21 Jumpstreet

by Anwa

My very own episodes.

21. 11: Just Like a Woman

21 JUMPSTREET

Just Like a Woman

JUMPSTREET CHAPEL. LAMPTON, sporting new blonde hair, stands outside the chapel. She looks up at the building, and studies it. It all suddenly seems different to her now. She closes her eyes and remembers back to the night before.

THE PREVIOUS NIGHT. JUMPSTREET CHAPEL. LAMPTON is changing out of her Goth grab and into her normal street clothes in the LOCKER ROOM. HANSON enters. A sudden awkwardness takes over.

HANSON: Sorry, I'll leave

LAMPTON: Don't. It's not like you haven't seen everything anyways.

HANSON: Well

LAMPTON: Besides, people are bound to think something's up if you run out of her likes some scared little girl because I'm in my bra.

HANSON: Well when you put it that way

LAMPTON: It's a pretty great analogy isn't it?

HANSON: It's somethin' else, Priss.

(THEY change in silence for a moment, as LAMPTON gathers her nerve.)

LAMPTON: I broke up with Eli

HANSON: I know

LAMPTON: And?

HANSON: Priss, I don't want to do this

LAMPTON: We have to, Tom. We crossed the line, so now we gotta talk.

HANSON: I just have to say that I'm still with Annie.

LAMPTON: And I have to say this. This is my gesture. Be with me. I think we could be something great together, and I will whole heartedly admit that I'm a complete and total idiot for not realizing it sooner. And, you have to know that me admitting to that is a big step for me. I usually prefer to pretend like I knew what I was doing all long, but just between you and me I'm an idiot. Always have been.

HANSON: You're not an idiot, Priss.

LAMPTON: Yes, I am. But I've finally figured things out. I've made my choice. I want you. You're all I've ever wanted.

HANSON: Priss

LAMPTON: No, Tom, I need to say this. (She pauses again, gathering herself) It's your turn to choose, Tom. I can't keep this up. I need to know what you want.

HANSON: I'm so sorry, Priss

LAMPTON: (She tries to smile, but it's weak and half hearted. Her eyes well up, but she pretends like she's okay.) You don't have to decide right away, you know

HANSON: I made this decision awhile back.

LAMPTON: Oh, well then, when you put it that way (She attempts a smile at her little joke, but it's obvious that she's hurt.)

HANSON: Look, Priss, it was you. It had been you since the moment I met you. But we're just so different. Meeting Annie made me realize that. She just makes more sense then you and I ever would.

LAMPTON: No, no, don't worry about, Tom. I'm happy you're happy. And that's not even sarcastic.

(HANSON wraps LAMPTON in a hug, and she begins to cry.)

LAMPTON: You really like her, huh?

HANSON: I do, Priss. I wish things were different.

LAMPTON: Me too

BACK TO PRESENT TIME. LAMPTON is still standing outside the CHAPEL. PENHALL walks by and puts his hand on her shoulder. He waits a moment, then speaks.

PENHALL: Life's a bitch, ain't it?

LAMPTON: You got that right

OPENING CREDITS.

OUTSIDE JUMPSTREET CHAPEL. PENHALL and LAMPTON still stand outside waiting to go in.

PENHALL: You talked to Judy in awhile?

LAMPTON: She was in the wrong on this one. Completely.

PENHALL: She knows that

LAMPTON: You talked to her in awhile?

PENHALL: Ah, she's still pissed at me, but at least she's started answering my phone calls, so I think I'm slowly working back into her favor.

LAMPTON: God, when did everything get so complicated?

PENHALL: Probably right when you and Hanson decided that hooking up was the most logical next step in your relationship progression

(LAMPTON hits him)

PENHALL: Ouch

(LAMPTON gives him a look)

PENHALL: Hey, I know that I deserve it, but my girlfriend won't talk to me, I'm allowed to make fun of your bad decisions for a brief second

LAMPTON: Schadenfreude?

PENHALL: Basically

LAMPTON: Eh, it's all good as long as I can get a cheap shot in

PENHALL: Go for it

LAMPTON: (Thinks for a moment) I'll have to raincheck that. But know that it's coming.

PENHALL: I like the blonde, by the way. It's unexpected.

LAMPTON: I feel like a valley girl

PENHALL: But a valley girl that could kick your ass, then arrest you after words.

LAMPTON: Well, I always feel like that. It's just the valley girl part that takes some getting used to. I mean, save for the arrest part, you just described Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

PENHALL: Yeah, but she was hot, so I'm not really seeing a bad point to that

LAMPTON: She's a cheerleader who slays vampires, what good can come of being compared to that?

PENHALL: I donno, I never said that you were Buffy. You drew the Buffy comparison all on your own.

LAMPTON: From your description

(IOKI walks up behind PENHALL and LAMPTON. He pauses for a moment, confused as to why they are both just standing outside of the CHAPEL. Then, with a little shake of his head, he continues on past them.)

IOKI: I'll tell Fuller that you're both out here in case he needs one of you.

PENHALL: Thanks, man

LAMPTON: I owe ya

IOKI: Yeah, yeah

(IOKI exits to the inside of the CHAPEL.)

PENHALL: You think we should go in?

LAMPTON: Do you want to?

PENHALL: Not really, you?

LAMPTON: Not particularly

PENHALL: What should we do then?

LAMPTON: We don't have any other choice. We have to stand here until we can get in there.

PENHALL: How long do you think that'll take?

LAMPTON: I donno

PENHALL: I think this is why they always say never get involved with your coworkers

LAMPTON: Damn straight

JUMPSTREET CHAPEL. HOFFS and HANSON sit together at the CONFERENCE TABLE . HANSON tries to work on a crossword puzzle, and HOFFS attempts to read the paper. She sighs, then crumples the newspaper down in frustration, looking to HANSON.

HOFFS: You think I should take Penhall back?

HANSON: You want him back?

HOFFS: Of course. It's just—complicated.

HANSON: I get that

HOFFS: We screwed up that case damn good working together. We were so focused on being together, that we forgot that our primary purpose was being police officers looking for some thieves

HANSON: You think I made the right decision with Annie?

HOFFS: You love her?

HANSON: I might

HOFFS: How do you feel about Lampton?

HANSON: She pisses the hell out of me, but I still can't stop thinking about her. Is that weird?

HOFFS: Probably. But since when are any of us good at having healthy relationships?

HANSON: I really should stop going to you guys for relationship advice. It never turns out well for me. I mean, now one of my best friends has a hard time getting out a non-awkward sentence around me, and the other one is a love-sick oaf trying to desperately to win back the favor of another good friend.

HOFFS: Love-sick oaf, huh?

HANSON: Like a Saint Bernard who just smelt beggin' bits and thinks they're bacon

(HOFFS smiles fondly, HANSON watches this reaction.)

HANSON: Take him back, Jude. Complications be damned.

HOFFS: What?

HANSON: That look on your face, you miss him just as much as he misses you. And you didn't screw up that case completely. Those kids acted on their own, you couldn't have known what would happen. Stop beating yourself up about it and go and give the oaf a kiss

HOFFS: You really think?

HANSON: Yes, now go

(HOFFS stands up, and begins to leave. She pauses a moment, and looks back to HANSON, who is staring off into space, but pretending to be working on a crossword puzzle. She turns back and walks over to him, placing her hands on his shoulders, and she whispers into his ear.)

HOFFS: If I've learned anything, it's that—if it's right—it's never too late.

(HANSON looks confused and turns back to ask HOFFS what she means, but HOFFS has already turned around and walked out of the CHAPEL.)

HANSON: Too late for what?

(IOKI enters the CHAPEL. He notices HANSON sitting at the TABLE alone. IOKI walks over to him.)

IOKI: Made your choice, huh?

HANSON: How'd you know?

IOKI: Well, the lack of sexual tension in the room was a pretty big hint, but I'd be lying if I didn't say the fact that both Lampton and Penhall are standing outside the building at this very moment trying to psych themselves up enough to come inside helped me figure it out a little

HANSON: What?

IOKI: Yeah, oh, and Lampton's a blond

HANSON: Really?

IOKI: She makes a good blonde. She'll definitely have fun.

HANSON: Seriously?

IOKI: I'm going on about two hours sleep a night between the Chapel and the hospital, to me, that joke was hilarious

HANSON: Oh, Jesus, Ioks, I can't believe I forgot to ask you. How is your grandma? She responding well to treatment?

IOKI: It's pretty touch and go, but I've got hope

HANSON: Oh, man, I'm sorry. If you ever need anything—

IOKI: No worries, man, I know, you got my back

(IOKI pats HANSON on the back, and walks over to his DESK. HOFFS enters.)

HANSON: You find him?

HOFFS: No, I checked everywhere. Is he on a coffee break down the street or something?

HANSON: No, apparently he's downstairs standing outside with Lampton

HOFFS: What?

HANSON: That's what I said

(FULLER enters)

FULLER: Penhall and Lampton, front and center. Yo! Penhall and Lampton!

HANSON: They're outside, boss

FULLER: Well send them to my office when they get back up here

IOKI: No, no, Captain. They're outside. They've been trying to come in for awhile, I told them I'd tell you they were here but not here here

FULLER: Why?

IOKI: Why would I tell them I'd tell you that?

FULLER: No, why are they outside?

(HANSON and HOFFS both awkwardly try and start sentences, while IOKI merely looks to them. FULLER rolls his eyes and turns to exit the CHAPEL.)

FULLER: You know what, I don't think I want to know

IOKI: That's the spirit, boss!

OUTSIDE THE CHAPEL. PENHALL and LAMPTON stand outside still staring up at the CHAPEL. FULLER walks out of the building and walks over to them.

LAMPTON: Sorry, Captain Fuller, we'll be inside in two minutes, I promise

FULLER: Don't make promises you can't keep, Lampton

LAMPTON: But I shouldn't let personal issues affect my ability to work. I won't let personal issues affect my ability to work.

FULLER: For once, I'll make an exception

PENHALL: Really, boss?

FULLER: Really, really

LAMPTON: Thanks, Captain

PENHALL: Yeah, thanks, boss

FULLER: (Hands folders to both LAMPTON and PENHALL) I've got a case for both of you. I know you two have never worked together before, but, and I don't ever want to do this ever again, I'm taking your personal lives into consideration when assigning cases.

LAMPTON: You won't have to do it again, Captain, prom—well I'll try my best.

FULLER: Perfect, Lampton

LAMPTON: Thanks, Captain

PENHALL: Cedar High School, eh? That's a bit of a drive away from here, isn't it? It's in the next town over, right?

LAMPTON: Two towns. (LAMPTON closes file) I'm sorry, Captain Fuller, you're going to have to assign this case to someone else

FULLER: Why?

LAMPTON: That's my old high school, I'm pretty sure they've had a hard time forgetting the girl they had to prepare for the possibility to going into labor during final exams

FULLER: I'm sure that won't be a problem, Lampton

LAMPTON: But my little sister will be. She still goes there. Sorry, Captain. (LAMPTON hands the file back to FULLER) Captain, do you mind if I go get some coffee real quick? Pick you up something if you want it.

FULLER: Sure thing, I'd love a coffee

LAMPTON: Penhall?

PENHALL: You know what, I'll go with you, keep you company

LAMPTON: No, no, it's all right. You have a case. I'll pick you up something, what do you want?

PENHALL: A latte would be great

LAMPTON: All right, I'll be back in a minute.

FULLER: Take al l the time you need, Lampton.

(LAMPTON exits)

PENHALL: Poor girl, this just isn't her day

FULLER: I know I'm going to regret asking this, but what happened between her, and I can only assume Hanson?

PENHALL: Fido chose Annie

FULLER: What?

PENHALL: Fido, Hanson, you know, a little love struck puppy?

FULLER: Chose Annie? Who's Annie?

PENHALL: Hanson's number one gal

FULLER: Not Lampton?

PENHALL: Not Lampton

FULLER: Never saw that one coming.

PENHALL: You have missed out on a lot of drama, Captain, if you were surprised by just that turn of events.

FULLER: Yeah, and after that moment of weakness, I think I'm going to keep it that way.

PENHALL: So, the case?

FULLER: You got it. You want Hanson for this one, I'm assuming?

PENHALL: Judy won't even answer my phone calls, you really think we're going to make a good team on this case?

FULLER: Probably not, but don't go telling everyone that I let your personal lives affect case assignments; I don't want people thinking I've gone soft.

PENHALL: Oh, never, coach. I'm honestly afraid of what you would do to me if I did.

FULLER: And that's the way I like it

PENHALL: (Flipping through folder) So just your basic somebody's stealing parts from the auto shop class with the added twist of a second Lampton thrown into the mix just for a bit of awkward fun?

FULLER: Basically, I'll go get Hanson

PENHALL: All righty I'll be here not letting my personal life affect my ability to work!

A few days later. CEDAR HIGH SCHOOL. ERIC ADLER'S MATH CLASS. Sixteen year old VERA LAMPTON sits in the second roll chewing gum and looking dejected. She stares out the window at the small town life going on outside. ERIC ADLER teaches, despite the fact that the majority of his class isn't paying attention.

ERIC ADLER: Vera, do you care to take a stab at this equation?

VERA: Huh?

ERIC ADLER: I asked if you would care to take a stab at this equation

VERA: Not particularly, no

ERIC ADLER: What if I'm not asking

VERA: Ooh, trying to be the tuff guy now, Mr. Adler? Sorry, you're scare tactics aren't gonna work on me, so you might has well save it.

ERIC ADLER: Would you rather spend this time with Principal Anders, Vera, because that can be arranged.

VERA: Oh, can it? While you're at it, can you also arrange to have a pizza delivered with extra red pepper, I had to miss lunch on account of me being out of cigarettes and I'm starving. It would really help me out a lot, thanks.

ERIC ADLER: That's it, Vera you're out! I don't care for this little attitude of yours, and unless you find a way to fix it, I don't want you setting foot in my class ever again. Got it?

VERA: Loud and clear.

ERIC ADLER: I'll make sure to let Principal Anders know you're coming. Wouldn't want you to get lost on your way down to the main office.

VERA: How considerate

ERIC ADLER: Only the best for my students.

(VERA grabs her backpack and walks out of the classroom, giving various students high fives on her way out. She does not seem at all upset with being kicked out of class.)

MAIN OFFICE. HANSON and PENHALL sit in the office chairs filling out paperwork. The SECRETARY sits at the main desk watching as they complete their information sheets. VERA LAMPTON enters.

SECRETARY: Ms. Lampton, it's been almost twelve hours since you're last visit

(HANSON and PENHALL both look up hearing her name. They can't help but stare)

VERA: Well Mrs. Walters, what can I say, I've found it nearly impossible to wreak habit in my morning art classes, and yesterday I just wasn't in the mood to cause trouble.

SECRETARY: I'm glad to hear it, you can't have a seat next to the Jones' boys, I'll let you know when Principal Anders is ready.

VERA: Works for me

(VERA takes a seat a few down from PENHALL and HANSON, who suddenly attempt to look busy, she notices, however)

VERA: What's your guys' problem?

PENHALL: Nothing, it's nothing. You just look like someone from our old high school.

VERA: Neat

HANSON: So what are you in for?

VERA: Disturbing the peace, you?

PENHALL: Immigration

VERA: Good luck

HANSON: Whatda mean?

VERA: In this dump, you'll need it

SECRETARY: Principal Anders will see you now, Ms. Lampton. You can head on back, you certainly know where the office is.

VERA: I do, could ever draw a rather lovely map from memory. Y'know like old school style with all the sea monsters and added flowery details.

SECRETARY: I'm sure it would be lovely, Ms. Lampton. Now if you would, please go back and see Principal Anders. He has a very busy schedule today.

VERA: I'm sure

(VERA gathers up her belongings. She turns to PENHALL and HANSON)

VERA: I'm Vera, by the way

PENHALL: Doug

HANSON: Tom

VERA: Cool, see ya around

(VERA exits to the PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE)

PENHALL: I can't believe that's

HANSON: I believe it, oh trust me, I believe it.

PRINCIPAL ANDERS OFFICE. PRINCIPAL ANDERS sits behind his desk, flipping through VERA'S file. VERA enters, and takes a seat.

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: Miss Lampton

VERA: Mr. Anders

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: Making these visits a weekly habit now, are we?

VERA: What can I say, I'm stuck in a rut

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: Well, Miss Lampton, it's a rut I'd like to see you get out off. I mean, how do you expect to graduate if you're being kicked out of class all the time? You're barely passing, Vera.

VERA: Yeah, but I'm passing

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: Yeah, because you're smart. If you attended class more, think of what you're grades would be. You'd have a four point, easy. Probably over if you took AP's, you know you're more than qualified for them.

VERA: Yeah, I've been told

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: Vera, I just don't know what to do anymore. I've called your mother, and she has agreed to come for a meeting

VERA: What! You did what?

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: You're mother has agreed to come to a meeting to discuss just what we're going to do about this, and make a plan for success.

VERA: You can't do this to me, no, no, this is complete bullshit!

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: Language, Vera

VERA: No, no, that's what this is! God! I can't believe it! Just give me my lecture and let me go!

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: No, Vera. I'm bound and determined to make sure one of the Lampton girls graduate. You know, you're sister went through a similar pattern before

VERA: Don't bring up my sister

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: Vera

VERA: What? What gives you the right to bring up my sister? To act like you know an iota of what happened , and to infer that I would repeat the same mistakes that she did

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: Vera, I don't mean imply anything. I'm simply saying that your mother and I discussed it, and we are both concerned that you are heading down a similar path and want to find a way to get you back on the right path.

VERA: Fine, whatever. It's bullshit, but whatever.

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: Good, because you're mother is on her way down

VERA: What!

PRINCIPAL ANDERS: Well look at the bright side, you don't have to go to your next couple of classes, which, if I'm not mistaken, you are prone to skipping to, and I believe the direct quote you gave me was, 'take a long lunch'?

VERA: Special

OUTSIDE IN THE MAIN OFFICE. HANSON and PENHALL are still finishing up their paperwork. HANSON diligently fills his out, while PENHALL rolls his eyes and begins flipping through to see how much he has left to fill out.

PENHALL: Jesus, you'd thinkthey're screening us for being potential serial killers or somethin' with all this information. I mean come on, you need a name, an address, and a phone number. There! Done! Bing, bang, boom! Done!

HANSON: You're filling out my information, right?

PENHALL: Ah, no, why?

HANSON: Because we always fill out my information

PENHALL: But I thought that this time we could have my information, y'know, change it up a little bit. I mean you're mom's great, but so is my uncle.

HANSON: Jesus, Doug!

PENHALL: Dude, you should totally see your face right now. It's the perfect Hanson's pissed face. Do you make this face at Priss all the time?

HANSON: What are you talking about?

PENHALL: Dude, don't worry about it, I totally filled out your information. Whatda think I am, stupid or somethin'? We always do your information, less guardian crap to go through and explain.

HANSON: Jesus, man! What was that?

PENHALL: Just trying to lighten the mood

HANSON: What mood?

(CHARLOTTE LAMPTON enters. She walks straight to the SECRETARY looking upset.)

SECRETARY: Ah, Mrs. Lampton, it's been weeks.

(HANSON and PENHALL jump at the mentioning of CHALOTTE LAMPTON'S name. They both exchange surprised, awestruck gazes, then return to starting at CHARLOTTE LAMPTON. She's a well dressed woman in her late forties, looking annoyed.)

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Not in the mood today, Mrs. Walters. Should I just head back or would Ed Anders like me to wait a minute?

SECRETARY: You can head on back, Mrs. Lampton. I'm sure you remember where the office is.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Thank-you, Mrs. Walters, I do so enjoy our time together. We should get lunch later on in the week.

SECRETARY: I'll be sure to bring the vodka

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Ah, yes, but what would you drink?

SECRETARY: Oh, believe you me, I'd probably already be bombed just in order to attend the lunch.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Ah, charming.

SECRETARY: Toodle-loo

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Be sure to write, Mrs. Walters, I so do miss our little chats when my daughter is behaving.

(CHARLOTTE LAMPTON turns to leave to PRINCIPAL ANDERS OFFICE)

SECRETARY: Don't you mean daughters?

(CHARLOTTE LAMPTON stops mid-step and turns around to the SECRETARY, she leans down close to the SECRETARY, angered by what she has said.)

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: That's low, even for you, Shelly.

SECRETARY: I was simply checking, Charlotte. You know how scatterbrained I can be.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Look, Shelly, I don't know if this has something to do with me marrying your high school sweetheart, or me winning prom queen, or whatever shit it is that you've held on to all these years, but honestly there's a line. You can hate me all you want, but you know there's a line. There always has been, and always will be.

SECRETARY: Whatever, Char, I was just having a bit of fun.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Whatever you want to call it, there's a line, and you know it.

SECRETARY: Principal Anders will see you now.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Don't you dare cross it again, or I will let out so much dirt about you, you'll never be able to show your face in this city.

SECRETARY: Principal Anders will see you now.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: I'm glad we have an understanding.

(CHARLOTTE LAMPTON exits. SECRETARY looks to PENHALL and HASNON, who immediately look down at their paperwork awkwardly scribbling quickly)

SECRETARY: We're old high school friends. Always playing around like that.

(HASNON and PENHALL awkwardly nod)

SECRETARY: So, you boys about finished with that paperwork?

LATER. PENHALL and HANSON exit the MAIN OFFICE into the hallway holding an arm full of books and papers telling them their class schedule, locker number, and where to go.

PENHALL: Remind me never to cross a Lampton

HANSON: That was the most intensely mean sounding nice conversation I've ever heard. I was shaking, and I wasn't even in the conversation. Hell, I think I'm still shaking.

PENHALL: Eh, that's probably less because of what was said and more because you've recently crossed a Lampton and are now awaiting the consequences

HANSON: Have not

PENHALL: Slept with her then left her newly single ass for Annie even when she comes to you all vulnerable and whatnot. You crossed her something good, Tommy.

HANSON: Oh god, I did

PENHALL: Yes you did

HANSON: She's going to kill me isn't she? I mean she has a gun.

PENHALL: Probably not kill, but make your life so miserable that you'd wish you were dead

HANSON: Oh my god that's worse

PENHALL: Yeah, you're kinda screwed man.

HANSON: Thanks, man

LATER. CEDAR HIGH SCHOOL. AUTO SHOP CLASS. HANSON and PENHALL sit in the back of the classroom scanning the room trying to memorize the faces of all of the students. They notice one particular group of male students, including JOEY HOUSER, ALFIE ENGLISH, and DANNY McGINNY messing around and laughing. The teacher, MR. ANDERSON enters looking dejected and unmotivated.

MR. ANDERSON: All right, hooligans, settle down. It's time for class.

JOEY: Hooligans? We're not hooligans. We're human beings, man, and that kind of labeling hurts, Mr. Anderson.

DANNY: How are we supposed to grow up to be respectable members of society if we're labeled as hooligans at such a young age.

ALFIE: I know my self-confidence is shattered

MR. ANDERSON: Oh goody, you three seem to be in fine spirits today.

DANNY: We're always in fine spirits, Mr. Anderson, especially in autoshop class. How can you not be in fine spirits when you're in autoshop?

MR. ANDERSON: Oh, believe me, boys, you can. All right, enough of this nonsense, we have two new students today joining us, or so I've been informed by the main office. Who are you, and more importantly where are you?

PENHALL: Ah, I guess that'd be us, I'm Doug Jones and this here is my little brother, Tommy.

MR. ANDERSON: All right, there you have it class, Doug and Tommy Jones. All right then, someone grab them and let them join your group, will you?

(MR. ANDERSON walks over to his desk, puts his feet up, and begins reading a book. STUDENTS go to their cars and begin working. HANSON and PENHALL look at each other. JOEY walks over.)

JOEY: Don't look so lost, boys, come over and work with us. We could use the extra hands.

PENHALL: Sure (pauses waiting for a name)

JOEY: Joey

PENHALL: Is he always like that? (Motions to MR. ANDERSON)

JOEY: He's actually a bit happier today if that's at all possible. Usually he just yells at us to shut up, today he actually bantered a little bit before sulking off to his book.

HANSON: (Noticing the title of the book) Is that a self-help book?

JOEY: Yeah, the man loves 'em. Last week he was reading one about having a happy marriage, this week it looks to be like he's looking into finding happiness with his job.

(HANSON, PENHALL, and JOEY walk over to JOEY'S station where ALFIE and DANNY are already busy at work on the car.)

JOEY: That's Alfie and Danny, guys this is Tommy and Doug.

ALFIE: Whatever, man, just grab a toolbox and start tinkering. This engine's a mess and we've only got a week before we're supposed to be graded on it.

HANSON: How do they grade us on it?

ALFIE: If the engine starts and purrs, we pass, if the engine does anything else we fail. It's that simple.

PENHALL: Okay

JOEY: Danny, you're girlfriend got kicked out of class again today. I saw her in the hallway when she was on her way to the office.

DANNY: Seriously? Damn, Vera's kicking ass in this bet. If she gets kicked out one more time I'll owe her fifty.

ALFIE: I can't believe you guys actually bet on that.

JOEY: It's Vera, you piss that girl off there's no stopping her. I just can't believe you were stupid enough to agree to the terms, Danny.

DANNY: What? I didn't think anyone could get kicked out of class twenty-five continuous days in a row without being suspended. It seemed like a good bet.

ALFIE: You're an idiot, man.

DANNY: What? It seemed like a good bet!

JOEY: What kind of relationship do you have, man, if you're betting her on stupid stuff like that for money? Shouldn't the stakes be a little higher and a bit more fun, if you know what I mean.

ALFIE: We always know what you mean, Joey.

JOEY: Well, still, my point stands. Boyfriend and girlfriends should not bet money, that's territory for people you're not sleeping with or potentially sleeping with. I mean back me up here, Doug and Tommy, don't you think that the perpetually virginal Danny should have upped the stakes?

HANSON: Perpetually virginal?

DANNY: Shut up

ALFIE: I actually have to go with Gutter-Minded Joey on this one, man, you should have gone for it, you might have lost the title of perpetually virginal, but instead, you only prove why you have the nickname.

DANNY: Like you're a regular Casanova or something, Alfie?

ALFIE: At least I've gotten some

JOEY: Let's refer to the new members of our group, (to HANSON and PENHALL) gentlemen, what do you think of our little Danny here's decision? Terrible or just simply dumb?

PENHALL: I'd have to go with simply dumb

JOEY: Tommy?

HANSON: (Clears throat, attempting to hide discomfort in answering the question) Yeah, simply dumb. Terrible decision, man. Can someone pass me a wrench?

JOEY: Yeah, sure, man, no problem. (JOEY hands HANSON the wrench) What I'm saying is…

LATER. HANSON and PENHALL are walking through the hallway towards their next classes after autoshop has let out. JOEY, ALFIE, and DANNY follow closely behind.

DANNY: Look, you guys should join us again tomorrow for class, you're pretty handy around a car

PENHALL: If you saw our piece of junk of a car you'd understand why

HANSON: Hey that piece of junk is my pride and joy

PENHALL: But you must admit it's a piece of crap in constant need of repair

HANSON: Yeah, so?

JOEY: Whatever, guys, we'll see you around, right?

PENHALL: Yeah, for sure

(JOEY, DANNY, and ALFIE head in the opposite direction)

PENHALL: Dude, what was up with you in there?

HANSON: Whatda mean?

PENHALL: You were acting so weird when they were talking about Vera

HANSON: That's Lampton's little sister

PENHALL: They don't know that, or at least don't know that we know that

HANSON: Still, it's weird. That's Lampton's little sister, I shouldn't be encouraging some idiot kid to screw her. I mean if Priss knew, I'm sure she'd

PENHALL: She'd what? Tom, you're not with her.

HANSON: She's my friend

PENHALL: I think she'd beg to differ at this point

HANSON: Well, kids shouldn't be messing around like that anyways! I mean, if Priss hadn't been messing around like that

PENHALL: Oh, don't take it out on Priss just because you didn't get any action in high school

HANSON: I so got action

PENHALL: Yeah, right. If you did, you'd be willing to let these kids get some action .

HANSON: Shut up

(VERA approaches HANSON and PENHALL)

VERA: Hey, I see you two have found a way to immerse yourselves into the culture of Cedar High at a remarkable pace.

HANSON: Hey, Vera, right?

VERA: You got it. I just heard from my boyfriend that you two are both in autoshop with him.

PENHALL: Yeah, Danny, right? I wondered if they were talkin' about you after they said your name.

VERA: You know a lot of Vera's or something?

PENHALL: Can't say that I've met any others recently, no.

VERA: Well, I hope they were only saying good things about me. (Pauses, and smiles brightly) Wait, who am I kidding, of course they were saying good things about me (chuckles) Like there is anything else to say!

PENHALL: (Chuckles) Yeah, it was good stuff.

VERA: You two should come hang out with us tonight, we're going out to the burger shack near the interstate. You know the place?

HANSON: Yeah, I think we ate there the other night, right, Doug?

PENHALL: Yeah, the crap-hole looking place?

VERA: That's the one. They love to serve minors.

HANSON: Lucky

VERA: Well, we'll be there around ten. See you then?

PENHALL: Sure thing.

VERA: All right, I gotta get headed out, I'm apparently suspended now

(CHARLOTTE LAMPTON approaches from down the hallway, looking upset.)

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Vera! You were supposed to go straight to your locker and collect your things so we could head home and further discuss this situation

VERA: Yeah, sorry, Ma, got distracted. Tommy and Doug here were just filling me in on what I missed in math. They're real concerned about my academic standings too.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: (Sarcastically) Right

PENHALL: So, we're, ahh, gonna be late for class, right, Tommy?

HANSON: Real late

PENHALL: See ya around, Vera.

HANSON: Yeah, what he said.

(HANSON and PENHALL exit quickly down the hallway)

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Well?

VERA: I'm going.

LATER. LAMPTON FAMILY HOME. CHARLOTTE, RICH, and VERA LAMPTON are all sitting down to dinner. RICH LAMPTON eats his food quickly, while CHARLOTTE LAMPTON eats her food slowly and delicately, and VERA simply pushes her food around on her plate, disinterested in the entire thing. They have a modest home, simple and typical of a middle-class suburban community. Pictures of the family are sprawled across the walls, plus a little picture of LAMPTON and EMMA from when EMMA was a baby is framed and placed on one of the small tables. They eat in silence, then CHARLOTTE turns to RICH.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: You know you're daughter was suspended today

RICH LAMPTON: Suspended, really now? And what did you do to cause such a thing, Vera?

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: She has been skipping class again.

RICH LAMPTON: Vera, you shouldn't skip class.

VERA: Thanks, Dad, very helpful piece of advice

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: And I've had enough of that lip, Vera! God, you're just like Priscilla, you always have to have the last word, and the last word always has to be a sarcastic one.

VERA: I'm not just like Priss.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: No, no you're not, I'm sorry.

(They fall into an uneasy silence)

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Rich, how do you think we should punish Vera? (RICH LAMPTON doesn't respond) Rich?

RICH LAMPTON: Huh?

CHARLOTTE LAMTPON: How do you think we should punish Vera? (He looks confused) For being suspended, darling.

RICH LAMPTON: Oh, yes, well I'm sure you'll find a suitable punishment

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Don't you think this is something we should decide together?

RICH LAMPTON: Yes, yes, sounds good.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: (Sighs) Vera, you're father and I are going to have to ground you. No seeing your friends, no going out on the weekends, and especially no Danny. You need to get those grades up. Once you've achieved that we'll discuss a new set of rules to abide by.

VERA: What? That's unfair!

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: We're only trying to do what's best for you, Vera

VERA: No! You're trying to keep me locked up so I don't screw up like Priss did!

(VERA storms out of the kitchen)

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Rich

RICH LAMPTON: What, Charlotte?

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: You might have said something. Shown some form of vested interest in your daughter. It's your fault she's acting this way.

RICH LAMPTON: It's my fault? I'm not the one who's been keeping her locked up. This is all on you.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: I'm not keeping her locked up. You two are just being overly dramatic.

RICH LAMPTON: So what's the next set of rules going to be, Charlotte? Supervised visitation rights for her friends? Tracking device on her ankle, I've just done some work down at the local prison, I'm sure I could get a deal on an ankle bracelet if that's what you mean to do.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Stop it. I don't need your mouth, either. I'm doing my best here, and I'll be dammed if I have another daughter run away like that again. That's more than what I can say for what you're doing.

(CHARLOTTE LAMPTON stands up and angrily walks out of the kitchen, leaving RICH LAMPTON alone. He looks to the small picture of LAMPTON and EMMA and sighs.)

SAME TIME. CHAPEL. LAMPTON sits alone at her desk busy finishing up paperwork. Almost all of the lights are out, save her small desk lamp. HANSON sits at his desk, paperwork out, pen in hand, but he is distracted watching LAMPTON as she works. LAMPTON plays music softly on a player behind her. "Send in the Clowns" plays in the background.

Isn't it rich?

Are we a pair?

Me here at last on the ground,

You in midair.

Send in the clowns.

(HANSON watches more closely, as LAMPTON scribbles busily on to the paper.)

Isn't it bliss?

Don't you approve?

One who keeps tearing round,

One who can't move.

Where are the clowns?

Send in the clowns.

(She pauses a moment. Staring off blankly into the distance. HANSON focuses in on the contours of her face, the hint of sadness in her eyes, and the sudden lack of sparkle in her demeanor.)

Just when I stopped opening doors,

Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours.

Making my entrance again with my usual flair,

Sure of my lines,

No one is there.

Don't you love the farce?

My fault, I fear.

I thought that you'd want what I want,

Sorry, my dear.

But where are the clowns?

Quick, send in the clowns.

Don't bother, they're here.

Isn't it rich?

Isn't it queer?

Losing my timing this late

In my career?

And where are the clowns?

There ought to be clowns.

Well maybe next year.

(PENHALL enters and walks over to HANSON'S desk.)

PENHALL: Yo, you ready, Hanson?

(LAMPTON and HANSON brake out of their traces.)

HANSON: Ah-yeah, where are we going again?

PENHALL: The diner place, come on, we'll be late if we don't get a move on

HANSON: Oh-right

(HANSON gathers up his belongings, and turns off his desk light. LAMPTON steals a look while he is packing up, but then quickly looks back at her paperwork, pretending not to notice him. HANSON looks over at LAMPTON one last time before turning to leave, PENHALL notices.)

PENHALL: (Whispering) Just let her be, Hanson.

DINER. JOEY, ALFIE, DANNY, SARAH JOANE, and AMY SMART sit around a small table eating burgers and fries and drinking various soft drinks. They secretly add vodka to their drinks underneath the table. HANSON and PENHALL enter.

JOEY: Hey, way to show up late!

(PENHALL and HANSON make their way to the table and take two of the open seats.)

PENHALL: Sorry, Tom here was too busy primping in the mirror to notice the time.

HANSON: Thanks, Doug. You know, I would have thought you getting lost was the reason why we were late, but clearly it was me having to pee before we left the house.

ALFIE: Ah, no worries, Vera's late too.

SARAH: Vera's always late. (to HANSON and PENHALL) I'm Sarah Joane by the way, which one of you is Tom and which one is Doug?

HANSON: Tom (points) Doug (PENHALL waves)

SARAH: I'll do my best not to get you two confused

HANSON: We appreciate that

AMY: I'm Amy

PENHALL: Nice to meet you, Amy

(VERA enters and walks over to the table, sitting down in DANNY'S lap flirtatiously. She gives him a playful peck, then takes a sip of his drink. She coughs.)

VERA: Ugh, you made that strong!

DANNY: I like it strong, babe, you know that

AMY: What took you so long, Vera?

VERA: The parentals were fighting again, so my mom was out doing her secret smoking on the patio, so I couldn't hop out the window until she left

JOEY: What did you do this time?

VERA: They're just being ridiculous again. I mean just because I get suspended

DANNY: Ha! You owe me fifty bucks, pay up, missy!

ALFIE: Stupid bet

DANNY: Shut up

VERA: What are you two talking about?

ALFIE: How you're boyfriend made a stupid bet

VERA: He won how was that stupid?

JOEY: Well

DANNY: (Cutting him off) Because they didn't think you'd lose. I mean you are pretty good about talking yourself out of situations, I mean that time we were in the park day drinking and that cop found us, you sold him, hook, line, and sinker!

VERA: It's true, I am good with the words

(WAITRESS comes over)

WAITRESS: Would you guys like anything else tonight?

DANNY: I'm good, you want anything, babe?

VERA: No, I ate before hopping out the window

DANNY: Tom? Doug?

HANSON: Stuffed

PENHALL: I'm with him

DANNY: Nope, we're good, thanks, Mary

WAITRESS: No problem, Danny, I'll just get the bill. You guys will be back next week, right?

ALFIE: Would we leave you without you're weekly over-tipping?

WAITRESS: It's why I love you guys

(WAITRESS goes to the cash register and begins brining up the bill)

PENHALL: You guys come here every week?

DANNY: Yeah, it's kinda a celebration thing

ALFIE: We've been doing it for a couple of months now, Mary's always our waitress.

HANSON: Celebration?

JOEY: Yeah, for a good day's work. Y'know, school and all that.

HANSON: Yeah, school can really take it out of you.

SARAH: Where do you guys want to go next?

JOEY: Well me and Alfie have one more delivery to make, but then we're free.

VERA: The park?

DANNY: Cops are really starting to come down there

ALFIE: F-ing cops always get in the way

PENHALL: Don't I know it

DANNY: Party at my house?

VERA: Works for me

JOEY: You in, Doug and Tom?

PENHALL: Course

THE NEXT DAY. JUMPSTREET CHAPEL. LAMPTON sits are her desk, sipping her coffee quietly in the early morning. She is the only one at the CHAPEL. It is quiet, peaceful. "BLOWFISH" enters, whistling. He notices LAMPTON, and stops whistling. He pauses a moment, then decides to walk over to her with a sympathetic smile.

"BLOWFISH": I see you made it inside, Priss

LAMPTON: I made it in yesterday, be proud of me, Sal.

"BLOWFISH": But he wasn't supposed to be in the Chapel yesterday

LAMPTON: I'm not a child, Sal. I'm not going to let something as silly as that stop me from doing my job. I went inside because I was ready to go inside. Who was supposed to be in and who wasn't had no weight on my decision.

"BLOWFISH": Still, he broke your heart didn't he, Priss?

LAMPTON: Doesn't matter, Sal. It happened in the past, and what happens in the past should stay in the past. I'm still intact, anyone can see that.

"BLOWFISH": You know, it's okay, Priss. You're allowed to be hurt right now.

LAMPTON: But you see the thing is, me and Hanson, we were doomed from the start. I mean, I want to be June and Johnny, and me and Hanson, we're Sid and Nancy. There was no way that was going to end well.

"BLOWFISH": You know, it even took June and Johnny a minute to get it right

(IOKI enters)

IOKI: Morning

LAMPTON: Morning, Ioks, coffee?

IOKI: You seem remarkably cheery. Sal, smell her coffee.

"BLOWFISH": That would explain so much! ("BLOWFISH" walks over, and LAMPTON gives him a look. He stops and backs away) You know what, what's a little Bailey's in the coffee to get you going n the morning?

LAMPTON: It's clean, I promise you. Just coffee.

(FULLER enters)

LAMPTON: Morning, Captain!

FULLER: That coffee better not be spiked, Lampton

IOKI: (to LAMPTON) You see?

LAMPTON: Shut up

(FULLER walks directly into his OFFICE without waiting for a reply. HOFFS and PENHALL enter. PENHALL gives HOFFS a quick peck on the cheek, before heading off into FULLER'S OFFICE. HOFFS walks over to the COFFEE MACHINE, which is located near LAMPTON'S DESK.)

LAMPTON: I see you two got back together. The separation a little too much for you?

HOFFS: You don't have to mean about it, Priss.

LAMPTON: I was just curious

HOFFS: Yes, me and Doug have decided to give this one more try, and have made a point to say that as long as we are together we cannot work as partners. Does that satisfy you?

LAMPTON: Huh, almost. An apology would be even more fantastic.

HOFFS: I don't think I did anything wrong, Priss. I just omitted information to you that I omitted to everyone else.

LAMPTON: Then I'm not satisfied

HOFFS: Then I can't help you

(HOFFS walks over to her desk in silence, LAMPTON looks slightly more agitated. HANSON enters, he looks first to LAMPTON who is too busy trying to appear busy filling out paperwork to notice his entrance. Disappointed, he walks into FULLER'S OFFICE. Sensing something amiss, LAMPTON looks up from her paperwork, and watches as HANSON enters FULLER'S OFFICE. "BLOWFISH" watches the entire transaction, and shakes his head, he turns to IOKI.)

"BLOWFISH": You'd think one of them would get it.

CEDAR HIGH SCHOOL. AUTOSHOP CLASS. HANSON, PENHALL, ALFIE, JOHNNY, and DANNY all stand around their car working diligently. HANSON and PENHALL occasionally look up and eye up the classroom, looking for anything suspicious.

ALFIE: So I heard a rumor that Vera's parents were going out of town this weekend

JOHNNY: Ooh, interesting, house party or, (nudging HANSON playfully) private party, Danny, if you know what I mean.

DANNY: We've been through this, Johnny, we always know what you mean

HANSON: I thought Vera was in hot shit, why are her parent's going out of town and leaving her alone like that?

JOHNNY: God knows, usually the Lampton's avoid leaving their daughter alone in the house at all costs, especially after her sister

ALFIE: They have no idea what you're talking about, Johnny. They just moved here.

JOHNNY: Oh yeah, what am I thinking! Has Vera mentioned anything about her sister to you guys?

PENHALL: No, not that I remember

JOHNNY: Well you see it was a couple of years back, we were still in elementary school when this all went down, but Vera's older sister, what was her name again?

DANNY: Priss

JOHNNY: Oh, right, Priss, well, Priss was this real wild child, always out partying, a ton of fun to be around from what I understand, real spontaneous

ALFIE: Johnny, focus

JOHNNY: Right, well, anyways, at the end of her sophomore year she ends up getting pregnant, which as you can imagine in a town like this, caused a huge scandal. I mean we were hearing about it in elementary school, I can't imagine what things were like for her in the high school

PENHALL: What happened?

JOHNNY: Well she ended up keeping it, kept attending school right up until the birth, too. Apparently she's got a real stubborn streak

HANSON: (Under his breath) I'll say

ALFIE: What?

HANSON: I'd imagine, attending school all the way through her pregnancy like that. What happened to her?

JOHNNY: No one really knows. She stayed a month or so after the birth, then she and the baby just took off one day. The Lampton's barely ever talk about her anymore, and if you bring Priss up you'd better be ready to have your head bitten off. I bet Charlotte and Rich Lampton are about the only two people in this town who know where Priss is nowadays, I don't think the Gatter's even know

HANSON: The Gatter's?

JOHNNY: Kyle Gatter, the father. Eh, he was the youngest, so all of the Gatter's have long since graduated by now, but a couple of them still live in town. They don't really talk about the whole ordeal either. I think everyone involved just wants to forget about it.

HANSON: But what about Priss?

ALFIE: What about her?

HANSON: Doesn't anyone ever wonder if she's okay? If the baby's okay?

ALFIE: Never really thought about it, I don't think anyone really does.

JOHNNY: I'll tell you this, though, things were a hell of a lot more interesting when Priss Lampton lived here. That girl was legendary.

DANNY: Hey, pass that tool box over here, I think I may have found the main problem

ALFIE: Yeah, sure, no problem

JOHNNY: (to HANSON and PENHALL) Hey, you two busy tonight?

(PENHALL and HANSON exchange looks)

PENHALL: No, not really

HANSON: Jus the usual homework to ignore

JOHNNY: Meet us tonight at ten outside the school

PENHALL: Sure thing

HANSON: Why? What's up?

ALFIE: We'll tell you when you get there

DANNY: But trust us, it'll be worth your while

PENHALL: I bet

HOSPITAL. IOKI stands outside his GRANDMOTHER'S ROOM. The DOCTOR approaches him, looking grim. IOKI merely nods.

DOCTOR: I'm sorry, Harry

IOKI: You did your best, that's all I ask

DOCTOR: Would you like to say goodbye?

IOKI: How much longer do you think she has left?

DOCTOR: Only a few hours, I would suppose

IOKI: I'll sit with her then, thank-you for all that you've done.

DOCTOR: I'll make sure she's comfortable

IOKI: I appreciate that

(IOKI enters his GRANDMOTHER'S ROOM and goes to her bedside, pulling up a chair. He sits quietly a moment, taking everything in. After a moment, he reaches over and takes her hand)

IOKI: I'm sorry, Grandmother. I'm sorry I dragged you all the way over here for nothing.

GRANDMOTHER: (Weakly) It wasn't for nothing, I got to see how my grandson has grown up. And that will never be nothing.

IOKI: But I changed my name, denied my past

GRANDMOTHER: Pst—details, who really ever cared for details. Now, Harry, is it? Tell me about your life here. I want to know everything.

IOKI: (Upset) I have been living as Harry Truman Ioki for quite some time, as a police officer

LATER. JUMPSTREET CHAPEL. HOFFS and LAMPTON sit in a tense silence. FULLER and "BLOWFISH" watch from the other side of the room uncomfortably. "BLOWFISH" turns to FULLER.

"BLOWFISH": We have to do something, Captain. We can't just leave them like that.

FULLER: I honestly thought this would have all blown over by now

"BLOWFISH": Priss? Forget something like that? I doubt if she's forgiven someone who cut in front of her in line in first grade.

FULLER: True

"BLOWFISH": So you agree, what should we do?

FULLER: Let things work out in their own time. We can't force anything, and besides, I have vowed to never get involved with these matters again. It's truly tiring being involved.

"BLOWFISH": But, Captain

(HANSON and PENHALL enter escorting ALFIE, JOHNNY, DANNY, and VERA into the building, all of them protesting loudly. LAMPTON sits in a stunned silence seeing her sister for the first time in seven years, VERA merely gives LAMPTON an icy glare. HANSON and PENHALL lead them all into the small JUMPSTREET CELL.)

FULLER: All of them?

HANSON: We're not sure, but some of them

(LAMPTON stands up and rushes over to VERA, who is being escorted with DANNY by HANSON.)

LAMPTON: Vera has nothing to do with this, Hanson, let her go!

VERA: What the hell are you doing here, Priss?

LAMPTON: I work here, Vera. Now what the hell are you doing here!

DANNY: Priss? You mean that's your sister?

VERA: None of your business, Priss, butt out

LAMPTON: Don't do this Hanson, that's my little sister.

VERA: I don't want your help, Priss!

HANSON: I have to, Priss, she might be involved

LAMPTON: She can't be involved, it's just not possible

(HANSON and PENHALL place ALFIE, JOHNNY, DANNY, and VERA into the JUMPSTREET CELL, despite their protests.)

JOHNNY: I can't believe you two were narcs the whole time!

PENHALL: We get that a lot

DANNY: Well we didn't do nothin'

HANSON: Danny, you were the one driving the stolen car

DANNY: How was I supposed to know it was stolen?

HANSON: I'm pretty sure you figured that one out when you hot wired the engine to get it going, plus the fact that you took it from the school

ALFIE: It's our school project, maybe we wanted just a little extra time working on the engine

LAMPTON: What the hell does my sister have to do with any of this?

HANSON: Lampton, calm down

LAMPTON: No, no I won't calm down, Hanson! You've arrested my baby sister!

HANSON: So did Penhall

LAMPTON: Penhall didn't escort her inside and put her in a cell

HANSON: Technicality

LAMPTON: It still matters to me!

VERA: Stop trying to help me, Priss!

LAMPTON: What the hell did you do, Vera?

VERA: Nothing

LAMPTON: Then why did these two idiots arrest you?

PENHALL and HANSON: Hey!

PENHALL: Actually that was probably more to you, I didn't screw her over, instead I offered to buy her coffee.

HANSON: You're probably right

PENHALL: I still take a little offence to being lumped in with you, I mean just because I'm your partner doesn't mean I should get half the blame

HANSON: But it was because of your stupid line up of blind dates that I met Annie in the first place

PENHALL: All your decisions man, I was not involved

LAMPTON: Would you two shut up? I'm trying to figure out what's going on with my baby sister!

VERA: Stop calling me that!

LAMPTON: Calling you what?

VERA: Your baby sister! I'm not a baby, and we may be sisters by blood but you sure as hell have done a dandy job showin' it these past seven years!

LAMPTON: I wrote you

VERA: Yeah in the beginning, where the hell are those letters now? God, you couldn't even manage to drop by and visit me every once in a while?

LAMPTON: You saw what things were like for me in Cedar, I had to get the hell out of there, and I wasn't coming back unless a gun was pointed to my head

VERA: So abandoning your sister was just collateral damage?

LAMPTON: I didn't mean to abandon you, Vera. But you have to think of things from my point of view, I had Emma to think about. I didn't want her growing up in Cedar, that would have been hell for her.

VERA: Things would have died down, Priss! You were sixteen at the time, of course people were gonna talk!

LAMPTON: You don't get it, Vera! I had always been the subject of town gossip, that I was used to! People changed though after Emma, treated me differently, and not in a good way. It was like living in a dirty fishbowl in desperate need of a cleaning. I was suffocating. I had to get out of there. Especially before Emma was old enough to realize that she was being treated like a leper.

VERA: Don't use Emma as an excuse, Priss, you always wanted to get out of there.

LAMPTON: Not like that I didn't

(CHARLOTTE LAMPTON and RICH LAMPTON enter the CHAPEL, CHARLOTTE LAMPTON leading in a rushed walk. LAMPTON'S back is to them, they don't recognize her at first. THEY see VERA standing in the CELL and rush faster, half upset with VERA, half worried.)

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Vera Elizabeth Lampton!

FULLER: Something I can help you with?

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: Yes, my name is Charlotte Lampton, I would like to know on what grounds has my daughter been arrested?

(HOFFS, HANSON, "BLOWFISH", and PENHALL all look over at CHARLOTTE and RICH LAMPTON in shock. LAMPTON tenses up, a sudden panic taking over her. VERA rolls her eyes and takes a seat next to DANNY in the cell. DANNY, ALFIE, and JOHNNY all watch amused as the Lampton family drama continues to play out in front of them.)

FULLER: Charlotte Lampton?

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: (Annoyed) Yes, that's my daughter, Vera Lampton, in your jail cell. The only girl in the cell. Hence you've arrested my daughter. Now I would like to know why.

(LAMPTON slowly turns around to face CHARLOTTE and RICH LAMPTON. They take a moment, then CHARLOTTE gasps in surprise.)

LAMPTON: Hey, Mom, Dad

RICH LAMPTON: Why on earth would you call your sister to bail you out, Vera?

VERA: I didn't

RICH LAMPTON: Then why is she…

LAMPTON: I work here, Dad

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: No you don't, you work as a maid at that motel place

LAMPTON: It was hotel, and I haven't worked there since I got my GED. I'm a cop, Ma.

CHARLOTTE LAMPTON: So you arrested your little sister! God! What a fantastic family reunion, I'm just disappointed I didn't think to bring the camera.

LAMPTON: I didn't arrest her, Officers Hanson and Penhall did, and I'm sure they have their reasons

PENHALL: (Whispering to HANSON) Oh, now we have our reasons, before we were just two idiots who must have made a mistake

LAMPTON: I'm right next to you, Penhall

PENHALL: Oh—right, but my point still stands

HOFFS: Not now, Penhall

FULLER: Would you three like some privacy?

LAMPTON: No, we're fine, Captain. I'll just leave, that's what they want anyways.

VERA: Besides, you've already proved that you're fantastic at it

LAMPTON: That's enough, Vera! I'm sorry that I left, but it was my only option! It wasn't like I was leaving you to grow up on a box somewhere on the streets! I'm sorry that I screwed up, but I had to deal with the consequences the best way I knew how!

(LAMPTON angrily turns and gathers up her things, booking it towards the exit. CHARLOTTE and RICH LAMPTON just stand there, stunned. HANSON watches LAMPTON, as she tries to hide her tears, wanting to reach out and comfort her. HOFFS, "BLOWFISH", PENHALL, and FULLER watch the entire drama play out in a stunned silence.)

LAMPTON: (to CHARLOTTE and RICH LAMPTON) I'm sorry I screwed everything up again, but what did you really expect, it's what I do, right?

(LAMPTON exits. The CHAPEL falls into silence.)

HANSON: You know, she may not be perfect, but she's done her best. The least you could do is take a minute to find out who your sister and your daughter has grown up into.

(HANSON exits after LAMPTON)

OUTSIDE THE CHAPEL. LAMPTON sits on the steps, crying into her hands. HANSON pauses a moment, trying to think of the best thing to say to comfort her. He slowly inches towards her, and places a hand on her back. LAMPTON cries harder, and HANSON envelopes her into a hug.

"Just Like a Woman" (Bob Dylan) begins.

Nobody feels any pain

Tonight as I stand inside the rain
Evrybody knows
That babys got new clothes
But lately I see her ribbons and her bows
Have fallen from her curls.
She takes just like a woman, yes, she does
She makes love just like a woman, yes, she does
And she aches just like a woman
But she breaks just like a little girl.

END CREDITS.