Life & Death: Scripted

by QueenofSpices

When Beaufort Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edythe Cullen, his life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With her golden eyes and supernatural gifts, Edythe is both irresistible and enigmatic. (Life and Death and Midnight Sun in script formatting. Explained more in A/N.)

8. Episode 7: Port Angeles

A/N: Okay, y'all. So, I combined both the chapters Nightmare and Port Angeles to form one giant, mega episode. At 38 minutes long, it's one of the longest episodes in the three season I've written. Also, I believe this is one of the first episodes that even mentions that I did modernize it. There was surprisingly little to do to change that, except for small things. (Although I guess Origins did kinda mentions it. Kinda.)

Note: I think I'm going to stop making notes when someone curses in the episode. It takes a while to read back the entire thing, just searching for curse words, and also, I feel like it's kind of obnoxious when I make a note of it.

Song of the Episode: Blindside by Icon for Hire

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EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - NIGHT [ESTABLISHING]

The house sits silent, Beau's truck sitting on the curb and the cruiser in the driveway.

INT. BEAU'S ROOM

BEAU SWAN locks his bedroom door behind him. He picks up earbuds and pulls his phone out of his pocket. Beau plugs the earbuds in and starts listening to music. Beau lays on his bed and closes his eyes. Soon, he is asleep.

EXT. FIRST BEACH, LA PUSH, WA - DAY

DREAM SEQUENCE:

Beau opens his eyes. He is on the beach again, his back to the shore, the forest in front of him. JULIE BLACK appears and begins yanking on Beau's hand. Her expression is frightened.

BEAU
Jules? What's wrong?

JULIE
Run, Beau, you have to run!

BEAU
Why?

Beau tries to loosen Julie's grasp. Julie lets go of Beau's hand and YELPS, shaking. She falls to the forest floor. She twitches on the ground as Beau watches in horror.

BEAU (CONT'D)
Jules!

In Julie's place is a large wolf. The wolf is faced away from him, toward the shore, the hair on her back bristling, low GROWLS coming from her fangs. Beau does not turn toward the forest. His focus is on a light coming from the beach. EDYTHE CULLEN steps from the trees, her skin faintly glowing. She wears a long black dress with a low neckline and dark lipstick. She has fangs, and her nails are long and pointed, colored the same shade as her lips. Edythe holds up one hand and beckons Beau to come to her. The wolf GROWLS. Beau takes a step toward Edythe.

EDYTHE
Trust me.

Beau takes another step toward Edythe. The wolf launches herself between Beau and Edythe, fangs aiming for Edythe's jugular.

INT. BEAU'S ROOM

Beau wakes up, wrenching upright out of bed.

BEAU
No!

Beau's phone is wrenched off the nightstand and clatters to the floor. Beau is sitting in his bed, fully dressed, with his shoes on. He groans, falls back, and rolls over.

INT. HALLWAY

Beau walks to the bathroom and closes the door. He then opens it with his hair wet and in sweats.

INT. BEAU'S ROOM

Beau goes back to his room and turns on his computer, which sits on his desk. He opens a search engine and types in one word, "vampire." He scrolls down the page and clicks on a site that sounds promising.

BEAU (V.O.)
Sunday, March twenty-first: it didn't seem plausible. Could it be true? I read carefully through the descriptions, looking for anything that sounded familiar, let alone plausible. It seemed that most vampire myths focused on beautiful women as demons and children for victims; they also seemed like excuses created to explain the high mortality rates for young children, and to give guys an excuse for infidelity. Only three entries really caught my attention: the Romanian Varacolai, a powerful undead being who could appear as a beautiful, pale-skinned human, the Slovak Nelapsi, a creature so strong and fast it could massacre an entire village in the single hour after midnight, and one other, the Stregoni Benefici. About this last there was only one brief sentence. "Stregoni Benefici: An Italian vampire, said to be on the side of goodness, and a mortal enemy to all evil vampires." It was a strange relief that one small entry, one myth among hundreds that claimed the existence of good vampires. I'd created a catalogue in my mind, and as I'd read, I'd carefully compare it with each myth. Beauty, speed, strength, pale skin, eyes that shift color; and then Jules's criteria: blood drinkers, enemies of the werewolf, cold-skinned, and immortal. There were very few myths that matched even one factor.

Beau shuts the computer down.

INT. FRONT ROOM

Beau pulls his boots and jacket on.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Beau leaves his house, traveling into the forest across the road. He soon slows and sits on a fallen tree.

BEAU (V.O.)
There were two questions I had to answer. First, I had to decide if it was possible that what Jules had said about the Cullens could be true. No. It was stupid to even consider the idea. These were silly stories. Just morbid old legends. But what, then? There was no rational explanation for how I had survived the van. I listed again in my head the things I'd observed myself: the inhuman beauty, the impossible speed and strength, the eye color shifting from black to gold and back again, the pale, cold skin. And more - small things that registered slowly - how they never seemed to eat, the disturbing grace with which they moved. And the way she sometimes spoke, with unfamiliar cadences and phrases that better fit the style of the historical romances my mom loved than that of a twenty-first century classroom. She had skipped class the day we'd done blood typing. She hadn't said no to the beach trip till I told her where we were going. She seemed to know what everyone was thinking...except me. She'd told me she was the villain, dangerous... Could the Cullens be vampires? Well, they were something. Something outside the boundaries of normal and sane was happening in this nothing little town. Whether it was Jules's cold ones or my own superhero theory, Edythe Cullen was not...human. She was something more. So then - maybe. That would have to be my answer for now. And then the most important question of all. If Edythe was a vampire, then what should I do? Only two options seemed practical. The first was to take her advice: to be smart, to avoid her as much as possible. To cancel our plans, to go back to ignoring her as far as I was able. To pretend there was an impenetrable glass wall between us in the one class where we were forced together. To tell her she was right, and then never talk to her again. And it hurt - just the idea - more than it should. More than I felt I could stand. I could do nothing different. After all, if she was something...sinister, she'd done nothing bad so far. In fact, I would be a dent in Taylor's fender if she hadn't acted so fast. So fast, that it might have been sheer reflexes. But if it was a reflex to save lives, how bad could she be? There was one thing I was sure of, if I was sure of anything. The black-gowned Edythe with the sharp teeth and nails was just the embodiment of the word Jules had said, and not the real Edythe. Even so, when I'd shouted in horror as the werewolf lunged, it wasn't fear for the wolf that had me screaming "no." It was terror that she would be hurt. Even as she was calling to me with sharp-edged fangs, I was afraid for her. And I knew that in that I had my answer. I didn't know if there ever was a choice, really. I was already in too deep. Now that I knew - if I knew - what could I do about it? Because when I thought of her, of her voice, her hypnotic eyes, the magnetic way her body pulled mine toward her, all I wanted was to be with her right now. Even if...but I didn't want to think the word again.

EXT. CULLEN MANOR, THE NEXT MORNING - DAY

Edythe walks outside, her keys and phone in her hand. ARCHIE CULLEN follows her and leans against the open door.

ARCHIE
Have fun. Stalking him, I mean.

Edythe stops, but does not turn around.

EDYTHE
I'm guarding him. Not stalking. There's a difference.

ARCHIE
We can debate semantics if you want. Or you can just admit to yourself that as many euphemisms as you try to put on it, the reality is still the same. Accept it. Embrace it. You'll be happier that way.

EDYTHE
Are you going to be watching me all day?

ARCHIE
I think I'll have better things to do than sit around watching you stand in a forest, pulling up trees every time a girl makes a pass at him. But, if it makes you feel better, I promise to check in on you every once in a while. Have fun. Don't be too hard on nature.

Edythe turns and sprints into the forest.

EXT. FORKS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

The weather is bright and sunny. Beau is sitting on a bench, doing Trigonometry homework. His backpack sits next to him, and he's drawn five pairs of dark eyes on the page. He quickly scrubs them out with the eraser. MCKAYLA NEWTON waves to Beau from the parking lot. She wears a tank top and a skirt and has her backpack on.

MCKAYLA (V.O.)
Oh, it's Beau! And he's alone - now's my chance!

MCKAYLA
Beau!

BEAU
Hey, McKayla.

McKayla sits next to Beau.

MCKAYLA
Great day, isn't it?

BEAU
My kind of day.

MCKAYLA (V.O.)
I've been totally overthinking this. He does like me, I knew it. I bet he did want to go to the dance with me, it's just he had that thing in Seattle. I mean, we're practically a couple already, it's just he's so shy - that's why we haven't made any progress. I've just got to take the initiative, and he'll follow my lead.

MCKAYLA
What did you do yesterday?

BEAU
I mostly worked on my essay.

McKayla hits the palm of her hand on her forehead.

MCKAYLA (V.O.)
He's always so responsible.

MCKAYLA
Oh yeah - that's due Thursday, right?

BEAU
Um, Wednesday, I think.

MCKAYLA
Wednesday?

MCKAYLA (V.O.)
Maybe I could just let it slide this once. I mean, this is more important - no, I can't do that, Beau would think I was such an irresponsible slacker. And my parents would probably ground me.

MCKAYLA
That's not good. I guess I'll have to get to work on that tonight.

MCKAYLA (V.O.)
No! No excuses! It's now or never!

MCKAYLA
I was going to ask you if you wanted to go out.

BEAU
Oh.

MCKAYLA (V.O.)
He isn't saying anything. Does that mean no? Or - maybe he doesn't know how to answer because of the dumb essay thing and I didn't actually ask?

MCKAYLA
Well, we could go to dinner or something...and I could work on it later.

BEAU
McKayla...I don't think that would be the best idea.

MCKAYLA (V.O.)
I should have known. Seattle was just an excuse. I bet Jeremy's right, and he's completely stuck on Edythe Cullen.

MCKAYLA
Why?

BEAU
Look, I'm breaking all kinds of man codes telling you this, so don't rat me out, okay?

MCKAYLA
Man codes?

BEAU
Jeremy's my friend, and if I went out with you, well, it would upset him. I never said anything of this, okay? It's your word against mine.

MCKAYLA
Jeremy?

MCKAYLA (V.O.)
Jeremy? Is that what this is all about? Just like at the dance, when he told me I should ask Jeremy instead... Stepping aside, as a favor to Jeremy?

BEAU
Seriously, are you blind?

MCKAYLA
Oh.

MCKAYLA (V.O.)
No, that's not it. Jeremy is just another excuse. He has been all along. I am blind.

BEAU
I don't want to be late again. I'm already on Mason's list.

Beau stands and picks his bag up. He begins to walk toward the school.

MCKAYLA (V.O.)
He doesn't like me. He's never going to like me. Jeremy's probably right, he's been too busy fantasizing about Edythe Cullen. I should have seen it, I should have known... Is this how the rest of your year is going to go? Are you just going to be single the rest of high school, going after some guy who's not even interested? This is pointless. I'm pretty, I'm fun. Even if he doesn't appreciate it, I could find someone who would. Jeremy's nice... He pays attention to me...why not? Yeah. He can pine after Edythe Cullen all he wants, see if I care. I'm going to enjoy high school.

McKayla follows Beau.

INT. LUNCHROOM

Circular tables are full with STUDENTS. Beau and JEREMY STANLEY walk through the lunchroom, toward their table. Beau glances over at the Cullen/Hale table, but none of them are present. His face falls.

BEAU (V.O.)
Monday, March twenty-second: when I saw Jeremy in Trig, he was just as fired up by the sunny day as I was. He and Allen were headed into Port Angeles tonight to catch a movie and order corsages for the dance, and I was invited. It would be nice to get out of town with some guys. But who knew what I could be doing tonight... But that was definitely the wrong thing to think about. Of course I was happy to see the sun again. But that wasn't totally responsible for the mood I was in, not even close. So, I gave him a maybe, lying about homework I had to catch up on.

EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - DAY [ESTABLISHING]

The house sits silent. Beau's truck sits on the curb.

INT. KITCHEN

Beau sits in one of the chairs at the table, doing homework.

BEAU (V.O.)
I had been glad to leave campus, so I could stop pretending I was fine until it was time to go to Port Angeles.

Beau's phone RINGS. Beau takes it out of his pocket and answers it.

BEAU (V.O.; CONT'D)
But right after I walked through my front door, Jeremy called to cancel our plans. I tried to sound glad that McKayla had asked him to dinner, but I think I sounded irritated. The movie got rescheduled to Tuesday.

Beau hangs his phone up, then exits the room.

INT. LIVING ROOM

Beau grabs a blanket off the couch and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea off the coffee table. He exits through the back door, into the backyard.

EXT. BACKYARD - DAY

Beau travels into the backyard, puts the blanket on the grass, lays down, and begins reading. After a moment, Beau falls asleep. A glittering rainbow falls across his face.

EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - DAY

CHARLIE SWAN pulls the cruiser into the driveway.

EXT. BACKYARD - DAY

The rainbow disappears from Beau's face quickly as the front door SLAMS. Beau jumps up and carries his things inside.

INT. LIVING ROOM

Charlie sits on the couch. Beau enters, placing the blanket and book on the couch.

BEAU
Sorry, dinner's not ready yet - I fell asleep outside.

CHARLIE
Don't worry about it. I wanted to catch the score on the game, anyway.

Beau goes to sit by Charlie on the couch.

BEAU
FYI, Dad, I'll going to a movie with some of the guys from school tomorrow night, so you'll be on your own.

CHARLIE
Anyone I know?

BEAU
Jeremy Stanley and Allen Weber.

CHARLIE
Fine, but it's a school night, so don't go crazy.

BEAU
We're leaving right after school, so we won't be too late. You want me to put something out for your dinner?

CHARLIE
Beau, I fed myself for seventeen years before you got here.

BEAU
I don't know how you survived.

EXT. FORKS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY [ESTABLISHING]

The school is a large, red, brick building. Trees, bushes, and other foliage surround it on all sides. A large parking lot sits in front.

INT. LUNCHROOM

STUDENTS sit at circular tables. Beau arrives in the lunchroom, scans it, and his face falls as he sees that the Cullen/Hale table is once again empty.

EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - DAY

Beau races outside to join Jeremy and ALLEN WEBER in Jeremy's car. They begin driving.

BEAU (V.O.)
My mood started to lift as we drove out of the town limits.

EXT. CULLEN MANOR - DAY [ESTABLISHING]

The white house sits silent in the trees.

INT. LIVING ROOM

ELEANOR CULLEN, ROYAL HALE, EARNEST CULLEN, and Archie sit on the couch. JESSAMINE HALE stands, talking to PATRICIA and CHARLES. Edythe enters and goes straight to the piano; she starts playing.

ROYAL (V.O.)
Ugh, she's back.

EARNEST (V.O.)
Ah, Edythe. I hate to see her suffering so.

ARCHIE (V.O.)
Have fun stalking him in Port Angeles tonight. Let me know when I can talk to him.

ELEANOR (V.O.)
You're pathetic. I can't believe you missed the football game last night.

CHARLES (V.O.)
So peculiar, this one. Eccentric. She seemed perfectly all right the last time we were here...

PATRICIA (V.O.)
I wonder if it has something with the diet of animals. Maybe for some, the lack of human blood eventually leads to madness?

JESSAMINE
(to Patricia and Charles)
Take care. And if you see Miguel again, tell him I wish him well.

Patricia laughs.

PATRICIA
I don't imagine that will happen soon. But, should it happen, I will.

Jessamine and Charles shake hands. Patricia and Jessamine hug. Edythe finishes the song she's playing and stands.

EDYTHE
Charles, Patricia.

CHARLES
It was nice to see you again, Edythe.

PATRICIA
Best of luck to you.

EDYTHE
Thank you.

Edythe exits.

ELEANOR (V.O.)
Madwoman.

ROYAL (V.O.)
Idiot.

EARNEST (V.O.)
Poor girl.

ARCHIE (V.O.)
They're going straight east, you know, to Seattle. Port Angeles is safe. Stalker.

EXT. FLORIST SHOP, PORT ANGELES - DAY [ESTABLISHING]

A small shop with colorful flowers lining the walls sits silent. Large, square windows are placed above the flowers.

INT. FLORIST SHOP

Flowers line the walls. A counter separates the room. Jeremy talks to a SALESWOMAN. Beau and Allen sit on a bench, waiting for him.

JEREMY (V.O.)
Yeah, she's right. I definitely don't want to go yellow. But would red seem like I was coming on too strong? What about pink? What color is McKayla even wearing, were we supposed to coordinate? Dang it, I should have asked her.

JEREMY
Hey, Beau, what do you think?

BEAU
Umm, I don't know if it matters that much. I'm sure McKayla will like whatever you get.

JEREMY
Maybe you're right.

JEREMY (V.O.)
Does he really think that? Or is he hoping it'll be a flop? Now that McKayla's paying attention to someone else, maybe you're not so indifferent now, huh? Too bad, you missed the boat, she's all about me now...

BEAU
Hey, Allen...

ALLEN
Yeah?

BEAU
Do the, uh, Cullens miss school a lot - I mean, is that normal for them?

ALLEN
Yeah, when the weather is good, they go backpacking all the time - even the doctor. They're all really into nature or something.

BEAU
Oh.

EXT. FLORIST SHOP - DAY

Beau, Allen, and Jeremy exit the store. Beau breaks away from the other two. Jeremy and Allen wave to him.

EXT. VIDEO GAME STORE - DAY

The store is brightly lit. Jeremy and Allen walk out of it, holding bags.

JEREMY
Maybe I should take it back. I was supposed to just be using this money for the dance...

JEREMY (V.O.)
If my dad finds out, I am so screwed, he thought. Will he believe I really spent that much on just a corsage?

ALLEN
We can go back, if you want. You think Beau might be looking for us though?

JEREMY
He said he'd meet us at the theater, he probably won't be there until it's about time to start. We have plenty of time.

JEREMY (V.O.)
Wonder where he went anyway. An errand? Oh well, who cares.

ALLEN (V.O.)
I hope Beau doesn't think we ditched him. He was so nice to me in the car before... He's really a great guy. But he's seemed kind of blue all day. I wonder if it's because of Edythe Cullen. I'll bet that was why he was asking about her family...

EXT. STREETS - EVENING

Beau is walking down the sidewalk. He is clearly agitated. Beau runs his fingers through his hair and takes a deep breath. He crosses the road. TATIANA KENDRICK, ED PRESCOTT, and ARNIE STOKER all wait by the corner, obviously doing something illegal. Arnie has a gun in the waistband of his jeans.

ED
It's a cop!

Beau keeps walking away from them. Tatiana, Ed, and Arnie all turn to look at him.

TATIANA
Hey, pig.

TATIANA (V.O.)
Pity to have to do away with him. Such a good-looking boy... Such pretty eyes.

Beau turns around.

BEAU
What? I'm sorry, do you mean me?

TATIANA
Sorry? Is that your favorite word or something?

BEAU
I - I'm...sorry. I don't know what you're talking about.

TATIANA
Aren't you going to call for backup, Officer?

BEAU
I think you've got the wrong guy.

TATIANA
Sure we do. And you didn't see anything back there either, did you?

BEAU
See anything? No. No, I didn't see anything.

Beau begins to back away. Arnie pulls the gun on him. Beau freezes.

BEAU (CONT'D)
Hey, hey. I'm not a cop. I'm still in high school.

TATIANA
You think I'm stupid? You think your plainclothes getup fools me? I saw you with your cop partner, Vice.

BEAU
What? No, that was my dad.

TATIANA (V.O.)
I bet he uses that excuse all the time, the undercover bastard. Young-looking enough to get away with it, too.

Tatiana laughs.

TATIANA
You're just a baby pig?

BEAU
Sure, okay. So that's cleared up. I'll get out of your way now...

ARNIE
Stop.

ED
(to Arnie)
What are you doing?

ARNIE
I don't believe him.

TATIANA
How's that pirate song go? Dead men tell no tales.

BEAU
What? No, look, that's - that's not necessary. I'm not telling any tales. There's nothing to tell.

TATIANA
That's right.

BEAU
My wallet's right here in my pocket. There's not much in it, but you're welcome to it...

Beau reaches for his wallet, but Arnie cocks the gun with a CLICK. Beau throws his hands up.

ED
We need to keep this quiet. Put the gun away.

Ed picks up a stray piece of broken pipe. Arnie lowers the gun. A silver Volvo swings around the corner, nearly hitting Arnie. Beau jumps in the street. The passenger door of the car is open. Edythe sits in the driver's seat. Edythe wears jeans, a white turtleneck, grey motorcycle jacket, and a bone-colored infinity scarf.

EDYTHE
Get in.

INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO

Edythe glares at Ed, Arnie, and Tatiana. Beau jumps in the car, slamming the door shut behind him.

BEAU
Drive, Edythe, get out of here. He's got a gun.

EDYTHE
Keep your head down.

Edythe opens her door, preparing to get out. Beau grabs her arm.

BEAU
What are you doing? Drive!

EDYTHE
Just give me a minute here, Beau.

BEAU
If you go out there, I'm going with you. I'm not letting you get shot.

ARNIE (V.O.)
Shoot out the tires. Then we'll get both of them.

ED (V.O.)
Gotta get the hell out of here. Who knows how many more are on the way?

TATIANA (V.O.)
Next time. Next time we see the baby pig, he's dead.

EDYTHE
Fine.

Edythe closes her door. She and Beau speed away.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Put your seatbelt on.

Beau drops Edythe's arm and obeys.

BEAU
Are you okay?

EDYTHE
No.

The car comes to a stop; they're not in Port Angeles anymore. Edythe is staring straight ahead.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Are you hurt at all, Beau?

BEAU
No. Are you?

EDYTHE
Of course I'm not hurt.

BEAU
Good. Um, can I ask why you're so mad? Did I do something?

EDYTHE
Don't be stupid, Beau.

BEAU
Sorry.

EDYTHE
Do you think you would be all right if I left you here in the car for a few -

Beau grabs her hand.

BEAU
You're not going anywhere without me.

EDYTHE
Fine. Give me a moment.

Edythe closes her eyes. Beat. Edythe opens her eyes and looks down at where Beau is holding her hand.

BEAU
Do you...want me to let go?

EDYTHE
I think that might be for the best.

BEAU
You're not going anywhere?

EDYTHE
I suppose not, if you're that opposed.

Beau lets go of Edythe's hand.

BEAU
Better?

EDYTHE
Not really.

BEAU
What is it, Edythe? What's wrong?

EDYTHE
This may come as a surprise to you, Beau, but I have a little bit of a temper. Sometimes it's hard for me to forgive easily when someone...offends me.

BEAU
Did I -

EDYTHE
Stop, Beau. I'm not talking about you. Did you realize that they were serious? That they were actually going to kill you?

BEAU
Yeah, I kinda figured they were going to try.

EDYTHE
It's completely ridiculous! Who gets murdered in Port Angeles? What is it with you, Beau? Why does everything deadly come looking for you?

BEAU
I...I have no answer for that.

EDYTHE
So I'm not allowed to go teach those thugs a lesson in manners?

BEAU
Um, no. Please?

EDYTHE
How disagreeable. Your friends must be worried about you.

Edythe starts the engine and turns her car around. They drive back to Port Angeles.

EXT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT

Jeremy and Allen are standing in front of the brightly lit movie theater.

JEREMY
I'm sure he just got lost somewhere. Or maybe he just didn't know where the theater was. Man, the movie's already started, I'm never going to let him live this down.

JEREMY (V.O.)
Crap, where could he have gone? It's not that big a town. He should have told us where he was going. Or was he just planning to ditch us all along?

ALLEN (V.O.)
If we still haven't met up in another half an hour, what should we do? Call his dad maybe? I mean Beau would probably hate it if we make a big deal, but if something happened...he could have been hit by a car, or mugged. He would be here if he could be, he doesn't just forget things, and I'm sure he wouldn't just go off on purpose without saying anything...

INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO

Edythe pulls the Volvo up to the curb.

BEAU
How did you know where...?

Edythe exits the car. The door is still open.

EXT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT

The Volvo is now parked at the curb. Jeremy and Allen walk away from the Volvo. Edythe slams the door behind her, then walks to the sidewalk. Beau fumbles with his seatbelt, but manages to exit the car. He walks up to Edythe, then puts his hand on her shoulder. Edythe puts her hand over his.

EDYTHE
Stop them before I have to track them down, too. I won't be able to restrain myself if I ran into your other friends again.

Edythe takes her hand off Beau's. Beau steps forward, taking his hand off Edythe's shoulder.

BEAU
Jer! Allen!

Jeremy and Allen turn, then walk toward Beau and Edythe quickly.

JEREMY
What happened to you?

JEREMY (V.O.)
And how the hell... Edythe? My man's been holding out on me!

JEREMY
We thought you took off.

JEREMY (V.O.)
Until now. Now I know exactly why he went off on his own. Ho-lee hell.

BEAU
No, I just got lost. And then I ran into Edythe.

ALLEN
Oh, hi...Edythe.

Edythe salutes casually with two fingers.

JEREMY
Uh, hey.

JEREMY (V.O.)
What's going on here? Did they plan this? Why didn't he tell me? Edythe freaking Cullen?! Holy crap she's hot. Like...freakily gorgeous.

JEREMY
So...the movie's already started, I think.

BEAU
Sorry about that.

JEREMY
It's probably still just running previews. Did you...still want to come?

JEREMY (V.O.)
Course he doesn't want to come. I bet this was planned. Why? Because he doesn't want his dad to find out? I guess his dad is a police chief, maybe he's super strict about dating and stuff. Or maybe it's her family. And what's she doing with him anyway? I thought she wasn't interested in guys in Forks. What did he do to score this? Man, he's seriously been holding out, I'm going to get all his secrets out of him tomorrow if it's the last thing I do.

ALLEN (V.O.)
What a strange coincidence. Or did he know where she was going to be and go looking for her? Maybe I can help him a little...

ALLEN
Would you like to come...Edythe?

ALLEN (V.O.)
Wow. I'm asking Edythe to a movie... Not in that way, but still. Wow.

Edythe shakes her head and smiles.

EDYTHE
I've already seen this one, but thank you, Allen.

Awkward silence.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
(to Beau)
On a scale of one to ten, how much do you want to see this movie now?

BEAU
Er, not that much.

EDYTHE
(to Jeremy and Allen)
Will it ruin your night if I make Beau take me to dinner?

Jeremy and Allen shake their heads.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Thanks. I'll give Beau a ride home.

Edythe gets back in her car. Beau shrugs and gets in the passenger seat.

JEREMY
The hell?

JEREMY (V.O.)
Okay, what. The actual. Hell. Buddy has some serious 'splaining to do. How on earth did he score a date with Edythe Cullen?! How long has this been going on? Is that why he's been so weird lately...?

INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO

Edythe drives away.

BEAU
Did you really want dinner?

EDYTHE
I thought you might.

BEAU
I'm good.

EDYTHE
If you'd rather go home...

BEAU
No, no. I can do dinner. I just mean it doesn't have to be that. Whatever you'd like.

EXT. LA BELLA ITALIA - NIGHT

The restaurant is warmly lit, with Edythe pulls the Volvo up to the curb. She and Beau get out and walk toward the restaurant.

INT. LA BELLA ITALIA

Tables crowd the room, filled with PEOPLE. A small partition separates the room from a section with a tall table. Behind the table is VIC, the host. Beau opens the door of the restaurant. Edythe smiles, then walks past him. Beau steps inside behind her. Vic assesses Edythe like a deer in headlights. He is a young, good-looking man.

VIC (V.O.)
Whoa, baby. This must be my night. Hot damn. Hot, hot damn.

VIC
What can I do for you?

EDYTHE
A table for two, please.

Vic glances at Beau dismissively, then flick back to Edythe.

VIC (V.O.)
No... That can't be her date, can it? Maybe he's her cousin...or her brother or something. No way could he pick up a girl like that. I wonder if she would take my number. Or would that upset the brother? Oh, who cares. If he wants to fight, I can take him out back. He doesn't look like much, I'd take him apart. But would that upset her?

VIC
Of course, er, mademoiselle. Follow me.

VIC (V.O.)
Wish I could follow you... I'd like to check out dat -

Edythe rolls her eyes as Vic cuts off. He grabs two leather folders, then motions for Edythe to follow him. Vic begins walking to a table in the middle of the room.

BEAU
(to Edythe)
This is an Italian place. Shouldn't he have said signorina?

EDYTHE
Some people are so uneducated.

Beau laughs softly. Edythe smiles at him. Vic leads them to a table. Beau goes to sit down, but Edythe shakes her head.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
(smoothly hands Vic a tip)
Perhaps something more private?

VIC
Of course.

Vic leads them to a booth.

VIC (CONT'D)
How's this?

EDYTHE
(smiling)
Perfect.

Vic is momentarily dazed. Vic shakes his head, blinking, and walks away unsteadily, taking the menus with him. Beau and Edythe sit at the booth.

BEAU
That wasn't very nice.

EDYTHE
What do you mean?

BEAU
Whatever that thing you do is - with the smile and the hypnotizing or whatever. That guy could hurt himself trying to get back to the door.

EDYTHE
(genuinely confused)
I do a thing?

BEAU
Like you don't know the effect you have on people.

EDYTHE
I suppose I can think of a few effects... But no one's ever accused me of hypnotism by smiling before.

BEAU
Do you think other people get their way so easily?

EDYTHE
Does it work on you - this thing you think I do?

BEAU
Every time.

SAL arrives, flipping a strand of hair behind his ear. Sal is about the same age as the host. He smiles with excessive warmth.

SAL (V.O.)
Oh my god. Vic didn't even do her justice. She's...I mean, she's incredible!

SAL
(to Edythe; charmed)
Hello. My name is Sal, and I'll be taking care of you tonight. What can I get you to drink?

EDYTHE
Beau?

Sal keeps staring at Edythe.

BEAU
Um, a Coke?

EDYTHE
Two Cokes. And a menu?

Edythe smiles widely. Sal's mouth falls opens.

SAL
Yes, of course, I'll be right back with that.

Sal leaves.

BEAU
You've seriously never noticed that before?

EDYTHE
It's been a while since I cared what anyone thought about me. And I don't usually smile so much.

BEAU
Probably safer that way - for everyone.

EDYTHE
Everyone but you. Shall we talk about what happened tonight?

BEAU
Huh?

EDYTHE
Your near-death experience? Or did you already forget?

BEAU
Oh.

EDYTHE
How do you feel?

BEAU
What do you mean?

EDYTHE
Are you cold, dizzy, sick...?

BEAU
Should I?

EDYTHE
I'm wondering if you're going into shock. I've seen it happen with less provocation.

BEAU
Oh. No, I think I'm fine, thanks.

EDYTHE
Just the same, I'll feel better when you have some food in you.

Sal appears and sets their drinks and a basket of breadsticks on the table. He hands Edythe a menu. Sal stands with his back to Beau. Edythe hands Beau the menu.

SAL
There are a few specials. Um, we have a mushroom ravioli and -

BEAU
Sounds great. I'll have that.

SAL
(to Edythe)
And for you?

EDYTHE
That's all we need. Thank you.

SAL (V.O.)
Vic must have been wrong, that must be her boyfriend. He doesn't look it, but maybe he's a rich kid... That would explain how she's able to throw money around like that. He looks like he doesn't have a clue, she's probably milking him for all he's worth.

Sal pauses, waiting for one of Edythe's smiles, but she continues to look at Beau. Sal leaves.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Drink.

Beau sips at his soda obediently. He finishes the glass, and Edythe pushes hers toward him.

BEAU
No, I'm fine.

EDYTHE
I'm not going to drink it.

BEAU
Right. Thanks.

Beau shivers.

EDYTHE
You're cold?

BEAU
It's just the Coke.

EDYTHE
Don't you have a jacket?

BEAU
Yeah. Oh - I left it in Jeremy's car.

Edythe takes her scarf off. Beau stares at her.

EDYTHE
(holds the scarf out)
Here.

BEAU
Really, I'm fine.

EDYTHE
The hairs on the back of your neck are standing up, Beau. It's not a lady's scarf, if that's what's bothering you. I stole it from Archie.

BEAU
I don't need it.

EDYTHE
(starts to stand)
Fine. Royal has a jacket in the trunk, I'll be right -

BEAU
(grabs her hand)
Don't go. I'll wear the scarf. See?

Beau takes the scarf and puts it on. Edythe sits down.

BEAU (CONT'D)
Did I do it right?

EDYTHE
It suits you.

BEAU
Do you steal a lot of things from, um, Archie?

EDYTHE
He has the best taste.

BEAU
You never told me about your family. We ran out of time the other day.

Edythe pushes the basket of breadsticks toward him.

BEAU (CONT'D)
I'm not going into shock.

EDYTHE
Humor me?

Edythe smiles. Beau picks up a breadstick.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
I don't know how you can be so blasé about this. You don't even look shaken. A normal person - But then you're not so normal, are you?

BEAU
I'm the most normal person I know.

EDYTHE
Everyone thinks that about themselves.

BEAU
Do you think that about yourself?

Edythe purses her lips.

BEAU (CONT'D)
Right. Do you ever consider answering any of my questions, or is that not even on the table?

EDYTHE
It depends on the question.

BEAU
So tell me one I'm allowed to ask.

Sal walks around the corner with Beau's food. Edythe and Beau straighten as Sal places the dish on the table.

SAL
(to Edythe)
Did you change your mind? Isn't there anything I could get you?

SAL (V.O.)
The kid must be loaded. Son of a corporate president or something. She's putting out a lot of effort for this, you'd think she was totally absorbed in nothing but him. I wonder how often she looks for fun on the side - should I try to slip her my number? Or does she only go for guys if they're rich? Look at those designer clothes, I bet she's got half a dozen dupes like this bozo on a string. Wish I could get on her string. If only I had some cash...

EDYTHE
Some more soda would be nice.

Sal removes the empty glasses and walks away.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
I imagine you have a lot of questions for me.

BEAU
Just a couple thousand.

EDYTHE
I'm sure... Can I ask you one first? Is that unfair?

BEAU
What do you want to know?

EDYTHE
We spoke before, about how you were...trying to figure out what I am. I was just wondering if you'd made any more progress with that. (beat) It's that bad, then?

BEAU
Can I - can we not talk about it here?

EDYTHE
Very bad.

BEAU
Actually, if I answer your question first, I know you won't answer mine. You never do. So...you first.

EDYTHE
An exchange, then?

BEAU
Yes.

Sal brings two more Cokes, sets them on the table, and leaves. Beau takes a sip.

EDYTHE
I suppose we can try that. But no promises.

BEAU
Okay... So what brings you to Port Angeles tonight?

Edythe looks down, folds her hands together, and looks up from underneath her lashes.

EDYTHE
Next.

BEAU
But that's the easiest one!

EDYTHE
Next?

Beau looks down, then picks up his fork and takes a bite of his food. He swallows another sip of Coke before looking up.

BEAU
Fine, then. Let's say, hypothetically, that...someone...could know what people are thinking, read minds, you know - with just a few exceptions.

EDYTHE
Just one exception. Hypothetically.

BEAU
Okay. Just one exception, then. How would something like that work? What are the limitations? How would...that someone...find someone else at exactly the right time? How would she even know I was in trouble?

EDYTHE
Hypothetically?

BEAU
Right.

EDYTHE
Well, if...that someone -

BEAU
Call her "Jane."

EDYTHE
If your Hypothetical Jane had been paying better attention, the timing wouldn't have needed to be quite so exact. I'm still not over how this could happen at all. How does anyone get into so much trouble, so consistently, and in such unlikely places? You would have devastated Port Angeles's crime rate statistics for a decade, you know.

BEAU
I don't see how this is my fault.

EDYTHE
I don't, either. But I don't know who to blame.

BEAU
(leans toward Edythe)
How did you know? You can trust me, you know.

Beau reaches forward to touch Edythe's folded hands. Edythe slides her hands back. Beau pulls his back.

EDYTHE
It's what I want to do. But that doesn't mean it's right.

BEAU
Please?

EDYTHE
I followed you to Port Angeles. I've never tried to keep a specific person alive before, and it's much more troublesome than I would have believed. But that's probably just because it's you. Ordinary people seem to make it through the day without so many catastrophes. I was wrong before, when I said you were a magnet for accidents. That's not a broad enough classification. You are a magnet for trouble. If there is anything dangerous within a ten-mile radius, it will invariably find you.

BEAU
You put yourself in that category, don't you?

EDYTHE
Unequivocally.

Beau stretches his hand toward Edythe again, ignoring when she pulls hers back. He touches the back of her hand lightly.

BEAU
That's twice now. Thank you. (beat) I mean, did you ever think that maybe my number was up the first time, with the van, and you're messing with fate? Like those Final Destination movies? (beat) Edythe?

EDYTHE
That wasn't the first time. Your number was up the first day I met you. It's not twice you've almost died, it's three times. The first time I saved you...it was from myself. You remember? You understand?

BEAU
Yes.

EDYTHE
You can leave, you know. Your friends are still at the movie.

BEAU
I don't want to leave.

EDYTHE
How can you say that?

BEAU
You didn't finish answering my question. How did you find me?

EDYTHE
I was keeping tabs on Jeremy's thoughts. Not carefully - like I said, it's not just anybody who could get themselves murdered in Port Angeles. At first I didn't notice when you set off on your own. Then, when I realized that you weren't with him anymore, I drove around looking for someone who had seen you. I found the bookstore you walked to, but I could tell that you hadn't gone inside. You'd gone south, and I knew you'd have to turn around soon. So I was just waiting for you, randomly searching through the thoughts of everyone I could hear - to see if anyone had noticed you so I would know where you were. I had no reason to be worried...but I started to feel anxious... I started to drive in circles, still...listening. the sun was finally setting, and I was about to get out and follow you on foot. And then -

Edythe cuts off.

BEAU
Then what?

EDYTHE

I heard what she was thinking. I saw your face in her head, and I knew what she was planning to do.

BEAU
But you got there in time.

EDYTHE
It was harder than you know for me to drive away, to just let them get away with that. It was the right thing, I know it was, but still...very difficult. That's one reason I made you go to dinner with me. I could have let you go to the movie with Jeremy and Allen, but I was afraid that if I wasn't with you, I would go looking for those people. Are you going to eat anything else?

BEAU
No, I'm good.

EDYTHE
Do you want to go home now?

BEAU
I'm not in any hurry.

EDYTHE

Can I have my hands back now?

BEAU
Sure. Sorry.

Beau pulls his hand back from hers. Edythe pulls out her wallet.

EDYTHE
Is it possible to go fifteen minutes without an unnecessary apology?

BEAU
Um, probably not.

Sal appears.

SAL
(to Edythe)
How are you do -

EDYTHE
We're finished, thank you very much, that ought to cover it, no change, thanks.

Edythe stands and hands Sal a hundred dollar bill. Sal is frozen in surprise. Beau clambers to his feet awkwardly.

BEAU
(pulls his wallet out)
Um, let me - you didn't even get anything -

EDYTHE
My treat, Beau.

BEAU
But -

EDYTHE
Try not to get caught up in antiquated gender roles.

Beau and Edythe exit the restaurant. Beau rushes to hold the door open for her.

EXT. LA BELLA ITALIA - NIGHT

Beau holds the driver's door open for Edythe to get in, then gets in the passenger side.

INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO

Edythe starts the engine and heads for the freeway.

EDYTHE
Now, it's your turn.

---

A/N: Every time I hear the name Vic, I think of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and that one episode where Zelda gets a boyfriend named Vic who sells meat out of the back of his truck and almost convinces her to get a tattoo. Oh, memories.

Note: most of the Tatiana, Ed, Arnie, Vic, and Sal thought lines were pulled from either Visser2315 or WinterSunshine's MS. I refuse to take credit for that mastery.

---

REVIEWER QUESTION ANSWERS:

1. "Would Beau have clothes scattered on the floor? I know a typical teenage might, but if he was the one to take care of his mother, I almost feel like he would be neater..." According to SM, Beau is supposed to be OCD (although Bella isn't). However, OCD doesn't just mean "a severely clean person." It's more psychological than that. (And I should know, since I've been diagnosed with OCD for a few years now.)

2. "Jan 27th in Pacific Northwest, and Edythe is wearing a t-shirt? I know she does not feel cold, but I think it would look out of place...and I'm not sure March is t-shirt weather either..." Yes, I do make Edythe wear t-shirts in January and March. I actually have a very specific reason for this. The Cullens' backstory in Forks is that they're from Alaska. I know a few people from there (I'm from WA), and they're the people to wear t-shirts and shorts in 20 degrees, and it seems completely normal.

3. "Would Taylor be in her van, or something else, if it was in the accident?" Taylor's van was destroyed in the accident. In Twilight, Midnight Sun, and Life and Death, they all mention this, and that she got a new used car. I didn't mention this because as a screenwriter, you don't mention every single detail, for limitation reasons.

4. "Wouldn't Edythe have her baby (the Vanquish) under a cover?" I never actually thought about covering the Vanquish, since I did mention it because it shows up at the end of this season. To explain it, I guess I could say that Royal was doing repair work on it, but it's just because I wasn't thinking, and I'm not a car person.

5. "Would Edythe be walking (opposed to running) down a sidewalk late at night? And I don't think rural houses have sidewalks." Forks is a suburban town, not rural, so Beau and Charlie do have neighbors. Edythe actually does walk in human speed down the sidewalk, then only runs inhumanly when she scales the house.