The Way We Were Part 5 (PLEASE RESPOND!)

[mlee727@aol.com]

INT. THERAPIST'S OFFICE -- MORNING

It is Monday, May 3, 1982. Jo is pacing back and forth in the waiting room.

JO
Where are you Blair?

Erin Michaels walks out of her office.

ERIN
Ms. Polnachek?

JO
Yes.

ERIN
I'm sorry. I called the numbers you gave me. I can't find your friend.

JO
But she's...give her-

ERIN
She's 20 minutes late.

JO
She's always late.

ERIN
Yeah, but in my business, 20 minutes counts as a no show. I can see you now?

JO
How much more is that gonna cost?

ERIN
Nothing.

JO
I knew it was a bad idea to meet here. I guess, I can see you now.

Jo follows Erin into her office. Erin walks into her office and shuts the door.

INT. ERIN'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS

Jo sits down. Erin sits across from her.

ERIN
It's finally nice to get the chance to talk to you.

JO
Yeah...I'm gonna kill Blair.
(realizing)
Bad word choice, Jo.

ERIN
Sometimes therapy can be very hard for people. Sometimes it's hard to see when you need help.

JO
She tried to kill herself. How much more does she need?

ERIN
I don't know, but I don't want to talk about Blair.

JO
I wanna talk about her.

ERIN
I wanna talk about you? How are you?

JO
Not good....damn, do you believe her? That is so just like her. She's a selfish son of bitch. Sorry.

ERIN
More than alright. What do you feel?

JO
I feel that I hate her.

ERIN
Jo, I can't talk for Blair. I have nothing from her...I have you and I would like to hear how you-

JO
She's always-I wanna feel bad you know? She's my best friend and she almost died and I feel horrible cause I feel like I could've done something-it was my friend-but I can't because she makes it too difficult. We had this planned. We both knew the other wouldn't make the appointment on our own and-I really...never mind.

ERIN
What do you want from her? What do you want from everyone?

JO
I wanna be left alone. I wanna go back and slap Sophie upside the head. I wanna make sure-I wanna make sure she doesn't die-Sophie and Blair. They are my best friends-and why did they do this to me? And they don't get how their actions may affect me.

Jo starts crying. Erin reacts. She lets Jo cry.

INT. GIRLS BEDROOM -- LATER

Blair, Tootie and Natalie are lying on their respective beds, studying. Jo storms into their room and slams the door shut.

JO
Where the hell where you?!

BLAIR
Excuse me?

JO
Weren't you supposed to meet me somewhere today?

BLAIR
Oh...ohhhh, was that today? I guess I forgot.

JO
So I made you another appointment. Wednesday.

BLAIR
I can't.

JO
Why not?

BLAIR
Cause I can't.

JO
Why not?

BLAIR
Cause I can't!

JO
Why the hell can't you?

BLAIR
Will you stop cussing at me?

NATALIE
Jo, what happened?

JO
So, Blair was supposed to see Erin first. Me second, but we were both gonna go to make sure the other one showed up. I'll meet you there, Blair says....guess who never showed?

NATALIE
Blair.

BLAIR
Look, the verdict was read. I'm fine. I don't need help.

JO
How's your blood pressure, Warner? You want me to stuff some more pills down your throat?

BLAIR
That was uncalled for.

TOOTIE
What? Blood pressure?

JO
Tootie doesn't know?

BLAIR
She doesn't need to know.

TOOTIE
Yes, I do.

BLAIR
No-

JO
She tried to kill herself.

TOOTIE
What?

BLAIR
Thanks a million, Jo.

TOOTIE
You're joking, right? Nat she's joking?

NATALIE
Nope.

TOOTIE
Why didn't anyone tell me?

BLAIR
Because it's none of your business.

Tootie jumps off her bed.

TOOTIE
How so?

BLAIR
Cause it's my life.

TOOTIE
Then why are you screwing up everyone elses?

NATALIE
Tootie.

TOOTIE
No. You have no right!

JO
Apparently, she thinks she does....hey, I'm sure there's a full bottle-

BLAIR
Oh, screw you.

Blair storms out. The three of them exchange looks.

INT. LOUNGE -- LATER

Blair sitting by herself in the dark. She is sobbing. Tootie walks in and sits next to her.

BLAIR
Go away.

TOOTIE
My cousin committed suicide.

BLAIR
I'm happy for you.

Tootie reacts.

TOOTIE
Maybe we can get Sophie to finish her job?

Blair looks at her. Tootie glares at Blair with a look of intense anger.

BLAIR
Excuse me?

TOOTIE
I'm sorry...you just, you're really making me angry Blair.

As Tootie talks, she starts crying.

TOOTIE
Look, my cousin did that and he was sad-it's like a ripple effect. That one action-everyone starts blaming themselves. Blair, I know I'm overprotective. And so is Nat...but I care about you so much.

BLAIR
I care about you too, Tootie.

TOOTIE
No you don't. You don't care about anyone but yourself.

BLAIR
That's not true.

TOOTIE
Jo can't sleep at night and...I was so convinced you were dead. In the hospital, and I was so scared....cause I didn't want you dying on me. But why do you want to die? I don't understand. You got a second chance and you're blowing it.

BLAIR
Tootie, I care about you. You're my best friend. My little buddy. I know you're overprotective and I know-

TOOTIE
You need help, Blair. You're not okay.

BLAIR
I'll get it when I'm ready.

TOOTIE
When will that be? When you're dead.

BLAIR
Tootie.

TOOTIE
Sorry, I'm gonna go.

Tootie gets up and walks out. Blair reacts.

INT. ART STUDIO -- MORNING

It is Tuesday, May 4, 1982. Blair is sitting infront of a blank canvas. Mrs. Morgan walks up behind her.

MRS. MORGAN
Going for the simplistic?

BLAIR
I can't-I can't think-I'm having painters block.

MRS. MORGAN
Well, I scheduled you to kick off the senior art show. You got May 28th. 6:30pm.

BLAIR
What? Why me?

MRS. MORGAN
I thought you always liked to go first. Junior art show, you paid me to go first.

BLAIR
Well, what ever happened to saving the best for last?

MRS. MORGAN
Why don't you want go first?

BLAIR
Because I have nothing, Mrs. Morgan. I have-

MRS. MORGAN
I thought you were doing all the churches and cathedrals you've gone to around the world?

BLAIR
I was-but now, I don't want to-it sounds so-and my paintings are-

MRS. MORGAN
Sentences, Blair.

Blair walks over to her cubby. It's a big cubby with "BLAIR N. WARNER" painted in black on the top. She pulls out one of her paintings. It's of an Irish church. It's absolutely stunning, except for one thing. Over the painting, there is a red smudge. It looks someone had swept their arm over the painting.

MRS. MORGAN
(knowing)
Is that red paint?

BLAIR
No, Mrs. Morgan, this is blood. She came in here, didn't she?

MRS. MORGAN
Yes.

Blair looks up at the empty cubby next to her. Someone painted over the name.

BLAIR
Rachel Sorenson? That was her cubby. Oh my G-d. Where's Rachel?

MRS. MORGAN
Blair, Rachel...Rachel was putting away one of her paintings when Sophie walked in and Rachel was standing near your cubby...she was getting one of your paintings, I guess. Then Sophie started shooting. Rachel fell and her arm fell in your cubby-

Blair looks down at the painting. She drops it and races out of the classroom.

MRS. MORGAN
Blair.

Mrs. Morgan follows.

INT. HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS

Blair is sobbing. Mrs. Morgan runs up to her.

MRS. MORGAN
Blair.

BLAIR
I liked Rachel-that's her blood? I can't paint over that! I can't do the cathedral thing anymore-I can't-I-it-'s so shallow. I can't-

MRS. MORGAN
What do you want to paint?

BLAIR
I don't know. But I can't go May 28th.

MRS. MORGAN
Okay, I switch it around and save the best for last.

BLAIR
Thanks. Can I be alone, for a minute?

MRS. MORGAN
Yeah.

BLAIR
Thanks.

MRS. MORGAN
Hey, I know you'll come up with a winner. You always do.

Blair smiles. Mrs. Morgan walks off. Blair leans up against the wall and slides down. Tootie is walking down the hall. She sees Blair.

TOOTIE
Hi?

BLAIR
Hey?

TOOTIE
Look, about last night. I was really angry and I said some things that were out of character for me and I am-I'm really, really sorry.

Blair smiles and pats the floor next to her.

BLAIR
Sit.

Tootie sits next to her.

TOOTIE
You forgive me?

BLAIR
I will.

They both sit and stare off into space.

TOOTIE
I want everything to be alright.

BLAIR
So do I, Tootie, so do I.

Blair pats Tootie's hand as they continue to zone.

INT. LOUNGE -- AFTERNOON

Blair walks in. Natalie and Jo are helping Mrs. Garrett.

BLAIR
Who died?

They look at her.

JO
Your personality?

BLAIR
Shut up, Jo.

MRS. GARRETT
Hey. What's going on?

BLAIR
Who were the four people Sophie killed?

NATALIE
You didn't know?

JO
No, cause she was too wrapped up in taking her own life.

BLAIR
What the hell is your problem?

JO
Look in the mirror, Warner.

MRS. GARRETT
Girls. Blair?

BLAIR
Rachel Sorenson was killed.

MRS. GARRETT
Yes.

BLAIR
And who else?

NATALIE
Lauren Rosen. She was-

BLAIR
A junior.

NATALIE
Cassie Bernstein.

BLAIR
Cassie?

MRS. GARRETT
And Emily Freed.

BLAIR
Oh my G-d.

Blair sits.

BLAIR
I knew those girls, Mrs. Garrett. I knew them. Emily was in sixth grade. She was my sixth grade buddy. She was eleven years old.

MRS. GARRETT
I know. She was the youngest.

BLAIR
She was so excited because she had never been to New York before as was so happy I was her senior buddy.

JO
You barely spoke to her.

BLAIR
I know that, Jo.

JO
Then don't act like she's your friend!

BLAIR
I'm not!

JO
Yeah, you are!

BLAIR
I didn't know your best friend would shoot her in the head!

MRS. GARRETT
Hey, hey...girls, what's going on here?

JO
Ask Blair how her therapy sessions are going?

BLAIR
I had plans.

JO
You promised.

MRS. GARRETT
Girls.

BLAIR
And Cassie was so sweet. Sweeter than Chris. I used to call her Mama Cass and Lauren-oh, my was she brilliant or what?

JO
Yeah, she cared about others.

MRS. GARRETT
That's enough Jo. Go into the kitchen.

Jo walks into the kitchen.

MRS. GARRETT
Nat, why don't you help her?

Natalie walks into the kitchen. Mrs. Garrett sits with Blair.

MRS. GARRETT
Why didn't you go?

BLAIR
I don't need help.

MRS. GARRETT
Blair, I didn't tell your parents what you did. But if you don't go, I'll have no choice.

BLAIR
Mrs. Garrett-

MRS. GARRETT
Try me.

Blair gets up.

BLAIR
I'm gonna go for a walk.

She walks out. Mrs. Garrett reacts.

INT. ART STUDIO -- EVENING

Blair stares at her blank canvas. She closes her eyes.

INT. ART STUDIO -- MORNING

We flash to early that year. September, 1981. Blair and Rachel are painting side by side.

BLAIR
Rach, I never thought I'd be the one to say this...but I, Blair Warner, am jealous of you.

RACHEL
Why?

BLAIR
Look at those colors...the reds. Stunning.

RACHEL
It's Kew Gardens. I went there last summer. I loved it.

BLAIR
Isn't it beautiful?

RACHEL
Yours is gorgeous too. Wonderful self portrait. I can never draw people. Your eyes looks so soulful.

BLAIR
Really?

RACHEL
Yeah. The windows to your soul.

BLAIR
Whoa.

RACHEL
Sometimes I'm deep. By the way, there's a sale going on in the city this weekend? You wanna come?

BLAIR
Well, yeah! I'm going with Ally, Chris and Beck. But you have to come with us.

RACHEL
I'm there.

They laugh. We fade to:

INT. ART STUDIO -- CONTINUOUS

We fade back to the present. Blair is staring at her canvas. She is crying. She takes a deep breath and starts to paint.

INT. GIRLS BEDROOM -- NIGHT

It is Monday, May 10, 1982. It is Tootie's 15th birthday. Jo, Natalie and Tootie are getting ready for dinner. Blair walks in and tosses her books on her bed.

NATALIE
Hey? We haven't seen you in a week.

BLAIR
I've been staying at the apartment. I just came here to grab some clothes.

JO
Blair.

BLAIR
No. I'm done. I can't be near you Jo.

TOOTIE
Um, Blair, we're going to dinner for my birthday. Do you wanna come? We made reservations for five?

BLAIR
No, thanks.

JO
Come on.

BLAIR
So you can yell and scream at me?

NATALIE
Call a truce.

Jo and Blair look at each other.

BLAIR
Truce.

JO
Truce.

They shake hands.

BLAIR
And Tootie?

TOOTIE
Truce.

Blair walks over to her closet and grabs a gift.

BLAIR
Happy birthday, Tootie.

TOOTIE
Thank you.

Blair hands her the gift.

BLAIR
Read the card first.

Tootie takes the card off the gift and opens the card.

TOOTIE
Dear Tootie-

BLAIR
Not aloud.

Tootie reads. As she reads, she starts to cry. It's obvious that what ever she is reading is incredlbly touching.

JO
You makin' her cry?

NATALIE
What is that?

TOOTIE
Can I?

BLAIR
You're gonna tell her anyway, aren't you?

TOOTIE
Yeah.

BLAIR
Go ahead.

Tootie hands the card to Natalie. Natalie starts reading. As she reads, she brings her hand to her mouth.

NATALIE
This is the sweetest thing I've ever read.

TOOTIE
Thank you and I am sorry.

BLAIR
Me too.

Tootie and Blair hug, tightly.

BLAIR
Happy birthday.

INT. SANTA LUCIA'S -- EVENING

Blair, Tootie, Natalie, Mrs. Garrett and Jo are sitting and eating pizza. They are all quiet.

TOOTIE
So Jeremy did ask?

NATALIE
Yeah. I do have a date for the Sophomore dance and how's this for a theme? It's a sock hop.

TOOTIE
That's so cute...I can make you a poodle skirt.

NATALIE
Would you?

TOOTIE
Definitely.

NATALIE
And Blair, could you do my make up?

BLAIR
Why not?

NATALIE
Gee, you sound excited.

BLAIR
Sorry.

TOOTIE
We miss you.

BLAIR
I'm sure.

MRS. GARRETT
We do.

NATALIE
How are your paintings?

BLAIR
Good. I'm getting an idea.

JO
What about therapy?

BLAIR
This is therapy. Jo, you know when you get really stressed and you go out and work on your bike?

JO
Yeah?

BLAIR
And you feel better after?

JO
Yeah.

BLAIR
That's it for me.

JO
Okay.

MRS. GARRETT
I understand.

BLAIR
You do? I'll tell my parents what happened....I will. But let me try my own therapy. It's worked for me in the past.

JO
But this is more serious.

BLAIR
Just let me try. Please. At least I'm trying. And, you're right Jo. Emily Freed. I was such a jerk to her.

TOOTIE
So was my senior buddy.

NATALIE
Mine barely knew my name.

BLAIR
Mine was Sarah McKenzie. She was really nice and she took me shopping. First semester, she was great. And then....she stopped talking to me. And I thought to myself when I get my sixth or seventh grade buddy, I'm gonna be so sweet and wonderful. I'm just like-

JO
I have no idea who my sixth or seventh grade buddy is.

BLAIR
Really?

JO
Yeah.

BLAIR
Rachel, Lauren and Cassie? They were the good ones, you know. So was Emily. All four. The good. Why were they the ones? Jo, why did she shoot them? What did they do?

JO
How would I know this?

BLAIR
I don't know.

JO
I don't know. Alright? I wish I knew. I wish I had an answer.

BLAIR
I'm sorry.

JO
Me too.

TOOTIE
Can we not talk about this? It's my birthday.

Blair and Jo exchange looks.

BLAIR
Right.

JO
Yeah.

The group eats.

INT. EVERGREEN MANOR -- EVENING

Blair walks back into the apartment. She walks over to the phone and looks at it. She plops down and grabs it. She dials. It rings. Sherrie Freed picks up.

SHERRIE
Hello?

BLAIR
Mrs. Freed?

SHERRIE
Yes.

BLAIR
My name is Blair Warner.

SHERRIE
Blair.

BLAIR
I was Emily's senior buddy.

SHERRIE
I know. She thought you were so cool.

BLAIR
I'm so sorry. I didn't mean-I know-she did it cause-and I'm sorry.

SHERRIE
I don't blame you.

BLAIR
I do. I could've been a better senior buddy.

SHERRIE
She loved you. She always said, I have the best senior buddy. And I'd ask and-

BLAIR
I never spoke to her.

SHERRIE
You still made an impact.

BLAIR
If I had been a nicer person, she'd still be alive.

SHERRIE
I don't buy that crap. Sophia Benton was a monster. And she took the one thing in my life that meant anything. I have two daughters and she had no right to take one of them. Blair, you're here. Thank G-d for that everyday.

Blair reacts. She smiles.

INT. GIRLS BEDROOM -- DAY

Monday May 10, 1982. Blair walks into the bedroom. Jo is reading. Blair puts her stuff on her bed.

JO
You coming back?

BLAIR
Yeah.

JO
Look, Warner-

BLAIR
I'm sorry, Jo.

JO
Me too. If you don't want to seek professional help, I won't force you.

BLAIR
Thanks. You wanna see the sketches I've done for my new paintings?

JO
You're not doing Churches and Cathedrals?

BLAIR
Not anymore.

Blair takes out her sketchbook and hands it to Jo. Jo starts to glance through it.

JO
Wow...whoa...that's pretty intense. Blair, these are really good.

BLAIR
One of my paintings had Rachel's blood on it.

JO
What?

BLAIR
Yeah, right on it. Smeared. She fell apparently when Sophie shot her and I guess the angle she fell at was her arm landed in my cubby.

JO
Oh my G-d.

BLAIR
No one cleaned out my cubby cause they knew I was coming back. So I pulled a painting I did of a church in Ireland and there it was. Red. Jo-

JO
I remember the carnage. Seeing all the injured and dead. I saw Emily and Lauren. Lauren was the first person to be nice to me at school. First.

EXT. EASTLAND -- MORNING

We flashback to September, 1979. Jo, 15, is walking around campus. Lauren Rosen, a pretty girl with long curly brown hair.

LAUREN
You new here?

JO
Jo Polnachek.

LAUREN
Hi, I'm Lauren Rosen. Who's you're roommate?

JO
Blair Warner.

LAUREN
Ewww, Blair. She's such a freak.

BLAIR
She didn't say that.

JO
It would've been funny if she had.

LAUREN
So who's your roommate?

JO
Some dumb blonde girl, Blair Warner.

BLAIR
That's more like it.

LAUREN
Blair? Oh, you'll love her.

JO
She seems like a moron.

LAUREN
You fell for that.

JO
What?

LAUREN
Nothing, I'll just say, don't let the act fool you.

JO
Act?

LAUREN
Don't tell her I told. But the real Blair Warner is the biggest goofball in the world.

JO
Really.

LAUREN
Yep. You gotta get to know her first. Once she trusts you, you're in. Hey, have you toured campus yet?

JO
No?

LAUREN
Come, I'll show you. It's really easy.

Lauren and Jo walk off.

INT. GIRLS BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS

We fade back to present.

BLAIR
Wow.

JO
I saw her in the hall, crumpled up like....just lying there. I wanted to throw up. The school was lined with bodies.

BLAIR
How many were injured?

JO
Including you, they said up to forty.

BLAIR
Oh my.

JO
Those were including minor, medium and extreme.

BLAIR
See this is where our argument comes in handy? Cassie, Lauren and Rachel....I don't know about Emily. But I know Cassie, Lauren and Rachel believed in G-d. They had really strong beliefs and believed in all that. They were good people with good hearts and never meant harm to anyone. All four of them. What good is it to believe if you could just be taken? How come G-d let them die and let Sophie live for 4 more months?

JO
Blair, when you find out the answer to that, let me know.

Blair smiles at her. They exchange looks.

INT. LOUNGE -- DAY

Blair is studying when the phone rings. She gets up to answer it.

BLAIR
Hello?

JASON
Hey, it's me.

BLAIR
Hey...what's the story?

JASON
Several things. Manhattan Academy's Senior Prom is May 29th. You coming?

BLAIR
You asking?

JASON
If you say yes, than I am.

BLAIR
I'm there. Day before my birthday.

JASON
We are planning everything. The Manhattanites are gonna go back with you to Eastland after the prom and spend Sunday and Monday with you.

BLAIR
You don't have school on Monday?

JASON
Senior Ditch Day. Don't Eastlanders have that?

BLAIR
Jason, I missed two months of school involuntarily. I highly doubt I'm eligible to just skip a day.

JASON
Fine. Hey, our senior prank was great.

BLAIR
What did you do?

JASON
We filled the school with bubble wrap.

Blair laughs.

BLAIR
You're kidding?

JASON
Nope.

BLAIR
That's great.

JASON
What's yours gonna be?

BLAIR
I haven't even thought of it.

JASON
Seth and I have plans.

Blair laughs.

BLAIR
Oh, how's the Homecoming Queen race going?

JASON
I think Chris has a really good shot. Ally and Dina are really fighting for her. So are Seth and I.

BLAIR
So am I. Everyone at Eastland is voting for Chris. It probably won't be valid, but hey I do what I can.

JASON
And guess who Seth is taking to the Manhattan Academy Senior Prom?

BLAIR
Who?

JASON
Sue Ann.

BLAIR
Sue Ann! Seth is taking Sue Ann. You are so joking.

JASON
Nope.

BLAIR
Awww. And the Eastland/Bates Senior Prom is-

JASON
June 5th. Sue Ann asked Seth to go to the Eastland/Bates Senior Prom as well.

BLAIR
Oh my. This is so cool. And you are coming with me to my prom?

JASON
Of course. Will you be Homecoming Queen?

BLAIR
Well, yeah.

JASON
As long as you're humble.

Blair laughs.

BLAIR
Well, I got it down pat. I mean, first I won Harvest Queen in seventh, eighth and ninth. I was a Sophomore and Junior Princess. It's the only logical next step.

JASON
Damn, straight.

BLAIR
And...okay, three other girls are in the running, but I have the sympathy vote.

JASON
True.

BLAIR
Why are you so mean?

JASON
Because I think you're funny.

Blair laughs. They continue to talk.

INT. ART STUDIO -- DAY

It is Friday, March 14. Blair is painting when Mrs. Morgan walks up behind her.

MRS. MORGAN
Wow.

BLAIR
Did you like my new proposal?

MRS. MORGAN
Blair that's pretty intense.

BLAIR
I know. I have to do it though. There is no other way.

MRS. MORGAN
I like it. It's gonna be amazing. I don't know where to put you though-

BLAIR
Save the best for last, Mrs. Morgan. I won't be done before than.

Mrs. Morgan walks off. Natalie walks into the studio and sees Blair. She walks over to Blair.

NATALIE
Hey.

BLAIR
Nat.

NATALIE
Here's the paper you wanted.

BLAIR
Great. Thanks.

Natalie puts them on the table.

NATALIE
That's Rachel.

BLAIR
Yeah. And here-

Blair shows her four pictures.

NATALIE
You did know them.

BLAIR
Yeah.

Natalie watches as Blair paints.

NATALIE
Hey, I wanna go driving...can you come with me today? Or tomorrow? Please.

BLAIR
Sure.

NATALIE
I'll talk to you? Later.

Natalie walks out.

INT. CAR -- LATER

Natalie is driving. Blair is sitting in the passenger's seat.

NATALIE
How am I doing?

BLAIR
Good. I'm impressed.

NATALIE
You think I'll pass?

BLAIR
Without a doubt.

NATALIE
Which driving instructor do I wanna avoid?

BLAIR
The 500 pound lady with horrible body odor. There's no way you can miss her.

NATALIE
Jo said she was mean.

BLAIR
I've been in a car with Jo. I feel safe in a car with Jo. Of all the problems I have with Jo, her driving isn't one of them. But this woman had it in for her. Hey, turn up there

NATALIE
Where?

BLAIR
There...towards St. Columbanus.

NATALIE
That school is so creepy. They have the greatest Halloween parties though. Cause it's next door to a-why am I going to a cemetary.

BLAIR
I need to say goodbye.

NATALIE
Emily isn't buried here. Emily is buried in Minnesota. Cassie is buried in Michigan.

BLAIR
But Lauren and Rachel are buried here.

NATALIE
Lauren was amazing.

BLAIR
Wasn't she? And she always...never mind.

NATALIE
What?

BLAIR
She made...she was a wonderful friend. And I remember lying there in the hospital being so angry because I thought, Emily, Lauren, Cassie and Rachel didn't visit me. What jerks.

NATALIE
How would you have known? No one told you.

BLAIR
I want my friends back Nat.

NATALIE
I know. My senior buddy was an idiot. Karen Parson. She kept calling me Nadine. Anyway, Cassie became my senior buddy.

BLAIR
She was a year older?

NATALIE
I know...Cassie and I both had Karen as our senior buddies. Cassie when she was in seventh and then me when I came and-

INT. EASTLAND -- MORNING

We flashback to 1977. Natalie, 12, is walking around lost. It is the first week of school. She sees Karen Parsons, a senior, talking to a group of her friends. Natalie walks over to her.

NATALIE
Excuse me? Karen?

Karen turns and looks at her.

KAREN
Yes?

NATALIE
Hi, where's room 312? I can't find it. The numbers are odd. 310..311...314.

KAREN
And you are?

NATALIE
Natalie? Natalie Green. I'm your seventh grade buddy.

KAREN
Really?

NATALIE
I met you during orientation week.

KAREN
Wow. Who knew? Okay, honey, listen this buddy system not gonna fly. No one takes it seriously. Just looks good on a college app.

Karen and her friends laugh as they walk off. A tall blonde with blue eyes walks over to Natalie.

CASSIE
You have Karen as your senior buddy?

NATALIE
I wouldn't call her a buddy.

CASSIE
I'm Cassie.

NATALIE
Natalie.

CASSIE
Listen, I have her too. Last year, I did. Cause I was new. She's so mean.

NATALIE
Where's room 312?

CASSIE
Follow me.

NATALIE
Thank you.

Natalie and Cassie walk off.

CASSIE
So, Ancient History?

NATALIE
Yuck.

CASSIE
Watch out for his tests. They are killers.

They keep talking.

INT. CAR -- CONTINUOUS

We fade back to present. Natalie and Blair are still talking.

BLAIR
Karen Parsons was two years older than me...she was awful. And for me to be calling someone a snob-

NATALIE
She made you look like Mother Teresa.

Natalie drives and pulls into the parking lot. She pulls into a spot--not well. She presses too hard on the brake. Blair flies forward.

NATALIE
Parking isn't my best.

BLAIR
Gee, you think. Okay, you know the analogy, pretend like there's an egg under your foot?

NATALIE
Yeah.

BLAIR
Pretend like there's an egg under your foot.

NATALIE
Okay, let's go.

BLAIR
We can't.

NATALIE
Why not?

BLAIR
You're in two spots.

Natalie looks around at the virtually empty lot.

NATALIE
Do you really think it matters?

Blair looks at her.

BLAIR
I have my license, Nat. But when you're taking the road test, I think you should tell the 800 pound B.O. lady that. She'll pass you in an instant once she sees your logic.

NATALIE
I thought she was 500 pounds.

BLAIR
She gained weight.

NATALIE
Fine.

Natalie reparks.

EXT. CEMETARY -- DAY

Blair and Natalie are walking.

NATALIE
Blair!

BLAIR
Yeah.

NATALIE
Rachel. I found her.

Blair walks over to her.

BLAIR
Rachel Karen Sorenson. January 10, 1964-January 11, 1982. Beloved daughter, sister and friend.

NATALIE
Oh my G-d. Her birthday was the day before this happened?

BLAIR
Yeah. Remember? I went out for dinner that night?

INT. SANTA LUCIA'S -- NIGHT

Fade back to January 10th, 1982. Rachel, Blair, Elizabeth and few other people are sitting around a table talking and laughing.

BLAIR
Happy birthday, Rach.

RACHEL
Oh thanks. I feel so old. I'm eighteen. Yuck.

BLAIR
You are not old.

ELIZABETH
You have your whole life ahead of you.

BLAIR
I know.

ELIZABETH
Hey, Warner are you ready for the Calculus test tomorrow?

Blair laughs.

BLAIR
Not a chance. I'm just praying for some sort of disaster. Anything, anything at all so I don't have to take that test.

RACHEL
Like a horrible snowstorm.

ELIZABETH
That would be nice.

BLAIR
Nancy, Jo, Sue Ann and I are gonna pretend to study tonight. Oh and Rach, in art tomorrow, can you critique?

RACHEL
Definitely. When's art for you? I'm going in there second period.

ELIZABETH
That's the test.

BLAIR
How about 7th period? We both have it free.

RACHEL
I'll be there.

BLAIR
You'd better.

ELIZABETH
(to Blair)
You never ask me to critique.

BLAIR
But Rach is good.

ELIZABETH
Hey, hey, Mrs. Morgan once said my stick figures belonged in the MET.

RACHEL
Maybe behind the MET? You know, in the big metal bins marked Waste Management.

BLAIR
Ohhh.

Rachel and Blair high five each other and laugh.

ELIZABETH
Nothing is worse than an artistic snob.

BLAIR
How about two artistic snobs?

ELIZABETH
No, no. Rach is an artistic snob, Blair's-

RACHEL
-Just a snob.

BLAIR
I hate you both. Well, I have boyfriend.

RACHEL
So do I.

ELIZABETH
Me too.

BLAIR
That works so much better with my roommates.

They laugh.

RACHEL
Toast.

Blair, Rachel and Elizabeth lift their glasses.

RACHEL
To Liz's non-artistic ability, to a good critique for Blair-

BLAIR
And to a disaster preventing Liz and I from taking the Calculus test.

RACHEL
And me, I have to take it 5th period.

ELIZABETH
Blair, I studied. I'm so acing that test.

BLAIR
Are you trying to ruin me...and Nancy and Sue Ann and Jo. Poor, Jo. After all the hard work she's put into school and it's just-are you really that cruel.

ELIZABETH
Yeah, I guess.

RACHEL
Don't even bother, Blair. Liz is getting a C in the class anyway.

ELIZABETH
Gee, thanks.

They laugh.

ELIZABETH
To a disaster.

RACHEL
I love a good snowstorm.

They clink their glasses and drink. They continue to talk and laugh.

INT. CEMETARY -- CONTINUOUS

We fade back to the present. Blair and Natalie are staring at the grave.

NATALIE
You clinked to a disaster?

BLAIR
How was I supposed to know?

NATALIE
I'm sorry.

BLAIR
That's why Liz hates me so much now. Nat, that's why-

NATALIE
She knows you had nothing to do with it.

BLAIR
Yeah, but-rationally, speaking, but-Rachel was her best friend and her roommate. Like you and Tootie.

NATALIE
Oh.

BLAIR
And what if you had lost-

NATALIE
Don't even go there.

They both stare at the grave, silently. Blair starts to cry.

INT. EASTLAND DORM -- LATER

Blair walks up to a door. There is a picture of Elizabeth and Rachel on the door, above a peephole. And above the picture is a sign that say's "LIZ'S ROOM". Then below the peephole, there is a dry erase board with "ELIZABETH'S BOARD--LEAVE A MESSAGE" written on the top. People have scribbled various messages on the board. She recognizes one scribbling, "Liz-came to get you for dinner. We'll see you there. Luv, Sue Ann and Nancy". Blair brushes her hand over the the note. She wipes the dry erase marker residue from her hand as she takes a deep breath. She slowly lifts her hand up and knocks.

ELIZABETH
It's open!

Blair opens the door and stands in the doorway. Elizabeth is sitting on a couch with an open book in her lap. Taryn is sitting next to her. Sue Ann and Nancy are sitting on the floor. They are in the midst of a study session. There is an open box of pizza next to them, each one has a slice. They all have sodas.

SUE ANN
Hey, Blair.

BLAIR
Hi. Studying for AP English?

NANCY
Yeah, you can study with us.

ELIZABETH
No, she can't.

TARYN
You're not wanted here Warner.

SUE ANN
Guys.

BLAIR
I'm gonna study with Jo later. Look, Liz can I talk to you for a sec?

ELIZABETH
I'm busy.

NANCY
Liz, go. We'll still be here.

SUE ANN
Yeah. Tell her.

ELIZABETH
I don't want to.

SUE ANN
Tell her what you told us. She deserves to know.

ELIZABETH
Taryn?

TARYN
It's up to you.

ELIZABETH
I'll be right back.

Elizabeth gets up. Sue Ann and Nancy move back so Elizabeth can get by. She walks past Blair and out into the hall. Blair exchanges looks with Sue Ann and Nancy.

SUE ANN
Good luck.

BLAIR
Thanks.

Blair closes the door. Elizabeth and Blair stand in the hall.

BLAIR
That's a nice picture of the two of you.

ELIZABETH
Thanks.

BLAIR
Tenth?

ELIZABETH
Eleventh. My sweet sixteen.

BLAIR
I remember that. Liz, I'm so sorry. I'm really, really sorry. Rachel was a great person. Amazing and funny and nice and-

ELIZABETH
And you didn't even realize she was gone.

BLAIR
I know. I didn't realize Emily or Lauren or Cassie were gone either. And...and I'm sorry Liz. I guess, I've been so wrapped up in the trial and what it's doing to me, I guess I never realized other people were going through the same nightmare.

ELIZABETH
I thought you were my friend.

BLAIR
I am.

ELIZABETH
Then why-

BLAIR
I don't know. And I kept thinking about Rachel's birthday dinner and we wished for disaster so we didn't have to take the test. I meant like a snowstorm.

ELIZABETH
I didn't think you wished it to happened.

BLAIR
Oh...okay.

ELIZABETH
I did at first. I kept thinking....but the more I thought about. I figured I was being irrational. I always considered you and Rachel two of my closest friends-

BLAIR
You considered me a close friend?

ELIZABETH
Yeah and I thought I lost both of you and I got so scared and alone and you never seemed to care and I-I-

BLAIR
Became friends with Taryn?

ELIZABETH
She was alone too. Emily was her little sister.

BLAIR
Oh my G-d. Taryn Freed. That never even occurred to me.

ELIZABETH
Exactly. Why not, Blair?

BLAIR
Common last name?

ELIZABETH
And you were not a great senior buddy. So we developed a bond over hating you. It was the most tangible thing. We needed someone to blame. It's the truth. I mean, we hate Sophie but-

BLAIR
I know. I wish I had been nicer to Emily and I wish I had said goodbye. I'm so sorry Liz. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I-

Blair starts sobbing. Elizabeth looks at her, worried. Blair looks like she is in an overwhelming amount of emotional pain.

ELIZABETH
Blair, it's not-you didn't kill anyone.

BLAIR
But what if I did? Emily was great and sweet and Rachel was so talented and-

Just then, Elizabeth's door opens. Taryn is standing in the doorway. Sue Ann and Nancy are behind her.

BLAIR
Taryn, I'm so sorry. I wish--Emily...I-

SUE ANN
Move, Taryn.

Taryn steps out of the way. Sue Ann walks over to Blair and hugs her. Taryn and Elizabeth begin to feel horrible. Nancy reacts.

NANCY
She never meant it. Come on, no senior is ever nice to their sixth or seventh grade buddy.

TARYN
I miss my sister. Every day.

ELIZABETH
I miss my best friend.

NANCY
The thing is, this isn't Blair's fault. This is Sophie's fault and we need to put the blame where it belongs.

SUE ANN
And none of us were ever that nice to her.

ELIZABETH
She was a funny dresser.

Blair laughs.

NANCY
Don't forget the soaps.

TARYN
That was an obsession.

BLAIR
I love soap operas.

ELIZABETH
Yes, but have you plastered your dorm room with pictures, TV Guide and magazine articles, etcetra?

BLAIR
No. In fact, I haven't seen them since January.

ELIZABETH
She would race into Rachel and I's room and start going off on Luke and Laura and all those people. It was scary.

SUE ANN
You know what it was? She tried so hard to get people to like her.

NANCY
Jo doesn't try. That's why I like her.

ELIZABETH
Me too.

BLAIR
I am sorry.

ELIZABETH
And I'm sorry about bad mouthing you.

TARYN
Me too. We shouldn't have been blaming you.

BLAIR
I'll let you guys study. I'll go study in my room.

ELIZABETH
Aren't you planning on taking the test?

BLAIR
Yeah.

ELIZABETH
Study with us.

BLAIR
Really.

TARYN
Yeah.

BLAIR
Thank you. I'll get my stuff.

ELIZABETH
And bring Jo.

BLAIR
Will do.

Blair walks off.

SUE ANN
That was nice.

ELIZABETH
I think it's time we put the blame where it belongs and start the whole healing process.

TARYN
Yeah. We were all mean to Sophie. I called her rat face.

NANCY
I think everyone is looking for someone to blame and Sophie chose Blair as the scapegoat and people started to go along with it.

SUE ANN
It's not fair. How was Blair supposed to know that would happen?

TARYN
And how was Jo supposed supposed to know she was serious?

ELIZABETH
Exactly.

NANCY
We'll heading in the right direction.

ELIZABETH
Exactly. Besides we have a month left into our senior year, might as well make the the most of it.

The four girls walk back into Elizabeth's room.

INT. EASTLAND -- MORNING

It is Monday, May 17, 1982. Blair is walking down the hall when she sees Elizabeth reading over a book. Blair walks up to her.

BLAIR
You ready?

ELIZABETH
A little.

BLAIR
Listen, I have a question. It might seem kinda inappropriate, but Rachel always used to try and get me to go to those stupid antique vintage fair things and I was thinking...well, there's one this weekend. Sunday. Do you wanna go with me and-

Elizabeth smiles.

ELIZABETH
I'd love to.

BLAIR
Really?

ELIZABETH
I know what you mean. She kept going Lizzie come with me. It's so beautiful and wonderful and you find such amazing wonders.

BLAIR
She said to me. Blair, as an artist, you never know what you'll find. I go probably some strange virus.

Elizabeth laughs.

ELIZABETH
Let's do it.

BLAIR
Good luck.

ELIZABETH
You too.

They walk off.

INT. KITCHEN -- MORNING

It is Thursday, May 20. Natalie's birthday. It is fairly early in the morning. Tootie, Blair, Mrs. Garrett and Jo are in the kitchen making breakfast.

BLAIR
So, it's amazing. I feel so great. I mean, I'm getting there, you know and Jo....I think I'm ready.

JO
For what?

BLAIR
I'm gonna make an appointment with Erin. It's a birthday present for myself.

JO
That's a good birthday gift.

MRS. GARRETT
I agree.

TOOTIE
You're becoming friends with Liz?

MRS. GARRETT
Wow.

BLAIR
I am. She lost someone and so did Taryn and everyone lost something. And it's gonna sound real selfish but up until a few weeks ago I always thought this nightmare, was my nightmare. Mine alone.

MRS. GARRETT
It makes sense. You were the one that was kinda put on trial.

BLAIR
But it's everyone's nightmare.

JO
You don't think it's my nightmare either?

BLAIR
Oh, definitely.

MRS. GARRETT
Have you even talked to Sophie?

JO
No. I haven't visited her since they read the verdict. What am I gonna say to her.

BLAIR
Goodbye?

JO
You think I should go.

BLAIR
Yeah. You, Amy and Jessie. Look, Taryn lost a sister, Liz lost a best friend. Cassie and Lauren were huge parts of Eastland. I bet a lot of people would've liked to have said goodbye to them.

JO
Well, it's a bit different.

BLAIR
It's still someone you care about, Jo.

JO
Maybe.

TOOTIE
Can we not talk about this? Today? For once? One day....please? For Nat?

Blair and Jo exchange looks.

BLAIR
So, Tootie, are you gonna help me with my prom dress?

Tootie smiles.

TOOTIE
Thank you. What do want?

BLAIR
Pretty. Sexy.

MRS. GARRETT
You don't want sexy.

BLAIR
I want sexy.

TOOTIE
And Jo? You want me to help you? I can make them both for you? Can I?

JO
Sure, I can't afford one anyway.

BLAIR
I'd love that!

TOOTIE
Oh, but Blair, I'll won't be able to finish your dress in time for the Manhattan Prom. Definitely, I'll be able to finish in time for Eastland Prom.

BLAIR
That's fine, I already got a dress for the Manhattan one.

TOOTIE
I haven't seen the Manhattanites in awhile?

BLAIR
They come up every weekend. But they haven't haven't come up a lot this month. Cause I've been busy. But they're gonna come back with me and Sue Ann after the Manhattan prom and they will be spending Sunday and Monday with me.

MRS. GARRETT
Monday? They don't have school?

BLAIR
Senior Ditch Day.

MRS. GARRETT
Oh.
(to Jo and Blair)
You two aren't planning on doing that, right?

BLAIR
Of course not.

JO
Never.

BLAIR
I'm shocked you would mention such a thing.

JO
Me too. Mrs. Garrett, we are good people who would never do anything to jeapordize our education here at Eastland.

MRS. GARRETT
Okay, why are you living above the kitchen again?

Jo and Blair exchange looks.

BLAIR
Jo's fault.

Jo playfully smacks Blair with a wooden spoon. Blair laughs. Natalie walks downstairs, sleepily.

NATALIE
What's going on?

They all look at Natalie.

BLAIR
Oh, no.

TOOTIE
Go to sleep.

NATALIE
What are you guys doing?

MRS. GARRETT
Happy birthday to you-

The rest of the group joins in. Natalie smiles.

GROUP
Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Natalie. Happy birthday, to you!

NATALIE
Guys.

TOOTIE
We're making you breakfast.

BLAIR
It's called the driving test lunch.

JO
All the stuff that is best eaten in the car. Coffee, doughnuts, muffins-

MRS. GARRETT
Omeletes.

Natalie reacts.

MRS. GARRETT
We didn't stick with the initial theme.

BLAIR
So sit.

Blair grabs Natalie's hand and sits her down at the table.

BLAIR
You are gonna pretend to be me today. You do nothing.

They start putting food on the table for breakfast for the five of them. They all get ready to eat.

INT. EASTLAND -- DAY

Blair and Jo are talking when Natalie walks up to them. She has a huge smile on her face.

BLAIR
Hey, how did it go?

JO
Wait, that's a happy smile.

Tootie sees them and walks over to them.

TOOTIE
Hey, did you pass?

NATALIE
I passed.

The three react.

JO
You passed?

NATALIE
Passed.

The four of them start cheering and hugging.

JO
Which instructor?

NATALIE
The hot one.

BLAIR
Oh, he's chiseled.

JO
How did two manage to luck out like that? I got the nine hundred pound B.O. lady.

NATALIE
I saw her and I was like, oh this can't be good so I turned on the Natalie charm. Bit different than the Warner charm.

BLAIR
You went insane.

NATALIE
Basically.

JO
I hate you.

They laugh.

TOOTIE
I feel like I'm gonna get screwed.

JO
Oh, oh, little Tootie. I'm gonna make sure you get the 1,000 pound B.O. lady.

NATALIE
How much does she weigh?

BLAIR
We don't know. Congratulations, Natalie.

NATALIE
Thank you.

The four continue to talk and laugh.

INT. EASTLAND DORM -- MORNING

It is Sunday, May 23rd. Blair and Elizabeth are walking through the dorm, laughing. They are each carrying tons of stuff. They walk by Sue Ann and Nancy's dorm. The door is open. Nancy and Sue Ann are on their respective beds. Jo and Taryn are sitting on the couch. They are all talking and laughing. Blair and Elizabeth stop at the door.

BLAIR
Hey.

SUE ANN
Guys.

ELIZABETH
Can we come in.

NANCY
Of course.

SUE ANN
How was it?

BLAIR
I had the best time. It was incredible.

ELIZABETH
I know, I know.

JO
Whoa, whoa. Blair Warner had a great time looking through things that other people once owned?

BLAIR
Yeah, I'm turning a corner.

ELIZABETH
We bought you gifts.

BLAIR
Jo, I saw this motorcycle jacket and I thought of you. Four bucks.

Blair hands it to her. It's a worn brown leather motorcycle jacket. It's got a "Hells Angel" symbol on the back. It's quite cool looking.

JO
This is really cool. Thanks.

ELIZABETH
And Blair, might I say, you are good haggler.

BLAIR
I've been shopping since birth, I've picked up a few things. Oh and Nancy, I saw this charm bracelet. $10.00. Supposedly, it was on the Titanic.

Blair gives Nancy a bracelet with a heart charm on it.

NANCY
Beautiful.

BLAIR
Sue Ann, we didn't forget you.

ELIZABETH
It's a gag gift.

BLAIR
We saw this lunchbox and you know how I call you cowgirl.

SUE ANN
Yes.

BLAIR
Now, you have your very own lunchbox.

Blair hands Sue Ann a blue lunch box with a blonde hair, blued eyed cartoon girl on the front dressed like a cowgirl. The girl looks a little like Sue Ann.

BLAIR
$2.50!

JO
You have no class.

BLAIR
None. None at all. It was so fun. And Taryn. We bought you two gifts.

ELIZABETH
We bought you a pretty scarf.

TARYN
Thanks.

BLAIR
And-

Blair hands Taryn a Mrs. Beasley doll. Like the one the Buffy had in Family Affair. Taryn looks at it. She starts to cry.

TARYN
Oh my.

JO
What?

TARYN
Emily used to have a doll like this and she gave it away when she came to Eastland cause she wanted to be a grown up and she goes, grown ups don't have dolls. So she gave it away.

Jo comforts her.

JO
It's alright.

TARYN
That's really sweet, Blair. How did you know?

BLAIR
The one time I took her to lunch. First day of school and she told me about the doll and I saw it and I thought...wow.

TARYN
Thanks.

The group sits silently.

INT. GIRLS BEDROOM -- LATER

Blair and Jo are lying on their respective beds.

JO
So, you had a great time?

BLAIR
It was incredible. Who knew shopping for cheap things could be so much fun.

Jo gives her a look.

JO
I did.

BLAIR
I hope Liz had fun.

JO
I think she did.

BLAIR
Really.

JO
And that doll was incredible.

BLAIR
I thought so. I miss them. All four of them.

JO
Me too.

BLAIR
Jo, I feel so much better now. I know everyone is in the same boat.

JO
I can tell. You're happier. You haven't had many nightmares.

BLAIR
Oh, no. No, I still do. Just not as big. Have you been sleeping?

JO
Off and on. I feel bad. No one has visited her since the verdict.

BLAIR
Not even her parents?

JO
Nope. My mom talked to Sophie's mom and Sophie's mom said that she and her husband...Sophie's dad....have decided not to visit their daughter.

BLAIR
Whoa. Talk about parents of the year.

JO
I know. Her parents want to remember Sophie as a little girl not as a murderer.

BLAIR
Well...

JO
But still.

BLAIR
Yeah.

JO
Amy and Jessie aren't and...I stopped.

BLAIR
You were the only person besides a lawyer visiting her.

JO
Yep.

BLAIR
Oh, Jo.
(a beat)
Hey, what kind of magazines does she like?

JO
What? Probably the same ones you do? Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Vanity Fair-

BLAIR
That's what I thought.

Blair gets up and reaches under her bed for a large box. She pulls it out.

BLAIR
Can you help?

Jo gets off her bed and grabs the box. She puts in on a chair.

JO
What is this?

BLAIR
Magazines. When I was in the hospital, the Manhattanites saved all of my issues of Cosmo, Vogue, Vanity Fair...everything so I'd have a chance to devour them when I got home. And I have. I've read through every issue in this box. So I was just gonna throw them away. Unless you want to bring them to Sophie.

JO
I might...what's with the being nice thing?

BLAIR
I'm trying. I want to move on, get on with my life and...I'm not saying I will ever forgive, but...I wanna leave this semester better than I how I started it. And I want to reconstruct our friendship.

JO
Reconstruct?

BLAIR
You know what I mean.

JO
I know. Thank you, Blair.

Blair and Jo hug. Natalie and Tootie walk into the room.

NATALIE
Hey!

They stop hugging.

TOOTIE
Come downstairs!

NATALIE
Now.

BLAIR
Why?

NATALIE
My parents bought me an amazing birthday present.

BLAIR
What kind?

NATALIE
Come on!

Natalie and Tootie walk out. Blair and Jo exchange a look and follow them.

EXT. PARKING LOT -- LATER

We open on a full parking lot. There are rows and rows of fancy looking cars and at the far corner, one motorcycle. Natalie and Tootie run up to one car, parked next to a beige Porsche with the license plate, "BLNPRNCSS". Blair and Jo follow.

BLAIR
Wow!
(noticing where Natalie parked)
I need to get my car washed.

NATALIE
Ha....ha.

JO
This all yours?

NATALIE
Yep....you wanna go for a ride.

BLAIR
Depends. Park nicely.

NATALIE
I will.

TOOTIE
Shot gun!

Tootie runs to the front. Natalie gets into the drivers side. Jo and Blair get in back.

INT. NATALIE'S CAR -- LATER

Natalie is driving her new car. Tootie is in the passenger seat. Blair and Jo are in back.

BLAIR
Very nice.

JO
I know.

TOOTIE
Ooo, I love this.

NATALIE
I hate this song.

TOOTIE
It's the Police. How can you hate the Police?

NATALIE
I don't. Just this song. It's creepy. Don't stand so....don't stand so close to me. Like get away!

Tootie changes it again.

TOOTIE
Oh, this is good. For a good time, for a good time call 867-5309...Jenny.

NATALIE
I feel so bad for Jenny. How many people do you think called that number.

BLAIR
Many. That's Christine's phone number.

JO
Are you serious?

BLAIR
212...867-5309. And Christine comes from a family of like seven kids. One sister is Jennifer Stemple....and we call her Jenny.

NATALIE
Was she impressed with her new found popularity?

BLAIR
Probably not. She's two.

JO
Seven kids?

BLAIR
Yep.

TOOTIE
Same parents?

BLAIR
Same parents.

NATALIE
Do her parents ever leave the bedroom?

BLAIR
Sometimes. They changed that number eventually though. They would get so many calls from guys asking Jenny out. We were like, she's a little too young to date.

They laugh.

JO
A little?

BLAIR
And the guy would go, oh come on and then Chris would go, we don't think she should date until she's out of diapers.

They laugh. Tootie continues to play with the radio.

BLAIR
Wait, Tootie. I like this song.

TOOTIE
The Go-Go's? You like the Go-Go's?

BLAIR
Can you hear them? They talk about us. Telling lies. Well that's no surprise. Can you see them. See right through them. They have no shield. No secrets to reveal. It doesn't matter what they say. In the jealous games people play. Our lips are sealed

JO
They are too peppy for me.

BLAIR
They are cool. We got the beat. We got the beat!

TOOTIE
I wonder if they get along well.

BLAIR
They're probably just like us. But they're rock stars. They probably get along great. Chris, Beck, Ally and I and the boys went to a concert last summer.

NATALIE
They'll probably be together forever.

JO
I love that song. Pressure pushing down on me. Pressing down on you no man ask for.

BLAIR/JO
Under pressure - that burns a building down, Splits a family in two. Puts people on streets.

GROUP
It's the terror of knowing what this world is about watching some good friends screaming let me out.

BLAIR
You know what song I like?

JO
What?

BLAIR
You shook me all night long.

JO
You?

TOOTIE
Oh, my. This is Blair learning night.

NATALIE
Whoa? Blair Warner likes AC/DC?

BLAIR
Not all of their songs. That one, I like for some reason. Except, I change the pronouns. He was a fast machine. He kept his motor clean. He was the best damn man that I ever see. He had the slightless eyes, telling me no lies. He kept knocking me out with those American thighs-

GROUP
And the walls were shaking and the earth was quaking. My mind was aching and we were making it...you shook me all night long!

JO
You know that song, Run Away? By Bon Jovi. That reminds me of Sophie. A girl growing up where everyone seemed so fake and no cared and -

BLAIR
She grew up fast?

NATALIE
Tootie, station change.

Tootie changes the stations. She stops on one station which. We hear the theme to "Hey, Mickey." They exchange looks.

TOOTIE
Oh, Mickey you're so fine.

NATALIE
You're so fine you blow mind. Hey, Mickey. Hey Mickey.

BLAIR
It's time to be perky.

JO
Oh, no.

BLAIR
Come on Jo. You've been around all night and that's a little long.

TOOTIE
You think you got it right, I think you got it wrong.

NATALIE
Why can't you say good night so can take me home, Mickey. Take it away, Jo.

They look at Jo.

JO
'Cause when you say you will, it always means you won't. You're givin' me the chills, baby, please baby don't. Every night you still leave me all alone, Mickey

They exchange looks.

GROUP
Oh Mickey, what a pity you don't understand You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand It's guys like you Mickey Oh, what you do Mickey, do Mickey Don't break my heart, Mickey

They continue singing as Natalie drives off. They are rocking.

INT. GIRLS BEDROOM -- NIGHT

Tootie, Natalie, Jo and Blair walk in.

BLAIR
So come on and give it to me any way you can. Any way you wanna do it, I'll treat you like a man. Oh please, baby, please, don't leave me in a jam, Mickey

JO
I hate Mickey.

BLAIR
Mickey's a jerk. You want to hear what my testimony was gonna be?
(Blair sits on her bed. Spoken--she enunciates every word)
Some of the best things in life, are free. But you can give them to the birds and the bees. I want money.

JO
(spoken)
That's what I want.

BLAIR
(spoken, enunciating every word)
This trial gives me such a thrill. But this trial won't pay my bills. I want money. Hey, Mickey.

The girls are cracking up when Mrs. Garrett walks in.

MRS. GARRETT
I haven't heard that sound come out of this room in awhile.

BLAIR
Mrs. Garrett, I want money. That's what I want. Cause every little thing he does is magic, everything he do just turns me on!! Even though before my life was tragic.

TOOTIE
Now my love for him goes on.

Blair and Tootie get up and dance.

BLAIR/TOOTIE
I resolve to call him up a thousand times a day.

BLAIR
Asked me to marry him.

TOOTIE
In some old fashioned way.

MRS. GARRETT
Blair's happy.

NATALIE
I know.

MRS. GARRETT
Now, I'm gonna bring you all back down. Something happened tonight, Sophie...died.

JO
What?

MRS. GARRETT
She hung herself in her cell.

Suddenly, the room's energy goes down. They all stand there stunned. Jo walks out of the room.

MRS. GARRETT
Jo.

Mrs. Garrett starts to walk out. Blair stops her.

BLAIR
Wait, Mrs. Garrett. I'll go.

INT. LOUNGE -- MOMENTS LATER

Jo is sitting on the couch. She is sobbing. Blair walks into the room. Jo can barely speak, she is crying too hard. She looks at Blair. Blair walks over and sits next to her. Blair hugs Jo and comforts her. Jo continues sobbing.

INT. LOUNGE -- DAY

Blair is on the phone with Christine.

BLAIR
I couldn't believe she did that.

CHRISTINE
I know...I don't really feel sympathetic. I feel bad for Jo, but-

BLAIR
So, are you and I Homecoming Queens?

CHRISTINE
I guess so. Nice subject change, by the way.

BLAIR
Subtly isn't my best.

CHRISTINE
You think.

Natalie races into the lounge.

NATALIE
Blair!

BLAIR
What? I'm on the phone.

NATALIE
I just got nominated for a Sophomore princess!

BLAIR
Oh my G-d.
(to phone)
Chris, Nat just got nominated as a sophomore princess. So if she wins she gets to be in the Homecoming court.

CHRISTINE
That's so great. Tell her I said congratulations.

BLAIR
Christine says congratulations.

NATALIE
Tell her I said thank you.

BLAIR
Natalie says thank you.

CHRISTINE
Tell her I said you're welcome.

BLAIR
I'm not playing that game. Are you gonna be home later tonight?

CHRISTINE
Yeah. Call me.

BLAIR
Will do.

Christine and Blair hang up. Blair looks at Natalie. The two of them cheer and hug. Amy and Jessie walk into the lounge.

AMY
What's going on?

Natalie and Blair stop hugging.

BLAIR
Amy, Jessie. Oh, Natalie and I may end up in the same Homecoming Court. We're excited.

AMY
Good luck. I'm up for Homecoming Queen at my school too.

BLAIR
Good luck.

JESSIE
Where's Jo?

NATALIE
I'll get her.

Natalie walks out of the lounge.

AMY
You look good, Blair.

BLAIR
Thanks. Day by day. Look, I'm sorry about what happened.

JESSIE
She was a good person.

Jo and Natalie walk back into the lounge. Jo, Amy and Jessie exchange looks. Natalie and Blair start to feel uncomfortable.

NATALIE
I have to go.

BLAIR
Me too.

Natalie walks out of the room. Blair follows.

JESSIE
Maybe we should go for a walk.

JO
Yeah.

The three of them walk out.

EXT. EASTLAND -- MOMENTS LATER

Amy, Jessie and Jo are walking.

JO
Blair did that...she tried but decided not to. What if I had lost both of them?

JESSIE
I don't know.

JO
I never even got to say goodbye. I wanted-

AMY
Why did she do it?

JO
I don't know.

JESSIE
Who were the girls she killed?

JO
A senior, Rachel Sorenson. Two juniors, Lauren Rosin and Cassie Bernstein. And one sixth grader.

AMY
A sixth grader.

JO
Yep. Emily Freed.

JESSIE
An eleven year old.

JO
She was the youngest.

AMY
Oh, G-d.

JESSIE
What did she do?

JO
Nothing. None of them did anything. She snapped. Emily was a little girl away at school for the first time. Cassie was so sweet and caring and this huge heart. Lauren was brilliant. The girl got a 1600 on the SATS. Rachel was so immensely talented she made Blair jealous. These were people that had their whole lives ahead of them. Rachel was applying to Julliard and Carnigie Mellon and both schools wanted her. Lauren was going to spend the summer in a rain forest studying animals. Cassie was gonna getting ready to spend a semester abroad. She wasn't even supposed to be at school that day.

AMY
What?

JO
Cassie was gonna spend the semester in London and she came to school to talk to some teachers.

JESSIE
Oh, my.

JO
And Emily was in Tootie's drama class. She was behind the stage when Sophie when Sophie went back there and started shooting. She also paralyzed the drama teacher. Mr. Green. She tried to shoot Tootie but Mr. Green stepped infront of the bullet to prevent it from hitting her. If he hadn't done that. Tootie would've been paralyzed....or dead.

JESSIE
I didn't know that.

JO
Tootie used to say Emily was such a talented actress. What if she had killed Tootie? What if I had lost Tootie and Blair....and Natalie? What if-

JESSIE
But you didn't. They're all here.

JO
But I could've. Why did she do this?

Jo is sobbing by this point. She stops. Jessie and Amy comfort her. The three of them hold onto each other.

JO
I need a break. I can't...I can't do this. Between Blair and Sophie and trying to explain....I don't know...I am losing control. I don't know.

Jo is breaking down. Amy and Jessie hug her tightly.

TO BE CONTINUED…
Stay tuned for the conclusion to this six part series!

[sambino5]

This is good can't wait for more.

[Ags2000]

All I can say is WOW. I finally sat down and read all 5 of the parts so far, and WOW is all I can think of. Really good job. Can't wait for the last part.

D

[JoJoJoJoJoJoJoJoJo]

your gonna make me wait?!?!?!?!? OMG can't wait for moooooooooooore!!!!!

[mlee727@aol.com]

Thanks for all the comments! The 6th part is in the works. I really wanted to portray Eastland as an actual school with more than four students and sorta bring all of them into the age range they were supposed to be. (Like, actually writing Jo and Blair as seventeen year olds not seventeen going on forty.....that always struck me as odd. How much older these characters acted and stuff they did seemed out of place. Like in the
"Take My Finals Please" episode--I can see Natalie and Tootie studying. But Jo and Blair? Fourth quarter seniors studying for finals? Highly unlikely--especially if Blair and Jo were already doing really well and one bad grade wouldn't hurt). So I really wanted to portray that. I also wanted to show different sides to them. Liking showing Blair in a different light when she is with her Manhattan friends and I hope I did this without straying too much. I just think people act differently with different groups of friends....especially with friends they've known their entire lives. Thanks again for your comments! I really appreciate them!

[Panda Bear]

This is a great story, I can't wait for part six. I think that what you said is very true people always act different with the friends that they've had all of theirs lives. You are more true to yourself, when you are with life long friends, than with later in life friends. Lastly, you are definetely not focusing too much on this different; my favorite scenes are between Blair and the Manhattenites, closely seconded by Jo with Amy and Jessie.

~ Panda Bear

[Livin' La Vida Peekskill]

Love reading your stories. I'm really enjoying these ones and really liked "The Long Journey". I like it how you add 80s songs to your stories to make them histrorically relevent and love the plot twist about Sophie killing herself. Keep up the good writing!!!!