in early May on the same day.
MRS. GARRETT
I'm proud of you two for doing that. You need it.
BLAIR
Thanks.
J0
Blair needs it more.
BLAIR
Do not.
J0
Do too.
BLAIR
Not.
J0
How's your blood pressure?
BLAIR
How's Sophia?
MRS. GARRETT
You two are getting back to normal. Can you two promise me something? No matter what, you two never stop being friends. You've been to way too much.
Blair and Jo exchange a look. Blair puts her arm around Jo.
BLAIR
Promise.
J0
You're touching me.
BLAIR
Mrs. Garrett asked you a question?
J0
I'll answer when you stop touching me.
Blair removes her arm. She laughs. Jo smiles.
J0
I promise. Warner, I can't lose you. And when I thought I did, twice...I just...I wished there was something I could've done. Told someone...stopped.
BLAIR
I wouldn't have believed you. If you said something...no way would I have believed you. Things like that just don't happen at Eastland.
J0
Exactly.
INT. COURTHOUSE -- DAY
Monday, April 26, 1982. Jessie, Jo, Amy, Charlie, Rose and Mr. Parker are sitting in the front row. Jason, Blair, Ally, Dina, Christine, Sue Ann and Seth are sitting in the second row. Molly, Tootie, Natalie, Cindy, Nancy and Mrs. Garrett are sitting in the third row. Sophie is in shackles.
JO
She's in shackles. She's...she looks like an animal.
JESSIE
It's real...you know. This whole time I kept this isn't happening. I don't know this girl, but I'm looking at her and I know her. I feel like we're playing a game and at the end we just all go April Fools.
JO
It's almost May.
JESSIE
I just...she actually did this.
AMY
Okay, I know were not as touchy-feely as the Manhattanites over there...but maybe we could for next five minutes, hold onto each other?
Jo and Amy hug.
JESSIE
Can I get in on this?
Amy smiles. She and Jo stop hugging. Amy reaches for Jessie. The three friends hold each other close.
ALLY
How sweet?
CHRISTINE
It's times like these when you need friends.
ALLY
We should have a dinner. The Bronx girls meets the Manhattanites.
BLAIR
Sounds good.
DINA
No. I refuse to eat with them.
CHRISTINE
They're gonna need it. It's their best friend up there. No matter what and what if it was one of us.
The foursome exchanges looks.
BLAIR
Well, you're once again, the sweetheart of the group.
DINA
Stop it.
Christine smiles.
JUDGE
Will the defendant please rise?
Sophie stands. Christine, Ally and Dina grab hands. Jason holds Blair tight. Seth and Sue Ann hold on to each other as well.
JUDGE
Has the jury reached a verdict?
JURY FORMAN
Yes, your honor.
JUDGE
What say you?
JURY FORMAN
We the jury in the case of the people versus Sophia Benton, we find the defendant guilty of first degree murder and sentence her to the penalty of death by lethal injection.
Jo's face falls. Amy and Jo start sobbing. Jessie comforts them both.
AMY
Oh...G-d.
JO
Soph. How could you do this?
JUDGE
Sophia, looking around this courtroom I see young faces of people ready to start the rest of their lives. College, graduation and I look at you and I see a monster. You should be starting a life and usually I feel that death is too harsh for a young girl of your age. But in this case, I don't feel the punishment is harsh enough. You committed a heinous crime and you inflicted emotional and physical pain on everyone you came into contact with. You deserve nothing but a painful death. I'm sentencing your death to June 16, 1982. Court has now been adjourned.
Jo, Amy and Jessie stand up as Sophie looks back.
SOPHIE
I'm sorry, guys.
JO
No. You brought in on yourself. I can't help you now.
SOPHIE
I'm scared now.
JO
You should be.
AMY
How could you?
SOPHIE
I don't know.
JESSIE
How could you not know?
AMY
Soph....G-d, I just...what the hell is wrong with you?
JESSIE
Amy.
AMY
No. Blair Warner did nothing wrong. Why don't you take some responsibility for what you did.
SOPHIE
I don't want to die.
JO
Not my choice. Neither did the people you killed.
Sophie looks at Blair. Blair stands up with her friends.
SOPHIE
Blair?
BLAIR
Yes.
SOPHIE
I am so sorry. For what I did to you.
Blair is silent. Sophie stands there waiting for a reply.
BLAIR
What are you waiting for a reply? Sorry, dear this princess doesn't accept apologies.
DINA
Heh, yeah.
BLAIR
(sarcastic)
Thanks, Dina.
SOPHIE
Blair.
BLAIR
No...I can't...you made...you're a monster to me.
JO
Sophie, what do want from her? What do want from me? You want us to say it's okay. You want Blair to say, sure, you almost blew my brains out and made my life a living hell, but I forgive you? I don't blame her for not forgiving you. She has no reason to. Frankly, I'd be concerned if she did.
SOPHIE
I wish I could take it back.
DINA
You can't. So deal with it.
SOPHIE
Shut up.
DINA
Hey, I'm not afraid of you. Everyone else might be...but I ain't afraid. You almost took someone that means so much to me and I hope you rot in hell.
SOPHIE
Listen-
DINA
What are you gonna do? Shoot me?
Dina looks at her with a cold stare. Blair, Christine, Jason, Seth and Ally are stunned. They look at her.
JO
Goodbye.
SOPHIE
Are you gonna come?
JO
No. I can't. I'm graduating high school that day.
Sophie gets led out. Jo breaks down.
BLAIR
Jo.
Jo gets up and walks out. Amy and Jessie exchange a look and walk out. Blair reacts.
ALLY
Dina?
CHRISTINE
I can't believe you-
BLAIR
Good job.
DINA
Hey, I do what I can.
Blair and Dina hug tightly.
SETH
There's a definite advantage to having no mute button.
DINA
You're telling me.
JASON
I say we leave this court now.
ALLY
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury...let's eat.
SETH
Here, here.
Seth puts one arm around Ally and the other around Christine. The three walk out. Jason puts his arm around Blair. Blair grabs Dina's hand. They follow Christine, Ally and Seth outside. People start leaving.
EXT. EASTLAND -- DAY
Jo is sitting with Amy and Jessie under a tree. She is zoning.
AMY
I can't believe...it's...this is really happening.
JESSIE
What now?
JO
I don't know.
AMY
Do we just forget?
JO
How?
AMY
I don't know.
JESSIE
You know though, on the flip side...the three of us are going somewhere. Harvard, Princeton, Langley...top three. We did real well. And we'll keep doing well. And one of us didn't make it...but where we all come from, three out four not bad.
JO
The Manhattanites are six out of six....all going to college. All doing-
JESSIE
But they're different. And that's to say the rich would never do that. And it's more publicized when your poor...but Jo, since when do you compare yourselves to them. Isn't that what Soph did?
Blair walks over to them.
BLAIR
This seat taken.
JO
Where are the Manhattanites?
BLAIR
In the parking lot. I wanted to get you three. Invite you three to lunch.
JO
I don't know. I don't think I can tolerate Dina.
JESSIE
I can.
BLAIR
I won't let you. Guys, she cares. I mean, if she had a self mute button the world would be a safer place. But my world would be really boring. I was thinking, G-d if Ally or Chris or Becker had just gotten news they were sentenced to die...it would...it would kill me. Despite how heinous what they did was, the fact of the matter is that this someone I grew up with and I can't do a thing to stop what's gonna happen. And we know you three had nothing to do with it. And we'd like to invite you three to lunch. Please.
JESSIE
Does Dina want us there?
BLAIR
No.
JESSIE
I'm there.
Blair laughs as Jessie gets up.
JO
Jess.
BLAIR
Come on.
AMY
Why not, Jo? I'll go too.
Amy gets up. All three look at Blair.
BLAIR
Jo?
Blair holds out her hand. Jo looks at it. She reluctantly grabs it as Blair pulls her up. They walk off.
To be continued....