To all of my past readers and fans: The story was recently removed because someone reported me due to my formatting. I'm just going to say that I'm not changing my writing style. If anyone has a problem with it, I'm sorry. I was writing this as a teleplay to give to the CW but FOX beat me to it (darn). So, I'm posting one last time if it gets taken down again...
Opening Scene (Black Screen, A hard rain in the Background, Heavy footsteps approach, A gun shot rings out and simultaneously a woman screams)
Bruce jolts awake, breathing hard and sweating profusely. He glances at his clock, sighs (it's four in the morning), tosses back his cover and hops out of bed. Cuts to Bruce running outside, the sun rising behind him, he stops takes a breath and continues to run to the house.
He enters the house, walks into the kitchen where Alfred is preparing breakfast…
Alfred: Decided to take an early run this morning, master Wayne?
Bruce: (Drinking water) Yes. It looked nice out.
Alfred: Well to me it looked dark out. Master Wayne, if you are experiencing those nightmares again, I think it would be best for you to visit with Dr. Harper. She—
Bruce: I am fine Alfred. I don't need to see a psychiatrist about some dream.
Alfred: (sighing deeply) If you say so master Wayne.
Bruce: I do. Now I'm going to get ready for school.
Bruce pulls up to school in an extravagant town car. The door opens. Bruce slowly swings his legs out of the vehicle, a sly smile on his face, as he fully emerges from the car. His eyes scan the ground and he spots a group of girls huddled together, giggling and whispering. Trying and failing not to ogle him out right.
His feral grin widens and he smoothly walks over to the girls.
Bruce: Good morning ladies. The most pleasant way to start the year is by seeing faces of angels. (He bows with great flourish. They giggle incessantly.)
Oliver Queen, Bruce's best friend, approaches the group.
Oliver: Preying on the young and innocent freshman already Bruce? (Oliver walks over to Bruce. Sunglasses pushed high on his nose, his school jacket is open, and the top few buttons of his shirt is open) Good morning girls.
Girls in unison: Good Morning Oliver.
Oliver: Could you be dolls and grab me and my friend here some coffee? (Pulls a fifty from his pocket) and maybe you can grab yourselves some and it can turn into a morning party. (The girls smile brightly, taking the money from him and rushes away, turning back and stealing glances at the two boys. Oliver makes his way to a stone table. Sitting down he drops his head on the table. Bruce follows.)
Bruce: Nursing a headache?
Oliver (Voice muffled by the table): A hangover.
Bruce (leaning against the table hands in pocket): I didn't know that you still got those.
Oliver: Normally I don't. But last night the party was far more…decadent than that of my normal scene.
Bruce (grinning): So you did go to that burlesque club?
Oliver: I was afraid that I would never leave. I think I found my new home. (He groans) If I survive this hangover. How do people do it?
Bruce: Maybe they're made of stronger stuff than you are my friend?
Oliver (lifting his head): I would like to test that theory. (He looks around, eyes landing on a strawberry blonde making her way across the quad) God must be angry with me (He mutters)
Bruce (laughs): What makes you say that?
Oliver (head jerking towards the blonde): That. (Bruce looks towards the blonde. She makes confident strides to them and stops just short of the table, her hands folded beneath her chest. Her friends strategically placed behind her)
Pamela: Good morning Bruce, I missed you at my 'End of summer party yesterday.
Bruce: My sincerest apologies Pamela. I was engaged in other activities.
Oliver (lifts his head from table): I just didn't want to go.
Pamela (rolling her eyes): I don't believe that I invited you Oliver. Or that I was speaking to you for that matter.
Oliver: Listen Pam, I would love to indulge you in your pathetic attempt at flirting with me but right now I am nursing the world's largest hangover because I actually celebrated the end of summer, the right way. So if you could just scurry on back to the pits of hell from which you've escaped. (He makes shooing actions with his hands.)
Pamela (a scowl crosses her face as she glares at Oliver. She quickly composes herself and looks to Bruce): I'm actually having a welcome back mixer at the end of the week. (She steps closer to Bruce, looking at him seductively) It would mean a lot to me if you came.
Oliver (raises his head weakly): It would mean a lot to me if you left.
Pamela (an annoyed looks crosses her face. She refocuses on Bruce. She lifts a hand and strokes his upper arm): Please.
Bruce (A devilish smile takes hold of his face as he lifts an arm to push her hair back from her face): I would be honored…to attend to your…mixer.
Girls arrive with the coffee. The one with Bruce's clears her throat, interrupting Pamela.
Girl #1 (meekly and not meeting his eyes): Um…here's your…um…coffee. (She thrusts one coffee towards him, Pamela spots the other one that's in her hand and takes it.)
Pamela: Thank you so much for the coffee freshman. (She turns back to Bruce) I'll see you around. (She turns to Oliver) Rift raft.
Oliver: Always a pleasure, Pammie.
She walks off, purposely swinging her hips in a seductive dance. Bruce watches with minimal interest, taking a sip of his coffee. He hands it to the girl that brought it to him.
Bruce: She took your coffee right? (The girl nods, star struck) I only needed a little. (She takes the coffee her face burning bright red.)
Oliver: Oh God, Pam really makes my day. (He says sarcastically. He turns to the girls) But you girls aren't like her are you? (They shake their heads) Oh wonderful! Come girls. Let me show you the best parts of the school. Coming Bruce?
Bruce spots a girl, her face buried in her schedule, her long brown hair cascading over her shoulder, lightly blowing in the wind. She looks around, confused.
Bruce: No, I see a new student who is in desperate need of my attention.
Oliver: Suit yourself. Come ladies. So tell me, are any of you a gymnast? (Girls giggle)
Bruce walks over to the girl, looking her up and down. A slow smile spreads over his face. He stops close behind her, she hasn't noticed him yet.
Bruce: No need to fear, your prince has arrived. Now tell me fair maiden, in what way can I assist you?
The girl faces and glares at Bruce. She looks him up and down, scoffs and then leaves.
Bruce: It's customary for you to greet the prince upon introduction and accept his offer of help.
She continues to walk away, ignoring him. Bruce jogs to catch up to her, determined not to be ignored.
Bruce (laughing lightly): My mistake, you're obviously not who you appear to be. (This captures her attention. She looks at him questioningly. He just stares back, a smirk on his face.) I bid thee farewell. (He gives a small bow and turns to leave. Under his breath he counts backward from five as he slowly walks away.) Five, four, three, two…
Bruce turns to see that the girl has disappeared. He frowns. The bell rings signaling homeroom is in session. Students shuffle on to class in a hurry, carefully avoiding bumping into Bruce. He sticks his hands in his pockets, shaking his head and languidly makes his way to homeroom.
Small classroom, wooden desks that seats two to a desk. Two floor to ceiling windows with a blood red drapes drawn back by a golden colored rope. There is a clean chalkboard behind the teacher's desk, a tall man with white and black peppered hair and frameless glasses in a simple grey suit leans against the desk as he watches the students come into the class room.
A boy with a disheveled appearance catches his eye. His hair is a mess of dirty blond curls, his eyes are surrounded by dark circles, a yellowing bruise highlights his jaw bone, and his clothes are obviously pre-owned. He sits alone at the very back and stares out of the window, lost in thought.
As if repelled by a magnet, the students avoid him, taking care to sit as far away from him as possible. The teacher's brow furrows in response to this. He doesn't tolerate prejudice in his classroom.
The bell rings signaling that it is time for class to being. He clears his throat.
Mr. Belvedere: Good Morning class. (pauses for response.)
Class in unison: Good Morning
Belvedere: Welcome back to Gotham Prep. I am your homeroom teacher, Mr. Belvedere. I teach advanced world history, a class which some of you might have with me so I will have the pleasure of seeing you once more today.
Belvedere: Let us all begin with the ground rules for my classroom. Number one: I do not accept tardiness in any way, shape or form. If you are tardy, then you will be punished severely. The most important thing in a person's life is their time. I do not intend to waste yours and you are not allowed to waste mine.
Number two: There will be no prejudice against anyone in this classroom. We are all human beings and we will all treat each other with respect and dignity regardless of race, gender, background, SES, clothing and any other attribute that young people seem to judge others on.
Number three: - - (The door opens and Bruce strolls into the classroom. Everyone is quiet and all eyes are on him. Mr. Belvedere frowns at him.)
Mr. Belvedere: Excuse me young man, are you lost?
Bruce (smirking): In what sense of the word? (This earns a small chuckle from the class. Bruce makes his way through the seated students, stopping at the nearest available seat, next to the boy.)
Mr. Belvedere: I take it that you are in my homeroom. Please, your name?
Bruce: Well, since you asked so nicely. It's Bruce.
Mr. Belvedere: Your last name would be…?
Bruce: Wayne. It's Bruce Wayne.
Mr. Belvedere: It's nice to meet you Mr. Wayne. I would inquire to why you were late to class, but to be quite honest, I couldn't care less. However I will say this, you are given a pardon because this is the first day of class. Keeping that in mind, I do not tolerate tardiness in my class and the next time you are late there will be consequences. Are we understood?
Bruce: I think so sir.
Mr. Belvedere (narrowing his eyes he continues on stating the rules for the class)
Now, it is a requirement that I have you do some sort of activity which you will familiarize yourself with your fellow classmates. What I will have you do is get to know the person who you are sitting next to. You will have ten minutes to learn about each other and then you will introduce your partner to the class. Keep in mind, this is not a chance for you to make a mockery of yourselves, so I expect all of you to take this seriously. You may begin.
Bruce looks over to the boy who he is sharing a desk with. He wasn't looking at him. He was looking at his hands. He was obviously nervous and seemed particularly jumpy.
Bruce: Hello, my name is Bruce, I like long walks on the beach, pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. You? (The boy turns his head to look Bruce in the eye.)
Jack: M-my name is Jack…Jack Napier.
Bruce: Well it's nice to meet you Jack. Say, you didn't used to murder prostitutes in the late 17 century did you?
Jack (grins): No…It was actually the late 18 century. I left that all behind when I came to America to assassinate JFK and work on my euthanasia project.
Bruce (smiling): Well, I promise not to judge you if you promise not to kill me in any way, shape, or form. (Extends his hand) Deal?
Jack (shakes Bruce's hand): Deal.
Bruce: I always hate the first day of school.
Jack: Why? You're so popular. You're the prince of Gotham Prep. Everyone likes you.
Bruce: Well, they shouldn't. (He says under his breath) I'm no better than you or anyone else.
Jack: (Scoffs) Everyone just thinks that I'm a joke.
Bruce: You really shouldn't care what anyone else thinks of you. Especially anyone here. They're all phonies and plastics.
Jack: You're not at all what I thought you would be like Bruce Wayne.
Bruce: (laughs) I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad one.
Jack: (grins) Well, I'm saying it as a good thing.
Belvedere: OK. Time's up. Let's get to know everyone.
Peyton is wandering the halls looking for her next class. Wonder, excitement, and fear coursing through her as she makes her way to her first class. She made it into Gotham Prep, the first step of her plan for her life is underway. She won't screw this up. This is her chance to make something great of herself. To be something more than what her father thinks she will become. To be the person she knows her sister would've been. She just has to make it through the next two years AND to her first class. (Ah, there it is) She takes a seat in the front and watches as the other students pile into classroom. Everyone is talking with one another and sitting away from her. The other students look at her but they don't acknowledge her.
Dr. Crane: Ok everyone settle down. Settle down. Welcome. My name is Dr. Crane and this Biochemistry. I know having Bio-Chem in the morning is not ideal but I expect you all to arrive promptly and be ready to work. (Bruce strolls in and heads to the back of the classroom) These chemicals are not play toys and I will not tolerate any foolery in my class. (He points to Bruce) Who are you and why are you late? (Bruce stops and everyone in the class watches him closely)
Bruce: Bruce Wayne. I was late because I was… tending to the opposite sex. Being chivalrous as they call it.
Dr. Crane: Well Mr. Wayne. I don't appreciate tardiness in my classroom and - -
Bruce: Funny. I was told the same thing by my Homeroom professor. Do you two happen to know one another? Or is that rule a requirement for all teachers to have?
The class giggles and murmurs quietly amongst themselves.
Dr. Crane: Mr. Wayne I don't find your attempt at humor amusing. Take a seat and if you're tardy to my class again you will no longer be in my class, understood?
Bruce (smiles and salutes as if he is a soldier): Aye aye Captain.
Bruce looks around at his fellow students for a seat. Immediately girls are smiling at him and some are even pushing at their friends to move out of the seat next to them. He keeps scanning the room and then he sees HER. The girl from the courtyard this morning and there is no one sitting next to her. He makes his way over to her and he swears he sees her roll her eyes as he approaches.
Bruce: My fair maiden. I have found thee again. It must only mean that we are meant for one another.
Peyton: Oh God. (She stares straight ahead)
Dr. Crane: Well everyone. Get comfy and close with the person next to you because they are your lab partner for the school year. I hope everyone has chosen wisely.
Peyton snaps her head to Dr. Crane with a worried look on her face. Then her eyes snap to a smiling Bruce. She stands up panicked and determined.
Peyton: Dr. Crane, I don't think this a fair and logical way to choose something as important as a year-long lab partner.
Dr. Crane: Uh huh. I see. Well Ms. …
Peyton: Sinclair. Peyton Sinclair.
Dr. Crane: Ms. Sinclair. This process is used in order to help you and the other students learn a lesson in adulthood and responsibility. We give you the freedom to choose your lab partner in a way that will help benefit you and your grade. It has been this way at Gotham Prep for years.
Peyton: I'm new here. I had no idea.
Dr. Crane: Oh yes, I see. You transferred from BlüdHaven High. I understand that there must have been different methods for how things are handled at your old school but things are different here.
Peyton: Well I will like to change partners, then. I'm sure someone will switch with me.
All of the girls in the classroom raised their hand and almost in unison said "I'll switch with her."
Dr. Crane: Very well then. I will allow for you to switch with one of the other students who seem to have no problem with changing lab partners.
Peyton: Thank you.
Bruce(leaning back in his chair with a semi-serious expression on his face): I don't want to switch lab partners. And I don't appreciate that Ms. Sinclair seems to be exempt from the traditions of our proud school.
Peyton stares at him, slack-jawed and surprised.
Bruce: Also with the school's Zero Tolerance rule, this is forbidden.
Peyton (looks confused, then shocked): Excuse me. I am not bullying you.
Bruce: It certainly feels that way to me. Here you are requesting and running to a new lab partner and for what? What reason have I given you that I will not be an active and acceptable lab partner?
Peyton: I can't believe that you are insinuating that I am bullying you.
Bruce: I am because you are.
Peyton: I am not.
Bruce: I believe that you are.
Peyton: I am not. You manipulative,-
Dr. Crane: Enough. Ms. Sinclair you are to stay partnered with Mr. Wayne.
The girls in the class all let out a collective whine.
Bruce (Slumping down in his seat, a victorious smile on his face): So partner, I don't believe that I had the chance to formally introduce myself. (He offers a hand) Bruce Wayne.
Peyton looks to him, a disgusted look on her face. She closes her eyes and takes a deep calming breath. She takes his hand.
Peyton: Peyton Sinclair. I hope that we can make it through the year without problems.
Bruce smile widens. He opens his mouth to speak, however, she turns her attention back to Dr. Crane.
Dr. Crane: Okay class, although it is the first day, it doesn't exempt you from learning, so we are going to dive right into organic structures. Please, will one from each group come up to my desk and receive your material. We're going to do a little warm up in which we construct chemical compounds, correctly. Each pair will be given a different compound to construct and you will only have 10 minutes to do so.
Peyton gets up and go retrieves the supplies, a pleading look on her face as she tries once again to shake Bruce as a partner.
Peyton: Dr. Crane, please, is there any way that I can receive a different partner?
Dr. Crane: I'm sorry Ms. Sinclair, but unless you transfer to either my 5th or 7th period class, you cannot switch partners.
Peyton (sighs and slumps her shoulders): My schedule is grid iron locked. There is no way for me to switch any of my other classes.
Dr. Crane: Then it is out of both of our control. Bruce Wayne shall remain your partner.
Sighing in frustration and defeat, she makes her way to her seat and quickly scans over the assignment.
Bruce: You know, from the way that you were acting earlier, I would have to guess that you didn't want to be my lab partner.
She ignores him and continues to read the card.
Bruce: Earlier, I thought that perhaps you were mute, deaf or something to that extent since you didn't respond to me in the courtyard.
Peyton: Not at all. I just don't make a habit of speaking to spoiled pretty boys who believe that everyone should be at their beck and call.
Bruce: How can you say such a thing about me? You don't know me from - -
Peyton: You're all the same. Now let's get to work.
Bruce: That's unnecessary to say.
Peyton: Ok we have to illustrate Dendrobane.
Bruce: Really, you don't know me because I most certainly know nothing about you except that your name is Peyton Sinclair.
Peyton: I believe HȝC is on the left and connects to nitrogen…
Bruce: I do happen to know some Sinclair's in the community but I would definitely remember if they had a daughter as beautiful as you. (He smiles but she refuses to look at him)
Peyton: And there is a base shape that contains HȝC and another with just Hydrogen.
Bruce: And you did happen to say that you are new here. So I cannot see how you can conclude to the fact that I am some spoiled pretty boy that is useless.
Peyton continues to draw the compound. Bruce watches her and he can see that he easily gets under her skin and he likes that.
Bruce (smiling): But if that is the way you think of me, I have no other choice but to change your mind. (He leans in closer to her) And I do believe that I will enjoy changing your mind about me Ms. Sinclair.
Dr. Crane: Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Wayne, how is the compound coming along. Time is almost up.
Bruce: Just wonderful. We're almost finished here. Isn't that right Peyton?
Peyton (closes her eyes and speaks through her teeth): You have done nothing but sit here and talk the whole time. I don't want to get to know you Mr. Wayne (She says his name with disdain). You are a pompous, spoiled and arrogant individual. Who seemingly cares about nothing or no one but yourself. I would certainly appreciate it if you would just concentrate on the work for the school year.
Bruce (smiles and then points down to the paper): That's supposed to be another HȝC and that one is a CHȝ with dotted lines leading to Oxygen. (He takes her pencil, erases her mistakes and corrects the work just as Dr. Crane announces time is up)
Dr. Crane makes his way around the classroom checking everyone's work. Once he reaches Bruce and Peyton, he takes a look at their compound. He nods his head and continues back to his desk.
Dr. Crane: Good job everyone. Now let's discuss what these specific chemicals jobs and attributes are.
Peyton (sighs heavily and roll her eyes): Thank you.
Bruce (smiling): For…
Peyton (rolls her eyes): Just. Thank you.
Bruce (grinning from ear to ear): Alright then. You're welcome.
Peyton turns her attention back to Dr. Crane and takes down notes. Bruce is smiling to himself before he leans in close to her.
Bruce: So you think I'm pretty?
Underground Gotham in a dimly lit Italian restaurant, forks scrape loudly against plates during the lunch time rush. Two men dressed in dark brown coats and fedora's sit close together, their plates partially empty as the blood red marinara sauce of their five cheese ravioli stains their napkins.
Man 1: So… Did ya hear the news?
Man 2: What news?
Man 1: He's back.
Man 2: Who's back?
Man 1: The Easter bunny. Who do ya think? (Pause) It's Gordo. Gordo's back from his…vacation.
Man 2 (laughing): Is he sure that it's safe for him to be back so soon after all that went down?
Man 1: Well ya know him, he's never let something as pitiful as Gotham's finest stop him from doing what needs to be done. I heard that he's a part of something real big. Something that's gonna pay out big.
Man 2: How big are ya talking?
Man 1: I'm talkin' about a million dollar blow out. (Takes a drink) And that's just for us.
Man 2 (whistling): That's a large blow out. Are ya sure? What can be that big that's going to pay off that much other than a bank robbery?
Man 1: I don't know, it's all on the low, but if ya wanna find out more, we're all meeting up with him later at the docks to help him bring in a shipment of something big, something good. So are ya in?
Man 2: For a million dollar blow out? Hell's yeah I'm in. What time do I need to be there?
Man 1 (reaching in his pocket and pulling out a piece of paper.): Here's all the information that ya need. Follow those directions exactly. I'm telling you man. This thing is going to be huge.
Lunch time at Gotham Prep. Students are chatting and eating. Bruce, Oliver, and the other popular kids sit in the middle of the chaos. Bruce spots Peyton and nudges Oliver.
Bruce: That's the girl I was talking to you about.
Oliver (watches Peyton as she walks across the lunchroom): I see the problem here Bruce. You've been playing with girls. You have no idea how to handle a real woman. (He smiles)
Bruce (confused): What the hell are you talking about man?
Oliver: Just let me handle this. When it comes to women I know everything.
Pamela (arrives to the table): Hey Bruce. Oliver (flatly) What are you guys staring at?
Oliver: Escaped from your pack of cackling hyenas already? (She glares at him)
Pamela: Could you not be an asshole for like 5 minutes?
Oliver: Would that make you happy, Pammie?
Pamela (scowls): It obviously would kill you since you can't even seem to - -
Oliver: For your information Pammie, we happen to have our eyes on a someone who happens to, not only be a human being, but actually attracts male attention with her beauty unlike an unfortunate being such as yourself.
Pamela (narrows her eyes and turns to look at who "she" is): Who? Her? The BlüdHaven transfer?
Oliver: No, the new lunch lady from Albuquerque.
Pamela (ignoring Oliver, she walks into their line of view of Peyton): I have some news for you Bruce. I heard that nominations for Student Council positions are being held earlier this year.
Bruce (distracted): Oh yea, that's great.
Pamela (upset with the lack of attention. She sits next to Bruce and grabs his arm): Yes it is. I have a fabulous idea of you running for Prince of Junior Class and I can be your princess. (Oliver makes a gagging sound)
Bruce: Uh-huh. That's some plan Pamela.
Pamela (pulls back and pouts at him): Bruce, are you even listening to me?
Oliver (turns his attention on Pam and smiles deviously): Of course he isn't Pammie. Bruce has the hots for the new girl.
Pamela: Bite me Oliver.
Oliver: Oh. You do have a kinky side. Don't you Pammie?
Pamela (rolls her eyes and turns her attention back to Bruce): Bruce. I'm signing us up as running mates. Kay?
Bruce (looks at Pam and puts on his best Playboy smile): Pamela, I do believe that you will make an extraordinary princess. (She smiles brightly at him) However, I don't think I will be a suitable prince for you.
Pamela (her smile falls): What are you talking about Bruce? You are more than suitable for the position. I wouldn't be surprised if they just gave us the positions with no election.
Bruce rises from his seat as Peyton exits the lunchroom.
Bruce: I'm sorry Pamela. But I'm not really interested in being the school's prince as much as I am being yours.
Pamela (smiling brightly and turning a high shade of pink): Bruce (she giggles).
Bruce: If you will excuse me, I have somewhere to be.
Bruce leaves to catch up to Peyton.
Peyton makes her way across the courtyard. She takes a seat by the fountain and starts reading a book. Bruce saunters up to her and casts a shadow.
Bruce: Hello my fair maiden.
Peyton (scowling): Would you stop it with the fair maiden crap? And move out of my light, I'm trying to read.
Bruce (taken aback): O-o-ok. (He sits next to her) So what are you reading?
Peyton: A book.
Bruce: Could you be a bit more specific?
Peyton: A book with words.
Bruce: Ah, those tend to be the best ones. I on the other hand prefer something with pictures, makes the story really come to life.
Peyton: Of course you do.
Bruce: I was just joking.
Peyton: Is there a reason why you've chosen to bother me? Why you've, for some reason that is beyond me, decided to "grace" me with your awe inspiring presence?
Bruce: My fair lady, it is I who is being graced by your beauty and enchanting light.
Peyton (Scoffing, she gathers her things and stands to leave.)
Bruce: Hey wait, this is the third time that you've walked away from me. I'm starting to get the feeling that you don't like me. (He smirks. She rolls her eyes, walking away from him. She is stopped short by another male student. She tries to walk around him, but he blocks her way.)
Matt: Hey new girl.
Peyton: Excuse me (She tries to walk around him only to be blocked once more.)
Matt: Hold on new girl, lets chat for a moment. My name's Matt and it would be my undying pleasure to get to know you.
Peyton (sighing): Please I need to be somewhere that's not here, so if you don't mind.
Matt: Now just hold on a minute new girl-
Peyton: Trust fund dependent, I'm really in no mood to be harassed further today. So if you don't mind, I need to go and do something much better than sit here while you fruitlessly attempt to flirt with me.
Matt: Wait. Trust fund dependent?
Peyton: As in, whatever hopes your parents have for your bright future will be washed away along with the many brain cells that I just know are being destroyed as you stare into the sun and drink away the numerous issues and problems you are bound to have from being crushed under daddy's iron fist and falling short of not being able to reach expectations that are already set in stone. Therefore, leaving you to be totally dependent on your daddy's money, while you work in his company married to the former high school cheerleader, with your three kids and dog at home, while you cheat with your secretary. (Matt stares at her incredulously) Now please, leave me be so that I can move on with my life.
Matt: Hey, I don't think I appreciate what you just said.
Peyton: I didn't imagine that you would. Now let me through.
Matt, anger seeping into his core, steps aside and Peyton moves past him, shaking her head in frustration.
It's the end of the day. The students are pouring out of the doors of Gotham Prep. Bruce is sitting on the bleachers with Oliver, watching the cheerleaders practice noncommittally. Off to the edge of the field, he sees a scuffle but ignores it. Oliver is transfixed and muttering on and on about girls.
Oliver: God bless America.
Bruce snorts then chuckles a little.
Oliver: What?
Bruce: Your mother must be so proud of you. (He laughs)
Oliver (grins): Very.
Bruce lies back onto the bleachers, staring into the sky.
Oliver (reaches over and hits Bruce): There goes your new obsession.
Bruce (sits up abruptly and looks around): Where?
Oliver (laughs): Jeez man. Calm down. (He shakes his head) Man she got you whipped and she doesn't even know it.
Bruce: I'm not whipped.
Oliver: Seems like it to me.
Bruce: I'm not. I'm just… intrigued by her. Besides, no one says whipped anymore.
Oliver: Say what you will.
Oliver gets up and heads down the bleachers.
Bruce: Where are you going?
Oliver: To talk to her.
Bruce: Why?
Oliver (smiles): Because I'm intrigued by her. (He walks down the stairs, out to the field, towards Peyton) You can come if you want. I'm sure you won't make a complete fool of yourself.
Bruce: You can lead a horse to water…
Oliver (raises his hand in the air and shoos him off): Yea, yea. I get it.
Bruce watches Oliver as he makes his way over to Peyton who seems to be engrossed in the altercation at the edge of the field. He hears Oliver call her name and she turns around to see who it is. Oliver jogs the rest of the way and starts a conversation with her.
Oliver (smiling): Hi, I'm Oliver.
Peyton (skeptically raises an eyebrow): Hello Oliver. I would tell you my name but you already know it.
Oliver (laughs): I make it my priority to know every pretty girl's name. (He smiles at her)
Peyton (scoffs and narrows her eyes): And that's about it, isn't it?
Oliver: If the situation calls for more.
Peyton: Why are all guys here such jerks? You all think you are entitled to – to everything! Well you can't buy me with your money, charm or lack thereof, looks, or anything else.
Oliver (holds his hands up and backs up a little bit): Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. I'm not in the market for buying anyone. I'm just trying to talk to you. Get to know you. Be your friend.
Peyton: Yeah right.
Oliver (smiling): But if you would like to do more than that, I'm not one to turn a pretty lady, such as yourself, down.
Oliver continues talking. Peyton stares at a group of guys and anger flows through her once she realizes they are beating up someone. Eight to one. Peyton storms over to the guys and pushes her way through them. The main guy pulls his hand back and is about to strike the boy again when Peyton grabs his hand and stops him.
Matt: What the hell?
Peyton: Yes. What the hell do you think you are doing? All of you!
Peyton squats down to check on the boy. "Are you ok?" she asks. He's a bloody mess. Before she can look further and assess his damage, he gets up and takes off in a run. Peyton stares at him as he runs, she is suddenly yanked onto her feet. Bruce, who was already making his way over to Oliver, rushes over to the group.
Matt: You're placing your nose in places it doesn't belong new girl.
Peyton (scowling and snatches her arm out of his grip): You and your jerk ass friends have no right to pick on that boy.
Matt (sneering): What are you going to do about it?
Peyton: For starters, I can report you to the board.
Matt (glares at Peyton): It's your word against mine.
Bruce (stepping forward): No, it's your word against mine.
Matt (turns on Bruce and glares at him): Wayne.
Bruce: Quinzelle.
The two stare at one another. Oliver sidles up next to Bruce and stands silently. One of Matt's friends speaks up.
Boy #1: Let's just go Matt. We have practice and you know how coach gets.
Matt (clenches his fists): Yea. Whatever. (He looks to Bruce, Oliver, then Peyton.) But this is far from over.
Peyton (narrowing her eyes): You're right about that.
Matt and his friends turn away and walk from the field. Peyton grabs her things off the ground and starts to walk away.
Bruce (walks up to Peyton, he touches her arm): Hey, are you ok?
Peyton: I'm fine (she snaps and continues walking).
Bruce: What did I do now? I helped you out back there.
Peyton (turns around and stomps back to Bruce): I don't remember asking for you to intervene. I had the situation under control.
Bruce (snorts): It didn't look like it to me.
Peyton: Look, you can be everyone else's prince but I don't need you to be mine. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I don't need or want your help.
Peyton storms off. Bruce turns to Oliver and gives a gesture that conveys, "You see?"
Bruce: I didn't even try to hit on her this time. What is wrong with that girl?
Oliver (shaking his head): I learned that sometimes women are just crazy.
Bruce (sighing deeply): I guess so.
Oliver: I bet you're still intrigued by her (grinning).
Bruce (laughs and pushes Oliver playfully): Shut up.
It's becoming dark in Gotham City. Two young girls, who looks as if they could be dancers, and a little boy, no older than 12 or 13, is walking down the dark and dangerous streets trying to get home. A little ways down the block, there is a group of thugs, smoking and drinking.
Thug #1 (smoking a cigarette): Oh, look what we have here. (He gestures to his buddies) What are you fine ladies doing out here on my streets so late at night?
The kids keep walking as they approach the group of thugs.
Thug #1: Hey, I'm talking to you.
Girl Thug: I don't think they heard you baby. Maybe you should get a little closer.
The leader signals the rest of the group to block the kids. The oldest girl speaks up.
Girl #1: We're just trying to get home. Please.
Some of the thugs start laughing and mocking the girl.
Thug #1: So you just want to get home, is that right?
Girl #1: Yes, please.
Thug #1 (smiling): Well, there is a toll to walking on my street.
Girl #2 (shaking): We don't have any money.
Thug #1: Well, that is too bad. It looks like you won't be making it home tonight then.
Girl #1: Please just let us go home. We just want to go home.
Thug #1: Do you really want to go home?
The two girls shake their heads vigorously.
Thug #1: Well, there is another way to pay the fee.
Girl #1: But we don't have anything.
Thug #1: Sure you do, sweetie. And it won't really cost you a thing.
Girl #2: What is it?
Thug #1: All you have to do is give me and all my friends a kiss.
Boy (stepping forward in front of his sisters): NO!
The thug pushes the boy out of the way and onto the ground. The youngest girl bends to the ground to help her little brother.
Thug #1: So, what's it gonna be sweetheart? (He backs the girl into a wall, closing her in with his body)
The little boy jumped to his feet and started pushing and beating on the thug. The guy back hands him and roars out in anger and frustration.
Thug #1: Now why didn't you just stay to the ground and mind your own business you little punk?
The thug walks over to boy, picks him up and punch him in the face. The two girls run over and try to stop the man from beating their brother but some of the other thugs grab the girls and drag them off towards an alley. The thug is still beating the boy, kicking and punching him.
Thug #2: Oh yeah baby, we are going to have a lot of fun tonight.
The girls scream for help. The thug is still beating up the little boy and the others are harassing the girls trying to drag them deeper into the alley. A dark figure appears behind the thug.
Bruce: Didn't your mother ever teach not to pick on someone smaller than you?
The thug turns around and there is guy dressed in all black behind him. His face is obscured.
Thug #1: Who the hell are you?
Bruce: Your only concern should be letting the little boy and those girls go and getting out of here as fast as you can. You and all of your friends.
Thug #1: I think you should be the one trying to get out of here as fast as you can. Or me and all of my friends are going to make you wish you never dropped in on our little party here.
The thugs all surround Bruce, some of them have weapons. Bruce looks around him counting how many men there are, the total is seven, and which one looks ready to strike first. He measures them up and quickly formulates a plan.
Thug #1: So what were you saying?
Bruce: Let them go and walk away. This is your last warning.
Thug #1: Take this punk down.
Two of the thugs run straight towards him, one of them has a knife in his hand. Bruce grabs the arm of the thug with the knife turns to his left pulling the man over his shoulder. He kicks out his foot and connects with the other thugs' ribs. He rolls onto the ground, dodging a blow. He's on his knees and he punches another guy in his stomach and side, which brings him to his knees and Bruce delivers a punch that knocks the guy out.
Thug #1: Get him! GET HIM!
Another guy comes running towards Bruce with a bat. He's swinging wildly and Bruce is moving backwards, dodging each swing until he bumps into a wall. The thug swings the bat downwards, attempting a blow to the head. Bruce dives down and tackles the guy to the ground.
Just as he was about to punch the guy, he is yanked onto his feet and pummeled repeatedly in his ribs. He twists away from near blow to the face which causes the guy to punch the brick wall. He takes this as an opportunity to elbow the guy in the face and throws his face into the wall.
Bruce: Now it's your turn.
The thug rushes towards him and Bruce uppercuts him, the delivers a left hook to his chin. The man stumbles backwards on unsteady feet. Bruce delivers a jump kick to his chest, which sends the guy flying onto his back. He appears to be unconscious.
Bruce turns onto the girls who are holding their brother and crying in a corner.
Bruce: You should get out of here.
Girl #1: We can't. He's unconscious and we can't move him.
Bruce: Ok. I'll help you. Where do you live?
Girl #1: At the end of the block.
Bruce: Ok, get up and start walking, I'll grab him.
The girls nod their heads, grab their stuff and start walking down the street. Bruce grabs the boy and notices that he winces in his unconscious state with every move he makes. The girls keep looking back at him as to make sure he is following them to their house with their little brother.
Bruce hears a sound, but he realizes that it is a threat a little too late and is knocked down when the thug he thought was unconscious hits him in the back with the bat. He drops the boy as he falls to his knees.
Thug #1: I'm going to kill you and then I'm going to kill those girls and that little punk.
He takes another swing at Bruce with the bat, but Bruce rolls at the last minute and stands on his feet. He charges at the guy and when the guy swings the bat, Bruce slides on the ground and with a well-placed hit, he takes the guy down, breaking his knee in the process. He then stands up and kicks the bat out of the guys hand.
Bruce: You should've stayed down.
He kicks the guy in the face. When he turns back towards the young boy on the ground, he sees that the final thug, which he thought had run off in fear, is holding a knife to the oldest girls' neck.
Bruce: All of your friends are down. Why don't you put the knife down and just walk away. Please.
Girl Thug: I don't think so. I'm going to kill you for what you did to my Johnnie. But first, I'm going to slice this little - -
She is cut off when the youngest girl hits her in the back with a brick.
Girl #2: Can we please go home now?
Gotham docks, in the dead of night. The pale white moon is only a quarter full, cloaking most of the tormented city into darkness so thick that one could slice through it with a steak knife. A group of rough looking men gather around in the midst of large wooden creates stacked haphazardly on top of one another. The men stand around, breathing gruffly, spitting out their chewing tobacco and grunting their disapproval at the tardiness of their unknown benefactor.
Joey: Where the hell is he?
Chris: He'll be here soon. He didn't give me an exact time but he'll be here.
Man 1: He'd better. You know how many jobs I passed up for this? I could be racking in ten G's right about now.
Man 2: Yeah, I don't exactly believe this whole million dollar blow out bull. I mean, they don't even keep that kind of money in the banks. So unless we're robbing every bank in Gotham we won't even come close to that kind of money.
Chris: Hold your damn horses, I said that he'll be here and he'll be here. Besides, ain't nobody making ya raggedy ass stay here, you can leave whenever ya want to.
Joey: Well he better hurry, I ain't got all night to be waiting around.
M. Man: Well that's good because neither do I.
The men turn their attention to the voice that appeared from seemingly nowhere atop the wooden crates. A man stood there, hat and scarf along with the darkness made it impossible to distinguish the man's features. There was another that sat on the crates, his legs swinging back and forth gaily.
Man 2: Who in the happy hell are you?
M. Man: Let's get one thing straight right off the bat. I don't like questions, so be mindful of that.
Man 1: Well I don't like working for people I don't know.
M. Man: The only thing that you need to know is that you're going to get paid. If you don't care to do that then, by all means, leave. It means more money for the rest of us.
Man 2: So what's this million dollar blow out all about anyway? If you're talking about robbing a bank than I want out because for one, that ain't no million dollar blow out.
M. Man: What…did I just say about questions?
S. Man: I don't think that he heard ya bossman. (Flicks his cigarette to the ground)
M. Man: What we are doing fellas is something…big. It's something so huge that it will have the citizens of Gotham forever in fear and clinging to their desperate hope like how a babe clings to its mother's teat.
S. Man: Teat cling. (He laughs)
Man 2: You keep telling us how amazing it's gonna be, yet I don't know what's going on? Frankly, if you ask me, I think this is all some B.S. scam.
S. Man: Well it's a good thing that no one's asking ya.
M. Man: Another thing that you should know…I don't like being interrupted. As I was saying, this project is going to take a while. A couple of months at the most. But I can assure you that the payout will be well worth it.
Man 2: This sounds all fine and dandy, but what the hell are we doing?
Joey: Hey, shut the hell up and let 'im talk. Some of us are trying to listen here.
Man 2: No, no, this all sounds a bit fishy. How do we know that ya ain't the police? Or-or some detective or something like that?
A loud sound, not unlike that of a gunshot, rings around the docks. The sound of a heavy body slumping to the ground and frantic and gurgled breathing fills the air as the men steps from the body that was currently twitching and convulsing on the ground.
The smaller man jumps down from his spot atop the wooden crates and lands on the ground with a loud thud. He sprints to the man and digs through his pockets and searches through his wallet, relieving him of his money clip.
S. Man: Eh boss man, that makes 5 grand. Today alone I get 5 grand from the jokers that you shot.
M. Man: As I said before, I don't like questions. (He points his gun at the men) Now that being said…does anyone have any?
The scene is Wayne's Manor. Bruce is in his home gym working out some moves on the punching bag. Alfred steps in with some water and towels. Bruce continues punching and kicking the bag.
Alfred (clears his throat): Master Bruce, you've been in here for almost 5 hours. Don't you think you should stop and rest?
Bruce (breathing heavily and punching in between words): I'm… fine… Alfred.
Alfred (shakes his head): Master Bruce, how was your first day of school?
Bruce: It was the same as always.
Alfred: Really? There wasn't anything that was different?
Bruce stops, panting heavily, thinking about the large brown eyes of Peyton Sinclair glaring at him. He smiles.
Bruce (Hitting the bag, softer this time ): Well…there is something that's… different.
Alfred (a slight smile on his face): Oh, and what might that be Master Bruce?
Bruce (Stops and smile, turning to face Alfred, wiping the sweat off his face): A challenge.
Alfred: Well master Bruce, do you know how to best prepare for a challenge?
Bruce: No, what is it?
Alfred: A good night's sleep.
Bruce (laughing): Alright I get it Alfred. I'll go to bed in an hour.
Alfred (turning to leave): Depending on how great of a challenge it is, you might want to change that to 20 minutes. (Alfred leaves a smiling Bruce who returns to his punching bag)
A memory occurs:
The dead of night. The sound of thick rain drops hitting the ground, splashing everywhere. Screams and cries fills the air. The dark, wet puddles of water collect on the ground.
The sound of a gunshot ranging loud into the night, the slumping of heavy bodies as their last breaths leaves them.
Bruce continues to punch the bag, a little more ferociously.
Cut to a dark room. In time it is revealed to actually be a chemistry lab. There are chemicals cooking in the lab. Some labeled experiment 1, 2, 3 and so forth. A person is speaking and muttering angrily.
Dr. Crane: How can they deny me? ME? It all goes to these spoil imbeciles who will never have to work a day in their life! I give and I give and they notice me not. They don't notice or understand my work. (He throws a fit. Tossing papers and equipment around the room.) But they will understand. They will understand everything when I'm through with them. But it will be too late for them. I will take them all to hell and leave them there with no chance of escape.
End.