[FADE IN]

[FADE IN] INT. OFFICE We open up on small picture frame of a seedy romance novel cover. The title reads, “Lust Before Lunch”. We stay on the cover as we see the Fabio style hunk of man holding onto a beautiful red headed woman laying on top of a table littered with food. Down below, we see the author’s name, SYDNEY BARSTOW. We slowly move around the office and see more and more framed covers hanging on the walls. It looks like each one is in succession because on each cover there is the same red headed woman. In each picture she is half-naked and being held by a different man. There are only 15 covers in all. We keep moving around the office and see various awards and newspaper clippings with the name SYDNEY BARSTOW. We start to hear the tapping of keys on a keyboard and a sigh from someone sitting behind the computer. CUT TO: C/U of fingers typing on the keyboard and then a shot onto the screen of the computer. We can now hear a man talking as he is saying what he is typing out loud. The words appear on the screen as he talks. MAN(V/O) Miranda walked slowly over To the table. She picked up the Telephone to dial Antonio’s but Stopped. The only way for me to get Over you and everyone else is by Just getting away from it all. She thought. With that, Miranda walks to her Already packed bags waiting by The door, picks them up and heads Outside to the cab waiting to take her To the airport and her new life, away From her past forever. The End. CUT TO: A tight shot of the man’s face. This is SYDNEY BARSTOW. A 22 year old college student with thinning brown hair and a little added girth to his body. In class he likes to use his middle name Jonathon as his legal name. We stay tight with him as his eyes browse what he has just typed out and then he gives himself an approving giggle and turns the monitor off. SYDNEY gets up from his desk and walks over to his mini fridge and pulls out a can of soda. He opens it up and takes a few long pulls from the can. He then turns to the window and looks out. Snow is covering the ground and he sees some groups of people walking down the sidewalk throwing snowballs at each other. He quickly turns to the clock.



SYDNEY Shit, I’m late. CUT TO: EXT. CAMPUS GROUNDS – DAY SYDNEY is running as fast as he can across campus. He can’t run very fast due to the snow covering the entire ground. The walkways haven’t been shoveled out yet. SYDNEY stops to check his watch. 7:45 A.M. He takes a quick breath, fixes his backpack and hat and takes off running again. He passes by a couple of people that know him and stops for a second to say hi. MAN 1 Hey. Going to the party tonight? WOMAN 1 Yeah, you going? It’s gonna be fun. SYDNEY Not too sure. Got tons of studying. Masterson is being an ass. WOMAN 2 Masterson is always an ass. Shouldn’t you be there now? SYDNEY Shit. Later. GROUP Later.



CUT TO: Angle on SYDNEY as he takes off running again and around the corner. He keeps running and fixing his backpack as he runs up the stairs and inside the building to… INT. BLOOMDON’S HALL – ROOM C202 DR. MIRANDA MASTERSON’S classroom where the class is just ending. The students have all exited the room and only one person is there at her desk. It is MIRANDA. Her red hair sitting softly on her shoulders. Face buried deep in her glasses and papers. She is almost a spitting



image of the same Miranda on the covers and in the stories he writes. From the hair to the body, she looks exactly like her. SYDNEY takes two steps towards her and is stopped as we… CUT TO: Angle on MIRANDA reading a paper. MIRANDA You’re late. SYDNEY I’m sorry, Dr. Masterson. MIRANDA Sorry for what? SYDNEY For being late (beat) again. MIRANDA (looks up) Mr. Barstow, there is a difference Between fashionably late and extremely Late. You do know the difference right? SYDNEY Yes Dr. MIRANDA And they are? SYDNEY Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize You wanted me to answer that. MIRANDA Exactly the point I am trying to Get across to you. Jonathon, you Are extremely talented, but talent Isn’t all that I expect of someone In my class. SYDNEY I understand. Really, I do. I have just been busy with Work and….



MIRANDA Jonathon, we all get busy. I assume you were going To give your dissertation today? SYDNEY I was, but it’s not completely Finished yet. I was actually hoping You might be able to help with it. MIRANDA (gets up and sits on desk) Well what exactly did you need Help with? I can’t hold your hand. If I did that, I would have to hold Everyone else’s hands as well. I don’t know if you have noticed But, I have quite a lot of students. SYDNEY I know. If you’re too busy I understand. I will just go To some study groups. MIRANDA How about this (beat) CUT TO: Angle on MIRANDA as we hear a cell phone go off in her bag. She quickly picks it up and looks at it. MIRANDA Excuse me one second. Hello. No. You said you were Free tonight. Fine. No, I will Call you later then. Whatever. (beat) I’m sorry. Mr. Barstow, I have some Business to take care of. If you attend Class on Wednesday and are on time I will look at what you have and give you Some guidance. Now if you will excuse me. SYDNEY Ok. Thank you Dr.



MIRANDA Please, call me Miranda. CUT TO: EXT. CAFÉ TABLE – DAY SYDNEY is sitting at the table with his friends MAX, ABIGAILE and BRIGETTE. They are all sipping steaming drinks. SYDNEY is looking over his dissertation papers as MAX and ABIGAILE are kissing. They are boyfriend and girlfriend. BRIGETTE is reading a book. She shuts it and calls over one of the waiters. BRIGETTE Excuse me. Can I have another? WAITER Sure. SYDNEY I can’t believe you like that stuff. BRIGETTE I will have you know that Chai Tea is supposed to have Arousing properties. SYDNEY If you say so. MAX So you were late again today? SYDNEY Yep. ABIGAILE What did Masterson say? SYDNEY Same thing she always says (mimicking MIRANDA) You’re extremely talented, but That isn’t everything. Punctuality Is the biggest part of life. Blah blah blah



ABIGAILE She does have a point. SYDNEY Thanks for the help. (beat) So you’re still free this weekend Right Max? MAX Yep, still leaving early? ABIGAILE Where do you think you are going? SYDNEY I have to go to New York for Some research on my disseration. Max and I are going to catch A ball game while we are there too. BRIGETTE Ohh, can I go too? MAX Umm….sorry Brigette. Strictly guys only. ABIGAILE You think so? Thanks for telling me. SYDNEY You have to work all weekend. You couldn’t go anyway. Besides, we planned this months Ago. ABIGAILE Fine, just bring me back some Cool Knicks gear. MAX You got it babe. (kisses her)



INT. GROCERY STORE Tight shot of MIRANDA walking down the aisle with her basket. She is looking at the vegetables. She picks up a couple of tomatoes and places them in a plastic sack. She keeps on walking as we follow her around the corner. At a checkout counter, we see SYDNEY scanning groceries. He stops and looks down one of the aisles and sees MIRANDA standing in front of the periodicals. He smiles slightly and then keeps on scanning groceries. Back to MIRANDA now as she looks at some of the magazines and then back over to the rows of books. She stops and picks one up and reads the back of it. She puts it back and then picks up another. After placing it back she stops suddenly and stares at the cover of one of the books. She smiles awkwardly and then looks around as she picks it up. It is a SYDNEY BARSTOW book. The tile on the cover reads “LOVE IN THE TROPICS”. She looks at the back of it and then drops it in her basket. She looks around shyly and then walks down the aisle and into checkout aisle that SYDNEY is at. She isn’t paying any attention as he starts to ring up her groceries. SYDNEY Looks like a lonely night tonight? MIRANDA Jonathon? SYDNEY In the flesh. How are you? MIRANDA I didn’t know you worked here. SYDNEY Really? Been here for about 3 years. MIRANDA Weird. I wonder why I haven’t Seen you here before. SYDNEY Probably because you never come In at (checks watch) 11:30. MIRANDA Oh, couldn’t sleep.



CUT TO:



SYDNEY picking up the book and scanning it. He stops and looks at it for a second. He looks at the cover and then at her. He quickly places it in the bag when she catches him staring at it. MIRANDA So you like to show up late And judge a single female For reading a sleazy novel? SYDNEY No. I just noticed that The lady on the cover Looks kind of like you. MIRANDA I know, its weird. Maybe That is why I like these BARSTOW Books. SYDNEY Yeah, I know what you mean. People see my last name and Think I am the one who writes them. MIRANDA Well, if you wrote these things Then I would probably have to Second guess your talent. SYDNEY Really? Why? MIRANDA People who write these things Don’t know what love is. They Only dream about what they Believe love is. SYDNEY Well you know, everyone Has there own ideas about love. MIRANDA Exactly like everyone has there Own ideas about showing up for class?



CUT TO: An awkward glance from SYDNEY to MIRANDA. We can see the small sexual tension between the two of them. Even though she is in here late 20’s and he is only 22, we can see it already. SYDNEY $22.57. MIRANDA Credit? SYDNEY Sure, just push the button there and Swipe the card there. MIRANDA I hate these things. SYDNEY I kind of like them. Makes it easier for us. (beat) But then again, if everything was This easy, nothing would be fun. MIRANDA You really are a strange person. SYDNEY I know. Did you want help? MIRANDA I’m sorry. SYDNEY With your bags? MIRANDA Oh, no sorry. SYDNEY Well then, I will see you next Wednesday. MIRANDA Class is on Monday



SYDNEY Gonna be in New York all weekend. Not coming back till Monday night. Research for my paper, you understand. MIRANDA Fine, just have something ready For me on Wednesday. SYDNEY You got it. Have a nice evening. Oh and by the way, I hear that Miranda finds love with a mysterious Stranger in this one. MIRANDA And how would you know About these books? SYDNEY I do have a mother you know.



CUT TO: EXT. HIGHWAY The van carrying MAX and SYDNEY is heading into NEW YORK CITY. It heads across the Brooklyn Bridge and into downtown Manhattan. It comes to a stop outside a ritzy hotel and both of them get out and walk inside as a valet takes the van and parks it around the corner. INT. HOTEL ROOM MAX is sitting on his bed flipping through TV channels. He is trying to find the ball game. The door to the bathroom opens up and SYDNEY walks out with a fresh change of clothes and wet hair. The bathroom is steamy. We can tell he just took a shower. He picks up his laptop bag and sets it on his bed. MAX So the publishing company Pays for all of this? SYDNEY Yep, doesn’t cost me a red cent. Well, except for gas.



MAX So why give it all up? SYDNEY Cause, I’m tired of it. I already have enough money to Live off of for the rest of my life. MAX That’s true. It’s just, even though It is kinda weird that my best friend Writes sleazy romance novels, do you Realize how much power you have Over every single woman and housewife In the world? SYDNEY Scary isn’t it. Now just imagine If they were to find out who I was. MAX So what. They loved you for This long, they will love you If you do reveal yourself. SYDNEY Somehow I don’t really think That housewives and single women Will find a 22 year old male college Student who writes these things appealing. MAX Just imagine all the females you would Get. Any one of them would want To have your babies. You know that. SYDNEY Enough. We need to go. Company is expecting us in An hour and I want to get a snack. MAX Ok, just let me change.



CUT TO:



INT. PUBLISHING COMPANY OFFICE MAX is waiting outside the office as SYDNEY is waiting in his agent’s office. There are flyers and signs all over the office littered with covers from his books. We see a picture of SYDNEY and a blonde headed female on the desk. It is LACY WATERGATE, his publishing agent. She is in her late 30’s and doesn’t look as bad as she might, but you can see that stress has taken its toll on her face. If she used some facial creams and a little more makeup, she might look better, but she isn’t that bad looking now. The door opens behind SYDNEY and LACY walks in carrying a small leather briefcase in her hand. She shuts the door as SYDNEY stands up to give her a hug. They sit down after the hug. LACY Sydney. Lovely to see you again. SYDNEY Same to you Lacy. How have things Been around here lately? LACY Never better. Your last book is off the charts! The latest figures are already over The millions. You have yourself Another winner with this one. SYDNEY Thanks. I trust you got my Last draft? LACY Yes I did. SYDNEY And? LACY Listen Sydney, its great. Probably The best you have written, but there Is a slight problem here. SYDNEY The fact that it’s the last one? LACY Yes.



CUT TO: LACY pulling out some papers from her briefcase as well as the copy of SYDNEY’S last story. She sets them all on her desk and then takes a drink from her coffee cup. She sits down and lights up a smoke. She offers one to SYDNEY and he accepts. SYDNEY So give it to me straight then. LACY We don’t want you to stop. SYDNEY I have been doing this for long Enough. I think it’s time I stop. LACY But you have to understand our Predicament with you just quitting. SYDNEY Surely the boys in the legal department Don’t think that I am jumping ship and Moving to a different company? LACY Well that is always the first factor. The second is that the authors think They deserve more money. SYDNEY Lacy, this was never about money. LACY Then what is it about? SYDNEY (puts out smoke) It’s about me focusing on my education. I have been pulling too many hours lately And have barely had any time to work and Go to school with your deadlines and all. LACY So we can slow things down a bit. Let you finish your education. (beat)



Just please don’t call it quits yet. SYDNEY Sorry, I think it’s time the public Let go of Sydney Barstow and Miranda Chase. LACY Please don’t do this. SYDNEY There is no amount of begging you Can do to make me stay. I don’t even Think I have another story left in me. The last one there took a lot out of me. LACY What if we paid you more? SYDNEY You just said that was something You didn’t like to do. LACY But we are prepared to do whatever To get you to stay. SYDNEY Forget it. I have enough money. Thank you, Lacy. It has been fun. Let me know the figures when this One is released. Oh and this time, Send me two copies of the finished Product. SYDNEY gets up and walks out the door leaving LACY sitting there puzzled and scared. She looks like she just got herself fired. She gets up and follows SYDNEY and MAX quickly into the… INT. HALLWAY She chases them down the hall calling out for them to stop. LACY Wait, Sydney. WAIT!



SYDNEY stops and motions for MAX to keep going. He turns around to face LACY and walks towards her very slowly. He stops in front of her and his face turns to a frown. SYDNEY What? LACY What if we shook things up a bit? SYDNEY What did you have in mind? LACY Just hear me out, please? For me? CUT TO: ESTABLISHING SHOT – MADISON SQUARE GARDEN INT. COURTSIDE SYDNEY and MAX are enjoying the game. They are also enjoying a couple of beers and begin talking during some of the action. MAX So let me get this straight. Sydney Barstow is going to reveal Himself in the next 3 weeks? SYDNEY Yep. MAX But I thought that was against your Standards? SYDNEY Well it was. Until Lacy and I Had an understanding. MAX And that would be what? SYDNEY OH NICE SHOT! (beat)



SYDNEY (Cont’d) Well, first thing we did was Renegotiate my contract. I’m getting two final checks from the Publishers. One for good standing, and The other for the finishing the book. MAX How much? SYDNEY This puts me over the top. Might even make the Forbes list. Ha! MAX That much? SYDNEY No, but each check is over 8 digits. MAX HOLY SHIT! NICE BLOCK! (beat) are you shitting me? SYDNEY Nope. MAX And what else? SYDNEY I agreed to write one final book. It had to end on my terms the way I wanted it to end up. Plus I would Announce to the public exactly Who Sydney Barstow is before it comes out. MAX Whose idea was that? SYDNEY Lacy’s.



MAX So how did she get you to agree To all of this then? SYDNEY Let’s just say that I need to Take another shower when We get back to the hotel tonight. MAX WATCH THE ELBOWS… You pervert. SYDNEY Well at least my dry spell is over. MAX Eh…well yeah. She isn’t that bad. SYDNEY No, but it wasn’t that good either.



The horn blows and it signals halftime. They both get up to stretch and to visit with some of the other spectators about the game. We follow in on the action on the court as we switch instantly to a shot of a TV screen covering the action in…. INT. MIRANDA’S APARTMENT She is sitting on the couch reading her book. She is also glancing at the TV. The game isn’t that interesting to her but since there was nothing on, she decided to keep it there. She focuses on her book more now as it goes to commercial. We see her apartment decorated modernly with many different things from IKEA and Pier 1. MIRANDA closes the book and rubs her eyes. She sets it on the coffee table and rubs her eyes again. She gets up and grabs her glass of wine she left sitting on the bookshelf. Another night alone for Dr. MIRANDA MASTERSON. Her phone rings. MIRANDA Hello. Oh, Steven. No, nothing. Just sitting here by myself. (beat) That’s nice. So do you want to Come over? I could use a little.. Well I thought that we… But honey…we just…I thought you



MIRANDA(Cont’d) You said you loved me? Fine you asshole! I hope that bitch Throws you to the curb! MIRANDA slams the phone down on the receiver and downs her almost full glass of wine. She starts sobbing and then walks right back into the kitchen and this time, instead of filling her glass of wine, she grabs the bottle and heads right back over to the couch. She starts to take a couple of pulls off of the wine bottle and then puts her glasses on to read her book. As she picks it up, she looks at the cover. She studies it. She gets up and heads over to her bookcase. On one shelf she has all of the SYDNEY BARSTOW books. She takes them all out one at a time and studies the cover. MIRANDA That’s funny. He was right. She does look like me. Even the Glasses. How odd. She puts them back and then walks over to the couch. She looks at the TV as she takes another drink from her bottle. She picks up her book and opens it back up to her marker. Before starting again she looks at the TV. CUT TO: C/U of TV screen. The ball game has resumed and we see that one of the KNICKS has went into out of bounds into the crowd. Right on top of SYDNEY and MAX. They help him back up and pat him on the back. They then look at the TV and the crowd and go crazy. Typical fans. MIRANDA smiles and begins to read her book. MIRANDA There really is something Quite odd about you Jonathon. CUT TO: EXT. CAMPUS CAFÉ – DAY ABIGAILE, BRIGETTE and SYDNEY are all sitting at there same table. They aren’t talking that much. Every single one of them is tired. Especially SYDNEY. He is not used to being up this early. He still isn’t quite sure why he is up this early, but he doesn’t care. He just wants to be in bed. ABIGAILE So Max says you guys Had a blast over the weekend?



SYDNEY Yeah, it was alright. BRIGETTE Alright?! The entire campus Saw you guys on the TV! You Can’t tell me that wasn’t a blast. SYDNEY No it was. I just feel… ABIGAILE Oh, I know what this is about. BRIGETTE What? SYDNEY Nevermind, don’t worry about it. BRIGETTE Please tell me. ABIGAILE I don’t think I should.



CUT TO: MAX walking up behind ABIGAILE and giving her a kiss on the cheek. She turns around and kisses him back. MAX sits down and places an order with a waiter in the distance. MAX Well don’t stop talking on a Account of me. Please continue. SYDNEY No that’s ok. They just wanted To know what happened to me Over the weekend. MAX Oh you mean with Lacy.



SYDNEY kicks MAX’S foot underneath the table. This makes MAX jump and almost spill coffee onto ABIGAILE. MAX kicks him back and this time it spills coffee onto SYDNEY. He lets out a yell of pain and then starts to wipe it off. SYDNEY Way to go Jackass! I got class in 30 minutes. MAX Well if you didn’t kick me. BRIGETTE So that means something happened This weekend if you don’t want Max to tell. ABIGAILE Yep, but you know too much. BRIGETTE Sydney, I’m only going to ask you This once and I want you to be honest. Ok? SYDNEY Ok. BRIGETTE Are you gay? MAX Oh great question Brigette. ABIGAILE (laughs) That’s hilarious. Sydney gay. Yeah, I don’t think they make arrows Any straighter. SYDNEY No Brigette, I’m not gay. BRIGETTE Ok, well just wondering. I haven’t seen you with a girl In forever.



MAX You wouldn’t say that if you knew. SYDNEY Please just drop it. Now if you three will excuse me I need to go and change my pants And get to class before Masterson Kills me for being late….again. SYDNEY takes off leaving his tab on the table. ABIGAILE and BRIGETTE just kind of look at it and stare and MAX just picks it up and throws some money down. MAX What the hell. Guy got some The other day. BRIGETTE I knew it! ABIGAILE No you didn’t. BRIGETTE I know, but at least I know He isn’t gay. CUT TO: INT. CLASSROOM MIRANDA is teaching to the class and looks around to see if she can see SYDNEY. She goes through each row as she continues talking and finally her gaze stops on the last row. MIRANDA’S POV We see SYDNEY sitting there, looking somewhat out of place but paying attention none the less. He writes down some notes and we go back to our previous angle. MIRANDA Now, the key to good literature Isn’t the factual information, Or the leading character. Whether It’s the dashing hero who always Saves the day, or the precocious and Plucky female who finds herself in



All of the wrong places. (beat) It isn’t about the locations that are Described or represented as vividly as Possible. It is about the emotions And the way you can pull your reader And audience into a world where they Would never want to leave. It’s about The drive the characters have to complete What they are doing, it’s about the similarities And complexities of the fictional world and Real world. (beat) Now with that being said, I want you All to do something fun. I want you To write me a paper on any book where You felt you could spend the rest of your life In if it were real. I want you to describe the Emotions you felt, the things that made it Stand out to you. (she stops) Yes, Mr. Barstow. CUT TO: C/U of SYDNEY with his hand raised as he is called upon. He drops it down and looks at her. SYDNEY Dr. Masterson. Are you suggesting We college students write you a Book report? If so, isn’t that so Elementary? Various laughs and giggles are heard from the crowd. MIRANDA just smiles and walks back around her desk. She reaches into her briefcase and pulls out one of his books. He sees it and then stops laughing. MIRANDA Well, it may be elementary And yes it’s a book report. But It’s not a book report. For example, I will use my own. I happen to be a big fan of romance Novels.



Various snickers are once again heard throughout the class. A couple of the girls in the class make awing sounds and you can hear a couple of catcalls from some of the boys.



MIRANDA Yes, Yes. I know. Think what you want. But these are great. I don’t know How this author does it, but he makes Me and every other woman who reads them So entwined and filled with emotion that All we want is to be Miranda Chase. The main Character. SYDNEY Umm…excuse me, if I may Interject for a second. MIRANDA Yes if you must. SYDNEY I seem to recall someone Telling me that the people Who write those books Don’t know anything About love. MIRANDA That person was right. I have Felt that love isn’t something that You can just write down. It is however Easy to trick people into thinking That they too can fall in love the Same way some of these characters Do. SYDNEY But wouldn’t that be lying? MIRANDA It might be, but since Nobody knows exactly who This particular author is or what This person thinks about when he or She writes them, we will never know.



The bell rings in the room and everyone gathers their things. They all start to filter out slowly. MIRANDA Ok, no less then 4 pages as usual. Take some time with this. I want Us all to present them in class. This Will also be part of your final grade. Have a good weekend and be safe. (beat) Jonathon, can I see you in my office In 30 minutes? SYDNEY Sure. CUT TO: INT. MIRANDA’S OFFICE SYDNEY is sitting in an empty chair waiting for MIRANDA. He pulls out his laptop and turns it on. He sits there for a few seconds and starts to think. He opens up his writing program and stares at the cursor for a moment. C/U on the screen. The cursor blinks. Text starts to appear on the screen. It says COLLEGIATE DESIRES: MIRANDA’S FINALE by SYDNEY BARSTOW. CUT TO: SYDNEY sitting there staring at the screen. He is biting his nails. The look on his face seems somewhat lost. He thinks for a minute and just as he starts to type the door behind him opens up and he closes his computer. MIRANDA enters behind him. MIRANDA Jonathon, normally its customary For students to wait outside. SYDNEY I would have, but the door was Open. Figured you wouldn’t mind. MIRANDA Not really, but still it’s the Polite thing to do.



MIRANDA walks to her desk and sits down. She leans back in her big chair and takes off her glasses. She rests her legs up on her desk and lets out a small sigh. She then looks over at SYDNEY. MIRANDA Did you have fun in New York? SYDNEY It was ok. MIRANDA Did you get your research done? SYDNEY Up close and personal. MIRANDA So do KNICK’S games count As research then? SYDNEY Saw me on TV didn’t you. MIRANDA I think the entire campus did. SYDNEY Well in that case, yes I did have fun. MIRANDA Listen, I want you to level with me. SYDNEY Ok. MIRANDA Do you even have your dissertation Started? How about a page? Anything? SYDNEY Yes, In fact I have some of it here. MIRANDA Well then, let me see it. CUT TO:



Angle of SYDNEY pulling out a small stack of paper clipped documents and handing them to MIRANDA. She takes them and starts to skim through them. She flips through the papers over the next course of shots and we go back from her reactions of laughter and sorrow to SYDNEY’S reactions of puzzlement. She finishes them and hands them back over to him. She says nothing and just looks at him. SYDNEY You know in Japan, if the audience Stays silent, it means they liked it. Something tells me though, that You don’t like what I have. MIRANDA Well, the title seems out of place. The misconceptions of a single Male college student? Where are you Going with this? SYDNEY Most people think that single College boys are into partying and Getting laid. MIRANDA In crude terms…yes. SYDNEY This is to prove that there are Some men that aren’t like that. MIRANDA Ok, well you might have something With this. But you need to add more Realism to this. You need more fact than Conjecture. Are you just basing this off Of yourself? SYDNEY That was the purpose of this particular Assignment wasn’t it? MIRANDA Yes. But it needs more depth.



SYDNEY Ok, so what would you suggest? MIRANDA More emotion. Pull us in. That is the hook. If you can Pull me in, then you have yourself A great paper. I know you have the talent I have seen it. Just apply it more with this. SYDNEY So in other words, this is a piece of Shit. MIRANDA Yes. SYDNEY Ok, then I guess that was all I needed. Thank you. MIRANDA Don’t mention it. SYDNEY gets up and starts to put his laptop back into his bag and his papers. He walks to the door and is just about to leave when he is stopped again. MIRANDA Jonathon S. Barstow. What does the S stand for? SYDNEY Nothing really. MIRANDA Like Truman then? SYDNEY I think so. Parents Never really told me. Said It just sounded good. MIRANDA Must have had smart parents.



SYDNEY Dad died when I was young. Mother Helped raise me. She died shortly after I attended college. MIRANDA I’m sorry to hear that. I didn’t mean to pry. SYDNEY It’s fine. Listen, I don’t Normally do this, probably because It is against the rules but, would You like to go get some coffee with me? MIRANDA I don’t think I should. I’m not allowed. SYDNEY What’s the matter? Afraid To walk on the wild side? MIRANDA No, its just not right. SYDNEY Well what would the character In your book do?



CUT TO: C/U of MIRANDA’S face upon hearing this. This has apparently struck a nerve with her. She stares at him for a second and then smiles. She grabs her coat and gets up. MIRANDA You drive? SYDNEY Of course. MIRANDA Ok then, lets go.



CUT TO: INT. SYDNEY’S OFFICE We are looking at the door from the inside. Someone is trying to get inside. The door unlocks and in comes BRIGETTE. She looks at the door and mumbles something about the door sticking. She looks around and stares. BRIGETTE This doesn’t look like The bathroom. She walks around the room and stares at the pictures on the wall. She looks at each one of the covers and does a double take. She isn’t quite sure what is going on here but something seems to formulate in her mind. BRIGETTE For someone who isn’t gay He sure seems to like romance Novels. (beat) Wait…Sydney J. Barstow… Jonathon? (beat) Holy shit.



FADE TO: ESTABLISHING SHOT – STARBUCKS INT. STARBUCKS TABLE MIRANDA and SYDNEY are enjoying their coffee and are deep in conversation. Various people are walking by them. SYDNEY is holding up the copy of his book and reading the back of it. He smiles as he remembers the story for this particular book. LOVE IN THE TROPICS, his most favorite of the series. Miranda Chase finds herself falling in love with a stable boy on a tropical island and gets herself caught up in a love triangle between the stable boy and the mayors son. MIRANDA I don’t know why I read these Things really. They are so cheesy. SYDNEY Yeah but at least they entertain you.



MIRANDA Cheap entertainment. SYDNEY Did you know that these books Are the best selling books right now? MIRANDA Yeah, whoever thinks of these things Is making tons of money. SYDNEY Plus nobody knows who this person Is. It’s a mystery. MIRANDA Exactly like you. SYDNEY I’m not that much of a mystery. MIRANDA Sure you are. You hardly show up to class. You work at a supermarket and You seem to have little to no free time Which is surprising since you never Show up for class. What exactly do you do? SYDNEY Well if you must know. (sips coffee) I like to rob banks and then have My way with the pretty young tellers And then leave them naked and stranded Near death in the middle of nowhere. MIRANDA’S jaw just drops and then she looks at SYDNEY and they both start laughing. They laugh for a few seconds and then SYDNEY continues. SYDNEY Seriously, I like to write. It’s my hobby and passion. It helps keep my sense of humor in check as well.



MIRANDA Have you ever thought about getting An agent? Maybe turning writing into A career? I know you could make Some money. SYDNEY I thought about it. (smiles and pauses) Hey do you want to Go for a walk?



CUT TO: EXT. SIDEWALK – DUSK SYDNEY and MIRANDA are walking down the sidewalk. They are still talking and occasionally stopping to see what kind of sales can be seen through various stores. MIRANDA So do you have a girlfriend? SYDNEY No. MIRANDA Why not? SYDNEY I didn’t realize all of my Personal life was so interesting. MIRANDA I’m sorry, I’m not trying To be nosy. SYDNEY No its fine. I haven’t been Attached since my first year here. MIRANDA End badly? SYDNEY Yeah, apparently drinking and partying



SYDNEY(Cont’d) Are standards for females in this area. MIRANDA If you don’t mind me asking… SYDNEY Cheating, plain and simple. Walked in on it. Enough said. MIRANDA Did you love her? SYDNEY No, more or less a fling, but It sure would have been nice. MIRANDA Well I’m sorry to hear about that. SYDNEY It’s no big deal. What about you? MIRANDA My situation was complicated. I was seeing a married man. SYDNEY Interesting. MIRANDA To say the least, it was. It actually ended just the other day. Went back to the wife. SYDNEY And you are upset about it? MIRANDA Normally I wouldn’t go along with it. Participating in adultery isn’t my style. But he said he loved me. SYDNEY The old, I love you but I love my



Wife till the end bit. Happens frequently. CUT TO: MIRANDA stopping suddenly and stared at him. She is angry. She wants to hit SYDNEY. She thinks about it. We can see it. SYDNEY stops and looks at her. Their eyes meet and the anger is stifled. She doesn’t know why but she wants to kiss him. So does SYDNEY. MIRANDA How can you be like that? SYDNEY Like what? MIRANDA Completely sincere one second and Sarcastic and the next? SYDNEY Like I said, writing helps me. Minimal contact with you human beings Can be a marvelous thing. MIRANDA Surely you have friends. SYDNEY Of course. Wouldn’t trade them For the world. Well except for Brigette. MIRANDA Oh the blonde haired one that Follows you around like a lap dog? SYDNEY She’s a good kid, really she is Just too tenacious. MIRANDA Don’t like an assertive woman? SYDNEY I like some assertiveness. Just Not all the time.



MIRANDA You know tenacity can be A great ally. SYDNEY And my worst enemy. CUT TO: INT. VAN SYDNEY is in the driver seat taking MIRANDA back to her apartment. They haven’t said much since they got back to his van. It has been quiet and comfortable for the both of them. We switch shots between SYDNEY and MIRANDA as they both look at each other in turn and then smile secretly knowing they both have been caught by one another. It is your typical coffee pot brewing full of love. The van turns the corner to MIRANDA’S directions and comes to a halt. They both get out of the van and SYDNEY walks her to the stoop. MIRANDA Well this is me. Home sweet home. SYDNEY Not bad for a professor’s salary. MIRANDA It’s a total steal. Plus it helps when the landlord is A close personal friend of your parents. SYDNEY Yes that would help. MIRANDA Thank you very much for the coffee And the walk today. It was nice. SYDNEY You are most welcome. I would offer to take you out Again but I know that is crossing The boundaries of teacher/student Relations. So with that, I will go ahead And leave you and see you on Monday.



MIRANDA It would probably be for the best. SYDNEY Yes, but then again knowing What might have been will Never be as good as knowing What will be. MIRANDA That’s funny. I have heard that Somewhere before. SYDNEY I have been saying that forever. MIRANDA Ok then Jonathon, see you Monday. SYDNEY No I won’t. MIRANDA Oh no? SYDNEY No. MIRANDA So your skipping again? Just when I thought I might Have reached you. SYDNEY I’m not skipping anything. Antonio’s tomorrow night 8 o’clock. Be ready. MIRANDA I don’t think we should SYDNEY Neither do I, but at least it Will be fun.



CUT TO: SYDNEY moving close to MIRANDA slowly. He is looking right into her beautiful eyes. Her glasses still on her face. She knows what is coming next and she wants it. She closes her eyes just as SYDNEY’S lips are mere millimeters away when…. RING MIRANDA is quickly brought out of her love trance and SYDNEY backs away quickly. Both still a little flustered but angry too. Why did this have to interrupt them? She grabs her phone and answers it. MIRANDA Hello? Hi Steven. (beat) Jonathon, can you excuse me? SYDNEY Sure. Just be ready tomorrow night MIRANDA Ok, if we must. (beat) hold on a second Steven. SYDNEY I will see you tomorrow. MIRANDA Ok SYDNEY turns around and walks towards his van. He can hear the conversation get softer as he heads to his van. MIRANDA Steven, you said it was over. No, you told me you were… (beat) I guess I still do too… (beat) I don’t know anymore…



CUT TO:



SYDNEY starting his van and taking off down the street. MIRANDA walks out to the sidewalk to watch him pull off. We stay tight on her face as she watches the van turn the corner. She starts blushing and then smiles as she turns around and starts walking to her door as we… CUT TO: INT. SYDNEY and MAX’S HOUSE The front door opens and in walks SYDNEY. He sets his keys down on the table and walks right into the living room. He doesn’t waste any time as he sits down on the couch and turns on the TV. He starts flipping through the channels and stops on the world news channel. There is small story about the Best Sellers list. SYDNEY turns up the volume and listens. ANCHORWOMAN And in no surprise for the Reclusive author Sydney Barstow, The latest book in the MIRANDA CHASE Series is still selling at record pace and Has yet to be dethroned from the top spot. Industry insiders are saying this trend will Probably stay this way for quite some time With what the Waterhouse Publishing Company is calling the next and final Book of the series the best. As sales continue to soar, many fans of The series are still asking the question, Who is Sydney Barstow and what Does he or she look like? The TV clicks off and we see SYDNEY smiling. SYDNEY I know who he is. BRIGETTE Hey I thought I heard someone Come home. BRIGETTE comes in from behind the couch and sits down next to SYDNEY. He quickly looks at the TV to make sure it is off. He hopes she didn’t hear what he said. SYDNEY Yeah just got in. Not too late thankfully.



BRIGETTE I know. I’m surprised you Didn’t have to work tonight. SYDNEY Yeah, I was supposed to But then my schedule was changed. BRIGETTE Well that’s good. So how did your thing with Masterson go? SYDNEY Not too bad. Not too good either. BRIGETTE She didn’t like it did she. SYDNEY No, said it was a piece of shit. BRIGETTE Was it? SYDNEY (laughs) Actually yes. CUT TO: ANGLE on BRIGETTE getting up and walking into over to a small wet bar sitting beside the TV. She pours herself a drink and then one for SYDNEY. SYDNEY Not too much. I’m not in The mood for scotch tonight. BRIGETTE pours some of his into her glass and then brings both glasses over and sits down next to him. BRIGETTE (sipping) So anything new happening with you? SYDNEY No. Nothing special.



BRIGETTE Nothing you want to tell me? SYDNEY Nope. Not really. BRIGETTE Listen I was thinking, if you’re free Tomorrow night, do you want to Go out with me? SYDNEY Actually, I do have plans Tomorrow night. BRIGETTE Really? What? SYDNEY I have a dinner date. BRIGETTE With who? SYDNEY Someone. BRIGETTE You’re not going to tell me Are you? SYDNEY Should I have to? BRIGETTE No, just wondering if you Would like to go out with me. SYDNEY Well if you’re free on Wednesday We could go and get some lunch. BRIGETTE Oh I’m sorry Jonathon. One time deal.



CUT TO: SYDNEY taking his drink and downing the little bit that was there. He thinks about what BRIGETTE has just said and does a double take and looks at her. She notices this and smiles warmly. The smile that means, I really like you and want something with you. SYDNEY Look Brigette…(beat) You’re a great girl, but I’m just not interested in you Like that. BRIGETTE Not even the slightest? SYDNEY No, I’m sorry. I think If we tried something it Would just make things weird. BRIGETTE How do you know? I’m a totally different person When I’m actually with someone. SYDNEY I just don’t think it’s a good Idea. BRIGETTE So you think it’s a bad idea To go out with me yet, you Spend god knows how many Hours with Masterson? SYDNEY What I do in my personal Time is nobody else’s business But my own. BRIGETTE I bet that is who you Are taking out tomorrow night Isn’t it?



SYDNEY It’s none of your business. BRIGETTE Whatever. Do what you want. SYDNEY Think what you want Brigette. You and I aren’t gonna happen, ever. Now, I’m off to bed. Gotta busy day Planned for tomorrow. So if you’re not Staying here on the couch tonight, please Lock up when you leave. Good night.



CUT TO: SYDNEY getting up and leaving BRIGETTE sitting there on the couch with her glass still half full of scotch. BRIGETTE scowls at him and then downs her glass when he turns his back to her. We stay on SYDNEY as he walks into the hallway and up the stairs into…. INT. OFFICE SYDNEY walks into his office and sits down at his desk and takes out his laptop from his bag. He opens it up and turns it on. He then gets up and grabs a couple cans of soda from his fridge and then sits back down again. He looks at his answering machine. The red light is blinking and the number is flashing 2. He opens up one of his sodas and pushes the play button. ANSWERING MACHINE Sydney, it’s Lacy. Hope everything is good with you. I know everything is great with me. I never properly thanked you for the other Afternoon, so I figured I would do it now. I hope you don’t think I’m desperate and That you don’t think I do this for everyone. I really don’t. I also don’t want you to think That this is going to be something that happens On a regular basis. SYDNEY C’mon Lacy get on with it. CUT TO:



Angle on SYDNEY opening up his document on the computer as the message continues to play over what he is doing. ANSWERING MACHINE Anyway, I just thought I would let you know that every thing Is in motion. We can’t stop now or else It will be just one big massive Explosion that will end very, very badly. I need you here in New York on the 12 th In order to make your announcement. That means that you need to have your first Draft with you so we can read it. You know the drill. Ok so if you have Any questions call me. In fact, call me Tomorrow in the a.m. to verify you got this. Anyway, talk to you tomorrow and see you on the 12th. The message ends and gets ready to go to the next one. SYDNEY checks his desk calendar and we angle on the calendar. SYDNEY That gives me two weeks to get My first part done. Talk about Crunch time. The next message starts up and we hear slight sobbing and then MIRANDA’S voice pipe up. This makes SYDNEY’S ears raise slightly and he turns to face the machine to listen. He is deeply worried. MIRANDA (answering machine) Jonathon, I’m sure you are probably Wondering why I called you and how I got your number… SYDNEY That would be a start. MIRANDA (answering machine) You’re number was listed in the Campus directory. I know it’s Probably not the smartest thing for Me to be doing right now, but for some



MIRANDA (Cont’d) (answering machine) reason, after one afternoon with you I feel like I can be myself and talk to you. I am sure you probably think I am being silly. Oh well… (pause more sobbing) I just thought I would tell you that I really enjoyed tonight and am Looking forward to tomorrow night. Shit, I don’t even know why I let Myself get involved with him. I feel Exactly like the Miranda in the books I read. Well I need to go to bed. I hope you get this. Good night. SYDNEY stares at the machine for a few seconds and then erases both messages. He takes another drink from his soda and then looks at the title on his screen. It still reads COLLEGE DESIRES: MIRANDA’S FINALE. He pushes a button on the computer and we see him now begin to type. CUT TO: C/U on computer screen and we see that the original title has now been erased. We follow the cursor to see a new title pop up on the screen with the clicking of the keys. It reads ONE LAST WISH. CUT TO: SYDNEY grinning approvingly and then pushes a couple more buttons as we cut back down to the computer screen again and as he starts his final story we stay on him for a few moments. He is startled as there is a knock on the door. SYDNEY Who is it? MAX It’s me and Abby. SYDNEY Come in. CUT TO:



Angle on door as MAX and ABIGAILE come walking into frame and sit down in front of SYDNEY they all kind of look at each other as SYDNEY still types feverishly on his laptop. He stops suddenly and looks at ABIGAILE who has a look of anger on her face. SYDNEY What’s the matter? ABIGAILE You tell me? SYDNEY Umm…I don’t know what You are talking about. ABIGAILE Really, so being an asshole Back there is something You don’t remember? MAX Now honey, calm down. ABIGAILE Calm down my ass. You had no right to pull That shit on her. SYDNEY Will one of you please Tell me what the hell You are talking about? MAX We just saw Brigette. She was Crying. She said you were A dick to her. Something about Not wanting her. ABIGAILE She said you yelled at her. SYDNEY Jesus Christ! (anger in tone) I did not yell at her.



ABIGAILE Then if you didn’t yell At her, what the hell did you do? MAX Not to add fuel to the fire Or anything, but I know that Sometimes you aren’t being a dick But to some people they think you are. It’s your tone of voice. SYDNEY No, that isn’t what happened. I got home and watched some of the news. I didn’t think anyone was here. She surprised me We talked and she poured me a drink. Then She asked how my meeting with Masterson Went. MAX How did that go? SYDNEY Basically, what I have is a piece of shit. ABIGAILE Off track here. Focus. SYDNEY Then she asked me out of the blue If I had plans and wanted to go out With her tomorrow night. (beat) I thought she just wanted to go and hang out, Turns out I was wrong. She wants something more. I simply told her, it would be too weird since we’re Too close of friends. Then she got an attitude With me and all I said was that we should just Stay friends and that her and I would never ever happen.



CUT TO: SYDNEY finishing his soda and then opening the other. ABIGAILE gets up and heads to the bookcase. She looks at the books and then back over to SYDNEY.



ABIGAILE Did you at least consider it? SYDNEY I did. But I told her I had Plans tomorrow night. MAX You do? SYDNEY Yes, I am going to meet Miranda for dinner and talk Some more about my paper. ABIGAILE Do you really think that’s wise? Did you tell Brigette that? MAX This wouldn’t qualify itself As a date would it? SYDNEY No, I don’t think so. ABIGAILE Did you tell Brigette that or not? SYDNEY No. She is way too nosy For her own good anymore And what I do in my personal Life is nobody else’s business. ABIGAILE Did you tell her that too? SYDNEY Yes. It’s about time someone did. MAX Now what the hell is that supposed to mean? SYDNEY Nothing. She just needs to grow up a little.



ABIGAILE Listen Syd, I have known you for 2 years. Not nearly as long as Max has, but long enough. I have known Brigette for longer than you. I know she really likes you. SYDNEY I know she does. I just don’t feel The same way about her. MAX This wouldn’t have anything to do with Masterson would it? SYDNEY I don’t know. Maybe. ABIGAILE Than you should be honest with her. Although, I don’t think you should Get yourself involved with your professor. It’s against the rules and you and her Could both get kicked out of school. SYDNEY I don’t know what is gonna happen. MAX Syd, you should probably talk to Brigette. SYDNEY I will in a few days. I have a lot Of work ahead of me. ABIGAILE How’s the final book coming? SYDNEY Just started on it tonight. Found out that I need to be in New York on the 12 th of this month. MAX So soon?



SYDNEY Need the first draft and gonna Make my announcement. ABIGAILE Well good luck. I’m off to bed. Sorry about The whole asshole thing. SYDNEY No worries. I will talk to her. MAX Do it soon. I heard she holds Grudges. SYDNEY Don’t worry. Things will be ok. CUT TO: INT. MIRANDA’S APARTMENT – NEXT NIGHT MIRANDA is feverishly trying to get ready to go. She walks out of her bedroom and into the bathroom and looks in the mirror. The red dress she has on is really accentuating her beautiful features. She puts her earrings on and then does one final take. She shakes her head in disgust and runs into the bedroom again. She comes back outside a few moments later in a beautiful black dress that flows down just below her knees. She heads back into the bathroom and looks at herself again. She smiles and then goes to fix her hair again. MIRANDA is really having trouble trying to figure out her look. Not too sexy, but not too casual. She gets out a brush when we hear… BUZZ! MIRANDA runs over to the intercom and presses the button to let SYDNEY in. MIRANDA It’s open. Come on up. MIRANDA runs back into the bathroom and finishes her hair. It looks marvelous. Red hair dangling just down below her shoulders. She then fights with her glasses. She looks at herself with them on and then takes them off. MIRANDA Why the hell am I getting So nervous?



MIRANDA walks out into her front room and looks around for SYDNEY. She doesn’t see him at all. She walks over to the peephole on the door and looks through. She doesn’t see him but she does hear him. She strains her neck to see further and then places her ear up to the door. SYDNEY (v/o in hallway) Sorry, ma’am. I was Looking for someone. Wrong door. No there is no need to call the police. No ma’am I am not with The prize patrol. I thought this was 12 B. Oh right. Sorry. No these are not For you. MIRANDA just giggles to herself and then looks through the peephole again. This time she is met with SYDNEY’S face. She is startled a little bit as he knocks on the door. MIRANDA opens it and is staring right at SYDNEY. CUT TO: Angle on door as it opens and SYDNEY is there. He is dressed rather casually with a nice blue button up shirt and khaki pants. He looks really attractive when he cleans himself up. We go back to the shot of MIRANDA and there is a look of awe on her face. SYDNEY Well…are you going To just stand there and invite me In or are you just going to stand There and gawk? MIRANDA Oh…please sorry, come in. MIRANDA shuts the door and turns and walks SYDNEY into the front room. MIRANDA Have a seat. Just give Me a moment and we can go. SYDNEY Sure. Oh before I forget, These are for you.



SYDNEY hands MIRANDA a small bouquet of flowers he had been holding behind his back at the front door. MIRANDA just smiles, not really knowing what to think entirely and takes them into the kitchen. SYDNEY is a little surprised when he notices that she doesn’t even thank him. MIRANDA So have trouble finding The place? SYDNEY Not really. But they should Really number these apartments Better. Your neighbor down the way Thought that I was there to give her a check. MIRANDA Oh that’s just Miss Jacobs. She is always waiting for them. Every time I see her she tells me That she is feeling like today will be The day. SYDNEY Really feisty that one. MIRANDA She’s just old. Now one minute and We can go. MIRANDA walks into her bathroom again leaving SYDNEY alone to peruse her apartment. He walks around her apartment and stares at her decorations. Exactly like he imagined. Smart and sophisticated yet warm and comforting. He then notices her bookshelf. He starts to browse her collection. He stops suddenly when he notices all of his books. At first SYDNEY is taken back by this. Then he smiles. He quickly turns around when he hears her come from behind him and out of the backroom and into frame. SYDNEY Well, shall we go? CUT TO: EXT. PARK – NIGHT BRIGETTE is walking down a pathway. She is bundled up and is carrying her back pack. She walks around the corner and then stops at a bench that is positioned overlooking a small pond.



She takes out a cigarette and lights it up as she stares at the pond. She is extremely hurt and angry. The snow that has just now started to fall seems to melt much quicker and produce steam as it hits her skin. She takes a couple drags off of her cigarette and then starts to cry. She quickly stops as she notices a familiar voice from around the corner. She gets up and begins to walk around the corner ending up right in front of… EXT. OUTSIDE ANTONIO’S – NIGHT She stops when she see’s SYDNEY and MIRANDA get out of his van and walk inside. She quickly walks over to one of the big glass windows and then quickly ducks when she see’s that they are being seated right in front of her. She ducks down behind a bush and when both of there backs are turned to her, she runs off crying more now as we zoom with the camera right into the window, through it and stop right in front of MIRANDA and SYDNEY in a panoramic view sitting down. INT. TABLE AT ANTONIO’S SYDNEY Wine? MIRANDA Sure. Are you old enough? SYDNEY Ha, ha. Very funny. Just bring us the 67 please. MIRANDA Wow. You don’t have to Go all out on a count of me you know. SYDNEY Hey it’s ok. It’s my treat. MIRANDA There is something I have been meaning To ask you and I really hope you don’t take This the wrong way. SYDNEY Shoot. I usually answer anything. As long as it is within reason. MIRANDA How can you (beat)



MIRANDA (Cont’d) How can you afford all of this? They must pay you pretty well At the store. SYDNEY The money question. Why is That always the first one to come Up on a date? MIRANDA I’m sorry I didn’t mean too.. SYDNEY It’s ok. If you must know I deal in soft-core pornography And sell cocaine on the side. CUT TO: C/U on MIRANDA’S face. She looks at him with a timid glance. SYDNEY I’m just kidding. Basically I have saved Just about every penny I earned. Not to mention money in a trust fund My parents set up for me. MIRANDA Must have been pretty big. SYDNEY My grandparents won the lottery. MIRANDA You know, you really need to learn That making jokes all the time isn’t As fun as it seems. SYDNEY Hey now, I’m being serious. MIRANDA Oh, sorry.



SYDNEY It’s ok. The waiter brings them the bottle of wine and pours them both a glass. He leaves them alone for a few more minutes. SYDNEY How about a toast. MIRANDA Ok, to what? SYDNEY Friends and family and My assignment getting a passing grade. MIRANDA Well I will agree with the first two But I don’t know about the last. SYDNEY That’s fine with me. WAITER Are you both ready to order? CUT TO: EXT. PARK WALKWAY – NIGHT SYDNEY and MIRANDA are walking down the walkway enjoying the night. The snow has stopped falling and the sidewalk is still lightly covered. MIRANDA has to keep stopping every once in a while to make sure no snow or water is getting into her heels. SYDNEY If you want to turn back we can. MIRANDA No it’s ok. I can survive. Besides, it’s a nice night. Thank you for dinner by the way. SYDNEY Your welcome. It was fun.



MIRANDA I have to say, I was extremely Nervous about this. SYDNEY I could tell. I was just as well. MIRANDA Funny, you seemed to hide it well. SYDNEY Trick of the trade. Barstow family secret. Never let anyone see something bother You until you are ready to let them know. MIRANDA Interesting. Who started that? SYDNEY I did. MIRANDA Do you always have to make Jokes? SYDNEY No. Do you always Have to ask questions? MIRANDA Touche. SYDNEY Are you feeling any better? MIRANDA I didn’t know there was something Wrong with me. SYDNEY Well judging from your Telephone call last night, You seemed pretty upset.



MIRANDA I honestly don’t know what I was thinking. I just needed To say a few things and you Seemed like the right person To say them too. SYDNEY Well I am deeply honored.



CUT TO: Two shot of MIRANDA and SYDNEY still walking down the path. They both stop and MIRANDA starts to rub her arms. She has a coat on already but it isn’t warm enough for her. SYDNEY notices this and takes off his coat. He places it around her shoulders. She looks at him for a few moments. They stare face to face. This is it. It’s going to happen this time. SYDNEY moves in slowly. He moves her hair back softly. She just stares at him. She has a twinkle of want in her eye. SYDNEY moves his hands up slowly and takes her glasses off. MIRANDA just looks at him wide eyed with wonder. SYDNEY You know something. You look just as beautiful With these things off as you Do with them on. With that MIRANDA moves in to SYDNEY’S face the rest of the way and their lips lock in a passionate kiss. SYDNEY places both of his hands lightly on her face. MIRANDA takes her glasses from his hands for a second as they stop and places them in the jacket pocket. SYDNEY kisses her again this time with more passion than he has ever kissed anyone before. He backs away slowly and opens his eyes. We go tight on MIRANDA’S face as her eyes stay closed for a couple seconds longer and then slowly open. She lightly bites her lower lip and a tear starts to roll down her cheek. SYDNEY slowly wipes it up. SYDNEY What’s the matter? MIRANDA I don’t know. (sobbing) This is wrong, but it Feels so right.



SYDNEY I’m not worried about anything At this moment. I’m staying Focused on right now. Not tomorrow Or the next day. Just you, right now. MIRANDA (sobbing) But we can’t. It’s against the rules. If someone found out, I could get fired. You could get kicked out of school. SYDNEY Shh. Stop. Don’t talk. Just enjoy it. MIRANDA I am enjoying it. I’m just scared. SYDNEY Scared of what? MIRANDA I told myself, no matter Whatever happened, I would Never ever get involved with a Student. SYDNEY Then don’t think of me as a Student. Think of me as a Mysterious stranger. MIRANDA If only it was that easy. SYDNEY Maybe this will help. SYDNEY moves in again and kisses her softly again. As he kisses we stay tight on them and then pan up to the sky to see snow falling down on them and we pan back down too…



EXT. OUTSIDE MIRANDA’S APARTMENT SYDNEY is walking MIRANDA up to her apartment doorstep again. The snow is still falling on them as they both stop. MIRANDA takes off SYDNEY’S jacket and hands it back to him. He puts it back on smiling and then kisses her softly on the cheek. MIRANDA smiles back at him. SYDNEY So, I saw all of your books Earlier. You must be a really Big fan of Sydney Barstow. MIRANDA Oh, I was hoping you wouldn’t Have brought that up. SYDNEY Hey, it’s ok. (hugs MIRANDA) I won’t tell your secret. MIRANDA You are so sweet. SYDNEY I try. So how many do you Have? MIRANDA All but the latest. I heard There weren’t going to be Anymore but then the news said That one more was going to come out. SYDNEY I heard it was a good one. MIRANDA Oh yeah? You read them too? SYDNEY I do read the paper from Time to time you know. MIRANDA I was just kidding. I don’t know when the



Next one comes out though. A friend mentioned it was Already out, but I haven’t found it yet. SYDNEY Well I bet you will find it soon. MIRANDA It would be nice. But not as nice As this. SYDNEY I know. (kisses her cheek) Tonight was fun. We should Do it again. MIRANDA We will. Trust me, we will. SYDNEY And your job? MIRANDA I’m not worried about it Right now. Just please, Don’t let me down. I don’t Know for sure what this is between us But please, don’t let me down. SYDNEY I will try my hardest. Just give me a little slack With class and for my paper And I will. MIRANDA As long as you get me the paper I asked for the other day in class You can pass. SYDNEY Done deal. But now, I need to get home. Paper to write.



MIRANDA You sure you don’t want to stay? SYDNEY Not tonight, I have a paper to write, remember? MIRANDA I know. Ok, then come over tomorrow? SYDNEY You got it. MIRANDA Ok then, good night and Thank you for a wonderful night. SYDNEY You my dear, are most welcome. CUT TO: SYDNEY and MIRANDA kissing passionately again. They pull away from each other and SYDNEY stands there as he watches MIRANDA enter her apartment building. He turns around and walks off camera. INT. BRIGETTE’S DORM ROOM BRIGETTE is lying on her bed sobbing. ABIGAILE is there next to her trying to comfort her. It isn’t working very well at all. ABIGAILE hands her another tissue. BRIGETTE (crying) Is it the way I look? ABIGAILE No honey, I don’t think your Looks have anything to do with It. BRIGETTE (still crying) Then do I smell funny or something? Why the hell doesn’t he want me? Why the hell does he want her?



ABIGAILE Oh honey, it’s ok. Don’t worry About it. He just isn’t interested in you. BRIGETTE BUT WHY?! ABIGAILE I don’t know. Jonathon is just (beat) he’s just Jonathon. BRIGETTE wipes her tears again and then looks directly at ABIGAILE with menacing eyes. BRIGETTE His name isn’t Jonathon. I know who he really is. ABIGAILE What are you talking about? BRIGETTE His name isn’t Jonathon. His name is Sydney…Sydney Barstow! ABIGAILE No it isn’t. BRIGETTE Yes it is. I know. I saw his office. ABIGAILE You what! BRIGETTE I broke into his office. I saw all of his books. ABIGAILE You have really done it this time. BRIGETTE He did it to himself. Running Around, living a lie. Writing Those disgusting books just to Get himself attention.



ABIGAILE Honey, calm down. You’re upset. BRIGETTE STOP TELLING ME TO FUCKING CALM DOWN! ABIGAILE gets up and walks towards the door in the room. She grabs her coat and puts it on. She turns back around to the camera. ABIGAILE Sydney was right. You do need to grow up Some more. BRIGETTE Well you and Sydney can Go and take a flying fucking leap Off a cliff. ABIGAILE Whatever. Just don’t say anything To anyone about this. For your sake And for his. When its time for Him to reveal it, he will. BRIGETTE Bull shit! He would rather Prance around and go ga-ga Over that snotty broad. ABIGAILE I’m out of here. When you Calm down, call me. Till then See you later. ABIGAILE walks out of the room and off camera as we hear the door shut behind her. BRIGETTE starts crying again and grabs another tissue as she lies back down on her bed. She looks out her window and up at the moon. BRIGETTE I’ll make things right. I’ll show her who he really is. Then it will be over and he Will be mine.



As she says that, she falls asleep and we zoom out to the moon and fade to white and right into the montage segment. MONTAGE SEQUENCE. Sweet music plays in the background. INT. SYDNEY’S OFFICE SYDNEY sitting behind his computer feverishly typing away. He is working on his story. MAX comes in and sets a brown envelope down on the desk and points to the address. SYDNEY stops typing and opens it up. He pulls out a check and jumps up and starts to dance. It is obviously a very big number. EXT. SKATING RINK MIRANDA is ice skating circles around SYDNEY who is trying to stay up on the ice. He tries madly to get a grip. He starts to fall and grasps for air like a cartoon character and then falls down hard. SYDNEY lies there for a bit and then climbs over to the boards and pulls himself up. MIRANDA skates over with a big grin on her face and then grabs his arm and tries to pull him out with her. SYDNEY doesn’t want to let go but reluctantly does. They get about ten feet as some little girl who skates perfectly pass them cuts them off making him lose his footing and pulls MIRANDA down to the ice with him. She falls on top of him and they both laugh then kiss. INT. SYDNEY’S OFFICE SYDNEY is this time reading what looks like a textbook and jotting some notes down. He then turns to his computer and starts typing his paper. He stops to read his book again and then he notices that the phone rings. He picks it up and smiles. He then slams it down and jumps up and runs off camera. EXT. ZOO – DAY SYDNEY is standing by a white fence looking at MIRANDA who is off camera. We pan around to see her crouched down feeding a small rabbit and then starts to pet it. She gets up and walks back over to SYDNEY and then kisses him on the cheek. She places the small bag of feed into his coat pocket and hugs him. Suddenly from off camera something rams into his backside. He turns around notices that a goat is head butting him, trying to get the bag of feed from his jacket. He tries to get it out of his pocket but the bag of feed just rips and some of it spills out on the ground. The goat keeps butting SYDNEY as MIRANDA laughs and then almost falls down as the goat and small pot bellied pig begin to chase him. LATER



SYDNEY and MIRANDA are having their photos taken with a small chimpanzee. The chimp is sitting on a stool and then all of a sudden jumps from the stool right into MIRANDA’S arms. She winces a little bit but then starts to laugh. SYDNEY moves into get close to the both of them for a perfect picture. Just as he does this, the chimp takes his arm out and pushes him away. SYDNEY tries again and this time hits him in the arm. SYDNEY grabs his arm and MIRANDA just hugs the chimp and laughs as the chimp then turns and kisses her on the cheek. INT. SYDNEY’S OFFICE SYDNEY is sitting looking more and more tired now. He is really putting the pace on now. His fingers are typing like mad. ABIGAILE comes in and brings him a sandwich. MAX follows shortly with a six pack of beer and tries to tempt SYDNEY to stop writing. SYDNEY just keeps typing trying not to laugh. MAX starts dancing around the office and SYDNEY sipping beer and gets really close to SYDNEY making funny faces. SYDNEY finishes his typing and grabs a beer from the pack, shakes it up and quickly opens it right in MAX’S face. It explodes, shooting beer every where. MAX looks stunned as ABIGAILE just starts laughing. SYDNEY reaches back down to his computer and pushes a couple of buttons. We see the printer right next start spitting out papers. ABIGAILE is still laughing at MAX but quickly stops when from off camera she sees something that somewhat frightens her. We quickly turn around to see that MAX and SYDNEY are both holding on to cans shaking them. They take off after her, out the door. INT. GROCERY STORE SYDNEY is monotonously scanning items. He is oblivious to his surroundings. He isn’t paying very much attention at all. He grabs a bottle of shampoo and scans it, then a can of coffee, followed by a tube of feminine lubricant, a box of condoms, can of whip cream, chocolate syrup and strawberries. He then looks up and sees MIRANDA smiling devilishly at him and then licking her lips at him. He blushes and then smiles. INT. BALLROOM SYDNEY and MIRANDA are slow dancing. The music in the background has changed from upbeat to slow and lovely. MIRANDA has her head resting on SYDNEY’S shoulders and he is holding on to her tightly. This is true love. He looks down at her and kisses the top of her head sweetly. She looks up into his eyes and then kisses him. We tilt down to there feet and then dissolve and find ourselves looking at… INT. BEDROOM Bits of clothes and shoes thrown about the floor. We stay on the floor and move slowly until we reach the foot of the bed. We TILT UP from the foot and we see MIRANDA sleeping softly and soundly with her head resting on SYDNEY’S T-shirt covered chest. He is wide-awake and is rubbing his hands on her arm and head softly. He looks over to the clock. 6:15 a.m. He bends his head down and kisses MIRANDA on the head again. She stirs and then wakes up slowly.



MIRANDA (groggy) Mmm…what time is it? SYDNEY Time for you to get up. You have class today. MIRANDA I don’t want to go. I want to stay here all day. SYDNEY (kissing MIRANDA’S Head) I do too. But I can’t. I have stuff to do today too. MIRANDA Oh yeah? Like what. SYDNEY I have a paper to finish. MIRANDA Is it almost done? SYDNEY Will be finished today. MIRANDA Good. Did you sleep well? SYDNEY Of course. Did you? MIRANDA I dreamt that you were in One of my books and you whisked Me away forever. It was wonderful. SYDNEY Speaking of books. I have something for you. MIRANDA Really?



SYDNEY gets up from the bed and walks off camera. MIRANDA gets up and walks into the bathroom. She comes out and sits on the side of the bed just as SYDNEY comes walking back into frame with a brown paper bag in his hands. He sits down on the edge of the bed facing her and pull an item out of the bag. SYDNEY I think you might Be needing these back. (hands her glasses) MIRANDA I have been looking for those. SYDNEY Left them in my pocket on Our first date. MIRANDA How sweet. Thank you. SYDNEY (reaches into bag) Plus I figured you will need them For this too. We stay tight on the two of them as SYDNEY pulls a book out of the bag and sets the bag aside. It isn’t just any book as we go close on it. It is his latest book. He hands it to MIRANDA. MIRANDA Oh my. Where did you find this? SYDNEY Made a couple of calls. Open it up. CUT TO: C/U of the book being opened and we see something written on the inside of the cover. MIRANDA (V/O) To Miranda, a mysterious Stranger sends his wishes. Sydney Barstow. (beat) Oh how did you ever manage



This? Nobody knows who This person is. How did you do It? SYDNEY Like I said I made some calls. MIRANDA (crying) This is the most romantic Thing anyone has ever done for me. I love it. I love you. SYDNEY (slightly shocked) You…love me? MIRANDA Yes, I love you. SYDNEY (overjoyed) I love you too. MIRANDA jumps over and tackles SYDNEY down to the bed and they start kissing. They start to get pretty hot and heavy but then the ring from a cell phone cuts them off. SYDNEY That’s my phone. MIRANDA (sarcastic) Impeccable timing. SYDNEY Go get ready for work. MIRANDA Ok, shower with me? SYDNEY Maybe, if you’re good. CUT TO:



MIRANDA setting her book down and walking back into the bathroom out of frame. SYDNEY grabs his phone from off the nightstand and flips it open. SYDNEY Hello. LUCY (V/O) Sydney. Is now a good time? SYDNEY No not really. Why? LUCY(V/O) Umm…tell me, have you seen The news at all this morning? SYDNEY No why? What is going on? LUCY(V/O) Well if you are near a TV turn it on and brace Yourself. SYDNEY Ok… (turns on TV) What am I looking for exactly? CUT TO: C/U of SYDNEY’S eyes as they go wide with astonishment. His jaw drops enormously and looks like it wants to go down further but it can’t. CUT TO: C/U angle of TV screen. We see numerous reporters, photographers and news vans sitting outside a house. We know exactly, without even having to have seen the outside of the house previously, that this is SYDNEY’S house. We hear a female anchor’s voice coming from the TV and see another female reporter standing in the center of the screen, waiting for her turn to speak. ANCHOR(V/O) Ladies and Gentlemen, once again If you are just joining us, we have Confirmed from an unknown source That the house you are looking at



Is in fact, reclusive best selling author Sydney Barstow’s house. This came To channel 4 news late last night And our own Melody Esparanza is on scene. Melody, what do you know so far? MELODY Thank you, Tina. As you have said, this is In fact the house of Sydney Barstow. A source closely related to Mr. Barstow Informed us, as you said last night. The source Is still an unidentifiable female. There are No reports yet, as to the whereabouts of Mr. Barstow, but we will keep you informed. TINA(V/O) Thank you. Please Stay tuned for up to date information And hopefully a glimpse of author Sydney Barstow. CUT TO: Tight ANGLE on SYDNEY who is still holding the phone to his ear. He is almost gasping for air. He is fighting to speak. SYDNEY You’ve got… (beat) to be fucking kidding me. LACY(V/O) Any idea how they might Have found out? SYDNEY No. Only Max and Abigaile Know and they wouldn’t say A word. LACY(V/O) Well shit this just throws A wrench into the gears. How soon can you get here?



SYDNEY I could leave tonight. Drive straight through. LACY(V/O) Perfect. Is the draft done? SYDNEY Yes. LACY(V/O) Marvelous. Get your things together. We’ll make the reservations for you. If you can make it home safely and quietly Go for it. Don’t speak to anybody. SYDNEY You got it. See you tonight.



SYDNEY hangs up his cell phone. He quickly gets up and starts putting on his clothes. He darts around the room grabbing his shoes and quickly puts them on. MIRANDA comes from out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. She sees SYDNEY. MIRANDA Jonathon, what on earth Are you doing? SYDNEY Something’s come up. I have To leave town for a few days. MIRANDA What? Why? Where to? SYDNEY I can’t say. I will call you when I get there. MIRANDA What the hell are you talking About?



SYDNEY Look. I can’t explain right now. Something has come up and I have To leave town. MIRANDA (confused) Please, just tell me what Is going on. SYDNEY slows down and walks over to her. He grabs her and wraps his arms around her. She looks into his eyes. She looks like she is about to cry. SYDNEY kisses her. SYDNEY Hey, hey. Calm down. Listen, I can’t explain. Everything is going to Be alright. Just trust me. (beat) Please. MIRANDA Ok… They hug and kiss once more and SYDNEY grabs his coat and heads out of her bedroom. He runs past the TV which is still on. MIRANDA’S gaze falls from the door to the TV as the news report kicks back in. She turns around and starts to walk into the bathroom again. ANCHOR If you’re just joining us, As we reported earlier this morning The house you are looking at now Is the house of reclusive author Sydney J. Barstow.



MIRANDA comes out right after that bit of dialogue and shuts off the TV. Completely oblivious to what was just said. INT. VAN SYDNEY is driving. He stops at a light and his cell phone rings. He picks it up and answers it. SYDNEY Hello.



MAX(V/O) Sydney. Where the hell Are you? SYDNEY On my way home. MAX That probably isn’t the Best idea. SYDNEY No shit. I have to go New York tonight. MAX Ok. What do you need? SYDNEY My suitcase packed. I don’t know how long I will be there. MAX Ok. We can do that. SYDNEY Good. Any chance one of you Could go with me? MAX Shit, we both can. Do you need your draft? SYDNEY Yeah. Just grab a suitcase And my laptop bag. MAX Ok. How do we do this? SYDNEY I will pull into the back. Be ready when you see the van.



MAX Ok. Any idea who might Have said something? SYDNEY No. None at all. MAX Ok see you in a few.



SYDNEY hangs up his phone and continues driving. We pull out through the window and stay with the van as it pulls around another corner. We continue with it until we reach… EXT. BACK OF HOUSE – MORNING From the last shot as the van turns the corner to the street of the house, we get a better look at the massive amounts of people standing outside. Hundreds of people are there waiting, snapping photos, just hoping to get a glimpse of SYDNEY. He drives around the block and we see from looking at the front of the house, that the van pulls up into the driveway in the back. We now go behind the house. SYDNEY is sitting in the van impatiently, hiding somewhat as to not be seen. Even though, nobody knows what he looks like, he is sure that they would be able to point it out. MAX and ABIGAILE can be seen coming from the back door carrying bags. They run up to the window that SYDNEY rolls down. MAX Hey, let me drive. I know A quicker way out of town. SYDNEY That’s fine. Let’s go. SYDNEY jumps from the driver’s seat into the back of the van on the nice little couch in the back. ABIGAILE jumps in and sits on the side seat as MAX jumps in and puts the car in gear. Just as he starts backing out of the driveway, we can hear someone scream in the background from the front of the yard. ANONYMOUS FEMALE HEY! SOMEONE IS LEAVING OUT THE BACK! The entire mob of people start rushing the back of the house and move straight towards the van. MAX’s eyes go wide with fear as he steps on the gas. The van backs right out into the street and does a 180. He puts it in drive and speeds off again down the road with some of the people still chasing after them.



INT. VAN SYDNEY is lying down on the couch. He doesn’t want to be seen by anyone. MAX has driven through a McDonalds Drive through and SYDNEY hands him some money. Just as they clear the drive through, he sits up and looks at ABIGAILE who is peeking out the back window. ABIGAILE So far so good. How you holding up? SYDNEY I’m friggin terrified. I had to leave Miranda Freaking out. ABIGAILE So that’s where you were Last night. SYDNEY Yeah, stayed there. MAX Syd, did you tell anyone? SYDNEY No. Nobody knows anything. ABIGAILE Are you absolutely positive? SYDNEY Jesus Christ! What is it with everyone? I didn’t say a god damned word to anyone! You two and Lacy are the only ones that Have known! Why don’t you Believe me? ABIGAILE Hey, I do believe you. I was Just wondering if you might Have slipped up since you have Been dating Miranda. That’s all. SYDNEY No. I would never do that.



MAX You do know you need to tell her. SYDNEY I was planning on it before all of this. Now it looks like I can’t hold it back Anymore. MAX They showed up at 3:30 this morning. Been there ever since. Fuckin’ crazy man. One asshole reporter tried to break in. SYDNEY Now you see what I was talking about when I said I wasn’t ready to let the world know. You think they are crazy now, Just wait till they find out when I say I’m done. SYDNEY goes quiet. He has the look of fear in his eyes. He doesn’t know what to do. He misses MIRANDA. ABIGAILE notices this and she sits next to him. She gives him a big hug. ABIGAILE Listen, everything Is going to be ok. We’re here for you. If she does truly love and Care about you than she won’t Freak out about it. She Should be more worried about your Safety. MAX She’s right. SYDNEY My safety? ABIGAILE Do you know how many Single attractive females were Out there this morning? I swear if they were to have seen you, You probably wouldn’t be much more



Than a puddle of goo. I don’t know how you do it But you seem to have a way with Women. SYDNEY Tell me about it. We stay tight on the van and start to zoom out. The van is travelling out of the city on the interstate. We stay like this until we start to hear the clicking of shoes as we go right into… INT. MIRANDA’S CLASSROOM MIRANDA is sitting at her desk at the bottom of the auditorium. She is grading papers again. She wipes her eyes. We can tell that she is deeply scared and concerned about SYDNEY. She doesn’t understand why. The clicking begins to get louder as we flash outside into the hallway. BRIGETTE is coming down the hall with a bag in her hands. She has an extremely smug look on her face. The look of someone who thinks they are about to get everything they wa nted. We follow her down the hall as she turns right into the classroom. MIRANDA looks up as she hears the clicking stop right in front of her. She looks up. MIRANDA May I help you? BRIGETTE Dr. Masteron. I’m Brigette Stanfield. A friend of Syd.. (catching herself) Jonathon Barstow. MIRANDA I know who you are Ms. Stanfield. You were In my class last semester. BRIGETTE That’s right. Good memory. MIRANDA I’m a professor, its my job. BRIGETTE Right. I’m sorry.



MIRANDA Ms. Stanfield, is there Something I can help you with. I’m extremely busy. BRIGETTE Actually, there is nothing I need your help with. There is something However, that I wanted to discuss with You. MIRANDA Well if you please. Make it quick. BRIGETTE Dr. have you wondered As to why Jonathon Has rarely shown up to class? MIRANDA That is none of your business. BRIGETTE Actually it is my business. Would you like to know why? (sets bag down on her desk) Well get ready for a ride honey (smiles evilly) because this will rock your world. We go tight on the bag and slowly zoom out to see MIRANDA’S face as she looks right at the bag. We stay on this for a moment as we… FADE TO: INT. HOTEL SUITE – NIGHT MAX is sitting at the table flipping through the channels on the TV. ABIGAILE is walking out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her head. SYDNEY is sitting on couch with his phone up to his ear. SYDNEY Come on Miranda. Pick up.



ANSWERING MACHINE (V/O) Hi, this is Miranda. I’m not available To take your call right now. Please Leave a number for me to reach you And I will call you back as soon as I can. Thank you. SYDNEY Damn it. I hope she’s ok. SYDNEY’S phone rings and he answers it. SYDNEY Hello. LACY(V/O) Did you get checked in ok? SYDNEY Yes thank you. Much nicer Than the last time. LACY(V/O) No problem. Listen Meet me here in my office tomorrow At around 9 in the morning. Have the draft with you. We will be setting up the call With the network. So don’t go Anywhere when you leave here. SYDNEY Don’t worry. I’m not planning On it. LACY(V/O) Still no idea who did it? SYDNEY Nope MAX(O/S) Holy Shit! Syd, get over here! SYDNEY Let me call you back.



LACY(V/O) Don’t worry about it. 9 tomorrow. SYDNEY hangs up his phone and heads over to the TV. MAX is turning up the volume and ABIGAILE is sitting next to him in shock. SYDNEY notices what is so shocking and just stares blankly. CUT TO: C/U of TV screen. An interview is taking place. A reporter is standing next to a familiar female. It’s BRIGETTE. REPORTER So explain to us how you Know Sydney? BRIGETTE I have known him for About a year and a half. REPORTER Any reason as to why He was hiding? BRIGETTE Nope. But if you ask me It’s probably because he is Embarrassed. If I was his age And a male, I would be embarrassed too. REPORTER So what can you tell us? BRIGETTE Well, I discovered what he was doing. He had been using his middle name, Jonathon, in school so he wouldn’t Draw attention to himself. REPORTER But how would people know That he was Sydney Barstow? BRIGETTE Because if you look in the campus



Directory, he is the only Barstow In there. Plus I have seen his office. All of his books are in there. REPORTER That still really doesn’t explain… BRIGETTE Listen it’s him. If you don’t Believe that he can write that well, Then ask his professor Dr. Miranda Masterson. SYDNEY’S face goes from blank to white. SYDNEY Please no. Please tell me you didn’t (cut off by TV) REPORTER We caught up with Dr. Masterson Earlier and this is what was said. CUT TO: C/U of TV screen again. This time showing a man with a microphone chasing after MIRANDA who is trying to cover her face. She is trying to get away from them, but it isn’t working. REPORTER Dr. Masterson. A word. Please. Can you comment? How long have you known Sydney? Did he tell you Who he was? (pause) If you were his teacher, why won’t You comment. (pause) Dr. Masterson, were you and are you still Romantically involved with Sydney Barstow? MIRANDA uncovers her face for a moment and just looks at the man. She starts crying and runs inside her apartment building. SYDNEY, MAX and ABIGAILE are all staring at the TV. SYDNEY jumps up and turns it off quickly.



SYDNEY Brigette, you heartless Bitch! ABIGAILE Don’t say that. You don’t know that she… MAX Honey, Syd’s right. SYDNEY I can’t believe she Would go behind my back Break into my office, then go to The news. I swear to god… ABIGAILE Calm down. Maybe we should Talk to her. SYDNEY Talk to her! Talk to her! (getting angry) You actually think now That I will want to talk to that Bitch again?! After the shit she just Pulled? Get it through your head! Because of Brigette, Miranda more than likely Just lost her job! God damnit! All because I turned the bitch down! MAX Abby, what she just Did was low. Even if she didn’t Know it was him. ABIGAILE But… MAX No. He has every right To be angry. Especially now. If Miranda Knows for sure. It’s over.



SYDNEY Fuck! I have to call her! (dials cell phone) Please pick up your phone. MAN’S VOICE(V/O) Hello? SYDNEY (confused) Hello? Is Miranda there? MAN’S VOICE(V/O) Maybe. Who wants to know? SYDNEY Who the hell is this? MAN’S VOICE(V/O) Steven. Who the hell is this? SYDNEY Jonathon. STEVEN(V/O) Oh you’re the asshole from TV. Thanks man. I owe you one. If it wasn’t for this little stunt, I would have lost her forever. SYDNEY What?! Let me talk to her. STEVEN(V/O) Face it dude, she doesn’t want To talk to you. She doesn’t want To see you. Do her a favor and drop Dead. SYDNEY Listen to me you asshole! If you don’t let me talk to her Right fucking now, I swear to Holy god that I will fucking…! (phone hangs up) Mother fucker!



SYDNEY(cont’d) Well…that’s it. It’s over… MAX and ABIGAILE stand up. SYDNEY walks over a couple of feet towards the balcony and opens the door. They just stare at him as he walks out and shuts the door. EXT. BALCONY – NIGHT SYDNEY is looking over the railing down at the cars below. We can see the rage and sadness in his face. He loses it. He starts to whimper and slowly sits himself down on one of the chairs on the balcony. He covers his eyes. The door behind him opens up and MAX and ABIGAILE come walking into frame. ABIGAILE walks over to him and hugs him again. She holds on to him tight. MAX stares for a second. He see’s the fear and sadness in his best friends eyes. He isn’t sure what to do. It kills him. He kneels down next to SYDNEY. SYDNEY looks up at him with tears in his eyes. There is a brotherhood moment and they hug for a second. MAX gets up and then walks inside. ABIGAILE gets up and looks at MAX who is inside now, putting on his coat and grabbing the keys to the van. ABIGAILE pats SYDNEY on the back and lets him know she will be right back. She goes to MAX who is almost out the door. ABIGAILE Where the hell do you Think you are going? MAX I can’t stand to see him Like this. Sydney is like My brother. I want to help him. ABIGAILE How? MAX Just stay here with him. Don’t worry about me. You take care of him and make sure He gets his shit done tomorrow. ABIGAILE (hugs and kisses Max) Please don’t do anything stupid. Be safe.



MAX Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. Call down to the concierge And see if you can have someone Bring him a pack of smokes. He will need them. Then call room service And order lots of beer And food. Don’t worry About the cost, its all charged To the company. ABIGAILE Ok. Call me. MAX You know I will. (he hugs and kisses her again) From the balcony we see MAX leave and ABIGAILE walking over to the phone. ABIGAILE Hi, this is suite 4779. Right the master. I need to see about getting A pack of cigarettes delivered here? Ok great. (hangs up and dials another number) Room service? Great. This is master Suite 4779. ABIGAILE finishes her order and then heads back out to the balcony to join SYDNEY who isn’t crying anymore. Just sad. ABIGAILE You gonna be ok? SYDNEY I fucked it up. I fucked it up badly Abby. ABIGAILE Shh…shh. If she loves You like you love her, Then she will come around.



SYDNEY I doubt it. I know when something Scares her in a relationship (beat) She goes back to her ex, Steven. It’s over. ABIGAILE hugs SYDNEY again and we stay tight on them. We cradle over the balcony as night turns to day and we are now looking at… ESTABLISHING SHOT – WATERHOUSE PUBLISHING BUILDING INT. LACY’S OFFICE LACY is sitting at her desk talking on her phone. She hears a knock at her door and hangs up. She yells for the knocker to come in. LACY It’s open. SYDNEY enters with ABIGAILE and LACY rushes over to him and gives him a big hug. She can see the toll this ordeal has taken on him. LACY Are you ok? SYDNEY No, not really. LACY I’m really sorry About all of this. If there was any way To… SYDNEY It’s not your fault. It’s mine. It wouldn’t Be like this if I would have just Came out sooner. (beat) This is my friend Abigaile.



ABIGAILE (holds out hand) Nice to meet you. LACY (shakes hand) Same to you. Go ahead and take a seat. SYDNEY and ABIGAILE sit in front of her desk and LACY sits as well. SYDNEY takes out his draft and sets it on the table. SYDNEY Here you go. LACY How much is done? SYDNEY It’s the draft of the whole Story. Done till you tell me What to fix. ABIGAILE It’s really, really good. LACY Oh so you have read it? ABIGAILE He lets me read them for Constructive critcism. LACY Does it help? ABIGAILE (smiling) Of course. LACY Perfect. I’ll get this Sent down to editing Immediately. Thank you Sydney.



SYDNEY My pleasure. LACY Now about the interview. I just got off the phone with The network. They want You at the studio for the Today Show At 6:30 tomorrow for a 7:30 interview. SYDNEY Ok. (sighs) I hope this is the right Thing. But what the hell I have nothing else left to Lose. LACY So it’s all set. Take today and try to enjoy Yourself. The public knows who You are. Try to enjoy what you can. Take your friend out and show Her the sights. In fact, take a limo on us. ABIGAILE Are you kidding me? We don’t need that. LACY Don’t mention it. Sydney has been great to us So we like to return the favor. SYDNEY Great, see you tomorrow then. They all get up and ABIGAILE and SYDNEY head for the door. LACY grabs SYDNEY’S arms and holds him back, keeping him from leaving. ABIGAILE notices this and stops. She looks at SYDNEY who gives her an approving look and she leaves.



LACY I know what you must be Going through. Losing Someone you loved. SYDNEY I know. It’s funny I never thought in My entire life would be a Subject from one of my books. LACY Well if you need anything Just call me. SYDNEY I will. Thank you Lacy, for everything (kisses cheek) LACY You are welcome. Now Go have some fun. SMALL MONTAGE SEQUENCE INT. VAN MAX is driving down the highway. He pulls over as we see in the rearview mirror that there is a cop flashing his lights at him. He hits the steering wheel with his fist as the officer walks up to the window. EXT. STATUE OF LIBERTY - DAY SYDNEY and ABIGAILE are standing on Ellis Island. They are looking up at Lady Liberty. They ask a couple walking by to take a picture of them standing there. They do and then the female asks him for his autograph. It has started. EXT. TIMES SQUARE - DAY SYDNEY and ABIGAILE are sitting at a table outside enjoying lunch. Another group of females come walking over to him and ask him for his autograph. One of them asks him for a photo and before he can say yes, the flash is seen and the woman is kissing him on the cheek. SYDNEY laughs as ABIGAILE points and laughs at him.



EXT. TOP OF EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - DAY SYDNEY and ABIGAILE are looking out from the observation deck. They are laughing and pointing. ABIGAILE pulls a coin from her pocket and gets ready to throw it over the edge. A security guard notices and takes it from her. SYDNEY laughs at her and they walk away. END MONTAGE EXT. CAMPUS DORMROOM - DAY The van pulls up into the parking lot and MAX gets out. He heads to the front door and walks in past a group of girls leaving. The door shuts and we go to… INT. DORM HALLWAY MAX walks down the hallway and checks the numbers on the doors. He goes up a flight of steps and comes out right in front of us. He keeps walking until he stops in front of a door labeled 233 BRIGETTE. He knocks. The door opens and BRIGETTE stands there smiling at him. MAX walks in. BRIGETTE Hey Max. What’s up? MAX Why don’t you tell me? BRIGETTE Tell you about…? MAX (cuts her off) Oh cut the bullshit Brigette! I saw you on the news last night. What did you tell them? BRIGETTE Everything the world needed to know. Who Sydney Barstow is. MAX How the hell could you Do that to him? Just because a guy wasn’t interested In you? That’s the lowest thing I have ever seen.



BRIGETTE Bull shit! It was his fault. If he wouldn’t have kept It a secret for so long Than it wouldn’t have ended like this. MAX That gives you no right To do what you did. Because of that, he has nothing. Not even Miranda. BRIGETTE Good. She knew the rules Though. She did it anyway. Not my problem. MAX How the fuck can you be So heartless?! BRIGETTE (annoyed) Heartless? Heartless?! I’m heartless for doing him A favor? She didn’t love him. She was Just using him. She didn’t care. MAX Exactly how you planned this Right? Getting back at him for turning you down Then telling the whole world something He was getting ready to do anyway? Making him lose the one thing he Cared more about than anything in The whole world? (beat) Some friend you are. BRIGETTE Say what you want. When this is over he will thank me.



MAX Brigette, do you honestly Believe that he will want You after all of this? Can You actually see him come Running to you? I don’t. Neither does Abigaile. BRIGETTE Well neither one of you Were any help anyway. Knowing his secret and not Telling me. MAX Because you didn’t need to know. Sydney was right. You do have a lot Of growing up to do. BRIGETTE Fuck you! MAX No, fuck you! (angry) Don’t even bother stopping By anymore. To the three of us You are nothing but the scum on the Bottom of shoe. A dirty, filthy Pain in the ass. BRIGETTE A pain in the ass who Made someone get what he deserved. MAX (really angry now, yelling) GOT WHAT HE DESERVED?! IF YOU CAN EXPLAIN TO ME HOW SYDNEY DESERVED ALL THIS THEN YOU BETTER SPEAK UP NOW! (calms down) Because if you can’t then It shows us and the entire world Exactly what kind of person you



MAX(cont’d) Really are. BRIGETTE And what is that (smirking) MAX A cold, heartless, worthless Backstabbing bitch! MAX leaves the room slamming the door. BRIGETTE just stands there looking shocked. She starts to cry. EXT. MIRANDA’S APARTMENT – DAY MAX comes driving around the corner in the van. He pulls up to the curb and checks the address. He gets out and then walks up to the front door. He looks on the board and starts pressing a couple buttons. He gets the wrong one on each try and then gets a response from the right one. INTERCOM(MIRANDA) Yes. MAX Professor Masterson? INTERCOM(MIRANDA) Yes. Who is this? MAX My name is Max. I’m a close Friend of Sydney. INTERCOM(MIRANDA) Go away Max. I don’t want To talk about him anymore. MAX Just please hear me out. INTERCOM(MIRANDA) No. Now please Just go away. I’m done With him.



We can hear sobbing come from the intercom now. MAX isn’t going to give up. MAX Just please. Give me Five minutes. INTERCOM(MIRANDA) I said no! (sobbing harder) Just leave me alone! I’ve already been humiliated and have Had to deal with being lied too So please just let me alone. MAX (angry) Fine. All I ask is that You watch his interview tomorrow. If you really want to know How he feels. Watch. You can see it in his eyes. INTERCOM(MIRANDA) Please just… MAX (cutting her off) Listen Miranda. I understand How you feel. He didn’t tell me Until last year. I was upset, but I accepted it. I knew it was something He enjoyed. Now I can see more Than ever how he felt about life And you. The past few weeks, he Has never been happier. Abigaile And I can see it in his eyes. All I ask is that you watch the interview Tomorrow. (pause) CUT TO: INT. MIRANDA’S APARTMENT MIRANDA is standing there in front of the intercom crying. We can see that she still loves SYDNEY but she is confused and hurt. She listens to rest of MAX’S speech.



INTERCOM(MAX) Even if you only watch for A few minutes. Just watch it. You can see how bad he feels. MIRANDA (crying) I don’t know. Just leave me alone. INTERCOM(MAX) Fine. Have it your way. We are back outside now as MAX looks up to one of the windows. He sees MIRANDA standing there looking out at him. She ducks back behind the curtain and he turns around and heads back to the van. INT. TELEVISION STUDIO SYDNEY is standing in the back of the studio sipping a cup of coffee. ABIGAILE is right behind him, trying to stay awake. LACY is there talking on a cell phone. SYDNEY is eyeing the studio personnel. A couple of the female assistants are looking at him and giggling. They must find him cute because when they notice he is looking at them, they quickly blush and walk away. SYDNEY finishes his coffee and tosses the cup in the trash. A sharply dressed man walks up to him. MAN Sydney? SYDNEY Yes. TONY Hi, I’m Tony, the P.A. SYDNEY P.A. ? TONY Production Assistant. SYDNEY Oh. Sorry. Not use to TV lingo.



TONY That’s ok. SYDNEY Ok good. TONY Right, we have about 5 minutes Before your segment. We need to fit your Microphone now. SYDNEY Ok Sure. A female walks up to him and clips a microphone on to the lapel of his shirt and a small receiver pack on to his belt. She turns it on and does a quick test. She gets the thumbs up from the sound man and backs away smiling. TONY Has it always been like this? SYDNEY Nope. Not since the other day. TONY I wish it would happen to me. SYDNEY (serious) Trust me. No you don’t. TONY Ok lets get you seated. ABIGAILE and LACY come up to him just before he sits down and both give him a big hug. ABIGAILE Knock em’ dead. LACY Break a leg. SYDNEY Guys, it’s not like I’m Acting.



TONY Ok we’re coming Back from break. When That camera there’s light Turns red, smile and wait For the questions. 10 minutes And you’re done. Got it? SYDNEY Yep. TONY Great. Let’s do it people. TONY walks off and we go behind a TV camera and look into the view finder. As we do this the color from the view-finder changes from monotone to color and we can see we are in a TV screen in… SIMULTANEOUS SHOTS 1. INT. BRIGETTE’S DORM ROOM BRIGETTE is waiting impatiently. She turns the volume up some and beams brightly. She can’t wait. 2. INT. CAMPUS COFFEE SHOP MIRANDA is sitting at a table reading the paper. She looks up when she hears the TV volume turn up and a couple of the patrons say that it’s on. CUSTOMER #1 Shh. Quiet everyone. It’s on. CUSTOMER #2 Hey. He said quiet. INT. TV STUDIO The interview starts. MATT Welcome back. As some of you Already know, two days ago Reclusive author Sydney Barstow’s Identity was revealed to the world



By someone who stated she was His close personal friend. It is my pleasure to give you now Sydney Barstow. Sydney, if I may call you Sydney, How are you today? SYDNEY (nervous) Fine. Yes you can call me Sydney. [NOTE: THE NEXT FOLLOWING SHOTS WILL ALTERNATE BETWEEN BRIGETTE’S ROOM, THE COFFEE SHOP WITH MIRANDA AND THE TV STUDIO.] MATT So, the first question on Everyone’s mind is, why The hiding? SYDNEY Well I guess I just felt That if the people knew That a 22 year old college student Whose male, no doubt, wrote these Sexy novels, they would just laugh. MATT But surely you’re not one Who cares what people think? SYDNEY No, that had nothing to do with it. MATT So then why do it? SYDNEY Well, I guess I just felt that Being young and in the spotlight Is a hard thing to have to deal with. The last thing I wanted to do was Deal with people claiming they knew Me and stories start popping up that are Completely untrue.



MATT But now it seems it has already happened. SYDNEY Unfortunately it has. It has hurt The ones I loved the most. INT. COFFEE SHOP MIRANDA is watching intently. She gets a red look on her face when she hears that. The interview continues. MATT Now, I want to talk to you About what you and your Company have been calling Your final book, but there Are a couple of other things I wanted to ask. What was your initial reaction To finding out that someone Close to you sold you out. Gave Away your secret? INT. BRIGETTES DORMROOM BRIGETTE smiles at first but then gets an angry and confused look on her face. She looks at the screen. SYDNEY Well when I first found out, I wasn’t even at home. Thankfully. MATT Where were you? SYDNEY I was with someone who is Extremely special to me. MATT Ok, so how did you feel? SYDNEY Shocked at first. And then It turned to anger.



SYDNEY(Cont’d) My publisher called and told Me to turn on the news. I did And saw a swarm of people outside of my House. Then my friends and I took off And came over here at the advice from My publisher. MATT Mmm hmm. Then what happened? SYDNEY Well we had just settled down in Our hotel room when my friend Max told me to watch something On TV. That was when I saw the person Who did this. She ruined everything. MATT Is that Ms. Brigette Stanfield? SYDNEY Yes it is. There was a reason Why I never included her in What I was doing. I didn’t trust her To begin with when I first met her. Felt she had a lot of growing up to do. MATT So then why did you tell her? SYDNEY (semi-angry) That’s the thing Matt. I didn’t. I have an office In my house where all of my books And notes and everything I have received From the company are kept. The only way she Could have found out, was by breaking in. I always kept it locked. I wasn’t ready to tell Her. MATT So have you talked to her?



SYDNEY No. I will never speak to her again. The friends I try to keep are good people. I made a mistake with this one. It’s a mistake I never want to make again. As far as I am Concerned Brigette Stanfield is a heartless Liar. C/U on BRIGETTE’S reaction. Tears immediately swell from her eyes. She gets up in a fit of rage and starts throwing clothes and breaking her things. She was just humiliated on national TV and she is extremely hurt. INT. TV STUDIO The interview is almost over. They are coming back from one more commercial break. SYDNEY is really nervous still, but he gets a thumbs up from the producers, ABIGAILE and LACY. The interview starts again. MATT If your just joining us We are here with Sydney Barstow. Now Sydney, one more thing before the book. Is it true, and according to Ms. Stanfield, That you and your professer Dr. Miranda Masterson Were romantically involved? ABIGAILE and LACY are caught off guard by the question. SYDNEY is stunned. He sits there looking at MATT with anger in his eyes. There is silence for a few seconds. MATT Sydney? Sydney is something Wrong. SYDNEY (angry) I hoped this subject wouldn’t come Up. MATT So it’s true. SYDNEY For the sake of professionalism On Dr. Masterson’s part. I really Don’t think we should talk about it.



INT. COFFEE SHOP MIRANDA is in stunned silence. Some of the customers who know who she is and recognize her, turn and look at her. She doesn’t care. She can’t believe this has come up either. She continues to watch in shock. MATT So you don’t really want to Discuss it then? SYDNEY It’s not that I don’t want to Discuss it, its that I shouldn’t Discuss it. MATT So are you completely denying This accusation? SYDNEY (fed up) Do you want to know the truth Matt? Do you really want to know What I think about everything that Has happened within the past Couple of days? MATT (caught off guard) I…I think it would help Clear things up. SYDNEY Fine. Ok, yes, I have been Romantically involved with Miranda. Yes she was my professor. But she is also A person. She was my initial inspiration for These novels. I never got the chance to tell her That. (beat) I had never met her before. Never been to her class. I had seen her on campus walking And thought she was the most beautiful creature I had ever laid my eyes upon. She became the drive. Her guidance in class helped me. She helped me. I may not have attended class as much as she



Would have liked, but I can tell you That the days I did, I could see the Character of Miranda Chase more clearly. (beat) Miranda Chase was never a lost soul. Just never understood where she fit in, Where she belonged. I saw that in Dr. Masterson. I knew I needed to continue. She kept me from Quitting early on. She didn’t know that. Now, that I haven’t been able to speak to her I haven’t been able to tell her thank you. I want to thank her for everything. I do feel extremely horrible that she may Have lost her job. I know I am to blame. But I do love her. I will always love her. No matter what happens when the final Book comes out and this is all over. I was her mysterious stranger and she Was my light. The light that kept me On the right path. I owe her everything. MIRANDA covers her mouth slightly. She keeps watching the TV. We see SYDNEY just sitting there. He looks beaten. Like he just lost the one game in his life he wanted to win. She sees this. She sees everything now. She starts to cry. Everyone in the café looks at her. She drops some money on the table and leaves quickly. INT. TV STUDIO The interview is over and SYDNEY is getting up from the chair. He takes the microphone off and is approached by MATT. MATT Thank you. I do feel Like I should apologize to you. SYDNEY (lightly) Matt, no you don’t. You were doing your job. You got it out of me. I should be thanking you. MATT Well just as well, I’m sorry.



SYDNEY (holding out hand) Don’t mention it. MATT (shakes it) Do you think, I could get you To sign a copy of the finished Product when it’s done for my wife? She loves the stuff. SYDNEY Sure. Not a problem. In fact, I will sign copy’s for Everyone here if they want one. Approvals come from all over as various people come over to him and shake his hand. MATT One more thing. I commend you. There aren’t very Many people in the world that have The drive that you have to stick with Something till it’s over. I think you handled Yourself extremely well. SYDNEY Thanks. SYDNEY walks over to ABIGAILE and LACY who are both in tears. He looks at them both and starts to laugh. ABIGAILE slugs him in the arm. LACY gives him a great big hug. LACY That was the most Beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. She is one lucky lady. ABIGAILE (hugging him sobbing) Now, I see why Max left. You really are special. SYDNEY Geez, it’s not like I’m dying. Let’s go. I want to take a nap.



ABIGAILE Sure thing. Let’s go tiger. LACY (cell phone rings) Hold on. That’s the office. (beat) This is Watergate. Yes. What? You have to be joking? Ok, I’ll tell him. Yes. Marvelous news. (beat) Editing called. SYDNEY And? ABIGAILE Sounds like good news. LACY I have to say this is a first for us. (overjoyed) They loved it! It was perfect! The ending! Everything! They Want to print it as is! SYDNEY You’re joking right? LACY No! This has never happened! Congratulations Sydney. Listen I need to go to the office To finalize everything. Stop by This afternoon. The last check will Be waiting for you. We will All want to say our good-byes. SYDNEY Ok. Great. Abby, lets go. I’m tired and hungry. ABIGAILE You got it Mr. Best Seller.



SYDNEY Please don’t call me that. INT. HOTEL SUITE – NIGHT ABIGAILE and SYDNEY are sharing a bottle of champagne. They are talking and laughing. Just having a good time. Like they just won the big game. They start dancing around with each other and then both sit down. ABIGAILE turns serious. ABIGAILE So now what are you Gonna do? Miranda lost her Job. She hasn’t called you. You can’t go back to school. What now? SYDNEY I don’t know. I’m thinking About taking a vacation. In fact, all of us taking a vacation. ABIGAILE Are you going to talk to her At all? SYDNEY I want to. I just don’t know When the right time would be. Even if she doesn’t want me back I just want to apologize face to face. ABIGAILE Are you afraid that she may Not take you back? SYDNEY (upset) Honestly, yes. But I can’t Say that I don’t blame her. I lied to her. If I would Have told her from the start It wouldn’t have been like this. Shit, even if I would have told Brigette, things wouldn’t be as bad.



ABIGAILE True. But I could see that You were happier with Miranda. Brigette isn’t for you. She never was. Miranda is who you need. SYDNEY I feel that way too. But Its all up in the air now. Who knows, maybe when we get home Tomorrow, things will all be better. (beat and slight laughter) Maybe she will be waiting for Me at the doorstep. Waiting for me To whisk her up in my arms and take Her on a vacation. ABIGAILE I am so glad you stopped writing Those books. You’re starting to Turn into one. SYDNEY (laughs) Gee thanks ass. ABIGAILE So where do you want to go On vacation? SYDNEY Somewhere warm. ABIGAILE Jamaica? SYDNEY More like a cruise. ABIGAILE I hope Max and I are involved. SYDNEY Of course. I wouldn’t have It any other way.



ABIGAILE So exactly how are we getting back Home tomorrow? SYDNEY Waterhouse is providing Us with a rental car. We leave Early in the morning. I want to Try and get back before too late. So get some rest. Long drive tomorrow. ABIGAILE Ok. SYDNEY gets up from the table and walks out to the balcony. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cell phone and cigarette. He lights the cigarette and looks at his phone. CUT TO: C/U of phones screen. We see him scrolling through the numbers until he stops at MIRANDA’S. SYDNEY thinks for a moment about calling the number. He closes the phone and puts it back into his pocket and continues smoking his cigarette. EXT. SYDNEY’S HOUSE – EVENING The rental car with SYDNEY and ABIGAILE pulls around the corner and up to the curb in front of the house. MAX is sitting on the porch. He doesn’t look very happy. In fact he looks sad. Something isn’t right. ABIGAILE notices first and quickly gets out of the car. SYDNEY doesn’t think about anything at first. He just looks at them through the windshield. He sees ABIGAILE start crying and then hug MAX. SYDNEY steps out of the car and looks at MAX who is comforting ABIGAILE. He shuts the door quickly and then runs over. MAX is extremely sad. MAX I…I tried to call you Both this morning. But Couldn’t reach you. SYDNEY My phone was off. What happened? ABIGAILE It’s…It’s…



MAX It’s Brigitte. Sometime last night she… We zoom out slowly as he tells SYDNEY. We don’t hear what happened but we can tell. We stay on the three of them as they all hug one another and cut to… EXT. FUNERAL HOME – DAY Cars are lined up outside. People are walking inside. We see SYDNEY, MAX and ABIGAILE slowly walking in wearing black. INT. FUNERAL HOME – SERVICE We are tight on a bouquet of white roses sitting on top of a casket. There is also a small, framed picture of BRIGETTE. We hear a typical hymnal song playing and cut to a shot of MAX, ABIGAILE and SYDNEY standing next to each other in the pews. The song ends and the preacher steps up to the podium. PREACHER Thank you and amen. Now a friend of Brigette Mr. Sydney Barstow has few things To say. SYDNEY gets out from the pew and makes his way up to the podium. He walks in front of and past the camera as we see a couple who is looking at him in anger. It’s BRIGITTE’S parents. SYDNEY walks up to the podium to speak. SYDNEY Thank you father. I know there really isn’t Much that I can say. First, I would like send my deepest Condolences to Brigette’s family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. (beat and gaining some composure) I am sure that after my interview a few weeks Ago, most of you are wondering why I am Even up here. I’m sure that most Of you think I’m just doing this for publicity. Now even though I may have said some Pretty cruel things about Brigette, that doesn’t Mean that I would have asked this or even wanted This to happen. I know that deep in her heart She would have been able to forgive me over time.



SYDNEY(Cont’d) I know that some of you here now Are not too fond of me… (pause) As he is speaking we interchange shots of the attendees and then stop on MIRANDA who is sitting in the back unnoticed. She is just watching him. She is showing no emotion at all. SYDNEY doesn’t notice her at all. SYDNEY With that being said, I would just Like to say that even though there Were things said and done in the past I have moved on and I am greatly saddened By the loss of a remarkable individual. Thank you. SYDNEY leaves the podium and walks past the stares and sits down next to MAX and ABIGAILE. EXT. CEMETARY - DAY We open on the casket getting lowered into the ground. Music is playing in the background as we see more tears and sadness. ABIGAILE is holding on to MAX and is wiping away tears. MAX is extremely sad. He is holding his emotions extremely well but we can tell he is hurt. SYDNEY is just standing there. Emotions circling around in his stomach and brain. He doesn’t know if he should feel terrible. He does a quick glance over to BRIGETTE’S parents who are staring at him menacingly. The casket is lowered and everyone starts to disperse. MAX and ABIGAILE start walking towards the car. SYDNEY walks slowly behind them but is stopped by BRIGETTE’S parents. SYDNEY Mr. and Mrs. Stanfield. I don’t know what to say Other than I’m sor… (Mrs. Stanfield slaps him hard in the face) MRS. STANFIELD Don’t you dare apologize to me! (sobbing) You should be apologizing to her, not me! SYDNEY (rubs face) What am I supposed to say?



MRS. STANFIELD (slaps him again) SAY YOUR SORRY! Everyone stops and looks to see what is going on. SYDNEY looks over to MAX and ABIGAILE. ABIGAILE looks at him with apologetic eyes. MAX just lowers his head. SYDNEY (almost in tears) I…I’m sorry. I don’t know what more to say. MR. STANFIELD The things you said. You made her Do this. You made her slit her wrists. You killed her. Not physically, but mentally. I don’t know how you can live with yourself You sick son of a bitch. SYDNEY None of this would have happened If she would have kept her mouth Shut. I feel bad for what she did. But she killed herself. I am sad that She is not around, but I am not sad For what she did. I’m just sorry. MRS. STANFIELD Maybe all that money you Made will help you buy a new heart. You are a sick sad lonely little boy. The angry and deeply grieving couple walk off camera leaving SYDNEY standing there alone. Everyone else has turned away and walked off. Except for MAX and ABIGAILE. They both walk slowly over to him and ABIGAILE hugs him. SYDNEY starts crying. SYDNEY (crying) I…I…didn’t mean For her to do that. Those Weren’t my intentions. I just want you to know that. ABIGAILE Shh…we do.



MAX It wasn’t your fault you know That. It wasn’t anyone’s fault than Her own. She made the choice. SYDNEY But I didn’t want it To be like this. First Miranda Now Brigette. I just don’t know About anything anymore. ABIGAILE Come on honey. Lets Get you back to the car and home. SYDNEY No, I think I need to be alone. I will catch a cab home. ABIGAILE Ok. Call us if you get stuck. MAX Syd, please, dear god Don’t do anything stupid. SYDNEY I wont. MAX and ABIGAILE walk to there car up the path leaving SYDNEY standing there by himself. He looks back over to the gravesite and then walks the opposite direction down a small path. EXT. CEMETARY PATH – DAY SYDNEY keeps walking down the path. He keeps his head down. He isn’t crying anymore. He doesn’t feel anything at the moment. All he wants is a cigarette. So he takes one out and lights it up. SYDNEY (taking a puff) Filthiest fucking habit in the world But right now, you are all I have. Behind SYDNEY we see a set of legs in stockings and heels. They start walking slowly towards him. We slowly raise up to see the red hair of MIRANDA. She is walking up to him slowly. We



move around to see her face and she is walking intently, hands in he coat pockets. She stops behind SYDNEY. MIRANDA So, first you lie to me. And now you smoke? Is there anything else I need to know about you? SYDNEY turns around quickly and sees her. His reactions are mixed. He doesn’t know whether to run to her or just stand there. SYDNEY I suppose you’re here To ridicule me some more Then? MIRANDA (coldly) No, I think you have done That enough yourself. SYDNEY Right. Thanks for the Information. I will have To remember to file that one Under the pathetic excuse. MIRANDA walks closer to him and they just stare at each other. We can see there is still some tension there. This is the first time they have seen each other since the last morning the spent together. It is completely awkward. MIRANDA I’m not here to start a fight. I came here because I think We need to talk. SYDNEY I think you’re right. MIRANDA I only have a few questions To ask you and I want you To be completely honest with me. Got it?



SYDNEY (nodding) Got it. MIRANDA Why did you keep everything from me? Were you too embarrassed I would find out? SYDNEY It had nothing to do with embarrassment. MIRANDA So why didn’t you just tell me? SYDNEY I seem to remember you saying That the people who write the books I was writing, are people with no talent. People who have no conception or grasp On what real love is. Only portraying what They think they know about love. MIRANDA And you believed me? SYDNEY At the time yes. MIRANDA So what made you change your mind? SYDNEY The second I fell in love with you. The wind picks up and the two of them stand in silence looking at each other. It takes a moment for SYDNEY to muster up the courage to say what he knows he has to say. SYDNEY Miranda, you have to believe me When I say I never wanted it to Be like this. I had every intention On telling you sooner. I just didn’t Know how to do it. MIRANDA So then why did you lie to me?



SYDNEY I didn’t lie to you. Not once. When you asked me what I did In my free time, I told you I liked to Write. It kept me on track with my Life. Even though I didn’t get out much I still did it. It was fun for me. Until I started Finding out that everything around me was Going to hell. That was when I wanted to stop. (beat) Then the day I asked you for help, When you said you would help me I decided to call it quits. I wanted To focus my attention on school And you. MIRANDA So you had these feelings About me before you knew me? SYDNEY Yes, I said it in the interview. You were my inspiration. The first Time I laid my eyes on you the first Day of school 2 years ago, I knew You were it. You were Miranda Chase. MIRANDA This is just too weird. I don’t know what to think. SYDNEY I don’t really know much more To say. Other than I’m sorry and I Still love you… (takes deep breath) But, if you don’t want to have Anything to do with me, I understand. If you want to stay mad at me forever I understand. Even if you feel the need To be with Steven instead of me, I understand. MIRANDA I called it quits with Steven. I was tired of being his pawn.



SYDNEY Well at least there is some Good news for today. MIRANDA In part, I owe thanks to you. If it hadn’t been for you and your Books. I would be in even more pain. SYDNEY You are welcome. (beat) Sorry about your job. MIRANDA Sorry about what? SYDNEY Didn’t you get fired? MIRANDA No I was suspended. I decided to take a sabbatical Anyway to clear things up. What about you? SYDNEY Expelled. Seems Brigette Decided to tell the dean that It was me who came on to you And that I had lured you into the Relationship. There was nothing else. MIRANDA God, I’m so sorry. SYDNEY So am I. But we both knew What we were getting into when we started This. (beat) So what happens now? MIRANDA Now? Now I need some time To think. I can’t just forgive you



Like that. I have to really Take time to think about everything That has happened the last few weeks. What you did, isn’t the easiest Thing to throw away. SYDNEY I understand. I’m sure Steven is loving this. MIRANDA Not any more. I called it Quits. I was tired of being in The palm of his hand. I owe you some thanks On that one. You and your books Really helped me. SYDNEY Well you’re welcome. MIRANDA Listen Sydney, or Jonathon. SYDNEY Call me Sydney. MIRANDA Give me some time. Don’t Expect anything. Just give me My space for now. SYDNEY Fine. I just have one Thing I want to know. (beat) Do you still love me? MIRANDA stands there in silence. She looks at him. She doesn’t know what to say. We know that she still does. She just can’t bring herself up the courage to answer that. She is still so confused. SYDNEY pulls something out of his coat pocket. It is wrapped in brown paper with a piece of twine. He holds it up to her.



SYDNEY If you don’t want to answer Me that is fine. I just thought You might like to have this. (hands her package) I was going to leave it next to your Door, but since you’re here now Might as well have it. MIRANDA What is it? SYDNEY Open it. When you Are ready to answer me, You know where I will be. SYDNEY turns around and walks away. MIRANDA stands there looking at him confusingly. She looks down at the package. CUT TO: C/U on package. MIRANDA’S hands start to open it. The paper starts coming off and we see what it is. It is SYDNEY’S final book. On the cover is the same female that looks exactly like MIRANDA. No this time, it is her. She is standing in front of a building. It looks like she is crying. The building looks exactly like the entrance to her apartment. In the foreground, a man that looks exactly like SYDNEY is walking away from her with his head down. Down below the picture is the title. It reads: ONE LAST WISH by SYDNEY J. BARSTOW. Back on MIRANDA now as she opens up the cover. On the inside of the cover is writing in black marker. This is what it says. [NOTE: THIS IS WHAT IS WRITTEN AND IS V/O BY SYDNEY WHEN HE WROTE IT] SYDNEY(V/O) My dearest Miranda, I know that there is nothing I Can do or say to fix things completely. I have taking something from you that I may never get back. I just thought you Should know that I am truly sorry from The bottom of my heart and no matter What happens I will always love my Miranda Chase. For what’s it is worth I would not have changed one single Minute or hour with you ever in my whole



Life and will cherish everything you Have helped me become. With all of my heart, Sydney J. Barstow your Mysterious stranger.



CUT TO: Tight on MIRANDA’S face as she is reading. Tears start to roll from her eyes. She looks up to see SYDNEY now deep in the distance, walking down the road with his head hanging down. We switch back and forth between the two of them and finally stay with SYDNEY as he gets into a taxi he just hailed. We start to hear beeping now as we cut to… INT. GROCERY STORE 2 WEEKS LATER pops up on the screen. SYDNEY is standing in the checkout lane. He no longer works at the grocery store he is now purchasing items from. He stands there and waits as the new young cute female clerk blows bubbles with her bubble gum and scans his items. She looks at him every once and a while and gives a slight smile. She then comes across a peculiar item. It is his last book. The clerk looks down at it and then back up to him. She gives a small laugh and then scans it. SYDNEY Is something wrong? CLERK No. Funny, this guy Looks exactly like you. SYDNEY Well that’s because it Is me. CLERK I know that. Just didn’t figure You would be buying your own book. Don’t they give you free copies and stuff? SYDNEY (smiling and handing her money) Yes, but I gave my last copy away. The clerk just flashes him an annoying smile as he takes his bags. He walks out the double doors and towards his new parked car.



EXT. PARKING LOT – NIGHT SYDNEY puts one of his bags in the other hand and tries to dig out his keys. He gets them out finally and looks up towards his car. He stops dead in his tracks. There we see in the distance, right in front of his car is MIRANDA. She is waiting for him. He picks up the pace a little bit and reaches her. SYDNEY What are you…? MIRANDA (cut’s him off) Don’t speak. MIRANDA rushes him and kisses him fiercely with passion from the depths of one’s soul. It is a marvelous kiss. SYDNEY and MIRANDA are both lost in a daze. MIRANDA backs away and looks deep into his eyes again. MIRANDA I love you. SYDNEY I…I love you too. MIRANDA (overcome with joy, she starts crying) I read your book. Everything you Described was exactly like everything We have been through. Now I know Exactly why you did what you did. I just want to say I’m sorry and I love.. SYDNEY Shh…don’t speak. (kisses her again) You know, tenacity can be a powerful Ally. MIRANDA And my worst enemy. We cradle up on them slightly as they kiss again. We then hear SYDNEY’S voice pipe in above the music. SYDNEY(V/O) I need a vacation.



MIRANDA What did you have in mind? SYDNEY Somewhere warm. Like a cruise. We cradle up to the sky and see an airplane flying high above us. We zoom in on the airplane as we wipe right into the next scene. INT. AIRPLANE CABIN SYDNEY and MIRANDA are nestled next to each other. They are in first class. MIRANDA is asleep as a flight attendant asks if they need anything. FLIGHT ATTENDANT Can I get you anything? SYDNEY No. we’re fine thank you. The flight attendant walks down the aisle and MIRANDA starts to wake up. She looks around and kisses SYDNEY on the neck. SYDNEY smiles. MIRANDA (groggy) Next stop, the Bahamas. SYDNEY Yep. MIRANDA Did I ever tell you That it came true? SYDNEY What came true? MIRANDA My one last wish. SYDNEY Like my book? MIRANDA Yes.



SYDNEY Then why didn’t you tell me? MIRANDA Because if I would have Told you, it would not have come Through. The plane bumps hard from turbulence and startles them a little bit. MIRANDA sits up and leans over and kisses SYDNEY and the plane bumps again. SYDNEY So it was a good wish? MIRANDA (smiling) The best. The plane starts to bump harder and more rapidly from the turbulence. We go tight on the empty glass of champagne that is sitting on the fold down table. It rocks for a second and then falls off. We stay tight on the champagne glass and go into slow motion just as it hits the floor and shatters. As soon as that happens we fade to white… TV SCREEN C/U view of a TV screen. A female anchor is talking. ANCHOR If you have just joined us We are now getting confirmed reports From the FAA and DULLES That flight 2334 headed to the Bahamas Has went down into the pacific. No word Yet from the coast guard as to any survivors But as stated earlier, this has not been confirmed. From what we have been told by the FAA Is that the last transmission from the cockpit Was referring to massive turbulence and loss Of cabin pressure. The plane disappeared from radar Shortly after that transmission. (beat) Sadly, what we do know is that famed author Sydney J. Barstow was one of the passengers On the flight….



As she continues talking we zoom out from the TV screen and see MAX and ABIGAILE both hugging each other and kneeling on the floor crying. We stay like this for a few moments as we slowly fade to black. END. ROLL CREDITS.