open to a house in L.A. There's a girl asleep on the couch. The angle passes up from her feet. The ringing phone stirs her. Her hand is seen searching for it on the floor. She then brings it to her face that is covered by her hair.
Girl:
What?
voice on the other end:
Ash?
Ash:
James? What do you want?
James:
There's something down here that you might want to check out.
Ash:
( pushing the hair out of her face) Now?
cut to Ash pulling up to Toretto's High Performance. She steps out of her red 2001 Mustang G.T. )
James:
( running out to meet her. He is a Latin boy about the age of 19 or so) Listen, I told the him not to mess with the detailing, but the asshole wouldn't listen to me.
Ash:
( angrily rushes into the garage and walks up to a guy about 21 in age that's working on the door of a Toyota Supra. She slams the door almost causing him to fall down) What the hell do you think you are doing Jake?
Jake:
Chill out Ash. I'm just trying to help you out.
Ash:
Help me out! I don't want your no good pretty boy spoiled brat ass around my works.
Jake:
These are cars. Not babies. They ain't even yours. Don't tell me they got a higher hold for you.
Ash:
But my work is my life and I..
Jake:
You're only fifteen. My God!
enter Dominic Toretto in a unhappy mood over the argument between his cousin and employee.
Dom:
What the hell is going on here?
Jake:
Your little responsibility over here is all up and down my ass for me trying to help her out.
Dom:
For doing what ( looks at Ash with a glare)
Ash:
He's trying to finish my detailing job on the Supra. Everybody knows that I don't like help on my stuff.
Jake:
If you weren't such an uptight bitch.
Dom:
(slamming him against the wall and getting in his face) I don't want you talking to my family like that you hear?
Jake:
Yeah Dom.
Dom:
(turning to Ash) And you, I know high strung but you need to work on getting through things better. You gotta work with Jake whether you like it or not.
Ash:
Yeah I know. And the sign still says Toretto's High Performance and I'm a Toretto even if not by name, its still in my blood.
Dom:
Yeah, I know. Now, what am I paying you for?
Ash:
So I can have money to work on my monster and I can race and put a quarter into the garage. And also I'm your dad's kid sister's baby girl.
Dom:
Fair break. Now get working. The rest of the team's coming in about 11:30, and you best be there.
Ash:
Alright.
Dom:
And for God's sake zip your boots.
Ash:
Okay, Dom. You want to make sure I got a healthy breakfast too?
Dom:
Go( he turns and goes back to work with a slight smile on his face)
Ash:
Okay( she goes into the back room followed slightly behind by James)
James:
(kinda breathy) Hey
Ash:
Hi
James:
You way laid into him something fierce.
Ash:
Served him right. I can't believe I used to go out that guy.
James:
oh, the curse of a pretty boy's face. I know it all to well, of course I'm usually on the getting end. In fact, im always on the getting end.
Ash:
(zips her boots while her foots on the locker) Shut up.
James:
Its true. You know that huh?
Ash:
(slamming him against the lockers and putting her other foot up on him) Do I know? (leans forward and gets right in his face) You're just gonna have to teach me how to learn what I know. ( zips her boot) Gotta get to work. ( she turns and leaves. He takes a deep breath and sighs)
Cut to Ash lying in the back hatch of the Supra. She's all the way on her back and can't see a guy in his twenties walk up beside her. She's got the stereo bumping as well and doesn't hear him.
Guy:
Excuse me? ( she doesn't look up) Excuse me!
Ash:
(sitting up and hitting her head) Yeah? What?
Guy:
Yeah, I'm looking for Dominic.
Ash:
( pointing ) He's over there.
Guy:
Thanks, hey, I'm sorry about that.
Ash:
Don't worry about it.
Guy:.
Yeah, oh, where are my manners? I'm Brian.
Ash:
Ash. Dom's cousin.
Brian:
Nice to meet you.
Ash:
Same here.
Brian:
I guess I'll see you later.
Ash:
Okay ( as he leaves she checks him out)
James:
( from leaning over the engine of a Kia) Ash!
Ash:
( mouthing the words) Shut up. ( out loud) James, you going in at 11:30?
James:
What's at 11:30?
There is the sound of tires squealing outside and then the sound of car door slamming.
Ash:
Your about to find out. ( she gets out of the car and runs toward the door. She is greeted by a young latin girl and two 20-30 guys) Letty girl! ( hugs her)
Letty
hey Ash. What's up?
Ash:
Same ol' shit. You know, detail designing, kicking co-workers asses, you know the reg.
Vince:
Where's Dom?
Ash:
In the back talking to some guy that came in here. Looked like a Waber.
Leon:
Oh? What did he say his name was?
Ash:
He said it was Brian.
Letty:
Brian?
.
Ash:
Yeah, what to it?
Letty:
Shit.
Ash: .
What? What is it? ( they walk in and she talks to them as they walk) Who is this guy?
Vince:
He's a cop.
Ash:
Oh, shit. The same Brian that went out with Mia?
Leon:
Yeah, and he maybe back to see if he can get info. He may have let us go
Letty:
But, we don't know how far though.
they bust into the back room where Dom and Brian are found.
Leon:
What the hell is he doing here?
Brian:
Leon, Vince, I can explain.
Vince:
Explain what?
Dom:
Listen here, this guy saved my ass a couple of times, so the lest you can do is give him the benefit of the doubt. Brian you can explain yourself.
Brian:
I got into some serious shit back at base.
Ash:
Really? Or are you just trying to win us over with some tearful story?
Brian:
Who is this girl?
Ash:
I'm a Toretto that's who.
Brian:
Figures. Anyway, they dump me on a two month suspension with no pay.
Letty:
And you came here looking for a few quick things. Cash and cars.
Brian:
So? Do I got your stamp?
Dom:
You got a trial. That's it. If you want more, you gotta prove yourself.
Ash:
A little Coyote Ugly don't you think?
Dom:
No its a start. Ash, you and James take him into the back and get show him what we got saved for him under curtain number three.
Ash:
Dom you don't mean?
Dom:
Yeah
Ash:
Okay Dom. Follow me, Smokey.
Brian:
Uh, okay. ( they go out and head outside)
Ash:
James come with me.
James:
Ash, I'm kinda busy right now.
Ash:
Just come help me with this.
James:
Fine, okay.
They go out to where the finished cars are parked and some are covered up.
Ash:
Its right there. But lets get this straight, I don't like you and I don't care if you don't like me. The fact of the matter is it isn't because your a cop, its because I know what you did to my cousin Mia and I ain't down with that ( she and James began to unhook the cover on one car) My total opinion hasn't been made of you but I'll tell you this much, it ain't too high right now.
Brian:
Well, I guess if you didn't know me the way you do, you would like me better.
Ash:
Maybe.
James:
I would hate to break up this love fest, but get hold of the front and help me pull this off.
Ash:
Okay ( they do and revile the orange beauty that Brian knows well)
Brian:
Damn, you guys kept this.
James:
Yep and its in as good of condition as when it was put back together. I wanted it but Dom said no. Not to mention Mia making sure that no one got their hands on it.
Brian:
She did that?
Ash:
Yeah, she did. Even after you left she still wanted to keep it.
Brian:
Where is she ?
James:
She's going to school at U.C. at the summer classes. She works the front in the afternoons when she gets out.
Ash:
She's working her ass off so she can get out of here. Me, I worked my ass off so I could get in here.
Brian:
Where are you from?
Ash:
Me? I'm a southern girl with a heart that belongs to Cali.
James:
She came up here for a summer job
Ash:
and I decided that I wanted to stick around. I was suppose to go back home when school starts, but no.
James:
well, I gotta go get back to work on that Kia. I gotta get it done by next week.
Ash:
Okay sexy ass, see you at the meet up. ( he leaves)
Brian:
I don't mean to be nosey, but are you and him...?
Ash:
An item? Nah, James is the best friend that I've made out here. Well, I guess he's the best friend I've made in my life. Every one knows what kinda trouble some people in my family has gotten into and they don't even care if I never did any of that.
Brian:
That's a lot of shit if I've ever heard it.
Ash:
James doesn't know , but even if I tried to go back home, I don't think my mom would take me. Hell, she didn't even what me coming out here to begin with. She can't stand Dominic just because of one thing he did. She told me I had to get a job this summer or be on the streets, but she also said when I got a job out here that I wouldn't be allowed back after
Brian:
But she's your family.
Ash:
My real family's here. It's Dom and Mia, James and Letty, Vince, Leon, even Jake. Family is what you make of it. Its the people who will care for you no matter what.
Brian:
If you would give me a chance, maybe I could be that too.
Ash:
Brian, I am giving you a chance. Your just impatient. I gotta go to work now. See you in a few. ( she leaves)
Cut to later in the locker room. Dom, Letty, James, Vince, Leon, Jake, Ash and Brian are in there.
Letty:
How many heats are we planning on running tonight?
Dom:
Four.
Ash:
I want first or last.
Dom:
Just hold on a second. Okay, Ash, I don't want you running against anyone on the team, so I'm going to put you first or last any way. Vince, you up for running tonight?
Vince:
Always.
Dom:
Okay, I want you and James to hit up the second heat with me. Letty, you go third. Jake,
Jake:
(shushed) Yes!
Dom:
Your scouting tonight.
Jake:
Wait, Dom, you know I can run. My cars ready.
Dom:
I know your cars done but your not ready to run. You have no idea how to control it. Brian, why don't you sit it out tonight? Just so you can get back in to good graces.
Brian:
No problem. I figured as much.
Dom:
You ride down with Ash
Ash:
Wait, Dom. ( walks up to him and says hushed) I don't know if I want him in Sally.
Dom:
Well, about everyone else is wanting to beat down on him
Ash:
Well, you best include me in with everyone else.
Dom:
Just show him who's boss if you get what I mean.
Ash:
(smiles playfully ) Hell yes
Dom:
Okay, so we're starting straight up ten. Ash, I want you there right before so. I don't want anyone trying to mess with you car like last time. ( he leaves)
Brian:
Wait, how old is she anyway?
Ash:
Me, I'll be 15 in a few.
Brian:
So, you got a hardship or what?
Ash:
well, I like to call it or what. But, hey, it's only illegal if you get caught.
Brian:
I beg to differ sweetie.
Vince:
Oh, no here it comes.
Ash:
Sweetie? Huh, no one calls me that. And boys and girls need I remind you what my motto is?
Leon:
I think the greeners need to know.
Ash:
To win, you must lie a little, steal some, cheat if you must, but above all, kick the competitions' ass. In this world there are no second places, only lose and win. And sometimes, the rules don't apply.
Jake:
Rules are there ain't no rules. And so far these past few months, as the song says, this rebel girl is the queen of our world.
Brian:
What song?
James:
Hit it up!
Jake goes over and presses play on the system that plays music all over the building. The song "Rebel Girl" by Bikini Kill is played over the speakers. Ash and James start jamming to it. Vince only smiles and shakes his head and Leon just watches as Letty goes to find Dom.
Brian:
What's the big deal with this song?
Jake:
Its one of Ash's theme songs. The other one being Mustang Sally, for obvious reasons.
Brian:
That's her G T out front?
Jake:
Yeah.
Brian:
She must have the guys all over her then.
Jake:
Yeah, but she won't hardly give them the time of day. Believe me I know.
Brian:
You tried to get something going with her?
Jake:
We had something back when she first came here, but then I backed off cuz she got in too deep. Started thinking there wasn't anyone that could beat her
Brian:
Is it true though?
Jake:
Well, so far, yeah. The only one that has grit to say it is Dom and maybe James and he's one of my best friend's brothers. Of course, his brother got killed in a cross fire one night. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. James blamed himself for a long time. I guess the two of them ( nodding at James and Ash) you know, got an understanding going on.
Brian:
Did you dump her?
Jake:
Kinda. Guess that's why she doesn't really want anything to do with me right now.
Brian:
I know the feeling.
Ash:
( loudly) Jake, best get working, Dom already beat on you enough for one morning.
Jake:
Fine, whatever. (to Brian) catch you later man. ( goes up front)
Ash goes back to her detailing job and James goes over and talks to her as she does so
James:
Hey, so, what are you gonna do after the races tonight?
Ash:
I don't know. Well, I'll have a little extra cash, so do you wanna go do something?
James:
Sure, It's L.A. not to mention a Friday, so I'm sure there's something to do.
Ash:
Alright, but we're taking my car.
James:
What about Brian?
Ash:
What about him? He's a big boy, and I figure he can take care of himself.
James:
Him and Jake seem buddy buddy.
Ash:
Well, I figure, they're the same kind of animal. Hand me that cutter. (he does) Thanks. ( she begins trimming the access part of the decal away)
James:
Hey, Ash?
Ash:
Yeah?
James:
Can I ask you something?
Ash:
Always.
James:
Okay, its one of those friend of a friend questions, but anyway, see this guy has a best friend that's a girl. She doesn't know but he really likes her.
Ash:
And let me guess, this guy wants the girl, but he's afraid that she'll turn away from him?
James:
Exactly!
Ash:
well, I can say that I've been in his shoes.
James:
Yeah?
Ash:
Yeah, back home, there was this guy that I grew up with that was older than me. He went out with my sister when she was my age, and , ah, I was so jealous when that happened. I got over my little crush soon, but then, when I turned 14 and he went to collage I started liking him again. He always treated me good, and I guess that's why I liked him. Hell, I guess I still do. That was one of the reasons I left, I couldn't take seeing him anymore.
James:
It pushed you that far?
Ash:
Well, that was just one of the factors. It was also school, in crowds, politics, parents, and pretend friends. Like I've always said, the real stuff's out here in L.A. Like you James, you're real. Your the person I hold closet to my heart.
James:
Really? Well, to be honest, your the only friend I've had since my brother died.
Ash:
What about Jake? I thought that you two had something there.
James:
Well, we did. But when Ronnie died, he changed. He didn't want anything to really do with my family. I guess that it hurt too much, yet here he is.
Ash:
Irony brought you both here.
James:
No, money and speed brought him here, cars and you brought me here.
Ash:
You never did like to admit any other reason did you?
James:
What reason would that be?
Ash:
Oh, the lead foot you named?
James:
Well me and Pedro have an understanding relationship and we don't always like for it to be out in the open
Ash:
You are too much.
James:
Don't you want to find out?
Ash:
(throwing rag into his face) Get out of here James.
James:
Fine I can take a hint, but just for that, you best win tonight.