The Temptation of Tom Sloane (1)
Lawndale High. Mr. O'Neill's class. The bell is ringing. The students get ready to leave. The three J's approach Quinn has she's putting her notebook in her bag.
Jeffy : Can I carry your bag, Quinn ?
Joey : Let me do it, Quinn !
Jamie : I'd be happy to carry it, Quinn !
Quinn smiles but, as she is about to hand her bag to one of them, she suddenly looks thoughtful.
Quinn (Thought VO) : Wait a minute… I'm going steady with James, so… Can I keep using those guys as my private carriers ? Is it cheating ? I won't go out with them, though… But… If I won't ever date them, isn't it a little mean to let them do things for me ? They wouldn't like it if they knew… and I've a feeling that James wouldn't like it either…
She takes the bag by herself.
Quinn (smiling) : That's sweet of you, guys, but I can carry my own bag. Don't take it badly, but from now on I'll be carrying my own stuff.
The three J's are horrified.
Jeffy (accusingly) : That's your fault, you idiots ! You're always pestering her !
Jamie (angrily) : Speak for yourself ! You bother her all the time !
Joey (acidly) : Hey ! Didn't you too jerks hear what she just said ? Give Quinn some space !
The three J's walk away, still bickering. Quinn is about to follow them, when Mr. O'Neill adresses her.
Mr. O'Neill : Quinn, I'm so sorry, but we need to talk about your performances.
Quinn : Okay, but I'm kinda in a rush today.
Mr. O'Neill : This is important, though.
Quinn sighs. She stays alone with Mr. O'Neill in the now deserted classroom.
Mr. O'Neill : We need to talk about your grades, Quinn. You see, I've discussed your situation with your other teachers and… The thing is... now I don't want to panic or upset you – please, take this in a constructive spirit – but I'm afraid you're not doing well in… in any of your classes, in fact.
Quinn : Please don't be too harsh on me, Mrs. O'Neill. I've been in a coma for four months. I can't just catch up instantly.
Mr. O'Neill : I know that, Quinn, and I understand you had a difficult, painful experience. We have been lenient with you so far, because of this, but we still expect you to catch up and obtain passing grades.
Quinn : You mean, passing as in "passing or failing"?
Mr. O'Neill : Yes! But don't worry. All it will take is some commitment, dedication, and some hard work !
Quinn : Oh, no!
Mr. O'Neill : You can do it, Quinn! You know, when I was in high school, I wanted more than anything to be on the high school gymnastic team, but I just couldn't master the high bar. So I practiced every day...
Quinn : And the big tryout came and you made the team.
Mr. O'Neill : Well, no. But that winter, I learned how to write while holding a pencil in my teeth.
…
Quinn is walking in a school hallway, looking worried.
Quinn (Thought VO) : What am I gonna do ? Since I came back to school, I've been totally lost in class. The courses don't make any sense ! How am I supposed to catch up after four months ? I'm only freakin' human ! I'd have to be, like, a brain, to do it ! If only someone could explain to me what I don't understand…
Looking around her, she notices some nerdy guy with glasses passing by.
Quinn (Thought VO) : Hey ! Andrew has good grades ! Maybe I could ask him. (Aloud) Andrew !
The guy looks around him. He is surprised and incredulous.
Andrew (warry) : Me ?
Quinn : Well, there isn't another Andrew around, is it ? I wanted to ask a service from you. I know you're rather smart, so… Could you help me to revise my courses ?
Andrew (Thought VO) : I must be dreaming ! Quinn Morgendorffer, the cutest girl in school, is asking for my help ! Wait, it's too good to be true ! Since when does Quinn take school seriously anyway ? It has to be some kind of trap ! That's it ! That's a plan from the Fashion Club, to trick and humiliate some unsuspecting loser ! I don't know what they've in store for me… but I don't want to know ! Find some other sucker ! (Aloud) Sorry… I don't have time for this.
He hastily walks away.
Quinn (surprised) : What the hell ? Oh, well, I'll ask someone else… (noticing another brain walking by) Hey, Dean ?
Dean (surprised) : Yeah ?
Quinn : I need some help to revise my courses. I know you've good grades and, well… you seem nice, so I thought maybe you'd give me a hand.
Dean (Thought VO) : Wow ! Quinn Morgendorffer is talking to me, and she needs something from me ! This is the opportunity of a lifetime ! If I'm skillful enough, I could bed her… or at least make everyone believe I got to bed her ! That'd propel me on top of the popularity ladder ! (Smarmy) Well, of course, Quinn ! And after that, maybe I can take you to Chez Pierre, or…
Quinn : Thanks, but… I just need some help with my homework… I'm not looking for a date.
Dean : So, you won't even consider dating me ?
Quinn (giggling) : You ? Of course not ! Don't be ridiculous !
Dean (dejectedly) : Okay, girl. You're on your own, then.
He walks away.
Quinn (baffled) : Uh ? Did I offend him somewhow ?
She's then approached by Chuck Ruttheimer.
Chuck : Hello, my sweet little kitty ! I heard you were looking for some academical support, and I'd gladly provide…
Quinn (overwrought) : Oh, no ! That's enough ! Aaaaah !
She runs away, screaming.
Chuck : Grrrr… feisty !
…
Later. Morgendorffer house, Quinn's room. Quinn is looking intently at several books and notebooks, opened on her desk in front of her. Quinn frowns.
Quinn (Thought VO) : I can do it ! I know I can do it ! James said I can be both a brain and a beauty. I don't want to disappoint him. I'm a woman now, James made me a woman, I've to be worthy of his love. I can't behave like a childish brat anymore. Let's start with maths.
She grasps one of the books and starts reading with concentration. But after a few minutes, she puts the book away, sighing.
Quinn : Is it even written in english language ? All those strange words… That doesn't make any sense ! Well… let start with history, then !
She takes another book and start reading with resolve and seriousness. A few minutes later, she closes the book with a frustrated exclamation.
Quinn : It makes my head spin ! Who were those freakin' people and for what freakin' reason were they fighting, anyway ? I'm sooooo confused ! Well… let's try literature, then…
She picks up a book with Shakespeare's face on it. She starts reading but is quickly disheartened.
Quinn : I don't even get what those people are saying ! Oh my ! Oh my ! What am I going to do ?
She sits on her bed and hugs her knees, looking miserable.
Quinn (Thought VO) : That's so unfair ! I'm really trying here, but I can't do it on my own, and there is nobody helping me ! Maybe James was wrong and Daria was right and I really am an idiot… If only I could ask someone for help… Well, there is Mom, but… (Quinn shivers.) No, I can't ask anithing from Mom right now… I don't wanna be sent in the nuthouse… Oh my ! Oh my ! What am I gonna do ?
...
Sloane residence, Tom's room. Tom is laying on his bed, dreamily looking at the ceiling.
Tom (thoughtful) : That's rather ridiculous, but… I'm still thinking about her… She's really not my type… On the other hand, she's nice and funny and cute… Could as well give her a phone call.
He sits on his bed.
Tom : Calling her, not calling her, that is the question.
He gets up, takes a coin from is wallet, flips it, catches it and looks at the result.
Tom : Call her, that is !
Tom goes to take a cordless phone, and dials a number.
Tom : Hello, Quinn ?
...
Morgendorffer house. Jake is opening the door to Tom.
Jake : Quinn, your date is here !
Tom looks surprised to hear that.
Tom (Thought VO) : Wait… I just agreed to come and help her to revise her courses. She never said anything about a date… Does it mean she talked about me to her parents as possible boyfriend material ?(Aloud) Please to meet you, Mr. Morgendorffer. I'm here to help Quinn with her schoolwork. My name is Tom Sloane.
Jake (surprised) : To help her with her schoolwork ? What an odd idea for a date ! Well, I guess it's a new trend. Young people those days, I don't get them at all !
He lets Tom enter.
Quinn (descending the staircase) : Daaaaad ! Tom is a friend ; I'm not dating him. He was just kind enough to help me revise my courses.
Tom (Thought VO) : There, you see ? Don't get your hopes too high, pal, you're being friendzoned here. Well, she wasn't your type anyway. So don't be a sore loser and try to help the girl. She isn't a bad kid and she could use a friend. (Aloud) Ready for schoolwork, Quinn ?
Quinn (sighing) : As ready as I'll ever be.
Helen (eying them suspiciously) : You can use the table in the living room. You'll be better than in your room to work.
Quinn (giggling) : Okay, Mom. (Thought VO) Worrying about my virtue, Mom ? Sorry, but you're a little late for that.
Tom and Quinn sit together at the living room's table.
Tom : So, what do you want to revise first ?
Quinn (sheepish) : I've some trouble in Maths… and in History… and in Language Arts… In pretty much everything, in fact…
Tom (smiling reassuringly) : Everything in his own time. Let's start with History.
...
Two hours later. Tom and Quinn are studying a textbook. Quinn is seriously taking notes. Helen and Jake have left the room.
Quinn : Wow ! I get it at last ! I didn't understand a word of this book. I thought I was an idiot, but now everything becomes clear !
Tom (encouragingly) : You're far from being dumb, Quinn ! In fact, I'm pretty sure you could do well in school. All that you need is a working method, and some dedication to your studies.
Quinn (nodding enthusiastically) : I hope so ! Dr. Calan said I could be both a brain and beauty.
Tom (worried) : Dr. Calan, uh ? Quinn, I think maybe you shouldn't trust that guy too much.
Quinn (dumbfounded) : But… you just said I could do well in school, so you think I'm smart too… (Horrified) Oh my God ! You don't find me beautiful !
Tom : What ? No ! You've got it all wrong !
Quinn : Is it about my clothes, then ? I'm so sorry, those are my normal clothes ! I'm not used to this schoolwork stuff ! Was I supposed to dress like for a date ? To put a nice top ? Or a miniskirt, maybe ?
Tom : Not at all !
Quinn (deeply hurt) : You don't want to see me in a miniskirt ? Wow ! You really don't find me pretty !
Tom : That's ridiculous ! Of course I want to see you in a miniskirt !
Quinn (blushing) : You want to see me in a miniskirt ? Does it mean you are flirting with me there ?
Tom (confused) : Yes ! No ! I don't know anymore ! Dammit, Quinn, you're smart and pretty ! All I am saying is… Maybe you should be careful around Dr. Calan.
Quinn (frowning) : What do you mean ?
Tom : Don't you think he's somewhat creepy ?
Quinn (coldly) : Not at all. He's a really nice, reliable man. He helped my sister to heal and for that I'll forever be grateful.
Tom : Your sister ? Is she getting better ?
Quinn : Well… please keep it a secret from my parents, because I'm not supposed to visit her, but she talked to me ! She said my name !
Tom : So she finally got rid of her mental black ? That's wonderful, Quinn !
Quinn (sadly) : Well, she isn't totally rid of it… She only talked to me once, two weeks ago… She hasn't talked since then. I'm hopeful, though. Dr. Calan said that a breakthrough, even if it isn't permanent, is a positive sign… I hope… I think she'll talk again very soon. Yes, very soon !
Tom (suddenly very serious) : Quinn, you sound as someone who tries to convince himself. Is there some bad news you aren't talking about ?
Quinn (sighing) : When Daria said my name, I felt so happy… I was overjoyed ! I thought I had my sister back, at last. I thought she would heal quickly. It was silly of me, but… I hoped she'd make fast progresses… Then, when I visited her again… She didn't talk, and she looked so… absent-minded, or something… Her eyes were vacant… She barely noticed me, at first… Then I think she was happy to see me, though… She didn't seem upset, scared or miserable anymore… So I think she's getting better. Dr. Calan said it was normal, that she was retreating a little in her own world because, at some level, healing, and facing the outside world again, well… it frightens her. He said she would get over it, so I'm not worried, really I'm not… But still, I can't help being a little disappointed. That's all…
Tom (worried) : Quinn, are you really sure Dr. Calan is doing his best to help your sister ?
Quinn : Uh ? Of course, he does ! Why wouldn't he ?
Tom : Remember what I told you about him, the day we met ? The guy is shady.
Quinn (taking offense) : What do you mean by that ?
Tom : I've heard rumors about him…
Quinn (heatedly) : Rumors ? I hear rumors at school every week, and most of them are false. I bet some people are jealous of him : he's a world renown shrink, you know ! So, if all you have got is some lousy rumor…
Tom : There was a trial, though ! A few time ago, he was accused of deontological misconduct !
Quinn (taken aback) : Deonto… What ?
Tom : It means he committed major faults in his work, Quinn. The kind of fault which can break a shrink's career.
Quinn : But he's still working, and he's famous, and everyone respects him !
Tom (sighing) : He was acquitted. The jury declared he wasn't guilty.
Quinn (triumphant) : So, you don't have anything ! You're just running your mouth without any reason ! That's so not cool, Tom ! You remind me of my friends from the Fashion Club !
Tom (pleading) : Quinn, listen to me…
Quinn (angry) : Drop it, okay ! You're a good guy, and I like you… as a friend, I mean, and that was nice to help me with my schoolwork, really, that was nice and I won't forget it ! So please, don't waste everything by being a jerk about Dr. Calan !
Tom (defeated) : I get it, I won't say a word about him anymore… So, let's return to George Washington…
...
Morgendorffer house. Evening. Quinn is saying goodbye to Tom at the door.
Quinn (smiling) : Thanks again for the help, Tom.
Tom (smiling) : My pleasure, Quinn.
Quinn : I mean it. It's really kind of you to agree to… to tutor me, like that, without asking for anything in return.
Tom : Hey, I get to revise my courses from last year in good company. We both win.
Quinn : Still, most guys wouldn't agree to it. I asked a few brains from Lawndale High for help : they either refused or tried to use it as a way to get in my pants. So I really appreciate that you're helping me without ulterior motives. You're a true friend, Tom. The first I ever had… So… Thanks for that…
She gives him a quick hug.
Tom (embarrassed) : You're welcome, Quinn. It's good to have you as a friend, too.
Quinn : Well, good night.
Tom : See you next week, then.
They exchange smiles. Then Quinn gets inside the house. Tom walks toward his car, looking a little sad, but with a blasé smile on his lips.
Tom (Thought VO) : See ? You're totally friendzoned there ! And she thinks so highly of you that she doesn't even believe you've ulterior motives. Poor kid ! And here you are, remembering how her breast felt when she hugged you ! I feel like crap. Well, the only decent thing to do now is being a true friend to the poor girl, and helping her, because she needs it. Too bad for your ulterior motives ! She wasn't your type, anyway.
Tom sighs, gets inside his car and hits the road.
...
Griffin household. The Fashion Club is having a meeting. Sandi is giving instructions while Stacy conscientiously takes notes. Tiffany , with vacant eyes, is looking at herself in a pocket mirror. Quinn is trying to pay attention to Sandi and to read one of her textbooks at the same time. Sandi notices this.
Sandi : Kuh-win, what are you doing in the middle of a meeting ?
Quinn (obsequious) : I was paying attention, Sandi ! I'm just… having a glance at… our history courses… But of course, I'm listening to you ! Your new ideas for coordonating outfits are sooooo creative !
Sandi : Quinn, I was talking about accessorizing.
Quinn : Oops ! Sorry ! Maybe I was distracted for a brief moment.
Sandi : You've been distracted often those days. I begin to believe your dedication to fashion is faltering.
Quinn : Oh, Sandi ! That's ridiculous !
Sandi : There's more ! You're neglecting your standing. You've been spotted revising your courses at school several times during the last few days. There are rumors that you've been asking some teachers for advices and help. Worse, you didn't go out for any date in weeks ! This behaviour isn't appropriate for a member of the Fashion Club, Quinn. Popularity comes with a price and you seem reluctant to pay it.
Quinn : Sandi, I've been absent four months. I'm just trying to catch up with my schoolwork.
Sandi : Does it mean schoolwork is more important to you than dating and fashion ? Are you becoming a brain, like your weird sister ?
Quinn begins to get annoyed.
Quinn (Thought VO) : How dare she speak of Daria like that ? (Aloud, arms akimbo) What if I am ? My sister is reaaaally smart and I'm proud of her ! So what if I want to make her proud of me ?
Sandi (threatening) : Do you plan to join the unpopular losers, then ? You can't stay one of us if you become a brain.
Quinn : Why not ? I can be both a brain and a beauty, if I want to !
Sandi (crossing her arms) : Nonsense, Quinn ! Nobody can be both a brain and a beauty !
Tiffany (drawling) : I can be both a brain and a beauty. Someone said it to me once.
The other Fashion Clubbers stare incredulously at Tiffany.
Sandi (voicing their common thought) : Well, that someone was obviously wrong about you.
Tiffany (very slowly) : Uh ? What do you mean ?
Quinn : Anyway, I don't want to be a pretty airhead anymore. I'm going to do everything I can to raise my grades and, more than that, I want to become a better, more mature person. That way, Ja… I mean, that way, when Daria'll get out of Cedars, she won't be a loner anymore : when she'll speak again, I want to be able to have conversations with her.
Tiffany (frowning and trying very hard to think) : Cedars ? Cedars… of Lawndale… Mental Health Unit ?
Quinn : Yes, Tiffany. That's where my sister is. But she's healing now and, once her recovery is complete…
Tiffany (blinking) : I know this place…
Sandi (dryly) : Shut up, Tiffany ! Quinn, be careful ! If you persevere in your whim, I'll have no choice but to put you on fashion sabbatical.
Quinn (snapping) : You'll do no such thing ! I quit ! I'm done with your little club !
Stacy (begins to hyperventilate) : What ? Oh my ! Quinn, you can't do that !
Sandi (coldly) : So, you're choosing your newfound braininess over your friends.
Quinn : Some friends you are ! Sandi, you lied to me about my sister !
Sandi : What are you talking about ?
Quinn : The note, dammit ! « I couldn't care less » ! But she wasn't writing about me, was she ?
Sandi : Of course she was ! I told you…
Quinn : Liar ! I don't believe a word you say ! You're lying ! It isn't a laughing matter, Sandi. I can't forgive you for lying to me about that !
Sandi (frowning) : I'm warning you, Quinn : if you betray the Fashion Club, I'll make you pay dearly for it.
Quinn gets in Sandi's face, glaring at her.
Quinn (in a low, threatening voice) : Don't push it ! Don't push it or I'll give you a war you won't believe. Let it go. Let it go ! (Thought VO) Wow ! I never thought watching this movie Mr. DeMartino recommanded would be so useful !
Quinn's composure is so threatening that the Fashion Clubbers stay petrified. Quinn turns away, flipping her hair over her shoulder. Then she retrieves her belongings and gets out, without a word. The Fashion Clubbers see her by the window as she moves away from the Griffin household.
Stacy (bawling and crying) : Noooooo ! Quiiiiiiiin !
She exits too, running after Quinn.
Sandi (sighing) : Those two…
Tiffany (blinking) : What happened ?
Sandi (shrugging) : Doesn't matter. Good riddance, if you ask me. More importantly, you were babbling carelessly there. You should be more cautious around Quinn.
Tiffany (clueless) : Uh ? What do you mean ?
Sandi : You almost talked about Cedars ! You don't want her to learn what happened to you two years ago, do you ?
Tiffany (with a vacant look on her face) : Oh… That…
Sandi puts a protective hand on Tiffany's shoulder.
Sandi : You've to be careful around Quinn. If this bitch knew you had an abortion, she could, like, totally destroy your popularity !
Tiffany (lowering her eyes, drawling even more than usual) : But I had too. Pregnancy would've made me look fat.
Sandi (nodding) : Yes, Tiffany. It would've made you look very fat.
Tiffany (trying hard to think) : But… Maybe Quinn should know… about Dr. Calan…
Sandi : You're thinking way too much, Tiffany. It's bad for you. You mustn't overstress yourself. Did you take your pill today ?
Tiffany (hesitant) : I think… I forgot…
Sandi (sighing) : Again ? Tiffany, you know this is important !
She takes a box of medicine out of Tiffany's bag.
Sandi (handing a pill to Tiffany) : There, take it now.
Tiffany (in a plaintive voice) : But it makes my mind all blurry…
Sandi (scolding her gently) : Don't be a child, Tiffany ! You know things would be worse without the pills.
She brushes a barely noticeable scar on Tiffany's wrist with her fingertips.
Sandi : You don't want to go back there, do you ?
Tiffany (shaking her head) : I don't wanna.
Sandi (smiling) : Good. Take your pill, then.
Tiffany swallows the pill.
Sandi : Good girl. Everything'll be okay now.
Sandi slowly massages Tiffany's temples with her fingertips. Tiffany cools down, and the slightest glimmer of intelligence disappears from her eyes.
Tiffany (drawling) : You're a true friend, Sandi.
Sandi (smiling) : Yes, Tiffany. I'm your friend, and that's why I'm taking care of you.
...
Typical suburban street in Lawndale. Stacy is running after Quinn, crying her eyes out.
Stacy : Quiiiiiin ! Please wait !
Quinn turns around to face Stacy with a harsh expression.
Quinn : What do you want, Stacy ? Is it Sandi who sent you ?
Stacy (in a pleading voice) : No, Quinn ! Not at all ! It's just that… I don't want you to leave the Fashion Club !
Quinn (coldly) : I've made my decision. I won't change my mind.
Stacy (desperate) : But… I can't stay alone in the Fashion Club with Sandi and Tiffany ! Sandi's so mean and Tiffany's so…
Quinn (smiling) : Clueless ? Why don't you leave the club too, then ?
Stacy (frightened) : Leaving the Fashion Club ? Oh, no ! No no no no ! I'd never dare !
Quinn sighs, but her expression softens.
Quinn : Stacy, you're a good person. Even if you stay in the Fashion Club, I won't stop being your friend.
Stacy : You mean that ?
Quinn (nodding) : Yes. What I have been through forced me to reflect, you know. I've been a little brat for far too long, and because of that I've hurt people who didn't deserve it. Sandi hasn't been the only one to trample on you. I did, too. But I won't do it again. I want to become a better, more mature person, to become worthy of… of those I love. So, I am sorry, Stacy, for all the times I wasn't a true friend to you. I'll try to be one from now on, if this is okay with you.
Stacy's answer is to hug Quinn while wailing desperately.
Quinn (patting her back) : It's okay, Stacy… Everything'll be okay… We're still friends… I hope some day, you'll have the guts to drop the Fashion Club. Then we'll create our own club and, you'll see, we'll be even more popular than Sandi !
Stacy (frantically) : I'll never dare ! I'll never dare !
Quinn : Then that's okay with me. I'll still be your friend.
Quinn comforts Stacy as best as she can with words and gestures, slowly helping her to cool down.
TBC