THE TRAGER HOUSE
Jenna's Room
[Jenna is sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of her bathtub with a laptop and her drawings of Professor Kern twirling her hair. She is reading stories on the internet from the Seattle Courier about the Professor: "Kern Named UW Professor of the Year"; "Local Professor Awarded Madacorp Grant"; "UW Professor Still Missing"; "Hikers Find Remains Near Victor Falls."]
VOICEOVER
He was all I could think about. I couldn't understand why or how he'd been in my dream. Or how I could draw his face if I didn't know him. Was he dead? Or was the Professor still missing - like me?
NICOLE [comes in]
Jenna. Hey.
[sits on edge of tub and sighs] We talked about this. It's not good for you to keep obsessing.
JENNA
Have you heard from Detective Breen?
NICOLE
No, the police still don't know if those remains were Professor Kern's. And the more you think about this, the more it will agitate you, so let's just wait for the test results and we'll...we'll deal with it then. Josh is outside with some of his buddies. Why don't you go take a few shots? Show 'em how it's done.
[Jenna hands her the laptop, gets up and starts to walk out the door. She pauses for a moment to look at her before leaving. She looks at the last article about the Professor and sighs.]
The Backyard
[Josh and a bunch of his friends are in the back driveway watching Jenna. She is holding a basketball and getting ready to shoot.]
VOICEOVER
Nicole was right. Basketball was a welcome distraction. It took me out of my head and into a zone where nothing mattered but the ball and the hoop.
[She shoots and makes the basket. Everyone is seriously impressed.]
JOSH [grabs the ball]
That's 10 for 10.
BOY#1
The girl doesn't miss.
BOY#2
Yeah, at free throws maybe.
JOSH
Yeah? Jenna, back up. Make some 3-pointers.
[Josh tosses her the ball and Jenna backs up to almost the end of the drive. She shoots and sinks another basket.]
BOY#1
Oh my God!
TEENAGE BOY [has been watching; comes up to Jenna with Erica by his side]
Sweet shot.
ERICA Oh um, this is Charlie my step-brother, he's on the basketball team.
JOSH [to Charlie]
That's nothin'. She nails it every time.
CHARLIE
Oh yeah?
JOSH
Show him, Jenna. And spice it up a little. [throws her the ball]
VOICEOVER [looking around her and up at a weathervane]
I tried to calculate all the data. But one variable was hard to determine. Then I found a solution.
[With one hand, Jenna throws the ball at a telephone pole. The ball bounces off the pole onto the roof of a shed, bounces off the roof and into the basket.]
CHARLIE [gesturing]
Oh, that was insane! How'd you do that?
JENNA
Angle, trajectory, velocity, wind.
CHARLIE [very excited]
And all this time, I've been chuckin' a ball through a hoop. You ever think about joining a team?
ALEX [walks up and joins them]
There you are Erica.
ERICA [puts her arm around him]
Hey you.
ALEX
How ya doin', Jenna?
JENNA [watching only him]
Good.
CHARLIE
We got a sweet shooter here.
ALEX
We do?
ERICA
Oh yeah. Seriously, my crazy step-brother believes Jenna should tryout for the team.
ALEX
This late in the season? You're already in the final.
CHARLIE
And with Jenna hittin' these 3-pointers, it could make all the difference. I'll talk to Coach about you.
ALEX
Well, if anyone can make it happen, it's Charlie.
JENNA [looking at Alex]
Okay, I'll try.
CHARLIE
Cool. I'll see ya then.
ALEX [touches her wrist]
Bye, Jenna.
JOSH
Jenna! Line it up! [tosses Jenna the ball]
BOY#1
Man, there's no way she can do it again.
[Jenna is holding the basketball, but she's watching Erica and Alex walk away together holding hands and Charlie walking beside them. She looks very sad.]
JOSH
Jenna - shoot!
[Half-heartedly, Jenna bounces the ball off the roof again, but it only hits the rim of the basket and bounces off. Josh looks at him disappointed, but Jenna is only watching Alex.]
Jenna's Room - the Next Morning
[Josh is walking around Jenna checking her out. Jenna has tried to dress like a baller, but she's got it all wrong - she looks like a dork. Josh laughs at her.]
JENNA
What?
JOSH
You gotta look cool playin' ball, Jenna.
JENNA [looks in the mirror]
I don't?
JOSH
How do I put this? NO. Lemme show ya.
[Josh rearranges Jenna's look. He pulls up her wristbands. Josh pulls down Jenna's socks and then gives her a sweatband to wear around her head. She looks worse.]
See? Now you're a real baller. But you can't just look the part. You gotta talk the talk. Speak the lingo.
JENNA
Lingo?
JOSH
Yeah, the slang, dude. Like when ya dunk, you gotta scream, "Booyah! That's the kizzle dizzle!"
JENNA
What's the kizzle dizzle?
JOSH
You are. Trust me, Jenna. I know what I'm talkin' about. [leaves]
[Jenna smiles at herself in the mirror. She's the kizzle-dizzle!]
The Kitchen
[The family is busy in the kitchen making breakfast. Sitting at the table with Lori, Jenna adds a pile of SPKs on top of her cereal, covers it all with milk and starts to eat it. Watching her, Lori grimaces a little.]
NICOLE
Wow, Jenna, you look like a pro.
STEPHEN
Ready for action?
JENNA
I think so.
STEPHEN
I remember when I played. Out there on the court, you get that rhythm goin', the whole team movin' like they share one brain.
LORI
So five jocks equals one brain - that sounds about right.
STEPHEN [acting out the scene]
Anyway, I remember one game. Down by one, five seconds left, I steal the ball, dribble down the court and -
JOSH [interrupting]
Swish! The game-winning shot at the buzzer. Yeah, yeah. . .
STEPHEN
Thanks, Josh. Can you spoil it for Jenna?
JOSH
Don't worry. I'm sure you'll tell it a hundred more times.
NICOLE
Lori, could you drop Jenna off today?
LORI [smiling at Jenna]
What am I, your chauffeur now?
NICOLE
I'm late for a consultation, okay? Enjoy your morning. [kisses Stephen on cheek]
STEPHEN
Thank you. Don't be long.
NICOLE
Bye guys. Jenna, good luck today, okay? And remember, as long as you give it your best, you can't lose.
JOSH
"Words to Live By," by Nicole Trager.
NICOLE [specifically to Josh]
Bye.
OAK PARK RECREATION CENTER
[Lori and Jenna walk into the gym where the Bison are practicing for the championship game.]
LORI
Here ya go. [Jenna doesn't say anything]
You're welcome.
VOICEOVER [watching the team]
They tossed the ball in a symphony of lines, curves and angles.
CHARLIE [comes over]
Jenna, whassup dawg? [Jenna looks confused]
That means "Hey, how are you?"
JENNA
Oh.
CHARLIE
So you made it.
JENNA
Can I play?
CHARLIE [takes headband off of Jenna]
First just. . .first, lose this. Better. Come on, I'll show ya around. [claps her on the back]
DECLAN [shouts from across gym; he is standing with Hillary and Nick]
Trager!
LORI [coming over]
Hey.
DECLAN
What'd ya doin' here?
HILLARY [being bitchy]
Yes - what are you? [Nick just rolls his eyes and walks off to rejoin the team]
LORI
Brought Jenna to practice.
DECLAN
Jenna? What for?
LORI
Charlie wants her on the team.
DECLAN [looks upset]
What the hell is he thinking? [leaves to talk to Charlie]
LORI [to Hillary]
So, are we doing the ignoring thing now or just shooting nasty looks? I just want to be clear.
HILLARY
Don't flatter yourself. I don't waste my time worrying about you -
LORI [interrupting]
You don't waste any time at all, do you?
HILLARY
You and Declan crashed and burned. He's fair game.
LORI
Oh yeah, I am so sure you're concerned with the fairness of it all.
HILLARY
I see what I want and I go get it. I don't hold out my whole life and then finally go through with it. . .and completely mess it up.
[She grabs her workout bag and leaves. Going through the door, she turns to give Lori a dirty look. Lori is getting more frustrated with this feud. Nick has seen the entire thing and groans]
DECLAN [walking with Charlie to the Coach's office]
Dude, we can't add Jenna now.
CHARLIE
Why not?
DECLAN
For one thing, the girl doesn't know her ass from her forehead.
CHARLIE
Well, have you ever seen her shoot?
Upstairs in Coach's Office
COACH
Tanner, we can't pick up a new player a week before the final.
DECLAN
That's what I said.
CHARLIE
Coach, the girl hits nothing but net every time.
COACH
The team is perfectly balanced. We're up against the Lancers. I can't have some unknown coming in to disrupt everything.
CHARLIE
At least watch her shoot.
DECLAN [raises his voice; upset]
Man, why are you pushing this?!
CHARLIE
Because I wanna win. What, are you afraid she's gonna steal your thunder?
DECLAN
Her and me, one-on-one right now.
COACH
Enough! It's too late to change the roster.
CHARLIE
But Jenna's new in town. I bet the League will make an exception. [Declan rolls his eyes]
[They hear cheering down in the gym and go over to the window to see what is happening. Jenna is throwing a basketball into hoops around the court and making every single one. The team is yelling and cheering for her. Jenna is smiling at the reaction she is getting from the rest of the guys.]
COACH
Where did you say this kid comes from, Tanner?
CHARLIE [smiling; Declan looks glum]
Does it matter?
THE TRAGER HOUSE
Kitchen - Early that Evening
[In the kitchen, the family is grabbing pizza and sodas and talking about the game.]
STEPHEN
Jenna's on the team?
LORI
Yeah. And she practically made every shot.
STEPHEN [happy laughter]
That's fantastic! [Josh makes a face]
NICOLE
Jenna, this could be such a great experience for you.
STEPHEN
When's the game?
JENNA
Next Sunday. It's the championship.
STEPHEN
You're playing in the final? Against who?
JENNA
I don't know.
LORI
The Lancers. Apparently they've won the past two years and Jenna's team is gunning for them. It's testosterone overload.
JOSH
It's just a game.
STEPHEN
It's not just a game, it's a championship and Jenna is their secret weapon. [Josh watches how excited his dad is about Jenna playing in the final.]
JENNA [frowning]
Weapon?
STEPHEN [chewing pizza]
Mm-hmm.
NICOLE [gives Stephen a "look"]
Jenna, it's just a game.
STEPHEN
Absolutely. It's just all about fun.
Later - in the Living Room
[Nicole is sitting at the desk looking at the computer. Now she is reading stories about the Professor; specifically, the article about his grant from Madacorp. Stephen comes in with a glass of wine for each of them and sits on the edge of the desk.]
STEPHEN [sighs]
I know, I know, she's on the team one day and I turn into one of those obnoxious fathers.
NICOLE [takes wine]
Thanks. I just don't wanna put any pressure on her. She needs to ease into new social situations.
STEPHEN
I'll root her on quietly.
NICOLE
I've been reading about Professor Kern.
STEPHEN
Well, hon, we still don't know if there's a connection.
NICOLE
I know.
STEPHEN
Did you find anything?
NICOLE
Most of his research is about the brain. Maximizing it's potential.
STEPHEN
I know what you're thinking.
NICOLE
We've seen what Jenna can do. Maybe Professor Kern was her teacher. And if Jenna witnessed his murder -
STEPHEN
Hon, you're drawing conclusions before there's any real evidence.
NICOLE
Look, Jenna drew that picture of Kern before she knew Kern was missing. And if that skeleton found in the woods turns out to be Kern's, you can't tell me that's just a coincidence.
[They continue talking about Jenna, unaware that someone is watching them on a hidden camera and can also hear everything they say.]
TOM FOSS'S APARTMENT
[Nicole and Stephen continue talking about Kyle while Tom watches them from his monitors.] STEPHEN
If Jenna's around 16, why would a college professor be teaching him?
NICOLE
Maybe Jenna. . .
[Tom's cell phone rings.]
TOM
This is Foss.
WOMAN ON PHONE
Kern was in the news again. The police are gonna start making connections.
TOM
I told you they won't. I got a plan. [hangs up]
OAK PARK RECREATION CENTER
The Next Day
[Jenna is standing in front of the team dribbling the ball. They are going to try and stop her. Declan is in front waiting for Jenna and eggs her on.]
VOICEOVER
I enjoyed the simple logic of the game. But having someone try to prevent me from making a basket was a totally new experience.
[Jenna tries to get past Declan, but he smacks the ball away, knocking her down on her butt. Jenna sits on the court looking up at Declan.]
CHARLIE [to Declan]
Hey! You totally hacked her.
DECLAN
Oh, what are you, her personal ref?
CHARLIE [irritated]
She's still learnin' the game, man.
DECLAN
She only has a week. She needs a crash course. [laughs and runs off]
CHARLIE [holds out his hand to Jenna]
You okay?
JENNA [takes Charlie's hand and gets up]
I don't think Declan wants me on the team.
CHARLIE
He gets a little intense. Hang in there. You're doin' good. [claps her on the back and they run back to the other players.]
Outside the Gym
[Josh and his two friends are watching practice through a window.]
JOSH
Now that Jenna's on the team, the Bison are gonna wipe the floor with the Lancers.
BOY#1
I don't know, dude. I mean, it's one thing to score in your backyard, but the Lancers got killer defense.
JOSH
Well, I'm a believer.
BOY#2
Dude, trust me, they'll double-team her.
JOSH
That won't stop Jenna. [he looks over and sees some older boys making bets]
[to his friends] Wanna bet?
BOY#1
Sure, put me in for five.
BOY#2
Dude, put me down for a Hamilton.
JOSH [realizing the potential]
Cool.
THE TRAGER HOUSE
The Living Room - That Evening
[Jenna is sitting on the coffee table watching a basketball game on TV. Josh comes in with a stack of books and hands one to her.]
JOSH
Here's everything you need to know about the game. A few hundred pages should take you - five minutes.
JENNA [looking through the book]
Who's Michael Jordan?
JOSH [looks up at the ceiling]
Hh! Yeah, you're not from a different planet. He's only the greatest basketball player ever.
JENNA
Ever? [the doorbell rings]
JOSH [sits on the couch]
Look, if you're gonna play, you gotta learn from the best. Read these.
[The doorbell rings again. Josh ignores it and puts the rest of the books on the table.]
They'll make you unbeatable.
LORI [yelling from upstairs]
Josh, get the door!
JOSH [yelling back]
I'm not your butler!
LORI
Just answer it, you little creep!
[Josh makes a disgusted noise and gets off the couch to go answer the front door. Declan, Nick and Charlie are standing there.]
JOSH
Whoa. I didn't know Lori could handle three at once. [Nick gives Josh a look]
DECLAN
Ha, ha, very funny. Now get out of my way. [they come inside.]
CHARLIE
Is Jenna here?
JOSH
In here.
CHARLIE
Okay.
JOSH
So. . . now that Jenna's on your team, what do you make of your chances?
NICK I'm not here to talk about Jenna or basketball.
CHARLIE
Lancers are goin' down.
DECLAN
I guarantee it.
JOSH
That's all I wanted to hear. [Charlie and Declan go into the living room]
[Lori is looking down the staircase to see who was at the door. Coming down the stairs, she realizes Declan is there and she is a mess. She runs back up upstairs, Nick follows her.
Jenna is spinning a basketball on her finger with one hand, watching the game on TV and with the other hand, reading the book Josh gave her. She is totally getting into the game.]
CHARLIE
Hey Jenna.
JENNA [tosses Charlie his basketball]
Whassup dawg?
CHARLIE [laughs]
Coach told me to drop off your playbook and uh . . . [looks over at Declan]
DECLAN
About practice today? I should've gone easier on ya.
JENNA [practicing her new lingo and hand signals]
That's okay. You blocked my shot. I should've pump-faked to make you leave your feet and draw the foul.
[They both flinch. Frowning, Declan turns to Charlie and gives him a "look."
Upstairs, Lori is getting ready as fast as she can in between talking with Nick. She changes her clothes and puts on earrings and makeup.]
DECLAN [to Jenna]
This final, dude? It's vital. We lost to the Lancers last year in overtime in a heartbreaker.
CHARLIE
Yeah, they hit a buzzer-beater and won the championship.
LORI [casually enters the room with Nick trailing behind her]
Hey, I didn't know you guys were here.
CHARLIE
Hey Lori.
DECLAN [checking her out]
What's goin' on, Trager?
LORI
Well, I don't wanna interrupt.
DECLAN
No, no, no, I'm done here.
LORI [gestures towards the kitchen]
Come chat with me. [they leave]
CHARLIE [to Jenna]
Wow, you must really love the game.
JENNA
More all the time.
CHARLIE [sits on the couch]
Man, you know, there's nothin' like bein' on a team. You know, knowin' my boys got my back and I got theirs.
JENNA
That sounds cool.
In the Kitchen
DECLAN
The judge slammed me with 50 hours of community service.
LORI
Oh, that's so harsh.
DECLAN
Yeah, he said I could've gotten worse for a hit-and-run.
LORI [pours lemonade for both of them]
Did your dad totally freak?
DECLAN
It wasn't pretty.
So are you comin' to the game?
LORI
You're looking at your cheering section.
DECLAN
Really?
LORI
Yeah, I love to watch you play. [doorbell rings]
Hang on a second.
[Lori answers the front door and it's Hillary. Declan follows her to the door.]
HILLARY
Oh, it's you.
LORI
I live here. What do you want?
HILLARY [looking over Lori's shoulder]
Declan!
LORI
Excuse me?
DECLAN
Hey Hils.
HILLARY
Hey, I saw your car.
LORI
So you're stalking him now?
HILLARY
No, that's your M.O. I just figured I'd pop in and save us some time. Ready to go?
LORI [turns to Declan]
You had plans?
DECLAN
Uh, did we?
HILLARY
Well, when I saw you today, you said "see ya later." Here it is - later. [Hillary notices Nick standing in the living room doorway and her stare turns icy] Nick what are you doing here?
NICK [sucks air between his teeth] I came to talk to Jenna, now that's done I've got a date. Bye. [He rushes past everyone and to his car]
LORI [laughs]
That is so lame.
DECLAN
Come on guys, this is ridiculous. Just get over it already.
HILLARY
Over what?
LORI
Yeah. It's all good. [Declan shakes his head]
HILLARY
It's up to you. A night out with me or slum it here with Trager.
CHARLIE [coming into foyer]
Ready to bounce "D"?
DECLAN
Absolutely.
CHARLIE [to Jenna]
Check you later.
JENNA
Later, bro. [they exchange a knuckle handshake and Charlie and Declan leave]
HILLARY
Hey Jenna.
LORI [slams the door in Hillary's face]
Uuh, that felt good! [Jenna smiles at her]
TOM FOSS'S APARTMENT
[Later that night, Jenna is sitting on the edge of her bathtub playing around with the basketball. Watching Jenna on his monitor, Tom reaches into a plastic bag and pulls out a man's wallet and looks at it. Then he pulls out a hypodermic needle and fills it with a serum. The last thing he pulls out of the bag is a handgun. He continues to watch Jenna all alone in her room.]
OAK PARK RECREATION CENTER
The Next Day
[The team is practicing shooting baskets.]
VOICEOVER
I thought about what Charlie said. I wanted to prove I was one of the guys. In all the books Josh gave me, one move was respected more than any other. They called it the Air Jordan.
[With everyone watching her, Jenna runs down the court with the ball. Leaping high into the air, she dunks the ball through the hoop.]
JENNA
Booyah! That's the kizzle dizzle!
CHARLIE
Did you see that! She's awesome!
DECLAN
Yeah, yeah that's pretty cool.
Hey, yo. Check this out.
[Declan grabs a ball and dribbles down the court to the basket. He tries to dunk the ball over his shoulder, but it hits the rim and he goes down, landing hard on his feet. He rolls over in pain.]
CHARLIE
Are you all right?
DECLAN [standing up]
I'm fine. It's no big deal.
CHARLIE [to Jenna]
He hurt the same ankle a few weeks ago. [to Declan] We need you a hundred percent for the game, man. You should sit out the rest of practice.
DECLAN
You know Coach. I'd lose my spot!
JENNA
Why would you lose your spot?
COACH [blows his whistle]
Let's go ladies! Line up!
[All the boys except Jenna run over to where Coach is waiting. Declan is limping.]
JENNA [confused and looking around the gym]
Ladies?
COACH [looking down at Declan's ankle]
McDunaugh! What's up?
DECLAN
Nothin'.
COACH
Good. No room for soft players here.
[Sees Jenna still staring around the gym]
Jenna! Are you waitin' for a special invitation? Move it! [Jenna comes over]
Rush down three, come back two on one. Let's go. Move it! [blows whistle] Move it!
[The team jogs off and Jenna keeps looking over her shoulder at the Coach.]
Outside the Gym
[Josh is standing in a group of older boys and taking bets on the game.]
JOSH
So I've got you down for $25 and you for $30.
TEENAGE BOY
You sure you can cover these bets?
JOSH
Dude, I've got deep pockets.
TEENAGE BOY
You must be smokin' something. Lancers haven't lost in two years. They're not gonna start with the Bison. [leaves]
JOSH
Guess I'm feelin' lucky. Pleasure doin' business with ya.
[to another boy] You want in?
Inside the Gym
[Lori arrives to pick up Jenna. She is sitting on one of the bleachers bouncing a basketball.]
LORI
So, ready for the NBA?
Jenna [throws the ball to her]
I don't think I'm tall enough.
LORI [she throws it back]
It was a joke.
[Lori sees Declan and Hillary talking and laughing together and Nick waiting paitiently by the door]
God, could she be any more transparent?
JENNA
You don't like her talkin' to him?
LORI
She's just flirting with him to annoy me.
JENNA
It's working.
LORI
Oh, so now you're an expert on teen warfare?
JENNA
You're at war with her? Over what?
LORI
Because she. . .I . . .[sighs]. What difference does it make? She's a total bitch and we're fighting.
Wait here, LaBron. [goes over and steps in between them]
DECLAN
Hey Trager. Pickin' up Girl Wonder?
LORI
Yeah, it's such a pain, but at least I get to see you.
HILLARY [behind Lori's back, sticks finger in her mouth and makes a retching sound]
Gag me.
LORI
So I was thinking we could hang out this weekend.
DECLAN
Sure. A bunch of us are going -
LORI
No, no. Just us.
DECLAN
Just us?
LORI
We have been known to hook up every now and then.
DECLAN
I thought it was only then.
HILLARY
Yeah, and "then" was a total disaster.
LORI
It's a new day. Let's see where it goes. [she walks off leaving Declan smiling after her]
[Jenna and Lori leave, but not before Jenna throws the ball one-handed across the court and sinks another basket.]
Nice shot. Nice work. [laughing, they leave the gym]
SOMEWHERE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF TOWN
Later that Evening
[Tom is slowly driving his truck through an alley that is frequented by homeless people. He stops his truck next to a man sitting by himself on a crate.]
TOM
Hey buddy.
[Man stands up]
Wanna make some money?
JUNKIE
What's the catch?
TOM
There's no catch.
[The man hesitates and Tom flashes a wad of bills at him]
Well, get in, I'll explain it to ya.
Come on.
[The man wipes his nose and gets into truck]
Atta boy.
[Tom drives off with the man.]
THE TRAGER HOUSE
The Living Room
[Stephen is sitting on the couch watching the news when Nicole comes home.]
NICOLE
Hey, what's goin' on?
STEPHEN
You're not goin' to believe this. Adults only.
NICOLE
What, the kids aren't home?
STEPHEN
Let's enjoy it while we can.
NICOLE
Oh, well, one of us really should start dinner.
[tired, she sits down on the couch]
STEPHEN
Ah, let's order in.
NICOLE
I like the way you think.
KZRE ANCHOR WOMAN [Stephen and Nicole lean forward when they hear the report]
In an exclusive story, police have identified the remains found by hikers near Victor Falls last month as William Kern, a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Washington. Dr. Kern was last seen leaving campus in June. Police believe he was killed soon after, but so far, no arrests have been made in the murder.
And coming up next, all your local weather and . . .
[The two turn to look at each other.]
The Next Morning - Game Day
NICOLE [on her cell phone]
Yes, I'm still holding. Well, I've called three times. Has he gotten my messages? Well, tell the Detective I'm expecting his call.
STEPHEN
He woulda called if he had something new to tell us. And, yes, those are Kern's remains, but the police obviously haven't found anything to link to Jenna.
NICOLE
She saw Kern in her dream. She was able to draw his face. She must have known him, she had to.
STEPHEN
Alright, well, maybe we should tell her what's goin' on.
NICOLE
Well, not yet. She's so excited about basketball. Let's wait and tell her tomorrow.
In the Kitchen
[Jenna is sitting at the breakfast table surrounded by cereal, OJ and two big bowls of fruit. She is eating orange slices when Josh brings her some toast.]
JENNA
More?
JOSH
You gotta keep your energy up. Remember, every shot counts today.
[leaning in close to Jenna] I've got a lot riding on this game.
STEPHEN [comes in and overhears]
You do?
JOSH
Well yeah, I've been chattin' up how great a player Jenna is. Don't let me down.
[Stephen smiles enthusiastically. Nicole comes in and fixes herself some coffee.]
NICOLE
Josh, you'll make him nervous. It's okay if you are, Jenna. It just means your adrenaline is pumping.
JENNA
My stomach does feel strange.
NICOLE
You got butterflies. [Jenna turns around and looks at her]
It's an expression.
STEPHEN
Jenna, wait'll you make that first basket. You're gonna feel an incredible jolt of energy.
[Josh sighs heavily]
JENNA
Are you both coming to the game?
NICOLE
Wouldn't miss it for the world.
STEPHEN
Can't wait.
[Josh turns to look at his mom and dad.]
OAK PARK RECREATION CENTER
Championship Game
ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention please. Welcome to our championship game.
DECLAN [to Jenna; they are waiting in the wings]
This is it.
ANNOUNCER
Would you give it up please for last year's champions - the Lancers!
[The Lancers run out onto the court.]
And this year's champs in the Westside Division - the Bison!
[The Bison run out to loud cheers and applause.]
STEPHEN
Way to go, Jenna!
[Stephen and Nicole stand up clapping for Jenna. Sh sees them and smiles happily.]
BOY#1 [to Josh]
Dude, could your dad be any more into it?
[Josh looks over at his dad]
STEPHEN
Whoo-ooh!
[Josh looks jealous at the attention Jenna is getting from Stephen. Lori and Hillary are also in the stands and they spot each other. Lori waves a large Styrofoam hand she is wearing, but Hillary has two and waves them both at Lori.]
ANNOUNCER
And let's meet the starting lineup. First the defending champions, the Lancers. At rear guard, #11, Noel Beck. At shooting guard, #9, Captain Brian. . .
ALEX [comes over to Lori]
Hey, can I sit here?
LORI
Sure.
[The team sits down on the bench and Coach kneels down in front of them. Jenna is very excited.]
COACH
All right. It all comes down to this. One game, one moment in time to prove that we are the best. And we are the best!
We haven't beaten the Lancers in two years. Two years!
VOICEOVER
I had no idea why Coach was shouting. Or why he kept saying things twice.
COACH
My grandma plays better defense than them. My grandma!
VOICEOVER
Too bad she's not playing.
COACH
Make sure to set screens for Jenna. Free her up to shoot. She's our star! And help her out on defense. She's still adjusting to our system.
CHARLIE
We got your back, Jenna. [slaps her on the back]
COACH
Okay, Team on three. One, two, three. . .
TEAM
Team!
BOY#1 [laughing]
Trager, feelin' the heat.
BOY#2
Hey, so, uh, how much you gonna end up owing?
BOY#1
Yeah.
JOSH
Yo, I'm cashin' in. And don't come cryin' to me when I upgrade my game system.
VOICE IN CROWD
Come on! I wanna see some action!
LORI [looking at Alex writing in a notebook]
What's that for?
ALEX
Oh, Erica keeps Charlie's stats for him, but she couldn't make it. Do you want a page to keep track of Declan and Jenna?
LORI [laughing]
Are you kidding me? I hate watching basketball.
ALEX
Then why are you here?
[Lori doesn't answer. She and Hillary exchange looks again.]
The Game
[At the tip-off, the center bats the ball towards Jenna and she runs after it. She dribbles then shoots from half way down the court and sinks the basket. The crowd goes wild! Nicole and Stephen are standing and clapping and Josh jumps to his feet. Jenna looks around at the stands and all the people cheering for her. Even her teammates are congratulating her.]
VOICEOVER
An explosion of positive energy filled the gym. I felt a wave of excitement from the crowd. . .and the thrilled support of my team. Playing basketball was everything I'd hoped it would be.
[By the 2nd period, the Bison are still ahead 14 to 8. Declan is hot and he doesn't seem to be having any problems with his ankle. Through the 2nd period and into the 3rd, the game continues neck and neck. Jenna scores each time she gets the ball and the team is doing a good job of defending her. By the end of the 3rd period, they have moved ahead by 10 points.]
VOICEOVER
In the final minutes of the game, the competition became more intense.
[With 3:20 left in the 4th period, the score has closed to 44-40. Jenna has control of the ball, but instead of shooting, she turns to either pass or spin around and another player steals the ball.]
COACH [shouting from the sideline]
Jenna, what are you doin'?!
[Stephen and Nicole start to look worried. One of the Lancers takes a shot, but the ball bounces off the rim and they've lost control of the ball. Gathered under the hoop, players are diving for it and one of them hits Jenna across the neck with his arm.]
VOICE IN THE CROWD
Come on man, that's a foul!
[The Bison are passing the ball to each other looking for a shot. Jenna gets the ball and tries to pass to Charlie, but she botches it and the ball goes right past him.]
CHARLIE
Come on, man, make the pass.
VOICEOVER
My own teammates grew hostile and impatient.
DECLAN [running past her]
Get your head in the game.
VOICEOVER
And my own coach seemed against me.
COACH
Come on Jenna. Control the ball, we control the game! The game!
[Player#11 has the ball, but Jenna isn't experienced enough to know how to effectively guard him. The player gets by her and makes the basket.]
PLAYER#11 [to Jenna]
That's my rock! Don't forget it!
COACH [shouting at Kyle]
Dammit, Jenna! Guard the man! That's your man!
VOICEOVER [looks up and sees Stephen hanging his head; Nicole looks concerned]
I was trying my best, but even Stephen seemed disappointed in me. Everything I'd loved about the sport began to disappear.
[Jenna looks unhappy and confused. Everything is becoming more intense. Declan has the ball and jumps up to make the shot. One of the Lancers jumps up at the same time to block it. Declan gets knocked down and lands hard on his bad ankle.]
DECLAN [rolling on the court holding his ankle]
Aah! Ow! My ankle.
CHARLIE [Charlie and Jenna run over to help him]
You okay, man?
COACH
Time out!
[Charlie and Jenna help Declan get up. He is limping between them as they bring him over to the bench. It is obvious he is in terrible pain. The whole team gathers around.]
COACH [kneeling down]
Shake it off, McDunaugh, it's crunch time.
DECLAN [tries to stand up, but he can't put weight on his ankle]
Uhh, damn it!
COACH
McDunaugh, we need you. Come on.
DECLAN [tries to stand again and fails]
I can't, Coach.
COACH [angry]
Can't? Get your ass on that court or you're out.
VOICEOVER [Jenna is staring at Coach]
I couldn't believe that the Coach wanted him to play. It was like winning clouded everything.
COACH
Play, or you're off the team for good.
CHARLIE
Coach, you. . .you can't do that.
COACH
Shut-up, Tanner! We can't win if we play with quitters.
[Declan tries one more time to stand, but he is in too much pain]
Jenna, take his spot. [Jenna just looks at him]
You deaf? Forget McDunaugh. You're the shooting guard now.
[Declan is upset]
JENNA
No.
COACH [standing]
What did you say?
JENNA
I said no.
COACH
This is your team now. Your chance to shine.
JENNA [goes to stand next to Declan]
I can't play, Coach. [sits on bench next to her friend] I'm injured, too.
COACH
Then you're off the team with McDunaugh. [Jenna doesn't understand Coach's behavior]
Tanner, take over.
CHARLIE [shrugs]
Sorry. My ankle's hurt, too. [sits down on other side of Declan]
COACH
Who's goin' in?
NICK
Can't Coach. I'm hurt. [sits down on bench]
PLAYER#22
Me too. [he sits on bench, too]
JOSH
This can't be happening.
STEPHEN
What's Jenna doin'? Why won't she play?
NICOLE
I don't know.
REFEREE
Coach, I need your team on the floor. . .or you forfeit.
COACH [furious]
All of you - out on that court now! Do this. . .do this. . .and you'll regret it for the rest of your LIVES!
[No one on the team budges. The Coach slams his clipboard down on the court.]
REFEREE [blows his whistle]
Bison forfeit, Lancers win.
ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen. The Bison have forfeited. The Lancers retain the championship.
[Declan looks at Jenna with gratitude. Jenna knows that she has done the right thing.]
TACOMA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Detective Breen's Office - The Next Day
NICOLE [knocking on the open door]
Detective Breen?
DECT. BREEN [sitting at his desk]
Mrs. Trager. I owe you a phone call.
NICOLE [coming in]
Several. You should have told me as soon as you identified those remains.
DECT. BREEN
Well, you're not entitled to that information.
NICOLE
But isn't Jenna? She's desperate, Detective, to unlock her past, and Professor Kern holds the key.
DECT. BREEN [gets up from desk and walks away, turning his back on her]
No, she doesn't. We've already interviewed several of his friends and colleagues. No one recognized Jenna's picture and Kern never mentioned knowing a girl.
NICOLE
But Jenna had to have known him. And they were both there in those woods. Maybe Jenna knows who killed him.
DECT. BREEN [sits back down and indicates a folder on his desk, opened to a photograph]
That man was found dead last night. Drug overdose.
[Nicole picks up the folder and looks at photo]
Found several items on him that belonged to Kern, as well as a gun. The same one that was used to kill Kern.
NICOLE
Why did he kill him?
DECT. BREEN
He was a junkie lookin' for cash. He had priors. Attempted murder. Assault. Mrs. Trager, we'll keep making every effort that we can to help Jenna, but we found no link to Professor Kern and. . .this murder case is closed.
[Nicole looks at the Detective and back at the photograph again.]
THE TRAGER HOUSE
Jenna's Room
[Nicole is breaking the news to Jenna about Professor Kern. She is frustrated and pacing back and forth.]
JENNA [twirling her]
It's. . .it's the Professor.
NICOLE [watching her closely]
Yes.
Jenna
And he's dead.
[Nicole nods]
Jenna
Does that mean I knew him?
NICOLE
Maybe. So far no one's been able to make a connection.
Jenna [groans]
But I drew his face before I ever saw his picture in the paper.
NICOLE
I don't know how to explain that right now, but that doesn't mean we'll stop trying. We'll keep working together, we'll keep looking for answers.
Jenna [raising her voice]
No, every time we look for more answers, we only find more questions.
[During their conversation, Tom Foss is watching and listening to them from his apartment.]
I was so sure we were onto something. Now I'm right back where I started.
NICOLE
Jenna, I know you're frustrated. It's a very complicated situation. . .
In the Kitchen
[Josh is following Jenna towards the kitchen.]
JOSH
Forfeit? Forfeit?
JENNA
I'm sorry, Josh. But I had to do it.
JOSH
How could you do that? How could you not play?
[The cell phone on the kitchen counter rings. Jenna leaves as Josh rushes to the phone before his father can grab it.]
No, no, no - don't!
STEPHEN [grabs the phone first]
[to Josh] Nope.
[answers] Hello? Hold on. [points phone at Josh]
JOSH [whispering and gesturing]
I'm not here.
STEPHEN [covers mouthpiece]
[to Josh] Don't go anywhere.
[to caller] I'm sorry, he's not in right now. Okay, bye. [hangs up]
What's goin' on? That's the tenth call I got this morning.
JOSH
I'm popular, what can I say?
STEPHEN
Josh, spill it.
JOSH
Um. . .can I borrow $200? I took bets on the game.
STEPHEN [incredulous]
What?
JOSH
Well, Jenna was doin' so good. I mean, I got all caught up in the excitement.
STEPHEN [sarcastically]
And you thought you'd just cash in? Great. My son, the bookie.
JOSH [angry; turns to leave]
I'm sorry I'm such a disappointment.
STEPHEN
Hold on, I'm not done.
JOSH
What do you care what I do? Like you've even noticed I'm around.
STEPHEN
What are you talkin' about?
JOSH
You should've seen how pumped up you got over Jenna. Just because she's good at some stupid game.
STEPHEN
Josh -
JOSH [very upset]
You've never been that way with me! Never! Over anything! Now you've got the child you've always wanted. [turns to leave again]
STEPHEN
Hold on. [Josh stops and stands in the doorway]
[gently] Oh, Josh. Oh, okay. I admit. . .sometimes I wish you'd be a little more excited about sports, but only because then we'd have something more we could share.
[sighs] You are the son I've always wanted. Couldn't hope for any better.
JOSH
So. . .you'll spot me the money?
STEPHEN [chuckles]
Not a chance. Use your allowance, which is cut off, effective immediately.
JOSH
Dad, I spent it all on video games.
STEPHEN
Then sell them. You're not gonna be playin' 'em for a very long time anyway.
[Josh sighs heavily and heads upstairs to his room.]
OAK PARK RECREATION CENTER
Workout Room
[Hillary is running on a treadmill reading a magazine when Lori walks up to her.]
LORI
Hey. I thought I'd find you here.
HILLARY [doesn't look at her]
Don't ruin my workout.
LORI [rolls her eyes up]
I just came to tell you I'm not going to fight with you over Declan.
HILLARY
Hh! Sweet surrender. [Lori turns to leave and Hillary stops running]
Wait. That's it? You're telling me you don't want him?
LORI
I don't know if I do. But I don't want him like this, that's for sure.
HILLARY
Well, I don't want him either. He's so not my type.
LORI
Then why have you been throwing yourself at him?
HILLARY
I wouldn't put it that way.
LORI [annoyed]
Hillary, it was like two seconds after I slept with him and there you were pouncing.
HILLARY
Okay, look. I'm sorry. I was really pissed at first. You embarrassed me in front of everyone at Preston's party. And I did kinda like getting back at you.
[Hillary is on the verge of tears] But the truth is, it was like, as long as we were fighting. . .
LORI
Better fighting than nothing at all.
HILLARY
Pretty stupid, huh?
LORI
Totally. Like maybe you could've picked up the phone?
HILLARY
Did you forget my number?
LORI
Okay. So. . .
HILLARY
Yeah. . .
LORI [laughs]
Can we please stop watching basketball now?
HILLARY [smiles back]
Please. Was that torture?
LORI [laughing]
The worst!
[They hug each other closely. As they start to leave together, Hillary swats Lori on the rear with a towel and giggles. They are friends again.]
THE TRAGER HOUSE
Backyard Driveway
[Jenna is by herself practicing taking shots at the basket when Declan appears on crutches.]
DECLAN
Nice shot. [Jenna walks over to him]
I just wanted to come by and say thanks for what you did yesterday. My doctor said if I'd of kept playin', I would've really done some damage.
JENNA
Sorry I lost us the championship.
DECLAN
You didn't. What happened. . .was a team decision. Hey, there's always next season, right? The guys want you back, Jenna. We all do.
JENNA
Thanks, but. . .basketball isn't my thing. I only did it for Josh.
DECLAN
Hmm. If you ever change your mind. . .
So you wanna shoot around? I can still take you, even on one leg.
[Jenna starts to dribble the ball and, goofing off, Declan knocks it away from her with a crutch. Jenna smiles back at him. Putting away his crutches, Declan hops around on one foot and plays some ball with his pal.]
VOICEOVER
We may have lost the championship, but I still feel like I'd won. Because I knew I'd made a friend who had my back.
The bonds we form with other people can help us through any setback.
[At the front door, Josh pays off his friends with his video games.]
Genuine friendship will survive any dispute or competition.
[Lori, Hillary and Nick are upstairs laughing and talking together on Lori's bed.]
And true partnership provides strength in times of trouble and confusion.
[Nicole is working on the computer downstairs and Stephen walks up behind her and kisses her on the cheek. He looks over her shoulder to the screen where she studying a website on interpreting dreams.]
Jenna's Room - Late that Night
[Jenna is asleep in her tub. Thunder and lightening crash, and she is in the backseat of a car again. Professor Kern is looking in at him through the pouring rain. All of a sudden, Kern is struggling with another man. That man picks up a handgun off the ground and shoots the Professor. The man is Tom Foss. He has just killed Professor Kern and, still holding the gun, he looks over at Jenna who is watching everything through the car window.
At that moment, Jenna wakes up. Tangled in her blanket, she jumps out of the bathtub. Frightened and breathing heavily, she looks around trying to understand what she has just witnessed in her dream.]
This is just something I thought about. It's between Lori and Nick upstairs
NICK [catching up to her outside her room]
Lori can we talk?
LORI: It'll have to be fast. [Entering her room]
NICK: I just wanted to say, I'm really sorry about the way I've been acting. You had every right to say those things to me at Preston's party.
LORI: Then why have you been acting the way you've been.
NICK: Because Hillary's my sister and despite being two minutes older than her, she really scares the crap out of me.
LORI [laughs]
I understand [They hug]