Episode 2: 'Breaking Away, and Holding On'

Scene 1

Opens in front of a two-story house at night; teenagers are driving up and entering, carrying beer kegs, etc; in the background, XO by Fall Out Boy is playing. It flashes to inside the house with Roger and Dennis drinking.

Roger: How many is that for you, man?

Dennis: Uh... (he starts counting with his fingers in the air) ...Four---Um, no. Seven. Yeah, that's right. Nine.

Roger: Dude. What?

Cut To: Another area of the house.

(Rachel is there dressed up, waundering around looking like she's looking for someone.She gets out her cell and dials.)

"You've reached John's voicemail," Rachel hears from her cell. "I can't take your call right now, so leave me that message and I'll call you when I can. Later."

(Rachel hangs up, looking disappointed. She goes into another room, where she sees Dennis and Roger acting goofy.)

Rachel: I wasn't aware there were drugs at this party.

Roger: Really? High school party and no drugs? Um. Riiight!

Rachel: You guys see John?

Roger: Uh, no. Sorry. Guess he hasn't showed up yet. Did you guys make-up yet, or...?

Rachel: No, we haven't. I mean---It's us, and space or no space, it's still us. Right? I think we can survive anything. I just hate being all on bad terms and stuff.

Roger: Sure.

Dennis: Hey, Rachel. Dance with me!

Rachel: Um, Dennis. I don't think---

(Before she can finish her sentence, he pulls her out to the dancing area.)

Rachel: ...Say no to that proposal? Okay. I guess we're gonna dance.

Dennis: Got that right!

Cut To: Outside the house.

(John is pulling up in his car, as everyone makes a clear path so his car can pull in. He gets out of the car looking a little mellowed out. He high-fives a bunch of people standing around and then starts walking up the steps leading to the front door. As he's walking up the steps, he's looking quite tipsy.)

Cut To: Back inside the house, where Rachel and Dennis are dancing, and Roger is standing by drinking, talking to a girl.

Rachel: Okay. I'm getting tired.

Dennis: Oh, but I'm not done with you yet.

Rachel: Sign me up for a rain check, k?

Roger: (to the girl) So you go to Sunnyvale High?

"Yeah," she replies.

Roger: Really? Wow. (looks her up and down) Seems like I would have remembered you.

(At that moment someone runs in the house from the front door, in a panic.)

"Somebody call for help!," they yell. "Call 9-1-1 now, OKAY? Somebody's hurt outside!"

Roger: Oh, my god.

(Roger runs out, Rachel follows behind him. Roger peaks out the front door by opening it first.)

Roger: Oh, my god! Rachel, it's John!

Scene 2

"TWENTY-FOUR (24) HOURS EARLIER"

(In front of Sunnyvale High School.Rachel's walking to class with her books; John catches up behind her and grabs her by her waist and picks her up for a few seconds.)

(Rachel screams playfully and giggles.)

Rachel: Put me down!

John: Oh, you big chicken. (he puts her back onto the ground)

Rachel: Thank you. So, what's gotten into you this morning?

John: Oh. You mean, why am I actually in a good mood?

Rachel: (laughs) Well... yeah.

(He shrugs.)

Rachel: Well, to celebrate your new-found happiness despite everything, do you wanna go to a party tonight?

John: Sounds like fun. I'm there.

Rachel: Great. But for now, you should be in class. Don't wanna be late the day after you skipped.

(They hold hands and continue walking to class. A few moments later, the bell rings.)

Rachel: Oops. Too late.

Scene 3

(Mary is sitting at her kitchen table with the phone book opened and in front of her, reading it, and pointing to a specific ad.)

"Need legal advice regarding a divorce or custody battles? Then call the office of Larry Nakamaura today to schedule a consultation appointment. 1-800-LAWYER," the advertisement reads/says in print.

(Mary picks up her phone and dials the number.)

Mary: (to the receptionist on the other line) Yes, hi. I was wanting to get a lawyer for my daughter. She's getting a divorce. Can you help?

Scene 4

(In front of some small apartment buildings not Debbie's old one. Jacob is there inside of the leasing office.)

"So, assuming your background and drug test clears, you'll be able to move in by the end of the week," the leasing agent tells Jacob.

Jacob: And it's only $525 a month. Correct?

"Yes," the man replies. "I gotta ask. Why's money such an important factor for you? Considering your management job, you don't seem too desperate for a buck."

Jacob: Well, I have other expenses. Plus, I just need a small place to live on my own to prove something to---someone. So, when will I know if all my stuff has cleared?

"Few days," he says. "I'll call you as soon as I do."

Jacob: Thanks. Have a nice day, sir.

"Thanks. You too."

Scene 5

(Inside a classroom; the bell rings, and then Megan enters (late) and sits down.)

"So, you finally decided to join us for the first time this year, huh?," the teacher asks Megan.

(Class laughs)

"Well, I'm waiting," the teacher says looking at Megan.

Megan: Just have had some stuff going on lately. Sorry for missing the first day.

"Well," the teacher says now talking to the whole class, "Shall we continue where we left off yesterday? Oh Megan, you'll need to copy the notes from someone after class. Okay?" The teacher starts talking to the class, writing on the board.

Megan: (whispers to a girl sitting next to her) We had notes on the first day of class?

"Yeah," the girl says. "Senior year, ya know. I'm Monica."

Megan: I'm Megan.

Monica: We'll chill at lunch, k? You can copy my notes then.

Megan: Thanks.

Scene 6

(Kitchen; Mary and James are sitting at the tables with plates in front of them. Debbie is at the stove cooking.)

Debbie: How did you sleep last night?

Mary: Oh, I couldn't fall asleep for long than an hour at a time.

James: Yeah, and you wouldn't let go of the covers, either.

Mary: It was cold, James!

(Debbie laughs to herself, while she brings over their breakfast to the tables on plates.)

James: Oh, look at this. Everything looks delicious, Debbie.

Debbie: Thanks. (she sits down) Dig in before it gets cold.

(They all put some food on their plates, consisting of ommletes, hash browns, bacon, and sausage.)

James: So, what do you have planned for the day? I have to be at the hardware store at two.

Mary: Oh, okay. What time do you work til?

James: Seven. What's for dinner?

Mary: James, we're just eating breakfast now and you're already thinking about dinner? How can you be thinking of food at all right now?

James: It was just a question, Mary, for heaven's sake.

Debbie: (jumps in the conversation) So, I think I'm gonna go to work for half a day today.

James: Take the day off. You could use the rest of the week off.

Debbie: I can't. I only missed one day and I bet my desk is already piled up with paperwork. I'm sure I have a thousand voicemails to listen to.

James: (lets it go) Okay. Well, thank you for breakfast. I should be getting ready for work. You too, Debbie. (he stands up)

Debbie: Dad---

James: Deb, it's fine. I just need to get ready. (he brings his plate to the sink and goes upstairs)

Mary: Really. Just once I'd like to get through a meal without that happening.

Debbie: Sorry, mom. Why do you think he doesn't want me to go back to work?

Mary: He's worried about you, Deb. You've been through so much in the last two days. You can't work yourself too hard.

Debbie: Mom, I'm fine. Honestly, the best thing for all of us to do is go back to our regular daily routines. The kids are at school, dad's going to work, and I need to as well.

Mary: Doesn't Jacob know where you work? Maybe that's what your father is thinking about.

Debbie: Daily routine, mother.

Mary: Oh, fine. I'll just do my crossword puzzle then.

Scene 7

(Lunch area, Sunnyvale High. Roger and Dennis are eating lunch. Megan and Monica are eating lunch too a few tables over.)

Roger: (referring to Megan) Look at her. So gorgeous. What I would give to be chocolate pudding right now. (he watches her as she eats some pudding)

Dennis: Eh. I don't know what you see in her honestly.

Roger: Dude, look at her.

Dennis: Now that girl she's sitting next to, mmm. Who is she, anyway?

Roger: Beats me. Oh, so now you like a new girl?

Dennis: Dude, I don't even know her.

Cut To: Megan and Monica's conversation. Megan is copying Monica's notes.

Monica: Oh, god.

Megan: What?

Monica: There's that dweeb over there. (she points to Dennis)

(Megan looks up and sees who she's pointing at.)

Megan: Oh. (she makes a face)

Monica: What's that face for?

Megan: I kinda know that guy. He's my brother's best friend.

Monica: Wow. Sorry.

Megan: How do you know him?

Monica: I don't, really. Just know of him. I hear his parents are like natzis, so he's never able to have any fun.

Cut To: Roger and Dennis's conversation.

Roger: So, just go up and talk to her. She seems to be crushin' you. She keeps on looking over here at you.

Dennis: Pfft. Knowing my luck, she's looking at you.

Roger: I wish.

Dennis: Wait. I thought you liked Megan?

Roger: Dude, I just want a girl to like me. I'll take anyone I can get.

Dennis: Uh. Do you realize how---

Roger: That's pathetic? Desperate?

Dennis: Well, yeah.

Roger: I know.

"What's pathetic?," John asks from standing behind them with Rachel.

Dennis: Sneaking up on us?

(John and Rachel sit down across from them.)

Rachel: Got something to hide?

Roger: Nah. We're open books.

John: Okay. Then, what's pathetic?

Dennis: Well, Roger. Well, the way he sees girls is pathetic.

Rachel: Ah.

(John's cell phone rings.He looks at the caller ID.)

John: Mom? You okay?

Debbie: (off-screen) John, can you get over to my work? Your father's---

"Debra, please hang up the phone! Please! I just wanna talk!," Jacob says, which John can hear through the phone.

John: I'm on my way, mom. (He hangs up)

Rachel: Everything okay?

John: I'm sure it is. I just need to check on my mom. I'll see you later.

Rachel: But John, we have algebra in ten---

John: Get the homework for me.

Rachel: Wait. I'll come with you.

John: No. Then we'll both be screwed out of the homework. I'll see you tonight, Rach. (he leaves, passing the picnic table that Megan and Monica were at before, which is now empty)

(Rachel sighs)

Dennis: What's tonight?

Rachel: Oh, just a party we're going to. I'm not sure I'm in the mood now.

Roger: Sweet! Can we come?

Rachel: (shrugs) It's a free country.(sighs) I'll give you the address later.

Roger: Awesome! (to Dennis) This'll rock, dude! Parties equal hot girls, man.

Dennis: I'll have to check with my parents first.

Roger: Of course. Just say you're spending the night over my place.

Dennis: I'm not gonna lie.

Roger: Dude, come on. Don't be lame.

Rachel: (to Roger) Actually, he's right. You shouldn't lie. You should tell the people you love everything.

(Roger nods, and then him and Dennis start talking to each other.)

Rachel: (to herself, thinking) He really should.

Scene 8

(Debbie's work; outside. Her and Jacob are standing out in the front.)

Debbie: I'm going back in now.

Jacob: No, please. Just listen to me.

Debbie: What?

Jacob: I'm so sorry for what I did. I wasn't myself. You know that wasn't me, Debra.

Debbie: No. It was you.

Jacob: I'm sober now. I'm me again. You can move back into the apartment now.

Debbie: I wouldn't feel safe there.

Jacob: Even without me there? I found my own apartment today. I move in Friday.

Debbie: You did?

Jacob: (nods) I need you to believe, if you give me another chance, things are gonna be different. I give you my word.

Debbie: Yeah, until the next time you decide to drink.

Jacob: Which will be never. I'm checking myself in to AA meetings. I'm even gonna do an alcoholic detoxication program.

Debbie: Great. I'm happy for you.

Jacob: Where's that leave us now?

Debbie: It doesn't. When you're done with the program and the meetings and you've been sober for awhile, then we can talk. But not a day after you hurt me.

(John pulls up in his car.)

John: I thought I told you to stay away from us? I should've known you wouldn't listen.

Jacob: Son, I'm better now. I'm sober. Please, lets talk.

John: Talk? Man, where was that attitude two nights ago? Huh?

Jacob: I'm sorry.

John: Whatever. Mom, are you okay?

Debbie: Yes. Thanks for coming.

John: Go back to work. I'll handle dad.

Debbie: Okay. (she walks back to the building)

Jacob: (shouts out) Don't work too hard, sweetheart.

Debbie: I won't. (she goes inside now)

John: (to Jacob) You listen to me. You're little nice act may be able to fool mom, but it doesn't me. You hear? Megan won't fall for it either, so don't even think about trying it on her. Why can't you just leave us alone?

Jacob: Because I'm your father and I love you and I want us to be a family again.

John: You've ruined any chance of that happening. The other night was the last straw. Keep away from mom, or else.

Jacob: Son, you can't stop me from seeing my own wife.

(Jacob starts to go toawrd the the building to talk to Debbie some more. John runs in front of him to block him.)

Jacob: Get out of my way. Now.

John: Yeah? Or what?

(Jacob pushes John out of the way.)

John: I was hoping you'd do that.

(He punches his father.)

John: Leave my family fcking alone.

Jacob: This tough guy act you're putting on, it's really quite brave of you son. But it's not fooling me. Because I know you, and I can see that you're scared.

John: Maybe I am afraid of you, can you blame me? But that's good, because it just gives me more power to kick your ass.

Jacob: I don't think so. See, I brought you into this world and I can take you out whenever I want.

John: You're threatening me? This is what you call being a family again?

(Jacob punches his son, John falls down.)

Jacob: I wanted to try to be a family again, but if you're gonna insist on me not seeing my wife then I'm gonna have to do everything in my power to stop you.

John: You asshole.

Jacob: Right. Well, I'm gonna go have a chat with your mother now.

(Jacob walks toward the door, as John is on the ground; John jumps toward Jacob's legs to stop him, pulling Jacob down and Jacob falls down and hits his head on the glass door.)

(Someone from inside gasps and immediately calls 9-1-1.)

Scene 9

(Sunnyvale High; a bunch of students are getting out of their classes just after the bell rang. Rachel is seen walking to the bus stop and putting her back pack on the bench, andthen stretching.)

(John drives up in his car, parks, and gets out as his scratched face becomes exposed, and then walks over to Rachel's bus stop.)

John: Back pack heavy there?

Rachel: (hearing his voice from behind) Um, yeah. Algebra book---(she turns around, seeing his face)---Oh, my God. What happened to your face?

John: Kinda had a run in with my dad.

Rachel: So, that's why your mom called you before.

John: Yeah, but I really don't wanna talk about it.

Rachel: Are you okay?

John: Yeah.

Rachel: Good. Oh, I'm mad at you, by the way.

John: What are you talking about?

Rachel: I'm mad at you. You never wanna talk about the important stuff.

John: Didn't we just have this conversation? I told you, I don't want the important stuff and my dad to be the same thing. Okay?

Rachel: No, it's not. And yeah, you know what, we basically did, I know. But you were having such a bad day so I didn't push the issue and I let it go.

John: I see. So, you thought two days later would be okay to bring it up again?

Rachel: I'm your girlfriend; you should be able to talk to me about this stuff. I'm not just hear to make-out with you and goof around. I wanna talk to you about stuff, feel close to you, share that connection I've always felt we had.

John: Had?

Rachel: Honestly, since we've been sophomores, I feel like we haven't talked about anything real as much. Or maybe even at all.

John: Well, I'm sorry you feel that way. I figured maybe I could get a little understanding considering the week I've had. But I guess not. I don't know, maybe I just need some space because of this whole thing.

Rachel: Space?

John: Yeah.

Rachel: If you wanna break-up with me, at least have enough balls to do it fully and not half-ass it.

(The bus pulls up.)

John: Look, Rachel. I didn't mean space in that way. Come on.

Rachel: My bus is here.

John: Rachel! I'll give you a ride, come on.

Rachel: I prefer the bus.

John: Rachel, I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean---

(Rachel walks onto the bus.)

Rachel: Bye, John.

(The bus pulls away.)

John: Damn it!

Scene 10

Hospital room; Jacob is laying in the hospital bed. TV's on. Debbie knocks and enters.

Debbie: (softly) Hi.

Jacob: I'm surprised to see you here.

Debbie: Yeah? Well, I almost didn't come.

Jacob: What changed your mind?

Debbie: Twenty years of marriage.

(There's a long silence.)

Jacob: I'm really sincerely sorry for everything.

Debbie: It's just---it's not like this is the first time you've done something crappy.

Jacob: I've never laid a finger on you until the other night.

Debbie: That's not what I mean. You've rolled in the house drunk before, at 2am. God knows what you were doing.

Jacob: I never cheated on you, if that's what you're thinking.

Debbie: It is. And honestly, right now, I don't really believe your word.

Jacob: Then I guess there's not much I can say.

Debbie: There's nothing you can say, Jacob. Nothing.

Jacob: Then why did you come?

Debbie: To make sure you were okay. (He gets a glimmer of a smile) But make no mistake, this marriage is over. Not only do you hit me, but two days later and you go punching our son? How dare you, Jay. If you ever touch him again, and you mightaswell rent a permanent room in this hospital because you'll need it.

Jacob: Don't threaten me, woman.

Debbie: Oh, it's not a threat. You have my word on that.

(She walks out.)

Scene 11

(On the road on a random street by Sunnyvale High. Megan and Monica are driving.)

Monica: (laughing) I just wanna know how we've been going to that school for three years and just met today.

Megan: Well it is a big school.

Monica: Are you kidding me? We go to the smallest school in the area! (laughs)

(Megan changes the song on the CD.)

Monica: Hey! I liked that song.

Megan: Oh, sorry.

Monica: I'm just teasing. This is fine, too.

(Out of the side of their sight outside on the sidewalk, Rachel is sitting on the bus stop crying.)

Megan: Hey hey, pull over.

Monica: Why?

Megan: That's my brother's girlfriend right there. She doesn't look so good.

(Monica pulls the car over.)

Monica: The girl who's crying? You think?

(Megan rolls down the window and starts talking to get Rachel's attention.)

Megan: Rachel! Over here. Get in.

(Rachel stands up and wipes her tears, and then gets into the back seat.)

Rachel: Hi. (to Monica) Um, I'm Rachel.

Monica: I know. Cool. Oh, Monica here.

Megan: So what's wrong?

Rachel: (getting teary again) I think John and I broke up.

Megan: (in shock) Hold on. What?

Rachel: Well he said he needed space and then I told him bye and got on the bus.

Monica: Aw, sweetie. I'm sorry. But that isn't a break-up. Trust me, it was just a fight.

Megan: Yeah, I know you two. He loves you. Give it a few hours and then talk to him. Work it out.

Rachel: Well, we're suppose to meet at a party tonight. But I don't know if he'll show up now.

Monica: Go anyway. If he's there, great. If not...

Megan: Then call him.

Rachel: Thanks, you guys.

Monica: Well, after you've been through three years of high school, one prom night, and many boys, you get quite a bit of experience with this stuff.

(Rachel and Megan laugh, and then so does Monica.)

Scene 12

(Roger's in his room getting ready for the party. He's buttoning his jeans looking in his closet for a shirt to wear.)

(His cell phone rings.It flashes "Dennis" on the Caller ID.)

Roger: What's up, man? You going?

Dennis: Um. Uh, doesn't look like it.

Roger: Huh? Why not?

Dennis: My parents said I can't. They said it's too short notice, they don't know the parents of the kid throwing it, and they don't want me exposed to the drugs and alcohol.

Roger: Just tell them it's not that kind of party.

Dennis: Dude, they were hippies back in the day. They know.

Roger: Well, this sucks man. I wanted you to be by wingman for the ladies.

Dennis: Just ask John to do it.

Roger: I can't. A wingman has to be single, since the wingman technically flirts with the girls too.

Dennis: Him and Rachel have been together how long now? I think Rachel trusts him to be your wingman.

Roger: Well I don't even know where he's at honestly. He's not picking up his cell.

Dennis: That's odd. Did you try Rachel?

Roger: Hmm. Good thinking.

Dennis: Okay. I'll let you do that then. I gotta grab soem food, anyway.

Roger: Alright, man. Hey, think about it. Okay?

Dennis: Sure, but I still can't go.

Roger: Later. (hangs up)

Scene 13

(Shows the outside of a bar. John is sitting on the sidewalk step drinking some booze.)

John: (looking at the beer bottle) Thank you. You are my new best friend. And hey, you can even be my new girlfriend. (he kisses the bottle, obviously very drunk)

(John finishes off the beer bottle and throws it at the wall.)

Scene 14

(Monica, Megan, and Rachel are in the car pulling into a neighborhood.)

Megan: So, you okay, Rachel?

Rachel: Yeah, I think so. I'll be fine.

Monica: Remember, go get your butt dressed for that party---wear something that'll knock some sense into John---and just wait for John to meet you at the party.

Megan: If you need anything, give us a call.

Rachel: Thanks, you guys. I so owe you.

Monica: I'll keep that in mind.

Rachel: Oh, this is me. Thanks for the ride.

(Monica stops the car to let Rachel out.)

Monica: Have fun tonight, girl.

Rachel: I'll try. (laughs) Bye.

(Megan and Monica watch her go in and then pull away.)

Monica: Wow, poor girl, huh?

Megan: Relationships can be tough at that age.

Monica: Oh, come on! (laughs) She's not that much younger than us!

Megan: Oh, my god. Please. She's a sophomore for crying out loud.

Monica: Right. And we're seniors, baby. Woohoo!

Megan: You know, I'm in the mood to go to our first party as seniors tonight.

Monica: Oh, I like how you think, girlie.

Scene 15

(Mary and James are sitting outside next to the pool talking.)

James: So, any updates on the foursome?

Mary: Well, Debbie went back to work today.

James: What? I thought I told her to take off the rest of the week?

Mary: You know Debbie, though. She never gives herself a break, no matter what.

James: She works so hard, all her life she has. And look what she has to show for it: Nothing. That jackass of a husband of hers spent twenty years spending her money, sucking her dry, ruining her life. It's sickening.

Mary: Ex-husband. I called a divorce earlier.

James: Does Debbie know this?

Mary: No.

James: Honey, have I told you how much I love you lately?

Mary: Not really.

James: Well, I do. (puts his arm around her) You make me proud.

(Suddenly they wear the back gate opening. A few seconds later, Debbie comes walking out from behind the side of the house.)

James: Oh, look who it is. Debbie. How was work?

Mary: You're home early.

Debbie: Mom. Dad, I need your helping finding a divorce attorney.

(James and Mary look at each other pleasantly surprised.)

Mary: I think we can arrange that, dear.

James: Did something happen? I mean, besides, you know...

Debbie: Oh, you mean besides my son getting into a fight with my husband, my husband punching my son, and my husband---not for much longer though---injured in the hospital for hitting his head on glass?

Mary: John punched Jacob? He's always made me proud.

James: Look, we all know I'm not the biggest fan of Jacob, but resorting to punching --- again? That boy needs some anger management.

Mary: Oh, please. I'm sure he had a good reason.

James: I'm just saying, he's 16. He can't think this is acceptable behavior.

Debbie: Mom, can we get on the lawyer?

Scene 16

"THAT NIGHT"

(Dennis' room; Dennis enters his door and shuts it angerily.)

(He flops on the bed.)

Dennis: (to himself) Another night alone in my room while there's a party going on. Nice. I love my life. I hate my parents.

(Dennis thinks back to an earlier conversation that day...)

Roger: Well, this sucks man. I wanted you to be by wingman for the ladies.

Dennis: Just ask John to do it.

Roger: I can't. A wingman has to be single, since the wingman technically flirts with the girls too.

(/End of Dennis' thoughts..)

Dennis: I'm done with obeying my parents.

(He gets some clothes out of his closet and picks out what he's going to wear.)

CUT TO: A few minutes later; Dennis is all dressed now.

Dennis: Party, here I come.

(He opens up his window and sneaks out.)

Scene 17

(Monica's room; Megan and Monica are in there.)

Megan: Okay. I just gotta call my mom to lether know where I'll be.

Monica: Just tell her you're spending the night over a new friend's house.

(Megan dials her mother's number on her cell. Debbie picks up.)

Debbie: (angry) What?!

Megan: Mom? What's wrong?

Debbie: Oh, Megan. Sorry. I just---when will you be home?

Megan: Actually, I was hoping I could spend the night over one of my friend's. I just met her. Monica.

Debbie: Okay. Sure. Have fun. Call me tomorrow when you're coming home.

Megan: K, will do. Thanks, mom. You sure everything's okay?

Debbie: Yeah. I was just talking to your grandmother about your father.

Megan: Oh, okay. I'll see you tomorrow. (hangs up)

Monica: Okay. Great.

Megan: How do I look?

Monica: Not quite as good as me, but pretty darn close.

(Megan laughs)

Megan: You better watch it!

Monica: Okay. Lets get going, girlfriend.

Scene 18

(In front of the "party house" shown in the beginning of the episode. Roger is walking up the steps, on his cell phone.)

Roger: Hey, John. It's Big Rog, man. Where're you at, boy? Look, Dennis bailed on me tonight so I need you to be my wingman, k? That is if you ever get here. Okay. See you here soon, hopefully. Later, man. (he hangs up looking frustrated and a bit worried)

"Big Rog!," A guy yells from inside opening the door. "'Bout time you got your ass here man."

(They knock fists)

Roger: Hey hey, I'm here now. Now the real party can start.

"Oh, that's some big talk, brother. Get inside, man, the beer keg's waiting for ya, man."

Roger: Right on, man. I could use one.

(They walk in and shut the door.)

Roger: (from off-screen) Or ten.

"A HALF HOUR LATER"

(Outside of the house; Rachel and Dennis are walking up at the same time.)

Rachel: Hey. So, John didn't come?

Dennis: No, haven't been able to reach him like all day. I figured he'd be driving you.

Rachel: We kinda get into a fight. And maybe even broke up.

Dennis: Woa. What? Broke up? Wait. What do you mean, "maybe"?

Rachel: He said he needed space.

Dennis: Well, that's understandable. Considering everything with his dad and stuff.

Rachel: I guess. But, I mean---first he tells me he wants to be around me because it's the only time his life is normal. And then suddenly he needs space from me?

Dennis: Just give it time. It'll blow over. I know John, and I know how much he loves you.

Rachel: Thanks. You're right. Okay, come on. Lets party like it's 1999!

(They walk up the steps to the front door.)

Dennis: Tell me you did not just say that.

(They enter and see Roger on top of the steps dancing with some girls, obviously drunk.)

Dennis: Roger! What's up, buddy!?

Roger: Woa. Dennis?

Dennis: Yeah, man. I snuck out! Look at me----I'm living dangerously on the edge!

Roger: (comes downstairs) Hey, Rach! Where's John?

Rachel: I don't know. Not here. You hear from him?

Roger: Nope. Left him a few voicemails, though.

Rachel: Great. Well, he's probably out hooking up with another girl.

Roger: What are you talking about?

Rachel: We kinda broke up. Or took a break. Or taking some space. Same difference.

Roger: But he loves you! (to Dennis) Well, that's good, man.

(Dennis looks awkward.)

Rachel: Oh, yeah. Me hurting. How good! (rolls her eyes)

Roger: Oh, I just meant---

Dennis: (budding in) He's drunk. He doesn't make sense when he's drunk.

Roger: Dude, come on. Stop ly---

"Roger, I'm getting bored," a girl from upstairs yells down to him. "Come on!"

Roger: Duty calls!

(He goes upstairs.)

Dennis: He'll show up, Rach. Don't worry. Well, I'm gonna go mingle. Try to have some fun. Okay?

(He goes to have some drinks.)

Scene 19

(In front of the bar; John is still sitting out there drinking.)

(Checks his watch.)

John: Time to party, I guess.

(He tries to stand up, but wobbles a bit, so he sits back down.)

John: Okay. Maybe wait a few.

(He gets out his cell and does down his contact list. He gets to an entry "Stephanie" and clicks "call now.")

Stephanie: Hello?

John: Hey. It's John. What's up?

Stephanie: Hey, I saw your away message up. Party tonight, huh?

John: Well, as soon as I can stand up straight.

Stephanie: Been drinking?

John: Yeah. Alone. At some bar.

Stephanie: Aren't you suppose to be drunk after a party?

John: Not when you're dealing with a fight.

Stephanie: Oh, no. You and Rachel? What happened?

John: She kept bringing up my dad and stuff. Told her I needed space. She took it as breaking up and left.

Stephanie: So, tell her you didn't mean it like that.

John: I tried. She left anyway. She's probably at the party right now kissing someone else.

Stephanie: I'm sorry. I feel so bad. Actually, me and Jason are fighting, too.

John: Must be something in the water, huh?

Stephanie: Yeah. Guess so.

John: Thanks for talking to me. I just---well, I better be heading to the party.

Stephanie: Find another way there. Don't drive.

John: I'm taking a cab. He's here now.

Stephanie: Okay. Have fun.

(They hang up. John gets into his car, turns on the ignition and pulls away.)

Scene 20

(In front of the "party house"; teenagers are driving up and entering, carrying beer kegs, etc; in the background, XO by Fall Out Boy is playing. It flashes to inside the house with Roger and Dennis drinking.)

Roger: (finishing off another beer) I'm so proud of you, man. The whole sneaking out thing. You're finally living your life, man.

Dennis: Yeah. It feels agreat, too. (he tosses another empty beer into a pile)

Roger: How many is that for you, man?

Dennis: Uh... (he starts counting with his fingers in the air) ...Four---Um, no. Seven. Yeah, that's right. Nine.

Roger: Dude. What?

Dennis: Whatever, man. Don't look at me like that. I'm just "living my life." Besides you've had so many you almost blew my cover before.

Roger: Huh? (thinks he remembers now) Oh, yeah. Gotcha.

Dennis: Yeah. Be more careful next time, bro.

Roger: Wait. What are we talking about again?

Cut To: Another area of the house.

(Rachel is there dressed up, waundering around looking like she's looking for someone.She gets out her cell and dials.)

"You've reached John's voicemail," Rachel hears from her cell. "I can't take your call right now, so leave me that message and I'll call you when I can. Later."

(Rachel hangs up, looking disappointed. She goes into another room, where she sees Dennis and Roger acting goofy.)

Rachel: I wasn't aware there were drugs at this party.

Roger: Really? High school party and no drugs? Um. Riiight!

Rachel: You guys see John?

Roger: Uh, no. Sorry. Guess he hasn't showed up yet. Did you guys make-up yet, or...?

Rachel: No, we haven't. I mean---It's us, and space or no space, it's still us. Right? I think we can survive anything. I just hate being all on bad terms and stuff.

Roger: Sure.

Dennis: Hey, Rachel. Dance with me!

Rachel: Um, Dennis. I don't think---

(Before she can finish her sentence, he pulls her out to the dancing area.)

Rachel: ...Say no to that proposal? Okay. I guess we're gonna dance.

Dennis: Got that right!

Cut To: Outside the house.

(John is pulling up in his car, as everyone makes a clear path so his car can pull in. He gets out of the car looking a little mellowed out. He high-fives a bunch of people standing around and then starts walking up the steps leading to the front door. As he's walking up the steps, he's looking quite tipsy.)

"Woa man," one of his friends says seeing him get out. "Where've you been? You don't look so good."

John: Out of my way, man. Time to party. No. Wait. Time to find Rachel. I miss her.

"I would, too. She's hot."

Cut To: Back inside the house, where Rachel and Dennis are dancing, and Roger is standing by drinking, talking to a girl.

Rachel: Okay. I'm getting tired.

Dennis: Oh, but I'm not done with you yet.

Rachel: Sign me up for a rain check, k?

Roger: (to the girl he was with before) So, you go to Sunnyvale High?

"Yeah," she replies.

Roger: Really? Wow. (looks her up and down) Seems like I would have remembered you.

"Jerk!," she says hitting him. "We just made out upstairs!"

Roger: I'm joking, baby. I could never forget that session.

Cut To: Outside; John's walking up the steps, loosing his balance. John starts shaking and falls down, landing on some grass---pretty hard. Lying there, shaking all over.

(At that moment someone runs into the house into the front door, in a panic.)

"Somebody call for help!," they yell. "Call 9-1-1 now, OKAY? Somebody's hurt outside!"

Roger: Oh, my god.

(Roger runs out, Rachel follows behind him. Roger peaks out the front door by opening it first.)

Roger: Oh, my god! Rachel, it's John!

Rachel: (running outside to see) John! Oh, my god! Roger! Call 9-1-1! NOW!

(Roger gets out his cell and dials.)

(Rachel runs over to John lying there.)

Rachel: John! Oh my god. John! Please! Can you hear me, baby?

(John lies there, now not shaking anymore, but with his eyes closed.)

(Roger comes running down the steps.)

Roger: Help's on the way! How is he?

Rachel: I don't know! I don't know what happened! (to some random guy standing by.) Did you see? What the hell happened to him?

"Uh, I don't know...," the guy says while smoking some weed.

(Dennis comes running out.)

Dennis: What's going on---(gets a look at John) What the hell? Oh my god!

"Episode Closes"